《My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse》 Chapter 1 My 100th Life Kisha Aldens as a fresh graduate looked high and low for a place to work, our society now is very competitive and almost all companies are looking for stellar workers with experience and a good family background. Hence, Kisha did not fit in with the requirements, her only advantages are her stellar grades and her celebrity-like face. Despite her clean records, others still valued their interest and helped their relatives to get the positions. After a multitude of applications sent to various companies, big and small, she finally landed an average position in a medium-sized company. At first, everyone treated her cordially, she even garnered some admirers because of her pure and kind temperament and she''s great in her work, but it''s also because of this quality that she has gained the jealousy and envy of other women. Their Manager Lisa was the first to make a move when her sugar daddy, the company''s Director got captivated by Kisha''s beauty. The unsuspecting Kisha had almost become a capitalist toy if it were not for Lisa''s fear of being replaced, would she not have helped Kisha avoid the disaster. However, she also started targeting Kisha, giving her unfair treatment in the company and even instigated others to do so. Kisha felt that it was unfair and hard not to get angry but if she gets fired. It will be harder for other companies to hire her, her only choice was to persevere and resign after a few years to have a better prospect. Not until she suddenly saw a bluish system interface showing a countdown in front of her face. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She thought she was hallucinating after long hours of work and lack of sleep. She tried to look around and saw her colleague acting normal. She blinked a few more times but it was still there. Another prompt message appears. "Ding" "[User had met the requirements to integrate with System 008]" Below the message was a 10-second countdown. She did not know what it was, the feeling was very novel. It was so vivid that it was hard to think of it as a hallucination, not unless she was going nuts. There were even two buttons to Accept or Decline the offer. She tried to wave her hands around but accidentally clicked the Accept button. The interface changed and showed a loading icon that almost occupied the entirety of the interface. She was puzzled but she was not given time to think deeply, The department manager Lisa walked out of her office as she shouted. "Alright, everyone! Finish your respective research and report! I need it by the end of the day!" She walked around the room in body-fitted clothes and 6-inch high heels. She never forgets to stop at Kisha''s desk to sarcastically demean her. "What are you doing Ms. Aldens?! Start working! The higher-ups are egging me on with the development report for the new project! You''re as slow as a turtle and as dim-witted as a pig" Kisha kept her head lowered and did not speak because the more she tried to explain, the heavier their bullying would be. No one would stand up for her nor show sympathy. One''s weakness is not their business but Kisha has never experienced this before, she grew up well protected by her grandparents. She always believed that as long as she''s a good person and her conscience is clear, she''ll soon find her happiness. Naive, I know. But she was raised by a middle-aged couple who found her on the road when she was 6 years old. They were good people and forgiving, they would always tell her stories of Prince and Princess and isolate her from the madness of people''s inner thoughts because they wanted Kisha to remain kind and pure even when she grew old, that''s why Kisha grew up believing in Prince Charming and never delved deeper into people''s hearts. This belief caused her not just an arm but life, or should I say lives. Kisha''s long and curly eyelashes fluttered as she blinked multiple times, a severe headache assaulting her head as she listened to the loud voice above her, sounds of computer keyboards halted almost at the same time, and women around snickering as they enjoyed another bout of Kisha''s miseries. Not long after, there was a big earthquake, cracks slowly crawling on the walls, and things falling from high places. This sends everyone into chaos. After the scary tremor, everyone evacuated the building in an orderly manner and stood outside looking for an open space to avoid the aftershock. Not long after the earthquake was a bloody rain that lasted for 10 minutes and was enough to cover everyone from head to toe with blood-like fluids, the horrifying scene was so scary that everyone thought that it was the end of the world. Well, they are not wrong. Soon after, their thoughts started materializing. People outside started screaming in pain and scratching their skin as if trying to dig into their flesh. Horrified, some took a step back and looked at the woman who was squirming on the floor. A man tried to call for an ambulance while two other men tried to stop the woman from hurting herself, thinking that she was having a panic attack. The woman bit the man holding her arms, and due to the pain, he pushed her using all his strength. But the chaos intensified, more people started biting on the people near them and the scene became bloody. Kisha was scared silly and held the person next to her, Lisa. Although Kisha was not weak they were all mentally unstable because of all the blood gushing and spraying around. She didn''t know what to do until one of their male colleagues pulled them to run. It was crowded outside their office and everything was in chaos, and it became a stampede. They turned and entered the building instead to hide for a while to monitor the situation. When they thought that they were safe, a man with part of his face''s skin falling off and an open stomach ran after them, it attacked Lisa but since Kisha was still holding on to Lisa''s arm, Lisa kicked Kisha to the zombie to be her meat shield. Kisha''s eyes widened in shock and pain but she could not do anything and was bitten in the neck. She used all her strength to push the zombie away, blood painted her white polo shirt. "Ding!" " Congratulations Host for Successfully integrating with the system." A childlike voice sounded in her head. Aggrieved and flustered 008 said. "Oh no! I was too late, you were bitten by the infected." It has just integrated with its new host and the user is already infected. He was fuming but it had no way out too. Kisha felt a hot pulsing current from where she was bitten but lost consciousness before she got far. When she opened her eyes again, she was back in the office. Everything felt like a vivid nightmare. She subconsciously looked at her phone, it showed September 2nd, 1:30 pm. She remembered that it was supposed to be September 3rd today. She thought that her phone must have malfunctioned and looked at her computer screen to check the date. It puzzled her to see the same September 2nd, 1:30 pm. But everything became more clear when the nightmare she thought, happened again the next day. On her third rebirth, she called for sick leave to avoid the disaster and did not allow her family members to go out. She wanted to wait for the government to rescue them but they ended up starving to death. On her fourth rebirth, she and her family manage to save up supplies but was still not enough, not wanting to repeat her previous mistake to die from starvation, she and her brother went to find supplies but they encountered black-hearted people and they wanted to rape her so her brother did his best to protect her but ended up being stab in the throat. Knowing that she couldn''t run away, she decided to throw herself into a zombie instead of being played with by those men. On her fifth time, she decided that enough was enough. She took a kitchen knife and planned to fight instead of cowering in their house. She did manage to learn a few things after staying alive for 2 weeks. But she and her brother could not protect their grandparents well and still ended up dying with the scruples for supplies. On the sixth rebirth, 008 seems to have had enough of seeing its host dying so many times. "Host, why don''t you use me, your system? I''m omnipotent, upgrade me and I''ll be stronger!" Hearing the familiar voice in her head, she started asking 008 to teach her how to use the system. After finding out its function and what it can do. Kisha started laughing and crying at the same time, she gritted her teeth as she tried to calm her raging heart and mind. 008 cowered as it felt its host''s strong anger. Kisha lost her reasons and for the first time in her whole life cursed and raged at someone. "You fucking system! You could have told me from the second time I woke up, I would not have been angry with you the first time because we were still integrating and it was too late, but you were silent for so long, you were supposed to be my support but you just watch me and my family die for so many times?!" After the bout of cursing and letting her emotions out, she felt like she was truly reborn inside out. This nightmare kept on repeating and her only way out was her system. But soon after superhumans emerge. She was besieged by superhumans for her supplies and massacred her family. Her unending death and rebirth kept on repeating that her mental health was collapsing, every time she went back to the first day of the apocalypse, her family would see her changes and it hurt to see her that way but they didn''t know what caused it or how to help. What seemed like an endless loop kept on repeating, she experienced all kinds of death. Countless years of experience were only visible in her head because even her experience points and the items she got before death would reset on the first day. She couldn''t find a loophole, she tried all possible ways to give her family a safe place but the whole world was so engulfed by the apocalyptic era that it seemed impossible. Not until she reached her 99th rebirth and she met the Tyrant Emperor, Duke. He built a base of his own and he found her talent and strength admirable, they see eye to eye, both on the verge of insanity. They found solace in each other''s company, they built a safe haven of their own using his previous base as a foundation. But Kisha is still a woman inside and out, in the chaotic harsh world they live in, her heart still looks for comfort and warmth that her family can''t give. She felt the gentleness and love provided by a man that she once saved and fell in love with him. Little did she know that the man she thought loved her would betray her and would cause not only her death but even implicate Duke who was killed before her. .... She opened her eyes in the same old office that was engraved in her memory. The desk that she was so familiar with, the computer screen showing the same date and time [September 2nd, 1:30 pm], and the people sneering behind her. Lisa kept demeaning her with the same old phrase. Kisha''s long and curly eyelashes fluttered as she blinked multiple times as she tried to control the pulsing headache that made her feel irritated. She massaged her temple as she tried her best to rearrange her thoughts. "Stop barking like a dog, will you?" Her temperament changed from timid to glacially cold, there was even a hint of killing intent. Everything went silent and people''s jaws dropped that can fit a whole duck egg. "What''s wrong with Kisha?" A girl murmured. Everyone looked at her as if they were looking at a new continent. Well, they can''t be blamed, as Kisha''s change of demeanor and tone had never been heard before, she is as timid as a rabbit even when bullied by Lisa, she would always hold her breath when Lisa is scolding her out of mood swings. "Ding...." She looked at the system interface in front of her showing a 24-hour countdown. "We meet again host!" A child-like voice sounded in her head. A new system notification appeared in front of her. "New title obtained!" "Congratulations host for obtaining the 100''th life Title!" Chapter 2 Duke Winters "Congratulations host for obtaining the 100''th life Title!" Kisha gritted her teeth and her hand clutched the arm of the chair. "Are you congratulating me or are you pissing me off?!" "Of course, I''m congratulating you! This title includes 100 thousand shop points plus 10 points on all stats!" If the system has a body it would start jumping around while setting off handheld fireworks. "Fuck off!" She roared in her head. The system immediately went silent. "To think that I would be betrayed by my best friend and lover in that raid." She thought. They must have planned it long ago, and to think that she never suspected them, Unlike them who are always in the base, Kisha was busy trying to expand their territory and making it as safe as possible. This was not her first time dying but it was the most painful, as she spent 5 years with them. She saved her lover from dying in the clutches of a high-level zombie while she intercepted a group of human-eating people to save their captive including her supposed best friend. But what does she get from her love and care? Betrayal! To think that the man she loved would push her to the zombie hoard with his eyes full of disdain and disgust while her best friend clinging to him, showing Kisha that he belonged to her, her face plastered with the smile of victory. She gave them the best of everything and treated them as precious as her family, she never forced them to do what they didn''t want to do. She even got into an argument with her family and her friend just to make sure they wouldn''t feel misunderstood. "I never believed it when others told me that those dogs were cheating on me! I thought I graduated from being naive and overtrusting." "I''m still here host, even if you can''t trust anyone, you could always trust me." The system said proudly. "Right. I still have you. You''ve stayed with me in the 99 times I died. To think that I died that many times. Why does my life become like a game character where I die at every turn of events?" Kisha said numbly. "In the novels mentioned by those kids, the main character would become OP when they gained a system, why is it different from mine?" "Host! Are you showing disdain over me?!" The system said angrily. "Kisha you bitch! Are you ignoring me now?!" A shrill female voice pulled Kisha from her thoughts. Kisha stood up from her chair and looked coldly at Lisa. " I will not become your punching bag today. Are you having your menopause that''s why you''re always moody and angry?" Kisha''s brow raises questioningly while looking straight at her. Lisa''s face contorted and she pointed at Kisha with a trembling hand. "What did you say?! You bitch, have you eaten a lion''s balls that you have the guts to retort?!" "No, it''s just that I had enough of your bullying since I entered this company. Not only did you bully me but you even promoted others to do the same." Kisha''s piercing gaze sent a shiver through Lisa''s spine and she unconsciously took a step back. "Either you took my credit as your own or you gave it to others in return for money. I have never voiced my anger and dissatisfaction but you never stop there, you would even deduct my pay with petty excuses." Kisha took a step forward emitting an incredulous killing intent, even the people watching turned pale as they were overpowered by pressure. "Just because you don''t like me and I am a fresh graduate, that you do this to me? You called me a bimbo with no context but you gave me all the core work and overworked me without paying for my overtime work. Tell me what would happen if this reached the upper echelon?" "Don''t slander me, bitch! You don''t have any evidence." In the air-conditioned office, Lisa''s face was full of sweat and her legs trembling. "You can try me." Kisha looked at her one last time before walking out. But before she reached the door Lisa screamed. "You are fired! You hear me? FIRED!" "Kisha is so scary! If I had not seen her earlier this morning and seen her being timid while others bullied her. I would think that this person standing before us is an impostor." a guy near the door whispered to his colleague. "But don''t you think she''s more attractive this way? She''s like a poppy flower, beautiful yet addictive." the other guy nodded, his eyes glued to Kisha. "No need to tell me, I quit anyway." She walked out with her things in a high-profile manner. When she reaches the elevator she smirks. "008, gather all the evidence about Lisa''s bribery, prostitution with the director, office bullying, and taking credit for others'' work and send it all to the higher management." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Host that would cost 5000 points, should I deduct it now?" " Yes, and don''t forget to delete all my work from my computer. Use the point needed for all this work since we have enough to allocate to the upgrades and purchase of important items." Although there are only 24 hours before the apocalypse befalls, I would let you lose what you are so proud of as payment for killing me in my first life Lisa. This is your debt to me and I promised to take your life when our paths cross again! ... On the highest floor of the Alpha Empire Corporation, Duke Winters is looking at the report of the misconduct that was sent anonymously. As the one who sat at the top of the pyramid since he reached eighteen up until now that he is twenty-five, he has cleaned his company of any corruption and showed his ruthlessness when dealing with human trash. But to think that this still happened under one of the companies under him is unforgivable, he exercised positive rivalry in the workplace, big paychecks, and rewarded his employees handsomely for the great work but of course, he only accepted those who were qualified. "Tristan, I want this dealt with before this day ends!" Tristan respectfully bowed beside Duke and took the files with two hands, as he left Duke''s office, he made sure to close the door. Duke''s phone lit up and an unknown number is calling. Only Tristan, his closest friends, and his family members knew his number, his private information is highly protected, and even though this is highly suspicious he had an inkling feeling to answer the call which baffled him. He answered the call and stood up, looked over the floor-to-ceiling window which overlooked City A, the most prosperous city in their country. "Hello." His cold and indifferent voice could make those who heard it feel a shiver but the one on the other side of the phone felt nostalgia and swelling happiness in her heart. An equally cold female voice with a hint of gentleness sounded on the phone. "Duke, I have urgent information to share with you." His eyebrow knitted but there was no displeasure in his heart instead curiosity plagued him. Without the change in his voice, he answered. "Who are you?" "My name is Kisha Aldens, I''ll be arriving in your office in 15 minutes. I hope you can inform the front desk to allow me in or let Tristan fetch me." Surprise flashed in Duke''s eyes. This was the first time he heard the woman''s voice and hadn''t even seen her but he could feel her pure intentions and an indescribable feeling swirling in his heart, there was not even an ounce of doubt. Before he could utter a word the call got cut off. He thought deeply he could not come up with an answer so he decided to instruct the front desk to lead Kisha to his office once she arrived. He usually doesn''t give strangers a second of his time, other has to line up to wait for him and give them a chance. But this time, he waited patiently for Kisha to arrive and hear what this urgent information she carried with her. Not long after, a knock sounded from the door. "Mr. Winters, your guest has arrived." A deep cold voice but surprisingly pleasant to the ear uttered. "Come in." As Kisha was led inside the office, she saw Duke leaning in his leather office chair. Monitoring her every action. In his black and wood-themed office which looks elegant and noble, he still stood out the most, his perfect chiseled face, high nose bridge, seductive deep eyes that could suck you in, and his thin lips. It''s not only limited to his face but he also has a good figure, his body is lean but a little muscular with his height of 189 cm. He''s like a supermodel. No wonder his the most sought-after bachelor in the entire country. It might sound exaggerated but he''s good-looking, even Kisha who''s gone through life and death with him still gets attracted by his good genes. "What do want to drink?" Duke asked "Water is fine." Kisha answered, she tried to tone down the coldness her body emitted as she looked straight at Duke''s eyes. He called for his secretary in the intercom to prepare his coffee and bring Kisha water. In his spacious office, he seems so far away from Kisha who sits silently on the sofa in the middle of the room. He stood up from his chair and walked to the sofa to sit in front of her, to also get a better look at the woman who piqued his interest. His efficient secretary brought the drinks and closed the door to give them space to talk about their business. She watched him elegantly drink his coffee as if he were a piece of art. "He''s still as handsome as I remembered but as cold as a block of ice." She chuckled in her mind His usually intimidating aura intensified, thinking that it might work on Kisha like it did to others. "Tell me what is this urgent information you brought." He leaned on the sofa and put his right leg on top of his left as he crossed his arms. Kisha was unperturbed by his intimidation as she continued. "I want you to promise first to give me 100M worth of supplies." Duke''s brow raises trying to understand what is inside her head. "What would I get in return?" "A life-saving information." She smiles gracefully as she drinks her water. "Host! Are you trying to scam this guy to get your supplies?" 008''s excited voice rang in her head. "Well, you issued a 100M supply gathering mission. Do you think I have that much money?" "But don''t we usually ransack the warehouses around?" "Not only is it time-consuming but I can''t do that within the 22-hour time remaining before the apocalypse starts and I have other things that I need to prepare." "But this guy is always suspicious of everyone and is usually the one who scams people until nothing is left. How can we even get something out of him?" "Well, let''s try to negotiate because not only his people is efficient in getting things done, but we might be able to share his resources in the future if he deems this information useful. Either way, we are not losing out." Duke''s eyes narrowed as he tried to read through her eyes but could not get anything from her deadpan expression. "So tell me. What information is deemed life-saving and is worth 100M? You know that I am a businessman and I do not make a losing deal." "Let me show you something first." The glass of cold water in Kisha''s hand suddenly disappeared and reappeared like magic Although, Duke still has an indifferent expression. There were surging emotions deep within him and could not understand what had happened or he refused to understand as he is a more scientific than superstitious kind of person. Kisha understood him better than other people, that''s why she knew that he must have understood the emergence of superpowers but was thinking of how to know the triggers. "As you''ve seen, I have awakened. But this is not what''s important, I showed you my superpowers to give the upcoming information more credibility." His whole body stiffened as his expression turned serious and his ears perked up. "In 22 hours, there will be a huge earthquake but that''s not all, it will be followed by a blood rain which will cause the virus to spread. This is not limited to this city. The whole world will fall into chaos. That''s why I''m trying to get as much supply as possible." Kisha did not keep any information from him as she trust him from the bottom of her heart. He is the only person who never betrayed her even when his life was endangered or died. Chapter 3 Hoarding of Supplies As everyone should know, food supplies were the most important thing even in ancient times, this factor could decide the fall or rise of a city. Without food, people will starve and die. That''s why this is the first thing that Kisha needs to secure, and that''s her mission that the system made her do. Missions are classified from F to S classes, SS and SSS class are rare but not unheard of, but it was deadly. This time, to complete the 100M supply gathering mission Kisha decided to go directly to Duke. Not only will it save her time but it will also help Duke save his forces from taking a hit from the apocalypse. Kisha first met Duke on her 80th rebirth, their meeting was brief but it left a huge impression on her. They did not meet again until her 99th rebirth, he was the only one she could call a true friend, and fought side by side with her. He watched her back and even sacrificed his life to save her after they built a safe haven for everyone. But who would have thought that the place they built with their sweat and blood would soon fall on the traitorous couple''s hand. Just thinking about it makes Kisha''s blood boil and felt that she let Duke down but at the same time, she feels gratified because she has a chance to meet Duke again and make sure to correct her mistakes and choices. Duke took another sip of his coffee. His deep husky voice broke Kisha''s reminisce of the past. "Ms. Aldens, a magic trick, and words without evidence will not be enough to make me believe you." Kisha thinks for a second before she calls 008 in her mind to check her stats. "Host, would you like to check your status window?" "Yes." [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 18 (+ 10) Stamina: 20 (+ 10) Defense: 16 (+ 10) Agility: 15 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 25 (+ 10) Charm: 27 (+ 10) Leadership: 25 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: None Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of the truth "Host, we have to start over again. Although this is going to be your last chance in life, the additional 10 points in all stats and the 100 thousand points will be a great help to move around this time." 008 said emotionally. 5 points in stats would be the average starting point for level zeros, those who have reached 10 points are considered well-trained in martial arts. Kisha noticed a piece of additional information in her status window. "008, when did I receive a new gift?" She stared at her new gift Eye of the truth 008 checked the history when they obtained the Eye of the Truth from his archive. "Host, you obtained it when you died in the hands of those dogs!" "Let''s check the details of this gift." She instructed. Duke cleared his throat to get Kisha''s attention as he had been waiting for her to continue for a long time, she''s been staring blankly in front of her. She picks up her glass of water, acting nonchalantly cold and the Eye of the Truth''s detail is on display in front of her. Eye of the Truth Details: A gift from the Gods to the poor soul who has tasted all kinds of bitterness of life and betrayal from their loved ones. Helps the user to check other''s status windows. An active skill. "Upgradable" Kisha''s eyes lit up after reading the gift''s details and immediately tried it on Duke. [Duke Winters] Level 0 Strength: 20 Stamina: 20 Defense: 20 Agility: 19 Mental Capacity: 20 Charm: 38 Leadership: 40 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Multi-faceted Gift: Tyrant "OMG! Host! He is not a human at all! No wonder you could not win him in duels." You even have the plus points but you can''t still be compared to him. 008 could only think about the other half of his sentence because he knew that if he said more, his system upgrade would be pushed to the back of the to-do list. Kisha''s lips twitch as he looks at Duke enviously. "Comparison will only make one''s heart breaks." She thought "Forgive me for taking too long to rearrange my thoughts, Duke. Although, I cannot prove what I said about the virus and blood rain right now. You''ll see it tomorrow, however, the disappearance of the glass of water is no mere magic trick. It is called space type ability." to give her words more impact, she put the entire coffee table including his coffee and her water in her inventory. This time, Duke sits straight and looks straight into her eyes. "This space ability allows you to store anything in it?" She nodded and took out the coffee table again, she didn''t need to touch the items to store them in her inventory, as long as she could see it she could store them but it would consume her mental stats. Those who have high mental capacity will more likely awaken a mental type ability. "You wanted the 100M worth of supplies to store in your space?" She nodded and knew that Duke had finally believed in her. "So please prepare it as soon as possible, 20% clothes for all seasons and all genders, 30% Medicines, 40% food including live animals and aquatic animals as I have use for them, and 10% utility items. It would be great if you could add a bulletproof Hummer as a bonus." Kisha tried to smile as sweetly as she could but for 008 it could only see a scheming smile on her face. Duke coldly smirks as he looks at her smiling face. "You think I will give you the supplies?" "Well of course. Do you think we have the time to waste when I mentioned that it will be tomorrow? Besides, you have to spend as much money as you can to hoard supplies. Don''t you have your people?" Her voice sounded cold and aloof but her words carried warmth as she truly worries for him. The sincerity and warmth in her eyes are overflowing, only a blind person would not see it. And she''s doing her best to lower the coldness and killing intent her body is emitting that has accumulated over the repeated years she has lived in the apocalypse. She really wanted to give Duke a good start in the apocalypse so he could build his forces early on. He stops talking as he ponders deeply on his choices he taps his index finger on his lap, and as a thought hits him, his tapping stops and he looks at her seriously. "Then tell me more of the information you know." Kisha readily accepts. "Sure." But before she could continue, a knock on the door interrupted them. Tristan entered after the knock. "Master, I have already taken care of the issue that you gave me earlier, her assets have been frozen for the investigation as the authorities uncover embezzlement with the director''s involvement." Only after he spoke did he notice that a woman was sitting across from Duke. "Mmm. Good. Since you''re back, I want you to use half of the empire''s assets and my family''s assets to purchase all kinds of livestock, live aquatic animals, all kinds of food supplies, Medicine, clothes, and other important things that could last for years. Do not forget bulletproof SUVs and military trucks and a few tons of Gas. And make sure to convert the remaining asset of the empire and my family''s into gold bars and secure it with the supplies." Tristan was shocked to hear this instruction from Duke. "Master, what''s going on? How will we explain this to the board of directors, what about the patriarch?" Are we going in a war? Tristan''s jaws are wide open as he does not know what led to this decision. Duke did not even stop to consider the board of directors'' dissatisfaction and his family''s thoughts. It''s not just hundreds of millions they are talking about but hundreds of billions that need to be spent. "You don''t need to explain anything, we needed all this in less than a day, separate a 100M worth of supply for Ms. Aldens here." Kisha glanced at the nervous Tristan and generously commented. "If you have choppers, planes, or ships that you would want to safely keep for future use, I could also help you keep them, just pay me with supplies." The woman in front of him has a mischievous smile on her face, she looks like a cat who stole a fish for dinner. He unconsciously smiled as he watch Kisha cute antics. Chapter 4 Planning Tristan retreated with a surging headache to do the task assigned to him as fast as he could with the limited time they had. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As soon as he is out of the room, Duke jumps into the conversation. "Care to explain the entirety of the omitted information you got? How did you chance upon this knowledge before it occurred? And why did you come to me?" Even though Duke has a good impression of Kisha, he still needs to be vigilant because a lot of people want to drag him down from his position and they will use any kinds of method just to achieve their goal. Kisha understands this the most, Duke often talks about his venture in the business world whenever they are out on a mission in her previous life, so she understands him like the back of her hand. " This is not the first time I have experienced this." She dropped the bomb without warning and it caught Duke off guard but his face still showed calm and indifferent expression as if they were talking about the weather. He has been trying to decipher everything she had said from the beginning til now but it''s just hard to comprehend because no one would even jump to the conclusion that she had died and come back to life to re-experience the apocalypse, will they? "You''re probably wondering what am I even trying to say." Kisha chuckled as she tucked the few loose strands of her long curly black hair into her ear. "I have died and came back to life a day before the apocalypse." She stares right back at him as she reiterates the words. No matter how steady a person Duke was, that information still struck his brain cells and made him daze for a while until he slowly processed the information and accepted the possibility of it being true. Because if everything she says ends up happening tomorrow including her awakened superpowers, then more likely than not, her being reborn after death is also true. He slowly took a breath as he evaluated her every action, he narrowed his eyes and asked. "Why did you decide to share this information with me and not the government? This could save millions of lives." Other than Duke, everyone else would just treat her as a lunatic who preaches the end of the world like the crazy people who shout in the central square that the end of the world is near. She would just waste her time doing so and she did try that before and the passersby just laughed at her crazy antics. "Might be, but how many of them would believe me? If I showed what I can do, I might even be dragged by the government and be locked down." She drank a mouthful of water to wet her throat. "You, on the other hand, are different. As long as there''s conclusive evidence, you''ll listen and will not bet your people''s lives to a possible danger." Although his enemies call him ruthless and coldblooded. But in truth, he is a good person, he is protective of his own and a good leader. This is also the reason why she started hanging out with him in her previous life, they are each other''s confidant, and if anyone needs help they don''t need to ask questions as they have absolute trust in each other, only if she did not make that mistake. He wouldn''t have to die. Remembering the sad past, Kisha''s body slightly trembled and her eyes clouded in pain, but she quickly adjusted her emotions. All these minor changes were captured by Duke''s decerning eyes, even if he did not know her, he could feel the trust she had in him which somehow made him happy. Kisha shared her knowledge with Duke about the virus that will spread tomorrow. The said virus is one that laid dormant in the ice territory up north. It was kept by towering ice walls that buried the Greenlands when the ice age hit the earth. This ice age saved the remaining life on earth but it still took thousands to millions of years for the life to slowly prosper again. But now, because of climate change, the heat slowly dissolves the ice walls over time, and there have been more earthquakes that resulted in the virus escaping its confinement. This was discovered by a dedicated scientist five years post-apocalypse. Only a quarter of humanity will be lucky enough to awaken a superpower, another quarter will remain normal, and a small minority will be asymptomatic where they look like a normal human but their bodily fluids can turn normal humans into zombies. And the rest will become a mindless human-eating monster. Superhumans will be categorized into regulars and irregulars and their powers after awakening will start from Level 0. Regulars are the known powers like elementals which are more common but they will still be classified from low, middle to high class. The low class is the support type, the middle class is the defensive-attack type that has appropriate damage or defense, while the high class has destructive attacks and indestructible defenses. The best example of high-class elemental power is lightning users. Lightning users can attack and defend at the same time that''s why it was the most revered ability but also as rare as irregulars. Irregulars have no known pattern of ability and Kisha can be identified as an irregular for possessing the system. As smart as Duke, he has already figured out almost everything without Kisha mentioning it. So he already decided what he had to do to make sure he was well prepared. "Based on your explanation, your space ability is a support type. Is that the reason why you died so many times in your last life?" "Pfft" 008 was trying his best not to burst out laughing after hearing Duke''s honest question. Kisha on the other hand felt her face heat up for the first time after so long due to her embarrassment. It was because her system was really useful and almost omnipotent but because of her timid, naive, and overtrusting nature that was engraved down to her bones that she had to die at almost every turn. There was a saying "Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." It''s also because she had always tried to save everyone that she ended up sacrificing herself and back then she did not understand that she couldn''t save every human just because she had her system. A person who''s trying to become a hero will end up sacrificing either their loved ones or themselves which she had understood by now. "Ehem. I''ll tell you some other time. We don''t have much time to begin with." Duke noticed her deflecting his question so he understood that her experience would either be embarrassing or a utter humiliation to her ability. He did not try to probe her about her ability because his instinct told him that she would not keep it from him for long and that he could trust her. Duke contemplated for ten minutes, trying to formulate a plan in his head for his next step, and took out City A''s map that they use for strategic planning for all their ventures. He encircled three spots outside the city. " If most people will turn into those monsters you mentioned, then Cities will not be safe for creating a base, we will be besieged sooner or later. We need a place that can be self-sustaining, easy to defend but hard to besiege." They look at the three locations at the same time after weighing the pros and cons both pointed in a valley surrounded by the mounted cliff that only has one entrance. Duke looked at Kisha with appreciation and smiled happily, he realized that he and Kisha had the same way of thinking that did not differ from the other. The three locations are farmland near the river, a warehouse on the outskirts, and Duke''s hidden base where he trains his private guards. The warehouse, although located on the outskirts, is still a little closer to the city, the farmland could be a self-sustaining base however, even though Kisha has never heard of a zombie swimming in the water but there are mutant animals, they could sneak in from the river to their base and it was equally dangerous even if they set up a prevention safety measures. She stared at the map again and was hit by a realization. "Do you think, we can both develop the two locations as our food production line and our main base?" Kisha asked after thinking about it again. If they could think of a prevention safety measure that is almost perfect or maybe with the help of her system this could be her best option, there''s no saying because, in the hidden base, they could be attacked by mutant plants from the mountain or mutant rats or snakes. Nowhere is safe but she has enough points now. Chapter 5 95 Thousand Points to Use "Host! you have almost forgotten that we are now rich with points!" 008''s voice echoed in her head. "Right, why am I being stingy with my points?" She thought. This is the very first time in her 100th life that she has an abundance of points, it''s basically because as the system is omnipotent, it was harder to earn points, especially with the mission deployed by the system, 7 out of 10 she''d die from the mission. If luck forbade she''d even have teammates who seem to be mentally challenged, and most times the Goddess of luck did not give her face as people who are purely greedy or cowardly will push her to her death. But this time, she has few advantages in her grasp including the Tyrant Emperor, Duke. 008 snorted. "We almost completed the last main mission in your 99th time, but because of that dog couple, we failed and had to restart again from scratch!" Frustration and sadness are visible in 008''s voice as he is full of indignation for those two who betrayed Kisha. "It''s fine! I''ve not only seen their true selves that were hidden deep underneath their perfect facade, but we even gained an abundant harvest this time. Besides, I don''t want to use a single brain cell thinking about them, I will get my revenge this time." Kisha can now scout people to be part of her elite squad, she even gained points that will allow her to build an impregnable fortress! "008, I remembered that there was a territory pack in the store previously. Do check if it''s still there and how much it is." It would be beneficial for her to build her territory in the early stages so they can kill as many zombies as possible and help her own people get used to the changes. This will be the first on the list of her agenda. 008''s trembling voice interrupted Kisha''s planning in her head. "Host! It is available and it cost 50 thousand points." Kisha was surprised. 50 thousand is a high price, the highest she saved up before was only 30 thousand and it is only because of the numerous S-class missions that the system has thrown at her. "Why so expensive?" She was indignant. She could have bought other important things with the points. As 008 checked the item, it listed out the inclusions and showed it in the system interface. [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] Inclusions: 100 acres of land (subspace type - upgradable) 100 acres of pond (subspace type - upgradable) 100 acres Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - upgradable) 100 acres of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) 100 acres of rainforest (subspace type - upgradable) Poultry (subspace type - upgradable) Pigpen (subspace type - upgradable) Cow shed (subspace type - upgradable) Show more ... Kisha''s eyes bulged as she read through the inclusions of the Territory pack which was far superior to what she had remembered. "No wonder it is expensive!" She exclaimed. "It also included here that the owner has the only one with access to the subspace resources, the owner has the authority to provide or take access from trusted aides and move the territory if necessary." 008 shouted in shock and excitement as he informed Kisha of his findings. Kisha''s eyes were red with excitement as she shouted as if afraid that the item would disappear in the blink of an eye. "Buy! BUY it!" She had already forgotten Duke''s presence beside her who was assigning his people their task. His eyes whipped up to look at her excited face that is both cute and funny. " Buy what?" He questioned, his cold voice has a hint of restricted laughter. Kisha grinned like a cunning fox. "Good stuff! I found a good stuff!" This was the first time she had truly felt joy after so many years in the apocalypse. "We can either use the valley or the farmland without worry as I have found a great solution but you have to promise me that we are partners, we share everything equally." Duke has the manpower while she can ensure a self-sustaining place, although they have secured billions worth of supplies, it will not be good if the outsiders find out about her territory. There are wolves everywhere and these billions of supplies alone are a great temptation. "What do you say?" Kisha asked jokingly, she was really in a great mood. Duke with the instinct of a predator, could smell a great opportunity. A cunning fox can''t win a tyrant when it comes to taking advantage of an opportunity. "Deal!" These two have a tendency to always try to one-up each other. Like best friends, at the same time rivals but at the same time like lovers. People from her previous life wonder why these two did not get together when they clicked like an oiled gear. Their abilities did not fall far from each other, as well as their temperament and thinking. Kisha knew that she was swept with the sweet nothing and the eloquence of the scumbag, but little did she know that he is like that to everyone he deemed beneficial until he no longer needed them. That''s why she ended up being a snack to the zombie hoard. "Make sure to increase the livestock, and live fish, and don''t forget to include farm seeds and fruit trees. We can''t live with only canned food or dry rations!" Kisha said as she walked away. Duke put down his pen and stood straight. "Where are you going?" She stops in her tracks. "I''m going to fetch my Grandparents and younger brother. I''ll look for you when I get them." It''s been a long time since she last saw her grandparents and brother. When Granny and Grandpa Aldens found Kisha on the roadside, they were on their way home after attending their daughter''s funeral, with the unfortunate turn of events, their daughter was abused to death by her husband, leaving her only child Keith whose only 3 by the time of the incident and was so traumatized that he suffered a fever. He had to stay in the hospital for months and even after he was discharged, his bright eyes dimmed, and his usual bubbly self hated to go out and play with other children. He was ostracised and blamed for jinxing his mother. Those words were his deep scars, often reminding him of his mom''s tragic death. The old couple did not know what to do and could only worry about the child''s mental health and future. That''s why when they come across Kisha on the road, they thought of keeping her to give their Grandson an older sister to help him muddle through his childhood trauma but of course, they did not forget to report to the authorities and went through legal procedures to adopt Kisha. As time passed by, Keith slowly warmed up to Kisha as she had the sweetest smile that slowly broke down his walls. They would cuddle in their sleep, and give each other their favorite things. The old couple could only thank the heavens for having mercy. They treated the children equally, doted on them, and gave them all the love and care they could. They were not financially rich, their living expenses only came from Grandpa''s pension from his military days and Grandma''s retirement plan. It was not much but it was enough for them to get through adulthood. Before she went home, she went to her favorite pastry shop to line up and buy all kinds of sweets that they would miss. She was greeted by a very cute staff as she reached the counter. "Hi welcome, what can I get for you?" She looked behind her and saw a few more people lined up. "Hi, I would like to get everything in the shop." the staff''s heart skipped a bit, thinking that it might be a prank. A business-tailored smile plastered on the staff''s face. "Sorry! I seem to have missed what you said." She looked around the room and saw the people who were queuing having dissatisfied looks. In an extremely good mood, her crisp and clear voice sounded cold yet pleasant. "I''m buying everything." Unable to decide, she called her manager to continue the transaction. "You are getting everything, have I understood it correctly?" The people behind glared at the manager as they said with gritted teeth. "What about us?" Acting oblivious to the resentment building behind her, Kisha nonchalantly answered. "What seems to be the problem? I was first in line, so they have to take my order first." After her repeated rebirth, she was no longer timid, and sometimes she, herself even thinks that there are already some loose screws in her head. Who would care about a bunch of nobodies when she just wanted to buy some dessert that she and her brother could eat from time to time? This was not enough, she had to go to different restaurants and shops to buy some takeouts. "Make sure to add all stocks from the back too. I''ll pay with a card." She pinched her debit card with her index and middle finger, and she gestured to the manager to take it. The manager thinks that they have already sold out for the day so they can go home early, so he happily punches all the available stock in the inventory and swipes the card. "We can help deliver your orders to your home." Kisha smiled slightly and gave them a 500-dollar tip as she gave the manager her address. Before Kisha left, she heard the manager mention his 6-year-old daughter. She stops in her tracks and looks back at the manager. "Mr. Manager." Hearing someone calling him, he turned around with a smile on his face. "Yes, miss? Is there anything else I can help you with?" "I''ve seen some big families hoarding food and other home supplies, I think prices of supplies might skyrocket tomorrow. You probably might want to save up supplies for future trouble. And this might be because they said that some big gangs will be having a turf war on the streets tomorrow. You might want to keep yourself safe." Kisha spouted all the nonsense she could think of that sounded legit to at least try to warn these people without sounding like a nut job. She continued to buy as many takeouts, specialty products, special sauces, and snacks on the way home and she did not forget to warn them the same thing she said in the pastry shop. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 6 Trouble "Host, because of your subtle warning for tomorrow''s major event. You have earned 50 points!" 008 giggled as he reported the increase in points. That''s right, Kisha did not warn those people out of the goodness of her heart. She has a main system mission, and although it is an F-class mission, they could earn 1 point per warned person. Whether they believe it or not is their problem. Kisha walked slowly home as she took in the feeling of the peaceful street, there were even high school students laughing in front of the convenience store. She sighed as the gruesome bloodbath flashed through her mind. She worries for her grandparents, throughout her rebirth, they never passed a certain period. They could not cope with the changes added by their age. As she climbed the stairs to their old residential apartment, she had already heard a commotion on the second floor where their apartment was located. The closer she got, the louder the voices became. "I''m your father! How dare you not share good things with me?!" "You are not my father!" Roared by the young man. As she reached the end of the stairs and turned right, she saw her younger brother shielding their grandparents behind his back while confronting the unreasonable man. His face contorted in anger, fist balled as if ready to pounce anytime, and his tense jaw showed how much he was trying to hold back. "You want us to pay for your gambling debt? Dream on!" Shouted by Grandpa Aldens while trying to pass through his grandson''s protection. His wife holding his left arm, trying to hold him back. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This man was Keith''s father, a vermin who only knows how to cause trouble. He gambled, waiting to win the jackpot and indulge himself in debauchery. The reason why he ended up killing his wife before was because of his gambling addiction, she did not relent in giving her last saving that she put in her parent''s name for Keith''s future. He got so angry that he did not even try to hold back his strength as he beat her, he did not even care where his fists and kicks landed on her body. All of this was witnessed by Keith, when he tried to stop his father, he was almost hit too but his mother shielded him. That''s why he always blamed himself for his mother''s death, there were "IFs" in his head, thinking that if he did not try to step in, his mother would not need to protect him and there might be a chance for her to not suffer from internal injury caused by her broken rib bone piercing her lungs and other internal organs. Although he slowly accepted that no matter what his choices were, his father was still the biggest culprit there were still remnants of the shadows in his heart. But this vermin never learned his lesson, he just got out of jail not long ago and he is already causing trouble to her grandparents, is it, not enough for him to take their daughter''s life and cause their only grandson severe trauma, and now he is harassing them again?! Kisha strode over and held his arm that was raised in the air aiming at Keith. She kicked his back knee hard and twisted his arm to his back. But that was not enough for Kisha, she made sure to dislocate his arm, causing him severe pain. He wailed like a pig being slaughtered, sweating cold buckets. "You wench!" He roared through his ragged breath. "I''m gonna kill you!" He tried to stand up. But Kisha did not give him a chance and kicked him hard in his stomach. He twisted in pain like a newborn but Kisha didn''t even bat an eye and looked down at him coldly as if she''s looking at a dead person. "This is just a small greeting from me Mister." She paused and took a step, emitting an intimidating aura, and continued. "But if I ever see your face again, I will make sure that you regret showing your face. Only your eyes will be spared!" His heart skipped a beat. No matter how much pain he was in, he did his best to crawl and run. He knew that she was telling the truth and he might even be killed if he angered her. "When did they get acquainted with a gangster?!" He thought as a shiver ran down his spine. Even Keith and their grandparents were so shocked by the turn of events that there was not even a chance to react or make a sound. Only when she turned around and faced them with a sweet smile on her face did they though that they must be hallucinating. She was still their sweetest Kisha, smiling sweetly with dimples on her cheeks. She urged them to get inside the house, and even though they followed her inside their minds were still flying around. They are all smart people, they knew that no matter how much they tried to direct their thought that it was a hallucination, it was an actual truth that the person who beat up Keith''s father was indeed Kisha. But it was the first time they saw this side of her. She would even cry when a dog died in a movie. Is she a white lotus then? But she was never good at hiding her thoughts and pretending. Her face would always show what she thinks. "Sister, that." Keith hesitated to continue. But when Kisha entered, she already saw that their small two-bedroom apartment was full of takeouts and other things she bought earlier. She waved her hand and everything disappeared. Their grandparents haven''t even cleared their thoughts about the incident outside and there goes another. Their brain has short-circuited. But Keith was different. His eyes lit up in excitement and walked around the room to check if everything had vanished into thin air. He treated his sister like an omnipotent superhero, because not only was she drop-dead gorgeous but she was also smart. And there was one more thing, he was a fan of novels and manhwa that featured OP characters. So he has a big imagination. "Everyone let''s sit down and talk. I have an important announcement." She walks to the single sofa chair in front of the window and sits, putting her legs to the other while both her hands are intertwined on her knees. The excited Keith immediately sat right in front of his sister and forgot to support his grandparents down. The dissatisfied old man hit him on the back of his head supported his wife gently and slowly sat on the long couch on Kisha''s left. The old madam is still absent-minded. Kisha cleared her throat. Her mind ran thousands of kilometers per hour trying to think of how to break the news to them. "The world will end tomorrow." We should prepare our luggage. "Host! Are you trying to scare the old couple to death?!" 008 exclaimed. "Argh! I misspoke and said what I thought and thought of what I was supposed to say." Everyone looked shocked. Old Madam''s eyes and nose turned red, tears welled up in her eyes. "Old man, our sweet girl has become a retard." Kisha became flustered. "Sister will not spout things without basis. We should let her explain well Grandma." Keith winked at his sister after he spoke. As if waiting for an exciting news "Please, listen carefully Grandma, Grandpa, and Keith. Please, no matter what I say, you have to control your emotions. This is important." Grandma stopped crying and held her husband''s hand as the whole family went silent. Only Kisha''s voice can be heard. She decided to tell them everything, her repeated rebirth, her experiences, their family''s unjust treatment, and everything she could remember. She opened the floodgate of emotions that she kept all this time that ate away her mind, sending her to the verge of insanity. She had always tried to keep them away from harm''s way and tried to solve everything all by herself. But Keith once told her on her 99th rebirth that she should have told them despite the heaviness of the problem. They are a family, they are each other''s foundation and support. Their grandparents always thought that they were just included baggage for his sister to carry, that''s why they always tread in a thin line. They thought of themselves as old and useless. Every time they saw her weary state, they would blame themselves. After hearing this from Keith, she realized how wrong she was in her way of thinking. She thought she was doing the right thing without consulting what they thought. Without realizing that she is just causing a misunderstanding and a series of pain for her family. How many times did they suffer injustices because of their fear of adding to her worries? How many times did they stay silent as people took advantage of them? How much did my Grandma cry herself to sleep? How much did Grandpa endure for the family? How much fear did they hide in their hearts? Although everyone didn''t have a good expression on their faces, they understood the severity of the matter. The couple is worried about being a burden as they are already in their 60s. Understanding the old couple''s worries, Kisha went to the system store and bought the immortal pill from the world of immortals. Yes, World of the Immortals, there are tens of thousands of parallel worlds out there and the system is the bridge for the worlds to interact with the other through item exchange. It is like an online market where they can bargain and sell things. She got her territory pack from the same world. The immortal pill cost 10 thousand points per piece and she bought two for both her grandparents. Unlike what the name implies, this pill will not make them an immortal but it will just lengthen their lives by ten years and there''s a limit a person can consume else it will be useless the next time. She urged them to eat it and explained to them what it would do to their body. All the accumulated pain and diseases that came with time will be healed and they will be ten years younger. Even if it was expensive, it was worth it. Keith was happy and excited to see their grandparents move well, relieved of joint pains and back pain. But of course, the happy atmosphere has to end for now as they have to pack up. Kisha pulled Keith to the side while letting the couple happily get their things. "Didn''t you win an award in the hacking contest nationwide?" Puzzled, he nodded his head while waiting for his sister to speak. Her eyes turn to a crescent shape. "Great! Since we just spent a huge point, we have to earn it back!" They silently hack into the country''s network which is connected to the media, social media platforms, and radio. [Warning! An earthquake with a magnitude 6 will hit the country tomorrow at 1:30 pm make sure to stay in a safe place and stock up as many supplies as possible. Be safe!] Chapter 7 Blood Rain Kisha put everything they had in their apartment into her inventory. They each had a backpack that contained mineral water and bread for the appearance''s sake. Of course, her family members understood this well, they couldn''t blow their cover and let others scheme against them, could they? It''s already the middle of the night but the whole family doesn''t seem to feel tired at all, they moved out silently, luckily, Kisha already rented an expensive SUV for a day so it would be easier for them to travel. Before they departed, she called Duke. "It''s me." His pleasantly cold voice resounded on the phone. "It feels like my ear might get pregnant listening to his voice." she thought. "I''m on my way, please send the address to me. We''ll go straight to the base." His brows knitted. "It will be dangerous to operate separately. Everything''s settled on my end. We''ll go together." Kisha nonchalantly answered. "It will be inconvenient to make big moves now. It will be easier for people to locate our base." "I sent my people per batches, your worries are unfounded." "And your family?" "They''d been settled as well." "No thank you. I prefer to go on my own." He was displeased, he didn''t like her acting cold and distant towards him. He can''t say that he is interested in her romantically but he acknowledges her as his equal and she is now one of his people, so shouldn''t she be happily protected under his wing? He thought. Before he could continue, Kisha interjected. "Tomorrow, after the earthquake will be a blood rain." She arranged her thoughts and continued. "The blood rain can be considered both good and bad news at the same time." Puzzled, he tilted his head to the side as he looked down the brightly lit city from his office on the top floor. "How?" "As I''ve explained, the virus was from the melted ice up north. So if the ice melts, it will go to the ocean, be part of the vapor cycle, and will turn into rain clouds. That''s the blood rain." "But wasn''t it a bad thing? How did it become good news?" "For some yes, but for us, it''s beneficial at some point." She looked out at the window and continued. "We just need to be drenched by the rain for 10 minutes. But of course, not everyone''s bodies can accommodate the virus. Let''s just say that we are doing this to make our bodies stronger." "What will happen if the body can''t fight and adjust to the virus? Will they die?" "They would wish that they just died if their bodies can''t go through it." Duke emitted a strong oppressive aura in his anger and his voice turned a few degrees colder. "Kisha, I hope that you''re not messing with me. They are my people!" "I know, that''s why I''m sharing this with you." "You''re someone I can trust my back with, so I hope you can do the same." His anger turned into comfort. At least, she''s not trying to do something shady. He did not know where his trust for her came from but there was a feeling of comfort as if he had known her for long. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She understood that his silence meant that his anger subsided so she continued to explain. "Although being drenched in the blood rain will not create an antibody in our bodies, it will still be beneficial for those who will survive, they will be the same people but." She doesn''t know how to break the news without sounding like she doesn''t care for his people. Duke already feels that theirs a catch in this blood rain but they will still suffer some losses which doesn''t sit to his liking. "But?" "But if their bodies rejected the virus, they will start convulsing, they will bleed from seven orifices, and will start attacking and biting people. If that happens, I hope you can put them to rest." Her voice sounded solemn "Is there any other way to deal with it?" She shakes her head but remembers that he can''t see her. "No, if they bit other people, others will turn like them. It was too late for them to go back to being humans. They will just be human-eating monsters for the rest of their lives." An incredulous look appeared on his face. "The zombies that you mentioned?" "I''m glad you know the term." She sounded mocking and teasing. "Is this woman trying to get on my nerves? How would she know if I did or did not know things?" He thought and snorted. "Don''t play with me now." She chuckled. "I wasn''t trying to. I''m telling the truth and it is up to you if you would gamble for future benefits but don''t come crying to me once you realize what it does." Although Kisha has already explained to Duke the general idea of what to come and expect, she did not explain most of the important details like the blood rain and how people turned into zombies, that''s why she called to explain this important fact. She admits that it was her negligence because she was too focused on the big scenes like ability users and some of her previous experiences. "Alright, I''ll think about it." "You better do, there''s only one chance." She hung up the call and sent him a message urging him to send the address. Once she got it, she gave her phone to Keith to drive. There''s one thing she realized about the first blood rain in her repeated lives. Every time she got soaked in it, she would feel her awakened powers would be stronger and have more potential to grow and even her body was stronger compared to when she hid during the first blood rain. Her power would also awaken faster. She conducted a survey, throughout her 99 lives when she realized this difference in her body. Even Duke was not an exemption. He said that during his field trip to one of his newly acquired lands, the earthquake happened and was soon followed by a blood-colored rain. It was an unexpected rain so they were all soaked from head to toe. He soon awakened his ability, not only was he a lightning user but he even awakened the rare mental type ability. He alone was a powerhouse and became the strongest. They were the first batch of superhumans, and those who awakened after them were not as powerful, they all thought that it was because they awakened first so they had time to strengthen themselves. The scientist she knew was the one who confirmed her suspicions about the blood rain, he said that after the first blood rain, the virus seeped to the ground, and with the sun''s heat it turned to vapor and part of it turned to gas, so through time, the virus will still slowly entered the body of the living. And every time it rains, there will be particles of the virus included so it will accumulate in a person''s body and will give them a chance to awaken. But those who awakened like this have a small amount of virus in their body so their ability is a little weak unlike the first awakened that has a huge concentration build up in their body. If it can be compared to medicine, the first dose would always have the strongest effect and if we use little dosage throughout time, that body will slowly adapt until the medicine slowly becomes useless. And that''s how he explains the virus, all the living have a virus in their body as time passes but if they did not turn to zombies the first instance they got exposed to it, they will not turn, not unless they were bitten by the zombies. Kisha of course asked why would they still turn if they already had the virus running in their bloodstream. He answered that, as humans continue to adapt to the virus, the zombie continues to evolve with the help of the virus so of course they will become stronger and the virus in their body will be the evolved and stronger version. Only the superhumans will not turn after being bitten as the virus in their body also evolve along their powers. 008 once said that this virus''s origin is from a different world that might have been accidentally brought to earth. But it was hard for them to investigate and know from which world it originated because it happened at the beginning of time, which means that''s when the earth was formed. Earth was the youngest and is also the lowest world in all the parallel worlds. Worlds are classified to small realm, middle realm and high realm. The higher the realm the more the prosperous their worlds are. So unlike other worlds where multiple systems would appear, on Earth, there was only one. Earth''s resources are unpalatable for the other worlds, there were magic swords, medicine that could bring a person back to life, and many more but what Earth could offer that they don''t have? It could be said that 008 was demoted which was why it was sent to the lowest-ranking world to fend for itself. They rely on their host to be upgraded to open more functions and features which will allow them to connect to a higher realm for exchanging information and items. The better their sales channel the better their ranking. But what could 008 sell from Earth? That''s why they were so poor in her previous lives. No one wanted their things. But 008 was unresigned, he wanted to make a name for himself and be promoted, be one of those who sat at the top. Owning his own realm and territory with a wide channel. They called them constellations. Some call them Gods. All the constellations started like 008, a system. After numerous upgrades, they will form their own consciousness, the higher they climb, the higher their ranking. The top-ranking systems will then gain an authority that is unique to them. And once they are well known in all realms, they will gain a follower, the more followers they have, the stronger their authority will become. Once their authority reaches a certain level, they can create their little system to send to the small realms to repeat the cycle. The little systems are all connected to their own constellations but once they gain consciousness they could choose to separate themselves from their constellation or take over the constellation''s position once they are powerful enough. Chapter 8 Car Chase Her call with Duke only lasted for a few minutes and they were just a few blocks away from their apartment building when two SUV blocked their path. Kisha could already sense that these people brought trouble, so she eyed Keith and asked him to exchange seats with her. Keith protested and shot a questioning look at her but he still obediently followed his sister''s demand and went to the passenger seat. "Buckle your seatbelts and hang on tight." She reminded. "What''s happening Shasha?!" Grandma asked a little flustered. Grandpa, throughout his military career, had an idea of what was going on, so he just did what his granddaughter asked of him and secured himself and his wife. He made sure to hold his wife''s hand and gently rub it with his thumb to silently tell her not to be afraid. He trusted that his granddaughter, with her experience, knew what she was doing. He knew that they couldn''t confront them as there were 3 non-combatants on their side and they were unsure of the number of their enemy. It was stupid to charge head-on. "Do you have a plan?" He asked. "We don''t know if these people are the advance force or the overall people that were sent to deal with me, if they were only the advance party, it would be bad if we ran to ask Duke for help to deal with them." She stared coldly at the vehicle that had no movement yet. "Deal with you? Who would even want to deal with you sister? The apocalypse has yet to start?!" Keith stated with gritted teeth, wanting to skin the people who want to hurt his sister. "I have only provoked my Manager and the Director, her lover." "How so?" He questioned. "They''d probably suspected me of sending their skeleton in their closet to the police. They got in serious trouble because of it, and Lisa must still be in the police station for investigation. So these must be the director''s people." She smiled smugly. "Should we wait for them to make a move? Shouldn''t we ask for help?" Keith''s said flustered. "We are far from Duke''s main party and we don''t know what would be their next move. I just hope that they will not be bold enough to deal with us with guns now." It is also a good thing that the apocalypse has yet to start as people will not mindlessly kill like before. The people from the two SUVs seem to reached their patience as Kisha and her family have yet to step out of their vehicle and have noticed their motives. So one by one, stey started to come out with their weapon of choice. they are mainly steel baseball bats and steel pipes. "Let''s thank the heavens that we are ruled by law." She let out a sigh of relief. She took advantage of this action and stepped on the gas pedal and zoomed out in the narrow alley to her left. She grew up in this old neighborhood so she already memorized every nook and cranny of the place. Stunned, they momentarily fell into a daze as they watched Kisha''s car speed up in the alley. Their leader, even though stunned, was still composed and immediately gathered his thoughts and shouted. "Move! MOVE! Don''t let them get away!" They all rushed up to their vehicle, and without even buckling their seatbelts, they tried their best to catch up to the car in front. Keith held onto the handle on top of his head. His heart almost beating out of his chest. "Sister, I didn''t know that you drive aggressively like a race car driver." His lips twitched. "This is normal in the apocalypse." She didn''t even care if she hit a trashcan or any obstacles on the road. Things flew around as the car chase continued for hours around the city. When she noticed that the gas was about to run out, she led them onto the outskirts where trees are denser and don''t have many people. The skies started to brighten up, and Kisha abruptly stopped at an abandoned factory a little far from the city. "Keith sit in the driver''s seat if anything happens. Don''t hesitate to drive away." Aggrieved, he asked. "But sister, are you planning to face them alone?" "Then, do you know how to fight?" He looked worried but at the same time helpless because he knew that he couldn''t help in any way. Their grandfather broke the awkward silence. "Trust your sister, she survived and fought in the apocalypse longer than anyone, so she must be confident to win this. You''ll just drag her down if you come with her." Kisha did not wait for another word and stepped out of the car with a kitchen knife in hand. Why kitchen knife you asked? Because the weapon dealership was closed yesterday. For unlucky reasons, it had to be close when she needed cold weapons urgently. The people on the other side were happy to finally see their target out in plain sight, they rejoice in their hearts as they slowly got down with their weapons. For them, Kisha is just like a newborn calf, unafraid of tigers. But seeing her beautiful face and curvacious body, another thought flashed in their mind and they started to look at her with undisguised desire. 008 started to pray for their poor soul. Kisha most hated it when men looked at her like that more than when her capabilities were being questioned. Her demeanor turned ten degrees lower, like the Goddess of death. She walked slowly, in her every step, their heart beats coldly, and they gulped down the lump of saliva in their throat. They don''t understand why a weak-looking woman was able to emit such a dangerous aura, but as gangsters who grew up in a lawless and dangerous place where their other feet are deep in the grave. Their gut feeling tells them to run. But their body doesn''t want to listen to their thoughts, their trembling legs glued to the ground. This can be considered the most danger they felt throughout their lives and they suddenly felt regret for accepting a seemingly easy money but was actually a pit. But before any of them made a move, two black armored cars stopped behind them. Men in black overalls and black army boots stepped out and without a word started attacking the gangsters. Even Kisha was shocked. "What''s going on?" She murmured. But as if to answer her question, a figure emerges from the second car. "Duke?!" She exclaimed. He jogged towards her and looked at her from head to toe to know. After confirming that she was unhurt he let a sigh of relief. A little puzzled, tilted her head to the side and she asked. "What are you doing here?" "Didn''t I say that we''ll go together?" "Didn''t I say you can go ahead and I''ll follow from behind?" She pouted a little. Amused, his lips subconciously lift a little. "I never agreed to your suggestion." He paused and looked at the gangster lying on the ground. "It''s a good thing I didn''t." And he nodded as if to agree to himself. Displeased with his smug face. "Tsk. I could beat them just the same without your intervention, though!" "You could just thank me honestly you know." His lips purse like an aggrieved child. The men cleaning up the mess unintentionally look at the two of them and happen to see this and are shocked, rub their eyes and look again but the same image is still there. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke, the cold, unfeeling, and uninterested in women is acting coquettish in front of a beauty? This had never been heard or seen before. Not until today. But they were glad, not because they were happy for their boss, but because he was rumored to be gay and interested in men instead. They were afraid that if they caught Duke''s eye, they might lose their asses. That''s why they were always on tenterhooks around him but now they felt relieved. "It''s not that Boss is uninterested in women but he has not met the one." They thought as they silently cheered. Duke who doesn''t have a clue about the rumors or what his people think, was still standing near Kisha, uncaring about the rest. He has no idea that his men misunderstood his actions. "Let''s go and meet up with the rest." He suggested. The gangster that was beaten up black and blue was still lying on the ground pretending to be dead so that Duke would forget about them. Who among them did not know Duke? Everyone knew Duke but he was more of a legend in the underground world as the unforgiving and ruthless ruler of the light and dark part of the society. No one in their right mind would provoke Duke or his people. They did not know that this woman knew this tyrant. Hatred for the Director surged in their hearts and vowed to take revenge on him if they survived this. "People of the same feather flock together. So no wonder they seemed close." They thought in their hearts as they did their best to lessen their presence. Duke knew what they were thinking and had noticed their every action but he chose not to do anything, for him, they were as good as dead anyway, they might die in the apocalypse so why exert effort if nature can take care of them for him? Thinking of the pros and cons, Kisha decided to relent and follow Duke closely. She can consider this as another layer of protection for her family. So they drove back to the city''s direction in a convoy. Chapter 9 Changes "We''re almost out of gas, we''ll stop at a gas station for refill." She sent it to Duke while munching on potato chips. Keith looked at his sister''s relaxed and carefree appearance in the passenger seat. He, on the other hand, felt dreadful, his palms were sweating while anticipating the upcoming chaos, every second passed felt like a decade and butterflies fluttered in his stomach. He inhaled and exhaled deeply to relax his nerves, and cleared his mind. "Stop thinking about it, we''ll cross the bridge when we get there." Kisha stated with a deadpan expression. "I''m trying but we only have more than 6 hours before then." He mumbled like a child, pouting. "By then, we''ll be in the base Duke prepared. We have a great headstart than everyone else." "What if unexpected things happen?" He feels pessimistic even before it happened. Grandma slapped his arm with knitted brows. "What''s wrong with you?! Don''t jinx it." "Son, a soldier can''t run in a war. It''s okay to be nervous but don''t let your anxiety kill your will to fight, else, you wouldn''t even know how you died." Grandpa patted his shoulder, trying to comfort him and give him strength. "We have each other. Don''t overthink things." Feeling that they were right, he relaxed a little and parked the car at the gas station. While Keith was filling the tank, Kisha and her grandparents went to the store to buy some more snacks and other necessities they needed. Duke also followed suit and let his people fill their tanks and went to follow Kisha inside the store. He filled Kisha in on the progress of the supplies. "We''ve got hundreds of livestock of different variations, It was all sent in the valley along the fruit trees and seeds." Then showed her his phone screen showing the pictures of the livestock and other items being pulled to the big warehouse. "I got them to lock the place down so that the animal will not be affected by the blood rain or be attacked by zombies just in case." Her brows raised and looked at him up and down. "You''re meticulous." She commented. His eyes twitch. "Why do I feel like this woman is making fun of me?" He thought to himself and cleared his throat. So he decided to tease her a little. He dialed Tristan and in a few seconds, it was answered. "Do you have other instruction, master?" "Let the animals bask in the sun and take a shower in the rain later." Tristan and Kisha were surprised. Tristan was aggrieved and a little resentful as they just finished pulling the animals inside and he wanted them to pull them out again? He pursed his lips "No! no!" Kisha was flustered and immediately held his arm that was holding the phone. "This guy is so petty! If I did not know better, I would think that he has retained some of his memory." She thought as she glared at him. Duke was enjoying what he was seeing, he smirked. "I thought you were not satisfied with my arrangements earlier so I want to rearrange them again." Kisha smiled sweetly and acted fawningly. "What are you talking about big brother? Haven''t I just commended your meticulousness?!" But she can''t stop her eyes and the corner of her lips twitching. "I thought you snorted at me and thought I was incompetent?" He acted as if he was wronged. "Who said that?! Aren''t you the most capable?!" Tristan on the other side of the phone heard everything and was in a state of shock. "Where was the Duke Winters that never jokes around and is 24/7 serious?" He inhaled but suddenly clasped his free hand in his mouth trying not to make a sound. Kisha complained in her heart. "He used to be stoic and just a plain iceberg. Why is he acting chummy now? Did he hit his head?" Having enough fun he told Tristan to continue storing the important items in the warehouse and told him to always update him on the progress. After picking what to buy, they went to the counter to pay. But before the cashier starts calculating the purchase, an earth-shattering tremor shakes the whole place. Duke pulled Kisha into his arms and tried his best not to lose his balance as he walked slowly toward the pillar. "My grandparents!" Kisha worriedly said. Duke whispered in her ear. "Don''t worry, they are hiding under the table." Only then did Kisha relax, she also noticed Keith was fine and was protected by the guards outside. The earthquake was really strong, everyone was having a hard time standing and all the items in the store were being thrashed from the shelves. The light posts falling to the ground one by one and cracks from the walls and floor slowly getting bigger. Dark clouds starting to block the sun and the sky is getting darker and darker. Kisha was having a bad premonition about this. She looked up at Duke and met his gentle eyes, devoid of worries. But it somehow made her feel guilty. She did not know what was happening because it never happened before, she''s having an inkling of feeling that things would go off course starting now but was it a butterfly effect? Why did it never happen before, it is not that there was no butterfly effect before but there were no major changes in big events like this. She knew in her heart what would happen next but she still had a small hope that it was just a false alarm. She tried her best to calm down and waited for the tremor to stop. But for some reason, this earthquake took longer than before and was stronger. Some parts of the building wall are starting to fall off. The rain cloud was also darker, thunder roared and there were even strong winds blowing, as if a storm was coming. Her heart felt heavier every passing second felt like an hour. The moment the earthquake stopped, the woman next to them reached for the door and started running but before she got far, the store''s signboard fell on her, squashing her to the ground. The man behind her, who might be her family member, screamed in agony. He cried and slumped to the floor. Others couldn''t take the gory scene so they looked away, some with weak stomachs even vomited on the spot. Kisha checked her grandparents and only felt relieved when she saw that they were fine. She led them outside with extreme caution and regrouped with Keith and the others. Duke never let go of her hands but Kisha did not notice because she was deep in thought. She uttered. "I think the apocalypse will happen ahead of time." She looked at Duke and told him to inform his people to be prepared for the rain to come and be more vigilant. The virus''s effect might have increased and is different from what she remembers. By now, she has realized that she has been fighting a battle that seems impossible to win. As if an invisible entity wanted humanity to perish. "Host, I also feel like, something is manipulating the happenings on earth." 008''s weak voice sounded in her mind as if afraid of something. "008, we still have enough points right?" "Yes host, we still have 25 thousand points. Plus the current mission is still gaining points, currently, we have earned 100 thousand points." "Only 100 thousand? Not millions?! Are you sure you counted correctly?" Kisha was agitated. It was rare for them to have this kind of mission where they could earn points like selling pancakes. But why is it only 100 thousand? Did people treat their warning as a hoax or a prank? She was fuming with the people''s stupidity. She adjusted her emotions. "Either way, 008 use 1000 points to upgrade yourself, in a few days, we need to upgrade again. We need to unlock the other features and functions. Especially the item exchange in the shop." The item exchange feature is where they can sell or exchange items to different worlds. She also needs to unlock the feature Item Modification so she can modify and strengthen their current item. Although they can''t sell things to other worlds because no one wants what they sell, they could still try so that she can continue to upgrade her system and she can go to higher realm''s sales channel to buy more useful items. Having formed a simple plan in her head, she led her people to wait for the rain to come just outside the store while discussing with Duke their next step. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 10 It Started "So before anything happens, what do you have in your trunk?" Kisha probes Duke. Not getting annoyed with her probing and seemingly bossy attitude, he opened his SUV''s trunk and showed her his collection. The trunk was full of black boxes, each box was full of high-end guns. From pistols to rifles, there are even sniper rifles. He looked smugly at Kisha as if waiting to be complimented. Before he left to fetch Kisha and her family, he made sure to select the best of the best from his collection of weaponry from his private collection. He won''t even let his close friends touch it and they could only enviously look at it. All of his collection was customized and modified to be better than the regular model. But what he saw in her eyes was a mocking and taunting look. It puzzled him. So he asked. "Why don''t you have a look?" She rubbed the tip of her nose, trying not to laugh because he looked earnest and cute like a child waiting to be complimented for doing good. She did not want to burst his bubbles but she had no choice as they were lacking time. "They are indeed good guns." She smiled which made Duke smile proudly. She continued. "But we don''t need them." His smile froze. Feeling guilty she patted his shoulder. "Not for now." She rummaged through the other boxes but did not see what she was looking for. "Did you not prepare any cold weapons?" He looked a little dejected, that''s why Kisha felt down, thinking that he had not brought any and they might have to improvise using the tools they could find in the gas station store. But Duke walked to the other SUV''s back and opened it. Kisha followed and just like the other trunk, it was full of black boxes. Duke silently opened each one and murmured. "You can choose from here." His voice was so low that only Kisha heard it because she was standing next to him. Feeling bad for him, she tried to appease him. "Don''t worry, we''ll use your gun in the future, let''s just save the best for the last." Only after hearing that, did Duke''s expression improve. His subordinate not still used to his change in expression and mood felt like this was very novel and wanted to gossip about it with their other bros but they held back because they were well aware of his temper. After checking the boxes, Kisha''s face lit up, a smile blossomed on her lips, and her eyes turned to a crescent shape. Duke was silently watching her expression change and he completely recovered from his earlier temperamentality and smiled too. After looking around, she chose a really sharp katana, the blade had a cold sharp glow and had a long Chinese dragon engraved on it that covered the whole blade, the Guard before the handle had a cherry blossom design on it and the handle had the same design. It''s craftsmanship is indeed top-notch. She took the 75 cm long katana and a small version like a dagger. She also took a double-sided dagger and hid it in her boots. Duke looked at her in appreciation. "Great choice, these mother and son swords are my favorite too. It is made of a combination of Chromium and Tungsten. The most durable metal." He rubs his chin as he reminisces. "I even went to Japan''s number one family that crafts the best Katana personally to get this made." "But why do you even want to make this, are you going to a war or are you going to hack someone with it?" Asked Kisha questioningly. Stump, he answered. "No." "You''re lucky that we found a use for this in the apocalypse, else it will just be a useless collection and will collect dust." "It''s a collection, it doesn''t need to be used. Collections are for novelty of the item, though." As he spoke, Kisha looked at him with a deadpan expression and his voice turned lower and lower until he stopped talking. "Tsk, world of the rich." She then turned around and asked everyone to choose a cold weapon to prepare. The people inside the store are all standing near the door and are looking at them, they do not know why and what Kisha''s party is preparing for but they could feel they are not to be trifled with. Once everyone had chosen and prepared, she looked around in satisfaction and said. "In a few minutes, the rain will fall and so I want everyone to be vigilant. Avoid using guns and loud-sounding weapons because it will attract their attention." She stood next to her family and said. "Don''t get too far from me and try not to fight a one-on-one battle and always aim at the head." "Are we going to collect those things called crystal core?" Keith asked, enough for everyone on the team to hear. "No, crystal core has yet to form in this stage. Once the virus is well concentrated on the body only then will a crystal core will be formed." She explained as she looked up at the sky. "Avoid getting the rain in your mouth and those among you who have wounds need to avoid the rain. Ingesting it as well as it getting into your bloodstream through the wound is sure to 100 percent transform you into zombies." Hearing this, Duke made sure to send this information to his men to make sure to lessen their losses. After a little waiting, red drops of fluid started falling from the sky, it started slowly and then it poured. The ground turned red and it was hard to see far from all the red raindrops but they did not stand together, they maintained a two-step distance from each other. Kisha especially paid attention to the people Duke brought with him because she was sure that none of her family members would turn and neither Duke. The people inside the store were shocked by the scene and they slowly went out, out of curiosity, they touched the rain wanting to see if it smelled like blood or rust. The man whose family got crushed by the signboard started laughing which shocked the people near him. He ran outside and kneeled beside the diseased, he looked up at the sky and started shouting. "The heavens have eyes, it saw that my wife died tragically and it sympathized with her!" He continued to cry as he shouted. "Sister, this." Keith pointed at the man as he worriedly looked at his sister. He was worried that he would not only transform but would also attract the nearby zombies with his shouting. He''s starting to get flustered as time passes by. Duke took a step forward, wanting to take care of the man but Kisha stopped him and shook her head. She did not want him to make a move because the people inside the store all went out to try and help pull him back inside. They are now all drenched and no one can''t say who among them will transform. Their own group still needs to be monitored so she does not want him to get distracted. After a moment the rain stopped and Kisha made sure to time it, and just like what she expected. It lasted five minutes longer than usual, so she is afraid that the potency is stronger than usual too. Not long after, a continuous scream reverberated from afar and nearby. It sounded like the roar of a beast rather than from a person. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It started." She said. The man who was shouting earlier started shaking nonstop, he fell to the ground and everyone thought that he was just having a health seizure. They surrounded him and pressed him down. A man even gagged him to make sure that he would not bite his tongue while having a seizure. All four of his limbs were pressed by the healthy men, but another one fell, and then another. Of the ten people, half of them fell, one after the other, and started convulsing. Their eyes turned up, their lips turned purple and they bled from their seven orifices. A sudden sound that dropped on the floor brought Kisha and other''s attention. Their heads turned like a whip and saw two of the men Duke brought fell to their knees. Nerve bulges in their forehead and their jaws clench tightly. As if trying to fight it, they balled their fist, enough to dig their nails into their flesh. The two of them closed their eyes, breathing heavily and letting out a muffled grunt. Another scream from the front of the store caught their attention when they turned around. They saw the first man who fell, now turned to a zombie pounce on the man taking care of him. The guy held the zombie''s collar to stop him from biting him but he was not safe from being clawed, his face was scratched badly and he couldn''t stop screaming. When his eyes got caught by the scratching, he squealed and momentarily let go of the zombie''s collar, and because of it, he was bitten on his face. The moment he was bit, he tried to push the zombie away but the zombie''s jaw seemed to have locked on him and wouldn''t let go of him so he used his lower half to kick it hard but part of his face was torn off. He rolled on the ground from the severe pain and couldn''t stop screaming. Chapter 11 Chaos Everyone was like a headless chicken and it was a complete chaos. Two of Duke''s men who have normal signs named Eagle and Hawk, immediately went into action and dealt with the zombies that were within a 5-meter radius near them. They even want to deal with two of their brothers named Sparrow and Vulture thinking that since they will turn into zombies, they better kill them while they still have human consciousness because they know that those two would want that too. The two members of Duke''s team that were twisting around on the floor have yet to finish their transition so Kisha does not allow Duke and the others to make a move because it is still unknown if this is an early awakening. After all, she has yet to see the symptoms that they are transforming into zombies. This possibility is only 10% because there are times that a transition will happen silently without much shaking and jerking like normal. Besides, an awakening can also cause severe pain in the body as if the internal organs are being stirred violently. The blood vessels would bulge because of the increase in pressure for blood circulation. Especially in the head. It would feel like their head would explode at any minute as it forcefully and quickly stimulates the brain. Which will then create the central hub of the awaken''s source of power. The Crystal Core. After explaining this to Duke, she made him call all his executives so that they don''t accidentally kill the awakened. Duke made a conference call to his executives, once they started answering the call one by one, he turned it into speaker mode and made Kisha repeat her explanation. After the explanation, she asks them to send those who fit the bill for a few days of quarantine. If they do not turn, that means they are successful. If they turn, they need to be killed. One of the executives asks. "Why is the awakening similar to transitioning to a zombie?" "It''s because the virus and crystal core are one. If the virus eats the brain, then they become zombies and after it eats the brain, the concentration of the virus in the brain will then create a crystal core but if the virus successfully integrates with the human brain, positively. Then the human evolves and the crystal core will be the power source like a battery." She stopped and thought again because she thought that it was kinda messy so she said. "You can just think of it as Evolution, the other has a negative impact while the other is beneficial to us." "And the only difference with their crystal core is that the zombie core will form after they turned and so, their core is impure. On the other hand, the awakened''s core will form during the virus''s stimulation, and in turn, the core is pure and has more energy in it." Everyone understood what she meant and started working. These people are Duke''s most trusted people that will not turn on him, Kisha has seen their trust and devotion towards Duke. He once said that these people were kids from orphanages, Duke decided to nurture his own people when he was just 10 years old, they all grew up with him and treated each other as brothers. This is the reason why Kisha was so open with the information with them, she knew that they would not share this information with anyone without Duke''s go signal, even if the one questioning them were his family. These people are Duke''s limbs, eyes, and ears. They all covered all kinds of industries that Duke would only need to relax and let them work without telling them what to do. Kisha wished to create such a squad before but it was hard to find elite people that could be trusted, most of them wanted to be the head of the power and not be a mere subordinate so she gave up halfway. Seeing Eagle and Hawk busy dealing with the zombies nearby, she looked around to see the situation in the store and it was a bloody mess. A woman ran in their direction shouting for help but Duke kicked her in the stomach, the impact of the kick sent her flying a few feet away. Duke can''t be blamed on this one, because the woman has a few gushing bite wounds on her thigh and arms. It was 2 inches deep and a palm wide, it looked like it was bit and forcefully pulled. The muscles are visibly twitching and the blood vessels spray blood every time the muscles move. The wound was starting to turn purplish black and she was weakly crying and repeatedly asking for help even when she couldn''t speak properly from pain. But Duke did not even bat an eyelid when he kicked her and just looked at her indifferently. When the woman met Duke''s eyes, she was eaten by agony and kept asking in her heart why no one wanted to help her. She was just a weak woman who wanted to help those who fell but was attacked instead. She doesn''t understand what''s going on or what she has done wrong. She was asking for help from Kisha''s group because she saw them dealing with these crazy people with ease but they didn''t want to help her. She was wondering why, she was not crazy like them. She just wants to be safe. She cried and cried until her tears turned red and her sobs turned to grunts and low growls. Her limbs turned stiff, and the nerves in her eyes became even more visible, like purple centipedes. Her porcelain white skin turned purplish with a green hue, just like a corpse. And the wounds turned black and the blood coming out of the wound turned coagulated black blood too. But the woman still has little consciousness left in her as she still looks pitifully at Duke and turns to Kisha thinking that as a fellow woman, she would sympathize with her kind. She was hoping and praying until her vision turned dark, she was no longer the kind and pitiful woman she once was but a ferocious beast that would never feel full and is now only roaming to kill and eat any living creature. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The female zombie roared and stood up stiffly, not feeling any pain, only hunger. She looked at Duke and charged, with the only thought of eating her food. Even though her body was a little stiff she was a little agile, however, Duke is a well-trained man and well-versed in mixed martial arts and military close combat. Before the female zombie gets too close to him, he does a really fast tornado kick with his long legs and he looks like he is flying, Kisha could only hear the loud cracking sound of a bone. She did not know if it was the zombie''s spine or skull that snapped and broke from the kick. It was an Insta kill, the female zombie never crawled back up after the blow. Duke took care of the zombies in the storefront with his swift and deadly kicks aimed at the weak heads. When he came back and stood next to Kisha, he looked indifferent but if you looked up a little, you''d see his smiling eyes full of smugness. He''s just short of directly asking Kisha if she has seen his cool moves. Kisha held back her smile, but this was the first time she had seen Duke like this and it was tugging at her heartstrings. His image and his cute antics don''t match up and look kinda funny. She smiled. "That was a cool move. Keep up the good work!" She immediately turns around, her shoulders shaking but she forcefully held it in. And she went inside the store. "Out of sight, out of mind." She thought She waved her hand and put everything in the store inside her inventory. Then she went to the back where the warehouse is located and made sure to get all the supplies from it, accidentally, she saw two fuel transport trucks parked nearby, each had two tanks installed. She checked if it had gas stored in it by opening the manhole assembly and poking a long steel stick to see how much it has. Luckily, all two trucks were new. They must have just arrived this morning to refill the gas station. She stored all of it in her inventory and went back to where her group was with a big grin on her face. Chapter 12 Escape The screams are intensifying and everyone''s getting nervous, Kisha decided not to gamble it anymore, so she went and took out a thick rope as thick as two fingers that she found at the warehouse just now. She sat down beside Sparrow and Vulture to tie them back to back, she just sat down when she bent backward and used her left hand to support her. Everyone''s attention was caught by her big action and only realized that one of the people Duke brought rushed up to her in a biting position. His eyes were bloody red, veins popping out like worms, concentrated towards his eyes and the pupils of the eyes were nowhere to be found. Black blood slowly dripped from his mouth. From her position, she took out the double-edged dagger from her boots and stabbed it from his chin up, its length was enough to puncture through the upper skull. She kicked his neck with her right leg and used her left hand as leverage to push herself up. Because of her experience and heightened senses that acted like a muscle memory, she was able to evade it in time, if not, she would have been bitten on the neck. Another two rushed up to her but before they reached her. Duke already stabbed them from the back of their head consecutively with precision and agility. Keith, who was new to all this, including his Grandma was scared witless and they started to tremble in fear. But Grandma has a stronger mentality than him, in a moment, she was able to adjust herself. "Wasn''t it just killing zombies? I can easily kill live fish, chickens, and ducks. I''ll just think of them as the human version of a wild beast." She thought, convincing herself that she shouldn''t be morally burdened by it. It is also a way to protect her family, and strengthen her conviction, thinking that she shouldn''t drag her family down. Noticing the commotion, Eagle and Hawk jogged back to see what happened and saw three of their brothers lying in a black pool of blood. The rim of their eyes turned red and the tip of their nose also turned red but they did not shed tears. Seeing this, Kisha''s heart went with them, she knew how painful it was to lose a family so she waved her hand and the three disappeared. Before anyone could ask, she explained. "I can store non-living things in my inventory, once we''ve settled down, you can make a burial ground for them." Only then did they cry silently, they were thankful for her kindness and decided to protect her family with their lives as they already decided to treat them as part of their big family. Even Duke felt thankful, he thought he could just bring back their things and make a resting place for his people. After a moment of grief, they are back on their feet and decide that Hawk will drive and Eagle will watch over the two from the passenger seat. They stored the other armored car in her inventory and Duke joined Kisha''s car. Kisha led the way, she avoided the main roads and busy streets like malls, schools, and markets, especially hospitals. She navigates like a human version of Google Maps. Duke glace in her direction and raised his eyebrows but he did not say anything and went back on looking at the road ahead. But he could not hold it in and asked "Do you always drive like this?" He looked indifferent but he was already holding on to the overhead handle. Kisha nonchalantly answered. "I think so, why?" "I''m surprised that you managed to get a license." He said with a hint of mocking and resentment. The whole car was shaking and sometimes got suspended in the air as it flew when the road was uneven. Kisha snorted. "What?! Do you expect me to follow the road signs and drive leisurely?" He went silent and did not speak. He only heard her mixture of snort and chuckles. But throughout this bantering Keith who was sitting in the middle at the back was beaten up black and blue from the violent shaking, he would sometimes get slammed on the front seat or be pushed back on his seat with so much force. His grandparents each have an overhead handle that they can hold on to, so they can somehow control the impact but for him who could only try to hold onto just anything, he felt his battered body aching so much that he had forgotten his fear from earlier. He was afraid that he would not last long from this violent joy ride. But he couldn''t say anything because he knew that once they slowed down, they would get stuck and be muled by the zombies. He could only swallow his sobs. Seeing his expression, Kisha felt bad for her brother. "Sorry baby brother, hang on a little longer okay?" Her gentle voice soothes Keith''s pain and he smiles widely at his sister and nods but not long after, their car takes a sharp left turn, and his face slams into Duke''s back seat. Duke chuckled and looked at Kisha again, Kisha even though she had a deadpan expression, her ears flushed red and Duke noticed it and felt better. She couldn''t help it. There was a huge mass of zombies scattered on the road ahead so she could only take the safer option. Their convoy attracted the other survivors and zombies alike, some would shout at them for help and those who were more gutsy would even run to try to forcefully stop them but Kisha never cared if she was driving over a zombie or human. That''s why the other survivors would get scared and would evade on their own and just curse at their retreating cars in frustration and hatred. She knew that if she, really did stop, others would come to them and there would not be enough seats for anyone anymore, she was sure that those people would use moral kidnapping to make them compromise but she had seen enough of this, those people would not feel grateful for being rescued or helped, they would just feel entitled that Kisha should naturally protect them because she''s stronger. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even though some are different, they are kind and just helpless. Kisha would not help them if she, herself was not in a favorable situation. They have to learn the harsh truth early on that they can only rely on themselves to survive in the apocalyptic era. Chapter 13 Fiancee After driving around for two hours, they had yet to leave the city so Kisha decided to find a silent place to rest and eat. She drove around but found none, Duke then told her to drive straight to the East district where the influential and powerful lived. That place was well protected. Even if they have to deal with zombies, they will be able to handle the number and not be overwelmed. There was also a sturdy gate and walls protecting the whole district. So Kisha obliged. "Do you also live there?" She asked. Duke nodded and answered indifferently. "I own the whole district." Kisha''s lips twitch. "No wonder he seems confident." She thought. Keith looked at Duke as if he were looking at a new continent, only then did he realize that the rich have different levels of richness that poor people like them would never fathom. As they pulled over at the front gate of the Lakeside villa, Hawk from the convoy jogged straight onto the gate and did some climbing and jumping like he was doing an intense rock climbing. If it was just a normal human, they would not be able to do what he just did. In just a few minutes, he opened the gate from the guard house, when Kisha and Eagle drove past the gate, Hawk closed it again and went inside the second car. Duke told Kisha to go to the central part of the district where his villa is located. She drove around the silent road, noticing the fluttering curtains in some of the villa''s windows, she guessed that the survivors of the district were probably hiding in their houses, they might have been waiting to be rescued. She sneered in her heart. "As if there will be someone to rescue you. Even the government has already disbanded." She remembered on her third rebirth, she was also like them. She always believed in the government and so, they did their best to persevere. Zombies would crowd their hallway and they couldn''t even fall asleep from the occasional banging of the door and loud growls. When she closed her eyes, her mind would always subconciously think that their door would be crowded with zombies and eat them. She would see some survivors from time to time but they can''t go past the residential area because zombies are everywhere. But she still believed that the government was taking a little time to reorganize and help other places. Until they died from starvation, they did not hate them and believed that they must be lacking manpower to do the rescue in other places. Not until she reached her 20th rebirth that she found out from a soldier that the higher-ups in the government used the soldiers as their own guards, securing their own families and wealth to a safe base and reorganized their position and lord over the people who came to them for refuge. In the guise of protection, they would send the civilians to find supplies, sometimes they didn''t even send soldiers and just let the civilians fend for themselves and they would very rarely send some soldiers to go with them while the majority of the forces was guarding the base. And they even invoke heavy taxes in the base. Everything has tax. Going in the base would require an entry fee, and renting a place costs supplies but it also has additional tax and more. The higher echelon didn''t need to go outside to kill zombies or find supplies. They are well fed and protected inside, even the management was on someone else''s shoulders. "Are you okay?" Duke asked gently. She nodded and directly parked the car in front of the villa. They stepped down one by one. Before going inside, she went to the other car and checked on the two, they hadn''t transitioned yet and were having a high fever. "How is it?" Hawk nervously asked. "We''ll see tomorrow. Lead them in to rest." Eagle and Hawk led Kisha''s family inside the villa, Kisha was about to follow but she noticed Duke fiddling with his phone with knitted brows. "What''s wrong?" She asked. "I can''t contact Tristan and the others." He said a little frustrated. The phone signal is still fine, even internet connections are still working, and electricity and water are still working too. It wasn''t even 24 hours since the apocalypse started that''s why Duke was worried that something unexpected happened to his subordinates. "Give them time, they might be busy reorganizing the work distribution." She tapped him on the arm as she coaxed him. He knew that thinking would not help in this situation, so he cleared his mind deeply inhaled some air, and exhaled. He looked straight into her eyes, some hidden emotions surging through it but he hid it as soon as he felt it. "Duke!" A woman''s surprise voice resounded behind them. "I knew you''d be safe!" Her gentle voice sounded sweet and refreshing. Duke and Kisha slowly turned around, Kisha saw a very elegant and noble woman of her age standing a few steps away from them. She looked behind the woman and saw a few people of different ages standing on the front poarch of the villa opposite. Duke did not answer and only looked on indifferently. A cold aura started emitting from his body. But the woman seemed unaffected and walked straight to greet Kisha. "Hi! I''m Melody. Melody Evans, Duke''s fiancee!" She extended her hands with a sweet harmless smile. Kisha gave Duke a side glance and answered with a voice as cold as Duke. "Kisha Aldens." But she did not extend her hands. Her expression is almost identical to Duke''s. They looked like two peas in a pod. Melody smiled unaffectedly at them, she got closer to Duke and reached out to hold onto his arm but he looked sharply at her as a warning. But she wanted to show her sovereignty over Duke so Kisha would back off. Her woman intuition tells her not to let Kisha get close to her man. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I never agreed to any engagement. Miss Evans, please show some self-respect and don''t touch just any man." Duke reiterated without minding if she lost some face. Chapter 14 The Promised Engagement "How could that be? Our marriage is decided by our family. It is our responsibility as aristocrats." Melody answered with confidence. She looked at Duke full of adoration and hidden possessiveness. Duke sneered. "Do you think my family needs marriage alliance for power or wealth?" She puffed up he chest and stood up tall. "Isn''t it only normal for people of our standing to do so? To choose benefit? Feelings can be slowly nurtured between husband and wife." For Melody, she is the only lady fit to be Mrs. Winters. She was raised as the Evans''s heiress, one of the eight major aristocratic families. Even though the Evans family might not be as wealthy or as socially accomplished as the Winters, they still ranked second and have hundreds of years of history, wealth, and connections just like the Winters. They were well rooted in City A. Even before she was born, her mother and Duke''s mother had already arranged for their children to marry in their adulthood. It''s just that Duke has never cared about their mother''s deep friendship and promises. He did not argue with his mother but he treated her coldly, their mother and son bond was affected by this engagement but she couldn''t take back what she promised and hurt her gentle and kind best friend whom she grew up with. "I''m sorry to burst your bubble but the apocalypse has dawned upon us and you have to wake up from your fairytale-like fantasy." Kisha interjected. She looked at Melody as if she were looking at a mentally challenged person. Melody was taken aback by Kisha''s disrespectful words. "Miss Aldens, please watch your words." She still tried to show Duke how magnanimous and kind-hearted she was by not flaring up on Kisha. Kisha bowed slightly, like a lady from a good family, her temperament was like a rose, enchanting and soul-stirring. "Pardon my straightforwardness, my lady, my words were the truth my heart felt." She then looks Melody straight in the eye, her lips raised, her voice laced with taunting and her eyes speaking words of mockery. Melody was momentarily dazed, the way Kisha looked felt familiar but before she delved into this familiarity she realized that Kisha was mocking her for having princess syndrome in front of Duke. Anger surges in her heart, her nails digging into her palm but a smile remains on her lips. "Miss Aldens, who are you to step in to speak when this is about our family matters?" She glared daggers at Kisha. Her annoyance can''t be hidden anymore. "She is my business partner." Duke pulled Kisha by the shoulder to stand right next to him, which looked intimate yet sincere and full of trust. He continued. "I allowed her to speak, besides, she just spoke what I thought but failed to deliver." "I am only being cordial to you Miss Evans for my mother''s friendship with yours but if you continue to harass me. I''m afraid that this last bit of respect I have for their friendship might disappear." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her eyes reddened, and she appeared pitiful which invoked a man''s desire to protect her. She thought that Duke was treating her this way because of Kisha, the vixen must have seduced her man for him to not even respect the two families'' agreement. "What''s going on?" A young man asked with a powerful tone of voice. Everyone''s eyes followed the voice to the entrance of the villa. A young man around Duke''s age emerges from behind the people who were standing on the porch earlier. He has an upright, steady, and calm temperament, he looks gentle but still carries authority with every move or word he says, quite opposite to Duke''s cold and indifferent temperament. Hearing her elder brother''s voice, Melody''s eyes lit up. As if seeing her savior. "Elder Brother!" She then started to shed tears and looked pitiful. Eric''s heart tightened seeing his sister being bullied by Duke, so he walked in big stride and stood in front of Duke shielding his little sister behind him. He stared at Duke as if he were looking at an enemy. He did not even notice Kisha because of his rising anger and dissatisfaction towards Duke. He always felt that Duke was arrogant and had little regard for them, he even sometimes felt like Duke looked down on them and treated his sister like trash even when his sister was gentle and kind, she didn''t even get angry at Duke for being treated unjustly. "Duke, why do you always bully my sister?" Even though he is angry, his good upbringing is still visible in the way he talks, he is not unreasonable but he is not easily bullied. Duke did not answer and only raised his brows. Not wanting to stand and talk with them anymore. Kisha said. "Duke, let''s just go inside. This will just take forever if we continue to argue with them." Her cold voice carried a hint of displeasure. She is annoyed for some reason and thinks that she is worn out. "Why did this man start to demand an answer when it was his sister who continued to yap and would not let them go." She murmured and was annoyed to look at the siblings. Only then did Eric realize that there was another person next to Duke. He was taken aback by Duke''s closeness towards the woman and at the same time, familiarity hits him. Feeling like he knew her. "Miss, have we met before?" Bemused by the greasy pick-up line. Duke''s brows knitted, it was so close together that it was enough to squeeze a fly. "I''m afraid that you have mistaken me for someone else, sir." She put down Duke''s arm that was wantonly placed on her shoulder. He felt vexed by her distant attitude. He did know why, but he didn''t think it was a love-at-first-sight thing. But before he could sort out his feelings, Kisha already pulled Duke inside the Villa and Melody tugged at his shirt her eyes full of unwillingness. She did not want to let Duke go and wanted to pull Kisha by the hair. Why was she allowed inside while she was barred outside? Despite her reluctance, she could only accept defeat and wait for them patiently. She was resolute because she''s been waiting for Duke since she was young. The very first time she met Duke, she knew that she wanted to be his wife and she would not allow any unknow woman to steal her possessions. Chapter 15 Eric Evans When Duke closed the door, he noticed that Kisha was not in a good mood, he wanted to coax her but he had never coaxed a woman before, not even his mother. He was stumped and didn''t know what to do. He followed her closely as she went inside and sat on the sofa. Grandma heard the door closing, she went out of the Kitchen holding a spatula and saw Kisha walking in, upset while Duke followed her from behind. She slightly chuckled as she thought of Duke as a big black dog who was worried about his owner abandoning him and was trying to please her but did not know what to do so it just followed its owner wherever she went. Her previous assessment of Duke as an unfeeling and ruthless person has been renewed. "You just get here in time, the food is ready, hurry up and wash your hands." Duke showed Kisha where the comfort room was and they washed their hands. Keith just reached the first floor after calling Eagle and Hawk to eat and just saw the small person and big person walking around like a chick following the hen. He was amused and thought that he must have looked like this when he was young and dependent on his sister. But he was a little jealous at the same time so he stood right next to his sister and chatted with her and ignored Duke''s irked expression. Because of Keith''s continuous jokes and chatter, her previous bad mood has been pushed to the back of her mind, and is now smiling while listening to Keith. Duke sat silently with them, no one knew what he was thinking but it looked like it was not a good one. When Eagle and Hawk reached the end of the stairs on the first floor, this is what they saw. "What was boss scheming?" They both thought and prayed for the poor soul who stepped on his toes. Just imagining it sends a shiver down their spine. Grandpa helped Grandma bring out the food they cooked and called. "What are you guys standing there for? Hurry up and wash your hands and let''s eat. Kisha stood up and went to the dining table followed by the two. Duke immediately sat on her right while Keith was on the other. Grandma brought the last dish from the kitchen and felt good with her newfound body which is brimming with energy. So she was all smiles. She used to have cramps in her hands when she was cooking or doing other housework, but now, she can cook any dish she wants without worry and Grandpa can lift any heavy things for Grandma without suffering any back pain so they are both happy and energetic. Grandpa and Grandma continued to stuff food on their grandchildren''s plates and Grandma did not forget to put on Duke''s plate from time to time. Everyone at the dining table is eating merrily, on the opposite side of the villa, the Evans family''s mood is dampened even more when they see the only daughter of the family upset and don''t want to eat. But they also understood that it was not Duke''s fault, just like what he said, it was his marriage and his life. They don''t have the right to demand him to marry their princess, especially now that the social hierarchy is in disarray. No one can just throw their weight around anymore just because they are wealthy and powerful. At least their family understands this but unlike the rest of the Evans family who are just and reasonable. Melody has a different opinion and thinks that her position is everything and everyone, including Duke, has no right to just outrightly turn her down. A seed of hatred has sprouted on her heart, this hatred was solely aimed at Kisha. She has never been rebuked like Kisha did, not once in her life. Duke used to just ignore or avoid her but never did he scold her. The hurtful words Duke said have miraculously erased from her mind and only blamed Kisha for everything. Thinking just like what he said, he still has an ounce of respect for their mother''s friendship so he was a little cordial in treating her. It was fine then, she always thought that with her warmth, care, and love, his glacially cold heart would melt little by little through time. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But what''s the difference in treatment?! She can''t accept that the unknown woman who just sprouted from nowhere was treated better than her by Duke. She could not work her mind around the reason why. Although Kisha is better looking but her beauty is like an enchantress, she, on the other hand, looks pure and innocent which should be what the men in power appreciate and covet. No one, even herself knew how narcissistic she was. She always believes that everything she wants will be hers. She thought that Duke just didn''t want to get married yet and was only focused on bringing his business empire to new heights. She also heard the rumor about Duke being gay but she never believed it and always admonished the idea when brought up as a topic in social gatherings. But now, she believes it was because of Kisha. "The bitch must have seduced him and instigated him to humiliate me!" She thought as a vicious glint flashed in her eyes. Eric accidentally looked up and saw his sister''s sinister look but it disappeared instantly without a trace and an obedient and sweet smile appeared on her face again. He wanted to think of it as a hallucination but that moment''s feeling felt vivid and her look was subconciously engraved in his mind and heart. That instant, his sister''s image in his heart broke down and as an older brother, he didn''t want his sister to hurt anyone. Especially that girl he had just seen outside. Just thinking of Kisha getting hurt, he felt like his heart was being stabbed repeatedly, he did not know where it came from but he just didn''t want it to happen so he decided to watch over his sister''s action. He was not like any doting brother who condoned his sister''s wrongdoings. He has already decided in his heart but shows nothing on his face to avoid worrying his parent, especially their mother who has a weak constitution. Chapter 16 Dream "Duke, we can''t continue with our way now." She looked outside the window. "I don''t think we''ll reach the outskirts before dark. The danger will intensify during the night." Duke weighs the pros and cons of continuing and thinks that there will be more variables they can''t control during the night and they have fewer combatants in their midst. So he nodded and continued to call for a conference call with his executives. Three executives joined the call, and Duke''s worries lessened after seeing them come. And another few entered. Even the executives he sent overseas were able to join and report their situations. At first, the executives were against Duke''s order to convert all his assets into supplies and other important things. And even when they heard Kisha''s prophecy like pieces of information, they were just acting, to avoid angering their boss but they were indignant because one wrong move and all of Duke''s effort over the years would go down the drain. They don''t believe the authenticity of Kisha''s words because it was so out of this world and laughable. They don''t even know why their Boss seems to believe her. They were still trying to save up some important assets for Duke but when shit really happened. They were thankful that they still followed Duke''s orders and were able to survive Their previous doubts were converted to respect, they didn''t know where Kisha got the information but it helped them save their forces. At least half of it. They reported to Duke that more than half of their people did not make it and transformed into zombies, but compared to other forces, they are still doing better. While Duke was planning with his people, Kisha went up to take a shower and rest. Her body was exhausted from the bumpy ride and 008 is currently in the process of upgrading so her system''s function is limited. Sometime later, Kisha opened her eyes in a grand spacious room, the ceiling had delicately designed carvings of dragons and angels plated in gold, and she was lying on a king-sized bed draped with white satin silk blankets and pillow casing that had gold embroidery of magnolia in it. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She felt the embroidered flower and a smile played at her lips, her soft white hand caressed her bulging stomach. She felt ecstatic as she kept on feeling the life in her stomach. After a while, she sat at the edge of the bed and looked around the spacious room, as though she was looking for something, she then spotted a baby white crib just right beside the bed, she stood up and slowly approached the crib with excitement and longing. As she touches the crib, a strong muscular arm embraces her gently from the back. She was delighted to finally find the one she was looking for, she touched his face that was resting on her shoulder, her eyes turning to crescent with delight. The man behind her placed a gentle kiss on her cheek as he continued to hug her and caressed her big stomach dotingly and said. "Son, father can''t wait to meet you." Kisha giggled like a teenager, full of bliss. Her heart brimming with uncontained happiness. She exhaled and she slowly opened her eyes, her heart full of sadness and anguish. Her face was stained with tears but she could not remember the entirety of her dream, she felt an extreme familiarity with the man, and just thinking about him made her tears uncontrollably fall. She tried to remember what he looked like but she felt as though there was a thin layer of mist concealing his face, when she felt like she was about to grasp something, that feeling would suddenly disappear and it made her feel lost and frustrated. Just a moment ago, she could still hear his voice ringing in her ear but now she could not remember how his voice sounded, all she could remember was how gentle and loving that voice was, that tugged at her heartstrings violently. She feels jittery with the thought. That dream was a bolt from the blue, that certainly is not from any of her past rebirths. She pulled herself together, thinking that it must be her inner desire that she subconsciously hid deep within. She put it at the back of her mind since it was just a dream. She headed downstairs, just in time, Grandma had already prepared the breakfast and rations they could eat on the road. Everyone noticed that Kisha was a little absent-minded, she didn''t look worried but thinking about something completely unrelated to anything that was going on around them. Grandma, however, suspected that her little granddaughter had fallen in love because of the stirring emotion in her eyes that had a shadow of longing. She silently glances at the five men on the table, including the previously unconscious Sparrow and Vulture. Kisha thought that she had already put her dream at the back of her mind but it would occasionally pop up in her head like a notification, and she suddenly fell into a daze. Duke tapped her on the shoulder, which startled her, and her head whipped to look at him. The man in her dream suddenly overlapped with Duke''s face. Stupefied for a moment, it roused her from her dazed state and shook her head. "I think I was just too exhausted that''s why my mind is playing tricks with me. I even took a dream seriously." She thought as she chuckled. "I''m wide awake now, thanks." She carries on with her breakfast. She discussed their route with everyone so they could be prepared for any sneak attack or danger that may arise at any time. Although it is only a day after the apocalypse, human''s adaptability is scarily good, she worries that people with bad intentions will take advantage of this chaos to start doing evil. If they let their guard down for a moment, there will be severe consequences, Duke and his men understood this very well, and that''s why she put extra emphasis on this to her family because they are the most vulnerable in the party. Chapter 17 Leaving While she was eating, she decided to check everyone''s status window. She only remembered to do so now because there was no time yesterday. She started from the two who had successfully awakened. ..... [Code name: Vulture] Level 0 Strength: 14 Stamina: 15 Defense: 16 Agility: 10 Mental Capacity: 9 Charm: 5 Leadership: 8 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Strong Defence Gift: Affinity with Earth Ability: Earth .... [Code name: Sparrow] Level 0 Strength: 11 Stamina: 13 Defense: 10 Agility: 17 Mental Capacity: 10 Charm: 7 Leadership: 7 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Scouting Gift: Hawk eyesight Ability: Wind ..... [Code name: Eagle] Level 0 Strength: 12 Stamina: 15 Defense: 12 S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Agility: 12 Mental Capacity: 14 Charm: 7 Leadership: 8 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None .... [Code name: Hawk] Level 0 Strength: 17 Stamina: 16 Defense: 10 Agility: 10 Mental Capacity: 18 Charm: 9 Leadership: 10 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None ..... [Keith Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 5 Stamina: 4 Defense: 4 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 20 Charm: 10 Leadership: 6 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None ..... [Victor Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 8 Stamina: 9 Defense: 5 Agility: 5 Mental Capacity: 15 Charm: 6 Leadership: 9 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None .... [Martha Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 3 Stamina: 6 Defense: 4 Agility: 7 Mental Capacity: 10 Charm: 5 Leadership: 5 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None ... Then she looked at Duke, remembering his stats. Her eyelashes quiver, she doesn''t want to dampen her self-confidence with this monster''s stats. Kisha was not surprised to see his subordinate''s stats because she knew that all his men were elites and had extraordinary physiques but what surprised her was that two of them had useful talent and gifts. Even her family has some stats that are above average and Keith even reached 20 points in mental capacity when he was just level zero, when he awakens, controlling his ability would be easy for him. After breakfast, Kisha toured around the villa and stored everything she could store in her inventory. Duke just followed her and even suggested going to the garage to get all the limited edition cars he had and also led her to his secret room. They took four big generators, solar panels, garden tools, a heating system, and water tanks were not spared. The whole villa was left bare naked, If only she could store the whole villa in her inventory, she would. She also took the expensive ornamental plants in the garden, koi fishes from the big pond on the back, and the ornamental fishes from the special aquarium in the exhibit hall that is seven feet tall and ten feet wide. She stored these things in her subspace territory. And she stored the big aquarium in her inventory, she didn''t want to leave any good thing. Kisha was pleased and couldn''t contain her smile. Once she was done, they went to the entrance of the villa and everyone was waiting for them there. I mean everyone, including the Evans family. Kisha was taken aback. "They are not planning to hitch a ride with us, do they?" She thought as she sneakily glanced at them. There were more than 30 people on their party, consisting of no more than three to four families. Based on their outfits, three of the four families are wealthy people and the last one must be their servant. The remaining are their bodyguards. Just looking at them, Kisha already knew what was going to happen next. She''s having a surge of headache. She tried her best not to give a fuck. She and her family boarded their SUV, Duke sat on the passenger seat just like yesterday. The other four were still in the other vehicle and would follow them from behind. Before they could drive off, Melody obstructed the road ahead, the other family went along with her. They all stood on the road blocking Kisha''s car. The other members of the Evans were dumbfounded, Melody only told them that they would ask Duke politely. They were panic-stricken by what Melody had done. She was standing confidently on the road an innocent smile on her face. "Duke, please give us a chance to speak with you." She glanced behind her, seeing that everyone supported her, her confidence reached another height. "We want to follow you out to a safe place. Please bring us along." Kisha observes the Evans members who are the only ones remaining standing in front of their gate. They took a peek at Kisha with guilt. Without any choice, Kisha stepped out of the car and walked slowly towards the people blocking them. "Is this how you ask someone for a favor?" She asked as she unleashed the intimidating aura that she''s been reining over these days. Everyone else felt a pang of fear standing before her and could only step back a few steps bowing their heads and refusing to look her straight in the eye. But Melody has been so used to Duke''s intimidation that, even though she is scared silly, can still speak. "What do you mean? I am not asking you any favor, we are asking Duke politely." Melody retorted. "Is this your way of asking someone politely?" "Why are you even speaking when Duke hasn''t said anything?" "Precisely because he is not speaking that I am!" Her voice turned colder by the second. "Save your words, we have nothing to speak to you. We want to speak to the one in charge." Melody glared at Kisha, unable to hide her hostility anymore. "Aren''t I here, speaking with you?" She stared down everyone and continued. "But if you don''t value your life, then, I can only drive over your body." She was about to turn around when her arm was grabbed hold of by someone. "Can you tell me how old are you now?" A woman''s trembling voice resounded in her ear before she could turn and see who held her back. Melody cried and ran to her mother. "Mom, this woman is too much!" She looked aggrieved and pitiful. "She said she would run over us and refuse to give us a chance to speak to Duke. I just want a chance to speak, I was afraid that if we did not obstruct the road first, they would just drive off without looking at us. But to think that she did not even think highly of human life for her to be able to speak this way." She briefly glanced at Kisha, indicated how barbaric she was. "But we understand if you are like this since we have different upbringings, I''ll do my best to be magnanimous and understand you were not taught properly growing up. You must not have finished school and became a gangster for you to be this violent." Melody shamelessly throws mud at Kisha, and Kisha''s patience is running thin for this woman. She was not the sort of person that kills wantonly but she hated this kind of person. They only know how to bring trouble and do not want to take responsibility. They are self-centered and too pampered. It''s better to end their life now than to let them grow another head and be a problem in the future. But the woman holding her arm had a strong grip and wouldn''t let her go. Chapter 18 Obstruction "Madam, if you are afraid that I''d hit your daughter. Then please, leash her, lest she bite just anyone." Kisha was vexed inside, she wasn''t usually like this, easily provoked. She''s been in a lot of ups and downs and has experienced many unreasonable people. But this time, she didn''t know what was making her heart clench, so much that she wanted to cry and vent her anger on Melody. She was immersed in her thoughts and failed to see the emotions swirling in the woman''s eyes. Melody still wants to taunt her but is held back by her mom, she is unresigned and wants to vent her dissatisfaction but she notices her mother''s warning gaze and she chokes up with her words. "Child please allow me to apologize for my daughter''s rash actions and crude words." Her voice was soothingly gentle, and Kisha''s heart went rampant. The woman did not offer any excuses for her daughter''s behavior, even she was shocked, the daughter she raised for more than fifteen years was sensible, always spoke highly of others, and was definitely not arrogant. She never heard her daughter fighting with anyone, especially not being malicious. She was even civil when facing women who pursued Duke. She tried to attribute it to her stress level due to the sudden changes and violence outside. Kisha remained silent, avoiding the woman''s eyes, as if a child whos done something wrong and was afraid of being scolded by her mother. "I understand, but we can''t fulfill your request." She regulated her breathing. "It was complete chaos outside, our party can''t protect all of you. If you decide to go out then you can only be responsible for yourself and ensure your safety." Duke stepped down from the car and stood beside Kisha. Melody''s eyes sparkled and shot a taunting side-eye to Kisha. "Auntie Emma, she represents the whole party. If she says we cannot bring all of you. I hope you understand, we are also only relying on her ability to navigate around the place to keep us safe." Duke said respectfully but his countenance was unyielding. Melody''s good mood was dampened by Duke''s answer. Emma smiled gently and nodded while thinking. "I understand." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She remembers that when she was tending her garden yesterday, the whole family was having a little family bonding outside. Three of the families with them were invited by the Evans to socialize and let the children broaden their social network but who would have thought that an earthquake would happen? After the earthquake a blood-like rain poured from the sky, afraid of the aftershock of the earthquake they hid under the gazebo in their backyard but only then did they realize that Melody was not with them, worried for her safety. The Evan''s member scoured the whole backyard, not minding being drenched by the questionable liquid. Only after the rain did they see Melody run out of the house. They felt relieved but not long after, they were horrified by the bloody scene that followed. Most of the servants who were soaked with the rain turned into scary-looking monsters that eat flesh, luckily, her husband and sons, along with the remaining bodyguard hardened their resolve to protect them and were able to take care of it. But because of this, everyone''s afraid to go outside. They watched the news and saw that it was happening everywhere and planned to wait for rescuers to come. Her second son even camped near the gate to have a closer look outside and wait for the rescuers. But they saw Duke and people they had never seen before come, her second son saw them come from the outside, and they thought that everything had stabilized outside. But now they are telling her that it is still chaotic outside and is hard to survive, so why is she going out there again? She felt panicky. "If it is as you say outside, then why are you leaving? This place is safer than outside." Melody interjected. "Or you just don''t want us to follow you?" Kisha, who has finally calmed down, coldly said. "Miss Evans, you can think anything you like. You are always free to go outside to venture on your own and see for yourself what the world has become." "You!" She choked up from anger. "Child, it is so dangerous outside. Why don''t you stay?" Emma looks at her, concern and heartache visible in her beautiful orbs. "We have our own plans." Kisha said, avoiding eye contact. She felt a prickling feeling when she saw heartache in her eyes. "Then let us follow you." Melody insisted. "You can follow us, but just like what I said. It is risky outside if you encounter any life-threatening danger. We will not stop to assist you in any way. You''re on your own." Exasperated, Melody retorted. "Why are you so heartless?! Don''t you care about human life?" Kisha took a quick glance at her and answered indifferently. "Caring about human life is different from ensuring my family''s safety. I can barely keep my family safe and you want to add another burden on me? You can dream on." Duke only chuckled as if he heard a funny joke. Melody flushed red, fuming because of Kisha''s answer. "You don''t have to make it sound so noble, in the end, you still don''t care." "It came directly from your mouth, I don''t care. So what? What can you do to me?" Kisha taunted. Emma pulled her daughter to stop her mouth from running. "Will-will it really be alright if we follow you?" Her worried voice made Kisha''s brows unconsciously crease. "Like what I said, we don''t care if you follow at your own risk. That is, if you can follow." Melody was so angry with her answer that she wanted to slap Kisha on both cheeks. But she doesn''t understand why her mother is allowing such a disrespectful woman off the hook. She is the noble Mrs. Evans, gentle and kind but will not suffer any injustice. "Then, child will you give us little time to discuss it with everyone?" Kisha, not forgetting what''s important, asked. "Then what can we gain by letting you follow us?" "You''re not even protecting us! How dare you ask for payment?" "Then you can go out on your own and navigate the road and see if you can survive for half an hour." "Don''t exaggerate things, you just want to extort us of money." "What''s the use of money now?" "Then what do you want if not money?" Melody snorted. Kisha''s cold voice has a hint of cheerful and playful tone in it as she said. "I just want to tour your villa once everyone''s packed up and is sitting in their car." Duke''s brows raised and looked at her and understood what she wanted. "Alright." Emma agreed before Melody could continue her tirade. "Good, we''ll give you half an hour to discuss amongst yourselves and pack up your important things. After I had my tour, we''ll leave right away." "But before that, child, can you tell me how old are you this year?" Emma looked pleading and pitiful as she met Kisha''s eyes. Kisha was choked by the lump of saliva on her throat and made a great effort to answer. "Twenty-two." Chapter 19 The Evans Family "Twenty-two?! How''s your parents?" Emma asked as she looked at the car where Kisha stepped down from. "They are my grandparents. I don''t remember about my parents." Indeed, she doesn''t remember her parents anymore or any of her family members. When her grandparents saw her on the road when she was six, they said that she had suffered a concussion in the head but other places were fine so they thought that she had been in an accident before. Then it was reported to the authorities and she was sent to the orphanage, and the Aldens waited for someone to claim her but there was none, so later she was adopted by them. Emma''s eyes lock onto Kisha''s. "Are they." She choked up but continued with great difficulty, her voice trembling. "Are they your biological grandparents?" Kisha felt uncomfortable being asked about her private matter when she didn''t know her motive, she had an inkling of feeling to not answer. "They aren''t." But her mouth beat her to it. This uncomfortable but familiar feeling is eating away at her emotions and mind. This must be the reason why she''s been temperamental since earlier. She wanted to get to the bottom of what going on with her, and that''s why she decided to let them follow them, that was an out-of-the-blue decision that was not part of the plan. She wasn''t the type of person who values morality at this point, after all, she''s been betrayed and killed more than just once. She wanted to keep her company small and as much as possible just her family, besides, she could clearly feel Melody''s hostility against her. She''s another factor to watch over if she wants to live a better life this time around. Despite that, her rationality was beaten by her own emotions. She''s never been this emotional after she experienced multiple rebirths, even when her lover and best friends betrayed her, she was angry but not sad. She was at the edge of being numb, all her raw emotions were now only reserved for her family and a little part for Duke, the only one who remained by her side and never betrayed her. Emma''s eyes started to water, and with a hoarse voice, she told them that she was going to talk to her family and the others. Melody was confused about what was going on. Her mom didn''t look angry but rather, she was melancholic. A bad feeling bubbled in her heart. Kisha and Duke went back inside the car, Duke could see Kisha''s uneasiness no matter how much she tried to hide it. While Kisha is discussing the change of plans with everyone. Emma went straight and talked to her husband. She first told the other family of what she had heard and let them discuss and decide on their own. Then she led her own family inside the villa and completely broke down. Melody''s anger was ignited. "Dad! That woman was so disrespectful to Mom, mom has been talking to her nicely but she doesn''t even care about giving face." Melody wants to say some more with hidden insults but she is stopped by her father. "Honey, what''s wrong?" He was heartbroken to see his wife crying, he dotes on her and protects her more than his life. It made him flustered to see her like this. He bent down and supported her, held her hand as gently as he could, and rubbed it with his thumb, trying to soothe her pain. "Tell me, okay?" "Our Eve." She said with a broken voice. Her husband''s body stiffened. "Why-why are you talking about Eve now?" Melody was the only one who was clueless about who Eve was. "I found her." She sobbed even louder after saying that. Everyone felt like a bolt of lightning hit them, only Melody was still puzzled. "Who''s Eve?" Her voice was drowned by Edward''s excited voice. "Really?! Where?! Let''s go and save her!" Tears started to stream down his face. But it was out of happiness, his heart was squeezing in excitement. A realization hits Eric and he excitedly asks. "Was she the girl you''re talking to earlier?" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Emma nodded like a chick pecking on food. Just then, Eric felt happy, realizing that the feeling he felt back then was what they called blood ties, blood is really thicker than water, and even though he did not know she was his sister, he was still able to recognize her. Everyone rejoiced and they huddled and cried. Only Melody was left behind. Not knowing what''s going on. "Who is Eve?" She asked with a raised voice, she didn''t like the feeling of being left behind by her family. Elios, the third son of the Evans, he proudly said. "She is my missing little sister. Eve Evans!" Melody''s mind seemed to go into shock and it stopped working that instant, her ear ringing and her whole body frozen still. "Sister? Since when did I have a sister? Why did I not know?" She thought. Her whole body felt like it was sinking into a deep swamp, and cold sweat started to form on her back. Everyone was so happy that they forgot about Melody. She was already having beef with Kisha and now she found out that she has a long-lost sister that she did not even know of before and everyone seems to only care about her now. This even further pushed her antagonism against this newfound sister, Kisha. She hated her even more. Everyone was busy rejoicing that they did not see Melody''s raging hate about to come out of her being. Having heard Emma''s explanation earlier about the plan to follow Kisha''s team outside. Edward got a new fuel to go out there and not let Kisha out of his sight. "Go! Go prepare your things!". He pushes Eric and his other sons to prepare. "Bring less unimportant things and bring more food. We don''t know how long are we going to travel outside before help arrives." Then he rubbed his chin and said. "They might not even send help. We need more supplies. Eric, prepare it and add more for your sister Eve." He smiled widely as his tears brimmed in his eyes again. Elios and Eliot, the third and fourth sons who were twins, raced to go to the kitchen to get more supplies even before preparing their clothes. Even though Melody hates that Kisha is rushing them, she can''t do anything because Duke agrees with Kisha. She did not want to be left behind. She forcefully wanted to follow them just so she could stay beside Duke, but she did not intend for Kisha to suddenly be found. She wouldn''t probably be this hostile to her sister if that sister is not Kisha, if it was someone else, she might reluctantly accept it but not Kisha. "When I married Duke, I will surely dispose of you, bitch!" She murmured as she packed up her branded clothes, bag, and shoes. She didn''t even forget to bring her jewelry with her. Chapter 20 Call me Brother Melody dragged four suitcases out of the villa, at the same time, Ethan the Second Child drove an armored army truck followed by Eliot''s Black Hummer. Two car''s trunks filled to the brim with food supplies, water, and medicine they had in storage. Eric came out with a duffle bag, he was wearing sportswear, confused he said. "Melody, what''s with the heavy luggage? We are not going on a vacation. Please wear sportswear and a cross-trainer instead." He sighs. "If anything untoward happens later, how are you going to run in high heels?" He was having second thoughts again about his sister''s character, aside from last night. As if meeting his sister for the first time again. The melody he knew was sensible, pure, and kind, and knew how to read the situation. Not the arrogant and pampered lady he''s seen since last night. A thought flashed in his head but he shook his head to dissolve the thoughts, it would further ruin his sister''s image in his head so he did not continue with the line of thought. In this short duration of exchange. Emma and the other boys are all done preparing and are all wearing dark sportswear. Therefore, they were all surprised to see Melody in a white dress and heels, not even runner shoes but heels! Ethan, got out of his car to help his mother stuff her small bag at the back and commented tactlessly and snorted. "It was like a no-brainer choice of outfit on this occasion." He was the most straightforward and no-filter person in the family, he was not that close with Melody to begin with and he was always in the army hanging out with the boys. He never filters what he says which easily annoys Melody to the core. They are like water and oil so they avoid talking to each other as much as possible, but since she is his sister still, he tries to give in to her as long as it is reasonable. Eric, as the eldest, tried to smooth things over to avoid any argument since they already lacked time and couldn''t drag out their departure any longer. "Alright, let''s not have a go right now. Melody, hurry up and change, or else, don''t whine later, no one will have the time to help you." He pointed to the row of suitcases. "Just choose two to three pairs of clothes and inner garments that are easy to move with. We are not bringing those, we don''t have enough space." "But." "No buts, either you choose or I''ll throw out everything and you''ll have to wear the clothes you are wearing now for how long, we don''t know." Ethan sarcastically said and continued with seriousness this time. "Chop chop! We only have five minutes left!" After finishing his words, he strode to Kisha''s side of the car and knocked on the glass window, sporting the most charming smile he could muster, so he thought. Kisha was bewildered because Ethan had the appearance of a handsome man but his features were rough, his skin had a healthy tan shade, his brows were a little thicker, high bridge nose, and thin lips, and his eyes were deep black but had the concealed killing intent that has built up throughout years of service. He was indeed handsome, but with an appearance that looked strict and with his sudden smile. Kisha doesn''t really know what to make out of that smile, it is indeed incomprehensible. If only his eyes didn''t appear sincere, she would think that he was there to scheme against her, worst trying to intimidate her. "That''s new, it''s my first time seeing the almighty Major General of the army, trying to fawn at someone. I wonder what he''s up to?" Duke slightly chuckled as he glanced at Kisha''s reaction. "What?! He''s trying to fawn on someone with that look?" Surprised, she looked back at Duke with a questioning gaze. "All I know is that he is certainly not someone who smiles and is very strict." "Are you pulling my legs?" She almost cackled. He gave her a sideways glance. "Definitely not." She instantly stopped and lowered the window. "What can we help you, sir?" "Hi Ev-, I mean miss. My name is Ethan Evans, the second child of the Evans. May, may I know your name?" His voice has a clear indication of excitement. "Kisha Aldens." She said indifferently but deep inside, she felt intrigued. "What can I do for you, Ethan?" "Brother." He corrected. "What?" "You can call me brother." He stared at her expectantly. "I do not call any random people brother." Ethan looked dejected and Kisha couldn''t stand it and made up an excuse. "My little brother will get jealous. " Keith''s head whipped and looked at her dumbfounded but well he agreed, he didn''t want her calling just anyone brother. "You have a brother?" His brows creased in displeasure. "Yeah, she has me. Do you have a problem?!" Keith popped up his head beside Kisha from the back seat. "You''re just a midget." He grumbled. "Excuse you?!" Keith was incensed. He is 180 cm, which is by no means short. "You''re still smaller than me though." He ignored Keith afterward and looked at Kisha instead, full of smiles. "We are all ready. You can tour the villa. Do you want me to lead the way?" She wanted to turn him down but he looked expectant and she was hesitant to burst his bubble for some reason. "You can watch the gate and make sure that everyone''s ready on the vehicle and not anyone enters until I exit the place." "Roger ma''am!" He saluted, but this time, his smile was more sincere which made him more charming. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha was dazed for a moment but Duke nudged her, pulling her from her thoughts. They then made a beeline inside the villa. Melody wanted to follow them in but was stopped by Ethan, they had a bout of argument, and before it got bigger, Eric pulled Melody to sit still in the car. Melody protested but for the first time in her life, Eric scolded her and became impatient with her. Her most gentle brother. She was shocked that she ended up tearing up but Eric did not apologize and no one from the family coaxed her. It stumped her and blamed Kisha for not letting her in. "I''m sorry brother, please don''t get angry." She silently cried as she pulled his shirt. Eric nodded but did not say anything. Until she obediently sat in the passenger seat. She was waiting for Emma and Edward to feel sorry for her and get angry at Eric for treating her that way but they did not even turn their heads in her direction, she saw them from the rearview mirror that they were both looking longingly at the entrance of the villa. They are even afraid of blinking. As for Kisha, she put the Evans family at the back of her mind and happily ransacked the whole villa just like how she did in Duke''s place. Duke led her to every corner of the villa, he even pointed out the most important and most expensive items he could see, including the luxury cars and SUVs. She''ll find a use for all of these items in the future. Her inventory doesn''t have a limit anyway. Chapter 21 Departure from East District Just like what she said, after she exited the Evans''s villa, she went straight into driving her SUV and was followed by Eagle''s armored car. Noticing the influx of zombies around the gate, she put out her arm on the window and signaled to stop. When the convoy was at a complete stop, Hawk came forward and stood beside her window. "Should I send Sparrow and Vulture out?" Satisfied. She nodded and added. "Yes." "This is a good chance for them to practice their control and stabilize the energy inside their body after awakening." She thought Understanding the mission issued. He bowed respectfully and sent the two out and he went back in the passenger seat. "When do you think we will awaken?" He asked enviously at Eagle. "I don''t know too, but I''m excited to know what''s my ability." The two guys sounded gossipy but before they could continue, they noticed that they had a long car lined up. Even Kisha saw the long line from the side mirror of the car. The car at the back saw Hawk''s people going out of their vehicle but couldn''t see far out because of all the cars, but most of them already come to the conclusion that they must be dealing with the zombies. On the third line that''s behind Eagle''s car is the Land Rover Defender in matt black that is being driven by Eric, seated inside are Melody, Emma, and Edward. Followed by Ethan''s military truck with his two brothers. The fifth was a Mercedes-Benz G-class in matt green and a Porsche Cayenne Coupe in gray, both drivers and passengers are all the remaining servants and bodyguards of the Evans. There are eight cars in total and only one family decided to remain in the district. Two cars from the very back are a Maserati Quattroporte and a BMW i7 in silver and white. These are all expensive cars, even Kisha is driving a Genesis GV80 in matt black and Duke''s armored car is a customized bulletproof armored car which is more expensive than any of the cars lined up together. She only admired it for a moment, in a while most of it would turn into junk anyway. She then pulled out the map from her inventory to recheck all the possible routes just in case. It was a two-hour ride to reach the outskirts in normal circumstances but in their case, the time will be doubled to secure their safety. "Keith put more gas in the tank. We might not have time to do so later, just to be sure." She gestured to Keith to go as she kept the map again. "Okay." He cheerfully complied. Seeing their action, Eric understood what his sister was thinking, pulled the only gas container he had, and made sure that their gas was full. Ethan also always made sure that his spare fuel container was full as a habit, so he used it to fill up his tank too. The others didn''t do anything unlike them, first, it was because they didn''t have spare fuel, second, they didn''t think much of the danger as they trusted their numbers and the mobility of the car. The people in the last two cars think that the two cars leading are enough to be their meatshields to block all incoming zombies and they just need to follow. So they were cool as cucumber. Not long after, Vulture gave a signal and Kisha started the engine and drove off. Eagle remained in his position and motioned to Eric who was behind him to move ahead and others followed. They opened the gate, naturally, they have to be the ones to close it. Everyone in the district seems to be too afraid to go out. Eagle and the others can''t just leave the gate open and harm the people inside. Do they? Even if the people got in trouble eventually, it would not be their fault anymore. Their conscience is clear. Kisha was also thinking of this, she knew that Duke''s people would not wantonly cause harm to others without good reason so she trusted that they would stay behind to close the gate. She knew they were ruthless but that was only to their enemies, they never went out to provoke other people or use their strength to bully others. This is what she likes about Duke, they have the same Philosophy, maybe not all but most. She sped up into the street, and even though Vulture and Sparrow cleared the perimeter around the gate, there were still incoming zombies so she rammed into them, their vehicle would shake every time she ran over a zombie and it would go under. From time to time it will fly over or crash into the windshield which creates a huge crack on it. But it was mostly on Duke''s side, Kisha did her best to avoid getting her side smashed by the impact so she could still see the road clearly. Duke took a quick glance at her, thinking that she was doing it on purpose but he couldn''t remember offending her. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Did I?" He asked himself. His side not only had a huge crack on it, but it was also even dripping with thick coagulated black blood, and there was some flesh stuck on the windshield wiper, and worse, some brain membranes were smeared on the windshield. Even though he doesn''t have OCD, the sight is still repulsive for him. He resentfully peeks at Kisha''s face. Kisha noticed it but acted as if she did not give a penny, but in fact, she was actually enjoying his reaction. If she could, she would really tease him but the situation is not proper, right now. The farther she gets from the gate, the denser the zombie''s number gets. She sped up again after she saw that Eagle was slowly catching up from the back. The side mirror on Duke''s side got smashed as Kisha swerved a little on the road. Duke really wanted to complain, like an aggrieved wife who was being bullied but he didn''t know how to. He could only hold to the overhead handle and not overly concern himself with what he was seeing. On the other car, Melody is already starting to get on Eric''s nerves as she keeps fussing over the splattering of blood on the windshield and her side of the window. She was even horror-stricken because of the eyeball that was hanging on the side mirror beside her. Emma was also scared but she was not as fussy as Melody, she still tried to calm down her daughter but Melody wouldn''t listen and continued to scream. It was torture for Eric who needed to focus on driving. Melody''s screaming would startle him from time to time. The pressure doubled because of her, he almost drove south and got stuck in the middle of the flock. Unfortunately, the white BMW i7 was a little low, so when it ran over a zombie, a part of its body got stuck on the bumper and the vehicle''s speed reduced a lot, many of the surrounding zombies caught up to them until it was swarmed around by the zombies. The driver couldn''t see where he was going, and it got harder to control the wheels, coupled with his anxiousness he stepped on the gas pedal hard which led them to almost crash into Eric''s car, luckily, Eric evaded it in time but the white BMW i7 crashed into the flock of zombies. The white car pulled the agro from Eric, so Eric took advantage of it and drove away as quickly as he could. He and his family saw how the car was besieged. As the zombies did not feel the pain, they struck the windshield and glass windows with their bare hands or body. Before the car completely vanished from their sight, they saw the zombies breaking the windshield and crowding the car. The people inside screamed their lungs out for Eric''s family to stop and save them, and a gut-wrenching scream soon followed. Eric and his family knew better, they couldn''t do anything at this point. This is the danger Kisha warned them of. Seeing the horrifying ending their family friend had, Melody screamed in panic. This ticked Eric off and shouted at Melody. "Shut up! If you don''t want to end up like them, then keep your mouth shut and let me focus on driving!" She covered her mouth with both hands, holding back tears. Only then did Eric let out a sigh of relief, as if a huge burden was lifted from his shoulder. His mother, although she is filled with fear, chose to silently hold onto her husband''s hand but did not look away and made sure to take everything in. Chapter 22 Robbers In the east district, the family who has decided to stay behind has a scheme in mind. They waited for Kisha''s convoy to completely disappear from sight before they ran back to the central district where the Winters and Evans family lived. "Dad! They left! And close the gate so I didn''t have to do it!" Said the young man excitedly as he gasped for air. "Good! Very Good!" He laughed merrily as he held his stomach. "Honey! The imbeciles decided to throw away their lives and did not even wait for the rescuers to come." His wife chuckles, slowly fanning her face. "It''s a good thing for us, they will die out there and for us." He scanned the big villas as he imagined his bright future. He and his family decided to pretend terrified to go outside and just wait for the rescuers to save them, his house was located in the outer layer of the district where the nouveau riche lived. Even though they lived in the East District where the truly affluent people resided, they were just from the outer layer and they couldn''t be considered one of the circle of the affluent. He did a lot of sucking up and kissing someone''s ass to get a place there. If he waited to enter the inner circle of the nobles, it would not be his turn. He even spent half of his assets just so his friend would bring him to meet the Evans. That''s right, his family was not one of the invited guests to visit the Evans. He pestered his friend to bring him along so that he could make a connection with the Evans and promote his business and himself for a chance to collaborate. But who would have thought that the world would turn upside down?! Even the heavens appreciated his hard work and gave him this chance to make a name for himself. If the only Heir of the Winters and Heir of the Evans died all at the same time. The power in City A will need to be reshuffled and there would be an opening for new forces to come and replace them. He already imagined himself to be one of them and grinned from ear to ear. "Dad, should we go in?" His daughter reminded him. "Right! Let go in!" He enthusiastically led the way. When he opened the door, everything was gone. He ran around the villa to see every corner but saw not even a spec of dust. That''s right. He went back to the Evans''s villa to steal their valuables like expensive paintings, jewelry, and such. He planned to blame it on the robbers but he did not know where the things had gone to. Just this morning, the furniture was still there, and the paintings were still hanging on the wall. Even the crystal chandelier is missing! He did not see the Evans bring out anything aside from food, medicine, and a small portion of clothes. He then ran across the road to the Winters''s home and saw the same thing. The two villas are bare naked! His son ran inside from the backyard. "Dad, even the solar panels and the plants at the back were dug clean." His son frantically said. "What''s going on?! We just left for a little while!" He was fuming, his face flushed red in anger. "Dad, do you think, others have the same idea as us? Maybe their neighbors did it?!" His daughter said unconfidently. "Even though that''s the case, it''s not physically possible. That''s a lot of valuables!" "Maybe they brought all their servant?!" His son said as he scratched his head in frustration. "It did not even take an hour for it to suddenly disappear! Even if we bring all our servants and guards, it will still take days or a whole week to completely move all the valuables. That''s only for one villa!" He was so agitated. "Only for one villa! But we''re missing two villas worth of valuables!" He roared. "Maybe they have some sort of magic?!" His son voiced out. It was an unfathomable line of thinking but no matter how much he racked his brain for the cause, he couldn''t come up with anything. He smacked his son on the head. "Stupid! Do you think I''m stupid huh?!" His nostrils expanded as he breathed in and out so hard. He looked scary. "Maybe they have installed some kind of mechanism in the villa that we don''t know and hid everything to avoid anyone from taking anything?" "Then what should we do next?" His daughter felt dejected. "What can we do? Let''s go back and observe first!" He roared and strode out. The son and daughter did not forget to close the gates on both sides and ran after their father. .... Ethan has been keeping an eye on Kisha and Eric''s car, so when he saw that Eric almost got in trouble, he immediately stepped on the gas to assist him but was overtaken by the White BMW i7. The moment he saw that the Landrover escaped successfully, he overtook to take some of the burden off his brother''s shoulder, with their tacit understanding, Eric took cover behind Ethan''s car to rest for a bit. Ethan and his two brothers inadvertently remembered the scene earlier. They witnessed what happened to the passenger of the BMW i7 much more clearly and closer than Eric and their family. Luckily, none of the three had a weak stomach and vomited at the sight. They saw the mother in the passenger seat being dragged out from the window and then bitten all over and slowly torn apart, their daughter could only let out a scream before her throat was ripped open in one bite. It was so bloody to see, their hair stood on ends and their mentality took a huge blow except for Ethan, even Elios, the doctor couldn''t handle it and went pale. As they follow behind Kisha, they almost go off track multiple times because of her aggressive driving, they don''t know when she''s going to take a sharp turn, and there are even times when she suddenly drifts. Ethan was used to this kind of car chase but Eric was having a hard time coupled with Melody''s incessant murmurs and sudden screams. He already flared at her three times because she couldn''t keep her mouth shut. It''s not that he never thought of making her unconscious for a while, it''s just that, he is also thinking of the consequences it might bring. He really has no choice. It''s a good thing that he is calm and steady, even though he got annoyed with Melody, he was never flustered. With Kisha''s lead, the road they take has fewer zombies, as if she could predict where zombies are denser. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, it''s different from Melody''s perspective. She thinks that Kisha is bringing them where it is most dangerous. She cursed ceaselessly inside her head. Her hatred is growing bigger, especially when her eldest brother shouts at her earlier. She blamed Kisha for it. Chapter 23 Time to Practice The two-hour-long drive felt like a decade for the people following behind Kisha''s car. This hellish place is eating away at their mentality, every roar that resounded sent fear onto their soul that would hunt them every time they closed their eyes. Kisha knew that everyone''s reached their limit, they were hungry, and on constant high alert. She was like them the first time she had to travel outside. It wasn''t as easy as they thought it would to adapt, they had to constantly fight the thought of whether to run away and hide or follow the group. They had yet to adapt to the changes and were mentally exhausted from the continuous drive so she was prepared to stop for lunch. However, no matter how unwilling they are to accept reality now, they don''t have the luxury to slowly adjust, only those who have a great mentality to accept and adjust to their new reality would be able to live. Seeing that there was only a small number of zombies around, Kisha pulled over to a gasoline station. Eric and Ethan also pulled over behind them, a little later, Eagle pulled over too, and was followed by the remaining car. Before she unbuckles her seatbelt she signals to Duke. "Fill the tank. We''ll just take a little stroll." Keith who was stretching his back immediately perked up. "Stroll?! To where?!" Kisha looked back and pointed her index finger on the window. Keith followed her finger as it pointed to the zombie that was crawling on the ground, dragging its almost severed body towards them. "I''ll watch you practice your moves." "Sweet!" He pulled the tomahawk axe that was hanging on his waist. "I''ll be able to use this cool baby!" Kisha shook her head in resignation. She thought that he would be afraid because this would be their first time facing and killing zombies but it seemed her worries were for naught. "Hold your horses, young man! Let me get off first before you swing that around. Tsk!" His grandfather grumbled. Keith rubbed his nose in embarrassment, he didn''t want to be a burden to his sister, and that''s why he was so excited when he heard her say they were going to practice. This is a valuable experience, he wanted to be as cool as his sister. He could still remember when she killed the zombie in the gasoline station yesterday. Her precise and swift attack was beautiful. She has quick reflexes and keen senses, he at least can see and understand that, even though he is not a fighter himself. He had seen many such OP cases in Manhua and anime, he had dreamed of being one and now an opportunity was laid in front of him. Kisha could understand what''s running in his head right now. "This brother of mine is really still a kid at heart." She chuckled. "Alright! Grandpa, Grandma, and Keith, please don''t leave my side, and don''t try to go on your own." The people are stepping out of their vehicles one by one, curious about what Kisha and the others are doing. But of course, Melody didn''t care about it, she jogged straight towards Duke who was filling the tank on the side. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sister, can I deal with that zombie?" Keith used his tomahawk axe to point at the crawling zombie from earlier. "Don''t be complacent just because it is immobile, it still poses danger. Be always vigilant, understand?!" "Don''t worry sister, I understand." Only then did Kisha nod to give her consent. Keith walked slowly behind the zombie, even before the zombie had the chance to crawl around, Keith had already swung his axe down without fear and hit the target, the round head split open like a watermelon. Thick black blood splatter a little on his hands and face. His lashes quiver a little as he smells the stench of decay. Soon after, three zombies came, Kisha dealt with the two and left behind the slowest one. Its right foot was twisted and a bone was sticking out of its flesh, and it had a cleaver knife stuck to its left shoulder blade. It has huge human skin stuck to its teeth, a big beer belly, and a few missing fingers, its white apron has turned black from the blood gushing from its wound. It must have turned not long ago. The people behind Kisha suck a mouthful of air and held their breath because the zombie looked horrendous and they are out in the open. Afraid that they would be attacked. Contrary to their fears Keith felt a surging energy in his body that he never felt before, he bolted beside the zombie and hacked its neck with his axe. But his strength is insufficient so his axe got stuck. Before he could pull his weapon, the zombie turned to face him and reached for him, he took a step back in a hurry but he accidentally fell on his butt. Kisha made a move in the nick of time and cleanly cut off its arms. Grandpa followed and hacked its head cleanly with his machete bombardier. Grandpa angrily pointed his machete to his grandson. "Your sister just said not to be complacent, and here you are attacking on your own?!" Keith''s neck shrinks in embarrassment. He admitted that he got carried away by his first kill and forgot his sister''s reminder. He looks down on his hands. "I''m sorry Grandpa and sister. It will not happen again." "It better not, if there''s a next time, we don''t know if anyone can save you by then! Hmp!" He walked straight to his wife to coax her after the fright. Keith slowly stood up, pulled his axe, and wiped it on the zombie''s body to remove the blood. Melody sneered as she watched and mumbled. "It''s what you get for showing off." Duke briefly glanced at her, before she could be elated by the attention she got. Duke walked away and went to stand beside Kisha. Eagle parked his car to refill the tank and ignored her, guarding both cars. After Keith was reprimanded, he moved closely with his grandparents to take care of one zombie, Kisha was keeping watch and controlling the number. The first one to get used to it was Grandpa as he has the foundation as a retired soldier. Followed by Grandma who has better agility than the two, of course, Keith performed well too as his agility was not far behind his Grandma. With the one with experience, Grandpa did not forget to point out the best places to attack, how to take advantage of the situation, and how to fight effectively. Later on, the three got used to it, and their movements improved and became a little coordinated. Seeing the result, Kisha was satisfied. Her eye caught a glimpse of Eric and his three brothers following their example and killing the zombies that go near their location. They have good coordination, Ethan is leading them, teaching them, and pointing out their weakness and how to make up for them. With only thirty minutes, they cleaned up the zombies in the perimeter. Kisha offers a clean towel. "Keith, Grandma, Grandpa, great job. Let''s eat lunch and continue on our way." Ethan and his brothers were jealous of Kisha''s attentiveness to her adoptive family. But they can only look from afar. The three nodded and Grandma went to the car to retrieve the lunch boxes she and her husband made early in the morning. They choose a clean place inside the store to sit and eat. Others followed and looked for something to eat inside but the shelf was robbed clean. There must be people who have anticipated the importance of food supplies early on and went to stock up. Everyone''s spirit was dampened and some even regretted following outside. They thought that it was better to stay in the comfort of their home and wait for the government. Melody looked at the white bread in her hand and then looked at the sumptuous lunch in front of Kisha. Eric saw what she was looking at so he passed her the peanut butter. "Make do with this first." She nodded but her eyes never left the food on the other side. They''re all famished, but they are all in a hurry to prepare their things and they don''t have time to cook food, aside from Kisha''s family who''s well prepared, no one else could eat a proper meal. Chapter 24 Danger! "Dad, I''m still hungry." Grayson Blythes sheepishly smiled at his twenty-three-year-old daughter. "I''m sorry my princess, endure it for a little while. Okay?" Gretha Blythes and her mom, Anna Blythes felt worried and sad. They were just having a great time spending time with the Evans yesterday morning and now. Everything has changed, they couldn''t even eat a full meal and they are in constant fear of being eaten. They''ve seen how the Dexters turned out after their car was besieged by the mob of zombies, they thought that it would be as easy as a walk in the park if they stayed at the back but the pressure was more than they could handle. They are compelled by the idea of continuing on the dangerous road but are afraid of going back, they are in a great predicament. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Grayson has an unwavering resolve to continue, not for himself, but for his wife and daughter. He has a gut feeling that they would be fine if they followed the Evans out. He doesn''t believe that they would survive if they stayed in the East District and waited for the government to save them. He is in politics so he was more familiar with politician''s train of thought and he was sure that they had already fled. He was not as naive as those who stayed. He and his family decided to persevere. But was it that easy in the apocalypse? Guess not, they were still munching on their food when Kisha quickly stood up with a grave expression. "We''re leaving!" Startled by her cold loud voice, everyone peeked at each other''s faces. Meanwhile, The Aldens, Evans, and Duke''s men speedily organize their things ready to set out at any second. They understood the dire situation they were in, and based on Kisha''s alarmed expression, they could already imagine the incoming danger. The Aldens and Duke have complete trust in Kisha''s judgment and they know of her experience so there is a basis for their trust. But even without knowing it, they would still trust her with all their heart. They did not wait for the slow poke to move, they left them and headed to their respective vehicles. The Blythes followed closely, but the servants and bodyguards were still clueless and a little taken aback by their behavior. Melody was also indignant with Kisha''s sudden order and was planning to take her time organizing the bread and peanut butter on the floor when her brother, Eric swept everything to the bag and hauled her like a chick, stuffing her in the passenger seat like a sack of potato and drove off as soon as his butt reached the driver seat. She did not have time to process and put her seatbelt on, that''s why when Eric drove like a maniac, she was slammed back on her seat before she could open her mouth to protest. The passengers of the Mercedes-Benz G-class and Porsche Cayenne Coupe were heading in their vehicle when they heard a deafening roar and blaring marching sound. Their heart was on their throat with the realization that they were fucked up. They entered their car in a hurry and drove off. Kisha and the four others were already a few meters away from them, and the distance kept getting bigger. They tried their best to speed up to get as close as possible. But no one would have thought that the Porsche Cayenne Coupe would jolt and come to a sudden stop. The Mercedes-Benz G-class crashed on the back of the Porsche. The driver cursed through his breath as he created a distance between cars and drove off, leaving the Porsche. The people inside the Porsche were distraught as they grimaced with their misfortune. The driver noticed the fuel gauge. "The fuck?!" He was seething in anger as he looked at the man sitting in the passenger seat. "I asked you to refill our tank!" It is out of fuel and they are now stuck. They couldn''t even see the tail of the Mercedes-Benz anymore. Grasping the mistake he made, he could only tremble in fear as he awaited his death. "No! I''m sorry! I''m sorry!" He mumbled over and over again. The female servant from the back screamed. "I don''t want to die! Do something!" They are all on their wit''s end. The three women at the back hysterically cried as their doom was getting closer. The driver hits the steering wheel in frustration. He inhaled some air, trying to calm his nerves. He has been a bodyguard for years so his fortitude is better than the four others, the young gardener and three young maids are still in the middle of their panic attack and despair. He glances at them and said. "Either you guys come with me or die here." He pulled a tactical knife from his back trouser. "What?! We''re going to die out there!" The young maid said in anger. "You can only choose to either die later or die now. Your choice." He did not wait for them to answer and ran as fast as he could on the road. He already saw the army of zombies marching the street to where they were. The numbers are a dozen times bigger than the ones they saw on the road earlier. He was sweating buckets out of nervousness and his hands were trembling. He couldn''t find a way out. All the cars parked outside don''t have keys and he didn''t have time to hijack one. The young maid who had made up her mind ran after him while the three were undecided. But time waits for no one when they have finally made up their mind. It was already too late for them. They were surrounded and there was no way for them to get out of the car. The two maids hugged each other as they wailed and the gardener put both his hand on his ears as he curled to make himself smaller on the passenger seat. The zombies pounded on the windows which made the three despaired even more. They could see the red-eyed zombies that looked like they crawled out of a nightmare. The bodyguard and maid ran across the road, almost every road had zombies roaming around and in considerable numbers. They were cornered and when they thought everything was over, a voice called over to them in a hushed voice. They looked around to find the owner of the voice and saw the middle-aged man hanging on the fire exit, signaling for them to climb up. The bodyguard helped the maid to reach the ladder by making her step over his shoulder. He stabbed a few zombies in the head to give himself some room to maneuver. Once she was at the third-floor balcony, he took a few steps back, jumped as high as he could, used the wall as leverage to reach the ladder, and relied on his upper muscles to pull his weight up slowly, he then heard an ear-piercing scream. During his struggle to climb up, the car''s window has been broken. The zombies raced to get inside and bit the struggling people. When he got up to the third floor, he looked down from where they came from and saw that it was crowded with zombies, the car was shaking so much from being pounded from all sides. He could only sigh in relief and at the same time, in fear. If he dragged it a little longer, he would be one of them. Chapter 25 Counting Sheep "Kisha, rest and I''ll drive us to the base." Duke said worriedly, he was concerned that Kisha was pushing herself too much and taking all the burden by herself. "Don''t worry, I can handle this much." She doesn''t want to give this responsibility to anyone else, especially right now that they are still inside City A, the biggest and most prosperous city in their country. One wrong move and they might get trapped. She doesn''t want to gamble on her family''s safety at all, they can''t even protect themselves. "I''ll let you drive once we reach the outskirts." She said as she stepped on the gas pedal to increase their speed. "Sister, we''re almost at the outskirts. Are we really staying with Duke and his people?" Keith ask. Duke''s eyes frosted over. "Is he insinuating that his sister should choose not to?!" He thought as he simmered inside, does this kid want to take his business partner away? Kisha did not think twice and answered. "We will eventually need to join a base, joining now and joining later is still the same." Duke crossed his arms in front of his chest and nodded in agreement. His anger subsided a lot. "But don''t we need to go out there to hunt zombies for the crystal core?" "Not yet, the zombie cores have yet to form, instead. Why don''t we ask Duke to include you in their training?" Duke smirked, he was given a chance to teach the brat a lesson. "Right, it''s important to know the basics." "Right! I''ve seen Hawk and the other''s strengths, it will do you good if you can learn at least one or two moves from them." Grandpa echoed. Keith only smiled as he leaned both his arms on the back of the driver and passenger seat, his head lowered. Everyone thought that he was just feeling down and doesn''t want his ass whipped out while training. Grandma wanted to cheer up her grandson, so she reached out to touch his arm however, she was surprised by the heat that was coming from his body. "You are scalding hot Keith." She yelped. She already noticed his skin turning red earlier but did not think too much about it, but now, he seemed to be having a high fever. Kisha''s body jerked, and she reached out her right hand to touch Keith''s forehead. She didn''t look worried and instead asked. "Have you felt a sudden surge of energy inside your body?" Keith slowly lifted his head with a smile and just nodded with a low grunt. He remembered that he felt a sudden surge of energy from within when he was fighting the zombies earlier. Kisha saw Keith''s actions from the rearview mirror and exclamated. "Congratulations!" A sincere smile plastered on her lips. Keith was a little delayed in his reaction and processing skills due to the suffocating heat enveloping his body, that''s why he did not understand what his sister was congratulating him for. His blood pumping to his brain with double the pressure, and his whole body is aching as if he were suffering from internal injuries and bone fractures. But he was doing his best not to let others notice his pain so he was chattering nonstop, even when his lips turned pale and his back soaked in cold sweat. He still tried not to worry his family, but he already reached his limit and wanted to take a little break, he did not expect that his Grandma would still find out. And why was his sister congratulating him? Duke''s eyebrow raises as he gives Keith a side glance. "Is he in the process of awakening?" "Yup!" she then turned her attention to Keith and looked at him through the rearview mirror. "My little brother, you''re doing great! Hang on a little longer okay?!" Her calm demeanor reassured Keith and felt like the pain he was feeling was a lot more tolerable than earlier, he was able to squeeze a smile before he passed out. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Grandpa caught him in time before he hit his head. "Will your brother be alright?" He was nervous and worried that a mishap would happen to his grandson. "Don''t worry Grandpa." She took out an ice pack from her inventory and gave it to her grandpa. "Please help him reduce the heat, or else it will fry his brain." It was too early for Keith to awaken, it was supposed to be a month later. Kisha did not anticipate that the virus''s potency would increase to ten times more than before. She was worried that the zombie''s evolution would drastically increase in numbers and the time they evolve might be earlier than usual as well. 008''s words popped up in her head, it mentioned that it was suspecting that something or someone was manipulating things behind the scenes. Was this man-made? Is it why the apocalypse broke out earlier than expected? Then, does that mean that someone other than her has experienced a regression or rebirth? Or was it just a coincidence? These thoughts were eating at Kisha''s mind, everyone feared the unknown, including her. It was true that she had experienced a hundred rebirths, but more and more things had been happening that had never happened before. Everything is spiraling out of her control. She thought, everything was already under her grasp and she would have the absolute advantage over the previous rebirths she''d been through. But the hurdle just increases in difficulty. Nevertheless, she hid her thoughts and emotions under wraps. She knew that her grandparents and Keith would only worry if she let it slip. Although she was well aware that they would do their best to assist her and carry her burden with her, it would also only mean that the danger they would face would increase. She decided to ask Duke to include her family members in the training his team conducts every day. She was just thinking of how she''d ask him. She glances at Duke, noticing her eyes on him. He met her gaze and he was stunned to see her sweet smile. He was swooned over by that smile, over his cold indifferent facade was a heart palpitating nonstop. Although it was but a brief smile, he could still see the image in his mind. ''How would it feel if she treated me like her family? How she cared for Keith. How she worried over someone. How would it feel when she caressed me gently and whispered in my ear...'' A sudden swelling pain in his lower body jolted Duke out of his reverie. A certain part of his body stood at attention, his eyes clouded with lust. He changed his position, put his left leg over his right, and pulled his shirt a little to hide what was trying to come out. He didn''t know what came over him to have this kind of thought. He couldn''t even lift his head to look at Kisha, he leaned on the window and started counting sheep in his head to calm his raging snake. Chapter 26 Good Harvest Not only did Duke''s raging snake calm down, but he even fell asleep in the middle of counting the sheep. Awakened by the sudden halt, his closed eyes fluttered. His long eyelashes cast a shadow under his eyes, his eyebrows creased as he tried to open his eyes and he exhaled while he stretched his stiff neck. "Have we arrived?" Only then did Kisha realize that Duke had fallen asleep. His newly awakened voice was a little hoarse but sounded alluring and sexy. She unconsciously closes her eyes for a moment to savor his voice as it sends a shiver down her spine, down to her navel. A little daze, she answered. "We are on the outskirts." When she met Duke''s misty eyes, the stirring in her navel got stronger that it sent an electrifying feeling to the tip of her fingers down to her toes. She came back to her senses when she heard someone clear their throat. She was in a moment of shock. "Have I always been this horny?" She thought as she felt her face, ears, and neck heat up. The eagle-eyed Duke was silently monitoring the changes in her expression from the moment he opened his eyes. He was in a good mood after finding out that he had the same effect on Kisha as she had on him. [Ding...] She forgot her embarrassment from the sudden notification. [Congratulations for upgrading the system to level 1] [Congratulations for Completing the F-class Mission "The Good Samaritan"] [Congratulations for Completing the Hidden Mission "Street Cleanup."] The continuous notification sent her head ringing. "I''m back host! Miss me?" 008 is in a jovial mood after its first upgrade in this life. "I can now perform a 5 meter-radius radar scan!" "Great! We''ll set your next upgrade in a few days time, but first, let''s see how many points we have accumulated." "Right away host!" He paused and continued. "As of this moment, we currently have 575, 000 points available. You earned 500,000 from the F-class mission and another 50,000 from the hidden mission!" It exclaimed in excitement. Kisha''s eyes bloomed into an animated smile. "Good harvest!" It appears that her system has some conscience and now feels guilty for making her poor in points in her previous lives and now giving her better rewards. Feeling its host''s disdain over it, 008 could only aggrievedly keep silent. It was also a victim of the stingy missions. It was not the one giving out missions but it only accepts it. 008 wanted to file a complaint but there was no outlet to vent its dissatisfaction with the injustice it receives from its higher-ups. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha pulled the emergency break and gave a passing glance at Duke with a blank face as if what Duke had seen earlier were mere illusions. She then started checking on her brother''s situation, his veins were protruding so that it looked like it was about to combust any second. Their Grandmother was fidgety, worried about her grandson''s rising temperature, she asked for another set of ice buckets from Kisha to cool down Keith''s almost boiling body. Seeing how busy they were, Duke left them to their device and went straight to Eric''s car. As soon as the window rolled down, Duke asked without reservation. "Where do you plan to go now?" "What about you?" Eric tried to pry some information from Duke, not necessarily to know about his next step but to simply know if Kisha was going with him. "Are you guys going to the military evacuation center in City C?" Duke shook his head. Eric frown. "Are you heading to a different Military base or evacuation center? Are you meeting up with Auntie and the others?" "Yes and No." Eric was extremely frustrated, Duke has always been a man of few words but he''s seen him chatting casually with his sister, so he thought he had changed quite a bit. ''But I guess he is discriminating against gender?!'' "What do you mean Yes and No?" He asked as he reined in his frustration. "I''m meeting with my people and have my own place prepared." "Can-can we follow you? Please?" Emma pleaded and Melody nodded enthusiastically. "You should go to the evacuation centers, you''ll be well protected there." "We''ll do our best not to be your burden." "Auntie, I''m afraid that my organization won''t be able to cater to you like what the other bases can provide for your position. You''ll be treated well on any base." Duke exhaled. "You don''t have to cater to our needs, we can work it out ourselves. All we ask is for you to let us stay with you guys." Edward interjected, he knew that his wife was emotional and couldn''t currently express her emotions the way she wanted to. Duke pretended to think. "Uncle, we are both businessmen. What can I get from allowing you to stay?" "But we are family friends! We don''t have to be calculative with each other, do we?" Melody said as if it''s the most natural thing in the world. "We are. But my supplies are limited. We don''t know how long this disaster will last, it could be a lifetime danger we have to face, by then, supplies will be the most crucial and significant in survival." "Then, are you bringing their family with you?" She pointed at the car where Kisha and her family were. Although, Melody said it with curiosity in actuality she had a deeper meaning in her question, Eric and his parents did not say anything because they also wanted to know where Kisha was heading so they could follow. "They are coming with me." "Then, what''s the difference between them coming and us coming?" Melody calmly asks. "I did not say you can''t come, however, I don''t keep useless people. As I''ve said, I have limited supplies." Melody smiled as she continued. "With what you said, they aren''t useless. Tell us, what can they do that we can''t for you to not give us the same treatment as them?" "First of all, she is my partner. It is our base and we share the supplies. And you?" Duke''s cold gaze lingered on Melody''s face but Melody did not feel good at all, she could feel the warning hidden beneath. "Son, you don''t have to worry. We''ll look for supplies, work around the base and we don''t need special treatment. Eric and I can assist you with anything we can, Elios is a doctor so he can be of great help, Eliot can also work in the kitchen. And as you know, Ethan is a Major General so he''ll be a great addition to your people in terms of defense and fights. As for my wife and Melody, we''ll do their part." Edward said. Flustered, Emma added. "No, I can also help out. I can assist Elios or Eliot in their work." She was afraid that if she showed that she''d be a burden, Duke would not agree and she''d have no chance to spend time with her daughter, Kisha. She has yet to tell her about their familial ties and how much she missed her. Duke''s facial expression turned calm with a hint of gentleness that was not that visible. "Auntie, it''s not that I don''t want you to come with us, of course, my mother will love the idea of you accompanying her, especially now. But I don''t want a troublemaker in my place." At the end of his sentence, he glances at Melody. Eric who is sensitive to people''s feelings, caught the underlying meaning of his words and assured Duke right away. "We will keep it under wraps and will not let anyone from our family cause trouble." "Better be, I have strict rules and a punishment system for violators." Melody gulped the lump of saliva on her throat, she knew how cruel Duke could be, so she decided to change her approach to dealing with Kisha. She was only planning to cause trouble for Kisha so she would be kicked out. Chapter 27 Valley Edward assigned Eric to speak with his brother and the Blythes about the arrangement they agreed with Duke. It appears that aside from their family, only the Blythes were able to follow them. Although the Blythes were in a sorry state, they are still alive. They did not even notice when they lost the Mercedez-Benz that was following from the back. Ethan and his two brothers did not have any opinion with the agreement either, as long as they can follow Kisha, everything is fine. As for the Blythes, after hearing about the agreement, they did not kick a fuss and agreed right away. Or should I say Grayson, agreed without so much thought. He did not care if his wife was kicking a fuss, he just followed his gut feeling. Hearing that her husband would discipline her if she as much caused trouble, Anna felt scared and quieted down. Gretha was meek, to begin with, so she did not say anything and just silently sat at the back. Once everything was settled. Hawk led the convoy to the Valley that was prearranged as their settlement. It only took them 3 whole hours to travel without any difficulties on the road, and within these three hours, Kisha was able to have a shut eye on the passenger seat while Duke drove steadily. "Host, we''re almost at the destination." 008 reminded her. She slowly opened her eyes and looked out at the window. What greeted her was a tall mountain, surrounded by a vast forest. She wound down the car window and savored the clean air. The place was the typical place good for mountain climbing and excursions Kisha was satisfied with the location and she smiled as she let her hair flow with the wind. This is indeed a luxury for her. In her previous lives, there was no clean air, the smell of decay was so strong that it could be smelled everywhere. The trees and plants that did not mutate were slowly dying, the soil turned so rusty that no plant or vegetable could grow and the water was something that could not be easily consumed, and everyone thought it was better to have food poisoning than to accidentally drink the water. That memory was truly gloomy. The lush trees and clean air soothe her worries about the future and decides to cross the bridge when they get there. For now, she wanted to enjoy the scenery as if she were going on a picnic, she felt her mood improve drastically. Soon, they exited the lush forest and were met by a cave-like valley, it was so huge that it was almost one-third of the humungous mountain, although it was a cave-like formation, but it was more like a cliff that was leaning out and covering some part of the valley that creates a shade. It has a wall that was made out of naturally formed limestone, the location faces east so it has enough sunlight and there was a modern building attached to the cliff that was almost blending with the wall, if not for her good eyesight, she would not notice it. "It was indeed a good hiding place." Duke only smiled when he heard her compliment. As far as Kisha could remember, this was not where Duke set up his base. She was wondering if something happened in this place or if it was attacked by mutant plants that he had no choice but to transfer his base to City B? Aside from mutant plants, this place is easy to defend against zombie hordes and attacks from humans. But this is none of the concern now, she bought the territory pack for this reason. She wouldn''t have to worry about the overall defense of the place within her territory, and now that she thought about it. She hasn''t fully dived into the use of the territory pack aside from knowing about the subspace-type farm, orchard, and other facilities. She decided to do some experiments once they settled down. She nodded in agreement with her decision. Duke parked the car under a huge tree with wide branches providing shade for them. In front was a large open space and a little further ahead was the building. The building was ten stories high and its expanse was almost half of the place, which was tens of thousands of square meters. He did a quick scan around the surroundings before looking at Kisha, seeing that she was in a good mood, Duke''s eyes turned gentle. "We have arrived. You can ask Hawk to lead you directly where the warehouse and check if your request has been fulfilled. After all, you''ll be responsible for the Defense and Supply Management." Astounded, her head whipped almost instantly to look at Duke. "Since when?" "Just now." Duke gave her a challenging smile. "You up or afraid?" Her eyebrows twitch in irritation as she looks at Duke''s sarcastic smile. "Bring it on!" Duke chuckles. "Don''t worry, you can do whatever you please and order anyone you like." "You said it, no takebacks." Kisha smirked, there was an evilly playful glint in her eyes. "Hmm." He nodded. When she stepped out of the vehicle, Hawk and Vulture were already waiting by the door. Hawk stood straight, puffed out his chest, and said while wearing a salesman''s smile. "Let''s go Ms. Aldens, I''ll lead you to the warehouse." She nodded and instructed Vulture to bring her family to their room to rest. She scanned the place and noticed Duke with a grave expression on his face, rushing to the building. She silently followed Hawk to the right outermost corner where a bunker-like building was standing tall. It was located in a secluded place surrounded by a cliff. "008, scan the surroundings for people where we''ll pass later. Let me know if you pick up signatures different from the people with us" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. During her brief exchange with 008, Hawk did a retina and fingerprint scan before putting in the code, after a careful process, he pushed open the twenty to thirty-foot-tall automatic iron door. A loud mix of noises from different animals was heard the moment the door was opened. Kisha placed her attention on the stimulated animals, they were all so noisy that it gave her a headache. She took a closer look and noticed that there was no food or water placed for them, she looked around and found no one taking care of the livestock. She waved her hand and placed all the livestock in her territory subspace. "Where are the supplies?" She asked in a hurry. Hawk led her to the innermost part of the room and there was another big iron door separating a different room from where the livestock were located. He performed the same security check before they were able to enter the room. The second room was two times bigger than the last and was brimming with boxes of supplies of different categories. Kisha''s eyes lit up after seeing the amount of supplies they had and started planning its uses and management. But before she let herself be consumed with excitement, she stored all the supplies in her inventory, straightened her posture, and strode back to the building. There was something she needed to confirm. Chapter 28 Territory Pack Kisha rushed to the building but no matter where they go, they can''t find anyone. There was an ominous feeling bubbling in her heart the longer she walked around the building, in the end, she decided to head and seek Duke. Hawk led her to the conference room where Duke was having his call with his subordinates. Kisha pulled the nearest chair and sat, she waited for his call to end before she asked. "Care to explain what''s going on?" Duke was silently thinking with both his hands intertwined under his chin. His frown could squeeze a fly in between, he doesn''t seem to hear Kisha''s question because his brain seems to have come to understand some possibilities of a certain situation. Kisha repeated her question only after she had gotten his attention. Snapping out of his spiraling thoughts. Duke answered. "The convoy that was supposed to bring my family here has been intercepted. And we have lost contact with them. Including Tristan." He exhaled deeply and continued. "My people have been looking for clues around. But because of the chaos outside, our network has been paralyzed." "When did it happen?" Kisha inquired. "Last night, I presume." Kisha remembered that Duke mentioned that he couldn''t contact Tristan anymore. She then fell into deep contemplation. If her memory serves her correctly. Duke has never mentioned his family in her previous life and not just that, she could not remember seeing Tristan, Hawk, and the others. Not even once. ''Could it be?!'' "Do you at least have a clue where they were before they disappeared? Or did Tristan leave any clues? Any rendevous location?" Duke tried to think again to see if he missed some important information or clues. Aside from the last text message Tristan sent him at dusk, nothing else could be used as a clue. "I have sent my people to the last known location to investigate." He appeared downcast as he spoke. "I have a suggestion, do you want to hear it?" Kisha said, neither cheerful nor hopeful but informative. Duke stared at her for a full minute before he nodded. "Send Sparrow to investigate." Sparrow who was silently standing on the side, was jolted in nervousness as to why he was called. Kisha continued when she saw Duke''s probing gaze and looked at Sparrow. "Have you noticed some changes in your body like getting better eyesight during the day or night?" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow deliberated in his head before he nodded in confusion. "I have seemed to feel that way." He looked nervously at Kisha, wanting to consult something, he only continued when he saw her nodding in his direction. "I can also feel my footsteps getting lighter." "Which means?" Duke stared at Kisha, probing for an answer. He had a conclusion in his head but he needs to confirm it with Kisha. "This change is the indication of his talent and gift." "His awakened ability?" "It is greatly associated with his awakened ability. Talent and gift are perpendicular to awakened abilities, but not all awakened have them. It is highly likely linked to a person''s potential." She pointed at Sparrow. "In his case, he awakened the wind ability and was also gifted a hawk eye, which compliments his talent in reconnaissance." Understanding her point and what she wanted Sparrow to do, he answered. "If that''s the case, it is indeed our best choice to send him without alerting the enemies." Sparrow was wondering when he mentioned his awakened ability to Kisha? But unlike him, Duke had an epiphany about Kisha''s ability. He did not pry any more than necessary and directly agreed to send Sparrow out on a mission together with Vulture as a safety measure. He has many enemies and this is sure a great chance for them to strike, his expression doesn''t look angry but inside his head, he was already planning how he would skew and torture his enemies so that they would regret that they did not die out there and instead decided to provoke him. He was not called a tyrant for no reason. Feeling his growing blood thirst, she tapped his shoulder and consoled him. "It''s better not to have any news than having bad news, doesn''t it?" Seeing the worry in her eyes and the gentleness in her voice, his bloodthirst dispersed and he returned a smile to assure her that he was now feeling better. But they did not stop getting busy, they quickly sprang into action to check all possible locations where they could be hiding. A lot of possibilities and outcomes had already crossed inside Duke''s head, his brain was running a few miles in seconds and Kisha felt bad for him. She knew that this must be the tragedy that happened to Duke in her past life. She did not pry much about it because Duke never wanted to reminisce about his past that much, he would always try to avoid the discussion when the topic was brought up. Who amongst the people who survive the apocalypse does not have a tragic life? Everyone has, and she fully understands it but she doesn''t want Duke to experience the same tragic end he had experienced before, this is what she owes him. She is determined to help Duke find and rescue his family, so she asks 008 to look for an item that can be used to track people without concern about the cost, she would keep the item aside for emergencies. 008 understood how much sacrifice Duke made for its host that''s why it did not oppose the idea even when it knew how hard it would be to gain those points back and immediately went into action in searching in his vast sales channel. After leaving 008 in charge of the item, she excused herself and let Hawk lead her to her room, not forgetting to remind him to keep her updated about the investigation. Once she felt Hawk''s presence getting further, she closed the door and made sure that it was locked before she turned to her system interface. She opened her Territory pack, and what greeted her was a holographic version of the mountain and vast forest, floating in front of her. She felt the novelty of the futuristic and magical vibe it presents. She savored the feeling for a bit before she started studying it, she could zoom in and out of any place she desired and the infrastructure was very life-like, so she poked it a little, right after her action, a notification popped up. [Do you want to place the territory in the chosen location?] Just below the message were the buttons. [Accept] or [Decline] After clicking accept, the interface showed a loading page and just after 5 minutes, the holographic map showed a green flag where the building was and it was surrounded by a dome-like grid that expanded to the whole valley which is a hundred thousand square meters in size. She then tried to click the green flag and another option showed. [Territory Management] [Territory Upgrade] [Relocate] She giggles like a child as she busied herself getting familiar with her new toy. As time passed by, her brows started to crease in dissatisfaction. It turns out, that her subspace facilities did not offer 100 acres per facility but it will start from 1 acre and will only increase little by little through an upgrade. So what she saw before was the fully upgraded version and if she wanted to upgrade it over 100 acres, then, she needed to buy the territory upgrade that cost 500,000 points. "So that''s what it meant when it says upgradable?!" She mumbles through gritted teeth. But she could not do anything anymore since she already bought it. She then clicked the Territory''s status window again. [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] 1 acre of land (subspace type - upgradable) 1 acre of pond (subspace type - upgradable) Full 1 acre Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - upgradable) Full 1 acre of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) Full 1 acre of rainforest (subspace type - upgradable) Poultry (subspace type - upgradable) Full Pigpen (subspace type - upgradable) Full Cow shed (subspace type - upgradable) Full Show more ... As she scanned through the interface, she noticed that some facilities were full so she checked the upgrade requirement, and she was relieved to see that it only required 1000 points to upgrade to level 2, so she upgraded the pond first and was instantly infuriated when it only increases to 2 acre after the upgrade and it was still showing full! In the end, she used up 100,000 points to upgrade all facilities needed. [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] 1 acre of land (subspace type - upgradable) 15 acres of pond (subspace type - upgradable) 10-acre Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - upgradable) 15 acres of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) 1 acre of rainforest (subspace type - upgradable) Level 12 Poultry (subspace type - upgradable) Level 13 Pigpen (subspace type - upgradable) Level 15 Cow shed (subspace type - upgradable) Show more ... She inhaled and exhaled deeply as she tried to repeatedly tell herself that it was useful and no need to be stingy with points. Once she had fully calmed down her aching heart, she started looking at the holographic map to decide where she would place the facilities so that others could help her tend to the livestock. After forming a plan in her head, she started to get busy again while waiting for news from Sparrow and Co. Chapter 29 Work Allocation A knock called her attention from the territory management. She thought it was Hawk who came to report the update from Sparrow''s investigation, so she immediately went ahead and opened the door. However, who greeted her with a smile was Emma, who was standing with Eric and Ethan. They both have an amiable expression on their faces, without waiting for her to speak, Emma said. "Hi, Ms. Aldens! Eagle led us to our rooms earlier and told us to go directly to you to know our post." Emma had an indescribable feeling swirling in her eye and she kept staring at Kisha''s right jawline. Kisha was confused by her emotional gaze, then she minced Emma''s words and thought that it must be because she was worried that she''d have to do heavy work, it is indeed worrying for someone who grew up in an affluent family to suddenly start working around the base. She sighed. Before she stepped out of her room, she glanced out the window and realized that it was dark outside, which meant, she spent at least a couple of hours fiddling with her territory and missed checking on Keith. Knowing that her little brother would be fine, she faced the task at hand first. "Hello, Mrs. Evans. I apologize for the delay, I was supposed to be the one to call for a meeting for the work allocation the moment we arrived, instead, you even came to remind me. Please forgive me." Kisha said neither overbearing nor humble. Visibly flustered, Emma answered without knowing where to place her hands. "Wha-what are you talking about Ms. Aldens?! We heard that you had an important matter to attend to earlier, besides, we were able to rest because of it. So you did us good." She knew that her actions of staring could make anyone uncomfortable that''s why she was feeling a little embarrassed. She knew that it was weird for her family to easily accept what she said about Kisha being their missing daughter without prior investigation or proof, but that''s how desperate they were. They''ve been looking for Eve for 16 whole years without any result. All they knew was that she was kidnapped from the school gate, and every trace was wiped clean. They used all possible means to look for her but still, everything was for naught. They almost lost all hope, until she saw Eve, she had an uncanny similarity with her and her husband as well as the three little star birthmarks on her jawline arranged in a triangular shape. If only there was a way to do a paternity test, they would do it right away so they could easily explain it to Kisha. But until then, everything is just their speculation. But Emma was so sure that Kisha was Eve, her maternal instinct told her, and because of this little hope she would sometimes get overwhelmed by how much she missed her little princess. She wanted to hug her, spend time with her, and do other things like a normal mother and daughter would do. That''s why she would always look at Kisha with longing and pain which she knew could make Kisha feel uncomfortable. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Emma was pulled from her trance by Kisha''s cold and indifferent voice. "Thank you for your understanding, Mrs. Evans." Emma controlled her pounding heart to calm down and repeatedly told herself to approach Kisha little by little and let her feel comfortable in her company. "Just call me Auntie." Kisha neither agreed nor disagreed and just smiled a little. "Please call everyone and head to the conference room, I''ll be there in a short while." The quiet Ethan found a chance to speak. "Where are you going? Would you like me to escort you there?" "No thank you, I''ll just check on my little brother." Ethan''s smile froze and turned into a depressed look, he also wanted Kisha to call him brother affectionately but the last time he did, he was shot down right away. He is eager to spend time with his little sister however, he is also afraid to scare her away and thinks that he''s a weirdo. Ethan was in a dilemma for the first time in his life, he had never once felt the need to please anyone before, so he was unsure of what to do to get closer to Kisha. He was racking his brain for an answer when Eric stepped in with a smile, enough to ease the little awkwardness in the air. "We''ll wait for you in the conference room then." He then nudges Ethan to leave with him while supporting his mother to follow them. Kisha somehow finds Ethan''s fidgety look a little cute and an unconscious smile surfaced on her lips. After the trio disappeared in the corner, she launched the territory interface, zoomed in on where she was standing, and started searching for where Keith and her grandparents were. ''This feature is really cool, I can see the miniature version of all the people inside the base and see what they were doing....'' An image flashed in her mind the instant she finished her sentence. And she then slapped her forehead, this is clearly stalking, and doesn''t that mean that she can see what everyone''s doing, including their private affairs? Kisha''s face heated up in embarrassment the moment the thought hit her. ''This feature is banned!'' Kisha decided to only use this feature when absolutely necessary, or else, she''ll see something unmerited. Her hair stood on end and felt like something was crawling on her skin. ''This is kind of scary!'' After composing herself and putting the embarrassing thought in the back of her mind, she went back to her business. In order not to spend too much time checking each person''s identity and whereabouts, Kisha clicked the search bar on the upper right corner of the map and typed Keith''s whole name, and an arrow appeared on the holographic map which was also displayed in real life, so she directly minimized her map and just followed the arrows around the building. This conveniently helped her locate Keith, and soon she was standing in front of the door. Just before she opened the door, the doorknob turned and her grandpa stepped out, followed by her grandma. She craned her neck to peek inside but the room''s dark so she could only see Keith''s outline and hear his even breathing through her heightened senses. Grandma Martha held Kisha''s hand in a comforting manner and said softly. "You don''t have to worry dear. Keith''s fever has died down and he was just sleeping now. Your grandpa also helped him change to a new set of clothes." Kisha smiled. "I know Grandma. I was just here to check on him and to call you guys for a meeting." Grandpa Victor saw his granddaughter''s calm demeanor, and he smiled as he urged them. "Let''s go then." Not before long, they arrived at the conference room, everyone was present aside from Hawk and Duke who were busy at the moment. Kisha observed that the spacious conference room was halfway full, with the attendance of the Evans and Blythes families. She walked straight to the very front where Eagle was standing guard, her grandparents sat at the very back of the room. She first introduced herself and her position in the base and asked everyone to introduce themselves, right, the very typical first-day class introduction if you must say. After figuring out their previous jobs, she decided on their positions, Ethan was obviously placed to train the newbies and guard the base''s perimeter alongside her Grandpa Victor, Elios was tasked to work in the mini hospital, Eliot was in charge of cooking together with Mrs. Evans, Eric together with Mr. Evans would be in charge of supply distribution and allocation And last but not the least, Grayson, Anna, Gretha and Melody will be working on the livestock. But of course, Kisha would still need to overlook their jobs through her system interface which was connected to the territory. This reminded her of a game she played on her senior year where she could slowly build her village and turn it into a city through repetitive upgrades and commanding each person to do certain work or task to increase the city''s exp. "What was that game again? Right! Medieval Dynasty." She thought and continued with the discussion. Chapter 30 Work Allocation 2 "Why do I have to work with the stinky animals?! Are you perhaps targeting me?!" Melody said in outrage, she felt that she was demeaned by Kisha for putting her in a filthy place such as pigpens and the like. Kisha paused her discussion with Eric and turned to Melody who was red from anger. "Then tell me what can you do Ms. Evans?!" Her cold voice permeated the entire place. "There are other places you can put me to work. I can be Duke''s assistant." Kisha let out a cold chuckle that could send people''s hair standing. "Do you think, we are still in a society where being a CEO''s assistant is good enough to put food on your table?" Melody was wearing an arrogant look, thinking that Kisha was afraid of her getting close to Duke by being his assistant. "What''s wrong with being his assistant? Are you afraid?" She gave Kisha a challenging smirk. Eagle on the other hand was giving Melody a mocking gaze, as if he was looking at a stupid girl who was still living in her own world. Kisha withdrew any form of smile on her face, her blank stare made Melody feel not just uncomfortable but scared. She started to sweat but she didn''t want to back down. Kisha''s voice and aura turned a few degrees colder which made everyone in the room suck in their breath. "First of all Ms. Evans. You''re not here as a guest, so you can''t choose what you want and don''t want to do. Second, you don''t have any other admirable traits in survival or other house chores. Third, food is not free so if you want to eat, then work and learn to follow your superior. Fourth, you can''t even take care of yourself and yet you want to be Duke''s assistant? Tell me, if I threw you out there would the zombies spare your life just because you can play the piano or would they watch you dance?" Melody was fuming for being humiliated in front of everyone and the worst part is, not a single person from her family said a thing to defend her. If eyes could kill, Melody had already killed Kisha multiple times. She started to skin Kisha alive in her head and said. "According to your logic, I am so useless, so isn''t it better if I just serve as an assistant to Duke so I could learn a thing or two?" "True, you might learn something if you follow him. But we are now in a time-constrained environment where every second counts. Farming and growing animals are most important. So, don''t you think that you''ll be very helpful if you just do the task assigned to you?" "How dare you treat me, the only Evans''s heiress like this?!" She emphasized the word heiress, not wanting to recognize Kisha as her sister. "Hmmm. You are indeed the Evans''s heiress, but this is not your company or home. So don''t use that crap on me." Kisha deflected. "YOU!" Melody said with gritted teeth, her hands balled and her nails digging to her flesh. "What?!" Kisha lazily raised her brows and continued. "If you''d like, there''s another solution." Melody did not answer but still waited for Kisha to continue. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You could just leave. Go to any base or evacuation center, there, they will treat you with respect and they will not ask you to do any filthy job unbefitting your position. How about that?" Melody disdained Kisha for being barbaric and unsophisticated but she hated her even more for always getting in her way in getting close to Duke and for trying to take her family''s attention from her and now, she''s even sending her to a filthy place to work. She really wanted to go up there and give her a double-sided slap on the face. Melody''s face contorted in an unsightly manner because of her uncontrollable rage, even Emma could not take it anymore. "I''ll just exchange positions with Melody, Ms. Aldens." "Mrs. Evans, I have put everyone in their respective position considering their previous jobs and strengths as an individual, which I think will be helpful with the base. But if you wish to take her position instead, I will not interfere. I just wish she''s not going to pull anything stupid or be a hindrance in the kitchen." Emma''s face flushed red, she had nothing to retort. Even she found her daughter Melody narrow-minded in this situation. She could only bear the responsibility for her as her mother and avoid direct confrontation between her two daughters. She was indeed caught between a rock and a hard place. Yet, Melody did not appreciate the gesture and just snorted. Thinking that she would teach Kisha a lesson sooner or later. "I just came by to have a look, but I didn''t expect to witness this." A very cold voice reverberated throughout the conference room, everybody was equally nervous but Kisha was lazily looking at the person who spoke. "We are almost done with the meeting, if you have anything you would like to add, please do so." "Hmm. I left you completely in charge of this matter. If there''s anyone who doesn''t want to listen to your arrangements, just throw them out to fend for themselves outside." His gaze lingered on Melody as he reiterated it word for word. Hearing Duke''s words that were aimed at her, Melody quieted down and tears started to fall from her eyes like a faulty faucet. "I''m sorry Duke, I don''t want to cause trouble. I just wanted to be of use to you." Her tears pulled Edward''s heartstrings, as her pitiful appearance and choked-up voice as she apologized made him feel bad for his daughter, they raised her for so many years and doted on her. She was a pampered rich lady, and now she has to suddenly accept a situation where she has to do something she has never done before. He somehow felt dissatisfied with Kisha, feeling that she was targeting Melody on purpose. He glances at Kisha before stepping in to coax Melody and apologize to Duke on her behalf. "Duke, I apologize for my daughter''s behavior. I hope you don''t take it to heart, she was used to a carefree life so she hasn''t adapted to the sudden change and her stress level just led her to this." "Just take it that my daughter is being willful." Edward''s smile was strained. Kisha felt that she had gone too far by scolding Melody, it was true that she used to be the young miss of an affluent family and she wouldn''t be able to adjust in just a day. So she relented and let Emma and Melody change places since it would not hinder any of the base''s operations. And to also give them a little leeway for Duke. "All of us here were forced to accept what the world has become, if we are going to wait for some people to adjust, we''ll die from the zombies that never stop a second to find their next meal." Duke looked around and observed each person''s expression without missing a beat. "If you think, it is unfair for you to do the dirty work, you are free to go out there to gather your supplies and pay for your accommodations. We will not ask you to do anything else." Everyone''s faces turned pale, they knew how scary it was out there and they only survived by relying on Duke''s team to get here. If they go out there again to try their luck, who knows how they will die? Chapter 31 Anger The atmosphere was tense and heavy, but for Kisha, it was good that everyone was reminded of the danger. They are being complacent just because they have found a place to settle down. This tense atmosphere was interrupted by Hawk who came in a little later than Duke. With the frowning Duke, he could already imagine that some of the people in the conference room had rubbed him the wrong way. He accidentally made an eye contact with Eagle, if only eyes could speak. Eagle''s eye would have already said. "Do something!" Hawk cleared his throat to get Duke''s attention, and once he did, he whispered something in his ear that made Duke''s body turn stiff, he pursed his lips and the suffocating aura around him intensified. He eyed Kisha to follow him outside, feeling that it was a piece of important information, she followed suit almost instantly. And before she left the room, she gave Eagle an order to take care of the rest. When everyone thought that Eagle was a soft persimmon and was easier to deal with than Kisha, they started another bout of complaint and the room was in a moment of chaos, but Eagle who is a capable elite, did not take long to keep everything in order and did not care about anyone''s dissatisfaction. He did not argue like Kisha did nor intimidate anyone like Duke but his killing intent was plain and simple, he let his attitude tell everyone that he would not hear any of them and he just followed one man, and maybe, an additional woman. And Melody was not so stupid after all, they already heard Duke''s stance so if she continued to make a scene, there was no telling when they were going to kick her out so she compromised. She retreated to advance. "I apologize Mr. Eagle for my narrow-mindedness and for giving you trouble. I will follow your arrangement and will learn with all my heart. And I hope that you will not hold this against me." She smiled gently. Edward was glad to see his daughter going back to being sensible like she used to be and felt that he should take good care of her as much as possible. He subconsciously started comparing the sensible Melody to the cold Kisha and felt that the latter was too insensible. .... Duke led Kisha to his office, just like his office in Alpha Empire Corporation the big room had a black and wood theme which looked elegant and noble. The floor-to-ceiling window behind Duke reflected the dark and gloomy forest which added a hint of danger to the person sitting in the middle of the room with his cold aura permeating the room. Kisha took a big stride and sat on the sofa in front of Duke and waited for him to talk. "Sparrow had found a trace of the convoy." He exhaled and his aura turned colder before he continued. "He reported, out of the twenty elite guards. They encountered seven that turned into a zombie, those seven had severe wounds on their body and." He paused for a moment, trying to contain the heavy bloodlust and anger that wanted to come out of his body. And through gritted teeth, he continues. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Their limbs were intentionally broken while they were alive and were gnawed by the zombie as they struggled for their lives. They could hardly be recognized, if not for their dog tags." Hawk, who was standing behind Duke had a tense jaw, veins bulging in his forehead and jawline. His eyes are red but he refuses to shed a tear, the hands behind his back are balled so tightly that his knuckles turn white. He could hardly imagine how much pain and suffering his brothers had to experience to turn out like that. He could not erase from his memory how they looked like from the pictures, Sparrow sent just now. They all looked miserable, he could not imagine how much hatred the person who did it had for them. And because of it, they are more worried about the Old master, Mr. and Mrs. Winters''s whereabouts, and hope that they have yet to fall into the enemy''s hands. Kisha felt the need to say something to console Duke, but she could hardly think of anything to say right now. She had already accepted this kind of outcome in the apocalypse and many such occurrences happened in her past life, those who have evil minds weaponized zombies like this against their enemies and only strength can determine what''s right and what''s wrong. She sympathized with the victims but her heart was not big enough to empathize with all of them. That''s why, when it comes to consoling, she is useless. She and the Duke of her previous life, don''t need to console each other, they have a tacit understanding of one''s feelings and what matters is action, and that is where they are good at. She knew how much anger was burning in Duke''s heart right now and she couldn''t blame him. His men are all ophan that he chose and nurtured with his own hard-earned money, it has nothing to do with the Winters, and he treated them as his own brothers. [Ding....] She was brought back from her trance by the system''s notification [Successful purchase of Scarlet Queen Bee.] She was baffled by this transaction. "Host, I have found it!" "Found what?" Before 008 could answer, Duke received another report from Sparrow. He did not dilly-dally and quickly checked the content of the report only to find one sentence. But this sentence is enough to make him have a little hope and at the same time anxious. "Boss, we''ve found one survivor but he''s wretch." Sparrow seemed to be in a hurry to send the SOS signal to his boss for another instruction and only said what was important. He did not include any other findings about his investigation, since, they have no other traces or clues other than the survivor who was on the verge of death. Sparrow and Vulture did a quick first-aid but they were afraid to move the survivor thinking that it would aggravate his wounds. Duke understood their action and their meaning so he asked Hawk to call for Elios. Shortly after, Elios who was distraught was dragged by Hawk into the office, he did not know why he was brought in a hurry and sneakily. He was in the mini hospital checking the inventory and arranging his tools according to how it was in his hospital, it''s just to make it easier for him to remember their location and for his convenience. But who would have thought that he would be dragged without prior explanation, this is enough to make him think that something happened to Kisha, he remembered that Kisha was with Duke and Hawk, he was fidgety and anxious but when he entered the room, the first thing he saw was Kisha who was calmly sitting in the sofa like a willow tree that''s slowly swaying in the spring breeze, elegant and beautiful. He let out a sigh of relief and composed himself. He turned to Duke and asked. "Is there something I can help you, Duke?" Duke did not say anything but instead, he video-called Sparrow and let him explain what was going on with Elios while showing him the wounds and status of the person. Elios did not waste a second and jumped straight to explaining and showing some samples using Hawk as a mannequin and letting Sparrow follow his every action. Hawk silently played dead as his body was moved from time to time, dressed his invisible wounds with torn clothes, and many other more. With the four people''s effort, they were able to put the survivor in the back seat of the car, secure his life that was hanging in a thin thread, and travel steadily back to the base. Chapter 32 Scarlet Queen Bee Hawk assisted Elios in the mini hospital to prepare the equipment that was needed to operate on the arriving patient while they kept in touch with Vulture to check on the vitals of the patient. Kisha wanted to go and help them do the preparation to receive the patient but was shoved out of the hospital to do her own thing. Getting bored of waiting, she sat at the bench and continued her conversation with 008 that was cut off earlier. Kisha relaxed her body, rested her right leg over her left leg, and asked. "So, now that we have time, was the thing you found earlier related to the notification?" "You asked me to find an item that will be able to track so I did." After 008 said this, it pulled the newly bought item out of its inventory. And a huge cocoon that was a little bigger than Kisha''s face appeared out of thin air, it was just floating in there. As if time had stopped, Kisha remained stationary until there was a subtle movement inside the cocoon and then a crack appeared and it slowly got bigger. When the crack was a finger long and two knuckles wide, a thick insect leg that was as thick as a child''s finger slowly crawled out of the cocoon and then a palm-sized Bee emerged and steadily opened its 4-5 inches wings. Kisha was shocked, the bee emerged a few inches away from her face and it was so big that it gave her a shiver. She subconsciously leaned back on the bench to keep some distance. The bee was just flying steadily in front of her, just staring at her, instead of the usual yellow and black stripes this Queen bee had an intense scarlet and black stripes and it had a big stinger the size of a fingernail. Even though Kisha was not afraid of insects, however, this size was still enough to make her hair stand on end and make her a little nervous. "Why is it staring at me?" Kisha asked 008 without taking her eyes away from the Queen bee. "It was waiting for you to complete the contract so you can establish your connection with it as its master." "Contract?" Kisha was confused and had never heard of this before. "Where did you even find this?" "Host, I found this from the Murim world and a contract is to form of bond between the master and contracted beast but for newborns, it is a form of imprint as recognition of their parents. And for this Scarlet Queen bee, it''s the latter." "Wait, what?!" Her eyes turned into a saucer, she did not know if she would be astonished for having a big insect following her or if she would be amazed that the bee would treat her as a parent. "Is the Murim world different from the World of Immortals where you bought the territory pack and the immortal pills?" "They are both from the higher realm but the World of Immortals is still a grade higher than the Murim, we could say that the World of Immortals is the end goal of everyone from the Murim World." "If there are grades in realms, does that mean that there are worlds the same as Earth that are only a few grades higher?" "Yes, although both worlds belonged to the lower realm, it is still separated by grade. And it is classified through resources. And since Earth is the youngest world, the resources we could gather here are still few and scarce." The person and the system have their own thoughts, having enough of being ignored, the Scarlet Queen Bee flapped its wings to make a sound to catch Kisha''s attention but Kisha was so engrossed in her own thoughts that the Bee had to do the motion multiple of times before it was noticed. It even pointed its stinger at Kisha to show its dissatisfaction with its owner for not completing the contract right away. "How do I complete the imprint?" Kisha asked. "The imprint has been completed, and the Scarlet Queen Bee has recognized you as its parent but if you want to be able to communicate with it, you have to form a contract with the Scarlet Queen Bee. So it will be your contracted beast." Kisha''s interest was piqued. "What would be the benefit of contracting a beast?" "In Murim World, they treat their contract beast as their companion and a battle helper. The stronger your contracted beast is, the stronger your overall battle score and the good thing is, if the master has good constitution and abilities, the more beasts they can control." 008 paused and continued after a while. "The only problem is, the higher the beast''s grade and level, the prouder they are because at that point they have already formed a consciousness similar to humans, also the purer their bloodline, the prouder the beast will be. They could already understand human language and speak. And because of it, they would either not submit to humans or they would be very picky." "That sounds troublesome." Kisha said indifferently as she monitored the bee''s every action. "Show me its status window." [Scarlet Queen Bee (Mythic Grade)] Level 0 Strength: 30 Stamina: 22 Defense: 16 Agility: 45 Mental Capacity: 29 Charm: 20 Leadership: 34 Skills: Stinger strike, Modify Description: A beast from ancient times that gave birth to Scarlet Bees that produces the scarlet honey that could strengthen one''s constitution and command thousands of its kind. Due to the honey''s miraculous effect on the martial arts practitioner and beast, it was hunted until none was left and was erased from the history of Murim. Kisha was surprised to see its grade and description, but it also proved how problematic this beast would be. Luckily they live from different worlds or else she would be the target of everyone. Hmmm. But wait, it shows ''Mythic Grade'' just now. Kisha stared at the status window for a very long time before she snapped out of it. Rather, she was pricked by the Queen Bee. Due to being ignored for a long time, the Scarlet Queen Bee became restless and just decided to prick Kisha using its stinger to complete the blood contract. An intricate Array formed under Kisha''s seat and a blinding golden light flashed from the array, soon the array floated in the air and split into two and entered Kisha''s head and the Scarlet Queen Bee. A light and sweet voice of a girl resounded in her head and said. "Master." Kisha felt amazed by the Queen Bee''s voice and when she compared it to how it looked, she somehow felt complicated. She tried to adjust her thoughts and feelings. "Why don''t I call you Bell instead? Your voice sounds light and nice, like the sound of a ringing bell in a spring wind, it is soothing." "I love it, Master! Thank you!" Bell flew around Kisha, creating a buzzing sound. This constant buzzing is irritating Kisha. "Alright, alright. Don''t be too excited and stay still." Bell stopped flying and rested on Kisha''s shoulder which made her very apprehensive, she felt her scalp tingles and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She was too conscious of Bell''s presence on her shoulder and her skin was feeling itchy. "Hmm. Bell?" Kisha''s broken voice sounds very uncomfortable. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before Kisha could say anything, Bell already changed her size to a thumb size Queen Bee which is more acceptable for Kisha. Seeing Bell become a little smaller, she felt her uneasiness calm down. She could accept this size even though it''s still a little bigger than a normal Bee, but for her, this is normal because in the apocalypse, animals, insects, and plant types will mutate and most insects will become bigger so seeing a thumb-sized bee is normal. "Then let us get into business, 008 did you buy Bell''s egg because of the description that states it can control thousands of its kind?" "Precisely host, you know me the best!" "But is the meaning of ''its kind'' specified as Scarlet bees or bees as the majority? If it is the latter then it is good for us, but if it is the former, that means we still need to wait for Bell to give birth to more bees before we can send out some drones." 008 turned silent as it realized the problem, it is true that if it is the former then they can''t immediately ask Bell for help and still need to look for other items to assist them later. it was getting nervous because 008 spent 200,000 points to buy Bell and was only left with 375, 000 points, it hadn''t told Kisha about his spending and was afraid to divulge it so it was planning to keep it a secret for a very long time. If 008 had a physical body, it would be sweating buckets now. Bell''s sweet voice interrupted their conversation. "Master, if there are normal bees nearby, I can communicate with them and ask them for help but my influence on them will be limited, however, I believe that it is enough to use as an information-gathering tool. We just need to be in a close proximity for me to receive their message." 008 felt relieved after hearing Bell''s words and a huge boulder was lifted from its chest. "Then Bell, do you know the exact range we need to keep so we will not lose contact with the bees?" "I can only communicate with them with the proximity of 250M as I am still weak. If it is Scarlet Bees then I can send them for 500M away from me." Bell explained as she tried to move her antenna to detect bees nearby. Kisha was still having some doubts because she did not know if the bees would have the capability to understand the basic instructions or how to describe what they saw or gathered. So she told Bell her doubts and worries. "I understand your concern, Master, it is indeed hard for the regular bees to describe what they see or to distinguish complicated things like intricate facial features but it is not impossible, and in five days time, I''ll have already laid my first hundred eggs and will hatch within the time frame but the Scarlet Bees would still be too young and needs to be nurse so we can''t use them yet but in the future, I can also project in your head the information they will send to me, so you''ll have a visuals." Awestruck, Kisha looked at Bell on her shoulder. "Sounds like a nice plan. I''ll leave this in your hands Bell." "Don''t worry Master. I''ll do my best!" Chapter 33 Roadblock Kisha was lucky that they are surrounded by a vast forest and a mountain so they don''t lack bees in the area. She let Bell communicate with them and win their trust. For the time being, they have a solution for the pressing matter which is a way to find Duke''s family. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For the period that Kisha was communicating with Bell, someone silently sneaked behind her, like a shadow that blended with the night, without sound or presence. Kisha only noticed it when a warm breath touched the back of her ear and said in a teasing tone. "Here you are." His voice was deep with a hint of seduction and playfulness. Kisha did a quick turn and stepped back in a fighting stance with her right hand holding her ear. In that quick process, she felt strong butterflies fluttering in her stomach that''s sending electrifying bolts to her nerves reaching every end of her fingers down to her toes. "Duke, why are you acting so sneaky?!" Her voice was shaky and she felt her face and ears heating up but she kept her indifferent expression despite the contrasting feeling swirling inside. Part of her was flustered by his seductive voice but at the same time, she was indignant that she failed to detect his presence even when he was standing behind her. That could be deadly if it were in other places or other untrustworthy people. In spite of her rising anger, Duke found her little pouty lips cute, like a startled cat. He wanted to chuckle but he held it in knowing that she would be even more irked. "I''ve been walking in the corridor quite loudly and stood here waiting for you to notice me. You looked so serious and busy thinking and I was afraid to disturb your train of thought." Kisha was disgruntled, even when she was in deep thought, she never let her guard down and if what Duke said was true, she would have noticed him long ago. She squinted her eyes as she tried to pry more information from Duke but he pretended not to see her eyes and sat on the bench. "What are you worrying about?" He asked nonchalantly as he rested both his arms on the top rail of the bench. "Tsk!" Kisha rolled her eyes and sat beside him. "I was getting bored so I checked if they need some help here." Why would I let you know what I''m planning after you made fun of me? Hmph! I''m petty alright! .... "Sparrow, drive faster. His breathing is getting shallow." Vulture said in a panic. He was not only worried for his sworn brother''s life but was also concerned about the information he might know. He is their only lead to know where has the others gone to. "I''m trying!" Sparrow replied in frustration, it was already almost midnight but they were still far from the base. It was harder to navigate at night due to the scattered zombies on the road that would suddenly jump on them, in addition, they didn''t have Kisha to lead the way. They don''t have the foresight to know which road is less dangerous, so they will bump into trouble from time to time. Sparrow stepped on the gas pedal to increase their speed without minding the danger. All he could think was to get out of the city as fast as he could and they would have a much smoother way after. As he drove through the city road, he noticed a roadblock a few hundred meters away which alarmed him and he immediately let Vulture know. Vulture was his partner since they were young so they have a great understanding of each other without saying much. Vulture understood the danger they were going to face, so he reached out to the compartment and took out something. Seeing Vulture ready, Sparrow slowed down because it would be impossible to knock off the roadblocks on the road. They have to find a detour, Sparrow calms his nerves and scans the area. With his improved eyesight, he located a few heads that were slightly sticking out from the trimmed plants in front of the commercial building a few blocks away from them. He tried to estimate their number based on his visuals and he counted more than ten, they were outnumbered and even had a patient with them. So the two of them decided not to get out of the vehicle. As they approach the roadblock, the people waiting for the ambush start to move fast, except they are a bit clumsy with their movements. Sparrow and Vulture figured that they were more or less civilians so Vulture halted his action and they decided to wait for what these people were up to. At first, they decided to make their action decisive and swift but now that they realized that the enemy are civilians, they don''t want to make a hasty move and randomly kill people for their convenience. Sparrow played along and stopped the car a few feet away from the roadblocks. Successively, men of different body build and heights rush out and block them, each holding steel objects, and most had blood splattered on either their clothes or weapons. Sparrow and Vulture looked at each other and nodded. "Gentlemen, please don''t leave. We need your help, Our wives and children need help. Please have mercy." The man on the lead begged as he kneeled on the ground. Sparrow smiled amiably and asked. "What can we help you sir?" Upon hearing Sparrow''s kind words and amiable tone, the man immediately stood up, his eyes sparkling. "Sir, please let us borrow your vehicle and if you have some food, that would be great!" Vulture sneered and looked back at his comrade lying at the back. Seeing his pale face, he eyed Sparrow. Getting his meaning, Sparrow shook his head and said. "I''m sorry sir, we have a medical emergency and can''t leave the car and we have not brought food with us." He tried to be as civil as possible but after hearing his words, the man stepped back and pointed at Sparrow with trembling hands. "You! You have an infected with you?!" He looked back at his men and nodded his head to give them a signal. "You even lied about not having food, since that''s the case. Don''t blame us for using force!" The man thinks that since Sparrow and his friend looked strong, it was only right for them to give up their car and supplies to him and his men who needed to transport their family to a nearby shelter. The world has already turned out like this, they have fought tooth and nail to survive for two days and they are reaching their limit however, there are still no signs of the military''s intervention. They are angry and devastated but they need to survive so they decided to find the shelter themselves. Sparrow snickered at the unreasonable demand. He knew that trying to communicate with this kind of people would only waste their time, he already told them his stance but they did not want to back off, he noticed a lot of cars parked on the road then why did they not use those cars to run and instead decided to hijack someone else? They just want to make things easier for themselves, he also noticed the fresh blood on their clothes and weapons that did not belong to zombies, at first, he thought that they had no choice but to kill someone who wanted to kill them first but from the looks of it, they are just a bunch of unreasonable people who would turn to violence when things don''t go their way. The men standing in front all raised their weapons and charged at them, without waiting for them to reach the car, Sparrow drove reversly and made some distance. Vulture, on the other hand, rolled down the window, pulled the safety pin of what he was holding, and after considering the distance they had from the roadblocks he threw three hand grenades. Sparrow continued to back away and the men looked back at the things that were thrown in their direction before they could process what was going on, the grenade exploded. Half of them got caught in the explosion and their limbs got blown off, the other lucky ones who were able to duck or hide looked horrified. They threw curses at Sparrow. "Those crazy motherfuckers!" Regardless of how much hatred and curses they said, Sparrow already drove straight to the now open path and left them to their own device, and due to the loud explosion, it called forth the attention of the zombies from miles away. Realizing their disadvantage in the current situation, they started to scurry away. Leaving the wounded behind, even when they heard them howling for help, they did not stop running to their residences and locked the doors. The unfortunate ones were soon crowded by zombies, they weren''t even given a chance to shout when they were chomped violently and tugged like a rag doll. Their hope was crushed as they experienced hell while they were alive and they could only bitterly regret causing trouble and being greedy. Why did Vulture and Sparrow decide to do such a dreadful thing? It''s very simple, they have a dying patient in their car and made sure to communicate it to the other party but they only think of their own interest, and in the process when he was speaking with the man, he noticed a red panty and gold necklace with traces of blood dangling in the man''s breast pocket and his covetous eyes did not pass through Sparrow''s detection hence, Sparrow and Vulture chose their own people and avoided being stuck for long, they could not directly drove away as these men block other roads to prevent their victims from running. Such vicious people need to be dealt with viciously to get a taste of their own medicine. All of this was heard and witnessed by Hawk and Elios who are still in a video call with them. Hawk on the other side of the phone could feel their anxiousness which is why he tried to maintain his calmness and continued to instruct them what to do, from time to time Elios would but in to ask about the situation of the patient. The four of them worked well together, Hawk remained as their anchor to keep them together and not drift far away from each other''s responsibilities. Because of this, Sparrow was able to safely leave the city and drive steadily towards the base. Chapter 34 10 Hours Prior At 2 midnight, Sparrow and the others arrived. Elios and Hawk were already waiting at the door pushing a hospital stretcher to the backseat. Elios carefully climbed into the backseat to firmly hold onto the thick towel that was placed under the patient and he instructed Hawk to slowly lift the other end of the towel. They worked together to carefully place the patient on the stretcher before they could wheel him inside the building to the operating table. Kisha and Duke silently supported the two men and prevented them from stumbling into any obstacles until they reached the operating theater. And since there was no active nurse present in their team, Hawk stepped up to take the position to assist Elios during the operation. This did not pose a big issue to Elios as he is the hailed medical genius in the Medical industry. He only allowed Hawk to pass him the needed tools and devices while he was operating, even before Sparrow and the others arrived, he already prepared all the possible tools and equipment he would need during the operation to lessen his burden and to prevent it from taking too much of his time. From anesthesia, blood suction, and suturing of the open wound, he performed everything as cleanly and orderly as possible. He remained calm all throughout the 12-hour operation and he kept steady and focused. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. During the operation, Duke and Kisha were anxiously waiting outside, they already sent Sparrow and Vulture to rest, so the long and dark corridor seemed gloomy which added to their anxiousness. They both saw how much damage the man''s body had sustained and his breathing could stop at any time, Kisha was already amazed at how tenacious the man was for holding that long. But he clearly lost too much blood and also suffered from internal bleeding any of his wounds were deadly on their own but he sustained all possible deadly wounds. He was only holding onto his life through his strong will to survive. It was clear that the perpetrator wanted him dead, he must have gotten hold of an important information so the enemy wanted to silence him. Duke and Kisha understand this well that''s why they are anxious for the man''s survival. They have yet to identify the survivor as he was covered in thick hardened black and human blood all over his body. If not for his uniform and the crest embedded in it that could hardly be recognized, would Sparrow and Vulture realize that he is one of them? .... Back to 10 hours ago. Sparrow drove to the streets they recently took to escape the city, according to Kisha, it was safer compared to the other busy streets and main roads. They did not waste too much time traveling and circled the last location they knew where the others went missing. Not wanting to get unwanted attention from zombies and people, they parked the car in a nearby parking lot in an abandoned commercial building and hid their car through the junk. Sparrow and Vulture both held military knives in their hand and an assault rifle with a silencer in their backs. They also brought military backpacks filled with water and dry rations with medical kits, spare bullets, and loaded magazines. Although they have awakened their abilities, Kisha told them not to be too reliant on their abilities as it consume their energy, so they have to use them moderately, especially since they have yet to master the control. Keeping this in mind, they move silently and swiftly through the streets. Eliminating two to three zombies on sight. They rarely rely on guns and only use them when they are faced with a big group of zombies or when they are fleeing. Repeating this process as they slowly move around to reach their target location. They exhausted two magazines each and were too tired to move so they decided to stop for a while and eat. "There, I think it has a great vantage point." Pointed by Sparrow as he tapped on Vulture''s shoulder. Vulture followed his finger pointing at a one-story toy store in front. The surrounding buildings are all old commercial one-story buildings located in the old commercial street on the west side of the city. This place was on the opposite side of the now-newly developed commercial streets which are full of luxury brands and high-end malls. The toy store has enough cover with the use of the big bear signage and there was a torn tarp placed on the flat surface of the roof, maybe the owner used it to cover the roof from leakage. The two circled and saw a 6-7 feet tall wall behind the store, Vulture used it as leverage to climb the roof of the toy store. It wasn''t that hard for him to climb up the wall with a heavy baggage tied to his back but compared to him, Sparrow brings about a small windstorm enough to lift him up to the roof. He looked down on Vulture who was working hard to climb up with a taunting smirk on his face. Vulture was so triggered that he wanted to pull Sparrow''s feet and drag him down from the roof. ''This asshole! Not only did you not help me up, you even came to provoke me?!'' His nostrils flared up. With a heavy heart, he climbs up faster and once they have sat their asses off the roof, Sparrow surveyed the surroundings for any danger or signs. Once everything was clear, they ate their rations and rested for 10 minutes, after their quick rest, they left to go straight to the edge of the west district where the convoy was lost. "Is this really the right place?" Asked Vulture as he slowly took his step in an alert manner. "This is the last known location we found on Tristan''s table, even if they are not here. We could try looking for clues." Right after he finished his sentence he noticed a pool of blood outside a residential apartment''s side door. It was inconspicuous and he felt a loud thumb in his heart and gave him a premonition he did not want to see. He cautiously surveyed the place and looked around, indeed, he found one of the convoy''s vehicles that crashed into a telephone pole a few blocks away from them. They rushed to check but aside from the bloody seats, they found nothing, the people inside were missing. He saw dents and scratches on the armored car, he investigated and found a bullet stuck to the hinge of the car window. The bullets did not penetrate the bulletproof body and window of the car but they were cornered in the pursuit and were led to hit the telephone pole. They probably tried to maneuver but it looks like another car rammed them from the back based on the huge dent, preventing them from taking other actions. Looking at the traces left in the car, they probably used a sticky bomb as the left back door was blown off, and while the passengers were lightheaded and unsteady, they took the chance to stab them in tendons and stuffed their mouths to prevent them from committing suicide. Following the blood traces, they were most likely dragged down from the vehicle as they struggled violently, their joints were dislocated and broken if not, there would be no chance for the enemy to drag them out. These were all their deduction based on the traces left As they continued to follow the traces and type the report on their phone, they felt like they ate shit, their strong emotions are eating away at their rationality and they wanted to burn the place down. The pool of blood they saw earlier must be the place where they were dumped while they were barely breathing after the bout of torture. Sparrow and Vulture were not sure if they were tortured for information or for other purpose. With that much splattered blood on the floor and the chaotic scene, they must have been attacked by zombies and they couldn''t fight back, they deduced based on the scene but since their bodies were not there, they had a small hope that they might have crawled inside the building or rather, they made themselves believe that there''s still a little hope. Both of them dragged their heavy feet and entered the residential building. They just entered and they already met one, half his body was bitten off, to the point that his bones were in plain sight, and his face was half eaten showing a bloody skull and hanging eyeballs. Their poor comrade couldn''t even make a growling sound as he crawled to reach their feet because his jaw was dislocated and hanging loosely while his tongue was bitten off and the remaining part was churning up and down. The black thick blood slowly dripped. It was a hell of a sight that burned Sparrow''s and Vulture''s anger and hatred for the perpetrator. Chapter 35 10 Hours Prior 2 Vulture promptly dealt with his comrade by stabbing his military knife into his skull. As a form of respect for his late comrade, he firmly supported his falling head and steadily placed it on the floor, searched for his dog tag, and solemnly put it in his breast pocket with a raging fire eating at his heart he swore to take revenge on the culprit. Both of them were overwhelmed by grief and anger, and this was the very first time they felt so powerless. They tightened their grip on the knives, their knuckles turning white and their jaws tense from trying to rein in their rage to avoid clouding their judgment. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They forced themselves to continue searching for others, each step they took felt so heavy, their hearts drowning as they followed the traces. The second trace led them to one of the residential doors on the first floor, both of them looked at each other, determination reflected in their black orbs, and then nodded at each other. No matter what they see here, they decided to do everything they could to move forward. Sparrow signaled to Vulture that he''d open the door, so Vulture nodded after Sparrow pulled open the door, Vulture quickly and cautiously entered the dimly lit room, he scanned the room and reached out to the wall near the door to turn on the switch. Once the light was on, he saw three dead bodies lying symmetrically on the floor covered by a thin cloth, so he took it off and saw that they were probably the three other men from the car earlier. They look a little better than the one they saw outside but not that much better. He knocks at the side of the door to inform Sparrow that the room is clear. Sparrow entered, shut the door, and locked it from the inside to prevent anything or anyone from attacking them from the back. After that, he strode straight to the three men lying on the ground and inspected their wounds. He saw that they were the same as their comrade outside, they were bitten all over their body and it was hard to recognize them anymore so he slowly searched them for their dog tags. After securing their dog tags, he stared at them for a while and nodded, as if he realized something. Vulture waited for him to explain what he found out, soon, Sparrow''s solemn and hoarse voice sounded in his ears, asking. "Didn''t Tristan and the others went over to support the convoy?!" Vulture looked up to think and he nodded. "Yes, he brought everyone from the base to assist the madam and master." Soon after, he realized what he was implying and went out to follow his lead. Straight away, they fought the zombies they saw along the way in search of the people who respectfully ended their brother''s suffering and climbed each floor in caution. On the third floor, they saw traces of fighting and bullets stuck on the walls, blood stains were all over the place so they carefully forced open each door to find more clues. On the last unit, before they were able to open the door, they heard low growls and grunts. With a heavy heart, they forcefully entered and dealt with the zombies inside. Like the previous situations, there are three more of their comrades inside but they are in a lot worse shape than the previous four. One of them had a severed arm, his tendons were cut off, gushing bullet holes in his body, and was knawed by zombies on every part. The other one has broken limbs, his throat was torn open from a bite and even his eyes were not spared and was eaten. The last one met a more tragic end than the rest, he''s barely able to move because he is almost only left with bones. Witnessing this tragic end, the two felt their chest heaving uncontrollably, and their whole body trembled. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn''t contain their bitter tears anymore and they sat on the floor as they silently mourned for their lost brothers. They cried for five whole minutes, they knew that crying would not achieve anything but they still cried to let out their grief and sorrow for their brothers. After they let their feelings take over, they felt a little refreshed and then collected themselves to start working. They gathered the dog tags and made sure to take pictures just like they did in the previous four and continued to type their report. Once everything was organized and the pictures were attached, Sparrow sent the report to Duke. Afterward, they left the room to head back. Sparrow''s head was lowered, a little dejected from everything they witnessed and because they failed to gather more information about the other''s whereabouts. In his peripheral view, he caught sight of red droplets towards the stairs and through closer inspection, it turned out to be a blood trail. They followed it all the way to the fifth floor, and then they stood in front of the utility room. They looked at each other''s nervous eyes and instantly entered, but they did not forget to secure the place. What greeted them was a bloody mess of a man who was bathing in his own pool of blood. His face was covered by dried blood together with knife wounds so they couldn''t recognize him, Sparrow stepped closer and squatted in front of the man to get a better visual. He notices his uniform with their squad''s crest embedded in his chest. He turned excited after finding out that he was one of them, but was also afraid to dampen his hope if he found out that he was already dead. Despite the turmoil he felt inside, he placed his index finger under the man''s nose and his other hand is feeling the man''s pulse. He was devastated when he did not feel air coming out of the man''s nostrils and his pulse beat. However, before he took his hands off, he felt a weak hot air coming from his nose. He was stunned for a minute and looked at Vulture, who met his eyes with wide eyes. Vulture could tell from Sparrow''s reaction that something was up. So he started to get anxious watching. Sparrow continued to check the man''s breathing and pulse for a whole minute. "He''s alive!" He yelped. In a panic, he fished out his phone from his pocket and struggled to text Duke with his trembling hands. "Boss, we''ve found one survivor but he''s wretch!" He made sure that the text was delivered, and then he sent out Vulture to get the car while he performed the first aid. He first took off the man''s clothes, including the pants, took some folded clean towels from the basket in the corner and slowly wiped the man''s body off of blood, he boiled water in the electric kettle from the mini kitchen located inside the utility room. Once the water was boiling, he took the biggest bowl he could find from the kitchen and put some water and mixed some hot water in it to continue to clean the man''s body. But he could not completely clean him due to the hardened blood so he focused on where the fatal wounds were and cleaned around it. His face has hardened blood but only has minor injuries so Sparrow let it be. As he performs the first aid, he continues to inspect the gravity of his injuries. He would touch his body from time to time to check if he had broken ribs or bones, and because of it, the man would let out a weak grunt that was as soft as a kitten''s purr. When he was almost done dressing his wounds, Vulture burst in, he was drenched in his own sweat. He must have sprinted from the residential area to the abandoned building where they left the car. "Is there anything I can do?" Vulture asked, not minding his fatigue. He was still panting and wiping his sweat using his sleeves. However, before they could talk more. Sparrow''s phone rang loudly, breaking the room''s silence. They look startled and look at each other. When he checked, he found out that Duke was video-calling him, so he promptly answered. Before he could ask Duke anything, the phone was passed to Elios. He immediately understood what Duke wanted him to do, so he explained the general situation of the patient since he was not a medical expert he could only describe his findings. Elios did not waste time greeting any of them and went straight to asking the status of the survivor and even asked Sparrow to slowly zoom in the camera around the patient''s body as he examined the wounds. With limited access to the patient''s body, he pulled Hawk to the floor and placed the camera on the floor leaning 90 degrees on Duke''s mahogany table. He slowly instructed Sparrow using Hawk as a model on how to correctly adjust the dislocated bones, how to effectively close the big wounds with their available medical supply, and many more. Making sure that they did not miss any procedure, he advised them to transport him using a thick towel that could support his whole body so that it would be easier later to transfer him from the car to the stretcher. Vulture made a makeshift cloth stretcher when he heard Elios mention it. After Sparrow completed all the necessary emergency treatment, they carefully placed the man in the towel stretcher, covered his body with a clean towel to prevent him from catching a cold and left the building in a steady but swift manner. And drove away to send him to the base. Chapter 36 I Trust You At 2 in the afternoon, the light in the operating theater turned green, soon after, the exhausted Elios came out with a weak smile. "The operation is successful, his life will be out of danger once he passes through the night successfully." He pinches the bridge of his nose and continues. "I''ll send him to the ICU for monitoring." His voice sounded weak and exhausted. Seeing Elios''s pale and exhausted face. Duke exhaled and felt a little relieved. "I''ll send Eagle to the ICU to assist, just let him do the monitoring and take a rest so you can run when you are needed." Elios did not turn down his good intentions and nodded at Duke, he came back to the operating theater to push out the man and wheeled him to the ICU together with Hawk. The man was bandaged up like a mummy, only his eyes, nose, and mouth were left visible. Even his hair was skimmed and there was a little blood stain on the left side of his head. He must have received some stitching in there too. Duke carefully observed the person lying on the bed that was being wheeled out, "He really does look wretched." Duke thought. The man looked pitiful as he lay there like a dead man, Elios even had to give him an oxygen mask to support his breathing and all kinds of monitoring equipment was attached to his body to monitor his weak vitals that could stop at any time. All these things are giving him a headache and did not know where to start aside from waiting. He knew that he had no time to wait but he couldn''t force his subordinate to wake up to extract some information that would lead to compromising his health when he was already like this. He massages his temple, he inhales deeply and exhales to try to calm his mind. He repeated it until he felt his headache subside a little and he intended to head back to rest but was soon pulled by Kisha to head into his office. He was puzzled as to what she was planning with that little head of hers that she looked so serious. No matter what she''s up to, he just lets her drag him anywhere without any reluctance or annoyance. He even kind of enjoyed her little touch and the feeling of trust that she had for him. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He felt his headache disappear without a trace, her warm and soft hand gave him comfort that was reaching his chest. He wanted to bask in that warm comfortable feeling that he had never felt before, without him realizing that he was already smiling and looking at Kisha dotingly. So when they reached the office and Kisha turned to face him, she witnessed his affectionate expression that she had never seen before. She was beyond shocked and stared at him absentmindedly. He was beyond gorgeous when his eyes sparkled when he smiles, it was so captivating that it could suck you in and be lost in indulgence and his sexy lips were not just forming an arc but it was smiling with relaxed facial muscles which shows the sincerity behind that smile. He looked so handsome that even Kisha, who spent years with him was taken by surprise. She was swooned over by that smile, that face! She only saw him frown, angry and most of the time had an indifferent expression. Those are the expressions she''s used to seeing on Duke''s face, but lately, she noticed that the Duke in front of her did not align with the one in her memory. This Duke had more variety of raw emotions that he was willing to show than before. Somehow, she felt heartache for him, she did not know what Duke had gone through in her previous life before she met him, for him to end up so detached and unfeeling. "That''s where you are wrong host." 008''s childish voice rang in her mind. Bringing her to her senses. Duke was silently watching Kisha''s face change in a matter of seconds and he felt amused. The beautiful cold rose he had seen for the past three days had this cute side to her, and it was enough to tug at his heartstrings. His smiles turned even more affectionate. "What do you mean?" She asked confusedly and her brow raised subconsciously. "Duke was not that unfeeling like you believed him to be." 008 said as a matter of fact. "Is there something you know that I don''t?" She was interested to know what 008 meant, especially if it knew something that she didn''t. "I think you really are beyond saving if you have never noticed it." 008 snorted. Kisha was annoyed by the suspense and 008''s pragmatic information. "Spill it out." "Why would you even want to know? It has passed, so what''s the use?" You would only want to slap yourself if you knew. Of course, 008 has no guts to say the other half because it is afraid of angering its host. Kisha was so angry that she swatted 008 like a fly in her mind. So 008 turned silent knowing that he successfully annoyed Kisha. Even 008 did not know why he wanted to somehow give Duke justice even if it was already late, maybe out of all the people Kisha interacted with in her previous lives, aside from her family, Duke was the most sincere that''s why 008 was grateful to him and at the same time upset for his ending. He felt bad for Duke that Kisha had never realized his feelings for her. But it would only upset her if she found out how blind she was previously. It''s not that Kisha has never had any thoughts about Duke before but they were both broken inside out that she did not know how it would work for them, or maybe she was just afraid to ruin their existing close relationship. Seeing her brows creasing, Duke wanted to reach out to smooth it over but he stopped halfway, afraid that she would find him disrespectful or annoying, so he instead asked. "Why did you bring me here?" His voice was gentle and coaxing. It was so pleasant to hear that Kisha subconsciously closed her eyes for a moment. ''Speaking about a voice that could impregnate you coupled with that face.'' She cleared her throat and calmed her wild thoughts. "I was thinking that you might be worrying for your subordinate that was brought in." She took out a small bottle containing a blue fluid out of her pocket. "Since the operation is successful, you could give him this to speed up his recovery." Due to Duke''s excitement, he forgot his previous thought of not wanting to scare her and directly hugged her tight. " Thank you!" He did not know what else to say and could only show his gratefulness through actions, he inhaled her scent and he felt happier and calm. "You''re not even going to ask me what it contains or if it was legit?" She held both his arms and tried to twist her head to look at him He slightly shook his head and his hug became tighter. "No, I trust you." Kisha felt her nose and eyes sting, he had been always like this, even when they first met in this life, he still showed his pure trust. He always gave his absolute trust to her and never doubted her. In her previous life or the current life, he has never ever shown doubt. She suddenly felt bitter and angry at herself for causing his death. This feeling suffocated her to the point where she wanted to go back just to give her previous self a wake-up slap on the face. Her hand that was placed on his arms slowly moved to his slim waist to give him a hug. She tried to comfort herself by sharing his warmth to her body. Duke did not know what triggered her emotions to turn 180 degrees, but he could feel her mood turning for the worse, he wanted to comfort her and didn''t want her to be sad because when she was sad he felt his chest constricting like now, he felt helpless. So the two silently hug each other both have intense feelings swirling in their heart. From now on, she swore to make sure that in this life, Duke would have everything he would desire and she would do everything to make sure he would lead a happier life. She loves seeing his smile and his raw emotions. And she promised to be braver this time. Chapter 37 Control Yourself After calming down her emotions. Kisha felt embarrassed not wanting Duke to think that she was feeling his body and taking advantage of him. Her face flushed red and she avoided meeting his eyes. Duke chuckled as he enjoyed Kisha''s cute reaction, he had never felt happy being in close proximity to a woman, especially not being hugged. But this time, he could only wish for the time to stop as he enjoyed Kisha''s warmth in his arms and her scent that could calm him down but at the same time could trigger a reaction in his body. He ran his hands through his hair as he chuckled helplessly, he tried to control his raging heart with his raging desires. He strode straight to his leather chair and sat. He was doing his best to hide his boner. That''s right, he had a boner with a simple hug and it was visibly creating a tent on his pants. He was frustrated at himself. "Have I been abstinent for so long that my body had this kind of strong reaction?" He thought. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He reached out to grab the water pitcher on the right side of his desk and poured himself some water to drink. He gulped down the entire glass of water in one go to calm himself. After recovering from her embarrassment, she watches Duke sit restlessly on his table while in deep thought and frowning. "Did I overdo it? Have I upset him?" She fidgeted as she thought to herself. Duke on the other hand felt really uncomfortable because his pants became so tight and his boner was not calming down and felt like it was about to burst anytime. He clenched his jaw as he tried to adjust his breathing. He closed his eyes to focus, but every time he closed his eyes, he remembered Kisha''s warmth and scent that it was doing the other way of his intentions. He turned to look at Kisha, his orbs became even more seductive. This was enough to stun Kisha, she wasn''t unfamiliar with this kind of look. She could clearly see an intense desire swirling in his eyes and it was enough to make her feel weak and her legs turning to jelly. She sucks in a mouthful of air, her eyes staring at Duke''s and her belly bottom churning wildly. She closed her eyes for a moment and opened it again, but this time, when she looked at Duke''s eyes, she could only see calmness as if the storm that was brewing before was just her illusion. She blinked a few more times but it was the same. "Was I just daydreaming earlier?" "I think, you should rest first. You have stayed with me all night to wait for the result. Since we can now ensure his survival and recovery. There''s nothing for you to worry about and can rest." Duke said as he smiled gently. Kisha nodded absentmindedly and headed back to her room. "I must really be exhausted that I started having wet dreams while awake." She shook her head in disbelief. After making sure that he had successfully sent Kisha out of the office. Duke sneakily went to the door to securely lock it and headed to his private room attached to his office to take care of his business. He headed to his bedroom made sure to lock the door and took all of his clothes off. He rushed to the bathroom to take a cold shower. He did not know what was going on and what was with his body''s strong reaction but he was already going crazy. He did not know that a simple hug could make him like this. He sent Kisha away because he didn''t want her to think that he was a pervert or was after her body, he respects her and that''s for sure. But this is not the first time his body has reacted this way about her, he still repulses women and it was proven when Melody was around. Logically speaking, he was a healthy man in his mid-twenties so it''s probably normal for his body to have reactions. But throughout his life, he was never attracted to any woman, he even disdained those who tried to crawl to his bed no matter if it was out of love, benefit, or other reasons. He refuses to touch any of them and would heartlessly send them off and would even embarrass them if they go out of line. He always sees them as annoying, but from time to time, he felt like he was seeking something and there was a huge void in his heart. This led him to feel his life so monotonous and bland. But he, himself did not know what is he seeking. That''s why he put all his energy into expanding his family business and nurturing his forces, resulting in his business empire soaring through the business world and becoming one of the leading forces in every industry he dips his fingers into. He led his family to another level of prosperity that his ancestors could never have imagined. However, instead of feeling disdainful that Kisha could play him at the tip of her finger with her influence on him, he didn''t even dislike it but instead was looking forward to it. He also saw that he had a strong effect on Kisha, he saw how she looked at him. Her expressions, just remembering it gave Duke a shiver that kind of felt good. Instead of calming down in the cold shower, his thing twitched and only became even more excited. Duke grunted in defeat and started to stroke his thing, he could only try to pacify his raging desire by using his hands. He closes his eyes as he lets pleasure reins in, and soon, groans of pleasure escape his lips, his left arm resting on the cold bathroom tiles supporting him as he strokes himself. When he reaches the climax, he feels his scalp tingle as if electricity runs through his every nerve. He let out a louder groan and his body arched forward. After a while, his heavy panting resounded in the shower accompanied by pouring water. He stared at his right hand. This was the first time he ever touched himself, he did not know that it would feel like this but it was not enough for him to get hooked, having said that an image flashed in his mind. "No! I was barely able to calm myself down!" He chases the thoughts out of his mind and brushes his hand through his hair in frustration. He shouldn''t be like this, it''s not that he dislikes it but he was afraid of scaring Kisha away and what if he failed to control himself in front of her, would she misunderstand him? He places both his hands on the tiled wall, letting the cold water run from his head down to his body. He forces himself to think of math problems, physics, chemistry, and other difficult equations that are hard to solve from the professor''s column he was part of. He makes his brain solve all those difficult equations and problems to extricate himself from any wild thoughts that might reignite his barely calmed desire. It took him two and a half hours before he could come out of the shower to sleep. Then he remembered the thing that Kisha gave him so he made a quick beeline to the ICU to meet Eagle and let him feed the solution to the patient. After delivering the item, he went back to his room to sleep. Chapter 38 Keiths Ability A relaxing wind blew from the open window, and the sound of the soft flutter of the curtains was calming to the nerves. Kisha inhaled the cold fresh air and slowly opened her eyes as she stretched her arms. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She took the blanket off intending to climb out of the bed but a strong muscular arm clung to her waist and pulled her even closer. Her back was greeted by a strong muscular chest, she wasn''t angry in particular but instead smiled affectionately as she slowly turned around to face the person behind her. "Didn''t you promise to walk in the garden with me every morning?" She pats his arm that was clinging around her waist. The man pulled her closer and kissed her cheeks. "Good morning my beautiful wife." He lazily opened his deep seductive eyes and met her gentle orbs. He felt contented with the life he currently has, opening his eyes every morning with his wife in his arms. He smiled dotingly at her. He caressed her stomach and gently placed a kiss on it. "Good morning my son." The blissful morning made Kisha involuntarily giggle and a wide smile plastered on her lips. She shared the same feeling as the man in front of her, contented and happy with the life she was leading. She is simply enjoying the time of her life. Despite her happiness and wide smile, she was still pulled back from her wonderful dream to her reality. Her blissful moment suddenly turned to displeasure. She opened her eyes to the dull ceiling of the base, she couldn''t even remember what she was laughing about in her dreams. She knew it was a really wonderful dream but she couldn''t grasp what it was and who the person was. The vivid voice and face she just saw and heard were suddenly enveloped by a thin veil, when she felt like she was about to remember the important part, she would then lose it. It was very frustrating and she felt restless, feeling that she was missing something important but did not know what it was. Not wanting it to affect her overall mood, she forced herself to push it at the back of her mind and quickly washed up to head down. As early as 6 in the morning, the Evans brothers, and Duke was already doing some stretches in the open field. Eric jogged straight to Kisha and greeted her. "Good morning Ms. Aldens. Are you out for a run?" Kisha only nodded at him and wanted to walk past him but he followed her. "May I run with you?" He looked at Kisha enthusiastically. Kisha doesn''t have the heart to turn him down when he is smiling innocently. Like what they said, No slap in the face to those who are smiling. Luckily, Duke walked to her side without saying anything and he just stood between her and Eric. His action was very natural and protective of her after he felt she was feeling uncomfortable. He was acting as if nothing had happened last night. Actually, he barely slept because he was having an identity crisis. The feeling of shame, mixed with self-reproach but at the same time, he felt alive. He was ashamed because his self-control didn''t seem to be as strong as he thought it was but at the same time, he felt alive since these feelings were new to him. Therefore, he decided to pay close attention to Kisha, however, Eric following Kisha around doesn''t sit well with his liking. It is undoubtedly irritating. The Evans brothers wanted to have time to talk to Kisha, to get to know her better, that''s why they are trying to find a common ground to talk about, yet, Duke is getting in between their quality time. The sparks are flying around whenever their gazes meet. The four were exasperated, still, they were well aware that they couldn''t beat Duke up. They tried to shoot a pitiful look at Kisha but she pretended not to see it so they just gave up and followed them from the back. They ran 5 laps circling the field when Keith came down with his grandparents and called Kisha with a bright smile. Kisha stopped running after hearing his voice and smiled back at Keith as she walked closer, followed by Duke. The four brothers were looking at Keith as if another cat had stolen their mice. They were shooting daggers at him with an unfriendly smile. "How do you feel baby brother?" Kisha''s doting smile was caught by the Evans brothers and they are jealous as hell. Their lips are twitching while they are trying to keep a calm facade. "I feel as light as a feather!" Keith looked down on his fingers that was squirming. "But sister, I don''t know what I can do yet." Kisha stroked his head and smiled considerately. "No rush. You just awakened and it will take time for you to get used to it. You just need stimulation or guidance to feel the changes in your body." The four brothers are clueless about the awakening and before they could have a chance to ask, Kisha urged Ethan to train her grandparents and everyone else. Kisha faced Ethan with an indifferent expression and said. "Ethan right? I''ll leave the civilian training with you, you can arrange the 2 hours training schedule every day." Ethan felt vexed, her expression changed so fast that the doting gaze she just had towards Keith was replaced by indifference when she faced him. He nodded at her and still smiled at her enthusiastically, thinking that it was his time to show Kisha what a cool brother she had, which was him. "You can leave this to me!" He puffed up his chest and patted it with vigor. Kisha just nodded and led Keith to the corner leaving them after she greeted her grandparents and told them not to overwork themselves. The difference in treatment, it wouldn''t hurt if the Evans brothers did not compare themselves to the Aldens. Kisha made Keith sit down in the grass and meditate to feel the energy in his body. Simultaneously, she checked his status window. [Keith Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 5 Stamina: 4 Defense: 4 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 20 Charm: 10 Leadership: 6 Title: None Skills: Phantasm Talent: Mind Manipulation Gift: None Ability: Mental Kisha nodded after confirming that he still had the same ability, however, it was only now that she found out that he had a talent for mind manipulation. So this was the reason why he had so much potential in making vivid illusions before. It was just, he wasn''t given time to develop. If he could master this, he would be an indispensable member of this base and be part of the top-ranking ability users. Kisha felt excited for Keith as she started to plan how to help him. She felt giddy but still did her part to guide him little by little on how to get used to the energy pulsing in his head and how to utilize the same energy to bring out his ability to create a small illusion of a rabbit. The illusion of the rabbit was blurry and in its 2D form. When creating an illusion, one''s creativity and imagination will be tested because they have to project what they create in their imagination into reality. "You''re doing great baby brother." Kisha cheered him on. "This is your first time making an illusion, and you can already make out of something. You have great control, you just need practice." She pat his shoulder. Keith was not discourage by the result and listened to his sister. And he continued to maintain the illusion for few minutes and released it when he is tired and meditate to recover a little of his energy. He repeated the process a few times. Duke was silently watching from the side, taking notes of everything Kisha said and pointed out for future reference. He has a strong intuition that he will awaken a mental ability. They continued to practice until 8 in the morning, Kisha wa called by Ethan and the others to head to the cafeteria to eat their breakfast and so they stopped their training and followed to eat. Eliot was busy in the kitchen preparing everyone''s food while Melody put the cooked food in the tray for a buffet style set up. She was not having a good mood that''s why Eliot let her to slack off in the kitchen and just ask her to transfer the cooked food while he did the rest. Melody noticed Duke entered the cafeteria, her eyes regained their glow. "Duke!" She wave at him and immediately took a tray and a plate to give him big servings of everything. Duke did not look her way, he followed Kisha, passed a tray and a plate to her, he would even ask her what she likes to eat and get a big servings for her. Kisha was looking at him and helplessly said. "Duke, I can do it." She glances at his plate that it still empty and glance at the food in front. She took his plate and get a servings of his favorite food and once she''s done, she places his plate back to his tray. Duke was over the moon being taken care of by Kisha. His smiling eyes betrayed his indifferent face. "Thank you." This was witnessed by Melody who, by now was seeting in anger. But no one paid her any attention, even the Evans brother were all paying attention to Kisha. Kisha seated with her family, on her left was Keith and on the right is Duke. "Is the patient awake?" Kisha asked before she took a bite of her bacon sandwich. "Yes, I''ll be visiting him after breakfast. Care to join?" Kisha nodded and continued to eat Chapter 39 The Patient is Awake Right after breakfast, Kisha let her family do their own task and she followed Duke to the ward. Yesterday, after Eagle fed the blue liquid to the patient, his vitals turned to normal in a matter of minutes. He was not sure what''s the thing Duke made him feed his comrade but it was miraculous. He excitedly called Elios to check on the patient, forgetting that Elios was just about to take his rest. Elios dragged his feet and headed to the ICU, however, when he reached the ICU and saw the monitoring machines, his exhaustion disappeared without a trace. He passionately checked the condition of the patient and everything was normal. He has a quick epiphany and slowly cuts off the patient''s bandage with scissors, his hands trembling with his unimaginable speculation. With careful inspections, he found out that the wounds left no trace at all. He could not understand what happened that led to this, he jolted from his seat and this sudden movement knocked the small bottle on the side table. The bottle rolled to the edge of the table and Elios''s attention was brought to it. He noticed the trace of the blue liquid in the bottle, he picked it up to sniff the remaining content but it had no smell, and then, he tilted it upside down to his mouth to have a taste. For some reason, he feels that it has something to do with the patient''s sudden recovery. Eagle who was watching from the side was shocked, he didn''t have a chance to say anything from Elios''s inconsistent movements. The moment the remaining drop of liquid entered Elios''s throat, he felt a refreshing feeling gliding through his throat down to his stomach and it immediately spread through every cell of his body. He felt rejuvenated and savored the feeling for as long as possible. Eagle uneasily asked. "Mr. Evans. Hmmm, what are you doing?" Elios did not answer his question, when he opened his eyes, he met Eagle''s eyes and returned a question instead. "Did you feed him this?" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eagle remained silent, he did not know where Duke got the liquid but he did know that this is an incredible thing that might lead to danger if known. He had forgotten to get rid of the bottle due to the turn of events and excitement. He remained stoic and refused to answer Elios. Elios understood his silence, he knew that he was stepping out of line. He also knew that Duke has a world-class research facility but what the liquid achieved was beyond what science can. But then again, a lot of unimaginable things are happening around them now so he can''t rule out miracles. Elios took out a sample of the patient''s blood took it to the small lab for research and left Eagle on his own. And so, Eagle reported what happened to Duke early in the morning. Back to the preset... The dying patient that was sent last night was now sitting on the bed. Looking incredulously at his boss with trembling hands. "How long have I been asleep? Was it years? Months? It can''t be days, right?" He started to weep like a child. "Did Tristan and the others save the old master and madam? I''m sorry boss, I''m so useless." His tears were mixed with his snot. "Are they alright?" Duke shook his head with a grim expression. Just seeing his expression was enough to make the man cry even more miserably. "Did they die? What about Tristan and the others, did they all die that''s why the boss is so sad? Am I the only survivor?" The man''s thoughts were running a mile per second and he imagined all tragic end the others met. Eagle who''s standing in the corner was secretly filming the patient with a playful smile. He was planning to show Hawk the embarrassing crying face of the Squad 1 captain. He knew that it was not a good time to do this but he couldn''t pass the good opportunity to have good material against the strict captain who gave him a lot of beating down during training. Duke pinches the bridge of his nose, a headache is building up in his temple hearing the ruckus. "Stop crying!" He snapped The man instantly stopped crying with a hiccup and hearing Duke snapping at his comrade, Eagle put away his phone gave the man a cup of water, and stood still at the side. "You''ve only been asleep for a night." Kisha explained. The man choked on the water and coughed his lungs out. "No. wa-wait." He coughs a few more times and adjusts his breathing before he continues speaking. "Only for a day?" He touches his body but he feels no pain so he sneaks a peek inside his clothes and there are still no wounds. "Then what happened to my wounds?" He remembered that he suffered a few broken ribs and bones, there were also bullet and knife wounds that were quite deep, and even his head was smashed by the back of the assault rifle of his enemy. He did not know how he survived such an ordeal. Duke shook his head for the second time and glanced at Kisha, the man followed Duke''s gaze and assessed Kisha from her face to her temperament. "Doctor, thank you for saving my life. How did you do it, with advanced technology?" Kisha''s brows involuntarily raise after hearing him calling her doctor. "I''m not a doctor but you''re right with one thing. I did partly save your life." She paused and continued. "Anyway, that''s not important. Care to explain what happened to the convoy?" Remembering the chaos that day, he delved into his memory. They received a bizarre order from the higher-ups that day, from safely transporting the Winters family to getting drenched from the blood like rain. They did not receive any explanations, only the leaders knew what was going on. They only know not to get bitten by the flesh-crazed addicts roaming the streets and to detain their comrades if they suddenly fell ill and kill them if they turned rabid. Although they did not know the reason behind all this, they still strictly followed, especially the men in his squad. They treated Duke''s order as a creed. From the ancestral house in the suburbs, they circled around the city and stopped from place to place to avoid being followed by their enemy. However, they did not expect the earthquake and the rain to happen ahead of the expected time. They could only briefly tell the old master, Mr and Mrs. Winters that Duke gave them a mission to bring them to a safe place and to make sure they stayed in the rain. They had a hard time pacifying the masters but when they did, people started going crazy so they could only tuck the masters inside the car and for them to follow the plan. Unfortunately, their movements were sniffed by the opposition and they were ambushed near the border of the west district. He asked the assistant captain of his squad to request for backup and to be the vanguard of the convoy while he took care of the rear. He was taken by surprise by a pincer attack at a critical moment, two cars were cornered including his. His squad knew best not to stop and to continue to flee and shake off the tail. He fought back and tried to regroup with the passenger of the second car, but when they arrived. The four were left outside to be eaten by flesh-crazed bastards. They tried communicating with them but it did not work, something was not right with them. They don''t look like just crazy but they could not explain what''s wrong. They attack them physically but those people don''t seem to feel any pain as they continue to jump on them after being hit, they drag their four unrecognizable comrades inside the residential building. One of the four bites the one dragging him, so he accidentally let go of him but he did not have time to drag him again as the door was already breached so they continued to drag the other three to one of the units. They secured the door and could only make sure that the remaining three would rest in peace from their suffering and retrieve their body at a later time. He tried calling the convoy but the signal was jammed so they waited for the crazy bastards that were banging on the door to disperse. Regrettably, the one who was bitten started groaning in pain, firmly holding his hand that was bitten. The veins in his hands are turning black and the red blood turning coagulated black. He started panting and a trail of sweat formed on his forehead. As soon as the people outside dispersed after hearing a loud explosion outside, the four of them came out of the unit and headed for the door but when they opened the door, they were rained with bullets. One of them was hit so they headed upstairs instead. They did not have much chance to tend to their wounds when they were caught on the third floor. They started fighting in close combat, three men ganged up on him so he was fighting fiercely. His three men were caught and their limbs were broken and being played at just like what happened to their four comrades downstairs. He became even more fierce and ruthless with his attacks, however, he suffered severe beatings and wounds, and he was even shot by a pistol at a close distance. The enemy noticed that the person they were fighting was fiercely resisting and seemed to have no fear of death. They decided to retreat, but not before one of them said, "Our objective has been achieved. They will soon perish, and the wild animals outside are waiting to feast on them. Let''s leave them to their fate and move on to the meeting point." Right after the enemy left, he dragged his three men, one by one to the last unit to tend to their wounds but he noticed that there was nothing that could be used to dress their wounds. He could only grit his teeth and climb up the stairs to look for useful items. He reached the fifth floor''s utility room, but before he could do anything. He lost consciousness and was engulfed by the darkness. He thought it was his end. Chapter 40 Where to Look? "These are the only details I can recall before passing out," the man stated firmly. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke was furious upon hearing about their experience, especially because they were unable to extract any useful information from it. The only clue they have is the one they already possess, and gathering more clues from the outside seems impossible due to the chaos in the surroundings. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist. He felt dejected. Kisha was watching Duke''s every action and expression, she knew that he was feeling down right now. That''s why she held his tightly balled fist. "Why don''t we gamble instead?" She stated in a confident tone. Duke slowly lifted his head and met her eyes, trying to understand what was going on in her head and to find an ounce of worry but there was none. "What do you have?" He asked, his voice was a little hoarse. "If I have to gamble, I think I know where they are heading. But I am not sure if your family will be there. It''s possible that we will only meet your enemy." Duke thinks for a moment since they don''t have any more leads. They can only try to gamble on what Kisha wants to do. He can only hope that they still have ample time and for his people to hold on a little longer wherever they are. He slowly nodded at Kisha to give his acquiescence and then looked at Eagle to gather his men to head to his office. The Squad 1 Captain climbed out of bed and followed Eagle, Eagle was stunned only for a moment and recovered after realizing that his buddy had fully recovered so it was only right for him to be present in the meeting. So they went out to prepare for the meeting and waited for Duke and Kisha to arrive in the office. When they are the only people left in the ward, Duke asked. "Is it alright if I ask what''s the thing you gave me last night?" It took her a few seconds to remember about the potion she gave him. "Oh! Do you mean the health potion? It is what people call an Elixir." She bought the health potion from a fantasy world where mages and dragons exist. So an Elixir is not uncommon but it was expensive. She did not let the patient drink the Elixir as he still had bullets lodged in his body. She was unsure of the potential consequences if she were to allow him to drink it immediately. She did not want to risk his life, so she waited until after the operation had been successfully completed. This ensured that the patient''s recovery would be seamless and without any complications. Duke doesn''t seem to be surprised anymore by what Kisha could pull out of her pockets. She could basically bring just anything unimaginable in front of them and it would still be completely normal for her. He didn''t ask where she got it, he believed that she would tell him when she was more comfortable sharing her secrets with him. Duke held Kisha''s hands and he led her to the office. His sudden movement took Kisha by surprise and she was led by Duke just like that, when she recovered, she felt awkward to just pull her hand out of his grasp so she just let him do what he wanted. When they entered the office, the five men were already standing behind the sofa in a straight line facing them. Duke sat on the long couch and pulled Kisha to sit beside him, not letting go of her hands. Others in the room noticed their intertwined hands and smiled knowingly. The sight sent a chill down Kisha''s spine, and she subconsciously tucked a loose strand of hair that was getting in her face. The room was quiet, everyone was waiting for Kisha to speak up. However, Kisha was a bit slow to catch on that they were waiting for her to give them direction. It seemed like she only realized this when Duke was around, as he always seemed to throw off her rhythm. Only Duke has the power to stir her emotions. She could only attribute it to their long camaraderie. "Host, just admit that you had a crush on him." 008 teased. Kisha''s eyes widened. "Shut up! Stop making stuff!" 008''s childish giggle echoed in her head but 008 did not say anything else after. Kisha cleared her throat and rearranged her thoughts. "For starters, I had to inform all of you that we could only bring Sparrow and Vulture in this mission, aside from Duke of course." Everyone understood the importance of the mission and the need to maintain the base while the leader was away. No objections were raised. Without any further instructions, Eagle and Hawk volunteered to keep a watchful eye on the base, ensuring that no one was slacking off while waiting for their return. They would also continue to communicate with their other branches. Kisha shared her opinion and plan with the team, not leaving any information out. But for suspense, she chose not to inform them about Bell, not yet. It was announced on the radio and TV that the government had established an evacuation shelter in City C, which is the closest city to City A. However, based on her recollection, there was a group that had set up a private base in City B. If she pieced together everything she knew, she could only arrive at one clue. Duke in her previous life, took control of City B. At first, it puzzled her as he had other options within his territory, such as City A, the Valley they were currently in, or the farm. Both the Valley and the farm had a strong foundation for a good base, yet Duke chose to travel thousands of miles to reach City B from City A. It is highly likely that Duke''s family experienced a similar kidnapping incident in their past lives. It is unclear whether Tristan, Hawk, and the others were with Duke or if they went ahead without him. Regardless, she was aware of the outcome of the incident, but she had no means of knowing the specifics. In Duke''s past life, there were no companions such as Tristan, Hawk, Eagle, Vulture or Sparrow. Additionally, there was no one called Mr. or Mrs. Winters. So all in all, Duke probably met a devastating end and witnessed the slaughter of his people. This only proves why he never wanted to disclose information about his family or past to her. If she uses this as her guide, it means that Duke went to City B to search for or save his people. It is also possible that they met a tragic end in City A and fled to City B to start over again. However, since they were already in City A, they could only go and check City B. There are a lot of variables that are still unknown. Everything is just a deduction, but it was enough since they hit a dead end. Despite knowing where to begin, she wasn''t aware of their enemy''s strength or the exact location of their people. As a result, they could only move in small groups and play it by ear to infiltrate. Fighting their way to reach City B would be much more difficult, and a larger party would only attract attention from the enemy. Duke''s frown eased after he learned that they now had a direction. He looked at Kisha''s face, and his expression softened. He felt grateful towards her and realized that his burden was no longer as heavy as it seemed. He now had someone to share his burdens with, and the feeling of being protected from time to time felt good. Chapter 41 The Protective Duke "Sister! I want to come with you," Keith exclaimed, chasing after Kisha as she headed towards the vehicle, waiting for Duke and the others to finish packing up. Duke needed to organize tasks for his subordinates who would remain behind. Eric came over, his determination was evident. "I want to come too." Before Kisha could respond, Ethan interjected, "It would be beneficial for me to accompany you. I have combat experience and survival skills." He said worriedly. Kisha regarded Ethan with an indifferent expression. "Your combat proficiency is precisely why you should stay here. Your assignment is to train civilians and assist in organizing perimeter guard rotations, correct?" Ethan grasped Kisha''s implication, yet he couldn''t bear the thought of his younger sister confronting the horde of rabid zombies out there. Despite recognizing that she somehow has combat prowess, he couldn''t shake the belief that, as a woman, her strength might not suffice, and there could be situations where she would require assistance. This is only natural because he did not know Kisha''s level of skills and had not seen her engage in a fight but based on Duke''s trust in her, she would definitely have some skills of her own. Or she might be just a guide, just like her role in their escape through the city. Ethan was worried to death that he could not stop himself from thinking of many things while facing his sister. However, Ethan momentarily overlooked the fact that Kisha wouldn''t be alone. Duke and the other two, Sparrow and Vulture, would accompany her. While Sparrow and Vulture were on par with Ethan in skill, Duke stood at an even higher level. Ethan''s concern was evident, etched on his face, mirroring the sentiments of other Evans members nearby who harbored a desire to accompany Kisha, alongside her grandparents. Yet, they all understand that their presence might only burden Kisha rather than aid her in times of need, so they remain silent. Eric, being the eldest, understands that Ethan cannot leave his post. However, he realizes that he can step in, especially since he and their father work at the same place. Eric plans to delegate his responsibilities to their father and take on the role of protecting his sister outside."Then allow me to come with you," he proposed. Kisha''s eyebrow arched slightly as she responded with a stoic expression. "No." She remained uncertain and indifferent as to why the Evans always seemed so attentive and enthusiastic around her. Whether they sought her favor to speak up on their behalf or to lighten their burdens, she saw no room for negotiation. Yet, she found herself strangely at ease in their presence, almost amused, as she had never witnessed such a strong familial bond in the apocalypse, of course aside from her family¡ªa stark contrast to what she previously experienced with other families who survived together but ended up killing each other to continue surviving or for other reasons. The apocalypse often revealed the darkest aspects of humanity, leaving little room for genuine connections. Eric was taken aback. "Why?" She answered. "No time to babysit." She then faced Keith, her stoic face softening. "Baby brother, I can''t bring you with us now because it''s going to be dangerous. But I need you to stay here to train with our grandparents and to practice what I taught you previously." Kisha reiterated patiently. The stark contrast in treatment pained Eric and Ethan but they can''t do anything about it. They can only keep it to themselves because they have yet to reveal their connection with Kisha so it is understandable for her not to have the same patience with them the way she has for the Aldens. The silent Melody seized an opportunity to voice her thoughts upon witnessing her family''s discomfort with the perceived disparity in treatment. Eager to stoke discontent, she aimed to gradually sway them to her side. "Ms. Aldens," she began, her tone calculated, "considering the perilous nature of the journey with Duke and the others, wouldn''t you be the one potentially hindering their progress? Perhaps being babysat instead of contributing?" "Suppose you gained Duke''s trust through questionable means," Melody insinuated, her words dripping with accusation, "but is it not excessive to cling to him in such dire circumstances as now? In the chaotic world outside, caring for a woman''s safety becomes a daunting task. Wouldn''t going out to save his family require focus and resolve, rather than treating it as a casual outing?" Her meaning was unmistakable. Following the rescue of the Squad 1 captain, the gravity of the Winter''s family predicament became apparent to all. They understood the dangerous situation and the urgency with which Duke needed to act to save his parents. Melody''s insinuation weighed heavily on the Aldens and Keith, their expressions incense with the implications. Meanwhile, the Evans wore furrowed brows, their emotions difficult to discern¡ªwhether disappointment in Kisha''s perceived actions or genuine concern for her safety if she were to accompany Duke. Eric and Ethan bowed their heads in apology to Kisha on behalf of Melody. "Ms. Aldens, please forgive our sister," Eric began, "she''s still young and sometimes lacks the discretion to know when and what to speak and when to remain silent." Kisha, however, wasn''t swayed. "Ms. Evans," she addressed Melody sternly, "as a member of an esteemed family, why do you view others through such a tainted lens? Or perhaps that''s simply your nature?" Turning to Eric and Ethan, Kisha continued her tone firm. "Gentlemen, your sister is a grown-ass woman. Referring to her as young and attributing her behavior to immaturity and insensibility will only embolden her. While you may tolerate her actions as a family, do not expect everyone else to do the same. I will not tolerate it." Despite feeling a surge of anger for being called out, Melody managed to conceal her emotions behind a practiced smile. "I apologize, Ms. Aldens if my words came across as insulting," she responded smoothly. "My intention was genuine concern for your well-being. We''ve all witnessed what happened to our acquaintance and knew the dangers that await beyond the vast forest, and the thought of you facing such horrors is indeed unsettling." Melody''s words carried a veiled undertone of frustration, masked by her diplomatic demeanor. She refrained from revealing the true depth of her feelings, choosing instead to maintain an air of composure in front of the others. Melody adeptly downplayed her previous insulting remarks about Kisha''s relationship with Duke, as if she had never uttered them in the first place. Taking note of the softened tension among the group, Melody seized the moment to make her suggestion. "Considering the gravity of this task, wouldn''t it be wiser to entrust it to someone like my brother Ethan?" she proposed. "His skills and expertise could undoubtedly assist Duke in the mission to rescue his family." Melody''s primary objective is to prevent Kisha from spending additional time with Duke, as she harbors concerns about their growing rapport. Additionally, she views this situation as an opportunity to elevate her brother''s status and gain Duke''s trust. By positioning Ethan as a valuable ally in Duke''s eyes, Melody hopes to increase her own proximity to Duke. Ultimately, she envisions this strategic maneuver as a stepping stone toward reviving her family''s efforts to arrange a marriage between herself and Duke. Melody also sees an opportunity to counter Kisha''s accusation of her being insensible by flipping the narrative in her favor. She aims to portray Kisha as overly harsh and unfit to lead, highlighting Kisha''s apparent bias and inability to accept criticism. Through this strategic maneuver, Melody intends to sway others to question Kisha''s leadership abilities and rally support for her own side. Suddenly, Duke''s cold, stern voice reverberated from behind them. "Who are you to make suggestions and decisions on my behalf?" He approached and stood beside Kisha. "While Ethan is undoubtedly skilled, and a good candidate to fight through a wall of zombies out there.." Upon hearing Duke''s words, Melody''s selective hearing honed in solely on his compliment toward her second brother, leading her to believe that he had affirmed her earlier suggestion. Before Melody''s imagination could run wild, Duke continued with a firm tone. "However, it seems you''ve conveniently overlooked whose efforts and discerning decisions saved your entire family. It was Kisha''s." Without waiting for a response, he strode off, pulling Kisha along by the hand. She gestured to Keith and her grandparents to follow them briefly. Keith and their grandparents complied, standing by the window with visible concern etched on their faces as they watched Kisha. Seeing their worried expressions, Kisha couldn''t help but smile. "Don''t worry, little brother, Grandpa, and Grandma. I''m well-prepared for what lies ahead. When we return, I hope to find you all ready. Next time I venture out, you''ll join me." It was only then that Keith took a step back, promising his sister that he wouldn''t slack off. He vowed to diligently train his newly awakened ability. Their grandparents, equally determined, pledged to intensify their training efforts so they wouldn''t hold back or worry Kisha. After bidding her farewell, Duke signaled to Sparrow to drive. Kisha spoke up. "Should I take the wheel instead?" Duke replied, leaning back in his seat with his eyes closed. "No need." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow continued Duke''s words to explain. "Haven''t I returned unscathed from the city filled with zombies? I''ve grown accustomed to maneuvering through the streets, even when they''re overrun with zombies. Navigating through such conditions won''t be an issue for me anymore¡ªI''ve picked up a few tricks along the way."Sparrow boasted. And so, they embark on their mission with a clear goal in mind. Chapter 42 The Farm Not wanting to be overdone by Kisha, Melody''s determination was also sparked. Although she was angry to see Duke''s physical contact with Kisha, she had no way of showing her discontentment. She places her effort in growing her strength and her influence in the base without alarming Duke and his people so she can eventually have a voice in the future. .... "Boss, the farm is just up ahead. Should we take a look or continue on our way?" Sparrow asked Duke. Kisha glanced over at Duke, the exhaustion evident in her expression. After three long hours of travel, despite her best efforts, she couldn''t shake the numbness creeping into her feet, while her senses dulled as her discomfort settled in, even affecting her ability to feel her own body. However, Duke remained steadfast in his position, seemingly unfazed by the journey. Sensing Kisha''s gaze, he observed her subtle movements as she attempted to alleviate her discomfort by massaging her leg muscles. "Why not take a break and do some stretches?" he suggested, acknowledging her need for relief. A subtle shift transformed Kisha''s usually stoic expression, her face briefly lighting up with a hint of warmth. Though the change occurred swiftly, Duke''s observant gaze didn''t miss a beat, capturing every ounce of her actions and expressions. Over time, he had grown attuned to Kisha''s subtle cues, and witnessing her moment of happiness energized him, strengthening his connection to her. Upon receiving Duke''s approval, Sparrow veered to the right onto a narrow mud trail hidden within the forest. The trail was so faint that it almost seemed nonexistent, making it challenging to discern amid the dense trees and tall grass. Describing the road as merely "a little bumpy" would be an understatement. As the car navigated the muddy terrain, it jolted and bounced intermittently as medium-sized rocks rolled beneath the tires. The relentless movement caused Kisha''s already numb feet to tingle intensely, the sensation creeping up to her gums, making them itch. With gritted teeth, she endured the discomfort until the numbness gradually subsided. Observing Kisha''s discomfort from the corner of his eye, Duke couldn''t help but let out a chuckle. Despite understanding her discomfort, he couldn''t help but find her expressions cute and amusing. In response to Kisha''s frown and side glare, Duke openly chuckled, unabashedly enjoying the moment as he watched her reaction. Resigned to Duke''s teasing, Kisha decided to ignore it and focused on finding relief. Gripping the overhead handle, she shifted her position slightly, lifting her butt off the seat. The sensation of pins and needles prickling her backside made her wince, but she persevered, determined to alleviate the discomfort. Observing Kisha''s attempts to find comfort, Duke burst into hearty laughter, clutching his stomach in amusement. Sparrow and Vulture, catching glimpses of Kisha''s glare into the rearview mirror, wisely avoided meeting her eyes, sensing her irritation. However, Duke remained unfazed by her threatening expression, his laughter continuing unabated. It would be dishonest to claim that Sparrow and Vulture weren''t tempted to sneak a glance because of Duke''s infectious laughter, a rare occurrence for their typically cold indifferent boss. Indeed, since meeting Kisha, Duke seemed to be breaking his own norms regularly. They recognized that Kisha held a unique power over him, capable of eliciting changes that others couldn''t. They knew that this wasn''t a bad thing. They smiled reservedly as they focused their gaze on the road ahead. After 30 minutes of navigating the rugged terrain, the silhouette of a silo and a barn finally came into view. Sparrow skillfully parked the car in front of a rustic cabin, and as they stepped out, Kisha swiftly stored the vehicle in her inventory. It had become her habit to stow away items after use, a precautionary measure born out of the uncertainty of what might occur next in the midst of the apocalypse. "Boss, I''ll go ahead and scout the area," Sparrow offered. Duke nodded at Sparrow. Taken aback by Sparrow''s quick escape, Vulture stammered, "I-I''ll, uh..." Unable to think of a plausible excuse, he blurted out, "I''ll just... take a quick whizz." As the words left his mouth, Vulture realized the awkwardness of his statement, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment as he glanced in Kisha''s direction. Such an excuse wouldn''t have been so embarrassing if there hadn''t been a woman present. Vulture sensed Sparrow''s intention to provide their boss with some privacy with Kisha. Recognizing this, he too made a swift exit, deciding to explore the interior of the cabin. As Kisha and Duke engaged in their muscle stretches, Vulture took the opportunity to inspect the cabin. Upon entering, his attention was immediately drawn to the sight of cigarette butts littering the small coffee table, alongside several empty cans of Monster energy drinks. Venturing further into the cabin, he noticed a few cup noodles scattered on the kitchen counter. The sight immediately put him on high alert; the noodles appeared relatively fresh, emitting a sour smell indicating they had been there for about 15 to 24 hours. He proceeded to the bedroom, confirming his suspicions as he observed the disheveled bed with a few bed sheets spread on the floor. In one corner, he noticed patches of blood staining the white sheets. He cautiously reached out to touch the dried blood, feeling its hardened texture and noting its dark, nearly brown color. Cracks had formed around the edges, indicating that it had been there for some time. On the opposite side of the farm, Sparrow observed multiple tire tracks at the alternate exit leading toward the forest road. Upon inspecting the garage, he noticed that the spare cars typically parked there were now absent. Hastening to the secret bunker concealed behind the garage, he meticulously examined each box. Satisfied with his investigation, he swiftly returned to where Duke was waiting. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He approached to find Kisha and Duke engaged in a serious conversation, their expressions grave and tense. As Vulture joined them, he witnessed the same somber scene unfold before him. Before either of them could speak, Kisha abruptly departed, heading back in the direction Sparrow had come from. Sparrow and Vulture exchanged surprised glances, momentarily forgetting what they had intended to report as they watched her leave. Duke broke the silence. "It appears our people have arrived here. Most likely Tristan and the others." Once more, Vulture and Sparrow were taken aback by surprise. "Boss, how did you know?" Sparrow inquired, seeking clarification. "Upon reflection, it does seem probable," he added. "The lack of forced entry into the bunker and the missing firearms suggest familiarity with our operations. Everything else appears undisturbed." Vulture echoed, his tone grave. "Additionally, there are signs of recent occupancy in the cabin, and it seems that some individuals may have been severely injured." After Vulture spoke, he and Sparrow exchanged incredulous glances as a realization dawned on them. However, they couldn''t help but wonder ''How did Duke know these details when he and Kisha had not moved from where they had left them?'' Sparrow couldn''t help but voice his curiosity. "Boss, how did you know?" he inquired, noting Duke''s lack of surprise upon hearing their report. "Kisha told me." Duke said proudly. The two were thoroughly shocked and their curiosity deepened. ''Could Kisha have deployed drones to monitor their movements?'' Well, they weren''t far off. Kisha had indeed dispatched drones to keep an eye on them. Kisha dispatched the regular bees to meticulously monitor every move made by the two individuals. This was a deliberate test to assess the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the regular bees and to evaluate whether they could efficiently relay useful information through their connection with Bell. The regular bees, while small and inconspicuous, faced a communication barrier and struggled to convey what they observed in detail. They could only describe things using shapes or the simplest words they knew. Bell, tasked as their translator, found it incredibly challenging to relay this limited information to Kisha. Bell could only shed tears, wishing fervently for her colony to grow faster. Kisha and Duke collaborated, analyzing the information gathered by the bees and piecing together the puzzle. Duke''s familiarity with the area proved invaluable; with just a few details, he could discern what was happening. He shared his insights with Kisha, allowing them to form a comprehensive understanding of the situation. But of course, he chose not to divulge the involvement of the bees to Sparrow and Vulture. He savored the sense of exclusivity that came with being the first to know about this significant secret Kisha was keeping. While he knew that others would eventually discover it, the feeling of being the initial confidant held a special significance for him. A ticklish flutter warmed his heart as he contemplated the secret, his eyes forming into crescents as a smile tugged at his lips. Sparrow and Vulture could only stare in disbelief as they watched him. Not only were they left without answers to their growing curiosity, but they also witnessed Duke happily lost in his own thoughts. The two had no choice but to suppress their curiosity and remain silent, patiently awaiting further instructions. Is this really their boss. Despite their respect for Duke, they couldn''t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for their former boss. It''s not that they dislike the changes in their boss, but seeing him in this light somehow left them feeling a pang of loneliness being single. They couldn''t shake the bitterness creeping in as they longed for a love life too. Chapter 43 Mountain Road Kisha went straight to the hidden bunker, she had no problem since the place was left open, she stored the remaining firearms in her inventory and made a quick beeline to the farm equipment that the bees saw nearby. There''s a complete tractor, pruner, and many other of large farm equipment. She knew that all of these would be very useful on her own farm and orchard. "Master, the whole farm is deserted, and no zombies are roaming around, do we continue to patrol the area?" Bell communicated with Kisha through their master/subordinate connection. "Yes, continue. We also have to test how long we can continue the connection with the regular bees." As if Kisha remembered something and she added. "How''s your newborn?" Bell''s antenna wiggled excitedly as she reported to her master, "Master, I''ve given birth to 100 healthy scarlet bees! Once they mature and start producing honey, I''ll share it with you." Kisha chuckled warmly as she congratulated Bell. "Well done! You''ve certainly worked hard." "No, Master! It wasn''t!" Bell replied, thrilled that her master was concerned for her. Eagerly, she communicated with the regular bees on patrol to search for more useful items. After a quick walk around the farm, Kisha came back to where Duke and the others were. When she came to, she found Duke crouching near the steps in front of the cabin. "What''s up?" She asked, puzzled. Duke looked up at Kisha before showing her the small paper he found wedged in the crevice. "I found Tristan''s message," he said. Kisha read the message, which said: "Master, if you found this, I and the others successfully rescued the old master and the others. However, we are still closely tailed and some...". The remaining words were garbled and hard to decipher. It was evident that Tristan must have encountered an unexpected situation, prompting a swift escape after he stuffed the letter in a safe place. Duke''s eyes swirled with a mix of emotions, his shoulders tense with worry. Despite knowing that his family had been saved, he couldn''t relax, knowing they were still in danger. Kisha gently patted Duke''s shoulder, understanding the gravity of the situation and the urgency at hand. "Let''s not waste any time. We need to follow their tracks in the forest." And she took the car out of her inventory. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow wasted no time and promptly hopped into the car, prepared to drive off at a moment''s notice. Vulture followed suit, already buckling his seatbelt in readiness for the journey ahead. Kisha felt a lump forming in her throat as she observed Duke''s vulnerable demeanor. Despite his facade of indifference, she sensed the turmoil of emotions raging within him. He carried the weight of worry for his people''s safety, yet felt powerless to protect them. With no one to confide in, he bore the burden of leadership alone, unable to display even a hint of vulnerability. Duke must have wanted to rush there to save his people but also had to think about the consequences it might bring to his remaining subordinate. So, through this conflict, Kisha stepped in and told them that they could go directly without warming their body inside the cabin or resting. While some might view their decision as reckless because nights are even more dangerous and the danger only intensified due to the threat of zombies, Kisha remained confident in her abilities. With her system in place and the bees on patrol, she felt assured that they wouldn''t be caught off guard by any potential threats during their journey. At present, zombies are the least of their concerns. These creatures had yet to evolve significantly and could be handled by ordinary people if they possessed the courage. However, the enemies pursuing Duke''s family were armed and well-trained, presenting a far more dangerous threat. Given the circumstances, Kisha believed that rushing to their aid and catching the assailants off guard would be a more strategic course of action than proceeding cautiously. Observing the confident smirk on Kisha''s face, Duke ceased his hesitation. Having spent considerable time together, he understood that Kisha was not the reckless type; she wouldn''t venture out without a solid plan or the confidence to emerge victorious. Soon, the group of four traversed the rugged terrain into the depths of the forest toward the mountains. Kisha attempted to consult the map, but the car''s jolting and trembling made it impossible for her to see anything clearly. She found herself practically bouncing in her seat. Her frown deepened, and she found herself regretting her sympathy for Duke at that moment. She longed for the smooth, flat road again, even if it meant taking a bit longer to reach their destination. The prospect of being jostled around and bruised all over was becoming less appealing by the minute. She felt as if her body were on the verge of breaking from the relentless tossing within the car. Witnessing her discomfort, Duke''s heart softened, and he felt a pang of sympathy for Kisha. He offered innocently, "Would you like to sit on my lap instead? It might be a bit cramped and hard, but you''ll endure less jostling than being strapped into the seatbelt." Kisha shot Duke an incredulous look as if he were a foolish pervert trying to take advantage of her. It was only then that Duke realized the unintended implication of his words. He attempted to appear nonchalant, but his racing heart betrayed the turmoil within him. The two people in the front seats were taken aback by Duke''s unexpected offer, exchanging a surprised glance as they caught sight of the awkward dynamic unfolding in the rearview mirror. Kisha locked eyes with Duke, finding only genuine concern reflected in his gaze. "I must have been reading too much into it," she thought, reassured by his sincerity. After being silent for a long time, 008 interjected with a mischievous grin. "Host, just admit it. You''re the one yearning for his touch, fantasizing about him thinking of you in that way," 008 teased, his words laced with playful insinuation. Kisha felt annoyed but she could only grit her teeth. "No need, I''ll just make it uncomfortable for you and take much space." She struggled to maintain a poker face, but Duke couldn''t miss the telltale flush creeping up her cheeks. Amused by her reaction, he couldn''t resist pushing a little further. Initially concerned for her well-being, his concern now mingled with a mischievous desire to tease her, spurred on by her evident embarrassment. "Don''t worry, I don''t mind." He added. "I mind, you know. Who in their right mind would sit on someone else''s lap?" She retorted. "What? I''m genuinely concerned that your body won''t hold up before we reach our destination. Besides, do I have time to treat you like a woman right now?" Duke said with a poker face. Kisha felt conflicted; while she recognized the validity of Duke''s concern, she couldn''t help but feel slighted that he didn''t see her as a woman. "Do I appear that unattractive to him?" she wondered silently. Feeling a sting to her pride from his apparent indifference, she clenched her teeth, unbuckled her seatbelt amidst the car''s jolts, and defiantly settled herself into Duke''s lap. Even Duke was caught off guard by her sudden move, his throat tightening with surprise. His arms seemed to act on their own accord, encircling her small waist almost instinctively, while his other hand found its place on her lap, offering support. The warmth of Duke''s hand on her back and lap sent a tingling sensation through her scalp, causing her to shiver slightly. Given Duke''s tall and slightly muscular build, the space felt incredibly cramped. His breath brushed against her neck, warm and gentle, sending flutters through her stomach and causing her eyes to involuntarily close. Duke, on the other hand, relished the sweet, pleasant scent emanating from Kisha. He felt her shiver, and this small reaction brought a smile to his face. However, not long after, he felt a familiar warmth coursing through his body, originating down from his navel. He could only curse through gritted teeth as he struggled to adjust his breathing and maintain his composure. Kisha now regretted her impulsive move and felt foolish for succumbing to her pettiness. She wanted to return to her seat, but Duke''s grasp tightened around her. "Stop moving," he whispered into her ear, his breath growing heavier. "Was I that heavy?" She thought. She wanted to look at Duke''s face, but his face remained pressed against her neck. She squirmed a little, prompting Duke to groan and pinch her waist. He couldn''t speak, his forehead veins bulging with strain. "Try moving some more and you''ll know the consequences," Duke grunted with heavy breathing. The two in the front exchanged a knowing look, realizing they were intruding on a private moment. They wisely raised the divider between the front and back seats, allowing Duke and Kisha their privacy, and returned their attention to their tasks. Kisha was about to retort, but then she felt something rod-like thing beneath her. Despite the fabric separating them, she could vividly feel the contours, leaving her speechless as a gasp escaped her throat. Her squirming stopped almost instantly, giving Duke some time to adjust his breathing as he hugged her tightly. But of course, the road did not give him time to adjust as the jolting and trembling of the car continued. Duke felt his thing grinding on Kisha, unable to control the unavoidable contact. Kisha felt her whole body tremble and she''s getting wet down there. ''So-so big!!!'' She tried her best not to let out a moan as it would only aggravate the situation. "This is the worst decision I have ever made!" She shouted in her brain. This torture lasted for a while until they exited the mountain road, Duke almost couldn''t hold himself from bursting through his pants. Luckily, he could last long while Kisha looked like her soul was sucked out of her. After seeing her state, Duke smirked triumphantly. Chapter 44 Disguise After quelling the storm of emotions provoked by the recent events, Kisha diverted her gaze from Duke as they journeyed along a smoother stretch of road, having exited the mountainous terrain. Now navigating the highway, they had shaved off 8 hours by cutting through the mountains instead of following the circuitous route along the highway. "We should take a break," Kisha suggested, her gaze fixed on the seemingly endless highway strewn with abandoned vehicles ahead. "Alright. Sparrow, locate a secure spot for us to rest," Duke commanded, his demeanor betraying little emotion. "Consider it done, boss," Sparrow replied promptly. His need for rest was palpable; the strain of relentlessly maneuvering through a zombie-infested road had taken its toll. With arms threatening to surrender and a leaden foot from the constant pressure on the pedal of the manual car, a break was not only necessary but urgent. Within a mere 500 meters, a gas station came into view. Sparrow skillfully drove the car to a halt at one of the fuel pumps. "Vulture, could you please check if there''s any gas left and refuel the car? If you stumble upon any spare containers, fill them up as well. We''ll pass them to Kisha later," Sparrow instructed. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow swiftly exited the car, unsheathing his dagger in a fluid motion. With only a few steps taken, a zombie lunged towards him. "Eager to die, aren''t we?" Sparrow remarked casually as if making light of the situation. In truth, their location was swarming with over a dozen zombies, with more approaching rapidly. Sparrow''s movements were swift and precise as he dispatched each one with a well-aimed thrust to the head with his dagger, ensuring their demise with a deft twist of the blade to confirm that they were dead, a double dead kind of dead. His precision and agility enabled him to maneuver seamlessly through the throng of stiff, undead bodies, clearing a path with remarkable ease. The increasing mastery of his wind ability added to the mix, making him look like he was playing in the midst of the flesh-eating zombies. Meanwhile, Vulture had mastered the technique of conjuring earth spikes. With precision, he summoned a single spike that could impale a zombie, ensuring a swift death. "Quality over quantity," he murmured, driving his dagger into the nearest zombie with lethal accuracy. Outside, Sparrow and Vulture were fully occupied, exterminating any zombies that crossed their path. The scene grew increasingly chaotic and grim, with black blood spattering through the air and coating the ground, accompanied by the nauseating stench of decay. Inside the safety of the car, Kisha and Duke patiently waited for their companions to complete their task. The atmosphere was thick with an awkward silence, a stark difference from the usual tranquility they feel around each other like of the night. Duke found himself struggling with the tension, his throat growing dry as he cleared it nervously. Keeping his gaze fixed outside, he attempted to distract himself from the lingering warmth of Kisha and the lingering fragrance that enveloped him. Despite his efforts to push the thoughts away, her presence lingered vividly in his mind, refusing to be erased. He tried counting sheep while his eyes were tightly closed but from time to time, Kisha''s image would suddenly flash in his mind, disrupting his slowly calming mind so he would have to go back to square one. He lost track of time while dealing with his inner turmoil until Sparrow called out to him. "Boss, the gas station has been cleared, and Miss Aldens is resting inside the store. Why don''t you take a nap too before we continue our journey?" "Alright, I''ll take a quick nap. You guys better rest too," Duke replied wearily. As he trudged towards the store, a nervous knot twisted in his stomach. Kisha was already resting inside, and he couldn''t shake the uncertainty of facing her. He cursed his lack of control over his impulses, his lower half seemingly acting on its own accord. His initial nervousness morphed into frustration upon reaching the store and finding Kisha resting so peacefully, without a trace of worry on her face. He felt like a silly child, fretting over nothing. After a few deep breaths to calm himself, he settled down near Kisha, ready to spring into action if needed. Unbeknownst to Duke, Kisha and 008 had been conversing about the recent events. 008 playfully teased Kisha until she reached her limit and jokingly threatened not to upgrade him for a few days. 008 relented and refrained from further jests, realizing Kisha''s discomfort. In truth, Kisha was just as uncertain as Duke about how to navigate their evolving relationship. This was uncharted territory for her, and she found herself drawn to Duke in ways she hadn''t anticipated. Despite her initial reservations, she discovered herself growing fond of him with each passing moment. She unknowingly fallen asleep as she''s having her inner debate about things. The four of them took turns resting for a maximum of four hours before they prepared to continue on their way. As they were about to step outside, Kisha interrupted with a firm "Wait." She then retrieved a large suitcase from her inventory and motioned for the others to find chairs. Puzzled by Kisha''s actions, the three of them complied and found chairs to sit on. Though curious, they remained silent, waiting for Kisha to explain her intentions. Rather than providing an explanation, Kisha opened the suitcase to reveal an assortment of makeup and prosthetic elf ears, long noses, and other items. The three of them were not just baffled but also intrigued by her sudden actions. Unsure of her intentions, they looked at each other for confirmation, they had allies skilled in disguise among them so they are somehow familiar with what''s inside the suitcase. With silent agreement, they allowed Kisha to alter their appearances as she saw fit. Kisha spent a whooping 30 minutes on each person, because they had to wait for a little for the artificial skin to dry before she could cover it with waterproof foundation and makeup. She did not allow them to look at each other''s faces yet and let them dry their faces with mini fans while she takes care of her own disguise. In 2 hours, their disguise are complete and they changed into baggy worn clothes too. And when they had the chance to finally see each other''s faces. The three was beyond shock. "Who are you?!" Vulture exclaimed as he pointed at Sparrow who has a big open wound on his left cheek that seems to scratched the surface of a sand paper. It was a disturbing sight, as Sparrow not only appeared unrecognizable but also seemed pitifully worn out, clearly affected by stress. Even his hair seemed to be losing its vitality. "Vulture?! This disguise is both pitiful and eerie." He observed Vulture''s appearance, noting the numerous black bruises that adorned his face, he looked like a panda,. With scratches resembling those caused by asphalt, and traces of blood mingled with small stones still embedded in the wounds. Now that they knew who they were facing, they all turned their gaze to the tall Duke. His missing eye looked like it was dug out and it incredibly looked real, and every inch of his face bore scratches and bruises. The overall makeup was surreal, making him appear as though he''d endured the trials of life and death, emerging from the depths of hell itself. Despite looking pitiful, as if Kisha had intended to make him suffer, he also exuded a menacing aura, reminiscent of a demon ready to consume you whole. Kisha bore a large cut from her right eye down to her left cheek, crudely sewn together with thick black thread. Like Duke, she appeared both pitiful and terrifying. If one didn''t know them, they might assume they had a field trip through hell and back before returning. "Are we going for a trick or treat? This will definitely scare a lot of people and we''ll win the best costume awards," Sparrow joked awkwardly. "Miss Aldens, why can''t we disguise to look like different people and appear normal? Like those who do missions, they definitely don''t look anything like this," Vulture honestly asked, clearly unnerved by his own appearance. Kisha sighed and explained, "If we go out looking as we usually do, we''ll attract unnecessary attention and increase our enemies'' chances of finding us before we complete our mission. It''s because we appear unharmed and clean that others will try to target us. In this chaotic world, no one emerges unscathed when they flee. So, our current appearance is what normal people look like out there. Besides, Duke is so good-looking with a great figure that he''d surely attract a lot of attention in a crowded place. So, I had to add more wounds to make him appear as he does now." Hearing her explanation made Duke break into a happy smile, as if he could taste the sweetness of honey in his mouth. The two nodded in agreement. "So that''s why you two look more pitifully scary than us." But after saying that, Vulture came to a realization that they were not as handsome as their boss. He looked at Sparrow and felt relieved that he had more scars on his face, meaning he was a little more handsome than Sparrow. Chapter 45 Disguise 2 Somehow, Sparrow felt offended by Vulture''s gaze, so he kicked him in the ass. Duke had been staring at Kisha with a gaze dripping with honey, making her feel uncomfortable as her stomach churned. She cleared her throat to break the tension. Thanks to Sparrow''s sudden question, it pulled her out of her predicament. "But, I just wanted to ask, did you prepare this makeup material before the apocalypse happened? How come you conveniently have it?" "Oh! This?! My little brother Keith is an anime fanatic and has often gone to cosplay conventions since we were young. I often helped him make his costumes and apply his makeup, so I''ve gotten used to it. When we evacuated our place, I also took all our belongings, so this was among those things," Kisha explained as she reminisced about their past. "No wonder you''re so familiar with the tools!" Vulture quipped. The silent Duke finally spoke. "But why do we have to disguise ourselves now? Are we close to our target location?" He asked with seriousness. Kisha shook her head and said, "No, we''re still far from the target location. However, I think that we''ll soon encounter more people who are fleeing as well. So, we''ll have little time to disguise then. It''s better to be prepared ahead for a foolproof plan than be blindsided later on." Recognizing the wisdom in her words and the importance of avoiding trouble to reach their destination swiftly, Duke remained silent. His trust in Kisha was unwavering, knowing she had his back in every situation. As they pressed onward, Sparrow skillfully maneuvered their armored vehicle to the edges of the abandoned cars littering the highway, pushing them aside to clear a path. Thankfully, the sturdy construction of their armored car ensured it could withstand the impact without sustaining damage or scraping against other obstacles along the way. However, this method unavoidably prolonged their journey to escape the highway congested with abandoned vehicles. What would typically be a one-hour drive to exit the highway ended up stretching to two and a half hours. Considering traversing on foot as an alternative briefly crossed their minds. Yet, they quickly dismissed the idea due to the considerable amount of time it would consume, not to mention the inconvenience compared to traveling by vehicle. Therefore, Kisha decided to conduct a test by checking her territory. Upon realizing that others couldn''t see her system interface, she speculated that they likely couldn''t see the holographic territory she possessed either when she displayed it in front of her. If they could see it, it wouldn''t be a problem too because they were the people she could trust with her secret. She viewed this as a chance to experiment within the confines of people she trusted. Besides, she was planning to let Duke know of her system anyway but not now and she thinks that she doesn''t even have to spill the beans for him to figure out, he''s always that smart and observant but still, she would divulge it. She just had the feeling that Duke would appreciate it more if it came directly from her mouth. Unbeknownst to Kisha, Duke had been attentively observing every subtle change in her expression: every furrow of her brow, every flutter of her long eyelashes. Gradually, his throat grew dry, and his body warmed as if he were coming down with a fever. Sensing that another thing was acting up, he quickly averted his gaze and stared out of the window. He wasn''t sure if he had masochistic tendencies because, as far as he was aware, he didn''t. Yet, he couldn''t help but feel drawn to Kisha, triggering a mix of emotions within him that bordered on torture. As if, his abstinence over the years came crashing down on him like a flash flood, threatening to break the damn in a second. This strong pull he felt was doing wonders in his mind and body. He closed his eyes, attempting to refocus on the important matters he had set aside before all this chaos emerged. Seeking solace in his thoughts, he pushed away thoughts of Kisha, striving to regain mental clarity. Eventually, he drifted back to sleep. Kisha, meanwhile, had been engrossed in manipulating her territory, exploring its capabilities. It wasn''t until 008 notified her that Duke had been watching her, though he didn''t seem to notice anything unusual. She speculated that others might only see her territory''s system interface once they became her administrators, granting them authority to manage her territory but with restricted access. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now that she had a better understanding, Kisha discovered some amazing uses for her territory and its subspace farm. She realized that it had far more potential than she initially thought, leading her to giggle like a child with the realization that her investment hadn''t been in vain. As night fell, Kisha and her companions found a secure location to rest. Thanks to Kisha''s inventory of pre-cooked food, they didn''t need to bother with cooking. They simply ate whatever was available and settled down for rest. Sparrow took the first watch, keeping watch over them during the first half of the night, while Vulture would take over for the latter half. As Vulture settled in for his watch, Kisha suddenly snapped her eyes open, startling both him and Sparrow. Not only did Kisha open her eyes, but she also immediately sat up, triggering a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu for the others. They couldn''t help but recall the last time Kisha had reacted like this: it was when they were almost ambushed by a horde of zombies at the gasoline station while on the run. So, Sparrow and Vulture immediately became alert, scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. Kisha motioned for silence, placing a finger to her lips. "Shhh." Duke, now awakened by the commotion, silently moved closer to the door, his body low to the ground as he approached cautiously. Kisha retrieved her smaller katana from her inventory and crouched low to the floor, ready for any threat. Meanwhile, the other two positioned themselves near the windows, ensuring all entry points to the room were covered. After ten tense minutes of waiting, the room remained silent, but as the fifteen-minute mark passed, the door began to creak open from the outside. No one rushed in immediately; instead, a pistol was cautiously pointed into the room, its wielder assessing the situation before making any further moves. Before anyone could enter, Kisha had already concealed herself within the shadows cast by the shelf, adeptly melding into the darkness. Her eyes gleamed with the intensity of a stalking puma, poised to spring upon her prey as they drew nearer. Advancing cautiously, the figures outside took measured steps, their movements betraying apprehension. However, in a swift motion, Duke intercepted, pressing a dagger against the throat of the leading individual, while Sparrow and Vulture sealed off any chance of escape from behind. Emerging from the concealment of shadows, Kisha scrutinized the newcomers with keen observation. Amidst the intruders stood a woman cradling a baby, drawing Kisha''s immediate attention. Her gaze swept over the group, revealing a mix of ages, from the elderly to the young. The man Duke had apprehended wore a black S.W.A.T. uniform, his hands raised in surrender. "Please, don''t hurt the civilians," he blurted out, the words tumbling from his lips in a rush, his tone desperate as he raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. He didn''t entertain even a moment''s thought that Duke might slit his throat in an instant. Kisha nodded at Duke, signaling for him to release the man. "Are you all survivors?" she inquired, her voice cold yet tinged with concern as she observed the weary and hungry faces of the newcomers. Kisha retrieved her large bag, originally meant to act as a cover for their supplies, and began distributing food to the group of the S.W.A.T member. Initially, reluctance lingered among the survivors, perhaps intimidated by Kisha''s group''s ominous appearance. However, the woman with the baby, driven by maternal instincts, accepted the provisions without hesitation, recognizing the necessity for her child''s well-being. Hence, the rest of the group followed suit, accepting the supplies from Kisha and hastily indulging in the food, wary of the possibility that Kisha might rescind her offer. It was only then that the S.W.A.T member, regaining his composure, responded to Kisha''s inquiry. "Yes, these folks are from a neighboring small town. I''m Fred." "Kisha, that big guy is ''D'' and those two are just his lackeys." Kisha introduced her companions herself, and upon hearing her label them as lackeys, Sparrow and Vulture felt like crying. "Where are your other team members?" Kisha asked, scanning the surroundings for any sign of additional S.W.A.T. personnel. Fred''s expression darkened. "They didn''t make it... I''m the only one left to safeguard the civilians and guide them to the evacuation center." "That''s indeed saddening, but you have to stay strong. These people rely on you, and you have to live for your comrades," Kisha randomly said just to create a rapport with Fred. "Thank you, Kisha," he replied with a grateful smile before adding, "Are you guys heading to City B too?" Kisha nodded. ___________ PS: Hello everyone! Apologies for the long wait. I''ve been occupied with , leaving me little time to work on other chapters for this novel. Starting today, I''ll strive to release a chapter regularly every day, aiming for two chapters if possible. Chapter 46 Do You Want to Help? "Great, why don''t you guys come with us?" Fred extended the invitation, not only out of gratefulness but also because he sensed their strength. He knew he couldn''t protect all the people with him alone, so he needed extra help. Although he never entertained the thought that Kisha and the others might be bad people, he remained vigilant. "Alright, I''ll consult with my group first to hear their thoughts on this," Kisha nodded. She and the others stepped aside, allowing the new arrivals some space, and gathered in a corner to confer among themselves. "We''ll be delayed if we travel with these people," Duke remarked, his brows knitted together so tightly they could have crushed a fly. He had overheard Kisha''s conversation with Fred and found himself in disagreement. He believed they would only become encumbered, especially considering their current time constraints. It''s not that he doesn''t want to help the civilians, but his hands are currently tied. Every second counts when his family''s lives are on the line. "I thought so too, but it would be easier for us to blend into the crowd to infiltrate our destination," Kisha explained, exhaling deeply as she considered all the possibilities that might go awry. "We can also help them get to the evacuation center faster if we work with Fred, and in turn, they will be our cover. That just sounds good to me," she concluded, weighing the pros and cons. "Just disguising ourselves isn''t enough to ensure that the enemies won''t be alarmed, potentially endangering your family," Kisha reasoned. "I share your urgency to get there quickly, but the lack of information leaves us blind on how to proceed. It''s best for us to tread as silently and securely as possible," she added, emphasizing the need for caution. "You''re right. I''m sorry, I''m getting impatient," Duke admitted, realizing the validity of Kisha''s perspective. His impatience had clouded his judgment. Sparrow and Vulture exchanged surprised glances, ''Boss relented. But more than that, he apologized!'' they communicated through their eyes. After their discussion, they rested, with Vulture continuing to keep watch over their sleep. However, another predicament soon arose. Due to the limited space, Duke and Kisha had to sleep side by side, causing them both to feel restless. Kisha became a bundle of nerves, her stomach churning with anxiety. She was hypersensitive to every movement Duke made, and every time his warm breath brushed against her skin, she couldn''t help but feel a knot in her stomach and her toes curling. Duke wasn''t faring any better. With Kisha in such close proximity, he felt an intense heat rising within him. Her scent acted like an aphrodisiac, stirring him up without any effort. He struggled to calm the raging desire within him, which was now creating a noticeable tent in his pants. But the situation didn''t stop there. An elderly woman lay behind Kisha, further pressing her against Duke. Unable to contain himself, Duke let out a muffled grunt in discomfort. Startled, the elderly woman apologized profusely for taking up too much space. However, neither Kisha nor Duke uttered a word in response. With Kisha now nestled in Duke''s embrace, her face pressed against his sturdy chest, she could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and the raggedness of his breath, as if he were struggling to breathe. She sensed that he was pressed too tightly against the wall, making it difficult for him to breathe, so she attempted to shift slightly to give him more room. "Don''t move," his hoarse voice whispered beside her ear. It sounded so seductive and inviting that Kisha couldn''t help but swallow the lump in her throat. "Are you alright?" Kisha whispered to Duke. "Would you help me if I weren''t?" His voice was hoarse, tinged with a hint of seduction and teasing. Kisha realized something was indeed wrong. Very wrong Duke tightened his grip around her waist, preventing her from moving as he buried his nose in the top of her head. Uncomfortable with her position, Kisha shifted slightly, inadvertently brushing against something hard, which elicited another muffled grunt from Duke. Her mind raced, unwilling to dwell on what that hardness could imply, knowing all too well what it likely was. Kisha''s heartbeat quickened as she attempted to look up at Duke, but his head remained stuck to her hair. She felt her face, along with her ears and neck, flush with the sudden realization. "Do you still want to help?" Duke didn''t miss the chance to tease, rather than being embarrassed for being caught in such a state, he seemed to relish it, finding amusement in imagining Kisha''s reaction. Despite the discomfort his body was causing him, he found a strange happiness in the situation. Kisha fell silent, realizing the seriousness of their situation, where others were still grieving and filled with fear about what the next day might bring, while they were... "Just shut up and sleep," she muttered, trying to redirect her thoughts away from the awkwardness of the situation. Duke did not know what happened to him but he seemed to have swallowed a ''shameless pill'' that he couldn''t give it a rest. "I''d sleep a lot better if you could... assist me... with this..." He said, boldly placing her hand on his abdominal muscles, teasing her as he slowly guided her hand downwards. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as she felt the urge to scold Duke for his shamelessness, especially given their current situation surrounded by others... ''But hold on. Why does that feel off as well?'' "Host, are you suggesting it''s okay to get touchy and lovey-dovey when it''s just the two of you?" 008 chimed in teasingly, but quickly retreating far into Kisha''s consciousness to avoid bearing the brunt of the situation. Instead of allowing Duke to persist in his shamelessness, Kisha pinched his navel, eliciting a wince and a grunt from him. Unable to help herself, she bit her lower lip as she pinched him firmly, using it as a means to punish him for teasing her and being shameless. Duke gently grasped her hand, the one pinching his navel, trying to coax her into easing up as another grunt escaped his lips, this time from the pain. He admitted that he had gone too far in teasing her, to the point where he almost lost control and acted on his impulses. So, being pinched was like his wake-up call. After Kisha had finished venting her anger on him, she closed her eyes. She decided not to dwell on anything else because it would only make her restless. Besides, after finding a comfortable position in Duke''s arms, Kisha realized how soothing it was to sleep nestled against him. For the first time in a long while, she found a sanctuary where she could feel safe and truly relaxed, where she could forget about everything¡ªthe burdens, the sufferings, and every other emotion that gnawed at her rationality and sense of self. It felt as though she had stumbled upon an oasis after a long and arduous journey through the desert. Similarly, Duke experienced a profound feeling with Kisha sleeping in his arms, it felt so right. It was as though the elusive piece he had sought for so long had finally found its place. After banishing any impure thoughts, he settled into a state of relaxation and inner peace. The rhythmic sound of Kisha''s breathing and the gentle weight of her body against his own filled him with a happiness, so overwhelming it bordered on inexplicable. Though he couldn''t quite identify all the emotions stirring within him, he knew one thing for certain: in that moment, he felt contented in a way he had never experienced before. He felt complete... Without him knowing, Duke also drifted off to sleep, his hold on Kisha''s waist tightening as if he feared she might slip away, or perhaps he desired their two forms to merge into one. In response, Kisha instinctively snuggled closer to Duke, seeking solace and warmth in his embrace. Observing the intimate scene, Fred couldn''t resist posing a question to Vulture as he cleaned his pistol. "Are they a married couple?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Vulture, in the midst of taking a sip of water, was caught off guard by the inquiry, causing him to choke on the liquid in surprise. Fred only asked it to build rapport with Vulture but he did not expect him to receive a huge reaction. He noticed how Kisha and Duke flirted even when surrounded by unknown people, he even thought that they had a really good relationship but he also felt bad for them for sustaining such injuries that resulted in them being disfigured. Unable to coax Vulture into a conversation, Fred decided to rest as well. Exhausted from a day filled with relentless struggle, he lacked the energy to dwell on the possibility of Vulture and his companions posing a threat. Instead, he could only hope that they would be left undisturbed. If danger did arise, Fred resigned himself to the notion that at least he would pass away peacefully in his sleep, spared from a painful demise. As a seasoned S.W.A.T. personnel, Fred knew he shouldn''t succumb to such defeatist thoughts. However, the relentless strain on both his mind and body had reached a breaking point. He yearned for respite, to release the burden weighing heavily upon him. With a heavy heart, he allowed himself to drift into sleep, choosing to momentarily ignore the uncertain future that awaited them. Chapter 47 Sharing Supplies As the sun rose, everyone awoke feeling refreshed and well-rested. While most had experienced nightmares and restless sleep, Kisha and Duke slept soundly for the first time in ages, particularly Duke. He had never experienced such a peaceful night''s sleep without any dreams. It felt as though he had simply closed his eyes, only to awaken to the morning light. Brimming with energy, they both did a few stretches to ease their stiff muscles. "How do you think we should proceed from here?" Fred asked as he walked towards them, feeling noticeably better after a good night''s sleep. "It would be ideal if we could find transportation for all these people," Kisha suggested, scanning their surroundings. "But navigating through this highway filled with abandoned cars would pose a challenge," Fred remarked somberly. "We can clear a path for you; we just need to find a larger vehicle for everyone," Kisha offered. She couldn''t afford to travel leisurely with them, which is why she suggested opening the path, as that was their intended course of action anyway. "Do you really think it''s possible?" Fred asked, his tone laced with skepticism. His team had also been traveling in a S.W.A.T. truck, considered an armored vehicle, yet they had still encountered difficulties. The truck had gotten stuck, resulting in the loss of many comrades who were cornered. Fred didn''t want to dampen their spirits, but he knew from experience that navigating through a highway full of cars wouldn''t be as straightforward as they imagined. "I don''t think it''ll work out that easily," he added cautiously. "I know it will not, but it''s still better to give it a shot, besides, we are nothing but sitting ducks in the open with many non-combatants here." Kihsa gave a cursory look at everyone''s battered and defeated look everyone had. "This is our best bet to keep everyone safe because if we dilly dally here, more people will die from attacks that can possibly come from any corner of the highway, and when that happens, we''ll truly be stuck." Kisha shared her thoughts, she''s lived most of her life in a repetitive cycle of her rebirth and experienced all kinds of death that''s why she has learned that decisiveness and making sure that she''s a few steps ahead of the enemy works best. If she could take a hundred steps ahead better, but if not, she should at least have a backup plan. Fred''s intuition strongly urged him to stick close to Kisha at all costs if he wanted to stay alive. Although he couldn''t pinpoint any logical basis for his gut feeling, it had served as his guiding force, his silent protector, throughout his journey. It was the unseen hand that had guided him through countless dangers, and he trusted it implicitly, this is the reason he has survived this long. With a resolute nod, Fred conveyed their discussion to the group. Despite the fact that many among them hadn''t fully grasped how the plan would work, their unwavering trust in him was evident. This deepened Fred''s resolve to safeguard everyone to the best of his ability, instilling in him a sense of duty and determination to rise to the occasion. Before Kisha and the others could take a single step forward, a bulky man in his mid-50s stepped forward and stood in front of Kisha. "Before we head out, how about we eat something first?" he suggested, his gaze shifting between Kisha and her companions. Implying that they should share more food just like last night, Kisha couldn''t help but sneer. She was all too familiar with these kinds of people¡ªgive them an inch, and they''ll take a mile. Fred stepped forward to take charge of the situation. "Why don''t we search for food along the way? Let''s endure for a bit until we find something to eat." "But we are already so old, we won''t be able to last long if we don''t eat," he lamented, casting a worried glance at the others, silently rallying them to support his cause. He emphasized that it wasn''t just for his own well-being but for everyone. "But we don''t have anything now. We''ve used up all the supplies we gathered on the way here," Fred explained. In fact, none of them carried anything with them aside from the occasional stroke of luck when they found food in deserted shops and such. "Since we''ll be looking for food on the way anyways, why not borrow their supplies first then we can just pay it back after?" The man pointed at Hera and the others, he was eyeing the bulky bags they had behind them. "Uncle, we can''t do that. They already provided for us last night. You know how risky it is to search for supplies out there..." The woman with the baby interjected. She was grateful to Kisha and her companions for sharing their food the previous night, but she was also concerned about offending them. She had witnessed firsthand how swiftly individuals could transform amidst the loosening grip of law and order amid chaos. She harbored no desire to engage in conflicts, particularly with those who had shown her kindness. Even as others succumbed to immorality, she was determined not to follow suit. She was keenly aware of the old man''s intentions to exploit Kisha''s group. Having observed him consistently positioning himself in the safest spots and showing no hesitation to use others as shields. On multiple occasions, she had nearly fallen victim to his schemes, only for him to dismiss them as accidents caused by the chaos or other convenient excuses. "Look, if you''re content to starve, that''s your choice, but don''t assume to speak for all of us. I''ve been pushing myself to the brink, walking despite my joints protesting and hunger gnawing at me. If there''s a chance for us to eat and make it through another day, why wouldn''t I want that? Huh?" His words and expression seemed sincere like an old man trying to reason with genuine concern. Yet, the subtle flex of his arm muscles betrayed an underlying aggression. Observing the exchange, Kisha couldn''t suppress a soft scoff. She was all too familiar with hypocrites like him, scattered throughout that group and beyond. "As an elder, my foremost concern is the well-being of all. Consider this: amidst the turmoil that surrounds us, a guiding hand is indispensable. We require leadership, a unifying force to navigate the chaos that has engulfed our world. Uncertainty looms, and to ensure our collective survival, order must prevail. In the absence of a recognized leader, I have taken it upon myself to advocate for the greater good." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Furthermore, let''s be clear: I''m not seizing their supplies outright. I simply propose a temporary loan, with the intent to replenish what we borrow in due time. After all, it''s for the benefit of all involved." Now that the man had voiced his seemingly benevolent intentions, those who remained neutral, especially the hungry and suffering, grew dissatisfied with the woman with a baby. They believed the man''s words offered a more compelling solution than Fred''s earlier proposal. Even Fred found himself unable to object, recognizing that the proposed course of action seemed to be in the best interest of everyone. With a strong sense of duty, he understood that aiding the civilians was his responsibility, and ensuring their safety was an integral part of that duty. However, he failed to recognize that this approach did not necessarily apply to Kisha and her group. Furthermore, nobody noticed the malicious glint in the man''s eyes, aimed directly at the woman who had spoken out against his suggestion. "Well..." Kisha''s voice cut through the silence, capturing everyone''s attention. All eyes inadvertently turned towards her. "If you''re proposing to borrow our supplies, then we''d like to witness your group''s ability to handle zombies and scavenge for resources. Lending our supplies implies we must have assurance of their return, so we need to assess your skills." Kisha''s words carried a cold, emotionless edge. She doesn''t want to show anyone unnecessary kindness because once they tasted that kindness, they would want more and would feel entitled to it. She doesn''t want any burden right now, especially those who have their own agenda. She suggested accompanying this group as a cover, but if they pushed their luck too far, she preferred they strike out on their own again, seeking out other groups along the way. They were still several miles from their destination, and this certainly wouldn''t be the only group they''d encounter. The man, feeling flustered by Kisha''s condition, appealed emotionally. "Can''t you find it in your heart to show compassion for your own people? For the elderly and the young?! If you won''t help us old folks, since we''re nearing the end anyway, at least consider helping the young ones?" He resorted to emotional manipulation, he believed stirring up feelings would sway a woman, assuming emotions were every woman''s weakness. Unfortunately for him, Kisha had already seen through his tactics long ago; emotional manipulation didn''t sway her either. Her heart had hardened, only open to her family and Duke ¨C and by extension, his people too. Chapter 48 Step up? Seeing that Kisha remained unaffected by the emotional approach, he grew angry. "Are you so heartless that you won''t even consider the well-being of the younger ones?" Unmoved, Kisha responded, "Even banks require collateral for loans. Why should we be any different? You''re borrowing perishable supplies. How can we ensure we''ll get them back afterward?" Her demeanor was cold and intimidating, leaving the old man unable to argue, knowing he had no intention of returning anything. "Can''t we simply collaborate and support each other, especially in times of need?" "Collaboration implies mutual effort, not a one-way street where you stand back expecting protection," Kisha retorted, disdain evident in her tone as she observed the man''s attempt to rally others against her group. Understanding her implication, the old man reacted as though she had trodden on his toes and shouted, "What do you mean?! We''re civilians, so it''s only right for us to be protected! That''s what our taxes are for!" sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Taken aback by this statement, Fred found himself grappling with a maelstrom of emotions. It was an undeniable truth that individuals like him, serving in the government, bore the responsibility of safeguarding their citizens and nation from any threat, including the peril staring them in the face. It was a pledge they had solemnly undertaken upon joining their sector. The words struck Fred like a sudden blow, causing a wave of conflicting emotions to surge within him. While he acknowledged the truth in the man''s statement, it nevertheless felt like a sharp sting¡ªa subtle reminder of the sacrifices made by his fallen comrades. It was a sobering realization that their tireless dedication was sometimes overlooked or taken for granted. Unsure if it was the weight of grief or mounting stress that fueled his emotional response, Fred couldn''t shake the feeling of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. Kisha noticed the subtle shift in Fred''s expression, and a smirk tugged at her lips. She had deliberately provoked the old man to ensure Fred fully grasped the gravity of the situation, urging him not to be blinded by his solemn pledge alone. Understanding that mere words might not suffice, Kisha believed it was imperative for Fred to witness firsthand what was truly at stake. Certainly, Kisha wasn''t one to waste her time on frivolous matters. This morning, however, she had taken a moment to assess Fred and the others'' status windows, and to her surprise, she discovered some promising developments. Additionally, she noticed a subtle shift in the data provided by her ''Eye of Truth'' gift, revealing new insights into the moral inclinations of those around her. It appeared that her ''Eye of Truth'' gift was of the growth type, a revelation that intrigued Kisha. While its future potential remained uncertain, she recognized its current value as incredibly significant. Furthermore, she speculated that if she could access more detailed information about specific individuals, the gift would prove even more invaluable. As she observed the situation, Kisha discerned the old man''s position firmly entrenched within the "unjust factor" of the scale, contrasting sharply with Fred and the woman with the baby, firmly placed within the "just factor." Recognizing the potential and value represented by individuals with commendable gifts and talents, she deemed it a waste to allow a promising seedling to wither away, particularly when their contributions could be beneficial. "Those ready to showcase their skills and take up frontline duties will be rewarded with food. How about that?" Kisha reiterated her proposal. "Impossible! Have you not heard a word I said?" The old man protested. Even Fred intervened, expressing his concerns. "Kisha, I believe that''s too extreme." Kisha simply shrugged and replied, her voice carrying enough weight to reach everyone''s ears. "In these times, Fred, you can''t protect everyone." "Are you suggesting he abandons us to fend for ourselves?!" The old man exclaimed, his voice betraying a mix of indignation and fear. "Of course not. But danger lurks everywhere. If all of you rely solely on one man without trying to step up your game, you''ll perish without even understanding how it happened," Kisha stated bluntly. She didn''t sugarcoat her words; there was no intention to coddle anyone. They had the right to make their own decisions. "But even the S.W.A.T members were obliterated. How can we fight if those trained to be on the frontlines can''t even stay alive?" The woman with the baby interjected, her voice quivering with fear. She clutched the baby in her arms as if her life depended on it. "Precisely why you need to learn how to fight for yourself. Leaving your protection to someone else will only make you more vulnerable, and we don''t know when danger will strike," Kisha answered, her gaze lingering on the bundle in the woman''s arms. "Don''t spout nonsense!!!" the old man roared. "Keep raising your voice, and soon we''ll be crowded by zombies here," Kisha reminded, her voice carrying an indifferent tone. The old man instantly shut his mouth, afraid that they would attract unwanted attention. "Alright, we will not force you to give us your supplies as a loan anymore because you just want to push us to our death. We could just look for food on the way," he said, walking to the back of the crowd with a snort of frustration. After the disagreement died down, many were left dissatisfied by Kisha''s callous approach, while others felt like there was no hope left in their lives. However, the woman with a baby stepped forward. "Do you really think it is possible for us to fight those monsters? Will I be able to secure my child''s life if I learn how to fight?" Determination was etched in the depths of her eyes. Kisha couldn''t help but soften her demeanor and smile at Nancy. "Yes, it''s possible." Nancy''s eyes sparkled with newfound hope. "Then how can I learn?" she asked eagerly. The fear of Kisha and her group seemed to dissipate, replaced by a glimmer of hope. "By the way, my name is Nancy." "Nancy, why don''t you watch my group fight from time to time?" Kisha offered. Although they didn''t have time to provide formal training, there were plenty of opportunities for observation and learning. "You can pick up little things along the way and gradually implement what you learn." Nancy nodded in agreement, it would be a lie to say that she was not scared, especially when she saw how those monsters eat people and tore them like a pieces of meat, she was fucking scared but at the same time, she felt like what Kisha said was true and she could only remain strong on her own to make sure her child will live. With resolve in her heart, Nancy adjusted her mindset and fell in step behind Kisha and her group. As they exited the building, they were met with a horde of zombies scattered across the road, their vacant eyes searching for any signs of life to prey upon. The group collectively held their breath, their bodies trembling with fear as they strained to remain silent, hoping to avoid drawing the attention of the nearby zombies. However, tension spiked when Fred raised his gun and took aim. Kisha quickly intervened, noticing that he hadn''t attached a silencer to the weapon. The absence of silencers could have been a critical mistake that led to the demise of Fred''s former comrades. Engaging zombies with firearms without silencers not only failed to conceal their presence but also attracted more zombies with loud gunfire, resulting in overwhelming numbers and subsequent fatalities. But Fred was unaware of this, so he was baffled why Kisha wouldn''t allow him to take action. But Kisha did not look at him and instead nodded at Sparrow and Vulture. The duo picked up their pace, and with quick coordinated steps, they accelerated toward the roaming zombies, upon noticing their approaching figures, the zombies roared and pounced on them but before they could even touch Sparrow, they were already hacked to the head with precise aim and he did a quick turnaround kick to the zombie behind him and landed a heavy blow which sent the zombie flying a few feet away but unlike Duke''s destructive strength, Sparrow is lacking just that, so he had to do a follow-up thrust of his knife to the zombie''s head. In a matter of seconds, their coordinated movements unfolded with such swiftness that it left Fred momentarily speechless. Both Sparrow and Vulture refrained from unleashing their abilities, exercising caution in the presence of unfamiliar bystanders. Despite this restraint, their proficiency in killing the zombies was unmistakable, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed their remarkable skills. Kisha was also the reason why they had to not allow anyone to know that they already wield an ability, she warned them not to openly use their ability in the presence of other people, especially now that abilities are yet to be discovered. Or else, they are just going to invite more trouble. Chapter 49 To City B After securing the perimeter, Sparrow and Vulture returned to Kisha and Duke''s side like loyal guardians, evoking the image of faithful dogs protecting their owners. The civilians who had chosen to follow them experienced mixed emotions. Many felt reassured, knowing that Kisha''s group offered stronger protection than Fred''s. However, some couldn''t shake their unease, observing Kisha''s demeanor and sensing her callousness, which left them even more frightened. She wouldn''t even flinch when her people killed zombies, leading some to speculate that she viewed them as mere meat shields against the man-eating monsters. For Nancy, however, this presented a chance to learn and grow. She hoped to attain even half the proficiency of Kisha''s people. With her determination ignited and hope rekindled, she shadowed Kisha and her group closely, almost fearing they might leave her behind if she didn''t keep pace. As planned, Fred joined forces with Kisha''s group to search for a larger vehicle for his group of civilians. Vulture, Sparrow, and Fred took the vanguard, proceeding with caution, while Kisha and Duke remained at the rear to watch over and safeguard the civilians. However, the man who had clashed with Kisha earlier held a different opinion. He believed that Kisha''s boldness and apparent arrogance stemmed solely from the protection of her two loyal dogs, rather than any genuine combat prowess of her own. As he kept an eye on Kisha, he briefly glanced away to survey the group. When he looked back, Kisha had vanished. "Hey! Where did that woman go? Did she get scared and run off to hide?" he sneered mockingly, loud enough for those around him to hear his contemptuous remarks aimed at Kisha. Upon hearing this, Duke felt an intense urge to snap the old man''s neck. The old man was fortunate that he hadn''t resorted to calling Kisha names or using derogatory language. Otherwise, he would have found his own head separated from his body before he died in regret. Duke managed to rein in his emotions, but in that fleeting moment when his restraint slipped, those around him felt an icy chill crawl down their spines. With his intimidating appearance ¡ª the missing eye and scarred face ¡ª coupled with his menacing aura, Duke exuded an aura of dread that silenced the old man instantly. He wasn''t certain about Kisha''s relationship with this man, but one thing was clear to him: the man was more dangerous than the zombies lurking nearby. Those trailing behind sensed that their lives were more at risk not from the zombies, but from Duke, who walked at a distance behind them. Shortly after they noticed Kisha''s absence, Vulture located a nearby bus and hurriedly ushered them aboard. Once they were settled, a black armored car pulled up to the front of the bus, and Kisha emerged from the driver''s seat before relinquishing it to Sparrow. Fred took the wheel of the bus, and Kisha decided she wouldn''t concern herself with the others any longer. If they could keep up, then fine; if not, it was their own responsibility. Judging by Duke''s sour mood, she surmised someone had said something bad about her, likely while she remained at the rear, waiting for the opportunity to acquire a suitable vehicle so she then could retrieve the armored car from her inventory. However, she pushed aside this concern for the time being, choosing to focus on the task at hand. "Sparrow, let the bees guide us to a better route that''s easier to maneuver. Just follow their signals along the road," she instructed. Sparrow found himself perplexed by Kisha''s instructions. The notion of bees aiding them seemed absurd, leaving him with a barrage of questions swirling in his mind. However, he knew he had to concentrate on the road ahead. Despite the bees being too small to easily notice, Sparrow counted himself fortunate to possess sharper eyesight than the average human. Kisha signaled to Fred to follow closely with a gesture, then instructed Sparrow to advance before the zombies reached their location. As Sparrow accelerated, he noticed tiny bees forming an arrow sign atop the cars a few meters ahead, visible only to him due to his enhanced eyesight. Tilting his head, Sparrow stole a glance at Kisha in the rearview mirror, pondering her role in their seamless navigation. Though he couldn''t quite fathom her methods, he was confident they stemmed from her. With her guidance, they traversed the highway without delay. Occasionally, they encountered small groups of two to three zombies, swiftly dealt with as Sparrow plowed through them without hesitation. After hours of relentless driving, they finally exited the highway and transitioned onto a countryside road, where obstacles were fewer, allowing them to relax momentarily. Vulture took the helm of driving as Sparrow took a well-deserved rest. They made it a habit to stop at any convenience store or gas station they encountered along the road, stocking up on supplies and replenishing their gas reserves for the journey ahead. Kisha and her group followed suit, ensuring they blended in and avoided suspicion while also seizing every opportunity to acquire additional provisions. She demonstrated to everyone around that she had also stocked up supplies in their backpacks, deftly concealing the excess in her inventory without attracting any notice. As they prepared to leave, she ensured that the shelves were cleared of any remaining supplies with a quick flick of her hand, taking care of the cleanup once everyone had departed. After years and years of having troubles with food supplies in the apocalypse in her repeated death and rebirth, she has already formed a habit of hoarding supplies, no matter how little or insignificant it looks, she will keep it in her inventory. Not minding extra trash because she had no inventory limit and every time she died, her supplies would also disappear. They made a point to steer clear of entering any sub-cities, towns, or densely populated areas. Instead, they occasionally sought refuge in small villages they passed, taking the time to clear the perimeter of any zombies to ensure a peaceful night''s rest. This cycle was repeated until their fourth day on the road. "We''re nearly at our destination. Let''s proceed on foot, blending in with the refugees entering the evacuation center," Kisha suggested as they drove along the road, just a mile away from their destination. "We''ll follow your lead," Duke murmured, his eyes slowly opening as he leaned back in his seat. He had consciously avoided dwelling on his family''s whereabouts, as there seemed to be no way of obtaining useful information about them. His surviving people had also yet to hear from their own families and were preoccupied with various tasks concerning their forces and settlements. Thus far, they had successfully secured their most crucial industries, including water and food production, along with essential machinery. Although scattered across the country, they made a concerted effort to gradually rebuild their communication centers. However, the task proved more challenging than anticipated, as the relentless zombie hordes posed a significant threat. Kisha warned that the zombies would only grow stronger and evolve over time, prompting them to prioritize fortifying their defenses alongside the construction of communication centers. They weren''t just contending with zombies; they also faced threats from other factions eyeing their resources and bases. In response, Duke devised a plan to establish a mega city where they could consolidate their essential equipment and resources, as well as their people. While unsure of the logistics, Duke''s intuition told him it was feasible, instilling a sense of determination to see it through. For now, he focused on clearing his mind of any concerns or stress. Their journey concluded with a final stop at a gasoline station, where Kisha briefed Fred on their next plan. Having witnessed the competence of Kisha and her group throughout their four-day journey, he concluded that following their lead was the wisest course of action, as it minimized danger and reduced casualties. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He couldn''t help but lament that if they had encountered Kisha while his comrades were still alive, perhaps they would have survived to this day. However, such bitter thoughts could only remain as regrets in this life. "Fred, from here on, we''ll travel on foot," Kisha stated calmly, devoid of emotion. "Using a car to get through the evacuation center could attract unnecessary attention, not just from other survivors, but also from nearby zombies. They might trail us through the center, putting others in danger." Kisha understood how to communicate with Fred, knowing he was fair-minded, deeply concerned about human life, and dedicated to his duties. She trusted that after she highlighted the crucial points and appealed to his sense of justice, he would opt to follow their lead. As anticipated, Fred immediately agreed with Kisha''s suggestion, wasting no time in conveying it to his group. Having developed a deep trust in Kisha and her companions, they adhered to her guidance as if it were a sacred creed, that will lead to their safety. With newfound optimism, their once somber expressions began to brighten, gradually glimpsing a silver lining amidst the darkness of the dreadful apocalypse. Chapter 50 City B Nancy began to display a newfound fierceness she never knew she possessed. Occasionally, she would seek guidance from Kisha during their stops, demonstrating a willingness to learn. Kisha, in turn, offered her pointers on fighting zombies, further empowering Nancy in this journey. She also had her first experience of killing a zombie, which instilled in her a sense of power¡ªthe power to shape her own future. Throughout their four days of travel together, more people began to join Nancy in learning from Kisha. Observing Nancy''s transformation and newfound confidence, they too were inspired to seek guidance from Kisha. While Kisha hadn''t initially aimed for this outcome, she didn''t mind teaching an additional person. She allowed them to learn at their own pace, as long as it didn''t negatively impact her group. The old man perceived this as a direct challenge to his authority within the group. Before Kisha and her group arrived, he held sway over the others, including Fred, who often deferred to him. However, with Kisha''s arrival, he found himself marginalized, with others even criticizing him for constantly clashing with Kisha. When Fred mentioned Kisha''s suggestion to proceed on foot while they were still a few kilometers away from the evacuation center, the old man seized upon it as a fresh opportunity to sow discord and turn the group against Kisha. Despite the positive impression Kisha had built by assisting the group, fear of the unknown lingered among them. In such circumstances, it''s often easier to instill fear than to foster hope. "Why should we travel on foot when our current method has been effective? Won''t we just be inviting danger by wandering on foot through a zombie-infested city like City B?" He displayed his agitation and fear, clearly troubled by the potential consequences of following Kisha''s suggestion. Kisha was keenly aware of the old man''s ploy, but she had no intention of coercing the group into following her. She understood the dangers of cities, particularly those with large populations like City A and City B, both leading in population within their country. Just as adept as she was at navigating the streets of City A, her expertise extended even further in City B. This was the city where she and Duke had established their base in her previous life. Kisha traversed these streets as if they were their own backyard, allowing Kisha to discern the most dangerous routes from the safest ones with precision. With the assistance of the Scarlet Queen Bee and her system, there was little cause for concern. This situation also presented an excellent opportunity for Sparrow and Vulture to acclimate to their newfound strength through practical experience. At this point, Bell had already birthed her first batch of baby bees, while the crystallization process inside the zombie heads was nearing completion. Kisha''s primary focus now was ensuring that her team was fully prepared for what lay ahead. Moreover, Bell reported that their drones had observed an increasing number of people gathering nearby, indicating a growing influx of individuals toward their location. This meant that regardless of whether this group chose to accompany her, Kisha and her team could still integrate with other groups as planned. Therefore, Kisha opted not to engage in mind games with the troublesome old man. She wasn''t seeking their approval or cooperation; rather, she was simply informing them of her intended course of action. Whether they chose to follow her plan was entirely up to them. As they deliberated on their next move, Kisha and her group proceeded deeper into the streets to "conceal their armored car," although in reality, she stowed it away inside her inventory. They swiftly packed their belongings and embarked on a predetermined route by foot. The group trailing behind Fred began to panic upon witnessing Kisha''s departure without them. Despite the old man''s warnings lingering in their minds, those who had previously followed Kisha''s instructions without incident, like Nancy and Fred, swiftly joined her group in pursuit. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Observing that half of their group opted to follow Kisha, the ones who possessed combat skills and familiarity with her leadership, the remaining individuals found themselves vulnerable and without viable alternatives but to follow suit. Even the troublemaker begrudgingly fell in line, realizing he lacked the means to survive alone. Sparrow and Vulture couldn''t help but throw them a mocking look and those who have doubted Kisha were feeling like shit because knew how important Kisha''s role was in their survival but they still openly showed their distrust of her. As they emerged from the street, they encountered another group of survivors locked in a desperate struggle against a horde of zombies. Despite their valiant efforts, the survivors were being overwhelmed by the sheer number of zombies coming for their necks, their ranks thinning with each passing moment. "Hang in there!!! Don''t let them bite you!!!" The woman at the forefront yelled, her voice resolute amidst the chaos. With precise aim, she aimed her magnum pistol at the zombie ahead. The bullet pierced through the center of the zombie''s forehead, and it collapsed to the ground, motionless. Sparrow couldn''t help but let out a whistle as he watched, seemingly unfazed by the danger unfolding before them. Despite the chaos and screams surrounding her, the woman leading the fight still managed to hear the whistle. She glanced around, her eyes scanning the area, and her gaze landed on Kisha''s group standing in the nearby street, watching them fight. She was livid. Most people would start running at the sight of zombies rushing towards, and some would even panic at the sight of just one. But here, she saw Kisha''s people just standing around. She couldn''t tell if they were stunned to the point of being paralyzed on the spot or if they were simply watching her group''s struggle unfold as if it were some form of entertainment. However, Kisha wasn''t simply idling by. She was meticulously scanning each and every person''s status window. She wasn''t about to aid individuals who might eventually betray her or lead them into peril. This was just another layer of protection for her and her group. Once Kisha ensured that the individuals before her were not among those classified as "unjust," she signaled for Sparrow and Vulture to assist them. However, it wasn''t just Sparrow and Vulture who joined the fray; Nancy and several others who had been training with Kisha also stepped up to fight. Nancy entrusted her child to an elderly woman who had been assisting her with childcare as she stepped up to join the frontline of the fight. Nancy cautiously advanced, clutching a kitchen knife tightly. She moved with stealth, ensuring the zombie ahead remained unaware of her presence to maximize her chances of a successful kill. The female zombie wore a once-white t-shirt, now stained black with blood oozing from a gaping wound on its shoulder, likely inflicted by a powerful blade or axe. Despite its slow, stiff movements, the sight was undeniably gruesome, giving Nancy a moment of hesitation before she struck. She raised her knife high and swung it down at the back of the zombie''s head. As the creature dropped to its knees, Nancy swiftly used her foot to push it away, creating some distance to retrieve her weapon. However, this method left her vulnerable, with several openings for the zombie to exploit. "Watch your back!" Vulture cautioned, swiftly pivoting to stab a zombie approaching from Nancy''s right side, its gaping mouth mere steps away from her neck. Nancy''s brush with death shook her, highlighting her momentary lapse in judgment and hesitation. She tightened her grip on the knife and approached another zombie with newfound determination. With calculated precision, she aimed for the lower part of its head, driving the blade upward to pierce through its skull. As she swiftly withdrew the knife, black blood splattered on her face, and the putrid smell of decay assaulted her nostrils, causing her nose to instinctively scrunch up. Observing Nancy''s resolute actions and solid movements, Kisha couldn''t help but nod in approval. With Sparrow and the others lending their assistance, the woman''s burden had noticeably lightened. As she prepared to aim her magnum pistol at a new target, Sparrow swiftly approached and gently guided her hand downward, shaking his head to dissuade her from firing. Before the woman could become agitated by the interruption amid the perilous situation, Sparrow interjected, his tone firm yet composed. "Using loud firearms in this vicinity will only attract more zombies. We won''t be able to manage the situation if they swarm us." Despite conversing while still grasping the woman''s pistol, Sparrow remained engaged in combat, fending off the encroaching zombies with his free hand and agile movements. Comprehending Sparrow''s implication, the woman reholstered her pistol and drew a concealed dagger from her thigh. Despite its smaller size compared to Sparrow and Vulture''s weapons, she compensated by twisting the blade several times upon contact to ensure the zombie was thoroughly incapacitated. Her movements and lethal strikes were no less impressive than those of Sparrow and Vulture. In contrast to Nancy and the others, who had only recently begun learning how to fight, her actions were executed with deadly precision. Chapter 51 City B 2 Throughout the chaos, Kisha and Duke remained inactive, leaving all the action to Sparrow and Vulture. It suited them fine for others to perceive them as mere ornaments with intimidating appearances, rather than capable fighters. Kisha had little interest in battling the sluggish zombies that offered no crystal cores, deeming it a waste of her time. Meanwhile, Duke''s primary concern was Kisha''s safety. Despite his trust in her abilities, he couldn''t shake off his needless worry, preferring to stand by her side to ensure she remained out of harm''s way. The newfound confidence among those who joined the fight was palpable. Despite Fred''s occasional reminders to avoid complacency, he allowed them to revel in their newfound courage. It was a reminder that even in the face of danger, maintaining hope and confidence could fuel their determination to survive, far better than succumbing to despair and resignation. The woman stepped forward towards Kisha, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you for sending us help," she said. Kisha raised an eyebrow; she hadn''t directly intervened in the fight. Nonetheless, the woman instinctively approached her to express her appreciation. The woman noticed Kisha''s skepticism but couldn''t resist giving a confident smirk. "I witnessed your subtle gesture of sending your people to assist us. And judging by how they responded to you, it''s clear you''re the one leading this group." She paused, casting a thoughtful glance around at Kisha''s team before continuing. "As a fellow woman leader of a group, I can''t help but wonder: do you possess formidable combat skills, or do you just have a really useful head atop your neck?" The woman''s demeanor wasn''t meant to be rude, but rather straightforward, a trait ingrained in her due to her profession. She sought to establish a genuine rapport with Kisha and her group, expressing her intentions openly and honestly. However, Kisha maintained her stoic expression and simply nodded at the woman before guiding her people back to their journey on foot. Though the woman seemed frustrated by being ignored after posing her question, Kisha had no time for idle chatter. The woman''s group had suffered numerous casualties, with many members bitten or killed by the relentless onslaught of zombies attacking them from all sides. She found herself in a difficult situation. While they understood that the zombies were no longer human, it remained emotionally challenging for them to kill them. Moreover, killing those who were still breathing, particularly those who had only been bitten, posed an even greater moral dilemma. However, she was unwilling to endanger the remaining people with her. Her expression turned grim as she reached a decision in her mind. Wails filled the street, echoing and reaching the ears of Kisha''s group. They felt fortunate to be under Kisha''s leadership because they knew that if they weren''t, they might have met the same fate as the group they had just passed. Once again, they were reminded they were still alive and kicking, owed to Kisha''s exemplary leadership and navigation skills. While they couldn''t quite decipher her methods, they weren''t foolish; they had discerned that since joining Kisha''s group, their travels had become noticeably smoother, with fewer conflicts and obstacles to contend with. Since joining Kisha''s group, they hadn''t experienced any casualties. Previously, they often found themselves besieged from all directions, with only a handful managing to escape and preserve their lives. The young and the elderly were particularly vulnerable in these situations. Despite Fred''s efforts to save as many people as possible, the task proved to be more difficult than anyone could have imagined. Consequently, most individuals began to regard Kisha as something akin to a deity¡ªa beacon of hope and their sole salvation in a world that had devolved into a living hell. Everyone remained focused, setting aside thoughts of "what ifs" and other conjectures. They understood the importance of staying alert, knowing that danger could lurk around any corner, especially during their travels on foot. They recognized that a moment of inattention could lead to unforeseen complications, and so they remained vigilant at all times. Kisha was aware that the woman and her group trailed just a few meters behind them, after having dealt with the bitten and those beyond saving. However, she paid them little mind, confident that they harbored no ill intentions towards her. Thus, she allowed them to continue on their way without interference. "Sparrow, Vulture, be prepared; we have incoming from the east," Kisha announced, her pace slowing as she spoke. The members of the group immediately snapped to attention, their expressions tense with nervous anticipation. Despite their apprehension, they remained alert, ready to respond from their positions. Moments later, a horde of over a dozen zombies emerged from the eastern street, varying in agility and condition. Some moved swiftly, while others struggled with stiff bodies and broken limbs. The civilians with combat skills quickly delegated the task of dealing with the agile zombies to Sparrow and Vulture, while they themselves confronted the slower, more manageable zombies using makeshift household weapons. Sparrow and Vulture accepted the arrangement without hesitation, confident in their ability to handle the task at hand. However, as they engaged in combat, they discreetly inspected the heads of the zombies they killed, adhering to Kisha''s instruction to monitor for the formation of crystal cores. Disappointingly, they found that the cores had not yet formed, prompting them to redouble their efforts to kill the zombies as swiftly as possible. Their focus remained on ensuring their group''s safety so they could press on with their journey and hopefully arrive at the evacuation center before dawn. The group trailing behind rushed forward to offer aid to Kisha''s group, eager to reciprocate the assistance they had received. However, upon reaching Kisha''s position, they were met with a surprising sight¡ªthe battle had already concluded. Momentarily stunned, they stood in disbelief, their readiness to help rendered unnecessary in the face of Kisha''s group''s swift and efficient action. They could only silently go back to their group feeling useless. Kisha guided her group through the most secluded streets of City B, which were narrow and often deserted. Though they had encountered only one horde of zombies while following her, aside from the instance with the second group, some members began to wonder if she was leading them aimlessly, potentially setting them up for an ambush. However, they quickly remembered that they lacked significant resources, dispelling any suspicion of foul play. Fatigue weighed heavily on everyone, and the old man, in particular, attempted to voice his complaints multiple times. He believed Kisha was leading them aimlessly, masquerading confidence without certainty. Despite his proficiency in talking, he was not the brightest bulb among them and he was as cowardly as he could be. Every time Duke cast a menacing glance his way, the old man would abruptly fall silent, quelling his incessant babbling. Before anyone succumbed to exhaustion, they finally caught sight of towering walls made from piled cargo trailers and concrete materials, standing at an impressive height of 10 meters. Additionally, makeshift lookout towers had been constructed, though they appeared somewhat wobbly. Nevertheless, they were sturdy enough to accommodate two individuals standing watch. One of the lookouts caught sight of Kisha and her group, but since they were still a distance away, it was not easier to differentiate them from a zombie horde. Using binoculars to confirm, the lookout then tapped the person beside him. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hey, watch it, man! You nearly pushed me off the tower! Are you trying to get me killed?!" the other man exclaimed, his frustration evident as he readjusted to a safer position. "Sorry about that," he muttered, passing the binoculars to the other guy while pointing in a direction. "Another zombie horde?" the second lookout questioned, but instead of taking the binoculars, he aimed his rifle in the indicated direction. "Hey! What do you think you''re doing?!" the first lookout exclaimed, quickly pressing the second lookout''s rifle down before he could accidentally pull the trigger. "Those are survivors!" he roared, emphasizing the urgent need to differentiate between friend and foe. "What?! You''ve got to be kidding me!" he exclaimed, snatching the binoculars from the other guy. As he peered through them, he too noticed the figures moving in the direction indicated by the first lookout. However, the sight of actual people walking in that area was unusual, as typically only zombies roamed the city streets. Spotting civilian survivors was a rarity for them, given that civilians were often ill-equipped to handle the brutality of the situation. Many lacked the resilience needed to survive, succumbing to the horrors around them and becoming part of the zombie horde. Those fortunate enough to survive often appeared disheveled and mentally unstable, bearing the scars of their traumatic experiences. "Hey, inform gate 1 of the incoming survivors!" The first lookout ordered the other guy as he tried to count the number of incoming people. Sensing an intense gaze upon him, Duke couldn''t resist glancing up towards where the first lookout stood. Duke''s sharp eyes and menacing aura sent a shiver down the lookout''s spine, prompting him to quickly avert his gaze and focus instead on estimating the numbers of the approaching figures. Meanwhile, the second lookout contacted the gatekeeper via radio to alert them of the situation. "Incoming survivors at gate 1. Prepare for inspection!" Chapter 52 Moving Boxes The gatekeeper chuckled at the lookout''s report. "Are you joking? How many times have we mistaken zombies for survivors?" He didn''t take the lookout''s words seriously. He knew well that besides occasional rescue missions, survivors rarely lasted long outside due to the overwhelming number of zombies infesting every street. The zombies weren''t just terrifying because of their sheer numbers, but also because of the difficulty in killing them, especially for civilians unfamiliar with their weaknesses. "No, it''s serious! They''re heading this way," the lookout insisted. "Sure, whatever you say" the gatekeeper replied dismissively, letting out another chuckle before setting down the radio and disregarding further calls from the lookout. "Master, the bees have spotted a few black boxes moving in this direction," Bell informed Kisha through their telepathic link. "Black box?" Kisha repeated with a furrowed brow, her pace steady as they continued towards the gate. "Yes, they described it as what you typically use for travel," Bell clarified. "So, you''re saying there are multiple vehicles approaching?" Kisha sought confirmation. "Yes, master," Bell affirmed. Kisha''s eyes narrowed as they neared the gate, just a few blocks away. "Everyone, move! Run forward!" she bellowed at the top of her lungs before breaking into a sprint herself. Without hesitation, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture followed suit, matching her pace without questioning her command. However, the others were momentarily taken by surprise, unsure of what was happening. Only Fred and Nancy reacted quickly, sprinting alongside them. Nancy even supported the older woman who had always assisted her with her baby, urging her to run. The woman leading the second group felt a sense of unease creeping over her, unable to shake off the feeling that something was wrong. "Run! Run now!" she shouted urgently from the rear, before swiftly joining her group in a sprint forward. Observing Kisha and the others sprinting as if their lives depended on it, the remaining individuals, who had been standing by, wasted no time in joining the frantic run. Having spent several days with Kisha and her group, they had come to understand that she was not one to act without reason or impulsively. Despite this, fear began to gnaw at every fiber of their being as the unknown loomed before them. Despite their uncertainty about what was happening, they ran, pushing their exhausted bodies to limits they had never reached before. In just five minutes, they arrived at the closed iron gate. Relief flooded through the survivors, tears welling in their eyes as they realized they were safe. Some began pounding on the gate, pleading, "Open the gate, please!" Despite their extreme fatigue, the survivors were fueled by adrenaline, their weariness overridden by excitement and hope as they continued to call out to the people on the other side of the gate. However, their hopes were short-lived. Soon, the distant roar of car engines reached their ears, accompanied by another, more ominous roar¡ªthe sound of a zombie horde following the vehicles as they drove in their direction. The survivors standing at the gate felt their entire bodies tremble with fear as they beheld the overwhelming number of zombies before them, more than they had ever seen. Their pounding on the gate became more frantic, fueled by the realization that they were utterly unequipped to face such a massive horde. Even Kisha knew that those numbers were more than she could handle even if she had awakened her ability. Startled by the commotion outside and recalling the lookout''s earlier report, the gatekeeper hastily ascended the stairs to peer through the peephole. As he looked, his heart sank; indeed, there were not just a few, but dozens of survivors gathered outside. His eyes widened as he also spotted the approaching trucks, confirming the urgency of the situation. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Open the gate! Call the medics!" he shouted urgently, his voice echoing with alarm. "Arm yourselves and take position! We''ve got a zombie horde incoming!" With a swift motion, he sounded the alarm bell, signaling to those inside to prepare for battle. But the alarm not only alerted his people but also the nearby zombies, soon, zombies from other streets started to emerge and move towards Kisha''s group. Kisha moved back to the rear to protect the civilians as they went inside the gate, Duke, Sparrow, Vulture as well as Fred took position at the rear together with Kisha and even the woman leading the second group stayed at the back. Kisha wasted no time waiting for the zombies to reach the gate. With swift precision, she advanced towards the approaching undead. Before the zombie could even graze a strand of her hair, she expertly drove her smaller katana into its head. Without pausing, she swiftly swung the blade to the side, causing the zombie''s head to detach and drop to the ground. Without hesitation, she swiftly moved to the next nearest zombie, her katana slicing through its neck with precision and force. The head rolled from its neck, hitting the ground with a thud. In one fluid motion, she sidestepped, executing a swift turnaround kick to another two nearby zombies, followed by a quick stab to its temple. As she landed, she stomped her foot down on one zombie she had kicked moments before, causing black blood to splatter across the ground. Her relentless assault showed no signs of stopping; she continued her killing spree without pause as if facing her greatest adversary. Her eyes turned dangerously cold, reflecting the intensity of her focus. The lookouts stationed nearby, originally tasked with monitoring the incoming trucks, were completely absorbed by the scene unfolding before them. The ferocity of Kisha and her group''s battle had completely captured their attention. Her movements were fluid and deadly, each strike aimed with precision at the heads or necks of the zombies, swiftly incapacitating them. As Kisha advanced, the bodies of the undead lay motionless in her wake, with black blood trailing along the path she took. The scene was undeniably gory, sending shivers down the spines of those who were mere spectators. Instantly, a sense of fear and awe gripped them as they watched Kisha in action, likening her to a trained assassin effortlessly dancing through the battlefield. Bang- Bang- Bang- Bang- Resounding gunshots echoed from the top of the cargo trailers, makeshift walls manned by armed men lying prone as they aimed their guns at the approaching zombies. Despite the gate slowly opening, Kisha and Duke pressed on with their assaults. Not everyone had entered yet, and although the personnel from the evacuation center were helping to control the influx of zombies, the gunfire only seemed to draw more undead towards them. The soldiers positioned atop the wall were well-trained marksmen, providing effective cover fire for Kisha and the others. However, despite their prowess, Kisha and Duke refrained from unleashing their full fighting capabilities in front of the others. Nevertheless, their skill and determination were evident to those who witnessed them, instilling a sense of fear and awe. As the survivors rushed inside the gate, Kisha and her group gradually retreated as well, ensuring everyone made it to safety before following suit. Chapter 53 Examination "All of you, halt!" a commanding voice boomed. Upon entering the gate, Kisha and her group were confronted by armed soldiers, their guns trained on them as they were surrounded. They were carefully directed to the side to make way for the approaching vehicle, ensuring it could pass through the gate smoothly before it closed behind them. None of the survivors dared to cause a commotion, fully aware of the potential danger if the soldiers decided to open fire. Fear gripped them all, immobilizing them, each one refraining from moving a muscle unless instructed to do so. Even Kisha and her group concealed their weapons and raised their hands to their heads, moving slowly to the side as directed. As Kisha and the others stood to the side, the rumble of engines grew louder, accompanied by the intensifying cacophony of gunfire as more people joined the defense against the incoming hordes. Soon, military trucks began to pass by, one after another, until the fourth truck approached. The people behind the gate wasted no time; they began to push it shut before the vehicle could fully pass through. Kisha and the others didn''t have a moment to spare as they were immediately subjected to interrogation. "Who are you? Where did you come from?" demanded the person leading the soldiers surrounding them. Despite Kisha''s attempts to evade attention and focus solely on survival, she and Duke found themselves unable to ignore the situation. The imminent threat of the incoming zombie horde made it clear that avoiding engagement was no longer an option. If they didn''t take action, they risked being surrounded by zombies before receiving assistance from the soldiers stationed on the walls. Even if they tried to avoid reaching the gate and sought refuge from the horde first, Kisha wasn''t certain they could hold out for long or avoid being overrun. Kisha gritted her teeth, her mind racing as she searched for a way out of the tense situation. Uncertain of whether these people were allies or adversaries of Duke''s family''s aggressor, she found her options severely limited. Her focus was abruptly drawn to the man leading the interrogation; he seemed vaguely familiar, but she couldn''t place where she had seen him before. "I demand answers! Who are you? Where did you come from?" the man reiterated, the soldiers surrounding them tightening their grips on their weapons, their tension palpable. "Rose Brigget! Special Agent from Security Division 1," the woman leading the second group declared firmly as she stepped forward to address the soldiers. "The majority of these survivors are civilians we''ve gathered along the way, along with some of my colleagues from Division 1." She kept her hands raised in the air, demonstrating compliance. "Fred Archer from S.W.A.T team 2 from City A," Fred announced as he stepped forward alongside Rose. The soldier leading the interrogation craned his neck, directing his attention towards Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture. "What about those individuals at the rear?" he inquired. "They are my colleagues from Division 1 extension," Rose asserted, her gaze unwavering as she fabricated the story seamlessly. "They''re relatively new, and tend to keep to themselves, but rest assured, they''re highly skilled." Though Kisha was surprised by Rose''s quick cover-up, she maintained her stoic expression, offering no hint of her inner thoughts. Despite the worn and injured appearance of most of the soldiers facing them, none of them matched the intimidating and gory appearance exuded by Kisha and her group. ''I think, I''ve overdone our disguise?'' Kisha thought to herself as she silently observed the people surrounding them, the whole place was still noisy due to the gunshot echoing from the walls This was a little different from what she had experienced in her previous life, but she only attributed it to the notification she had asked her brother to send to alert as many people as possible. But now that she thought about it, she has yet to check how much she had earned from that mission. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "008, is that mission completed?" Kisha queried. "Host, are you referring to the mission to notify as many people as possible before the apocalypse strikes? I''ll check on it immediately," came the swift response. The soldier then redirected his focus to Fred, inquiring about the whereabouts of the other S.W.A.T personnel. Fred''s expression saddened as he shook his head. "They didn''t make it. I barely managed to bring some survivors with me when we were besieged by zombies." The soldier''s expression darkened, his lips forming a tight line. "My condolences," he uttered solemnly. Fred remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground, his eyes reddening with grief. Shortly after, a few medic personnel approached, prioritizing the soldiers disembarking from the military truck. They swiftly assessed their condition and directed them towards nearby tents for further treatment and examination. Though the soldier ceased his interrogation, he remained vigilant, not fully lowering his guard. However, he instructed the soldiers to lower their weapons and directed them to guide the survivors to the nearby tents for thorough examination before granting them access to their base. Witnessing Kisha and the others'' formidable combat skills firsthand, the soldier couldn''t help but admire their proficiency. He acknowledged his own limitations in close combat, realizing he couldn''t match Duke''s explosive strength, capable of killing zombies with mere kicks. Considering the potential of these individuals if they were indeed working in the government like himself, they would surely be a great addition to the base. However, he remained vigilant, fully aware that if they harbored hidden motives, he would not hesitate to take decisive action, even if it meant eliminating them. The survivors were divided into two groups based on gender and escorted to separate tents. Inside, they were instructed to disrobe completely, including removing their inner garments. While many women felt uncomfortable with the idea of exposing their bodies in front of strangers, the stern warning that refusal would result in being sent back outside compelled them to comply. Reluctantly, they shed their clothing, placing them in the baskets provided, and proceeded cautiously toward the female medics conducting the thorough body checks. They approached the checking process with unwavering diligence, understanding the grave consequences of any oversight. The memory of a past incident haunted them¡ªa slight neglect allowed an infected individual to enter the evacuation center, leading to widespread chaos and casualties. Aware of the severity of the situation, they remained vigilant, knowing that even the slightest scratch could warrant a stringent three-day quarantine before release was considered. "Host!!!" 008''s excited voice echoed inside Kisha''s head. "We garnered exactly 500,000 points from the mission you inquired about!!! And you have 10,000 points from another previous mission that you have completed early on but we failed to check because a lot of things happened." Kisha''s eyebrows shot up after hearing 008''s report. "Did the system finally gain its conscience after giving me little points before?" Kisha said to 008, her statement was laced with sarcasm and a hint of indignation. "Host, you have to understand that this has nothing to do with me." 008 cowered. [Ding...] [New Mission acquired!] Kisha''s eyebrows twitch, feeling that something must be up and she''s not feeling good about the mission that came in. [S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days"] "008 what does this mission mean?" Kisha asked, her brows knitted tightly. "Next!" Kisha''s attention was jolted back after being nudged by the person behind her multiple times. Kisha stepped into the partition, clutching the basket containing her belongings tightly. As she entered the designated corner, she obediently placed the basket down. Her exposed, curvaceous figure appeared unscathed, in stark contrast to her face, which bore numerous wounds and cuts. The incongruity between her pristine body and her visibly injured visage raised suspicion. Even Kisha found herself taken aback by the requirement to disrobe. In her previous life, she was accustomed to arriving late to bases, by which time superhumans had already emerged. Back then, possessing her own abilities, she had bypassed the need for thorough examination; the immunity of superhumans to the virus had been widely acknowledged. Chapter 54 S Class Mission Sensing the persistent scrutiny about her contrasted body with her wounded face, Kisha felt compelled to address the unspoken questions. "Please, don''t concern yourselves with the injuries on my face," she offered calmly, aiming to alleviate any unnecessary suspicions. "They''re from a previous mission¡ªa longstanding injury." Through Kisha''s efforts to apply makeup to mimic bruises and scratches on her face and the others, the underlying wounds appeared aged, and the scratches resembled those from gravel, sharp objects, or projectiles, clearly distinct from zombie attacks. Moreover, their adept combat skills ensured that not a single zombie could land a scratch on them. Despite the medic''s initial skepticism, Kisha''s explanation was ultimately accepted. Having already heard about the recent events involving the new survivors and their formidable strength from the soldier they had examined earlier, the female medic ensured Kisha had no other injuries before allowing her to dress in the corner. Afterward, she directed Kisha outside to wait. Despite herself, the medic couldn''t help but feel a twinge of envy at Kisha''s well-proportioned, curvaceous body with curves and contours in all the right places. Unfortunately, Kisha''s face bore the marks of the ordeal, marring an otherwise enviable appearance. ''God is really fair.'' The medic said under her breath as she watched Kisha slip out of the tent. "Next!" As Kisha stepped out, she spotted Rose leaning against the military truck, its surface still smeared with ominous black blood. "Hey there," Rose greeted with a nod as Kisha approached. "I don''t know much about you or the folks you''re with, but I hope my gratitude for saving me and my group extends to vouching for your credibility, so no one doubts you or your intentions." Kisha narrowed her eyes, fixing her gaze directly on Rose, attempting to glean any insight into her thoughts. Of course, she wasn''t a mind reader, but she couldn''t help but try. Nevertheless, she nodded at Rose. "Thank you." Rose departed with a playful smirk dancing on her lips, making her way to her waiting group on the other side. "We''re all clear," Duke''s cold voice echoed behind her. She turned just in time to witness Duke pulling down his dirty, oversized jacket. As Kisha caught a glimpse of Duke''s alluring V-line and pronounced abdominal muscles, she couldn''t help but feel a lump form in her throat. Despite swallowing hard, her mouth remained dry, and a wave of heat washed over her body. Struggling to contain the surge of thoughts and emotions, Kisha maintained a blank expression outwardly. Yet inwardly, Duke''s physique was undeniably captivating¡ªan irresistible sight to behold. This wasn''t the first time Kisha had seen Duke''s bare upper body. He often invited her into his study to discuss building plans, defense strategies, patrols, and various other matters. Given their busy schedules, these discussions typically occurred right after he had showered. He would often pace around the room, clad only in a towel slung over his shoulder, leisurely drying his wet hair. During those moments, Kisha made a concerted effort to avert her gaze from his physique, determined not to entertain any inappropriate thoughts about him, though it proved to be a considerable challenge. However, during those encounters, his body bore numerous scars, each with its own story¡ªsome seemingly more fatal than others. Despite the scars, his muscles were more defined back then, his back rippling with every movement, and water droplets cascading down his alluring neck as his Adam''s apple bobbed with each swallow of liquid. For a fleeting moment, Kisha''s eyes sparkled with desire, but she quickly masked the emotion, though her efforts were in vain. Duke, ever observant of her expressions, caught the subtle glint in her eyes. With a knowing smirk, he advanced towards her, fully aware of the effect he had on her. At this point, Kisha was already engaged in a discussion with 008 regarding the mission that was released by the system. [S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days"] [Mission Description: Spend 30 days in City B''s base, immersing yourself in the community of survivors, understanding their way of life, and forging connections. Failure to complete the mission will result in immediate death.] "Damn it! Not another one of these missions!" Kisha cursed silently. "And what exactly does this one entail?" S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Host, don''t fret. We''ll decipher the system''s intentions together," 008 reassured, though inwardly nervous. Its host had perished multiple times on missions of this caliber, and while the task might seem straightforward, there was always a catch or trap lurking beneath the surface. Kisha reminisced about her first encounter with an S-class mission. The excitement had been palpable, driven by the promise of a superior reward and the apparent simplicity of the task. However, she quickly discovered the perilous reality: one misstep and the consequences were dire¡ªher head would explode in an instant. She couldn''t shake off the resentment towards the system, feeling as though its purpose was not to aid her but to set her up for failure. However, when she confronted 008 about it, she learned that the missions weren''t issued by it either. They originated from the constellation above, and even 008 was clueless about the reasons for the mission, it was also equally disappointed and angry. After pushing aside her annoyance at the back of her mind, Kisha and her companions moved forward to the designated area following their body checkup. Once everyone had gathered, the soldier from earlier positioned himself on the platform, his hands clasped behind his back as he stood with an air of authority, his expression stern. "Welcome to City B''s evacuation center," he declared solemnly. The soldier''s gaze swept over the faces of the new survivors before he proceeded. "Some of you may have arrived here with the hope of finding safety and relief supplies, thinking this evacuation center is a sanctuary. Allow me to clarify." "This place is far from heavenly. The chaos and danger you see outside are not unique to this location; it''s a global crisis. There''s no safe haven left. We must all fight for our survival against the monstrous beings that were once human." His words elicited gasps from the crowd, who found themselves swallowing hard as they trembled with a sense of defeat. From his announcement, they glimpsed a bleak future, already anticipating his next directives. "We are faced with limited supplies and manpower," he continued, his tone grave. "Each of you must bear your own burden. Those capable of fighting will be tasked with accompanying us on supply runs and reconnaissance missions outside. In return, we will provide compensation in the form of supplies. For those unable to fight¡ªwomen, the elderly, and the young¡ªyour assistance will be needed within the evacuation center. Though the compensation may be less, it will suffice to sustain you." "No! Isn''t it your duty to ensure our safety?" The older man from Hera''s group protested vehemently. "We''ve dutifully paid our taxes, and those taxes are meant to fund your responsibilities, soldier. Why are you now forcing us to work and defend ourselves? This is unjust, and it will only lead to our demise. Are you trying to monopolize the supplies?" His indignation was palpable as he challenged the arrangements. "Allow me to clarify: We''re not compelling anyone to work. You''re free to choose not to lift a finger." Even as the old man began to muster a smile, the soldier''s words pressed on. "Of course, we cannot distribute supplies indiscriminately. There are others in greater need," he explained calmly. "Those who risk their lives to secure additional resources, even if it''s just one more grain of rice. There are also those tirelessly clearing the streets of zombies to prevent an overrun of our sanctuary. And let''s not forget those dedicating themselves to tending to the sick and injured." Though his voice remained steady, his point was unmistakable. He implies that if anyone refused to work, they would be given the option to either leave or gather their own supplies, as the resources in the evacuation center were already allocated for others. Duke and Kisha didn''t harbor strong opinions on the matter, as this approach mirrored how they managed their own base and delegated tasks among their people. They understood the necessity of maintaining productivity and couldn''t tolerate idleness. As long as individuals were fairly compensated for their efforts, they saw no issue with the arrangement. Chapter 55 Team Following the introduction and clarification of expectations, the soldier directed them to the central hall for registration. Once Kisha and the others completed the registration process, they were directed towards the mission board. There, they were informed that they had the freedom to select the type of work or mission they wished to undertake in exchange for their food or supplies. Additionally, there was an option for group registration for those interested in forming a permanent team to tackle more challenging tasks. Among the postings on the bulletin board, Kisha noticed a reconnaissance mission that had been untouched since it was posted two days prior. Recognizing its better compensation and relatively easier nature for their group, she promptly selected it for their group. After selecting their mission, Kisha and the others proceeded to register their group, which comprised herself, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture. "What will your group be called?" inquired the lady handling the group registration. "The Northern Arctic," Kisha blurted out. "And the names of the Leader and Vice Leader?" the lady asked. "Leader ''D''," Kisha replied, without hesitation or further inquiry. "Vice Leader Kisha," Duke announced, following Kisha''s lead. Knowing she had appointed him as the leader to sidestep undesirable tasks, he reciprocated by designating her as his vice leader, relishing the opportunity to assert authority over her. With a taunting smirk, Duke glanced at Kisha. Gritting her teeth, Kisha shot daggers at Duke, who met her gaze with a glance that seemed to say, ''You brought this upon yourself because you started it.'' "Alright! Your team, The Northern Arctic, has been successfully created. You''ll now have access to group missions. Simply check the bulletin for available tasks, register them here, and upon completion, come to me to claim your rewards. If there''s anything you''re unclear about, please don''t hesitate to ask," the girl stated, her demeanor reminiscent of someone reciting from a policy booklet, addressing Kisha and her team. "We understand," Kisha replied calmly before handing over the mission she had just taken from the bulletin board for their team. The girl behind the group registration desk took the paper, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise as she scanned its contents. She glanced back at Kisha with concern. "Miss, are you certain you want to undertake this? It''s a highly dangerous mission typically assigned to groups of 10 or more participants with military experience." Kisha nodded confidently and added, "We''re government-trained special agents with extensive experience in this field." Sparrow and Vulture turned to Kisha simultaneously, their expressions revealing a mix of surprise and skepticism at her bold claim. Meanwhile, Duke merely raised an eyebrow, casting a curious glance at Kisha but refraining from comment. Upon hearing Kisha''s declaration and recalling rumors of survivors who arrived at the evacuation center on foot, bravely battling at the gate like emissaries of Death, the girl behind the desk wasted no time. Without hesitation, she swiftly approved the mission and informed them of the rewards awaiting completion. However, Kisha paid little heed to such concerns; their supplies were plentiful, and they were undertaking the mission primarily to avoid suspicion of where their supplies were coming from. "More importantly," she continued, "where can we find accommodations? Do we have assigned housing or are we provided with tents? We need a place to rest." Unfamiliar with the initial stages of the base''s procedures and management, Kisha found herself completely clueless about their next steps, relying solely on the guidance of those around her. "Alright, regarding accommodations," the girl began. "There are two ways to obtain lodging in the evacuation center. First, you can wait for our staff to assign you a tent number. In this case, you''ll share the tent with other survivors. Each tent houses 20 individuals, as we provide 10 double beds in each. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Additionally, each bed comes with a pillow and blankets," she explained, pausing briefly before continuing. "The second option is to acquire better accommodations, such as a three-bedroom house, by exchanging a specific quantity of supplies. In this world where money holds no value, supplies are our currency. We utilize essential resources like food and medicine as a means to obtain goods and services. The evacuation center is prepared to furnish a house for you and your group since we don''t know how long the supplies in the warehouse will last.," explained the girl. The girl''s words spilled out, more like a frustrated rant to Kisha and the others. She painted a grim picture: the scarcity of full meals and the controlled flow of food supplies meant that some people could only eat once a day. In the midst of this discourse, Kisha cut in with a practical question: "Where can we find accommodations?" "Oh, once you step out of the central hall, you''ll notice another large building to the right. That''s the house and allocation management office. You can obtain your accommodations there," the girl explained cheerfully. With a nod, Kisha handed the girl a chocolate bar before taking her leave. Grateful for the rare treat in a world where chocolates were scarce, the girl''s eyes lit up with joy. Inspired by this act of kindness, she resolved to treat Kisha and her group with greater warmth upon their return. However, as she savored the chocolate, her mind couldn''t help but drift to the mission they had undertaken. A wave of worry washed over her. "I might not receive another chocolate," she mused, her optimism clouded by doubts about their mission''s success. But Kisha and her group were unaware of her thoughts and honestly, she did not care. Upon arriving at the house and allocation management office, she noticed the familiar faces of the people they had been with for the past few days, patiently lining up to secure their accommodations. With no other option, Kisha and the others resigned themselves to wait in line as well. Kisha turned to Duke and the others, suggesting, "Why don''t we send Sparrow and Vulture to scout around and gather information while we wait here?" Duke simply nodded in agreement, recognizing that there was little else to do besides standing in line. Sparrow and Vulture set off to fulfill their task while Duke and Kisha took their place at the end of the line. Duke''s towering figure and imposing presence made him stand out conspicuously at the rear of the line, his intimidating demeanor drawing attention. He resembled a formidable pirate with a rugged appearance, sporting a missing eye as he stood there with arms crossed. Despite the loose and tattered clothing he wore, his muscular biceps remained subtly visible, hinting at his underlying strength. "008, as we''ll be spending some time here in this base, keep an eye on Kieth and my grandparents from the territory pack. Inform me immediately if anything occurs," Kisha instructed, mindful not to overlook the need to check on her grandparents, especially during these busy periods far from her family. "Should we inform our people back at the base about the possibility of us staying here a little longer?" Kisha inquired, meeting Duke''s gaze as she sought his opinion. Though they were initially in a rush, their current circumstances left them uncertain of their next steps. Without knowing where to look or who their enemies were, they found themselves navigating blindly. Duke''s gaze flashed with a hint of menace, but he quickly masked it with a nod in response to Kisha. "I''ll make an effort to contact them later and inform them," he assured her. "Hawk and Eagle are more than capable of managing the base, and if any urgent matters require my approval, we''ll address them accordingly." His hand instinctively reached out, lightly brushing against Kisha''s cheek as he spoke. Both Duke and Kisha stiffened, their gazes darting away as a jolt seemed to course through them at the contact. There was no embarrassment, but rather a sensation akin to electricity wherever their skin met. A flurry of butterflies danced in their stomachs, and Duke even felt his throat go dry momentarily. Duke clenched his jaw, struggling to control his breathing as he felt the familiar warmth stirring in his lower half. He couldn''t help but feel annoyed with himself for losing control, especially in a public setting like this. "Next!" Their attention was brought back to what they needed to do, so the pink atmosphere around them cleared up as if nothing ever happened. Both of them are so good at masking their emotions and keeping an indifferent face so no one even notices that something going on. Chapter 56 Accommodation "You must be one of the new arrivals. First, I want to apologize because we have no space left in the tents. So, you can''t expect to have your own bunker beds. What we can do is give you a blanket and a pillow, and you can wait until we''ve built a new tent for the survivors," the soldier explained to Kisha, glancing at the booklet in his hands as he briefed her on the shelter''s predicament. Kisha remained expressionless throughout the soldier''s explanation. Once he finished, she responded, "It''s okay. My team and I were actually hoping for our own house. I''d like to know what steps we need to take to secure a house with four or more rooms." The soldier was taken aback, as seeking separate accommodation was a luxury afforded only to high-ranking soldiers and officials in the evacuation center. For most, affording such accommodations was simply out of reach. He was momentarily lost in thought before regaining his composure. "Perhaps they''re unaware of the requirements or the amount of supplies needed to secure private accommodations," he mused, gathering his thoughts and retrieving the booklet detailing all available accommodations within the shelter. He then passed the booklet to Kisha, expecting her to simply accept one of the options he had prepared in advance. However, Kisha pointed to something in the booklet and remarked, "I would like to secure this villa. It seems to be one of the finest options available here." He retrieved the booklet and observed that it depicted a 10-bedroom villa with a rose garden in the front, a swimming pool at the back, a spacious garage, a private gym, a helipad, and an expansive open area. Duke glanced at the booklet and raised an eyebrow after seeing it. "Are you certain you want this one? It''s likely to be quite expensive," the soldier cautioned. "What are the requirements?" Kisha inquired, her demeanor steady and composed. "We''ll need you to pay at least 50 kilos of rice and a box of canned goods or instant noodles for this much land and facilities," he informed Kisha straightforwardly. "Hmmm," Kisha pondered, placing her finger on her chin as she considered how to procure the necessary supplies from her inventory. "We would like to secure this villa. Currently, we have four bags full of supplies. Although we lack the 50 kg of rice, we do have several gallons of mineral water, instant noodles, and canned goods." The soldier was completely taken aback, as he had never encountered anyone willing to expend such a significant amount of supplies for accommodation. "Miss, in case you are not aware, this is a monthly rental." Kisha nodded indifferently before she set down her heavy bag. Fortunately, they had come prepared. Observing Kisha''s readiness to exchange her supplies for the villa, the soldier eagerly led them to view the property before settling the payment. Duke silently trailed behind them, his eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but no one could fathom what was going on inside his head. As they strolled through the evacuation center, they traversed the rows of massive tents erected side by side in the expansive square near the gates. Numerous individuals roamed the area with hollow gazes and somber expressions. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Most of the survivors huddled inside the tents, grappling with their new reality and clinging to the hope that the apocalypse that befell the earth would soon be vanquished or fade away. Many preferred to avoid confronting the grim circumstances they now found themselves in. However, there were those who steeled themselves to confront the harsh truth of their once-peaceful homeland''s transformation. For the sake of their families and the prospect of a future, they tirelessly labored within the shelter, trading their efforts for essential supplies. As they drew nearer to the heart of the shelter, the tents became filled with soldiers and government officials. Some bore heavy wounds, yet they continued to meticulously clean their firearms outside, their eyes harboring a sense of unease as if they were poised to spring into action at any moment. As Kisha and Duke silently observed their surroundings, they trailed behind the soldier en route to the villa. "We''ve lost too many comrades in the 4 days it took to build this shelter," the soldier reflected. "Initially, we housed survivors within the building, but our superiors knew it wouldn''t last for long. They feared siege and us being massacred with no way out. So, we mobilized our forces to erect sturdy walls using cranes. Each day, we expand our territory to enhance our defenses," he elaborated as they walked along the road. Kisha and Duke took in the scene without uttering a word. They observed the disproportionate ratio of tents to soldiers within the shelter, noting that some tents appeared unoccupied. Meanwhile, medics hurriedly moved between tents. The atmosphere weighed heavy with gloom and tension, suffused with the distinct scent of blood and gunpowder. Having experienced such scenes numerous times, Kisha no longer felt the same level of fear or concern as she once did. Her stomach had hardened over time, unlike the first instances where she was overcome with nausea and her insides twisted in every direction. Now, she could even tolerate being around rotting flesh if circumstances demanded it. After passing through the mid-section, they entered a zone enclosed by heavy gates guarded by soldiers around the clock. Beyond these gates stood the large villas. As they proceeded deeper into the central area, they reached Villa #1, the accommodation Kisha had set her sights on. Positioned at the heart of the shelter, it boasted a metal gate standing over three meters tall and its own guard house. "We''ll take this," Kisha declared as soon as they stepped beyond the gate. A skeptical look crossed the soldier''s face. "Are you not going to view every place inside?" he inquired. "No need. We''re tired from traveling outside and we just want to rest," Kisha replied calmly. "Two of our people might come to your office later. You can direct them here as we arrange for the supplies we have. Alternatively, you can check what we have now and return for the remaining once our people come back." With a deliberate motion, Kisha began to remove the backpack from her back. "No problem, I''ll gather the supplies all at once later. Then I can bring some people with me to carry the supplies to the warehouse," the soldier said, his tone tinged with excitement. He seemed eager not only because it would be counted in their inventory, but also because he would receive a bonus, much like a realtor. "Then, if you don''t have anything else for me, I''ll be leaving you here," the soldier said before departing with lighter steps, heading back to the house and allocation management office. Once the soldier had left the premises, Kisha and Duke approached the villa''s entrance. The entire property was spacious and grand, reminiscent of a castle, but with a modern design. Approximately 30% of the structure was covered by floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the second floor, providing an expansive view of the surroundings from both the upper level and the area overlooking the swimming pool. After walking for about a hundred steps, the soldier suddenly remembered that the villa was equipped with a smart lock, requiring either a fingerprint or a code if they didn''t have the master key. It had taken them three whole days to successfully unlock the villa for future use. He hurried back to Villa #1, realizing he had forgotten to provide Kisha with the access code or the key card. However, upon reaching the gate, he noticed that the lights in the villa were already on. Doubt crept into his mind as he questioned whether he had already informed them about the access method and he had just simply forgotten. With a shrug, he walked back to his office, scratching his head in embarrassment for his forgetfulness. Chapter 57 What are we? "So, you were already familiar with this place?" Duke inquired as they stepped inside the villa, observing Kisha''s confident navigation to the light switches. Kisha shrugged casually. "Wasn''t this your villa?" Duke chuckled as he strolled into the living room. "Did I ever mention this in your past life?" "No, this was our home," Kisha replied, joining him on the couch and sinking into its comfort. Hearing her say the word ''our home'' made his whole body tense. There''s only one reason he could think of why they would live together under one roof. His gaze darkened as he stared at her, although Kisha was wearing a scary disguise, but Duke''s brain automatically changed her appearance to her original face as he stared at her without blinking. Feeling his intense gaze boring into her, Kisha lazily raised her head to meet Duke''s eyes. "What?" "What were we in your previous life? Why did we live under the same roof?" After the words left his lips, he immediately felt a twinge of regret. He didn''t want to hear any answer other than what he was thinking, yet at the same time, he yearned for confirmation. His throat went dry, and his breathing grew heavier as he kept his eyes locked on her, awaiting her response. Upon hearing Duke''s question, Kisha''s body stiffened. Frankly, she didn''t want him to know what a letdown she was in their past life. There were countless "what ifs" swirling in her head, unanswered questions that she was too afraid to confront. She didn''t want Duke to know the extent of the sacrifices he made for her, only to meet his demise because of her actions. If she hadn''t been so afraid of disrupting their relationship dynamic and had instead pursued him, would he have returned her feelings? Perhaps then, they wouldn''t have been betrayed by the very people she had saved and brought into Duke''s abode. Kisha choked on the question, struggling to find the words to respond. She was torn between fear and honesty, unable to bring herself to lie to Duke. Stifled by her own turmoil, she remained silent, grappling with the weight of the truth she held. Yet, she wasn''t alone in her unease, sensing that Duke too was anxious about what her answer might reveal. Duke rose from his seat and strode toward her, halting just inches away. A tumult of possibilities swirled through his mind, but one particular notion struck a nerve, causing his emotions to surge beyond his control. His mind buzzed incessantly with tumultuous thoughts, a desperate attempt to expunge the unsettling notion. But it had rooted itself deep within him, an indelible mark upon his very essence. Before he comprehended his own actions, he found himself pressing Kisha against the couch. Both his arms were trapping her in between while he was crouching a little, his face was a few inches away from Kisha''s. "Tell me..." His breath was scorching against Kisha''s skin, sending a shiver down her spine. Every hair on her body stood on end as an electrifying sensation surged through every nerve. Her stomach churned, a tangle of nerves twisting between her thighs, as his proximity ignited an overwhelming heat within her. She didn''t know that Duke had this effect on her because they''d never been this close before, they would always keep a safe distance from each other, as if they were protecting each other from whatever they deemed dangerous. Although there were more times that they''d seen each other bare naked due to some accidents but the next day, they would both act as if nothing happened. But even then, they both kept their calm. But now, she felt a stronger pull to him. As if her desire for him has been amplified by a hundred times. As if, every touch would awaken something dormant in her, she never felt this with anyone, even with her lover in her past life who eventually betrayed her. Or perhaps, her lover also felt it which resulted in him choosing to betray her instead? She had no answers to her questions and right now, her mind was in disarray because of Duke''s close proximity, as if her brain cells were fried in an instant and stopped working. SCREECH... Thud - Thud - The two were abruptly brought back to reality by the creak of the door and approaching footsteps. Reacting swiftly, Kisha shoved Duke aside while he was still in shock. "Master, Kisha, we''ve searched the shelter, but..." Sparrow''s voice trailed off as he sensed the tension in the air. His eyes widened as he met Duke''s menacing gaze, feeling the weight of his presence causing his knees to buckle. If only a stare could kill, he would be double dead by now or even worse. "I think, we should do a double-checking?" He staggered back as he avoided Duke''s glare, he found support from Vulture who was standing steadily behind him, seemingly unaware of Duke''s bubbling anger. "No, tell me what you''ve discovered first," Kisha urgently stopped Sparrow before any escape attempts could be made. She wasn''t prepared to confront her inner turmoil just yet, fearing Duke''s potential reaction if he were to find out. However, she didn''t intend to keep it hidden indefinitely; she simply needed time to realign her thoughts and emotions. Thus, her only recourse was to temporarily utilize Sparrow and Vulture as a distraction. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow hesitated for a moment to report their findings and he sneaked a peek at Duke who was now trying to calm his emotions that were thrown all over the place while massaging the bridge of his nose in defeat. He felt that there was something important he needed to know that Kisha was trying to avoid just now. And he knew that, whatever it was, it wasn''t good, maybe for him or for her. This only aggravates him even more, but he doesn''t want to force the answer from her and wants her to tell him when she is ready. So he nodded at Sparrow after he rearranged his thoughts and focused on the important matter. After seeing the go signal and seeing that Duke''s aura was going back to normal, Sparrow let out a relieved sigh as he held his wildly beating heart. While Vulture on the other hand was clueless about what his partner was going through because, in a sense, he was a little dense in getting cues and reading the atmosphere in the room. "We''ve been cautious not to raise any suspicions among potential hidden factions within the shelter. Our approach for gathering intelligence under the pretext of seeking to align with the most dominant force for better benefits, all the while remaining vigilant for any irregular behavior," Sparrow advised, taking a moment''s pause before resuming. "Initially, everything appeared mundane, but there''s one piece of information that I find rather disconcerting." "Which is?" Kisha asked while both her arms crossed in front of her chest. "One of the soldiers mentioned that there''s supposedly a faction aligned with one of the prominent families receiving substantial supplies regularly. However, none of the regular soldiers or survivors have ever seen them, except for the soldier and government officials managing the shelter," Sparrow relayed, his fingers tapping against his chin as he deliberated further. "I took it upon myself to investigate, but my scouting confirmed that besides the military presence, there are no other factions within the vicinity." "And they''re all tight-lipped about it, so extracting further information seems futile. Additionally, I doubt that the Patriarch, Mr. and Madam Winters, are present in this location," Sparrow added with a shake of his head. "Good," Kisha said, then she summoned Bell in front of everyone. Bell appeared slightly larger than before, having grown after emerging from its cocoon, and its presence exuded a chilling aura. Even Sparrow couldn''t shake the feeling of something crawling beneath his skin upon seeing Bell''s thick legs. "Wha-What''s that?!" Sparrow croaked. "This is my contracted beast." Kisha explained as she looked at Bell who was flying around in front of her. "Contracted beast? Was it the one controlling those armies of bees that helped us navigate through the highway?" Sparrow asked after remembering the unusual actions of the bees from the highway. Kisha nodded. While Duke looked at Bell with amusement, although, he had somehow figured it out, but this was still the first time he saw a queen bee this big. Chapter 58 What to Eat? "Bell, deploy all available bees and have them explore every corner of this shelter. Notify me immediately if anything out of the ordinary is discovered," Kisha instructed through their link. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke and the others observed without understanding the exchange, but they witnessed Bell flap its wings twice and give a slight nod¡ªa gesture impossible for an ordinary bee. From this, they surmised that Bell possessed not only an unusual size but also intelligence beyond that of a typical bee. "What are you planning?" Duke asked as his eyes examined Bell. Just right after his question left his mouth, a swarm of bees materializes out of nowhere just like how Bell appeared in thin air. They were all fascinated but at the same time felt their skin crawling with bugs. They were accustomed to seeing Kisha store and retrieve items from her inventory, but witnessing living creatures emerge from her space felt entirely novel to them. Kisha allowed Bell to fly around the villa, ensuring it had morphed to appear smaller and less conspicuous. Despite being within their own walls, there was still a concern that someone might unexpectedly check on them and notice Bell''s presence. As she reminded Bell and it changed its size to an even smaller form, the doorbell chimed from outside. Vulture, being closer to the entrance, swiftly took on the task and hurried to check the intercom connected to the doorbell outside. "Master, it''s a soldier from the (HAMO)House and Allocation Management Office," Vulture reported, standing beside the intercom, awaiting Duke''s response and instructions. Duke did not immediately answer but looked at Kisha, remembering that they still had this issue. Kisha waved her hand and instantly, a box worth of instant noodles and canned goods, along with a few gallons of water appeared on top of the coffee table in front of them and Kisha put all the big bags lying on the floor back to her inventory, to make it looked like they have already arranged the supplies they are going to use for the exchange. Observing that both Kisha and Duke had ceased their movements, Vulture promptly accessed the gate control panel beside the intercom and opened the gate. He positioned himself by the door, ready to welcome the visitors, while Sparrow positioned himself behind Duke and Kisha, assuming a stance akin to a loyal guard dog. Not long after, the soldier from earlier, accompanied by two more soldiers of lower ranking following him from behind, entered the villa with a wide smile playing their lips. "Hello again, I hope I am not disturbing your evening as I am only passing by to collect the supplies meant for the rental of the villa." He said as he scanned the living room and immediately saw the supplies they''d talked about in the office earlier. He did not act humble nor servile towards Duke and the others, instead, he immediately stepped forward to assess the supplies and after making sure that there was nothing missing and it was enough, he nodded and the two soldiers behind him stepped forward to start packing the supplies so they can transport it back to the warehouse after filing it in the inventory. Kisha and Duke did not try to make a conversation with the soldiers and just watched them complete what they came for, the soldiers also felt uncomfortable under their gazes so they worked faster and left just as soon after a little smile and farewell with the four people living in the big villa. But even after the people left, Kisha and the rest still did not start another conversation. However, the tranquility was abruptly shattered by the loud grumble of a stomach. All three turned their heads to look at Kisha, her expression indifferent as if nothing had occurred, and certainly not acknowledging that the noise had emanated from her own stomach. "Are you hungry?" Duke inquired, drawing nearer, his gaze lingering on her face. If Kisha didn''t know better, she might have interpreted his expression as an attempt at seduction. ''Does he look even at the toilet bowl like this?'' It would be a lie to say that Kisha was not affected by that look. "Are you planning to cook? Because I''m hopeless in the kitchen," Kisha responded, meeting Duke''s gaze with a smile. It wasn''t that she couldn''t cook, but Duke''s culinary skills were simply exceptional. In their past life, he didn''t always cook, but when he did, it was unforgettable. Just the thought of one of his simple dishes had her salivating. So, if, she''s going to compare herself to him, she''s really hopeless. Duke''s gaze lingered on her face for a moment longer before he rose from the couch and made his way to the kitchen. Kisha''s eyes lit up in anticipation as she watched him retrieve an apron hidden in the drawer. Without hesitation, she joined him in the kitchen, put some ingredients in the fridge, and assisted in the cooking process. While Sparrow and Vulture watch with open mouths because they did not even know that Duke knows how to cook because they knew that Duke has never even touch a spatula and never went near the kitchen. But here he was, acting all confident and picking out ingredients from the fridge that Kisha prepared. "what are you cooking?" Kisha excitedly asked as she watched him from the side. Duke''s head remained buried in the fridge as he continued to select ingredients. "What do you feel like eating?" he replied casually, his focus on the task at hand. "I''ll eat anything you make," Kisha replied almost instantly. Duke''s head turned sharply to the side, his eyes were almost sucking her in with the way he looked at her, a different intensity flickering in them as his lips curved seductively. "You''ll eat anything?" he added, his tone suggestive. But for Kisha, his question sounded suggestive and lewd. Her breathing hitched in her throat as she met his gaze. She couldn''t determine if she was being dirty-minded or if that was exactly what he intended to convey. Moreover, she didn''t want to jump to conclusions. It appeared as though Duke enjoyed teasing her frequently, and she didn''t want to be the sole subject of teasing. So... Kisha locked eyes with Duke, her expression equally seductive. Her lips parted slightly, and she teasingly grazed her tongue with her lower lip, invitingly. Leaning against the counter, she showcased her curves for Duke to admire. Not content with just that, she retrieved a strawberry from her inventory and sensually nibbled on it, adding to the allure of the moment. Duke observed Kisha''s every move with intensity, his gaze fixed on her like a hawk. He felt a rush of heat flooding his lower abdomen, his throat drying up, and his entire body growing warm. Unable to tear his eyes away, he was captivated by the woman before him, who was teasing him unabashedly. His eyes grew darker, acknowledging the truth that he had initiated this exchange, his mind succumbing to desire triggered by something Kisha had said. However, being met with the same teasing energy now pushed his last shred of restraint to the brink of snapping. ''Fuck! Now I know the true meaning of shooting yourself in the foot!!!'' Duke thought as the remaining strings of reason snapped one by one. Chapter 59 What to Do Duke rose swiftly, closing the distance to Kisha in just a couple of strides. His right arm wrapped around her slender waist, drawing her close, while his left hand rested on the counter, supporting his weight. Witnessing the intimate moment between Duke and Kisha, Sparrow and Vulture exchanged knowing glances before discreetly making their exit. They opted to patrol the perimeter instead, sharing a smirk that mixed happiness for their boss with a touch of incredulity at the sudden turn of events. Duke enveloped Kisha with his entire body, his warm breath caressing her forehead. Kisha''s long eyelashes trembled as she slowly blinked, gobsmacked by the turn of events. She just wanted to get back at Duke for teasing her, and she knew that this kind of teasing had not affected him one bit in their previous life. Now caught in this situation, she began to second-guess her understanding of Duke and how his mind operated. The weight of his body pressed against hers, their chests intimately pressed together, prompted her to reconsider the depth of her knowledge about him and his intentions. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as she felt a pulsating, thick long rod-like thing against her stomach, instantly recognizing what it was. Her eyes widened in shock as she glanced up at Duke, who wore a taunting smirk. Despite the playfulness of his expression, his eyes retained their dark, seductive allure. Duke maintained a composed facade, but internally, he grappled with an identity crisis. His conflicting desires waged war within him: one urging him to lose himself in her completely, he wanted to bury himself inside her right then and there, while the other, his rational side, cautioned against the impulsive act. He feared that succumbing to his desires might jeopardize their relationship, causing her to turn against him. After a moment''s pause, Duke closed his eyes and rested his chin on top of her head. Kisha could feel his wildly beating heart and the heat coming from his body. "So, he finally snapped, huh?" 008''s voice echoed in Kisha''s mind, its tone laden with implications. "What do you mean?" Kisha inquired, her hand resting atop Duke''s rapidly pounding heart. 008 did not answer but remained quiet. But Kisha was dying to know the answer, she felt like there was something she did not know that 008 was aware of but was refraining from sharing with her. She contemplated issuing another threat to 008, but before she could, Duke drew nearer. "I trust you''ll accept the consequences of your actions," his voice was husky, carrying a seductive undertone. As his hand found its way to the back of her neck, a jolt of electricity surged through Kisha''s entire being, eliciting an involuntary moan that caught her by surprise. That lone moan ignited Duke''s desire even further. "Kisha..." His voice resonated deep within his chest, sending shivers down Kisha''s spine and stirring her very soul. As Duke called her name, a tremor coursed through her body and soul, but it wasn''t sparked by desire; instead, an overwhelming urge to cry washed over her. It felt as though her heart, along with the pit of her stomach, was being yanked violently, yet the sensation had nothing to do with lust, disgust, or anger. Instead, it was a profound longing tinged with melancholy, a yearning for something intangible and elusive. Unbeknownst to her, tears began to stream down her cheeks, marking the first time in ages that she had allowed herself to succumb to silent sobs. Overwhelmed by a wave of sorrow and melancholy, she found herself unable to contain her emotions any longer. Feeling a dampness against his chest, Duke couldn''t resist the urge to glance down, only to discover Kisha silently weeping. He felt as though a bucket of cold water had been thrown over him, instantly extinguishing the flames of desire and replacing them with panic. This marked the first time he had witnessed Kisha shed tears, and it was undoubtedly the first time she had let her indifferent facade crumble, revealing the vulnerability she typically shielded herself from others to avoid being belittled or taken advantage of. Kisha''s true nature belied the facade she presented to the world. Beneath her tough exterior lay a woman of kindness and honesty, shaped by the relentless struggles she endured in the harshness of the apocalypse. The trials she faced left her battered, weary, and broken, bearing witness to unfathomable despair. Despite the turmoil she endured, Kisha recognized the futility of tears. Instead of succumbing to despair, she chose to adapt and evolve. She shed her naivety and learned to view the world through a more discerning lens, guarding herself against exploitation and manipulation. She felt the weight of all the pain she had carried in her heart, the burden that had eaten away at her from within. It felt as though she was drowning, suffocating under the weight of her grievances. At that moment, Duke became her lifeline, and she clung to him desperately, seeking solace and support. Duke witnessed the transformation in Kisha''s demeanor, the shift in her aura, and the anguish etched across her face, and panic surged within him. For the first time in his life... he felt scared.... He was at a loss, unsure of how to comfort Kisha in her distress. He cursed himself for allowing things to escalate to this point, for even considering acting on his desires at that moment. ''I must have scared her.'' As he contemplated his actions, Duke''s complexion fluctuated from pale to dark, his expression cycling through various emotions in rapid succession. If anyone had witnessed the scene, it might have appeared somewhat comical. "Kisha, I''m sorry. This is all my fault," he confessed, his voice betraying a hint of tremor as he spoke. He carefully lifted her and seated her on the countertop, his left hand tenderly running through her hair while his right hand gently stroked her back in an attempt to soothe her distress. His eyes were filled with genuine concern and self-reproach. Kisha felt his warm hand on her back, but instead of calming down, she wailed even more. Like an aggrieved child who has been wronged and wants to tell on the culprit. This only made Duke even more panicky than he already was. Kisha couldn''t gauge how long she had cried or how much effort Duke had put into comforting her. But after releasing all her pent-up emotions, she couldn''t help but let out a soft chuckle at the sight of Duke''s panic-stricken expression. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?" Duke''s typically cold tone softened, resembling a gentle summer breeze. Kisha nodded, attempting to wipe her tears, but Duke gently brushed away her swollen eyes with his cold thumb. His gaze conveyed a mix of self-reproach and affection, coupled with tenderness. "I''m sorry for scaring you." Duke solemnly apologized as his lips were tightly pursed together. Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle. "Do you think I was easy to be scared away? It was just due to hormones." Kisha felt bad seeing Duke blaming himself when she herself did not know why she cried in the first place, she could only find an excuse that typically used by other women in the menstrations. The only difference is, it''s not the time of the month yet. Duke nodded silently, though he didn''t seem entirely convinced by her excuse. He moved to take care of the ingredients, but the funny thing was, that he had his phone open to a cooking tutorial, silently following each step as he worked. Kisha found this revelation novel, as she had always assumed that Duke knew how to cook. ''So, does that mean he only learned how to cook post-apocalypse?'' she mused. However, she quickly realized there was nothing wrong with it; in the apocalypse, having a warm meal was already a luxury, let alone a delicious one. She silently watched Duke bustling around the kitchen while she remained seated on the countertop. Sparrow and Vulture returned quietly, observing the scene before them. They exchanged a knowing look, silently communicating, ''They look like a newlywed couple.'' Sharing a private chuckle, they continued to watch from a distance. However, they couldn''t resist snapping a stolen picture of Duke diligently preparing a meal for his ''little wife''. Chapter 60 Nightmare After cooking their dinner, Duke also led Kisha to sit down at the long dining table, insisting that she not move a muscle as he shuttled back and forth to the kitchen, bringing out the dishes he had prepared and carefully placing them on the table near her. Seeing the sumptuous meal, Kisha couldn''t help but gasp in delight, her eyes sparkling with pleasure and completely forgetting what happened earlier. "You can start eating anytime," Duke said graciously as he placed the last dish on the table, then elegantly seated himself beside her. "Here, try this. I believe I''ve outdone myself with this one." He carefully served the braised pork belly into Kisha''s bowl. Before Kisha could be enticed by Duke''s enticing dishes, she noticed Sparrow and Vulture silently standing near the living room, resembling statues. "What are you two doing over there? Are you not joining us for the meal?" she inquired. "Let them be; they''re perfectly capable of looking after themselves," Duke remarked casually, continuing to serve more food for Kisha. He cast a sidelong glance at his subordinates as if their presence was intruding on what he considered the private time between himself and Kisha. It was not only the first time they had seen Duke cook but also the first time he had displayed such gentleness while serving someone else. The novelty of the situation left them unable to fully grasp it; they were eager to share this revelation with everyone in their team, but with that option currently unavailable, they settled for silently giving their future madam a thumbs-up as they retreated outside to resume their patrol around the perimeter of the villa. "Why didn''t you invite them to eat first?" Kisha inquired, taking a bite of the braised pork belly Duke had served her. "They can eat later; it makes no difference," Duke replied nonchalantly, though his gaze kept returning to Kisha as if anticipating her reaction or approval. "But you know I have the entire place covered, so there''s no need to send anyone on patrol." Kisha''s voice was still indifferent and she was only asking for the sake of it. "It was still necessary for appearances, to show those who are keeping an eye on us that we remain vigilant and so those two won''t become complacent with their job," Duke explained between bites of rice, though he couldn''t resist stealing subtle glances at Kisha. "You''re testing me, aren''t you?" Duke questioned with a knowing smile. "Just checking if we''re on the same page," Kisha replied, returning his smirk before resuming her meal. Duke didn''t catch Kisha''s praise for his cooking, which nearly discouraged him. However, when he noticed Kisha eating more than she typically did, he understood that her increased appetite was the praise he had been anticipating, bringing him a sense of satisfaction and happiness. It was an achievement that felt more significant than winning a deal flawlessly or acquiring a company. The feeling couldn''t even be compared to the satisfaction he felt in those moments. They ate in silence, but it wasn''t uncomfortable; rather, it was peaceful, filled with a tacit understanding between them. They didn''t need to verbalize every thought to convey their meaning; they simply understood each other without words. After they had consumed nearly half of the meal Duke had prepared, they took a brief respite. Sensing the strain on her body, Kisha excused herself to rest upstairs. Despite her vast experience from previous lives, her current body remained fragile and weak, a stark contrast to her previous abilities. It was a testament to her resilience that she could endure for days without rest, but even so, her body was still at level 0, requiring frequent breaks. Despite having an additional 10 points in all stats, Kisha''s capabilities still couldn''t compare to Duke and his comrades, who were seasoned in arduous journeys and battles. Duke fully understood this, which is why he refrained from initiating a conversation about their mission or pressing her for discussion. Kisha indulged in a long bubble bath, a luxury she could never have enjoyed in her previous life where water was more precious than food. She reclined her weary body on the edge of the bathtub, allowing the warm water to envelop her, soothing every muscle. The strong scent of roses calmed her soul, serving as a gentle reminder that she had a precious window of time to rest and rejuvenate. As she rested, 008 provided updates on the situation in the territory where Keith and her grandparents resided. According to 008, Keith was excelling in his training and making rapid progress. Kisha also remained informed about Melody''s activities throughout the territory. As she listened to the report, Kisha didn''t realize she had dozed off. "Host, wake up! You''ll get sick if you stay in the bathtub for too long; the water is already growing cold..." 008 called out until he noticed that Kisha had woken up. After cleaning up for a bit, Kisha dragged her weary body to the big, fluffy bed. She didn''t even have the chance to admire the room and simply went straight to bed without much thought. As Kisha opened her eyes, they widened in alarm as she surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings. The area was engulfed in towering flames, casting an eerie glow over everything. The acrid scent of burning wood filled the air, mingling with the overpowering stench of burning flesh. Smoke billowed into the darkened sky, creating a harrowing scene that left Kisha''s heart racing with dread. Tears welled in her eyes as the dreadful realization dawned upon her, cascading helplessly down her cheeks and chin to the cold, hard ground below. Chaos reigned around her, with lifeless bodies strewn across the landscape. Despite her efforts, she found herself unable to free her arms from the grasp of two strong men, her body weakened to the point where she could barely keep her eyes open. Despite her weakened state, a surge of anger, despair, and hatred coursed through her, fueling her determination to stay awake and witness the unfolding chaos around her. With gritted teeth, she fought against the exhaustion threatening to overwhelm her senses. Finally, her eyes locked onto a familiar figure drawing nearer, sending a shiver down her spine. In the midst of the chaos, a soft, melodious voice cut through the dreadful night. "Long time no see, sister," the voice echoed, sending chills down Kisha''s spine. Her initial chuckles morphed into a terrifying cackle, filled with madness and cruelty beyond comprehension. It was as if the scene unfolding around them was nothing more than a twisted spectacle for her twisted amusement. "I have longed to see you in this position, groveling in front of me, watching as everything dear to you slowly withers away," the woman declared with a chilling tone. She circled Kisha, tapping her fan against her palm as she savored the sight of Kisha''s disgraceful and weakened state, delighting in the spectacle before her. "Why did you do this?" Kisha managed to speak each word clearly, straining to lift her head to meet the other woman''s eyes. "Why can''t I do so?!" She sneered, delivering a blow to Kisha''s beautiful face with the fan she held in her hand, her eyes bulging with veins, causing them to turn red. "You''ve taken everything that was supposed to be mine!" "Nothing that belongs to me is yours," Kisha sneered defiantly. "Your claims are nothing but wishful thinking." Despite her perilous situation, her aura and demeanor remained unchanged. She exuded an air of elegance and grace, akin to the ruler she was. Amidst the chaos, she longed to caress her bulging stomach, offering solace to her unborn child who could sense her unease. But the woman seemed oblivious to Kisha''s words, lost in her own delusions. "Unfortunately for my brother-in-law, if only he had chosen me over you, he might still be alive." Upon hearing her implications, Kisha''s entire body tensed, and all she could see was red. "What have you done to my husband?!" she demanded, her voice quivering with rage and fear. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t worry, you''ll soon be reunited with him in the underworld," the woman''s cruel, maniacal cackle echoed throughout the space, sending shivers down Kisha''s spine. A wave of coldness washed over her entire body as she envisioned her husband''s demise. Her scream, earth-shattering and filled with anguish, anger, and heartbreak, echoed throughout the entire space. Those who heard it felt as if their hearts shattered into a million pieces, overwhelmed by the raw intensity of her pain. Kisha woke up sobbing from her nightmare, her entire body trembling and chilling as though she had spent the night in an ice cellar. Her heart-wrenching sobs pierced the stillness of the night, awakening Duke from his slumber in the adjacent room. He rushed to her door, frantic with concern, pounding on it as her cries grew louder, filled with anguish. Her sobs sounded strained as if she were struggling to catch her breath amidst her tears. Duke did not wait for Kisha to open the door because it didn''t seem like she could hear him and she was engulfed in her own heartache. Chapter 61 Going Out In a rush, Duke darted to the drawer in his study room where the spare keys were kept. He quickly retrieved Kisha''s room key and dashed back to her door with urgency like a sprinter in a marathon, his heart pounding with concern. As he returned, the sound of Kisha''s faint sobbing lingered in the air. Without hesitation, Duke unlocked the door and made his way to her bedside. There, he embraced her with such intensity, as if he wished to merge her into his own being, to shoulder her suffering as his own, all in an effort to alleviate her distress and bring her solace. Feeling pained to see her in such distress, Duke hugged her tightly, wishing he could bear her pain himself. They sank onto the bed together, him cradling her in his arms, gently patting her back in a rhythmic motion, offering what comfort he could. Kisha felt a warm, boulder-like presence enveloping her entire body. Surprisingly, rather than feeling discomfort, she found herself at ease, as if cocooned in a protective embrace. The sensation seemed to gently ease her pain, cradling her until she drifted back into a peaceful slumber. As Kisha''s breathing steadied and her soft whimpers ceased, her knitted brows gradually relaxed. Watching her peacefully sleeping in his arms, Duke felt a sense of relief and happiness wash over him. Drawing her closer, he too succumbed to sleep, comforted by her calming scent and the warmth of her body against his. In her presence, he found a sense of ease and solace, his heart at peace. As morning broke, Sparrow searched for Duke in his room, finding it open and empty. Curious, he headed to Kisha''s room to inquire about Duke''s whereabouts, only to discover her door wide open as well. To his surprise, he found Duke sleeping in Kisha''s bed, with Kisha nestled in his embrace. Had it not been for the sight of Kisha''s long hair entwined with Duke''s arms, Sparrow might have mistaken the rooms altogether. Seeing Sparrow''s stunned reaction, Vulture approached and witnessed the same scene. Instead of being taken aback like Sparrow, he took action. Closing the door firmly, he then gently guided Sparrow downstairs. "Mas-master..." Sparrow began uncertainly, his words trailing off. "It''s a good thing that Master has found the woman who could melt his heart made out of a block of ice." He then chuckled and hauled Sparrow into the kitchen so they could both prepare a sumptuous meal. The two worked diligently to whip up fluffy pancakes that would delight anyone''s taste buds for breakfast. They also brewed coffee and squeezed fresh orange juice, intending to surprise Duke and Kisha with breakfast in bed. However, just as they finished cooking the pancakes, Duke and Kisha appeared together heading downstairs. Kisha descended the stairs, followed by Duke, whose sharp gaze betrayed no signs of sleep. Despite her red and puffy eyes, Kisha retained her stunning beauty, though her demeanor exuded coldness and indifference. Duke, equally distant, stood close behind her, emanating an aura of aloofness and unapproachable. Both of them still wore their disguises, which were becoming increasingly itchy and irritating against their skin. "Young Master, young madam, the breakfast is ready," Vulture eagerly invited the two to sit down. Duke''s eyebrows raised, but he didn''t correct them. Kisha opened her mouth as if to say something, but Duke had already pulled her to sit down next to him. They were promptly served by the two, who were acting like doting parents-in-law. Soon enough, Kisha had already forgotten what she wanted to say, her mind drifting back to the memory of her nightmare from the previous night. She desired to recall every last detail of the dream, but upon waking up, only the overwhelming emotions lingered, leaving the specifics shrouded in fog Duke reassured her, urging her to let go of the nightmare as dwelling on it would only sour her mood, which held truth. Thus, she heeded his advice and ceased dwelling on it altogether. "Kisha, have your bees discovered anything significant last night?" he inquired, drizzling more maple syrup onto Kisha''s pancake. "No, it seems we may need to widen our search radius. There were no clues here, nor any signs of secret passages being accessed covertly. Alternatively, we could postpone the investigation for now. They might be laying low," Kisha explained, delicately cutting a piece of pancake to fit into her mouth. "Hmm." Noticing his understated response, Kisha stole a worried glance at Duke. She understood his anxiety about his family, yet he maintained a calm and composed demeanor to avoid pressuring her in her search. Feeling a warm surge in her heart, Kisha spoke up. "Perhaps we should conduct our investigation outdoors. Using our group mission as cover would allow us to freely access the shelter without arousing suspicion." "I think so too." With a consensus reached, Kisha and the others swiftly finished their breakfast. She made sure to stow away all their supplies in her inventory. Even if someone were to snoop around inside their villa, they wouldn''t find anything amiss. The HAMO officer knew they had sent all their supplies as rent for the villa. It seemed logical that they would need to venture out to search for supplies. But before they departed, Kisha insisted they remove their disguises and take a moment to freshen up. Spending an additional two hours to redo the disguises ensured their comfort, preventing any skin irritation. With all preparations complete, the four emerged from their villa, their expressions determined, as if going into a war. Kisha and the others had barely stepped out of the villa''s gate when a fox-like old man approached them from across the road. "Hello there, neighbors! I heard you''re new around here?" Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture remained silent, their expressions indifferent as they regarded the old man. "I apologize if I startled you. I''m one of the leaders of the prominent group within this shelter. It has come to my attention that your group is filled with talented and exceptionally strong individuals," he began, his gaze sweeping over each of them before settling on Kisha. "Frankly, I would like to extend an invitation for you to join our group. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It would greatly enhance our ability to gather supplies, complete missions outside, and, of course, reap more rewards." He offered a friendly smile at Kisha who looked a little less intimidating, appearance-wise, but when he met her eyes, ''Oh boy, he was so wrong.'' He found it difficult to maintain eye contact with her for more than a few seconds and instinctively looked away. When his gaze met Duke''s, a sense of dread washed over him, surpassing anything he had experienced outside. Buckets of cold sweat formed on his back, and each second of waiting for their answer felt like a decade. He even contemplated running away without waiting for a response, feeling as though he stood before not two human beings, but beasts. Duke''s voice, cold and intimidating, echoed in the old man''s ear, as though Duke were looking down on him from a throne at the top of a grand staircase. "Is your group the strongest and most influential in this shelter? Were you once among the top families?" Duke''s tone wasn''t that of a question; it carried the weight of authority, demanding a response from the old man. "N-no... We were not as formidable as the Coltons, who are among the top 8 families of City A," the old man nervously replied. "Why bring up the Coltons?" Kisha pressed for further information. "They''re the only prominent family in this shelter," the old man truthfully disclosed. Chapter 62 Going on a Mission Kisha''s entire body stiffened, and she instinctively glanced at Duke, silently assessing whether they were on the same page. "Given that your group isn''t the strongest here, we''re inclined to decline," Duke stated with an air of indifference. While the old man felt a pang of disappointment for missing out on what seemed like a valuable opportunity, he harbored no illusions about his own capabilities. He understood all too well that he stood no chance against Duke''s formidable presence; he might even find himself metaphorically pinned beneath Duke''s heel if he dared to push further. "I understand. Should you ever require assistance in the future, do not hesitate to seek me out. I''ll be more than willing to lend a hand," the old man offered politely before swiftly taking his leave as if pursued by rabid dogs. "Master, young madam, if the Coltons are here, why would they try to hide? Were they also being chased like the patriarch and the others?" Vulture inquired, tilting his head to the side as he sought to grasp the intricacies of the situation. "It''s either that or they simply don''t want small fry flocking to their door seeking employment or protection. After all, they still need to maintain their appearance of power and prestige. If word got out that the Coltons, one of the top 8 families of City A, couldn''t even hire people because they lacked supplies, it would be detrimental to their family''s reputation in the long run. They might not have fully grasped the implications of the apocalypse yet," Sparrow elucidated to Vulture. Kisha furrowed her brow and remarked, "Or they could be covering their tracks to conceal something significant." Duke cast a sidelong glance at her, as though attempting to discern her thoughts. He sensed that Kisha was withholding information, perhaps because she wasn''t entirely certain and didn''t want to provide false hope or misinformation. "Given that we''re clueless about their whereabouts, let''s focus on our mission for now since we can''t find them," Duke asserted as he strode towards the exit leading to the central area. The four of them strode purposefully towards the outer layer of the shelter, heading for gate 2 on the western side. Compared to what they observed at gate 1 yesterday, the survivor population in this area was notably larger, with more soldiers stationed here as well. Despite the increased presence of people and military personnel in this direction, the atmosphere felt considerably tenser and heavier compared to what they had experienced yesterday on the opposite side. Gate 1 linked to the southern part of the shelter, while each cardinal direction had a corresponding gate: one leading to the northern part, one to the eastern part,, and the two mentioned earlier. Given their shelter''s central location within City B, they strategized for multiple entrance and exit points. This contingency plan ensured that even if one entrance was overrun, they could safely evacuate from any direction. However, this also meant doubling their efforts to fortify and defend each entrance against potential zombie attacks. It would still be manageable now since the zombies only have their sheer number right now but when they start evolving, this is going to be problematic in so many ways. As Kisha and her group approached Gate 2, they were halted by the gatekeeper. His stern expression conveyed authority, undeterred by their intimidating appearances. "Halt! Where do you think you''re going? Have you obtained permission to leave?" As a seasoned soldier accustomed to the battlefield, the gatekeeper had encountered countless scars and no longer paid them much heed. However, even he couldn''t ignore the recognizable aura of Duke and Kisha, tinged with a hint of bloodlust. He could discern that the four individuals before him were battle-hardened veterans, their experience surpassing even his own. Though they attempted to rein in their bloodlust, it occasionally leaked through, leaving no doubt in his mind. He had no qualms when Kisha mentioned their affiliation with the government as special agents. Kisha and her team were also provided with a permit and badges, signifying that they had registered as a group and were authorized to roam outside freely, returning at their discretion as long as they adhered to the safety protocols upon reentry. Upon seeing the badge and permit, the gatekeeper suddenly had an epiphany and understood. He even felt a sense of relief and satisfaction at the sight of more experienced, battle-hardened individuals coming to their shelter. It added an extra layer of security for all the residents therein. His stern countenance, unaccustomed to smiling, now bore a happy grin as he returned the badge and permit to Kisha. With a gesture, he signaled to the lookout in the tower, ensuring they could assess the number of zombies in the perimeter. This precaution would facilitate the safe departure of Kisha''s team. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Understanding the gatekeeper''s cue, the lookouts diligently scanned the area beyond the gate, their gaze extending as far as possible to ensure a safe passage for those venturing out. Once the scan was complete, the lookout relayed their findings to the gatekeeper, sharing the information they had gathered and recommending the most secure route for departure. After obtaining an estimate of the number of zombies outside, the gatekeeper signaled for the other soldiers to take their positions on top of the wall to assist Kisha and her group as they ventured out. However, Duke intervened. "No need," he asserted, "We must conserve as much ammo as possible. My team and I can clear our own path, especially since we''ve been given an estimate of the zombie count outside the gate." The gatekeeper found himself opening and closing his mouth, unable to utter a response. This was the first time his offer of assistance had been turned down. Typically, groups venturing out would request assistance in clearing a path before departing. Unlike those with vehicles for their exit, Kisha and her team were on foot. He felt it was only right to offer them some aid. But Duke is turning down his good intentions. Instead of growing angry, the gatekeeper felt a surge of curiosity about their combat prowess. He sensed the confidence emanating from Duke and his team as they stood there, poised and ready, waiting for the gate to open. Following Duke''s decision, the gatekeeper instructed his soldiers not to intervene and slowly opened the gate. As soon as it was open enough, Sparrow and Vulture darted out from the crevice and swiftly hacked the nearest zombie with precise blows to the head. The sudden action caught everyone off guard, leaving them stunned, except for Duke''s team. Sparrow moved with the grace of a dancer, killing the nearby zombies with precise, coordinated strikes. Meanwhile, Vulture''s explosive attacks sent several zombies flying several feet away, adding to the chaos. Kisha and Duke exited the gate with an air of calmness, assessing the situation before taking any action. With only a dozen zombies in the perimeter, Sparrow and Vulture seemed more than capable of handling the situation. The gatekeeper and the soldier on the wall watched in astonishment as Duke''s team displayed their fighting prowess. Their combat style resembled military close combat techniques, but it was executed with a level of precision and lethality that surpassed anything they had seen before. Impressed, the gatekeeper couldn''t help but let out a whistle. "No wonder they''re so confident!" After clearing their path, Kisha and the team ventured deeper into the city, leaving the gate slowly closing behind them as the other soldiers watched with interest. "Sparrow, Vulture, keep an eye out for crystal cores. I have a feeling we''ll find some soon," Kisha instructed as they sprinted through the zombie-free streets. "Roger that!" they replied in unison, taking the lead as they scanned their surroundings. Chapter 63 Crystal Core "Four more zombies incoming from 2 o''clock," Kisha announced calmly, her larger katana cleaving through one zombie''s neck while her smaller blade found its mark in another''s head. Her movements were fluid, almost balletic, as she seamlessly danced between strikes, each motion graceful yet undeniably lethal. Duke displayed his prowess with a long spear, its handle nearly as tall as him and boasting a hefty two-inch thickness. The spear''s blade, double-sided and sword-like, extended his reach significantly. With each swing propelled by his explosive strength, he carved through the zombies effortlessly, slicing them with the precision of a seasoned warrior. With Kisha and Duke leading the charge, Sparrow and Vulture unleashed their awakened abilities without restraint. It was Kisha who proposed utilizing their powers to the fullest, albeit with caution regarding their stamina and spiritual energy levels, akin to a game''s MP or Mana. Sparrow and Vulture had to rely solely on their own sensations, making it challenging to accurately gauge their spiritual energy levels, especially when adrenaline surged. They often forget to monitor their spiritual energy level usage, risking exhaustion. Fortunately, Kisha''s ability to perceive spiritual energy gauges provided a crucial advantage, enabling her to oversee their condition and intervene when necessary. This spiritual energy gauge determined how much they could push their abilities further without risking exhaustion. She can also see a life gauge akin to a game''s HP which was also helpful. But this life and spiritual energy gauge was exclusive to her due to her ''Eye of Truth'' gift. She only became aware of this enhancement following the upgrade of her Eye of Truth. This feature allowed her to visually track the spiritual energy level of each individual, and she decided to conduct an experiment with Sparrow and Vulture, given that they had already awakened their abilities. Thus, these spiritual energy gauges would prove invaluable in their endeavors. Realizing the challenge of monitoring individual stat windows during intense battles, Kisha promptly tasked 008 with sourcing plug-ins from the system or its shopping mall. Her goal is to consolidate all vital information into a single interface resembling those found in video games. This centralized system would allow her to efficiently oversee her entire team''s life and spiritual gauges, streamlining her command and ensuring optimal performance in combat. Recognizing the potential benefits of such a plugin for her system interface, Kisha quickly conceived the idea, albeit with some skepticism about its availability. Nonetheless, she wasted no time in dispatching 008 to scour the system''s shopping mall and his entire channel in search of this valuable addition. "Alright, let''s take a 15-minute break over there," Kisha directed, pointing towards the rooftop of a single-story building nearby. They had been outside for two hours, meticulously inspecting each zombie they killed, hoping to find a crystal core embedded in their skulls. However, amidst the piles of corpses, not a single core had been spotted yet. After hearing her command, Duke swiftly withdrew the spear he had plunged into the zombie''s skull in front of him. With a powerful swing, he flung it around, causing the coagulated blood accumulated on the spear to splatter onto the ground. After ensuring his spear was free of blood, he approached Kisha, who was meticulously wiping her katana''s blade on the zombie''s clothing, avoiding direct contact with the gore. Duke couldn''t help but chuckle at her, noticing she was already covered in the same blood she was avoiding. She looked both silly and cute in her fastidiousness. Hearing Duke''s chuckle above her head, Kisha turned around, meeting his eyes as her own narrowed. "Let''s head up. Need a boost to the roof?" Duke asked, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. Kisha ignored Duke''s teasing and stood up, swiftly storing her katanas in her inventory before striding toward the building. Sparrow had already summoned a small whirlwind to lift himself onto the rooftop, looking effortlessly cool as if he were flying, while Vulture created a staircase from earth to ascend to the rooftop. Kisha and Duke raised their eyebrows in acknowledgment of Vulture''s useful abilities. After Vulture, Kisha, and Duke ascended to the roof, Vulture waved his hands, causing the stairs to crumble to the ground, leaving only a small mound of earth behind. Sparrow couldn''t help but whistle in admiration at Vulture''s useful abilities, while Vulture proudly accepted the acknowledgment, puffing out his chest and tilting his chin skyward. They looked comical, but it was their way of lightening the gloominess that the apocalypse had brought to their new lives. After their brief interaction, Sparrow returned to his task of scouting the area. Despite knowing that Kisha had already deployed drones around the perimeter, he wanted to further hone his talents and gifts by actively participating in the reconnaissance effort. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bell soared through the air, her presence a cheerful addition to the group as she expertly managed the bees scouting ahead. With her improved communication skills, Bell seamlessly relayed information between the bees and Kisha. While the bees still struggled to distinguish between zombies and living humans, their descriptions of what they observed had become more detailed and informative over time. This improvement made Kisha happy, and also, Bell''s own hive is doing well and the babies she has birthed are growing well, soon, she will be able to deploy her own Scarlet Bees to patrol farther and they can start making the Scarlet honey which will be very helpful in the body''s constitution but what stumped Kisha is how will she help Bell to level up because contracted beast from another world is obviously different from the mutated beast in the world they lived in. Putting aside her concerns about Bell''s level-up and evolution for the time being, Kisha focused on the mission at hand. The western side of the city presented a heightened level of danger and population density compared to other areas. This district primarily comprised residential buildings, catering to the lower and middle class segments of society. The landscape was dominated by tightly packed apartment buildings, rendering their intended route fraught with peril. It''s no wonder that no other groups were eager to take on this mission, despite the promise of rewards ten times the usual rate. However, Kisha and her team had a silver lining¡ªtheir decision to travel on foot minimized the noise they made, ensuring safer passage through the perilous area. Meanwhile, their drones and Sparrows took turns keeping a vigilant watch, scanning for any potential threats from afar. This combination made their journey a little better, if any group saw this, they could only cry buckets of tears for envy. However, the drawback was that it took them longer to complete their reconnaissance mission. With no specific target location specified, their task was to thoroughly scout the entire western district, maintaining vigilance for anything out of place. Kisha wasn''t certain if their heightened alertness was due to the alarming rate of zombie activity, their potential evolution, or something altogether different. Nevertheless, it was this uncertainty that drove her to lead this mission¡ªnot solely for the reward, but because something felt amiss, and she was determined to uncover the truth while also searching for Duke''s family. Even though Duke remained stoic and hadn''t voiced his concerns, Kisha could sense his growing impatience and worry regarding his family. The absence of any word from his other subordinates only added to his unease. After the 15-minute break, Sparrow took the lead, guiding the team forward. Their strategy was to scout the western district from the outer perimeter inward, ensuring a thorough assessment of the area. This approach would allow them to efficiently complete their task and return directly to the shelter once finished. "Incoming zombies at 12 o''clock, over a dozen," Sparrow informed his team that was running behind him. They required no instruction, and each member instinctively assumed their position, charging ahead to confront the zombies. Sparrow''s agility was on full display as he leaped forward, driving his knife into the first zombie in sight. With remarkable balance, he perched on the creature''s shoulder, crouched and ready for action. After thrusting his knife and harnessing his momentum, Sparrow relied on his leg muscles to spring back to the ground, delivering a swift but controlled kick to the zombie as he retrieved his knife. Sparrow appeared to be executing a gymnastics routine as he leaped from side to side, efficiently killing zombies with his agile stabs. Despite being in the process of recuperating his spiritual energy after earlier exertion, he seemed to be enjoying himself. Meanwhile, Vulture employed a different approach. Though he couldn''t execute acrobatic maneuvers like Sparrow, his technique was just as effective. With powerful kicks, he effortlessly sent zombies hurtling through the air. The dozen or so zombies no longer posed a threat to them once they had mastered killing them. As Sparrow delivered his final blow to the zombie behind him, he prepared to advance when a glimmer caught his eye¡ªa shiny white crystal nestled within the zombie''s head. "Ah! Miss! Check this out! There''s a crystal core in this one!" he called out excitedly. Chapter 64 What?! As Sparrow delivered his final blow to the zombie behind him, he prepared to advance when a glimmer caught his eye¡ªa shiny white crystal nestled within the zombie''s head. "Ah! Miss! Check this out! There''s a crystal core in this one!" he called out excitedly. Kisha''s head snapped in the direction of Sparrow''s voice to verify his claim. Sure enough, there was a gleaming crystal in his hands, resembling shattered glass. Its formlessness made it appear as if it were mere debris, stuck to the zombie''s head for some unknown reason. Kisha cut the zombie in front of her before she ran towards Sparrow who was happily running to them to show his spoils of war. And once he reached Kisha''s side, he passed the crystal core to her with trembling hands. He was too excited because Kisha had told them that this crystal core was crucial for their advancements. With the crystal core now in her possession, Kisha employs her ''Eye of Truth'' to inspect the item. This unique application of her ability proves invaluable, as it allows her not only to view the stat windows of beasts and humans but also to inspect items imbued with spiritual energy. [Zombie Core] Level: 0 Attribute: None Spirit: 10 Description: A transparent zombie core that has recently formed, containing only a small amount of energy. .... "How was it?" Duke inquired, eyeing the crystal in Kisha''s palm with a hint of skepticism. To him, the shard seemed no more than a common piece of glass, and he wondered if Sparrow''s excitement was warranted or if he was simply exaggerating. Even without a detailed examination, Kisha could discern the subtle energy fluctuations within the crystal core, she just used her gift for testing an item with spiritual energy. While it might be challenging for those who hadn''t awakened to sense the energy within crystal cores, Kisha''s heightened senses made it second nature for her. Kisha nodded and returned the crystal core to Sparrow, who looked at her with an incredulous expression. Before he could voice his question, Kisha instructed, "Try sensing what''s inside the crystal." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow furrowed his brows, unsure of how to proceed. He stared at the crystal, attempting to sense its energy, but found himself coming up empty-handed. Turning back to Kisha, his expression conveyed more questions than answers. Kisha shook her head with a sense of resignation. "You can''t just stare at it. You need to feel and sense the energy within, much like how you feel the wind even when you can''t see it, or the warmth of sunlight when it''s intangible," she explained patiently, recognizing that this was their first encounter with such a phenomenon. Observing Sparrow''s continued struggle to comprehend, Vulture took the crystal core instead, closing his eyes in concentration. "Hmmm, there''s a faint warmth emanating from it," he noted. "Of course it''s warm, it just came out from my palms, you know," Sparrow retorted, sounding somewhat exasperated as if addressing someone who wasn''t quite getting it in the head, in short Stupid. "I know, I''m not stupid, I am not talking about the surface of the crystal but within the crystal core. It felt like something warm is coming out from within is what I''m trying to say." Vulture clarified, his expression showing a hint of frustration at Sparrow''s misunderstanding. Unlike Sparrow, who relied more on logic, Vulture trusted his intuition. Kisha regarded Vulture with a newfound respect. Sensing the energy within the crystal wasn''t easy, and not everyone could do it. After all, the primary method of utilizing the crystal core was simply ingesting it. The challenge arose from the fact that not everyone could sense the energy within crystal cores, especially in the early stages of their discovery. This vulnerability led some unscrupulous individuals to exploit others by substituting genuine crystal cores with ordinary glass shards. Hence, Kisha aimed to educate everyone on how to discern genuine crystal cores from fake ones, enhancing their sensitivity to the cores'' energy signatures. Duke approached to examine the crystal core, scrutinizing it intently. "Can this truly aid our advancement? And how do we harness its potential?" he inquired, gently returning the core to Kisha''s hand. "This crystal core contains the concentrated virus, as I''ve explained before. Once ingested, it gradually integrates into our energy cores, the source of our awakened abilities," Kisha elaborated. "Wait, what? We''re supposed to eat this?" Sparrow jumped up from his position, his face instantly turning pale in disgust at the thought. "Of course, we''ll wash it clean before consuming it," Kisha reassured, not seeing what was wrong with the process, as she''d been doing it for how long, no one knew. Duke''s brows furrowed as he stared at the crystal core, then at the zombie lying on the ground, before returning his gaze to the crystal core, his expression growing more intense with each passing moment. The sight of the disgusting zombies and the stench emanating from their bodies made the idea of consuming something that came from those rotting corpses utterly repulsive and unimaginable to them. Even Duke couldn''t hide his disgust, scrunching up his nose as he looked at Kisha. Despite his revulsion, Kisha found his expression endearingly cute, unable to suppress a soft chuckle after observing him for a while. Observing their reactions, she sought to alleviate their concerns. "Don''t worry," she reassured them. "Although it''s as hard as a real crystal to the touch, once you put it in your mouth, it''ll dissolve like candy and taste just as sweet. You won''t even remember it came from a rotting corpse." She did not forget to tease them lightly at the end of her sentence, hoping to lighten the mood. Despite her efforts, their reluctance persisted. "Do we have to consume that now, or should we continue to look around for more?" Sparrow inquired, his expression contorted in distaste. "We should avoid zombies for now. Within the next 1-2 days, most of the crystal cores will likely have formed, and we can start hoarding them to begin leveling up," Kisha suggested, stowing the crystal core in her inventory. "Why should we do that? What if we get attacked?" Vulture innocently questioned before suggesting, "Isn''t it fine to take out the ones in our way and just collect from those we''ve defeated after two days?" "Why would we break our piggy bank when it hasn''t even generated money yet? Don''t you think it''s wasteful?" Kisha retorted, her brows furrowed in concern. The thought of squandering potentially valuable crystal cores weighed heavily on her heart. "Em," Vulture mumbled, unsure of how to respond. He found himself agreeing with Kisha''s logic. "Then, let''s move out," Duke interjected, breaking their little exchange and signaling for them to continue forward. His frustration over the lack of information about his family''s whereabouts was evident in his tone. Chapter 65 Lets eat "Little madam, there''s another one here!" Sparrow exclaimed, handing over another crystal core to Kisha. They had already agreed not to engage with zombies in sight. Thus far, their route had been relatively smooth, encountering only small groups numbering in the dozens. However, as they ventured deeper into the inner part of the western district, avoiding larger hordes became increasingly challenging. They had no choice but to engage the zombies. Out of the 20 they''d killed, they''d only retrieved two crystal cores. With a total of six in their possession now, they knew they needed more. If luck didn''t favor them, even after killing 20 zombies, they might only acquire one core or worse, none at all. They''d been out for over six hours, venturing deeper but still not enough to cover the entire western district. It seemed like it might take a week or even two to thoroughly search the area on foot, navigating like in a maze, ensuring not a single spot was left unexplored. While the statement was figurative, thanks to the drones and Sparrow, they didn''t actually need to physically traverse every inch themselves; it was already mapped out by the bees. However, Kisha and the others still moved about, ensuring they remained vigilant and never grew complacent, particularly the two who had recently awakened. Kisha concluded that people would likely begin awakening their abilities within a month, if not sooner. With only a few weeks at most, they couldn''t afford to waste time, especially since they still had no clue about the whereabouts of the other Winters. The inherent adaptability of humans meant that some would undoubtedly uncover the secrets of the crystal cores soon after awakening. This foreboded the emergence of even more challenges. Just contemplating this possibility sent a sudden surge of headaches assaulting Kisha. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Observing the towering apartment buildings surrounding them, Kisha suggested, "Let''s take a break and conserve our stamina. We''ll let Bell and the others handle the scouting in this area." To prevent the bees from becoming exhausted due to nonstop flying, Kisha organized Bell to establish a rotation system consisting of at least 10 groups of drones for scouting. Each group would fly for a designated period before returning to rest, then be replaced by the next batch in rotation. This arrangement proved highly effective. To prevent any vulnerability during the shift change, Bell ensured that the bees exchanged positions midway through the rotation. This synchronized movement meant that as some bees returned, others would be emerging, maintaining a continuous surveillance presence without any gaps for potential exploitation. This was made possible by Bell''s diligence in recruiting regular bees from the surrounding area. So far, she had amassed thousands of bees under her command. While these regular bees lacked combat abilities, their dedication to scouting and their sheer numbers provided comprehensive coverage in all directions. "Little Madam, I found a promising vantage point on the second floor of that building at the end of the road. It offers good coverage and multiple exits," Sparrow indicated with a gesture, leading the way forward. Kisha nodded, following Sparrow''s lead as they walked onward. She couldn''t help but notice how Vulture and Sparrow had started addressing her as "little madam," and Duke hadn''t corrected them. Their dynamic had become ambiguous, and Kisha hadn''t attempted to clarify it either, as she herself wasn''t sure where she stood with Duke. And they didn''t have time to delve deeper into that matter for now, as they had more pressing tasks to attend to. "Let''s be real, host. You couldn''t help but enjoy it, didn''t you? After all, you''ve had a soft spot for the Tyrant Emperor for quite some time." 008 chuckled inwardly as it teased her, but sensing Kisha''s rising temper, it retreated to the depths of her consciousness once more. They''ve engaged in this banter for so long that 008 has grown rather cheeky when it comes to teasing Kisha about her relationship with Duke. Despite Kisha''s frustration, she finds it difficult to lose her temper with 008, as it always seems to sense when she''s on the verge of exploding and promptly retreats. After reaching the second floor of the building at the road''s end, Kisha and the others settled onto the chilly floor to recuperate and regain their lost energy. Taking advantage of the outdoor setting, Kisha retrieved a portable stove and pot from her inventory, swiftly setting them up to boil some water. "Will instant noodles suffice for everyone?" she inquired, though she had already begun extracting four packs of Shin Ramyun noodles from her inventory. Anticipating the smaller pot''s capacity, she also retrieved four sets of portable stoves and pots. As the water began to heat up, Kisha proceeded to retrieve four eggs, luncheon meat, enoki mushrooms, soft tofu, and leeks from her supplies. Prior to diving into the task of cutting the ingredients, she made sure to thoroughly wash her hands with water and soap, ensuring cleanliness before food preparation. Initially, Duke attempted to take charge of the cooking, but Kisha intervened. "I''m not completely hopeless, you know. I can handle this," she asserted, brushing off Duke''s attempt to take the knife from her. Duke couldn''t help but chuckle softly as he observed her bustling about, while the other two men relaxed, patiently awaiting their light meal. Yes, this is what a light meal is to them because their usual meal was not something anyone could see in the apocalypse, they would always have rice, a fish dish, meat, and vegetables. When the water reached a rolling boil, Kisha added the noodles along with their powdered condiments, covering the pot for a minute to allow them to soften. Afterward, she removed the lids and arranged the freshly cut toppings, cracking an egg atop the noodles. With the lid back in place, she let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes, ensuring that the noodles cooked thoroughly alongside the toppings and egg. Once everything had cooked to perfection, Kisha delicately arranged the green leeks as a garnish. She then proceeded to portion out individual servings for each of the four of them, accompanied by a set of chopsticks, a spoon, and a fork for each. With their preferred utensils in hand, they were free to enjoy their meal as they pleased, Kisha ensuring they had their own personalized dining experience. While she''s digging on her own food, she opened her own status window to see the changes. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 20 (+ 10) Stamina: 25 (+ 10) Defense: 21 (+ 10) Agility: 24 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10) Charm: 30 (+ 10) Leadership: 31 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: None Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Pet: 1 She could readily observe the tangible improvements in her stats following their continuous battles. Despite the absence of experience points to aid in leveling up and enhancing their overall stats, which would naturally reflect in their physical abilities and bodily functions, they had no choice but to rely on manual training. While slower than leveling up, this method was their sole option for gradually building their foundations and enhancing their stats in the current circumstances. Upon leveling up, their stats cap would correspondingly increase, allowing their physique to potentially surpass the limits achievable by ordinary humans. This inherent advantage of the awakened, compared to those who have yet to unlock their abilities, lies in the continuous enhancement of their physical capabilities through leveling. Chapter 66 Danger? As Kisha pondered strategies for leveling up and scrutinized her stats, a subtle series of marching footsteps on their perimeter caught her attention, she was also informed by the bees of the movement, even 008 told her the same things so there was no mistaking it. Her hand halted midway, just as she was about to take a slurp of her piping hot noodles, a sign of her heightened alertness to the potential danger approaching. Her entire body went on high alert. While everyone else was engrossed in enjoying their noodles, Kisha''s senses sharpened. With a swift motion, she waved her hands, causing everything in front of them to vanish into thin air as she stored them in her inventory. However, she made sure to mark each pot in her inventory meticulously to avoid any confusion when they resumed eating, ensuring each person received their rightful portion. Upon noticing Kisha''s heightened alertness, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture swiftly sat up and cautiously made their way toward the door and nearby window, preparing for a potential attack. Kisha and Duke positioned themselves on opposite sides of the door, standing only a yard away. This strategic placement ensured that even if zombies were to burst through the door, they wouldn''t be immediately bitten or scratched, allowing Kisha and Duke to take this chance to take the initial attack effectively against the zombies. While Sparrow and Vulture take position near the window but are still facing the door as they also take note of the movements outside the window. They waited for a while in silence until there was a sudden silence just in front of the door. Bang- The door suddenly burst open, causing the entire frame to crash to the floor, catching both Duke and Kisha off guard. They exchanged a glance, sensing that this wasn''t the typical attack of a zombie horde. Sparrow and Vulture, realizing their vulnerable position in the open, swiftly shifted to different covers, aware of the imminent danger posed by potential armed enemies. With lightning-fast reflexes, they executed quick flips to reach the blind spots of the door, seeking refuge from the looming threat. Kisha was able to estimate the number of people outside the door thanks to 008''s recent upgrade, which introduced a radar-style function. However, similar to Bell''s drones, it couldn''t differentiate between humans and zombies, only displaying moving targets as they approached. The individuals outside the door appeared hesitant to burst in, likely due to only hearing a faint rustle from within. Instead, they opted to throw a flash grenade. Their rationale was clear: if those inside were humans, they would likely react audibly after being blinded or startled by the grenade. Unfortunately for them, Duke''s team could discern between types of grenades. And no one panicked and instinctively closed their eyes, Kisha, with her swift reflexes, followed suit instantly. Surprisingly, no sound escaped them during this moment, prompting those outside to realize that something was amiss. They remained unmoving outside of the door, the two sides were in a complete standoff and the more they remained in that position, the more mental energy they consumed thinking of all the possibilities and whatnot while watching out for any danger from the zombies that may climb up the stairs or go down from the above floors. However, Kisha and her team were playing it cool. Duke and Kisha even had the chance to playfully smirk at each other after opening their eyes. Kisha made a gesture informing Duke of the other party''s estimated number and where they were positioned. After comprehending Kisha''s message, Duke nodded with a proud smirk on his face, leaving Kisha puzzled about the reason for his smile. However, she had no time to dwell on it as Sparrow and Vulture sneakily glanced at Kisha and Duke''s positions, awaiting their next orders. Duke signaled to them, conveying the same information that Kisha had informed him of. Utilizing hand signals known only to Duke''s inner circle, Kisha and the team communicated silently. Having spent considerable time alongside Duke in her previous life, Kisha had been taught these secret gestures, allowing her to seamlessly understand and participate in their covert communication. In the face of uncertainty regarding the intentions and armament of the individuals outside, Duke and Kisha opted to take the initiative. Duke nodded at Kisha, signaling for her to execute their discussed plan, while he, Sparrow, and Vulture assumed strategic positions, ready for whatever might unfold. Clink- Swoosh- With precision, Kisha removed the safety pins from two grenades before hurling them outside the door. The individuals outside scarcely had time to react before the grenades landed among them, catching them off guard despite their swift reflexes. "Arg! My eyes! Damn it!" Angry groans reverberated through the hallway as smoke billowed out from the door where Kisha and Duke stood. With a mocking sneer shared between them, they swiftly donned gas masks retrieved from Kisha''s inventory. Opting for pistols in each hand instead of their usual cold weapons, Kisha and Duke executed a swift flip into the smoke-filled corridor, launching an attack on the people outside. Without a shred of mercy, Kisha and Duke attacked the people outside, sending them flying with powerful kicks or rendering them unconscious. Sparrow and Vulture were left without the opportunity to join the fray, as the skirmish concluded swiftly, even before the smoke had dissipated. Kisha and Duke found themselves without the need to utilize their guns with silencers, as the conflict ended decisively in their favor. So instead, Duke and Kisha aimed their guns at the incoming zombies that came from the upper floor that was drawn by the commotion. When Kisha and Duke was done with the clean-up, they took off their gas mask after making sure that the gas has dissipated from the air and would no longer cause them eye and nose irritation. After ensuring everything was under control, their attention turned to the individuals with whom they had clashed. "Ahhh!!!" Vulture''s sudden exclamation startled them, and they turned swiftly, fearing for his safety. "Aren''t they our comrades from another group?!!!" Kisha, Duke, and Sparrow were all stunned by the revelation, their hearts racing with a mixture of shock and anticipation. Without hesitation, Duke and Sparrow sprang into action, swiftly checking each unconscious figure lying on the floor. Sure enough, their faces appeared familiar, albeit worn and gaunt compared to their memories. Despite their haggard appearance, Vulture, Duke, and Sparrow recognized them as their own people. Duke''s heart surged with emotion at the sight of his surviving subordinates, their appearance speaking volumes about the hardships they endured in recent days. "Are these really your people? The ones we''ve been searching for, or are they from a different district?" Kisha''s tone carried a mix of concern and hope. While she was relieved to discover individuals connected to Duke, she remained uncertain whether they held any knowledge about Duke''s family''s whereabouts. "Master, should we wake them up?" Vulture inquired, his voice tinged with concern as he carefully checked each person''s breathing, ensuring that Duke hadn''t accidentally ended their lives. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Bring them inside first and guard the door," Duke ordered, his voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions churning within him. As he composed himself, he cast a searching gaze at Kisha, hoping to glean some insight. He sensed that she might possess knowledge about this incident concerning his family, perhaps from her previous life, yet she had remained silent about it. However, according to what he has observed so far, Kisha would only tell him something she was sure about and would not disclose any information that she has not verified from her experience to avoid misaligning anyone and giving false information or hope. So, he could only surmise that Kisha did not know the full information but has only gathered a small clue that she thinks might be helpful. Chapter 67 A Goddess With a grateful glance toward Kisha, Duke waited as Sparrow and Vulture carefully brought each unconscious person into the room. Once everyone was safely inside, Sparrow and Vulture took up positions outside the door, ready to intercept any zombies that breached the floor. As Duke and Kisha entered the room, they found a corner and settled there, facing the unconscious group. Sitting on the cold floor, Kisha reached into her inventory and retrieved their portion of instant noodles, passing one to Duke since they hadn''t eaten much of their meal earlier. Since Kisha''s inventory wasn''t affected by time, everything she stored there remained unchanged. As she pulled out the food, it was still steaming, and the delicious aroma of Shin Ramyun filled the room. Putting all their thoughts aside for the moment, Kisha and Duke began to eat their share. The appetizing smell of the food caused the unconscious individuals to abruptly wake up and sit up. Their eyes were still blurry and unfocused, but the sight of them drooling was a bit amusing. However, considering their pitiful and unkempt appearance, Kisha bit her lip and avoided looking at them to stifle her laughter. "Host, I noticed that you''re becoming more lively now compared to your other lives in the apocalypse. Before you looked like an unhinged person but now, you at least looked like a sharp blade." 008''s voice suddenly interrupted Kisha''s thoughts Now that 008 had pointed it out, Kisha also noticed that she''d been displaying more emotions lately than in her previous reincarnations. Surprisingly, she didn''t feel as much pressure as she had in her past lives. ''What was different?'' "Maybe your love life?" 008 teased before going into hiding again. Kisha didn''t have the opportunity to pursue the conversation with 008 further because the previously unconscious individuals were now awake. As their eyes gradually gained clarity, it was evident that their senses were a bit dulled, likely due to exhaustion and hunger, rather than sharpening from the danger that surrounded them. At that moment, right on cue, a stomach growled so loudly that it startled them out of their reverie. Their gaze had been fixed on Duke, who was quietly eating in front of them until the rumble of hunger snapped them back to attention. Soon after the first growl, a second one chimed in, followed by a few more from the others. Hearing the commotion from inside the room, Sparrow craned his neck to sneak a peek inside. When he saw that his comrades were awake, he exclaimed, "You guys are finally awake!" The man felt that the person''s voice standing guard at the door sounded familiar, so familiar. Vulture also looked back while maintaining his vigilance, his face lighting up with a smile upon seeing their comrades awake and alive. Despite their miserable appearance, the fact that they were alive and could return together brought relief. The man turned to the door and gasped, his voice trembling with emotion. "S-sparrow?!" He rubbed his eyes, blinked, and stared again, his eyes reddening with tears. Choked with emotion, he struggled to call out their names once more. His companions mirrored his reaction as if they had glimpsed a ray of hope. Overwhelmed, the men around Kisha began to sniffle and rub their eyes, trying to hold back tears. Despite Sparrow''s disguised and scarred face, his silhouette still bore a resemblance to his former self. They had encountered many masters in disguise before so their eyes were well trained to spot many things that normal people don''t notice, allowing them to recognize traces of Sparrow in the man standing guard at the door. The almost imperceptible sound of slurping noodles caught his attention. Before him sat a man with a pirate-like appearance, yet his commanding and noble presence could only belong to one individual¡ªthe person they had known since youth, the one who had imbued their lives with newfound purpose. Despite any changes he may have undergone, they would always recognize him. "M-master... Duke?!" The man who had been the first to wake up croaked, his voice hoarse and trembling as he called out to Duke. Disbelief filled his wide-open eyes, as if he couldn''t quite believe that the Duke in front of him was real, and not just a figment of his imagination. "Um..." Duke responded with a simple sound as he continued to eat his food without looking up. "Master... You''re alive..." The men echoed, their usually stoic demeanor crumbling in the face of overwhelming emotion. Despite their battle-hardened elite status, they resembled vulnerable children, tears and snot mingling as they repeatedly called out for Duke, who continued to eat his meal in silence. If Kisha hadn''t looked closer, she might have missed the subtle tremble in his fingers and the storm of emotions swirling in his dark eyes. He attempted to conceal it, but the weight of the moment had cracked his facade. Witnessing this vulnerability, Kisha couldn''t help but offer a defeated smile. ''Is he so fearful of revealing his vulnerability to others? Or perhaps his pride won''t allow it?'' she pondered silently. In the midst of the silent rejoicing of those around her, as they reunited with their leader, Kisha stayed quiet. With no familiarity or connection to these individuals, she found herself without words to say. Instead, she busied herself by bringing out additional pots and a portable stove, intending to cook more noodles for the seven men. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their hunger seemed so intense that they appeared on the verge of fainting. As Kisha unveiled the ingredients and utensils, all seven pairs of eyes swiveled in her direction. They had witnessed something extraordinary happening almost as if by magic, and their shock was palpable. Their surprise, though profound, was tempered by the grim realities they had come to accept in the wake of the apocalypse. Having heard tales and rumors from their leaders, they were somewhat prepared for the unexpected. Yet, witnessing such a remarkable occurrence firsthand was nothing short of astounding. So absorbed were they in this novel experience that they momentarily forgot their tears, captivated by the unfolding spectacle before them. Upon hearing stories of future awakenings of supernatural abilities from their respective leaders, they couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation stirred within them. Witnessing Kisha''s extraordinary capabilities fueled their excitement for their own potential awakenings, injecting a newfound sense of hope into their weary hearts. It became a beacon of promise amidst the bleakness of their current reality, offering them something to eagerly anticipate and strive towards. Kisha felt their intense stares but chose to focus on the task at hand, pushing aside the weight of their scrutiny. Duke, finishing his noodles swiftly, left not a drop of soup behind before setting down his utensils. Without hesitation, he joined Kisha in preparing the additional servings for the seven men, seamlessly lending his assistance. Kisha remained wordless, allowing Duke to assist without interruption. As they cooked in silence, the seven men observed them with astonishment. They were well aware that their master had never set foot in a kitchen, much less wielded a spatula or prepared noodles. Their gaze shifted to Kisha, scrutinizing her every move. They had no idea what she looked like, but considering Duke and the others were in disguise, they speculated that the woman before them might also be hiding her true appearance. Kisha looked up and said. "Hungry? Just wait for a little while, the noodles will be cooked." Then turned her attention back to the pots. The seven men were overcome with emotion. ''She''s a goddess,'' they thought, feeling tears welling up in their eyes. Chapter 68 Tell me What Happened Once the noodles were cooked to perfection, Kisha swiftly distributed portions to the seven eagerly awaiting men, their mouths watering in anticipation, drool nearly escaping the confines of their lips. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Kisha handed out the steaming bowls of noodles, the men eagerly accepted them with trembling hands, their excitement palpable as if receiving a priceless gift from a monarch. While Kisha observed this gesture, she didn''t dwell on the small details, understanding that hunger had taken its toll on them. Despite their exhaustion and hunger, it was remarkable that they still retained the strength to fight as fiercely as they had earlier. Having likely endured days of hunger in their struggle to survive, the men''s voracious appetite was evident. The room fell silent as Duke and Kisha observed them indulging in their meal, the only sounds filling the air being the slurping and loud gulps as they eagerly consumed their fill. Interestingly, there were no zombies in sight this time, providing a rare moment of respite for the group. As each person grappled with their own thoughts and emotions, a heavy silence settled over them. For Duke, the weight of this silence was particularly burdensome, as he remained uncertain about the significance of his people''s presence in this place. He had his own deductions, yet he hesitated to entertain them just yet. With the weight of uncertainty pressing upon him, Duke chose to set aside those thoughts for the time being. Within a matter of minutes, the seven men had devoured their meals with gusto, prompting Kisha to offer them water to help settle their stomachs. After ensuring the men had finished their meal, Duke wasted no time in addressing the question that had been weighing on his mind. "Were you the group that escorted the Patriarch and my parents?" His voice betrayed no emotion, its tone cold and detached, though his expression remained impassive. The man at the forefront straightened his posture, his expression taking on a somber tone. "Yes, master." "How is my family?" Duke inquired. "They are safe, master," the man replied with evident difficulty, hinting that while they were physically safe, their situation might not be favorable. Upon hearing this assurance, Duke felt the tension in his muscles ease, and his clenched jaw relaxed. "What exactly occurred?" "As you instructed, we arrived to escort the Patriarch and Mr. and Mrs. Winters from the Mansion to the designated safe settlement. However, shortly after departing the mansion, we realized we were being followed. We attempted to lose our pursuers by taking a detour through the west district, but they persisted, and we ended up losing valuable time in the process. By the time the blood rain began, we were still navigating through the west district. We also ensured that all our people, including the Winters, were exposed to the blood rain as instructed. However, we took precautions to make our actions appear less conspicuous." He sighed heavily as the memories of that chaotic day flooded back. "Even amidst the chaos, our pursuers refused to relent. They pursued us relentlessly, changing tactics until we found ourselves trapped in an ambush. Thankfully, Tristan arrived to aid us, but not without losses. We lost some of our men in the attempt to escape, forcing us to flee to City B to avoid leading them to our base." "But who would have thought that even after reaching City B''s evacuation center, they would still pursue us relentlessly? Their determination to capture or eliminate the Winters knows no bounds. To prevent the sheltered civilians from getting caught in the crossfire, we sought refuge here in the western district. Yet, they persisted, relentlessly tracking us down. Despite our efforts to conceal the patriarch and your parents, we''re surrounded, unable to gather supplies effectively for fear of revealing their location. We''re forced to skulk about like rats," he concluded, his tone heavy with wounded pride as he stared down at his hands. "If it were up to us, we''d face those bastards head-on, tooth and nail. But alas, we''re left to swallow our dissatisfaction and flee with our tails between our legs. We can''t risk the safety of the Winters. Not only were we outnumbered, but they had superior weaponry and ample supplies," he lamented. As Duke listened to the brief account, his eyes darkened and his aura seemed to grow heavier, casting a palpable pressure over them. He was seething with anger as he heard the tale of the day his parents and the patriarch vanished, along with his aide, Tristan. To think that some people would try to take action against his family even after the chaos has descended down on earth, those people sure not only have guts but deep enmity with him or his family to pursue them until the end of the earth. "Good, very good," he muttered, mentally noting to ensure those perpetrators meet a well-deserved end for targeting his people and daring to harm his men. The memory of finding his seven men''s bodies, and the pain they endured before death, still haunted him. He vowed to ensure their assailants suffered far worse before he ended their lives. He was seething with rage, but he hadn''t forgotten what was important. Pushing aside his deep anger, he composed himself and asked, "Do you know the enemy''s position? Even if it''s not the exact location, just the proximity is fine." He glanced at Kisha, and when she nodded, he turned back to his subordinates. "We''ve marked three possible locations where they might have been waiting in ambush. We''re avoiding those places for now because we''re low on manpower, running out of ammo, and our food supplies are running low. The madam was also sick, which is why my team and I went out to get some medicine and food supplies. She must have been under a lot of stress with everything that''s been happening, plus being hunted by those people," the man explained. Duke''s jaw tightened after hearing about his mother. It had already been more than a week since the apocalypse started, and he was certain that when they were escorted, they didn''t have many food supplies with them. Most of the supplies had been sent to the base, and the weapons and ammunition the convoy had must have only sufficed for a few days. He inhaled deeply, attempting to calm his raging emotions and focus on logical thinking. He understood that being emotional at this moment would only cloud his judgment and be counterproductive. As if on cue, he felt Kisha''s small, soft hand patting his back rhythmically. It was remarkably soothing; he sensed his anger subsiding and his mind clearing. "Lead us to where you guys are hiding," Duke commanded. "Yes, master." They didn''t question Duke''s orders, especially after witnessing what Kisha was capable of. They surmised that she likely had supplies hidden somewhere, so all they needed to do was guide Duke and the others back to their hideout. Doing so might even alleviate some of the stress his mother was feeling. None of them wasted time sitting around; they all set out to traverse the path toward the hideout. The newcomers in Kisha''s party were baffled by how much easier their route seemed this time. It was as if Kisha knew where and when a zombie would appear from any corner ahead of time, giving them a heads-up or command of what to do. They observed Duke''s composed demeanor as Kisha seamlessly directed his subordinates, almost as if they were her own team, and how Sparrow and Vulture effortlessly followed her commands. Wide-eyed, they exchanged glances, clearly surprised by the scene unfolding before them. Their astonishment at this scene surpassed even their initial shock at witnessing humans transforming into zombies. Born into power, Duke had never been accustomed to taking orders, yet here he stood, calmly following Kisha''s lead. This unexpected dynamic left them reeling with disbelief. "Damn! This woman has tamed the Tyrant Emperor just like that!" They shared the thought. And then they knew, she was definitely going to be their young madam for sure. Chapter 69 Surprised? "Wait! Hold up right here," Kisha exclaimed abruptly, halting their stride near the heart of the western district. With a swarm of zombies looming ahead, she urgently sought to reassess their route. "Miss Kisha, what''s wrong?" One of the newcomers inquired, only to receive a sharp smack on the head from Sparrow''s palm in response. "Less chit-chat, more focus on what''s around us, you fool!" Despite his playful tone, his expression resembled that of a vigilant guard dog. His posture stiffened, and every muscle tensed as he scanned their surroundings intently. "This route won''t do. We need to detour to the southeast; it might add some extra distance, but it''s significantly safer," Kisha declared decisively. However, her momentum halted as a crucial piece of information flashed into her mind. Approaching Duke, Kisha shared her thoughts on the situation, outlining the looming threat of the zombie horde ahead. It was clear they couldn''t proceed, and the only viable path to the southeast led through territory potentially occupied by their adversaries. Having absorbed Kisha''s plan and the gravity of the situation, Duke glanced over at Sparrow. Despite the seriousness of their circumstances, Sparrow seemed to be engaging in light banter with the newcomers, recounting snippets of their recent journey to City B with a hint of cheerfulness. As Sparrow caught sight of Duke''s gaze, he swiftly closed the distance, intuiting that he was likely about to be assigned a mission. The expressions on their faces, particularly Kisha''s, hinted at something brewing, something that didn''t seem entirely favorable not for them but for those she scheming against. Having observed Kisha closely, he couldn''t shake the feeling that she bore a striking resemblance to Duke, particularly in their approaches to handling traitors or adversaries. A pang of sympathy struck him for anyone foolish enough to cross the Winters. He realized that their enemies weren''t just up against Duke anymore; they now had another powerful opponent in Kisha, someone who might be even more skilled at leveraging the chaos of the apocalypse to their advantage, mastering strategy and manipulation to the utmost degree. ''They''ve definitely stirred up a hornet''s nest this time.'' Those who dared to provoke them would undoubtedly face dire consequences. Sparrow couldn''t resist the anticipation of becoming the instrument of Duke and Kisha''s will, eager to witness the unfolding events from the front row. "Master, how may I assist you?" Sparrow inquired as he approached Duke and Kisha, a mere arm''s length away. Instead of Duke, it was Kisha who responded. "Sparrow, I need you to conduct reconnaissance in the southeast part. See if you can locate the enemy''s hideout, assess their numbers, and gauge their current status. But be cautious; we don''t want to tip them off. Can you handle it?" Sparrow bowed his head briefly, contemplating his course of action and strategizing how to approach his mission. He understood that Kisha and Duke had likely devised a comprehensive plan extending beyond simple reconnaissance, though its details remained unknown to him. As he considered the mission ahead, he meticulously evaluated potential obstacles, such as the presence of lookouts in strategic positions and lurking snipers concealed in the shadows. After assessing his role, Sparrow lifted his gaze to meet Kisha''s eyes, nodding with confidence. This was his moment to showcase his scouting prowess and leverage his gift, known as ''Hawk Eyesight.'' He welcomed the opportunity to operate independently, free from the reliance on Kisha''s drones that had previously surveyed the area. With Sparrow''s confirmation, Kisha and Duke swiftly dispatched him on his mission while they led the remaining group to a nearby building with strategic vantage points and multiple exits for rest. Before departing, they left subtle markings for Sparrow to follow upon his return, ensuring he could easily locate them. "Master, why aren''t we continuing our journey? And where''s Sparrow off to?" one of the newcomers queried, brimming with curiosity. He couldn''t help but marvel at Kisha''s leadership, noting how she had navigated them through streets and alleys nearly devoid of zombies. If he had not known better or experienced it himself he would easily believe that traversing this zombie-infested city might be as simple as strolling through a park. Speculations buzzed among them, suggesting that Kisha might possess a radar-like device or some extraordinary awakened ability. If it were an ability, they eagerly entertained the notion that Kisha was a truly formidable awakened individual, evidenced by Duke''s deference to her leadership, akin to a husband attentively heeding his wife''s guidance. Unbeknownst to them, their speculations were remarkably close to the truth, particularly in Duke''s case, who would have been amused to hear their conclusion about him being Kisha''s husband. They couldn''t help but notice Duke''s attentiveness towards Kisha, particularly when it came to her input on important matters. He seemed to carefully consider her advice and often chose to follow it. This side of Duke was entirely novel to them; they were accustomed to him being the authoritative figure who issued commands and made the final decisions without entertaining input from others. Especially when something grated on his nerves, Duke rarely accepted advice or direction from anyone. It made sense given Duke''s exceptional leadership qualities and sharp intellect. His position at the apex of their pyramid was a testament to his capabilities; he wouldn''t have risen to the top of the hierarchy at such a young age or formed his own formidable force outside of the Winters'' influence if he lacked these qualities. Despite his impatience concerning his family''s well-being, Duke chose to heed Kisha''s directions, finding solace in the knowledge that his family was alive, albeit in a dire situation. In the past, he might have impulsively charged into danger, even through a horde of zombies, to rescue them. However, now, while still strategic and cautious, he recognized the importance of patience and prioritizing the safety of both himself and his loved ones. They didn''t resent the changes in their master; in fact, they welcomed them, understanding that it meant Duke would be around for much longer. While Duke wasn''t typically confrontational, his occasional impatience was evident. Having someone like Kisha to offer an additional perspective not only eased his burden but also prevented him from becoming a solitary ruler atop his throne. Unbeknownst to them, they were gradually adopting roles akin to Vulture and Sparrow, silently recognizing Kisha as their future young madam. After a long day of travel, particularly for Duke''s group, and with darkness descending, Kisha reached into her inventory and retrieved something to cook. They were all in need of a well-deserved rest and nourishment. Despite sending Sparrow on a mission, Kisha made sure to equip him with a pouch containing easy-to-eat food and a pair of night vision goggles sourced from Duke''s secret stash at the farm. Choosing to prepare a hearty meal, Kisha decided to whip up braised pork with boiled eggs served on a bed of rice, accompanied by steamed buns. As the group watched her seemingly conjure a fresh, sizable slice of pork belly out of nowhere, they couldn''t help but gulp in anticipation. It had been a week since they''d enjoyed a proper meal, particularly one with meat and rice. Their eyes practically gleamed with anticipation as Kisha began to work with the ingredients. Despite Duke''s enjoyment of Kisha''s cooking, akin to that of a pampered husband, he still assisted her with the preparation. Gradually, he took over some of the tasks, following her lead and allowing her to focus on the cooking process. Duke''s unexpected obedience around Kisha caught the newcomers off guard; they weren''t accustomed to seeing their master so compliant with anyone. It was as if he transformed into a loyal, tail-wagging big dog in her presence. However, when Kisha was out of sight, Duke reverted to his usual demeanor, resembling a rabid dog ready to snap at any moment, especially if his metaphorical tail was inadvertently stepped on. Their reactions would surely intensify once they discovered that Duke had not only learned to cook but also prepared a substantial meal solely to comfort Kisha after she had cried her eyes out. Vulture observed their responses, reminiscing about his and Sparrow''s own astonishment upon witnessing the unexpected scene. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unable to contain himself, he quietly chuckled at the prospect of their eventually knowing this in the future. Even Duke''s own mother, whom he respected and loved deeply, had never received such treatment from him. Neither had his father, whom he respected and followed dutifully. Therefore, those who had spent the past few days with Duke and Kisha, witnessing their interactions up close, grasped the significance. It became evident to them that Duke was resolute on making Kisha his future wife, despite not vocalizing it yet¡ªor perhaps, he hadn''t even realized it himself. Chapter 70 Sharing? Even Duke''s own mother, whom he respected and loved deeply, had never received such treatment from him. Neither had his father, whom he respected and followed dutifully. Therefore, those who had spent the past few days with Duke and Kisha, witnessing their interactions up close, grasped the significance. It became evident to them that Duke was resolute on making Kisha his future wife, despite not vocalizing it yet¡ªor perhaps, he hadn''t even realized it himself. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Watching in astonishment as the duo busied themselves with cooking, they realized that Kisha and Duke had a remarkable tacit understanding of each other. They moved around seamlessly, like a long-time couple, without needing to exchange words. It was a captivating sight, yet it stirred a twinge of envy among the single men watching. It almost felt like Kisha and Duke were flaunting their relationship before them, igniting a sense of jealousy. They found themselves eager to gossip with Vulture, hoping to uncover how their master became so adept at pleasing a woman, especially considering his lack of prior experience. It seemed like just yesterday when they had speculated about Duke''s inclinations toward men, leaving them on edge, fearing that he might develop feelings for one of them and their asses being wrecked. Vulture couldn''t help but notice their covert glances, brimming with curiosity and anticipation. However, he chose to feign ignorance, uncertain of how to articulate the intricacies of Duke and Kisha''s evolving relationship. For them, it was a journey marked by spontaneity and acceptance, leading to a favorable outcome where Duke appeared destined to stand by Kisha''s side. Everything unfolded so naturally that neither he nor Sparrow could offer much explanation. While Vulture empathized with his comrades, who had endured over a week away, battling the unforgiving elements, he recognized their yearning for uplifting news or engaging gossip to momentarily divert their attention from the harsh realities they faced. "You guys, how long are you going to stare? The food is ready," Kisha''s chilly tone sliced through the room''s silence. Startled from their reverie, they turned their gaze toward Kisha as she expertly assembled a meal, spooning rice into a large bowl and adding the braised pork and egg on top with practiced ease. She then handed it over with chopsticks, as if offering solace to those in need. As they absentmindedly accepted the bowls, their attention shifted to the food cradled in their hands. Among them, the newcomers swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in their throats as they beheld the hearty servings before them. It was almost enough to bring tears to their eyes. "Do you need other utensils like a spoon?" Kisha asked them because they were not moving at all and were just staring at the bowls in their hands, it''s not as if she did not know how they felt. She''s also been hungry in the apocalypse, she knew how scarce the food had become that they would cook whatever without complete seasoning, what more ingredients. They considered themselves fortunate if they could indulge in a simple porridge made from just rice and water, perhaps with a pinch of salt. In a small group, such a meal was a luxury. Rice couldn''t be cultivated in the rusted, barren soil, and water from rivers or nearby bodies of water had become dangerous to consume, even after boiling. As the apocalypse was still in its infancy, the hunger faced by those before her couldn''t yet compare to what would come in the years ahead. However, Kisha chose not to dampen their spirits or hopes by revealing this truth, not even to Duke. Besides, it didn''t seem necessary because she already had her territory pack, which proved to be incredibly useful in numerous ways. So, she allowed them to savor their emotions while holding a bowl of food. After providing them with additional utensils for comfortable eating, she began her own meal. As she ate, a clean pair of chopsticks bearing a large piece of meat entered her field of vision. They gracefully deposited the meat atop her rice, catching Kisha off guard. She lifted her head from the bowl and met Duke''s indifferent expression, but his eyes betrayed a tenderness that momentarily took her by surprise. Though fleeting, the emotion in Duke''s eyes lingered in Kisha''s mind, leaving her to wonder if it had been merely her imagination. But she wasn''t the only one who noticed. All eyes in the room were fixed on Duke as he carefully selected a generous portion of his own braised pork and offered it to Kisha with an affectionate gaze. Perhaps Duke himself was unaware of the expression on his face, but to those witnessing the gesture, it was truly a sight to behold. After generously sharing half of his meat with her, Duke felt a sense of contentment wash over him as he dug into his meal with gusto. He paid little heed to the extra pair of eyes trained on him or Kisha''s wide-eyed surprise. In fact, he found her expression rather endearing, further affirming to him that he had made the right choice in sharing. Kisha''s momentary surprise dissolved as she recalled Duke''s consistent generosity in her past life. Despite his often stoic demeanor, he had always shared good things with her. However, what truly caught her off guard this time was the warmth emanating from his expression. While she had grown accustomed to his actions, the tenderness in his gaze was a delightful surprise, offering a new facet to his character she had yet to fully appreciate. In her previous life, Duke consistently shared his spoils with her, be it wine, rice, or even a precious chocolate bar. These were luxury items in scarce supply, yet his generosity never wavered. At times, she speculated whether his actions hinted at a deeper interest, but his stoic demeanor and lack of romantic gestures dispelled such notions. She could only conclude that he treated his valued subordinates with the same level of care and respect. "Host, you also used to have a stone-cold expression," 008''s voice broke through her deep thoughts. Before Kisha could retort, 008 continued. "Even if he was interested in you back then, what''s your plan now? You can''t argue that he simply wasn''t into women. He certainly isn''t gay, though." "I never suggested that," Kisha retorted silently. "Well, I''m just making sure, Host," 008 teased before retreating back into Kisha''s inner consciousness. Inside the silent room, the only sound was the clinking of spoons against bowls. Outside, the horrifying roars of zombies echoed through the streets. They wandered endlessly, relentless in their pursuit, unaffected by the need for sleep or sustenance. The occasional roars of zombies filling the air around them no longer fazed Kisha''s group. To them, the sound had become as mundane as the chirping of cicadas on a summer day. On the other side of the city, Sparrow silently reached the southeast side of the western district. With nimble steps, he leaped from one roof to another, scanning the area for lookout posts or any signs of snipers hiding in vantage points. He used his Hawk Eyesight to its limit, scanning the roofs for any signs of movement. Sparrow meticulously surveyed the buildings within the perimeter, searching for optimal vantage points for lookouts or snipers. With stealthy precision, he quietly moved to the next building, determined not to make any mistakes that might alert their enemies. He meticulously mapped out the area he had scouted, ensuring there were no signs of human activity before proceeding. Sparrow was reluctant to assume his comrades had erred in designating this area as part of the enemy''s hideout. Instead, he moved forward cautiously, treading through the veil of the dark night with precision and care. Thanks to Kisha''s gift of night vision goggles, Sparrow''s job became much easier. He no longer had to worry about using a flashlight or any other lights that might attract the enemy''s attention, especially since they were unaware of the enemy''s precise whereabouts. As Sparrow planned to take a brief rest and enjoy a quick snack, he ascended to the rooftop of an apartment building in the vicinity. As he prepared to settle into a corner and retrieve the food from his pouch, a sudden rustle nearby caught his attention. Startled, he nearly leaped to his feet, scanning his surroundings for any signs of a zombie creeping in the shadows. With caution, he swiftly stowed away his pouch and retrieved his tactical knife, advancing cautiously toward the source of the rustle. Each step Sparrow took was as silent as a cat''s, his senses honed to every rustle and movement. As he closed in on the source of the sound, a voice broke the silence of the rooftop. "Hey, slow down! You''re giving me a backache!" came the irritated voice of a man. "Sorry," another man''s voice echoed from the same direction, accompanied by a groan akin to that of a beast in heat. This was enough to send a shiver down Sparrow''s spine. With a lump in his throat, he cautiously moved closer, the unsettling sounds growing louder with each step. Soon, the night air was filled with the unmistakable sound of flesh meeting flesh. Sparrow''s scalp tingled with unease; he wasn''t ignorant of the nature of those sounds. Soon, his suspicion was confirmed by the following words they exchanged. "Ah! Right there!" exclaimed the man who had been complaining earlier. "Fuck, tighten your ass. I''m cumming!!!" He let out another groan through gritted teeth. Chapter 71 Ripping a Sudden Benefit "Ah, fuck!" echoed simultaneous groans of pleasure from the corner where two brawny men were intertwined, their pants both down to their ankles. Sparrow was profoundly unsettled by the scenes he had just witnessed, feeling as though his very eyes had been prodded and stirred. Never in a million years had he imagined he would stumble upon such a sight¡ªmen engaged in such elicit behavior, particularly in a setting fraught with danger. The two appeared to be typical straight men, exuding an aura of masculinity and strength. Had he encountered them on the road, Sparrow would have simply pegged them as formidable soldiers. However, his perception had now been shaken to its core. At that moment, nausea threatened to overwhelm Sparrow, but the urgency of his mission snapped him back to attention. Thankfully, he had managed to stifle any outward signs of his distress, allowing the two men to continue their oblivious activities for a second round. Sparrow''s only desire was to vacate the scene as swiftly as possible, unwilling to prolong his presence there any longer than necessary. However, as Sparrow began to retreat, a realization struck him: these men likely served as lookouts or snipers, strategically positioned to monitor their surroundings. With a quick scan, he confirmed his suspicion. The rooftop they occupied offered a commanding view, granting them surveillance over every vital street and even the hidden corners of smaller alleyways. Had these two men not been preoccupied with their carnal desires, Sparrow pondered how long they might have remained vigilant on the rooftop, making it nearly impossible for him to sneak in. Despite the discomfort of the situation, he couldn''t help but feel a glimmer of gratitude that their distraction had inadvertently provided him with an opportunity to infiltrate unnoticed. Knowing that the two men were wholly engrossed in their indulgence, Sparrow seized the opportunity to scour the rooftop in search of any belongings, radios, or maps that might reveal their intentions. Initially, Sparrow had intended to simply pilfer their belongings. However, as he rifled through their backpacks and secured the Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM) on his back, a moment of hesitation crept over him. His gaze shifted to the solitary door serving as the rooftop''s only exit, and a mischievous grin crept across his lips, planting seeds of a different plan in his mind. Utilizing his wind ability, Sparrow leaped from the rooftop to a building several floors below where the two men were stationed. Before proceeding, he meticulously surveyed the area for any additional threats, thankfully finding none. Carefully, he set down the backpacks and AWM before retracing his steps back into the building where the men remained unaware. Entering through a window, Sparrow then directed his attention to the task at hand: gathering the zombies from five floors below and guiding them towards the rooftop door. With a few already present, their numbers grew insignificantly as he added more, all relentlessly pounding on the rooftop door, blending in seamlessly with the existing chaos. Just before finding himself sandwiched between the advancing waves of zombies, Sparrow swiftly employed his wind ability, executing a series of agile maneuvers along the stairwell. With each leap from edge to edge, he skillfully avoided the encroaching horde as they relentlessly streamed towards the staircase. Due to the rigid and sluggish movements of the majority of zombies, they failed to react in time to Sparrow''s rapid passage, his movements akin to a fleeting gust of wind. Although a handful of more agile zombies attempted to keep pace, none could match Sparrow''s remarkable speed and agility. Instead, the zombies redirected their attention toward the noise emanating from the rooftop door. Once Sparrow had safely exited through the window, he swiftly retraced his steps back to the rooftop. Ensuring that the two men remained deeply engrossed in their activities, he approached the rooftop door with determination. With a powerful leap, he soared into the air before delivering a decisive kick aimed directly at the door handle. The force of the impact caused the doorknob to shatter instantly, crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. Thud- Sparrow anxiously stole a quick glance and strained his ears, hoping to discern any reaction from the two men. However, the deafening cacophony of the zombies breaking through the door drowned out any other sound, rendering his efforts futile. Keenly aware of the dire consequences of his actions, Sparrow wasted no time in making a hasty retreat back to the adjacent rooftop. Despite the gravity of the situation, a wide grin spread across his face as he disappeared into the shadows, his escape now secured. Upon hearing a loud thud near the door, the two men''s bodies momentarily tensed, but they swiftly dismissed it as merely another onslaught of the relentless zombies. Over time, they had grown accustomed to the incessant banging, hardly giving it a second thought. If the need arose for them to depart from the building, they could simply rappel down using the ropes they had brought along, a contingency plan they had long prepared for. So, they resumed their activities, the man positioned behind continued to thrust his hips vigorously against the man in front, his grip firm on the other man''s shoulder while his other hand firmly held onto his hips. Amidst the backdrop of their rugged breathing and pleasure-filled groans, they remained oblivious to any signs of trouble, their senses fully absorbed in the moment. Their passionate activity abruptly shattered when a cacophony of growls echoed behind them, sending chills down their spines. Turning to face the source, their blood ran cold as they were met not by a singular threat, but by a horde of ravenous zombies. In an instant, the man previously engaged in the act found his ardor extinguished by sheer horror, his once-erect member now limp and forgotten as the grim reality of their predicament set in. In a panicked frenzy, they attempted to flee, but their pants, still down around their ankles, hindered their movements, causing them to stumble and collapse onto the ground. Desperation mounting, they frantically searched for a weapon, only to realize with a sinking feeling that they had left their pistol and sniper rifle near the rooftop''s edge along with their other belongings. With dread creeping in, they found themselves encircled on all sides by the advancing horde of zombies, their options dwindling with each passing moment. "Oh, FUCK!" Their terror-filled scream was drowned out by the fervent growls of the approaching zombies, signaling the grim inevitability of becoming their next meal. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Sparrow had swiftly departed the scene, leaving behind the chaos of the rooftop. He proceeded to another location marked on the map, intent on verifying whether the indication corresponded to a lookout position or a potential hideout. n the southeastern part of the western district, Sparrow observed five prominent ''X'' marks forming a circle. At the center of this arrangement lay a large circle, encompassing a significant portion of the surrounding area. This layout presented a challenge in pinpointing the exact hideout location due to the expansive coverage. However, upon closer examination and comparison with his current position, Sparrow could only conclude that the enemy had strategically covered the perimeters meticulously. This defensive setup aimed to prevent any unforeseen attacks, whether from a sudden zombie horde or an unexpected human attacks. Chapter 72 They Got Each Others Back Armed with a clear map, Sparrow navigated swiftly toward the second ''X'' mark under the cover of darkness, moving with utmost stealth to avoid detection. Despite the unexpected and unsettling encounters, Sparrow found solace in the silver lining¡ªthe valuable information he had gleaned. In retrospect, he deemed the temporary discomfort of witnessing such scenes a worthwhile trade-off for the insights gained. His elation was palpable, manifesting in an uncontainable grin that adorned his face. This newfound clarity eased his task, sparing him the arduous endeavor of blindly scouring the area for potential vantage points held by the enemy. While the newfound clarity lessened the weight of pressure on Sparrow''s shoulders, he remained vigilant, knowing all too well that appearances could be deceiving. It was entirely possible that what he had stumbled upon was merely a decoy, or that the lookout and snipers had relocated for reasons unknown. Such uncertainties compelled him to maintain his guard, ever watchful for any unforeseen developments. However, a thought struck Sparrow: the enemy likely possessed a radio. Realizing this, he decided to take a momentary break on one of the rooftops to replenish his energy reserves. Constantly utilizing his wind ability to navigate the rooftops had drained him of spiritual energy, necessitating a brief respite to regain his strength so this was just the perfect opportunity for him to snoop around. As Sparrow rested, he retrieved the food he had intended to eat earlier and settled in. With a flick of a switch, he activated the radio, tuning in to listen for any chatter among the other lookout positions while he indulged in his meal. As anticipated, the other lookout personnel grew weary during the long night of vigilance, prompting them to engage in casual conversation over the radio to stave off boredom. "Looks like Johnson and Rick are still at it, huh?" One of the voices chuckled teasingly over the radio. "Well, what do you expect when you''ve got two horny mutts in the same spot?" Another voice chimed in, dripping with disdain. "Hey, lighten up. Being cooped up here without any female company is driving us all crazy," the other man remarked nonchalantly. "Hmph! That''s no excuse for fooling around with each other," came the retort. "Hey, cut them some slack. Even I''m resorting to self-pleasure to keep sane. At least, they''ve got each other''s backs," the other man chuckled, his laughter echoing through the radio. Listening to their conversation, Sparrow couldn''t shake the memory of what he had witnessed earlier. Suddenly, the food in his mouth seemed flavorless, almost like wax, and he lost his appetite instantly, though he managed to suppress any urge to retch. After the hysterical laughter subsided on the other end of the radio, the man continued with a more serious tone. "But on a serious note, what do you reckon young master is scheming?" Another voice interjected into the conversation. "What, you''re getting cold feet? The Winters reign has come to a close. It''s the Colton family''s turn to ascend and steer us into a new era. Besides, who even remembers Duke Winters? For all we know, he''s already been turned into one of those monsters," the voice declared with a tone of condescension that grated on Sparrow''s nerves. Nevertheless, he made a conscious effort to suppress his emotions, particularly now that he was beginning to grasp the bigger picture of what was unfolding. "Enough with the speculation. Our duty is clear, and it''s not our place to question our superiors or indulge in idle gossip," a stern voice interjected, cutting off any further discussion on the matter. Sparrow found himself frustrated, having only gathered small clues. However, based on the conversation he overheard, he could already begin to piece together the puzzle. Yet, he couldn''t recall any conflicts between his master and the Colton family, nor could he recall any disagreements between Duke and the Colton''s young master that might have led to these events. However, he couldn''t shake off the suspicion that perhaps the Colton family sought to absorb the decades-long history and power of the Winters for themselves. A mocking sneer curled on Sparrow''s lips at the thought. "If my master isn''t fit to guide humanity to safety, then who else could?" he mused to himself. "They''re certainly overestimating their own abilities. Ha!" "You guys better check on Johnson and Rick." the stern voice echoed through the radio once more. Sparrow was just about to switch it off when those words reached his ears, causing his heart to nearly leap out of his chest. From their earlier conversation, Sparrow deduced that the Johnson and Rick they referred to were the same individuals he had encountered on the rooftop moments ago. With this realization, his mind kicked into overdrive, racing to concoct a plan to avoid raising suspicions among the other lookouts. "Relax. Those two horndogs will be at it until dawn, so you might as well get some rest and not fret over them. They''ll be fucking each other like rabbits all night long," the man chuckled once more before the radio fell silent again. Observing the lack of further communication from the other end, Sparrow breathed a sigh of relief, though his heart continued to race. He found solace in the fact that the individuals on the other side were well-acquainted with the habits of those two men. This familiarity spared him the need to expend energy concocting strategies to prevent arousing suspicion, allowing him to focus on the task at hand without unnecessary distractions. After steadying his nerves and ensuring his safety, Sparrow opted to take a brief power nap while concealed. This decision granted him a respite from the constant worry of potential zombie attacks or the risk of detection by enemy forces seeking out infiltrators. After half an hour had passed and a fraction of his energy and spiritual reserves had been replenished, Sparrow sprang back into action, resuming his scouting mission around the southeastern part of the western district. Upon confirming the presence of a lookout at one of the ''X'' marks on the map, Sparrow proceeded with assurance to verify the other designated locations. Carefully navigating his way around, he then stealthily infiltrated the marked circle, intent on uncovering the elusive hideout rumored to be hidden within its boundaries. Given the size of the circle, Sparrow speculated that the ideal location for the hideout would be in the center. This strategic placement would afford them a considerable distance from any monitored exits or entrances, minimizing the risk of detection by the enemies. Furthermore, equipped with efficient communication devices, they could ensure prompt information relay without concern for delays. Concerned about the possibility of the enemy employing detectors to monitor for unfamiliar devices and signal frequencies, Sparrow took precautionary measures. He opted to power off his own communication device, one utilized by him and his team, to err on the side of caution and minimize the risk of detection. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Luck was on Sparrow''s side as he discovered that the enemy forces had indeed positioned their hideout at the center of the circle, providing optimal coverage. This became evident from the patrols conducting rounds on the rooftops and the strategically placed lights illuminating each street, making their presence somewhat conspicuous. Their conspicuous presence made them easy for Sparrow to spot, but he didn''t have the luxury of time to estimate their numbers. With only a handful of men on patrol and the likelihood of others resting indoors, conducting an accurate headcount proved to be a challenge. Though tempted to infiltrate the hideout for additional intel on their plans, Sparrow hesitated, mindful of his mission parameters set by Kisha and Duke. They had tasked him solely with pinpointing the hideout''s exact location, and he was reluctant to deviate and potentially jeopardize their strategy. With this in mind, he refrained from further action after confirming the markings on the map. Opting to return to his group, Sparrow took advantage of the shroud of darkness enveloping the night. His movements went undetected as he skillfully navigated his way back, evading any suspicion as he lurked around the enemy base. Chapter 73 Report It took Sparrow whole one hour to get back to where he and the others separated ways, he knew that they had left the place long ago but knowing his master, he must have left him a clue where to look for them, so he searched the whole street and found a small marking on the wall, it was not that conspicuous but his master must have put into consideration his Hawk Eyesight gift when he placed the markings. So discreetly marked that it resembled a mere doodle, ensuring that only those with a keen eye, like Sparrow, would discern its significance. He traced the markings to an apartment building boasting modern amenities. Following the indicators, he ascended to the third floor, where the newcomers occupied a unit apartment. Meanwhile, Kisha and Duke occupied another apartment, each boasting three bedrooms along with a generously sized living and dining area. In their arrangement, Kisha and Duke had their own separate space, while Vulture maintained a vigilant post in the living room, positioned to keep watch over the door. Sparrow rapped on the door with a distinctive rhythm, a code signaling his friendly intent to those within. Responding to the signal, Vulture promptly swung the door open, revealing Sparrow''s fatigued figure on the threshold. Sparrow stood there, burdened by two military backpacks and carrying two AWMs slung across his back. Sparrow''s appearance resembled that of a weary warrior returning from a prolonged conflict. "You''re back!" Vulture exclaimed eagerly, darting back into the apartment to summon Duke and Kisha, momentarily forgetting to assist Sparrow with entering or unburdening himself with the luggage he carries. Left standing outside once more, Sparrow remained speechless, taken aback by the oversight. After successfully summoning Duke and Kisha, Vulture suddenly realizes his oversight in leaving Sparrow outside. Swiftly returning to the door, he found Sparrow still standing there, his expression clouded with aggrievement and resentment. Feeling guilty, Vulture scratched the back of his head before guiding Sparrow inside. Vulture relieved Sparrow of the luggage he was carrying before leading him to the sofa. Kisha and Duke were already seated in the living room, casually sipping tea as if they were on vacation rather than in the midst of an apocalypse. "Welcome back," Duke greeted, setting down his teacup with an elegant touch. He leaned back in his chair while gesturing for Sparrow to take a seat opposite him. Kisha observed Sparrow''s movements silently, her gaze attentive. She could tell that Sparrow had a long, eventful day, and she even took a quick peek at his status window. Seeing his spiritual energy level nearly depleted, she surmised that he had likely rushed over, exerting his wind ability to hasten his return. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So, she could only surmise that he had successfully found the enemy lair and had obtained a good harvest, given the two backpacks and AWMs he brought with him. She nodded in satisfaction and waited for Sparrow to gather his thoughts before he started reporting. Duke gave him the time he needed, understanding that Sparrow was weary. Kisha poured Sparrow a cup of tea and offered him a light snack before heading to the kitchen to prepare a meal for him. Duke''s gaze followed Kisha''s every move until she disappeared into the kitchen, his eyes never leaving her figure. After Kisha disappeared from his sight, Duke''s gaze remained fixed on the kitchen door as if longing for her return. Not long after, Kisha emerged with a big bowl of chicken noodle soup in hand, which she promptly gave to Sparrow to enjoy. They didn''t press him to report immediately, allowing him to eat first. Understanding his master''s intentions, Sparrow eagerly began eating in front of everyone, relishing the savory chicken broth before savoring the noodles and the succulent chicken, which had been boiled and then seared outside. The dish also featured a soft-boiled egg, bok choy, and a generous amount of scallions on the side. As Sparrow indulged in his meal with evident enjoyment, Vulture began to feel hungry again, as if he were watching a live mukbang show. He averted his gaze from Sparrow, while Duke seemed unfazed, his attention fixed on Kisha. Meanwhile, Kisha watched Sparrow with a contented expression as he relished the food she had prepared. After a few minutes of savoring his meal, Sparrow felt satisfied and replenished. He began, "Master, I''ve located their base in the southeast part of the western district." With that said, Sparrow stood up and swiftly approached the bag he had been carrying, opening it without hesitation. Duke and Kisha remained silent, observing intently as Sparrow retrieved a map from his bag. Duke''s expression remained unchanged, a testament to his confidence in his team''s capabilities; such presentations were routine for them. Sparrow carefully laid out the map on the coffee table, while Kisha swiftly cleared away the tea set with a wave of her hand, making space for the map. As the intricate markings on the map came into view, a subtle smile graced Kisha''s eyes, reflecting her satisfaction. "I stumbled upon this map while scouting the southeast," Sparrow explained, his tone laced with mock amusement. "The enemy''s arrogance is astounding¡ªthey''ve meticulously charted out their entire operation. It''s almost laughable how they failed to anticipate it falling into the hands of their enemies." Reflecting on the circumstances that led to obtaining the map, Sparrow suppressed a grimace, preferring not to dwell on the memory. "You''re telling me this wasn''t charted by your hand, but rather by the enemy themselves?" Kisha clarified, her expression a mix of disbelief and incredulity as if she had just heard the most ludicrous joke imaginable. Sparrow nodded solemnly. "Indeed, young madam. I was navigating the area with utmost caution, hoping to evade detection by the enemies lurking in the dark. Yet, fate saw fit to lead me to their watch post, where I made an unexpected discovery." His voice carried a touch of revulsion, his gaze darkening with foreboding. Kisha interpreted Sparrow''s words differently, assuming he had engaged in a fierce struggle with the enemy to obtain the map. Choosing not to dwell on it, she and Duke refrained from probing Sparrow further and instead moved on swiftly to the next topic. "Has the authenticity of this map been confirmed?" Duke asked with an air of indifference. "Yes, master," Sparrow affirmed. "I retrieved the map from this point," he paused, indicating the spot on the map where he obtained it. "Then I proceeded to the next marked location in a clockwise direction, confirming the accuracy of each marking." He then pointed to the center of the circle on the map. "Here is the location of their hideout, which I also visually verified. However, I refrained from infiltrating the area to ascertain the enemy''s numbers, fearing it may alert them to my presence." Sparrow''s explanation was delivered with precision and clarity. "It''s alright, we don''t necessarily need to ascertain their headcount," Kisha reassured, nodding in satisfaction at Sparrow''s report. "I thought as much, young madam. After all, you stressed the importance of verifying the exact location," Sparrow said proudly, resembling a child who had successfully grasped his parent''s instructions. Chapter 74 Sleeping Together Kisha and Duke studied the map intently before exchanging a knowing glance, their eyes reflecting a shared determination and cunningness that only the two of them could fully comprehend. At that moment, they appeared as though they were two halves of the same shrewd coin. "Master, young madam, how do you plan to proceed from here?" Sparrow asked, he had been curious about this part since even before he departed for this mission but he just had no chance of asking then. "Why don''t you take a moment to rest? We''re well aware of how exhausting it must be, running around all day," Kisha suggested, cautious not to reveal the full extent of the plan just yet. She feared that if Sparrow became too excited, he might neglect much-needed rest, potentially leading to complications down the line. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But not telling him anything now will also make him worry and think about it so Kisha added. "We''ll give you a better position to watch the show. You should rest until 4 in the morning. By then, you''ll have an important role to play." Kisha said, Her words dripped with a devious smirk, hinting at the intrigue to come. Although Sparrow was eager to unravel their scheme, he possessed the wisdom not to press for answers at this moment. He silently acquiesced to Kisha''s arrangements, recognizing that pushing further could risk angering his master. After reaching an agreement, Sparrow promptly handed Duke and Kisha the radio he had obtained from the enemies. Additionally, he passed the backpacks containing dried goods, canned foods, and ammunition for the AWMs, along with some pistols. Notably, both AWMs were in pristine condition, prompting Sparrow to entrust them to Kisha''s discretion regarding their usage. With Duke''s consent, he withdrew to one of the rooms within the apartment. As the rifles wouldn''t be required immediately, Kisha swiftly stored everything in her inventory before she and Duke retired for the day as well, aiming to replenish their energy and they went to their separate rooms to rest. Kisha indulged in a long, hot bath before slipping into a fresh set of sportswear and heading for her bed. However, just as she was about to settle in, a knock echoed at the door. Pausing, she tilted her head, pondering if there were any lingering issues to resolve. Finding none, she couldn''t fathom why someone would seek her out at this late hour. With a hint of curiosity, she could only assume it was Duke, perhaps with something he had forgotten to mention. So she swiftly went to the door and opened it for Duke. Not only did Duke not speak but he immediately went inside Kisha''s room as if it was normal for him to do so, Kisha could only slowly close the door in confusion as she followed Duke inside her room. Duke then sat at her bed looking at her, as if she was taking forever to come and follow him inside. Still puzzled, she followed his lead and stood before him, waiting for him to speak. However, Duke''s impatience was palpable as he quickly rose to his feet and gently pulled her towards the bed with a determined yet tender force. "Why the delay?" Duke''s husky voice, tinged with a hint of gentleness, murmured as he grasped her wrist, his other hand lightly tracing her waist. Kisha was taken aback by the sudden turn of events, unsure of how to react. She had attempted to push aside the memory of waking up in Duke''s arms earlier that day, striving to maintain an air of nonchalance. Yet, beneath her composed exterior, a whirlwind of emotions stirred within her, leaving her feeling utterly in disarray. He slowly and gently lay them both on the bed, his arms enveloping Kisha as if gently persuading her to rest. Completely bewildered by his actions, Kisha struggled to comprehend the situation. "Um... Duke, what brings you here?" she queried, her voice hesitant as she sought clarity. "To sleep with you," Duke stated matter-of-factly, his expression unwavering, as if oblivious to any potential impropriety in his words. Kisha gasped audibly at his response, her heart pounding fiercely against her ribcage. Nerves gripped her like never before, her anxiety escalating to the point where she feared Duke might sense or even hear her erratic heartbeat. Desperately attempting to conceal her inner turmoil, she countered with a shaky question, "What? Why?" Duke''s gaze shifted downward, his eyes reflecting a tempest of emotions. A seductive smirk danced upon his lips as he leaned in, his voice dripping with allure, a tone Kisha had never heard from him before. "Why? Afraid I might devour you?" he murmured, his words tinged with a tantalizing hint of seduction. Kisha felt a lump form in her throat, rendering her speechless. Before she could gather her thoughts or formulate another question, Duke spoke again. "Sleep," he commanded softly. Leaning in close to her ear, he whispered, "If I really want to do something to you, I''ll do it openly and make sure you''re wide awake." Once more, Kisha found herself at a loss for words, astonished by Duke''s shameless demeanor. Heat flooded her cheeks, spreading to her ears and neck. Surprisingly, rather than feeling bothered, she found herself almost anticipating the prospect of such audacious behavior from Duke. Duke''s contentment grew as he observed Kisha''s reaction, a gentle smile gracing his lips and transforming his eyes into crescents. Deep down, he knew his words rang true. If he harbored to genuinely touch her, he preferred to act openly. In doing so, he could savor her reactions and ensure his actions were pleasing to her. And when that time comes, he would make sure that Kisha was thoroughly savored by him, every corner of her body, her sweet smell, and her every alluring moan would solely belong to him. Desire burned brightly in Duke''s eyes as he gazed at Kisha, who lay silently in his embrace. Sensing the familiar surge of heat in his core, his focus intensified on her. Kisha noticed the unmistakable hardness pressing against her stomach, her gaze darting up to meet Duke''s face. There, she found a smug smile playing upon his lips, revealing his satisfaction. Amusement danced in Duke''s raised eyebrows as their eyes met, observing Kisha''s adorable expression of disbelief with a hint of satisfaction. Before she could utter a word, Duke interjected, "As you can see, I''m ready anytime. So, if you desire something, just say the word. If not, then let''s rest." His words were accompanied by the trail of his fingers, tracing a tantalizing path from the back of Kisha''s neck down her spine. The sensation sent a delightful shiver cascading down her spine, leaving a lingering warmth between her legs. As the tingling sensation enveloped her, Kisha''s entire body trembled, a soft moan escaping her lips involuntarily. The sound only served to heighten Duke''s excitement, causing his hardened member to twitch with anticipation. He cursed silently within himself, realizing he had inadvertently played himself by teasing Kisha, only to be the one caught off guard. With a muffled groan, he rested his head against Kisha''s temple, attempting to shift his focus elsewhere. Despite his attempt to divert his attention, Duke''s hands continued their exploration of Kisha''s back, causing her to squirm in his arms as she tried to escape his paw. Her movements only served to intensify the desire surging through his body, prompting another suggestive groan to escape Duke''s lips. "You seem to be enjoying this, Kisha. Would you be kind enough to help this poor soul alleviate my discomfort?" Duke''s husky voice resonated above Kisha''s head as he drew nearer, his hardened shaft pressing against her stomach. The heat radiating from his body sent another wave of tingling sensations coursing through her, this time with even greater intensity. She could feel her core heating up, and her womanhood beginning to grow wet with desire. With a trembling lustful voice, Kisha asked. "Duke, did you come here to seduce me?" She did not feel that embarrassed anymore as they were both adult and with this position, they could both feel each other''s body and Duke''s body sent that intention all along. "So what if I did?" Duke replied his voice husky with desire. Chapter 75 Taking Care of Oneself Duke''s direct response left Kisha momentarily speechless. She felt torn, caught between acting on her desires and hesitating out of concern for the potential complications it could bring to their relationship. Their current dynamic was already somewhat ambiguous, and Kisha didn''t want to risk reducing their connection to mere physical attraction. Kisha bit her lower lip, grappling with the desire to be forthright with Duke. As if sensing her internal struggle, Duke spoke up before she could voice her thoughts. "But don''t worry," he reassured her, "I won''t do anything to make you feel uncomfortable or used. I genuinely came here to sleep with you on the same bed, so I can be here in case you have another nightmare." Duke offered the explanation to ensure Kisha didn''t misunderstand his intentions, although his body''s honesty betrayed the simplicity of his words. Yet, he made sure to convey it clearly to Kisha. "But as you can see," he began, his voice husky with sincerity, "I''m nothing more than a healthy, normal man. So, unless you give me permission, I won''t do anything that might hurt you." With that, Duke leaned in and placed a gentle peck on Kisha''s temple, surprising her with his tenderness. Kisha found herself torn between laughter and tears at Duke''s words. However, the rhythmic patting on her back proved to be a soothing lullaby, coaxing her into a deep slumber. Before long, she drifted off in Duke''s embrace, leaving him to contend with his own inner turmoil. Once Kisha''s breathing had steadied, indicating she was truly in a peaceful sleep, Duke quietly slipped away and returned to the bathroom. He needed a long, cold shower to relieve the tension coursing through his body. The discomfort he felt was excruciating; it seemed like his member might explode at any moment. He couldn''t help but ruefully reflect on the consequences of his actions, feeling the full weight of shooting himself in the foot this time. Despite standing under the cold shower for a full ten minutes, Duke found no relief from his intense desire. The realization that he was showering in Kisha''s room, separated from her only by a wall, only fueled his excitement further. The image of Kisha''s vulnerable form lying on the bed just beyond that wall played over and over in his mind, intensifying his longing rather than abating it. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His breath hitched, and a flush spread across the nape of his neck as he leaned against the cold tiled walls. There was a palpable conflict within him, a battle of desires waging silently. The mere thought of Kisha being just on the other side of the wall tipped the scales, compelling him to give in to the impulse, compelling him to yield to the mounting desire and seek release, if only to alleviate the tension and bring an end to the internal turmoil. Once again, he began to stroke his shaft slowly, the sensation causing a noticeable twitch in his palm as his excitement grew. Despite the water cascading down his face from the shower, his breaths came in ragged gasps, making it difficult to breathe. His chest heaved violently as his strokes became more rushed and a little rougher. Soon, the bathroom was filled with his muffled groans echoing against the tiled walls. He made a conscious effort to keep his moans subdued, not wanting to risk waking Kisha from her slumber. However, the thought of her being so close only fueled his excitement further, causing him to arch his back and increase the pace of his strokes on his shaft. Despite his efforts to stifle the pleasure that is coming out from his lips, the sounds of his aroused groans only grew louder, and seemed to escalate even more, his desire reaching unprecedented heights. It was almost as if, deep down, a part of him secretly longed for Kisha to awaken and discover him in this vulnerable state, adding an exhilarating edge to the already intense moment. ''Oh, how I yearned to kiss her soft, moist lips as I imagined ramming my hips roughly at her,'' Duke thought. However, the fear of potentially frightening her held him back, causing him to hesitate. The mere thought of the possibility heightened his sensitivity to such an extent that he felt a tingling sensation in his gums as if every nerve in his body was electrified. With gritted teeth, he found release in the most satisfying way possible at that moment. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath following his release. Leaning against the walls for support, his left arm bore the weight of his body. As the intensity of his desire gradually subsided, he felt a sense of calm settling over him. However, once he regained his composure, he couldn''t help but slap his forehead in frustration, berating himself for even entertaining such thoughts about Kisha while seeking his release. He felt like he disrespected her in many ways. Determined to regain control over his desires, he resolved to exercise restraint in the future. It was his first time experiencing such intense romantic and physical attraction to a woman, and he struggled to comprehend that these feelings were normal. However, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he had behaved like a brute, particularly after a period of abstinence. After spending nearly two hours in the cold shower, Duke returned to bed beside Kisha. He pulled her closer to his body in a warm embrace, but his skin, chilled from the prolonged exposure to cold water, contrasted sharply with her warmth. As their skins made contact, Kisha trembled ever so slightly, a reaction Duke found endearing. Unable to resist, he let out a soft chuckle in response. Soon, Duke also drifted off into a dreamless sleep. When he awoke, a few hours had already passed and the only light was the soft glow from the nightstand lamp on the bedside table, and Kisha was still peacefully asleep in his arms. Though his arms felt numb, he resisted the urge to move, not wanting to disturb her slumber. Instead, he watched her sleep, his gaze tracing the delicate contours of her porcelain-like skin, smooth and flawless. He found her small, pointy nose endearing, and her slightly parted, plump lips hinted at the peacefulness of her slumber as she breathed evenly. Long eyelashes cast a delicate shadow under her closed eyes. This time, she slept serenely, free from the nightmares that had plagued her in the past. It brought him immense joy to see her rest peacefully, without the tears and restlessness he witnessed before. Just the memory of her broken state during those nightmares felt like a vice clenching around his heart, inflicting a sharp pain. Offering her his presence and comfort in moments like these was the only solace he could provide, a way to help alleviate any pain she might endure in her dreams. Whether those nightmares were echoes of past experiences in the apocalypse or remnants of multiple lives lived, he was determined to spare her from suffering as much as possible. Lost in thought, Duke found himself entranced by Kisha''s serene expression as he studied her face. Suddenly, he was snapped out of his reverie when her eyes fluttered open, meeting his striking blue orbs. Duke realized he hadn''t even noticed when she had awoken, but now they held each other''s gaze in silent communion for a timeless moment. As Kisha gradually opened her eyes, she sensed an intense gaze fixed upon her. Her breath caught in her throat as she found Duke''s eyes meeting hers. Trying to piece together the events of the night, she wondered how long she had been asleep and how long Duke had been awake, his unwavering stare adding to her uncertainty. In that vulnerable moment, she couldn''t help but feel a twinge of insecurity about her appearance, particularly given that she had just woken up. Curiosity nagged at her, prompting her to discreetly check if she had drooled in her sleep. However, the thought of openly examining herself felt too embarrassing, causing her to become absentminded as a multitude of questions swirled in her mind. Interrupting her reverie, 008''s voice broke through her thoughts, reminding her that it was almost 4 in the morning. It was a playful jab, intended to keep her from being too swept away by Duke''s presence in that moment. Although Kisha knew it was a tease, she found herself at a loss for words. In that instant, she couldn''t help but be captivated by Duke''s handsome face, so close to hers, and his intense gaze that seemed to ensnare her completely. She quickly sat up in bed, a sense of urgency flooding her. "We need to prepare," she declared her tone firm. "It''s almost 4 in the morning." "Alright, I''ll join you shortly," Duke replied, his voice still husky from just waking up. The mere sound of his words sent a jolt of electricity through Kisha''s body. Hastily, she made her way to the bathroom, eager to wash away any lingering impure thoughts. Watching her hurried pace, Duke couldn''t help but chuckle in amusement, pleased by Kisha''s reaction to him. With a contented smile, he slowly sat up in bed, taking a moment to massage his numbed arm from sleeping while Kisha was in his embrace overnight. Chapter 76 Being Monitored After Kisha finished washing up, she made her way to the kitchen to whip up a quick breakfast for everyone, while Duke took his time to freshen up in her room. Upon hearing movements in the kitchen, Vulture snapped awake, instantly on alert. He found Kisha preparing breakfast, prompting him to approach, still a bit groggy from just waking up. "Is there anything I can help you with?" Vulture''s voice sounded hoarse, as though he might be coming down with a cold. "Did you catch a cold?" Kisha asked, confirming her suspicion. "No, young madam. This is my natural voice after waking up," Vulture meekly smiled at Kisha. Unlike other guys who sounded alluring after waking up, he, on the other hand, sounded like he had a sore throat. "Alright, you should sit there for a while. I''ll whip up a quick breakfast for everyone. And later, don''t forget to call the other guys from the opposite apartment," Kisha said as she busied herself in the kitchen, preparing corn soup, pan-seared fish, egg rolls, and rice. As she cooked, Kisha ensured there was enough food for all 11 of them. While busy in the kitchen, she didn''t forget to inquire about the situation in their base from 008. "008, how are my grandparents and little brother at the base? Any changes?" Kisha asked as she beat the egg. "Host, Keith is excelling in his physical training, along with the illusion manipulation training you imparted before your departure," 008 reported happily, then added, "Ethan is effectively coordinating with Hawk and Eagle in managing the training and perimeter defense of the base. Despite no zombie threats in the vicinity, the patrol team remains vigilant and proactive, perhaps due to Ethan''s leadership." "How''s that woman?" Kisha''s voice turned cold. "You mean Melody? So far, she''s performing well in her duties. There haven''t been any underhanded moves from her. Instead, it seems she''s focusing on winning everyone''s favor." Kisha chuckled coldly. "She thought she could catch me off-guard and rally everyone against me once we''re back?" Kisha was only able to leave her family in the base with complete strangers only because she had her territory pack, just like what she had found out before, after playing with her territory pack for the first time, she could see what the people in the territory is doing like a surveillance camera. That alone was a formidable tool; nothing could evade her prying eyes, no matter how discreetly they maneuvered. Moreover, she held the power to expel anyone from her territory at will. This expulsion meant they could never set foot in her domain again unless she chose to welcome them back. With her territory pack at her disposal, Kisha could reassure her family and maintain constant communication with Keith and her grandparents. The pack also granted her the ability to send messages directly to individuals within her territory, an action that would surprise them as a pop-up interface appeared before their eyes. While Kisha had the option to utilize this feature, she hesitated, considering that it would reveal her capabilities even when she was absent. Opting for discretion, she chose to silently observe the ongoings within her territory for the time being. She took extra care to maintain a 24/7 watch on the individuals they had welcomed into their base, particularly those who weren''t supposed to be there. After enduring betrayal in the past, Kisha refused to be complacent. She couldn''t afford to save people only to leave them with her vulnerable and defenseless family. She also made a brief check on the small animal farm situated in the far corner of the territory, overseen by the Blythes. Placing the surplus livestock within the territory allowed the residents to tend to them. With only a dozen of each animal present, it posed no significant challenge for them to manage. She observed the Blythes putting in their utmost effort, despite facing difficulties, particularly the mother-daughter pair who, having never handled a broom before, were now diligently cleaning the pig pen. Grayson Blythes showed adeptness in managing the entire area, gradually adapting to his responsibilities. Eric and Edward Evans showed proficiency in managing the stocks she had left in the base, demonstrating their adeptness in this responsibility. They proved reliable, shouldering their tasks effortlessly and lessening the burden on Eagle and Hawk. While cooking, she projected a holographic image of the entire territory beside her. She observed green dots moving in circles around the perimeter along the edge of the territory, indicating the patrols doing rounds. Concentrated clusters of green dots show people were still asleep inside the buildings, while others were already active in various areas, such as the kitchen where two green dots moved about. As Kisha zoomed in, she observed Eliot and Mrs. Evans bustling about, preparing ingredients for the day''s meals. Meanwhile, Elios was occupied in the mini hospital, meticulously cataloging the medicines in stock and noting any shortages. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eric and Mr. Evans were also occupied with surveying and tallying the supplies in storage. Their furrowed brows betrayed their concern as they realized the limited quantity of provisions stored, scarcely enough to last a month or two if the community expanded. However, their anxiety was somewhat alleviated by the presence of the livestock, offering a supplementary source of sustenance. She also observed Hawk and Eagle in Duke''s office and engaged in a call with Duke. He informed them of the discovery of the Winters'' location, prompting Hawk and Eagle to rejoice visibly at the news. Their emotions overflowed, evident in the tears welling in their eyes, a testament to the shared anxiety they had endured. After confirming that she had checked every aspect of the territory and ensuring that everything was running smoothly, she continued her tasks with a lighter heart. Soon, Vulture brought the seven new people in from the apartment opposite them. He also assisted Kisha in setting the food on the table, and the others called the sleeping Sparrow and Duke to come and eat. After finishing their breakfast, two of the newcomers took charge of clearing the table and washing the dishes in the sink. Then, as if recalling something important, Sparrow spoke up. "Master, I forgot to inform you last night, but I heard from the lookouts that the ones targeting your family were the young master of the Coltons." Duke''s expression remained unchanged. "I suspected as much," he replied calmly. Kisha, too, showed no signs of surprise upon hearing Sparrow''s words. Both she and Duke had already surmised this possibility the moment they learned about the Coltons in the shelter. It was inconceivable for such influential figures to be absent from a place like the shelter, given their status as one of the most powerful families in City A. Chapter 77 Being the Bait "As we''ve finished resting and eating, let''s delve into today''s plan," Kisha began, taking a sip of her tea. Outside, darkness still prevailed, the only sound piercing the quiet being the growls and roars of the zombies wandering about. "As I mentioned yesterday, the road ahead is blocked by a massive zombie horde, a number we can''t handle. So instead, we''ll weaponize this horde and direct them southeast," Kisha stated in a tone devoid of emotion, as though discussing the weather. Duke remained unruffled, showing neither concern nor surprise, as he had been privy to this plan from the start and had given his approval. Despite the surprise, no questions were raised, not even from the newcomers. They were accustomed to their master''s approach and anticipated that this was how things would unfold. However, what astonished them was Kisha''s demeanor¡ªshe seemed to mirror their master in every way, albeit as a female counterpart. Sparrow seemed to grasp the situation. "So, you sent me to confirm the enemy''s location for this purpose?" Kisha affirmed with a nod. "Exactly. Your role is vital¡ªyou''ll guide the zombie horde toward the designated spot." "Am I to understand correctly that I''ll be directing them to a post where the lookouts are offline?" Sparrow sought clarification. "Didn''t you already clear out one post when you retrieved the map?" Kisha reminded him. Sparrow chuckled dryly, recalling the harrowing experience. "So, my task is to guide the horde to that specific location and let them overrun the entire area, right?" Kisha nodded, her expression bearing a devilish grin. "Exactly. They''ve cornered the Winters in the center, surrounded on three sides. The only reason they didn''t station an ambush team on the side facing the zombie horde is because of the overwhelming numbers of the undead. So, despite their ample supplies, manpower, and superior weaponry, they''re still wary of the zombie horde, keeping an escape route open for themselves while leaving the Winters to perish from hunger or at the hands of the zombies," Kisha explained with a grim tone. Duke''s jaw clenched tightly, his eyes smoldering with hatred as his fist clenched, knuckles turning white from the intense pressure. "Since they''re resorting to unscrupulous methods, we''ll fight fire with fire. We''ll begin from the southeast side, gathering the zombie horde and directing them southeast, catching our enemies off guard. Sparrow, you''ll be our bait, given your agility," Kisha stated without flinching. Then, she retrieved an amulet from her inventory and passed it to Sparrow. "This amulet will shield you from three critical hits. Once depleted, it will disintegrate," Kisha clarified as she passed the amulet to Sparrow. Examining the amulet, Sparrow noted its aged appearance, with markings written in what seemed like red paint. As if reading his thoughts, Kisha added, "Those marks aren''t made with paint, but beast''s blood. Crafted from the essence of a hundred different beasts, it offers potent protection. Keep it close to your heart for maximum efficacy while you lure the horde." Sparrow nodded, tucking the amulet securely into the inside pocket of his vest, over his left chest. He patted his chest a few times, feeling the reassuring weight of the amulet against his heart. His pulse quickened, not from nerves, but from anticipation and adrenaline. He relished the thought of making a significant move against their enemies. With a growing smile, he readied himself to play the bait, eager for the challenge ahead. Before Sparrow could rise, Kisha handed him a few vials of thick black liquid. Sparrow studied them for a moment, then glanced up at Kisha. Duke recognized the vials from the base, where Kisha had given them a similar substance used for instant healing. However, the color was different this time, so he, too, awaited Kisha''s explanation. "Since you''ll be running around as bait, I know you''ll be using your wind ability nonstop. These potions are similar to mana and spiritual energy replenishers. They should help restore your spiritual energy levels when they hit rock bottom. However, I''m not entirely sure if they''ll work as intended, so it''s best to try them when you still have plenty of spiritual energy left and see if they make a difference." Kisha explained. Those witnessing Kisha''s actions for the first time regarded her with awe. Every move she made seemed miraculous to them. Hearing about Sparrow and Vulture''s awakened abilities only added to their envy, yet it was clear that Kisha surpassed them both in power and capability. Even Duke gazed at Kisha with pride, grateful for her thorough preparations and concern for his subordinate. With everything ready, Kisha and the others emerged from the building. Sparrow, already outside, held large chunks of meat in his hands, still dripping with fresh blood. He dashed toward the approaching zombie horde, the mass of undead so dense that even a dropped pin would hardly reach the ground amidst the throng. As Sparrow reached the designated spot, he climbed atop a lamppost, clutching the meat tightly. Not a single zombie had noticed him yet. He attempted to attract their attention by shaking the meat, causing blood to dribble onto a zombie directly beneath him. However, the undead remained oblivious. In frustration, he resorted to shouting at the top of his lungs, hoping to provoke a response. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Finally catching the zombies'' attention, they began to growl louder and gather beneath the lamppost. However, Sparrow sensed it wasn''t sufficient. Disappointed, he tossed the meat down to the zombies, only to see it ignored and trampled upon once it hit the ground. Frowning, Sparrow made a quick decision and drew his tactical knife. Ensuring he had his spare tactical knife, one he hadn''t yet wielded against a zombie, Sparrow swiftly made a deep cut in his forearm, ensuring a continuous flow of blood for a certain duration. As expected, the scent of fresh blood from his wounds aroused the nearby zombies, prompting them to clamor excitedly as they surged toward the lamppost. Satisfied with the outcome, Sparrow leaped from lamppost to lamppost, drawing more zombies to his trail. Once confident he had their full attention, he began guiding the horde steadily southeastward. Sparrow diligently ensured he drew in the zombies lingering in the smaller streets, steadily augmenting the horde tailing him. At times, he even feigned near falls, riling the zombies'' instinct to seize him, for to them, he was nothing but a potential meal. Though stripped of their past memories, the zombies retained their primal urge to feed and destroy. Sparrow''s repetitive maneuvers effectively manipulated the zombies, stirring their primal instincts. Despite the darkness veiling the streets, the zombies relied on their sense of smell. Though dulled compared to their living state, it remained keen enough to guide them in hunting their prey. As Sparrow led the zombie horde southeastward, Kisha''s team advanced toward the center of the western district to rendezvous with Tristan and the others. They waited briefly, ensuring Sparrow had drawn the bulk of the nearby zombies away before making their move. Chapter 78 Finding a Different Way As Kisha guided the team through the center of the western district, they encountered sporadic resistance from zombies lurking in the alleys or hidden within buildings. Each member of the team engaged in battle, swiftly killing the zombie threats. However, amidst the chaos, Kisha and her team remained vigilant, ensuring to search for crystal cores within the zombie heads after each skirmish. Even the newbies were instructed to inspect the zombies'' heads for crystalline formations embedded in their brains before proceeding. Initially, they found the task unusually revolting. Despite having encountered and experienced numerous gruesome sights, the mushy texture of the brain and the nauseating stench of the zombie''s decaying flesh was on another level entirely. It took them some time to acclimate to the task. Thus far, they had acquired an additional 3 crystal cores, bringing the overall total to 9, including the ones in Kisha''s inventory. Searching for crystal cores after each battle became their routine, serving as both a rest and a crucial task. Afterward, they would resume their journey, repeating the process at each encounter. Exhaustion settled in as they pressed on. Despite Sparrow''s success in luring away most of the zombie horde, a significant number still obstructed their path, disrupting what should have been a relatively smooth journey. Even with Kisha carefully selecting the safest route, they found themselves facing more than two dozen zombies at every turn. The situation was dire enough with most of the zombie horde lured away. If they hadn''t succeeded in that endeavor, their predicament would have been exponentially worse. Time was a luxury they couldn''t afford, with little respite between encounters as fresh waves of zombies seemed to flood in incessantly. To manage the relentless pressure, Duke and Kisha split the group into two teams. Each team alternated between leading at the vanguard and resting at the rear, alleviating the constant strain and ensuring they could continue without succumbing to exhaustion. The vanguard bore the brunt of the assault, absorbing roughly 75% of the pressure as they faced the onslaught head-on. Meanwhile, those at the rear handled the remaining 25%, affording them brief moments of respite amid the ongoing journey. The relentless cycle persisted unabated. Among them, Vulture stood as the sole awakened ability user, stationed at the center to offer aid whenever necessary. Clutching the vial of black liquid given by Kisha, he had previously tested its effects when his spiritual energy level dwindled to a mere 10%. Upon consuming the elixir, his spiritual energy level surged to 100%, rejuvenating not only his energy but also replenishing his stamina. Kisha verified the potion''s efficacy through her ''Eye of Truth'', affirming its effectiveness. However, the cost was steep¡ª1000 points per small vial. Uncertain of its long-term effects, especially given Vulture''s current Level 0 status, she harbored concerns about its usefulness as they advanced in levels. Additionally, there lingered worries about potential side effects or even the risk of addiction. So she only gave Vulture and Sparrow few vials and warned them to only use it whenever necessary but to never be too reliant on it. After their relentless efforts for half a day running around while piercing through the zombie-infested streets, Kisha and the rest have finally reached the center of the western district. They thought that they would finally have some rest but the situation was not what they thought it would. Zombies were freely roaming about the central area, leaving Kisha puzzled as to how the seven men managed to navigate their way out of this perilous zone to gather supplies on the outskirts. "What''s happening?! There shouldn''t be this much of zombies around here!!!" The one leading the seven-man codename: Bald Eagle, exclaimed, his eyes scanning the surroundings in disbelief. "What do you mean?" Duke''s expression turned grave, his voice dropping a few degrees colder. "M-master... When we left 2 days ago to search for supplies as we told you, the central part wasn''t this concentrated with zombies! There must have been something that happened!" "Shit! Let''s go!" Kisha almost shouted through gritted teeth. "The drones have noticed a cluster of zombies around that building!" "No!!! That''s where we left the others!" Without waiting, Bald Eagle sprinted through the streets in panic, gripped by fear. But Duke clutched his shoulder, restraining him from running around on his own. He knew it would only result in his own death, keeping his own frantic thoughts from running amok. He then looked at Kisha, seeking an answer about what was happening around the building. However, Kisha only shook her head. The bees couldn''t differentiate between the living and the dead, so they needed to find a way to get closer to the building without drawing too much attention from the zombies and secure an exit for all of them. Duke took a deep breath, consciously calming his nerves to prevent his judgment from being clouded by his emotions. He reminded himself of the importance of Kisha''s safety as well. "Have you identified any alternative routes that are less dangerous than this one?" Duke asked Kisha, seeking confirmation. Kisha nodded, her expression serious as she responded. "I''ve dispatched the bees to scout the sewers, and they confirmed the presence of fewer zombies down there. However, it poses a greater risk for us to venture into the sewers. If we''re detected by the zombies above, we could find ourselves trapped with no escape route." She exhaled slowly, attempting to steady her nerves amidst the tension. Duke considered the options carefully, his gaze turning to Kisha for her input. She nodded in agreement with his unspoken question. "It''s undoubtedly risky," she began, her voice measured. "But considering the overwhelming numbers aboveground, it seems our only viable entry point. We''ll need to proceed with utmost stealth and speed through the sewers to minimize the risk of drawing the zombies'' attention." Her explanation was clear and detailed, emphasizing the importance of their approach. "I think so too." Duke paused and then added. "Will we have an entrance to that building?" Kisha furrowed her brow, her focus divided between awaiting the bees'' response and handling any zombies that crossed their path. Even in conversation, they remained vigilant, ensuring their safety while scavenging for valuable zombie cores. Kisha''s eyes brightened, and she exclaimed, "The bees found one right at the building!" Her smile was infectious, bringing relief to everyone. They were all well aware of Kisha''s remarkable Scarlet Queen Bee, which effectively commanded the ordinary bees, turning them into vigilant scouts that monitored their surroundings like a radar throughout the day. Trusting Kisha''s words filled them with hope, yet a gnawing worry persisted as they remained in the dark about the other''s situation. "Then we entrust ourselves to you," Duke said with a smile, his voice carrying a blend of seriousness and unwavering trust. Kisha nodded in understanding before guiding them to the nearest manhole in the street. With a quick check for any lurking zombies, Kisha descended first. The damp and smelly sewer greeted her, its dimensions providing ample space¡ª2 meters high and 3-4 meters wide¡ªenough for all of them to maneuver comfortably. Along the sides, elevated platforms provided dry passage, sparing them from the dirty water below. Once everyone descended, the last person ensured to seal the manhole, preventing any unexpected zombie encounters that could complicate their journey ahead. They wasted no time and sprinted at full speed under Kisha''s lead. The yellow lamps above cast a steady glow, illuminating their path as they navigated the sewers. Duke''s team, renowned as the elites among elites, moved with unparalleled stealth. Their footsteps barely made a sound, akin to the silent tread of a cat. Encountering zombies ahead, a member of the group would swiftly rush forward, executing precise, lethal maneuvers before the zombies could detect them. Each encounter resembled an intricate assassination mission, with the team adeptly lowering the zombies to the ground without a sound¡ªall the while scouring for crystal cores. Throughout their journey in the sewers, this pattern persisted. They encountered only a handful of zombies along the way, many clad in orange uniforms adorned with neon reflector vests, likely maintenance workers or laborers toiling in the depths. Civilians-turned-zombies were a rare sight; those attempting to flee through the sewers likely succumbed to bites before reaching safety, transforming into zombies within the very refuge they sought. Kisha and the others didn''t linger on this grim reality; time was of the essence. Within a brief ten minutes, they halted beneath a steel ladder that leads to another manhole above. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s just up ahead. Let''s take a quick breather while I send some bees to gather intel." Kisha''s words came between gasps. They''d been running around for half a day nonstop while fighting, her body wasn''t as strong as she was used to and this was already her limit while she was feeling lethargic and hot. She felt her blood pumping to her brain as if it was about to explode. She did not know if she had pushed her body beyond the limit. Chapter 79 Who Killed my Bees? "It''s just up ahead. Let''s take a quick breather while I send some bees to gather intel." Kisha''s words came between gasps. They''d been running around for half a day nonstop while fighting, her body wasn''t as strong as she was used to and this was already her limit while she was feeling lethargic and hot. She felt her blood pumping to her brain as if it was about to explode. She did not know if she had pushed her body beyond the limit. "Are you alright?" Duke approached her, concern etched on his face as he noticed her flushed complexion and labored breathing. "Yeah, I just need a moment to catch my breath," Kisha reassured Duke, offering him a reassuring smile despite her exhaustion. But Duke couldn''t help but place a hand on her forehead in concern. Kisha, in turn, noticed that he too looked red and sweaty, though he must have been masking it to avoid showing weakness in front of his team. Besides, he had always been physically fit and accustomed to such exertion from the regular training sessions he and his team underwent. Unlike Kisha''s soft body, Duke''s physical endurance was already an advantageous asset. Despite this, both were sweating buckets, sharing a knowing glance that acknowledged they were both feeling terrible. Despite their discomfort, they couldn''t help but share a chuckle, lightening the tense atmosphere around them, if only slightly. "Ah!" Kisha snapped to attention, her eyes widening with incredulity. "What happened?" Duke''s body tensed as he waited for an explanation. "Someone killed my bees up there!" Kisha''s expression darkened as she delivered the news grimly. "Did they see if it was a zombie or a human?" Duke''s voice carried a sense of urgency as he sought the crucial details, his expression betraying none of his inner turmoil. Kisha shook her head, her brows furrowed in concern. "It happened too quickly for the bees to react. They weren''t equipped to differentiate between the living and the dead." The crucial piece of information slipped Duke''s mind amidst his worry. He massaged the bridge of his nose in an attempt to focus, but with each passing moment, his breathing grew more ragged, and his throbbing headache made it increasingly difficult for him to concentrate. It''s no wonder he overlooked something important. "Given our uncertainty about the identity of our adversary up there, allow me to proceed alone. Master and young madam, you both appear fatigued; it''s best for you to rest for now," Vulture asserted, noticing the evident physical strain on Kisha and Duke. Unsure if the exhaustion and stress had taken their toll, he resolved to ascend and assess the situation firsthand. His awakening bestowed upon him a heightened resilience against the virus transmitted by zombie bites and scratches, as Kisha had previously explained. His proficiency with earth abilities makes him the most capable candidate to investigate and confront the threat above. Recognizing this, Vulture wasted no time waiting for Kisha or Duke''s agreement before he began ascending the ladder to venture forth and identify the source of the problem. Duke and Kisha, feeling sluggish and overheated, readily acquiesced to Vulture''s suggestion. They leaned against the wall for support, their arms bearing some of their weight, while their companions offered assistance, only to be assured with a gesture that they were fine and simply in need of rest. Like two peas in a pod, they stood together, united in their need for recuperation while not needing any help. Ensuring everyone''s safety below, Vulture began his ascent up the ladder with caution. His heart raced as he climbed, troubled by the realization that the enemy had detected even Kisha''s seemingly inconspicuous bees with remarkable agility, swiftly eliminating them without detection. This underscored the formidable threat they faced. Upon reaching the top of the ladder, he meticulously lifted the lid of the manhole with great care, ensuring not to create any noise that might alert whoever lurked above. Stealth was paramount to avoid drawing any unwanted attention. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He surveyed the basement of the building, noting its damp and chilly atmosphere where the manhole connected to the sewer. Assured of the absence of any occupants, Vulture leaped upward, ensuring his movements remained utterly silent. His heightened senses, on edge with hyper-awareness, caused him to instinctively jump on his heels at the slightest rustle behind him, ready to strike at any sign of an approaching threat. Much to his relief, it turned out to be nothing more than a rat the size of a cat, fleeing at the sight of human presence. He sighed in relief at the sight of the large rat, but his senses remained sharp as he meticulously surveyed the area. Suddenly, another rustle caught his attention from behind. Assuming it was another rat, he hesitated for a moment before reacting, only to find a dagger dangerously close to his right temple. With a swift step back, he narrowly avoided the blade, watching it pass by his face in a tense moment. Once he confirmed the dagger''s passage, his gaze fixed firmly on the figure before him. The dimness of the basement obscured Vulture''s view of the enemy. Unlike Sparrow, whose exceptional vision pierced even the faintest light to guide his eyesight, Vulture found himself at a disadvantage in such conditions. Despite the limited visibility, Vulture sensed the formidable strength of his enemy, evident in the swift and precise attack aimed directly at his head. It was clear that this opponent posed a serious threat to his life. Vulture quickly deduced that this must be the individual responsible for killing Kisha''s bees, possessing an agility that even surpassed Sparrow''s. Following his evasion of the dagger''s strike, Vulture sensed a sudden gust of wind from his left and swiftly raised his arm to intercept the attack. However, despite his efforts, he could not fully withstand the force behind it. Staggering several steps to the right, he felt the full impact of the blow. He grimaced, realizing he might have sustained a couple of broken ribs from the steel-like force of the kick. Despite having relied on an earth armor to absorb the blow, it was not enough to fully mitigate the impact. His armor now lay pierced and crumbling, while he grunted through the pain. The force of the impact forced a painful groan from Vulture''s lips, though he bit down hard to stifle any further sound. Yet, the assault persisted, with a barrage of strikes directed at his vital points, any one of which could incapacitate him or worse, end his life in an instant. As the intense exchange of blows continued, Vulture began to sense a familiarity with the close combat style employed by his enemy. Strangely, he also noticed a subtle shift in the intensity of the enemy''s attacks, as if they, too, were experiencing a similar recognition. It was as though a mutual understanding had silently dawned between them. After subjecting Vulture to several more punishing blows, the assailant abruptly ceased their onslaught, granting Vulture a moment to catch his breath. Sweat poured from him like rain, his breaths ragged from the relentless assault. Before he could even collect his wits, the man''s voice, low and menacing, cut through the chilly air with a threat colder than their surroundings. "Who are you?!" he demanded. Recognizing the familiar voice, Vulture choked back a gasp before exclaiming, "Ah!" Hearing Vulture''s urgent cry from above, those lurking in the manhole abandoned all caution and swiftly emerged. ''Vulture!'' they exclaimed in unison. "Vu...Vulture?!" The man''s voice quivered slightly before pressing on. "Are you truly Vulture?" Having caught his breath, Vulture nearly shouted the man''s name upon recognizing the familiar voice, though his voice came out a bit hoarse. Nonetheless, he still remembered who it belonged to. "Tristan?!" Upon hearing Vulture call his name, he felt certain that the figure before him was indeed the familiar acquaintance he had hoped for. His tense muscles gradually relaxed, and he released a sigh of relief, feeling the dissipating grip of his bloodlust. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and concern. Then, as if a sudden realization struck him, his muscles tensed once more, and he leaned forward anxiously. "And what about Master?!" His eyes flashed with a hint of red, as if bracing for the worst possible outcome. Chapter 80 Are They Alright? As Vulture attempted to straighten up, drawing closer to Tristan while wincing in pain, those in the manhole keenly observed the shifting dynamics between them and they noticed the person standing before Vulture. "Tristan, we''re back!" Bald Eagle exclaimed with excitement, emerging eagerly from the manhole. "Bal...Bald Eagle?!" Tristan''s voice trembled once more, taken aback by the unexpected appearance of Bald Eagle and his team. They hadn''t seen them return from their supply run the previous day, leading them to assume the worst¡ªthat those who ventured outside were lost. Plans were already underway to verify their fate when this unforeseen turn of events unfolded, leaving them caught in this precarious situation. Before Tristan could contain his excitement, he caught sight of Duke''s silhouette emerging from the manhole, and his heart leaped with even greater anticipation. "Master!" he exclaimed, rushing toward Duke. However, as he drew closer, he sensed something amiss and his mind immediately jumped to the worst conclusion. "Has Master been bitten?!" His voice, filled with anger and fear, reverberated through the basement, drawing the attention of everyone present as they struggled to comprehend his words. Vulture gasped as he tried to adjust his breathing due to the pain brought by his broken ribs from being beaten to a pulp by Tristan. "Tristan, what are you saying? Master could never have been bitten." Tristan furrowed his brow at Vulture''s words, acknowledging Duke''s formidable strength and skill, traits that would typically render him impervious to even the slightest scratch from the feeble zombies. However, it was the relentless stamina and overwhelming numbers of the zombies that posed the true threat. Observing Duke''s abnormal behavior, Tristan couldn''t ignore the signs reminiscent of those who had been bitten and were on the brink of turning into zombies themselves. "Rest assured, he''s not turning into a zombie; he''s undergoing awakening," a clear, cold female voice echoed from the entrance of the manhole. As her words sank in, gasps escaped everyone''s lips as they turned their attention back to Duke, then to Kisha, who struggled to breathe under the weight of the same condition afflicting her body. "Does that mean you''re also awakening, young madam?" Vulture sought clarification. More than the revelation about awakening, Tristan was taken aback by Vulture addressing someone as "young madam," especially in Duke''s presence. He surmised that Duke might not have noticed, given his current state of distress. As Tristan struggled to place the familiar yet unsettling voice of the woman before him, he wracked his brain trying to recall where he might have encountered it. Despite his efforts, he couldn''t place the voice or the face. Something nagged at him, a sense of familiarity he couldn''t quite grasp. Then, as if a light had dawned, his gaze shifted to Vulture''s face, realizing it didn''t resemble his usual countenance. Suddenly, a memory surfaced¡ªthe image of a beautiful woman visiting Duke''s office, speaking of the most outlandish ideas he had ever heard. Slowly, the pieces began to fall into place, and Tristan started to comprehend the situation unfolding before him. Kisha and Duke were feeling sluggish and their brain felt like it was about to explode anytime, their brain''s function also slowed down they couldn''t even think properly anymore, while their whole body felt like breaking and disintegrating into dust. The stronger the awakening, the more excruciating the process becomes. What Kisha and Duke were enduring now was ten times more agonizing than Keith, Sparrow, or Vulture had ever experienced during their awakenings. However, it also signified a greater potential. Interestingly, both Sparrow and Vulture had passed out from the intensity of their awakening pains, resulting in fragmented memories of the event. Sensing her limits approaching, Kisha waved her hand, conjuring numerous backpacks filled with supplies she had meticulously prepared in advance, materializing them seemingly out of thin air. Buckets of ice joined the array, ensuring the perishable items remained fresh so they could use it too to lessen Duke and Kisha''s temperature to make sure that their brain wouldn''t be fried by the overwhelming hot temperature of their body. Amidst the flurry of conjurations, she didn''t overlook summoning Bell, directing her attention towards Vulture with a purposeful gesture. Struggling to utter even a few simple words, Kisha collapsed suddenly, her strength failing her. Duke, moving sluggishly, managed to raise his gaze just in time to witness Kisha about to hit the ground. Instinctively, his body reacted, lunging forward to catch her in his arms. As he cradled her close, he felt his own strength waning, and with a heavy heart, he succumbed to unconsciousness, embracing Kisha tightly as they both fell into the depths of sleep. A stunned silence enveloped the room as everyone struggled to process what had just transpired. After a brief moment, their collective gaze shifted towards Vulture, the only one among them who had experienced a similar awakening. With uncertainty clouding their thoughts and no clear course of action in sight, they turned to him, hoping for guidance in this bewildering situation. It dawned on Vulture what needed to be done. "Quickly, let''s move. Carry Master and Young Madam to a safe area. We need to help them lower their body temperature to prevent overheating while they''re unconscious." It was only then that everyone sprang into action. The seven, led by Bald Eagle, attempted to separate Duke from Kisha so they could carry them individually. However, they encountered unexpected difficulty as Duke clung to Kisha with a grip so tight it seemed as though his life depended on it. Their bond was palpable, and the group hesitated, fearing to inadvertently harm either of them if they were forcefully separated. Their gazes met in a shared sense of defeat. "What should we do?" someone voiced the question lingering in the air. "Stay put. We made a makeshift stretcher up above. I''ll fetch it so we can transport them to safety," Tristan declared hastily before vanishing into the shadows, leaving the rest behind. As they waited for Tristan''s return, the others decided to inspect the contents of the backpacks. After assessing their supplies, they retrieved towels and carefully arranged clusters of ice in the center. Placing these makeshift ice packs on top of Kisha and Duke''s heads, they hoped to alleviate some of the heat that threatened to overwhelm the two. The ice melted at an alarming rate as if exposed to an intense heat source. They found themselves constantly wringing out the soaked towels and replacing them with fresh ice, a cycle they repeated tirelessly until Tristan finally arrived with the stretcher. Tristan returned with a couple of eager helpers to assist with the task. Prior to returning to Duke and the others, Tristan had already briefed the Winters and their subordinates on the situation. They were both relieved and concerned about Duke''s condition, prompting them to swiftly dispatch Tristan with additional support to aid in carrying everything back. Duke and Kisha were carefully placed on the stretcher, but their weight posed a concern, raising the risk of potential accidents. To mitigate this, four individuals assisted in carrying the stretcher, ensuring they kept a vigilant watch over their precious cargo. Meanwhile, the others carried the backpacks and buckets. Tristan took it upon himself to support Vulture, who was struggling due to his broken ribs, offering a helping hand as they moved forward together. Bell perched on Vulture''s head in her smaller form, ensuring her true form remained hidden to prevent alarming the others. Shortly afterward, they ascended to the floor above, where Vulture realized they were still in the basement. It became evident that there were multiple layers of the basement, deepening the complexity of their surroundings. As they entered the room adjacent to the staircase, the previously quiet atmosphere was shattered by the sight of the figure on the stretcher. "My son..." A feeble voice croaked the moment Duke came into view. The woman attempted to rise, only to be thwarted by her weakened legs. "Sweetheart, don''t strain yourself," the man said gently as he steadied the beautiful woman, whose face bore evident signs of stress and weakness. Casting a meaningful glance at Tristan, he silently implored for an explanation of the situation. An elderly man also stepped forward, eager to catch a better glimpse of Duke''s face. "Patriarch, Mr. and Mrs. Winters, please do not worry. Master is undergoing his awakening," Tristan explained calmly. While ascending to that floor, he urged Vulture to share more details about their situation and how they ended up there. Although Vulture had already summarized everything, Tristan was aware of Kisha''s significant role in aiding their master. Tristan''s words left the Winters in astonishment. Though his explanation about the awakening and related matters lacked detail, they understood its potential significance. They recognized that even a basic understanding could prove invaluable in their current situation. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 81 The Winters Only after Tristan has calmed down the Winters do they notice that there is a woman in Duke''s embrace as if he''s been protecting her from any harm that may come their way while they are unconscious. Duke''s grandfather and parents were shocked to their core, their mouths wide open as they tried to comprehend what was going on. They knew Duke very well; they knew he didn''t typically get close to women aside from his mother¡ªit was almost as if he avoided them altogether. But now, he was holding onto a woman, unwilling to let her go. The patriarch''s laughter thundered through the room, momentarily forgetting the dire situation they were in. "Hahaha! I never thought I''d see the day my grandson would hold a woman like this! The heavens still favor the Winters," he exclaimed between fits of laughter. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke''s mother couldn''t hold back her tears, her shoulders trembling with happiness. Even Duke''s father, the only one not surprised, gave his wife a doting smile as he comforted her. "I told you there''s nothing to worry about when it comes to our son," he said soothingly. "Um." Mrs. Winters nodded profusely as she looked at the two. Kisha''s face was mostly buried in Duke''s chest, so they could only catch a glimpse of her right side profile, revealing delicate contours. The Winters smiled dotingly at Duke and Kisha, feeling relieved, and worried, but mostly overwhelmed with happiness to be reunited with their family. After Tristan helped Vulture wrap his injury, he began recounting the events from when they started fleeing City A, detailing the ambush on the Winters up to how they found the place they were hiding. While others tended to Duke and Kisha on the floor cushions with towels, Vulture spared no detail in recounting the events, leaving nothing out. Vulture remained tight-lipped about Kisha and her abilities, sharing only what was already known to the others. He wasn''t certain if he had Duke''s approval to disclose such information to everyone else. As they shared information and recounted their experiences, Vulture and the others began preparing dinner using the ingredients Kisha had packed in their backpacks. The sight of the abundance of food made everyone with the Winters feel ravenous¡ªthey hadn''t had a proper meal in days, constantly on the move in the heart of the western district to evade their pursuers. It''s been a taxing journey, and their resources are running thin, leaving them drained with each passing day. However, despite the fatigue and dwindling supplies, they refuse to succumb. They''re determined not to fade away pitifully, without dignity, like mere street rats. Mrs. Winters was not accustomed to rigorous labor or enduring starvation while on the run, pushing her body beyond its limits. Consequently, each passing day saw her grow weaker until her body succumbed to the relentless fatigue and stress. Despite the emotional boost of seeing her son and the woman he embraced, Mrs. Winters remained physically fragile. Even the brief exertion of standing proved taxing, depleting her already limited energy. Thus, her husband gently assisted her in laying down once more, ensuring she rested while they awaited the meal''s preparation. Mr. Winters didn''t overlook the vital reason for Bald Eagle''s excursion. "Vulture, did you bring any medication? Even just flu medicine, and perhaps some vitamins if available." His tone conveyed neither humility nor dominance, but rather a measured authority, indicating the gravity of their situation. This certain information almost slipped Vulture''s mind if he had not been reminded, so he opened one of the backpacks and rummaged through its contents for a bit before retrieving a medic kit. After seeing the glaring icon on the medic kit only then did Mr. Winters''s tense shoulder relax. Once Vulture passed him the medical kit, Mr. Winters clutched it tightly, as if it held the key to his wife''s lifeline. He held onto it for a moment, ensuring its safety, before they resumed waiting for the food to cook. He planned to administer the medication to his wife only after she had eaten. Even the Patriarch let out a sigh of relief upon seeing that they now had the medicine needed by his daughter-in-law, and they were even reunited with his grandson, who also brought the Patriarch''s future granddaughter-in-law with him. The Patriarch''s happiness was palpable, akin to the satisfaction he felt when winning a big bidding project. It seemed as though they had momentarily forgotten their perilous situation, surrounded by a horde of zombies on all sides. They were preparing to explore the lower levels of the basement and assess the feasibility of using the sewer as a last resort for escape. Tristan volunteered to scout ahead while the others remained to protect the Winters. Who could have anticipated that he would encounter their master emerging from the sewer channel, accompanied by the party they had believed lost forever? The surprise and joy they experienced were beyond measure. As Vulture explained, they had already begun to piece together the identity of the force attempting to corner them and the motives behind their schemes. To lighten the mood, Vulture regaled them with tales of their adventures outside. He made sure to highlight Kisha''s contributions to ensuring their safety, sharing how she provided valuable information and tips. He aimed to enhance Kisha''s image in the eyes of her soon-to-be in-laws. And just like that, he managed to bring smiles to the faces of the Winters, who listened eagerly to his lengthy story. Vulture continued speaking, his voice growing hoarse from the prolonged conversation, yet he didn''t cease. Amidst his narrative, they were oblivious to the disturbing growls and roars of the zombies several floors above, only hearing Vulture''s relentless voice recounting nearly everything. He didn''t miss the opportunity to showcase his awakened abilities to the Winters and the other comrades who hadn''t witnessed an awakened before. He aimed to offer them an additional layer of reassurance, demonstrating that he and his master''s team were capable of ensuring their safety. This display was intended to alleviate some of their stress and fear regarding what might transpire from that point onward. After witnessing Vulture''s awakened ability, everyone was filled with amazement, finding a glimmer of hope amidst the bleakness of their situation surrounded by the undead. Now, they were eagerly anticipating discovering the awakened abilities that Duke and Kisha would manifest once they awoke. After the excitement settled, Tristan inquired, "Vulture, what happened to Sparrow, Eagle, Hawk, and the other two who accompanied you when Master went to search for Miss Aldens?" Vulture perked up and responded. "Sparrow was safe, it''s just that, he was tasked this time to bait hundreds if not thousands of zombie horde to the southeast past of this district." He paused and clarified immediately, just in case they think that they are sacrificing Sparrow. "But, you don''t have to worry because he has awakened a wind ability which only enhances his agility, so he became like a human loach and is harder to catch than before. As for Eagle and Hawk were left behind in the base to oversee it while the Evans and other survivors lived there." Then his expression turned glum and continued. "Unfortunately, the other two... didn''t make it." Chapter 82 They are Fine? After the excitement settled, Tristan inquired, "Vulture, what happened to Sparrow, Eagle, Hawk, and the other two who accompanied you when Master went to search for Miss Aldens?" Vulture perked up and responded. "Sparrow was safe, it''s just that, he was tasked this time to bait hundreds if not thousands of zombie horde to the southeast past of this district." He paused and clarified immediately, just in case they think that they are sacrificing Sparrow. "But, you don''t have to worry because he has awakened a wind ability which only enhances his agility, so he became like a human loach and is harder to catch than before. As for Eagle and Hawk were left behind in the base to oversee it while the Evans and other survivors lived there." Then his expression turned glum and continued. "Unfortunately, the other two... didn''t make it." "What?! The Evans were also with you?!" The usually silent Mrs. Winters, who was supposed to be resting, perked up with surprise. Mr. Winters gently coaxed her back to lying down and resting, then turned to Vulture for clarification. "Are they all okay?" Vulture nodded. "Yes, Mr. Winters. On the first day of the apocalypse, as we were attempting to exit the city, we sought refuge in the Winters villa in the eastern district for a day and encountered the Evans there. It seemed they were having a gathering with some other family friends, with all the Evans gathered in one place." He chose not to mention their initial reluctance to bring the Evans along, knowing Mrs. Winters''s close friendship with Mrs. Evans; it wouldn''t do to upset her now. Besides, they might think badly of Kisha if they heard this. "Did all of their family friends come to the base with you?" Mr. Winters clarified again, his expression akin to Duke''s¡ªindifferent and cold, revealing nothing of his thoughts. With that look on his face, he bore a striking resemblance to Duke, almost like an older version, save for the age difference. "Originally, there were three families with them. One family stayed in the east district, while the other two joined us, along with 10 of their remaining servants and bodyguards. We had a total of 8 cars when we left the villa." Vulture unconsciously shrugged with an apathetic expression before he continued. "Unfortunately, one of their family friends got surrounded by a zombie horde after we left the villa, and we lost track of the 2 vehicles containing the Evans''s servants and bodyguards at some point." "Only the Blythes family remained, along with the Evans. They are both safe and sound in the base, helping out with the work," Vulture explained. The Patriarch nodded in agreement, understanding the difficulty of protecting themselves in such dire circumstances. He didn''t expect Duke''s subordinates to rescue and protect others, recognizing Vulture''s unspoken effort to protect his daughter-in-law''s feelings, especially given her closeness with the Evans. Mr. Winters shared the same perspective. He believed it was already a significant achievement that Duke and the others had managed to bring some survivors with them. They couldn''t afford to prioritize others'' safety when they were struggling to ensure their own. This mindset had enabled them to survive outside the shelter for so long. They hadn''t left solely to protect the civilians there, but because they couldn''t discern friend from foe. For all they knew, anyone there could turn against them at any moment, potentially surrounding and even threatening their lives. The Winters men were characterized by their distinct coldness, primarily focused on their kin, especially their significant others. That''s why the Patriarch and Mr. Winters didn''t dwell on whether the Evans survived or not. While they were family friends, their importance paled in comparison to the welfare of their own family, although they were concerned on account of Mrs. Winters''s connection to them. "Does that mean there are only a few of your people left in the settlement you''ve prepared? What if something untoward happens in the base or someone plans to take it while you''re away? Wouldn''t that mean we wouldn''t have a place to return to and would be stuck here instead?" Mr. Winters inquired, seeking to grasp their situation on the other side. "Not exactly, Mr. Winters. Even though we left Eagle and Hawk to oversee the base back in City A, Miss Aldens assured us that she had a solution to prevent such issues from arising. That''s why we feel more confident about leaving. However, even if that''s not the case, we would still prioritize your rescue. We''ll even ensure to bring our people and as many supplies as possible with us," Vulture explained. Mr. Winters and his father exchanged a glance, sensing Vulture''s genuine admiration for Kisha. It was evident that this admiration stemmed not from intimacy but from pure reverence. They suddenly found themselves curious about the girl who had earned the approval of Duke''s elite subordinates. Tristan voiced the question that had been lingering in their minds. "What method did Miss Aldens use to ensure that no one will be able to threaten your position in the base, or give you the confidence that everything will be fine even without your presence there? Weren''t you aware that human hearts are fickle, especially now with the world in chaos, and loyalties shifting at a moment''s notice?" Tristan''s tone wasn''t meant to be harsh; he was simply being realistic. He didn''t want others to be blinded by false hope. While grateful to Kisha for alerting Duke about the impending apocalypse, Tristan remained cautious. He didn''t know Kisha well enough to understand her true character or the methods she used to convince Duke to prepare for the worst. Without spending much time with her, his guardedness was understandable. Vulture couldn''t help but smirk knowingly. He understood the direction of Tristan''s thoughts and the implications behind his words. Having spent some time with Kisha and observing how she handles situations, Vulture had begun to grasp her character, although not to the extent that Duke had. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Vulture considered his words carefully before speaking. "As I mentioned before, our survival and well-being are largely thanks to her. I can''t divulge the specifics of her methods, but I can assure you that she''s not only dependable but also capable of safeguarding us and ensuring the security of our base, just as she promised." "But, how can you be sure that her blade will not be pointed at us eventually?" Mr. Winter suddenly asked, he was well aware of the darkness of the human heart, especially now that they knew that there was no more justice to hold them accountable, morals would surely drop to nothingness now that nothing was holding them grounded. He can''t afford to let his only son be misled by someone or be taken advantage of by blackhearted people, especially through seduction. Now that everything has become so dangerous, they tend to think of the worst-case scenario before anything else, they have no leisure to think otherwise because that might lead to their own downfall. They couldn''t shake their doubts, especially given Vulture''s evident reverence for Kisha, a reverence previously reserved for Duke alone. It seemed as though Vulture regarded her with a godlike reverence, treating her words as if they were sacred creed. Chapter 83 Sparrows Side In the western district, Sparrow arrived at the location where he had encountered the two men and discovered the map. This map had been instrumental in helping him locate crucial lookout points and served as a valuable clue in finding the hideout. Since no lookout was stationed in that specified place, no one was able to stop him from advancing further and notifying the others. In order to keep baiting the zombies in the dark, he kept a steady pace along with the continuous way on hurting himself in the forearm. By now, his forearm was covered by deep and long cuts that was overlapping each other. The thick scent of blood enveloped Sparrow, drawing the attention of the zombies and exciting them to the point where they refused to let him out of their sight. As he progressed, he unwittingly attracted even more zombies, who were not only enticed by the scent of blood but also by the commotion created by their fellow zombies on Sparrow''s tail. The group of zombies Sparrow was leading had doubled in size. Meanwhile, the other lookouts assumed the two men stationed where Sparrow was, were merely messing around around, leading them to neglect checking on them or attempting to radio them. It didn''t strike them as unusual that they hadn''t received any reports from the men throughout the entire night, which played to Sparrow''s advantage. Sparrow continued to monitor the others through the radio he had acquired, using it to gauge any potential movements on their side. As he approached the edge of the building where the two men were stationed, Sparrow couldn''t resist glancing up at the rooftop. To his dismay, the zombies he had led were still lingering there, seemingly drawn by his bloody scent. Despite being several buildings away, they began to exhibit signs of excitement, converging towards him with a relentless determination. They believed they could reach Sparrow by pressing forward, leading many of the zombies to shove each other off the building''s rooftop in a chaotic mess, resulting in fatal falls and crushing impacts. Sparrow found the scene strangely amusing; the zombies appeared utterly devoid of any sense of danger, their actions seeming almost comically foolish. Taking a moment to observe and rest, Sparrow looked down on his handiwork with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once again, Sparrow continued on his path, leading the zombie horde towards the center. Descending to the lampposts, he resumed his strategy of leaping from one to the next, deliberately making himself seem tantalizingly close to the mindless zombies below. Exploiting their lack of intelligence, he knew they would be driven to move forward in a futile attempt to reach him, unaware of the distance between them. The zombies showed no signs of exhaustion, relentlessly howling and roaring like mindless beasts with no regard for their physical limits. As Sparrow reached the brightly lit street, he paused, waiting for the zombies to catch up. He pondered his next move, contemplating how to navigate past the illumination without alerting the enemies of their presence. Failing in his mission was not an option, so he strategized carefully, mindful of the risks involved. Not yet proficient enough to utilize his wind ability to reach a target several hundred meters away, and with his spiritual energy reserves depleted to their lowest acceptable level, Sparrow resorted to opening the vial of black liquid and downing its contents in one gulp. The effects were swift; he didn''t have to wait long before feeling its almost instantaneous effect. Just before the zombies reached the spotlight, Sparrow utilized his wind ability to ascend swiftly to the top of the building where the lights were positioned. With a silent landing behind the two men standing guard on the roof, their attention focused elsewhere, he seized the opportunity to slit one of the men''s throats with lightning speed. As the remaining man reacted with alarm and aimed his gun at Sparrow, Sparrow''s superior agility allowed him to swiftly grab hold of the assault rifle and deflect it away. Before the man could pull the trigger, Sparrow''s dagger plunged deep into his throat, silencing him before a single shot could be fired. As the life drained from the man''s body, he grew weaker, making it simple for Sparrow to wrench the assault rifle from his grasp and discard it on the ground. With the immediate threat eliminated, Sparrow scanned his surroundings, ensuring there were no additional threats nearby. Fortunately, there were none; the rooftop guards rotated periodically, granting Sparrow a brief window of opportunity. Acting swiftly, he sprang into motion, tracing the wiring connected to the large street-facing lights in search of the electric box that controlled them all. It didn''t take Sparrow long to locate the electric box, confirming his suspicions that it served as the central hub for all the connected lights. Without hesitation, he blew it off, triggering an instant blackout throughout the entire building. Unbeknownst to Sparrow, the electric box also served as the main electric breaker for the building, compounding the inconvenience for its occupants. Tough luck, indeed. After disabling the electric box, Sparrow wasted no time in repurposing the light''s wiring to strangle the two guards he had just killed. With methodical efficiency, he hoisted their lifeless bodies and tossed them over the edge of the building. As they hung grotesquely halfway down the building, their blood continued to flow, tracing a macabre path from their necks down to their feet, pooling ominously on the ground below. Following the blackout, the occupants of the building quickly realized they were under siege. Frantically, they roused their comrades and began making preparations, their nerves on edge. Suddenly, a collective roar and growls erupted from nearby, sending shivers down their spines. Dread washed over them as they braced for what was to come. Moments later, the relentless pounding of the zombie horde echoed through the building as they clamored at the doors and gates, their impending doom closing in. Unsatisfied with the chaos he had already sown, Sparrow meticulously orchestrated the gathering of more zombies, strategically positioning them to encircle the entire street and building. His intent was clear: to ensure that no one could escape through any exit, sealing the fate of those trapped inside. While inside the building earlier, Sparrow had noticed a signal jammer nearby. An evil grin crept across his lips as an idea struck him. Swiftly seizing the device, he ascended to another rooftop, observing the chaos below as people scurried about like headless chickens. With a decisive motion, he activated the signal jammer, effectively cutting off any attempts to communicate with lookouts or others from the Coltons, further exacerbating their plight. As gunfire echoed through the area, Sparrow had already departed, making his way towards the lookout positions. With practiced precision, he navigated the streets, his movements guided by memory alone. He didn''t need to consult a map; the locations were etched in his mind from his visit the previous night. Placing the signal jammer strategically on the building''s opposite side, Sparrow ensured that communication beyond its walls remained severed. Despite the distant gunfire echoing in the air, he remained vigilant, aware that any lingering suspicions from the lookouts could jeopardize his mission. Determined to maintain his advantage, he swiftly moved to neutralize each lookout, one after the other, without pause or respite. Once Sparrow was certain that all the lookouts in the area had been dealt with, he finally allowed himself a moment of respite. Collapsing into a brief rest, he took the opportunity to catch his breath and recover from the intense work. Despite his exhaustion, Sparrow made sure to collect the backpacks and sniper rifles from the lookout points. The weight of the burdensome gear added to his fatigue as he leaped from rooftop to rooftop, yet he harbored no regrets. Each item seized represented a victory in his mission, validating the strenuous efforts he had exerted. Encountering Bald Eagle and the rest of the group made him realize the critical importance of supplies and weaponry in surviving the apocalypse. While Sparrow had grasped this concept intellectually before, the stark reality of scarcity and danger hadn''t fully sunk in until now. His earlier experiences with his Master and Kisha had been relatively uneventful, shielding him from the true hardships of the post-apocalyptic world. Witnessing the struggles of his fellow comrades, Sparrow''s perspective shifted. He realized the necessity of stockpiling resources and armaments to ensure their collective survival in the face of adversity. With his mission accomplished, Sparrow felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that he had furthered his master''s cause, potentially easing his own search for his family. He permitted himself a longer period of rest, mindful of Kisha''s warning about the risks associated with relying too heavily on the vial of black liquid she had provided. Despite its remarkable effects, he understood the importance of exercising caution, lest he become dependent on it or suffer unforeseen consequences. As Sparrow rested, he took a moment to refuel with an energy bar from his backpack. Simultaneously, he diligently disinfected and bandaged his self-inflicted wounds to prevent bacterial infection. While Kisha had assured him of immunity to the zombie virus since their awakening, she hadn''t addressed protection against bacterial infections or other diseases. Recognizing the importance of wound care, Sparrow ensured he maintained his health and well-being amidst the dangers of the apocalypse. Chapter 84 Rusty "But, how can you be sure that her blade will not be pointed at us eventually?" Mr. Winter suddenly asked, he was well aware of the darkness of the human heart, especially now that they knew that there was no more justice to hold them accountable, morals would surely drop to nothingness now that nothing was holding them grounded. He can''t afford to let his only son be misled by someone or be taken advantage of by blackhearted people, especially through seduction. Now that everything has become so dangerous, they tend to think of the worst-case scenario before anything else, they have no leisure to think otherwise because that might lead to their own downfall. They couldn''t shake their doubts, especially given Vulture''s evident reverence for Kisha, a reverence previously reserved for Duke alone. It seemed as though Vulture regarded her with a godlike reverence, treating her words as if they were sacred creed. Upon hearing Mr. Winters''s words, Vulture''s gaze faltered momentarily, but he quickly composed himself, recognizing that persistently defending Kisha in front of the Winters might prove counterproductive. "Don''t worry, Patriarch and Mr. Winters. You can make your own judgment about Miss Aldens once she awakens," Vulture assured. His expression remained neutral, but there was a subtle intensity in his eyes and tone that hinted at a deeper conviction. The father and son of the Winters exchanged resigned glances, sensing that Vulture and the others were deeply entrenched in their beliefs, which made them wary around Kisha. After a few moments, the food was prepared. Tristan served the Winters first, despite their days of hunger, they didn''t immediately dive into the meal. Their elegance and composure remained undisturbed, a testament to their refined demeanor. Their noble bearing remained evident as the Patriarch and Mr. Winters gracefully accepted their portions of food, treating them with the reverence one might reserve for a Michelin-starred feast fit for royalty. Mr. Winters received his portion alongside his wife''s. Without delay, he set aside his own meal and immediately attended to his wife, ensuring she was well-fed and had taken her medicine before partaking of his own portion. Mr. Winters indeed epitomizes the essence of a devoted husband. Even prior to the onset of the apocalypse, he lavished attention on his wife and valued her opinions above all others. Although the men of the Winters family may appear stern and authoritative, they wholeheartedly devote themselves to their partners, demonstrating their love through actions rather than mere words. While they may not express affection through romantic gestures or sweet whispers, their unwavering commitment speaks volumes about the depth of their love and devotion. Even in the current circumstances, Mr. Winters continues to regard his wife with tenderness and places her well-being and safety above all else. This is why he remains cautious about Kisha. While he harbors concerns about the possibility of his son being manipulated or taken advantage of, his greatest fear is endangering his wife, who is the most vulnerable member of their group. After everyone finished eating, silence enveloped them once more. No words were exchanged as they simply allowed their weary bodies to rest, drawing strength from the tumultuous and stressful events of the past 24 hours. As they rested, their bodies remained vigilant. A few guards took shifts to watch over Kisha and Duke, ensuring their comfort by replacing the towels on their foreheads at intervals. Each guard took turns ensuring that everyone had the opportunity for proper rest. After four hours of sleep, Tristan resumed his patrol, scouring for alternative exits from the building and assessing the situation on the ground floor. Suspicion lingered in his mind regarding the connection between who''s been after them and the sudden influx of zombies swarming the building from all angles. Despite only staying in the building for only four days, the perimeter only has more than a dozen zombies lurking around every corner. And it was manageable for his group, the situation escalated drastically just two hours after Bald Eagle and the others departed for a supply run, with the streets suddenly brimming with zombies. Tristan''s diligence in securing the perimeter, his habit of meticulously inspecting every corner and crevice of their hideout, proved crucial. It was this vigilance that alerted him to the sudden shift in the surroundings, giving him the opportunity to swiftly relocate the Winters to a safer location. Had he not been so thorough, they might have remained unaware of the danger until it was too late, trapped and vulnerable on the upper floors, facing imminent demise. In light of the situation, it''s probable that their enemies have a good grasp of their whereabouts. The fact that Duke and the others managed to infiltrate their hideout was troubling enough. Tristan''s eyes narrowed with concern. Instead of heading to the ground floor, he dashed towards the lower level of the basement, desperately hoping that his suspicions were unfounded. As Tristan reached the lower level of the basement, he observed that everything seemed unchanged, with the same eerie silence prevailing as before. Letting out a sigh of relief, he momentarily relaxed. However, just as he did, his heart skipped a beat so forcefully it was almost painful. As he surveyed the basement once more, finding nothing amiss, Tristan attributed his sudden unease to concerns about the Winters or the Madam. Turning to head back, his hand on the door, he heard the wind whistle in his ears, a sound out of place in the confined space. "SHIT!" Tristan wasn''t accustomed to cursing, his reserved nature setting him apart from his comrades and earning him Duke''s trust as his aide. But this time, a curse escaped his lips as he narrowly avoided a sneak attack from above. The assassin likely clung to the pipes overhead, waiting for Tristan to let his guard down before striking. Tristan avoided the attack by flipping to the side but did not step too far from the door, afraid that the assassin would head upstairs and see the Winters there when they are currently vulnerable. They engaged in a silent duel, their minds locked in a battle of anticipation and strategy. Neither flinched nor moved a muscle as they exchanged mental blows, each seeking a vulnerability in the other. Tension hung heavy in the air as they locked eyes, their focus razor-sharp. They stood locked in their silent standoff, unaware of how much time had passed in their tense exchange. Creak- "Tristan? What are you doing here?" One of their group members asked, bewildered, after he opened the door and descended the stairs. His confusion provided the assassin with a split-second opening, and in that brief window, the assailant seized the opportunity, lunging at the unsuspecting newcomer. Tristan swiftly intercepted the assassin''s attack, positioning himself protectively in front of the young man. As the tension escalated, another voice rang out from behind. "What''s happening here?" The tremble in the young man''s voice reverberated in Tristan''s ears. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The assassin''s eyes gleamed with malice, a smug smirk curling his lips as he lunged once more at Tristan. It seemed his recklessness stemmed from feeling outnumbered, yet Tristan sensed something amiss. With little time to ponder, he swiftly positioned himself defensively, intent on shielding the young man from harm. "Ack!" Thud- A muffled groan echoed behind Tristan even before the assassin reached him. This sudden noise caused the assailant to halt his movement, his smug smirk fading into a dissatisfied frown as he glanced back, clearly unsettled by the unexpected sound. "Only a week apart, and you''ve already gone rusty," Vulture''s voice echoed behind Tristan, his breathing ragged and punctuated by panting. Each exhale reverberated through the silent space of the basement. Tristan''s body tensed as Vulture''s words hit him as if a sudden realization had struck him. His pupils quivered imperceptibly, and his throat tightened with dryness. "What brings you here?" Tristan''s question cut through the air, his gaze never leaving the assassin''s form as Vulture loomed behind him. A heavy silence enveloped the room, broken only by the sound of Vulture''s weary sigh. It was unclear whether it signaled relief or exhaustion, but his words soon pierced the quietness. "I merely chased a rat scurrying about," he remarked with a hint of both resignation and disdain in his voice. Tristan couldn''t ignore the weight of Vulture''s implications. The abrupt shift in the assassin''s demeanor spoke volumes, a stark reminder of how close Tristan had come to peril through his lapse in vigilance. The realization stung¡ªhe had almost paid dearly for his brief lapse, misled by a misplaced trust in the figure standing behind him. Little did he know, that Tristan''s misstep could have had catastrophic consequences. Had he met his end at that moment, the assassin and the traitor would undoubtedly have seized the opportunity to strike at the heart of the Winters'' operation. With a mole in their midst, their defenses would be compromised, making it all too easy for their enemies to catch them unaware and unleash devastation upon their entire team. It''s almost as if they were lying in wait, timing their enemy''s final strike to coincide with Duke''s arrival, aiming to deal with them all once and for all. Chapter 85 Tristans Other Side Tristan''s throat tightened, forcing him to swallow hard, while a bead of sweat formed on his forehead and traced a path down his chiseled jawline. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once more, Tristan heard Vulture emit a groan before the words spilled from his lips. "I''ll entrust that bastard to your care." After that, all Tristan could hear was the sound of labored breathing and a thud against the door, followed by the slow slide of something along its surface. An intense scent of blood filled the confined space of the basement, saturating the air with its ominousness. His tense jaw loosened slightly, his entire focus now fixed on the assassin standing before him. Tristan cleared his mind of all distractions, allowing instinct to guide his actions. An aura of bloodlust emanated from him, enveloping his body, while the calculated glint in his eyes transformed into that of a predator hunting its prey. The assassin''s skin prickled, a cold sweat breaking out on his back as he met Tristan''s beast-like gaze, which tracked his every move. This was the Tristan Vulture had faced earlier, the Tristan who had shed all inhibitions, allowing his primal instincts to dominate his every sense. The assassin perked up and guarded against Tristan more than before because he could tell that Tristan just become even more dangerous than he already was from earlier. His body''s every fiber was screaming danger. He assumed a defensive stance, his eyes scanning the surroundings for a potential escape route. The young man lay prone on his belly, clutching a dagger in his right hand while blood seeped from a wound on his throat, his eyes wide open in shock but he was long dead because Vulture made sure to stab the young man from the back of his throat and the tip of his dagger even exited the young man''s adam''s apple. Meanwhile, Vulture leaned against the door, his weakened form still sporting a smug smirk on his lips as he weakly observed the unfolding scene. Vulture knew Tristan very well, he was not only a perfectionist but he was extremely cautious so he would certainly go out to scout the area and look for alternative exits so he did not move when he saw Tristan leave the room. He kept his eyes closed, allowing his injured body to rest. However, just a minute later, another figure stealthily rose to their feet, taking care to move without attracting attention. Even those tending to Kisha and Duke had nodded off at some point, unaware of the figure''s movements. Seizing the opportunity, the young man slipped away unnoticed. Vulture sensed an unsettling intuition about him, a gut feeling urging him not to leave the young man unattended. Despite his aching body, Vulture dragged himself to his feet and followed at a distance. Eventually, he found himself led back to the lower basement, the same place from which they had all come. Despite his injuries, Vulture managed to conceal his presence and silently trailed the young man. As the young man exited the staircase, Vulture cautiously approached the small glass window attached to the door, hoping to glean what lay beyond. Through the window, he witnessed Tristan locked in a standoff with an unknown, clearly hostile individual. Though tempted to intervene, Vulture hesitated, fearing that his injury might only impede Tristan and the young man, rather than aid them. But when he saw the young man pull a dagger while trying to sneak on Tristan, Vulture threw all his caution into the wind, and as soon as he exited the door, he swiftly plunged his dagger into the back of the young man''s neck. The young man emitted only a muffled groan, blood seeping from his mouth and throat as he collapsed to the floor. Vulture harbored no sympathy for him; in their world, traitors and moles garnered no compassion. However, his swift assault on the young man strained his abdominal muscles and aggravated his broken rib, sending waves of excruciating pain coursing through him. Cold sweat drenched his brow, rendering him immobilized. Despite his agony, he leaned heavily against the door, determined to prevent the assassin from accessing the staircase leading to their comrades and their master. Tristan grasped Vulture''s mindset, knowing he had his support. Without hesitation, he confronted the assassin head-on. Initiating the attack, Tristan''s agile movements forced the assassin into a defensive stance, rendering him unable to land a blow while enduring a barrage of relentless cuts from Tristan''s onslaught. Had he not defended himself promptly, Tristan''s first strike would have likely found its mark at his throat. Despite the assassin''s boast of agility and speed, they paled in comparison to Tristan''s lethal prowess. With each relentless onslaught, Tristan''s claws inflicted small but telling wounds, causing the assassin to bleed. It was as if the once gentlemanly Tristan had transformed into a sadistic figure, reveling in the sight of his prey-rendered powerlessness. As blood seeped from the myriad small cuts, the assassin''s movements grew sluggish, his arms heavy and difficult to raise. Tristan methodically targeted the tendons in the assassin''s ankles and wrists, further impairing his mobility. Even Vulture couldn''t help but wince at the sorry state of the assassin after just 10 minutes of Tristan''s relentless assault. Tristan looked like a cat playing with a mouse that''s already cornered. "Now, now, shall we get to the main course?" Tristan''s voice, laced with predatory intent, rose as he slowly lifted his eyes to meet the assassin''s gaze, tinged with fear and weariness. With a smirk, Tristan continued, "Did the Coltons send you to sabotage our exit or to eliminate the Winter directly?" As he uttered the last words, a palpable aura of bloodlust enveloped him. The assassin''s pupils contracted upon hearing Tristan''s words. They had believed their allegiance to the Coltons was concealed, merely masquerading as a mercenary from the shelter, dispatched to fulfill their mission. The scouting and other missions posted on the mission board were orchestrated by the Coltons themselves, and designed to provide cover. They meticulously orchestrated their movements, ensuring the Winters remained unaware of their operations. Even if the Winters dispatched subordinates stationed in other cities or places, they wouldn''t uncover anything. That is, of course, if any surviving Winters men were nearby. Despite this, they spared no effort in preparing to confront the Winters from the shadows. Now, he sensed they had fallen into a trap. Urgency gripped him, compelling him to escape the clutches of the man before him. He needed to alert his comrades that the Winters were onto their plan, urging them to fortify their defenses. Chapter 86 A Traitor Deserved The assassin attempted to raise his foot, but Tristan mirrored his movement, indicating he was one step ahead. Sweat beaded on the assassin''s forehead as he locked eyes with Tristan, grappling with his options. He couldn''t afford to meet his end here. While he didn''t possess crucial information, he understood the necessity of alerting his allies to the change of plan. The young man introduced earlier had been planted as a mole by the Coltons in the Winters'' base several years ago. Throughout this time, he meticulously followed orders from the Winters, refraining from making any suspicious moves or transmitting secret information to avoid tipping off Duke to their intentions. However, when they discovered that Duke had sold off a significant portion of his business empire, they realized that something was amiss and decided to expedite their plan. Duke''s significant decision to sell off his properties and shares wasn''t kept under wraps; it caused a stir in the upper echelons and garnered attention internationally from those monitoring Duke''s activities. His assets were snapped up rapidly, generating widespread interest. Moreover, many individuals were eager to offer additional resources to Duke in exchange for a stake in his companies. Tristan, being closely involved in managing the sales, had a thorough understanding of the process. After the Winters'' swift overnight operation, speculation ran rampant about Duke''s intentions. It seemed as though he was preparing for a major confrontational war or event, prompting him to stockpile supplies. In the wake of the apocalypse, this raised suspicions now differ that Duke was somehow privy to some crucial information about the coming of the apocalypse. Consequently, their objective shifted from merely eliminating the Winters to also seizing control of their valuable supplies. The young man, acting as the Coltons'' mole, provided critical intel on the Winters'' recent movements, effectively serving as their guide. With Duke''s impending arrival anticipated, the Coltons prepared for a full-scale assault. Tasked with extracting information about the location of their supplies, the assassin was dispatched with the ultimate goal of eliminating Duke and his family after getting the information they wanted. Unexpectedly, significant developments unfolded without their knowledge. It seemed the mole ceased communication, likely due to Duke''s presence, prompting him to meet the assassin in person instead to convey vital information he gathered from Vulture''s story and updates on Duke''s condition. However, this face-to-face encounter took an unforeseen turn, leading to unintended consequences for their plans. But since the mole only has a low rank among Duke''s group, he did not gather any vital information that''s why they are dragging and just cornering the Winters until today, all the information he got was from what Vulture said. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And knowing that someone would come, he sneaked out to relay the information so that, whoever among the two escaped, at least both had the information to relay to their young master. With the mole dead and the assassin now trapped, the situation grew dire. Uncertain of his next move to evade Tristan''s relentless assault, the assassin found himself in a precarious position. Tristan, showing no mercy, unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, leaving the assassin battered and helpless. Tristan also realized this crucial information and his awareness heightened upon discovering the mole within their ranks. With this knowledge in mind, he swiftly honed in on the assassin''s weaknesses, targeting both his physical vulnerabilities and his mental resilience. Tristan aimed to extract any valuable information from the assassin, resorting to lethal force if necessary should the assassin prove uncooperative. "Why don''t you answer my question? Hmm?" Tristan repeated his eyes gliming with cunningness and killing intent. The assassin tightened his lips, his intentions evident. Tristan''s expression soured as he shook his head. "Even if you stay silent," he warned, his smile stretching wider, morphing into something chillingly eerie. "We''ll still find out." The assassin knew that they fucked up, but before he could let out a sound, Tristan zoomed in on him almost instantly and stabbed his dagger on the assassin''s chin upward towards his skull before he twisted it, making sure that he stirred what was inside his head. Blood spurted from Tristan''s dagger like a burst dam, drenching it, his hands, and even the floor, splattering onto his boots and pants. The assassin''s life ended abruptly, yet Tristan remained impassive, his gaze unwavering. With a detached air, he allowed the assassin''s body to slump heavily onto the frigid ground before striding purposefully toward Vulture, who observed the macabre scene with stoic detachment. "You still alive?" Tristan''s voice cut through the tense silence as he gazed down at the young man, lifeless with eyes wide open. Memories flooded back¡ªthis young man, once like a younger brother to their group, had seen many of their comrades fall protecting him during their harrowing escape from City A and their relentless pursuers. With a surge of anger threatening to overwhelm him, Tristan battled the urge to unleash it upon the lifeless form before him, a vessel of vengeance for his fallen brothers. Yet, he understood the futility of such emotions, reigning them in as he strode past the corpse. Crouching beside Vulture, who struggled to draw breath, Tristan''s demeanor shifted to one of concern and focus. "Still alive and breathing." Vulture chuckled lightly, attempting to alleviate the tension that weighed heavily in the air, knowing full well the turmoil Tristan must be experiencing and feeling shitty. His eyes briefly flitted to the lifeless body nearby before he continued, his tone sobering. "That''s a fate befitting a traitor." He didn''t need to inquire about the events that unfolded while he and their master were absent, for the consequences were starkly evident in the scene before him. Entrusting Tristan with the helm during their absence must have weighed heavily on him, sensing the immense pressure and adversity that Tristan must have faced in leading their comrades in their struggle for survival. But to find out that one of the people his protecting was a snake preparing to bite them to death must felt as shitty as hell. No words of solace were necessary between the brothers, for they shared an unspoken understanding that transcended spoken language. In a silent moment of reverence, they closed their eyes, their thoughts turned inward to honor the memories of their fallen comrades. Each fallen brother was a testament to sacrifice, offering their lives so that others, dear to them, might endure and survive. With heartfelt prayers and gratitude, they paid homage to the departed, acknowledging their sacrifices for the brotherhood and the profound impact each had left on their lives. As Tristan''s thoughts settled, he rose to his feet, his gaze set on the inner section of the basement. "Where to now?" Vulture inquired, pushing himself upright in an effort to accompany Tristan. Tristan halted in his stride, pivoting to face Vulture before he spoke. "I''m going to inspect the sewers as a potential escape route. The door on the ground floor might not hold up for long, and I''m unsure if the zombie horde will disperse. We need contingency plans. Besides, I don''t know if the assassin that the Colton''s sent is a death warrior, maybe he already did something to close the sewers to cut our exit." Tristan patiently explained because he was well aware that Vulture was quite slow in the uptake. Chapter 87 Bell After hearing Tristan''s words, Vulture hurriedly tried to stand on his feet to go and see because unlike when Kisha was awake and could direct the bees to scout around, they were now in the dark, quite literally. Vulture felt a sense of urgency, realizing they were in unfamiliar territory, with no clear idea of where to start looking for an exit if the sewers were indeed compromised. ''Just wait....'' Vulture thought long and hard because he felt like he was forgetting something important. Then he heard a buzzing sound coming from the bees''s wings as they flew. Tristan also noticed and threw the dagger in his hand toward Vulture. Vulture was caught off guard and was delayed in his reaction coupled with his broken ribs, he couldn''t even move his left arm to deflect the attack. Swoosh- Clang- Vulture and Tristan were not just surprised but utterly shocked to see a palm-sized bee hovering before them. Yet, what truly stunned them was not its size, but its remarkable agility. With forelegs as thick as a child''s finger, the bee expertly deflected the dagger Tristan had thrown with astonishing precision. Vulture''s skin crawled as Bell hovered nearby at her original size. What unnerved him even more was the metallic sound her forelegs made as they deflected the dagger. It seemed effortless for Bell to neutralize the attack, and the realization left Vulture with a deep sense of unease. "Vulture, watch out!" Tristan''s warning echoed as he surged forward, swiftly flipping to retrieve the fallen dagger. With lightning speed, he maneuvered to intercept Bell, aiming to neutralize the unexpected threat. "WAIT!!!!" Vultured shouted with sweat trickling down his face, if he was a bit late, then, Bell would turn into meat paste and he wouldn''t know how to explain it to Kisha when she woke up. Besides, he knew what Bell was capable of now, even though he was still a little skeptical about how Bell defended itself using only its forelegs. "Don''t attack it!" Vulture added as he raised his right hand in a gesture to stop Tristan from moving forward. Little did he know that attacking Bell would result in Tristan being reduced to a bloody mess. Despite Bell''s focus on managing the drones and producing the Scarlet honey for Kisha''s constitution reconstruction, its Divine-grade status made it a formidable opponent. With basic stats surpassing even Tristan''s, particularly in agility, which stood at an impressive 45 points, she was a force to be reckoned with. In a display of discontent, Bell aggressively flapped her wings, producing a loud buzzing sound before landing squarely on Vulture''s head. Vulture felt as if his soul left his body when he sensed Bell''s thick forelegs moving on his head. While he wasn''t typically afraid of insects, Bell''s legs were thicker than a tarantula''s, sending shivers down his spine. Unconsciously, he closed his eyes as the sensation settled in his back. "Uh, um... Bell, could you transform into a smaller size, please?" Vulture couldn''t stop himself from voicing his thoughts, unsure if Bell would understand him. He wasn''t sure how Kisha and Bell communicated, but he assumed Bell was an intelligent insect, so he tried talking to it too. Just like that, Bell immediately changed its form to become the size of a thumb. Vulture let out a sigh of relief as he suddenly realized that Bell was indeed intelligent, momentarily forgetting about Tristan. "Care to explain what that was?" Tristan''s heavy voice caught Vulture''s attention back to him. But before he could answer, a realization hit Vulture. "Ah! It was you?!" He exclaimed, pointing at Tristan with wide eyes and a dropped jaw. He remembered Kisha mentioning that someone had killed her bees while patrolling in the basement, and he couldn''t think of anyone faster and more capable than Tristan. Furthermore, when he emerged from the sewer, Tristan was also in the basement, making him the prime suspect. Then, he recalled the furrow in Kisha''s brow when she mentioned her bees being killed. "What was going on?" Tristan''s displeased voice echoed as he looked straight into Vulture''s eyes, trying to understand the situation with a frown. But Vulture remained silent, leaving Tristan''s questions unanswered. "Did you kill the bees?" Vulture''s sudden question made Tristan tilted his head to the side, not understanding where Vulture''s thoughts were going. "Did you or did you not?" Vulture asked again but with a defeated tone this time. "I think I did..." Tristan''s voice trailed off as he tried to recall if he really had. "Ah! It was really you!!!" Vulture exclaimed again. Even Bell flew back and forth with a louder buzzing of its wings, showing its anger. It even pointed its stinger a couple of times towards Tristan, as if considering whether to attack him or not. "What''s with the bees, especially that one?" Tristan pointed at the angry Bell that morphed a little bigger than earlier, he could feel like it put a big target on his back. "Those bees are Young Madam''s!" Vulture explained a little frustrated, "Why did you even kill it?" Tristan rubbed the tip of his nose, feeling awkward and embarrassed. "I just thought it would be dangerous to let those creatures roam around, in case they turned out to be carriers of a virus that could affect the Winters," he explained, casting an apologetic glance at the bee. He could sense that those bees had something to do with the unusually angry one in front of him. "What''s the deal with all these bees anyway? Her pets?" Vulture nodded, and Tristan felt like he had never really known the world because he never knew that bees could be kept as pets. He shook his head at Kisha''s peculiarities, but then again, he remembered that her bee didn''t look like a normal bee in any way. It seemed like it could even understand human language based on how it responded to Vulture earlier. So, Tristan watched the bee closely this time, trying to discern something. "This is a Scarlet Queen Bee that Young Madam keeps with her. This little fella acts as our head scout, like a radar. It sends out regular bees as drones to gather information, which it then relays back to Young Madam," Vulture explained what he had understood so far. He didn''t know exactly how Bell relayed the information or communicated with Kisha, but based on his observations, Kisha and the bees seemed to have a great tacit understanding. Tristan was gobsmacked. If bees possessed such extraordinary talents, beekeepers would undoubtedly be the world''s best spies. Just entertaining these whimsical thoughts lifted the gloominess surrounding them, prompting him to let out a chuckle. Vulture scratched the back of his head, knowing Tristan might find it easier to believe a dog could talk than a bee acting as a drone. "What I said earlier was half true," he admitted. "Sparrow did an excellent job as a scout with his awakened ability. But since Young Madam started using her bees for scouting, Sparrow''s role became more symbolic. Young Madam can send the bees to every corner, which is more convenient and efficient." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He continued, "Sparrow even felt competitive with the bees because, with their number, they could cover a 250-meter radius. Though the bees couldn''t differentiate between the living and zombies, it was still good enough for us to travel as safely as possible through the streets filled with zombies." Vulture''s tone became smug at the end, as if recounting his own achievement through the bees'' capabilities. Chapter 88 Find the Exit "Was it really that good?" Tristan was taken aback to hear those words but he could not find any other expression on Vulture''s face stating that he was talking shit right now and he and the others also knew that it was really almost impossible to go out of the center of the western district without being surrounded by hundreds in just a few seconds. Vulture nodded, his smug smirk widening. "You''d better not harm Bell and her bees again, or I won''t be there to help you explain it to Young Madam. And if Bell stings you to death, don''t count on anyone coming to your aid," he warned, recalling Kisha''s attachment to her bees. "You''ll have to explain yourself to Young Madam when she wakes up, or don''t blame me if Master gives you a hard time," he added with a mischievous chuckle. Tristan croaked, feeling a sense of unfamiliarity wash over him as he observed Vulture and the others. They seemed different now¡ªless cold and stoic, more uplifted and lively than he remembered from before the apocalypse. He couldn''t help but feel curious about Kisha and her interactions with everyone else, especially with Duke. Tristan nodded in agreement with Vulture''s warning. "I''ll handle it," he assured, turning to leave. "Wait!" Vulture''s interruption grated on Tristan''s nerves. They had already wasted enough time with discussions. Time was of the essence now. And Vulture stopped him once more, igniting Tristan''s impatience. "What now?" he demanded, feeling the urgency of their situation. "If you''re thinking of joining me, it''s best you stay put and let me scout down there alone." "I''m not trying to halt your progress; I''m suggesting a more efficient approach," Vulture retorted with a sneer. Recalling what he had forgotten earlier, he saw an opportunity to leverage it¡ªperhaps it was the reason Kisha had summoned Bell before she lost consciousness. "Considering Bell''s capabilities, we could delegate the scouting to her. It''s unlikely anyone down there would harm her bees again." With a subtle jab at Tristan, he emphasized the misstep in his previous actions. Tristan''s impatience dissipated, replaced by a sense of embarrassment as he approached Vulture. "How do we go about that? Can you communicate with the bees?" "Of course not," Vulture replied with a sarcastic smile. "I trust Bell to figure it out. It''s smart enough to handle it." Impressed by Vulture''s compliment, Bell flew in front of him, her stinger wiggling in the air. Within moments, the scattered bees, which Kisha hadn''t retrieved, converged towards Bell. Tristan and Vulture watched as the bees lined up like disciplined soldiers, with Bell leading the way. After a brief moment of stillness, the regular bees began to fly towards the sewer, leaving Bell behind. After dispatching the bees for scouting, Bell returned to perch on top of Vulture''s head. "I suppose all we can do now is wait and hope for the best," Vulture said uncertainly, his eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them. Tristan, equally perplexed, opted to accompany the bees on their reconnaissance mission. Without waiting for Vulture to offer further explanation, he dashed toward the manhole from which Vulture and the others had emerged. He remained uncertain about the workings of the bees, despite Vulture''s assurances of their reliability. Tristan couldn''t comprehend how Vulture would discern the outcome if he couldn''t communicate with the bees in the same way Kisha could. After reaching the entrance of the closed manhole, he slowly opened it before jumping down. With light in the sewers, his sight remained unaffected, and he could see everything clearly. He hurried toward the direction Vulture had mentioned they came from, but he only took a few steps before catching sight of a group of zombies heading his way. Without hesitation, he sprang into action to deal with the threat. After finishing off one group, another wave surged forward, followed by yet another. His brow furrowed as he noticed the numbers kept on increasing. Amidst the echoing growls of the zombies in the sewers, another wave surged forward. Tristan fought valiantly against the relentless tide, but as the zombies continued to pour in, overwhelming him, he heard Vulture''s voice calling out from above the manhole he had descended from. "Tristan, the sewers are no good!!! Come back up!!!" Vulture''s urgent voice echoed down the tunnel. Tristan''s expression remained stoic, but his pupils shrank as he realized Vulture must have gleaned information he also saw some of the returning bees. In all directions, bees returned from the depths of the sewers, as if signaling danger. He did not want to waste his energy any more than he already did and climbed back up to where Vulture was. Vulture was breathing heavily as he supported himself as he walked along the wall, his right hand resting on the wall as he tried his best to stand up straight but could not help but bend forward due to the pain. As soon as Tristan emerged from the manhole, he wasted no time in questioning Vulture. "How did you know? Was it because you heard the noise the zombies are making down there?" Tristan''s skepticism was evident in his tone. Vulture shook his head and gestured towards Bell, who had returned to her original size and was now flying beside him. Tristan looked visibly puzzled, prompting Vulture to explain further. "After you left, it seems Bell had already received some information from the bees that entered the sewers first. And it appears Bell didn''t send all the bees south; some were stationed nearby, awaiting her next instruction. Guess how Bell let me know that the sewers were no good?" Vulture''s excitement shone through his explanation, his eyes gleaming like those of an excited child. Tristan maintained his stoic expression, prompting Vulture to click his tongue in disappointment. "Tsk! What a killjoy," he muttered before continuing. "After Bell received the information from those bees inside the tunnel, she instructed the bees that remained nearby to form symbols to alert me. Initially, they formed an arrow pointing towards the sewers, so I assumed it was clear. But then, the next symbol changed to a big ''X'' mark." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "And since our communication was very limited, I thought I should check it out here to see if my understanding was correct. When I approached the manhole, I could already hear the zombies down there, so I could only assume that the symbols represented that it was no good." After Vulture explained, he took a deep breath. Then, they saw the bees nearby forming a big circle, as if Bell was instructing the bees to confirm that what he said was true. Vulture''s head snapped back to look at Bell, and Bell did a flip with its big body. Tristan and Vulture were amused to see that the Scarlet Queen Bee was doing its best to communicate with them. They had already proven that Bell was truly intellectual and could understand human language. So, they conducted a few experiments to make communicating with Bell easier in the future. They spent some time conducting trial and error experiments to create signs that the bees could easily produce and that Vulture and Tristan could easily understand. Eventually, they agreed to use the symbol ''X'' to signify "no," ''O'' for "yes," arrow symbols to indicate directions, and the symbol ''!'' to denote danger. So far, all three of them have come to terms with these symbols. Bell even prompted Vulture to write the symbol ''!'' on the ground so the bees could see it and become familiar with it. It turned into a fun activity for the trio. Bell found it challenging to convey that the bees didn''t understand all the symbols using only its body language, flipping and flying around, and using its huge stinger to point and all. Fortunately, Tristan had a quick solution: he suggested that Vulture draw all the symbols on the ground for clarity Once they finished scouting the sewers, they returned to the basement, one level above where the Winters and the others were resting. Bell also ensured that the bees were dispatched around the building to locate a suitable exit. Chapter 89 Conserve the Energy "Welcome back. How''s the situation?" Mr. Winters inquired as soon as he spotted Tristan and Vulture entering. His expression remained calm and collected as he gently stroked his wife''s hair, soothing her to sleep. The Patriarch also stirred from his slumber upon hearing of the return of Tristan and Vulture. Their absence had extended beyond an hour, or perhaps even longer, given that most of the others were already fatigued and asleep within the room so no one really noticed. Vulture and Tristan''s expressions darkened as they recalled the events downstairs. "Mr. Winters," Vulture began, pausing briefly to gather his thoughts before continuing. "Sir, we ventured down to inspect the sewer for a potential escape route around the building. However, we encountered an assassin." Frustration tinged Vulture''s voice as he recalled the encounter with the infiltrator. "Moreover, we discovered a mole within our ranks, attempting to relay gathered information to the assassin. Fortunately, Tristan and I managed to neutralize both threats." He explained succinctly. But Mr. Winters remained unfazed upon hearing the news as if he had anticipated such developments and was ready for any outcome. "Great job. What about the escape route?" He raised his gaze to meet theirs, though his hand continued to stroke his wife''s head. Tristan shook his head, his demeanor resolute rather than defeated. "We inspected the sewers, but it appears the assassin tampered with them to draw more zombies down there. Eventually, it will become overrun. However, I believe the assassin has another escape route prepared. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He didn''t strike me as a death warrior; rather, he was likely sent here to gather information from the mole and sabotage our escape route before making his own getaway," Tristan openly shared his deduction. Mr. Winters nodded thoughtfully. "What about Sparrow? Have you received any updates from him?" "Sir, Sparrow knew where to find us. He had a general idea of the direction to our hideout, and by now, he''s likely completed his mission and is en route here. If that''s the case, once he arrives nearby, he''ll surely notice something is amiss if he doesn''t see us. He could be a valuable asset in our escape," Vulture explained, calculating the time that had passed since their separation before dawn. "What about my grandson and his wife?" The Patriarch interjected, having grasped the full scope of the situation. His primary concern now lay with his grandson. Upon hearing the Patriarch refer to Kisha as Duke''s wife, Vulture chuckled wholeheartedly, while Tristan nearly choked on his saliva, taken aback by the Patriarch''s swift acceptance of Kisha. Vulture abruptly halted his hearty chuckle, his expression turning serious. "Patriarch, Master, and the young madam will be fine. As they awaken their abilities and struggle to gain control over the virus within their bodies to harness it as a power source, it will take time. However, based on my experience, they should regain consciousness by tomorrow morning. Until then, we must do our best to hold the fort without them." Upon hearing Vulture naturally refer to his granddaughter-in-law as "Young Madam," the Patriarch chuckled gleefully before his expression turned worried once more. "Will they truly be alright? What if they turn?" "Patriarch... Young Madam assured us that she and Master will be fine. We simply need to believe in them and wait," Vulture reassured, his voice steady despite the underlying concern. "Very well, we''ll wait, but ensure more people are dispatched to search for a new escape route," the Patriarch reminded his tone firm with a hint of urgency. Vulture smiled confidently and replied, "Actually, Patriarch, there''s no need to send anyone out for patrol or to search for the exit. We''ve identified the perfect candidate for that task, allowing us to conserve our energy and rest in case of emergencies." Mr. Winters scrutinized Vulture''s expression, attempting to grasp his meaning, but found no clues. The fact that they hadn''t delegated the task to anyone but it also didn''t look like they weren''t planning to wait for the enemy to sneak in again just to locate the prepared exit. His eyebrow arched slowly as he found himself at a loss for an answer. He ceased attempting to guess, recognizing Tristan and Vulture as among the most trusted and skilled elites in Duke''s inner circle. Whatever they were currently plotting might seem a bit eccentric or difficult to grasp, or perhaps they were intentionally being cryptic to ensure they had everything meticulously planned before revealing their strategy, thus avoiding raising any false hopes or concerns. So, he redirected his focus to his wife and her condition. Upon hearing Vulture''s explanation, the Patriarch reached a similar conclusion to his son and ceased fretting over every detail. Recognizing his own vulnerability due to his old age, he opted to rest his weary bones. Preserving his energy now would ensure he wouldn''t be a burden to anyone when the time came to act. Vulture and Tristan eased themselves into a brief rest, conserving their energy while they relied on Bell and the bee team to meticulously comb through every nook and cranny of the building in search of a possible escape route, leaving no vent or crack unexplored. As the sun descended in the west, its rays cast a fiery glow across the sky, painting it the color of blood. This crimson hue reflected off the buildings and the shuffling corpses that roamed the streets below, creating an apocalyptic scene straight out of a nightmare. The ceaseless moans and groans of the zombies filled the air, a haunting symphony that surpassed the horrors of any film ever seen on the silver screen. Sparrow reached the outskirts of the central western district, anticipating rendezvous with his companions. Despite luring away numerous zombies, he was startled to find the streets teeming with an even larger horde than before. It seemed as though they were being drawn inexorably toward a singular destination. After a brief observation, he discerned a peculiar pattern: the zombies were congregating in a single location. Swiftly, he pursued them, leaping from rooftop to rooftop. Drawing nearer to the epicenter, he discovered the source - a series of small speakers emitting random noise, luring the undead. As he approached, it became clear: each speaker ceased its noise only to pass the baton to the next, maintaining the zombies'' relentless march. The cacophony persisted until he reached a particular building, where the speakers blared incessantly, anchoring the horde in place. As the incessant pounding of the zombies echoed through the air, his expression soured with anger. In that instant, he grasped the grim reality: his Master and companions were confined within the besieged building, ensnared in a trap crafted to ensure that they would all go down together while making sure that all escape routes were sealed. Despite his anger and worry, he refrained from acting impulsively. Understanding the importance of maintaining a clear head, he focused on strategizing how best to assist his Master. Circling the building multiple times, he meticulously examined every potential exit point. Yet, it was evident that their enemy had taken great care to seal off any means of escape for his Master. His only recourse now was to utilize their emergency communication tool device to reach his comrades inside. Chapter 90 How To Escape Despite his anger and worry, he refrained from acting impulsively. Understanding the importance of maintaining a clear head, he focused on strategizing how best to assist his Master. Circling the building multiple times, he meticulously examined every potential exit point. Yet, it was evident that their enemy had taken great care to seal off any means of escape for his Master. His only recourse now was to utilize their emergency communication tool device to reach his comrades inside. Their communicator resembled a satellite radio, elevated several notches with advanced features, nearly indistinguishable from a smartphone. Despite its private radio frequency, caution remained paramount; in an ever-changing and evolving world, nothing was absolute. Sparrow could only hope there were no signal jammers nearby. If there were, he''d be forced to scour every nook and cranny in the vicinity before contacting his people, with no guarantee they could hold on until then. Buzz.... Buzz.... Buzz.... A steady vibration from his breast pocket jolted Vulture from his light slumber, instantly alerting him to the buzzing of his communicator. His sudden movement also roused Tristan, who had been resting nearby. As Vulture retrieved his communicator, Tristan immediately inferred that Sparrow must have reached out to him. Sensing the need to grasp the situation outside, Tristan drew nearer. Meanwhile, despite Bell and the bees'' exhaustive efforts to search every inch of the lower and upper-level basements, they had yet to uncover anything significant that may lead to an exit. Vulture immediately answered the call and in a silent and confined space as they are staying right now, they didn''t need to actually put the call into the speaker to hear what the person on the other side was saying. "Oh God! You guys are alright!" Sparrow''s nervous voice echoed through the call. "I''m outside... I think it used to be a high-end building. Zombies are swarming from all sides. Please don''t tell me you''re inside, right?" His laughter sounded strained as he finished his sentence. "Are you referring to the Amoure High-end Condominium?" Tristan interjected calmly, devoid of any hint of nervousness in his voice. "Tristan! You''re alive too!" Sparrow''s voice carried excitement, though he quickly returned to the conversation. "Yes, I believe that''s the original name of the building, just missing a few letters." After his response, Sparrow donned the night vision goggles he had used the previous night to survey the surroundings. With the sun having set and many lampposts out of commission, the streets were shrouded in darkness. "It''s the same building we''re currently holed up in. Give us the lowdown on what''s happening out there," Tristan asserted firmly. With Duke and Kisha out cold, Mr. Winters preoccupied with his sick wife, and the Patriarch''s old age, Tristan had taken it upon himself to lead until Duke regained consciousness. "Damn it! So they''ve truly cornered you in that building?!" Sparrow''s voice erupted with frustration, though his vigilance never wavered as he scanned the area. "The fiberglass on the ground floor is top-notch, not even the relentless pounding of the zombies made a dent. But despite our fortress-like defenses, there are no viable exits at the moment," he concluded, exhaling deeply. "I''ve observed that the reason the zombies have congregated here is due to the speakers strategically placed throughout the streets, emitting sound at intervals to draw them to this specific location, hence the congestion. Although I''ve disabled the speakers responsible for the noise, there are still thousands upon thousands of zombies already gathered down here," Sparrow reported. After a prolonged silence on his end, Tristan''s voice broke through, chillingly cold. "Have you destroyed the speaker?" "I''ve taken out the closest speakers to the building to halt the influx of zombies. However, those on the fringes of the horde are still drawn by the distant sounds and aren''t dispersing easily," Sparrow reported. Understanding Tristan''s strategy, Sparrow grasped his intention: turning the tables on their enemies and letting their enemies taste their own medicine they don''t probably expect that there would be one from Duke''s group who would wander outside freely. "Shall I draw the zombies towards their hideout like I did earlier?" Sparrow proposed. After a moment of contemplation, Tristan reconsidered his decision. He understood the gravity of the situation¡ªthey couldn''t afford any mistakes now. If he let emotions dictate and issued a wrong order, it could spell disaster for all of them, possibly even before Duke regained consciousness. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It would be beneficial if you could lead them away, but that also means we''d lose our only lookout outside," Tristan acknowledged. "Let''s alter the plan. You''ll guard us from there instead. Keep us informed if you notice any movement from them." Tristan felt the urge to repay the enemy in kind, momentarily forgetting their precarious situation with an uncertain exit looming over them. After Sparrow received his assignment and confirmed everyone''s safety, he began to relax. It was only then that he realized he hadn''t heard his Master''s or Kisha''s voices. Normally, Kisha would assign tasks if Duke wasn''t available. But if the voice speaking to him now wasn''t either of them, it could only mean they were either out of reach or something had happened to them. The mere thought of the second possibility filled him with anxiety, prompting him to quickly pose his question. "Where''s Master? And Young Madam?" Sensing his partner''s thoughts spiraling, Vulture intervened in the call. "Master and Young Madam are undergoing their awakening, which is why they''re unavailable. We just need to find an exit or hold on until they wake up," he reassured, while also trying to convince himself that things would eventually work out. Upon learning that Duke and Kisha were undergoing their awakening, Sparrow''s excitement surged as he anticipated what abilities they might awaken. Yet, his excitement was tinged with worry, fearing that something could go wrong. Restlessness consumed him, driving him to take action to ensure that Duke and Kisha wouldn''t awaken amidst a zombie horde attack. "How many people do you have there?" Sparrow inquired. "Including Master, Miss Aldens, and Vulture, we have 22 people. What''s your plan?" Tristan inquired. "I don''t have a grand plan, to be honest. It''s quite simple, really. You''ll just need to fight your way through a few dozen, or even a hundred, zombies without getting killed," Sparrow stated seriously. "Are you fucking out of your mind?! We have the Patriarch with us and Master is unconscious!" Vulture exclaimed, frustration evident in his gritted teeth. "Still beats facing thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, right?" Sparrow retorted mockingly, his tone implying that Vulture was being a wuss. Chapter 91 The Plan "I don''t have a grand plan, to be honest. It''s quite simple, really. You''ll just need to fight your way through a few dozen, or even a hundred, zombies without getting killed," Sparrow stated seriously. "Are you fucking out of your mind?! We have the Patriarch with us and Master is unconscious!" Vulture exclaimed, frustration evident in his gritted teeth. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Still beats facing thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, right?" Sparrow retorted mockingly, his tone implying that Vulture was being a wuss. "Then, what do you say we should do?" Tristan''s voice sounded from the other side again, as if he really is planning to accept Sparrow''s suggestion. Sparrow paused to recalibrate his thoughts. While he had proposed the idea, he couldn''t dismiss the inherent danger it posed. Among the 22 individuals involved, only one possessed awakened abilities. Unlike Sparrow, whose agility type and awakened skills aided him in navigating crowded streets, his companions inside the building lacked such advantages. A single misstep could prove catastrophic for them. Nevertheless, they found themselves backed into a corner with limited options. "Before I dive into it, could you let me know your current location?" "We''re currently holed up in the basement," Vulture replied. "Did you and the master crawl from the sewers to that place?" Sparrow''s direct question didn''t bother Vulture; their interactions were often characterized by such casual banter. Without taking offense, Vulture simply recounted how they''d entered the building through the sewers, ensuring to mention the events that had rendered the sewers inaccessible for their return journey. Sparrow nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the details of their situation as Vulture recounted the events so far. He didn''t interrupt, recognizing the importance of ensuring they were all on the same page. Now, he also understood that Vulture and Tristan were attempting to enlist the help of the bees to find an alternative route, although the success of this plan still remained uncertain. "Given our current predicament with Master and Young Madam both unconscious, we''re running out of options. What I have in mind may seem risky, but it''s worth considering. Before anyone objects, hear me out," Sparrow spoke, his tone firm yet earnest. He wanted them to think rationally and weigh the potential risks against the urgency of their situation. Lingering any longer could only worsen their already precarious circumstances. "Since you guys are now familiar with my awakened ability, you must have known that my strong suit is agility so it was easy for me to navigate around even when there were many zombies surrounding me, but actually, I was able to travel from places to places because I jumped from roof to roof which has lesser number of zombies and was easier to navigate than the streets." He pauses for a bit to breathe after talking for so long. "So, let''s consider this: if we can''t use the sewers or streets, we can ascend to the upper floors and move from roof to roof to avoid the zombies. And if there''s a significant gap between buildings, Vulture can create a bridge using his earth ability for everyone to cross. I believe this idea is feasible. Though getting up there initially might pose a challenge, once we''re on the roof, everything will become easier. What do you all think?" After reviewing his plan again, Sparrow concluded that it was the best solution available, rather than simply waiting. Tristan and Vulture exchanged glances as they processed Sparrow''s words. They both found his plan feasible and sensible. After all, they couldn''t predict when their enemies would make their next move. It was possible that they would take steps to ensure the zombies could besiege them, or the zombies themselves might break through the fiberglass. As Sparrow had pointed out, the initial challenge would be clearing the hundreds of zombies already inside the building. However, once they reached the rooftop, Sparrow could lead the way, guiding them on the safest route. With him clearing the path ahead, they could navigate more efficiently. After outlining their plan, Tristan gathered everyone, including the Patriarch and Mr. Winters, to ensure everyone was on the same page. Meanwhile, Sparrow made another round outside to ensure no Coltons were nearby to spoil their exit. "I hope everyone''s well-rested," Tristan began, scanning his comrades'' faces. They seemed to have gained a bit more strength compared to the last few days, thanks to the warm meal and rest they just had. "Have you found an exit yet?" the Patriarch inquired. Tristan shook his head. "There''s no exit, Patriarch." Before the Patriarch could ask another question, Tristan continued. "However, instead of waiting indefinitely, we''ve decided to take matters into our own hands and create our own escape route. By now, everyone must be aware that we unearthed a mole earlier. Vulture and I managed to seize their communicator after neutralizing them. Fortunately, the information Vulture shared with us hasn''t made its way into their intel yet. But we can''t be certain how long we''ll remain safe here." "If they could send an assassin to sneak up on us, they might send another one to open a path for the zombies to besiege us once they notice that the assassin and the mole they sent are both dead," Tristan said, his frustration evident in his voice. "So instead of waiting to be chopped off on their chopping board, wouldn''t it be wiser for us to go up the floors and clear our own path?" Everyone comprehended the rationale behind a battle of attrition, recognizing their current disadvantage. Not only were they encircled on all fronts, but they were also outnumbered and lacked sufficient supplies and firepower compared to their enemy. This was further exacerbated by the presence of two unconscious individuals, one sick and one elderly, among their ranks. They couldn''t afford to remain idle and wait, as every passing moment diminished their options and increased the likelihood of their demise. Therefore, everyone concurred with Tristan''s assessment, and they proceeded to discuss the plan outlined by Sparrow. They engaged in a collaborative brainstorming session, pooling their collective expertise to ensure everyone was aligned and to sift through various ideas, particularly regarding how to address the needs of those unable to participate in combat. After an hour of deliberation, they finalized a more robust plan. Before setting out, Vulture took charge of cooking a meal, recognizing the importance of sustaining their energy for the imminent battle. Tristan assisted him in the preparation, while the others gathered their combat essentials. They also reinforced the makeshift stretcher to ensure it could withstand the journey, knowing Duke''s unwillingness to let go of Kisha, his grip akin to that of an octopus. Despite efforts to pry them apart, Duke and Kisha remained inseparable, Duke''s clutches unyielding. As preparations continued, Sparrow and Vulture exchanged progress reports to stay informed about both internal and external developments. While the others enjoyed their hot meal, Sparrow begrudgingly nibbled on a compressed biscuit, a meager ration salvaged from the lookouts he had killed earlier. He also readied the assault rifles and AWMs he had obtained from the enemy, intending to distribute them among his comrades to bolster their combat capabilities once they ascended. Despite his desire to assist them directly, he remained at his post to keep watch, ensuring the Coltons couldn''t spring any surprises on them. As both groups prepared, an hour had already passed, and the night had deepened, adding an extra layer of danger to their situation. However, they were fortunate¡ªthe building they occupied still had power, thanks to a functioning generator. The automatic hallway lights provided a sense of security. Choosing this building had been strategic; they had managed to lock the fiberglass doors through the security room. Yet, this decision was a double-edged sword. If their enemies gained access to that security room and unlocked the doors, it would spell their demise. This knowledge led them to unanimously agree to Sparrow''s plan, despite its inherent risks. The Patriarch rose, after wrapping cardboard and towels around his limbs and body¡ªa makeshift armor to provide some measure of protection. Though it made him feel somewhat uncomfortable, he recognized its necessity. His reaction time had slowed over the years, rendering him more vulnerable. Similarly, Mrs. Winters followed suit under the watchful eye of Mr. Winters, who insisted on her safety. Others abstained from such precautions, aware that it would impede their movements and hinder their actions. Once everyone finished their preparations, they each shouldered the bags Kisha had retrieved from her inventory, leaving the empty buckets behind after using up the ice to cool down Duke and Kisha''s fevered bodies. With their body temperatures now lowered, the risk of brain damage had diminished. Four individuals remained responsible for carrying Kisha and Duke, while the Patriarch, Mr., and Mrs. Winters positioned themselves at the center so that they could be well protected. Tristan took the lead at the forefront, leading the vanguard, while Vulture positioned himself at the rear, serving as backup and conserving his energy. His role was critical for when they reached the roof, where he would need sufficient energy reserves to construct a bridge for everyone to cross if the need arose. Chapter 92 Moving Forward "Is everyone ready?" Tristan asked from the front, his hand resting on the doorknob without turning it just yet. He glanced back at the group, noting the determination etched on their faces. Everyone nodded in unison, drawing deep breaths and tightening their grip on their weapons. Positioned at the center were the Patriarch, Mr. and Mrs. Winters, and those tasked with carrying the stretchers. After a final check, Tristan drew a deep breath, steeling himself before twisting the doorknob of the emergency exit leading to the upper floors. The real problem now lay ahead: the zombies lurking in the emergency exit. With their ascent, the challenge doubled; if they engaged in combat, pushing forward would become even more difficult with the risk of additional zombies descending from above. A stampede could crush them, and falling zombies posed yet another threat, among countless other possibilities. The reason why they are thinking of this as an issue was because there were a few doors of the emergency exit from the upper floor that had been compromised and were now wide open or jammed. As the zombies descended, those at the vanguard would face the immense weight of the undead pressing against them, yet they would have to forge ahead. With no time to spare, Tristan acted swiftly, flinging the door open. As it swung wide, a group of zombies standing in the fire exit fixed their hungry gaze upon them, then lunged forward like ravenous wolves. Tristan and the others at the vanguard wasted no time deliberating; they let their actions speak for them. During their earlier meeting, Vulture had emphasized that the crystal core must have formed by now. If feasible, they should extract it from the zombies'' heads, as it was as valuable as water and food. With the emergency exit still relatively clear, Tristan took the lead, guiding the group swiftly. As he moved, his other hand deftly and precisely extracted the crystal cores from the zombies he killed. He aimed for maximum efficiency, unwilling to linger any longer than necessary, ensuring he didn''t miss a beat in collecting the cores. The others followed suit, though not as efficiently as Tristan, their pace was still brisk. However, in the confined space of the emergency exit with minimal ventilation, the overpowering stench of rotting corpses became unbearable, even for Tristan. They all felt nauseated, their stomachs churning at the thought that their last meal might soon be expelled from their bodies. Even individuals like Tristan, who had witnessed all manner of gore and disgusting sights, couldn''t help but gag occasionally as the putrid stench assaulted his nostrils with each impaled zombie. The guttural growls and roars of the defeated zombies reverberated in the confined space, echoing ominously and drawing more undead towards them. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, they had no choice but to press onward and ascend. Despite only reaching the third-floor exit, they had already killed more than two dozen zombies. Their progress was hindered by the inability to move the bodies of the undead they had just slain, causing the corpses to pile up on the floor. This clutter occasionally causes someone to lose their balance or stumble, posing a significant danger. If such an accident were to occur during combat with zombies, a fatal bite would likely ensue sooner or later. Tristan and the others had anticipated this issue, but they hadn''t yet found a more effective solution. So, after killing a zombie and extracting its crystal core, they made sure to shove the corpse down the flight of stairs. This tactic aimed to create a makeshift barrier. If zombies came running from the compromised or open emergency exit doors on the floors below, the dead bodies would slow their advance, buying the team some precious time to regroup or catch their breath. As the vanguard began to tire from leading the group, they rotated positions with those at the rear to catch their breath and offer support when necessary. By the time they reached the fifth floor, a surge of over three to four dozen zombies poured out from the open double doors. It seemed there had been some kind of gathering on that floor, resulting in a horde of young people turned into zombies. Tristan had barely returned to the vanguard when the zombies surged towards them, catching them in the midst of their ascent and putting them at a clear disadvantage. With no flat ground to confront the zombies, none of them faltered. Instead of resorting to their usual tactics, one of the vanguard members began shoving the zombies sideways, pushing them off to the railing to the flight of stairs. So, even if the zombies didn''t die from the impact when they hit the ground or the railings of the lower floor, the force would still be enough to shatter their limbs or spines, rendering them immobile. The only problem was, that this method was energy-consuming and not as swift as simply stabbing the zombies, especially with more of them approaching. Vulture took the lead and conjured a wall-like barrier to push the zombies back towards the door, while the others tossed the remaining zombies that didn''t get caught in the earth wall to the side of the railings, similar to what the first man did. Their tacit understanding and clear grasp of their roles were pivotal in their progress. With a coordinated effort, they applied more force to advance the earth wall step by step, sensing the weight of the zombies pressing against it. Each member of the vanguard exerted themselves to the fullest to maintain the push. "Ugh!" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "One step at a time!" Tristan called out, establishing the rhythm for the push. "Don''t exhaust yourselves. If you feel you''ve used up more than half your energy, rotate with those at the rear and take a break!" Between breaths, he continued to exert force against the earth wall, veins bulging on his forehead, face reddening with effort. Every four steps, the vanguard would swap positions with those at the rear. Once both groups felt exhaustion creeping in, they maintained their positions to catch their breath. Maintaining their position became more manageable than pushing forward, especially with the zombies frantically rushing toward them, causing the earth wall to shake violently. Vulture continuously reinforced the earth wall due to the relentless attacks it received from the zombies. As a result, he couldn''t join the rotation to push the earth wall, as it required his full attention to maintain its stability and the protection it provides. The clamor from the emergency exit drew the attention of the zombies from the floor below, intensifying the pounding on the door. This development unsettled their group because being trapped in the middle of their ascent would pose a serious problem, especially since most of them were exhausted. Their worried gazes turned instinctively to Duke, who remained unconscious on the stretchers, his furrowed brow indicating his troubled state. Kisha remained in a similar state to Duke, showing no signs of stirring even once beneath his embrace. Her face retained a serene composure, seemingly unaffected by the chaos unfolding outside. Mrs. Winters, too, appeared to be affected by the mounting stress in the air, her demeanor filled with a sense of dread. Chapter 93 Their Hidden Weapon "Don''t worry, we''ll get through this," Mr. Winters whispered reassuringly to his wife, drawing her into his embrace as he surveyed the unfolding situation before him. Meanwhile, the old Patriarch also pondered, searching for a solution amidst the chaos. As the sense of predicament and hopelessness settled over everyone... Buzz... Buzzz... A loud buzzing, like that of an insect''s wings, echoed from beyond the earth''s wall. Perplexed, they couldn''t discern its origin, but they sensed the resistance from the other side diminishing, and the relentless crumbling of the barrier subsided. As everyone exchanged puzzled looks, Tristan and Vulture exchanged a wide-eyed glance, as though they had suddenly realized what might be happening on the other side¡ªan aspect hidden from them due to their lack of visibility beyond the wall. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Based solely on the sounds, Tristan and Vulture could already deduce what it might be. The buzzing intensified, and soon there were not just one or two but several buzzing sounds, making it impossible to count. Yet, one thing was clear: the source of this sound had just become intertwined with the problem they were facing. Then, as suddenly as it had intensified, the pressure on the other side of the earth wall disappeared completely. What startled them next was Vulture''s swift action. He dispersed the earth wall entirely, unveiling a gruesome sight beyond. Zombie corpses littered the floor, their heads neatly sliced in half, while others had been gruesomely dismembered into cubes. Black blood splattered across the wall, mingling with brain matter that oozed down slowly. Despite their plight, a pang of sympathy struck the group for the zombies, meeting a grim demise. Amidst the carnage, a swarm of bees buzzed around a massive Queen Bee, adorned with crimson stripes along its body. Its thick forelegs dripped with coagulated black blood, which it diligently tried to rid itself of, conveying a sense of disdain for the tainted substance, as if it were beneath its dignity to bear such filth. Vulture remained oblivious to Bell''s presence until he noticed her there. He had assumed it was still atop his head, overseeing the scouting bees. Little did he realize that the Queen Bee perched atop him was a formidable killing machine, capable of decimating dozens of zombies single-handedly. From his perspective, the regular bees seemed more adept at distraction than participating in combat. So, the entire scene before them had been single-handedly managed by Bell, who had now reverted to its original size. Disdainfully buzzing its wings, it attempted to rid its thick forelegs of the blood, a testament to its formidable prowess in killing the zombies or maybe even armed humans. Given that not everyone was familiar with Bell, the others instinctively assumed combat stances, recognizing it as a potentially greater threat than the zombies surrounding them. However, before they could advance, Tristan halted them, realizing that engaging with Bell would not only be futile but also a waste of time, given its status as their ally. Upon discovering that Bell belonged to Kisha, they regarded her with newfound respect, silently acknowledging her connection to Duke and thinking, "As expected of our Master''s woman." As they pondered Bell''s sudden intervention, some couldn''t help but wonder why this formidable asset hadn''t aided them earlier. Though not a complaint, they couldn''t shake the thought that their journey might have been considerably smoother had Bell been actively involved from the start. Bell''s reluctance to directly engage with the zombies stemmed from its inherent nature as a divine beast and queen. Its prideful demeanor disdained the filth and weakness of the undead, rendering it unwilling to soil itself with their touch. However, Kisha''s directive, given before she fell unconscious, compelled Bell to assist in ensuring the survival of Duke''s family and allies until Kisha''s recovery. Thus, while Bell primarily focused on guiding and scouting with the bees, it intervened when the situation demanded, prioritizing the well-being of Kisha''s companions. Bell, lacking direct means of communication with those around it, swiftly took action. Commanding the bees, it orchestrated the collection of crystal cores scattered on the floor, delivering them to Vulture. Given the weight of each crystal core, multiple bees collaborated to transport them, forming what seemed like a protective cluster around each precious cargo. With the immediate danger handled by Bell, Tristan instructed his comrades to take charge of gathering the crystal cores, freeing up the bees to resume their scouting tasks. Additionally, it seemed evident that the regular bees were struggling to collect the crystal cores due to their small size. With the assurance of having a formidable ally by their side, Tristan''s companions felt a renewed sense of courage and urgency to press forward. Even Mrs. Winters, who had been previously consumed by worry over their impending doom, now walked with a relaxed demeanor, occasionally stealing glances at Bell and Kisha. Mrs. Winters had a deep affinity for flowers and plants, evident in the array of expensive and exotic flora adorning their villa''s backyard, which now thrived within Kisha''s subspace rainforest. Given her fondness for these natural wonders, it was no surprise that she would cherish the presence of butterflies and bees, essential companions in the symbiotic dance of pollination among her beloved blooms. So, rather than feeling frightened by the sight of the enormous bee flying around and killing zombies, Mrs. Winters felt a sense of security and fascination with Bell. Unlike the typical reactions others might have to Bell''s formidable size and imposing forelegs, Mrs. Winters found Bell endearing and even felt the urge to pet it. However, Bell''s continuous pointing of its stinger whenever Mrs. Winters attempted to touch it, coupled with her husband''s admonition against doing so, prevented her from acting on her impulse. Otherwise, she might have eagerly embraced Bell long ago. The group''s ascent became considerably smoother with Bell''s intervention, especially when they found themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of zombies. Tristan''s earlier concerns seemed trivial now, overshadowed by Bell''s formidable power. Without the earth wall obstructing their view, they could witness firsthand how effortlessly Bell sliced through the zombies as if they were nothing more than soft tofu. Even Tristan found it remarkable, pondering, "No wonder when it deflected the dagger, we heard the sound of metal hitting metal, and yet Bell didn''t sustain even a scratch." As time passed by, they felt like they could feel Bell''s proud demeanor like the queen it was while it directed the bees around and as if it was looking down on them whenever it was coming down to help deal with the zombies. They felt like it was laughing at their weakness because they needed help from a fucking bee. They weren''t entirely off the mark; Bell did indeed look down on them, chuckling silently as it observed their struggles against the relentless tide of zombies, pushed around and tested by the chaos surrounding them. Bell''s obedience to Kisha stemmed from their deep bond as master and contracted beast, a connection that drove its loyalty and obedience. However, with Kisha unconscious, Bell had no one to answer to, and its softer side, reserved solely for Kisha, was dormant. Consequently, its proud and domineering demeanor came to the forefront, reflecting its independence and innate power. Chapter 94 Clearing the Path They weren''t entirely off the mark; Bell did indeed look down on them, chuckling silently as it observed their struggles against the relentless tide of zombies, pushed around and tested by the chaos surrounding them. Bell''s obedience to Kisha stemmed from their deep bond as master and contracted beast, a connection that drove its loyalty and obedience. However, with Kisha unconscious, Bell had no one to answer to, and its softer side, reserved solely for Kisha, was dormant. Consequently, its proud and domineering demeanor came to the forefront, reflecting its independence and innate power. With Bell''s assistance, Tristan''s team ascended to the 10th floor more swiftly and efficiently than initially anticipated. They also fortified their path by sealing off open emergency exits with earth walls, serving as a precautionary measure against potential attacks from zombies on both sides. After being accustomed to the rhythm of their tasks, the team coordinated more effectively. At Mrs. Winters''s urging, they enlisted her, her husband, and even the Patriarch to assist in retrieving crystal cores from the zombie heads while the rest focused on repelling the vanguard''s onslaught. At first, Mr. Winters was so worried that his wife would feel uncomfortable with the revulsing task of retrieving the crystal cores from the rotting zombies but he did not expect that she would be even more enthusiastic about the task and did not show any signs of disdain or revulsion. He let out a sigh of relief and felt a sense of admiration for his wife swelling in his heart, clearly, he was underestimating his wife by not believing in her capabilities. Maybe now that she found some use in herself, she stopped stressing herself about every little thing, coupled with the relief of knowing that her son was doing fine. Now, Mrs. Winters appeared revitalized, her previous weakness and pallor replaced by a newfound vigor as if a surge of energy came crashing into her bloodstream. With enthusiasm akin to searching for treasures, she eagerly extracted the crystal cores. Having grasped the general idea from Tristan and Vulture about the potential use of these cores, she recognized their significance. Increasing their supply could enhance their family''s safety by bolstering their strength and this empowered her even more. After retrieving the crystal cores, she meticulously deposited them into the belt bag her husband had provided, akin to a squirrel diligently storing food in its tree. Finding the task both enjoyable and purposeful, she was so engrossed that her mind effectively blocked out the putrid stench emanating from the corpses and the unpleasant squishy sensation as she handled the brains. This additional helping hand has made it easier for the group to move forward because there''s now a clear distribution of tasks and more time to rest in between their ascent to every floor. After nearly three hours of climbing through the stairs, they finally arrived at the garden nestled on the 10th floor, where they decided to take a well-deserved break. This unique feature of the condominium, a balcony transformed into a lush garden, was open for residents to enjoy at any time, providing a serene recreational space for all. Given the circumstances, the garden had become overrun with zombies, numbering more than five or six dozen. When the earthquake struck, residents of the higher floors lacked the opportunity to descend to ground level to avoid potential aftershocks. Their only viable option was to seek refuge in the garden, which provided ideal shelter against such threats. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now that the former residents had transformed into zombies, they posed a new challenge for Tristan and his companions to handle. "Sparrow, are you hearing me?" Vulture''s hoarse voice crackled through the communicator. "Yeah, I''ve got visual on your team too," Sparrow responded, spotting Tristan''s group as they approached the garden several floors below the condominium''s rooftop. "Do you think we can reach the other building from here?" Vulture asked, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The effort of climbing and defending was compounded by the fact that he was still recovering from broken ribs, making every action strenuous for him. Sparrow scanned the area once more. "I believe so,''" Sparrow affirmed. With confidence in his wind abilities, he descended from the opposite building, riding a whirlwind that carried him across the gap. To his comrades below, he appeared as a shadow descending from the dark night, a surreal sight amidst their ongoing battle with the approaching zombies. Amidst their battle with the relentless zombies, they couldn''t help but marvel at Sparrow''s awakened ability. However, they knew they couldn''t afford to pause and admire it, as their immediate priority was killing the oncoming horde of undead threats. So, they pressed on, focused on eliminating the zombies that continued to swarm towards them. Sparrow stepped up his support by distributing the assault rifles and AWMs he was carrying among his comrades, making it easier for them to deal with the zombies. Fortunately, each assault rifle was equipped with a silencer, ensuring they could use them without drawing more undead attention their way. After distributing the rifles, Sparrow ascended a tree in the garden to gain a better vantage point. From there, he could assess the number of zombies still advancing toward them and provide valuable guidance to his comrades, directing their focus where it was most needed. His scouting and communication proved invaluable, significantly easing the team''s burden. While the bees had been scouting earlier, using symbols to indicate safety or danger ahead, they found that human language was ultimately more effective. Therefore, Bell directed its bees to patrol within a 250-meter radius around them to ensure their safety. This allowed Sparrow to focus on providing closer support and scouting within the immediate vicinity. After dispatching all the zombies lurking around the garden, the group secured the door from the outside to prevent any undead from exiting the building and disturbing their rest. With the area deemed safe, they collapsed onto the ground, feeling utterly drained of both physical energy and mental fortitude. They felt as though they had been thrust into the midst of a war zone, overwhelmed by the stress and exhaustion. "You all look like you''ve been through hell," Sparrow quipped to Vulture, the remark audible to Tristan, who sat nearby. "Enlighten us. Tristan turned me into pulp," Vulture retorted, his breath labored as he gingerly supported his side, mindful of his broken rib. "Clearly, you need more training," Tristan fired back at Vulture, who was in no shape to offer a rebuttal, prompting even Sparrow to chuckle at his expense. It wasn''t until he''d settled down that Vulture noticed Sparrow''s arm, swathed in gauze with a hint of blood. Suddenly, he didn''t feel quite as pitiful anymore, realizing that they were both equally battered and bruised, covered in wounds from the ordeal. "Do you still have the vial of black liquid?" Sparrow asked Vulture after a moment''s pause. "I''m down to just two," Vulture sighed in response. "I''ve still got one," Sparrow revealed, displaying his remaining vial to Vulture. With only the two of them awakened in their group, they were the sole reliance for the team in times of greater crisis, particularly with Kisha currently unconscious. The mana potion would serve as their covert ace for the time being. After a brief respite, the trio embarked on another brainstorming session. Despite reaching the 10th floor, safety remained elusive, with hidden dangers lurking in every corner, their emergence unpredictable. The silver lining, however, was the increased yield of crystal cores obtained this time around, ensuring that each zombie killed contributed to their growing stockpile. This bounty of crystal cores would be valuable to share with Kisha and Duke once they awoke. During their brief respite, Mrs. Winters dedicated herself to tallying the crystal cores they had amassed. Even the Patriarch joined in, eager to contribute in any way he could, unwilling to burden anyone further. With no clean water readily available and energy levels at an all-time low, they resigned themselves to snacking on biscuits and dry rations, washing it down with what little water they had. Cooking seemed an insurmountable task in their current state; some could barely lift their arms, while others succumbed to sleep the moment they found a spot to rest. Their journey from the basement to the 10th floor felt like conquering thirty floors, weighed down by the struggles and stress of relentless zombie attacks. Right now it was almost as if they had momentarily forgotten the ongoing dangers that lurked outside, finding perhaps a semblance of reassurance in the presence of Bell, the formidable killing machine that stood like a guardian by their side. Mrs. Winters paused in her counting when she noticed a hairy, thick foreleg of an insect delicately touching one of the crystal cores on the ground. The insect, Bell, seemed to take a keen interest in the cores, its actions suggesting some form of communication. With a series of taps from its forelegs, Bell conveyed a message, its intentions shrouded in mystery yet intriguing to all who observed. Chapter 95 Do You Want it? Mrs. Winters watched in astonishment as Bell continuously tapped the crystal core with its foreleg, each tap growing more impatient. Sensing some meaning behind Bell''s actions, she ventured, "Do you want it?" She then heard Bell flap its wings enthusiastically with a ''buzz'' after hearing her question, then tap on the crystal core again. Mrs. Winters tilted her head to the side, trying to decipher what it wanted. "Perhaps it wants the core but wants you to clean it?" The Patriarch interjected, unsure, as he looked at the intimidating Bell. After his words left his mouth, they saw Bell flap its wings again, more excitedly this time, and even do a flip. After hearing what the Patriarch said and seeing Bell''s reaction, Mrs. Winters hurriedly wiped one crystal core clean and even used her own water to wash it before wiping it again and handing it to Bell with both hands. She felt happy that Bell was not trying to be as defensive to her as earlier when she was trying to get close to it. Bell took the crystal core from Mrs. Winters'' hands with its two front forelegs and stared at it for a while. So, the Patriarch and Mrs. Winters both watched it to see what it was trying to do with the crystal core. They both thought that Bell only found it interesting and wanted to play with it, like pet dogs and cats with toys. Not until Bell took a bite of the crystal core, as if it were a piece of candy. "Ah!" Mrs. Winters''s exclamation caught Tristan and the rest''s attention. They thought something happened to her, so they all rushed to her side, only to witness Bell eating the crystal core held in its forelegs. After devouring the core in two swift bites, Bell tapped its forelegs again, this time on a crystal core positioned closer. Sparrow and Vulture''s breath hitched as they watched with wide eyes. They worried about the consequences of Bell consuming the crystal core. Aware of Bell''s significance to Kisha, they feared her wrath if anything went wrong. The responsibility weighed heavily on them; they felt accountable for Bell''s well-being, entrusted to their care by Kisha. Mrs. Winters felt a chill run through her body, uncertain of what consequences might arise from Bell consuming the crystal core she had handed over. Minutes passed with no apparent ill effects on Bell, but its behavior grew increasingly impatient. Its wings buzzed incessantly, and it began flicking the crystal core toward Mrs. Winters with its forelegs, as if feeling neglected. "Do you think it still wants to eat more crystal cores?" The Patriarch asked, his curiosity overshadowing the growing worry in the others'' hearts. Bell''s wings buzzed excitedly once again in response to his words, confirming their suspicions. Mrs. Winters let out a sigh of relief upon seeing that the crystal core hadn''t harmed Bell. Seeing the creature still eager for another one, she wordlessly took a couple more crystal cores, cleaning them with water and wiping them down before placing them on a clean towel in front of Bell. Bell happily did another flip, seemingly expressing gratitude to Mrs. Winters before eagerly starting to eat. Everyone watched with bated breath as Bell indulged in the crystal cores, which were originally intended for when Kisha woke up. The group was filled with anxiety, uncertain of whether this would have any negative effects on Bell''s body but they couldn''t even intervene with what it likes to do, so they could only watch with pursed lips. After a few more tense minutes, Bell had consumed five additional crystal cores, bringing the total to six. Despite Bell''s desire for more, they hesitated to provide her with additional cores. They were unsure of the potential consequences and aftermath, fearing that it might cause Bell to transform into one of the zombies and pose a threat to them. Mrs. Winters acknowledged the problem and ceased counting the crystal cores, instead stowing them all inside the belt bag. She feigned ignorance of Bell''s continued attempts to gather more cores. The relentless buzzing became unbearable for everyone; it disrupted their ability to rest, making it impossible to ignore Bell''s persistent fussing. Observing the unfolding events, Vulture interjected, "Bell, let''s wait for Young Madama to wake up. What if she becomes upset upon discovering you''ve been consuming the cores?" His concern stemmed from a lack of understanding; while he recognized the potential benefits of consuming the cores, he remained uncertain about the specifics and the potential effects on Bell. With Bell having already ingested six cores, there was a growing worry that it might do more harm than good. Surprisingly, Vulture''s words had an immediate effect, causing Bell to settle down and cease pestering Mrs. Winters. Bell was also apprehensive about Kisha''s potential reaction upon discovering its consumption of the crystal cores. After Bell calmed down, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. There had been concerns that Bell might continue indefinitely, seemingly addicted to the crystal cores and prone to becoming agitated when denied. After everyone found a comfortable spot to rest, most of them took the opportunity to nap and recharge their energy. Others remained vigilant, keeping watch over the group. Sparrow, who had been traveling tirelessly throughout the day, was not only physically exhausted but also suffering from anemia due to significant blood loss while baiting the zombies earlier that morning. Despite his weariness, Sparrow fell into a deep sleep, reassured by the presence of companions who would watch over him while he rested. As if he had completely passed out from exhaustion. Tristan and Vulture empathized with Sparrow''s fatigue and decided to let him sleep undisturbed. They, too, recognized the importance of rest and took the opportunity to recuperate their weary bodies, replenishing as much energy as possible before continuing their journey. They didn''t intend to ascend further floors but instead opted to traverse the nearby building from the garden. Climbing higher floors posed too many uncertainties, despite having Bell to assist them. Fortunately, stumbling upon the garden was a stroke of luck. Its proximity to the adjacent building''s balcony made it a strategically better waypoint for their journey compared to the roof. In just one hour, a commotion erupted from the other side of the garden, jolting them all from their rest. The guards quickly stood up, alert and tense, trying to comprehend the source of the disturbance. One thing was certain: it wasn''t a good sign. Thud- Thud- Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thud- Following the commotion, a thunderous marching sound reverberated through the air, resembling an impending stampede. The noise grew louder, sending a chill down everyone''s spine. Tristan swiftly roused everyone from their slumber, including Sparrow. The bees surrounding them swiftly formed an exclamation point, indicating danger a little further from the corner that led to the other side of the garden, where the gym and other amenities were located. Without pausing to question or gather further information, they hastily collected their belongings and bolted away. Sparrow, still feeling lightheaded and groggy from being abruptly awakened, struggled to fully comprehend the situation. Nonetheless, he instinctively followed the others, trusting their lead. They soon reached the edge of the garden, adjacent to the building standing beside it. A distance of 8-10 meters lay before them, which they needed to cross to reach the balcony of the adjacent apartment building. Chapter 96 Crossing Over Without pausing to question or gather further information, they hastily collected their belongings and bolted away. Sparrow, still feeling lightheaded and groggy from being abruptly awakened, struggled to fully comprehend the situation. Nonetheless, he instinctively followed the others, trusting their lead. They soon reached the edge of the garden, adjacent to the building standing beside it. A distance of 8-10 meters lay before them, which they needed to cross to reach the balcony of the adjacent apartment building. Vulture wasted no time and conjured an earth bridge. However, being only a level zero, the bridge he summoned from that distance wasn''t as sturdy as he had hoped. It was already pushing its limits to support two people at once; any more than that would risk causing the bridge to crumble. Worse still, anyone crossing it might fall from the bridge, which was suspended 10 floors above the ground. Without a doubt, a fall from that height would be fatal. Even if the zombies below somehow cushioned the impact, the victim would likely be overwhelmed and bitten to death before they could comprehend what was happening. The apartment building adjacent to their condominium was also high-end, boasting large units and spacious balconies. However, being a residential building, they had to anticipate a substantial number of zombies residing there as well. Venturing to the 10th floor posed significant risks, given the uncertainties that would inevitably follow. Their deliberations were cut short as zombies emerged from the building, advancing directly toward them despite their efforts to remain stealthy. As if guided by an unseen force, the zombies advanced towards them. When this realization struck Tristan, he glanced back at the source of the marching sound. Urgently, he instructed his companions to begin crossing the bridge one by one. With Duke and Kisha unconscious, the first person to cross secured three thick ropes around their body, tethering them to the others who remained on the opposite side of the bridge. After crossing the bridge, he swiftly dealt with the two zombies on the balcony, ensuring the door leading to the apartment''s living room was securely closed to prevent any further zombie intrusion while the next person crossed over and he was doing the necessary preparation on his side. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Experienced in such situations, they wasted no time crossing the bridge. Swiftly and confidently, they ran across its surface, each member following in rapid succession. As soon as one reached the balcony, the next would promptly follow suit. The first person to cross had already secured the three ropes to the railing, creating a sturdy suspension rope that would act like a conveyor belt but would require a human force to push what was placed on top of the rope. This arrangement allowed them to place the stretcher on top, requiring only one person to push it along until they reached the end apartment''s balcony. Since the bridge couldn''t support the weight of more than one person, they had to devise a different method to transport Duke and Kisha to the other side. After preparations were completed, the two men assisted in placing the stretcher onto the suspended rope, ensuring that each side of the rope fit snugly around the metal poles of the stretcher. An additional middle rope provided support to maintain balance in the middle and both sides. As everyone watched the individual transporting Duke and Kisha over the rope, they held their breath. The tension was palpable; any misstep could result in the two on the stretcher tumbling and plummeting to the ground below. The worst-case scenario loomed in their minds: the stretcher overturning on the rope, sending Duke and Kisha hurtling directly into the swarm of zombies below from the 10th floor. None of them had the chance to watch intently, as the zombies from the building reached their location, surrounding them. Only five people had successfully crossed over the bridge, while Duke and Kisha, along with the person transporting them, were still in the midst of the bridge, not even close to the middle to be exact. The process was taking longer than expected, and time was running out as the undead closed in on them. With a wider area to protect, Vulture found himself unable to create any more earth walls. The remaining dozen or so people on their side took up defensive positions to shield the Patriarch, Mr. and Mrs. Winters, who had yet to cross the bridge. They were fortunate to have an assault rifle and a few extra bullets, which bolstered their defense somewhat. However, the relentless stream of zombies emerging from that particular side was cause for concern. It seemed as if the main door of the condominium leading to the emergency exit on the floor they were on had been forcibly opened, but they had no way to investigate as they were now in the midst of battle. Meanwhile, the individual transporting Duke and Kisha remained suspended in the middle of the bridge. Clang- Amidst the cacophony of roars and growls from the encroaching zombies, a jarring metallic clang reverberated through the air. Tristan and Vulture both turned simultaneously, only to witness Bell soaring overhead, circling around the stretcher. To their dismay, the individual tasked with transporting Duke and Kisha was nowhere to be found. Their hearts seemed to skip a beat, pounding against their ribcages with fear. With a sinking feeling in their stomachs, they couldn''t shake the conclusion forming in their minds. Yet, without witnessing the event themselves, uncertainty gnawed at them, leaving them unsure of what had transpired in that fleeting moment. Sparrow abandoned his post and hurried over to where Duke and Kisha lay, relieved to find them unscathed. However, his relief was short-lived as he scanned the area for the person responsible for transporting them, only to be met with the sight of a member of their group on the other side signaling to him in sign language. Sparrow''s heart sank as he learned that the individual had been shot in the head and fallen from the bridge. "There''s a sniper!" The urgency in Sparrow''s shout spurred another person to take over the transport task. Sparrow quickly assigned Bell to safeguard Kisha and Duke while he set off to locate the sniper. His suspicion was fueled by the loud metallic sound they had heard earlier, possibly Bell deflecting a bullet with its forelegs. Sparrow also observed a sizable cut on Bell''s front forelegs, oozing a translucent greenish substance that seemed to be its blood seeping from the wound. Upon learning about the sniper, tension rippled through the group, heightening their vigilance. However, they found themselves in a vulnerable position, akin to sitting ducks in the water. Tristan surmised that the sniper had likely orchestrated the sudden appearance of zombies in the garden, effectively trapping them in a perilous predicament. However, the presence of a sniper meant that anyone, including the Winters standing behind them, could be the next target. While they were fortunate that Bell had successfully shielded Duke and Kisha, the ongoing threat posed by the sniper put them all at risk. If the attacks persisted, their defenses would crumble in a matter of seconds. Sparrow swiftly sprang into action, utilizing his ''Hawk Eyesight'' gift to scour the surroundings. He focused on identifying vantage points with clear lines of sight to their location, ones that weren''t too distant. He reasoned that the sniper likely hadn''t strayed far, having recently orchestrated the path for the zombies. If the sniper aimed to target Duke and the Winters, they wouldn''t have had time to flee too far. Chapter 97 Find the Sniper Another concern weighed heavily on Sparrow and Tristan''s minds: the possibility that the enemies lurking in the shadows were a team of highly trained elites, including both snipers and close combatants, much like themselves. This uncertainty only compounded the array of challenges they currently face. Additionally, they were perplexed as to where these individuals had originated from, given that all passages appeared to be sealed shut or compromised. They had no time to dwell on the problem, their minds racing at a mile a minute while their bodies continued their relentless onslaught. The chaos and danger made it impossible for the Winters to collect the crystal cores. Mrs. Winters could only watch with a heavy heart as the zombies fell one by one to the ground, lamenting the loss of those precious crystal cores. She proved herself to be really the wife of a businessman, who doesn''t want to take a loss. The enemies seemed to be toying with them, halting their sniping as if they were aware that Sparrow had closed in on their location. It was unclear whether this was a tactical move to extend Sparrow and his team''s struggle in finding them, or if they had some other sinister intention. After a couple more minutes passed, there were no significant developments. The onslaught of zombies continued unabated from the same location, and their numbers showed no sign of dwindling. Meanwhile, their ammunition was being depleted rapidly, and the individual transporting Duke and Kisha was only three-quarters of the way across the bridge. Frustration and nervousness mounted among the group as time dragged on. Sparrow and Vulture refrained from recklessly employing their abilities at the moment, opting instead to engage the zombies in hand-to-hand combat. Unlike the others, they weren''t as fearful of being bitten, having already successfully awakened their abilities. This granted them a degree of immunity to the virus, enabling them to confront the zombies head-on with nothing but their cold weapons, even amidst the swarm. As soon as they heard the people on the other side shout, "Master and Young Madam have successfully crossed the bridge!" Tristan''s group felt a wave of relief wash over them. Encouraged by this news, they urged the Winters to cross the bridge as well. The Patriarch''s son and daughter-in-law insisted that he cross first, understanding Mrs. Winters'' fear of heights, the Patriarch went up the bridge to walk one step at a time while holding onto the rope that was still tied to the railings. Meanwhile, her husband continued to offer words of encouragement, coaxing her gently, "Honey, don''t be afraid. I''ll be right behind you every step of the way. Just keep your eyes on the other side, and before you know it, you''ll be there. Trust me, okay?" With tears welling in her eyes, she nodded at her husband, understanding that she had to muster the courage to cross on her own. It wasn''t feasible for her husband to walk closely beside her while holding her hand, so she resolved to take the step forward independently. Mr. Winters kept a watchful eye on his father as he crossed the bridge, holding his wife close in his embrace and offering words of comfort to ease her fear. Despite his efforts to reassure her, he couldn''t shake his own nerves, especially with the lurking threat of the sniper hiding in the shadows. Truthfully, he was more terrified of the sniper targeting his family than he was of the zombies currently surrounding them. The zombies, though numerous, were still manageable due to their sluggish movements. Their only advantage lay in their sheer numbers and lack of exhaustion. On the other hand, the snipers possessed the intellect to scheme and exploit loopholes around them, making it difficult to predict their next move. Unlike the zombies, driven solely by primal instincts to feed and kill, the snipers'' actions were unpredictable. Thankfully, the Patriarch crossed the bridge without incident, while Sparrow continued to scan the surroundings for clues to locate the sniper. Bell dispatched its army of bees across a 250-meter radius, covering the entire floor and the surroundings outside the building to aid Sparrow in locating their enemies. However, it appeared that their adversaries had either gone into hiding or had vacated their previous position, relocating elsewhere to evade detection. This was a typical tactic employed by snipers to elude their pursuers; they would shoot and relocate, making it challenging for their enemies to track them down until they completed their mission. Unless they were significantly distant from their enemies, it would be difficult to pinpoint their exact location. Sparrow refused to relent; he was resolute in his determination to pinpoint the enemy''s exact location. Every minuscule detail became crucial as he meticulously scoured the surroundings, searching for any clue that could unveil the enemies'' hiding place. As it became Mrs. Winters'' turn to cross the bridge, the relentless onslaught of zombies heightened the pressure on everyone. However, as she began her journey, she was met with a powerful gust of wind that buffeted her frail frame. The deafening roar of the wind drowned out all other sounds, disorienting her further. Struggling to maintain her balance, her body swayed with each forceful gust, her weakened form unable to withstand the powerful currents. While the bridge wasn''t excessively narrow, neither was it particularly wide. Thus, when the wind slammed against Mrs. Winters'' body, she swayed, inadvertently glancing downward in her attempt to regain her balance. Instantly, a wave of fear washed over her, causing her entire body to tremble, her limbs turning cold as she stood frozen in place. Observing her sudden stillness and the shift in her demeanor, Mr. Winters sensed that something was amiss. Despite his instinct to rush to her side, he hesitated, acutely aware of the bridge''s limitations and the potential danger posed by adding his weight to it. He feared that any sudden movement might compromise the bridge''s durability, endangering Mrs. Winters'' life further. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mr. Winters shouted, "Honey, breathe, and don''t look down!" He attempted to soothe her with his confident voice, hoping she would find comfort in his reassurance. However, unbeknownst to him, Mrs. Winters couldn''t hear him over the howling winds, his voice barely audible amidst the tumultuous gusts that slamming into her body. "Ah!" The entire place seemed to freeze in an instant as Mrs. Winters'' urgent shout pierced the air, only to gradually fade away from their ears. Even Mr. Winters, caught off guard, felt as though his feet were rooted to the floor. A chill ran down his spine as he watched helplessly, his blood running cold, as his wife fell from the bridge, the bridge cracking where Mrs. Winters once stood. "OLIVIA!!!!" Mr. Winters'' anguished cry echoed through the chaos as he attempted to climb the bridge, only to be restrained by Tristan. "I found the damn sniper!" Sparrow''s furious roar pierced the air, his sense of urgency propelling him skyward without hesitation. With a singular focus, he soared towards the direction from which the bullet had originated. "No, no, no!!!! OLIVIA!" Mr. Winters'' voice cracked, the desperation evident as he called out his wife''s name repeatedly, unwilling to accept the reality that she had fallen from the 10th floor of the bridge. Chapter 98 Mrs. Winters is Gone "No, no, no!!!! OLIVIA!" Mr. Winters'' voice cracked, the desperation evident as he called out his wife''s name repeatedly, unwilling to accept the reality that she had fallen from the 10th floor of the bridge. Mr. Winters struggled some more to get on top of the bridge even when he knew that he couldn''t do anything anymore but he was indignant to just accept that his wife was gone just like that. "OLIVIA!" He croaked, his voice so heart-wrenching that even Tristan felt like crying to see the spitting image of Duke, both have cold domineering exteriors was now crying his eyes out like a child as he kept on calling his wife''s name as he struggled, as if he wanted to follow her to her death. Although Tristan empathized deeply with Mr. Winters'' anguish over the loss of his wife, he couldn''t allow himself to lose Mr. Winters as well. The thought of explaining Mrs. Winters'' death to Duke, once he regained consciousness, was unbearable. With a heavy heart, Tristan closed his eyes in sorrow, grappling with the weight of the situation. They couldn''t ascertain the exact sequence of events, but judging by the circular cracks on the bridge and Sparrow''s earlier reaction, it seemed likely that another sniper attack had occurred, likely aimed at Mrs. Winters. If that were indeed the case, similar to the previous victim, she likely suffered a fatal headshot and fell from the bridge. None dared to muster the courage to glance downward at the bridge''s edge where Mrs. Winters had fallen. The dread of witnessing the horde of zombies below, tearing into her body like a rag doll, kept their gazes fixed ahead. The fact that the sniper hadn''t targeted the Patriarch earlier suggested they were likely on the move to a different location. Then, upon finding a suitable vantage point, they took another shot, unfortunately hitting Mrs. Winters as she crossed the bridge. With Sparrow hot on their heels, the sniper and their companion bolted upright and dashed away at full speed. Because they literally saw Sparrow gliding through the wind like some kind of immortal that they only saw on TV. They are still unaware of the awakened abilities and when Sparrow and Vulture used their abilities earlier, the sniper and their comrade had yet to arrive at the fifth floor after they led the horde of zombies from the ground floor to that garden. These people of the Coltons rush to the security room to open up the main door of the condominium and the gym door located on the other side of the emergency exit just so they could use the staircase Vulture and the other used, they also sent small heat detector drones around to specifically find the Winters, since zombies are basically dead bodies, it does not emit heat in their body, which made their task of locating the Winters easier since they did not see any other survivor in the vicinity. With an arsenal of equipment at their disposal, the sniper and his team propelled from building to building with remarkable agility, closing in on the specific condominium where the Winters sought refuge. Their advanced gear facilitated their movement, offering them a distinct advantage over the Winters, who lacked comparable resources and were therefore severely limited in their options. Once they had cleared the way for the zombies, their strategy was simple: disrupt the Winters'' defenses and wait for their fortifications to crumble under the relentless onslaught. With the Winters weakened, completing their mission would be a straightforward task. Afterward, they could swiftly retreat by propelling themselves to the safety of a nearby building, leaving chaos in their wake. Little did they anticipate Sparrow''s swift ascent to the seventh floor, resembling a flying sparrow in the night sky. His sudden appearance struck fear into their hearts; he seemed poised not just for combat, but to usher them into their darkest nightmares. "What, scared now?" Sparrow sneered, exuding a menacing aura akin to a grim reaper as he drew closer. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''If I don''t avenge Mrs. Winters, Master will undoubtedly storm the Coltons'' headquarters seeking blood.'' Sparrow could already envision Duke''s reaction upon learning the truth. He felt compelled to ease Duke''s sorrow by avenging his mother, fearing Duke might even blame himself for not being present when his family was in dire peril. Sparrow descended onto the balcony of the seventh floor of the condominium, where the sniper and his cronies were positioned. They scattered at the sight of Sparrow, perhaps underestimating his swiftness, assuming he would take his time catching each of them. Among them were four individuals: a sniper, a technician, and two close combat specialists. The two non-close combatants sprinted, realizing they couldn''t confront Sparrow head-on. They hoped he''d take his time capturing them to extract information. However, they underestimated Sparrow''s resolve; he was there solely for vengeance. He swiftly dispatched the two combat specialists, unleashing a focused wind blade aimed directly at their throats. The attack was so swift and precise that all they could perceive was their comrade''s head separating from their bodies in a blur of motion. Sparrow rarely employs this technique due to his limited control over his wind ability. The stability of his attacks varies, making it difficult for him to aim accurately at moving targets. Sometimes, his wind blade disperses before reaching its intended target. But now, he didn''t dwell on the complexities; his eyes burned red with determination. The concentrated wind blade, no wider than 5 to 7 inches and so thin it was imperceptible to the naked eye, honed in on its target, even eluding his ''Hawk Eyesight.'' Sparrow felt like he''d stumbled onto something remarkable. Perhaps his ability had sharpened through continual use, as he''d traversed rooftops all day. Now, instead of relying on logic, he trusted his instincts. He sought to recall the sensation he''d experienced when conjuring the wind blade, anchoring himself in that memory. As he familiarized himself with the sensation, Sparrow felt an electric current surge through his body, tingling as it reached the tips of his fingers. Meanwhile, the two remaining enemies stood frozen, stunned by the sudden and swift demise of their comrades. Sparrow descended calmly, and before they knew it their comrade''s heads rolled to the floor before their headless bodies followed with a resounding thud. The next thing they knew, the blood of their comrades sprayed across their bodies and faces, yet they remained oblivious to what had just occurred. Despite their lack of awareness, a chilling realization washed over them: they were all doomed. In mere seconds, Sparrow conjured another wind blade in his palm. Though invisible to the naked eye, he could sense the intense pressure it exerted against his skin. The air around him seemed to converge, forming a vortex of energy focused on his palm. This concentrated force condensed into a razor-sharp blade. With Sparrow''s staying still, the wind blade streaked toward the technician''s head. Swift and razor-sharp, it grazed the tip of his nose, leaving a fleeting sensation like a passing line. Before his mind could comprehend the touch, half of his head was already plummeting to the ground, a crimson trail marking its descent before darkness overtook his vision. The sniper''s gasp echoed loudly as he watched the technician''s head split in half, a gruesome spectacle that left him frozen in shock. Before he could process the horror before him, Sparrow lunged with lethal precision, his dagger plunging into the sniper''s skull before he could even react. Sparrow, now familiar with the sensation of conjuring the wind blade, exercised caution in its use. Aware that it required intense concentration, he refrained from continuous deployment. Each wind blade demanded a few precious seconds to materialize, during which Sparrow had to remain perfectly still, lest the wind disperse and render his efforts futile. Chapter 99 Rescue After eliminating the four individuals accountable for Mrs. Winters''s death, he finds that it fails to satisfy his thirst for vengeance. Perhaps only by extinguishing the entire Coltons will his rage finally dissipate, and only then might his heart find peace, assured that there will be no further threats looming over them. With a heavy heart, he gathered their belongings, meticulously checking for communicators and other useful equipment. Sure enough, they indeed possessed a communicator, albeit damaged. He couldn''t ascertain whether it was intentionally sabotaged or if the damage occurred prior to or during the altercation. Unfortunately, without a technician among them, resolving the mystery seemed an impossibility. After collecting the belongings of their enemies, Sparrow descended from the 7th floor to where his teams were still mourning the loss of Mrs. Winters. However, during his descent, he noticed something peculiar, compelling him to detour to the opposite side where Duke and the others were located. There, he left the loot before returning to the bridge to conduct further investigation. After Mrs. Winters''s tragic fall from the bridge, a profound stillness settled over the group. Gripped by grief, they remained rooted to their spot, focused on consoling the Patriarch and Mr. Winters. Meanwhile, the other guards, though tearful, maintained their posts, honoring Mrs. Winters''s memory with their steadfast defense. To them, she was more than just their master''s mother; she was the epitome of kindness, a maternal figure who provided not only shelter but also a sense of belonging and familial love they had never known. They hesitated to cross the bridge in the aftermath of Mrs. Winters''s fall, still grappling with the shock and grief of the event. Meanwhile, relentless zombie attacks persisted, compounding their unease. Some had already depleted their ammunition and spare rounds, leaving them with no choice but to rely solely on cold weapons for defense. Rather than retreating, they channeled their anger and grief into relentless attacks against the oncoming zombies. Each strike served as a release for their pent-up emotions, and it was evident to any observer that the zombies had become mere punching bags for their collective frustration. Sympathy seemed to be reserved not for the relentless attackers, but for the hapless zombies caught in their path. Observing the collective unrest among the group, Sparrow assumed the responsibility of investigating the incident. Sprinting to the middle of the bridge, he examined the crack closely. Though present, it appeared insufficient to cause the entire structure to collapse. Additionally, he noticed bloodstains on the bridge''s surface, likely remnants from either the fallen guard or Mrs. Winters, prompting further inquiry into the tragic events that had unfolded. However, the true cause of concern lay with the vines he spotted dangling from the bridge. Sparrow crouched down at the bridge''s edge, gripping the rope still tied to the railings for support as he leaned over to inspect further. "SHE''S ALIVE!!!" Sparrow''s shout pierced through everyone''s eardrums, causing them to momentarily jerk in surprise. In an instant, Mr. Winters and the Patriarch ceased their tears and rushed over to the edge of the railing, following Sparrow''s gaze. Without Sparrow''s ''Hawk Eyesight'' gift, he wouldn''t have discerned the subtle rise and fall of Mrs. Winters''s chest from their considerable distance. Suspended about 10 meters below, she was entwined in thick green vines, each as robust as an adult''s arm. Unconscious, blood trickled from a graze on her forehead, though from Sparrow''s vantage point, it appeared more severe due to the blood''s dramatic effect. She likely lost consciousness after the fall and was startled by the subsequent attack. However, what puzzled Sparrow was the origin of the vines and how they ended up entangling Mrs. Winters. With little time to dwell on this mystery, his attention snapped back to the immediate danger as he heard the telltale sound of the earth bridge crumbling under the weight of two adults in its center. After confirming Mrs. Winters''s condition below, Sparrow swiftly returned to the other side to procure a new set of thick rope. Instructing the others to prepare for the rescue, he ensured the rope was securely fastened to the railing. Rushing back to the middle of the bridge, he carefully descended the vines. Drawing close to Mrs. Winters, he adjusted his position, hanging upside down to facilitate tying the rope around her waist, as she was cradled among the vines. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To ensure her safety during the rescue, he looped the rope around her torso, distributing the pulling force evenly across her body. Additionally, he utilized some of the vines as a cushion around her, providing extra protection against potential fractures. After he was sure that everything was safe enough, he slowly cut off the vines that were holding her and before he cut the remaining vine, he also grabbed the rope above his head tied to Mrs.Winters''s body so that once the vines are out of the picture and they fall another 5 meters down towards the apartment building, he could assist Mrs. Winters not to crash to the wall if he were there with her and he could use his wind ability to cushion their impact while he also makes sure that no zombies on the balconies of the apartments below would get the chance to touch her. With a plan firmly set in his mind, Sparrow moved forward and severed the remaining vines. Sensing their descent, he seized the rope and braced himself, ready to conjure a whirlwind at a moment''s notice. As Sparrow and Mrs. Winters descended, anxiety gripped everyone on Duke''s side, while those on Tristan''s side held their breath, watching with bated anticipation as they neared to crash into the apartment wall. With one misstep, the impact could have resulted in severe injury or worse. However, as a skilled elite under Duke''s command, Sparrow''s comrades'' anxiety and worry proved unnecessary. Sparrow executed the maneuver flawlessly, cushioning their impact with a timely whirlwind, thwarting the danger just in time. The force even sent the zombies on the balcony flying, providing Sparrow with an opportunity to swiftly deal with the threat. After confirming Mrs. Winters''s safety dangling below, the guards on Duke''s side began to hoist the rope upward while Sparrow released his grip and leaped from balcony to balcony ahead. His mission: was to ensure no zombies would impede their progress as they pulled Mrs. Winters to safety. Upon witnessing his wife being pulled to safety, Mr. Winters dashed up the bridge, intent on reuniting with her. However, before he could ascend, Vulture, sensing his intentions, utilized his earth''s ability to reinforce the earth bridge, ensuring it posed no further danger to anyone. Only after ensuring the bridge was reinforced did Vulture exhale a sigh of relief. With the immediate danger averted, they resumed their defensive efforts with renewed vigor. As Mr. Winters safely crossed the bridge, the rest of their team followed suit, one after the other, marking a collective push towards safety. It took some time to safely pull Mrs. Winters up to their level, as the distance of 5 meters was considerable, and they had to proceed cautiously to prevent any mishaps. The slow, deliberate process was crucial to ensure she didn''t collide with the railing or put too much strain on the rope, which could risk breaking it. Mr. Winters remained vigilant, closely supervising the operation to ensure his wife''s safety and prevent any further harm. Chapter 100 Last Spurt After clearing the balconies ahead, Sparrow swiftly returned to assist Vulture in defending their position. With their numbers dwindling, the pressure on the remaining defenders intensified. Though snippers from the other side provided support, ensuring they weren''t overwhelmed, it remained challenging for the remaining fighters to hold their ground. Sparrow''s timely assistance was crucial in maintaining their position under such trying circumstances. As their defensive force dwindled to just seven individuals, Vulture took charge, conjuring successive earth walls to encase them. He also erected earth spikes in front of the walls to impede the zombies'' advance, providing the team with crucial moments of respite and an opportunity to regroup. Sparrow held back, observing the situation, and only sprang into action when Vulture and Tristan were the last defenders left on that side. To buy them precious time to escape, Sparrow conjured a whirlwind between the earth walls. He and Vulture had already consumed vials of black liquid, ensuring they could summon their abilities as needed. Once Tristan successfully crossed the bridge, Sparrow directed Vulture to take flight ahead for easier maneuverability. As Vulture made his way across, Sparrow unleashed wind blades that effortlessly sliced through a dozen zombies, showcasing the blades'' razor-sharp precision before they dissipated. Bell also lent her aid in fortifying the position alongside Sparrow. When Vulture safely crossed, Bell promptly informed Sparrow and urged him to follow suit. Sparrow wasted no time, taking two long leaps between riding his whirlwind to reach the other side. As the earth wall began to crumble, Vulture had already transformed the earth bridge into dirt, severing the connection between the two buildings. Relief washed over everyone as they watched the earth bridge disintegrate, finally releasing the tension that had gripped their hearts throughout the ordeal. Their fortunate outcome stemmed from the fact that their group comprised highly trained combat elites, enabling them to withstand the zombie siege. Had they been composed of civilians, they would have likely succumbed to the onslaught from the very onset of the attack. As the rush of adrenaline subsided, they collapsed to the floor, gasping for air, their bodies trembling as they struggled to regulate their breathing. The half-minute standoff had felt like an eternity, each passing second stretching out like hours in their minds. Amidst the chaos, one thought dominated their consciousness: they had to press on. For in this fight, they knew that if one of them faltered, it could spell the end for them all. Their resilience had finally borne fruit, and the overwhelming emotions they had bottled up came pouring out in tears of relief. Mr. Winters tenderly attended to his unconscious wife, diligently disinfecting the wound on her forehead. Concerned by her trembling and rising temperature, he administered another dose of fever medicine, recognizing the impact of the harrowing experience she had endured. Some of them seized the opportunity to enter the apartment, swiftly killing any zombies they found inside. Meanwhile, others focused on clearing and cleaning the rooms, preparing them for Duke and Kisha to rest on. One room was designated for Mrs. Winters, who remained unconscious and in need of care. Once they completed their tasks, Vulture, having rested briefly, joined Tristan in preparing a simple, hearty meal to replenish everyone''s energy. They cooked steaming rice accompanied by mushroom soup, along with canned tuna saut¨¦ed with shallots and pickles for added flavor¡ªthe best ingredients they had on hand. Not forgetting the instant noodles they found in the cabinets, they included them in the menu as well. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he observed the food being prepared in the kitchen, Sparrow couldn''t help but glance toward the door leading to where Duke and Kisha were resting. He found himself longing for Kisha''s cooking, reminiscing about the abundance of food and choices she used to offer. However, unlike Sparrow, the others found the meal abundantly satisfying and were already expressing gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy a hot meal. If only they could hear Sparrow''s thoughts, they might have been exasperated by his wistfulness and kick his ass right there and then. Despite Sparrow''s nostalgic thoughts, his fatigue and hunger were undeniable. He felt as though he could devour an entire cow, especially considering the physical and mental strain he and Vulture endured while continuously using their abilities during the siege. While Vulture and Tristan continued to prepare the meal, Sparrow settled into the living room, taking a moment to check through the loot they had acquired from their enemies. He meticulously inspected the broken communicator once more, hoping to salvage any useful information from it but unfortunately, he couldn''t find anything out of it. Moving on to the other equipment in their backpacks, he found long, thick ropes accompanied by grappling hooks. Additionally, there was a grapple gun¡ªa versatile tool that could assist them in various scenarios, enabling them to propel from one location to another quickly and efficiently. It occurred to him that this might have been the very item their adversaries used to ascend to the 7th floor with such speed and ease, a feat impossible to achieve by clearing one floor at a time in such a short span of minutes. Now equipped with four grapple guns and an additional four grappling hooks, they had ample tools at their disposal to navigate any situation. With an abundance of ropes available as well, their ability to traverse from building to building was significantly facilitated. Sparrow and Vulture could now move with greater ease, knowing they no longer had to exert themselves unnecessarily with these items in hand. After sorting through his loot, Sparrow divided the ammunition among the others, ensuring everyone had what they needed for the coming challenges. He then passed the food supplies to Vulture and Tristan, suggesting they incorporate them into the menu. Meanwhile, Sparrow took charge of the equipment, his mind already busy formulating plans for their next moves. Uncertain whether to press on or wait for Duke and Kisha to awaken, Sparrow grappled with the weight of the recent events. The prospect of navigating further challenges with two unconscious individuals added to his dilemma. Recognizing the gravity of the decision, he decided to set it aside temporarily, intending to revisit the matter later with input from the group. After contemplating his options, Sparrow allowed his weary body to rest while awaiting the meal. The events of the day had taken a toll on him, compounded by his ongoing battle with anemia and the re-opening of wounds on his arms. because of his fatigue, he drifted off to sleep, succumbing to the exhaustion of the day''s trials. Fortuitously, one of Sparrow''s comrades noticed blood seeping through the bandages on his arms and took it upon themselves to assist him. While Sparrow was sound asleep, they gently cleaned his wounds and carefully re-bandaged them. Sparrow''s exhaustion was so deep that he didn''t even register the sting of the medicine as it made contact with his wounds. __________ PS: I''m absolutely thrilled that we''ve reached the 100th chapter! First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support. I couldn''t have made it this far without your encouragement and companionship on this journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here with me every step of the way! Chapter 101 The Decision Following their satisfying dinner, Sparrow chose to voice about his concerns in front of the entire team, inviting everyone to contribute their opinions and concerns. This collective discussion was crucial, particularly in light of the uncertainty surrounding potential pursuit by their enemies, given the recent incident that had endangered Mrs. Winter''s life. Everyone listened attentively as Sparrow recounted the events on the 7th floor and voiced his concerns about their next steps. Nods of agreement rippled through the group as he emphasized the dangers of moving while both their master and Young Madam remained unconscious, highlighting the recent accident involving Mrs. Winters as a stark example. However, Sparrow also acknowledged the peril of remaining stationary, particularly with the enemy''s advanced technology potentially pinpointing their location. There was a shared understanding that if the enemies noticed their forces'' disappearance, they might infer the Winters had neutralized their threat, leading to the termination of communication from their end. The group faced a difficult decision: whether to forge ahead or remain where they were. Moving forward seemed daunting, as they lacked a clear destination. Returning to the shelter was equally unfeasible; it could now be filled with their enemies, and could potentially endanger innocent lives that manage to get to the shelter after experiencing the apocalypse. The risk of inadvertently leading danger to their sanctuary weighed heavily on their minds, complicating their choice. Returning to their base in their current state was out of the question, especially with their enemies in close pursuit. The journey back could expose them to ambushes, putting the individual they needed to safeguard at risk. Their defenses would inevitably be compromised, leaving them vulnerable to unforeseen threats. They couldn''t afford to solely depend on Vulture and Sparrow''s awakened abilities. Moreover, they remained uncertain about Mrs. Winters'' fate and the condition of their Master and Young Madam until the following morning. While Vulture and Sparrow had some insights into Mrs. Winters'' situation, they couldn''t be certain yet. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A heavy silence enveloped them as they pondered their options, each eager to reach a consensus. Yet, they faced the reality that it was the dead of night, and waiting for Kisha and Duke to awaken would consume at least another five hours. Within that span, numerous unforeseen events could unfold, posing risks to everyone under their protection, including the entire Winters household and Kisha in particular. They grappled with the realization that whatever decision they made would pose challenges. Breaking the silence, Tristan spoke up. "I suggest we hold our ground for the time being," he said, moving closer to the coffee table and crouching down to examine the heat detector drone. "We have acquired some of their equipment, so we might as well make use of it. We can navigate between buildings as we did before from here. I don''t believe we''ll lose any options before Master and Young Madam awaken." Unbeknownst to Tristan, he had also begun referring to Kisha as "Young Madam," mirroring Vulture and Sparrow''s lead. In doing so, he unwittingly acknowledged her imminent role within their group and the authority she would wield. Moreover, he couldn''t shake the feeling that circumstances would shift once she and their Master awakened. With this in mind, he and the others resolved to persevere until that moment arrived. Sharing Tristan''s sentiment, Vulture swiftly voiced his support for the suggestion. However, a pressing concern lingered: he and Sparrow now possessed only a solitary vial of the black liquid, which they must conserve for critical moments. Consequently, they realized the necessity of restraining their movements to preserve this invaluable resource. This vial now stood as their sole remaining lifeline as they maintained their vigilance. Following the Winters'' departure to rest, Tristan, Sparrow, and Vulture organized themselves into three separate groups, each taking turns to keep watch throughout the night. Their shared goal was to ensure nothing went amiss during the night, although they acknowledged the enormity of the task, they remained resolute in their determination to give their all to safeguard their charges. A member of their team, who possessed greater knowledge of technology than the three combined, meticulously inspected the equipment confiscated from their enemies. Their objective: was to ascertain whether any hidden locators were embedded within the items, potentially enabling their enemies to track their location once they realized their operatives had been neutralized. They deemed it wiser to err on the side of caution rather than risk being caught off guard by an ambush or sneak attack during the night, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. Fortunately, one member of the group foresaw this potential threat and discovered hidden locators within their communicators and heat detector drones, meticulously concealed by their enemies. It became clear how their enemies had effortlessly tracked them and discovered their relocation from the basement. It appeared that the communicators obtained by Tristan and Vulture from the assassin and the mole had been tampered with. Consequently, Sparrow decided to have the radio he acquired from the southeast region examined to determine if it had undergone similar manipulation. Luckily, the radio from the southeast region showed no signs of tampering. It seemed that the enemies had yet to realize the developments in that area, focusing instead on their current location. With the communicators from the assassin, mole, and others now rendered useless, the group strategically scattered them in various locations throughout the building. Meanwhile, they removed the locators from the heat detector drones to maintain the illusion that their pursuers were still hot on their trail even if they successfully relocated to another building, all while maintaining a safe distance. Removing the heat detector drone was only going to be thought of as noticed by the Winters''s men and was taken care of that''s why it was now lost. However, this move could only buy them a limited amount of time before their enemies noticed the discrepancy. Aware of this, Sparrow took precautions by dispersing the locator far and wide around the building. Additionally, they meticulously cleared the balcony of any remnants, including ropes and zombie corpses, that could arouse suspicion among their enemies. After completing their preparations, the trio and their companions allowed their exhausted bodies a brief respite, indulging in a power nap to replenish their energy reserves before resuming their vigilance. Throughout this brief rest period, they maintained a dark and quiet atmosphere within the apartment, mirroring the appearance of any other vacant unit. Despite resting, they remained vigilant, their senses keenly attuned to detect any signs of movement in their surroundings. Chapter 102 Cat and Mouse The night grew restless for Tristan, Sparrow, and Vulture, their senses hyper-alert to every sound and movement, leaving them mentally consumed and unable to find rest. Two and a half hours passed in this heightened state of vigilance, amplifying their sense of unease. They detected movements near the area where they had placed the communicator, and the heat detector registered human heat signatures in its vicinity. Slowly, they roused their resting comrades, including the Winters, ensuring everyone was prepared to act at a moment''s notice. Additionally, they carefully maneuvered Duke and Kisha onto the stretcher, ready to transport them quickly if the situation turned dire. Meanwhile, they positioned themselves in concealed spots and crevices, strategically utilizing blind spots within the room to remain hidden should anyone unexpectedly enter. And also to make sure that even when the enemy sent another heat detector drone, they could at least maneuver accordingly. After they saw how the heat detector worked, they and the one who had checked the devices earlier had already made some arrangements to at least disrupt the drone''s signal and functions as it entered a certain radius to specific places just so the enemies would not single out the apartment unit they are in. They had discerned that their enemies were relentless in their pursuit, unwilling to grant them respite or the opportunity to reorganize themselves. Thus far, they considered themselves fortunate that the enemy''s response had been limited to sending death warriors. If the adversaries opted to deploy their entire army to confront the Winters, the situation would become dire, with little chance for the Winters to mount any effective retaliation, let alone survive the relentless onslaught of both enemy forces and zombies. They were adept at spotting opportunities and exploiting loopholes to their advantage. However, they faced a significant challenge: their resources were scarce, and their designated technician''s expertise in this area was limited. While they had achieved some success, it was clear that their current efforts were insufficient to guarantee their safety in the long run. As each second ticked by, they gritted their teeth and remained vigilant. Sparrow toyed with the idea of hunting down and eliminating the enemies scurrying about, aiming to sow further chaos among their ranks. However, he hesitated, realizing that doing so would deplete his already dwindling spiritual energy reserves, which were already at half capacity. Furthermore, if any unforeseen circumstances arose with the main team while he was away, he would be unable to return and provide assistance, posing a significant risk for both sides. With determination, Sparrow opted to maintain his composure and stay with the team, a decision echoed by Vulture and Tristan. They remained level-headed, despite the tense situation. In reality, they had only relocated a few rooms away from their initial landing point, deliberately leaving false trails to divert attention towards a different path leading to a separate floor. This strategic move allowed them additional time to strategize and regroup while their enemies searched fruitlessly for them. However, they were all aware that it was only a matter of time before their enemies caught on to their tactics. It was inevitable that the enemies would analyze their movements, catch up to their thinking, and eventually locate them. They found themselves in a perilous game of cat and mouse, with danger lurking at every turn. Reluctantly, they assumed the role of the mouse being pursued by a meticulously prepared cat. However, amidst the chaos, they clung to a glimmer of hope: if they could endure for another two and a half hours, there was a chance that Duke and Kisha would awaken. At that point, they anticipated a reversal of fortunes, where they could shift the balance of power and begin to fight back, possibly following Duke''s penchant for a retaliatory approach. The tension in the room was palpable as everyone anxiously awaited the next move of their enemies. The room fell into an eerie silence, their controlled breathing barely audible amidst the cacophony of roars and growls emanating from the zombie-infested corridor outside. Deliberately, they refrained from eliminating all the zombies in that hallway, strategically leaving it untended to create the illusion of a hasty retreat. This calculated move aimed to deceive their enemies into believing that they wouldn''t probably try to stay on the same floor where zombies were running rampant in the hallway where their safety could be jeopardized any second. While it was uncertain whether their adversaries would interpret their actions as intended, they felt compelled to attempt it, hoping it would buy them some time. Fortunately, their ploy seemed to have succeeded as their enemies all converged on the locators'' positions, focusing their attention on the lower floors where potential exits were more accessible. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Another agonizing hour dragged on, each moment laden with tension and anxiety. Beads of sweat dotted everyone''s brow as their nerves gnawed at them, making each passing minute feel like an eternity. They anxiously awaited the pivotal moment when Duke and Kisha would awaken, their hopes pinned on their successful awakening. Meanwhile, Mrs. Winters had regained consciousness after her fall from the bridge, her husband having filled her in on the events that had transpired while she was unconscious. Despite her husband''s recounting of the events, Mrs. Winters struggled to fully comprehend the details. Her mind was consumed by a peculiar sensation coursing through her body, monopolizing her thoughts and preventing her from focusing. Try as she might, she couldn''t quite pinpoint the source of this feeling. Sensing its importance, she made a concerted effort to push it aside, fearing that she was overlooking a crucial piece of information necessary to decipher her own thoughts. She maintained discreet proximity to her husband and the Patriarch as they advanced towards Duke and Kisha''s location, facilitating the guards'' task of ensuring their safety. However, this strategy bore a significant risk¡ªif their adversaries were to discover them, the consequences would be dire for all involved. To mitigate this threat, Tristan, Vulture, and Sparrow assumed the role of their guards. Their unwavering confidence, combined with the presence of Bell in the room, bolstered their determination to protect their group at all costs. This tactical decision consolidated their firepower, ensuring they could provide comprehensive coverage for the gathered individuals. Vulture summoned an earth wall, while Sparrow conjured a whirlwind barrier, assuming a defensive posture. Meanwhile, Bell assumed the role of the group''s offensive force, ready to strike at any sign of threat. Chapter 103 The Face Off As another hour passed without incident, tension hung heavy in the air, constricting everyone''s throats. With each tick of the clock, the realization sunk deeper: their enemies were gradually unraveling their tactics. It was only a matter of time before the Winters'' sanctuary within the building would be discovered. In the cramped confines of the apartment, the prospect of combat seemed daunting. With their own people filling the space, any altercation could quickly turn chaotic, leaving them vulnerable to a swift attack. Their only solace lay in the hope that their adversaries wouldn''t resort to explosives or other destructive means to eliminate them. Vulture pondered why their adversaries hadn''t employed such a tactic yet. With the Coltons having already dispatched death warriors after them, it seemed logical that a single warrior armed with a detonator could swiftly eliminate them. Was their hesitation a deliberate strategy, designed to prolong the Winters'' struggle, akin to a cat playing with its prey before delivering the final blow? If the Coltons'' young master was indeed orchestrating this sinister game, it spoke volumes about the twisted nature of his mind and the extent of his power in this apocalyptic landscape. With chaos reigning supreme, he could wield authority unchecked, crafting his own reality where he dictated the rules unchallenged. In this lawless realm, power became the arbiter of morality, blurring the lines between right and wrong until they were indistinguishable. The very concept of ethics seemed to fade into obscurity amid the relentless pursuit of dominance. Vulture drew in a slow, deliberate breath, hoping to sharpen his senses and extend his perception beyond the confines of the apartment walls. With each inhale, he sought to tap into an ability akin to Kisha''s, whose heightened senses surpassed those of ordinary humans. Yet, despite his efforts, he found himself unable to replicate her extraordinary sensitivity. As the horizon began to brighten, casting a faint glow into the room, tension mounted among the group, who anxiously awaited the awakening of the couple. Mrs. Winters broke the silence with a whisper, her gaze fixed on the intertwined figures on the bed. "Do you truly believe my son will awaken in half an hour?" she questioned softly. Duke held Kisha in a tender embrace, her form nestled against his, seemingly undisturbed by the turmoil surrounding them. Meanwhile, the Duke himself slumbered with an air of tranquility, a serenity that had rarely graced his features before. Previously, Duke struggled with sleep, often working himself to exhaustion, managing only 4 to 6 hours of rest each night. However, on this occasion, both Duke and Kisha had slumbered for over 8 hours, their rest extending into the early daylight hours. Mrs. Winters couldn''t help but feel a growing concern for Duke; she knew the risks involved if the awakening process failed, potentially resulting in their transformation into zombies. Despite her worries, Vulture and Sparrow exuded confidence that the awakening would proceed smoothly for the pair. ''Even if Duke succeeded in awakening, what about the lady in his arms?'' Mrs. Winters thought. She knew that everyone''s pinning their hope on Duke awakening so that he could regain control of his people and he can direct them on what to do and how to tackle this issue and how they were going to retaliate against the Coltons. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The tranquility shattered as the sound of breaking glass echoed through the apartment, followed by a hail of bullets raining down from the balcony. It was clear: their enemies had located their hiding spots. Several assailants hung from the balcony, brandishing assault rifles, while continuously firing their guns to rain bullets on them. Mr. Winters swiftly pulled his wife to the floor, shielding her with his body, while Tristan did the same for the Patriarch. Agonizing groans reverberated from outside their room, likely signaling that their comrades had been caught in the gunfire. Despite their urge to check on them, they couldn''t risk leaving their current position while the assault persisted. Protecting the Winters remained their top priority. Fortunately, Vulture had conjured a thick, concentrated earth wall to shield Duke and Kisha, who lay on the bed. However, the shattered glass flying around managed to reach them, adorning their bodies like glistening crystals. Tristan and the others held their breath, fearing the glass might harm them. Yet, simultaneously, they couldn''t help but notice how the glass lent an oddly beautiful aesthetic to Duke and Kisha''s forms. Following the gunfire, the assailants from the balcony breached inside. Several of the Winters'' guards lay wounded on the floor, with gunshots in their shoulders, stomachs, and other areas. However, those who found good hiding spots escaped unscathed, utilizing crevices and blind spots for cover. The injured, though fortunate to be alive, owe their survival to these strategic hiding places. Without them, their fate would have been sealed in an instant. Caught off guard, they barely had a moment to recover before the attackers swarmed in not just from the balcony, but also from the front door. It was a relentless assault, a pincer attack that left them reeling, with enemies converging on them from multiple directions. The bees had been tirelessly patrolling throughout the night, leaving them exhausted and some even perishing from sheer fatigue. Witnessing their loyal sentinels succumb one by one, Tristan reluctantly ordered Bell to let the remaining bees rest, despite his inner conflict. He grappled with the decision, torn between prioritizing their protection and sparing the bees further strain. Sparrow intervened, cautioning against such a sacrifice, mindful of Kisha''s inevitable wrath upon awakening. With several dozen bees already lost to exhaustion, Tristan deemed it too heavy a toll to allow the remaining ones to meet the same fate. Recognizing the urgency of their situation with only half an hour left to wait, he reluctantly ordered the bees to stand down and rest. Meanwhile, their group remained on high alert, prepared for any imminent threats. As their enemies closed in from both directions, the Winters'' guards swiftly ushered the injured into the safety of the room, while the uninjured ones braced themselves and tried to return fire. The ensuing chaos attracted the attention of zombies from floors above and below, compounding their already dire situation. It seemed their enemies had no intention of leaving anyone alive, as they systematically closed off every possible exit. The assailants stormed into the apartment, unleashing a relentless barrage of gunfire that tore through the surroundings, leaving behind a landscape pocked with bullet holes. Their weapons roared without restraint, filling the space with deafening echoes that drowned out any hope of return fire from the Winters'' side. Forced to take cover, they could only bide their time, waiting for a fleeting opportunity to strike back. It was uncertain how long the onslaught lasted before their assailants ceased firing, perhaps depleting their ammunition or pausing to allow for a counterattack. The respite was short-lived, however, as the echoing roars of zombies outside signaled a grim continuation. While the invaders dealt with the undead threat, some of the Winters'' guards seized the opportunity to return fire, claiming the lives of two enemies near the balcony door. Yet, amidst the chaos, the adversaries remained vigilant, lying in wait for any sign of the Winters'' presence. Tragically, one of the Winters'' guards fell victim to their ambush and was struck down while seeking refuge near the living room. The confined space posed a significant challenge for the Winters'' men to mount a counteroffensive, restricting their movement and options for cover. Despite the odds, they remained resolute, returning fire with lethal precision. Their retaliatory strikes proved effective, claiming the lives of nearly half of their attackers. However, this resolve came at a cost, with casualties mounting among their own ranks as well. Amidst the chaotic exchange of bullets between the two parties, a palpable surge of electricity crackled through the air, almost seeming sentient as it sought out the assailants with deadly precision. Like a living serpent, it struck down the intruders one by one, causing them to collapse to the ground in a convulsing heap. Though immobilized by the electrifying shock, they remained alive, their bodies twitching uncontrollably from the force of the electrocution. But the Winters'' men wasted no time in seizing the advantage, disregarding the mysterious source of the electricity. They swiftly aimed their weapons at the fallen assailants, ensuring they remained incapacitated. "You''re making enough noise to wake Kisha," Duke''s raspy voice carried from the room where the Winters were huddled together. The door bore the scars of bullet holes, nearly torn off its hinges by the relentless onslaught. Beyond the door was the awake Duke who was now leaning on the headboard while patting Kisha''s head as if he was coaxing her back to sleep. His brows knitted into a frown, everyone on the room was beyond surprised when they saw Duke open his eyes and as if he was never asleep, instantly sat up, Vulture didn''t even have the chance to conjour another earth wall around Duke to protect him. Bullets tore through the perforated door, aimed directly at Duke''s face, but in a breathtaking moment, electricity crackled to life around him. The bullets hung suspended in mid-air, mere inches from Duke''s gaze, before anyone could register what was happening. Then, in a swift and startling turn of events, the same electric energy surged out of the room, accompanied by a sudden silence from outside. A collective thud reverberated through the apartment, the gunfire quelled. It was only then that Duke calmly uttered his words. Chapter 104 They are Awake The next sound Tristan heard from outside was the sporadic discharge of a few single gunshots. Then, their comrades'' voices pierced through the tension. "They''re all down. We''ll handle the zombies that breached through and secure the main door." The uninjured members swiftly took charge, killing the zombies that had infiltrated the apartment with cold precision, opting for silent weapons to prevent attracting more undead. Meanwhile, Bald Eagle led the rest in attending to the wounded, ensuring their comrades received the necessary care and attention. Regrettably, they suffered the loss of three more elite comrades, who valiantly sacrificed themselves to protect their brethren, ensuring that more of their comrades would survive at the cost of their own lives. Amidst the heartache, Bald Eagle and his companions, tending to the wounded, struggled to contain their sorrow, tears silently slipping down their cheeks. Meanwhile, others tenderly carried their fallen comrades to the living room, where they reverently lined them up, a somber tribute to their bravery and sacrifice. Even within the confines of the room, the weight of their grief hung heavy in the air, rendering everyone speechless as they honored the memory of their fallen comrades. Duke''s brow furrowed deeply, sensing the somber atmosphere that enveloped them. Though unaware of the events that unfolded while he was unconscious, he understood the gravity of the situation. Had he not awakened when he did, more lives would have been lost in the relentless onslaught. He clenched his jaw tightly, drawing in a sharp, deep breath to temper his anger, the desire to exact vengeance burning fiercely within him. Yet, as he glanced down at Kisha sleeping peacefully beside him, a measure of solace washed over his tumultuous emotions. Observing her serene countenance and steady breaths, he felt a sense of calm enveloping him. It was a rare respite, a moment of restorative rest that he attributed to Kisha''s presence, revitalizing his weary body and soothing his troubled mind. Unbeknownst to him, his gaze softened as he tenderly regarded Kisha, his mother observing him closely with a knowing expression. With a gentle nod, she redirected his attention back to the woman resting on the bed, her form a serene contrast to the surrounding chaos. She felt a growing anticipation about meeting Kisha, eager to discern whether Kisha would positively influence her son. Her curiosity extended to understanding more about her potential future daughter-in-law. While she had previously consented to the marriage alliance per her best friend''s suggestion, she wasn''t inclined to disregard her son''s desires, particularly if he had already developed feelings for someone else. She resolved to discuss it with her friend once they were face-to-face. In a world already fraught with chaos, adhering strictly to the confines of a prearranged marriage alliance is already of the past. She harbored a hope that her decision wouldn''t strain her friendship with her closest friend. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before immersing himself in the chaos that happened around him, Duke took a moment to allow the surge of power within him to settle. With closed eyes and controlled breaths, he sought to gain deeper insight into his awakened abilities. Embracing the power, he integrated it seamlessly into his body and mind, as though it had always been a fundamental part of his existence since birth. In a remarkably short span of time, Duke had assimilated with his newfound powers, a feat that had taken Sparrow and Vulture a week to achieve familiarity with. Having acquainted himself with his newfound abilities, Duke slowly opened his eyes, his focus intense yet outwardly serene. Only 20 minutes had elapsed since he began attuning himself to the power coursing through his body. "Can someone fill me in on what happened while I was unconscious?" Duke''s voice was calm, but beneath the surface, it carried a weight of anticipation, like the eerie calm preceding a storm. As the one who was privy to every detail since Duke''s collapse, Vulture emerged. "Master, following your and Young Madam''s loss of consciousness, we located Tristan who guided us to your parents. Regrettably, shortly thereafter, we discovered an infiltrator among us, covertly divulging your parents'' whereabouts to the Coltons." Vulture extracted the undamaged communicator from the southeast section. "The mole has been equipped with a locator, allowing the Coltons to track the Winters'' movements and hideouts. They believed they had complete control, and were merely toying with our people. Vulture steadied his ragged breath, fueled by anger. "Their strategy likely aimed to crush hope and morale, softening us up before a final blow. Alternatively, they may be biding their time, anticipating your search for your family, intending to strike at the entire Winters clan in one fell swoop." Despite Vulture''s revelations, Duke remained outwardly stoic. His calm demeanor, however, sent a chill through the room, a silent warning of the tempest within. His aura crackled with a palpable sense of menace and suppressed rage, filled with bloodlust but he remained expressionless. A sight that unnerved even those who knew him best. Vulture swallowed hard, the lump in his throat almost suffocating as he pressed on with his account. "Upon reuniting with the Winters, an assassin emerged from the sewers we''d traversed, sabotaging them in the process. Our access was compromised, rendering that route impassable. With the mole and the assassin neutralized, our next move was to navigate the building via the emergency exit to the 10th-floor garden to reach this current apartment. However, our adversaries anticipated our path and deployed a sniper, claiming the life of one of our own and nearly claiming Mrs. Winters'' life." After Duke absorbed the final revelation, his gaze snapped to his mother, her complexion drained, her figure appearing fragile, with a gauze adorning her forehead. Despite the seething anger brewing within him, he contained it, allowing Vulture to proceed. Sensing Duke''s turmoil, Vulture pressed on with his summarized report. "After crossing over, one of our men inspected the equipment seized from our enemies, revealing embedded locators. To buy us time, we dispersed them several floors below, creating a false trail. Additionally, our resourceful comrade created a makeshift jammer from salvaged communicator parts, albeit its potency is modest. This jammer successfully interfered with the heat detector drones and was strategically placed in multiple locations." As Vulture concluded, a note of pride crept into his voice, acknowledging his comrade''s ingenuity in crafting the jammer from dismantled materials. "Despite its limited effectiveness, the jammer still caused significant disruptions to their devices, buying us invaluable time. However, we didn''t rely solely on that. We held them at bay for over five hours until your awakening. As you can observe, the death warriors are now resorting to a cruel tactic¡ªplanning to torture us by executing our comrades and potentially your parents one by one. Instead of a swift assault using explosives upon discovering our location, they''ve opted for a pincer attack, likely aiming to cripple us emotionally and physically." "I simply cannot fathom the mindset of the Coltons'' young master. To put it bluntly, he''s utterly deranged," Vulture remarked, his voice thick with disdain. "Why complicate matters? The solution is simple: eliminate them all," A captivatingly hoarse voice interjected, abruptly diverting their attention to the figure reclined on the bed beside Duke. As Kisha''s eyes fluttered open and she attempted to rise, Duke gently restrained her, mindful of the glass shards littering their bed. Scooping her into his arms, he settled her onto his lap, ensuring her safety. Chapter 105 Status Window Kisha attempted to extricate herself from Duke''s lap, feeling a rush of embarrassment. With unfamiliar faces filling the room, she could only assume they were Duke''s family, intensifying her discomfort about sitting on his lap during such a momentous occasion. As Kisha stirred in his arms, Duke''s hold tightened, refusing to let her go. "Stay still, there are shards of glass on the bed. Just be good," Duke''s earlier aloof tone softened into tenderness, his words now gentle as if he was coaxing his beloved wife. The Patriarch, who had remained silent until now, was visibly startled by his grandson''s sudden shift in attitude towards Kisha. His eyes widened in surprise, mirroring the astonishment shared by Mr. and Mrs. Winters. They hadn''t anticipated such a profound change in their son, though Mrs. Winters quickly dismissed her surprise, recalling that the Winters men often displayed such protective behavior towards their partners¡ªa trait she herself had experienced. Mrs. Winters could only sneakily smile as she realized that her son was really serious about Kisha but she could feel that her son was still working on it because Kisha was still a ''little'' apprehensive with Duke''s touch. "What do you mean by that?" Duke was the first to voice the question regarding Kisha''s statement about "eliminating them all." However, Kisha remained silent, her gaze sweeping across each person in the room. A hush fell over the entire room as they awaited her response. Unbeknownst to them, Kisha was discreetly assessing the status window of each individual in the room. [Do you want to use ''Eye of Truth'' to check a status window?] [Yes] OR [No] The Eyes of Truth require manual activation by Kisha or assistance from 008, making it inconvenient for her to use this gift constantly. As a result, she only utilizes it when necessary or when reminded, finding the process somewhat cumbersome. "008, please assist me in checking everyone''s status window," Kisha mentally communicated with 008. "Of course, host!" 008 responded eagerly. It welcomed the additional task, having been primarily focused on monitoring the territory to prevent any troublemakers from causing mischief while Kisha and Duke were away made it feel so bored. Having been standing the closest to Duke and Kisha, Vulture was the first person Kisha looked at to check his status window. [Code name: Vulture] Level 0 Strength: 20 Stamina: 22 Defense: 28 Agility: 15 Mental Capacity: 18 Charm: 5 Leadership: 8 Title: None Skills: Earth Spike Level 0, Earth Manipulation Level 0 Talent: Strong Defence Gift: Affinity with Earth Ability: Earth Kisha immediately noticed the significant spike in Vulture''s stats, recalling that he previously had only a handful of attributes nearing the 20-point mark. Now, almost all of his stats had surpassed this threshold. It was evident that their relentless battles and the frequent use of their abilities had boosted their stats. Additionally, Vulture had acquired two new skills, likely a result of the continuous utilization of his awakened ability. The frequency and repetition of using one''s ability increase the likelihood of developing a specific skill. Once a skill is formed, executing it becomes more effortless for the user. They no longer need to concentrate on the intricate details, such as sensing the energy distribution throughout their body, or maintaining intense focus like Sparrow does when crafting his wind blade to prevent premature dispersion. Once a skill is successfully created, it alleviates the cumbersome task of manually manipulating and distributing energy, as well as managing the overall creation of specific attacks. This achievement signifies that the individual has internalized the skill, making it an inherent part of their body and mind. This phenomenon is akin to Sparrow effortlessly summoning a whirlwind to traverse from one rooftop to another, seamlessly integrating the skill into his actions and being able to conjure it anytime he needed it without any delays. She did not dwell on it any longer and proceeded on Sparrow. [Code name: Sparrow] Level 0 Strength: 18 Stamina: 25 Defense: 16 Agility: 29 Mental Capacity: 19 Charm: 7 Leadership: 7 Title: None Skills: Whirlwind Level 0, Windblade Level 0 Talent: Scouting Gift: Hawk eyesight Ability: Wind ..... [Tristan] Level 0 Strength: 20 Stamina: 27 Defense: 21 Agility: 35 Mental Capacity: 24 Charm: 9 Leadership: 9 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None Ability: None ..... [Darius Winters (Patriarch)] Level 0 Strength: 8 Stamina: 10 Defense: 6 Agility: 7 Mental Capacity: 15 Charm: 11 Leadership: 15 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None Ability: None ..... [Dante Winters] Level 0 Strength: 16 Stamina: 17 Defense: 20 Agility: 22 Mental Capacity: 20 Charm: 17 Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leadership: 18 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None Ability: None .... [Olivia Winters] Level 0 Strength: 5 Stamina: 8 Defense: 5 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 17 Charm: 15 Leadership: 9 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: Plant Affinity Ability: Wood, Earth Observing Mrs. Winters''s status window, Kisha''s eyebrows raised in surprise. "Ma''am, it seems you''ve awakened a dual elemental ability. Congratulations!" Her words hit everyone like a bolt of lightning, catching them off guard with the unexpected possibility. No one had considered such a scenario, and they were left wondering when Mrs. Winters had awakened. The revelation sparked deep contemplation in Mr. Winters, who began connecting the dots. "So, you''re suggesting that when my wife fell ill a few days ago, it wasn''t merely stress or fear causing her fever, but rather her awakening?" As his sharp mind pieced together the puzzle, he realized the significant likelihood that his wife had awakened long before, only discovering it when her life was threatened, prompting her instincts to kick in and activate her ability at a critical moment. "So, when Mrs. Winters fell from the 10th floor..." Before Vulture could finish his sentence, a palpable heaviness descended upon him, causing him to abruptly fall silent. He realized he had unintentionally revealed something significant. "What did you say happened to my mother?" Duke''s voice was low and ominous, sending shivers down Vulture''s spine. Previously, Duke had remained stoic when informed that his mother had narrowly escaped an attack by a sniper, thanks to his men''s intervention. However, it was only now, with Vulture''s accidental slip of the tongue, that the true gravity of what had occurred regarding his mother''s life-threatening situation became apparent. "Ma-master...." Vulture didn''t know what to say or how to say it, due to Duke''s aura he was stuttering because he could feel his whole body trembling. "Duke, it''s in the past now. In fact, I feel a sense of relief knowing I possess the same power as Sparrow and Vulture. It makes me feel less powerless," Mrs. Winters confessed, her gaze downcast, as if weighed down by the belief that she''s nothing but a burden for her husband and son to bear. Her recent illness while they were on the run only exacerbated this feeling, causing her to feel responsible for the loss of their men who sacrificed their lives to protect them, particularly herself. Understanding Mrs. Winters''s feelings, Kisha gently placed her hand on top of Duke''s, which was resting on her stomach as he supported her while she sat on his lap. "Consider it a blessing in disguise, and let''s not make it harder for him," Kisha suggested, her voice soft but firm. "This newfound ability will greatly enhance your mother''s chances of survival from now on." She believed that it was fortunate the sniper hadn''t targeted any other member of the Winters family, as the outcome could have been far worse, leaving Duke devastated. Kisha didn''t mean to sound callous; she simply believed they should view this as the best possible outcome given the circumstances. Yet, Kisha hesitated to express her true thoughts outright, fearing misunderstanding and causing Duke distress. Having endured the trials of the apocalypse for decades, she had witnessed countless deaths and experienced her own share of heartbreak. However, she couldn''t deny that despite the accident involving Mrs. Winters, the outcome had inadvertently become a blessing for the rest of the family, including herself. Chapter 106 A Level Up Kisha caught a glimpse of Bell out of the corner of her eye, standing quietly in the corner as if trying to avoid drawing attention. This behavior struck Kisha as odd because typically, Bell would be the first to greet her eagerly upon waking. Its current attempt to minimize its presence and blend into the background seemed out of character. Kisha sensed that something had transpired while she was unconscious, and Bell''s unusual behavior hinted at possible guilt. To unravel the mystery, she resolved to utilize her "Eye of Truth" gift to examine Bell''s status window before probing further into the matter. [Scarlet Queen Bee: Bell (Mythic Grade)] Level 0 (Exp: 60/100) Strength: 30 Stamina: 22 Defense: 16 Agility: 45 Mental Capacity: 29 Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Charm: 20 Leadership: 34 Skills: Stinger strike, Modify Kisha quickly discerned the issue upon inspecting Bell''s status window, where the (Exp: 60/100) conspicuously displayed next to Bell''s level, an addition that hadn''t been there prior to her unconsciousness. Her gaze sharpened as she confronted Bell. "Care to explain what you''ve consumed while I was unconscious?" All eyes turned to Kisha and then to the corner where Bell frozen in place, visibly startled by Kisha''s inquiry. Lost in her focus, Kisha hadn''t realized she''d spoken aloud instead of communicating with Bell in their mind link. Mrs. Winters''s body stiffened upon hearing Kisha''s question, her own guilt bubbling up as she recalled precisely what Bell had consumed while Duke and Kisha were unconscious. It was she who had provided it to Bell, and now, her nerves tingled with apprehension as she reflected on that incident. Vulture, having already taken a hit earlier, braced himself and stepped in again to shield Mrs. Winters from the line of fire. "Young Madam, is there an issue with Bell?" His voice was tense, his lips pressed tightly together as he awaited Kisha''s response. "Nothing''s wrong. I believe she''s on the brink of leveling up," Kisha clarified. It was only then that Bell stirred, its wings fluttering as it floated toward Kisha. "Master, are you upset with Bell?" Bell''s voice sounded timid through the mind link as it hovered in front of Kisha, its demeanor nervous. Kisha shook her head lightly, her expression softening. "It''s actually a good sign. It means something from my world could aid in your evolution and leveling up." Upon hearing Kisha''s words, Bell performed an excited somersault through the air, buzzing its wings in exhilaration. However, Kisha noticed the wound on Bell''s front forelegs. Though the bleeding had stopped, the injury remained prominent. Furrowing her brow, Kisha realized the extent of Bell''s efforts in ensuring Duke''s people remained safe, preventing a potential massacre by their enemies. Kisha didn''t waste a moment, quickly exchanging some points for a vial of blue liquid, a healing potion. "Bell, come here," she called gently. The others watched curiously, aware of Bell''s visible wound and grateful for its invaluable assistance during their hardest fights for their lives. Kisha uncapped the vial, a very familiar vial to Duke, who watched in silence. Bell approached cautiously, perching on Kisha''s leg. "Bell, drink some of this healing potion," she communicated through their mind link. Bell didn''t hesitate, moving closer to the vial''s opening. From its mouth, a straw-like appendage extended, called a Bobascis, with the end, called Glosa, it is what bees used to collect nectar or consume. As Bell sipped the healing potion until the vial was empty, its wound miraculously healed, leaving no trace of a scar. The sudden recovery surprised everyone except Duke, Vulture, and Sparrow, who had witnessed a similar phenomenon with the captain they had saved previously. Overnight, the captain who was on the brink of death had miraculously recovered, leading them to conclude that the vial must possess magical properties akin to the black liquid they had been consuming to fully regain their stamina and spiritual energy. Observing Tristan''s hesitation as he opened and closed his mouth, Kisha swiftly exchanged ten more vials of healing potion using her mall points. She then handed them to Vulture, who stood nearby. "Give these to the injured," she instructed, her tone sounded callous but her actions spoke volumes about her concern. Vulture nodded in appreciation before swiftly accepting the healing potions and darting outside. With his departure, a heavy silence descended upon the room once more, each person lost in their own contemplations. As the heavy silence lingered, Mrs. Winters finally broke it with a question that had been weighing on her mind. "What do you mean Bell is about to level up?" She had been anxious ever since Bell consumed the six crystal cores, dreading the moment Kisha would wake up and discover what had happened. Now, hearing Kisha mention Bell leveling up, she felt a slight easing of the tension in her muscles. Despite her lack of expertise in many matters, she at least understood the significance of a level-up. Kisha shifted her gaze from Bell to Mrs. Winters, a hint of gentleness softening her otherwise expressionless face. Though her demeanor remained composed, a nervous flutter danced in her nerves as she addressed Duke''s mother. "As I mentioned, Bell consumed something that has accelerated her progress, bringing her closer to a level up. This advancement will make her stronger." After hearing what Kisha said, Mrs. Winters and even Tristan simultaneously let out an audible sigh so Kisha could tell that something was up. So she continued. "Do you know what Bell ingested this time I was unconscious?" Mrs. Winters didn''t hesitate to share the truth. "I actually gave Bell the crystal cores from the zombies, six of them," she admitted. Kisha absorbed this revelation, recalling the details she gleaned when inspecting the crystal core using the ''Eye of Truth''. Retrieving another crystal core from her inventory, she examined it once more. [Zombie Core] Level: 0 Attribute: None Spirit: 10 Description: A transparent zombie core that has recently formed, containing only a small amount of energy. Everything clicked into place. Bell had ingested six crystal cores, each providing 10 spirit points. These points transformed into experience, much like when an awakened person''s experience increased upon ingesting a crystal core. It dawned on Kisha that Bell''s source of power was akin to that of an awakened person. The very issue she had been fretting over was coincidentally resolved while she was unconscious, leaving her feeling relieved beyond measure. "Then, I must thank you. Thanks to it, Bell will take a few steps closer to her first level up, which means she''ll be stronger than before." Kisha emphasized Bell''s impending level up, not just to relieve Duke''s mother, but to convey her gratitude for helping Bell and herself overcome this almost becomes their stumbling block if she does not find out. Mrs. Winters also radiated happiness and contentment, no longer feeling like a burden to the group but rather a helpful contributor. When everyone heard Kisha mention that Bell would become even stronger, it was as if a machine gun was being upgraded into a tank. They were filled with a mix of excitement and frustration. On one hand, they anticipated the added layer of protection Bell would provide. On the other hand, they grappled with feelings of uselessness, realizing that without Bell, their chances of surviving the ordeal would have been slim. Duke was also silently assessing everything around him but one thing was for sure, he gained a deeper understanding of Kisha''s abilities, he now understood that she has a way of seeing into people''s power level, awakened abilities, or something along the lines. This revelation held promising implications for the safety and advantage of his group. However, Duke also recognized the potential threat it posed to their enemies, heightening the stakes in their ongoing conflicts. After Seeing almost everyone''s status window, Kisha also decided to check her own because she doesn''t do it so often, only from time to time especially when she clearly knew that she did not do anything significant that may affect her current stats. [Do you like to check your status window?] [YES] OR [NO] [YES] [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 25 (+ 10) Stamina: 26 (+ 10) Defense: 22 (+ 10) Agility: 25 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10) Charm: 30 (+ 10) Leadership: 31 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: None Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Chapter 107 Bells Level Up Her awakened ability remained unchanged from her previous lives, yet her current stats showed remarkable improvement. Before the apocalypse, she was merely an office worker, incapable of single-handedly killing a zombie in her early encounters with the undead. Now, despite her body''s protests and the agony of newly strained muscles, she managed to execute strenuous attacks with surprising efficiency. While her reflexes weren''t as sharp as they once were, her reliance on past experiences compensated for this drawback. Though not quite like a muscle memory, it was still almost the same but the only downside was that her reaction time wasn''t as quick as in her prime. But that was understandable, she already felt that she was making progress here. "What''s on your mind?" Duke''s voice reverberated in her right ear, it was warm and alluring that Kisha felt her back tremble a little and since her back was resting on Duke''s chest, he also felt that little reaction from her which elicited a soft chuckle from him. He wanted to tease her even more. As Kisha slowly turned her head, she realized there was one person in the room she hadn''t checked yet. Meeting Duke''s mischievous gaze, she found herself locked in a silent exchange. Duke, undeterred, maintained his steady gaze, mirroring her own. "Host, are you absolutely certain about this?" 008''s sarcastic tone resonated in Kisha''s mind. "I believe it might be wise to spare yourself some heartache." 008 didn''t miss the opportunity to remind Kisha of the last time they checked Duke''s status window, a memory that still rankled deep within her. Duke appeared to be adored by the world and he was just like a killing machine of his own. Kisha ground her teeth in frustration as she recalled the infuriating moment in Duke''s office when she had checked his status window. Despite the irritation, she forced herself to calm down. Uncovering Duke''s abilities was crucial; in her previous life, he had displayed numerous abilities, many of which remained obscured from her knowledge. [Do you like to check Duke Winter''s status window?] [YES] OR [NO] [YES] [Duke Winters] Level 0 S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Strength: 30 Stamina: 30 Defense: 30 Agility: 25 Mental Capacity: 35 Charm: 40 Leadership: 45 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Multi-faceted Gift: Tyrant Ability: Elemental (Lightning, Fire, Ice) Kisha''s lips tightened in frustration, and 008''s amusement only aggravated her further. She could practically hear its mocking thoughts: Host, you''ve gained those extra 10 points, but he still outmatches you. "Host, don''t slander me. That''s not what I''m thinking though!" 008 protested defensively, as if stung by Kisha''s assumption. "At least try to mask your laughter if you want to be believable." Kisha''s brows knitted because she really felt that it was unfair that this guy was so strong even before he awakened and when he did, he still had all the high-class attack-type abilities which were widely coveted and revered types of abilities. She sighed inwardly, wishing for just a fraction of his innate strength. While her ability doesn''t even look or sound that flashy, so everyone always assumes that she''s just a sidekick with a weak ability because everyone''s been hearing about telekinesis and such even before the world turned out like this, so they are already somehow immune to what her ability could do and they already formed a misconception about it without actually knowing the full extent of what she actually could do. Duke watches Kisha as her expression turns every second, her brow''s every crease to how her lips purse in frustration, and how her eyes reflect envy as she stares at him. He was amused, to say the least, it''s as if she was looking at something about him that was making her so jealous but she couldn''t do anything about it and could only try to pacify her own self. "Is there something on your mind?" Duke''s raised eyebrow conveyed a sense of curiosity and empathy as he continued to regard her. Kisha met his gaze for a moment before shifting her attention to the others in the room, silently contemplating her response. "As I mentioned before, crystal cores aid in the advancement, or leveling up, of superhumans who have awakened their abilities, as well as mutated animals and other entities affected by the virus." Kisha produced several crystal cores from her inventory. "I assume you all collected some crystal cores during your escape?" Sparrow returned from distributing the healing potions outside and handed one to Vulture, who was still nursing his broken ribs. However, Vulture was taken aback, as they had planned to surprise Kisha with the crystal cores they had collected. He had forgotten that Kisha could sense the spiritual fluctuations within the crystal cores, and she felt them emanating from the belt bag held by Mrs. Winters. Recalling that she had the crystal cores, Mrs. Winters removed the belt bag from her waist and placed it on the bed in front of Kisha, as if presenting a treasure. Unintentionally, Kisha found herself smiling at Mrs. Winters, her eyes tracking her every movement. "Are we going to eat it now?" Duke asked, his expression contorting with uncertainty and disgust as he imagined the prospect. The others, hearing the information for the first time, were shocked. Even Mrs. Winters couldn''t fathom the idea of consuming something dug out from the decaying bodies of zombies. "We''re going to eat this?" she choked up, the words thick with disbelief. "Not us, but Vulture and Sparrow," Kisha corrected, then continued, "We have just awakened our abilities, so we need to consolidate our foundation before advancing to the next level. Rushing the process could weaken our foundation, leaving us like paper tigers¡ªimposing in appearance but lacking in firepower." After her explanation, everyone, including Duke, let out a sigh of relief, relieved that they wouldn''t have to eat the crystal core then and there. Meanwhile, Sparrow and Vulture, who had dreaded this day, suddenly regretted gathering the crystal cores, as they hadn''t anticipated being the first to consume them. Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle at their expressions of repulsion. Taking four of the six crystal cores she had taken out from her inventory, she handed them to Bell, who accepted them eagerly. The creature silently perched on Kisha''s lap, happily munching away on the cores. As Bell finished consuming the final crystal core, its entire body began to glow with a radiant rainbow light for five seconds before it dissipated. After the intense brightness subsided, they observed Bell happily fluttering its wings, emitting an excited buzzing sound. Although they couldn''t discern the exact nature of the change in Bell, they could sense a palpable difference in its aura. Only Kisha, utilizing her ''Eye of Truth'' gift, could perceive the precise alterations taking place within Bell and the increase of its strength. [Scarlet Queen Bee: Bell (Mythic Grade)] Level 1 (EXP. 0/300) Strength: 35 (+5) Stamina: 27 (+5) Defense: 21 (+5) Agility: 50 (+5) Mental Capacity: 34 (+5) Charm: 25 (+5) Leadership: 39 (+5) Skills: Stinger strike, Modify Kisha was taken aback by the significant boost Bell received from its level-up, resulting in a substantial increase of five points. "A whopping five points!" This leap was nothing short of remarkable, akin to the gains one might achieve through weeks of intense training to enhance overall strength and speed. With each level-up, not only does it raise the ceiling of an individual''s potential strength, but it also grants free level-up points. To encourage and uplift Vulture and Sparrow, Kisha suggested, "Bell, why don''t you demonstrate your newfound strength to Vulture and Sparrow? Let them witness firsthand the wonders of leveling up." Her tone carried a hint of playful teasing, which Duke noticed with raised eyebrows, amused by her good mood. Upon hearing Kisha''s command, Bell immediately darted around the room at lightning speed, its form blurring to the naked eye. All that remained audible was a rapid "buzz" as it zipped past them, leaving observers amazed at its newfound agility. Sparrow and Vulture''s eyes widened in astonishment as they observed the difference in Bell''s speed. Previously, even at its fastest, they could still see its afterimage. Now, however, there was no trace left behind¡ªonly the faint buzzing of its wings, indicating its movement. Vulture didn''t hesitate and asked, "How many should I eat?" Sparrow''s head whipped around, astonished at Vulture''s sudden change of heart upon witnessing Bell''s remarkable improvement post-level up. He couldn''t blame Vulture; even he felt tempted. Sparrow turned to Kisha, wordlessly awaiting her response. "Only 10 each," Kisha replied with a deadpan expression, though inwardly she was stifling laughter. Chapter 108 Vulture and Sparrows Level Up Upon learning the quantity they needed to consume, Sparrow and Vulture swiftly darted towards the belt bag, each determined to retrieve ten crystal cores. Once they secured the precise count, they hurried outside to cleanse them thoroughly. The last thing they desired was to endure the nauseating stench of decay when ingesting them. After ensuring that the crystal core had been thoroughly washed with soap several times, Sparrow and Vulture finally summoned the courage to place it in their mouths. To their surprise, they were greeted with a sweet, candy-like taste. Instantly, they glanced at each other, their expressions mirroring incredulity as if they couldn''t believe the crystal would taste like candy. As the crystal melted on their tongues, they found themselves able to swallow it whole. As the crystal core reached their stomachs, they experienced a gentle warmth spreading from their stomachs to every fiber of their bodies, feeling it reach every part until the sensation gradually faded away. After trying the first crystal core, their hesitation diminished, and they found themselves less reluctant to consume the second, then the third, until they were devouring the crystal cores like peanuts. They even considered putting everything in their mouth, until they heard Kisha''s voice echoing from inside the room, cautioning, "Don''t attempt to consume everything at once, or you might risk exploding from the sudden surge of energy." It was then that they exercised restraint, opting to consume one crystal at a time, waiting until the warm current subsided before indulging further. As they consumed the crystal cores, their previously injured comrade stood nearby, their expression twisted in disbelief as they observed Vulture and Sparrow devouring the crystal cores extracted from the zombies'' skulls. Despite feeling repulsed by the notion, they couldn''t help but be intrigued by the two''s apparent enjoyment. Driven by curiosity, they decided to witness firsthand the outcome of consuming everything they held in their hands. They also vaguely heard what Kisha had said inside the room while everyone was busy tending to the injured who suddenly became better after drinking the vial of blue liquid. When they heard from Sparrow that it was from Kisha, they somehow felt like Kisha was some kind of a mad scientist who developed an elixir that gave a miraculous effect because they literally saw their open wounds closing but of course, they happened to have extracted the bullet first before they consumed the vial of blue liquid and seeing their wounds closing just like that made them thinking if the bullet would be stuck inside their wounds if they drank it right away. As they consumed the final crystal cores, Sparrow and Vulture experienced an extraordinary sensation. Their bodies seemed to shed weight, and a profound sense of rejuvenation washed over them. They sensed an inexplicable transformation, a newfound strength and agility that defied verbal description. Their entire beings seemed to radiate with energy that glowed brightly, albeit in distinct hues ¡ª Sparrow''s aura emanated a vibrant yellow, while Vulture''s took on a deep, earthy brown hue, a marked different from Bell''s earlier glow. At that moment, Kisha and Duke emerged. Duke''s arm was wrapped around Kisha''s waist, and despite her attempts to free herself, he held on steadfastly. Resigned to his embrace, Kisha allowed him to maintain his grip, while Duke beamed with self-satisfaction, his eyes forming crescents as they walked out of the room together. The Winters didn''t find it particularly surprising after witnessing it once or twice, as such behavior was commonplace among Winters'' men. They simply shrugged it off. However, they struggled to adapt to Duke''s current appearance with the disguise still covering his face, finding it unfamiliar and somewhat disconcerting. Consequently, they avoided direct gazes, unable to fully reconcile with his pirate-like guise. As the Winters and Tristan witnessed Vulture and Sparrow''s level up, their bodies aglow with hues distinct from Bell''s earlier radiance, a question arose. The brilliant light persisted for a mere five seconds before fading away. "Why do they emit different colors when they level up?" Mrs. Winters couldn''t help but voice her curiosity about the disparity. "The glow of light emanating from their bodies is simply the release of energy following their level up," Kisha elucidated. "It occurs when their energy core expands, allowing trapped energy to burst, making room for a more potent energy flow. However, this released energy is subsequently drawn back in, essential for consolidating their energy core and fortifying their foundation." "Whoa! I feel lighter and stronger than ever," Vulture remarked, marveling at his hands. [Do you like to check Vulture''s status window?] [YES] OR [NO] [YES] [Code name: Vulture] Level 1 (EXP. 0/300) Strength: 25 (+5) Stamina: 27 (+5) Defense: 33 (+5) Agility: 20 (+5) Mental Capacity: 23 (+5) Charm: 10 (+5) Leadership: 13 (+5) Title: None Skills: Earth Spike, Earth Manipulation Talent: Strong Defence Gift: Affinity with Earth Ability: Earth [Do you like to check Sparrow''s status window?] [YES] OR [NO] [YES] [Code name: Sparrow] Level 1 (EXP. 0/300) Strength: 23 (+5) Stamina: 30 (+5) Defense: 21 (+5) Agility: 34 (+5) Mental Capacity: 24 (+5) Charm: 12 (+5) Leadership: 12 (+5) Title: None Skills: Whirlwind Level 0, Windblade Level 0 Talent: Scouting Gift: Hawk eyesight Ability: Wind "After reaching Level 1, you should notice enhancements across various aspects of your physical performance like stamina, strength, agility and etc. However, it''s crucial to continue consolidating your energies as before to strengthen your foundation before progressing to Level 2. Only with a solid foundation can you fully utilize your awakened abilities. Avoid rushing the leveling process; as you advance, it becomes increasingly challenging to consolidate your energy cores and overcome the bottlenecks on your path to the next level." Kisha''s advice after she explained what she knew about leveling up. Her gift ''Eye of Truth'' only made it easier for her to know when a person is about to level up and if they are making progress as they consumed the crystal cores. As one''s level increases, the demand for higher-level crystal cores also rises. Lower-level crystal cores become less effective as individuals progress. Therefore, to experience significant improvements, one must consume crystals that match or exceed their current level. She also recognized the need to develop her newly awakened ability, which had surfaced only today. However, given her exceptional mental capacity, she anticipated mastering her ability with greater ease. Glancing discreetly at Duke, she couldn''t help but speculate, ''Likewise for this big guy, he''ll likely breeze through it without breaking a sweat.'' For some inexplicable reason, Kisha felt a twinge of irritation upon realizing Duke''s remarkable constitution, almost as if he were born a battle god. "Why are you feeling jealous of him, host? Remember, you have me, and he doesn''t have a system," 008 offered, attempting to comfort Kisha. "Yeah, right! My system, which has caused my death multiple times. I''ve perished more from the missions you''ve assigned me than from encounters with zombies or betrayals, you know," Kisha retorted with annoyance directed at 008. For her, it felt deeply unfair. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While others might perceive her system as omnipotent, she saw it as a double-edged sword, one that seemed intent on thwarting her success and even endangering her life. Upon hearing Kisha''s sentiments, 008 choked up, feeling on the verge of tears. It had already clarified to Kisha that it wasn''t responsible for assigning missions; rather, it was the constellation above it. Despite its efforts, Kisha seemed to have formed her own negative perception, leading her to resent the system. "Right, speaking of missions. Don''t I have a current S-Class mission ongoing?" Kisha''s heart skipped a beat as she recalled the task. S-Class missions and above were laden with death flags and required meticulous attention. She had almost forgotten about it. "Host, would you like to check on your mission board?" 008''s voice resonated in her mind, tinged with concern. "Yes," Kisha responded tersely. [S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days" (Current Days Spent: 4 Days)] [Mission Description: Spend 30 days in City B''s base, immersing yourself in the community of survivors, understanding their way of life, and forging connections. Failure to complete the mission will result in immediate death.] "Wait, why does it show 4 days when we''re currently outside?" Kisha questioned aloud. As she pondered, her mind began counting the days since their arrival at the shelter, including the time spent searching for Duke''s family outside. Suddenly, it clicked ¡ª today marked the fourth day since their arrival, precisely as displayed on the board. ''Does that mean we''ve already met one of the requirements to continue the mission even while we''re outside the shelter?'' Kisha pondered. Suddenly, a realization struck her. ''Right! The reconnaissance mission!'' It dawned on her that this endeavor fell in line with how the community operated ¡ª completing missions to earn rewards. If that were the case, Kisha and the others could venture outside the shelter under the guise of fulfilling the shelter''s missions. Perhaps they only needed to adhere to the time limits stipulated by the shelter''s missions. Chapter 109 Teaming Up? Kisha felt a sense of relief wash over her as if a stubborn fishbone had finally dislodged from her throat upon realizing that she had successfully secured the S-class mission this time. "Also, Host," 008 interjected, as if recalling something important. "I managed to procure the system add-on you requested from a highly advanced civilization in the mid-realm. It didn''t cost much, as it was merely a widget that enhanced my system with futuristic features. Would you like me to proceed with the system update and integrate it?" 008''s excitement was palpable, akin to purchasing cool outfits for a character in games. That''s how 008 felt at the moment. "How long would the update take?" Kisha asked. "Just 5 minutes, host." "Okay, go on." Without hesitation, 008 swiftly initiated the update as soon as Kisha gave the green light. Meanwhile, Kisha retrieved another set of fresh meat, vegetables, and other ingredients from her inventory, preparing to cook and depart from their current location before the next wave of death warriors descended upon them. As Vulture and Tristan took charge of cooking, Kisha made her way to the balcony where Duke''s fallen comrades lay. Positioned atop the bedsheets and shrouded in blood, their serene expressions gave them the appearance of peacefully slumbering. It was evident they had willingly sacrificed their lives to ensure the survival of their comrades and master. Duke stood beside Kisha, his throat tight as he swallowed hard. His jaw clenched, and veins pulsed on his forehead, betraying the depth of his anguish over the loss of his subordinates. His fist clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white as he grappled with the ''what if'' scenarios¡ªwhat if he had awakened his abilities earlier, or prepared more thoroughly for the unthinkable? He was abruptly snapped out of his thoughts when Kisha tugged at his collar. "Duke, you''re losing focus. This isn''t like you," she admonished gently. Kisha understood that Duke regarded his subordinates as family, and their deaths weighed heavily on him. However, his current demeanor, while understandable, was uncharacteristic. The immense stress he had endured from the outset until now had taken its toll. It was only natural for him to struggle to maintain his composure amidst the chaos and loss. And that''s perfectly normal; it''s what makes them human. However, they must gather themselves together at this moment because many people are relying on them. Duke pursed his lips and took a moment to compose himself, feeling momentarily vulnerable in Kisha''s presence. He found solace in the fact that he could reveal his vulnerability to her, something he rarely allowed himself to do. It made him feel more human, unlike his usual self, where he would always restrain his emotions with rationality. This tendency often led outsiders to perceive him as cold and unfeeling, casting doubt on his humanity. The more time Duke spent with Kisha, the more he felt himself aligning with what he perceived as normal human emotions and reactions. It was as if, in her presence, he was rediscovering parts of himself long forgotten. As he observed Kisha solemnly praying with her eyes closed for his fallen subordinate, he felt a tremor in his heart. At that moment, he understood the significance of Kisha''s presence in his life. With this realization, a weight lifted from his heart, and he found himself involuntarily smiling. After offering prayers for their souls, Kisha gently waved her hands, invoking her power to store their bodies in her inventory. This way, they could be laid to rest in their own territory, offering solace to their living comrades and providing a place for them to visit and pay respects whenever they wanted. In the post-apocalyptic era, a grave is a luxury. The harsh reality is that bodies are often consumed by zombies or risk becoming undead themselves, making retrieval nearly impossible. Moreover, those fighting for survival rarely have the luxury of pausing to mourn or transport their loved ones'' remains as they flee for their lives. Everyone present understood the gravity of the situation. Kisha''s actions did not go unnoticed; those witnessing her efforts could only struggle to hold back tears of appreciation and gratitude. Each of them longed to bring their fallen comrades along but recognized the impracticality and danger involved. Kisha''s swift resolution of the matter left them deeply moved and grateful. This newfound insight into Kisha''s character prompted a gradual opening up toward her, particularly from the Winters. Their perception of Kisha had been shaped solely through hearsay, leaving them with some reservations. However, witnessing her actions firsthand dispelled any lingering doubts. They now felt more comfortable allowing their sole heir to remain in her company. "Host, the update is complete," 008''s voice echoed in Kisha''s mind, drawing her attention back to the present. Curious to see the changes, she decided to check her status window. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 25 (+ 10) Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Stamina: 26 (+ 10) Defense: 22 (+ 10) Agility: 25 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10) Charm: 30 (+ 10) Leadership: 31 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: None Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Without any prompt, Kisha''s status window appeared before her, sporting a sleeker and more futuristic design interface. Previously reminiscent of a 1990s gaming interface, it now boasted a sophisticated more akin to that of a futuristic 3000s. The difference was striking. Moreover, where once manual confirmation was required to access an individual''s status window through her ''Eye of Truth,'' now a mere thought sufficed, causing the target''s status window to instantly materialize before her. It was not only limited to that, even Kisha''s system''s inventory had undergone a significant upgrade. Now, it was meticulously organized, with items categorized by type¡ªcooking materials, clothes, medicine, and more. Any items that defied classification found a home in the ''Others'' category. Moreover, her inventory now possessed the remarkable ability to autonomously sort items as soon as Kisha placed them inside. This proved immensely helpful, given that she couldn''t possibly remember every item she stored within her inventory. Beneath her status window lay icons representing her inventory, point shop, and even a pet section where Bell''s information was neatly stored. This meant Kisha no longer needed to constantly check on Bell to assess its status. The entire system interface had become exceptionally user-friendly. Now, as the moment of truth arrived, Kisha eagerly prepared to explore the reason behind her acquisition of this add-on. Kisha turned to Duke with a playful glint in her eyes, as if she had stumbled upon a new toy to explore. "Duke, would you like to join my team?" she asked with a grin. Duke raised his eyebrows in mild surprise, but after a moment''s consideration, he nodded. "Yes, I do." As Kisha''s status window remained open before her, she awaited any sign of activity. Suddenly, another icon materialized below, depicting the figures of three people. Intrigued, she tapped on it, revealing Duke''s name under the ''Team'' section. Beneath his name, she noticed two vital indicators: HP, represented by a red gauge denoting his life force, and SP, symbolized by a dark blue gauge representing his spiritual energy. In addition, Duke''s picture appeared in a circular frame, adding a personalized touch. What''s more, she realized she could access Duke''s status window from this interface, allowing her to keep tabs on him even when they were apart. She then positioned herself in the living room where everyone could easily hear her. "Alright, everyone. Since we''ll be departing shortly after our meal, I want to know if you''re all willing to join and follow my team?" She patiently awaited their responses. The first to speak up was Vulture. "Yes, young madam," he replied promptly. "I am willing, Young Madam," Sparrow replied promptly. Immediately following his response, their names appeared under Duke''s in quick succession. However, there were still a few who remained silent. Despite this, their pictures were displayed in the ''team'' section, albeit below those who had verbally agreed. This suggested that verbal or heartfelt agreement, whether spoken or unspoken, was sufficient to be considered a form of agreement. She scanned the list to ensure no one was overlooked. Surprisingly, all 17 individuals were already listed, leaving no one behind. However, upon closing the status window, she realized she wouldn''t be able to access the team''s status anymore, leaving her feeling perplexed. "008, how much did this system add-on cost?" she inquired. Knowing that Kisha felt a little dissatisfied 008 was a little hesitant to answer. "2-20000 host." "Say what?!" Kisha exclaimed, feeling as if her heart were bleeding. "20,000 points, host," 008 confirmed. Kisha closed her eyes in frustration, taking a deep breath in and out. Outside observers could only see her deadpan expression, unaware of the turmoil within her mind. Chapter 110 The Meal Before the Face Off Kisha shut down her status window with a silent sigh, adopting the mantra "out of sight, out of mind." Taking her seat at the dining table, she left everyone to ponder her earlier question about joining her team. ''Weren''t they already part of the team from the beginning?'' Confusion hung in the air, but amidst the uncertainty, they collectively brushed off the momentary puzzlement, eagerly anticipating the meal simmering in the kitchen. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The tantalizing aroma of meat filled the air, a stark contrast to the week they spent subsisting on tough bread and canned goods scavenged from outside. Their mouths watered uncontrollably at the heavenly scent, so much so that one of them couldn''t suppress the loud rumble of his stomach, louder than that of a zombie''s growl. Laughter filled the room as they shared a moment of amusement at the sound of the growling stomach. While they awaited the main course, Kisha waved her hand, conjuring an array of appetizers and fruits from her inventory. These were provisions she had stocked up on the day before the apocalypse struck, now providing a welcome addition to their meal. Now that everyone had a better understanding of Kisha''s ability to store and take out items from her inventory, their eyes crinkled in happiness because they knew that they would never be hungry anymore but at the same time, they felt reverence towards Kisha like a Goddess who descended from heaven and provided them provisions amidst the drought. They felt immense gratitude that their leader had found such a resilient woman to stand by his side. In the midst of chaos and death, they saw the apocalypse as a blessing in disguise, bringing their master the companion he had long sought. But even though they are all happy to see all the food on the table, no one has yet made a move because they don''t want to look disrespectful in front of their future young madam. ''And just like that, they already accepted Kisha as their young madam. All it took was delicious food.'' If Kisha were to hear this, she would be cackling like a madman due to amusement. Observing the hesitant silence despite the tempting spread, Kisha interpreted their reluctance as a sign of respect, a collective effort to avoid appearing impolite or gluttonous in her presence. With a warm smile, she encouraged them to indulge, recognizing the need for sustenance to face the challenges ahead. "Please, help yourselves," she urged, her tone welcoming. "We have plenty, and today promises to be demanding. You''ll need all the energy you can muster to confront our aggressors." As Kisha''s words settled in, their eyes widened as they processed her implications. Before anyone could articulate their thoughts, Duke seized the moment. "Seems like we''re perfectly in tune," he remarked with a playful smirk, idly running his fingers through Kisha''s hair. Seated beside her, he basked in the comfortable atmosphere they shared. Hearing Kisha vocalize what had been on his mind brought a happy smile to Duke''s face. In that moment, he felt a profound connection with her, realizing that nobody understood him quite like she did, and no one seemed to sync with him as effortlessly as she did, in every aspect of their relationship. His eyes sparkled with emotion as he gazed at Kisha, his fingers still gently toying with her hair. "You all better eat," Duke echoed Kisha''s words. Upon hearing Kisha and Duke, everyone abandoned their remaining manners and dove into the appetizers on the table while waiting for Vulture and Tristan to finish preparing the meal. Duke picked up a fruit knife and began peeling some pears, handing them to Kisha. His father raised an eyebrow and remarked, "You brat, once you''ve got a wife, you forget about your mother?" Kisha choked on the pears she had just put in her mouth upon hearing Duke''s father''s words. Duke responded playfully to his father, "Why should I worry about my mother when you''re already there?" He didn''t even deny Kisha being his wife anymore, not referring to her as a business partner either, but openly acknowledging that Kisha was to be his wife. Kisha felt her whole face warming up from hearing Duke and his father''s banter as if she wasn''t even there. Under the table, she felt a tap on her lap, and when she looked up, she saw Mrs. Winters looking at her affectionately while mouthing, "Let the fools fool around." After deciphering Mrs. Winters''s message, Kisha nearly choked on her laughter. She hadn''t anticipated such candidness from the elegant woman before her, especially when it came to her husband and son sitting just beside them. Amidst the playful banter between Duke, his father, and even the Patriarch, Kisha marveled at Duke''s ease and comfort around his family. Though their expressions remained stoic, their playful exchanges revealed the depth of their closeness. The Winters men''s poker-faced demeanor added an extra layer of amusement to their banter, leaving everyone guessing whether they were teasing each other or discussing the weather. Now, Kisha understood why Duke was so devastated before, he became even more ruthless and unfeeling after what she perceived as the death of his family. And all the clues she has gathered throughout their journey to City B only point to one conclusion. ''What happened now to the Winters including Tristan and his men, also happened in her previous lives but the only difference was, Duke has never made it and failed to save his family for some reason.'' She pondered over the fate of Sparrow and the others, wondering if they had originally been part of Tristan''s party and perished there, or if they had all been present from the outset, including Duke. In either scenario, Duke stood out as the sole survivor of the Coltons'' assault. Reflecting on the past, Kisha''s emotions simmered, recalling Duke''s avoidance of discussing his family in her previous life. She witnessed his longing to reunite with them, tempered by a palpable sense of grief and self-blame. Remembering the Duke of old brought a pang to her heart, contrasting sharply with the livelier and more open demeanor of the Duke before her now. Kisha''s gaze lingered on Duke and his family, sensing a warmth akin to what she shared with her own adoptive family. It was a love that transcended words, expressed through genuine gestures and shared moments. Though unspoken, its presence was palpable, radiating throughout the room and enveloping everyone in its embrace. Kisha''s heart swelled with happiness for Duke and his family. It ignited a deep-seated desire within her to protect them as if they were her own, to ensure that Duke never withdrew into the shadows of his past self. She couldn''t bear to dwell on the melancholy Duke of her previous life, yet she couldn''t deny his profound impact on her present. As Vulture and Tristan placed the steaming dishes on the table, the others had already polished off the appetizers. Yet, in a display of appreciation, they made sure to offer Vulture and Tristan bites of food as they worked, a small gesture of gratitude for their efforts in preparing the meal. Everyone enjoyed a hearty breakfast, and they even packed lunchboxes filled with onigiri and sandwiches for their outdoor excursion. In the past, they wouldn''t have dared to do so, fearing the food might not survive the journey intact. But now, with Kisha''s ability to safely store items away, they felt confident in making extra provisions. Chapter 111 Their Awakened Ability After ensuring everyone was adequately equipped and rested, Kisha and her team pressed on with their journey. While she and the others fought their way to a more secure location, they dispatched Sparrow on another mission. Their goal was to navigate through another building, seeking a safer path forward. She equipped each and every one of them with better equipment she gathered from the farm she ransacked to the ground. She did not think that she''d be needing those items as soon as she woke up from her awakening but she was somehow excited to get back at the people who targeted her and her people. Absolutely, Duke''s people were her people, and any threat to them was a threat to her. Their plan now was to ensure the safety of the Winters by relocating them to a secure location with additional bodyguards for protection. Meanwhile, the primary party, including Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, Vulture, Tristan, and other supporting members, would launch raids on all known Coltons locations. With Kisha once again at the helm and the bees resuming their rotation, reminiscent of their initial foray into the western district, the entire group now grasped the ease with which others had traversed the zombie-infested streets, while they are maintaining the appearance of cleanliness and composure throughout their journey. It felt almost like night and day as they progressed, with the zombies encountered along the way proving manageable and not overly abundant. They could even afford brief intervals of rest amidst the ongoing skirmishes, finding the battles surprisingly easy to handle. Additionally, Kisha made a discovery: when her team or any member entered battle mode, a list of their names appeared on her left side, akin to a gaming panel, displaying their respective (HP) and (SP). This feature allowed her to provide support to those in need during combat. Not only did this feature make it easier for Kisha to identify which members of her team needed support, but it also allowed her to monitor Sparrow, who was on a separate mission. This meant that even when her team was far from her, she could still ensure to monitor their HP which would give them an idea if that person was safe or under attack. Moreover, in the heat of battle when she couldn''t spare a moment to check the team panel, 008 could step in to remind Kisha to stay updated on their status. While on the move, Kisha and Duke took advantage of the opportunity to consolidate their energy within their energy cores. Duke had become adept at wielding his ability, seamlessly integrating it into his combat style as though it were innate. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even at level zero, he demonstrated the potency of his high-class awakened ability, unleashing devastating attacks capable of killing multiple zombies with a single strike. Now Kisha understood why Duke struggled to articulate his initial experience with his ability. There was simply nothing to explain; from the moment he awakened, his ability seamlessly integrated into his being, becoming as natural to him as breathing. Kisha couldn''t suppress a pout, silently wishing her talent matched Duke''s prowess. However, she halted her thoughts, knowing 008 would grow resentful. Redirecting her focus, she concentrated on her fingertips, attempting to manipulate the smallest knife she possessed. While her mind kept pace, her body''s energy integration still faced some delays. Undeterred, Kisha persisted, seizing every opportunity to refine her energy manipulation. Initially, everyone marveled at Duke''s flashy and lethal attacks, displaying enthusiasm akin to fanatics. Meanwhile, Kisha focused on guiding Mrs. Winters to harness her own ability, ensuring she became comfortable with it before proceeding with her own training. Although this process took some time, Kisha soon mastered control over a dagger, sending it flying through the air to kill zombies with remarkable precision and speed. As she continued unabated, her companions found themselves with little to do but collect the crystal cores left behind. The vanguard now operated as two separate groups: one led by Kisha and the other by Duke. Whenever one of them grew fatigued or depleted at least half of their SP bar while utilizing their abilities, the second group seamlessly stepped in to take over. This strategy ensured they could maintain a relentless onslaught, with one group leading while the other rested, allowing for continuous utilization of their awakened abilities without constraints. Mrs. Winters remained in the midst of the action, offering support as necessary. However, due to her unfamiliarity with her ability, she required time to conjure even a single vine. Given her limited experience, she could only summon a small vine to ensnare a zombie''s feet, allowing her companions to handle the threat while she continued to hone her skills. In truth, Mrs. Winters didn''t necessarily need to engage in combat, given the time it took for her to conjure her vines. However, both Kisha and Duke ensured that at least one zombie remained for her to practice on. They understood that facing a moving target would accelerate her adapting to her ability. The heightened sense of danger and instinctual response to threats would compel her to rely on her instincts and body rather than overthinking. Mrs. Winters seemed to thrive in situations of danger, where her intuition and reflexes took precedence over analytical thought, allowing her to better acquaint herself with her ability. Kisha and Duke intentionally tapped into Mrs. Winters'' instinctive survival nature to help her grasp the feeling of using her ability. Meanwhile, for the rest of the group, witnessing Kisha''s ability instilled a sense of fear due to its sheer lethality. Unlike Duke''s flashy lightning bolts, fireballs, and ice blades, Kisha''s attacks were more streamlined and efficient. This efficiency, coupled with the perception that her ability would be ideal for a sneak attack, intensified their apprehension. Unbeknownst to them, what they witnessed of Kisha''s ability was merely the tip of the iceberg. Her potential was far greater, but thus far, she had only scratched the surface, wielding just a single blade. When she first realized that her awakened ability was Telekinesis, she also thought that it was lame and not as lethal as Duke''s ability, it was not as intimidating or as flashy as Duke''s, it does not even emit light when she call forth her ability. As Kisha grew more accustomed to her ability and began thinking outside the box, she realized its limitless potential, particularly given its classification as a Mental ability. Her naturally high mental acuity only augmented the desirability and effectiveness of her power. This was precisely why Duke recognized her as a formidable talent in their past life. Now, she was back, fighting with Duke back to back again and they were still in sync as they were in the past life. Without exchanging words, they intuitively sensed each other''s fatigue and need for a break. Kisha didn''t even need to track Duke''s HP and SP levels to anticipate when he was nearing the halfway point of his SP bar, smoothly taking over before he reached his limit. As they reached the connecting point between the apartment building and the next structure, Vulture assumed control, constructing another earth bridge while Kisha and Duke took a moment to rest. Meanwhile, the others undertook the task of clearing the balcony of the adjacent building. However, their respite was brief, for they remained uncertain of when the next wave of death warriors would appear, or how long they would be under surveillance. They pondered the methods by which the Coltons tracked their movements¡ªwhether through the presence of zombie corpses, a locator, or satellite monitoring. The latter seemed impossible, as securing a satellite bunker in that location would be a formidable task, even for the well-prepared Coltons. The rest of the group made the decision to power down all their communicators to prevent any potential tracking via those devices. Despite their reluctance to entertain the notion, Kisha and Duke couldn''t shake the suspicion that there might still be a mole within their ranks if the next wave of death warriors managed to locate them effortlessly once more. They could only hope that their concerns were unfounded and that it was all merely a string of coincidences. However, Kisha, drawing from past experience, knew all too well that coincidences were a rarity in their world. Kisha and Duke remained vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings, their comrades, and everything in between. Meanwhile, a significant milestone was reached as Bell successfully called out her first batch of Scarlet Bees, expanding Kisha''s radar to a radius of 500 meters. This heightened awareness allowed any suspicious activity to quickly register on Kisha''s radar. What''s more, the Scarlet Bees demonstrated greater intelligence than their regular counterparts, easily discerning between living humans and zombies upon sighting them. This newfound ability also facilitated smoother communication between Bell and its Scarlet Bees. This development provided Kisha and Duke with a slight boost in confidence. However, they chose not to disclose this information to anyone else, wary of the possibility that a mole still lurked among them. Chapter 112 Removing the Disguise "After clearing out the last zombie on this floor, let''s take a break and grab some food!" Kisha called out, her voice echoing through the exhausted group. She herself was panting from exertion, realizing that pushing forward in their current state would only lead to disaster. The prospect of encountering a horde while everyone was fatigued was a daunting one, underscoring the importance of resting and replenishing their energy. Mrs. Winters found herself barely able to move a muscle after continuously running and manipulating her ability. Without her husband''s support, she might have collapsed, potentially leading to a significant accident for the group. Kisha and the group stumbled upon a larger room capable of accommodating all 17 of them, providing a chance to wash their hands and faces before eating. Kisha observed that her own and the other two''s disguises had become uneven due to sweat accumulating beneath the prosthetic skin. Given the prolonged duration since their application and the relentless combat, such imperfections were inevitable. Kisha had been feeling the discomfort for quite some time, and she couldn''t imagine how much worse it must be for those who were looking at their faces. It was becoming increasingly apparent that their disguises were hardly effective anymore. Taking charge, she motioned for Duke and Vulture to join her aside. With a gentle touch, she began to remove Duke''s disguise, careful to minimize any further irritation to his skin. As she peeled off the prosthetic skin from Duke''s face, Kisha noticed the beginnings of a rash, his skin reddening beneath. "Here, use this," she said, handing him a cleanser designed for sensitive skin, a favorite of Keith''s. After tending to Duke, Kisha turned her attention to Vulture, noticing he had developed a similar skin condition. She instructed him to follow Duke and borrow the cleanser. As she prepared to address her own face, she noticed the previously rowdy group had fallen silent, casting furtive glances in her direction. It was evident they were curious to see the woman who had captured Duke''s heart. Even the Winters were openly gazing in anticipation, waiting for her to remove her disguise. "Looks like your in-laws are eager to meet you," 008 teased Kisha, sensing her nerves. Despite the ambiguity of her relationship with Duke, the fact that his family was observing her every move and possibly sizing her up as their future daughter-in-law made her feel incredibly nervous. "Isn''t this a good opportunity? You can win over his family first and make them like you before him," 008 continued, unable to suppress a giggle as it playfully teased Kisha. "You''re not helping," Kisha sighed, rolling her eyes at 008. She couldn''t remember ever feeling this nervous, not even when facing zombies two to three levels higher than her. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Agreed, Duke seems to already like you, so winning his family''s approval should be a breeze," 008 chimed in before darting away from Kisha, leaving her to her thoughts. Kisha felt a surge of nervousness, now even contemplating removing her disguise elsewhere. Just as she was about to act on this impulse, Duke returned, oblivious to her internal struggle. Noticing her unease, he quipped, "Are you okay? Don''t tell me you''ve grown fond of that disguise? I wouldn''t mind, though," teasing her gently. Kisha''s eyebrows arched in response to Duke''s comment, prompting her to fire back, "I didn''t realize you had that kind of fetish." She flashed him a smirk before sauntering away to the side, though she remained fully within everyone else''s view. Duke found himself at a loss for words, wanting to fire back but Kisha had already left, leaving him speechless. Subconsciously, he glanced at his father for some guidance, only to find his gaze avoided, while his mother chuckled softly. Puzzled by the situation, Duke couldn''t help but feel bemused. To onlookers, they appeared like a long-time couple engaged in playful banter, with Duke resembling a husband teasing his wife, who in turn, seemed to be in a playful yet moody mood. Even Duke''s father found himself at a loss, unable to offer any solution but to let his son console his own wife, making it difficult for him to meet his son''s gaze. He realized it was his own fault for being ignored. Meanwhile, Kisha pushed aside her thoughts and focused on removing her disguise, trying to ignore the sensation of being closely watched. Placing a mirror on the table before her, she delicately began peeling back the prosthetic skin with her tools. Gradually, her true features emerged¡ªher plump, red lips, her cute, pointy nose, followed by her left eye and then her right. As Kisha finished removing her disguise, she was met with wide-eyed stares from everyone present. The transformation was striking¡ªshe appeared vastly different from her disguised self, almost like two distinct individuals. While the previous Kisha seemed intimidating, the one before them now exuded a breathtaking beauty, akin to a goddess who descended upon them during the hard times to lead humanity to salvation. Both Mr. Winters and the Patriarch nodded in unison, their expressions seeming to convey a silent sentiment of approval as if silently remarking, ''As expected of my grandson, he learns from me.'' If Duke could have heard their thoughts, he would undoubtedly have facepalmed himself in exasperation. After removing her disguise, Kisha headed to the sink to cleanse her face with a gentle cleanser, mindful of the slight irritation. She opted for warm water, delicately washing away any residue. Once finished, she dried her face with a clean towel. Duke, noticing her actions, took the towel from her hands, using it to pat his own face. Despite the fact that his face should have been dry by now, he insisted on using the towel nonetheless. Even amidst the chaos of the apocalypse, Duke maintained his reluctance to share daily necessities like towels or clothes with anyone else, adamant about maintaining his personal hygiene standards. However, he didn''t seem to mind using items that Kisha had used or sharing a bed with her. Vulture had observed this behavior for quite some time and couldn''t help but chuckle softly at his master''s endearing quirks. Of course, this was something Kisha was unaware of, she was accustomed to sharing towels, blankets, and other items with Duke, having done so since their previous lives. Consequently, she remained unaware of Duke''s aversion to sharing his belongings, or vice versa. After everyone had freshened up, Kisha laid out the food they had prepared earlier. Lunch box after lunch box filled the dining table, accompanied by some favorite beverages she had added to the mix. The sight brought joy to everyone, for in their eyes, Kisha resembled a real-life Doraemon. Much like the beloved character, she seemed capable of producing anything and everything from her inventory, delighting them with her seemingly magical abilities. Everyone eagerly grabbed their desired food and drink from the table before finding a comfortable spot to enjoy their meal. As they happily chatted together, it was as if the looming threat in their lives had momentarily vanished, and for a brief moment, life felt as ordinary and carefree as it used to be. Kisha selected a lunchbox containing an onigiri, sandwich, egg rolls, blanched vegetables, and fruits¡ªa substantial meal guaranteed to satisfy anyone who eat its contents. As she ate, Kisha heard Bell''s voice in their mind link. "Master! I have wonderful news! My babies have successfully produced a glass of Scarlet honey!" Chapter 113 Scarlet Honey Kisha''s hand paused midway as she processed Bell''s words. "The honey that the Scarlet Bees produce?" After a moment, she recalled the unique effects of Scarlet Honey on the body. Bell continued with its report. "Also, Master, the 3rd and 4th batches of Scarlet Bees are currently being nurtured. We just need to wait a little while longer before we can expand our army. And one last thing: after my level-up, my radar''s scope seems to have increased by an additional 10 meters in radius. So, the overall reach of my Scarlet Bees is now up to a radius of 510 meters," Bell exclaimed with excitement. Kisha also felt a surge of excitement upon hearing Bell''s report. Amidst their busy schedule, she had momentarily forgotten about the Scarlet Bees and the Scarlet Honey they produced. If Bell hadn''t been consistently providing updates, she might have remained unaware. Additionally, the Scarlet Bees resided in her territory pack within the rainforest subspace, where Bell had established its colonies. Bell had the freedom to enter and exit this space at will. However, when Kisha fell unconscious, Bell''s link to the rainforest subspace was severed, leaving her without access and in the dark about what was transpiring there. Fortunately, Kisha had acquired some flowers and plants from Duke''s family villa, which now served as the Scarlet Bees'' source of sustenance. Her task now was to expand the flowers there to ensure they would suffice as the Scarlet Bees'' numbers increased over time. "Why don''t we try the Scarlet Honey now?" Kisha suggested to Bell through their mind link. Without delay, Bell relayed the request to the Scarlet Bees. Shortly after, Bell handed Kisha a glass containing the Scarlet Honey. Its hue was brighter than ordinary honey, akin to gold with a glimmering ruby-like sparkle within. If Kisha didn''t know any better, she might have mistaken it for an alchemist''s concoction rather than a honey. [Scarlet Honey (Mythic Grade)] Description: Scarlet Honey strengthens one''s constitution, laying a robust foundation for enhanced strength. Over time, regular consumption of Scarlet Honey expands the spiritual passageways, facilitating the gathering of heaven and earth energy. It also aids in enlarging the dantian, thereby reducing the likelihood of martial arts practitioners sustaining internal injuries. Additionally, Scarlet Honey can be utilized in pill-making processes, improving the chances of success and enhancing the quality of the resulting pills. "Do I need to consume all of this to experience the effects?" Kisha inquired, unsure of how Scarlet Honey worked. "No, master, just a spoonful a day is sufficient," Bell replied humbly, clarifying the dosage. Kisha was taken aback to learn that just a spoonful could yield such powerful effects. This realization shed light on why the Murim World was so enthralled with Scarlet Honey and the Scarlet Bees producing it. However, their relentless pursuit of this extraordinary honey had driven the Scarlet Bees to extinction. "Could you tell me when the Scarlet Bees will produce the next batch of honey?" Kisha inquired of Bell, seeking clarification on the bees'' honey production schedule. Bell''s head drooped slightly, and its antenna lowered as it responded, "Master, it will take another month for the bees to produce the next batch of honey. However, as my colonies grow larger, subsequent batches will be several times larger than this one. With further expansion, we may eventually produce different batches, potentially enabling us to harvest honey twice a month or even weekly. But to achieve this, I need to increase the number of scarlet bees in my colonies." Bell explained in detail, ensuring Kisha grasped the entirety of the situation. Overall, their main issue now lay with the number of Scarlet Bees, especially since some were dispatched by Kisha to scout the area. However, recalling them and substituting them with regular bees wasn''t an option anymore. For now, she had to manage with the amount of scarlet honey she currently possessed and use it sparingly. "Thank you for all your hard work, Bell," Kisha expressed her gratitude sincerely. She resolved to prioritize Bell''s leveling up as a token of her appreciation. As Kisha scooped up a spoonful of scarlet honey and brought it to her lips, she was met with a taste that transcended ordinary sweetness. The honey''s flavor was delicate, neither overly sugary nor tart, with subtle notes that danced on her palate. It was a culinary masterpiece in its own right. As the honey slid down her throat, a warm sensation enveloped her, spreading a comforting glow from her stomach to every inch of her body. It was a sensation both refreshing and exhilarating, leaving her yearning for more, an experience so captivating it could easily become addictive. The experience was akin to a surge of euphoria, sending shivers down Kisha''s spine and enveloping her entire being in a wave of ecstasy. However, it wasn''t just a physical sensation; it was the scarlet honey at work, unlocking her dormant dantian and allowing spiritual energy to flow freely like a rushing river. The once barren dantian, devoid of any spiritual energy, now resembled a lush forest teeming with vitality. She felt such bliss that her eyes drifted shut, a serene smile gracing her face as a soft, contented moan escaped her lips, catching everyone''s attention. However, Kisha remained oblivious to their stares, completely absorbed in the delightful sensations induced by the scarlet honey. The tingling sensation on her lips was so intense that she found herself instinctively biting her lower lip, overwhelmed by the stirring experience. Duke couldn''t help but notice Kisha''s expression and what she was holding, his brow furrowing with concern as he made his way toward her. He could still hear Kisha''s occasional little moans, each one carrying a hint of pleasure. If she were in a closed room and these sounds were audible from outside, it would easily give rise to some rather mischievous assumptions about her activities inside. Duke felt a strong urge to scoop Kisha up and take her inside, uncomfortable with the idea of other men witnessing her expression of ecstasy while she moaned contentedly. But before he could act, Bell flew over and repeatedly jabbed its stinger as if to prevent him from touching Kisha. Duke''s frown deepened, confused by Bell''s behavior and concerned for Kisha, who remained lost in her reverie. His gaze shifted from Kisha''s face to the object in her hand. Initially, he mistook it for one of the vials of liquid they had been given before, like the black and blue vials with various effects. However, this time, it was a golden color with a ruby-like glimmer, resembling honey in consistency, and housed in a different container. Duke also noticed the spoon in Kisha''s other hand, prompting him to address Bell. "Is that honey?" His voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty, as there had been no mention of honey until now. As he scrutinized Bell more closely, the realization dawned on him that Bell, as a queen bee, likely had her own beehive that produced honey. "Is that honey from your hive?" As Bell''s wings buzzed excitedly and it did another flip to confirm Duke''s assumption, Duke remained puzzled about why Bell was seemingly preventing him from touching Kisha now. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 114 Scarlet Honeys Effect Kisha was motionless for the whole 10 minutes and Bell did not want anyone, including Duke to disturb Kisha at that moment but they did not know what was happening. And after 10 minutes, Kisha slowly opened her eyes with newfound clarity and her skin and every part of her body seemed to be radiating at that time, her skin turned even more supple and fair. Amidst the backdrop of suggestive noises and the tense standoff between Duke and Bell, all eyes gravitated towards the trio. In the midst of this heightened tension, everyone bore witness to the mesmerizing transformation unfolding in Kisha. Over the course of just 10 minutes, her once-muted complexion burst into life ¨C her cheeks blooming with a rosy hue, her lips adorned with a vibrant red akin to freshly applied lipstick, and her locks shimmering with a newfound, healthy luster. It was as if nature itself conspired to enhance her beauty, casting a spell of enchantment upon all who beheld her. Kisha sported a glow that could rival someone fresh from a lavish spa retreat, exuding an aura of blissful satisfaction. Despite her obvious elation, she found herself perplexed, unable to discern what changed in her body. "What''s going on with you?" Duke''s expression morphed into one of incredulity as he scrutinized Kisha, eager to uncover the mystery behind her changes. However, before Kisha could even process his question, she was already engrossed in examining her status window, oblivious to Duke''s inquiry. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5) Strength: 25 (+ 10) Stamina: 26 (+ 10) Defense: 22 (+ 10) Agility: 25 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10) Charm: 30 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 31 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: None Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Though the changes weren''t particularly dramatic, Kisha''s gaze fixated on the unfamiliar addition to her status window: (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5). The mere sight of it brought a smile to her face, the implications clear. Despite her curiosity tempting her to test the effect by consuming a crystal core, she resisted the urge. She knew that doing so would only squander both the crystal core and its multiplier at this early stage. Indeed, Kisha was convinced that the indicator represented a multiplier, likely enhancing either the potency of the spiritual energy within the crystal core or her body''s efficiency in absorbing it or perhaps even both simultaneously. Regardless of the specifics, she recognized it as a positive development, anticipating the benefits it could bring. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If indeed the indicator represented a multiplier, Kisha realized the importance of maximizing it to its fullest potential. This would ensure that each crystal core could propel them as far as possible. While their current status as lower-level superhumans might not fully leverage the multiplier''s benefits, Kisha foresaw its crucial role in the future. As they advanced to higher levels, where consuming low-level crystal cores would prove futile, the multiplier would become invaluable, optimizing their progress significantly. Glancing at the Scarlet Honey still nestled in her hand, Kisha couldn''t help but smirk mischievously. Despite her overwhelming desire to down the entire glass, she knew better than to give in to greed. Indulging too much at once could have dire consequences. Her body might struggle to handle the intense stimulation, risking nerve paralysis or excessive flooding in her dantian that could lead to damaging it instead of the intended benefits. Moreover, there was no rush for Kisha to level up at the moment; she recognized the importance of solidifying her foundation first. As she pondered this, a giggle escaped her lips, recalling a crucial effect mentioned in the description. [Scarlet Honey (Mythic Grade)] Description: Scarlet Honey strengthens one''s constitution, laying a robust foundation for enhanced strength. Over time, regular consumption of Scarlet Honey expands the spiritual passageways, facilitating the gathering of heaven and earth energy. It also aids in enlarging the dantian, thereby reducing the likelihood of martial arts practitioners sustaining internal injuries. Additionally, Scarlet Honey can be utilized in pill-making processes, improving the chances of success and enhancing the quality of the resulting pills. As Kisha stared at the description once more, her eyes fixated on specific lines, reading them over and over to confirm her understanding. Her repeated giggles caught Duke''s attention, his concern growing with each passing moment. He couldn''t shake the worry that something had gone awry with Kisha. ''Has she been affected by what she consumed?'' Duke''s heart clenched with unease as he glanced at her, his expression filled with concern and a touch of heartache. Fueled by impatience and mounting worry, Duke reached out, gently grasping Kisha''s shoulder. "Kisha, are you okay?" His voice quivered with emotion as he spoke the words, unable to fathom the possibility of something going wrong with Kisha. The mere thought sent a shiver of dread down his spine, his mind racing with concern for her well-being. It wasn''t until that moment that Kisha tore her gaze away from the system interface to meet Duke''s eyes directly. Despite the concern etched on Duke''s face, Kisha''s smile remained undiminished, her eyes crinkling with unmistakable delight. "I''ve stumbled upon something amazing, it was good stuff" she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. Now, Duke''s mind began to race with suspicions. He couldn''t shake the thought that whatever Kisha had consumed might be some form of hallucinogenic drug, affecting her perception. A surge of pain began to throb in his temples, signaling the onset of a headache as he grappled with the troubling possibility. As if sensing Duke''s thoughts, Kisha''s annoyance was palpable as she pouted. ''How dare he assume I''m taking drugs!'' With a swift motion, she tossed both her dagger and smaller katana into the air. Before they could even graze the ground, Kisha effortlessly seized control of them mid-air, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Earlier that day, she could only manage control over a single dagger, because she was still struggling with the weight and size of her smaller katana. The larger and heavier the weapon, the greater the strain on her mental capacity, requiring heightened focus and control. Moreover, since she hadn''t yet made a skill for this, every movement still demanded manual control, draining her spiritual energy even further. With just a single spoonful of Scarlet Honey, its effects have already become evident in numerous aspects. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5) Strength: 25 (+ 10) Stamina: 26 (+ 10) Defense: 22 (+ 10) Agility: 25 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10) Charm: 30 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 31 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) With just one attempt, she succeeded inturning a skill out of it, streamlining her performance significantly. As the skill levels up, its destructive power intensifies, unlocking a vast potential within her abilities. This newfound efficiency means she won''t need to invest excessive time in mastering individual skills; instead, she can focus on exploring and expanding her abilities with the assistance of her system and the Scarlet Honey, opening up new avenues for exploration and growth. Chapter 115 The Invaluable Treasure Kisha felt an overwhelming urge to grab Bell and plant a kiss on it to express her sheer joy. In her previous life, mastering a few skills from her ability had already made her formidable, but now, armed with this new cheat item, she felt invincible. Yet, this newfound power came with a weighty responsibility. The item was potent enough to warrant going to war over, adding layers of secrecy and caution to her already complex life. It''s no surprise that the Murim world is obsessed with the Scarlet Bee and Scarlet Honey; Kisha''s firsthand experience only deepened her understanding of their allure. She never anticipated such remarkable effects; they were akin to treasures surpassing even the toughest alloys and most potent panaceas in the world. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before Duke could utter another word that might irk Kisha, she grabbed his hand and whisked him into the room, shutting the door firmly behind them to ensure privacy. Once inside, she pulled Duke to sit beside her on the bed, her excitement overshadowing any consideration of their close proximity and the potentially ambiguous atmosphere it created. Despite her excitement, Kisha found herself torn between sharing the newfound information with Duke or keeping it to herself for now. Part of her wanted to be petty, considering how Duke had annoyed her, and she relished the idea of surprising him with a better, more efficient path to strength¡ªone that didn''t demand excessive time and could potentially bolster their foundation in ways the conventional methods couldn''t. As much as Kisha relished the idea of teasing Duke and witnessing his surprised and frustrated expression, she couldn''t ignore the potential repercussions on his future development. She refused to jeopardize Duke''s potential and future for the sake of petty revenge. Realizing how carefree she had become lately, she took a deep breath, pushed aside all playful thoughts swirling in her mind, and shifted into serious mode. Raising the glass of Scarlet Honey in front of Duke, Kisha began, "You probably already have an idea of what this is." Her mysterious smile caused Duke to gulp nervously. "This is the Scarlet Honey collected by Bell''s hive, but it''s no ordinary honey." However, she remembered Duke''s concerns when she was lost in reverie, mistakenly thinking she might be under the influence of drugs. "But let me assure you, Duke, this isn''t a drug or anything of the sort, so don''t jump to conclusions." Upon hearing her reassurance, Duke breathed a sigh of relief, his nerves calming as he nodded at Kisha, silently urging her to continue. As Kisha continued, she felt a surge of indignation at Duke''s fleeting suspicion, but she pushed it aside to deliver her explanation. "The Scarlet Honey not only clears our dantian, making spiritual absorption faster and more efficient, but it also acts as a multiplier. This means that when we consume crystal cores, we won''t need as many to level up." Pausing to catch her breath, she continued with excitement, "But that''s not all! The honey also strengthens our foundation, reducing the time needed to consolidate it before leveling up. Its benefits are numerous¡ªit''s essentially the ultimate elixir for enhancing our battle strength." Duke quickly grasped the implications of Kisha''s explanation, nodding with restrained excitement. However, he couldn''t shake the realization that this newfound resource would be a double-edged sword for him and his team. Its incredible uses and efficiency meant that once its effects leaked to the outside world, many would stop at nothing to obtain it, especially in the current world they live in which was full of desperation. Yet Duke was aware that Kisha must have considered this as well, which was likely why she chose to discuss it only with him and not the entire team. The realization that she placed such complete trust in him filled him with happiness, causing a glimmer of complicated emotions to flicker in his orbs as he gazed at Kisha. Following Kisha''s explanation, she retrieved a spoon from her inventory and carefully scooped out a spoonful of Scarlet Honey from the container, placing it on Duke''s lips. A charming smile graced Duke''s lips as he watched Kisha share this invaluable treasure with him. Despite Kisha not mentioning it, Duke couldn''t shake the thought that the honey''s production might be limited, and he was uncertain about when the next batch would be available or how it would all unfold. Nevertheless, he placed unwavering trust in Kisha and her judgment, so he would just let her do as she pleased about this and he would just stand behind her, making sure that she had a sturdy back to lean on and support her from the back. But the true invaluable treasure was none other than Bell itself, it was not only a good contracted beast that stood as a battle pet but it was also good at scouting which made their journey a lot safer, but to think that it could also produce such valuable item that could help a person in so many levels. Kisha believed that the points they invested in acquiring Bell''s egg were already a steal, especially considering that Bell was only at Level 1. With each increase in level, Bell''s capabilities would expand exponentially, not just in terms of overall stats, but also in the range of tasks it could perform. As Duke swallowed the Scarlet Honey spoon-fed by Kisha, he fought to stifle any sound, but a soft, involuntary groan still managed to escape his lips. His Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed the lump in his throat, and Kisha noticed him shiver slightly, exerting effort to suppress any further suggestive sounds. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as she witnessed Duke''s vulnerable and captivating state. Despite her efforts to remain rational, she found herself tempted by everything she had seen and heard. The enclosed space only heightened the intensity of the moment, causing her heart to race and her mind to wander into forbidden territory. She fought against the impulse to take advantage of Duke''s vulnerability, struggling to maintain her composure amidst the overwhelming surge of desire. Kisha experienced a euphoria, the effects of consuming Scarlet Honey, a sensation similar to an orgasm. She couldn''t help but notice Duke''s body reacting, with a noticeable tent already forming below. Though Kisha wasn''t intentionally looking, the situation was too obvious to ignore, almost as if it demanded attention. Despite Duke wearing loose sweatpants, there was no hiding the undeniable bulge, standing tall without restraint. Kisha swallowed hard, her throat dry as she watched the tent forming below. Duke was still in the midst of experiencing the effects of the Scarlet Honey, and Kisha couldn''t tear her eyes away from the captivating sight. But she still did her best to focus on what''s important. ''This item is truly dangerous,'' Kisha muttered under her breath, clicking her tongue in concern. She stored the remaining Scarlet Honey in her inventory and observed Duke closely. She could sense the spiritual energy circulating within Duke''s body, following the pathways cleared by the Scarlet Honey. Despite her heightened sensitivity to spiritual energy, its presence was faint, given Duke''s Level 0 status and the internal nature of the process. Kisha stepped closer, placing her right hand on his chest and her left hand on his lower core at his navel. Leaning in, she rested her forehead against his. Chapter 116 Would You? While experiencing the effects of the Scarlet Honey, Kisha observed that the main dantians were located in three key areas: the head, chest, and lower core near the navel. These regions seemed to function as reserves where energy primarily flowed through and gathered before being distributed to activate their awakened abilities as needed. Kisha diligently monitored the three specific locations, attuning herself to the flow of spiritual energy coursing through Duke''s body. She felt a wave of relief wash over her as she sensed no disturbances or issues arising. The Scarlet Honey continued to navigate its path unhindered, steadily progressing for a full ten minutes, mirroring Kisha''s own duration. As the intense currents in Duke''s body began to subside, Kisha remained vigilant, monitoring his spiritual energy levels. However, Duke''s eyes gradually fluttered open, and he found Kisha mere inches from his face, her eyes closed as if anticipating a kiss. What caught his attention even more was her hand resting on his navel, where he could unmistakably feel his arousal stirring. He couldn''t discern who was taking advantage of whom at this moment. His entire body remained incredibly sensitive due to the lingering effects of the Scarlet Honey, and Kisha''s actions were only further agitating his heightened arousal. With a burning intensity in his gaze, he awaited the moment when she would finally open her eyes. As Duke''s spiritual energy gradually settled within his body, Kisha slowly opened her eyes. However, when her gaze met Duke''s fiery orbs, their intensity was so overwhelming that she felt as if she might melt on the spot. Suppressing the lump that formed in her throat, Kisha began to extricate herself from him, but Duke refused to let her go. With determination, he pulled her closer by the waist, drawing her nearer as they stood intimately together. "How do you plan to settle this?" Duke''s voice was low and husky as he pressed his body closer to Kisha, ensuring she could feel the heat emanating from his throbbing boner concealed within his trousers. Kisha''s heart pounded fiercely in her ribcage, its rapid rhythm threatening to burst from her chest. Duke''s brazen seduction left her reeling, but amidst her turmoil, she couldn''t deny the intense allure of the Scarlet Honey''s effects. Even she, with her heightened spiritual control, was not immune to its potent influence. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yet, she couldn''t shake the feeling that Duke might be using this as an excuse to become intimate with her. However, she quickly dismissed the thought, reminding herself that Duke was the most reserved man she had ever encountered. Nevertheless, the memory of recent instances in this current life where Duke had boldly seduced her lingered in her mind, casting doubt on her previous reassurances. So she boldly teased him in return. "Would you like me to help you with this? Hmm?" Kisha''s voice was laced with playful suggestion as she placed her hands on his toned stomach, slowly tracing the contours of his abdominal muscles down to the waistband of his trousers. Duke couldn''t suppress a sexy groan as he bit his lip in response to her provocative touch. "Would you?" Duke''s impatience was evident as he swiftly guided Kisha''s hands to his throbbing boner without hesitation. Since she had offered, he saw no reason to decline her goodwill. An evil smirk graced his lips as Kisha''s eyes widened, slowly comprehending Duke''s bold move. Her teasing had backfired spectacularly, leaving her feeling choked up by the sudden turn of events. She had anticipated Duke pushing her away and reacting grumpily, but he had surprised her by doing the exact opposite. It was as if he were telling her not to play with fire. Before she could protest, Duke interjected, "Hurry up. Others are waiting for us out there, and we''re still amidst a chaotic mess. If we linger here too long, they''ll become suspicious of what we are doing inside." Duke''s reminder was laced with teasing, indicating his arousal and sensitivity in the moment, which made him feel suffocated by his throbbing member that showed no signs of subsiding. He understood that Kisha was likely just teasing him, perhaps influenced by the suggestive events that had unfolded between them recently. However, he couldn''t deny that he harbored some expectations for further developments in their interaction. As Kisha''s hands remained atop his member, he sensed her fingers stiffen the moment they made contact with his throbbing boner. As Duke''s member twitched in Kisha''s hand, he couldn''t help but feel even more excited, especially knowing that she had noticed. Meanwhile, Kisha''s throat went dry as her mind raced with options. It was her first time touching Duke''s member, and she couldn''t help but be struck by its size. "Is he an elephant?" the thought involuntarily crossed Kisha''s mind. Kisha''s heart pounded wildly in her chest, its rapid beats echoing loudly in her ears. She was certain Duke could hear it. Before she could gather her thoughts and decide on her next move, Duke leaned closer to her, emitting a stifled, sexy groan that sent shivers down her spine. Unbeknownst to her, her hand slid down the length of his member, coming to rest at its base. Duke''s voice turned into a low purr as he urged her on, whispering in her ear, "Don''t stop... keep going." His breath became ragged as he gently guided her hand up and down his shaft. The softness of her touch was all it took to push him to the edge, and Kisha''s mind felt like it short-circuited at that moment. She had never witnessed this side of Duke, not even once before. All she could recall were his grim and cold, indifferent expressions. But this was entirely different¡ªit reminded her of the stark contrast between the Duke she had known in her past life and the one she knew now. She couldn''t help but feel that he was cuter this way. Duke tightened his grip on Kisha''s waist as he continued to guide her on how to stroke his shaft. Initially, he had second thoughts about allowing this, fearing that Kisha might become angry. However, his body was ablaze with desire, as if he were under the influence of an aphrodisiac. So, he decided to test the waters, knowing that if it didn''t work out, he would handle the consequences on his own. However, he hadn''t anticipated that Kisha would simply go along with it, which filled him with even more excitement and ecstasy. Chapter 117 Dont Look Every touch from Kisha sent a tingling sensation racing across his scalp, elevating him to cloud nine. It felt even better than when he was doing it on his own. "Kisha, faster, okay?" he urged, then began nibbling on her earlobes, overcome with arousal. Kisha instinctively followed Duke''s words, and he slowly released her hand so she could continue on her own. Unaware that she was still instinctively obeying his command, Kisha suddenly realized what she was doing. She could have stopped right there and left Duke hanging, but considering she had initiated the teasing and Duke took it seriously, she decided to bite the bullet. With resolve, she used her hand to stroke his member through his pants. Despite the fabric acting as a barrier between her hand and his throbbing boner, Kisha could still feel the heat emanating from it. Duke''s nibbling on her sensitive earlobe only served to further cloud her mind, igniting a rising sense of arousal within her as well. As the minutes passed, Duke began gasping for air, the hot breath escaping from his mouth teasing Kisha''s ears. His occasional groans only fueled Kisha''s eagerness to please him further. She found herself craving more of Duke''s reactions, each one igniting a growing excitement within her as if his pleasure were her own release she sought after. "Kisha, Kisha..." Duke''s voice trailed off as he closed his eyes, overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through his shaft from Kisha''s strokes. Each movement left him craving more from her touch. She stroked from the head of his shaft to the base, her pace quickening slightly from when she had started, and her movements were now less clumsy, smoother, and more confident than before. Duke and Kisha were now sweaty and flushed with heat, having been at it for a solid 15 minutes. Kisha''s hand was starting to feel sore from the continuous stroking of Duke''s shaft. She hadn''t anticipated that Duke would last this long, and her hand began to ache with exertion. Duke''s hand glided from Kisha''s waist to the curve of her back, slipping beneath her clothing to explore the soft, supple skin with his slightly rough fingers. Each caress sent a delicious shiver down Kisha''s spine, her eyes fluttering as a gasp parted her lips. But Duke''s touch only intensified as his other hand found the back of Kisha''s head, gently urging her closer to him. With a hungered breath, he captured her lips in a searing kiss, igniting a fire between them. Kisha was caught off guard by Duke''s hungry yet gentle kiss, which gradually escalated into a passionate exchange as he teased her lips with his tongue. His exploration was deliberate, inching closer to find her small dainty tongue, and when they finally met, it sent a jolt of electricity through Kisha''s body. After a while, Duke pulled back, and a thin strand of saliva lingered between them, a silent testament to their heated exchange. "Don''t stop, I''m almost there..." Duke urged his voice husky with desire, reminding Kisha to continue stroking him. Then, without hesitation, he dove back into the kiss with renewed fervor, as if unable to quench his thirst for her. As Kisha resumed stroking Duke''s shaft, their passionate kiss continued unabated. The sensation was overwhelming, causing Kisha''s knees to weaken until she could no longer stand upright. Fortunately, Duke''s strong arms wrapped around her back, preventing her from collapsing, as he maintained the intensity of their kiss. His skilled hands roamed over Kisha''s back, while the other held her head close, deepening their connection. Meanwhile, Kisha found herself equally drawn into the moment, her free hand instinctively reaching up to entwine in Duke''s hair. This silent gesture conveyed her unspoken desire and eagerness to fully immerse herself in the passionate exchange. If Duke hadn''t exercised restraint, he might have already carried Kisha to the bed. However, he hesitated, fearing that such a move would only intensify their intimacy to a point of no return. He wasn''t confident that he could halt the momentum once it reached that stage. Duke, with a slight pinch on Kisha''s back, fervently explored every inch of her mouth before abruptly ending the kiss. "I''m cumming!" he exclaimed, biting Kisha''s lower lip once more. His body trembled with pleasure as a louder groan escaped his lips, signaling his release. Duke''s scalp tingled with excitement, sending electrifying sensations coursing through his gums. As he experienced his release shooting powerfully inside his trousers, he found the sensation ten times more intense than when he was doing it alone. The taste of Kisha on his lips felt incredibly sweet, and his heart pounded so hard in his rib cage that it felt like it could shatter at any second. His release sent waves of pleasure coursing through his entire body, causing his toes to curl inside his shoes. As he felt his climax continuing unabated, he couldn''t help but let out a satisfied chuckle. Gently, he pressed a peck to the edge of Kisha''s eyes. "That felt amazing," he murmured, his voice filled with contentment. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha pursed her lips, recognizing that their relationship had just taken a significant leap, skipping over some levels that might not be deemed appropriate for outsiders. However, she reasoned that they were now living in a post-apocalyptic era, where societal norms had shifted, so she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind. She observed Duke panting from his release, his trousers stained and damp where the head of his member was. She noticed that he was still hard, but at least it didn''t seem to be throbbing as painfully as earlier. "If you keep looking, I might get aroused again, and I don''t know how things will progress from there," Duke said in a seductive tone, his gaze intense as he seemed to silently request more. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat, feeling the weight of his gaze. She quickly retrieved a new set of clothes for Duke to change into, realizing that his current attire was no longer suitable. Chapter 118 Take Responsibility Realizing she was also perspiring from their exercise, Kisha hurriedly dashed to the bathroom to change her own clothes. As she ran, her knees threatened to buckle beneath her, a testament to the intensity of their passionate moment. Meanwhile, Duke remained behind, trying to regulate his breathing after his climax. Amused, he couldn''t help but chuckle softly as he watched Kisha''s hurried retreat to the bathroom. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke''s eyes took on a contented crescent shape, brimming with satisfaction and a hint of mischief as if he had just won the lottery. As Kisha disappeared into the bathroom to change, Duke settled onto the bed, relishing the lingering sensations of their intimate encounter. However, he had to abruptly halt his reverie, lest he stirs up his arousal once more. Kisha, on the other hand, stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was flushed, her lips red and slightly swollen¡ªnot the natural plumpness they usually had. It was evident she had just shared a passionate kiss, and she couldn''t help but facepalm herself at the thought. There was no way anyone wouldn''t notice, and she dreaded the inevitable questions and speculations about what had transpired behind closed doors. Even after living through a hundred lives, Kisha still felt inexperienced when it came to love. In her 99th life, she had a lover, but they never had the chance to be intimate. "Host, more like you never even wanted to be touched by him," 008 interjected into her thoughts before retreating back into the depths of her consciousness. Kisha ignored 008''s jab and returned to her thoughts. Reflecting on her past, she realized that not being intimate with that asshole for a long time might have been the reason he cheated on her and ultimately betrayed her. ''I guess treating someone well isn''t always enough to keep them as a lover,'' she mused. After regulating her breathing and calming herself, Kisha took a quick shower and changed into fresh sportswear. When she stepped out of the bathroom, she found Duke leaning against the door frame, waiting for her. He flashed his most charming smile, satisfaction radiating from his face¡ªhe was practically glowing. "From now on, you''re my wife," Duke declared possessively. Kisha''s lips twitched at his words. Duke''s glowing satisfaction was almost blinding, leaving her unsure of how to feel. She felt as if she had jumped right into a pit dug specifically for her. The one who benefited the most stood right in front of her, and Kisha couldn''t help but feel a pang of frustration. Her frustration was evident, especially in her eyes. Duke chuckled as he watched her expression shift from embarrassment to irritation, clearly enjoying the sight. He hadn''t expected things to turn out this way just because of a spoonful of honey, but he couldn''t deny he was happy with the outcome. He had been worrying about how to further their relationship when the opportunity presented itself, and he was so delighted that he wanted to secure her for himself as soon as possible. The thought of her making the same mistake with another man made his blood boil; he knew he would lose it and might crush some skulls right then and there. "I''ll take responsibility. From now on, you are my wife... Hmm?" Duke repeated when Kisha didn''t respond the first time. His serious expression and possessive gaze were unmistakable, and he made no effort to conceal them from her. The intensity of his aura made Kisha swallow hard, a lump forming in her throat as tension radiated through her body. Unaware that her playful teasing would escalate to this, or perhaps recognizing it as an ill-timed jest, especially following his consumption of the Scarlet Honey, she couldn''t help but acknowledge its peril. "That honey was dangerous," she mused, resolving to keep it away from prying eyes. "No need to shoulder any responsibility. Nothing happened, after all. Let''s simply move on and focus on what needs to be done," Kisha attempted to maintain a fa?ade of nonchalance as she walked past Duke. But Duke intercepted her, pulling her back into his embrace. "Running away, are we? Or shall I summon my parents to initiate the proper procedures for you to consent to becoming my wife?" Duke''s demeanor turned icy, unwilling to let her slip away. Despite benefiting from the situation, he was unwilling to forfeit the opportunity that lay before him. Kisha pursed her lips and met Duke''s gaze. "Why do you speak as if I took advantage of you?" "You did, in a way. You claimed all my firsts," Duke retorted, a smirk playing on his lips. Kisha choked from his response. ''What does he mean by "took his firsts"? He was the one who took my first kiss and even the first intimate touch.'' Fuming with frustration, Kisha simmered inwardly. But before Kisha could express her anger, Duke pressed on. "No woman has ever laid a hand on me, nor have I kissed anyone. So, technically, that was my first kiss and the first time someone touched me," Duke explained, his voice taking on a seductive tone as if attempting to reassure his wife. His words were like a sultry purr, stirring something within Kisha, yet she couldn''t shake off her skepticism. Given Duke''s status and position, countless women would undoubtedly vie for his attention, providing him with ample options to choose from. He was undeniably attractive, possessing a magnetic charm that could easily captivate any woman. However, the claim that he had never allowed a woman to touch him or kiss anyone seemed impossible to Kisha. Unaware of her doubtful expression, Kisha''s skepticism subtly etched across her face, a revelation that Duke couldn''t overlook. Sensing her disbelief, he felt a surge of frustration at her lack of trust, though he quickly opted for a teasing approach. "You know what? I might have made a mistake. Those weren''t my firsts," he quipped, a smug smirk playing on his lips. And sure enough, Kisha''s expression shifted ever so slightly, her eyes narrowing dangerously in response to his words. ''Is he playing games with me?'' she seethed inwardly. "The very first woman was, of course, my mother. She even saw me naked and surely kissed me many times when I was young but she surely never touched me inappropriately. So yeah, you are still the one who stole all my first when it was supposed to be for my wife. To make things right, wasn''t it only right that you accept me as your husband?" Duke said confidently, bearing the demeanor of a businessman who never accepts defeat. Feeling foolish for taking Duke''s words seriously, Kisha pinched the side of his stomach, causing Duke to wince and cease his teasing. "Are you just going to dine and dash? Hmm?" He quipped. Kisha choked up, realizing it sounded like she was the one evading responsibility, so she retorted, "You''re the one who stole my first kiss though." "Then I''ll take responsibility and make you my wife," Duke declared, turning on his heel and heading straight to the bathroom with a satisfied grin as if he''d just pulled off a successful heist. ''Did I just fall into his trap?'' Kisha asked herself incredulously. Chapter 119 Their Union Kisha waited impatiently for only 10 minutes as Duke finished his shower. They emerged from the room, freshly dressed and smelling pleasant. Avoiding eye contact with anyone, Kisha couldn''t help but sense the judgmental stares directed her way. What made it worse was that she had been the one to pull Duke into the room, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable to the assumption that she was the needy one in their eyes. She believed she had shed all her shame in previous lives, yet she could feel her face growing hot with embarrassment. All it took was this subtle indication for everyone to confirm what had transpired inside the room. "Congratulations, my grandson!" The Patriarch''s laughter broke the silence as he warmly congratulated his grandson. Unfazed, he recalled his own and his son''s past daring endeavors to win over their wives, understanding that such boldness ran in the family. Nevertheless, he hadn''t anticipated his grandson''s decisive action happening quite so soon. As Duke and Kisha remained in the room for over an hour, the lack of soundproofing in the apartment allowed Duke''s pleasure-filled groans to echo throughout the space, audible to those nearby. Duke wasn''t the least bit embarrassed. In fact, he considered them witnesses, ensuring that Kisha couldn''t evade the situation unless she genuinely abhorred the thought of being his wife. Yet, he felt assured that Kisha didn''t harbor such feelings, as he sensed her care and had some level of interest in him. As Kisha''s face grew warmer under everyone''s gaze, she felt an urgent desire to leave the room and proceed with their intended plans. However, Duke had other ideas and was determined not to let her escape so easily. "Mother, Father, Grandpa," Duke addressed them solemnly, "I want all of you to bear witness as Kisha and I mark this day as the beginning of our union as husband and wife. While we''ll have a formal wedding once we return to the base and things settle down, I would like to obtain your agreement and have you as our witnesses for this moment." Kisha felt a protest bubbling up inside her. It seemed that Duke was making a mountain out of a molehill by taking things this far. She hadn''t even had a chance to process what had happened inside the room, let alone consider how her grandparents and little brother might react if they found out about this sudden proclamation. "As long as this is truly what you desire," Mrs. Winters spoke first after Duke''s announcement. Initially, she had hoped to unite her son with the Evans family due to her deep friendship with Emma. However, this had strained her relationship with her son. Despite the tension, he continued to show respect for her, silently expressing his love for his parents. Mrs. Winters felt a profound sense of gratitude towards her son and also heartache for neglecting his feelings for her friendship. Now that her son had found someone he truly wished to spend his time with, and considering that Kisha was not a bad person herself and was actually a good match for her son in terms of temperament and thinking process, Mrs. Winters felt relieved. She was willing to take on the task of explaining the situation to her best friend, Emma, and face any potential anger from her. What mattered most was her son''s happiness, especially considering that social norms and status seemed irrelevant now that everything had been thrown into chaos. The Patriarch approached Duke with a tender expression, producing a velvet box from his pocket and presenting it to his grandson as though offering a cherished treasure. "This was the wedding ring I gave to your grandmother when we got married. She hoped to pass it on to your future wife. Now that you''ve decided to tie the knot with this young lady, I wish to give this to you and your wife as a memento of your grandmother. Please take good care of it." He then turned to Kisha with a warm smile. "Welcome to the family." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s cold indifferent face broke into a smile as the Patriarch showed the same doting smile her own grandfather gave her, she now found herself in the predicament of accepting it or not. "Host, quit the charade of hesitation. I''m well aware of the feelings you harbored for Duke in your previous life. Shouldn''t you be rejoicing now that he reciprocates those feelings?" 008 hijacked Kisha''s thoughts, causing her hesitation. It wasn''t that she didn''t care for Duke; rather, she feared jeopardizing what they already shared. This Duke wasn''t the one she knew from her previous life, nor was he the one who had stood by her in life-and-death situations. Yet, she couldn''t deny her fondness for the Duke standing before her. "But they''re still the same person, so his feelings stem from the same heart. That means, whether it was in the past or now, I doubt his actions would change. If he stood by your side through thick and thin before, then he''ll undoubtedly do the same in this life. Although the Duke you encountered in your previous life may have been slightly different, it was only because of the experiences they went through. You can always test his feelings for you in this life, their depth and sincerity," 008 added solemnly. "Oh! When did you start becoming so mature in your thinking process, and now you''re even speaking up for Duke? Were you bribed?" Kisha teased 008 after hearing its take on the matter. Despite the jest, 008''s words struck a chord with Kisha, and she felt the weight on her heart been lifted. While Kisha found it difficult to trust anyone besides her family, she held a deep-seated belief in Duke''s reliability and sincerity. With her mind now cleared of unnecessary worries, she realized that she had already resolved to make Duke''s life better than it was in his previous life and to protect him at all costs. In light of this, taking their relationship to the next level seemed like a natural progression. Moreover, Duke was the one who initiated the proposal, and Kisha hadn''t employed any manipulative tactics to coerce him into marriage. His earnestness indicated his genuine feelings for her, a notion that stirred a delightful flutter in her stomach. "Since the elder has already spoken, I''ll reluctantly accept Duke''s proposal," Kisha declared, playfully flashing a teasing smile in Duke''s direction. Since she can''t escape, she resolved to savor the moment instead. Chapter 120 Shotgun Wedding? "Oh? It appears my wife has already consented to marry me?" Duke teased, his smirk widening as he raised an eyebrow at Kisha. He had expected to employ a few more tactics to win her over, but to his delight, it seemed unnecessary. Suppressing a laugh, his eyes crinkled into crescents, brimming with satisfaction. One thing led to another, but the result left him deeply satisfied. Duke had been aware of his burgeoning feelings for Kisha for some time, but he exercised caution, not wanting to frighten her away. He couldn''t help but attribute part of the outcome to the Scarlet Honey. Not only did it assist in their awakened abilities, but it also unexpectedly propelled his relationship with Kisha to the next level. However, he couldn''t deny that his shameless antics played a role in the mix as well. "How could I refuse when you''ve practically dragged me into a shotgun wedding?" Kisha quipped, her protest half-hearted as she playfully threw the remark at Duke. "A shotgun wedding, you say?" Duke arched an eyebrow in amusement, but Kisha ignored his teasing. Resting his chin on his fingers, he continued, "If you''re suggesting this is a shotgun wedding, how about we start by making a little dumpling first, and then I''ll consider going for the real deal? Hmm?" Duke teased once more, eliciting laughter from his parents and grandfather at their playful banter. As Duke''s words sank in, his family members tilted their heads in confusion, and the Patriarch voiced the question lingering in their minds. "Didn''t you two just do that inside the room, which led to this abrupt wedding?" Duke cleared his throat, gathering his thoughts to explain to his family. "Grandpa, it''s not what you think. We were just dealing with a situation related to our awakened abilities and conducting some experimentation. As for the wedding, well, I''ve reached an age where marriage seems fitting, especially given the current state of the world. I figure securing a wife now ensures a stable future for our next generation. Plus, I can''t risk some random guy snatching Kisha away if I leave her on her own," Duke explained, unable to resist teasing Kisha at the end, eliciting an eye roll from her. When Kisha heard the word "experimentation," she couldn''t help but recall what they did inside the room. Her stomach churned, and her toes curled inside her shoes. She couldn''t tell if Duke had chosen that word intentionally or if he was simply explaining his point, but either way, it had a strong effect on her. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke''s cold fingers on hers snapped Kisha back to reality. She looked down to see him slipping a stunning ring onto her finger. It was a rare blue diamond, cut into a perfect rectangular shape, surrounded by smaller rare pink diamonds. The intricate cutting technique of the blue diamond created a mesmerizing, abstract glimmer as the light hit its many facets. All these exquisite gems were set in a delicate blend of white and pink gold, giving the ring an ethereal appearance. "This is my grandma''s prized possession, the Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring. When Grandpa had it designed for her, it was estimated to be worth around $25.8 million," Duke explained as he gently slid the ring onto Kisha''s finger. He admired the sight of the ring on her hand, a symbol of their union and a cherished family heirloom. "I hope you don''t feel like I''m mistreating you because we''re not having a formal wedding just yet," Duke said, looking up at Kisha with a playful glint in his eye. He kissed her hand where the ring rested, honoring his late grandmother and showing respect to his new wife, his eyebrows raising teasingly. Kisha snorted at him but accepted his gesture. She had promised herself to be braver this time, but when it came to Duke, she couldn''t help but always take a step back, fearing that his rejection would hurt far more deeply than anyone else''s. However, now that he had taken the first step, she had no intention of backing away. Deep inside, she felt a flutter of excitement and still couldn''t believe how quickly everything had changed because of a spoonful of Scarlet Honey. She imagined telling this story to her children or grandchildren someday¡ªthey would probably think she was making it up. The reason for their union wasn''t sweet or romantic; it was actually quite comical. After Duke slipped the ring onto Kisha''s finger, there was a moment of silence as everyone tried to process the whirlwind of events that had just transpired. But soon, the room erupted in applause, followed by a chorus of congratulations from Duke''s subordinates. The Winters family also expressed their happiness, pleased to see Duke take this significant step. Despite the haste and lack of traditional romance, Duke''s promise of a proper wedding once they returned and settled down reassured everyone that he was taking this seriously. Deep down, they all suspected that something had happened in the room to prompt this sudden decision. However, seeing Kisha''s evident embarrassment, no one wanted to challenge Duke''s explanation. Mrs. Winters stepped forward and held Kisha''s hands tenderly, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. Despite the tough life they led, constantly surrounded by danger and pursued by their enemies, there were still moments to be grateful for¡ªand Duke and Kisha''s union was one of them. The Winters had not expected this, and Mrs. Winters could hardly contain her happiness for her son and his new wife. "Kisha, welcome to the family," Mrs. Winters said warmly, gently tapping Kisha''s hands. "If Duke ever gives you any trouble, just let us know. We''ll make sure to teach him a lesson." Hearing his mother''s words, Duke couldn''t help but purse his lips in disbelief. "Mom, who really is your child? You just got a daughter-in-law and you''re already forgetting your son?" he teased, glancing between Kisha and his mother. This playful banter was a stark contrast to Duke''s usual stoic and cold demeanor. In the past, he rarely exchanged more than a few words with his parents while he was busy building their business empire. But now, thanks to Kisha, he had started to open up. He only realized it now, and his family was glad to see Kisha''s positive impact on him. Of course, Kisha was still not used to her new title. Every time Duke called her his wife, it felt like her funny bone was being tickled, and sometimes she wondered if it was all just a dream. But this happy occasion had to come to an end because there was still work to be done. After the festivities, Kisha and Duke exchanged a look, nodded, and led their team back into action. Splitting into their usual two groups, Duke took the vanguard position. Once they were ready, they burst out of the door, efficiently clearing the zombies that had gathered outside the apartment due to the noise from their sudden celebration. No one was upset to see the dozen zombies piling up outside the door. Instead, they were delighted because more zombies meant more crystal cores, and the more crystal cores they collected, the easier it would be for them to level up. After witnessing Sparrow and Vulture''s recent level-ups, everyone felt motivated to work harder. They wanted to be prepared for their own potential awakenings, just like Sparrow, Vulture, Mrs. Winters, Duke, and Kisha. Seeing what these individuals could achieve had significantly boosted everyone''s morale. Chapter 121 Practical VS. Flashy When a horde rushed at them, no one became flustered. They continued to kill one zombie at a time, maintaining their composure. Suddenly, Duke called forth a lightning bolt, sending it into the midst of the horde and charring them almost instantly. Everyone in the group, including Kisha, noticed that the lethality of Duke''s awakened abilities had reached a new height as if he had leveled up like Sparrow and Vulture. Kisha and Duke exchanged a knowing look after the devastating attack that cleared the horde blocking their path. Without stopping, they ran straight ahead. Kisha and the others didn''t even need to lift a finger when Duke released his ability. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The potency of the Scarlet Honey was evident, and Kisha couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement as she watched Duke effortlessly use his ability without expending too much of his SP. She was starting to form a new conclusion in her mind that thrilled her. Kisha monitored Duke''s SP usage every time he used his ability. Previously, each attack consumed up to 50 SP, allowing him to use his ability ten times before depleting, he currently has 500 SP and 100 HP. However, he typically stopped after five or six uses to conserve energy. Now, thanks to the Scarlet Honey, his SP consumption had decreased to 45 points per attack, giving him an extra opportunity to use his ability one more time. However, SP usage varies based on the type of ability being used. In Duke''s case, his awakened ability has a high SP consumption compared to Sparrow, who only needs half as much to summon his whirlwind. This difference is likely due to the potency of Duke''s ability, requiring more energy. Therefore, having a high-class awakened ability comes with its own drawbacks. Fortunately, the Scarlet Honey seems to mitigate this issue. As Kisha and the rest of the group ran, they didn''t even have to stop to dig out the crystal cores. The ever-resourceful Bell had sent her Scarlet Bees to retrieve them. Kisha hadn''t known this was possible, but despite being only half as powerful as their queen, the Scarlet Bees were still stronger and faster than humans. Additionally, their size was significantly larger than that of normal bees, making it easy for them to transport the crystal cores back. It felt as though Kisha had found a $10 million antique at a garage sale, an incredible stroke of luck that made everything easier not just for her but for everyone else. The task of retrieving the crystal cores was handled by just five Scarlet Bees. Their extreme agility and forelegs, as strong and sharp as knives, made quick work of digging the crystal cores out of the zombies'' skulls. This made Kisha and their people''s journey remarkably smooth, allowing them to keep running without frequent stops. When they did pause, it was only to catch their breath. Kisha switched places with Duke once his SP was down to half. She moved with great agility, controlling three military daggers with ease as they danced through the air as if alive. Unlike Duke, she could continue using her ability almost indefinitely; her SP consumption was only 5 SP for every 20 seconds of continuous use, or 1 SP per second. This efficiency was a significant advantage, as her power''s effectiveness depended on the weight and size of the objects she controlled. In contrast to Duke''s flashy but SP-intensive abilities, Kisha''s power was more practical and sustainable for prolonged use. While Duke rested at the back to slowly replenish his SP, Kisha smoothly led the team to the next building. They navigated through three buildings before Kisha swapped places with Duke. This left Duke feeling quite dissatisfied; he had hoped to impress Kisha and reassure her with his abilities, but instead, he felt overshadowed by his new wife''s effortless leadership and skill. Duke never expected Kisha''s awakened ability to be so efficient and effective against the zombies. He even felt that Kisha could emerge victorious if surrounded by hundreds of zombies on both sides. He wanted to display his manly side to Kisha, hoping she wouldn''t regret her decision to marry him. Despite his nonchalant demeanor when discussing their marriage with his family, he was actually feeling dreadful inside, fearing she might refuse to be his girlfriend, let alone his wife. He had been pushing his luck, never expecting her to agree. Now, he was determined to demonstrate his value to her, eager to dispel any hint of regret she might feel. The mere thought of her second-guessing their agreement filled him with dread, spurring him into action. Beneath his nonchalant exterior lay a current of nervous energy, driving him to find a way to prove himself. As they paused for another rest before swapping places with Kisha, he approached her with a bottle of water in hand, cooled by his ice ability. "Wifey, care for some cold water?" Duke''s voice overflowed with tenderness and affection for his wife, prompting everyone who overheard to feel their skin crawl. Those who hadn''t witnessed it themselves wouldn''t have believed Duke was capable of such gentleness, behaving almost like a devoted puppy towards another. Kisha glanced up, she remembered that the Duke in her past life also always gave her cold water that he chilled using his ice ability but the difference in their attitude was miles away, the Duke in her previous life would simply toss her the bottle and depart, while the Duke before her now seemed eager to please, resembling a devoted black puppy, its tail wagging enthusiastically in her presence. With a smile, Kisha accepted the water before playfully teasing, "I never knew having a husband could be this delightful. If I had known earlier, I might have rushed into marriage sooner!" Duke''s ears perked at her words, nearly prompting a grin to spread across his face. However, as he caught sight of Kisha''s teasing smile, he grasped the implications: while she found marriage appealing, it didn''t necessarily imply he was the groom. His expression soured instantly, and he scooped Kisha from her seat, settling her onto his lap with a displeased frown. Observing Duke''s actions, those nearby tactfully looked away, giving the new couple some space. Some even discreetly stepped back, creating the illusion that they were not eavesdropping to maintain a semblance of privacy, albeit with a hint of curiosity. However, they were careful not to appear too obvious, mindful of potentially invoking Duke''s displeasure. After settling Kisha on his lap, he asked, his voice laced with sour jealousy. "Then, who are you going to marry? Hmm?" He then pinched her side like a jealous wife. Kisha yelped as Duke unexpectedly pinched her sides, a mix of pain and ticklish sensation coursing through her. She shot him a glare, only to find him pouting with clear signs of displeasure and jealousy. At that moment, he appeared more like the one being bullied, and Kisha''s own annoyance dissipated. She rubbed the tip of her nose, averting her eyes, recognizing she had pushed her teasing too far. "Tell me, who would you rather be married to? Hmm?" Duke repeated his question, his tone laced with dominance this time. His right hand rested firmly on Kisha''s back, while his left hand slowly ventured beneath her clothes. His eyes gleamed with jealousy and possessiveness, fixated on her as if he wished to devour her then and there, a suggestive display of claiming ownership over her. Chapter 122 Divorce? Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as she observed Duke''s demeanor. It wasn''t his assertiveness that unsettled her, but the intensity of desire burning in his eyes. His possessiveness wasn''t stifling; instead, it felt like a protective embrace, as if she were a cherished gem he feared losing. Kisha had believed she understood Duke''s depth of feeling, but as she witnessed his raw emotions, she realized she may not have known him as well as she thought. Duke''s icy fingers, sneaking under her shirt, snapped Kisha back to the present moment. She gasped nervously, glancing around to find everyone else in the room carrying on as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. Meanwhile, Duke''s parents exchanged amused glances, clearly pleased to see their relationship moving forward. Duke''s spirits lifted as he observed Kisha squirming in his embrace, her discomfort evident in front of his family. Despite recognizing her earlier teasing, the mere suggestion of her with someone else stirred a painful ache within him, a notion he refused to entertain. Determined to convey the seriousness of her jest, he resolved to ensure she never joked about such matters again. Duke gently nipped at Kisha''s earlobe, his voice low and teasing. "Tell me, who would you rather be married to? Hmm?" His hands continued their explorations, he felt Kisha squirming in his embrace as he let out an evil smirk while his warm breath teased Kisha''s weak ear and her squirming intensified, Duke''s face darkened as he realized that he was undermining himself again, in front of everyone and his family. "Keep squirming like that, and we might just pick up where we left off earlier," he whispered huskily, his tone dripping with allure. Kisha rolled her eyes at his words, but Duke persisted in his playful antics, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort. Did he expect her to remain unaffected and act like a block of wood without feeling anything? She couldn''t suppress a yelp when Duke unexpectedly licked her ear, drawing the attention of everyone around them as if he had no care in the world. He was threatening me at one point but did the opposite, Kisha felt stumped and frustrated so she pinched Duke''s hand that was still crawling higher inside her shirt. "Host, isn''t it obvious? He wanted you to move some more so he''ll have a reason to continue where you guys left off." 008 couldn''t suppress the giggles echoing in Kisha''s mind as it observed her predicament. Kisha bit her lower lip and firmly pinched Duke''s hand, which had been exploring beneath her shirt. "Continue with what you are doing, or you''ll hear from my lawyer about our divorce," she quipped, mixing jest with seriousness. Duke chuckled in response, his warm breath tickling her ear as he rested his chin on her shoulder. His other hand ceased its roaming, though his grip on her waist tightened subtly. "Oh yeah? Where will you get a lawyer, hmm?" Duke retorted with a smile. Observers couldn''t help but notice the undeniable chemistry between them. They appeared like a couple who had been together for years, effortlessly navigating each other''s quirks and challenges. Their harmony and happiness were palpable, painting a picture of a perfect couple. "Should I just run away then?" Kisha retorted, raising her eyebrows. "That is if you can run away from me..." Duke''s voice trailed off, a hint of seriousness underlying his jest. He wouldn''t entertain the thought of his wife escaping him. Wherever she went, he would follow; whatever she did, he would too. He wouldn''t give her a chance to flee, let alone seek someone new. After their light-hearted banter, they felt their nerves relaxing and rejuvenated. Kisha and Duke resumed leading their team, with Kisha taking the lead this time since her awakened ability was more practical and lasted longer than Duke''s. Earlier, before their rest, they had already traversed four buildings, and now they were nearing the outer section of the western district. Meanwhile, Sparrow, following Kisha''s directives, was also close to completing his preparations and scouting on the opposite side. "After this, we won''t have any more chances to rest. We''ll head straight to the outer layer of the western district in one go. I hope everyone has rested well, and I trust you all to keep up with us," Kisha declared to the group before their departure. Standing at the front, she was ready to lead them out as soon as everyone showed their agreement and determination. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha didn''t wait long for everyone to respond. Without hesitation, she darted out of the room, swiftly killing the zombies in her path while the Scarlet Bees collected the crystal cores along the way. The entire team sprinted without pause, determined to press forward. Earlier, while bantering with Duke, Kisha asked 008 to exchange their points for stamina boosters after learning they were available in the mall. They exchanged 999 stamina boosters, purchasing all available stock since the stamina boosters were much cheaper than the black vials of liquid, which cost 1000 points each. The stamina boosters were only 100 points per vial, but buying all of them still cost Kisha more than 99 thousand points, a significant sum. She didn''t know when the same item would go on sale again, so she took advantage of the opportunity. She gave each team member ten stamina boosters, with each vial restoring their stamina to its fullest. Since she was leading the group and Duke and Vulture were assisting from the rear, she expected this supply would be enough for the entire team to reach the outer layer. After clearing three more buildings, the Scarlet Bees notified Kisha that the streets ahead were more accessible, with fewer zombies piling up compared to where they had come from. Since Bell had sent out the Scarlet Bees for scouting while the regular bees provided support, the entire experience had reached a new level of efficiency. Kisha could now receive detailed, first-hand information directly from Bell''s scouts. The Bees could also map out the entire streets with remarkable precision, sending visuals directly to Bell, who then transmitted them to Kisha''s brain. It felt as if she were seeing everything with her own eyes. Chapter 123 Stamina Booster After receiving the visuals from the bees, Kisha led her team down the building and directly outside. No one questioned their sudden change of course, having already experienced Kisha''s expertise in leading them through the safest routes like a human radar. Most of them understood it was largely thanks to the bees acting as their scouts. However, the mystery of how Kisha controlled the bees remained a lingering question for many. Despite these questions, no one asked Kisha directly, trusting her judgment as they trusted their master, Duke. Once they made their way to the streets, their journey became smoother. They no longer needed Vulture to conjure earth bridges from one building to another, which had previously consumed both time and spiritual energy. Due to the continuous battles and the frequent use of their awakened abilities, their foundations have gradually grown stronger and firmer. If this growth continues, Kisha expects that she, Duke, and Mrs. Winters could start leveling up in a few days, progressing faster than Sparrow and Vulture. However, before attempting to level up, Kisha wanted to experiment with the Scarlet Honey again. This would have to wait until they returned to the shelter. As they continued moving toward the outer layer, they encountered fewer zombies, facing no more than a dozen at a time. These smaller groups were easier to handle, taking Kisha only ten seconds to deal with, and the Scarlet Bees just a second to dig out the crystal cores and return them to her. Kisha had now collected hundreds of Level 0 crystal cores while Bell was munching on a core from time to time like a snack. Unlike Kisha and the rest of the team, Bell didn''t seem to need to process the energy in its body after leveling up, which didn''t affect its foundation. This allowed Bell to consume the crystal cores and level up again within just a few days. Kisha wondered if this was due to Bell''s constitution as a Mythic Grade Beast, or perhaps because the small amount of spiritual energy inside the crystal cores was insufficient to even stir its energy reserve. Another possibility was that Bell, having originated from a world where spiritual energy was abundant, could easily acclimate itself to her world. No matter how hard Kisha thought about it, she couldn''t fully understand Bell''s origins or how things worked in its world. She could only speculate and ensure that consuming the crystal cores wasn''t negatively affecting Bell''s growth or foundation. After confirming with Bell that it was safe, Kisha allowed it to continue munching on the cores. She also experimented to see if the Scarlet Honey would have the same effect on Bell, hoping it could benefit from the multiplier. Unfortunately, it didn''t work that way for Bell. Since Bell''s constitution was already exceptional from the beginning, the Scarlet Honey didn''t have any additional effect beyond being a natural food for Bell and the other Scarlet Bees. So, in essence, the crystal cores that she and the rest saved up thanks to the multiplier from the Scarlet Honey would all go to Bell instead. Kisha didn''t know whether to laugh or cry upon realizing this crucial information. "Master, actually, there are other ways to increase my growth, similar to how the Scarlet Honey affects humans and beasts," Bell interjected with Kisha''s thoughts as it hovered over her head while they ran through the streets. "What do you mean, Bell? Do we have other alternatives?" Kisha asked, her eyes lighting up with interest. "In the Murim World where I came from, there were different pills that could help with a practitioner''s growth progress, similar to the multiplier effect you mentioned," Bell explained. "Pills?" Kisha questioned, intrigued. She had a general idea of what Bell was talking about, but she wasn''t familiar with the specifics, and she didn''t know where to begin. "Yes, master. Those pills are like elixirs, but the ones I mentioned were of grade 6 and 7, which only Alchemists¡ªor as you call them, Pill Masters¡ªof grade 7 or above could create. However, such masters are rare because alchemy isn''t an easy task. But perhaps we could try searching for them in the system?" Bell explained before suggesting. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha was aware that if Bell depended solely on crystal cores for leveling up, their ability to enhance Bell''s strength would be severely restricted. Unless she could secure a consistent supply of higher-level crystal cores, which could accelerate Bell''s leveling process, their progress might stagnate. As their levels increased, advancing to the next level would become progressively more challenging. This concern was particularly relevant for Bell, who lacked a multiplier like Kisha and the others. She also had a growing suspicion that Bell''s leveling process would become exceptionally difficult once it reached a certain point. So, Kisha promptly instructed 008 to search for the pills Bell mentioned in the Murim World channel. Given that they had previously purchased an immortal pill from that world, it should be easier for 008 to make another purchase. With that task delegated, Kisha shifted her focus back to the immediate challenge they faced. Thus far, she and the others had already consumed three vials of stamina booster, akin to energy drinks. While their physical stamina felt replenished, the mental strain lingered. Despite this, they could push through the fatigue, albeit feeling it to some extent, and continue pressing forward. Kisha had also depleted half of her SP, prompting her to switch positions with Duke. Vulture maintained his support role, as his awakened ability was primarily geared towards defense. It seemed fitting for him to remain in this role and only intervene as necessary. While Mrs. Winters continued to practice her awakened ability with support from her husband, and the Patriarch offered moral support to everyone, their journey proceeded smoothly without any issues. They didn''t encounter any death warriors along the way either. However, Kisha and Duke remained uncertain whether they had truly thrown off Colton''s spies or if they were simply lying low. Consequently, they refused to let their guard down and remained vigilant as they pressed onward. Kisha kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, ensuring that the death warriors wouldn''t pull a fast one on them. After five hours of non-stop sprinting and nearly exhausting all their vials of stamina booster, they finally reached the edge of the western district. Once they stopped at a gasoline station along the way, everyone in Kisha''s team collapsed from exhaustion and mental strain after securing the perimeter. They were breathing raggedly, their muscles drained of strength and their bodies strained beyond their limits. The stamina booster had only replenished their stamina, not alleviated their fatigue or muscle exhaustion. Kisha''s concerns about relying too heavily on such supplements were becoming evident¡ªthey didn''t know the potential consequences of excessive use. Only Kisha, Duke, and Vulture were faring better than the others. Awakening their abilities had raised their body''s capacity limits, allowing them to recover and endure better. Vulture had already leveled up, increasing his overall stats, while Kisha and Duke''s constitutions had improved significantly due to the effects of the Scarlet Honey. However, Mrs. Winters, despite awakening, still struggled due to her originally frail body, with her improvement being only marginal. Chapter 124 Are you a Dog? When they reached the gasoline station, Kisha allowed the group to rest. The shelves were ransacked and the place looked like it had survived a hurricane, but the glass windows and doors remained intact, and there were only a few zombies around. This likely explained why the place had been looted so thoroughly. Kisha and the rest could rest there peacefully, gathering their strength and tending to their aching muscles. "Are you alright?" Duke asked, sitting down beside Kisha and handing her a cold bottle of water. He was faring well due to his extensive training and monstrous stamina, but his people were different; they were gasping for air. Kisha would have been almost as exhausted, if not for the additional +10 points in all her stats due to her title. Seeing Duke act as if he had just gone for a jog rubbed Kisha the wrong way. His unfairly superior physique was evident then and now. Noticing the envy in her eyes, Duke chuckled and gently placed the water bottle in her hands. As Kisha sat on a stool, Duke crouched down, gingerly lifted one of her legs, and rested it on his knee before he started massaging her calf and leg muscles. Kisha yelped at first because Duke had used too much force. Hearing her exclaim, he adjusted his pressure and watched her reaction closely. After readjusting a few times, he finally saw Kisha''s eyes turn to crescents in delight. In return, as Duke massaged her legs, Kisha took out her favorite melon bread, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. She tore off a bite-sized piece and held it up to Duke''s lips with a smile. When Duke noticed that Kisha was offering him some food, he looked up at her with a playful glint in his eyes before taking a bite. He couldn''t resist teasing her by gently licking her fingers. He felt confident doing so because he knew Kisha had thoroughly washed her hands with soap several times before feeding him. After feeling the dampness on her fingers, Kisha felt a jolt of electricity course from her fingertips to her scalp and down to her belly button. Her eyes fluttered, and she bit her lip, trying to suppress the ticklish sensation. "Are you a dog?" Kisha asked, her voice tinged with embarrassment while her cheeks turned bright red. Despite her embarrassment, Kisha continued feeding Duke. He, in turn, didn''t stop massaging her legs, grinning like a kid who had successfully pulled off a prank. Kisha narrowed her eyes, not in anger, but finding him irresistibly cute and lovable. Her lips curved into a smile, and she felt an urge to pat his head, thinking he looked like a mischievous big black dog. Instead of pinching his cheeks as her hands itched to do, she took some lemonade from her inventory, inserted a straw, and brought it closer to Duke. "Could you please chill this a bit?" she asked. Duke shot Kisha an aggrieved look, feeling momentarily like she was treating him like a human cooler. But he quickly pushed that thought aside, realizing it was better to be useful than useless. Placing his index finger under the bottle, he used his awakened ability to chill the drink, enveloping it in a thin layer of soft ice. The lemonade became refreshingly cool, but not too cold. When the lemonade was cold enough, Kisha brought it closer to Duke''s lips. "Drink, I''ll hold it for you," she said with a deadpan expression, though Duke could see the tips of her ears turning red. Happily, he took a sip. He hadn''t realized the lemonade was meant for him; if he had known, he wouldn''t have felt aggrieved even for a second. He felt happier than a kid with candy. He repeatedly nodded with contentment. "It tasted sweet. Have some too, my dear wife." He then gently pushed the lemonade closer to Kisha, urging her to take a sip as well. At that moment, they looked like an old couple, and when Duke called Kisha ''wife'', she felt a tug at her heartstrings, as if a flood of emotions rushed in unexpectedly. She even thought, ''I finally heard that again after so long,'' which struck her as odd because she had never had such a relationship in all her past lives, even in her recent life where he met Duke. Since it felt irrelevant and like a passing thought, she decided to push it to the back of her mind and focus on the present moment. She continued to serve Duke melon bread and lemonade as he massaged both of Kisha''s legs, enjoying the small, comforting gestures they shared in the midst of their exhaustion. The Winters watched them with delight, already engaged in a family meeting about potential names for their future grandchildren. The Patriarch was the most enthusiastic, followed closely by Mrs. Winters. However, they seemed to overlook the fact that Duke was supposed to have a fianc¨¦e back at the base. Only Mr. Winters seemed to recall this, and though not as carefree as his father and wife, he was still happy and content with his son''s choice. He understood that it wouldn''t be easy for Duke and his new partner to navigate the situation with the Evans, but he remained firmly on his family''s side. Everyone was having a good time while resting as if the chaos around them was a story from a long time ago, they were undisturbed. Why? It''s because, Bell has eaten a lot of crystal core and so, Kisha sent Bell outside to clean up the zombies that came into their vicinity and to exercise a bit more just so it wouldn''t get too fat, she did not even know if beast would get unhealthy if it did not go exercise and besides, Bell was supposed to be a battle pet, it goes with its nature to fight and improved but because her world is not as harsh as Bell''s world, she''s afraid that Bell''s laid back environment that was not up to par to its previous world will affect Bell''s natural strength and forget its strong instinct to strive to be stronger and survive. Kisha knew she couldn''t neglect Bell''s battle practice, as honing its skills and gaining experience was essential for future battles. Kisha was pulled from her planning for the future and everyone else that was resting when they suddenly heard a series of loud, consecutive sounds. Boom- S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rumble.... Boom- Rumble.... The noise was so loud that the ground rumbled with each reverberation of the sound, shaking the air around them. Chapter 125 Worked in their Favor Seven hours ago... After parting ways with Kisha and the rest, Sparrow, with a military backpack strapped to his back, leaped from rooftop to rooftop, focused on his mission. He gripped the backpack''s strap on his shoulder, increasing his speed. Kisha had ensured he was well-equipped, giving him an additional five vials of black liquid and ten stamina boosters. Before he set off on his mission, Kisha cautioned him once more about the vials she had given him. She urged him not to overdose and to avoid using them consecutively whenever possible, as the side effects were still unknown. He always made sure to follow Kisha''s instructions, knowing that her words were law, especially now that she and his master were husband and wife. From the moment he saw his master treat Kisha differently when he rescued her from those people chasing them around the city, he knew she would not be able to escape his master''s grasp and would eventually become his wife. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He didn''t have any proof before, only noticing Duke''s oddities in his actions, but now he was certain. This gave him even more reason to put extra thought and effort into the mission Kisha had entrusted to him. Soon enough, he reached the building where the Winters were trapped before. He scanned the entire area, searching for any remaining death warriors. After making a few rounds to ensure the coast was clear, he finally sprang into action. He began dismantling the remaining speakers that were attracting the zombies. Once finished, he changed their sequence, directing the zombies that had gathered in the center toward the west section of the western district. This area, once home to the wealthy residents of City B, was filled with high-end luxury apartments and condos, all centered around a picturesque man-made lake and other exclusive amenities. He cautiously maneuvered through the area, ensuring he didn''t attract any unwanted attention. It took him four hours to set the speakers in the correct sequence, carefully dealing with lookouts in specific locations to create a path for the zombies, much like he had done in the southeast part. While the plan seemed straightforward, the execution was far from easy. He had to navigate above the zombies to reach the speakers, which were often dangerously close to the undead. The zombies clawed at the walls, following the intermittent sounds designed to stimulate and lure them. The walls were smeared with coagulated black blood, and fragments of fingernails and flesh clung to the surface, creating a grotesque sight. Every time Sparrow approached, the stench of decay assaulted his nostrils, and he found himself only a few steps away from the horde. Despite being perilously close to the zombies'' claws each time, he never got flustered. Perhaps he had grown used to the danger or considered the zombies as manageable as a child''s play. The individuals who had originally placed the speakers never anticipated that anyone would dare tamper with their arrangements. They had strategically positioned the speakers to draw the zombies toward the center while also placing them in perilous locations to deter interference. Destroying them with long-range weapons like sniper rifles was feasible, but approaching them up close was a death sentence, even for those who had installed them. Sparrow was doing an excellent job dismantling the speakers, rendering the efforts of those who had made the arrangement futile. He also didn''t forget to collect the AWMs and the lookouts'' backpacks, having learned not to let any opportunity to gather supplies slip by. These resources, such as the assault rifles and AWMs he had previously gathered from enemies in the southeast part, had proven invaluable, and he knew they would be just as useful in the future. He noticed that the arrangement of the lookout stations was similar to those in the southeast, leading him to conclude that the enemy''s base layouts were uniform and not particularly well-hidden. This made it easier for him to navigate, especially since he had acquired their map. It seemed the enemy had grown complacent, never expecting the Winters to escape their predicament, let alone turn the tables on them. They likely believed they were playing a game of cat and mouse, with themselves as the cat toying with its prey. However, they didn''t anticipate certain factors that would tip the scales against them. They likely thought they were playing a game of cat and mouse, with themselves as the cat toying with its prey. However, they didn''t anticipate certain factors beyond their expectations that would tip the scales against them. So, the lookout, who had grown complacent yet also fearful of the world''s changes, was willing to do anything to ensure his survival. He readily divulged his group''s whereabouts and even provided a bird''s-eye view version of the map, detailing each of their locations. Sparrow also discovered that the Coltons swiftly dealt with individuals showing any signs of transformation into zombies, such as high fever or suddenly collapsing, by killing them without waiting for them to transform. They believed that even without a bite, the virus could still be transmitted, leading others to turn if not dealt with preemptively. This explains why there were no awakened individuals among the Coltons'' ranks even after a week had passed, while Duke''s group had already acquired five superhumans. Sparrow couldn''t help but find the irony amusing. The Coltons'' young master''s paranoia and instability inadvertently worked in Duke''s group''s favor. Kisha pondered whether the Coltons had any superhumans among them. She realized the potential implications for their safety and plans if they were caught off guard by such information. She tasked Sparrow with uncovering any superhumans within the Coltons'' ranks, emphasizing the importance of staying informed to avoid surprises that could jeopardize their group''s safety. But then she changed her mind and just planned to just kill all of them to end their future problems. Now, with a clearer understanding of the Coltons'' condition and the map providing a boost to his mission, Sparrow felt as though a stubborn fishbone had been removed from his throat. He couldn''t help but feel a surge of confidence and gratitude for the opportunities that seemed to come his way effortlessly, even in the midst of the apocalypse. It was as if luck was always on his side, presenting him with windows of opportunity without him needing to seek them out. This insight proved immensely beneficial for his missions, leading Sparrow to contemplate the fortunate circumstances that had brought them to this point. Perhaps it was a stroke of luck, or maybe it was the result of his master''s past good deeds. Regardless, meeting Kisha had been a pivotal moment. Her generosity in sharing vital information ensured that their forces wouldn''t suffer unnecessary losses. Sparrow might find even more reason to laugh if he were to discover that Duke had indeed done something remarkable in his past life. This could explain why Kisha had approached Duke first and had been so eager to alter his path and protect him. It was Duke''s sacrifice that ultimately led Kisha to recognize whom she should prioritize in her current life and where she needed to exercise ruthlessness. She was determined to ensure that those who had caused her death and betrayed her faced the consequences of this life. She wouldn''t allow these individuals to harm more innocent lives for their selfish gains. This became her personal vendetta because they had touched with what belonged to her: Duke. Chapter 126 The Retaliation Upon gathering the necessary information, Sparrow cast a disdainful glance at the man who had readily betrayed his own people to save himself. The man shrank under Sparrow''s gaze, feeling the weight of his impending fate as cold sweat trickled down his back. He sensed Sparrow''s intent, a prelude to something ominous. "You promised to spare me if I talked!" the man protested, his voice tinged with desperation as he began to back away. Sparrow, however, allowed no opportunity for escape. With a swift gesture, he conjured a razor-sharp wind blade aimed directly at the man''s head. The man''s eyes widened in horror as he felt the sudden surge of wind pressure, but before he could react, his head was cleanly severed from his neck. His eyes remained wide open, frozen in shock, in the moment before his demise. Sparrow harbored no sympathy for the man; one who could so readily betray his own people did not warrant it. He shifted his attention back to the map he had just acquired, meticulously noting each location he needed to remember. With a cold resolve, he murmured, "A man like you will never find a place in this world. You are the true danger." Sparrow delivered a swift kick to the man''s head, sending it tumbling like a soccer ball before hurling his body off the building toward where the zombies were gathered. As the body hit the ground, the ravenous undead descended upon it, tearing into flesh with savage hunger. Sparrow watched indifferently, then scoffed before vanishing from his position like the wind. Guided by the map, Sparrow executed his final mission with meticulous stealth. Just as before, he led the zombies to encircle the enemy''s camp undetected, ensuring each location was tightly surrounded before withdrawing to a safe distance. From there, he observed with grim satisfaction, eager to witness how the Coltons would confront their imminent doom. He knew they would not emerge unscathed from this ordeal, even if they managed to survive. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow stood atop the roof, arms crossed, a wry scoff escaping his lips as he surveyed the scene before him. His belongings lay at his feet, forgotten for the moment. In the distance, the cacophony of zombie roars and growls reverberated through the air, a grim testament to their overwhelming number. The streets below were choked with the undead, rendering them impassable to any unfortunate souls who might attempt to traverse them. Sparrow maintained a mental countdown, poised in patient anticipation as he awaited the commencement of the impending spectacle. Meanwhile, the Coltons remained blissfully unaware of the imminent threat looming over them. Kisha also wanted to see the show but refrained from coming because if she came, Duke would also come but, they wouldn''t be as fast as Sparrow and even if Kisha could be of help setting up the speakers and the other things using her awakened ability, Duke wouldn''t be able to help as much and they would only be on Sparrow''s way, so, they decided to just lead the main party back to a safe place while leaving this mission to Sparrow since his agility and stealth would be his strong points. As the Coltons'' camp became encircled by zombies on all sides, the air filled with the reverberations of gunfire. Despite their awareness that loud sounds could draw more undead, they had no choice but to unleash the deafening sound of their assault rifles. With all combatants engaged in killing wave after wave of zombies from the rooftop, they tried to clear a path for their escape and the relocation of their base. Amidst the relentless barrage of gunfire and cacophony of Zombie roars, they remained oblivious to any suspicious signs around them. They never even had a moment to contemplate the sudden emergence of the zombie horde, as no warning had reached them. The unexpected assault left them bewildered and unprepared, their focus consumed by the urgent need to fend off the relentless undead onslaught. Upon reaching out to neighboring camps for assistance, only then did they realize they had been set up. Each camp faced the same dire predicament, encircled on all sides by hordes of zombies. With no means to send reinforcements and lacking sufficient grapple guns to escape to neighboring buildings, they found themselves trapped. The sudden surge of undead caught them off guard, their arrogance and complacency shattered by the unfolding chaos. They had believed everything was under their control, confident that their elaborate plans would ensnare the Winters without fail. Now, confronted with the harsh reality of their own vulnerability, they scrambled to devise a new strategy amid the chaos of the encroaching horde. Their attempts to strategize were abruptly cut short by the thunderous sound of simultaneous explosions, which sent shockwaves rippling through the ground and debris hurtling through the air. Severed limbs flew in all directions, obscuring the source of the devastation and leaving them disoriented and vulnerable. Caught completely off guard by the sudden onslaught, they found themselves reeling from the chaos as the explosions echoed ominously in the distance. In an instant, three-quarters of their forces lay lifeless, the opening created by the blasts serving as a grim invitation for the encroaching horde of zombies. With their ranks decimated and no escape in sight, they were left utterly defenseless and at the mercy of their relentless assailants. Left with no other viable options, the Coltons resorted to using grenades to clear a path through the encroaching horde of zombies. The earlier explosions had already drawn the attention of zombies from miles around, so they decided to just make use of the chaos and create an escape route. With the relentless tide of zombies converging on their location from all corners of the western district, time was of the essence. If they didn''t act swiftly, their chances of making it out alive would diminish with each passing moment. With a cold, indifferent gaze and a malevolent smile, Sparrow observed the Coltons'' final bid for survival. As they frantically sought refuge in their garage, oblivious to the trap awaiting them, Sparrow''s calculated plan unfolded. He had strategically placed explosives in the garage, ensuring their escape route was sealed shut. Moreover, he had targeted adjacent buildings, preventing them from using their grapple guns to seek sanctuary elsewhere¡ªa tactic Sparrow and the others had employed successfully to run away from the horde of zombies crowding the streets. It was a ruthless scheme, meticulously designed to ensure their demise, and Sparrow reveled in the unfolding chaos. He ensured there was no escape route, relishing in their futile attempts to find one. Sparrow watched as they clung desperately to the dwindling shreds of hope, unaware of the inevitable Fucked up fate closing in on them. This is Kisha''s brutal retaliation against the Coltons for their relentless targeting of the Winters. Her vengeance knows no bounds as she seeks to utterly crush them and wipe the Coltons from existence. It''s not just about this lifetime; it''s about the countless 99 lives where Duke suffered at the hands of the Coltons. She''s avenging him with every ounce of her being. This marks the beginning of a new chapter where she and Duke can finally embrace a better life in the midst of the apocalypse, surrounded by their cherished loved ones. Chapter 127 Revenge was Served Just as Sparrow had anticipated, the Coltons made their way to the garage, oblivious to the trap awaiting them. As they crowded around the first armored car and opened its door, an explosion ripped through the air, reducing the unfortunate soul who triggered it to nothing but pulp. In a chain reaction, the other cars detonated one by one, ensnaring those seeking escape in a deadly dance of fire and metal. Only a scant few who had been fighting at the very back remained alive. However, the force of the explosion had torn another hole in their defenses, allowing the ravenous horde of zombies to encircle them from all sides, leaving them besieged and utterly overwhelmed. With nowhere to run, they were consumed by the ravenous horde, their desperate screams drowned out by the cacophony of zombie roars. The only remnants of the Coltons'' camp were dark wisps of smoke rising from the ruins, where half of the building had been devoured by explosions. The scene was grisly, with limbs scattered almost everywhere, torn apart by the blasts and the onslaught of zombies. This was the grim fate of what had befallen the other two remaining camps, stealthily rigged by Sparrow with explosives just like the one now facing him. Sparrow patiently waited for the last of the Coltons'' men to fall to the zombie horde''s onslaught, ensuring no one managed to escape. After confirming the absence of survivors, he let out a sigh of relief. He then proceeded to check the other two camps, ensuring they too had been overrun without any survivors. Finally, satisfied with the outcome, he made his way back to Kisha and his master to report the success of their retaliation. Realizing he had finally avenged his fallen brothers who suffered at the hands of the Coltons, tears welled in Sparrow''s eyes, blurring his vision. He paused for a moment, allowing his emotions to flow freely. The memories of his brothers'' suffering and the grim fate they endured haunted him, reminiscent of the horrors he and Vulture had witnessed in City A''s west district. The sorry state of those they failed to save lingered in his mind, a constant reminder of the atrocities committed by their enemies. Sparrow wept like a child, his tears a testament to the pain and loss of those lost souls. Through his tears, he murmured softly, repeating the solemn vow, "Brothers, your deaths have been avenged." Upon hearing the resounding echoes of the distant explosion, Kisha sensed that Sparrow had executed his mission flawlessly. A wave of relief washed over her, loosening the tension in her muscles and calming her mind. Glancing at Duke, she noticed his solemn expression, perhaps reflecting on the closure brought by avenging his fallen subordinate, granting them peace after the injustice of their deaths. Kisha sensed Duke''s sorrow, but she was unsure of how to comfort him. Nevertheless, she chose to stand by his side, silently offering her support as she held his hand. She felt a momentary flinch in his grip before he clasped her hand tightly as if seeking solace in her presence. Together, they stood in silence, their gaze directed towards the sky above. Kisha observed a hint of sadness in Duke''s reddened eyes, his lips pressed together in a contemplative manner as he released a long, heavy sigh. A somber mood enveloped the room, casting a heavy silence that lingered for half an hour. Eventually, Duke turned to Kisha and wordlessly drew her into his embrace. With a tremble in his voice, he murmured, "Thank you. It''s all thanks to you that I managed to save my family and avenge my people." Gratitude laced his words, and Kisha felt him quiver slightly as he continued, "I don''t know what I did to deserve this in my past life, but I''m grateful you found me." Tenderly, he pressed a kiss to Kisha''s forehead, a gesture filled with appreciation and affection. Kisha felt a lump in her throat after hearing Duke''s heartfelt words. She had yet to tell him the painful truth about how he had died in her previous life. Fear gripped her at the thought of his reaction, but she knew she couldn''t keep it a secret forever. She just needed time to prepare herself for whatever response Duke might have. She felt Duke''s strong heartbeat gradually calm down. Slowly, she encircled her arms around his lean, strong waist and gently patted his back, hoping to soothe his nerves. After half an hour, Duke hadn''t moved, prompting Kisha to lift her head and check on him. She expected to find him still feeling down but instead saw his amused eyes and foxy grin. Narrowing her eyes, she stopped patting his back and asked, "Do you plan on letting go anytime soon?" "Why? I''m just enjoying my wife''s pampering," Duke answered innocently. Kisha felt a surge of irritation, realizing he had been savoring the moment while she worried about him. It seemed Duke never missed a chance to flirt and tease her. Yet, despite her urge to get angry, she couldn''t. This playful, endearing side of Duke was one she had never seen before, and she found herself appreciating it deeply. "Okay then, I''ll pamper you more from now on," Kisha murmured under her breath, thinking Duke hadn''t heard her. But then Duke responded with a playful grin, "I can''t wait for your pampering, my dear wife." Kisha choked on her saliva and felt an urge to hit Duke. He could have just nodded or stayed quiet if he heard her, but he had to tease her, making her feel embarrassed in front of his people, especially his family. Her face turned red up to her ears, and seeing her reaction, Duke''s somber mood lifted, his eyes crinkling into satisfied crescents. Seeing the couple return to their playful banter, everyone''s mood lifted. They watched in amusement as Duke and Kisha teased each other like children. This side of Duke was new to them, even after all the years they''d spent with him. It was as if he shed his cold, indifferent exterior whenever he was with Kisha. With her, he felt more human and alive than he ever had before. Mrs. Winters appreciated Kisha even more for this. Not only did Kisha help share her son''s burdens, but she also brought him out of his shell, enabling him to live a happier life. She had already seen her son smile more than ever before, and unlike his business smile, his current smiles were genuine and raw, reflecting how much he valued Kisha and her company. This made her appreciate Kisha even more. Although she also liked Melody for her sensible and understanding nature, Melody had never been able to get close to her son. Mrs. Winters had hoped Melody would warm her son''s heart just as she had with Duke''s father, but now she realized it took the right person to complete the job, and Melody was not that person. She felt guilty, knowing she almost ruined her son''s happiness by pushing for a marriage before he found the right person. She would have felt bad for Kisha too, seeing how genuine she was with her son, protecting and respecting him. Mrs. Winters also noticed how Kisha, normally cold, opened up around Duke, shedding her tough exterior. It was clear to her now that the two were made for each other. Letting out a satisfied sigh, she watched the couple in front of her, grateful for the happiness they brought each other. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 128 Preparation Kisha and the team stayed at the gas station, waiting for Sparrow. As they looked up at the sky, Kisha noticed dark clouds gathering. A sense of foreboding began to build in her heart. She felt uneasy. In her previous lives, the first rain came after six months, carrying significant meaning not just for her but for humanity and survival itself. Considering the recent explosions, Kisha estimated that even with Sparrow''s agility and wind abilities, he would take at least three to four hours to return at full speed. Despite this, she wanted to head back to the shelter immediately, where the sturdy walls offered protection. Whenever she felt uneasy, she always sought the safest place she knew. But then, she remembered that the shelter wasn''t that safe either. Duke noticed her unease and gently patted her head. "Are you okay?" Kisha shook her head and looked up again. "I don''t think we''ll be fine," she answered honestly. They had just dealt with one problem, and now another was looming. She felt her temper rising; it always seemed like the world was against her. If it wasn''t the mission, then circumstances conspired to give her a hard time without respite. "What''s going on in your mind?" Duke asked, smoothing the tight furrow between her brows. "Care to share?" Kisha pointed at the darkening clouds. Duke noticed the impending storm. "Are you worried about the rain?" He caught onto her train of thought just by observing her expression and subtle actions. They were in sync, yet he couldn''t fully grasp her concern until he recalled a crucial detail she had shared the first time they met. After recalling that information, his expression also turned grim. However, neither of them panicked. Instead, they looked at each other, searching for worry in the other''s eyes but finding none. They both smiled, determined to think of a solution together. They definitely didn''t want to return to the shelter without Sparrow. Besides, they couldn''t be sure if any Coltons were still inside, making the safety of the shelter uncertain. Regardless of their choice, they would face unknown dangers. Kisha and Duke decided it was better to confront the known dangers outside rather than risk being blindsided upon their return to the shelter. Kisha and Duke didn''t speak of their concerns again, not wanting to alarm their people without a solid plan in place. Kisha discreetly sent out the Scarlet Bees to scout for a more favorable position than the gasoline station. While waiting for the Bees to return, she ventured out to gather any remaining fuel. She hoped to find a truck with a full tank, but luck was not on her side. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There were no fuel trucks around, and the underground gasoline reserves were mostly depleted. It was likely that survivors from the shelter regularly stopped by this station, explaining its emptiness. If not them, it must have been the Coltons who drained the supplies. But either way, it wasn''t as if they could steal it back now, regardless of who had emptied the gas station. After confirming there was nothing left to salvage, Kisha and Duke decided to have everyone gear up while they waited for the Scarlet Bees to find a better location. When everyone heard this, they sensed something was up. However, Kisha and Duke remained tight-lipped, increasing their suspicions. It didn''t take a genius to realize that Duke and Kisha were preparing for something significant. Mrs. Winters, along with everyone else, including the guards, was required to don protective layers, ensuring their arms, legs, necks, and torsos were covered by thick clothing. While they geared up, they also ate to maintain their strength and avoid becoming irritable later. The Scarlet Bees returned with valuable information about the best vantage point for their protection. They were fortunate to find one of the most secure, high-end banks in the sector, which belonged to the Winters'' banner. This familiarity with the bank''s layout meant they wouldn''t have to spend much time figuring out the intricacies of its interior and exterior. Kisha felt like slapping her forehead when she heard the Scarlet Bees mention the secure bank. Due to her nervousness, she had completely forgotten about it. ''I guess I''m becoming rusty and too laid back these days; my brain isn''t as sharp as it used to be,'' she thought to herself. She had become reliant on the Bees'' ability to scout and map the area, forgetting that this was her home territory before her hundredth reincarnation, long before she even knew of the Bees. Kisha took a deep breath. ''Truly, the more people who are important to you, the more anxious you feel about protecting them and nervous when danger is near.'' Before, it was always just Duke and Kisha. They only needed to protect themselves against the harsh environment and the zombie onslaught. But now, they had Duke''s family and their people to consider. After calming her nerves and composing herself, Kisha led everyone to the nearby bank. Meanwhile, Duke left clear trails for Sparrow to follow when he arrived. He didn''t use discreet markings; instead, he made them as large as possible, knowing Sparrow could spot them from the rooftops. After ensuring they left clear markings for Sparrow, they didn''t worry much about other survivors seeing them; time was of the essence. They had only 30 minutes to secure a good location. Kisha led everyone inside the bank and made sure to close the fiberglass door. Being a high-end bank catering to high-ranking officials and business tycoons, and the largest bank in City B, all its facilities, including the fiberglass, were top-of-the-line. Even a machine gun wouldn''t be able to penetrate the glass. After securing the first floor, Duke and Kisha each led a team while Vulture protected the Winters in the bank lobby. Thanks to Kisha and Duke''s powerful awakened abilities, they swiftly cleared the first floor, secured the basement, and locked it to ensure no one could enter from outside. With limited time, they focused on clearing as many upper floors as possible. To keep everyone from succumbing to their nerves, Kisha and Duke turned the situation into a competition. They challenged their teams to see who could clear the most floors the fastest. This not only motivated their members but also created a sense of camaraderie and fun. The team members believed this was just a game and that Kisha and Duke''s earlier uneasiness was due to the explosions at the Coltons'' camps. They assumed the leaders were being cautious in case any survivors showed up. Even if there were discrepancies in their conclusions, no one pressed for details, trusting that Kisha and Duke had the situation under control. Besides, knowing more might not change what needed to be done. Kisha darted down the hallway like a loose cannon, killing zombies with ease thanks to her skill and the efficiency of her abilities. She hardly needed any assistance, so when she judged that only a few zombies remained on a floor, she moved ahead to the next one, leaving her team to handle the stragglers. Unbeknownst to her, Duke had the same strategy. To avoid overusing his abilities and tiring himself out, he relied on his explosive strength and his spear, efficiently dealing with zombies without depleting his awakened ability. Chapter 129 What are we Running Away From? As the time approached the 30-minute mark, Kisha sent a member of her team to fetch Vulture and the others from the lobby while she rendezvoused with Duke and the rest of the group, ensuring they remained in a secure location. Originally, she contemplated hiding in the bunker, but that seemed excessive. The lobby''s fiberglass doors, impervious to both non-superhumans and Level 0 zombies, provided ample protection. It was the best shelter they could hope for in case of a bombing attack in the city. Kisha and Duke reached the 4th floor and chose to halt there for the night, considering the building had only 10 floors. They reasoned that being midway provided flexibility: if they sensed danger, they could ascend or descend swiftly. While Kisha initially aimed for the roof, their priority shifted to ensuring their group''s well-being by taking a much-needed rest. They recognized that climbing to the roof might expose them to rain, thwarting any chance of respite. As soon as they settled into one of the largest offices on the floor, the Patriarch couldn''t help but question Kisha''s nervous behavior. Though he sounded like a curious gossipmonger, he voiced what everyone had been wondering all along. "Daughter-in-law, what''s going on? What are we running away from?" Kisha no longer felt embarrassed by being called "daughter-in-law" repeatedly. She had grown accustomed to it, recognizing it as the Patriarch''s tactic to help her embrace her new title. He would call her that as often as possible, like a parrot, to reinforce her acceptance of the role. "Grandpa, please call me Kisha; ''daughter-in-law'' is too long," Kisha corrected. Once the Winters nodded in agreement, she continued, "The second Blood Rain will happen in a few minutes." Her emotions churned inside as she spoke, knowing the next Blood Rain was supposed to occur in six months. Like the first Blood Rain, this one was also happening sooner than she remembered, which could only mean bad news for them. "Why are you so nervous then?" Mrs. Winters asked, her tone tinged with hesitation. "Because the Blood Rain carries the virus, it acts as a booster to the zombies'' evolution," Kisha explained gravely. "This means their evolution accelerates, posing a significant danger to our survival. And with each Blood Rain, zombie hordes tend to raid human settlements, drawn to them like moths to a flame." She wore a grim expression, realizing she hadn''t yet explained this to Duke, assuming they''d have more time to gather supplies and fortify their defenses. "Zombie evolution surpasses a superhuman''s advancement by half," Kisha explained. "So, to confront a level 1 zombie, we''d ideally require a high-class superhuman proficient in both offense and defense. If such a person isn''t available, our alternative is to rely on two level 0 superhumans, each excelling in offense and defense, working in tandem. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Additionally, like superhumans, as zombies evolve, their likelihood of awakening abilities increases, amplifying the threat as they grow stronger." A wave of dread and nervousness swept over everyone as they absorbed Kisha''s detailed explanation. However, mirroring Duke''s calm demeanor, his father calmly assessed the situation, posing the question, "Why would zombies'' evolution be stronger than that of superhumans?" Kisha nodded in acknowledgment of his question before responding. "The difference lies in the purity of the energy within us compared to that in zombies. Human energy requires purification, filtering out impurities before it can be integrated into our energy cores. In contrast, the virus within zombies remains raw and unprocessed, making it easier for them to absorb without delay or refinement. Consequently, during Blood Rain events, which carry the virus, zombies experience a significant boost in strength, rendering them more formidable opponents. Their tendency to raid shelters post-evolution serves to replenish the energy expended during their advancement. This voracious hunger stems from the raw, tainted energy of the virus, intensifying their survival instincts and driving them to become stronger." With Kisha''s explanation, the gravity of their situation became evident to everyone. Her earlier anxiety, palpable during their time outside, now made perfect sense. The looming threat of being assaulted by the advancing zombie horde without the protection of the shelter''s sturdy walls became all too real. Without the safety provided by the shelter, their chances of surviving an onslaught from the evolving zombie horde were slim at best. Even with a few superhumans among them, it was painfully clear that they stood no chance against the encroaching zombie horde. Everyone understood this reality all too well; they recognized that, if anything, they would only burden Kisha and Duke further. The sense of powerlessness weighed heavily on them, especially those who hadn''t yet awakened their abilities. They couldn''t shake the guilt of feeling like mere passengers, riding on the coattails of their master and his wife. But Kisha and Duke''s worries didn''t revolve around immediate threats. As leaders, their concerns extended beyond the safety of their group to encompass the well-being of their entire base. Kisha, taking on her role, inquired with 008 about the situation at their base in City A. Fortunately, the area remained free from mutant beasts or plants, offering a safer haven than their current location. With a sigh of relief, Kisha felt reassured knowing her grandparents and Keith were out of harm''s way. Utilizing the holographic map, she virtually checked in on their activities, ensuring all was well. To outsiders, it appeared as though Kisha was lost in thought, gazing into empty space. However, Duke, observing her closely, noticed the subtle movements of her eyes, as if she were fixated on something invisible to them. Despite his curiosity, he refrained from probing further. He understood that whatever held Kisha''s attention was likely one of her secrets, and he respected her privacy. If it was something she chose to keep hidden, he was prepared to support her, knowing that she wouldn''t conceal it from the group unless it posed a significant threat or offered substantial use that might entice everyone to be greedy to possess it that might even endanger their lives if more people knew about it. Kisha''s confidence in Duke''s support allowed her to freely focus on checking their territory in City A. Their relationship had reached a level of trust where she felt comfortable sharing most things with him, including details about her territory pack. Having already disclosed numerous secrets to him and his allies, her territory pack seemed like just another piece of information to share. However, when it came to the system, she hesitated. Its origins were beyond her comprehension. Could she reveal that it was an alien entity from another universe, linked to channels from distant worlds? Unable to offer a clear explanation, she decided it was best to keep that aspect hidden, even from Duke. She made a mental note to inform Duke about the territory pack soon, easing his concerns about their base. Kisha understood that there were moments when he fretted over whether they still had a place to return to. His reluctance to contact anyone outside stemmed from the fear that their communication might be intercepted by enemies, endangering his allies. Thus, until it was safe to do so, he focused primarily on ensuring the safety of their group before attending to others. Chapter 130 Who are you? Kisha and the team barely have time to settle into the office when she notices unusual movements from a few floors above. Earlier, she hadn''t noticed because the Scarlet Bees were scattered within a 500-meter radius, while regular bees patrolled around and inside the building. Kisha''s heightened senses alerted her to the people moving around upstairs. They must have noticed the commotion caused by Kisha and the others while clearing the floor below, prompting them to take action. Kisha mentioned this to Duke, noting that since this is a company under his family''s banner, the people upstairs might also be his. She decided to let him handle the situation. "There are probably a dozen more survivors upstairs," Kisha mentioned, gesturing upward. Duke nodded but chose not to act immediately. He seemed to prefer playing it by ear, observing how things would unfold. Even if they were his people, they might not be part of his inner circle, where trust was implicit. If they were Duke''s subordinates, that was good¡ªthey wouldn''t die easily like the others, especially now that the zombies outside had been dealt with and the entrance securely closed. Kisha nodded, understanding Duke''s intent, and they both settled down to rest. Their bodies were battered from the nonstop running and fighting with zombies. Their muscles were at their limit, and they desperately needed this respite. Kisha and Duke made sure everyone took advantage of the opportunity to rest as much as possible. Kisha had already instructed the Scarlet Bee to inform her once they spotted Sparrow approaching. Since she hadn''t heard anything yet, she knew he was still far off. She decided to stop worrying about it, knowing that overthinking would only drain more of her energy and cloud her judgment. "Dear, you and Duke have done a great job. You should rest now and let us keep watch," Mrs. Winters offered, gently pulling Kisha to the side. Duke followed with a slight smile, feeling a sense of relief. He was pleased that his parents liked Kisha and treated her as one of their own. Although he had not been overly worried about his parents'' acceptance, given his mother''s agreement with the Evans, it was reassuring to see them getting along so well with Kisha, especially his mother. Duke was smiling, though he tried his best to hide it. His grandfather, watching his expression with a knowing smile, stalked him from behind. "My beloved grandson, it seems like spring has arrived for you," he teased, patting Duke on the back. "You better watch your beautiful wife; there will be many unscrupulous men out there who might try to snatch her from you." Though his tone was playful, there was a hint of seriousness. In a world that turned chaotic, where law no longer restrained people, many, regardless of gender, would undoubtedly follow their greed and take what they wanted without remorse. Murder could happen at any time, and stealing had become so common that a reminder for Duke was not unwarranted. Just because he and Kisha could now act as a married couple didn''t mean people would respect their relationship. That''s why Mr. Winters stayed close to his wife. He knew these dangers were real, especially since Mrs. Winters, a beautiful middle-aged woman, could easily attract unwanted attention from men who might try to take advantage of the lawlessness. "I know, Grandpa. They''d have to get through my dead body before they could touch my wife," Duke murmured menacingly. Just the thought of Kisha being taken from him by strangers made his blood boil and filled him with a burning rage. Mrs. Winters led Kisha to a comfortable chair, gently urging her to rest. She stayed by Kisha''s side, ensuring she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile, she made sure Duke was also resting nearby. They all understood the immense effort Kisha and Duke had put into securing the place for the night, and they deserved a peaceful rest. Everyone acknowledged Kisha and Duke''s tireless efforts, eager to contribute in any way they could. However, they understood that awakening their abilities wasn''t something that could be forced¡ªit required patience and time. So, they obediently rested, each finding a comfortable spot within the office and closing their eyes, ready to recharge for the challenges ahead. Prompted by Mrs. Winters'' gentle encouragement, Kisha obediently closed her eyes. Fatigue had taken its toll more than she realized, for as soon as her eyelids met, she drifted off into a deep sleep. Mrs. Winters observed her peacefully slumbering in the leather chair, noting the faint traces of weariness etched upon her face. Despite Kisha''s strength in her past lives, her current physical form remained frail, unable to match the resilience of her accumulated experiences. Unaware of her own limitations, she had pushed herself beyond her limits. Without Mrs. Winters'' perceptiveness, Kisha might have continued to overexert herself, driven by her survival instincts despite her body''s exhaustion. Observing his mother''s departure from Kisha''s side, Duke rose from his seat and made his way to Kisha''s chair. Mrs. Winters noticed this behavior, understanding the protective and caring nature of the Winters men. With a mix of resignation and amusement, she returned to her husband''s side, shaking her head affectionately. Despite her slight exasperation, she couldn''t help but feel proud and delighted to witness her son''s attentiveness to Kisha''s needs. She didn''t feel envious witnessing her son''s attentive care towards another woman, recognizing that she hadn''t experienced such treatment from him herself. However, her primary concern was Duke''s happiness, and seeing him show kindness to others brought her joy. Moreover, she found fulfillment and contentment in her husband''s unwavering love and care, understanding that his presence alone was more than sufficient to fulfill her. After giving Kisha a gentle look, Duke carefully lifted her from the chair, settling back into it while cradling her in his arms. He adjusted her position to ensure her comfort and began stroking her hair in a soothing manner. His intent was to safeguard Kisha''s rest, ensuring it remained undisturbed by any potential nightmares, and to provide her with a sense of security in his embrace. Duke cradled Kisha with an unexpected tenderness, his usually stoic demeanor softened by her vulnerable sleeping form. Seeing her peaceful expression, he couldn''t help but smile fondly, feeling a protective urge towards her. As Kisha remained undisturbed in her slumber, Duke found himself gradually succumbing to exhaustion. The weight of the week''s stress worries about his family''s safety, and the myriad of emotions finally lifted, allowing him to drift into a deep sleep alongside Kisha. Bam- Bam- Bam- Bam- Duke and the others were abruptly roused from their slumber by insistent pounding on the office door. The darkness that now enveloped the room indicated that they had been asleep for quite some time. Sensing Kisha stirring in his arms, Duke tensed, his senses instantly alert as the pounding on the door persisted. "Open the door. We know there are people inside!" A commanding voice reverberated from beyond the door, jolting Duke''s family and the others awake. In an instant, they were alert, their bodies tensed, ready for whatever lay beyond the threshold, their previous slumber forgotten as if it had never occurred. When the people outside did not hear any answer from the Duke''s side, they started to kick the door down unceremoniously. Thud- Thud- Thud- Duke''s expression darkened, his jaw clenched tightly as the relentless pounding continued, disturbing Kisha''s peaceful slumber. With a protective instinct, he gently set her down, his anger simmering beneath the surface. Gesturing to the nearest person by the door, he motioned for them to confront the intruders outside and teach them some manners. Eager to confront the intruders and fueled by his own frustration at being disturbed from a pleasant dream, Vulture wasted no time. With swift steps, he marched towards the door, determined to put an end to the relentless pounding. Without hesitation, he unlocked and flung the door open in one fluid motion. The force of the sudden movement caught the intruder off guard, causing them to lose their balance and stumble backward, tumbling to the ground with an undignified thud. The man, his pride wounded and his nose smarting from the fall, shot up from the ground, his anger palpable. "Motherfucker!!" Unfazed, Vulture remained composed, his tone calm as he inquired, "Who are you?" The man''s voice thundered with indignation. "You don''t even know me and you have the guts to treat me this way?!" His loud outburst jolted Kisha from her slumber, drawing a deepening frown from Duke. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 131 Proposition "How would we know who you are? You should have carried a banner with you for everyone to recognize," Vulture retorted, dismissing any notion of social status holding sway in their current circumstances. In this new reality, power and influence were relics of the past, offering little protection without one''s own forces. Duke''s chilling presence silenced the man mid-stride, compelling him to halt and close his mouth. "Did they finally decide to come down?" Kisha''s raspy voice interrupted them as she rubbed her eyes, her hair slightly disheveled. Despite her sleepy state, she looked adorable. The man who had just barged in stared at Kisha with his mouth wide open, utterly stunned. Not only was Kisha beautiful and immaculate, but she also seemed entirely unfazed by the danger around her. In his eyes, she appeared pure and protected by the people surrounding her. He glanced at himself and his companions, noticing their dirty and smelly appearance in stark contrast to Kisha and her group, who were all clean. Realizing that rain was imminent, they all sought refuge in the building to take a shower, but they didn''t expect that the bank''s generator was damaged. None of his friends could even wash a dish, let alone fix the broken generator. Moreover, the faulty water system meant they couldn''t use the water from the faucets. The only water they had was the drinking water provided by the bank for its clients. Unsure how long they would need to stay safe inside the bank''s supply storage, he and his friends refrained from using the water for menial tasks like washing their faces or taking showers. Despite the lack of power and water, they considered themselves fortunate to have found the supply storage to hide in. One of his friends had a father who worked at the bank and had a key, which made it easier for them to sneak around. They were also lucky to be children of wealthy families where learning martial arts was a must due to the constant threat of kidnapping. This knowledge helped them navigate outside for a week while trying to reach safety, but they lost many of their guards and friends. Now, only 14 of them remained alive. Most of their family members were scattered in different places, and they planned to meet at the nearest evacuation centers and shelters. They had been traveling for a week and had grown accustomed to fighting zombies and dealing with the deaths that came with it. They didn''t get flustered around zombies, but this was the first time they had encountered living humans. When someone saw people approaching the bank from the window, they anticipated these newcomers would check for survivors and help them. However, after waiting for hours with no one coming to their aid, they decided to go down the stairs and find the people themselves. But now that they were facing Duke''s group, they realized that these people had no intention of helping them as fellow survivors. The man initially felt a surge of anger, but when he saw Kisha approaching like an angel amidst the chaos, his words got stuck in his throat. His friends were similarly speechless, while the girls in their group, naturally more timid, stayed silent. Duke noticed how the newcomers were staring at Kisha. Before they could form any ideas, he stepped closer to her and, when he was near enough, wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Did you have a good sleep?" he asked in a low, seductive voice. Their intimate gesture did not escape anyone''s notice, making it clear to all that they were a couple. Kisha didn''t push Duke away; instead, she leaned into his chest. "Yeah, I was in a deep sleep. I feel good," she replied, yawning and stretching her limbs a little, looking like a lazy cat. The sight was so cute that Duke''s cold eyes softened into a warm gaze as he stared at her. Kisha looked around and she could hear the loud sound of the rain from outside the window, so she asked Bell. "Have you gotten visuals of Sparrow?" "Yes master, he was already within the 500-meter radius and is heading this way." Bell hesitated a bit but still continued to report. "Also master, the zombies outside are all in an uproar and the majority was rushing to the shelter while there are zombies crowding just outside the bank." Kisha just nodded because she has already anticipated this to happen and the rain would last until tomorrow morning, the outside looked so eerie and gloomy because of the rain coupled with the revenues roars and growls of the evolving zombies outside, even if they failed to evolve the first time, the zombies would still be much stronger and much faster than they were before so that danger still increase. She knew the shelter must be struggling to defend itself, and everything was in chaos. Every Blood Rain turned into a hunting season for the zombies, who would devour anything living without sparing a piece of meat. Whenever a base fell to a zombie raid, by morning, nothing remained but the aftermath of a horrendous night: bones upon bones scattered across the bloody ground. The zombies wouldn''t even give a human the chance to turn into one of them; they would devour their victims within minutes, like starved wolves. During the Blood Rain, the zombies became even stronger and more frenzied, akin to people on drugs. That''s why the Blood Rain was so terrifying. Most people dreaded hearing those words, often breaking down at the mere mention of it, knowing they would likely lose someone important. Over time, the term "Blood Rain" became taboo, yet everyone silently agreed to prepare for it whenever it loomed. The first evolution of the zombies was supposed to occur only after most survivors had awakened their abilities. Given the current situation, it seems as if the world isn''t giving humans or other living beings a chance to survive. Now that Kisha has met other survivors outside of the Blood Rain, she feels her sense of righteousness stirring. However, she restrains it, knowing that these feelings won''t help anyone. To protect those important to her, she needs to be dependable and strong. Thinking about others is beyond her current capacity. "Old habits really die hard," she thought, pushing her righteous instincts to the back of her mind. "What brings you here, ladies and gentlemen? Surely, you don''t expect us to save you, right?" Kisha asked lazily, leaning against Duke''s chest with her arms folded. Duke, meanwhile, happily supported her, enjoying the warmth and softness of her body against his. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s words made the man choke on his own saliva. He had been about to ask her group to take them to a safe place, which was essentially the same as asking to be saved. However, his pride as a young master prevented him from bowing to anyone, even if it meant ensuring their safety. "We are here to propose a cooperation with your group. I am assuming that you must have come here to seek refuge in the shelter in City B as well as my friends and I. So, the more people we have, the safer it would be for all of us to travel, besides, we know that you came here by foot and that''s already commendable, but, my friends and I have secured an armored bus with us, which will make our journey easier." The man said. Kisha raised an eyebrow at the man, fully expecting them to demand that her group take them along, given the bravado they had shown by barging into their safe space but she did not expect the man to want to cooperate instead. She gave the man a once-over, and under her scrutinizing gaze, he couldn''t help but straighten up and tense his muscles. Despite their arrogance, he and his friends were not entirely unreasonable. He had come prepared with a proposition, knowing that offering a benefit could motivate people. Since Kisha''s group had not come to rescue them, he figured an alternative approach would be to entice them into becoming their bodyguards. He also noticed that the imposing man from earlier was now gently holding the beautiful woman in front of him. Realizing she must be the one in command, he directed his proposition to her, deliberately ignoring Duke. Duke, though clearly enjoying Kisha''s warmth in his embrace, was still attentively listening to the conversation. He had left the negotiation to Kisha, ready to execute whatever she decided. If his subordinates could hear his thoughts, they would definitely facepalm, as the ruthless and commanding master they knew was nowhere to be seen. Chapter 132 Clyde Morris To everyone present, it seemed like Kisha was deeply considering the proposition. However, in reality, she was discreetly checking their status window to gauge their trustworthiness and assess if they had any valuable talents that could benefit her group. She needed to discern whether they were genuine allies or just looking to exploit her group''s resources. After assessing their status windows, Kisha discerned that they were slightly superior to average civilians, though lacking in comparison to Duke''s elite team. Nonetheless, the men showed commendable training, while the women appeared similarly weak to Mrs. Winters. Kisha inferred that their affluent backgrounds likely afforded them a life of ease, hence their lack of physical conditioning. It''s commendable that despite their privileged upbringing and apparent physical weaknesses, they had made it this far. Even in their dirt-covered state, with clothes stained by dried zombie blood and various other substances, Kisha could still discern a refinement in their movements similar to those of Duke and others she knew from wealthy backgrounds. Though this detail might escape the notice of ordinary people in the dimly lit room, Kisha''s heightened senses afforded her a clearer view of these newcomers and their sorry state. She could discern the signs of emotional strain and weariness etched on their faces, nearly on the brink of breaking down. Perhaps, after encountering fellow survivors, they finally allowed their pent-up emotions to surface, having held them in check for so long in their struggle for survival. As moments passed without a response from Kisha, the newcomers grew increasingly anxious, particularly the girls. Stripped of their family''s protective shield, they felt vulnerable, fearing they might be seen as burdens by the men in their group. This fear silenced their exhaustion, compelling them to push forward relentlessly, determined not to be left behind by their companions. Seeing another group of survivors filled them with hope. They could sense that Kisha''s group was on a completely different level compared to theirs. It is human nature to cling to any chance of survival, and they silently hoped that Kisha would take pity on them and allow them to join her group. The usual air of elegance and arrogance from their privileged backgrounds had been stripped away by the hardships of the past week, the unending death they had witnessed, and the relentless pursuit of zombies threatening their lives. They knew that being haughty at this time would only spell their demise. They were keenly aware that one wrong move could cost them their lives, as there was no longer any law to hold people back from committing crimes. Despite their appearance as seemingly useless heiresses, they were acutely aware of their disadvantages and were not raised to be mere decorations. They were smart enough to know where to place their bets. Even though the whole room was shrouded in darkness, they could still make out bits and pieces and noticed how clean Kisha and her people were. This not only indicated that they were faring well in this chaotic world but also implied their strength and capability to maintain such a state. Every passing second of Kisha''s silence heightened their anticipation and nervousness. They were weighing both good and bad outcomes, their hands growing clammy with anxiety. As Kisha reviewed each person''s status window, one in particular caught her attention, causing her to pause in deep thought. [Clyde Morris] Level 0 Morality: Neutral Strength: 11 Stamina: 15 Defense: 9 Agility: 8 Mental Capacity: 15 Charm: 6 Leadership: 9 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Command Gift: Group Synergy "Host, I think this person is a perfect candidate for your squad," 008 remarked, mirroring Kisha''s thoughts. "His gift and talent would be very helpful. Besides, he doesn''t seem to be a malicious person. He could become one, but that would likely only happen if he were left outside unattended or influenced by the wrong company." Kisha tried to recall if she had encountered someone with this name in her previous life, but it didn''t ring a bell. Given his gift and talent, he had the potential to be a good leader, general, or hold any commanding position. He would certainly be an asset, comparable to Duke''s elite people. "Host, it''s possible that someone noticed his talent and potential and dealt with him before he could become a threat. Or perhaps he offended someone and was murdered before his abilities had a chance to blossom. In any case, it suggests he met an untimely death." Kisha felt an urge to slap someone, her hands itching with the frustration of 008 hijacking her thoughts. Sensing her intention, 008 quickly retreated to the depths of Kisha''s consciousness, leaving her to make the decision on her own. "What can we get in exchange for cooperating with you?" Kisha adopted Duke''s business-like approach. Duke, beside her, arched an eyebrow in amusement, noting Kisha''s persistence in seeking benefits from the situation. He sensed her inclination to accept, albeit with conditions. Though curious about her decision, he refrained from expressing it, instead casually playing with her locks of hair, appearing unbothered. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Clyde was taken aback by Kisha''s question and momentarily stumped. However, he swiftly regained his composure before Kisha and Duke. "What do you mean? We''re already providing the means of transportation, while you''re only offering the manpower." With a cold snort, Kisha responded, "Sir, it''s not that we lack means of transportation. Rather, we choose to travel by foot to avoid attracting more zombies our way." After hearing Kisha''s words, everyone in Clyde''s group seemed to be enlightened. They exchanged glances, realizing they had been traveling by car or bus since their escape from the university. They had never taken the time to think things through amidst the chaos of running and surviving, overlooking this crucial information. Now, they pieced it together: the reason zombies were always on their trail was because they were attracted by the noise of their vehicles. They suddenly felt embarrassed and stupid for not realizing it sooner. Here they were, proposing cooperation with others as if they could offer great assistance. Even the guys in Clyde''s group were losing hope of being helped by Kisha''s group. After resting in the bank for some time, away from the relentless pursuit of the zombies, they almost didn''t want to leave anymore. They simply wanted to be rescued because they felt exhausted and too frightened to face more zombies outside, given the horror they had already experienced. It was only through Clyde''s insistence and leadership that they managed to persevere and make the journey from City D to City B, which was a few miles away and one of the largest cities in the country. However, due to its dense population, it quickly fell to the zombies within days. Even the military had to abandon their stations in the city and focus on evacuating as many civilians as possible to nearby cities and shelters. But not everyone was as fortunate as them. Even the military suffered significant losses while evacuating, and other government officials, who were supposed to prioritize the safety of the citizens, were nowhere to be found. They couldn''t even locate a relay station outside of City D or any supply station to aid the people. Most warehouses were ransacked by the government and their contents were transported to unknown destinations. As a result, many were forced to venture into populated areas, where the risk of finding supplies to sustain themselves was high. Meanwhile, the granaries were emptied out within days, exacerbating the scarcity of resources. Clyde sought clarity, acknowledging his group''s lack of leverage in the proposed cooperation. "Before you respond, I''d like to understand your perspective and how you perceive this collaboration. While my friends and I may be young, we can fend for ourselves. We''re not asking you to put your lives on the line for us. Our aim is to join you on the journey to the shelter, thus enhancing our odds of survival." Kisha appreciated Clyde''s straightforwardness, even though a hint of arrogance lingered in his voice. She recognized that he had the capability to back up his attitude. However, she kept her expression neutral and replied, "Hmm, that''s still not quite right." After a moment of feigned contemplation, she added, "How about compensating us with some supplies, like food, medicine, or water?" To reinforce Kisha''s proposition, Duke added, "We won''t ask for too much, just a sack of supplies per person, and we''ll ensure everyone arrives at the shelter safely." His voice, brimming with confidence, struck a chord with Clyde. Despite Clyde''s assertion that they wouldn''t rely heavily on Kisha''s group, the reality was that their group comprised mostly females who needed protection. Of the 14 people in Clyde''s group, only four bodyguards remained, alongside seven women, with Clyde and two other male friends capable of fighting. They were indeed in a tough spot. Chapter 133 Deal? "You''re scamming us?!" Said one of Clyde''s friends, they all knew how hard it was to gather such supplies and Duke''s group was asking for a sack for each, which meant they would need to give 14 sacks of supplies that even they could not gather just like that. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Coming from affluent backgrounds, they were keenly aware that wealth held little significance in their current reality. What mattered now were essentials like food, medicine, and water, which were poised to become the new currency, sustaining their survival until they discovered a comparable commodity for trade in the future to become a new currency. What Kisha was asking as her payment underscored the urgency of securing vital supplies. Clyde couldn''t discern whether Kisha was testing their resolve or simply driven by greed, leaving him to clench his jaw in frustration as he glanced at his companions who had embarked on this perilous journey with him. Clyde and his friends exchanged uneasy glances, their reluctance and worry palpable in the air. After what felt like an eternity, Clyde finally nodded in reluctant agreement to Kisha''s proposition. "Miss, we''ll comply," he conceded, his voice laced with tension. Drawing a deep breath to steady his violently pounding heart, he continued, "However, if you''re asking for this much, I must insist that you ensure the safety of every member of my group throughout this journey." Clyde acknowledged the reality that they were essentially seeking assistance from Kisha''s team to reach the shelter. Despite his uncertainty, a gut feeling nudged him to trust in this alliance as their best chance for survival. Clyde understood that his companions had reached their breaking point, particularly his steadfast bodyguards. These individuals, entrusted to him by his father, were the pinnacle of loyalty, having steadfastly accompanied them from the journey''s inception to their current juncture. Along the way, they had endured significant losses, sacrificing comrades to uphold Clyde and his friends'' safety. Clyde couldn''t bear the thought of further casualties among his loyal protectors. Observing Clyde prioritize the well-being of his group over his pride, Kisha smiled with satisfaction. She began to see potential in Clyde, sensing his underlying goodness and deeming him worthy of temporary trust, albeit under close scrutiny. Aware of the possibility of betrayal from Clyde and his group, Kisha remained vigilant, prepared to act swiftly if necessary. Despite acknowledging the likelihood of Clyde''s affiliation with the Coltons, Kisha decided to take a calculated risk. She found Clyde''s gifts and talents too enticing to ignore, foreseeing their potential collaboration in the future, particularly once his latent abilities were fully awakened. "Understood," Kisha clarified with Clyde and his group. "We''ll need to wait for the rain to cease and for one of our team members to arrive before proceeding." Kisha''s statement sent a shockwave of complex emotions through Clyde''s group. The idea that someone from Kisha''s team was out alone in the midst of zombie-infested streets, with the expectation of returning unharmed, seemed utterly absurd. They speculated that perhaps this individual had become separated from the group, leading to a mix of worry and hope for their safe return. Clyde glanced out the window, thinking, ''That''s wishful thinking at best.'' However, he refrained from voicing his skepticism, instead nodding in agreement. With heavy rain pouring outside, venturing out would be futile and dangerous regardless. Despite Clyde and his group''s concerns, Kisha and her team remained indifferent. Currently, one of Bell''s scouts was with Sparrow, providing Kisha with the updates she needed to confirm Sparrow''s safety and the overall situation outside the bank. The information was crucial, although alarming, especially if others were to discover it. She also speculated that the shelter was likely already under siege, even though they couldn''t hear any other noises coming from that direction. It could be that the sounds were masked by the raging Blood Rain, or perhaps the shelter was relying solely on firearms for defense without employing bombs or grenades. Regardless, they would find out more tomorrow. Despite this uncertainty, she felt reassured, confident that the shelter would overcome this initial obstacle. After wrapping up their conversation, Duke escorted Kisha away, guiding her back to the chair where she had been resting earlier. He ensured she was settled comfortably before joining Vulture and Tristan, who were busy preparing a meal. "Wifey, why don''t you rest first? Hmm?" Duke''s voice, though soft, carried across the room, catching the attention of those nearby, including Clyde. The revelation that Duke and Kisha were married surprised Clyde; he hadn''t realized their relationship was so intimate. A hint of bitterness gnawed at him, realizing his little love was crushed, even before it could fully blossom. Despite this, he found a corner to settle into, seeking some comfort amidst his mixed emotions. Clyde''s group swiftly entered the office, ensuring to shut the door securely behind them. They remained vigilant, aware that zombies from the upper floors still roamed unchecked. They understood the risks of any oversight, knowing that even a small lapse in attention could leave them vulnerable to unexpected attacks later on. After they all entered, they gravitated to a corner where they sat in silence, refraining even from breathing loudly out of respect and fear for Kisha''s group. Mrs. Winters, sensing their apprehension, approached Clyde''s group. "Have you guys eaten? Are you hungry?" Clyde and his group interpreted her question as a subtle reminder about the supplies they owed Kisha. "We''ve eaten, but we''ll gather the necessary supplies before we leave," Clyde replied, his lips pressed together in a tight line. He understood the need for caution in such circumstances, but being met with suspicion was a blow to his pride. Mrs. Winters felt dismayed at being misunderstood by the young people before her. They were likely only 18 or 19 years old, and she couldn''t help but recall Duke at that age, which tugged at her heartstrings. Her intention was simply to offer help. Despite taking the initiative, she remained mindful of Kisha''s potential disagreement. If Kisha objected, she wouldn''t insist. However, like Duke, Mrs. Winters and the rest of the Winters family sensed that Kisha was somewhat receptive to this group of youngsters, so she felt it was acceptable to invite them to eat. Chapter 134 Lets Eat The young group seemed understandably wary of strangers, which was a prudent mindset. However, Kisha couldn''t bear to see the disappointed expression on Mrs. Winters'' face after the misunderstanding. So, she interjected from her seat on the leather chair, speaking across the room, "My mother-in-law was simply extending an invitation for you to join us for a meal. No need to overthink it." Upon hearing Kisha''s words, Clyde was momentarily caught off guard, choking on his own saliva in surprise. Meanwhile, Mrs. Winters''s smile widened at the unexpected but warmly received address from Kisha. With each passing moment, her fondness for Kisha seemed to deepen, appreciating the respect and endearment behind being called "mother-in-law." Even Duke, occupied with Vulture and Tristan, couldn''t help but smile to himself as he dealt with the ingredients. Inspired by the exchange between his mother and Kisha, he felt compelled to also cook for his own mother. Duke could sense Kisha''s protective instinct toward his parent, and it filled him with immense happiness. Knowing that the most important people in his life were getting along so well made him feel as if all the waiting for the right person had been worthwhile. The thought of spending his life with anyone else seemed unimaginable to him, both in the past and especially now. Duke and the others carried on with their tasks, seemingly focused on their cooking duties, yet they ensured there was plenty of food for everyone, extending their hospitality to Clyde''s group as well. Meanwhile, Mrs. Winters ceased bothering Clyde and struck up a conversation with Kisha, aiming to get to know her better. Their discussion mainly centered around Kisha''s grandparents and younger brother. "You mentioned being adopted. Have you ever had the chance to meet your biological family? Did they ever try to find you after your grandparents sent the report?" Mrs. Winters inquired, her expression fraught with sadness, her voice betraying her emotions as it quivered with a mix of concern and empathy. Kisha''s story touched her deeply, evoking a sense of maternal compassion and a desire to understand Kisha''s journey more intimately. Kisha shook her head. She had tried to find her family after graduating from college and even after she started working. Despite the apocalypse, she clung to a small hope that maybe they had survived. She longed to meet them, to understand her origins, and to know why her family had abandoned her and never looked for her. For over 99 lives, Kisha had never met them and had lost hope of finding them in the apocalypse, considering most of the population had turned into zombies. She thought they might have suffered the same fate. Noticing the helplessness in Kisha''s eyes, Mrs. Winters quickly changed the topic, steering the conversation back to Kisha''s adoptive family. This brought a smile to Kisha''s face, making Mrs. Winters feel guilty for asking such a painful question out of curiosity. She was relieved that Kisha did not get angry with her for asking such sensitive information. It made her appreciate Kisha''s good upbringing and calm temperament even more, qualities that perfectly matched her son. Thinking about how such a wonderful young woman had been chosen by her son filled her with pride. She felt that her son had a keen eye for finding a great partner. Since it was boring to just wait for the food, the Patriarch decided to join in on Kisha and Mrs. Winters'' chitchat. Mr. Winters, sitting silently beside his wife, also listened attentively, finding himself equally bored. "Kisha, when are you planning to have a child with my grandson?" the Patriarch interjected with a wide grin, cutting into Kisha and Mrs. Winters'' conversation. Despite his excitement at the thought of grandchildren, he also felt a pang of sadness. The current environment was far from ideal¡ªso dangerous and uncertain. He knew any children born now deserved the best of everything, yet they couldn''t even guarantee a safe place for them to be born in. Duke, on the other hand, shook his head after hearing his grandfather''s words. "Grandpa, don''t scare my wife off. If she runs away, I''ll grow old alone," Duke teased, trying to lighten the mood after seeing the gloomy expression on his grandfather''s face. He understood his grandfather''s concerns, but Duke was confident that it was only a matter of time before Kisha became pregnant with his child. However, before that happened, he was determined to ensure that his family had a safe place to call home, away from the dangers of the apocalypse. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But he wasn''t alone in thinking this way. Kisha also aimed for the same goal, one they had actually achieved in her previous life: a safe haven for humanity. However, it was going to be a lot of work. This time, their safe haven would be even better than before, more sustainable, and more secure. But if Kisha knew what Duke was thinking about her getting pregnant, she might be the one to jump at the opportunity herself. Soon after, Duke, Vulture, and Tristan called everyone to eat. Each member of Kisha''s team held a bowl of steaming beef stew and a large piece of bread. The stew''s aroma wafted through the office, making Clyde and his group swallow hard. Although they had supplies in the storeroom, they didn''t have anything warm to eat, and the smell of meat made their stomachs grow louder than the zombies outside, filling the room with a chorus of hunger. Vulture snorted at Clyde''s group, remembering their earlier pretense. Despite this, he scooped out a bowl of stew for each of the 14 people in Clyde''s group. This time, no one pretended they weren''t hungry or declined the offer. They all eagerly accepted and ate the steaming beef stew with relish, tears of gratitude and relief threatening to spill from their eyes. Vulture also distributed bread along with the beef stew, ensuring everyone had enough energy for the tasks ahead. "He''s arrived," Kisha''s voice, though not loud, carried through the room. Vulture was the first to head to the office door, opening it eagerly. Clyde''s group glanced curiously at the door, and soon after, a man walked in, carrying backpack after backpack of supplies and guns. The sight left Clyde''s group gasping in astonishment. Chapter 135 Bitten? "What took you so long?" Vulture''s tone carried a hint of playful reprimand, though his eyes betrayed his relief at seeing his close friend return unharmed. Sparrow''s arrival conveniently coincided with their dinner, prompting Vulture, Bald Eagle, and the others to eagerly assist him in setting down the items he had carried like a mule. Vulture gently urged Sparrow to take a seat in one of the chairs before dashing back to fetch a bowl of beef stew and bread for him. It was evident to all that Sparrow was trembling from both the cold and hunger after his relentless journey to reach them, and they recognized that he was exhausted and in need of rest. Vulture and Bald Eagle worked in tandem to move the charcoal stove closer to Sparrow, ensuring he could warm up. Clyde and his group were astonished, having no idea where Vulture and his team had obtained the stove and amassed so many supplies. Seeing Sparrow bring out such a substantial haul single-handedly made Clyde''s group realize that each member of their team was likely acting as a pack mule, carrying as many supplies as possible while traveling on foot. As Clyde and his group pondered the situation, a nagging feeling of uncertainty crept in. Despite the distance, they should have noticed Kisha and her team carrying such a significant amount of supplies into the bank. However, lacking an explanation, they chose to set aside their suspicions and concentrate on their meal instead. Kisha and Duke refrained from pressing Sparrow with questions, allowing him to eat slowly. The others helped him warm up, noticing his hands and lips had turned so pale they were nearly purple, and his fingertips were already numb and shriveled from the cold. Kisha''s nose wrinkled as her expression grew increasingly grave. "Why didn''t you say you were injured?" she asked, her voice cold and tinged with clear anger. Everyone turned to look at Kisha with puzzled expressions, then realized she was addressing Sparrow, who had just arrived. Vulture''s head snapped to the side, his eyes accusatory as he looked at Sparrow. Kisha didn''t wait long before she called out for Vulture to pass the blue vial of liquid to Sparrow, instructing him to drink it immediately. She could smell blood in the air, indicating a severe injury. Coupled with being soaked in the abnormal rain for too long, Sparrow was likely suffering from severe infection, with the virus attacking not only his immune system but his energy core. She couldn''t even fathom how long Sparrow had been enduring such pain. Sparrow must have lost too much blood. He lifted his face and looked at Kisha with an apologetic, wry smile. Despite his severe condition, his expression didn''t reveal any signs of pain. It was the same look he wore when he used his own body and blood to lure the zombies to the southeast of the western district. Vulture was furious that Sparrow hadn''t informed them about his injury as soon as he entered the office, instead acting as if he were fine. Despite his anger, Vulture didn''t know what had happened to Sparrow. He exhaled heavily, strode over to him, uncorked the blue vial, and handed it to him. Clyde and his group were curious and concerned about Sparrow''s condition. They had heard he was injured, and their fear was that he might turn into a zombie, just like their other friends and bodyguards who had been bitten and transformed shortly afterward. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There was no specific timeframe for when a person would turn into a zombie, as it depended on individual willpower, immunity, and the ability to combat the virus within their body. The chance of overcoming the virus was a mere 0.01%. Kisha had yet to witness anyone bitten who, instead of turning into a zombie, awakened an ability. This was an almost impossible feat, and Kisha understood why Clyde''s group became wary upon hearing that Sparrow was injured. They were already anticipating the worst possible outcome, which she couldn''t blame them for. "Was he bitten?" one of the girls asked, her entire body trembling in fear at the memory of their companions who had turned into zombies. Her question caused fear to ripple through the group, and they instinctively backed away into a corner while eyeing Sparrow. They didn''t make a move, however, as Sparrow wasn''t one of their own; they waited for Kisha and her team to take action. But instead of killing him, Kisha''s team handed Sparrow a small vial of blue, glittery liquid. Clyde''s group began to panic, their anxiety mounting as they watched Sparrow drink the vial in one gulp. Almost immediately, his condition began to improve. His pale skin regained color, his breathing evened out, and his trembling eased. Though they couldn''t see his injury, it was clear Sparrow was recovering rapidly, as if he had been renewed. Sparrow''s trembling and pale complexion were due to severe blood loss from his injury, yet he had continued to travel despite this. His blood left a trail that was gradually washed away by the raging rain. Now that Sparrow was steadily recovering, Kisha simply waited for him to finish eating. She and the others resumed their meal as if nothing had happened, which baffled Clyde''s group. They were left in the dark about what had transpired and felt unable to ask Kisha and her team for an explanation. Kisha ignored Clyde''s inquisitive glances, as did everyone else. Although they understood Clyde and his group''s fear of what might happen next, there was no need to address anything outside the scope of their deal. Their sole responsibility was to ensure Clyde and his people reached the shelter safely. This arrangement did not grant Clyde''s group access to Kisha''s team''s command, control, or inner workings. If an explanation was necessary, Kisha could provide a simple reassurance that their safety would not be compromised. Seeing Kisha and her group''s silence and lack of action, Clyde realized that Kisha had already made a decision regarding the newcomer. He also understood the message she was sending to him and his group. Acknowledging this, Clyde fell silent and gave his group a reassuring smile and a slight nod. However, this wasn''t enough to ease the concerns of the others. Soon after everyone finished eating, the office descended into an eerie silence that sent chills through everyone present. Kisha called Sparrow to the center of the room, while the Winters and the rest of their group formed a circle around him, resembling a council ready to judge the accused. Clyde''s people stayed in their corner, resting quietly and making a conscious effort not to eavesdrop on Kisha''s meeting. This discretion did not go unnoticed, and Kisha appreciated their respectfulness. Duke, regardless of the occasion, couldn''t resist making Kisha sit on his lap. He enjoyed her scent and played with her soft hair, acting as her chair. Despite the urgency of the matter or the seriousness of the issue, everyone couldn''t help but relax a little, smiles creeping onto their faces as they watched the newlyweds behave as if they were on their honeymoon. Kisha let Duke have his way, enjoying his playful act since it was both relaxing and ticklish. "Sparrow, could you tell us what happened?" she asked, frowning. "I don''t think this injury was caused by the mission I assigned you." She paused, a thought crossing her mind that seemed almost impossible. "Did you encounter a level 1?" she added, her voice filled with concern and dread. Chapter 136 Level 1 Zombie Reflecting on everything happening around her, Kisha felt that encountering a level 1 this early was no longer surprising. The second Blood Rain had arrived six months ahead of schedule, and superhumans were emerging earlier than in her previous lives. Everything seemed to be moving at a fast-forward pace, causing a headache to creep in as she grappled with the rapid changes. Her memories from past lives were becoming less reliable, and she realized that much of what she knew might no longer be 100% accurate. Two hours ago... Sparrow had been traveling non-stop for two hours, leaping from roof to roof. He had used up five stamina boosters and five black vials of liquid just to catch up with Duke and the rest. He was eager to deliver the news that the three Colton camps had been razed to the ground with zero survivors. Exhausted and eager to rest after completing his mission, when finally reached them but for now, he could only smile to himself. He was proud, and rightfully so, for he had just avenged his fallen comrades who had been killed and tortured by the Coltons. He knew that his other buddies, who were with Kisha and Duke, would be very pleased to hear how the Coltons'' camps met their end. He was eager to recount every detail: how their enemies'' faces lost all hope when they realized they were doomed. But despite his happiness, there was a sadness in his eyes. All he could do now was keep moving forward and protect what was left to protect: his master and his wife. He steeled himself to do better and become stronger so that he could achieve this. But his thoughts were distracted by the rain again. He felt something was wrong with it but couldn''t pinpoint what it was. He also noticed the zombies on the streets becoming more frenzied as if they were high on drugs. Their screeching roars were eerie enough to make his hair stand on end, and his heartbeat skyrocketed almost every time he heard their terrifying, intensified growls. He sensed something was off but couldn''t quite grasp what it was. However, there was no time to stop and ponder. He pressed on, knowing he was still too far from Kisha and the others. Sparrow increased his speed, though the heavy bags he was carrying slightly hindered his movements but he did not want to let it go. He selected the most useful items he could find from the three camps that were still usable. He sneaked in without alerting the zombies and managed not to disturb them. After salvaging whatever he could, he left the rubble and the zombies to deal with the aftermath of the explosion and the deaths of the Coltons. His thoughts were interrupted by an ominous feeling looming over him. He halted on one of the rooftops, scanning his surroundings. The heavy rain obstructed his view, blurring everything and making it difficult to see clearly. But he sensed that something was wrong as if he were being stalked like prey. His instincts kicked in, urging him to be careful. Yet, no matter where he looked, the surroundings were eerily quiet. Aside from the sound of the rain, the usual roars of the zombies had ceased, leaving an unsettling silence. His senses heightened, alerting him to the imminent danger. He realized that something dangerous might be on his trail, perhaps following him with the intention of attacking once he led it to where more people like him were waiting. Just the thought made Sparrow break into a cold sweat. This was undoubtedly the way predators hunted. They didn''t pounce immediately upon finding a lone lamb. Instead, they patiently lurked in the shadows, waiting for the lambs to regroup. Once the predator pinpointed the safe haven of the lambs, it would launch a fierce attack, swiftly killing them one by one. Alternatively, it might silently eliminate its prey, maintaining a delicate balance to avoid arousing suspicion among the lambs. This strategy ensured the predator could sustain its hunt, striking again when hunger called. Sparrow refused to lead this danger back to his master and family, even if it meant sacrificing himself on the spot. He resolved to halt the enemy''s advance. As seconds stretched on, Sparrow''s heartbeat quickened, feeling as though it were lodged in his throat. Yet, the enemy remained elusive. Sparrow couldn''t discern whether it was a superhuman or a zombie, leaving him in the dark about the nature of the threat. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He set down his belongings and seemed to scan the surroundings for a spot to rest. Deliberately, he projected an air of vulnerability and weariness, mimicking someone who had endured a long journey. After arranging his possessions aside, he sought out a cozy nook for repose. Finally settling, he lay down, using the shelter of the roof to shield himself from the rain, his posture conveying exhaustion and a sense of vulnerability. After nearly half an hour, the creature remained still, refusing to take the bait. Sparrow, feigning sleep for too long, began to feel genuine fatigue and drowsiness creeping in. It appeared that Sparrow alone wasn''t enticing enough to lure the creature out. Just as he entertained the thought of his fatigue playing tricks on him after a prolonged journey, he sensed a sudden lunge from the shadows of the roof, dispelling any doubts he had. The creature moved with such speed that Sparrow could barely register its form, only catching a fleeting afterimage. Fortunately, Sparrow''s agility as a wind user enabled him to react swiftly, summoning a protective whirlwind to shield himself. The force of the whirlwind pushed the creature several steps back. Despite nearly tumbling to the ground, it managed to regain its balance by digging its toes into the cement floor and bracing against the wind. Its claws scraped deep furrows in the cement, marking its attempt to halt its momentum, leaving a trail several feet long and as deep as an inch. Sparrow''s eyes widened in horror as he recognized the attacker as a zombie, but unlike any he had encountered before. This one moved with a speed and ferocity surpassing any he had witnessed, resembling a feral beast driven by insatiable hunger. Its gaze bore into Sparrow with a primal intensity, sending shivers down his spine and a sense of profound weakness through his body. Merely facing its gaze, Sparrow felt himself inferior to the creature before him; its mere nails seemed capable of slicing through him as easily as soft tofu. Chapter 137 Sparrows Fight Even though Sparrow was already overwhelmed by the zombie''s strength and agility, his resolve remained steadfast. Despite facing a foe clearly stronger than himself, he found solace in knowing that he possessed an advantage: a functioning brain. Unlike the zombie, which relied solely on instinct, Sparrow could strategize and scheme, using his intellect to devise a plan to defeat the undead creature standing before him. Sparrow understood that only one of them could leave that location alive. If he were to lose to the zombie, it would jeopardize the safety of his people, unaware of the imminent danger lurking nearby. Sparrow unsheathed his tactical dagger and assumed a defensive stance, his gaze unwavering as he faced the hungry zombie. The creature, sizing up Sparrow''s strength, emitted a low growl that seemed almost victorious. With calculated movements, it began to circle Sparrow, hunting for an opportunity to strike. Despite its physical superiority, the zombie remained cautious of Sparrow''s whirlwind ability, fearing that a single strike could send it reeling or, worse yet, prove fatal. Despite Sparrow''s readiness to defend himself, he couldn''t shake the feeling that the zombie was belittling him with its gaze. Though the undead creature uttered no words, its condescending stare spoke volumes, leaving Sparrow with a palpable sense of unease. Sparrow refused to remain passive; his eyes tracked the zombie''s every movement, from its subtle shifts in posture to the rhythm of its breathing. He sought out patterns, searching for any potential weaknesses. Despite the obvious power imbalance, Sparrow understood that the zombie''s sense of superiority could work to his advantage. He knew that those who deemed themselves stronger often grew arrogant, letting their guard down in the process. Sparrow saw this as an opportunity¡ªa small window of vulnerability that he could exploit to finish the job. Until then, he focused on survival, ensuring that he could withstand whatever onslaught the zombie unleashed upon him. In an instant, the zombie closed the distance with a speed that left Sparrow bewildered. Before he could react, it was upon him, its razor-sharp claw aimed straight at his throat. Sparrow''s instincts kicked in, and he attempted to retreat, but the zombie''s swiftness outmatched his own. The claw grazed his Adam''s apple, slicing through flesh and drawing copious amounts of blood. It was a hair''s breadth away from a fatal blow¡ªif Sparrow had hesitated for even a fraction of a second longer, the outcome might have been dire. The wound inflicted by the zombie was undeniably grave, the fabric of Sparrow''s clothing now saturated with his own blood. Yet, the attack had not ceased; the zombie, having struck, swiftly retreated to its initial position. It resumed its menacing circling of Sparrow, its eyes scanning for another opening to deliver a fatal blow. As the zombie closed in once more, Sparrow sensed the impending attack. With a sudden flung of its arm, the creature aimed for his blind spot. Reacting swiftly, Sparrow steps forward, attempting to evade the strike. Despite his efforts, the zombie''s speed proved too much; its claws left four deep, knife-like scratches across his back, drawing blood almost instantly. Sparrow gritted his teeth, stifling a pained grunt as he staggered back, trying to create distance between himself and the relentless foe. Each step he took left a trail of blood on the ground, a grim testament to his injuries. Despite the agony coursing through him, Sparrow fought to maintain his focus, determined to stay alert and vigilant. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Persistently, the zombie closed in on Sparrow without affording him a moment''s respite. Its arms swung once more in a menacing arc. Fortunately, Sparrow''s stumble to the right, caused by his prior injury, enabled him to narrowly evade the strike aimed at his head. Swiftly, he countered the subsequent attack aimed at his stomach, he used his dagger to deflect the blow with determined precision. Sparrow struggled to regulate his breathing, his senses dulled by the loss of blood and the searing pain coursing through his body. Yet, amidst the haze, his eyes shimmered with unwavering resolve and an indomitable will to survive. He remained acutely attuned to the zombie''s every movement, drawing strength from the adrenaline coursing through his veins to maintain his focus. Each pang of pain served as a stark reminder of his mortality, grounding him in the present moment and compelling him to trust his instincts more with each passing second. With each passing second, Sparrow felt himself sinking deeper into a state of intense focus, where he and the zombie seemed to inhabit their own isolated realm within the chaos around them. In this heightened state, his senses became remarkably acute, allowing him to perceive the subtlest details of the zombie''s presence. He could sense its breath, track its movements, and even discern the minute shifts in its muscle contractions with the precision of a hawk. Every aspect of the encounter became vividly clear to him as if he possessed an extraordinary ability to perceive the world with unparalleled clarity, all fueled by his unwavering concentration. Sparrow''s mind had honed in on the imminent threat before him, filtering out all other distractions until nothing else registered¡ªnot the sound of rain, nor the dim surroundings. In that moment, darkness enveloped them, isolating Sparrow and the zombie in a realm of their own. His heightened awareness bordered on the extraordinary, reminiscent of Kisha''s own abilities, albeit temporary. Perhaps it was his brain''s instinctual response to the looming danger, a realization that any lapse could mean his demise. This sharpened state seemed to amplify his gift, ''Hawk Eye,'' aligning it perfectly with his senses and enabling this remarkable phenomenon. The zombie resumed its circling, each movement deliberate, almost as if time had slowed down. Despite the eerie slow motion of the scene, Sparrow''s own reactions matched the pace. Armed with an understanding of the zombie''s attack projections, he could efficiently counter or deflect impending strikes with minimal effort. With a subtle sidestep, the zombie''s sharp claw grazed Sparrow''s left arm, a close call that left him unscathed. Perplexed by Sparrow''s evasion of its swift assault, the zombie recoiled momentarily, its confusion palpable. Undeterred, it regrouped and launched another attack, aiming for Sparrow''s vulnerable blind spot. Yet again, Sparrow''s precise adjustment in movement thwarted the imminent blow, frustrating the zombie to no end as it struggled in vain to kill him. Sparrow had grown accustomed to this sensation, his eyes narrowing as he observed the zombie''s aerial maneuver. He patiently awaited the opportune moment to strike. With deadly precision, the zombie targeted Sparrow''s heart, but Sparrow, ever vigilant, anticipated its attack. Shifting slightly, he evaded the fatal blow, though the creature''s claws found a place and stabbed his shoulder. Reacting swiftly, Sparrow seized the zombie''s arm, preventing its escape. Despite the creature''s escalating hostility, Sparrow remained resolute. As the zombie attempted another assault with its free arm, Sparrow outpaced it. With a decisive swing of his dagger, he severed the creature''s head from its body. Before the zombie''s remaining hand could reach him, its lifeless head rolled to the ground, defeated. With a resolute grunt, Sparrow exerted force to dislodge the zombie''s sharp claw from his shoulder, causing its lifeless body to collapse to the ground with a heavy thud. As he surveyed the aftermath, Sparrow sensed a profound exhaustion wash over him, a testament to the ordeal he had just endured. He couldn''t shake the feeling that he had narrowly escaped death multiple times during the encounter. It was as though he had entered a heightened state of awareness, allowing him to perceive even the slightest nuances in the zombie''s muscle movements, thereby predicting its next move with uncanny accuracy. Sparrow collapsed to the ground, his legs giving way beneath him as if they had turned to jelly. A chill coursed through his body, exacerbated by the loss of blood. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon him, tempting him to surrender to the darkness behind his eyelids. Yet, he fought against the urge, fearful that closing his eyes might seal his fate. After stealing a brief moment of respite, he mustered the strength to push himself upright once more. He knew he couldn''t afford to delay any longer; his master needed to be informed of the potential emergence of a level 1 zombie. After he rested for a bit and steadied himself, he stood up, gathered his belonging and drank some blue vial of liquid. He could have used his awakened ability earlier but aside from defending himself with the whirlwind, he couldn''t even get to see the zombie''s after image so using the wind blade would be useless and the use of her whirlwind would only uselessly spend his spiritual energy without doing much damage to the zombie, so he only has one option and that is to use his own body, it was a reckless move but, he would have died earlier if he overused his awakened ability and he was sure that the zombie wouldn''t give him a chance to consume the vial of blue liquid because, once it saw Sparrow''s vulnerability and an opening, he was sure that the zombie wouldn''t waste its time to kill him then. ----------------- PS: I apologize, everyone, but I can only update one chapter for now. I''ve had to send my fur babies to the clinic because they''re sick. I''ll do my best to provide more updates tomorrow as a token of my appreciation. Thank you for understanding! Chapter 138 Sparrows New Skill Having recounted his experience, Sparrow exhales a sigh of relief, acknowledging that his risky decision had paid off. Despite enduring a heavy slap to the back of his head from Vulture, leaving him momentarily dizzy, he understood his friend''s concern¡ªit stemmed from genuine worry for his well-being. Reflecting on the encounter, he realizes just how close he had come to losing his life. Faced with a zombie far stronger than himself, the challenge had seemed insurmountable, leaving him uncertain of his chances of survival at the moment. Had Sparrow not been as fortunate as he was, had he not experienced such a phenomenon, he would undoubtedly have perished countless times over. Upon hearing Sparrow''s detailed account of the events and the phenomenon he described, Kisha experienced a sudden realization. She suspected that Sparrow might have unlocked a new skill. To confirm her suspicion, she decided to employ her ''Eye of Truth'' gift. [Code name: Sparrow] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300) Strength: 18 Stamina: 25 Defense: 16 Agility: 29 Mental Capacity: 19 Charm: 7 Leadership: 7 Title: None Skills: Whirlwind Level 0, Windblade Level 0, Perception Level 0 Talent: Scouting Gift: Hawk eyesight Ability: Wind Kisha''s suspicions were confirmed: Sparrow had indeed acquired the new skill ''Perception.'' To her, it seemed that all the hardships Sparrow endured were justified by this remarkable gain. ''Perception'' proved invaluable in combat, granting Sparrow an almost uncanny ability to anticipate his opponent''s next move, providing a significant advantage. However, the skill came with a cost: it drained mental capacity, akin to the abilities of a Mental awakened superhuman. Fortunately, Sparrow possessed a high mental fortitude, allowing him to utilize the skill for a limited time. Once depleted, he experienced only minor mental fatigue, a testament to his formidable willpower. This resilience likely contributed to his ability to traverse a mile despite sustaining severe injuries and carrying a heavy load of weaponry, just like a tireless pack mule. Acquiring such an ability was no small feat, even for Kisha, who had endured countless trials in the apocalypse. Perhaps it was Sparrow''s unwavering will to survive or his remarkable focus that brought about this development. Regardless, Kisha couldn''t help but feel a sense of elation; Sparrow had become an invaluable asset to their team. With his newfound skill, he would undoubtedly play a pivotal role in future missions. Reflecting on the past, Kisha couldn''t shake the regret of losing Sparrow in her previous life before meeting Duke. She couldn''t help but wonder what heights they could have reached together. Now, determined to fulfill that potential alongside Duke and their comrades, she set her sights on the future. "Fully embracing your role as Duke''s wife now, Host? Must be over the moon," 008''s teasing remark shattered Kisha''s reverie. It seemed that 008 couldn''t resist the opportunity to poke fun at her, as if it found amusement in everything, its duties confined to monitoring and scouring the points mall for specific items. Kisha responded with a disdainful snort. "You don''t want an upgrade?" "I stand corrected, Host. I''ll return to overseeing your younger brother''s training," 008 conceded before retreating into the depths of Kisha''s consciousness, evading her potential anger. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aware of Kisha''s hidden feelings for Duke from their previous life, 008 speculated that she may have regretted not confessing her affections, fearing rejection like many others, and dreading the potential strain on their relationship thereafter. Before fully retreating, 008 remembered something and added, "Host, I''m still on the lookout for the pill that Bell mentioned, the one that accelerates leveling like Scarlet Honey. Please bear with me for a bit; I''ll inform you as soon as I find it. Also, your S-class mission is progressing smoothly, so it seems everything is in our favor. I''ll keep you updated on any changes." With that, 008 made sure to leave Kisha with some positive news, hoping to mend any disdain before its departure. Kisha chuckled softly at 008 before redirecting her focus to the group around her. With the confirmation of a level 1 zombie, she felt the urgency to accelerate her team''s leveling up. However, before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, Sparrow, who had just recalled something crucial, called out to her and approached, passing her what he had retrieved. "Young madam, this is the level 1 crystal core I obtained from the zombie I killed." Sparrow''s voice exuded pride, his accomplishment evident in his tone. He had achieved something remarkable, especially considering Vulture''s recent revelation about the difficulty of defeating a level 1 zombie. It typically required either two level 0 awakened ability users with exceptional offensive and defensive capabilities or a single level 1 awakened ability user with at least mid-level abilities. [Zombie Core] Level: 1 Attribute: None Spirit: 25 Description: A white-colored zombie core that has recently formed, containing only a small amount of energy. After examining the crystal core''s information, Kisha smiled happily and stored it away in her inventory. This series of actions went unnoticed by Clyde''s group, as Kisha''s team was still forming a protective circle around her and Duke, further concealed by the office furniture. Their conversation was exchanged discreetly to ensure Clyde and the others didn''t overhear. It wasn''t that Kisha was withholding information to gain an advantage, but she understood that these details would naturally be released to the public when the leaders of each shelter and base decided. If this information came out prematurely from someone else, it could draw unwanted attention and make them targets for those looking to seize control of the shelters. Kisha''s discretion ensured that they wouldn''t step on someone else''s foot who wanted to maintain control over the flow of information among the other survivors. If others threatened this equilibrium, they would become public enemy number one, especially since it was still unclear if any Colton survivors remained in the shelter. With this concern in mind, Kisha began to disguise her people again, particularly Duke, Sparrow, Vulture, the Winters, and other key members recognizable to the Coltons. By donning their previous disguises, they could return to the shelter without re-registering and continue their work undetected. Only those within their group knew their true identities; even Clyde''s group had only seen their silhouettes and glimpses of their faces. When Clyde''s group finally saw them in proper lighting, they would realize that their initial impressions were entirely different. When Clyde and his group had glimpsed Kisha''s clean and beautiful appearance earlier, they were relying on the limited light available. This allowed Kisha and her people to use the opportunity to their advantage. This was why Kisha wasn''t too nervous about standing in front of the newcomers without a disguise earlier. Kisha spent nearly the entire night completing disguises for herself and the remaining eight people in her group. By the time she finished, it was almost dawn. The Blood Rain had passed, and the first rays of sunlight began to filter through the office blinds. For many, this signified new hope, especially for those in the shelter who had feared they wouldn''t survive the night. However, it was also a time of mourning for those who had lost loved ones to the zombies while defending the shelter. Chapter 139 Going Back to the Shelter Since Kisha and the rest had completed the Reconnaissance Mission they took from the bulletin board in exchange for supplies and had successfully rescued Duke''s family, it was time for them to return to the shelter. They needed to assess the situation, ensure the shelter was secure, and determine if further cleaning was required. Additionally, Kisha still needed to stay in the shelter for 25 more days to complete her S-class mission. After ensuring that all preparations were complete, Vulture and Tristan prepared breakfast while Kisha worked on the disguises. By the time Kisha finished their disguises just before dawn, breakfast was ready. Despite the constant threat of zombies, Kisha''s team always ensured they had three meals a day. No matter how busy they were, they always found a place to eat and maintain their strength. Vulture and Tristan prepared soup and pancakes for everyone, including Clyde''s group, who would be joining them on the journey back to the shelter. The entire team prioritized getting ample rest and eating properly to ensure they wouldn''t feel weak during any upcoming battles. Even those without an appetite were compelled to eat, understanding the necessity of maintaining their strength and not becoming a burden to the group. Duke, on the other hand, stuck close to Kisha, as if he were afraid she might disappear from his sight at any moment. His family watched and laughed, amused by the couple''s dynamic that resembled a mother hen and her chick strutting around the room. Duke''s large stature made the scene even funnier, as he followed Kisha like a lost puppy. His parents found it especially amusing, as Duke had never been this clingy even as a child. He had always acted like a cold-faced adult, so seeing him behave this way was new and endearing to them. "My dear wife, could you check my disguise again? I think my left eye isn''t covered properly," Duke asked as he strutted over to Kisha, pointing to his left eye. Despite his intimidating disguise, his concern made him seem almost comical. Kisha, equally imposing, completed the duo''s comedic effect as they displayed their affection in front of everyone. Onlookers felt as if they were being force-fed "dog food" by the couple''s antics, which had been ongoing since yesterday. "There''s nothing wrong with it. How many times do I have to check it, hmm?" Kisha raised her eyebrows in amusement. She noticed that Duke always stared hungrily at her lips whenever she got close to examine his so-called ''missing eye.'' She knew he was doing this on purpose to tempt her, even in front of their people. She couldn''t help but feel shy, wondering what was going on inside Duke''s head. Duke showed no signs of embarrassment, behaving like a hooligan even in front of his parents and grandfather. She wondered if this was a new side of Duke or if it had always been there, hidden from her for years. Despite his antics, she found herself strangely drawn to him, appreciating both his carefree demeanor and the seriousness he had exhibited in their past life. Yet, what mattered most was that he now belonged to her. So, she indulged him once more, allowing him to sit so she could check his disguise. However, as he sat down, his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her onto his lap. "Sit here. You''ll get a better view from up close," Duke declared, a triumphant smile gracing his lips, laced with mischief. Kisha shook her head in resignation, a soft chuckle escaping her lips, which tugged at Duke''s heartstrings in just the right way. "Aren''t you being mischievous again?" Kisha teased, running her fingers through Duke''s hair with a hint of indulgence. Duke said nothing, his smile lighting up his face like a child receiving his dream birthday gift. "Okay now big guy, let''s be serious now because we need to get back to the shelter, we''ll have plenty of time when we get home," Kisha said smiling at Duke, not fully understanding the full implication of what she said to Duke which was interpreted differently. Duke, on the other hand, now sported a wide grin as he looked at Kisha, his eyes narrowing with delight as he nodded in agreement. ''You said it,'' he chimed, his voice taking on a husky tone as he tightened his grip possessively around Kisha''s waist. ''I hope you''re ready,'' he added, his words carrying a subtle hint of anticipation. Kisha tilted her head to the side, a hint of confusion playing on her features as she observed Duke''s ear-to-ear grin. ''Is he really that thrilled to go back home?'' she mused silently. ''Perhaps he''s missed the comfort of a good night''s sleep and a refreshing shower.'' As their companions busied themselves with the final preparations, ensuring that everything was neatly stowed away, Kisha discreetly helped organize the larger items in her inventory. She skillfully masked their actions, making it appear as though their group was simply returning items to the small storage room adjacent to the office. After completing their tasks, Clyde and his group emerged from their corner, ready to lead Kisha and her companions to the concealed storage area they had been using since their arrival at the bank. However, upon seeing Kisha and the others, their reaction went beyond mere surprise. They stood there, mouths agape, unable to utter a word as shock overtook them. Clyde and his friends are lucky that they are only covered in thick, congealed blood from their encounters with zombies, and sporting minor injuries from their daring escapes, Kisha and her group presented a visage that was nothing short of terrifying to Clyde and his companions. At that moment, the sight of Kisha and her group was utterly chilling. Clyde and his friends couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief that their injuries were minor and they were only coated in zombie blood. As they collectively took deep breaths to steady their nerves, they couldn''t ignore the overwhelming sense of dread. Kisha and her companions appeared dangerously formidable, causing Clyde and his friends to question their decision to align with them. They couldn''t shake the feeling that they were unwittingly placing themselves in harm''s way with Kisha at the helm. Having already committed to the agreement, Clyde and his friends could only hope they had made the right decision in aligning with Kisha and her group. With Kisha and her companions showing determination to proceed, they decided to proceed cautiously, playing it by ear. Without further delay, Kisha and her team got down to business, wasting no time in heading straight to the floor where the bank stored mineral water, beverages, canned goods, and other preserved foods for their elite clientele and employees. The storage room was still brimming with supplies, largely untouched by Clyde and his group during their short stay. They had taken care to keep everything in order, ensuring none of the provisions went to waste or were spoiled. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha and her group adeptly feigned storing food supplies in the backpacks each of them carried. Even Clyde and his companions scoured the area for items they could use to carry as much supplies as possible. Once everyone had finished gathering their provisions, Duke took the lead in guiding the group outside, with Clyde''s group following suit. He skillfully covered for Kisha while she discreetly remained behind to collect any remaining items in the storage room and stow them away in her inventory. After securing everything in her inventory, she swiftly exited the storage room, seamlessly blending into the tail end of her group. With Duke at her side, they ensured her absence went unnoticed by Clyde''s group, while their own team adeptly covered for her. Chapter 140 Heading Back As Kisha guided her group through the streets, they encountered fewer zombies as expected. However, despite the end of the blood rain, the undead continued their frenzied attacks. Many zombies remained in a transitional state, unable to complete their evolution. Some even failed to evolve altogether, remaining at Level 0. These incomplete evolutions meant that future transformations, without the aid of the blood rain, would result in weaker zombies compared to those that successfully evolved during the blood rain, similar to the formidable zombie at level 1 Sparrow had encountered. Sparrow returned the three amulets Kisha had given him, having never found occasion to use them. Kisha did not explain that the amulets were meant to safeguard against instant death or a fatal single strike, scenarios he thankfully hadn''t encountered. It seemed the amulets would activate only under such dire circumstances. However, without Kisha''s explanation, Sparrow assumed they were defective when faced with injuries that didn''t result in instant death. If only he had known their true purpose, he might have appreciated their significance. Kisha found reassurance in Sparrow''s ability to navigate the situation without needing the amulets, interpreting it as a sign of his resilience and survival instincts. Sparrow''s adeptness in combat and his prior experience in life-threatening scenarios kept him composed under pressure, unlike most others who might have succumbed instantly in such a daunting confrontation. His calm demeanor and skillful fighting prevented what could have been a fatal outcome for others less prepared. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha and the others refrained from using the armored bus due to concerns that its engine noise might attract nearby zombies, potentially leading to them being besieged from all directions while the infected were still in a frenzied state induced by the blood rain. Surviving such an onslaught would be precarious. If they made it through the current day, it could indicate that the zombies'' frenzied state was subsiding. This would suggest a failed evolution if their energy reserves couldn''t sustain the consolidation of the stirring virus within their bodies by the following day. Kisha and the others faced a formidable challenge at the bank''s entrance, as they opted to confront the zombies using cold weapons rather than relying on their awakened abilities. Duke, wielding a long spear, and Kisha, with her dual katanas, proved adept at killing the undead. Kisha moved with speed and precision, almost as if she were performing a graceful dance amidst the chaos of battle. Clyde''s group stood in awe as they witnessed the strength and prowess of Kisha''s team, particularly the remarkable performances of Vulture and Sparrow. Sparrow moved with agility, effortlessly killing zombies with each fluid motion, while Vulture plowed through the undead like a human bulldozer, sending them flying with each strike. "Is that guy a monkey in his past life? And the other one, a bull?" One of the girls remarked, standing amidst the group, watching the impressive display. This moment of awe provided a rare sense of comfort for them since their departure from City D towards City B. Normally gripped by the fear of death when encountering zombie hordes, they now found themselves admiring the power and prowess of Kisha''s team, feeling reassured about their decision to join them on the journey to the shelter. Clyde''s team found themselves with little to do, relegated to following behind Kisha''s group while remaining protected at the center of the formation. Despite Kisha''s team only having a few more members than them, their strength eclipsed anything Clyde had witnessed thus far. In a swift and coordinated effort, Kisha and her group swiftly killed the zombies that had gathered around. Each member of Kisha''s team couldn''t help but notice the marked difference in strength. While previously they could kill zombies with ease, they now needed to exercise caution as the zombies seemed to have gained both speed and strength. While this surge in strength and agility was temporary, it remained a formidable challenge when coupled with the sheer number of zombies. They could only hope for the evolution phase to conclude swiftly. In the current circumstances, exhaustion during travel seemed inevitable, given the heightened threat level posed by the evolved zombies. Fortunately, they were well-stocked with food and had rested sufficiently, ensuring they had ample reserves of energy to cover greater distances. Kisha''s leadership led them to streets with fewer zombies, a fact even Clyde and his team couldn''t overlook. They pondered whether Kisha''s success in finding these secluded routes was merely luck or if she possessed a method for navigating the zombie-infested streets and selecting paths with fewer obstacles. Thus far, their encounters typically involved battling no more than a dozen zombies at a time. Kisha took proactive measures to utilize the Scarley Bees ahead of them, tasking them with eliminating as many zombies as possible to lighten the load on her group. Simultaneously, she ensured that the bees discreetly collected the cores while her team pressed forward along their path. Unlike before, this arrangement has proven to be the most effective for their journey, significantly easing their burdens. Since Kisha and her team couldn''t utilize their awakened abilities, they relied on Bell''s scarlet bees for scouting and preemptively eliminating zombies along their path. This strategic approach made their journey notably smoother, requiring minimal effort on their part. However, this method came with its drawbacks. By utilizing the Scarlet Bees as scouts and killing machines outside, the production of Scarlet honey had to suffer. This weighed heavily on Kisha''s heart, as she knew the importance of maintaining their resources. Additionally, she had promised to provide Bell with enough crystal cores to level up to level 2 once they reached the shelter. Doing so would expedite the production of Scarlet Honey and increase Bell''s birthing limit, resulting in a larger troop size. It was a difficult balance between immediate needs and long-term sustainability. With their load significantly lighter, Kisha''s group moved more easily along the road. However, due to time constraints and the Scarlet Bees not having ample time to dispose of the zombie carcasses they left behind, Clyde''s team also noticed the undead remains scattered along the path, their heads visibly open. Fortunately, they assumed that the shelter''s soldiers had recently cleared the streets nearby, resulting in the scattered remains. Chapter 141 Gate 2 In just three and a half hours, Kisha and her group reached Gate 2. The area was strewn with zombie carcasses, and the echoes of gunfire still reverberated in the air. Smoke billowed from both inside and outside the shelter, indicating ongoing efforts to handle the corpses and prevent the spread of any potential plague. Kisha guessed they were burning the bodies to contain any potential outbreaks. As smoke billowed from inside the shelter, Kisha couldn''t help but speculate that some zombies might have breached the defenses, or worse, some soldiers could have been bitten and needed to be dealt with before turning. Despite the challenges, it seemed the shelter''s inhabitants were managing. However, relying solely on firearms posed a significant risk of depleting their ammunition. They would need to strategize how to procure more or find alternative means of defense, especially if they hadn''t yet discovered the potential of the awakened. Their sole beacon of hope rested on the asymptomatic individuals manifesting their awakened abilities. Every symptomatic person who was dealt with meant a potentially awakened individual lost, which was a significant blow to human survival. Given that not everyone would have the opportunity to awaken, each loss diminished their chances. If more awakened individuals were killed, it meant even fewer chances for survival. Sooner or later, the shelter would face a siege by zombies if they couldn''t tap into the power of the awakened. Many might wonder why Kisha wasn''t taking action despite knowing the dire consequences. It wasn''t for lack of effort on her part. In her past lives, she had tried numerous times, only to be branded as a troublemaker by those in power. They saw her attempts as spreading false information to sow discord. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In reality, they sought to hoard knowledge to bolster their own authority and maintain control over the shelters, positioning themselves as near-deities. By the time any leaked information surfaced, they had already solidified their power base, rendering any opposition futile. Kisha became their target, ultimately leading to her demise. Currently, Kisha''s primary concern is the well-being and survival of her own people. She''s moved beyond fretting over others, as she once did. As long as she can ensure the safety of her group, she sees no reason to reveal this information. She prefers to let others come to their own realizations, highlighting the folly of succumbing to fear and prematurely condemning those with fevers. If the time comes for Kisha to rescue this shelter, she''ll do so on her own terms, ensuring that Coltons no longer hold sway within its walls. As Kisha and her group caught sight of the towering gate of Gate 2 amidst the scattered zombie remains, they paused deliberately. This precaution was to prevent the lookout in the tower from mistaking them for a zombie horde and firing in panic. Kisha instructed Sparrow and Vulture to hoist a white silk cloth and wave it in the air, ensuring the lookout would recognize them as friendly. They proceeded towards Gate 2 at a deliberate pace, with Kisha at the helm and Duke at her side, his long spear poised like a protective deity. As anticipated, the lookout, worn down from the previous night''s battle with the zombie raid, spotted their group in the distance. Reacting swiftly to the approaching figures, they raised their rifle, prepared to fire the first shot. Their fatigue drove them to act quickly, unwilling to risk another onslaught that could overwhelm their defenses and potentially lead to more casualties among their people. As the small figures approached, tension gripped the lookout tower. Just as the first lookout prepared to pull the trigger, his companion forcefully pushed down the rifle, causing the first shot to narrowly miss Kisha''s foot. The sudden discharge brought Kisha and her group to an abrupt halt, their movements frozen. Duke''s gaze turned menacing as he fixed his eyes on the lookout tower, his aura radiating an icy chill as his palpable killing intent filled the air. "Idiot! Look closer, those are survivors!" the second lookout shouted at his comrade through gritted teeth. Despite their fear of the zombie raid, they couldn''t afford to kill survivors. They had already lost too many people and desperately needed all the manpower they could get. The fact that these people had made it through the frenzied zombies outside meant they were strong enough to fend for themselves. These strong individuals were exactly what the shelter needed for its survival, and his teammate had nearly killed one of them, risking a serious offense. Little did he know, Kisha was already prepared. If the bullet had been aimed directly at her, she could have used her telekinesis to alter its trajectory, protecting herself and making it seem like the sniper had simply missed the target due to incompetence. Either way, Kisha had anticipated this reaction. Everyone in the shelter was on edge, their nerves taut from the constant threat of a zombie raid striking at any time, especially during the volatile evolution phase. The second lookout informed the gatekeeper of the arrival of survivors. The gatekeeper could hardly believe what he heard over the walkie-talkie. Even their military-trained personnel had suffered heavy casualties during the previous night''s zombie raid, with countless soldiers dying to protect the shelter. Yet, here was Kisha''s team, having navigated the zombie-infested streets outside. Though incredulous, the gatekeeper felt a surge of hope and eagerness to recruit such capable individuals into their ranks to bolster their defenses against the zombies. They had all believed that the sheer number of zombies was their only terrifying aspect, but their beliefs were shattered after last night''s experience. It felt like they had lived through hell on earth. Hearing the news from the walkie-talkie, everyone felt their exhaustion vanish. Eagerly, they climbed up the walls to watch Kisha and her team approach Gate 2. From their vantage point, they could see Kisha and her group killing zombies with ease as they steadily closed in on the gate. They were all in awe, especially impressed by how intimidating Kisha''s team looked. As Kisha''s team drew closer, the gatekeeper began to recognize Kisha and the three others with her. Their fighting skills and commanding presence had left a strong impression on him when they left a few days ago. "Ah! It''s them!" he exclaimed, pointing excitedly at Kisha and her group. "They even managed to rescue some people outside!" Chapter 142 Last Spurt to Reach the Gate "Open the gate!" the gatekeeper shouted after regaining his composure as Kisha and her team approached Gate 2. Upon hearing the command, the others exchanged glances but remained silent. They all understood that they needed Kisha''s team''s strength to survive from now on. They acknowledged that if they had been the ones outside, they might not have survived the frenzied zombies while defending themselves on the run. Kisha and her team had managed to survive in such perilous conditions that had already claimed the lives of hundreds of their men. When they saw Duke''s menacing and gloomy expression, they all froze, feeling their skin crawl. They had no idea what they might have done to offend him, but they fervently hoped it wasn''t their actions that had angered him. At that moment, Duke looked like death itself, and none of them dared to approach him nor even look at him. When everyone from Kisha''s and Clyde''s teams saw the big gate slowly opening, Clyde''s team began to cheer, feeling a wave of relief wash over them. They had survived until now and were finally seeing a community where other survivors were working together. Their happiness was amplified by the hope that their families, from whom they had been separated, were also safe inside the shelter. But unlike Clyde and his group''s jubilant cheers, Kisha and her team felt a sense of dread, as if they were stepping into another hide-and-seek game with the Coltons. Kisha knew that the Coltons they had encountered and killed outside were not all of them. This wasn''t just a hunch; it seemed sound and reasonable to her. She believed that the Coltons, known for their underhanded tactics, wouldn''t have their leader, the so-called ''Young Master,'' personally venture into danger. Instead, he would likely remain in the shadows, orchestrating from a safe distance while keeping a close watch on the Winters. That person must be waiting for news inside the shelter. That''s why Kisha was adamant about putting on their disguises again and keeping as much information to themselves as possible. Revealing their awakened abilities would only paint a larger target on their backs, making them more vulnerable once others found out that Kisha and her group could survive outside with ease because of their awakened ability. As greedy as the Coltons, they wouldn''t pass a chance as big as Kisha and the rest, they would probably approach them, if the whole shelter was under the Coltons or if it was still just being coveted by the Coltons means differently to Kisha and she would be able to decide what to do based on these. Kisha pushed these thoughts to the back of her mind, choosing to focus on the present. She knew that dwelling on future uncertainties would only distract her from dealing with the immediate challenges ahead. Duke sensed Kisha''s unease and reached out to gently tap her head with his left hand. This small gesture provided Kisha with the reassurance she needed, reminding her that she wasn''t alone. It was Duke''s way of conveying that, no matter what lay ahead, they would face it together. Kisha felt her heart warm from Duke''s show of support. He always made an effort to ensure she never felt alone, a stark contrast to her previous life where she faced everything by herself as the leader of a base. In this life, she didn''t have to spearhead all the dangers and challenges alone¡ªDuke was by her side, making all the difference. Despite the rapid and unexpected change in her relationship with Duke, Kisha couldn''t deny that it felt like the best decision she had ever made. Agreeing to be with Duke felt like a dream come true, but more importantly, it felt right. It was as if they belonged in each other''s arms, where they were truly meant to be. Kisha''s train of thought was interrupted by soldiers emerging from Gate 2. They were there to escort them inside and eliminate any nearby zombies. However, before they could proceed, Kisha signaled for them to halt. She knew that continued noise would attract more zombies, especially those who came looking for food to aid their evolution. Seeing the confusion on the soldiers'' faces, Kisha then directed Vulture and Sparrow to clear a path ahead. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow, Vulture, along with Tristan and Bald Eagle, formed a protective ring around the group, facing outward in all four directions. With precision and silent efficiency, they killed any zombies that dared to approach. Kisha maintained a steady pace¡ªnot too fast to leave anyone behind, yet not too slow to risk anyone feeling overwhelmed. She aimed to maintain a normal pace suitable for Clyde''s people and Mrs. Winters, who had a frail body, to ensure the safety of all without risking casualties due to haste. The group, including Mr. and Mrs. Winters, couldn''t help but notice the considerate pace set by Kisha. They felt grateful for her thoughtfulness and skilled leadership as they navigated through the dangers together. The soldiers providing support to Kisha''s group were astounded by their seamless coordination and effortless killing of nearby zombies. They appeared highly skilled and formidable, almost surpassing the soldiers themselves. Recalling last night''s encounters where a single zombie breached their defenses, requiring a team of five soldiers to subdue it, resulting in heavy casualties, they recognized the urgency of ensuring Kisha''s group''s safety. They feared that without proper escort, Kisha and her team might fall victim to a surprise attack before they could be effectively deployed. Now, they were concerned that they might slow down Kisha and her team. Surprisingly, they didn''t need to resort to firearms to kill the approaching zombies, saving valuable ammunition for crucial moments. The soldiers simply stood in front of the gate, awaiting Kisha and her team''s arrival before sealing it shut behind them. When Kisha noticed that the soldiers weren''t coming out to assist them anymore, she breathed a sigh of relief. Not that she was concerned about their well-being, but she understood that if those soldiers got into trouble, it would fall on her team to rescue them. With gunfire attracting more zombies, it was a scenario she preferred to avoid. Chapter 143 Divertion And just like that, Kisha and her companions managed to enter the shelter without any further casualties. The soldiers surrounding them looked at them with admiration, as if they were seeing their idols for the first time. Kisha and the others waited for the medical team to arrive to complete the inspection, similar to their own initial experience. Feeling a sense of responsibility, Kisha felt compelled to brief both her group and Clyde''s group on the upcoming inspection and what to expect while inside the tent. It was a brief explanation, but everyone understood the importance of cooperation. The female members of the group felt embarrassed about exposing their bodies to others, but they refrained from raising any concerns because they understood the necessity of the inspection. They chose not to make a fuss, recognizing the importance of cooperation in the situation. The gatekeeper, however, abandoned his stern demeanor and hurried to where Kisha and her group were positioned. He observed their remarkable skills from atop the wall, unable to tear his gaze away. He closely watched their movements, attempting to glean insights, but he realized that while Kisha''s group made it appear effortless, replicating their actions wasn''t simple. Their maneuvers demanded either exceptional agility or explosive strength to kill the zombies that suddenly became so strong. He also recalled the recent departure of Kisha and her group from Gate 2. They exhibited incredible strength and navigated the outside world with ease. Despite their prowess, he couldn''t shake the concern that they, like others, might not return. The world beyond the gates had grown increasingly unpredictable, fraught with unforeseen dangers. The recent zombie raid, and the inexplicable surge in their strength, only heightened his apprehension. Little did he expect, Kisha and her team returned unscathed, even bringing back survivors. Observing their protective formation around the survivors, he couldn''t help but regard Kisha and her team with reverence, as if they were battle gods defying all logic. The thought of joining their ranks crossed his mind; he believed that aligning with Kisha''s group could only bring positive outcomes his way. Without hesitation, he resolved to find an opportunity to showcase his strength in front of Kisha, perhaps aiding them along the way to demonstrate his commitment. Lost in his thoughts about how to approach Kisha''s team, he was interrupted by Duke''s cold voice accusing, "Your lookout fired a shot at my wife." The gatekeeper was surprised to hear what Duke had said and broke into a cold sweat, he looked around to find the wife Duke was talking about but since he did not know, he looked back at Duke, only to see him holding the equally intimidating Kisha onto his arms, as if telling him that she was his wife. Little did the gatekeeper know, even though Duke was genuinely angry but he was also trying to show off that he now had a wife and warning everyone not to get an idea about Kisha, he forgot that they were in disguise so even if he paid every man standing in front of them, no one would get an idea to make a move on Kisha who look more intimidating than them. The gatekeeper''s realization hit him like a ton of bricks; Kisha was indeed the subject of Duke''s concern. Swallowing hard, he keyed his walkie-talkie and barked into it, demanding answers. "Who fired those shots earlier? I want answers, now! Get down here!" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the gatekeeper fretted, Kisha found herself amused by the situation, her gaze meeting Duke''s with a hint of mischief. Before long, the two lookout personnel descended to join Duke and the group, promptly replaced by others to maintain surveillance from the tower. With heads hung low, the two lookouts silently acknowledged their collective responsibility for the mistake, understanding that in a team, each member bears accountability. Uncertain of their fate, they awaited word on whether they would face dismissal or punishment for their error. The lookout who made the blunder promptly knelt before Kisha and humbly admitted, "Madam, it was my mistake. Please punish me for my actions. Fortunately, my partner intervened in time to prevent a tragedy, but I shudder to think of the consequences had they not." He took full responsibility, opting not to implicate his teammate, despite having reasons for his error. However, he understood that excuses wouldn''t suffice; what mattered was acknowledging his mistake, one that nearly endangered a highly skilled warrior. Duke''s aura just intensified, wanting to say his piece but Kisha noticed that the medic had arrived and headed inside the tense, she also noticed how tired the soldiers around them were and understood that they were all tired and on tenterhook because of the zombie raid and had so many casualties, so, she tapped Duke''s arm to stop him from lashing out on the poor man. She didn''t intervene to help the lookout; rather, she believed it wasn''t the right time for such action. Even if the shot had been aimed at her head, she knew it wouldn''t have been fatal. Moreover, they had already succeeded in diverting everyone''s attention for the moment. Yes, while everyone''s attention was diverted, Kisha strategically deployed her scarlet bees to gather the crystal cores scattered around. She couldn''t let such valuable resources go to waste when they could be put to good use in her hands. Meanwhile, the soldiers were busy disposing of the zombie carcasses by burning them, but Kisha''s scarlet bees, being no ordinary insects, could withstand the heat. After coordinating with Bell, Kisha ensured that the scarlet bees collected the crystal cores and stacked them neatly in her room within the rented villa. Kisha shared the plan with Duke briefly, knowing he had something to voice out. She decided to let him speak, understanding it could further divert attention to them and away from the pile of zombie carcasses outside. This gave Bell and the Scarlet Bees a crucial window to collect the crystal cores. Once Bell signaled the mission''s completion, Kisha halted Duke''s actions, coinciding perfectly with the arrival of the medics who were preoccupied with tending to the wounded soldiers in their tents. Chapter 144 Inspection (Edited) The moment the medics arrived, Kisha and the others were directed to enter the examination tent. Just like before, they were asked to remove their clothes so the medical team could thoroughly examine them for any signs of zombie bites or even minor scratches. The exhaustion on the faces of the medical team was evident; they were as weary as the frontline soldiers, having tended to all those who had fought the previous night. The medics also endured significant mental strain, as they bore the responsibility of ending the lives of soldiers who had been accidentally bitten or even scratched by zombies that breached the walls. This unique form of exhaustion dampened their spirits, leaving their eyes lifeless and dark. Kisha understood this burden more than anyone else¡ªthe weight of responsibility and the guilt carried by those who had survived the ordeal and acted as grim reaper. For those experiencing this for the first time, it was an immense burden to bear, but they had no choice but to carry on. Kisha herself had fallen into depression when she first faced this harsh reality, especially upon becoming a leader. The weight of the responsibility was overwhelming, as the deaths of many gnawed at her mental state. The people''s hatred and resentment were directed at her, as they saw it as the leader''s duty to ensure their safety¡ªa duty in which they felt she had failed. Their dissatisfaction and anger were all focused on her, as blaming her was the easiest way for them to cope. But at this moment, Kisha couldn''t summon any empathy for these people. She believed that this harshness was necessary for them to grow stronger for future struggles. Perhaps she had exhausted all her empathy in past experiences that had ended badly. Either way, she looked at these individuals with a cold, detached gaze as she awaited her turn to be called for inspection. The girls in Clyde''s group were timid and frightened because they had a few surface scratches from their escape from City D a few days ago. Despite the scratches being several days old, they felt no reassurance. They knew that everyone in the shelter was on edge after the zombie raid the previous night, which had resulted in numerous casualties. True to her promise, Kisha remained vigilant throughout the inspection, ensuring that none of them were unfairly scrutinized due to exhaustion or fear. She was particularly attentive during Mrs. Winters'' turn, fully aware that the medical team was less approachable now than when she and Duke first arrived at the shelter a few days ago. Kisha''s alertness was crucial in preventing any oversights during the inspections. Just as she had feared, a girl with scratches resembling nail marks failed the inspection and was about to be executed. Kisha felt her eyebrow twitch in frustration; if this continued, not only would their population dwindle, but innocent people with the potential to awaken valuable abilities for humanity''s survival might be lost. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Kisha knew she had to intervene. As the female medic began to drag the hysterically crying girl away, Kisha stepped forward and grabbed the girl''s other hand, determined to prevent an unjust execution. When Kisha grabbed the girl''s arm, the medical team struggled in vain to pull her away, no matter how much force they applied. Frustrated, they considered calling for backup. "Miss, please let go! We can''t play camaraderie here¡ªone mistake could cost thousands of lives!" the head female medic shouted through gritted teeth. But Kisha didn''t budge, letting the medic finish before speaking. "If you suspect this girl is infected, quarantine her for three days. If you continue killing indiscriminately, the human population will dwindle, and we''ll still be fucked up," Kisha said with an indifferent expression. Her use of the word "indiscriminately" struck a nerve, hitting the medics hard like a speeding truck. The idea of quarantine, something they hadn''t considered in their aversion to taking risks, now seemed like a viable alternative, even though it had never crossed their minds during the chaos of last night''s zombie raid. Only now, when Kisha pointed it out, did they feel a knot forming in their throats. Their guilty consciences gnawed at their minds. Unlike in movies where scientists and doctors diligently quarantined individuals and searched for vaccines, these people were terrified for their lives. They couldn''t even entertain the idea of keeping a potentially infected person inside their sanctuary, their only safe haven. It''s only natural for humans to prioritize their own safety instinctively. Kisha''s words hit them hard, igniting a surge of anger, frustration, and a myriad of other emotions. As medics, responsible for safeguarding everyone during inspections, they felt the heat of their failure acutely. Despite their efforts, they hadn''t made any significant progress. Their only recourse was inspecting the deceased, comparing them to the zombies, a task that offered little comfort or assurance. Now, Kisha presented them with another option, one that seemed glaringly obvious in terms of handling an epidemic, but they weren''t dealing with just any epidemic. They hadn''t even unraveled the intricacies of the virus beyond understanding its transmission through bites and scratches. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In movies and novels, solutions often come swiftly, but in reality, extensive studies and laboratory trials are required, along with time for analysis and comparison. It had only been a week since the apocalypse began, yet they felt immense pressure to produce results while ensuring everyone''s safety. Even when they quarantined someone suspected of infection, it rarely made a difference¡ªthe outcome was almost always the same, with no cure available, they still had to kill the person. The likelihood that the girl they wanted to drag away had been scratched without noticing was slim, but standing near her was already a huge gamble. Their exhaustion and the mounting deaths had clouded their judgment; they simply wanted the ordeal to end as quickly as possible. Their burden was immense, particularly regarding the deaths of survivors. However, they found it difficult to confront this reality because doing so would only confirm their failure in safeguarding others. Instead, they viewed these deaths as the result of premature judgment, a consequence of being deemed beyond saving without exploring all potential avenues due to fear and aversion to risk. They also grappled with the realization that their earlier approach might be perceived as heartless by fellow survivors, diminishing the trust placed in them and leaving them vulnerable to harsh criticism for their mistakes. The medics standing before Kisha pursed their lips, their eyes clouded with mixed emotions. Some bore expressions of hatred and frustration, their thoughts already racing to the potential consequences they would inevitably face once this situation came to light. Chapter 145 Kishas Plan The commotion drew the attention of the soldier stationed just outside the tent, whose primary responsibility was ensuring the safety of both the survivors undergoing inspection and the medics conducting it. Although stationed outside the entrance and exit, they couldn''t help but overhear what transpired inside. Their hands trembled involuntarily upon hearing Kisha''s suggestion. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They found themselves torn between relief that Kisha''s suggestion made sense and fear of the implications. Like the medics, they were simply doing what they believed was best. While they were medics/ doctors and not experts in viral research or epidemics, their greater knowledge compared to the general populace meant that their words still carried weight and were considered credible. Upon hearing Kisha''s warning about the dwindling human population, a sense of truth and dread settled over them, rendering them silent as they grappled with their own thoughts. Despite their fear and frustration, the medics were still doctors, bound by their oath to save lives¡ªa mission they felt they had failed in this instance. Nevertheless, they remained determined to uphold their sworn duty. Tightening their fists in resolve, they slowly nodded in agreement with Kisha. Before arriving at Gate 2, they had heard tales of Kisha''s formidable team and believed that such strong warriors would be invaluable for their shelter''s survival. They recognized the importance of maintaining a good relationship with Kisha and her team; offending them could lead to their departure, leaving the shelter at a significant disadvantage. Kisha watched intently as the medic escorted the trembling girl out of the tent. The girl looked at Kisha with fear in her eyes, seeking reassurance. Instinctively, she found solace in Kisha''s nod of approval, which eased her anxiety slightly. Reluctantly, she followed the medic outside. Meanwhile, Kisha listened as the medic instructed the soldier to prepare a secure quarantine location. Their intention behind this instruction was not only to isolate the suspected individual but also to ensure that even if they were infected, they couldn''t easily escape and attack other survivors in the quarantine area. The soldier grasped the gravity of the situation and promptly radioed in, and explained the situation, including Kisha''s involvement, the initial resistance from the person on the other side about the idea, subsided, and started to consider Kisha''s suggestion. ''Strength really speaks in these circumstances and only strength has the right to speak.'' If Kisha wasn''t a person with strength, she knew that no one would listen to her pleas, just like in her previous lives. Following the arrangement, the medics resumed their inspections, and this time, the process went more smoothly. Kisha and the others emerged from the tent one by one. Outside, Duke and the group awaited with somber expressions, having observed and heard what transpired. As the individual taken away belonged to Clyde''s group, Clyde felt a surge of stress, worrying about his friend''s fate. However, all he could do was keep a vigilant watch. Fortunately, aside from the girl in question, everyone else was cleared. Their injuries consisted of superficial scratches, mirroring Kisha''s disguise. The individual who instructed the soldier outside to give Kisha and her team some leeway likely had ulterior motives. By ensuring Kisha and her team were satisfied, they sought to cultivate a sense of indebtedness, potentially leveraging it for future favors. However, this came at the expense of the majority''s safety. Kisha couldn''t shake her curiosity about the person pulling the strings. If it turned out to be the Coltons, it would pose both a headache and an opportunity for infiltration. Conversely, if it wasn''t the Coltons, understanding their affiliation was essential. With these uncertainties looming, Kisha and her team found themselves unable to relax, realizing they had returned to the lion''s den. After Kisha successfully secured Clyde''s group''s arrival in the shelter, she entrusted them to the soldiers, including the Winters and Bald Eagles'' team, to complete their registration and accommodation allocation. This strategic move aimed to conceal their prior association with Kisha and her allies, presenting a facade of detachment. However, it was merely another layer of disguise. Later on, they planned to reunite with Kisha and Duke''s group. Thanks to Kisha and Duke''s previous successful registration of a group before embarking on their search for the Winters, they now had the opportunity to recruit more people to participate in crucial missions outside the shelter, enabling them to procure additional supplies while making sure that they wouldn''t be easily suspected. Executing this plan seamlessly requires everyone to adhere strictly to the personas crafted for them in advance, ensuring they avoid raising any suspicion from potential enemies around. Clyde''s group serves as an effective cover, which is why Kisha readily welcomed them into their midst. Additionally, Kisha seized the opportunity to acquire supplies from them. Despite having amassed a considerable stockpile of supplies, including livestock, Kisha understood the importance of never refusing additional provisions in this unforgiving apocalyptic era. Naturally, only Kisha and the key members of their group were aware of this plan. Some had already formed conclusions about the unfolding events, preempting the need for explicit communication from Kisha and the others. However, recognizing the necessity of vigilance to identify potential moles within their ranks, Kisha took additional precautions. She discreetly assigned two scarlet bees to each individual in the group, except for the Winters. These bees acted as covert surveillance, immediately alerting Kisha to any suspicious behavior. Despite her trust in Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan, Kisha remained mindful of her past experiences, having learned in her previous life not to overtrust anyone because betrayal never came from an enemy but someone closer. While many were aware that Kisha employed scarlet bees for reconnaissance, their understanding of the bees'' capabilities remained limited. They lacked insight into the specifics and extent of the bees'' surveillance abilities. Even those who knew they were being trailed were unaware of the finer details. For instance, few knew that Kisha had deployed two scarlet bees per person, with one bee meticulously concealed and transformed into its smallest form. This level of detail ensured that the full extent of Kisha''s surveillance tactics remained undisclosed to most. Kisha could only hope and pray that they had already uncovered the lone mole within Duke''s group, and that there were no others. She also dreaded the potential impact this betrayal might have on Duke. Despite his typically stoic demeanor, the sting of betrayal could cut deep. Kisha empathized with Duke''s situation, as she understood firsthand the pain of betrayal. She didn''t want Duke to endure multiple heartaches, especially from those he considered family. Betrayal from those closest to you is among the most painful experiences, and Kisha hoped to spare Duke from enduring such anguish the second time. Because, although Duke did not say anything when they uncovered the first mole and he found out about it from Vulture''s account, she knew that he silently bled. Kisha also made sure to deploy scarlet bees for the Winters, not for surveillance, but for security. Even though she could monitor their status through the team''s interface, Kisha knew she couldn''t always be by their side. There might be occasions when it would take time for the team to reach their location, and every moment counted. Kisha didn''t want to take any chances, especially when it came to Duke''s family, individuals he cherished deeply. Chapter 146 Missions Reward for Completion Although Kisha never told Duke everything she did behind the scenes to protect his interests, Duke was acutely aware of her silent guardianship and unique way of caring for him. He felt a deep happiness and cherished the chance to enjoy this kind of protection from the woman he now called his wife. Despite never believing in deities or gods, he found himself grateful for the chance to meet Kisha in this lifetime and to spend time together. Even in the midst of the bleak future brought by the apocalypse, he felt that these moments were the most fulfilling and happiest of his once dull life. Right now, he was staring at Kisha''s slightly scrunched-up face as she silently planned their next course of action. He didn''t even know how many steps ahead she had prepared to ensure that he and his family would be safe and sound the moment they stepped foot in the shelter¡ªthe lion''s den. But he knew she was ready to spearhead the entire operation to make sure he wouldn''t lose anyone important to him. Only now did he experience the feeling of being protected, and it was an amazing sensation he could easily become addicted to. He hadn''t realized that being under someone''s protective wing could be this blissful. Or perhaps it was because it was Kisha who was doing it? Duke''s eyes crinkled with warmth as he gazed at Kisha, his expression shifting to one of affectionate possession. He couldn''t resist reaching out to gently rub Kisha''s head. "What would you like to eat later?" he inquired softly as they made their way back to the bulletin board to report the completion of their mission. Kisha had meticulously mapped out the western district they scouted for the mission they accepted from the bulletin board, exchanging their findings for vital supplies. As they returned with their backpacks laden with resources, they were obligated to pay half to the shelter as tax. With Clyde''s group included, there were now 31 individuals comprising their party. Upon entering the shelter, they dutifully handed over their share of supplies, enough to sustain many mouths. However, Kisha harbored reservations, knowing that these provisions would likely only reach those in charge. This arrangement allowed them to acquire supplies without risking their people in dangerous scavenging missions outside. It was the standard procedure - they provided protection for the survivors, and in return, the tax ensured the soldiers had the energy to continue their duties. While it sounded reasonable, the survivors were burdened with taxes on almost everything, leaving them with scant supplies for themselves afterward. After a period, the shelter ceased distributing supplies to survivors who weren''t contributing. This reflects the principles of societal cooperation, which Kisha understood without objection. However, the issue arose from the disproportion between the taxes levied by those in authority and the rewards granted for completed missions. While the mission''s anticipated reward suggested generosity, Kisha realized it fell short considering the danger they faced. Self-reliance proved more fruitful; their own efforts yielded greater supplies than missions did. Kisha''s hidden inventory was a stroke of luck, allowing her to keep it concealed from the shelter. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She was cautious not to share her hard-won supplies with potential enemies, fearing it might empower them to turn against her and her allies once they regained strength. Once awakened superhumans were discovered, certain individuals known as irregulars who has gained the ability to sense the type of awakened ability a person possessed. These abilities primarily focused on providing mental support rather than defense or combat skills, yet they played a crucial role in society. In Kisha''s past, bases and shelters felt secure in covertly storing supplies, unconcerned about spatial-type superhumans secretly storing away resources without disclosure. However, individuals like the one who awakened this sensory-type mental ability, akin to Kisha''s ''Eye of Truth,'' introduced a new dynamic. They not only discerned the type and strength of superhuman abilities but also scrutinized spatial-type users to ensure no unregistered or concealed items remained in their possession, in accordance with recorded inventories. Despite their formidable sensory abilities, they remained unable to detect Kisha''s unique ability. This was a fact she had repeatedly tested and confirmed across her past lives. Thus, even though they recognized Kisha as a typical awakened superhuman with mental abilities, they remained unaware of her status as an irregular with a system. Perhaps her system''s nature, being neither an entity nor originally part of their world, rendered it undetectable to their senses. Regardless, this situation only played into Kisha''s favor, and she harbored no qualms about reserving supplies for herself and her allies. After all, these were resources they had collected through their own efforts, and they were more than capable of defending themselves. Kisha had long shed any feelings of nervousness or guilt about keeping her supplies concealed; her experiences across past lives had shown her the workings of bases and shelters, eroding her trust in the higher-ups operating in the shadows. When Kisha, Duke, Vulture, and Sparrow arrived at the Central Hall where they registered their group, they sought out the woman who had assisted them in forming their team. Without hesitation, they handed her the mission flyer and the map they had meticulously mapped out during their reconnaissance mission. The woman was visibly stunned to see Kisha and her comrades alive and well. Her gaze lingered on the flyer and the map, disbelief evident in her expression. It was hard for her to fathom how they survived, not only due to the zombie raid but also because they had ventured into one of the city''s most dangerous areas. The concentration of zombies there made it a mission most people avoided. Shortly after regaining her composure, the woman swiftly contacted a military representative to examine the map. Soon after, Kisha and her companions were ushered into a room at the rear while the man scrutinized the map. This man happened to be the same individual they encountered at the gate upon their first arrival at the shelter with Fred and the rest. Likely holding a position of authority, perhaps even a team captain, he studied the map with great concentration. It was only when he glanced up momentarily that he recognized the familiar faces standing before him, prompting him to take a second look. Chapter 147 Her Account It took him a few moments to recall Kisha and her group. Their formidable display of fighting prowess upon arrival at the shelter, executed effortlessly, had left a lasting impression on him. However, this impressive demonstration also put him on guard in their presence. Their extraordinary power hinted at their exceptional nature, leading him to suspect they were not ordinary individuals. It was only upon discovering they were special agents that he slightly eased his guard. His brow furrowed slightly as he inquired, "Are you the group responsible for completing this mission and creating this map?" He watched Kisha and her companions closely, silently assessing their reactions, seeking to glean something from their demeanor. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha simply nodded in response, offering no further explanation. The man''s brow furrowed even more tightly, his frustration evident at the lack of forthcoming information from Kisha. Deciding to confront the issue directly, he spoke sternly, "Then, explain the markings you left on the map and provide a detailed account of what you observed out there. We cannot afford incomplete reconnaissance missions or false information meant to deceive us." Each word carried a weight of warning as he addressed Kisha and her team. With a cursory glance at each member, he gestured for them to come closer, conveying the seriousness of the consequences they would face if caught attempting to deceive the authorities by passing off incomplete or falsified mission reports. Kisha and her companions exuded confidence as they stepped forward. Knowing Sparrow had meticulously mapped out the western district, he took the lead, leaning in towards the table. With deliberate gestures, he pointed to various markings on the map, asserting, "I''m most familiar with these markings as I was responsible for mapping them while our team conducted our reconnaissance." The man''s gaze followed Sparrow''s movements, taking in the detailed map. Sparrow continued, "Our scouting commenced from the outskirts of the western district, moving inward. We identified small encampments surrounding the central hub, where the majority of zombies congregated. Each encampment was equipped with lookout posts positioned along the perimeter, which we''ve indicated on the map with corresponding circles to denote their surveillance areas. Beyond these individuals, the area appeared deserted." With his explanation complete, Sparrow stepped back, rejoining Kisha. The man''s expression contorted in deep contemplation, his thoughts inscrutable to Kisha and her companions. Yet, his seriousness was palpable, indicating he was deliberating something before speaking again. "Did these individuals protect you from the zombie raid while you were outside?" His tone suggested a hint of skepticism as if he himself couldn''t quite believe the question he was posing, yet it was clear he sought to grasp something significant. Kisha responded with a deadpan expression, her tone matter-of-fact. "No, we were already in the outer part of the western district when the zombie raid occurred." The man''s frown deepened. "You mentioned that the central part of the western district was overrun with zombies. Was the situation dire? Did you venture beyond the central area?" Despite his attempt to maintain composure, a hint of tension crept into his demeanor, evident in the stiffening of his neck muscles. Whether this was due to nervousness remained unknown to Kisha. Kisha and her team remained silent, their expressions revealing their reluctance to delve into their harrowing experiences. The man seemed to realize the futility of his previous question and tried again. "I''ve heard you''ve escorted several survivors back to the shelter. Have you encountered any others since then?" There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes as he looked to Kisha and her companions. The term ''a few'' hardly did justice to their accomplishment; escorting over 20 survivors was a monumental task, fraught with challenges. They knew all too well the difficulty of ensuring the safety of such a large group, and they couldn''t guarantee that everyone would make it back alive. In addition to completing their mission, Kisha and her team successfully escorted survivors back to the shelter, who, despite their exhaustion, were all in good condition thanks to their careful protection. "What exactly do you want to know?" Kisha''s tone was chilly, withholding further details. The man sensed her intent to extract answers from him instead. "We were searching for specific individuals in the area, but they weren''t among those you escorted back," the man conceded, his defeated demeanor reflecting profound exhaustion as if the essence of life had drained from him. Observing him closely, Kisha pondered his intentions. From the outset, she suspected they were hunting for the Winters. Initially, she entertained the idea that they sought the Winters family''s precise location to launch an attack. However, this seemed unlikely given the Coltons'' extensive surveillance of the western district to prevent the Winters from fleeing. Furthermore, the individuals before her appeared unfamiliar with the Coltons'' activities beyond the walls. If this were a mere ruse orchestrated by the soldiers, Kisha couldn''t help but admire their skillful deception. Despite acknowledging that these individuals might not be affiliated with the Coltons, Kisha remained uncertain of their intentions. Even if they maintained friendly relations with the Winters, the possibility of hidden Colton operatives lurking in the shadows couldn''t be discounted. Kisha attempted to gauge the soldier''s reaction and to test the waters. "No, we encountered those individuals in the outer layer of the western district, near the bank. When the zombie raid occurred, we sought refuge inside the bank." Her words trailed off momentarily, a hint of recollection crossing her features. The soldier''s posture stiffened, sensing the significance of Kisha''s pause, and he awaited her next words. Kisha didn''t keep him waiting. "Before we reached the bank, we heard loud explosions reverberating throughout the western district, and if my memory serves me right, they originated from locations marked on our map." Kisha wasn''t just gauging the soldier''s reaction; she was strategically distancing their group from any implication in the events at the Coltons'' camps. While they might still be under suspicion, her aim was to ensure they weren''t the primary suspects. Even if they were affiliated with the Coltons'' incident, it would be difficult to align the timing of the explosions with their location using only calculations of distance and time. Such precision would confirm Kisha''s truthfulness and remove her from the suspect list. Chapter 148 Aston McMillan As Kisha suspected, the soldier was visibly shocked by this revelation, staggering backward in surprise. His thoughts were inscrutable to them, but they could hear him take a deep breath as he regained his composure. In an instant, his emotions vanished from his face, replaced by a stoic expression. He also took care to inquire about the specifics of the explosions and their exact location, aligning with Kisha''s intentions. She willingly shared the information, ensuring to mention that they hadn''t encountered any additional survivors outside. This strategic move aimed to imply that the individuals they were seeking were likely still at large, potentially engaged in conflict with those camps. Kisha surmised that the soldier would likely dispatch a team of skilled soldiers to verify the information they provided, particularly regarding the explosions. However, she remained unconcerned about the duration of their investigation. Even if they were placed under surveillance for an extended period, Kisha was confident in maintaining the authenticity of their account. Since they had already provided a detailed map of the western district and the camps'' locations, the investigators wouldn''t need to scour the entire area. Instead, they could plan their routes efficiently to ensure they reached the specific destinations marked on the map. After ensuring Kisha had said everything necessary, and to prevent the soldier from pressing for more answers, Duke stepped in front of Kisha, feigning impatience and exhaustion. "Can we get our rewards now? We''ve been traveling for days and we''re tired," he said succinctly. His brief words conveyed everything needed. The soldier understood that further questions would yield no more information, so his next step was to verify what had been shared. He reached for the walkie-talkie beside him and called out, "Prepare the supplies for the mission''s reward for scouting the western district." He paused, looking at Kisha, then added, "Also, call unit one. I have a mission for them." After issuing his instructions, he set down the walkie-talkie and remained silent, not dismissing Kisha and her team. As a result, they continued to wait patiently for their reward. He then fell into deep contemplation, but Kisha and her team paid little attention, focused solely on waiting for their supplies so they could leave promptly. After half an hour, a knock sounded on the door, breaking the silence. The soldier finally spoke again, his stern and powerful voice reverberating throughout the room. "Come in." After hearing the acknowledgment, another soldier entered the room. "Commander, the supplies have been prepared outside. They can take them away at any time," he reported before excusing himself and leaving the room. After hearing that, Kisha and the rest were about to leave to get their supplies waiting outside. However, as soon as they turned, they heard a conspicuous throat-clearing. Kisha sensed that the soldier had something more to say, but she had no intention of waiting around for him to speak. They continued to walk out, and on their second step, they heard the man say. "I want to hire you for an escort mission. The reward will be three times what you''re getting now," the soldier said, as if he had deliberated over the offer for a long time and was now reluctantly offering a substantial reward. But who were Kisha and Duke? One was a savvy businessman and the other had no shortage of supplies. They already had a good idea of what the mission entailed, and the danger wasn''t the issue. Whether the soldier was testing them or genuinely needed extra hands was a concern they could address later. But perhaps due to exhaustion or because her brain was busy concocting more plans, Kisha almost missed a significant piece of information. The soldier who came in earlier had referred to the man before them as "Commander." It was as if a lightning bolt struck her, and her mind buzzed for a moment, realizing the importance of this detail. No wonder he looked somewhat familiar to her, though she couldn''t place where she had met him before. His face was still clean and devoid of the ghastly scar that, in her memory, consumed almost half of his face. He also hadn''t grown a beard yet and didn''t look nearly as haggard as she remembered. He was Aston McMillan, an army commander at the age of 27, hailing from a distinguished military family. Tragically, his grandfather and mother did not make it to the shelter, as he was far away and burdened with responsibilities. It was the typical story of a hero who sacrifices their loved ones for the greater good. However, he was a bit different. He genuinely tried to save them, but a mission coincided with the apocalypse, keeping him too far away. When he finally rushed back in a CIA chopper, he found the entire mansion engulfed in flames. Whether his family chose this to avoid turning into flesh-eating monsters or because they knew they wouldn''t survive and didn''t want to burden Aston, it was the worst decision they could have made. This event caused Aston immense heartache and PTSD. The reason he looked familiar to Kisha wasn''t just because he was a commander, but because he served under Duke as his Minister of Defense. Aston had worked with Kisha from time to time on the base''s defense, though they barely exchanged more than a few words. Knowing this person was Aston, Kisha started to let her guard down. She knew Aston was a righteous person who could be trusted. He might be looking for the Winters out of genuine concern since the McMillan family was one of the eight great families of City A, giving him and Duke a solid connection. However, precisely because of this connection, she couldn''t simply inform him about the Winters. If her memory served her right, Aston had been betrayed, leading to the ghastly scar on his face¡ªa constant reminder that a traitor had been close to him. Who that person was still remained unknown to Kisha. This mission offer might be closely related to how Duke survived the Western District in their previous life. Aston might have played a significant role in that survival. It could be because of this very mission that Duke managed to escape the Western District and avoid the Coltons. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The traitor in Aston''s midst was likely bought off by the Coltons, intending to deal with both Duke and Aston simultaneously. However, they failed when Duke and Aston joined forces to fight back. Chapter 149 The Deal But all this was just speculation. Kisha wouldn''t know what really happened unless she went on the mission with them. Regardless of whether she agreed or not, they might still pursue the mission to find the Winters. If she and Duke didn''t go, Aston and his team could still be in danger. Despite taking care of the Coltons'' camps, there was still the traitor, and it wasn''t certain that all the Coltons were dead. "Given the increased danger and the fact that the zombies have become stronger, three times the reward isn''t particularly appealing to us," Duke said, beating Kisha to the negotiation. True to his businessman nature, he never agreed to a deal that didn''t favor him and always aimed to gain the upper hand. Aston was dumbstruck by Duke''s boldness. Duke didn''t resemble a special agent; instead, he seemed more like a loan shark shamelessly increasing debt through interest rates. However, Aston truly needed their help to find what he was after. "What''s your suggestion?" Aston asked, his expression indifferent. Duke''s smile faded as he made his proposal, causing Aston to fight the urge to punch him in the face. "Ten times the amount with a lower tax rate, exclusively for our group''s use," Duke said, his smug expression suggesting he was offering Aston an irresistible deal. Even Kisha was taken aback by Duke''s audacity; it seemed less like a negotiation and more like extortion. Unbeknownst to Aston, Duke''s sudden boldness stemmed from jealousy, triggered by Kisha''s intense focus on Aston since he had offered the mission. Duke gritted his teeth, pondering, ''Is he really that good-looking? Better looking than me?'' He eyed Aston with menace. As one of the young masters of City A, Aston exuded a similar air to Duke, albeit with a slight difference. Despite his stern appearance, Aston was undeniably handsome. If not for his serious demeanor, he would likely have had socialites clamoring to marry him, just as they did for Duke, who sat at the pinnacle of the business circle. Now, the so-called number one bachelor was as sour as a lemon, but he couldn''t let his dissatisfaction show. Aston gritted his teeth and thought carefully. He recognized that Kisha''s group was more familiar with the terrain and the zombie activities in the area, having completed their scouting mission. The reason he wanted to employ them was also their fighting prowess; while he and his team might not require it, the people they needed to rescue definitely would. With a heavy heart, he decisively agreed. "Alright, but I would like to emphasize that your group must do everything in your power to protect everyone. If we encounter survivors, they must be your primary concern," he added with conviction, embodying the spirit of a righteous soldier. He must have been attempting to conceal the fact that he was searching for specific survivors, but his inquiries and actions had already exposed his intentions. He was as easy to read as an open book. While he might excel at completing assigned missions and tactical measures, he remained far inferior to the snakes lurking around him. Due to his honesty and righteous demeanor, this might ring true for most soldiers. Similar to her grandfather, she couldn''t condemn Aston for this shortcoming. Her grandfather, like him, was an honest and kind person who always saw the best in others, even after experiencing the darkness of the human heart. Perhaps fueled by his excitement or hope, he displayed a myriad of emotions. It could also be attributed to Kisha''s astuteness that she was able to discern his intentions. Regardless, she made the decision to agree and join the mission. She was eager to unravel what had occurred between Duke and Aston. "Absolutely, we''re on board with the mission, but actions speak louder than words. We''ll need a downpayment to seal the deal," Kisha echoed Duke''s sentiments, maintaining unity in their negotiation. Recognizing Duke''s leadership role, she aimed to support his stance rather than introducing conflicting opinions. Observing his wife echo his sentiments, Duke relinquished his jealousy and attempted to wear a triumphant grin. Aston, puzzled by Duke''s abrupt shift from hostility to smugness, wondered if there was an issue with Duke''s head. However, he decided not to voice his concerns, as his priority was their performance in the mission, akin to how they safeguarded the over 30 individuals they escorted. Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture emerged from the back room and made their way to the heart of the Central Hall, close to the group registration area. Their recently acquired supplies from the mission were neatly arranged there. Many individuals in the hall, there for various missions, cast curious glances at the stockpile being watched over by a soldier. For most survivors present, the sight was unprecedented; they had never encountered such a bounty during their own missions. As Kisha and her group approached to claim their supplies, envy, and covetousness crept into the hearts of onlookers. Some among them felt an urge to join Kisha''s group, while others entertained the idea of scheming to seize their supplies, be it through theft or deception. Despite many not being familiar with Kisha and her companions, such thoughts lingered. Kisha, however, remained vigilant, ready to swiftly address any attempts at foul play. As if anticipating their acceptance of the mission, there were already extra supplies prepared besides the ones they received for completing their recent task. Soldiers openly admired Kisha''s group and offered to escort them to their lodging, making it easier to unload the supplies. They even volunteered their vehicles for transportation. Aston, silently acquiescing, made no move to intervene. However, another soldier rushed in from outside and whispered something to Aston, whose expression turned grim with anger. Aston approached Kisha and Duke with a grim expression. "It seems I can only depend on you now. Unit One has been barred from deployment by the Minister of Defense." His implication was crystal clear. The fact that he lacked the authority to make crucial decisions within the shelter hinted at the presence of a higher-ranking figure in the military hierarchy, likely operating from the shadows in City B. This individual might have discerned Aston''s intentions and was obstructing him, possibly aligning with the Coltons'' faction. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite this setback, Aston remained determined. The supplies he provided might not have come from the shelter''s storage but rather from military resources or even his own personal funds, all in an effort to secure additional assistance. If this was indeed the case, Kisha couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt for playing him. Chapter 150 Tampered? Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture were escorted back to their villa, laden with bags of supplies earned from completing their mission. As a tightly knit community, word quickly spread around the shelter about the group''s successful return from the outside amidst the zombie raid. The story quickly turned into an exaggerated gossip topic among the people and soldiers, but this was how news spread far and wide. The tale brought hope to many, instilling the belief that better days were possible with such powerful individuals in the shelter. However, it also led to the expectation that Kisha and her group, being so strong, had a responsibility to provide for everyone by regularly venturing out to gather supplies. These thoughts weren''t isolated to just one person but were shared by nearly half of the survivors in the shelter. Initially, many civilians felt justified in their expectations, believing their taxes funded the soldiers'' salaries, and in return, the soldiers were expected to protect them, often at the cost of their lives. The taxes also paid for relief supplies, which were distributed to the civilians. However, the current amount of supplies was insufficient for long-term sustenance, and a significant portion of these supplies went to the Minister of Defense and other high-ranking officials. The soldiers were powerless to change this distribution. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Consequently, frustration grew among both civilians and some soldiers, who began to believe that Kisha and her group, due to their strength and ability to gather supplies, should take on the responsibility of providing for everyone. In summary, their community was far from united. Many were preoccupied with making their lives more comfortable within the safety of the shelter''s tall walls. The ugly side of human nature that Kisha was all too familiar with was starting to surface much earlier than in her previous lives. Back then, despite suffering from depression, malnourishment, and injuries, people still tried to look on the bright side. Perhaps it was easier to deal with the zombies before because everyone had started on the same footing so there was no comparison. Aside from the soldiers with firearms, no one could surpass their skills. They found solace in each other, like wounded animals huddling together for safety. However, Kisha and her group emerged as a beacon of hope. They not only survived the zombie raid but returned unscathed, bringing a glimmer of optimism to the dimming room. This is precisely what Kisha had been striving to avoid all along. She had no desire to become the target of envy and comparison, particularly given their lack of any special standing; it would only place them in a precarious situation. Yet, she found herself powerless now. Despite her relentless efforts to prevent it, fate seemed determined to realize her worst fears, almost as if it were deliberate. Kisha paused her thoughts, allowing Bell to resume scouting and eavesdropping on the shelter''s inhabitants for clues regarding the Coltons'' potential presence. Meanwhile, she ensured that the scarlet bees were tasked with investigating the Minister of Defense''s connection to the Coltons and his intentions. The person didn''t ring a bell from her past lives. Perhaps Duke or Aston had dealt with them prior to Kisha''s arrival at the shelter, or maybe they had fallen victim to the Coltons'' schemes. Regardless, their lack of integrity suggested they weren''t an upstanding official, leaving Kisha with little sympathy for them. Soon after, Kisha and the rest arrived at the front of the Villa, they did not even have to do anything because the soldier who came with them already did the lifting and making sure that the supplies were stacked up neatly in the kitchen, these soldiers shows reverie and respect for Kisha and her group like fans to their idols, it must be because of Kisha and her people''s performance outside while they are coming closer to the gate when they came back or maybe it was because of how they survive miraculously outside while the shelter suffered numerous casualties. This indicates that not all of the individuals serving Aston were corrupt. Some remained dedicated to their mission and sworn duty to the country and its people. Aston made sure to follow them in a separate car, ensuring oversight of his people''s assistance to avoid any embarrassment in front of Kisha and Duke. Once everything was successfully unloaded and transferred to the kitchen, Aston approached Kisha and Duke. "You two deserve some rest tonight. We''ll depart tomorrow, and I''ll ensure everything necessary for our journey outside is prepared. A car will be sent to fetch you and your people from here tomorrow." Kisha and Duke remained silent, though Duke''s tightening grip around Kisha''s waist spoke volumes. It was evident he couldn''t wait for Aston to leave so they could have some time alone. His impatient expression underscored his desire to bid Aston farewell swiftly. Aston, though not oblivious to Duke''s clear indication, maintained a stern demeanor as he said his goodbyes to Kisha and departed with his team. It was only then that Kisha felt the exhaustion from their venture outside wash over her like a trailer truck. She was weary and famished. Fortunately, upon their arrival, Vulture and Sparrow promptly headed to the kitchen and began preparing some hot meals. But they couldn''t stop thinking about the Winters and their other comrades who were now staying in the tents that were allocated to them, they needed to stay in that space for a while and appear like they were slowly adjusting to the shelter while asking away some information of what to look out for what to do and about the groups, Kisha wants them to slowly join the group to avoid other''s suspicion, Kisha also tasked other people to keep an eye on other groups, although, Kisha''s scarlet bees are all keeping an eye on their surrounding, she could also use this to check how good they are at their jobs and at the same time if the information getting to her was accurate and matching what the scarlet bees gathered. While the two remained busy preparing the meal, Duke led Kisha upstairs to rest. However, his eyes discreetly scanned the villa for any signs of change during their absence¡ªwhether it was tampering with their security systems or the placement of hidden cameras aimed at monitoring them. Chapter 151 The Aggrieved Duke As he suspected, there were indeed subtle alterations in the villa that weren''t present when they departed. Certain items had been moved and carefully returned to their original positions. It seemed whoever entered the villa believed that by restoring everything afterward, their presence would go unnoticed. Like Duke, Kisha too surveyed their surroundings discreetly, benefiting from her sharper eyesight. She easily detected the hidden cameras, cunningly positioned in obscure locations yet offering broad surveillance coverage. Among the group, only Vulture seemed unaware of these cameras. Considering the presence of hidden cameras, it was likely that hidden listening devices were also scattered throughout the villa. Either they suspect Kisha and her group of being connected to the Winters, or they aim to spy on them to extract information for potential blackmail or manipulation. They may seek to coerce them into joining certain factions or control them with unquestioned obedience. Regardless of the motive, Kisha now discerned a clear conspiracy against them. Fortunately, despite Vulture''s unawareness of the villa''s tampering, he silently worked in the kitchen alongside Sparrow. Their conversation revolved solely around their fatigue and longing for the comforts of a hot meal and the tranquil environment of the villa they currently occupied¡ªmerely a casual and unremarkable exchange. So, whoever was listening to them wouldn''t get anything out of them but at the same time, Sparrow did not know if Vulture just didn''t want to delve into that topic or his instinct was telling him not to speak of important information for now, Kisha and Duke''s privacy was also compromised which made Duke''s aura turned a few degrees colder. He couldn''t shake the disappointment of not being able to share an intimate moment with his wife, based on his understanding of her promise, although Kisha hadn''t explicitly made such a commitment. Observing Duke''s brooding demeanor, Kisha couldn''t help but softly chuckle. She understood Duke''s disdain for being monitored, especially within his private domain, knowing he was on the brink of exploding with anger. She realized Duke might be tempted to rip out all the listening devices and hidden cameras in a fit of rage. However, she also knew Duke wouldn''t act impulsively without first determining the responsible party behind this audacious move. As soon as Duke and Kisha entered her room, Duke swiftly shut the door, his gaze sweeping the room. To his dismay, he discovered signs of tampering. Instantly, a surge of anger welled up within him. He had been eagerly anticipating returning home and reaching the villa, but now his plans were thwarted. Despite his frustration, Duke restrained himself, careful not to reveal his intentions too overtly. He didn''t want his family to start clamoring for grandchildren before they even had a chance to share an intimate moment. Given the situation, Duke wondered how he could share such intimate moments with his wife with hidden cameras and listening devices scattered throughout their surroundings. He was adamant about preserving the privacy of their physical and emotional intimacy; he couldn''t fathom the thought of others witnessing his wife''s body or hearing her voice, which he considered exclusively his own. If Kisha could read Duke''s thoughts at that moment, she would undoubtedly feel utterly embarrassed and promptly kick him out of the room to spend the night on the couch. Duke''s grip tightened around Kisha''s waist as he guided her to the bed. The desire that had consumed him moments earlier, urging him to seize the moment with Kisha once the door was shut, now seemed to dissipate. He felt deflated, like a wilted plant. As he settled Kisha onto the bed beside him and enveloped her in his embrace, he couldn''t help but purse his lips in utter disappointment. He appeared as though he had lost a billion-dollar business deal, his heart heavy with sorrow. Witnessing his distress, Kisha felt a pang of worry. She extended her hand to gently stroke his soft hair, understanding that Duke harbored conflicting emotions about being monitored while maintaining the facade to uncover the culprit behind the surveillance. Sensing Kisha''s tender touch on his head, Duke met her gaze with a pained expression, silently longing for more of her comfort. He found solace in Kisha''s affection, akin to a loyal dog reveling in the gentle caresses of its owner. Soon enough, the two fell asleep while Kisha was playing with Duke''s hair as she slowly brushed her fingers through his hair which was very comforting for Duke and lull him to sleep faster than Kisha who was supposed to be the one he is sending to sleep. After seeing Duke sleeping relaxly, Kisha stared at him, even though his face wore the scary disguise, what Kisha could see in her mind was how he originally looked, she smiled happily as she nuzzled closer to Duke and Duke instinctively drew her closer to his body to share his warmth to her body. Before she realized it, Kisha''s senses were enveloped by Duke''s familiar yet distant masculine scent, filling her nostrils as she drifted into a deep sleep. His warm embrace provided her with comfort and security, lulling her into a peaceful slumber. Kisha stirred from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open in drowsy contentment. With a deep exhale, she felt revitalized and energized after her rest. As she shifted to her side, she was met by Duke''s amused gaze, his blue eyes twinkling with affection. Propped up on his side, his left arm cradling his cheek, he watched her sleep with fondness. He savored the sight of her peaceful rest, grateful that she wasn''t furrowing her brows or crying out from a nightmare. He felt a rush of happiness seeing his wife peacefully sleeping beside him, relieved that she wasn''t tormented by nightmares. There was nothing that brought him more joy than knowing his presence could dispel her vulnerabilities. "How was your sleep? Hmm?" His deep, husky voice was so alluring that Kisha found herself inhaling deeply as she gazed back at Duke. At that moment, she felt an intense arousal enveloping her, as if experiencing a surge of morning desire ignited by Duke''s presence. Duke couldn''t help but notice a glimmer of arousal in Kisha''s amber eyes, seemingly beckoning him to indulge in the forbidden fruit. However, as much as he yearned to respond, the knowledge that they were under observation held him back. He felt a pang of frustration, like a tantalizing dish laid out before him, yet he couldn''t take a single bite or even reach out to touch it. All he could do was gaze longingly, feeling a sense of longing and desire akin to drooling over a meal he couldn''t have. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He harbored a deep resentment towards the person who tampered with his villa, to the extent that he entertained gruesome thoughts of hacking them into pieces and feeding them to the zombies outside the walls. The frustration of being aroused yet unable to act on it intensified his anger even more. Kisha caught a glimpse of the whirlwind of emotions in Duke''s eyes as he hungrily gazed back at her. Understanding their constrained circumstances, she made an effort to calm her thoughts, hoping Duke could do the same. Closing her eyes, she nestled into Duke''s embrace as he drew her closer. She listened to the rapid rhythm of his heartbeat, sensing his body heat rising. She even heard Duke''s frustrated groan, but despite her desire to comfort him, they could only attempt to remain still and composed. Chapter 152 Two Peas in a Pod Sensing that the husband and wife had woken up, Vulture headed upstairs after asking Sparrow to start setting the table. As if intuitively knowing where to find them, Vulture went straight to Kisha''s door and knocked twice, ever so gently, before saying, "Master, young madam, please head down for dinner." Without waiting for a response, confident they were already awake, he quietly made his way back downstairs to assist Sparrow in completing the table setting and bringing out the dishes they had prepared. When Vulture returned, Sparrow eyed him suspiciously. "How did you know they''re already up? What if they were still sleeping and you disturbed them?" he asked, his tone almost reprimanding. Vulture snorted at him. He had always been a man who relied on his instincts more than rational thinking, unlike Sparrow. This made it difficult for him to explain his actions to Sparrow, and equally difficult for Sparrow to understand him. "How would you know?" Vulture retorted. "Do you think a cow would understand a chicken talking?" With that, he turned on his heel and headed back to the kitchen to prepare some cold drinks for his master and young madam. At first, Sparrow didn''t understand what Vulture meant, but as the seconds passed, his brows knitted tightly as the meaning sank in. ''Did he just... mock me?'' he thought incredulously. It had always been him looking down on the not-so-bright Vulture, who seemed like an old man, superstitious and foolish, while he prided himself on his critical thinking. This was proven time and time again and was the reason Kisha often sent Sparrow out on solo missions. She knew he would always find a way and knew what to do. Vulture, however, was not inferior to Sparrow; the fact that Duke had accepted him into his group was proof of that. Not just anyone could be part of Duke''s elite inner circle. Vulture had always possessed a strong gut feeling that served as an internal alarm. After the apocalypse, this instinct grew exponentially, guiding him through tough times and critical moments, and helping him stay alive. His gut feeling had never been wrong so far, which was why Kisha kept him close. When her critical thinking and meticulous preparations failed, Vulture''s instincts could pull them out of the gutter. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow and Vulture complemented each other perfectly, which was likely why they were paired as partners. As Vulture had anticipated, when Duke and Kisha heard his soft knock on the door, they slowly averted their gazes from each other, afraid that the fire of their desire would be reignited and neither of them would be able to hold back. Having lived her life 99 times, amounting to over 100 years of experience, Kisha was no longer as naive as she was in her first life. She had seen and experienced countless things and now fully understood the implications of a man and a woman being alone together in a confined space. She couldn''t pretend not to know what Duke was thinking. Even without words, his eyes spoke volumes. His burning desire was clear, like a live fire ignited by kerosene. His hand, which had been resting at his side, slowly moved to Kisha''s small waist, kneading it suggestively while his gaze remained locked onto hers. If not for Vulture''s timely call, Duke might not have been able to control himself, letting his desire override his rationality and leading him to consummate with his new wife. He longed for a honeymoon with Kisha but forgot they hadn''t been properly married yet. In his mind, Kisha was already his wife. This thought was so natural to him that it completed the puzzle of his life, adding color to his dull existence and flavor to his once tasteless world. Now, he understood why he had given her his time despite being a busy man. He realized why he felt drawn to her voice over the phone, leading him to invite her into his office when he ignored everyone else. It wasn''t just because he believed she carried valuable information that could save lives; it was because, even then, he had felt a magnetic pull toward her. As he attempted to rationalize his actions, he realized that his own rationality was being overshadowed by something deeper. It didn''t make sense for him to feel this way about a mere business partner; why would thoughts of her stir such desires and give him a hard-on? Perhaps it was chemistry, fate, or even the notion of them being soulmates that led to this attraction. Regardless, it was working for him. If they weren''t being monitored, he might have seized the moment to ensure Kisha was properly tied to him, preventing any other potential suitors from stealing her away. If Kisha could read his thoughts, she might have laughed her ass off because no other man could give her the butterflies he did, provide the attention and protection he offered, and, most importantly, Kisha had already learned her lesson the hard way. As they heard the knock, Kisha gently squeezed Duke''s hand that was massaging her waist, a subtle reminder to them both. "Let''s go..." she murmured, slowly propping herself up, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Duke. His simple touch had already left her panties damp, and she felt flustered by her own arousal. Embarrassed, she couldn''t bring herself to look at Duke, unaware that he was also feeling uncomfortable, a telltale sign visible in the prominent bulge in his pants. In the dimly lit room, Kisha and Duke rose slowly before making their way to the kitchen. Sparrow and Vulture stood silently at the side, waiting. Kisha descended the stairs first, followed closely by Duke. Their indifferent expressions mirrored each other''s, like two peas in a pod, strikingly similar and somewhat amusing. Kisha nodded at Vulture and Sparrow, indicating for them to take their seats at the table. As Kisha approached, Duke gallantly pulled out a chair for her, gently pushing it in after she sat down before taking the seat beside her. Kisha didn''t need to ask Duke what he wanted to eat; she had already committed his preferences to memory. She began serving him food like a dutiful wife, a gesture that Duke appreciated. Though his expression remained indifferent, his eyes betrayed his delight, turning into crescents as he watched Kisha serve him generous portions and select the best cuts from the dishes before them. Chapter 153 Going Out again Sparrow and Vulture observed quietly as the couple openly displayed affection in front of them. Initially finding it endearing, their sentiment shifted, feeling as if they were begrudgingly consuming dog food. The food lacked flavor to them, a stark contrast to Duke''s hearty appetite. He ate with gusto, savoring every dish Kisha placed before him, his face lit up with delight. Observing Duke''s evident enjoyment of the meal, Kisha felt compelled to keep feeding him, resulting in Duke consuming four large bowls of rice. However, Duke reciprocated the gesture, ensuring Kisha also received the dishes she enjoyed. While pink bubbles were floating in the air on Duke and Kisha''s side, on the other side, those who were monitoring them felt like bugs were crawling their skin because they were seeing two equally intimidating individuals with different genders acting so intimate from the bedroom and was acting like two in-love teenagers on the dining table, they felt it looked disturbing, even more so when the two individual kept their indifferent expressions. These observers hadn''t collected any substantial information about Kisha and her group yet. They were unsure whether Kisha and her companions were exceptionally vigilant and had detected their surveillance, or if they genuinely led uneventful lives with nothing to conceal. As they watched Kisha and the others enjoy their meal, a sense of resentful hunger gnawed at them, knowing they lacked the abundance of food Kisha possessed. All they had were packets of instant noodles and some canned goods, hardly comparable to the appetizing hot meals Sparrow and Vulture prepared. They found themselves in a predicament. Their storage had been depleted after a recent transport, and the supplies around the shelter were already scarce. To gather more provisions, they would need to venture farther, perhaps to riskier locations that others had not yet explored. Surely, these untapped areas held plentiful supplies waiting to be discovered. If they desired live animals, they could attempt their luck on farms on the outskirts. However, the journey was far and equally perilous as navigating the city. Furthermore, there was uncertainty regarding the survival of any animals. What if the animals too had fallen prey to the zombies, or worse, become infected themselves? There was pervasive uncertainty, which left them hesitant to take risks. Many office workers and seasoned farmers alike began planting vegetables within the shelter''s confines to bolster sustenance for the survivors. These crops could also be bartered for other supplies, albeit at a slightly higher cost due to the scarcity of fresh produce¡ªjust as they lacked fresh meat. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The shelter was also grappling with a severe shortage of electricity, as damaged power lines and posts left them virtually powerless. Restoring electricity was crucial, but the company supplying power to the entire city lay on the outskirts, accessible only through open terrain. It was a gamble¡ªeither a straightforward task or a plunge into the fiery abyss. If they were encircled by zombies, there would be nowhere to hide. At present, their reliance is solely on generators. However, without electricity, the water system was at risk of faltering soon. Relying solely on water bottles from their supply runs outside the shelter was unsustainable. The soldiers were diligently addressing this imminent issue to prevent a crisis down the line. Aston''s decision to save the Winters wasn''t solely due to their shared circle; he recognized Duke''s multifaceted talents. With Duke''s ingenuity and resourcefulness, Aston trusted that the shelter''s challenges would soon find solutions. However, Aston was also keenly aware of the conflict between the Coltons and the Winters, which had driven the Winters to flee outside to avoid endangering innocent survivors seeking refuge in the shelters. This understanding improved Aston''s impression of the Winters, leading him to side with them over the greedy Coltons. He knew the Coltons wouldn''t be satisfied with just eliminating the Winters; they would likely seek to eradicate any potential threats to their rule, including Aston himself. Hence, Aston felt a pressing need to locate the Winters. He understood that without their presence, the shelter he had meticulously constructed would inevitably succumb to the rule of the Coltons, putting the lives of the innocent inhabitants at risk. While Aston was a capable soldier and leader, he recognized that his abilities were not on par with Duke''s. Duke possessed both formidable combat skills and sharp business acumen, qualities that could potentially turn the tide against any challenges they faced. Indeed, Duke possessed a unique perspective that allowed him to view challenges as opportunities, a skillset that Aston admired but struggled to emulate. Unlike Aston, who adhered strictly to principles of righteousness, Duke was unafraid to navigate morally gray areas if it meant securing an advantage for their cause. This divergence in approach often led Duke to consider solutions that Aston might deem morally questionable, yet undeniably effective in achieving their goals. The next morning arrived swiftly, with Aston appearing at the break of dawn, even before the roosters announced the new day. Positioned at the front of their villa, Aston awaited with his truck and a small group of five individuals. Among them were those who had accompanied him previously to deliver Kisha''s rewards, their admiration for her and her group evident in their demeanor. But since it was still so early, because its not as if the early bird catches the worm in this case anymore, Kisha sent Sparrow outside to fetch Aston and his people so they could eat breakfast before going out on their mission, but at the same time, Kiha also wanted to make them help her group to transport their supplies unto the truck, because no matter how much she wanted to put it inside her inventory, the whole villa was surrounded by cameras and listening devices. And she was not stupid enough to just leave her supplies in her villa knowing that some people had access to it, they would surely take her supplies and eat like kings for few days while she was outside and by the time she came back, even if she found out who was responsible for all this, the food has already been consumed. She wasn''t about to take any chances. Kisha would rather risk her rations in the midst of a zombie-infested city than leave them vulnerable in her villa. While the odds of her supplies remaining untouched in the city were around 80%, she knew all too well that within the shelter, they''d vanish without a trace, devoured by opportunistic scavengers. She refused to feed the snakes that lurked within, a sentiment she''d grown to despise over time. Chapter 154 Departure Aston and his men initially assumed that Kisha and her people, despite their intimidating appearance, would be easy to get along with. They were even planning to share all their supplies so that no one in the team would go hungry. In contrast, Aston''s team had very limited provisions, as they had exhausted their allocated supplies and the Minister of Defense was blocking any attempts to obtain more from the warehouse. Aston''s men cheerfully helped Kisha and her group load the supplies onto the truck. Despite there being only ten of them, they brought along a large military truck¡ªthe only vehicle Aston could secure. Their ammunition was scarce, and the firearms were outdated and noisy. However, Aston preferred having these old models over going unarmed. All the soldiers who accompanied Aston felt their commander was being openly bullied, and some of the other soldiers already regarded them as eyesores. Shortly after they finished loading the supplies onto the truck, another person carrying a military backpack came running towards them. "Commander McMillan!" he shouted as he rushed towards them. "I also want to join you guys." He hoisted his backpack and added, "I brought additional supplies," beaming like the sun. The newcomer had a typical boy-next-door charm, radiating friendliness and approachability. His smile exuded an innocence and purity that could easily be mistaken for naivety. He appeared quite young, likely around 20 to 22 years old. "Why did you come? Didn''t I tell you to wait for our return and stay inside the shelter, doing minor tasks?" Aston berated the young man, sounding like a mother hen nagging her son. However, the newcomer just smiled foolishly at Aston, his stubborn expression making it clear he had no intention of going back. "Commander, you saved me, gave me a new life, and even provided me with a position in the army so I could have my own provisions. It''s only right for me to accompany you on this dangerous mission." Seeing Aston about to explode with anger, he quickly added, "Besides, without you and the others here, they would only bully me, and my life would be even more miserable. Out there, it might be dangerous, but I would gain experience and become more reliable in the future." The young man spoke with conviction, his youthful, handsome appearance reminiscent of a teen idol. Or perhaps he truly had been an idol before the apocalypse descended on Earth. Despite his seemingly weak appearance, he had a well-toned physique, suggesting he wouldn''t be entirely useless in the field as long as he stuck close to them. His words were also reasonable, leaving Aston with no grounds to blow up at him. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, Aston couldn''t bear the responsibility of taking another inexperienced person onto the battlefield. He had only sought help from Kisha and her group for this mission. He glanced at Kisha, standing nearby with Duke, who had his arm wrapped around her small waist. Duke''s long spear was strapped to his back, while Kisha''s long and short katanas were also secured behind her, with daggers at their waists. Observing Kisha and Duke, Aston sensed their confidence, as if venturing outside was as routine as stepping into their backyard. He glanced at Kisha, seeking her approval to bring another person along. Catching his gaze, Kisha met his eyes squarely. She had clearly heard the young man''s plea but remained indifferent. "Why are you looking at me? We''re simply paid as escorts. Your team''s lineup is your responsibility," she stated matter-of-factly before returning her attention to the horizon. In reality, Kisha was surveying their territory, assessing its development firsthand using the territory pack''s hologram feature. Meanwhile, Melody continued her efforts to win over the people on the base, striving to leave a better impression by working diligently, much like her brother did in the kitchen. Kisha anticipated Melody''s actions; despite any princess-like tendencies, she knew Melody was far from foolish. Kisha was certain that Melody would use the time while she and Duke were away from the base to further demonstrate her suitability for Duke to be his wife. She was a princess raised in a greenhouse, accustomed to socializing and engaging in charitable works¡ªactivities common among wealthy ladies. Kisha suspected that Melody, raised by her parents in this manner, would certainly attempt to pull off such a stunt. Upon Kisha''s return, she anticipated finding the people in the base siding with Melody, her words carrying greater weight and authority in their hearts, while Kisha would be relegated to the sidelines. Yet Melody seemed to have overlooked a crucial detail: Duke remained the overlord of the place. Kisha''s return signified his return. Even if Melody managed to win over the hearts of the civilians in the base, the majority of them were not Duke''s people. As the landowner, Kisha held the power to drive them away at any time, rendering their efforts futile. She could easily enforce a ban, preventing them from entering the vicinity indefinitely. They would remain barred until she chose to lift the ban, like an invisible net restricting their access. With Duke''s people missing and their territory in need of attention, Kisha resolved to make the most of the resources at her disposal. Recognizing that their fate rested in her hands, she felt no fear. When she reunited with Duke and the rest of the group at their base, assuming their roles would be a straightforward task. Now, as Duke''s wife, approved by his family, even if Melody were to throw a tantrum, she wouldn''t be able to seize the position, no matter her actions. Should she step out of line, Kisha wouldn''t hesitate to make her regret it tenfold. She then shifted her focus to Keith and her grandparents. Despite the upheaval of the apocalypse, their lives remained relatively normal, resembling their pre-apocalyptic routines. However, Keith was diligently honing his Illusion Mental Ability. Over time, his illusions had grown in size and duration, becoming increasingly lifelike. Kisha observed that Keith''s control over his illusions had improved significantly, evident in the heightened mental capacity required for such manipulation. His dedication to training extended beyond his mind; he also devoted time to physical training, joining Ethan and the others on patrols while setting aside moments to develop his awakened ability. Kisha felt a swell of pride as she observed her younger brother''s determination and the remarkable progress he had made in such a short span of time. Her grandparents were following suit, diligently maintaining their physical training while tending to their duties around the territory. Although they had yet to awaken their superhuman abilities, they were prepared for when that moment arrived. With Keith by their side, Kisha felt reassured and confident about their readiness for whatever challenges lay ahead. It might take some time for her grandparents to awaken their abilities, but Kisha was confident that they would, and their abilities would prove incredibly useful. Currently, her grandmother was tending to the laundry under the clear sky, while her grandfather worked diligently on the farm alongside the others. In just over a week, the vegetables had already begun to sprout, thanks in part to the use of animal waste turned into fertilizer. Kisha''s territory was flourishing. Although the supplies, animals, and land allocated from her territory pack were minimal, they were the best option. Not only would this prevent suspicion, but it also allowed her to gradually expand her territory''s size and redistribute supplies between the territory and the warehouse as needed. "What''s got you smiling about?" Duke''s husky, magnetic voice echoed from above as he gently rested his chin on top of her head. Chapter 155 Departure 1 "Nothing, just thinking about my younger brother and grandparents," Kisha replied softly, her gaze still fixed on her family. She felt as though she were there with them, sharing in their moment. Reaching out her right hand, she gently touched Duke''s face, caressing it tenderly. Despite feeling happy and contented, a sense of fear gripped her heart. It seemed that every time she was on the verge of achieving her goals, an invisible force would intervene, presenting impossible challenges or orchestrating betrayals from those around her, threatening her very existence. With no tangible evidence to support her suspicions, only her intuition and thoughts, Kisha couldn''t discern if it was destiny, fate, or perhaps some constellation joke playing out in her life. She couldn''t shake the feeling that something or someone was determined to make her existence difficult. Now, as her life seemed to sail smoothly, adhering to her plans, she feared that future challenges would only grow more arduous, compounded by the unsettling changes already unfolding around her. Despite her worries, Kisha collected herself. Knowing she wouldn''t find answers to her concerns, she redirected her focus. As Duke looked down to meet her gaze, she looked up, smiling at him affectionately. Witnessing her expression, Duke''s stoic demeanor softened, his eyes forming gentle crescents as his lips curved into a reciprocated smile. Regardless of the challenges that lay ahead, Kisha found solace in the presence of Duke, the unwavering figure who stood steadfastly by her side through thick and thin. He was the man who had faced death because of her but had never placed blame, who had evolved into her closest confidant amidst the chaos, and the one person she knew would never betray her. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just as they were settling into a comfortable moment together, they heard Aston''s voice ring out, announcing, "We''re done packing!!!" His gaze didn''t linger on Duke and Kisha; he simply stated the fact for everyone''s benefit. Meanwhile, Vulture and Sparrow had conducted a thorough scouting round around the villa to detect any hidden cameras or listening devices in the vicinity outside, and indeed, they found some. They refrained from reporting immediately to Kisha, knowing that with the scarlet bees at her disposal, she might already be aware of the situation. Returning to where the truck was parked, they overheard Aston''s announcement. Acting swiftly, they secured the entrance and stood beside Kisha. As they made their way to the truck, Sparrow and Vulture broke away from the group and headed to the driver''s seat. Aston glanced at Kisha with a questioning expression, clearly curious about the change in seating arrangements. "Since our duty is to ensure everyone''s safety, it''s imperative that we take every precaution, including driving the truck ourselves to guarantee a safe journey," Kisha asserted firmly. She made sure her tone and words left no room for argument, ensuring that the group would have no choice but to agree. Observing Kisha''s resolute stance, Aston didn''t prolong the discussion or challenge her authority, recognizing the truth in her words. He ascended to the back of the truck with the rest of his team, leaving Vulture and Sparrow in charge of navigation. Kisha and Duke joined them, settling in the middle of the truck as if they were embarking on a leisurely picnic outdoors. The other soldiers gazed at Kisha and Duke with admiration, noting their calm and composed demeanor. It was evident that they exuded confidence in their abilities and were committed to ensuring everyone''s safety. With a sense of reassurance, the truck departed from the central part of the shelter, retracing its route back to Gate 2, much like the day before. As the truck approached Gate 2, the soldier stationed there signaled to the guard atop the walls to open a path. Soon, the sound of gunfire echoed outside the truck, catching the attention of Kisha and her companions. Slowly but steadily, the guards surrounding the gate began to open it, allowing the truck passage. Sparrow wasted no time; as soon as he saw the gate begin to open, he pressed down on the gas pedal. Timing it perfectly, he managed to navigate the truck through the partially open gate just in time before it swung wide enough to allow their passage. This tactic ensured that no zombies could slip through the narrow opening of the gate, making it easier for the guards to close the gate swiftly with minimal risk. Sparrow''s bold maneuver surprised the guards, who were initially nervous that the gate might not be wide enough for the truck to pass through safely. Typically, drivers waited for the gate to fully open before proceeding, relying on the guards atop the walls and inside the gate to handle any approaching zombies. This indifference to safety from other drivers stemmed from their confidence in the guards'' ability to fend off threats. Kisha and her team stood out for their emphasis not just on efficiency, but also on safety and effectiveness. They remained mindful that the Winters and some of their people were still inside the shelter. Consequently, they were determined not to allow a single zombie through the gate that might endanger their comrades'' safety, especially when they were outside and unable to provide protection. Kisha took additional precautions by deploying more scarlet bees to safeguard her people. Although she couldn''t communicate with these scarlet bees remotely, she was confident they would remain faithful to the mission she had assigned them until her return. Now, Kisha was confident that neither zombies nor humans would easily defeat her scarlet bees. While they might not be as powerful as Bell, they were still equipped with enough lethality to get the job done effectively. After the soldier at Gate 2 successfully closed the massive gate, they all watched Kisha''s truck plow through the zombies on the road without hesitation, a testament to the driver''s skill in navigating the infested streets. As the truck vanished from sight, leaving only the lingering fumes behind, they collectively breathed a sigh of relief, yet were also left feeling somewhat lost. While many soldiers had abandoned Aston to align with the Minister of Defense, a significant number still held deep respect and trust in Aston''s leadership. The majority of the soldiers stationed on the walls were loyal to him. They all shared concerns for his safety, especially after the harrowing zombie raid they had experienced just the previous night. Chapter 156 Are you Nuts? As Sparrow drove down the road, the truck jolted violently, resembling a ride on a rugged mountain path due to the sheer number of zombies littering the way. Sparrow mercilessly rammed through the undead, indifferent to whether they were crushed beneath the truck or sent flying into the air. Despite the obstacles, he maintained a steady speed, navigating through the southern part of the western district and then moving counterclockwise until they reached all four of the Colton camps, now overrun by zombies. Since Kisha wasn''t assisting Sparrow with navigation, as the scarlet bees were busy gathering crystal cores from the zombies run over by the truck, Sparrow found the journey challenging but manageable. His experience navigating the streets came in handy, and he used his ''Hawk Eye'' ability to scout each street ahead for signs of zombie hordes, allowing him to choose safer routes and keep the truck moving forward. This method was somewhat straining for Sparrow, but it served as valuable training. They knew they couldn''t always rely on Kisha or her scarlet bees and needed to be prepared for missions without their young madam. From Kisha''s perspective, this approach was longer and more uncomfortable. Unlike traveling on foot, which didn''t attract nearby zombies and allowed them to navigate and change routes easily based on the situation, using the truck was less efficient and more cumbersome. Kisha and Duke remained quiet as they traversed the streets. With the truck at their disposal, they reached the outer layer of the southern part of the western district. This area was where Sparrow had encountered those indecent men, an experience that still haunted his dreams like a nightmare. It wasn''t just what he witnessed that bothered him; over the years, the team''s assumption that Duke, who showed no interest in women, might be attracted to men had put them on guard, wary of becoming appealing to their master. This mindset, combined with witnessing something similar, had traumatized Sparrow. Every time he woke from these nightmares, he felt phantom aches on his rear and was drenched in cold sweat. Even though their misunderstanding about their master''s preferences had been resolved, the mental strain they had endured wasn''t going to disappear overnight. Being back in the place where Sparrow had witnessed such disturbing deeds made him shiver unconsciously. Noticing this reaction, Vulture looked at him with concern. "Dude, are you alright, or are you coming down with the flu?" he asked innocently. "Are you nuts? I''ve already awakened; do you think I''d get the flu?" Sparrow snapped back defensively, as if Vulture had struck a nerve. "Dude, you only awakened, not turned immortal. You can still get a fever or other illnesses," Vulture replied, his lips forming a pout as he felt wronged. He had only asked out of genuine concern for his partner, hoping to help if something was wrong, but instead, he found himself on the receiving end of Sparrow''s sharp retort. He couldn''t understand why Sparrow was so sentimental at this point. Their playful banter soon made Sparrow forget about the unsettling memories, allowing his body to relax a bit. They continued their lively exchange to stave off boredom, their voices mingling with the truck''s hum. The others in the back could barely make out their conversation over the cacophony of zombie roars and the loud thuds as the truck rammed through the undead. The soldiers accompanying Aston felt their skin crawl from the horrifying sounds the zombies emitted and the stench that permeated the air. The rotting smell was so overwhelming that they felt nauseous the entire way to the southern part. Despite stuffing their noses with anything they could find, the foul odor clung to their skin, making it unbearable. Kisha and her team were accustomed to the odor, particularly Kisha, who had endured it countless times before. The current smell, though unpleasant, was not as severe as what she had experienced as Earth slowly died, the air thick with gloom and the scent of decay. The stench of rotting flesh permeated everywhere, enough to induce severe headaches due to its overwhelming nature. The water sources, such as lakes and ponds, had turned murky black, and non-mutated plants had withered away. Consequently, the air on Earth was thinning as trees and plants, vital for processing carbon dioxide into oxygen, dwindled. While a few resilient trees and plants struggled to survive, they were rare treasures in a dying landscape. However, due to the scarcity of water and the deteriorating land, even they were slowly succumbing. The only solution seemed to lie with Earth and water-type ability users, who could nurture these remaining plants and trees within protected zones they have created. In her previous life, Kisha and Duke spearheaded this ambitious project, a laborious and challenging endeavor. Despite their efforts, they still faced losses as some trees and plants struggled to adapt to the drastic environmental changes, gradually withering away. However, a collaborative effort involving scientists and arborist experts was underway to address this issue. Together, they sought to develop and breed more resilient plant species capable of thriving in the altered conditions, striving to ensure the success and longevity of their project. However, despite their efforts, Kisha and Duke passed away before witnessing the fruition of their project. Yet, Kisha finds solace in her territory pack, enabling her to protect numerous trees and plants. Meanwhile, scientists and arborists could research, striving to cultivate more resilient species capable of surviving the harsh conditions of the apocalyptic era. This is what Kisha was aiming for, so even without her territory pack, the trees and plants they cultivated could survive and they could plant it outside of the territory and in order to achieve that, she plans to find her scientist friend who discovered the origin of the zombie virus, because he was trustable and competent, once they are done with City B, she''d go and find him and an Arborist who could work with him with this project. While Kisha pondered her future plans, the truck came to a halt at the entrance of the camp in the southern part, the same place where Sparrow had launched his initial attack. The two men Sparrow had thrown from the rooftop while hanging on the wire were still there, their bodies now beginning to take on a purplish hue due to rigor mortis setting in. And to those observing Sparrow''s victims, it might appear that they had met their demise willingly, accepting their fate in the face of imminent doom, realizing there was no escape from the encroaching horde surrounding them. As the truck came to a halt, the lurking zombies surged towards them, prompting both the soldiers and Kisha''s team to assume combat positions. However, Kisha''s expression soured when she noticed that Aston''s group aimed their outdated firearms at the undead horde, their aged models emitting loud reports sounds. With a surge of frustration, Kisha moved swiftly, pushing down the firearms of Aston and his men to the ground. Her actions spoke volumes, silently conveying the message that using such outdated weapons amidst their precarious situation was folly. Kisha''s frustration simmered beneath her words as she clarified the situation to Aston and his team. "Using those loud firearms will only attract more zombies from miles away. It''s a surefire way to get us overrun in no time." Her tone carried a hint of annoyance, a sentiment born from having to repeatedly explain this crucial point to nearly everyone she encountered. It felt exasperating to contend with this additional concern, particularly in their current predicament. Recognizing Kisha''s implication, Aston and his team swiftly stowed their firearms in the truck, opting instead for their close combat weapons. As the zombies approached, Kisha''s team moved forward, engaging the undead while strategically managing their numbers, ensuring Aston''s team could handle the threat without casualties. Aston, keenly observant in combat, noted the calculated approach of Kisha and her group, acknowledging their vigilant protection of everyone present. As a result, Aston came to realize that Kisha and her team were far more capable than he initially assumed, especially after witnessing their combat prowess firsthand. Duke''s formidable strength sent zombies hurtling through the air, a display reminiscent of scenes from action movies or anime. However, Duke executed these feats effortlessly, wielding his long spear with precision to ensure each zombie was swiftly decapitated, preventing any chance of standing back up. Kisha''s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing as she gracefully maneuvered around the zombies, her long and short swords flashing in both hands. Her dual-wielding style was not just eye-catching but also deadly, as she swiftly and skillfully sliced through the undead, cleanly severing their necks. Everywhere she and Duke moved, it was a scene of devastation, leaving a trail of motionless zombie carcasses in their wake. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was a gruesome sight, yet undeniably awe-inspiring, particularly for people like Aston and his team. Witnessing Kisha and her companions in action stirred a deep inspiration within them, compelling them to emulate their courage and determination. However, despite their fervent efforts, they could not surpass the feats already achieved. Sparrow and Vulture, in particular, exhibited a prowess akin to that of monsters. Sparrow moved with the agility of an acrobat, swiftly killing zombies with his dagger before leaping onto the next target. Meanwhile, Vulture wielded a larger axe, harnessing his considerable strength to devastating effect. Chapter 157 Investigation Start With each swing of his axe, Vulture could clear through hordes of 2-3 zombies at a time. Despite the broad arcs of his movements potentially leaving him vulnerable to attacks, he countered this by cloaking himself in earth armor concealed beneath his shirt, the protective layer nearly melding with his skin. His keen awareness of his surroundings ensured that he remained vigilant and responsive to any potential threats. With their combined efforts and precise attacks, the four managed to control the number of zombies coming at Aston and his team while reducing the horde surrounding them. They never felt overwhelmed by the sheer number or the relentless attacks. This scenario reminded Sparrow and Vulture of the time when they were surrounded in the garden area on the 10th floor of a condominium in the central part of the western district. Back then, they protected the Winters, along with an unconscious Kisha and Duke, and managed to handle the situation. Now, with Kisha and Duke, who fought like killing machines comparable to Bell''s prowess, their confidence was even greater. Kisha didn''t miss the opportunity to let Bell fight as well. She sent Bell to a secluded area where zombies were concentrated, allowing Bell to kill them and retrieve the crystal cores afterward. This strategy lightened Kisha''s burden and prevented more zombies from coming their way. Bell was incredibly efficient at dealing with the zombies, even quicker than Kisha and her entire group combined, especially since they couldn''t use their awakened abilities in front of Aston and his team. Through their continuous efforts, they managed to kill the zombies surrounding them. Fortunately, after Sparrow left and the zombies had devoured everyone inside the building, they dispersed in search of their next meal. This coincided with the blood rain, which made the zombies even hungrier due to their evolution and so they left the vicinity in a hurry to search farther away. As a result, the number of zombies around Kisha and her team was not overwhelming, allowing them to manage the situation despite their limited manpower. Kisha ensured the situation was manageable before they proceeded in this direction. If the number of zombies had been beyond their capabilities, she would have instructed Sparrow to change direction and extend their journey, while sending her scarlet bees ahead to reduce the zombie population before they moved forward. At the same time, she didn''t want to make the situation too easy. Kisha wanted to ensure her people remained vigilant and didn''t become complacent. If their senses dulled because she was always protecting them, they would be at risk during important missions, especially if they encountered a powerful evolved zombie or a superhuman with a tricky awakened ability. Although Sparrow and Vulture were the elite warriors Duke had nurtured since they were young, complacency could easily blind them to hidden threats or seemingly unassuming enemies. If they became too confident in their strength and cleverness, they would be at risk of being caught off guard by adversaries lurking in the shadows. This served as a subtle reminder for everyone not to be overly reliant on their awakened abilities. While Bell was dealing with the zombies around them, this was only to ensure they wouldn''t attract more zombies to their vicinity and risk being besieged from all directions. It was essentially a method to control the crowd. Now that the coast was clear, Kisha and the rest paused for a minute to steady their breathing and scan the area. After a moment, they started to move inside to inspect the building. Only then, did they notice two dead bodies hanging on the side of the building, something Aston''s team hadn''t had a chance to properly observe while they were busy dealing with the surrounding zombies and hadn''t looked up. By observing the color of the bodies, they could tell that the deaths occurred more than 24 hours ago, possibly due to suicide or foul play. However, they didn''t have the time to delve into the matter. Inside the building, they saw walls splattered with blood and the unrecognizable remains of the people who had once lived there that were gnawed at by the zombies that managed to breach their fortress. Kisha and her team remained resolute in the face of the gruesome scene, their determination unwavering. However, Aston''s men couldn''t suppress the queasiness in their stomachs as they beheld the harrowing sight, surpassing anything they had encountered thus far. They trailed cautiously behind Kisha''s group as they methodically combed through each room of the building, uncovering a cache of crucial supplies: a diverse array of firearms, surveillance equipment, drones, AWMs, and ample ammunition. Yet, it was the discovery of a stockpile of essential provisions¡ªfood, water, and medicine¡ªall neatly arranged in one room that brought a sense of relief amidst the tension. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha delegated the task of transporting the supplies to Sparrow and Vulture, who swiftly began loading them onto the truck. Aston''s men joined in, lending their assistance with the transportation effort. Soon, only Kisha, Duke, and Aston remained. With a nod from Kisha, Aston was given the go-ahead to scour the entire building in search of survivors, his insistence fueled by the hope that someone may still be alive amidst the devastation. However thorough Aston''s search was, it yielded no survivors. Every nook and cranny of the building revealed only lifeless bodies strewn across various rooms. Even the rooftop offered no reprieve, its haunting silence echoing the tragedy within. Meanwhile, Sparrow, remembering the supplies he had noticed during a previous visit, enlisted Vulture''s assistance in retrieving them, ensuring no valuable resources were left behind. With the abundance of supplies gathered, they successfully filled one corner of the truck, yet there remained plenty of space for additional provisions. However, as they contemplated acquiring more, Aston''s men couldn''t shake the nagging worry gnawing at them. They envisioned worst-case scenarios where they might be forced to abandon the truck and proceed on foot. Such thoughts weighed heavily on their minds, casting doubt on the value of their efforts in loading the truck with supplies. Despite the looming uncertainty, they couldn''t ignore the opportunity to gather the readily available supplies and transport them back to the shelter. After fully loading all the provisions from the building, Aston and his men conducted another thorough investigation of the premises. They sought to unravel the mystery of how the building had been overrun, estimating the time that had elapsed since the tragic events unfolded. Their attention was particularly drawn to two individuals suspended at the side of the building. With careful deliberation, they hauled the bodies to the rooftop, their intact forms offering a potential source of vital information. Kisha and her group remained unfazed by the investigation, their confidence unshaken. Even if Aston and his team discovered that the two individuals had been killed before being left suspended outside the building, it would only confirm suspicions of sabotage orchestrated by their enemies. The sole culprits capable of such a calculated move could only be the Winters, their longstanding adversaries. This revelation hinted at a larger scheme, one aimed not just at one of the Coltons'' camp in the southern part, but potentially at other camps as well. Kisha granted Aston and his team the freedom to speculate while they scoured the area for the Winters outside. Little did they know, the Winters were safely nestled inside the shelter, taking advantage of their enemy''s diverted attention to rest and recuperate. Chapter 158 To the Next Stop Even though Aston''s allegiance to the Winters was apparent, his overt determination to locate and rescue them from the outside exposed him to scrutiny from the enemies of the Winters. This heightened attention meant that every move Aston made would be closely monitored by the Coltons and their allies. It''s highly likely that any information Aston possessed would swiftly become common knowledge among the Coltons, thanks to the spotlight on his actions and the traitor who''s feeding these pieces of information to the Coltons. To deceive the Coltons effectively, Aston''s collaboration was crucial. There''s a saying that goes, "To fool your enemies, you must first fool your allies." By employing this strategy, they could mislead even a potential mole in their midst, maintaining control over the narrative and concealing the truth from prying eyes. After Aston concluded their investigation, a somber silence settled over the group as they reluctantly returned to the truck. Their journey now led them to the western part, a path that stretched farther with each passing mile. Sparrow navigated cautiously along the outskirts of the southern area, aiming for the distant reaches of the western part. Meanwhile, Aston remained lost in contemplation, his mind grappling with the implications of Duke''s brutal tactics. Instinctively, he recognized the telltale signs of the Winters'' involvement in this massacre. Examining the blown opening at the entrance, Aston inferred that someone intentionally breached it, allowing the zombie horde access to the camp. The strategic positioning of the undead hinted at a deliberate orchestration rather than a random occurrence. Connecting the dots, Aston concluded that the Winters, under Duke''s command, orchestrated the attack. A subtle smile graced his stern countenance as he realized that Duke had finally shown himself to help the Winters. Because as far as he could remember before the Winters left the shelter just so they wouldn''t implicate the innocent people with the clan''s dispute, there was only the grandfather, father, and mother of the Winters along with their elite bodyguards led by Tristan. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. How could Aston be certain that Duke had joined forces with the Winters? It boiled down to a straightforward deduction. While the Winters were known for their cold demeanor, they lacked Duke''s sheer ruthlessness. Moreover, their resources and skills were unlikely to allow for a covert infiltration of a Coltons camp, especially one brimming with surveillance equipment and top-grade firearms. Aston reasoned that Duke must have enlisted reinforcements, bolstering their numbers to execute such a plan. However, he remained perplexed by how they managed to evade detection by the vigilant Coltons personnel and successfully execute this plan. Unbeknownst to Aston, who was deep in contemplation, both Kisha and Duke observed him silently. However, they weren''t the only ones; another pair of eyes keenly tracked Aston''s every move. It was evident that Aston had sensed something amiss but remained uncertain about the conclusion he had reached. Following their initial stop, a solemn hush enveloped the truck. Each occupant wore a somber expression, grappling with the tragic demise of the Coltons. Despite any personal animosity toward them, the manner of their deaths struck a chord. There lingered a pervasive sense of hopelessness as if an invisible net had ensnared the Coltons, leaving no chance of escape. It was clear that whoever set the trap was intent on ensuring the Coltons'' demise. In truth, Duke felt a profound dissatisfaction after witnessing the aftermath of Sparrow''s scheme. He couldn''t help but harbor disdain for Sparrow''s approach. In Duke''s mind, he envisioned a much more visceral and calculated strategy. He would have ensured that every individual in the Coltons'' camp was restrained, forced to watch helplessly as their fellow comrades were devoured one by one by the ravenous zombies. The psychological torment inflicted upon the Coltons would be excruciating, as they faced the horrifying prospect of being slowly consumed alive, witnessing the gruesome demise of their comrades, and grappling with the remorse of choosing allegiance with the wrong faction. Duke''s vision was clear: before delivering the final blow, he would ensure that his enemies endured a brief but agonizing taste of hell on earth. Renowned for his ruthless nature, Duke harbored no reservations about exacting vengeance upon his adversaries. The memory of how the Coltons had mistreated his men and the manner in which they had perished fueled his desire for retribution. He was determined to make the Coltons experience the same anguish and suffering his men had endured before meeting their tragic end. With the Coltons'' men now deceased, Duke saw no point in lamenting the past. Instead, he harbored a steely determination to exact vengeance upon the Coltons'' family. He intended to subject them to the same torment they had inflicted upon his own men, making them pay dearly for targeting his loved ones in his absence. Duke vowed to ensure that the Coltons experienced firsthand the agony and suffering endured by his men, particularly those who had perished under their tyranny. Duke harbored no illusions of being a saint; he was prepared to embrace his role as a demon if it meant safeguarding his people and instilling fear in their adversaries. His moniker "Tyrant" was not bestowed without reason. Although he tempered his actions in deference to Kisha''s presence, the recent aggression against his family by the vermin of his enemies left him no choice but to unleash his full fury upon them. Duke relished the prospect of orchestrating their downfall, savoring every moment of their inevitable demise once they fell into his grasp. At that moment, the Young Master of the Coltons felt an icy chill slither down his spine, sending shivers through his body before dissipating into nothingness. He remained attentive as the report detailed the findings of the teams dispatched to investigate the explosion and its aftermath. Among the findings was the unsettling revelation that communication with their people had been lost, and none had returned. He was extremely pissed that he started kicking the young man under his feet, the young man who looked only 17-19 years old with a pretty face. Crying because of the pain he was experiencing over his whole body, he was bruised black and blue in all places while he was naked and shivering. He couldn''t even stand up on his own now, the Coltons'' Young Master was looking at the young man with cold eyes, the Coltons'' Young Master was still wearing his black robe with a grim expression like he was ready to kill anyone at this point. The young man sobbed and pleaded for his life to be spared. "Young Master, please, have mercy on me. I will make sure to pleasure you and do my best." The young man said between sobs, he was already having a hard time speaking with his aching body but he was more afraid of dying than anything else, what''s pride and his integrity if it only means that he dies early? "Oh?! Is that so?" An evil grin played on the Coltons'' Young Master''s lips before he continued. "Then, why don''t you lick my cock like an ice cream and I''d think about if I should keep you or not? Depending on your performance, you will...." He then cackles like a madman Chapter 159 Coltons Young Master The young man gritted his teeth as he crawled closer to the Young Master, who sat in his chair like a king watching a dog beg for food. The Young Master relished the sight of beautiful men and women trembling before him, deriving pleasure from their fear. He didn''t care if the person riding his cock is a woman or a man; what mattered was their beauty. He had amassed a collection of such individuals in his basement, and those who disobeyed met a grim fate after being toyed with by the Coltons'' Young Master. And there were those who fought tooth and nail for survival, much like the young man standing before him. They had battled against the relentless onslaught of zombies outside, only to find themselves imprisoned within the confines of the Coltons'' villa, reduced to mere objects of pleasure. Fueled by resentment, they are not even treated as proper human beings because they are another mouth to feed when the shelter is already starting to get low on supplies. The young man clenched his jaw tightly as he obediently took the Coltons'' Young Master''s cock into his mouth. Meanwhile, the Young Master leisurely sipped his wine, enjoying the sensation as the young man pleasured him. Occasionally, he released low, pleasure-filled groans, his breath coming out in heavy pants. "A man really knows where to find another man''s weak spot." the Young Master sneered between labored breaths. Gripping the young man''s hair, he forced him to take more of his cock into his throat, ruthlessly jerking his head up and down. Leaning back in his chair, his eyes rolling in ecstasy, he remained indifferent to the discomfort of the young man''s throat, indifferent to his uncontrollable gagging and he paid no heed to the tears and mucus now streaming from the young man''s face. All he cared about was his own pleasure, and once he finished deep into the young man''s throat, he grunted in ecstasy, paying no heed to the young man''s desperate struggles for air. Even as the man flailed his arms, suffocating, the Young Master held firm, relishing his control. After a final few violent thrusts, he cast the young man to the ground, leaving him barely conscious and gasping for air like a fish out of water. The room, once silent, now resonated with the young man''s harrowing gasps, a haunting reminder of his torment. The Coltons'' Young Master wasn''t finished. Downing the last of his wine, he rose from his chair and discarded his black robe. Gripping the young man''s hair once more, he forcefully dragged him to the bed, showing no concern for his well-being. Ignoring any signs of distress, the Coltons'' Young Master callously penetrated the man with his cock, displaying a complete disregard for his condition or his life which was already hanging by the thread. He was used to rough plays, and often his victims perished under the strain of his sexual torture before he could even finish. Yet, he remained indifferent, proceeding to fulfill his desires before callously discarding the lifeless body onto the floor and summoning someone to clean his room. Fortunately, the young man was still alive, albeit barely. Observing his shallow breaths, the individual tasked with cleaning the room of the supposedly dead body made a callous decision. Instead of summoning medical aid or showing concern for the young man''s condition, he heartlessly dragged the young man''s limp body back to the basement, leaving his fate to chance. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Whether he lived or perished was now at the mercy of fate. If he managed to survive until the next time the Young Master required another victim, then so be it¡ªhe would have another chance to endure. The young man lacked the energy even to cry out in pain or to cling to the remnants of his fading life. Darkness enveloped him, swallowing his consciousness whole. On Kisha''s side, they finally reached the western area where the aftermath of the explosion had left debris strewn across the streets. Large chunks of building walls, shattered glass, and scattered furniture created a scene reminiscent of a war zone as if an aerial bombardment had ravaged the entire west area. Among the wreckage, zombie corpses lay crushed beneath heavy objects, while human bodies were scattered throughout. The buildings themselves were no longer recognizable as intact structures, with substantial sections having collapsed and exposed the interiors to the elements. After a heavy rain the previous night, the bloody walls and streets had been washed clean, leaving only remnants of the zombie carcasses and human flesh behind. However, despite being crushed under collapsed walls and heavy debris, some zombies still remained alive and squirming, struggling to free themselves from the objects and pinning them down. The entire area exuded an eerie sense of dread, casting doubt on the possibility of salvaging any useful items from the wreckage. However, the pressing concern was the presence of numerous zombies despite the recent explosion. Their numbers appeared to have multiplied significantly, far exceeding expectations. Kisha took charge, directing her team to clear the area while assigning Bell and the scarlet bees the crucial task of gathering the crystal core. Meanwhile, the regular bees continued patrolling the vicinity to maintain security. Kisha efficiently directed her team, guiding them on where to focus their efforts. Initially, only her own team adhered to her commands with unwavering trust, treating her directives as law. However, witnessing the effectiveness of their tactics in combatting the zombies, Aston and his team gradually began to place greater confidence in her judgment. Seeing her strategies in action allowed them to truly appreciate her capabilities. They now trusted her insights on where zombie concentrations were highest, understanding that her keen observation skills provided a comprehensive view of their surroundings. It was as though she had eyes everywhere, ensuring their safety with her vigilant watchfulness. Aston''s team found their admiration for Kisha and her team reaching new heights as they witnessed firsthand their exceptional skills and efficiency in action. They began to believe that their chances of survival greatly increased by sticking closely to Kisha''s leadership. But Kisha did not care what they thought and she and Duke continued to fight back to back in the midst of the zombie horde, Duke''s long spear was fast and powerful that he could kill 2-3 zombies in an instant while Kisha was precise and agile with her dual sword dancing in her hands, everywhere they go. Together, they left a trail of black blood splatter in their wake, effortlessly clearing a path through the chaos. Standing back to back, they ensured mutual protection, a testament to their trust and unity. Vulture and Sparrow, having grown up together, shared an instinctual bond akin to that of Kisha and Duke, seamlessly dispatching zombies while safeguarding each other. Their collaboration compensated for individual weaknesses, creating a synergistic force where their strengths complemented each other harmoniously. Without their awakened abilities, the task proved more difficult and time-consuming, leaving them fatigued. If they had employed their awakened abilities, killing the zombies would have been swift, and they would likely be preparing their meal by now, as it was already lunchtime. Aston''s men were exhausted, their breaths labored and their bodies feeling as though they were weighed down by lead. Moving became an arduous task as they pressed on through the horde. Unlike Aston and his team, Kisha and her team fared better. Despite their exhaustion, their precision and agility remained steadfast as they fought on. Their eyes still blazed with determination as they efficiently killed multiple zombies at once, a feat beyond the capabilities of Aston''s team, who could only manage one zombie at a time. The disparity in combat abilities was striking, leaving Aston and his team feeling inadequate compared to Kisha and her group. However, this only reinforced Aston''s belief that hiring them as escorts was his best decision yet. Refocusing on the task at hand, Aston redoubled his efforts to ensure they eliminated all nearby zombies while prioritizing their safety, determined to prevent any bites or scratches. As Aston pondered his thoughts, a sudden gust of wind startled him. In the blink of an eye, Kisha was at his side, and he found himself splattered with thick, coagulated blood. The events unfolded so rapidly that Aston couldn''t process them in real time. When he turned to where Kisha stood, he witnessed her with both swords raised high, a zombie''s head soaring through the air. Kisha''s swords moved swiftly, resembling a pair of scissors, as she expertly severed the zombie''s head with precise speed. And the speed of the zombie that jumped in as soon as an opening was presented to it was a little scarily faster than normal zombies. After seeing Kisha like that and one of his subordinates sitting on the floor on his butt while groaning in pain, he speculated that after one of his subordinates fell on his ass, a zombie took the opportunity to jump in on him and Kisha saw this and saved him by a thin margin. Chapter 160 West Part If Kisha hadn''t intervened, Aston might have been bitten on his face or neck, sealing his fate. The gravity of this realization made Aston''s body tense with fear. Looking down at the man now sitting on the ground, his face contorted in pain, Kisha remembered him as the one who used to laugh at even the silliest jokes Aston made, and the most recent addition to their group. After giving the man a brief glance, Kisha returned to her original position beside Duke. But before moving away, she placed a reassuring tap on Aston''s shoulder and uttered a stern reminder, "Be more vigilant of your surroundings from now on." Without waiting for Aston''s response, Kisha swiftly departed and rejoined Duke to resume their killing spree. After approximately two hours of relentless killing, Kisha and her team successfully cleared the entire area. Meanwhile, Aston and his team took a brief rest before commencing their investigation of the surroundings. Kisha assigned Sparrow to inspect the building for any remaining intact resources, while Vulture returned to the truck to begin preparing lunch. Their team understood the importance of maintaining their energy levels and always ensured they were well-fed and rested, akin to a well-fueled car. They recognized that in order to fight effectively, they needed to be both physically and mentally prepared. In a short time, Sparrow returned with a small grin on his face, satisfied that he hadn''t accidentally destroyed the camp''s storage during his bombing. He had successfully located the supplies, buried under the rubble but salvageable nonetheless. He promptly informed Kisha and Duke of his findings. Kisha nodded in satisfaction, while Duke remained silent, waiting for Kisha to make the decision on how to proceed. Shortly thereafter, Kisha nodded decisively and issued her command. "After lunch, let''s gather the supplies, and Aston''s team can assist us with the task." Sparrow joined Vulture at the back of the truck to assist with meal preparation, while Kisha and Duke conducted brief reconnaissance of the surrounding area, subtly showcasing their scouting skills to Aston and his team to avoid appearing suspicious. After an hour, Aston and his men returned from their investigation of the rubble. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Some members of Aston''s group wore grim expressions, while Aston himself appeared indifferent, suggesting they had encountered the underground parking area where the Coltons'' men were trapped before being cornered by the zombies and gnawed at while alive or worse, buried beneath the debris, alive. Some of Aston''s men found the scene so horrifying it could potentially trigger PTSD among them. Witnessing the ruthlessness of the Coltons'' enemies, they realized the extent of the danger they faced. The enemies ensured there was no escape for the Coltons'' men, cornering each one and subjecting them to a horrific fate. As soldiers, they were unfortunately all too familiar with this grim reality, though typically it was the work of terrorists seeking to instill fear among their adversaries. Such brutal killings were often executed in the most gruesome manner possible, with the bodies left behind as a chilling message for their enemies to discover. Kisha was already aware of what Aston and his team had uncovered, as she had instructed the scarlet bees to monitor their every move. Duke, on the other hand, remained indifferent, showing little concern for the fate of the Coltons'' men. For him, as long as they met a gruesome end and harbored false hope of survival before facing the harsh reality, it suited their purposes. Duke''s primary concern was avenging his people, a task Sparrow had accomplished, albeit with less ruthlessness than Duke would have preferred. However, Duke chose not to dwell on this, as he remained focused on locating the remaining members of the Coltons family who were still in hiding. A sinister smile crept onto Duke''s lips as he pondered the prospect, a chilling display of his dark intentions that did not escape Kisha''s notice. ''Unlucky souls!'' she thought, mocking those who had dared to provoke Duke and his people. ''You''ve stirred up a hornet''s nest, and your fate is sealed.'' Before she shook her head but she did not feel any sympathy for the Coltons because their fate was of their own making, a consequence of their greed and selfishness. As the landscape remained strewn with the remnants of zombie carcasses, Aston''s men, haunted by the memories of what they had witnessed in the garage, retreated to the truck to rest. Meanwhile, Kisha and Duke remained outside, standing guard while the others rested. Sparrow and Vulture began preparing a meal of rice for the eleven of them. Sparrow assisted Vulture in washing the rice, while Vulture sliced the spam and canned sausages. With Aston and his people present, they couldn''t rely on Kisha''s ability to conjure fresh meat and vegetables from her inventory, so they made do with the canned goods they had on hand. Vulture ended up making fried rice with small chunks of sausage and spam, accompanied by a few slices of spam and sausage with soy sauce. The meal was somewhat redundant due to the repeated use of spam and sausage, but with limited ingredients, this was the best he could manage. Despite the simplicity, Aston''s men saw this as a luxury. Having gone without hot meals for over a week since the apocalypse began, even spam was a welcome substitute for fresh meat. Additionally, Vulture prepared a mushroom soup using canned mushrooms and sterilized milk. He always kept seasonings in his belt bag, anticipating the need to prepare meals under any circumstances. His foresight and resourcefulness ensured that they had a warm and somewhat satisfying meal, even in such dire conditions. The aroma of the hot meal prepared by Vulture quickly dispelled any lingering apprehensions among Aston''s men. The tantalizing scent whetted their appetites and provided a much-needed distraction from their earlier grim discoveries. Once the cooking was complete, Sparrow called Kisha and Duke back to the truck so they could all eat together. Kisha and Duke returned, acting as if they had just finished scouting the area and ensuring it was clear, adding to the sense of security and readiness. After witnessing Kisha and her team''s capabilities, no one questioned their actions. The men were too focused on the food in front of them to even consider it. Even in the shelter, the best they could hope for was mashed potatoes or oatmeal mixed with hot water and devoid of any seasoning, such as sugar. What Vulture had prepared was far beyond their expectations, a true feast in their eyes. Vulture served equal portions of fried rice for everyone in large bowls and filled smaller bowls with mushroom soup, almost brimming to the rim. While this meal was the best Aston''s team had in a long time, for Kisha and her team, it was the most humble meal they had since the apocalypse began. Kisha and her people were all big eaters because their bodies needed a lot of energy to burn, which came from both the food they consumed and their body fat reserves. Kisha always ensured there were vegetables and meat on the table, while Vulture transformed these ingredients into delicious meals. As superhumans, their appetites had increased significantly after they awakened, likely because their bodies continuously burned energy, even when they weren''t working, to keep their energy cores running like a coal-fired train. Chapter 161 Going to the Next Location If they didn''t consume food to maintain their energy, they would need to rely on crystal cores, which were easier to gather in the zombie-infested world. These cores could sustain their energy for a longer period. However, consuming crystal cores had its drawbacks. As they used the cores to maintain their energy, their experience levels would also increase. This meant they might level up sooner, but without ensuring their foundations were steady and well-built, they risked advancing with a weak foundation. They were like building a paper castle. Kisha learned this the hard way when she first discovered the function of the crystal cores. Initially, she was ecstatic because food was scarce, and the crystal cores seemed like a great alternative. However, after leveling up a few times, she realized her power, though impressive on the surface, lacked true strength. It couldn''t compare to those who leveled up with a solid foundation. Even though they took longer to level up, their firepower was far greater than hers even though those people are lower than her in terms of level. That''s when she understood the drawback of relying solely on crystal cores. To avoid repeating the same mistake, Kisha ensured that she and her team stabilized their foundations before focusing on leveling up. She believed it wasn''t an issue to level up later; as long as their foundations were sturdy and well-managed, the benefits would be greater when they eventually advanced. Additionally, she was eager to experiment with the Scarlet Honey. Kisha wanted everyone to experience its potential multiplier effect and understand its impact on the body when used to its maximum potential if that was even possible. After the food was served, Aston and his men eagerly dug into their meals, barely taking time to chew as they savored the taste of the food. Despite their desire to fully enjoy the meal, their hunger for rice overpowered any intention of savoring the flavors. For them, this meal represented a rare opportunity to feel satiated and content after a long while. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture allowed them to indulge in their food frenzy, opting to eat at a more leisurely pace themselves to prevent any potential discomfort from indigestion. After finishing their meal, they didn''t rush to depart. Having already spent six hours outdoors, Aston''s men considered this pace brisk. Typically, reaching the two sites for investigation would demand a full day''s journey, especially given the formidable challenge posed by the zombie horde on the road. They anticipated potential delays, such as periodic halts to clear the path or the necessity to choose alternative routes in the face of overwhelming numbers of zombies blocking the road ahead. These logistical hurdles were all too familiar to the soldiers assigned to supply runs. Gathering even a small amount of supplies often consumed days, barely filling a quarter of the truck''s cargo space, and constrained to sourcing from a single location. Now nourished and with a moment to pause, they seized the opportunity to reflect. Surprisingly, their journey had been far smoother than the tales recounted by fellow soldiers who frequently embarked on supply runs. These soldiers typically opted for nearby supply sources, ensuring a quick retreat to safety in case of mishaps or selecting relatively secure locations for their endeavors. Now they marveled at Kisha''s team''s adept navigation skills and felt fortunate that the zombie population seemed to be steering clear of their route. As they speculated various theories about their stroke of luck, Kisha and her team remained unfazed by the wandering minds of their companions. Kisha''s sole focus remained on ensuring that no zombies ventured too close, while she delegated Bell and the Scarlet Bees to collect the remaining crystal cores scattered on the ground and search for any survivors among Coltons'' men who might have fortuitously survived beneath the rubble. The Scarlet Bees diligently scoured the sewers and rubble crevices in search of survivors, while Kisha employed the same method to detect any evolved zombies lurking nearby, possibly awaiting an opportune moment to strike. Fortunately, no signs of evolved zombies encircled them, providing a momentary relief. The absence of these evolved threats was a stroke of luck, as confronting them would necessarily need revealing their awakened abilities, this would present a challenge in determining the best course of action based on the specific capabilities and evolution of each encountered zombie. It''s similar to the evolved zombie Sparrow encountered¡ªa zombie showcasing agility, others might have tank-like resilience, or formidable strength, or perhaps even a stealthy stalker. Just as numerous doors opened for awakened superhumans, the same holds true for zombies, presenting myriad possibilities for their evolution. This diversity can pose a challenge; an evolved zombie not only surpasses a superhuman in power but if its abilities are particularly tricky, it becomes even deadlier. That''s precisely why Kisha remained on extremely high alert after leaving the shelter, continuously dispatching the Bees to scout their surroundings. However, amidst this vigilance, she also prioritized ongoing training for her team, particularly focusing on enhancing their awareness. This emphasis on awareness was crucial, ensuring they remained vigilant and never allowed complacency to leave them vulnerable to potential threats resulting from even the simplest mishaps. Despite their outward appearance of being laid back, Kisha''s team remained in a constant state of high alert, poised to act swiftly on Kisha''s commands. Duke, in particular, never strayed from Kisha''s side, serving as her steadfast protector. In any eventuality, he stood prepared to be her sword and shield, ensuring her safety at all times. While Aston''s team remained vigilant, they couldn''t match the hyper-awareness and readiness of Kisha''s team. Their vigilance resembled a sleeping tiger, primed to pounce at the slightest hint of danger in their surroundings. Following their rest, they all geared up to search for an alternative route leading to the northern side of the western district. This area held particular significance for Sparrow, as it was where he witnessed the entire vicinity crumble to the ground in a series of bomb explosions he strategically placed. Despite its distance from the shelter, this location boasted a potential exit, prompting Sparrow''s keen focus. Additionally, it served as a strategic vantage point for him to survey other areas before reuniting with his team. Their team retraced their route for a few more blocks, aiming to navigate towards the outer perimeter of the district to continue their journey forward. Sparrow skillfully maneuvered the truck, disregarding the horde of zombies converging towards them. With precision, he plowed through them, sending zombies flying through the air and colliding with the vehicle, causing a sharp crack to spiderweb across the windshield. "Hey, ease up, man. We don''t need brains and black blood splattered all over us, not to mention the stench, if that windshield breaks," Vulture chided Sparrow with a hint of resentment. He gripped the overhead handle in the truck, feeling the jolts as it rolled over the zombies strewn across the ground, crushing their skulls and limbs, and rendering them immobile. With the spiderweb crack marring the windshield of the truck, Sparrow''s visibility was severely compromised. "This truck''s nowhere near as sturdy as our armored car. Useless," Sparrow grumbled in disdain, his thoughts drifting to their trusty armored vehicle, which had proven almost indestructible even after he led the entire convoy, plowing through hordes of zombies. "Well, what did you expect? Our armored cars were top-notch, made with the best resources, materials, and engines money could buy, far superior to the military-manufactured ones. It''s all thanks to our master''s means and connections that made it possible," Vulture remarked, his pride and happiness evident as he highlighted their master''s significant contribution to improving their lives, especially in such dire times. Chapter 162 Kishas Team "But we can''t ask the young madam to retrieve it from where she''s storing them, can we? So stop being reckless and continue driving safely," Vulture grumbled, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead. He was growing increasingly irritated with Sparrow''s reckless driving, which was causing him discomfort. Despite his sturdy body and heightened defense, as their young madam had attested, it didn''t mean he was impervious to feeling the discomfort. "Not drive recklessly?" Sparrow shot Vulture an incredulous glance before adding, "What? Do you expect me to still follow the traffic rules? Or should I just swerve around those zombies up ahead? If that''s the case, why don''t you conjure up an earth bridge in the sky if you''re that uncomfortable and capable, huh?" Sparrow couldn''t help but retort at Vulture, his annoyance palpable. He felt like the truck''s tires would burst at any moment or that it would be dismantled due to the numerous zombies he had to plow through with the less-than-sturdy military truck they were using. In short, he was feeling grumpy. As the two in the front of the truck exchanged heated words due to their discomfort, an awkward silence descended upon them once their annoyance had been vented. However, their journey was far from smooth sailing. They encountered a relentless stream of zombies on the road, forcing them to stop almost every dozen meters. Consequently, they spent a significant amount of time outside the truck, and now they watched as the horizon gradually turned a bloody red, a grim reminder of the perilous world they inhabited as the dark of the night slowly approached them. The scene resembled something straight out of a horror movie, or perhaps even worse. As the horizon turned a sinister shade of red, casting everything in its path with a deep crimson hue reminiscent of blood, the advancing zombies only added to the eerie atmosphere. Aston''s men couldn''t help but shiver at the sight, feeling a wave of ominous dread wash over them. The landscape appeared foreboding and terrifyingly dark. Despite spending several hours with Kisha and her team, Aston hadn''t witnessed all of their capabilities firsthand. While he had seen them fight like fierce warriors, he hadn''t yet seen their other strengths, including their scouting skills. Aston speculated that their proficiency in navigation and extreme luck might have enabled them to map out the entire western district. However, he still hadn''t observed their scouting abilities, so he volunteered to take on the scouting task himself in search of a suitable resting place. Kisha didn''t even spare Aston a glance; she had unwavering trust in her team. Without hesitation, she delegated the task of finding a place to rest to Sparrow, as she often did. Sparrow nodded in acknowledgment and swiftly sprang into action, leaping agilely onto the truck, then scaling the lamppost to a higher building that provided a good vantage point with the agility and leg power of a frog. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From his elevated vantage point, he meticulously surveyed the surroundings, assessing potential sleeping spots based on their defensibility and accessibility. As Sparrow carried out his task, Aston''s men watched in awe from a distance, their mouths agape in astonishment. They marveled at his extraordinary leg strength, unable to comprehend how he managed to leap to such heights. Unlike his usual method of utilizing his wind ability to traverse great distances in a single bound, Sparrow relied solely on his innate physical abilities, which had been enhanced by his recent level up. His body''s limits had expanded, resulting in increased strength and agility, enabling him to execute impressive feats such as this without the aid of his wind ability. After Sparrow failed to locate a suitable resting place from his initial vantage point, he swiftly sought out another, disappearing from Aston''s men''s view. Typically, Kisha and her team operated with stealth, revealing only their formidable combat prowess. However, Kisha saw an opportunity to showcase additional abilities her team possessed. By doing so, she aimed to dissuade the traitor within Aston''s ranks from considering betrayal lightly. If they realized the full extent of her team''s capabilities, they would think twice before attempting to act on their treachery. It was a strategic move to deter backstabbing attempts in every step they took and would Kisha and her people a little peace of mind, by doing this, the traitor would surely only choose to act against them when he found an opportunity that would surely be enough to massacre all of them, living no one alive and with that, Kisha would know when to act and when to rest her body, although she has her own countermeasures prepared but it was still consuming her mentality if she was in constant guard against something or someone. This would also serve as a subtle warning, it is up to them if they take it or ignore it. This is the best mercy Kisha could give everyone, whether they are being forced to do this or due to their greed is none of her concerns now, what''s important is that her people are safe but at the same time, she values potential and she just sees a few good seedlings in Aston''s team, hoping that they are not the traitor. Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that there might be a traitor lurking within Aston''s team, biding their time until they could strike. Perhaps they were simply waiting for the opportune moment to betray them. However, by revealing a glimpse of her team''s additional capabilities, Kisha hoped to subtly influence Aston''s loyalty. If he witnessed the full extent of what her team could do, he might be more inclined to align himself with them in the future, just as he had been a trusted member in her previous life. It was a calculated move to solidify alliances and preempt any potential threats from within. Navigating the delicate balance of revealing her team''s capabilities without eroding Aston''s trust presented Kisha with a challenge. She understood that betrayal was a bitter pill to swallow, and she was determined not to sow seeds of doubt in Aston''s mind. Instead, she saw it as an opportunity to showcase her leadership and emerge as their savior in times of uncertainty. By strategically unveiling her team''s strengths while maintaining Aston''s trust, she aimed to position herself as a figure of reliability and strength in his eyes, solidifying her standing within the group. It was a careful dance of influence and perception, one that she was prepared to navigate with finesse. ________________ Firstly, I wanted to thank all the readers who have been showing their support to my writing, for the Powerstons, Golden Tickets and even the gifts I have received from you all are all appreciated and a great motivation for me. Please don''t forget to cheer me up by voting with Powerstone and Golden Ticket! And Please don''t forget to leave a review on the book, thank you!!! Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! Also, I might get delayed in the update as I am also updating my new novel < THE RETURN OF THE CANNON FODDER TRILLION HEIRESS> I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up! Chapter 163 Her Plan Kisha anticipated another potential threat lurking in the shadows: the Coltons'' spy or known as the traitor in Aston''s team. She knew that their enemy would likely approach her under the guise of offering advantages or subtly testing their bottom line if it was possible to recruit them. By showcasing her team''s capabilities, Kisha aimed to demonstrate their value and resilience. Unlike other factions, they operated independently, refusing to align themselves with anyone else. This independence only underscored their strength and unwillingness to be manipulated. However, Kisha understood the Coltons'' arrogance well enough to anticipate their belief that they could sway her team with enticing offers. It was a game of wits and wills, and Kisha was prepared to play her hand carefully. Kisha suspected that the Coltons had already ordered their spy to approach her team, aiming to entice or test their loyalty. To navigate this delicate situation, she strategically showcased her team''s abilities. While hiding their awakened abilities, she ensured they didn''t appear overwhelmingly powerful, to avoid appearing to be a threat to the Coltons'' interests. It was a balancing act, showcasing their strengths without triggering suspicion or alarm. Kisha knew her plan sounded simplistic and optimistic, but she was willing to gamble on it. If the spy indeed approached her, she was confident in her ability to identify and root out the traitor lurking like a snake in the grass. However, even if they didn''t make a move, she anticipated they would strike in the most perilous situation, aiming to ensure her team''s demise. This strategy mirrored how hunters lure prey out of hiding in a cave by smoking them out, letting them fall into another trap once they emerge. Kisha had learned this tactic from Duke in her previous life, though she still considered herself less skilled than him in its execution. Before they set out on patrol at lunch, she handed Duke a note outlining her plan. After reading and understanding her intentions, Duke incinerated the paper with a small burst of lightning that flickered between his thumb and index finger, effectively destroying the evidence. He also gave his nod at her plan with a proud smile accompanying his nod, with that simple answer, Kisha could tell that Duke was also all-in on the plan and supported her. After just waiting for half an hour for Sparrow to come back while dealing with the zombies coming their way, Sparrow descended from the building opposite where he initially climbed, he was acting like a ninja from the movie, light and agile and very useful in supply runs as a scout, just seeing Sparrow''s ability to navigate was enough to entice everyone to recruit him to their fold. He was like a walking juicy meat in their eyes. Upon arrival, Sparrow reported his findings: just a few blocks away lay a promising spot for them to rest. It boasted a strategic vantage point that would allow their team to keep watch, ensuring they could monitor the zombie activity in the vicinity. Kisha nodded, instructing Sparrow to drive the truck toward the designated building. The others climbed aboard as they made their way there. Upon reaching the structure, resembling a clock tower, situated amidst a spacious parking area or perhaps a park, Kisha directed Sparrow to lead the team inside. Meanwhile, she and Duke positioned themselves to watch their rear. Each member grabbed a bag of supplies from the truck to carry upstairs. Once everyone had safely entered the clock tower, Kisha waved her hand, using her ability to store the remaining supplies behind the truck in her inventory. Once she was sure the supplies were safely stored in her inventory, Kisha and Duke began trailing behind the main team, keeping a close eye on everyone''s movements. Despite their vigilance, the traitor proved adept at hiding and blending in, eluding Duke''s attempts to identify them. Determined, they redoubled their efforts to catch any suspicious activity without being too obvious. Soon, they reached the third floor of the clock tower, where there was ample space for everyone to rest. Those on guard duty would need to ascend a few more floors to reach the top, where they could gain a full view of the surrounding area. However, halfway up the building, there was also a good vantage point, with windows in all directions providing a panoramic view of the land. This position offered the advantage of both visibility and quick access to the truck below in case of danger. So, after putting down the bag they all carried upstairs, Vulture and Sparrow started cooking while another person from Aston''s team presented to help out while shyly looking at them because he''s been eating like a pig and was only following them around without doing much so he was feeling a little guilty and useless, Vulture generously welcomed him to help out, Vulture assigned him to cut all the ingredients while Sparrow and Vulture are both busy in their ends. Kisha and Duke departed, ascending the stairs to check the floors above. They soon discovered a spot with an excellent view of the surrounding area, positioned halfway up the clock tower. It offered a clear vantage point to monitor zombie activity without needing to climb all the way to the top. They lingered there, anticipating any approaches, but no one came except for Sparrow, who eventually called them down to join the others for dinner before resting. Kisha''s impatience may have led her to believe the traitor would fall into their trap easily, forgetting their own cunning intelligence. So, Kisha and Duke decided to set the matter aside and join the others for dinner, keeping the traitor in the back of their minds for the time being. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After Kisha and Duke ascended to the third floor, they found everyone joyfully indulging in their meal, consuming their food with voracious appetites. Sparrow kindly served them each a bowl of piping hot rice topped with spam and sausage, generously coated in a creamy sauce. Alongside, there were canned pickled cucumbers and a steaming bowl of soup to complete the hearty meal. Kisha and Duke settled into a corner, joining the others in their meal without detecting any immediate threats. They too began to eat, finding Vulture''s cooking surprisingly delicious; his culinary skills shone through in each bite. As the satisfying meal came to an end, fatigue washed over them all, a natural consequence of the day''s exertions and constant battle against the relentless zombie onslaught. With stomachs filled and exhaustion setting in, they prepared to rest, seeking solace in the promise of sleep after the day''s trials. Their lives perpetually teetered on the brink of danger, just a few bites away from the relentless jaws of the zombies. Recognizing the need for rest, Kisha allowed Vulture and Sparrow to postpone their watch duties momentarily, observing as they diligently tended to the aftermath of their meal. Content with their efforts, she settled against Duke''s shoulder, feeling his gentle pull as she nestled into the comfort of his chest. Together, they sought solace in each other''s presence, hoping for a night of undisturbed rest amidst the ever-present threat outside. Thud- Thud- Kisha''s eyes snapped open at the sudden, resounding thud, her senses instantly alert to the potential danger it heralded. Chapter 164 The Traitor She instantly sat up and scanned the room, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Sparrow and Vulture lying on the floor. "Duke!" she called out, reaching for him beside her. But when she looked over, Duke was in a deep sleep too. Kisha quickly placed her hand under his nose, only relaxing slightly when she felt the warm breath of his exhale. "What do you want?" Kisha asked, not even bothering to lift her head. She knew the traitor would act, and now he was arrogantly standing in the middle of the room, looking down at her while she checked if Duke was still alive. The traitor couldn''t help but let out a sneering laugh as he stepped closer to her. "What do I want? That''s the wrong question, little missy," he sneered. "The question is what my master can provide for you." He had witnessed Kisha and her team''s battle prowess up close and knew he couldn''t defeat them in direct combat. So, when he offered to help with the cooking, he took his chance. While Sparrow and Vulture weren''t looking, he helped scoop the food and the soup into bowls. He made sure to add knockout powder to everyone''s meal, except Kisha''s. He only added a small amount to her soup to make her lightheaded and powerless. If she disagreed with his proposal, he could easily slit her throat and end his mission right then and there. Since he didn''t have any poison, using the knockout drops without anyone noticing was his best option. Poisoning them would have been a loss if Kisha agreed to join their side. This way, he hoped to hit two birds with one stone. Watching Kisha try to look fierce while she could barely protect herself, with her loyal bodyguard out cold, was almost comical. The traitor wasn''t even in a hurry to deal with Aston and his team. He looked around smugly, admiring his handiwork and showing disdain. No one had noticed his intentions, and he felt elated by his success. ''No matter how strong these people are, they still fell into my hands. Ha!'' He took a step back from Kisha, laughter echoing through the room. The feeling of power surged through him, knowing that despite Kisha and her team''s strength, they were utterly powerless now. Their lives rested in his hands; if he decided to kill them like flies, they couldn''t even cry out. He hadn''t realized how exhilarating it felt to have such control over someone''s life and death. "So, Kisha, what''s your decision?" the traitor sneered, looking down at her with a condescending gaze as if the entire world lay beneath his feet. "How can I make a decision when I don''t even know who your master is or what benefits you''re offering my team and me?" Kisha''s voice remained steady, her eyes fierce despite her weakened state. She positioned herself defensively in front of Duke, a sight that only amused the traitor. To him, she resembled a lion cub futilely guarding its fallen mother¡ªbravely defiant, yet hopelessly naive. "Feisty, I like it," the man chuckled, giving Kisha a lecherous once-over. He didn''t bother considering her face, focusing solely on the curves of her body. In his twisted mind, Kisha would make an excellent sex slave; they could just make her wear a mask while they fuck her senseless. The mere thought of it made his blood boil with excitement, and he began imagining the possibility of selling her service for supplies if they ever ran short. He was already formulating a plan for the future, dismissing Kisha''s answer because he was certain she wouldn''t turn them down. His only thoughts were on how to maximize their Young Master''s benefits by exploiting Kisha and her team. Though the team members were unattractive, their physiques were impressive, especially the one Kisha was guarding. His strong and sexy body could be trained to serve both men and women, even if he wasn''t initially skilled in bed. "My master is Young Master Colton, the one running the City B shelter behind the scenes," the man said smugly as he pulled a dagger from his back. He crouched down to intimidate Kisha further, slowly slapping her cheeks with the flat of the blade. "He could offer you countless supplies and protection. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even if you have the strength to fight for yourself, don''t you still want a strong man to protect you, a strong arm to lean on?" To think that he would try to entice Kisha by seducing her! He must have assumed that she was only pretending to be tough, secretly yearning for protection like any other woman. In his mind, women were weak and meant to stay at home, waiting to serve their men. If Kisha could read his thoughts, she wouldn''t hesitate to kill him over and over until her anger was sated. "So it was Young Master Coltons," Kisha said with a weak but meaningful smile. The man mistook her smile for interest, assuming she was socially awkward due to her unattractive face and had never truly smiled before. "Oh, you''ve heard?" The man''s smile widened, pleased that Kisha seemed aware of Young Master Coltons'' background. "Since you''re already familiar with his status as a Young Master of one of the 8 great families in the capital, do you accept our offer? We can discuss supply distribution, taxes, and the entire package once we''re back at the shelter." He spoke amiably, eager to fulfill the mission given to him by the Young Master himself. "To the shelter? I thought the Coltons weren''t there," Kisha remarked, tilting her head and regarding the man with suspicion. "My team and I sought out the Coltons when we arrived, but they were nowhere to be found. Are you posing as the Coltons to swindle people?" Her gaze remained guarded as she awaited his response. Instead of being offended, the man''s happiness only intensified upon learning that Kisha and her team also sought to join them, making the situation much easier to handle. He cackled happily as he leaned forward, disregarding Kisha''s intimidating appearance. "Young Master was simply biding his time in the shadows, observing his enemies scurry about like headless chickens," he explained proudly, a grin spreading across his face. "Enemies? Do we have enemies?" Kisha questioned, not thinking twice about hastily aligning herself with the Coltons. The man, however, became even more amiable, interpreting Kisha''s inquiry as a sign of her readiness to join them. He proceeded to share details about their adversaries, assuming Kisha was already on board with their cause. "Right, we are up against the Winters, who''ve been antagonizing the Coltons for a very long time," he explained, his tone laden with hatred. "They even tried to ambush us when we were fleeing from City A to City B. Have you not seen the devastated camps we''ve passes through?" His question carried a weight of accusation as if he expected Kisha to be aware of the severity of their conflict with the Winters. "Yes, it was a devastated camp," Kisha replied, her expression unreadable. "That''s right," the man affirmed, his voice tinged with bitterness. "The ruthless Winters did that. Those were the Coltons'' camps, set up so we could easily gather supplies for the shelter and the people." Chapter 165 The Traitor 2 Kisha observed as the man shifted all blame onto the Winters. She couldn''t discern if he was genuinely unaware of the situation or shamelessly deflecting responsibility. Perhaps he sought to vilify the Winters in her eyes, knowing they weren''t present to defend themselves, or perhaps he aimed to incite hostility towards them, thus avoiding the need to order her team to fight them when they eventually crossed paths. But unfortunately for him, the people he was slandering were just standing before him and did not even realize it. Kisha was about to execute him but he was still sharpening her knife before giving it back to her. How ironic that was for the whole situation that Kisha found herself being amused by how things turned out for them. ''Was it really this easy to uncover a traitor?'' she mused in herself. "Then, where was the Coltons'' Young Master in the shelter? Why can''t we find him earlier? We were planning to join his command the moment we heard that he was there but we couldn''t even find his stronghold, everyone wanted to seek shelter under him. Where was it exactly? If we knew from the beginning, we wouldn''t be in this situation, don''t you think?" Kisha then let out a defeated sigh as he lowered her head. The man erupted into maniacal laughter, doubling over with his hands clutching his stomach. His expression and demeanor shifted dramatically, exuding a palpable aura of menace. "What a clever ploy, attempting to catch me off guard and extract information!" he spat out between fits of laughter. "Did you truly believe I was so naive?" His teeth clenched, jaw tight with veins pulsating visibly. A furious intensity flashed in his eyes, their hue shifting to a menacing red. He resembled a serial killer teetering on the brink of a violent rampage. Kisha realized that her intentions had been uncovered. The man, who had initially seemed foolish, now revealed himself to be far more menacing and experienced than even the death warriors they encountered while with the Winters. Perhaps, while Kisha attempted to glean information from the man, he too was assessing her sincerity in desiring to join the Coltons versus potentially spying on them, akin to his actions with Aston. "Yeah, I think you really are so naive and stupid," Kisha responded coolly, her gaze unwavering. His demeanor shifted entirely, veering into the realm of the unhinged. "You''re already at my mercy, yet you still act tough," he sneered. "Imagine how it would feel if I had my way with you and fuck you senseless, then systematically dismembered you while you remained alive. Or perhaps I should start with your team, slowly ending each of their lives in front of you?" It appears that unlike Duke, who has cultivated a group of elite bodyguards comparable to the country''s top special agents to elevate the Winters family, the Coltons have instead fostered death warriors to carry out their bidding and execute nefarious deeds like assassinations and the like. "Is that so?" Kisha said indifferently before rising from the ground as though nothing had happened. Her facade had dissolved upon the revelation of her true intentions. She saw no purpose in continuing the charade to uncover the location of their headquarters. Even if the man''s claim about the Coltons'' Young Master being in the shelter was true¡ªor just a ruse to gauge her response¡ªit warranted investigation. Moreover, there was little chance of extracting further information from him, as it was highly unlikely he would divulge more. For all she knew, every word he uttered could be a fabrication, considering his track record of deceit from the outset. Perhaps he was genuinely withholding information, or perhaps he simply had nothing substantial to disclose. Either way, it rendered him useless to their cause. As Kisha rose to her feet, the man''s reaction betrayed no surprise; instead, he assumed an offensive posture, akin to a beast poised to strike at any perceived weakness. Kisha inferred that he had likely been silently studying her fighting style from the outset, perhaps not just hers, but that of the entire group. And he was fully prepared for this kind of scenario so he was not surprised to see her unaffected by the knockout drop he put in her soup. The man snickered to himself, his demeanor akin to that of someone intoxicated with excitement, eager for a one-on-one confrontation with Kisha. His reddened face betrayed a fervent anticipation, resembling that of a combat enthusiast thirsting for battle, regardless of the opponent''s strength. Gripping his dagger tightly, he exhaled with heightened excitement. Despite his demeanor, Kisha remained composed, standing tall before him, her sword still sheathed as she calmly observed his demeanor. Slash- thud- Before he could act, he felt a stinging sensation on his neck. As darkness enveloped his vision, he witnessed his head rolling off his body, his eyes wide with shock and resentment, tears of blood staining his cheeks. His demise was swift and abrupt, leaving him with a tragic expression frozen on his face. Unmoved, Kisha regarded him indifferently, seeing no purpose in prolonging the encounter. Granting him a swift death was the kindest mercy she could offer. As his head struck the floor, his body collapsed with a resounding thud, scattering a fine veil of dust upon impact. "That was quick," Duke''s magnetic voice sounded from behind her. He sat as if enjoying the unfolding scene. "I was expecting a bit of a fight from him," he jests menacingly, his glare fixed on the man''s lifeless form as if contemplating further violence. Still holding grudges over the man''s vile intentions toward his wife, Duke wished to end his life himself, perhaps even prolong his suffering, but Kisha had swiftly put an end to it. "At last, it''s over. I''ve been dying to scream in pain ever since I stubbed my toe on the table edge, but I had to play unconscious," Vulture grumbled, rubbing his toes resentfully as he slowly sat up from the ground. "You''re lucky it was just your toes; I slammed my face into the table edge. It''s still throbbing now, and I think it''s bruising!" Sparrow sat up indignantly, rubbing his sore face. "What''s there to worry about your face? It''s not as if you''ll be uglier than you already are," Vulture teased, attempting to stand up after rubbing his toes through his shoes a few times. But Sparrow, holding a grudge, swiftly kicked him in the butt, causing Vulture to tumble to the floor face first. "Fuck you!" Vulture shouted, his head snapping to the side to give Sparrow a death glare but Sparrow paid no heed to him and stood up as he started searching the traitor''s body. They were all part of the act. Kisha gave them a heads up through their simple finger gesture that was only known to their people, that''s why they allowed someone to help out preparing the food, the reason why Vulture was always the one preparing the food was not only because he was good at it but also to make sure that no one could tamper their food but since Kisha gave a go signal, they let someone to help them, hoping that this person would knock them out, poisoning is out of the question for them because even if it does, they are sure that Kisha would have a solution to that, that''s why they blindly followed her. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 166 How a Traitor is Handled Besides, they were all trained to handle drugging and poisoning incidents, so their bodies had developed a certain level of immunity, making drugs or poisons have minimal effect on them. Duke, on the other hand, had complete immunity. He wasn''t even affected by the knockout drops and had been pretending the whole time. Since they were all around Aston''s team and Kisha suspected a 90% chance that a traitor was lurking within the group, she discreetly communicated with her team using hand gestures from the beginning. This kept Sparrow and Vulture constantly informed and prepared for any surprises. Kisha only used a note once with Duke to test if the traitor was secretly spying on them without their knowledge. If the traitor had known about the note, they would surely have tried to ask about it at least once, given that it might contain information about the Winters or any other useful details. Kisha and Duke''s suspicious behavior regarding the note would naturally draw the traitor''s interest. However, the traitor never mentioned it, possibly forgetting to ask or planning to inquire once they had Kisha and her team secured. Either way, the traitor is now dead, and they no longer need to be cautious about everything. They can now focus all their attention on fighting the zombies and figuring out how to escort Aston and his people for the investigation outside. Kisha felt all the tension leave her body, turning her knees to jelly. Fortunately, Duke was right behind her and caught her before she collapsed to the floor. Duke let out a melodious chuckle as he gripped Kisha''s waist and pulled her to his side. "Are you alright? Hmm?" he asked teasingly. Kisha pouted as she glared at Duke. Unlike Duke and his team, she had no immunity to drugs or poison and was still feeling the effects of the knockout drop. She had considered buying an antidote from the mall point, but at 500 points, it seemed like a waste¡ªespecially since it was an all-rounder antidote capable of countering paralysis, poisoning, and more. So, she relied on sheer willpower to stand earlier and used her telekinesis to control Sparrow''s dagger, swiftly and cleanly slicing the traitor''s neck. The traitor never expected such a counterattack, and Kisha''s strike was so stealthy and fast that he was decapitated before he even realized what was happening. Seeing Kisha''s weakness and her limbs turning soft after pushing herself too hard, Duke scooped her up like a princess. He carried her to a comfortable corner, placing her gently on his lap, and rested her head on his sturdy chest. Cradling her in his arms, he looked down at the woman who had been acting tough as if she were carrying the world just moments ago. Now, she was quietly enjoying Duke''s pampering without protest. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and murmured, "You''ve done great. Now, rest and leave the rest to me, hmm?" His voice was soft, coaxing her into relaxation. His voice was so calming and sexy that Kisha''s eyelids instantly grew heavier, and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep. Duke''s caring and gentle demeanor vanished as he lifted his head and gave a cold command to his two subordinates. "Impale that man''s body and put it at the top of the tower. I don''t care if the sun dries it out or if birds eat it¡ªtraitors don''t deserve a just death." If given the chance, Duke would have relished the opportunity to torture the man for his vile words directed at Kisha. However, he saw no purpose in dismembering the body after death¡ªit would only disrespect the dead without serving any practical goal. Instead, he opted to impale the man''s body, a method reminiscent of ancient punishments for traitors, and display it as a warning. Though there were no people to warn in their current situation, Duke believed in providing the traitor with a proper, albeit symbolic, end. And once the remaining people found out about this when they woke up and saw the body up on the top of the tower, they would know the message, Duke was trying to convey. As soon as they got the order, Vulture swiftly hoisted the traitor''s body onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes while his free hand grabbed the head of the head that was on the floor like he was carrying a plastic bag. Sparrow led the way upstairs to light the way. They both don''t feel bad for the traitor who had backstabbed Aston for the benefit the Coltons give or maybe he was someone the Coltons placed under Aston''s command to serve as a spy so that Aston''s every move would be known by the Coltons. Regardless of the traitor''s motives or how he infiltrated Aston''s team, their priority was the safety of their own. With the threat neutralized, they felt a weight lifted from their shoulders. When Sparrow and Vulture reached the top of the tower, they located a single door positioned in front of the towering clock, serving as the maintenance entrance for the clock mechanism. Sparrow and Vulture glanced up at the top of the tower, where a sharp metal rod protruded from the roof, its design unwittingly serving as a potential impaling tool. Without hesitation, Sparrow seized the traitor''s body by the collar from Vulture''s shoulder and leaped into the air. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hovering atop the tower within his whirlwind, Sparrow swiftly released his grip on the traitor''s body, letting it plummet towards the waiting rod below. With a sickening thud, the lifeless form collided with the sharp metal, impaling the traitor''s stomach from behind. The length of the rod ensured the body halted midway, its limbs swaying in the air for a moment. With a satisfied smirk, Sparrow descended to join Vulture. As Sparrow began his descent, he noticed Vulture still holding the traitor''s head. Realizing his oversight, he ascended back up, this time taking care to delicately position the head atop the rod as if crafting a morbid sculpture. Once satisfied with his work, he dusted off his hands and admired the macabre display. With a self-satisfied smile, he descended once more to rejoin Vulture. Vulture remained silent as they made their way to the middle section of the clock tower. They harbored no sympathy for the traitor, believing that such treatment in death was fitting for his dishonorable actions. This, they felt, was the appropriate fate for a traitor and how they should be handled. This grim task only reinforced their memory of the mole who had infiltrated their ranks, leading to the discovery of their team by the Coltons and the subsequent loss of many comrades. The haunting images of their mission to locate the Winters and the subsequent rescue of one of their fellow captains remained etched in their minds, a constant reminder of the betrayal within their midst. The rage that surged through their veins remains vivid even now, etched into their memories like a scar that refuses to fade. Each face of their fallen brothers remains hauntingly clear, a painful reminder of lives cut short, each one a cherished comrade who had shared laughter and camaraderie just hours before their tragic end. Every time they close their eyes, their minds replay the scenes of innocence shattered by betrayal, a solemn tribute to those they had lost. Chapter 167 The Jealous Duke They harbored this thought that if there was no mole in their midst, none of their brothers would have died tragically like that, and if that was the case, by now, they might have been silently building up their base up the mountains where they could start farming and growing the livestock while hoping for a better future from there. But, there was no ''What Ifs'' in this world as much as there was no medicine for regret. Sparrow and Vulture assumed their roles as the night watch with solemn determination. Though a torrent of thoughts flooded their minds, they silently acknowledged the need to steady their emotions, ensuring that their duties remained unaffected by the weight of their contemplations. During this quiet interlude, Sparrow and Vulture found themselves reflecting on Kisha''s unspoken sacrifices and steadfast support throughout their mission to locate Duke''s family. They recognized that their safety and success were owed in no small part to her efforts, deepening their appreciation for her and reinforcing their unwavering faith in her abilities. Just as they had always trusted Duke implicitly, they now stood ready to risk everything to ensure Kisha''s well-being. As Kisha slumbered, unaware of the development, she unknowingly acquired two steadfast allies. Sparrow and Vulture, like loyal hounds, pledged their unwavering allegiance. They were poised to heed her every command without hesitation, ready to stand by her side, even in potential conflicts with Duke. After precisely four hours had elapsed, Aston and his team began to rouse one by one, emerging from their slumber as if they had enjoyed a long and restorative rest. Stretching their limbs and blinking with sleepy eyes, they surveyed the room with mild confusion. They couldn''t fathom how they had ended up asleep on the floor without seeking out a more comfortable spot. Many among them seemed oblivious to the fact that they had been drugged and were dangerously close to meeting their demise. Aston alone seemed attuned to the abnormality of the situation, his senses sharpened with suspicion as he scanned the room. "What''s going on?" he inquired, his voice raspy with wariness. His gaze settled on Duke, who held Kisha in a protective embrace in one corner. Casting a quick count of the room''s occupants, he noted three missing figures. Though he entertained the possibility that they might have taken the night watch, a disquieting feeling lingered, telling him that all was not as it should be. Duke wasted no time in recounting the events that unfolded while they were unconscious, divulging the unsettling truth. "We had an unwelcome visitor¡ªa traitor from your team¡ªwho saw fit to drug us all," he revealed candidly. Aston grappled with disbelief as Duke''s words sank in. The idea that someone from his trusted team could betray them felt unfathomable. He wrestled with denial, unable to accept the notion that a member he relied on could orchestrate such a betrayal. Suspicion gnawed at him, prompting him to question Duke''s account and contemplate ulterior motives. Accepting the truth seemed inconceivable in the face of such betrayal. "That''s impossible!!!" Aston''s disbelief erupted into a roar of denial, his eyes ablaze with anger. In a frantic search for answers, he scanned the room, realizing that one of his team members was conspicuously absent. "Where have you taken my team?!" he demanded, rising abruptly from the floor. The sudden shift in Aston''s demeanor startled those around him, who were already reeling from the shocking revelation. Aston''s typically composed demeanor had vanished, replaced by an unsteady stance and a wild look in his eyes. He lurched toward Duke, driven by a sudden surge of aggression. But his swift advance and the palpable aura of hostility he exuded jolted Kisha awake, and in a swift, fluid motion, she intercepted him, pinning him to the ground with surprising ease. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a dagger poised dangerously close to his face, the gravity of the situation hung thick in the air. Thud- Swoosh- Crack- The room was filled with a resounding thud as Aston hit the floor, and the unmistakable sound of a blade embedding itself in the wooden surface followed. Despite just awakening, Kisha''s eyes bore none of the grogginess typical of someone roused from sleep. Instead, they gleamed with a sharpness that cut through the air like a blade. An aura of deadly intent emanated from her, suffusing the room with an oppressive weight. In that moment, she seemed less like someone who had just risen from slumber and more like a seasoned warrior on a battlefield. Aston found himself momentarily stunned by Kisha''s commanding presence, his anger momentarily forgotten in the face of her unexpected assertiveness. Aston''s gaze fell upon the glimmering blade beside him, a stark reminder of the lethal force Kisha had wielded. He couldn''t help but wonder what might have happened if she hadn''t recognized him at the last moment. The intensity of her vigilance was reminiscent of her former life, where safety was a fleeting concept and the threat of ambush by evolved zombies was ever-present, even in their moments of rest. Aston''s hostility and sudden movement just woken her instinct up and he was lucky that she did stop in the nick of time. After a while, Aston also regained his composure, but before he could come back up and fight with Kisha, Kisha was already hauled by Duke with a hint of jealousy because she was sitting in on someone else''s chest. Caught off guard by Duke''s resentful gaze and questioning expression, Kisha''s irritation dissipated, replaced by confusion. Arching her eyebrows, she inquired, "What''s the matter with you?" "Why are you sitting in someone else''s chest, not mine?" Duke''s question injected an unexpected twist into the tense atmosphere, morphing it into an awkward moment. Eyes darted between Duke, Kisha, and Aston before quickly shifting away. Despite the gravity of the situation, Duke''s jealous inquiry sparked a flicker of amusement. The absurdity of his jealousy, juxtaposed with Kisha''s imposing presence, momentarily diverted their attention from the pressing issue at hand. Kisha''s embarrassment swelled as Duke''s jealousy resurfaced, prompting her to quickly divert her gaze. Sensing the need to diffuse the tension, she shifted the focus. "What''s happening? Why all the commotion?" "I should be the one asking, what did you guys do to my team?!" Aston''s voice was thick with resentment as he struggled to rise from the floor. He felt as if he and his team were mere pawns on a chessboard, ready to be sacrificed at any moment according to Kisha and her team''s whims. The disbelief lingered in his tone as he confronted them, demanding answers for what had been done to his team. He was in a defensive stance as he backed away a few times. Kisha knew all too well what Aston was feeling and how confusing and painful it was to be betrayed so he was in denial, especially when he did not witness the so-called betrayal by his people, so it was natural for him to suspect her, and her team in manipulating the matter and placing this stigma in his people. She''s been in this situation a few times and even though she knew that this was not the first time Aston must be in this situation, as a soldier, they are all too familiar with this scenario and they also knew that many people frame others while the pot is calling the kettle black, so what matters is the evidence. Chapter 168 The Evidence She knew all too well that explaining things to Aston with words alone would be futile. Although Aston, as a soldier, understood the complexities of spies and potential framing, nothing could surpass the impact of indisputable evidence. When she first suspected that Duke''s predicament was connected to Aston and that he had been betrayed while they were outside, she took meticulous steps to prepare. Not only did she strategize to prevent them from being caught off guard by an enemy ambush, but she also took the precaution of wearing a mini camera connected to her phone via Bluetooth from the moment they left the shelter. She realized that only by showing Aston the complete footage of what transpired would he believe that he had truly been betrayed and that neither she nor her team had framed anyone or killed indiscriminately. She realized that providing concrete evidence was the only way to gain Aston''s trust and prove that she and her team were not his enemies. When Kisha noticed Aston''s suspicious gaze, she stepped closer, but Aston instinctively backed away, his eyes turning hostile. Kisha sighed in defeat before speaking. "Look, I know it''s hard to believe, especially when you''ve trusted your people with your life. Trust me, I know how much that betrayal hurts." She pulled out her phone from her pocket, and immediately, all eyes were on her, everyone on high alert. Aston and his team were tense, likely fearing an assassination attempt at any moment. Kisha didn''t care about their suspicions or hostile glares. After pulling out her phone, she tapped a few times until the video appeared on the screen. Without playing it, she extended the phone towards Aston, gesturing for him to take it. "See for yourself," she said, her expression remaining indifferent. Aston, sensing no malice or hostility from her or anyone else, reluctantly took the phone. He saw a video paused and ready to play. Aston glanced up to see Kisha, who seemed indifferent to what he intended to do with the phone or the evidence. From everything that had transpired and what Kisha had said so far, he surmised that this was some kind of proof about the traitor in his team. Instead of looking at the evidence, he looked at Kisha and narrowed his eyes. He wanted to ask her how she had obtained the evidence and why she seemed so prepared. Her readiness made him feel exposed and vulnerable as if Kisha knew far more than she was letting on and had anticipated every eventuality. These qualities might reassure her allies, but for her enemies, they were intimidating. At this moment, Aston was uncertain whether she considered him an ally or an enemy. As if reading his thoughts, Kisha said, "Don''t worry, if I considered you my enemies, you''d be like that traitor by now or dead the moment we left the shelter. You wouldn''t stand a chance against us." Her tone wasn''t sarcastic, just matter-of-fact. Aston could sense the truth in her words. Based on what he had seen so far, he knew that if Kisha and her team truly wanted them dead, it would have been easier to kill them outright rather than escort them around. After taking a moment to clear his thoughts and make sense of everything that had happened, Aston finally had a clearer perspective. He took a deep breath, repeating the action a few more times to calm his mind and regain his logical thinking. Though he wasn''t adept at human relations or scheming, he wasn''t stupid either. Aston looked down at the phone in his hands and pressed the play button. At first, the screen showed only darkness; Kisha must have been in a very dark place or the camera was obstructed. Soon, the camera began to move, likely capturing the moment they had just arrived. After watching a bit more, he confirmed this was indeed their arrival. Realizing it would take too long to watch the entire footage, Aston dragged the timeline forward to the point where they were supposed to be eating. As the video played, it matched his memory perfectly. Kisha had been resting in a quiet spot, and although the lighting was dim, the 4K resolution made it easy to identify everyone. He could see his team and Kisha''s team eating voraciously, all consuming the same food. However, there was one person who hadn''t taken a bite of their food or a sip of their soup. This person sat silently, watching the others with a smile. Even from a distance, Aston recognized him¡ªit was his second in command, a man who had been with him through the academy and the army, like a brother. Aston felt his heart thump so loudly in his chest that it was almost painful. His hands trembled ever so slightly. He knew what was coming next, and part of him wanted to put down the phone and simply believe what he had known for so long. It was difficult to accept that the person closest to him could be labeled a traitor. He had known and grown up with this man, knowing him to be inherently good-natured. After that initial thought passed through his mind, Aston managed to relax a bit and resumed watching. "There''s no way it could be Chad," he reassured himself. Nearly five minutes into the video, with nothing seeming amiss, it happened. His team, even Sparrow and Vulture, all dropped to the floor like flies, motionless. Even in the video, Kisha displayed a hint of weakness, her breathing turning into slight panting as she struggled not to pass out like the others. Aston observed how quickly she checked on Duke, who was beside her, even placing her hands under his nose to confirm he was still breathing. Only when she was certain that he was alive did she let out a shaky sigh of relief. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The silence in the room was palpable, allowing everyone to hear the events unfolding on the video. Even without seeing the footage, they could infer what Aston must be witnessing at that moment. As the only female in the group, they recognized that the person in the video was undoubtedly Kisha. Then, they heard his voice¡ªChad''s voice¡ªbut the tone and words he spoke were so venomous that they all felt rooted to the ground in shock. They had never heard him speak this way before, especially Aston, who was witnessing the footage of his friend''s demeanor while conversing with Kisha. Aston felt the most profound blow to his heart. The friend and brother he had believed Chad to be turned out to be adept at deception. They had all thought Chad incapable of harming even a fly, joining the army solely because he was poor and needed to support his family quickly, not being particularly intelligent, as he had often admitted. It was only now that Aston realized the truth¡ªthat the friend he thought he knew was merely a facade. Chad had likely joined Aston''s circle to attach himself to him, perhaps to spy on him or for some other ulterior motive. Perhaps there would be no way for him to ever uncover the real reason, especially now that Chad was dead. However, Aston had no desire to probe further into the depths of his wounded trust, which felt as though it were oozing blood at that moment. Chapter 169 The Evidence 2 Aston couldn''t bear to hear any more of the venomous words spewing from Chad''s mouth, so he immediately stopped the video. Every word Chad uttered only solidified the realization of whom he was colluding with and why he had been there. Aston had heard loud and clear Chad''s intentions and who he was working for, and now everything clicked into place. The reason Aston couldn''t uncover the mole in his group from the start was that the traitor had been right beside him, privy to all his secret commands and aware of every route he would take. Aston realized that everything he had believed about Chad was merely a facade, carefully constructed to gain his trust from the outset. His enemy had been prepared to scheme against him all along, and now, amidst the chaos, they saw their chance to strike. Aston felt as though he had been drained of his usefulness and that killing him would be effortless for his enemies. Aston clenched his fist into a tight ball, his teeth grinding together until he could taste the faint tang of iron in his mouth. The metallic taste brought a sudden realization of how foolish he had been all along¡ªnurturing a snake in his own midst, unaware that it would soon swallow him whole like an anaconda. He had come dangerously close to perishing without even understanding how it had happened, and in the process, almost dragged some innocent people down with him. Aston handed the phone back to Kisha without finishing the video. After hearing Chad''s intentions and the identity of his collaborators, Aston lost all desire to watch further. It seemed futile; it wouldn''t change anything other than confirming Chad''s betrayal and his sinister agenda to eliminate them once he had accomplished his mission¡ªeither recruiting Kisha and her team or eliminating them if they refused to join the Coltons along with Aston and his remaining people. Kisha refrained from adding to Aston''s burden; she had no inclination to kick a person who was already down. Instead, she allowed him the space to process everything on his own and decide his course of action. "Host, aren''t you crafty? You knew he wouldn''t continue watching the video to see how the traitor met his end in your hands, and that he would ask how that was possible, didn''t you?" 008 giggled knowingly inside Kisha''s head. "I have no idea what you''re talking about," Kisha feigned ignorance, playing dumb to 008''s remarks. "I was anticipating his reaction when he sees the glint of the flying dagger slicing through his friend''s neck and wondered about it," 008 continued. "I even speculated on a few answers you might provide, like using an invisible string to pull the dagger in your direction, akin to a real secret agent like James Bond in the movies, or employing some hidden mechanism." 008 sighed. "Well, jokes aside, he must truly be reeling from this news, much like you were when you were first betrayed by the person you trusted the most, only to be cast aside and abandoned." Upon hearing 008''s words, Kisha''s eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint as memories of betrayal and abandonment flooded her mind. However, she quickly pushed these memories aside; they were wounds from the past that she had long attempted to forget, and she had no desire to revisit the pain they caused. After she clarified matters with Aston and the others, particularly regarding the fate of the Traitor, they all reacted with horror upon learning of Duke and the others'' actions. Aston, however, remained impassive, his gaze fixed on Kisha and her team, lost in his own thoughts. While the others couldn''t discern his inner turmoil, they sensed his sadness and understood that he needed time to process his emotions. Depression was a natural response, and they respected his need for space. After the day''s tumultuous events, they retired for the night to gather strength for the journey ahead. Despite the weight of the day weighing heavily on their minds, they knew the importance of rest. Though sleep eluded them, they compelled themselves to at least get some sleep. In a few hours, another pair relieved Sparrow and Vulture, who had been tirelessly navigating the streets throughout the day. Recognizing their exhaustion, the new pair took over, allowing Sparrow and Vulture a much-needed sleep. As Kisha prepared to drift into sleep, she noticed Aston seated nearby, lost in contemplation. His distant gaze suggested he was grappling with the day''s revelations or perhaps reminiscing about past events. Sensing her focus on Aston, Duke playfully covered her eyes with his large hands, drawing her into his embrace. "Caught sneaking glances at another man, hmm?" Duke''s teasing whisper brushed against Kisha''s ear, laced with a hint of possessive jealousy. She hadn''t realized Duke could be so possessive and jealous, perhaps because he hadn''t felt secure enough to express it openly before. As he playfully pinched her waist, Kisha felt a surge of electricity run through her body, his voice carrying a magnetic allure that drew her thoughts solely to him. "How should I punish you, hmm?" Duke''s whisper sent shivers down her spine and her scalp tingling, causing her to squirm slightly in response. With her eyes still covered, every sensation seemed heightened, making her acutely aware of his presence and touch. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as she felt Duke''s hand gliding slowly from her waist to her back. "My dear wife, what punishment should I bestow upon you for gazing at other men?" Duke''s tone held a playful teasing, yet beneath it, there lingered a palpable sense of jealousy. Perhaps his current disguise left him feeling a bit insecure, knowing Aston would stand out, appearing more handsome and dashing in comparison. He sensed that Kisha was going to great lengths to win Aston over to their side, to the point where she seemed to orchestrate this particular outcome for Aston. Now, catching her staring at him only fueled his suspicion further. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Noticing the insecurity and underlying resentment in Duke''s voice, Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle softly. As Duke''s hand roamed her body, teasing her while his mind seemed consumed by jealousy, he occasionally pinched her, eliciting gasps from her. She couldn''t discern whether Duke''s actions were intentional, perhaps to assert his ownership over her in front of others. After catching Duke''s hand that was exploring her body, she gently traced circles in his palm, her eyes still covered but her melodious chuckle indicating her enjoyment. Leaning back against Duke''s chest, she used him as a comfortable support. Whispering softly, she reassured him, "How could I possibly be interested in anyone else when I''m married to the most handsome and remarkable man in the entire country? Remember when girls from all over were vying for your attention?" Playfully, she pinched Duke''s index finger. "My only intention was to recruit Aston, a talented and strong individual, to lighten our workload. With more help, we could have more time for each other, don''t you think?" Her words were matter-of-fact, eliciting a wide smile from Duke, his eyes turning into crescents. He was relieved to hear that everything his wife was doing was for their future. Easily believing her words, he let go of his resentment and jealousy right away, feeling reassured by her sincerity and commitment to their deepening relationship. Chapter 170 Do You Want To Follow Him? After fooling around for a bit, Duke and Kisha fell asleep together. They were abruptly awakened by the night watch''s alert just before dawn, signaling that more zombies were approaching from all directions. Duke wondered if the scent of human blood from the traitor''s body, impaled at the highest point of the watchtower, was attracting the zombies. Although it wasn''t a massive horde, the number of zombies was still significant enough to pose a challenge. According to the night watch, at least a thousand zombies were approaching, a number they couldn''t handle without using their awakened abilities. Kisha and the rest immediately stood up and began packing as quickly as possible. Kisha, thinking ahead, considered storing everything in her inventory but refrained from doing so because there are many outsiders in their group currently. She was the first to leave the tower with Duke, saying they would be out to find an escape route. In reality, they were putting back all the supplies she had taken to store in her inventory. Meanwhile, Sparrow and Vulture stayed behind to finish packing with everyone. Soon after, the others came down, and the zombie horde had yet to reach their location. The zombies were marching rather than running, likely driven by curiosity rather than the certainty of food. The traitor''s body had been impaled at the top of the tower for several hours, causing his blood to dry and its scent to weaken, even as the wind carried it around. The atmosphere among the group was still heavy from the previous night''s events, but there was no time to dwell on it. They quickly boarded the truck, and Sparrow wasted no time starting the engine. Regardless of the direction he chose, they were met by hundreds of zombies standing on the road. The moment the zombies heard the engine''s rumble, their marching turned into a sprint as they chased after the truck. Many in Aston''s group were visibly nervous, their anxiety growing as they saw the horde. One member subconsciously glanced back at the tower, wondering if they should return and wait for the zombies to disperse before continuing their mission. From his position, he saw something different at the top of the tower. Unlike Sparrow and Kisha, who had good eyesight and could see far away, his vision was blurry. He thought the object he saw was just another decoration on the rod. Noticing his intense focus on one spot, another member, trying to distract himself from the anxiety of the zombie horde chasing their truck, also looked up to see what his comrade was staring at. His better eyesight allowed him to make out the silhouette on top of the tower. He recalled what Duke and the others had said about dealing with the traitor. Realizing that it might be the traitor from their team, a shiver ran down his spine, and his mouth fell open in horror. He couldn''t comprehend Duke and his group''s brutality. Placing a dead body in such a degrading position seemed unnecessary and inhumane. The traitor was already deceased, so what purpose did this serve? His face turned pale, and his body trembled uncontrollably. Fear gripped him, not just of Duke and his group, but also of making any noise that might draw attention, though, amidst the surrounding zombie noise, it seemed unlikely anyone would hear him anyway. But at that moment, fear consumed him, his attention fixated on Duke and Kisha seated before them. His teammates noticed his unease and followed his gaze upward. Despite the distance from the tower, they could still discern the unsettling sight their comrade had seen. Aston, currently silent, looked up with a cold, emotionless stare. The silhouette on the tower triggered a shift in Aston''s demeanor from melancholy to rage, his fury directed squarely at Duke. Confusion still gripped the others as they stared upward, until Aston''s roar pierced the air, punctuated by a swift punch to Duke''s face. But Duke didn''t let Aston lay a finger on him, his gaze alone enough to freeze Aston in place. Despite Duke''s intimidating stare, Aston''s anger fueled his adrenaline, and he lunged at Duke again, like a hyena attacking a lion. Duke casually deflected Aston''s punches, knowing full well why Aston was furious but showing little concern. In Duke''s view, survival was paramount; had they not been prepared, they''d all be dead. He contemplated whether their corpses would be left for the zombies or simply left to rot, scenarios equally bleak and unknown. His fury burned hotter as he recalled how his people had been abandoned to turn into zombies or die¡ªa fate equally inhumane. Duke felt he was merely returning the pain inflicted upon them. However, he was resolved that his retaliation would far exceed what they had endured. He vowed to mete out tenfold the suffering and anguish inflicted upon his people, holding both the mastermind and their cohorts equally accountable. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Aston persisted in his assault, Duke''s patience wore thin. "If you''re so eager to join your treacherous friend up there, leaving your vulnerable comrades here with us, I won''t object to sending you on your way," Duke declared with a cold, authoritative tone. It was clear to everyone present that this was no idle threat; Duke was making a serious proposition. The reminder of betrayal hit Aston like a bucket of cold water. As Sparrow took a sharp turn, Aston was thrown back into his seat with such force that it pained his back. Yet, in that moment, the physical discomfort paled in comparison to the emotional turmoil he felt. But, with Duke''s reminder of his remaining people with him out there and still on the mission to look for the Winters brought him back from his reverie to sort out his emotions like how he was trained to. He stared at Duke for a little then went back to his stern and cold demeanor as if nothing ever happened to him earlier. Duke''s words served as a stark reminder to everyone present. They realized that even if Duke had not desecrated the corpse of their former comrade who had betrayed them, his body would not have received a peaceful burial, as per the tradition of honoring the deceased. In this harsh reality they faced, they considered themselves fortunate to still have their bodies intact and the ability to move freely. Bringing back a dead body would have been impractical and risky, especially given the difficulty they already faced in transporting essential supplies back to their shelter. They collectively realigned their thoughts to prevent their righteous hearts and minds from interfering with their mission. In fact, they realized they should be grateful to Kisha and her team for preventing them from being backstabbed without their knowledge. They hung their heads in embarrassment, realizing their thoughts and actions had seemed ungrateful towards those who had saved them. Reflecting deeply as the truck jolted along, navigating through the encircling zombie horde, they understood the gravity of their situation and had to be on guard right now, rather than thinking of the past. Despite the rough terrain, Sparrow maintained their speed, ensuring the zombies couldn''t catch up. He expertly maneuvered through a series of sharp turns, causing the zombies in pursuit to stumble and pile up like a stampede, gradually thinning their numbers as they continued their journey. Chapter 171 Reeve Nelson and Hidden Mission Given the nature of their work, Aston''s team of soldiers quickly processed their feelings about the traitor. They understood that dwelling on resentment would harm their mental resilience and distract them from their mission. As soldiers, they were trained to maintain a strong mindset and focus, accepting the loss of a comrade as part of their duty. While it wasn''t easy, they were better equipped to handle such situations compared to civilians. After sorting out their thoughts and feelings, they all sat up straight in alertness, ensuring they were prepared for any impending battle. One of them, a young man with a striking appearance who had recently joined their ranks, glanced at the supplies piled in the corner. His voice, melodious yet carrying an edge of concern, broke the silence. "Doesn''t it seem like our supplies are little compared to when we left them in the truck yesterday?" His question prompted everyone to look at the supplies, but they couldn''t discern any noticeable difference at first glance. Kisha cast a discerning gaze at the young man, causing him to flinch. He worried she might think he was accusing them of keeping supplies for themselves. Unbeknownst to him, Kisha was actually studying his status window. [Reeve Nelson] Level 0 Morality: Neutral Strength: 5 Stamina: 8 Defense: 4 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 9 Charm: 10 Leadership: 4 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Group Synergy Gift: Siren''s Call "Hmm, that''s interesting," Kisha thought as she studied Reeve''s talents and gifts displayed in his status window. If her suspicions were correct about his abilities, they could prove extremely useful. Adding him to the team, although, he could be a frontline defensive tank or an offensive player, his support-type ability could still enhance their overall capabilities. Moreover, pairing him with Clyde could create a deadly synergy effect, making them a formidable duo in any situation. It was rare to come across raw talent like Reeve, and Kisha intended to observe him further to assess his potential for recruitment alongside Aston and Clyde, and possibly even Fred and Rose. Despite her interest in their abilities, she remained cautious about whether they were the best fit for the team, necessary for more observation. Oh well, maybe aside from Aston, because she had already decided on this person and she already knew what kind of person he was. And fortunately, they still had 22 days left in the shelter before returning to base with the others. Hopefully, by then, the outcome of their conflict with the Coltons would also be resolved. The intensity of Kisha''s stare made Reeve feel like his hair was standing on end, sending waves of nervousness and unease through him. He couldn''t discern what plans Kisha might be formulating behind that scrutinizing gaze. Moreover, he worried that she might have deduced his true intentions for joining the team, despite not being a combatant and potentially feeling like a burden to them. Reeve lowered his head, attempting to diminish his presence, hoping that Kisha''s interest in him would swiftly fade. He longed to return to blending into the background, quietly following the team without drawing any attention to himself. Ding... Kisha''s attention was abruptly diverted by a notification from the system, causing her to stare blankly into space. Reeve heaved a sigh of relief, grateful to have passed that moment without drawing further attention. [Hidden Mission: B Class Mission "Save The Lonely Mountain"] sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s head tilted to the side as she stared at the system interface in front of her, baffled by the message: ''Save a Mountain?'' Did it imply she needed to venture into a mountain, clearing out zombies, mutant animals, and even mutant trees? She struggled to grasp the mission''s purpose. "008, could you track the location of this mission and show me the map?" Kisha commanded, breaking the silence that had enveloped 008 until then. "On it, host," 008 replied promptly. As 008 began tracking the mission''s location, Kisha focused on reviewing the mission''s description. [Mission Description: Save the community''s lone Savior.] After reading the description, she found herself even more baffled. What did a mountain have to do with being the community''s lone savior? The system''s missions were always cryptic and confusing like this. Within a few seconds, 008 returned with the map displaying the mission''s location. It wasn''t far from their current position, which might explain why the mission had suddenly appeared. Kisha quickly pulled out her phone and accessed Google Maps to locate the place she had seen on her system interface. Fortunately, they still had a phone signal and working internet, allowing her to send Vulture the location along with detailed instructions on what they needed to do. Vulture didn''t ask any more questions; he simply passed the Google Map information to Sparrow and relayed Kisha''s instructions. Sparrow didn''t hesitate either, swiftly changing their route to head towards their new target location as instructed by their young madam. Aston instantly perked up at the sudden change of route. "Where are we going?" he asked, eyeing Kisha as she put away her phone. He had observed her typing on it moments before their destination changed, leaving him with a sense that something was amiss. Kisha remained composed and ready to address any inquiries. "We''ve been on the move since yesterday and haven''t refueled even once," she explained calmly. "I realized this, and it would be risky to keep going without topping up the tank. The truck could stop suddenly at any moment." Leaning back in her seat, she added, "We can''t afford that kind of risk, it would be dangerous once it happened." After hearing her explanation, everyone realized the validity of Kisha''s concern. No one wanted to risk being stranded in the midst of a zombie horde. Understanding her point clearly, they didn''t press further. Fortunately, Kisha spotted a gas station near the mission location. This provided a convenient cover for her to justify their stop, as she knew she''d otherwise struggle to explain their detour. Everyone might have opposed the idea, especially given their time constraints. Aston was focused on completing the investigation and his mission of finding the Wintersswiftly. He wouldn''t easily agree to Kisha pursuing her own mission without a clear explanation of her intentions. After Kisha explained, she noticed Aston nod in acknowledgment, and they resumed their journey. Since the location was only 1.5 kilometers from their original route, they soon arrived at the gasoline station. Kisha instructed Sparrow to fill up the tank and the empty fuel canister and asked him to locate additional canisters to refill. Meanwhile, Aston and his team secured the area. Kisha and Duke took on the role of scouts, clearing a path ahead to ensure they wouldn''t be caught off guard by any approaching zombie hordes. Aston found no fault in Kisha''s actions and decisions thus far, so he allowed them to proceed. The area around the gasoline station was relatively clear of zombies, and Vulture assisted in securing the nearest vicinity to ensure Sparrow could focus on the task Kisha assigned him without interruption. And so, Aston and his team had a relatively lighter task, prompting no complaints. Kisha took Duke with her and headed straight to the location displayed on the map. Once out of sight, Kisha utilized her telekinesis ability, directing her flying dagger to fend off approaching zombies, while Bell and the other scarlet bees collected the crystal cores as usual. Chapter 172 The Face Off Duke didn''t leave all the fighting to Kisha; he took care of the zombie that slipped through the crack, ensuring the street they had come from was clear of any further threats. With only the two of them and no need to hold back, they utilized their awakened abilities to carve a path forward. However, as they approached the location marked on the map, the zombie horde thickened noticeably. Kisha sensed that something was amiss; a B-class mission was proving to be as challenging as the rescue mission she had undertaken with the Winters. She struggled to understand the mission description; as far as her memory of the area went, there were no mountains or anything resembling one nearby. She pondered the possibility of it being a rescue mission, given the emphasis on "saving the ''mountain''" and the phrase "community savior" in the description. As Kisha and Duke approached the location pinned on their map, about 500 meters away, they heard a distinct, menacing growl unlike any they had encountered from regular zombies. Kisha wondered if it signaled an evolved zombie leading the horde''s assault. Meanwhile, she noticed the mass of zombies struggling to maneuver past one another, forming a dense crowd ahead. Beyond them, they saw a circular arrangement of colorful buildings centered around a community fountain. The apartments stood closely together, with small shops on the ground floor forming a mini-community of their own. Roar- Roar- Another fierce roar echoed from the center of the encirclement, further agitating the zombies. Kisha also felt the ground trembling beneath her feet, unsure whether it was caused by the sheer mass of zombies moving about or by something significant happening in the center related to the roars they had been hearing. Kisha and Duke faced a daunting obstacle: a dense throng of zombies blocked their path ahead. The creatures were too preoccupied with reaching the center of the encirclement to notice the two approaching. Uncertain of what awaited them at the center, Kisha and Duke hesitated to rush in, recognizing it as another reason to hold back. Instead, Kisha and Duke opted to ascend the emergency stairs in an adjacent alley, aiming for an apartment near the colorful building. The emergency stairs were roughly two meters high. Duke positioned himself behind Kisha, securing her waist before effortlessly hoisting her up the wall to reach the ladder. While Kisha could have managed on her own, she appreciated Duke''s assistance and allowed him to help. Using his well-trained muscles, Duke leaped from the ground to the emergency ladder without difficulty. He quickly ascended, utilizing his upper body strength to pull himself up effortlessly. Together, they climbed until they reached the roof of the building. Once they reached the rooftop, their objective was clear: they needed to move to the adjacent building in order to gain a full view of the central part of the community where the commotion originated, and where their mission was focused. The building they needed to reach was somewhat distant, separated by another alley below. However, this posed no challenge to them, even without Vulture''s assistance. Duke stepped back a meter and gestured for Kisha to follow him. He intended to leap from their current building to the next, bridging the gap swiftly. Kisha raised an eyebrow at Duke, unsure if he still intended to throw her to the next building. She shook her head, knowing Duke''s ability allowed him to jump from their building to the adjacent one. Without hesitation, she took the first step. Instead of stepping back like Duke, she leaped from the roof, causing Duke''s heart to leap into his throat with nervousness. Forgetting everything else, he almost instinctively prepared to follow her when he witnessed Kisha use her telekinetic ability to control her dagger, using it for leverage midair. Stepping onto the dagger, she propelled herself forward. However, her first leap wasn''t enough to reach the other side. Adjusting quickly, she maneuvered the dagger again, positioning it ahead of her as a stepping stone. With this final effort, she successfully reached the adjacent building. Duke let out a soft, defeated chuckle as he followed suit. Thanks to his strong leg muscles, he managed to reach the other side with a single leap, unlike Kisha, who had to use the dagger as a stepping stone to make it across. As Kisha and Duke gained a clear view of the central part of the community, they witnessed a peculiar scene: the zombies, eager to climb over each other, were held at bay by those at the forefront, fixated on a standoff between an evolved zombie adorned with earth spikes on its back while also covered in what resembled earth armor and on the other side was what appeared to be a massive, bear-like creature. The creature growled menacingly towards the evolved zombie, dwarfing Kisha in size¡ªperhaps standing next to it would reach her shoulder. "That''s a huge Tibetan Mastiff," Duke murmured, his gaze fixed on the intense standoff between the two creatures. Kisha turned her head sharply towards Duke. As far as she knew, Tibetan Mastiffs were a large breed of dog, but not typically as large as a bear. Its black fur with a hint of brown made it resemble a bear at first glance, though its fluffy appearance made her uncertain. Moreover, it was standing on all fours, adding to the ambiguity. And even when it was standing in all four, it was still massive and intimidating. Roar- The Mastiff''s bark reverberated like a roar, its powerful sound shaking the ground as it stood firm and unmoving. Kisha observed the evolved zombie shrieking in anger; its face covered in earth resembled scales, its ear-piercing shriek also capable of shaking the ground. The zombie attempted to intimidate the dog by conjuring earth spikes from its feet, aiming them towards the Mastiff. Despite its massive size, the dog displayed surprising agility, easily dodging the attack. However, in doing so, it nearly edged closer to the encirclement''s boundary, prompting nearby zombies to lunge and attempt to bite it. Fortunately, the Mastiff swiftly noticed and stepped away, averting the danger. "It''s massive, like a mountain," Kisha murmured as she watched intently. Her words slipped out almost unintentionally, but as soon as she heard herself say "mountain," realization struck. "Mountain," she repeated, her eyes widening with understanding. Duke glanced at her, curious to know what had suddenly excited Kisha. Kisha observed the dog again, then shifted her gaze to the evolved zombie. Recalling the mission description, she noted that despite the zombie''s appearance resembling a mountain with its earth spikes and abilities, it didn''t align with the "Community Savior" description from the hidden mission. Her eyes returned to the dog, their intensity growing. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The dog''s immense size was striking; it easily reached her shoulder while on all fours, and would be even taller if it stood upright. Its sheer bulk size gave it a mountainous presence, possibly fulfilling the role of the "mountain" in the mission. She scanned the entire area. If the dog was indeed dubbed a "community savior," then it likely acted as the guardian of this community. Kisha''s eyes wandered across the buildings. Some people remained inside, appearing frail, and hungry, with sunken faces and vacant stares. They observed the commotion outside with indifference, yet whenever they glanced at the dog, a glint appeared in their eyes¡ªnot out of gratitude, but of hunger. Chapter 173 How To Now, she did not know if she should be saving the dog from the zombie or from the community it was meant to guard, which saw it as nothing more than a large piece of meat, Kisha sighed in frustration. She empathized with the people inside but also felt a surge of anger. The dog valiantly shielded them from zombies, risking its life, yet instead of gratitude, the residents harbored thoughts of devouring it once it averted the danger. Perhaps they intended to sustain themselves a little longer by consuming their protector after the immediate threat passed. But would this truly prolong their survival? No. Such an act would not only betray their guardian but also hasten their own demise. Instead of leveraging the dog''s protection to form teams for supply runs or to seek refuge at a shelter, they opted to remain secluded in their homes, pinning their hopes on eventual rescue while contemplating consuming the dog as a last resort to stave off starvation. Kisha grasped the harsh reality that in dire circumstances, people would resort to anything to survive, even considering the possibility of consuming the dog if absolutely necessary. However, she personally couldn''t fathom the idea of killing a dog or cat for sustenance. Her lingering affection for these creatures, once beloved pets in the world before the apocalypse, still held a place in her heart. Moreover, Kisha recognized the dog''s bravery in defending the residents and its effectiveness in combatting the zombies. She thought that she needed to help the dog ASAP. Otherwise, the dog wouldn''t stand a chance against the evolved zombie that even superhumans struggle to combat. Then Kisha fell into another trance and giggled to herself, prompting Duke to tilt his head to the side in curiosity. He couldn''t decipher what Kisha was plotting, but her mischievous and happy expression hinted that she had something in mind. Kisha resumed her survey of the area, carefully assessing potential entry and exit points for their rescue mission. Without Sparrow with them, they couldn''t employ their usual tactic of baiting zombies away to clear a path. As she estimated the sheer number of zombies encircling the community, she realized there were thousands. Her initial plan was to swiftly swoop in, grab the dog, and retreat, but upon closer inspection, the dog''s immense size gave her pause¡ªits paws alone seemed larger than her entire face. "How do you think we should get to the center?" Kisha absentmindedly asked Duke, who was still watching the standoff between the mastiff and the evolved zombie, both sides locked in a tense stalemate while the regular zombie surrounding them was also posing the dog danger as it could be bitten anytime. "Do you plan on taking that dog home?" Duke quipped, raising an eyebrow. Kisha tilted her head, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Wouldn''t it be better than staying here and waiting to die? We''d have a guard dog and a fluffy blanket when it gets cold," she playfully remarked, starting to seriously consider taking the dog with them. Initially, her focus was solely on completing the hidden mission and rescuing the dog, but Duke''s suggestion sparked a genuine attraction to the idea. Besides, even if she saved the dog from the evolved zombie and the zombie horde and then left it here, judging by how the people looked at it, they would surely kill it. Kisha wasn''t sure if the dog would retaliate or try to run away to save its life. It seemed much better to bring it home with them. But the question remained: how? The dog seemed firmly dedicated to guarding this place, evident in its efforts to protect the entire area with its own body. It appeared impossible to persuade it to come along willingly, and forcing it was out of the question. "Wait, bring it with them..." Kisha trailed off as she pondered this, then suddenly a light bulb seemed to switch on in her head, and she burst into laughter so hard it made her stomach ache. "I think I have a solution on how we could bring that dog with us," Kisha said, almost forgetting the extent of what she could do because she was too focused on her awakened ability these days. She glanced towards the center again. "Could you help me open up a path from here?" she asked Duke, pointing toward the direction of the fountain. She gestured for Duke to clear a path through the zombies so they could reach the dog more easily. Without hesitation, Duke nodded and began conjuring fireballs the size of Kisha''s face. Normally, Level 0 fire ability users could only produce fireballs the size of a fist at best. Some could barely manage a small flame akin to a matchstick, with their abilities growing more potent as they leveled up. Duke''s fireball already rivaled that of a Level 2 superhuman, which left Kisha feeling bitter once again. His prowess served as a constant reminder of the stark contrast between him and normal humans like her, who possessed only average abilities. "Host, show a bit more self-awareness and conscience. Considering you have a system, labeling yourself a normal human is inaccurate," 008 disdainfully remarked, then added, "With your stats alone, you''ve already deemed a monster among Level 0s." Shrugging indifferently, 008 continued, "But comparisons are always painful. Why measure yourself against the Tyrant Emperor, who was a monster among monsters?" Sensing Kisha''s growing irritation, 008 promptly retreated to the far corner of her consciousness, leaving Kisha to huff in frustration. She stopped dwelling on it and observed Duke, each hand conjuring a fireball that he hurled into the midst of the zombies below. The flames consumed the zombies as if they were living entities, actively devouring flesh and blood. The stench of burnt flesh filled the air, mingling with the rising black smoke. Duke persisted, shooting fireballs in succession, creating a blazing path that cut through the zombies below, forming a corridor of flame. As the other zombies stumbled into the flames, they were gradually engulfed, oblivious to the searing heat. Duke''s onslaught didn''t cease; after incinerating the zombies, he swiftly erected an ice wall to block their advance. He cast a glance at Kisha, silently signaling that he had cleared the path she had asked for. Kisha nodded decisively and leaped from the tenth floor of the building. Mimicking her earlier maneuver, she utilized her flying dagger as a platform, leaping progressively until she reached the path Duke had forged. Swiftly, she sprinted towards the center where the evolved zombie and the massive dog remained locked in a tense standoff. The two seemed oblivious to Kisha''s approach and the chaos of the zombies encircling them, each unwilling to make a move that could spell their demise. And it worked entirely in Kisha''s favor. As she raced along the path Duke had cleared, the zombies pounding on the ice wall only fueled her urgency, pushing her to run faster before the barrier could be breached. Within moments, she closed the distance to the massive dog, just a few steps away. With a wave of her hand, she made the dog vanish from sight. The evolved zombie, startled and confused, searched around frantically, unaware of where the dog had gone. Meanwhile, Kisha swiftly retraced her steps back the way she had come. The ice wall began to crumble under the relentless assault of the increasingly frenzied zombies. It was at this moment that the evolved zombie finally noticed Kisha. It let out a furious shriek, enraged and convinced that Kisha was responsible for the dog''s disappearance. In truth, it wasn''t entirely wrong. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 174 Hidden Mission Upon spotting Kisha, the evolved zombie conjured earth spikes that rose from the ground up to her knees, forming a jagged path as they pursued her. Meanwhile, the ice wall was rapidly cracking under the pressure. From atop the building, Duke was readying more than a dozen ice spears, prepared to rain them down on any zombies that got too close to Kisha. Simultaneously, Kisha readied her flying daggers, ensuring she was prepared for any threat. Behind her, the evolved zombie let out an enraged shriek that made the ground tremble. The zombie horde grew more agitated, surging against the ice wall and pouring in from the central part of the community. As Kisha ran, she glanced up at the building and noticed several windows that had been closed earlier were now open. People were leaning out, screaming for her to help them. "Help us! Hero!" a middle-aged woman shouted, waving her hands frantically in the air to get Kisha''s attention. Another window opened, and a middle-aged man joined in, their eyes filled with hope as they looked at Kisha, expecting her to save them from the nightmare they were trapped in. "Help!" "Here, we have a few of us here!!!" They all thought Kisha was a soldier because of her courage. Having witnessed the apocalypse and the evolved zombie''s abilities, they weren''t surprised to see the dog disappear into thin air. They had been watching everything unfold: the fireballs raining down on the zombies, the ice wall materializing from nothing. It was clear to them that whoever came was strong and capable of protecting them and leading them to safety. When they saw Kisha descending from the roof, they believed she could help them. Knowing she was a woman, they hoped to play on her empathy by appearing weak, assuming she would feel compelled to help them. Kisha ignored their pleas and instead pulled out a grappling gun from her inventory. She aimed it at the top of the building and fired. Once the hook secured a firm position, the gun started reeling her in. As she was being lifted, the angry evolved zombie broke the spikes on the ground and hurled them at her. Fortunately, Duke was ready. He countered the incoming earth spikes with his own ice spears, protecting Kisha as she ascended back to the rooftop where he was waiting. The evolved zombie, now even angrier, directed the horde to break down the building''s entrance, aiming to reach the rooftop where Kisha and Duke were. It continued to hurl earth spikes at them until Kisha finally made it to the top. Duke unleashed his remaining ice spears, raining them down on the evolved zombie. He knew they might not cause significant damage, but they would distract the zombie long enough for them to make their escape. When Kisha reached the roof, she and Duke didn''t rest; they immediately began jumping from rooftop to rooftop without breaking their momentum. When Kisha thought the next roof was too far to reach, she used her flying dagger as a stepping stone. Duke, inspired by her, created stepping stones out of ice. As they continued to run, the zombies below still believed Kisha and Duke were on the rooftop and attacked that specific building, scaring the residents inside, who quickly closed all their windows in fear. Unfortunately for the residents, the zombies were relentless in their efforts to get inside the building. In a fit of anger, the evolved zombie used its earth''s ability to break down the door. Soon, the zombie horde flooded the hallways, directed by the evolved zombie, who stood as their leader. It let out a long, powerful, angry shriek, urging the zombies to ascend and find Kisha and Duke on the roof. By then, Kisha and Duke were already far away, but they still managed to hear the roar, full of rage. With her heightened senses, Kisha heard it loud and clear. She only smirked. She had no intention of exposing the community''s residents to a zombie raid, especially with an advanced zombie leading the charge. It would undoubtedly cause problems. However, she also knew she couldn''t help them if they weren''t willing to help themselves and relied solely on her. Such attitudes would only create issues in the shelter in the long run. She couldn''t afford to worry about others when she was struggling to protect herself and those she cared about. She had grown weary of playing the hero, always rescuing everyone and leaving herself vulnerable to betrayal. Duke and Kisha pressed on until the gas station came into view, carefully descending the building via an alley to avoid detection. Emerging stealthily, they acted as if they had already scouted the entire area. Kisha noticed everyone was taking a brief rest, with Sparrow having finished refilling the tank and the canisters as she had instructed. Though she hoped to secure more gasoline, they couldn''t find additional containers. Returning promptly, they resumed their journey swiftly, completing the task in just an hour away from the group. Duke never asked about the fate of the big dog, knowing Kisha had stored it in the same place as her Scarlet Bees. He imagined the bees and the massive dog either curiously observing each other or possibly fighting. Not that he was concerned about the Scarlet Bees; if the dog provoked them, they''d undoubtedly remind it who was in charge. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He couldn''t help but imagine the dog emerging looking like an inflamed balloon from the Scarlet Bees'' stings. This amusing thought was overshadowed by his curiosity about Kisha''s actions. How did she know there was a fight in that area? It was obvious she came specifically for the dog. Was it part of her past life? Had the dog been one of her most beloved companions then? Many questions swirled in his mind as he silently sat there, letting Kisha rest for a bit, just as he did, both of them recovering their spent spiritual energy. [Congratulations for Completing the Hidden Mission: B Class Mission "Save The Lonely Mountain"] [You have received 30,000 points for completing the Hidden Mission: B Class Mission "Save The Lonely Mountain"] In her previous lives, 30,000 points were like her life savings. It was the most she could accumulate after slaving away on the system''s missions, only to receive meager rewards in return. She thought that was the limit¡ªbarely enough to buy anything significant, mostly miscellaneous items like amulets and potions, which she had to treat like treasures due to their high cost. But now, looking at the five-digit number she received from just one mission, she felt a surge of relief. This reward came just in time, as she was starting to feel anxious about spending so many points recently without any missions to replenish them. She feared running out of points in times of emergencies. The 30,000 points were only enough to cover the gap from what she spent on the blue and black vials of liquid for the Winters and their men during the rescue mission. Additionally, she had also used points on the pricey amulets and numerous stamina boosters, which altogether cost more than 100,000 points. Chapter 175 The Tibetan Mastiff Kisha peered into her territory pack''s rainforest area where she had placed the mastiff, expecting it to frantically search for a way back or to be destructive, laying waste to the tall trees around it. Just thinking about it made her heart ache. But surprisingly, what she saw on the holographic view was the mastiff happily running around the rainforest, chasing some of the scarlet bee workers pollinating the flowers. Its fur was matted with blood, but because of its black fur with shades of brown, the matting hadn''t been obvious from her earlier viewpoint. But now that she was watching closely, she could see that one of the dog''s eyes was barely open due to a huge wound, making it impossible for the dog to open its eye without blood seeping in. There were also more wounds on its body, including a large open wound on its hind leg that had scraped off the fur, though the bleeding had already stopped. Despite its pitifully wasted appearance, the dog still stood tall, happily trotting around the flower field. As if everything it saw was new and amusing. "Master," Bell''s melodious but sad voice echoed in Kisha''s head. "This young dog was so pitiful." Bell trailed off, sadness evident in her tone, as if it was sharing her own story. "It said that its owner, who owned the bakery in the community, passed away long ago, before the apocalypse. Some people in the community gave it food sometimes out of pity. Since its master''s death, it became a stray and only stayed around the fountain every day, watching the bakery that used to belong to its owner, missing it." Kisha could hear Bell''s sigh through their mind link. "It played sometimes with the children in the community, but because of its size, the people living there thought it was dangerous. So, no one plays with it anymore while it''s missing its master," Bell said. Kisha stared blankly at the holographic, lifelike image of the big dog running around in the rainforest. She didn''t know if she should be more surprised that the mountain of a dog was still a young pup or that Bell could even communicate with it. Before hearing Bell''s account, she had already been thinking that it would be a hell of a challenge to get the dog to follow her. It had been defending that community with its life against the evolved zombie while being surrounded by a hungry horde of zombies. She mulled over various ways to win the dog over, observing its fierce loyalty to the community. She anticipated that the dog might view her as an enemy for taking it away without understanding the circumstances surrounding their encounter. "Master, could we keep this young one?" Bell asked hesitantly, her motherly instincts evident in the tone of her voice. As the Queen Bee of the Scarlet Bee species, Bell now spent a third of her time inside her colony to reproduce, emerging occasionally to assist Kisha when needed and to enjoy a brief respite in the less-than-fresh air of Kisha''s world, which often reeked of decay. Kisha decided to test the waters with Bell, seeing her as a potential bridge to communicate with the dog and gauge its response. Bell had already begun to view the dog as part of her own kin and was confident that Kisha would be taking it in, but it still had its reservations and it was obvious to Kisha from just listening to Bell. So Kisha asked Bell directly, "Do you think it would be happy to follow me as its new master?" "Absolutely!" Bell exclaimed without hesitation, its voice filled with conviction. "It expressed feeling lonely and longing for companionship. It understands its old master won''t return, but it has nowhere else to go, only the fountain area. In my opinion, it would gladly accept you as its new master, as long as you''re willing." Bell finished its account, and Kisha could almost picture her doing a celebratory flip in her mind. "Alright, thank you Bell for letting me know about this, it was a great help." Kisha''s voice sounded light and refreshing, it was obvious from her voice that she was happy with this and Bell could only let out a cute giggle as it silently retreated from the mind link. She nudged Duke, who had been silently observing her. "Any ideas on what we should name the dog? I''m drawing a blank," Kisha whispered, eager to find a fitting name rather than just referring to it as "dog" all the time. "What about Thunder?" Duke blurted out almost instantly. Kisha wasn''t sure if he was being serious or if Duke''s naming sense was a bit... "Can you think of anything else we could consider?" Kisha asked again, watching as Duke pursed his lips, clearly giving it serious thought. "What about Lightning, Tabby, or Massy, considering it''s a Tibetan Mastiff? Or maybe Swift, because despite its size, it moves so fast it could even be called Flash," Duke suggested, arms crossed thoughtfully as he tried to come up with a fitting name for the dog. Kisha couldn''t help but be amused by Duke''s earnestness. It was the first time she realized that Duke''s naming sense was a bit imposing yet endearingly cute, like that of a little boy excitedly suggesting names for a new pet. "Do you know if it was a male or female?" Duke asked, wanting to factor in its gender while brainstorming names. "I''m not sure. Let me ask Bell," Kisha replied, initiating a mind link with Bell. "Bell, do you know the dog''s gender?" "It''s a male, master," Bell cheerfully relayed. "Are you thinking of naming the young one, master?" "Yes," Kisha affirmed simply. "Great! I would let it know and the young one would surely be very happy to know of this." Bell excitedly cut the mind link again as it dashed off to find the dog roaming around the rainforest with fascination. "Bell said it''s a male," Kisha relayed to Duke. His expression mirrored hers from earlier upon learning Bell could communicate with the dog, but he quickly regained composure. With everything happening around them and Kisha''s unpredictability, nothing surprised him as much as she did anymore. He nodded and returned to contemplating about male pet names again. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha softly chuckled as she observed Duke''s unexpected excitement. She recalled that Duke had mentioned never having a pet before; since he was just 4 or 5 years old, he had been immersed in his family''s heir training, focusing on learning and leadership. Even before reaching his teens, he had established his own elite group by taking in orphans and nurturing them into capable individuals. They had all grown up together under his guidance, and as he matured, he took on greater responsibilities, elevating the Winters family to new heights on the world stage. Kisha glanced back at Duke, reflecting on his upbringing. She realized that growing up under such weighty responsibilities had likely shaped his demeanor into one of cold and indifferencee. She couldn''t help but think that Duke might have secretly longed for a pet all these years, unable to entertain such luxuries amidst his duties. Now, with the chance to bring the dog into their fold, she understood why he had been so eager earlier, asking if they were taking the dog home. Chapter 176 Looking for the Winters As they made their way to the third camp, Duke remained absorbed in his task of thinking up names. Kisha let him be and took the opportunity to rest. The others, unaware of what had happened while Kisha and Duke were away, focused solely on their mission. From time to time, they would stop the truck to see if they could gather more supplies from the convenience stores and minimarts they encountered on the road. These stops took some time, but with Kisha and her team''s help, dealing with the nearby zombies became easier, and they managed to secure more supplies. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The supplies left on the racks or in warehouses were items Aston''s team couldn''t collect due to limited space and time constraints. They marked these locations on the map to send a team to gather the supplies later. However, unbeknownst to them, Kisha, who always stayed at the back, would discreetly store all the remaining supplies in her inventory before they left. Now, those marks on the map would be considered useless and empty. Aston would only discover this when Sparrow mentions it in passing after noticing the marks on the map in the future. Even Kisha had forgotten about it. Yeah, she has accumulated a lot of supplies by now, but she has a habit of hoarding. Someone like her, who has experienced hunger and fought for her life against zombies just to secure a few boxes of food, has developed a fear of not having enough. Over time, she has become hesitant to leave valuable supplies behind, especially once she has set her sights on them. In her previous life, Duke would often tease her for acting like a squirrel, hoarding food in her little tree holes. She didn''t feel embarrassed about it, though, because it benefited not just herself but the whole community. She justified her actions, believing that more provisions were always a welcome asset. After all, who would turn down additional resources? At this point, their truck was already halfway full. Aston decided to halt the search for more supplies as he pondered where the Winters would sit once they found them. He directed the group to focus solely on the mission from now on. They successfully investigated the third and fourth locations, confirming through markings, dried blood on the walls, and the presence of corpses¡ªsome untouched by zombies¡ªthat Kisha''s account was accurate. Despite thorough analysis and calculations, the evidence didn''t support suspicions of Kisha and her group being responsible for the attack on the Coltons. As a result, they were removed from the list of suspects. But something doesn''t add up, and it''s not sitting well with Aston. Apart from the first location they investigated¡ªclearly attacked differently from the first target¡ªthe subsequent attacks on the other three locations were identical. However, Aston couldn''t find any human traces around the buildings, and it didn''t seem like the work of a coordinated group. This inconsistency was perplexing for him. He couldn''t fathom one person executing the job alone, as infiltrating the Coltons was nearly impossible. They were overly cautious, perpetually sweeping the camp for listening devices and potential threats daily. The evidence indicated explosives were strategically planted around the building and neighboring structures. The scale of the operation suggested a large group was involved, yet no traces were left behind. The mystery confounded him, leaving Aston unable to comprehend the situation. Aston''s current concern centered around the possibility that if the group responsible wasn''t the Winters, then the Winters themselves might be in danger. Alternatively, there could be a third party orchestrating attacks on both the Coltons and the Winters simultaneously, aiming to exploit the chaos for their own gain. However, despite pondering the scenario extensively, he couldn''t formulate any plausible theories without solid evidence to guide their investigation. He set aside his thoughts for the moment and paused to contemplate his next move. Going back empty-handed wasn''t an option, although they had managed to gather some supplies along the way. However, their primary mission remained unfinished. There was only one location in the western district left for him to investigate¡ªthey had covered nearly every corner except the central area. If the Winters hadn''t left City B or relocated elsewhere, it likely meant they were trapped in the center. Kisha''s team had reported a concentration of zombies there, possibly explaining why the Winters couldn''t escape. He swiftly decided they should head to the central area to investigate, hoping they weren''t already too late. After announcing his decision, although some of his team members were hesitant and nervous, none abandoned their post. They all followed his commander towards the central part of the city. Kisha and Duke exchanged glances, both of them having monitored Aston closely from the beginning. Duke, particularly cautious because Kisha hadn''t yet disclosed Aston''s role as their minister of defense in their previous lives, remained guarded, uncertain of Aston''s intentions for looking for his family. But since they were also curious about what Aston and his team were up to, and considering they were currently engaged in a shelter mission, they decided to follow suit. Sparrow brought the truck to a halt just outside the outskirts of the central area, knowing that driving through the zombies would risk getting stuck and pose a greater danger. Aston agreed with the decision, so they concealed the truck in a nearby parking lot, blending it in with other large vehicles already parked there. Since Kisha''s team''s navigational skills had already been tested and the entire team now fully trusted them, Aston delegated scouting to Sparrow while Kisha handled navigation. Halfway through their journey, as the number of zombies thickened, Kisha searched for alternatives. However, Sparrow and Vulture reminded her that the sewers were not an option. The Coltons had blown open an entrance previously, and now the sewers were infested with roaming zombies. It would be too risky to use them and risk being trapped without an exit later on. Having been reminded of this, Kisha nodded and glanced around, contemplating a solution. If it were just her and her team, this issue wouldn''t pose a threat because they have their awakened abilities. But with additional people who were unaware of these abilities, she couldn''t afford to take any risks. Kisha wasn''t certain whether she had completely eliminated the Coltons from their midst. Her caution stemmed from a fear of the Coltons discovering the awakened abilities, which could lead to them exploiting these powers to harm her people or terrorize the innocents. She knew all too well that such power could tempt them to play godlike roles. But right now, they couldn''t afford to continue like this. It posed a danger not just to Aston''s men, but to her team as well. If things went wrong, she and her people would be the first in harm''s way. Kisha wasn''t willing to gamble with their lives in an uncertain and dangerous situation. Seeing Kisha''s hesitation, Aston stepped in to offer a solution. "Why don''t we use the drones to check if there are any survivors here?" he suggested. Kisha raised an eyebrow, feeling a sudden urge to strangle Aston. If they had drones, why hadn''t he mentioned them earlier? Aston sensed the cold rush wash over his body and looked up, only to see Kisha''s annoyance embedded on her face and he guiltily rubbed his nose. Chapter 177 Looking for the Winters 2 Aston quickly clarified, "Don''t misunderstand. The drone''s battery is extremely limited, and with our restricted access to electricity, as you''ve seen from our equipment, we wouldn''t have even had an upgrade if we hadn''t raided the Coltons'' base for supplies. We stumbled upon some heat-detecting drones in their camps and hoped to utilize them, but without a way to recharge them here, I thought it best to save them for when they''re truly needed. Luckily, one of my men brought one along in his backpack, but that''s all we have." Aston spoke quickly, his nerves masked behind a facade of calmness. He was keen not to be misunderstood by Kisha and her team, wanting to maintain a positive connection with them even as they got back to the shelter. Knowing Aston from her previous life, Kisha understood that he meant no harm and quickly accepted his explanation. She raised the question primarily for transparency, ensuring Duke wouldn''t misunderstand or feel jealous. Glancing at Duke, the imposing figure who could be both endearing and intimidating when jealous, she found it both amusing and slightly unnerving. This side of him was new to her, something she hadn''t encountered before. Duke''s behavior stemmed from his lack of experience in relationships. Despite witnessing the close and loving bond between his parents, he had never experienced such feelings himself. Consequently, when it came to Kisha, he found himself overwhelmed by emotions, often becoming possessive due to his deep-seated love and longing for her. His reactions were driven by a passionate desire to protect and cherish her. Kisha understood this, and that''s why she was also making an effort to protect his feelings as much as he wanted to protect her. Now that they had the drone¡ªa tool Kisha also possessed in her inventory but couldn''t utilize at the moment¡ªshe pondered a strategy. "How long do you think the drone''s battery will last before it runs out?" she inquired, fingers pressed thoughtfully against her chin. One of Aston''s men, with a bulky backpack strapped behind him, stepped forward to provide details. "If we use it strictly for reconnaissance, the battery could last up to two hours, not including the time needed for return. However, if we''re willing to drain the battery fully without retrieval, it might last up to four hours," he clarified, before going back behind Aston. "That time frame might be too short for the drone to explore the central area effectively. We need to take several factors into consideration too," Kisha remarked thoughtfully, feigning contemplation. She understood Aston''s determination to find the Winters, but she also knew there was nothing left here. To save time, she needed to guide them towards her desired outcome. She was reluctant to leave Duke''s family in the shelter on their own for too long, knowing he would grow increasingly concerned about their safety with every passing moment, especially with the ongoing threat looming. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How about this: I''ll send Sparrow for reconnaissance in one-third of the central area, and the drone can cover the rest. To do that effectively, we''ll need to advance a little closer to the central area to give the drone ample access and time for exploration. This approach also provides us with a clearer retreat strategy," Kisha explained, considering their options carefully. Despite feeling like they were searching for a needle in a haystack, she knew they had no choice. Revealing that she had the Winters all along would only arouse suspicion, making their course of action to hide the Winters futile. What if the Coltons still have a spy there who can communicate with them? They could potentially turn the whole shelter upside down searching for the Winters while Kisha and Duke are away. In such a scenario, the Winters would be at a disadvantage, being unfamiliar with the terrain and lacking the manpower and equipment to mount a defense would surely lead to the Winters falling into the Coltons'' hands. Hearing Kisha''s explanation, Aston did not even have to think that she was right and they followed the plan, they continued to move forward as closer as possible to the center while they are defending themselves from the horde that kept on increasing, while also trying to look around the place to see if the Winters are there. Despite the growing challenges they faced with each step forward, Kisha remained steadfast and determined to press on without pause. Aston''s team has gotten exhausted from following from behind even when they are being protected by Kisha and her people, Kisha and Duke spearheading the advance while Sparrow and Vulture guarding the rear, but the sheer number of zombies is still overwhelming and mentally draining for the soldiers, especially for Reeve who wasn''t even originally a soldier. After an hour, Kisha and the rest found refuge in an empty warehouse, the soldiers too exhausted to lift a finger. Kisha''s team mirrored their fatigue, and outside, the warehouse was surrounded by zombies. Aston marveled at how they had reached the place unscathed. Normally, such a dire situation would have resulted in heavy casualties, but somehow they had managed to navigate through safely. The warehouse happened to be the closest to the center, prompting Kisha to assign Sparrow to his reconnaissance task while Aston''s team operated the drone to survey the surroundings. Finding a quiet corner, Kisha settled in to rest briefly, but during this respite, she tasked 008 with searching for something specific. "008, remember that contract?" Kisha said, her tone cryptic. "What contract, host?" 008 asked, clearly confused. "The contract for the servants," Kisha gently reminded 008. "Ooooh! That?! Would you like me to buy it?" 008 asked excitedly, now understanding that Kisha was being mischievous again and had something planned. "Yeah, I''ve had my fill of this. It''s exhausting and taking forever. I could really use a break," Kisha quipped, knowing well that rest was a rare luxury in the apocalypse. This playful statement was her way of bantering with 008, who understood her intentions perfectly. "But we need that as a backup plan in case things go wrong. I don''t want to be caught off guard by anything unexpected," Kisha added, her tone shifting to a more serious note. It was evident she was contemplating something important. "But that''s exactly what makes it unexpected; something you can''t prepare for," 008 muttered, simultaneously scouring its sales connections for the item. "I know, but it''s better to be prepared. Even if I can''t use it right away, it''ll be useful in the future. It won''t go to waste," Kisha explained, her mind feeling burdened from exhaustion, both physical and mental. Duke sat beside her, uncapping a bottle of cold water. "Drink first and then rest." Duke offered, placing the water bottle near her mouth. Kisha tilted her head to drink, feeling the cold liquid soothing her throat. Afterward, she rested her head against Duke''s arm, finding comfort in his presence. While Kisha rested, Duke gently massaged her soft hand, which had been wielding the katana since earlier while fighting in the vanguard. Seeing her exert herself so much pained him. He understood Kisha''s efforts to protect his family, and even though he could take revenge on the Coltons single-handedly on his own, especially now that he has awakened his ability. However, knowing Kisha was there to shield him filled him with happiness. He silently vowed to support her and relish the sense of security she provided that he has never felt before. He felt pampered and loved which was as sweet as honey that he couldn''t contain the happiness swirling in his heart. Chapter 178 Breach Despite the loud banging on the big door, Kisha managed to fall asleep, comforted by Duke''s presence. His warmth and protection made her feel secure, knowing that no matter what happened, Duke would never let anything harm her. Just like in their previous life, no matter how subtle his actions were, he always protected her from the shadows, acting like a silent hero. Everyone was occupied with their respective tasks. Sparrow was out on reconnaissance, while Vulture was busy preparing food on a makeshift table using two large drums and a big piece of plywood. Two to three people alternated manning the drone, while the rest guarded the three exit points of the warehouse, ensuring they reported any zombie movements that might result in a breach at their assigned door. Her rest was abruptly disturbed by a loud explosion nearby, so close that she felt the shockwave pass through her. The ground trembled slightly from the blast. This explosion felt different from the destructive ones caused by the explosives Sparrow had placed around the three camps. This one was just a single explosion that was brief and just a little muffled. Clang- "Master, it''s time," Bell''s cute voice rang inside her head, reminding her. "So, there really was one more traitor, huh?" Kisha mockingly asked. "Yes, master. Only one." Bell said while she made sure that one of the scarlet bees was on the traitor''s tail. Not that they needed it because, the task that Sparrow really received was not to scout an area, because they knew to themselves that there were no Winters around the area, nor survivors, so, sending Sparrow out was just wasting his energy and time. So instead, she used this task as a guise to let Sparrow wait nearby and see if someone would sneak out. Kisha wasn''t certain if there was more than one traitor among them. There could be a single spy or several sent by different factions with various tasks. Regardless, Kisha was determined to root out all traitors and spies still hiding while carefully assessing the situation. If there were no more spies and she was simply being paranoid, that was fine. It was better to play all her cards now than to let a snake follow them into their sleep and strike when they were unprepared. Initially, she suspected Reeve of being a traitor. After all, he seemed to be hiding something and was too useless in a one-on-one fight with a zombie. His insistence on joining the mission, despite having nothing to offer aside from his good looks, was highly suspicious. Kisha scanned the entire room, observing each person closely. Everyone appeared shocked and seemed to be processing the recent explosion, absentmindedly staring in the direction it had come from. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From among those manning the drone was Reeve. Kisha fixed her gaze on him; he appeared frightened but managed to gather himself and reach for a gun, unlike the others who still seemed bewildered and were likely questioning what had occurred. However, the loud roar of approaching zombies from that direction quickly made it evident to all that they had been breached. In mere seconds, the zombies would reach their position. The realization dawned on Aston''s team, their faces paling as they exchanged uneasy glances, each silently questioning if someone from their own ranks had opened the path for the zombies. With Sparrow and one other team member missing, suspicion fell heavily on Kisha, some even wondering if she had orchestrated this intentionally. They now suspected her of killing Aston''s second-in-command because he had discovered something about Kisha and was silenced. Ignoring the evidence in Kisha''s favor, they placed all the blame on her. Despite this, Aston stood resolute at the largest entrance of the warehouse, which remained intact. The breach had occurred at the smallest and most concealed entrance located at the rear of the warehouse. Aston''s team began to panic as the breach occurred. They hastily grabbed their guns, abandoning the idea of using melee weapons against the hundreds of zombies they anticipated flooding into the warehouse. Doubt and fear gripped them as they faced the imminent danger, unsure if they would survive. In their anxiety, they turned their accusing gazes towards Kisha. She remained calm, slowly rising from her position, seemingly unperturbed by the impending threat. This calm demeanor only served to further agitate Aston''s team, reinforcing their belief that she was responsible for the breach¡ªa death warrior sent to eliminate them all. Kisha remained composed, showing no urgency to defend herself or address the suspicions brewing among Aston''s team. Her focus was fixed on observing how everyone reacted under pressure, waiting to see if any more traitors would reveal themselves amidst the chaos. With Aston stationed at the main door, she felt the breach at the smaller entrance was manageable, unlike the potential catastrophe if the largest door had been breached. She observed Aston''s gaze intently, trying to discern if he harbored suspicions about her orchestrating their current predicament. After all, it had been her decision to push closer to the central part, a move that increased their risk of being surrounded and overwhelmed. Adding to the suspicion, one of her own team members was missing. What surprised her more was the absence of the young man, barely older than Reeve, who had always shown enthusiastic admiration towards her and her team, almost treating them like idols. The young man had diligently assisted them in moving their belongings into the villa when they received their rewards. He had proven himself reliable in paying attention to details and ensuring the safety of Aston and the others. Kisha sneered inwardly, not directed at anyone else but herself. She understood not to judge people solely by their actions but by their consistency and intentions. Human hearts are fickle and complicated, capable of turning against you over the smallest disagreement¡ªmost of them, at least. Kisha and her team moved swiftly into action, their coordination seamless and silent. Vulture surged forward, wielding his massive axe with a deadly efficiency. In a single sweeping motion, he cleaved through three zombies who recklessly lunged at him, each strike like a butcher carving through meat. Duke swiftly joined the fray, his long spear dancing through the air with grace and power. With every thrust, he struck with precision and force, his skill evident as he killed nearly a dozen zombies in quick succession. With their swift and effective actions, Kisha and her team caused Aston''s team to experience a mix of emotions. Doubts began to creep in as they questioned whether their suspicions were truly justified or merely paranoia. Throughout the entire journey, it had been Kisha and her team leading the way and protecting them. There were numerous instances where Aston''s team felt on the brink of demise, only to be saved at the last moment by Kisha and her team, despite the possibility that they could have left them to perish. When Kisha saw them readying their guns to fire at the approaching zombies, she quickly intervened. "Using firearms might seem like a faster solution compared to cold weapons," she cautioned, "but gunfire will only attract more zombies. If they breach the other doors, we''ll be in serious trouble, and I can''t guarantee everyone''s safety if that happens." Kisha spoke with a shrug, appearing unfazed by their current predicament. Chapter 179 Slave Contract Aston''s team stiffened upon hearing Kisha''s reminder. Overwhelmed by fear, they had momentarily forgotten crucial information and were on the verge of using their guns. It was only after her reminder that they realized they had narrowly avoided a grave mistake, acknowledging they had almost walked willingly into disaster. They gulped nervously but swiftly positioned themselves to cover each other''s backs. Kisha, alongside Duke, took immediate action, cleaving through the relentless stream of zombies that surged toward them like an unending river. She understood that everyone would inevitably reach the same conclusion: without a viable exit plan, their fate would be sealed within those walls. If the guards at each exit had reported earlier, they might have had a chance to escape through alternate routes. Now, with explosions having alerted the zombies to every exit, their only path out was to fight through the horde. However, executing that plan was far easier said than done. The streets teemed with around two dozen zombies, their numbers swelling as the explosion likely drew over a hundred more from kilometers away. Each person pondered escape strategies, but the notion of "safety" seemed increasingly out of reach. They resigned themselves to fighting with all their might, knowing exhaustion would come later, possibly ending in a last stand against overwhelming odds. "Hmmm," Kisha hummed as she observed no one else making a move, despite their vulnerable backs exposed for backstabbing. Aston''s team wore grim expressions, fighting with all their might as if they knew they were doomed but clung to hope¡ªfor honor, a miracle, or sheer defiance against death. Regardless of their motivations, Kisha''s patience had run out. She retrieved the contract she had 008 purchased earlier, never anticipating it would be needed now¡ªa slave contract. Amidst the loud growls and zombie roars, Kisha''s voice cut through, reaching Aston and his team. "Do you truly wish to survive this ordeal?" Her voice held an eerie allure, akin to a devil tempting them with power in exchange for their souls¡ªor at least, that''s how it seemed to them. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke couldn''t help but smirk a little; he knew his clever little wife was up to something again. Aston and his team were dumbfounded, but Kisha''s confident voice and unfazed demeanor prompted them to consider many possibilities, both good and bad. However, time was of the essence; the longer they deliberated, the slimmer their chances became. Aston stepped forward and declared, "Yes!" His voice resonated with determination, and his subordinates quickly followed suit. Kisha tore up the contract in her hands and moved behind Duke to finalize the agreement with Aston and his team. With an unspoken understanding between them, as she stepped behind him, Duke shifted to shield her, expanding his coverage to ensure Kisha could complete her task undisturbed and remain protected. "I, Kisha Aldens, declare that you all shall be my people. I will protect and shelter you, provide you with a good life. In return, you must promise your undying loyalty. Any harm toward me, my people, or my interests that may lead to my death will result in your demise." Kisha''s voice resonated throughout the warehouse, drowning out even the loud growls and roars of the zombies. She paused, then added, "To seal this contract, I require your verbal agreement." No one paid much attention to the specifics because Kisha''s terms posed no direct harm to any of them; it was clear she wanted to ensure loyalty and prevent betrayal. Starting with Aston, they each agreed, one after another. "I acknowledge." "I agree." "Yes, I acknowledge." "I acknowledge." I acknowledge." They didn''t fully grasp the significance of the agreement; they simply trusted Kisha''s decisive action, believing she had a plan to ensure their survival. Soon after their agreement, the torn contract projected a larger version of itself in front of Kisha, almost as tall as she was, floating in midair and glowing with a bright gold hue. The text on the parchment began to writhe like a snake and emitted a radiant glow as it extended towards each member of Aston''s team. The golden text wound around their ankles, slithering up their bodies in a serpentine fashion, imbuing them with a sensation of warmth and tightness akin to a living entity. Gradually, the text enveloped their entire forms, and finally, the end of the glowing script hovered before each of them like the head of a serpent before plunging into their chests. They felt a constriction around their hearts as a translucent flame emerged from their bodies, floating slowly towards the parchment. As each flame entered the parchment, it vanished, leaving behind their names that appeared one by one at the bottom of the Contract. Aston and his team stared wide-eyed as they witnessed the unfolding spectacle, feeling as if they were bargaining their souls with the devil. Nervousness gripped them, yet amidst the tension, there was a sense of awe and wonder at experiencing something so magical amidst the grim reality of the zombie-infested world. It was like stepping into the fantastical realms they had all dreamed of ¡ª where dragons, mages, and holy knights roamed. Each of them had yearned for such an adventure at some point, which is why they grasped the significance of the moment, even as disbelief lingered in their wide eyes. After their names were written in the Contract, sealing the deal, another text left the parchment and floated through the air. Each text headed towards Aston and his team''s foreheads. As it reached them, they felt a searing pain, as if they were being branded with hot iron. Gritting their teeth, most of them couldn''t help but scream in agony. After they were branded, the parchment glowed intensely, and another text wriggled out of it, forming a circular magic circle under Kisha''s feet. She was then enveloped in a bright light. Unlike Aston and his team, who felt excruciating pain, Kisha felt only warmth, as though she was being cradled in a comforting embrace. The parchment disappeared as the Contract was completed. The torn Contract from earlier burned away in a golden flame, leaving behind only ash, signifying the successful completion of the contract. Aston''s and the other four names automatically appeared in Kisha''s system interface under the team panel, but unlike Duke and the others who were listed as allies, Aston and his team were categorized as "Slaves." Another option available to her was to issue them direct commands that they couldn''t defy as their master. If they dared to conspire against her or betray her, Kisha wouldn''t need to take direct action; the contract itself would immediately enforce compliance, potentially causing them excruciating pain until they bled from severe internal injuries. And worst their hearts and brains would be crushed to death. If they even entertained such thoughts or took actions that could impact Kisha negatively, they would be warned, feeling as if their heads were being split open while their hearts were gripped tightly. Kisha had no intention of informing them about this, as it was her greatest weapon and a collar to control them. If they harbored any desire to betray her, they would learn their lesson the hard way. Warning them would only make them cautious and drive them to seek other alternatives. Chapter 180 Time for Action Boys The moment the contract was finalized, Kisha''s smile turned wicked, sending a terrifying chill down Aston and his team''s spines. They instinctively knew that crossing Kisha from now on would lead to dire consequences. Silenced by fear, they swallowed their thoughts and any words they might have wanted to say. Just as she turned around, her cold and indifferent voice, though not loud, was heard clearly by all. "Time for action, boys." She signaled to Duke and Vulture to unleash their awakened abilities and stop holding back. The situation was dire, as they were about to be overrun by the ever-increasing number of zombies streaming down from the forcibly opened exit point. As soon as they heard Kisha''s signal, Vulture immediately conjured a wall of earth spikes. Following his recent level-up, he felt his abilities had significantly increased. The coverage and sturdiness of his spikes were vastly improved. Now, he could summon an earth spike barrier that reached a meter in away, far surpassing his previous limit of just two or three spikes. Additionally, the spikes were now taller and much sturdier, providing a more formidable defense against the encroaching zombies. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His earth wall was now thicker and more durable than ever before, lasting longer than he could recall. Duke also did not hold back, understanding that Kisha wanted to demonstrate to the new members the full extent of their team''s capabilities and the potential achievements they could attain by joining forces with them. Using his strongest ability, Duke summoned random lightning bolts to rain down on the advancing zombies, instantly frying them and nearly reducing them to ashes. The destructiveness was terrifying, especially considering he was only at Level Zero. Kisha didn''t bother to glance back at Aston and the others to see their reactions as the situation abruptly shifted from a zombie apocalypse to a fantasy battle. She deftly controlled her two daggers, sending them flying through the air. Wherever they went, zombies were decapitated, making her attacks just as deadly as Duke''s lightning bolts. The three-person team annihilated hundreds of zombies, with more still coming their way. Aston and his team watched in astonishment, feeling incredulous at the sheer power on display. For some reason, they almost felt sorry for the zombies, reduced to cannon fodder for these relentless killing machines. As the overwhelming stream of zombies continued, Kisha called forth Bell to help with the cleanup and summoned the scarlet bees to collect the crystal cores scattered across the floor. "Master, the little one also said it wants to greet its new master and earn its keep," Bell excitedly conveyed to Kisha through their mind link. Meanwhile, Bell continued to buzz around, turning any zombies it passed through into minced meat. Bell''s side of the battlefield was far more gruesome than the others, with black blood splattering everywhere. "Ooh?! It''s already eager to show its talent, huh?" Kisha replied to Bell, with a playful tone. "Master, it was afraid of being abandoned, I suppose," Bell honestly replied. It knew that the little one had grown fond of the rainforest and liked the idea of having a new master, feeling like it had found a new purpose in life instead of toiling away until it died. Kisha pondered for a moment before summoning the large Tibetan Mastiff that had been eagerly waiting in her territory pack''s rainforest, seated at the edge of the flowerbed. Aston and his team believed nothing could surprise them after witnessing the earth rise from the ground as if alive, impaling zombies with lethal precision, and lightning bolts materializing out of nowhere to instantly incinerate others. However, their expectations were shattered when a large, black-furred creature with a brown hue materialized out of thin air, floating momentarily before it descended to the ground with a loud thud. The moment the fur creature touched down, it caused a slight tremor. Vulture was taken aback by this new addition to Kisha''s team¡ªan imposing creature, almost bear-like in appearance and size. Then, it let out a powerful bark that momentarily stunned the zombies, halting their advance for a full five seconds before they resumed their relentless march. Seeing it, made Kisha raise an eyebrow as she studied the big dog for a few more seconds before smiling to herself in delight. "It seems like I''ve really picked up another treasure," she thought, before resuming her attacks. She observed that the dog''s bark, which was infused with stun-inducing skills, had a cooldown and couldn''t be used constantly. However, she wasn''t yet certain about the duration of this cooldown. Despite this uncertainty, she found it to be incredibly helpful in battle. Its single wag of the tail felt like being struck by a pole, sending zombies flying. Its massive paws could crush skulls effortlessly, almost like crushing tofu¡ªa terrifying sight indeed. No wonder it could hold its own against evolved zombies. Despite its size, it proved remarkably agile and smart. It swiftly learned to exploit Duke''s lightning bolts and Vulture''s earth spikes after observing them only once or twice, effortlessly maneuvering among the zombies as if they were mere toys. Kisha felt an urge to check the dog''s status window immediately. She sensed that this dog wouldn''t easily fall short compared to Bell''s stats, and perhaps, it could even rival some of Duke''s team members. The thought made Kisha snicker to herself, catching Duke''s attention. All he could do was shake his head and chuckle softly in response. ''Why does my wife look so cute?'' he mused to himself as he continued to slaughter the zombies. Not long after, Kisha and her team heard a distinct whistle, and three ropes descended from the roof of the warehouse through an open window. Aston glanced upward and spotted Sparrow crouching by the window, diligently securing the ropes to ensure they could bear the weight of an adult. Aston and his team hadn''t lifted a finger since the Contract. They felt as though they were living in a dream as they watched Kisha and her team effortlessly slaughter zombies, almost as if it were a game. Even the dog and the bee seemed stronger than them, which bewildered them. They had so many questions and couldn''t grasp what was happening, but there was no one around to provide answers. "What are you waiting for? Climb up! Or do you want to become zombie snacks down here?" Kisha''s question snapped Aston and his team out of their dumbfounded state. She never knew Aston could be so foolish at times. Only then did Aston and his team snap back to reality and push Reeve and the other young men to climb up the ladder. Aston hesitated, glancing back at Kisha and the rest. They felt helpless, unable to assist, and worried about how they would manage to climb up themselves. Kisha noticed his uncertainty and rubbed the back of her head thoughtfully. "Even if you stay here, you wouldn''t be much help. We can handle ourselves," she reassured him, handing Duke and Vulture each a vial of black liquid. Without hesitation, they took it and resumed their onslaught. Realizing he could be more helpful, Aston directed his team to gather the backpacks from the floor and carry them up the ropes to ensure no supplies were wasted. Except for Reeve, everyone else managed to climb the ropes without difficulty, despite carrying heavy backpacks. By the time Reeve was halfway up the rope, the other two had already reached Sparrow at the top, and the remaining two began their ascent as well. Sparrow patiently waited for the remaining three climbers to reach the top of the roof before he jumped down to where Kisha and the others were. Just as Aston was about to grab the edge of the window, a shadow passed by him. In a split second, he realized someone had fallen. His gaze followed the person, and he instinctively looked back, his heart nearly stopping as he considered letting go of the rope to catch them. Even his team, now at the top, collectively exclaimed in fright as they watched Sparrow suddenly leap down without hesitation as if he were jumping off a two-story building. The height of the warehouse roof, however, was even higher, and despite their trained bodies, they knew that jumping from that height could still result in broken bones or worse. But instead of crashing down to the ground, they witnessed Sparrow slowly descending as if riding the air itself. Before he even reached the ground, he waved his hands, and in an instant, several zombies below him were cleaved in two, while those behind them met the same fate as if struck by an invincible blade. Chapter 181 Choose Viewing the battle from above provided them with a clearer perspective of Kisha and her team''s formidable abilities. Unlike their obscured view from ground level, this elevated position allowed them to witness the precision and effectiveness of each move against the zombies, realizing the true extent of their skills in action. And one thing was certain: Kisha and her team weren''t just strong; they were frighteningly powerful. Aston now began to understand how Kisha and her team managed to survive outside and protect everyone without letting anyone slip through their grasp. He felt as though he was witnessing a whole new world unfold before him, and a surge of power coursing through his body, igniting a newfound determination to become like them in the future. And he wasn''t alone. Everyone witnessing Kisha and the rest fight with their awakened abilities found renewed hope that someday, they too could become like them and protect the people they hold dear. After the five ascended to the warehouse roof, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture also climbed up the rope. Kisha recalled the dog back to her territory space and left Bell and the other scarlet bees to continue their work. Sparrow, agile as a monkey, evaded the zombies effortlessly¡ªthey couldn''t lay a finger on him. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston and his team watched in disbelief as Kisha, Duke, and Vulture effortlessly outpaced them in climbing speed, reaching the roof in mere moments. When Vulture signaled Sparrow with a whistle, Sparrow promptly abandoned his post and ascended without needing the rope. Aston and his team were not just surprised but also filled with excitement and a twinge of jealousy towards Sparrow''s remarkable ability. Everyone yearned to soar through the air like him, making it a moment of unparalleled novelty for them all. In mere moments, Sparrow reached the roof''s summit, closely followed by Bell, while the other scarlet bees stayed below, collecting crystal cores. Kisha and her team took a brief rest before resuming their journey forward. Sparrow began gathering the rope with Vulture''s assistance, while the rest of Aston''s team watched Kisha''s team as if they were witnessing celestial beings descending into the mortal realm. Their admiration for them didn''t just double but increased a hundredfold. After Sparrow and Vulture took care of the ropes, Kisha stored them in her inventory, which sparked further wonder and curiosity among Aston and his men. Sparrow then walked a short distance away from them. When he returned, he was dragging an unconscious man tied up like a cocoon. Aston and his men narrowed their eyes upon seeing their comrade, who was supposed to be guarding the breached door. Sparrow then poured water on the unconscious man''s face to wake him up. Almost instantly, he regained consciousness, appearing dazed and confused. When he saw Kisha and the others standing before him, his confusion turned to fear, and cold sweat formed on his back. He had witnessed firsthand the savagery of Kisha and her team during their battles, including what they had done to another traitor who attempted to assassinate them in the clock tower. His limbs trembled subconsciously with fear, his heart pounding loudly in his chest. He dared not imagine how he might meet his end at this moment, the fear creeping in more intensely with each passing second. "Scared?" Kisha''s voice, dripping with bloodlust, pierced his ears amidst the cacophony of zombie growls, intensifying the chilling effect of her words. The man involuntarily shuddered at the sound, a reaction not lost on Kisha as an evil smile crept onto her lips. "Now, now. How about telling me who sent you?" Kisha''s voice was laced with a chilling calmness, her gaze fixed on the man like a predator stalking its prey, ready to strike. The weight of her presence pressed him into the ground, the metallic tang of blood in the air mingling with the tension. The man''s teeth chattered uncontrollably, rendering him unable to utter a word out of fear as he shook his head frantically. But Kisha wasn''t satisfied. "Sparrow, how about tying him down and letting the zombies feast on his flesh while he''s still alive?" Her suggestion came with a smile that didn''t touch her eyes, her voice chillingly cold, sending shivers down their spines. "Young madam, should I bleed him like I did to those two men from the southern part of the Coltons'' camp to really get the zombies going?" Sparrow added with a menacing tone, clearly unnerving the young man even further. Sure enough, the moment they heard it, the gears in their heads started to turn and they slowly pieced the information together and came up with one answer. Sparrow was the one who attacked the southern part, before it was impossible for them to even think about it, but, after they witnessed his ability and what everyone could do, they thought that nothing would be impossible for them anymore. Even Aston and his people felt a lump in their throats, realizing they had only scratched the surface of Kisha''s team''s ruthlessness. The thought left them uneasy, now more than ever, about potentially offending them. When Kisha heard Sparrow''s suggestion, she nodded almost instantly and Sparrow did not wait for even a second and started doing his job. Seeing that Sparrow was not just scaring him and was really about to do what he said, the young man who was still tied broke into bitter tears. "I''ll talk, please spare me!" he pleaded through sobs. "Speak," Kisha replied, devoid of any sympathy. "I... I was... sent by the... Minister of Defense," the young man stuttered through sobs, trying to catch his breath. Then he continued, "He... he wants to make sure... that Commander McMillan is dead. He didn''t trust that Young Master Coltons''s men could handle the Commander..." Kisha remained silent, almost as if she had anticipated his response and was verifying it with him. It was evident that the actions of the two traitors were not coordinated; one was a reckless death warrior, arrogant but clumsy, while this one was cunning and adept at scheming. He had even devised his own escape plan swiftly. Unfortunately for him, Sparrow had been lurking in the shadows, watching every move. To discover that this traitor had been plotting to steal the supplies he believed were still hidden in the truck left Kisha convinced of his cowardice and weakness, using schemes to compensate for these shortcomings. He likely held a position of significant trust within the Minister of Defense''s organization. She doubted that the Minister of Defense would allow someone with such cunning intelligence to languish without a purpose or position. Perhaps he had been a spy all along, which would explain his adeptness at acting and his skill in evading detection. Unfortunately for him, his cowardice also turned him into a double-edged sword that could easily spill the beans when cornered, much more torture. The truth of the information he imparted would be tested once they obtained it. "You have two options," Kisha began, her voice carrying a chilling edge. "Either you tell me what you know, or I''ll let the zombies feast on you while you''re still breathing. But remember, whether you talk or not, I have ways to find out. Your life hangs on your decision. I''m sure you understand," she added cryptically, a faint smile playing on her lips. "After all, you witnessed what happened to the Coltons'' camp," she scoffed. The young man''s eyes widened in fear as Kisha confirmed their earlier suspicions with her statement. He now felt like he had kicked an iron bucket and was completely cornered. No matter how much he cried now, he knew he had only one option left. He vividly remembered the ruthlessness with which the Coltons were handled, based on their findings from the investigation. If Kisha''s team was indeed responsible for it, it indicated she would follow through on her words without hesitation. "I... I''ll speak!!!" Without a moment''s hesitation, he knew he had to talk. The prospect of being thrown to the zombies like bait chilled him to the bone, leaving him no choice but to cling to the Kisha for his life, the Minister of Defense can''t blame him for jumping camp like this because he didn''t know how scary Kisha looked right now. "If... If you want to know the Coltons'' hideout inside the shelter, I''ll tell you. Just please have mercy..." he hurriedly stammered, tears and snot streaming down his face. Chapter 182 Information After he promised to share the information she eagerly sought, Kisha gave him a sweet smile. The young man choked on his sob, momentarily stunned, he was momentarily caught off guard by Kisha''s smile, it was supposed to look sweet and beautiful like how it used to, but Kisha also forgot that she was currently wearing a disguise, so her smile only looked more threatening. And instead, her smile seemed to convey a message: if he lied to them, he''d face dire consequences ¡ª being thrown back into the warehouse, now packed with zombies like sardines in a can. The young man nodded vigorously. "Yes! I''ve always been tasked by the Minister of Defense to deliver important messages to the Coltons'' Young Master, even before they cornered the Winters in the Central part of the Western District." He almost shouted to emphasize his point, but Kisha remained silent, encouraging him to continue. "They were aware that Commander McMillan was allied with the Winters and viewed him as a potential power rival, especially since many soldiers supported him." "The Minister of Defense and Young Master Colton feared that the alliance between the Winters and Commander McMillan would lead to their defeat. So, they joined forces to achieve their goals. However, the Minister didn''t completely trust Young Master Colton, so he secretly sent me to ensure no one returned alive. This plan was made possible because Commander McMillan''s second-in-command informed them about the fate of the Colton''s men. The Coltons and the Minister were aware of everything Commander McMillan knew." "The Minister rejoiced at the news of the Coltons'' diminished manpower, confident that he would rise to the top once he eliminated the Commander." He revealed everything he could recall about the Minister of Defense''s scheme. "As for the Coltons'' hideout, they''re merely using Villa #5 as a front, blending in with a regular group. Their actual base is a hidden underground bunker accessible through a small shed at the back of the villa. Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense and his associates are stationed at Villa #9, collaborating closely." He volunteered all this information to Kisha, fearing repercussions if he appeared uncooperative. "Anything else?" Kisha maintained her inscrutable expression, which intensified the young man''s pressure to recall any additional crucial information he might have overlooked. His mind raced, feeling as though it were spinning like a top. "They... they''ve concealed 80% of their supplies¡ªlike medicine and firearms¡ªin their respective villas. They maintain communication with camps in the western district using a satellite radio. A-And... despite their formidable appearance, after losing four Colton camps, they''re now just a hollow shell. That''s why they''re so determined to eliminate Commander McMillan this time, hoping to eradicate the Winters as well. Last they knew, despite the Winters'' struggles in the central area, they were still trapped due to overwhelming numbers of zombies." "They knew Commander McMillan had embarked on a mission to find and rescue the Winters from their predicament. Despite its seeming impossibility, their goal was simply to ensure the demise of all their adversaries here," the young man said, his voice trembling with fear as he broke into another bout of sobs. He was increasingly unnerved by Kisha''s unsettling smile, which bore an ominous menace. To him, she appeared like a devil ready to devour him if she detected any falsehood, leaving him no choice but to reveal everything he knew. "Anything else?" Kisha repeated, her expression unchanged. The young man shook his head vigorously. "No, I''ve told you everything..." Before he could finish his sentence, Kisha stood up. He thought she might leave him alone after turning away, but before he could even exhale in relief, Kisha swiftly kicked him off the roof and back into the warehouse. The young man plummeted off the roof, landing directly among the waiting zombies below. His enraged scream of "Fuuuuuucccccck Youuuuu, Bitttcccch!!!!" echoed through the air as he fell. The brief, gut-wrenching scream that followed was unsettling, ending abruptly within seconds. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was clear he was likely torn apart swiftly by the zombies, his demise quick and brutal. For Kisha, it was a swift and relatively painless end for him. His death was already her showing mercy to him¡ªa swift end with little pain compared to the suffering and loss he had caused countless lives through his selfishness and scheming. No one questioned her this time. They all understood that a man like him, cowardly and scheming, could not be trusted. Even if everything he said was true, it wouldn''t absolve him of his actions. His betrayal of his own people suggested he would do so again if it served his selfish interests. No one, except Duke, had anticipated Kisha''s swift action, but there was little sympathy for the man¡ªespecially among Aston''s team. Upon hearing his former comrade''s confession, Aston now fully understood the extent of their depravity. He felt validated in his decision not to collaborate with them from the beginning. He was seething with anger. If he hadn''t hired Kisha and her team as guides and escorts this time, he and his people would have faced certain death without understanding how it came to pass, possibly implicating the Winters in the process. Unaware that he had surrounded himself with treacherous individuals, he unwittingly provided his enemies with information that led to their current predicament. He felt a heavy sense of responsibility weighing on him, head hanging low in remorse as he recalled his former comrade''s urgent plea: "We must save the Winters!" Quickly addressing Kisha and her team, he scanned their now zombie-filled surroundings. He could catch glimpses of the densely packed road where hordes of zombies marched, emphasizing the overwhelming number they faced. "Please, help us find the Winters again. We must save them," Aston pleaded urgently, his tone reflecting increased desperation. He was on the brink of kneeling before Kisha and her team, fully aware of their formidable abilities. Knowing their strength, he believed they were the only ones capable of rescuing the Winters now. "Please..." His plea was filled with desperation, almost on the verge of wanting to kneel before her, hoping it might soften their hearts or earn their favor. "They are safe," Kisha said, abruptly cutting off Aston''s plea. "Pardon?" Aston and his team looked at Kisha with incredulous expressions, which seemed almost comical. Aston still didn''t grasp the meaning behind Kisha''s statement. He struggled to hear amidst the surrounding zombie growls, unsure if his ears were playing tricks on him. "The Winters, including Duke, are all safe and sound. They''re far from here," Kisha explained matter-of-factly, without even glancing at Aston as if discussing a mundane topic. Then, she turned her attention to Sparrow. "Have you spotted a good exit route for us?" "Yes, young madam. I followed that man and discovered his escape route," Sparrow said with a smug look. He was clearly proud of himself. Before capturing the traitor, he had meticulously tracked him to ensure he had identified the escape route. Only after confirming and double-checking the route did he capture the traitor, tie him up, and drag him back to present to their young madam, ready to extract more information and assist with the situation. Vulture could hear the smugness in Sparrow''s voice and couldn''t help but sigh as he listened from the side. Chapter 183 Reeves Secret Aston and his team were still bewildered by the recent events and Kisha''s statement. They felt as though they hadn''t fully grasped her words. "The Winters are safe?" Aston repeated, seeking confirmation of Kisha''s words. However, Kisha was busy discussing the escape route with Sparrow, and Duke, seemingly unconcerned with anything else, was preoccupied with keeping an eye on his wife as if she might run away if he looked away even for a moment. Vulture took the liberty to briefly explain to Aston. "We already saved the Winters during our initial mission here. And before you ask, yes, we were also responsible for what happened to the Coltons'' camp, but I''m not in a position to explain the whys." "Is it because you don''t trust us yet, or are you afraid we might betray you?" Aston asked, his voice tinged with shame and mixed emotions. He hadn''t anticipated being surrounded by traitors and now feared there might be more among his team. Vulture shook his head. "No, not that. As far as I can tell, what the young madam did to you earlier seemed like a binding contract. Given her cautious nature, it was probably a safety measure to ensure no one could betray us. What would happen if you did, I don''t know. It''s ultimately up to her whether she wants to share more information." He shrugged, following his instincts. If Kisha heard him whispering this to Aston, she might kick his ass for disclosing such information. Luckily, he had kept his voice low, speaking only to Aston. Initially, Aston was brooding with anger, but as he parsed Vulture''s words, a sense of realization dawned on him. "Binding contract?" His brows furrowed deeply, then shot up in incredulity. "Did we somehow sell our souls to the devil?" he gasped, turning to Vulture for answers. The memory of the faint, translucent flame that had emanated from their bodies flashed through his mind, reinforcing his concern. Vulture responded with a nonchalant shrug, leaving Aston with more questions than answers. Then Vulture added, "How would I know? We didn''t go through anything like that." His innocent remark inadvertently rubbed salt in Aston''s wounds, unknowingly mocking him. With those simple words, Vulture implied that he and his team were inherently trustworthy, suggesting that Kisha didn''t need to resort to drastic measures to ensure her safety¡ªunlike Aston and his men, who apparently required such a contract to prevent potential betrayal even while they slept. This revelation further disheartened Aston, adding to the exasperation of his already dismal situation. He realized he had been kept in the dark, while his own people had been taking advantage of him until they discarded him once he was no longer useful. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As a soldier of higher rank, he managed to keep his emotions in check and regain his composure. Having pledged his allegiance to Kisha and her team, whether or not there was a binding contract, he was committed to following them. Especially now that he knew of their connection to the Winters, he trusted that no one with ill intentions would be associated with them, as Duke would not allow it. Reflecting on this, he felt much better about their mission. It wasn''t just successful¡ªit was remarkably fruitful. They had gathered a wealth of information and had also removed the weeds that had infiltrated their ranks, those rotten apples who had called themselves his comrades. However, Kisha''s sharp gaze then fell upon Reeve, who was attempting to make himself as inconspicuous as possible, as though fearful of being noticed. Kisha had observed his suspicious behavior for some time; if anyone aroused her suspicion, it was him. Despite her initial doubts, life was full of surprises, and Reeve was not among the traitors¡ªbut he was clearly hiding something. The uncertainty of what Reeve was hiding unsettled her deeply. Whatever it was, it didn''t sit well with her, as it could potentially pose a threat not only to them but also to her group in the future. The possibility that it might not directly concern them didn''t ease her concern; rather, it heightened her apprehension about its potential implications down the line. "Now." Her cold voice was directed squarely at Reeve, causing him to jolt and stiffen in place. He knew Kisha''s words were aimed at him, yet he couldn''t bring himself to meet her gaze, gripped by fear. Having been accustomed to admiration and protection, the harsh realities he faced with Kisha and her ruthless team were entirely new and terrifying for him. The presence of Kisha and Duke was particularly daunting; their aura was overpowering and intimidating. "Why did you join this mission if you can''t even protect yourself? And what are you hiding?" Kisha''s voice was icy as she interrogated him, each word laden with menace. It sent chills down Reeve''s spine as if a colossal serpent had coiled around him, its frigid scales pressing against his skin with a threatening intensity. Reeve pursed his lips, searching for the right words as he felt the weight of everyone''s gaze upon him. He couldn''t evade the truth any longer. With a shaky voice, he began to explain, "I... I was running away." His admission caused Kisha to raise an eyebrow, her silence urging him to continue, though her scrutiny only intensified Reeve''s anxiety. "I used to be a teen idol. My group and I were on our way to a concert in City B when the apocalypse hit," he continued, each word trembling with emotion. "I heard there were no survivors at the concert location. Only a few of us from my group made it out because we were literally outside that time, and we got separated. Thankfully, Commander McMillan saved me." As Reeve spoke, his voice grew increasingly shaky, reflecting the turmoil he felt recounting his ordeal. "After the soldiers successfully fortified the shelter and expanded it to accommodate more survivors, I learned that some of my group had also found safety there. By then, Commander McMillan had assigned me various odd jobs for the military. While carrying out my duties, I happened to overhear soldiers describing a few young men who sounded like my friends, but..." Reeve paused, taking a deep breath as tears welled up, as if he were baring his heart, revealing his grievances and fears. "But I found out they were dragged away by some soldiers and sold to the Coltons in exchange for rations, becoming the Young Master Coltons'' sex slaves..." He paused, a hiccup escaping him, on the verge of breaking down. "I heard they''re being tortured there, and now the soldiers are eyeing me to send to the Young Master''s bed, seeing how the other slaves are dying like flies." "I was scared, but I wanted to help my friends. I knew I couldn''t do anything for them, so when I heard that Commander McMillan was personally going out on a mission, I had no choice but to follow for my own protection. But I was also afraid that he or you might sell me, or that I would end up in a situation similar to those of the Young Master Coltons. My paranoia consumed me." With that, he wailed in fear and pain, pouring out all his anxieties, worries, and sense of helplessness. "At first, I thought I was safe because all of you are so strong. But then, when I saw how ruthless you were with Commander McMillan''s second in command, I began to fear that you were no different from the Coltons. It scared me to my core, so I tried to keep my distance and be as useful as possible. I was terrified of all the possibilities." As he started to divulge what he had been hiding for days, he couldn''t stop; it poured out like water from a broken dam. Chapter 184 You Are Now My People Hearing his explanation, Kisha breathed a sigh of relief, though her expression remained unchanged. Reeve now sat with his legs curled up to his chest, burying his face in them. Kisha sensed no malice from Reeve, and the Slave Contract didn''t react either, indicating Reeve likely meant no harm and his words might indeed be true. If Reeve were a traitor skilled in deception, the Slave Contract held sway over his soul and heart, preventing him from deceiving it. Even harboring the slightest malice towards her would trigger the contract''s punishment. Kisha crouched down to meet Reeve at eye level and gently patted his head. He seemed so young, perhaps as young as her own brother, Keith. Hearing his fears and worries, and understanding why he had fled to such a dangerous place for safety, softened her heart. And hearing about his other friends in the same idol group experiencing such horrors made her blood boil. She couldn''t imagine the anguish they must feel, the hopelessness they endured as they suffered such torture, especially considering they were just kids. "Would you like to rescue your friends?" Kisha asked, her voice softening slightly. Reeve stopped crying and, through hiccups, slowly raised his head. His misted eyes looked towards Kisha, but his vision was still blurred by tears, making it hard to see her expression. However, he could sense genuine concern in her voice. He absentmindedly nodded but then hung his head low again. "But... the soldiers said they might be dead by now after being tortured by Young Master Colton," he said, clenching his jaw tightly. He felt a mix of anger and helplessness. "If they are dead, then avenge them. If they survived, then rescue them and help them get back on their feet," Kisha said, her gaze steady. She wasn''t showing sympathy or empathy; she was merely presenting the options available to him and indicating her willingness to help. "There''s only so much you can do. Worrying about what you can''t change is pointless. Focus on what you can do and take action." She shrugged her shoulders, conveying that while she understood his helplessness, ultimately, it was his life and his choice. Reeve cried softly for a few minutes, not saying anything. Then, he nodded with determination. He knew he was powerless, and Kisha''s offer to help was the best deal he could hope for, especially when he had nothing to offer in return. In his heart, he had already sworn to do anything to help Kisha in the future, even becoming her hands and feet if necessary. He resolved to become stronger, determined never to feel as powerless as he did now. He hated being helpless and at the mercy of others. Seeing the determination in Reeve''s eyes, Kisha nodded in agreement and glanced around. She exhaled deeply before speaking. "You''ve all witnessed how fickle the human heart can be, and I can assure you that no matter the lessons you''ve learned today, this won''t be the last time you experience such treachery. You won''t be able to avoid it, especially in a world like ours, where human hearts are pushed to the extremes of cruelty." She paused, her gaze shifting to the horde of zombies in the distance. "But if you have power, as you''ve seen with me and my team, power can dictate outcomes. We''ve always lived in a society where power dictates all, and it has always been a survival of the fittest. The rules have just changed a bit. I hope you all learn to guard yourselves against what may come. Remember, you are now my people, and as you''ve seen, I do not take kindly to betrayal." Kisha''s words ended with a steely resolve, her teeth gritted in pure hatred. Kisha turned around and gestured for everyone to stand. Without waiting for the others, she strode straight toward the path Sparrow had mentioned. ''Time waits for no one, especially now that danger lurks everywhere,'' she thought. ''I don''t have time to babysit them.'' Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture followed her immediately, without question. They knew that despite Kisha''s seemingly detached demeanor, she deeply valued her people. Her earlier declaration had been more of a reminder to herself than a warning to them. Vulture and Sparrow had a vague idea about Kisha''s experiences, unlike Duke, who had started to understand her more deeply. Observing her every movement and word, he noticed her hidden fears and scars. Although she had shared most of her experiences from her previous lives to make them believe her, she hadn''t allowed them to delve too deeply. Some scars were best left unopened, as revisiting them would only cause pain without benefiting anyone. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When Aston and his people came to their senses, they noticed Kisha and her team were already some distance ahead. They had fallen into a trance while listening to Kisha, captivated by her aura and wisdom as if hearing a king''s decree. Once they snapped out of it, they immediately followed with renewed determination and understanding, as if a new path had been revealed to them. Kisha headed straight to the edge of the warehouse''s roof where a thick pipe, as wide as a man''s waist, ran across. Several pipes were clustered close together, forming a makeshift bridge they could use to escape. The warehouse being relatively new meant that the piping was well-maintained and sturdy, capable of supporting the weight of 4-5 adults simultaneously. This allowed them to cross without any concerns. Kisha led the way, followed by Duke and Vulture, then Reeve and the other younger team members. Aston crossed as second to the last, followed by Sparrow guarding the rear. After crossing the pipes, they moved through the second warehouse in a similar manner, eventually reaching the roof of the worker''s dormitory. Descending to the high walls of the dorm was straightforward, thanks to Vulture''s ability to create bridges or stairs as needed, making the task effortless for the team. Now able to utilize their awakened abilities without hesitation, their journey back to their truck became significantly easier compared to their arrival. Kisha and the others opted for the quickest and most direct route, a straight line, moving swiftly toward their vehicle. The journey that had originally taken half a day was now reduced to just two hours on the return trip. Fortunately, they encountered no evolved zombies along the way; however, the regular zombies prowling the streets had grown stronger and more agile since the second blood rain, a fact noticed by everyone. Thanks to Kisha and her team''s protection, they navigated through the surroundings unharmed despite being constantly surrounded. Aston understood that without Kisha and her team, he and his group would not have survived outside in such conditions. Kisha and her team pressed on without stopping, fortunate that their journey was easier than anticipated. They managed without rest, encountering less stress as they avoided engaging with zombies. Their safe passage was ensured by the escort of massive bees as tough as steel and swift as bullets. Before the bees'' buzzing ceased, the zombies were already reduced to mincemeat, especially when Bell took action, turning the encounter into a swift and decisive massacre. It was a little reassuring but scary at the same time. Chapter 185 The Evolved Zombie Only now did they realize, thanks to Vulture''s insight, that they had always been surrounded by these deadly machines¡ªthey just hadn''t noticed them because of their ability to hide and change size at will. This camouflage allowed them to seamlessly blend into their surroundings like ordinary insects. Kisha didn''t interrupt Vulture as he shared more insights with the group about the apocalypse, recounting their own journey, and preparing them for what lay ahead. His stories kept everyone engaged and fascinated, adding a lively dynamic to an otherwise potentially dull journey. Vulture''s penchant for gossip and storytelling was evident, and Kisha saw no harm in letting him continue. She trusted Aston''s team not to betray her, and Vulture''s explanations helped fill in the gaps, reducing the need for her to explain everything herself. Upon reaching the military truck, Aston and his team finally caught up on crucial information, including details about the awakened abilities, the events surrounding the blood rain that triggered the zombie raid towards the shelter, and numerous lingering questions that had previously gone unanswered. They began to grasp their tasks and anticipate what lay ahead, trusting implicitly in the knowledge possessed by Kisha and her team. Initially, they attributed their team''s proficiency to their combat skills alone. However, as time went on, it became evident that their expertise extended far beyond battle prowess; they possessed a great familiarity with the nuances of the apocalypse itself. Despite this realization, the origins of this knowledge remained a mystery. Vulture had chosen not to disclose Kisha''s identity as a reincarnator with extensive experience of the apocalypses for many years, and thus, it remained unspoken. When Aston and the others climbed back into the truck and found it empty, there was little surprise among them. They had witnessed Kisha''s ability to make items disappear and reappear at will, so they understood how the supplies could be under her control. Thanks to Vulture''s explanations about abilities, they now had a vague understanding that Kisha had secured the supplies for safekeeping, ensuring they couldn''t be stolen by others. This arrangement was the best outcome they could hope for, as it guaranteed both the security of their essential resources and no one finding how many supplies they had, which gave them more security. But trouble seemed to follow them relentlessly. Even before they departed, wave after wave of zombie hordes assailed them without respite, denying them any chance to rest. Kisha couldn''t shake off the feeling of oddity in this relentless assault. She exchanged a knowing look with Duke, and amid the ongoing fight, they scanned the area attentively. They dispatched Sparrow to scout the surroundings, hoping to glean some insight into this unrelenting onslaught. And there, they found out that there really was an evolved zombie that was directing the attack, the zombie they encountered to save the dog. It tracked their truck and waited there patiently to ambush them while keeping the place looking as normal as possible. Luckily, Kisha had her scarlet bees patrolling and her system radar and she immediately noticed that seemingly coordinated attack, the evolved zombie kept its distance away from Kisha and her group for a few kilometers, it seemed intelligent and knew that it could hide itself from the shadows while making the regular zombies do its bidding. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. t remained concealed and at a distance from Kisha and her team, preventing them from retaliating. It was wary of Duke''s Ice Spears and Fireballs, which could strike the evolved zombie from afar. The creature exploited its ability to command lesser zombies to shield itself from direct confrontation. Whenever Kisha made a move and the evolved zombie sensed that she had detected its position, it didn''t halt the wave of zombies attacking. Instead, it maneuvered itself among the horde to obscure its location and shield itself from its enemies. Kisha wasn''t certain if the evolved zombie held a grudge for thwarting its original prey or if it had shifted its focus to them after losing its initial target. Seeing the zombie''s unwavering persistence, Kisha suspected it had become aware of the utility of crystal cores. These cores weren''t just beneficial to the awakened superhumans; they also accelerated zombie evolution, boosting their strength and capabilities. Crystal cores obtained from awakened superhumans, mutant animals, or plants functioned similarly in enhancing the zombie''s or human''s abilities. Mutant animals and plants could also utilize the crystal core from whichever to increase their strength. Kisha''s eyes narrowed with concern. The level of intelligence displayed by this lower-evolved zombie was deeply unsettling and posed a significant threat to the future. Typically, only high-level zombies regained enough intellect to think like humans, whereas lower-evolved zombies weren''t supposed to possess consciousness beyond basic instincts. While stronger than ordinary zombies, they shouldn''t exhibit such strategic thinking. Kisha feared that if this zombie wasn''t dealt with, it could potentially evolve into a zombie king capable of terrorizing and destroying any shelter it encountered. Kisha''s determination to eliminate the threat surged as she directed more scarlet bees to lock down the evolved zombie''s position. Simultaneously, her team worked to stealthily extract themselves from the area. Aside from Sparrow, who else among them was best suited for this mission? If the evolved zombie was indeed that intelligent, Kisha suspected it had already marked her and Duke as targets, ensuring that the lesser zombies kept a vigilant eye on them. To confirm her suspicions, Kisha and Duke attempted a coordinated attack to breach through the defenses. However, as they advanced towards the center, they encountered increasing resistance. Whenever one of them momentarily vanished from sight, the lesser zombies became unusually protective of the evolved zombie, which would then conceal itself behind layers of earth armor and earth wall. The evolved zombie and the lesser zombies seemed less vigilant towards the other members of Kisha''s team. From this, Kisha deduced that they were specifically targeting her and Duke. Regardless of the reason behind this targeting, Kisha was determined not to let the evolved zombie survive, as she knew it would spell disaster for their group if it did. Getting close to the evolved zombie seemed nearly impossible, even with the assistance of the scarlet bees. The relentless waves of zombies made it exhausting, and they had the additional challenge of protecting Aston and his team while feeling cornered by the zombie''s onslaught. Kisha and Duke refrained from overusing their awakened abilities in this situation to avoid exhausting themselves, knowing the evolved zombie would seize any opportunity to attack with full force. Currently, it remains vigilant and on guard. The only option they considered was sending Sparrow to assassinate the evolved zombie while its attention was focused on them. They knew they had only one chance, and failure meant they might not get another opportunity. Without exchanging words, Kisha and Duke reached the same conclusion and exchanged a knowing glance. Their minds raced as they contemplated ways to distract the evolved zombie and its protective horde, creating an opening for Sparrow to strike. But Sparrow also needed to get closer to the evolved zombie for his attack to be more effective and deadly, unlike if he were to strike from afar. They hadn''t made a decision yet, so they instructed Sparrow to remain hidden for the time being, ensuring he wouldn''t alert the zombies while they strategized their next move. Chapter 186 Kill the Evolved Zombie Kisha and Duke fought the zombies relentlessly as if their lives depended on it. Their desperation was evident as they continued to kill, while Vulture joined the fray, using his awakened ability to turn the tide. This only excited the evolved zombie, making the horde more fierce and relentless in their attacks. Despite their efforts, Kisha and the others struggled to make any headway and were gradually pushed back into a corner. Sensing their imminent downfall, the evolved zombie grew arrogant, its defense becoming lax as it anticipated their defeat. The longer the evolved zombie watched Kisha and the others struggle, the more relentless the waves of zombies became. Growing impatient, it began sending its guards to the front lines to fight, confident in its protection behind the earth armor and earth wall. The evolved zombie kept screeching, and with each screech, more of its guards left its side. As Kisha and the rest started to get overpowered, they switched to a defensive strategy. Vulture erected a thicker earth wall to halt the zombies'' advance, allowing Kisha and Duke brief moments to rest. It was clear they were getting tired. Their attacks on the zombies were becoming less frequent, and they were retreating behind the earth wall more often. This led the evolved zombie to believe that Kisha and the rest were exhausted and just looking for a way to escape. Thinking that Kisha and the rest would actually run away, the evolved zombie screeched again and began attacking on its own to dismantle Vulture''s protective wall. However, as it switched to offense, its own defenses crumbled. This was exactly what Kisha had been waiting for. Lower-level evolved zombies lacked the intelligence to maintain both defense and offense simultaneously, relying solely on instinct to operate and fight. Unlike humans, who possess strong mental capacities to control their awakened abilities and manage both defense and attack simultaneously, these zombies could not strategize effectively. However, it was true that evolved zombies were difficult to deal with and much stronger than awakened superhumans. Its earth wall was sturdier than Vulture''s, its earth spikes had a greater reach, and its attacks were more powerful. Coupled with its ability to control lower zombies, it was a formidable and a real pain in the ass. As the earth armor surrounding its body slowly crumbled while it continued sending earth spikes towards Kisha and the others, Sparrow, who had been waiting in ambush atop a building, swiftly descended to a lamppost just above the rampaging evolved zombie. Two wind blades were already prepared in each of Sparrow''s hands. Without giving the evolved zombie time to notice him, Sparrow, as soon as he landed on the lamppost, sent the wind blades simultaneously toward its neck, conjuring another as a backup. The first wind blade shattered the remaining earth armor and slightly cut its skin, while the second one sliced through its neck. Nervous that the two wind blades might not be enough, Sparrow quickly sent a third. By then, the evolved zombie had already noticed him. And Sparrow was correct; the two wind blades were insufficient to kill it. The blades only managed to slice halfway through its neck, leaving a gaping wound from which coagulated blood sporadically spurted, like a congested pipe. The evolved zombie''s head now leaned to one side, teetering as if about to fall. Sparrow also noticed the evolved zombie''s neck slowly healing, its muscles regenerating while its hatred-filled eyes locked onto him. The zombie commanded the lesser zombies to smash down the lamp post, intent on bringing Sparrow within reach. Sparrow''s third wind blade missed its mark as the evolved zombie had already sensed him after feeling the impact of the second wind blade. In a last-minute maneuver, the zombie shifted, narrowly avoiding the full force of the blade that could have decapitated it. The evolved zombie shifted its focus to Sparrow, recognizing that Kisha and the others were now on their last stand against its zombie army. With its head wobbling precariously on its almost severed neck, it snapped off an earth spike and hurled it towards Sparrow like a javelin, pinpointing him as the greatest threat. Instead of faltering, Sparrow persisted in provoking the evolved zombie with his wind blades, targeting its limbs to hinder its evasive maneuvers. However, this only further infuriated the creature, prompting it to unleash another ear-splitting screech that goaded its zombie horde into escalating their assault. Sparrow grinned, knowing the evolved zombie couldn''t comprehend his strategy. Feeling threatened, it shifted focus to defense and delegated the lesser zombies to deal with Kisha and Sparrow while it healed. However, the evolved zombie''s fate was sealed as its head rolled across the pavement just as it began to defend itself, completely unaware of what had transpired. Its body slumped to the ground with a thud, but the noise was drowned out by the relentless growls of the zombie horde. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What happened was, the moment the evolved zombie turned its attention to Sparrow and Sparrow taunting it so he could keep its attention on him, making him the biggest threat to the anger fille evolved zombie, Bell was also tasked to be on ambush like Sparrow but it was only as a backup, the moment Bell saw Sparrow''s attack did not work, Bell was already only waiting for the right moment to zoom in on the evolved zombie to use its sharp forelegs to completely severe the evolved zombie''s head from its neck and it was going to be easier for Bell because Sparrow has already left a gaping wound on its neck and only needed a little more force to end it. With Bell''s agile movements, she darted towards the evolved zombie, her forelegs acting like sharp blades that swiftly incapacitated the creature. As soon as it fell, the aggression of the zombie horde noticeably subsided. While they continued to attack Kisha and the others, their coordination faltered without their leader to guide them. "Master, it''s dead!" Bell reported with excitement to Kisha, proudly presenting the crystal core she retrieved from the evolved zombie as if it were a precious treasure. Kisha eagerly accepted the crystal core, swiftly storing it in her inventory. Together with Duke, Vulture, and Sparrow, they all drank a vial of black liquid each to replenish their spiritual energy. With renewed vigor, they shifted from defense to offense, unleashing their full power without restraint. Kisha deftly maneuvered two flying daggers to strike at zombies positioned farther away, all the while elegantly killing those nearby with her twin katanas, moving with a grace that belied the intense concentration and skill required. Her actions proved instrumental in improving their dangerous situation. Meanwhile, Duke tirelessly conjured ice spears, unleashing them in a relentless downpour upon the zombies ahead. Despite being limited to Level 0, he managed to summon a maximum of a dozen spears. If he had been one level higher, his ability to create these icy projectiles would have been significantly greater. He grew increasingly dissatisfied with his ability to summon only a dozen ice spears at Level 0, while others could barely conjure one spear as large and powerful as his, each as long and thick as an adult''s forearm. If others with similar elemental abilities were to discover his discontent with his achievement, they might ridicule him mercilessly and drown him in spits. Even Kisha might kick him to sleep outside if she caught wind of his dissatisfaction. This guy was truly exasperating in a unique way. Sparrow alternated between using his wind blades and his cold weapons to help kill more zombies, while Vulture stood guard at the rear, shielding Aston and the others from the relentless onslaught. He erected an earth wall bristling with spikes that skewered the mindless zombies, who continued their advance without hesitation even as their comrades fell to the deadly obstacles. Bell didn''t remain idle either; to prove its worth, it effortlessly sliced through the zombie horde. With their combined effort and a few more vials of black liquid, Kisha and the others managed to eliminate all the zombies surrounding them. However, the battle lasted for hours; they lost track of time amidst the relentless fighting. The entire area was littered with zombie carcasses, making it difficult for them to move around freely. They doubted they could even maneuver the truck through the carcasses-strewn area, so Kisha stowed the military truck in her inventory. They continued their journey on foot. Aston and his team were momentarily surprised to discover that Kisha could store large objects like trucks in her space, finding this capability both impressive and formidable. Before departing, Duke set the entire battlefield ablaze to prevent a potential plague outbreak from the mass of carcasses, fearing that the wind might carry disease to the shelter. His decision was pragmatic; Kisha had firsthand experience with a similar plague in a previous life, where the accumulation of carcasses within shelter walls led to airborne transmission, slowly suffocating those within and leading to lung disease. Chapter 187 Whos the Jinx? As they walked away from the blazing zombie carcasses, a thought flashed through Vulture''s mind. Previously, he hadn''t paid much attention to the events that had gradually unfolded since they left City A to get to their base. From there, they journeyed to City B to track down their master''s family and eventually rescue them. "Do you think one of us might be a jinx?" Vulture asked incredulously. He had noticed that not a day passed without them encountering some form of danger or problem. Dealing with zombies was one thing, but recently, they had faced more traitors, were hunted by creepy zombie hordes, and now even evolved zombies. "Are you talking about yourself?" Sparrow snorted, looking Vulture up and down. Now that Vulture had mentioned it, Sparrow really did think he might be the jinx. "If you ask me, I''m quite lucky and often stumble upon good opportunities, so it''s highly likely it''s you." Sparrow didn''t spare Vulture''s feelings at all. "Why is it me?!" Vulture exclaimed, his eyes widening with anger. "What? Are you suggesting it''s either Master or Young Madam?" Sparrow teased, a playful smirk on his face. Vulture found himself tongue-tied, unable to respond. He had no choice but to accept Sparrow''s insinuation that he was the jinx of their group. What started as a casual remark now felt like a genuine curse, making Vulture believe that the gods were indeed targeting them, complicating their already challenging lives. The two exchanged a few more playful barbs as they walked back. They traveled on foot for quite a distance before eventually getting back on the truck. As they neared the shelter, Kisha instructed Sparrow to stop in a secluded spot. She knew there was something they needed to take care of before re-entering the shelter. "Before we go back to the shelter, there''s something we must do," Kisha stated, looking around at the faces of her companions. Despite their haggard and dirty appearances, they all seemed fine. None of them had slimmed down or appeared pitifully troubled, indicating they had endured their time outside fairly well. Even though they had lost two members of their group, their appearance suggested they had fared well, leaving no room for excuses about their time outside. "What must we do?" Aston asked, voicing the question on everyone''s mind. "Look at yourselves," Kisha replied, her expression indifferent. "W-we look fine," Reeve responded a hint of doubt in his voice. He couldn''t pinpoint anything wrong, but a sense of nervousness crept in. "Exactly, that''s the problem," Kisha said, pointing at each of them. They all looked confused, not grasping what she was insinuating. Seeing their puzzled expressions, Kisha decided to spell it out. "The issue is that you all look fine. Are they as strong as us?" she directed the question to one of Aston''s members. "No," he answered. "Exactly. You''re not as strong as us, and looking this fine will be an issue," Kisha stated bluntly. "We just lost two people, and those two happened to be traitors sent by the Minister of Defense and the Coltons." Kisha paced around, appearing disinterested as she continued. "If we go back looking like this, how do we explain their disappearance? Do we admit that we knew they were spies? And then what? Let the two forces join hands and surround us on all sides, not knowing who our enemies and allies are? Blindly fight back?" She paused, letting the questions hang in the air. Kisha didn''t want to hand them all the answers. She wanted them to use their brains, to run through the simulations in their heads so they wouldn''t be overly reliant on whoever was leading. "That sounds like a bad idea," Reeve said, starting to fidget. "Even though we now know where the Coltons'' hideout is, we''re still not sure how much influence they have in the shelter or how far they''re willing to go to retaliate. They don''t fight fair; they might even use the innocent lives of other survivors as hostages to get what they want." "Exactly. So, as a cover, we need to make it seem like we had a really tough time outside. We''ll say the two deserted their position to run on their own, only to die before us," Kisha explained, pointing at each of them. "We should look like we fought hell to come back alive. To make it believable, we should have some injuries. Don''t you think?" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hearing the last sentence from Kisha''s mouth made everyone gulp nervously. They sensed where this conversation was headed, and it didn''t bode well. Yet, they couldn''t voice any objections because Kisha had a valid point. They all understood why Kisha and the others kept their awakened abilities hidden¡ªit was for a good reason, and deep down, they all agreed it was the best option. They believed that revealing their awakened abilities to the Coltons would escalate the situation, making it more tragic and challenging. As Kisha broached the topic, they began to grasp her concerns. They understood that returning unscathed while the two spies were missing would raise suspicions, potentially turning the spotlight on them. And if they alerted their enemies prematurely, it would leave them more guarded and prepared, nullifying the advantage gained from the traitors'' information. This moment presented their best opportunity to mobilize their faction, catch the Coltons and the Minister of Defense off guard, and make use of the element of surprise. "T-then... How should we deal with this?" Aston asked tentatively, his voice betraying concern. He wasn''t afraid of pain or serious injury; he''d endured countless battles even before the apocalypse and had no intention of faltering now. However, he empathized with Reeve and the others who lacked his experience. He worried whether they would be able to endure the pain. "Commander, I know you understand what needs to be done. My team and I will also have to go through with this," Kisha said with a frustrated sigh. She didn''t want to see Duke injured, and she knew he didn''t like it either; he was already frowning and simmering with discontent at her side. When she turned to meet his eyes, she could see his silent acknowledgment of the necessity, though he remained silent himself. "We''ll also need to leave the truck behind and continue on foot from here." After Kisha spoke, silence fell over the group as each member contemplated what lay ahead. They absorbed the implications of Kisha''s words, some already mentally planning the injuries they would need to convincingly feign, hoping to appear as beleaguered and vulnerable as possible with their self-inflicted injuries. Kisha was pleasantly surprised by Aston''s team''s unwavering resolve, surpassing her expectations. She hadn''t anticipated their lack of discontent and their eagerness to comply with her orders. She knew this wasn''t because of the slave contract; such contracts didn''t alter a person''s fundamental personality or mindset¡ªthey merely imposed a binding obligation. Their willingness to comply brought a smile to Kisha''s face, reassuring her that she had made the correct decision. In truth, when she first encountered the traitors within Aston''s team, she had entertained thoughts of allowing the others to perish, perhaps even considering drastic measures such as killing them aside from Aston to prevent future betrayals and ensure her and her people''s safety. Chapter 188 Injuries However, her perspective shifted upon reviewing Reeve''s status window. She realized that Reeve''s survival played a crucial role, prompting her to reconsider her initial plans. Additionally, she anticipated that Aston would resent her if she acted impulsively and harmed innocent people before identifying the true traitor. And even though her heart has already turned cold and can''t trust that easily, she was not irresponsible and wouldn''t kill without reason. If she was, she wouldn''t even bring Clyde, Fred, or anyone else with her to travel to safety when she didn''t know if they would eventually betray her for whatever reason. After everyone grasped what was required, they took action accordingly. Those, like Reeve, who were willing but apprehensive about inflicting injuries on themselves sought assistance from Aston, Sparrow, and Vulture. Some even requested to be visibly bruised and battered, ensuring their ruse appeared convincing. Kisha couldn''t help but watch them as they endured, their muffled groans filling the room. It was clear they were handling it admirably, and she trusted Aston, Sparrow, and Vulture not to overdo it, ensuring the injuries inflicted were just enough to appear convincing without causing lasting harm to their health. Once the three had finished assisting the others, they each retrieved their own daggers, meticulously cleaning them before deliberately inflicting superficial wounds and scratches on themselves. They exchanged a few controlled punches before mutually agreeing to stop. When Kisha prepared to inflict injuries upon herself, Duke shot her a silent, disapproving glare, conveying his stance that while he consented to let the others play their roles, she needn''t join them. Both Kisha and Duke saw themselves as stronger figures in their group, as leader and vice-leader respectively. It seemed fitting to let Sparrow and Vulture, whom they considered their "Lackeys", would take on the task of simulating injuries in their place. But Kisha was determined to ensure their plan was foolproof and wouldn''t raise any suspicions. Duke, however, was deeply reluctant. "If you''re set on harming yourself," he said firmly, holding the dagger close to his chest, "then I''ll take a severe or even life-threatening injury before I let you step outside with that intention." Kisha''s heart nearly jumped out of her ribcage at Duke''s seriousness. "Alright, alright, I understand. I won''t hurt myself. Put that down," she said, motioning towards the dagger. Hearing Kisha step back to prevent him from hurting himself, Duke smiled at her briefly. Lowering the dagger, but then he swiftly stabbed it into his left shoulder and then his right thigh. Kisha was taken aback and momentarily stunned by Duke''s unexpected actions; she hadn''t anticipated him going to such lengths. She was filled with anger, grief, and frustration as she rushed to Duke''s side and helped him up. It wasn''t necessary to assist him; he showed barely any sign of pain on his face. He hadn''t even winced when he decisively stabbed himself, nor did he break into a sweat. Duke continued to act as if nothing was amiss. If Kisha hadn''t witnessed him inflict those wounds upon himself and seen the blood, she might have thought the dagger he used was merely a retractable prop. Everyone, including Kisha, was taken aback by Duke''s actions. They had all held back with the injuries they inflicted on themselves, which now seemed like mere scratches compared to Duke''s self-inflicted wounds. Kisha quickly retrieved the first aid kit from her inventory and began applying medication to Duke''s injuries. If it weren''t for their need to deceive the Coltons and appear authentic, Kisha would have opted to have Duke drink a healing potion and use makeup to disguise any remaining bruises. However, they knew they would face medical examination upon reaching the shelter, and the professionals there would surely inspect and dress their wounds thoroughly. She refrained from hurting herself, knowing Duke would add more injuries if she attempted to do so. She couldn''t bear to see Duke hurt any more than he already was. After everyone had tended to their wounds and deliberately made themselves look more disheveled, they continued their journey. Kisha stored all their supplies in her inventory, leaving only a few backpacks for them to carry, creating the impression they had salvaged some items. Duke then orchestrated the destruction of the truck: Sparrow deliberately rammed it into a nearby building. Making it look like the impact caused a fire, creating the illusion that the driver had been distracted during their escape, leading to the accident. But in reality, after Sparrow rammed the truck, Duke set it on fire with his fireballs. Due to their injuries, the scent of blood emanating from their wounds drew the attention of nearby zombies. Forced to fight while fleeing, they appeared genuinely desperate, as if they were being hunted by the zombie horde. This dramatic scene unfolded before the gatekeeper and others stationed at the lookout tower, who witnessed it from a distance. They were initially alarmed by the billowing dark smoke rising from a distance, catching the lookout tower''s attention first. Soon after, they observed the chaotic scene unfolding as Kisha and the others approached, visible through their binoculars. "Captain, incoming survivors at 3 o''clock!" the lookout urgently radioed, spotting Kisha and her group fleeing from a horde of zombies. The entire team appeared wounded and struggling, with Kisha supporting Duke as they ran. No matter how battered and struggling they appeared, they didn''t stop running. Once the lookout confirmed they were survivors, they began sniping the zombies closest to Kisha''s team to provide support. While the lookout tower provided support, the soldier stationed atop the wall awaited the moment their targets came into view before opening fire. Currently, only the lookout tower had clear sight of Kisha and her team. The gatekeeper was confident that the incoming survivors were their commander and his companions, so, he ensured everyone paid full attention and provided necessary support. He promptly alerted the standby medics upon hearing reports of incoming wounded individuals. Tension gripped everyone as they awaited Aston and the others'' arrival at the gate, hearing the continuous gunfire from the snipers stationed above. "What''s the situation out there?" The gatekeeper radioed the lookout tower urgently for an update. "Sir, it''s confirmed that Commander McMillan''s team is incoming. They appear battered and injured, closing in on the 500-meter mark. Prepare for their arrival down there," the chief lookout responded, maintaining a steady stream of gunfire. He quickly relayed the information to the soldiers on the wall and signaled for those standing behind the gate to be ready to open it at a moment''s notice. The brief wait felt interminable and nerve-wracking. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 189 Telling Them What Happened "They''re coming! I can see them!" one of the soldiers on the wall shouted, prompting the others to tighten their grips on their guns. Sweat started to drip from their foreheads as nervousness set in. After the initial shout, everyone had a clear view of Kisha and the others. They witnessed the staggering figures battling their way towards Gate 2. Among them, Kisha stood out as the only one unharmed, fiercely fighting back. She supported Duke with her left arm while his right arm hung limply over her shoulder. Her right arm swung ceaselessly, wielding her sword against the onslaught of incoming zombies. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The rest of their group struggled valiantly, barely holding off the zombies with their battered bodies. In the eyes of the soldiers watching from a distance, they appeared on the brink of exhaustion, fighting their final battles with the spirit of warriors. Unbeknownst to them, scarlet bees were aiding each person of Kisha''s group in defense. Whenever a zombie approached to attack, the scarlet bees targeted the ankles of the undead from below, causing them to stumble and fall just as they were about to reach their prey. They repeated this process to create the illusion that Kisha''s group was barely surviving, all the while ensuring they were protected from being bitten or killed during the ordeal. When Kisha and the others reached the firing range, the soldiers on the wall unleashed a continuous barrage of gunfire. Soon after, a group of soldiers in protective gear emerged from the gate, which opened slowly. They moved swiftly toward Kisha''s team, surrounding them. Some soldiers assisted those who could barely walk, helping them into the gate. Initially, their focus was on getting Commander McMillan inside, and they seemed ready to leave the others behind outside. When Aston noticed this, he adamantly refused to abandon his people. He repeatedly assured the soldiers who emerged to assist that everyone with him was free of zombie bites. He even went so far as to threaten them with his own life if they refused to listen. Fortunately, the guards at the gate were all Aston''s men. If they hadn''t been, they might have been willing to sacrifice him to the zombies while pretending to assist him. After asserting his authority and issuing his threat as a Commander, the soldiers finally began to assist the injured and guide them inside. They formed a protective ring around Aston''s team, while those on the wall continued firing their guns incessantly to keep the zombies at bay and ensure their safe passage into the gate. Once they successfully ushered Aston and the others inside the gate, the gatekeepers ensured the gate was tightly closed. Without delay, the medics knelt on the ground and began inspecting their wounds. Only after confirming they hadn''t suffered any bites or scratches from zombies did the medics organize everyone to assist in carrying the injured inside the tent for immediate treatment. Since Kisha appeared relatively unharmed aside from exhaustion, they prioritized treating the others first with thorough examinations and immediate medical attention. The gatekeepers kept Kisha outside momentarily as the treatment tents were occupied. Taking the opportunity, one of the gatekeepers began questioning Kisha about the events that had transpired. He vividly remembered the number of people who had set out just two days ago. While he hadn''t anticipated their return so soon, seeing Kisha and her team return unscathed a few days prior, escorting a large group of survivors, led everyone to assume it would be a similar outcome this time around. Not only were they all heavily injured, but they had also lost two people. With their years of experience as soldiers, just by observing their condition, it was evident that something significant must have occurred to lead them to this state. "Can you tell us what happened? Where are the other two people from Commander Aston''s team? You didn''t use them as bait, did you?" The gatekeeper asked sternly, attempting to intimidate Kisha, although he knew it wouldn''t work. Kisha calmly closed her eyes for a moment, shaking her head. She was still trying to catch her breath after the exhausting run. Taking a few deep breaths to steady herself, she focused on regulating her breathing. No one hurried her to respond; they understood she needed a moment after narrowly escaping death. After more than 10 minutes, Kisha finally spoke up. "We didn''t abandon anyone," she began, her voice steady despite the exhaustion. "We completed our mission and were heading back. At one point, near the shelter, we were suddenly surrounded by zombies from all sides. Initially, we managed to hold them off, but we lost track of two team members in the chaos. With the zombie horde growing, we couldn''t risk leaving our defensive position to search for them." Kisha continued her tale, subtly implying that the two missing team members had deserted their posts, leaving the rest of the team to face the zombie horde alone. She described how the truck was set on fire after ramming into a building, carefully placing the blame on the missing individuals for the dire situation they faced. Kisha''s narrative suggested they were traitors who had planned to abandon and sabotage the team without explicitly stating it. She adhered to the fabricated story they had all agreed upon before returning, ensuring her account sounded credible and consistent. Everyone knew this version of the story, so if asked, they would all provide identical accounts. Having witnessed Kisha and her team return the day after the zombie raid, visibly strong and capable after protecting more than a couple dozen survivors, they easily believed her story. This led them to suspect that the two missing people had been plotting against their Commander''s life. "Did the two arrive before us?" Kisha added, feigning concern as if she genuinely didn''t understand what had happened and thought the two merely got separated from their team. The soldiers guarding the gate exchanged incredulous looks, now tinged with grim realization. Kisha''s story successfully planted seeds of doubt among Aston''s soldiers, making them suspect there were traitors in their ranks aiming to kill Aston. Even if the Minister of Defense and the Young Master of the Colton family discovered their people were missing, they would likely conclude that the mission failed and that the traitors died while attempting to flee after their plot to kill Aston went awry. No matter how they examined the situation, they could only conclude this after wracking their brains for answers. They wouldn''t be able to find those two spies, and their mission would inevitably fail. With these testimonies, Kisha and her team could absolve themselves of any responsibility, appearing genuinely unaware of the whereabouts or fate of the two individuals. They ensured that only those within their team were privy to this knowledge, confident that anyone attempting to speak out would face dire consequences under the strict terms of the slave contract. Sensing the soldiers around her beginning to grasp the situation from her subtle hints, Kisha cautiously withdrew, mindful not to overplay her hand and draw suspicion onto herself and her team. As the saying goes, history is written by the victors, and only they can do so because the dead cannot speak. Chapter 190 Another Traitor Uncovered "Master! We have news!" Bell''s sweet voice interrupted her thoughts. "What is it?" Kisha inquired. "I received a report from the scarlet bees we left behind," Bell''s voice turned somber as it continued, "It seems there were still traitors among us who waited for our departure to act against the Winters we left behind. The scarlet bees followed them to the Coltons'' hideout and confirmed its location at the shed behind Villa #5, just as the traitor had disclosed." "They all thought that since you left, you wouldn''t be able to control the scarlet bees and wouldn''t be able to keep them monitored," Bell reported while sending Kisha the visuals of what happened from the scarlet bee who was spying on the person who almost managed to contact the Young Master Coltons and told him about all the information he kept hidden. It turned out that there were still two spies deeply embedded within Duke''s ranks, holding crucial positions such as vice-captains, and strangely, they were the only survivors of their team. Their survival was not due to luck but because they were covertly undermining their colleagues, discreetly eliminating them while avoiding suspicion. By acting in this manner, they not only evoked suspicion but also clandestinely gathered more information. Due to their cautious approach, they refrained from carrying any communication devices that could link them to the Coltons, avoiding direct contact with their men. They seized the opportunity to report back to Young Master Colton only after ensuring Kisha and her core members had left the area, under the assumption that Kisha no longer had surveillance capabilities since it was believed the scarlet bees had a limited range under her control. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Which was partially true. Fortunately, Kisha had been excessively cautious and deployed two scarlet bees per person. Initially, she assigned them as guards to ensure everyone''s safety while she focused on identifying any remaining hidden traitors. It turned out to be a prudent decision in the end. After confirming the Coltons'' hideout and the entry route, the scarlet bee cleverly eliminated the traitor and took measures to conceal any evidence linking the deceased to the Winters. The remaining scarlet bees gathered together, leaving only one to continue the surveillance on their targets while the others transported the traitor''s body and discreetly disposed of it in a secluded location. This ensured that if discovered, any finder would likely dispose of it by incineration, fearing potential virus transmission. Working together, the eleven large scarlet bees faced the challenging task of moving the dead body. Despite the difficulty, they managed to succeed, showcasing their intelligence far beyond that of regular bees. This heightened intelligence was due in part to the imprinting Bell passed down to each of its offspring. This imprinting served as a comprehensive knowledge base, imparting awareness of their responsibilities and capabilities. As a result, they could effectively carry out their duties and adapt to circumstances independently, ensuring their ability to survive and thrive without constant oversight. The Winters were faring well, seamlessly blending in with the other survivors while maintaining a facade of normalcy. They couldn''t ignore the disappearance of two of their members, initially suspecting that the Coltons had tracked them down, captured the two, and subjected them to interrogation and torture. However, Mr. Winters'' astute judgment prevailed, preventing any premature actions. Instead, they patiently awaited Kisha and her team''s return, a decision that ultimately proved wise. Now that Kisha had a clearer understanding of the events that unfolded at the shelter in their absence, she realized the extent of the Coltons'' infiltration. Thanks to her careful planning and precautions, they had narrowly averted disaster during her absence. She shuddered to think what the Coltons might have done had they captured the Winters. She didn''t even want to entertain those thoughts because she was certain that the outcome would be disastrous. She waited patiently outside the tent for Duke and the rest to be done with their treatment, most of them passed out and needed to be transported via stretchers and transferred to the medical tent where they should be resting so the tent in the gate would still remain as the full body examination tent for those who came from the outside. Once one of the tents became available, a medic ushered her inside for a full-body examination. After briefly resting while informing the gatekeeper of the events, she quickly entered the tent, removed her clothes, and placed them in a basket. Her full-body examination didn''t take long since she didn''t have any visible wounds, just a few bruises from running and fighting. Once finished, she followed her team to the medical tent situated near the center of the shelter. Many soldiers glanced their way as they were escorted to the medical tent. Despite not appearing to be at death''s door, they deliberately presented themselves as severely injured. Aston and the team had carefully orchestrated their appearance, sparing no effort in exchanging calculated blows, creating bruises and wounds to heighten the illusion. Now, as their audience witnessed their performance, a smug satisfaction couldn''t help but swell within them. Those who had passed out were simply too exhausted. Once they realized they were in a safe place, their stiff muscles relaxed and the rush of adrenaline ceased, making them appear vulnerable and pitiful. Even the fierce-looking Duke, appeared injured and battered, prompting everyone to imagine the severity of their ordeal before escaping the clutches of death. News of their return in such a state began circulating throughout the shelter, causing concern even among the Winters. However, Mr. Winters advised patience, urging them to wait for Kisha and her team to make contact to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. Only then did Mrs. Winters and the Patriarch heed his advice and remain in place. Even the Winters'' bodyguards were eager to check on their master and young madam to ensure their well-being, yet they refrained from causing any trouble by remaining patient and staying put. Despite Kisha being uninjured, the medical staff insisted she lie down on one of the makeshift beds inside the medical tent, alongside her team and Aston''s team, occupying the entire space. Duke lay beside Kisha, adding to the crowded scene within the tent. "How are you feeling?" Kisha asked Duke with concern etched on her face. She retrieved a vial of blue liquid from her inventory, but Duke shook his head, indicating he didn''t want to use it just yet, knowing it could disrupt their plan. Kisha sighed softly, reluctantly returning the vial to her inventory. "This injury is nothing, you don''t have to worry," Kisha said softly, gently holding Duke''s hand as he reached out to touch her face. She supported his hand as it rested on her cheek, a tender expression on her face mirroring his smile. "Then rest. I''ll stay here and keep watch while you sleep," Kisha said, gently patting Duke''s hand. Instead of looking pained, Duke appeared to be enjoying himself, as if receiving a treat rather than being cared for after a beating. "Would you sleep beside me?" Duke asked, opening his arms as if inviting Kisha to rest in his embrace. "Stop that. You''re injured. Just rest for a bit," Kisha reprimanded Duke gently. "It''s not like I''m planning to do something indecent," Duke murmured, casting a pitiful glance at Kisha in an attempt to invoke her pity and coax her into pampering him. Chapter 191 Minister Of Defense Kisha sighed in defeat but remained firm, not giving in to Duke''s demand because she was worried about his injured shoulder and thigh. "No, sleep on your own. We can sleep together when you''re well again," she explained. Duke then grinned devilishly. "You said it. No takebacks..." Kisha felt choked by his statement and by Duke''s childish persistence in taking advantage of any opportunity. She didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at how, despite his injuries, he still had time to think of such things. This side of him was so different from the Duke she thought she knew. "It seems you''re doing just fine and don''t need my concern," Kisha said, pretending to be angry and turning away. Duke''s mischievous grin faltered into a flustered smile. Realizing he might have pushed his luck too far, he lay down obediently, knowing that if he really upset her, Kisha might ignore him, and he didn''t want to risk how long his wife would stay mad at him. When Kisha saw Duke lying obediently on the bed without further fuss, she smiled to herself and let him rest. Despite his playfulness, it was clear he was tired, and he fell asleep almost instantly. Kisha stayed by his side, watching over him as he slept peacefully. Seeing Duke sleep made Kisha feel drowsy too, and without noticing, she fell asleep on the bed beside him, still facing his side. Two hours later, they were abruptly awakened by an insensitive soldier who barged into the medical tent where Aston and her team were resting. The commotion roused most of them almost instantly. There were soldiers loudly talking outside the tent, and the sound of incoming footsteps grew louder. Kisha and the rest didn''t even have a chance to process what was happening when a middle-aged man with a round beer belly, a double chin, and thick limbs¡ªessentially, a fatso¡ªentered. He entered the tent, followed by a few more men in army uniforms. They all looked intimidating and strong, but that wasn''t the point. The point was that they barged into the tent where the injured were resting with great fanfare, not even considering how the injured might feel. He looked around the tent, and when he saw Aston, who had also been woken up by the noise and was gazing at him absentmindedly, not even attempting a greeting, the fatso narrowed his eyes in anger. "I didn''t know Commander Aston no longer shows respect for the Minister of Defense. What, you no longer honor your responsibilities and your superiors?" the fatso said, looking at Aston condescendingly. His eyes then swept around the tent until they landed on Kisha, who stared back coldly and indifferently. "You must be the one leading the escort while the investigation was ongoing outside?" he asked, his interest piqued not by her as an individual, but by her potential usefulness to him. He had heard the stories about Kisha and her group: how they successfully escorted a large number of survivors through a zombie raid when the undead seemed to have gone berserk overnight. Tales of their battles described them as total killing machines, leaving nothing but pools of blood in their wake. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "And who might you be?" Kisha asked, her displeasure evident at being disturbed while she rested. Glancing at Duke to check if he was awake too, her anger softened slightly upon seeing him sleeping soundly, still holding her hand tightly. She hadn''t noticed when he had started holding it, but his grasp was firm, as though his life depended on it. The man, clearly offended by Kisha''s lack of deference, couldn''t help but feel slighted. "I am the Minister of Defense and the leader of this shelter," he declared proudly, expecting Kisha to recognize his authority and accord him the respect he believed he deserved. "Okay," Kisha replied with a lackluster and indifferent tone. Aston nearly burst into laughter seeing the Minister of Defense''s face flush with anger; clearly, he wasn''t used to such disrespect. For Kisha, respect was mutual and had to be earned¡ªit wasn''t simply granted based on titles or positions. He did not show them respect when he just suddenly barged into the tent without minding how others would feel, especially when they were injured and should be resting. But he even expects them to what, grovel in his feet to show him respect? And yet, he had the audacity to claim leadership of the shelter, despite hiding in his villa and relying on soldiers to protect and provide for him. His pre-apocalypse military rank, whether earned through hard work or connections, was irrelevant now. What mattered was whether he fulfilled his duty as Minister of Defense. But unfortunately, he isn''t doing any of that. "You! Is this how you show respect for the person providing shelter for you?!" he roared, his voice echoing through the tense silence in the tent, startling everyone present. Kisha''s bloodlust surged within her, and she struggled not to let it consume her at that moment. She noticed Duke stirring on his bed, but thankfully, he didn''t wake up. He must have been exhausted from staying vigilant while they were outside, solely focused on keeping Kisha safe. Now that they were safely inside the shelter and Kisha was out of immediate danger, he seemed to relax a bit, finally allowing himself some much-needed rest. Kisha''s menacing aura filled the room, sending a chill through everyone present. It was as if an invisible force held them in place, immobilizing them with fear. Her cold, indifferent gaze added to the mounting tension, making everyone, especially the Minister of Defense, feel a palpable sense of dread. He could feel her hostility bearing down on him so intensely that his knees threatened to buckle under the weight of fear. Kisha suppressed her urge to retaliate, realizing the moment wasn''t right for confrontation. "Minister, I hope your visit isn''t solely to lecture us," she began calmly but with an undertone of warning. "As you can see, my team and I are recuperating after fighting to stay alive. You might not be aware, but the zombies outside have grown more formidable¡ªthey''re stronger and faster than before." Kisha said as if she was merely talking about the weather but her tone made it obvious that she was giving everyone a warning that it was not the time for all of them to fight with each other because no matter who the victor is, if they did not pay attention to the growing strength of the zombies outside, they would still all die. The Minister''s anger ebbed as Kisha''s words sank in. He had indeed received reports about the heightened threat posed by the zombies, but initially dismissed them as temporary anomalies. Now, Kisha''s assertion that the zombies showed no signs of reverting to their previous state unsettled him deeply. "Are you sure about this?" The Minister asked, his face betraying evident difficulty and fear, likely from a frightening encounter with a zombie before reaching the shelter. "How can I not be sure about this? I and my team has been fighting the zombies in close combat and we felt their change. I''m afraid, sooner or later, firearms might not be enough to fight with them if theis continues." Kisha pretended to be worried of the future as she made sure to scare the old fatso away. Chapter 192 The Sour Duke Sure enough, the Minister was visibly unnerved and hastily departed under the guise of convening an emergency meeting to address the emerging threat. He hurried away, clearly rattled and likely contemplating how to navigate the impending challenges Kisha had brought to his attention. Just contemplating the possibility of firearms becoming ineffective against zombies was deeply unsettling for everyone present, especially given their lack of awareness about the awakened abilities. Aston and his team regarded Kisha with a mix of respect and admiration. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While they held the Minister of Defense in low regard, they remained bound by military protocols and continued to adhere to them to this day. Therefore, the Minister of Defense could still exert influence and take action despite offering little beyond his military rank. Unfortunately for him, Kisha was bound to remain in the shelter for approximately 22 more days to complete her critical S-class mission, crucial for her survival. Her objective included purging the shelter of its leeches and addressing the looming threat posed by the Coltons. Reeve''s account of his friends being sold and subjected to being a sex slave by the Coltons reinforced Kisha''s belief that even in the absence of the Winters, the shelter''s residents would continue to endure terror and exploitation at the hands of the Coltons, treated no better than livestock or slaves. No wonder Duke from her previous life wiped out the Coltons and the Minister of Defense before assuming control of the shelter in City B; this issue was undoubtedly the reason. Kisha understood that she would likely take similar actions once fully prepared. With a clear idea of the location of the Coltons'' hideout now in hand, they could approach dealing with them more efficiently and effectively. Now that the Minister of Defense had left, silence returned to the tent, and they could resume resting. However, Aston''s team found it difficult to relax. The encounter with the Minister had brought back all the stress they had managed to avoid outside, weighing heavily on them. This was particularly true for Aston, who had often dealt with the Minister of Defense directly. Kisha left them to their thoughts and returned to rest. Two hours later, Duke woke up feeling refreshed. He lay still, watching Kisha sleep peacefully in her own bed, facing him. Her serene expression showed no signs of nightmares anymore, and she slept soundly. Duke could sense the lingering stress affecting Aston and his team, making the atmosphere in the tent feel somewhat stifling. Even though he didn''t know what happened, he knew that it might have something to do with the power struggle inside the shelter and he didn''t care about it now, since he already rescued his family and his people, he could just bring them back to his base that was well prepared and stocked. But right now, he was just staying because Kisha wanted to, if not for Kisha, he would have already left. Unlike in his previous life, where his family perished at the hands of the Coltons and his men sacrificed themselves to protect him, prompting him to seize control of the shelter in their honor, Duke vowed to exact revenge on those who sought his demise. He resolved to ensure they experienced profound despair before meeting their inevitable demise. But now that everyone was safe and sound, Duke had no intention of pursuing such thoughts and so, his path diverged from his previous life. While he desired revenge, he had no interest in taking over the shelter, especially since he already had his own well-equipped and secure base. Despite this, he found himself bound by the fact that his wife was in charge, making her the one calling the shots. After a while, Kisha and the rest woke up as well, their tired and injured bodies urging them to return home. Before leaving, Kisha handed each of them a vial of blue liquid and explained its lifesaving properties. They hesitated to use it for their current injuries, opting to save it for more dire circumstances. Despite their reservations, Kisha insisted they take the potion within a day. "You all should take it. I have plenty more, but if you don''t drink by tomorrow, I''ll take it back," Kisha sternly reminded them. After hearing her declaration about reclaiming the medicine, they hurriedly dispersed, fearful of her resolve. Unbeknownst to them, they had begun to regard Kisha''s words with unwavering trust, almost as if they were absolute law. Despite not yet witnessing the vial''s effects, they already believed it possessed miraculous properties, akin to the formidable abilities demonstrated by Kisha and her team¡ªattributes that seemed almost mystical like how they had bargained their souls away without even realizing it. Kisha and her team returned to Villa #1, ensuring Reeve came along to prevent him from suffering the same fate as his friends¡ªbeing kidnapped by the Coltons'' men to serve as their Young Master''s sex slave. She made a solemn promise to Reeve that they would also rescue his friends from such a horrific fate. But Duke was far from pleased with this arrangement. Seeing Reeve''s youthful, handsome face filled him with an unfamiliar sense of dread. He feared they were allowing an enemy into his own home¡ªa potential threat who might steal his wife away from him. Duke frowned deeply as Kisha dragged Reeve along with them until they reached home, his gaze fixed on Kisha''s hand gripping Reeve''s with clear displeasure. Despite his inner turmoil, he couldn''t bring himself to confront Kisha until they arrived home. It was only then that Kisha noticed Duke''s disapproval and where his gaze had been fixed the entire time. She quickly withdrew her hand from Reeve''s arm and instructed Sparrow to escort Reeve to an empty room. Taking Duke by the hand, she led him to her room to talk things over and coax him. She didn''t know that Duke could be so possessive and jealous of someone so young that she treated like a younger brother, who knows what''s going on in his head right now and how he thinks that Kisha must adore younger men. If Kisha knew, she would definitely kick him to sleep in the dog house. Now that Kisha and Duke were aware that the entire villa had been bugged, they strategized to remove the surveillance equipment. However, they decided against immediate action to avoid arousing suspicion; instead, they opted to leave the hidden cameras and listening devices in place for the time being. After guiding Duke to her room, Kisha sat him down on the bed beside her. She then took both of his hands and playfully brought them to her face, attempting to act cute. However, in their current disguise, the playful gesture seemed more eerie than endearing, making her look scarier than when she maintained a poker face. But for Duke, he found it endearing that Kisha was making an effort to comfort him and was attentive to his emotions, indicating that she held him close to her heart and paid careful attention to his mood shifts. Thinking this, he felt a sweetness akin to honey on his lips, his mouth curving into a smile. Kisha smiled back upon seeing his expression, but she made sure to explain herself to avoid any misunderstandings. "You know, Reeve is the same age as my younger brother Keith," she began, pausing to ensure Duke was following along. "When I saw Reeve alone and distressed, it reminded me of Keith. I imagined how I would feel if Keith were in his position and hoped someone would extend a helping hand to him. So, I did." Chapter 193 The Sentimental Duke Seeing Kisha clarify her motives to ensure he didn''t misunderstand, Duke nodded and happily let go of his earlier sourness. Her explanation showed that she valued Duke''s feelings above all else and didn''t want to hurt him. This was all he needed. It didn''t need to be spoken; it was enough evidence for him to realize that his and Kisha''s hearts were aligned. Duke''s eyes formed crescents as he gazed directly into Kisha''s. Those monitoring them from the hidden camera couldn''t bear to watch because Kisha and Duke appeared intimidatingly affectionate toward each other, making them feel uncomfortable as if their eyes were under assault. Duke refrained from making any advances towards Kisha, knowing they were still under surveillance, which irked him. He was eager to teach those who intruded into his private space a lesson they wouldn''t forget once he had the chance. If only he had known they were no longer being watched, he could have taken advantage of the moment to do more than just hold hands. The thought that he missed a perfect opportunity for intimacy with his wife when the mood was ideal frustrated him deeply. Even though they hadn''t officially tied the knot, Duke already considered Kisha his one and only wife. The insecurity about their unofficial status weighed on him, knowing how amazing Kisha was and how easily she could attract attention. Seeing her in disguise actually eased his mind a little. He looked at Kisha''s hand and frowned. "Where''s the wedding ring I gave you?" Although he referred to it as a wedding ring, it was more of an engagement ring for now, considering they hadn''t actually wed yet, if they intended to follow the traditional wedding procedure. But in a world where societal norms no longer held sway, they could consider themselves husband and wife as long as they both agreed. However, Duke couldn''t shake the feeling that it wasn''t enough; he believed Kisha deserved more. If possible, he would spare no effort to give her a grand wedding, reminiscent of the lavish ceremonies he could once afford in a society where he was considered wealthy. Thinking of this made him feel a pang of sadness. Imagining Kisha in a beautiful wedding dress, walking down the aisle in a venue adorned with flowers, surrounded by their beloved family, he felt his heart ache. He longed to give his wife such a beautiful wedding. Kisha noticed Duke''s eyes starting to redden, and she assumed he was upset because she wasn''t wearing the ring he gave her. Feeling guilty, she nervously rubbed the tip of her nose as she retrieved the ring from her inventory. "I was afraid this beautiful ring would get lost or stained with zombie blood, so I kept it safe in my inventory," she explained, showing the ring to Duke. Her grip on his hand tightened slightly as she felt distressed seeing him so sad. Duke took the ring from her and gently slipped it back onto her finger, chuckling softly. "I''m happy to know that you value my grandmother''s ring so much." He then slowly rubbed her finger where the ring sat. "I just wish I could give you more," he added, his tone turning somber once again. As a man who once had everything, he wasn''t afraid of hardships or starting over. However, he felt guilty that he couldn''t provide his wife with the better life and splendor he once enjoyed. As the saying goes, it''s easy to go from poor to rich, but it''s hard to go from rich to poor once you''ve experienced having everything. Although Duke wasn''t dwelling on those thoughts, he felt bad that Kisha couldn''t experience the life he once had. This, however, ignited his determination to do better. Even if they couldn''t return to their normal lives, he was resolved to ensure they could live a better and safer life with their loved ones. He would make sure to pamper her as much as possible. Seeing Duke like this made Kisha feel a warmth in her heart. She hadn''t known that being loved could feel this way¡ªwarm and genuine. It was a stark contrast to her previous relationship, where her partner had been all talk, leaving her feeling empty. Now, she realized it was because Duke expressed his feelings through both words and actions, never failing to show how much he cared. Kisha had been blind to these cues, afraid of getting hurt or rejected in their previous life. As thoughts of her past began to resurface, Kisha shook her head, not wanting to dampen her emotions when Duke made her feel so full in her heart. She smiled appreciatively at him. "I''m happy that you think of me, but I''m content with what we have. You are enough," she said, cupping his face and staring into his eyes. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though her words felt a bit cringy, she knew she needed to say them out loud to help Duke feel secure. Duke smiled, cupping Kisha''s hand on his face before slowly kissing her palm while gazing at her. "I just wish to give you a memorable wedding, at least," he said, his voice turning alluringly magnetic, never breaking eye contact with her. Kisha rubbed his cheeks and chuckled softly. "If you''re worried about that, we can still make it happen. I''m sure among the survivors here, there are some who worked as wedding planners or designers," she paused, gently coaxing Duke before continuing. "Besides, we''ll meet more people along the way. If we don''t have the right people now, we can keep looking. I''m not in a hurry." Hearing this, Duke''s eyes brightened with the realization that they could indeed post such a mission on the board, offering supplies as payment. He was confident that many would be eager to participate, considering how challenging it was to secure supplies through odd jobs alone, which often left them hungry. By offering a generous reward for the mission, he believed they could uncover hidden talents among the survivors. Having found a solution to his worries, Duke was now smiling again with pure happiness. All he needed to do was gather the necessary materials for the wedding he envisioned for him and Kisha. His determination surged to another level, reminiscent of facing off against the world''s top bosses in the business world. Kisha shook her head in amusement, seeing Duke all fired up. She realized she still had so much to learn about him; only now did she see his sentimental side. In good spirits, Duke led Kisha downstairs to have dinner before bed. As usual, Vulture and Sparrow worked together to prepare a hot meal for the five of them, using only the canned goods and rice they had gathered while outside. They all missed the fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats that Kisha often retrieved from her inventory. However, knowing they were still being monitored, they made do with what they had and planned to indulge once they were free again and Kisha could freely access her inventory. Since Kisha had access to the base''s warehouse and stockroom, she had unlimited supplies of fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat available there. In addition, the supplies she had hoarded before arriving in City B were still there and as fresh as when she had stored them. Chapter 194 Going to the Market Sparrow and Vulture quickly prepared dinner while Reeve set the table delicately, moving as if on eggshells. As an idol, he was skilled at reading the room and sensitive to others'' emotions, sometimes almost overly so. He was aware that Duke did not look kindly upon him, which made him feel like he was walking on eggshells around the others. Despite Sparrow and Vulture treating him kindly, the final decision rested with Duke, their master. When Reeve saw Duke happily leading Kisha downstairs by the hand, he understood that they had reconciled. However, as an outsider among them, he felt distant and unsure of where he stood. Despite his discomfort, Reeve knew he had to remain with them to protect himself and rescue his good friends from the Coltons'' grasp. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But once dinner started, Reeve found himself treated like everyone else¡ªfed and accepted without any hostility from Duke. It seemed Kisha had talked sense into him, now seeing Reeve as more of a kid than anything else. Reeve still felt a bit uncertain, perhaps due to his youth and the constant desire to fit in, but as he relaxed, he noticed Sparrow and Vulture also made it easy for him. Once everyone had finished eating, they gathered in the living room for tea and small talk, deliberately ignoring the cameras and listening devices. They made it appear as though everything was perfectly normal. Then they all retired to rest; Reeve''s room was conveniently located near Vulture and Sparrow''s, ensuring they could keep an eye on him in case of any attempt to kidnap him or pull a fast one. Sparrow and Vulture remained on high alert, while Duke and Kisha resumed sharing a room to themselves. Duke no longer wanted to sleep in separate bedrooms. First and foremost, he wanted to prevent Kisha from having nightmares; he felt he could truly comfort her and prevent them. Secondly, he couldn''t sleep without feeling her soft body against him. It felt incomplete, leaving him restless and unable to sleep peacefully. Kisha was comfortable with this arrangement too. Despite Duke''s occasional teasing, when it came to resting, he always prioritized her well-being and made sure she could rest properly. This was particularly important after their long and eventful day outside the shelter, where Kisha had managed their navigation and remained on high alert with her scarlet bees at the ready. Not long after, they fell asleep in each other''s embrace. Meanwhile, in another part of the shelter, the Minister of Defense and the Coltons'' Young Master engaged in a serious discussion about Kisha and Duke. They held contrasting views on recruiting them into their team. The Coltons'' Young Master was determined to harness Kisha and Duke''s potential as powerful assets, envisioning them as formidable guard dogs and lethal weapons. In contrast, the Minister of Defense harbored concerns that their unpredictable nature could ultimately lead to disaster for their group. After meeting Kisha earlier, he concluded that they were not the type of individuals easily controlled. Their strength and capability were undeniable, yet this very power posed a challenge in managing such formidable figures, in his view. On the other hand, the Coltons'' Young Master found their dangerous potential enticing. He believed that once he subjugated them and turned them into his hunting dogs, no one would dare challenge his authority again. He watched Villa #1 intently through the monitoring device, observing Kisha and Duke huddled together and became increasingly convinced that capturing one would inevitably lead to capturing the other. He began scheming various scenarios on how he could apprehend either of them, his mind already concocting plans for their capture. After a restful night, Kisha woke up in Duke''s embrace to find him watching her sleeping face intently, unmoving. He didn''t mind his arm growing numb from being used as Kisha''s pillow all night; seeing her so peacefully comfortable in his arms brought a wide smile to his face. When he noticed Kisha waking up, his smile widened. They spent a whole five minutes simply gazing at each other before getting out of bed. Kisha helped massage Duke''s numb arm with a smile, the atmosphere serene and calm, calming their hearts as they thought, "This is how life should be." After freshening up and descending, Duke and Kisha found Vulture had already prepared breakfast, while Sparrow and Reeve set out to patrol the villa, maintaining appearances. Following a light breakfast, Duke and Kisha ventured to a small market where survivors traded daily necessities they had gathered, as their shelter was now of little use for such items, in exchange for food. Vulture and Sparrow remained at the villa with Reeve, dedicating time to training him in basic self-defense techniques to ensure his safety. Meanwhile, Kisha leisurely strolled through the small market, taking in each stand and its offerings: gold accessories, clothing, and everyday essentials such as toothbrushes and shampoo. Duke and Kisha carried a backpack of supplies with them as they browsed. Kisha spotted a stall selling seeds of various vegetables and fruits. It reminded her of the expansive plots of land in her territory pack. While she had allowed the base residents to cultivate a portion of her farmland, much of it remained untouched. In fact, she hadn''t even explored her own territory space fully yet. Seeing the seeds sparked an idea: she decided to experiment with farming inside her territory and explore its capabilities further. She believed there were more functions within her territory pack waiting to be discovered, but her busy schedule had prevented her from fully exploring them until now. "Excuse me, sir. How much are these seeds?" Kisha crouched down to examine the seeds more closely. They appeared healthy and not overly dried, prompting a satisfied nod from Kisha. The elderly man appeared worn and battered, his eyes vacant and his cheeks sunken, giving him an almost skeletal appearance. "Young Miss, I could let them go for a pack of bread," he said, his voice weary but hopeful. Seeing Kisha''s frown, the old man grew flustered. He knew a pack of bread was a steep price to ask, but he had young children to support, and they had gone hungry for days. As an elderly man unable to embark on missions for supplies, he couldn''t rely on earning rewards doing odd jobs for the shelter because there was no shortage of younger individuals who could do the job. The only possessions he had left were these seeds, remnants of his life as a farmer. Yet in the shelter, there was no land to cultivate nor water to nurture the vegetables. All he could do now was hope to find someone interested in these seeds he had managed to salvage while fleeing with his grandchildren. "Grandpa, where did you get these?" Kisha asked as she examined each pack of seeds. There were so many varieties that she could fill one of their backpacks with these seeds alone, all for just a pack of bread. If she could successfully grow all of them, she could harvest enough vegetables and fruits to fill ten trucks. She looked at the old man in astonishment, who mistook her expression for anger and hastily began apologizing, tears welling up in his eyes. Chapter 195 The Wyatt Family "Young Miss, oh! I was blind! I am not trying to scam you, please quell your anger." The old man pleaded earnestly. His grandchildren, who had been hiding near the alley, rushed to his side protectively. They seemed as fragile as walking sticks that could be blown away by a gust of wind. Kisha wasn''t amused by the sight of the kids at all. Despite her heart growing cold due to betrayal, she couldn''t help but feel sympathy for them. To her, children were innocent souls struggling to survive, and she could never view them in the same harsh light as those who had betrayed her. She took in a deep breath to steady her thoughts. "Old man, I''m not angry. I''m just curious where you got these," Kisha explained gently. The old man still looked frightened, clutching the hands of his grandchildren protectively. Kisha suspected they might have faced hardships in the shelter, possibly neglected or mistreated for being perceived as burdens. Seeing their guarded demeanor, she gently reassured them, "I''ll buy all these seeds from you at your price. I was simply curious about where you found them so I could look for more." "I-I... I brought them from my home. I used to be a farmer. Are you really willing to buy them for just a loaf of bread?" His incredulous question echoed a bit louder, drawing the attention of nearby stall owners whose eyes filled with greed. Kisha understood that a loaf of bread could mean life or death for the old man during these times of severe food scarcity. But still, she nodded, and as she did, the old man and his grandchildren exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with grateful smiles. Kisha added, "But sir, even though I want to start farming these, I''m not knowledgeable about farming. How about I hire you to help me farm and teach me?" Her offer was generous, and she had a clearer plan in mind now. Despite some plots of land at the base being farmed by others using the seeds she left in the storeroom, there had been significant wastage before they managed to grow the plants successfully. The growth wasn''t ideal either, and she realized she needed someone with expertise, someone like the farmer standing before her. As soon as they heard Kisha''s statement, coupled with their terrifying appearance, the children and even the old man trembled. Tears streamed down the children''s faces as they pleaded, "Please don''t eat us! We''re just skin and bones; there''s nothing to eat on us!" Their frantic cries puzzled Kisha, who glanced up at Duke. He met her gaze with an equally perplexed expression. Their faces were now covered in snot and tears, their expressions contorted in fear. Kisha couldn''t help but feel that with her and Duke''s disguise, they looked menacing enough to frighten even a burly man into thinking they were up to no good. With a resigned sigh, she only wished to grab the seeds and leave the bread. "Host, aren''t you going to check his status window? Even if his stats, talents, or gifts aren''t impressive, weren''t you concerned about cultivating your farmland in your territory? How do you plan to cultivate it without understanding farming? Are you thinking of spending points to buy a guide?" 008 questioned Kisha suspiciously, sounding like a thrifty child reluctant to part with his hard-earned money. He guarded his treasure trove closely; they had already spent a substantial amount of points on various items recently, and even though they had earned 30,000 points from a recent mission, it wasn''t enough to sustain their spending. And a guidebook was rather costly too, so 008 felt inclined to be thrifty. After all, they had always been short on points in her previous lives, and 008 was still anticipating its second upgrade Hearing 008''s aggrieved and resentful voice made Kisha feel guilty. She had promised to upgrade 008, and it had already been a week since its first upgrade. It wasn''t as if the upgrade was as expensive as the others, but still, the delay weighed on her conscience. Thinking that she wouldn''t lose out if she checked the old man''s status window or brought him with them seemed like a good option. By checking his status window, she could also determine whether he was a malicious person or a good man. [Marcus Wyatt] Level 0 Morality: Good Strength: 8 Stamina: 11 Defense: 5 Agility: 7 Mental Capacity: 10 Charm: 7 Leadership: 9 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Farming Gift: Green Thumb Kisha''s eyes widened as she checked the old man''s status window. Not only did he possess fairly decent stats, but his talent and gift were exactly what she needed¡ªa green thumb. In this apocalyptic era, such talent made him akin to a miracle worker, and Kisha felt like she had hit the jackpot. The fact that she couldn''t recall the old man from her previous life suggested he must have perished due to neglect and maltreatment from others who saw him as a burden. ''Ah! What a missed opportunity, It was almost wasted!'' she lamented. She felt like kicking herself for almost overlooking such a valuable talent. Judging by his morality, he seemed to be a good man, likely due to his background as a farmer living a humble, down-to-earth life, which likely kept him from becoming greedy. This was fortunate for Kisha, prompting her to proceed with checking the grandchildren''s status window. [Mike Wyatt] Level 0 Morality: Good Strength: 5 Stamina: 9 Defense: 7 Agility: 8 Mental Capacity: 9 Charm: 6 Leadership: 10 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Animal Care Gift: Fostering .... [Gant Wyatt] sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Level 0 Morality: Good Strength: 7 Stamina: 11 Defense: 8 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 7 Charm: 9 Leadership: 11 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Aquatic Care Gift: Fostering ..... [Daisy Wyatt] Level 0 Morality: Good Strength: 4 Stamina: 6 Defense: 5 Agility: 7 Mental Capacity: 15 Charm: 14 Leadership: 5 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Plant Breeding Gift: Scope Kisha took in a deep breath as she read through all their statuses. Just seeing their talents and gifts made her want to dance with happiness¡ªthey were all a treasure trove, a bundle of delightful surprises. Mike and Gant appeared an identical twin at sixteen, while Daisy seemed wise beyond her apparent age of twelve. Had the gods not just bestowed upon her a magnificent gift, one that could solve their food scarcity problem once and for all? Now, Kisha stood rooted to the ground, pondering how to convince these four to accompany her without coming across as intimidating or forceful. She feared that if she left them behind, others might harm them¡ªa thought that would become her greatest regret in this life. She sighed. "Old man, I have plenty of food. Why would I even consider eating a skinny, frail man like you? Even if I were in dire need, I''d rather go on a supply run than resort to old bones and skin like yours," Kisha said, her tone blunt but logical. As they processed her words, they gave her a closer inspection, especially the intimidating man standing beside her. Without saying a word, their strength was evident. They appeared capable not only of handling tasks around the shelter but also leading groups on food-gathering missions outside. "T-then, what do you need me for? Just to teach you farming?" the old man asked hesitantly, clearly apprehensive about his role. "I''ve changed my mind," Kisha declared. The old man found himself in a quandary, unsure of how to react. He was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, but Kisha continued. "I want to hire you as a farmer and teacher. Your grandchildren can come along too, and I''ll compensate you with food wages, as long as you''re diligent. How does that sound?" Kisha refrained from smiling, concerned that it might inadvertently frighten them away and raise suspicions about her intentions. "But aside from seeds, do you have land we could use for farming? And what about water?" the old man asked. If he were to be hired as a farmer, he needed assurance that they would be well-equipped. He had witnessed enough of the shelter''s dynamics to know that people were willing to take advantage of others to survive. He worried that if things went awry, he and his grandchildren would suffer the consequences. He also understood that staying in their current situation with his grandchildren, who couldn''t defend themselves, was not an option. His best course of action was to align himself with someone who had power. "That''s a good question. We live in a villa with a spacious backyard suitable for farming, and we have access to water as well." "How can I be sure that you won''t harm me and my grandchildren, or try to kidnap us?" The old man regarded Kisha with suspicion, attempting to appear intimidating despite his sunken eyes. "Old man, you''re already skin and bone, so you can''t accuse us of trying to eat you or kidnap you. Why would we do that when you''d just be a burden?" Kisha said bluntly but it was her own way of trying to reassure him. She took a dagger from her waist and handed it to him. "Here, take this for assurance. If you ever feel threatened by us, you can defend yourself at any time," she added with a playful shrug. "Just know, we won''t hesitate to retaliate if you attack us." Chapter 196 They are Dead The old man wasn''t offended by Kisha''s blunt words. In fact, they reassured him. As a man who grew up as a farmer, he was accustomed to hearing such blunt and crude language from the other villagers. He could at least tell when someone meant to offend and when they did not. But unlike him, who grew up in a village and only visited the city to see his son''s family, his grandchildren were different. They were angered by Kisha''s words, thinking she was looking down on them and expressing disdain for their perceived weakness and uselessness. The twins glared at Kisha, but she merely chuckled at their not-so-intimidating scowls. "Alright, follow us," Kisha said as she stood up and began walking ahead. She handed them a different type of bread with filling and a drink. The others in the market, seeing this, tried to approach Kisha in hopes of being picked up for a meal. However, with just a single, fierce glance from Duke, as menacing as a death god, they all froze and stopped in their tracks. Kisha and Duke didn''t head back immediately; instead, they continued to walk around the market, looking for things to buy. Noticing that most people were just trying to make a living by exchanging goods, she didn''t mind purchasing a few miscellaneous items from the vendors. Some thought she was being wasteful, while others believed she was easy to fool. But when others tried to take advantage of her, they were swiftly taught a lesson, and she didn''t buy from their stalls. As a result, no one dared to exploit her again. Instead, they eagerly waited in their stalls, hoping she would consider their items. Kisha bought a few more clothes for the Wyatt family, along with utensils, toothbrushes, and other necessities. She also purchased some gold, in case it proved useful in the future. She wasn''t lacking supplies, and with the Wyatt family''s help, she was confident she could at least double her current stock. At the same time, she didn''t want anyone dying of hunger because they couldn''t gather supplies on their own. She didn''t know if there were more people like the Wyatt family hiding in the crowd, so it was better to be generous now and be seen as a good person. This way, when the time came, they would be more likely to follow her lead. Although she believed that her primary responsibility was to protect her family and not be concerned with anything else, she also understood the need for cooperation. Yes, she had all the means to support herself and her family with ample supplies, but what would happen when the zombies grew stronger? Would her territory alone be enough to fend them off? That''s why, despite knowing it would be a hassle, she believed it was possible to nurture the right people. She had always wanted to create her own squad and establish a self-sufficient base. This time, she felt confident she could finally create the safe haven she had envisioned for so long. So, in order to do that, she needed to temper the people in the shelter as soon as possible, if they did a great job, she would bring them to the base to lead a better life. From the corner of the market, some people had been following Kisha and Duke for a long time. Observing them buying miscellaneous items, they assumed Kisha and Duke were merely trying to appear like important people and well-supplied to feed their egos. Convinced of this, they left to report their findings. They didn''t have the time to monitor Kisha and her group''s movements constantly, especially when they seemed to be living an ordinary life in the shelter. Once Kisha was certain their tail had disappeared, she, Duke, and the Wyatts proceeded to an alley. Kisha instructed the Wyatts to wait at the entrance while she and Duke ventured inside to meet with some people. As they reached the shadowy corner of the alley, they spotted two men crouching like hooligans. Upon seeing Kisha and Duke approaching from the darkness, both men stood up alertly. However, as Kisha and Duke drew closer and were recognized, the two men visibly relaxed and exclaimed, "Master! Young Madam!" They then bowed slightly in acknowledgment. "It''s been a few days. How have you guys been?" Duke asked, his tone neutral, though Kisha sensed he was relieved to see his subordinates doing well in their absence. "Master... um," the two exchanged a glance, evidently contemplating whether to share something or simply report that they were doing fine. "What is it?" Duke asked not bothered by their sneaky glances. "Master, the thing is... During your absence, we''ve encountered a problem. We''re missing two people," Bald Eagle timidly began, then quickly added, "We''ve searched extensively, but unfortunately, we couldn''t find them anywhere. We fear they might have been captured by the Coltons and could be undergoing torture." He trembled at the thought of what could have happened, particularly after their meticulous efforts to conceal their location from the Coltons. If his suspicions were correct, their young madam was likely biding her time for the opportune moment to retaliate. "But if they talk after being tortured..." He hesitated, not due to a lack of faith in his people''s resilience and unwavering loyalty to their master, but the unsettling possibilities loomed large. "They''re dead," Duke stated flatly, his expression betraying no emotion and his voice steady. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tristan observed his master''s aloof demeanor and sensed that something significant must have occurred. He understood Duke well; if any of their comrades had been harmed by the enemy, Duke would undoubtedly seek retribution. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," as he always said. Tristan knew Duke''s deep protectiveness towards his people made it implausible for him to be indifferent about their deaths unless... Tristan''s thoughts trailed off, a chill creeping into his heart at the implication. Bald Eagle stared at Duke with wide eyes, his mouth agape enough to fit a fist. But before he could fully process Duke''s meaning, Duke continued. "They were Coltons'' moles deeply embedded among us, attempting to alert the Coltons of your arrival at the shelter and critical information they gathered about our awakened abilities, Kisha, myself, and the others," Duke explained gravely. He paused, letting the weight of his words settle, then continued, "They must have been well-prepared for any scenario¡ªor perhaps they themselves were unaware of each other''s identities or who among us had been compromised until they felt it safe enough to surface and report back." "And what better opportunity to do that than when I and the other core members left the shelter, leaving all of you vulnerable?" Duke''s calm and indifferent demeanor spoke volumes. It was the calm before the storm, signaling his brewing rage over the Coltons'' latest stunt, which compounded with their history of malicious actions. Bald Eagle''s already wide eyes widened even more as its rim turned red, even he didn''t know who to trust anymore aside from their master and the Winters. He felt betrayed and frustrated, angry even. They had been oblivious to the danger lurking within their midst, nearly falling into the hands of the Coltons unnoticed. After a moment of stark realization, Bald Eagle''s voice trembled slightly as he asked his master, "Then, who killed them?" Chapter 197 I Have an Alternative "Who do you think has the greatest ability to protect all of you while we''re away?" Duke answered cryptically, avoiding details of how the situation had unfolded. He emphasized that knowing what had happened was more important than understanding the specifics of how it happened. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He still needed to protect his wife from the Coltons'' potential threats, especially if there were still moles lurking around. He turned to Kisha and asked, "Do you still have that contract?" Kisha took a moment to grasp Duke''s intention before responding honestly, "I don''t have one now, but I''ll keep an eye out to see if I can find another." Duke now had a deeper understanding of Kisha''s abilities. While she didn''t have the contract on hand, her capability to obtain one as required suggested alternative sources beyond his comprehension. This realization heightened his awareness of the mysterious nature of Kisha''s powers, which he believed surpassed mere awakened abilities. He didn''t press for more details and simply nodded at her. Contracts like that didn''t come easily, so he knew he had to remain vigilant and watch closely for any suspicious activity from their enemies. Then Kisha paused for a moment, a mischievous glint appearing in her eyes. "But I do have an alternative," she said coyly. Duke raised an eyebrow as he noticed the mischievous glint in Kisha''s eyes, knowing she was up to something. A smile spread across his lips. "Please, my wife, do share," he said fondly, gently rubbing the top of her head as he looked at her with affection. "I may not have that contract with me, but I have a medicine that could give us the same outcome," she said cryptically, aiming to pique Duke''s curiosity. To her dismay, Duke only looked amused, clearly recognizing her playful attempt to tease him. "Alright, I''ll tell you," she said with a roll of her eyes, retrieving a jade bottle roughly the size of her fist. "In here are at least a hundred Heart Gu Pills. We can distribute them to all your subordinates." "Heart Gu Pills?" Bald Eagle looked at the jade bottle with confusion, trying to understand what it contained. It was his first time hearing about this medicine, and he didn''t grasp what their Master and Young Madam were discussing or what they aimed to achieve. "Yes, the Heart Gu Pill. It''s not exactly a medicine or a poison; it''s more like a demonic insect''s egg," Kisha said nonchalantly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. She came across it along with the contract, or to be precise, 008 stumbled upon it while searching for the contract in its sales channels. After reading its description, 008 felt it had similar effects as the contract but was potentially more dangerous for the slaves. 008 hesitantly informed Kisha about it. After learning about its capabilities, she purchased it to explore its potential uses, though she hadn''t anticipated needing it so soon. She heard Bald Eagle gasp in horror as he looked at the pill bottle. Even though he didn''t fully understand its effects, just the mention of "demonic insect" filled him with a sense of foreboding. The mere idea of such a thing made his mind race with negative possibilities. The medicine surrounding the Heart Gu Pill was a carefully concocted solution designed to preserve the eggs and awaken the dormant demonic insects within. Once the medicine was removed or consumed, the demonic insects would awaken. They would then crawl to the person''s heart, where they would feed on their blood and grow. Without timely intervention with an antidote, the insects would inevitably consume the heart, leading to the person''s death. After feeding, the insects would lay their eggs in the corpse before moving on to find their next victim. This item originated from the Murim world as well, where it was employed by demonic sects to control their slaves, ensuring loyalty and preventing rebellion. Once ingested, only a skilled expert could remove it, typically through a special concoction that would ignite the heart with pure spiritual energy that opposes the demonic insect, driving the demonic insect out of the body. However, both methods were excruciatingly painful, leading some individuals to perish before the insect could be expelled. That''s why the righteous factions despised the demonic sect; their methods were deemed barbaric and inhumane. Once implanted, the demonic insect could identify its master, who possessed the master Gu, and could also function as a truth detector. If the host lied, the insect would emit venom, causing excruciating pain throughout the body. Upon command from the master Gu''s owner, the insect would not hesitate to execute the traitor. "What does it do?" Duke asked. Kisha glanced around, weighing her words carefully. Despite her hesitation to alarm Bald Eagle and Tristan, she ultimately decided to inform them. She recognized their lingering concerns about potential moles and viewed this as a loyalty test going forward. Kisha refrained from influencing Duke''s decisions directly; because they were his subordinates, not hers, she respected his authority to decide such matters independently. "Then, do you have enough antidote for this?" Duke asked his concern for his innocent subordinates evident despite his determination to root out any moles in their midst. "I do have enough, and acquiring it was straightforward and easy. They just need to ingest the antidote every two weeks to prevent the demonic insect from killing them," Kisha explained solemnly. This situation was more dangerous than the ''Slave Contract'' she had used with Aston and the others. Unlike the contract, which posed no direct threat to their health and lives and only enforced punishment upon betrayal or harm to the master, this Heart Gu Pill, however, could potentially endanger them continually. "Alright, I''ll have Sparrow come to your location later to distribute this. Before the two-week mark, we''ll ensure the antidote arrives on time," Duke said to both Tristan and Bald Eagle. He then turned to Tristan. "Make sure to inform everyone about this. Whether they believe it or not, they''ll find out soon. And if there are deserters, you know what to do," Duke commanded sternly. Although he said this, Tristan and Bald Eagle wouldn''t be exceptions, nor would Vulture or Sparrow. Duke needed to uphold his iron-fist rule and ensure there were no exceptions within his ranks. Apart from himself, Kisha, and the Winters, everyone else would take the Heart Gu Pill. Once they finished issuing commands, Duke and Kisha left Tristan and Bald Eagle, who were visibly shaken by what they had just heard but remained steadfast in their loyalty. They then returned to where the rest of the team, including the Winters, were gathered. There, they informed everyone about the situation and what to expect when Sparrow arrived. While Kisha and Duke led the Wyatt family back to the villa where they stayed, Duke couldn''t quite grasp why Kisha was so excited about them. Nevertheless, he trusted her instincts, knowing there was likely something valuable in this encounter. He knew she wasn''t one to waste time on trivial matters that wouldn''t benefit them in battle or in life. _______________ Please ADD to your LIBRARY to be notified when the update is posted. Thank you!!! Please don''t forget to cheer me up by voting with Powerstone and Golden Ticket! Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! Also, I might get delayed in the update as I am also updating my new novel < THE RETURN OF THE CANNON FODDER TRILLION HEIRESS> Chapter 198 Farming When Kisha and Duke arrived back at the villa, it was already noon, and lunchtime was approaching. Fortunately, the trio had already prepared the food and were in the process of setting the table. Hearing movement at the entrance, they looked up to see Kisha leading a group of newcomers inside, with Duke following closely behind, a doting smile on his face. The trio exchanged confused glances, silently questioning each other about the weak-looking old man and children Kisha was leading into the villa. ''Surely, she''s not planning a charity?'' their eyes seemed to ask. Seeing their curious expressions, Kisha quickly explained, "This is Marcus, Mike, Gant, and Daisy Wyatt. They''ll be working with us from now on, mainly inside the villa where it''s safer." Her explanation seemed to satisfy everyone. It made sense; with Sparrow and Vulture often out on supply runs or missions with Kisha and Duke, managing the growing number of people in the villa was becoming too tiresome for just the two of them. This arrangement will allow them to focus on other important tasks, such as training and managing the group''s manpower, while also being involved in the internal affairs to maintain order. Marcus will handle the farming with help from his grandchildren, who will also earn their keep by doing chores around the house, like cooking and cleaning. By doing this, they could keep the villa constantly manned and under surveillance even when they are out. Besides, in a few days, the Winters and their subordinates would gradually join the group, making the villa as lively as possible. The Trio welcomed the new additions to the group and set up plates and utensils for them at the table, not minding their current appearance or smell. They were accustomed to far worse¡ªthe horrendous stench of decaying zombies, eating meals while covered in coagulated blood, and dining near rotting carcasses. Compared to that, the smell of people who hadn''t showered in over a week was a minor inconvenience. Marcus and the kids teared up at the sight of the hot meal, overwhelmed by the kindness they were shown despite their appearance. They hadn''t expected Kisha and the rest to be so welcoming. Daisy, the youngest among them, had matured overnight due to the harshness of their environment. She used to be whiny and bratty, doted on and protected by her two brothers. But after their parents died protecting them¡ªturning into zombies after being bitten¡ªshe changed. Their grandfather even had to kill their parents to spare them further suffering. Despite their hunger, Sparrow and Vulture carefully monitored Marcus and the children''s food intake, ensuring they didn''t overeat to avoid stomach issues, especially since they hadn''t eaten properly in a while and needed nourishment. The Wyatts displayed good manners at the dining table, keen not to upset their new employers, and their lunch proceeded smoothly. Afterward, Vulture escorted them to a separate building adjacent to the main house where the workers resided. There, he provided them with the clothes Kisha had purchased earlier so they could clean themselves up before starting their tasks. Kisha, after lunch and instructing Vulture to help the Wyatts settle in, headed straight to the backyard where there was ample space, though she wasn''t certain if it was suitable for farming. Her knowledge of farming was limited, and she doubted it would suffice to make the land productive enough to sustain their needs. As a novice, Kisha believed starting with easy-to-grow vegetables suitable for a backyard was the best approach. She pulled out a handful of seed packets from her pocket while Duke crouched beside her, equally perplexed. He struggled to distinguish one seed packet from another, unsure which seeds belonged to which vegetables. Seeing the typically formidable Duke clueless about something made Kisha chuckle and find him adorable. Before she could tease him, Marcus came to the backyard as well. "Allow me to handle this, Young Madam," Marcus offered as he approached, seeing Kisha and Duke crouched on the ground, puzzled by the seeds they held. He had taken to addressing them as Master and Young Madam, following Sparrow and Vulture''s lead, a fitting title given his role as their gardener. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He considered himself just a gardener, given the small plot of land available for simple vegetables. Little did he know that in the future, he would be overseeing hundreds of acres of farmland with the rest of the group. "Marcus, do you think this backyard would be suitable for growing vegetables?" Kisha inquired, seeking Marcus''s opinion on the matter. Marcus surveyed the backyard, crouching down to feel the soil and even digging a bit to inspect its quality. "Yes, the soil is loose and rich. We could grow a variety of vegetables here, especially if we have a water source to keep the plants hydrated," he explained cheerfully. "Alright then, let''s start turning the soil so we can begin planting the seeds," Kisha said enthusiastically. She knew they had to take advantage of the fertile soil while it was still viable for planting before it turned rusty and couldn''t sustain life anymore. She planned to start with the easiest crops and gradually move on to more challenging ones like wheat and rice as she continued her research into farming. Seeing Kisha''s eagerness to start planting, Marcus no longer hesitated to involve himself. It was part of his duty as their gardener to educate Kisha about farming and plants. He guided them through the process of starting seedlings and when they needed to be transplanted into the soil. Duke, on the other hand, was clumsily spreading small seeds onto the seedling tray, often pouring them all into one spot. He was then assigned to more basic tasks like constructing seedling boxes, turning the soil, and preparing the fertilizer mix before they could begin planting anything. Kisha was assigned the simplest tasks that didn''t require much movement, such as spreading seeds evenly in the seedling tray and ensuring they were adequately hydrated for germination. She focused on maintaining proper spacing to prevent the seeds from spoiling or growing too close together. She also ensured that the seedling tray was placed in a shaded area to protect it from the sun''s scorching heat. Kisha carefully spread seeds for iceberg lettuce, bok choy, and various leafy greens across the tray, mindful of providing each seed with adequate space to grow. When Duke and Marcus finished tilling the land and removing the stones, Sparrow and Vulture arrived to lend a hand. The children also pitched in, helping to clear stones, which sped up the process. In just an hour, they had completely turned over the entire backyard, spreading fertilizer and thoroughly mixing it into the soil. After completing the preparation, they divided the garden into sections, each labeled for easy identification of the vegetables planted. One section was dedicated to root plants such as potatoes, yams, and other tubers, each marked with its own signboard. In another section, they planted vine-growing vegetables like beans, peas, and chayote. They also ensured to include essential crops such as onions, garlic, spring onions, radishes, carrots, and various herbs for spices. Ding... [A Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting"] [Mission Description: Plant any edible plant for 10 acres worth and harvest them in 15 days. Mission requirement: 100 kilos each of 10 different types of plants Mission completion: 70,000 points and stats increase of 3 Mission failure: Points deduction of 150,000 points, stats deduction of 5, and system downgrade.] Chapter 199 The Pitiful 008 "What the fuck?!" Kisha exclaimed, jumping to her feet after seeing the system notification. It was unusually detailed this time, showing rewards and punishments in advance, even though she hadn''t upgraded her system yet. Upon seeing the requirements, Kisha found it quite helpful as she wouldn''t have to figure things out on her own. However, the punishment outweighed the rewards by more than double, and the demand itself seemed unreasonable. Completing the mission within just 15 days with such high expectations seemed impossible, no matter how efficiently she tilled the land and planted. Seeing Kisha''s frustration and her eyes turning red with anger, Duke rushed to her side. "What happened? Are you okay?" Everyone turned their attention to them, wondering why Kisha, who had been happily planting with everyone just moments before, suddenly seemed so agitated. Kisha wanted to voice her complaint, but she found herself at a loss for words. The mission seemed completely unreasonable, like an attempt to unfairly deplete her points and stats. The threat of a system downgrade only added to her frustration. "008!" She shouted in her mind. "What''s going on with this?" She immediately questioned 008 angrily. "Host, I''m not sure. I was just as surprised as you and am already investigating," replied 008, its voice trembling with anger. A flurry of codes flew across the system interface as 008 searched for clues. It was unprecedented for a system mission to be this detailed, which was helpful because they didn''t have to guess what was required to meet the mission''s demands¡ªit was all clearly outlined. But now the problem lay in the unreasonable demand. If before Kisha didn''t know how she would die for failing to meet the mission''s requirements, now she could see it clearly but felt powerless to do anything about it. Both of them were frustrated with this sudden change. It felt like another form of torture¡ªputting in your best effort, yet deep down knowing exactly how it would end because you couldn''t meet the requirement. "Host, I''m being blocked! I can''t find anything," 008''s distressed and crying voice echoed in Kisha''s mind. She pursed her lips in frustration; she couldn''t vent her anger on 008, especially since even 008 couldn''t explain what was happening and was facing a downgrade despite barely reaching level 1. She exhaled deeply, regulating her breathing to calm herself down. Realizing there was no immediate answer, she understood that no amount of anger or berating would change the situation. "008," she called out calmly. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Y-yes, Host?" 008 responded, its voice barely audible between sobs of frustration. It seemed as if the Constellation overseeing it harbored a dislike, always guiding 008 and its host toward potential destruction. "Initiate a system upgrade, now." "Yes?!" 008 choked on its sobs, momentarily taken aback. "System upgrade. I''ll figure out a solution in the meantime while you upgrade," Kisha ordered firmly. [System upgrade to level 2 authorization] [Cost: 5,000 points] [Accept] or [Decline] Kisha didn''t hesitate and immediately accepted the authorization. As soon as she did, 008''s connection to her was cut off for the system upgrade. In its distressed state, 008 forgot to communicate with Kisha before initiating the upgrade. Kisha understood that 008 felt undermined by its own Constellation, which was supposed to be its creator, and was now frustrated. ''What a pitiful one'' Kisha surveyed the backyard and assessed what they had accomplished, realizing it didn''t even cover an eighth of an acre. She felt disheartened. Perhaps her only recourse was to consider buying plant growth promoters with mall points, but she wondered if her points would suffice until she completed the mission. Calculating the cost, she feared spending more points than she might lose if she failed the mission. If that were the case, would failing the mission be the better option? Upgrading the system from level 0 to level 1 cost only 1,000 points, meaning she would lose 151,000 points and 5 stat points. Despite this, Kisha couldn''t shake the bitter taste of failure in her mouth, knowing she couldn''t possibly complete the mission within the given time frame. But she also didn''t want to simply give up and surrender to the path laid out before her; her defiant spirit was challenging all her reasons. She felt like the Constellation was treating her and 008 as pawns in a chess game, to be sacrificed at will or for entertainment. And if she gave up now, there might be a second or even worse, every mission could be the same. She couldn''t forget how many times she had died because of difficult missions; this might explain why, due to the unreasonable mission requirements for completion. "Is everything alright?" Duke asked Kisha again, concern evident in his eyes as he observed her conflicted expression. Kisha bit her lower lip, weighing how much she could share with Duke about her system, unsure if she should reveal its complexities. ''Argh! Damn, all this!'' "Um. I-I think I''m in trouble," Kisha said hesitantly, her voice wavering. She struggled to find the right words, knowing that explaining her situation was complicated. She could show Duke, but explaining the intricacies was another matter. Duke was smart and perceptive; she knew he was starting to piece things together whenever she demonstrated abilities beyond simply storing items in her inventory. Besides, she had previously explained that she could only store non-living things in her inventory, yet she ended up storing living things like the scarlet bees and even the dog in her space, which was contradictory. "How so? Can you tell me?" Duke''s deep, magnetic voice echoed in Kisha''s ear, soothing her frazzled nerves. She felt calmer instantly and stopped overthinking. "You see, it seems I have to plant more vegetables," Kisha began, letting out a deep sigh. Though it seemed like a casual exhale, her expression conveyed genuine worry. "Not just this small plot, but at least 10 acres..." She explained her mission in a much simpler way to Duke so he could have a complete grasp of her worry. Duke looked at Kisha with incredulous eyes, unsure whether to be shocked, bewildered, or amazed by the seemingly impossible task she had just described. He had a lot of questions about where this task came from and how it had ended up like this, but he chose not to voice them. "Okay, you don''t have to explain anything to me. I''ll always trust you and follow what you want. If you ask me to go east, I wouldn''t even think about stepping west. So, just boldly command me and my people, and tell us what to do to complete this task, especially since we don''t have enough time." Duke said, his voice steady and reassuring, showing his full support for her. If he didn''t need an explanation, then his subordinates wouldn''t even breathe a word about it either. With Duke''s assurance, Kisha felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She knew he sensed her worry and chose not to push for answers she wasn''t ready to give. She felt deeply grateful to have Duke by her side, willing to protect her both physically and emotionally. Overflowing with happiness, Kisha clung to Duke''s arm and began to act coy. "Hubby, you are so good to me," she said, twiddling his arm playfully. Chapter 200 Territory Space Seeing Kisha like this made Duke happy, but he couldn''t resist taking advantage of the opportunity she presented. As soon as she gave him a chance, he seized it immediately. "Words won''t do. How about thanking me in other ways? Hmm?" He looked down at Kisha, his eyes darkening with swirling desires. His implication was unmistakable. Kisha felt choked up. It wasn''t that she was trying to act virtuous, but they were being monitored¡ªhow could he think of being intimate at this time? She was happy that Duke liked her that much, yet she felt torn because they didn''t have time for it, and she was also nervous since it would be her first time. "Stop being naughty," she said, pinching the side of his stomach. It wasn''t forceful, more like a tickle, causing Duke to chuckle heartily at Kisha''s liveliness. He hesitantly backed off, for now. But he mentally kept track of this debt she owed him, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he stared at her. Kisha felt a cold chill drawl on her spine. She knew Duke was up to no good, so she stopped paying attention to him and scanned the entire backyard. Being the largest villa in the neighborhood, they had a sprawling backyard, and beyond that lay a small forest. Though not extensive, the forest was about the size of another villa. Duke followed her gaze to the forest behind them. "Are you thinking of cutting down the trees to create more farmland for your task?" he asked, though he knew it wouldn''t be enough. Even if they cleared the land, it would take days to cut down all the trees and begin the planting process. Fifteen days would still not suffice. Even with the fastest-growing vegetables, it would still take a month before they could be harvested. And even with the use of growth promoters, could they produce enough to meet their target? The answer, of course, was no. Even without Marcus''s input, they both knew it was impossible. Kisha sighed defeatedly but then cleared her mind and set the thought aside. Since this option was impossible, she decided to go with her initial plan of exploring her territory farm space first. Having learned a few things from Marcus, she might as well try applying them on the farm. If possible, she would employ Duke''s subordinates to help with farming once they completed taking the Heart Gu Pill. With a plan in place, Kisha felt calmer. Her composure seemed to reassure everyone around her, who then returned to their tasks. Meanwhile, she gathered several packets of seeds from their storage and some unused seedling boxes. As she prepared to head towards the forest at the rear, Duke offered to carry the seedling boxes for her and followed along. As they reached the edge of the forest, Vulture stood up from where he was and asked, "Master, young madam, are you planning to plant in the forest as well?" Kisha smiled and walked into the forest. Once she and Duke reached the center and confirmed there were no surveillance cameras or listening devices, she released the scarlet bees to monitor the surroundings and report to her if anyone entered the forest. With everything set and the perimeter secured, Kisha took Duke''s hand and transported them to her territory space. Instantly, the surrounding view changed. Instead of the forest, they stood before a vast plot of farmland. The land was neatly divided into acres of plot, and with a rich, moist color indicating fertility, it appeared ready for use without needing additional fertilization or stone removal. Each section of the land also had a small stream running through it, ensuring there wouldn''t be any issues with irrigation. This allowed them the freedom to plant whatever they desired, with different parts of the farm suited to various types of plants. It resembled a farmer''s haven. While the plot of land Kisha had chosen to place at the base didn''t have a surrounding stream, it still boasted rich and fertile soil ideal for farming. Duke could only whistle in amazement as he realized they had been transported to a different place. Seeing acres of land stretched out before him, he understood that what they needed now was manpower and time¡ªtime for the plants to mature and meet the 15-day deadline. He didn''t know what the task was for and what it would do if they did not complete it but seeing Kisha flustered and upset about it only meant that it wasn''t good if they did not complete it. Since Duke was still inexperienced with farming, Kisha delegated him to fill the seedling boxes with soil and handle plowing the land. As she walked around the farmland, she noticed variations in temperature across different sections, indicating plots suitable for plants that thrive in either hot or cold climates, as Marcus had mentioned. If they planted the right plants in areas with suitable climates, the resulting growth and produce would be significantly better than in unsuitable conditions. Kisha realized her farmland functioned like a greenhouse, providing ideal environments for various vegetables and grains to flourish. This versatility meant they could cultivate a wide range of crops with optimal results. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She followed the stream leading up to the mountain and encountered the Tibetan Mastiff for the first time, running around freely in the flower beds where scarlet bees were gathering nectar from the flowers. This discovery revealed that her territory pack wasn''t just a collection of facilities but a unified whole, seamlessly integrated and creating a small, self-sufficient island with everything she would need¡ªa complete territory in its own right. This was her first visit to the territory after she purchased it, and it was truly breathtaking. The air was crisp and cool, almost sweet on her skin. The forest trees were lush and verdant, with an orchard on one side of the farmland and a ranch in another corner where the animals roamed freely within their designated pens and sheds, grazing on fallen fruits and lush grass. They required minimal tending, aside from occasional shearing for the sheep. The animals also had access to a shared spring for drinking, which originated from the mountain and flowed through the farmland. With this arrangement, she could only assume that there might be a pond or similar setup for both freshwater and saltwater fishes, given the natural flow of water and the diverse environments within her territory. "Bell, where is the pond around here?" Kisha inquired, preparing to depart. However, she remembered Duke and returned to fetch him, eager to explore her territory for the first time with him by her side. She wanted to share this special experience with the man who had become so important to her. _____________ PS: Hello everyone! I''m delighted that we''ve come this far as June draws to a close and we welcome a new month. To show my appreciation, I''ve decided to offer discounted privilege pricing for the upcoming month. Thank you to all who have supported me from the beginning until now. Our journey isn''t over yet, and I hope you''ll continue reading and showing your support. Please don''t forget to leave a review, share your thoughts, and vote (Power Stone and Golden Ticket). Your feedback means a lot to me. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the supportive readers who have gifted and motivated me along the way. Your support is truly appreciated. Thank you all so much for your love and encouragement! Chapter 201 Territory Space Exploration Since Bell assured her it knew the way to the pond, Kisha no longer felt rushed. Instead, she enjoyed a leisurely walk around her territory with Duke by her side, hand in hand, almost like a date. It was their first time alone together, and Kisha couldn''t help but think of it as their first date as they strolled towards the ranch where the animals were kept. The animals appeared healthy, not too fat nor too lean, a perfect balance evident in their shiny fur and hearty demeanor. As Kisha and Duke watched them calmly grazing in their pens, the thought of the spectacular quality of their meat crossed their minds. Then they wandered through the orchard where the fruit trees were meticulously planted with ample spacing between them, already yielding plump and juicy fruits. Duke reached for an apple from the nearest tree. Its skin was shiny and bright red, without blemishes, perfectly shaped like those seen in commercials. Duke walked over to the nearby stream, crouched down, and washed the apple clean. After drying it with the end of his shirt, he used his bare hands to slice it neatly in half, offering one portion to Kisha. The apple looked appetizing, its interior neither too dry nor too watery. Simultaneously, they each took a bite, savoring the sweetness that elevated their taste buds to a new level. The skin was crisp, and with each bite, they could hear the satisfying crunch. Before they knew it, they had devoured the apple entirely. Usually, Kisha prioritized the vegetables and fruits stored in her inventory over those in her territory pack. However, now that she had tasted a product from her territory, she felt the others paled in comparison. To prove her point about the quality of her space, they walked a little farther from the first tree, picked another fruit, and tasted it. To their delight, it was equally delicious and of the same high quality. They realized they wouldn''t be able to go back to eating the usual fruits they were accustomed to after tasting the ones from Kisha''s territory. Having witnessed the difference between the animals and fruit trees, Kisha and Duke were convinced that farming within this space would yield a bountiful harvest, crucial for sustaining their base as their numbers grew. "Where did you get this and how did this come along?" Duke blurted, he was getting so curious about the space that he didn''t manage to hold his own thoughts spilling in his mouth. "Didn''t I tell you before that I found a solution to make both of the bases we''re choosing from self-sufficient? This is it¡ªthe territory pack. With this, our base in City A can be integrated with this space, or it can stand alone as a self-sustaining territory space, which is equally beneficial." "So, you mean you have something like your own portable island that you can take anywhere and set up wherever you want?" Duke said, trying to grasp the concept of the territory pack. "Doesn''t that make you a walking fortress of sorts?" "That''s an interesting way to look at it, actually. I never thought about that," Kisha giggled, amused by Duke''s perspective. He wasn''t entirely wrong¡ªshe could infiltrate a location and bring her team along to dismantle the enemy from within. Thinking this, her lips slowly arc up with a mischievous glint in them and she looked up at Duke and the two of them stared at each other''s eyes with a knowing look. With just their crinkling eyes, they already knew what the others were thinking and were sharing an evil smile with themselves. Bell and the dog couldn''t watch them looking like that and so they turned away to save themselves from the nightmare. Kisha and Duke, noticing Bell and the dog''s reaction, shifted their attention to them. "What should we name that bear-like dog?" Kisha asked Duke. Hearing Kisha about to name the dog, the dog sat up straight, tongue out and panting, showing enthusiasm and eagerness for a name. "What about Zeus? It sounds formidable," Duke suggested, his expression serious yet tinged with happiness. "Zeus it is!" Kisha affirmed. Zeus did a flip, similar to Bell''s joyful antics, already adopting some of Bell''s habits. After naming the dog, the system interface appeared in front of her. [Naming the new pet as Zeus] S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Confirm]or[Decline] After confirming the name, Zeus''s status window also became available to her, now appearing under the Pet Panel in her system interface. [Tibetan Mastiff: Zeus (Unique Grade)] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300) Strength: 29 Stamina: 29 Defense: 33 Agility: 38 Mental Capacity: 15 Charm: 9 Leadership: 10 Skills: Armor Skin, Sonic Wave, Stun Description: A mutant animal from Earth a lower realm, it survived the mutation unscathed, breaking free from the virus''s control. Unlike corrupted mutants, its temperament and memories remained intact, retaining its intelligence and gaining formidable strength. Seeing Zeus''s status window, Kisha exclaimed unintentionally, "It''s already at level 1?! It''s even stronger than me!" "Can you tell it''s reached Level 1 and is strong?" Duke asked curiously. Kisha rubbed the tip of her nose as she nodded, a little embarrassed. Deciding to confide in Duke since they were alone, she explained, "It''s my gift. If you''re familiar with a game character''s status window, it''s like that. I can see people and animals'' status windows and special items'' descriptions." Duke, well-versed in game mechanics including character status windows due to his oversight of numerous profitable gaming companies, contrasted sharply with Kisha''s unfamiliarity with such concepts. Upon hearing Kisha mention her ability to see people''s status windows, he realized how she could tell Sparrow and Vulture''s talents and gifts, previously discussed and seemingly familiar to her. Suddenly, everything clicked into place. He then looked at Kisha again, a hint of envy in his gaze. "So, what''s my gift and talent?" "Your gift is Tyrant, and your talent is Multi-Faceted. This means your Tyrant gift makes you stronger than others, potentially growing even more powerful over time, and you could either bring calamity or act as a savior. Your Multi-Faceted talent indicates that you have multiple awakened abilities," Kisha explained in detail. Only then did a blooming smile slowly appear on Duke''s face, casting aside his earlier envy of Kisha''s gift. "Then, doesn''t that make me amazing too?" "Yes, you are super amazing." Kisha looked at him playfully, a hint of teasing in her voice. "So amazing that your status window might be offensive to a mere mortal like me." If 008 could hear Kisha''s statement, it would surely roll its eyes a few times before commenting, ''Host, you''re the offensive one. If a real normal human heard you, watch yourself get beat up.'' Since the two had things to envy about each other, they decided to call it quits and became content with what they possessed. They continued to stroll around the territory space, starting from the flower bed. Duke noticed several flower plants that Kisha had taken from their backyard garden at his family villa in City A. They then followed the scarlet bees as they returned to their hive inside the forest. This would be Kisha''s first time seeing Bell''s colony. When they arrived at the center of the forest, they beheld a large hive resembling a cave, with numerous honeycomb openings each as large as an adult''s face. Chapter 202 Territory Space Exploration 2 "The Colony even looks like it''s made out of stone," Kisha remarked as she and Duke marveled at the spectacle before them. "Master, it was indeed made from stone that my worker bees carved out with their forelegs," Bell explained through their mind link, causing Kisha to choke a little on her own saliva. It was a testament to the incredible strength and how sharp the scarlet bees'' forelegs. "Carved out! Carved out!!!" A cheerful, excited voice echoed in Kisha''s head, distinct from 008 and Bell''s. Her head instantly whipped to the side where Zeus was excitedly spinning around, almost as if chasing its own tail. Kisha was surprised to hear the voice inside her head, especially when she realized it came from Zeus. ''Could it be because I can now see Zeus'' status window under my pet panel?'' she wondered. ''If so, does that mean I can mind-link with Zeus like I do with 008 and Bell?'' Her thoughts raced, but since she had upgraded 008 herself, she couldn''t ask for confirmation. Still, it seemed plausible to her. Once she made the connection, Kisha stopped dwelling on it. She and Duke admired Bell''s growing colony, then turned their attention to the forest, which now housed a variety of trees¡ªsandalwood, acacia, agarwood, African blackwood, and more. Each tree alone was a treasure trove. If she had secured this space before the apocalypse, Kisha thought, she could have become a tycoon, selling everything produced in this territory. All she would have needed was capital, whether big or small, to earn endless money. "This is a treasure trove!" exclaimed Duke as they passed several African Blackwood trees while following Bell. "Exactly what I was thinking," Kisha replied, scanning the surroundings and realizing the forest''s purpose: to cultivate valuable and expensive trees, rather than host wildlife. Not having seen any animals reinforced this conclusion for her. But for Bell to settle in the forest also means that Kisha could potentially raise her own wildlife if she wanted. It seemed feasible now to have more than one pet like Bell, with plenty of space for them to stay and it seems her system could also accommodate more. After passing the entire mountain where the forest lay, they arrived at a small pond. Kisha frowned slightly, noting that the only inhabitants seemed to be the ornamental fishes she had taken from Duke''s place¡ªa pond as large as a swimming pool. "Bell, are you sure this is the pond?" Kisha communicated through their mind link, sensing Bell''s confusion. "Yes, master. This is the pond," Bell buzzed its wings as it affirmed. Kisha''s confusion deepened, her brow furrowing. "What''s wrong?" Duke asked, noticing her concern. "Hmm, let me think for a moment. I feel like I''m missing something here," Kisha replied, then accessed the territory''s interface. Upon examining the aquatic animals, she determined they weren''t dead but might be located elsewhere. She then mind-linked Bell again. "Do you know of any larger body of water nearby?" There was a sudden silence from Bell, indicating it was deeply pondering the answer. Then, its wings began to buzz excitedly. "YES!!! Master, there''s an enormous lake at the foot of this mountain. The lake is several times larger than this pond, and beyond that, there''s even a sea!" Bell explained eagerly. Whenever Bell had the opportunity to explore the space, it always took the chance to roam around, becoming more familiar with its layout than Kisha. "SEA?!" Kisha exclaimed with wide eyes, her voice carrying surprise and excitement. The revelation of having a sea in her territory space was astonishing to her. ''Doesn''t that make my territory space a complete island?'' "What sea?" Duke asked, his curiosity evident. He had encountered many extraordinary phenomena with Kisha, so the idea of a sea in her domain didn''t shock him. Yet, it still filled him with a sense of wonder. He couldn''t shake the feeling that his wife was truly formidable and otherworldly. "Let''s go see the freshwater fishes first. I hope they''re multiplying or not killing each other," Kisha said excitedly, pulling Duke along as they followed Bell. Their trek through the mountain terrain was arduous, but before they reached the mountain''s foot, they caught sight of an enormous lake that was both picturesque and stunning. Kisha couldn''t help but gasp in excitement. Discovering so many wonders in her own territory exhilarated her. Even Duke was astonished to find the lake so vast that it seemed almost as wide as the mountain itself, likely deep too. They could also have a little glimpse of the sea beyond, it was a glistening blue sea that was no different from the sea outside with white sand and she could even see the end of it. It was as if her territory space was a world of its own, or perhaps it really was a small world created by an immortal. "Master, it is indeed a small world. Powerful immortals from the World of Immortals have enough power of causality and spiritual energy to create such worlds, some even larger than this one¡ªlike entire continents. They would populate these worlds with spiritual beasts and place their legacies within so that cultivators with potential could inherit their legacies and techniques and harvest abundant spiritual energy in the space. They might even form contracts with spiritual beasts, much like I am contracted to you," Bell explained wistfully, betraying a hint of longing in its voice. "How did you come to know all this?" Kisha asked, intrigued. "Us spiritual beasts also inherit inheritance, primarily through bloodlines. The purity of our bloodline correlates with the strength of our inheritance. The heavenly dao has granted us this ability to safeguard our lineage, as often, a beast''s parents sacrifice themselves to protect their offspring. As long as one offspring survives, the bloodline endures. Our inheritance from predecessors includes knowledge, wisdom about our origins and powers, and the accumulated experiences of our ancestors over the years. It forms an archive of memories and knowledge gathered throughout their lives," Bell explained, detailing the profound significance of their inherited wisdom and lineage. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That''s really fascinating!" Kisha exclaimed, genuinely intrigued by Bell''s explanation. Sensing Bell''s underlying sadness through their link as master and contracted beast, she reassured, "Don''t worry, Bell. Just as I found you, there''s a chance we could find another spiritual beast companion for you where you came from. We''ll explore all possibilities. I''ll earn more points and see if we can buy a spiritual beast friend for you, okay?" Kisha wanted to comfort Bell, tempted to pat its head, but she hesitated, mindful of Bell''s delicate antenna. Before she could decide, another voice interrupted their moment. "Master! Me Friend! Bell friend!!" Zeus interjected eagerly into their conversation. It sat up straight, front paws in the air, tongue lolling out like a silly dog. Despite its playful demeanor, Zeus''s size and powerful presence were evident¡ª almost as tall as Duke with large paws capable of killing zombies with ease. Seeing Zeus concerned, Bell''s gloomy mood immediately lifted, and it flipped in the air happily. "Right, Zeus is my friend now too! And with Master here, I won''t ever be sad again!" Bell exclaimed with newfound enthusiasm. With a gleeful mood, Bell led Kisha and Duke to the foot of the mountain and to the edge of the enormous lake. The water was pristine, free of pollution, and so clear that they could almost see the lake''s bottom. Its depth was difficult to gauge. Freshwater fish gracefully swam within, unperturbed by Kisha''s presence, almost as if recognizing her as the owner of their newfound home. Unable to resist, Kisha dipped her hand into the cool water, marveling at its clarity and the serene environment it provided for the aquatic life. ''Aw! Don''t act too cute, or I''ll feel guilty eating you up,'' Kisha thought to herself as she gazed happily at the plump fishes in the water. However, the vastness of the lake made it impossible to see all the diverse species she had put in, adding to the mystery and allure of her expansive territory. If Kisha wanted to relax and fish, she could enter her space. Feeling lazy, she could simply procure livestock or food from her territory via the interface, which was incredibly convenient. Going into the territory was more about the experience than necessity. However, farming posed a different challenge since she really needed to do it on her own. She likely needed people to oversee her livestock and aquatic animals, ensuring proper breeding and minimizing territorial disputes. The adaptation of diverse fish to their new environment was another concern she wasn''t well-versed in, making oversight crucial for their well-being. All she knew was that her animals and fishes were all plump and looking juicy. Chapter 203 Planting Seeds (by Duke) They didn''t need to make a special trip to the beach to see the sea; they could save that for another time. After entering and traversing the mountain, it took them hours just to settle into the space and begin farming. She and Duke returned to the farmland to resume their tasks, and the back-and-forth was quite exhausting, taking them over five hours. Altogether, they had spent six hours inside the space by now, leading them to believe it was now afternoon only a few hours before the sunsets in the outside world. They had been away from the Villa for too long. If their enemies noticed, it might raise suspicions. Kisha would rather have them think she and Duke were screwing each other in the forest than suspect something more dangerous. Six hours was too long to use as an excuse for them to screw each other, no matter how great Duke''s stamina is. She gave Duke a side glance. She couldn''t even imagine if Duke would last that long, realizing what she was thinking, Kisha felt her face grow hot from embarrassment. She didn''t know that she really was such a horny woman, she fanned her face a little. "Are you tired?" Duke asked, noticing Kisha''s ragged breathing and flushed face. He assumed it was from trekking through the mountains. If only he could read her mind, he might have interpreted her differently. Lost in contemplation of the Space''s remarkable surroundings and the laws governing it, Duke had forgotten they were alone with the entire place to themselves. Had he realized, he might have been tempted to seize the opportunity to pin Kisha down and take her then and there. But since they were already inside, they continued with their farming. While Duke tilled more land, Kisha set about spreading seeds in the seedling boxes. After finishing that, she began planting a variety of vegetables¡ªtomatoes, cucumbers, okra, squash, and everything else in her inventory. She didn''t hold back, recognizing the value of this food not only for meeting the mission''s requirements but also for its potential to benefit her people and assist those in need. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At first, Duke struggled with the hoe, often hitting the soil awkwardly with its edge. However, once he found his rhythm and got the hang of it, he picked up his pace and began tilling plot after plot without rest. Kisha was impressed by his impressive stamina. Even during their battles outside, he was usually the last to get tired, covering much of the vanguard and leaving Kisha to watch over his back when needed. "Enjoying the view?" Duke''s teasing voice startled her, snapping her back to reality. "Please stop staring like that. I''m barely keeping myself in check. If I lose what little restraint I have left, who knows what might happen? I might just plant my seeds deep in your soil right here, right now." He smirked, a mix of mischief and teasing in his eyes. As she processed his words, Kisha realized Duke was teasing her, cleverly connecting his remarks to their current farming activities. Unsure whether to laugh or blush, she found Duke''s mischievous demeanor akin to an incubus. She couldn''t predict if she could resist his advances when he was playful like this. His suggestive words and playful tone weren''t offensive but rather endearing and enticing to hear. If she weren''t preoccupied with the mission, she might have been tempted to indulge in some playful wrestling with Duke in the mud. However, Zeus''s loud bark startled her back to reality. "No! The space isn''t private with Zeus and Bell freely roaming around. Maybe I should build a cabin or something if I want any privacy here," Kisha resolved in her thoughts. "Master, are you thinking of building your nest and making babies like I did?" Bell''s innocent voice rang in her mind, and Kisha almost cursed out loud. It seemed she wouldn''t have any privacy at all, with everyone having access to her thoughts. Seeing Kisha flustered, Duke''s infectious laughter echoed through the farm. It was a sound that warmed her heart, melting away the usual chill and filling the space with a comforting warmth that reached deep into her soul. She felt that life like this with Duke wasn''t so bad after all; it was peaceful. A smile spread across her lips as she gazed at Duke with contentment. They stood there, sharing a smile that conveyed millions of unspoken words, thoughts, and feelings. Though separated by the distance around the farm, their hearts felt closer than ever. They breathed as one, feeling whole and complete in each other''s presence. With a spring in their steps, they finished planting a plot of land with vegetables and several dozen seedling boxes. Kisha hoped that with the stream maintaining the land''s moisture and keeping it in good condition, the crops would grow healthily even without her constant intervention. By the time they were done, they expected it to be night already. They were already considering biting the bullet and pretending in front of the cameras that they had been fucking in the middle of the forest and fell asleep after a few rounds like rabbits. With a resolute exhale, Kisha and Duke stepped out of the space and returned to the spot they had left in the forest. It was a relief that no one else had tried to enter the forest to check on them while they were away. Something felt off for Kisha and Duke as they looked around the forest. Light filtered through the leaves, shining on their heads. Kisha''s body stiffened. ''Is the time in the space different from the outside world? Does that mean we''ve already spent a night in there, and it''s now morning here? If not, then...'' As thoughts raced through her mind, she looked excitedly at Duke. Their eyes met, conveying a realization that seemed incredible yet filled them with excitement to the core. They both raced through the woods, their faces reflecting anticipation and hope. As they neared the edge of the woods, they saw the light filtering through the trees. With renewed energy, they increased their speed, and in a few breaths, they reached the end of the woods. The glaring sun greeted them, causing them to instinctively close their eyes. "Master! Young Madam! You came out so quickly. Are you done?" Vulture''s voice greeted them loud and clear just after they crossed the woods. Kisha immediately opened her eyes and saw Vulture and the others still working on the backyard garden, led by Marcus. The kids were helping to tidy up, putting away unneeded items, and storing the gardening materials in the storeroom. After realizing what had happened, Kisha''s eyes crinkled with delight. She hadn''t expected her territory to have this kind of function¡ªit was more than just surprising, it was a real steal. Turning to Duke, she smiled like a cat that had just swiped a big chunk of fish from a market stall. Duke, seeing Kisha''s genuine happiness and knowing she had found an answer to her worries, felt his heart swell. Her joy was infectious, and his support for her was unwavering. Seeing her this happy made him just as happy, if not more. Chapter 204 Joining the Group "Sorry, we got so caught up in the moment that we lost track of time," Kisha said, her words carrying a double meaning intended to mislead everyone. And just like that, she successfully made everyone think that she and Duke had engaged in something unthinkable in the forest. The insinuation was particularly effective since almost everyone knew they were a couple. Of course, everyone pretended not to catch the meaning behind her words out of respect for their leaders. Besides, those words were not meant for them but for those monitoring through the hidden cameras around. "It''s alright, young madam. We''re just finishing up here, and you were only gone for about an hour. If you ask me, that''s not nearly enough time for you newlyweds to spend alone, especially with the villa now crowded with people and kids. It''s only right for you two to have some privacy and enjoy a date." Vulture''s words helped make their farce more believable. By doing so, no matter how many times Duke and Kisha entered the forest, it would only look like they were using it as their little rendezvous point for intimacy and privacy away from the others. Kisha nodded in satisfaction, appreciating how Vulture picked up on her cues and managed to provide a plausible explanation. She couldn''t help but admire Vulture''s instincts and quick thinking. However, more intriguing than that realization was the fact that her territory space seemed to operate on a different time scale compared to the outside world ¡ª approximately 1 minute inside equated to 10 minutes outside. They had spent nearly 10 hours in the space, which outside amounted to barely an hour. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha pondered the implications: if she were to spend the entire 15 days required for her mission inside this space, would it affect the countdown timer for completing her mission? She would have to wait until midnight to find out if the time spent inside the space would count towards her mission duration. If it did, that would pose a significant problem. However, tonight they also needed to administer the Heart Gu Pill to Duke''s subordinate, so she decided to focus on that task while waiting. They had managed to plant a plot of crops during their time inside. If the system only recognized time according to the outside world, it could work in their favor. But if not, she feared they would be out of options. Duke and Kisha avoided discussing what happened inside the space, maintaining an air of normalcy. After finishing the farming tasks, Sparrow and Vulture resumed their training with Reeve. Meanwhile, Kisha and Duke leisurely rested in the living room, snacking on small berries like blueberries and raspberries, which they pretended to have foraged from the forest behind their villa but were actually sourced from Kisha''s space. Marcus continued to be busy around the villa, tending to the plants and aspiring to become the villa''s gardener and farmer. Meanwhile, Mike and Gant efficiently cleaned the house, and Daisy joined them in the kitchen, where she was learning to cook for everyone. Daisy also showed a keen interest in gardening. Before they could finish preparing dinner, Kisha and Duke''s leisure time was interrupted by the doorbell on the intercom. Without needing to get up, they glanced toward the door as Gant swiftly ran outside to open the gate. Soon after, he came back with a complicated expression and his head lowered. "Young Madam, Master, you have a visitor." He said before running inside the house to join his brother and grandfather. Before long, Clyde came into view, followed closely by his group. "Great to see you again. I heard you had a close call last time you were out," he said as he walked through the Villa''s door. His friends respectfully bowed to Kisha and Duke, who remained seated on the couch, patiently waiting for Clyde to explain his visit. Noticing Kisha and Duke''s indifference, Clyde took a deep breath and addressed them directly. "Guild Leader D and Vice Leader Kisha, my team and I wish to join your group. We leave the reward for our work to your discretion, but a meal would suffice. We believe you''ve observed our abilities," Clyde said confidently. He wasn''t asking for much, nor expecting three meals a day; he and his friends had experienced firsthand the scarcity of food in the shelter. However, he refused to betray his beliefs by joining the group or rogue attempting to recruit him and his friends. Despite understanding the dangers of defying their wishes, he remained committed to following his own judgment. This resolve was even stronger now that he had reunited with his mother and little sister; the loss of his father only fueled his determination to stand taller for their sake. To achieve his goal, he sought to join a group that met his moral standards. While staying at the shelter, he and his friends observed the people around them, carefully scrutinizing the guilds and their members'' characters. With no laws to restrain them, more people were resorting to violence, theft, and even murder for something as basic as bread. He understood that among such desperate individuals, betrayal could happen at any moment. He feared leaving his mother and sister, now sick from prolonged hunger; his mother had also been emotionally devastated by the loss of his father, who had died protecting his mother and sister. Now that he is the sole provider and foundation of his family, he desperately wants to provide them with warm meals and peace of mind by aligning himself with trustworthy companions. Despite Kisha and Duke appearing indifferent and unappealing, they were straightforward and decisive. He sensed that he wouldn''t be betrayed if he allied with them; his gut feeling reassured him of their reliability. Moreover, he was confident in his abilities. After successfully guiding his friends from City D to City B safely through great distances and dangers, his reputation spoke volumes, attracting the interest of numerous factions seeking to recruit him and his companions. His friends had come to trust his judgment and now relied on him, treating him as their leader after enduring hardships together, side by side. Upon hearing Clyde express interest in joining their group, Kisha felt secretly elated. She had been considering how to recruit him due to his valuable talent and gift, confident that once he awakened fully, he would become an indispensable member crucial for winning future battles against both humans and zombies. If Clyde awakened on his own outside of their group, Kisha feared he might form his own faction and lead his own people. In such a scenario, recruiting him would become significantly more challenging. Now, she saw an opportunity to bring him under her wing. Once he awakened, there would be a greater likelihood that he would remain with them. Even if Clyde didn''t choose to stay, Kisha had supplies she could use as leverage. She had learned from the Scarlet Bees that he had found his family, making it likely he would seek a secure place to earn supplies or food to support them, given his role as their sole provider. Despite her delight, Kisha''s expression remained impassive and unchanged as she scrutinized each of their faces. Chapter 205 Joining the Group 2 Furthermore, she needed to maintain her facade, especially with the people monitoring her and her group, knowing that Clyde and his friends were likely also under surveillance. "I would love to have such talented people with us," she began, her expression neutral, "but as you can see, our last expedition barely allowed us to return with our lives intact, and our supplies are dwindling. We''re currently seeking a partnership with someone who can provide us with ample resources while we recover," she added, stating her position frankly. Beside her, Duke handed her a raspberry as she spoke. Clyde was well aware of this issue and had heard people mention that Kisha and her group had endured significant hardships, to the point where even Commander McMillan''s team remained bedridden from their injuries sustained in their struggle for survival. Given their current condition, gathering additional supplies and supporting others was undoubtedly a daunting challenge for them. Clyde sighed with regret, but he remained committed to his decision. "I understand the challenges you''re facing, but we''re not asking for a free ride. We''re willing to work hard to earn our keep. I just want to ensure we ally ourselves with trustworthy people who won''t betray us when it matters most," he explained, earnestly expressing his desire to join their guild. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was exactly what Kisha had been waiting to hear. While she wasn''t ready to trust him completely yet, their resolve and dedication were promising. If Clyde or his friends ever attempted to betray her and her group for personal gain, she felt capable of handling the situation. Kisha understood she wasn''t perfect, but she believed in fairness and intended to approach their alliance with integrity and transparency. After all, she wasn''t a saint but she also wasn''t a devil so she made sure to play it fair. "Alright, understood. Once we secure a backer, we''ll notify you immediately. You can head back for now, and when the time comes, we''ll reach out so we can ensure proper support for you and your family," Kisha assured as if her concern for their supplies was real. With this decision, Kisha could demonstrate that her options were limited. Even if Clyde joined her group, it didn''t alter the fact that she and her people were committed to working for someone else in exchange for supplies. This approach would lead those monitoring them to believe that capturing Kisha''s group would also entail gaining influence over Clyde, effectively achieving two objectives at once and reaping substantial benefits. This action would allow Kisha to subtly protect Clyde, his friends, and their families from danger. It would also prevent those monitoring them from becoming hostile towards Kisha and Clyde''s group, potentially catching them off guard and giving them a strategic advantage. Clyde didn''t fully grasp Kisha''s intentions, but he trusted her judgment. Knowing their strong principles, he was confident they wouldn''t align with someone of questionable character, even if it meant their death. He nodded thoughtfully before asking, "So, does that mean my friends and I can consider ourselves part of your group now?" Kisha tilted her head slightly, observing Clyde''s nervousness. After a moment, she nodded, prompting Clyde to exhale in relief. "Then, we''ll leave it to the guild leader and vice leader to decide," he said, bowing respectfully with his fist cupped before Kisha and Duke. His friends mirrored his gesture, smiling in anticipation. "Alright! We''ll surely follow the one with the best offer." Kisha said deliberately, Clyde found her statement unusual but refrained from saying anything, after all, he just said he would leave everything to their decision. With their discussion concluded, Clyde and his friends bid their farewells and departed, each heading home to their families. They contemplated how to sustain themselves in the interim, awaiting Kisha''s good news. With everything progressing positively, Kisha sensed the urgency of addressing the Coltons and the Minister of Defense promptly, to preempt any plans they might hatch against her group. Duke shared her concerns. They exchanged a quick glance before resuming what they were doing earlier before Clyde and his friends arrived, maintaining an appearance of calm and nonchalance. Shortly afterward, dinner was prepared and they all enjoyed a satisfying meal together. But after their meal, they showed their concern about the food supply dwindling, Marcus and his grandchildren even showed fear because they believed that they would be cut off since they were not that helpful to Kisha and her team and only another mouth to feed. After expressing their concerns, Kisha and Duke retired to their rooms for rest. Meanwhile, Vulture and Sparrow patrolled around the villa to keep watch. Marcus and his grandchildren were left deeply worried, their anxiety keeping them awake until their eyes grew red with exhaustion. Kisha strategically raised this issue to scare the Wyatts. She knew it would appear plausible that their supplies were dwindling, possibly leading the monitors to believe they were vulnerable and ripe for manipulation. Kisha suspected their observers might attempt to coerce them into accepting backing under unfavorable terms, expecting them to shoulder all the work in return. When Kisha and Duke finally reached their room, they washed up and climbed into bed, both exhausted from exploring the territory space and managing Kisha''s farm. They were too tired to exchange banter or playful remarks before sleep. Instead, they cuddled closely and quickly drifted off into a peaceful sleep in each other''s arms. After the Wyatt grandfather and grandchildren finished crying and cleaning up the villa, they dragged themselves back to the workers'' dorm and settled in for the night. None of them slept well, haunted by memories of past hardships and the looming fear of hunger. The children, especially, dreaded the thought of returning to such deprivation. Despite their worries, they felt helpless, unable to change their situation immediately. Meanwhile, Marcus resolved to redouble his efforts in the backyard garden, hoping to yield a better crop to alleviate their food shortage. Once he formulated a plan, exhaustion finally overtook him, and he fell into a deep slumber. Vulture and Sparrow, on the other hand, patrolled the perimeter of the villa. During their rounds, Sparrow seized an opportunity to slip away, with Vulture providing cover to allow him to fulfill a mission assigned by their young madam. Successfully slipping inside the forest just behind their villa''s backyard, Sparrow retrieved a black cloak left there by Kisha for nighttime operations. Donning the cloak, he disappeared into the shadows, blending seamlessly into the darkness. Clad in the cloak, Sparrow activated his whirlwind ability, effortlessly leaping through the trees, seamlessly blending into the shadows as he approached the tent where the Winters'' men waited in silence. Fortunately, they were consolidated in one tent, minimizing the risk of being discovered by others. All that remained was for Sparrow to reach them and proceed with his mission. En route, Sparrow discreetly observed the guard rotations and eavesdropped on soldiers'' conversations, gathering valuable intelligence on the shelter''s defenses and daily operations. Despite Kisha''s extensive knowledge of the area, Sparrow recognized the importance of acquiring his own insights. He methodically collected information while making his way towards the Winters, taking advantage of the opportunity to enhance his understanding of the shelter. Sparrow''s prowess in reconnaissance lay in his ability to seize every opportunity effectively. He knew precisely how to gather information and capitalize on each moment presented to him, making him a skilled operator in the field. Chapter 206 Taking the Heart Gu Pill After meticulously gathering a wealth of knowledge about the shelter''s layout and operations, Sparrow swiftly made his way to the Winters'' tent as described by Kisha. He almost didn''t need to search, as his comrades had marked the tent entrance with a conspicuous red handkerchief. After confirming the absence of patrols within a few meters of the tent, Sparrow swiftly entered with a ''swoosh'' like a gust of wind. The Winters, alerted by the slight commotion, immediately assumed defensive stances. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Good reflexes," Sparrow teased as he stood facing the group, each of them brandishing a knife. Recognizing Sparrow''s voice, they visibly relaxed, lowering their weapons. Sparrow removed his hood, glanced around at everyone, and sighed, gathering his composure before starting the explanation Kisha had given him for his mission. The explanation was daunting, and even Sparrow felt uneasy. However, he was certain of his loyalty, so he wasn''t worried. Without hesitation, he and Vulture took the Heart Gu Pill in front of their Master and Young Madam earlier in the villa. They understood that their Master had no choice but to take this step to protect everyone else. After he finished his explanation, Sparrow waited for his comrades'' reactions. None of them disagreed; they all understood why their master had to take this step. They had heard about the two traitors who had remained in their midst even after going through life-and-death situations together. The presence of these betrayers endangered everyone, making this action a necessary measure to protect the group. Especially now that they were in enemy territory, they needed to exercise extreme caution. That''s why no one faltered or showed indecisiveness. The Winters exchanged silent glances as they listened to Sparrow''s explanation of the Heart Gu Pill and its harsh effects. While they felt it was inhumane, their time with Kisha¡ªbrief as it was¡ªhad shown them her caution and fierce protectiveness towards Duke and his people. They trusted that she wouldn''t harm her own and saw this as a necessary demonstration of loyalty. Sparrow then distributed the pills one by one, watching each person swallow it without hesitation. His comrades understood Sparrow was just following orders and didn''t take offense at his vigilance. Obediently, they lined up and took their turn, none showing fear but all curious about what it would feel like to ingest the fearsome Demonic Insect that could consume their hearts. As they swallowed the Heart Gu Pill, each person braced for discomfort or pain. They waited until everyone had taken the pill, but felt nothing. They all looked at Sparrow questioningly, as if he had been testing their loyalty and pulling their legs. Sparrow knew what they were thinking; he had felt the same earlier. Rubbing the tip of his nose, he cleared his throat and repeated Kisha''s explanation. "Young Madam said that although we ingested the Heart Gu Pill, which releases the egg of the Demonic Insect from its dormant state, we wouldn''t feel any pain or discomfort immediately. She could have made us take it without telling us since there were no adverse effects right away. This shows that even when she has to take precautionary measures, she still thinks of us." Sparrow did not forget to mention this thought of his to slightly remind everyone not to bite the hand that feeds them and paused to let his words sink in, then continued, "In two weeks, we''ll need the antidote to prevent the Demonic Insect from consuming our hearts, leading to a slow and painful death. If we betray our masters, the Demonic Insect will secrete its poison, causing severe pain before we die. So, I hope everyone understands the gravity of the situation." He ended his speech, watching as everyone processed the information. After hearing Sparrow, everyone nodded in solemn agreement, their determination etched on their faces. They understood what was at stake and felt a profound gratitude toward their master for providing them with a home and a community of brothers with whom they could share their thoughts and feelings. They held a deep disdain for traitors who betrayed their master''s good grace. "Don''t worry, Sparrow. We know what to do. If it weren''t for our master, we wouldn''t have come this far in life, nor would we have brothers with whom to share our joys." "Exactly. We''re grateful that our master found someone who cares for him and his well-being. We won''t betray that trust." "Don''t worry Sparrow." "Don''t worry..." Their collective agreement brought a smile to Sparrow''s face, and even the Winters exchanged reassuring glances. Despite their outward calm, they held their breaths, anxious that Duke''s men might perceive him as ruthless and rebel against him. However, hearing them express care and concern for Duke brought a sense of relief. They were pleased and gratified that the situation had been resolved positively. With the previous issue resolved, Sparrow proceeded to share another crucial instruction from Kisha with his comrades. They gathered closely, speaking in hushed tones and occasionally resorting to sign language to ensure their plan remained confidential, even under potential monitoring. They dedicated half the night to discussing and rehearsing the plan, repeatedly reviewing every detail to ensure it was firmly understood by all especially their roles. Once Sparrow confirmed that his mission was accomplished, he briefly shared the intelligence he had gathered while navigating the shelter on his way to join the group. To his surprise, his comrades pleasantly surprised him by sharing additional valuable information they had gathered around the shelter while Sparrow was away with their Master and Young Madam. This enriched their collective intelligence, making their understanding of the situation more solid and comprehensive for everyone involved. Sparrow also took care to share a brief account of their mission outside, ensuring that everyone understood the situation and wouldn''t worry unnecessarily about Duke and Kisha. This was particularly important to calm the Winters, who had heard about Duke''s severe injury, and most of the people who came out and even lost two who ran away in the middle of the battle. Now that they understood everything was part of Kisha''s plan, they all sighed in relief. Some even began to admire Kisha''s foresight and readiness to prepare a counterattack, ensuring they wouldn''t be caught off guard by their enemies. This further solidified Kisha''s position in their hearts as their Young Madam and Duke''s rightful wife¡ªthe one person who could proudly stand by his side. After seeing the reverie on their faces, Sparrow contentedly left the tent and silently made his way back to the forest behind their villa. After stashing the cloak where he found it, he groggily emerged from the forest, feigning to just having woken up. As he approached, Vulture spotted him and unexpectedly delivered a powerful kick to Sparrow''s backside, causing him to crash to the ground face-first. Sparrow glared up resentfully at Vulture, who was equally surprised by the force of his kick and the unintended outcome. Vulture didn''t break character and continued to chide Sparrow. "How dare you slip away to sleep and leave me to do all the work?" He feigned anger, pointing accusingly at Sparrow''s face. Sparrow bit his lip, attempting to contain his resentment as he struggled to stand up. Failing to do so, he swiftly kicked the back of Vulture''s knee, causing him to collapse to the ground with a loud ''thud''. Chapter 207 Rendezvous in the Forest ___________ WARNING!!! A little [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! ___________ Satisfied with his revenge, Sparrow swiftly picked himself up from the ground, dusting off the soil that clung to his clothes and even his face. He glanced back at Vulture, who remained stunned and grimacing on the ground. Sparrow snorted with satisfaction and walked away to wash his face before returning to his patrol duties. "Trying to bully me, huh?" Sparrow thought to himself as he left Vulture behind. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that Vulture was nursing a belly full of resentment. His knee had struck a rock, causing him so much pain that he accidentally bit his tongue and was left too stunned to utter a word. After their altercation, the two resumed patrolling in silence, each nursing their resentment. Before dawn, when Marcus emerged from the worker''s dormitory, Sparrow and Vulture retreated to their rooms for some rest. Reeve emerged shortly after, prepared with his dagger and a small pistol provided for patrolling duties, as he found no one else on watch. When morning arrived, the children gradually woke up and began attending to their respective duties. Duke and Kisha, however, remained peacefully asleep in their room, wrapped up in each other''s arms. An hour later, Duke and Kisha emerged from their room to find breakfast already prepared. They enjoyed a hearty meal of pancakes, ensuring they were well-fueled for the day ahead. Following breakfast, Marcus and his grandchildren headed to the backyard to tend to the crops and assess any additional tasks around the villa. They diligently repaired what was broken and cleaned everything from windows to stairs, demonstrating their eagerness to prove their usefulness to Kisha and Duke. Kisha and Duke ventured into the forest once more. Kisha, adopting a sultry demeanor, guided Duke through the trees. Finding a secluded spot, Kisha discarded her disguise, preparing to change into a flowing white maxi dress that exuded innocence. Before she could begin changing, Duke fixed his intense gaze on her, silently observing her every move. "What?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Duke pursed his lips, remaining silent. "Don''t tell me you''re planning to watch me change?" Kisha fought the urge to roll her eyes. "What''s wrong with me watching my woman change?" Duke''s voice held a hint of jealousy and possessiveness. Kisha opened and closed her mouth, unable to formulate a complete sentence. "I... You... No..." Before she could respond, Duke added, "I feel like you''re dressing up for someone else, and I don''t like it." Slowly, he approached Kisha, her freshly revealed face devoid of the disguise she had worn for days to conceal her natural beauty, now fully on display. He felt a possessive urge to protect her from prying eyes, even considering hiding her away in their room, but the presence of cameras reminded him of the need for discretion. Instead, he resolved to return Kisha to her disguise. Gently, he traced her bottom lip with his finger, his gaze intent upon her. "I don''t feel comfortable letting you go outside knowing there are beasts of men out there who would look at you with lustful eyes and potentially put you in danger," he said, his palm now resting on her cheek, gently cupping half of her face with his large hands. His thumb traced softly over her lips as he spoke. "Say, why don''t we just let this shelter be overrun by zombies? Hmm?" Duke''s eyes darkened as he contemplated the possibility of his nonchalant remark. Kisha sighed in defeat, understanding Duke''s concern and his deep worry for her safety. She felt warmth envelope her heart as she looked up at him, her eyes softening from their usual coldness as they met Duke''s, which were filled with a mix of emotions. Her lips curved slightly in satisfaction. "Just be patient and wait for my signal, alright?" Kisha gently coaxed him. She wrapped her arm around his neck, and he responded by enveloping her small waist protectively and possessively. Kisha tiptoed to give Duke a gentle kiss on the lips, coaxing him with her tenderness. Feeling him smile against her lips, she started to pull away, but Duke gently grabbed the back of her head, preventing her from breaking away, and deepened the kiss into one filled with passion. He passionately played with her lips, alternating between gentle licks and teasing bites that caused Kisha to gasp. Despite her attempts to pull away from Duke''s possessive kisses, each evasion only seemed to intensify his determination. His tongue slipped into her parted lips, seeking hers in a deliberate and passionate dance, intertwining in a way that kept her ensnared in his embrace. Kisha''s chest tightened as if she couldn''t draw in enough air, her head swimming from the intensity of Duke''s kiss. Duke''s hand, initially resting on her back, slid down to her hips, his grip firm yet tender, sending a tingling sensation through her body. A soft moan escaped her lips, a mixture of pleasure and surrender to his touch. Hearing her soft moan, akin to a cat''s purr, Duke''s touch grew more assertive as he deepened their kiss. Starting at her hips, his hand moved to her waist, pulling her closer. Leaning in, he gently lifted one of her thighs to his waist level. As Kisha adjusted to the shift in her balance, Duke skillfully guided her other thigh around him, wrapping both legs securely around his strong waist. Once Duke secured Kisha in his arms, he carried her over to a nearby tree and gently leaned her back against it. Kisha could feel Duke''s hard cock pressing against her through their clothes, sending a wave of heat through her body. Gasping for air, she broke away from Duke''s passionate kisses. He then leaned in to nibble on her earlobe, trailed kisses down her neck, and gave her a sensual lick that sent tingles coursing through every inch of her. She let out a soft moan, catching her breath. Hearing her like this only fueled Duke''s desire for her even more. He couldn''t resist gently pressing and rubbing his hard cock against Kisha, relishing in the pleasure it gave him. Kisha clung to Duke''s neck as if her life depended on it, occasionally letting her hands wander and tangling her fingers in his soft hair. Kisha could already feel her panties growing damp from Duke''s insistent grinding against her core, his kisses hitting all her sensitive spots. It took Duke only one try to pinpoint Kisha''s weak spot, judging by her immediate reaction. Kisha felt utterly at Duke''s mercy as he explored her body, the thrill of being in the open heightening their excitement. Their hearts raced erratically in their chests. But before Duke could progress beyond kissing and caressing, Kisha heard rustling in the nearby forest bushes. "We can''t continue like this here," Kisha said in a raspy voice as she attempted to pull away from Duke. "They''ve arrived," she informed him. Duke instantly stopped and rested his head on her shoulder. "Wifey, I really wanted to... I really, really wanted it," his voice trembled as he confessed, glancing at Kisha, suggesting they find a quieter spot in her territory space to continue. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 208 It was Worth It Kisha felt a pang of sympathy for Duke, knowing he had been struggling to restrain his desires. Just seeing him so vulnerable made her want to give in, even though their relationship was progressing rapidly. Kisha no longer saw any issue with it, especially since they had missed each other in her previous life; she didn''t want to miss out on him again in this one. But then, she remembered Bell and Zeus inside her space. Even if she sent the two outside along with all the scarlet bees to give them the entire space, it still wouldn''t feel private because there wasn''t even a shed in her space for them to be alone and have some privacy. Since it was going to be their first time, she didn''t want it to happen just anywhere. Duke also realized this. As his burning desire began to subside, he suggested they go to the lake inside her space for a cold soak to cool down and clear their heads. Kisha saw no issue with the suggestion and transported them both. They remained in the same position as before, but this time, instead of the farm, they arrived at the edge of the lake just as Kisha had intended. She realized she could transport them anywhere within the territory once she entered. When they arrived at the edge of the lake, Duke hugged Kisha tightly, inhaling her scent to calm his racing heart before reluctantly letting her go. Then, without looking back, he ran to the other side of the lake, ensuring he couldn''t see Kisha so he wouldn''t be tempted to run back to her side and regret his decision to run. Kisha watched him run as if his life depended on it and laughed loudly at Duke''s flustered yet frustrated expression. She felt bad for him, knowing how hard it was for him to hold back and how uncomfortable it must be, but this made her appreciate him even more. She realized that all the suffering and pain she had endured in the past were worth it if it meant meeting him in this life. She couldn''t imagine her life without Duke by her side, which made her a little emotional. She had come a long way and felt proud of herself for enduring so much. Now, she believed that everything happened for a reason. After dwelling on her thoughts for a while, she found a more secluded part of the lake. She undressed and took a quick dip, swimming around to explore what lay beneath the surface. It was only after taking a dip that she realized the lake, like the farmland, was divided into sections, each designed to support different types of fish based on their preferred environment and temperature. No wonder the freshwater fish here were plump and lively compared to those in the wild¡ªthey thrived in this predator-free environment, allowing them to breed more easily. If she remembered correctly, there was also a swamp in the territory, as well as a muddy area where crabs thrived. Just thinking about all the food they could enjoy made her happy and excited to explore her territory even more. She swam a few more laps around the lake, with the fish swimming alongside her without fear. The lake''s ecosystem was thriving, and a river from the mountain connected to the lake, allowing fish to come and go. As she explored different parts of the lake, she lost track of time. It wasn''t until she noticed her fingers turning wrinkled that she realized she had been soaking for a long time and Duke must have been waiting for her. After drying herself with a towel, she put on the maxi dress she had intended to wear and slipped on white sneakers. She quickly combed her hair before letting it fall loose. The maxi dress had a slit on the left side, offering a glimpse of her fair and beautiful long legs with each step she took. After finishing her preparations, she returned to where she and Duke had parted ways. Looking around, she sighed softly when she didn''t see him. Not long after, Duke arrived with wet, dripping hair and slightly damp clothes. His shirt clung to his strong muscles, accentuating his physique. "Sorry, I forgot to grab a towel before I took off," Duke murmured sheepishly, noticing Kisha''s questioning gaze as she looked at him, resembling a wet chick caught in the rain. Hearing Duke''s explanation, Kisha couldn''t help but burst into merry laughter. Duke appeared both embarrassed and slightly annoyed, which Kisha found adorable and amusing, prompting her to tease him playfully. "Who told you to run so fast?" Kisha playfully snorted before tossing him a towel and a fresh change of clothes. Her eyes crinkled with laughter, hands on her hips, giving the playful impression of scolding him. Duke remained silent, his eyes softening with a gentle arc playing on his lips as he patted his hair dry. Once finished, he moved behind a large tree to change his clothes. When he emerged, he handed the items back to Kisha, suggesting she put them in the laundry room upon returning. Remarkably, the clothes Duke wore before changing were the same, ensuring no one would notice he had changed them. They acted so naturally like a married couple that they didn''t even notice the small details. If others saw them like this, they would assume they were married, given their strong rapport and understanding. After a few more playful exchanges, they exited the space and returned to the forest. They waited for five minutes until the people they were expecting arrived in front of them. The newcomers immediately clasped their fists and stood at attention, forming a straight line beside each other as they awaited Kisha''s orders. "Young Madam, please give us your orders!" they exclaimed firmly, their voices echoing through the forest and causing Kisha to jump to her feet. Realizing they had nearly revealed their location, they all pursed their lips in acknowledgment of their mistake. However, Duke didn''t let it go. He instructed them all to assume a push-up position on the ground, with their heads anchored down, hands clasped behind their backs, faces towards the ground, and backsides raised in the air. Since they were not in a hurry, Duke made them stay in that position for an hour. He was strict about important matters and didn''t hold back. If they hadn''t been in a forest and might catch the attention of their enemies for staying there for too long, he would have made them stay in that position for another three hours. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When the punishment was over, Kisha briefed them on what she wanted them to do. As they listened to her plan, they fell silent, mouths agape and eyes wide with disbelief. Unsure if they had heard her correctly, they collectively turned to Duke, who remained silent and composed, making it difficult for them to gauge the situation. When Kisha finished explaining, she didn''t repeat herself but simply gestured for them to follow the plan. Afterward, she nodded at Duke and gave him a small kiss on the cheek, noticing he was still sulking about the plan. "Don''t worry too much, okay?" Kisha said reassuringly as she smoothed out his hair. Without waiting for Duke to reply, she gave him one more long kiss and a lingering look before leaving him alone in the forest. Chapter 209 Who Would You Come With? As Kisha neared the edge of the forest, she took a deep breath to calm her racing heart before stepping out into the open, far from Villa #1. She emerged on the other side of the villa, near an empty lot beside a northern wall. This secluded spot had been their hidden backdoor, used by Kisha and Duke whenever they wanted to slip outside for some fresh air without alerting their people of their disappearance. She chose this path to ensure her origins remained unknown, though it hardly mattered in the end. As she had done yesterday, she returned to the marketplace bustling with people searching for useful items. Her clean, beautiful face drew attention from all directions, with some men following her like bees to flowers. A few even took the initiative to purchase gifts for her from the market, trailing her like eager servants. This was why Duke seethed with jealousy; he knew that when Kisha appeared like this, she would inevitably draw unwanted attention from men. Who knew if they were already undressing her with their eyes or worse, imagining inappropriate things about her? The mere thought was enough to push Duke to the brink of a killing spree if he had been there. Kisha feigned shyness and innocence as she graciously accepted everything they offered: food, accessories suitable for a young woman like herself, clothes, and more. She didn''t have to lift a finger to carry the gifts, as the men who bought them for her took the initiative to carry everything. Just like in her previous life, aside from the villas that had separate water tanks, the villas still had running water for bathing and washing. However, unlike the villas, the surrounding buildings had long been without a water supply, making water one of the most scarce commodities, especially for maintaining personal hygiene. Most people on the streets resembled beggars, nursing wounds from their struggles to survive and their flight to City B. Few were without scratches or injuries, and even fewer had clean bodies and faces like Kisha''s. And most people out in the market with clean bodies are mostly from the Coltons and Minister of Defense factions if not from strong groups who have occupied the other villas. And just like Kisha had expected, in the middle of her shopping, a group of men in black blocked her way, refusing to step aside. They looked at her with covetous and calculating eyes. Kisha recognized the look all too well; she had seen it many times before. She was certain the bait had been taken, and now her task was to verify whether these men were indeed from the Coltons'' faction and not from any other group. "Hello there, missy. Why are you running around on your own and letting these dirty bastards accompany you, hmm?" The man in front said with narrowed eyes, taking a step forward to stand closer to Kisha. When he did, he caught a whiff of Kisha''s pleasant fragrance, refreshing with a hint of flowers, undeniably feminine. It stirred something primal within him, sparking a desire to possess her for himself. Subconsciously licking his dry lips, his gaze darkened. "How about letting this big brother treat you to some delicious food, more clothes, and accessories? What do you think?" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He didn''t bother to conceal his lustful gaze any longer, and Kisha sensed that a simple refusal could escalate to violence. She couldn''t afford to abandon her plan just yet, so she pretended to ponder coyly, which only heightened the man''s desire for her. Seeing her seemingly serious consideration without any overt disapproval thrilled him, and he eagerly anticipated the prospect of Kisha becoming his willing lover. Before he could advance any further, another group of men clad in black camouflage uniforms appeared, bearing a red wolf crest on their chests. Their arrival interrupted the tense moment with their serious demeanor. Even Kisha wasn''t certain which faction the new arrivals belonged to. She silently observed the unfolding situation, well aware that both parties were after her. "H-hello sirs. What can we do for you?" She feigned flustered confusion, deliberately keeping her allegiance ambiguous to avoid tipping off either side that she had already chosen a side. The man in charge stared directly at Kisha, ignoring the others beside her. "Hello there, little lady. Are you with them?" Kisha remained silent, her eyes darting nervously between the newcomers and the man in front of her, feigning a slight tremble. "So what if she is with me? She''s my lover now, and I don''t allow any other man to look at her, let alone talk to her!" The man shouted angrily at the new arrival. Despite feeling intimidated by their presence and numbers, he refused to back down in front of a woman he already considered his. The newly arrived man and his team all fixed the man with a stern gaze, exuding an unmistakable aura of menace that seemed to fill the air, directed squarely at him. "Host, I''m back!!!!" 008''s sudden voice genuinely startled Kisha, intensifying her act of feigned fear. "Hmm? What did I miss?" 008 asked, sounding confused. Seeing Kisha visibly trembling and startled, the newcomer spoke reassuringly. "Don''t worry, my lady. Our young master simply wishes to invite you to join him for lunch." He smiled warmly, casting a subtle glance at the man who had been attempting to take Kisha away before their arrival. "Young Master? Who?" Kisha tilted her head to the side, feigning ignorance. The man responded, "Ah, you may not be aware, as our Young Master has been keeping a low profile lately, but we are from the Coltons. I and my team serve as the Coltons'' private bodyguards." His smile softened, giving him a more amiable and kind appearance. ''How many vulnerable girls or young men has this bastard deceived with his smile and lured into the Coltons'' hideout?'' Kisha thought to herself with disdain, though she kept her expression under control. "Oh?! Aren''t the Coltons one of the powerful families from City A?" Kisha exclaimed, her voice high-pitched with feigned surprise. "Yes, would you care to come and see?" He added, gesturing for her to walk ahead of him like a gentleman. Kisha feigned delight but remained hesitant. ''So, the fish has taken the bait and delivered themselves, what more could I ask for?'' Kisha mused internally, an evil glint flashing in her eyes. "A-alright, I''ll come," she said aloud, feigning hesitation. She turned to the man who approached her earlier and bowed slightly. "I''m sorry, brother, I can''t come with you shopping today. Perhaps another time." With that, she began walking ahead, the Coltons'' bodyguard following closely behind. ''How naive, next time? Do you think our young master would let you go out after you came in?'' the bodyguard who was leading Kisha thought to himself while keeping his practice expression as amiable as possible. If Kisha could hear his thoughts, she might even laugh loudly at him for being so gullible and deceived by who they thought was their prey. Kisha remained silent as she followed the path led by the bodyguard towards Villa #5. True to what the traitor had said, the Coltons indeed resided in that villa. They entered through the front but quickly cut through to the backyard as a shortcut. Chapter 210 Leading The Wolf Into Your House "Is the Young Master in the backyard?" Kisha asked tentatively, her voice trembling with a hint of fear. None of the escorts responded, surrounding her on all sides as if they feared she might attempt to escape. And soon after, they led Kisha to a large, rundown shed. It appeared unassuming and plain, not suspicious at all. Even her scarlet bees hadn''t discovered the entrance as described by the traitor, which had kept her from taking action thus far. Now, however, they were inviting the wolf into their own home, so they can''t blame her for it. She concealed the smirk playing on her lips as she lowered her head. They refrained from laying a hand on her or using force because she appeared timid and compliant from the start. Seeing no reason to make things difficult, they aimed to present her as a clean, blemish-free gift to their Young Master. This strategy promised rewards in the form of alcohol and food supplies, which brought them immense satisfaction. If they were fortunate and their Young Master found their gift satisfactory, he might even grant them a taste of his collection of sex slaves he was keeping for himself. Little did they know, they were unwittingly leading the wolf into their midst, unaware that it would soon wreak havoc in their homes, turning the tables and becoming the hunter instead of the prey. As they entered the shed, Kisha took note of its interior: ragged and filled with dust, with planks strewn across the corners and stacks of used tires occupying half the room. The man leading them crouched down near one of the tires, his hand reaching out to flip a lever. Kisha could hear the creak of metal as he strained to move it, muscles bulging with effort. After flipping the lever hidden under the tires, the wall covered in planks and boards emitted a soft clicking sound, as if gears were in motion. Slowly, the disguised section of the wall slid open, revealing the true entrance. Kisha then saw the heavy iron door behind the facade, resembling the entrance to a military bunker, confirming that the planks and boards were merely a camouflage for the door. They urged Kisha onward, leading her down several flights of stairs until they reached another metal door. One of the men activated it with a fingerprint and retina scan, and it swung open to reveal a secure area. Surprisingly, there were no guards stationed inside or outside the door, relying solely on its thick construction and biometric security measures. They proceeded through a silent, dimly lit corridor that seemed eerily quiet and dark. As they walked, the corridor automatically illuminated with each step they took. Continuing onward, they reached another massive door, standing two meters tall and a meter and a half wide. With a push, they opened it to reveal a vast indoor garden. Roman pillars adorned with intricate carvings supported a lofty ceiling, culminating in a glass-like dome at its center. Kisha couldn''t help but wonder about the location of this concealed underground garden with its dome-like glass, which had somehow eluded detection by her Scarlet Bees despite their thorough inspection of each location in the shelter. In one corner of the garden, a massive man-made waterfall cascaded freely, its waters meandering through the lush surroundings where fish lazily swam. Bridges connected an island-like platform in the garden''s center, adorned with a comfortable rattan outdoor chair and table, inviting one to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Seated at the table, engrossed in his reading and sipping from a teacup, the man perked up at the sound of approaching footsteps. He glanced up from his tablet, momentarily stunned by Kisha''s presence before a warm and captivating smile spread across his face. He appeared refined and immaculate, sporting gold-rimmed glasses and neatly combed hair. Beaming at Kisha, he gestured to the men around her to seat her in front of him. As Kisha hesitated before taking her seat, she cast him a shy glance, nervously twirling her fingers, a faint blush painting her cheeks. The man''s smile widened as he noticed Kisha''s reaction, his eyes lighting up with approval. His gaze remained fixed solely on her, ignoring his men completely. Impatiently, he waved away the others to leave. "A-Are you Young Master Coltons?" Kisha stuttered nervously. She glanced up shyly at him, finding him smiling warmly, yet his eyes betrayed a hunger that didn''t surprise her. Hera had already heard from Reeve that this man kept a collection of beautiful women and men as his ex-slaves. "Yes," his calm and gentle tone resonated through the garden, its angelic quality enhanced by the faint echo. Who would have known, that this seemingly angelic voice could transform into something chillingly devilish when he erupted into mad, cackling laughter that could forever give others a nightmare they would carry for life? S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "May I know your name?" He asked, maintaining his composed demeanor in front of Kisha, who bloomed like a magnolia flower¡ªinnocent, pure, and noble. She embodied the perfection he had sought in a woman for so long, and he found himself truly captivated by her. "Kisha, Kisha Aldens," she answered softly, her voice crisp and gentle. It had been a long time¡ªso long, in fact, that the last time she spoke like this was before the apocalypse. "What a beautiful name," he replied warmly. He gently reached out to hold Kisha''s hand, which was resting on the table and fidgeting nervously. Kisha felt an urge to pull away but restrained herself; she needed to locate the captives first. What if he lost control and harmed them? Wouldn''t her efforts be in vain then? "I''m glad you survived the apocalypse. Did you come here with your family?" he asked, interrupting her train of thought. "N-no... I was saved by a good person, but he died on the way here," Kisha answered quietly, her head bowed, hiding her expression. Despite her best efforts, she struggled to maintain her composure with the bastard''s firm grip on her hand, feeling a creeping sense of disgust crawling under her skin. "Don''t worry. From now on, you can live with me here, and I''ll protect you from any danger that comes your way, that is, if you''re willing to stay here with me," the Young Master Coltons said, his thumb gently rubbing the back of Kisha''s hand. "T-thank you, Young Master Coltons..." Kisha answered, her voice trembling. The man interpreted Kisha''s response as her being emotional, thinking she was moved to tears by his promise of protection. However, in reality, Kisha''s voice trembled with anger. ''Protect me from danger?'' You''re the biggest danger out there, you bastard!'' Kisha seethed silently in her mind, cursing him vehemently while fighting the urge to tear him to pieces on the spot. "Are you hungry? Why don''t we eat first? Hmm?" Before Kisha could respond, he had already rung the small hand bell resting on the nearby pushcart to summon an attendant. Shortly after, a burly man entered from a different door, bowing slightly to the Young Master Coltons upon approaching. As they discussed the meal arrangements, Kisha discreetly scanned the garden, particularly the two doors opposite the one she entered through. Chapter 211 The Search At first, she thought she would be sent to the dungeon immediately with the other captives. If that were the case, it would have been easy to rescue them and wreak havoc in their hideout. But now, she wondered if the Young Master Coltons always treated captives this way, making them feel safe before exploiting them. If so, he was truly evil, giving them hope only to crush it with his own hands. ''A sick bastard,'' she thought. "By the way, stop calling me Young Master Coltons. It sounds so distant. Just call me Alex," he said, leaning forward on the table, his deep eyes staring at her with clear possessiveness. "Host, you are clearly disgusted with this man. Why are you pretending to be weak and staying here when you could just start killing them? The answer to everything is killing them all, don''t you agree?" 008 said, his disdain for the man standing before Kisha evident. 008 despised lunatics like Alex, especially those who treated human life as worthless. "Do you think I don''t want to?" Kisha replied through gritted teeth. She had already hidden her hands under the table, clenching them into fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white from the strain. "Well, I can hear your brain screaming ''Kill'' repeatedly," 008 said with such vigor, as if delivering good news rather than inciting brutality. "So, what''s stopping you?" "I promised Reeve I''d help him find his friend, who was captured by the Coltons, and save him," Kisha sighed inwardly in frustration. "My hands itch to kill all these animals, especially the man in front of me. But if I massacred them all and failed to find the captives, Reeve would be broken beyond repair. He would blame his own weakness and never grow strong, wasting his talent and gift." Kisha explained solemnly. She had been in his shoes before and knew how destructive it was to one''s mental health. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that Reeve would be consumed by regret and possibly lose his sanity. His fragile spirit reminded Kisha of herself when she first lived through the apocalypse and witnessed her family''s repeated deaths. She had constantly sought ways to save them, only to face the same devastating cycle over and over again. Somehow, she saw her past self in Reeve. With weak resolve and easily broken, he would need rigorous training to grow stronger, both mentally and physically. However, such transformation would demand considerable time and patience¡ªresources Kisha wasn''t sure she could fully provide. For now, she resolved to do what she could and entrusted Sparrow and Vulture with his training. Now that Reeve and the others were her responsibility, Kisha was determined to support them to the best of her ability. "Since you''ve reached level 2, why not scan this whole place and find the dungeon for me?" Kisha instructed 008, who immediately complied, springing into action. "Now that you mention it, host, after my upgrade, I can now perform more comprehensive scans of the surroundings¡ªnot just radar-like detection, but also identifying traps along the way. My capabilities have significantly expanded. So, you''ve entrusted the job to the right person..." 008 paused, then added, "Well, technically, I''m not a person but a system. So yes, you''ve entrusted the job to the right system." With that, 008 retreated into the recesses of Kisha''s mind to perform its task. As Kisha waited for 008 to finish searching for the dungeon, she maintained her facade with the Young Master, suppressing her revulsion while facing him. Not long after, the awaited meal arrived¡ªa lavish spread of cooked frozen seafood and meat, prepared as a luxurious feast just for the two of them. Kisha noticed the server''s longing and hunger as he looked over the spread, almost drooling. Clearly, he must have been enduring a diet of dry rations and unpalatable biscuits for some time. Alex generously invited Kisha to begin eating, serving her the delicious food he had chosen. Kisha accepted graciously, not making a fuss and pretending to be thankful, all the while urging 008 to hurry. She also mobilized the scarlet bees to assist 008 in scouting the area and tracking the movements of people within the hideout, hoping to pinpoint the location of the dungeon. On the other side of the shelter, Duke sat at his computer, typing rapidly as he stared intently at the screen, fully engrossed in his task. While Kisha kept the Coltons'' Young Master distracted, Duke successfully infiltrated their system through hacking. He started by playing a recorded video of himself and Kisha supposedly sleeping in their room, which was displayed on the camera they had placed there. Duke also looped footage of Vulture and Sparrow patrolling the villa perimeter, and the Wyatts moving around inside the villa. He replayed the saved videos from the camera''s archive to avoid raising suspicion among those monitoring them. Meanwhile, he deactivated all of the Coltons'' listening devices and attempted to check in on Kisha. Despite his trust in her abilities, he couldn''t shake off his worry for her now that she was inside the wolf''s den. Once he was certain that she was eating undisturbed, he focused on obtaining the map of the Coltons'' underground hideout. Bell perched on his shoulder, observing everything unfold. This precaution ensured that if 008 overlooked any details, Duke could assist and transmit any crucial findings via Bell, who served as their discreet communication link. However, the Coltons were well-prepared against hackers and had securely stored their important files, including the hideout''s blueprint. Duke carefully navigated their system in silence, taking his time to search for any vulnerabilities without raising any suspicion. So far, no one has detected anything amiss. 008 successfully completed its mission to scan the area, presenting Kisha with a radar-like system interface that displayed the concentration of human activity. Several spots on the screen showed significant clusters of people, likely indicating areas such as training grounds or entertainment areas. Kisha refrained from acting immediately without confirmation, to avoid alerting them prematurely. Kisha instructed 008 to focus on the areas with large clusters of stationary people, as she believed the captives would likely be confined and unable to move freely, either restrained or kept in cages. Now that Kisha could see the density of people in the Coltons'' hideout, she was convinced that the Minister of Defense was unaware of the true extent of the Coltons'' manpower. Alex deliberately kept this information hidden to ensnare the Minister in a trap. By showing apparent losses and creating the illusion of weakened power, Alex aimed to manipulate the situation and seize the Minister''s position. Once he succeeded, Alex would likely eliminate the Minister under the guise of self-defense, preserving his reputation among the shelter''s residents, even if they discovered his role in the Minister''s demise. Kisha considered this possibility because, as far as she could tell, there were approximately a hundred people visible on 008''s radar-like system interface. She doubted the Coltons could have amassed such a large number of beautiful men and women in their dungeon. "Alright, host!" 008''s crisp voice echoed in Kisha''s head just as she finished her meal. Alex then took her hand and led her through his labyrinthine hideout. They passed various entertainment areas: an underground swimming pool, a bar with billiards, and even a theater. Along the way, they encountered many of the Coltons'' men casually enjoying themselves, drinking, playing darts, billiards, and engaging in other activities, as if they were on a team-building outing rather than amidst an apocalypse. As Kisha and Alex passed by, the Coltons'' men would shout in unison, "Young Master is blessed to have Young Madam as your partner!!!" They treated Kisha as if she were already Alex''s wife, and he never corrected them, smiling contentedly at their remarks. Meanwhile, Kisha simmered with anger, nearly reaching her breaking point. Despite her rising anger, Kisha maintained her composure and kept silent, biding her time as she played along with Alex. Her eyes burned with suppressed fury in the corners. Alex, mistaking her red eyes for excitement and touched emotion, felt proud of himself. Having encountered many women in his life and having played games with them, he considered himself adept at reading women. Unbeknownst to him, Alex had completely misread the situation. Standing beside him, Kisha struggled to contain her bloodlust, fighting the urge to twist his neck at that very moment. Each time Alex''s hands strayed toward her, especially towards her backside, Kisha feigned discomfort, pretending to be shy and innocent to the core. In reality, she was barely keeping herself from acting out. If Alex touched her again, her restraint might shatter, leading her to snap and potentially kill them right then and there. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She reserved the pleasure of torturing and killing them for Duke; that''s why she refrained from acting independently. Kisha understood Duke''s deep-seated anger and hatred toward these individuals for brutally murdering his people and instilling fear by targeting his family. She intended to let Duke unleash his pent-up emotions upon them. Chapter 212 Time for Action When she could no longer hold herself back, Kisha pretended to be tired, and fortunately, Alex didn''t disappoint her. He led her straight to the room he had prepared. It was spacious, themed in white and gold, complete with a sofa set and a queen-size bed. Adjacent to the room was a spacious bathroom, and a wardrobe filled with women''s clothes awaited her inside. After closing the door and ensuring Alex had left, Kisha couldn''t help but let out an angry snort as she scanned the room. ''Does he keep his favorite toys here, only to discard them to die in the dungeon when he''s tired of them?'' Kisha thought bitterly, her hand running over the soft leather of the sofa. Her eyes darkened with a hint of rage, a surge of bloodlust escaping her as her core trembled with anger. She was surprised at herself for enduring his touchy hands without snapping. Perhaps it was her feelings for Duke that enabled her to endure, replaying in her mind that it was for Duke''s sake, to prevent him from being consumed by his own demons, which she feared might happen. She surmised that the Coltons were his demons in her previous life, along with the case of his people and his family''s deaths, which led him to become more detached and unfeeling. She had seen him kill a number of people without blinking or saying anything, witnessing his cold and broken side in her previous life. She didn''t want to see him like that in this life either. Duke was in so much pain that he couldn''t even articulate it, choosing instead to lock up all his emotions inside. She felt that if she left the Coltons in his hands, perhaps in this life, he would be able to vent his anger and seek revenge for his people and himself from his past life. So now, all she could do was wait patiently. While she waited, she glanced around the room, opting not to check the door since she had heard the distinct click of the lock. Alex had locked her inside the room, evidently to prevent her from wandering about his underground hideout. She remained composed, knowing she needed to locate the dungeon before taking action. Subtly, she explored every nook and cranny of the room, feigning curiosity while discreetly checking for hidden cameras. "Master, you don''t need to look around. Your husband has already hijacked all the cameras in the villa, including the one in your room right now. We''re just searching for the blueprint of the underground hideout," Bell''s reassuring voice echoed in her head, causing her stiff shoulders to relax and a smile to escape her lips. Duke''s efficiency in action promised to save her significant time. Despite this advantage, 008 continued its own scanning, which would be invaluable for Kisha''s movements. The race was on to see who would secure the layout first. Bell wasted no time either, ensuring her scarlet bees scoured every inch thoroughly. Since she couldn''t take any action or move at that moment, Kisha obediently lay on the bed, attempting to rest and regain her energy for the impending confrontation with the Coltons. She only needed to wait another hour. By that time, Duke and Bell had obtained the complete layout of the underground hideout, and 008 had pinpointed where the people were most concentrated. Armed with this information, Kisha now knew which areas to avoid on her way to the dungeon. It wasn''t that she feared the confrontation, but she preferred not to alert them just yet. After receiving the full blueprint visuals from Bell via their mind link and with the help of 008''s system, 008 reconstructed the blueprint into a game-like minimap, simplifying Kisha''s navigation of the complex. Before she took a step, she waited for Duke''s signal to confirm control over all surveillance cameras. Only after receiving Bell''s go signal did she proceed towards the door. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And with a simple use of her telekinesis, she effortlessly unlocked the door. With a soft ''click'', it swung open, and she confidently stepped into the corridor. Checking her minimap, she didn''t need to rely on her senses to detect nearby enemies¡ªred dots indicated their presence. The minimap also provided additional details, such as whether the room ahead was a kitchen, guest room, or otherwise, making navigation effortless and sparing her from unnecessary mental strain. Kisha limbered up with a brief stretch before she surged through the hall, her quick reflexes propelling her forward at a rapid pace. Spotting two figures approaching, she effortlessly maneuvered, blending into the shadows and moving as silently as a cat. Each step was meticulously placed to avoid any sound, ensuring she passed them unnoticed; neither of the two individuals detected her fleeting presence. As she moved past, she left only a subtle gust of wind, easily overlooked by the two patrolling the hallway. Kisha sneered at their lack of vigilance, presuming safety on their own turf. Meanwhile, Duke monitored Kisha''s movements through each camera feed. He simultaneously broadcasted fake recordings to the Coltons'' security room while privately observing the live footage. He watched with pride as Kisha adeptly concealed herself behind pillars and ornamental plants near patrolling guards, none of whom had yet detected her presence. With Kisha''s fluid movements, she displayed the skills of a seasoned spy, capable of infiltrating any base with her adept movements and swift reflexes. Duke couldn''t help but swell with pride as he watched her, marveling at his wife''s abilities. Duke watched with a smug expression before radioing Sparrow. "Sparrow, it''s time to make your move. Kisha''s on the move." Duke played his role as their operator, even though he longed to join them. Kisha insisted he remain as a backup, ensuring someone watched their backs for any ambush or traps. Besides, Duke knew Kisha wanted to protect him and present him the final blow to the Coltons using his own hands, which he felt was part of her pampering him. So, he obediently stayed back, eagerly awaiting his wife''s return. He couldn''t help but feel a bit shy about being treated like the "little wife," while his actual wife was at the forefront, fighting his battles. "If this isn''t pampering, then what is?" he chuckled to himself, his grin spreading from ear to ear. Yet, there was no one around to boast to, so he simply enjoyed the moment in quiet satisfaction. Now, Kisha had descended several flights of stairs and navigated through long corridors where pairs of patrolmen stood watch, oblivious to her presence. Moving stealthily, she advanced until she reached a dimly lit corridor. Ahead loomed a large steel door, guarded by two men. Hiding in the shadows, she observed their movements closely. Kisha held her breath to maintain her concealment, cautiously approaching until she was within range of her telekinesis. Sensing the dagger strapped to one of the guards'' waists, she swiftly seized control and aimed it at their heads, ensuring a silent, lethal strike that prevented any alarm. Afterwards, she efficiently stored their bodies in her inventory. Once she confirmed the area was secure, Kisha examined the door requiring two separate metal keys. Feeling too lazy to search the guards for the keys, she instead placed her hands on the lock and carefully feel its intricacies. This practice also served to hone her telekinesis, particularly useful when manipulating objects out of sight. Mastering the technique required heightened concentration and a deep understanding of the object''s mechanics. Chapter 213 Rescuing the Captives It took her a full five minutes of careful study and practice using her telekinesis on unseen objects. Once she gained a deeper understanding of the lock''s workings, she began to manipulate it. As she grew more confident, she quickened her pace and swiftly unlocked the door. A loud ''click'' echoed, and the door swung open slightly. A confident smile played on her lips as she carefully entered the door. Fortunately, 008''s minimap had a trap detection feature, allowing her to move with ease and deactivate the traps set throughout the underground hideout. She could tell from the traps that the Coltons had put considerable effort into securing this place, using vicious mechanisms designed to easily butcher any infiltrators. The Coltons must have so much confidence in this place. The inside of the steel door smelled like moss, and the whole place had an eerie, ominous atmosphere. However, Kisha did not falter or turn on any lights as she descended. Thanks to her heightened senses and eyesight almost as sharp as Sparrow''s, she could make out what was in front of her and see better than most. She decided not to use any light source to avoid alerting any guards and giving them a chance to prepare an ambush. Fortunately, there were no additional guards inside. Not long after, she reached the end of the long stairs and was hit by the stench of human filth and the foul smell of human feces and urine mingling together in the enclosed space. A dimly lit fluorescent bulb hung high on the ceiling, casting weak, flickering light. There was no other source of illumination aside from these bulbs. As Kisha walked further, she saw a long hallway lined with dungeon cells, each containing at least one or two men or women. When they saw a shadow approaching, they all began to tremble in fear. They could barely make a sound, too weak to fight back, and filled with despair and terror. They expected to be dragged back up, only to return as cold corpses or at the end of their lives. As Kisha walked down the long corridor, she saw fear consuming the captives, preventing them from even looking up at her. They assumed she was one of their captors. The Colton bastards hadn''t even provided their prisoners with clothing; most men and women huddled naked in the corners of their cells. Some were on the verge of severe breakdowns, rocking themselves while mumbling incoherently. The entire place was so gloomy it could easily drive anyone inside to mental instability. With no sunlight penetrating the darkness, the captives were convinced they would waste away and die, just like countless others before them. These people were no longer recognizable as beautiful. They had grown so emaciated, their cheeks hollow and their limbs resembling matchsticks. Their eyes were vacant. Kisha didn''t even want to imagine the kind of torture they had endured to reach this point. It was evident the Coltons didn''t care if their captives died here. Bowls filled with writhing maggots sat next to blackened, rotten food. Some prisoners had resorted to biting into their own flesh to soothe their hunger, their eyes red and feral. Kisha continued walking, her eyes scanning the cells for the person she had come to find. "Are you here to save us?" The soft, raspy voice of a woman caught her attention. Though barely more than a whisper, the silence of the place made it audible to everyone nearby. The question, filled with a fragile hope, reverberated through the corridor, reaching the ears of other captives in adjacent cells. Simultaneously, nearly everyone looked up at Kisha''s small frame, a stark contrast to their brutish captors. Those who couldn''t see her in the corridor as she passed drew closer to the bars, craning their necks for a glimpse of their potential savior. Kisha did not immediately respond to the woman''s question. Instead, she posed one of her own. "Have any of you seen a young man, around 19 years old, with ash blonde hair and blue eyes?" The corridor fell silent once more, and no one replied. Kisha scanned the surroundings again, realizing that the dimness and the dirt covering everyone could easily obscure any distinctive features like ash blonde hair, making identification difficult. Eye color, too, would be hard to discern in the gloomy light. "Wait! Are you telling me you only planned to save one person and leave all of us here?" One of the men from another cell shouted in horror, his voice nearly turning into a shriek as he frantically posed the question to Kisha, his hands gripping the bars tightly in front of him. After hearing him say that, almost everyone became hysterical. They believed that someone had come to rescue them, offering an escape from the godforsaken dungeon to a better life, momentarily forgetting the ongoing apocalypse outside. Their singular focus was solely on leaving the place. Kisha remained silent for a moment, contemplating whether to save everyone immediately or focus on finding the specific young man. However, she quickly reaffirmed her commitment to rescuing all the captives present. Taking a deep breath, she addressed them calmly and patiently, "I intend to bring all of you with me. I''m looking for a young man with ash-blonde hair and blue eyes. If anyone has seen him, please let me know so I can locate him before we leave." She spoke with empathy, understanding the fear and desperation among the captives and hoping to reassure them. "Miss, there are many teenagers locked up here, even boys as young as 13 or 14 years old. Do you have any additional description of the boy you''re looking for?" asked the woman who had spoken to Kisha earlier. Her voice carried concern and curiosity, echoing the sentiments of others in the dimly lit dungeon. Now, as Kisha turned to look at the woman''s face, she appeared to be around the same age as Kisha herself. Her long brunette hair, though possibly muddied by dirt, was still discernible. Her face, while not as sunken as the others, suggested she might be relatively new to the dungeon, her mental fortitude still intact. Her eyes were a striking emerald green, contrasting with her pale, chapped, peeling lips. "I think he arrived here just a few days ago. He has a teardrop mole under his left eye and pale skin. He used to be a teen idol," Kisha repeated the description that Reeve had given her about his friend who was captured. "Ah!!!" The woman exclaimed. "Yes!! Yes!!! There was that boy!!!" "Do you know where he is? Is he still alive?" Kisha asked tentatively, moving closer to the woman''s cell. "Yes, if he''s the one you''re looking for, he''s here with me!" The woman exclaimed with excitement, pointing to the far corner of the cell where a bundled shape covered in a blanket lay. Kisha initially mistook it for a mere bundle of cloth due to its small size. According to Reeve, the young man was quite tall, and Kisha couldn''t imagine how he could fit into such a small space. The woman struggled to stand up, stumbled around the bundle, and slowly pulled back the blanket, revealing a sleeping boy inside. His breathing was shallow, as if he might take his last breath any second. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 214 How They Will Proceed After the woman pulled back the blanket, the young man let out a soft, pained groan but did not stir or open his eyes. His face was as pale as a sheet of paper. Kisha didn''t wait any longer. Using her telekinesis, she unlocked the cell door with a soft ''click'' and strode straight inside. The woman, crouching beside the young man, heard the sound and turned her head instantly to see Kisha walking in. She stared at Kisha with wide eyes, astonished that she hadn''t seen her use any keys to open the cell. Kisha crouched down beside the young man. He did have a teardrop mole under his left eye, though it was barely visible under the grime covering his face. The filth, possibly their own feces, was everywhere, a result of being unable to clean themselves properly and have no toilet to do their business. The overwhelming stench of urine mixed with human waste was so strong it could cause a headache, likely explaining why there were no guards inside the dungeon apart from those at the entrance. Kisha didn''t flinch as she reached out to check the young man''s breathing and pulse. Feeling a faint pulse on his neck, she sighed in relief. She then pretended to pull a vial of blue liquid from her pocket and carefully fed it to the young man. The young man gulped down the liquid like a fish out of water. The speed at which he swallowed made it feel like it got stuck in his windpipe, and he started to cough. Fearing he might spit out the liquid, Kisha quickly covered his mouth to prevent him from spitting the healing potion. When his coughing subsided, he lay back down silently, but the color began returning to his lips, and his breathing steadied a little. The woman beside Kisha stared at her in astonishment, as if she were a divine healer capable of bringing the dead back to life. Not long after, the young man regained consciousness and stared blankly at the ceiling. It took him a moment before he shifted his focus around the cell and met Kisha''s strong, confident gaze. He was mesmerized by the depth of strength he saw in her eyes. He felt that, with a little more effort, he could be as strong as she was. He had already given up on life, believing that the misery of the apocalypse, combined with the humiliation suffered at the hands of the Coltons'' Young Master, had broken him too deeply to envision a good ending for himself. Seeing her felt like seeing light after a storm. His heart shivered, and his insides trembled as if an invisible hand had touched something deep within him. Uncontrollable tears of hopelessness and frustration for being powerless streamed down his face. Kisha silently let him shed these negative emotions, understanding that by doing so, he would be able to move forward and become stronger. There were no words of comfort she could offer the young man, but she could give him a little encouragement to keep moving forward. Maybe, in time, he would find something that made life worth living again. Kisha had been in his place before, so her heart went out to him. She reached out and gently tapped the young man''s head. Her expression was cold and indifferent, but her words were warm as if sharing some of her strength with him. "I can''t say that things will get better from here on, but what I can tell you is this: strength says it all. You have to be stronger than the trials coming your way, so no matter what happens, you will never feel worthless again." Kisha didn''t like flowery words because she knew that no matter how good they sounded, they remained just words. What mattered were actions. She couldn''t offer him much, but if the young man decided to grit his teeth and fight back, maybe he would have a chance to see how she fought her own misery and set an example for others. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Having lived through her 100th life, something inside Kisha had obviously broken, changing her forever. Yet, it also taught her how to be stronger, not just physically, but mentally and this kind of misery will not consume her. Growing older doesn''t necessarily mean carrying more wisdom. Knowledge may accumulate, but true wisdom often comes from experience and discernment, things you can only truly understand by living through them yourself. Kisha stood up, not expecting the young man to grasp her words immediately; she trusted time would bring understanding. "Wait here, everyone. I''ll bring back clothes for all of you and secure the perimeter." As she walked slowly, she brushed her hand lightly over each cell door, almost as if tracing her path. To the astonishment of everyone watching, each door she touched unlocked and swung open in sequence. After releasing everyone from their cells, she ascended a few flights of stairs and retrieved several sets of clothes, packing them into a backpack. With a wave of her hand, a portal materialized out of thin air. "Alright, it''s your time to shine, everyone," Kisha calmly directed towards the portal. Within seconds, one after another, the Winters'' men emerged from the portal onto the stairs, appearing well-rested but still in awe of their recent experiences inside. Four Hours Ago... "Listen up, everyone! We''ve located the Coltons'' hideout, but we still need to find the entrance. I''ll go undercover to infiltrate them from within and then signal for you all to come in." Kisha''s voice was confident as she scanned their shocked expressions, each face questioning how this would unfold. "Young Madam, wouldn''t that be dangerous?" Bald Eagle yelped. "In the apocalypse, everything is dangerous. But I have a plan," Kisha replied, casting a glance behind her where Duke stood, looking grim and disapproving. His expression made it clear he didn''t approve of the plan, especially if he wasn''t accompanying her. "Listen to what I have to say first, then decide if it''s worth a shot," Kisha said calmly, aiming to present her plan comprehensively rather than argue her point. Reluctantly, everyone listened. They knew proposing an alternative to infiltrating the Coltons or finding their entrance was futile; the Coltons were on high alert after the attacks on their four camps, barring strangers. Despite their efforts in recent days, they hadn''t gathered any new information. Moreover, they had come to trust that Kisha never spoke without certainty or would endanger them, so everyone gradually quieted down, their expressions showing readiness to listen. Once Kisha saw them waiting for her explanation, she began. "Firstly, I need Duke to remain in the villa." Immediately after her statement, she heard a snarl behind her. Kisha met Duke''s furious gaze squarely, raising an eyebrow, and continued. "Among everyone here, I trust that no one could outperform Duke in terms of his hacking ability. We don''t have your IT team to assist us with hacking the Coltons'' system, so Duke will need to hijack their surveillance cameras and acquire their hideout''s blueprint without triggering their firewall," Kisha explained, shrugging slightly. Hearing the compliment in her words, Duke puffed up his chest with pride, a smug smile playing on his lips. Sensing that Kisha had successfully defused Duke''s anger, she continued. Chapter 215 Whos The Little Wife Now? "While Duke covers our tracks and hijacks the Coltons'' system, I''ll need to drop my disguise to lure their men into bringing me to their hideout," Kisha explained. "Young Madam, how will they even do that when they are on high alert and not allowing anyone to get close to them and especially let a stranger in their perimeter?" Bald Eagle clarified he is not following how Kisha''s head is wired because he thought that she might not be aware of the Coltons'' movements after their camps had been razed to the ground. "Well, it turns out the Coltons'' Young Master was a big sex freak and his people kept on kidnapping beautiful men and women to exchange them for supplies from their Young Master," Kisha explained casually, but Duke erupted in anger "No! I do not approve!!!" Duke pulled Kisha into his embrace, his eyes swirling with anger. "You are not going," he growled lowly. Kisha exhaled deeply, meeting Duke''s gaze. With a mischievous glint, she leaned in and stole a kiss from him. "Do you think I''ll give in just because you kissed me?" Duke retorted, trying to appear stern, though the corner of his lips twitched, betraying his amusement. Kisha tiptoed closer, aware of everyone''s wide-eyed attention as their Master seemed to enjoy being kissed by their Young Madam, despite his protests. Seeing Duke''s lips twitching, she playful pepper kiss on his lips until he softened, smiling like a fool and gazing at her lovingly. After that, Kisha smiled smugly and resumed her briefing. "Alright, now that the distraction is over, let''s continue." She glanced at Duke and then paced in front of them. "As we''ve heard, the Coltons are abducting beautiful men and women. I believe I can infiltrate their ranks looking like this." She shrugged and twirled in her white maxi dress, making her point clear. Now, everyone understood why she had changed her clothes and shed her disguise; she looked innocently beautiful and agreed that any man wouldn''t be able to take their eyes away from her. Everyone nodded in agreement as they thought that she''d really get past and be abducted. "So, if any of you are concerned about my safety and don''t want me to go, I have a plan to be taken away without them needing to use force," Kisha said confidently. Upon hearing this, they looked at her with incredulous expressions, struggling to believe her plan. So she explained, "If I act naive and too trusting, would you still need to force me to come with you?" Kisha posed the question, and they all shook their heads in unison. However, the idea of Kisha portraying naivety and innocence seemed incongruous with her usual cold and indifferent demeanor. Nonetheless, they grasped her point and remained attentive to her next instructions. Duke remained concerned and asked, "Then, as the one who will be opening a path for everyone, how do you plan to bring them in?" Despite having an idea of her strategy, he wanted to ensure everyone was clear on the plan. Kisha smirked and waved her hand in the air, conjuring a portal before them. Despite being accustomed to Kisha''s wonders, they couldn''t help but be surprised anew. The circular light, resembling a rainbow portal, appeared, towering over Duke and wide enough to accommodate two men side by side. They all stared at the portal that had appeared, and Kisha began to explain. "This portal leads to my personal space. Or should I say, my own realm?" Kisha''s tone held a touch of mystery, knowing they would be intrigued by what awaited inside. She was confident they would keep this information confidential, especially now that they had taken the Heart Gu Pill. "Everyone, you''ll enter this portal and remain there until I open another to let you out. It functions like a portable land, moving with me wherever I go, in case that wasn''t clear," Kisha explained, pausing to gauge their reactions¡ªamazement and surprise mirrored on their faces. "Also, a key detail: time inside passes ten times faster than outside. So, don''t be alarmed if you spend what feels like a day or two in there while I''m outside," she added, ensuring they understood the concept fully. "And since that''s the case, I have an additional task for all of you," Kisha announced, coming to a halt and fixing a stern gaze on everyone. Their attention was immediately captured as they awaited her next words. "I need each of you to plow the land and plant the vegetable seeds. I''ve marked the plots and provided signboards indicating which seeds should go where. Each seed packet is also labeled with its type," she instructed clearly. Duke burst out laughing upon hearing Kisha''s serious order to his men, while everyone else stared at her dumbfoundedly, as if unsure whether she was serious or pulling their legs. They exchanged looks with each other, silently questioning if their comrades shared the same disbelief. "What? Farming is crucial because eventually, we won''t have the luxury of planting vegetables in the land once it turns rusty and useless. This is the perfect opportunity to secure our food supply while I can preserve everything without compromising freshness but the number of people that we need to cater to will also increase in the future and surely, the supply won''t be able to keep up with the demand by then," Kisha explained with a huff, feeling slightly annoyed at being regarded as if she had grown another head. "You can plow the land, plant the seeds, and take breaks whenever you need. Everything you''ll need is already there. Just do as much as you can while waiting for me; you''ll likely be there for at least 24 hours. When you come out, be prepared for battle. We''ll catch the Coltons off guard from the inside, and I''ll give you all the chance to pay them back for what they did to your comrades. Any questions?" Kisha concluded, confident that she had explained her entire plan to them since it was so straightforward. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Will Sparrow and Vulture join us, or will we coordinate a pincer attack with them attacking from outside, or perhaps they''ll serve as a distraction?" Bald Eagle asked again. "No, they won''t be joining us. Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan have their own mission separate from ours," Kisha explained. "Do you really intend to keep me here in the villa?" Duke said sulkily. Kisha reached out to his arm to appease him. "Your role is crucial as our eyes. I''ll leave Bell with you so it can show me a visual of the blueprint of their hideout once you''ve accessed it. This information will be crucial to our success," Kisha assured him. Duke understood the importance of his task and Kisha''s strategy, but he couldn''t shake his worry for her. "It''s hard to predict the actions of a lunatic, especially when they''re cornered. That''s what worries me," Duke admitted, his concern etched on his face. "I know, but if things go south, I have other ways to handle it. I still have the scarlet bees, my awakened ability, and the healing potions," Kisha reassured him. "Master! We will protect the Young Madam with our lives!" the Winters'' men said in unison, fists over their hearts as they vowed to ensure Duke could remain in the villa with peace of mind. Duke pouted. "I should be the one going to war, and you should be waiting at home with a warm meal prepared, like a little wife. Why does it feel like our roles have been reversed?" he said, a touch of resentment in his voice as he played with Kisha''s curls. Chapter 216 Dukes Side Everyone burst into laughter after hearing what Duke said, as he looked like a coquettish wife. They all felt the same way, but the situation called for a different approach. Even though Duke had destructive prowers and could quickly kill numerous enemies, Kisha''s ability was still the best option for bringing them in stealthily and with minimal risk. And just as Kisha mentioned, if something went wrong, they could easily escape using a few of their trump cards. Besides, Kisha still had her three talismans that could save her from a critical blows capable of killing anyone instantly. She would never enter the enemy''s den without thorough preparation and careful planning. Reluctantly, Duke let Kisha go, like a wife sending her husband off to war. He looked aggrieved and already missed her even before she stepped out of the forest. Kisha shook her head and gave Duke a reassuring kiss on the lips. Duke looked like he was enjoying it, his eyes crinkling into crescents and a wide grin spreading across his face as he held Kisha''s small waist in his embrace. When Kisha was about to let go, Duke pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. This was the cue for the Winters'' men to enter the portal one after the other and follow their orders, leaving the couple undisturbed. But before they went in, they made sure to steal a quick glance at their once-cold master, now transformed into a love-struck fool. They sniggered as they entered, exchanging knowing looks. Duke wasn''t content with just a simple kiss. After nibbling on Kisha''s lips and ensuring his men had stopped watching and entered the portal, he kissed Kisha hungrily, not giving her a chance to breathe. In just a few moments, Kisha was breathless and gasping for air, which was exactly when Duke slid his tongue in. Kisha tightened her grip on Duke''s arm, feeling her brain become fuzzy and lightheaded due to the lack of oxygen. At the same time, she felt a delicious twitch in her core and her toes curling as electricity traveled throughout her body. She couldn''t help but moan when she felt Duke''s tongue slip through, exploring every inch of her mouth in a quest to find her own tongue. When their tongues met, an explosion of desire enveloped them. Kisha didn''t shy away from Duke''s possessive kiss. She matched his intensity, ensuring he felt the same sensations she did. They both moaned and groaned, each trying to outdo the other. After a while, they reluctantly let go of each other, a silver thread of saliva connecting their lips as they separated, adding to the sensuality of the moment. Kisha''s eyes were misted with tears, her face flushed, and she panted heavily. Although Duke was also panting, a triumphant smirk played on his lips as he looked at Kisha, as if he was looking at his own art. Seeing Duke looking so smug in front of her when there was barely any difference in them made her roll her eyes at him before she started fixing her own messed up hair that Duke played with while they are kissing. She wasn''t sure if he had done it on purpose to leave his mark on her or if he simply couldn''t help himself, but Kisha suspected the former. Her swollen lips made it obvious she had just shared a passionate kiss. Now, she no longer looked like an innocent and naive girl; she resembled a seductress ready to find a man to enchant. But when Duke saw that Kisha was about to get angry, he hurriedly helped her by smoothing her hair and dress. Meanwhile, Kisha tried to reduce the swelling in her lips. Only when she saw Duke flustered, moving around to brush her hair and straighten her dress, did she smile in victory, her eyes turning to crescents. Duke could only sigh in defeat. ''A happy wife leads to a happy life,'' he thought as he continued fussing over her. When he was done, he handed the brush back to Kisha and escorted her to the edge of the forest where she had chosen to emerge. Once Kisha was out of sight, Duke returned to the Villa, putting on an angry facade. He kicked and punched a tree to make it seem like he and Kisha had a fight, storming out of the forest as if leaving her behind. What happened in the forest, whether Kisha was crying, was left to their imagination. Duke then promptly walked back to his office and turned on his computer. He knew they hadn''t managed to hack into his PC, even if they had gained access to his office, which he rarely used. Confident that his computer remained secure, he focused intently on the keyboard for half an hour. After thirty minutes, he left the room and retired to the bedroom, where he lay for some time before returning to his office. His next move involved ensuring there was a recording of him sleeping in his room. He later used this recording after he hijacked the Coltons'' system, replacing live footage of his whereabouts with the prerecorded video. Once the system infiltration was complete, he searched for the hideout''s blueprint, all the while monitoring Kisha on another screen. He couldn''t stand the way the bastard looked at his wife. It took considerable effort to calm himself down and resist the urge to rush to where Kisha was and confront the Colton. The lecherous gaze the Colton gave Kisha put Duke on edge and filled him with anger, prompting him to hasten his search so Kisha could leave that hellhole as soon as possible. His anger only subsided when he saw Kisha being escorted to a room. Still, he couldn''t shake off the worry that the Colton might try something inappropriate with his wife. When the Coltons'' Young Master left the room immediately after entering, Duke sighed in relief and resumed his search. After some time, he finally accessed the blueprint from the most secure file in the Coltons'' system. It had taken him a considerable effort to crack their security, but he had done so meticulously, ensuring Kisha wouldn''t be endangered by any mistakes. After obtaining the blueprint, he carefully showed it to Bell. Each time Bell buzzed its wings, he would move to a new section of the blueprint, a signal they had agreed upon to communicate effectively. Once he confirmed that Bell had seen the entire blueprint and sent the visuals to Kisha, Bell buzzed its wings again and perched on Duke''s shoulder. Duke understood this as the signal that his mission for Kisha''s side was complete. As he monitored Kisha, Duke switched on the radio beside him. Pressing the side of the radio, he heard static before speaking. "Sparrow, come in." After a moment of static, a voice echoed through. "Master, we''re standing by," Sparrow replied. "Alright, await my signal," Duke instructed. _______ PS: Hello everyone once again!!! Another month has come, and someone introduced a game to me that I''m really eager to try, just some additional motivation so please humor me a little. For five inspiration capsules, I''ll release an extra chapter! (¨R¨Œ¨Q) (?£þ¡÷£þ)? Please ADD to your LIBRARY to be notified when the update is posted. Thank you!!! Please don''t forget to cheer me up by voting with Powerstone and Golden Ticket! Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! You may also like Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 217 Sparrows Side Meanwhile, Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan made their way to the Minister of Defence''s side at Villa #9. Their plan was to orchestrate simultaneous attacks on both factions, preventing them from supporting each other in times of need. Duke''s role would be crucial in ensuring that communication between the two camps was effectively severed. Kisha had directed them to accompany Aston and his team to the Minister of Defence''s hideout. As soon as they departed the villa, they disguised their movements by heading towards a street known as a red-light district, aiming to shake off any tail. Upon arriving at the red-light district, the three encountered many women lining the road in skimpy clothing. Despite appearing cleaner than some, they still bore traces of dirt clinging to their oily skin and hair, which resembled tangled bird''s nests. As soon as the three well-fed and healthy-looking men arrived on their street, the women flocked to them. It was clear to everyone that these men were well-provided for, evident from their healthy skin and muscular appearance. Sparrow and the others found themselves flanked on both sides as the women began fighting over who would serve them. "Hey handsome, why don''t you pick me? I can give you a steamy sex in exchange for a loaf of bread," the woman on Tristan''s side coaxed, pulling him towards one of the tents. Meanwhile, another woman on his other side refused to give up easily and tugged him in the opposite direction. "Hey handsome, I''ll even give you a discount if you choose me." Despite feeling bothered and perplexed by the situation, Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan maintained their facade and each randomly chose a woman who appeared cleaner and more composed. Soon, each of the three men was escorted into separate tents one after another. The interiors carried an overwhelming scent, and the sparse furnishings offered little comfort¡ªscant bedding, no blankets, and hardly any food in sight. It was clear these women relied solely on their bodies to survive. They didn''t pry any further and got straight to business. As the women eagerly initiated their services, each man gently stopped them and began their transaction. Despite being in separate tents, all three were noted for their similar thinking and mannerisms. "Let''s make a deal. I''ll give you two loaves of bread, but you have to pretend I''m still here when I leave and continue your performance," Sparrow proposed, producing two loaves of bread from his backpack. The woman looked surprised but suspicious. She wondered why Sparrow was offering two loaves of bread before she had even provided her services, especially when he only needed her to pretend he was there. She sensed that overly generous offers often concealed ulterior motives, so she began to suspect Sparrow''s intentions. "If you plan to use me as a cover, then leave. No matter what you offer, I won''t compromise my safety for you." Sparrow chuckled knowingly, aware that the woman had caught on to something, but he stayed and proposed, "How about two loaves of bread, two packets of instant noodles, a liter of water, and two cans of meatloaf?" He displayed all the food he had in his backpack. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The woman''s eyes widened in surprise; the food Sparrow mentioned was already worth a reward for an important mission. As a woman with limited strength, she had few options from the mission board that could earn her a meal, but such jobs were often taken by men. For someone like her, without a man to rely on, choices were scarce. Reluctantly, despite her aversion to using her body to earn a living and knowing it was something she detested, she went ahead because she held onto hope that life would improve eventually. She reasoned that at least by fighting in her own way, she could retain some control over her fate. Now that food was being presented to her on a silver platter, she hesitated, sensing there might be more to it that could endanger her life. Her intuition as a woman kicked in, and she narrowed her eyes, studying Sparrow closely. Sparrow found her perceptiveness unexpectedly useful and saw potential in her as a trustworthy recruit for his Young Madam. He decided to explain himself: "You see, someone has been tailing me whenever I leave, hindering my ability to fulfill the tasks my master assigned. I''m not sure if they mean harm or not, but my master''s orders are crucial." Sparrow sighed wearily, as though genuinely conceding to the situation, though only he knew he had carefully mixed truth with white lies. But the woman became even more guarded. "Who was your Master?" She asked with dread. "Is that important?" Sparrow asked with confusion. "Of course it was!" The woman almost shrieked. Sparrow noticed her cautious demeanor and spoke up. "If you''re worried that my master is Young Master Coltons or associated with him, you''re mistaken. In fact, my master and Young Madam despise that man," Sparrow admitted, withholding further details, hopeful that this revelation would prompt her assistance. As expected, the woman visibly relaxed upon hearing Sparrow''s words but remained cautious. Taking note of her response, Sparrow grew bolder. "If you''re not fond of the Coltons, then that''s even more reason to assist me, don''t you think?" "Besides, I''m offering a substantial reward for a simple job that doesn''t require you to sell your body," Sparrow added. It took a bit more persuasion without divulging further details before the woman reluctantly agreed to take the job. Similar negotiations played out in the other two tents, with Vulture and Tristan handling them more swiftly. They were now waiting for Sparrow in the back alley. After Sparrow convinced the woman, she led him to exit through the back of the tent, which was obscured by other tents. Once Sparrow left, the woman began moaning louder and uttering explicit words, making it seem as though there was a man inside with her. Sparrow could even hear the sounds of skin slapping, making it more believable. This gave him peace of mind, knowing he now had a solid cover. Soon after, he rendezvoused with Tristan and Vulture, and together they headed to where Aston and his men awaited. Aston received a small note delivered by Bell, containing simple instructions that Sparrow would elaborate on later. Sparrow and the others made their way to Aston''s tent. Despite the injuries on Aston and his men, they had convinced everyone that they were bedridden and resting inside their tents. None of Aston''s men had ventured outside the tent since their arrival, only receiving meager deliveries of biscuits from sympathetic soldiers. Thanks to Kisha''s healing potion, their recovery had been swift, though they maintained the facade of injury until Sparrow and his team arrived. As Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan stealthily entered Aston''s tent, Aston and his men lay in bed, appearing weak and battered. However, upon seeing Sparrow and the others sneak in, Aston and his comrades immediately sprang to their feet and saluted. "You''ve finally arrived," Aston said, gathering his well-dressed men around him, ready to move out. Sparrow briefed them on Kisha''s mission and mentioned she was likely already inside the enemy''s hideout. Aston''s heart skipped a beat in nervousness. "Is she alone?" Aston asked, his face paling. Sparrow shook his head. "Our men are with her, and our Master will support us by hacking into the enemy''s system to create a way in," Sparrow explained. Just then, the radio strapped to his backpack emitted a static sound. "Sparrow, come in." Chapter 218 Operation Starts Sparrow surveyed the men, their faces etched with determination, before responding to Duke over the radio. "Master, we''re standing by," "Alright, await my signal," Duke instructed. After Duke''s radio call, Sparrow stealthily maneuvered his team around Villa #9, where the Minister of Defense was located. They encountered a significant number of patrolling soldiers, prompting them to hold position at a safe distance until Duke signaled them to proceed. Just as Duke had done with the Coltons'' system, he also infiltrated the Minister of Defense''s base and ensured that their surveillance cameras were only showing recorded footage. This allowed Sparrow and his team to sneak in without detection. Duke further disrupted their operations by activating a signal jammer found within the Minister of Defense''s fortress, and no one had noticed it just yet because everyone was so lax that they didn''t even take their guard duties seriously and do the monitoring properly. So aside from the guards making rounds outside the villa, Sparrow and the others wouldn''t have any difficulties inside. After ensuring that he had severed the Minister of Defense''s fortress from the outside world, preventing any SOS calls, Duke signaled Sparrow to proceed before they entered Villa #9. Once inside, they would be unable to contact Duke due to the signal jammer. "Sparrow, do you read me?" Duke radioed Sparrow again after half an hour. "Master, Sparrow here, we''re in position." "Good. Note that I''ve activated a signal jammer inside their base, so once you''re inside, you''ll be on your own. The Scarlet Bees will provide support from the side if needed. Stick to the plan, but if issues arise, you''ll lead the group. I trust your experience with this." "Roger that, Master. Leave everything to us. We won''t let you down," Sparrow replied with enthusiastic assurance. His voice carried a sense of confidence that overshadowed any hint of nerves. Having faced similar missions countless times, he was well-accustomed to handling such operations, whether alone or with his team. Right now, he''s focused on leading his comrades so they can learn from his experience. He wonders if this is why Kisha allowed them to accompany him on this mission, even though typically he would handle such tasks alone. Nevertheless, this opportunity makes him feel valued and appreciated for his contributions. Sparrow''s proficiency in infiltration and assassination made him the ideal leader for this mission. By guiding Vulture, Tristan, Aston, and their team, he would demonstrate his skills in action and provide them with insights into how he successfully completed missions, including how the operation he completed and razed the four camps to the ground. It will be mind-blowing to see him in action. This will foster a healthy sense of competition among them and offer those who haven''t yet awakened a glimpse of what an awakened superhuman can achieve with their abilities. Fortunately, Sparrow had anticipated potential unexpected obstacles while inside the Minister of Defense''s base. While they were in Aston''s tent, he took the opportunity to teach them the Winters'' hand signals, known only to them, so that Aston and his team could understand their silent communications. He confidently shared this secret because he had heard from Kisha that these people, like the rest of the Winters'' men, could never betray or harm her due to the slave contract they were under. Thus, any secrets they possessed would never be disclosed without Kisha''s approval. After Duke ended the radio call, Sparrow took a deep breath and scanned the area while his team remained concealed under the bushes. Once he was familiar with the patrol''s rotations and shifts, they swiftly intercepted two patrols that passed nearby. With practiced precision, they incapacitated them, breaking their necks and muffling their mouths to prevent any alarm. They also ensured to conceal the patrol''s bodies in the bushes to avoid detection. Each member understood their role clearly as they advanced deeper into the enemy base. Their coordinated actions and silent communication allowed them to infiltrate smoothly, navigating through the base without delay or alerting their enemies. After entering the Villa, Sparrow signaled his team to prepare for an incoming patrol of four. He positioned himself concealed among large plants, while Tristan and Vulture took cover behind pillars. Aston and his men crouched low under trimmed bushes in the indoor garden, ready for any approach. They all kept their eyes fixed on Sparrow, waiting for his signal to act against the incoming patrol. With their fundamental understanding of base infiltration, they recognized Sparrow''s role as the team''s lookout, leveraging his keen eyesight to scan for any approaching enemies. His decision-making was trusted, knowing it offered the best chance for success in their mission. Once Sparrow gave the signal, Vulture and Tristan, hidden behind the pillars, swiftly pounced on two members of the patrol who were standing at the back. Startled, the remaining two in front turned around, giving Aston and his team who were crouching behind the bushes to emerge from their hiding spots. In a seamless display of precision, Aston''s team incapacitated the patrol members before they could react, their actions swift and lethal. The remaining two in Vulture and Tristan''s grasp looked on in horror, eyes wide with fear before their own necks were twisted mercilessly, plunging them into darkness. Once they had dealt with the four patrols, Sparrow and his team dragged the bodies into a nearby empty room, ensuring they were concealed from sight. Unlike Kisha, who required blueprints of the Colton''s underground hideout, Sparrow and his team didn''t need such detailed information since the Minister of Defense''s base was not concealed. They proceeded with their mission confidently, navigating the base with their knowledge and skills. Since all the villas had nearly identical layouts, Sparrow and his team knew their way and silently made their way to the second floor where the Minister of Defense''s office was located. They encountered a few more patrols along the way but managed to neutralize them swiftly. Soon, they arrived at the office door where two guards stood on standby, but this didn''t deter their approach. Sparrow summoned two wind blades, aiming them at the guards'' throats to silence them. Before their bodies hit the ground, Sparrow and the rest swiftly moved to catch them, ensuring their silent approach continued, along with securing the decapitated heads. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But this still made a mess on the carpeted floor because of the blood oozing from the dead guards, so Sparrow and the rest did a quick action of throwing those bodies in a nearby empty room before they all stood behind the Minister''s office door, they all knew that the office was soundproof so no matter how much they tried they will never hear anything out. Instead, Sparrow carefully surveyed the surroundings outside the Minister''s office window to ensure no one would witness his approach. Satisfied that the coast was clear, he opted to enter through the window alone, leaving the rest of the team stationed outside the Minister''s door. Using his wind abilities, Sparrow gracefully glided through the air, using the window sills as leverage to move silently until he positioned himself outside the large office window, directly behind the office desk. He stealthily peeked through the corner of the window to assess the number of people inside the office. Chapter 219 Operation Underway It was only then that he noticed the large window was slightly ajar, allowing him to catch faint sounds from inside as he cautiously peered through. "Ah! Yes! Right there, harder! Fuck me harder!" Sparrow heard a woman''s loud moans. As he cautiously peeked inside the office, he witnessed the Minister vigorously engaging in intercourse with a woman on his desk, the woman bent over the desk, and the Minister thrusting from behind and slapping her buttocks with fervor. The Minister''s back was turned toward Sparrow, half-naked, with his fat ass bouncing in front of Sparrow''s view. Sparrow felt nauseated upon witnessing it. It seemed he was always unlucky enough to stumble upon such scenes during missions. He felt a deep sense of discomfort, though no tears came to his eyes. Since there were no other people inside the office aside from the Minister and the woman, Sparrow immediately entered through the window and hit the Minister on the back of the neck, Sparrow didn''t even concern himself in trying to catch the Minister''s body as it heavily fell on the floor which surprised the woman and instantly looked behind her only to see Sparrow and before she could even scream in fright, Sparrow has already hit her behind the neck and avoided looking at her naked body. After dealing with the people inside, he opened the office door for the others to enter. Upon entering, Vulture and the rest were greeted by the sight of a naked woman and the Minister, pants down, with his private parts fully exposed. They shared a good laugh before taking action: they tied up the Minister with a rope and draped a blanket over the woman to cover her before tying her together with the Minister. After ensuring they had the Minister secured, Sparrow left three of Aston''s men to guard the prisoners. He then led the rest of the team to eliminate the remaining individuals at the Minister''s base. On the other side of the shelter. Kisha led the rest of the Winters'' men down to the dungeon to pacify the captives, distribute the clothes, and provide them with a small meal to ensure they had enough energy to run along with them. When she descended the stairs followed by the Winters'' men, she saw the captives had already left their cells and were standing in the corridor, supporting each other with shaky legs. Hearing the movement from the stairs, they looked over with vigilance and fear, starting to back away. But when they saw Kisha approaching with a bag, followed by men carrying more bags, their fear subsided slightly. However, they remained in a defensive stance, scanning Kisha and her group with vigilant stares. Kisha noticed the wary stares from the others but said nothing. She opened the bag and slowly distributed clothes. Since she didn''t know how long it had been since they last ate, she only gave them small portions of food to provide energy, avoiding the risk of hurting their stomachs, which might have thinned due to prolonged hunger. No one complained about the food they were given. Their trust in Kisha deepened, as they finally felt they were escaping the hell they had endured, and they decided to follow her. Kisha gave them time to dress and eat, offering some reassurance. Though she wasn''t very skilled at it, she still tried. "I and my people will be bringing you out of here, but I need your cooperation. Do not stray from us or panic and run around on your own. Doing so will not only endanger your lives but also put everyone else at risk. So, I hope you are all with me," Kisha said with an indifferent expression, straightforward and without sugar-coating her words. Hearing that she would be bringing them out of there, the captives all nodded fervently as they tightened their grip. They don''t know the probability of getting out of there alive but they still want to give it a try instead of rotting away in those cells and being subjected to the same hell they''ve been through for days. Once they regained some strength, Kisha positioned the captives at the back while she led the group out of the dungeon. With the captives joining her team, Kisha could now see them as green on her minimap, indicating they were allies. This helped her avoid confusion while they proceeded in their tracks. Kisha aimed to bring all of Colton''s men alive to Duke so he could exact his revenge on his own terms. She pulled out knockout drops from her inventory and distributed them to the Winters'' men. After ascending a few stairs and leaving the gloomy hallway that led to the dungeon, the captives, who had been holding their breath with fear, finally took a deep breath. They struggled to contain their sobs, feeling a sense of relief at finally leaving that hellish place behind. But then, Kisha noticed movement on the minimap: four red dots slowly approaching their position. She signaled silently to the Winters'' men walking behind her to prepare for contact, and they all moved close to the wall near the intersection. As the four dots drew near, Kisha signaled for the Winters'' men to release knockout powder while covering their noses, allowing the powder to spread through the hallway ahead of them. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The unexpected knockout powder caught the approaching red dots off guard, causing them to inhale the powder and collapse limply to the ground. Kisha and her team remained cautious, allowing the powder to settle. She then distributed masks to everyone, including the captives, to protect them from the effects of their own weapon. After ensuring everything was under control, they cautiously emerged from the intersection. When the captives saw the Coltons'' men lying helpless on the ground, some recognized their tormentors and rushed towards them to vent their grievances. Kisha''s team reacted swiftly, intercepting the captives and preventing any further escalation. "Don''t. We''ll let you see them suffer all at once. Hold your horses for now," Kisha commanded in a cold, indifferent voice. No one dared to respond, and with great effort, they restrained themselves from taking action. However, they couldn''t help but glare daggers at the Coltons'' men lying on the floor. Kisha then signaled for her men to tightly bind the Coltons'' men and they dragged them away like livestock. This action slightly pacified the captives, who had endured tremendous torture at the hands of the Coltons''. Now, they eagerly awaited the retribution Kisha would mete out to the Coltons, especially the Young Master who was the main culprit of their suffering. Their eyes burned with hatred, and their hearts pounded with anticipation, imagining themselves in the role of torturing their tormentors. Now, the captives felt their hearts beat with fervent anticipation to witness this. Even in their weakened state, they found strength in these thoughts and pushed their battered bodies to continue walking forward. Kisha understood that this was what they needed to keep moving forward and see it through. Many of the captives had endured extreme torment, needing an outlet for their resentment, hatred, and grievances to find a reason to live again. They wouldn''t be able to return to their former selves, but at least they would find the strength to continue living in this apocalyptic era. Chapter 220 Cleaning Up Without hesitation, Kisha led her group through the underground hideout. As they passed the entertainment area, where many of the Coltons'' men were idling away their time eating and drinking, Kisha instructed the captives to stay far back. She signaled the Winters'' men to toss four sleeping gas canisters into the spacious room, ensuring that no one could escape. The enclosed space guaranteed that everyone inside would inhale the gas. After waiting for another five minutes, Kisha and her group cautiously opened the door and entered to check if everyone was unconscious. Fortunately, their vigilance paid off, as some individuals had managed to stay awake and put up a fight against Kisha''s men. The Winters'' were well-prepared and swiftly subdued the Coltons'' men, rendering them unconscious. Once everything was settled, they ensured to tightly bind and disarm everyone. They also stripped them of their clothes to make sure that they were not hiding any hidden weapon that might be used to unbind themselves and to prevent any attempt to escape. But that number of people wasn''t all the Coltons''. There were still more. Kisha made sure to properly sedate the ones they had captured before leading the captives outside the room, allowing them to take satisfaction in seeing the Coltons'' men tied up and helpless. Once only she and her team remained, Kisha placed all the Coltons'' men in her space, covering their eyes with black cloths and monitoring them with a scarlet bee to be alerted when any of them woke up. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By doing this, she ensured that none of them could escape, as she couldn''t trust leaving them in one place within the Coltons'' hideout. If they were left behind and other enemies found them, it could lead to a disastrous situation. By keeping them under her control, she eliminated the risk of them being discovered and rescued by other Coltons'' members. Luckily, Kisha had developed the habit of considering every possibility, no matter how unlikely. Her paranoia stemmed from past experiences where such oversights had cost her dearly, and she was determined not to let it happen again. After clearing the entertainment area of their enemies, Kisha seized all the valuables, including barrels of liquor hidden in the cellar behind the entertainment area. There were enough to keep them drunk for a year. She also found wheels of fine cheese, hams, and other preserved foods. Realizing their food storage was also there, Kisha wiped everything clean. Even the decorations and indoor plants that filtered the air were not spared. She took the sofa set, tables, and everything else in sight, leaving the room completely bare naked. "Host! You really didn''t spare anything, huh?!" 008 said teasingly, while also pointing out items Kisha might have missed. In truth, 008 was the most excited about taking everything in sight. The feeling of banditry awakened 008. The Winters'' men watched in amusement as their Young Madam acted like a bandit. Eager to assist, they began searching for hidden rooms or food storage areas to provide her with more things to take. Once they finished in the large room, they proceeded with their mission, returning to a serious demeanor. As they advanced, they ransacked every room they passed, and any enemy they encountered was swiftly subdued and treated like the others¡ªplaced inside the space. Kisha ensured that someone was sent inside every ten minutes to sprinkle more knockout powder on the captives, preventing them from waking up during the mission. After clearing all the rooms, including the security room and the kitchen where frozen goods and dried vegetables were stored (which Kisha also took, along with the kitchen appliances), they were left with only the large garden where Kisha had first been brought. She knew Alex was there, as she hadn''t seen him anywhere else. Kisha and her men stood before the large door leading to the garden. She ensured the safety of the people she had rescued by keeping them outside the door until she and her team finished dealing with the Coltons. After preparing herself and her team, who were now stationed behind the door ready for an ambush, with the people they had saved waiting at a safe distance, Kisha pushed the door open, prepared her telekinesis, and braced herself for any incoming gunfire. "However, as she fully opened the door, no gunfire erupted. Kisha scanned the entire garden and saw the Coltons'' men standing there, fully armed, their guns aimed at the door, fingers poised on the triggers. Among them, Alex looked at Kisha with an amused gaze tinged with admiration and love. "Kisha felt a chill run down her spine at the way the repulsive man stared at her, but she refused to show any reaction. Her expression had completely transformed since she first entered the garden¡ªnow cold and distant, like a rose with thorns. Yet, Alex found her new demeanor intriguing and was even more enamored with her. "I never expected the first woman to catch my interest would be after my head," Alex chuckled, tilting his head to the side as he gazed intensely at Kisha. "Isn''t that what they call karma?" Kisha replied, uninterested in his blabber, and began assessing the enemy''s numbers. Behind Alex stood two dozen armed men, a few more than Kisha''s own team. With civilians to protect as well, it seemed she was at a numerical disadvantage¡ªsomething Alex was keenly aware of too. He didn''t expect Kisha to remain so composed despite being outnumbered, with her people still hidden behind the door, waiting for her signal before revealing themselves. Alex couldn''t tell if Kisha was feigning calmness or if she truly had a trick up her sleeve. As he pondered this, he began to feel a creeping sense of worry himself. Despite the growing unease gnawing at his mind, he maintained a facade of calm. There''s a saying that a man fears his own ghost¡ªif he hadn''t done so many bad things, he wouldn''t have so many fears hidden in his heart. Kisha was exploiting this, sowing fear in his heart even before the battle began. And the more he didn''t know what he was facing, the more fear would gnaw at his heart. A kind of torment that even Alex wouldn''t be able to run away from. "Why aren''t you letting your people in? Are they using you as a shield? A woman?" Alex taunted with a smirk. His remark wasn''t aimed directly at Kisha, but rather at her men who were still hidden. He believed that by eliminating all those following Kisha, he could capture her and she would have no choice but to stay by his side as his captive, never to see the light of day again. And when that happens, he will surely teach Kisha a lesson or two about obedience. But to achieve that, he had to ensure he drew out the people hiding behind the door and eliminate them before he could reach Kisha. Although Kisha''s men were angered by being called ''hiding behind a woman'' and felt their pride wounded, they remained steadfast in their position. They understood that revealing themselves would only disadvantage their Young Madam and make them a burden rather than a helping. Chapter 221 The Decisive End But that''s not how the people Kisha saved see it. They were all worried, knowing full well the ruthlessness of Alex and his men. With only Kisha visible on the other side, they began to believe that her men were indeed using her as bait and a sacrifice to eliminate all the Coltons. They couldn''t bear the thought of being saved only to see their savior die, especially the young man whom Kisha had rescued from certain death. Gripping his clothes tightly, he stood upright, ready to rush past the Winters'' men. Fortunately, just as he reached the door, someone managed to pull him back, out of harm''s way. When the Coltons'' men saw a shadow emerging from the door, they immediately opened fire while Kisha stood in front. Luckily, the bullets didn''t graze her as they weren''t aimed at her. Thanks to the timely intervention, the young man was pulled back just in time, sparing him from being riddled with bullets. The young man shuddered as he glanced back at the wall riddled with bullet holes. Had he not been pulled back in time, his fate might have mirrored that wall. Regret and fear washed over him as he realized how close he had come to death¡ªa life Kisha had snatched from the grim reaper''s grasp with great effort. Now, filled with worry, he shouted out, fearing that Kisha too might have been hit. "No!!!" The young man shouted, struggling against the grip of the Winters'' men. "Young man, calm down! Our Young Madam is fine. They''re aiming at your head, not hers. She won''t stand there to be shot at if things go south. Just stay back and wait. Acting rashly will only endanger her," said the man who had stopped him, his teeth gritted in frustration, barely containing his own anger. "That''s right! Do you think we liked hearing that? Hell no! That fucking lunatic will get what he deserves, but we''ve got to trust in the Young Madam!" said another man standing nearby. He tightened his grip on his dagger and closed his eyes in determination. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Winters'' men collectively took a deep breath, their attention fully on the task at hand, awaiting Kisha''s signal before rushing in. They had unwavering faith in their Young Madam; witnessing her actions from outside the shelter gave them a glimpse into her temperament and approach. They recognized how she mirrored their master''s demeanor and actions¡ªmeticulous yet capable of ruthless decisiveness when circumstances demanded. They all felt reassured to follow her command even without Duke''s explicit order, willingly placing their trust in her leadership. Kisha proved herself as a competent woman who complements their master''s leadership style. "Ha! I didn''t realize you were so eager to see my men meet their end," Kisha retorted, her voice laced with sarcasm and taunt as she faced Alex. She hadn''t expected one of the rescued individuals to dart towards her side, but one of her men swiftly intervened, pulling the impulsive soul back just in time to prevent a potential disaster. "Why spare any of them when they''re taking you away from me?" Alex''s voice was eerily calm yet filled with crazed determination. "I won''t prolong this just to savor the sight of you tied to my bed. I''ll relish every inch of you, hearing your cries of passion beneath me. I would fuck you good and proper until you submit to me like anyone else." He licked his lips hungrily, gazing at Kisha, unaware that his words sealed his own fate, marking the beginning of his downfall. Not only did Duke hear it and despise it, but Kisha was equally incensed, prompting her to swiftly decide to end the battle then and there. She unleashed a surge of bloodlust that she had restrained since her return to this time period, its intensity reaching even those far behind the walls. The captives she had rescued felt it keenly, overwhelmed with fear as if they were already on the executioner''s chopping board, immobilized by the impending threat of imminent doom. Even Alex and his men were taken completely by surprise by the overwhelming and potent bloodlust they had never experienced before. They were momentarily paralyzed, which allowed Kisha to swiftly disarm them all. She controlled her dagger with her telekinesis with such speed and precision that none of the Coltons saw it coming. Before they could react, their fingers, poised around the triggers, were cleanly severed. The only sensation that registered in their minds was the sudden graze against their skin. Within moments, screams of agony filled the air. The assault rifles slipped from their grip, clattering to the ground as the Coltons'' men writhed in pain. Cold sweat dripped down their foreheads, their screams echoing through the room like pigs being slaughtered. Even the people Kisha had rescued heard the agonizing screams. Instead of feeling satisfaction that their tormentors were in pain, fear gripped their hearts. They couldn''t comprehend what Kisha had done to make all of them react like that. Alex was horrified and taken aback. He turned his head and saw blood gushing from his men''s severed fingers, their faces drained of color as they clutched their wounds in agony, trying desperately to staunch the bleeding. He hadn''t noticed Kisha''s change in demeanor or seen her move but suddenly heard his own men squealing in pain, falling one by one. He was utterly baffled and terrified, his head whipping back to look at Kisha again, now wearing a menacing smile that sent chills down his spine. "W-what have you done?!" Alex''s voice was barely above a whisper, trembling with fear. He feared the unknown most of all, and at that moment, he had no clue what had just transpired. "Why don''t you drop your gun?" Kisha''s voice dripped with mockery. She glanced briefly at the people behind Alex before fixing him with a deadly glare. "Or you''ll end up on the floor like them if you even think about aiming at me." Without a word, Alex released his grip on his gun and took a step back. He knew he had lost, yet he couldn''t comprehend how. With superior numbers and the only exit blocked, he had expected to have the upper hand. His plan was to corner Kisha in the garden, eliminate her men, and claim her as his prize while disposing of the rest of his male captives and gifting the female to his own people. Little did Alex expect that Kisha had no intention of fleeing. Instead, she had orchestrated a plan to gather all of the Coltons'' men in one place, setting the stage for Duke to exact his revenge. "Alright, Winters'' men! Gather up these trash and secure them tightly before they meet their just end!" Kisha''s commanding voice reverberated through the enclosed garden, followed by the footsteps of her advancing team. "Winters? You''re with the Winters?!" Alex asked, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Not only is she allied with the Winters, but she also happens to be my wife!" Duke''s voice, laced with anger yet restrained, echoed from the entrance leading from the outside. Alex and Kisha both turned towards the entrance to see Duke, no longer in disguise, clad in black trousers, shirt and leather shoes, with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, walking deliberately towards them. Chapter 222 Drag Them Down "What?!!! Since when did you get a wife?!" Alex asked in disbelief. Unlike him, who had always been surrounded by women, Duke had never even touched a woman''s hand as far as Alex knew. How could he possibly have a woman, let alone a wife? But his doubts were soon answered as he saw Duke walk past him and go straight to Kisha, giving her a tight hug and a deep kiss, not caring who saw their intimate moment. Alex was in a daze for a moment; he had never seen Duke act like this before, not even with Melody, who had followed him like a loyal servant and been as understanding as possible. Seeing Duke like this was an eye-opener for Alex, but it also filled him with anger. ''So what if she''s his wife? He can''t be better than me in bed, and I can make sure to steal the woman for myself, especially now that I''m interested in her,'' he thought. Duke wasn''t supposed to be there, but his worry for Kisha drove him to the Coltons'' base. He arrived just in time to hear what Alex said to her. He was about to step in and take matters into his own hands, but Kisha acted first. He looked proudly at Kisha for being decisive and ruthless when needed. If she hadn''t acted, he would have made sure they lost an arm or two. Duke scanned the garden, where most of the Coltons'' men were down, and saw Alex standing in the middle like the coward he was, afraid of the consequences of challenging and conspiring against Duke. Alex had been searching for Duke for a long time, only to be surprised by Duke himself arriving at his hideout. To think that he would send his own wife to infiltrate! "Duke Winters, I didn''t know you were such a pussy. You say she''s your wife? Sending her to infiltrate someone''s base is such a cowardly move, don''t you think?" Alex taunted, pretending to be unafraid of Duke''s anger. But Duke didn''t get angry, which baffled Alex. Instead, Duke looked at Kisha with a proud, doting expression that said, "That''s my queen. I would grovel at your feet and kiss them if you so desired because you are amazing." He completely ignored Alex, while his men swiftly subdued and tightly tied up the Coltons. The captives Kisha had saved watched the unfolding event with renewed hope, seeing their captors being dragged away in a sorry state. When it was Alex''s turn to be tied up, the captives looked at him with genuine hatred. Their eyes turned red as they struggled to resist the instinct to run over and tear into his flesh for all the torture and humiliation they had endured under his hands. Now aware of their fate, even in extreme pain from having their fingers cut, they did their utmost to escape the clutches of the Winters'' men and tried to plead with Duke. "Master Winters, please have mercy! Please! We''ll work for you for minimal pay, just spare us!" they shouted in unison as they struggled fruitlessly to break free. Seeing Duke growing increasingly irritated, his men quickly gagged the Coltons'' men and resumed dragging them away, only to pause after a moment. "Master, where should we take them?" one of Duke''s men asked, seeking guidance on their next move. "Host! Um, I have something to say," 008 said hesitantly. Kisha teased back, "Don''t tell me you did something naughty again?" She could practically hear 008 choking in guilt in her mind. "What did you do?" "Host, um, while you were busy with the infiltration mission briefing with your men, we actually received a mission from the system. I delayed its notification because I saw we had another ongoing mission related to farming. I thought you might still be feeling down about it and didn''t want to upset you further," 008 explained hurriedly before Kisha could respond. Hearing 008 explain so carefully as if walking on eggshells, made Kisha imagine 008 pouting as it spoke. She couldn''t bring herself to be angry at it anymore. "Alright, show me the mission board," she said, curious about the new task. [Mission Board] [S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days"] [A Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting"] [B Class Mission "Taking Down the Local Power"] Kisha clicked on the latest mission on the mission board to see what it was about. [Mission Description: There are men who have already sat on the throne of the City as their ruler and are now the ones making the rules. Take over the power in City B and become the new leader to guide its people. Mission Requirement: Overthrow the current ruler of City B in a day. (3/2) Mission Completion: 50,000 points and title "City Lord" Mission Failure: Automatically failing (S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days")] When Kisha saw the mission failure condition, a deep frown creased her brow. "A chain mission?" She pondered, though she already knew the answer. It indicated that the new mission was intricately linked to completing the S-Class mission she had received earlier. With still 20 days left to complete it, it became evident that this wasn''t the sole requirement to finish the S-Class mission. After understanding her situation, Kisha knew she couldn''t do anything but accept it. Time was of the essence with just a day left to complete the mission. Additionally, she noticed something peculiar in the mission description: the "(3/2)" notation, which she assumed indicated the number of opposing forces she needed to overcome. ''So, taking down the Minister of Defence and the Coltons was one thing. Now, who could this last force be?'' Kisha contemplated anxiously. Half a day had already passed dealing with the first two adversaries. The thought of another potential threat unnerved her¡ªwhat if this third force turned hostile towards her and her allies as well? That would surely be a problem. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Duke, now that we''ve secured the Coltons'' hideout, why don''t we give them a taste of their own medicine and throw them in the dungeons? They should know how it feels to be down there," Kisha suggested urgently. With time pressing, she preferred to deal with the Coltons immediately before moving on to locate their final target. "That''s a good idea, wifey," Duke said affectionately, gently rubbing her temple before sliding his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. Sensing Kisha''s anxiety, he sought to reassure her with his touch. He ordered his men to drag all the Coltons to the dungeon. Most of them struggled fiercely, knowing well the cold and filthy conditions awaiting them. Muffled screams echoed across the garden as the Coltons fought desperately to escape their fate. But the Winters'' men proved stronger, easily overpowering the Coltons who were tightly bound with ropes. Kisha and Duke followed closely behind, with the captives they had rescued timidly trailing along. Despite their fear, they were eager to witness the Coltons'' harsh punishment in the dungeon. Everyone wasted no time and swiftly returned to the dungeon. Once there, they callously tossed the Coltons'' men into the cells, paying no heed to whether they hit their heads or faces on the hard ground. Due to the limited space available, the Winters'' men crammed ten people into each cell, creating a scene similar to a can of sardines. Chapter 223 Unexpected Gain And Challenges "Fuck you, Duke!!!" Alex screamed as he was shoved into the dirty cell, overwhelmed by the awful smell that made him feel dizzy and nauseous. He had never been in the dungeon himself, always sending someone else to handle his dirty work and get someone down there to satisfy his desires. "Let me out of here while I''m still being nice!!!" Alex shouted with urgency, his face paling as he tried to hold back puking while trying to look intimidating. Duke ignored Alex''s empty threats and turned to Bald Eagle. "Find me a suitable torture chamber nearby in the dungeon. Make sure everyone can hear what''s happening to each of them," he commanded. Duke glanced around at the men in the cells, who had visibly paled and now showed fear. They knew Duke was serious, and what awaited them was nothing short of hell. "Yes, Master, leave it to me. I''ll find the tools we need!" Bald Eagle saluted eagerly and dashed outside to scrounge up whatever tools or materials they could find. If necessary, he''d organize his men to craft tools from scratch, having done so before and confident in their ability to improvise. Several others joined Bald Eagle to assist in the search. Once Bald Eagle and his team had gathered the necessary tools and materials, they swiftly transformed them into instruments of torture. They cleared out a cell for the purpose, fortunate that the Coltons'' Young Master had amassed nearly every tool they required, sparing them the need to create new ones from scratch. Bald Eagle found a grim satisfaction in knowing that these tools, originally owned by Alex, would now be used against him, giving him a taste of the suffering he had inflicted on others. They converted a centrally located cell into a torture chamber, strategically ensuring that all other captives could witness what unfolded inside. Despite their attempts to block out the sounds by covering their ears, the close quarters ensured that the screams and cries permeated the entire dungeon, leaving no one untouched by the horror unfolding within. After making some arrangements and instructing his men, Kisha and Duke turned to the captives. "You''re all safe now. My men will escort you outside, back to where you were living before," Duke declared with a tone of detachment, conveying both his lack of personal interest and a desire not to foster false hope among the now mentally unstable men and women. He knew some saw him and Kisha as saviors and potential love interests, but he couldn''t allow them to cling to illusions that he and Kisha would rescue them from their pain and suffering and be their support or whatever. He didn''t want to invite unnecessary trouble into his own home or anger his wife. ''No way!'' he thought. Duke could practically see the women looking at him with reverence, their eyes turning into metaphorical hearts, while the men gazed at Kisha with admiration. This was precisely why he hadn''t let Kisha out of his sight since his arrival. ''Damn it, wolves are everywhere. She shouldn''t have saved these people,'' Duke thought, resolute in guarding Kisha by his side. When they finished, Kisha held onto Duke, preparing to lead him out so they could start the new briefing. However, before she could take another step, a loud series of system notifications echoed in her head, and the system interface appeared before her. Ding! [Congratulations for Completing the Hidden Mission: C-Class "The Saviour"] [You have received 20,000 points for completing the Hidden Mission: C-Class "The Saviour"] [Congratulations for Completing the B Class Mission "Taking Down the Local Power"] [You have received 50,000 points for completing the B Class Mission "Taking Down the Local Power"] [Congratulations for Receiving the Title "City Lord"] Kisha abruptly stopped in her tracks, trying to make sense of what was happening. Just moments ago, their mission progress for B Class Mission "Taking Down the Local Power" was at 2 out of 3, indicating they were still missing one target. She hadn''t even figured out who the third force in the power struggle was. Was it the Winter''s faction, automatically added as completed? Or was it Aston''s faction against the Minister of Defense? Or could it be someone else entirely? Regarding the sudden hidden mission, this wasn''t the first time Kisha had encountered such surprises. However, receiving notification only after completing the hidden mission raised suspicions. "Host, I didn''t delay this one! I only postponed the other one because the punishment for mission failure was frustrating, and I didn''t want you to get upset again." 008 hurriedly explained, hoping to clarify the situation before Kisha could get angry or misunderstood. 008 was uncertain about the delay in the Hidden Mission''s notification, but thankfully, it had resolved itself. Kisha didn''t get angry; instead, she felt relieved that things had gone smoothly. She had a suspicion that the Constellation behind the system might be playing tricks on her or acting with hostility, so the delay seemed plausible and not something she could blame on 008. Luckily, the B Class Mission "Taking Down the Local Power" had been resolved with minimal issues. If it had failed, Kisha couldn''t even imagine what the punishment for failing her seemingly straightforward S Class mission would be. Now that a chain mission had emerged, she was certain there would be more interconnected tasks ahead linked closely to completing the S Class mission. Ding! [New Mission available!] [C Class Mission "The Philanthropist"] [Mission Description: As the new City Lord, it was crucial to demonstrate compassion by ensuring the people were well-fed and that no one would suffer from hunger in the next 20 days. Mission Requirement: feed the 5,000 survivors at least 2 meals a day and make sure none would die from hunger Mission Completion: 100,000 points, stats increase of 1, and Title: The Philanthropist S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mission Failure: Automatically failing the A Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting" and S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days"] Kisha took in a deep breath as she stared at the system interface before her, her eyes widening with a mix of anger and frustration. Now, she was absolutely certain that the system was deliberately making things difficult for her, and one thing was clear. This S-Class mission would compel her to establish City B as her base and guide its people towards the system''s objectives, whether toward prosperity or doom. However, this didn''t mean she would abandon her and Duke''s base in City A. That place was closer to her dream safe haven, unlike City B, which required substantial work before it could be deemed safe. "Are you alright?" Duke''s concerned voice brought her back from her reverie. Kisha''s expression had shifted multiple times in a short period like she had eaten a fly. He couldn''t discern if she was uncomfortable, tired, or simply angry, but if it was anger, he couldn''t fathom the cause. He glanced at the cell where Alex was held, and Duke speculated that Kisha must have been angered by Alex''s behavior toward her during their meal or perhaps because of how he looked at her or anything along the way. ''That must be it,'' Duke concluded to himself. Without Kisha knowing, she just pushed Alex further into hell and Alex could only cry bitter tears from then on. Chapter 224 Establishment of HOPE Base "Don''t worry, I''m fine. But I think we need to gather everyone for a quick meeting," Kisha said, her expression still troubled. Since receiving the new mission, it was clear that the mission had begun immediately. She couldn''t afford to waste any time now; the consequences of failing the S-Class Mission were uncertain but potentially dire, possibly resulting in her own death or harm to those close to her, which she was determined to prevent. Seeing her flustered state, Duke sensed that something was amiss, but he refrained from pressing for answers. Instead, he gestured to Bald Eagle to secure the dungeon and then dispatched someone to Villa #9 to check on Tritan and the others, ensuring they joined the meeting promptly. Bald Eagle wasted no time and swiftly gathered a few of his men to rush to Villa #9 and confirm if Sparrow and the others had completed their mission. He also took the initiative to inform Duke''s family about the meeting and ensured they were escorted to Villa #1, where Duke and Kisha were heading. Before joining Kisha, Duke skillfully removed all the listening devices and surveillance cameras around the villa, ensuring that their meeting place was thoroughly protected and secure. Confident that their conversations would remain private, Duke led Kisha back to his villa. He had a feeling that what Kisha was about to discuss was of utmost importance, potentially even a matter of life and death, and he treated it with the same level of seriousness. After they arrived at the villa, Marcus and his grandchildren, who were busy tending to the property, noticed them approaching. They quickly set out some biscuits and canned drinks on the coffee table before resuming their tasks. Duke gently guided Kisha to sit on the sofa and pulled her close, cuddling her as he soothingly rubbed her back in rhythmic strokes to calm her. Feeling his silent protection, Kisha looked up at Duke, and her worries began to melt away. ''Right, as long as Duke is with me, I can find a solution to any challenge that comes our way. I''m sure of it,'' Kisha thought, burying her head into his chest and inhaling his masculine scent. Her anxiety began to fade away. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That''s right, no matter how difficult the challenges in her previous life, whenever Duke was by her side, there was always an answer. Both of them were determined not to lose, especially when it concerned the lives of their loved ones. Together, they always found a way to figure things out. Seriously, she had forgotten that she was no longer alone, no longer dealing with everything by herself. If Duke hadn''t died in her previous life, she was sure they would have continued tackling whatever life threw at them together. Now, Kisha understood her feelings even better. She realized that in her last life, it wasn''t that she lost to the two scumbags; it was because she gave up. She gave up on living her life because Duke was no longer there, and she had no other reason to continue. She was simply hoping to see him again. With this realization dawning on her, Kisha suddenly smiled, her eyes brimming with tears before she burst into a crying mess. "Hahaha! I am so stupid!" she muttered as tears streamed down her face. Duke, on the other hand, was flustered and distraught, seeing Kisha act so uncharacteristically. He believed that something must have triggered her. He could accept any challenges or pain, but what he couldn''t bear was seeing Kisha in tears. His mind became a mess, leaving him flustered and unsure of what to do, so he instinctively reached out to wipe her tears. "What''s wrong, baby? Tell me," Duke coaxed gently, continuing to wipe away her tears and kissing each trail on her cheeks and eyes. He peppered her face with kisses, trying to comfort her as best he could. He never considered himself skilled at comforting others; he was simply following his instincts. Soon enough, Kisha let out a giggle as Duke continued to pepper her cheeks, the tip of her nose, and her eyes with kisses. Occasionally, a stray kiss would find its way to her lips too. Kisha was amused by how Duke always managed to find her soft spots and make her smile. In her previous life, he would cook for her or simply listen without trying to offer solutions unless she asked for them. Duke understood that Kisha needed someone to hear her out rather than tell her what to do. "Nothing, I suppose. I''m just overwhelmed with happiness being with you," Kisha replied teasingly, watching Duke''s eyes widen in slow motion as he realized she was poking fun at him. In retaliation, he tickled Kisha''s side, sending her into fits of laughter that seemed endless. "Ahem! Did we arrive at a bad time?" The Patriarch quipped, drawing the attention of both Kisha and Duke. The Wyatt family and several of Bald Eagle''s men stood to the side, observing keenly as their usually stoic Master transformed from a block of ice into Mr. Sunshine. "Grandpa?! How long have you been there?" Duke asked, his expression returning to its usual cold and indifferent demeanor as if the earlier warmth had never existed. "Well..." The Patriarch glanced around mischievously, drawing out the moment before answering. "Long enough to see my young boy growing up and learning how to coax his wife." His grin widened as he watched Duke''s indifferent facade crack, revealing a hint of amusement. Everyone shared a laugh for a little while as they waited for the others to arrive. Once everyone had gathered, including Tristan, Sparrow, Vulture, Aston and his team, Reeve, Bald Eagle, and some of his men, Kisha led them all to Duke''s office. The space was a bit crowded, with everyone standing side by side around the large, sturdy mahogany desk where Duke was seated, and Kisha sat in his lap. Everyone had grown accustomed to this arrangement and now found it quite normal. Kisha had stopped struggling because Duke didn''t want to let her go. Besides, she had already found a comfortable position where she could talk while Duke gently massaged her palm. Kisha took a deep breath and scanned the crowd. "Everyone, thank you all for coming to this meeting. This is the first meeting after the establishment of ''HOPE Base,''" she said with a calm, emotionless tone, causing momentary tension as the group processed and absorbed the significance of her words. "What?!" "Ah?!" "What do you mean, Young Madam?" Sparrow voiced the question on everyone''s mind. "I mean exactly what I said," Kisha replied, her tone steady as she began to play with Duke''s slightly calloused fingers. "Since we''ve taken down the key figures behind City B, the shelter needs a new leader to take over. And there''s no better solution than us stepping in." "Besides, it''s better for us to take charge than to let others benefit from our work and potentially turn hostile towards us," Kisha added firmly. Duke''s eyes bore into Kisha''s as he asked, "What about our base in City A? Hawk and Eagle are still there, along with your grandparents and brother." He tried to grasp her intentions. ''Was this why she was so moody earlier?'' Duke wondered silently. Chapter 225 Who Will Lead? Kisha then leaned into Duke''s chest, looking up to meet his gaze. They stared at each other for a moment, Duke raising his eyebrows in curiosity. Kisha let out a chuckle and answered, "I never said we would give up our base in City A. It''s still the most ideal safe haven there is, and City B can''t even compare. So why would I let go of the golden goose to take the ugly duckling?" She shrugged, a playful smile on her lips. "We can still manage both bases without giving one up. By doing so, we can strengthen our forces to protect ourselves from the evolving zombie threat and hostile humans," Kisha explained. She could clearly see the confusion on everyone''s faces and understood why. City B and City A were too far apart, it took them almost a week to travel from City A to City B and that was the fastest, if there are any other issues that arise during the travel, it could still increase a few more days or extend to a month if they needed to reroute. Given the distance between City A and City B, discussing the strengthening of forces becomes impractical because they wouldn''t be able to provide timely support to either base in case of emergencies unless they can predict events in advance and deploy forces preemptively. Additionally, managing two bases would significantly increase the logistical challenge of feeding and caring for the people in both locations. Taking on this immense responsibility will undoubtedly weigh heavily on their shoulders, especially hers and Duke''s. However, having previously assisted Duke in establishing the HOPE Base in her past life and seeing it grow to become the best among the others, she was confident they could surpass their previous accomplishments. Moreover, Duke''s innate leadership skills and experience make him capable of managing the challenges ahead effectively, even without the benefit of her past knowledge. "But wouldn''t it be inconvenient to lead two bases that are so far apart? The travel time is considerable, unless we use choppers for transport," Sparrow interjected, highlighting a critical concern before others could speak. "We have two large military choppers equipped with advanced avionics here at the base," Aston added, suggesting it could provide a viable solution to the distance issue. "But Young Madam mentioned before that there are mutant birds and insects capable of automatically attacking flying objects, potentially causing aircraft to crash, it was the sole reason why we opted to drive around from City A to City B." Vulture reminded the group, recounting Kisha''s previous warning. They were cautious, unsure if these animals had indeed mutated, but they had opted for the safer ground travel between City A and City B. The risk of gambling with their lives, especially when others depended on them, was simply not acceptable. "Previously, Duke and I hadn''t yet awakened our abilities, and you and Sparrow were still getting accustomed to using yours. Encountering unexpected enemies in the sky posed significant danger back then. However, now that we have a better understanding and control of our awakened abilities, it will be much more manageable." Kisha glanced at Vulture and then addressed everyone. "However, we can discuss that matter later. What''s crucial now is establishing and implementing ground rules for the base, along with a cohesive work system to ensure effective teamwork among all the base''s inhabitants." Kisha concluded. "Wouldn''t that be easy? Should we just follow the human law that has been established and re-write it according to our current situation? By following the law as our frame, it would be easier for all of us to understand and besides, those laws was created for a reason and after a lot of trials and errors to protect each human''s right against the abusers of power." The Patriarch voiced. Kisha nodded. "That makes a lot of sense, Grandpa," she murmured. Her simple words filled the Patriarch with joy; though not the most useful in battles, he cherished that his views were acknowledged. Plus, being called "grandpa" by his granddaughter-in-law meant a lot to him. "Well then, as the eldest here, I think it would be fitting for you, Grandpa Patriarch, to oversee the establishment of the base rules. If you have any questions or need assistance, we''re all here to help. I''ll send Sparrow to scout for a lawyer who can support you," Kisha said with a smile directed at the Patriarch. He was eager to contribute, relieved that he could demonstrate his value, especially at a time when resources were scarce and concerns about his usefulness lingered. Having once held a position of authority, the Patriarch was keenly aware of the situation and the future challenges ahead. This awareness left him feeling uneasy whenever he saw everyone else working hard, feeling as though he, as an old man unable to provide much help, might be viewed as nothing more than a burden and a waste of resources. Despite his family and grandson being powerful enough to shield him from harm, it still wounded his pride as a Patriarch, once a prominent figure in his clan, now relegated to the role of just an old man. Now, seeing the Patriarch became lively and a sparkle became visible in his eyes, as his son, Mr. Winters was also happy, as well as Mrs. Winters and Duke, they all looked at Kisha appreciatively and with pride. Kisha returned their smiles before continuing. "Now that we''ve assigned the task of drafting the rules¡ªwhich we''ll review once they''re written and condensed¡ªwe need to delegate responsibilities to everyone. But before that, I think we should establish a work system for the residents so they can all contribute, earn points, and function like a cohesive society," Kisha proposed. "Well, a structured work system would be essential because, as we can see, the mission system isn''t sustainable and isn''t supporting the people; they''re slowly suffering and dying," Duke interjected. "Which is something we can''t allow," Kisha affirmed. "Looking ahead, stronger evolved zombies will threaten every base and shelter. Manpower will be crucial for defense and survival. The more manpower we have, and the better trained they are, the greater our chances of survival." "So, in this case, we need to establish a leadership structure, and I believe Duke would be the best person to lead this base," Kisha declared without hesitation. Everyone, including Duke, looked at her as if she had grown another head. "Wifey, we all know I''m your henpecked husband¡ªwhatever you say goes. I''d rather be your sword and shield than lead the base. Besides, you''ve got the power to lead," Duke said, pouting. His words broke the serious atmosphere, sparking laughter among everyone. They chuckled at the thought of Duke being a bit of a ''yes ma''am'' to Kisha, a dynamic that was partly true. Others nodded in agreement with Duke''s words. "I think my son is right," Mr. Winters chimed in. "You''ve been leading us from the start and doing an excellent job. Our role should be to support you and share the burden so you can continue guiding us on the right path, or whichever path you believe is best." Mr. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Winters reflected on how he had come to accept Kisha, having witnessed her accomplishments and observed her and Duke''s interactions. It was the first time Mr. Winters had seen his son so happy. Moreover, what Duke had said rang true: without Kisha''s leadership, he couldn''t fathom how they would navigate their predicament. He was certain that under his son''s leadership, the base takeover wouldn''t have been as smooth; it might have even resulted in a bloody confrontation and carnage. Chapter 226 The Salary I Want Kisha was a bit taken aback. She hadn''t considered this and still wanted Duke to lead the HOPE Base as he had in her previous life. It was what he excelled at, and it was what she was accustomed to. Little did she realize that her actions had already changed many events and won the hearts of the people, including Duke, who saw her as the most suitable leader. "I can still be our group''s leader, but you should be the City Lord of our base. Even if we expand in the future, you''ll still be the one leading," Duke said, his arms slowly wrapping around Kisha''s small waist as he hugged her from behind. ''Being a City Lord'' She thought. ''Right, I haven''t checked that title yet!'' [Title: City Lord] [Description: Given to the person who was chosen to lead a group of survivors to proper, the hope of humanity. Stamina Regeneration: 20% per minute Spiritual Energy Regeneration: 30% per minute Poison Resistance: 50% Leadership: +10 Mental Capacity: +10] ... Upon seeing the City Lord title and the accompanying stats, Kisha couldn''t help but gasp in shock. The benefits were incredibly valuable, especially the spiritual regeneration. With these boosts, she wouldn''t need to rely on the black liquid vials or stamina boosters to replenish her stamina as much whenever it was needed. The enhanced stamina and spiritual regeneration would be crucial assets in any battle. With the additional mental capacity, she could use her telekinesis more effectively and control heavier objects. Kisha began to get excited as she imagined the possibilities. In all her previous lives, she had never gained any title, as it was always a battle between her and the system. But now, things were different. She realized that titles were incredibly helpful and amazing. Gaining her first title felt like a just reward for enduring the ordeals the system put her through. It was as if she had finally received something good after overcoming all the challenges. Now that she thought about it, there was another title awaiting her if she completed the new mission. Kisha realized that the system was skilled at drawing her in; it knew exactly what she needed and used that to entice her into taking risks and completing missions, no matter how impossible they seemed or how harsh the punishments were. With rewards like these, who could complain? Now, she couldn''t help but wonder if the system had undergone a change in management, similar to how company policies shift with new leadership. She didn''t dislike this change. Although the challenges were still tough, they didn''t feel as unfair as before. This time, she was accumulating more points than she ever had in her previous 99 lives combined. The titles she received now were incredibly beneficial, far beyond anything she had been granted before. Then, she decided to check her stats, curious about the changes since she hadn''t done so in a while. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5) Strength: 30 (+ 10) Stamina: 31 (+ 10) Defense: 27 (+ 10) Agility: 32 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 48 (+ 20) Charm: 34 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 46 (+ 20) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second) Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) .... Kisha was elated to see her stats increase after the continuous fights she and her people had gone through, along with the effects of the title she had just gained. Luckily, there were no restrictions limiting her to only wear one title, and could only get benefits for one title, as that would have been disappointing. Kisha giggled happily, her eyes turning crescent-shaped, just as Duke was still hugging her and persuading her to take on the leadership role of the base. Seeing her reaction, everyone assumed she had finally relented due to Duke''s persuasive efforts, and their tense bodies relaxed into smiles. "I''m glad you''ve agreed," Duke whispered into Kisha''s ear as he hugged her closer, a proud smile playing on his lips. He enjoyed seeing Kisha in the limelight and supporting her with everything he had. It felt more fulfilling than his own personal achievements. ''What did I miss?'' She asked herself after hearing Duke''s words. "Host, they just asked you to be the City Lord¡ªthe one to lead the base and any future bases if you and your people decide to expand further. And guess what?" 008 giggled as it caught Kisha up on what she''d missed while absorbed in her stats window and new title. "You giggled happily, and everyone took that as your agreement. Hahaha! Your ambition to laze around has been thwarted!" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "If 008 had a body, it might have been rolling around on the ground laughing at Kisha. But contrary to 008''s expectation, Kisha didn''t feel angry. First of all, HOPE Base had been established by Duke in her previous life, and she had joined later after he scouted her from outside. Duke had provided her with a home and taught her many things she hadn''t known before. If she had to thank someone for how far she''d come, it was Duke. If this was what Duke wanted, then she would happily follow through. Kisha found herself lost in nostalgia when Duke whispered in her ear once more. "I didn''t mind being your shield and sword, ready to eliminate anything in your path or protect you with all I have, as long as you paid me a salary." He leaned in closer, his breath tickling Kisha''s ear as he continued softly, "The only salary I''ve ever wanted is you. How about tonight? Hmm?" Kisha instantly set aside her sentiments and choked up at Duke''s increasingly brutish behavior. Looking around, she noticed everyone else was focused on the positive steps they were taking¡ªmoving away from the chaos of fighting and running from zombies¡ªinstead of paying attention to her and Duke. "Duke! You''re shameless!" Kisha said through gritted teeth, her face flushing red. Her heart skipped a beat the moment the words left Duke''s mouth. Describing herself as nervous was an understatement; her nerves were consuming her. She hadn''t felt this anxious even during their fights outside. She knew Duke had been holding back from going beyond kissing and touching because they were constantly monitored, lacking privacy. Now, with a break from those who had been watching them 24/7, Duke seized the very first opportunity. "Wifey, don''t tempt me. I can be even more shameless," Duke teased with a chuckle, though his gaze was earnest as he awaited Kisha''s response. "Tonight?" he murmured, nibbling sneakily on Kisha''s ear and giving it a slow lick that sent delightful shivers on her skin. Kisha appeared livid, but beneath the surface, she felt a deep anticipation. Her heart raced within her ribcage, and her hands grew clammy. She and Duke had never gone beyond kissing, and her lack of experience left her uncertain about what to expect and how to proceed. She wanted to feel embarrassed, but her mouth was more shameless than his. "Then you''d better serve your City Lord well tonight," she quipped, smirking at him in a challenge, just like their banter in her past life. Duke felt a surge of excitement greater than when he had first asked her for it. Chapter 227 Leadership Role Allocation Even as she felt a twinge of regret over her words, it was too late¡ªDuke had already accepted the challenge and was eagerly anticipating it. "Wife, you said it yourself. Better prepare yourself well," Duke smirked with mischief as he hugged her tighter, enveloping her completely. In their close proximity, Kisha could feel his excitement, his warm shaft pressing against her back. Kisha felt a sense of unease, sensing that she might be setting herself up for a predicament she wouldn''t be able to escape once Duke fixed his gaze on her. She swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in her throat, her heart racing and seemingly lodged in her chest. Duke could sense Kisha''s body tensing and her heart racing, but it only heightened his anticipation and excitement. He had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, and only he knew the effort it took to restrain himself around her. The self-control he once prided himself on had shattered repeatedly in Kisha''s presence. He couldn''t even count how many times he had to rebuild that self-control, only to find himself unable to resist her whenever they were alone together. And the pain he endured, seeing the woman he loved right in front of him yet unable to touch her beyond what was allowed, intensified when she became his wife with little change in their status quo. He felt frustrated, especially witnessing Alex''s obvious admiration for Kisha, setting off alarm bells in his head. He knew he had to ensure that Kisha had him alone in her heart, or the flies and butterflies would never cease coming. Kisha and Duke fell silent, but everyone noticed the pink bubble enveloping the couple. The more experienced individuals, like Mrs. Winters, Mr. Winters, and the Patriarch, all had a sense of what was happening. They tactfully guided everyone out of the room under the pretense of starting work, but Kisha halted them. Kisha cleared her throat. "Sorry, everyone. We got caught up in small talk, but we''re not finished with the meeting yet. We need to sort everything out ASAP so we can get the ball rolling," she said, regaining her composure. Duke had hinted that their action would happen tonight, but it was still early, and she needed to ensure everything was in order. Considering Duke''s stature, Kisha worried she might be confined to her quarters for a day or two with him. She cleared her throat, pushing aside her concerns for the moment, and both she and Duke grew serious as they delved into their business discussion. Their playful smiles faded, and Kisha began, "Now that we''ve allocated the Base''s rules to the Patriarch, it''s time to assign other leadership roles. Establishing the base''s leadership structure will make it easier for the survivors to follow." Kisha turned to Aston and asked, "Aston, where''s the Minister of Defense?" "We''ve sent the Minister of Defense to the dungeon with the Coltons, awaiting their punishments," Aston reported, standing upright as if reporting to a superior. He knew the military structure had crumbled and accepted that following Kisha was now the best path to protect the country''s citizens and ensure survival for more people. He trusted her character, though he acknowledged he didn''t have much choice in the matter since he was now her slave. Kisha nodded. Earlier, before leaving Villa #5, she had also left the Colton''s men she had apprehended and stowed away in her own space. She instructed her people to confine them all to one big cell, knowing they would likely be struggling due to the limited space with so many crowded inside. "Now that the position of Minister of Defense has been vacated, Aston will be assuming that role. His military background will reassure the soldiers and pacify the people," Kisha said firmly. "I trust you won''t hesitate to take necessary actions when required. We cannot afford dissent among our ranks; it would only lead to unrest and infighting, which we cannot allow." "City Lord, I am deeply honored to take on this responsibility, and I pledge to carry it out with the utmost diligence," Aston declared, saluting as he accepted the role. He then stepped back to allow others to proceed. "Since we need to establish a work system, we must also introduce a point system for the shelter''s inhabitants to use to exchange for essential goods like food. Accordingly, we need a supply center to store the resources we collect, allowing open access for everyone, and a structured marketplace where people can trade and make payments." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Moreover, I propose establishing crystal cores as our new currency. This will incentivize individuals to venture out and clear the area of zombie threats, increasing our crystal core reserves. These cores can also be used to enhance our defenses and support our community." "I propose appointing Mr. Winters to manage the position of Minister of Revenue. His extensive business experience makes him well-suited to develop a points system and promote active participation in shelter activities and work. This approach will not only alleviate hunger but also offer diverse job opportunities to our community members." "This means that Mr. Winters will oversee the supply center, manage the structured marketplace, and lead the establishment of our new currency. I understand it''s a substantial task, but feel free to hire additional help using points as compensation. This will help kickstart our new work and point system." "Individuals completing missions from the mission board will receive crystal cores, which they can use for trades in the marketplace and supply center. The points system will apply specifically to those working within the shelter, but they will also have the option to exchange their points for crystal cores if they wish." Kisha did not forget to clarify so everyone could understand what she envisioned. "I didn''t realize my daughter-in-law was so decisive and knew exactly what she was doing," Mr. Winters quipped, his jest serving as tacit approval of the role entrusted to him. Kisha smiled warmly at Mr. Winters and nodded before continuing, "I would also like to appoint Mrs. Winters as the Minister of Women''s Care. Our goal is to eliminate all red-light districts around the shelter and empower women to engage in meaningful work without fear of violence or injustice due to perceived weakness. This role will also oversee the well-being of children and the elderly. You''re encouraged to hire additional staff and actively seek out work opportunities for this group. In times like these, they may feel vulnerable and undervalued, but they have much to contribute." "I know Mrs. Winters has been actively involved in charity foundations and understands the intricacies of this role. I''m confident you''ll excel," Kisha said, giving Mrs. Winters an encouraging look. Mrs. Winters was visibly moved, feeling reassured and appreciated. She had been unsure how to avoid feeling idle and useless, but now saw a clear path forward. "I also appoint Sparrow as Captain of the advance party responsible for reconnaissance and leading his team against threats near the shelter. Vulture will be appointed Captain of the Wall Patrol to ensure the walls are well-protected. Both will report directly to Aston." "Tristan will be appointed as the Secretary, reporting directly to me and Duke. He will oversee project progress and handle responsibilities akin to a country''s secretary tot he president," Kisha added. Chapter 228 Introducing a Sustainable Way Everyone in the room nodded in agreement as they eagerly awaited their assigned roles, all the while noting Kisha''s plans for the shelter. The more they listened, the more they envisioned a brighter future for the shelter, with fewer people feeling helpless and gloomy in the corners. Now, they could envision a path toward a prosperous future, even amidst the apocalypse and the constant threat of man-eating zombies. A smile slowly spread across their faces as they continued to listen intently. "Now, now, that''s not all. I also want to appoint Bald Eagle to be the Captain of City Patrol along with his team to be the city guards to maintain order in the shelter. Only with order would we be able to sleep peacefully at night." Kisha said. She had experienced a lawless base so many times to know how chaotic and scary it was to sleep with such environment even inside a base or shelter which she wanted to purged in this base from the get go, because she didn''t want anyone to get an idea that they could just barged in her base and do whatever they wanted like philandering and killing without any consequences, especially when awakened abilities becomes widely known. But since her people are slowly awakening, it also means that other survivors are also having the same experience, especially when they are in survival mode, the quicker they would awaken. And it would only be the right time to establish the new currency so that when other superhumans visit her base, they can trade and inevitably gather information about the base and its leaders among the inhabitants. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No matter how cautious she was, these things couldn''t be completely controlled. Tightening control might breed dissatisfaction and potential rebellion; someone could easily rally others against her efforts. Unable to prevent these possibilities, she focused instead on maximizing her people''s vigilance and fortifying the base''s protection. She relied on her ''Eye of the Truth'' to detect and neutralize any malicious threats from a person or group before they could gain a foothold. "Granddaughter-in-law, I''ve been thinking about the supply center we''re planning to open. It''s clear we''ll need to stock it with essential supplies like food, medicine, and other necessities for survival. My concern is sustainability. How do you propose we ensure we can sustain such a center?" The Patriarch''s question snapped Kisha out of her thoughts, and she nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging his discerning concerns. After a pause, he continued. "Should we consider implementing limits on how much each person can acquire per transaction or per month? I''m concerned about how it''s going to work, I might be being pessimistic but this can''t be sustainable, especially for food supplies and water which would definitely be harder to procure no matter how much we send people out to gather the supplies." ''Something to be expected from the Winters, they always get the essence and what''s important in the most crucial times.'' Kisha''s smile lingered a bit while nodding at the Patriarch. "I''m glad this has come up for discussion, and I understand your concerns. I may have a solution." Her gaze then shifted to Bald Eagle and the others. Bald Eagle was momentarily puzzled by Kisha''s glance, his mind processing slowly to grasp her intention. It wasn''t until a few minutes later that understanding dawned, a spark igniting in his eyes. Before he could speak, however, Sparrow beat him to the punch. "Young Madam, are you referring to the hundreds of millions worth of supplies we''ve gathered and stored in your inventory?" Sparrow asked, seeking clarification. If that was indeed the case, he believed it was feasible to continue accumulating supplies to prevent their current stock from depleting too quickly. If that were the case, they might explore methods to cultivate their own food and discover alternative sources from mutant animals or plants in the future. As Sparrow pondered these possibilities, Kisha chuckled softly. Sparrow and Vulture typically would have been among the first to know what Kisha had, but she had sent them on a mission and hadn''t yet had the chance to show them her space. It was only natural that he didn''t know yet. "Well, I guess it would be easier to show everyone rather than talk about it." She glanced up at Duke, who was enjoying Kisha''s presence on his lap and hadn''t paid much attention to the meeting. Despite this, he understood the discussion and felt that Kisha already had all the answers their people might seek. He wanted her to shine even brighter so others would gladly follow her lead. When Kisha met his gaze, he nodded affectionately. He didn''t object to Kisha''s plans because he trusted everyone standing in his office implicitly. Those who couldn''t be trusted would meet their end through the slave contracts or the Heart Gu Pill that Kisha had administered. With a wave of her hand, a portal appeared inside the office, eliciting gasps of astonishment from everyone¡ªexcept Bald Eagle and his team, who had already witnessed it and even spent hours farming inside the space. Bald Eagle and his team showed no surprise; instead, he subconsciously puffed out his chest, as proud as a peacock. Vulture soon noticed his behavior and understood why. "Did you already know about this?" Vulture asked Bald Eagle loudly, drawing everyone''s attention to them. Bald Eagle simply nodded proudly. Seeing the friendly competition between comrades amused Kisha, and she stood up from Duke''s lap, with Duke following closely behind. Once they were both standing near the edge of the portal, Kisha glanced back at the group. "Follow us inside, and you''ll understand my plan easily," Kisha urged everyone before she and Duke vanished through the portal. Everyone felt nervous watching them disappear, apprehensive about the unknown. However, knowing it was Kisha who had already gone in with Duke, they nervously followed suit. Their nervousness was tinged with anticipation and excitement. As they entered, a brilliant light from above greeted them, causing them to squint and raise their hands to shield their eyes. It took a few seconds for their eyes to adjust, and when they finally opened them, they gasped in shock once more. They looked around and could see nothing but a vast expanse of land stretching before them. On one side, there stood a towering mountain, while in front of them, crops were growing, and in the distance, they could spot a few fruit trees. Everyone fell silent, trying to process their surroundings and understand where they were. Bald Eagle remained quiet, even under the gazes of Vulture and Sparrow. He hesitated to explain he wasn''t confident enough to explain this place, as he himself was unsure of its nature. "Everyone, please gather around. Let me explain what this place is," Kisha called out, trying to capture their attention. They all looked like tourists in a foreign land, and she felt like their guide. "So, let me introduce you to my Territory. This space is separate from the real world, but it''s far from virtual¡ªall here is real. Time moves ten times faster than in the outside world." Another gasp rippled through the group. They now resembled fish out of water, mouths opening and closing repeatedly as they struggled to find words. Chapter 229 Need An Upgrade Again "And as you can see, where we''re standing now is a farmland. Bald Eagle and his team have been farming here while waiting for me to infiltrate the Coltons'' hideout. The crops they planted have grown significantly in just a few hours." Kisha pointed proudly at the flourishing crops. "These crops were planted by Duke and me just yesterday, and they''ve already grown significantly. A little more time, and they''ll be ready for harvesting. We won''t have to wait months for them to mature and yield. With my space, we can provide for the survivors and enlist their help in managing the base effectively." "Besides, I have a complete food source here. We have livestock and aquatic animals in the lake and sea," Kisha added proudly, her voice brimming with excitement. "Ah! There''s also a lake and sea here?! Where?!" Bald Eagle asked in surprise. During their wait inside, he and his team had focused solely on farming and resting to maximize productivity. They drank from a small, sweet-tasting stream for water and picked delicious fruits from the trees when hungry. Since they hadn''t explored this magical place before, they were unaware of the lake and sea. Learning about them made them even more incredulous about the entire situation, and they became even more eager to explore. Bald Eagle realized how promising the place was; the crops and animals raised here would likely taste exceptional, given the sweetness and juiciness of the fruits he and his team had enjoyed inside. Thanks to the sweet-tasting water, the crops and fruits grown in this space are exceptionally delicious. The meat from the livestock also tastes much better, with minimal odor, since they eat organic vegetables, grass, and fruits from this space. Moreover, the absence of pollution ensures the quality of everything in the space. Seeing Bald Eagle''s expression, Kisha''s eyes lit up with delight as she led the group closer to the fruit trees. As they walked nearer, the sounds of animals grazing nearby grew louder. It was only when they got closer that they realized the vast expanse of the ranch and orchard. "This place is truly amazing!" Mrs. Winters exclaimed, looking around in awe. Her gaze then settled on Kisha, who had continuously surprised them with her leadership, ensuring their safety and providing a good life amidst the apocalypse. Mrs. Winters couldn''t have wished for more and felt fortunate to have such an exceptional daughter-in-law. While not overly expressive or seeking attention like other women who enjoy being doted on, Kisha possessed a unique charm that drew people to her. Her genuine care for her people struck Mrs. Winters, who considered Kisha an ideal daughter-in-law¡ªone that anyone would vie for. Mrs. Winters felt proud that her son had made such a decisive choice in marrying her. Although how he achieved that was a bit crude, she couldn''t help but stifle a laugh when she remembered how uneasy Duke had looked at Kisha before he took action. Kisha then led everyone closer to the trees, unaware that Mrs. Winters and the others were starting to regard her as a deity of sorts¡ªnot just Doraemon anymore, but a figure with limitless capabilities who could conjure anything they needed. Well, they aren''t mistaken though. Kisha then plucked some fruits from the tree and distributed them to everyone so they could taste the crops grown in the space. As soon as they took a bite, their eyes lit up. The fruits tasted far superior to the imported ones they had sampled from specialized farms in different countries. Duke, on the other hand, took his time to peel an orange for Kisha. Happily, he fed her a piece before taking one himself, believing that sharing food with his wife made it taste even better. He made a habit of doing so whenever they ate together. Since everyone found the fruits tasty and juicy, most couldn''t resist tasting more than just one fruit before stopping. Satisfied that she had made her point and shown everything, Kisha led everyone to leave the space. However, just as she was about to step out, she glanced back at the ranch and immediately turned her attention to her territory''s system interface. Sure enough, the facilities were already at full capacity, as indicated by the red warning lights. The freshwater and saltwater aquatic livestock were also filled to the brim. That''s when Kisha suggested, "Why don''t we cook some chicken or duck? Perhaps we could also slaughter a pig or a cow?" She spoke matter-of-factly, without concern if anyone found the idea of preparing their own steak by killing the livestock, unsettling. Upon hearing about slaughtering animals for food, Mrs. Winters'' face paled briefly. However, she quickly composed herself and fortified her mindset, which Kisha found admirable, to say the least. With the livestock facilities reaching their limit, Kisha knew she had to expand their capacity limit. Fortunately, she had earned thousands of points that she could use to upgrade the facilities that needed an upgrade, slaughter more animals, and increase her inventory stocks. This was crucial to ensure her mission of providing enough food for everyone, allowing them to eat twice a day. She had nearly forgotten about the animals in the space; if not for the mission, she might not have realized that they had matured and reproduced. With the livestock having been inside the Space for more than two weeks, equivalent to 170 days due to the accelerated time, nearly six months had already passed. The number of chickens and ducks she had now exceeded tenfold compared to when she first placed them there. Many of the livestock that were pregnant upon entering the space had already given birth, and others had become pregnant as well. The aquatic livestock had not only doubled in number but had also filled both the lake and the sea. No wonder she saw so many fish when she took a dip in the lake; the ecosystem there was clearly thriving. "I think we should get some fish from the lake or sea as well. What do you think?" Kisha suggested, staring at the territory''s facilities, which were continuously blinking red. She regretted not increasing the capacity earlier; those days had been wasted because the number of their livestock could have multiplied several times if there had been enough space. "I''ll go fish with my father!" Mr. Winters said, raising his hand slightly while trying to hide his excitement. Both he and his father were clearly looking forward to the task. "Those two are fishing enthusiasts and love spending time together while fishing. They''re probably thrilled to know they can still enjoy their hobby even in this dangerous world," Duke whispered in Kisha''s ear. "I-I''ll get some eggs from the poultry," Mrs. Winters volunteered, albeit a little unsure. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Young Madam, we will handle the slaughtering. Just tell us which animals to go for," Tristan said, gesturing for his comrades to nod in agreement. "My brothers and I are familiar with this task from our time in the wild." Kisha smiled and nodded at them. She then sent Duke to accompany his father and grandfather to the lake and sea, so he could lead the way. This allowed her to focus on upgrading the facilities. She instructed Tristan and the rest to slaughter as many animals as they could while inside, so they could stock them in her inventory. She gave the same instruction to Mrs. Winters, asking her to gather as many eggs as possible from the chicken and duck coops. Before they could all leave for their respective tasks, an earth-shattering bark¡ªmore like a roar than a dog''s bark¡ªechoed through the air. Moments later, a bear-like creature came running toward them. Sparrow and the others stiffened at the sight, instinctively going into defense mode. Chapter 230 More Scarlet Honey "Zeus, sit!" Kisha commanded firmly. Zeus, in its excitement upon seeing more people around, careened towards them. With a swift movement, Zeus planted its front paws and crouched, creating long skid marks in the soil as it struggled to halt its momentum, finally coming to a stop just before reaching Sparrow and the others. Upon recalling Zeus, Sparrow, and Vulture both sheepishly rubbed the tips of their noses in embarrassment. They had been on high alert, so focused on their surroundings that they had forgotten about Kisha''s new and potentially lethal pet. Even Sparrow was unsure if he could prevail in a fight against Zeus. "So this is where it lives, and I presume Bell is here too?" Sparrow attempted to steer the conversation away, realizing they had completely forgotten about Zeus since its appearance during the skirmish had slipped their minds. Not long after, a long buzzing sound echoed from the same direction Zeus had come from, and soon Bell appeared, flying to them and circling around Kisha in excitement. Bell had returned to its original size and was now freely navigating the space. Having recently laid a new batch of eggs, Bell''s worker scarlet bees were busy expanding their colony to accommodate more members. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With no need to go outside and fight alongside Kisha, Bell had ample time to manage its colony and move around freely. While the space did not affect human aging due to its time difference from the outside world, it did impact animals and beasts. During Bell''s time inside the space, it had already laid numerous batches of scarlet bee offspring and steadily expanded its colony. The timeframe that Bell gave Kisha to produce scarlet honey has been significantly altered due to the increased number of scarlet bees. Previously, Bell could only estimate the time needed while constantly outside, fighting alongside Kisha without laying eggs. Now inside, Bell has laid thousands of batches of eggs, drastically changing the production timeline for scarlet honey. Kisha also realized this and felt delighted. Before long, Bell''s worker scarlet bees carefully lifted a ceramic container as tall as Kisha''s waist and twice as thick. It was filled to the brim with Scarlet Honey, which surprised Kisha greatly. While she had anticipated a significant increase in production, she hadn''t expected this much Scarlet Honey. Kisha couldn''t resist clapping her hands in happiness as she gazed at the Scarlet Honey. Duke, too, stared wide-eyed at the container. Memories of the euphoria from consuming a spoonful of Scarlet Honey flooded back to him. As he looked at the full container, a tingling sensation crept over his scalp. He wasn''t sure if it was anticipation or the sheer volume of Scarlet Honey that overwhelmed him. But deep down, he was genuinely pleased to see it. After all, Scarlet Honey had been instrumental in rapidly advancing his relationship with Kisha. He considered the Scarlet Honey his lucky charm. Stepping up beside Kisha, he shot her a knowing look before leaning in to whisper in her ear, teasingly suggesting, "Wouldn''t tonight be the perfect occasion to use this?" "What, can''t you perform without this?" Kisha fired back, causing Duke to choke on his own saliva. Her words stung, implying he was incompetent in bed and relied on external stimulation to get it up, hitting a nerve with Duke. He felt a mix of hurt and frustration, knowing he had provoked this response. Duke stared at Kisha resentfully, feeling aggrieved by her words. "Not really," he replied, hoping to dispel any misunderstanding. "I just hope you''re ready to not be able to walk for days." With a smug grin, Duke turned away, leaving no room for Kisha to retort. Kisha felt her face heat up as she glared at Duke. ''I know you have a pretty good stamina alright! But being able to get it up continuously is a different matter.'' She retorted inside her head, this was supposed to be her answer to Duke''s teasing taunts, but alas, he was fast at running too. But for now, Kisha didn''t know that she just poked the lion on the balls and was just waiting for the right time to pounce on her to prove his point and to shut her doubts about his capabilities in bed. Kisha proceeded to fill several glass containers with Scarlet Honey and distributed them to everyone present. She knew that besides its attribute of enhancing one''s constitution, the honey might also aid those yet to awaken by fortifying their bodies and possibly accelerating their awakening process. While this was merely a theory, she ensured each person received their share, and surprisingly, it barely made a dent in the large container of Scarlet Honey she possessed. "Young Madam, this is?" Sparrow asked, remembering how Kisha and Duke had seemed suspicious about a glass of honey before, and noting Kisha''s unusual behavior after consuming a spoonful. He couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something special about this honey. "Well, as you can see, this is Scarlet Honey, produced by Bell''s worker bees. Bell is special, not just a normal bee, and this Scarlet Honey has miraculous effects. It can help reform one''s constitution and strengthen it. I''m also hoping it can assist those who have yet to awaken in reforming their foundations and strengthening their bodies, potentially accelerating their awakening process," Kisha explained. Those who had not yet awakened felt a surge of anticipation, their eyes sparkling with hope and happiness, as they had often felt like a burden without awakened abilities like Kisha and the others. "You could take a spoonful a day. I haven''t tested what happens if you consume more than that, but its effects are potent. Overconsumption might overwhelm your body''s capacity to handle it, potentially causing harm." Kisha cautioned. She admitted she hadn''t experimented extensively with Scarlet Honey yet due to other priorities, so she advised everyone to stick to safe consumption practices. Her goal was to ensure they could benefit from the honey''s properties without risking their health. If it turns out they can consume the honey safely, that would be ideal, especially since Scarlet Honey tastes better than regular honey. Kisha fell silent for a moment, lost in her thoughts. After five minutes, she spoke again. "I''m considering using this Scarlet Honey as a reward for those who excel in their duties. It could motivate them to strive for even better results once they experience its effects." She paused, scanning the group. "And for our leaders, regular distribution will be ensured." She smiled with satisfaction. Of course, she needed to grant special privileges to the leaders to ensure their dedication and reaffirm their importance within the base. This strategic move aimed to maintain unity and discourage dissenting opinions. She anticipated potential backlash once word spread, but with the ''Eye of Truth'' at her disposal, she could discern any malicious intentions directed her way. She aimed to preemptively address issues before they could sow discord throughout the base. Her approach was clear to everyone in their group: employing a balanced carrot-and-stick method of leadership that fostered cooperation without resorting to the fear-based management tactics of figures like the Coltons and the Minister of Defense. They nodded in unison as Kisha distributed the bottles of Scarlet Honey. Each person instinctively tightened their grip on the bottle, as if their hopes and dreams were held within. Kisha empathized with their sentiments, having been in their shoes before. Despite her fragile trust and apathy towards most things, she still cared deeply for her family and her people. As long as they remained loyal to her leadership, she was determined to ensure they enjoyed prosperous days. However, for those who caused her pain and suffering, their reckoning would surely come, and she would ensure they faced consequences for their actions. After giving out her instructions and ensuring everyone was on the same page, Kisha sent them on their way. She also dispatched Zeus and Bell to accompany and assist Mrs. Winters, who appeared more than willing to accept their help. Meanwhile, Duke seemed eager to take Zeus to the lake, practically ready to leash him up and head straight there. But after seeing that his mother indeed has no one to come with her to help, Duke relented and guided his father and grandfather up the mountain where he and Kisha went to get to the lake. After seeing everyone off, Kisha made her way to the flower field where the Scarlet Bees gathered. She settled atop a large boulder and opened her territory''s system interface, beginning to upgrade the facilities that required attention. After completing her upgrades, she checked her territory''s system interface again. Her heart sank as she realized she had used up almost all her points, leaving her with only 50,000 points for emergencies. ... [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] 100 acres of farmland (subspace type - maxed) 100 acres of lake (subspace type - maxed) 100-acre Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - maxed) 50 acres of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) 30 acres of rainforest (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Poultry (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Pigpen (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Cow shed (subspace type - upgradable) Show more ... Chapter 231 The Remaining 50,000 Points After finishing the upgrades and maximizing several facilities, Kisha sighed in resignation. She was left with few points again, but on the bright side, she considered the benefits. With more space available, she could raise more animals and expand her farming operations, and maybe she could fulfill another mission. Despite her efforts to lift her spirits, Kisha still felt a bit down. Instead, she turned her attention to the Scarlet Honey in her possession. With everyone else away, she wouldn''t have to hesitate to indulge in its euphoric effects again while she''s experimenting. "Hossttt!!! Our points vanished!!! Huhuhuh, my upgrade points," 008 lamented inside Kisha''s head, causing her lips to twitch with amusement at 008''s reaction. "Don''t worry, we still have missions to complete and we''ll earn more points. Then I can let you upgrade again," Kisha reassured 008. She noticed that 008 had been quieter lately; perhaps it was because the realization had sunk in that its constellation seemed to have been undermining them from the beginning. This realization might have hurt 008 deeply, as it considered the constellation as its mother. "Host, I hope I won''t have to wait too long..." 008 said, aggrieved. It was hinting at the delay Kisha had taken to give the go-ahead for the level two upgrade, despite her earlier promise to complete it sooner. Kisha understood its frustration. 008 felt increasingly useless the longer it remained at a lower level, unable to provide Kisha with more advantages to complete her missions more easily. If it could upgrade more, Kisha wouldn''t have to suffer as much, and 008 could broaden its sales channels and unlock more features that would be beneficial for her. "Alright, as soon as we get a good opportunity, we''ll proceed with the upgrade right away." Kisha nodded in defeat, acknowledging that it was indeed her fault for the delay. 008 was an excellent assistant and a great help in navigating the sales channel and the radar whenever she was fighting. Kisha considered 008 her assistant, and although she could manage without it, she always wanted to ensure that 008 was available whenever she was outside. In case of any emergencies, she could rely on 008 for assistance. But she also knew that she was becoming a little reliant on 008. Whether she admitted it to 008 or not, it had been her longest companion, knowing her better than anyone else. Without 008, she felt like something was missing, especially since it had shared multiple life-and-death experiences with her. 008 was more than just an assistant; it was her steadfast companion through it all. Now that she was thinking about this, she felt bad for 008. She stared at her 50,000 points again, knowing that upgrading 008 to level 3 would cost 8,000 points. Sure, 8,000 points wasn''t that much since she would still have 42,000 left, but what she could get with those points was very limited, but nevertheless, it would still be a life-saving item. Kisha let out a long exhale. "You know what? It''s not like 8,000 points will get me much more than a few potions. So, go ahead and upgrade while we''re still in a safe place. Hopefully, we can get more missions to replenish our points, but your upgrade is very important. We need to unlock your smelting and synthesizing features so we can upgrade our weapons or get something useful for future use." She said this with determination. "This will be just a moment of hardship," Kisha thought. "But looking at the big picture, those features will be very helpful." Those features would only be available at Level 5, the farthest system upgrade she and 008 had ever reached. They had managed to get there almost by coincidence during a mission and it was given as a reward. Since then, though, she hadn''t been so lucky in her successive rebirths, and they were always short on points for further upgrades. "Really, Host?!!!" 008 squealed with excitement, like a child on their birthday. Hearing Kisha''s approval, 008 didn''t wait for her to change her mind and immediately requested authorization. [System Upgrade to level 3 Authorization] [Cost: 8,000 points] [Accept] or [Decline] Kisha chuckled as she clicked the ''Accept'' button. It had only been half a day since 008 completed its upgrade to Level 2. Luckily, they had dealt with the Coltons and now had time to spare for this continuous upgrade. And hopefully, the remaining 20 days of her stay in the base will be smooth sailing, allowing her to collect points and rewards without any hitches. ''Or perhaps I could explore some alternatives,'' Kisha mused, contemplating how she could enhance the base''s defenses and strengthen the people fast. "Master, no worries! Zeus is strong!!!" Zeus''s jolly voice echoed in Kisha''s head, prompting her to laugh out loud. "That''s right, Master! Zeus and I are both here to support you! We have an army now. Let''s see who can withstand my wrath," Bell declared, trying to sound intimidating, though its cute voice belied any real threat. Thanks to them, Kisha stopped dwelling on uncertainty and focused on what she knew for sure. She resolved to take things one step at a time and deal with challenges as they arose. She noticed everyone was engrossed in their tasks, so Kisha opened the holographic map of the Territory in City A. She checked on Keith and found him frantically running through the hallway with a bucket. Intrigued, she followed his movements until he reached their grandparents'' room. Once Keith entered, he checked on the couple lying in bed. Kisha''s heart leaped into her throat as she saw both her grandparents looking feverish, their faces flushed red with veins bulging on their foreheads. Keith continued to wipe their foreheads with ice water and replaced the ice packs as needed. Keith looked visibly worried about his grandparents, prompting Kisha to call him and start a conversation. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Keith, on the verge of tears, was jolted by surprise when his sister''s face suddenly appeared in front of him, almost like a video call materializing out of thin air. Exhausted from a sleepless night of caring for his grandparents, he wondered if he might be hallucinating. "Baby brother, what''s going on with our grandparents?" Kisha asked her attempt to sound calm and collected undermined by the tremble in her voice that betrayed her nervousness. When he realized it was really his sister''s voice, he reached out to touch the video call interface, but his hands passed through it. "Sis! I miss you so much! I must be hallucinating from missing you and being so exhausted. Please, come back home!" he cried. "Baby brother, look properly," Kisha said, fighting the urge to tease Keith and scare him a little. The situation was urgent, and she needed to get to the main point as soon as possible. Kisha discovered this feature after delving deeper into the functions of the territory pack at the administrator level. There were still many functions she had yet to try, but she was fortunate to have the option to call anyone within her territory. This feature also allowed her to initiate a conference call, enabling everyone to join even while on duty. One of the perks Kisha planned to offer her trusted leadership team was access to her territory pack''s management system. She would grant them authority tailored to their specific roles, allowing them to manage everything more effectively and efficiently. Chapter 232 Mass Awakening By doing this, the burden she carried would become lighter, and she wouldn''t overlook anything important regarding her territory. There were so many tasks required at the administration level that doing everything on her own would waste all her time. Sharing the responsibilities with trusted leaders would ensure efficient management and allow her to focus on more critical matters. Especially now that she had thoroughly vetted everyone and was confident that no one in a leadership role would backstab them or catch them off guard. By delegating responsibilities, she could show her trust in her people, which would, in turn, strengthen their trust in her. This mutual appreciation would benefit everyone and foster a more cohesive and loyal team. Kisha may be considered calculating, but it was a necessary trait given that she now held the lives and futures of many people in her hands. Building respect and loyalty among her leadership team was crucial; their example would cascade down through the ranks, fostering a culture of respect and cooperation among all members of her community. "Ah, this is cool! It''s like a system straight out of the manhua and novels I read!" Keith exclaimed, momentarily forgetting his fear and exhaustion as he recognized Kisha and the system interface in front of him. He narrowed his eyes at Kisha with a knowing look but refrained from asking further questions, clearly impressed by how advanced and futuristic it appeared. But hearing her brother guess correctly just by seeing this little thing made Kisha choked up. It wasn''t that she wanted to hide her system from her family; it was just really hard to explain, and she planned to reveal it to them gradually over time. "Ahem!" Kisha cleared her throat, drawing Keith''s attention back from his reverie in front of the interface. "Tell me what''s been happening at the base these past few days," she asked, her expression serious. After checking on her grandparents and seeing signs of their awakening, she felt reassured about their situation. Keith nodded and found a place to sit after giving his grandparents a final check. "Two days ago, people in the base started falling ill one by one, dropping like flies," he began, his voice tinged with concern. "Most folks panicked, fearing they were infected and might turn, just like those who fell ill at the start of the apocalypse." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We could see they''re all still traumatized by that event. Truthfully, I can''t blame them; it''s something they won''t forget for the rest of their lives. So, their reaction was understandably exaggerated and panicked." "Luckily, Hawk and Eagle took swift action as soon as they found out, preventing anyone from acting rashly and harming the person with a fever. Eagle then quarantined the individual in their room, securing the door and allowing only their family to attend to them," Keith recounted, his frustration evident as he recalled the chaotic events. And honestly, he put it mildly; it was like everyone turned into red-eyed monsters ready to shred anyone in sight. People were divided into factions, brandishing knives with no regard for whether they''d actually kill someone. Some even argued it was better to sacrifice an innocent life than to risk everyone''s safety. If he and his grandparents, along with Hawk and Eagle, hadn''t known it might also be a sign of awakening, they might have resorted to drastic measures and brandished their weapons against that individual. So he couldn''t fully blame those who were scared out of their wits. Keith reflected, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. "Who was the first to get the fever?" Kisha asked, her brow furrowed in concern. She had been preoccupied lately and hadn''t checked on Keith and her grandparents. With 008 being upgraded, she couldn''t rely on it to monitor her family for her. "It was Mrs. Evans," Keith said, his voice devoid of emotion. But Kisha felt a sharp pang in her chest upon hearing it, a tight clenching sensation and a painful churn in her stomach. In that moment, she couldn''t help but imagine the worst-case scenario if Hawk and Eagle hadn''t managed to control the situation. "Has she awakened yet, or is she still unconscious?" Kisha couldn''t help asking, her mouth moving faster than her brain. Before she knew it, her concern for Melody''s mother had already slipped out, sounding oddly out of place. "She''s awake but still being cared for by her family because she wasn''t accustomed to physical labor to begin with, so all the work and stress of the situation has taken a toll on her. But we''re still not sure if she''s awakened an ability or if she was just really sick," Keith explained with a shrug before continuing his story. The pause allowed Kisha to sigh in relief; she felt the constricting feeling in her chest vanish almost instantly. "After Mrs. Evans, both the doctor and the chef fell sick at the same time. This caused another wave of panic because people feared it might be a contagious disease. With the only doctor in the base also ill, their fears escalated, and imaginations ran wild," Keith recounted. "When everyone thought it was over, all the Evans men¡ªEthan, Eric, and Mr. Evans¡ªfell sick one after another. Only their daughter remained unaffected, allowing her to care for the family. Unfortunately, she claimed she was too depressed and weak to do so, leaving our grandparents to step in. Even the Blythes'' daughter and father fell ill, requiring Eagle and Hawk''s assistance," Keith recounted solemnly. "Although the panic subsided, the atmosphere in the base turned gloomy, with everyone fearing what might come next." Keith continued his narration, unaware that Kisha had fallen silent, lost in deep thought. Her mind wandered into unsettling territory focused on Melody. Kisha couldn''t understand why she felt aggrieved and angry at Melody''s actions. If it were her in Melody''s place, she knew she would never abandon her family in such a critical condition. Anger consumed her heart, and her blood boiled, so intense that she didn''t notice the boulder beneath her starting to crack slowly. ''Melody is truly not someone to be trusted. I''ll use her until she''s no longer of use, then I''ll banish her from the territory before she can cause harm with her recklessness or selfishness,'' Kisha thought bitterly. She was convinced that Melody''s selfishness knew no bounds, evident in her abandonment of her family in their time of need. She knew that such a person was toxic to be around, especially since Melody had her eyes on Duke, her man. Turning back to Keith, Kisha asked, "Have the Evans and Blythes awakened?" Keith shook his head. "Not all of them. Mr. Evans and the twins are awake now and managing their work while helping the rest of the family. The Blythes still haven''t awakened, and then our grandparents fell sick too." Keith''s tone shifted, becoming more gossipy. "Let me tell you, Mr. Evans and the twins are both disappointed in their daughter. Mrs. Evans has been silently weeping in her room, trying to recover quickly so she can care for her sons and husband. She hasn''t spoken to Melody in hours since yesterday." Keith giggled, clearly finding some amusement in the situation. Chapter 233 What Will Be their Awakened Ability? Keith clearly did not like Melody because he detected the subtle condescension in her voice whenever she spoke to him. She made it seem like Keith and his family were not contributing enough to the base and were merely wasting resources. He knew that Melody had been planning to kick them out of the shelter while his sister and Duke were still away, but fortunately, Hawk and Eagle were on their side. His grandparents were also getting close to Mrs. Evans and the Evans brothers, as well as the father-daughter duo from the Blythes. When Kisha heard what Keith said, she felt a prickling sensation in her heart vanish, and she found herself grinning at the news. Keith, however, didn''t read too much into it and assumed she was simply sharing his enjoyment of Melody''s misery. After all, Melody had an altercation with his sister, a fact he had only discovered from the Blythes'' daughter. After a moment of distraction, Kisha returned to the topic at hand. "Has anyone discovered their awakened ability yet? Or are they still hiding it, thinking they''re some kind of special one?" she joked, trying to lighten the mood a little. She knew her little brother was stressed and worried about their grandparents, so she added reassuringly, "Don''t worry too much about Grandpa and Grandma. They will both awaken; you just need to take care of them for a little while." After hearing his sister''s reassurance, Keith relaxed a little. "Honestly, no one probably knows what''s going on. I assume that most of them, aside from Hawk and Eagle, are just relieved they didn''t turn into zombies after falling sick. Even Hawk and Eagle are still clueless about what they can do," Keith said, shrugging his shoulders as he stared out the window into the distance. "Hmmm, let me check that part then," Kisha said before opening Hawk''s status window. This was possible because they were currently inhabitants of her territory; she didn''t need to ask them to join her team to access this information. As long as they were within her territory, all their information was visible to her whenever she wished to see it. "Wait, you have that ability?" Keith asked excitedly, his eyes sparkling as he looked at his sister with reverence. "Well, didn''t I choose that base as my territory? Since it''s my territory, I have complete access to everyone''s information, location, and whatnot. If they''re outside my territory, I would need to ask them to join my team to see it. It''s really similar to a simulation game where you''re building your own town," Kisha patiently explained, confident that her brother would grasp the concept with that brief explanation. "Woah!!! That''s so SICK! Doesn''t that make you really powerful, like a Goddess of your own domain?!" Keith''s eyes metaphorically turned into stars as he stared at Kisha, silently asking what else she could do. However, Kisha couldn''t provide all the answers, as there were still some aspects she didn''t fully understand herself. When she had more leisure time, she needed to delve deeper into her territory interface. This would make it easier for the leaders to understand the functions and features of their authority within her territory. However, she had to ensure that only those under a slave contract or Heart Gu Pill were granted access. If individuals with malicious intent discovered this, they might exploit their authority and find loopholes to circumvent the system, potentially doing something unacceptable. Once she saw Hawk''s name and avatar in the territory interface, she clicked on it. Hawk''s Live Avatar expanded to show his full form, along with his status window. This was the main distinction between directly viewing someone''s status window using ''The Eye of Truth'' or the team panel connected to the system interface. The territory''s interface only displayed the avatar to confirm that the owner was viewing the correct person, while the system only displayed the status window with a simple avatar. [Code name: Hawk] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5) Strength: 19 Stamina: 20 Defense: 17 Agility: 17 Mental Capacity: 22 Charm: 9 Leadership: 13 Title: None Skills: Lava Armor Talent: Embody Fire Gift: One with Fire Ability: Fire .... S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Code name: Eagle] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5) Strength: 18 Stamina: 25 Defense: 18 Agility: 18 Mental Capacity: 28 Charm: 10 Leadership: 10 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Cloud Manipulation Gift: Merman Ability: Water .... "Hoh! Look at these stats!" Kisha exclaimed in wonder. She then added, "Are you guys going out fighting some zombies for practice?" "What?! What?! Did you see what awakened abilities they have?!" Keith eagerly asked, his excitement palpable. "Well, Hawk has awakened a fire ability. Its destructive power is only second to lightning. The fact that he has a skill right after awakening was rare and his skill makes him become like a destructive tank. Eagle, on the other hand, awakened a water ability. It seems like he has a wide-area effect attack or defense, and he could practically live in the water if he wanted to," Kisha analyzed based on what she could see from her end. However, it would be great to see both of them using their abilities for a better assessment. "Wait! What?!" Keith yelped, jumping to his feet. "Doesn''t that make them incredibly formidable together? Two conflicting elemental abilities, but they could still function as a one-unit!" There was clear envy on his face as he started to compare his own awakened ability to those of Eagle and Hawk. "Baby Brother, don''t even try to compare yourself to them¡ª" Kisha started, but Keith cut her off angrily. "Why?! Is it because I''m super weak compared to them?!" he nearly roared, his voice lowered only out of concern for their sick grandparents in the same room. Kisha chuckled, seeing her brother''s face turn red. She found it cute and wanted to tease him but was afraid of hurting his pride. "Did you not know that ''Mental Type'' abilities are rare? ''Elemental Type'' abilities are the most common ones a person can awaken. The reason ''Mental Type'' abilities are rare is because they have some of the greatest potential, just like how rare and destructive a ''Lightning'' ability is." If Kisha were beside Keith, she would have patted his head to console him, hoping to ease the pressure he was putting on himself through comparison. "R-Really?!" After hearing his sister''s explanation, Keith felt a little rejuvenated and hopeful. He had been making great progress with the training in his awakened ability while following Kisha''s instructions. "Have I ever lied to you?" Kisha replied, raising an eyebrow with a smirk playing on her lips. After a moment of feeling happy, Keith answered Kisha''s earlier inquiry. "We only deal with small groups of zombies that manage to enter the perimeter or those near the base when we go out to assess the situation, but we barely fight." He looked like he was really missing out on a lot of action and was itching to brandish his tomahawk axe to get used to fighting and increase his combat ability and instincts. However, he didn''t forget to add, "But we do daily training, like combat, tactics, and lifting." He started to act smug in front of his sister, proud of how well he was keeping up with Ethan and their grandpa in training. "Hmm. No wonder everyone''s stats are still a little low," Kisha murmured, pondering the difference in Sparrow and Vulture''s stats compared to Hawk and Eagle, who had stayed at the base. Chapter 234 What Telekinesis Could Do Keith choked up in exasperation after hearing his sister say that. They were already enduring an intense daily training regimen that not everyone could keep up with, yet his sister still pointed out that Sparrow and Vulture were stronger than Eagle and Hawk, who were among the strongest men at the base right now. "Then, what kind of evil training did you guys go through?" Keith asked sarcastically, not wanting to lose to their team. "Well, we basically fought hundreds of zombies swarming at us," Kisha answered, blinking her eyelashes innocently to annoy her brother. Keith sucked in a mouthful of cold air as he heard about dealing with hundreds of zombies, while he and the scout team could only handle dozens and still felt exhausted, often returning to the base in sorry states. He felt the strength gap between the two groups was immense, and it was demoralizing. Kisha also noticed her little brother''s expression drop upon realizing the significant gap, so she stopped teasing him. "Don''t worry. Now that most of you have awakened, you just need to consolidate your energy core in your brain and build your foundation. With time, you''ll become stronger. Just don''t rush it, and soon you''ll be like Sparrow and the rest." Kisha made sure to encourage her little brother while also giving him a gentle warning. She knew Keith tended to be impatient about becoming stronger, which sometimes caused him to stumble. Since they were already fighting zombies, they were getting accustomed to combat, making it easier for her to guide them. "How strong can they be?" Keith asked, reluctant to let go of the topic because he believed everyone in the base was already giving their best efforts. Since awakening, they had undoubtedly grown stronger, so he hoped the difference with his sister''s team wouldn''t be too vast. After contemplating it, he sighed shakily to calm himself. Seeing his brother trying to reason with himself to feel like he wasn''t lacking but rather lacking opportunity, Keith wasn''t wrong. They were all performing admirably and were only missing the chance to awaken their battle instincts and surpass their limits, especially now that they had awakened. But Kisha also knew she had to strike a balance in complimenting them so they wouldn''t become complacent, or worse, arrogant about their growth. "Well, if we are going to compare, I can only say that while Hawk and Eagle have barely reached an average stats of 20, Sparrow and Vulture are both already in the 30s and could easily handle dozens of zombies on their own." Kisha felt a tinge of regret in her heart. Sparrow, Vulture, Eagle, Hawk, and Tristan were all skilled combatants who could hold their own against a horde without losing a limb. Kisha couldn''t help but feel regretful¡ªthey didn''t exist in her past life because of the Coltons and the Minister of Defense. If those five had been alive, their combat abilities would have greatly bolstered HOPE Base''s fighting capacity, easily overcoming the zombie raids that occurred during blood raids or from time to time. Keith gasped as if he were a fish out of water, opening and closing his mouth before managing to say, "No way! Then what about me?!" He pouted dejectedly. "No need for comparison, Baby Brother. Remember, we were just civilians before all this, with no combat experience. You know we''re already doing a great job considering where we started. Well, maybe aside from me who has to learn from my experience." Kisha consoled. Keith nodded in agreement. They both understood that comparing themselves would only dampen their spirits, so Kisha stopped dwelling on unnecessary thoughts and returned to their topic. "After our grandparents awaken, you can continue your training and increase your outings outside the base to fight the zombies. Oh, and don''t forget to collect their crystal cores. Our team here has gathered many crystal cores from the zombies we''ve killed. Besides being the source of superhumans'' level upgrades, we''re starting to use them as currency. Once other shelters or bases catch wind of this, they''re likely to follow suit," Kisha instructed, showing Keith virtually what a crystal core looked like. While they were on the topic, she taught Keith how to distinguish genuine crystal cores, just as she had taught Sparrow and Vulture before. Keith, being a ''Mental Type'' superhuman, quickly grasped the point and could feel the spiritual fluctuation inside the crystal core Kisha had sent him. Kisha had just discovered that, in addition to the territory''s functions and features, she could essentially send gifts or items to anyone within her base as if using instant delivery, materializing them out of thin air. This feature was similar to how she had complete access to warehouses or storerooms even from a distance, allowing her to retrieve or store items remotely. All these capabilities fascinated her, and they were still quite novel. Fortunately, while chatting with Keith, she also explored the territory functions further to better understand their workings. Keith felt like his sister''s abilities were overpowered. Then, as if a light bulb had lit up in his mind, he remembered something. "Sis! Have you awakened too?!" He was more than excited, thinking that if her territory was already this amazing, her awakened ability must be even more impressive. "I did," Kisha replied, adding suspense to her answer. She could tell her little brother was eager to know, and when she saw him unconsciously holding his breath, she couldn''t help but giggle to tease him. His face contorted slightly in mock anger when he realized she was playing with him. Finally, Kisha spilled the beans, "Just like you, I''ve awakened a ''Mental Type'' ability." "Which is it? I''m sure it''s not ''Illusion,'' right?" Keith confirmed eagerly. "I''ve awakened Telekinesis," Kisha replied. Keith stared at his sister, contemplating the ability she had awakened. ''Isn''t Telekinesis weak?'' He recalled internet discussions from the early 2000s, people talking about bending spoons with their minds and moving objects around. ''That just sounds...'' He paused, looking back at his sister with a conflicted smile. He wanted to encourage her, but then he remembered their shared classification as ''Mental Type'' superhumans. He couldn''t shake the belief that their awakened abilities might be useless in battle. Kisha laughed aloud, knowing exactly what her brother was thinking. It was a common reaction whenever people found out about her awakened ability. She had often relegated Telekinesis to mundane tasks like cleaning or assisting with minor tasks since most people didn''t see bending spoons or moving objects as particularly useful in more serious situations. In her previous lives, Kisha had experienced similar treatment. Initially, she could only manipulate small objects like spoons, which led others to see her as little more than a convenient delivery service for passing things around in the office or on the battlefield. But it wasn''t until she accidentally used her ability to move a pen and attack a zombie that breached their defenses, striking those at the back, that she realized Telekinesis had a much broader range of applications. Its flexibility depended on the user''s intent and their understanding of what telekinetic abilities could achieve. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was only because she and those around her limited what she believed she could do, preventing her from exploring beyond mere menial tasks. Chapter 235 The Question Kisha also knew that if she didn''t correct her brother''s way of thinking, he might undervalue himself due to his seemingly useless ability in battle. In reality, his ability could be deadly if misused and was a significant challenge to contend with. Instead of speaking, Kisha stood up from her seat. With a wave of her hand, the video that had been projecting only her face now captured her entire body. After taking a deep breath, she waved both hands, causing four daggers to float around her. Initially, they levitated slowly, but with a smirk, she flicked her hands, and the daggers began to circle around her rapidly, forming a protective barrier. The daggers revolved around her so fast that they created afterimages, giving the illusion of hundreds of daggers surrounding Kisha. The barrier consisted of razor-sharp knives moving at such speed that they would shred anyone who attempted to enter. The grass beneath Kisha''s feet was shredded as well, creating a circle of dust and soil visible around her, contrasting with the abundant grass outside the circle where she stood. Keith, watching from the feed, widened his eyes in disbelief at what he was witnessing. He could sense that his sister was holding back, only revealing a fraction of her awakened ability. His mind involuntarily wandered to what she could achieve in battle, and he felt his knees weaken as a shiver ran down his body. Only then did he believe his sister''s assertion about the vast potential of ''Mental Type'' superhumans. While he hadn''t witnessed the abilities of other superhumans firsthand, he was certain that his sister was among the most formidable and deadly. Seeing her display such power, his role model, filled him with a surge of pride and aspiration. He eagerly anticipated the day when he could become a significant asset to his sister, offering assistance rather than just receiving protection. He was determined not only to be capable of defending himself but also to protect his sister and grandparents, sharing the responsibility and burden equally. With renewed determination, he vowed to double his efforts to become stronger. After observing the determination on her younger brother''s face, Kisha ceased showing off, returning the daggers to her inventory before settling back on the boulder. "Did you see that? Despite ''Mental Type'' abilities sounding insignificant and less powerful, with effort and proper use, we can surpass more than half of awakened individuals in terms of battle proficiency and usefulness. ''Mental Type'' superhumans are also among the most complex due to their numerous subtypes, making it challenging to ascertain their capabilities and weaknesses." "I hereby welcome you to the ''Mental Type'' ability club!" Kisha joked. Only then did her brother burst into laughter, forgetting his earlier concerns and discontent. He appeared more confident, his mischievous smile returning. Using her control over the territory, Kisha then sent Keith a Scarlet Honey bottle as a gift. They floated momentarily before Keith took them. "What is this, sister?" he asked, looking puzzled. Though he recognized it as honey, it looked magical and unlike any ordinary honey. Knowing his sister''s capabilities and magical prowess, he trusted that the honey in his hand was something beneficial. "That''s Scarlet Honey, produced by my Scarlet Bees. After your daily training, take a spoonful of it. It will aid your growth, strengthen your foundation, and fortify your constitution before you level up. This way, we can maximize your growth, surpassing others at the same level," Kisha explained. She knew her brother was a gamer and was familiar with this concept from novels and manhua he often read. She had even thought that her brother would be better suited for the system, given his greater knowledge and likely ability to maximize its capabilities. "But you can''t give it to our grandparents just yet. They need to practice with their awakened abilities and stabilize the virus in their energy core before they can safely take the Scarlet Honey. If they consume it prematurely, their unsettled energy could spiral out of control and potentially harm them. But don''t worry, once I determine it''s safe for them, I''ll give them a portion. For now, you take this," Kisha explained carefully to reassure Keith and alleviate any unnecessary concerns. "Okay, I trust whatever my sister tells me because I know you''d never harm us," Keith said playfully. His words warmed Kisha''s heart and filled her with happiness. She hadn''t realized her little brother felt this way, and it made her feel that all the sacrifices she had made were worthwhile. If only Keith were in front of her, she would affectionately ruffle his hair and give him a tight hug. Kisha chuckled. "I''m glad you trust me," she teased. "By the way, sis, what do Scarlet Bees look like, and how are they different from normal bees? Are they one of the mutant animals and insects you mentioned before?" Keith asked eagerly. During their missions outside the base, he hadn''t encountered any mutant animals, insects, or plants yet, and he wondered if they were fortunate or if these mutants simply hadn''t appeared yet. Kisha gestured towards a nearby scarlet worker bee gathering around the flowers. Within moments, it zoomed towards her, and suddenly, a large bee the size of her palm hovered near Kisha''s face. Keith gasped loudly, the sudden intake of air making him feel like he was choking on the dryness in his throat. "This is a Scarlet Worker Bee. The Scarlet Queen Bee is even larger and has a deeper scarlet color. These Scarlet Bees aren''t mutant insects; they''re my spiritual beasts," Kisha explained. The Scarlet Worker Bee happily circled around her a few times before she gestured for it to resume its work. "Spiritual beasts, like the ones from the Murim World in novels?!" Keith exclaimed excitedly, his gaze fixed on Kisha. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Oh, so there are novels like that out there? My Scarlet Queen Bee is actually from the Murim World, the last of its kind," Kisha explained with a shrug, her thoughts turning to Keith''s comment. She recalled that 008 had mentioned there was only one system in her world, so how did people on Earth know about the Murim World and create stories about it? Questions about the system, the worlds, and more kept piling up in her mind, but she couldn''t find answers. Even 008 didn''t have any information beyond the constellations and its own origins; it was unaware of anything outside its knowledge. Just like how a billion-year-old virus ended up on Earth, or whether a Constellation placed it there; how the system decided to attach itself to its host; or even how the entire universe operates. It could be possible that the aliens people on Earth refer to are actually individuals from different worlds who have accidentally arrived on Earth. According to 008, these otherworldly realms are more advanced and resource-rich compared to hers. There have been numerous sightings of aliens and countless questions surrounding lost civilizations that seemingly possessed advanced technologies¡ªsuch as constructing pyramids and towering temples with mechanisms far beyond human understanding and the technological capabilities of their time. These phenomena have been documented across the globe. Archaeologists and other sectors have yet to uncover anything definitive about these anomalies, sparking controversy and countless unanswered questions. Many groups have developed their own theories about these anomalies, as well as sightings of mermaids and monsters. If they really indeed came from those worlds, then, it might be the best explanation there is. Chapter 236 I Want A Divine Tiger Perhaps it''s the otherworlders who have been spreading stories about their own worlds. If that''s the case, then those unanswered questions may have found their answers. However, for now, whether otherworlders are still present in their worlds or not isn''t something she needs to dwell on. As long as they aren''t posing a threat to the people of Earth, it''s sufficient. But if these are merely her theories, then there''s no harm done since they''re just passing thoughts. "Sister! Can you also help me contract a divine tiger or something similar as my spirit beast?" Keith excitedly asked. Just as Kisha had anticipated, Keith had grasped most of it. Though he was unaware of Kisha''s system, he now understood that she had the means to acquire things from beyond Earth, including the magical creatures he had only read about in novels. But Keith had never considered the existence of other worlds. He had simply thought that perhaps his sister had a way to bring to life creatures from the imaginary worlds created by writers. If only he knew that those worlds were real, he might have desired to transmigrate there or find a way to do so himself. Kisha felt a pang of disbelief hearing her brother mention acquiring a divine tiger as his spiritual beast as if he were casually buying a cabbage from the market. She couldn''t help but laugh wryly, especially now that she was left with only 42,000 points. What important things could she even purchase with that? "Little brother, it''s not that I don''t want to give you what you desire, but it''s simply not possible," she explained. She wasn''t even sure if a divine tiger from the Murim World or the World of the Gods truly existed. Even if such a creature existed, its grade would likely require a substantial amount of points, which she currently didn''t possess. Moreover, even if she did, she couldn''t casually promise her brother something like that. Perhaps in the future, if an opportunity arose, she could consider it. "But hey! I actually have a Tibetan Mastiff as big as a bear, and it''s quite powerful too," Kisha added. So, even if she couldn''t get the divine tiger her little brother wanted, there was still Zeus, who was just as strong, or almost as strong as Bell with its unique grade. Moreover, Zeus possesses the ''Stun'' debuff skill, making it exceptionally powerful in battles, along with its armor-like skin and sonic wave attack. Kisha was confident that Keith would be impressed by Zeus once he saw it. "But sister, I want a battle pet!" Keith murmured with a pout. "Who said Zeus isn''t a battle pet? It excels in battle and could even surpass Vulture with its balanced attributes in offense and defense. Zeus is like a walking tank, you know," Kisha countered, emphasizing Zeus''s capabilities to Keith. "Who''s Zeus?" Keith asked absentmindedly, his thoughts still fixated on the idea of obtaining the divine tiger, which felt like a dream come true to him. "Zeus is my Tibetan Mastiff, now one of my battle pets. It can definitely hold its own, so don''t underestimate it!" Kisha added emphatically. She felt it necessary to ensure Zeus wasn''t underestimated, knowing it might appear foolish when not in battle. She didn''t want Keith to be disappointed if Zeus seemed less intimidating than the divine tiger he was eager to have. Keith fell silent for a moment, lost in thought. "Is that Tibetan Mastiff also a spiritual beast? Or a mutant animal?" he asked, his tone thoughtful. Kisha already knew where this was going. "It''s a mutant dog with impressive battle prowess," Kisha explained. Keith''s eyes lit up. "Really?! Then, maybe if I search in the forest where tigers live, I can come across one with great battle prowess! It could increase my combat efficiency on the field tenfold, maybe even a hundredfold! Since I''m a ''Mental Support Type,'' it means I need constant protection. In that case, I''ll need a partner to be my sword and shield, filling in my weaknesses," Keith explained enthusiastically. Kisha felt relieved that her brother didn''t just want a divine tiger for novelty, but because he had already considered his own shortcomings. He wanted a bodyguard who could accompany him throughout battles, protecting him from ambushes or sudden attacks while he focused on providing support. Little did Kisha know, this idea was just something Keith came up with while trying to argue his case with his sister. Otherwise, she might have tried to get him a mutt instead. But he wasn''t keen on that idea. He desired the imposing and gallant tiger, known as the king of the jungle, rather than settling for a mere man''s best friend that would only bark and run around. It''s not that he looked down on dogs, but he firmly believed that tigers would be far more useful in battles. However, he didn''t anticipate that once he acquired his tiger, he would find himself envying his sister for having Zeus. Zeus turned out to be much stronger and more imposing than his tiger, capable of intimidating and overpowering it, winning any confrontation decisively. But that was a story for the future. "Well then, I''ll remember this. If I come across a tiger with battle prowess that complements yours, I''ll do my best to tame it and give it to you. But you''re not allowed to go searching for it yourself," Kisha explained gravely to Keith. "There are more corrupted mutant animals, insects, and plants out there, and they''re extremely dangerous." She wanted to caution him in case he felt impatient and decided to search for one on his own. "Corrupted mutants?" Keith tilted his head to the side, pondering. "Yes, those are the typical mutant animals, insects, and plants. They''re similar to zombies in that they attack humans as a food source. Although they may not look like rotting zombies in appearance, their genes have mutated and adapted to the virus, creating more powerful creatures. They can even be more formidable than awakened superhumans and are similar to evolved zombies. There''s very little chance that an animal can integrate with the virus and gain power without being corrupted, often enhancing their primal instincts to survive." "Doesn''t that make you really lucky to find a mutated one that wasn''t corrupted?" Keith exclaimed, pondering the possibility that there might be a small number of mutant animals out there that haven''t been corrupted by the virus. He felt like his chances of finding a suitable battle pet were slim and started to feel dejected. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t feel dejected just yet. While the chances of finding a mutated animal that hasn''t been corrupted are slim, it doesn''t mean there''s zero chance. We might come across one in the future. In the meantime, focus on yourself. Besides, I have a feeling I might have better luck than you and find one sooner or later," Kisha said, jesting to lighten her little brother''s mood. Keith nodded and asked another question. "If there are mutated animals that get corrupted by the virus and some that can successfully integrate with it, does that apply to plants and insects too?" Kisha understood his concerns and responded, "That''s correct. Just as there are corrupted animals, insects, and plants, there are also those that remain uncorrupted. Especially with plants, they often have special properties that can benefit humanity. They can excrete useful substances for creating life-saving medicines or emit mist to protect their surroundings as a shield against intruders with malicious intentions." Chapter 237 Experimentation "Woah! Does that mean those uncorrupted animals, plants, and insects can coexist with humans?" Keith added excitedly. "In fact, yes," Kisha explained. "Just like before the apocalypse, animals, insects, and plants can still coexist with humans and even fight side by side against zombies and corrupted mutants. Humans have always coexisted with these creatures, and it''s this balance that maintains the ecosystem. Now, we have a united enemy: zombies and the corrupted. They only know how to destroy and kill." Given the common goal of survival, even mutant animals would seek shelter with humans and fight alongside them. However, just like before the apocalypse, many humans still believe they are superior and enslave these mutated creatures. This behavior creates distrust and drives a wedge between humans and mutants. "But, I think, survivors would be averse to this and would be scared of the mutant creatures," Keith said it was not hard for him to grasp this important information just thinking of their situation now, almost everything that moves that is not human and was strong would surely scare humanity because it could easily kill them. Kisha was well aware of this potential for exploitation. In her past lives, humans had taken advantage of mutant creatures, using them as slaves or killing machines. This abuse led to an irreparable rift, resulting in a war between humans and mutant creatures, with zombies adding to the chaos. The conflict ended in human extinction, something Kisha hadn''t foreseen. In subsequent lives, she tried to prevent this outcome, but convincing others proved to be incredibly difficult as no one wanted to listen to her warnings. Everyone wanted to exploit what they could and take whatever they could, including someone else''s freedom. If she and Keith hadn''t strayed onto this topic, Kisha might have forgotten about it entirely because of all the things she had on her plate and the numerous missions she was juggling. Kisha shook her head, exhaling the thoughts that consumed her and returned to their original topic. "So, yeah, baby brother. I know you''re old enough to make your own decisions and have your own opinions, and you are free to do so. But I hope you''ll listen to me on this. One wrong move and we could be facing a big problem. I mean your safety." "I promise, sis," Keith nodded obediently. They talked a bit more, with Kisha advising Keith a few more times about what he needed to focus on and what he needed to do. Surprisingly, even though Kisha was inside the territory space and Keith was outside, there was no problem with the communication or the time difference. Maybe the territory automatically compensates for the difference so the users wouldn''t notice any discrepancy in the flow of time between inside and outside. It worked wonders, but Kisha didn''t dwell on it too much since it didn''t affect her directly. After bidding farewell to her little brother, she relaxed and consumed her second spoonful of Scarlet Honey, especially enjoying the peace without Duke around. Just like the previous time, she felt an incredible euphoria that sent a tingling sensation throughout her body. The sensation lasted as long as before, and the intensity didn''t diminish. Once the euphoria passed, she felt refreshed and sensed changes in her stats. Curious, she checked to see what had changed, noting whether the increased stats were the same as before or different. This was part of her ongoing experimentation. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 1.0) Strength: 33 (+ 10)(+3) Stamina: 31 (+ 10) Defense: 30 (+ 10)(+3) Agility: 32 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 48 (+ 20) Charm: 34 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 46 (+ 20) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second) Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) This time, she noticed that two additional stats had improved by three points each, totaling six. This was a significant boost, but the experience multiplier remained at 0.5 per spoonful. She wondered whether increasing her intake would affect the multiplier or if consuming it more frequently throughout the day would speed up the increase. If she only took a spoonful a day, it would take her 20 days just to achieve an experience multiplier of 10, which felt like a waste of time. Although she could simply use 10 level-zero crystal cores, she felt the multiplier offered better results. Besides, she had leveled up multiple times in her previous lives using the regular method. She believed that finding a different way to continuously grow and consolidate her foundation while taking a spoonful daily was the best path to becoming stronger. She felt confident that the Scarlet Honey would work miracles in this regard. But 20 days of waiting still felt too long. She took a deep breath, scooped another spoonful of Scarlet Honey from the bottle, and consumed it, eager to see if it would indeed lead to the energy fluctuations she anticipated. The moment she put the second spoonful of Scarlet Honey into her mouth, it glided smoothly at first. Instead of the euphoria that had previously given her an almost sensual sensation and relief, she felt a burning fire starting in her throat. It traveled down to her stomach, spiraled there for a while, and then spread throughout her body. It was so intensely hot that it felt like molten iron was coursing through her veins, causing searing pain until it settled in her brain. Her head throbbed with such agony that she could feel the blood vessels in her forehead bulging and throbbing madly. Even without looking, she could imagine the veins popping out of her forehead up to her scalp. The pain was excruciating. She bit her lower lip to keep from shouting, knowing that any sound might alarm the people nearby. If they were alerted, Duke would somehow sense it too, and come running from the other side of the mountain. Kisha tried to regulate her breathing and shift her focus away from the intense pain coursing through her body. This was close to torture, lasting as long as the euphoria she''d felt before, but now, it was anything but pleasurable. She gritted her teeth so hard that she could hear them grinding against each other, she even feared her own molars might break under the pressure. When the awful sensation finally disappeared, she felt completely drained. She lay limply on the boulder, cold sweat the size of bullets trickling down her forehead, her body drenched from the ordeal. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 1.0) Strength: 36 (+ 10)(+6) Stamina: 31 (+ 10) Defense: 30 (+ 10)(+3) Agility: 35 (+ 10)(+3) Mental Capacity: 48 (+ 20) Charm: 34 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 49 (+ 20)(+3) Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''Everything in excess is harmful,'' Kisha murmured, feeling on the brink of passing out. Despite the intense discomfort, she pushed herself to set an hour timer before attempting another dose. The pain was familiar to her from past lives, but that didn''t make it any less uncomfortable. She was determined to push her limits and understand the full extent of what she could endure. Chapter 238 A Technique to Absorb the Scarlet Honey After checking her status window, Kisha noted that her stats were steadily increasing by three points each time she consumed Scarlet Honey. The increments were random, but it seemed she could potentially max out her level 0 stats before she upgrades to level 1. However, the risk lay in consecutive consumption¡ªdoing so could lead to overheating her energy core and brain, possibly resulting in a catastrophic failure. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So now, Kisha had to establish a safe time interval for taking Scarlet Honey. She understood that this interval might vary for each person, so others would need to experiment cautiously, starting with a safe approach and not attempting what she had done. Even now, she felt drained and her mind was foggy from the intense experience. She set an alarm on her system for an hour later, then collapsed onto the boulder. Her head felt unbearably heavy, almost detached from her body, and before she knew it, she slipped into unconsciousness. An hour passed in what felt like mere minutes to Kisha before she was jolted awake by the blaring alarm placed beside her. Startled, she snapped to attention, momentarily disoriented and on high alert, scanning her surroundings without fully grasping what was happening. She scanned the area cautiously, momentarily forgetting she was within her own territory space as her mind lagged and struggled with a brief memory lapse. She deduced that the Scarlet Honey had likely stimulated her energy core, located in her brain. Eating a substantial amount in a short period had prevented her energy core from cooling down after processing the initial changes brought by the Scarlet Honey. Consequently, it was overwhelmed by another stimulation before fully recovering from the previous one. After regaining her senses about 10 minutes later, she sat upright and surveyed her surroundings. No one had returned yet, and she figured they might still be occupied with their tasks, given that time passed ten times faster in her space and everyone wanted to take advantage of it to finish more work. Deciding to proceed with her experimentation, she took another spoonful of Scarlet Honey. Similar to before, she still experienced the searing pain coursing through her body, though she couldn''t discern if she had become somewhat numbed to it or if the pain had indeed lessened slightly compared to earlier. She still felt uncomfortable, with her head throbbing as if on the verge of exploding from the stimulation, but it seemed slightly more tolerable than before. Encouraged by this, she decided to try again. Setting an alarm for an hour and a half later, she opted to meditate rather than sleep, hoping to clear the excess stimulation from her energy core. To be precise, she was attempting to cool down her energy core, hoping it would make a difference. Remembering what 008 had mentioned about martial arts practitioners in the Murim World, they meditated to enhance their spiritual energy. They absorbed and controlled energy from heaven and earth, harmonizing it within their meridians and storing it in their cores or it was known as dantians, located in their stomachs. By continually practicing this method, practitioners in the Murim World strengthen themselves and ascend to higher levels of power. Drawing inspiration from this, Kisha adapted the technique: rather than absorbing heavenly and earth energies, she channeled the essence of the Scarlet Honey, guiding it like a flowing stream into her energy core, ensuring a smooth and controlled flow. It took Kisha numerous trials and adjustments to achieve her envisioned technique. Despite its difficulty, she persisted, and eventually, she succeeded. Through this method, the throbbing in her head ceased, and the erratic energy movements causing her pain calmed down. Now, after guiding the Scarlet Honey''s essence, each breath felt refreshingly soothing and harmonious. As she continued with this method, Kisha found it to be a stark contrast from the euphoria of her first experience. This time, it resembled a serene, calm lake¡ªrefreshing and deeply fulfilling. Lost in her focus, she didn''t even notice that she had already reached the time she had set on her alarm. Before she took another spoonful of the Scarlet Honey, Kisha felt an inkling to check her status window again. To her surprise, she noticed some changes. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 3.0) Strength: 37 (+ 10)(+7) Stamina: 31 (+ 10) Defense: 30 (+ 10)(+3) Agility: 36 (+ 10)(+4) Mental Capacity: 48 (+ 20) Charm: 34 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 50 (+ 20)(+4) At first, she didn''t notice any changes, but then it hit her. Kisha couldn''t help but suck in a mouthful of breath. Her multiplier had shot straight up to 3. And that wasn''t all¡ªinstead of the usual 3-point increase in her stats, it had jumped to 4 points! After successfully guiding the essence of Scarlet Honey to flow smoothly through her body, Kisha theorized about what might have occurred. By establishing a proper pathway, she prevented her energy core from becoming overwhelmed or overheated by the uncontrolled flow of Scarlet Honey, which typically came from all directions. This focused passage allowed her to maximize and absorb every bit of essence and preventing any excess from dispersing, resulting in an increase in both stat points and multiplier. Kisha felt a surge of excitement as she realized a new method of handling Scarlet Honey. While different from the sensual euphoria of her first and second experiences, this approach proved to be the most rewarding and efficient. She decided to shorten the interval again to one hour, intending to apply her newly developed technique once more to observe its effects. After consuming another spoonful of Scarlet Honey, Kisha immediately began her meditation, guiding the essence''s flow through her body. Surprisingly, this became a subconscious process as her body grew accustomed to the sensation¡ªit flowed naturally, similar to how her blood flows in her bloodstream. And when she was done, she thought she''d done a better job at creating a technique to absorb the Scarlet Honey but when she saw her Status window again, she found out that she was very wrong. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 8.0) Strength: 42 (+ 10)(+12) Stamina: 36 (+ 10)(+5) Defense: 35 (+ 10)(+8) Agility: 41 (+ 10)(+9) Mental Capacity: 58 (+ 10) Charm: 39 (+ 10)(+13) Leadership: 55 (+ 20)(+9) This time, instead of her stats randomly increasing by 3 points or more, every single stat saw a boost of 5 points, and her experience multiplier soared by an additional 5 points as well. Kisha''s eyes widened in disbelief as she couldn''t fathom that such a simple technique could yield such significant results. Laughing excitedly, she stared at her status window. Energized by her discovery, she decided to continue her experiments. Rather than waiting an hour, she reduced her interval to just 30 minutes. After just half an hour, when she consumed another dose of Scarlet Honey, Kisha found that she no longer needed to consciously guide the flow of essence; it moved effortlessly, as if possessing a mind of its own. She simply meditated, cleared her mind, and when she finished, she discovered another 5-point increase across all her stats. Moreover, her experience multiplier had now reached x10, seeming to be the current maximum achievable at her current level. Chapter 239 Kishas Level Up Despite reaching the multiplier she aimed for, Kisha continued consuming Scarlet Honey without setting any time intervals, though she felt a bit nervous about potential over-stimulation and overdose. Aware of the risks, she also recognized the tremendous benefits and understood that others would likely attempt it as well. Given her greater mental capacity, she reasoned that it might be why she had achieved such remarkable results. After taking a deep breath, Kisha consumed another spoonful of honey and continued her process. Eventually, she seemed to have reached the limit of her stats; no matter how many Scarlet Honey spoonfuls she took, the increases plateaued. Surprisingly, she found she no longer needed time intervals between doses because her energy core no longer overheated. She had established a pathway for the energy flow to her core, and she even felt it had grown stronger, able to store more energy than before. Once she confirmed that her stats had plateaued and her experience multiplier had reached its limit, she glanced at her status window again, savoring the sight before her imminent level-up. This was the perfect opportunity for her to ascend to the next level, confident that she would achieve even greater results and gain formidable strength. She was certain she could surpass Duke now, and the mere thought brought a delighted sparkle to her eyes, forming crescents of anticipation. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Strength: 60 (+ 10)(+30) Stamina: 60 (+ 10)(+29) Defense: 60 (+ 10)(+33) Agility: 60 (+ 10)(+28) Mental Capacity: 100 (+ 52) Charm: 60 (+ 10)(+34) Leadership: 100 (+ 20)(+54) S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha couldn''t help but giggle with delight as she looked at her impressively high stats for a level 0. She had never attained such remarkable stats at such a low level before, it would only be possible in her higher-level stages. Now, she felt an incredible surge of power, as if energy was flowing freely through her body and vitality was emanating from every pore. After admiring her stats, Kisha took a deep breath and retrieved a crystal core from her inventory. She consumed it, feeling the familiar warm, sweet sensation as it traveled from her mouth down her throat, spreading throughout her body. She felt as if she were floating, overwhelmed by the sensation, as a golden light radiated from her, bright enough to seem like the sun had descended upon her. The brilliant light caught everyone''s attention, interrupting their tasks. The glow even reached the other end of the island, where Duke, his father, and his grandfather were fishing by the lakeside. They noticed the sun-like, glittering golden light emanating from behind the mountain. Concerned, Duke immediately left his father and grandfather to investigate the source of the light. He sprinted through the mountain nonstop, as fast as he could, arriving just in time to see the last bit of light fade from Kisha''s body. Instantly, he knew she had leveled up and could sense that she was much, much stronger than when they had parted earlier. He couldn''t help but wonder what had transpired in his absence to bring about such a tremendous change. Kisha was too excited to notice Duke standing at the foot of the mountain, a little farther from her. She glanced around and spotted a rock the size of her fist. Without hesitation, she picked it up. At that moment, others from the ranch and coop came out to sneak a peek at the commotion. They all watched in awe as Kisha effortlessly crushed the rock into dust with her bare hand. They all realized she had leveled up, though none of them, not even Sparrow and Vulture, who were the first to level up, knew if they could crush a rock with their bare hands. After leveling up, Kisha immediately checked her status window to see how many stat points she had gained. Usually, it would only be three points, but she was surprised to see an even greater increase than expected. [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 70 (+ 10)(+30) Stamina: 70 (+ 10)(+29) Defense: 70 (+ 10)(+33) Agility: 70 (+ 10)(+28) Mental Capacity: 110 (+ 52) Charm: 70 (+ 10)(+34) Leadership: 110 (+ 20)(+54) She was surprised to see a 10-point increase across all her stats. Kisha knew she was now the strongest awakened being alive and could face an evolved zombie of the same level head-on without needing anyone''s help. Her happiness was cut short when she sensed Duke''s presence behind her, startling her. He had managed to get close without her realizing it, just like he did at the mini hospital in the base in City A when she first got Bell. ''This man really wants to give me a heart attack,'' she silently complained. "You just leveled up?!" Duke exclaimed, scanning Kisha from head to toe. He could sense something different about her but couldn''t pinpoint what it was. She seemed more beautiful and charming than when he had left earlier, though he attributed that feeling to missing her after spending time with a bunch of old coots. "Ahuh!" Kisha beamed with excitement. "I even discovered a more efficient and effective way to maximize our stat limits before leveling up, making us stronger than others at the same level." She spoke with a hint of mystery, hoping to pique Duke''s anticipation and excitement. In reality, she was bursting with eagerness to share her discovery, but she wanted to see Duke''s reaction first. Before Duke could respond, the others who had been approaching heard Kisha''s words. Excitedly, they ran toward her, forgetting they still had blood and other stains on their hands and bodies. They all reached out, eager to touch Kisha and ask her what she meant. However, Duke moved faster, pulling Kisha into his embrace and staring daggers at them, warding them off with a protective glare at their dirty hands. When his subordinates stepped back and stood at attention, he softened his gaze and turned his affectionate attention to Kisha. "I knew there was nothing you couldn''t achieve. Congratulations!" He gently rubbed the top of her head with a proud smile. "You''re no fun!" Kisha pouted briefly but soon shrugged it off. She first sent everyone back to finish up with their task so she could share what she has experienced and the technique she has just successfully created so once they took the Scarlet Honey, they could utilized the technique she created, especially for Sparrow and Vulture. And this would serve as a preparation to those who haven''t awakened. ____________________ PS: Hello everyone!!! Thank you all for participating in the little game I arranged in the previous chapters. I''m thrilled to announce that we''ve reached the 5 Inspiration Capsule milestone, and just as promised, I''m releasing this chapter as an EXTRA CHAPTER!!! Your support means everything to me!!! Please ADD to your LIBRARY to be notified when the update is posted. Thank you!!! Please don''t forget to cheer me up by voting with Powerstone and Golden Ticket! Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! Also, I might get delayed in the update as I am also updating my new novel < THE RETURN OF THE CANNON FODDER TRILLION HEIRESS> Chapter 240 Everyone Getting Stronger After Kisha shared her experience with the Scarlet Honey she had just distributed, she took the time to carefully guide them through the process of harnessing its essence. She provided detailed instructions to help them channel the Scarlet Honey''s essence into their core, with a particular focus on those who had already awakened. Kisha divided the group into those who had already awakened and those who had not. For those who had awakened, she demonstrated her technique for channeling the Scarlet Honey''s essence into their core. For those who haven''t awakened yet, she altered the approach a little. Instead of focusing solely on directing the energy to their core''s reservoir, she guided them to distribute it throughout their bodies, similar to clearing their bloodstream. This method aimed to strengthen their bodies and reduce the likelihood of failure in their awakening. After ensuring that everyone understood her instructions, Kisha allowed them to practice independently while she observed from the sidelines. It was then that she noticed the varying time intervals required for individuals to take in the Scarlet Honey. Not everyone was able to absorb all the essence from the honey. For Vulture, his stats would increase by 2 randomly each time he consumes the Scarlet Honey and regulates his energy. Sparrow experiences a random increase of 3 stats every time. Even Mrs. Winters, despite her best efforts, manages to boost her stats randomly by 2-3 each time she consumes the Scarlet Honey. But Duke? There was nothing surprising about him. He was the first to reach the x10 limit for the experience multiplier, but unfortunately, he didn''t have a system that could grant him extra stat points, unlike Kisha, who could gain additional points through titles and other achievements. As a result, his stat limit was capped at 50, and beyond that, it no longer increased, which made Kisha smile smugly. For the first time, she could look at Duke''s status window with satisfaction rather than offense. She finally felt more powerful than Duke. In her past life, Duke always bested her at everything and was smug about it, constantly rubbing salt into her wounds. Now, however, she could relish this moment while he was left to seethe with envy. The gap between them would only grow as she continued to level up, earn more titles, and complete missions with stat-boosting rewards. Just thinking about it made her more excited and eager for missions than she ever was in her previous life. She was determined to wipe the floor with Duke one day. It might sound petty, but Duke had always rubbed his success in her face in their past lives. That''s why she initially doubted 008 when it suggested that Duke had a thing for her; she thought he only saw her as a rival and a close confidant. Lost in thought, Kisha opened Duke''s status window and studied it for a while longer, as he sat on the ground, deep in contemplation. [Duke Winters] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Strength: 50 (+20) Stamina: 50 (+20) Defense: 50 (+20) S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Agility: 50 (+25) Mental Capacity: 50 (+15) Charm: 50 (+10) Leadership: 50 (+5) But now that she thought about it, maybe Duke''s constant provocations and taunts were his way of keeping her attention away from her traitorous lover. By emotionally engaging her, he ensured she stayed close to him. She realized that she was indeed with Duke about 80% of the time, even when he was being discreet. There were moments when they were almost inseparable, which often led her lover to question what was going on between them. She wondered if he didn''t trust her or if he simply missed her. But now, she saw things from a different perspective and had a deeper understanding of what 008 had said. Whether it was the Duke of her past or the Duke in front of her, they were essentially the same person. They shared the same core feelings, though their different experiences in life had shaped their actions and behavior around her differently. Ultimately, the emotions remained unchanged. Kisha''s eyes crinkled slightly as she continued to monitor everyone through their status windows, allowing Duke to remain absorbed in his thoughts. As she observed the non-awakened individuals, she noted that their stat increases were limited to just 1. She speculated that this might be because they lacked an energy core to store the energy generated from the Scarlet Honey''s essence. It might also be related to their potential; their absorption capabilities aren''t great at the moment. Kisha could only reassess once they awaken to see if there are any changes. If there are improvements, it would likely be due to their lack of a reservoir to store the energy. If not, then it would be a matter of their own potential and talent. Not long after, the Patriarch and Mr. Winters returned, struggling to drag a large net filled with a variety of big fish. Kisha stored the fish from the lake, briefed them on the recent events, and then integrated them into the training session. She kept a close eye on their progress as they trained alongside everyone else. After many hours of training, most of the people had reached their capacity limits. What was surprising was the variation in their caps; each person had a different limit. Duke had the highest cap, while Tristan had a limit of 40 stat points and Aston was just a few points lower. Sparrow, and Vulture had already reached 60 and were still not reaching their limits, it was maybe because they had leveled up to level 1 and their cap has increased too. Bald Eagle, Mr. Winters, and the Patriarch were close behind at 35. Mrs. Winters had a cap of 30, and the rest were around that range, with the lowest being 25. Only one or two individuals had such a low cap. She believed that those with lower cap limits had less chance of awakening. However, thanks to the Scarlet Honey, they could still become stronger, though they wouldn''t surpass their current limits without awakening. Kisha didn''t have a solution for this issue but was grateful that the Scarlet Honey had helped them reach their thresholds and improved their chances of survival outside. Chapter 241 Might Sleep in the Dog House Now that Kisha had gathered more data for her experiment, she decided to place the Scarlet Honey in the secret vault of the Supply Center. She would set a high price for it to emphasize its rarity, believing that gifting it to top performers would motivate everyone to work harder and strive for excellence. Since most people had nearly finished their previous tasks, Kisha sent those who were done with their tasks to collect the ripped fruits from the fruit trees. The remaining individuals were assigned to continue farming while waiting for the others to complete their tasks and for Mr. Winters and the Patriarch to finish their training. Kisha then gathered the awakened superhumans to help them level up. She was confident that their energies and foundations had successfully consolidated within their energy cores. The next step was to focus on increasing their cap limits and that was only possible after they leveled up. She asked Sparrow and Vulture to step aside for now, as they still needed more time to consolidate their energy. Since they were already at level 1, their cap limits had increased, and she had not yet seen them reach their maximum cap limit. Therefore, they needed to continue with their training. For now, only Duke and Mrs. Winters were ready to advance to level 1. They stood side by side in front of Kisha, each holding the level 0 crystal core she had handed them earlier. They didn''t have to wait long, though they struggled to ignore the unsettling sensation in their stomachs, which made them feel nauseous and almost vomit. After clearing their minds of distracting thoughts, they placed the crystal cores into their mouths. Fortunately, the taste was not unpleasant, and they managed to consume them without issue. Soon, a mix of red, cold blue, and purple light emanated from Duke''s body, while Mrs. Winters'' body glowed with a bright green light tinged with a brownish hue, representing their elemental awakened abilities. Duke and Mrs. Winters both felt a profound change in their bodies after leveling up. They experienced a surge in power and a lighter, more agile feeling, making everything seem remarkable. [Duke Winters] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 55 (+20) Stamina: 55 (+20) Defense: 55 (+20) Agility: 55 (+25) Mental Capacity: 55 (+15) Charm: 55 (+10) Leadership: 55 (+5) ... [Olivia Winters] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 33 (+25) Stamina: 33 (+22) Defense: 33 (+25) Agility: 33 (+24) Mental Capacity: 35 (+13) Charm: 33 (+15) Leadership: 33 (+21) Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: Plant Affinity Ability: Wood, Earth This was quite an information to take in. Duke''s stats had increased by only 5 points after leveling up, as a bonus point, while Mrs. Winters'' stats had only risen by 3 points. In contrast, Kisha received an additional 10 stat points after leveling up, which seemed exceptionally generous compared to them. With an unabashedly smug grin, Kisha turned to Duke. Though Duke didn''t understand why Kisha was so pleased, he could tell she was gloating about something. His competitive nature urged him to respond, but he managed to hold his tongue at the last moment. What held him back? He remembered he had a very important appointment with Kisha later that night. If he made a misstep now, he''d risk losing the reward and might end up sleeping in the doghouse. He definitely didn''t want that. Duke made a determined effort to keep his sarcastic remarks in check, pursing his lips with great effort and instead offering a fawning smile to Kisha. Her smug grin faltered as she sensed something off about Duke''s overly suspicious behavior. Feeling uneasy, she backed away slightly, her hair standing on end. Avoiding Duke''s gaze, Kisha directed him to continue farming with the others. She was confident that he had already mastered the essence of consolidating his foundation and crystal core after each level-up, so he didn''t need further assistance. In contrast, Mrs. Winters was less familiar with the process and relied more on her intuition to manage it. Kisha took her time to help Mrs. Winters become more familiar with the process, guiding her thoroughly to ensure she wouldn''t harm herself or her energy core. Meanwhile, Sparrow and Vulture resumed their training with the Scarlet Honey, alongside the Patriarch and Mr. Winters. It took them the full 20 hours within the territory to complete their tasks. Once finished, Kisha collected everything they had gathered from her territory and stored them in her inventory. Once they were out, Kisha sent Mr. Winters and Aston to inform everyone to gather in the center of the base for the announcement about the base''s takeover. While they were on their way, Kisha prepared all the supplies for the supply center, ensuring they would be ready for distribution. She also arranged for everyone to have a hearty meal until tonight. Fortunately, Mr. Winters understood her intention. Before he and Aston finished gathering the crowd, he instructed Aston to dispatch a few trucks and additional soldiers to Villa #1 to collect the supplies needed for the operation. Once the people were fed, they would be able to move around, help set up the supply center, and get everything done. Aston then sent his most trusted soldiers to Villa #1. Since he hadn''t yet dealt with those who needed purging, he could only send individuals he trusted to avoid any potential trouble or uprising. He was concerned that seeing such a large amount of supplies might trigger greed and unrest among the others. After an hour, Kisha was informed that several trucks had arrived in front of their villa and soldiers had begun to assemble. This sight made Reeve and Marcus''s families anxious, especially since they had missed the meeting and were unaware of what had transpired. Mike burst into the room, his face pale and panting heavily. "Young Madam! Soldiers have arrived; you need to leave immediately! I don''t think this is good!" Mike managed to gasp between breaths. He was shocked into silence upon seeing the mountain of supplies that hadn''t been there earlier. He and his family had only stepped out briefly to tend to the garden, and now, an enormous stockpile had appeared. He was utterly speechless. "It''s alright, Mike. Send them in, and later, you and your family, along with Reeve, should join us in the central part of the base. We have an important announcement to make," Kisha said with a smile. Mike was astonished. "You can tell me and my twin brother apart?" Kisha simply smiled and didn''t respond before sending Mike out to call the soldiers. Mike quickly went outside to fetch them, and soon, the soldiers arrived at the location where Kisha and the others were waiting. The soldiers greeted Kisha with polite bows, likely having received a heads-up from Aston about who she was. "I assume Mr. Winters has already instructed you on where to deliver the supplies?" Kisha asked calmly, sitting with an indifferent expression as she observed the soldiers. Although the soldiers maintained poker faces, Kisha noticed their eyes light up with hope and reverie when they saw the supplies. Someone front the front took a step forward. "Yes, City Lord. We have a general gist of the situation and was tasked to bring the supplies that the City Lord prepared to the temporary Supply Center." He clarified with great politeness. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 242 A New Beginning "Good," Kisha said with a smile, standing up and nodding at the soldiers. Although she was still adjusting to her new role and wasn''t used to being called by her title, she set that concern aside for now, focusing on the task at hand. She gestured for the soldiers to start loading the supplies onto the waiting trucks. Meanwhile, she kept the soldier who had answered her inquiry in place. "Have they finished gathering the crowd?" she asked. The soldier stood at attention, responding with the formality expected of a military to their superior. "Yes, City Lord. The crowd has been gathered. You can head there at your convenience, and we have arranged a car to escort you to the square." Kisha nodded and gestured for everyone to follow her. Since they all held leadership roles, it was important for them to be present and assert their positions. By doing so, they would ensure that the people remembered them and their respective roles, much like politicians make themselves known during their campaigns. This time, they weren''t campaigning; they were already established in their positions and needed to promote their propaganda and roles. As Kisha stepped out of the villa, Marcus and his grandchildren, along with Reeve, were waiting at the gate. A car and a van were parked behind them, ready for departure. The soldiers were still transferring supplies to the trucks, a process that would take a bit more time to complete. Kisha left them to their task, confident that there was little chance of any issues if someone tried to hijack the supplies and run. She had already deployed her Scarlet Bees around the base, ensuring that no one could escape her notice. This would serve as their first test to determine if they were truly trustworthy. Some of the quick-witted soldiers deduced what was happening when they saw Kisha and her team get into the car without leaving anyone behind to oversee the transfer and ensure everything went as planned. After Kisha''s car departed, the soldier who had spoken with her earlier took charge, ensuring his team stayed focused. He reminded them not to act recklessly or be swayed by immediate rewards but to consider the bigger picture. Although no one made a move, he felt it was crucial to reinforce this message to his men. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He understood that in times like these when people have experienced hunger and hardship, they can be vulnerable to the temptation of immediate gratification, even if it means facing dire consequences later. However, with the City Lord having already removed the greedy and destructive Minister of Defense and the Coltons¡ªwho had been like a plague to the society''s survival¡ªthere was a chance to give the new City Lord a fair opportunity to prove herself to the people and show her leadership. Although the appointment had only been secured through bloodshed and a forceful takeover, that was secondary to what truly mattered: the future. Besides, they were more like saviors than invaders, given their firsthand experience with the harsh realities and the reign of two greedy powers. Now that they knew the new City Lord planned to distribute supplies equally to everyone, without discrimination, Kisha earned their recognition. Even though many were tempted, they held back and diligently transported the supplies. Some soldiers even stayed behind to guard the villa, ensuring its security in the absence of others. Kisha silently observed their interactions through the visual feed from the Scarlet Bees, which Bell transmitted into her mind. She was impressed; this time, Aston had struck gold with these people. At least he wouldn''t need to purge any of them, as they seemed to be among the few Aston could genuinely trust. Since the base wasn''t that large, Kisha and the rest soon arrived at the square, where Aston had constructed a makeshift elevated platform. This allowed everyone below to see those standing on it. Mr. Winters stood silently on the platform, with Aston behind him and some of Aston''s soldiers positioned around the stage to protect them in case any dissatisfied individuals attempted to attack. The square was filled with murmurs of speculation and gloom. Some had already heard about the fate of the Minister of Defense, as Aston hadn''t been particularly discreet. He had dragged the Minister''s fat, naked ass through the streets, parading him before sending him to the dungeons where the Coltons were held. With that display, everyone quickly understood what was happening, and the news spread like wildfire. Some were filled with happiness and hope for a better future, while others remained skeptical, believing they had merely replaced one dictator with another. They feared that, sooner or later, hunger would claim them, even if the zombies did not. Kisha didn''t need to read their minds to understand their thoughts, but she didn''t care. What mattered was how things would progress from here. Whether they accepted her leadership or not was up to them. If they couldn''t, they were always free to leave and try other bases or shelters to see if they were any better. However, if they expected her to provide everything while coddling them like babies, she would rather kill them and make space for those who deserved it, preventing the rise of potential traitors in the future. The crowd gathered in the square mostly consisted of soldiers not on guard duty, idle medical staff, and those performing odd jobs or otherwise free from any duties and were just waiting to die of hunger. The square was packed to capacity when Kisha and her team approached the stage. Their commanding presence alone was enough to hush the murmurs and command attention. The crowd waited with bated breath as Kisha stood at the forefront of the stage, the others positioned a few feet away, allowing her to take the spotlight. The beautiful woman at the front, with her indifferent expression, appeared cold but didn''t project the same chill as she silently scanned the sea of faces before her. Her composed demeanor and commanding presence left a lasting impression, though few could have imagined that this very woman would make such a significant difference in their lives. Kisha''s crisp, clear voice reverberated through the silent crowd, her authority unmistakable¡ªsomething even the former Minister of Defense or the Coltons'' Young Master could not replicate. "I know that many of you are having a difficult time," she began, pausing briefly before continuing. "But I assure you, today will mark a turning point for all of us. This day will be the start of a new beginning." Although no one fully understood what Kisha was conveying, no one dared to question her. They instinctively knew not to interrupt, sensing that any questions they had would be answered shortly. They weren''t wrong. "I know that many of you may have already heard, but we, I and my people, indeed took down the Former Minister of Defence and the Coltons from their rein and I, now took over the position of the City Lord. And if any of you wanted to ask and were wondering why me? You''ll know the answer to that question if you keep your eyes peeled. I don''t need to tell you what you have to expect or how to view me, what matters is the direction this base is going from now on." Chapter 243 The Plan Progressing Smoothly Loud gasps filled the air at Kisha''s announcement. Some viewed her as arrogant, dismissing her as just another Coltons'', hungry for power, and would use deception to mislead people, and believed that her gender did not necessarily mean she would lead with kindness. Others speculated that she had used her body to secure the position or that her lover had helped her seize it. Many began to make their own conjectures since Kisha had not detailed how she came to power. However, she paid little heed to these rumors, knowing that explanations would fall on deaf ears. Instead, she preferred to let her actions demonstrate her competence and leadership. Aston, the most familiar figure among them, shouted, "Silence!" His voice was loud and commanding, cutting through the murmurs like a thunderclap. The crowd, knowing Aston better than Kisha and her team, took his command more seriously. While they didn''t necessarily dismiss Kisha, they gave Aston''s presence and authority more weight. Once the crowd had quieted, Kisha resumed speaking. "First, I want to make it clear that my team and I will be taking on leadership roles in the base. As a community, we must adhere to certain rules¡ªnot to control any of you, but to maintain order and uphold the societal norms we had before the apocalypse. The specifics will be outlined later by our newly appointed Minister of Base Laws and Judiciary, Darius Winters, the Patriarch of the Winters family from City A." The mention of the Patriarch of the Winters family brought a moment of stunned silence, followed by enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Since the Winters family had arrived at the shelter in City B almost simultaneously with many other survivors and had communicated with them before, the crowd began to recognize the people on stage as the Winters, and since the Winters had removed their disguises before coming, they are now easier to distinguished, they just didn''t pay much attention, earlier because their attention was all on Kisha. When the people realized that the Winters had survived outside, returned, and fought back against the Coltons, a wave of relief and renewed faith in Kisha''s team swept over the majority of the crowd. The crowd''s attention grew more focused and earnest. Kisha seized the moment, continuing, "We have also appointed a new Minister of Defense: Commander Aston McMillan. Many of you are already familiar with his reputation, so I need not elaborate further. Let''s move on to the next leader and their role." As Kisha spoke, the crowd''s enthusiasm grew. Each announcement seemed to bring good news, reinforcing their belief that this truly marked a new beginning. "Next, we have appointed Mrs. Olivia Winters as the Minister of Women''s Care. She will oversee the welfare of women, children, and the elderly, and work to create job opportunities for these groups, ensuring that no one has to suffer from hunger due to their age or perceived usefulness." The announcement prompted a thunderous cheer from the crowd, but the applause was quickly subdued to prevent attracting any zombies with the noise. As the square fell into a respectful silence, Kisha continued her speech. The crowd, now united in anticipation and excitement, listened intently, their previous doubts and speculations set aside. "We will also be establishing a City Patrol to maintain order and prevent crime, ensuring everyone can live within the base with peace of mind. Additionally, we will enhance our wall defenses with a new Wall Patrol, which will also handle perimeter security. An Advance Party will be dispatched to search for more supplies. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The individuals standing behind me¡ªSparrow, Vulture, and Bald Eagle¡ªwill serve as the captains of these teams. You''ll witness their effectiveness firsthand as they carry out their duties." Kisha then gestured towards Sparrow, Vulture, and Bald Eagle, who stood confidently behind her. "And of course, I saved the best news for last," Kisha said with a smirk, the first time she had shown such expression, which only heightened everyone''s anticipation and drew them closer to her. "We are appointing Mr. Dante Winters as the Minister of Revenue. But before you jump to conclusions, let me explain. The role of the Minister of Revenue isn''t just about collecting money from you. We''re creating jobs throughout the shelter so everyone can earn and purchase food supplies, medicine, water, and other necessities at the Supply Center we''re establishing. You will earn ''Work Points'' for your efforts, which will be used for transactions. Additionally, we will introduce a new currency system, details of which Mr. Winters will unveil in due course. Stay tuned for that, as it will be important." As Kisha concluded her speech, the crowd erupted into loud applause and cheers, their excitement palpable. It took a considerable effort to calm them down, such was their happiness and enthusiasm. Some people even broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the sight of hope after such a long struggle. They were profoundly grateful to have held on through the hardships, witnessing and experiencing a significant change that promised to secure their survival. Before concluding her speech, Kisha introduced Duke as the Vice City Lord and Tristan as the Secretary. This announcement was met with enthusiastic approval. As Kisha and her team prepared to leave the stage, the crowd erupted in chants of "Long Live HOPE Base" and "Long Live the City Lord." The people followed Kisha and her team to the temporary Supply Center, while soldiers maintained order to prevent any stampede. The crowd exhibited remarkable patience, forming orderly lines to ensure the supplies were distributed fairly according to the established system. Everyone was astonished by the vast amount of supplies the base was distributing, realizing that such a generous allocation might not actually be sustainable. This gesture motivated them to work harder and meet the City Lord''s expectations, determined not to become a burden. This was precisely what Kisha intended¡ªto inspire a strong sense of responsibility and commitment among the people. Before Kisha and the others emerged from their territory space, they had already portioned some of the meat and fish. This allowed the soldiers to start distributing a portion of each item per person almost immediately. Meanwhile, other soldiers continued cutting and portioning the remaining meat and other food supplies. The Scarlet Bees, working discreetly, helped maintain order. Anyone attempting to cut the line or deceive the soldiers for extra portions would face consequences, as Sparrow and the team monitored the situation closely through the Scarlet Bees'' observations to intervene if necessary. The soldiers and people, eager to keep things running smoothly, insisted that Kisha and her team take a break and not tire themselves out. As each person received their supplies, they approached Kisha and the others to express their heartfelt gratitude. The overwhelming show of appreciation, including deep bows and expressions of respect, overwhelmed Kisha and the others deeply. The gratitude was so profound that many, who had been at their breaking point, pledged their unwavering loyalty to Kisha, vowing to follow her to the end if necessary. This level of conviction exceeded Kisha''s expectations. She had momentarily forgotten that offering a helping hand during one''s darkest times can forge deep, faithful devotion, especially when the help is given with genuine care and intent. Chapter 244 How Do We Do It? Since Kisha wasn''t allowed to assist, she focused on Marcus. It was time to put Marcus''s ''Green Thumb'' gift and farming skills to good use. Although she didn''t have many slave contracts at the moment, she felt she could trust the Wyatts and was willing to take a gamble on them. However, if they betrayed her trust, she was prepared to deal with them personally. "Marcus, as you can see, we''re opening new jobs and a Supply Center, so crops will be crucial. I want to appoint you as the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. If you have any additional requests, let me know, and I''ll see if they''re feasible and fulfill them." Kisha went straight to the point, surprising Marcus. He hadn''t anticipated that Kisha had plans for him or that he would be given such an important role. He felt both happy and honored but was also anxious about living up to the expectations now placed on his shoulders. He hesitated for a moment until his twin grandsons nudged him, eagerly encouraging him to accept the role. They assured him of their full support, promising to help share the burden and ease his worries. The Wyatts were unaware that Kisha had already anticipated their collaboration with their grandfather to boost crop yields, livestock, and aquaculture. Sparrow and Vulture exchanged glances, shaking their heads in silent communication. Their eyes conveyed a message: ''They have no idea they''ve fallen for the trap. If Young Madam decided to sell them, they might even cheerfully count the money for her before heading to their cells.'' They both shook their heads with a chuckle. After spending more time with Kisha and Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture had developed such a strong rapport with Kisha that they had begun to understand her thought process. They could sense when she found someone useful or was planning something, even if they didn''t know the exact details. They had learned to recognize the signs of her strategic and sometimes sinister intentions. After a moment of hesitation, Marcus accepted Kisha''s proposal. His grandchildren were eager to support him, hoping to ease the burden he carried. They understood that their grandfather took on this responsibility to ensure their well-being and safety. Knowing that staying with Kisha and Duke meant they would be protected, they were determined to help in any way they could. Moreover, they now had the opportunity for a better life, making it unthinkable to return to a time of hunger and waiting for their own bodies to fail them. This new responsibility wasn''t something that intimidated them; instead, they saw it as a chance to contribute and avoid feeling like a burden. With the soldiers having distributed half of the food supply to the survivors¡ªenough to last until the following morning¡ªKisha and the others left the task to them. They accompanied Mr. Winters to begin drafting the job openings, which would be posted on the bulletin board and at the Central Hall. This way, everyone coming and going would easily see the available positions and help kickstart the Base''s projects. All the leaders appointed by Kisha began drafting lists of job openings for their respective departments. The most extensive list came from Aston, who, as the head of the soldiers, had Sparrow, Vulture, and Bald Eagle reporting to him. With the increased need for patrols and other safety-related tasks at the Base, it was crucial to recruit more personnel to ensure effective coverage and security. As if struck by a sudden realization, Aston asked while everyone else was focused on writing, "Kisha, are we also going to inform everyone about the awakened abilities?" His question, which had been instinctively overlooked, made every one pause. They turned to Kisha, holding their breath as they awaited her response. "Regarding that, rather than revealing that we already knew about the awakened abilities, it would be better to wait and observe those who suddenly collapse with fever. We should then place them in isolated quarantine for monitoring and use this as the moment when awakened abilities are first discovered on the Base. This approach will help us avoid questions about our sincerity and prevent us from being perceived as dictators. If people learn that we were aware of these abilities long ago, they might feel betrayed, regardless of our reasons for keeping it hidden." Kisha patiently explained her strategy, outlining her thought process and goals to ensure everyone understood her approach. After considering Kisha''s explanation, everyone agreed that her approach made sense. Initially, they had hidden the knowledge of awakened abilities to prevent the Coltons from using them for terror or other malicious purposes. However, given their current situation¡ªwhere strengthening their base and protecting their people from zombie raids and potential human threats was crucial¡ªthey had no reason to continue concealing this information. Revealing the truth now was a strategic move to ensure their survival and security. Additionally, while they could establish rules and laws within their own base, they couldn''t impose the same regulations on all survivors across the country who might eventually come into their territory. This could potentially lead to territorial conflicts, so they needed to be prepared for all possible scenarios. "Then we can claim that we were all in quarantine while experiencing feverish symptoms and discovered the awakened abilities during that period. This way, it still holds true that we were the first to awaken these abilities. By presenting it this way, we avoid raising suspicions and can smoothly introduce the concept of awakened abilities and we could openly teach everyone about the things they need to learn about awakened abilities. What do you think?" Duke suggested, standing behind Kisha with a watchful demeanor. Kisha turned to face Duke, her smile reflecting in her eyes. "It seems our thoughts are truly in sync," she mused. She was about to elaborate, but Duke spoke up first. She had previously shared her thoughts to ensure everyone was aligned with the plan, preventing any future slip-ups that could arise if the story didn''t match up. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the plan agreed upon, Aston was assigned to monitor individuals showing symptoms and to coordinate with the medical team for prompt quarantine. This was crucial to prevent deaths or violence driven by fear. After Aston finalized the arrangements with the medics, the team moved forward with their strategy. Kisha and the others settled into their ''quarantine'' at the villa, where they relaxed and enjoyed their time while maintaining the appearance of being bedridden with a fever. As they carried out their plan, they continued to draft the job openings for the bulletin board. The sudden departure of Kisha and the other leaders left the people in the square both surprised and concerned. When word spread that Kisha and the others were feverish and needed rest, it triggered a frenzy of fear, with many worrying that the leaders might be turning into zombies. Some survivors began to pray for Kisha and the others, understanding that their survival depended on her leadership. They feared that without Kisha, they might face a new, greedy dictator. The mixed emotions of anxiety and hope reflected the critical role Kisha played in their lives now. Upon returning to the villa, Kisha and the others ensured that the soldiers kept quiet about what they had seen or heard. The soldiers, dedicated to maintaining confidentiality, willingly complied with the request, understanding that preserving sensitive information was a fundamental part of their duties. Chapter 245 The Green Thumb at Work After Kisha and the others arrived at the villa, she delegated tasks to everyone else while she and Duke escorted Marcus and his grandchildren to the Territory Space. To ensure Marcus could access the space independently, Kisha granted him administrative authority, allowing him to enter and exit the territory freely to continue his farming efforts and bring his grandchildren along as needed. When Marcus and his grandchildren entered the space, their reactions mirrored those of the Winters, filled with awe and amazement. Kisha and Duke allowed them a moment to fully absorb the grandeur and let the reality of their new surroundings sink in before beginning the tour. Marcus''s initial astonishment gradually gave way to delight as he observed the thriving vegetables in the farmland. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He quickly grasped the purpose and potential of the space without needing Kisha to explain it. As a farmer, Marcus was attuned to the nuances of climate, always adjusting his methods to ensure his crops thrived under varying conditions. The farmland he was now presented with, functioning as a greenhouse with its temperature automatically regulated to suit different crops, was beyond anything he could have hoped for. It provided the ideal environment for his work, making it the perfect setting for his farming expertise. He no longer needed to worry about common farming problems such as infertile soil or inconsistent water sources that could hinder crop growth. With the support of the territory space, he could bypass these issues entirely and focus his efforts on productive farming instead of constantly looking for answers and solving problems. Marcus, thrilled by the potential of the farmland and his natural curiosity, immediately dove into farming. He meticulously examined the soil, the crop growth, and the water sources. Meanwhile, his grandchildren busied themselves with their own exploration, exploring the space and contributing in their own ways. Mike was engrossed in interacting with the animals on the ranch, chatting with them as though he understood their every sound. Gant, on the other hand, was scaling the mountains with Zeus, drawn to the lake and its aquatic life. Kisha had anticipated this, knowing Gant''s affinity for water creatures. Meanwhile, Daisy wandered through the fields, thoroughly exploring the crops and everything related to plants. Even though none of them had awakened their abilities yet, it was clear that their natural talents and gifts were already at work. Their skills seemed to be calling out to them instinctively. Once they did awaken, these talents would likely become even stronger and more beneficial. While Marcus immersed himself in his work, Kisha made sure to inform him about the time difference between the Territory Space and the outside world. This detail only heightened Marcus''s fascination with the space. He seemed so engrossed in his tasks that he showed no inclination to leave anytime soon. The extended time inside meant that the Wyatts could comfortably stay, knowing they could still manage their daily tasks outside as long as they kept track of time. This made them feel even more valued, as they could keep the villa clean and tidy, ensuring meals were served on time, while also having the opportunity to enter the magical land. There, they felt safer surrounded by nature, and engaged in activities that brought them satisfaction. This dual sense of purpose greatly motivated them to contribute even more. Although it wasn''t Kisha''s original intention, it appeared she had found the perfect butler in Marcus. As she watched him with appreciation, Duke chuckled to himself. He could read Kisha''s expression and wasn''t sure whether to feel sorry for Marcus or be pleased that he had unintentionally made Kisha happy and become an exceptional butler in the process. Before Kisha and Duke left Marcus and the children so they could continue to explore the space, Kisha made sure to provide them with a few bottles of Scarlet Honey. She also shared the techniques she had taught the Winters, with the strict condition that they must not disclose this information to anyone. If they did, they would be immediately expelled from the villa and barred from entering the space again. Everyone agreed to these terms. Kisha spent extra time teaching Marcus''s family because the teenagers found it challenging to grasp and apply her instructions. However, once they understood, all the effort Kisha invested proved worthwhile. Before leaving the space, Kisha reminded Marcus to notify her immediately if any of the children developed a fever, so she could make the necessary arrangements. When Kisha left the Space, she brought along additional chickens, ducks, and fish to ensure a sumptuous meal for everyone in the villa. The meal would serve as a celebration of their successful revenge against those who had plotted against them. The mere thought of the Coltons was enough to prompt Duke to set off on his own quest for retribution. Kisha didn''t try to stop Duke because she was the one who set the wheels in motion, allowing him to mete out his own punishment. For now, those remaining outside were those who hadn''t awakened yet, like the Patriarch and Mr. Winters, who were busy pacifying the crowd concerned about Kisha and the others'' sudden illness while continuing their duties. Mr. Winters had already set up his office in the Central Hall, which was also being transformed into a temporary Supply Center. Since the day was still early, he had posted the first list of job openings on the bulletin board. Most survivors, having just received their supplies, made their way to the board to confirm the available job opportunities. Mr. Winters was currently seeking workers to help clear out the building next to the Central Hall, which previously housed various civil servant offices such as accounting and other departments. His plan was to convert this building into the new Supply Center, with a separate warehouse connected for storing supplies. In addition to hiring workers for clearing out the building, Mr. Winters also sought individuals to construct the warehouse behind it. To his delight, several engineers, architects, and former construction workers came forward to apply, alleviating his concerns about the building''s design and construction. Mr. Winters, however, was diligent in conducting thorough interviews to ensure that these applicants truly possessed the skills they claimed, wanting to avoid any future surprises regarding their qualifications. After the interviews, Mr. Winters discovered that most of the applicants were experienced professionals, with the least experienced being a two-year novice who was still eager to learn. Among the applicants were also electricians and other specialists who were better suited for different roles. Mr. Winters arranged for these individuals to be placed in their respective departments, ensuring that each person was assigned to a role that best matched their skills and expertise. Thanks to these skilled professionals, Mr. Winters was able to establish several key departments in just a single day. Many of the new hires were elderly individuals who had been struggling on the streets, unable to perform heavy labor. However, it turned out they were seasoned experts in their respective fields, bringing invaluable experience and knowledge to the base. These veterans were now assigned to mentor the younger workers, ensuring that they develop into skilled experts themselves in the future. Chapter 246 Its Time For Revenge After hiring the necessary personnel, the engineers and architects began their preparations. They surveyed the plot behind the future Supply Center, discussed potential designs, and made a list of the materials needed for the construction. The other workers began clearing out the office materials from the building, sending them to the ''House and Allocation Management Office'' (HAMO). There, the materials were sorted to determine what would be kept and what would be discarded. Seeing that there were indeed job openings and people of various ages and backgrounds were being hired and starting work, everyone at the base felt a renewed sense of hope and vitality. They prayed more than ever for Kisha and her team to recover from their fever so that Kisha could continue leading them toward a brighter future. After eating, the people at the base eagerly headed to the Central Hall to explore job opportunities and see what positions they could apply for. To their surprise, there were many open positions, including roles for prosecutors, lawyers, and judges among the listed opportunities. Despite the slim chances of survival of those people who have these roles, the Patriarch decided to try his luck and apply, hopeful for any assistance in the legal field. Indeed, the base proved to be a treasure trove of experts who had managed to survive and seek refuge there. Gradually, the job listings from various departments were being filled, and those who were initially deemed useless and a drain on resources turned out to be invaluable. Their skills and knowledge were crucial in transforming the base into an ideal sanctuary that would provide peace and safety for everyone. While the Central Hall buzzed with excitement and happiness, another part of the shelter was steeped in gloom and anguish. In the underground dungeon, the air was thick with the stench of blood, and the walls echoed with the agonizing screams of men pleading desperately for forgiveness and mercy. "Hmm? Now you understand the pain," Duke''s voice, chillingly cold and devoid of emotion, echoed through the underground dungeon. Tristan stood behind him, presenting the next torture tool Duke intended to use on the wretched man chained to the wall, his body covered in a patchwork of deep, bloody wounds. "Please, stop... Have mercy..." The man, barely able to speak through his labored breaths, managed to plead before he succumbed to his injuries and lost consciousness. "You''re so spineless, yet you still revel in hurting others?" Duke sneered with cold indifference. He motioned to a guard, who promptly dragged the unconscious man back to his cell and prepared a new prisoner. "Now that I''m done with my warm-up, let''s move on to the main event, shall we?" Duke said, gesturing toward one of the cells. With just a few subtle gestures, Duke''s subordinate understood his intent. They roughly detached the unconscious man from the chains, pulling his arms out to either side. Without any concern for his well-being, they hauled him back to his cell and tossed him inside. His head struck the doorframe, and he collapsed heavily onto the floor, his survival uncertain and clearly of no concern to them. After tossing the man into his cell, the guards moved to a nearby cell where another prisoner was frantically screaming for release. "Don''t touch me! Let me go!" The man being dragged out was desperately trying to sound defiant, but his panicked voice betrayed his fear. His trembling limbs betrayed his desperation. "I''ll do anything you want! I''ll give you everything I have¡ªjust let me go!!!" "Let you go and what?" Duke began, his voice cold and menacing. He gestured for his subordinate to chain the man to the wall while he held a whip embedded with steel thorns. "To give you a chance to ambush us again?" Duke''s devilish smile sent chills through the air. "Young Master Coltons, you brought this upon yourself. You knew full well that I have no tolerance for those who harbor malice against me. Now you and your people must face the consequences." "But that''s the least of my concerns right now. Do you know what your greatest offense is?" Duke''s aura darkened, and the temperature in the dungeon plummeted, making Alex feel as though he were submerged in icy water. It was as if a massive snake had coiled around him, immobilizing him with fear. The sensation was paralyzing; any movement seemed to promise death, but remaining still felt equally perilous. Trapped in this agonizing choice, Alex''s hatred surged as he stared at Duke, consumed by despair. "Tsk, tsk, tsk." Duke clicked his tongue, his index finger pointing at Alex as if to emphasize that continued staring would lead to his eyes being gouged out. "Your greatest offense," Duke said through clenched teeth, "is leering at my wife with your filthy eyes, touching her with your dirty hands, and daring to stand so close to her." He cursed under his breath, the anger barely contained. "To think you had the audacity to lay your eyes on my wife is the height of offense!" Duke roared, his voice seething with possessive fury. The mere thought of Alex''s gaze and touch on his wife ignited a blinding rage within him. He felt a primal urge to twist Alex''s neck with his own hands, bypassing any sense of vengeance just to rid himself of this vermin. Duke wasn''t merely jealous; he was enraged by the offense done to Kisha. As her husband, he was furious that she had been subjected to such treatment under his watch. Consumed by this anger, he lashed out at Alex with the full force of his wrath. The whip, studded with steel thorns, cut deeply into Alex''s flesh, making him squeal in agony. The fresh blood dripped down, and the stinging pain from the whip left his flesh throbbing with each cruel lash. He had heard of Duke''s cold and cruel nature, but no one had ever truly experienced it. The reality was that it wasn''t simply that no one had known his cruelty well enough to tell the tale¡ªit was that no one had lived through it to recount their experience. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The whip was merely the appetizer. After ensuring Alex''s body was covered in deep, painful welts, Duke handed the bloodied whip to Tristan. Tristan then passed him a new instrument designed to slowly twist and crush each finger, ensuring maximum agony with every turn. This tool was used to inflict the most excruciating pain, drawing out the suffering as much as possible. As Duke personally applied the apparatus to Alex''s hands, the man remained unconscious from the brutal whipping he had endured. Once Duke had secured the devices on both of Alex''s hands, he signaled to Tristan to fetch some water. The intention was to wake up Alex so that the next round of torture could commence. Duke wanted to ensure that the torment was thoroughly administered before heading home for dinner with his wife. Soon after, the air was once again filled with terrifying screams from the torture chamber. The prisoners on the other side of the cells trembled in fear, especially after witnessing the battered state of the previous victim when he was thrown back into his cell. They could only wonder if the man would survive the night. With the man who led them into this nightmare now screaming in agony, his cries gradually fading, the remaining prisoners felt a rising fear that they might be next. Their growing hatred was not directed at Duke or Kisha but at Alex, the one whose greed had led them all into this hellish predicament, causing their collective suffering. They had believed that following Alex would ensure their survival and offer a semblance of a good life amid the apocalypse. Even if death was inevitable, they hoped to savor luxuries they had never known before. But had they known that their loyalty would lead them to endure such hellish torment simply for following the wrong man, they might have fled at the first sign of the Coltons. Even the former Minister of Defense cowered in the corner, desperately trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible to avoid attracting Duke''s attention and being subjected to the same brutal treatment as Alex. The so-called torture chamber had no walls separating the prisoners from the scene inside; the bars allowed a clear view of the horrors unfolding within. Yet, despite the visibility, no one dared to look, paralyzed by the sheer terror of the ongoing torture. Even before facing the torture themselves, their mental fortitude had already begun to crumble, replaced by fear and cowardice. They trembled as Duke''s cold, indifferent voice echoed through the dimly lit dungeon, a sound that seemed to embody the very essence of malevolence as if they were hearing the voice of Satan himself come to life. "There''s something I don''t understand, Young Master Coltons," Duke said, his voice edged with a fierce intensity as his jaw clenched tightly. He could almost hear his teeth grinding, threatening to shatter from the force of his anger. "Why did you have to be so brutal with my men before you killed them?" Chapter 247 You Forgot To Add "Ha... ha... ha..." Alex tried to act tough and loud, but his facade was crumbling. His face contorted in pain, and he could barely utter a word as agony ravaged his body. Every inch of him ached, especially his hands, which he could barely feel anymore. He knew they were broken and feared they might be beyond saving. "Do I need... a concrete reason... to teach your mutts some... basic manners?" Alex said, looking up at Duke defiantly, a mad grin spreading across his face. "I hate you... and that''s all I need..." Hearing Alex''s words snapped Duke''s last thread of reasoning. He instantly drew the gun tucked in his trousers, pointed it at Alex''s head, and released the safety. After a tense moment, Duke shifted his aim and pulled the trigger without a second thought. Bang! Thud- After the loud ''thud'' following the gunfire, everyone turned to see one of the prisoners on the floor, swimming in his own blood. Everything had happened so quickly that everyone was caught off guard. Duke crouched down and used his gun to lift Alex''s chin so they could look each other in the eye. Then, Duke flashed Alex his most charming smile. "If you think this taunting will make me end your suffering, you''re hugely mistaken. I will torture you day after day until you feel the same pain my people felt before they died at your hands. I will make you experience hell on earth." Duke emphasized each word in a slow, low voice, each syllable dripping with menace. It wasn''t just a threat; it was a promise of what he was about to do. Anyone who heard him would think Duke was the real psychopath between the two. Duke never issued threats¡ªonly warnings or declarations of his next actions. "Even if you are at death''s door, I will revive you and continue to torture you until I am done with you. Before that, I will make sure you know how painful it is to die a hundred times," Duke said sinisterly. His ocean-blue eyes were deep and dark, like an abyss. When Alex saw them, he trembled in fear, knowing Duke''s words were not an empty threat. He knew he would truly suffer such a demise. He thought that if he taunted Duke enough to snap his thread of reasoning, Duke would kill him out of anger and release him from this hellhole. Oh, how mistaken he was. The realization that this was just the beginning of his suffering was enough to shatter his mentality. Alex thought he was prepared for the day Duke would get a hold of him if he failed to dominate him. But he didn''t realize just how unprepared he truly was. If he had known, he might have stayed in his lane, perhaps even joining Duke''s entourage to keep himself safe, enjoying his privileges from the shadows. Alas, there is no cure for regret in this world. He couldn''t go back to correct his mistakes, and now he couldn''t bear the thought of what awaited him. Alex''s eyes slowly dimmed as he succumbed to his fate, eventually turning vacant. "Tsk! I thought you had more guts to challenge me," Duke sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "But it turns out, you''re just a pussy who likes playing the owner of the mountain while the tiger is away. This was just the first day and you''re already this broken?" Duke dropped Alex''s chin in disgust before he stood up and gave the gun to Tristan. "Take care of this man and make sure he will not die, you and the others can torture anyone you like as long as no one dies but keep tight security here and increase the security measures," Duke instructed Tristan as they headed out of the torture chamber toward the stairs. "Understood, Master." Tristan bowed before he signaled for the other subordinates to take care of Alex and followed their Master''s instruction before Tristan hurriedly followed Duke. "Did you bring me spare clothes?" Duke asked Tristan without stopping in his tracks. "Yes, Master. I''ve already arranged for it upstairs," Tristan replied. He had long been attuned to Duke''s preferences and habits, understanding his likes and dislikes. At this moment, he likely wanted to clean himself up before heading home, so he wouldn''t disturb his wife with the smell of blood before dinner. When Duke reached home, he found Kisha and his mother busy in the kitchen, while Marcus and the grandchildren bustled around, helping out with evident energy and happiness. Though he knew the reason for their uplifted spirits, it was the least of his concerns at the moment. All he wanted was to go directly to Kisha, hug her, and breathe in her scent to calm his raging anger. So he did just that, ignoring the looks he got from his mother and father, who had just arrived from working outside. Kisha, busy whipping up some food at the kitchen counter, didn''t notice Duke''s presence. She was startled when a strong arm coiled around her small waist, causing her to yelp in surprise. Duke was exceptionally good at hiding his presence, and Kisha always failed to notice him when he sneaked up behind her. Kisha''s nose wrinkled slightly; even though Duke had taken a shower, she could still detect a hint of rusty iron, the lingering smell of blood clinging to him. She figured that Duke must have gone to the dungeons to torture Alex and the others, not that she minded because they deserved it. Duke rested his chin on Kisha''s shoulder, peering at what she was cooking. "What are you making?" he asked, his raspy, masculine voice sounding huskier than usual, still tinged with hidden emotion. He buried his nose in the nape of her neck and deeply inhaled her scent, seeking comfort. Kisha felt Duke''s arm tighten around her waist as if he were afraid to let go. She smiled. "I''m steaming a halibut, and Mom is making a seafood boil. We also have sea grapes salad, chicken soup, pork barbecue that Aston and the others are grilling outside, steaks, and many more dishes," Kisha said happily. "Why does it look like we''re celebrating something? Hmm?" Duke asked, slightly nibbling Kisha''s neck suggestively. They heard his mother clear her throat before she left her station, walking straight to her own husband to welcome him back. She left a teasing chuckle directed at the new couple, making Kisha feel bashful. She lightly hit Duke on the arm for being so mischievous. "Isn''t it a day to remember? It''s our first day taking over HOPE Base, and we defeated the Coltons, who schemed against you and your family. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for all of us." Kisha stated. Although she meant every word, there was also a deeper meaning behind her statement. Although this marks a promising beginning, it also means they must be prepared for the challenges ahead. The obstacles will only grow tougher, and this might be one of the last chances they have to relax for a while. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Well, you forgot to mention one more thing," Duke whispered, his warm breath caressing Kisha''s skin. The sensation sent tingles down her spine, making her eyelashes flutter. Chapter 248 Would You Also Help My Little Brother? "What is it?" Kisha tilted her head, trying her best to stifle a moan. She knew Duke was teasing her intentionally, especially with his parents around. Kisha felt Duke''s lips curl into a mischievous grin against her skin. "Tonight will be the night we become one." Kisha nearly choked on her own saliva at Duke''s casual mention. He''d been reminding her of this promise since early this morning, and describing him as excited barely scratched the surface. He looked like a child eagerly awaiting Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, anticipating his gift with wide-eyed excitement. Kisha could feel Duke''s hard shaft pressing against her, as he subtly rubbed it between her cheeks. It was as if he wanted to skip dinner entirely and take her right then and there. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she tried to discreetly check on her in-laws, but Duke''s closeness made it nearly impossible for her to move. Left with no other option, Kisha used her system''s radar to check for people nearby. Fortunately, her in-laws and the others had tactfully given them space, which might have emboldened Duke, or perhaps her in-laws had simply felt uncomfortable intruding on their private moment. Regardless, Kisha felt her face flush with embarrassment and couldn''t help but pinch Duke''s arm to express her dissatisfaction. Duke felt the pinch as a light tickle and chuckled softly. "Are you trying to entice me, my little wife?" he said with a playful glint in his eyes. "I wouldn''t object to starting our celebration feast right now." His words were accompanied by a wolfish snarl leaving his lips but with a hint of teasing. Duke felt his anger dissipate as he teased his wife and watched her face turn crimson with embarrassment. Despite her usual cold and indifferent demeanor, he knew she was still vulnerable to his playful jabs. It brought him immense joy to see that he was the only one able to pierce through her hardened exterior, drawing out the genuine emotions and expressions she typically masked due to her past experiences. He was delighted to see Kisha let down her guard and reveal her true self to him alone. It was a sign that she felt safe enough to shed her cold exterior and show her vulnerability. In turn, he felt compelled to be completely open with her. She was the one woman he had ever truly desired and the only one he would lay down his life for. Duke buried his nose in the nape of Kisha''s neck for several minutes, inhaling her soothing scent to calm his tumultuous emotions and release his darker side. They remained silent, the peaceful moment underscored by Kisha''s gentle caress on his arm. Sensing his need for solace, she tilted her head slightly, offering him more space to rest as he clung to her warmth. Once Duke''s emotions had settled, he chuckled softly and playfully teased Kisha. "Thank you, my little wife. But it seems my little brother here is still quite worked up. Would you be so kind as to help him calm down as well?" Kisha nearly choked on her own breath at Duke''s words, and as if sensing her reaction, Duke turned to face her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the others entering from the outside, carrying the freshly cooked food. Panicked that they might overhear Duke''s suggestive remarks, she quickly slapped her hand over his mouth, the sound echoing loudly enough to startle even Duke, who now looked at her with wide, surprised eyes. "That''s what you get for not knowing your limits," Kisha said sharply, though her eyes betrayed a hint of guilt as she looked at Duke. Her hand remained firmly over his mouth, wary that he might make another suggestive comment. She never imagined Duke had this side to him¡ªhe seemed like a persistent mutt always in heat. Kisha felt Duke''s lips curl against her palm, followed by his tongue gently licking her skin. Startled, she jolted, her eyes widening at his audacity, especially with people gathering around the dining table. She had even invited Clyde and his friends to join the celebration, acknowledging their support before they had successfully defeated the Coltons. Kisha tried to pull her hand away, but Duke caught it, stepping closer to trap her between himself and the kitchen counter. His hard shaft pressed against her stomach as he continued to lick her palm, his presence both intense and intimate. Kisha shot Duke a pointed glare, but it quickly melted into a sweet, teasing smile. "Does it taste fishy?" she asked, her tone playful. Duke''s eyebrows shot up in confusion, his head tilting to the side. "Well, didn''t I mention I''m steaming a halibut?" Kisha said with a smug smirk. "I haven''t had a chance to wash my hands after handling the fish." She wasn''t trying to be devious; Duke had just interrupted her while she was still in the middle of cooking. Kisha watched Duke''s face cycle through a series of expressions¡ªshock, embarrassment, disgust, and anger¡ªbefore settling into a look of helpless resignation. With a calm resolve, he gently placed her hand down and headed to the sink, where he began to wash his mouth out repeatedly. Kisha couldn''t contain her laughter as she watched Duke at the sink, gurgling and scrubbing away. The others, seeing Kisha and Duke''s playful interaction and her hearty laughter, were tempted to join in on the joke. However, Duke shot them a glaring look before they could even voice their curiosity, making it clear that the moment was for Kisha and him alone. Duke didn''t notice any fishy taste on Kisha''s hand, as all his attention was focused solely on her. While he did detect an odd taste, he dismissed it, allowing himself to be swept up in the moment. What he initially thought was an intimate gesture had turned into a playful joke, but he didn''t mind. Seeing Kisha so happy and carefree brought him immense joy. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her genuine smile and lightheartedness made him forget any discomfort and simply appreciate the moment with her. So, if you ask him if he''d do it again? Absolutely, without a doubt. After Kisha and Duke settled in and most of the food was prepared, everyone pitched in to set the table. They even rearranged the seating several times to accommodate everyone, extending the table as needed. Fortunately, the dining hall was spacious enough to allow for this, so they added extra tables on the other side. This way, even Marcus and his family could join in, turning the gathering into a grand banquet. Kisha also brought out sparkling wine, champagne, and red wine for everyone to enjoy. Clyde and his friends were pleasantly surprised by the seafood and the array of meats on the table. They tried to maintain their composure, knowing that Kisha and the others had generously shared such luxuries with the survivors at the base. Being recipients of these good deeds reassured them that they had made the right choice in allying with such capable and generous people. Clyde could see that HOPE Base was on track to become the leading survivor stronghold, but this success would inevitably attract jealousy and envy from other survivor groups. If Kisha''s vision of a safe haven where everyone could live securely and happily came to fruition, it would become a coveted treasure, sparking intense rivalry and potential threats. This realization underscored the need for HOPE Base to become even stronger to protect itself and maintain its position. Chapter 249 Dukes Mischievous Nature Clyde was aware that Kisha was well-versed in this matter, so he set it aside for the moment. Instead, he chose to focus on the celebration banquet, where everyone was enjoying themselves. He was determined to maintain the festive atmosphere and not let any concerns dampen the mood. Everyone ate and drank joyfully, savoring the moment as if they were back in the days before the apocalypse, simply enjoying a family dinner. The warmth and safety they felt were almost overwhelming, bringing them to the brink of tears. They fully appreciated the peace they currently had, choosing to cherish it rather than focusing on what they lacked. They hoped this tranquility would last a little longer before another catastrophe threatened to shatter their fleeting sense of calm. The men seemed to be drinking the wine like water, eagerly requesting that Kisha bring out some beer to help them loosen up. Feeling generous, Kisha didn''t hold back and produced a stack of cans from various breweries, stunning Clyde and his friends. The beers seemed to appear out of thin air, leaving Clyde uncertain whether it was the alcohol or the sheer surprise that was affecting his perception. When he turned around, he saw the same astonished expressions on his friends'' faces, confirming that it wasn''t just his imagination. He realized that he might not be as drunk as he initially thought, and his brain was still functioning normally, not conjuring illusions. His mouth gaped in disbelief, unable to find the right words. Kisha chuckled as she observed Clyde and his friends. Their astonished reactions to her inventory¡ªsomething she''d used many times¡ªnever failed to amuse her. The sight of their shocked faces still brought a smile to her. After retrieving the beer, Sparrow and the others linked arms with Clyde and his friends, guiding them outside to the open porch of the villa. There, they could enjoy the fresh air and continue drinking while chatting about random topics, letting the relaxed atmosphere enhance their enjoyment. Soon, Clyde and his friends were so caught up in the lively conversation and distractions from Sparrow and the others that they forgot about the earlier surprise. They shifted their focus to discussing the plans for the Advance Party, which would be heading out of the base to secure the perimeter and conduct a supply run. "Sparrow, could you let me join the Advance Party too? I''m great at fighting and quick-witted¡ªI''m sure I can help out outside," Clyde slurred, struggling to articulate his words. His attempts only made Sparrow and the others laugh warmly. "I''m serious! Just give me some fair work points so I can buy meat and water for my mom and sister, and I''ll work like an ox," he boasted, patting his chest reassuringly, followed by a hiccup. Kisha and Duke, sitting nearby, overheard the conversation and the ensuing laughter. Clyde''s vexed expression, feeling belittled for his youth and not being taken seriously, stirred a desire in him to confront them. "Are you trying to run away from me? Hmm?" Duke said with a playful edge in his voice, tightening his arms around Kisha''s waist. She was seated on his lap, enjoying the slice of watermelon he handed her from the plate just beside him, the fruit came from her space. He was also massaging her hands, which had been busy cooking a feast with his mother to accommodate everyone. Kisha felt like royalty at that moment, but her heightened senses couldn''t help but pick up on Clyde''s comments, stirring a mix of curiosity and concern within her. "I''m not trying to escape," Kisha said, rolling her eyes at Duke. "Besides, they''re our guests right now." "Sparrow and the others can handle entertaining the guests," Duke replied teasingly, offering Kisha another bite-sized slice of watermelon. But before she could take a bite, he gently bit down on the remaining piece, capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss. He seemed completely unfazed by the possibility of anyone witnessing their intimate moment on the porch. Everyone made a point of pretending not to notice Duke and Kisha''s intimate moment, as if they were on a honeymoon. "Indeed, the watermelon is sweet and juicy," Duke said after their kiss, his raspy voice sending shivers down Kisha''s spine. He smirked playfully, his eyes glinting with mischief. "So, are you going to let a kid distract you from your husband, or are you ready to focus on me?" His tone was laced with anticipation, hinting at his earlier plans. Kisha pinched Duke''s side with a firm grip, causing him to grit his teeth and let out a pained grunt. Even his simple reaction was somehow alluring, and Kisha''s face flushed darker as she thought, ''This man never misses a chance to seduce me!'' What she didn''t realize was that Duke wasn''t actually trying to seduce her; he was genuinely feeling the pain. Her stats had surpassed his, and despite his increased defense, her offense was so much higher that it rendered his defense nearly ineffective. "Wifey, ah, it hurts¡­" Duke whimpered, his face contorting as if his skin was being pulled from his muscles. He tried a different tactic, pouting and gazing at Kisha with tear-filled eyes. "Wifey¡­" His attempt to act coy backfired, as Kisha mistook his plea for a continued effort to seduce her. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Embarrassed in front of the crowd and thinking Duke was still trying to charm her, she tightened her grip even more. Duke''s parents, including his grandfather, watched the exchange with amusement, their laughter echoing around them. His grandfather, in particular, took pleasure in Duke''s discomfort. "Wifey! My skin is going to be punctured by your nails, ah!" Duke grunted, his voice carrying a seductive edge that stirred a sadistic streak in Kisha. She quickly released her grip and cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. Duke took a deep breath, glaring at Kisha with a mix of resentment and disbelief. "Wifey, are you trying to murder your husband?" he asked, his eyes reddened from the pain. He scratched his side slowly, trying to alleviate the sting. His subordinates watched in astonishment; they had always known Duke to endure severe pain without flinching. Yet, with just a simple pinch from Kisha, he was clearly defeated, revealing just how henpecked of a husband he truly was. What they didn''t realize was that Kisha''s offense was powerful enough to bring even Duke to his knees in pain. If he were to be whipped by her, the intensity would be far greater. The thought of this made Duke look at Kisha with a mix of anticipation and desire. He found himself oddly excited by the idea of being dominated by his wife, imagining himself restrained and at her mercy, whether tied to a chair or bed. If Kisha knew what was going through his mind, she''d definitely have to teach him a lesson or two to correct his improper thoughts. Despite having felt Kisha''s iron grip firsthand, Duke remained unwavering in his devotion, trailing behind her like a lost puppy. As she approached Clyde and Sparrow, he kept close by her side. "Sparrow, I believe Clyde would be a valuable asset to your team, especially once he has gained more experience. Also, don''t forget to take Reeve along on your mission," Kisha advised. Sparrow, ever perceptive, recognized the wisdom in her words and understood the strategic importance behind her recommendation. Chapter 250 The Lurking Beast Around Her "Y-Young Madam, why me too?!" Reeve, who had been quietly sipping his sparkling wine, suddenly choked and spluttered. His voice trembled with anxiety as he blurted out his question. He had already had a harrowing experience outside once and was determined to secure a safer position within the shelter. "Reeve, the only way to truly find your safety is by facing the outside world and getting accustomed to the dangers out there. Hiding inside the base won''t always keep you secure, as you won''t know when we might be overrun by zombies. You can''t keep running from danger forever. Embrace the challenge, and you''ll discover strengths you didn''t know you had. It''s important for you to grow stronger and find your own place in the team," Kisha said firmly. She wanted Reeve to realize his full potential and contribute effectively to team efforts, knowing his skills would be invaluable in raids and improving team synergy. "B-but¡­ I don''t even know how to wield a weapon, let alone fight," Reeve murmured, avoiding eye contact. He had mustered the courage to step outside and offer his help, but deep down, he felt ill-suited for the task. He feared that his lack of skill would only hinder the team and that his anxiety about dying miserably would hold him back. "What a fantastic opportunity! As part of your roles, you''ll undergo training to ensure you''re well-prepared for your missions. The team captain, Sparrow, will be leading these sessions and will do an excellent job guiding you and teaching you everything you need to know." She turned to Sparrow with a raised eyebrow. "Right, Captain Sparrow?" Sparrow nodded enthusiastically. It wasn''t as if he hadn''t already planned for this; from the moment he was appointed Captain of the Advance Party, he had been determined to ensure that everyone under his command would undergo rigorous training. This training, designed by Duke himself, was part of their elite program. Completing it would be a crucial step for everyone to effectively take on roles outside and successfully complete their missions. "Wifey, what do you think about implementing a daily training drill for all soldiers and offense personnel, including the newcomers? Once they complete the training and pass the stringent qualification tests, they could be assigned to the departments best suited to their skills. This approach would allow us to effectively match their talents with the appropriate roles. Additionally, we should consider an exchange program from time to time, so they can experience and learn from different departments." Duke thoughtfully proposed. He was drawing from his own experiences with elite training, aiming to ensure that his team was versatile and benefited from diverse experiences. "Hubby¡­" Kisha smiled sweetly, catching Duke off guard. Though he was tempted to be pleased, he knew her smile often masked seriousness. He straightened his expression. "I anticipated you''d suggest this. I''ll leave the elite training to you." Kisha winked, causing Duke to smile widely. However, his subordinates were growing nervous. They were all too familiar with Duke''s rigorous training methods, which included his relentless stamina that made it hard for them to keep up. Duke''s training sessions were infamous for their intensity, including daily drills and hand-to-hand combat where he meticulously pinpointed their weaknesses. When it came to training, Duke was a perfectionist, insisting on pushing his subordinates to their limits until they were left crawling in pain. His trainees felt as though Kisha had orchestrated this deliberately, and they were beginning to flinch in anticipation of the grueling sessions. Aston, Reeve, Clyde, and their teams, initially eager to join the training, soon regretted their decision after experiencing the grueling ordeal firsthand. However, the effectiveness of his training would become evident once he had finished. By then, their base''s defense and offense capabilities would be significantly enhanced, improving by leaps and bounds. With Kisha confident that Reeve should give the training a try to see if he could truly become stronger and join the Advance Party, she and Duke retreated to their room, leaving the others to discuss among themselves as it was already getting late. Duke sent Kisha back to their room first before heading to his office. With Duke out of the way, Kisha seized the opportunity to take a long, hot bath. She knew that after assigning such a significant responsibility to Duke, and with the training starting tomorrow, he would be busy preparing his materials and regimen. This allowed her a rare moment of solitude and a chance to escape from his demanding presence. That''s why he had sent her to their room while he stayed in his study. With time to herself for the first time in a while, Kisha relished the opportunity to take a leisurely hot bath. She added a vanilla bubble bath to the tub, allowing the soothing aroma of vanilla to envelop her, bringing both relaxation and peace of mind. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As she hummed softly in the bathroom, Kisha relished the opportunity to soak and scrub herself thoroughly. After constantly being covered in zombie blood and running around, she felt like her skin had accumulated layers of grime. This rare chance to bathe in peace felt like a luxury, so she meticulously cleaned every inch of herself, using her favorite floral-scented shampoo and conditioner, along with vanilla lotion. She even lit a vanilla-scented candle to pamper herself, ensuring a relaxing sleep in bed while Duke was busy outside. This moment of tranquility allowed her to unwind without worrying about the ever-present beast that had kept her on edge and guarded, constantly seducing her. As she hummed and practically danced around the bathroom, Kisha felt a rare sense of freedom and relief from stress. After blow-drying her hair in front of the mirror, she brushed her teeth and put on a white silk nightgown and matching robe, a gift from her mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law had mentioned that she had nothing else to give at the moment and wanted to thank Kisha for everything she had done. The sentimental value of the gift made Kisha eager to wear it, especially since Duke wasn''t around and this was her only opportunity to enjoy it. Kisha practically glowed as she admired herself in the mirror, before happily heading to bed to enjoy a restful sleep. Kisha was startled to find Duke lounging on their bed, clad in nothing but a black robe that left part of his muscular chest exposed, revealing his defined abdominal muscles. He rested his head on his left arm, his gaze fixed on Kisha with a triumphant smirk on his lips. His eyes were dark and intense, filled with a mix of lust and desire. He took in Kisha''s expression before letting his gaze trail down to her visible cleavage and the nightgown that accentuated her curves and porcelain skin. Duke''s smile grew wider the longer he gazed at Kisha. "Do you think you''ve successfully sent me away, my little wife?" Duke asked, his intense gaze making Kisha feel fidgety and her stomach churn. She hadn''t expected him to be there; she had assigned him a significant responsibility for tomorrow, assuming he would be busy preparing and preoccupied tonight. Now, she felt foolish standing there while Duke looked at her like prey that had unwittingly walked into a trap. Chapter 251 Fulfilling The Promise ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ "W-What are you doing here?!" Kisha asked, trying to keep her composure despite feeling like a deer caught in headlights. She realized she had fallen into Duke''s trap, convincing herself that he would prioritize his task and forget his desire from earlier that morning. It was now clear what mattered more to him. "Wifey, you know how much I''ve been looking forward to our special night. How could I let an insignificant matter interfere with my duty to you?" Duke teased, his tone laced with both seduction and seriousness. "What if this gave you a reason to leave me for someone younger?" His playful yet intense gaze left Kisha uncertain about his true intentions. Duke''s unabashed mention of their special night made Kisha feel extremely embarrassed as if she were already on the chopping block before him. She realized she had misjudged Duke, always believing he would prioritize important tasks. But it seemed his definition of what was important differed from hers. When had this man become so roguish and shameless? She couldn''t even come close to matching his audacity. He had gone so far as to make her believe he was busy preparing the training regimen in his office, only to use that time to shower and ensure she couldn''t escape from him. He had done all this just to lower her guard, only to ambush her in the most unexpected way. He probably hadn''t forgotten their agreement from this morning for even a second, anticipating their first time together. He had returned faster than her and managed to scatter red rose petals on the bed and floor, along with setting up wine and a charcuterie board. ''Where the hell did he even get the roses from?!'' Kisha wondered as she let her eyes roam around the room. Duke seemed so prepared that Kisha didn''t know what to do anymore. She felt like both crying and laughing at how meticulously he had planned everything, a side of him she was only now discovering. It really caught her by surprise. Thankfully, 008 wasn''t there to tease her endlessly about it. She realized he might have even enlisted his mother in his scheme, making the silk nightgown sound sentimental. Now, Kisha suspected that her mother-in-law might have just found the nightgown somewhere and concocted the story to ensure Kisha wore it, all while believing Duke would be too busy to come back to their room, given the ongoing development of HOPE Base and the many tasks still needing attention. But to think that the Vice City Lord''s first mission would be to bed his wife and strengthen their bloodline was something else entirely. Kisha was beyond speechless and could only facepalm internally. Seeing that Kisha wasn''t moving from her spot, Duke realized she had started to grasp what he had done. Fearing she might go ballistic, he quickly stood up from the bed, gently took her hand, and led her to the sofa where the wine and charcuterie board were set up. He wanted to set the mood right, just as his mother had advised. The moment he saw Kisha come out of the bathroom wearing that thin nightgown accentuating her curves while revealing her ample cleavage and fair legs, it was already enough to make him hot all over and his throat getting dry, he wanted to jump her in that instant but his mother reminded him that mood was very important and he needed to show some romance to his newly wedded wife before doing the deed if he didn''t want to sleep in the dog house and advise him of so many other things, which is only making him so antsy the more he get near Kisha. He felt his head swimming in the cloud as he smelled Kisha''s scent and his body reacting faster than his head understanding what Kisha could do to him, he felt the pull stronger than his self-control that before he knew it, he already threw everything his mother taught him and he seizes Kisha''s lips even before her ass reached the sofa, he sat on the sofa and pulled Kisha onto him to sit on him and straddle his strong waist while he cupped both her ass cheeks as he kissed her hungrily. Kisha was initially taken aback by his sudden advance, but her body eagerly responded to his touch, returning his kisses with equal fervor. The room was soon filled with the sounds of their heavy breathing and passionate gasps, as the meeting of their lips drowned out any lingering doubts or objections she might have had about the situation. No romantic ambiance was needed; when they were alone, their desire for each other ignited like fireworks. Kisha had always thought it was Duke who was the driving force behind their physical connection, but she was astonished to discover that she, too, was equally hungry for him. Her longing wasn''t limited to this lifetime but also encompassed feelings from her past life¡ªemotions she had kept hidden, reflecting on how they were like the "one that got away" due to past circumstances and poor choices. Now that fate had given them a chance, Kisha clung to Duke''s neck as if her life depended on it. She bit and nibbled at his lips, eagerly sucking on them. Duke, feeling her fervor matched his own, felt the heat within him intensify. His body was ablaze, and his touch on Kisha only fueled her desire to be more assertive. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When she reached out with her tongue, exploring his mouth, it momentarily stunned him, but he welcomed her in with eager pleasure. Their tongues intertwined, Duke sucking on hers with a fervor that made Kisha moan and gasp. This only urged them on as their hands roamed over each other''s bodies. One of Duke''s hands anchored Kisha''s neck, ensuring she stayed close, while his other hand gripped her ass, pulling her even closer as he slowly guided her to grind her pussy on his building cock that was only separated by a thin silk panty that Kisha was wearing and Duke didn''t even bother to wear anything underneath his robe. Kisha could feel every contour of Duke''s cock pressing against her, causing both of them to moan in unison as their lips parted. Duke''s gaze remained locked on her, intense and burning, guiding her movements as she ground against him. The heat between them grew with every friction, and Kisha''s excitement intensified. Clutching Duke''s hair, she matched his gaze, her body responding eagerly as her silk panties grew damp with desire. Each touch and sensation felt electrifying, drawing her closer to the edge of euphoria. Kisha''s moans fueled Duke''s growing desire, each sound like music to his ears. A wolfish grin spread across his lips before he claimed her mouth with a fierce kiss. Rising to his feet while holding her securely to prevent her from falling, Duke found that Kisha moved eagerly against his hard cock without needing guidance. Her movements were driven by a clear, desperate need for release. "Wifey, stop. If you keep this up, I''ll cum too soon." Duke''s voice was a deep, throaty groan of pleasure as he gazed at Kisha. Despite his words, he didn''t slow down; instead, he gently laid her back on the bed, his desire for her burning just as fiercely. Kisha flashed Duke a defiant smile, unwilling to back down or let him have full control. "Oh, hubby, I didn''t realize you were a ''15-minute man''," she teased playfully, her eyes locked on his as she began to untie his loose robe. Kisha bit her lip, her eyes ablaze with desire as Duke''s robe fell open, revealing his hard cock, which twitched in response to her gaze. Duke let out a groan, captivated by every movement she made. As Kisha inched closer, her body supported on the bed, Duke remained on his knees, his posture as straight as a pine tree. Watching her undo his robe and feeling her intense desire mirrored his own, he felt a surge of pride in seeing his wife share the same passion for him. He brushed off her teasing remark about his capabilities in bed, knowing that soon enough, she would experience them firsthand. There was no need to get agitated or try to prove himself verbally¡ªactions would speak louder. After gazing at his hard cock for a moment, Kisha''s lust-filled eyes lifted to him, seemingly begging him to begin. Her hands explored his sturdy chest, gliding slowly over the contours of his abs, sending electrifying sensations through his body. Duke''s stomach churned with anticipation as his senses heightened, causing his cock to twitch in response to the delicious torment of her touch. Despite the growing need, he allowed her to enjoy her playful torment before he took his turn. Chapter 252 He Got Carried Away ___________ S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ Even without much experience, Kisha couldn''t help but tease Duke, sensing his mounting anticipation as he struggled to contain his desire to pin her down on the bed. As her hand reached his navel, she leaned in closer and planted a sensual kiss there, leaving a damp, soft trace where her lips touched. The unexpected sensation made Duke gasp slightly, the heat around his core intensifying with every touch. Noticing Duke''s gaze darken with desire, Kisha smirked triumphantly, savoring the moment. Duke, his thoughts a mix of anticipation and resolve, gently guided Kisha''s hands to his throbbing cock. As he watched her intently, Kisha''s expression was a blend of concern, anticipation, and lust. She hesitated, rubbing the tip of his cock while examining its length and thickness, her mind racing with thoughts of whether it would fit. Kisha thought, "This is so big, I don''t think it will fit." Despite her doubts, she couldn''t deny the intense desire she felt. They both had numerous responsibilities and challenges ahead, yet their current situation offered a rare opportunity for comfort and intimacy. Amidst their chaotic lives and endless battles, moments like these provided a precious escape, a chance to be vulnerable and connected in ways they might not have again for a long time. When Kisha looked at Duke, she pushed aside her embarrassment and fully embraced her desire for the man she loved and adored. She realized that, despite his seemingly overbearing nature, Duke had been carefully holding back to ensure she felt comfortable. His insistence was not about control but about gauging her responses and respecting her boundaries. His patience and care for her were evident, as he was willing to adjust his actions based on her reactions, demonstrating just how deeply he valued and respected her. That''s why Kisha decided to take a more proactive approach. As she began to stroke his hard shaft slowly, she kept her eyes locked on him, watching as he bit his lower lip to stifle a moan. Duke''s sensitivity was heightened compared to when he touched himself or when Kisha had touched him before, intensifying the pleasure he felt from her gentle touch. His heart raced and his stomach fluttered, every nerve in his body tingling with electrifying sensation. His toes curled and his mind buzzed with delight. Kisha''s every stroke and her soul-stirring gaze sent waves of pleasure through him, making him want to thrust into her mouth. Despite his intense desire, he restrained himself, placing both hands behind him to hold back and maintain control. It was as if Kisha could sense his thoughts. She brought her mouth closer to his hard cock, starting with a teasing lick at the tip, savoring the precum. Her small tongue traced a path from the base to the tip, circling the crown with deliberate, slow movements that heightened his anticipation. The sensation was too much for him to bear. His desire surged, overriding any remaining rationality. He moaned loudly as pleasure overwhelmed him. Kisha took him fully into her mouth, and Duke gasped at the intense pleasure. His hands instinctively reached for the back of her head, gently urging her to take more of his length deeper into her throat. Though Kisha was guided purely by instinct, her actions brought Duke intense pleasure. When he urged her to take him deeper and momentarily lost control, Kisha choked, drool spilling from the corners of her mouth. Duke tensed in response, but as she felt his grip on her head loosen, Kisha pressed on, taking him as deeply as she could. This movement elicited even louder moans from Duke. "Fuck! Kisha, darling, right there! Ah," Duke gasped, his voice strained with pleasure as his hand gently guided her head. Kisha didn''t let her other hand idle; she used it to gently massage Duke''s balls, sending waves of pleasure through him. Duke trembled and grunted, his breaths ragged, while his eyes stayed locked on Kisha. The sound of her slurping and the sight of her trying to take his big cock into her mouth with drool escaping made Duke smirk with satisfaction. The pleasure Duke was experiencing intensified, and soon he felt an overwhelming sensation building in his core. Kisha could feel Duke''s cock swell even further, and as she heard his groan, she realized what was about to happen. "I''m cumming!" Duke gasped, unable to hold back. He thrust deeper into Kisha''s throat as he released his seed, filling her deep in the throat. Kisha was taken aback by the intensity, and in her surprise, she grabbed onto Duke''s firm buttocks with one hand while the other hand tried to pull away. However, it felt as though Duke was using all his strength to keep her in place, his grip tight and his release coming with a fierce snarl. Kisha struggled to breathe, feeling tears and a mix of snot on her face as she fought to regain control. The urge to claw at Duke to make him let her go was overwhelming, as she desperately needed air. When Duke came to his senses after he came, he immediately released Kisha, who gasped for air and coughed heavily. Duke felt a pang of guilt for being too rough, and he gently rubbed her back, his voice hoarse with remorse. "I''m sorry, wifey. I got carried away," he said, his tone sincere. Even as he still felt the lingering pleasure pulsing through him, he was deeply satisfied and honestly, deep inside, he was satisfied and if he was given a chance, he might do it again. His guilt was compounded by his own conflicted feelings of satisfaction. Kisha wipe her face with the sleeves of her silk nightgoawn as she struggled to stop herself from coushing and panting at the same time, her chest was constricting. After wiping her face, she lifted her face to look at Duke with resentful eyes and Duke was clearly guilty. So to get back at him, Kisha kissed him passionately and let him have a taste of himself that was still remaining in her mouth after he came into her mouth. Duke did not protest and let Kisha do what would make her happy, he returned her passionate kiss and let their tongue dance, sometime pulling and pushing each other as they slowly settled on the bed. Duke indeed had a taste of how his cum tasted like, he frowned a little as how bitter it was and with its unique taste that he himself don''t want in his mouth but thanks to Kisha''s sweet taste that overwhelmed him, he soon forgotten about it and he slowly took off Kisha''s nightgown. Duke''s kisses cascaded over Kisha''s face and neck, leaving her clad only in her silk panties. Despite her resolve, she felt a twinge of embarrassment under Duke''s intense gaze as he admired her form. Subconsciously, she tried to cover her ample breasts with her arms. Duke gently seized her hands, pulling them away to fully appreciate her. His eyes were drawn to her large, round breasts, which bounced slightly with her movements. Amused and increasingly aroused, Duke marveled at their softness, swaying like jelly with every slight motion. Chapter 253 Evening The Score ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ "Stop staring!" Kisha hissed, her face flushing with a deep, embarrassed red. "Why shouldn''t I admire my beautiful wife? I let you look at me earlier¡ªwouldn''t it be unfair if I didn''t do the same?" Duke said with a smirk. Before she could respond, he dove in for a passionate kiss, his hands roaming over her smooth skin before settling on her chest, gripping her breasts with fervent desire. The sudden movement made Kisha gasp, a mix of surprise and arousal evident in her eyes. Duke, unfazed, continued to shower her with kisses, moving down to her neck. Kisha had never realized just how sensual and pleasurable being kissed on the neck could be until now. The warmth of Duke''s touch sent tingling sensations through Kisha''s entire body, overwhelming her with desire. She involuntarily closed her eyes as Duke''s tongue traced her sensitive neck, his gentle sucking followed by a light bite causing her to writhe on the bed. Just as she began to comprehend his actions, Duke''s attention shifted to her breasts. With one hand kneading her left breast, his mouth found her pert nipple, suckling and playing with it using his tongue and teeth. A loud moan escaped Kisha as the intense sensations from Duke''s mouth on her breast spread to every corner of her body. Her hands gripped Duke''s strong arms, gradually moving to his shoulders and then into his hair. As she tangled her fingers in his locks, gasps of pleasure escaped her lips. Duke pressed his hardened cock against Kisha''s legs as he sucked on her nipple with the hunger of a starving man. Feeling her grip tighten in his hair, his desire only intensified. He lavished her soft breast with fervent attention, his fingers sinking into her supple skin, amplifying his lust with every touch. Feeling his cock throb with growing impatience, Duke''s right hand moved slowly across Kisha''s belly, eventually sliding down to her core. His fingers began to rub her folds through the delicate silk of her panties, heightening the pleasure she was already experiencing. Kisha moaned louder, biting her bottom lip as she looked down to see Duke nestled against her breast. Their eyes locked, and seeing the mist in her gaze, Duke slid her panties to the side and gently inserted a finger into her core. "Ah!" Kisha writhed beneath him, her body arching on the bed as the sensation of his finger entering her made her head tilt back in pleasure and a little bit of pain. "Relax your muscles," Duke said in a deep, raspy voice. He could feel Kisha''s inner muscles tightening around his finger, making it nearly impossible for him to move it. He thought about how much more intense it would be if he were to enter her with his cock¡ªhe might be overwhelmed by the sensation. It seemed as though Kisha was too consumed by pleasure to hear him. Duke continued to move his finger slowly, observing every reaction from Kisha as he leaned to the side. Each stroke made Kisha writhe on the bed, gripping the sheets tightly. Her moans filled the room, and sweat began to glisten on her skin. Noticing that Kisha''s muscles were beginning to relax and adjust to the sensation, Duke increased the speed of his fingers and added another one. He then returned his attention to her nipples, intensifying the pleasure and causing Kisha to moan even louder. Duke took satisfaction in hearing her respond so positively, using this feedback to learn what made her feel good and what might be causing discomfort or pain. As it was his first time, Duke felt a strong desire to ensure that Kisha''s experience was as memorable and pleasurable as possible. He was determined to learn what he could do to enhance her pleasure and make the moment truly special for her. Duke noticed Kisha''s arousal was overflowing, and a satisfied smile crept onto his lips. Despite her ragged breathing and panting, he hadn''t yet brought her to climax, and he was eager to reciprocate the pleasure he''d received. Gently, he slid Kisha''s drenched panties down her long, fair legs and brought them to his nose for a deep quick sniff. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then, he carefully spread her legs, ensuring he had a clear and intimate view. "Fuck!" Duke exhaled sharply, his breath catching as he took in the sight of her flushed, pink pussy. Her clitoris was swollen and red, and her folds offered a tantalizing glimpse of her slightly open entrance. The sight made his cock throb with anticipation, and he took a deep breath, his excitement growing. He was eager to drive his cock deep into her, but he knew Kisha wasn''t ready for that kind of intensity just yet. He was aware that his size might overwhelm her at the moment. Instead, he lowered himself until his face was directly in front of her pussy, preparing to take things slowly. "What do you think you''re doing?!" Kisha''s voice trembled with embarrassment as she realized what Duke was about to do. She felt incredibly exposed, and her face flushed a deep red. "Giving back the favor," Duke said with a smirk as he looked up at Kisha from between her legs. He buried his face in her most intimate area, taking a deep, savoring breath that made Kisha grunt in embarrassment. However, her initial disapproval was quickly overtaken by desire as Duke began to lavish her folds with a long, sensual lick. When his tongue found her sensitive clitoris, Kisha writhed wildly on the bed, her moans echoing through the room as her fingers tangled in Duke''s hair. Duke licked Kisha''s clitoris with rapid, eager strokes, each touch driving her to scream in pleasure. As he worked his tongue, he simultaneously finger fuck her with two fingers, matching the speed of his oral assault. The intense stimulation left Kisha''s body trembling uncontrollably, her eyes rolling back in ecstatic abandon. The overwhelming pleasure built to a crescendo, and she cried out as she reached her climax, her grip on Duke''s hair tightening in a reflexive spasm. When the waves of pleasure subsided, she released her hold, her body going limp as if spent from the intensity of the experience. But Duke wasn''t finished yet; he was just getting started. He watched as Kisha''s chest heaved with ragged breaths, her mouth parting with each gasp. Duke didn''t give her a moment to recover. He moved closer, his weight pressing down on her, bringing her back to her senses. Her eyes were still misty from the intense climax she''d just experienced¡ªan intensity she hadn''t anticipated. She was overwhelmed by the sensation, realizing that this was only the beginning and they hadn''t even reached the main event yet. It took Duke only a few minutes to bring Kisha to a powerful climax, leaving her a breathless, trembling mess. She felt almost embarrassed, realizing that it took him less than 15 minutes to overwhelm her completely. Duke''s smug expression only added to her mix of emotions. "Wifey, don''t rest just yet. We''re only getting started," Duke smirked devilishly. He then kissed her passionately, letting her taste herself as she had done to him earlier. Duke''s mischievous side was fully committed to evening the score. Chapter 254 I Want To Hit Someone ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ Duke continued to tease Kisha gently, aiming to help her relax as he positioned himself between her legs. With a look of feigned innocence, he asked, "Wifey, can I?" His eyes were soft and pleading, though in reality, he was barely able to restrain himself. He had wanted to fully connect with Kisha from the start, but he hesitated out of concern for hurting her with his size. He sought to understand her desires before taking that final step. Seeing Duke''s pitiful, puppy-like expression, Kisha''s heart softened, and her lust surged anew. She gazed at him and gave a hesitant nod, her body torn between anticipation and trepidation. As soon as she nodded, she felt a sharp, intense pressure as something hard and solid began to stretch her. Duke grunted in discomfort as he too paused, adjusting to the tightness, both of them caught in a moment of mutual discomfort. Only the tip had entered Kisha, and Duke already felt the extreme tightness gripping him. As a groan escaped his lips, he heard Kisha gasp loudly with a hint of pain, causing him to freeze and hold himself back from moving further. "I''m alright, I think. I''ll get used to the size, just give me time," Kisha said, her voice hoarse as she grimaced in pain. Duke maintained their position, sweat forming on his forehead as he stayed still. His cock throbbed with excitement, eager to continue thrusting, but the extreme tightness held him back. Duke adjusted his position and held both of Kisha''s legs closer to her stomach, causing her face to turn even redder from being fully exposed. He could see their connected private parts in full view and looked back at Kisha with a devilish smirk. To help Kisha relax, he started rubbing her clitoris, sending shivers of pleasure through her core. As Duke pushed deeper, Kisha moaned in pleasure, her fan-like eyelashes fluttering as she tried to keep her eyes open, but the waves of pleasure from their connection made it impossible. When Duke felt Kisha''s muscles relax and the tightness ease, he began to thrust slowly, his thumb continuing to rub her clit. It took all of Duke''s self-control not to shove his full length inside Kisha and take her roughly, as he had always imagined in his dreams. He began by thrusting only halfway, allowing her to adjust to his size and the rhythm. When Kisha started to writhe in pleasure, clutching the bedsheets and gasping with each thrust, Duke made a bold move, thrusting deeply until he was fully inside her. Kisha screamed in surprise, but it was a scream of pure pleasure. "Ah! Oh god!" Kisha''s scream of pleasure emboldened Duke even more. Her widened eyes locked with his, and she saw the depth and darkness in his gaze, filled with unrestrained lust. At that moment, Kisha knew that the last thread of Duke''s restraint had snapped. His slow thrusts transformed into a piston-like rhythm, rough and hard. He pulled his cock out, leaving only the tip inside before shoving his full length back in, making Kisha moan louder each time. Duke repeated this a few more times, their moans intertwining in the enclosed space. His moans sounded beastly, occasionally snarling deeply, while Kisha could only whimper as his relentless thrusts sent her mind into oblivion from the overwhelming pleasure. "Ah! D-duke!" Kisha gasped, her words fragmented by the intensity of Duke''s thrusts, as if each one was pushing the air out of her lungs. "This is too much!" she managed to say. But Duke leaned in, swallowing her words with a deep, hard kiss. He sucked on her lips, their moans mingling as his hips continued their relentless rhythm, driving her wild with pleasure. After a bout of rough play, Duke changed his pace, pumping into her fast and hard. The overwhelming pleasure left Kisha breathless, her throat going dry as relentless moans spilled from her lips, unable to be contained. Duke seemed to have turned into a ravenous beast, growing hungrier the longer he went on. He relentlessly plowed into Kisha, hard and fast, showering her with kisses. Occasionally, he''d bite her collarbone or shoulder, unable to contain the intense pleasure coursing through him, his gums tingling with each surge. "Ah! Du-Duke! I''m cumming!" Kisha cried out, her eyes fluttering and rolling back. Her entire body started to tremble as a delicious sensation built in her core. She bit her lower lip, trying to contain the tingling filling her nerves, her scalp going numb from the overwhelming sensation. Duke felt Kisha''s inner walls tighten around him, as if trying to push him out, but instead of pulling back, he thrust faster and harder, riding the wave of pleasure. He could feel his own release nearing. "Kisha, let''s cum together!" he groaned, clutching her hips tighter and thrusting as if his life depended on it. Kisha wrapped her legs around Duke''s waist, clinging to the bedsheet, but nothing could calm the storm of pleasure within her. She felt Duke''s cock swell inside her, knowing he was about to cum just as she reached her climax. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their intertwined moans reverberated through the room as they both reached their climax. Duke didn''t stop thrusting, determined to deposit every last bit of his seed deep inside her. Finally, he collapsed on top of Kisha, panting hard as sweat rolled down his body. Kisha struggled to keep her eyes open as her consciousness drifted. She didn''t have the energy to see Duke''s satisfied and refreshed expression; all she wanted was to fall asleep. Her body felt sticky from sweat, but before she could voice any complaints, she felt a shock of incredulity. Duke had collapsed on top of her, and his cock was still deeply buried inside her. He hadn''t pulled out yet. But after that strenuous exercise, Duke still seemed eager for another round. Kisha could sense it wouldn''t be long before he voiced his desire, making her feel a bit uneasy. "Wifey..." Duke''s deep, hoarse voice, thick with lust, echoed near her ear. Even without seeing him, Kisha could sense the smug look on his face and knew he was about to say something that would put her at a disadvantage. As much as she wanted to run, Duke had her anchored to the bed with his own body. "Let''s go for another round," he said. Kisha felt a surge of frustration and felt an urge to hit Duke right then, her body still aching as if she had suffered a great fall. The bites Duke had given her stung whenever they made contact with their sweat. Kisha weakly clenched her fist, ready to hit Duke, but he quickly seized her hand, coaxing her with slow, lazy thrusts. "Wifey, didn''t you challenge me? I thought you wouldn''t be satisfied with just a 15-minute man like me, so I''m doing my best to serve you," Duke said with a coy smile, peppering her face with gentle kisses. Kisha was at a loss for words as she felt another wave of pleasure building inside her, a soft whimper escaping her lips. She tried to respond, but Duke was already one step ahead. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss, swallowing all her words and enveloping her in his embrace. Chapter 255 Cant Get Enough Of You ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ As Duke silenced all of Kisha''s disapproval with his kiss, his slow thrusts became steady and deliberate. Propping himself up, he lifted Kisha''s left leg and gently turned her onto her stomach without withdrawing. Kisha''s face buried in the pillow, her hips elevated and presented to Duke. A wave of shame washed over her, but Duke''s sudden, powerful thrusts stole her breath away, eliciting a loud gasp from her. "S-so deep," Kisha gasped as Duke''s new position allowed him to reach deeper than before, hitting a spot that made her moan with every thrust. It was almost ironic to think that she had been trying to complain earlier, only to find herself overwhelmed by pleasure once again. Duke seized one of Kisha''s breasts from behind, gripping her shoulder to deliver more powerful and deeper thrusts. Her moans grew louder with each penetration, as he hit what he believed to be the entrance to her womb. Despite his uncertainty, the intensity of her pleasure reassured him. He continued to target that spot, driven by her cries of pleasure, until her desperate pleas for him to stop reached his ears. Instead of halting, he felt a surge of primal desire and pinched her nipple, thrusting harder from behind. Kisha screamed, her back arching as she buried her face into the pillow, overwhelmed by the relentless waves of pleasure. "Wait! Ah! Duke!" Kisha''s voice was barely recognizable as she tried to articulate her pleas, but Duke lost in the intensity of the moment, paid no mind. He increased the force of his thrusts, pulling Kisha''s hips closer to him and pressing her deeper into the bed. Her muffled cries and gasps were barely audible against the pillow, mingling with Duke''s deep, beastly growls. Between his fervent growls, he repeatedly called out her name. Each time he did, he felt Kisha''s inner walls tighten, leading him to believe that she was also caught up in the overwhelming pleasure and loved hearing her name from his lips. Duke reveled in hearing Kisha call his name with such passion, her eyes clouded with a mix of lust and vulnerability. Yet, amidst the haze, he caught glimpses of mischief and affection that captivated him. He couldn''t help but fall deeper into her embrace, savoring the unique pleasure and comfort that only she could provide. Duke gritted his teeth as he neared his climax, leaning his entire body against Kisha''s back. His thrusts became fervent and relentless, pushing her to the edge. The sensation of his skin pressing against hers added a layer of comfort and intense pleasure, making every point of contact between them burn with a fiery, tingling numbness. Duke pressed his face against Kisha''s shoulder, sucking on her skin as he clamped his right hand around her throat, making her moans come out ragged and breathless. His other hand kneaded her breast, pinching and pulling at her nipple, creating a mix of tingling pain and pleasure. Overwhelmed by the intense sensations, Kisha dug her fingers into his hair and pulled. Duke groaned loudly, then licked and sucked on her earlobe, amplifying the pleasure and connection between them. "Wifey, I can''t get enough of you," Duke panted, his voice a mix of desperation and raw desire as he continued his relentless rhythm. "What should I do?" There was a fleeting hint of helplessness in his tone, quickly overtaken by fervent snarls of pleasure. "I''m cumming again!" Duke growled fiercely, his hot breath searing Kisha''s ear, making it tingle and burn. She felt an intense, bursting sensation clamping around her core, even more powerful than before. Clinging tightly to Duke''s hair, she gasped as he plowed deeper and rougher, each thrust sending shivers through her body. Her lips tingled with intensity, and she could only bite down briefly before another gasp escaped her. Kisha couldn''t utter a single word as her mind flickered and only the overwhelming sensation of pleasure registered. Duke could tell she was nearing her climax again; her inner walls were tightening around him with a vice-like grip. A growl escaped his lips as he bit down on Kisha''s shoulder blade. Like her, Duke was no longer thinking clearly; primal instinct and raw lust had completely taken over, driving him to pursue his deepest desires with Kisha. Duke felt Kisha tighten around him even more as he bit her shoulder, her warm fluids gushing out in a powerful spasm that left her gasping for air, her eyes fluttering uncontrollably. Despite her intense reaction, Duke''s thrusts continued unabated, driving her into further spasms and making it hard for her to breathe. Her inner walls clenched and milked him relentlessly, pushing him to the edge. Soon, he reached his own climax, his release spilling deeply inside her, filling her to the brim. Duke let out a primal growl as he filled Kisha to the brim, his release pouring deep inside her. Kisha lay limp in his arms, momentarily losing consciousness from the overwhelming sensations and sheer exhaustion that had drained her stamina. The intensity of their intimacy had blurred time for her, each round stretching into what felt like hours. Now, she was fully aware of Duke''s incredible stamina, regretting ever challenging him. Duke held nothing back, making sure Kisha felt every ounce of his fervor. All traces of gentleness had vanished as he relentlessly ravaged her, his primal instincts fully unleashed. Even now, he continued to thrust deeply and lazily, unwilling to pull out, determined to ensure that every last bit of his seed was deposited inside her. When he finished, Duke remained inside Kisha and lay beside her, observing her exhausted state with a throaty chuckle. Gently pulling her into his embrace, he let himself relax and fall asleep in satisfaction. Although he was eager for another round, he refrained from continuing while she was out cold, preferring instead to wait until she was fully awake before resuming. Duke finally settled into rest, his heavy panting slowing and his breathing evening out alongside Kisha''s. They were both drenched in sweat, their bodies sticky and clammy, but they barely noticed. Kisha''s damp hair clung to Duke''s face, and he gently tucked it behind her ears before falling asleep. He placed a tender peck on her shoulder before burying his face against her. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke''s mischievous side, however, prevented him from pulling out, ensuring that Kisha remained close and couldn''t escape him in the future. The intent behind his thoughts was clear, a smug grin lingering on his lips as he closed his eyes tightly. Subconsciously drawn to Duke''s embrace, Kisha nestled closer and adjusted herself into a more comfortable position. As she drifted deeper into sleep, the exhaustion from both body and mind caused her to forget everything else. Kisha enjoyed a few hours of restful sleep, but her eyes flew open as her consciousness and senses returned. She sensed a shift in weight around her and felt a persistent pressure still inside her. Frustration welled up as she experienced an aching in her body, feeling as though her recent efforts to level up had done little to alleviate her discomfort. The culprit of her discomfort was nestled contentedly against her shoulder, lazily thrusting his hardened cock inside her while still asleep. Kisha couldn''t tell if this was a subconscious action or if he was feigning sleep while continuing his shameless behavior. Chapter 256 The Insatiable Beast ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ Kisha took a deep breath, trying to pry Duke''s arms away from her so she could slip away and freshen up. She had a strong feeling that if she didn''t, she''d soon find herself entangled in another round with him, which would leave her sore for the entire day. She felt a mix of exasperation and helplessness. If only she had known, she might have been more cautious and avoided taunting him. Maybe he would have been more restrained. However, she underestimated Duke''s nature; even without her taunting, he would have been a beast in bed. It seemed as though all the restraint he had maintained for years had been undone, unleashing all his pent-up desires. And Kisha was the key that unlocked it, letting his beastly nature surge forth, guiding his primal instincts to dominate with the intensity like of a wolf in heat. Kisha''s attempts to pry Duke''s arms away were futile; his grip was unyielding as if his strength had increased tenfold, anchoring her to the bed. His lazy thrusting persisted, and with each movement, she felt her core growing wetter, slowly being drawn back into a new frenzy of pleasure. It was as if he was subtly preparing her for another round. Kisha, refusing to relent, pinched Duke''s arm in frustration, which woke him from his slumber. Duke stirred but remained close, and she felt his cock growing harder against her. She heard his deep, masculine voice rumble behind her, still husky and enticing. "You''re awake," he said, his tone dripping with triumph. Kisha couldn''t turn to look at him due to his firm grip, but the satisfaction in his voice was unmistakable. "Wifey¡­" Duke called out, his voice laced with need as he lavished Kisha with another kiss. She could sense where this was heading, but she found herself lacking the strength to push him away. Her body seemed to be betraying her mind, responding to his advances despite her exhaustion. Duke, aware that his advances were having their effect, grew even bolder. He began to caress Kisha''s soft skin, his hands roaming more confidently. When he grasped her breasts firmly, Kisha let out a surprised yelp, and Duke intensified his thrusts, his movements growing more deliberate and powerful. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "W-wait! Why don''t we take a break and have a bath first? The sweat makes everything a bit uncomfortable," Kisha murmured, struggling to keep her urges in check. She tried to reason with Duke, unsure if she could handle another round with the insatiable beast behind her. She also noticed it was still dark outside, indicating she had only had a brief rest after passing out from exhaustion earlier. She wasn''t planning to be entangled with Duke for the rest of the night, only to suffer through the morning. "Um... Wifey, we could always continue in the bathroom while we''re bathing," Duke suggested, his breathing growing ragged. He lifted Kisha''s right leg higher, giving himself deeper access to her entrance, and began thrusting harder. Kisha moaned involuntarily, feeling her stomach churn as the pressure inside her built with Duke''s size. Each thrust made her feel increasingly full and bloated. "Ah! No!!! Wait!!!" Kisha tried to protest, but Duke''s other hand held her head in place, making her look back at him. He forced her mouth open with his tongue and began to ravage her lips just as intensely as he had on her other lips down there. Kisha''s muffled moans reverberated inside Duke''s mouth as he adjusted his position to thrust harder and deeper. He angled her legs to rest on his arm and pressed his hand against her stomach, feeling it swell with each of his powerful thrusts. His smile widened as he kissed her, savoring the sensation. Kisha''s head lolled back, her eyes fluttering, completely overtaken by the waves of pleasure. Her protests faded into oblivion as Duke hit all the right spots, his attentive gaze never leaving her. He didn''t need her to direct him; her moans and expressions guided him effortlessly. Duke felt a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction each time he saw Kisha losing herself in pleasure, her control slipping away as he expertly drove her to new heights of ecstasy. Knowing he was the one causing her to lose control and revel in such intense pleasure gave Duke a surge of confidence. It reassured him that he was excelling on his first time with a woman, fueling his insatiable desire for Kisha and filling him with a deep, primal satisfaction. Duke hissed when Kisha grabbed the back of his neck, her nails clawing at his skin. She started to grind her hips in sync with his rhythm, making him groan in satisfaction as the sensation intensified. Overtaken by pleasure, Kisha''s body subconsciously followed Duke''s movements, riding his cock as he thrust from behind. Realizing she couldn''t escape his grip, she decided to surrender to the moment and enjoy the overwhelming pleasure. Because of Kisha''s movements, Duke felt himself nearing climax faster than before. He reached down to rub Kisha''s clit, desperate to make her cum simultaneously with him. Sure enough, Kisha tightened her grip on Duke''s neck, moaning louder as the pleasure built to a peak. "Duke!" Kisha screamed his name as she squirted, surprising even Duke. Her sudden release only fueled his desire, driving him to plow into her harder and faster. The warm fluids coating his cock made every thrust more fluid and steady, the slickness from her release providing perfect lubrication as he continued to thrust in and out of her pussy. Kisha felt her head buzzing as her body continued to spasm, trapped in an endless euphoria while Duke pumped in and out. "Wifey, you did a good job squirting, making me all hard and horny," Duke whispered into her ear. His enthusiasm was on another level, driving Kisha insane and breathless. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat; she had never heard Duke speak so dirty, and it only made her desire reach another peak, pushing her to climax again. But Duke was still not done and seemed to be growing even bigger inside her. The ecstasy was overwhelming, making her feel like she was losing consciousness as Duke drove her to cum again and again. Her loud moans transformed into small whimpers as she could no longer draw any strength. Struggling to keep her eyes open, she felt like she was riding on cloud nine. Her body oscillated between muscles tensing up and going limp, lost in the overwhelming sensations. "Kisha!!! FUCK!!!! Cumming!!!" Duke growled through gritted teeth as he rammed into her relentlessly, making her breasts bounce wildly. He was caught between panting and gritting his teeth, growls escaping his lips with each thrust. Duke released all his seed inside Kisha, making her pussy overflow as he finally pulled out. Panting heavily, he propped himself up on the bed to admire his work of art with a satisfied grin. He stared at the cum overflowing from her pussy and felt his cock started to harden again. Shaking his head, he shifted his gaze to Kisha''s face. She had passed out once more, lying limply on the bed, looking as if she had no intention of waking up anytime soon. He wondered briefly, ''With this much, surely my wife will be pregnant with my child soon, right?'' But he quickly shook the thought away. Chapter 257 I Held Back To claim that he didn''t intend to impregnate her would be dishonest. Deep down, he knew it was his true desire, which is why he took every measure to ensure that every drop of his seed stayed inside her. However, he also recognized that now was not the ideal time to conceive. He was acutely aware of the dangers that lay ahead and the lack of a secure environment for his wife and potential children. As he reflected on this, he realized that his actions were driven more by his desires than rational thought, leading him to act impulsively and repeatedly with the woman he loved. He felt a surge of frustration and considered punching himself in the gut, but with the situation now beyond his control, he focused on finding a solution. His plan B involved locating some emergency contraceptive pills for Kisha. Grunting in resignation, Duke stood up and headed to the bathroom to prepare a warm bath for her. He found a rose petal bubble bath bomb and tossed it into the water as it filled the tub. As the water continued to flow, he checked around to ensure there were towels and shampoo available for Kisha''s bath. Once he finished preparing the bath, Duke returned to the bedroom and carefully lifted Kisha from the bed, placing her gently into the tub. He made sure she was secure and wouldn''t slide before heading back to the room. There, he hastily changed the sheets and blanket that reeked of sweat and mixed fluids. Though he fumbled initially with the sheets, he quickly got the hang of it and moved more efficiently. Soon, he was back in the bathroom, sliding into the tub with Kisha. He began to gently massage her muscles, aiming to ease any potential soreness she might feel when she woke up. It was only then that Duke noticed the stinging pain on his back from the claw marks Kisha had left. He had been so absorbed in the pleasure and his focus solely on Kisha that he hadn''t realized the extent of the marks until now. He also noticed the kiss marks and bites he had left on Kisha''s fair skin. Almost every part of her body bore evidence of their passion, with glaring red marks and teeth impressions especially prominent on her neck, shoulders, and collarbone. He wasn''t sure whether to grin or feel regret, as both emotions swirled within him. On one hand, he was elated that Kisha was now officially his, which gave him a profound sense of assurance. On the other hand, he felt remorse for his inability to control himself and for not being gentler with her during their first time together. Remembering that it was also Kisha''s first time filled him with such joy that he couldn''t help but break into a wide smile. As he helped her bathe and gently rubbed her muscles, he made sure the water stayed warm, using his fire ability to heat it whenever it began to cool. He was meticulous, afraid of making any mistakes that could hurt her, especially when washing her long hair. Not being very familiar with managing long hair, he took his time, carefully untangling any knots as he washed her beautiful locks, ensuring she was comfortable and well-cared for. Throughout the process, Kisha remained completely unconscious, her soft, rhythmic snoring bringing a chuckle to Duke''s lips. After finishing her bath, he carefully dried her hair, blow-drying it with as much gentleness as possible, worried that the sound might disturb her rest. Fortunately, her exhaustion kept her deeply asleep, allowing him to continue without interruption. Once he had finished, he dressed her in a comfortable pair of pajamas he had in the room, ensuring she was settled and cozy before he finally allowed himself to relax. As he attended to Kisha, Duke recited every sutra and calming chant he knew. The proximity to Kisha was enough to keep him aroused, and he was only halfway satisfied¡ªhe had intended to continue until dawn if she hadn''t passed out. Despite his lingering desire, he accepted this development with a sense of contentment, appreciating the moment for what it was. After finishing his own bath, Duke settled beside Kisha, pulling her into his protective embrace before drifting into a deep sleep. When he awoke, the sun was already streaming through the gaps in the curtains, and Kisha had nestled comfortably against him, finding warmth and comfort in his presence as it dispelled the chill from her. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke shifted in bed and gently tucked Kisha in with the blankets, his gaze fixed on her serene sleeping face. Watching her sleep filled him with a profound sense of contentment he had never known before. He felt more complete and fulfilled than ever as if he were destined for this moment¡ªdevoted to the woman before him and committed to spending the rest of his life protecting and cherishing her. Duke was jolted from his reverie by Kisha''s weak, hoarse voice. "How long are you going to stare at me?" she croaked, her voice sounding parched. Concerned, Duke quickly stood up and hurried to get a glass of water for her. Duke handed Kisha the glass of water with a teasing smile. "I think I was waiting until you woke up," he replied, his tone light and playful. Kisha rolled her eyes as she attempted to prop herself up, only to grimace in pain from the soreness between her legs. Unable to sit up properly, she looked up at Duke with evident resentment, only to see him feigning innocence with a nonchalant shrug. With a mix of anger and frustration, she heard him say, "I held back... a lot." Kisha had never felt so exasperated with Duke before. "What do you mean, you held back?!" she demanded, her voice tinged with anger and her nostrils flaring. "Wifey, I really mean it," Duke said, his tone almost earnest. "If you hadn''t passed out, I was ready to go for at least two more rounds before calling it a day. But since you were already out cold, I had no choice but to hold back and convince myself that maybe your stamina will improve in the future." He looked at Kisha with a feigned innocence that only made her tremble with anger. ''Is that what you call holding back?'' Kisha thought to herself, struggling to calm her intense anger. At the same time, she felt a pang of regret for teasing Duke from the start, not fully understanding what she was getting herself into. She had believed she could handle it, only to be confronted with the stark reality that it was far beyond her expectations. Kisha suddenly felt that the Duke from her past life seemed far cuter compared to the one before her now. If this was his idea of holding back, she couldn''t even begin to imagine what would happen if he let loose. Her insides trembled, though she couldn''t tell if it was from fear or anticipation. Feeling a flush rise to her cheeks, she wanted to slap herself for her own conflicting emotions. To avoid meeting Duke''s gaze, she turned away and pretended to be angry. Chapter 258 Acting As A Good Husband Seeing Kisha''s furious expression, Duke felt flustered and immediately tried to soothe her. However, Kisha continued to avoid his gaze, intensifying his frustration and leaving him at a loss for how to calm her down. If he had known what Kisha was thinking at that moment, he might have seized the chance to be intimate with her once again. "Wifey, it''s my fault. It''s all my fault." Duke knelt beside the bed, holding her hands with a look of deep remorse. His expression was one of genuine distress and contrition, making it harder for Kisha to maintain her facade of anger. "I''m hungry," Kisha said, trying to get Duke out of the room. She could no longer maintain her angry facade and was on the verge of breaking character, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as memories of last night replayed in her mind. Her heart raced uncontrollably, making it hard for her to keep up the pretense. Hearing that Kisha was hungry, Duke immediately sprang into action, eager to take care of her. "Alright, just stay here and rest. I''ll get some breakfast downstairs for you. What would you like to eat?" He asked gently, giving her a tender kiss on the forehead and a warm hug, like a devoted husband. Kisha struggled to maintain her anger but found herself softening under Duke''s gentle demeanor. Despite her effort to keep a stern expression, her voice wavered slightly. "Anything you cook," she replied, unable to resist the warmth of his care. "Alright, I''ll whip up something delicious for you. Rest here, and I''ll bring breakfast up when it''s ready," Duke said, planting a tender kiss on Kisha''s cheek before he headed out. His cheerful stride and the spring in his step made it clear he was in an excellent mood. As he left the room, Kisha couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling about letting him go. Since everyone in the villa now had their own assigned responsibilities at the base, they were all up early to start their day. Marcus and his grandchildren had already prepared breakfast, and the Winters, along with Sparrow Vulture and the rest, were enjoying their meal. After breakfast, they planned to inspect their respective departments and decide on any changes they wished to implement according to their preferences. Everyone noticed Duke coming down alone, which was unusual since he typically appeared with Kisha, always following her closely. His solitary arrival piqued their curiosity, and they eagerly anticipated some news or gossip. This was especially true for Duke''s grandfather and parents, who were particularly attentive to the change. They watched Duke''s every move and noted his unusually good mood, immediately sensing that something was afoot. The Patriarch, Mr. and Mrs. Winters exchanged knowing glances before turning their attention back to Duke, who, holding a tablet in hand, made his way purposefully toward the kitchen. Seeing Duke preparing breakfast, Marcus immediately offered to help, only to be turned down. "No, my wife specifically asked for my cooking," Duke said with pride as he pulled a pan from the cupboard. He then opened his tablet and searched for recipes for chicken soup and Egg Benedict. After quickly reading through the instructions, Duke began cooking, all the while under the watchful eyes of his parents, grandfather, and the rest of the household. Duke''s mother watched intently as he boiled a whole chicken in a pot, quickly realizing his plan for the meal. She exchanged a knowing smile with her husband, confirming their suspicions. Duke, however, was completely absorbed in his cooking, paying no mind to the onlookers. His sole focus was on preparing a delicious meal for his wife, who was still bedridden and unable to get up. He was already imagining the rewards he might receive if he could delight Kisha''s taste buds first thing in the morning. This thought only fueled his eagerness to cook a delicious meal, driving him to pour extra care into every dish. The usually stoic and reserved Duke was unconsciously smiling to himself, his eyes sparkling with delight as he hummed softly while cooking. It was clear to everyone that something special was happening, and curiosity was running high. However, Duke''s grandfather merely chuckled with satisfaction and urged everyone to step back and avoid crowding the kitchen, so Duke could focus on preparing the meal undistracted. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You all go ahead and have your breakfast, and get on with your duties. Don''t disturb my grandson while he''s cooking¡ªhis wife needs that chicken soup to regain her strength," the Patriarch said firmly. His authoritative tone caught everyone off guard, causing them to stiffen in their places. It took a moment for everyone to process the Patriarch''s words, but once they did, they stared at Duke with wide-eyed astonishment. The realization sank in, and they exchanged bewildered glances, each wearing an expression of utter confusion. This was especially true for Sparrow, Vulture, Tristan, Bald Eagle, and the rest of their comrades, who were all well aware that Duke had never shown any inclination towards sweetness or intimacy, let alone towards a woman. It''s only been hours since the moment the surveillance camera was removed from the villa and they defeated the Coltons and the Minister of Defense but Duke has already made his move on his wife which was surprisingly quick and unexpected. And here they are, still worrying about Duke and Kisha''s progress in their marital life and has forgotten how quick Duke was in capturing Kisha into the net and making her his wife as soon as he got the chance. Witnessing this side of Duke, they all felt as though they were seeing him in a completely new light. They watched Duke with keen interest as he meticulously prepared the ingredients and cooked the meal for Kisha. His wide smile and focused demeanor hinted that he might be up to something, so they all remained silent, pretending to eat their breakfast while observing him closely. Duke spent an hour preparing the chicken soup, ensuring it was rich with aroma and medicinal benefits. He made the Eggs Benedict just minutes before serving the soup to keep everything hot and fresh. When he carried the food upstairs, it was still steaming. Duke planned to act the perfect husband, serving Kisha with the hot soup and gently blowing on it to cool it before feeding her. He had completely forgotten that while Kisha might be sore, she was certainly not incapable of feeding herself. As Duke cheerfully pushed open the door to deliver breakfast, he found Kisha fast asleep once more. A gentle breeze from the slightly open window stirred the curtains, adding to the peaceful scene. Duke''s expression softened into a tender smile as he gazed at Kisha. Moving quietly, he entered the room and carefully closed the door behind him. Meanwhile, some of the curious men followed him upstairs, hoping to catch a glimpse or a hint of what was happening. When they peeked around the corner and saw nothing, they had no choice but to return downstairs, disappointed. Duke quietly set the tray of food down on the sofa, his gaze soft as he turned to wake Kisha. However, seeing her sleeping so peacefully, he felt a pang of reluctance. Just as he hesitated, Kisha''s eyes fluttered open, and she was startled to find Duke''s face just inches from hers. Her initial thought was that he might be planning something sneaky once again. Chapter 259 Am I Going to Be A Great-Grandfather Kisha wasn''t entirely wrong; Duke had indeed been planning to sneak in another kiss. However, Kisha was worried that the kiss might lead to a repeat of their steamy night, which she was not in the mood for. Still feeling sore and hoping to avoid being bedridden for the rest of the day, she was keen to prevent anything more from happening. Seeing Kisha being a little evasive, Duke felt a pang of reluctance in his heart. He didn''t want her to avoid his touch, though he understood her reasons. Still, he felt wronged, as he had truly held back the previous night. "Maybe just a little?" he thought. He shook his head to clear the thoughts swimming in his mind, trying to avoid letting them lead him back into the gutter. He felt as though he''d lost his self-control the moment he tasted bliss, and now didn''t seem like the right time for such indulgence. Instead, he focused on dutifully serving the food he had cooked on the bed, as Kisha was still having a hard time moving. He helped Kisha sit up in bed and placed a pillow behind her before setting the tray on the side table. He first removed the lid from the clay pot and then scooped some chicken soup into a smaller bowl. Instead of giving her the bowl right away, he stirred the soup a little, then gently blew on a spoonful to cool it down. Kisha looked at Duke in confusion, initially thinking he planned to eat first and let her watch. However, knowing Duke wasn''t like that, she realized he must be planning to feed her. After a moment, Duke came closer, sat beside her on the bed, and held the spoon near her mouth, his eyes expectant as he waited for her to take a sip. Kisha felt like laughing, momentarily forgetting her anger. "I''m not disabled, you know. I can feed myself," she snorted, raising her eyebrows. "I know, but I want to serve my wife," Duke retorted, not budging as he urged her to take a sip, a strikingly doting smile playing on his lips. Kisha was swooned by that smile and absentmindedly followed his lead, taking a sip of the soup. It was rich and aromatic, with a hint of herbs. "A medicinal chicken soup?" Kisha murmured, tilting her head to the side as she tried to understand. She hadn''t specified what she wanted to eat and thought Duke would choose something simple and light that was easy to cook. "Well," Duke began, shyly rubbing the tip of his nose after placing the spoon back in the bowl. "I know my wife was exhausted from last night and needed some nourishment, so I cooked this," he explained. Kisha felt her brows twitching. She didn''t know whether to be touched by his attentiveness or angry because he was also the reason she needed nourishment. However, seeing Duke''s sincere and apologetic expression, she couldn''t stay mad. She tempered her emotions and let it go. After all, she had given her consent and was the one who taunted him first, so she shared the blame for her own discomfort. Besides, even if she didn''t want to admit it, she also enjoyed it just not the aftermath. Kisha smiled in defeat and let Duke feed her, knowing it would make him happy and help comfort him. Duke, seeing that Kisha was no longer mad at him, excitedly fed her the food he had cooked. "Does it taste good? Or were the herbs too strong?" Duke gently asked, wiping a bit of soup from the side of Kisha''s lips with his thumb before subconsciously licking it off. Kisha stared at his hands, then back at Duke. She wanted to say something but stopped herself. Duke looked so natural as he took care of her, from his gentle actions to licking the soup residue off his thumb. ''Maybe this is how a real husband and wife act?'' she wondered, almost bursting into laughter. ''Why am I acting so shy now when we''ve already exchanged saliva in our kisses? Acting shy is pointless at this stage.'' She guffawed. Usually, 008 would remind or tease her, but since 008 wasn''t around, she subconsciously reminded and teased herself. She was acting like a shy wife when, in fact, she had been just as wild the previous night. "No, it tasted mild and delicious. Thank you for the wonderful meal," Kisha smiled. Knowing that Duke had only recently learned to cook by following a cookbook, she appreciated his effort and thoughtfulness. ''I guess I just bagged a perfect husband who loves doting on me,'' she thought. With great effort, she leaned in and gave Duke a peck on the cheek, enough to make his face light up. Kisha greatly appreciated this moment of peace and quiet where she and Duke could indulge in their sweet love. She hoped this tranquility would last. They enjoyed a peaceful breakfast together, with Duke happily feeding Kisha the food he had cooked. They discussed base development ideas and potential issues that might arise later on. When you think of a power couple, they are the epitome. After Duke finished feeding Kisha, he went downstairs to wash the dishes, having cooked enough for both of them and brought everything upstairs. While he fed Kisha, she would also urge him to take a bite, not minding sharing the same spoon since they were husband and wife. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What happened last night solidified in their minds that they were truly husband and wife; the wedding would just be a formality. Nothing was stopping them from acting like one. Duke expected a peaceful morning and a calm rest of the day, but as soon as he reached the kitchen, he was bombarded with questions from his grandfather and parents. "Is it true that you have consummated your marriage with my granddaughter-in-law? Can I expect a grandchild anytime soon?" the Patriarch jovially asked, pushing past his son and daughter-in-law to face Duke directly. Duke''s face contorted in shyness and incredulity, wondering how his family knew when he was certain the room was soundproof. "Are you spying on me?" Duke scowled at his grandfather. One thing he couldn''t tolerate was being spied on, even by a family member. "Why would we need to do that when your actions have already given it all away?" his mother countered. Duke looked confused as he tried to recall his actions, but he couldn''t find anything that would give him away. Besides, it was his and his wife''s privacy. He felt exposed as if his family could read him too well. "Well, you realize your reaction just gave you away and answered your grandfather''s question, don''t you?" Mr. Winters sneered at his son''s lack of awareness. He was proud of Duke''s intelligence and strength, qualities that made him a natural leader, but at this moment, he thought his son was being foolish. Perhaps Duke''s brain had short-circuited from bliss after experiencing intimacy for the first time after being a virgin for so long or he probably fucked his brains out last night that it was failing him today. Seeing his father''s expression, Duke felt mocked and belittled, but he couldn''t fight back because he genuinely didn''t know what to say. "Am I going to be a great-grandfather soon?" the Patriarch asked again, this time with immense happiness and pride. He looked at Duke as if he were the family''s grand jewel, feeling he had done a great job. Chapter 260 Falling Into Another Trap The truth was, the Patriarch was actually feeling gloomy and was trying to hide his depression from his son and daughter-in-law. He felt a bit helpless. Although Duke had finally found a wife and life was starting to look good again through his grandson and his wife''s leadership, he knew they had enormous responsibilities. They would be very busy establishing the HOPE Base. So many lives were relying on them, and because of this, he felt that seeing his great-grandchildren before he died was a pipe dream. Survival had become much harder due to the constant danger lurking around them and the growing strength of the zombies through their evolution, which would surely pose a significant concern in the future. But after hearing his daughter-in-law''s speculation that Duke might have finally made a move on Kisha last night, the Patriarch was so happy that he eagerly waited for Duke to come down. It was also his first time seeing Duke cook like a devoted husband, smiling like a fool in the kitchen on his own. He was reminded of himself when he first got married, so he recognized Duke''s sudden change in mood and believed his daughter-in-law was probably right. When he saw Duke come down again, looking happier and glowing, he couldn''t help but jump in and ask, "Is it true that you have consummated your marriage with my granddaughter-in-law? Can I expect a grandchild anytime soon?" He didn''t get angry or grumpy hearing Duke scowl at him. Although Duke''s face turned gloomy and angry, the Patriarch didn''t care; he was only expecting a yes or no answer. Everything else was irrelevant. After Duke and his father had their verbal exchange, Duke ignored his gossipy family and returned to the master bedroom where Kisha was. His earlier sour expression blossomed into a smile at the thought of seeing his wife again. He felt more attached to her, missing her even after being away for just a few minutes. This made his strides bigger and faster than usual. When he opened the door and saw Kisha struggling to get out of bed, Duke nearly jumped from where he stood. His feet seemed to have a mind of their own as he instantly made his way to her and immediately supported her. "Why are you getting up? Are you feeling better?" he asked with concern as his eyes showed a soft glow. In his haste to support Kisha, Duke left the door open behind him. Unbeknownst to him, his failure to answer his grandfather''s question only fueled their curiosity. The Patriarch followed Duke upstairs, and his mother and father, under the guise of supporting the Patriarch and ensuring he wouldn''t stumble, also followed. With little else to entertain them at the base, they were eager for some gossip. Three heads discreetly watched from the side, hoping to hear some good news. "Isn''t it obvious? We just established the HOPE Base yesterday, so there''s still a lot to manage. You need to conduct your first visit to the square where the initial training will commence, and I need to check if everything is going as planned and provide the necessary support," Kisha explained as she continued to stand up while wincing in pain. "But aren''t you feeling sore and having a hard time sitting? How can you manage walking?" Duke asked, looking worried and pained as he saw Kisha struggling. He didn''t forget to reproach himself for causing her discomfort. When Kisha saw Duke''s gloomy expression and the hint of self-reproach in his eyes, she couldn''t help but ruffle his hair playfully to dispel his sadness. "Are you underestimating me? This little discomfort is nothing. I''ve suffered worse pain before and still fought tooth and nail. What''s a mere soreness?" Kisha said playfully, though her words sounded a bit awkward. Seeing that her playful approach wasn''t working, Kisha changed tactics. She leaned in close to Duke''s ear and whispered mischievously, "Hubby, I heard that the first time is the most painful, but after the second and third time, it will be a walk in the park for me." Her voice sounded suggestively alluring with a hint of playfulness. Duke''s expression changed instantly, his eyes darkening with a hint of hunger as he stared at her like a predator locking eyes on its prey. "Then, will you be able to handle more tonight?" he asked seriously. Kisha''s heart flipped in her chest, and she felt like she had just shot herself in the foot. She had intended to cheer Duke up, but instead, she had fallen into his trap yet again. She felt like she never learned her lesson when it came to Duke. Kisha rolled her eyes at Duke and pushed him aside as she awkwardly walked to the bathroom. Seeing her like that made Duke chuckle and admire his own work with a smirk on his lips. Kisha could feel his intense gaze on her back, but she was too embarrassed to look back, knowing he was probably wearing a smug smirk, proud of having made her walk like this. He was probably rejoicing over making Kisha fall for another of his traps, getting her to agree willingly without him needing to ask explicitly. ''008 was right,'' Kisha thought, ''No matter what happens, he''s still the Duke I know, and even cheekier.'' She scoffed as she washed herself up, trying to breathe in and out, getting used to the pain so it wouldn''t hinder her work for the day. Duke, on the other hand, did feel sorry for his wife''s soreness. But as a man, he was also proud of himself for doing a good job as a first-timer. And although it wasn''t intentional, he had found another chance to be intimate with his wife. Who was he to turn down such an amazing offer? Duke could barely contain his smile as he followed his wife to the bathroom to wash up a little. However, he found the door locked. He tried turning the doorknob a few more times but couldn''t get in. He grimaced, realizing that his wife was punishing him and being cautious of him doing something indecent during the day. This made him feel like both laughing and crying at the same time. He found Kisha cute for acting like this, but at the same time, he felt wronged again. Wasn''t it normal for him to be intimate with his wife like any other husband? He stared at the door resentfully, contemplating whether he should dismantle it later so Kisha could no longer lock him out. That way, he would also have a complete view when Kisha was taking a shower. As Duke entertained the idea, he found it increasingly appealing and began planning to actually do it. Meanwhile, Kisha, on the other side of the bathroom, felt a chill run down her spine, goosebumps rising on her skin. Narrowing her eyes sternly, she made her way to the door and stared at Duke. He was deep in thought, his right elbow resting on his left arm, his right hand on his chin. She knew immediately he was up to no good. "Don''t you dare try doing it!" Kisha warned Duke. She didn''t know what he was scheming, but she knew she would be the one to suffer. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 261 Commander Of A Thousand Duke smiled awkwardly at Kisha, feigning innocence. "I was just waiting for you here, wifey. I thought you might need some help," he said, flashing his most charming smile and showing off his pearly whites. Kisha immediately knew Duke was up to something. He always acted like this when he felt guilty or mischievous, usually planning something that would put her in a tough situation or prank her. Unlike before, when she was left with no way to retaliate because he was always a step ahead and well-prepared for her reactions, she now believed she held some sway over him. "Well, a good husband knows how to listen to his wife, unless..." Kisha trailed off, walking back into the bathroom with a wide grin. "Wifey, unless what?" Duke''s panicky voice came from behind the closed door as he banged lightly on it. He seemed eager to know what Kisha was trying to say but didn''t want to appear too overbearing. He still didn''t know what she meant and didn''t want to risk making his wife angry. Kisha found immense satisfaction in teasing Duke this way, knowing he couldn''t retaliate as he did in her previous life. ''No wonder Duke liked making fun of me before,'' she thought to herself, humming inside the shower room and pretending not to hear Duke''s aggrieved voice on the other side of the bathroom. Ding... [New Mission] [A Class Mission "Commander of a Thousand"] [Mission Description: As the hope of humanity, you are tasked with building a safe haven for survivors. However, a place is not truly safe without its protectors. Only the strongest, those born to lead, can create a refuge that ensures the safety of thousands. This shelter needs warriors who can brave any danger and lay down their lives to protect the weak. Mission Requirement: Recruit 500 brave warriors and train them as fiercely as a lion trains its cubs. Ensure they are fully prepared within 15 days. Mission Completion: Stamina Booster Recipe and Title: "Commander of a Thousand" Mission Failure: Automatically failing the A-Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting," the C-Class Mission "The Philanthropist," and the S-Class Mission "Taking Nest for 30 Days."] When Kisha suddenly received the notification, she was thrilled to see the mission completion reward. Although she wasn''t receiving any points, she was excited to get a recipe that would have been very expensive to buy with points. The recipe was also incredibly useful; if she could mass-produce it with the right ingredients, she wouldn''t need to worry about supplying it to the soldiers at the supply center, ensuring they had what they needed while out on patrol or during supply runs. But the moment she saw the ''Mission Failure'' part, she instantly scowled in anger. She felt like the system was undermining her survival, making everything more skewed and difficult. At the same time, she was curious about what awaited her next month. With all her hard missions seeming to relate to preparations, she wondered if a war or some other major event was on the horizon that would require immense power for survival. The mere thought set all her alarm bells ringing simultaneously. It wasn''t that she was scaring herself with her assumptions, but despite her system''s lack of reliability and its tendency to send her into dangerous situations, she''d never encountered a mission quite like this. While she had received important chain missions before, this was the first time a single set contained more than two chain missions, nearly all of which were A-Class. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She felt an intense pressure to complete all of these missions, no matter what. Missing even one seemed like it could spell doom for her and her people, making the situation incredibly nerve-wracking. She quickly finished up and dashed out of the bathroom. Duke, still waiting outside, appeared deep in thought with a serious expression. If Kisha knew that Duke was actually thinking about something naughty, she would definitely give him a lesson to pull his head out of the gutter. "Hurry up and wash up; we have important things to do ASAP," Kisha said with a serious tone and a grim expression. Duke instantly recognized that she meant business. Straightening himself like a disciplined soldier, he headed to the bathroom to wash up. It didn''t take long before he emerged, looking sleek and clean, which made him appear even more handsome and masculine. Kisha''s mind slipped into the gutter as she admired him. Noticing Kisha''s dreamy expression, Duke couldn''t help but smirk devilishly. He maintained a cold, indifferent aura, thinking she would appreciate this more than seeing him looking foolishly smiling. Indeed, seeing Duke exude such a masculine and strong presence, like a battle-hardened soldier, made Kisha''s core tingle with delight as her mind wandered into less holy territory. Duke, fully aware that he had successfully seduced his wife, pretended not to notice and began to walk out of the room. When he reached the bedroom door, he glanced back at Kisha. "Wifey, aren''t you coming?" His voice was deep and authoritative, though his expression remained cold and indifferent. Inside, he took note of what captured Kisha''s attention and was already plotting his next move. When Kisha heard Duke''s reminder, she snapped back to reality, feeling a twinge of embarrassment for letting her mind wander over his body and handsome face. She cleared her throat and refocused on the mission, quickly dismissing the fleeting distraction. Duke was slightly disappointed but understood the importance of their tasks, so he chose not to push his luck further. As Kisha and Duke came downstairs, they found Aston waiting to meet Duke for the training. Aston was there to escort him to the square, where most of the off-duty soldiers and new recruits were assembled. The couple''s matching black military overalls and boots immediately caught their attention. "City Lord and Vice City Lord, it''s a pleasure to meet you this early in the morning!" Aston greeted, his voice filled with respect. The soldiers accompanying him stood at attention and saluted Duke and Kisha in unison. Both Duke and Kisha were accustomed to such formalities, so they greeted Aston and the soldiers with little fanfare. Meanwhile, in the living room, the Patriarch and Duke''s parents sat with stacks of papers, clearly preparing for their own tasks. They exchanged knowing glances before Mr. Winters spoke up, adjusting his gaze to Duke and Kisha. "Are you both heading out to meet the soldiers for their first training session?" Mr. Winters asked. "Yes, Dad. My wife will be accompanying me for the inspection," Duke replied with a casual tone. Mrs. Winters gave her son a stern look before turning to Kisha with a warm smile. "Make sure my daughter-in-law doesn''t stay out in the sun too long and isn''t overworked. She still needs proper rest and nourishment. I''ll stop by around lunch to bring you both some chicken soup and lunch." Her eyes sparkled with affection as she glanced at Kisha. Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that Mrs. Winters was watching her with a knowing look, though she couldn''t quite pinpoint why. To Mrs. Winters, however, Kisha''s avoidance seemed like the bashful behavior of a newlywed wife after her first night with her husband. It struck Mrs. Winters as incredibly endearing. Seeing the usually formidable and fierce Kisha now acting so shy and cute was like a delightful surprise, making Mrs. Winters feel a warm, tickling sensation of amusement. Chapter 262 Recruits Even the Patriarch couldn''t resist offering his advice as an elder. "You rascal," he said with a stern yet caring tone, "make sure you don''t let your wife overexert herself. It''s your duty to protect her and the baby!" Kisha felt as though she''d been struck by lightning upon hearing the Patriarch''s unexpected comment. Her head buzzed as she blinked in disbelief. Mrs. Winters quickly cleared her throat, stepping in to offer Kisha and her son an exit from the awkward situation, clearly taken aback by her father-in-law''s public declaration. Kisha looked at Duke incredulously, wondering if he had somehow spread the news as soon as he came downstairs that morning. But she quickly dismissed the thought¡ªDuke wasn''t the type to do that. Or at least, she used to think so. She started to question her understanding of him, feeling as if she were meeting a new side of Duke every time they interacted. "I understand, Grandpa," Kisha heard Duke say before he gently pulled her out of the villa. Aston and the others followed suit, still somewhat dazed by the unexpected revelation. They felt a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness, realizing they had overheard something very private. "I didn''t say anything to them," Duke said suddenly as they walked toward the military car parked in front of their villa. He was eager to clarify to Kisha that he hadn''t shared any details about their private matters, hoping she wouldn''t misinterpret his actions as bragging or anything of the sort. Duke felt Kisha''s hand tense beneath his grip, so he tightened it gently as he helped her into her seat, his gaze filled with sincerity. He also wanted to remind her to take some pills to prevent pregnancy, knowing she would have a challenging time balancing her work at the base with any potential pregnancy. He understood that this month would be particularly busy for them, and he didn''t want her to face additional difficulties. However, Duke remembered seeing a box of pills in the sink earlier while he was washing up, so he decided to hold his tongue. Although he knew it was necessary, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. They weren''t yet prepared to welcome a child, a child with the first woman he had truly fallen for. However, Duke consoled himself with the thought that they would have plenty of opportunities in the future. His focus now was on creating a safe and sustainable base for their future children, so they wouldn''t have to worry about their future. With this renewed purpose, he felt more energized and committed to strengthening the base and supporting his wife in every way he could. When they arrived at the square, over fifty men, both seasoned soldiers and young recruits, stood in neat rows, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Duke, Kisha, and the new Minister of Defense. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha glanced at the mission tab again, focusing on the requirement [Recruit 102/500 brave warriors]. Just seeing the number of soldiers and new recruits already gave her a headache. With the limited time they had, the task seemed overwhelming. However, rushing into things would only lead to more mistakes in her frantic state. So, Kisha took a moment to calm herself. Once composed, she proceeded with the speech, offering encouraging words to both the soldiers and the new recruits. As the City Lord, it was crucial for her to deliver an impromptu address to inspire and motivate everyone. She cleared her throat and took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over the crowd gathered below the makeshift stage. The faces before her displayed a range of emotions¡ªcuriosity, questioning, disbelief¡ªand many looked up at her with admiration. "First, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you brave warriors for stepping up to defend what matters most, even in the face of danger. While I can''t promise you anything, I assure you that we will give our all to train you in the art of combat. I, the City Lord, and the Vice City Lord, will stand shoulder to shoulder with you, fighting alongside you and leading with all the strength and resolve we have. Together, we will strive to keep the base and its people safe." As Kisha concluded her speech and stepped back, she glanced up at Duke. His proud smile warmed her heart. A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd below the stage, filled with excitement and trust. However, the mood shifted slightly when Duke took his turn to address the audience, his speech adding a more somber tone to the atmosphere. "I won''t say much," Duke began, his voice firm and resolute. "Just know that you should prepare yourselves because I won''t make things easy for you." He turned on his heels and stood beside Kisha, his hand resting possessively on her waist. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the crowd, silently asserting his dominance and warning the men not to overstep their bounds with his wife. Kisha shook her head in defeat, while some people chuckled quietly and others looked visibly nervous. With the introductions concluded Duke quickly took charge. He assigned Sparrow, Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Tristan to form teams, each responsible for training and supervising a group of recruits and soldiers. They were tasked with ensuring discipline, correcting mistakes, and preventing any slackers from slipping through the cracks. As Duke began his first training session, Kisha left the area with Aston in tow and found a quiet spot at the side of the square to set up. "Aston, could you help me prepare a poster?" Kisha asked once she had settled into her chosen spot. "And also, I need a chair and a desk." Aston looked at her with curiosity. "May I ask what the poster is for?" he inquired, puzzled by the request. "I see that we have about 50 participants here, with the other half likely on duty or patrol," Kisha began, assessing the situation. "This brings us to around a hundred warriors, but considering our future operations and the extensive training they''ll need, this number might not be sufficient. It''s crucial that we start recruiting more people now, rather than waiting until we''re in urgent need. We won''t have enough time to prepare them if we wait until the last minute." Kisha explained patiently. "But we did recruit some people yesterday," Aston pointed out. "And I believe we''ll see even more individuals coming to register today and in the coming days." "I understand that," Kisha said. "But our recruitment rate is still too slow. We need to revise our strategy and offer better incentives to attract more applicants. We''ll be opening up less dangerous positions soon, and naturally, people will prefer those over high-risk roles. We need to adjust our approach to make the more dangerous positions more appealing." Aston understood Kisha''s point but offered a different perspective. "We have already provided generous work points as an incentive for those who register as warriors. We saw 20 new recruits yesterday, which is a decent start. However, many people are still shaken by the recent breach during the zombie raid and are understandably hesitant to take on such risky roles. The application rate may improve as the situation stabilizes and people become more willing to consider these positions." Chapter 263 Propaganda "But with better compensation and benefits, who wouldn''t be enticed by the offer?" Kisha countered. She noticed Aston pondering her point. It wasn''t that he was skeptical; he was considering the perspective of the civilians in the base. Most were terrified and still reeling from their near-death experience while fleeing the zombies to reach safety. Undoubtedly, they were still haunted by nightmares every night. So, the thought of willingly returning to such a hellish experience was daunting and required immense courage. Currently, only those with no other skills to offer for the available jobs would consider applying to be a warrior. They did so because they wanted to sacrifice themselves for their families, who were either sick or suffering from other issues. "This means that those who would consider this job role will be either the truly desperate or those who genuinely want to make a difference. And among the thousands currently in the base, such people are few and far between." Kisha understood Aston''s perspective and acknowledged that attracting candidates would remain challenging, even with increased compensation and benefits. However, she recognized the value of Duke''s training program. Despite its notoriously grueling nature, she believed that the rigorous training would yield remarkable results that would become increasingly evident over time. However, she didn''t have the luxury of waiting for the results to manifest before new recruits began arriving in droves. "Additionally, can we sustain the compensation we offer to the warriors? Not only would the source of our supplies come under scrutiny, but maintaining the facade for too long would inevitably raise suspicions," Aston added. Kisha inhaled sharply, recognizing the validity of his point. Although she was now a City Lord with the backing of her system and could technically support such supplies, she couldn''t afford to reveal this to everyone. Only a select few loyal enough to her would be privy to this secret, while others¡ªdespite her best efforts¡ªcould still turn against her. Kisha fell into deep contemplation, her eyes suddenly lighting up with a spark of realization. "But supplies aren''t our only asset, are they?" Aston raised an eyebrow, his expression puzzled. "What do you mean, City Lord? I''m not quite following." "Don''t we already have the Scarlet Honey with its numerous benefits? And if we start releasing information about the awakening, framing it as something that happened to most of us recently, wouldn''t that only increase their desire to join and be a warrior? We could make the Scarlet Honey available exclusively for the warriors and set a high price at the supply center. This could serve as an attractive benefit, helping them get stronger and less fearful of fighting. Additionally, we could offer more meat, vegetables, and other perks that would only be available to the warriors." "It can''t be limited to just food supplies; medicine is also highly valuable and limited, as well as water. With all these assets we have, even if we don''t make them exclusively available to the warriors, we could still offer significant benefits. For instance, we could provide substantial discounts at the supply center, similar to how real soldiers receive discounts when making purchases. Even if we can''t promise high compensation, these benefits¡ªespecially in terms of healthcare and other perks¡ªwould be enough to make them reconsider. By using the government system to offer these incentives, we can attract more civilians to join and serve as warriors, despite the modest compensation." Kisha then happily explained to Aston. Aston understood Kisha''s explanation well, given his own experience as a soldier who benefited from similar perks while serving the country. Despite this, he had overlooked such effective tactics for enticing more civilians to join due to his concerns about the supply issues and the potential fallout from revealing Kisha''s secret to the public, which could lead to significant problems. "Then how are we going to implement this?" Aston asked. "Could you show me the recruitment poster from yesterday? We might need to make some adjustments based on it," Kisha replied. Aston took a deep breath and signaled one of his men to retrieve the recruitment poster from the bulletin board. The soldier quickly sprinted to the Central Hall. Upon arrival, he was taken aback by the large crowd gathered around the bulletin board, all eager to find job opportunities. The soldier maneuvered through the throng with difficulty, determined to fetch the poster. When the soldier finally managed to grab the poster, a man suddenly seized his hand, halting him from removing it. "Sir, why are you taking down the poster? Is this job no longer available?" asked a middle-aged man, whose bulky body was evident despite the slight shrinkage of his muscles due to inadequate nourishment. The soldier was momentarily startled by the middle-aged man who desperately clung to his hand. Realizing the man was eager to join, he decided to explain. "Sir, the job is still available, and in fact, we''re encouraging as many people as possible to become warriors and help protect the base. The City Lord is even considering increasing the compensation mentioned in the recruitment poster as a token of respect for those brave enough to step forward and fight alongside her." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Will the City Lord actually fight alongside us against the zombies, or will she just stay inside the base and give orders?" the man asked, clearly bewildered. His question drew the attention of others in the crowd who were also seeking jobs but lacked the qualifications for safer positions listed on the bulletin board. As they overheard the conversation, their curiosity grew, and they began to listen intently. The soldier chuckled, his tone filled with pride. "It seems you''re not aware of the City Lord''s capabilities. She may look beautiful, but she''s known by many names¡ª''Grim Reaper,'' ''Death''s Rose,'' and more. She''s the same woman who led over 20 people safely back to the base from outside. That''s the City Lord and her team you''re talking about. She''s the one who took charge and led them to safety." "No way!!! Wasn''t that woman ugly and intimidating with a big scar on her face?! You must be joking. How could she be the City Lord, who looks like a goddess?!!!" interjected another man, unable to resist interrupting because of what he had heard. "It''s natural you''d think that way; we were surprised too. The truth is actually quite simple. The City Lord and her companions were in disguise at that time to avoid drawing the Coltons'' attention. After all, the Coltons have a notorious reputation for kidnapping beautiful people. So, if the City Lord had been recognized, she and her team might have become targets themselves," explained the soldier, his animated expression captivating the crowd and making them ponder the reality of the situation. "And thanks to those disguises, they were able to work freely and clear out the scum from the shelter. Now, with the reestablishment of our base as HOPE Base, we''re on a path to a brighter future because of the City Lord and her team leading us there," the soldier continued, weaving in propaganda to inspire bravery and evoke emotions. "Join us, and you''ll be part of this transformation, contributing to a future where we all thrive together." Chapter 264 Need To Recruit More "Is it really true that the City Lord and her ''guard dog'' are strong enough to take down hundreds of zombies?" asked an older man, his eyes lighting up with a flicker of hope as he imagined Kisha battling at the gate, just as the rumors had described. "Guard dog?" The soldier murmured, recalling Zeus. He knew for certain that Zeus was so formidable that even the soldiers combined couldn''t bring him down. "Yes, her ''guard dog''¡ªthe man who always stands beside her, looking so fierce and intimidating. They say that with just a swing of his spear, he can take down dozens of zombies. Is that true?" The soldier was momentarily taken aback by the description of the City Lord''s husband as a "guard dog," but he couldn''t help but find it fitting. Duke was always by Kisha''s side, not just guarding her from danger but also keeping other men at bay. The soldier chuckled to himself, recalling the dynamic between Kisha and Duke. "You can''t just say that¡ªhe''s our Vice City Lord and the City Lord''s husband!" the soldier interjected. While the description of Duke as a "guard dog" was somewhat accurate, he felt it was important to set the record straight out of respect. Besides, Duke''s impressive strength and formidable battle style were enough to make anyone shiver at the thought. "Wait, husband? But I saw the City Lord with a strikingly handsome man standing beside her yesterday. They looked great together, and I thought he was her husband," one of the men interjected, his eyes widening with realization. "Was he also in disguise?" The soldier nodded in agreement. Before he could continue sharing more about their City Lord''s achievements, the middle-aged man from earlier spoke up again. "Sir, is it true that the City Lord will fight alongside us in battles and that the compensation will be increased?" His voice trembled slightly, and hope flickered in his eyes. His expression was a mix of determination and vulnerability, with his eyes reddening as he awaited a response. "I can''t guarantee that the City Lord will be present for every battle," the soldier explained, "but one thing is certain: she will be there when we need her most. As a City Lord, she has many responsibilities and tasks to handle. However, I can tell you that she and the Minister of Defense are currently discussing adjustments to the compensation. They''re planning to announce the changes at the training grounds where the warriors are being led by the Vice City Lord. It would be beneficial for you to witness this for yourself." Although the soldier knew he shouldn''t disclose sensitive information about important discussions or the whereabouts of the City Lord to avoid potential schemes from those with malicious intent, he saw this as an opportunity to show the people that Kisha was trustworthy and considerate. By sharing this information, he hoped to demonstrate that Kisha was fair and genuinely concerned for the well-being of her people while making decisions. With this, he hoped that Kisha''s actions would win the people''s hearts and help recruit more individuals into the base''s defense, just as the City Lord intended. True to his expectations, after extending the offer, many who hadn''t found suitable jobs from the bulletin board listings followed the soldier to the square, which served as a temporary training ground for the warriors. Since the square was not far from the Central Hall, they arrived just in time to see Duke making his rounds among the soldiers. The soldiers were performing horse stances, shouting at intervals as sweat trickled down their foreheads and drenched their bodies. Despite the hardship and pain, the determination on the warriors'' faces was evident. Not far from them, Kisha sat under a tree, engaged in a serious discussion with Aston, the new Minister of Defense. Soon, the soldier made his way to where Kisha and Aston were conversing. The trainees couldn''t help but watch the entourage with curiosity as they approached Kisha. Duke, noticing the commotion, remained in his position, confident that Kisha could handle the situation herself. A smug smirk played on his lips as he watched her. "City Lord, Minister of Defense, I apologize for the delay. I''ve brought some civilians interested in recruitment, but they want to see the compensation details before making their decision," the soldier explained, handing the recruitment poster to Kisha. She sat at a table, her expression serious and indifferent. Nodding at the soldier, she took the poster and began to read it carefully. No one noticed Kisha''s cold and indifferent demeanor as all eyes were on the poster, eager to learn about the updated compensation. The crowd was a mix of anxious and hopeful¡ªsome worried that the compensation might be reduced, while others hoped for an increase, hoping it would be enough to afford at least two meals a day and prevent their families from going hungry. [Join the Brave Soldiers Defending HOPE BASE! [Requirements: Strong and capable individuals.Preferably those with combat skills or physical strength.Must be willing to undergo rigorous training and remain steadfast in the face of danger. Compensation: 1 kilogram each of rice, vegetables, and assorted meats weekly. 200 work points per week.] ... After reviewing the poster, Kisha found it well-balanced but felt it might not be enough to attract a larger number of recruits. She picked up her pen, her gaze fixed on the blank space of the poster paper on the table. With focused determination, she began to draft her own version, adjusting the compensation details to make the offer more enticing while keeping the other aspects of the recruitment unchanged. [Join the Brave Soldiers Defending HOPE BASE! [Requirements: S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Strong and capable individuals.Preferably those with combat skills or physical strength. Must be willing to undergo rigorous training and remain steadfast in the face of danger. Compensation: 5 kilograms each of rice, vegetables, and assorted meats per week. 400 work points per week. 20% discount at the Supply Center (exclusive to warriors). Free medical check-ups and essential medicine for warriors and their immediate family members. One bottle of Scarlet Honey every two weeks. Additional perks may be introduced as the base and resources expand.] Kisha carefully calculated the compensation to ensure that both the warriors and their families could afford two meals a day without appearing overly generous, which might make her look foolish or lead to questions about her supply management. The work points provided could be used to purchase additional supplies if the allocated amount wasn''t sufficient, given that items at the Supply Center were reasonably priced for residents. However, for those from outside the base, purchasing with crystal cores would be more expensive. Given that the warriors wouldn''t need to purchase many essentials and benefit from a 20% discount at the Supply Center, this compensation package would be significantly better than other jobs offering only work points. These perks would enhance their overall benefits substantially. This compensation is for regular warriors; those who perform exceptionally and get promoted will receive even better compensation and benefits. This structure will inspire warriors to strive for excellence and aim higher, ensuring a better and more comfortable life for their families. With this in mind, Kisha carefully scanned the recruitment poster she had just created and handed it to Aston, waiting for him to review her additions. She included a note at the end that perks and benefits may change, as she planned to add the Stamina Booster to the list if she successfully obtained the recipe. Chapter 265 One Problem After Another There might also be additional recipes available from future rewards that could be added to the perks, reducing the need for warriors to use their work points to purchase these items at the Supply Center. After Kisha finished making the updates, she noticed the eager expressions on the civilians'' faces as they eagerly awaited the posting of the new recruitment poster, hoping to get a closer look and see if they could join and see if the rewards were better. Duke, noticing the commotion and realizing that Kisha had completed the changes, decided to give the warriors a break. He walked over to see what she was up to. While no one openly discussed how attached Duke was to his wife, the warriors quickly moved aside, fearing that obstructing his path might result in extra push-ups or an extended horse stance. Duke made his way swiftly to Kisha''s side without any obstruction. Before Kisha could notice, Duke had already wrapped his strong arms around her petite waist and leaned over to read the poster she was passing to Aston. He rested his chin on her shoulder, seemingly oblivious to the crowd''s curious stares. Kisha, however, felt a flush of embarrassment as she realized the public display of affection was drawing wide-eyed attention from onlookers. Kisha elbowed Duke''s muscular stomach, but he didn''t budge, as if he were deliberately teasing her. After enjoying the sight of her blushing with embarrassment, he finally took a step back, letting her regain her composure. Seeing Kisha bashful and cute brightened Duke''s day. He believed that while she maintained a deadpan expression in front of others, she only showed emotional fluctuations when it came to him and her family. "Wifey, I think you might have forgotten to include water in the compensation," Duke remarked after glancing at the poster. "Water''s just as essential as the other items." "Really? I must have overlooked it," Kisha replied thoughtfully. "And now that you mention it, I realize there''s something else I forgot to include." She took the poster back from Aston and began revising it. Meanwhile, Duke stood behind her, lightly massaging her shoulders to ensure she could work comfortably. His affectionate gesture not only highlighted their close bond but also brought a touch of lightheartedness to the onlookers, who were amused to see the usually stern Vice City Lord displaying his more playful and eccentric side. Now, the compensation page has had a new addition. [Compensation: 5 kilograms each of rice, vegetables, and assorted meats per week. 400 work points per week. 20% discount at the Supply Center (exclusive to warriors). Free medical check-ups and essential medicine for warriors and their immediate family members. One bottle of Scarlet Honey every two weeks. Exclusive use of the water, relocation to a better housing facility including the immediate family. Additional perks may be introduced as the base and resources expand.] ... To maintain dedication and ensure that their work remains effective, it''s essential to set clear goals for everyone. If the survivors in the base were to receive nearly everything they need without any effort, they might become overly dependent on Kisha and her people, taking their support for granted. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This could lead to a sense of entitlement, where they view Kisha''s group as solely responsible for their well-being. By establishing goals and encouraging self-sufficiency, they will better appreciate the support they receive and contribute more meaningfully to the community. Even with the promise of food and shelter, there''s a risk that some might think minimal effort is sufficient. They may end up only doing the bare minimum, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of commitment. To prevent this, it''s crucial to foster a strong work ethic and ensure that everyone understands the importance of giving their best effort. Setting clear expectations and maintaining a system of accountability can help avoid such issues and encourage a more dedicated and productive workforce. Instead, Kisha envisioned transforming the base into a small, self-sustaining city where everything operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. This approach would mirror the societal norms the inhabitants are familiar with, making the transition smoother while providing a sense of continuity. By creating a familiar economic environment, she aims to foster a sense of personal responsibility and motivation among the community members. This structure would encourage them to work diligently and maintain their own needs, reducing reliance on the leader''s generosity and promoting a more self-sufficient and driven society. This means that payments for housing, water, electricity, and other necessities would be required, along with taxes for those wishing to operate stalls in the marketplace. Offering free housing and water as part of the recruitment compensation for warriors is already a significant benefit. With these provisions in place, they would have no further demands, allowing them to focus on their duties and protect the base with peace of mind, knowing their families are well taken care of. With this level of compensation, they would be highly motivated to excel in their roles, striving to maintain their positions or even aim for promotions to improve their lives further. With a nod of approval, Aston and Duke were satisfied with the revised compensation package for the warriors. They knew that the civilians who saw the poster would stop comparing safe jobs to the warrior recruitment, as the offer was clearly generous in comparison. The warriors'' benefits were substantial, while other jobs merely offered work points. However, with the inclusion of water in the compensation package, Kisha and Duke now needed to secure a reliable source of clean water for the base. Living in the middle of the city without access to a natural water source like a river made it impossible to rely on such methods. Instead, they needed to locate a water treatment plant and ensure it was operational to meet their needs. Kisha understood that relying on the water treatment plant might not be a long-term solution. Given the virus had already contaminated most water sources, the plant''s water could become unusable or even poisonous. The safest options in the interim were to rely on ''Water Type'' superhumans or a clean spring, while they worked on a more permanent solution. Having found a solution for the recruitment mission, Kisha now faced another problem that was giving her a pounding headache. It was precisely these kinds of burdens that made her reluctant to take on a leadership role. With a heavy sigh, Kisha handed the revised poster to Aston, feeling the weight of her increased workload. Aston then made his way to the makeshift stage, where he gathered everyone below to announce the updated recruitment requirements and compensation details. "What''s wrong, Wifey? Shouldn''t you be happy you''ve finished one of your tasks?" Duke asked, effortlessly guiding Kisha into his lap as he took a seat. He began stroking her soft hair soothingly, like calming an upset cat. "Yes, we''ll attract more recruits for the base''s defense, but we also need to find a reliable water source. I doubt the water in the Villa''s tanks will last us a month. We need to devise a plan and recruit ''Water Type'' superhumans to ensure a drinkable supply while we search for a long-term solution to sustain the base," Kisha said, her frustration evident. She felt surprisingly free to express her concerns openly to Duke. Chapter 266 Revealing the Awakened Ability "Don''t worry too much. I''ll help you carry this heavy burden, alright?" Duke said, kissing Kisha on the forehead reassuringly. Kisha felt a surprising sense of comfort and care from him. "For now, let''s focus on sending people to gather bottled water and supplies nearby. We need to maintain the facade that supplies are continuously coming in and going out," Kisha said, her mind already formulating a plan. Kisha signaled to one of the nearby soldiers, who had been stationed at the side, dutifully providing protection to Duke and herself. Though it was largely unnecessary given their own strength, it was part of the protocol to guard the City Lord and Vice City Lord at all times. This practice was a way for the soldiers to demonstrate their respect and loyalty to the two leaders. After the soldier approached, Kisha instructed, "Have everyone in the shelter gather at the square while the warriors are on break. We have an important announcement to make." Following her orders, the soldier and his comrades left only one man behind to remain with Duke and Kisha. The rest of the team dispersed with a megaphone to spread the word, ensuring that everyone would make their way to the square for the announcement. As they waited, Kisha and Duke remained in their positions, discussing their next steps. "Should we go out to gather more bottled water and additional supplies? With the Supply Center starting to operate, we need to demonstrate that we have ample supplies for everyone," Kisha said, glancing at the crowd gathering below the stage. "It''s up to my wife to decide, and it''s up to me to take action," Duke said teasingly, his tone suggesting he was referring to more than just gathering supplies. Kisha ignored Duke''s comment and continued, "We should take the new recruits with us so they can start familiarizing themselves with what they''ll be dealing with in the near future." She leaned back against Duke''s sturdy chest as she spoke. "I think that''s a good idea," Duke said with a grin. "We could have Sparrow handle the new recruits. Since he''s now the captain of the Advance Party leading the supply run and perimeter cleanup, it makes sense for him to supervise them." As he spoke, his hands slid around Kisha''s waist, occasionally pinching her sides in a playful manner. He seemed to be making an effort to restrain himself, his focus lingering on her soft belly. "That''s a good suggestion," Kisha agreed, "while we keep everything running smoothly inside the base and work on solving other issues." She then playfully swatted at Duke''s hands as if shooing away an annoying fly. To the onlookers, their interaction appeared as a loving, playful moment between a young couple. Given their youth and evident affection for each other, no one seemed to judge or find their behavior inappropriate. To Kisha, it felt like Duke was intentionally taking advantage of her, so she couldn''t help but pinch the back of his hands to keep him in check and curb his playful antics. Duke, however, found her reactions endearing and continued to smile broadly, enjoying their playful banter as if they were an old couple reminiscing about their fondest memories. Before long, the square began to fill up with more people. Most of their attention shifted to Kisha and Duke, who, despite discussing serious matters, engaged in a playful banter. Their expressions remained indifferent, but their antics were endearing and amusing. The onlookers found the scene entertaining, making the wait feel less tedious. As the inhabitants of the base rushed to the square for the announcement, they left their tasks behind, understanding that their City Lord wouldn''t call them together without good reason. Over the past day, they had begun to grasp Kisha''s personality and her approach, influenced by her earlier actions and the support they had received. The opportunity to earn their living expenses without the constant threat of life and death had left them with a sense of gratitude and respect. When Kisha saw that most of the people had already gathered in the square, she and Duke made their way to the makeshift stage where Aston was maintaining order. As always, Kisha displayed a calm demeanor, yet her authoritative aura was unmistakable. "First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for stepping up to find suitable jobs and help strengthen the base as we work towards a better future. I also want to apologize for the early retirement of myself and some of my family and staff yesterday due to a severe fever," she said, addressing the crowd with a tone of sincere gratitude and regret. After Kisha mentioned the fever, she noticed the expressions of those gathered below the stage shift to anxiety and fear. Many grew fidgety, their eyes wide with concern. They recalled the traumatic experiences of their own families: when someone caught a fever, instead of recovering, they turned into zombies and attacked their other loved ones. This daily fear of the virus''s unpredictable progression made everyone dread even the slightest illness, as they feared it might lead to turning or spreading the virus in unnoticeable ways. Kisha was acutely aware of their fears, so she decided to address the matter directly without any ambiguity. "I want to reassure you all that my people and I are fine. The fever we experienced was unlike a typical fever; it was significantly more intense and painful, almost as if our blood were being pumped into our brains while we endured a searing heat that could have fried our brains." She emphasized the importance of understanding this difference to prevent any misunderstandings about the awakening process so no one would mistakenly kill those who are going through the awakening. Kisha spoke with a tone that blended hope and solemnity. "While we were quarantined, our fear was that this crisis would cause even more upheaval, especially with the recent changes in leadership. Yet, as we persevered and sought solutions, a glimmer of hope emerged. It seems the heavens may have shown us some mercy, allowing us to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Despite the suffering and loss, we managed to pass the critical point and gain something truly precious." She paused, letting her words resonate. "I understand that many of you have lost loved ones who didn''t survive the turning point due to a lack of knowledge about the virus. It is a heavy burden to bear, and my heart goes out to all who have suffered. Let us honor their memory by using what we have learned to protect and support one another." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s voice was deliberate, allowing her words to sink in slowly. Her audience was left puzzled, grasping parts of her message but struggling with the full meaning. Sensing their confusion, Kisha decided to clarify further. "I and my family discovered that not only did we avoid turning into zombies, but we also gained a power to fight back against them," Kisha announced. She then glanced at Duke, knowing his abilities would make a strong impression. Duke stepped forward, ensuring he could be seen from afar. He raised his palm to chest level and conjured a ball of lightning, eliciting gasps of disbelief from the crowd. But Duke wasn''t finished. He raised his other hand and created a ball of fire. With a dramatic flourish, he pointed both hands skyward, releasing the fireball and lightning bolt simultaneously. The two collided in midair, resulting in a spectacular explosion. Chapter 267 Being the Pioneer Everyone below cried out in astonishment and disbelief. They remained in a prolonged state of shock, trying to process the information Kisha had shared while staring at the sky, where only smoke lingered from the explosion. Duke stepped back, positioning himself closer behind Kisha. She allowed a moment for everyone to react, knowing this information would be difficult to accept or understand as it was far beyond their previous experiences. Surprisingly, the younger ones were the quickest to accept it. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Like Keith, they loved reading fantasy novels and manhua, which made their worldview more open and accepting of these emerging powers. In fact, they were even more eager to hear about what Kisha and her people had discovered after experiencing the fever. Sensing their excitement, Kisha continued her explanation. "As you can see, my husband has awakened the ability to control lightning and fire," she began. Calling him her husband in front of so many people made Duke''s heart skip a beat, a wide, prideful smile spreading across his lips. "But these awakened abilities don''t seem to be limited to just fire and lightning. We''ve discovered powers involving water, wind, earth, and even abilities beyond natural elements. However, we believe not everyone will be able to awaken an ability. We''re unsure if there are specific qualifications or if it''s simply a gift from the heavens or a latent potential. Regardless, I believe that even if not everyone awakens, we will still stand a chance against the zombies. This might also be connected to the zombies themselves, as they grew stronger after the first raid. Perhaps this is the heavens'' way of balancing things out." To be honest, Kisha was mixing lies with truths, essentially spouting a bunch of bullcrap. She couldn''t exactly tell them she had died and come back to life, nor that her knowledge about awakened abilities and the probability of awakening came from a scientist she met who had uncovered the origin of the zombie virus and the awakening process. Unable to reveal most of what she had learned in her past life, Kisha had to blend truths with bullcrap, hoping it would make sense to everyone. It was essential to inform them about the awakened abilities, not only to help the base gain more power to defend against zombie raids but also to earn the people''s trust. If she portrayed herself and her people in a positive light, the people''s faith would naturally shift towards them. As the first to brave the dangers to understand the virus and discover the awakened abilities, their respect and trust in Kisha and her team would skyrocket, placing them on a pedestal. This way, if Kisha made a bold and seemingly dangerous decision in the future, the people would be more likely to trust her and believe in her ability to lead them to safer options. Because in the near future, such outrageous situations would inevitably arise, forcing her to make life-and-death decisions for many. Without the absolute trust of her people, she would be fighting not only the enemy but also facing resistance from within. Although it was a distant future, she wanted to begin building the people''s trust and her image now. Few would question the logic of the awakened abilities; most would be excited about their potential. This revelation would spark hope and enthusiasm, encouraging more people to register for warrior recruitment. The sequence of her actions was crucial. While the people were still energized by the revelation of the awakened abilities, their excitement and hope were high. It was important to leverage this moment to give them an extra push, encouraging as many as possible to seize this opportunity and enlist as warriors. "As many of you may know, my team and I have been outside the shelter for a few days, rescuing survivors. But our experiences went beyond just these rescues; we faced numerous challenges and made several discoveries. Among these discoveries is this." Kisha held up a bottle of Scarlet Honey. Its glittery appearance, with a rainbow-like luster, gave it an almost luxurious quality, resembling honey mixed with glitter. While its appearance might seem extraordinary at first glance, the people below still did not know that it was an elixir or something of significant value. "We discovered that this substance has the potential to strengthen a person''s constitution. While it doesn''t guarantee awakening, it could improve one''s overall strength and help individuals push beyond their limits, even if they don''t achieve an awakening." "Although we don''t have scientific proof yet, you can trust that my team and I are presenting our findings based on our own experiences. We hadn''t planned to reveal this discovery so soon, as we''re still uncertain about its full benefits. What I''ve shared is largely speculative, but we did notice significant differences, which might explain the superhuman abilities we''ve awakened. Due to the limited supply, we can only offer one bottle to those who join our defense force to ensure our warriors are strong and battle-ready. We will make every effort to distribute more of this substance through the Supply Center so that everyone has a chance to obtain it. However, please be aware that it will likely be very expensive." Kisha aimed to present the Scarlet Honey as a remarkable substance that her team discovered, without revealing its true origins. By obscuring the source, she not only protected it but also created the narrative that it was developed using a special recipe from unique herbs or mutant plants. Her goal was to establish this as common knowledge so that even if individuals from other shelters or bases came across the Scarlet Honey and attempted to identify its composition, they would only waste their efforts on futile research, unable to uncover its true nature. Although it appeared as if Kisha was laying all her cards on the table, revealing everything to the people, she was actually withholding the most critical information that could endanger her and her team. She only shared what she believed they would eventually uncover on their own. Humans have an inherent drive to uncover the truth, so the crystal cores and the nature of the awakened abilities would likely be discovered by someone in the future. By being the first to reveal this information, Kisha not only expedited the discovery but also secured the benefits associated with being a pioneer, enhancing her and her team''s standing in the eyes of others. The crowd erupted in cheers and excitement upon hearing Kisha''s news, showing an unexpected level of reverence. They began to view her almost as a goddess, a reaction that surpassed her expectations. As soon as she finished her explanation, nearly all the able-bodied men formed a single file, chanting in unison, "All hail the City Lord! All hail the Hope Base! We will serve the Base! Hoohaa!" Their voices reverberated through the square, and the ground trembled from the sheer excitement as the crowd stamped their feet in unison. _______________ PS: Another month has passed, and I''m genuinely grateful to see so many of you continuing to support and engage with the story. Your ongoing enthusiasm and encouragement mean a lot to me. As a token of my appreciation, please accept this redeem code: . You can redeem it for 10 Fast Passes at the Redeem Center located in your Profile section, just below your Purchase History. The code is valid for 10 users on a first-come, first-served basis. I hope this small gesture brings a smile to your face and encourages you to keep supporting me. Thank you again for being part of this journey! Chapter 268 A Good Plan Kisha was momentarily taken aback by the crowd''s reaction. They saw the string of good news as a sign of divine favor and regarded Kisha as a heavenly envoy. Since her appointment as City Lord, the base had been experiencing a series of positive developments and continuous good news, reinforcing their belief that she was blessed by the heavens. Initially, the people were preoccupied with their survival and concerned about how they would secure enough food. Then Kisha arrived and assumed the role of City Lord. As soon as she took office, she provided them with ample food, alleviating their hunger and ensuring they no longer felt the pangs of an empty stomach. The good fortune didn''t stop there. Just when they thought they might be facing their last meal, Kisha provided them with job opportunities to earn work points, allowing them to purchase the essential supplies they needed and be self sustaining. They were already grateful for the ongoing improvements, but the news of the awakened abilities¡ªso impressive as demonstrated by their Vice City Lord¡ªfelt almost surreal, even after witnessing it firsthand. The new developments only bolstered their hope, which had been waning due to the ever-present threat of zombies. Although they were making progress and experiencing improvements, the fear of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of zombies persisted. The reports of the zombies growing stronger since their initial emergence only added to their anxiety about the future. With the introduction of awakened abilities, which could help level the playing field between humans and zombies, they felt a renewed sense of optimism. This newfound hope strengthened their resolve to fight for their safety and survival, allowing them to stay alive as long as possible and create a better future for their children. Hearing that not everyone would be able to awaken initially dampened their hopes. However, their spirits were lifted once more upon learning about the special substance Kisha and her team had obtained from the outside. Even if they couldn''t awaken, the prospect of becoming significantly stronger through this substance was far better than remaining powerless and ineffective. Once they had sorted out their thoughts, the able-bodied men and even some women lined up in a single file, eager to join the defense force and become warriors. They saw this opportunity not only as a chance to become stronger but also as a means to secure substantial compensation, ensuring their daily needs were met while working towards a shared goal of a better future. Feeling more hopeful and full of expectations, the crowd''s spirits soared with excitement. Seizing the moment, Kisha signaled to Aston and his men to begin enlisting the eager recruits for the defense force. Aston and his team quickly organized into ten lines, efficiently enlisting people so they could join the training session after the first break. Kisha glanced at the growing count of recruits, watching the numbers climb from [Recruit 102/500 brave warriors] to [Recruit 207/500 brave warriors] and still rising. Her eyes sparkled with delight as the line of eager volunteers showed no signs of dwindling. Realizing the recruitment might exceed their initial target, she knew she needed to set a maximum limit. With only her, Marcus and a few others tending to the farm and animals, she wasn''t sure they could sustain and provide for an unexpectedly large number of warriors. If the number of recruits surpassed their supplies, they wouldn''t be able to meet the demand for long. Kisha began to calculate in her head as she observed the line. There were currently about 5,000 survivors in their base, a significant increase from her previous life when Duke had taken over. Back then, there were just over 2,000 survivors and very few combatants. They had managed to prevent the Coltons from killing the Winters and discovered the awakened abilities early, which might have otherwise led to a devastating killing spree and a decline in the number of survivors. Because she had changed the course of the future, the base now had a much larger population to support. The current supplies wouldn''t be sufficient to sustain everyone for long, even with the billions of provisions Duke had acquired just before the apocalypse. She planned to save those supplies for emergencies. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. According to the system''s headcount, there were 5,000 survivors in the base, and her mission only required 10% of them to become warriors to protect the base. Kisha was unsure what would happen if she exceeded the system''s requested number, as there had never been an indicator before to know if she had surpassed her mission''s goals before. Intrigued by the possibility, Kisha decided to set a recruitment limit of 1,000 warriors. She instructed Aston to close the recruitment once this number was reached, with plans to reopen it only when necessary or if someone quit. With the recruitment process underway, Kisha knew she just needed to wait for the numbers to reach the set limit and for Duke to train the new recruits over the next 15 days. However, she remembered another crucial part of the mission: ''Train them as fiercely as a lion trains its cubs. Ensure they are fully prepared within 15 days.'' If her understanding was correct, they not only needed to train the new recruits but also ensure they could hold their own against zombies outside the base within 15 days. The thought worried Kisha, as these recruits were not experienced soldiers but civilians who had lived ordinary lives before the apocalypse, just as she had. Even if their survival instincts had improved, it wouldn''t be enough to ensure their survival outside. Kisha turned to Duke. "Do you have a way to make them able to fight and hold their ground against zombies in 10 days?" Although it sounded outrageous, she had no choice but to ask. Duke was experienced in training people and more knowledgeable about this than she was, so her first instinct was to seek his advice. Duke fell into deep contemplation before responding. "How much fighting do you expect them to handle? If they work in groups and face a fixed number of zombies to get accustomed to combat and learn group formation, it could be achievable. However, if you want them to reach the level of fighters like Sparrow and the others, it would be impossible, even with exceptional training. They still need to build physical strength, balance, and, most importantly, courage." Duke elaborated on the requirements for preparing the recruits in such a short timeframe. Hearing about the group formation approach, Kisha''s eyes lit up with realization. "That''s it! We''ll start with group formations to help them get accustomed to fighting zombies and working together. Once they''re comfortable with that, we can transition them to pairs and eventually to solo combat. We can keep those who aren''t as skilled in fighting within groups for mutual protection and support. Pairing them up for missions will help them get used to teamwork and prevent communication issues or impulsiveness, as each pair will have someone level-headed. Only those who demonstrate exceptional skill, like Sparrow, will be trained for solo missions if such talent emerges." Kisha excitedly outlined her plan, thrilled to have found a viable strategy. Chapter 269 Start Of a Hellish Training "Then, is it possible for you to teach them the basics¡ªhow to kill zombies, the best approaches, and so on¡ªin the next three days before we send the recruits outside for their first experience? We can have Sparrow oversee them to ensure nothing goes wrong. Can you do that?" Kisha asked with great anticipation, her pleading eyes making it hard for Duke to dampen her expectations. So, even though he knew it would be grueling and tough for the new recruits, Duke nodded without hesitation. Making Kisha happy and helping her achieve her goal was all that mattered to him. Seeing Duke''s nod, Kisha let out a relieved sigh before happily hugging his arm. Duke reveled in the closeness, enjoying the moment with his wife, while Duke was happy in his wife''s soft arm, the people who would soon fall into hell felt their skin crawl as they felt a dark premonition coming their way. The couple watched as the line of people kept moving forward. Aston had added more stations for registration because ten lines weren''t enough to enlist 1,000 able bodies in a single afternoon. He also needed to hire people who knew how to sew and make uniforms, as it wouldn''t work to have the new recruits without uniforms. Identifying warriors from civilians was crucial. He also needed someone to make badges for the recruits, which would serve as their identification and proof of service in the defense force. With so many things to arrange, he couldn''t help Duke and the others train the new recruits. Aston was actually thankful that their Vice City Lord took on the training, freeing him to focus on arranging wall defenses, patrol rotations, and supply allocations for his soldiers. It took Aston and his team two hours to enlist 1,000 people, requiring a large number of staff to expedite the process. They knew they couldn''t afford to waste time, as Duke and the ongoing training were just on break, and it was crucial not to take too much time away from the necessary training. After enlisting 1,000 recruits, they closed the registration, but many people remained in line, eager to enlist after hearing about the compensation, particularly the bottle of Scarlet Honey, which they believed was the special substance Kisha had mentioned. Many were disappointed when the recruitment closed and couldn''t accept more people. Reluctant to let go of the opportunity, they hesitated to leave, so Kisha had to step in to mitigate the situation. "Everyone, we thank you for your interest in taking this dangerous job to protect everyone from harm. As of right now, we have already reached the ceiling for the recruitment of 1000 warriors, as of now, this is the maximum number of warriors we can take but when our base expands, we will certainly need more warriors. I hope that when the time comes, many of you will still be interested in joining us." Kisha said with a calm smile, taking in the disappointed faces around her. They must be those still searching for employment and eager to earn a living. After a brief pause, Kisha continued, "While we''ve reached our current limit for warriors, we expect to open additional positions soon. Our base has just been reestablished, and there are many tasks ahead. Please keep an eye on the bulletin board for updates on new job openings." After finishing her speech, Kisha made her way to Aston, who was conversing with his team. He briefly introduced the new recruits, ensuring they could be integrated smoothly with those who had arrived the previous day and the veteran soldiers already in training. Meanwhile, Duke began reorganizing the groups, selecting additional leaders from the veteran soldiers he deemed promising. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Clyde was also brought in to lead a new group, and more recruits were assigned to various training teams. Before starting the training, Duke surveyed the crowd of a thousand recruits below the stage. The entire square was packed to capacity, and those who hadn''t made it into the enlistment were left to watch from the sidelines. Despite the efforts to clear space, the area was still too cramped for the recruits to perform wide maneuvers effectively during their training. But Duke''s main concern was not the overcrowded space. He focused on informing the recruits about the expectations for their upcoming training and the challenges they would face in the forthcoming drills. "Alright, listen up, everyone! As you all know, we''re in the heart of the city, surrounded on all sides by a massive horde of zombies. This means we can''t afford to be soft in our training or our actions. The upcoming drills will be grueling and hellish, and you''ll need to endure every challenge we throw at you. But¡ª" Duke paused, his commanding presence overwhelming the crowd, intimidating those with weak resolve and those merely drawn by the promise of compensation. "But let me assure you, the rewards for enduring this training will be significant, preparing you to fight effectively out there and keep you safe from danger. For those of you who are only here for the compensation and are half-hearted about this, I suggest you leave now. I''m confident there are plenty of others eager to take your place." Duke finished his speech, having addressed everything he needed to convey. He had no need for half-hearted warriors, especially not those who were cowardly. Cowards are the most dangerous to be around because their fear can jeopardize everyone. Duke preferred a smaller number of committed and determined warriors over a large group lacking in quality and resolve. Kisha''s decision to recruit twice the number of warriors needed for the mission wasn''t driven by concerns over supply or compensation. Instead, it was a strategic move. She anticipated that some recruits wouldn''t be able to endure the rigorous and demanding training Duke would put them through, and would drop out halfway. By over-recruiting, she ensured that even with a number of dropouts, she would still have the necessary 500 warriors for the mission. At the same time, Kisha knew that Duke, with his high standards, would not tolerate recruits with half-hearted resolve. He would promptly dismiss those who didn''t meet his expectations. This would either necessitate bringing in additional recruits to fill the gaps or allow him to focus on training those with strong potential. Individuals like Fred and Rose, who had valuable combat experience with both people and zombies, had already become team leaders, guiding groups of recruits through the rigorous training process. With this arrangement in place, Kisha had one less thing to worry about and could now focus on the upcoming mission. Observing Duke as he busied himself with warming up the recruits brought her some relief. Once Aston had finished delegating tasks to his close aides, she turned to him to discuss the next steps. "Aston, with so many recruits now, I think we should approach Mrs. Winters for assistance in finding some skilled seamstresses. What do you think?" Kisha said, casting a knowing glance at Aston. "I had a feeling you''d come to the same conclusion. Yes, we definitely need to hire some skilled seamstresses to create uniforms for the recruits. Additionally, we''ll need to find people who can make badges for proper identification. This will help us easily distinguish between recruits and those with specific roles," Aston agreed, continuing to share his thoughts. Chapter 270 What to Do? Kisha took one last sweeping glance over the square, her eyes instinctively searching for the one figure who exuded an aura of authority and strength, standing tall and commanding like a king. When she finally spotted him, their gazes met¡ªher deep, inquisitive eyes locking with his intense ocean-blue stare. For a moment, they stared at each other, a silent exchange passing between them without the need for words. After a few minutes, Kisha turned away with a broad smile, while Duke resumed his rounds, meticulously observing the recruits to ensure they were either meeting or exceeding the demands of the training. No one noticed their silent exchange, as everyone was engrossed in their own tasks. Kisha and Aston proceeded to the temporary office of the "Minister of Women''s Care," located within the "House and Allocation Management Office," commonly known as HAMO. When Aston and Kisha arrived at the office, Mrs. Winters was already hard at work, directing women and older men as they rearranged the space. They sorted through items, deciding what would be useful and what should be stored away. Mrs. Winters was busy organizing tasks for the women and elders, carefully listing the work to be done. Kisha and Aston arrived just as she was finalizing her plans. "Mrs. Winters, do you have a moment?" Aston greeted her with a brief nod before getting straight to the point, mindful of their tight schedules and the need to avoid small talk. "Oh, hello! Yes, how can I assist you?" Mrs. Winters greeted them with a warm smile. She guided Aston and Kisha to a quieter corner of the office, where she offered them seats and poured them some water. "We came to inquire if any of the women under your care might be able to assist with making uniforms for our new recruits," Aston explained. "We''ve just successfully enlisted 1,000 warriors, but we currently don''t have enough uniforms for them. Additionally, it would be ideal if someone could help redesign the uniforms so that they are distinct from government-issued ones. We''re hoping to incorporate our own insignia to give our warriors a unique and recognizable appearance." "You''ve read my mind!" Kisha exclaimed, almost in surprise. She had been thinking about adding an insignia to represent their base, to distinguish their uniforms from those of the country''s soldiers. She wanted to avoid giving the impression that their base was a government entity, as this could lead to survivors outside expecting to be protected and provided for, which would be quite a hassle to manage. "That''s a fantastic idea!" Mrs. Winters exclaimed, her eyes brightening with enthusiasm. She quickly stood up and moved towards the bustling group of women and elderly, eager to start organizing the new tasks. While Mrs. Winters coordinated with them, Aston and Kisha remained seated for a moment. Kisha, meanwhile, was deep in thought. With the manpower now available for making the uniforms, her focus shifted to sourcing the necessary materials. She glanced at Aston, who was furrowing his brow as he also considered the problem. When he turned to look at Kisha, he found her already gazing back at him. Before Aston could speak, Kisha jumped in with her plan. "If I remember correctly, City B has a large textile manufacturing company nearby. If we can secure fabrics from their warehouse, we''ll have enough material for the uniforms and still have some left for making other clothes." Kisha was already considering multiple aspects of their needs for the future and strategizing a more comprehensive plan. However, after considering the situation, a new problem arises: how will they get there? The textile manufacturing company isn''t located in the heart of the city, but it''s still a crowded area with hundreds of workers, and potentially thousands more. Attempting to march through that area would be a death wish, especially since there are multiple manufacturing companies in the vicinity. This makes it one of the most dangerous places in City B. As always, places like hospitals, schools, malls, and other densely populated areas should be avoided. These locations can quickly become overrun by zombies, leaving no time for adequate preparation regardless of how much planning is done. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Additionally, despite the high danger, raiding these places could yield lucrative rewards. With the current number of survivors at Base Hope, raiding small locations wouldn''t be enough to provide for everyone. Most survivors escaped with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Those few who managed to gather supplies like food and clothing during the chaos were not only smart but extremely capable, though this wasn''t the case for the majority. Currently, they are still in the early stages of the virus outbreak, which has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, there shouldn''t be many evolved zombies in those areas yet. However, given the changes observed during their recent trips outside, Kisha must also consider the possibility of encountering some evolved zombies, though their numbers are likely still low. On the downside, since it''s still the early stage of the outbreak, not many people have awakened their abilities yet. If they venture into those areas, their people could be quickly overwhelmed and killed, only adding to the number of zombies already present. The only solution she could think of was to employ their usual tactic: using Sparrow as bait to draw the zombies away from the manufacturing area, allowing them to collect supplies with fewer zombies remaining. Even if some zombies are still present when they arrive, the remaining numbers should be manageable. However, this tactic isn''t foolproof and still highly dangerous. If only the core members with awakened abilities are sent, it could demonstrate their high capability and inspire the base to rely on them more. But where would that lead them? Moreover, she can''t just send the core members to retrieve the items and then use her space ability to transport them. When they return, explaining how they managed to acquire so much could raise suspicion. If she wants to use her inventory to transport items, she needs to be discreet for now. She should wait until ''Space Type'' superhumans emerge, as they could serve as a cover for her to use her inventory without drawing too much attention. With this in mind, she could pretend to be a ''Space Type'' superhuman, but since this type of superhuman has space limits, she would need to act as though her abilities also have limitations. Claiming to have unlimited space would make her an invaluable asset, and people might see her as someone they could exploit. This would make her indispensable for all supply runs, increasing reliance on her and potentially leading to the very issues she has been trying to avoid. Kisha felt overwhelmed by the myriad of problems she needed to address, from creating uniforms for their warriors to securing clothing materials for survivors to sell at the supply center. Although she wanted to provide each survivor with a set of clothing, the 5000 survivors at her base were too many to support with the current resources. The seamstress couldn''t produce enough outfits for everyone. They might be able to provide pre-made clothing to some survivors if they managed to secure enough, but if they were to distribute pairs, Kisha and her team would need to be fair and ensure that all 5000 survivors received a pair to prevent conflicts. ''FUCK!!! This is exactly why I hate being in a leadership position! Why do I have to be the City Lord?'' Kisha exclaimed inside her head, rubbing her face in frustration. Chapter 271 Future Plans Aston noticed Kisha''s silent frustration and the strain she was under. Although he understood some of the challenges they faced, he wasn''t as knowledgeable as Kisha and couldn''t pinpoint the exact source of her frustration. He had confidence in Kisha''s ability to find solutions, but he also thought that a brainstorming session could be valuable. Kisha shouldn''t bear all the burdens alone; if she did, her team might either feel like a burden or become overly reliant on her, which would only add to her stress. Aston knew this, which is why he tried to do as much as he could and arrange what he could. However, his belief in Kisha''s capabilities had become deeply ingrained after witnessing her prowess. To him, she was already a godsend. Since Kisha had yet to devise a solution for the situation, she and Aston focused on arranging what was needed first. Just as Kisha made this decision, Mrs. Winters arrived promptly to report to her. "Sweetheart, as much as I want to provide more seamstresses for this order, we simply don''t have enough. Currently, I have only 5 women, 5 elderly, and 6 children under my care. Those who found jobs have chosen to live with their families and didn''t need the assistance of the Women''s Care Department. In my office, only 2 women are experienced in sewing, and 1 elderly woman used to work for a famous clothing line making custom suits," Mrs. Winters said with a hint of embarrassment that quickly flashed across her eyes before she regained her composure. "Are you talking about brands like Armani?" Aston suddenly asked. Mrs. Winters nodded, a calculative glint in her eyes as she continued. "But, I can help hire more seamstresses. I was actually planning to put the women from the red-light district to good use by having them do some crafts, so this job came at the perfect time. Even if they don''t know how to sew, the elderly woman has already offered to teach her skills to the younger ones since she can''t do as much work as she used to." Mrs. Winters smiled, a hint of pride evident on her face. Kisha was satisfied with Mrs. Winters'' resolution and felt confident in her decision to appoint her to the role. She knew Mrs. Winters was well-suited for the job because she understood the intricacies of the work and was far from being a typical rich lady who liked to slack off. Kisha expressed her satisfaction with repeated nods and a bright smile. "This is exactly what we needed. Since we still lack the materials for creating the uniforms, it might be beneficial if the elderly woman could assist with the design. I have a design in mind, but her expertise in making suits would be invaluable in ensuring the uniforms are both comfortable and formal. We''ll send you a military uniform later so you can dismantle it, examine the construction, and incorporate the new design elements with it." "But while you''re still hiring and training the ladies in sewing techniques, my team and I will need to discuss how to gather the necessary materials, such as fabric and thread, for your team." "Sounds good to me!" Mrs. Winters exclaimed, clapping her hands together. Meanwhile, Aston made a mental note to have a subordinate deliver a spare uniform to the Minister of the Women''s Care Department later. Kisha and Aston then exchanged a few brief words with Mrs. Winters before bidding their farewell, allowing them to focus on other job arrangements. "Aston, I just realized we need to arrange for some people to cook lunch for the warriors so they have the energy for training," Kisha said. The thought had slipped her mind amidst the whirlwind of mission details and other pressing tasks. With so much on her plate, she had been focusing on the bigger picture and had overlooked this smaller, yet essential, arrangement. "Don''t worry, City Lord," Aston said with confidence. "I''ve already arranged for my team to hire an additional 100 people to coordinate with the Supply Center for cooking supplies. I understand that you have a lot on your plate and might overlook the smaller details sometimes. It''s our job to support you, and we''re on top of it." His reassurance eased Kisha''s worries and gave her a sense of relief. "Also, I''ve been thinking about setting up a dedicated cafeteria for the warriors," Aston continued, his tone a mix of excitement and nervousness. "The idea is to serve them breakfast, lunch, and dinner there, so their food supplies can be used to support their families. The cafeteria would offer meals at a reduced price for the warriors and standard prices for others who want to dine in. What do you think of this plan?" "That''s an excellent plan!" Kisha said, her rare, genuine smile lighting up her face. "By setting up a dedicated cafeteria for the warriors, we can ensure they receive three meals a day, which will ease their food burden and allow their families to benefit from their food supplies. With three meals a day, depending on their family size, they can use their points to buy additional food or purchase all their meals from the cafeteria. Plus, this approach will help us manage their diet more effectively. You''ve done a great job with this, Aston!" Kisha''s heartfelt praise made Aston blush with pride. He based his plans on the military base''s layout, aiming to create a similar setup for their own warrior base and allocate specific areas for it. Seeing Kisha in a good mood, he seized the opportunity to pitch his future plans. "City Lord, I''ve been planning to establish a dedicated warrior base specifically for our operations. This would allow us to conduct warrior training and drills out of the public eye, reducing tension and maintaining a positive atmosphere among civilians. Additionally, we could relocate the warriors and their families to this base, creating a distinct community that showcases the benefits and prestige of being a warrior. By highlighting their improved quality of life, we can inspire more people to aspire to become warriors. This way, even if some warriors are lost in raids or choose to leave, we''ll have a steady influx of recruits eager to join, ensuring we''re never short on manpower for the base''s defense." "Good thinking, Aston. I''m genuinely reassured that you''re in this position because you have the foresight to think ahead." Kisha took a deep breath, her smile soft and genuine. She was glowing with satisfaction, and Aston was momentarily taken aback, lost in her radiant expression. He had expected to be shot down, considering the numerous pressing matters at hand, but seeing Kisha so pleased and happy with his proposal reassured him that she was also considering the bigger picture. Reflecting on her past experience, Kisha recalled that the HOPE Base in her previous life lacked such a setup. It was solely a military base where warriors had to find their own lodging, and although meals were provided, there was no dedicated cafeteria. Instead, a tent was used to prepare their food. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Supplies were so limited that providing three meals a day was impractical; many warriors could only afford a meal every two to three days, making even a single meal a luxury. Chapter 272 Harvesting? Now that Kisha is on a mission to ensure her people receive at least two meals a day, establishing a Supply Center and a cafeteria is an excellent strategy. This plan will help guarantee that no one goes hungry and support the well-being of every survivor in the base. "Given the situation, we need to find an appropriate location to transform into a warrior base and plan its construction. This will undoubtedly be a long-term project, potentially taking months or even years. However, with the right awakened ability users, we might be able to expedite the process." Just thinking about the future and the possibility of turning the HOPE Base into the safe haven she always envisioned, along with the base in City A, fills her with energy. Kisha truly believes they can create a real powerhouse this time. Although the HOPE Base was powerful, it was nothing compared to the military bases established in other cities by politicians who fled with their soldiers. Those bases were able to secure substantial military resources, including thousands of soldiers, making them incredibly formidable. Their numbers reached into the tens of thousands, far exceeding the capacity of the HOPE Base. The key difference was that these bases exploited civilians, sending them out to gather supplies in exchange for protection within the military base. So, their practices were not much different from how the county operates¡ªimposing taxes under the guise of protection while exploiting the people and sending them to their doom. Despite its strictness, HOPE Base was still more humane compared to how survivors were treated in those military bases. Politicians, believing themselves to be still in power, used their influence to exploit smaller bases and shelters, claiming to collect taxes. Those who resisted were raided, with any who fought being killed, creating an atmosphere of terror. This allowed them to rebuild their bases and ensure the smaller groups remained subservient, all while they continued to live off the suffering of others. If word got out and HOPE Base became known to those other bases, they would undoubtedly target it in hopes of exploiting its resources and stealing from them. That''s why Kisha supported Aston''s plan. She understood the necessity of strengthening their base''s defenses and ensuring they had a sufficient number of capable individuals ready to step into the roles of the fallen warriors. Certainly, as more survivors flocked to their base, expansion had become an urgent necessity. However, Kisha remained cautious about revealing their other hidden base, as it could serve as a crucial asset in their strategic plans. "Actually, since we''re discussing expansion, we should prioritize reinforcing our walls. The trailer containers won''t hold up indefinitely, as evidenced by the gaps and damage that allowed zombies to breach during the first raid. With the possibility of Evolved zombies leading future hordes, the threat will only intensify. Strengthening the walls is crucial for the base''s safety, not just relying on the guards stationed on top," Kisha said thoughtfully. After hearing Kisha''s thoughts, Aston made a mental note to discuss this with the Minister of Revenue to allocate engineers and architects to evaluate and reinforce the wall structure. The sheer volume of tasks and improvements needed was overwhelming. As they toured the area, Aston realized that their previous standards of "good enough" were inadequate. What seemed sufficient before was now clearly insufficient, and addressing these issues was crucial. Their plans hadn''t accounted for evolving zombies or potential threats from individuals with awakened abilities who might target them. Kisha''s concerns highlighted these gaps, making Aston realize just how naive he had been. He acknowledged his own limitations and recognized that he lacked the strategic insight needed to anticipate and counter such scheming minds. It was only natural for Aston to be feeling this way, as people who had lived in peaceful societies were less accustomed to such malicious attacks and relentless survival challenges. For them, adapting to these harsh realities was a new and difficult process. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha, on the other hand, had experienced these dark aspects of human nature many times and was well-acquainted with how twisted the human heart could become. "Alright, let''s tackle these urgent tasks first. If you see something that needs immediate action, handle it promptly. Coordinate with the other departments to avoid being overwhelmed. Later, gather the core members of your department for a meeting at Villa #1 since we still don''t have an official conference room," Kisha instructed. She needed to gather the fabric and other essential materials as soon as possible because the weather could change at any time. They might not lose people to hunger, but they could lose them to sickness from the changing weather, which is just as dangerous. "Understood, City Lord. I''ll attend to the other matters now," Aston said, saluting out of habit. Kisha didn''t correct him. After giving his salute, he instantly disappeared from sight, as if he were being chased by a rabid dog¡ªthat''s how busy he was. With a heavy sigh, Kisha parted with Aston, knowing he would be busy. She, on the other hand, needed to return to the territory space to check for any changes. It had been more than two days since they started farming, which meant over 48 hours in the outside world. Inside the territory space, that was equivalent to more than 480 hours, or over 20 days. She was certain some of the crops had already matured and could be harvested soon. Kisha took quick, long strides back to the villa to check on Marcus''s progress with farming and raising livestock. However, she knew relying solely on Marcus to sustain thousands of people wouldn''t be ideal; it was like patching a hole with tape¡ªit wouldn''t last long. Currently, she was using the supplies Duke had acquired before the apocalypse to feed the survivors at the base so she could complete the C-Class Mission, "The Philanthropist." To complete most of her missions, supplies were the most crucial right now. She was putting all her eggs in one basket, which was dangerous, but she didn''t have much choice. It wasn''t as if she had been given plenty of time to prepare. If not for her territory space, all those chain missions would have been doomed from the start. Still, she couldn''t help but resent the constellation behind 008 because they were making Kisha''s life as arduous as possible. She''s lucky to have the very supportive Duke and their team who follows her lead. Not long after, Kisha arrived at the villa. Marcus and the children were no longer around, indicating they were inside the territory working. Kisha had been out for four hours since the morning, and it was almost lunchtime. She assumed Marcus and the children had been inside the territory for about 3-4 hours, which was equivalent to 30-40 hours outside. Kisha didn''t waste any time and entered the territory. As she expected, Marcus was already hard at work, crouched down and harvesting crops. Kisha blinked in surprise. "Wait, harvesting?" She did a double-take as she observed Marcus working with the cabbages. They were enormous, larger than an adult''s head, even after the outer leaves had been removed. The cabbages were impressively large and vibrant, but that wasn''t the main focus. Marcus was already deep into harvesting, having even woven a few baskets to collect the crops. These baskets were brimming with a variety of produce¡ªcarrots, radishes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables they had planted just days ago. Remarkably, even the crops planted only yesterday had already been harvested, and Marcus had already sown a new batch.c Chapter 273 Marcus Awakening Kisha scanned the area and noticed numerous baskets filled to the brim with vegetables, neatly arranged at the edge of the farmland. If she were to count them, there would easily be a few dozen baskets. These were not small baskets; they were quite large, nearly reaching her waist in height. Their thickness made them too cumbersome for her to even hug. Kisha took a sharp breath as she looked around once more, trying to convince herself she wasn''t hallucinating from the stress and endless worries. Then, an overwhelming realization hit her like a ton of bricks, prompting her to check Marcus''s status window. [Marcus Wyatt] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Morality: Good Strength: 25 (+15) Stamina: 25 (+14) Defense: 25 (+20) Agility: 25 (+18) Mental Capacity: 25 (+15) S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Charm: 25 (+18) Leadership: 25 (+166) Title: None Skills: None Talent: Farming Gift: Green Thumb Ability: Elemental (Earth, Wood, and Water) Kisha gasped in surprise. It seemed that Marcus had successfully mastered the technique for utilizing the Scarlet Honey and had also awakened. She hadn''t witnessed his awakening, but this discovery was significant. It confirmed her hypothesis that consuming the Scarlet Honey could indeed increase the chances of awakening. This was valuable information for others who hadn''t yet awakened and provided solid experimental material. Kisha glanced at his status window again and noticed it was already at maximum. It seemed Marcus was just waiting to level up to increase his cap. She wondered if he had used the Scarlet Honey continuously, reaching his limit without taking breaks to strengthen his foundation or consolidate his energy core properly. Had he consumed it without realizing the importance of consolidating his foundation to avoid damaging his future potential? Kisha felt a pang of regret and worry. She couldn''t recall if she had informed him about this crucial step before giving the Scarlet Honey to him and his grandchildren before she left. Although she remembered teaching them the technique for using Scarlet Honey, she couldn''t recall if she had emphasized the importance of consolidating their foundation after awakening and gradually increasing their intake. A headache began to throb as her thoughts spun out of control. ''I need to ensure this crucial information is communicated to all warriors and those taking the Scarlet Honey, so they don''t jeopardize their potential.'' She had been so absorbed in all the tasks she needed to accomplish that she had overlooked this crucial detail. Especially now, seeing his immense potential and remarkable talent, she couldn''t afford to let such a valuable gift go to waste. She hurried over to Marcus, determined to confirm and understand the situation so she could find a way to mitigate any potential damage. She didn''t want to jeopardize Marcus'' future potential. As she reached his side, Marcus finally noticed her presence. He looked up from where he was pulling a large cabbage from the ground. "Young Madam, you''re back!" Marcus exclaimed, quickly placing the cabbage into a nearby basket. He then dusted off his pants and wiped the dirt from his hands onto his trousers. "I see you''ve awakened," Kisha said, her voice carrying a hint of regret. Marcus scratched the back of his head bashfully before nodding at Kisha''s question. "Yes, that''s right. The children and I were working on the farm when I decided to try the Scarlet Honey you gave us and practice the technique. After taking four spoonfuls over a few hours, I suddenly felt a sharp, painful surge in my head, like my brain was about to explode. I collapsed, and when I regained consciousness, Mr. Sparrow was already there. He reassured the children, showed them how to care for me, and stayed to monitor me. I don''t remember much because I was in and out of consciousness." "After what felt like a day of suffering from a severe fever, I finally managed to get up, and Mr. Sparrow filled me in on the details. Apparently, after I collapsed, my grandchildren found me and laid me down. Mike then ran outside to find help and happened to bump into Mr. Sparrow, who was on a break. Mike asked him for assistance because the children were flustered and scared, worried that I might turn. Mr. Sparrow arrived and instructed the children to help cool me down, especially my head, to prevent my brain from overheating. Once I survived and woke up, Mr. Sparrow asked me a few questions about how I felt and if I noticed anything new in my body." "And?" Kisha asked with a mix of anticipation and unease. She had an inkling of what Mr. Sparrow might have been trying to do, and she was on the edge of both hope and disappointment, depending on whether her suspicions were correct. "After I answered his questions, Mr. Sparrow taught me a series of techniques to control and strengthen what he referred to as the energy core in my brain. He explained that I needed to consolidate my energy core and foundation before continuing to consume the Scarlet Honey to increase my body''s capacity. Although I didn''t fully grasp the logic behind his explanation, I followed his instructions diligently. I could feel a significant improvement in my strength, and Mr. Sparrow confirmed that I had awakened an ability." "But since he wasn''t sure what specific ability I had awakened, Mr. Sparrow left me to discover it on my own. He taught me how to harness my internal energy to activate my newfound ability. Because our abilities differ, it took some time for us to achieve the desired results. Once I identified my ability, Mr. Sparrow advised me to use it as much as possible to become accustomed to it and improve my proficiency. He also instructed me that if my grandchildren experienced a severe fever like mine, I should manage it in the same way and pass on the techniques he taught me to them." "I also recall you mentioning, Young Madam, that I should inform you if any of the children fall ill. I assumed this might be what you were referring to?" Marcus said, a bit uncertain if he was correct in his interpretation. Kisha let out a sigh of relief and nodded at Marcus. "So, I take it that you ensured your foundation and energy core were properly consolidated before continuing with the Scarlet Honey?" "Yes, Young Madam," Marcus replied eagerly. "This space has been incredibly helpful because a day here equates to just over an hour outside. I''ve been here for a few days now, continuously using my awakened ability to further enhance the growth of the plants. I''m not entirely sure if it''s my ability or something else, but the plants have grown significantly bigger and juicier. It feels like there''s an additional boost, though I''m not sure if it''s due to my ability or some other factor." "Oh! It sounds like you''re referring to your Gift and Talent. Let me explain further, as it might not be immediately clear. For some superhumans with great potential, they are bestowed with a Gift and Talent that significantly enhances their future development and strength. After your awakening, your Talent and Gift have started to come into play. Your Talent is in farming, and your Gift is a ''green thumb.'' This Gift is likely why the crops you plant and care for are growing much faster and juicier." Kisha explains with a relieved smile playing on her lips. Chapter 274 How His Awakened Ability Works "So, I think every time you use your awakened ability to enhance the growth of the crops, your Gift, ''green thumb,'' automatically plays its part. If I remember correctly, your awakened abilities are Water, Earth, and Wood, right? Are you using your Wood ability to increase the crops'' growth?" Kisha asked. She recalled that those with Wood abilities could indeed conjure trees or plants from the ground up, but these are usually used for defense or offense, like Mrs. Winter''s vines. Typically, they aren''t things that could be eaten, and even if they try to increase the growth of a crop, it doesn''t work and often ruins the crop. She surmised that the imbalance between their awakened abilities and the crops was causing the crops to fail. Forcefully injecting their energy into normal crops overwhelmed the plants, resulting in failure. However, if Marcus was using his awakened abilities in tandem with his Gift, then it was likely his Gift that made his attempts at increasing the growth of the crops successful. "To answer your question, Young Madam, I don''t think I''m only using the element of wood when I try to increase the growth of the crops. I usually feel a harmony of elements inside me whenever I''m planting and farming. The soil feels like it''s happily communicating with me, the moisture in the soil greets me warmly, and the seeds feel like sleeping children. As they grow, it''s as if they''re speaking to me. I don''t know how else to explain it except for the harmony I feel each time. I can''t even tell which specific ability I''m using because I just follow my instincts." "Perhaps I can explain it this way: I use the water flowing around the farm to water the crops and manipulate it at will to make my work easier. I can control the soil to create burrows for planting seeds without getting my hands dirty, and I use my wood ability to uproot grass that invades the crops'' space." Marcus paused, deep in thought, trying to convey his experiences to Kisha. "And when those abilities merge, creating a harmony inside me, it''s as if the crops sing and grow," Marcus added, a look of enlightenment on his face, finally expressing what he truly wanted to convey. "So, you''re saying that all three of your abilities merge into one and create a perfect balance to help increase the growth of the crops, and it works perfectly with your Gift? Or do you mean that your Gift acts as a bridge to create this balance in your awakened abilities, enabling them to enhance the crops'' growth?" Kisha asked, trying not to confuse herself. Although she understood the essence of his Gift, the mechanics were a bit complicated¡ªor perhaps she was overcomplicating things out of curiosity. "Young Madam," Marcus began, scratching his cheek as he blushed. "Um, actually, I don''t know the difference. It feels the same to me, and it''s really hard to explain. It feels so natural that before my brain can understand, my body has already responded." "It''s probably because your Talent is ''Farming,'' and if that''s the case, then your Gift and Talent are likely working together to create the perfect harmony for this to work. Your Gift, ''Green Thumb,'' is guided by your Talent. Either way, I can see that your Talent and Gift perfectly match the work on the farm, and I''m happy to see you becoming stronger." Kisha patted his shoulder. Marcus, still looking a bit confused, chuckled foolishly when she complimented him. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Keep consolidating your awakened ability, and as you level up, your powers will grow stronger and your body''s capacity will increase," Kisha advised, nodding in satisfaction at her decision. Marcus''s awakening would help her complete her A-Class Mission, ''Planting and Harvesting.'' "By the way, what about your grandchildren? Have they awakened as well?" Kisha suspected that individuals with a talent and gift prior to awakening were almost guaranteed to awaken, while those without these traits might acquire them post-awakening, depending on their potential. However, those with pre-existing talents and gifts generally had greater potential. Regardless, with her ''Eye of Truth,'' she could identify these individuals and recruit them for roles that suited their abilities, ensuring mutual benefit for both them and her operations. "No, Young Madam, they''re currently helping me with the livestock and checking on the aquatic animals to see if they''re growing well and if we can harvest them soon. My youngest granddaughter assists with the farm because the lake is too far away, and managing the livestock alone was too much for her," Marcus explained, straightening his posture as if he were reporting in the garrison. "Wow, you have some truly responsible grandchildren!" Kisha praised. "Keep up the good work. For now, be sure to monitor them closely for any signs of awakening. It could be dangerous if they awaken and aren''t properly taken care of." Marcus stiffened at the reminder, particularly concerned about Gant, who had gone up the mountain to the lake. He was the farthest away and would be the hardest to reach if he did awaken. Noticing Marcus''s growing anxiety, Kisha quickly understood his concern. She decided not to prolong the conversation and instead activated the territory interface of her space. Instantly, a hologram of the entire island appeared before her. Marcus gasped in amazement, prompting Kisha to turn her attention toward him. She saw him staring in awe at the holographic display floating midair. "Can you see what''s in front of me?" Kisha asked, astonished. Until now, no one had ever been able to view this display, no matter where she opened it. Marcus couldn''t find his voice, his eyes wide and his mouth agape as he stared in awe. He managed to nod, completely mesmerized by the futuristic display. The hologram projected a detailed miniature version of the entire island, and he noticed two green lights on the flat ground where the farm was. He surmised that these represented himself and Kisha. Seeing Marcus intently studying the hologram, Kisha realized he could indeed view it. It seemed it was because he now had the authorization clearance to access her space, which might also grant him access to some of its features. She thought she should sit down and review the features available to him. If he wasn''t familiar with them, she could teach him so he could effectively utilize these tools to assist with his work. When Kisha glanced back at the hologram, she noticed that, aside from the green dots representing herself and Marcus, there were three other indicators in blue. These were around the lake, the pig pen, and one that appeared to be moving about the flower field¡ªlikely Daisy. It seemed that because the HOPE Base was outside her designated territory, its inhabitants weren''t considered part of her people. Since they weren''t hostile, their status was shown in blue. It appeared that blue represented neutral entities, while red was reserved for enemies. Marcus was marked with a green dot because he now had authorization to access her space, signifying that he was considered one of her people. Using the holographic map of the island, Kisha methodically checked each blue dot to ensure the children were safe within the territory. Marcus watched intently as she operated the map, clearly fascinated. The hologram displayed real-time images of his grandchildren, moving about the territory with an adventurous energy. Seeing them all safe and well, Kisha could tell that Marcus was both relieved and awed by the technology. Chapter 275 Territory Storage After ensuring that the children were safe, Kisha and Marcus returned to tending to the farm. Kisha discovered that Marcus could access some features of the territory map, similar to what she used earlier. However, his access was limited compared to hers. He could monitor the space through the map and address any issues related to the farm or the ranch, but he didn''t have access to all the features she had. Kisha also discovered that Marcus has the authority to grant limited access to up to 10 people. He can assign them to specific areas, meaning they would be restricted to those zones and unable to roam the entire island. However, he has the power to lift these restrictions if needed. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So his access functions like that of a sub-administrator. With this authority, he can use the territory''s storage system to store all the crops and produce they gather. If they are in the territory in City A, they won''t need to move a muscle to transfer items into storage, as it can be connected to anywhere, depending on the administrator''s distribution design. This feature could be extremely helpful at HOPE Base, but Kisha doesn''t want to transfer her territory here. Keith and her grandparents are still in City A, and she prefers that place. She wants it to be her main base where agriculture can thrive, something that would be impossible in the middle of a city. Now that she had a clear understanding of the access and authority Marcus wielded, Kisha had no intention of changing his level of authority. She believed it would be helpful in the future. Instead, she began to explain to him how it all worked, detailing his access and how to use the various features. She specifically emphasized the importance of the virtual storage because Marcus might mistakenly store all the crops and produce he harvested from the territory in the physical storage in the city instead of the virtual storage of the territory space. The virtual storage was similar to her system inventory, but with a key difference: it could link to multiple sub-storages from different departments of her territory, depending on the storage link design she created. In contrast, her system inventory was a standalone storage. Currently, the territory''s virtual storage is linked to the physical storage in City A. She had configured it to send a specific amount of supplies to their storage every month. Although they farmed, tended to livestock, and gathered additional supplies outside, she still sent them a bit more to ensure they wouldn''t go hungry. After instructing Marcus on these crucial details, he began practicing with the territory''s storage, placing all the baskets of crops he had harvested into it. Kisha watched in real-time as her system interface updated her mission progress with each batch of crops Marcus stored. Mission requirement: 100 kilos each of 10 different types of plants Progress: 10 Kilos of Carrots, 10 kilos of Yam, 10 kilos of cabbage, 10 kilos of potato, 10 kilos of tomato, 10 kilos of green beans, 10 kilos of okra, 10 kilos of cucumber, 10 kilos of beetroots, 10 kilos kale, 10 kilos of lettuce... Seeing the variety and quantity of vegetables Marcus had harvested, Kisha realized they had already reached more than ten different kinds, with each kind weighing 10 kilos. This left them with just 90 kilos more to reach their goal. With Marcus''s newly awakened ability and his gift ''Green Thumb,'' this target now seemed easily achievable. After harvesting the mature crops, Marcus immediately tilled the soil to remove the remaining roots before planting more seeds. Kisha then realized that the soil in her territory''s farm might not need to rest or be prepared for the next season''s planting like the soil outside. Unlike typical farmland that requires preparation and fertilization to ensure the next crops grow properly, her farmland seemed to be perpetually fertile, free from the complications that often concern farmers. This discovery reassured Kisha, so she left Marcus to continue with his work and headed to the orchard. Her goal was to harvest the fruits before they fell from the trees and either became animal food or rotted on the ground. She moved swiftly to the orchard, setting a few baskets beside her before starting to pick the fruits. Rather than using a ladder, she employed her telekinesis to handle the task. Given that the fruits were much softer and lighter compared to the weapons she typically controlled, she adjusted her force accordingly to avoid damaging them. However, the moment Kisha extended her telekinesis to the fruits, they either squashed into a pulp or burst from the pressure. She approached this challenge as a training opportunity, aiming to refine her control over her awakened ability in new ways. In her previous life, she had only focused on the destructive aspects of her power, neglecting the finer control needed for tasks like this, which she now realized was much more difficult than she had anticipated. Kisha took a deep breath to calm her frustration and deepened her concentration. She carefully extended her telekinesis toward the fruit hanging in front of her. Despite her slow, deliberate movements, a bead of sweat formed on her forehead. With unwavering focus, she managed to gently grasp the fruit with just the right amount of force and carefully twisted it off the tree. Despite the extreme focus she put into the task, Kisha felt more drained than when using her ability in combat. The reason behind her efforts was simple: she anticipated that there would be times when she''d need to use her telekinesis on human bodies in the future. For instance, she might need to lift someone into the air to help them reach safety. If she couldn''t control her ability properly, she could inadvertently crush them before they even reached safety, which would be disastrous. Even if such a situation never arises, having full control over her ability would greatly benefit her in battles and reduce her consumption of spiritual energy. Mastering this skill would not only make her more efficient in using her awakened ability but also enhance her mental capacity. With improved control, she could manage larger and heavier objects, and even handle multiple tasks simultaneously without becoming distracted. Right now, with the intense focus required, she could only harvest one fruit at a time. Attempting to manage two simultaneously led to both fruits being crushed due to a lapse in concentration. Therefore, she chose to harvest one fruit at a time to become familiar with the sensation and gradually build her skill. Although her progress was slower, it was still more efficient than climbing a ladder and picking the fruit one by one. Kisha practiced her control repeatedly for several hours until she could manage to harvest two fruits simultaneously. After a few more hours, she improved further and was able to harvest three fruits at once with minimal effort, demonstrating greater precision in controlling the force. Marcus and his grandchildren watched Kisha in awe as she demonstrated her abilities. Although they were fascinated, they made sure not to disturb her. Once they understood what she was doing, they returned to their own tasks around the territory. They took breaks when needed, resting and sleeping on-site before resuming their work refreshed. Chapter 276 Are You here to Eat or be Eaten? After finishing her training, Kisha was able to harvest five fruits with remarkable efficiency. It was as if she had five extra hands dedicated to the task, seamlessly following her intentions and actions. It felt like an extension of her own body, perfectly synchronized with her consciousness and desires. Although it took her many hours of practice, being inside her territory meant that only a few minutes had passed in the outside world. By the time she emerged, it was already lunchtime, and Mrs. Winters had finished cooking. "You arrived just in time!" Mrs. Winters exclaimed with a smile. "Didn''t I say I would bring lunch for you and Duke?" She happily handed Kisha the packed lunch she had prepared and urged her to leave the villa. "Now, why don''t you take this lunch to your husband and enjoy a meal with him?" After being promptly sent out the door just after entering, Kisha fell into a daze before she began walking back to the square. As she was leaving the villa, she noticed Marcus and his grandchildren emerging from the backyard, carrying a few vegetables as they headed back inside. Shaking her head, Kisha took determined strides toward the square, her mind still swirling with thoughts about her next steps and how to tackle the challenges ahead. Before she realized it, Kisha had reached the square, where the warriors were lining up in front of a small tent serving food. The sight of the tent brought wide smiles to their faces as they eagerly formed a line. The enticing aroma of meat and vegetables filled the air, lifting their spirits and easing their fatigue. Some warriors were already seated on the ground, savoring their meals, while others set aside portions of meat and vegetables, perhaps planning to take them home for their families or loved ones. Seeing this, Vulture, who was overseeing the line, blew his horn and scolded the warriors. "You lot! We prepared this food to give you the energy you need to continue your training and become stronger. Why are you saving the meat and vegetables? They''re essential for your nutrition!" By the end of his reprimand, he was gritting his teeth in annoyance. Vulture then took a deep breath to compose himself before continuing, "If you''re worried about your families, don''t be. We''ve already prepared half of your compensation so you can focus on your training without concern. You''ll receive the remaining half at the end of the week. Additionally, the City Lord, through the Minister of Defense, has just approved the construction of a cafeteria dedicated to warriors. The food there will be much cheaper, allowing you to enjoy meals at the cafeteria and send all the rations from your compensation home to your families without worry." Vulture spoke with evident pride, as though he were bragging about the new arrangement. The warriors were visibly relieved and pleased to hear that a resolution had been made, easing their worries about their families and children. Energized by Vulture''s words, they began to eat with renewed vigor, savoring the meat and vegetables to replenish their energy for continued training. Their excitement grew as they looked forward to the end of the day when they would start receiving their rations. Those passing through the square couldn''t help but feel envious as they caught the tantalizing aroma of meat in the air and saw the warriors enjoying their meal of vegetables, meat, and white rice. In contrast, they were making do with instant noodles and bread¡ªan improvement from their previous lack of food, but still far from the luxurious fare the warriors received. The disparity sparked thoughts of joining the defense force among many of them, though, unfortunately, they were among those who didn''t make the cut. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But, they would take all opportunity to jumped in if there was an opening in the future, which ensured Kisha''s defense force was not lacking any personnel, especially in tough times. While Kisha was busy looking around the square and seeing the warriors vigorous back as they devour their meal, Duke has already seen her from afar and has already made his way to her. Without waiting for Kisha to notice him, Duke swept her off her feet and carried her in a princess carry, completely unfazed by the curious gazes of onlookers. Kisha felt an urge to smack Duke for turning their PDA into such a spectacle, and she buried her face in his chest, clutching the lunchbox tightly. "Are you here to eat with me or to be eaten by me?" Kisha didn''t need to see Duke''s face to know he was wearing that trademark wolfish grin. Even now, she struggled to get used to Duke''s shamelessness. All she could do was pinch him on the side of his stomach, hoping he would behave more appropriately, especially with so many warriors around. Duke merely chuckled at Kisha''s pinch, as if it tickled him, and continued toward his tent, where he could either rest or hold meetings if needed. He gently set Kisha down in a recliner chair and then allowed some people in to set up the food on the table inside. Once everything was arranged, the soldiers discreetly moved away from the tent entrance, avoiding their earlier posts. They knew better than to overhear anything they shouldn''t; while they might escape a zombie attack, facing Duke''s wrath was a far greater danger. Duke didn''t wait for Kisha to stand up; instead, he scooped her up again and placed her gently on his lap. "Hmm? Did you make this?" His eyes lit up when he noticed the lunchbox, and he was thrilled at the thought that his wife had cooked for him and taken the time to bring it over, just like a loving couple would. Overwhelmed with joy, he started to ignore the other food on the table. "No, Mom cooked it and asked me to bring it to you so we could eat together," Kisha explained. Her honest answer was like a splash of cold water on Duke''s expectations, causing his face to briefly fall in disappointment. However, he quickly masked his initial reaction with a smile and nodded, accepting the reality with good humor. "Mom really knows how to bring us together and make us feel pampered. Let''s eat now, shall we?" Duke''s tone shifted warmly as he acknowledged the effort his mother put into preparing the meal so he could spend more time with his wife during this busy period. He appreciated her gesture and chided himself for even momentarily showing any distaste. Duke set a small bowl in front of Kisha, filling it with meat, vegetables, and warm white rice, ensuring she had more than enough to eat. As she enjoyed her meal, he continued to add more food to her bowl, making sure she was well-fed. Meanwhile, Duke took only a few bites himself, content to watch Kisha eat with a satisfied smile. "Why are you only feeding me? You need to eat too¡ªwhat if you collapse from fatigue?" Kisha said, adding more food to Duke''s bowl. Duke''s face lit up with a joyful grin as he accepted the food, his reaction akin to a child receiving a treat. Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that Duke might be pulling another one of his tricks. ''Did I just fall into one of his traps?'' she wondered. Chapter 277 After Leveling Up The System to 3 Despite her awareness, Kisha continued to pamper Duke, serving him more meat and rice to ensure he had the strength to endure. Even though his body had grown stronger after awakening and leveling up, he remained vulnerable to sickness. The virus had evolved, and so had the illnesses that could afflict humans. That''s why she was so determined to secure the fabrics from the textile manufacturing warehouse. She was deeply concerned that the weakened individuals, suffering from lack of food and malnutrition, would be highly susceptible to illness and could succumb rapidly like flies falling to the ground. The climate had become increasingly erratic due to climate change, compounded by the presence of the virus in the air. The combination made conditions highly unpredictable, with anything potentially going wrong at any moment. With these concerns weighing on her, Kisha felt overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks ahead. With only one body and limited reach, she knew she had to prioritize each issue and tackle them one at a time. Fortunately, they had a stockpile of medicine, but its effectiveness was a growing concern. As both humans and viruses evolved, the medicine might eventually become ineffective. To address this, they needed their own lab and a medical scientist to collaborate with the doctors, ensuring they stayed ahead of the challenges. As Kisha pondered these concerns, the list of tasks seemed to grow longer with each passing thought. Sensing her distraction, Duke playfully nudged her neck with his nose and flashed a teasing smile. "Focus on your meal, or I might just eat you instead to get your attention back on me." His playful comment earned him a light smack on the shoulder from Kisha as she turned to face him. Previously, all these concerns had fallen on Duke''s shoulders, and he managed them admirably while she focused on the defense of the shelter, working with Aston, and handling other tasks that weren''t as expansive. Compared to the scope of responsibilities she now faced, her previous duties¡ªlike supply distribution and personnel allocation¡ªseemed minimal. This only highlighted how remarkable Duke was, having established the HOPE Base in her previous life and making it as resilient as it was, all without the aid of a system or the territory space she now had. Without those two advantages, she couldn''t even imagine how she would have managed or if she would have come as far as she did. "I''m thrilled you finally see my worth, host!" 008''s cheerful voice echoed in her mind as if it were performing a happy dance inside her head. The compliment was a refreshing change from the usual skepticism and questions about its effectiveness that had previously left 008 feeling aggrieved. Kisha choked on her food, it lodging in her windpipe as she swallowed abruptly. "What the hell, 008?! When did you finish your upgrade?" "Just a few minutes ago, host," 008 responded, sounding pleased. "I was waiting for the right moment to speak, and your compliment gave me the perfect opportunity. Ahem!" "Then go ahead and upgrade again," Kisha said, a mix of embarrassment and frustration coloring her voice. She felt a bit mocked by 008 as if the system was teasing her for her earlier criticisms about the missions and the points she was receiving. It was as if 008 was playfully reminding her of how she had felt shortchanged and trapped by the system before. "But, host, haven''t I just upgraded to Level 3? It takes 15,000 points to reach Level 4, and we always kept a reserve for emergencies," 008 clarified. The current situation was quite different from Kisha''s previous approach in her past lives, and 008 wanted to ensure there was no misunderstanding. "Exactly. Playing it safe often led to unexpected events that resulted in my death. We need to reach Level 5 to unlock crucial features like synthesis and smelting for future battles. So, get on with the upgrade," Kisha explained with determination. She felt that her newfound boldness was a key factor missing in her previous approach. Even though she would be using up all her remaining points for the upgrade, she was confident she could find ways to earn more if needed. "Host, let''s be honest¡ªyou''re embarrassed and that''s why you''re being so generous with the upgrade. You don''t want to be reminded of how you used to accuse me of being useless and leading you into danger," 008 said, its voice dripping with sarcasm. "Either you proceed with the next upgrade now, or I''ll delay it for months," Kisha threatened, her tone firm and unyielding. She knew 008 was taking pleasure in poking fun at her and reminding her of past mistakes regarding the system. Despite her irritation, she couldn''t shake the feeling that the system was constantly trying to corner her into a dead end, so, she couldn''t be blamed for how she reacted in the past. Only after her 100th rebirth did things start to turn around. The title she earned from dying 100 times brought her a significant boost in points, which allowed her to buy the highly valuable territory pack crucial for her and her people''s survival. With the newfound points, she began to earn more, but it became clear that the challenges ahead were growing increasingly dangerous too. "No need to be so angry, host. Hehehe." 008 said, then quickly sent the authorization request for the upgrade before Kisha could change her mind and put it on indefinite hold. [System Upgrade to Level 4 Authorization] [Cost: 15,000 points] [Accept] or [Decline] Kisha clicked the accept button without hesitation, and then 008 fell silent, as if going to sleep or getting lost in a sea of code during the upgrade process. With 008 upgrading to level 4, it would take some time¡ªpotentially more than 24 hours¡ªbecause higher system levels require longer upgrade periods. While she could still access the system, 008''s support would be unavailable during this period. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Given the current peace around them, it wasn''t crucial to have 008''s support at the moment, and Kisha could manage with what she had. Duke''s serious voice cut through her thoughts. "Wifey, is it true that we have a military meeting later? Are we heading out on a mission?" "Yes, we are going on a mission outside," Kisha confirmed. "Is this about sending the new recruits out for experience?" Duke tilted his head, resting his chin on Kisha''s shoulder while hugging her from behind. "No, it''s not. This mission will be too dangerous for them, and we won''t have time to supervise the new recruits. It would only put them at risk," Kisha replied. "Hmmm." Duke responded with a thoughtful hum, clearly lost in his own thoughts. He didn''t add anything further. After they finished eating and resting, Kisha gently got up from Duke''s lap. She knew that staying any longer would only distract him from the training he was overseeing. With a brief farewell, she took the lunchbox with her and headed back home. She planned to continue her training to further master her awakened abilities. However, as she made her way home, she noticed people running around in panic and others shouting frantically. Curious about the commotion, Kisha headed toward the source of the crowd. There, she saw a man brandishing a knife towards the crowd, as if to protect something. Peering past him, Kisha noticed a frail woman, looking like little more than skin and bones, lying motionless on the cold ground. Chapter 278 The Mass Awakening Started "No! Stay away from my wife!" the man shouted, his voice filled with desperation as he gripped his knife tightly. His eyes were bloodshot, and he brandished the weapon with a fierce scowl, clearly beyond reason. "What''s happening here?" Kisha asked, stepping closer. The crowd parted quickly as they realized the City Lord had arrived. With a clear path now open, Kisha approached the scene, while a brave soul stepped forward to explain the situation. "City Lord, the woman there suddenly collapsed, and the man with the knife rushed to help her. Despite his efforts, she hasn''t responded, and her face is flushed red. We initially thought she might have a fever or some illness, so we intended to take her to the nearby doctors, especially given your recent briefing on awakening and its symptoms. However, since you mentioned that not everyone succeeds in awakening, the man appears to have panicked. He fears that if she fails to awaken and turns into a zombie, the doctors might put her down. That''s why he''s been resisting our attempts to get her medical help." He finished with a deep sigh and a shake of his head. Kisha remained silent, reflecting on the situation. She had indeed warned them about the possibility of failing to awaken and the subsequent risk of turning into a zombie. She had hoped that this warning would lead people to understand the importance of sending those who fell ill to the designated quarantine area, where doctors and soldiers could monitor their condition and intervene if necessary. If a person were to turn into a zombie in the middle of the base, it would cause chaos and exacerbate the situation significantly. That''s why the medical team and the soldiers partnered with them took the order very seriously once it was issued. Kisha anticipated that some people, like this man, might resist following protocol due to their fear of losing family members if they failed to awaken, which was understandable. However, they also needed to prioritize the safety of the larger group. Fortunately, someone had already gone to the medic''s tent to call for the doctor and soldiers to transport the woman. They were on their way, and the crowd had been instructed to keep their distance while monitoring the woman for any changes. Kisha, on the other hand, activated her ''Eye of Truth'' gift to gain a clearer understanding of the situation. [Evelyn Steel] Level 0 Morality: Good Strength: 8 Stamina: 10 Defense: 14 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 9 Charm: 6 Leadership: 4 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Control Over Metal Gift: Woman of Steel ... Kisha''s eyebrows shot up as she examined Evelyn''s status window, realizing she had stumbled upon another significant find. However, she grew concerned that delaying intervention might not result in the woman turning into a zombie but could lead to severe brain damage from the fever instead and turn her into a fool if not a zombie. Kisha took a step closer, and the man shielding the woman visibly tensed at her approach. Despite his evident fear, he maintained his stance, brandishing his knife towards Kisha without retreating. The crowd gasped in shock at his audacity to turn hostile toward their City Lord, but Kisha remained calm and composed, continuing her advance with unwavering poise. "City Lord, please, don''t come any closer!" the man shouted, causing Kisha to halt her steps. "Why? Don''t you want me to help your wife?" Kisha asked with a deadpan expression, leaving everyone uncertain whether she was angry or genuinely concerned. "But we''re not sure if she''ll awaken or turn into a zombie... I''m afraid of the latter. I''m not scared of her turning, but I''m terrified that she might die because of it." The man sobbed, his knife trembling with each shuddering cry, yet he still held his ground. ''What resolve,'' Kisha thought to herself, admiring the man''s unwavering loyalty. His dedication was remarkable and it warmed Kisha''s heart, prompting her to soften her tone. "But I don''t believe she will turn..." Her statement drew puzzled looks from the crowd as if she were naively offering false hope without any certainty of success. "City Lord, thank you for trying to reassure me about my wife," the man said, his voice trembling with gratitude. "Maybe I should just take her outside and return only if she truly succeeds. That way, we won''t risk anyone''s safety, and we can rejoin the base and work together once she''s well." With that, he sank to the ground beside his wife, a look of resignation on his face. He wanted to remain optimistic about his wife''s situation, but the relentless string of cases where people had turned into zombies, including his own child and other family members, had deeply affected him. The weight of these tragedies had made it so that even a glimmer of hope felt perilous; he feared that any hope might lead to a crushing disappointment that he wasn''t prepared to handle. He couldn''t bring himself to hope, fearing that even a sliver of optimism might shatter the fragile stability he had left. The hope he once had for a miracle to save his baby girl from turning into a zombie had only led to heartbreak. In the end, he was forced to end her suffering while watching his wife crumble emotionally, unable to reconcile the loss of their daughter and the destruction of the rationality that had once defined her. It felt as though life was mocking him once more, driving him to a desperate point where he feared anyone touching his wife might inadvertently end her life. His desperation to protect her stemmed from a deep mistrust, convinced that only he could safeguard her from further harm. Because he knew that everyone would always prioritize their own safety once shits hits the fan and that includes killing his wife the moment they see a little chance of her turning into a zombie and might attack or spread the virus. That''s why, his only option now was to offer to get out of the base with his wife and only return once she succeeded. "But if you take her outside, you might not be able to protect her from the zombies and she could end up suffering a far worse fate," Kisha said bluntly. She knew that stepping beyond the gate meant facing a horde of zombies that would overwhelm anyone in seconds, like throwing a piece of bread into a swarm of starving piranhas¡ªthey would tear apart and devour any living thing that came near. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha refused to let this potential asset be lost so easily. She saw the possibility of this woman becoming a formidable superhuman in the future, potentially ranking among the strongest awakened ability users in the country. Though this was speculative, the fact that she hadn''t encountered anyone like this in her previous lives suggested that such individuals were often lost during their awakening, mistakenly believed to be turning into zombies and thus eliminated prematurely. After hearing Kisha''s blunt remark, the man sobbed, his hope and options seemingly evaporating. Clutching his wife tightly in his arms, he felt lost and uncertain about what to do next. "How about this," Kisha began. "We''ll send her to the quarantine area, and I''ll arrange for you to stay in the room with her while doctors and soldiers monitor her condition. This way, you can be by her side and ensure she''s safe, while we keep a close watch on her. You won''t need to worry about anyone harming her out of fear." Kisha proposed, confident in her assessment that the woman would successfully awaken her ability if her speculations were correct. Chapter 279 The Mass Awakening Started 2 When the man heard Kisha''s proposal to allow him into the quarantine area and stay by his wife''s side, his eyes widened in disbelief, and the tears that had been choking him began to subside. Fearing that Kisha might change her mind, he nodded vigorously and quickly moved to lift his unconscious wife. "I¡ªI''ll go right away!" the man stammered, his voice filled with urgency. "I''ll bring my wife! This is true, right?" He desperately sought confirmation of Kisha''s offer. "You see, since not everyone would be able to awaken, it means, superhuman would be not only a valuable asset but at the same time a rarity, this people would be very crucial in our survival and protect the people such as yourself and everyone around here." Kisha meant to say that people shouldn''t fear this change because this only meant that although they are all thrown into this apocalyptic era, fate still took pity on them and made sure that they could be able to protect themselves and be able to survive. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead of acting out of fear, they should anticipate the emergence of superhumans who will lead the fight against zombies. By uniting and supporting these individuals, they would help pave the way for a safer future for their children. Kisha hoped her message would resonate with everyone present and encourage them to spread the word. Kisha didn''t wait for a response to her words. Instead, she immediately led the man and his wife to the quarantine area. Along the way, they encountered the doctors and soldiers heading to the site, and together they proceeded to the quarantine area. As they walked, Kisha noticed several rooms were already occupied. Observing her gaze linger on these rooms, the leading doctor began to explain. The doctor explained, "Since the City Lord and your family''s case of falling ill and awakening, we''ve seen a surge in similar cases. We''re fortunate that you alerted everyone, or we might have mistakenly ended up killing many who could have been saved, simply out of fear of spreading the virus. In the past, our only response was to eliminate those showing symptoms, as we lacked the means to develop a cure or conduct proper research due to insufficient equipment. Regrettably, our approach then was to prevent any potential outbreak by any means necessary, even if it meant taking lives." He lowered his head in shame, acknowledging the harsh reality of their previous methods. He now pondered the cost of their previous approach: how many of those they had eliminated might have been undergoing awakening instead of turning into zombies? The thought plunged him into deep contemplation and self-reproach. As a doctor, his duty should have been to find ways to help and save lives, not to take them. Yet, the dire circumstances had driven them to act out of fear. In the end, from millions of people across various cities, only a few thousand survivors remained, a grim testament to their desperate measures during those dark times. They felt immense pressure and fear that without taking drastic measures to protect the dwindling number of survivors, they might all fall victim to the zombie apocalypse and face extinction. "Don''t worry, I understand your situation. I can share my insights on what''s happening and how the awakening process works to give you a clearer understanding. You can use this information to start your research. In the future, if we acquire more medical equipment, we can send it here to help build a larger hospital for the base," Kisha said. She had learned to detach her emotions from the situation, which sometimes made her seem heartless. Despite her lack of visible sympathy, she offered practical solutions and reassurance to the doctor who was visibly emotional. "Do you understand how the awakening process works?" The doctor stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening in disbelief. This was the information they had struggled to grasp¡ªhow the virus and awakening process functioned. It seemed to transcend their scientific understanding, as what they had witnessed from Duke in the square felt almost godlike, far beyond anything they had studied about the human body. Kisha nodded and continued walking, leading the way to Evelyn''s assigned room. The man was granted entry and permitted to stay with his wife while a doctor and two soldiers entered with them to assess her condition. A nurse arrived shortly after with a trolley, placing an ice pack on Evelyn''s forehead and providing her husband with a bucket of ice water. She instructed him to use the cold water to wipe down his wife''s body and to replace the ice pack once it melted. They also supplied him with a bucket of ice to keep the ice pack cold. Honestly, having the man stay with his wife made their job easier. They were overwhelmed with the number of people falling ill in such a short period, leaving them spinning in circles trying to keep up. Given the shortage of medical personnel, soldiers often had to step in to assist with patient care while the remaining medical staff were occupied with other tasks. After ensuring that the man and woman were settled and secure in their room, the lead doctor guided Kisha to his makeshift office for a more private discussion. There, Kisha planned to share insights about the virus, drawing from the knowledge she had acquired in her previous life. Although this information was originally shared by scientists long ago, spreading it now would make their efforts more impactful. It would potentially save many lives by providing crucial understanding long before the remaining population dwindled further. The lead doctor offered Kisha a bottle of clean water before taking his seat and gesturing for her to make herself comfortable. Kisha, preferring to get straight to the point, began without hesitation. "As you might have observed, this virus primarily targets the brain. It erodes human rationality, leaving behind only primal instincts driven by a need to feed on the living. The virus forms what we refer to as ''Crystal Cores''¡ªclusters of virus-filled energy that manifest in the infected after some time. However, it''s not just the zombies who are affected; humans are also infected. This may be linked to the blood rain that preceded the zombie apocalypse, following the massive earthquake. We could have been infected unknowingly, with our immune systems managing to suppress the virus without turning, or it might be related to latent potential within us." "But once the virus spreads and begins attacking the brain, that''s when the awakening process starts. Unlike zombies, which develop a Crystal Core filled with the negative energy of the virus that eats the brain, the awakening of a superhuman follows a different path. The illness we experience is a result of our bodies fighting the virus, attempting to transform it into a more refined energy cluster. This process creates what we call an ''Energy Core,'' which is the source of superhuman abilities. Essentially, it''s like a battery that harnesses the virus''s energy in a controlled, beneficial way." "That''s why some awakenings fail. It''s usually because the body isn''t strong enough to transform the virus''s raw and harmful effects into a refined energy that can strengthen us. In other words, if the body can''t filter and harness the virus''s energy, the awakening won''t succeed, and the potential to evolve into a more powerful version of ourselves is lost and the virus overtakes the body and turns into a zombie." Chapter 280 The Mass Awakening Started 3 "If we all are really infected, how come we don''t feel any changes in the body if it was so strong that it eats our brain, shouldn''t we feel like our bodies are already fighting this virus and maybe being mentally affected since it mainly targets the brain?" The doctor clarified he tried to understand the explanation, he indeed understood that his brain was going through many phases and problem-solving that he wanted to understand more. "Would we have a way to counter it to have a higher chance of succeeding?" "Well, I believed that there might be some asymptomatic who would be able to infect through bodily fluid, and although we all became infected, the virus might be laying dormant in our body as our body kept it at bay so it wouldn''t cause any necessary damage at a certain time, but once this balance breaks, the virus starts its assault in our body all over again which starts the awakening that stimulates every part of our being, and since the virus laid dormant in our body for such a long time, our body became accustomed to it leading our bodies to evolved without knowing before the awakening and it could also be viewed as a preparation for our awakenings." "Either way, once a superhuman manages to filter the virus to make it their own power, the virus in our body would only help strengthen us, so even if we get bitten and consume the crystal cores from the zombie, it would only help the virus in our body to become stronger leading for superhumans to evolve further and be stronger." "Eating the crystal core?!!!" the doctor exclaimed in shock, his voice tinged with disgust. He swallowed hard, his face contorted as he recalled the revolting appearance and foul stench of the zombies. Despite his medical background and experience with deceased bodies, he found the idea of consuming anything derived from a zombie''s body particularly repulsive. The thought sent a shiver down in every part of his skin. Kisha chose to ignore the doctor''s concerns, having heard similar objections many times before. She knew he would come to accept it eventually, despite the unpleasantness of the process. Continuing, she said, "Since the virus remains dormant in our bodies if someone who hasn''t yet awakened their abilities is bitten by a zombie, the balance in their body is disrupted. The influx of virus in their bloodstream would then cause the virus to wreak havoc, leading to the body''s breakdown and eventual takeover by the virus, as their body isn''t yet adapted to the presence of the virus." "As for asymptomatic individuals, their bodies might have adapted to the virus, treating it as a natural part of their system. Their immune response may have neutralized the virus to the extent that it doesn''t need to create an energy core in the brain. Instead of attempting to overtake the body, the virus exists in a state of silent coexistence. This is why it remains only in bodily fluids like saliva, blood and etc, rather than actively attacking the brain." "And for those who are neither asymptomatic nor superhuman and remain normal humans, it''s possible their immune systems are simply stronger than the virus, causing their bodies to reject or eliminate it or maybe, the virus didn''t just have the time to settle in the body before it gets eliminated or the individual''s body has simply no potential for the awakening that the virus just stayed dormant all throughout. These are the explanations I''ve come up with. It''s up to you to seek further answers as long as you refrain from inhumane experiments. I won''t impede your progress, and you''re welcome to approach me for clarifications¡ªI''ll gladly assist," Kisha said with a stern expression and a deathly glare that left the doctor visibly shaken. ''What does she think I am, a mad scientist? I''m a doctor, for crying out loud! I might dissect a dead body or a zombie, but I''d never conduct experiments on live humans!'' The doctor thought, staring at Kisha in disbelief. He couldn''t believe she''d suspect him of such things and began to question whether he would really go to such extremes to find answers, especially since Kisha had already provided nearly all the information he needed. He was baffled at how she managed to come up with such answers so quickly, given that she had only just awakened yesterday. Then it hit him: Kisha might have been awakened far longer than she had disclosed, which could explain her extensive knowledge and familiarity with the situation. On the other hand, while it was known that their City Lord had also awakened, there had been no visible demonstration of her abilities aside from Duke''s. The fact that everyone took orders from Kisha suggested she was likely stronger and more experienced than any of the others. This realization led him to conclude that Kisha was far more than she appeared, holding the key to understanding more about the virus. Her offer to help and share her knowledge suggested she knew far more than she had revealed. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This prompted the doctor to wonder about Kisha''s previous occupation before the apocalypse and a flurry of questions began to swirl in his mind as he continued to study her intently. Kisha decided not to delve further into the topic, recognizing that the doctor needed time to process the information she had shared. She wanted him to fully understand and relay this knowledge to his team so everyone would be better prepared and vigilant for any potential changes or threats. With a clearer understanding of the virus, they could now begin preparations and develop strategies to handle those who failed to awaken. Since Kisha had shared extensive information about the virus but hadn''t mentioned a cure, it was clear that no cure existed. Either no one had developed one yet, or it was simply impossible to cure the virus and the only option was to face it head-on and successfully awaken. If a cure was out of reach, the focus should shift to improving the chances of successful awakenings and finding alternative solutions to ensure they could develop a way to increase their probability of succeeding in the awakening process. With a clearer understanding and a defined goal, the doctor guided Kisha through their small medical facility. They had repurposed one of the office buildings, filling it with as many beds as they could find. Fortunately, the building had numerous rooms, allowing them to clear out unnecessary files and furniture while keeping the chairs and tables. This transformation provided them with an effective quarantine area and a compact hospital to handle their needs. However, with only 20 rooms available, the facility quickly became overwhelmed as the number of sick patients surged. Despite the soldiers'' efforts to clear additional office space for a makeshift quarantine area, and with the limited time for preparations, they still faced a severe shortage of space. The influx of patients and the scarcity of medical personnel made it impossible to accommodate everyone effectively. Now, with the mass awakening underway at their base, the limited space and personnel posed a serious risk. Some patients might be neglected due to the overwhelming chaos, which could lead to severe mental damage for superhumans or even unnoticed transformations into zombies. This negligence could trigger a catastrophic outbreak in the already cramped and chaotic environment. Chapter 281 The Mass Awakening Started 4 Observing the medical personnel and the doctor she had previously guided frantically trying to manage the influx of patients, Kisha realized she needed to take decisive action. She understood that without her intervention, their base risked collapsing from within, they would be overrun by zombies and chaos. Stepping in to oversee the situation, she knew her vigilance was crucial to preventing a complete breakdown of their defenses. Upon witnessing the pandemonium and the medical staff scrambling to attend to multiple patients at once, Kisha quickly stowed her lunch box into her inventory. Taking charge of the situation, she asserted her authority and organized the staff into action. Using her ''Eye of Truth'' ability, she identified patients exhibiting Talent or Gifts, grouping them together and assigning them to a single room. This allowed family members to assist in caring for the sick, effectively lightening the load on the overburdened medical team. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha directed the soldiers to cram as many folding beds as possible into each room, ensuring that even if patients were lying side by side, there was sufficient space for them to breathe and for caregivers to move around. With the shortage of beds, they improvised by using cardboard and other available materials to provide makeshift cushions for patients to lie on the floor. Those without a gift or talent were placed in a separate room, isolated to minimize the risk of unanticipated transformations or awakenings. Kisha opted for this precaution due to the uncertainty surrounding their condition and the lack of personnel to monitor them closely. By quarantining them separately, she aimed to prevent potential chaos that might ensue because of the delays in the medical staff''s attendance of the patients in these separate rooms. Although the doctors and soldiers were concerned that this approach might lead to disastrous outcomes, they were unable to voice their doubts. The lead doctor had unwavering trust in Kisha''s judgment, whether due to her extensive knowledge of the virus or another factor entirely. He ensured that both medical personnel and soldiers followed her directives without question. With the urgency of the situation, there was no time to inquire about her methods of grouping patients while maintaining individual room assignments. For patients with uncertain outcomes, Kisha ensured they were isolated in individual rooms and assigned a dedicated caregiver to monitor them periodically. Fortunately, the medical staff, accustomed to high-stress situations, quickly adapted to Kisha''s plan. They devised a strategy based on her framework, assigning specific staff members to oversee a designated number of patients. As long as Kisha approves, patients could be cared for by their families. The medical staff began to trust Kisha''s approach, feeling that her protective presence alleviated their fears and concerns about potential dangers. They also had faith in their lead doctor''s judgment, given his extensive experience in the medical field. The staff began to suspect that Kisha knew more about the virus than anyone else, which led them to accept her leadership in assigning rooms. Her deliberate placement of patients, and avoiding random assignments, suggested she had a well-thought-out plan for managing the influx. With no better alternatives, they had no choice but to follow her directives. Soon, the building was overwhelmed with hundreds of people, with even the corridors filled with patients lying on cardboard. To manage the situation, Kisha and her team hired additional help, compensating them with work points that could be used to purchase supplies from the Supply Center. Though many feared for their lives and the risk of being the first casualties if a patient turned into a zombie, some boldly accepted the offer. They reasoned that, with the building already teetering on the edge of disaster, the risk was unavoidable. If a patient did turn and cause chaos, the outcome would be the same: they''d be overrun by zombies from within, with no place to escape. Thus, there was little difference in their decision. With the assistance of the additional workers and family members caring for their loved ones, the burden on Kisha and the medical staff was significantly reduced. Now, the soldiers only needed to conduct routine checks on their designated areas to ensure that everything was in order. They also had to be prepared to respond quickly if any patient turned into a zombie, ready to manage the situation with minimal delay. Since the awakening process typically lasts overnight or even a full day, depending on an individual''s body and potential, many patients would need to remain in their assigned areas for the duration. If additional patients arrived, they would need to be isolated if Kisha was not available to assess their condition and determine whether it was safe to integrate them with others. Kisha was astonished by the sheer number of people awakening simultaneously¡ªhundreds, in fact. This unprecedented surge of superhumans had the potential to transform their base into the strongest fortification around, significantly enhancing their defenses against zombie raids and potential attacks from other humans. This had never happened before. To Kisha''s knowledge, the largest bases typically had only about a hundred superhumans, with many having far fewer. For her base to experience such a surge was unprecedented and promising. Previously, patients exhibiting these symptoms would have been immediately dealt with and killed, preemptively extinguishing any potential superhumans before they could fully awaken or reveal their abilities. This, she realized, was one of humanity''s biggest mistakes from her previous lives. Even if she tried to spread the word and share her knowledge, many would likely dismiss her, especially given that she had not yet awakened while others were already starting to awaken and facing death at the hands of fearful humans. Some even suspected that Kisha was spreading false information to undermine their base, believing that she and her allies intended to seize resources from these shelters or bases. This suspicion often led to Kisha being threatened with death or driven out in disgrace, particularly since she had not yet awakened at that time. The only individuals who managed to awaken were those who had hidden their symptoms and relied on their families to protect them, as their loved ones were reluctant to kill them. This approach led to the discovery of awakened abilities. However, this method became widely adopted, which resulted in widespread disaster as more people attempted to use the same strategy, often with catastrophic consequences. Some of the patients were soldiers on duty at the wall and gate, while others were newly recruited or patrol soldiers from the square. Knowing the drill, the defense force quickly sent their affected members to the medical facility for treatment, awaiting to see if their comrades would turn or awaken. As more and more people fell ill, those still unaffected began to fear that if the patients in the medical facility turned into zombies, they would be attacked from within. While some saw the potential for new heroes to rise and lead them, the looming threat of overwhelming zombies cast a shadow over their hope, leaving fear to overshadow the optimism Kisha had tried to instill. Kisha remained untroubled. She knew that once this batch of superhumans emerged and the base saw Sparrow and the others using their awakened abilities, the prevailing fear would shift into renewed hope. Chapter 282 The Mass Awakening Started 5 After Kisha finished sorting those with gifts and talents to be cared for by their family or other workers and sending those without into isolated quarantine, it was already growing dark. She took her leave and headed home, where Duke and Winters were waiting for her, sitting in a circle around the living room. Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan stayed behind to assist Aston in mitigating and pacifying the fear-stricken populace who had witnessed more people collapsing in the streets or in their homes. They also strengthened the base''s defense, assigning new recruits their first task of patrolling the base in groups of five. The reason for grouping them in fives was straightforward: despite the base experiencing a domino effect of mass awakenings, it was unlikely that all five members of a group would fall ill simultaneously. Typically, only two or three out of five might get sick. This way, if more than one person fell ill, one group member could run to the standby patrol to request help and send the sick to the medical facility. In Kisha''s home, Marcus''s grandchildren also fell ill, starting with Gant and Mike, who got sick a few hours after Kisha left the territory. Daisy followed exactly three hours later. Marcus was busy taking care of the children, so Mrs. Winters gave him time off to focus on them. Marcus took the children inside the space where time moved faster compared to the outside world. He brought their blankets and a bucket of ice, ensuring they were well taken care of inside. Kisha considered using the space as a safe haven for the mass awakening, but she couldn''t invite just anyone in. Instead, she decided to allow access to those who already knew about the space but had not yet awakened, such as the Patriarch, Mr. Winters, Tristan, Blade Eagler, Reeve, Aston, and their followers. She also considered using the space for training purposes to manage time effectively and reap all the benefits. This plan would only work if she were in her territory in City A, where she could build a training area. The time inside the territory space would sync with the designated training area, allowing them to train intensively without affecting their day-to-day tasks. With this approach, they could maximize training and strengthen all their warriors and themselves in a short period of time. Now that Kisha had new ideas for the direction of her territory, she felt more energized. However, the challenge was figuring out how to achieve these goals. Without a solid plan in place, Kisha decided to push it to the back burner. "Out of sight, out of mind," she thought. Taking a deep breath to center herself, she then joined the Winters, who were talking animatedly in the living room. "What are you all so excited about?" Kisha asked as she sat beside Duke, facing his parents and grandfather. They were clearly discussing something that had them all animated and giddy. Duke scooped her off her seat and made her sit on his lap in front of his parents, earning a stifled chuckle from the elders. Unbothered, Duke acted as if his world had shifted the moment Kisha entered, his entire focus now solely on her. These actions made Kisha feel bashful, while the elders enjoyed the scene, thinking it was just how a newlywed couple should behave. They always wanted to be as close as possible, often behaving sweetly as if no one else was around. Their affection and tender gestures not only made those around them feel happy but also garnered support for their relationship. This was certainly true for Kisha and Duke as well. The two individuals who typically wore indifferent, cold, and stern expressions were now behaving like a typical couple. Duke, unbothered by the gazes of others, rested his cheek on Kisha''s shoulder and inhaled her scent, feeling his body slowly relax as his tired and tense muscles eased. For once, he sought comfort from Kisha after a long day, something he usually didn''t need because of his workaholic nature. Now, he found himself longing for the soothing presence of his wife, wishing for her to ask about his day and offer a shoulder massage, just like other couples do. Duke struggled to find the words to express his feelings, so he chose to show them through his actions. When he saw Kisha acting so bashful and nervous in front of his family, her cuteness sparked an intense desire in him. He felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her, even though he was surrounded by family. The sight of her acting so adorably only intensified his feelings and made him want to act on his impulse, despite his initial desire to simply find comfort. Initially, Mrs. Winters was worried because she had envisioned a different bride for her son, concerned that he had hastily chosen someone. However, seeing Duke, who was once cold and distant, now so affectionate and unable to keep his hands off Kisha, brought her immense happiness. She had never imagined witnessing such a transformation, where her son was so openly loving and devoted to his wife. Duke looked so impatient and wanted to whisk Kisha away and went back to their own room to do what couples do but only to be shot down by Kisha because they have important matters to do. While Duke was grappling with his internal struggle, Mrs. Winters addressed Kisha''s inquiry. "We were discussing the positive changes you''ve brought to this base. Everywhere we go, we hear people praising you. Despite the fear caused by the mass awakening, many are doing their best not to be a burden. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I believe it has a lot to do with the difference in how the Coltons and the Minister of Defense treated them before, compared to the more supportive environment they''re experiencing now. This shift has played a significant role in winning their trust and loyalty." The Patriarch also chimed in, "That''s absolutely true. The people working with me are incredibly dedicated. They''re so concerned about not doing enough that they refuse to leave our temporary office until all the laws and other tasks are completed. Even those working on the warehouse for the Supply Center are putting in tremendous effort¡ªthey only stopped when my son insisted, and they returned to their work right after. My son has shared with me just how hard everyone is working to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and swiftly. This dedication has significantly accelerated our progress and allowed us to achieve more in a day." Kisha chuckled as she listened to the enthusiastic praise about the workers'' accomplishments while they waited for Aston and the others. It seemed the Winters had enjoyed a productive day, smoothly completing their tasks while working alongside the survivors. Kisha hoped the survivors would maintain their current dedication and not become complacent or take their progress for granted. Not long after, Aston and the rest arrived at the villa. By then, Kisha had already joined Mrs. Winters in the kitchen, where the Winters'' men were also busy pitching in. They helped with cooking, prepping ingredients, and washing dishes, ensuring that they lightened the load for Kisha and Mrs. Winters. Chapter 283 Charity Cant Be Good In Apocalypse After cooking and serving the food, everyone gathered around the dining table for dinner to replenish their energy from the day. Conversations stayed away from work as they focused on sharing positive stories and highlights from their day. This shift in topic ensured that everyone enjoyed their meal, momentarily forgot their burdens, and maintained a healthy, relaxed mindset. "Young Madam, you wouldn''t believe how intense Master''s training was. Many of the new recruits cried for their mothers and wanted to leave, but even after that, they stayed on, promising to return the next day after getting some rest and supplies. They''re incredibly grateful and understand the sacrifices we''re making to support everyone. This has only fueled their dedication; they''ve even volunteered to patrol the base to ensure everything is in order. Because of this commitment, Sparrow, Clyde, Fred, Bald Eagle, Rose, and many others have become team captains. This helps us better manage the recruits and keep track of attendance," Vulture shared enthusiastically about the positive changes in the square while Kisha was busy at the makeshift hospital. It seems that the warriors, satisfied with the new leadership arrangements, are not only enduring the rigorous training but are also eagerly participating in the patrol groups. They''ve even organized themselves into squads to improve monitoring. Now, each team captain is responsible for reporting on their members, assessing their performance, and identifying opportunities for promotions or improvements. The new system ensures that the team captains are responsible for monitoring their members, tracking attendance, and overseeing the allocation of supplies. This setup relieves higher leaders like Duke and Kisha from worrying about individuals attempting to sneak into the ranks to claim supplies under false pretenses. Additionally, the arrangement allows team captains to closely observe their members'' progress and weaknesses, providing more effective and interactive mentoring. After Vulture and the others updated Kisha, the meal came to an end. As they all cleared the dishes, Marcus entered with his grandchildren trailing behind him like chicks. The children looked healthy, their eyes sparkling with a newfound excitement as they watched Kisha walk with the others towards Duke''s office. "Young Madam, Master, Old Master, and everyone¡ªhave you all had dinner?" Marcus asked with a warm smile, stepping closer as he saw everyone nod in response. He then turned to Kisha and continued, "Young Madam, thanks to your guidance, all my grandchildren have awakened abilities that seem perfectly suited to them. They are all thrilled with their new powers." "If it weren''t for your generosity in providing us with shelter and food, I don''t think we would have lasted a single day out on the streets. We might have perished even before our abilities had a chance to emerge. We would either have been beaten to death or brutally killed by those living around us, driven by their fear," Marcus said, his voice trembling as he fought to hold back tears, his hands clenching in front of him. Everyone felt deeply grateful to Kisha, as her intervention had allowed them to survive and lead a better life than they might have otherwise. However, Kisha didn''t view her actions as mere acts of charity. In the apocalyptic era, there was no such thing as a free lunch, and true generosity was rare. For Kisha, this was a strategic investment in her future. By helping others, she was advancing her own goals and working towards a better life for everyone, including herself. What good is unparalleled strength and power if there''s no one around to share it with? Without companions, even the greatest abilities can lead to a solitary journey filled with battles not just for survival, but for meaning. To avoid such loneliness, Kisha chose to embrace the system missions while finding solace in the company of those she cares about. For her, this connection is what truly matters. In an apocalypse, kindness and selfless help without any expectation of return are often exploited and seen as weaknesses. Others may perceive a kind person as an easy target, a vulnerable prey. If such individuals turn their backs on those they helped, they might be blamed for their own misfortune, leading to betrayal and a gruesome end. In such harsh realities, kindness can become a dangerous liability rather than a virtue. Kisha learned this lesson the hard way. In her past, she acted out of compassion, saving everyone she could and offering them a safe haven to heal, both physically and emotionally. She aimed to ease their solitude and provide protection amidst the chaos of the zombie horde. Her approach was rooted in basic humanity¡ªhelping those in need, safeguarding the defenseless, and providing for those who couldn''t provide for themselves. Essentially, her efforts had become a charity case, but what did she receive in return? People expected her to shoulder everything¡ªfight on the front lines alone, provide for, and protect everyone she helped¡ªwhile they simply enjoyed what she provided. When Kisha grew weary of this relentless cycle, those she had helped showed no understanding. Instead, they treated her as if she were a long-standing enemy who had wronged them, demanding retribution rather than offering support or empathy. So, she learned the hard way not to initiate endeavors she couldn''t sustain or complete, especially charity where people failed to meet expectations. From Duke, she also learned the importance of using both incentives and consequences to manage others effectively, ensuring they wouldn''t see her as a doormat or a pushover. So, helping Marcus and the children wasn''t driven purely by compassion or humanity, but by the need to ensure usefulness and productivity. While she genuinely cared for the children, those who couldn''t prove their value would need to learn to fend for themselves or face their own consequences. This is why she implemented a work system¡ªnot only to motivate people to earn their keep and contribute to rebuilding the economy but also to encourage self-sufficiency. In an apocalyptic world, charity can''t be given freely without expecting something in return; everyone must find their own way to contribute and survive. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That''s why Marcus''s gratitude meant little to Kisha. She might be labeled heartless or devoid of compassion, but she was exhausted from trying to meet others'' expectations while trudging along a path that seemed only to lead to oblivion. Having faced countless life-or-death situations and endured numerous betrayals, pain, and suffering across many of her lives, her mentality had been tested beyond what any single human could endure. But she managed to endure, preserving the last shreds of her sanity and keeping her heart, though scarred, still capable of holding love for her family and Duke. Her life now felt relatively smooth compared to the tumultuous experiences of her past lives. She reserved her best self for those she cherished and categorized everyone else as either helpful, useless, friends, or foes. With this approach, her life felt significantly better compared to before, when she bore the weight of everyone''s hopes and lives alone. While she still bore some responsibility, she no longer had to carry it all on her own. This time, she wasn''t obligated to take on tasks she didn''t want to, and no one could force her or demand anything in return. Chapter 284 The Wyatts Awakened Abilities Kisha gave Marcus and the children a warm smile, her expression thoughtful. "I''m glad you''re all safe and that the abilities you''ve awakened into are a good fit for you." She nodded a few more times, her gaze sweeping over each of the children with apparent care, though in reality, she was discreetly assessing their status windows. [Mike Wyatt] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Morality: Good Strength: 30 (+25) Stamina: 30 (+21) Defense: 30 (+23) Agility: 30 (+22) Mental Capacity: 30 (+21) Charm: 30 (+24) Leadership: 30 (+20) Title: None Skills: None Talent: Animal Care Gift: Fostering Ability: Mental (Special: Beast Taming Land Animals) ..... [Gant Wyatt] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Morality: Good Strength: 30 (+23) Stamina: 30 (+19) Defense: 30 (+22) Agility: 30 (+24) Mental Capacity: 30 (+23) Charm: 30 (+21) Leadership: 30 (+19) Title: None Skills: None Talent: Aquatic Care Gift: Fostering Ability: Mental (Special: Beast Taming Aquatic Animals) ... [Daisy Wyatt] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Morality: Good Strength: 27 (+23) Stamina: 27 (+21) Defense: 27 (+22) Agility: 27 (+20) Mental Capacity: 27 (+12) Charm: 27 (+13) Leadership: 27 (+22) Title: None Skills: None Talent: Plant Breeding Gift: Scope Ability: Wood ... Kisha looked back and forth between Mike and Gant, noting their irregular awakened ability. The gift of fostering seemed incredibly useful, but it felt almost cruel to place them in the livestock breeding grounds. If Kisha''s understanding of the Gift ''Fostering'' is correct, and the twins can indeed bond with and accelerate the growth and strength of the animals they care for, then... Their ability to bond with animals and accelerate their growth meant they would likely form deep connections with the creatures they nurtured. Kisha couldn''t help but imagine the heartache the twins would endure if they had to watch those same animals be slaughtered for food. Kisha stared at them, lost in thought. Mike and Gant instinctively stood straighter, their bodies trembling with nervous anticipation. They weren''t scared of her, but they felt as though they were being thoroughly assessed. From what they had heard from their grandfather, they suspected that Kisha had the ability to see through a person''s awakened power. This might explain how she had been able to guide their grandfather so accurately, placing him in a position where he could thrive right from the start. If their suspicions were correct, Kisha was seeing right through them, evaluating their awakened abilities. As she stood there, deep in thought, they believed she was deciding where to place them. At that moment, all they wanted was to prove themselves useful to her. Even without their grandfather''s reminder to repay the grace they received at their lowest point and to treat Kisha as their benefactor, they would still do so. They saw in her someone trustworthy, someone who could lead them toward a greater purpose. They believed she would achieve even more than they could imagine, and they were ready to pledge their undying loyalty to her. With this in mind, Mike and Gant both resolved to commit fully to their path. They decided to follow Kisha and the people around her, determined to see how far they could go and how well they could survive in the apocalypse. This was going to be their first real challenge. Although they had a solid understanding of their abilities thanks to their grandfather''s guidance¡ªjust as Kisha had guided him¡ªnavigating their own awakened powers proved difficult. Their abilities were different from anything their grandfather had encountered, but fortunately, the twins had an innate understanding of each other. With their grandfather''s insight and their instincts, they managed to grasp the nature of their abilities, which turned out to be a success. Marcus could then focus entirely on helping Daisy, who was still clueless about her abilities. Fortunately, she shared the same wood-based ability as Marcus, which made it much easier for him to guide her and demonstrate how it worked. After awakening, they felt a surge of strength similar to their grandfather''s experience. He could lift a boulder half his size with ease, as if he were a seasoned bodybuilder. This newfound power confirmed that they had indeed surpassed their human limits, becoming superhuman like the others. This ignited a surge of excitement and anticipation in them, fueling their eagerness to see just how strong they could become. While the Wyatt brothers were lost in their thoughts of their potential, Kisha finished her assessment and let out a frustrated sigh, which did not go unnoticed by Duke. "What''s wrong?" Duke asked, tightening his grip on her waist as he looked at her with concern. Kisha had previously shared that she could see a person''s abilities and status through her gift, so Duke could tell she was troubled by the children''s awakened abilities. If their abilities were merely troublesome, she wouldn''t be reacting this way; it seemed their abilities might pose a significant problem, which was causing her unprecedented stress. Kisha didn''t respond to Duke''s question, instead, she fixed her gaze on the Wyatt brothers. "Why don''t you all come with us to the study? There''s something we need to discuss and something we needed to get done and over with," she said. The sudden shift in Kisha''s demeanor left everyone puzzled, but no one dared to question her. Even Duke, though intrigued, merely tilted his head in curiosity before following Kisha up the stairs to the second floor, where the office had been repurposed as their temporary conference room. Everyone else followed them upstairs, with the Wyatt family trailing last, their anxiety increasing with every step. Kisha''s mention of needing to "get done and over with" made them uneasy, as if she were contemplating sending them away or forcing them into some final decision. The Wyatt siblings began to question whether their earlier suspicion about Kisha''s ability to assess their gifts was accurate or if they had been jumping to conclusions. Or perhaps they hadn''t awakened anything particularly useful, and now they were being dismissed. The Wyatts took a deep breath, trying to steady their racing hearts and turbulent thoughts. When they finally reached the office, they found Kisha already seated behind the desk, with Duke sitting casually on the leather chair while he made Kisha sit on his lap, almost as if he were part of the chair. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The scene looked both intimate and oddly amusing. Despite the unusual sight, no one spoke a word. They simply took their seats on the sofa in front of the desk, sitting quietly and comfortably as they awaited further instructions. When Marcus and the children arrived, they felt as if they had stumbled into a council meeting, unable to move from their spot after closing the door behind them. They faced Kisha''s intense gaze as she studied them closely, while Duke, seemingly unfazed by the serious and charged atmosphere, continued to absently work on her long hair as if he were a barber at play. The room fell silent as everyone waited for Kisha to begin the meeting. While some had an inkling of what the discussion might entail, there was still confusion about why the Wyatts were being included in a meeting focused on a serious operation involving imminent danger. Chapter 285 Not Looking Good Kisha took a deep breath and addressed the four of them. "Marcus, Gant, Mike, and Daisy, are you prepared to join me and my team, fully aware of the risks and dangers that may come with it?" ''I wanted all four of you to join us and be a part of my team.'' Kisha trembled a little because she said what she thought and thought of what she was supposed to say to the four of them which now looked so confusing and out of the blue. Kisha felt like smacking herself on the head because she didn''t want to scare the children and wanted to make it as stress-free as possible but instead, she put the pressure head-on. Duke, who was playing with her hair, felt the slight tremor that traveled on Kisha''s body and so, he rubbed her back to soothe her unease and overthinking, he wanted to show his support for whatever decision she came up with and show her that he would always be there throughout. He knew that Kisha might have messed up something in her mind and what she said, and that''s why she was acting as if she was regretting what she said, although her actions were subtle but Duke could still feel and understand them. Although no one knew why the conversation even started like this or what Kisha was trying to achieve, no one asked for the whys and just remained silent, even the Winters remained silent, Mrs. Winters even comfortably started brewing coffee and tea for the people inside the office, lightening the atmosphere a little. Usually, Marcus would be the first to speak for his family, with his decisions guiding the others. However, this time, it was Mike and Gant who spoke in unison, their voices filled with conviction. "We will!" they declared. Daisy, after hearing her brothers, nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with determination as she clutched the hem of her clothes. After the children declared their decision, Marcus chuckled, somewhat resigned that his grandchildren had beaten him to it. He then turned to Kisha with a determined gaze, his loyalty evident. "Young Madam, wherever you lead us, we will follow. Whatever you ask, we will not question. Use us as you see fit, and know that our loyalty is pledged to you and you alone. My future descendants and I will serve you without reservation." Kisha nodded thoughtfully. Normally, she would rely on a slave contract or the Heart Gu Pill to ensure absolute loyalty and prevent betrayal. However, seeing that the group included two teenagers and a child not yet in her teens, she hesitated. She couldn''t bring herself to subject them to the pain associated with the Heart Gu Pill, especially when they deserved protection rather than suffering. At the moment, Kisha couldn''t acquire a slave contract, not only because they hadn''t yet found a new supplier but also due to her insufficient points. The remaining points she had were reserved for upgrading her system to level 5, making them untouchable. She also hesitated to use the Heart Gu Pill, as it would inflict unnecessary pain on the children. Thus, she resolved to place her trust in their words, but she made it clear in her mind that if any sign of betrayal appeared, she would not hesitate to deal with it personally and kill them. Having settled her thoughts, Kisha gestured for the four to come closer. "First, I want to ask Gant and Mike: How would you feel about taking on the responsibility of caring for the livestock on the ranch and the aquatic animals in the lake and sea within my territory space?" After hearing her question, Gant and Mike''s eyes twinkled like stars and they both shared a glance before facing Kisha with an excited look. Mike was the first to speak his mind in front of Kisha. "Young Madam, I''ve always enjoyed caring for animals on the ranch. Before awakening, it brought me a sense of peace and belonging. Now, with my awakened ability, it seems my gift aligns perfectly with raising and caring for animals. This opportunity feels like a natural fit for me." Mike took a deep breath to calm his excitement, ensuring he remained respectful before continuing. "As I''ve used my ability on the animals, I''ve noticed their growth accelerating significantly, and their size increasing¡ªsometimes even twice as large as usual, they also mature faster with my guidance and breed easily, which could easily increase the number of animals in no time. I''ve also found that I can sense their feelings and understand what they''re trying to communicate. It''s been incredibly thrilling to witness this transformation!" Kisha exhaled, her frustration evident. "I figured as much." Her reaction puzzled everyone. They had anticipated her excitement over the prospect of increased food supply and support for their base''s population, but instead, Kisha''s expression conveyed irritation. It seemed as though something about the situation was troubling her. After Kisha spoke, she did not offer any further explanation and instead turned her attention to Gant. Despite Mike''s disappointment at Kisha''s reaction to what he had hoped was good news, he silently stepped back, allowing Gant to share his own achievements. "Young Madam," Gant began, "like my brother, I find great ease in caring for the fish, treating them almost like pets, but they mean even more to me. The longer I tend to them, the faster they grow and mature. Just as Mike mentioned, they not only double in size but also breed quickly. At this rate, we''ll soon have an overcrowded lake. It''s been fascinating to watch it develop like this." Gant''s explanation highlighted that after spending 5-7 hours inside the territory space, they had not only awakened and understood their abilities but had also significantly improved their proficiency. This resulted in a highly positive outcome. Just as their grandfather could now plant and harvest more crops with greater quality, Gant and Mike felt they were on a similar path. They were confident that their abilities would soon allow them to significantly contribute to Kisha''s efforts and alleviate some of her burdens. This demonstrated their significant potential and rapid growth. It was likely accelerated by the territory''s time flow, which moves ten times faster than the outside world, allowing them to accomplish much more in a shorter span. Gant''s mention of the lake becoming overcrowded with fish brought smiles to everyone''s faces, except for Mrs. Winters, who had yet to see the lake''s vastness. Given the size of the lake and the surrounding sea, this was seen as an impressive achievement. The prospect of such an abundant food supply, combined with the crops Marcus had successfully cultivated, had everyone grinning from ear to ear. However, when they turned to Kisha, hoping to see her smile, they were met with an unsettling silence. Her frown deepened as she leaned forward, her elbows resting on the desk with her hands clasped under her chin, her gaze fixed intently on Mike and Gant. The atmosphere grew tense and somber; everyone could sense that Kisha''s displeasure was serious. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They understood that if she was dissatisfied, there was a significant issue at hand. "Granddaughter-in-law, you seem troubled. Perhaps sharing your concerns with us might help lighten your burden. We''re here to listen and offer support. Sometimes, two heads are better than one, and together, we might find a better solution than if you were to tackle it alone." The Patriarch, recognizing his unique position as Kisha''s grandfather-in-law and the elder with the most suitable role to speak up, took the initiative. Given his significant status both before and after the apocalypse and the fact that he was one of the only older individuals present aside from Marcus, it was fitting for him to offer such support. Chapter 286 The Disappointment "That''s right, wifey. Just tell me what''s bothering you, and I''ll find a way to handle it. Hmm?" Duke said coaxingly as he wrapped his arms around Kisha''s waist, pulling her closer to his chest. He wanted to provide her with support, comfort, and ease her worries, hoping that his embrace would help alleviate whatever was weighing on her mind. Kisha sighed again, her gaze shifting to Gant and Mike, who stood before her looking disheartened. She could see they were feeling down as if their hard work had been dismissed rather than praised. Wanting to lift their spirits, Kisha began to speak. "Actually, what Gant and Mike have achieved is truly remarkable, and I couldn''t ask for more. Especially knowing that their efforts will help stabilize our supplies at the base, with Marcus''s crops and the twins'' assistance with the livestock ensuring a steady increase." Hearing her say all this brought smiles to everyone''s faces, momentarily making them forget how Kisha looked. But when they finally noticed her expression again, confusion deepened. "Then why don''t you look happy, City Lord?" Aston asked, voicing the question on everyone''s mind¡ªor at least most of those in the office. However, people like Duke, the two Winters'' men, and the more quick-witted among them had already grasped the situation and understood why Kisha seemed dissatisfied. Kisha sighed again before continuing, "Although the results are undeniably impressive, the problem lies in their bond with the animals they''re ''fostering,'' as their gift suggests. ''Fostering'' means nurturing, raising, and communicating with them. Gant even mentioned that he sees the fish as more than just pets." "And if that''s the case, how would they cope when the animals they''ve nurtured and bonded with are sent to be slaughtered and eaten? Wouldn''t that cause severe trauma for Mike and Gant? They might feel like they''re sending their friends to the chopping block after fattening them up, which could be unbearably cruel for them. I''m certain it would be impossible not to get attached to the animals they''ve cared for and raised using their fostering gift." Initially, Kisha was thrilled, believing that the twins'' gifts would be a tremendous asset to the base, much like Marcus''s ability to boost crop growth. She eagerly anticipated the day they would awaken and help care for the farm animals and fisheries in her territory. But once she saw their abilities firsthand, everything became clear to her. If she wasn''t mistaken and remembered it correctly, there was a time when Bell mentioned that in the Murim World, martial arts practitioners were divided into many category depending on their specialty because not all of the martial arts practitioners are just fighting with the power they gained through enlightenment, and just like the world Kisha lived in. The Murim World also has distinct ''Jobs'' and ''Specialties,'' similar to her own world. These include ''Alchemists'' who create elixirs and miraculous pills like the Immortal Pill she acquired from the World of the Gods, ''Blacksmiths,'' ''Sword Practitioners,'' ''Martial Artists,'' ''Poison Practitioners,'' and many more. Among these was a unique role: the ''Beast Tamer.'' Beast Tamers, as their name suggests, specialize in taming beasts. They either sell these tamed creatures so others can form contracts with them as battle pets¡ªmuch like how Bell and Zeus became her companions¡ªor they keep the beasts for their own use. According to Bell, the strength of a tamed beast enhances its master''s power. The purity of the beast''s bloodline also affects its strength, and the more powerful the beast, the more challenging it is to tame. If Kisha were to compare Gant and Mike''s abilities to the Beast Tamers of the Murim World, they seem quite similar. However, unlike the Beast Tamers, who typically possess a single ability to tame all kinds of beasts based on their strength and spiritual energy, Gant and Mike''s abilities are divided. One can tame land beasts, while the other can only tame water beasts. This division is unusual, as it''s more common for a Beast Tamer to have a singular ability that covers a wider range of beasts, depending on their potential and energy. This division in their abilities might be due to their being twins, resulting in a split of their powers. If their awakened abilities were more focused on nurturing and enhancing the growth of animals, it would have been easier to integrate Gant and Mike into the animal care routine. However, since their abilities involve beast taming, this creates complications, making it challenging to use them for the same purpose. The apocalypse has already been deeply traumatizing for the children, and adding the burden of their abilities¡ªparticularly in the form of beast taming¡ªwould only add to their stress and suffering if she placed them where the farm animals and fisheries are that are also meant to be slaughtered. Kisha felt disappointed because she realized it would be more appropriate to place them in a role suited to their strengths rather than burdening them with something so potentially distressing at such a young age. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gant and Mike were taken aback by Kisha''s insights. They hadn''t expected her to understand their abilities so deeply. Her words resonated with them profoundly. They realized that, as Kisha described, their bond with the animals felt more like friendship than mere caretaking. The thought of nurturing these creatures only to have them slaughtered felt like betraying their friends, as if they were fattening them up just to send them to their deaths. It was deeply agonizing and stressful for them to consider. They felt a profound sense of embarrassment, realizing that their remarkable ability seemed to place them at odds with the very goal they hoped to achieve. The potential of their gift now felt overshadowed by the painful reality of its consequences if they continued. Gant and Mike''s heads hung low, their earlier enthusiasm extinguished by the painful realization that their abilities might not be as helpful as they had hoped. The disappointment of awakening to a power that seemed ultimately unfit for their intended purpose made them feel disheartened and ineffective. Kisha noticed the dejected looks on the kids'' faces and, despite her own disappointment, offered some reassurance. "It''s alright. We''ll have Gant and Mike assist Marcus with the crops for now, and we''ll find a more suitable role for them in the future. As for Daisy, since her ability aligns with Marcus'' elemental ''wood'' ability, I believe we can find a different position for her." She said thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on Daisy''s Talent and Gift. "Young Madam," Marcus said, puzzled, "if Daisy has the same ability as mine, wouldn''t it be best to have her work alongside me on the crops? She might help accelerate their growth as well." So kisha had to explain to him so he would understand the difference in their ability. "While Daisy has the same wood ability as you, her talent and gift are different from yours. Just because someone has a wood attribute doesn''t mean they can enhance crop growth. In fact, without a balancing effect like yours, using wood-type abilities could disrupt the balance of the crops'' growth and potentially harm them. Your unique talent and gift is what allows you to increase plant growth effectively." Chapter 287 Botanist Acquired "And besides," Kisha said confidently, "I believe Daisy''s Talent and Gift would make her an excellent Bonatist." "Really?" Daisy asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she looked at Kisha. "Yes, if I''m not mistaken," Kisha said with a reassuring smile, "you have a Talent for plant breeding and a Gift called ''Scope.'' This Gift could be incredibly useful, as it might allow you to access detailed information about plants, almost like having an encyclopedia at your fingertips. With this ability, you''ll be able to study plants more thoroughly and cross-breed them, potentially creating more resilient varieties that can withstand changing climates and revitalize dying lands." Truthfully, Kisha had high expectations for Daisy. From her previous experiences, she remembered how relentless climate changes had become. Summers grew unbearably hot, winters frigid, and sometimes the weather would deviate drastically from the norm¡ªblizzards in summer, droughts in winter, and scorching heat at unpredictable times. These erratic shifts were not just inconvenient; they caused the soil to die and turn rusty, making it impossible for unmutated plants to survive. As a result, the air around the world grew thinner, exacerbating the environmental crisis. Kisha hoped Daisy''s skills would be key to developing resilient plant varieties capable of withstanding these extreme conditions. These extreme climate changes had severe consequences, leading to a rise in respiratory issues among those who hadn''t awakened. Many people suffered from debilitating asthma, further reducing the human population. Despite Kisha and Duke''s efforts to rally scientists and botanists to find a solution, their research yielded little success. Perhaps their struggle stemmed from lacking the specific expertise Daisy possessed¡ªher talent in plant breeding and her "Scope" gift to understand plant properties might be the key to discovering effective solutions. Reflecting on this, Kisha felt a pang of regret for the loss of such superhumans in her previous lives. Had they survived, the prospects for humanity''s survival might have been more promising. Now that she had these valuable individuals in her care, she felt a renewed sense of hope for the future. All she needed to do was protect these precious reasures and ensure their potential was fully realized. Kisha nodded with satisfaction at Daisy, pleased with her newfound sense of purpose. However, this development left Gant and Mike feeling restless and inadequate. They saw their younger sister finding a meaningful role for her awakened ability, and it stirred a strong sense of urgency in them to prove their own worth. Having matured rapidly after the events that befell their parents, and with their grandfather aging, they felt a deep responsibility to protect Daisy. They were determined not to let her progress while they remained stagnant, driven by the belief that others saw them as having weaker mentalities or being unable to handle the potential trauma of their abilities. Mike, the older brother, spoke up with determined conviction, drawing everyone''s attention. "City Lord, I would like to request to continue taking care of the farm animals as I have been. I believe there might be a way to enhance their growth without forming a bond with them," he stated firmly, confident that a solution could be found to this challenge. Gant added, drawing everyone''s attention with his earnest tone. "City Lord, I also feel a strong connection to the fisheries and aquatic animals in our territory. However, like my brother mentioned, we believe there might be a way to address this issue. We want to contribute to the base''s growth and support its development. Currently, the base relies heavily on what our territory can provide while we build it up, and with our limited resources, maintaining the flow is crucial. If my brother and I don''t help, we risk disrupting the supply, which would only add to the people''s distress." His mature and thoughtful words made everyone in the office realize the depth of his understanding of the situation and was stunned. For Kisha, witnessing children mature rapidly in the apocalyptic era was not unusual. In a world where survival was paramount, these children had no choice but to grow up quickly. With no one left to lean on or protect them, they had to adapt, learn new skills, and become resourceful just to avoid being abandoned or deemed useless. This urgency was even greater for those with siblings depending on them, driving them to mature faster to ensure their survival and the well-being of those who relied on them. Kisha understood the source of Mike and Gant''s sudden change in decision. They didn''t want to be left behind by Daisy, as it would undermine their ability to protect her and stand by her side as her older brothers. It was not just about pride, but also a drive to become stronger and better. This determination to improve and not fall short was what would fuel their growth and make them formidable in the future. Kisha saw no issue with their drive or request, but she remained concerned about sending the young ones to face trauma while still searching for a solution. Bell''s voice suddenly intruded on Kisha''s thoughts through their mind-link. "Master, what they said holds some truth. As beast tamers, they can indeed form bonds with the beasts they tame, but they can also sever those bonds. After all, how would beast tamers be able to sell or let go of the beasts they''ve nurtured if they couldn''t? While bonds can be formed, they can also be broken, or the beasts can be nurtured without forming a deep connection. Additionally, beast tamers differentiate between livestock and beasts worth taming, adhering to the survival of the fittest principle that even they understand." "I believe these young beast tamers lack proper guidance, which is why they unintentionally formed bonds with livestock and animals meant for food. They got overwhelmed by their abilities without proper direction," Bell added confidently. Everyone in the room fell silent, waiting for Kisha to speak. She stared ahead, lost in thought, her gaze distant. No one wanted to interrupt her, and they were at a loss for words, unsure how to address the situation. "Then, what do you propose?" Kisha asked Bell. Given Bell''s background from the Murim World and its ancestors'' experience with beast tamers after forming a contract with one, Kisha trusted that Bell had a deeper understanding of the subject. She believed there was little difference between the beast tamers from Murim and the abilities of Mike and Gant, so she valued Bell''s advice on how to proceed. "Master, how about I teach you first, and then you can teach them?" Bell suggested. Kisha hesitated, unsure about this approach. She was concerned that learning the technique herself would take time, and without a thorough understanding of every aspect of beast taming, she might end up confusing Mike and Gant rather than helping them. She feared that without mastering the technique first, she could inadvertently misguide the two children and jeopardize their foundational skills. Since Bell was contracted with Kisha, she could sense and understand Kisha''s emotions and thoughts unless one of them chose to block the connection. Right now, with their connection fully open, Bell grasped Kisha''s concerns and reassured her, "Don''t worry, Master. It won''t take long for you to understand the technique. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even without mastering it completely, you''ll be able to teach it effectively once you grasp the core principles." Chapter 288 Learning Beast Taming Technique Kisha remained skeptical about Bell''s reassurance. Understanding the principles of an unfamiliar technique was one thing, but applying them was another, especially given the vast differences between the Murim world and her own. The techniques and methods from Bell''s world might differ significantly from what Kisha was accustomed to, presenting additional challenges in teaching the kids effectively. Before Kisha could voice her concerns, Bell transmitted a massive influx of information through their connection, flooding Kisha''s mind. The sudden deluge of data caused Kisha to jolt in pain as her head throbbed violently, with veins visibly bulging in her forehead and neck. Duke, immediately noticing Kisha''s distress and pain, rushed to help her soothe her back, and attempted to comfort her by gently massaging her temples and offering support. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This alarmed everyone in the room. Kisha attempted to suppress her pain, hoping to avoid alarming anyone, but the effort was in vain. The pain was overwhelming; her hearing was muffled, and her vision blurred as her brain struggled to process the flood of information. The onslaught of data was so intense that it felt as if her mind was being forcibly crammed with knowledge about beast taming¡ªits principles, techniques, and cultivation manuals. The information was overwhelming her, making it nearly impossible to focus or remain composed. It took Kisha a full hour to process the overwhelming influx of information Bell had transmitted into her mind. By the end, she was drenched in sweat, and the room was filled with worried onlookers. As soon as Duke sensed that Kisha''s pain had diminished, he carefully lifted her and carried her out of the room, leaving the others in silence and concern. Since no one officially adjourned the meeting, everyone remained in the office, understanding that Duke had only taken Kisha out to change clothes. The process had drained much of Kisha''s strength and energy, leaving her limp in Duke''s arms. Although she could still hear and feel her surroundings, she was too exhausted to open her eyes or speak. She needed a moment to catch her breath and regain her strength. After carrying Kisha out of the office, Duke took her directly to their room, where he carefully laid her on the bed. He then headed to the bathroom to draw a warm bath for her. While the water filled the tub, Duke went to the walk-in closet to fetch a fresh set of clothes for Kisha and placed them neatly at the foot of the bed where she was resting. He helped Kisha out of her clothes with a focused, concerned demeanor. His mind was consumed with worry and questions about what had happened to his wife, leaving no room for any inappropriate thoughts or admire her naked form. His sole focus was on gently and carefully undressing her, ensuring she was comfortable as he prepared her for the bath. He handled Kisha with utmost gentleness, as though any sudden movement might trigger her pain again. It took him a little while to carefully undress her, and by the time he was done, the bathtub was already overflowing with warm water. Undeterred by the mess, Duke carefully eased Kisha into the tub before finally turning off the faucet. Duke heard Kisha make a soft, contented hum, and he realized that the warm bath was likely soothing her. He watched as her tense muscles gradually relaxed, though her eyes remained closed. Gently, he used a sponge to dab the warm water onto her face and head, trying to bring her further comfort. Every movement was deliberate and tender; whether he was applying soap or shampooing her hair, he handled her with the utmost care, as if afraid that any extra pressure might cause her harm. Kisha, though still exhausted, relished the tender care Duke was giving her. The warm bath, combined with Duke''s gentle touch, made her feel considerably better. She found herself more appreciative than ever of having Duke as her husband. She hadn''t realized just how gentle he could be; his touch was soft and feather-like. Even without opening her eyes, she could sense the concern and worry radiating from him, which brought a subtle smile to her lips. This lovable side of Duke was so sweet and new to her but it felt great to be the receiver of such love, As she basked in his care and evident worry, her heart swelled with emotion. Kisha made a silent vow to herself to never hurt Duke, to protect his feelings, and to cherish him with the same depth of love and respect that he bestowed upon her. Duke spent a full 20 minutes bathing Kisha, meticulously ensuring the water remained warm by continuously using his fire ability to maintain the temperature. After gently washing her, he wrapped her in a large, fluffy towel that cocooned her completely. He then carefully carried her back to the bed, where he tenderly dried her body and hair. With great care, he blow-dried her hair, avoiding any hot air on her face to ensure her comfort. It was a lot of work, but Duke remained silent throughout, his anxiety and concern evident in his every move. Once he finished drying Kisha''s hair, he carefully dressed her in a set of clothes designed for her comfort. Afterward, he settled beside her, pulling her into his embrace and resting his nose gently on the top of her head. Throughout Duke''s attentive care, Kisha stayed awake but couldn''t manage to open her eyes. She even felt her eyes well up with tears from the gentle treatment she was receiving. When Duke noticed the tears glistening at the corners of her eyes, his worry deepened. The sight of Kisha''s tears pained him immensely, and he wished he could take her suffering upon himself to spare her any distress. After another 30 minutes, Kisha finally regained enough strength to open her eyes. As she did, she met Duke''s worried gaze. His eyes, reddened around the rims, searched her face anxiously, looking for any signs of lingering pain. When Duke saw that Kisha''s discomfort had eased, he hugged her a little tighter, though still gently, ensuring not to cause her any further pain. "I''m alright," Kisha croaked, her voice hoarse and dry, sounding weak and pitiful. Duke responded by holding her even tighter. "Don''t make me worry like that again," Duke murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I don''t think my heart can handle such scares." He struggled to keep his emotions in check as he spoke. "Alright, I''ll listen to my husband," Kisha teased, her weakened state making the words sound even more endearing. Duke squeezed her gently in response. "Let''s go back. We''ve been away for a while, and everyone must be growing worried. Plus, we still have a meeting to attend," Kisha said, taking a deep breath. "No, I''m going to take care of things. You stay here and rest," Duke said firmly, not accepting Kisha''s suggestion. Kisha shook her head, not accepting Duke''s insistence. "If I don''t go, then all the pain I endured will have been for nothing. Do you really want to let it all be in vain?" She looked up at Duke with a pleading gaze, though she felt reluctant to use such a tactic. It was the only way she could convince him to let her return to the meeting. Moreover, what she said was true: if she didn''t join the meeting, the pain she endured would feel utterly wasted. She couldn''t bear the thought of her suffering being in vain. "Master¡­" Bell''s voice trembled with embarrassment and remorse in Kisha''s mind. "I''m truly sorry for not warning you about the pain from the information transfer. It was a mistake on my part. Please, punish me if you must." Chapter 289 Ill Take Care Of You "No need to blame yourself, Bell. It will happen regardless, and even with a warning, I would have still experienced the pain. What matters is the value of the information you provided. I appreciate it greatly, and I want to thank you for that," Kisha reassured Bell, trying to alleviate its self-reproach. Kisha then turned her attention to Duke, who was gazing at her with pursed lips, clearly wrestling with whether to let her return or not. "Can you explain what caused the sudden pain you experienced?" Duke asked, his voice soft and coaxing. He lowered his tone almost to a whisper, the warmth and subtle vibration in his voice, from his Adam''s apple, adding a touch of masculinity that made his concern feel even more intimate. Kisha met his gaze with a look of genuine happiness before she began to explain. "As you know, I reassigned Gant and Mike from their duties caring for the animals. I did this to spare them the heartbreak of seeing the creatures they''ve grown close to being sent to the slaughterhouse for our survival. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Given their awakened abilities, it''s nearly impossible for them to care for the animals without forming strong bonds. I was on the verge of rejecting their pleas for this reason, considering they are still too young for such a responsibility, which could potentially shatter them emotionally." "But then, Bell reached out to me with a solution. She mentioned a way to prevent Gant and Mike from forming emotional bonds with the animals they''re caring for, while still allowing them to use their abilities to aid the animals'' growth. To implement this, I needed to learn the technique myself so that I could teach it to the kids." "Unfortunately, learning the skill the traditional way would have taken too much time and required a high level of comprehension. So, Bell decided to transfer the information directly into my mind. The sudden influx of knowledge overwhelmed me and caused the pain I experienced." Kisha sighed, a look of resignation on her face as if she had done everything she could to help the situation. Duke''s brows furrowed in displeasure upon hearing how it happened. He resented the fact that Kisha had to endure such pain for the sake of others. His cold expression and pursed lips betrayed his frustration and concern. Unable to bear seeing him so troubled, Kisha reached out to gently smooth his furrowed brows, offering a comforting touch. "I''m not doing this just to help others achieve their goals," Kisha said gently, her eyes locked on Duke''s with affection. "I''m doing this to create a safe and self-sustaining base for ourselves and our future family." Duke''s displeasure softened at her words, and he felt a surge of conflicting emotions. His urge to scold Kisha for not prioritizing her well-being dissolved as he fixated on the phrase "our future family." His mind drifted to a vision of a little version of themselves, living happily within their safe base. He realized, with a deep sense of resolve, that he too wanted to contribute to making that vision a reality. "But I don''t want you to get hurt," Duke said, his voice thick with concern. "You should let me handle the hard work. After all, I''m your husband, and it''s my responsibility and duty to protect you." His eyes were full of worry and a silent plea as he looked at Kisha. Kisha chuckled softly, brushing her fingers gently against Duke''s cheek. "You know I don''t like being at a disadvantage, right? This situation was an exception and unavoidable. Besides, Bell couldn''t share the information with you; it wasn''t connected to you in any way." "And besides, as your wife, I''m just as responsible for taking care of you and pampering you. So, just enjoy it," Kisha added with a playful smile. Duke''s smile broadened in appreciation, his heart swelling with happiness. It was the first time someone had offered him such a gesture, and his eyes crinkled in delight as he gazed lovingly at Kisha. "Then, I will do my best to serve my wife and ensure you''re completely satisfied." Duke looked so innocently happy that it took Kisha a moment to fully grasp the meaning behind his words. Her face darkened. "This cunning fox! Have I walked straight into his trap again? Did I really just offer myself up so willingly? He knows how to play his cards well; no wonder he''s at the top of the business world. Damn it!" Kisha fumed internally, realizing Duke had skillfully turned her offer into something much more intimate. She felt trapped, as if every step she took, Duke had already set a snare to ensure she''d willingly accept her fate. Now, she dreaded their bedtime, realizing that Duke, with his seemingly innocent expression, was hiding his true intentions behind a fa?ade. His actions spoke volumes more than his words, and she couldn''t escape the trap he had expertly laid. Duke eagerly gave Kisha''s perky ass a playful squeeze and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "How about I start taking care of you tonight?" he murmured with a hint of mischief in his voice. Kisha felt like vomiting blood in anger at how shameless Duke had turned into. Kisha immediately pushed herself away and stood up from the bed before storming off their bedroom, when she reached the hallway, she heard Duke''s contagious laughter echoing in the room which made Kisha smile before she headed back into the study, not long after, Duke also followed behind Kisha. When the two came back to the office, everyone was still there and was discussing other matters regarding their own position that needed help from other departments, mostly from Mr. Winters of the Supply Center for the supply allocation and distribution. When the door opened, everyone looked up with concern, expecting only Duke to return after settling Kisha to bed. Seeing Kisha come back with Duke behind her, they grew worried about her overworking herself. They shot disapproving glances at Duke, particularly his family, who had reproachful looks on their faces. Duke immediately raised both hands in a gesture of surrender, his expression one of helplessness as he shot a glance at Kisha. She merely chuckled and headed back to the desk, with Duke trailing closely behind like a devoted shadow. His swift movement to the leather chair, pulling Kisha onto his lap, had become so routine that no one paid much attention to his antics anymore. Instead, their focus was on Kisha''s pale face. "Sweetie, how are you feeling?" Mrs. Winters asked with concern, her eyes red-rimmed as if she might start crying at any moment. "Why don''t you go back to your room and rest? We''ll continue the meeting and make sure to send you the report first thing in the morning so you''ll know how everything went." Kisha''s expression softened as she looked at Mrs. Winters. "Mom, please don''t worry about me. I wasn''t overworking myself. What happened was that I gained some valuable insights on how to help Gant and Mike use their abilities more effectively without causing them pain from bonding with the animals." Her explanation left everyone gasping in surprise and excitement. Gant and Mike, who had initially looked dejected after Duke carried Kisha away, now shared an excited glance before turning to Kisha, their faces bright with newfound hope and happiness. Chapter 290 How To Have More Battle Pets Mrs. Winters beamed at being called "Mom," seeing it as a sign that Kisha truly considered her part of the family, acknowledging her as Duke''s mother and solidifying their bond. Even the Patriarch''s eyes sparkled with anticipation, and though Mr. Winters typically maintained a neutral demeanor, he cast a glance at Kisha that carried a hint of expectation. Kisha noticed their expressions and felt a warmth she had previously reserved for her grandparents and Keith, now extended to the Winters and Duke. Her heart brimmed with happiness as she looked back at them. "Dad, Grandpa, you don''t need to worry. Let me explain what happened." Hearing her refer to them as Dad and Grandpa caused the usually stoic Winters men to break into warm smiles, and they nodded at Kisha with renewed affection. Kisha turned to face Gant and Mike with a reassuring smile. "Gant, Mike, as I mentioned earlier, I''ve had an insight on how to address the issue with bonding to the animals you care for. This technique will prevent you from forming emotional attachments that could cause you pain if they are ever slaughtered. It will take some time to master this method, but it will allow you to use your awakened abilities effectively while nurturing the farm animals and fisheries. You''ll be able to nurture them and improve their growth and meat quality without becoming emotionally attached. Additionally, you''ll have control over which animals you bond with, accelerating their growth and strength." Kisha continued with a hopeful tone, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "With this technique, we can have you both tame mutant animals and turn them into powerful battle pets. These creatures could become invaluable allies in fighting zombies, as they would be stronger and more resilient than even the best of superhumans. You two would play a crucial role in this, ensuring that we have these mutant animals as our greatest weapons. They could fight alongside us and help us defend against evolved zombies and corrupted mutant animals that threaten us. Your efforts could make a significant difference in our battles." The prospect of this new possibility made Kisha beam with a broad, hopeful smile. Despite the considerable effort required, she was confident it would be worth it. The twins clapped their hands eagerly, their excitement mirrored by everyone else, who seemed to witness a remarkable breakthrough unfolding before them. Though most had yet to see a mutant animal in action, Kisha''s vivid description was enough to inspire instant belief. Their unwavering trust in her, deeply rooted in their hearts, allowed them to vividly imagine her vision coming to life before their eyes. "I-Is that really true?!" everyone asked simultaneously, their eyes widening with a mix of disbelief and hope. To illustrate her point, Kisha summoned Zeus, who materialized out of nowhere. The massive creature was playfully running around the territory, tongue lolling out as it chased after butterflies in the flower field. Though its antics were endearingly foolish, Zeus''s sheer size and presence still exuded an intimidating aura, reminiscent of a formidable bear who was out hunting. Zeus scanned the room with a curious gaze and, upon spotting Kisha, flopped onto its back with a playful grunt. It exposed its belly and let its tongue hang out, clearly inviting Kisha for a belly rub. "Isn''t Zeus a perfect example?" Kisha said proudly. "Zeus is a mutant dog with strength comparable to a level 1 evolved zombie. In fact, it faced off against a level 1 evolved zombie the first time I met it with Duke." Her words jogged Aston and the others'' memories of Zeus fighting amidst a horde of zombies. They recalled how formidable Zeus had been, effortlessly killing a dozen zombies with ease. Most of them knew Zeus as Kisha''s pet but were unaware it was actually a mutant animal turned battle companion. To clarify, Kisha explained, "Since not everyone has seen Zeus in action, let me describe its abilities. Although Zeus hasn''t awakened a special ability, but it''s like a walking tank. Its armor-like skin allows it to crush zombies effortlessly. IT can stun enemies, creating openings for others to strike, especially useful against fast-moving foes. Most importantly, it has a sonic wave attack that can obliterate everything within its radius. Enemies without strong defenses are virtually guaranteed to be defeated in one hit." After hearing Kisha''s detailed explanation, everyone glanced at the silly-looking Zeus, who was still lying on the floor, eagerly awaiting a belly rub and whining for Kisha''s attention. Those who had accompanied Kisha on their last expedition knew firsthand the strength required to combat a Level 1 evolved zombie with an awakened ability. The realization that Zeus could rival such a formidable enemy made them view it in a new light, transforming their perception of the seemingly goofy mutant into a powerful and crucial asset. This revelation ignited Mike and Gant''s enthusiasm for mastering the technique Kisha was about to teach them. They were now eager to embrace their awakened abilities, knowing they could make a significant impact on the base, protect many people, and help lighten Kisha''s burdens. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sweetie, does that mean Bell is also a mutant insect?" Mrs. Winters asked, her curiosity piqued. Everyone knew how formidable Bell was, with fighting abilities surpassing even Zeus''s. If such a powerful ally could coexist with them in the base and fight alongside them, their base would undoubtedly become a leading powerhouse, and they would no longer be vulnerable to bullying from other bases and fall from the zombie raids in the future. Kisha summoned Bell, who immediately appeared and cheerfully circled around her before settling comfortably on her head. "Bell is a bit different from the mutant animals or insects you might see in the future. It''s not easy to explain, but while it differs in some ways, many mutant animals and insects can become just as strong and formidable as they evolve, much like evolved zombies. This is why having battle pets like Bell to assist us in combat will be incredibly valuable in the long run." This confirmation made everyone nod eagerly, their eyes fixed on Gant and Mike as if they were looking at a precious treasure. The intensity of their gaze filled Gant and Mike with a palpable sense of responsibility, as they felt the weight of the high expectations placed upon them. "Alright, everyone, let''s not put too much pressure on the kids. Achieving this goal will take time because Gant and Mike need to thoroughly understand and master the skill before they can start taming mutant animals. For now, let''s have them focus on caring for the farm animals and fisheries. I''ve shared this vision with you to give you an idea of what I aspire for our base to become," Kisha said with a reassuring smile as she scanned the room before continuing. "Now that we''ve addressed the issue with the animals, we need to move on to the reason for this emergency meeting," Kisha said, her expression turning serious. Taking a deep breath, she signaled that the upcoming discussion would be of a more somber and important nature. Sensing the shift in tone, everyone set aside their excitement and focused intently on the matter at hand. Chapter 291 True Meaning Behind the Uniforms "As many of you know, we''ve recruited over a thousand warriors to help defend our base and carry out supply runs while we''re still building up our infrastructure. I plan to create uniforms for these recruits. While it might seem like a minor concern compared to other pressing issues, there''s a strategic reason behind it. Uniforms will help project the strength and organization of our base. Sooner or later, other survivors and factions will come to our doorstep. Our warriors will inevitably encounter members from other groups during supply runs, making us vulnerable to espionage and potential attacks. It''s crucial that we establish a visible, unified presence to deter any threats and assert our strength." Kisha''s eyes glazed over with a distant look, remembering the chaos and brutality of the apocalyptic era. "In these times, we need to make it clear that we''re not a force to be trifled with. Uniforms will help imprint our identity and capabilities on others, making them wary of us. However, simply being wary isn''t enough. To protect ourselves from potential threats and prevent others from ganging up on us, we must step up our game. We need to forge alliances with other bases or factions that share our values and goals. Strengthening these connections will help ensure our survival and fortify our position." "Uniforms will play a crucial role in defining who we are and asserting our presence. Additionally, we should consider erecting a flag with our emblem around the walls of our base, similar to ancient times. This would not only mark our territory but also serve as a clear warning to others. While it will make our base more identifiable among the ruins, it will also signal that any who encounter our emblem should show respect and back off, or risk facing our wrath." Kisha elaborated, emphasizing her intention to instill fear. She acknowledged that some factions or groups might try to exploit her base''s growing reputation to boost their own power. However, such issues can be addressed later. By establishing a strong, feared presence, their base''s name will become more than just known; it will become a symbol of power. Those who attempt to misuse their name for malicious purposes will face severe consequences, reinforcing the message that crossing their path is a grave mistake. That''s why this seemingly trivial idea could play a crucial role in establishing their strength and reputation among other bases that might start plotting against them. This is Kisha''s final act of mercy towards those who might consider challenging them; if they persist, she will not hesitate to eliminate them completely. "Sounds good to me," Duke said supportively. He wasn''t just backing Kisha blindly; he recognized the strategic value in her proposal. Although it would be challenging initially, as their name became known and their community thrived, they would inevitably attract attention from those looking to steal from them. This early move to establish their strength would help mitigate those threats. Eventually, many greedy leaders from other bases will start eyeing their own. Engaging in full-scale war with these factions will become inevitable, as they can''t keep their gates closed forever. While they could choose to lock out all outsiders, they risk turning away survivors in need of protection, who might come seeking refuge. They can''t afford to turn away those in need, even if it means exposing themselves to potential spies and malicious scouts. Moreover, he was confident that their base would keep sending people outside, not just for supply runs, but also to combat zombies for crystal cores and to expand their territory as their population grew. Hiding wasn''t really an option. Kisha''s strategy to assert their dominance early on, boost their base''s fame, and build a reputation for strength would help deter potential threats and attract those genuinely seeking alliance and protection. Everyone began to consider Kisha''s point, nodding in agreement. Clyde, Rose, and Fred, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, had witnessed and heard many things over time. Now, they stared off into space, grappling with the gravity of Kisha''s explanation and struggling to fully grasp the implications especially those about her secret, and felt that if they made a sound, they would reveal themselves and be killed instantly for knowing too much. Kisha had initially hesitated to share so much information about herself and her territory space with these people, unsure of how it might be received. However, she recognized the potential for growth and usefulness these individuals could offer in the future, which made it necessary to keep them close. To assess their true intentions and character, she planned to have Sparrow administer another Heart Gul Pill, not just to test their loyalty but to gauge their humanity and integrity. Even if they don''t pledge their loyalty to Kisha, as long as they demonstrate strong morals and prioritize the greater good over their own greed, Kisha will free them from the demonic insect''s grasp. She would remove the pests from their bodies, relieving them of their suffering. However, Kisha deliberately left out this detail when she introduced the Heart Gu Pill. Her intention was to observe whether the people under torture would remain loyal despite the pain and suffering they endured or if their true nature would reveal itself once they had reached their limit. Though it may seem inhumane, this approach would help temper these individuals. In the apocalyptic era, danger is ever-present, and showing weakness in critical moments could cost lives. Kisha wanted them to remember the suffering they endured as a lesson, ensuring that they don''t make foolish decisions that could jeopardize their hard-won progress. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston, meanwhile, felt a buzz of realization as he grasped the deeper significance behind Kisha''s decision to prioritize uniforms, even at the risk of dealing with the hazardous textile factory. Initially, Aston had simply wanted to provide the soldiers with uniforms to signify their status and reward their bravery. He hoped this would inspire other survivors to join their ranks, ensuring a steady influx of recruits. However, he now saw that Kisha''s plan went beyond mere recognition¡ªit was about projecting strength and establishing dominance to deter potential threats and encourage genuine alliances. It''s mind-blowing for him to realize that Kisha was already contemplating something beyond just the uniform. It makes him feel incredibly naive in comparison, especially when he sees how Duke seems to grasp everything Kisha intends to achieve. Mr. Winters rubbed his chin thoughtfully before speaking. "I agree that it''s a good idea, but it would require a large supply of fabric. Using the military''s uniform wouldn''t align with this goal, so we''d need to design and sew our own uniforms featuring the base''s emblem. The challenge, then, is sourcing the fabric." He paused, as if recalling something, and added, "If I remember correctly, there was a major textile factory in City B. Perhaps..." He glanced up at Kisha. Kisha smiled proudly at Mr. Winters, a reaction he noticed, and a realization dawned on him. He nodded with satisfaction and pride. "Yes, that''s exactly what I was thinking, and I''ve already discussed it with Aston. That''s why we''ve called everyone here. Not only do we need to produce uniforms, but we also need to find a way to make clothes, blankets, and other essentials for everyone. The resources we can obtain from outside will be very limited, and other survivors will likely grab as many supplies as they can from the stores." Kisha said as she looked around the room. Chapter 292 I am Not A Trophy Husband "To solve this issue, we need to acquire the heavy machinery and any remaining materials and fabrics from the textile factory," Kisha added, glancing at Aston. His surprise was evident, likely because she hadn''t mentioned the machinery before and had only focused on the fabric. Of course, Kisha had considered the need for heavy machinery from the start; it was a key part of her plan and a major reason for her willingness to venture into the dangerous area. She had the means to procure ample cotton and wool from her territory, but the machinery was essential for establishing her own factory within the base. With this setup, she could ensure that her base would never be short of clothing, regardless of the climate. Duke noticed Aston''s surprised expression and thought to himself, ''If you believe my wife was only focused on monetary gain, you''re sorely mistaken. There''s nothing more valuable than establishing a means to produce an endless supply of essentials, rather than merely securing a decade''s worth of clothes or fabric that will eventually run out.'' With a smug, satisfied smile, Duke looked proudly at Kisha, as if he were the one who had come up with the solution. Kisha continued, "Given the situation, we''ll need to send a large team and figure out how to break into the factory. It''s surrounded by zombie hordes numbering in the thousands¡ªfar more than a medium-sized base could handle. It''s an extremely dangerous task." She sighed deeply. "I''ll lead the mission," Duke declared with a nonchalant air, playfully twirling Kisha''s curls as he spoke. He looked both playful and a bit silly. Kisha lifted her head to glance at him, then at Zeus, who was still lounging on the floor. Meanwhile, Bell, indifferent to the discussion, was sound asleep on top of Kisha''s head. Duke, slightly annoyed by Bell''s presence, considered poking the bee, as it was taking up space he wanted to use. He had hoped to rest his chin on Kisha''s head, but Bell was in the way. Although Duke considered poking fun at Bell, he wisely refrained, recalling how sharp its forelegs were¡ªcapable of slicing through human flesh effortlessly. Instead, he decided to focus on playing with Kisha''s hair. Despite his nonchalant demeanor, Duke exuded a commanding confidence that assured he could handle the task no matter the obstacles. Kisha had complete faith in his abilities, knowing he would find a way to succeed. This certainty put her at ease, reinforcing her trust in Duke and inspiring her on how to address the issue effectively. "Well, indeed. I can leave this to you. After all, weren''t you just complaining about not being able to fulfill your duties and staying home waiting for me like a dutiful wife? Seems like this is your chance to step up," Kisha playfully jested, prompting hearty laughter from everyone. The image of Duke acting like a coquettish wife, eagerly waiting for Kisha to come home like a husband bringing in the bacon, struck everyone as hilariously amusing. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke, unfazed by the teasing, puffed out his chest with a smirk. "Of course, my wife pampers and loves me," he boasted. "Unlike some of those single guys out there who don''t have anyone looking out for them." He shot a pointed look at Vulture and the other single men who had been laughing the hardest. Sure enough, Vulture, Sparrow, Bald Eagle, and the others fell silent, their faces contorted with resentful glares directed at Duke. Though they tried to restrain their expressions, their irritation was evident. Not only were they being forced to eat dog food daily, but now they were also being mocked for their single status. They resented Duke for forgetting his own humble beginnings (Being Single for years) and for his apparent disregard for their current struggles, especially when he had never had a woman until recently. "Exactly, I was thinking the same thing," Duke replied playfully. "I don''t want to be just a trophy husband to my beautiful wife. I''d hate for some random guy to think I''m merely for decoration and try to seduce you instead." He hugged Kisha from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder and adopting a coquettish tone. Duke''s parents and subordinates exchanged wry smiles, their lips twitching with amusement and resignation. Not only were they being force-fed dog food once again, but they were also witnessing a side of Duke they never imagined they''d see in their lifetime. Kisha burst into laughter at everyone''s expressions, which were a mix of amusement and embarrassment over Duke''s antics. Despite his coquettish remarks, Duke seemed completely unbothered and was grinning proudly. Kisha was genuinely surprised by this side of Duke and found his playful demeanor irresistibly cute. Although Duke''s commanding and aloof demeanor, which Kisha had grown accustomed to in her past life, was compellingly alluring like a mature Adonis, this playful side of him was equally endearing and entertaining, offering a refreshing change that helped clear her mind. Kisha cleared her throat, stopped laughing, and shifted back to business. "Earlier, I didn''t have a good solution for this problem, but on my way back to the villa, I encountered the people being sent to the medical facility. I''m sure you''re all aware of the mass awakening happening around the base¡ªit''s spreading like a domino effect." "And by tomorrow, most of these people will wake up, having fought off the virus that nearly overtook their bodies and ate their minds," Kisha continued. "I just remembered that a significant number of them are likely to awaken abilities. I''ve already separated them from those with a lower chance of awakening or turning into zombies." Kisha also realized that the reason the first batch of awakeners had been stronger in her previous lives was likely due to their greater potential. Just as she observed in the medical facility, there are more people with talents and potential who are likely to awaken abilities compared to those who don''t. Even if someone only has a talent without a specific gift or a gift without a talent, they still have a higher chance of awakening than those without any such potential. This means that individuals like her and Duke, who have already awakened, represent the true firepower for humanity''s survival. In contrast, those who awaken later, after their bodies have adapted to the virus through prolonged exposure, tend to be weaker because they lack these inherent gifts and potential. They''re akin to the scraps left over after crafting the finest, tailor-made garments. Due to people''s ignorance, they ended up killing these superhumans who could have been the true driving force for humanity''s survival. As a result, there were only a few first-generation awakeners like Kisha, leading to a significant disparity in power. It''s only now, with her ''Eye of Truth'' gift¡ªwhich she didn''t have before¡ªthat she fully understands this, as previously they had relied solely on speculation. She genuinely felt sorrow for those who had already been killed, not knowing how many of them possessed gifts and talents crucial for humanity''s survival, or how many harbored monster-like potential similar to Duke''s. Fortunately, this time she and Duke had managed to prevent such a tragedy at their base. However, the same couldn''t be said for the other bases, which made the situation all the more regrettable. This mass awakening would continue throughout the month, until all the first-generation awakeners had manifested their abilities. Chapter 293 What To Do? If she calculates the timeline for the second-generation awakeners, they might manifest their abilities within one to three months. Given that the first awakening occurred six months earlier than anticipated, it''s reasonable to expect the second wave to emerge sooner as well. The same early occurrence could apply to the evolving zombies, especially since they''ve already seen the signs of zombies evolving and have already encountered two. Now, only did she realize too, why the evolved zombies are all stronger than superhumans. It might also be because not only do they have the complete power coming from the virus without needing to filter it but because just like on the human''s side, the zombies might also have those with talents and gifts, and now that she thinks about it, she hasn''t tried peering through the zombies if she could also see their status windows since it was working for the special items with spiritual signatures. This is something she''ll need to explore further. If she can use this information to her advantage, it would be incredibly useful for countering zombies. Kisha now realizes the importance of dedicating time to testing it out thoroughly. Her thoughts were interrupted when Tristant posed a question. "Young Madam, how can you be certain that those people won''t turn and awaken an ability? It doesn''t quite make sense to me. Is there some pattern or logic to it?" He tilted his head to the side, clearly trying to grasp the concept. "Honestly, there''s no visible pattern you could discern with the naked eye or through scientific methods," Kisha explained with a shrug. "But I have my own methods for identifying who''s more likely to awaken abilities and who isn''t. I can even gauge who''s more likely to successfully awaken, which is why I arranged it the way I did at the medical facility." She spoke pragmatically, though her tone carried a hint of jest. Despite the casual demeanor, she was being truthful. Whether they took her seriously was up to them; explaining her gift, ''Eye of Truth,'' would be too complicated. She had no issue sharing this with Duke, but with others, it was a different story. So she continued, "Since the mass awakening is underway, I was thinking we could wait for the warriors who''ve awakened abilities and assign them to the team heading to the textile factory. This would serve as real training for them, and even if they''re bitten, they won''t turn into zombies because they already have the virus under control in their bodies." "But of course, that also means that as superhumans ourselves, we''ll need to put extra effort into guiding them in harnessing their newfound abilities. This responsibility would fall on..." Kisha said, scanning the room. "I''ll handle it. Since I''m already managing the training, incorporating this additional task will be seamless. That way, those who awaken in the future will be knowledgeable and prepared, even if their awakening happens outside our controlled environment," Duke offered, presenting himself without a hint of hesitation, as casually as if he were discussing dinner plans. Kisha nodded thoughtfully. "So, I suggest we only take those who have already awakened and those who can definitely handle themselves outside. Once we''re out there, everything becomes unpredictable, and we can''t guarantee that we''ll always be able to watch over every team member," she said, considering the logistics of the textile factory mission. "We? What do you mean by ''we''? You''re staying here and wait for me to return," Duke said, pinching Kisha''s cheeks, which took her by surprise. "No! It would be safer for me to be there," Kisha argued, her frustration evident. "It would also be more efficient to clear everything inside the factory in one go, rather than making multiple trips. Besides, if we don''t handle it all at once, other factions might notice our movements and ambush our team. I don''t want to be sidelined from this mission," she said, her anger rising. Honestly, she feels like hitting Duke right now for trying to keep her from doing what''s necessary." "But, don''t I have the strength to lead the team and complete the mission? Besides, didn''t you want to keep your ''Space Type'' ability a secret from everyone in the shelter because revealing it would complicate things?" "If we only take the essentials and keep making trips, it might become a good option too. Or maybe, if we''re lucky, another ''Space Type'' user might emerge from those currently awakening," Duke said, his tone softening as he spoke. He looked like a wounded puppy, his voice pitifully low. Realizing he might have come off as too controlling, he began to backtrack, trying to avoid putting Kisha in a position where she felt restricted. Kisha then recalled her earlier thoughts. She had indeed planned to keep her Space Ability concealed from the masses to avoid any inconvenience it might cause. She had also decided that the team going outside would make multiple trips to prevent anyone at the base from suspecting anything as they were going to be transporting huge amounts of resources and machinery from the outside. But when she heard Duke''s domineering tone, it sparked a rebellious streak in her, making her feel like she wanted to defy him. It was as if a chord had been struck, causing her to bristle. Although Duke''s desire to protect her seemed sweet and she appreciated it, the idea of being so sheltered made her uneasy. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She feared that indulging in such protection might lead her to become too dependent and weak. Besides, after surviving in the apocalypse for so long, the notion of being constantly protected had become somewhat irrelevant. She had learned that being powerful and self-reliant was the best option. Engaging in battles and facing challenges head-on would help her solidify her foundation and energy, especially since she had just recently leveled up. Seeing Duke''s downcast expression made her reconsider her stance. She realized she might have been overreacting, so she decided to back down. "Alright, let''s see what abilities those going through the awakening tonight develop. We''ll finalize the list of those who will join the mission in two days. In the meantime, make sure to train them thoroughly and ensure they understand their abilities well so they can be effective out there," Kisha said, shrugging her shoulders and taking a deep breath to calm herself. Duke hugged her tightly, a broad smile on his face. "I knew you understood me best!" he said, his tone affectionate and playful. Despite her inclination to indulge him further, Kisha noticed that their audience was cringing at the sight of the usually formidable Duke acting so endearingly towards his wife. It was an eye-opener for many to see such a big guy displaying such tender affection. Aston hesitated, not wanting to disrupt the couple''s moment, but he knew he had to bring up the main reason for the meeting. "What about the strategy we are going for?" he asked gently, hoping to address the matter without causing any discomfort. "Hmmm, regarding the strategy, we can''t always depend on Sparrow to lead the zombies away while the main group gathers what we need," Kisha said thoughtfully, her expression deep in contemplation. Chapter 294 Not Tonight "What''s your take on this?" Kisha asked, turning to Duke. "You have a point. We can''t rely solely on Sparrow to draw the zombies away; his combat skills are too valuable for just being a decoy. While leading them away is useful, it could also backfire and trap us in a dire situation. Instead, I suggest we gather the zombies and eliminate them in one decisive sweep. This approach would be more effective, but we need to consider how quickly we can set it up. The timing will be crucial for our success," Duke said thoughtfully, his expression reflecting the weight of the strategy. "You took the words right out of my mouth," Kisha remarked, her thoughts clearly aligning with Duke''s. "Of course, we''re husband and wife. Our hearts beat as one, and so do our thoughts," Duke said with a joyful smile, like a teenager reveling in his first love. ''Well, we don''t exactly share the same thoughts, especially since yours often wander into rather unholy territories,'' Kisha thought, casting Duke a scrutinizing look. Duke, noticing her expression, shifted his gaze awkwardly and took a small step back, wary of reinforcing a less-than-ideal impression of himself. Duke cleared his throat before continuing, "However, trapping them would require significant manpower to ensure we don''t endanger ourselves or our people. With thousands of zombies potentially gathering, it''s crucial that we devise a method to immobilize them effectively. It''s not a feasible task with our current resources alone." "Then, I think we should put the meeting on hold until the day the team departs for the mission. We need to assess the abilities of the newly awakened superhumans and incorporate their skills into the plan to ensure its effectiveness," Kisha said, interrupting Duke''s train of thought. Her point was valid¡ªany strategy developed now might need to be revised depending on the abilities that emerge, so it''s better to wait and create a plan accordingly. If they proceeded with the planning now, they risked wasting time and effort. Instead, they should wait until the superhumans have awakened, assess their abilities, and select those whose powers are most useful for the operation. The remaining superhumans could be kept as backups and remain to gain some battle experience. By waiting to finalize their strategy until after the superhumans have awakened, they could avoid unnecessary stress and focus on other pressing matters. The consensus among the group was clear, as Kisha and Duke had led the discussion effectively. For those still awaiting their awakening, the hope was that they would manifest their abilities in the coming days so they could be included in the operation. Despite the risks, participating in the mission would provide invaluable experience and significant growth for those who succeeded. Aston, Clyde, Bald Eagle, Tristan, Rose, and Fred all hoped they would awaken in the next few days. They felt a pressing need to become stronger and more capable, especially after hearing Kisha''s words. The reality of their situation¡ªsurrounded by danger and the constant threat of sickness and hunger if the base wasn''t managed effectively¡ªmade them realize the urgency of their situation and how helpless they truly were without Kisha and the rest. After deciding to postpone the planning for the operation, Kisha turned her attention to the progress of rebuilding the base''s walls. They aimed to reinforce the defenses to prevent a repeat of the zombie raid, but the expansion plans posed a significant challenge for the architects and engineers. Creating a solution for both strengthening the walls and accommodating the expansion was complex, especially since movable walls were not a viable option. ''Or maybe it is?'' Kisha pondered. "Perhaps we should first move the trailers and expand our territory before we build the solid walls. Additionally, we''re still short on materials for the construction. Once the engineers finish their estimates, please send the request to my office. We can then dispatch our team to source the necessary materials," she said, directing her comments to Mr. Winter, who was managing the wall project with the engineers. The discussion continued late into the night, prompting Marcus to send the children to rest before rejoining the meeting. According to Kisha, as the Minister of Agriculture, his role and responsibilities were on par with everyone else''s. Therefore, he was entitled to be informed about ongoing discussions and developments within the base, enabling him to stay prepared and determine if his efforts were needed elsewhere. As the meeting concluded, Kisha was exhausted and felt she could barely move. The others, too, looked weary as they left the room. Despite their fatigue, their eyes conveyed a strong sense of purpose. None of them had taken the meeting lightly; they had been attentive, engaged, and diligent in providing their reports. When the couple returned to their room, Duke, anticipating a passionate evening, was taken aback to find Kisha sound asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. He gently tapped her arm. "Wifey?" But Kisha remained unresponsive, softly snoring. At first, Duke wondered if she was pretending to sleep, but despite his efforts, Kisha didn''t stir. When Duke realized that Kisha was not waking up, a pitiful whimper escape his lips as he slowly looked down on the tent standing so tall inside his pants, the buldge was so prominent that he can''t even hide it. He was expecting and excited that a repeat of last night would happen and he was already planning how he''s going to make sure Kisha would last a few more rounds than last night. Kisha looked like a dead fish lying there while Duke was being consumed by his desire. His frustration was evident as he stared at Kisha with a wronged expression but despite his reluctance, he covered Kisha with the blanket before he headed to the shower on his own. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He tried to quench his desire with cold water as he had before, but it did little to diminish his arousal. Frustrated, he rubbed his face with his palms. Eventually, his hand drifted to his hardened cock, and he began to stroke it. However, with each stroke, the more he felt that something was missing. After experiencing the intimacy with his wife, satisfying himself alone no longer felt fulfilling. He stroked himself with increasing urgency, but the pleasure he experienced last night far surpassed the fleeting satisfaction of masturbation. Seeking a semblance of that experience, he began to vividly recall the intimacy he shared with his wife. The memory heightened his arousal, and a groan escaped his lips as he whispered, "Kisha!" He quickened his pace, eyes closed, leaning back against the cold tiles of the shower. His free hand descended to gently caress his balls, imagining it was Kisha''s touch. The sensation intensified, and he felt his abs tighten in response. "Kisha!" Duke''s back arched as he began to pant heavily. He moved his hand in a circular motion while stroking, trying to replicate the feeling of Kisha''s inner walls gripping him as he thrust inside her. Meanwhile, his other hand continued to caress his balls, heightening his pleasure. Duke licked his dry lips and bit into them, feeling the intense sensation building within him. He lost track of time in the bathroom, consumed by his pleasure and vivid fantasies of his intimate moments with Kisha, who was just on the other side of the wall. The thought of her sleeping nearby only fueled his excitement, making his groans grow deeper and louder. He found himself hoping, almost wishfully, that Kisha would awaken and find him in this state of desperate desire, then join him. Chapter 295 Need To Run Like an incubus that awakens the desire in a woman, he was hoping that Kisha would wake up and join him so that he could make his fantasy into reality and slam his him unto her and pump deeper into her pussy while making her cum over and over again to make her lost in the ecstasy of lovemaking. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thinking about this sent tingling sensations through every nerve in Duke''s body. He gritted his teeth as pleasure built up, his eyes fluttering before he finally released, a stream of cum shooting out and landing on the floor, only to be washed away by the water still flowing from the shower. When Duke finally finished, he was a panting mess, his back pressed against the cold tiles that had warmed from his body heat. He stared up at the ceiling, trying to catch his breath and calm his racing heart. To avoid his thoughts drifting back to Kisha and her irresistible body, he forced himself to focus on difficult math problems. The last thing he needed was another hard-on, especially after how much effort it took to satisfy his desire¡ªhis arm felt like it was about to fall off from all the stroking. It took Duke a while to calm down and finish his cold shower. By the time he was done, dawn was approaching, and his skin felt as cold as ice. Despite wanting to fall asleep with Kisha in his arms, he didn''t want to wake her or disturb her rest with his chilled body. Silently, he slipped under the blankets, keeping a small distance between them. He watched her peacefully for a few moments before finally drifting off to sleep. When Kisha woke up, she found Duke''s arm tightly wrapped around her waist, his nose buried in her hair. Concern immediately washed over her¡ªhow could he breathe properly like that? Gently, she tried to lift his arm and shift her head away, hoping to give him some space to breathe more easily. Duke seemed to be in a deep, peaceful sleep, showing no signs of discomfort. Kisha glanced at the window, noticing the bright sunlight streaming in. Realizing it was already late, she hurriedly tried to pry Duke''s arm away, but it was harder than she expected. He was like an immovable boulder, refusing to budge. Kisha struggled to free herself from Duke''s embrace, but despite all her efforts, he didn''t wake up. She couldn''t tell if it was because he was completely at ease around her or if something was wrong. Concerned, she instinctively reached out to touch his forehead. Feeling that his temperature was normal, she sighed in relief before heading to the bathroom to wash up. When she finished, Duke was still asleep, so Kisha decided to head downstairs and make breakfast for him. It had been a while since she last cooked for Duke, and she felt a bit nervous, but she went straight to the kitchen and began preparing the ingredients. The villa was eerily quiet as she moved through it, so she glanced at the wall clock to check the time. Sure enough, it was already 9 AM, and everyone else had already gone off to work, leaving Kisha and Duke alone in the villa. She decided to make a simple meal: clam chowder, Hungarian sausage, two fried eggs, and a glass of orange juice. Just as she was about to wake Duke, she heard him coming down the stairs. Without missing a beat, Kisha began serving the food on the table. "Hurry up and eat your breakfast," Kisha said, bustling around the kitchen after setting the food on the table. "Sparrow and the rest are probably waiting for you at the square for the daily training. If you want anything else, just let me know¡ªI''ll cook it for you." Instead of sitting at the dining table, Duke made a beeline for the kitchen and wrapped his arms around Kisha from behind. "I''m thrilled that my wife is cooking for me. What kind of reward do you want?" he asked, his tone playful. Kisha couldn''t quite tell if he was offering a reward or hinting at what he wanted, but it was clear from his early morning enthusiasm that he had something specific in mind. Kisha couldn''t help but wonder if Duke had been a rabbit in his past life, given how often his thoughts seemed to revolve around lovemaking. Smiling to herself, she decided to play along. "It''s part of my duty as a wife to take care of my husband, isn''t it?" she replied calmly. "Now, hurry up and eat before the food gets cold." She gently guided Duke to the dining table, making sure he settled in before the breakfast she prepared lost its warmth. Duke grinned playfully, his voice tinged with a hint of seriousness. "Oh, so you''ll take care of me? Does that mean you''ll also look out for my little brother?" His teasing tone belied the underlying seriousness that made Kisha feel a surge of frustration. Kisha shot Duke a sharp glare, but before she could truly get upset, Duke swiftly retreated to the dining table where his food was served. Kisha followed and took a seat opposite him. Duke smirked as he glanced at the sausage and eggs on his plate. "Oh? I didn''t realize my wife was so naughty," he teased. Kisha looked up with a raised eyebrow, puzzled by his comment. Curious, she peered at Duke''s plate and noticed that the Hungarian sausage seemed to point directly at her, while the two fried eggs were positioned suggestively at Duke''s side at the end of the sausage. Kisha hadn''t realized the placement of the food might be suggestive, and she felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. Duke, noticing the arrangement, began to stand up from his chair, his eyes darkening with an unmistakable desire. Kisha gulped, realizing that Duke had taken the arrangement as a hint, though it was entirely unintentional. Kisha felt a surge of nervousness and fear as she realized that Duke might not let her go until he was satisfied. The thought of facing him after such an encounter was far more frightening than any threat from zombies or death itself. In a panic, she quickly stored her breakfast in her inventory and dashed out of the villa, still wearing her apron, driven by her fear of what might happen next. Kisha didn''t stop running until she reached the south wall, leaving a trail of confused onlookers in her wake. Her serious expression, combined with the comically misplaced apron, made her seem more endearing than intimidating. Instead of appearing as a fearsome City Lord, she came across as someone deeply dedicated to her duties¡ªso dedicated that she had forgotten to take off her apron after making breakfast for her family. Her hasty departure only added to the positive impression others had of her commitment. Duke stood there, stunned, gripping the back of his chair for support. He was about to rise when he realized that Kisha had already vanished, leaving him alone. He stared at the door, his lips twitching as he struggled to process the sudden and unexpected departure. Duke was torn between exasperation and amusement at Kisha''s reaction. He knew she wasn''t truly afraid of him, just flustered. He recalled how she had fainted twice during their intimate moments, and it made sense why she had fled. She still had a lot to do, and if she got entangled with him now, especially since she was already running late, she wouldn''t accomplish anything. Chapter 296 A Zombies Status Window But what could Duke do? He was so smitten with his wife that he wished he could keep her by his side all the time, ensuring she stayed in bed until she was utterly exhausted. However, he understood she had important tasks to handle. So, he let it go, savoring the breakfast she had made for him and appreciating her efforts in making the breakfast, he felt like the food she made was the most delicious food he had ever eaten. On Kisha''s side, although she wasn''t physically exhausted from running, she was drenched in sweat and panting heavily, her heart pounding as if she had narrowly escaped danger. She patted her chest a few times to calm herself, standing tall on top of the South Wall while the soldiers and gatekeepers watched her with admiration and curiosity. The soldiers and gatekeepers were eagerly awaiting to see what Kisha would do next. Once she had managed to calm herself, Kisha looked down from the wall. The area was clear of zombies, thanks to the soldiers'' diligent efforts to maintain the perimeter. However, the lack of immediate threats also indicated that their ammunition supplies were running low, a concern that needed addressing. Everyone watched Kisha with a mix of amusement and anticipation, their eyes sparkling with admiration for her battle prowess. They were eager to see what she would do next. Before they could fully process her next move, Kisha had already leaped down from the wall, landing gracefully on the other side. Everyone''s hearts leaped into their throats as panic set in. "City Lord! Did you fall?!" the gatekeeper shouted, his voice laced with urgency. He frantically ordered the soldiers to open the gate, convinced that Kisha''s leap was an accident rather than a deliberate action. In his mind, he refused to believe she had jumped intentionally and instead convinced himself that she must have fallen while inspecting the perimeter. Who would believe that she jumped down intentionally, especially when she was alone on the other side where danger lurks at every turn? The gatekeeper was terrified that a zombie horde might emerge suddenly and attack her. He was also worried about how he would explain this to the other leaders, particularly his commander, who followed the City Lord''s orders. He felt cold sweat bead on his forehead as the others hurriedly opened the gate. "Don''t open the gate!!!" Kisha shouted, her voice cutting through the loud creaking of the rusted metal gate, making her command clear despite the chaos. "But¡ª" The gatekeeper started to protest, still atop the wall and peering anxiously at Kisha. However, when she met his gaze with a stern expression, he instantly froze. Hesitation clouded his face, but Kisha''s unwavering stare left him no choice. He finally relented, instructing the soldiers to keep the gate closed but ensuring they remained on high alert, ready to protect Kisha who stood outside, surveying her surroundings. "Don''t fire unless I give the order!" Kisha shouted again, her voice cutting through the tension and startling the soldiers who were on high alert, their guns aimed in all directions. The command jolted them into not taking action, their expressions hardening with determination as they focused on Kisha. Her shouting had attracted nearby zombies, causing a ripple of fear among the soldiers on the wall as they watched the approaching threat. Instinctively, the soldiers raised their guns at the incoming horde of more than a dozen zombies. Despite Kisha''s stern warning to hold their fire, they hesitated, their weapons still trained on the approaching threat. They kept their aim steady while remaining vigilant, their eyes darting between the advancing zombies and Kisha, who stood resolute outside the gate. Their hands trembled with fear as they watched Kisha being surrounded by the advancing zombies, yet she stood her ground, calmly observing them. Unbeknownst to them, Kisha was quietly assessing the zombies'' status windows, evaluating their threat level while remaining poised in the face of danger. [Zombie (Normal Grade)] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100) Morality: Corrupted Strength: 9 Stamina: Null Defense: 8 Agility: 4 Mental Capacity: Null Charm: Null Leadership: Null Skills: None Description: A human infected by an ancient virus loses their brain function and rationality, leaving only their primal instincts. This transforms them into a relentless, ravenous beast driven by an insatiable hunger. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Kisha examined the status window with a focused gaze. She realized that her ability extended beyond just humans and mutant animals; she could access the status windows of any entity infused with spiritual energy. This meant she could see and evaluate the attributes of a wide range of beings. Kisha examined the status windows of other zombies and noticed that their stats were largely similar. The variations she saw seemed to be due to the loss of rationality; certain stats were nullified because the zombies lacked the mental capacity to utilize them effectively. For instance, their stamina appeared as null, but this was not because they lacked stamina. Rather, their bodies didn''t experience fatigue, allowing them to move almost endlessly. This indicated that the null value in their stamina stat was a reflection of their perpetual, tireless state rather than an actual absence of stamina. After confirming that she could indeed see the zombies'' status windows just like with any other entity, Kisha drew her katana from her inventory. The soldiers were taken aback, having assumed she had come unarmed. They hadn''t realized she was carrying a weapon with her. Kisha drew her small katana, leaving the soldiers on the wall puzzled. They wondered how she had concealed it under her clothes, but they quickly dismissed the thought. They were concerned that even considering such things might lead their Vice City Lord to think they were being improper, so they avoided speculating further. As the zombies closed in on Kisha, she swiftly drew her katana. With a fluid motion, she struck the first zombie, severing its head before it even had a chance to react. Her katana continued its arc, slicing through the jaw of the next zombie, leaving only half of its face intact as it collapsed to the ground. Kisha executed a spinning kick to the zombie lunging at her from behind, then followed through with a horizontal slash that cleanly severed its head. This was her first battle since leveling up, and she felt an exhilarating sense of lightness and speed she hadn''t experienced before. She perceived the zombies approaching in what felt like slow motion, their movements clear and deliberate. It was as if she had eyes in the back of her head, enabling her to anticipate the actions of the zombies behind her. This heightened awareness allowed her to strategize effectively, choosing her targets with precision and seamlessly transitioning from one strike to the next. Those watching from atop the wall were left speechless, their jaws practically dropping to the ground. They watched in awe as Kisha, seemingly enjoying the carnage, sliced through the zombies with ease. It was as if the undead were nothing more than butter beneath her katana, and her confident smile only added to the surreal spectacle. Kisha moved with the fluid grace of flowing water, each motion seamless and purposeful. Her movements were a dance of precision, never wasting a single action. She deftly tripped a zombie, then drove her katana straight into its brain with unerring accuracy. Without missing a beat, she swiftly transitioned to her next target, skillfully avoiding any splatter of zombie blood that might mar her face. Chapter 297 Gather The Crystal Cores They had witnessed Kisha''s fighting skills when she first arrived at their base, but her performance now was notably different. She fought with a newfound ease and fluidity, a stark contrast to her previous displays of strength. Although she was always strong, it was clear that something had changed, and her current prowess reflected a significant improvement. Kisha effortlessly dominated the zombies that had been lured by their shouting, ultimately dispatching more than two dozen on her own. Thankfully, she was wearing an apron, so only a small amount of the black, coagulated blood splattered onto it. Despite this, the stench of the blood clung to her, and the zombies'' bodies lay in a chaotic mess around her. Kisha didn''t seem bothered by the mess. Instead, she signaled for the soldier on top of the wall to come down. At first, they didn''t understand her intent, but after she repeated the gesture silently, it became clear that she wanted them to stop shouting. The gatekeeper, unsure of Kisha''s exact request but making a bold assumption, decided to act on the implicit instructions. He instructed the soldiers standing beside the gate to open a small gap and step outside to speak with their City Lord. The soldiers exchanged horrified glances as if they were staring at someone who had just suggested an absurdly dangerous idea. Despite their reluctance, the soldiers had no choice but to follow orders. Since the gatekeeper hadn''t specified how many should go outside, the two soldiers standing by the gate decided to settle the matter with a game of rock-paper-scissors. The loser, clearly distressed, squeezed through the small gap in the gate and made his way to Kisha with a pained expression. Kisha continued to methodically eliminate zombies that emerged from the streets ahead while waiting for someone to approach. When the unfortunate soldier, who had lost the game, nervously stood beside her, she glanced at him before stating calmly, "Dig their brains out." Her indifferent and cold expression made her words sound chillingly stern, leaving the soldier with the impression that he was being reprimanded. "¡ªA-Again, please?!" he stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief and tears welling at the corners. Despite having witnessed numerous gruesome scenes in his life, the sight of the zombie carcasses sprawled around him, coupled with Kisha''s cold demeanor, left him unsure if he was being punished or merely following orders. The macabre scene before him only intensified his unease. "Dig into their brains, and you''ll find a crystal core. Gather it," Kisha clarified, offering a bit more guidance before returning her attention to the street. The soldier, now understanding his task, stopped questioning and nervously crouched beside the nearest zombie carcass. He drew his dagger from his side, plunged it into the zombie''s head, and twisted it to create a larger hole, searching for the crystal core within. The overpowering stench hit his nose like a punch, making him gag repeatedly. Desperately, he pulled his shirt over his nose to mitigate the nauseating smell that was making his head spin. After the initial stab and twist of his dagger, he still couldn''t find the crystal core, so he tried again in a different spot. When his dagger struck something solid that wasn''t bone, he pushed aside the brains and tissue to get a better look through the hole he had made. There, embedded deep within the zombie''s head, he spotted a crystal-like object that resembled a shard of glass. Carefully, he maneuvered his dagger to twist and extract the crystal, inching it closer to the opening he had created so he could grasp it with his fingers more easily. However, since the tip of his dagger was too narrow to maneuver the crystal closer to the opening, he had no choice but to insert his index and middle fingers into the hole. His face contorted with disgust, but he persevered and successfully extracted the crystal core from the first zombie carcass. Realizing there were more zombies to search through, he glanced around at the piles of carcasses with reddened eyes, his face etched with exhaustion. Sniffling pitifully, he moved on to the next zombie. As he worked, the soldier who had climbed up onto the wall to observe the situation looked on with puzzlement, only able to see their comrade hunched over and busy stabbing the zombies. They were unsure what the City Lord intended for the soldier, but it was evident that the soldier had gagged several times and was wiping his forehead with his uniform sleeves. Observing this, the gatekeeper decided to send additional soldiers to assist. He knew that their City Lord wouldn''t be engaged in pointless tasks or power trips, so he assumed she had assigned the soldier a specific and important task involving the zombies. Realizing that the task was taking longer than expected, and with so many zombie carcasses scattered around, the gatekeeper decided to send additional help. Three more soldiers, who had also lost at rock-paper-scissors, reluctantly joined the first. The original soldier greeted them with a mix of relief and pity, quickly explaining the grim task at hand and showing them what to do and what to look for. With more soldiers helping out and Kisha still fending off the incoming zombies, it took some time before they could gather all the crystal cores from the carcasses. Once the task was completed, Kisha instructed them to return inside the base, clean the cores, and close the gate. After a final scan of the area, she too made her way back. But before the soldiers could open the gate, Kisha leaped into the air, and when it wasn''t quite enough, she used her telekinesis to control her dagger, turning it into a stepping stone for a second leap. She landed effortlessly on top of the wall, where the gatekeeper stood, jaw practically on the floor in disbelief. They had heard rumors about awakened abilities and had seen the lightning bolt and fireball Duke sent from the square up to the sky, but since it was far from the wall, they didn''t have much of an opinion. They knew that these abilities could boost their survival rate, but without witnessing them up close, the impact was minimal. Now that they had seen Kisha''s display, even though it was a simple demonstration of her ability, their hearts raced with anticipation at the thought of their own potential awakening. The realization sparked a new level of excitement and curiosity, even though they didn''t fully grasp what had just happened. The fact that someone could leap more than 10 meters high seemed almost superhuman to them. It was only now that they began to understand what had changed in Kisha¡ªit wasn''t her fighting style, which remained the same, but her strength itself. She had become faster, stronger, and more versatile, clearly surpassing the limits of a human body. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their eyes remained wide as they stared at Kisha in silence until she finally spoke. "Now that you''ve gathered the crystal cores, clean them and send them to the Supply Center. You can exchange them for points or keep them for your future awakening. When you''re off duty and join the training in the square, you''ll learn more about these crystal cores and the awakening ability. But remember this¡ªdon''t get greedy and venture outside the wall to gather crystal cores without clearance from the Central Hall. If you do, you''ll be punished," Kisha said sternly. She understood that once the use of crystal cores became widely known, many people without jobs or those eager to earn would attempt to go outside and hunt zombies for their cores. Without proper regulation, this could not only be dangerous but also lead to a breakdown of order within the base. After hearing her stern warning, all the soldiers nodded vigorously, not wanting to provoke their City Lord. Despite her fragile and beautiful appearance, they knew the saying that the more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it can be¡ªand this was especially true for their City Lord. The last thing they wanted was to incur her wrath when she could easily twist their heads off. After completing her tasks, Kisha headed back to the medical facility to check for any updates. As she walked through the base, she noticed an increasing number of people rushing around in a state of panic, like headless chickens consumed by worry. Yet, amidst the chaos, some were still focused on their duties, determined to survive¡ªeven if only for another day. Chapter 298 Zombie In The Medical Facility Seeing this, Kisha couldn''t help but smile. At least this time, they weren''t as hopeless as she remembered. Lost in her thoughts, she realized she had already reached the medical facility. Upon entering, she noticed that the floor was barely visible, crowded with patients who were from the rooms sharing space with other patients who were surely not going to turn into zombies. The rooms that were vacated had been filled with newcomers who had fallen ill just the night before. The previous patients had yet to wake up, but Kisha guessed it was only a matter of time. She decided to check on the new arrivals who had come in after she left, assessing who might be at risk of turning into a zombie and who had a better chance of successfully awakening. As the number of patients increased, the medical staff grew increasingly anxious about the possible outcomes. Even the hired help began to fidget nervously as the waiting dragged on. Meanwhile, the family members of those in the corridor were already weeping, as if the shadow of doom had settled over them. Kisha could only sigh deeply, knowing she couldn''t offer them any real comfort¡ªher words would seem like hollow reassurances without proof that her arrangements were the best course of action. Despite their fear and dissatisfaction, no one dared to voice their concerns or protest. They were all desperate to cling to the smallest hope that their loved ones might survive and continue living. Kisha continued her checks and noticed that many of the new arrivals possessed talents and gifts. After evaluating all the new patients, she instructed the head doctor to group those she selected into one room. This would free up space for the incoming patients, who might arrive at any moment. Through this busy moment, they heard a sudden commotion erupted from a room not far away. Roar! Grrr... The commotion alone told Kisha everything she needed to know; there was no need to investigate further. The zombie''s guttural roar sent shockwaves through the medical facility, causing everyone nearby to freeze in terror before scattering in a frenzy. Panic-stricken screams ricocheted off the walls as people fled, their cries of fear mingling with the chaos. Outside, those who heard the uproar wore grim expressions, understanding all too well what was unfolding inside. Even without entering the facility, everyone knew that the frightened screams and chaos signaled one thing: a breach. Patrols stationed nearby, having heard the uproar, quickly took defensive positions outside the medical facility. Armed with daggers and guns, they stood ready, their focus fixed on the door, prepared for any zombies that might emerge. Meanwhile, one of their team had already sprinted toward the square to call for additional backup. The civilians outside quickly retreated a few meters, ensuring they remained in view of the unfolding chaos. Their curiosity was palpable, but they were wary of obstructing the warriors'' efforts or becoming the first to be bitten. If zombies did indeed emerge from the medical facility, they planned to flee at the first sign. However, with nowhere safe to run, they were caught between fear and helplessness, anxiously waiting to see how the situation would develop. As the helpers rushed outside, abandoning the remaining medical personnel and the few soldiers left behind, Kisha moved toward the source of the sound. She could still see some family members, tending to their loved ones, clutching their unconscious relatives protectively in their arms, too paralyzed by fear to move. Kisha forced herself to look away from the terrified families as she approached a room where loud banging rattled the door. A soldier stationed nearby stood frozen, unsure whether to open the door, while the medical personnel had already backed away, fear etched on their faces. Kisha stood outside the door, tense and listening to the deafening roars and the piercing sound of claws scratching against the wood. If they didn''t act soon, the zombie would break through on its own. With a determined nod, Kisha signaled the soldier to open the door. She was already in position, ready to face the zombie that would undoubtedly charge at her the moment the door swung open. The soldier approached the door, nerves fraying as his clammy hand gripped the doorknob, hesitating before opening it. He took a deep breath, glancing at Kisha and the others to ensure they were ready. Raising his free hand, he silently counted to three. Grawrrr!!! Roar!!! But just as he was about to turn the knob, a spine-chilling roar echoed from another room, freezing him in place. Then another. And another. The silence within the medical facility was shattered as a symphony of zombie roars erupted, echoing through the halls. Those who were still conscious turned as pale as sheets, paralyzed by fear, unable to even whimper. The sheer terror overwhelmed some of the medical staff, causing their knees to buckle as they collapsed to the floor. "W-we are do-done for!" One of the medical personnel murmured, her voice trembling with terror. Her lips pressed into a thin line, but they still quivered, and her eyes, wide and red with fear, darted to Kisha. Despite the overwhelming dread, she clung to the hope that Kisha might be their last beacon of light. Rawrrr! Argh!!! Kisha scanned her surroundings, straining to hear as far as possible while manually using the system''s radar since 008 was still upgrading. The red dots on the radar showed that all the infected were confined within specific rooms, and none had breached the hallway. Relieved by this, she allowed herself a small sigh as her tense muscles relaxed slightly. "''Don''t panic!'' Kisha''s voice cut through the chaos like a wake-up call, snapping everyone back to reality. Even the soldiers, previously frozen in fear, regained their composure and turned to her, waiting for her next command." "All soldiers, check each floor and every isolated area to ensure if one of them has turned into a zombie. Scan the hallways to confirm that no one there has transformed. Move carefully¡ªif you notice anything suspicious, report back immediately without engaging!"Kisha''s authoritative and commanding tone brooked no argument. The soldiers nearby stiffened, straightened, and saluted before swiftly moving out to carry out her orders. "It wasn''t that they weren''t scared, but their fear was overshadowed by their duty. They knew that if they didn''t act, more lives would be at risk. They had become soldiers precisely to face such dire situations, and running away was never an option¡ªthey had been trained for this, and it was simply not in their vocabulary. Without someone like Kisha to take charge and give them direction, they would have been running around like headless chickens. But now, with clear orders, they moved with purpose. The soldiers hurriedly checked the rooms with isolated patients and scanned the hallways filled with others, looking for any signs of convulsions or transformation as they moved swiftly from one area to the next. Soon, the entire medical facility was engulfed by the deafening growls of zombies and the relentless banging on doors. Those waiting outside grew increasingly terrified as the sounds grew louder by the second. Their nerves frayed further with each passing moment, as no zombies had yet emerged. This either meant that the creatures were too occupied feeding inside or that they were still contained within the facility. After one soldier ran to the square for backup, those stationed outside were already drenched in sweat, their nerves stretched to the breaking point. They remained on high alert, not knowing when the zombies might burst out of the facility, a tension that tested their mental endurance to the extreme. Kisha, on the other hand, grew increasingly calm as she cleared her mind of unnecessary thoughts. Stepping forward, she signaled to the soldier still gripping the doorknob. At her command, he nervously opened the door, quickly stepped aside, and used the door as a shield following Kisha''s instructions. As soon as the door opened, the zombie lunged out without hesitation, its claws extended and aimed directly at Kisha''s neck. It seemed ready to grab her and sink its teeth into her the moment it made contact. The soldier held his breath, body tense, as he watched the scene unfold. He wanted to reach out to Kisha, but everything happened so quickly that he didn''t have time to react¡ªhe could only watch in fear. A medical staff member standing a few feet away from Kisha let out a scream, her eyes locked on the zombie. Frozen in terror, she could do nothing but shout. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 299 Clean Up But before the zombie''s claws could even touch Kisha, she swiftly drew her katana, slicing through its arms in one clean motion before severing its head. She then stepped aside, letting the zombie''s body crash into the wall behind her, thick black blood spraying across the hallway and splattering onto some of the unconscious patients. The sight of so much dark blood splattering everywhere caused one of the medical staff to scream again, her voice trembling with shock as some of the blood splattered onto her as well. For a moment, it felt as if time stood still. Everyone''s focus locked on Kisha as she, without a second''s hesitation, decapitated the lunging zombie with a fluidity that seemed straight out of a movie. With the threat neutralized, Kisha calmly moved toward the next nearest room, her eyes fixed on the red dot visible on the system''s radar. Creak! Bang!- After just a few steps, she could already hear the menacing roar echoing from the next isolated room, followed by the sharp crack of bone and a loud crash reverberating from within the room. Graaaahhhh! The growls were angrier and louder than the one Kisha had just killed, reverberating through the corridor as something heavy banged against the door with increasing force. The door shuddered under the assault, sending dust and bits of dry cement cascading from the edges of the frame as if the zombie was determined to bring down the entire door by slamming its body against it. The loud banging startled the nearest nurse, causing her to shriek in fear as she stared at the door, trembling in its frame. Kisha quickly gestured to the nearest soldier, signaling him to take his position behind the door. She indicated that, on the count of three, he should open the door, just as the previous soldier had done. The soldier was visibly more nervous than the previous one, fully aware of how much stronger this zombie seemed compared to the one Kisha had just killed. While the first zombie was quicker, he reassured himself that Kisha managed it because of her superior speed. But this time, the sheer force behind the door made him doubt his ability to handle what was coming. But what if this zombie was stronger than her? He glanced at Kisha with a hint of contemplation, wondering if he should offer to switch places with her. He knew he had the strength to handle it if he really focused, and the thought of stepping in crossed his mind. But what could he do? Kisha wasn''t flinching or stepping aside, clearly intent on handling the zombie herself when the door opened. It was evident she was determined to take it down on her own. Now that the others had witnessed what happened earlier, they quickly learned their lesson and took a few more steps away from Kisha¡ªnot just to avoid being a hindrance, but because they lacked her agility to dodge the blood splatter. The memory of the medical staff who was nearly knocked out after getting hit with the zombie''s blood was still fresh in their minds, and none of them wanted to experience the same. The smell was so overwhelming and nauseating that they wanted to avoid it at all costs. The soldier behind the door steadied his breathing and signaled to Kisha that he was ready. Once she gave a slight nod, he began the countdown with his fingers. As his three fingers curled into a fist, he turned the knob and stepped back, using the door as a shield. The moment he opened it, the zombie, bracing itself for a body slam, was thrown toward Kisha. The zombie had enough cunning mind to use its shoulder for a powerful body slam, forcing the door open. Its other arm hung limply by its side, clearly injured from the repeated impact. The loud crash Kisha had heard earlier must have resulted from the zombie shattering its own bones during its relentless assault on the door. Grrr! Roar! When the zombie saw Kisha standing before it, it opened its mouth in a snarling roar as it lunged toward her. However, such an opponent was no longer a challenge for Kisha. With a swift sidestep, she swung her leg with precision, delivering a powerful kick that sent the zombie hurtling back into the room, as if she were hitting a home run with a bat. With her enhanced strength, Kisha sent the zombie flying back into the room with a single powerful kick. She quickly drew a dagger and hurled it with precision. Thanks to her increased strength, the dagger drove deeply into the zombie''s skull, embedding halfway into the wall behind it. The blade''s hilt was barely visible, as it had fully penetrated the zombie''s head. The instant kill created a gruesome scene inside the room, with the zombie''s black blood splattering the walls like spilled paint. The overpowering stench of the blood hit everyone''s noses once more, causing many to gag, but Kisha remained unfazed. She simply moved on to her next location, undeterred by the chaos. They repeated this process until they believed they had cleared all the isolated rooms of those who had failed their awakening. However, Kisha noticed one last red dot blinking at the end of the corridor. She proceeded with her usual method, ready to direct someone to open the door as she prepared to confront the final threat. When she and the other soldier reached the end of the third floor, they were met with a disturbing sight: a pool of blood on the floor. Kisha''s eyes widened as she took in the scene. The open door revealed a gruesome tableau: 3 to 5 bodies sprawled out, unconscious but severely wounded. Blood flowed from gaping wounds in their necks, throats, and bellies. One victim had even been bitten on the nose, leaving exposed bone in the aftermath. As Kisha prepared to engage, a man stepped in front of her and the others, wielding a metal bed leg as a makeshift weapon. He brandished it aggressively, trying to keep them at bay and prevent them from advancing closer. "Don''t you fucking dare touch my son!" the man screamed, his voice trembling with rage. When a soldier attempted to disarm him, the man swung the metal bed leg with brutal force. The soldier''s arm was struck with a sickening crack, followed by a muffled scream of pain. His arm twisted at an unnatural angle, with bone jutting out through the torn flesh. It was clear that the bone had snapped, the jagged end slicing through his skin. His hand now dangled limply, swaying like a flag on a flagpole. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The soldier gasped for breath as blood poured from his wound, his body convulsing uncontrollably. His eyes rolled back, signaling the onset of a heart failure brought on by the massive loss of blood. Kisha signaled to the medical personnel to attend to the injured soldier and stem the bleeding before he lost too much blood. The medic quickly administered first aid, packing the cleanest cloth available into the soldier''s wound. The soldier groaned in pain as the cloth was forcefully pressed into his arm, feeling as if he were being stuffed like a turkey. Chapter 300 A Unique Zombie Seeing the damage he had caused, the man became even more emboldened, brandishing the metal pole with newfound confidence while his so-called son continued feasting on the patient lying on the ground. Kisha felt a surge of irritation; those people were the cr¨¨me de la cr¨¨me, and she regretted leaving them so vulnerable. It was a mistake she couldn''t afford to overlook. She couldn''t allow the zombie to keep feasting on more of those people. It had already devoured so many of the talents she treasured, and she was determined to stop it. Though she loathed to admit it, those who hadn''t successfully awakened were likely to turn into zombies themselves due to the sudden increase of the virus in their bodies during the awakening process, a thought she despised. This only heightened her frustration. The zombie was already feasting on its fifth victim, its eyes still roaming as if it intended to sample every helpless human lying on the floor, searching for the best flavor to satisfy its insatiable hunger. "Did you open the door?" Kisha demanded, her voice dripping with menace as she glared at the man standing before her. Her eyes burned with fury, and the air around them seemed to chill as if her murderous aura had sucked the warmth from the room. The man trembled in fear, his knees threatening to give way, but he refused to back down, even if it meant facing death to protect his son. The man took a deep breath before answering, his voice shaking. "Yeah, I did! You said they''d awaken superpowers¡ªthat he''d become a hero, not some fucking flesh-eating monster! This is your fucking fault, you bitch!" he screamed at Kisha, his eyes wild and bloodshot, like a man on the brink of madness. "I told you, not everyone would succeed¡ªsome would still turn into zombies," Kisha replied, her voice steady and unflinching. "Then why couldn''t my son be a hero like the others? Why couldn''t he just awaken?!" the man screamed, his voice shaking with anger as he pointed the pole at Kisha. Suddenly, a wild gleam sparked in his eyes, and he stared at her with renewed intensity. "Wait! Give my son that substance! You and your family turned out fine because of it, right? Give it to me! I''ll save him!" His grip tightened on the pole, swinging it more viciously, his red eyes blazing with desperation. Even the soldiers around him instinctively took a step back, unnerved by his frenzied demeanor. He looked unhinged, like he wouldn''t hesitate to attack or kill anyone in his path. Kisha, fed up with his ranting and fueled by her own anger, decided she had heard enough. With a swift motion, she used her telekinesis to hurl her dagger at lightning speed. The blade pierced through the left side of the man''s head and exited through the right, leaving a large, gaping hole behind. The speed and precision of Kisha''s attack were so unexpected that the blood from the wound didn''t even have time to splatter as if it was delayed by the shock. Before anyone could fully grasp what had happened, the man had already collapsed to the floor with a heavy ''thud,'' the metal pole clattering loudly beside him with a sharp ''clang.'' As the man''s body and the metal pole hit the floor, the zombie''s attention was immediately drawn to Kisha. It instinctively turned its red, bulging eyes toward her, abruptly abandoning its meal and baring its teeth like a snarling dog. Grrr!- Grawrrrrh! The zombie, whether driven by instinct or the remnants of its former self, seemed to recognize the dead man as its father. Its attention fixed entirely on Kisha, it stood and released an enraged growl from deep within its throat. Unlike other zombies with their pallid skin tinged with purple and greenish hues, this one''s skin had a different, more unsettling appearance. The zombie''s skin was an unsettling, charred black, giving it an even more menacing appearance compared to ordinary zombies. Despite its loss of reasoning, its intimidating presence was undeniable. Kisha took a steadying breath, fully aware that she had become the zombie''s new target. It seemed the zombie retained some vestiges of rationality, as it continued to feed on the helpless victims on the floor, disregarding its father''s frantic shouts. It only shifted its focus to Kisha after the father had died. She was convinced that the zombie retained some semblance of its own mind, though this was almost impossible. Typically, only high-level zombies, like those near the zombie king, exhibited such human-like traits. Kisha''s eyes twitched, her eyelashes fluttering with nervous tension. She quickly opened the status window to examine the zombie''s stats. [Zombie (Unique Grade)] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300) Morality: Corrupted Strength: 40 Stamina: Null Defense: 50 Agility: 60 Mental Capacity: 30 Charm: Null Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leadership: Null Skills: None Description: A human infected by an ancient virus loses their brain function and rationality, leaving only their primal instincts. This transforms them into a relentless, ravenous beast driven by an insatiable hunger. ... Kisha''s eyes widened as she saw its stats. The zombie was even stronger than Zeus and nearly matched the stats of other superhumans after maximizing the Scalet Honey. She shuddered involuntarily. A Unique-grade zombie with such stats could wreak havoc in the base, potentially killing nearly everyone present. Kisha felt her hands turn clammy as nervousness gripped her. Though it seemed like an eternity had passed from the moment the zombie reacted to its father''s death to Kisha checking its status window, only seconds had actually gone by. The people around her were still trying to process the rapid sequence of events. Before they could fully grasp the situation, Kisha had already dragged the dead man''s body by the collar as if it were a weightless rag doll. The zombie lunged at her, and in the blink of an eye, Kisha and the zombie vanished from their sight. All they felt was a powerful gust of wind sweeping past them. The moment Kisha dragged the dead man''s body, she immediately took a quick step back, followed by another. The zombie''s agility matched her own, and its claws slashed dangerously close to her head. Had she not moved swiftly, it could have been fatal. As she retreated, Kisha saw the zombie''s extended claws nearly grazing her eyes, just a hair''s breadth away from plunging into them. The proximity of the zombie''s claw to Kisha''s eyes was starkly reflected in her gaze, but she remained unfazed. She continued to retreat down the hallway with unwavering determination. Fortunately, Kisha made a split-second decision to drag the zombie''s father''s body, sensing that the creature was on the verge of causing chaos. Though she had become its new target, she realized it wouldn''t hesitate to kill anyone in its path if she merely evaded its attacks. Believing the zombie had little rationality left, she hoped that by holding onto the corpse of its father, it would become desperate and focus solely on her, trying to reclaim the body rather than attacking everyone indiscriminately. Her strategy was to provoke the zombie into focusing solely on her, a risky gamble she had no choice but to take. If her plan failed, the zombie wouldn''t just be enraged; it would likely slaughter everyone in its path¡ªunconscious patients, medical staff, and soldiers alike. Chapter 301 A Rational Zombie As Kisha neared the end of the hallway, she was forced to make another split-second decision on which direction to turn. Yet, the deeper she found herself in trouble, the calmer she became. She had trained herself to react this way to stay alive for as long as possible, a survival instinct honed from her past lives. This time, Kisha''s instincts served her well. After retreating just a few steps while keeping her eyes on the zombie, she quickly realized that she had only a few more steps before she would hit the wall and be trapped. With the zombie''s agility matching hers and its strength not far behind, Kisha knew that fighting head-on in a narrow space filled with people would be a death sentence. Fortunately, they hadn''t yet stepped on any of the patients lying on the floor, a thought that had been making her nervous the entire time. But now, Kisha knew she couldn''t afford any distractions¡ªone slip and the zombie would kill her, especially now that it was in berserk mode. Summoning Bell, she quickly issued a mental command through their mind link. Bell responded instantly, using its razor-sharp forelegs to slice into the wall. However, the wall was thicker than anticipated, and Bell''s forelegs, though formidable, weren''t long enough to cut all the way through. It could only manage to weaken the wall, leaving it vulnerable but still standing. But Kisha didn''t have time to wait for Bell to fully open the wall¡ªshe was already just two steps away from it. In a quick decision, she unsummoned Bell, sending it back to the space. She knew that Bell wouldn''t stand a chance against this zombie and could easily be killed, a risk she wasn''t willing to take. As soon as Bell had done its part, she hid it away, preparing to face the next challenge on her own. Kisha made a bold decision and steeled herself, then rammed her back into the weakened section of the wall where Bell had slashed with its sharp forelegs. Gah! Kisha felt the impact knock the breath from her lungs, her teeth clenched as she gripped the dead man even tighter. Her body crashed hard against the wall, but her increased defense absorbed most of the blow, while her enhanced strength allowed her to break through. Despite her defenses, pain shot through her back, and her lungs ached from the force of the collision. But she couldn''t afford to focus on the pain. The zombie seized the opportunity, swinging its claw at her just as she lost momentum from the crash. Fortunately, the wall gave way on her first attempt, causing the zombie''s strike to miss by a narrow margin. Still, Kisha felt a sharp sting as its claw grazed her neck, drawing blood. The wound wasn''t deep, but it wasn''t superficial either. Blood quickly soaked the fabric around her neck, staining her clothes. As Kisha burst through the wall, a loud, dull ''thud'' echoed through the building, followed by the collapse of the wall. Dust and debris rained down from the third floor, shocking everyone who had been waiting outside. Before they knew it, the wall had already collapsed, and a silhouette emerged from the debris, shrouded in dust. Alongside it, something stiff and flag-like dangled, followed by a dark, shadowy form. When Kisha landed on the ground, a tingling sensation coursed from the soles of her feet up through her body to her scalp, briefly numbing her senses. Despite not being injured from the jump, the jarring impact still caused her pain, making her grit her teeth. Her eyes remained locked on the zombie, which had landed just ten feet away from her, its furious gaze never wavering. The zombie made no immediate move, instead seemingly contemplating its next attack. It appeared to have realized that its speed and strength matched Kisha''s, and charging head-on would offer it no advantage. If that was indeed the case, Kisha knew she was in serious trouble. There was nothing more frightening than a zombie with the ability to think and act strategically. Such a zombie would not only possess physical strength superior to that of humans but would also eliminate the one advantage humans had: rationality. As Kisha landed on the ground, the onlookers, shocked by the sight of her bloodied neck, tensed up visibly and gasped in astonishment. Fortunately, even without Kisha needing to instruct them, both civilians and warriors instinctively took a few steps back. They recognized that the zombie before Kisha was not only different in appearance but also in demeanor and strength. They understood that any distraction at this moment could be disastrous, and they wisely chose to stay out of her way. The onlookers could immediately sense the zombie''s fury just by observing it. Kisha then held the dead man up in front of her, shaking the lifeless body slightly. It was only then that the crowd fully grasped what she was holding, and their fear intensified as they struggled to make sense of the unfolding situation. Many wanted to flee the moment they realized what was happening, but the sheer presence of the zombie kept them rooted to the spot, leaving them frozen and unable to make a sound. Kisha also noticed that the people were not dispersing and were becoming a hindrance, restricting her actions. It dawned on her that their paralysis was due to the overwhelming presence of the zombie, which had frightened them to the point where they were unable to move from their spots. That''s why she tried to keep the zombie''s attention focused on her by reminding it of its dead father''s corpse. As expected, seeing the corpse reignited the zombie''s fury. It let out a menacing growl, its body tensing like a beast preparing to pounce. Grrrr! Grahhhh!!! "Kisha!" Even without looking, she recognized the voice and felt her body stiffen in response. With the zombie''s father now dead, Kisha feared that the creature, possessing a sliver of rationality, might target those close to her¡ªlike Duke, who was rushing toward her. Kisha felt a shiver of dread at the thought. She hoped the zombie''s rationality was merely a remnant of its brain function before the virus fully consumed it, and that its remaining humanity was nothing more than a fleeting, dying thought. If the zombie retained even a shred of rationality, Kisha would be in serious trouble¡ªand not just her, but Duke and anyone else the zombie might target next. Kisha wanted to warn Duke and the others approaching her, but she struggled to mask her anxiety. She didn''t want the zombie to sense her concern for anyone nearby, as she feared that if her suspicions were correct, the zombie would seek revenge on those she cared about. Despite Duke''s formidable strength and potential, she knew that with the zombie''s stats, he could be easily overwhelmed, and she was determined to keep him¡ªand everyone else¡ªout of harm''s way. Instead of dwelling on her fear, Kisha flashed a defiant smirk and waved the zombie''s father''s corpse once more, reclaiming the zombie''s attention that had momentarily shifted to Duke''s call. As soon as she confirmed the zombie was focused on her again, she sprinted toward the northern side of the base, where there were fewer people around. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 302 Her Confrontation With The Zombie The zombie stayed on her heels, determined not to lose sight of her as long as she held onto its father. Duke, momentarily stunned, halted in his tracks. He was puzzled by Kisha''s sudden retreat at the sound of his voice and her provocative gesture of waving the dead body to taunt the zombie. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke understood that Kisha would never act recklessly or engage in pointless actions, especially during a fight. After putting himself in her position, it dawned on him that something was seriously wrong with the zombie, causing it to behave unusually and out of character. Typically, if Kisha faced a weaker opponent, she would swiftly eliminate them to avoid further complications. Conversely, if the opponent was stronger, she would deploy all available resources to confront the threat rather than retreating alone. So, the only plausible explanation for Kisha''s actions was that the zombie was not only stronger than her but likely stronger than any of them. Her strategy to lure it away was not just to safeguard the civilians and engage in a more isolated area, but also because she feared the zombie might use a hostage. This was confirmed by how she taunted the zombie and its intense reaction, validating her decision to draw it away. Even though Duke was reluctant to consider that the zombie might retain some semblance of rationality or humanity, he had no choice but to explore all possible scenarios to determine the best course of action. This meant that the deceased person Kisha was holding must have had a connection to the zombie. As Duke began to piece together the information, Sparrow and Vulture arrived beside him, followed closely by Tristan, Aston, Clyde, and a visibly agitated Bald Eagle, who was panting heavily. After Duke reached his conclusion, he promptly instructed Sparrow and Vulture to secure the medical facility and handle the aftermath of the breach. He then assigned Tristan, Aston, Clyde, and Bald Eagle to calm the people and manage the situation. Once these tasks were delegated, Duke swiftly set off to find and support Kisha. If his conclusion was right, then it only means that the zombie was stronger than Kisha and she wouldn''t be able to deal with it on her own. But since he arranged for the people to deal with the aftermath, it took some of his time, so he could only follow the direction where Kisha went and this time was enough for Kisha to have a few blows with the zombie on her own. As Kisha fled, the zombie pursued her relentlessly. With their agility matched, the zombie stayed only a few feet behind, growling furiously and never letting up. No matter how much Kisha increased her speed, the zombie mirrored her every move, remaining hot on her heels. Even as they passed by other people on their way to the northern side, the zombie didn''t spare them a glance. Its eyes were locked solely on Kisha, which both relieved her and confirmed her fears, leaving her with a complex mix of emotions. As soon as she reached the northern side, Kisha dashed into the mini-forest, seeking refuge among the trees. She planned to use the dense foliage as cover and leverage the terrain to her advantage, knowing she couldn''t handle the zombie alone. As soon as Kisha stopped running, the zombie halted a few feet away from her. In a split second, it lunged, not for her neck but for the corpse she held. Kisha stepped back to dodge the attack, but the zombie persisted, relentlessly trying to snatch the body from her grasp. Realizing that this struggle could drag on and that she''d be at a disadvantage as she burned through her stamina while the zombie remained unaffected, Kisha knew she needed to find a way to end this standoff quickly. So, Kisha made the quick decision to store the body in her inventory, knowing it was already lifeless. As the corpse vanished from view, the zombie visibly stiffened and looked around in confusion. Seizing the opportunity, Kisha stepped back and summoned six long swords from her inventory. She used her telekinesis to float them behind her, ready for the fight. When the zombie locked eyes with Kisha, its fury intensified, driven mad by the absence of its target. It lunged at her with relentless aggression, its claws slashing at her vital points¡ªhead, throat, and chest¡ªseeking to overwhelm her. Kisha directed the floating swords to strike at the zombie, but its skin proved tougher than she anticipated, leaving only superficial scratches. The zombie''s hide was not metal, yet it was as resilient as armor. Its claws, as sharp as her swords, easily inflicted deep wounds on her skin with even the slightest scratch. Kisha summoned her long and short katanas from her inventory, preparing to use them alongside the six swords she controlled telekinetically. She anticipated difficulty managing both offense and defense, but her training in her space, especially the precision exercises with picking fruits, had paid off. She now wielded the six swords with such skill that it felt as though she had six extra arms, seamlessly integrating them into her combat style. Whenever the zombie attempted to attack her, Kisha would use her long or short katana to block its strikes, then quickly counter with precise attacks. Meanwhile, the six telekinetically controlled swords would target the zombie''s blind spots and rear, creating a multi-faceted assault that kept the creature off balance. Kisha launched a few more attacks at the zombie, but it seemed impervious to her efforts. Determined, she leaped into the air, twisting her body slightly before spinning like a top. With both katanas drawn close to her body, she executed a powerful spinning strike aimed at the zombie, which attempted to intercept her mid-air with its claws. Not only did the zombie fail to land a hit on Kisha, but it also sustained deeper wounds on its arm as if struck by a mini cyclone. The force of her spinning attack sent it crashing into a tree, its back slamming against the trunk as it tried to shield itself from the relentless assault. Kisha didn''t relent. Observing that her katanas inflicted more damage on the zombie, she adjusted her strategy. She now used the six floating swords primarily to distract and block the zombie''s attacks, while her real offensive came from her katanas, which were stronger and more durable. With her longer katana, she struck vertically, while her other swords attacked from behind, maintaining a relentless assault to keep the zombie pinned and prevent it from escaping. Despite Kisha''s best efforts, the zombie managed to evade some of her attacks, though it still suffered a deep, vertical cut from its chest to its stomach. Seemingly unphased, the zombie lunged at her with renewed aggression, aiming its left claw upward towards her head as Kisha remained slightly bent forward from her previous strike. Quick to react, Kisha raised her shorter katana to block the attack. The clash of claws against Katana created a shower of sparks as if the metal grinding against metal as she deflected the zombie''s deadly swipe. The zombie''s attack propelled Kisha backward, but she used the momentum to her advantage. Instead of fighting the force, she allowed her body to be launched into the air, flipping and curling slightly as she approached a tree. Just before she collided with it, she adjusted her posture, planting her feet against the trunk to propel herself back toward the zombie. With a burst of energy, she rebounded off the tree, ready to deliver her next strike. Chapter 303 Her Confrontation With The Zombie 2 To amplify the power of her strike, Kisha crossed her shorter katana behind the longer one, forming an ''X''. With the tree as leverage, she leaped from the tree, she pushed the blades forward, and aimed for the zombie''s neck, channeling all her strength into a single, decisive blow intended to end the fight. But, as if sensing Kisha''s intent, the zombie countered her attack, raising its left arm to block the blow. The impact severed its arm, sending a gush of black blood spurting from the wound, but it managed to survive. The zombie staggered back a few steps, putting some distance between itself and Kisha. She was now covered in small wounds from their exchange, her breath coming in short pants, but her focus remained locked on the zombie. The zombie tilted its head to the side, almost as if it were taunting Kisha. But Kisha remained unfazed, focusing intently on deciphering its next move. She had already exchanged several blows with the creature while using her telekinesis, and the strain was beginning to take its toll. She knew she couldn''t keep this up for much longer and needed to find a way to end the fight quickly. The zombie''s agility forced Kisha to keep the six floating swords in place, using them as a makeshift shield against potential sneak attacks. She had already been caught off guard two or three times, and lowering her guard now would leave her vulnerable to its unpredictable and instinct-driven attacks. She knew that if she dropped her defenses, it could be fatal. Kisha took a deep breath, steadying her racing heart and clearing her mind of all distractions until it was as still as a calm water surface. She sharpened her focus, concentrating entirely on reading the zombie''s muscle movements. Only by anticipating its next move could she prepare herself to block and counter its unpredictable attacks. Kisha flipped her shorter katana, gripping the hilt with the blade now positioned against her forearm. This stance allowed her to use her arm''s raw strength for blocking, while also setting up the blade to deliver a deeper wound to the zombie if it dared to come closer. She pointed her longer katana at the zombie, taking slow, deliberate steps to circle it while carefully observing its movements. The zombie remained still, its gaze fixed on Kisha as if puzzled, trying to comprehend her intentions. After Kisha took her third step, the zombie''s gaze locked onto her with intense focus. She quickly stepped back, using her left arm to deflect an incoming attack from the right. In a swift motion, she countered by swinging her longer katana from a low upward angle, aiming to decapitate the zombie with a decisive strike from the waist. Clang! Screach! Kisha''s eyes widened in surprise as the zombie angled its head unnaturally, using its teeth to clamp down on her katana while its right arm grappled with her shorter sword. The encounter turned into a fierce contest of strength, with the zombie stubbornly clinging to both of her katanas. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fortunately, Kisha''s superior strength allowed her to hold her ground, and her katana remained intact despite the zombie''s vicious bite. Kisha planted her feet firmly on the ground to ensure she wouldn''t lose her balance in the struggle with the zombie. Focusing her telekinesis, she directed her six floating swords to converge on a single spot on the zombie. Although the zombie''s skin was tough and her swords weren''t as sharp or durable as her katanas, targeting one precise location with multiple strikes would gradually wear down its defenses. By inflicting small, concentrated wounds, Kisha aimed to break through the zombie''s tough exterior and secure a decisive kill. Kisha directed her six swords to strike in rapid succession, targeting the zombie''s head with pinpoint accuracy. The zombie, engaged in a standoff with Kisha and focused on grappling with her katanas, had its head locked in place and couldn''t evade the attack. Taking advantage of this, Kisha''s precision allowed the swords to rain down on the zombie''s head, concentrating their assault on a single point. Despite the zombie''s formidable battle instincts, it was unable to avoid the relentless barrage, and the repeated strikes began to wear down its defenses. Once the six swords completed their initial round of attacks, Kisha immediately prepared for the next wave. She didn''t give the zombie a moment to recover or evade; her control over the swords was nearly continuous. The relentless assault persisted until the zombie, now visibly enraged, let out another guttural growl. Rawrrr! Kisha showed no sign of fear as she maintained her relentless assault, holding the zombie firmly in place. The zombie''s body trembled as it exerted more force, trying to push Kisha away. Desperate to destroy the katana, it clamped its jaw tighter, hoping to bite down and shatter the blade. Unable to retreat due to the continuous barrage from behind, any attempt to step back would only amplify the attack''s impact and increase the damage it sustained. With no other option, the zombie attempted to press forward and overwhelm Kisha. However, Kisha wasn''t easily defeated. Leveraging her superior stats, particularly her strength, she ensured the zombie was securely locked in place. Her katana, made of durable tungsten, was built to withstand extreme force. She remained confident, knowing that only a creature with stats exceeding 100 could potentially destroy her sword with its bite. The zombie and Kisha were face-to-face, with little room for maneuvering. The zombie, trapped between Kisha and the relentless barrage of swords, felt its defenses giving way. As its situation became increasingly dire, it thrashed around more desperately, trying to throw Kisha off and escape the relentless assault. Gradually, the zombie managed to push Kisha back, its frantic efforts leaving deep tracks in the ground as it used all its remaining strength to overpower her. Kisha, stunned by the unexpected display of force, realized with shock that despite her superior strength, the zombie''s sheer desperation was giving it an edge in their struggle. She gritted her teeth, digging her feet firmly into the ground in a desperate attempt to halt the zombie''s relentless advance. Crackle! A sudden, deafening crackle erupted from nowhere, prompting Kisha to instinctively leap aside. A bolt of lightning surged from the sky, crashing down upon the zombie. The electrical force jolted the creature, sending it reeling and enveloping it in a cloud of smoke as it staggered in place. Almost instantly, Kisha watched as the zombie''s skin began to peel away and crumble. The sight left her feeling envious of Duke''s formidable ability¡ªone that could shatter defenses with such ease. Despite her intense focus, Kisha hadn''t noticed Duke''s presence, and, likewise, the zombie remained oblivious to him. Thanks to Duke''s precise timing and Kisha''s ability to keep the zombie in place, he was able to execute a successful sneak attack. Duke had trusted in Kisha''s reaction speed to evade his lightning strike, which proved crucial. With the zombie immobilized, Duke delivered his most powerful lightning strike with pinpoint accuracy. Grah... The zombie let out a weak growl, its movements unsteady. Without hesitation, Kisha struck swiftly, aiming for the head before the creature could regain its footing. The battle ended quickly, with the zombie''s head rolling on the ground. Duke''s timely intervention proved invaluable, making the fight significantly easier compared to Kisha''s solo struggle. Chapter 304 A Rainbow Crystal Core After delivering her final strike, Kisha staggered on her feet, weakened by the significant blood loss from her throat and numerous other wounds. Her face was pale, but she sighed in relief, relieved that the confrontation was over. She wasn''t sure how long the standoff had lasted¡ªwhether it had been longer or shorter than she had felt. When she heard the crackle in the air, it felt as though time had slowed down. Just before the lightning struck, she managed to take a step back. Kisha couldn''t bring herself to be angry at Duke; his intervention had made dealing with the zombie much easier, and her struggle had become significantly less daunting. If Duke hadn''t executed that sneak attack when he did, they would have both been in serious trouble. Despite the zombie being wounded, it remained stronger than Duke, and Kisha had already been overpowered at times during the fight. If the zombie had noticed Duke hovering around, it would have likely targeted him as the weaker member of their group, putting them both in grave danger. She wasn''t certain she could have protected Duke at that moment, but she was fortunate to have evaded the attack at the last second while keeping the zombie grounded. Their victory was largely due to their unspoken understanding and mutual trust in each other''s abilities. Reflecting on it now, her earlier worries seemed trivial in comparison to the seamless coordination that ultimately led to their success. Kisha felt dizzy, her vision blurring as she swayed unsteadily. She quickly returned all the swords and her katana to her inventory. Before she could collapse, Duke was already at her side, pulling her into his embrace and lifting her gently into his arms. Seeing Kisha covered in blood left Duke choked up, struggling to hold back his tears. It pained him deeply to see her in such a state, intensifying his mix of anger, fear, and pity. His heart constricted with overwhelming emotions, feeling the weight of her suffering as if it were his own. He was angry at Kisha for attempting to face the zombie alone, knowing that if he hadn''t arrived in time, she could have been overpowered. She hadn''t realized how weakened she was becoming from blood loss, and the zombie had managed to push her back. The thought of what might have happened if he hadn''t intervened¡ªhow she could have suffered even more severe injuries or possibly been gravely hurt¡ªfilled him with fear and regret. He looked down at Kisha, pale and unconscious in his arms, her face drawn and eyes closed. He gritted his teeth, squeezing his eyes shut to contain the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. The sight of her so worn and vulnerable was already breaking his heart; he didn''t need to add the weight of his own anger or frustration to the mix. "Master!" Then Sparrow came flying down from up above and slowly descended in front of Duke but Sparrow didn''t forget to look around some of the broken tree and deep drag marks on the ground, obvious marks left after a huge battle. And in the middle of it all was a charred headless body, the ground around the body was also charred black. Just by seeing the markings around, he could already imagine how the battle progress and how it ended. He nodded to Duke and said, "Master, I''ll handle the cleanup here. Would you like me to burn the body, or should I bring it back with me?" "Bring it back; the medical experts might find it useful," Duke said coldly. He took one last glance around their surroundings before striding out of the mini forest and heading directly to their villa. Since the mini forest was connected to their backyard, Duke reached the villa quickly. When he arrived, he headed straight to the master bedroom where he and Kisha rested. Carefully, he laid Kisha down on the bed before rushing to the bathroom. He retrieved warm water and a towel to clean the blood from her body and collected medical supplies to tend to her wounds. Duke''s touch was as gentle as a feather, careful not to wake Kisha or exacerbate her injuries. He tended to her wounds with meticulous care, ensuring he didn''t apply too much pressure. Once he had finished dressing her wounds, he moved to the kitchen to prepare a simple remedy to help replenish her lost blood. As he diligently brewed the medicine, his expression was filled with sadness and worry, resembling a forlorn dog with its ears and tail drooping. Duke remained by Kisha''s side, ensuring he was there when she woke up. When Kisha regained her senses, she felt a pressure on her stomach and a grogginess that made it hard to remember what had happened. It took her a moment to piece together the events of the morning. Glancing out of the window, she saw it was still early, perhaps just noon. Turning her gaze to her side, she saw Duke sleeping beside her, his brow furrowed and lips tightly pursed. Kisha chuckled softly and gently smoothed Duke''s furrowed brow. As soon as her fingers touched his skin, his eyes flew open, revealing a swirl of emotions as he locked onto her amber gaze. He didn''t speak right away but stared at her for a moment before pulling her into a tight embrace, burying his head against her chest and trembling slightly. Kisha realized immediately that she was the source of Duke''s distress. Gently, she began to stroke his hair, as if soothing a frightened pet. Her fingers ran tenderly through his soft locks, a silent acknowledgment of her mistake and a gesture of surrender. She understood that Duke was deeply worried and likely both angry and anxious about her decision to confront a powerful zombie, with little rationality on her own. She was fortunate that the zombie she faced, despite its strength and minimal rationality, was still less cunning than a grown man. Its behavior resembled that of a child yearning for its parent. However, if she had encountered a zombie with the intellect of an adult coupled with its brute force, it could have easily overwhelmed and pulverized her. She was also fortunate that she had maxed out her stats before leveling up, which helped balance the odds. Without the Scarlet Honey, she would have been easily overpowered or even killed by the zombie. This confidence stemmed from her preparation and the trust she had in Duke. Knowing that he would follow and assist at the right moment¡ªwhether by helping her land a blow, distracting the zombie, or delivering a crucial sneak attack¡ªgave her the assurance she needed. Now that the danger had passed, she finally felt a sense of relief. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her trust in Duke had paid off significantly. As she closed her eyes to sense the energy fluctuations within her, she noticed another energy shift behind her. When she turned around, she saw a rainbow-colored level 1 crystal core, radiating at the peak of its level. This vibrant crystal promised to be a substantial aid for any superhuman, greatly enhancing their abilities regardless of their power. A rainbow crystal core is far rarer than the colored crystal cores that represent specific zombie abilities¡ªsuch as red for fire, brown for earth, blue for water, and purple for lightning. Despite its rarity, the rainbow crystal core is just as valuable, if not more so, when used by the right person. For example, when a fire ability user harnesses a fire crystal core, their energy core can expand twofold, essentially equating to a level-up. The rainbow core, with its universal enhancement properties, offers a similar potential for significant advancement across various abilities. Chapter 305 How To Pacify The People Colored and rainbow crystal cores aren''t essential in the early stages of superhuman development, as normal crystal cores are sufficient for leveling up at first. However, as superhumans advance, it becomes increasingly difficult to progress and break through bottlenecks to reach higher levels. At that point, colored and rainbow crystal cores become invaluable, providing the extra power needed to overcome those barriers and achieve significant growth. To break through these bottlenecks, superhumans not only need to be extremely lucky but also possess significant potential. Additionally, they require a substantial amount of colored crystal cores that align with their specific ability. Without these, progressing to higher levels becomes nearly impossible. If a normal crystal core provides 10 spiritual energy when consumed and a level 1 crystal core gives 25 spiritual energy, a level 1 colored crystal core offers the same energy. However, if it matches the user''s ability, the spiritual energy is doubled or sometimes even higher. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As ability users reach higher levels, normal crystal cores become ineffective for further progress unless they are of a higher level. Like zombies, humans also possess energy cores, but unlike zombies, all human cores are inherently colored and function similarly to zombie cores. This has led some superhumans to resort to killing other superhumans to harvest their energy cores, in a desperate attempt to advance and gain more power. This harsh reality only adds to the chaos and difficulty of surviving in the apocalyptic world. That''s why superhumans eventually prioritize collecting colored crystal cores, using regular ones primarily as currency. At this point, Kisha had already obtained one colored crystal core from a previous zombie kill and one normal level 1 core. Now, she figured this rare rainbow crystal core must have come from the zombie that failed to fully awaken. Kisha held the rainbow crystal core tightly in her hand, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You like that kind of core?" Duke''s raspy voice came from behind as he wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "I''ll find more for you, alright?" he murmured, his tone full of affection, making Kisha''s smile widen. The two remained in the room for a while, savoring the quiet moment together. When they finally descended the stairs, they were met with the sight of the Winters and their subordinates already gathered in the living room, concern etched on each of their faces. As Kisha and Duke reached the bottom of the stairs, hand in hand, everyone exhaled a sigh of relief, though their anxiety lingered at the sight of Kisha''s bandaged body. It was only then that Kisha became fully aware of her condition¡ªor perhaps she simply remembered the extent of her minor injuries. She gently touched the bandage around her throat, as if acknowledging the toll the battle had taken. "Don''t worry, it''s just a minor injury," Kisha said with a smile. Unlike her, Duke''s expression darkened as his brows furrowed at her words. To call it "minor" felt wrong¡ªhe had nearly needed to stitch her throat from how deep the wound had been. But he knew Kisha well; she would likely down a vial of the blue healing liquid the moment she woke up, easing his concerns slightly. She was already awake, but she still hadn''t taken the vial, so Duke gently reminded her, "Wifey, why don''t you take the vial of blue liquid? It''ll heal all your injuries instantly." His face was still etched with worry and a hint of sorrow as he spoke. "I''ll take the vial later, but for now, we need to visit the medical facility and address the concerns of the people and the family of the deceased," Kisha said. It was only then that everyone realized her intention. None of them were na?ve, especially the Winters, who had spent years in the business world. Their subordinates had seen countless manipulative tactics used to gain sympathy and trust, and they were well aware of the strategy Kisha was employing. So, Kisha''s approach wasn''t new to them; they understood what she was doing. A significant incident had occurred within the base, and Kisha had taken charge, leading the effort to confine the sick to the medical facility. She had instructed the medical staff to move other patients into the hallway while isolating those affected by the incident. No matter how it was viewed, the blame would inevitably fall on Kisha. After all, five patients had been zombies food simply because they were left in the hallway. If Sparrow and the others hadn''t arrived in time to eliminate the infected, there could have been a catastrophic zombie breach inside their walls. The vulnerable patients would have been left defenseless, likely leading to numerous casualties. It was an unfortunate accident, but the blame would still rest heavily on Kisha. People would likely distrust her, but her actions in dealing with the zombie and sustaining injuries in the process would mitigate some of their hostility. By checking in on the patients as soon as she regained consciousness, Kisha would demonstrate her genuine concern for their well-being, which would help to soften their earlier anger and rebuild their trust. Understanding her plan, everyone fell silent and followed her lead. Duke kept a steadying arm around Kisha, supporting her as she walked. Kisha''s right leg wounded deeply, oozing more blood with each step, causing her to limp noticeably. Duke was tempted to carry Kisha like a princess, but she insisted on walking. As they exited Villa #1, they were met with angry stares from onlookers. However, when they saw Kisha''s bandaged body, still stained with fresh blood, their anger was tempered, and they fell silent. Soon, Kisha''s entourage grew as more people began to follow her, curious about her next move. They remained silent, their eyes tracking her every step. As Kisha and her group made their way toward the medical facility, a distance away, the journey took longer due to their slower pace. When they finally arrived, the facility appeared deserted. It seemed the incident had frightened everyone, causing them to avoid the medical facility out of fear that another patient might turn into a zombie and trigger another crisis. When Kisha and her group arrived, the only onlookers were those who had followed their entourage. Kisha paid little attention to the stares as she entered the medical facility. Inside, she was pleased to see that some of the patients had already regained consciousness. Her face brightened with a genuine smile as she glanced at each patient, visibly relieved and happy to see them awake. "How do you feel?" Kisha asked as she stepped closer. She used her "Eye Of Truth'' To asses those who regained consciousness to see if they have awakened their ability and what kind of ability they have. Seeing that most of the patients had indeed awakened their abilities, Kisha nodded with satisfaction. Although none of the patients could respond to her inquiries due to their disorientation, she promptly instructed the medical staff to conduct thorough examinations. Her goal was to ensure that each patient was in stable condition before they were sent home. Although Kisha was confident that the patients were doing fine, she insisted on having the doctors conduct their examinations. This was to ensure that those following her witnessed the thorough process and were reassured of the patients'' well-being. Chapter 306 New Sense Of Purpose This strategic move was designed to quell any lingering doubts and shift the focus away from Kisha. By demonstrating that the patients were being properly cared for, she aimed to move past the incident. If anyone were to be held responsible, it should be the individual who released the zombie, leading to the deaths of five innocent people, rather than Kisha. However, this oversight was also Kisha''s. Some of the patients in isolation or those who were likely to awaken had family members who were deeply affected. Witnessing their loved ones turn into zombies was a devastating blow that no one could easily bear. As a parent, the man responsible might have clung to any possible way to save his child, even at the cost of others'' lives. She couldn''t entirely blame the man, but that didn''t change the fact that she had to hold him accountable. While she understood his desperation, his actions were unacceptable, and the safety of everyone in the base was now her responsibility. Sympathy couldn''t override the need for order and justice in such a crucial situation. Soon, it was confirmed that 70% of the patients had awakened an ability. Although some sick patients continued to arrive, the atmosphere had shifted. The initial fear had begun to dissipate, as seeing so many recovered and returned to normal instilled a sense of belief in Kisha''s assurances. The people''s trust in her was slowly being restored and this trust is becoming stronger than before. After all, as the saying goes, "seeing is believing." Now that people could see with their own eyes that most of the sick patients hadn''t turned into zombies¡ªaside from the unfortunate few responsible for the incident¡ªthe majority of those who had been sent to the medical facility were alive and well. This visible reassurance helped restore their faith. The medical staff openly shared with everyone that Kisha had meticulously arranged the isolation of patients, separating those who needed to be isolated from those who could safely remain in the hallways. It turned out that all the patients who had turned into zombies were among those she had isolated, while none of the patients who remained in the hallways had succumbed to the infection. With this testimony, many people began to believe that Kisha was truly sent by the heavens to guide them through the apocalypse. Her actions and orders were revered as their guiding principles, and no one dared question her authority again after witnessing the events. They also learned the full details of the incident that led to the five casualties, further solidifying their trust in her leadership. The medical staff were open about the fact that the deceased man seen earlier being carried out by Kisha was the individual responsible for releasing the zombie from its isolation, which resulted in five patients being attacked. By the time Sparrow and Vulture arrived, the five victims had begun to turn into zombies. The medical team was at a loss for how to handle the situation and decided to focus on stopping the bleeding in an attempt to save the remaining patients. If Sparrow and Vulture had not arrived in time, the five victims who were turning into zombies would have gone on a rampage inside the medical facility, potentially causing numerous casualties among defenseless patients. Without Kisha, both the soldiers and medical staff were essentially clueless and disoriented, unable to effectively address the escalating crisis. Since Sparrow and Vulture were already accustomed to dealing with zombies, they quickly killed the five newly transformed zombies upon arrival, leaving the soldiers and medical staff astonished as they witnessed the demonstration of their awakened abilities up close. The soldiers and medical staff eagerly shared their observations with others who had come with Kisha to see the situation. One soldier even animatedly mimicked the actions of Sparrow and Vulture, reflecting the excitement and fascination of the onlookers. They also made sure to mention how Kisha handled the unusually fast zombie, describing how they hadn''t even seen the events unfold or how Kisha and the zombie ended up crashing through the wall when they had only been standing in front of them moments before. They were honest with those who came to gossip, accurately recounting what they had witnessed without embellishment. As a result, many people came to recognize the strength of Kisha and her team. The conversation soon shifted to the patients who had been sent to the medical facility and their conditions. The medical staff openly conducted checks on the patients who had recovered after being bedridden and ill throughout the day. After assessing their health, it was confirmed that all the patients were indeed fine. In fact, everyone in the hallways had regained their health to the point where they were in better condition than before their confinement. Kisha instructed Sparrow and Vulture to gather everyone she indicated, which turned out to be 90% of those who had awakened abilities. After grouping them, she allowed Sparrow and Vulture to lead these newly awakened superhumans into the square, where they began teaching them how to familiarize themselves with their newly acquired powers. When the onlookers learned that many people had awakened their abilities, the families of the patients were overjoyed. They eagerly followed Sparrow and Vulture to the square to see their loved ones in action. Among the newly awakened superhumans were Evelyn Steel and her husband. While Evelyn was still uncertain about what was happening, her husband, who had heard everything and trusted Kisha completely, urged her to join them. He guided her to the square, where she participated in the exercises demonstrated by Sparrow and Vulture on stage. He now felt a renewed sense of purpose and was determined to live again. His wife, despite her initial disorientation, managed to follow the exercises and was moved to tears when her awakened ability manifested. Her emotional reaction drew attention not only from the onlookers who had come to see what was happening but also from Sparrow and Vulture, who approached to see Evelyn, who was on the floor, wailing and mumbling to herself. Only her husband understood the depth of her tears and said, "Honey, now that you have the power to protect us, there''s no need to be afraid anymore. Become stronger so we can safeguard our family, especially as we plan to have more children. We''ll find happiness here at the base, I''m sure of it. I''ll do my best too, to awaken my own ability, so that we can both be protectors for our family." As he spoke, his voice choked with emotion, and he embraced his wife, who was overwhelmed by her emotional breakdown. Evelyn was crying because she felt that if she had awakened her ability earlier, their daughter and other family members might not have died. Overwhelmed by helplessness and distress, she found some relief in her husband''s words. His heartfelt promise and clear vision gave her a renewed sense of purpose. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She felt her heart lighten as she resolved to embrace the new goal he set for them both, determined to become stronger and ensure she would never be as powerless as she felt before. The onlookers were moved to tears by the man''s words and felt inspired to follow his lead. As a result, the newly awakened individuals began to take the exercises more seriously, resolving to become stronger themselves. Chapter 307 The Idle Kisha With most of the patients in the medical facility now awake and practicing their newly awakened abilities in the square, the facility had grown quieter. Only a few patients remained who had yet to awaken. Consequently, the medical staff began moving these individuals into open rooms. Kisha continued her work at the facility, helping to identify which patients needed isolation and which were safe to share a room with others. After her initial success, Kisha grew more confident in her methods, and her earlier speculations were validated. No one questioned her judgment anymore; instead, they felt reassured by her ability to identify who needed isolation and who did not. Although they didn''t fully understand how she made her assessments, they began to trust her insights implicitly and followed her guidance wholeheartedly. Kisha was too occupied to heed the praise being directed at her. After assisting with the medical facility, the team had identified three individuals who had woken up but had yet to manifest any abilities. Kisha suspected they might be asymptomatic and suggested placing them in a separate quarantine for further observation. This would help determine whether they might develop abilities later or remain as they were. At the moment, even Kisha''s ''Eye of Truth'' could only classify them as normal humans. This suggests that after overcoming the viral assault, the virus either became dormant or integrated into their bodies. With their limited equipment, the doctors collected samples from these patients to analyze and determine if they were truly asymptomatic or if their symptoms were merely a result of a normal illness rather than the activation of the virus. After concluding her tasks at the medical facility, Kisha was escorted by Duke to the square to observe the newly awakened superhumans and their progress in manifesting their abilities. While some, like Evelyn, had already successfully manifested their powers, many others struggled to grasp the concepts being taught by Sparrow and Vulture. Or it could be that their awakened abilities were too weak for them to perceive, which made it difficult for them to guide the spiritual energy around their bodies. If the spiritual energy was insufficient, they wouldn''t be able to sense or control its flow, resulting in their inability to direct it to their core and fully manifest their abilities. Kisha didn''t believe that was the case, given that all those who had awakened should be the cr¨¨me de la cr¨¨me with the greatest potential and talent. Instead, she speculated that they might be slow learners facing learning barriers due to their learning curve, or perhaps the issue was with concentration, as the large number of people around could be making it difficult for them to focus. After identifying the issue, Kisha called Sparrow and Vulture back and instructed them to categorize the individuals into groups: those who were easily distracted, slow learners, visual learners, and those who relied on their instincts. Kisha then sent those who were easily distracted to the northern forest, where the soothing sounds of rustling trees and leaves would minimize interruptions. The slow learners were guided by Sparrow, who excelled at explaining complex concepts, while Vulture took charge of the visual learners and those who relied on their instincts. Both Sparrow and Vulture ensured their respective groups were moved away from the square to avoid disrupting the ongoing training sessions led by Duke. Duke insisted on sending Kisha back to the villa before resuming his training with the warriors, as her wound was not healing properly due to her constant movement and was becoming increasingly strained. As soon as they arrived at the villa, Duke urged her to drink the vial of blue liquid immediately. He was deeply concerned about her condition, unable to bear seeing her injured further, especially as the bandage he had applied was now soaked with blood and had become an eyesore for him. Once at the villa, Kisha was prohibited from leaving and instructed to rest for the day. Even the usually gentle Mrs. Winters became stern, refusing to let her go. They were all deeply concerned by Kisha''s bold decision to face a level 1 zombie¡ªthey had never even seen her hurt before no matter how many zombies she fought or how scary their situation has become. The fact that she was injured suggested the zombie had been a formidable opponent, strong enough to challenge her usual strength. Just thinking about it sent chills down their spines, especially Duke''s. They all knew how strong Kisha was from witnessing her combat skills firsthand. She was not only experienced in fighting zombies but also had a reputation for avoiding losing battles. The idea of her getting hurt was almost unthinkable, especially considering the miraculous vial of blue liquid she possessed, which could instantly heal severe wounds. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was only now, seeing Kisha injured, that they realized she was human like them and could be hurt. This sparked their protective instincts, and they were determined to keep her under close watch. They wanted her to rest properly and avoid moving around unnecessarily. They also felt a strong desire to share the burden of helping the base, so she wouldn''t have to carry it all on her own. Now more than ever, the Winters worked tirelessly to support Kisha and the base, striving to lighten her load and enhance their defenses. Duke also intensified his focus on training the warriors, determined to make them proficient enough to combat zombies effectively. He aimed for them to reach the competence of Sparrow and Vulture, able to venture outside and return safely on their own. Duke knew that only by developing strong warriors could he rest easy, ensuring that his wife would not need to fight alone and risk getting hurt again. Meanwhile, Kisha, confined to her bed with nothing to do, found herself restless and uneasy. This was a new feeling for her¡ªbeing idle was foreign in the apocalypse, where she was accustomed to constant activity and strategizing for survival each day. So, when she suddenly found herself with free time, it felt like ants were gnawing at her insides. After resting for a bit, she couldn''t stand the inactivity any longer and decided to check on her territory space, where Marcus was busy harvesting the second batch of vegetables. Marcus and the children were unaware of the events outside. After preparing breakfast and cleaning the villa, they settled into their routine inside the territory and began their tasks. Daisy, meanwhile, was by the flower bed, working on getting accustomed to her Gift and Talent. Using her Gift, ''Scope'', she examined the properties of the flowers, assessing which ones could thrive together and grow stronger without conflicting with each other''s properties when she breed them. Beside Daisy were pots containing plants with various flowers, each carefully bred and planted together. Some of the plants had their stems intricately carved to fit and integrate with other plant bodies. Daisy appeared deeply engrossed in her work, enjoying the process, and was so focused that she didn''t notice Kisha''s arrival. Kisha decided not to disturb her. Gant and Mike were occupied with the ranch and the lake, diligently caring for the animals and working to accelerate their breeding. Despite the challenges they faced, they appeared to be handling things better than before and seemed less mentally burdened than Kisha had anticipated. Chapter 308 The Harvest Kisha was unsure how long Marcus had been working on the farm, but he had already tilled all available plots of land and planted every seed she had bought. He had even allowed some vegetables to mature enough to harvest their seeds, which would enable him to plant more. He had also planted a substantial amount of corn, and Kisha''s eyes lit up at the sight of the healthy crops. She realized she needed to add rice and wheat to the list of plants, as her current inventory would eventually run out from feeding the base and supplying the Supply Center. To ensure a diverse and sustainable food supply, she needed seeds for a wider variety of vegetables and staple foods like flour and rice. Luckily, some of the vegetables had grown quickly, and Marcus had already harvested 100 kilograms of them. Only a small amount remained to be harvested to complete her Class A Mission: "Planting and Harvesting." Kisha suddenly remembered, "Wait¡­ Didn''t I ask Duke when we first met in this life to prepare all kinds of seeds?" It dawned on her that she had indeed requested Duke to prepare a variety of seeds, along with livestock and supplies, which were now in her inventory. She had forgotten about this detail, as she was so focused on the bigger picture that smaller details had slipped her mind. She stood dumbstruck for a few seconds before her excitement got the better of her. She quickly found a spot to sit and started fiddling with her inventory. Fortunately, her inventory was categorized, which made searching easier. However, since the seeds were categorized under ''Other,'' she had to use the search bar to locate all the seeds she had stored. It was then that she realized Duke must have raided a seed store, as her inventory was stocked with every seed she could imagine. There were strawberry seeds, watermelon seeds, melon seeds, rice seeds, wheat seeds, and a variety of grains and rice seeds from different countries. With such an extensive collection, she felt that even the 100 acres of land might not be enough to accommodate all the seeds she had. After confirming that she had all the seeds she could possibly need, Kisha rushed over to Marcus, who was busy harvesting the first batch of cucumbers. "Marcus, look!" she exclaimed, holding up a stack of seed packets in her arms. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Marcus finally noticed Kisha in the territory. As he glanced up, his eyes widened in surprise at the sight of her running toward him with an armful of seed packets. He had been concerned about running low on seeds and had planned to let the crops mature and harvest their seeds, a process that would take time. But with this new batch of seeds, he was thrilled at the prospect of bypassing the lengthy approach. This meant he could focus on growing more crops without the added delay of harvesting seeds. Kisha and Marcus found a comfortable spot to sit, and Kisha laid down the seed packets she had been carrying. Marcus eagerly began inspecting each packet with a broad smile. Seeing the top-notch quality of the seeds, he couldn''t help but ask Kisha where she had sourced them from. Kisha rubbed the tip of her nose in embarrassment and explained, "I''ve had these all along. I asked Duke to prepare them before the apocalypse, and when I received all the supplies, I just stored everything in my inventory. I didn''t have time to check each item, so I completely forgot about the seeds until just now when I wanted to plant rice. I was actually considering going out to find some seeds. Hehehe." Kisha looked awkwardly at Marcus, a sheepish smile on her face. It was a rookie mistake, and she certainly wasn''t a rookie. Kisha felt a pang of shame for her oversight, but she was relieved to have discovered the seeds before she had to venture outside and inconvenience the warriors with a potentially unnecessary trip. Seeing her like this made Marcus breathe a sigh of relief. Kisha usually wore an indifferent and cold expression, making it difficult to gauge her thoughts. She often seemed lost in complex considerations beyond her years, and her current display of embarrassment and excitement was a welcome change from her usual demeanor. Seeing her express so much emotion over a simple mistake was both refreshing and novel for Marcus, and he couldn''t help but chuckle. Kisha, feeling a bit absurd herself, joined in the laughter. Once they settled down, she helped Marcus sort the seeds and plan their planting strategy, prioritizing which crops to sow after harvesting the one-time crops like cabbage, radish, and root vegetables. Marcus was eager to plant a diverse range of crops to ensure that the Supply Center offered a variety of options. He hoped that this would help the base''s inhabitants feel a sense of normalcy, allowing them to momentarily forget their fears and indulge in the comforts they once enjoyed before the apocalypse, such as warm, delicious meals and the simple pleasures of good food. Kisha shared Marcus''s vision and was eager to openly enjoy such good food without the need to hide it from the base''s inhabitants, which sometimes made her feel like she was hoarding. They decided to include rice and wheat among the crops they would consistently grow, ensuring that these staples would always be part of their harvest. They planned to make rice a permanent fixture in their planting schedule due to its necessity, alongside wheat. Crops like okra, cucumber, bitter gourd, squash, tomato, and eggplant, which yield multiple harvests without the need for replanting, could remain in the territory. These crops could stay in the ground for months, as the season remains constant inside the territory space. This means they could be left to grow for extended periods, even years, without needing constant replanting which would save them time and energy. Given this, Kisha and Marcus needed to find a way to expand the farmland so they could plant a greater variety of crops without worrying about seasonal changes or temperature fluctuations. Once they finished their planning, Kisha assisted Marcus in setting up stakes for the vining and crawling plants, ensuring that everything looked organized and tidy. She then helped him harvest leafy greens like lettuce, cabbage, bok choy, and spinach, yielding about 50 kilograms of each. Afterwards, Marcus returned to harvesting the cucumbers, while Kisha focused on the tomatoes. To her amazement, the tomatoes were as large as her fist¡ªan impressive sight she had never encountered before. It was fascinating to see that every tomato was consistently large, not just one but all of them. As a result, the tomatoes Kisha harvested alone totaled 100 kilograms, and the cucumbers, each as large as a baguette, also weighed 100 kilograms. Previously, it took them considerable time to plant and harvest just 10 kilograms of each crop. However, thanks to Marcus''s Gift and Talent, combined with his meticulous care and hard work, he managed to till the entire farmland and significantly boost the crop yield. The result was not only larger, heartier produce but also exceptionally delicious. Seeing such a substantial increase in yield, Kisha felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Working alongside Marcus and witnessing the impressive harvest made her feel lighter and more at ease. She was energized and optimistic, knowing that one of her missions might be completed by the end of the day, which brought her a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. Chapter 309 The Harvest 2 Many of the crops are newly planted and still growing, so Kisha and Marcus focused on those that have already bloomed and are nearing maturity. With just a little more time, the crops with blooming buds will also be ready for harvest. Currently, they are only a few kilograms short of completing Kisha''s mission. Some crops have already begun to yield, but they are not yet ripe, so they will need additional time before they can be harvested. With Marcus and Kisha still needing to wait for the remaining crops to ripen, Kisha helped him store the harvested crops in the territory''s storage. Kisha couldn''t help but take a look at how many vegetables are there in the storage that was from the farm. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Storage Information: 110 kilograms of Cucumber, 110 kilograms of tomato, 120 kilograms of cabbage, 30 kilograms of lettuce, 30 kilograms of kale, 30 kilograms of asparagus, 80 kilograms of carrots, 80 kilograms of radish, 90 kilograms of potato, 90 kilograms of sweet potato, 90 kilograms of yams...] Kisha even tried to take out a carrot as large as a Japanese white radish, while the radish itself was ten times bigger from the territory''s storage to have a look, making it difficult to extract from the soil. Fortunately, Marcus''s significantly improved stats allowed him to manage the farm with ease, pulling these massive root crops from the ground without much trouble. The leafy greens were as wide as a fan, even larger than Kisha''s face, with vibrant colors and a satisfying crunch. With so many crops already harvested and stored in the territory''s storage, all Kisha had to do was arrange for the soldiers to deliver them to the Supply Center, where people at the base could begin using their points to make purchases. With the essential crops already harvested, Kisha and Marcus only needed to wait for the remaining ones to ripen. Since Marcus would be using his Gift, "Green Thumb," to speed up the growth of the unripe crops, Kisha had little else to assist with on the farm. She decided to head to the ranch, ready to help care for the animals while waiting for the next harvest. She informed Marcus of her plans and headed straight to the ranch to check on how Mike was managing the livestock. As Kisha approached, she could already hear the sounds of the animals making a fuss in the distance, prompting her to hurry her steps. When Kisha arrived at the ranch, she immediately spotted Mike chasing after a cow that had escaped its pen and wandered into the orchard. Mike looked helpless as the cow playfully ran around, a branch still stuck in its mouth, evading his every attempt to catch it. Although it was difficult, Kisha used her telekinesis to apprehend the runaway cow. Gradually, she gained control over its entire body and began lifting it off the ground. Mike stood there, dumbstruck, as the large cow floated slowly upward. The animal flailed in an attempt to break free from the invisible force controlling it, but it was no match for Kisha''s telekinetic hold. It wasn''t easy for Kisha either. The more the cow struggled, the harder it became for her to control such a large animal. It was beyond her usual limits, but she pressed on, treating it as an opportunity to push herself further. She quickly strode toward the pen, maintaining her telekinetic grip, and gently set the cow¡ªnearly as big as a horse¡ªback down inside. By the time she finished, her forehead and back were drenched in cold sweat, her body trembling from the effort of pushing herself to her limits. Mike noticed Kisha''s face growing pale as she struggled to control the cow and return it to the pen. Worried, he rushed over to her. "Young Madam, are you alright?!" he asked, his voice trembling with fear. He couldn''t help but blame himself for the situation, feeling that his negligence and incompetence had allowed the cow to escape and treat him like a playmate. "It''s fine. The cow has grown so much that it''s become heavy and large¡ªI could barely lift it with my awakened ability," Kisha explained, not wanting to worry him. Without even needing to look, she knew her face had gone pale. Thankfully, the boost from her Title, ''City Lord,'' allowed her spiritual energy to regenerate quickly, enabling her to attempt controlling an object beyond her usual limits. The increased mental capacity and spiritual energy helped her push through, despite the challenge. "You seem to be doing well here," Kisha remarked, noting that the cow was now as tall as a horse and much meatier than before. "What are you working on around here?" She asked, making an effort to set aside her own discomfort so as not to worry Mike. "Young Madam, I was helping some of the cows give birth and separating the calves to keep them safe from being trampled by the adults. During this, there was a small squirmish among the cows, which ended up damaging the fence. One of them managed to escape and caused some damage to a tree," Mike explained, his head lowered and a hint of fear in his voice, as he braced himself for potential reprimand. "Oh? How many calves have been born, and how did you know how to help the cows give birth?" Kisha''s curiosity was piqued, and she focused intently on what intrigued her. Mike, initially bracing for a reprimand, was taken aback by her sudden shift in interest. He looked at her incredulously, surprised that she was more fascinated by the details than upset about his earlier mistake. Mike chuckled helplessly before responding, "My brother and I have had a passion for animals since we were young and dreamed of becoming veterinarians. We studied various books on animals, with me focusing on land animals and my brother on aquatic creatures because he found dolphins adorable. I had read about livestock care and then giving birth, but since it was my first time doing it, it was challenging at first. However, after a few attempts, I got the hang of it. Perhaps it''s also thanks to the Talents and Gifts you mentioned, Young Madam," he added with a smile, recalling the advice Kisha had shared with them in the study. "As for the number of newborn calves, we currently have around two dozen, and there are a few more dozen pregnant cows. The population is set to double in a few days," Mike reported. He made sure to mention this because there isn''t enough space in the cow pen for all the cows at the moment. Kisha looked around the pen, noting how it had changed since her initial visit with Duke. It was now more organized than before. Although the cows were taller than her and it was difficult to see them all, she observed that the pen had been divided into four sections: one for pregnant cows, one for cows with calves and those lactating, and separate sections for male and female cows. "How about we butcher some of the male cows to reduce their numbers?" Kisha suggested. She noted that there were still many male cows, and if left unchecked, they might breed with the females, leading to even more pregnant cows. While having more pregnant cows could be beneficial, the current space was insufficient. By keeping just three to five male cows, they would have enough for breeding while reducing the overall population. Chapter 310 The Harvest 3 Surprisingly, Mike showed no distress and nodded in agreement with Kisha''s suggestion. It was clear that he had managed to separate his feelings for the animals from his professional responsibilities. "Understood, Young Madam. How should we proceed with this? We''re facing similar issues with the other pens, like those for the sheep and other livestock. Should we apply the same approach to them?" Mike asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Yes, in the future, we can increase the number of animals since I''ll be able to upgrade the limits and expand this facility. However, for now, we need to keep the animal population under control," Kisha said. "For now, we can send the extra male livestock to Sparrow and the others to be butchered, and then deliver it to the Supply Center in smaller batches. This way, we can avoid surprising people with the large quantity of meat. In the meantime, we should plan for a regular supply run to find live animals outside to bring into the base. This will help cover for the steady meat supply at the Supply Center and not let people get suspicious of us," Kisha suggested, her tone tinged with concern and a hint of a headache building. She had a lot on her plate at the moment. Not only did she need to ensure a steady supply at the Supply Center to prevent anyone in her base from going hungry and to fulfill her mission, but she also had to manage this supply within reasonable limits to avoid raising any suspicions about her seemingly endless resources. At the start, when she distributed supplies to ensure everyone was well-fed, she used the Coltons'' and the Minister of Defense''s hidden stashes as a cover. She let the survivors believe that the supplies in the Supply Center were from these hidden reserves. Even now, they still think that the stock in the Supply Center is what''s left of that stash. However, this cover has its limits, especially since none of her people have gone on a supply run in several days. Currently, she is supporting over five thousand survivors at her base. The situation has improved recently due to the implementation of a new work system. Now, survivors needed to work to earn points they could use to purchase their supplies, as Kisha no longer provided free meals. She also wanted to avoid any suspicion that the meat being supplied to the Supply Center might be human meat. In the apocalypse, cannibalism could become a grim reality, as those facing extreme hunger might resort to such practices, treating humans like livestock, feeding and raising them to be more plump for consumption. With so much meat coming into the base, many might suspect her and her people of such unscrupulous practices just to keep the base functioning and its inhabitants fed. Given that thousands of survivors were taking shelter there, it would be easy for one or two missing individuals to go unnoticed. With the vegetables, she could easily explain them away by citing her employment of a farmer with an awakened ability to enhance crop growth, which wasn''t untrue. She could also close off the northern section and use that land for farming, ensuring the survivors knew where the crops were coming from and thus would not suspect anything unusual. Given that superhumans with various abilities had already emerged and the survivors had seen this firsthand, they were inclined to believe Kisha''s explanations. However, she knew they weren''t naive, so she still needed to provide clear evidence and maintain a fake transparency to avoid any suspicion. Just thinking about it made her head spin, so instead of delving further into the problem, she and Mike focused on tending to the ranch. Mike went out to check on the other pens, while Kisha assisted by collecting eggs from the chickens and ducks. When she entered the chicken coop, the hens fluttered around, startled by her presence but not aggressive. She picked up the baskets near the door and began collecting eggs from the nests. To her surprise, each nest contained at least three eggs. Kisha had expected hens to lay only one egg per day at most, with occasional days without any eggs. At first, Kisha thought that perhaps three hens had used each nest, laying their eggs there. However, upon checking the other nests, she found that every one of them contained three eggs. The chicken coop was also at full capacity, so she needed to remove all the eggs to prevent them from hatching. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After collecting all the eggs, she ended up with 3,000 eggs. She was grateful for her telekinesis ability, which allowed her to gather six eggs at a time. Without this ability, it would have taken her a considerable amount of time to finish the task, given the large number of eggs scattered throughout the expansive chicken coop. Fortunately, Mike had already separated the male and female chickens, confining the males to a corner. This prevented them from disturbing the hens while they were laying eggs, which could otherwise lead to injuries or death if the hens became stressed and failed to lay their eggs properly. Moving forward, it might be best to separate the male and female chicks right from the start to simplify the process. Kisha knew that Mike must have diligently checked each chicken for gender during the separation, which was quite labor-intensive. With the males and females now separated, she could have Sparrow and the others handle the butchering of the male chickens, allowing them to be sent to the Supply Center in small batches, just like the other meats. After finishing with the chicken coop, Kisha moved on to the ducks. As with the chickens, the males and females had been separated, and she managed to collect another 3,000 eggs. The territory''s storage space was now overflowing with eggs, as they hadn''t yet sent supplies to the Supply Center for a long time. As she completed the task with the ducks, she realized it was already lunchtime. She decided to join Marcus and his grandchildren for a meal with everyone. Marcus and the children headed straight to the kitchen to prepare lunch, while the Winters gradually returned, one by one, with Sparrow and his comrades following behind Duke. Noticing Kisha walking in front of their villa, Duke''s serious expression instantly softened into a smile. "Hey, beautiful, are you waiting for me?" Duke said with a flirtatious grin. Kisha was taken aback, unsure where Duke had picked up this line or what had gotten into him. He flashed her a charming, yet seductive smile that seemed as if he was ready to captivate anyone who crossed his path. Kisha raised an eyebrow, questioning Duke''s sudden flirtatious action. Realizing that his pickup line hadn''t had the desired effect¡ªfailing to seduce Kisha and make her knees turn to jelly as Vulture had claimed¡ªDuke cleared his throat and returned to his usual cold and stoic demeanor. He shot a pointed glare at Vulture, whose knees promptly buckled. Duke thought to himself, ''I guess my glare is more effective than that pickup line after all.'' Duke looked defeated at Kisha with a wry smile. Chapter 311 Another New Mission "Nothing. Shall we head inside?" Duke said, pulling Kisha into his embrace as he guided her toward the villa. Meanwhile, Sparrow couldn''t hold back his laughter and teased Vulture. "I warned you not to try that," he said, grinning. "You really thought that pickup line would work on the Young Madam? It wasn''t even reliable to begin with!" Despite Sparrow''s warning, Vulture had still attempted to teach Duke the cheesy line he''d heard, only for it to fall flat, as expected. Not only had the Young Madam given Duke a look as if he were a complete fool, but Vulture had also earned a sharp glare from their Master. Vulture was certain that Duke would take out his frustration by cranking up the intensity of their training later, ensuring they''d all suffer¡ªespecially the poor newbies who had no idea what was coming. Sparrow couldn''t resist giving Vulture a playful jab to the back of his knees, causing Vulture''s already wobbly legs to give out completely. He hit the concrete ground with a loud ''thud,'' landing on his knees with a grimace. The sound was enough to catch Kisha and Duke''s attention as they reached the front door. They turned to see Vulture kneeling in defeat. Duke, however, merely scoffed, flashing a smug grin in Vulture''s direction as if to say, ''Karma''s a bitch.'' Seeing Duke''s reaction to Vulture''s predicament, Sparrow let out a sigh of relief, patting his chest as if he''d just dodged a bullet. With Duke seemingly satisfied by Vulture''s impromptu punishment, Sparrow figured the rest of them might be off the hook for later training. But he couldn''t have been more wrong. Duke would surely crank up the intensity for everyone, ensuring they all paid the price for Vulture''s mistake. No one would dare teach him another ridiculous pick-up line that made him look like a fool in front of his wife. Lunch was uneventful but fulfilling, giving everyone a chance to relax and chat. Instead of sounding like a formal business discussion, the conversation felt more like a family catching up¡ªasking about each other''s work and how things were going. The laid-back atmosphere brought everyone closer, making the gathering feel warm and comfortable. The atmosphere felt like a cozy family gathering, with the Winters and Duke''s subordinates carrying most of the conversation. Kisha and Duke listened quietly, but the visible smiles on their faces made it clear they were enjoying every moment of it. Even Sparrow and Vulture couldn''t resist exchanging a few playful jabs, causing bursts of laughter around the table. To an outsider, it would seem like they were living in a peaceful era, where lighthearted conversations and shared moments still thrived¡ªcompletely detached from the harsh realities of the apocalypse. Even Kisha found herself feeling that way¡ªat peace and unburdened, if only for a moment. The weight of her responsibilities seemed to fade, allowing her to forget the problems that normally weighed so heavily on her mind. Ding... [New Mission Available!] [A Class Mission "Base''s Expansion!"] [Mission Description: A thriving base with many inhabitants and strong warriors should harness its power to expand and conquer new territories. It''s every ruler''s dream to extend their domain, claiming lands that stretch beyond the horizon as a testament to their strength and leadership. Mission Requirement: Prove your worth as a ruler by expanding your territory, doubling the lands under your control, and showcasing your power and leadership under 10 days. Mission Completion: Advanced Water Filter Blueprint from World 005795, Advanced Energy Gun Blueprint from World 102879, and Title "A True Ruler" Mission Failure: Automatically failing the A-Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting," the C-Class Mission "The Philanthropist," A Class Mission "Commander of a Thousand", and the S-Class Mission "Taking Nest for 30 Days."] .... But it seemed the system had other plans. Instead of granting her a reprieve, it only compounded her burdens, adding more weight to her already heavy load. This new mission felt like overkill, threatening to bury her hopes and hard work even deeper. It was as if the system were mocking all her efforts to carve out a better life amidst the chaos of the apocalypse. Kisha''s hand froze in midair just before she could take a bite of her food. Her grip tightened in anger, crumpling the spoon and fork as if they were made of paper. The veins in her forehead bulged, and her knuckles turned white. She shut her eyes tightly and took a deep breath, but it was clear she was seething with rage, too furious to even speak. Her vision seemed to blur, and the voices around her grew muffled until they faded completely. Her intense fury felt like it was boiling over. Duke immediately noticed the shift and stopped eating, observing her tightly clenched fist, which had crumpled the utensils. The rest of the diners also sensed the change and a heavy silence fell over the table, the suffocating aura of Kisha''s anger palpable to everyone present. They had never seen this side of Kisha before. Although she always wore an indifferent and cold expression, they had sensed the hidden warmth and her responsible nature in how she cared for her people. Now, however, it felt as if a massive weight had descended upon them, and the air around them seemed to thin under the oppressive intensity of her fury. The only person they had ever known to exude such a fierce aura was Duke. As Duke sat beside Kisha, he didn''t feel the suffocating pressure of her anger, but he was gripped by an intense worry. He had never seen Kisha lose control of her emotions to this extent, and he sensed that something had occurred¡ªsomething unknown to them¡ªthat was deeply affecting her. Instinctively, Duke reached out to pat Kisha on the back, drawing her closer in an attempt to calm her. He could hear her grinding her teeth in frustration and felt her body trembling with anger. It was clear that she was consumed by whatever was troubling her, retreating into herself as a defense mechanism against her overwhelming emotions. Ding... [New Mission Available!] [Hidden Mission: B Class Mission "Strengthen The Base''s Wall"] [Mission Description: As the ruler of your territory, protecting your people goes beyond simply having enough warriors. Ensuring their safety requires fortifying your base''s defenses. Strengthen the walls and construct a tall, sturdy barrier that can withstand zombie raids. By doing so, you''ll not only safeguard your people but also earn their trust in your leadership. Mission Requirement: Surround your entire base with a robust 10-meter wall capable of withstanding an onslaught from thousands of zombies. This wall must be constructed within 10 days. Mission Completion: 100,000 Points, 10 Gachapon Draws, 50% Mall Points Discount Coupon, and Spiritual Crystal Gatherer. Mission Failure: System Downgrade and a 500,000 points penalty.] .... Another system notification popup appeared in front of Kisha, she still hadn''t even dismissed the first one due to her overwhelming anger, yet there comes another one that was almost screaming ''Mission Impossible''. This new mission seemed even more impossible, demanding the construction of a 10-meter sturdy wall within just 10 days. The challenge felt insurmountable: not only were they short on materials, but they also lacked the manpower to both fend off the zombies surrounding their base and build the wall simultaneously. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 312 How Would She Deal With This Setbacks? Not only did the mission seem impossible, but the penalty was even more outrageous. Kisha didn''t have nearly enough points to cover it¡ªwhere would she even get that many points? Was she supposed to end up with a negative balance? If so, would all the points she earned in the future just go toward paying off this penalty? "FUCK!!! FUCK!!!" Kisha''s frustration reached a boiling point as her chest tightened with anger. She felt overwhelmed by the mounting missions in her tab, and even though this hidden mission wasn''t directly linked to her chain missions, the penalty was just as infuriating. She had no idea how she was supposed to tackle all these tasks, let alone deal with the severe consequences of failing them. Now, more than ever, she was convinced that the constellation managing 008 was indeed an adversary. She couldn''t understand how she had become an enemy of such a powerful being, revered as a god in her world. However, the constant obstacles and challenges the system imposed on her provided enough evidence to fuel her suspicions. It seemed as though this constellation harbored a deep grudge or animosity against her. She couldn''t tell if being bound to 008 was a blessing or a curse, designed to ensure her failure in surviving the apocalypse no matter what she did. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the same time, Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that 008 itself might not fully understand why its constellation was acting this way. It seemed like 008 genuinely wanted to help her complete her missions and succeed. Although it didn''t provide much assistance during her early rebirths, the later support indicated a genuine intention to aid her. But at this point, Kisha was at a loss, unsure of what to think anymore. It felt as though the constellation was taking a certain pleasure in her struggles. While the rewards for completing the missions were undeniably valuable and promising, Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that she was being forced into a high-stakes gamble with no real choice in the matter. Kisha wasn''t sure how long she had been lost in her own world, but when she finally became aware of her surroundings, she found herself nestled in Duke''s lap. He was gently caressing her back and soothingly rubbing it, while she curled up as if cocooning herself. The others had already been sent off by Duke to resume their tasks, and it was now late afternoon, edging into evening. Duke, however, remained unmoved from his position. He had carefully lifted Kisha from her seat and carried her to their room, keeping her safely in his embrace throughout. Duke desperately wished he could lift all the burdens weighing on Kisha''s shoulders, but he felt powerless to do so. He found himself regretting putting her in the position of City Lord and not stepping up more to share the load. As the man in their relationship, he felt inadequate and useless, grappling with the weight of not being able to carry more of the responsibility for both of them. Despite his deep self-reproach, Duke knew he couldn''t afford to fall apart; if he did, there would be no one left to support Kisha from behind. "I''m sorry for being so useless," he murmured, his voice trembling with raw emotion and barely above a whisper. His voice quivered, on the brink of tears, and Kisha, sensing his pain, instinctively reached out to touch his flushed cheeks, feeling the warmth of his worry and the edge of his tears. She had never seen Duke so vulnerable before, but now it seemed to be happening more often because of her. She felt both comforted and fortunate that he cared so deeply, willing to go above and beyond for her sake. "Kisha, let me take over as the City Lord and handle everything for you, okay? You just focus on what makes you happy and leave the rest to me," Duke croaked, his voice thick with emotion as he felt Kisha''s cold hand on his cheek. It pained him deeply to see her like this. Kisha shook her head and looked into Duke''s eyes. "No, I''m actually grateful that you allowed me to be the City Lord. Being in this position gives me complete control over the base, allowing me to act on what I need to do without restrictions. While others might envy the advantages I have, like my ability to be reborn and my irregular powers, there are also challenges that balance these strengths. Being the City Lord empowers me to fulfill these tasks and responsibilities." Kisha chuckled softly, feeling a bit helpless. "In a way, it seems like all these tasks are pushing me toward this role, guiding me to strengthen the base and ensure we''re powerful enough to face what''s coming in the next few weeks. I''ve been overwhelmed by the seemingly impossible demands, but if I step back and think about it, completing them could significantly boost our chances of survival and lead us to a better life." She gave Duke a reassuring smile, feeling a sense of relief now that she''d shared this much about her situation without fully revealing everything. Duke listened intently to Kisha. Though her words were pragmatic, he understood the necessity of her role as City Lord and the tasks she had to complete to prepare for the looming danger. After a moment of silence and deep thought, he leaned closer, resting his forehead against hers. "Then what can I do to ease your burdens, my wife?" His voice was soft, filled with a sense of helplessness and a pleading tone. By now, Kisha had cleared her frustration and found a positive outlook on the seemingly impossible mission. With her thoughts reorganized and her focus shifted back to her goals, she chuckled softly. "Just keep being the wonderful husband you are and continue supporting me. You''re already doing more for me than you realize, hubby," she said sweetly. She wanted to reassure Duke that he was more than enough and to alleviate his feelings of inadequacy. Hearing her call him "hubby" made Duke feel a flutter in his heart, a sweet, tickling sensation that made him want to sweep Kisha up in his arms right then and there. However, he restrained himself, understanding that her words indicated she was facing significant challenges with the tasks at hand. He didn''t want to be a distraction or add to her burdens, so he resolved to support her quietly and steadfastly. "Then, take command of me, my queen. Don''t hesitate to use me whenever you need," Duke said, his eyes burning with intense passion. When Kisha chuckled and nodded in agreement, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a deep, fervent kiss. His tongue explored her mouth with a desperate urgency, as if the kiss were his lifeline, sharing his warmth and seeking solace in the moment. They remained locked in their passionate embrace for some time before Duke finally pulled away, breathless but with his eyes shining with unwavering determination. He was determined to become stronger, not only to protect Kisha but to be more useful to her. He vowed to himself that he would become her unbreakable sword and sturdiest shield, steadfastly guarding her from any threat. "Host, I''m sorry. I''m so useless..." 008''s childlike voice echoed in Kisha''s mind, filled with a pitiful and self-reproachful tone, as if it was blaming itself for causing her so much trouble. Chapter 313 System Upgrade To Level 5 "No, 008, I know you didn''t cause this. I''ve been unfairly blaming you for all the chaos, but I''ve realized that our fates are intertwined. Whatever happens to me also affects you, so it''s clear you''d do everything in your power to help me. And, as you always remind me, it''s not your fault we''re in this mess." Kisha sighed, struggling to see 008 in distress, just as she had a hard time dealing with Duke''s sadness and worry. Perhaps it was because they had been through so much together, with 008 standing by her side through countless life-and-death situations. Kisha realized that her constant blame had been unfair, but 008 never complained or voiced any grievances. She heard 008''s childlike voice sobbing softly in her mind. It tried to be silent, but after being bound to her for so long, it had developed its own consciousness and perhaps learned to feel emotions. Realizing this, Kisha understood that 008 was hurting too. She felt a pang of guilt for always chiding 008 because of its constellation, knowing now that it had its own struggles and feelings. "Don''t cry. I''ll make sure to complete all my missions with flying colors. Unlike before, I can now see clearly how to tackle the missions, and I''ll create a plan based on that." Kisha reassured 008, speaking with a gentle tone as if comforting a child. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Really?! Will we be able to complete the missions?" 008 choked on its own tears, seeking reassurance, its voice trembling with a genuine fear of seeing Kisha in danger again. "Have I ever lied to you before?" Kisha asked with unwavering confidence, determined to offer 008 the comfort it needed. "Yes, you did," 008 responded bluntly, leaving Kisha momentarily stunned as if she had been slapped in return for her reassurance. However, 008 was too absorbed in its own emotions to notice Kisha''s discomfort and wanted to continue proving its point. Annoyed but resolute, Kisha just wanted to focus on completing the final upgrade to reach level 5. "Get ready for the upgrade to System Level 5," Kisha said with a frustrated sigh. [System Upgrade to Level 5 Authorization] [Cost: 20,000 points] [Accept] or [Decline] Kisha promptly accepted the authorization request and spent her remaining points. Although this left her with no points for emergencies, she was resolute. She decided to face future challenges as they came, knowing that there was no foolproof plan anyway. She would adapt and find solutions based on the circumstances. After Kisha had calmed down and Duke grasped some of her thoughts, he refrained from pressuring her for more details about her secret. Recognizing that she was gradually opening up and sharing what she could, he chose to respect her pace and not rush her. After he saw her calm down and looking better, Duke wanted them to stay in the room and rest, believing that physical relaxation would help Kisha''s mental state and allow her to work more effectively the next day. However, Kisha felt differently; she insisted that they couldn''t afford to relax just yet, as there were pressing matters requiring her immediate attention. Duke, recognizing her determination, still felt it was important for her not to handle everything on her own. In the end, they returned to the square, where Kisha directed Sparrow and the others to assist Mike at the ranch with butchering 80% of the male livestock. Additionally, she instructed them to help Gant catch the mature fish from both the lake and the sea. This was crucial to prevent an imbalance in the aquatic ecosystem due to overcrowding, which could lead to a tragedy where the aquatic life would suffer and potentially die from a lack of oxygen underwater. Kisha then contacted Aston, asking him to mobilize some of his soldiers and arrange for a truck to transport a load of supplies to the Supply Center. This included vegetables harvested by Marcus, a small batch of previously butchered ducks, chickens, cows, sheep, goats, and other available livestock from her territory. Aston and his soldiers were pleased to hear the news. They had already set up a generator to power the Supply Center, which was still under construction. They had arranged for both small and large refrigerators to be stocked with the meats. The main hall of the Supply Center was nearing completion, with only some remodeling left to finish. The warehouse at the back was partially laid out and awaited the completion of the main hall''s renovations before work could begin in earnest. For now, all the supplies were stored in the main hall, making them visible to everyone coming and going. This visibility motivated people to work harder to earn more work points and secure better food each day. The leaders decided not to hide the supplies but instead stationed a few soldiers to guard the main hall, using the display of resources to encourage greater effort and productivity. According to Mr. Winters, a significant number of people had already exchanged their work points for supplies. This not only boosted morale but also increased everyone''s seriousness about their work. As a result, productivity surged and the pace of the project accelerated. The leaders had reached a consensus on how much to allocate to each worker based on their field and set reasonable prices for supplies at the Supply Center. This ensured that all workers could obtain a good amount of food daily. Once things were more settled, they planned to switch to a weekly payroll system. For now, Mr. Winters was actively hiring for the payroll department to manage records for each department. This would centralize and streamline data, making it easily accessible to the Supply Center. This improvement would eliminate the need for paper-based transactions with signatures, reducing both the workload and the potential for messiness or potential for falsified documents. Mr. Winters, with his keen business acumen, was determined to ensure the base operated smoothly and efficiently with a solid system in place. However, implementing a centralized system required hiring a team of programmers to design and manage the workflow. This, in turn, necessitated a reliable electricity supply throughout the base. Currently, they relied on generators, which in turn depended on a steady supply of gas. Gas, being a consumable resource, was not a sustainable long-term solution for their electricity needs. Even if they sent warriors out to gather more gas, it wouldn''t resolve their underlying electricity problem. This issue was critical as it could directly impact the supplies in the Supply Center, where much of the food, including fresh meat and vegetables, relied on refrigeration to stay viable. Sure, they could fall back on canned and dry goods like other bases and shelters have, especially since most facilities were damaged after the apocalypse. However, everyone knew that relying solely on these non-perishable items would lead to poor nutrition and weaken the base''s population. Canned and dry goods have their limits, and a balanced intake of fresh food was essential for maintaining strength and health. Unlike other bases, they had a steady supply of fresh goods, not just canned and dry. Therefore, they planned to reserve the canned and dry supplies for missions outside the base, as these were more convenient for transport. Meanwhile, they would keep the fresh supplies within the base to ensure their availability and quality. Chapter 314 Awakened Abilitys Registration After dispatching all the relevant personnel to tackle the tasks she had arranged, Kisha and Duke stood in the square, gathering nearly a hundred newly awakened superhumans who had assembled around them. Kisha had them all stand around the square, where she and Duke concluded the training session for the new warriors. They were given a rare opportunity to relax and rest their aching bodies, allowing time for their muscles to heal and strengthen. The early rest was crucial, as their muscles had likely experienced strain and minor tears from the intense training, and this break would contribute to their overall progress. Instead of leaving, the newly recruited warriors gathered around the square, resting nearby while observing the commotion. Kisha and Duke didn''t chase them away but allowed them to stay. Kisha focused on assessing the group, arranging them into a few lines. Meanwhile, Duke instructed two soldiers to set up a desk on each side of Kisha, preparing for the evaluations. Next, they began the registration process. With Sparrow and Vulture having assisted these individuals in manifesting their awakened abilities, everyone now knew what powers they possessed. Kisha wanted them to register their abilities for the records, making it easier to call upon them for specific tasks as needed. Of course, they would also be rewarded for their contributions and completed tasks accordingly. However, Kisha needed these records to manage the growing number of missions, as she couldn''t afford to search for specific ability users each time a task arose. This systematic approach was a standard practice in her previous lives across all bases, so she was simply getting ahead of the curve. To set a good example, Kisha and Duke took the first step in the registration process. This way, both soldiers and superhumans would have a clear model to follow. [Superhuman Registration Form] [Name: Kisha Aldens Level: 1 Age: 22 Awakened Ability: Telekinesis Position in the Base: City Lord] The registration process was straightforward, involving basic information collection. Additionally, a third soldier, stationed further back, used a camera and portable photo printer provided by Kisha to capture and print pictures of each superhuman who registered, ensuring the records were more accurate. After Kisha provided her details to the soldier handling the records, she stood still for a photo. The third soldier took her picture, printed it immediately, and handed it to the record keeper. The picture was then stapled to Kisha''s record and filed in the folder. Duke followed the same procedure after her. [Superhuman Registration Form] [Name: Duke Winters Level: 1 Age: 25 Awakened Ability: Elemental (Lightning, Fire, Ice) Position in the Base: Vice City Lord] Once the registration was complete, the superhumans began to feel more at ease. Initially, they had feared that revealing their awakened abilities might make them vulnerable to danger, jealousy, or hostility. They worried that others would exploit this knowledge against them, and keeping some details secret seemed like a way to protect themselves. However, seeing Kisha and Duke openly register their abilities without hesitation or discomfort helped to dispel their fears and made them reconsider their earlier apprehensions. Kisha sensed the unease among the superhumans and understood their fears. To address their concerns, she took the lead in registering her own awakened ability, demonstrating that it was safe to be open about their powers. She acknowledged that their apprehensions were natural and understandable, and her actions were meant to reassure them and help alleviate their fears. "Everyone, I''m pleased to see that many of you have awakened your abilities. This is a significant step towards creating a safer base where we can all live securely with our families. However, achieving this vision will require us to face trials and hardships. We must confront the threats to our safety, including the zombies around our base and, eventually, other humans who may seek to disrupt the peace and security we have worked so hard to establish." "As the City Lord, it is my duty to ensure that we are protected from the dangers threatening our lives, just as we learned from the incident at the medical facility. Unity is crucial for our survival, and for that, I need everyone''s cooperation. By registering your Awakened Abilities, we, the leaders, can better assign you to the department where you will be most effective. If you prefer not to join a specific department, we can still call upon you for assistance as needed, and you will be compensated accordingly." "Understanding each of your abilities allows us to assess our base''s situation more accurately and organize things more effectively. Even if you choose to hide your abilities, they will become known eventually, so sharing this information now will contribute positively to our base''s growth. I urge you to cooperate with us." Though Kisha''s demeanor was cold and indifferent, but her words resonated deeply with the crowd, and they found themselves nodding in agreement. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Having already faced the harsh realities of the apocalypse¡ªbetrayal, hunger, and the loss of loved ones¡ªthey have endured more than their share of suffering. What could be more horrific than what they''ve already experienced? They are familiar with helplessness, but now they have the opportunity to reclaim their power and discover their own purpose, even after their once-peaceful lives have been shattered. While they understood Kisha''s message, they were still driven by their own self-interest. They recognized that, despite their willingness to contribute, there was no such thing as a free meal. The assurance of compensation for their efforts made it clear that they could both do good and benefit personally. They were well aware that Kisha and her people not only had the numbers but also controlled the vital supplies essential for their survival. So, who would dare defy her? Where would they go instead? Would other shelters and base leaders be as lenient? They knew the answers to these questions. Understanding the reality of their situation, no one hesitated after Kisha''s speech. They all showed their determination to complete the task and awaited further instructions. However, some individuals, like Evelyn, were eager to follow Kisha''s guidance. For them, contributing to the betterment of their new community was a way to secure a better future for their children and families. With the newly awakened superhumans now onboard, the registration process ran smoothly. However, Kisha remained vigilant, ensuring that no one was concealing their abilities and noting those with significant potential who could become valuable assets to the base. She also made a mental list of individuals to call upon for future missions, such as the wall project and fabric gathering with Duke and the team. Eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the registration, Kisha was ready to mobilize these individuals to support her upcoming tasks. Kisha was pleased to see that many of the newly awakened superhumans'' abilities that would be highly beneficial to the base. While this brought her some relief, the pressing demands of her tasks meant that her unease was only slightly eased. Duke, noticing her small gestures of tension, quietly offered his support with a reassuring pat on the back, helping to calm her nerves. The registration process took nearly two hours before the completed folder was handed to Kisha. The newly awakened superhumans remained in the square, waiting for her to dismiss them. However, Kisha chose not to dismiss them just yet; she wanted to categorize them based on their abilities, separating those with support-type abilities from those with offensive and defensive-type abilities. Chapter 315 The Real Equality Kisha observed that many of the new warriors were among the newly awakened superhumans, possessing defensive and offensive-type abilities, which made it easier for her to assign them tasks. Others, however, were already working in different departments or handling various odd jobs around the base. Kisha decided to make them an appealing offer. "I notice that many of you with offensive and defensive abilities are spread across different departments or doing odd jobs, while most of you are already part of our defense force. Although our recruitment for warriors has officially concluded, as we''ve reached the limit, I still want to extend an invitation to those individuals with such abilities to join our defense force. The compensation will remain the same." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After Kisha finished speaking, someone raised a question. "But City Lord, we''re now superhumans with abilities. Why should our compensation be the same as the warriors who were recruited earlier and don''t have any abilities? Wouldn''t that be unfair to us superhumans?" The man''s words struck a nerve with the newly recruited warriors who had stayed to watch. They felt insulted, as though their contributions were being undervalued. While the man had a valid point, they believed that all warriors, superhuman or not, should be treated equally. "You''re right, you make a valid point. But equality means giving everyone the same opportunity to achieve something. This is your chance. The reason the compensation remains the same is because, as warriors, you''ll all be putting your lives at risk to protect this base. Whether you have awakened abilities or not, when facing danger, all lives are equally vulnerable. Nothing can change that reality." "But since you are superhumans with greater potential, promotions will be within your reach¡ªthat''s your opportunity. The higher you climb, the better your compensation will be. So, tell me, does that still sound unfair?" Kisha''s voice was cold and firm. She understood that many of them, now feeling empowered, saw themselves as the chosen ones¡ªthe future saviors of the world¡ªand naturally desired better lives. Heroes to be revered by the ordinary, but they must also understand that such a position comes with great responsibility. They can''t afford to be arrogant or dismiss others simply because they''ve awakened abilities that set them apart. With Kisha''s words, the recruited warriors who hadn''t awakened abilities felt a sense of warmth and protection. Their City Lord had their backs, ensuring that the superhumans wouldn''t trample over them. She made it clear that, even in these times, people should remain humble and avoid becoming so arrogant or proud that they lose sight of their connection to ordinary humans. However, Kisha also made it clear that normal humans shouldn''t take the superhumans for granted or view their sacrifices as something expected just because they''re considered heroes. She ensured that everyone understood the importance of mutual respect and recognition for the efforts of the superhumans. "As superhumans with awakened abilities, you carry a greater responsibility than most. But before anything else, you''re still human, and no one should take your efforts for granted. That''s why I want everyone to start at the same level as warriors¡ªso that your promotions are earned through hard work, not just because of your abilities. Every contribution will be recognized, appreciated, and rewarded accordingly. There''s no need to feel that this is unfair." Kisha said all of this not out of emotion or empathy for anyone''s situation, but because it was simple logic. She understood that this mindset was crucial for the foundation of their base, ensuring that everyone could coexist and work together harmoniously. The last thing they needed was internal conflict, especially with the looming threat of zombies and the inevitable danger from other humans who would prey on them in the future. As Kisha had already decided, Duke had run this same base in her previous life like a strict military camp, where everyone was constantly tense and on edge. The prolonged exposure to anxiety, fear, grief, and other negative emotions gradually wore people down, killing their spirit and breaking them from the inside¡ªjust as Kisha herself had been broken by the repeated cycles of life and death. During those days, she witnessed how lifeless people had become, how easily they succumbed to death. They had no hope, merely existing for survival''s sake. They grew numb to the loss of life¡ªseeing someone they were just speaking with hours ago lying in a pool of blood. Worse still, they often had to be the ones to end the lives of those same people, once close to them, now turned into something unrecognizable. In the end, each day felt as bleak as the environment itself. The death toll kept rising¡ªnot due to zombie breaches, but because people grew tired of this living hell. They couldn''t find any purpose in staying alive and decided to end their own suffering, unable to see anything but endless pain and shattered hope. Now that she was the City Lord of the base, she couldn''t ignore the fact that she had already witnessed the outcome of running things in a strict, military style. Yes, they were powerful and feared, but there was no real hope¡ªonly survival. This time, she wanted to change her approach, not just for herself, but for her family and for Duke, who had suffered alongside her through so many lives. She wanted to atone for her previous mistakes and wrong decisions that had led to their suffering and deaths, vowing to make their lives easier and happier this time around. Beyond that, she sensed that despite the system giving her unbearably difficult missions, it was also guiding her toward creating a secure and thriving base¡ªone that aligned perfectly with her new vision. This was what she wanted to believe now, as she couldn''t afford to stress herself any further. The constant barrage of missions appearing like poisonous mushrooms made her feel like she might explode at any moment. So, she decided to focus on doing her best and simply enjoy the rewards she would reap from completing each task. After gathering her thoughts, Kisha cleared her mind and focused on the newly awakened superhumans as they deliberated on their decision. She watched the intensity of their contemplation until, finally, one of them raised their hand. "I want to be a warrior!" The boldness in the speaker''s voice rang out across the silent square, breaking the tension and igniting a sense of resolve among the others. Kisha recognized the woman immediately¡ªEvelyn. Her determination was evident in the way she carried herself, as though she had already envisioned the path she wanted to take. Without hesitation, Evelyn made her way to the front, standing face-to-face with Kisha, her resolve unwavering. As Evelyn met Kisha''s gaze, her expression softened, and a warm smile spread across her face. "City Lord, Vice City Lord," she began, her voice filled with sincerity. "Your words truly resonated with me and helped me realize the path I want to follow. They align with what my husband and I dream of for our future family. I believe that as long as we stand by your side, this dream of ours can become a reality." A look of reverence now lit up Evelyn''s face, her faith in Kisha clearly visible. Chapter 316 The Real Equality 2 For the first time in public, Kisha smiled sweetly, instantly silencing the crowd. Everyone was momentarily dumbstruck, as they had always known her to be cold and indifferent. Most assumed that was simply who she was. But seeing this new, softer side of her left them all pleasantly surprised, and they quickly realized they much preferred seeing her like this. With the red hues of the setting sun casting a warm glow over her, Kisha looked almost angelic. The last rays of sunlight illuminated her, making it feel as though they were in the presence of a true goddess¡ªbeautiful, benevolent, and filled with compassion for all living beings. One by one, more superhumans stepped forward to join the defense force. Almost all of them eagerly volunteered, knowing that the compensation was significantly better than their current jobs. Additionally, the perks and benefits offered were too enticing to pass up, making this opportunity from the City Lord one that no one wanted to miss. Only those with support-type abilities hesitated, knowing their skills were more suited to aiding others rather than direct combat. They feared they might become a burden during critical moments, unable to contribute effectively when the situation grew dire. But one support-type superhuman gathered his courage and decided to speak up. "City Lord, I know it''s presumptuous of me to ask this. You may not even remember my information from the records you reviewed, but I''m a support type. I wouldn''t be much help in battle, nor could I defend myself if things go wrong. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Still, I''m willing to learn to fight like the other warriors, so I won''t be completely useless¡ªif you would just give us support types a chance." He finished his speech, his lips trembling as he spoke. Kisha stared at him for a moment, making the man not only nervous but genuinely afraid. He couldn''t gauge what she was thinking, and the weight of her silence only heightened his anxiety. He wasn''t alone in his concerns¡ªmany others shared the same fears, feeling the tension rise as they awaited her response. Kisha''s lips curved into a small, amused smile. "I do remember your data," she said, though it was a lie. She hadn''t committed every detail to memory, focusing mainly on abilities and only checking names when she spotted someone with great potential. However, with her ''Eye of Truth'' Gift, she could easily check anyone''s status window if she wished. "Don''t you have a support-type space ability? That''s actually going to be very useful," Kisha added. The way she spoke caused the man''s heart to skip a beat, and he found himself holding his breath as he awaited her explanation. He hoped she wouldn''t offer mere pity or a superficial response claiming that everything was useful. Despite his anxiety, he had a sense that Kisha would provide a genuine answer. Fortunately, he was right¡ªKisha did not disappoint him. "You see, a Space-type ability like yours would be incredibly useful for supply runs. In fact, the Vice City Lord will be leading a supply run in a few days with a convoy of trucks. Managing such a long convoy can be cumbersome, so having someone with a space-type ability to store supplies without needing to pack them into the trucks would be extremely beneficial. It would help avoid overcrowding and make the journey back to the base much more efficient," Kisha explained. As expected, when people heard Kisha''s explanation about the usefulness of the Space-type ability, they immediately recognized its practical value and potential benefits. They didn''t question how Kisha knew so much about the ability, simply assuming that someone in her circle must have awakened the same type of power. But Kisha wasn''t finished. She pointed to several more individuals. "You, you, you, and you all have Space-type abilities, which will be invaluable for the logistics of the upcoming operation¡ªparticularly for managing meal supplies and transporting crucial items for our community." She continued, moving on to others. "You and you possess irregular abilities: one has the ''Chameleon'' ability, allowing you to blend into the background, making you an excellent asset for scouting; the other has the ''Safe Zone'' ability, which creates a temporary protective dome. This will be especially useful for providing a safe haven where exhausted warriors can rest and recover after intense battles." "Even though these abilities might not allow you to engage directly in combat and you might need protection, each of your powers is incredibly valuable and rare. In fact, offensive and defensive type users will likely come to rely on you, so you should take pride in your abilities," Kisha said with a growing smile. She hadn''t anticipated discovering such a treasure trove of talent within the base. What Kisha said was entirely true, especially for the one with the ''Safe Zone'' ability. His power to create a safe zone for up to 8 hours would allow warriors on dangerous missions to rest and eat during that time. While it might not provide full recovery, it would enable them to regain significant strength and continue fighting. Once the cooldown period, or ''CD,'' resets, the safe zone can be established again, offering crucial support to the warriors when they need it most. In her previous lives, no one possessed an ability like this. If someone had, it could have made a significant difference for those on difficult missions. Continuous fighting without rest, surrounded by zombies, led to exhaustion and ultimately death, with many becoming zombie meals in the end. What was even more terrifying was that, as superhumans, being bitten wouldn''t either kill them or turn them into zombies, causing immense suffering before their end. Why was it so dreadful? Because, unlike ordinary humans, superhumans didn''t turn into zombies. Instead, they had to endure the torment of zombies gnawing at their flesh, feeling every painful bite and tear as if they were rag dolls. Superhumans were also more resilient due to their enhanced bodies, so a few bites and blood loss that might be fatal to a normal human wouldn''t necessarily kill them immediately, especially if they were of a higher level. Now that they had someone with this ability, Kisha and Duke exchanged a knowing glance. The timing of this person''s awakening seemed almost fortuitous, making them both feel the urge to laugh with relief and gratitude. Seizing the moment, Kisha extended her offer to all the support-type ability users who had awakened. Just as Kisha had suspected, the first awakened superhumans displayed exceptional potential and talent, making their abilities not only powerful but also incredibly useful. As she assessed them, it became clear that all their abilities were invaluable for survival, if not for battle, contributing significantly to the overall well-being of the survivors. She felt a deep sense of regret for the talent lost in her previous lives, but it also brought her reassurance. In this life, she had successfully protected these individuals, and they would become valuable assets to her base. After her offer and explanations, the faces of the support-type ability users brightened with smiles. They exchanged astonished glances before erupting into cheers of excitement. After Kisha successfully persuaded all the newly awakened superhumans to join the defense force, Sparrow and Vulture returned from their task. They had just finished butchering all the animals Kisha had requested and had stocked the territory''s storage with the meat. Chapter 317 New Currency Announcement "Young Madam, the mission is accomplished," Vulture announced with a playful tone as he stood before Kisha and Duke. The other newly awakened superhumans watched them with admiration and respect. "Perfect timing!" Kisha said, clapping her hands as she looked at Sparrow and Vulture, who exchanged puzzled glances. "These individuals will be your juniors from now on. Tomorrow, we have a crucial operation, and I need you to lead them as their temporary commander. You''ll also need to bring along your current team members for the mission. I''ll provide more details soon, but for now, prepare yourselves for what''s ahead." They had no idea what Kisha was planning. She assigned the support-type superhumans accordingly: the one with the ''Safe Zone'' ability was placed under Sparrow''s command, while the ''Chameleon-type'' ability user was assigned to Vulture. Additionally, all the superhumans with space-type abilities were allocated to Sparrow''s team. All the offensive-type ability users were placed under Sparrow, while the defensive types were assigned to Vulture. Kisha''s reasoning was clear: she wanted the newly awakened superhumans to learn battle tactics directly from the best models for offense and defense. Sparrow and Vulture, with their respective strengths, would serve as ideal examples for the team. This approach would also expand the newly awakened superhumans'' understanding of how to effectively use their abilities in combat scenarios while completing their assigned missions. To ensure they were well-prepared, Kisha provided each of them with an extra bottle of Scarlet Honey. She emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation before using the Scarlet Honey, warning them that using it without her or their commander''s explicit approval could hinder their potential growth. This stern warning underscored the significance of proper preparation and adherence to protocol. If their potential growth was compromised, they wouldn''t reach their full strength and would struggle against more formidable superhumans in the future. This approach proved effective; everyone was highly motivated to build a solid foundation, become familiar with their awakened abilities, and exercise patience before using the Scarlet Honey. Kisha gave them the Scarlet Honey even though they couldn''t use it immediately because she wanted to leverage its allure to drive them to strengthen their foundation. The presence of the Scarlet Honey would serve as a constant reminder of their goal, motivating them to work hard. By building a solid foundation now, they would be better prepared to fully benefit from the Scarlet Honey when the time came, ensuring that their growth would be both effective and assured. The first batch of Scarlet Honey was also distributed to the newly recruited warriors, who were instructed on its use despite not having awakened their abilities yet. Sparrow and Vulture then taught the same techniques to the newly awakened superhumans, who were hearing the instructions for the first time. There was a notable difference in how the techniques flowed through superhumans compared to normal humans. The methods were tailored to ensure that normal humans would not be pushed beyond their limits, which could potentially harm them. Superhumans and normal humans have different bodily thresholds; once normal humans reach their limit, the Scarlet Honey becomes ineffective, regardless of the amount consumed. After ensuring that everyone was on the same page and that Sparrow and Vulture would lead the new recruits through their training until late at night, Kisha let out a sigh of relief. With the preparations in place for tomorrow''s mission, she headed to the Supply Center to check on its current status. When Kisha arrived at the Supply Center, she found a long line of people exchanging their day''s work points for food supplies. The crowd seemed pleased, noticing that there were more supplies available than the day before, including a few small baskets of fruit. The fruit, which people assumed came from trees in some of the villas in the central part of the base, was a welcome addition. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s team didn''t correct this assumption, allowing the misconception to stand. In the center of the Supply Center were five tables where employees checked the authenticity of each person''s work points certificate. These certificates were actually repurposed government papers and stubs found in various offices, designed to prevent any falsification of documents. Once the employees verified the certificates, they confiscated the papers to be repurposed and treated like paper money. After verifying the authenticity of the work points certificates, employees would check the list of items the survivor wished to exchange for. They then passed this list to the five additional helpers assigned to each table, who would arrange the requested items. If the total value of the items didn''t exhaust all the work points the person had, they could choose from smaller items like sweets or seasoning packs to use up the remaining points. This was necessary because, at the moment, the employees had no means to provide change. Kisha also noticed a notice board near the tables featuring a small, glass-like crystal encased in a glass cover and displayed in a velvet-lined box, resembling a piece of jewelry on exhibit. Above the crystal, a long, handwritten message was prominently displayed. [From the Supply Center Notice Board] [Attention everyone, We are pleased to announce that the base will now be introducing a new form of currency in addition to work points. As displayed in the glass case, these are Crystal Cores, also known as Zombie Cores. They are harvested from the heads of zombies and will be particularly useful for superhumans. Since our previous currency has lost its value, we have decided to adopt these Crystal Cores as our new standard currency. You may exchange your work points for Crystal Cores, or vice versa. Both currencies will be accepted for purchasing supplies and goods from the Supply Center. Sincerely, Dante Winters] ... Many spectators scrutinized the glass case with skepticism, as the Crystal Cores appeared quite similar to shards of shattered glass. Their differences were not immediately apparent, leaving some people doubtful about the new currency''s legitimacy. Some individuals, however, appeared to be scheming ways to exploit the new currency for personal gain. Fortunately, Kisha had anticipated this and alerted every department in advance. Alongside the Currency Notice, there was an additional warning note addressing potential abuses. **[Warning!] [Crystal Cores are not mere shards of glass but are genuine Zombie Cores containing energy. To ensure their authenticity and protect superhumans from potential harm, experts will be verifying all Crystal Cores. Attempting to exchange fake Crystal Cores will result in immediate exile from the base, with no chance of return. Please take this seriously. While obtaining Crystal Cores requires significant risk, we will not tolerate deceitful practices that could harm others. Those found engaging in theft, framing, or causing harm will face the same severe consequences of exile. Sincerely, Supply Center Management]** ... Kisha smiled with satisfaction as she observed the notice board and the reactions of those who had been scheming earlier¡ªmany now looked visibly shaken after reading the warning notice beside the currency announcement. Everything appeared to be running smoothly at the Supply Center. The facility was fully operational, with electricity powering refrigerators behind the counters for storing meats and perishable goods. Fruits, vegetables, and eggs were displayed prominently near the counters, with large, clear price tags visible for everyone. Overall, the Supply Center had the organized, disciplined feel of a well-regulated market. Chapter 318 Another 70,000 points- Gained (Edited) After Kisha spent some time observing, she and Duke went to the back of the Supply Center, where workers were still busy with construction. The main renovations were complete, leaving only minor adjustments to finish by the next day. The workers had decided to use the remaining daylight to dig the foundation for the Supply Center''s warehouse. They planned to complete this task before heading home, where warm meals prepared by their families awaited them. This way, they could rest and enjoy their evening without wasting any time. Ding! As she walked with Duke through the dimly lit back street, Kisha received a new system notification. Her eyes narrowed into crescent-shaped slits in delight, and a wide smile spread across her face. [Congratulations on Completing the A Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting"] [You have received 70,000 points] ... After a flurry of system notifications rang in, each announcing a new reward, Kisha promptly checked her status window. She noticed her stats had increased, even if only by a single point. Despite the modest gain, it was equivalent to the progress of a full day''s worth of training, making it a significant achievement. [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 73 (+3) Stamina: 73 (+3) Defense: 73 (+3) Agility: 73 (+3) Mental Capacity: 113 (+3) Charm: 73 (+3) Leadership: 113 (+3) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception level 0 sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) .... Upon reviewing her status window, Kisha noticed not only the increase in her stats but also something new: a skill called "Perception Level 0" that hadn''t been there the last time she checked. She''s puzzled over how she had acquired this skill, given that she hadn''t undertaken any significant actions recently that would warrant its creation. It seemed to appear out of nowhere like a mushroom suddenly sprouting up. However, Kisha recognized the significance of this skill. She recalled that it was notoriously difficult to obtain and had seen something similar in Sparrow''s status window. ''Have I done something significant recently?'' she wondered, placing her fingers on her chin in deep contemplation. Her eyes lit up as the word "significant" replayed in her mind. She recalled the one-on-one battle she had with a Level 1 zombie just yesterday¡ªan opponent that had given her considerable trouble. During that intense fight, she remembered how time seemed to slow down, and she was able to anticipate the zombie''s moves with remarkable precision. This heightened awareness had allowed her to lock the zombie in position without sustaining serious injuries. Kisha couldn''t help but giggle, drawing Duke''s attention. When he looked at her, she met his gaze with eyes as clear and serene as a still lake, brimming with unspoken joy. She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself, and Duke, not wanting to spoil her mood, gently patted the top of her head as they strolled around the base before heading home. After basking in her recent success, Kisha felt a renewed surge of confidence and determination to tackle her missions. Having experienced the value of the rewards firsthand, she was excited about the potential future benefits. Eager to share her appreciation, she decided to reward Marcus for his invaluable assistance in completing the mission. His contribution had been instrumental in achieving the results ahead of schedule, and Kisha felt it was only right to acknowledge his hard work and dedication. At the same time, Kisha found herself less constrained by points, having just earned an additional 70,000. She planned to use these points to upgrade her territory pack, aiming to expand the space available for livestock. But for now, Kisha decided it might be best to keep the points in reserve for emergencies. Instead, she considered how to best show her appreciation to Marcus. Should she buy him something with her mall points? She wasn''t sure what he would like, so she resolved to ask him directly later on. Before heading home, Kisha made a brief stop at the medical facility for a final check. Upon arrival, she noticed that more patients had been moved to isolation because the medical staff were unsure if it was safe to group them together to save space. Fortunately, Kisha was able to conduct a thorough review and provide confirmation. On the bright side, there were still more promising talents being sent to the medical facility. This time, most of the new patients were soldiers, new warriors, and a few medical staff. Although the numbers weren''t as high as before, the influx was still significant. As a result, there were some patients who had to be placed in the hallway due to the limited space. The patients who were admitted yesterday had all awakened and were now being escorted by the soldiers stationed at the medical facility to Sparrow and Vulture. Kisha inferred that the two would have been busy assisting these newly awakened individuals by tonight. She knew Sparrow and Vulture were overwhelmed with their duties but had not complained, so she decided to reward them for their hard work as well. After assisting with the medical facility, it was already quite dark, and she and Duke headed home. Everyone was there waiting, except for Sparrow and Vulture, who were still busy. Gant had already gone to the square to deliver food to them. Additionally, those who were still training had their meals sent from the base''s supply, a gesture approved by Aston as compensation for their overtime. Marcus, Mike, and Daisy had finished cooking for everyone and had already set all the dishes on the table. As a result, everyone began gathering around the dining table, looking exhausted and haggard from their long day. Everyone seemed to be working hard on completing the structures within their respective departments. Mrs. Winters informed Kisha that she had already recruited 20 seamstresses and was continuing to hire more. The hired seamstresses were already undergoing training, and the uniform designs were finished, awaiting Kisha''s approval. Once Kisha reviewed and approved the design, the seamstresses would become familiar with it. Additionally, they were waiting for Kisha to finalize and design the emblem to be sewn onto the uniforms. On the Patriarchs'' side, they have completed drafting a list of straightforward rules for the base. The rules are designed to be simple and easily understandable to ensure compliance. They have also established corresponding punishments for violations. While these initial rules focus on securing the base and minimizing troublemakers, they plan to delve deeper into creating more comprehensive laws to safeguard the interests of all inhabitants. Aston has initiated the cafeteria project using tents for the time being, as no suitable building is yet available and the Supply Center is still under construction. Additionally, Aston and Mr. Winters are continuing discussions about the construction of the Wall. When Aston mentioned the Wall construction, Kisha paused mid-bite, suddenly recalling that she had assigned Aston to work with Mr. Winters on it. "Oh, about the Wall construction¡ªI''ll be taking over that project starting tomorrow. I realize both departments are currently occupied with supply distribution and defense management. The Wall needs to be completed as soon as possible for the base''s safety, and I already have a plan to address it," Kisha announced. Her decision was met with both surprise and shock. Chapter 319 Achievement Tab? Aston was taken aback by Kisha''s plan to start the Wall construction tomorrow. "But, City Lord, we still don''t have enough construction materials. Did you happen to store some in your inventory?" Aston asked, his curiosity piqued. The others also looked at Kisha, wondering if she had indeed kept some construction materials in her inventory. Even Duke raised an eyebrow at Kisha, unsure of her intentions. He suspected it was related to the mission she had discussed with Sparrow and Vulture earlier. Kisha wished she had all the materials they needed, but unfortunately, her supply was limited to what she had previously asked Duke to gather. She hadn''t anticipated needing to turn City B''s base into her new headquarters. When she and Duke initially set up their base in the secluded mountain of City A, she had thought their worries would be minimal. "Well, we recently found five Space-Type ability users with the same storage ability as mine," Kisha explained vaguely. "I''ll be sending them out with Sparrow tomorrow to gather materials." Although her explanation was brief, everyone understood that she had a well-thought-out plan in place. They were relieved and pleased to hear that such a useful ability had emerged within their base. This would greatly simplify supply runs, making the entire process much easier and more efficient for everyone involved. Ding! Noticing that everyone had stopped asking questions, and understanding her, Kisha resumed eating her meal. However, she was soon interrupted by another system notification. [System Calculation Complete...] [Congratulations for completing the Mission "Planting and Harvesting" ahead of time!] [You received an additional 50,000 points for the mission''s early completion] [You have successfully Opened the Achievement Tab] [Achievement points +1000] [You Gained the ''Green Thumb'' Achievement] [Achievement points +500] [You Gained the ''Better Be Prepared'' Acheivement] [Acheivement points +500] [You have successfully Opened the Achievement Store] [Achievement points +1000] ... The ringing echoed in Kisha''s mind, and for the first time, she saw an overwhelming number of system notifications flooding her vision, rapidly stacking up like continuous alerts on a phone. The pop-ups appeared so quickly that she couldn''t even properly read them all. The Achievement tabs and store were completely new to her, something she had never unlocked in her previous lives. Unsure how to react, Kisha didn''t even realize she had dropped her utensils mid-air, her hand instinctively covering her mouth as it formed a perfect ''O.'' Her eyes were fixed on the stream of pop-ups, overwhelmed by the sudden flood of notifications. Everyone at the dining table was startled by the sudden clatter of Kisha''s utensils hitting the plate. The sound was sharp and loud, instantly drawing their attention. When they looked over at her, they saw a look of utter disbelief etched across her face. Kisha was so absorbed in checking the new features that had appeared in her system interface that she didn''t even notice everyone''s eyes on her. Duke placed his hand gently on her lap, trying to get her attention, but she remained oblivious, staring blankly into the air. Judging by her reaction, Duke guessed she was likely immersed in her status window or exploring some of its new features. He could clearly tell that Kisha was excited¡ªso much so that she couldn''t even wait to get back to their room to fully dive into her system interface. Realizing she was caught up in her own world, he simply shook his head with a smile and continued eating. The others, noticing Duke''s subtle gesture, understood she was fine and resumed their meals as well, reassured by his silent cue. Duke couldn''t help but feel both amused and a little helpless seeing Kisha in this state. Her reaction seemed more human and endearing, a refreshing change. He much preferred seeing her busy and excited about something than watching her being stressed or having a mental breakdown. The sight of her like this was a relief to him, and judging by their expressions, it seemed the others were thinking the same thing. Realizing that Kisha was simply lost in her own excitement and appeared to be in a good mood, everyone stopped worrying. Initially, they had feared she was experiencing the same issues as at lunch, but it quickly became clear that this wasn''t the case. Unaware of everyone''s concerns, Kisha was focused intently on her status window. Just beside the ''Title Tab'' was the ''Achievement Tab,'' which she eagerly clicked on. There, she saw the two new achievements she had just earned: ''Green Thumb'' and ''Better Be Prepared.'' She promptly checked both of them. [Green Thumb Achievement] [Description: Completing a planting mission in a record time that no one has achieved so far. Grade: SSS Additional 10 points in all stats +30% Affinity with crops +30% increase in crops'' growth +30% increase in crops'' taste double the size of crops'' size 20% chance of making the crops into spiritual crops] ... [Better Be Prepared Achievement] [Description: Completing a planting mission with double the requested amount in a record time that no one has ever achieved so far. Grade: SSS Additional 5 points in all stats Luck: +40 Active Skill: One Body Passive Skill: Healing Dome Reward Item: Advanced Solar Panel Blueprint from World 15433, and 10 Gachapon Draws] ... Kisha was pleasantly surprised to find an Active skill and a rare Passive skill included as a reward. On top of that, she received a new stat¡ª''Luck''¡ªwhich she anticipated would be incredibly valuable for her future endeavors. Seeing the level of the reward, Kisha''s frustration with the system melted away. She imagined the Constellation, who had been attempting to thwart her, seething with anger as Kisha reaped the benefits of her challenging mission. She was eager to discover what these active and passive skills could do. [Active Skill: One Body (Growth Type)] [Description: Increases group synergy by +50% within a 5-meter radius, enhancing the overall power and effectiveness of allies in the area.] ... [Passive Skill: Healing Dome (Growth Type)] [Description: Accelerates the healing of wounds for all individuals within a 5-meter radius of the host. Healing is enhanced, but not excessively rapid.] ... Kisha couldn''t help but feel elated as she observed the significant changes in her status. She could sense the transformation in her body due to the updated stats and was eager to review the overall changes in her status window, wanting to admire and fully appreciate her progress. [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 88 (+15) Stamina: 88 (+15) Defense: 88 (+15) Agility: 88 (+15) Mental Capacity: 128 (+15) Charm: 88 (+15) Leadership: 128 (+15) Luck: 40 Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 0 Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s eyes narrowed in delight, resembling a cat that had just stolen a big fish. She couldn''t help the twitch of her lips as they formed into a pleased grin. At the same time, she couldn''t shake the thought that her earlier mental breakdown had been premature¡ªdevastation had hit too soon, without her realizing there was a big surprise waiting for her later that night. Was it that the Constellation felt guilty? Or perhaps the aggression aimed at her had become so blatant that the Constellation wanted to pretend nothing was amiss? Chapter 320 Achievement Tab? 2 ''If this is the Constellation''s way of sweeping things under the rug, I can only hope it happens more often so I can reap all the benefits,'' Kisha thought, allowing herself to bask in the happiness of seeing the drastic boost in her stats. It almost felt like she had already leveled up to Level 2. If she continued using the Scarlet Honey to strengthen her foundation and boost her multipliers before leveling up to Level 2, she was confident she''d soon surpass the 100 stat threshold¡ªand likely go far beyond it. With such growth, her stats alone could place her on par with a Level 3 Evolved zombie, or perhaps even stronger. Kisha couldn''t contain her excitement as she thought about the future and the possibilities her growing strength would bring. Saying she felt invincible wouldn''t be an exaggeration. She was now even stronger than the Tyrant Emperor, who had once been the terror of her previous life. Glancing over at Duke, who had just finished eating and happened to catch her eye, she felt a surge of pride. "Are you done eating?" Duke''s deep, masculine voice echoed in Kisha''s ears, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine, as if it had pierced straight through her heart. She looked up at him, momentarily lost in the warmth of his voice, then shook her head before turning her attention back to her plate and resuming her meal. Duke set down his utensil, quietly watching Kisha eat with the affectionate gaze of a doting husband. Everyone else, pretending not to notice the display of affection, quickly picked up the pace of their own meals. The single ones, in particular, had no desire to linger on the scene, not wanting to feel any lonelier than they already did. After Kisha finished eating, she wasted no time in pulling Duke back to their room, right in front of everyone. The group exchanged knowing smiles, and the Patriarch chuckled, saying, "Oh my! I didn''t realize my granddaughter-in-law was so bold. Hahaha." His laughter set off a ripple of amusement, causing the husband and wife nearby to exchange twinkling glances. Without saying a word, they continued sipping their drinks, their eyes communicating something only they could understand. Kisha, on the other hand, didn''t even stop to consider what others might think. Duke, meanwhile, was thrilled that she had taken the initiative this time. The fact that she made the first move filled him with such excitement that he could feel his insides tremble. He struggled to contain his growing desire, doing his best to keep his emotions in check. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had an overwhelming urge to pin Kisha against the wall and kiss her, to devour her in his excitement. But since Kisha was the one taking the lead, the anticipation thrilled him even more. It was like being a child eager to tear open a Christmas gift but having to wait for the signal from everyone else before doing so. As they approached their room, Duke''s breathing had already grown ragged, and his body radiated heat, though Kisha, caught up in her own excitement, didn''t notice. The moment the door closed behind them, she guided Duke to sit on the edge of the bed. He swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat, as he watched her with unwavering focus, anticipation clear in his gaze. ''This is it! How''s she going to start? Will she drop to her knees like the other night and do me, or...?'' Duke''s thoughts raced with anticipation. Before Duke could continue speculating how Kisha might initiate their intimacy, she suddenly sat down beside him, her lips stretched into a wide grin. "I was so excited earlier, I just couldn''t help but pull you up here!" she said, clasping her hands together, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Duke felt something was off¡ªthe mood wasn''t quite what he expected. It seemed Kisha had no intention of starting anything intimate. His hands itched to take the lead, but he hesitated, sensing her excitement was about something entirely different. Before Duke could react, Kisha blurted out, "Did you know, I won the lottery!" Her voice pitched higher, brimming with excitement as she barely contained her joy. It took a second for her words to sink in. "Wait, what?!" Duke was stunned¡ªnot by the news itself but by how completely different this moment was from what he''d expected. Everything he thought was about to unfold shattered, leaving his mind momentarily blank, crashing under the weight of her unexpected announcement. While Duke''s anticipation was crashing down, Kisha excitedly pulled out the Advanced Solar Panel blueprint from World 15433 from her inventory. She turned to the bed and spread it out, beaming with excitement. "Look! I got us a super-advanced solar panel blueprint! We won''t need to build tons of solar panels anymore¡ªjust one of these will be enough to power an entire mega city!" Kisha exclaimed, her enthusiasm overflowing as she explained the incredible breakthrough. The only response Kisha got from Duke was a dry, "Ooh..." She blinked, wondering if she had misheard him. Duke was usually the first to light up at the sight of a new blueprint, especially one with such business potential. His reaction felt oddly out of character. Little did she know, Duke''s focus had already shifted completely to her. No matter how enticing the blueprint or groundbreaking the discovery, his mind was still tangled in the clash between his expectations and the unexpected reality unfolding before him. He couldn''t fully appreciate the blueprint right now¡ªhe was still processing how things had taken such an unexpected turn. Duke couldn''t help but ask, "Wifey, is this why you pulled me back to our room with such excitement?" He tried to sound casual, but his voice cracked slightly. Kisha interpreted his odd tone as a sign that he was trying to contain his own excitement, much like she was. She thought his emotions were just in a jumble because of the news. However, Duke''s emotional turmoil was indeed intense, but it was for a reason she hadn''t anticipated. As a seasoned businessman, Duke quickly composed himself. After a few moments, he cleared his throat, and the initial heat of excitement had cooled with his resolve. He begrudgingly set aside his earlier expectations and maintained a poker face, studying the blueprint intently. However, his mind was blank for a full five minutes, consumed by lingering resentment. He didn''t even notice that he was pouting and behaving like a petulant child. Kisha couldn''t help but find Duke''s expression endearing, even though she was puzzled by his apparent resentment. He was acting like a sulking child, yet he kept silent. Trying to piece things together, she reflected on the moments since she had pulled him away from the dining table. It dawned on her that his reaction changed only when she unveiled the blueprint. ____________ PS: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your continued support and for reading my novel. The WSA contest has officially started, and I''d love for you to take a moment to leave feedback for the event. You can find it by going to your ''INBOX'' and then selecting ''EVENTS.'' Once you provide feedback on 3 different books, you''ll earn a badge, which will be awarded on the 20th of next month. Thank you all for your amazing support! Chapter 321 Achievement Shop ''Is he upset about the blueprint? Does he think I kept it from him on purpose?'' Kisha wondered to herself, but another realization struck her, causing her face to flush and her heart to race. Despite Duke''s visibly upset demeanor, Kisha leaned in closer and gave him a quick, bashful peck on the cheek, her expression clearly saying, ''That''s the best I can manage for now.'' S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke was taken aback by Kisha''s sudden initiative, but once he realized she was attuned to his emotions, his mood lifted. His eyes crinkled in delight as he turned to see Kisha''s flushed face and her gaze nervously darting around, as if she found the floor far more interesting than looking at him. He knew she was likely nervous, having figured out exactly what he had been moping about. So, knowing that she now knew, and he also started to feel better, he didn''t want to egg Kisha anymore because as much as he wanted to be intimate with her, he also wanted to make sure that she was up for it and not because she feels she was cornered to do so. With a lighter heart, Duke turned his attention back to the blueprint Kisha was showing him. Now that his mind was clear of the more explicit thoughts of him and Kisha together, he could finally focus. As he studied the blueprint, his astonishment grew, and soon he couldn''t tear his eyes away from it. The blueprint was so advanced and meticulously designed that, although far beyond their current technological capabilities, it held incredible promise. If they could eventually build it, they would solve their electricity problem just as Kisha had predicted. A single machine like this could power a megacity, let alone their base. The only issue was the materials¡ªwhile some were familiar, most were completely unknown to Duke, likely because they were extremely rare or difficult to obtain. The machine''s sturdiness relied on a complex combination of materials. Tungsten and meteorite alloy were essential for the core structure, while Lutetium formed the outermost layer for its unparalleled strength. Vanadium, known for its high melting point and military applications, was used to cover the inner parts, ensuring it could withstand extreme heat without breaking down. For the main beam, where solar energy would be most concentrated, Inconel was chosen for its superior strength over Vanadium, making it the ideal material to handle the intense energy flow. Osmium was another key material used in the design, valued for its density and durability. In addition to these, highly conductive metals along with other materials were required to efficiently transfer solar energy and convert it into electricity, ensuring the machine could function at its full potential. The solar panel''s structure resembled a massive satellite dish, but unlike the usual inverted umbrella shape, its surface was flat. This advanced "solar glass" design allowed it to reflect and capture sunlight far more efficiently than any current solar panels on the market, including those produced by top military contractors or research labs on Earth. The advanced solar panel design Kisha had obtained from the system was vastly different from anything they currently had. Without the expertise of professional solar physicists and machine engineers, Duke wasn''t confident they could even attempt to build what was shown on the blueprint. His initial excitement quickly faded as the reality of the challenge set in. Kisha was aware of the challenge and sought Duke''s input to figure out how to proceed. After ten minutes of deep contemplation, Duke finally looked up from the blueprint and addressed Kisha. "Our best hope is that Dr. Shuveck is still alive and hasn''t turned into a zombie. If he''s still out there, we might have a chance to build this. As for the machine engineering, the best person I know to tackle this alongside Dr. Shuveck would be Engineer Steel." Duke let out a heavy sigh, gazing at Kisha with a mix of concern and uncertainty. "The last I heard, Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel were working together on a project in City D last month. Given how scarce the human population has become due to the zombie outbreak, I''m worried that they might have..." Duke struggled to continue, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on him. It was disheartening to have a treasure within reach yet be unable to utilize it. Kisha fully grasped this now and felt a deep sense of frustration. She had once thought that it was a jackpot, the advanced machinery blueprint now seemed more like a hollow reward. The blueprint sounded impressive, but if they couldn''t recreate it, it was almost worthless. "Do you think we could plan a visit to City D once we''ve taken care of everything here at the base, to look for Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel?" Kisha asked, her lips forming a pout as she shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe we could," Duke said, trying to offer some reassurance. "But if they didn''t make it, we shouldn''t lose hope. City D is known for its prestigious universities and numerous laboratories. Even if Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel aren''t around, we can still find talented individuals there." Duke was aware of how down Kisha felt and shared her frustration; he was also grappling with his own disappointment after seeing the blueprint. Duke wouldn''t have felt as frustrated if he hadn''t seen the blueprint, but now that he had, it felt like a significant waste not to have such a piece of technology at their disposal. Both Duke and Kisha let out a defeated sigh. To shift her focus and mood, Kisha suddenly brightened. "But that''s not the best news I wanted to share. Remember I mentioned I got a Gachapon Draw earlier? Let''s draw together and see what I get, shall we?" Her excitement returned as she eagerly pulled Duke to sit beside her. Duke was bewildered by Kisha''s mention of Gachapon draws. The only thing that seemed to register in his mind was a loose comparison to the item draws in video games. In those games, players would use in-game currency or special tokens to access random loot boxes, which could contain a variety of items such as weapons, armor, and other enhancements. These draws were designed to aid in the progression of the game, providing players with the tools they needed to strengthen their characters and advance further in their quests. The idea of Gachapon draws seemed to evoke a similar sense of randomness and potential reward, but Duke remained curious and somewhat mystified about what Kisha''s Gachapon draw might entail and how it might differ from the game-based concept he was familiar with. Soon, Duke''s biggest question was answered when Kisha shared her system interface with him. Through this interface, he could see exactly how the Gachapon Draw was set to proceed. The detailed display revealed the mechanics of the draw, offering Duke a clear view of how items were selected and what kind of rewards might be available. This visual explanation helped demystify the process for him and piqued his interest even further, as he now had a tangible understanding of how the Gachapon Draw worked. ____________ PS: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your continued support and for reading my novel. The WSA contest has officially started, and I''d love for you to take a moment to leave feedback for the event. You can find it by going to your ''INBOX'' and then selecting ''EVENTS.'' Once you provide feedback on 3 different books, you''ll earn a badge, which will be awarded on the 20th of next month. Thank you all for your amazing support! Chapter 322 Achievement Shop 2 As Kisha retrieved the Gachapon Draw coupon from her inventory, the system promptly prompted her with a notification. [Do you want to use the Gachapon Draw Coupon?] Options appeared on the screen: [Yes] or [No] Without hesitation, Kisha pressed ''Yes'', while Duke watched silently beside her. The instant she made her selection, a large screen materialized in front of them, displaying an array of random items arranged like cards. The screen was vibrant with various colors and effects: some items glowed with a golden brilliance, others shone in a striking scarlet red with swirling red and gold lights, while additional items were highlighted in shades of purple, blue, green, and a muted white. Each item seemed to radiate its own unique aura, adding an element of anticipation to the draw. Based on her previous experiences with items obtained through the system''s mall points, Kisha quickly deduced the significance of the colors displayed. The muted white items were categorized as ordinary, while green items represented common quality. Blue indicated uncommon items, and purple denoted rare ones. Gold was reserved for legendary items, and the scarlet red items, with their striking red and gold lighting effects, were of the mythic grade. This color-coding system helped her gauge the potential rarity and value of the items she might draw. Below the large display of items, two options appeared: [Draw x1] or [Draw x10] Kisha had ten Gachapon Draw Coupons and, recalling how games often offered better rewards with multiple draws, she felt tempted to select the [Draw x10] option. However, wanting to share the experience with Duke, she turned to him and asked for his opinion before proceeding. Kisha turned to Duke with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "What do you think we should do? Should we draw one at a time, or should we go all in and use all ten draws at once?" She glanced at him nervously, her usual confidence wavering. Although she believed that using all ten draws might increase their chances of getting a better reward, she wasn''t entirely sure. Kisha felt that Duke''s opinion was crucial¡ªhis perspective might either confirm her thoughts or offer a different approach. The weight of her uncertainty made her anxious, and she hoped that Duke''s input would help guide her decision. Duke took a moment to consider Kisha''s question, his gaze fixed on the array of items displayed on the screen. He meticulously examined the assortment before him. Out of the hundreds of items spread across the screen, he noted that approximately 40% were of normal quality, 30% were common, and 18% were uncommon. Rare quality items made up about 8%, while legendary items constituted just 3% of the total. The mythic grade items were even rarer, making up only 1% of the display. Duke could barely spot five mythic items among the myriad of options, indicating just how scarce and valuable they were. Duke evaluated the probabilities and concluded that with ten draws, they would likely end up with around five normal items, two uncommon, and possibly two rare items, with a chance of getting one legendary item if they were lucky. Given these odds, he agreed with Kisha''s initial intuition. Drawing all ten at once not only promised to save time but also increased their chances of obtaining better rewards by maximizing their chances of landing higher-quality items in a single go. Duke nodded at Kisha and said, "I think we''d have a better chance if we draw all at once." He was already starting to piece together what kind of unique ability Kisha might possess. Seeing the Gachapon Draw only reinforced his belief that her ability was incredibly powerful. He suspected that the advanced blueprint she had just shown him was likely a product of this ability. This realization also reminded him of Kisha''s earlier explanation about irregular ability users when they first met. He now firmly believed that she was one of them and that the tasks she had mentioned recently that she needed to complete were probably linked to her special abilities. Based on these clues, Duke deduced that Kisha''s irregular ability functioned like a game system, allowing her to undertake missions and earn rewards upon completing them. He realized that the otherworldly items she had been using might have originated from this very system. If his speculation was correct, Duke believed it was wise for Kisha to keep such an ability undisclosed. Given its potentially game-breaking and overpowered nature, revealing it could attract unwanted attention and increase her risk of danger. Despite his suspicions, he chose to feign ignorance and support her in keeping her secret, believing it was in her best interest to protect herself from potential threats. "I think so too," Kisha agreed with Duke, their thoughts aligning perfectly. Without hesitation, she pressed the "Draw x10" button. Instantly, the items in the system interface transformed into cards, revealing only their backs. A rainbow-like indicator flashed and circled around the cards, creating an air of anticipation. After a moment, ten random items were selected, with the unchosen cards vanishing from view. The ten selected cards glowed brightly and were arranged in a single line, each one now prominently displayed. As the cards lined up, they began to flip open one by one, causing Duke and Kisha''s hearts to race with anticipation. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without realizing it, they were holding their breath. The first three cards revealed normal-quality items, which caused a brief moment of tension. But then, the fourth card turned purple, signaling a rare item. Both Duke and Kisha let out cheers of excitement. Kisha instinctively grabbed Duke''s arm, while he reassured her with a supportive pat on the hand. The cards continued to unfold, adding to their growing anticipation. The fifth card revealed an uncommon item, followed by a common one, then a rare, and finally, a legendary item. At the sight of the legendary card, Kisha leaped to her feet with a joyous cheer, jumping up and down in excitement. She barely noticed Duke''s reaction at first, but soon saw his eyes widen and his jaw drop comically as he stared at the screen in stunned silence. Kisha assumed he was just as thrilled and surprised as she was, especially with the golden card flashing brightly before them. However, Kisha hadn''t yet seen what kind of legendary item they had drawn. As she turned her gaze back to the screen, she was struck silent by a scarlet red card, adorned with swirling red and gold lights. It was flanked by two golden items, and the sight left her staring in disbelief, unable to process the extraordinary luck she had. If they followed the expected algorithm, drawing a mythic-grade item would typically require a substantial number of attempts. To have a 1% chance of obtaining such an item, Kisha would need to make at least a hundred draws, likely encountering numerous normal and a few legendary-quality items before finally securing a mythic-grade reward. ____________ PS: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your continued support and for reading my novel. The WSA contest has officially started, and I''d love for you to take a moment to leave feedback for the event. You can find it by going to your ''INBOX'' and then selecting ''EVENTS.'' Once you provide feedback on 3 different books, you''ll earn a badge, which will be awarded on the 20th of next month. Thank you all for your amazing support! Chapter 323 Achievement Shop 3 Yet, on her very first attempt with just ten draws, Kisha managed to secure two legendary and one mythic-grade item, along with two rare-quality items. Remarkably, they only received three normal-grade items, one common, and one uncommon. With a trembling hand, Kisha pressed the ''open'' button to reveal the items from the draw. Though she had been lucky enough to pull two legendary items and one mythic item, her nerves remained. This was the moment of truth¡ªwhen she would finally discover the true value behind each of the cards. With a rhythmic ''ting,'' each card revealed itself one by one, intensifying the tension that hammered in both Kisha''s and Duke''s hearts. The items opened the way how the draw went. [Normal Quality "Stamina Booster"] [Normal Quality "Speed Talisman"] [Normal Quality "Stamina Booster"] [Rare Quality "Shakan Poison Dagger"] [Uncommon Quality "Ice Bomb"] [Common Quality "Healing Potion"] [Rare Quality "Erebus'' Cloak"] [Legendary Quality "The Princess Tear"] [Mythic Quality "Mythic Skill Book"] [Legendary Quality "Kratos'' Spear"] ... All the items looked useful, and Kisha and Duke exchanged a glance before turning their attention to examine each one carefully. Kisha was already familiar with the stamina booster, healing potion, and Speed Talisman, so she didn''t need to spend time on them. What truly excited them were the weapon, equipment, and the new skill Kisha had received. They decided to start by inspecting the ''Shakan Poison Dagger'' and its status window. [Shakan Poison Dagger] [Description: This dagger, once wielded by Chief Warrior Shakan, is coated with venom from the Black Kruvek, a massive snake known for its lethal poison. A single drop of its venom in a city''s water supply is said to be enough to kill millions. Grade: Rare Type: Dagger Strength: +45 Effects: *Paralyze: Has a chance to paralyze the opponent for a certain duration. *Bleed: The opponent loses 1% of health per second. *Poison: The opponent suffers instant death within 1 minute of the poison taking effect.] ... [Ice Bomb] [Description: A hand grenade infused with the breath of the Ice Dragon Cerus. When detonated, it creates an explosion with a 5-meter radius. Grade: Uncommon Type: Support Weapon Damage: +50 Effects: *Freeze: Freezes opponents within the blast radius, immobilizing them for a set period. *Ice Damage: Deals ice-based damage, particularly effective against opposing elements. *Blast: Causes Area of Effect (AOE) damage, dealing +50 damage to each opponent within a 5-meter radius.] ... [Erubus'' Cloak] [Description: A unique item belonging to the God of Darkness and Shadows, renowned for its power. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 1/11 Type: Armor Defense: +100 Effects: *Cloak of Darkness: Grants the wearer the ability to hide in shadows, undetectable even by sensory-type skills. *Deflect: Allows the wearer to deflect critical attacks that could pose a fatal threat. *??? *??? [More effects yet to be unlocked...]] ... [The Princess Tear] Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Description: A necklace said to contain the tear of a fallen archmage princess, embodying her hopes and dreams for future descendants to achieve world peace among races. Grade: Legendary Type: Accessory Stats: Mana: +500 Stamina: +100 Defense: +300 Mental Capacity: +500 Effects: *Debuff Immunity: Grants the wearer 100% immunity to any debuffs. *Sharing: Allows the wearer to borrow one skill from a specific person for a single use. (Cooldown: 2 hours)] ... [Mythic Skill Book] [Description: A rare skill book that grants a randomly selected mythic-level skill upon use. Grade: Mythic (Bound) Type: Consumable Item] ... [Krotos'' Spear] [Description: The legendary spear wielded by the God of War, Krotos, throughout his undefeated journey in battle. Grade: Legendary Unique Item: 1/15 Type: Weapon Skills & Effects: Skill: Stab: Allows the wielder to pierce defenses up to twice their offensive power, doubling the attack strength when using this skill. Effects: *Stun: Grants a chance to stun the opponent for a set duration. *Slow: Has a chance to slow the opponent''s movement for a limited time. *Pierce: Adds a critical strike to attacks, increasing the chance for devastating damage. *??? *??? [More effects yet to be unlocked...]] ... By the time they finished inspecting the last item, a considerable amount of time had passed. Kisha carefully shared the details of each item''s stats from her system with Duke. Even Duke, typically as composed and indifferent as Kisha, now wore an incredulous expression¡ªlike a kid excited about his Christmas gifts. He found the items incredibly appealing, unable to hide his enthusiasm. Duke was particularly captivated by the spear. The moment he grasped it, it felt perfectly balanced in his hand, as if it had always been a part of him. Holding it evoked a surreal sense of nostalgia, as if he were reconnecting with a long-lost companion. At that moment, Duke realized that Kratos'' Spear was made for him. He looked up and met Kisha''s curious and intrigued gaze as he held the spear. Her expression softened into a knowing smile, and she nodded in understanding. "You can have it," Kisha said softly, her smile widening. She could see that Duke had already grown attached to the spear, unable to put it down and almost as if he wanted to keep it by his side at all times. It was both endearingly cute and out of character to see Duke so captivated by something, and Kisha couldn''t help but find it charming. Kisha felt a surge of affection and a desire to indulge Duke, seeing how rare it was for him to be so attached to something. It was a unique moment, and she wanted to give him this pleasure, appreciating how special it was for him. When Kisha confirmed that he could keep the spear, Duke''s eyes widened in surprise at her willingness to part with such a legendary weapon so easily. His initial astonishment quickly melted into an affectionate, grateful smile. Duke understood that this was Kisha''s way of pampering him, and it made him even more elated. Clutching the spear tightly, he leaned in and gave Kisha a series of quick, affectionate kisses on her cheeks, the tip of her nose, her forehead, and finally her lips. Kisha felt a ticklish thrill from Duke''s sweet kisses and giggled along with his affectionate pecks. "Alright, alright, settle down," she said with a playful nudge, concerned that he might get carried away and end up being intertwined under the sheets. She still had one more item to check and needed to focus on. Kisha still wanted to find out which skill she would acquire from the mythic skill book bound to her, as it couldn''t be given to anyone else. Given its potential usefulness, she decided it was better to check it sooner rather than later. Duke understood what Kisha was up to, so he resisted the urge to draw her into a more intimate moment, even though he really wanted to. Besides, he was too thrilled with the gift she had given him, making it easy to focus his attention elsewhere. Kisha picked up the Mythic Skill Book, and the system immediately prompted her, asking if she wished to use it. [Do you wish to use Mythic Skill Book?] [Yes] or [No] Without hesitation, Kisha clicked ''Yes.'' Duke, sensing it was a more personal moment, stepped back to give her some privacy. He occupied himself by getting acquainted with his new spear, allowing Kisha to focus on discovering the skill she would unlock. Chapter 324 Achievement Shop 4 As soon as Kisha clicked ''Yes,'' the skill book blazed with a brilliant light before opening its pages. A moment later, the system interface materialized in front of her, and the skill book vanished. The skill she had acquired then appeared on the system interface, displayed clearly for her to see. [Active Skill: Rainbow Cube] [Description: Creates a separate, customizable space that can trap anything inside. The size of the cube depends on the user''s mana. Consumes mana to generate the space. Grade: EX] Kisha''s excitement to see her new skill quickly turned to puzzlement. The description was vague, leaving her unsure about its full potential. She wondered, Is this all there is to it? The skill seemed to offer only a basic function of trapping anything inside, but she had hoped for a more detailed explanation. She questioned whether the skill''s simplicity was truly all it entailed or if there was more to discover. Kisha was taken aback by the skill''s simplistic explanation and the unusual "Grade: EX" classification. She had never encountered a rating beyond "SSS" before and wondered if this was a new tier or simply an anomaly. The skill''s vague description left her with more questions than answers. She felt a strong urge to experiment with it to understand its full capabilities. Fortunately, this skill didn''t have a cooldown period, possibly because it relied on mana rather than spiritual energy like her other abilities. Despite finding the skill a bit troublesome, Kisha remembered an accessory that could help. Excitedly, she retrieved ''The Princess Tear'' necklace from her inventory, put it on, and checked her new status window. She speculated that, similar to how she had gained a new stat for ''Luck,'' mana would now be a key stat for her as well. [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 88 (+15) Stamina: 188 (+100) Defense: 388 (+300) Agility: 88 (+15) Mental Capacity: 528 (+500) Charm: 88 Leadership: 128 Luck: 40 Mana: 500 (+500) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 0, Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... Kisha''s excitement grew as she saw her mental capacity reach 500 and her stamina surpass 100. These improvements meant she could now use her Telekinesis to control larger and heavier objects with greater ease. Her enhanced stamina would also help her endure longer periods of activity without tiring quickly. However, with her mental capacity significantly increased, the main challenge remaining was managing her spiritual energy. Although her mental capacity had reached an unprecedented level, it didn''t automatically increase her spiritual energy. The boost in mental capacity allowed her to control heavier objects more easily, but maintaining control over such objects for extended periods would still require a correspondingly high level of spiritual energy. Her next goal was to find an item or method to increase her spiritual energy as well. Although her spiritual energy wasn''t displayed in her status window, she could monitor it during battles when both her health and spiritual energy were visible. This would help her keep track of how much spiritual energy she was using. As she was absorbed in thinking about how to balance her stats to ensure her skill''s effective execution, she suddenly felt a surge of energy overwhelm her. It was as if an invisible force was tightening around her heart, causing a gripping sensation. ''Thud'' She could hear her heartbeat pounding loudly, and her entire body began to tremble, drawing Duke''s attention. Kisha clutched her chest tightly, beads of sweat forming on her forehead as her face turned pale. Duke, visibly alarmed, urgently asked her what was happening, his concern growing with each passing moment. "Kisha?! What''s wrong? What''s happening to you?!" Duke threw a flurry of questions at her, his voice edged with panic. When he received no response, his worry intensified, and he quickly dropped his newly prized spear, his focus entirely on Kisha''s distress. "Ugh!" Kisha grunted as she coughed up a mouthful of blood. Seeing this, Duke''s eyes widened with panic, and his gaze darted around desperately for a solution. His face reddened with fear as he considered carrying Kisha to the medical facility or helping her rest. But Kisha, clutching the bedsheet beside her with a vice-like grip, refused to let go. In his frantic state, Duke was like a headless chicken, his mind a blank as a deafening buzz filled his head. Struggling to pull himself together, he felt helpless and overwhelmed. All he could manage to do was soothingly rub Kisha''s back, trying to offer some comfort. At that moment, he felt utterly useless. Kisha knew that her life might be in danger because of the surge of energy assaulting her heart, it felt familiar but at the same time foreign to her, it felt kind of similar to the spiritual energy flowing in her brain but at the same time a completely different power, so she surmised this is what they called ''Mana''. She could feel the two different powers clashing inside her, now, not only her heart was killing her but also her brain was throbbing really harshly that she felt like it would explode anytime soon, not that her heart was doing any better. "Ack!" Kisha coughed another mouthful of blood and it became harder for her to breathe but she didn''t want to give up and tried to guide the powers back to flow in their respective sides, her spiritual energy to her brain and her mana to her heart but doing it is not making any difference. It felt like opposing powers trying to invade each other''s territory and whenever they met in some conjecture or path in her body, they would clash. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Veins began to bulge alarmingly on her forehead, neck, and other parts of her body, creating a frightening sight. Her jaw was clenched tightly as she fought to avoid biting her tongue in the midst of the searing pain. She felt as though her veins might burst at any moment, threatening to release blood from her body due to the relentless clash of energies within her. Kisha hadn''t anticipated such a violent reaction, especially after wearing the necklace. The problem likely stemmed from the fact that the mana now coursing through her body was more abundant than her spiritual energy, which was only around 300. This imbalance was causing the two types of energy¡ªeach with its own distinct flow and nature¡ªto clash rather than blend harmoniously. The disparity between them created a disruptive force, preventing a smooth integration of mana and spiritual energy. Kisha felt her vision fading to black, a clear sign that her body was on the brink of collapse. Desperately, she tried to remove the necklace, hoping to set it aside until she could find a way to balance the two energies or come up with a viable solution. However, no matter how hard she tried, the necklace refused to come off. Seeing her struggle, Duke rushed to her side, trying to help remove the necklace, but despite their combined efforts, it remained firmly in place. In a moment of desperation, Kisha''s mind raced to find a solution. Then, it hit her¡ªthe Achievement Shop she had recently accessed. Without hesitation, she opened it, hoping it might offer a remedy or a way to resolve the crisis she was facing. Chapter 325 Achievement Shop 5 [Achievement Shop] [Current Achievement Points:3000] [Weapons] [Armors] [Accessory] [Skills] [Blueprint] [Servants] [Pet] ... Kisha glanced at the array of options available, but she couldn''t muster the strength to explore them. Her vision was blurring more with each passing second, and she was barely managing to stay upright, relying solely on her sheer willpower to keep from collapsing. Duke''s eyes widened in horror as he saw blood seeping from Kisha''s body. A vein in her hand burst visibly, spraying blood like a small fountain before it gushed out uncontrollably. His already frantic state intensified as he desperately tried to apply pressure to the wound. Despite his efforts, he could only cover so much with his two hands, and the blood continued to flow relentlessly. He considered asking Kisha to take the vial of blue liquid to heal herself, but even though Kisha had thought of that too, it wouldn''t address the root of the problem. Without resolving the underlying issue, her veins would continue to burst, and blood would keep spraying out like a fountain. It would be akin to applying a bandage to a massive stab wound¡ªonly a temporary fix that wouldn''t stop the ongoing damage. Cough* Cough* Kisha coughed violently again, her entire body feeling like it was on fire. Despite the pain, she managed to sit cross-legged on the floor and gave a slight, pained gesture to Duke, indicating that he should move back a little. Duke, though reluctant and filled with concern, complied and took a hesitant step back. Kisha, feeling the urgency of her situation, hurriedly assessed the Achievement Shop to determine where to begin her search. With her time running out, she instinctively reached for the necklace that had caused her so much trouble. She quickly navigated to the ''Accessory Tab,'' hoping to find something that could help balance her energies. Fortunately, a search bar at the top of the tab provided a beacon of hope; she could now enter specific keywords to narrow down her options. She knew she needed a solution fast, so she focused her thoughts and began typing using her mind, hoping to find an item that could stabilize her condition before it was too late. Kisha quickly focused her mind and typed "Spiritual Energy Amplification" into the search bar. Within moments, a wide array of accessories materialized before her eyes. The results ranged from simple necklaces and bracelets to intricate rings, each item varying in rarity from Rare to Mythical. To her astonishment, she also encountered items classified as Divine, Cursed, and even God-level accessories, categories she had never seen before. The sheer range of options was overwhelming, but amidst the dazzling array of potential solutions, Kisha''s determination to find something that could immediately help her stabilize her two clashing energies. She needed to find the right item quickly, and she knew that exploring these categories could be crucial to resolving her dire situation. The sheer amount of Achievement Points required to purchase these items was staggering, often reaching into the hundreds of thousands. While none of the items demanded a full million points, the sight of such exorbitant prices felt like a cruel joke in her current predicament. Each point was earned through significant effort and accomplishment, making the cost of these items seem even more daunting. It was clear that accumulating enough points for these high-tier accessories was far more challenging than earning system points, which only added to her mounting frustration. The disparity in difficulty between acquiring Achievement Points and System Points underscored just how elusive and precious these powerful items truly were. The contrast between the ''Mall Points Shop'' and the ''Achievement Shop'' was stark. While the Mall Points Shop often offered items through chance and occasionally required special sales channels, such as 008''s, to access better goods, the Achievement Shop was a different beast entirely. It was a treasure trove of rare and powerful artifacts that couldn''t be found in the Mall Points Shop. In essence, the Achievement Shop was home to items of a caliber far beyond the ordinary¡ªeverything available was nothing short of extraordinary. It provided access to artifacts that were not just rare but often legendary, reserved for those who achieved exceptional feats. The sheer exclusivity and quality of items in the Achievement Shop underscored its status as the ultimate destination for unparalleled treasures. Through her increasingly blurry vision, Kisha managed to spot a jade earring among the myriad of options displayed before her. Desperation lent her focus as she reached out with trembling fingers and clicked on the item. The jade earring, with its delicate, frost-like sheen, seemed to glow with an ethereal light, promising the very solution she desperately needed. As the item''s details loaded, Kisha''s heart raced with both hope and urgency, knowing that this could be her last chance to find relief and restore balance within her overwhelmed body. [Jade Earring] [Description: Crafted from a millennium-old imperial frost jade by the esteemed Mount Hua Weapon Master Sheng Lao, this exquisite earring is renowned for its ability to amplify Spiritual Energy and significantly enhance the wearer''s cultivation speed. Legends say that it accelerates spiritual growth up to ten times faster than usual. Grade: Rare Type: Accessory Stats: Spiritual Energy: +200 Effects: Replenish: Accelerates the wearer''s recovery of used spiritual energy by 20% faster than normal. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Energy Gatherer: Enhances the wearer''s ability to attract and absorb surrounding spiritual energy, allowing them to gather and utilize it ten times more efficiently than other cultivators.] ... [Buy for 1,500 Achievement Points?] [Yes] or [No] Kisha didn''t hesitate for a second and swiftly bought the Jade Earring. The accessory was stunning¡ªdelicately beautiful, resembling a teardrop about the size of a fingernail, with a mesmerizing frost-blue hue that gave it an appearance as though it had been sculpted from the purest ice. As she gazed at it through her hazy vision, she could almost feel the slight chill emanating from the earring, the cold qi swirling gently around it, reinforcing its otherworldly aura. Despite the pain ravaging her body, Kisha was entranced by the craftsmanship and the promise of power it held. Once the exchange was complete, Kisha''s hand trembled as she attempted to put the earring on. Every movement felt agonizing; her body, battered and exhausted from the relentless pain, barely responded. Her arms refused to cooperate, weighed down by fatigue and the constant clash of energies raging within her. Luckily, Duke was by her side. The moment he realized what Kisha was trying to do, he gently took the earring from her shaking palm, his own hands clammy with anxiety. His breath hitched as he carefully moved closer, guiding the delicate piece toward her earlobe. The coldness of the jade brushed against his fingertips, a stark contrast to the fiery heat radiating from Kisha''s fevered skin. His heart raced, every second feeling too slow, too fragile. He fumbled slightly, his nerves on edge, but he managed to fasten the earring in place. It was a small gesture, but the weight of it felt monumental. Both of them knew this simple act might be the lifeline Kisha desperately needed to survive. The moment Duke finished fastening both earrings, a wave of icy relief surged through Kisha''s body. The cool sensation spread from her earlobes, cascading down her neck and shoulders, flowing into every inch of her, like a soothing balm against the searing agony that had threatened to consume her moments before. It wasn''t just a surface-level chill¡ªit felt as though the frost-blue jade was calming the very core of her being, taming the chaotic storm of clashing energies inside her. Chapter 326 The Two Energies Her heart, which had been thundering uncontrollably, began to slow, and the throbbing in her brain eased as the icy energy coursed through her veins, pushing back the overwhelming heat. She could feel the cold qi from the earrings counterbalancing the raging mana and spiritual energy within her, forcing them into an uneasy harmony. Her breath, ragged and shallow, became steadier, and for the first time since the ordeal began, Kisha could feel a glimmer of control returning. The overwhelming pressure that had gripped her heart and mind started to lift, and though she wasn''t fully out of danger, there was a flicker of hope. The cold energy was her anchor, pulling her back from the brink. This time, Kisha finally had the chance to catch her breath. The chaotic storm within her body had subsided enough to give her a moment of reprieve, though she remained physically drained from the earlier clash of energy. Her limbs were still heavy with fatigue, and every movement felt like a struggle, but the unbearable pain that had gripped her was beginning to fade. Duke, who had been watching her intently, immediately noticed the shift in her expression. The tightness around her eyes and mouth softened, and her body, once tensed in agony, began to relax, though not completely. He let out a deep sigh of relief, the tension in his own shoulders easing as he saw her recover, at least in part. But despite this visible improvement, Duke stayed close by her side, refusing to let his guard down. His eyes never left Kisha, still wary of any sudden changes, as he kept vigil, ready to step in should she need him again. Kisha''s eyes remained closed as she fought to steady her breathing. Slowly, she cracked them open, her vision still slightly hazy but her determination unshaken. With a shaky hand, she reached into her inventory and retrieved a vial of blue liquid. Without wasting a second, she uncorked the vial and gulped it down in haste, the cool liquid rushing down her throat like a lifeline. The effect was almost immediate. As the elixir coursed through her system, the open wounds littering her body began to seal themselves shut, the torn flesh knitting together with supernatural speed. Her skin, once streaked with blood, cleared up, but the veins that had bulged ominously moments before remained visible¡ªthough far less threatening than before. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They no longer throbbed as if on the verge of bursting, but instead pulsed faintly, a reminder of the imbalance that had nearly consumed her. Although the worst had passed, Kisha still felt the strain. Her body was still weak, and the lingering tension from the mana and spiritual energy conflict weighed heavily on her. She wiped a bead of sweat from her brow and sat still, letting the healing potion do its work while she tried to regain her strength. Kisha carefully placed her trembling hands on the ground, steadying herself as she sat with her legs crossed. Her fingers dug into the cold surface beneath her, grounding her amidst the chaotic storm still raging inside her body. Though the immediate danger had passed, the clash between the two energies¡ªher spiritual energy and the newly introduced mana¡ªhad not ceased entirely. They no longer battled with the same violent intensity as before, but the struggle for dominance persisted, each force refusing to yield to the other. Kisha closed her eyes again, her breathing deep and controlled as she centered her mind. She knew that brute force alone would not solve this. Instead, she needed to focus, to feel both energies clearly, understand their nature, and somehow find a way to harmonize them within herself. It was as if her spiritual energy, long accustomed to flowing freely through her system, was rejecting the intrusion of mana, a foreign force it wasn''t prepared to coexist with. Bit by bit, she visualized the two opposing forces. The spiritual energy, a warm, familiar glow, hummed in her mind like an old friend. The mana, on the other hand, was cold, distant, and vast¡ªyet somehow ancient and powerful. She could sense its potential, but its coldness sent shivers through her core. It wasn''t hostile, but it wasn''t at peace either. Each time the two forces collided, Kisha felt a small shock ripple through her system, though nothing compared to the earlier agony. With slow, deliberate breaths, she attempted to guide the energies. Instead of forcing them apart, she tried something new¡ªurging them to flow side by side. She knew that if she could make them coexist, she might unlock a new level of power. However, the process wasn''t easy; every time the mana tried to settle, her spiritual energy would flare up in resistance, unwilling to share the space it had once claimed as its own. Despite the lingering pain, Kisha remained resolute. She couldn''t afford to let these two energies tear her apart. The battle for dominance raged on for what felt like an eternity, though no one could truly tell how much time had passed. The air in the room seemed to thicken with tension, the only sounds being Kisha''s labored breathing and the occasional crackle of energy within her. Duke remained steadfast at her side, unwavering in his silent vigil. His eyes never left her, his every sense attuned to the slightest shift in her condition. Though his heart raced with worry, he kept his hands steady, ready to intervene if things took a turn for the worse. Duke knew that Kisha was locked in a fierce internal struggle. Her body, though still and unmoving on the outside, was undergoing a transformation he could only begin to imagine. He had no knowledge of the war waging within her, but he could feel the power swirling around her¡ªa strange, untamed force clashing violently with what he assumed was her familiar spiritual energy. She was trying to harness something new, something dangerous, and yet Duke understood instinctively that this was a pivotal moment for her. She was on the cusp of claiming a new power, but the process was perilous. He glanced at the faint sheen of cold sweat that still clung to her forehead, her muscles tense despite the calm fa?ade she was trying to project. Her body remained in place, locked in that meditative stance, but he knew she was vulnerable. If anyone were to attack now, it could be catastrophic. Duke reached out to get his spear in his grasp. Duke''s grip tightened on his spear, his senses sharpening as he kept watch over her, determined to protect her from any external threats while she fought the battle within. The room felt charged with energy, a hum of power hanging in the air that made the hairs on Duke''s arms stand on end. He could sense how far away Kisha''s mind was, completely absorbed in the depths of her own consciousness as she worked to bring balance to the chaotic forces inside her. She wasn''t aware of her surroundings¡ªof him, of the room, of the dangers that still lurked in their world. Yet Duke remained vigilant, fully aware that any interruption¡ªwhether from an external enemy or from the unpredictable energy inside her¡ªcould unravel everything she was trying to achieve. His gaze flickered over the door, scanning the shadows for any sign of movement, every muscle in his body coiled with readiness. He didn''t know how long this would last, but he wasn''t going to leave her side until she emerged from this, no matter how long it took. Chapter 327 Energies Under Control Though he was powerless to help her with the internal battle, Duke''s presence alone was a silent promise of protection. He was prepared to face any threat, no matter how great, to ensure that when Kisha finally emerged from this grueling struggle, she would do so with her newfound power fully realized. When Kisha finally came to her senses, the first thing she noticed was the soft, golden light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. The once suffocating tension had lifted, replaced by a serene quiet that seemed to envelop everything. She blinked, her vision slowly adjusting to the gentle morning light, and for a moment, she simply lay there, trying to gather her scattered thoughts. The faint murmur of voices drifted in from outside, just barely audible through the window. It sounded peaceful, normal, almost mundane¡ªsuch a stark contrast to the chaos that had ravaged her body only hours ago. A cool breeze slipped through a small gap in the window, brushing lightly against her skin like a soothing balm, reminding her that she was still grounded in the real world, still alive. Her muscles ached, and every inch of her body felt like it had been through a storm, but the unbearable pain that had gripped her before was gone. In its place was a strange, deep calm, as though the two energies inside her had finally settled¡ªreluctant allies in an uneasy truce. She exhaled slowly, feeling the tension drain from her limbs as her breathing returned to normal. Kisha''s gaze swept across the room, taking in her surroundings with a newfound clarity. Her eyes finally landed on Duke, seated nearby, his entire being radiating both relief and exhaustion. His rigid posture betrayed the intensity of the night, his broad shoulders tense, as if holding the weight of the world. His eyes¡ªred-rimmed and glassy¡ªwere filled with an overwhelming mix of worry and fatigue. The deep crimson veins crisscrossing the whites of his eyes told her everything: he hadn''t slept, not even for a moment. He had been watching over her, relentless and unwavering, every second filled with anxious vigilance. The way his chest rose and fell in ragged breaths signaled just how close he''d come to breaking down, yet his gaze never faltered, locked onto her with such intensity it almost hurt to see. When their eyes finally met, Duke''s lips parted, and he let out a long, trembling sigh of relief, as if he''d been holding his breath all night. She could see the faint glimmer of unshed tears, his emotional restraint barely holding. For a moment, his composure cracked, and Kisha could see just how much he''d suffered watching her fight this internal battle. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The exhaustion etched into his face wasn''t just physical; it was emotional, the toll of seeing someone he cared for teetering on the edge. "You''re... okay," he whispered, his voice hoarse from the sleepless hours, the relief in those two words almost palpable. Kisha''s heart clenched as she realized how long she must have been out of it. Duke''s weary state only confirmed what she feared¡ªthis wasn''t a brief struggle. It had taken hours, possibly the entire night, for her to finally force the two battling energies within her to accept one another. What had once been a violent clash between spiritual energy and mana was now something entirely new. She could feel it coursing through her veins¡ªcalm, steady, and unified. A fusion of the two, stronger and more stable than anything she''d felt before. Her body, though still weak, felt lighter. The heat of the earlier battle had cooled, leaving a strange, serene energy in its place. She had done it. Somehow, in the chaos and desperation, she had survived the turmoil and emerged with something greater. A new power. But as she looked at Duke, she realized the price they had both paid. The hours of tension, of waiting for a miracle, had drained him as much as they had her. He had stayed, protecting her in her most vulnerable state, and now she could see the toll it had taken on him. "You didn''t rest," she said softly, her voice barely a whisper. It wasn''t a question¡ªit was a statement of fact, and Duke simply shook his head in response, his lips quirking into a small, tired smile. "I couldn''t," he replied, his voice raw with emotion. "Not while you were like that." At that moment, Kisha knew she owed him more than just her thanks. He had been her anchor through the storm, and now, despite his exhaustion, he was still here¡ªwatching over her with that same fierce intensity, as though nothing else in the world mattered more than her well-being. Kisha moved closer to Duke, her heart heavy with gratitude and guilt. Without a word, she gently draped her arms around his neck, pulling him into an embrace that spoke of comfort and solace. She guided his head to rest on her shoulder, her fingers instinctively moving to stroke his hair in soft, calming motions. The tension in Duke''s body slowly began to unravel, his ragged, uneven breathing gradually settling into a calmer rhythm. For the first time since the ordeal began, he allowed himself to relax, leaning into her touch. His guard was finally down, and the exhaustion he''d fought so hard to suppress finally took hold. Kisha could feel just how worn out he was, every inch of him heavy with fatigue. The strain of staying alert and ready to act for hours on end had clearly drained him, yet he hadn''t faltered¡ªnot for a second. Her fingers continued to gently run through his hair, each stroke meant to reassure him, to let him know he wasn''t alone in this. The softness of his breathing against her neck was a stark reminder of the depth of his care, of how fiercely he had stood by her side, no matter how dire the situation had been. Kisha''s chest tightened with a flood of emotions. On one hand, she felt a deep pang of guilt. Duke had pushed himself to his absolute limit, and it was because of her. The thought of him sitting there all night, battling his own fears while she fought within herself, made her heart ache. Yet, there was another emotion bubbling just beneath the surface¡ªsomething warmer, something that made her feel safe and cherished. Duke had stayed. He had watched over her, protected her, and even now, after everything, he was still here. His presence was like a beacon of strength, and knowing that he cared for her so deeply filled her with an indescribable warmth. Despite the chaos and the danger, there was a quiet happiness blooming inside her¡ªbecause Duke treasured her, in ways she hadn''t fully realized until now. As she continued to hold him, Kisha whispered softly, "Thank you, Duke." The words were simple, but they carried the weight of everything she felt in that moment. Gratitude, affection, and an unspoken promise that she would never take his loyalty for granted. Duke didn''t respond with words. He didn''t need to. The way he relaxed further into her embrace, his arms finally wrapping around her in return, said more than words ever could. Soon after, Duke fell asleep, slumped awkwardly on the floor with his head resting against Kisha''s shoulder. His posture was far from comfortable, but the exhaustion had clearly taken its toll. Despite his unusual position, he appeared to be deeply asleep, his breathing steady and slow. Chapter 328 The Misunderstanding Kisha, however, was a stark contrast. While Duke had succumbed to fatigue, she felt an unusual surge of energy. She had spent the last few hours meticulously focusing on controlling the two conflicting energies within her body. Through her meditation, she had achieved a state of profound relaxation, both physically and mentally. For her, this deep meditative state was as restorative as sleep, allowing her body and mind to rejuvenate despite her active efforts. Once Kisha sensed that Duke had fallen into a deep sleep, she carefully utilized her telekinesis to lift him gently from his awkward position on the floor. With utmost precision, she floated him over to the bed, ensuring his movement was smooth and untroubled. Duke remained perfectly still, his sleep undisturbed by the transition. As Kisha settled him onto the bed, a comforting warmth seemed to envelop Duke, akin to a tender embrace from her. This soothing sensation spread through his body, enhancing his sense of relaxation. The gentle comfort of the bed and the warmth surrounding him made Duke''s slumber even deeper and more peaceful, allowing him to sink further into restful tranquility. After carefully settling Duke onto the bed, Kisha tenderly tucked him in, making sure he was comfortable and secure. She gazed at him with a look of deep affection, her eyes soft and filled with love. As she watched him sleep peacefully, she marveled at how deeply she had fallen for him. The realization struck her with a gentle surprise¡ªDuke seemed to embody everything she had ever wished for, and in that moment, he appeared utterly perfect for her. Minutes later, Kisha reluctantly rose from the edge of the bed, her gaze lingering on Duke''s serene form. She had other tasks awaiting her, but before moving on, she took a moment to look at her palm with a broad smile. Reflecting on the ease with which she had used her telekinesis to lift Duke earlier, she was pleasantly surprised by how effortless it had become. The strain she once felt when employing her awakened ability seemed to have diminished significantly, a testament to her growing mastery and control. Kisha felt an effortless flow in her telekinesis, as if wielding her ability had become second nature. To test her newfound control, she closed her eyes and stretched her power outward, letting her telekinesis reach into the space around her. Instantly, she could feel every object, from the smallest pebble to the furniture in the room. She sensed their shapes, textures, and positions with a clarity that surprised her. It was as though her mind had developed a heightened awareness of her environment, painting a vivid mental map without her needing to see anything directly. Kisha felt as though her vision now extended far beyond the reach of her eyes, as if her telekinesis had unlocked an entirely new dimension of awareness. It was an exhilarating sensation. She marveled at how easily she could sense and manipulate her surroundings with just a thought, seeing through her mind what her eyes couldn''t. Curious to explore this newfound depth of her power, she extended her telekinesis further, focusing on the room around her. With minimal effort, she lifted nearly every object in the space: the bed where Duke lay asleep, the bedside table, the lamp, the chair, the entire sofa set¡ªeverything hovered effortlessly. The items floated in perfect suspension, not a tremor or hesitation in her control. What amazed her even more was how natural it all felt. Despite lifting such a large number of objects, Kisha felt no strain on her mind¡ªno headache, no pressure, nothing. The sensation was so effortless that it almost seemed like the weight of the objects had become irrelevant, as though her telekinesis had evolved beyond physical limitations. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She could sense each item''s weight, texture, and position, yet it didn''t drain her in the slightest. The ease with which she manipulated the room made her wonder just how far she could push this ability now. A quiet thrill stirred within her, the realization settling in that she had tapped into something far greater than she had ever imagined. Taming the clashing energies inside her hadn''t just restored her balance¡ªit had unlocked an extraordinary new potential. Kisha turned around the room, taking a moment to admire her work. It was an awe-inspiring sight¡ªthe entire space suspended effortlessly by her power, yet it felt so natural, almost like an extension of herself. There was something profound about the experience, though she couldn''t quite pinpoint what it was. The sensation was new and exhilarating, leaving her both amazed and curious. After indulging in the moment for a few seconds longer, she let out a quiet breath and, with practiced ease, slowly began returning everything to its rightful place. The objects descended gracefully¡ªthe bed, the lamp, the furniture¡ªall landing softly without a sound. Even Duke, who had been floating peacefully in the air, was gently lowered back onto the bed, still fast asleep. As the excitement settled, Kisha smiled to herself. Reaching into her inventory, she pulled out a sticky note and began writing, her earlier energy replaced with a quiet satisfaction. "I''m off to work now. You should rest a bit longer and don''t forget to eat the food I made for you. I''ll leave it on the coffee table. Muah." Kisha made sure to add a playful ''muah'' emoji at the end of her note, knowing it would bring a smile to Duke''s face when he woke up. After finishing the note, Kisha didn''t linger and quickly headed downstairs to prepare breakfast for Duke. As she reached the bottom of the stairs and glanced around, she noticed everyone already sitting down, enjoying their morning meal. She gave them a warm nod, her smile radiant. It was clear to everyone that she was in an exceptionally good mood, practically glowing with energy. Everyone exchanged knowing glances before the Patriarch burst into a hearty laugh, shoveling his breakfast down with gusto. ''Looks like my grandson did a fine job last night and is still out for the count,'' he mused, his thoughts mirroring the sentiments of the others around the table. Unaware of the thoughts running through everyone''s minds, Kisha headed straight to the kitchen. She prepared a simple egg and tuna sandwich for Duke as a small gesture of appreciation for staying by her side all night. To complete the meal, she also made a light salad and brewed a fresh cup of coffee for him. Once she finished making the sandwich, Kisha carefully wrapped it in wax paper. She ensured the vegetables in the salad were completely dry before placing them in a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap, and separating the dressing into a small ceramic sauce jug. Since she wasn''t sure when Duke would wake up, she poured the freshly brewed coffee into a small thermos. Finally, she added another sticky note: ''This is your coffee. Don''t forget to shake it a little before pouring.'' Once she finished, Kisha carefully arranged everything on a tray and headed upstairs. Everyone watched with amused smiles, as if they were witnessing a young couple deeply in love. Kisha, unfazed by their reactions, made her way to their room. She set the breakfast on the coffee table before stepping out. Back in the kitchen, she retrieved a strawberry doughnut from her inventory and began to munch on it, all the while gazing thoughtfully at her status window. Chapter 329 The New Normal After Kisha finished admiring her status window and the significant boost in her stats, she took a moment to savor a glass of milk. Now, with her stomach full, she set out for the square where the warriors were already assembled. Aston, Sparrow, Vulture, and the rest were waiting on the front porch, ready to accompany her. Their mission was clearly on everyone''s minds, and Kisha''s leadership was crucial for the next steps. As they gathered, the anticipation was palpable. Kisha, still focused on her objectives, was unaware of the murmur of speculation among her team about Duke''s absence. She led them with purpose, eager to begin the task ahead. They scanned the area but found no sign of Duke. Given their familiarity with his recent exhaustion, they quickly concluded that he must have been too fatigued to make an appearance. This explanation was well understood among them, so they chose to remain quiet and proceeded to follow Kisha without any further comment. Each of them had their own assumptions about what the mission might entail. This was their first mission since taking over the base, and excitement was palpable among the group. Sparrow and Vulture, in particular, were eager. They had grown accustomed to the rigorous training and were itching for the exhilarating sense of purpose that came from real combat. They yearned to experience the thrill of fighting outside against zombies, relishing the growth and development they felt in every life-and-death battle. Now that Kisha had mentioned a mission, a tremor of anticipation ran through them. Despite their previous experiences in battles¡ªwhether in territorial disputes, drug wars, or other dangerous missions¡ªthey often felt morally conflicted, as their opponents were still human. However, this mission promised a different kind of conflict. They were about to face monsters, not people. The removal of this moral burden was liberating, allowing them to focus purely on the task at hand without the weight of ethical concerns. They could fully unleash their bloodlust and grow exponentially stronger, a process they had eagerly anticipated. This was their sole purpose, their raison d''¨ºtre. Duke had nurtured and trained them to become elite warriors, and in this world of combat, they felt a profound sense of belonging, as if it had been tailor-made for them. In contrast, Aston was an exception among Duke''s ranks. A soldier by trade even before the apocalypse, his mission was to save and protect civilians. His focus remained on preserving life rather than indulging in the violence that drove his comrades. Although Aston was skilled and capable, he remained constrained by his intrinsic values. Unlike Duke''s warriors, who thrived in their primal environment and reveled in their brutality, Aston felt a sense of dread rather than anticipation. For him, the impending mission was a stark reminder that it could result in injury or death among their ranks. His focus was on the potential harm that could befall his comrades, rather than the thrill of combat. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As they approached the square, each absorbed in their own thoughts, they found the warriors engaged in a lively debate. The air was thick with speculation about the purpose of their summons and the nature of the upcoming mission. While rumors had been circulating, nothing had been confirmed, leading to a palpable sense of nervous anticipation among the group. Over the past few days of training under Duke''s guidance, the team had not only honed their physical strength and reflexes but also learned group and pair formations designed for real combat scenarios. However, despite their intense efforts, the rapid pace of their training meant that their muscles were still adapting and their skills remained underdeveloped. This left many of them feeling apprehensive and intimidated by the prospect of their first mission. Kisha, however, saw things differently. She believed that the lack of experience was precisely why they needed to be thrust into the field. For her, real combat was the only way they would truly learn to fight and protect themselves. There was no time to wait for them to become fully accustomed to killing zombies or engaging in battle; she needed her warriors to develop the courage and resilience to fight, even when the odds were stacked against them. That''s why she kept the specifics of the mission a secret, only informing them that a mission was scheduled. While part of her intention was to instill a sense of nervousness for their first outing, she also wanted to underline the unpredictable nature of their world. Just as zombie breaches and dangers could strike at any moment, so too could missions arise unexpectedly. This approach was meant to sharpen their awareness and readiness for any eventuality. By maintaining an air of uncertainty, Kisha aimed to ensure that even under intense pressure, her team would remain perpetually alert. She wanted them to understand that being prepared at all times was crucial, regardless of the situation. Experiencing feelings of nervousness, dread, and fear was part of this readiness. With their base situated in the heart of a city teeming with zombies, complacency was not an option. If she had to be the bad guy to instill this necessary vigilance, she was prepared to do so, reinforcing the importance of constant preparedness and awareness. Especially now that their lives have started to stabilize¡ªno longer needing to worry about food or shelter¡ªpeople have begun to feel like things are returning to normal. However, this sense of normalcy is misleading. Their minds are blocking out the ever-present danger lurking just outside, and they''re deluding themselves into thinking they''re back to the peaceful lives they once knew. However, if Kisha were to shatter that delusion, people might become angry and apprehensive about her leadership. Yet, they would also come to understand what true safety means. True safety can only be achieved through constant vigilance and preparedness, with everyone ready to protect their home at all times. This also meant that her soldiers needed to be ready to fight at all times. After all, wasn''t that why she had distributed the Scarlet Honey to the warriors even before they awakened? She wanted them to understand that every action they took was aimed at protecting their new home and ensuring their new normal remained secure. Now that Kisha had stirred the hornet''s nest, all that remained was to initiate the operation. Standing on the stage with the core members around her, Kisha surveyed the anxious faces of the warriors below. As Kisha surveyed the crowd, she began, "Hello everyone. I trust you had a good rest last night and that you''ve gained valuable insights from your training with the Vice City Lord." A devilish smirk played on her lips as she observed the warriors below, watching them gulp nervously as apprehension took hold of them. "It''s time for all of you to put what you''ve learned into action." Her voice boomed, echoing through the tense silence. The warriors'' faces turned pale with fear, realizing what Kisha''s words implied. It wasn''t just a few of them who would be sent out¡ªshe meant every single one of them gathered in the square, without exception. Although Kisha didn''t want their base to become a militarized stronghold like it had been in her previous life, she was determined not to have her people become weak or prone to fleeing in fear. Such weakness could spell disaster for their survival and the security of the base. Chapter 330 Mission Discussion Before anyone could gather their thoughts to protest, Kisha spoke again. "Yes, it''s dangerous out there," she acknowledged, her tone firm, "but my team and I will be right beside you, fighting alongside you. This isn''t just about me or my team. All of you are now my people, my responsibility. But that doesn''t mean I can carry all the burdens or shield you from every threat. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. You need the strength to protect yourselves and those you care about. I won''t always be here to protect you, and neither will my team." "See this as an opportunity to grow stronger," Kisha commanded, her voice resolute. "Get familiar with the movements and patterns of the zombie hordes. You''ll soon realize they''re not as terrifying once you''ve taken one down. It only takes one kill to conquer your fear¡ªjust one to regain control." Her overbearing presence silenced the crowd, the weight of her words settling in. They understood the hard truth in what she was saying and the logic behind it. But fear isn''t something that can be easily dismissed just because someone says so. For many of them, it wasn''t just a simple emotion to overcome¡ªit was a deeply rooted nightmare, a constant source of dread, fed by the unknown and the horrors they had already faced. The uncertainty of what lay ahead only intensified that fear, making it hard for them to believe they could truly conquer it. Kisha understood this all too well, but backing down wasn''t an option. No matter what she did, even with the help of the system, she knew she couldn''t handle everything on her own. The looming uncertainty of what would happen in just 15 days weighed heavily on her mind¡ªtime was running out. That''s why she was on edge, seeing this as a "now or never" situation. She had no choice but to push these people to their limits, to whip them into shape. If she didn''t, they would all be in deep shit. "Alright, I know many of you are scared, especially after everything you''ve been through," Kisha began, her tone steady yet firm. "The first step is always the hardest¡ªremember that. But we''re doing this for our families, for the people we care about." She paused, trying to project empathy she didn''t truly feel in her heart but understood was necessary for them to hear. "My team and I will be leading this mission, and we''ll be right there alongside you." After playing the empathy card, Kisha shifted to the real purpose of the gathering. "Now, let''s talk about the mission ahead." She took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "I''m sure you''re all well aware of the devastation a zombie raid can bring. You''ve seen it, lived it. And you''ve probably also noticed that the wall we''ve built around the base isn''t exactly as sturdy or reliable as we''d like. If we leave it as it is, the chances of another breach only get higher." Her voice carried a weight of urgency, making it clear this wasn''t just another drill. "And this would be disastrous for the non-combatants in the base." As soon as she said this, murmurs spread through the square. People began discussing the events of the second blood rain when the zombie horde breached the wall, leading to many casualties¡ªan event still vivid in their memories. "Alright, quiet down," Kisha''s voice boomed with authority, cutting through the noise and swiftly silencing the crowd. "And to prevent another disaster, we need to strengthen our walls. How do we do that?" Kisha''s eyes scanned the crowd before continuing. "First, our ''Advance Party Captain'' Sparrow, along with Rose, Fred, and Clyde''s team, will head east toward the port city. There, they''ll secure more cargo trailers, which we''ll use as the foundation for reinforcing our walls." "And before any of you jump to conclusions, thinking that simply adding cargo trailers won''t make a difference, hold your horses and wait to see how we''re going to do it," Kisha said, her voice firm but confident. "Vulture and I will be leading the rebuilding and expansion of the wall." As she spoke, Kisha noticed the dawning realization in the warriors'' eyes, their expressions shifting from confusion to shock, eyes widening, jaws practically hitting the ground as they finally understood the scale of what she was proposing. "Yes, we are going to expand the base," Kisha declared, her tone leaving no room for debate. "I know for certain that more survivors are on their way, and our population is only going to keep growing. So instead of expanding later and adding more work, we should tackle it all at once, maximizing our efforts now." She paused, scanning the crowd, fully aware that some might be skeptical of such a large-scale mission. But Kisha had no intention of letting anyone talk her down. Almost all the warriors would be deployed, leaving only Bald Eagle''s ''City Patrol'' and Aston''s soldiers to guard the base while the mission was underway. Aside from the combatants assigned to maintain safety and order inside the base, all other warriors, whether superhumans or not, will be deployed for this mission. Their assistance is crucial. Moreover, Kisha isn''t just focusing on the wall; she''s aiming to accomplish multiple objectives with this large-scale operation. By involving everyone, she plans to tackle not only the immediate needs of the base but also to complete several of her system missions simultaneously. Having communicated her objectives clearly, Kisha signaled for Sparrow, Rose, Fred, and Clyde to assemble their teams and head to the right side. Meanwhile, Vulture and his team, including the newly assigned members Kisha had selected for this mission, were directed to the left. Sparrow, too, had a contingent of newly awakened superhumans assigned to him, including the five ''Space Type'' ability users and Evelyn, whose ''Metal'' abilities would significantly bolster his team''s defense. Kisha allowed Sparrow and the others to address their respective teams, boosting morale with their words and encouragement. As the leaders spoke and rallied the frightened warriors, Kisha descended from the stage. She then guided the five ''Space Type Ability Users'' toward the Supply Center, preparing for the crucial steps ahead. The five ''Space Type Ability Users'' walked in tight formation behind Kisha, their movements precise and disciplined. They were well aware of her expectations, understanding their abilities and limitations. Upon reaching the Supply Center, Kisha guided them through its depths to the rear of the building. There, among stacks of supplies that couldn''t be displayed due to overcrowding at the front of the supple center where people went to exchange their points, she led them to the area where essential items were stored out of sight. The lack of a proper warehouse meant that much of the inventory had to be kept in less accessible spaces. "Alright, I understand that you''re feeling nervous and scared, but trust Sparrow and the other leaders¡ªthey will ensure your safety. Your job is to follow their instructions closely so they can focus on the battle without distraction. Understand?" Kisha emphasized the importance of their role in the mission, making it clear that their cooperation was vital for its success. The five nodded vigorously, their expressions resolute, to reassure Kisha that they fully understood their roles and that she needn''t worry about their commitment. Chapter 331 Softer Seeing their determined nods, Kisha let out a relieved sigh and gestured toward the supplies stacked around them. "These are the supplies designated for the team heading to the Port City with you. Make sure you use them wisely." Kisha continued, "With all five of you working together, you can use your ''Space Type Abilities'' to store these supplies efficiently. Make sure to divide them evenly among yourselves so that you can be easily redistributed to the other teams if necessary. This way, everyone will be prepared and won''t have to worry about running out of supplies in critical situations." She added, "I may not be able to foresee every possible issue that might arise, but I trust Sparrow''s leadership and experience to guide you through any uncertainty." Especially since Sparrow has spent considerable time under Kisha''s leadership during their missions outside the base, he has likely become accustomed to her methods. Even if he doesn''t follow her exact approach, he has his own strategies that have consistently delivered outstanding results. This track record reassures Kisha, easing her concern about not accompanying them. Besides, the route to the port city is less challenging than Duke''s mission to the textile factory, as there are safer paths available. Aston had already helped her map out the route, the same one he and his team used to retrieve cargo trailers that now form part of the base''s perimeter. It was either sheer luck or good timing that, during the apocalypse, they had a mission in Port City and were driving a few cargo trailers. These trailers became instrumental in kickstarting their plan. They managed to make several trips back and forth, allowing them to establish the base with enough space to accommodate everyone. Kisha had also taken into account any potential changes along the route, which is why she emphasized the need for everyone to stay vigilant. After giving the five more reminders for when they were outside, she sent them back to the Supply Center. She remained at the rear for a few moments, then summoned Zeus, Bell, and Bell''s hundreds of Scarlet Bee warriors. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ensuring that all the bees shrunk to a manageable size so they could accompany Sparrow and his team, she sighed when she saw Zeus. Its size was still attention-grabbing, but there wasn''t much she could do about that. Kisha was determined to ensure that Sparrow and his team''s mission would be a success. This was their first major mission since establishing HOPE BASE, and its outcome would set the tone for the future. If Sparrow and his team could complete it with minimal casualties, the survivors would gain confidence in Kisha''s leadership. However, if the mission ended in failure or, worse, a massacre, not only would she lose the people''s trust, but no one would want to follow her anymore. This could lead to chaos and rebellion within the base, jeopardizing her mission entirely. In the end, it all came down to a political move she couldn''t avoid. The moment she became the City Lord of HOPE BASE, dealing with these issues became inevitable. Winning the people''s trust and loyalty was now part of her responsibility, and capturing their hearts was as crucial as any other task she faced. With a heavy sigh, Kisha stepped out from the back of the supply center to rejoin the five ''Space Type Ability Users.'' The moment they spotted the hulking, bear-like figure trailing behind her, they froze, a mix of shock and fear flashing across their faces. Zeus, despite its playful demeanor¡ªtongue out and drooling¡ªstill cut an imposing and intimidating figure, looking scarily domineering even when simply standing there. Kisha noticed their pale faces and could only offer a wry smile. "Haha, don''t worry, this is my pet, Zeus. I know it looks intimidating, but it''s very docile and an excellent protector. Zeus will serve as your personal bodyguard during the mission. However, if you need to split up depending on the situation, there will still be others to protect you, so stay calm, but don''t get complacent," she said. Even though she didn''t want to sound nagging, she made sure to emphasize her point, knowing it might sound repetitive to them. "Bell," Kisha called out through their mind link. "Yes, Master? Do you have instructions for Bell?" Bell''s sweet, melodic voice echoed in Kisha''s mind. "Yes, since I won''t be there with you, I''m entrusting Zeus to your care. As the older sister, it''s your responsibility to ensure that Zeus stays out of trouble and assists Sparrow and the team as needed. Understood?" "Master! Zeus, good boy!" Zeus interjected into their mind link, before letting out a thunderous bark. The force of the bark reverberated through the Supply Center, causing the ground to tremble slightly and the lights and decorations to shake. Even Kisha felt a resounding, echoing ''buzz'' in her ears from Zeus'' powerful bark. "Zeus!" Kisha exclaimed. Zeus immediately perked up, its tail wagging. "No barking that loudly when you''re outside, unless Bell gives you the signal. We don''t want to attract a horde of zombies like last time." Kisha reprimanded Zeus, knowing that a loud bark could draw unwanted attention and create dangerous situations for Sparrow''s team. After being reprimanded, Zeus''s tail and ears drooped, and it whimpered softly. "I''m not angry, Zeus, just trying to keep everyone safe," Kisha said gently. "You can only bark softly unless Bell gives you permission to bark loudly. Let''s practice that now." As she patted Zeus''s head, which was now taller than her, she encouraged it to try barking quietly. "Arf..." Zeus tried to bark softly, but to Kisha, it still sounded like a normal, loud bark. It was clear that even this softer attempt could potentially attract nearby zombies. "Softer," Kisha said gently, her voice lowering as she coaxed Zeus. Meanwhile, everyone in the Supply Center paused their activities, watching in amusement. They thought Kisha was simply teaching the bear-like dog a new trick for their entertainment. Given the lack of diversion aside from occasional gossip, the scene with Kisha and Zeus became a welcome break. "Arf." Zeus''s bark came out as a soft squeak, which prompted everyone to burst into laughter. Seeing the reaction, Zeus thought it had done well and continued to bark softly, resembling the sound of a squeaky toy. Kisha facepalmed as she watched Zeus. Despite her efforts, the bear-like dog had turned into a source of entertainment, eliciting laughter from everyone. She didn''t have the heart to reprimand Zeus further, especially since it was just following her instructions. The crowd, unfamiliar with Zeus''s origins and enchanted by the spectacle, was too amused to question where the dog had come from. The once intimidating and fearsome Zeus had unexpectedly become the base''s mascot. Kisha, resigned to this new reality, shook her head in defeat. With no more to be done about it, she and the rest of the team returned to the square where Sparrow and the others were waiting. The briefing, led by Aston, was complete. Aston had ensured that they were all well-informed about the route, potential nearby shelters or bases, and places with useful supplies for any emergency supply runs. Aston also made sure to cover nearby military offices, highlighting where they could find ammunition if needed, and identifying suitable locations for hiding or other critical needs. Chapter 332 Sparrows Teams Departure When Kisha and the five arrived, Aston and the other team leaders had just finished their briefing. With the bear-like dog in tow, Kisha attracted curious glances from everyone in the square. Initially, some had thought Zeus was a bear Kisha had rescued, but up close, they realized it was simply an unusually large dog. Though everything appeared rushed, it was all part of Kisha''s plan. In the apocalypse, surprises are constant, and perfect preparedness is a myth. She wanted her warriors to understand that maintaining vigilance¡ªeven during seemingly peaceful times¡ªis crucial. By doing so, they would be better equipped to handle life-or-death situations. This, she hoped, would be a valuable lesson for them all. After the offensive team leaders completed their briefing, and while the warriors were still high in morale, Aston''s soldiers had already driven four military trucks into the square. Vulture''s defensive team had stepped back to clear the way, watching with enthusiasm as Sparrow''s team prepared for their departure. This ensured that no one from Sparrow''s had the chance to second-guess themselves or back out of the mission. With a confident stride and his natural charm as a leader, Sparrow took the driver''s seat of the first truck, surprising the warriors. They hadn''t anticipated that Sparrow would take on the driving role himself. Little did they know, Sparrow not only had experience in driving but also wanted to set the pace, ensuring that the remaining three trucks would follow him closely and efficiently. Kisha equipped each truck with a walkie-talkie, ensuring that the teams could communicate effectively and coordinate their efforts seamlessly while they were outside. The five ''Space Type Ability Users'' boarded Sparrow''s truck, while the other team leaders took their positions in the remaining trucks. Evelyn was assigned to the very rear, a crucial position due to its high risk, and was accompanied by long-range ability users like the ''Fire and Water Type Ability Users.'' Additionally, Scarlet Bees were strategically distributed across all four military trucks for added protection. No one except Sparrow was aware of the Scarlet Bees'' presence, as they, along with Bell, were shrunk to the size of flies. Only Sparrow''s ''Hawk Eye'' allowed him to spot them. He understood that this was Kisha''s method of ensuring their safety, even in her absence, demonstrating her commitment to their protection. Along with the bees, Kisha had also included stamina boosters and vials of black and blue liquid in the supplies that were placed under the five ''Space Type Ability Users'' care. With a wave of his hand from the driver''s seat, Sparrow slowly began to drive his truck, the other three trucks following in line. The scene was emotionally charged as survivors, many with family members among the warriors on this mission, trailed behind the trucks with tear-streaked faces. They walked in a solemn procession, while Vulture''s team accompanied them alongside the trucks, ensuring that the offensive team departed the base safely and smoothly through the gate. Sparrow led the procession toward Gate 4 on the eastern side of the base. The soldiers stationed at the gate stood in salute, some perched atop the gate walls with their guns slung over their shoulders. Sparrow brought his truck to a gradual halt in front of the gate, waiting for the gatekeeper''s signal. Meanwhile, Kisha appeared at the top of the wall, and Vulture, along with the other awakened ability users, positioned themselves in front of Sparrow''s truck, assuming their offensive stances. It was as if the zombies sensed something was about to happen at Gate 4; they swarmed out of the streets and converged on the gate. The air was soon filled with the echo of gunfire, each shot reverberating like a drumbeat in everyone''s chest. The tension was palpable, and the sound of zombies screeching and growling from beyond the gate, combined with the relentless gunfire, made the atmosphere nerve-wracking and terrifying. Many onlookers could barely muster the courage to move closer, their fear palpable as they stood paralyzed by the sounds of chaos unfolding before them. Kisha didn''t remain idle; this was the first time the survivors of the base would witness her awakened abilities, and she was determined to make an impression. She wasn''t going to be seen as just a figurehead who could strategize but not fight. As she scanned the area, she noticed the many broken-down cars scattered outside the walls. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These obstacles could pose a significant problem for Sparrow and his team as they drove through. With her renewed power, Kisha felt an overwhelming surge of energy. Without hesitation, she focused on the nearest car, raising her right hand. The soldiers on top of the wall watched in awe as the car began to tremble and shake violently. Creak... Creak... Clang! Sceech... Everyone below the wall heard a deafening screech of metal from the other side. The soldiers atop the wall, momentarily stunned by the spectacle, for a second they forgot their duty of fending off the encroaching zombies. The sight before them was so astonishing that it left them temporarily paralyzed, unable to fully grasp the magnitude of what they were witnessing. Harnessing her telekinesis, Kisha manipulated the nearby car with remarkable precision, as if wielding an invisible extension of her hand. The vehicle moved with impressive force, clearing the incoming zombies with ease. Some were sent soaring high into the sky, spinning uncontrollably, while others were flattened against the ground. The car''s powerful sweep left behind only splattered, blackened remnants of rotting flesh. The scene was so grisly that even the seasoned soldiers could only wince in response. Kisha wielded her telekinesis with effortless precision, using the car to clear the area as if it were a mere extension of her will. Despite the massive scale of her actions, she felt no fatigue. Once the car was reduced to a crumpled heap of metal, she seamlessly replaced it with another, drawing from the abundance of abandoned vehicles littering the street. Those standing below the wall were baffled by the scene unfolding above. The soldiers had ceased firing, transfixed by the spectacle beyond the wall, while Kisha''s hand moved in sweeping gestures through the air. The grating sound of metal scraping against asphalt resonated sharply, an unsettling yet rhythmic noise that grated on their nerves. Observing the soldiers'' stunned reactions, the crowd below sensed that something extraordinary was occurring on the other side, sparking their curiosity. Yet, despite their intrigue, no one dared to venture closer to investigate. When Kisha''s right arm grew weary from the continuous movement, she seamlessly switched to using her left hand, maintaining her telekinetic control over the nearby vehicles. With her extraordinary power, she systematically cleared the entire area of zombies. For the few that remained scattered, Kisha employed any sharp metal objects or debris she could find outside the wall, launching them with precision and speed akin to bullets. To ensure maximum lethality, she imparted a spinning motion to the projectiles, enhancing their impact and maintaining their deadly force over the distance. In no time, Kisha had cleared the path for Sparrow and his team. The area outside the gate now appeared eerily desolate, with the air thickened by the nauseating stench of decay. The ground was littered with the remnants of rotting flesh, including severed limbs and heads, along with scattered, shimmering crystals from the disintegrated zombies. Some of the lower body part of the zombies were impaled on poles, while others, still twitching slightly, had been flung on top of the vehicles. It looked as if a storm of zombies had swept through, leaving a chaotic scene in its wake. Chapter 333 Sparrows Teams Departure 2 It was a terrifying spectacle, as if a tornado had ripped through or a nightmare had come to life right before their eyes. Just when everyone believed that the zombie horde¡ªthose grotesque monsters that devoured humans with ruthless abandon¡ªwas the epitome of horror, Kisha shattered that notion. The once-feared zombies were reduced to mere insects under the overwhelming power of Kisha, who effortlessly demonstrated her sheer dominance. The soldiers stationed atop the wall stared at Kisha with wide eyes, their mouths opening and closing like fish gasping for air. They were at a loss for words, unsure of how to react to the spectacle they had just witnessed. To them, Kisha appeared unfazed and composed, as if she hadn''t even broken a sweat. In reality, however, her back was drenched with sweat from the exertion. Perhaps it was the thrill of using her newly acquired power¡ªsomething she had never experienced in her previous lives¡ªthat drove her. Despite the sweat pouring down her face and her slight panting from exhaustion, Kisha felt an exhilarating sense of accomplishment. Her heart pounded with excitement, and she felt as though she could achieve even more. She could also sense her spiritual energy slowly recovering. Although it took her just five minutes to clear the perimeter, the effort had drained 400 of her SP. Perhaps it was because controlling larger objects from a distance pushed her to extend her reach further than usual. Once she finished clearing the area, Kisha signaled the gatekeeper to open the gate. However, the gatekeeper was so awestruck by the spectacle that he failed to act immediately. It wasn''t until Kisha called out to him a second time that he snapped back to reality and began to open the gate. "Open, Open the gate!!! Hurry!" the gatekeeper shouted urgently to the two soldiers peering through the cracks. They scrambled to open the gate as quickly as possible, their movements frantic and uncoordinated, driven by the urgency of not disappointing Kisha. Far from feeling fear, they were overwhelmed by a surge of adrenaline, as if they had witnessed a godlike figure in action. [Jade Earring in effect +20% Spiritual Energy Recovering] [Title "City Lord" in effect +30% Spiritual Energy Recovering] [Title "City Lord" in effect +20% Stamina Recovering] [Passive Skill: Healing Dome in effect, Spiritual Energy and stamina recovering] After the notification popped up in front of Kisha, she was pleasantly surprised by a cool, soothing sensation that washed over her. She could feel her spiritual energy and stamina gradually recovering, enough to sustain continuous fighting without needing a vial of black liquid or a stamina booster. What truly amazed her was the Passive Skill: Healing Dome. She had initially thought it was limited to accelerating healing, but discovering that it also subtly aids in stamina and spiritual energy recovery was an unexpected and welcome benefit. And to think that it not only benefits her but also supports everyone within a 5-meter radius is truly remarkable. However, Kisha didn''t have much time to dwell on her thoughts. She soon heard the rumble of an engine as Sparrow maneuvered his truck out of the gate as soon as there was enough space. The moment the truck cleared the gate, everyone inside was hit with the overpowering stench of decay and rotting flesh. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The nauseating odor was so intense that many had to fight the urge to gag as it permeated the air outside the wall. When they finally took in the horrifying scene outside, their shock was palpable. Instinctively, they glanced back at Kisha atop the wall, then back at the grim landscape around them, and again at Kisha. Despite not seeing the act itself, they couldn''t shake the feeling that Kisha was behind the macabre scene they were witnessing. While there was a tinge of sympathy for the zombies, a wave of relief surged through them. The thought that Kisha was looking out for them eased their anxieties, making them feel less gloomy than before. As Sparrow drove past the macabre scene, he couldn''t help but smile smugly to himself. He was astonished by the extent of the Young Madam''s newfound strength. This display of power was clear evidence of her formidable abilities, and it only fueled Sparrow''s own desire to grow stronger. His eagerness to match her prowess grew with every passing moment. Sparrow floored the gas pedal and opened the radio channel. "Everyone, the route is clear. Let''s proceed at full speed and stick to the formation. Meet at the rendezvous point no matter what happens. We''ll update you on any obstacles ahead so you can be prepared." With that, Sparrow set down the walkie-talkie and gave Kisha a wave and a thumbs-up from the window, signaling her with a reassuring gesture. Though Kisha lacked Sparrow''s ''Hawk Eye,'' her enhanced vision still allowed her to catch his small gesture. She couldn''t help but chuckle softly. As the four trucks successfully cleared the gate, the gatekeeper''s voice rang out: "Close the gate! Repeat, close the gate." "Wait," Kisha''s voice cut through the chaos, causing the gatekeeper and soldiers to halt and look up at her. She then turned her gaze to where Vulture and the rest were waiting. "Now that the offensive team has departed, it''s our turn to act. Defensive team, move out of the gate, collect any crystal cores on the ground, and eliminate any remaining zombies. Use the abandoned vehicles to create a barricade." Kisha''s command was clear and firm. However, the people below the wall, unaware of Kisha''s recent actions, were a bit apprehensive. When they heard her order them to move out of the gate, they stood frozen, rooted to the spot. It wasn''t until Vulture bellowed at the top of his lungs, "Move! Get your asses out there!" that they snapped out of their hesitation and sprang into action. Startled by Vulture''s command, his team scrambled to exit, their movements initially sluggish and hesitant as they feared being mere cannon fodder. However, upon seeing the state of the area outside the wall, their apprehension turned to shock. The scene before them was so overwhelming that it felt like stepping into an entirely different world. Vulture, leading by example, began gathering the crystal cores scattered on the ground after Kisha had cleared the area of zombies. Using his strength, he pushed a battered sedan into place to create a barricade, just as Kisha had instructed. Seeing Vulture in action, the rest of the team snapped out of their daze and followed his lead, moving quickly to execute the necessary tasks. Unlike Vulture, who effortlessly pushed the vehicles on his own, the rest of the team struggled and needed to work in groups of three or four to move a sedan into position. Kisha, capable of doing it more efficiently with her telekinesis, chose not to intervene. Instead, she pretended to be exhausted and slumped on the top of the wall, observing the team''s efforts below. This way, she avoided making everyone overly reliant on her and encouraged them to tackle the tasks on their own. The other survivors peered through the gaps in the wall, wary of climbing on top to avoid getting in the way if something went wrong. Under Vulture''s leadership, the initially frightened defensive team began to coordinate their efforts. Whenever zombies approached from the streets ahead, Vulture would select a few team members to deal with them. He adjusted the number of warriors sent out based on the number of zombies and discreetly monitored their progress, all while pretending to focus on his own tasks. Chapter 334 Barricade Vulture and his team, following Kisha''s precise instructions, constructed a second barricade 2000 meters ahead of the original wall, which was built from abandoned vehicles on the road. This secondary line of defense provided an extra buffer against incoming zombie hordes. Whenever a horde approached, the strategy was clear: unawakened warriors, those without special abilities, would take positions at the rear to secure the fallback line, while the awakened ability users moved to the front. Together, the two groups formed a coordinated defense, with the awakened warriors in the vanguard using their powers to launch devastating attacks on the zombies, while the unawakened warriors covered any breaches, ensuring no undead made it through. The teamwork between both groups allowed them to efficiently neutralize the threat, combining raw strength with tactical precision. Since most of the awakened ability users in Vulture''s team had defensive powers, he had them focus on constructing earth walls. Typically, two ability users would work together to raise a human-height wall before others summoned earth spikes for added defense. However, because they were all relatively new to their abilities, the process of conjuring the walls and spikes was slow and the structures somewhat fragile. To compensate for their inexperience, the team worked closely with non-ability users for support. The non-ability warriors would protect the awakened users as they built their defenses. Once the barriers were in place, they would reverse roles¡ªthe awakened users would shift to providing defensive cover while the non-ability fighters took on the zombies directly. This back-and-forth strategy allowed the team to function efficiently, despite their limitations. This approach ensured that everyone on the team had the opportunity to face the zombies and kill them with their own hands. By doing so, no one would develop the habit of relying on others for protection or making excuses for staying in the background simply because they lacked abilities. It fostered a sense of shared responsibility, ensuring that both ability users and non-ability warriors gained valuable experience and built their courage equally. This strategy significantly boosted the defensive team''s morale, leading to improved teamwork and smoother coordination. As they continued to employ this tactic, their confidence grew. Since Level 0 zombies were relatively slow¡ªdepending on how intact their bodies were¡ªthe team could handle them efficiently. As a result, Kisha and Vulture didn''t even need to intervene, allowing the warriors outside the wall to manage the situation on their own by teaming up in pairs or groups. After one warrior successfully killed a zombie that had been thrown and decapitated by Kisha''s recent attack, they felt a surge of courage. This newfound confidence fueled them to take down more immobile zombies. When they later faced an incoming zombie as a pair, the fear that once gripped them before heading out was greatly diminished, allowing them to fight with more resolve and composure. While some warriors focused on pushing abandoned vehicles into position to form a barricade, others stood at the vanguard, fending off approaching zombies to ensure they wouldn''t interfere with the construction. This coordinated effort allowed the team to work efficiently, maintaining both defense and progress on the barricade. They had initially considered using the crane or forklift from the base, but Kisha and Vulture quickly vetoed the idea. Fuel had become a precious resource, reserved for the essential generators powering the camp. Besides, pushing the abandoned vehicles manually served a dual purpose¡ªit not only conserved gas but also provided excellent lower body training, strengthening the warriors'' core and balance in the process. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even though the warriors were tempted to argue their case, they couldn''t deny the logic in Kisha''s reasoning. She was right¡ªmanual labor would only enhance their strength and overall physical conditioning. So, despite their growing exhaustion, they pressed on with the task. Noticing their fatigue, Kisha leaped down from the wall and made her way toward the vanguard, moving with deliberate calm. The soldiers stationed atop the wall, vigilantly keeping an eye on the warriors working outside, remained on high alert, ready to provide assistance if necessary. They were taken aback by Kisha''s sudden movement. Seeing her heading toward the vanguard, they tried to stop her, concerned that she might be overexerting herself. After all, she had just performed an exhausting display of her godlike awakened ability, and they assumed she would be too drained to continue. Kisha, however, chose to ignore their frantic shouts and continued walking forward despite the desperate calls from atop the wall urging her to return. When their attempts to halt her proved futile, the gatekeeper dispatched four soldiers to serve as her bodyguards, ready to protect her if necessary. This decision overlooked the fact that Kisha could effortlessly handle hundreds of zombies without breaking a sweat. As Kisha approached the weary warriors, her passive skill activated automatically. By simply drawing near, her presence began to rejuvenate their stamina and spiritual energy, causing their exhaustion to gradually ease. [Passive Skill: Healing Dome in effect, Spiritual Energy and stamina recovering] The warriors began to feel a noticeable improvement, sensing that they only needed a brief rest before resuming their tasks. They couldn''t quite determine whether their renewed energy was due to Kisha''s presence or if it was simply the result of an adrenaline surge, making them feel invincible and braver. Regardless of the source, they were ready to return to their work, rejuvenated and motivated, as if they had just had a full night''s rest. When Kisha saw that the warriors around her had regained their stamina and spiritual energy, she then moved to the next location. Unwittingly, she had become a portable human charger, revitalizing her comrades with her mere presence. From an outsider''s perspective, however, Kisha''s role seemed straightforward: she was merely supervising their work and ensuring their safety. Her true influence remained hidden, masked by the facade of her diligent oversight. Kisha didn''t bother correcting their misunderstanding about her actions. Instead, she continued her patrol, occasionally stopping to survey the area. The four soldiers, who were accompanying her, followed quietly behind, maintaining their watchful presence. As the hours passed, the warriors were so absorbed in their task that they hardly noticed the time. By lunchtime, they had been working for six hours, making significant progress by constructing a barricade extending 50 meters around the base. Just then, Aston emerged from the gate with a few soldiers, driving a military truck loaded with lunch to deliver to the hard-working team outside. Vulture divided the team into two groups: the first group, a mix of superhumans and regular warriors, was given the chance to eat lunch first, while the remaining warriors continued their guard duties, staying alert for any approaching zombies. Many of the soldiers found this arrangement disheartening; the pervasive stench of rotting flesh and decay was so strong that they felt as if it had permeated their very bodies, making their stomachs churn and their appetites disappear. Given the grim conditions, expecting the soldiers to eat outside was nearly impossible. The overpowering stench of decay made it difficult for anyone to enjoy the meal, even if they were hungry. The delicious aromas of the hot lunch¡ªchicken soup, stir-fried beef with broccoli in oyster sauce, two to three servings of hot white rice, sweet and sour chicken, and cold bottled tea¡ªwere almost entirely lost on them. Chapter 335 Hard To Eat No one could even detect the enticing aroma of the lunch Aston brought; instead, the sight of the food made them feel nauseous. After witnessing the gruesome scenes outside the wall, particularly the aftermath of Kisha''s actions against the zombies when Sparrow''s team departed, their stomachs were in turmoil. The contrast between the horrifying reality they faced and the appealing lunch only served to heighten their discomfort. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even the seasoned veteran soldiers, who believed they had witnessed every conceivable horror, found themselves unable to eat outside the wall. They feared that even if they returned to the cleanest environment inside, the vivid memories of the gruesome scenes they had witnessed would linger. They imagined that the lingering stench of rotting flesh and the unsettling sensation of squishy brain matter, encountered while extracting crystal cores from zombies'' heads, would haunt them and make it impossible to enjoy their meal. Vulture and Kisha, having spent considerable time traveling outside, had grown accustomed to this routine. In the harsh conditions beyond the walls, space and protection were limited, so they had learned to eat wherever and whenever they could. Whether it was sitting next to a zombie corpse or after extracting hundreds of crystal cores from zombie heads, they had developed a toughened resilience, finding solace in any opportunity to eat amidst the chaos. Kisha and Vulture stepped forward and eagerly accepted their trays of food, their hunger evident as they disregarded any other concerns. Despite Kisha''s passive skill consuming only 10 SP per second, which was partially offset by her simultaneous 5 SP recovery due to her titles and items, she still felt the pangs of hunger. After six hours of walking, she wasn''t physically tired, but the extended period without a proper meal had left her craving sustenance. At that moment, Kisha noticed Duke emerging from the wall alone. He appeared refreshed, holding his new spear with a casual ease. The spear''s tip pointed downward, the body rested against his arm, and the tail angled upward. Duke walked with a nonchalant air, as if he were taking a leisurely stroll in the park. Despite several soldiers'' attempts to stop or escort him, his intimidating glare made it clear that he was not to be trifled with and needed no escort going out, leaving no one willing to challenge his authority. As Duke approached Kisha, he leaned in to give her a brief, affectionate peck on the forehead. "Thank you for the breakfast, my dear," he said warmly. He then pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her. "I''ve sketched a bird''s-eye view map of the base and the new wall we''re planning based on your description. It appears that some buildings will obstruct the planned route. How would you like to handle that?" Duke inquired, all the while signaling for Aston to bring him his lunch. Soon, Aston arrived with a tray of lunch, approaching Kisha and Duke as he noticed Duke handing Kisha a piece of paper. After carefully placing the tray in front of Duke, Duke set down his spear with meticulous care, as if afraid it might get damaged if not handled gently. Kisha observed his actions with a raised eyebrow but chose to remain silent, instead focusing on studying the map Duke had drawn. She anticipated that some buildings would be in the way, so they had two options: either demolish them to clear the path or incorporate them into their property, using them as outer apartments for the survivors. They were fortunate that City B wasn''t a mega-city with skyscrapers everywhere. Located near the port city, City B had become a merchant hub. As a result, the central part of the city featured mostly ostentatious buildings with a maximum of 10 to 20 floors, concentrated in the West District. This district was primarily residential, while the rest of the city consisted mainly of low-rise buildings, up to three floors, housing shops and the villas of merchants and prominent families like Dukes. Their base was situated in the former City Hall of City B, now transformed into the Central Hall of their operations. This historic building, once the epicenter of city administration, had been repurposed to house the mission bulletin board and other critical operational elements. The expansive layout of the government property provided them with considerable freedom to move around and adapt the space as needed. The open areas within the huge property offered ample opportunity for future development, allowing them to construct additional facilities if required. This strategic location not only gave them a central command point but also ensured they had the space to accommodate their growing needs and integrate new structures to support their mission. Not far from the Central Hall were the villas of prominent families, enclosed within its own fortress-like wall. Aston and the team decided to incorporate these villas into the cleared space, not only because the Coltons'' Young Master and the former Minister of Defense desired to use them as living quarters but also due to the robust defensive walls that surrounded them. The addition of these villas not only provided valuable residential space but also enhanced the security of the area, making it a practical and strategic choice for their expanded base. That''s why, even if they expanded their base by an additional 100 meters, they wouldn''t be sandwiched between large buildings. They would still have an open space in front of them, with a clear view and minimal obstruction from other structures. This setup would enable them to spot any approaching zombies or humans from a distance. Given Duke''s query, Kisha''s decision was clear: she would utilize the existing buildings as apartments for the survivors. This approach not only addressed the housing shortage for their growing population but also reduced the need to gather building materials, which had become as scarce as other supplies. With the ability to no longer produce these materials as freely as before, repurposing the buildings was a practical solution. After making her decision, she looked up at Duke and said, "Thank you for your help." She then handed the map to Vulture, instructing him to show it to everyone so that everyone could follow the plan, forming the barricade and clearing the path as outlined. "No need for formalities between husband and wife," Duke said with a smile before returning to his lunch and encouraging Kisha to do the same. While Kisha, Duke, and Vulture enjoyed a pleasant meal, the others struggled to eat the food in front of them. Despite their difficulty, they couldn''t afford to waste any of it, especially considering how scarce and valuable food had become, particularly in times of the apocalypse. With considerable effort, the warriors managed to force the food down their throats, though not without gagging. The pervasive smell of rotting flesh made the experience even more unpleasant. Observing the first group struggling to eat, those on guard duty lost any enthusiasm for the meal. Instead, they dreaded the thought of eating and could barely bring themselves to look at their comrades who seemed to be enduring a form of torture. Soon, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture finished their meal and began walking around the perimeter to assess the area. They discussed how to reinforce the barricade in certain places, taking into account the terrain and surrounding structures. With Duke''s extensive experience in construction, gained from running his own construction firm before the apocalypse, he had a keen understanding of various building techniques. He actively shared his insights on how to fortify the wall around the buildings, emphasizing safety and effectiveness. Chapter 336 Danger Incoming?! The trio moved a short distance away from the main group, and the four soldiers trailing Kisha seized the opportunity to devour as much food as they could, as if escaping from a harsh punishment. They downed their bottles of cold tea in swift gulps to wash the food down before hastily catching up with Kisha and the others to resume their role as escorts. "Help!" "Help us!" But they hadn''t traveled far when Kisha heard distant screams. Instantly alert, she scanned the perimeter and noticed a loud, rhythmic marching sound coming from the east. It was unlike any ordinary group¡ªthere were hundreds, and the vibrations through the ground confirmed their massive presence. Kisha glanced back at Duke, and their faces mirrored each other''s expressions of horror and anxiety. Without hesitation, she turned and shouted toward the group behind her, "Get everyone back inside the wall now!" The four soldiers who had just caught up with Kisha were momentarily taken aback by her urgent command. However, seeing the grave concern etched on her face, they quickly snapped into action and hurried back to the barricade where the warriors were still at lunch. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Go back!!!" the soldiers yelled at the top of their lungs as they sprinted towards the barricade, frantically waving their arms to grab everyone''s attention. However, their voices were lost in the distance, drowned out by the laughter and lively banter of the warriors who were too engaged in their playful exchanges over their grueling lunch to notice the urgent warnings. But the four soldiers refused to give up. They kept shouting, their voices growing hoarse as they continued their desperate pleas. Eventually, one of the warriors noticed their frantic gestures. Initially, the soldiers'' warnings went unnoticed; from a distance, their expressions were unreadable. It wasn''t until someone managed to silence the crowd that the urgency of the soldiers'' shouts became clear. "Go back inside!!!" The warriors fell silent as they heard the soldiers'' urgent cries. Confusion spread among them¡ªwere the soldiers asking them to retreat in full, or just a portion of their group? Uncertainty lingered as they tried to understand the reason behind the frantic instructions. Their questions were quickly answered. "All of you, go back!!!" one soldier shouted as they neared the barricade, panting heavily. Their assault rifles were slung across their backs, and they sprinted at full speed. When the soldiers reached the other side of the barricade, they came to a halt, struggling to catch their breath. They coughed and gasped for air, their exhaustion evident. Someone from the truck quickly grabbed a bottle of cold tea from the box and distributed it to the four soldiers. Aston, puzzled, glanced back in the direction from which the soldiers had come, scanning the area with concern. His frown deepened as he realized he couldn''t spot any sign of Kisha, Duke, or Vulture, who had headed that way for inspection. "What''s happening?" Aston asked, his tone stern and commanding. One of the soldiers, still catching his breath, stammered, "W-we were ordered by the City Lord to get everyone back inside the Wall." Bent over, leaning on his knees for support, he uncapped the bottle and gulped down a mouthful of cold tea, sighing in relief as the cool liquid soothed his parched throat and hoarse voice. "Why does the City Lord want us back inside?" Aston pressed, his brows furrowing tighter. "We... don''t know," the soldier replied, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "But she looked dead serious. Whatever it is, it seems big." "It might be a zombie raid..." one of the soldiers muttered absentmindedly, the urgency of Kisha''s orders making that the only explanation that came to mind. The moment he said it, the others'' expressions hardened. Some instinctively began to move toward the direction where Kisha, Duke, and Vulture had gone, but Aston quickly stopped them. "No," he commanded, "pack up and get on the truck. We''re heading back to the wall¡ªnow." Many were on the verge of protesting, eager to provide support to Kisha and the others. If it truly was a zombie raid, the overwhelming numbers could trap or, worse, kill them. The thought of leaving Kisha and the team to face such danger alone weighed heavily on them. "Pack up, now! On my command!" Aston''s voice didn''t rise, but his authoritative tone cut through the air, silencing any objections. "Do you really think you''ll be of any help? You''d just be a burden to them if you stayed!" His words hit harder than any shout, leaving everyone speechless. Deep down, they all knew he was right¡ªKisha had sent them back because she understood better than anyone that their presence would only hinder, not help. With heavy hearts, the warriors quickly joined the soldiers in packing up the trays, large food containers, boxes of tea, and utensils that had been set up for lunch. In a matter of minutes, thanks to their collective effort, everything was packed away efficiently. No time was wasted as they boarded the truck, ready to head back inside the safety of the wall. Even after they returned to the wall, there was no sign of Kisha, Duke, or Vulture in the distance. Growing anxious, Aston climbed to the top of the wall, binoculars in hand, scanning the perimeter where the trio had gone. His unease deepened with every moment he couldn''t spot them. On Kisha''s side, the moment she sent the soldiers off, both Duke and Vulture began to feel the tremors in the ground growing more pronounced. They exchanged a glance before instinctively shifting into an offensive stance. Fortunately, both had brought their weapons when they left the wall¡ªDuke gripping his weapon tightly, while Vulture wielded his massive double-headed hammer, which looked heavy enough to crush anything, ready to burst a head or whatever might come their way. It was only when Duke began practicing with his new weapon that Vulture noticed the gleaming spear in his hands, practically glowing and emitting golden lightning. Vulture couldn''t tell if it was Duke''s elemental ability or the spear itself, but he felt a pang of jealousy as he watched Duke skillfully swing it. His eyes stayed glued to the weapon, mesmerized. When Duke stopped, he tapped the spear lightly against the pavement, pointing it toward the sky, and with just that small movement, a large crack formed in the ground. Vulture''s jaw dropped, his gaze fixed on the spear, and in that moment, he knew¡ªit must have come from Kisha. Unbeknownst to Vulture, Duke was fully aware of the way he was eyeing the new spear. In fact, Duke was intentionally showing it off, much like a child with a new toy. He didn''t care if it seemed childish; he was too overjoyed by the incredible gift from his wife. He wanted to share that excitement with everyone but refused to let go of the spear or let anyone else touch it. Not that anyone could touch it anyway¡ªbeing a legendary-grade weapon, it was almost sentient, capable of choosing its own wielder. If someone unworthy tried to lift it, the weapon would reject them outright, refusing to even budge, a clear sign that it did not acknowledge the person. Chapter 337 Should She Help Or Not? Kisha, Duke, and Vulture stood in the middle of the road, bracing themselves as the tremors intensified. They were waiting, not just for the shaking to stop but to see what would emerge from the commotion. While they had a general idea of what might be coming, Vulture couldn''t understand why Kisha wasn''t moving to take cover or retreating to the base to fight from the safety of the wall as she usually did. However, as he recalled her formidable abilities, Vulture chose to stay silent, trusting in her judgment. Even though he had become proficient in his own awakened abilities, Vulture was still unable to match Kisha''s feats. Her telekinesis allowed her to manipulate objects and attack wide areas with ease, while he struggled to create expansive earth spikes or erect massive earth walls capable of providing a solid shield. However, thanks to the Scarlet Honey, he had gained significant strength and could now push and even lift a sedan car, a testament to his newfound power. Despite this, he knew he still had much to learn to reach Kisha''s level. Vulture''s thoughts were interrupted when a collective growl and distant screams reached their ears, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of heavy marching. Both Duke and Vulture immediately recognized the ominous rhythm of the approaching threat. As the tremors intensified and the growls and roars grew louder, both Duke and Vulture felt their muscles tense. Vulture swallowed hard, trying to steady himself. Kisha sprang into the air, using her telekinesis to lift objects from the ground, creating a series of stepping stones that carried her gracefully to the top of a lamppost. Duke, with his superior strength, leaped effortlessly onto the roof of a waiting shed, positioning himself just below Kisha, from where he could scan the horizon more effectively. Feeling anxious about being left behind in the middle of the road while Kisha and Duke took elevated positions, Vulture quickly searched for a vantage point of his own. He soon decided to jump onto the roof of a nearby car. Although it was not as high as Duke''s or Kisha''s positions, it offered a better view than being on the ground. From this vantage point, he could at least see beyond the immediate obstructions on the road, such as various abandoned vehicles, and have a clearer sense of the approaching danger. Soon, a mass of black appeared on the horizon, advancing rapidly from the other end of the road. At the forefront were survivors, scrambling frantically as they navigated through the maze of obstructing vehicles. Some squeezed between the wrecks, while others darted along the clear path left by Sparrow''s team, who had bulldozed their way through earlier to create a passage. The scene was a chaotic trail of desperate movement and mounting danger. The people who attempted to use the vehicles as a shield against the advancing zombie horde made a fatal mistake. Trapped between two delivery vans, one man tried to crawl underneath for cover. But the zombies were too close, and before he could escape, one of them lunged at his back, sinking its teeth into his neck. The man''s ligaments were visible, tearing slowly, with bits of flesh still clinging to his skin like roots. Blood sprayed as he screamed in agonizing pain, struggling to roll on the ground in a desperate attempt to escape the relentless undead with the last of his strength. As the zombies closed in, they began to swarm the man, biting him indiscriminately. Overwhelmed by the relentless attacks, he felt the searing pain of each bite. His body convulsed violently as the agony intensified, and his final scream was muffled by the blood that poured into his mouth, choking him as he succumbed to the relentless onslaught. The people running with him had no chance to look back or help, as the zombies behind them were like ravenous predators, snapping at their heels. If they stopped or got trapped like the man, they would face the same grim fate, with the relentless horde threatening to engulf them at any moment. Some men, desperately clutching young children in their arms, pushed themselves to run as fast as possible, driven solely by sheer willpower. It was evident that their bodies were on the brink of exhaustion. Vulture couldn''t understand why they were fleeing into the open instead of seeking refuge and waiting for a safer opportunity to emerge. As Vulture watched the frantic scene, a man sprinting from behind noticed Vulture, Kisha, and Duke perched above, observing the chaos. The man''s eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope as he realized they were living humans, despite not being able to see their faces clearly. Desperation in his voice, he shouted, "Help us! Please! If you can, just save the children!" After his shout, the other survivors began to frantically scan their surroundings, searching for any sign of help. Their leader''s call for assistance indicated that there might be someone nearby they could run to for support. Kisha watched the scene unfold with a deep frown, troubled by the fact that these people chose to run in the open instead of seeking shelter. She couldn''t shake the suspicion that they might be unintentionally drawing the zombies towards their location or even their base. What left a particularly bitter taste in her mouth was the sight of so many children among the group, which stirred up a mix of conflicting emotions within her. In the apocalypse, luring tactics like this were tragically common. Many had lost their lives to similar deceptions¡ªpeople pretending to flee from zombies or dire situations only to turn on their rescuers once the immediate threat was gone. It was a cruel game of betrayal, akin to a dog biting the hand that feeds it. Kisha had already fallen victim to such deceit, and now, watching the group of survivors, she saw a troubling similarity: among them were also children. That''s why Kisha hesitated to spring into action immediately and chose to observe from a distance. As she watched, the survivors continued to fall like flies under the relentless assault of the zombies, who lunged at them with ferocious hunger. Any delay or faltering meant immediate, brutal consequences. Fortunately, the women and children were at the forefront, protected by the men who formed a perimeter around them, shielding them from both sides as they fought to stay ahead of the encroaching horde. Kisha took a deep breath, grappling with the internal turmoil that roiled within her. Her forehead twitched with annoyance as frustration built up, her instincts urging her to leap into action. Despite the intense desire to help immediately, she forced herself to remain still and observe a little longer. Duke and Vulture also held their positions, choosing to observe rather than act impulsively. They understood that following Kisha''s lead was wiser than rushing in and playing the hero. With Kisha''s extensive experience in handling such situations, they trusted her judgment. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke knew that Kisha''s concern extended beyond her own group; the survivors living in the base were now under her protection as well. Therefore, Kisha would carefully weigh what was best for everyone involved. The leader of the fleeing survivors was overwhelmed with frustration and helplessness as he watched his people fall one by one. Chapter 338 Go Back The thought of the children perishing alongside them was a nightmare he dreaded. He swung his makeshift spear desperately at any zombies that came too close, but his limited reach and meager defense were inadequate to protect everyone¡ªor even himself. The dire situation left him feeling powerless and defeated. As they ran, the survivors drew closer to Kisha''s position, and one by one, more of them began to notice her, Duke, and especially Vulture, who stood atop a car gripping his weapon. The sight of the three figures, armed and seemingly calm amidst the chaos, caught their attention, adding a flicker of hope but also confusion as to why they weren''t stepping in. They felt a surge of hope at the sight of Kisha and her group, and tears welled up in their eyes, momentarily blurring their vision. Struggling to hold back their emotions, they shouted in unison, "Please help us!" One of the women at the front, clutching a small child no older than two, cried out desperately. Her voice, hoarse and raw, grated like metal scraping against the pavement, but she didn''t stop. She continued screaming at the top of her lungs, her voice breaking with the strain as she pushed her vocal cords to their limits. Kisha was still hesitating when, out of nowhere, an agile zombie lunged at her from the left side of the road. No one saw where it came from, and everything happened so quickly that no one had time to react. They all looked on in horror, their eyes widening like saucers. But with the threat approaching fast, there was no time to stop. Just then, Kisha flinched, raising her right arm in a casual motion as if shooing away a fly. In that instant, a small piece of metal debris shot out of nowhere. For a moment, everyone thought it was a sniper''s bullet, believing Kisha''s gesture had signaled a hidden marksman to take the shot. The zombie that had lunged at the woman suddenly collapsed with a gaping hole in its head. Seeing this, the survivors felt a surge of renewed hope. They believed that if they could just make it past where Kisha and the others were standing, they would be safe. Fueled by this thought, everyone pushed themselves harder, sprinting with every last ounce of energy and adrenaline, driven by pure survival instinct. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite Kisha''s earlier attack, she, Duke, and Vulture remained in their positions, continuing to observe the unfolding chaos. Many men still fell, torn apart by the relentless zombies, while the survivors could do nothing but cry out in horror and anguish as they watched their loved ones die one by one, all while desperately running for their lives. After a brief pause, Kisha leaped from the lamppost, moving like a bullet past the fleeing survivors. Before they could even comprehend what was happening, her long katana had already sliced through a zombie that was mere moments away from sinking its teeth into the back of the person who had stumbled in panic at the rear of the group. Seeing Kisha spring into action, both Duke and Vulture wasted no time following suit. Duke launched himself into the air with immense power, taking a huge leap before crashing down with such force that a small whirlwind formed from the impact. He swung his spear in a wide arc, nearly a full 360 degrees, wiping out a cluster of zombies in one swift motion. Meanwhile, Vulture hopped from car to car, leaping from the last vehicle and swinging his massive hammer upward, channeling all his strength into delivering a crushing, devastating blow to the nearest zombie. With the sheer weight of his massive hammer and raw strength, Vulture''s strike created a small crater in the ground, turning at least three tightly packed zombies into minced flesh. The combined power of Kisha, Duke, and Vulture was equivalent to that of an entire battalion wielding firearms, but instead of guns, they relied solely on melee weapons. In mere seconds, they managed to take down dozens of zombies. However, it was far from easy¡ªnearly a thousand undead were swarming around them, making the fight intensely perilous despite their prowess. Kisha''s voice cut through the cacophony of zombie roars and growls as she bellowed, "Vulture!" Despite the chaos, her command was faintly but clearly heard by both Vulture and Duke. "Get the survivors back to the base!" she shouted again, her tone urgent and commanding. Without missing a beat, Kisha drew her smaller katana, executing a rapid, spinning attack like a lethal whirlwind. As Kisha spun with deadly precision, her blade sliced through limbs, stomachs, and heads ruthlessly and indiscriminately. Upon hearing her command, Vulture wasted no time. He swung his hammer with a powerful sideways arc, sending two zombies soaring out of the crowd. The survivors watched in awe as the zombies flew through the air like paper dolls. Vulture pushed his way back through the stunned survivors, who were still in shock from witnessing Kisha and the others'' overwhelming firepower. Their hearts pounded as if they fell to their stomach, and their stomachs churned with a violent, unsettling sensation. Their mouths opened and closed as if trying to form words, but they could only watch in awe as Vulture made his way toward them. The survivors were baffled by how Vulture had managed to return from the heart of the horde to where they stood. He seemed to wade through the zombies with ease as if it were a casual stroll. As he stood among them, his massive hammer never paused in its relentless swing. The survivors could clearly hear the sickening crunch of zombie skulls shattering under its impact. Each blow produced a deep, resounding thud, a sound so solid it seemed capable of cracking the pavement with even the slightest touch. "You all, gather together and follow me back!" Vulture commanded after quickly assessing the twenty or so survivors. He urged them to move forward while positioning himself at the rear, guarding the group alongside the men who could still move, including their leader. The survivors felt a surge of silent relief when they heard Vulture''s promise to lead them to safety. However, their hearts couldn''t fully settle as they remained in a place where zombies could emerge from any crevice at any moment, just as one had earlier. Fortunately, Kisha had reacted swiftly, saving the woman and child before the zombie could even get close. The survivors glanced anxiously at the surrounding buildings and roads, hoping to spot others who might join Kisha and Duke in their fight. Most hesitated to leave, torn between the urge to flee and the fear of abandoning their saviors. Despite Kisha and Duke''s strength, the sight of just the two of them holding back hundreds of swarming zombies made them doubt if they could truly hold their ground alone. "What about them?!" the leader asked anxiously, pointing toward Kisha and Duke, still surrounded by the horde of zombies. Black blood splattered through the air, and dismembered limbs flew as they continued to fend off the undead. It was clear they were holding their own for now, but the leader''s worry deepened. How long could they keep this up? Eventually, exhaustion would set in, and when that happened, they might be overwhelmed and meet the same fate as the others. Chapter 339 The Difference Vulture glanced back at Kisha and Duke, who, despite being surrounded, showed no signs of fatigue as they effortlessly sent zombies flying. He couldn''t help but wonder why they weren''t using their awakened abilities¡ªdoing so would have made dealing with the horde much faster and more efficient. However, this wasn''t the time or place for him to question Kisha''s reasoning. If Duke, who had been following her lead without hesitation from the start, wasn''t raising any concerns, Vulture knew he had to trust her judgment and follow orders as well. Since Kisha clearly wanted him to escort the survivors back to ensure they wouldn''t be a distraction during the fight, Vulture had no choice but to press the survivors to move faster and head back to the base. He knew she didn''t want anything slowing her down, so he focused on getting them to safety. "Let''s move and head back with me. They''ll be fine, but staying here will only put them at greater risk trying to protect you!" Vulture''s voice was somber, his eyes narrowed in warning. The survivors glanced at each other, guilt and embarrassment washing over them. They knew he was right¡ªthey were helpless here, just a sitting duck waiting to be protected. They all turned in the direction Vulture pointed and broke into another run after their brief rest. Even the leader reluctantly followed, his exhaustion too great to lift his makeshift spear. They had been running and fighting nonstop for so long, and despite being a well-trained bodyguard and skilled fighter, he couldn''t endure much more. His body was battered, fatigue setting in hard, and the lack of food and water over the past few days was taking its toll, even on him. Even he was astonished that he had made it this far on sheer willpower alone. Out of the original hundred survivors heading to City B, only about twenty had managed to reach this point. They were desperately seeking refuge in the survivor base in City B, which they knew had been established by nearby soldiers stationed with the Minister of Defense. As soon as Vulture led the survivors to safety, Kisha and Duke took a strategic step back, positioning themselves back-to-back while they cleared their path with swift, decisive swings of their weapons. Duke flashed a playful smirk at Kisha. "Wifey, are you holding back your awakened ability because you want to work out, or are you trying to turn this into a friendly competition to see who takes down the most zombies?" Kisha''s lips curved into a smile at Duke''s challenge, appreciating his lighthearted approach amid the chaos. "You really know me well," Kisha said with a hearty chuckle. "Why don''t we make it a competition? After all, this is a great exercise for both of us." With a playful grin, she swiftly decapitated a zombie that lunged at her, its teeth bared and ready to bite. With a shared, unspoken understanding, both Kisha and Duke fell silent and began fighting with renewed intensity. They were still holding back earlier to avoid endangering the survivors in their path, but with fewer concerns now, they could focus fully on the battle. Kisha moved with agile precision, slicing through the zombies in her way like a graceful swan gliding through water, while Duke used his explosive strength to cleave through the undead as if they were nothing but butter. The intensity of their combined attacks grew as they faced a relentless swarm of zombies. The undead pressed in from all sides, and the pile of carcasses around Kisha and Duke began to obstruct their movement, risking tripping or slowing them down. Realizing the need for a strategic adjustment, Duke decided to flank the horde, aiming to create a pincer attack with Kisha. By splitting their assault, they could tackle the horde from both ends, improving their chances of clearing a path. As he continued to fight, he began to feel the strain of exhaustion, though it was manageable. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, and he couldn''t help but notice Kisha moving through the horde with effortless grace. He wondered if her stamina had increased or if his own fatigue was due to his heavy reliance on raw strength and wide, sweeping movements with his spear. Kisha''s efficiency with smaller, precise movements contrasted sharply with his more stamina-draining approach. After arriving at this conclusion, he felt confident it was correct. As far as he knew, his stats weren''t much different from Kisha''s. But then he recalled the items Kisha equipped the previous night, and it suddenly made sense. He realized he was partly right, but there was more to it. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha wasn''t just using melee weapons instead of her awakened ability to conserve energy; she was testing the limits of her stamina, seeing how long she could fight without tiring. She wanted to know if her stamina would continuously recover because of her passive skill and if others within a certain range would experience the same effect. [Passive Skill: Healing Dome in effect, Spiritual Energy and stamina recovering] [Passive Skill: Healing Dome in effect, Spiritual Energy and stamina recovering] [Passive Skill: Healing Dome in effect, Spiritual Energy and stamina recovering] .... The system notifications for her passive skill kept flooding the edge of her peripheral vision. She had moved them aside once she realized they were constantly popping up, reminding her of the skill''s activation. While she wished she could mute them, that wasn''t an option, so she positioned them in the far corner of her sight¡ªjust enough to keep track of the alerts without them obstructing her view of the zombies flanking her. Kisha didn''t stop Duke from moving to the other end of the horde, wanting to observe whether he would notice the difference. This would be a valuable asset when long battles were inevitable, especially in the apocalypse. Earlier, she had already tested how spiritual energy recovery improved when she was nearby¡ªthough it wasn''t a significant increase, it sped up noticeably. However, stamina was different, more subtle and dependent on a person''s movements. Like her own efficient, controlled strikes, it seemed possible that with the right approach, stamina recovery could feel almost limitless. As proof of this, Kisha didn''t feel even the slightest fatigue or break a sweat despite her constant movement. In contrast, Duke, who already had monstrous stamina and was accustomed to long, grueling battles, was starting to sweat. After all, they had been fighting the zombie horde for over an hour straight, yet Kisha''s endurance remained unshaken. Kisha drove her smaller katana straight through a zombie''s head, then swiftly spun around to deliver a horizontal strike to the one sneaking up behind her, cleaving half its skull and splitting its brain in two. Glancing around, she noticed only about a hundred zombies remained, with the road littered with zombie carcasses. In the past hour alone, she and Duke had slain over half a thousand zombies. The relentless horde kept coming, drawn to them like moths to a flame, seemingly indifferent to the threat of death. As the battle neared its end, Kisha decided to go all out, abandoning her earlier strategy of conserving energy. She unleashed more explosive strikes, mirroring Duke''s powerful attacks. With a slight twist of her body, she spun around, her blade slicing clean through an incoming zombie. Without pausing, she followed up with a swift kick to the next zombie''s chin, then executed another spinning kick, snapping the zombie''s spinal cord with a sharp crack. Chapter 340 Back As the zombie crumpled to the ground, Kisha didn''t bother with her blade to finish it off; instead, she crushed its head under her boot, as if stomping on a watermelon. Blood splattered onto the ground and her shoes, but she didn''t miss a beat. She leaped backward, twisting her body so her feet pointed skyward and her head hovered just above the zombie''s head. With her katana crossed in front of her chest, she began cleaving through the zombies below her. She landed gracefully in another area swarming with zombies, their hungry eyes locked on her as they reached out, waiting for her to fall. Before she landed, she twisted her body once more and used a zombie''s head as a stepping stone, kicking it away like a soccer ball. The force of her enhanced strength sent the zombie''s head flying; her kick snapped its neck with a sickening crack, and the head smashed against the wall, exploding like a paintball upon impact. Before the zombie''s body even hit the ground, Kisha had already leaped toward a new target. She plunged her smaller katana into its head and then swung her longer katana to decapitate three more zombies that were climbing over the pile of fallen carcasses. Swoosh! Crashed! Then, a zombie was hurled backward into a nearby car, smashing through the windshield and embedding its body into the glass. Moments later, a flash streaked past Kisha''s vision like a speeding bullet. Crack! Sizzle! When Kisha followed the flash, she saw a crackle of golden lightning and heard a sizzling sound. The Krato''s Spear had pierced through the zombie''s head, creating a gaping hole that obliterated its head and chest. The spear was half-buried in the ground, and the zombie''s innards spilled out of its open stomach. Despite the gruesome sight, the remains twitched slightly before settling into stillness, leaving a chaotic mess. As Kisha held her katana, she mimed pulling something out of the ground from a distance. With a swift motion, she sliced through the zombie beside her while simultaneously using her telekinesis to yank Duke''s spear free and send it soaring back to him. When their eyes met, Duke gave her a playful wink, as if he had anticipated her help in returning his spear. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha rolled her eyes at Duke, knowing full well that he had deliberately thrown his spear to test the effects of ''Pierce'' and the skill ''Stab.'' The spear, a legendary-grade weapon, had delivered a devastating impact despite Duke''s casual throw, as if he were tossing a stick. She couldn''t help but wonder how much more destructive it could be if he put real effort into the throw or the stab. Kisha felt like taking the spear for herself then, Duke felt a shiver on his back, as if understanding what Kisha was thinking, Duke turned around and slightly hid his spear from Kisha''s view. Kisha shook her head, bemused by Duke''s actions, and resumed her relentless assault on the zombies surrounding her. Duke, in the meantime, wielded his spear with deadly precision, spinning it in a sweeping arc to decapitate three zombies in one smooth motion. After exactly two and a half hours of fierce combat, Kisha and Duke had successfully eradicated nearly a thousand zombies that had threatened the group of survivors. With the immediate danger now behind them, Kisha instructed the remaining Scarlet Bees in her space that was left behind by Bell to continue producing Scarlet Honey to collect the crystal cores lying around. She then moved closer to Duke, ready to regroup and assess their next steps. Kisha approached Duke, who, though not panting, appeared slightly fatigued from the intense battle. He was a bit sweaty, but his exhaustion was evident. As Kisha drew nearer, she noticed the system notifications popping up continuously¡ªher passive skill was actively aiding Duke in recovering his stamina. As Kisha''s hundreds of Scarlet Bees finished collecting all the crystal cores scattered from their battle, Duke, too, had fully recovered. The signs of fatigue had vanished from his face, and Kisha could clearly see the revitalized look in his expression once her passive skill ceased showing notifications. Satisfied with her observations and the results of her experiment, Kisha and Duke made their way back to the base. Before departing, Kisha used her telekinesis to stack the zombie carcasses, and Duke ignited them with a fireball. Soon, a thick plume of black smoke rose into the sky, visible even from the base''s walls. Aston experienced a slight sense of relief upon seeing the black smoke. Hours had passed with the survivors brought by Vulture still waiting behind the medical tents while being examined by the medical staff. The lack of any sign of Kisha and Duke had been unsettling, but the sight of smoke billowing in the distance reassured them that the two were still alive. Just as Vulture was about to send someone to help the survivors settle in, a soldier on top of the wall shouted, "They''re back! They''re back!" Vulture, momentarily distracted from his thoughts, felt a surge of relief. Even though he had no real concerns for Kisha and Duke''s safety, especially with them together, he wanted to see them safe with his own eyes. Almost everyone hurried to the top of the wall, where they saw Kisha and Duke walking side by side, seemingly leisurely strolling and chatting as if they were in a park. Moments later, Duke and Kisha finally returned inside the wall. Concern and worry were evident on everyone''s faces. As Vulture and Aston approached them, their heavy sighs of relief were palpable upon seeing that both were unharmed. The tension had been mounting, particularly for Aston, who had been anxious after learning that nearly a thousand zombies had been pursuing the group of survivors that Kisha, Duke, and Vulture had rescued. Although they witnessed Kisha''s formidable strength with her awakened ability, they also saw the toll it took on her to use it continuously. With only the two of them and no external support, despite their strength, numerous potential risks loomed. Aston was troubled by all the worst-case scenarios that could arise. Seeing them now, seemingly full of energy and playfully teasing each other without a trace of fatigue, Aston felt a wave of relief. However, despite their apparent vitality, they were covered in zombie goo and reeked of decay. Everyone struggled to keep their composure, noses twitching and eyes rolling back as they fought the urge to pass out from the stench. Kisha and Duke, however, paid no mind to the smell. They knew all too well that in this apocalyptic era, they''d have to get used to the stench of decay, which would only become more pervasive over time. The smell carried on the wind was an inescapable part of their new reality, and they had little choice but to acclimate as quickly as possible. Kisha and Duke headed to the medic tent to check on the survivors, who had just finished their examinations and were waiting to be processed and registered in the central hall. When the survivors saw Kisha and Duke in good health, they erupted into loud cries of relief. They had feared that Kisha and Duke had sacrificed themselves to ensure their safety. Seeing them unharmed filled the survivors with immense gratitude and a sense of lightness, knowing that their rescuers had made it through safely. Chapter 341 New Survivors Joining The Base "Sir, ma''am, we can''t thank you enough for saving us," said the leader of the group as they approached Kisha and Duke. Once they reached the base''s wall, they realized with confusion that there had been no backup or snipers in sight to provide support. They were still puzzled about where the bullet had come from that had saved the woman and child. However, they chose not to press for details, fearing that their questions might be misunderstood. The leader blinked in surprise as another woman from his group, with short hair, sprang from the crowd and exclaimed, "Young Master Winters! And the woman who led us out of the East District in City A¡ªyou''re both alive?!" Her voice was filled with excitement as she squealed in delight at the sight of Kisha and Duke. The leader beside her didn''t immediately recognize Kisha and Duke. While they were running, he had been too focused on assessing their surroundings to take note of their appearance. Now, with both Kisha and Duke covered in zombie blood and looking a bit unrecognizable, he was puzzled. He couldn''t understand how the woman next to him had identified them despite the mess. He glanced at the excited woman beside him with a raised eyebrow and a questioning look. Both Kisha and Duke turned their attention toward her, trying to recall if they knew her. The mention of City A sounded vaguely familiar to them, but they couldn''t quite place where they had seen her before. "You are?" Kisha asked, tilting her head slightly as she tried to jog her memory and place the woman. "Oh! Right!" the woman exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You might not remember us, but we were the maid and bodyguard for the Evans family, whom you helped get out of City A when the apocalypse started." She glanced around eagerly at the base, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Evans family. "Are they here too?" she asked, her anticipation evident as she scanned the crowd. Duke and Kisha exchanged a glance, and understanding dawned on them. Kisha then asked, "Were you the ones in the car that suddenly disappeared from our tail as we were leaving the city?" She was confident in her suspicion, recalling her warning to the convoy that their safety was ultimately their own responsibility. Meeting two of the Evans'' staff here wasn''t surprising, but she was amazed they had survived City A''s chaos. The population there had been ten times larger than that of City B, where they now were. It seemed these two were the only survivors from the Evans'' staff. Not hearing a response from Kisha or Duke made the maid anxious. She hesitated before asking again, "Are they not here? Or..." Her voice faltered, unable to finish her question. The fear of hearing heartbreaking news was evident. She had grown close to the Evans, who had always treated their servants well, except for one pretentious individual. If they heard that they did not survive was a heavy blow to her, leaving her unable to ask further, fearing the worst. Even the leader, who had once been the Evans'' bodyguard, felt a deep sadness as he considered the fate of the Evans family. Noticing the misunderstanding, Kisha quickly clarified, "No, they''re alive and well, but they''re not in this base¡ªthey''re somewhere else." The maid''s eyes widened in surprise as she processed the news. After a moment, she broke into a broad smile. "So they''re safe! But why aren''t they here?" She asked eagerly, her earlier anxiety replaced by curiosity about her former employers. "It''s a long story, but they''re living comfortably and eating well," Kisha said, closing the topic before it could extend further. She and Duke, along with the others, began heading inside the base. Kisha then turned to Vulture. "Keep working on the barricade. I''ll return after I''ve had a chance to shower." Vulture nodded and began organizing the warriors to head back out through the gate. The newly arrived survivors watched, baffled and horrified, as people left the safety of the walls. They understood that these individuals had essential tasks or supplies to secure, but the trauma of their recent escape made the idea of venturing outside seem unimaginable. Their minds, still reeling from their harrowing experience, instinctively recoiled from the notion of facing the dangers beyond the wall. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The newly arrived survivors hurried inside the base, their eyes wide with astonishment at what they encountered on their way to the Central Hall. Children played outside, their health and vitality a stark contrast to what they had expected¡ªnone of them looked frail or sickly. The adults went about their tasks around the base, engaging in conversations and work with a mix of apprehension and normalcy. Although their faces bore traces of fear, they still managed to smile and chat briefly with familiar faces along the way, a small comfort amidst their daily routines. The newly arrived survivors were utterly bewildered by what they saw. The residents of the base seemed like they had stepped out of a time before the apocalypse, living in a way that resembled a world untouched by zombies. The scene was both nostalgic and surprising, as the community functioned with a sense of normalcy and routine that felt almost like a distant memory from a time before the disaster. The new arrivals were astounded to see the base''s survivors functioning normally, seemingly free from fear and anxiety. It wasn''t that they wanted all survivors to live in constant dread, but they were perplexed by this apparent calm. Kisha and Duke chose not to explain, believing that if the newcomers stayed within the base, they would eventually understand the situation on their own. They were wary of the possibility that an explanation might lead to suspicions about brainwashing or manipulation. Moreover, Kisha had already assessed the newcomers'' morality using her ''Eye of Truth'' earlier when she was just standing around and watching them be slaughtered and found them to be decent people, not inclined toward evil. Allowing them to experience the base''s environment firsthand would be the best way to alleviate their fears. Observing the base''s operations and interacting with its residents would help them feel more at ease and integrate smoothly into the community. It might seem harsh for Kisha to have allowed some to be sacrificed while she assessed each individual, but it was her only way to ensure these newcomers wouldn''t pose a threat to her people. Simply saving and bringing them back without thorough evaluation could lead to regret if any of them turned out to be a danger. It was far preferable to be cautious and ensure safety, even if it meant making difficult decisions, than to risk her people''s well-being by letting potential threats slip through the cracks. The new survivors looked around the base with wide-eyed amazement, as if they were being given a tour of a well-oiled machine. Everywhere they turned, people were holding food and moving between different areas. They were soon guided by one of the warriors to the Central Hall, while Kisha and Duke headed straight to their villa for a much-needed shower. As they lined up, the survivors noticed people emerging from one of the buildings, carrying food. Unable to contain their curiosity, they stopped one of the passersby to ask questions about the base''s operations and the food distribution. "What are they doing there? Are they getting free food?" the maid asked, her eyes fixed on the Supply Center as she swallowed nervously. Chapter 342 New Survivors Joining The Base 2 "Ah, that? No, it''s not free," the passerby replied, shaking their head. "That''s the Supply Center. Survivors here work to earn points, and those points can be exchanged for food, medicine, and other essentials. It''s how we keep the system running. Everyone contributes to the base in some way, whether through labor, defense, or other tasks, and they earn points in return." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The passerby paused, then added with a proud smile, "The Supply Center is overseen by the base leaders themselves. They''re the ones who not only manage the supplies but also head out on dangerous supply runs to keep the center stocked. So, everything you see here¡ªit''s the result of teamwork and leadership, ensuring that nobody gets a free ride, but also that no one goes hungry as long as they pull their weight." With a glance at the maid, the passerby continued, "It''s tough but fair. You''ll get used to it soon enough. And trust me, it''s better than scrounging for scraps out there." All the new survivors stared in disbelief, their mouths slightly agape, as if silently asking the passerby if he was joking. The idea of such a well-organized system seemed almost too good to be true, especially after the chaos they had been through. But the passerby just smirked, his expression saying, *"I know, right?"* without uttering a word. He gave them a quick nod before turning and heading toward the Supply Center, where he joined the line of other survivors waiting to exchange their hard-earned work points for supplies. As he walked away, the group watched him, still processing the revelation. For them, the thought of a structured community where work was fairly rewarded, and survival wasn''t just about luck, felt like something out of a dream. Some exchanged glances, wondering if this system could really be as good as it seemed. Others looked around at the base''s residents¡ªwell-fed, working together, and even sharing the occasional laugh¡ªfeeling a cautious flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they''d finally found a place where survival wasn''t just about scraping by, but about rebuilding something more. It had been nearly a week since Kisha and Duke had taken over the base and introduced the new work system. In that short time, the transformation among the survivors was nothing short of remarkable. Those who had once stumbled through the base like the living dead, weakened from hunger and fear, were now walking with renewed strength and purpose. The effects of consistent meals and proper rest were visible in their faces and posture. No longer did they drag themselves across the camp as they had when they first arrived, frail and uncertain. The rumors about Kisha''s incredible feat outside the wall had already spread like wildfire through the base. Word of her single-handedly decimating thousands of zombies had taken on a life of its own, morphing into exaggerated tales as each person passed it along. By the time the gossip had reached the second or third person, Kisha was being described as some sort of superhuman force, plummeting hordes of zombies and leaving nothing but a grotesque pile of minced flesh in her wake. As exaggerated as it sounded, there was some truth to it. Kisha had indeed turned a swarm of zombies into something resembling a meat grinder''s aftermath. Though few people actually saw her in action, the aftermath spoke volumes¡ªpiles of pulverized, unrecognizable zombie remains littered the area. It was so grisly that even the base''s hardened warriors, who were used to bloodshed and carnage, struggled to keep their meals down while cleaning up the mess. Those who worked the aftermath described the scene with a mix of awe and horror. The thick stench of rot and the sight of splattered flesh around the perimeter had even the strongest warriors grimacing. They murmured among themselves about how Kisha had done it, though none could offer a clear explanation. Was it her bare hands? Some kind of weapon they hadn''t seen? The unknown only fueled the stories, making Kisha''s reputation even more fearsome. The gruesome details spread quickly¡ªhow the walls were slick with blood and how chunks of zombies were scattered far and wide, almost as if Kisha had unleashed a storm of fury upon them. Those brave enough to clean the aftermath could barely stomach their own meals after seeing what was left behind. Some said they couldn''t even touch meat for days afterward without being reminded of the scene. Yet, despite the disgust, there was a perverse sense of pride in having witnessed, or at least been near, such a display of raw power. The tale became a legend, growing more absurd with every telling. Some said Kisha moved so fast that the zombies didn''t even realize they were dead until they were torn to shreds. Others claimed she summoned a weapon from thin air or used her bare hands, crushing skulls and tearing limbs with impossible strength. Whatever the truth was, one thing was certain: Kisha had made an impression that no one would soon forget. Her presence was now synonymous with power, and it left the base both in awe and a little fearful of their leader''s true capabilities. As the newly arrived survivors stood in line, waiting to be registered before being assigned their own living spaces, they couldn''t help but overhear the chatter around them. The survivors weren''t sure what to believe¡ªwhat was fact and what was exaggerated beyond recognition. But one thing was certain: there had to be some truth to the tales. After all, they themselves had witnessed the terrifying power of the zombies. The undead, relentless and overwhelming in numbers, could decimate even a heavily armed battalion. They had seen soldiers fall, overwhelmed by the sheer mass of bodies that just wouldn''t stay down. Yet here they were, alive, saved by just two people¡ªKisha and Duke. It was almost impossible to believe that such a small force could achieve what an entire squadron could not, but their survival was undeniable proof. Whatever methods Kisha had used, whether exaggerated or not, they had clearly been effective. The awe and confusion in the survivors'' minds only deepened as they pondered the power of these two individuals who had saved them from certain death. The newly arrived survivors listened eagerly to the gossip, their ears perked with excitement as they soaked in every detail. They couldn''t help but imagine what life in this new base would be like, filled with hope and curiosity. The tales of safety, plentiful food, and strong leadership were a stark contrast to the horrors they had endured outside. As they waited to be registered, anticipation buzzed through the group. They were eager for the chance to explore the base, familiarize themselves with their new home, and see for themselves the world that had been described in the rumors. Life here promised stability and security, and they couldn''t wait to begin this new chapter. Soon, the new survivors were settled into their living spaces and quickly took the initiative to register for work that suited their skills around the base. Eager to fit in, they made efforts to integrate and get along with the existing residents. Though it was a bit challenging at first, the base''s seasoned survivors showed remarkable patience, understanding the newcomers'' struggles better than anyone else. After all, they had once been in the same position, adjusting to the rhythm and rules of life within the walls. This shared experience helped foster a sense of community and support. Chapter 343 Sparrows Side On Sparrow''s end, once outside the wall, he wasted no time. He drove straight ahead, bulldozing through the abandoned vehicles blocking the path, much like he had done before when navigating the highway jammed with cars. With his experience, he knew exactly where to hit, clearing the way efficiently. Even without the assistance of the Scarlet Bees, Sparrow skillfully managed to clear the path for the convoy of trucks following behind him, demonstrating his ability to forge ahead and keep things moving smoothly. However, as Sparrow and his team reached the eastern outskirts of City B, they encountered a group of survivors desperately fighting off zombies while trying to flee. Both groups briefly locked eyes, but Sparrow didn''t so much as slow down. Despite hearing their frantic pleas for help, he knew stopping would only worsen the situation¡ªtheir raised voices were drawing even more zombies. Sparrow, focused on his mission, was under strict orders to complete it at all costs. Stopping now would jeopardize everything, and he couldn''t afford any delays. Sparrow wasn''t the type to be swayed by moral dilemmas. The cries and desperate pleas for help barely registered with him. Stopping the truck to assist them was out of the question¡ªthere was no room for more survivors, and risking his men''s lives for something outside their mission wasn''t an option. His focus was clear: complete the mission and keep his team safe, no matter the cost. Compassion would have to take a backseat to survival. It might seem harsh, but Sparrow knew better than to play the hero in this situation. His priority was to ensure the safety of himself and his team. With their own survival at stake, he couldn''t afford to jeopardize their mission by diverting resources or risking their safety for unknown individuals. Until he could guarantee their own security, extending help to others was a luxury he couldn''t afford. After all, he had no way of knowing whether these new survivors were friend or foe. If there was one lesson Sparrow had learned from Kisha, it was not to trust anyone blindly and to stay vigilant. Despite the pitiful state of the survivors, he couldn''t afford to stop the truck. However, showing a flicker of compassion, he signaled one of the ''Space Type Ability Users'' to hand over a bag stamina booster. He tossed it to the man who appeared to be in charge, then pointed him in the direction they had come from, suggesting that they might find the base if they followed that route. Sparrow didn''t need to explain himself further; it was clear that these survivors were trying to reach the base, and while he wouldn''t obstruct their path, he also couldn''t assist them. They needed to navigate this challenge on their own. If they were fortunate enough to be rescued by the base''s warriors, that would be their luck. Otherwise, Sparrow had already emotionally detached himself from the situation, focusing solely on his mission. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That''s the reality of leadership. With the rumbling of their truck, Sparrow and his team managed to divert half of the zombies'' attention toward them, providing the running survivors a crucial opportunity to regroup. The stamina booster Sparrow had given them offered a much-needed boost, allowing them to continue their flight with renewed energy and without interruption. Despite not being rescued, the survivors were deeply grateful for Sparrow''s simple act of kindness. They appreciated that, even though he didn''t stop to save them, he extended some help by providing a stamina booster. Having traveled from City A to City B, they had witnessed countless harrowing scenes and endured immense bloodshed and sacrifice, particularly from those who served to protect and rescue them. The survivors understood that Sparrow and his team, who didn''t appear to be soldiers, were under no obligation to assist them. They appreciated the help they received, recognizing that given the context of their journey and previous encounters with heinous acts, it was understandable for Sparrow and his team to prioritize their own safety. After receiving the stamina booster, the survivors quickly parted ways, with their brief exchange lasting less than two minutes. As Sparrow''s team drove away, they fired their firearms to draw the zombies'' attention. Without this distraction, the group of survivors¡ªcomprising many haggard and exhausted children and women¡ªwould have been overwhelmed and quickly overrun. The diversion was crucial to giving them a fighting chance. Sparrow and his team also used grenades to create further distractions, giving the survivors a crucial window to regroup and continue their escape. Once Sparrow could no longer see the survivors, he instructed his team to cease using grenades and instead rely on their awakened abilities. This approach minimized noise, helping to prevent attracting additional hordes of zombies from all corners of the city. When the zombie numbers began to overwhelm them and the trucks could no longer advance, Bell and her Scarlet Bees sprang into action. They launched a decisive counterattack, clearing the way and reducing the pressure on each truck. This allowed Sparrow and the rest of the convoy to continue their journey safely while the Scarlet Bees managed the onslaught. The zombie carcasses piled up on the road made their journey bumpy, but Sparrow made sure that Bell and the Scarlet Bees collected all the crystal cores scattered on the ground. Having adopted Kisha''s meticulous approach, Sparrow had become accustomed to scavenging every resource available. It didn''t sit well with him to leave any valuable material behind, so he ensured that nothing was left in the area, leaving it stripped clean. Despite Bell and the Scarlet Bees working tirelessly, Sparrow didn''t stop for a moment. They spent a grueling four hours navigating the Eastern part of the city, carefully avoiding areas overrun with zombies. Only upon reaching the outskirts of City B did they finally pause to find a place to rest and refuel their trucks. As usual, Sparrow decided to stop at a gasoline station to check for any remaining fuel in the underground tanks or in nearby trucks. Although they had brought sufficient gasoline for their trip, Sparrow preferred to stockpile as much as he could. He wants to refill their tanks from the station they passed by, always keen to hoard extra resources for future use. Fortune was on Sparrow''s side; the gasoline station he chose still had some fuel in the underground tank. He instructed Clyde and the ''Space Type Ability Users'' to fill as many large drums as possible with the available gasoline. Meanwhile, Sparrow headed inside the store to see if there were any other useful supplies they could salvage. Inside the store, Sparrow found a scene of chaos. The shelves were overturned, broken glass littered the floor, and the remnants of shattered bottles and burst bags of chips were scattered everywhere. The store was a complete mess, with most of the valuable items already taken. Sparrow searched in vain, finding only broken goods and debris, with nothing useful left to salvage. Undeterred, Sparrow decided to check the back warehouse where the stock was usually stored. He grinned when he saw that the door was still secured with a padlock. Even so, he remained cautious, aware that someone could have locked a zombie inside. After breaking the lock, he pressed his ear to the door, listening for any sounds of movement before cautiously opening it. Chapter 344 Sparrows Side 2 When he didn''t hear any movement from inside, he hesitated for a moment but decided to err on the side of caution. With a swift motion, he conjured a wind blade in his left hand, its sharp edge glinting faintly in the dim light. He pushed the door open, bracing himself for any surprise attack. But to his relief¡ªwala!¡ªthe room was empty. No zombies in sight. Still, Sparrow wasn''t one to take chances. He meticulously scanned the room, carefully checking every corner, crevice, and shadow. His heart raced as he recalled past encounters with evolved zombies¡ªcreatures far more dangerous and cunning than their lesser counterparts. They had a knack for hiding in the most unexpected places, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Sparrow knew firsthand how much of a nightmare they could be, and the thought of facing another sent a chill down his spine. Satisfied that no threat was lurking, he allowed himself a brief moment to relax, but his guard remained up. In this world, danger could always be one step ahead. He knew that if a powerful enemy were lurking around the corner, he wouldn''t stand a chance at both fighting and protecting the people he planned to bring inside. They would be too vulnerable, and he couldn''t risk any surprises while gathering supplies. That''s why, after thoroughly ensuring there were no zombies¡ªespecially none of the evolved kind¡ªhe allowed himself to breathe a little easier. His gaze swept across the storage room, his eyes widening as he took in the sight. Boxes upon boxes of supplies were neatly stacked, untouched, and unopened, just waiting to be claimed. There was far more than he had expected¡ªenough to make a real difference for his group while traveling for a long time. A wave of relief and excitement washed over him, and he couldn''t suppress the smile that spread across his face. It was a rare moment of joy in a world that had long since forgotten what hope looked like. The sheer quantity of supplies made him grin even wider. For once, it felt like luck was on his side. He began mentally calculating how much they could store with the help of the ''Space Type Ability Users''. But even with his excitement, his instincts kept him alert. He couldn''t let his guard down completely, not yet. There was still work to be done, and in this world, danger could strike the moment you allowed yourself to relax. He considered himself fortunate. The first batch of awakened ability users, including those in his group, possessed far greater potential than those who would awaken later. This early awakening granted them abilities that were more powerful and refined, and that advantage extended to the rare and coveted ''Space Type ability users.'' Unlike the ones who would emerge later with smaller, less efficient storage capacities, the Space ability users in his group had significantly larger storage dimensions within their spatial abilities. This was an invaluable asset, especially in a world where every bit of extra space could mean the difference between survival and scarcity. Their immense storage capacity made a world of difference, and it was no surprise that Kisha, their ever-pragmatic leader, trusted these five to handle one of the most resource-heavy tasks¡ªretrieving cargo trailers. The trailers were far too cumbersome to move or hide under normal circumstances, but with the enhanced storage abilities of these users, even something as bulky and space-consuming as a trailer could be stored away with ease. This left Kisha free to focus on other critical matters without worrying about the logistics of moving massive supplies across dangerous terrain. What impressed him even more was that Kisha had managed to send them off not only to secure the trailers but also to carry additional supplies. Their spatial storage was so vast that, despite the size of the trailers, there was still enough room left for essential resources. It was a perfect example of how the right abilities, in the right hands, could completely shift the balance in their favor. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer efficiency of it all. The ability to transport such large amounts of cargo without needing to constantly worry about space limitations was a game-changer. It was a stroke of luck that they had these early awakened users in their ranks, and he knew that Kisha, with her foresight and strategic mind, was fully aware of how valuable these individuals were. The trust she placed in them spoke volumes, and it was clear that with their help, they had a much better shot at securing not just the trailers but their other supplies as well. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even though their storage capacities couldn''t compare to her unlimited inventory space, their abilities were still impressive in their own right. The fact that they could store years'' worth of supplies within their spatial dimensions meant they had a significant advantage. In the event they were ever trapped or isolated, they would have more than enough resources to keep themselves safe and survive for an extended period. It was a safeguard that gave them both security and peace of mind, knowing they could endure even the worst situations. He reached for his radio, quickly dialing in to make contact with someone outside. Pressing the button on the walkie-talkie, he waited for the familiar crackle of static before speaking. "I need a team with a ''Space Type Ability User'' and a guard to come inside," he said, his voice steady and direct. "I''m in the storage room on the left. Over." "Roger that," Rose responded promptly. Without wasting any time, she brought the nearest ''Space Type Ability User'' with her and began escorting them inside, maintaining the same level of vigilance that Sparrow had shown earlier. Outside, the rest of the team remained on high alert, guarding the perimeter as drums upon drums were being filled with gasoline. No one voiced any objections¡ªthey all knew how critical the fuel was. The base relied heavily on generators for electricity, especially the Supply Center, and without a steady supply of fuel, they couldn''t afford the risk of running out. Until they found a reliable alternative, losing power would mean spoiled food, wasted resources, and an even more dangerous situation. When Rose entered with the ''Space Type Ability User'' in tow, she was surprised to find the storage room completely untouched¡ªa stark contrast to the chaos outside. The mess beyond the store suggested that looters had already been through, yet this room remained perfectly intact. It made her wonder: had those who ransacked the place missed the storage entirely, or was there something inside that had deterred them from entering? Either way, it was a stroke of luck, and she wasn''t about to question it for long. Sparrow shared the same suspicion. He believed there was no such thing as real luck. That''s why he had meticulously checked every nook and cranny of the storage room before calling for their ''Portable Storage'' team. The term ''Portable Storage'' struck him as far more convenient than the cumbersome ''Space Type Ability Users,'' and he mused that ''STAU'' would be even more efficient in urgent situations where quick communication was essential. As he considered this, Sparrow couldn''t help but smile at his own cleverness, feeling a brief moment of pride in his practical solution. Chapter 345 Something Inside the Room After a brief distraction, Sparrow shook his head, refocusing on the task at hand. But before he could react, he felt a sudden tug at the back of his collar. In an instant, he was being yanked backward, along with the person he had dubbed ''Portable Storage.'' Both of them were caught completely off guard as Rose dragged them like a pair of ragged clothes hanging from a rack. Confusion flashed across their faces as they stumbled, floored by her unexpected and forceful grip. Just then, a sound echoed through the enclosed space, catching both of their attention instantly. Akackack... Screech! The sound was unnervingly alien, like something straight out of ''Alien vs. Predator''. That was exactly how it felt to both Sparrow and the other man¡ªan eerie, otherworldly noise that made their skin crawl. Tension gripped them as they strained to pinpoint its origin, but the storage room remained silent and still, with no visible threat. They scanned every corner, their nerves on edge, yet saw nothing. An unsettling realization began to creep over them: if there was truly an evolved zombie lurking, it was expertly hiding. Worse, their team outside remained blissfully unaware of the potential danger inside. If this creature struck while their guard was down, it would be a catastrophe¡ªone that could spell disaster for them all. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow''s nerves began to fray. They had just escaped the chaos of the city, and the thought of returning empty-handed filled him with dread. If he went back and reported that the mission had failed, he was certain Duke would whip him into shape¡ªthough that was the least of his concerns at the moment. What really gnawed at him was the uneasy feeling that he''d somehow jinxed himself. It seemed like every time he was on a mission, something unexpected and disastrous always happened, leaving him wondering if he was cursed or simply unlucky. Frustration boiled inside him, and he had to bite back a curse as his eyes darted around, searching for even the slightest ripple in the air. His instincts were on high alert, every sense tuned to detecting any movement. As he guarded Rose and his ''Portable Storage,'' both arms extended, gently pushing them to retreat. Step by step, he guided them backward, inching closer to the door they had entered through, all while bracing for whatever might come next. He still couldn''t figure out how Rose had sensed something lurking in the room before it made its presence known. But now, as his eyes scanned the area, he spotted a claw mark right where he had been standing moments earlier. A chill ran down his spine. Their enemy wasn''t just hiding¡ªit was skilled at ambush tactics, far more adept than the evolved zombie he had previously encountered, which had relied on sheer agility. This one was smarter, and that made it even more dangerous. If Rose hadn''t pulled them back in time, both he and the other guy would likely have been decapitated¡ªor at the very least, suffered a severe throat wound that would have left him bleeding out within minutes. The creature''s attack, even if not immediately fatal, would have been lethal in the end. They owed their lives to her quick reflexes. Akackack... Grrr. The creature let out another one of its eerie, otherworldly sounds, reverberating throughout the room, but they still couldn''t pinpoint its origin. Yet, it didn''t attack. Maybe it was sizing them up, wary of Sparrow''s strength¡ªor maybe that was just his imagination running wild. Right now, all he could hear after the creature''s low growl was the sound of their ragged breathing and his own heart pounding in his chest. Sparrow and the others continued to retreat, knowing they couldn''t stay in the center of the room like sitting ducks, vulnerable to attacks from all sides. With their invisible enemy lurking, standing still would be suicide. Even if they couldn''t reach the door, they needed to at least get their backs to the wall. While it was still dangerous, it was far better than being ambushed from behind or the flanks. At least this way, they could focus on defending a single direction¡ªwhatever came at them would have to come from the front. The other guy gulped as he scanned the eerily quiet room. Not a single box was out of place, as if nothing had happened at all. If it weren''t for the claw mark gouged into the floor, he might''ve convinced himself that the sound they''d heard was coming from somewhere else entirely. It was so unlike the usual guttural growls of a zombie¡ªtoo alien, too unnatural. He couldn''t shake the feeling that they were like insects trapped in a predator''s web¡ªcompletely at the mercy of the enemy''s territory. Every move they made was likely being monitored and anticipated by their unseen foe, leaving them powerless and vulnerable while the enemy remained in control. Then, what Sparrow feared happened. "Ack!" Rose exclaimed in pain, Sparrow and the other guy''s head whipped to the side and looked at her, there she was raising her right hand in defence with her dagger in hand, her arm was bleeding but, there wasn''t anything there. "Shit!" Sparrow cursed under his breath, Rose wasn''t just bleeding, she was bitten! Rose immediately clutched her wounded arm, her eyes rimmed with red as she fixed her gaze on the direction from which the attack had come. Her chest heaved with every breath as she struggled to contain her anger and fear, all while her injury continued to bleed. As Sparrow and the others continued to stare at her, Rose snapped, "Stop staring at me¡ªlook around!" She quickly reached into a small pocket of her cargo pants, pulling out a roll of gauze. With swift, practiced movements, she wrapped it around her arm to staunch the bleeding, all the while keeping her eyes vigilantly scanning the room. Blood continued to trickle from her wound, forming a grim trail on the floor. The atmosphere was eerily quiet and suffocatingly tense. Suddenly, Sparrow halted in his tracks, abandoning his retreat toward the wall. Instead, he urgently directed Rose and the others toward the right, where the boxes of supplies were stacked. Rose and the other guy were initially puzzled by his sudden shift in strategy, but Sparrow''s swift, decisive movements conveyed a confidence that left them with no choice but to follow his lead. They had no better options anyway. After a few quick strides, Sparrow and the others reached the large boxes stacked nearby. "Get these boxes into your space," he commanded firmly. His tone brooked no argument, and his serious expression, with eyes fixed in one direction and brows furrowed tightly, left no room for hesitation. The others, recognizing the urgency in his demeanor, complied without question. Unlike Kisha, who could store items regardless of distance, the ''Space Type Ability Users'' had a different limitation. They needed to be close to the items and touch them before they could store them in their spaces. So, the guy quickly began touching each box with both hands, working efficiently to store them one by one. Meanwhile, he positioned himself with his back pressed against Sparrow''s, eliminating any gaps that might expose him to danger. He remained vigilant, constantly scanning the area above and around the boxes for any signs of an ambush. Chapter 346 The Stalemate Sparrow knew that he didn''t need them to be as vigilant as he was, especially since neither could engage in battle at the moment. Rose was injured, her breathing growing ragged as the virus began to infiltrate her brain through her bloodstream. Sparrow was determined to resolve the situation before Rose succumbed to the virus and turned into a zombie. He couldn''t afford to divert his attention from the front, as any lapse in focus could lead to an immediate attack. He reasoned that Rose could wait for the moment, as he and the other guy were now immune to the zombie virus after awakening their ability. Unless they faced an attack so fatal that it would cause instant death, they were confident in their survival. After all, they had been provided with vials of blue and black liquid for situations of serious danger. With Rose having been bitten, Sparrow''s approach shifted. Unlike before, when he was worried about being attacked from all sides due to Rose still being a normal human, he now felt more confident. He and the other guy had already awakened their abilities, giving them an edge and making them more prepared for the situation. Given that Rose had been bitten, it was nearly certain she would turn into a zombie. The only variables were how effectively she could fight off the virus or how resilient her immune system was. The longer she resisted, the more time Sparrow would have to deal with the evolved zombie. However, the moment she fully turned, Sparrow wouldn''t hesitate; he would immediately drive his dagger into her brain without a second thought. Though it felt harsh to admit, Sparrow found a sense of freedom now that Rose was out of the picture. With her removed from the equation, he could focus on clearing the room of obstacles that the evolved zombie might use to hide or launch an ambush. By removing these obstructions, he would gain a clearer view of the room and be able to spot any subtle movements. With his Talent ''Scouting'', Gift ''Hawk Eyesight'', and skill ''Perception'', he was well-equipped to detect even the slightest ripple of movement. With the combination of his Talent ''Scouting,'' Gift ''Hawk Eyesight,'' and skill ''Perception,'' Sparrow could detect any movement within the room with remarkable precision. He could zoom in on even the slightest changes, such as dust rising under someone''s feet during a quick maneuver. Regardless of how fast a creature moved, Sparrow could pick up on subtle signs of their motion. His skill ''Perception'' allowed him to slow down time in his mind, enabling him to calculate and anticipate the enemy''s next move, even if he couldn''t read their muscle movements directly. This heightened awareness gave him the edge to attack or deflect based on his predictions. Now that Sparrow had committed to fighting the evolved zombie head-on, his resolve to execute his plan flawlessly intensified. He guarded the ''STAU'' with utmost vigilance, not only because it was invaluable to Kisha, but also because it was essential to the success of his own strategy. However, with the way things were progressing, it would take some time before he could store all the items in his space. Sparrow felt his eyebrow twitch in frustration¡ªnot only did he have to remain in a hyper-aware state that was mentally exhausting, but he also had to protect them from the constant sneak attacks. Since it was clear they''d be delayed, Sparrow signaled to Rose to inform the others outside. Rose quickly complied, despite her labored breathing and the profuse sweating. She was still lucid enough to carry out the task, but could feel her body gradually weakening as the virus took its toll. Determined to help while she still could, Rose pressed the button on the walkie-talkie. "Anyone hearing this, over?" A long, crackling static followed, filling the room with an eerie, nerve-wracking tension that seemed to amplify the sense of dread hanging in the air. Grzzzz. "Yes, we hear over." "Good. Sparrow, one of the ''Space Type Ability Users,'' and I are gathering supplies. Don''t bother coming in¡ªjust keep guarding the perimeter until we''re out. Got it?" Rose''s voice, laced with both seriousness and dread, conveyed more than just the message. Even without her explaining further, the person on the other end could sense that something had gone terribly wrong inside the storage room. The unspoken warning was clear: stay put and protect the perimeter. Any attempt to enter would only cause more trouble, becoming a hindrance rather than help. "Roger that," came the simple reply, which reassured both Sparrow and Rose. On the other end, the recipient wasted no time in relaying the message to the others, ensuring they heightened their vigilance. Their task now was clear: prevent any zombies or distractions from entering the store and disrupting Sparrow''s fight. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Any interference could tip the balance and put the group at a serious disadvantage. Looking back, Sparrow realized the signs had been there all along¡ªhe just hadn''t noticed them right away. The absence of zombies around the gas station was already a red flag. The chaotic scene outside hinted at a struggle, possibly when someone had locked the infected person inside the storage during their transformation. The fact that the padlock on the outside remained untouched was proof enough that this was no ordinary situation; a dangerous predator had been trapped inside from the beginning. It was likely the same group of people who had looted the shelves outside but avoided the storage altogether. They must have known there was a zombie inside and didn''t want to risk it. Just then, Sparrow heard a sharp whistling in his ear, signaling another incoming attack¡ªthis time aimed at Rose. However, Sparrow was ready. Anticipating movement, he instinctively raised his dagger, relying solely on his gut and reflexes, blindly deflecting the strike before it could hit her. Clank! Grah! Sparrow successfully intercepted the attack aimed at Rose. It seemed the evolved zombie was determined to pick them off one by one, starting with the weakest. Logically, Rose shouldn''t have been the target¡ªthe ''STAU,'' standing behind Sparrow, was the more vulnerable one. Yet, the evolved zombie chose her, a move that puzzled him. The only explanation Sparrow could come up with was that the evolved zombie was assessing their energy levels and targeting perceived vulnerabilities. Since Rose hadn''t awakened her abilities yet, she lacked the energy fluctuations that the others displayed, making her appear as the weakest link and thus a prime target. The evolved zombie might have realized this after its initial failed attack, or perhaps it was driven by a grudge against Rose for thwarting its first strike. It could be targeting her out of revenge for its earlier failure. The stalemate persisted for over half an hour until the ''STAU'' had completed Sparrow''s orders. He managed to store all the items in his space, but the effort had drained both his mental capacityand physical energy. Now, he appeared as wilted and exhausted as a withering plant behind Sparrow. Sparrow could feel the ''STAU'' behind him, slumped against his back, unable to support himself. He couldn''t ask Rose to tend to the ''STAU'' either, as she was barely holding herself upright. Her ragged breathing spoke volumes¡ªshe was struggling just to fend off the virus invading her system. Chapter 347 Fending Alone So, Sparrow was left to fend for all of them alone. Fortunately, the room was now free of obstructions, allowing him a clear view of his surroundings. While he didn''t possess Kisha''s heightened senses, he could rely on his exceptional ''Perception'' skill and keen eyesight. Ackack... Sparrow felt as if the evolved zombie was mocking him, or perhaps it was signaling an imminent attack. Each time he heard that eerie, otherworldly sound, his muscles tensed and his nerves frayed. It was as if the zombie''s menacing noise was a battle cry meant to shake his resolve, much like a commanding general''s shout to demoralize their enemies. Sparrow was starting to feel the toll of maintaining his heightened awareness since they first entered the room. The constant strain was beginning to numb his senses and make his mind buzz, pulling his focus away. After half an hour of keeping his stance, he realized he might have overtaxed his skill, pushing it to its limits. However, Sparrow had no way to gauge his spiritual energy levels, lacking the tracking system that Kisha used. Without such a measure, he was uncertain if he had already depleted his reserves. Sparrow''s eyes narrowed, then brightened with a glint of determination. He had finally found a breakthrough in this stalemate. Clearing the room of obstructions had proven to be the best decision he could have made in this situation. Sparrow took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as if steam was escaping from his mouth. He then conjured a wind blade in each hand. With precise timing, he launched both blades simultaneously, his movements synchronized and fluid. Bam! Rumble... Rose could barely see what was happening, but she could hear the deep rumbling of the cement floor as something massive struck it. Debris clattered around the room, echoing off the walls. She couldn''t determine if Sparrow''s attacks were random attempts to hit the elusive target or if the evolved zombie was simply too agile or adept at hiding to be seen. But Sparrow remained relentless in his assault, sending wind blades in rapid succession throughout the room. His eyes tracked an unseen movement with sharp focus. Unlike the last evolved zombie he faced, which had exceptional agility, this one had the ability to turn invisible. It maintained its invisibility even while launching attacks, making it a more elusive and challenging opponent. Grahhh! Screech! The evolved zombie emitted an angry roar toward Sparrow, but Sparrow''s smile only grew wider. He could tell that the creature was becoming frustrated because it couldn''t get close to him or his team. Instead, it was reduced to darting around the room in frustration. The zombie was baffled by how Sparrow had managed to pinpoint its exact location despite its invisibility. With no obstructions left in the room, Sparrow''s keen perception was finally paying off. He could now detect the subtle distortions in the surroundings¡ªslight, shimmering rifts that appeared where the image wobbled as if a mirror had been displaced. These inconsistencies in the environment allowed him to see the evolved zombie''s exact position with clarity. Sparrow''s keen eyesight and agility were assets, but he was constrained by his need to protect Rose and the ''STAU,'' limiting his movement. Despite his earlier thoughts, he couldn''t abandon them to focus solely on the battle. Instead, he relied on his wind blades to maintain a long-distance assault, balancing his responsibility with his need to confront the evolved zombie. However, Sparrow knew he couldn''t sustain this strategy for much longer. Tracking the zombie with his current method was inconsistent and was putting a significant strain on both his eyesight and his ''Perception'' skill, which couldn''t endure indefinitely. Sparrow took a deep breath and paused his relentless attacks, his vision now obscured by the dust and debris stirred up from his continuous assault. The room was filled with a haze of floating dust, making it hard to see clearly. After clearing his mind and focusing, Sparrow retrieved his dagger and, with a burst of speed, darted in one direction. Clank! Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow''s dagger clashed with the zombie''s claw, causing a spray of black blood to splatter against its invisible form. A wicked grin spread across Sparrow''s face as his eyes gleamed with determination¡ªhe had locked onto his target. Sparrow wasn''t just flinging attacks blindly. Even if his wind blades missed the target or only served to irritate the zombie, he had a purpose behind his relentless assault. His aim wasn''t desperation; he was deliberately trying to disorient the evolved zombie and prevent it from closing in on him and the others. Simultaneously, he was working to fill the room with dust, creating a veil that would further obscure the zombie''s movements and give him a tactical advantage. The evolved zombie might have been able to dodge Sparrow''s attacks, but it couldn''t escape the pervasive dust now clouding the room. As expected, the dust settled on the zombie''s form, outlining it and revealing its presence. With the zombie''s shape now visible, Sparrow finally had a clear view of his elusive target, which had previously been difficult to track due to its distortion in space and occasional delays in his perception. Now that he had achieved his goal and revealed the zombie''s form, Sparrow no longer needed to rely on his strained skills. With the evolved zombie''s outline clearly visible through the settling dust, he could shift his focus to using his physical abilities. He lunged directly at the zombie, ready to engage it in close combat. Rawrrr! As Sparrow''s dagger pressed forward, he felt the warm breath of the evolved zombie on his face and caught a whiff of its foul stench. The zombie roared angrily, clearly confused about how Sparrow had managed to pinpoint its location while it was supposed to be invisible. Fortunately, the zombie''s lack of intelligence allowed Sparrow to exploit the situation with relative ease. Given that the evolved zombie relied solely on its invisibility and was slightly stronger but less agile than Sparrow, Sparrow felt a surge of confidence. He easily overpowered the zombie. However, he soon encountered a protective membrane surrounding the evolved zombie''s body. The membrane surrounding the zombie was shimmering, slimy, and repulsive. Every time Sparrow struck, his dagger only made shallow cuts due to this grotesque barrier. However, he noticed that as the membrane was scratched away, the exposed areas of the zombie''s body became increasingly visible. Sparrow deduced that the protective membrane functioned both as armor and as the mechanism for the zombie''s invisibility. As he observed the zombie''s barely visible form, he smirked. With a swift motion, he lunged at the zombie''s neck, then quickly retreated to put some distance between them before the zombie could swipe its long claws at him. It seemed as though Sparrow was toying with the zombie, merely provoking it. He repeated the same attack pattern, each time landing blows that only deepened the zombie''s frustration. The zombie''s enraged roars echoed through the room, but Sparrow remained unshaken. Finally, on his fifth attempt, he delivered a decisive strike. Sparrow conjured another wind blade, but this time, instead of launching it as he had before, he guided it to envelop his dagger. With a powerful swing, he struck just as the zombie lunged toward him. He saw the attack coming but didn''t hesitate. His blade sliced through the zombie''s head with precision. Sparrow quickly leaped back, avoiding the splatter of the zombie''s blood. Chapter 348 Dealing With Rose As the evolved zombie''s blood splattered across the floor, its severed arm landed with a heavy thud, and its decapitated head rolled to a stop at Sparrow''s feet. With its invisibility completely undone, the zombie''s grotesque form was fully revealed. Its blackened body appeared as though it was covered in a thick layer of decaying moss, and it seemed like there was no skin left to shield its sinewy form. Sparrow could make out the stark outlines of the zombie''s muscles and ligaments. Perhaps that moss-like coating was once its skin, now rotted and peeling away as it turned pitch black. To make matters worse, writhing worms burrowed through its exposed flesh, parasitically tunneling through the decayed muscle. Sparrow exhaled a relieved sigh, a small smile playing on his lips. He could feel the difference ¡ª he was undeniably stronger than before. The comparison to his first battle with an evolved zombie was inevitable; the gap between then and now was immense. He couldn''t help but marvel at how far he''d come. Before, he had struggled to keep up with the speed of the evolved zombie¡ªit had been much faster than him. But this time, while the creature wasn''t as fast, it was far from slow. What made it truly dangerous, though, was its ability to turn invisible and launch precise sneak attacks. Its unsettling, alien-like body could stretch unnaturally, and it moved with such eerie silence that it was almost impossible to detect. Its mastery of concealment was terrifying. Had he not made the reckless decision to confront it head-on, choosing instead to play it safe and protect the two behind him, the battle would have dragged on. The evolved zombie would have continued using the boxes as cover, toying with Sparrow while launching calculated attacks that would eventually wear him down, putting both him and the others at lethal risk. Thud! As Sparrow was basking in his victory and mentally reviewing the battle to pinpoint areas for improvement, a sudden thud behind him snapped him out of his thoughts. Rose had been struggling to stay upright, enduring the excruciating pain that felt like molten lava coursing through her veins. Her entire body was wracked with agony, to the point where she could barely hold onto consciousness. The only thing keeping her from collapsing sooner was her determination not to distract Sparrow while he fought the evolved zombie. She refused to be a burden, even as the torment threatened to overwhelm her. When Rose saw Sparrow charging at the zombie with just his dagger, her first instinct was to shout or create a distraction to help him land the blow. However, she quickly realized Sparrow didn''t need her assistance. He moved with confidence, as if he''d faced this kind of battle before. Trusting his experience, Rose focused all her energy on staying conscious, determined not to interfere or show weakness. The moment Sparrow delivered the final blow, instantly killing the evolved zombie, Rose felt a wave of relief wash over her. The pain coursing through her body faded into the background as she stared blankly at the small beam of sunlight filtering through the tiny ventilation window, casting a warm glow where the evolved zombie once stood. Sparrow stood like a comic book hero after defeating the villain, a beacon of victory and strength. Rose felt a surge of pride and a deep longing to emulate him. But then, the harsh reality hit her¡ªshe had been bitten by a zombie, which only meant one thing. She has regrets. She felt bitter. But there was no changing what had already happened. A bitter smile crept onto her lips as she etched Sparrow''s image into her mind¡ªa symbol of what she aspired to be, her future goal. With that thought lingering, her vision faded to black. Sparrow snapped back to reality and turned to see Rose sprawled on the ground, the dust from her fall still settling around her. Her face was pressed against the floor, and it was clear she had hit her left side and arm hard against the cold, hard surface of the ground. Sparrow winced at the sight before quickly moving to her side. Even the man who had been cowering in fear while Sparrow faced off with the zombie finally realized the battle was over and that they had a serious casualty on their hands. He couldn''t bring himself to comment further, especially since Rose was one of the team leaders and her condition was dire. He had no idea how they would explain Rose''s condition to everyone else, but deep down, they all knew this outcome was a possibility. Despite the grim awareness, it didn''t lessen the sting of disappointment and concern they felt. The guy and Sparrow rushed to Rose''s side, their hearts sinking as they saw the blackish veins creeping across her face, her skin taking on a purplish and greenish hue. Sparrow clenched his teeth, gripping his dagger tightly as he pressed it against Rose''s neck, but he hesitated, his resolve wavering. He noticed Rose''s chest rising and falling faintly, a subtle sign that she was still alive. It would be easier to end her suffering now, but Sparrow remembered the positive impression Rose had made on Kisha. As a fellow leader and a woman who had traveled from a distant land to City B, Kisha had shown a degree of compassion towards Rose due to their shared experiences. Sparrow couldn''t bring himself to kill her, knowing how much Kisha cared. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He pursed his lips, his gaze fixed on Rose''s face. The veins had stopped advancing but hadn''t receded either. With a deep exhale, he turned to the man beside him and asked, "Do you have a rope?" The other man, still in a daze, managed a slow nod before taking several seconds to retrieve a rope from his space. He watched as Sparrow expertly secured Rose, binding her tightly to ensure she couldn''t easily break free. Once satisfied, Sparrow hefted her onto his left arm, carrying her like a sack of potatoes. Only then did it dawn on him what Sparrow was attempting. His eyes widened in shock as he blinked a few times, realizing he couldn''t bring himself to suggest that Sparrow kill Rose. Silently swallowing his words, he lowered his head and followed behind Sparrow, feeling the weight of his own inaction during the fight. Then, the other guy bumped into Sparrow''s back, causing him to stumble onto his rear. Sparrow abruptly halted in his tracks. Given that his stats were nearly triple those of the man behind him, it felt as though the man had collided with a solid wall. His nose turned red immediately, and he felt a stinging sensation, suspecting he might be bleeding. As he rubbed his aching nose, he heard Sparrow''s voice, low and commanding. "Go retrieve the evolved zombie''s crystal core." Sparrow didn''t even glance back; he seemed lost in thought, his mood distinctly somber. The man behind him, sensing his preoccupation, quietly complied and hurried off to carry out the task. As the man knelt in front of the zombie, he struggled to keep himself from vomiting the breakfast he had eaten. The overwhelming stench of decay and the grotesque sight before him were far worse than anything he had seen in zombie apocalypse movies. The horror of the scene was beyond anything he could have imagined. Chapter 349 Mourning Even hardened soldiers, who had seen their fair share of gore on the battlefield, would feel their stomachs churn at the sight of the zombie corpse in front of him. The grotesque scene was enough to make anyone feel nauseous. The man could barely breathe, but he steeled himself, drawing the dagger from his waist. With a shaky hand, he plunged it into the evolved zombie''s head, the motion clumsy and uncertain. As he twisted the blade, a squishy sound accompanied the sensation of brain matter hitting the metal. He gagged, struggling to keep his breakfast down, fighting the urge to vomit. His eyelashes fluttered as he weakly inhaled, trying to avoid the overpowering stench of decay. Despite his efforts, the foul odor still hit his nostrils, making him wince. With his eyes tightly shut, he braced himself, dreading the moment when he would have to look into the hole he had carved in the zombie''s head to retrieve the core. But with no other choice, he reluctantly leaned closer to peer into the hole. The stench hit him harder than before, making him feel dizzy and lightheaded. Being so close to the rotting corpse caused his stomach to churn violently, and he could no longer hold it in. Stumbling backward, he bolted away from the zombie, but before he could even reach a corner, he was already vomiting, leaving a trail behind him. When he finally reached a spot, he doubled over, his body trembling as he retched, emptying his stomach in violent heaves. ''Damn it! That stench is going to kill me!'' he thought, letting out another violent heave. It sounded like he was about to throw up his entire stomach, but after a few more gagging attempts, his body gave up¡ªthere was nothing left to expel. His eyes were red and teary, his throat raw from the effort, and his aching nose felt completely numb from the overwhelming smell. After emptying his stomach completely, he had no choice but to return to the zombie corpse and finish the grim task. Determined to get it over with quickly, he approached the body, dreading every second he had to stay near it. Thankfully, on his first try, he managed to dig his dagger into just the right spot. When he peered inside the zombie''s head, he spotted a faint glimmer¡ªsomething reflecting the sunlight filtering through the small window behind him, catching the edge of his hair. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The moment he saw the small glimmer, he didn''t hesitate any longer. With a grimace, he plunged his hand into the mess, grabbing the crystal core between his fingers. His stomach churned again, and he gagged, but forced himself to push through. He rushed back to Sparrow, stopping in front of him, only to double over, retching uncontrollably as the nausea hit him once more. He extended his hand to give Sparrow the crystal core, but Sparrow only glanced at the offered palm, noting the core was still coated in a slimy black substance and reeking of decay. Without a word, Sparrow raised an eyebrow, his face unreadable, yet the man could almost feel the silent judgment. It was as if Sparrow''s gaze alone was calling him ''stupid'' for even thinking of handing it over in that condition. With no other choice, he reluctantly wiped the slimy remnants of brain matter off the crystal core onto the sleeve of his pants. At least this way, he wouldn''t have to constantly endure the stench right under his nose, as he would if he had used his shirt. Thinking this through, he felt slightly consoled as he begrudgingly passed the now-cleaned crystal core to Sparrow. This time, Sparrow accepted it immediately, slipping it into his pocket without hesitation. Without a word, Sparrow turned and walked out of the storage room. As he stepped into the open, the others, hearing the movement, glanced back instinctively¡ªonly to see Sparrow carrying Rose effortlessly in one arm. At first, they didn''t notice anything unusual about Rose and assumed she was merely unconscious. But the moment Sparrow laid her down near the gasoline refill tank, everyone''s attention snapped to the dark, protruding veins creeping up her neck and onto her lower cheeks. Her lips, once pale, were now tinged with a deepening purple. Everyone gasped in sight, they all knew something happened inside the storage room but they didn''t expect it to be this serious, they all looked back at Sparrow in panic, as if asking him with their eyes on what to do with Rose in that condition. But, Sparrow didn''t even need to say something for them to understand the underlying situation and meaning behind his action, nor explain what happened. They would only become worried and scared when they heard about the evolved zombie. Sparrow gazed up at the overcast sky, which mirrored the grim reality of their lives. The clouds seemed to mock their dire situation, a cruel reminder of their fate. Yet, despite the bleak outlook, Sparrow couldn''t help but smirk. No matter how daunting their future seemed, he was certain that humanity¡ªespecially his own group¡ªwould not succumb to extinction so easily. Everyone''s faces were etched with gloom, as if they were already mourning Rose. Her followers, seeing her from a distance, pushed through the gathered crowd, their expressions vacant and lost. Rose had been their beacon of hope during the apocalypse¡ªher leadership had been instrumental in organizing their groups and guiding them through seemingly insurmountable waves of zombies. Though they had lost many along the way, her unwavering determination had ensured that many survived. Seeing her so frail and on the brink of death stirred a tumult of emotions within them¡ªresentment, loss, and anger. The fact that they were unable to protect her despite being so close felt like a profound failure. They couldn''t accept this outcome. Desperate to help Rose, they found themselves helpless, not knowing how to assist her. They understood the gravity of her situation¡ªRose had yet to awaken, and a zombie bite usually signified impending death. As they watched her lie there, unmoving with shallow breaths, some of the men began to weep silently, their sorrow palpable. "Captain Sparrow, please¡ªdon''t end Captain Rose''s life just yet. W-we''ll deal with it when the time comes," pleaded one of Rose''s men, his voice trembling as he fought back tears. He could barely speak through his sobs, despite his best efforts to remain composed. "Let''s wait and see," Sparrow said, before turning on his heels. He instructed the other teams to continue guarding the perimeter while the rest prepared lunch. Since they had found a relatively safe spot with fewer zombies, it was the perfect opportunity to rest and eat before resuming their journey to the port city. Although Sparrow appeared detached and unemotional in his response, his actions betrayed a deep frustration. They had barely reached the outskirts of City B, just a short distance from their base, and yet they were already facing a serious mishap. With every member of the mission under his responsibility, it was clear that Sparrow felt the weight of this incident heavily. The thought of losing one of his team leaders so quickly weighed heavily on him, causing him to berate himself and spiral into self-blame. He felt like a failure, unable to escape the cycle of guilt and weakness. Despite this, he also recognized that there was nothing more he could have done in the situation. Chapter 350 Rose Is Slipping Away After giving his orders, Sparrow crossed his arms and leaned against the side of the truck. His gaze lingered on Rose in the distance, and he sighed heavily, lamenting the loss of such a skilled soldier so soon after leaving the city. "Captain Sparrow!" one of the men crouched beside Rose shouted in panic, instantly catching Sparrow''s attention. A wave of dread washed over him, and as he took a heavy step forward, it felt as if lead was weighing down his limbs. Even from a distance, Sparrow could see Rose''s body convulsing violently on the ground. Her team, panicked, was shouting and struggling to hold her down. They understood what was coming next. Two of them were desperately pressing her stomach and feet to prevent her from thrashing about on the hard ground and potentially injuring herself or hitting her head on something sharp. Everyone watching could only sob. ''These grown-ass men are crying like kids'' "No... No... No! Captain!" they chanted desperately, their voices tinged with fear as they tried to restrain her. Despite their frantic efforts, no one could bring themselves to deliver the fatal blow to her head as they watched her transformation unfold. One of the men holding her legs accidentally brushed against her bare skin in the chaos. He clamped his hands down, feeling the coldness of her skin, but his focus was too scattered to process the unsettling sensation. He felt an unsettling coldness, as if he were touching a corpse, causing him to stiffen involuntarily. Glancing back at Rose, he saw that despite the efforts of three grown men holding her down, they were being overpowered by her convulsions. Another man rushed to assist, trying to keep her restrained until Sparrow finally reached the scene. Sparrow''s expression was a mix of helplessness and concern as he watched the scene unfold. He could do nothing to assist, as everyone was already occupied restraining Rose. The air was filled with her frantic screams, and her eyes, rolled back, revealed only the whites turning a disturbing shade of red. The veins in her eyes seemed to writhe and swell, threatening to burst with every agonizing moment. Unable to endure Rose''s agonizing, beastly screams any longer, one of the men swiftly retrieved a towel from his beltbag. As Rose let out another guttural cry with her mouth wide open, he quickly placed the towel over her mouth to prevent her from biting her tongue or anyone else. He then securely tied each end of the towel to ensure it stayed in place, effectively silencing her and preventing any further harm. Sparrow understood that, despite his desire to help, there was little he could do in this situation. He could only watch somberly as six men struggled to restrain Rose, who writhed in apparent agony. The sight of her in such pain, with everyone working desperately to keep her from thrashing, weighed heavily on him. Black blood seeped through the bandage on her arm, evidence of the virus slowly destroying her cells. The dark coloration signified the infection''s advance, and the excessive strain Rose was putting on her body had reopened her wound, causing it to bleed profusely. The team responsible for preparing lunch stood stiff and distracted, their minds struggling to distance themselves from the unfolding crisis. Despite their best efforts to focus on their tasks, the harrowing situation weighed heavily on them. They couldn''t shake the unsettling realization of their own vulnerability, imagining themselves in Rose''s place. The possibility of facing a similar fate loomed large, especially for those who had not yet awakened, leaving them feeling exposed and hopeless. Once bitten, survival seemed nearly impossible for the unawakened; they were effectively sentenced to death. In contrast, those who had awakened were more resilient, akin to cats with nine lives. As long as they avoided bleeding to death or succumbing to immediate fatal injuries, they stood a chance of surviving and eventually returning home. They were all aware of the risks before embarking on the mission, but witnessing Rose''s dire situation drove home the fragility of their lives in this apocalypse. It stirred a mix of emotions within them¡ªan urgent desire to grow stronger intertwined with a profound fear of their vulnerability. The people surrounding Rose collectively gasped, drawing everyone''s attention. They held their breath, eager to hear what would come next or to discover if there was any new development in her condition. "She... she..." One of Rose''s subordinates stammered, struggling to find the right words, his voice trembling with uncertainty. Even Sparrow''s brows furrowed in concern as he leaned in, eager to understand what was happening. "She stopped breathing!" someone finally managed to say, his voice hoarse with shock. Rose had suddenly gone still, and for a moment, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief, thinking she had merely passed out. However, when one of them checked for a pulse and found none, panic set in. They scrambled to perform CPR, but hesitated to remove the towel from her mouth, fearing that if she regained consciousness and bit the rescuer, it could lead to disaster. Despite the rising panic, one person attempted to remove the towel from Rose''s mouth. However, he was swiftly stopped by another who, remaining logical amid the chaos, insisted on prioritizing safety. Fortunately, an STAU member who was nearby heard the commotion and rushed over to assist. Thanks to Kisha''s foresight, their emergency supplies included medical essentials like oxygen tanks and a pocket mask for resuscitation. With these resources on hand, they were prepared for such worst-case scenarios. The STAU member swiftly retrieved the medical supplies, and without hesitation, Rose''s subordinate removed the towel from her mouth and replaced it with the pocket mask. Another team member began administering chest compressions, working urgently to restore her breathing. They performed several sets of compressions, and with each set, the person administering them began to sob, their quiet whimpers breaking through the tense silence. They could feel Rose slipping away, a reality no one wanted to face. The mission had barely begun, and already, they were dealing with this nightmare. Those who were more superstitious couldn''t help but feel this was a bad omen, and the thought of backing out crossed more than a few minds. Sparrow stood still, deep in thought, weighing everything. He knew the mission was both urgent and crucial. Kisha''s reasoning echoed in his mind¡ªit made perfect sense. The zombie population was growing at an alarming rate, their strength increasing frighteningly fast. Kisha''s decision to send them out to reinforce the walls wasn''t just a good call¡ªit was the only call. Despite the risks, he understood that fortifying their wall defenses was their best chance of survival. Backing out wasn''t an option, not now. Even though Sparrow understood this, he didn''t try to antagonize those who were clearly panicking. It was only natural¡ªthey were losing someone close to them. But they were outside the safe zone, and anything could happen. Sparrow, along with those who still had their wits about them, took it upon themselves to stay vigilant, guarding the perimeter while the others mourned and let their emotions take over. They were already emotional, and there was no need to push the wrong buttons to get the message across. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 351 Is She.... Most of these people were veterans, so Sparrow trusted that after allowing themselves a brief moment to mourn, they would pull themselves together. They didn''t have the luxury to falter or stop, as that would only lead to one outcome¡ªdeath. And if that happened, it would dishonor Rose''s sacrifice. Cough! Cough! "We have a heartbeat!" someone shouted from the group administering first aid. Instantly, everyone perked up, straining to catch a glimpse of Rose. ''It seems there won''t be mourning just yet, but maybe later,'' Sparrow thought. It might sound callous, but he didn''t want to get his hopes up. The real battle was still ahead¡ªRose was still fighting the virus that was overtaking her system and threatening to eat her brain. Although she remained human for now, she was drifting in and out of consciousness, moving between the brink of death and her current state. "Do you see it?" Clyde asked, inching closer to Sparrow as he fixed his gaze on Rose''s face. The black veins still marred her neck and cheeks. Meanwhile, Sparrow was preoccupied with the unfolding situation, rearranging their schedule and mission timeframe as he strategized their next steps for continuing the road ahead. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow raised an eyebrow, humoring Clyde but unsure of where he was headed. He remained still, deep in thought, as Clyde continued. "She was bitten, but instead of going into cardiac arrest, she should have turned by now. It''s been over half an hour since the bite¡ªbetween the battle in the storage room and the time others spent attending to her. This delay is unusual." "Usually, when someone is bitten, they turn into a zombie almost instantly due to the rapid spread of the virus through the bloodstream," Clyde explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "But if we look at her now, she appears to be in a sort of half-turned state. It''s almost like the virus has stopped spreading, though that''s unlikely. I''ve seen enough of this to know that if the virus was active, it wouldn''t be on hold. Wouldn''t it?" Clyde shrugged, acknowledging that everyone surrounding Rose had likely witnessed similar horrors. It almost seemed like no one had considered this issue before, perhaps because their minds were too rattled by the situation. "What did you just say?!" Sparrow''s voice rose sharply, his head snapping towards Clyde in shock. Clyde quickly raised both hands defensively, his expression a mix of apprehension and urgency as he gestured for Sparrow to calm down. "Relax, I''m not trying to curse her or be insensitive. I just noticed something unusual," Clyde said, his tone more measured. "We''ve all seen people get bitten and turn into zombies within moments. It rarely takes more than half an hour. So why is she different?" "Is this the first time something like this has happened? Could it be because of her immunity? That seems unlikely, but it''s worth considering. I''m just trying to help by pointing out what I see, without any emotional bias. I might come off as detached, but I''m only offering my observations." Clyde paused, focusing his attention back on Rose, who was convulsing again. "No, wait! You actually raised a valid point," Sparrow said suddenly, drawing Clyde''s attention. Clyde sighed in relief, having feared that Sparrow might misinterpret his concerns as a political maneuver rather than a genuine observation. "Captain!" Another voice called out, catching Sparrow and Clyde''s attention. They quickly urged the STAU to retrieve something from their supplies. Moments later, the STAU returned with thick blankets and began to wrap Rose in them. By rolling her in the blankets, they could restrain her movements without needing everyone to hold her down during her convulsions. The thick fabric provided a practical solution to contain her while minimizing the risk of injury. Sparrow, puzzled by the commotion, moved closer with Clyde to see what was happening. The six men who had been attending to Rose were drenched in sweat. They had carefully wrapped Rose in a thick blanket, ensuring it was snug enough to restrain her movements without suffocating her. Only after confirming that she could barely move did they finally release their hold. "What are you guys doing?" Sparrow asked sternly. He understood that they couldn''t kill Rose yet¡ªshe hadn''t fully turned, and no one was prepared for that task. It wasn''t something Rose had requested, nor was it a decision for him to make. But what they were doing now was baffling. "Captain Sparrow, Captain Rose felt icy to the touch, like a block of ice. She was shivering uncontrollably, her teeth chattering from the cold. It seems like she''s experiencing a severe fever, but instead of feeling intense heat, she''s feeling the opposite," someone explained. They had struggled to make sense of the situation, and this was the only explanation they could come up with, though they still hadn''t recognized the full abnormality of the situation. "Wait, are you saying she''s going through an awakening?!" Clyde exclaimed, his words hitting everyone like a bolt of lightning. The group exchanged looks of dawning realization, and even Sparrow''s eyes widened in disbelief as the idea sank in. No one had a better explanation, so they could only collectively focus on Clyde''s theory, stunned by the sudden possibility. "But her symptoms are different from what we''ve seen in others who''ve gone through awakening," one of the men said, hesitating. "We can''t say for sure that''s what''s happening. But¡­" Clyde''s theory had sparked a glimmer of hope. They began to consider the possibility that Rose might indeed be undergoing a forced awakening due to the life-threatening situation. Perhaps her survival instincts were boosting her chances of awakening, which could explain why the transformation had seemingly stalled. "Perhaps her body is forcing her to awaken as a defense mechanism," someone suggested. "The sudden drop in temperature might be a way to slow down or halt the spread of the virus while she''s undergoing this forced awakening." "But since it''s a matter of survival, her body might have opted for an unconventional method," another person added. "This could explain why Rose''s body is struggling to cope, leading to her experiencing cardiac arrest." As the group followed this line of thought, they exchanged uneasy glances, their initial relief giving way to growing anxiety. Whether she was undergoing a forced awakening or her immune system was having a final struggle with the virus before succumbing was still uncertain. For now, they could only wait and hope. Regardless of the outcome, if Rose''s body failed to overcome the challenge, she would inevitably turn into a zombie. All they could do was pray that this was indeed a forced awakening and that she would succeed. With this new perspective, they carefully placed Rose inside the truck and took a quick break to eat. Heads hung low, each person was lost in their own thoughts and anxieties. Conversation dwindled, especially the somber discussions about Rose and the current situation. The gravity of their predicament weighed heavily on them, leaving everyone acutely aware of their dire circumstances. Despite their concerns, they knew they couldn''t return without completing their mission. After their break, they resumed their journey. This time, their travel was notably smoother compared to their departure from the city. The road to Port City, connected to a provincial highway, was wide and largely deserted, making for a much more straightforward and uneventful trip. Chapter 352 Port City The uneventful journey along the provincial highway only heightened their anxiety, feeling like the calm before the storm. Everyone was on high alert, unable to rest or even close their eyes. Rose''s subordinates, in particular, kept a constant, intense watch over her, eyes burning with worry, making sure she was still breathing and hadn''t begun to turn. They barely dared to blink, afraid they''d miss a critical moment. If anyone could remain relaxed and even sleep during this tense time, it was Clyde. While his friends were nervous and jittery, he seemed completely unaffected, almost as if he were living in his own world. His calm demeanor stemmed from the fact that, as he had explained, he wasn''t close to Rose. He believed that since they had already drawn a conclusion and decided to wait and see, there was no point in stressing himself out. In his view, torturing himself with worry would only worsen his condition and put his life at risk when they inevitably faced the unknown dangers ahead. Clyde wanted to rest both his body and mind as much as possible so he could remain battle-ready when needed. Reeve, who had been grouped with Clyde due to their similar age and presumed compatibility, found Clyde''s approach almost too logical. He couldn''t fully understand how Clyde could remain so calm, yet he also knew he had no grounds to judge him. Clyde''s actions, though seemingly detached, were rooted in practicality, something Reeve was beginning to grasp, even if he couldn''t completely agree with it. What they didn''t realize was that Clyde chose this approach because he valued his life above all. He was out on a dangerous mission, knowing full well that his mother and sister were back at the base, anxiously waiting for his safe return. They had no one else to rely on but him. Clyde believed that if he let his guard down or allowed himself to fall into the same emotional state as the others, he might end up in danger¡ªand that was a risk he couldn''t afford to take. In his mind, staying calm and preserving his strength was the only way to ensure he could protect himself and avoid future regrets. Moreover, he believed that worrying over something they couldn''t control was pointless. Why should he feel anxious when he wasn''t even an awakened ability user? His survival depended entirely on his physical strength, so it was essential for him to keep his body in peak condition. Stressing over things beyond his control would only weaken him, and that, to Clyde, was the real foolishness. Reeve finally took his eyes off Clyde, and it seemed as though he began to understand Clyde''s approach. Either that, or he was simply exhausted after his nerves had been on edge since they left the base. With the steady, smooth motion of the truck lulling him, Reeve''s tension eased, and he too drifted off to sleep. Sparrow handed the wheel over to someone else, given that the road was relatively clear and safe. He took the passenger seat and allowed himself a moment to rest, feeling the exhaustion from everything that had unfolded. Meanwhile, Bell mobilized the Scarlet Bees, organizing them into four rotating scout groups to ensure no ambushes or surprises lay ahead. This way, they could stay vigilant without pushing themselves to the point of exhaustion. Everyone had a moment of silence, luckily, since Port City was a major hub of foreign goods, the government made the provincial road wide enough so many trailer trucks could go smoothly without needing to worry about traffic which made Sparrow''s team''s travel smoothly, by 4 PM, they reached the outskirts of the Port City. The trucks came to a halt on a high ridge along the mountain road that separated Port City from the rest of the region. From their vantage point, they could see the vast expanse of the sea and the ships docked at the port. The gloomy sky overhead only deepened the sense of unease that weighed heavily on their chests as they stared down at the city. The buildings had turned a charred black, possibly the aftermath of a massive fire or the work of survivors and looters who had ravaged the city. From their vantage point, they could see the city streets densely packed with zombies, their numbers causing a collective shudder of fear among the group. Sparrow had witnessed such scenes so often that fear no longer gripped him. In fact, he had once lured large numbers of zombies to clear a path for Kisha and the others. The proximity to these undead creatures had dulled his sense of dread, allowing him to view them more like a child''s game¡ªsomething he could handle with practiced ease. But of course, an evolved zombie was a different matter entirely. After assessing the situation, Sparrow drafted a plan and summoned all the team captains. With Rose unconscious, her vice-captain stepped up to lead in her absence. The captains gathered at the front of the truck, while their team members stood guard around the perimeter. Meanwhile, Bell''s Scarlet Bees took a well-deserved break to rest. When all the team captains arrived, Sparrow crouched down on the pavement, unfurling a map of Port City and using stones to weigh down each corner. As he spread out the map, the other captains followed suit, crouching beside him. Those watching from a distance couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight, as it resembled a group of children engrossed in a game, which briefly lifted the mood. Port City was shaped like a crescent moon. The western side, the upper tip of the crescent, extended out as the farthest part of the port, while the eastern side formed the other end. The northern and southern parts, located in the middle of the port, were the most bustling areas, while the western and eastern sides primarily served as warehouses. Sparrow circled the western side of the port, where cargo trailers were stacked and stored. This area also featured some warehouses, primarily containing machinery and transport vehicles such as trucks, sports cars and others. In contrast, the warehouses on the eastern side housed a variety of smaller imported goods, including food items. However, if other groups had arrived at Port City before them, they would likely have focused on the eastern side to seize the valuable goods there. Since their goal was different, Sparrow gave little consideration to the eastern side and instead directed his attention toward the western side. However, the rest of the team had a different perspective. They reasoned that if other groups were likely targeting the eastern part of the port for its valuable supplies, it would be prudent for them to secure those resources before they were taken. They decided that the cargo trailers in the western part could wait, and their immediate priority should be to access the eastern side. Additionally, since their journey took only a day, they could return to the base and then come back to Port City after gathering all the necessary supplies. They could then focus on the cargo trailers required for setting up the protective walls at the base. After all, Kisha and the defense team wouldn''t be able to establish the wall''s perimeter immediately, and even after collecting the cargo trailers, Kisha''s team would need more time to put them to use. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So, thinking of this, it would be best to focus on the other supplies first before others. Chapter 353 Port City 2 Naturally, they would think this way since they weren''t aware that Kisha already has an unlimited supply of meat and vegetables. However, no one would complain about having an abundance of supplies, would they? This is why Sparrow didn''t even entertain the idea of a supply run. Though he enjoyed hoarding, he had a clear set of priorities, with following orders at the top. His personal interests would always come second. The other team leaders, of course, voiced their concerns to Sparrow. Their main reason for wanting to do a supply run was to ensure the Supply Center remained stocked. With supplies constantly being consumed and circulated within the base, they needed to maintain a steady source of replenishment to keep things running smoothly. But that''s exactly the issue¡ªno new supplies were coming in. Now that the base was beginning to stabilize, their next priority had to be increasing their stockpiles and figuring out a way to establish a sustainable source of supplies moving forward. After hearing their concerns, Sparrow couldn''t help but chuckle, though he quickly noticed the other team captains'' faces tightening in response. Realizing how it might have come across, he clarified with a smile. "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to laugh at your concerns. I completely understand where you''re coming from. But trust me, our City Lord has everything covered. She''s already thought this through." However, Sparrow didn''t completely dismiss their opinions. He recalled that Kisha had mentioned the need for supply runs, not just for practical reasons but also to maintain the illusion of a steady influx of resources. This would help keep the true source of their supplies¡ªKisha''s hidden inventory, worth billions¡ªunder wraps, ensuring her space and its contents remained a well-guarded secret. Especially now, with thousands of people to feed and care for, their current supplies would only last a few years, and that''s not accounting for future population growth. After his brief chuckle, Sparrow made sure to clarify, "We''ll handle the supply run once we''ve secured the cargo trailers needed for the wall." "But Captain, what if we prioritize the cargo trailers and, while we''re busy with that, other forces take the supplies without us knowing?" one of the men reiterated, concern evident in his voice. "The supplies could easily be grabbed, and we still don''t have a sustainable way to support the base aside from these runs. The stockpile in the supply center will eventually run out. We need to build it up." He repeated his point, feeling that their earlier concerns hadn''t gotten through and that Sparrow might be treating the situation too lightly. "Yes, I understand," Sparrow responded, his tone serious. "But have any of you considered that no matter how much we stock up, without proper defenses, we won''t be able to protect it? In the end, it could be our damnation." He didn''t bother softening his words, making sure his point came across clearly. "What do you mean, Captain? Are you suggesting that those forces might shift their focus to us and raid us for our supplies?" Clyde asked, his tone serious, a tension that everyone in the group could feel. "At least you have a working brain on top of your neck." Sparrow complimented halfheartedly with a smirk. "It wouldn''t be that bad, would it?" someone asked uncertainly. After all, they were all human, trying to survive in this nightmarish world. The number of survivors worldwide might not even reach millions, and shouldn''t they be fighting together rather than against each other? If anyone seemed to be taking this lightly, it was the other team captains in front of Sparrow. He couldn''t help but chuckle at their naivety. "Kids," he said with a hint of mockery, unable to restrain himself from talking down to them. "It seems you haven''t learned a thing from all this chaos, despite surviving this long. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Don''t underestimate human nature, especially in times like these when there''s nothing holding people back from doing whatever they want." Sparrow didn''t need to elaborate further; his message was clear. A chill ran down everyone''s spines as they recalled how quickly people had turned violent over minor disputes, even when laws were in place to restrain them. Now, in a world without any legal constraints, there was nothing to stop people from acting on their worst impulses. Once everyone grasped the gravity of the situation, they fell silent and adhered to Sparrow''s plan. However, Sparrow added, "If we manage to secure as many cargo trailers as possible and still have room for supplies before heading back, then, by all means, we''ll head to the eastern district to gather what we can." His casual tone did little to alleviate the growing unease among his team. They now became accustomed to fighting and killing zombies, fully aware that there was no cure for the virus. They understood that the infected were beyond saving, as the virus had permanently altered their genes. This was not a sickness that could be cured but an irreversible evolution. However, dealing with other humans was different. Law-abiding citizens like them had grown up respecting the law and had these values deeply ingrained in their core. The idea of confronting their fellow humans, who were once bound by the same societal rules, was a different kind of challenge. Fighting against other people and potentially killing them was a concept that was both difficult to accept and distressing to contemplate. Sparrow, ever perceptive, noticed their shift in demeanor and gave a slight nod before speaking. "Don''t dwell on it too much. We''ll deal with things as they come. Worrying excessively won''t help if you''re not prepared to act. Remember, what''s crucial is protecting your lives¡ªnot just for yourselves, but for your families waiting back at the base. Everything else will fall into place." After their emotional meeting, everyone felt more resolute and focused, setting aside their overthinking. With the plan finalized, Sparrow and Fred led the first truck toward the western part of the port. Rose''s and Clyde''s teams followed at a safe distance, ready to monitor the situation and provide immediate support if the advance team encountered any trouble. As Sparrow led the advance party, plowing through the zombies in their path, he guided the other truck along the outskirts toward the western part of the port. This route was the same one Aston and his team had used to retrieve some of the cargo trailers. It was a dirt road and on their right side was the city, and at the side of the road were metal fences, and it was good to keep the zombie away. They didn''t try to linger and drove as quickly as they could and it was relatively easy. They halted their advance, parking the trucks outside the fences once they had a clear view of the stacked cargo trailers from a distance. They had no choice but to stop there¡ªan enormous horde of zombies had gathered around the area. Attempting to ram the trucks through the fence would only leave them trapped and overrun by the zombies. Sparrow ordered everyone out of the trucks, and they proceeded on foot along the dirt road, moving away from the fence. They circled around the area, searching for an opening where zombies were sparse. Their goal was to enter the fenced area without alerting the zombies, as doing so would waste both time and energy. Chapter 354 Port City 3 Sparrow and his team navigated through the forest for a while before finding a relatively safe area with few zombies, near the western edge close to the sea. Sparrow carefully ensured that the area wasn''t deserted due to the presence of a powerful zombie. Once he confirmed the location was secure, he directed everyone to cross the fences one by one. They didn''t cut the wires; instead, they climbed over the fences. They knew that the fences were essential for keeping the zombies contained. If they opened a path, the zombies could escape and spread out, creating further problems if they needed to return for more cargo trailers in the future. Fortunately, this section of the port was relatively quiet, likely because the zombies had been drawn to the more chaotic areas, leaving this part deserted. As a result, Sparrow and his team could move with relative ease. However, Sparrow repeatedly warned them not to become complacent, emphasizing that danger and surprises could be lurking anywhere. Sparrow hope he never said a thing. Just as he warned them, a distant shotgun blast echoed through the area, and a horde of zombies suddenly surged from the opposite side of the warehouse, trailing behind a group of people fleeing in panic. Fred''s team and Sparrow''s team were thrown into a panic as the sheer number of zombies overwhelmed them. With their path back blocked and their escape route cut off, their only option was to forge ahead. Sparrow refused to let them retreat, particularly since they had no idea whether the approaching group was friend or foe. He was afraid that they would only endanger their lives if they turned their backs on these people. Preferring to be cautious, he raised his guard and prepared for the worst, treating the newcomers as potential threats. He and his team immediately assumed a defensive position, and as expected, the approaching group led the zombies directly towards them. "Dammit!!! I just jinxed us! Damn it all! Fucking hell!" Sparrow cursed himself furiously, his frustration boiling over. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow''s sudden outburst startled his team, they didn''t know what happened to him, or why he was suddenly agitated. Sparrow himself was all too aware of his streak of bad luck on missions. He was fed up with constantly stumbling into misfortune and the relentless string of setbacks. He couldn''t help but vent his frustration. Just moments after warning his team to stay cautious and avoid complacency, trouble was already at their doorstep. Who wouldn''t be angry in his shoes? But there was no time for self-pity. Sparrow quickly composed himself and rallied his team. They had to brace for impact and protect one another. The approaching group had no intention of stopping; it seemed they planned to use Sparrow''s team as a buffer, dumping the zombies on them and leaving them to handle the threat. Sure enough, the people didn''t make any more moves against Sparrow and his team when they saw Sparrow and his people prepared for battle. After all, why would they try to kill Sparrow or do anything to them, they would lose their shield and might even be caught by the zombies that were just running after their tail. So, when they saw Sparrow and his team, they increased their speed, a smug smile playing on their lips, as if they had already succeeded in surviving. When they passed Sparrow and his team, the woman leading the group even winked at Sparrow before grinning smugly at him, irking Sparrow even more, he didn''t care if the other party was a woman or not, but all he knew was they wanted Sparrow and his people to die in their place, how could he just accept this lying down? He refused to let it slide. Fueled by frustration, he barked, "Follow them!" His team instantly grasped his intent. They didn''t hesitate, feeling no guilt in turning the tables. After all, this wasn''t their fight to begin with, and they had no intention of cleaning up someone else''s mess. They regrouped swiftly, maintaining their defensive stance as they began to retreat¡ªmatching the pace of the group trying to use them as decoys. Sparrow''s team wasn''t just stronger due to the presence of superhumans; they also had the advantage in numbers. The opposing group consisted of only ten, while Sparrow''s team had far more. Not to mention, Rose and Clyde''s team were positioned at the rear, ready to assist. If Sparrow fired the flare gun, it would signal to Clyde and the others that Sparrow''s team was in trouble and needed immediate backup. No flare meant that Clyde and his group were to hold their position, securing a clear path and preparing an exit for everyone. However, Sparrow remained wary of the group ahead. If he could have backup waiting in the wings, they might too. It was possible they had deliberately lured the zombies toward his team, intending to steal their weapons or vehicles. Whatever their plan, Sparrow wasn''t about to let his guard down. The group that had hoped to use Sparrow as a shield was caught off guard when they saw his team backing away alongside them. Sparrow''s people moved even faster, maintaining their defensive stances, leaving the group uncertain if they were guarding against the approaching zombie horde or them. One thing became clear: they were trapped, stuck between the relentless zombies and Sparrow''s formidable team. No matter what unfolded, it was clear that the group would bear the brunt of the situation¡ªnot Sparrow''s team, nor the zombies trailing them. As they backed away, Sparrow carefully led his people toward safety, ensuring they avoided the path they had originally taken. The last thing he wanted was for these opportunists to exploit the safe route his team had discovered. Instead, Sparrow subtly guided them in a different direction, making it appear as though he was retreating from both the zombies and the other group. He didn''t need to wait and see what their intentions were¡ªit was already obvious, and he had no time for mind games. The moment he spotted an open warehouse, he immediately picked up his pace, tapping into his true agility as a level 1 superhuman, leaving everyone behind, including his own team. Sparrow''s team didn''t panic. They were used to his sudden moves, but the other group was caught off guard. Stunned, several stumbled when Sparrow abruptly vanished from sight. Unprepared, those who fell became easy prey for the approaching horde. Panic rippled through the group as they lost three members in an instant. Screams of curses and anger filled the air, but their outbursts only fueled the zombies'' frenzy. Worse, their noise attracted even more undead, with zombies now emerging from other corners, closing in fast. Sparrow''s team couldn''t tell if the group was intentionally attracting more zombies or if they were just too reckless to realize the danger. Either way, there was no time to dwell on it. With Sparrow off scouting for a safer spot, his team kept pace, skillfully maneuvering to keep the group from overtaking them while staying ahead of the horde. They ensured the other group remained cornered, unable to use them as a shield again. Sparrow''s team ensured there was no opportunity for the group to overtake them. Maintaining their protective formation from the moment they crossed the fences, they kept the STAU safe within their circle. Chapter 355 Port City 4 Zeus, because of its formidable presence, stood out due to its size, making it a visible target but also an imposing shield for the group. The formation was tight and efficient, with everyone ready to defend against any threat. Despite the chaos, no one dared mention the bear-like creature in their midst. Zeus''s presence was a crucial deterrent, preventing the group from overtaking Sparrow''s team. His imposing size and wild demeanor made them wary of potential attacks from it, adding to their hesitation and fear to step forward and forcefully overtake Sparrow''s team. Although Zeus''s massive size obstructed the view for some, Sparrow positioned him next to the STAU so that, in an emergency, they could grab onto Zeus''s coat and make a swift escape. Maintaining their formation was crucial; those behind, unable to see the front because of Zeus'' massive size that was obstructing their view, depended on the reactions of their immediate team to guide their actions. At first, they are all scared and nervous because this would be their first time putting their training into real action, outside where it was most dangerous, but with Sparrow''s lead, they managed to always be on alert and do what formation they needed to do while keeping their defense. The STAU was also making sure to stick closely with Zeus all throughout the mission because that was what Kisha wanted them to do. After Sparrow broke away from the group with his top speed, he quickly inspected the open warehouse he had spotted from a distance. Inside, he found crates of imported cars. Despite the presence of some zombies, the situation was more manageable compared to the horde they were facing. He quickly surveyed the warehouse and discovered a small back door that could serve as an escape route. After confirming it was secure, he returned to his team with the good news. The warehouse offered a safe refuge where they could regroup and continue their mission. Having been ambushed by an invisible evolved zombie before, Sparrow was especially cautious. The last thing he wanted was to lead his team into another trap. Fortunately, this time, the situation was truly safe. When Sparrow returned, the team was visibly relieved and enthusiastic. They were well-informed about his plan, thanks to the sign language Sparrow had taught them for emergencies and situations involving unknown individuals. This training ensured that no one was flustered when he suddenly darted off. Upon his return, Sparrow quickly outlined his plan. The information spread through the team via sign language, and everyone increased their speed. Most of them, having already awakened their abilities, moved much faster. Those who hadn''t awakened had no choice but to push their limits, despite the strain. Those who hadn''t awakened yet felt their limbs growing heavy from the strain of pushing their limits. Despite the effort, their adrenaline kicked in, making their legs feel stronger and lighter. The combination of adrenaline and Duke''s rigorous training seemed to give them an extra boost, helping them keep pace. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite the strain, they ran faster this time. The STAU, unable to match their speed, simply clung to Zeus'' thick coat. Zeus took off effortlessly, as if the weight of five people was barely a burden, darting ahead with ease. After Sparrow and his team surged ahead, the group that had tried to use them as a decoy was quickly left behind. Exhausted from their prolonged escape, they lacked the energy to match Sparrow''s speed, which was exactly why they had hoped to use Sparrow''s team as a shield in the first place. Now, they were once again the primary target of the zombie horde. Watching Sparrow''s team vanish into the warehouse, they hoped to follow their escape route, but the door was swiftly closed behind them. Left exposed and furious, their frustration boiled over, and they could taste the metallic tang of their own blood from grinding their teeth. With no choice but to fend for themselves, they scrambled to find a safe place. As soon as Sparrow and his team entered the warehouse and the rusty door creaked shut behind them, the noise attracted the zombies inside. The instant the door was closed, they found themselves engaged in a fierce battle with the horde. Leading his team, Sparrow leaped into the air, dagger poised, and plunged it decisively into a zombie''s head. Meanwhile, the rest of the team headed by Fred formed a party of three and engaged the remaining zombies with precision: one member faced each zombie head-on, while the other two flanked from either side. This strategy ensured that all three were prepared for any attack and could support each other effectively. As his team practiced their skills, Sparrow kept a tight control on the number of zombies. He allowed only one zombie to enter the formation at a time, ensuring that once a team had dealt with one, they could step forward to confront the next. This method kept the formation orderly and ensured each team member could focus on their assigned zombie. After defeating each zombie, the warriors grew more confident but remained disciplined, avoiding recklessness or the temptation to fight independently like Sparrow. They stuck to the strategy until they had eliminated the last zombie in the warehouse. Once the threat was neutralized, they took a moment to rest and catch their breath. While the others rested, Sparrow radioed the team waiting back. "Anyone reading me? Over." "Yes, sir, we''re on guard. Is there an update? Over." Clyde''s voice crackled through the radio. "Yes, we encountered a group of survivors. They weren''t overtly hostile, but they weren''t friendly either. They tried to use us as bait to divert the zombie horde and escape. Keep an eye out for them and ensure the safety of our trucks and people." "Copy that, sir!" After ensuring that the team staying behind was aware of the other group and was on high alert, Sparrow turned his attention to his own warriors. He instructed them to carefully check each other for any scratches or bites before they could continue. He emphasized the importance of honesty in this process¡ªif they hadn''t noticed a scratch due to their focus during the fight, that was understandable, but a bite was another matter entirely. Sparrow wanted to ensure that everyone was still intact and safe before proceeding. After ensuring that everyone was in good condition, Sparrow led the group to the backdoor he had previously identified. This time, they moved more cautiously, checking to make sure the other group was no longer in the vicinity before exiting the warehouse. Thanks to the commotion caused by the other group, which drew most of the zombies to the western port, Sparrow and his team only had to deal with the remaining zombies, many of whom were slow or mobility-impaired, such as those with severed legs or skeletal lower halves. What initially seemed like a potential disaster turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The distraction allowed Sparrow''s team to navigate the area more easily and reach the cargo trailers without much difficulty. Once they arrived, the five STAU took turns to fill as many trailers as they could with cargo. Chapter 356 Port City 5 However, with a level 0 capacity, they could barely fit two cargo trailers in their space, even when empty. Now, with each of the five taking two trailers, they had a total of ten¡ªa modest number. Sparrow shook his head, accepting the reality that he''d need to make several more trips back to Port City to acquire additional cargo trailers until the new defensive wall was constructed and their base expanded. Sparrow couldn''t help but think, ''If only Kisha were here. With her, we could finish this in a day and gather everything we need. But then, it would make everyone overly reliant on her and reveal her space manipulation abilities to everyone at the base¡ªsomething we definitely want to avoid.'' So, Sparrow accepted his fate, recognizing this as an opportunity for the warriors to learn and grow stronger. The thought reassured him. While the STAU handled storing the cargo trailers, Sparrow and the rest of the team fought off the incoming zombies. Zeus stood nearby, vigilant and regal, like a lion keeping watch over the scene. Bell and the other Scarlet Bees barely needed to lift a finger, as Sparrow and his team efficiently handled the incoming zombies. After all, Bell and her Scarlet Bees were only meant to assist Sparrow and his team in emergencies, as Kisha intended this to be a practical test and training for the warriors. If Bell were to intervene too frequently, the warriors wouldn''t have the chance to confront their fears and develop their combat skills. Now, they could handle a dozen zombies on their own without Sparrow''s support. They were growing accustomed to their formation, and their fear of the zombies had significantly diminished after repeatedly defeating the creatures they once dreaded. One of the STAU members approached Sparrow and said, "Captain Sparrow, each of us can only fit two cargo trailers in our space. However, we managed to utilize the empty trailers to store supplies from the base. Since there''s still space left, do you think we could head to the eastern part to gather more supplies? This way, we could accomplish two tasks at once." The STAU member''s excitement was evident as they shared this idea with Sparrow. As a Space Type Ability User, their power consumes space rather than weight or quantity. They possess a space of 150 cubic meters, a capacity made possible because they are among the first generation of awakened users. In contrast, second-generation users typically have a maximum of 20 cubic meters, with some having as little as 10 cubic meters. In Kisha''s previous life, having a 150-cubic-meter space was considered almost godlike; no one else had such an immense capacity. Discovering that these five STAU possessed this extraordinary ability left her in awe. She felt a surge of satisfaction, knowing she had chosen the best of the best. This was why she felt comfortable assigning only them to the mission and why she had entrusted Zeus as their bodyguard. Their value was immense, and Hera''s confidence in them was a testament to their unparalleled worth. Sparrow considered their suggestion. Since they were already at the location and had only managed to gather ten cargo trailers, it made sense to maximize their efforts. Gathering additional supplies while they were at it would ensure better results and save them from multiple trips over several days. Moreover, the more the STAU utilize their abilities, the stronger their foundations will become. With the support of the Scarlet Honey, they will soon be able to level up, increasing their spatial limits. As their capacities grow, they''ll be able to accommodate even more cargo trailers within their spaces. Sparrow nodded in agreement after considering the suggestion and signaled to the others. "We''re heading back to the truck!" With little time to waste, he pushed the warriors to move swiftly, despite their exhaustion. This time, they avoided retracing their steps and headed towards a different route. The earlier disturbance had drawn the nearby zombies away, so the area around the cargo trailers was now clear, allowing them to cut their travel time significantly. The group sprinted, battling zombies as they went. Meanwhile, the five STAU clung tightly to Zeus''s coat as he darted alongside the warriors, ensuring their safety and swift progress. Sparrow''s deduction proved accurate as they encountered only a few zombies on their run. It took them just 20 minutes to return to their truck. Finding it still there and intact confirmed his suspicion: the earlier group must have struggled to escape the zombie horde pursuing them. By now, they were likely either still trapped in the area or had met an unfortunate end. Sparrow didn''t particularly care about their fate; after all, they had tried to use him and his team as bait. Had they simply asked for help, Sparrow might have been willing to assist them in surviving the pursuing horde. Sparrow smirked as he slid into the driver''s seat, with the rest of the team quickly climbing in. As he began to drive away, he caught a glimpse in the side mirror of a group of people running after them, shouting desperately. Recognizing them as the same group from earlier, he couldn''t help but smirk with a touch of malice. ''So, they''re still alive.'' S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not only did Sparrow refuse to slow down, but he even accelerated, with the second truck closely following his lead. The group from earlier could only curse in frustration as they desperately tried to catch up. Unlike before, their numbers had dwindled; many of their members had fallen victim to the zombies, becoming sacrifices that allowed the remaining few to escape. "You hear me? Over" Sparrow called through the walkie talkie to reach Clyde and the other. "Yes, over." Clyde answered. "We''re heading back now, but before we return to the base, we''ll stop by the eastern part to find a good place to rest for the night. Please reposition your trucks to the intersection and wait for us there. We''ll be there shortly. Over." "Roger that!" Clyde responded. He then gathered all the warriors standing by outside the truck. Once everyone was aboard, he tapped the seat to signal the driver to start moving. After the truck began to roll, Clyde took one last look at the trail behind them before jumping into the passenger seat. He then radioed the truck behind them. "Stay alert for other survivors in the area. Keep your eyes open. Over." "Copy that!" came the reply. Aston had mentioned a survivor shelter near Port City, so encountering other survivors was to be expected, much like how Sparrow had met the group in the western part. However, meeting other survivor parties didn''t always bode well, as evidenced by their recent encounter. Clyde wanted to remain cautious, especially since the main party wasn''t with them. Clyde''s cautious nature meant he always scrutinized his surroundings for any signs of trouble. Lacking Sparrow''s keen observational skills, he and his team moved more slowly and deliberately. While this approach may have been less swift, it was far preferable to falling into a trap. Only after thoroughly ensuring the coast was clear did Clyde''s group begin moving steadily. It wasn''t long before Sparrow''s truck, followed by the second truck, appeared on the horizon, arriving at the rendezvous point as promised. Chapter 357 Supply Run Clyde''s truck was already stationed at the intersection, positioned to clear the path for Sparrow''s vehicle to lead the convoy. Once Sparrow''s truck and the second truck had passed, Clyde''s truck took its place and followed behind. Sparrow took the lead, guiding the convoy into the city rather than sticking to the outskirts. However, he wasn''t reckless; before meeting up with Clyde''s group, he had already dispatched Bell and a few of the Scarlet Bees to scout the route ahead and identify the safest and most efficient path through the city. With Kisha''s gift of hundreds of Scarlet Bees at his disposal, Sparrow delegated the scouting task to Bell and her team. As the leader of the group, he couldn''t afford to be out in the field scouting as he once did. Relying on Bell and her Scarlet Bees was the practical choice, ensuring the safety and efficiency of their route through the city. As Sparrow and the convoy entered the city, the Scarlet Bees swiftly formed an arrow shape, guiding them through the safest routes. Their signals led the way, directing Sparrow and the others towards areas with fewer zombies, allowing them to advance with minimal resistance and maximize the effectiveness of their military trucks. Sparrow showed no restraint as he floored the gas pedal, sending zombies scattering before him. The trucks trailing behind had no choice but to accelerate, maintaining a cautious distance of two and a half yards to account for any sudden turns or stops by Sparrow. With this aggressive approach, Sparrow and his team reached the eastern side of Port City before nightfall. However, unlike the relatively clear western part, the eastern side was overrun with zombies. Faced with this overwhelming presence, Sparrow and the team had no choice but to abandon their trucks, hiding them on the outskirts of the eastern sector before proceeding on foot. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They trailed through the forest edge as Sparrow ventured out on his own to scout for a safer route into the city. Reluctant to retreat now that they were so close, he was determined to find a viable path. Meanwhile, the Scarlet Bees rested around the trucks, with only a few remaining to support the group. The eastern part proved far more challenging to breach than the western side. Sparrow struggled to find any openings. He wondered if the survivors near Port City had fortified the area using the zombies as a cover or if the sheer volume of zombies surrounding the warehouses had made it impassable even for them. While Sparrow was scouting, Bell deployed her Scarlet Bees to thoroughly search the forest. Their mission was twofold: to ensure no zombies would ambush them unexpectedly, risking casualties, and to check for any potential spies or stalkers who might be tracking their movements or trying to infiltrate the Eastern Part. Sparrow circled the outer perimeter of the Port, which was enclosed by a metal fence teeming with zombies. Once he entered the Port, he gained a bird''s-eye view of the situation. It was clear that the area was heavily fortified, with a massive horde of zombies trapped inside. The entire place seemed to be a tightly controlled stronghold, with the undead confined but still densely packed. There are two possible explanations for this situation. Either the nearby shelters fortified the Port to protect the supplies inside, ensuring that no one else could access them, or the Port itself was originally a refuge designed to protect supplies while awaiting government rescue. Unfortunately, things went awry, and those seeking shelter there became zombies. Alternatively, it''s possible that the shelter Aston identified within Port City has relocated to this Port to avoid the hassle of frequent supply runs. Regardless of the reason, the Port is now swarming with thousands of zombies. It''s clear that bringing his team inside would be a suicide mission, as it would only lead to unnecessary casualties. Understanding the danger, Sparrow nonetheless ventured into the Port. He skillfully leaped from the roofs of vehicles and used any available surface for leverage, avoiding the swarming horde of zombies below. He made his way to the warehouses to assess the state of the supplies. The first warehouse he entered had its door tightly sealed, so he squeezed through an open window. Inside, he was met with a disheartening scene: zombies roamed freely, and the supplies were in disarray. While some areas remained relatively intact, the risks far outweighed the meager gains, making it too dangerous to salvage anything of value. He surmised that the survivors from the shelter Aston mentioned had indeed relocated to the port. However, once the zombies breached, some survivors likely sought refuge inside the warehouses. Unfortunately, it seems that someone may have been bitten without revealing it, leading to the eventual infection of everyone inside. This would explain the current state of the port and its grim occupants. With a heavy sigh, Sparrow left the first warehouse and proceeded to the second. It was much like the first¡ªdisorganized and overrun. However, the third warehouse offered a glimmer of hope. Its door was securely shut, and while there were a few zombies outside, the interior remained unusually quiet. Sparrow carefully entered through a window on what appeared to be the third floor and descended cautiously, hoping for a better outcome. He donned his night vision goggles and meticulously scanned every corner of the warehouse, pausing to assess the available supplies. It seemed luck was finally on his side; the third warehouse was stocked with a variety of food items¡ªimported instant noodles, canned corned beef, Spam, spaghetti pasta, and more. It was a treasure trove of essential supplies. There were also chocolates, candies, and staples like sugar and salt among the boxes. Fortunately, each pile was labeled, so he could easily identify the contents without opening every box. The supplies were neatly organized on metal frames acting as shelves¡ªthese shelves were massive, stacked almost to the warehouse roof, showcasing the sheer volume of goods in the third warehouse. After finishing his inspection, he stepped out of the third warehouse and remembered to check in with the team. "Can anyone hear me? Over." "Yes, we hear you. Over." "Great. Find a safe place to rest and hold tight. I''m still evaluating the warehouses. Once I''m done, we''ll figure out how to get everyone inside. Over." "Roger that. Over" After confirming that everyone was fine, Sparrow moved on to the Fourth and Fifth Warehouses. They were fortunate to have ten large warehouses in the Eastern part, all stocked with supplies. Even if the two warehouses didn''t offer much, they still had eight more to explore. As with the third warehouse, the others were filled with a variety of food supplies, though from different brands, along with some useful home utensils and pots. These items would be incredibly valuable for households in their shelter. After completing his inspections, Sparrow deftly navigated the port, leaping between elevated surfaces and using his whirlwind ability to avoid the zombies scattered throughout. Upon reaching the forest, he found Clyde and Fred anxiously waiting for him. Their faces were etched with worry and stress; they had witnessed the sheer number of zombies contained within the port and were uncertain about how they would manage to enter. Sparrow''s solo foray into such danger had only heightened their concerns. Chapter 358 Supply Run 2 However, when they saw Sparrow gliding effortlessly through the air like a wind god, their relief was palpable. At the same time, they couldn''t help but feel a pang of envy. Both Fred and Clyde had yet to awaken their own abilities and were unsure if they even had one. Witnessing Sparrow''s mastery of his power only intensified their longing and jealousy. "Captain Sparrow." Fred and Clyde greeted him as he landed. "Is everything okay with the group?" Sparrow asked immediately, concern evident in his voice. "No, sir," Clyde replied quickly, eager to reassure him. "We''re just checking in to see if you''re alright. We''ve also been monitoring the perimeter." Sparrow nodded in acknowledgment, and Fred guided him back to where the rest of the group was gathered. Upon arrival, he found everyone bustling about, preparing their meal. Evelyn was at the forefront, organizing the volunteers who had stepped up to cook. They were delighted to discover a camping burner and butane among the supplies Kisha had provided to the five STAU. The haul included a variety of plump vegetables, meat, and seafood, offering them a feast of choices. As they prepared and enjoyed their meal in the forest, it felt more like a pleasant outing than a mission, a rare respite from the harsh realities they faced. With Bell and the Scarlet Bees maintaining a steady patrol, the group was able to relax and prepare their meal in relative peace. Although the distant growls of zombies from the Port were still audible, they had grown accustomed to the sounds, which no longer disrupted their sense of calm. Reeve helped Evelyn chop vegetables as they prepared a hearty meal: roasted chicken, seafood soup loaded with vegetables and mushrooms, white rice, and sweet and sour pork. Evelyn took charge with the ease of a seasoned cook, accustomed to feeding large groups during family gatherings, making the task seem effortless. They decided to indulge in the feast, knowing how fortunate they were to have such supplies, courtesy of Kisha. If they had to buy seafood from the Supply Center using their points, it would still be expensive, even with their 20% warrior discount. Given the current state of the world, seafood was becoming a rare luxury¡ªno one would be venturing out to sea to fish anymore, making this meal feel even more special. While everyone was occupied with cutting and cleaning the ingredients, Evelyn focused on preparing the marinade for the roasted chickens. Once the sauce was ready, she placed 20 large, rooster-sized chickens into a big basin and carefully poured the marinade from a large pitcher, ensuring each piece was well-coated and ready for roasting. As Evelyn ensured each chicken was thoroughly soaked in the marinade, the others finished their tasks and started cleaning the cooking utensils, preparing for the next steps. By the time the cooking was done, night had fully settled in, and hunger had crept over the group. Their stomachs grumbled in unison, especially as the delicious aroma of roasted chicken and simmering seafood soup filled the air, teasing them with the promise of a feast. The longer they waited, the more their mouths watered, even Sparrow, usually so cool and composed, couldn''t help but feel the hunger gnawing at him. Once the roasting was finished, Evelyn and the others carefully carried the chickens back, slicing them evenly to ensure that all hundred or so warriors with them would be properly fed. After portioning the food, they began distributing it. Despite the careful division, each person still received a generous serving¡ªlarge bowls of rice topped with roasted chicken and sweet-and-sour pork, along with a separate bowl brimming with seafood soup. With such an abundance of food, none of them would go hungry through the night. They devoured their meals with a hunger that far outpaced the time it took to cook them. Evelyn chuckled softly at how quickly the group ate, their energy renewed. Soon, the plates were empty, and those assigned to cleanup took over, busy with washing up as the rest settled down. Sparrow called the five STAU over to a quiet corner, his expression thoughtful. Once they arrived, looking full and satisfied from their meal, he nodded at them before asking, "Are any of you afraid of heights?" The five exchanged confused glances but shook their heads in response¡ªexcept for one, who nervously nodded. Seeing this, Sparrow''s lips curved into a smirk. "Too bad," he remarked, his cryptic comment only deepening their confusion as they grew more curious about the reason behind his odd question. Sparrow, however, remained tight-lipped, offering no further explanation as he walked over to Clyde and began speaking in hushed tones, leaving the five STAU standing with puzzled expressions. The one who had nodded earlier felt a wave of unease rise in his chest, his stomach churning with a growing sense of dread¡ªwhatever Sparrow had in mind, it didn''t feel like good news for him. After Sparrow finished speaking with Clyde, Clyde gave a nod and a salute before Sparrow returned to the five STAU. "Let''s go," he said, handing each of them a pair of night vision goggles. The five accepted the goggles with reluctant nods, adjusting them around their necks for easy access. This way, they could quickly pull them up when needed without worrying about them falling off while on the move. They followed Sparrow out of the forest to the edge of the port, where the fence loomed into view. The five STAU members exchanged puzzled glances, noticing that only the six of them were present. "Captain Sparrow, are we going out for a scouting mission? What about the others?" one of them asked, his anxiety palpable after Sparrow''s earlier question. "What do you mean, ''others''? It''s just going to be us," Sparrow replied with a mischievous grin. The five took a deep breath of the chilly night air, their faces paling as they glanced at the fence, teeming with zombies clawing desperately at the barrier. Before they could react further, they heard Sparrow stretching his limbs with audible cracks, his neck twisting with a series of pops. "Come up!" he said, his voice steady as he gestured toward the fence. ''Come up where?'' The five exchanged uncertain glances, their faces reflecting a shared confusion. None of them dared to ask Sparrow for clarification, each feeling a sense of foreboding about the answer they might receive. Sparrow repeated, "Grab onto me. I''ll take you inside." He stood upright and steady, like a pole, while the five stared at him with a mix of fear and confusion, unsure of what he was planning or what it meant for them. Reluctantly, they all clung to him¡ªgrabbing his arms, his back, even his legs. Sparrow''s teasing tone cut through their anxiety: "Hold on tightly, or you might fall. And I don''t need to remind you where you''d end up if you''re holding on like you''re afraid." His words, though light-hearted, prompted the five to tighten their grips, each clutching him as if their lives depended on it. Once Sparrow felt they were securely fastened, he leaped into the air with a powerful thrust, propelling them upward. The sudden motion elicited startled cries from the five: "FUCCCCKKKKK!!!!" "Mommy!!!" "Graahhhh!" One of them couldn''t even utter a word as the rush of air forced its way into his mouth. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 359 Supply Run 3 As Sparrow jumped, the pressure and the tight grip from the five clinging to him made him feel intensely uncomfortable. He could barely move; his arms were squeezed, his neck was choked, and his torso was compressed under their combined weight. He was stunned by the strength these men could muster when terrified; it felt as though he was done for. He could barely breathe, with the person clinging to his back gripping his neck like an anaconda. Each breath was a struggle as his lungs were squeezed of air. He was so overwhelmed by the five clinging to him that he couldn''t even muster a curse. Reaching his wit''s end, he increased his speed, jumping from elevated areas and gliding down with his wind ability. The five''s panicked screams drew the zombies'' attention, causing them to swarm and search the port''s vicinity for the source of the noise. However, since Sparrow was airborne, the zombies could only scramble aimlessly below. Soon, Sparrow landed on the roof of the third floor of the third warehouse he had initially explored. However, the five were so terrified that they clung to him desperately, even as he touched down. As Sparrow tried to shake them off, one of them rolled dangerously close to the edge. Reacting swiftly, Sparrow conjured a whirlwind to arrest the person''s fall and hurried over to pull him back to safety. Sparrow felt like he was babysitting a group of toddlers, unsure whether to laugh or cry at the scene before him. He waited patiently for the five to calm down and regain their composure before they could proceed to gather the supplies. Despite his dwindling patience, he managed to hold back, allowing them the full half-hour they needed to settle down and prepare for the next phase of their mission. By the time the five finally stood up, Sparrow''s forehead was creased with veins and his lips were tightly pursed. He resisted the urge to voice his frustration. This slow pace was a stark contrast to his usual swift movements on missions, and it unsettled him. If he had their abilities, he could have completed this mission single-handedly and in record time, without needing to rely on anyone else. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Alas, Sparrow lacked a Space Type ability or the multifaceted powers his master possessed, who wielded three different elemental abilities. ''Oh, how I envy them!'' he grumbled to himself as he put on his night vision goggles. The others followed suit, and he instructed them to cling to him once more so he could carry them down. Before they could come closer, Sparrow shot them a warning look. Though the five were puzzled by the expression, they instinctively loosened their grip on him compared to their earlier vice-like hold. With a swift jump, Sparrow and the five STAU landed on the warehouse floor. The five looked around in astonishment at the towering stacks of boxes. Sparrow kept a vigilant eye on them, ready to leap into action at the first sign of trouble. The five quickly forgot their earlier fear of hovering above the zombies outside as their focus shifted entirely to the supplies around them. Following Sparrow''s instructions, they began gathering boxes f boxes of canned corned beef, spam, pickles, canned corn, beans, fruits, and more. They also collected instant noodles, flour, salt, sugar, rice, and cooking utensils, eager to make the most of the bounty before them. They also made sure to grab chocolates and candies for the kids back at the base. They stocked up on pancake batter, maple syrup, canned tuna, and a variety of other essentials. The five STAU were soon packed to the brim, every inch of space filled with supplies, and they only stopped once they could fit no more. Sparrow also reminded them to collect a variety of alcohol, useful for both drinking and cooking. They made sure to stock up on these essential items, ensuring that even if the eastern port were to be compromised, they would have no regrets. They prioritized these crucial supplies, knowing that medical supplies would be less beneficial due to their evolving bodies; the medicines they had would only be suitable for regular humans. With their current stock of medicine already substantial, they didn''t prioritize it for this trip. They decided that after their third or fourth return, they could focus on gathering more medical supplies. For now, they needed to compile a list of additional essentials to ensure they covered all their needs. After loading the cargo trailer with all their supplies, the six of them exited the warehouse the same way they entered. The five braced themselves once again, clinging to Sparrow, but this time with less fervor. The chilling cold of Sparrow''s warning glare had them fearing he might throw them off if they did piss him off. They didn''t want to test his patience and thus clung to him with a newfound restraint, even pretending to be as still and compliant as possible, they could even pretend to be dead as much as possible if they needed to be just so Sparrow wouldn''t feel their presence. Just like before, Sparrow leaped from one elevated platform to another, Hulk-style, using his whirlwind whenever the distance seemed too far, keeping them safely above the zombie-infested ground. Despite his efforts, the five still hadn''t shaken off their fear, squealing like frightened children as they soared up and down, clinging to him with each jump. Those waiting in the forest could hear the loud screams echoing through the air and couldn''t help but laugh, knowing the group was safe and returning. Someone even yelled for their "mommy," mixed with the sound of sobbing, which only added to the humor. When Sparrow finally landed at the forest''s edge, his ears ringing from all the noise, Clyde and Fred were once again there, waiting for them with amused expressions. Clyde chuckled as he watched Sparrow shaking his head, trying to clear the buzzing in his ears from all the screaming. With a tired sigh, Sparrow peeled off the guys clinging to him like koalas. Despite their earlier resolve not to latch onto him so tightly, the moment Sparrow leaped into the air, their grips tightened bit by bit. Sparrow could only roll his eyes in exasperation. As much as he was tempted to toss them off, he refrained¡ªKisha would surely punish him if her "precious treasures" ended up with even a single scratch. Now that his mission was complete, Sparrow could finally rest for the remainder of the night. He planned to set off before dawn, ensuring they''d return to the base as quickly as possible. Clyde and the others noticed the exhaustion etched on Sparrow''s face, so they chose not to bother him further. Quietly, they all returned to camp, careful not to start a campfire that might attract attention from other survivors around Port City or nearby. While cooking, they used a lidded grill and kept the soup tightly covered to avoid any smoke or light escaping as well as the smell of cooked food that might travel through the wind, ensuring they stayed unnoticed. They weren''t too worried about zombies roaming the forest late at night, but their real concern was other survivors sneaking in to investigate. If anyone found their camp, it could lead to unwanted conflict or even a battle. After ensuring everything was in order, they took turns standing guard, rotating shifts so that everyone could get the rest they desperately needed. Chapter 360 Settling The Newcomers Meanwhile, on Kisha''s side, after she and Duke finished their shower, they headed straight back to the Central Hall to personally welcome the new survivors. By that time, Mr. and Mrs. Winters had already given them a tour of the base, explaining the rules, the do''s and don''ts, and essential survival tips. This approach garnered positive feedback from the newcomers. Once they learned that the base wasn''t a government-run community, they quickly understood that no one was offering charity. Everyone would have to work for what they needed, including food and shelter. Mr. Winters specifically ordered the demolition of the tents and arranged for the warriors, soldiers, and survivors to be moved into proper residences. This way, they could begin collecting rent, ensuring the survivors wouldn''t grow complacent or do the bare minimum just because they had a tent to live in. This structure encouraged responsibility and productivity within the community. The tents would be repurposed and given to the warriors going in and out of the base on missions, while also being temporarily lent to new survivors. This approach not only maximized resources but also helped establish a clear distinction between newcomers and established members of the community, making it easier to identify who was new to the base. Newcomers would quickly see the benefits permanent residents enjoy, which would serve as an incentive for them to blend in and adapt to life at the base. Instead of fostering resentment, this system would motivate them to learn the ropes and build positive relationships with others. In a way, this setup acted as a subtle leash, encouraging newcomers to respect and protect the established residents, knowing that better accommodations and integration awaited them if they contributed meaningfully. Overall, this was a calculated political move by the base leaders. While many might anticipate such a strategy, they would have little choice but to comply. The approach ensured a structured community where everyone worked together, maintaining harmony and order within the base. When Mr. Winters proposed the plan, Kisha remained silent but fully approved. However, this also meant they needed to either acquire more land with existing buildings for residential use or construct new housing from the ground up to accommodate everyone. The newly arrived survivors were astonished by how well the base had developed in just a few weeks after the apocalypse. They had assumed only government-run bases would have the resources and organization to create such a secure and well-supplied haven during these chaotic times. Kisha''s base shattered their expectations, proving them wrong. Hope Base was thriving¡ªso well-equipped and organized that it surpassed even government-run shelters. To the new survivors, it felt more like a tightly-knit community, operating smoothly as if the apocalypse hadn''t touched it. Inside its walls, they felt a profound sense of security. Feeling both at home and welcomed, the new survivors quickly realized they wanted to stay. Eager not to miss any crucial details, they hung on to every word Mr. Winters said, knowing that a single misstep could risk being expelled from this paradise in the making. They knew about the base in City B and, given the circumstances, expected it to be grim, filled with unspoken horrors and infighting for resources. However, what they were witnessing now shattered those expectations. The base was thriving, its atmosphere vibrant and orderly, completely contrary to their assumptions of chaos and despair. After hearing the rules, the newcomers were directed to the bulletin board to select their jobs. By earning work points, they could acquire their daily necessities, which they accepted with enthusiasm. Unsurprisingly, the Evans'' bodyguard opted to become a warrior, and the maid chose to join him, much to Kisha''s surprise. She raised an eyebrow, recalling that the maid had been quite timid before. Kisha speculated that the maid''s newfound resolve likely stemmed from her experiences, which had made her realize the importance of learning to fight and protect herself. Kisha found this admirable and nodded approvingly. She welcomed them once more and, since they were new arrivals, she directed them to their allocated tents, providing two days'' worth of supplies to help them settle in before starting work the following day. After ensuring that everything was running smoothly with the new survivors, Kisha and Duke returned to the front line, where Vulture and the others were still busy fortifying the barricade. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unbeknownst to them, as they left the new arrivals, Kisha''s reputation as a compassionate leader who personally welcomed and settled the newcomers began to spread through the walls. Her dedication and hands-on approach in making the new arrivals feel at home had not gone unnoticed and was becoming the talk of the base. When Kisha and Duke arrived back at the front line, they saw the team in full swing. The soldiers and warriors were diligently pushing cars into place for the barricade, with a massive truck being hauled in to serve as a formidable barrier. Others were actively engaged in fending off zombies. Despite Kisha''s brief absence, the improvement in the group''s coordination and efficiency was evident, highlighting their commitment and progress. The atmosphere was less tense and more fluid compared to earlier. The team moved with newfound confidence and trust, working seamlessly together as they thrust into the horde of zombies. Their actions, while seemingly reckless, were underpinned by a strong sense of mutual support and reliance, knowing that their teammates had their backs. And indeed, the team proved their loyalty, providing the cover and assistance needed to keep everyone safe. This camaraderie built a solid rapport within the team, enhancing the overall atmosphere and morale. However, when Duke arrived, the group''s demeanor shifted noticeably. The tension was palpable, revealing the strictness he imposed during their training. His presence was akin to a supervisor conducting an inspection, and it was clear that his authority was deeply felt among the team members. Duke didn''t utter a word. Instead, he simply stepped in to assist, effortlessly maneuvering vehicles and contributing to the barricade''s construction. He pulled a car with ease, as if it were a lightweight monoblock chair, while others struggled with the same task. The contrast was stark: where four to five men had worked together to move each vehicle, Duke single-handedly moved one without breaking a sweat. His effortless strength made the others look almost comical in their efforts. Their confidence felt as if it had been flattened under a truck, but they couldn''t voice their frustration¡ªit was Duke, after all. Kisha, however, took a different approach. Rather than joining in, she circled the area, subtly using her passive skills to restore their spiritual energy and stamina. Her quiet assistance went unnoticed, providing much-needed relief without drawing attention. Even Vulture, the strongest among them, had to concede that Duke''s strength was unmatched. All they could do was watch in awe as Duke effortlessly hauled vehicle after vehicle, clearing the streets with a display of power that left everyone impressed. Next came the first building they needed to clear and secure before surrounding it with barricades and incorporating it into their expansion. Kisha and Duke led a team of ten, evenly split between regular humans and superhumans. This setup gave everyone a chance to witness Kisha and Duke''s fighting skills up close and learn from their techniques. Chapter 361 Clean Up The team chosen to accompany Kisha and Duke for clearing the first building was selected through a fair competition of rock, paper, scissors. Once the selection was complete, Kisha and Duke led them to a five-story building that resembled an office complex. The first floor featured an elegant lobby adorned with ornamental plants and stylish chairs, suggesting it might have been a financial brokerage hub. Large screens were mounted in nearly every corner of the lobby, adding to its sophisticated ambiance. The building was spacious enough to be converted into a residential area. Kisha and Duke exchanged a determined glance before stepping inside. The ten team members following them adopted a cautious, defensive stance as they entered through the main entrance. Inside, they encountered over two dozen zombies still clad in suits and formal attire. However, the once-dignified clothing was barely recognizable, obscured by hardened blood and the decaying flesh clinging to the fabric. Some of the people accompanying Kisha and Duke crinkled their noses in disgust as the zombies staggered toward them, pushing through obstacles like chairs and plants. This time, Kisha and Duke chose not to intervene directly. Instead, they allowed the ten individuals to work in pairs¡ªeach consisting of one superhuman and one regular human¡ªto handle the zombies. With this arrangement, each pair could work seamlessly, covering each other''s weaknesses while leveraging their strengths. It allowed the superhumans to see that their abilities weren''t invincible and helped the normal humans demonstrate that they weren''t powerless. This balance fostered a more effective and cohesive team dynamic. This approach made it clear to the superhumans that while they had extraordinary capabilities, they also bore greater responsibility and couldn''t control everything. At the same time, it showed the normal humans that, despite lacking awakened abilities, they were equally valuable and crucial to the team''s success. Kisha and Duke moved through the lobby with deliberate calm, allowing the ten to navigate their way through the horde. Whenever a zombie managed to slip past the group and approach Kisha or Duke, it was swiftly dealt with¡ªKisha''s flying dagger would slice through the air, decapitating the threat in an instant. Kisha had the team moving cautiously yet efficiently, guiding them through door after door, clearing each room without pause. The air was thick with tension, but none of the group showed signs of exhaustion. Thanks to Kisha''s passive skill to restore their stamina, the team remained energized, though none of them realized it. They attributed their resilience to the adrenaline rush coursing through their veins, spurred on by the presence of both Kisha and Duke. Each of them was determined to impress, thinking their drive to catch the attention of the two leaders was the reason they weren''t feeling tired¡ªeven after battling through four dozen zombies from the first to the third floor over the past hour. Unbeknownst to them, it was Kisha''s subtle influence that kept fatigue at bay, allowing the group to maintain their sharpness and focus. With each encounter, the team grew more synchronized, their movements more fluid, as they worked seamlessly to eliminate threats. The zombies fell one after another, but the team pressed on, unaware of the invisible hand guiding and sustaining them. While Kisha, Duke, and their team were focused on clearing the building of its threats, Vulture and the other warriors were hard at work outside. Zombies continued to pour in from every direction, forcing the warriors to deal with the relentless waves while simultaneously pulling vehicles into position for the barricade surrounding the building. Despite the constant attacks, their efforts were relentless. Half of the warriors were engaged in direct combat, ensuring the horde didn''t overwhelm their position, while the other half toiled to move vehicles into place. Progress was steady; they had already completed over a kilometer of the barricade for the base''s expansion. Once finished, this perimeter would serve as a guide for constructing the new wall. The plan was simple but effective: follow the barricade''s layout and secure the surrounding area, using cargo trailers to fortify the defenses in front of the cars. This way, when the time came to erect the more permanent walls, they wouldn''t have to start from scratch¡ªthey''d already have a secure line to build upon. The foresight behind this plan ensured that not only were they expanding, but they were doing so with efficiency and calculated precision, minimizing the exposure to threats while maximizing the security of their growing community. Kisha and Duke deliberately held back, letting the ten warriors handle the building''s threats on their own unless a situation became dire. They believed in fostering the team''s growth through real challenges. Only when the danger became truly unavoidable would they step in. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One of those moments came when one of the superhuman warriors was bitten in the arm while shielding his human partner from a zombie''s attack. He used his arm as a shield to block the incoming bite, sacrificing himself to protect his partner. His partner, a normal human, stood frozen, horrified at the sight of the gaping wound on the man''s arm. The tears welled in his eyes, and for a moment, he thought his partner was as good as dead¡ªanother life lost to the relentless onslaught of the undead. Panic spread through the group, but Kisha remained calm, assessing the situation. Seeing the severity of the bite, Kisha finally stepped in. Her presence was commanding, and without a word, she swiftly moved to clean up the threat. Within moments, the zombies that had overwhelmed the pair were neutralized, her movements efficient and precise. She then attended to the wounded warrior, her demeanor calm and controlled. Her intervention was decisive, but it was a reminder to the group: while they were expected to fight their battles, they weren''t abandoned. If they fell, Kisha and Duke would always be there to catch them. "Don''t worry," Kisha reassured them, her voice steady and calming. "He''s an awakened ability user. The virus won''t affect him¡ªthis wound will heal like any other." She gestured to the rest of the team. "Let''s finish up and head back. The medical staff is waiting just beyond the gate to take care of him." Her calm command refocused the group, easing their panic as they pressed forward, determined to complete the mission and get their injured comrade to safety. The man who had been bitten felt a wave of relief wash over him after hearing Kisha''s reassurance. Though he''d heard before that awakened ability users were immune to the virus, the fear still gnawed at him when the zombie''s teeth sank into his arm. In the heat of the moment, he hadn''t considered the consequences. Instinct had taken over, and without thinking, he''d thrown himself between his partner and the zombie, saving him from a fatal bite to the neck. His body had moved faster than his mind. Perhaps, deep down, he knew he wouldn''t die from a zombie bite. But as the adrenaline faded and he had a moment to think, a cold sweat ran down his back. The certainty he''d clung to wavered¡ªwhat if the claim wasn''t entirely true? What if he had just signed his own death warrant without a second thought? Chapter 362 First Day Of The Wall Construction After Kisha and the team finished clearing the building, she instructed the others to send the wounded warriors back inside the gates for treatment. The injured, however, wore their wounds like badges of honor¡ªespecially the superhumans, who now felt confident and assured that the zombie virus no longer posed any threat to their bodies. The fear that had gripped them for so long had completely vanished, replaced by a new reality. The normal humans, however, now felt a growing envy toward the awakened superhumans. There was even more to envy now¡ªbeing immune to the zombie virus meant that as long as they avoided fatal injuries, they would survive no matter what. Now, everyone''s goal was to become stronger and awaken like the others. To make that happen, they knew they had to secure the key item that could increase their chances¡ªthe Scarlet Honey. Believing in its potential to trigger or increase the chances of their awakening, they became even more committed to working hard, determined to save up and purchase more Scarlet Honey when it became available at the Supply Center. They knew that the single dose of Scarlet Honey included in their salary wouldn''t be enough if they truly wanted to awaken. This was exactly part of Kisha''s plan¡ªnot just to entice them with the promise of awakening, but also to ensure that everyone stayed fired up and motivated to work harder for more. After feeling this newfound motivation, the team began to push themselves harder and contribute more, benefiting the base as a whole. This increased drive also sparked a healthy rivalry among them. While Kisha anticipated some of this competition might turn unsavory or underhanded, she felt it was inevitable. As long as no one betrayed their comrades and things stayed under control, she wouldn''t interfere. Once the wounded were sent back for treatment, Kisha and the warriors rejoined Vulture to continue reinforcing the barricade. They also ensured the entrance to the building they had just cleared was securely blocked. This way, even if they returned inside the base and left their work outside temporarily, their previous efforts would remain intact and not go to waste. Kisha and Duke, along with a new group of ten warriors structured similarly to the previous team, proceeded to the next building to clear out the zombies. As before, Kisha and Duke held back, allowing the warriors to handle the swarm of zombies that rushed at them upon entering the building, stepping in only when absolutely necessary. This approach mirrored their earlier strategy, giving the warriors a chance to grow through experience. This time, the warriors were more prepared. The superhumans stepped forward confidently, acting as shields while boldly engaging the zombies head-on. Their normal human partners provided crucial support, seizing opportunities to strike from safer distances, ensuring they stayed out of reach of the zombies'' bites and avoiding any accidents. The coordination between them was smooth, with each pair covering the other''s weaknesses. At first glance, it seemed like a bold move from the superhumans and a cautious one from the normal humans, but the strategy was well thought out. They had considered every aspect, aiming to maximize their strengths while minimizing risks. Kisha and Duke didn''t interfere with their decisions, allowing the warriors to learn through experience. In reality, Kisha and Duke were only there to supervise, ensuring no one would die in the process. As Kisha and Duke were grooming these warriors to become the base''s future defense against looming dangers, it was crucial for them to learn how to think independently, especially when it mattered most, rather than always relying on their leaders. Watching them strategize, share their ideas, and put those plans into action made both Kisha and Duke nod in approval as they quietly observed, letting the warriors take the lead. Though clearing the building took time, it marked a significant step forward, as this time the warriors were leading the operation themselves, moving cautiously and taking full responsibility for their actions. By 5:30 PM, they had successfully cleared three medium-sized buildings and barricaded two and a half kilometers of the wall from the east to the southern section. With this steady progress, Kisha felt more confident that they could complete the mission within the allotted time. Before sunset, Kisha, Duke, Vulture, and all the soldiers and warriors returned inside the wall. Kisha stood atop the wall, gazing over their completed work, her thoughts deep in contemplation. Duke approached silently from behind and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "What''s on your mind?" Duke asked, his gaze following hers as they both looked over what they''d accomplished in just one day. "Do you think it''s possible to finish the wall within two weeks?" Kisha asked, a trace of doubt creeping into her voice. The weight of the mission pressed down on her¡ªone mistake, and everything could fall apart like a line of dominos. The worst-case scenario wasn''t just her failure, but the death of everyone in the base, including Duke and his family. "Don''t overthink it," Duke said softly, his voice serious but laced with love and fear. "No matter what happens, we''ll face it together. I''ll always be here with you, for better or worse." There was a weight to his words, as if he were making a vow at the altar. He couldn''t imagine a life without Kisha anymore, and the thought of failing the task Kisha had, felt like losing her too and it terrified him. With that fear lingering, he pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, not entirely sure if he was trying to comfort her or himself. As Kisha and Duke descended from the wall, the warriors and soldiers stood waiting below, their gazes fixed upward. Against the backdrop of the blood-red sky, the image of the two leaders felt both striking and haunting¡ªa blend of beauty and eerie foreboding. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was as if everyone could sense the path ahead for the couple would be one paved with blood and chaos. Yet, despite the ominous feeling, there was a deep sense of confidence. Without Kisha and Duke, they weren''t sure they would have accomplished even half of what they had so far. So much had changed within the base, and it was all because of Kisha and Duke. They didn''t need to say it¡ªeveryone could feel it. The impact of their leadership was undeniable, transforming everything around them. When the warriors and soldiers saw the two standing atop the wall against the blood-streaked sky, the decision was made in their hearts. They would follow this power couple, no matter what, for as long as it took. As Kisha and Duke descended, the warriors and soldiers stood tall, their posture firm. Instead of a traditional salute, they placed their right fists over their hearts in unison¡ªa new salute, forged in honor of their leaders. The burning determination in their eyes was unmistakable, as if each of them were silently making a vow. The sight sent a tremor through Kisha''s heart, knowing they were ready to follow them into whatever lay ahead. Duke smiled and gave a nod of approval before gently leading Kisha down the wall toward their villa. But just as they were about to walk away, Kisha paused, turning back to face the group. "Thank you all for your hard work today," she said, her voice carrying across the crowd. "You did an amazing job, and I hope you''ll be just as dedicated tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you all again." Her words were met with renewed determination in their eyes, a silent promise for the days ahead. Chapter 363 The Real Mistress Of The House Kisha paused, scanning the faces of the gathered warriors and soldiers before continuing. "And remember, when you get home, make sure to use the substances we''ve provided and follow the training exercises. Not only will they help you rejuvenate, but they''ll also make you stronger¡ªespecially for those of you with awakened abilities." Kisha smiled warmly at them before turning to walk back with Duke, leaving Vulture and Aston to handle the final details. When Kisha and Duke arrived at the villa, Marcus and the children were already busy preparing dinner in the kitchen. Daisy was setting the table with plates and utensils, while the twins assisted Marcus with cooking. By 6 PM, the others began arriving one by one, and Kisha felt a warmth that reminded her of life before the apocalypse. The routine of going out to work early in the morning and returning home before dinner created a comforting sense of normalcy. It warmed her cold, broken heart and brought back memories of her family in City A. She prayed that this peaceful existence would last, cherishing the fleeting semblance of normalcy. While waiting for dinner, Kisha and Duke retreated to their room. Once settled, Kisha called Keith. She was confident that her grandparents had awakened and were adapting to their new abilities with Keith''s help. She knew that, just as she was busy managing the base in City B, Keith and his team were equally occupied with mastering their powers. Almost everyone had awakened, and some of Duke''s subordinates had also safely reached their hidden base. Despite her busy schedule, she periodically checked on the development of their hidden base. Now, she wanted to call Keith to hear about it directly from him, even though she was already well-informed about the progress. "Hey, baby brother!" Kisha greeted cheerfully. Duke, sitting beside her with his left arm wrapped around her waist, watched the holographic video call intently. The display fascinated him, a testament to the advanced technology in use. Keith''s eyes widened in surprise as the familiar panel appeared before him. Thankfully, he was in his room, recovering from the grueling training session. "Sis! I missed you!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with affectionate playfulness. Noticing Duke sitting close to Kisha, Keith couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow in mild annoyance, his gaze flickering between them. "Sis, why is Duke sitting so close to you? Aren''t you two a bit too cozy?" Keith shot the question with a hint of jealousy, his eyes narrowing as he pouted. The displeasure was clear on his face as he glared at Kisha, his protective instincts flaring up at the sight of someone encroaching on his sister''s space. Kisha flinched at Keith''s comment about her closeness with Duke, realizing she hadn''t mentioned anything to her family about their relationship. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she cleared her throat and decided to play dumb. "Ahem, where are Grandpa and Grandma? Aren''t they with you?" "Grandpa''s busy patrolling the perimeter with the others, and Grandma''s in the kitchen helping Mrs. Evans and Eliot," Keith said with a deep, annoyed sigh. "Listen, sis, Melody''s been a real piece of work. Her mother just recovered from being sick, and not only did she avoid helping her family out of fear they''d turn into zombies, but now that they''re better, she''s clinging to the newcomers and avoiding her own family." "She''s trying to butter them up so they''ll think better of her and is acting like the mistress of the house. I''ve never seen anyone as annoyingly manipulative as she is. Even her own family is disappointed in her." "Mrs. Evans has been crying from time to time after being ignored by her daughter. That''s why Grandma''s been helping out more, and they''ve actually grown closer recently," Keith explained, rolling his eyes in frustration. Instead of Kisha responding, Duke took over. "No matter how much she plays the role of the tiger while the real tiger is away, she''ll never be more than an impostor. Just wait until your sister and I get back. Everyone will see who the real mistress of the house is," he said, his voice calm but laced with irritation. It was evident that he, too, was annoyed by the situation. If only the internet and electricity weren''t down across the country, they''d be able to stay in touch more frequently with the base. Kisha understood exactly what Duke was implying to Keith. Despite Melody''s attempts to play the role of Duke''s future wife, the reality was that Duke was already committed to Kisha and had made her his wife. Kisha didn''t feel any jealousy; instead, she was reassured by Duke''s sincerity. His irritation at the situation was evident, and it was enough for her to know that their bond was strong and unwavering. In her previous life, during her 99th rebirth, Kisha''s old lover would often accuse her of being insecure and controlling whenever he got too close to another woman, manipulating the situation to make it seem like it was her fault. Now, with Duke, she saw the contrast clearly. She realized that her old lover was gaslighting her, twisting things to make her believe she was the problem. In truth, it was they who were ungrateful and deceitful. Kisha felt a surge of warmth as she squeezed Duke''s hand, her heart brimming with emotion. Her thoughts swirled with a mixture of gratitude and reflection. Duke, misinterpreting her reaction, assumed she was feeling jealous and began to soothe her. Meanwhile, Keith, observing their interaction, felt a pang of shock and discomfort, his expression visibly contorting in response to the scene. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In a rush of realization, Keith thought, ''I knew it! I felt it then, but now I''m sure¡ªDuke is really trying to steal my sister away!'' His mind raced with the revelation, but as he replayed Duke comment inside his head, a dawning confusion set in. His eyes widened as he realized something was amiss. "Sis! What''s going on? Are you actually dating this guy?!" Keith''s voice was filled with anger and disbelief. Kisha, caught off guard, stiffened and bit her lower lip, her gaze shifting between Duke and her brother. Duke, unfazed, responded with a confident smile, "What do you mean ''dating''? Your sister and I are married. That makes you my brother-in-law, which means you''ve got a stake in how we run the base¡ªwithin reason, of course." He was so proud of his relationship with Kisha that he would have broadcasted their marriage to the world if he could. In a more peaceful time, he would have happily splurged on a public announcement, showcasing his pride in being married to Kisha. Kisha remained silent as the two bickered, choosing to let them sort it out on their own. Keith, however, was stunned by the revelation. His mind buzzed with disbelief¡ªonly a little over half a month had passed since his sister and Duke had set out to find his people, and now they were already married? The news was almost too much for him to process. Keith''s mind raced with disbelief, struggling to accept how quickly everything had unfolded. It felt like something out of a novel¡ª''A Flash Marriage with the CEO,'' perhaps. He glared at Duke, convinced that his new brother-in-law must have played dirty to win his sister''s hand. To Keith, Kisha was not only his hero but also incredibly beautiful and kind; any man would be lucky to have her. He was a true siscon, fiercely protective and possessive of his sister. Chapter 364 Dukes Redemption Kisha broke his reverie with a gentle smile. "Baby brother, don''t tell our grandparents just yet. I want to be the one to share the news with them. Besides, Duke and I plan to exchange our vows in City A, where the whole family can be present." She smiled at Keith, knowing full well how protective he was of her. If only she had listened to his disapproval of that jerk in the past, perhaps Duke wouldn''t have had to die, and she wouldn''t have been betrayed by those snakes. That''s why she wanted Keith to accept Duke first, to solidify their bond as true brothers-in-law. In her previous life, Keith and Duke had been just as close as she was to Duke; they treated each other like real brothers. Kisha was confident that, even in this life, Keith would grow to like Duke just the same. "Okay..." Keith muttered, still looking a bit dazed, his mind clearly elsewhere. Kisha decided to let him process it in his own time¡ªafter all, the news was a lot to take in. It had only been half a month since she left for City B with Duke, and now they were returning as husband and wife. She figured he just needed a moment to digest everything they''d just dropped on him. ''Even a single day facing life and death with someone can feel like a decade,'' Kisha thought, ''because in those moments, when you''re at your most vulnerable, you truly discover who will stand by your side, no matter the cost.'' After catching up with Keith and discussing the developments in City A, Duke and Kisha took some time to train together. They consumed Scarlet Honey to boost their stats and fortify their foundations. Once they were done, exhaustion set in, and they both collapsed into bed, the day''s intensity still lingering in the air. As Kisha lay in bed, Duke wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her tightly by the waist. His warm breath brushed her skin as he planted soft kisses on her cheeks and forehead, showering her with affection. "Wifey, can you forgive me?" Duke''s voice broke the quiet, catching her off guard. Kisha''s eyes, which had been peacefully shut, fluttered open at his unexpected question. "For what?" "Um, I know I''ve been a bit domineering and clingy lately, always thinking about how I feel and trying to get close to you in every way possible," Duke began, his voice soft and uncertain. He hesitated for a moment, the vulnerability clear in his tone. "Especially when it comes to... making love." Duke nervously clutched Kisha as if she were his lifeline. He knew he had been overly focused on being close to her, maybe even pushing things too far without considering her feelings or their circumstances. What troubled him most was that he hadn''t anticipated feeling this way, so consumed by his desire for her. He simply couldn''t help himself when it came to Kisha, and the thought that he might have overwhelmed her weighed heavily on his mind. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He wasn''t sure if it was because he liked her too much or if it was the result of years of restraint, having distanced himself from women for so long. Now, with the dam broken, his desire for her felt insatiable. All he knew was that he wanted to be with her in every possible way, as if making up for lost time. "I''ve grown so accustomed to being in control¡ªtelling others what I want and how things should be done¡ªthat I failed to recognize how I sometimes overlooked your feelings. I realize now that I can be too pushy, putting you in uncomfortable situations without meaning to." "I truly apologize for that. I''ll do better, and I promise to listen to everything you have to say," Duke said, his voice trembling with sincerity. He spoke as if he feared that Kisha might be on the verge of leaving him, his regret palpable. After the call with her little brother, Duke realized how quickly everything had unfolded. He had bound Kisha to him without even informing her family first, and the revelation had hit Keith like a bombshell. He could only imagine the impact it would have on her grandparents when they eventually found out. He felt deeply regretful; this wasn''t how a marriage should begin. He should have waited to meet her family and properly ask for her hand in marriage. It was a matter of basic decency, and he had failed to uphold it. But then again, throughout his journey with Kisha while saving his family, he had seen how vulnerable human life could be so he really didn''t want to wait that long, because he didn''t even know when shit would hit the fan or if one of them would die prematurely. "I''m sorry if I''ve gotten carried away with you. This is my first real relationship, and I haven''t been very open or understanding in the past. I realize now how important it is to communicate and connect on a deeper level." "So, when I got you, I was almost clueless about everything that I thought, as long as I could be physically close to you and be with you, you''ll understand my heart, but maybe I am also doing it wrong." Duke''s voice trembled as he buried his face in the crook of Kisha''s neck. "I am willing to do better and follow what makes you comfortable and make you feel good in all sorts of ways because I am happy seeing you happy and I feel sad when you are sad." "But you know, when I first experienced intimacy with the woman I love, I became hooked. My body craves it, and my mind keeps replaying those euphoric moments, no matter what I''m doing or where I am." "I know, I might sound like I''m making excuses and I don''t want to come off as being negligent and dismissive of your feelings. So, would you tell me if I am making you feel uncomfortable?" "Would you forgive me? Hmm?" Duke''s voice sounded so alluringly captivating but with a hint of fear of being rejected. Kisha turned around, and Duke adjusted his position, still clinging to her. Now, his face was buried in her chest, seeking solace. In this vulnerable moment, he let his raw emotions show, allowing himself to be completely open and honest with her. He stole a glance at her face from beneath his lowered gaze, trembling with anticipation. This was a level of vulnerability he had never shown anyone before¡ªnot even his parents¡ªand the fear of how Kisha might perceive him gnawed at him. He was terrified she would see him as weak or find fault in his actions, each worry amplifying his anxiety. Hearing Duke''s heartfelt words, a tender smile spread across Kisha''s lips. She longed to be as close to him and share in the intimacy he craved. Yet, the scars of her 99 lifetimes had left their mark, causing her to subconsciously recoil from the very feelings she wanted to embrace. Despite her deep desire to be with Duke, her past experiences clouded her responses, making her fear the intimacy she so deeply yearned for. Chapter 365 Dukes Redemption 2 She cherished how Duke guided their intimate moments, and she truly enjoyed the experience. His attention made her feel wonderful, even though her stamina couldn''t quite match his. Despite this, she felt an overwhelming sense of euphoria. ''Damn, he was good at it!'' Kisha thought. At the same time, her fear stemmed from the fact that this was her first experience with a man, leaving her unsure of how to fulfill his needs. Unspoken anxieties also lingered from her past life, where betrayal and deception led to tragic consequences. These unresolved scars made her apprehensive, even though she deeply wanted to be close to Duke and share these moments with him. Due to these underlying fears, she''s unintentionally pushing Duke away and retreating periodically. Although she never openly admits it, her feelings for him are deep¡ªlove even¡ªbut her intense emotions also make her fearful of making mistakes and leaving a negative impression. Although she never admits it, deep down she''s aware that what that woman said has subtly affected her. She fears that she might not be able to fully satisfy Duke in bed and worries that he might find her dull or uninteresting once he''s experienced her. Perhaps she didn''t trust Duke enough to believe his feelings were genuine and distinct from those of the scumbag she had known before. As a result, her mind became so deeply troubled that these fears insidiously emerged, taking hold without her even realizing it. Her head was messed up really good and she knew it. Perhaps she was as clumsy with love as Duke, and her failure to communicate her feelings led to this misunderstanding. Kisha smiled wryly to herself, then looked at Duke. Gently cupping his face in her hands, she gazed directly into his eyes. "I suppose we''re just as foolish as each other," Kisha said with a soft laugh, resting her forehead against his. Duke understood her unspoken words, feeling his tumultuous heart finally calm. As their hearts began to beat in unison, a sense of peaceful connection enveloped them. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha and Duke felt as though a long- lodged bone had finally been dislodged from their throats, bringing a sense of relief and calm. For Kisha, her once-turbulent mind, akin to a stormy sea, now felt more serene. The chaos of her overthinking was gradually being drowned out by this newfound tranquility. She felt deeply insecure after her first time with Duke. The woman''s words, suggesting she was merely beautiful but dull, had lodged in her mind, making her worry if Duke might grow tired of her once his urges were satisfied. Since they were each other''s firsts, she feared that if he ever experienced intimacy with someone else, he might compare her to them and see the difference as that woman had suggested. The woman had told her that men often seek variety because they crave new experiences, implying that women like Kisha were simply not exciting. That''s why, whenever she sensed Duke''s desire, she would retreat¡ªnot out of exhaustion or fear of him, but because she was haunted by the echoes of her past and those damaging words. Reflecting on it now, she realized she hadn''t given Duke the credit he deserved. She had forgotten that Duke was nothing like that scumbag¡ªwho only thought with his lower half and bit the hand that fed him. Unlike him, Duke might appear cold on the outside, but he was warm and loyal on the inside. She had allowed those words to unsettle her mind, and if Duke hadn''t come forward to apologize and reassure her, she didn''t know how long this turmoil would have continued. It might have even jeopardized her relationship with him due to this misunderstanding. Now, she felt foolish for letting a snake''s words stir such worry and ruin her peace of mind. Kisha smiled genuinely as she gave Duke a long, passionate kiss filled with her emotions. "No, I should be the one apologizing. You''ve been amazing, my love. You might be domineering in bed, but that''s what made our first time so unforgettable¡ªI''ve been feeling sore and wonderful all night," she joked. Her playful comment, however, only seemed to stir things up further. "What did you call me?" Duke asked, pulling Kisha over and laying on his back with her sitting on top of him. His gaze was intense, as if looking straight into her soul. "M-my love?" Kisha replied hesitantly. When she saw Duke''s eyes light up, swirling with emotion, she smiled affectionately and leaned in to kiss him again. "You don''t like it, hubby?" "No." Duke''s voice was deep and low, he took over and led the kiss. His right hand firmly held onto Kisha''s nape. "I love it, I love hearing my wife using endearing names to call me, it''s making me hard and horny." Kisha chuckled through Duke''s lips but she didn''t break the kiss. "Are you sure it''s alright for me to always be so horny for you, my wife? Can we make love anywhere, anytime?" Duke asked. Though his tone sounded playful, his seriousness was unmistakable, and Kisha could feel his hardening cock pressing against her. "Hmmm." The sound of their kissing echoed in the quiet room. "Let me share a secret with you," Kisha murmured, her voice sultry. "Hearing you talk dirty makes me even wetter." She grinned, her eyes dark with desire. "Ugh!" Duke grunted, he just felt his cock instantly stand in attention. "I think so too, I even felt your pussy grip me so hard the last time, I thought you''d milk me dry." Duke didn''t forget to add up, before they dove into another passionate kiss. While kissing, they both shared a giggle before it turned into moans, Kisha eagerly ground her hips while Duke was holding both her butt cheeks to support Kisha and guide her hips on grinding on his hard cock. "Fuck! Wifey! If we do not stop now, I might not really be able to stop myself on time and devour you." Duke grunted again as he tried to break the kiss but he was reluctant and him wanting to stop was so feeble that it didn''t even sound like he wanted to break free. "I''m giving you permission alright." Kisha giggled, after all, she had this passive skill that would help her recover her stamina, so, what is there to worry about now? "Jeez, host! I didn''t know you''d misuse your skills for personal use!" 008''s voice suddenly echoed in Kisha''s mind, causing her to flinch in surprise. Despite the interruption, she didn''t stop kissing Duke; instead, she pushed 008 to the back of her mind and locked their connection. Since Bell and Zeus weren''t present, she only needed to sever the link with 008. ''Host, instead of welcoming me back, you are locking me away?! You don''t love me anymore! Hmph!'' 008 grumbled at the deepest part of Kisha''s mind. Little did Kisha realize she was digging her own grave. While her passive skill allowed her to recover her stamina endlessly, Duke would also be affected. Just imagine an insatiable beast driven by relentless desire, going at it nonstop because his stamina was endlessly recovering. But, Kisha would only realize this a little late and she wouldn''t be able to back down anymore because she already poked the bear in the butt. Chapter 366 Giving Me Too Much Credit ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! ___________ As they kissed, Duke guided Kisha''s hands to help her remove her top, while she reciprocated by pulling off his shirt. Duke''s muscular chest and stomach were revealed, his back muscles rippling with each movement. Kisha''s fingers lingered over his taut skin, savoring the firm texture of his chest and abs as she explored him slowly. Duke gasped at Kisha''s touch, his eyes darkening with a primal hunger as he fixed his intense gaze on her. The sight of him struggling to restrain his desire only fueled Kisha''s playful intent. Leaning in, she unfastened her bra with a teasing smirk, then extended her tongue to trace a slow, tantalizing lick across Duke''s nipple. Duke let out a deep, sensual groan as he watched Kisha tease his nipple with her tongue, mirroring what he had done to hers. The sensation sent a shiver through him, making his scalp tingle with a mix of pleasure and ticklish delight. Gritting his teeth, he sucked in a sharp breath, trying to regain control, but the temptation was overwhelming. With a swift move, he pushed Kisha onto the bed, determined to take the lead again. Like the queen she was, Kisha didn''t back down. Instead, she continued her teasing, her hand slipping down to rub Duke''s hard cock. The contact sent a shockwave through him, and he let out a low, primal snarl. Unable to resist, Duke leaned back onto the bed, surrendering to the intense sensation building deep within him as Kisha maintained control, fueling his desire. Kisha swiftly unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his pants, revealing his hardened cock. Just as Duke tried to regain control and sit up, she leaned in and playfully bit his nipple, making him groan in pleasure. "Ugh! Baby!" he gasped, his voice thick with desire, as Kisha kept him pinned under her dominance. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha didn''t give Duke a moment to regain his composure. Without hesitation, his hard cock sprang free from his pants, and she began stroking him with a slow yet firm rhythm. "Ugh! Ah!" Duke moaned, his breath hitching as she expertly worked her hand, leaving him powerless under her touch. Only now did Kisha truly understand why Duke loved teasing her the way he did last time¡ªit was intoxicating, the feeling of power, the control. It made her feel unstoppable. She kept stroking his shaft while her mouth and teeth teased his nipple, sending shivers through Duke''s body. He was writhing beneath her, his intense gaze locked onto hers, unable to tear his eyes away as he succumbed to the overwhelming pleasure she was giving him. A playful smirk danced on her lips as she stuck out her tongue, giving his abs a slow, sensual lick while moving downward. Duke''s breath hitched, his stomach trembling under her touch. He let out a muffled grunt, watching with hooded eyes as Kisha traced her way down his abs, every stroke of her tongue igniting sparks of pleasure through his body. This only heightened Duke''s excitement and anticipation, causing his cock to twitch and throb in Kisha''s hand. She stroked it with slow, deliberate circular motions, remembering how much Duke had liked it the last time. His breathing grew heavier with each stroke, the tension in his body building under her skillful touch. Duke''s shaft was thick and long, so much so that Kisha had to use both hands to cover some of its length. As her fingers brushed over his pubic area, Duke let out a slow, deep sigh, his chest heaving with anticipation. Kisha caught his eye, flashing a mischievous smirk before leaning in to lick the tip of his cock. Without hesitation, she took him into her mouth, making Duke groan in pure pleasure. Duke sank deeper into the bed, his left hand covering his eyes as he gasped for air, his chest rising and falling in quick succession. His right hand instinctively reached for Kisha''s head, but she swatted it away, maintaining control. Locking eyes with him for a moment, she leaned in and began to deep-throat him, drawing a loud, guttural moan from his lips as his body tensed in response to the intense pleasure. "Ugh! Wifey, fuck... you''re going to make me cum too fast if you keep this up," Duke groaned between ragged breaths. Kisha didn''t respond; she persisted even as she began gagging and choking on his size. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she felt a sob escape her as she struggled to keep up. Every time his cock reached the back of her throat, she felt her eyes rolling back, the overwhelming sensation causing her to tear up even more. She felt like she was stretching her jaw to its limit just to accommodate his shaft, and the effort was almost overwhelming. It seemed like her jaw might dislocate, but seeing the pleasure etched on Duke''s face fueled her determination. She was driven by the idea that it was a mutual exchange of pleasure, and she was committed to giving her best. The stretch was becoming unbearable, and when Kisha finally decided she''d had enough and started to pull back, Duke reacted instantly. His hand shot out like lightning, gripping her hair firmly. Without giving her a chance to protest, he guided her head up and down his shaft, maintaining control as he pushed her limits further. Kisha and Duke locked eyes, her red-rimmed gaze narrowing in protest as she silently communicated her discomfort. Duke, gasping for air, stared back at her with his lips slightly parted. "Wifey," he croaked, his voice raw with desire. Biting down hard to stifle a moan, his body tensed when Kisha, despite her silent plea, tightened her grip on his shaft, then shifted her other hand to massage his balls, pushing him even closer to the edge. Kisha''s eyes crinkled slightly in amusement at Duke''s reaction. Before he could utter another word, she deep-throated him again. Realizing he had no intention of letting her go, Kisha resigned herself to continue, determined to push him to finish quickly if she wanted to escape his grip. With just a few more strokes, Duke''s body tensed, a low grunt escaping his lips as he leaned back. "Wifey, I''m cumming!" His grip tightened as he guided Kisha''s movements faster, his breath ragged and heavy. The sound of his guttural snarl filled the room just before he released, sending hot streams of his seed deep into Kisha''s throat, filling her completely. Kisha felt her breath hitch as Duke thrust his shaft deep into her throat, her core tightening, and a strange, wild churn stirring in her stomach. ''Fuck! Am I a masochist?'' she wondered, feeling her blood surge through her body with an odd rush of exhilaration. When Duke finally let her go, she coughed a few times, gasping to clear her airway. Cough! Cough! When she finally caught her breath, Kisha shot a piercing glare at Duke, who was still panting heavily, his chest rising and falling as his dark, intense eyes locked onto hers. It was as if he was silently saying, ''You started it, I just finished it.'' But before she could retort, he softened, backing down with an apologetic grin. "Sorry, wifey, I lost control. Maybe you''re giving me too much credit for my self-control when it comes to you," he teased, his grin widening between ragged breaths. Chapter 367 Little Revenge ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! ___________ After a brief moment to catch their breath, Duke began to push himself up from the bed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he prepared to take charge and return the favor to Kisha. But before he could fully sit up, Kisha didn''t give him the chance¡ªmoving swiftly to keep him exactly where she wanted him. He hadn''t even noticed when Kisha managed to slip out of her pants, but before he could react, she had him pinned down on the bed again. Hovering over him, a mischievous grin spread across her lips as she stared down at him, now clad only in her panties. The look in her eyes made it clear¡ªshe was in control. Seeing Kisha''s body, her bare chest exposed and only her panties barely covering her, left little to Duke''s imagination. The sight alone sent a surge through him, making his cock throb wildly again, even though he had just released so much in her mouth moments before. Everything about her was reigniting his desire. Duke took a deep, shaky breath, swallowing hard as he eagerly awaited Kisha''s next move. The anticipation was palpable, and Kisha could sense the thrill she was igniting in him. Kisha slowly helped Duke out of his pants, maintaining eye contact the entire time. The suspense was almost unbearable for Duke; his heartbeat hammered in his chest, growing louder with every passing second. His cock twitched in anticipation, eager for Kisha to take the next step. Duke was itching to seize control, but he remained still, captivated by the tension between them. "Wifey, you''re teasing me, aren''t you? Trying to get back at me for earlier?" Duke asked breathlessly, his ocean-blue eyes locked onto Kisha with a mix of frustration and anticipation. Kisha didn''t respond, but a wide smile spread across her face. Once she had removed Duke''s pants, leaving him naked and eager, she wasted no time. Pulling her panties to the side, she guided Duke''s hard cock to her entrance. As he slowly slid inside her, both of them gasped at the intense sensation of him filling her. It was only then that Kisha realized she was the one who was impatient. Duke''s hands found her legs, resting on either side of his waist, as he let out a groan. "Ugh! Kisha! Fuck!" His voice was strained, unable to form coherent words as he felt himself sliding slowly into her wet pussy. Once Duke was fully inside her, Kisha felt a deep sense of fullness and pressure, making movement difficult at first. She could feel his cock twitching within her. Determined to be in control, she maintained her gaze locked with Duke''s and began to slowly rock her hips up and down, taking command of their shared pleasure. She felt as though her soul was being drawn into his intense gaze, a magnetic force pulling her deeper. The connection was so profound that her body, mind, and soul seemed to merge as one, amplifying her desire and passion as they made love. Duke''s grip on her legs tightened as he bit his lower lip, his breath quickening as he fought to stifle his moans. Each movement of Kisha''s body sent shivers through him, feeling every contour of her inner walls as she slid up and down his shaft. His eyes were riveted on her, watching her ample breasts bounce enticingly with each motion. After a few strokes up and down, Kisha felt an overwhelming wave of pleasure gripping her core, the intensity growing with each movement. She began to pump harder, her moans escaping uncontrollably as she leaned back slightly, anchoring herself with her hands gripping Duke''s strong legs for support. Duke began to rock his hips in sync with Kisha''s rhythm, intensifying the pleasure and making her moans grow louder. The sound of their bodies slapping together filled the room, echoing off the walls in a primal symphony. "Ah! Duke!" "Ugh!" Duke used the pillow behind him for support, pulling himself closer to Kisha. His hands eagerly sought out her enticing, ample breasts, which had captivated him since earlier. He grasped them, savoring their softness, and began to fondle them, gently rubbing and pinching her nipples. Each touch elicited gasps from Kisha and made her inner walls tighten around him, as she felt a delicious mix of pleasure and pain from the pinching sensation. After a while, Duke''s yearning to do more than just touch her breasts intensified. He adjusted their position, sitting up with his legs drawn up, while Kisha steadied herself with her hands resting on his knees. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Duke drew closer, she felt his hot breath against her chest. Without hesitation, he took hold of her left nipple and began to nibble on it, eliciting a loud gasp and causing her to squirm. Despite the heightened sensation, Kisha''s hips continued their relentless rhythm on Duke''s shaft, which had grown even harder. Duke''s right hand slid to Kisha''s left butt cheek, gripping it firmly as he guided her to lift her hips higher. This allowed her to come down harder on his shaft. Soon, both of his hands gripped her buttocks, bracing herself as Duke lifted and lowered her with increasing speed and force. Kisha clung to his neck, gasping, while Duke covered her neck and chest with fervent kisses, leaving a trail of passionate marks. Duke captured Kisha''s mouth in a fervent kiss, his lips and teeth teasing her with a mix of gentle bites and intense pressure. When Kisha gasped from the force of his thrusts, he plunged his tongue into her mouth, silencing her moans. She clung to his neck, her legs wrapped tightly around his hips, as he continued to drive into her with relentless passion. Duke''s grip on Kisha''s soft, perky ass tightened, leaving red marks as he drove her harder onto his shaft. Their muffled moans mingled with the heat of their shared passion, their tongues entangled in a fervent dance. Kisha clung to Duke''s neck with desperate intensity, as if her very existence depended on the fierce connection between them. However, their position restricted Duke''s movement, making it difficult to find the right angle for deeper thrusts. To remedy this, he lifted Kisha while they remained connected, slowing his pace to give her time to breathe and adjust. Duke carefully laid Kisha''s upper back on the edge of the bed, propping her hips higher to maintain their connection. He pulled back slightly, positioning himself to fully appreciate the sight of Kisha gripping the bed sheets with both hands, her legs still wrapped around his waist. Duke''s smirk widened as he thrust harder and deeper into Kisha, eliciting louder moans from her. Her eyes, now glazed with pleasure, locked onto his as she succumbed to the intensity of his movements. Duke gripped Kisha''s hips, using his hold to control his thrusts as he drove deeper into her. Kisha matched his rhythm, rocking her hips in sync with his movements, her smirk flickering between gasps of pleasure. Sweat dripped down their bodies, leaving a glistening trail on their skin. Duke didn''t slow down; instead, he quickened his pace, thrusting harder and faster, turning Kisha into a moaning, writhing mess. She had thought she could dominate Duke and control the situation, but she was sorely mistaken. Chapter 368 Playful Teasing Turned To... ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! ___________ She had thought she could dominate him this time, but he proved to be a beast in bed, far beyond her reach. Kisha felt her core tightening as a wave of intense pleasure began to build. Her body started to convulse, overwhelmed by the familiar, delicious ecstasy rising within her. It was about to reach a crescendo, surging to a breathtaking climax. In perfect sync, Duke groaned, "Fuck! Wifey, you''re so tight¡ªI feel like you''re going to milk me dry!" he gasped between breaths. Kisha could feel his cock swelling and growing even harder and bigger inside her, heightening the intensity of their connection. "Fuck, I''m about to cum!" Duke groaned, his thrusts growing more intense. Kisha arched her back, sinking deeper into the bed as her eyes rolled back in ecstasy. Her body trembled, reaching a fevered crescendo. As Kisha''s inner walls clenched around him, Duke came, flooding her with his thick seeds. He let out a low growl, his eyelashes fluttering as he gritted his teeth, the grinding sound echoing in the intensity of his clenched teeth to control the ticklish sensation overwhelming his gums. But Duke didn''t stop thrusting. Instead, he drove into Kisha harder, emptying the last of his seeds deep inside her. Kisha trembled and convulsed, her mouth open in a moan that bordered on a scream, as every inch of her felt ablaze with overwhelming pleasure. After Duke was certain he had released every last drop, he leaned in and captured Kisha''s lips with his own. His kiss was fierce and hungry, conveying just how much he craved her. This time, Kisha stayed conscious, which only fueled Duke''s grin as he kissed her deeply, his joy evident in every touch. While Kisha and Duke were in the throes of their passion, Kisha''s system notifications kept flashing across her view. Fortunately, 008 stepped in without her having to ask, muting the notifications and shifting them to the edge of her peripheral vision. This way, she could stay immersed in the moment without the distraction of constant alerts signaling that her passive skill was active. Even as they panted and sweat, neither of them felt the slightest hint of fatigue. Duke maintained a steady, slow thrust as he kissed Kisha with intense passion, his hand gently cradling her face. His thumb brushed against her chin, encouraging her to open her mouth and extend her tongue. Kisha complied, sticking her tongue out eagerly. Before Duke could capture her tongue, she traced his lips with her tongue, her eyes narrowing into crescent-shaped smiles. Duke felt an intense surge of heat spread through his body, as if he were ablaze and his veins were on fire. In that instant, Kisha sensed Duke''s cock, which had softened slightly, becoming as rigid as steel once more. She gasped in surprise and choked up, feeling the sudden and powerful change. She had been merely playful and teasing, but she hadn''t anticipated the effect would be so intense. Before she could protest, Duke reignited the rhythm with a fierce passion in his eyes. He placed Kisha''s left leg on his shoulder and pressed the other leg firmly against the bed, spreading her open to thrust deeper. Duke began with a slow, powerful thrust that seemed to steal Kisha''s breath with each movement. "Ha!" she gasped as he drove into her deeply. "Duke!" she exclaimed with the next forceful push, but Duke didn''t relent; he continued his rhythmic thrusts, moving with relentless intensity. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Only now did she realize that Duke was just as affected by her passive skill as she was. Being so close to her, and with her skill''s effect extending a 5-meter radius, Duke''s already monstrous stamina was amplified. ''If this continues, will we be tangled up for the whole night, me being at his mercy?'' Kisha thought, her mind racing. But Duke swallowed her protest when he leaned in to kiss her, further stretching her and giving Duke deeper access to her pussy. Duke let out a strained grunt as he was balls deep into Kisha''s pussy and Kisha could feel him pushing on her womb, pushing so deeply that Kisha felt the pressure against her womb, almost as if he were tapping on it. Duke''s thrusts became more urgent and intense, causing Kisha to recoil slightly. Her voice grew hoarse and dry from moaning, and her face was damp with sweat. Duke, too, was sweating profusely, with droplets occasionally landing on Kisha''s chest and cheeks. Despite his exhaustion, his gaze remained fiery and insatiable. The more Duke saw Kisha writhing in pleasure and gasping for breath as he moved inside her, the more invigorated he felt, turning her into a moaning mess. He pressed his body against hers, eliciting a heavy, drawn-out sigh from Kisha before he captured her mouth again and again, muffling her moans with his kisses. He intertwined his tongue with hers, savoring and teasing it before gently sucking on it. Occasionally, a silver thread of saliva would bridge the gap when Duke pulled away to let Kisha catch her breath. Each thrust made Kisha''s stomach bulge against his, and when he pressed closer, she would clench tightly around him, sending waves of pleasure through Duke and eliciting deep groans. He continued his movements rhythmically, sensing a familiar tension building within him as Kisha grew tighter and her moans louder. Her body trembled, eyes rolling back in her head. Duke quickened his pace, causing her to hold her breath as her body convulsed once more. Before long, Duke let out a low growl. "Kisha, I''m about to¡­ Let''s cum together!" His words came out more as a command than a plea. But Kisha was barely listening to him, her head spinning in pure ecstasy as Duke continued to thrust inside her. Duke continued his relentless thrusting until he released all his remaining seed deep inside Kisha. He pumped a few more times, ensuring she milked him completely before finally collapsing on top of her. Kisha remained trembling, her eyes fluttering as she absorbed the intense sensation. Their heavy breathing and panting filled the room as they stayed in the same position for a while. When Duke finally managed to get up, he covered Kisha with a blanket before rushing to the bathroom to start drawing a warm bath. While the tub filled, he hurried back to the walk-in closet to grab fresh clothes for both himself and Kisha. He placed the clothes by the bathroom sink and prepared a fresh set of bedsheets and blankets, moving around in a flurry while Kisha remained unconscious. When Kisha finally stirred, Duke was already carrying her in a bridal hold to the bathroom. He gently lowered her into the bathtub before joining her and settling in behind her. Feeling too relaxed to move, Kisha allowed Duke to continue caring for her. She actually enjoyed his gentle touch as he washed her body with meticulous care, as if he feared that too much pressure might harm her delicate skin. Kisha wasn''t sure whether to laugh or cry at how different Duke was when they weren''t making love. In bed, he was an insatiable beast, but afterward, he treated her with the tenderness of someone caring for a cherished treasure. Chapter 369 Emergency! Kisha shook her head, deciding to simply savor Duke''s care. She felt her body gradually regaining its strength, a testament to how effective her passive skills were. After thoroughly washing Kisha''s body, Duke squeezed a floral shampoo into his hands, rubbing them together until it foamed slightly. He then applied it to Kisha''s hair, gently massaging her scalp and the ends of her hair. Kisha leaned back, savoring the soothing sensation of Duke''s scalp massage. "Is it good?" Duke''s gentle voice came from behind her. "Mmmm," Kisha replied, her eyes still closed. Duke happily continued caring for Kisha, and before long, he finished bathing her. As Kisha began to rise from the bath, Duke stopped her. She raised an eyebrow and looked back at him as he also climbed out of the tub. He reached for a towel and gently helped her dry her body and hair. "Don''t move; let me do all the work," Duke said with a childlike grin, glowing with satisfaction. Kisha realized his behavior was a result of his satisfaction, and understood why he was so eager to be a devoted husband. She decided to stay still and let him pamper her as he wished. After all, without her passive skill, she might have passed out long ago. She realized this might be what a true husband should be like¡ªpassionate in bed but warm and caring outside of it. A sense of warmth enveloped her chest as she felt Duke''s gentle touch on her hair. Kisha hummed contentedly as Duke dried her hair, her body wrapped in a towel. They resembled a happy couple who had spent a decade together, both savoring the warmth of their unspoken understanding. Once Duke finished drying her hair, he even helped her put on her clothes. Kisha hesitated at the thought of letting Duke dress her, but he wouldn''t relent. With a reluctant pout, she accepted his help. Duke chuckled softly as he assisted her. Before they returned to bed, he carefully blow-dried her long, wavy hair to ensure she wouldn''t catch a cold from going to sleep with damp hair. Kisha''s soft purrs were audible to Duke whenever he drew near, and a satisfied smile played on her lips as she sat on the sink, with Duke standing in front of her. Her eyes were closed, savoring the soothing warmth of the air and Duke''s gentle touch as he worked through her hair. After Duke finished, he carefully carried Kisha back to the sofa before hurrying to change the bedsheets and blankets. Kisha watched him move around the room from her seat on the sofa, her eyes crinkling with delight. Once the bed was made, Duke lifted Kisha once more and gently placed her on the bed. Satisfied that she was comfortably settled, he returned to the bathroom to wash himself clean. Throughout, Duke wore only a towel around his lower half, his sturdy chest and abs exposed. Kisha didn''t bother hiding her gaze as she watched his muscles ripple with each movement. Duke merely chuckled and smiled, clearly enjoying the attention from his wife. In fact, it pleased him greatly to see that his wife found him appealing. He would have been more concerned if Kisha hadn''t shown any sign of infatuation with his looks, as it might have made him feel insecure. It took Duke just ten minutes to finish bathing and dressing before he joined Kisha on the bed. His hair was still slightly damp when he scooped her into his arms for a hug. The moisture from his hair brushed against Kisha''s face, sending a pleasant shiver through her body. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke felt her shiver slightly and realized his damp hair was brushing against her face. He grunted softly, his voice dripping with affection. "I''m sorry, wifey. Was it cold?" His tender tone sent a flutter of butterflies to Kisha''s stomach. Kisha shook her head and leaned closer to Duke, wrapping her arms around his waist. Duke rested his chin on top of her head as they embraced, both closing their eyes. They drifted off to sleep without noticing when it happened, finding comfort in each other''s embrace. Wang! Wang! Wang! Wang! In the middle of the night, both Duke and Kisha were jolted awake by the blaring alarm bells from around the base. They sat up in bed, exchanging serious looks that conveyed their immediate awareness of an emergency. Without pausing to change, they hurried out of their room. As they rushed outside, they saw the Winters couple and Wyatt family emerging from their rooms, their faces etched with fear. Kisha and Duke didn''t wait for everyone to leave the villa; they rushed out immediately, heading for the square. Soldiers and warriors were mobilizing in the streets, but no one knew what was happening. When Kisha and Duke tried to ask the soldiers who were hurriedly getting into position, they received no clear answers. They hurried to the square, where Aston was already briefing the soldiers. The loud alarm bells had jolted everyone awake, including the survivors. However, after a few intense rings, the bells abruptly stopped. The silence didn''t signal that the emergency had passed; rather, it was to avoid drawing the attention of zombies and causing them to gather outside the walls. The brief alarm had served its purpose of rousing the warriors and soldiers before the bells were silenced. When Kisha and Duke arrived at the square, Aston and the others were already heading towards the wall. Kisha, breathless, asked urgently, "What''s going on?" She was certain this wasn''t a drill; drills weren''t conducted in the middle of the night, and even if they were, the alarm bells would never be used. They knew that such a noise would attract a horde of zombies from around the city. Aston, his face pale and filled with worry, responded almost immediately upon hearing Kisha''s voice. Seeing her, he looked as if he had just found a lifeline, and his expression relaxed slightly. "City Lord, we''ve received a report from the wall patrol," he said, his voice serious and tinged with nervousness. "A horde of zombies is approaching and slowly surrounding the entire base." Being surrounded alone wouldn''t be a significant issue, given their awakened ability users who could handle the situation. Kisha understood this, so she sensed there was more to the situation than Aston was revealing. She waited for him to continue. "The wall patrol reported that each gate is surrounded by thousands of zombies, similar to the raid during the Blood Rain," Aston added, his tone grim. Kisha was also shocked by this revelation. In the early stages of the apocalypse, zombies wouldn''t actively attack or encircle human settlements unless there was a significant amount of noise. Such behavior was typically observed only during events like the Blood Rain, when zombies evolved, or when a high-level evolved zombie was commanding the horde. Given the scale of the threat, it seemed unlikely that a high-level evolved zombie was involved because they couldn''t command this large-scale zombie horde. If such a creature were present, it would likely be a Zombie King or higher. However, this was improbable, as Zombie Kings are typically level 10 or above, possessing a level of consciousness akin to a child, allowing them to think and strategize. Chapter 370 Emergency! 2 Kisha was uncertain about the situation, so she, Duke, and Aston decided not to waste time pondering the issue without any leads. Instead, they headed directly to the most crowded gate¡ªthe western part of the base, where the residential buildings and the majority of the population were concentrated. Kisha and Duke made their way to the west gate in their sleepwear and pajamas, but no one paid much attention to their attire. Even Aston was in his pajamas and robe. Along the way, they saw soldiers and warriors hastily donning their protective gear and weapons, nervously moving about. Before long, a cacophony of distant growls and roars filled the air, followed by the crack of gunfire from atop the wall. Kisha, Duke, and Aston arrived at the wall shortly after. Soldiers lay prone along the wall, while some threw grenades into the midst of the advancing horde. With thousands of zombies closing in, firearms alone weren''t sufficient to handle the threat. Seeing the situation, Kisha quickly intervened, instructing them to cease using grenades. The loud explosions would only attract more zombies from within the city. She also directed Aston to send messengers to all gates, instructing them to stop using grenades and to call in all awakened ability users instead. Understanding Kisha''s reasoning, Duke swiftly turned and headed toward the southern gate, the next most crowded of the four. Aston watched them, feeling the unspoken trust between Kisha and Duke. They didn''t need words to communicate; a brief exchange of glances was enough. After a mutual nod, Duke nearly sprinted toward the southern gate. Kisha climbed to the top of the wall to assess the situation. From her vantage point, the scene was chaotic: a massive horde of zombies surged from within the city, driven by an almost primal frenzy. They were unrelenting in their advance, pushing and shoving each other in their blind, single-minded pursuit of the wall. The ground was littered with the remains of their fallen kin, yet the horde continued to trample over the carcasses with relentless determination. Their sheer numbers and frenzied behavior made it clear that this was no ordinary attack; something had driven them into a frenzy, and the wall was their singular focus. Kisha observed with furrowed brows as the zombie stampede surged forward. The sheer force of the horde pressing against the wall was palpable. The cargo trailers that formed part of the wall''s structure began to tremble under the relentless assault, the sound of scraping metal and groaning wood echoing through the night. Soldiers stationed on top of the wall clung to their positions, their faces etched with fear as the vibrations threatened to dislodge them. The weight of the situation was clear; the defense wall was under severe strain, and the terror in the soldiers'' eyes spoke volumes about the danger they faced. Despite the relentless barrage of gunfire aimed at the nearest zombies, Kisha''s attention was drawn to a growing problem. The corpses of the fallen zombies were accumulating at the base of the wall, forming a grim, shifting mound. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her frown deepened as she realized the potential danger this posed. If the pile continued to grow unchecked, it would eventually serve as a makeshift ramp, allowing the zombies to scale the wall and breach the defenses. The sight of the ever-growing heap of carcasses was a stark reminder that the wall''s security was in imminent peril, and immediate action was needed to prevent a catastrophic breach. Even if Kisha managed to halt the soldiers'' gunfire, the relentless advance of the zombies and the growing pile of corpses would still pose a grave threat. The sheer mass of the undead could potentially use their numbers to push against the wall, threatening to breach the defenses through sheer force. The sight filled her with a rising sense of dread. Aston, who had climbed up the wall to assess the situation, was visibly shaken. His face went ashen, paling to the color of a sheet as he took in the grim tableau before him. His breath caught in his throat, and the sight of the soldiers around him, their faces etched with fear and their hands trembling uncontrollably, only compounded the gravity of the situation. Despite their fear, they continued to fire, their bodies quivering as they fought to keep the horde at bay. The tension and urgency in the air were palpable, and it was clear that every moment was critical in the struggle to protect the wall and the base. "C-City Lord..." Aston stammered, his voice trembling as he instinctively grasped at Kisha''s sleeve. His eyes were wide with fear, reflecting the dire situation unfolding before them. Kisha took a deep breath, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment as she steeled herself. When she opened them again, her gaze was fixed on the overturned truck blocking the road. With a focused mind, she extended her hands in front of her, her fingers splayed as she engaged her telekinesis. The truck began to tremble and lift off the ground, but the immense weight and size made the effort extraordinarily taxing. Kisha''s limbs quivered under the strain, beads of sweat forming on her brow. Despite the growing pressure and her own growing fatigue, she refused to relent. Her concentration was unwavering as she maneuvered the truck, her willpower driving her through the physical and mental exertion. Each movement was slow and deliberate, but she pressed on, determined to clear the obstacle and create a vital barrier against the encroaching horde. As Kisha managed to fully lift the truck, the soldiers looked on in astonishment, their fear momentarily eclipsed by the sheer force of her ability. With a swift, sweeping motion, she directed the truck, using it as a battering ram to clear the zombies from the open street. The massive vehicle crashed through the horde, scattering the undead and creating a temporary but much-needed path. The sight was both dramatic and awe-inspiring, with zombies tumbling aside and the street clearing just enough to offer a brief respite. However, with thousands of zombies still advancing, Kisha''s efforts only created a small breach in the overwhelming tide. Yet, the impact of her actions was profound. The soldiers, who had been on the brink of despair, now saw a glimmer of hope. The path she had cleared, though modest in the grand scheme, was enough to inspire them and renew their resolve. Kisha, still exerting tremendous effort, continued to manipulate the truck with her telekinesis. She shifted its position to sweep away the zombies gathered at the base of the wall, clearing away the growing pile of carcasses that could be used as makeshift ladders by the undead. With each movement, she created more space, preventing the zombies from climbing over and threatening the top of the wall. As Kisha worked, the air buzzed with the arrival of the awakened ability users. They appeared one by one, their diverse powers coming into play. Many of them were earth elemental users, and their arrival was timely. They quickly set to work, using their abilities to create formidable barriers. Massive earth spikes erupted from the ground, thrusting upward to form a jagged, towering wall of stone around the base of the existing defenses. Chapter 371 The Sudden Battle These earth spikes, sharp and imposing, served to fortify the perimeter, preventing zombies from getting too close and using the corpses as stepping stones. The combined effort of the awakened ability users and Kisha''s telekinesis transformed the area into a much more secure fortress. The towering earth spikes provided an additional layer of protection, creating a formidable barrier that the zombies would have to contend with before reaching the wall. The wall''s defenders, witnessing this concerted effort, found a renewed sense of strength and purpose. The combined actions of Kisha and the awakened ability users had begun to turn the tide, offering them a much-needed edge in the fight against the encroaching horde. Thankfully, the awakened ability users at the base had been steadily consuming Scarlet Honey, a rare and potent substance that enhanced their physical and mental capabilities long before they even awakened. The honey worked subtly, refining their bodies, fortifying their stamina, and preparing their latent abilities to manifest with greater potency. By the time they had experienced their first surge of power, the effects of the Scarlet Honey had already taken root, giving them an edge as they learned to harness their new strengths. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the first day of their awakening, most of them struggled to control their newfound abilities, their powers erratic and unpredictable. However, with continuous practice and the constant nourishment provided by the Scarlet Honey, they improved rapidly. Day by day, their control over their abilities became more refined, their strength more pronounced. The Scarlet Honey not only fueled their recovery but also accelerated their growth, making them stronger in a fraction of the time it would have taken otherwise. Now, these ability users stood ready at the walls, their powers far more formidable than they had been just days ago. Many of them, particularly the earth elemental users, had grown proficient enough to summon larger, more durable earth spikes to reinforce the defenses. The spikes they conjured now were not just barriers¡ªthey were towering structures, sturdy and sharp, capable of impaling any zombie that dared approach the wall. Among them, the most skilled had progressed to the point where their earth spikes could rival even the most advanced abilities of Vulture, one of the base''s strongest defenders. These towering, two-meter-high spikes rose like jagged teeth from the earth, forming an almost impenetrable barrier around the base. Their combined efforts created a formidable line of defense, providing the soldiers and survivors with a much-needed sense of security amidst the chaos. What had once seemed like a losing battle now felt more hopeful. The powerful earth spikes, combined with Kisha''s telekinetic sweeps clearing away piles of bodies that threatened to form a bridge over the wall, gave the base a fighting chance. The air buzzed with renewed determination as more ability users joined the effort, each contributing their enhanced skills to hold the line against the overwhelming horde. Vulture, a seasoned fighter and one of the most powerful among the awakened ability users, quickly assessed the situation at the eastern part of the wall. Without hesitation, he led a group of fellow earth manipulators to reinforce the defenses. Under his command, they worked in perfect unison, their hands glowing with the familiar surge of power as they called forth towering earth spikes. These spikes formed an imposing barricade around the eastern wall, ensuring that no zombie could scale it or use their sheer numbers to breach it. The earth spike itself became their shield, a solid, jagged wall of defense that prevented the relentless horde from gaining any ground. Vulture''s presence inspired confidence in the soldiers and ability users alike. He moved with precision and authority, directing the placement of each spike, ensuring no gaps were left in the defenses. His experience in battle was evident as he made quick decisions, adapting to the movements of the horde with ease. The eastern wall, though under intense pressure, held firm under his leadership, giving the defenders a fighting chance against the unrelenting waves of zombies crashing against their defenses. Meanwhile, Bald Eagle, another high-ranking leader known for his strategic prowess, had taken command of the northern side. Though the northern wall was experiencing its own onslaught, the situation there was comparatively calmer than the other areas. The horde, while still numbering in the thousands, wasn''t as concentrated as in Kisha''s sector or the southern wall, allowing Bald Eagle and his team to manage the defense more effectively. Despite the relative calm, Bald Eagle knew better than to let his guard down. He led his team with calculated precision, ensuring that the soldiers and ability users were positioned optimally to repel the advancing zombies. His approach was methodical¡ªwhile his earth manipulators conjured spikes to fortify the wall, he had the soldiers focus their firepower on key choke points, thinning out the approaching horde before they could get too close. Bald Eagle''s calm demeanor in the face of chaos reassured those under his command. Though the horde pressed on, his team was able to keep them at bay with a combination of precise gunfire and strategically placed barriers. While the northern side didn''t face the overwhelming pressure of Kisha''s sector, it was still a critical part of the defense, and Bald Eagle''s steady leadership ensured that this part of the wall would not fall. Together, Vulture''s relentless fortification of the eastern wall and Bald Eagle''s strategic defense of the north created a cohesive line of resistance. Each leader''s unique style¡ªVulture''s aggressive, hands-on approach and Bald Eagle''s calculated strategy¡ªprovided the base with a much-needed edge in what could have been a catastrophic breach. Even though the situation remained dire, their combined efforts, along with Kisha''s leadership on the western side, allowed the defenders to hold their ground, buying precious time to address the zombie horde''s unpredictable movements. On Duke''s side, the scene could only be described as a brutal massacre. His overwhelming strength allowed him to overpower the advancing horde of zombies with apparent ease. Since reaching level 1, combined with the continuous use of Scarlet Honey to enhance his abilities, Duke''s elemental manipulation had evolved significantly. His mastery over all three of his elemental powers had improved so drastically that he could now summon and wield them consecutively without rest, creating a devastating, unrelenting assault against the horde. His every movement was a display of raw power and precision. Fire, lightning, and ice bent to his will as he unleashed torrents of destruction, cutting through the mass of zombies like a storm of fury. Each strike was calculated, and with the boost in his strength, Duke''s attacks carried a lethal force that made it impossible for the zombies to push forward. The horde stood no chance against his relentless onslaught, and one by one, they fell before him, their numbers dwindling as his elemental abilities tore through their ranks. Duke moved like a force of nature, his body brimming with power and control. Duke unleashed a barrage of elemental fury¡ªice spears shot through the air, lightning crackled and struck with pinpoint precision, and in a display of his newfound mastery, he summoned a blazing Fire Meteor that descended from the sky. Each attack fell upon the advancing zombies with devastating force, transforming the battlefield into a fiery inferno. The ground beneath them scorched, and the air was thick with the acrid scent of burning flesh. Chapter 372 End Of Battle The sheer destruction Duke wrought left the other awakened ability users awestruck, their eyes wide with disbelief. It was as if he had single-handedly become a one-man army, obliterating wave after wave of the undead with terrifying ease. His power was unmatched, and the devastation he had caused made it clear¡ªno zombie could survive the onslaught of Duke''s overwhelming elemental might. The battlefield had become his domain, and the enemy was utterly outclassed. Although Duke''s Fire Meteor was no larger than a fist, the concentrated fire essence within it was enough to engulf and obliterate clusters of zombies with each strike. And it wasn''t just one¡ªdozens of fiery meteors rained down, resembling a miniature meteor shower from the sky. The intense heat scorched the air, leaving trails of smoke and ash in their wake. As if that weren''t enough, devastating lightning bolts followed, striking down without warning, electrifying the battlefield and leaving the zombies charred. Ice spears materialized around Duke like deadly projectiles, each one launching with the force of a ballista. They pierced through the nearest zombies, sending them flying with the sheer impact. His relentless assault purged the undead in waves, combining fire, lightning, and ice in a terrifying display of elemental mastery that left nothing but devastation in its path. However, the sheer magnitude of Duke''s Area of Effect (AOE) attacks came at a cost. His spiritual energy drained rapidly, as if pouring through a sieve. Despite this, his onslaught had successfully decimated most of the advancing horde without drawing too much attention, preventing additional waves of zombies from being attracted from within the city. With the remaining zombies now more manageable, Duke confidently left the rest to the other awakened ability users. Exhausted but satisfied, he stepped aside to rest and recover his depleted spiritual energy. On Kisha''s side, the mental strain intensified with each attempt to control the large truck, sweeping away waves of zombies outside the wall. She could feel her focus slipping, knowing that this method was only a temporary solution. The uncertainty of how many more zombies would flood in from the western side weighed on her mind. Deep down, she knew she couldn''t keep this up indefinitely, and the toll on her mental energy made it clear that she needed another plan soon. If the battle dragged on, Kisha knew her side would eventually be at a disadvantage. She couldn''t afford to pull manpower from the other sections of the wall, not knowing how long the siege would last or if a surprise attack might come from another direction. Realizing the truck wasn''t a sustainable solution, she abandoned it and instead focused on the smaller fragments of debris scattered around. She also reached out with her telekinesis, sensing the countless daggers strapped to the waists of soldiers and warriors nearby, preparing to use them in a more strategic approach. Kisha closed her eyes, focusing intently as she felt the presence of every dagger around her. It was as if invisible hands materialized behind her, guiding the weapons into her control. Soldiers and warriors looked on in shock as their daggers lifted off from their belts, swirling through the air before coming to rest in a formation around Kisha, poised and ready for her command. The daggers floated in a perfect formation around her back, shimmering under the faint moonlight. Once Kisha was certain she had gathered every blade in the vicinity, her eyes snapped open. In an instant, all the daggers pointed to where her gaze fixed, sharp and deadly. With a knowing smile, she unleashed them into the battlefield. The blades danced through the air, slicing through the chaos and finding their mark with precision¡ªpiercing one zombie skull after another, like an elegant yet deadly waltz of steel. The dagger whirled through the air as if it were alive, darting with the precision of a well-controlled drone. One by one, it struck down the zombies with lethal accuracy, each blow swift and unstoppable. The undead fell like flies, powerless to defend themselves. Not a single one reached the outer wall; they collapsed halfway, unable to comprehend what invisible force was cutting them down before they could even see their demise approaching. As the gunfire subsided, all eyes fixated on the dagger slicing through the battlefield, effortlessly decimating the incoming zombies. Kisha stood in awe, sensing her abilities had expanded¡ªher telekinesis now stretched farther, moving with newfound speed and precision. It was as if her reach had grown beyond its former limits, allowing her to control the dagger with an ease she hadn''t felt before. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The other awakened ability users, inspired by Kisha''s remarkable display of power, were fired up as well. They continued summoning earth spikes around the wall, fortifying the defenses. Meanwhile, the newly awakened, fresh out of the medical facility and recently trained by Vulture to harness their abilities, joined in, doing their best to contribute to the fight despite their inexperience. Newly awakened fire ability users hurled fireballs into the fray. Even when they missed their mark, the flames ignited the heaps of zombie corpses strewn across the battlefield. The advancing zombies, once caught in the blaze, staggered forward but were eventually consumed by the spreading fire, their relentless march ending in a scorching demise. None of them felt completely drained, and whenever someone began to run low on spiritual energy, Kisha would instruct them to step back and take a short break. Once they''d rested for a few minutes, they would rotate back in, seamlessly taking their positions again, keeping the flow of power and defense steady. Thanks to Kisha''s passive skill, the group relentlessly attacked the incoming zombies from the residential area. Soon, the streets beyond the wall were engulfed in black smoke, with flames spreading rapidly from one corpse to another, turning the area into a fiery wasteland. Kisha and the others were relieved to see that the spreading fire was already taking care of the corpses outside the wall. This spared them the time and effort of gathering the bodies in one place for disposal, ensuring the flames would prevent any potential diseases from spreading through the wind or insects. The battle raged on until dawn, with the first light of the rising sun filtering through the eastern buildings. As the waves of zombies dwindled, only a few stray ones remained scattered across the streets. Kisha, sensing the shift, allowed the snipers to handle the remaining undead, giving herself and the other awakened ability users a much-needed chance to rest. Although their stamina and spiritual energy were replenished, the continuous use of their abilities left their mental fortitude strained, taking a toll on their mentality. As the snipers in the watchtower continued their cleanup operation, the soldiers on the wall meticulously inspected the perimeter for any damage to the cargo trailers or potential breaches. Despite the lull in the attack, tension lingered in the air, their hearts still pounding in their throats as they worked to ensure no openings had been compromised. The other sides of the wall had also finished battling the horde, successfully keeping the zombies at bay without any breaches or casualties in their ranks. However, the toll was evident¡ªeveryone was thoroughly exhausted, having fought relentlessly through the entire night until dawn. Chapter 373 Surprised Mission As the tension finally dissipated, everyone sank to the floor, exhaustion evident in their expressions. Terror was painted across their faces as they processed the harrowing experiences of the night, each breath a reminder of the terror they had just endured. Even the survivors sheltered within the walls trembled in fear, their anxiety heightened by the distant gunfire and the ominous echoes of the horde beyond. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. All night long, they were gripped by dread, praying fervently for the battle to come to an end, each sound a reminder of the danger lurking just outside their fragile sanctuary. As the sun rose in the east, a wave of relief washed over everyone, as if a fishbone had finally been dislodged from their throats. The distant gunfire gradually faded, leaving behind an eerie silence, punctuated only by the sight of black smoke billowing from various points along the wall. Though the aftermath lingered, they could finally sense their safety returning, a hard-won peace settling over the weary survivors. Perhaps it was their unwavering trust in Kisha''s leadership, or the absence of any breaches during the night, but a collective sigh of relief spread through the ranks. As they gazed up at the sky, awaiting the sun''s ascent on the horizon, the warriors and soldiers stationed atop the wall¡ªincluding Vulture, Duke, Kisha, Bald Eagle, and the others¡ªturned their eyes to the east, sharing a moment of quiet anticipation and hope as they stared at the sun rising. Their relief was palpable, with some soldiers breaking into tears as the weight of their survival sank in. It felt eerily reminiscent of their first encounter with the blood rain, when hordes of zombies had surged through the streets, mindlessly advancing as hope seemed to dwindle. This time, however, they had triumphed against overwhelming odds, and the emotion surged within them like a tidal wave. In that harrowing experience, they had faced several breaches at various points, resulting in the loss of many survivors and soldiers. Now, the air was thick with resounding sighs of relief and the sound of quiet sobs. Kisha felt the tension in her body ease, her emotions swirling as she reflected on the moment. This was their first battle as a unified base against a sudden zombie assault, and its significance was profound. It instilled a sense of confidence in everyone, bolstering their resolve for the challenges that lay ahead. Ding! [Congratulations on Completing the Surprised Hidden Mission: SS Class Mission "Surviving The Night of Death"] [You have received 300,000 points] [You have received a mass of Tunstens Steel] [You have received 10 Stat Points] [You have received the Title: "The Hope of Humanity"] [You have received 3,000 Achievements Points] [You Gained the ''Survival Of One, Survival Of Many'' Achievement] [You have received an Unknown Seed] [You have received the blueprint of Advance Energy Cannon] ... The sudden ringing of the system notification jolted Kisha, and when she finally glanced at it, surprise washed over her. She hadn''t realized that the system had issued a hidden mission, and the revelation left her momentarily stunned. Her brows furrowed in confusion as she tried to grasp the implications of this unexpected development. While the prospect of a significant reward excited her, it also confirmed her earlier suspicions: the zombies were drawn to the base for a reason, and it seemed her system played a role in this phenomenon. This revelation made her realize that her system didn''t just impact her directly; it could also influence external factors, creating the very obstacles she faced. The implications weighed heavily on her, stirring a mix of curiosity and unease. Now that she considered it, everything began to click into place. The difficulty of her past missions and the relentless challenges she faced suddenly made sense. If she included this incident in her reflections, the pattern was clear: her system seemed to be raising the stakes, deliberately increasing the hurdles she had to overcome. It felt as if it were manipulating external factors, creating obstacles to make her journey all the more arduous. The realization sent a shiver down her spine. 008 sensed Kisha''s menacing aura intensifying, her anger brewing as she began to connect the dots. It instinctively retreated to a shadowy corner of her consciousness, trembling in fear. As much as 008 often reminded itself, it wasn''t responsible for the system''s daunting challenges. While it was the embodiment of the system, the missions came from higher authorities¡ªforces beyond its control. 008 understood all too well that Kisha''s survival was essential for its own, and it would never intentionally create obstacles that could jeopardize that bond. But now that Kisha''s suspicion and resentment toward the system grew, 008 felt a pang of anxiety¡ªwhat if she turned that anger toward it as well? It seemed as if Kisha sensed 008''s unease; the moment their connection faltered, she steadied her breathing and wrestled with her emotions. Determined to regain control, she focused on the present, pushing aside the shadows of doubt swirling within her mind. "008, as I''ve said before, I know you wouldn''t intentionally put me in harm''s way. I realize that my anger and suspicion have often exploded onto you, and I regret that. You''ve always explained that your existence is tied to mine¡ªmy death would mean your end as well. So, I don''t blame you, nor am I angry at you. My frustration lies with your constellation." After hearing her explanation, 008''s tension dissipated, and it nodded to itself, reflecting on Kisha''s words. "Host, I genuinely don''t understand why this is happening. We didn''t receive any hidden mission notifications. The alert only appeared after you successfully defended the zombies from the Base. As you saw, it was merely a congratulatory notification. I''m just as perplexed." 008''s voice was frail and tinged with embarrassment, caught off guard without any explanation at the ready. This wasn''t the first time such a situation had arisen, but previously, Kisha and 008 had brushed it off, as those missions were typically minor and didn''t significantly impact her progress. They had seemed more like opportunities to earn side rewards than substantial obstacles. However, the magnitude of what had transpired was completely unexpected and perilously high-stakes. This was no ordinary challenge; it fell within the realm of an ''SS Mission.'' Any mission classified as ''S'' posed significant risks, capable of leading to Kisha''s death with just a single misstep. This incident only intensified her growing suspicion that 008''s constellation was after her life. It wasn''t merely a matter of higher stakes with greater rewards; it felt like a direct challenge to her very existence. After her anger bubbled up, Kisha took a moment to clear her mind and rearrange her thoughts. Noticing some soldiers observing her somber expression, she realized it wouldn''t be good to dampen their spirits after successfully defending their new home. Gradually, she allowed a smile to surface, joining in their celebration. She then began directing everyone to take a moment to rest. Once the fire outside the wall had dwindled, they would tackle the cleanup. The streets, strewn with charred bodies, needed attention, but for now, everyone was exhausted after a night of tension and fear. They couldn''t risk sending the civilians to help with the cleanup; once outside the wall, their safety would be uncertain. Everyone remained on edge, and Kisha herself was wary of another sudden mission springing up without warning. Chapter 374 The Spoils Of War Kisha descended from the wall and sought a quiet corner. Spotting a sturdy crate of stacked ammunition, she decided to sit atop it, appreciating the solidity beneath her as a momentary refuge from the chaos. Once she settled in, Kisha took a few deep breaths, allowing herself to release the tension and frustration that had built up. When she felt a sense of calm wash over her, she began to examine the rewards she had received. She opened her system interface, meticulously inspecting each element and detail laid out before her. ... [Current System Points: 420,000] [Current Achievement Points:4,500] ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 88 (+15) Stamina: 188 (+100) Defense: 388 (+300) Agility: 88 (+15) Mental Capacity: 528 (+500) Charm: 88 Leadership: 128 Luck: 40 Mana: 500 (+500) Spiritual Energy: 300 Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 0, Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Free Stat Points: 10 ... She allocated all her free stat points to agility, recognizing that strength wasn''t her strong suit¡ªspeed was. With her awakened ability, close confrontations with enemies were unnecessary, and her existing strength was sufficient. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Reflecting on her recent one-on-one melee battle with the unique evolved zombie, she realized that if she ever faced an agility-based evolved zombie, it could spell disaster for her and her team. Fighting an agility-type evolved zombie proved to be far more challenging than facing a strength-type. The speed of these creatures could catch anyone off guard, striking before their opponents even had the chance to react. In an instant, they could find themselves overwhelmed, often unaware of what had just transpired before it was too late. Thus, she prioritized speed over strength, knowing that Duke already possessed incredible raw strength. She could rely on him to handle that aspect, allowing her to focus on enhancing her own agility. ... [Agility: 98 (+10)] ... After allocating her free stat points, she eagerly turned her attention to her new title. This was the aspect she found most exciting, as each title she had acquired so far had proven to be not only beneficial but also impactful in various situations. She anticipated the possibilities this new title could bring. ... [Title: The Hope of Humanity] [Description: As humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, besieged by the relentless threat of mutated zombies, animals, and plants, the need for a beacon of hope has never been more urgent. The world yearns for a hero¡ªan extraordinary figure who will rise above the chaos to lead the way toward a new beginning and ensure the survival of the human race. Grade: EX Strength: +10 Agility: +10 Charm: +10 Leadership: +100 Luck: +10 Elemental Resistantce: 20% Debuff Resistance: -10% Critical Resistance: -10% Critical Attack: +10% Special Effect: Double the Reward Passive Skill: One Man Team] ... Strength: 98 (+10) Agility: 108 (+10) Charm: 98 (+10) Leadership: 228 (+100) Luck: 50 (+10) .... [Passive Skill: One Man Team] [Description: The more perilous your situation becomes, the stronger you will grow. When outnumbered, your power amplifies, multiplying your stats and enhancing your abilities in the face of overwhelming odds. Grade: EX] ... Kisha gasped in astonishment as she read about this passive skill. If the description was accurate, she would evolve into a formidable one-man army, gaining strength in proportion to the number of enemies around her. The more dangerous the situation, the more powerful she would become¡ªa thrilling prospect that filled her with renewed excitement. Now, her anger had subsided, replaced by a deep sense of satisfaction with the rewards she had received. ''Come on, bring me more dangerous missions!'' she thought, her excitement bubbling up. A surge of exhilaration washed over her, and she felt an almost giddy urge to dance. With this new passive skill, she felt invincible. But then, she noticed another skill under the ''Skill Tab''¡ª[Active Skill: One Body (Growth Type)]. She had completely forgotten about it. The description mentioned that it increased group synergy within a 5-meter radius, which would have been just as helpful as her *Healing Dome* passive skill if used in tandem. Alas! She had completely forgotten about it in the heat of battle. Since it wasn''t a passive skill, it required her to actively use it, and with all the chaos, it had slipped her mind. Kisha rubbed the tip of her nose, feeling a bit sheepish for being so forgetful. She hadn''t even tested this one out yet. ''Ha ha ha...'' Kisha laughed awkwardly to herself, staring at the skill she had completely overlooked. She had missed the perfect opportunity to test it out. ''But well, it''s never too late to try another time... ha ha ha...'' Trying to brush off her forgetfulness with humor only made the moment more awkward. She push aside her other thought because she still have other things to check. Like her new achievement. ... [Survival Of One, Survival Of Many Achievement] [Description: Completing the Surviving The Night of Death hidden mission spectacularly without letting anyone from the base die or get injured. Grade: EX Additional 15 points in all stats Luck: +20 +30% Chance to Increase the group''s overall battle stats +20% Chance to boost the group''s ability''s lethality +30% Chance to increase the stats by twofold when outnumbered] ... Kisha let out a low whistle as she skimmed through the impressive stats and boosts from her rewards. She then opened her status window one last time, carefully reviewing the newly added enhancements with a satisfied grin. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 113 (+15) Stamina: 203 (+15) Defense: 403 (+15) Agility: 123 (+15) Mental Capacity: 543 (+15) Charm: 113 (+15) Leadership: 243 (+15) Luck: 85 (+35) Mana: 515 (+15) Spiritual Energy: 315 (+15) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity... Skills: Telekinetic Level 1 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 0, Rainbow Cube Level 0 Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 0, One Man Team Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... Seeing the overall increase in her stats and the ever-growing list of skills and boosts, Kisha couldn''t contain her excitement. Her eyes widened in amazement, and she let out an animated gasp, her hands flying to her mouth as if trying to stifle the disbelief and awe bubbling up inside her. ''I''m so fucking powerful!'' Kisha screamed internally, feeling an overwhelming surge of confidence. Comparing herself to her past lives, she now felt like the epitome of strength and power¡ªlike a fucking boss. She couldn''t stop grinning, her heart racing as she stared at her stats window. For the first time, she had surpassed Duke, even with his Gift enhancing his growth. Now, she was truly experiencing the full potential of her system¡ªfinally proving its worth and showing just how powerful she had become. Chapter 375 Being United After giving herself a moment to fully bask in the excitement and pride of how far she had come, overcoming countless hurdles, Kisha steadied herself. She pulled her thoughts together, refocusing on what needed to be done next. There were still many missions awaiting her, along with the responsibilities of safeguarding the base and its people. There was no time to rest on her laurels¡ªshe had to keep moving forward. After checking her spoils of war and weighing her options, Kisha noticed that breakfast was already being prepared. While she was resting, Aston had returned to the makeshift cafeteria he had set up ever since he mentioned it to Kisha to cook for the soldiers. Since they still didn''t have a proper location for the military cafeteria he envisioned, this temporary setup was the best they had for now. He, along with the civilians volunteering in the military cafeteria, busied themselves preparing meals for the battle-weary soldiers and warriors. To maximize their efficiency, he even doubled the number of kitchen staff, ensuring they could produce food as quickly as possible. The survivors sheltered safely within the base were eager to lend a hand, motivated by gratitude rather than the work points Aston had promised. They wanted to give back to Kisha and the warriors who risked their lives to protect the entire community, embodying a spirit of solidarity in the face of adversity. Faced with the enthusiasm of the eager survivors, Aston relented, allowing them to help without the promised work points. Instead, he suggested that they accept their meals from the makeshift cafeteria, ensuring that everyone could share in the camaraderie of eating together. Everyone eagerly agreed, transforming breakfast into a joyous morning feast. It became a celebration of their survival and a tribute to the bravery of the warriors and their leaders, who had stood bravely at the forefront of the battle. Soon, the enticing aroma of bacon and eggs wafted from the tent, transforming the previously gloomy atmosphere. Exhausted soldiers and warriors perked up as the delicious scent reached them from afar, igniting their anticipation for a hearty breakfast. Aston and the others were not just preparing bacon and eggs; some were also baking fresh bread and squeezing oranges for juice sourced from the Supply Center. They whipped up refreshing lemonade and iced tea, and didn''t overlook a hearty chicken soup brimming with mushrooms and vegetables. As the cooks prepared meals for the battle-weary warriors and soldiers, their excitement transformed the breakfast into a true feast. The spread included rice, various meats, creamy dairy dishes, hearty soups, and a selection of fresh juices, allowing the soldiers to choose their favorites. Once the feast was fully prepared, Aston directed the volunteers to set up a long table, creating a buffet-style spread where everyone could help themselves to the delicious food. This arrangement encouraged camaraderie, allowing soldiers and civilians alike to choose their favorites and celebrate together. However, with insufficient chairs and tables for everyone, soldiers and warriors scattered to find their own spots to eat. When the food was finally served, they formed an orderly line, their disciplined demeanor reflecting their respect for the meal and one another, ensuring that everything remained calm and organized. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One lesson deeply ingrained in them from Duke''s training was the importance of discipline and order. He had little patience for chaos and made it clear that he would relentlessly drill these values into them until they understood and embraced the necessity of following the rules. By now, everyone, including the newly awakened ability users, adhered to the established order. Thanks to this discipline, everything proceeded smoothly. The line may have been long, but there were no complaints; they were permitted to take as much food as they could eat, allowing them to fill their plates without the need for frequent returns. Some soldiers took two or three helpings, while others filled their trays with a single serving of each dish, enough to cover two or three plates. No one commented or judged¡ªthey all understood how exhausted and famished everyone was. Besides, they knew they had to stay alert, ready for whatever might come next. That''s why the other survivors, invited to join the feast, stepped aside and let the soldiers and warriors take their turn first. Only after the soldiers had filled their plates did the survivors line up. They prioritized the children and elderly, ensuring they were served before the able-bodied stepped forward. The kitchen staff busily worked to ensure the outdoor tables remained fully stocked, tirelessly cooking to provide everyone with a hearty meal. Their dedication filled the air with enticing aromas, promising that no one would leave hungry. Kisha watched the scene unfold from the side, a small smile tugging at her lips. She had never imagined that a day like this¡ªfilled with harmony and unity¡ªcould occur, especially amid the chaos of the apocalypse. It was a moment of hope she had longed for, this moment filled her with a sense of hope, a rare glimpse of what could be achieved when people came together. "Host, it only means that you are doing an amazing job leading this base." 008''s unexpected voice jolted Kisha from her stupor, but her smile deepened at the affirmation. The words resonated deeply in her heart, reminding her of the impact she was making. This was the safe haven she had always envisioned¡ªor, more accurately, the dream her former, naive self had pursued through countless lifetimes. It was a vision she had tried so hard to manifest, only to be met with betrayal and pain that had shattered her hopes. ''But perhaps I was imposing my ideals from the start, so preoccupied with fitting everything together that I overlooked countless details. Now, as my thoughts are focused solely on surviving alongside my loved ones, everything seems to fall into place. I suppose if something is meant to be, it will happen.'' Kisha chuckled wryly to herself; she had learned many lessons in life the hard way. Yet, as she reflects on it all, she realizes she has no regrets. If given the chance to start over, she wouldn''t change a thing. She may sound idealistic, but she knows she wouldn''t be the person she is today without those stumbles and pains. She could never truly let go of her vulnerabilities and ideals without witnessing them crumble before her eyes. And she wouldn''t understand who was truly loyal to her without experiencing betrayal. "Perhaps everything has a way of working out in its own time," 008 added, gradually fading from Kisha''s mind to give her the space she needed for herself. Kisha nodded in agreement with 008''s words. Moments later, she felt a gentle nudge on her arm. Turning to her side, she saw Duke standing beside her, holding two plates brimming with food. "Care to join me for breakfast?" he asked. When he noticed Kisha following him, he guided her to a quiet spot where they could enjoy some quality time together. Being so close to Kisha, Duke felt his fatigue and drained energy recover more quickly than before. He attributed this to the power of love, as he considered Kisha his comfort zone and the love of his life. Just being with her lifted his spirits and brought solace to his weary body. Chapter 376 After The Battle Clean Up He never would have imagined that Kisha had a way to aid with stamina and Spiritual Energy recovery. And Kisha was secretly relieved he didn''t know¡ªotherwise, Duke would undoubtedly take full advantage of her overpowered support skill, making it possible for them to go round after round without ever tiring. As a businessman, he was accustomed to exploiting any loophole, and Kisha''s passive skill would be no exception. With his insatiable desire for her, it could easily work to his advantage. But since he believed his energy was recovering simply from being in her comforting presence, Kisha had dodged a bullet¡ªfor now. Duke handed Kisha a plate of food he had carefully selected, thinking she would enjoy it after their long and grueling battle. He himself felt utterly drained, as if his stomach might turn from the exhaustion. Having depleted his Spiritual Energy multiple times and returning to the fight after recovering, his head throbbed with an intensity that felt like it might burst. But with Kisha by his side, the overwhelming fatigue had gradually begun to ease. It hadn''t disappeared entirely, but Duke was feeling noticeably better than before. Kisha could tell how much he had overexerted himself. Unlike her, who had the system''s support and significantly boosted stats from recent rewards, Duke was still at level one. Using his awakened abilities as though he were a level three had clearly put a heavy strain on both his energy core and his body. Kisha was genuinely surprised to see him still standing, rather than collapsing into a coma after assessing his current state. As she glanced at his status window, it was clear he had barely any SP left. During the fight, she had been closely monitoring Vulture, Sparrow, and Duke''s spiritual and health gauges to ensure they were all holding up, but Duke''s condition was more alarming than she expected. Kisha noticed that Duke had nearly depleted his SP to zero multiple times after recovering. She wanted to rush to his side, stop him, or at least offer him a vial of black liquid to help, but she couldn''t leave her post at that crucial moment. With everything happening so quickly and the chaos surrounding them, Kisha forgot to give Duke a vial of black liquid, unlike Sparrow who had already received one. As a result, Duke could only recover slowly, while the other awakened ability users took the lead in handling the remaining zombies after his elemental power had rained down on them. After decimating the first wave of zombies, Duke hadn''t anticipated a second wave. So, even with only half of his spiritual energy recovered, he threw himself into another relentless killing spree. "I think you should eat something before resting," Kisha suggested softly, noticing Duke''s eyes fluttering shut as he leaned against her shoulder. "Just... give me a moment," Duke murmured, his voice rough and strained. "Your scent... it comforts me." He paused, eyes still closed. "While I rest, make sure you eat. Don''t let yourself go hungry." Before Kisha could say anything more, Duke had already fallen asleep, too exhausted to hear her. His awkward position made her worry he''d wake up with a stiff neck. She quickly ate some of the food he brought, then placed both her plate and his into her inventory to keep the food fresh for later. After satisfying her hunger, Kisha used her telekinesis to adjust Duke''s position, gently laying him on his back with his head resting on her lap. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His long legs dangled over the side of the crate. As she shifted him, the tension in Duke''s forehead eased, and he appeared remarkably serene in that moment. "No wonder you''re the most sought-after bachelor in the country. This handsome face truly is a gift from the gods," Kisha murmured, gently tapping the tip of Duke''s pointy nose. As if her soothing voice reached him, a small smile played on his lips. Moments later, Kisha, too, drifted off to sleep, while keeping watch over Duke. Aston, searching for Kisha to seek further orders, looked everywhere for her, only to find her and Duke peacefully sleeping in a secluded spot, oblivious to the world around them. Shaking his head in resignation, he stationed two loyal soldiers at the end of the alley to guard them, ensuring that Kisha and Duke could rest undisturbed while still being protected in their vulnerable state. While Kisha and Duke rested, Aston and Vulture took charge. Aston led the reorganization of the entire base, meticulously ensuring everything was in order, while Vulture focused on securing the perimeter around the wall and reinforcing their defenses. Together, they worked diligently to prepare for any potential emergencies that might arise. Now, more than ever, everyone grasped the urgency of Kisha''s words about reinforcing their defenses and constructing a stronger wall. Despite the height and weight of the cargo trailers they had used as makeshift barriers, it became clear that they were insufficient to withstand the relentless force of the zombies or prevent a breach. Everyone remained vigilant as they awaited Sparrow''s team''s return, ready to begin the wall''s construction as Kisha had advised. Their determination to bolster their defenses was palpable, each member committed to ensuring their safety. The warriors and soldiers collaborated to reassure the frightened survivors within the base, working diligently to maintain a sense of calm. They understood that if even one person succumbed to despair, it could trigger a domino effect, spreading negativity and impacting everyone''s morale. Their efforts were crucial to ensuring that emotions remained steady, allowing them to focus on the tasks at hand. Especially now that Kisha and Duke needed to rest, a sense of unity blossomed among everyone. Each person found their own way to contribute, whether it was preparing breakfast, carrying ammunition from the warehouse to designated spots along the wall for easier access during combat, or helping to clean and secure the perimeter. This collective effort showcased their commitment to supporting one another in any way they could. The survivors eagerly pitched in, assisting with any tasks the soldiers and warriors needed help with. They even volunteered to help clean up the charred remains of the zombies outside the wall, demonstrating their commitment to reclaiming their space and contributing to the group''s efforts. The warriors and soldiers welcomed the assistance offered by the survivors, recognizing their current lack of manpower. They allowed the survivors to help with various tasks, carrying supplies and moving equipment. However, they refrained from letting them participate in the cleanup outside the wall, as there were still concerns about whether the danger had truly passed or if another wave might be coming. They also ensured that those in need of rest, particularly the awakened ability users who had shouldered the bulk of the work, were sent to recuperate. It was evident they were exhausted from using their abilities to fight off the zombie raid while helping save up the ammunition. The awakened ability users who were still able to stand guard while others rested seized the opportunity to consume some Scarlet Honey. They aimed to enhance their strength and fortify their foundations, acutely aware of their vulnerability during the recent zombie raid. Determined to emerge stronger than before, they were motivated by the desire to better protect their community in future crises. They were inspired to take action after witnessing the impressive power displayed by Kisha, Duke, and Vulture¡ªan evident contrast to their own abilities. Chapter 377 Where To Sleep When they believed they understood the true strength of their City Lord and Vice City Lords, the zombie raid revealed how mistaken they were. They realized that Kisha and Duke had always concealed their true power, or perhaps they simply hadn''t had the opportunity to showcase their abilities until now. Witnessing the destructive abilities of Kisha and Duke ignited a spark within all the awakened ability users present. Inspired by their power, they became determined to grow stronger, aiming to protect the base and its inhabitants. In that moment, they found a renewed sense of hope for a better life in this apocalyptic world. Previously, they had been skeptical, feeling that their moments of peace were fragile and could shatter at any moment due to the lurking threat of zombies ready to breach their walls. While possessing awakened abilities offered some reassurance, it hardly alleviated their sense of impending doom. But now that they had experienced victory firsthand, their doubts had vanished, replaced by a fervent desire to emulate their leaders. They genuinely believed in their strength and resolve, feeling empowered to strive for greatness themselves. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha and Duke had been asleep for two hours, during which the warriors, soldiers, and survivors worked together to prepare for any potential incoming waves. A change of shifts had taken place, allowing those who had stood guard earlier to rest while the rested individuals took their positions to maintain watch. By that time, it was nearly noon, and Aston''s second-in-command was already organizing the kitchen staff to prepare lunch. Temporary tents were being set up around the wall, ensuring that the warriors and soldiers wouldn''t have to return to their accommodations or sleep on the streets without proper bedding or shelter from the wind and sun. When Kisha and Duke finally woke from their nap, the enticing aroma of food wafted through the air, accompanied by the lively buzz of activity in the streets. As they emerged from their secluded spot, they saw nearly everyone bustling about, carrying tents and folding beds to set up temporary shelters. Kisha and Duke weren''t surprised; they both knew Aston excelled at leading the preparations and anticipating the needs they might have overlooked. His resourcefulness had always been a valuable asset in times like these. Kisha wanted Duke to rest longer, aware that he had overexerted himself the previous night. Two hours of sleep wouldn''t suffice, and she could sense that he was still uncomfortable, with a persistent throb in his head from straining his energy core. Kisha understood the pain of depleting spiritual energy all too well; she had experienced it herself. The sensation was akin to a splitting migraine, and recovery often required a full day or more of rest for the energy core to stabilize. Overexerting oneself could lead to severe consequences, even shattering the energy core and causing the awakened user''s brain to bleed from multiple orifices. She felt a surge of concern for Duke, knowing how dangerous his situation could be. It would be a painful and horrific end for an awakened ability user. Kisha had worried for Duke after witnessing him deplete his energy core multiple times. Thankfully, the Scarlet Honey had fortified his foundation and energy core, making it less likely to shatter. However, that didn''t mean he would escape the agony of straining it. Kisha''s heart ached at the thought of his suffering. "Ugh." Duke grunted softly, shifting to ease the pain coursing through him. He felt a strong urge to help, unwilling to let Kisha shoulder all the burdens alone. "I can''t rest knowing that you''re still out here working, my mind wouldn''t allow me to," he said, his voice low and husky. Even raising it slightly felt like it would set off another wave of pain in his head. Yet, the concern etched on Duke''s face was unmistakable. He genuinely worried for Kisha, knowing that despite his own exhaustion, she was just as fatigued. She had defended the western part, where most of the zombies had surged, and although her stats were considerably higher due to the rewards she''d received, he understood that didn''t exempt her from feeling the toll of battle. Her strength could only carry her so far, and he couldn''t shake the thought that she was just as vulnerable as he was. However, witnessing Duke''s genuine concern for her warmed Kisha''s heart. Despite his own vulnerability, he was prioritizing her well-being over his own. A soft, sweet smile blossomed on her lips as she gazed at him, feeling a deep appreciation for his unwavering devotion. If he couldn''t find peace without her, Kisha decided the best way to support him was to be by his side as he rested. "How about we sleep together in my territory?" Kisha whispered, ensuring her words were just for him. Hearing her tempting offer, Duke''s expression brightened instantly. Sleeping in her territory would allow them to rest without the burden of time, free from concerns about the outside world. Once they were fully rejuvenated, they could return, ensuring the people around the base wouldn''t have to worry about their well-being. Only after making the suggestion did Kisha realize that she could have simply used her telekinesis to carry Duke into her territory the moment he fell asleep. Had she done that, their two hours of rest outside would have felt like twenty, allowing Duke to be thoroughly rejuvenated by now. The thought of lost time struck her, and she mentally chided herself for not acting sooner. After chiding herself a few more times, Kisha decided to let it go; there was no use in dwelling on what couldn''t be changed. She reminded herself that she, too, was mentally drained, and her thoughts had been muddled in the chaos of the recent battles. It was easy to overlook something so obvious under such stress, and she acknowledged that everyone had their limits. Once they both agreed, they stepped into Kisha''s territory space without hesitation, discovering a serene spot amidst a vibrant flower field, where the Scarlet Bees danced around them. Kisha and Duke spread out a blanket and placed a pillow beneath their heads, then nestled together, their weary bodies enveloped in comfort. In that tranquil setting, they appeared like a perfect scene from a romantic painting, surrounded by the beauty of nature. As Daisy made her way to the flower field to continue her studies on plants, she stumbled upon Duke and Kisha peacefully sleeping in her favorite spot. Rather than intrude on their serene moment, she chose to quietly retreat, heading over to Marcus''s place to lend a hand with the farming instead. Despite her young age, Daisy was wise beyond her years. After hearing from her twin brothers about the attack the previous night, she had been frightened. However, they reassured her that their young madam and master had bravely led the soldiers and warriors to fend off the zombies and protect everyone. Aware of their exhaustion, Daisy felt it was important for them to have this time to rest undisturbed. After returning to assist Marcus, Daisy took it upon herself to inform everyone to steer clear of the flower field, ensuring Duke and Kisha wouldn''t be disturbed during their sleep. Her twin brothers readily agreed, as they admired the couple''s bravery, while Marcus respected his employers deeply. Allowing them their space felt only natural to him, and he appreciated Daisy''s thoughtful gesture. Chapter 378 Double Green Thumb Kisha and Duke enjoyed a peaceful, undisturbed ten hours of sleep within the tranquil space. As Kisha awoke, she took a deep breath, her smile growing as the fragrant scent of flowers filled her lungs. The soft sunlight filtered through her thick, curly eyelashes, fluttering like delicate butterfly wings. "You''re awake?" Duke''s hoarse voice resonated softly beside her, laced with a touch of warmth and affection. When Kisha opened her eyes, she was greeted by his tender gaze. He lay on his side, propping his head up with his right arm, his expression filled with quiet adoration as he watched her. He leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "You can sleep a little longer if you want," he whispered softly, his voice soothing and tender. "Why are you trying to send me back to sleep? You''re the one who should rest a little longer," Kisha teased with a playful pout, turning to face him with a soft smile. "How are you feeling? Does your head still hurt?" She gently brushed his bangs off his forehead, her fingers trailing down to rub his chin. Duke''s smile widened, his eyes growing even softer as he gazed at her. "I''m fine, better than ever," he murmured, pulling Kisha into his embrace. He held her close, savoring the quiet moment with her wrapped securely in his arms. The two remained like that for an indeterminate amount of time, simply enjoying the peace. After the intense night they''d endured, where a single mistake could have led to them being overwhelmed by zombies from any side¡ªwhether Bald Eagle''s or Vulture''s¡ªor even from their own positions, the gravity of their situation was clear. They had fought relentlessly, knowing that if they let their guard slip for even a moment, the zombies would pile over the walls, using the carcasses of their fallen as leverage, and the outcome would have been catastrophic. Kisha understood this all too well, without the need for words. Both of them were on the front lines, fully aware of how precarious their situation had been. But Duke had faced even greater danger, pushing himself to the limit, overexerting his body and depleting his energy core more than once to keep them safe. They didn''t need to speak to recognize the silent weight of the battle they had survived. Even without Kisha and Duke saying it, the other warriors and soldiers likely realized the gravity of the situation as well. That''s why they all remained on high alert, even after the battle had ended, their senses still sharp, knowing the danger was never truly far behind. With this realization, Duke and Kisha felt an even stronger urge to treasure every moment they could spend with each other and their families. The world they lived in no longer offered stability or peace, and each passing second held a weight they couldn''t afford to take for granted. Kisha understood this all too well, which is why, despite her urge to be angry with Duke for ignoring his limits and taking dangerous risks¡ªespecially after she had repeatedly warned him not to deplete his spiritual energy¡ªshe found it difficult to express her frustration. However, her anger was tempered by her rationality. After all, Duke''s family was within the base, and if his side fell, it would leave them vulnerable to attacks from all directions. She realized that, if she were in his position with limited options, she might have acted similarly. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha leaned closer to Duke''s sturdy chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The sound filled her with relief and gratitude, a reminder that he was still alive beside her. For a fleeting moment, the memory of the fear she had felt when Duke sacrificed himself to save her washed over her again, a stark reminder of the fragility of their existence. Kisha had experienced countless nightmares about that moment, each one replaying the haunting image of Duke''s final look. He bore no resentment or anger for having sacrificed his life to save hers; instead, he seemed relieved that she would continue to live, even at the cost of his own existence. Yet, guilt weighed heavily on her heart. Despite his ultimate sacrifice, she had still fallen victim to betrayal¡ªbetrayal from the very man for whom she had fought with Duke. This deep-seated regret had consumed her for a time, which is why, when she reunited with Duke, her happiness was overwhelming. Once he expressed interest in her, she felt no need to play hard to get. Deep down, she recognized her true feelings¡ªshe genuinely liked him, even loved him. However, last night had reignited that deep fear of losing him. Kisha tightened her embrace around his waist, burying her face in his chest and inhaling his familiar scent. With each breath, she felt her racing heart begin to calm, easing the anxiety that had been gnawing at her mind. Duke sensed her unease and began to stroke her long, wavy hair, holding her tightly in his embrace. He aimed to provide the reassurance and security she so deeply craved. No matter how strong Kisha had become, she was still human¡ªvulnerable and in need of comfort. The same was true for Duke. In that moment, they were each other''s rock, finding solace in their shared strength and connection. Duke was more than happy to be her source of comfort. They didn''t need words; their embrace spoke volumes as they listened to each other''s heartbeats, finding solace in the peaceful silence that enveloped them. In that moment, nothing else mattered but their shared warmth and connection. After a while, they slowly got up, stretching their limbs and shaking off the remnants of sleep. Gradually, they returned to their usual playful selves, exchanging banter and teasing each other like before. As they folded up the blanket and tucked it back into Kisha''s inventory along with the pillow, she pulled out their breakfast and they began enjoying their late lunch together, laughter and warmth filling the air once more. After finishing their meal, Kisha and Duke decided to check on the farm since they were already within the Territory. They wanted to see how things were progressing while Marcus, along with his grandchildren, took charge of tending to the land and overseeing the Territory''s upkeep. As they reached the edge of the farm, Kisha and Duke were greeted by the sight of flourishing vegetables, growing larger and healthier than they''d expected. Marcus'' gift had clearly worked wonders on the land. Seeing this, Kisha couldn''t help but wonder how her own ability to boost crop growth might play out if she joined forces with Marcus. Her curiosity grew, especially with the 20% chance her skill gave to transform any crop into a spiritual one. "Actually, host..." 008''s voice suddenly interrupted, startling Kisha once again. "Holy shit!!! 008, you must really enjoy making me jump like a kangaroo every time you speak, don''t you?" Kisha exclaimed, mentally puffing and huffing. "Is that why you keep freaking me out over and over again?" 008''s playful chuckle only confirmed Kisha''s suspicions, though she knew there wasn''t much she could do about it. Without skipping a beat, 008 continued, "Actually, unlike your other skills, your achievement works more like a passive skill. It''s always in effect. So, your ''Green Thumb Achievement'' is automatically applied to your territory since it belongs to you." Chapter 379 Double Green Thumb 2 "Which means that, with or without your direct involvement in farming, the entire territory will still receive the boost," 008 continued, its voice filled with excitement. "Soon enough, you might even harvest spiritual crops. And with Marcus'' own ''Green Thumb'' Gift in play, you could end up with cabbages as big as watermelons!" Kisha''s mouth formed a big ''O'' as she absorbed 008''s explanation. She had assumed she''d need to be hands-on with farming for the boosts to take effect, and it had been weighing on her how to balance managing the base and dedicating time to farming like Marcus. But with this incredible news, she realized the effects would flow through her territory effortlessly, without her lifting a finger. The best part was the realization that this applied to all her achievement titles, not just the ''Green Thumb Achievement.'' It extended to the ''Better Be Prepared Achievement,'' ''Survival Of One, Survival Of Many Achievement,'' and any future achievements she earned. All those boosts and effects would stack, making her exponentially more powerful without any extra effort on her part. She couldn''t have asked for a better reward. Despite the frustration of her other missions and the sudden challenges that arose, this level of reward left her feeling pacified and deeply satisfied. It was more than she could have hoped for. Kisha couldn''t stop the corners of her mouth from twitching as she fought to suppress a wide grin. She was as happy as could be, her eyes betraying her excitement just as much as her lips. Even Duke noticed the shift in her expression but had no idea what was running through her mind. Duke strolled over to the nearest plot of land, where a cabbage caught his eye. It didn''t appear fully mature, yet he couldn''t be certain; it looked as large as a basketball, and its surrounding leaves were nearly the size of lotus leaves. Although he wasn''t particularly knowledgeable about vegetables or their appearance before hitting the market, the cabbage before him was far larger than he remembered any cabbage being. ''Maybe I was mistaken? Perhaps it is already mature?'' Doubt crept in as he crouched down to examine the enormous cabbage. Just then, Marcus appeared, swinging a sickle as he approached. "Good afternoon, Young Madam and Young Master! You''re awake! Are you here for the inspection?" Marcus greeted warmly, his eyes crinkling with delight. "Take a look at this cabbage! Not just this one¡ªalmost all the vegetables have grown larger than the first batch I harvested. They''re not only bigger and juicier, but they also taste better than ever. The best part? The crops are growing faster too! This cabbage will be fully mature in just 3 to 4 hours outside time!" Not only did Duke hear Marcus''s words, but so did Kisha, and it reinforced what 008 had just explained to her. Marcus likely believed that these changes were due to his ''Green Thumb'' gift, which seemed to have become even more effective after repeated use. Unlike skills, talents, and gifts don''t level up, with the exception of her ''Eye of Truth,'' which is a growth-type gift. Therefore, while Marcus''s gift wouldn''t actually improve or change, its effects combined with Kisha''s achievements felt like a double ''Green Thumb'' boost. This synergy was responsible for the impressive growth of the crops, making their current state all the more remarkable. However, Kisha''s sensitivity to Spiritual Energy detected a strong fluctuation emanating from the center of the farm and several scattered areas nearby. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She quickly moved toward the nearest source and discovered a small tomato plant shimmering with a mesmerizing sparkle, as if glitter was dancing around it. The reddish tomatoes appeared to be on the verge of ripening, radiating a warm golden glow that signified their exceptional quality. "Host! That''s a Spiritual crop!" 008 exclaimed. "Consuming a Spiritual crop can potentially increase your Spiritual Energy pool purity. Typically, only cultivators in the Murim world possess such pools, where they store the energy of heaven and earth, which they refer to as their cultivation." "However, you have a similar energy system; instead of a dantian, you have an energy core where you store this energy. I believe it functions in much the same way, and these Spiritual crops could have similar effects." With Bell absent, 008 took it upon itself to relay this crucial information. Kisha''s eyes widened in surprise. Just the other night, she had used the ''Jade Earring'' to artificially boost her Spiritual Energy. Typically, her Spiritual Energy would only increase with leveling up, as the crystal core contained spiritual energy that would aid her in expanding her energy core and the capacity for storing more Spiritual Energy. This revelation about the Spiritual crops was both unexpected and exciting. "Well, host, since spiritual crops are infused with Spiritual Energy, they can function similarly to crystal cores and assist in expanding your energy core. However, unlike crystal cores, spiritual crops contain pure energy that doesn''t require processing within your body." "This is because crystal cores often contain impurities mixed in due to the virus, making spiritual crops a cleaner and more direct source of energy." "And as a result, consuming spiritual crops won''t trigger a level-up. Instead, they will purify and condense the energy within your core, enhancing the strength of your abilities by providing you with purer energy." "So, in a way, you can compare it to Scarlet Honey. While Scarlet Honey enhances one''s constitution, Spiritual Crops enhance the purity of your energy. Essentially, this means they can help expand your energy pool; the purer your energy, the more powerful your attacks become, and the less energy you need to expend when using your skills," 008 explained thoroughly. "So, while you use Crystal Cores to stimulate your Energy Core for a level-up and trigger the virus within your body, these Spiritual Crops will not only purify your energy but also expand your energy pool the longer you consume them." "Combined with the Crystal Cores, you''ll effectively have double the size of your energy pool compared to others," 008 added, emphasizing the benefits. The more Kisha listened, the wider her eyes grew as she marveled at the impressive crops flourishing on her own farm. ''Isn''t this like a miracle crop then?'' she wondered, a sense of awe washing over her. "Marcus! Marcus!" Kisha called out excitedly, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. Startled, Marcus and Duke rushed to her side, their faces a mix of curiosity and concern. "W-What happened, Young Madam?!" Marcus exclaimed, hurrying to her side, his eyes wide with worry. "This... this..." Kisha exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she pointed at the small tomato tree in front of her. "Do you see the difference compared to the other crops?" Her doe-like eyes turned to Marcus, sparkling with anticipation. Marcus and Duke exchanged curious glances, tilting their heads slightly as they examined the vibrant plant before them, contemplating the contrast with the other crops in the field. "It seems to be... glowing?" Marcus replied, his tone laced with uncertainty. "Yes! This is a Spiritual Crop!" Kisha exclaimed, her excitement palpable. "Spiritual what?" Marcus asked, confusion flickering across his face as he struggled to grasp the concept. Kisha''s excitement bubbled over. "This is good stuff, really good stuff!" she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming as she focused on the tomato. "When this one matures and ripens, please place it in a separate basket and deliver it to me directly¡ªdon''t put it in the territory''s storage. And keep an eye out for any other crops like this; make sure to separate all the Spiritual crops and bring them home." Chapter 380 Something Happened to Rose Marcus remained puzzled but nodded in understanding, jotting down notes about this particular crop. He resolved to examine the other crops later, hoping to find similar varieties to group together as Kisha had instructed. Kisha and Duke decided to give Marcus some space, stepping away to avoid disturbing him. However, once they were a bit farther away, Duke''s curiosity got the better of him. He began to ask Kisha for more information, and she willingly shared the insights that 008 had just explained to her. After hearing her explanation, Duke was visibly shaken and equally excited, though he managed to maintain a composed exterior. However, Kisha could see the excitement bubbling in his eyes, which made her beam even brighter. Her happiness stemmed not just from the prospect of gaining strength, but from the realization that this crop could significantly benefit Duke. She hoped it would prevent a recurrence of the depletion of his energy core, ensuring his well-being in the future. If 008''s explanation held true, it would purify their energy, enabling them to wield their awakened abilities with greater potency while also reducing the amount of spiritual energy needed to do so. Furthermore, it wouldn''t stop there; it would also double the capacity of their spiritual energy pool, providing even more potential for growth and power. If before, Duke could summon a fire meteor the size of a fist, after consuming a significant amount of spiritual crops, not only would the meteor grow larger, but its fire essence would also become purer. This purer essence wouldn''t just char a zombie¡ªit would reduce it to nothing but ashes. Just the thought of it made Kisha''s heart race, her excitement obvious. Even Duke, usually composed, couldn''t help but be swept up by her enthusiasm. Like any man with ambition, he wouldn''t turn down the opportunity to grow stronger, especially with such a promising prospect ahead. Duke glanced back at the spot where he and Kisha had been standing moments ago, in front of the tomato tree. His eyes crinkled with delight, like a boy anticipating a gift, a wide grin spreading across his face. When he turned back to Kisha, they shared a knowing smile, the excitement between them unspoken but deeply felt. After calming their excitement and slipping back into their poker faces, Duke and Kisha exited her territory space. They reappeared in the alley where they had last stood, and to their relief, no one had noticed their absence, despite having been gone for over an hour. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha and Duke stepped out of the alley and noticed that the people at the base were still bustling about, busy with their tasks. Without drawing attention, the two of them made their way back to their station to check on the current situation. Before dawn, Sparrow and his team were already on the road. The night before, many of them made sure to use the Scarlet Honey, determined not to waste a single day of training. After finishing their routines, they finally rested, taking turns guarding the perimeter to ensure the group''s safety through the night. Even Zeus refused to leave the five ''STAU,'' choosing to rest right beside them while staying constantly alert. As their primary guardian, Zeus took its role seriously, performing so well that Bell didn''t need to supervise. This allowed Bell to focus on managing the Scarlet Bees, sending them out for scouting and patrols far beyond the reach of the other guards. The Scarlet Bees didn''t need to constantly fly around. Instead, they stationed themselves on nearly every tree in the vicinity, ready to act as alarms the moment they sensed anything unusual. This strategy ensured that Bell''s bees wouldn''t exhaust themselves through continuous movement. With their numbers, they could cover the entire forest efficiently, and as long as they remained within Bell''s control range, there wouldn''t be any issues. Before dawn broke, Sparrow''s team was fully prepared and ready to head back. They promptly made their way to the location of their truck and set off on their journey without any delays. After hours of travel, during which they had to pause occasionally to clear obstacles and replenish their energy, Sparrow''s team began to feel more at ease. They fought with growing confidence, no longer fretting over minor setbacks, and could sense a noticeable difference in their physical strength and resilience. They''re way more confident now, working together like a well-oiled machine. Their coordination is so smooth that they''re cutting down the time it takes to deal with zombies. Sparrow barely has to step in anymore, and even Bell and the Scarlet Bees get to kick back a little and watch as their little ducklings grow up and handle things on their own. It''s like watching them level up in real-time! But in the afternoon, as they drove back into City B, they were confronted by the grim aftermath of Kisha and Duke''s battle during their rescue of the other survivors. Their hearts clenched in their throats as they took in the macabre scene. However, after scanning the area and noticing only a few lifeless bodies that did not belong to their group, a wave of relief washed over them. It wasn''t that they were heartless; rather, they had come to understand the necessity of prioritizing their own safety during these trying times. They now regarded everyone living in the base as family, and the thought of losing any of them weighed heavily on their hearts. If their people were to die, they would undoubtedly grieve and mourn deeply. "Captain Sparrow! Captain Rose! Something happened to Captain Rose! You need to see this!" a frantic voice crackled through the radio, the urgency in his tone overriding any semblance of protocol as he rushed through his words before abruptly cutting off the connection. Sparrow barely had time to ask what was wrong before his mind leaped to the worst-case scenario. His expression darkened instantly as he brought the truck to a halt, ensuring the coast was clear before stopping. He quickly made his way to the back of the last military truck in their convoy, where Rose was stationed. Evelyn had been attending to her, and it was evident that Rose was putting up a fierce fight against the virus, a strain unlike any they had encountered before. Even Evelyn paused, momentarily taken aback by the sight of Rose''s. In her panic, she and the others at the back of the truck urgently pounded on the small window connecting to the driver''s side. Stammering, she exclaimed, "Something''s wrong with Captain Rose!" She stepped aside to allow them a glimpse through the small window. As soon as they caught sight of Rose, both the driver and the passenger exchanged perplexed looks before immediately dialing Sparrow. When Sparrow reached the back of the military truck and climbed up, he was momentarily stunned, rooted in place. "What''s going on?" he asked, his voice trembling with concern. The others quickly disembarked from the trucks, positioning themselves to guard their vehicles while Sparrow assessed the situation. Uncertainty loomed over them; they weren''t sure if they could bring Rose back into the base or if they would have to make the heartbreaking decision to end her life on the spot. Rose''s subordinates, devastated by the sight before them, felt tears prick at their eyes as grief washed over them. Chapter 381 Something Happened to Rose 2 When Sparrow saw what had happened to Rose, he was utterly stunned, grappling with disbelief. Her body was encased in a thick layer of crystal ice, resembling a chilling coffin that enveloped her completely. The transformation had occurred so rapidly that even Evelyn, who had been tending to Rose, hadn''t had a moment to react before the ice sealed her in seconds. That''s why she and the others in the back of the truck became frantic, pounding on the small window to get the attention of the driver and the passenger. They urged them to call for Sparrow''s assistance. With the base so close, they were terrified about what to do with Rose in this state; they didn''t know if they could bring her back or if it was even safe to try. The sight of her in such a condition filled them all with worry and dread. A thick layer of frost coated the metal floor of the truck, and an unbearable chill swept through the back, transforming it into a freezing chamber. The sudden drop in temperature made everyone shiver uncontrollably, as if they were trapped in a walk-in freezer. Even the fire-type ability users felt the drastic drop in temperature. They attempted to use their flames to melt the ice while warming themselves, but their efforts proved futile; the crystal ice showed no signs of melting, even under their intense heat. Instead, their hands grew increasingly cold when they got too close, as if the ice were siphoning the warmth from their bodies. Evelyn even attempted to use her steeled body to scrape the ice away, but when her steel made contact with the crystal ice, all they heard was a sharp ''clink'' of crystal meeting metal. If it weren''t for the bone-chilling cold, they might have mistaken the ice for diamond, its surface gleaming with an otherworldly brilliance and sturdiness. Sparrow observed them as they exhausted every possible method, only to be met with repeated failure. After a moment of regaining his composure, he stepped forward and motioned for the others to back away. Summoning a wind blade in his right hand, he aimed it directly at the encasing crystal ice. This was his most potent wind attack, one he knew possessed the sharpness to slice through steel. However, concern crept in; he feared it might inadvertently harm Rose, trapped within the encasing crystal. To mitigate this risk, he prepared a second wind blade, ready to deflect the first, ensuring it wouldn''t pierce through the ice and endanger her. But lo and behold! His wind blade didn''t even graze the surface of the ice; instead, it bounced off, as if the crystal were impervious to his attack. The edges of the ice deflected the wind blade, sending it soaring upward instead. With a sharp whoosh, it sliced through the ceiling of the truck, creating a clean cut in the dark green cover above. The sudden sound of tearing metal echoed in the confined space, drawing startled looks from everyone present. The remnants of the blade whirled around briefly before dissipating into thin air, leaving behind a tense silence filled with disbelief. Sparrow''s heart raced as he realized the extent of the ice''s power¡ªif his most potent attack had been rendered ineffective, then they were facing something truly formidable. Sparrow was left speechless as he watched his wind blade deflect effortlessly off the crystal ice, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief. Determined to try again, he quickly shot the other wind blade from his other hand, but to his dismay, it met the same fate. The second blade ricocheted off the ice, reinforcing the unsettling realization that they were dealing with a force far beyond anything they had encountered before. Frustration mingled with fear as he struggled to comprehend the situation, his mind racing for alternative solutions. Everyone stood frozen, overwhelmed by confusion and fear. Questions raced through their minds: ''What was happening to Rose? Would she be able to breathe inside the ice? Was she dead, or was there still hope?'' The uncertainty weighed heavily on them, and the most pressing concern loomed¡ª ''Should they take her to Kisha for help?'' All eyes turned to Sparrow, searching for guidance in his expression. They were desperate for his opinion, knowing they were powerless to act without his direction. The silence was thick with tension as they awaited his response, each heartbeat echoing their collective anxiety. For a moment, everyone held their breath, and silence enveloped the space, creating a thick, tense atmosphere. Finally, after a pause that felt like an eternity, Sparrow broke the stillness. "Let''s head back to the base and let the City Lord decide," he ordered, his voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside him. He understood that only Kisha might hold the key to unraveling this mystery and finding a solution for Rose. He and the others were determined not to give up on Rose. Just yesterday, when they feared they might have to end her life to spare her suffering, they had waited¡ªhoping against hope that she wouldn''t succumb to the virus. They had witnessed the agony etched on her face as she fought against the infection raging within her, and it had torn at their hearts. Each passing moment felt like an eternity, a painful reminder of her struggle, and they were desperate to see her pain come to an end, yet equally desperate to save her from becoming a mindless zombie. They could hear her continuous, pained groans echoing in the truck. An hour passed, then another, and the entire night wore on, yet Rose continued her struggle against the virus. Hope flickered within them; perhaps she could emerge victorious and awaken, rather than succumb to the fate of a zombie. However, the unexpected development of her being encased in crystal ice left them reeling. This new twist only deepened their uncertainty, breeding fear and unease among the group. Each breath they took felt heavier with the weight of what might come next. Without hesitation, Sparrow leaped out of the back of the truck and directed everyone to board quickly. They needed to accelerate their return so Rose could receive the urgent help she required. Time was of the essence, and every second counted. Sparrow drove off, leading the convoy with an urgency that surpassed before. However, as they drew closer to the base, the scene grew increasingly horrifying. The streets were littered with zombie carcasses, and the sickening stench of charred, rotting flesh filled the air. With each passing moment, their faces paled further as the gruesome sight unfolded before them, and an overwhelming sense of fear enveloped them. ''What about the base?'' ''Was the base raided by zombies again? What happened to the base?'' ''What about our families? Are they well or are they even alive?'' Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Questions raced through their minds as Sparrow pressed down on the accelerator, weaving through the gruesome pile of zombie carcasses. The battlefield outside the base had yet to be cleared, leaving debris scattered everywhere, but it didn''t deter him. With determination, he plowed through the obstacles at top speed, showing no sign of hesitation. Screetch... Clinked... Crash... The sound of metal grinding against asphalt echoed ominously, drawing the attention of the guards on the wall. They quickly leaned over the edges of the cargo trailers, their eyes widening in disbelief as they witnessed the military trucks barreling through the debris. The littered vehicles crumpled like paper beneath the trucks'' aggressive speed, showcasing a forceful determination that left no room for hesitation. Chapter 382 Something Happened to Rose 3 When they saw Sparrow''s truck hurtling forward at top speed, panic rippled through the guards. They scrambled to contact the gatekeeper, urgently ordering the gates to be opened. Meanwhile, someone atop the wall frantically waved their hands, desperately trying to get Sparrow''s attention to slow down. It was only when Sparrow noticed the soldiers atop the wall signaling for him to slow down that his fear-stricken heart began to calm. He quickly grabbed the radio and contacted the other trucks, relaying the message. "Slow down, the soldiers are opening the gate for us," Sparrow said, his voice hoarse and strained. The worry in his tone was unmistakable, but there was also a sense of relief. Seeing someone alive inside the base had eased his fears, and the rest of the drivers, equally anxious, silently followed suit, slowing down and trailing behind Sparrow''s truck. With their fears somewhat pacified, they finally had a moment to take in the full aftermath of the battle. Fires still burned in some areas along the road, and charred zombie corpses littered the ground in a scene both horrifying and nauseating. The overwhelming stench made their stomachs churn, but they clenched their teeth, struggling to keep from retching as they drove through the devastation. "What could have happened here?!" "Do you think there was another zombie raid, like the one last week?!" "T-then, do you think the base was breached?!" Everyone began to speculate about what had happened, glancing uneasily at their surroundings as the truck quietly approached the gate. The snipers stationed in the watchtowers were on high alert, ready to take out any zombies drawn out of the city by the rumble of the truck''s engine. Sparrow''s team, both superhumans and regular members, didn''t need to lift a finger. The snipers handled any approaching threats. But even if they had to fight, their minds were too distracted to focus. Worries about their families'' safety and the fate of their only remaining home consumed them, leaving them unable to muster the will to engage. Their minds swirled with unsettling thoughts, none of them good. In the apocalypse, they had learned to always expect the worst, as every hardship shattered any glimpse of hope or happiness. When Kisha and the others had finally provided them with a place to feel safe, those fears had receded for a time. But now, as the looming uncertainty resurfaced, the ugly weight of fear began creeping back into their hearts, threatening to consume them once more. As they sat huddled in the truck, waiting anxiously for the gate to open, everyone''s heart was caught in their throat, gripped by fear. They had no idea what awaited them beyond the wall. Memories of the devastation from the first zombie raid resurfaced, and the gnawing feeling of dread settled in, as if an invisible force was slowly eating away at their hearts. They didn''t even realize they were holding their breath, paralyzed by fear. The tension was palpable, each second stretched out as the gate slowly creaked open, its metallic creaking adding to the suspense that filled the air. Creak... Screetch... Engggg... As soon as Sparrow spotted the gate inching open, he accelerated, determined to get through before it fully opened. With impeccable timing, he maneuvered the truck into the narrow gap, just barely fitting it through. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, the moment he crossed the threshold, he was taken aback by the sight before him¡ªa line of survivors waiting to greet them, as if they were heroes returning from a battle against a demon lord. The survivors were a mix of excitement and fear as they welcomed Sparrow and the others back. While relief washed over them at their return, an undercurrent of anxiety loomed in the air. They were all too aware of the dangers lurking outside, and many couldn''t shake the fear that their remaining family members might not have made it back from their missions. When Kisha and Duke caught wind of Sparrow and the others'' return, they hurried to the eastern wall to greet them. As Kisha watched Sparrow drive through the gate, she noticed his bewildered expression, but overall, they seemed to be in good shape. The trucks bore the unmistakable marks of their harrowing journey¡ªthick, black zombie blood splattered across the vehicles made them look like they had just traversed a muddy road. A few dents here and there hinted at the chaos they faced, but remarkably, the military trucks had sustained no serious damage, and they had the same number of vehicles as when they set out on their mission. So, Kisha''s worry subsided, after all, aside from worrying about the other members of the team, she could see that Sparrow was doing fine even when he was far away because he was still part of her team and she could check on his status from time to time. As the trucks rolled in one by one, the survivors stepped aside, creating space for them to enter. Following the instructions of the medical personnel, they took a few steps back, allowing the team of medics to assess the warriors'' condition before permitting anyone not part of the medical crew to approach. As soon as the truck came to a stop, Sparrow leaped out and hurried over to Kisha. "Young Madam, something has happened to Rose. Please follow me," Sparrow said calmly before pivoting on his heels and leading Kisha to the farthest truck. As he pulled back the dark green tarp, Kisha was confronted by a coffin-like structure of crystal ice that transformed the back of the truck into a frigid chamber. Frost continued to creep along the surfaces, steadily encasing nearly half the interior in its icy grip. Kisha blinked several times, her expression shifting from confusion to a steely focus. "What happened?" she demanded, her voice low and tense. "Tell me everything¡ªwhy is Rose in this state?" Her serious demeanor made it clear that she was far from pleased. How could she feel anything but dread when all she could see in Rose''s status window was an error message? [Rose Brigget] [Status Unavailable: Error] [Error] No matter how hard she attempted to access any information about Rose''s status, she was met with a relentless stream of error messages, each one intensifying her anxiety and frustration. Sparrow quickly filled her in on the events that had transpired during their encounter with the invisible zombie in the storeroom where Rose had been bitten. He explained that nearly 24 hours had passed since the incident, and just when they believed Rose was on the brink of awakening, this shocking turn of events had occurred. Sparrow, too, found himself at a loss for words after recounting the events. Once he finished, Kisha fell silent, her expression clouded with concern. She had genuinely believed that Rose was on the path to awakening, as she had previously explained to Sparrow and the others, and this unexpected turn left her grappling with uncertainty. The situation with Rose was like a double-edged sword. There was a genuine chance she could awaken, and based on what Kisha had heard, she might possess multifaceted abilities beyond just ice manipulation. However, the darker possibility loomed: if her awakening failed, she could transform into a formidable evolved zombie, one that could rival a Level 1 evolved zombie or even more. The uncertainty weighed heavily on Kisha, amplifying her concern for Rose''s fate. Chapter 383 What To Do? Kisha fell into deep thought, realizing that she needed to personally monitor Rose. If Rose were to transform into a zombie, there was no one else who could contain her. Kisha felt the weight of responsibility; she was determined to ensure that Rose, whether in her human form or not, remained under her watchful eye. Kisha was increasingly anxious about not being able to view Rose''s status window, leaving her uncertain about how to prepare for what lay ahead. If Sparrow''s description was accurate, the ice encasing Rose was as sturdy as diamond, suggesting that, in addition to her ice powers, Rose might possess a crystal or diamond-type ability. This uncertainty gnawed at Kisha, as she recognized the potential danger if Rose''s awakening did not go as hoped. Dealing with an evolved zombie was one of the trickiest challenges imaginable. With its added absolute defense, the prospect of taking down such a formidable opponent felt nearly impossible. The thought sent a wave of fear through Kisha, intensifying her anxiety about Rose''s condition. Kisha took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on Rose encased in the crystal. She wrestled with her thoughts, strategizing how to confront this pressing issue. "I need to keep a close watch over her for now," Kisha said decisively, her gaze shifting to Sparrow. "Can you switch positions with Duke and monitor the southern wall? Duke will cover the western part. I need to prepare for a level-up." There was no need for further explanation; both Duke and Sparrow understood the gravity of her request. They recognized that the situation they were facing was exceptionally dangerous. This suggested that Rose''s awakening remained uncertain, and she could become a genuine threat once she emerged from the crystal encasement. Simply trying to send Rose away wouldn''t solve their dilemma; even if they managed to place her somewhere far away, with this great danger lurking around the face of the earth means they might still have to confront her in the future. By that time, she could be even stronger than she was now. However, they couldn''t take care of Rose just yet, as the ice crystal surrounding her was so resilient that their attacks caused no damage at all. Kisha''s proposal to prepare for a level-up implied that she was gearing up for the worst-case scenario: a potential confrontation with Rose if things took a turn for the worse. Sparrow felt a lump in his throat as he finished explaining, his nod stiff with the weight of the situation. With a determined flick of her wrist, Kisha used her telekinesis to lift the massive chunk of ice into the air, gracefully hopping out of the truck as she did so. Duke''s expression was grave, his eyes narrowed as an oppressive aura radiated from him. He didn''t want to place all the blame on Sparrow; it was evident that the unforeseen circumstances of their mission were not something anyone could have anticipated. However, the thought of Kisha confronting such a perilous situation alone¡ªbeing the only one capable of handling it¡ªleft a bitter taste in his mouth. He felt utterly useless, unable to shoulder even half of Kisha''s burdens. Determined to make a difference, Duke resolved to gather as much Scarlet Honey as possible. He intended to follow Kisha''s lead, maximizing his multiplier and the stats he could gain from the honey, pushing himself to reach his cap before leveling up. After the intense battle during the night, he was sure that his foundation has already been fortified and was as sturdy as it could be so it wouldn''t be a problem for him to also prepare for his next level up. With his mind made up, Duke followed Kisha back to the villa, where the survivors wouldn''t be able to bear witness to her plans. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Kisha stepped out of the truck and walked through the crowd, their initial shock at seeing her carry a massive block of ice quickly transformed into awe. When the sunlight glinted off the crystal surface, revealing Rose nestled inside like a snow-white figure in a frozen slumber, they stood in stunned silence. Before they could fully process the scene, Kisha had already passed by, leaving a trail of cold air in her wake. Aside from Rose, Sparrow''s entire offensive team emerged from the mission with minimal injuries. Apart from a few minor scratches, particularly on the superhumans, everyone was holding up well and seemed to be in good spirits. While the survivors were relieved to see their loved ones return safely, a cloud of unease hung over them. The uncertainty surrounding Rose''s condition cast a shadow over their joy. Having come to view HOPE Base as their new home, where a sense of unity had begun to flourish among the survivors, they felt a deep concern for Rose, whose plight reminded them of the fragility of their newfound safety. Unable to shake off the heaviness in their hearts, the survivors couldn''t bring themselves to celebrate the safe return of their loved ones. A somber atmosphere enveloped them as they quietly returned to their respective stations, each person lost in their own thoughts and worries. The warriors who had accompanied Sparrow were granted permission to return home and rest, awaiting Kisha''s next instructions. Meanwhile, Aston took charge of leading the five ''STAU'' units back to compile a detailed inventory of the supplies they had successfully stored in their spaces. Since they still lacked a detection-type ability user, Aston had to personally and meticulously inspect each STAU''s space, carefully cataloging the supplies they had gathered during this expedition outside. The STAUs had no issue with this process, fully understanding that Aston was simply doing his job. They knew he needed to document everything they had collected to ensure the Supply Center could efficiently allocate and manage the resources. However, given Kisha''s orders to prioritize the Cargo Trailers, Aston wasn''t expecting to find many supplies. In fact, he anticipated that the only significant items would be the Cargo Trailers themselves. With that expectation in mind, he led the five STAUs to the spacious plot of land area where they kept their heavy machinery, such as cranes and trucks. After surveying the spacious plot of land with almost no one around, the five members of STAU shrugged and casually unloaded all the cargo trailers from their space to the designated area, stacking them neatly to minimize space. Aston nodded and noted the number of cargo trailers they had brought back. As he turned to head back to his office to continue his work, the five members of STAU were puzzled by his departure. They didn''t understand why Aston was leaving without checking inside the trailers, so they absentmindedly grabbed his wrist, the back of his uniform, and anywhere else they could hold on. Aston was taken aback, unable to move or take a step forward after turning his body. When he glanced back, he saw the five of them gripping various parts of his back and arms. "What''s going on?" Aston asked, a hint of confusion in his voice and an eyebrow raised. "Minister Aston, you haven''t checked the supplies yet," one of the STAU members mumbled, pouting slightly. They felt as though their hard work was being overlooked since Aston wasn''t showing even a hint of interest. Aston was taken aback by the remark, his eyes widening in surprise. "What?! What supplies?" At that moment, the five realized that Aston genuinely hadn''t considered that they had brought back supplies along with the cargo trailers they had asked for. Chapter 384 Preparing For Another Level Up The five exchanged glances filled with mischief before releasing their grip on Aston and puffing up their chests. "Of course, we brought back supplies! They''re all packed inside the cargo trailers!" "They''re filled to the brim!" "Exactly! We did our best and clung to Captain Sparrow to avoid falling off and becoming zombie snacks just to gather all these supplies!" Aston was unsure what they meant by clinging to Captain Sparrow, but as soon as he heard that all the cargo trailers were filled to the brim, he immediately radioed some soldiers from his unit to inspect each trailer for supplies. He wasn''t entirely sure about the mechanics of Space-type ability users. The only one he was familiar with was Kisha, and her abilities were distinctly different from the others. As a result, he had no idea how much supplies they could store within their spaces or what limits and rules governed their abilities. When he heard that they had stored supplies inside the trailers, he was both excited and stunned. Soon, a dozen soldiers he had radioed arrived on the scene. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They opened the trailers from the bottom to verify the supplies, and as soon as the doors swung open, several boxes tumbled out, nearly burying one of the soldiers beneath them. Luckily, the nearby soldiers quickly rushed in to help, preventing any injuries. The boxes were heavy, and since they were still regular humans without awakened abilities, an accident like this could have easily left them hurt. After helping their comrade and calming down, the soldiers were shocked to see the trailer truly packed with boxes of supplies. When they opened the next trailer, they were more cautious, standing aside as the door swung open. Just like the first, it was filled to the brim. Aston''s serious expression broke into a smile as he stared at the boxes inside the trailers. He quickly called for more personnel to help transfer the supplies to the temporary storage. Although the warehouse was still under construction, they had repurposed an empty building meant for another department as a temporary storage facility. The department postponed moving in, allowing the Supply Center to use it for now, since leaving the supplies out in the open, especially when it rained, would risk ruining them. Just yesterday, they had moved the existing supplies, but now it seemed their temporary warehouse would soon be filled to the brim as well. With ten cargo trailers packed with supplies, no one appeared worried. Instead, the entire team was thrilled to see such an abundance of resources. With people at the base working hard to earn points and exchanging them for supplies almost daily, the stockpile was steadily depleting. Additionally, the base''s population was growing and was expected to keep expanding with the arrival of more survivors, just as more had arrived the day before. Without hesitation, Aston ordered the soldiers to start moving the supplies into the temporary warehouse. He also called for additional workers to help empty the cargo trailers as quickly as possible, knowing they couldn''t be sure when Kisha would need them for the wall construction. The soldiers Aston had called wasted no time, swiftly moving box after box of supplies into the temporary warehouse. Nearby survivors, busy with their own tasks, were caught off guard by the sight of so many new supplies arriving, their surprise evident as they watched the steady flow of resources being unloaded. More than just surprised, the survivors were filled with happiness and excitement. The influx of supplies signaled that their base was growing more stable, capable of supporting the increasing number of survivors, even if the leaders chose to continue to distribute resources among them. Initially, when the leaders opened the warehouse to share supplies with the survivors, many thought it would be a temporary solution. It wasn''t seen as sustainable in the long run, and despite the leaders'' good intentions, it seemed inevitable that Kisha and the others would eventually have to close the warehouse and leave the survivors to fend for themselves by scavenging outside. And if that day came, they would understand. After all, the leaders also had soldiers and warriors to support, and the sheer number of survivors in the base¡ªover five thousand¡ªwas a lot to sustain. The burden of providing for everyone would eventually become too heavy. More than anything, since the leaders established the Supply Center and opened the warehouse, the survivors had noticed that the warriors and soldiers had not undertaken a supply run. This unspoken reality highlighted a shared fear among them: the possibility of becoming unable to rely on their leaders for basic necessities in the future. After all, there was nothing quite like the offer their leaders had presented. It felt almost too good to be true¡ªhaving their cake and eating it too. Yet, witnessing the influx of new supplies, not just from the warehouse left behind by the Coltons and the former Minister of Defense after their assets were seized by Kisha and the others, made it all the more tangible. But this was a legitimate supply coming from outside, igniting a wave of excitement among everyone. It offered them peace of mind and strengthened their belief that the base''s leaders were genuinely committed to ensuring the community''s sustainability. This approach allowed individuals to choose their own paths: those who aspired to be warriors could step up to protect the masses, while those who were fearful or unable to fight would not be forced into dangerous situations. Regardless of their choices, everyone could count on having food to eat, no matter the circumstances. Soon, news of the new supplies arriving from outside spread quickly among the survivors. Some gathered to watch the soldiers as they moved the boxes, while others, eager to contribute, joined the effort. The free warriors recognized that the trailers were intended for wall construction, and they were determined not to keep them occupied longer than necessary due to the supplies inside had come to help too. While everyone was preoccupied with the supplies, Kisha and Duke had already arrived at the villa. As soon as she stepped inside, Kisha entered her territory space, with Duke following closely behind her. When Kisha turned around and noticed Duke still following her, she was taken aback. However, Duke quickly asserted, "I came here to ask if you have more Scarlet Honey." His tone was firm, leaving no room for Kisha to dissuade him from his intentions. Kisha simply nodded and handed Duke several bottles of Scarlet Honey. Meanwhile, Duke found a spot to sit within the territory. After all, a few hours inside meant only a few minutes passed outside. He felt confident that while he was inside, nothing would happen outside, allowing him to safely prepare for a potential level-up. If there were to be another zombie raid, it was likely to occur at night, just as it had the previous evening. Duke found a quiet spot by the lake, while Kisha opted for the flower field, perching herself on a boulder¡ªthankfully, Daisy wasn''t around. Without wasting any time, both Kisha and Duke dove into their training, harnessing the energy from the Scarlet Honey and guiding it throughout their bodies. Chapter 385 Need To Buy Another Manual It wasn''t long before Kisha saw a notification appear in front of her, indicating an increase in her stats and multiplier. However, she didn''t stop there. Just like the first time she used the Scarlet Honey continuously, she pressed on, consuming more to push her limits further. But she wasn''t alone¡ªDuke was following the same approach. After hearing about Kisha''s success with this method, his concerns about potential repercussions faded. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Time was a luxury they didn''t have, and taking the safest route to level up was no longer an option. Not only were they uncertain about the possibility of another zombie raid, but they also had no idea what fate awaited Rose. No one but the two of them knew what they were planning. While Kisha quietly guided the energy through her body, a part of her consciousness kept a close watch on Rose, who was just a few feet away. This was only possible for her because she was a mental-type, possessing a stronger mentality than both superhumans and ordinary humans. She had the ability to create a separate consciousness at will, but doing so consumed a significant portion of her mental capacity. This made it more challenging for her to focus on guiding the energy within her body. But she didn''t have any other choice but to take the hard route now. If she didn''t keep an eye on Rose, who knew if Rose might suddenly break free from the crystallized ice and attack Kisha while her guard was down? Unable to fully concentrate on guiding the energy from the Scarlet Honey, Kisha quickly began to struggle. Her face turned pale, and cold sweat started to bead and trickle down her forehead. Another notification appeared, confirming that she had successfully guided the energy through her body, converting it into her own and boosting her stats and multiplier. However, despite the progress, she still had a long way to go and was already feeling utterly drained. Fortunately, despite having her consciousness split in two, she was still able to absorb the maximum energy from each dose of Scarlet Honey. Duke, on the other hand, was also struggling. This was his first time using Scarlet Honey continuously without rest. In the past, he only took as much as his body could handle. But now, he was determined to push beyond his limits. So, after successfully absorbing the energy from one dose, he immediately took another, just like Kisha. He wasn''t faring any better than Kisha at this point. Duke let out a small grunt of discomfort, but inside, he felt as if his entire body was ablaze. It was as if molten lava coursed through his veins, and the veins in his forehead bulged ominously, threatening to burst at any moment. But even then, Duke didn''t stop. Not far from him, Gant watched nervously. Although he was still considered an amateur, his grandfather had taught him and his siblings how to sense spiritual fluctuations, enabling them to distinguish real crystal cores from fakes. While most awakened individuals in the base were familiar with this skill, because Kisha taught this to them or made Sparrow and the others teach them this skill, it still required a certain level of talent to successfully perceive the energy fluctuations. Among those with the talent were the twins, and at that moment, Gant sensed the chaotic spiritual energy emanating from Duke. It was so intense that it sent shivers down his spine, causing goosebumps to rise on his skin. Witnessing Duke in pain only intensified Gant''s anxiety; he could clearly see that Duke''s struggle was far from easy. Even though Kisha had successfully taught them the technique she developed, it didn''t mean they would be free from discomfort and pain during continuous consumption. After a while, Duke finally acclimated to the intense sensations; the pain began to subside, and he could sense his body growing stronger. Kisha, too, was adapting to her divided consciousness, managing two tasks simultaneously. She felt a growing lightness in her body, and notifications continued to appear intermittently, marking her progress. Before long, Kisha was drenched in sweat, her multiplier having already maxed out, yet her stats were still far from their limit. Determined, she pressed on, continuing to use the Scarlet Honey until she reached the full cap of her body. Unlike her first attempt, this time it took Kisha a full eight hours to reach her maximum capacity. The separation of her consciousness made the process more challenging and time-consuming. She had to be extra cautious; any distraction could cause her technique to backfire, potentially resulting in internal harm. What made the process even more challenging was the presence of two energies within her body. Kisha had to meticulously guide the energy from the Scarlet Honey into her system and her core while ensuring it wouldn''t disturb the fragile balance between her Spiritual Energy and Mana. Even a minor ripple could lead to catastrophic results, potentially causing her heart or brain to explode from the energies running amok. Despite her eagerness to gain strength quickly, Kisha knew she couldn''t rush the process. She had to carefully monitor her body''s responses and how the two contrasting energies within her interacted, ensuring she moved at a pace that wouldn''t jeopardize her progress. Perhaps it was the miraculous properties of the Scarlet Honey, or its ability to bolster one''s constitution, but fortunately for Kisha, the two energies showed no signs of going berserk. However, she knew better than to let her guard down. Maintaining constant vigilance took a toll on her mental stamina, leaving her drained. Thankfully, her passive skill provided some relief. Duke, however, wasn''t as fortunate. Even after eight hours, he still hadn''t completed the process. He had to pause intermittently to fully absorb the essence of the Scarlet Honey and allow his body to digest it properly before he could take another dose. Continuing to take more doses without fully digesting the previous one would only harm his body rather than help it. It felt as if his body was accumulating toxins, allowing them to reach a boiling point before they could wreak havoc. Once she confirmed that she had reached her body''s cap, Kisha wasted no time. She retrieved a handful of cleaned level 0 crystal cores and popped them into her mouth like they were mere candy. While munching, she focused on digesting the small amount of Spiritual energy contained within the cores and guiding it to her energy core. However, with each bite, she felt a stirring in her heart, as if the mana residing there was dissatisfied, resenting the fact that Kisha was solely expanding and upgrading her Spiritual energy. With a sigh of resignation, she realized she had no idea how to increase her mana without relying on an item, unlike the way she could with her Spiritual energy. After her level-up, she knew her Spiritual energy would increase, potentially creating another imbalance with her mana. If that happened, it could lead to another clash within her, similar to what she had experienced before. "Host, perhaps we could purchase a manual on how mages cultivate their mana hearts," 008 suggested suddenly, causing Kisha to choke on the crystal core she had just placed in her mouth. "Mana heart? What''s that?" Kisha asked, coughing a few times to clear her throat. "A mana heart is similar to your energy core," 008 explained with confidence. Chapter 386 Mana Heart "Mages form mana rings around their mana heart, and each ring represents a cycle for one level¡ªmuch like how you level up." "The more mana rings you have encircling your heart, the higher your mage level, which translates into a larger mana pool." "This increased capacity allows for the performance of higher-level magic." Kisha had a sudden thought that 008 looked like it was giving a lecture with a spectacle in its eyes. "Think of it this way: as you cultivate your mana heart and increase the number of rings, you not only enhance your magical abilities but also gain access to more potent spells." "Each ring signifies a step in your progression as a mage, allowing you to tap into more complex and powerful forms of magic." "So, if you can find a way to cultivate your mana, you might unlock even greater potential." Kisha tilted her head in confusion. "But I''m not a mage, and aren''t mages born with that ability? Wouldn''t that make it kind of pointless for me?" "Tsk tsk tsk... Host, mages aren''t born, they are made through their own efforts," 008 explained with a hint of amusement. "Unlike awakened superhumans, mages rely on talent¡ªspecifically, the ability to sense mana, feel its flow, and detect its movement in the environment. In a way, mana and spiritual energy are both forms of natural energy." "You can''t see them, but they can be felt. Mages develop the sensitivity to absorb mana from their surroundings, storing it in their mana heart, just like how cultivators in the Murim world harness spiritual energy and store it within their bodies." "Wait, what?!" Kisha''s eyes widened with excitement. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We can draw spiritual energy from nature? So, if I learn a proper cultivation technique, does that mean I wouldn''t need to rely on crystal cores to level up anymore?" She asked eagerly, her mind racing at the possibility of becoming self-sufficient in her training. "That''s true, but host," 008 explained patiently, "since Earth is still a relatively young planet, spiritual energy hasn''t fully formed in your world yet. So, no matter how much you try to absorb heaven and earth energies, it would be futile." "However, mana is different. Mana doesn''t rely on heaven and earth dao energy¡ªit draws from the energy of nature itself." "I don''t get it. What''s the difference between spiritual energy and mana?" Kisha asked, her confusion growing with every word 008 spoke. "Spiritual energy is the pure essence of heaven and earth. While it shares elemental properties with mana, spiritual energy is much purer and stronger." "And because spiritual energy is a pure energy of heaven and earth, it harmonizes perfectly with the human body. Mana, on the other hand, is typically harnessed by magical beings like dragons, elves, and other creatures." "Since they possess a natural mana heart from birth, these beings can easily control mana. However, for humans, mana doesn''t naturally sync as well with the body, making it harder to wield." "That''s why mages, in addition to their mana, need a medium to channel their magic. This medium is often a staff, inscribed with intricate magical circles that align with the user''s elemental affinity." "Although spiritual energy also has elemental properties, it''s a raw, unrefined energy that can be used without the need for a medium because of its purity." "It''s often referred to as a ''gift from the gods,'' as it''s the same energy that deities harness in their early stages before it transforms into authority¡ªor more commonly known as divine power¡ªdue to the devotion they gain from their followers." Kisha''s head throbbed with all the new information she was absorbing. Though 008 had mentioned before that creatures like elves and dragons¡ªbeings she believed only existed in human fantasy¡ªwere real, it still left her feeling skeptical. The idea that these mythical creatures truly existed was hard for her to fully accept. But then again, she had died 99 times and come back to life, not to mention awakening abilities that humans once thought impossible. So, in comparison, the existence of mythical creatures didn''t seem all that far-fetched anymore. But now, 008 was suggesting that she could actually become one of those mages¡ªindividuals capable of summoning storms and tsunamis, just like the ones he frequently mentioned. "Host, I didn''t say that; I mentioned that only archmages possess that level of power, not all mages," 008 interjected, clarifying Kisha''s assumptions. Kisha could only nod in response, acknowledging the correction. "Oh!" Kisha''s lackluster response caused 008 to pout slightly, feeling a bit deflated. "But wait, you mentioned that only mages can possess mana among humans. Does that mean I''m already considered one? However, unlike the mages you described, I might have already developed my mana heart, but what about the mana rings?" The questions and points Kisha raised were all valid, prompting 008 to ponder them as well. "But host, based on your current mana levels, you should have already formed your second mana ring. This is essential to stabilize your mana heart and prevent it from rupturing or exploding due to the excessive flow of mana without the necessary security provided by the mana rings." Then 008 paused, lost in thought. "Hmm, it might be that your spiritual energy is regulating your mana, keeping it in check. The two energies seem to be balancing each other, preventing either from going out of control, especially your mana heart." "That could explain why your spiritual energy and mana are behaving like oil and water. But in actuality, they should coexist without clashing, as they use different energy channels." "In theory, you should be able to harness both energies or even create a new one that''s neither pure mana nor spiritual energy." 008 drifted deeper into its own thoughts, but Kisha found herself unable to keep up. To her, it all started sounding like incoherent rambling, especially since she barely understood anything about mana and its properties in the first place. To be precise, she had always relied on her instincts and experiences, much like when she developed the technique to harness the Scarlet Honey or when she learned to control the spiritual energy within her to aid in her training. 008 also realized that no matter how much he explained, Kisha wouldn''t truly understand unless she could feel it for herself. Only by experiencing it firsthand could her mind fully grasp how it worked. "Host, the moment I detected mana flowing through your body, I immediately searched my sales channel for a suitable mana training manual from a world filled with magical beings¡ªFantasy World. Hehe, you can thank me later!" 008 said smugly, before a system interface popped up in front of Kisha, displaying the manual along with its price. The manual appeared as a worn-out, hardbound book, its cover adorned with intricate inscriptions and a large magic circle at the center. Above the symbols, in bold, ancient lettering, was the title: "Profound Understanding of Mana: Stages and Techniques." At first glance, it looked like an ordinary manual. But when Kisha''s eyes drifted downward to the price, she froze, choking back surprise as her eyes widened in disbelief. ''Is this system doing this on purpose?'' she screamed internally, glaring at the outrageous price. Her mind raced as she quickly calculated the system points she''d just earned from completing a few missions, wondering if they''d even come close to covering the cost. Chapter 387 The manual [Current System Points: 420,000] [Manual: Profound Understanding of Mana: Stages and Techniques.] [Description: An ancient manual filled with profound knowledge on mana cultivation, this tome contains a comprehensive collection of theories, techniques, and deep insights into the nature of mana. It delves into its various functions and how it operates among magical creatures. Additionally, it includes a rare and powerful theory on the Dragon Heart, offering a detailed explanation on how to transform a simple mana heart into a Dragon Heart, capable of containing and harnessing limitless mana. Grade: EX Type: Manual] [Price: 400,000] ... Kisha glanced back and forth between the price and her status window, her thoughts racing. The subtle stirring of energy within her was a clear sign¡ªthe spiritual energy and mana inside her were beginning to clash again. This growing discomfort warned her that if she continued training her spiritual energy or consumed the remaining crystal cores without finding a way to balance the two forces, she would be facing another life-threatening conflict. Right now, she couldn''t afford to focus solely on training, not with Rose still needing her attention. If she persisted down this path, she would not only endanger herself but also jeopardize all her hard-earned progress. If Rose were to emerge while she struggled to control the chaotic energies within her, the consequences could be disastrous. With a pained expression and a heavy heart, Kisha made the purchase, her hands trembling as she confirmed the transaction. [Will you purchase this Manual with the amount of 400,000 points?] [Yes] or [No] With trembling hands, she clicked ''Yes,'' shutting her eyes tightly to avoid witnessing the 400,000 points vanish from her system balance, leaving her with just 20,000. Taking a shaky breath, she opened her eyes to see a notification confirming her successful purchase. The manual materialized before her, floating in midair. Now that she had paid for it, she steeled herself and opened the manual, carefully placing the crystal cores back into her inventory for the time being. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She decided to study the manual first, eager to learn how to enhance her mana before continuing with her level-up. As soon as she opened the manual, a wave of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washed over her, just like how the slave contract she had made with Aston and the others. The moment the manual unfolded, a streak of golden light illuminated her vision, and snake-like inscriptions began to slither toward her. They wound their way directly to her heart and brain, while a magic circle materialized beneath her feet. As the inscriptions reached her brain, a torrent of knowledge surged through her mind. Concepts and theories about mana began to materialize, as if she had personally conducted the extensive studies on the subject. She found herself grasping these ideas on a profoundly deeper level, her understanding expanding beyond anything she had imagined. She was astounded by the flood of information filling her mind, feeling an increasing connection to her mana heart. Gradually, she began to sense the mana surrounding her, its presence becoming more vivid and tangible. As the transfer of knowledge continued, Kisha settled into a cross-legged position, focusing intently on the mana around her. She began to absorb it into her body, preparing herself and her mana heart to forge her first ring. Before long, Kisha began to float gracefully in the air, surrounded by a shimmering protective barrier. A cosmic ring materialized around her, pulsating with energy, while her eyes remained closed in concentration. Meanwhile, the manual rapidly flipped through its pages, the words illuminating her understanding and guiding her transformation. Within her heart, a constricting ring began to form, spinning rapidly and causing an unsettling pressure as it tightened around her. Kisha could feel the discomfort intensifying, and soon, a thin streak of blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. ''I suppose I''m being a bit impatient,'' Kisha thought, taking a moment to steady her breathing. She slowed her absorption of the surrounding mana and focused intently on stabilizing the first ring she was attempting to create. After stabilizing herself, she successfully created her first ring with relative ease. However, she didn''t stop there; she moved on to form her second ring, increasing her absorption rate of the surrounding mana. This would serve as fuel while she burned mana to forge the second ring. After her first attempt, Kisha gained a deeper understanding of the process and felt more confident as she approached her second attempt. With a sense of controlled ease, she successfully created her second ring. Eager to jump straight into forming her third, she began the process but suddenly felt her mana heart tremble, on the verge of collapse. She realized she had pushed herself too hard, creating two mana rings in quick succession without allowing herself any rest. Typically, other mages take their time, creating one mana ring only after extensive preparation, ensuring they have the appropriate threshold of mana stored in their mana hearts before expanding their mana pool. But Since Kisha already has a bigger mana pool by forcefully increasing her mana with the help of her spiritual energy, she could skip the other preparations and form the first and second rings. But as she approached the third, she realized she lacked the necessary amount of mana to support its creation. After pushing herself to the limit, Kisha felt an unexpected lightness wash over her. The intense clash between the two energies subsided, and she sensed her mana heart growing stronger than ever. The sensation of the two rings encircling her mana heart was nothing short of exhilarating, filling her with a profound sense of accomplishment. Kisha felt her senses sharpen, as if the world around her had been illuminated with vibrant colors and clarity. Knowledge flooded her mind, expanding her understanding in ways she had never imagined. When she finally opened her eyes and noticed the manual, she saw that it was already beginning to disintegrate, turning to ashes before her very gaze. ''Oh! So it''s a one-time use...'' Kisha mused, watching as the manual completely vanished before her eyes. She could sense that her mana had now surpassed her spiritual energy in strength, and her mana pool had doubled in size. Although she was certain that her mana had increased, it no longer disturbed her spiritual energy, creating a harmonious balance between the two. She could now increase her mana and spiritual energy independently, no longer needing to worry about maintaining balance. It felt as if they had finally found their own space, ceasing to clash and allowing each other to thrive. After confirming her progress, she pulled out the crystal cores again and began munching on them carelessly, watching her EXP rise dramatically. As she guided the spiritual energy into her energy core, she noticed a significant change; the flow of spiritual energy felt much smoother this time. She wasn''t sure if it was her newfound knowledge or her mana aiding the flow, but now, she didn''t have to struggle to guide her spiritual energy to her energy core. It felt as though it was sorting itself out, effortlessly flowing straight to her core without causing any fuss. She began to munch faster, and soon she found herself on her last bite, just moments away from leveling up. Chapter 388 Level 2 Kisha began to feel emotional. After facing countless challenges, she was finally about to reach Level 2¡ªmuch faster than any of her past lives. She was stronger now, far stronger than she had ever been before. With a deep breath, Kisha closed her eyes, feeling the flow of energies within her. Though the energies remained distinct, they worked in harmony, each one yielding to the other as they coursed through her body. After sensing the changes in her body, Kisha took a moment to glance over at Rose, who lay just a few feet away. She double-checked to see if Rose was stirring, but finding her still deep in slumber, Kisha resumed what she was doing. Marcus arrived shortly after, carrying three baskets filled with a variety of spiritual fruits and vegetables. ''Whoa! It works on the fruits too, not just the crops?'' Kisha thought, watching Marcus carry a basket, followed closely by Mike and Daisy, each struggling with a large basket of their own. The basket was so large that Kisha could barely see Daisy behind it. However, thanks to her regular intake of Scarlet Honey and growing strength, Daisy was now able to carry several dozen kilos of crops without breaking a sweat. ''Perfect timing!'' Kisha thought with satisfaction. She quickly sent the three away to ensure they wouldn''t be in danger when things got chaotic. After confirming they were far off, back at the farmland, Kisha began eating a few spiritual fruits. At first, one or two didn''t seem to make much of a difference. Perhaps the spiritual crops didn''t hold as much energy as she expected, so she kept eating until she could feel the effects. The crops were enormous, juicy, and far tastier than any fruits or vegetables she had ever tasted before¡ªalmost unnaturally big, in fact. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tomatoes, pears, peaches, apples, bananas, melons, and more¡ªit felt like a picnic in a flower field. But only she knew this was yet another part of her experimentation. She wanted to determine how much of an impact the spiritual fruit would have on the quality of her spiritual energy, and how much of the spiritual crops she would need to consume before her energy could be purified or grow. When she finally felt full and could no longer take another bite, she realized she had consumed a dozen fruits, yet the change in the quality of her spiritual energy was so minimal that she could barely notice any difference. ''Well, as they say, change doesn''t happen overnight. At least now I understand that these spiritual crops aren''t a one-day miracle thing,'' Kisha thought to herself. She then stored the remaining spiritual crops in her inventory and took out a crystal core. She only needed one last core to level up. Without hesitation, she consumed the core. As it slid down her throat like jelly, a wave of warmth enveloped her, and a surge of energy coursed through her veins. Then she experienced that familiar sensation and saw the radiant light enveloping her, her body glowing like the golden sun. Kisha felt her energy pool expanding, invigorating her as her strength surged. After leveling up, she checked her status window once more to assess her newfound strength. She hoped it would be sufficient to take on an evolved zombie of level 2 or higher, should the worst come to pass. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 190 (+92) Stamina: 272 (+84) Defense: 480 (+92) Agility: 190 (+82) Mental Capacity: 690 (+162) Charm: 190 (+92) Leadership: 290 (+62) Luck: 240 (+190) Mana: 660 (+160) Spiritual Energy: 660 (+160) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity Skills: Telekinetic Level 1 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 0, Rainbow Cube Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 0, One Man Team Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... After staring at her status window for what felt like an eternity, Kisha let out a long sigh. She couldn''t believe her eyes as she took in her astonishing stats. When she first leveled up to level 1, her stats cap was set at 60, plus an additional 10 from leveling up. Now, her body''s limit had soared to 130, along with the extra 10 for her latest level up. With her titles, items, and achievements factored in, her stats exceeded their previous limits, reflecting her remarkable progress. Seeing that her mental capacity was proportionate to her mana and spiritual energy might explain why she could harness her power more easily now. It also enabled her to attempt lifting heavy objects, like the truck she had controlled last night. Kisha wasn''t the only one growing stronger; Duke, on the other side of the territory, was experiencing a transformation of his own. Although he was slightly behind Kisha in leveling up, he had just finished his process as well. This time, he felt a powerful surge of energy flowing through him, far more intense than his initial experience. He just needed a few more hours to fully digest the Scarlet Honey before he could level up using the crystal cores, just like Kisha. As Kisha and Duke focused on their training within the territory, nearly an hour had passed outside. Aston and the others were working diligently to organize the new supplies alongside Mr. Winters and some of his workers. They meticulously accounted for the incoming supplies and listed everything down. This way, they would have a clear understanding of the inventory in the Supply Center''s warehouse, allowing them to navigate the supplies effectively. This knowledge would enable him to manage resources wisely, ensuring they would last longer and create the impression of an endless supply. After spending a few more hours in the territory, Duke also leveled up to Level 2. The light radiating from his body was more intense than before, and he could sense a newfound strength and speed coursing through him. Slowly rising to his feet, he surveyed his surroundings, feeling rejuvenated. His vision sharpened, and his hearing became more acute, heightening his awareness of the world around him. He reached for a fist-sized rock nearby and weighed it in his hand before effortlessly crushing it with his bare hands. The stone crumbled like hardened flour, and a broad smile spread across his face as he felt the drastic and explosive change within his body. Once he confirmed that he was feeling strong, he headed straight for Kisha, intending to find her before moving out to guard the western section of the wall. He found Kisha still sitting on the rock in the flower field, her gaze fixed on the distance as if lost in thought. He surmised she must be checking her status window or something similar. He glanced at Rose encased in the crystal ice, noting the absence of cracks or any signs that she might soon emerge¡ªif she ever would. Satisfied that there were no issues with her and that Kisha was doing well, he was about to turn around to head to Marcus to ask assistance to bring him out of the territory. Just then, Kisha turned around and locked eyes with him. "You done?" Kisha asked, but before he could respond, he noticed her eyes glazing over. Chapter 389 His Gift The moment Kisha spotted Duke, she leaped at the opportunity to check his stats window, eager to compare their progress. Even though they were now a couple, a lingering sense of competitiveness still simmered between them. In her previous life, she and Duke had always engaged in friendly rivalry, constantly pushing each other to improve, and were constantly on each other''s back. They had once thrived on the thrill of outdoing each other, and while that competitive spark still lingered, it now felt more subdued than in her past life. Without hesitation, she accessed his status window. ... [Duke Winters] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 170 (+115) Stamina: 170 (+115) Defense: 170 (+115) Agility: 170 (+115) Mental Capacity: 170 (+115) S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Charm: 170 (+115)) Leadership: 170 (+115) Title: None Skills: Ice Spear Level 1, Fire Ball Level 1, Fire Meteor Level 0, Lightning Strike Level 1, lightning Rain Level 0 Talent: Multi-faceted Gift: Tyrant Ability: Elemental (Lightning, Fire, Ice) ... Kisha inhaled sharply as she studied Duke''s stats, her heart racing with surprise. The numbers before her were a revelation, and she couldn''t help but gasp. A rush of realization washed over her: without her achievements and titles from the system, Duke would still outshine her in terms of strength and ability. This thought stirred a mix of admiration and competitive spirit within her. While she had always viewed him as an equal, the sheer magnitude of his potential left her both inspired and slightly intimidated. The memories of their friendly competitions in their past life flickered in her mind, reigniting the familiar spark of rivalry. She couldn''t shake the feeling that, even as a couple, their drive to push each other to new heights remained. Determined to close the gap, Kisha resolved to train harder, knowing that their bond would only grow stronger through their shared journey of growth and discovery. Yet, amidst her surprise and competitive spirit, Kisha momentarily overlooked the fact that she was still stronger than Duke at that moment. However, she knew this advantage might be fleeting. As she considered his potential for growth, a sense of urgency crept in. Duke''s ability to grow stronger and harness his strength was extraordinary, far surpassing her own in many ways. Even now, she could sense the vast well of untapped energy within him, the kind that promised exponential growth with each new level he attained. This realization brought forth a mix of pride and apprehension. In her past life, Kisha had felt the weight of that same struggle¡ªan uphill battle to catch up to Duke, to match his strength and skill, no matter how hard she trained or how many obstacles she overcame. It was a humbling truth that had haunted her, the knowledge that he was always a few steps ahead. Now, reflecting on that experience, Kisha understood the reason for her frustration. Duke''s natural talent and unwavering dedication had always set him apart, creating an insurmountable gap between them that had left her feeling inadequate. ''So, this must be the full extent of his Gift, ''Tyrant,'''' Kisha thought, her mind racing as she stared, almost dumbfounded, at his stats. Each number reflected not just raw power but an inherent advantage that Duke possessed. His Gift didn''t merely enhance his abilities; it magnified them exponentially with every level up. It was as if the very essence of his strength was tied to a force far greater than herself, doubling¡ªif not tripling¡ªtheir growth. Kisha''s gaze lingered on the numbers, each one telling a story of sheer potential. His strength, agility, and resilience seemed to soar beyond conventional limits, crafting a figure who was almost indestructible. The thought was both awe-inspiring and daunting. With every ounce of energy he absorbed, Duke became more formidable, almost a force of nature, and Kisha couldn''t help but feel a mixture of admiration and envy. As Kisha contemplated this, a fire ignited within her. Duke noticed a spark ignite in Kisha''s gaze as she stared at him, her expression shifting from hazy confusion to focused clarity. He realized, with a wave of relief, that she was no longer fixated on his status window but rather on him. A genuine smile spread across his face, warm and doting, as he stepped closer, reaching out to gently pat her head. Kisha didn''t flinch or shy away from the affectionate gesture; instead, she leaned into it, savoring the warmth of Duke''s touch. As she gazed up at the remarkable man before her, a sense of awe washed over her. It was incredible to think that the man she admired so deeply even in her previous life¡ªsomeone who radiated strength and potential¡ªwas now hers. A giggle escaped her lips, bubbling up from her heart as she basked in the moment. The sound of her laughter wrapped around Duke like a comforting embrace, lifting his spirits. Her bubbly demeanor was infectious, and he found himself chuckling along with her, sharing in the lightness of the moment. As they stood there, smiles on their faces, Duke couldn''t help but think how fortunate he was to have Kisha by his side. Her laughter resonated with him, and for a brief moment, the weight of their challenges faded into the background. They were not just two powerful individuals; they were a team, ready to face whatever came next, united by their love and shared ambitions. "I''m heading out to guard the western wall," Duke announced, his voice serious yet filled with affection. "While I''m gone, you need to be extremely cautious with Rose. Your safety has to come first, no matter what happens. Do you understand?" His earnest words reverberated above Kisha''s head, prompting her to look up at him. She instinctively nodded, but as the weight of his message sank in, she narrowed her eyes, a hint of determination flickering within her. "But we''re still unsure if she''ll actually be a danger," Kisha countered, her voice firm. It was clear to her that Duke had already begun to view Rose as a threat, and that concerned her. "We can''t jump to conclusions based on fear alone," she continued, trying to keep her tone measured. "We should remain open to the possibility that she may not pose any risk at all." Though Kisha voiced her reassurances, they felt more like a desperate attempt to convince herself than a reflection of her true beliefs. Deep down, she understood the gravity of the situation: if Rose were to awaken as an evolved zombie, the stakes would be drastically higher. Despite Kisha''s impressive stats, she couldn''t shake the nagging fear that Rose''s unique abilities could still pose a significant threat. The uncertainty loomed large, especially since Kisha had no firsthand experience of Rose''s powers. All she had were Sparrow''s fragmented accounts, which were shrouded in ambiguity. Each story left her with more questions than answers, and without the ability to observe Rose directly, she was left to make assumptions. This lack of clarity gnawed at her confidence. She knew that assumptions could lead to underestimating a danger she couldn''t fully grasp. Kisha felt a pang of anxiety at the thought of facing Rose if she were to rise again. The prospect of a confrontation weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn''t shake the unsettling feeling that she might not be fully prepared for whatever threats Rose''s awakening might unleash. Chapter 390 Sharing The Spiritual Crops Duke could sense the tension and worry etched on Kisha''s face. Though he offered her words of reassurance, he knew they wouldn''t be enough. He wanted to stay by her side, to provide comfort, but duty called¡ªhe was needed at the western wall. When it came to decisions involving Kisha, Duke''s loyalty was unwavering. He would choose her over everything¡ªeven if it meant the base would be overrun or razed to the ground. His family, and especially Kisha, would always be his priority. Seeing the worry in her eyes over Rose, Duke quietly sat beside her, offering his silent support. Kisha was just as surprised. She had specifically tasked Duke with overseeing the defense of the western wall while she stayed behind to watch over Rose. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After all, aside from herself, Duke was the most powerful person in the entire base. She trusted him to step into her shoes, ensuring the defense of the western wall without letting a single life be lost. "I''m not leaving you alone," Duke declared firmly. He didn''t need Kisha''s permission; his mind was already made up. After all, why would he let her shoulder all the burden when he was the man in their relationship, meant to protect her? And besides, if things took a turn for the worse and Rose did end up becoming a zombie, at least he and Kisha could handle the situation together. Two heads are better than one, after all¡ªjust like when he helped her during that last battle with the unique zombie. "Why aren''t you leaving?" Kisha asked, raising an eyebrow, though she didn''t push him to go. "Why would I leave knowing you''d be facing a great danger alone?" Duke replied. "Besides, we''re in your territory. What''s the harm if we''re not around for an hour or two? The base won''t crumble just because we''re absent for a little while, right?" "If that were true, it would mean we haven''t done a great job making the base self-sufficient or resilient without us," Duke said, half-joking, though his words carried a certain gravity. Kisha knew he wasn''t entirely kidding, but she chose not to respond. But Duke was right¡ªeverything he said made sense. Now that he was there, Kisha felt a wave of relief wash over her. She gradually let go of the worries that had been consuming her thoughts about Rose. The two sat quietly, side by side, gazing at the block of ice in front of them, a peaceful silence settling between them. Another hour passed, and still, there was no movement from Rose. It had already been over 24 hours, edging closer to 35, far beyond the expected time for the awakening, which was supposed to last only half a day to a full day. Now, more than fear, Kisha was starting to feel deep concern for Rose. A strange thought crossed her mind, comparing Rose to a chick that dies inside an egg before it can hatch. ''What if Rose, instead of becoming an evolved zombie, was stuck in some irreversible state¡ªlike an egg that never breaks?'' "008, is there truly no way we can check Rose''s progress using my gift, the ''Eye of Truth''?" Kisha asked through their mind link, her thoughts tinged with a little desperation. "Host, I''ve already attempted to scan her, but it seems the crystal ice is interfering with the process. Either that, or she''s in a limbo state¡ªneither transforming nor awakening. That''s why every scan results in an error," 008 explained, uncertainty creeping into its usually confident tone. No matter how many times it tried, the result remained the same: error. "Hmm," Kisha murmured, her mind spinning with another wave of thoughts. Duke noticed the intensity in her expression, glancing at the crystal ice before turning back to her. He could feel the growing tension between them, the uncertainty of how much longer they''d have to wait for Rose''s emergence weighing heavily on both of them. The longer they waited, the more palpable the tension became. Three more hours passed, and still, there was no movement. Kisha''s stomach churned with rising nervousness. The prolonged silence from Rose''s side could only mean one of two things: either she would emerge far stronger than before, or she was truly trapped in a limbo state. If she emerged as a powerful awakened superhuman, that would be ideal. But if she came back as a zombie, both she and Duke would be in serious trouble. However, if she remained in a limbo state, it would mean she was essentially vegetative, with her energy core and brain likely damaged by the overwhelming energy she couldn''t contain. This is the reason why there was so little chance of someone bitten by a zombie successfully awakening. It was close to zero chance. After a whirlwind of overthinking, Kisha felt drained. She decided to cast her worries aside and settled quietly onto the boulder. Instead of dwelling on her concerns, she shared the spiritual crops and fruits with Duke. Having trained intensely for so long and anxiously awaited Rose''s emergence, they had forgotten to eat. This moment presented a perfect opportunity to share the spiritual crops with Duke, allowing them both to experience any differences. For some reason, Kisha couldn''t quite sense any changes, no matter how much she consumed. "Host, perhaps it''s because you now possess both mana and spiritual energy. Alternatively, it could be that your large energy pool is causing the spiritual crops, which contain relatively low spiritual energy, to gradually have a more significant effect over time?" 008 offered, contributing its thoughts to the discussion but even then it still sounded uncertain. "In the Murim World, spiritual crops and fruits are highly coveted and extraordinarily expensive, typically reserved for the wealthy. However, in your case, you have an abundance of them," 008 remarked, hoping to uplift Kisha''s spirits after a long day of worry, overthinking, and unproductive experimentation. After hearing everything 008 said, Kisha felt a sense of relief. Because, it would feel as if she held a treasure in her hands, only to realize it wasn''t benefiting her as she had hoped. Instead, she found herself watching as others made use of it while she remained unable to tap into its potential. Kisha pulled out two tomatoes, each the size of a regular apple, and shared one with Duke. Their deep red color and nearly perfect shape glistened under the sun, captivating both of them for a moment before they took a bite. The flavor was a delightful balance of sweet and sour, and as they bit into the juicy fruit, the rich aroma filled the air, tantalizing their senses. Although it wasn''t Kisha''s first time tasting the tomato, its exquisite flavor was so delightful that she felt she could never tire of it. Despite its size, the interior contained very few seeds, making it easy for both Kisha and Duke to enjoy every bite without distraction. However, after devouring the large tomato, both Duke and Kisha felt even hungrier than before, and Kisha''s stomach protested with a loud grumble. Realizing that the fruit alone wouldn''t be enough to satisfy their hunger, they decided to look for something more substantial. Kisha then settled cross-legged on the grassy ground, pulling out a butane stove and a medium-sized pot, out of her inventory. Chapter 391 Correct Way Of Using The Crops She then gathered additional ingredients: chicken, pineapple, red and green bell peppers, soy sauce, oyster sauce, whole pepper, carrots, potatoes, vinegar, and bay leaves. She paused to think for a moment before deciding to retrieve a bag of rice from her inventory. She then added another butane stove along with a clay pot. Duke took the opportunity to ask Kisha for a metal pail to fetch some water, ensuring she wouldn''t have to get up from her spot. The vegetables Kisha was using were all spiritual crops. She wanted to determine whether cooking them would cause the spiritual energy within to disperse or if it would be absorbed into the dishes being prepared. In a way, this meal would not only satisfy her hunger but also serve as another experiment. After all, they couldn''t be expected to eat all the crops raw, especially starchy potatoes or okra, which would taste quite peculiar without cooking. While waiting for Duke to return with the water, she pulled out two basins, placing the vegetables in one and the chicken in the other. She opted for a whole chicken, which was large enough to be considered a small turkey, and it came from her own territory. After assessing the size of the chicken alongside the vegetables, she decided to swap her medium pot for a larger wok. Just as she finished setting everything up, Duke arrived, and upon seeing the prepared basins, he filled one with vegetables before taking the other basin and heading back to retrieve more water with the metal pail. Kisha understood Duke''s meaning loud and clear. Chuckling to herself, she began washing the vegetables, placing them in a separate container before preparing to peel them. As she peeled each vegetable, she collected the skins in another container, considering using them as fertilizer for her crops. She hoped that by doing so, any residual spiritual energy in the peels could enhance the growth of her plants or even help them evolve into spiritual crops themselves. She wasn''t sure if it would work, but she thought it was better to put the skins to good use rather than disposing of them elsewhere. Alternatively, she could add them to the pig feed¡ªperhaps the pigs would benefit and grow stronger too. With a casual nod, she opted for the latter and continued peeling the vegetables. Once she finished, she began cutting them into various shapes. Just as she was about to wrap up, Duke returned with the basin and pail filled with clean water for cooking. When Duke arrived, he set down the basin, and Kisha noticed that the chicken had already been washed clean. Taking her time, she began cutting the chicken before starting the rice in the clay pot. Once the rice was on the stove, she moved on to cooking the chicken with pineapple. She had learned this recipe from a foreign food blogger some time ago and had since developed a fondness for it; it had become her comfort food. Not only was it delicious, but the dish could also be stored for a day or two thanks to its vinegary flavor, which helps inhibit bacterial growth and prevent spoilage. Kisha often cooked this during the early stages of the apocalypse when chicken and most ingredients were still available. However, as food became scarcer in the later stages, she greatly missed this dish. Now, feeling stressed, she longed to savor it once more. Sure enough, as she neared the end of cooking the pineapple chicken, the tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, making both her and Duke''s mouths water. They could hardly contain their anticipation, eager to dive into the dish even before it was fully cooked. As soon as she filled bowls to the brim with rice and pineapple chicken for herself and Duke, they fell into a comfortable silence, eagerly digging into their meal. Kisha glanced over at Duke and saw him nodding appreciatively, a small smile curving his lips. It was clear he was thoroughly enjoying the food as much as she was. The food was even more fragrant and delicious than she remembered, almost intoxicating in its allure. With each bite, Kisha and Duke found themselves increasingly hooked, as if the dish were addictive. She realized the enhanced flavors were due to the spiritual crops she had used, but it was more than that¡ªshe felt a remarkable lightness in her body, as if her energy and stamina were brimming and ready to overflow. She raised her eyebrows, sensing something unusual as she continued to eat. A sudden thought struck her, prompting her to activate her ''Eye of Truth'' to examine the food on her plate. ... [Pineapple Chicken] [Description: A simple yet delicious dish crafted using spiritual crops. Effects: Stamina Recovery: Restores stamina for the next 20 minutes. Spiritual Energy Recovery: Boosts spiritual energy for the next 20 minutes. Double Strength Boost: Increases strength for the next 20 minutes. Purification: Cleanses impurities.] ... ''Holy shit! Is this how it''s meant to be eaten for the effects to activate? But why is there a time limit? It just looks like a support food meant to boost stats during battle!'' Kisha thought. She recalled 008 mentioning that the crops would enhance her spiritual energy and aid in purification. However, it seemed they weren''t working as intended; instead, their benefits only emerged after cooking. "No, host. The crops were still effective even when you consumed them raw. However, the impact wouldn''t be as significant because your large spiritual energy pool makes it feel like a drop in the ocean. It takes time to notice the effects, but they are indeed working. Additionally, I just completed a scan of your body to confirm this," 008 interjected, clarifying Kisha''s misunderstanding. "Then what''s with this turning into a support item? Is this how it''s meant to be used, or is this something you forgot to mention?" "No, host. Typically, even when spiritual crops are used in cooking, their properties remain the same. However, it takes a skilled heavenly chef to transform these crops into spiritual cuisine. Even a small mistake can disrupt the energy of the crops, causing it to disperse and resulting in an ordinary meal." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Then what''s going on? Don''t tell me I just got lucky and turned the spiritual crops into spiritual cuisine without even realizing it?" Kisha asked, skepticism lacing her tone, yet her mouth continued to savor the delicious food. She couldn''t help herself. "No, host. I believe you''ve acquired a new skill that allows you to transform into a heavenly cook and turns whatever you cook into spiritual cuisine as if you were in the Murim world." "Moreover, what you achieved goes beyond the capabilities of a heavenly cook. Typically, they can only transform spiritual ingredients¡ªlike vegetables, fruits, spiritual fish, and meats¡ªinto spiritual cuisine, which is rich in spiritual energy and beneficial for cultivation." "Such dishes allow consumers to enjoy the ingredients without worry, and they can retain up to 70-75% of the original spiritual energy even after cooking." "But what you accomplished goes beyond merely preserving the spiritual energy of the ingredients. You managed to enhance it, providing you with a significant boost beneficial for battles." "Moreover, you keep the spiritual energy flowing in your body without the need to direct it entirely to your energy core. Once you digest the food, the energy will naturally flow into your energy pool without requiring your conscious guidance." Chapter 392 Its Starting "Is it really that amazing?!" Kisha asked, surprised, her hand pausing mid-air just as she was about to take another bite. After hearing 008''s explanation, she felt incredulous. She hadn''t even realized she''d gained a new skill, and it sounded almost overpowered. "Absolutely! If you were in the Murim world, you''d be treated as an esteemed guest, even in the imperial palace! Mastering a skill like this is just as difficult¡ªand as highly revered¡ªas becoming an alchemist!" 008 responded with conviction. "So, imagine if anyone else tried cooking spiritual crops¡ªthey''d either end up with just regular food, or worse, have it explode in their faces. You''re basically working miracles here." 008 teased before falling silent again. Kisha was left reeling from the information. ''Why didn''t you tell me this earlier?'' she questioned, but was met with silence. It seemed 008 had no intention of answering her at all. ''I didn''t even know the food almost exploded in my face!'' Kisha thought, her face paling at the thought. She could vividly imagine the chicken blowing up right into her face, or worse, turning into an inedible lump of charcoal when she was starving enough to eat a whole cow. The thought of her meal becoming unrecognizable sent a chill down her spine. ''Or was this kid actually expecting me to run this experiment blindly and just see what happens? Tsk.'' For some reason, Kisha had started thinking of 008 as a kid¡ªnot because of its voice, but because it just felt right to her. Maybe it was because 008, as a system, seemed relatively new. It had been sent to the lowest realm to begin its endeavors, unlike other systems that were more experienced and knowledgeable, with broader skill sets and more extensive resources. Duke watched as a dozen expressions flickered across Kisha''s face in just a few seconds, amused by how lively she looked while enjoying her food. Despite all the stress and looming challenges, he was glad to see that Kisha could still find moments like this to be herself. ''I''m really glad I stayed with her right now,'' Duke thought to himself, burying his head in his bowl while quietly keeping an eye on Kisha. Watching her go about her tasks had become his quiet form of entertainment, a small joy in the midst of all their struggles. Crack! Crack! sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A sharp cracking sound jolted them back to reality. Their eyes met for a brief second before darting forward, locking onto the crystal ice in front of them. Small fractures began to spiderweb across its surface, frost seeping from the cracks and spreading across the ground. Mist curled out from within the fissures, swirling around as the air grew colder. Kisha quickly waved her hand, storing everything in front of them into her inventory in an instant. She and Duke stood up, slipping into defensive stances, weapons at the ready. Their grips tightened, bracing themselves for whatever was about to emerge, prepared to attack or defend at a moment''s notice. Kisha''s heart pounded in her chest as the cracks slowly spread across the ice. With each sharp crack that echoed, the weight in her chest grew heavier, mirroring the rising tension. The air around them grew colder with every fracture, sending a chill deep into her bones. The frost crept toward Kisha and Duke''s feet, creeping over their shoes and sending an icy chill up their legs. Realizing the danger, they took a few quick steps back, the numbing cold threatening to frostbite their toes and hinder their mobility. Just as they took a step back, the crystallized ice shattered explosively, sending sharp shards flying in every direction like deadly projectiles. Fortunately, Kisha and Duke were ready. Duke instinctively stepped in front of Kisha, shielding her from the onslaught of ice fragments that exploded outward like a bomb. Duke gripped his spear tightly and spun it rapidly, creating a temporary shield to deflect the razor-sharp debris. The fragments sliced through the air, leaving shallow cuts across his body from when he had stepped forward to protect Kisha. "Duke!" Kisha gasped, her eyes widening in horror as she noticed the blood trickling from his arms and torso, the price he paid to shield her from the onslaught. "I''m fine," Duke replied, his voice steady and resolute, as if the pain was nothing more than a fleeting annoyance. He kept spinning his spear in front of him, creating a protective barrier until the last of the debris finally ceased. However, just as they caught their breath, the mist from within the ice erupted, engulfing the entire flower field and obscuring Kisha and Duke''s vision. Kisha swiftly summoned all the swords and daggers from her inventory, her mind focusing on the blades as they floated into the air around her. With her enhanced mental capacity, she could deftly wield nearly fifty weapons, primarily daggers due to their smaller size and lighter weight. Although she could manage more, she knew that her control would be compromised since she was still honing her skills. Kisha commanded the swords and daggers to form a protective barrier around them, creating a shield that ensured they were safeguarded from attacks. With this formation, she could defend against any incoming threat and prevent any surprise assaults. However, there was still enough space for them to see beyond the protective formation of her daggers and swords. "Ugh!" Duke grunted as he felt the frost advance once more, now only half a foot away from his feet. This time, it felt colder and more powerful than before, sending a shiver through their bodies. Despite being an ice-type himself, the frost emanating from where the crystalized ice earlier seemed to be spiraling out of control, as if it had a mind of its own. Duke considered countering the frigid force with his own ice abilities, but a wave of hesitation washed over him. If he unleashed his powers now, the temperature would plummet further, transforming the air and any lingering moisture in the air into deadly crystals that would only complicate matters. He could visualize the chaos: the once vibrant flower field succumbing to a frozen wasteland, devoid of life and color. ''No,'' he thought, ''that wouldn''t solve anything.'' They needed to find a way to contain the frost, to push it back without unleashing more ice ability into the mix. Glancing at Kisha, determination ignited within him; he couldn''t let Kisha suffer in this cold. Rather than relying on his ice abilities, Duke made a quick decision to harness the opposing element: fire. While Kisha focused on protecting them, he conjured two fireballs in his hands, their heat radiating intensely. With a determined crouch, he slammed the fireballs into the ground, unleashing a wave of flames that surged outward to combat the encroaching frost. The ground beneath him sizzled and scorched as the flames licked at the ice, creating a sharp contrast between the two elements. Duke skillfully controlled the fire, ensuring it only targeted the advancing frost and leaving Kisha unharmed. As the fire devoured the frost, the mist around them thickened, swirling like a living entity as the heat caused the ice to evaporate into steam, rising in ethereal tendrils. The heat was invigorating, a stark reminder of the warmth in the face of overwhelming cold. Chapter 393 It Started To Move With every flicker of flame, Duke felt a surge of confidence, knowing he was actively pushing back the icy threat that surrounded them. The air crackled with energy, a blend of steam and heat creating a surreal atmosphere as the battlefield transformed before their eyes. With unwavering focus, Duke expertly controlled the flames, ensuring they would not harm the beautiful flower field behind them. His fire targeted only the encroaching frost, which he instinctively believed was emanating from the direction where Rose was located. As the mist thickened around them, visibility dwindled, transforming their surroundings into an ethereal, swirling haze that obscured everything beyond a few feet. In this fog, Kisha had to rely on her heightened senses, attuned to the subtle shifts in the air and the faintest sounds around them. She closed her eyes for a moment, honing in on the warmth of Duke''s presence beside her and the cold tendrils of frost creeping ever closer. Simultaneously, she activated the system''s radar-like map, which displayed their immediate surroundings and highlighted any potential threats. However, an unsettling thought crossed her mind: ''What if Rose had acquired super agility, allowing her to move with blinding speed and evade detection?'' With that possibility weighing on her, Kisha decided to adopt a more cautious approach. She carefully arranged the floating daggers and swords around them, creating a protective barrier reminiscent of a turtle''s shell, ensuring that they were shielded from any unexpected attacks. The formation allowed her to maintain visibility while keeping their defenses intact, preparing for whatever might emerge from the mist. She and Duke stood poised and ready, hearts pounding in synchrony, aware that danger could materialize at any moment. Duke looked around the mist as he tried to assess the situation, but they couldn''t feel any movement from the other side aside from the earlier explosion of the ice projectiles. Kisha squinted at the radar, her heart racing as she focused on the grey dot indicating Rose''s presence. The status remained uncertain, but it was evident that Rose was still standing in the same position where the crystal ice was. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as they remained locked in this standoff. Kisha and Duke exchanged wary glances, each lost in their own thoughts, uncertain of how long they had been waiting. The stillness was almost oppressive, amplifying their anxiety. Despite being on high alert, neither Kisha nor Duke had detected any movement from Rose''s side. It was as if time itself had frozen alongside the ice. Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that Rose was waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The notion sent a shiver down her spine; the intelligence required to strategize in silence suggested that Rose had not only retained some semblance of her former self but had also gained an unnerving level of cunning as a zombie. Kisha''s grip tightened on the hilt of her long and short katana as she considered the implications. If Rose was indeed observing them, calculating her next move, then Kisha and Duke had to be prepared for anything. It dawned on her that this situation was not merely a physical confrontation; it was a mental battle as well. "Stay sharp," Kisha whispered to Duke, her voice barely audible above the thickening mist. "If she''s watching us, we can''t let our guard down." Duke nodded in agreement, his expression grim but resolute. The quiet tension between them was palpable, a shared understanding that they needed to outsmart Rose before she could outmaneuver them. They both knew that a single misstep could spell disaster. As they braced for the unknown, Kisha''s thoughts raced through potential scenarios. What if Rose had developed new abilities? What if she could manipulate the mist or even control the frost? The more she contemplated, the more determined she became to protect her and Duke at all costs. Kisha gulped, anxiety tightening her throat as she felt her Spiritual Energy steadily depleting while maintaining the defensive formation of swords and daggers. Each second that passed felt like an eternity, and the strain of controlling so many weapons was beginning to take its toll. However, she couldn''t ignore the notifications from her passive skill appearing before her eyes, confirming that it was actively in effect. The relief was palpable, knowing that while she was expending significant energy to keep her defenses intact, her passive skill was alleviating some of the strain. Yet, even with this assistance, it wasn''t enough to offset the relentless drain on her energy reserves completely. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s mind raced as she considered her options, grappling with the realization that the situation was becoming more dire. Just as she began to worry, a familiar warmth surged within her¡ªa reminder of her title''s effect, which shared similarities with her healing dome skill. It was a comforting presence, subtly replenishing her energy as she fought to maintain her composure. "Come on, Kisha," she muttered to herself, pushing down the rising panic. She reminded herself of the importance of staying focused. Every ounce of her strength mattered right now. "Just a little longer." With renewed determination, she concentrated on the blades swirling around them, adjusting their positions to create an even more formidable barrier. The mist thickened, and her senses heightened, sharpening her awareness of the impending danger. She had to remain vigilant, not only for her own sake but also for Duke, who stood resolutely by her side. In the back of her mind, Kisha silently calculated how much longer she could sustain this defensive stance. Each breath felt heavier, each heartbeat resonating in time with her dwindling Spiritual Energy. But she was a fighter, and she refused to yield to despair. "Let''s show her we''re not afraid," she said softly, her voice steady despite the uncertainty that loomed around them. "We''ll outlast this." With that thought anchoring her, Kisha steeled herself for whatever was to come, ready to face the storm alongside Duke. As Kisha''s heart finally settled, she and Duke caught sight of a shadowy figure inching closer, the mist around it beginning to dissipate. At first, the figure appeared faint and hazy, almost ghost-like, but as it drew nearer, its outline solidified, becoming darker and more ominous against the thinning fog. An unsettling tension hung in the air, urging Kisha and Duke to tighten their grips on their weapons, steeling themselves for the unknown threat that loomed before them. Just as the figure seemed poised to step fully into view, Duke''s expression shifted with determination. In a sudden motion, he plunged his spear into the ground, anchoring himself in place, his focus unwavering. The sharp sound of metal striking earth echoed in the stillness, amplifying the gravity of the moment. With practiced precision, he conjured another fireball in his hands, the flames dancing energetically as they illuminated his resolute face. Kisha could feel the warmth radiating from him, a flicker of reassurance amid the encroaching danger. With perfect tacit understanding, Kisha opened a narrow path among the swirling swords and daggers that surrounded them, creating a clear channel for Duke''s impending attack. Her heart raced as she watched him prepare, knowing the stakes had risen dramatically. "Now!" she urged silently, her thoughts aligning with his in their unspoken understanding. With a swift and deliberate motion, Duke released the fireball toward the shadowy figure. The fireball streaked through the gap she''d created, illuminating the mist as it flew, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. Chapter 394 Got It Wrong Once the fireball was on its trajectory, Kisha closed the partition of weapons, reestablishing their turtle-like defense in an instant. She felt the pulse of energy around them shift, the air thick with anticipation as they braced for the impact. The fireball collided with the shadowy figure, erupting in a dazzling explosion of light and heat that momentarily pushed back the mist. For a heartbeat, everything was illuminated, revealing the figure''s outline more clearly¡ªa stark contrast to the encroaching shadow of the mist. "Ah!!! FUCK!" "Eh?!" "Eh?!!!" Duke and Kisha''s eyes widened in shock as the fireball illuminated the area, momentarily dispersing the mist and revealing Rose''s face in stark detail. The sudden brightness seemed to catch her off guard, and they watched as the flames engulfed her. With a startled cry, she tumbled to the ground, rolling frantically while unleashing a torrent of curses. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "FUCK!!! I thought I was in heaven! Why am I in hell?! FUCK YOU, GOD!" Rose shouted, her voice filled with raw emotion that echoed through the clearing. Kisha and Duke exchanged wide-eyed glances, stunned by the unexpected display of vulnerability from the usually composed leader. It was a stark contrast to the Rose they had known, who often kept her emotions tightly in check. As the leader of her group, she had cultivated an image of strength and poise, commanding respect from her followers. Kisha had rarely seen her let loose like this, aside from the occasional teasing banter. To hear Rose''s unfiltered outrage was both shocking and oddly amusing. "Is she really swearing at God?" Kisha whispered to Duke, struggling to stifle a laugh despite the tension of the moment. Duke chuckled softly but quickly stifled it, realizing the urgency of the situation. They both knew they had made a grave mistake by attacking her without fully assessing the transformation she had undergone. "Water!" Kisha shouted, the heat from the fireball had intensified, and Rose was still on the ground, struggling against the flames licking at her skin. Kisha''s mind raced as she realized they needed to act fast. Before she could even finish her thought, Duke seemed to sense her urgency. Without hesitation, he conjured a few ice spears above Rose''s head, their crystalline forms shimmering ominously in the dim light and flickering fire. The air crackled with energy as he focused, a determined look etched on his face. With a swift motion, he melted the ice spears using his fire ability, releasing a cascade of water that fell like a gentle rain onto Rose. The cool droplets splashed against her, extinguishing the flames that threatened to consume her. "Rose!" Kisha called out, her voice laced with worry as she approached the rolling figure. "Are you okay?!" Duke followed closely, his brow furrowed. "We didn''t mean to hurt you!" he added, as he watched Kisha help Rose up in her feet. As they reached her, Rose finally stopped rolling, propping herself up on her elbows and glaring at them with a mix of irritation and disbelief. "Are you trying to kill me?!" she spat, panting heavily. "What the hell were you thinking?" "I thought I had died and been sent to heaven, only to find myself in hell!" Rose exclaimed, her eyes glistening with a mixture of frustration and relief. She looked up at the two who had almost set her ablaze, her gaze filled with indignation. "You both nearly scared me to death!" "I really thought I was about to meet my maker! Huhuhu!" Rose wailed, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and disbelief. Kisha and Duke exchanged sheepish looks, realizing just how reckless their actions had been, it was clear she was genuinely shaken and rattled by the experience. "We thought you were a threat..." Kisha replied, her voice apologetic. "We didn''t know what you had become..." Kisha quickly stored all the daggers and swords back in her inventory, relieved to see that Rose hadn''t transformed into an evolved zombie. However, Rose''s body was singed and blackened, with only remnants of her long hair left intact. Thankfully, she had already awakened, which meant Duke''s fireball hadn''t burned her flesh too severely. Aside from the pain and a few superficial burns, Rose was mostly unharmed, though she had narrowly escaped being burned alive. After a moment of crying and cursing, Rose paused, realization dawning on her. She glanced around and then looked at herself, focusing on the spot where she had been bitten. The last thing she remembered was losing consciousness after ensuring Sparrow had defeated the evolved zombie that had ambushed them. At that moment, she had genuinely believed she would transform into a zombie and be killed by her own people. She had always told them that if she ever turned, she wanted them to end her life, to prevent her from becoming a monster that preyed on the innocent, just like the very creatures they had fought so hard to defeat. "I¡ªI didn''t turn?" Rose mumbled, her voice trembling as she regained her senses. When she first came to, all she could see was an endless mist, leading her to believe she had truly died and was experiencing some form of afterlife. Overwhelmed with emotion, she had braced herself for the worst. Yet, amidst her fears for the people she had left behind, a sense of reassurance washed over her. She realized they were in the capable hands of trustworthy allies. This understanding allowed her to accept her fate, even as she grappled with the turmoil of her transformation. However, it took Rose some time to come to terms with her emotions. She remained in the same spot where she regained consciousness, lost in thought for what felt like an eternity. When she finally decided to move, taking a few tentative steps forward, she noticed a flickering flame approaching her. In her dazed state, she assumed she was in heaven, and it felt natural for a fire to come and guide her soul to the afterlife. She recalled the tales of death''s reapers who would collect souls and ferry them across a river to their final destination. To her, this fire seemed no different¡ªan ethereal light ushering her onward. But as the flames rushed toward her at an alarming speed, a sudden surge of alarm jolted her from her reverie. She realized too late that this was no gentle guide; it was a fiery projectile hurtling directly toward her. Startled, she froze, the realization crashing down upon her like a wave. So when the flames struck her, Rose thought she had been cast directly into hell. After all, they said a soul would burn in hell for eternity. How mistaken she had been in her assumptions! The very people she had deemed capable and trustworthy were the same ones who had unwittingly plunged her into this chaos. What baffled her even more was that, despite her ordeal, she felt more alive and stronger than ever before. With a furrowed brow, Rose glanced down at her hands, her heart racing with confusion. Suddenly, her eyes widened as she whipped her head around to where Kisha stood, locking gazes with her. Rose''s lips formed a silent "O" as she struggled to find her voice, her mind swirling with questions. Words eluded her, leaving her at a loss for how to ask about what had transpired after she lost consciousness. She longed to understand the truth of her transformation and the events that had led her to this moment. Chapter 395 Roses Stats Recognizing that Rose was in a state of confusion, believing she had transformed into a zombie and subsequently killed, Kisha smiled gently at her. She nodded in acknowledgment of Rose''s thoughts before offering her own explanation. "Yes, you didn''t die. In fact, you''ve awakened your abilities after being bitten." Kisha placed her hand on Rose''s shoulder, giving it a reassuring pat before continuing, "You did an amazing job fighting off the virus that invaded your system, turning a dire situation into an opportunity to grow stronger." Rose''s eyes widened at Kisha''s words. Her lips quivered as her eyes reddened, tears threatening to spill. She would be lying if she said she hadn''t been terrified when she realized she''d been bitten, thinking it was the end for her. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But something inside her refused to accept such a pathetic fate. She gritted her teeth, determined to fight until the very end. Even after Sparrow defeated the evolved zombie, Rose clung to consciousness, but when she could no longer hold on, she thought she''d lost. Yet, her body and willpower had fought alongside her, refusing to give in. Now, hearing she had awakened an ability, she felt as if the whole ordeal had been a blessing in disguise. A wave of mixed emotions overtook her, and she found herself both laughing and crying at once. She used both hands to wipe away the tears streaming down her face, relentless like waterfalls. Kisha and Duke stood by, giving Rose the space she needed to process everything that had happened. They understood that she had likely been bottling up her fears and a whirlwind of emotions, shoving them deep into her heart as she grappled with the reality of her supposed untimely death. It took Rose quite a while to settle down, and even then, she was still hiccupping. It seemed that her tears had drained her of energy, or perhaps her body was simply exhausted from being in survival mode for so long. As it worked to process the virus and transform it into the spiritual energy now coursing through her, her stomach let out a loud growl that echoed across the entire flower field. Kisha stifled a laugh but quickly reminded herself that she had been in a similar state just moments before. With a small smile, she crossed her legs and sat in front of Rose. She pulled out the food she had shared with Duke earlier from her inventory and prepared a generous portion for her. "Here you go," Kisha said, handing Rose the large bowl along with a bottle of orange juice. Rose smiled gratefully at Kisha, her hunger more intense than she had ever experienced. She felt as if she could devour an entire cow. As Rose eagerly dug into the food, Kisha returned Duke''s meal to him and held her own in her hands. Instead of taking a bite, she watched Rose intently. Lost in her feast, Rose sensed Kisha''s gaze but paid it little mind. It was as if Kisha were staring at her yet somehow not, and Rose dismissed the feeling entirely, focusing solely on satisfying her ravenous appetite. As usual, Kisha was utilizing her gift to check Rose''s status window, wondering if it would finally work or if it would still display an error while concealing all her stats. ... [Rose Brigget] Level 1 (EXP. 0/300) Strength: 45 Stamina: 45 Defense: 45 Agility: 45 Mental Capacity: 45 Charm: 45 Leadership: 45 Title: None Skills: Ice Crystal Level 0, Ice Coffin Level 0 Talent: Strong Defence and Offense Gift: Walking Fortress Ability: Elemental (Ice, Earth (Evolved to Diamond)) ... As Kisha examined Rose''s status window, her eyebrow arched in surprise at the impressive details it revealed. She found herself torn between envy and happiness; after all, Rose was now one of her own, not an enemy. If she had been, Kisha realized, Rose would have been one of the most formidable opponents she could face, and she wasn''t sure she would emerge unscathed from such a confrontation, despite her own stats having already surpassed Rose''s. It appeared that her elemental ability¡ªEarth¡ªhad evolved into something even more formidable: diamond. While her body was in survival mode, it had unconsciously forged a crystal coffin composed of a unique blend of ice and diamond. This was why Sparrow couldn''t even scratch the surface of the coffin when he attempted to attack it with his wind blade. To think that Sparrow''s wind blade, known for its sharpness and power, hadn''t even grazed the surface of Rose''s defenses only underscored her incredible defense. Given that she also possessed an equally formidable offensive capability, it was clear that when she shifted to attack, her power could be just as devastating. The synergy between her ability and talent made Kisha shudder at the thought of how formidable Rose could become. This realization reminded her of the true strength of the first awakened individuals when given the opportunity to grow. Now, Kisha felt an urgency to step up her game; if Rose could achieve such power, there were undoubtedly others lurking out there, waiting for their chance to emerge. Especially now, as so many events had veered off course due to the butterfly effect¡ªor perhaps everything was simply unfolding differently than in her past lives¡ªshe felt uncertain about what the future might hold. Despite her efforts to alter the fates of many at the base, there could be others who had survived thanks to her initial warnings. It''s possible that many of them had also awakened, and she couldn''t predict whether they would be allies or foes. Therefore, strengthening herself had to become her top priority. She then glanced at Duke, who had been watching her intently. She wasn''t sure how long he had been observing her, but when he caught her gaze, he simply smiled before returning to his meal with evident enthusiasm. Now that she had a solid grasp of Rose''s stats and abilities, and with her determination to develop further firmly in place, she set aside all other thoughts and focused on her meal. Nothing felt more important than satisfying her hunger at that moment. Once the three finished their meal, Kisha took the time to brief Rose on how to effectively harness her spiritual energy. She guided her through the process of channeling that energy within her body, covering all the essential information Rose would need. After their discussion, Kisha handed Rose a bottle of scarlet honey. Although Rose already had one from before, Kisha knew she would need additional supplies now that she had awakened her abilities. Once Kisha finished teaching Rose, she encouraged her to practice on her own and assured her that Marcus would assist her in leaving the territory when she felt ready. With their task complete, Kisha and Duke stepped out of the spatial territory and made their way to their respective positions. Remarkably, only two hours had passed since they had gone missing with Rose. When Duke returned to the southern wall, he instructed Sparrow to go back and rest while he took his position. Upon seeing Duke there, Sparrow realized that Kisha and Duke had already addressed the situation with Rose. Whether she was alive or dead would be revealed later, but he chose not to ask directly. Chapter 396 Continue Working Now that Kisha and Duke had successfully addressed the issue with Rose and the soldiers and warriors had finally caught some much-needed rest, Kisha remained vigilant for a possible second wave of the zombie raid. She commanded Vulture and the rest of the defense team to continue expanding the territory and clearing the area where the new wall would be built. Meanwhile, she directed Aston and the soldiers to use the crane and forklift to transport the cargo trailers that Sparrow had brought back, initiating the construction of the wall to follow Vulture and his team. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While the defense team was hard at work, the offense team took the opportunity to rest. If all went well, Kisha planned to send them out again the following day. Before that, she dispatched a warrior to check on the five STAU members to ensure they were training and using the Scarlet Honey to strengthen their constitutions. This preparation aimed to help them level up, thereby increasing their capacity to store more cargo trailers in their space on their next mission. Despite the exhaustion weighing on both the soldiers and warriors after the recent events, none voiced their complaints. They understood the significance of their efforts and recognized that without thorough preparation, their safety would be at risk. Knowing they could face another attack at any moment, completing their tasks took precedence over resting. A brief respite sufficed; most of them had awakened their abilities, making them far more resilient than ordinary humans, allowing them to bounce back to work swiftly. Kisha didn''t stay at the western wall for long. After surveying the area briefly, she deployed a few hundred scarlet bees to guard the perimeter without needing to move. She instructed the gatekeeper to radio her if they noticed another wave of zombie horde approaching, then secured the radio to her waistband before leaving. Although the soldiers at the western wall felt nervous without Kisha''s formidable presence, they understood she had many responsibilities around the base and couldn''t stay with them. She had reassured them that she would respond quickly if they called for her and had promised that she left a capable protector in place, one who could fend off any horde until her return. With Kisha''s reassurances in mind, the soldiers allowed her to leave, fully committed to their duty of guarding the western wall. They understood the responsibility entrusted to them and remained vigilant, determined not to disappoint her or become negligent in their task. Seeing their determined expressions, Kisha felt reassured about leaving the western wall to join Vulture in constructing the new wall outside. If a sudden zombie raid were to occur while Vulture and the others were outside, they would be extremely vulnerable. With Vulture alone, it would be challenging for him to protect everyone and ensure their safe retreat back inside the wall. Although the decision to send them outside the wall to continue building the new barrier was fraught with danger¡ªespecially with the looming possibility of a second zombie wave¡ªKisha felt her hands were tied. She had no choice but to take this gamble. With only a few days to complete the wall''s construction, every second counted, and they had already squandered nearly the entire day, just now beginning after lunch. Given the time they had already wasted, her presence was more crucial than ever. Not only did she need to stand guard, but she also aimed to assist in stamina and spiritual energy recovery. This would allow them to work continuously until dusk, with the hope of erecting at least a kilometer¡ªor more¡ªof the new wall outside. Without hesitation, Kisha rushed to the site where Vulture and his team were working. Upon her arrival, she found Vulture and his crew clearing the streets of the vehicles that had been left behind. Aston and the other soldiers were still inside the wall, coordinating the transport of cargo trailers. It would have been easier if the five STAU members could assist them, as their help would eliminate the need for large trucks and cranes. However, when Aston learned that the five were currently engaged in closed-door training to prepare for their level-up, they all agreed not to disturb them. Aston devised a transport plan, knowing that even though the journey would be brief, preparation was essential. He wanted to ensure that, in the event of an emergency or a sudden attack, his team wouldn''t succumb to panic and chaos. Although it took some time for Aston and his soldiers to arrive, Kisha didn''t blame them. She understood how Aston operated, and thankfully, the cargo trailers arrived just as the streets were cleared of the scattered cars and vans. Without wasting a moment, Aston and his team sprang into action, utilizing the forklift and crane to position the trailers simultaneously. Their focus on efficiency paid off; within minutes, they successfully secured three cargo trailers and prepared to head back inside for the next batch. As Aston and his team made their way back, Kisha directed Vulture''s team in front of the cargo trailers. "Alright! All earth-type ability users, step forward!" she announced, her calm and composed demeanor commanding attention. Instantly, everyone stood up straighter, and the Earth ability users stepped forward with a sense of urgency. "Now! I want each of you to conjure an earth wall around these cargo trailers, both inside and out. Make it at least 7 to 10 inches thick!" Kisha commanded, gesturing toward the trailers positioned in front of them. The team exchanged anxious glances as they assessed the towering height and substantial thickness required for the task. The challenge of fulfilling Kisha''s request felt daunting, and a sense of apprehension washed over them. Without hesitation, Vulture stepped forward and began the task. He concentrated intently, slowly conjuring the earth wall while focusing on achieving the desired thickness and hardness. Kisha watched him work, a slight smile forming on her lips as she nodded in satisfaction. She knew that Vulture was attuned to her expectations, especially when it came to tasks like this. Everyone paused to watch Vulture for a moment, understanding dawning on them as they observed his technique. Inspired by his example, they soon began to work as well. Fortunately, there were plenty of earth-type ability users among them, and since Kisha had already grouped them separately from the other awakened individuals, they found it easier to collaborate effectively. Thanks to their practice from last night''s attack, they now had better control over their awakened abilities. Almost everyone was able to create the wall Kisha required. While it wasn''t an instant construction and would take some time to fully materialize, it was still significantly faster than manually erecting a wall with cement and hollow blocks as they usually did with many infrastructures. Under Vulture''s leadership, the other earth-type ability users continued to conjure the earth wall, diligently working together. Meanwhile, the rest of the defense team stood guard, ready to fend off any zombies that might emerge from the city. Kisha remained nearby, silently letting her passive skill to help them recover their spiritual strength. Although their task appeared simple, only they understood the difficulty behind it. Even Vulture had to concentrate intensely to ensure he didn''t compromise the durability of the earth wall. Chapter 397 Loyal Dog Even though there were only three cargo trailers in place, their length and height would require considerable time to fully cover them with the earth wall. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After an hour, Vulture and the others finished covering the three cargo trailers, just in time for Aston and his team to arrive with another three. Their goal was to completely erect all ten cargo trailers that Sparrow''s team had brought back. The reason it took Vulture and his team an hour to complete their task was that they alternated their efforts to fully recover and avoid depleting their spiritual energy, as Kisha had advised. Whenever they felt they were nearing their limit, they would step back, allow the others to take over, and return once they had rested. Kisha''s presence significantly accelerated their recovery, but it still placed a strain on their mental stamina. Nevertheless, they persevered as the sky gradually turned a deep crimson and a cold wind began to blow. Fortunately, Aston''s team returned with hot coffee to keep Vulture''s team warm and alert throughout their work, and they provided towels to help dry their sweat, ensuring that no one would catch a cold¡ªeven if it was unlikely for an awakened ability user to do so. After some time, Vulture''s team became accustomed to their task, working faster and more efficiently. By half past seven in the evening, they had successfully completed all ten cargo trailers, fortifying both the inside and outside. They even managed to erect impressive earth spikes outside the wall, far superior to their efforts from the previous night. Kisha couldn''t help but smile widely at the sight. Watching them take initiative felt akin to seeing her child grow and learn to run after just mastering walking. She felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Their task became significantly easier thanks to Aston''s preparations. He had set up several large headlights around the work area, ensuring that the warriors could see what they were doing even after sunset, reducing the risk of zombies ambushing them from the shadows. After delivering the last cargo trailer and securing it in place, Aston and his team didn''t leave immediately. To streamline the process, they positioned all the headlights around the trucks and cranes, making it easier to transport them back inside the base once they were done. Once they completed their tasks, everyone hopped onto the trucks for the ride back. "What''s that?" one of the warriors asked, his gaze fixed on something emerging from within the city. As the truck turned around, the headlights now illuminated the road ahead, making it difficult to see what was behind them. Initially dismissing it as a figment of his imagination, he squinted into the darkness. But the more he focused, the clearer the shadow became, revealing a movement and a gleaming eye staring back at him. The warrior shuddered uncontrollably, transfixed by the gleaming eyes staring back at him from the darkness. Despite their terrifying presence, he couldn''t tear his gaze away; the fear held him captive. Those eyes were both bewildering and chilling, and he sensed that if he looked away, whatever lurked in the shadows might leap toward him. He couldn''t shake the thought that this moment would haunt his nightmares for days to come. As soon as someone spoke, the rest turned in fear, instinctively on guard against a potential attack from the shadows. Kisha, with her heightened senses, also heard the hushed warning. When she glanced back, the dim outlines in the darkness became clearer to her, revealing what others struggled to see. She scrunched up her nose and furrowed her brows, squinting into the darkness. A humanoid figure emerged, moving toward them in slow, deliberate steps. Its eyes glimmered ominously in the dim light, creating an unsettling contrast against the shadows. It wasn''t alone; a smaller figure scuttled ahead, walking forward with a steady pace, while the larger figure trailed behind, exuding an air of menace. The sight sent a chill down her spine, and an instinctive sense of danger began to rise within her. With her heightened senses, Kisha could pick up the sound of rapid, labored breathing. It was strange¡ªmore like gasping, as if the creature were parched and struggling for air. The noise was disturbingly familiar. Then, she caught a low, guttural growl, unmistakably that of a zombie. But this one didn''t sound as feral or aggressive as the others. Instead, it had an eerie, subdued quality to it¡ªtamed, but still dripping with menace. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as a chilling thought crossed her mind. Before anyone could react, she leaped from her spot onto the roof of the truck''s driver side, landing near one of the large headlights. With swift precision, she swung it toward the approaching figures. The sudden beam of light momentarily blinded the other warriors as it swept across their backs, causing them to squint and instinctively adjust their vision. Despite their disorientation, they quickly dropped into defensive stances, though confusion crept in as they realized the figures weren''t attacking¡ªor even making a move. Their questions were soon answered when Kisha focused the light on the figures. Arf! Grrr! At the front was an Alabai dog, nearly as large as Zeus. While Zeus had a bear-like presence, this dog resembled a massive, muscular pit bull. Kisha couldn''t help but feel like its head might be bigger than hers. But that wasn''t the most unsettling part. Behind the dog stood a female zombie, her long, tangled hair covering her face, leaving only her gleaming eyes visible. As it growled, little puffs of steam escaped from its mouth, adding to its eerie presence. The moment the light hit the zombie and the massive dog, the zombie let out a low, warning growl, while the dog immediately shifted into a defensive stance, ready to lunge at anyone who dared to approach. Its posture radiated aggression, as though it was poised to bite off the head of the first person to step forward. The sight of the zombie was unsettling, but what truly took everyone by surprise was the bizarre relationship between the two. The dog wasn''t being led by the zombie¡ªquite the opposite. The leash was tightly wrapped around the zombie''s hand, tethered to the dog''s collar. It was the dog that was dragging the zombie forward, keeping a calculated distance between them, almost as if it was controlling the pace. Kisha and the others were so stunned that no one thought to react immediately. They stood frozen, eyes locked on the aggressive-looking Alabai dog and the zombie trailing behind it. The zombie made repeated attempts to bite at the dog, but each time, the dog skillfully dodged, then barked sharply before glancing back at Kisha and the others. The group''s confusion deepened¡ªwhat did the dog want? Its actions seemed contradictory. On one hand, it appeared to be warning them not to approach, but at the same time, its barking and glances almost seemed to beckon them closer, as if it was trying to communicate something they couldn''t quite understand. ''Does it want us to feed ourselves to its former owner?'' That unsettling thought crossed everyone''s mind as they exchanged uneasy glances. It was the only explanation that made sense in the moment. The dog clearly didn''t want them to approach, perhaps out of a fierce loyalty to its zombified owner. Yet, at the same time, its actions seemed to invite them closer, almost as if it was guiding them to offer themselves as a meal. "What a loyal dog," someone muttered under their breath, a mix of disbelief and dark humor. Chapter 398 A New Friend Everyone turned to the person who spoke, and before he could react, someone gave him a sharp slap on the back of his head. It was a quick lesson to keep such comments to himself, especially when they were all terrified of the massive dog in front of them¡ªa creature that looked like it could crush skulls with its paws and jaws alone. The dog barked repeatedly, each sharp sound echoing into the eerie silence of the night. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, realizing the danger they were in. The barking would no doubt attract nearby zombies. With the oppressive quiet of the darkened surroundings, the dog''s barking seemed deafening, reaching far and wide. The tension grew, nerves fraying as the possibility of being swarmed felt all too real. "That''s it! We can''t let the dog keep barking like that¡ªit''s going to attract every zombie in the city and trigger another wave!" someone exclaimed, their voice trembling with fear. It was obvious the person had been deeply shaken after enduring the second zombie raid. But before anyone could act, the dog seemed to sense the intent behind the man''s words. Its lips curled back, baring its teeth in a menacing display. A dangerous growl rumbled from its throat, halting any movement from the group. The tension was palpable¡ªno one dared to make the next move. Kisha, on the other hand, was baffled by the dog''s behavior. It wasn''t as if she could fully grasp the animal''s intentions. She watched the dog closely, pondering its actions when an idea struck her. "Bell, can you reach Zeus? Ask him to come to my location," Kisha quickly sent a mind link to Bell, who was currently on surveillance duty nearby, watching over the area. "Just give me a second, Master!" Bell''s cheerful voice echoed inside Kisha''s mind. She waited, her gaze shifting between the dog and the ominous figure it was leading. Moments later, Bell''s voice returned. "Master, wait for Zeus¡ªhe''s on his way." Kisha exhaled slightly, readying herself for whatever was about to unfold. "Alright," Kisha muttered, her eyes shifting back to the dog, then to the zombie. The zombie was clearly one of the regular kind, its focus fixated on the Alabai dog, trying to bite it since the dog was closest. Whenever the zombie attempted to break away and head toward the truck, the dog would quickly grab the leash with its mouth, pulling the zombie back in place before barking sharply to regain its attention. Whenever the zombie heard the dog bark, it would stumble back toward the dog, trying to bite it. However, with its long, tangled hair covering its face, Kisha could barely make out any features of the zombie. Even the Alabai dog looked so filthy that, at first glance, they almost mistook it for a mutant. Its fur was matted with thick, hardened zombie blood, and there were dark red stains around its hind legs. Kisha couldn''t tell if the dog was injured or if the blood belonged to someone¡ªor something¡ªelse. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They all stood frozen in place, the warriors and Vulture eager to act, but Kisha held them back. She didn''t fully understand the dog''s behavior, but something inside her urged caution, preventing her from taking action until she was certain of what was bothering her. As they waited for Zeus to arrive, the Alabai''s barking attracted more than a dozen zombies. Knowing that Vulture and the warriors were exhausted, Kisha swiftly controlled a few daggers to eliminate the approaching zombies, while commanding the scarlet bees to collect the crystal cores scattered across the area. Soon after, Zeus came charging like a gust of wind, leaping onto the truck where the other warriors stood. The moment Zeus spotted Kisha, it barked excitedly¡ªits booming barks far louder than the Alabai''s, causing Kisha''s face to darken in frustration. However, she didn''t scold Zeus. Instead, she commanded, "Zeus, can you communicate with the other dog and tell me what it wants?" Zeus responded almost immediately, tail wagging and tongue lolling out as it panted happily, drooling slightly. "Master? Dog? I am dog!" Kisha facepalmed, biting her lower lip in frustration. "No, Zeus. I mean the dog in front of us..." Zeus tilted his head, confused. "Master, dog? No front?" It was clearly referring to the front of the truck where it had just come from. Its massive tail wagged enthusiastically, hitting the floor with loud, dull thuds that sounded like a heavy hammer, causing every warrior in the back to wince. ''Would that tail break my bones if it hit me?'' the warriors silently wondered as they watched it swish dangerously close. Kisha let out a deep, frustrated sigh and pointed behind Zeus. "No, Zeus... that dog. The one behind you." Zeus immediately jumped and spun around quickly, leaning over to get a good look at the dog Kisha had mentioned. His eyes sparkled with excitement upon seeing the other dog. "Play, friend!" Zeus squealed inside Kisha''s head, causing her to blink in surprise, her eyelashes fluttering. "Zeus... can you ask the new dog¡ªyour new friend¡ªwhat it wants?" Kisha repeated, worried that Zeus, distracted by excitement, might have already forgotten her earlier request. "Okay!!!" Zeus replied enthusiastically. Without hesitation, he jumped off the truck and cautiously approached the Alabai. His body language was careful as he sniffed the air, trying to gauge whether the other dog would allow him to come closer. After assessing the situation, Zeus let out a soft, friendly bark and then sat on his hind legs, showing respect and caution, sensing the Alabai''s defensiveness. Arf! Arf! Zeus barked repeatedly, clearly trying to communicate with the other dog. The Alabai continued to bare its teeth at first, but after a few more barks from Zeus, the large dog lowered its head and cautiously sniffed in Zeus''s direction. It then let out a soft whine followed by a bark. "Master! Baby!" Zeus''s frantic voice echoed in Kisha''s mind, causing her to furrow her brows in confusion. Zeus kept repeating the word with growing urgency. Kisha''s eyes widened in disbelief as the realization struck her. Without hesitation, she jumped down from the truck, her heart racing at the implication of Zeus''s words. The Alabai dog growled lowly at Kisha, but Zeus barked in response, calming the other dog''s aggression. While the zombie remained focused on the Alabai, Kisha moved carefully around the creature, her eyes narrowing as she noticed something behind it¡ªa strange bulge forming, with something faintly wiggling beneath. Vulture and the other warriors watched in confusion, unsure of what Kisha was trying to do. A moment later, Vulture''s expression shifted as realization dawned on him, his eyes widening in concern as he turned toward the zombie, sensing the gravity of the situation. Kisha couldn''t get a clear look at what was behind the zombie because it kept shifting, and each time she tried to move closer, the Alabai dog would bark fiercely, its stance protective as though ready to leap at her to defend its territory. But whenever the Alabai became aggressively defensive, Zeus would respond with a friendly bark, trying to calm his new friend down. Zeus seemed to be communicating that Kisha was his master and that there was no need for alarm, signaling to the Alabai that they were there to help. After a few more reassuring barks from Zeus, the Alabai finally relaxed, stopping its growling and allowing Kisha to cautiously approach. Chapter 399 The Disparity Seeing the Alabai dog calm down, Kisha cautiously approached the zombie from behind. The dog continued to occupy most of the zombie''s attention, skillfully dodging its attacks by jumping from side to side. It was clear that the dog didn''t want to harm its owner, instead, it seemed to be protecting something. Whenever Kisha got too close, the zombie would sense her presence and turn to face her. She hesitated, unsure if she could attack just yet, as she didn''t fully understand the zombie''s condition. Kisha knew she had to be extremely cautious. Kisha quickly jumped back to avoid the zombie''s claw. Instead of a full-on attack, the zombie seemed more defensive, reacting out of hunger rather than pure aggression. From her observations, it was clear that the zombie wasn''t intent on attacking but was driven by desperation. Its behavior felt more passive-aggressive, and Kisha could almost understand its reluctance to fully engage. The alabai lunged forward, yanking the leash to draw the zombie''s attention. The force of the pull caused the zombie to stumble, bringing it face to face with the dog. The alabai, startled by the sudden closeness, hesitated and began to step back. But the zombie''s eyes locked onto the dog, blood-like drool dripping from its mouth. Almost instinctively, the zombie lunged, teeth bared, ready to sink into the dog''s flesh. Everyone was taken aback by the sudden turn of events. Even Kisha felt her heart leap into her throat. No matter how cold and hardened her heart had become, she still had a soft spot for dogs and cats. Before anyone could react, the zombie lunged at the alabai, its mouth gaping wide, ready to strike. Clank! A sharp metallic sound echoed through the air, breaking the tension as everyone''s hearts hung by a thread. Before anyone could fully grasp what had happened, the zombie had already lunged at the alabai. The dog, however, didn''t fight back¡ªit simply whined, frozen in fear. Fortunately, Kisha''s reflexes kicked in. She had long made it a habit to keep a dagger¡ªor two¡ªwithin arm''s reach whenever dealing with zombies, always prepared for the unexpected. That instinct hadn''t failed her before, and now it proved invaluable once again. This time, with Kisha''s swift intervention, the zombie''s jaws clamped down on the sharp edge of the dagger instead of the dog. Its decayed flesh tore against the blade, yet the creature showed no sign of pain, gnashing its teeth as though unaware of the damage. Desperate to reach the alabai, the zombie continued to bite down on the dagger, relentless in its attempt to get through to its target. With quick precision, Kisha intercepted the zombie''s attack, protecting the alabai from its transformed owner. It was painfully clear that the dog, even in the face of danger, didn''t want to harm its master, despite the fact that the person it once knew was no longer there. The dog whined anxiously, trying to move closer, but the zombie lunged again, this time directly at the dog. Kisha''s second dagger deflected the attack, but she hesitated¡ªshe didn''t want to kill the zombie, uncertain of its current condition. Her second strike merely deflected the zombie''s advance, accidentally slicing a portion of its long, tangled hair that had been concealing much of its face. "Uwah!" S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Uwah!" A baby''s wail pierced through the night, louder than the growls of the surrounding zombies. The sound was unmistakable, and it echoed so clearly that everyone stopped in their tracks, their attention snapping to the source of the crying. Even the alabai''s ears perked up in response, but instead of barking at the unknown source, it directed its defensive barks at its former owner, as if instinctively knowing something was wrong. The zombie that had once been the alabai''s owner frantically searched for the source of the crying, its growls growing louder and more frantic. Its eyes, filled with an instinctive hunger, darted around as it locked onto what it perceived as its next target. The creature spun in circles, causing the alabai to bark anxiously in response. Then, Kisha realized the truth: the dog''s concern wasn''t for the zombie itself but for the baby it was carrying on its back, obscured by its long, matted hair. The wailing that had set the alabai on edge was coming from the very child the zombie now carried on its back. Kisha couldn''t determine whether the zombie''s hair had been arranged that way before the alabai''s owner completely transformed or if it had become tangled and disheveled during the chaotic ordeal they had both endured. Either way, the long strands now served to obscure the baby hidden on the zombie''s back, while the alabai dog acted as their guide, navigating through the chaos in search of other human settlements or survivors. With this newfound understanding, Kisha acted swiftly, skillfully guiding her dagger to sever the zombie''s head. As the lifeless body began to topple, she deftly supported it, ensuring the baby strapped to its back wouldn''t be crushed. To her shock, nestled within a baby carrier was indeed an infant; the moment Kisha''s dagger sliced through the zombie''s hair, the sudden movement startled the baby, causing its pacifier to fall to the ground and eliciting a wail of distress. It became clear that the alabai dog wasn''t concerned for its owner but for the baby strapped to its back. Though it had been defensive toward the other survivors, its true intention was to seek their help in ensuring the baby''s safety. It was likely the last command given by the dog''s owner before her complete transformation into a zombie. Kisha felt a sting in her eyes as she grasped the depth of a mother''s love, capable of transcending even life and death. The faith the mother had in her loyal companion to seek help for her child when she could no longer protect him tugged at Kisha''s heart. In a final act of devotion, the owner had tied her own hands with the dog''s leash, ensuring that her beloved pet would fulfill her last wish to find someone to save her baby. Kisha''s heart trembled at this realization as she gazed at the baby. It was a profound expression of motherly love¡ªsomething she had never truly experienced in her own life. Even though the Aldens had adopted her and treated her as one of their own, she always felt the subtle divide, knowing they were not her biological family. This understanding had become a painful ache in her heart, leaving her to wonder why her mother had chosen to abandon her and why she had never been wanted. The stark contrast between the motherly love she witnessed now and the affection she had never experienced in her own life was overwhelming. Without even realizing it, her eyes began to glaze over, and tears threatened to spill as they turned red with emotion. Only Zeus''s worried bark snapped her back to reality, pushing aside the unnecessary feelings that had crept into her mind and heart. With renewed focus, she gently reached to lift the baby from the carrier while using her other dagger to fend off the surrounding zombies that had been drawn in by the commotion and the dog''s frantic barking. Chapter 400 One Track Mind Vulture leaped out from the back of the truck and made his way toward Kisha. He swiftly cut the leash binding the alabai, sensing that the dog was intelligent enough to remain calm and not run off in a panic. The moment the alabai saw its owner being killed, it let out a mournful whine, a sound filled with sorrow and resignation. It seemed to understand that the person it once loved was gone, replaced by the monstrous form that now lay lifeless on the ground. The dog''s eyes reflected a profound sadness, but there was also a flicker of acceptance as it recognized that its former owner was no longer the same. However, when the alabai witnessed Kisha rescuing the baby, a spark of hope ignited within it. Without hesitation, the dog followed Kisha closely, moving quietly beside her this time, displaying an unusual calmness that indicated its trust. Vulture, meanwhile, approached the zombie''s body and carefully removed the baby carrier. He figured it might serve a purpose in the future, perhaps as a means to safely transport the baby when necessary. It only needed a thorough washing and cleaning to restore it to a usable state. As Kisha and Vulture regrouped, the alabai stayed close to them, casting glances back at the lifeless form of its former owner. It had shifted its loyalty, understanding that the survival of the baby was now its priority and it was now the only protector of the baby. As Kisha''s daggers whirled through the air, expertly killing the few remaining zombies¡ªno more than a handful, their numbers reduced to a single digit ¡ªshe felt a sense of urgency pulse through her. Once she had eliminated the last of the threats, she swiftly returned to the truck. Each warrior wore a somber expression, the weight of recent events heavy on their shoulders. The realization of what they had just witnessed lingered in the air like a thick fog, and it became clear that the incident had struck a chord with everyone. They had all seen the tragic remnants of a once-loving mother, her instincts transcending death itself, and it stirred deep emotions within them. Thoughts of their own families began to surface, evoking memories of sacrifices made in the name of love and protection. The image of the alabai, loyal to its owner even in her transformed state, mirrored their own struggles. It reminded them of the bonds they shared with their loved ones and the lengths they would go to keep them safe. Kisha could see it in their eyes¡ªthe pain of loss, the fear of what lay ahead, and the hope that somehow, they could forge new connections in this shattered world. They were united not just by survival but by the shared understanding that love, in all its forms, was worth fighting for, even against insurmountable odds. As the truck rumbled to life and they prepared to head back to the safety of their base, Kisha felt she needed to give each one of them space to also process their conflicting feelings because of the stirring emotions evoked by what they had witnessed. As the truck rolled through the imposing gates, the soldiers and gatekeepers on duty couldn''t help but notice the large alabai dog standing closely behind Kisha. Its presence was a striking addition to their ragtag group, and Zeus, her loyal companion, radiated joy at the sight of a new friend. His tail wagged furiously, a clear indication that he was more than happy to welcome this unexpected addition. Earlier, Zeus had been a bundle of nerves, sensing Kisha''s mood sink like a stone into the depths of despair. His worried barks had echoed through the tense atmosphere, each bark a plea for her to shake off the heaviness that seemed to envelop her. But now, in this moment of newfound companionship, it appeared as though he had completely forgotten his earlier concerns. The worry lines on his furry face faded, replaced by unbridled excitement at having another dog to play with. Kisha couldn''t help but shake her head in defeat, a small smile breaking through her earlier seriousness. It was a bittersweet reminder of the simple joys that could still be found amidst the chaos of their world. Zeus''s instinct to worry and protect had been well-founded, yet his ability to switch gears and embrace happiness so quickly was a testament to the resilience of animals¡ªand, perhaps, a lesson for her as well. ''I guess it''s a blessing to have a one-track mind, easy to forgive and forget, just like a dog,'' Kisha mused quietly to herself, the thought bringing a small smile to her lips. Inside the base, the atmosphere was charged with tension as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the compound. Guards stood at their posts, their eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of a zombie raid, still haunted by the events of the previous night. Every rustle of leaves and distant echo felt amplified in the stillness, a constant reminder of the dangers lurking just outside their walls. But when Kisha and the other warriors finally returned, weary yet intact, an obvious wave of relief swept through everyone. The tense lines etched on their faces began to soften, shoulders that had been wound tight with anxiety relaxed ever so slightly. Though their vigilance remained, the sight of Kisha, Zeus, and the alabai dog brought a sense of calm to the uneasy crowd. The playful camaraderie between the dogs was infectious, easing some of the fear that had gripped the base. Laughter bubbled up, breaking the silence as a few soldiers exchanged glances, grateful to see their friends return safe and sound. Especially when they witnessed Zeus playfully lunging at the alabai, who stood like a stoic soldier being pestered by an overenthusiastic child, the sight sent ripples of laughter through the group. The stark contrast between the two dogs¡ªone exuberant and spirited, the other composed and unyielding¡ªmade the moment all the more amusing. Kisha noted how the atmosphere had shifted; the fear was still there, but it was now accompanied by a glimmer of ease. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, after a careful inspection, they noticed Kisha cradling a small bundle in her arms. Only Evelyn, who had come with her husband to stroll around the base for some quality time together, seemed to recognize the significance of the small bundle. Evelyn had just returned from a perilous mission outside the base, and while her husband knew she was much stronger than he was, the lingering fear of losing her still gripped his heart, that''s why he wanted to spend more time with her. As they spotted Kisha returning, both of them instinctively stepped closer to observe her from a distance. However, it was Evelyn who first noticed the bundle cradled in Kisha''s arms. Her curiosity piqued, she tugged on her husband''s sleeve, urging him to move in closer. It was only then that she realized the bundle contained an infant, just a few months old. As a mother herself, Evelyn felt her heartstrings tugged violently. She realized that Kisha must have rescued the infant from outside, and it was painfully clear that the baby''s mother was no longer alive. Having recently lost her own daughter, Evelyn felt an intense connection to this child. It was as if she had found a vessel for the motherly love she still carried in her heart¡ªlove that had nowhere to go since her daughter''s passing, causing her deep distress. Chapter 401 Adopt The Child Evelyn stared at the bundle in Kisha''s arms with an unwavering gaze. Kisha noticed the intensity of Evelyn''s attention and turned to meet her eyes, only to find them rimmed in red. She sensed the odd behavior emanating from Evelyn and the weight of her gaze upon the child. It didn''t take long for Kisha to draw a conclusion. In the chaos of the apocalyptic era, such things were all too common, and it was no surprise to hear someone say they had lost a loved one, especially a child. Kisha deduced that Evelyn and her husband might have faced a similar fate, and the sight of a motherless infant stirred emotions in Evelyn that Kisha couldn''t fully grasp. Having never been a mother herself, and having lacked the experience of maternal love, she couldn''t fully comprehend the stages of feelings Evelyn was going through right now. Moreover, with her numerous responsibilities, she felt she didn''t have the time or capacity to care for a child, which created a sense of detachment from the infant she was currently holding. Kisha watched as Evelyn stepped forward from the crowd, her breathing heavy and her eyes fixed on the infant in Kisha''s arms. Her husband, initially surprised by her sudden movement, soon felt his own eyes redden as he fought back tears. He followed closely behind as Evelyn made her way toward Kisha, who had paused and stood waiting for her to approach. When Kisha and Evelyn finally stood face to face, Evelyn suddenly realized she had been so focused on the child that she hadn''t noticed how quickly she''d approached Kisha. Worried she might have come across as rude in front of their city lord, she hesitated. But Kisha didn''t seem bothered and instead asked, "Do you want to adopt this child?" Her question was blunt and to the point, without any pretense. Everyone around them paused, their attention now fixed on the three individuals discussing the custody of the infant, almost as casually as if they were talking about a stray puppy Kisha had found on the road. In this new world, they no longer had to worry about the legalities or complications that would have mattered before. Now, everything could be resolved with simple words alone. With Kisha and everyone in the villa already busy, adding an infant to their family would be inconvenient at this point. That''s why she was also doing her best to avoid getting pregnant during this time. Besides, she didn''t feel the need to explain herself to anyone; her busy schedule and countless responsibilities were obvious to everyone. While the thought of having her own child had crossed her mind, now wasn''t the right time. However, this moment gave her a clearer vision of the future she wanted to build with the people she cherished. For the first time in a long while, she felt optimistic about the family she wanted to build with Duke. Just thinking of him and their future together brought a natural smile to her lips, and her eyes softened in front of everyone. The crowd silently gasped, witnessing the usually cold and indifferent Kisha displaying a rare, genuine smile that revealed the gentle and pure side of her that had long been hidden. With a smile, Kisha gestured for Evelyn to take the child. Evelyn hesitated for only a moment before quickly reaching out, as if afraid Kisha might change her mind. The instant she cradled the child in her arms, she burst into tears of joy, and everyone''s heart ached for her. It was clear that the loss of her own child had left a deep, gaping hole in her heart, but in this moment, she found a new reason to keep fighting¡ªnot just for her husband and herself, but for this child as well. After Evelyn took the baby from Kisha, the Alabai dog followed the child, settling by Evelyn''s side. "You can come to my villa tomorrow to pick up some baby powder and other necessities," Kisha said before turning away and walking forward. She didn''t want to see Evelyn''s expression, the one that clearly said, "Are you preparing for a baby with your husband?"¡ªcomplete with exaggerated wide eyes and a gaping mouth. In fact, she had already caught a glimpse of it but didn''t want to linger any longer. The situation just felt too awkward. Instead of going home to rest and prepare for the night watch, she headed to the medical facility to assess the ongoing influx of sick individuals on the verge of awakening. She wanted to gauge the potential firepower she could expect from the awakened superhumans and determine how many would be non-combatants. As a result, checking in on the medical facility had become a regular habit for her. When she arrived at the medical facility, she found that there were still individuals being isolated, but the situation had improved significantly. Unlike the initial chaos, when patients were overflowing into the hallways, the facility now appeared much more organized. With fewer patients present, Kisha presumed that things were calming down. Those who were still falling ill were likely remnants of the first wave of awakened, and she anticipated that there would be a brief respite before the second wave emerged. This also meant that the medical staff would have a chance to rest. If the situation continued as it had been, they would be the first to fall ill from overworking. However, she also noticed that the medical staff on standby was significantly fewer than she remembered. Even though the number of patients wasn''t as high as during the initial surge, the remaining staff was still overwhelmed with work due to a lack of hands to help. "City Lord, are you looking for the head doctor?" one of the nurses approached Kisha, noticing her scanning the area as if searching for someone. With no one else available to provide information, she stepped forward to help. "Is he out or resting?" Kisha asked directly, eager to learn how many more people had awakened and how many had turned into zombies. "Um¡­" The nurse hesitated for a moment, and that was enough for Kisha to frown and glance around. "Don''t tell me he''s fallen sick too?" Kisha asked, skepticism lacing her voice as her brows raised in question. The nurse didn''t respond verbally but nodded in acknowledgment. Kisha''s frown deepened. She regarded the head doctor as highly competent, and if he had turned, the medical facility would need to appoint another leader, resulting in yet more changes. This transition would undoubtedly impact the facility''s progress. "Could you please prepare the statistics on the awakened ability users compared to those who have transformed into zombies? I also need a report on how many people have been sent to the facility every day, broken down into intervals of four hours." "Additionally, I''d like to know the average number of awakened ability users and the average number of patients coming and going. This information will help us determine whether we need to prioritize expanding the medical facility to accommodate the second wave," Kisha explained in detail as she walked deeper into the medical facility. "S-second wave?!" the nurse exclaimed, nearly shouting at the top of her lungs. Kisha flinched at the nurse''s high-pitched voice before responding. "Even during a pandemic, there''s always a second wave and beyond, even with mutant viruses. So how can you not expect a second wave of awakenings alongside those who might turn?" "Do you really think that once most have awakened, there''s no chance for others to follow suit?" Kisha asked, hoping to prompt the nurse to think critically. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 402 Eric Gilberts Now that Kisha had mentioned it, the nurse began to understand and consider the possibility. Given Kisha''s track record of accurately discerning who would successfully awaken and who wouldn''t, the medical staff had come to treat her words as gospel. If Kisha believed there would be a second wave, then there undoubtedly would be. The nurse nodded, her eyes filled with determination to ensure she completed the task Kisha had assigned to her. Before she left to complete her task, the nurse informed Kisha of the head doctor''s isolation room. Kisha wanted to check on him herself to assess his chances of awakening. She needed to prepare for the worst-case scenario by assigning someone to take over his duties if necessary. Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, she aimed to act proactively; otherwise, the operation of the medical facility could become crippled and chaotic without a leader. Before long, she arrived at the isolation room where the head doctor was being kept. A soldier stood guard at the door, while a nurse frequently checked on his condition. When the soldier saw Kisha approaching, he saluted and opened the door for her. Kisha nodded in acknowledgment of his courtesy before stepping inside. Once inside, she wasted no time and immediately focused on his status window to assess his condition. When Kisha first examined his status window, she frowned. The head doctor''s stats were all at the baseline level of 5, indicating he was no different from an ordinary human. This concerned her, as even those who had failed to awaken typically had base stats of 6 or 7 in some attributes. With only 5, he seemed too weak to withstand the relentless assault of the virus on his body. Kisha let out a sigh of defeat, feeling a wave of disappointment wash over her. However, just before she looked away, something caught her eye. ... [Eric Gilberts] Level 0 (EXP. 0/100) S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Strength: 5 Stamina: 5 Defense: 5 Agility: 5 Mental Capacity: 18 Charm: 5 Leadership: 5 Title: None Skills: Talent: Strong Healing Gift: Medical Territory Ability: None ... When she saw Eric''s Talent and Gift, she felt an overwhelming urge to burst into triumphant laughter. ''At last! A healer!'' Kisha nearly screamed in her mind as she stared at those two words on Eric''s status window. Despite his frail condition, he still held potential. With this potential, he could overcome the virus and awaken his ability. Moreover, it appeared that his ability was related to mass healing rather than just individual treatment, which seemed incredibly overpowered. If Kisha''s speculation was correct, Eric could become their very own walking hospital. With a healer in her ranks, Kisha wouldn''t need to purchase as many vials of blue liquid from her system''s mall, allowing her to conserve her system points for better items from the system''s mall. More importantly, she felt relieved at the prospect of not having to maintain a large stock of potions. Now, she could focus on keeping just enough for those heading out on missions, rather than stockpiling them for everyone. More importantly, with Eric safe and sound, he would awaken his ability, eliminating the need for Kisha to search for a replacement. This meant less work for her. Plus, since he would be fine, she wouldn''t have to repeat the lengthy explanation about the awakening process and the differences between awakened individuals, humans, and asymptomatic cases, which would have taken up even more time and effort. Kisha let out another sigh of relief before heading out of the room. As she stepped outside, she was surprised to find some nurses and the last remaining doctor waiting for her. They didn''t say a word; instead, their anxious gazes clearly conveyed their desire to know Eric''s chances of survival. Understanding that they all regarded each other as comrades in arms after facing life-and-death situations together and sharing the same field of expertise, Kisha recognized their concern for one another. She smiled and nodded, subtly reassuring them that they needn''t worry about Eric; he would be fine. After seeing Kisha''s reassuring nod, the nurse and doctor cheered with happiness. However, they also asked her for a favor: to check on the other medical staff who had fallen ill. This way, they could prepare themselves emotionally in case someone didn''t make it. As they had feared, Kisha found that at least four individuals were in a possibility to turn into a zombie, leaving her uncertain about their chances of survival. Out of the group, only five were likely to awaken an ability, most of which were support types. None, however, had the healing ability that Eric possessed. ''What did I even expect? Healing abilities aren''t as common as cabbages in the market,'' Kisha reminded herself, tempering her high expectations just because she had found one healer in her base. Healing abilities were as rare as lightning and mental-type abilities, if not rarer, with the probability believed to be one in a million. Kisha realized that Eric might very well be the only healer in their entire country. After assisting at the medical facility for a while, helping to organize those with a better chance of awakening from those who didn''t, Kisha realized she had already spent a lot of time there. However, something still nagged at her, preventing her from heading home. Deciding to take care of it, she sought out Aston, who was responsible for all the soldiers and warriors in the base, to ask for the list of newly awakened individuals. She couldn''t wait until tomorrow, feeling restless¡ªperhaps due to the recent zombie raid, or maybe it had something to do with the baby and the Alabai dog¡ªbut an unsettling sense of urgency had taken hold of her. Whenever she had too much on her mind, she became restless and couldn''t sit still. If she did, she knew she''d spiral into overthinking, which never led to anything productive¡ªonly mental exhaustion and it would only mess with her head. To avoid this, she preferred to keep herself occupied with important tasks, like organizing the base''s defense, offense, and other essential responsibilities. Staying busy was her way of keeping her thoughts in check. She needed to assess the base''s firepower, especially since their defenses were still lacking. For now, they would have to rely on sheer firepower to hold their ground. To do that effectively, both she and the base needed to recruit as many offensive-ability users as possible. Now that they had established an awakened ability registration process, it became easier to sort and categorize people based on their abilities and group them accordingly. It took Kisha another half hour to scan through the list of a hundred newly awakened ability users, including those who had just awakened and participated in the night raid. Kisha''s hand paused mid-turn, her eyes fixed on a particular page listing another newly awakened ability user. She tilted her head slightly, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk as she pondered, lost in thought. "Aston, assign this person to handle the ability user registrations," Kisha said, handing over the profile. Aston hesitated, struggling to respond, so Kisha pressed on. "This person can accurately identify the abilities each individual has after awakening. They''re perfect for this role." Chapter 403 What I Did Is For You Aston glanced at it, then raised an eyebrow. "But... according to this, he''s only slightly stronger than an average human. Pretty much useless in most areas," he replied, trying to soften his words, but ultimately deciding to be blunt for clarity. But Kisha only chuckled, so Aston felt like she was not taking what he said seriously and thought that he wasn''t blunt enough, but then Kisha said. "He wasn''t useless, it was because he just didn''t know how to control his awakened ability just yet, so it really seems like he was useless." Kisha recalled that this individual was someone she had been eagerly anticipating to awaken, recognizing their immense potential. At this moment, she desperately needed more skilled talents with diverse awakened abilities to fill crucial positions, and this person was among them. He possessed a gift akin to her "Eye of Truth," which was a detection-type ability. This meant that no one could deceive him regarding their awakened abilities, as he could discern them through touch rather than sight, unlike her. Once he made contact with someone, he could feel the flow of their spiritual energy, allowing him to identify the nature of their abilities and even gauge the strength of the awakened individual based on the energy''s flow. The only downside to his ability was that he needed to make physical contact with his target to gather the information he sought, and it certainly didn''t work on normal humans. This limitation might be why some regarded him as useless. However, if Kisha''s assumptions about the first wave of awakeners were accurate, then none of them could be deemed useless. They represented humanity''s hope for survival, implying not only that they were strong but also that their abilities were diverse and could be invaluable in numerous ways. The awakening of these individuals only reinforced her assumptions. Once again, she felt a surge of happiness knowing that she had successfully saved so many survivors from City B''s base from the clutches of the Coltons and the former Minister of Defense. After listening to Kisha''s explanation, Aston took a moment to reflect and realized that she was always spot-on about these matters. Nodding in agreement, he made a note of her instructions and prepared to explain the individual''s abilities as Kisha had described. Once he finished jotting down the details, Kisha began to sort the awakened individuals into categories: defensive and offensive types, as well as support types. Kisha also noticed several support-type individuals with valuable craftsmanship abilities, including cooks, blacksmiths, farmers like Marcus, and many others who could contribute significantly to the base. She nodded in satisfaction as she observed their potential. Kisha entrusted Aston with the task of assigning these support types to various departments where they could be most beneficial¡ªsuch as placing the cooks in the cafeteria he was establishing, the seamstress with Mrs. Winters, and the blacksmiths under Mr. Winters'' supervision. Kisha felt a surge of excitement about the potential of these support-type individuals and their crafts. In her previous lives, support types that weren''t space-related, healers, or capable of boosting stats were often deemed useless. As a result, they were frequently abandoned, left to fend for themselves or perish in harsh conditions. Because of this, Kisha had little experience with support types and their true capabilities, making her eager to discover what they could achieve in this new environment. Kisha was brimming with excitement at the prospect of discovering the capabilities of these support-type individuals. As she pondered this topic, a thought crossed her mind: ''Could the cook potentially create dishes that boosted stats, just as I had done earlier?'' If that were possible, it would be an incredible advantage, and she couldn''t wait to explore the possibilities. After Kisha finished organizing everything with Aston, it was already midnight. By the time she got home, Duke was waiting for her in the living room, along with everyone else. She paused for a moment at the doorway, her eyes scanning the room. Each of them wore a worried expression, clearly anxious about her. "Dear, aren''t you working too hard? Have you eaten?" Before anyone else could approach, Mrs. Winters hurried over to Kisha, her face etched with concern. She looked like a mother fretting over her daughter, heart aching at the thought of Kisha pushing herself so hard without even knowing if she had eaten. After a moment of surprise, Kisha finally found her voice and smiled warmly at Mrs. Winters. "I''m alright, but it''s true¡ªI am feeling hungry." "Well, you''re in luck! Duke made a hearty meal just for you. Come on, let''s eat. Wash your hands and join us at the table." Mrs. Winters gently pulled Kisha toward the kitchen. As if on cue, everyone else stood up from the living room, bustling about to bring out the dishes Duke had prepared, all of them eager to make sure Kisha was well-fed and taken care of. Duke never felt the need to boast about what he had done to earn Kisha''s favor. For him, the important thing was easing the burdens on her shoulders. He knew it was his mistake to put her in the position of City Lord, where all the pressure and responsibilities fell on her. His original plan was for Kisha to be a figurehead while he, as Vice City Lord, handled everything behind the scenes. He wanted Kisha to bask in the glory and honor of the position, to be admired and loved by the people once he had quietly finished the hard work behind the scenes. He had only wanted Kisha to hold the highest position, to be treated as the jewel of the base. But how wrong he had been¡ªhe should have known Kisha wasn''t the kind of woman who would sit still and let herself be protected. Now, realizing his mistake, he was determined to make amends by doing everything in his power to support her. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without informing Kisha, he had already organized the men on the wall into a defensive formation he deemed best. He continued their training as usual, while others stood guard and assisted those struggling with managing their energy flow. Although his efforts seemed minor compared to what Kisha was handling, they were vital in the long run and equally beneficial. He also began analyzing others'' abilities to help them gain a better understanding of their powers and use them more effectively. He was dedicating all his efforts to support the base, ensuring that no one became overly dependent on Kisha. Everyone appreciated the hard work of both Kisha and himself; they recognized that both the City Lord and Vice City Lord had their own approaches to handling challenges. Ultimately, they understood that both were driven by a shared goal: to do what they believed was best for the people they loved and wished to protect. Everyone in the base could see clearly that their two leaders were working tirelessly for one another. This realization deepened their admiration, as they witnessed the sacrifices each made day by day. After Kisha finished washing her hands, Mrs. Winters stepped aside to let Duke serve his wife, knowing it brought him joy. Seeing her return so late make his heart ache, so he wanted to do everything he could to make her feel cared for. Chapter 404 Help Her Sleep Better The family gathered around the table, enjoying a meal together. They intentionally steered clear of work-related topics, choosing instead to share random anecdotes and experiences that brought laughter. Their lighthearted conversation was filled with stories and jokes, resulting in a warm atmosphere filled with genuine laughter. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha found herself laughing along with everyone, the tension of the day melting away as she relaxed in their company. She savored the delicious meal Duke had prepared, unable to resist going back for seconds. Duke, delighted to see her enjoy his cooking, eagerly added more to her plate and playfully fed her, his heart swelling with happiness as he watched her relish each bite. Once Duke finished organizing the defenses along the wall, he realized it was already so late at night, that he arrived just half an hour before Kisha came home. Concern for the young couple hung in the air, among everyone in the villa. When Duke finally arrived, he found that no one had touched their dinner; they couldn''t bring themselves to eat, knowing that both he and Kisha were tirelessly working to protect the base with every ounce of their strength, often neglecting their own needs. When Duke arrived, he didn''t allow himself to sink into the couch and wait for Kisha. Instead, after downing a quick glass of water, he headed straight to the kitchen, determined to prepare a warm dinner for his wife. Even though Duke wasn''t familiar with how to cook the other dishes he envisioned, he felt fortunate to have his mother by his side, ready to guide him without the need for online tutorials. However, he insisted that she only provide instructions, determined to learn the techniques himself. Eager to master the skills she taught him, he embraced the opportunity to cook beside her while she instructed. Watching Kisha savor the meal, her eyes turning into slits of delight, filled Duke with a sense of fulfillment. He felt that all his efforts were worth it and wished for these moments of happiness and tranquility to last. However, he was acutely aware that they were still in the early stages of building the base, and there was so much left to accomplish. They had a long way to go before they could fully enjoy each other''s company without the weight of responsibility looming over them. After dinner, Marcus and the children seized the opportunity to clean the table and wash the dishes. Meanwhile, the others retreated to their rooms, eager to rest after a long day of busying themselves with their respective departments and the monumental task of building everything from the ground up. When Kisha and Duke entered their room, Duke gently sat Kisha on the bed, helped her remove her shoes, and then guided her to lie down on her stomach. He began massaging her shoulders, back, arms, and legs, and Kisha felt a wave of relaxation wash over her. She could tell that he was carefully controlling his strength, aiming to make her comfortable so she could have a restful night. They were both on edge, anticipating a potential second wave of the zombie raid, which had kept them tense throughout the day. Now that they hadn''t seen any signs of a second wave, they finally breathed a sigh of relief for a moment. However, they remained on high alert, knowing that an attack could occur in the middle of the night, just like the previous night. At this hour, though, Duke wanted Kisha to take a moment to rest; she had been working tirelessly throughout the day. "Wifey, does this feel good?" Duke asked, his expression serious as he awaited Kisha''s response. He pressed his thumb into her shoulder, moving in a circular motion before applying pressure and rubbing upward. Kisha couldn''t help but moan in delight, her eyes closed in bliss. "Hmmm." Kisha couldn''t even muster the energy to respond, her body slowly succumbing to sleep. Duke understood her silence. He considered taking her into her territory space for an uninterrupted rest, where she could sleep as long as she needed. However, he knew that nighttime sleep was more restorative. Although the territory space doesn''t affect the outside flow of time, allowing for extended hours of rest, the quality of sleep was simply different because it was always bright out there. Seeing Kisha drift off to sleep brought a smile to Duke''s face. He continued to massage her, ensuring she wouldn''t experience any muscle pain later when she woke up. Once he finished, he gently helped her change into a fresh set of clothes. Remarkably, Kisha¡ªwho was typically vigilant and sensitive even in her sleep¡ªremained undisturbed as Duke carefully wiped her body with a warm, damp towel. The more Duke attended to her, the more comfortable Kisha felt, and he recognized just how exhausted she was. With a doting smile, he continued his care, ensuring she was settled for the night. Once he finished, Duke took a quick shower and lay down beside her, gently scooping her into his arms as they both drifted off to sleep. Fortunately, there were no sudden attacks in the middle of the night this time, allowing both Kisha and Duke to sleep peacefully. This reprieve also gave the soldiers and warriors a chance to relax and rest for the remainder of the night. When morning arrived, Sparrow and his team didn''t wait for Kisha to send them off; they had already gathered and set out to continue their mission to retrieve more cargo trailers. With newfound experience under their belts, everyone on his team performed better than during their first outing, making their journey smoother. Sparrow no longer needed to guide them through every challenge, as they began to take initiative and tackle tasks independently, making his job significantly easier. Vulture also didn''t wait for Kisha; as soon as he woke up before dawn, he gathered his team and continued clearing the area for the new wall, proceeding without Kisha and Aston. With no more cargo to manage, their tasks became easier and more straightforward. Aston also didn''t waste any time. After waking up early in the morning, he immediately set about implementing the plans he and Kisha had discussed the previous night. He assigned the support individuals to their respective departments, ensuring they were ready to begin their work today. Additionally, he summoned the detection ability user and shared everything he recalled from Kisha''s explanation about his power, initiating a training regimen based on her instructions. Initially, the man was skeptical, unsure whether Aston was merely offering false hope. Having been labeled as "useless" and considered only slightly stronger than an average human, he found Aston''s claims hard to believe. When Aston insisted that he was far more useful than he realized and that his ability was unique¡ªrequiring specific conditions to function¡ªit felt completely unexpected. However, when he attempted to demonstrate his ability on Aston, he sensed nothing. Aston reassured him that it wouldn''t work on normal humans, so he then called in several awakened individuals with various abilities for further testing. Fortunately, since they were sending the support types to different departments, Aston had the man test his ability on them instead. It was only then that the man began to believe Aston''s words, as he truly could feel the flow of their abilities. Chapter 405 The Sewer Is Flooded The man could sense the elements coursing through their veins and gauge the strength of their abilities based on the intensity of the energy flowing within them. However, unlike Kisha, he didn''t see any panels in front of him. Instead, the information he needed appeared in his mind, similar to what Kisha sees in her status window. At that moment, the man was astonished by his own ability, his mouth forming a perfect ''O'' that could fit a duck''s egg. He didn''t care how he appeared; all that mattered was the joy of realizing he wasn''t useless after all. "Alright, now that you''ve confirmed your ability and its applications, you will be responsible for registering the awakened ability users. Ensure that the information they provide is accurate." "This assessment will apply to newly awakened individuals, and moving forward, you''ll manage the registration of new survivors. This way, we can identify who to keep an eye on and ensure our base is secure, not only from the zombies but also from potential threats within our ranks," Aston explained, his expression a mix of surprise and determination. Although he wasn''t as quick-witted as Sparrow, the betrayals he had experienced¡ªalong with countless others¡ªhad shifted his perspective. Now, he was determined to safeguard what he had within this base, including all the hard work Kisha and the others had invested in building it. Initially overwhelmed by the weight of the responsibility entrusted to him, the man felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. This newfound role signified not only trust from others but also recognition from their City Lord¡ªsomething that meant the world to him. If Kisha hadn''t recognized the true potential of his ability, he would have faded into obscurity, stuck in a corner of the base doing menial tasks and feeling useless. Watching other awakened ability users strive to make a difference would have only deepened his sense of inadequacy. In many ways, Kisha had given him a renewed sense of purpose and a reason to take pride in himself, steering him away from a miserable existence. With a determined nod, he accepted the responsibilities laid out for him before heading to the medical facility to assist in identifying the abilities of the newly awakened. Once Aston finished his tasks, he planned to conduct a morning inspection around the base. "M-Minister! Minister!" A soldier came sprinting in from outside just as Aston was about to step out. Aston recognized one of his trusted soldiers, who appeared visibly rattled and concerned. He attempted to speak, but his heavy panting made it difficult for him to form words. Aston stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on the soldier''s shoulder. "Take a deep breath. Once you''ve calmed down, we can talk." "B-but!" the soldier stammered. "Breathe," Aston urged, gently guiding him to sit down. He refrained from asking questions until he saw the soldier making a genuine effort to steady his breathing. Once the soldier appeared calm, Aston finally spoke. "What''s going on? Is there another zombie raid?" "N-no." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The soldier''s denial eased Aston''s heavy, anxious heart slightly, prompting him to ask patiently, "Then what is it? What''s making you so rattled that you had to run here urgently?" "We¡­ we found out that the sewers are flooded." "Oh!" Aston responded with a hint of nonchalance before adding, "Then let''s find a way to drain it." "N-no, we can''t," the soldier replied, still steadying his breath. "Why? Did you discover a problem? Is the sewer clogged?" "N-no, sir. The sewers are flooded with zombies." Aston gasped in horror. This meant they were currently standing on top of those zombies. If things took a turn for the worse and the ground beneath them caved in, they would all plunge into the sea of zombies and become their next meal. A shudder ran through Aston''s body at the thought. "Have you been able to assess how many zombies have made their way into the sewers?" "N-no, it''s just¡­" The soldier paused, his face paling as the grim memories of their findings resurfaced. ... Two hours ago... "Sir, we''ve received complaints from the survivors about hearing zombie growls in the vicinity. Should we escalate this to the Minister of Defense?" "Did you investigate the source of the noise?" Aston''s soldier asked, skepticism evident in his expression. "We did," replied the reporting soldier. "We even suspected that someone might be hiding a family member who had been infected within the walls. We took it seriously and conducted a thorough inspection of the entire neighborhood, but found nothing." "Since you already conducted the inspection, why are you still suggesting that we inform the Minister of Defense? All the leaders are busy with important tasks around the base," Aston''s soldier snapped, frustration evident in his tone. This issue should have been a minor one that they could handle on their own. With the results coming back negative, there was no reason to escalate it and waste the Minister''s time. "Sir, we received multiple complaints from different individuals, which prompted us to inspect the entire neighborhood. However, reports of zombie growls have surfaced in various parts of the base, which is unusual," the soldier explained. "At first, we believed these reports were merely the result of paranoia stemming from fear or PTSD. That could be expected if only a few individuals in the neighborhood were triggered by something, leading them to imagine threats due to their anxiety." "But it is highly unusual for such reports to be coming from multiple locations within the base. Given our current atmosphere and security measures, it''s unlikely that these individuals are merely paranoid." "While PTSD and nightmares could explain some of their fears, the sheer volume of complaints indicates something more concerning." "We have conducted our checks and found nothing, yet the persistent reports demand our attention. This is a serious matter, especially when it involves zombies." If this issue wasn''t addressed properly, it could endanger everyone. They couldn''t afford to ignore it, as it was a matter of the base''s safety. However, uncertain about the situation, they couldn''t determine whether to escalate the matter to higher-ups. Instead, the other soldiers chose to report to their supervisor first before making a decision. "Alright, it''s still early, and even if the Minister of Defense is awake, he''s likely busy with important tasks. We can''t disturb him without fully understanding the situation." "We should investigate this matter further to uncover the cause of these reports before escalating it, so they won''t have to shoulder all the work themselves." "Understood, sir!" the other soldier replied, saluting before leading the way to the locations where the reports originated. The soldiers patrolled the area where the reports had originated, moving systematically from tent to tent and house to house. They meticulously inspected every room, searching for any hidden spaces. The survivors residing in those tents and homes offered no resistance, understanding that the soldiers were simply performing their duties and trying to get to the bottom of the situation. "Sir, do you think the noise might be coming from within the walls?" one of the soldiers suggested. He pressed his ear against the wall, closing his eyes to concentrate. He speculated that there could be hidden compartments within the houses where the original owners had concealed themselves during the initial zombie attacks, only to end up trapped and transformed into zombies themselves. Chapter 406 In The Sewers Once one soldier mentioned the possibility of the noise emanating from the walls, the others quickly reached the same conclusion. City B had long been a hub for merchants, with many families residing there for decades. Given the nature of their work, these families often faced constant threats to their safety, as someone was always lurking, ready to rob them of their wealth. It was likely that many families had constructed their own bunkers, hidden rooms, or compartments in their homes as a precaution against such threats. Therefore, it wouldn''t be surprising if zombies had become trapped within the walls of these houses. Once they settled on this explanation, the soldiers began tapping on the walls, searching for hollow spots or hidden switches. It took them two long hours to inspect just five houses. Fortunately, these homes were not large, typically accommodating only a middle-sized family. However, despite their thorough search, they couldn''t locate any hidden rooms or compartments. Yet, all the tenants reported hearing zombie growls. It might not have been noticeable during the day, as the streets were alive with hustle and bustle, drowning out the sounds of zombie growls. However, at night, when everyone was settling down to sleep, the eerie growls became painfully clear, often leaving them with nightmares. They also tried to investigate any potential hiding spots where zombies could be lurking before making a report. Like the soldiers, they initially suspected that they were just hallucinating, hearing things as a result of their traumatic experiences. The weight of their pasts often played tricks on their minds. However, after hearing similar accounts from others in their neighborhood and even from coworkers living farther away, their concerns grew. This prompted them to report the issue to the soldiers so they could investigate the source of the zombie growls echoing through the night. Now, the soldiers were stumped. Despite their thorough search, they found nothing. As they headed back to their office through a small alleyway to discuss the matter, they heard something. Rawr! Grrr! They froze, exchanging uneasy glances. The growls were unmistakable this time, yet doubt still lingered. They wondered if their minds were playing tricks on them after hours of fruitless searching and hearing the same eerie sounds repeatedly. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They all laughed at themselves, shaking off the tension and joking about being paranoid. What started as playful banter quickly escalated into a friendly scuffle. But in the midst of their roughhousing, the supervisor accidentally shoved one of the soldiers too hard. He slipped, his arm catching on a sharp piece of metal protruding from the street. Blood began to drip steadily, more than expected, as the wound was deeper than it first appeared. His blood trickled down the pavement, forming a trail that led ominously toward the gutter. Grahhh! Suddenly, a louder, more guttural growl echoed through the alleyway¡ªthis time unmistakable, almost like an excited scream. Everyone froze, jolted by the unmistakable sound. It wasn''t their imagination. One of the soldiers quickly rushed to the injured man''s side, using a handkerchief to wrap his wound, tying it firmly enough to stem the bleeding but not too tight. As they steadied themselves, their eyes slowly followed the blood trail, now leading ominously toward the gutter. An uneasy silence settled over them as they realized something was lurking just beneath their feet. They exchanged nervous glances, their unease palpable. Not far from where they stood, a manhole caught their attention, and without a word, all eyes fixed on it. For a full minute, no one moved, just staring at the cover, the weight of realization settling over them. Then, as if by silent agreement, they stepped forward. No words were needed; their expressions said everything. Each of them had heard the same thing, and they all knew what had to be done. With deep, heavy breaths, they worked together to lift the manhole cover. As it shifted, the growls grew louder, clearer, and more pronounced, leaving no room for doubt ¡ª they weren''t imagining things. The supervisor inhaled sharply, steeling himself before leaning into the opening. His upper body was lowered cautiously, while the others held onto him, ready to pull him up quickly if anything went wrong. He peered into the abyss below, nerves tightening as the growls echoed up from the depths. As the supervisor leaned in, with half his body inside the manhole, his eyes widened in horror. Below him was a densely packed horde of zombies, so tightly crammed together that they could barely move, only able to growl and swivel their heads, scanning their confined space. The sheer number of undead below made his body tremble involuntarily, his eyelashes fluttering with fear as he took in the terrifying sight. One of the zombies below noticed the supervisor''s presence due to the noise he made, its rotting eyes locking onto him before it let out a menacing growl. Panic surged through the supervisor, and he quickly tapped the hands gripping him from above, signaling them to pull him back up. Once on the surface, his face was ashen, and his body trembled with terror. For a solid ten minutes, he stood there in shocked silence, staring blankly. Finally, he snapped back to reality and ordered the other soldiers to cover the manhole. "Don''t let this information slip to the public," he warned in a hushed, shaky voice. "We can''t risk creating panic or chaos. People might do something reckless if they find out." After ensuring his men wouldn''t act out of line, the supervisor took off, running as fast as he could toward Aston''s quarters to report their findings. And that''s how Aston came to hear the disturbing news. Once there, the supervisor recounted everything¡ªhow they investigated, the complaints from the survivors, and ultimately, their horrifying discovery of the zombies in the sewers. As he spoke, Aston''s face grew pale, matching the same horror-stricken expression as the rest of the team when they found out. Aston didn''t wait for the supervisor to finish processing his fear or the thoughts racing through his mind. Without hesitation, he took off toward Kisha and Duke''s villa, the supervisor trailing close behind. By the time they reached Kisha''s home, it was already 10 a.m. Kisha had just finished her breakfast, while Duke had left for his duties earlier that morning. Kisha was the only one remaining in the villa. No one wanted to disturb Kisha''s rest, giving her some time to relax. So, when Marcus spotted Aston charging toward the villa after returning from the back garden, he initially moved to stop him. However, the urgency and fear etched on Aston''s face stunned Marcus for a moment, making him step aside and allow Aston to enter the villa without protest. "City Lord, we have a problem!" Aston nearly shouted as he burst through the door. Kisha, sipping her juice after breakfast, choked in surprise. While she sensed his approach, she hadn''t anticipated that his first words would be so ominous so early in the morning. "What''s wrong?" Kisha asked, quickly wiping her mouth. Despite being a battle-hardened veteran, Aston felt a wave of fear wash over him as he recalled what his subordinate had reported. With a deep breath, he began to relay the unsettling information to Kisha, choosing his words carefully. As Aston continued, Kisha''s eyebrows furrowed deeper with concern. The sewer system they were discussing was vast, sprawling beneath the entire city and extending almost everywhere. Chapter 407 Another Mission! Kisha took a deep, shaky breath as she struggled to think. She couldn''t recall facing such a problem in her past life, nor had she ever anticipated it occurring in this one. The mere mention of it sent a wave of horror through her, more terrifying than anything she had ever experienced. If a cave-in were to occur, half of their base could collapse into the rubble and tumble into the sewers, where they would undoubtedly be consumed by the zombies lurking below. This wasn''t the time for her to fret about the wall or the looming second wave of zombies; even without those threats, their lives were perpetually at risk. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The constant fear of the undead in the city''s sewer system was an ever-present danger. She needed to come up with a solution quickly. Ding! [New Mission Available!] [Sudden Hidden Mission: SSS Class "The Sewer''s Pest Cleanup!"] [Description: The sewers have always been a haven for pests in every city, where they lurk and thrive. However, in City B, rats are no longer the only creatures dwelling in the shadows; zombies and mutant rats have also taken up residence. If the situation isn''t addressed quickly, the mutant rats could launch attacks on the survivors, spreading diseases that could ultimately claim lives, even without a single bite. Mission Requirement: Ensure that every single zombie and mutant rat in the sewers is eliminated to prevent this issue from arising again. It''s crucial to guarantee that the sewers beneath the base remain secure and uncompromised. The mission needs to be completed within 7 days. Mission Completion: 10 Gachapon Draws, 5 Resource Crates, 50,000 Points, a mass of Venadium and Iron Meteriorite, and a New Sewer System with Gas Preservation Blueprint from World 943746. Mission Failure: Automatically failing the A-Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting," the C-Class Mission "The Philanthropist," A Class Mission "Commander of a Thousand", A Class Mission "Base''s Expansion!" and the S-Class Mission "Taking Nest for 30 Days."] Kisha''s breath caught in her throat once more as another hidden mission emerged. She sensed that any new task at this moment could only signal trouble, confirming that they were in an incredibly dangerous situation. The system provided additional details that deepened their concern: not only were there zombies lurking in the sewers, but mutant rats as well. From what Kisha recalled, mutant rats were among the deadliest of creatures. Unlike their ordinary counterparts, these mutated pests posed a significant threat; their urine could cause deadly leptospirosis if it came into contact with open wounds or was ingested but that was only the issue with the ordinary rats. Now, however, even without direct contact with or ingestion of their urine, prolonged exposure to the smell of their urine alone could be lethal. With the mutant rats residing just beneath the base, everyone in the vicinity might have been exposed to these dangers. The length of that exposure remained unknown, adding to the growing sense of urgency. The longer they were exposed, the more their organs would begin to fail, ultimately leading to death from organ failure. The worst part is that if the mutant rats decided to venture above ground, their bites could infect normal humans, turning them into zombies without them even realizing it. Even the superhumans wouldn''t escape unscathed, as these bites contain toxins that could lead to both short- and long-term paralysis. Some of the rats could even mutate to develop toxins in their bodies that was deadlier than a black mamba''s venom, depending on their environment. However, the scientists in her previous life never managed to understand which specific conditions lead to the emergence of such mutant rats. What was most disturbing was that these rats had grown larger than cats, nearly the size of small dogs. This increase in size also doubled their ferocity; they would behave as if rabid, attacking anyone in sight like ravenous beasts. The most alarming aspect of these mutant rats is that not all of them have grown larger; some have become faster. This speed is more concerning than the size of the larger rats because they can strike without warning. While the bigger rats tend to devour their victims entirely¡ªan adult rat can consume a whole human¡ªthe smaller ones often attack in groups. They can strip an adult down to the bones in minutes, overwhelming their prey. Even if they can''t consume someone completely, just a single bite can lead to that person turning into a zombie. Regardless of how they mutate, they present a significant threat that must be addressed. The weight of this crucial realization made Kisha''s heart race. They had only seven days to devise a solution. Although her mission focused solely on the sewers beneath their base, the entire sewer system of City B was interconnected. This meant that securing the sewers below their base would require them to secure the whole city''s sewer system. To accomplish this, they would need to deploy a significant number of warriors and soldiers¡ªperhaps even their entire defense force. The enormity of the task ahead made Kisha''s head throb. A migraine loomed as she contemplated the scale of the mission she needed to undertake. ''Wait, is this the second wave of zombies I''ve been expecting? Instead of attacking head-on, they''ve flooded the sewer system? FUCK it!'' Kisha''s mind raced with the shocking revelation, and she couldn''t help but curse in frustration. This realization didn''t ease her mind; instead, it piled on more pressure. Without even looking at her mission interface, Kisha knew she already had at least five ongoing missions, each one more challenging than the last. She was doing her best to tackle each task with the support of everyone in the city, but even she recognized her limits. Just the thought of the mounting missions hanging over her head was enough to make her feel exhausted. "Call an emergency meeting with all department heads, including the Vice City Lord. We need to address this immediately, before the survivors catch on." "I''m sure some have already sensed something is wrong, but if anyone starts investigating and uncovers the truth, it will cause mass unrest," Kisha said, her voice heavy as she drew a deep, weary breath, feeling the weight of the situation pressing on her heart. "I understand, City Lord. I''ve already instructed the soldiers to keep our findings confidential for now and increased patrols around the base. This way, we can react quickly if anything arises while we formulate a strategy to handle the situation," Aston responded, his gaze lingering on Kisha. Though her expression remained cold and indifferent, he could sense her stress¡ªthe subtle unease in her eyes gave her away. Even Aston couldn''t shake the fear and unease that settled in after hearing the report. He was certain that once this information reached the public, the survivors would be even more panicked than they were now. The urgency to resolve this issue weighed heavily on him, knowing they needed to act swiftly before things spiraled out of control. After receiving Kisha''s command and voicing his concerns, Aston saluted her before swiftly leaving. He immediately contacted his trusted subordinates, the ones who had first uncovered the situation, and instructed them to summon all the department leaders for the emergency meeting. Meanwhile, Kisha slowly ascended the stairs toward the study, her mind consumed with thoughts of how to tackle the growing problem. No matter how hard she tried, Kisha couldn''t come up with a solution to the sewer issue within the seven-day deadline. Every plan she considered required more time, and failing to resolve this would mean jeopardizing the other critical missions as well. The stakes were high, and the weight of the situation made her feel restless and frustrated. She didn''t want to blame her system again; she was simply exhausted from directing her anger at it. 008 remained silent, fearing it would be blamed once more. Kisha couldn''t bring herself to place blame on the little guy; after all, it looked just as devastated as she did whenever her missions kept piling up and growing increasingly dangerous. While Kisha was lost in thought in the study, Aston and his subordinate acted as messengers, summoning the other leaders: Mr. and Mrs. Winters, the Patriarch, Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Duke. Surprised by the call for an emergency meeting, their expressions shifted to one of solemnity and seriousness as they made their way back home. None of them asked Aston or his subordinate for details. The seriousness in Aston''s expression, despite his attempt to appear indifferent, was enough for them to anticipate the worst once again. Chapter 408 Let Me Take Care Of It Although they anticipated the worst before returning for the meeting, none of them expected that their expectations were more nuanced than they had anticipated. Aston then guided all the leaders back to the study, where Kisha was already waiting. Meanwhile, Aston''s subordinates stood guard outside the villa entrance to ensure that no one would interrupt the important meeting. Not that anyone would actually have the nerve to barge into the City Lord''s villa, but they were simply following protocol and couldn''t afford to relax during such a critical time. Inside the study, as everyone arrived, Kisha stood up and gestured for them to sit. Duke approached her, and, as if by habit, they wordlessly agreed¡ªDuke took the leather chair, while Kisha sat on his lap. No one paid much attention, as they had long grown accustomed to it. Their expressions remained serious, unaffected by this brief interlude. Once Kisha sat on Duke''s lap, she seemed more at ease, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, and her expression softened a little. With a clearer mind, Kisha initiated the meeting. "I called everyone here for an emergency discussion because Aston and his subordinates have uncovered a problem that could significantly jeopardize our safety, as well as everyone else''s." Her opening remarks were enough to darken everyone''s expressions even further. While they had anticipated hearing something like this, they couldn''t help but hold their breath in anticipation of what she would say next. And sure enough, Kisha never failed to heighten everyone''s anxiety with her suspenseful revelation. "Aston''s team has received numerous complaints about zombie growls and other disturbances in various parts of the base. However, when they went out to investigate, they found nothing nearby. Only by sheer luck did they discover that the zombies were actually flooding the sewers, likely affecting the entire sewer system in City B." Kisha then took a deep, shaky breath, and not just her¡ªeveryone in the room felt their breath hitch in horror upon hearing this news. They had all been going about their duties around the base, blissfully unaware and believing they were safe behind the walls, with defenses and personnel securing the perimeter. The realization that a threat lurked just below their feet was both alarming and terrifying. Just when they thought that was everything, Kisha continued. "But that''s not our only problem. Alongside the zombies down there, there are also mutant rats that could easily spread deadly diseases and pose a threat of biting survivors, potentially turning them into zombies." "This requires immediate action on our part. However, I can''t halt the wall construction, so Sparrow and Vulture''s teams will have to continue with their current tasks." Aston was surprised to learn about the additional threat of mutant rats, but everyone assumed that Kisha had discovered this by sending the Scarlet Bees to scout the sewers for a clearer understanding of the situation. After Rose awakened her dual ability, Kisha no longer sent Bell with the advance team. With Sparrow''s firepower drastically increased by the addition of Evelyn and Rose, their combination was already deadly on its own. Kisha felt relieved that she had chosen not to send Bell, as her assistance was needed more at the base than with Sparrow''s team. However, she still sent Zeus to help guard the five STAUs, allowing Sparrow, Evelyn, and Rose to concentrate on leading and protecting the entire advance team without worrying about the vulnerable STAUs. After all, Zeus had demonstrated great restraint during their last mission, focusing solely on protecting the STAUs without causing any issues for Bell. Kisha felt confident that sending Zeus with Sparrow and the others would not pose any problems. Because of this, Bell and the Scarlet Bees assisted with the base''s defenses, and Kisha felt confident they could hold the fort while dealing with the zombies in the sewer. The challenge now was determining how to handle that situation in the specified timeframe. "Let me handle this issue," Duke''s deep, hoarse voice caught everyone off guard. He usually stepped back to let Kisha take the spotlight, following her lead without question. As a result, they had almost forgotten how skilled and formidable Duke''s leadership could be when it came to missions and confronting enemies. Now that he was stepping up to handle the cleanup of the sewers, a shiver ran through their bodies at the sound of his voice, reminding them of his prowess. Duke then turned to Kisha, still lounging nonchalantly in the leather seat as he twirled her hair. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Do we have a timeframe I need to consider for this mission?" he asked, directing his question at Kisha. He knew that her tasks and missions often came with deadlines, which was why she always seemed to be in a rush. "Seven days." Kisha''s response was precise. She looked at Duke, trying to decipher his thoughts, but his expression made it difficult to read anything. One thing was certain, though: Duke exuded complete confidence in his ability to complete the mission, no matter the challenges ahead. It seemed that he had already formulated a plan for completing the mission. "Will you assign some warriors to my team to help with this job?" Duke asked Kisha directly, as if they were discussing household chores. He appeared relaxed and confident. "How about I let you choose your own team?" Kisha replied, feeling reassured by Duke''s reaction and his unwavering confidence. With a sense of comfort and safety in his presence, she began to match his pace. "Then how about letting me borrow some of Vulture''s earth-type ability users? For the rest, I just need capable combatants who can hold their own and help me carry my supplies. How does that sound?" Duke playfully pinched Kisha''s side, prompting her to raise an eyebrow at him. His lighthearted demeanor made her skeptical, but she reminded herself that Duke always delivered impressive results. However, the Duke standing in front of her was strikingly different from the serious man she remembered, the one who took every matter¡ªno matter how small¡ªvery seriously. Perhaps that''s what responsibility and pressure do to people. Looking back, she realized that she, too, had become overly serious when reminded of her responsibilities. Now that Duke was taking this mission off her hands, she felt a sense of relief wash over her shoulders and an increasing gratitude toward him. "Then it''s settled. I''ll lead the team to clean up the sewers over the next six days, and the final day will be reserved for tying up any loose ends or dealing with the aftermath," Duke said before embracing Kisha. "But, son, wouldn''t that be really dangerous? If what Kisha said is true, then the sewers are crawling with zombies," Mrs. Winters said nervously, worry etched on her face. "Mom, I have a thousand ways to handle those zombies. I just need to assess the situation on my own first and gauge where I stand before formulating a plan." "You don''t have to worry; I have no intention of dying so soon. After all, I have a beautiful wife waiting for me to come home, and this is my chance to impress her." Kisha''s face flushed red, and everyone could see that Duke had seized the opportunity to show off his relationship with her. Aston could only clear his throat and avert his gaze, while the Patriarch chuckled heartily in his seat, clearly amused. Chapter 409 Look For The Blueprint Of The Sewer System "That''s my grandson for you!" The patriarch had become increasingly amiable after these family gatherings, laughing more often. Perhaps it was because he was now anticipating a great-grandson from his favorite grandson, whom he had worried about for so long, believing he would never settle down and start a family of his own. It was amusing to see him acting like a fool for his wife, and the patriarch thoroughly enjoyed witnessing his once-stoic and indifferent grandson breaking out of his shell. Duke wore a smirk as Kisha turned around to glare at him, clearly annoyed yet shy, while he reveled in the attention from his wife. Despite her reproachful gaze, he couldn''t help but smile happily. Mr. Winters could only shake his head in defeat at his son''s antics. Mrs. Winters playfully pinched Mr. Winters on the sides of his stomach before whispering, "Don''t act as if you''ve never behaved like that when you were younger." She said teasingly. Mr. Winters cleared his throat, pretending not to hear his wife, and averted his gaze while pursing his lips. "But first, I need to know where the blueprint for the city''s sewer system is. Do you know where it is, Aston?" Duke''s smirk was replaced by a serious expression as he turned his attention to Aston. Kisha''s expression also changed the moment she heard Duke''s words. It was crucial to have a clear understanding of the sewer system''s layout to ensure they didn''t overlook any critical areas. This knowledge would enable them to clean the sewers more effectively and efficiently, especially since they were racing against time. Aston shared this line of thought, falling into deep contemplation. Although he wasn''t a local of City B, he had been stationed there long enough to gather crucial information about the city and its defenses. He understood the importance of being prepared in case the city''s security was compromised and he needed to lead and evacuate the leaders of key sectors. Familiarity with the sewer system was essential, as it provided one of their possible escape routes. If I remember correctly, there are two copies of the sewer system blueprint. One is in the waste management building located outside the city, while the other should be in the central hall, as it was recently presented to us," Aston said decisively. "I''ll lead you to where it''s stored so you can examine it," Aston said, gesturing for Duke to follow him as he took the lead. "Then I''ll go and select the best warriors from my team to accompany you outside, or I could join you myself," Vulture offered, stepping forward to assist Duke. "No, you need to continue leading the defense team in building the new wall''s perimeter and cleaning up. When Sparrow and his team arrive with the cargo trailers, you need to be prepared so you can quickly erect the walls." "Your project is just as time-sensitive as this one and directly related to the base''s defenses; we can''t compromise either," Duke firmly replied, shooting down Vulture''s suggestion. He recognized Vulture''s eagerness to work under him, knowing that Vulture was one of his own men whom he had raised and trained as a valuable foundation for his force. Now, their efforts were bearing fruit, with both Vulture and Sparrow gradually developing their own teams and training them¡ªessentially becoming leaders themselves. As leaders, they needed to stand beside their subordinates, training them with their own sweat and blood to ensure their growth. Sparrow and Vulture couldn''t always linger in Duke''s shadow; they had to step up and lead on their own. At the same time, following Duke had become second nature for Sparrow and Vulture; it was what they were meant to do from the very beginning. While Duke and Kisha could still command their loyalty as their leaders, they now had greater responsibilities and needed to grow as individuals to prepare for the bigger battles ahead. They couldn''t face these challenges alone or be the only ones training and leading the people. That''s why Sparrow, Vulture, Aston, Tristan, and the others needed to step up and contribute more to support the entire team. Now that Tristan was mentioned, it was important to note that he wasn''t at the meeting because he was currently in the dungeons of villa #5, where the Coltons were confined. He was torturing them one by one; when one of them was on the brink of death, he would stop the torture and send them for treatment before moving on to the next. Unsurprisingly, the most tormented among them was none other than the Young Master of the Coltons, who had led and ordered his people to commit acts against the Winters. Of course, Tristan''s actions had Duke''s approval. With Duke occupied with matters around the base, he didn''t have the time to personally oversee the torture in the dungeon, so he sent his personal assistant to carry out the task. This ensured that the Coltons would never forget the horror they were enduring and would remain trapped in their nightmares. At the same time, they closely monitored each of them to see if anyone was on the verge of awakening, ensuring they wouldn''t be blindsided by any potential threats. Tristan was also careful to gradually break the Coltons'' mentality through his torture, the echoes of their horror-stricken shouts reverberating through the damp, gloomy confines of the dungeon. One of the guards assigned to monitor the Coltons and the former Minister of Defense held captive in the dungeon was none other than Reeve''s former member from his teen idol group before the apocalypse. Recently rescued by Kisha, he had ash-blond hair and deep blue eyes that sparkled with allure, accentuated by a teardrop mole next to his left eye. Kisha had granted him permission to serve as a guard in the dungeon because she recognized that he harbored a demon in his heart. If he couldn''t let go of it, that demon would only grow and impede his development. Kisha was concerned for him because he had immense potential, just like Reeve and Clyde. She couldn''t bear to see his potential wasted by the hatred and resentment consuming his heart and soul. Right now, this teenager was like a vengeful ghost, determined to stop at nothing to exact his revenge. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Because Kisha had been the one to save him, he saw her as his only salvation, the lone light in his darkest moments. He was more than willing to confront the demon in his heart, feeling unworthy to even stand beside Kisha, as he saw himself as tainted. To calm himself, he took a grim satisfaction in hearing the tortured screams of the man who had once tormented him, nearly destroying both his body and soul. This small taste of revenge wasn''t enough to fully satisfy his desire for justice, but Kisha''s promise that he could exact his own revenge once Duke was finished kept him patient. In the meantime, he diligently guarded the cells, ensuring that none of these wretched souls could escape the living hell that awaited them before they died of the most gruesome death possible. Who would have imagined that this teenager was once the beloved teen idol, always playful and full of joy, adored by many? Now, his expression was deadly, his bottomless eyes sending chills through anyone who looked at him, and the small curve of his lips made him appear eerie despite his striking features. His appearance had also changed¡ªhe now looked like a living incubus, with a beauty capable of toppling a city. His androgynous figure, still not fully developed, allowed him to easily pass as either male or female. Chapter 410 Searching For The Blueprint Back at Duke''s side, after everyone reluctantly agreed to assign him the mission of cleaning the sewers, concerns still lingered, especially from his mother. Nonetheless, they all returned to their respective offices to resume their work. Meanwhile, Duke sent Kisha and Vulture to continue their task on the construction of the new wall, as time was of the essence; they had only seven days left to complete it, and significant progress still needed to be made. Aston and Duke made their way to the central hall, heading straight to the archive where officials stored all important files and documents. This archive primarily housed the city''s blueprints and project information, along with details on some less critical military operations related to the city''s defense and security. Having been there before, Aston navigated the archive with ease, ensuring that no one interfered with their efforts. They spent two hours scouring the archive, just the two of them. "This is strange! Why isn''t it here?!" Aston exclaimed wearily, collapsing onto the floor, surrounded by towering boxes of files. "Maybe you''re not the only one who considered using the blueprint as an escape route," Duke replied nonchalantly, as if the absence of the blueprint posed no threat to him at all. "What do we do now? If someone really took the sewer blueprint, they must have perished down there while trying to escape. We have no idea how long the sewers have been overrun with zombies," Aston said, his shoulders sagging in defeat. He couldn''t come up with a solution to address this problem. "Even if that''s the case, we still don''t know where the blueprint is now. It wouldn''t be wise for either of us¡ªor anyone, for that matter¡ªto venture down there blindly in search of it. That would defeat the purpose of wanting the blueprint in the first place if I end up in the sewers without any understanding of the system." "What are your plans, then?" Aston asked, nodding in agreement with Duke''s assessment. "If they maintain an archive, they must also have it in their digital system," Duke explained. "That way, if the hard copy of the blueprint is misplaced, they can still access it when necessary." "But that would be the most challenging approach to take," Aston replied. "You know how stringent the security is for government systems. Accessing one vault usually requires specific codes from designated sectors, and we have no idea where to find the blueprint. We might end up needing to open multiple vaults just to locate it. Should we go and consult the Minister of Defense about this?" "Why would we even need him?" "First of all, he''s a government official and likely has access to various parts of the vault. He could be our best shot at this," Aston explained as he gradually stood up, brushing off his bottom to remove the dust. "If you do that, he''ll realize we need his help for something significant. He won''t hesitate to make it difficult for us and will likely try to leverage it to his advantage. I dislike being threatened above all else," Duke said coldly, his heavy, intimidating presence making it clear to Aston that he was firmly opposed to seeking out the former Minister of Defense. "But who should we turn to for help in cracking the government system?" Aston asked, feeling defeated. He had run out of ideas, as every suggestion he made was dismissed by Duke, leaving him at a loss for solutions. Heading to waste management also seems like a long shot, especially since it''s outside the city. That would mean Duke would need to venture out of the base with a team. If they truly had no other options, it might be their only solution, but for now, they should focus on finding the blueprint within the base. "Why search high and low when I''m right here?" Duke said, a hint of impatience in his voice. "Just show me where the main server is, and I''ll take care of the rest." He didn''t feel the need to elaborate further; Aston''s constant questioning was wasting valuable time, and Duke was eager to move forward with his plan. Aston''s eyes lit up at Duke''s suggestion. "Of course! How could I forget about you?" he exclaimed. "I''ve been fretting over all these significant details when we have you¡ªthe genius among geniuses!" He let out a hearty laugh, excitement bubbling over as he eagerly led Duke out of the archive. Aston led Duke to the main computer in the central hall, which was connected to the government server. As Duke settled into the chair and began typing, he quickly encountered the stringent security measures in place, blocking his access. Undeterred, he pressed on, fingers flying over the keyboard. Before long, the black screen of the command prompt appeared, and Duke expertly navigated the system, bypassing the security protocols. He focused intently as he worked to decrypt the encrypted login code that had been requested. Duke was utilizing a backdoor in the government system, one that his company had developed for them and which was also linked to the military. This connection made him familiar with the backdoor''s existence. It had been strategically placed to facilitate quick access when the government required his company''s assistance for security checks or maintenance. This way, they wouldn''t need to disturb the top brass for their security codes to access the system. Even without the backdoor, Duke was confident in his ability to hack into the system; the backdoor merely streamlined the process, allowing him to bypass the more challenging task of breaching the mainframe from scratch. Thanks to this advantage, he gained access within an hour, methodically opening one vault after another in search of the sewer system''s blueprint. Aston watched in awe from the sidelines, his eyes wide with astonishment. Duke''s fingers seemed to dance across the keyboard, moving with such speed and precision that it felt almost surreal. Despite the intensity of the task, Duke remained completely indifferent, his expression cool and detached, as if he were casually browsing through mundane files instead of breaking through layers of government security. The contrast between Aston''s amazement and Duke''s near boredom only made the scene more striking, as Duke continued his search through the system with unyielding focus. Before long, Duke successfully retrieved a copy of the blueprint, revealing the vast and intricate layout of the sewer system. Aston stared at the detailed design in disbelief; he couldn''t possibly memorize every single part of it. That''s why he had refrained from attempting to redraw what he saw and remembered¡ªgetting lost in such a labyrinthine network was all too easy. Even the engineers responsible for maintaining the sewers had to carry a copy of their designated sector, as navigating through the facility felt like traversing a complex maze. Duke studied the blueprint intently, his gaze meticulously scanning every nook and cranny of the sewer system as if he were committing it to memory. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His focus was unwavering, and he absorbed the intricate details, determined to grasp the layout thoroughly. ''He can''t be memorizing it, can he?'' Aston wondered as he glanced between the screen and Duke, who remained silent and focused. He didn''t dare disturb Duke now; he understood just how intimidating Duke could be¡ªespecially when he wasn''t in Hera''s presence. Chapter 411 Who Is The Wife? Despite being heirs to their respective families and Aston having military backgrounds, Aston still felt a sense of reserve around Duke. Everyone knew how ruthless he could be, and that reputation weighed heavily in the air, making Aston wary of provoking him. After only twenty minutes of studying the digital blueprint of the sewers, Duke nodded thoughtfully, as if a realization had struck him. Aston watched, puzzled, unable to decipher the expression on Duke''s indifferent face or grasp what was going on in his mind. It was clear that Duke was making connections and formulating a plan, but Aston felt completely in the dark about his thoughts. Aston had no choice but to wait, hoping Duke would eventually share his findings¡ªif he even planned to explain anything at all. After a few more minutes of intense silence, Duke calmly logged off the system''s mainframe and, without a word, began walking away, leaving Aston standing there, still in the dark. "That''s it? Are we not even going to print the blueprint, or are you not going to share anything?" Aston blurted out, his curiosity overcoming the usual restraint he maintained around Duke. The complexity of the sewer system, combined with Duke''s nonchalant attitude, was making him anxious. He couldn''t understand how Duke could remain so calm when things seemed far from certain. The reason Aston wasn''t frantic, but rather just curious, was because he knew Duke had the skills to back up his calm demeanor. Still, the uncertainty of the situation was unnerving. Not knowing what Duke had planned left a stirring in his stomach, an unsettling feeling as he tried to piece together what Duke might do next. Duke, without acknowledging Aston''s inquiry, continued moving forward as if he hadn''t heard him. He headed straight toward where Kisha and Vulture were working. The two were still busy clearing the path, and by now, they had managed to clear nearly a third of the perimeter outside the current wall. Duke''s focus remained unshaken, his stride purposeful, leaving Aston to trail behind, still seeking answers. The moment Kisha spotted Duke approaching, she immediately paused her work, leaving Vulture and the others to continue clearing the scattered vehicles and cleaning up the charred remains of zombies littering the streets. "How did it go? Did you find the blueprint?" Kisha asked as she approached Duke. Her smile widened as she noticed his calm, unbothered demeanor. It was clear to her that Duke had already pieced together a plan in his mind and was ready to take action without delay. "If you''re looking for the team you''ll be heading out with, just take a glance behind you," Kisha said with a knowing smile, winking at Duke. "I figured you''d be coming to ask about them as soon as you finished up with whatever you needed to check." Duke''s usual indifferent expression softened into a doting smile. "My wife always knows me best," he said warmly, ruffling Kisha''s hair. He turned to look behind him, and as expected, more than a dozen warriors were standing there, waiting. Several of them made brief eye contact with Duke, and immediately straightened their posture upon meeting his gaze, their respect evident. "When are you leaving?" Kisha asked again, watching Duke as he continued to assess the team behind him. Duke finally tore his gaze away from the warriors, turning back to meet Kisha''s clear, expectant eyes. "Right now," he replied calmly, "but there are things I need to check first before making any final arrangements." Kisha tilted her head to the side, falling into deep contemplation. She furrowed her brows, her mind racing as she weighed the implications of Duke''s impending mission. After a moment, she looked back at him, and Duke, ever patient, waited for her to speak. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He studied her face, noting the subtle shifts in her expression¡ªthe way her lips pressed together when she was deep in thought and the flicker of concern in her eyes. "Is there anything else you need for your mission?" Kisha asked, her tone laced with genuine concern. She wanted to ensure that Duke was as prepared as possible, hoping to make his mission smoother and less perilous. The thought of not being with him weighed heavily on her mind, amplifying her desire to contribute in any way she could. She knew firsthand the dangers they might encounter, and the last thing she wanted was for him to face them unprepared. "I wish I could be there to help, but since I can''t, I want to make sure you have everything you might need to lighten the burden and reduce the risks." Duke shook his head initially, but paused thoughtfully before continuing. "How about I borrow the drones you have? They would definitely aid my team''s scouting efforts, especially in the absence of Sparrow or the Scarlet Bees." He offered a reassuring smile, hoping to ease any lingering worries Kisha might have. Kisha chuckled, realizing just how many drones she had in her inventory. They were rarely used, as she relied on the Scarlet Bees and Sparrow for scouting. Without Duke''s reminder, those drones would have likely remained dormant in her inventory, gathering virtual dust. It was a good thing he had brought it up; now she could put them to good use. "Aside from the drones, I think some extra batteries and military biscuits should suffice. We want to keep our load as light as possible," Duke added, carefully considering what would be essential for the mission. "Are you not planning to bring a truck?" Kisha asked, a knowing look in her eyes as if she could sense Duke''s intentions. Aston stood just behind Duke, feeling out of the loop and confused by their exchange, as if he were the only one not privy to their unspoken understanding. "No, I don''t want the zombies trailing us, as that would only complicate our mission," Duke replied, pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts. "To streamline things for my team, I''d like to request my wife''s help in preparing some drone batteries and additional supplies at a rendezvous point. This way, my team and I won''t have to return to the base to replenish our supplies, which will help us save time as we navigate the city on foot." Duke explained, his tone firm yet measured. Even without his detailed explanation, Kisha seemed to intuitively grasp Duke''s plan. Her eyes sparkled, transforming into crescent shapes as she nodded enthusiastically. "Consider it done." Kisha and Duke made their way back inside the base to gear up before heading out. Vulture nodded in agreement, saluting to his master with a playful seriousness that resembled a concerned wife. He nagged Duke lightly, ensuring his master would stay safe and avoid any actions that might endanger his life. Only when Vulture saw Duke nod in exasperation, clearly growing tired of his incessant nagging, did he finally relent and return to his own duties. Vulture was even more nagging than Kisha, prompting her to chuckle playfully as she glanced at Duke, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Who was your wife?" Kisha teased, raising an eyebrow as she playfully probed Duke. He simply played along, enjoying the lighthearted banter. This atmosphere was far more refreshing than Kisha getting worried and concerned for his safety, which would then cast a shadow over their conversations. Chapter 412 Space Type Item Kisha focused on preparing large military bags for each member of Duke''s team inside their villa, efficiently packing essential supplies. Meanwhile, Duke gathered his team just outside the villa''s training ground, briefing them on their mission and strategy. Kisha ensured that each bag contained a drone, allowing the team to easily swap them out if needed. Given that it was their first day in unfamiliar territory, it was crucial for them to familiarize themselves with the location and understand their surroundings. Having multiple drones on hand was essential for effective scouting, as relying on just one or two would not be sufficient. After ensuring that each bag contained a drone, Kisha packed them with black and blue vials of liquid, military biscuits, water, and energy bars. The weight of the bags wasn''t a concern; what mattered was utilizing every inch of space. Since everyone accompanying Duke were awakened superhumans, they were far stronger than normal humans and could easily carry bags weighing several dozen kilos without issue. Kisha meticulously filled every nook and cranny, knowing their enhanced abilities would make the load manageable. She also packed a change of clothes, stamina boosters, coffee candies, essential medicines, and anything else she could think of that might be useful during their mission. If she could fit the entire villa into the bags, she probably would have tried, wanting to ensure they had everything they might need while out in the field. ''If only I could give my husband a space-type accessory, then I wouldn''t have to worry about all of this,'' Kisha thought wistfully as she stuffed the last few items into the bags. "Actually, host, such items do exist in the Murim world¡ªspace rings or bracelets. And the higher the continent''s realm, the more common these items become," 008 suddenly interjected, his voice breaking through her thoughts unexpectedly. "Really?!" Kisha''s eyes lit up with excitement after hearing 008''s revelation. The thought of Duke having a space item thrilled her, as it meant she could stop worrying about packing everything perfectly. With a space ring or bracelet, Duke could carry everything he might need, and she could give him supplies without the limitations of space. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Host, I would never lie to you. Let me go ahead and search for the item right away, and I''ll report back with its price as soon as I find out." 008 reassured her, as if puffing its chest with pride. Kisha, filled with excitement, eagerly nodded and paused what she was doing. Instead of packing, she began making a checklist of everything she would put in Duke''s space ring once she got her hands on it. ''Wait, I should check my system points balance first so I can be ready when 008 reports back,'' Kisha thought, pausing mid-action. She didn''t want to get too ahead of herself without knowing if she had enough points to make the purchase. Better to be prepared for anything. ... [Current System Points: 420,000] [Current Achievement Points: 4,500] ... ''I think this should be enough?'' Kisha mused, but her confidence wavered as she recalled how expensive items from the murim world tended to be. She then remembered another pressing issue¡ªupgrading the rest of the facilities in her territory pack. The number of animals was growing rapidly, and it would soon become suspicious if she kept sending meat to the Supply Center daily without any animal facility to back it up. Since she hadn''t brought in any live animals from the outside for breeding yet, constantly sending meat to the Supply Center was becoming increasingly risky. Her only option now was to upgrade the facilities inside her territory space, especially as the animal population continued to grow. While Duke and his team were occupied outside, Kisha sat anxiously on the couch, waiting for 008''s report. She had paused her frantic packing of supplies for Duke, her mind racing with anticipation. Since she had already finished packing the bags, which Duke and his team could grab whenever they were ready, Kisha''s thoughts shifted entirely to the space item 008 had mentioned. The idea of acquiring it became irresistible. With a space item, Duke wouldn''t need to set up a rendezvous point for resupply. Instead, he could store all the necessary provisions and retrieve them at will, making excuses as needed. This would not only save time but also make the mission more efficient, allowing them to complete the cleanup faster without unnecessary delays. After weighing the pros and cons, Kisha nodded to herself, feeling reassured about her decision. She realized there was no need to hesitate about her spending; acquiring the space item would benefit both her and Duke in their work. Unlike before, when she constantly worried about her limited system points and could only purchase essentials, she now had enough to buy almost anything she desired. This newfound freedom made her feel more empowered to support her husband in their mission. As Kisha waited for 008, her stomach churned with increasing anxiety. She knew Duke was likely wrapping up his briefing with the team and would be returning with them any moment now. However, now that she had an idea about the space item, her determination to acquire it for Duke before he left only grew stronger. Then, Kisha saw Duke enter through the front door, his team following closely behind, all sporting serious yet determined expressions. She felt her shoulders slump, and her gaze dropped to the floor. Duke, noticing Kisha''s intense disappointment, raised an eyebrow in question, which quickly shifted to a frown. He began to wonder if he had unintentionally offended his wife or if she simply didn''t want him to leave the base. However, he quickly recalled that they had been perfectly fine just moments before. Relieved that it likely wasn''t about him or his departure, he nonetheless felt a pang of concern over her sudden change in mood. Stepping closer, he ruffled her hair affectionately, hoping to reassure her with his gentle touch. "Are you okay?" Duke asked, concern lacing his voice. "Um," Kisha replied simply, yet she held onto Duke''s hand tightly. Suddenly, 008''s cheerful voice broke through the moment. "Host, I''m back!" Kisha''s eyes brightened, and before Duke could process what was happening, she had already tugged him up the stairs. "You guys check the bags. My husband and I just need to discuss some couple matters," she said dismissively, her tone indicating that the conversation was no longer up for debate. ''Is the Vice City Lord in trouble?'' everyone wondered as they watched Kisha and Duke disappear up the stairs. No one had the answers to their unspoken questions; they could only comply with Kisha''s directive. Gathering in the corner, each team member picked up a bag and began to inspect its contents. To their relief, they found that their City Lord had meticulously arranged everything. While the bags contained only military biscuits for their food, they were grateful for the sustenance¡ªbetter than facing the mission on an empty stomach or not being sure if they had something to eat while running around. Moreover, they could always conduct their own supply run while they were out, searching for additional food options like cup noodles and other necessities, along with some mineral water to keep them refreshed. ______ Chapter 413 008s Sale Strategy The moment Duke and Kisha stepped into their room, Kisha quickly teleported them into her territory space, ensuring they had more privacy to discuss matters without the pressure of time. As soon as they arrived in the lush forest, Duke let out a sultry chuckle. "What''s on your mind, wifey? Can''t bear to let me go just yet?" He stepped closer, gently cupping her fair cheeks with his hands. "How about two rounds before I head out? Or maybe just one?" His eyebrows raised playfully, a teasing glint in his eyes. Kisha playfully jabbed Duke in the stomach, eliciting a hearty guffaw from him. He had been trying to lighten her mood, unable to bear the sight of her disappointment, even if it wasn''t aimed at him. The pang of concern tugged at him, reminding him just how much he cared for her happiness. Kisha scanned the area for a suitable spot to sit and talk, her gaze landing on a fallen tree nearby. She led Duke over to it, and they settled down together. As she reached out to 008, Duke sensed her silence and gave her the space she needed, patiently waiting for her to speak. He noticed her eyes glaze over, a clear sign that she was communicating with 008. Though he didn''t fully understand the nature of her connection, he recognized that her unfocused expression often meant she was engaged with her status window. "008, how did it go?" Kisha asked eagerly through their mind link. "I''ve confirmed that there are indeed such items available in one of my sales channels, host," 008 replied. "Great! What about the price? If it''s reasonable, let''s buy it ASAP!" Kisha said decisively. Without hesitation, 008 displayed a list of all the items it found from its sales channel, showcasing the options in front of Kisha. ... [Space Ring] [Description: Cultivators often need to traverse various terrains to gather materials essential for their growth and strength. As they progress, the demand for resources¡ªbe it spiritual herbs, beast cores, or other valuable items¡ªonly increases. Traditional bags can be cumbersome and limiting, leading to the creation of the ''Space Item'' by powerful heavenly blacksmiths. This remarkable accessory can accommodate as much as a mansion, offering unparalleled convenience and mobility. Grade: Rare Type: Accessory Space Capacity: 100 cubic meters ] [Price: 200,000 system points] ... Kisha''s eyes widened as she read the price, and she nearly choked on her saliva, her complexion paling. The space ring was even more expensive than her own territory pack, and yet 008 had mentioned it was a common item on some continents in the murim world. ''How can my territory pack be cheaper than this? It''s far more useful!'' she thought, grinding her teeth in frustration. It felt as though the system was robbing her blind. "Host, that''s way too much!" 008 chimed in, its voice filled with a mix of indignation and reason. "It''s true that your territory pack was cheaper, but that was because we got it from a limited sale corner in the mall points store. We essentially snagged a deal! This one, however, isn''t part of any limited sale, so we have to pay the actual price." Kisha could almost picture 008 pouting as it explained itself in an aggrieved tone. "Besides," 008 continued, "Even though I mentioned that it''s a common item in the murim world, the cheaper versions are still worth millions in their currency. This is because creating a space item like this requires not only exceptional skill but also a high level of cultivation." "Common-grade space items can only be crafted by seventh-grade spiritual blacksmiths," 008 explained. "Now, just imagine the grade of craftsmanship required for a rare-grade item like this. This is already a steal for us! The space capacity rivals that of the Space Type Ability Users. While it may not be upgradable, it can still store a significant amount and is far better than nothing at all." 008 concluded with an enthusiastic sales pitch. After all, 008 was dedicated to its role, ensuring that important items were bought and sold, which would ultimately benefit both itself and Kisha¡ªa true win-win situation. "Moreover, host, I''ve handpicked the best of the best from all the space-type items available in my sales channel," 008 added confidently. And 008 was right. As Kisha scrolled down past the first item, she noticed several alternatives. While they were significantly cheaper, the limited storage space was a glaring drawback. One item, priced at only 50,000 points, offered a mere 10 cubic meters of space, far too little for her needs. The list included everything from Space Rings to Space Bracelets and Necklaces, showcasing a wide array of fashionable designs. Despite their aesthetic appeal, none of these options could match the utility of the rare-grade space ring. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was clear that 008 had strategically positioned the recommended item at the top of the list, ensuring it was the first thing Kisha saw. The disparity between this rare-grade space ring and the other options was striking, making it nearly impossible for her to consider anything else. Kisha narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You''re not manipulating sales, are you?" In response, 008 let out a dramatic wail, complete with crocodile tears. "Host! When have I ever scammed you out of your money?!" Its aggrieved voice echoed in Kisha''s mind, but she remained unfazed. "A few times," Kisha replied flatly, her expression and tone unwavering. This time, it was 008 that nearly choked upon hearing Kisha''s remark. It was true that it had tried to push Kisha toward more expensive products in the past, but that was only because she had always been so stingy. It was understandable, given that she used to earn very few system points¡ªoften less than 10,000. The most she had ever accumulated throughout her rebirth was 30,000. Only in this life had she managed to gather a million points. Now, with Kisha''s spending habits having shifted dramatically, 008 found itself in a different situation. No longer at the bottom of the rankings, it had also been upgraded to Level 5 due to Kisha''s recent purchases. Given this new status, there was no point in trying to sell her anything unnecessary. "But, host, even without my nudging, you''ve been buying things on your own now! You''re spending more frequently than ever without needing my encouragement. As you know, I still need to make a living by selling items. Since you''re already making purchases without my coaxing, there''s really no need for me to pressure you into anything," 008 argued, attempting to explain its perspective. "And if you''d like, I can show you the entire list of space-type items. I only selected the most affordable and practical options for you. That rare-grade item could disappear in an instant, especially since others might snatch it up the moment they see it," 008 added, its tone still defensive. As soon as Kisha heard that the space ring might be sold, she didn''t hesitate to make the purchase. [Do you want to buy the Space Ring for 200,000 system points?] [Yes] or [No] She immediately clicked "Yes" the moment the option appeared, feeling an urgency as if the process was moving too slowly. Panic gripped her; she feared she might actually lose the space ring. But as soon as the purchase was confirmed, a wave of clarity washed over her. It was as if she suddenly understood the mind of an impulsive buyer. Before she could unleash a tirade of angry curses and shouts directed at 008 for pressuring her, 008 had already slipped into the recesses of her mind, happily counting its earnings from the sale. Chapter 414 The Misunderstanding Feeling the frustration build with no outlet, Kisha took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to calm herself. After all, she had already secured the item she wanted. As for the points, she knew she could earn them back¡ªespecially with so many missions queued up in her mission tab, ready to be cleared. She reassured herself that she hadn''t lost out and, in fact, had gained something valuable. After calming herself down a few more times, Kisha retrieved the space ring from her inventory, finally ready to examine her latest purchase. The space ring appeared as a deep, blood-red jade encased in intricate gold engravings, giving it a fashionable and eye-catching allure. As it materialized in her hand, it instantly caught Duke''s attention. His eyes lit up with delight, a playful crinkle forming at their corners as he perked up, clearly captivated by the item. ''So, my little wife is trying to propose to me, huh?'' Duke mused, a smirk tugging at his lips. ''Is that why she''s been so serious and quiet all this time? She''s been gathering the courage to do it.'' He kept his gaze fixed on the ring in Kisha''s hand, waiting patiently for her to speak, though his mind raced with amusement and curiosity. ''It must be that,'' Duke thought, his grin widening. ''She''s afraid of sending me off without making her feelings clear. If only I had known, I would''ve proposed first. As a man, it''s my duty to reassure her and take that step.'' He paused, his thoughts shifting. ''But... being on this side of things doesn''t feel so bad after all.'' By the time Kisha turned to face him, Duke was already grinning from ear to ear, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. ''Did he already know what this is?'' Kisha wondered, noticing the eager look in Duke''s eyes. Both of them were caught in their own assumptions¡ªDuke thinking Kisha was preparing to propose, while Kisha assumed he was simply admiring the item. With their minds running in completely different directions, a misunderstanding was born, though neither realized it. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They both continued to indulge in their separate thoughts, unaware of the growing disconnect. "I want you to have this Space Ring," Kisha said, her voice steady as she presented the ring to Duke. Slowly, she slid it onto his ring finger. The atmosphere grew thick with unspoken tension. Duke swallowed hard, his throat dry, as he watched her with wide eyes. The act felt far too intimate, almost ceremonial as if she were making a vow at the altar. His heart raced, and in that moment, Duke felt like he was floating on cloud nine, utterly convinced that this was her way of proposing. Duke''s grin froze, and his expression crumbled as her words sank in. ''Wait, what?! Space Ring?'' His mind raced as he replayed her words. ''Not a wedding ring? Not even an engagement ring?'' Before he could fully process the realization, Kisha continued. "Please put a drop of your blood on the ring so it can recognize you as its owner," she explained, her tone matter-of-fact. "Once it''s bound to you, you''ll have 100 cubic meters of storage space. You can think about how to use it effectively while you''re out there. With this Space Ring, I''d feel more reassured sending you outside without me." Duke blinked, his mind spinning between disappointment and confusion, realizing this wasn''t the romantic gesture he had imagined. Kisha continued to talk, but Duke''s mind had flatlined the moment he realized this wasn''t a proposal¡ªit was just a Space Ring for storing items during his missions outside the base. Her words faded into the background as his initial disappointment settled in. But after a few beats, Duke composed himself, schooling his expression and calming his thoughts. ''A Space Ring isn''t something easily acquired,'' he reminded himself. ''The fact that she''s giving it to me means she''s truly worried. She wants to make sure I''m prepared for everything out there.'' Looking down at the beautiful ring on his finger, he stroked it thoughtfully, his mood lifting. A soft smile spread across his face, and without missing a beat, he leaned over and gave Kisha a light peck on the cheek. Duke''s smile was genuine, with a hint of a boyish grin as if he were making a heartfelt vow. "I''m really happy to receive this, wifey. I''ll make sure to treasure your gift," he said softly, his eyes sparkling with sincerity. "And I''ll do my best to meet your expectations." The way he spoke, it felt like more than just a promise¡ªit was a pact made in the quiet space between them, filled with unspoken affection. Kisha''s mood brightened as she watched Duke genuinely appreciate the Space Ring she had chosen for him. It made her feel that all those points were truly worth it, especially for someone like him. Her heart swelled with warmth as she savored the moment they shared, basking in the connection that seemed to grow deeper with every passing second. After a while, Kisha rose from the tree trunk and began to pull items from her inventory. She carefully selected supplies she intended to send with Duke to the rendezvous point: drone batteries, water, and a variety of fresh foods including meat, vegetables, fruits, canned goods, and instant noodles. She packed several options of nearly everything in her inventory, ensuring that Duke would have plenty to choose from whenever he felt hungry. She also packed essential camping gear, including a camping stove, a tent, large pots, a kettle, butane canisters, and much more. Duke couldn''t help but smile as he watched Kisha flit around, fretting over what to send him, almost as if she wanted to pack herself and accompany him. When she finished pulling out things from her inventory, she turned to Duke, eager to teach him how to use the ring after noticing him place a drop of his blood on it. The ring glowed faintly as Duke felt a connection to it, but since it was his first time using such an item, he wasn''t quite sure what to do next. "You''re doing great! Now that you''ve established a connection with the ring, relax your mind and allow yourself to feel it. The ring will guide you to the vast space within." "Once you get used to this connection, you''ll be able to mentally store and retrieve items without needing to physically take everything out. You can access whatever you want specifically," Kisha explained, drawing from her own experience with her inventory. She assumed that her system inventory and the Space Ring functioned similarly, so she shared her initial experience with her inventory¡ªhow she first connected with it and how she learned to navigate and utilize it effectively. Thanks to Kisha''s clear explanation, Duke followed her instructions and soon felt the connection take hold. As he focused, he was guided into the depths of the Space Ring, feeling its intricate bond with his very essence. With a simple flick of his wrist, everything Kisha had pulled from her inventory vanished into thin air, all stored at once. ''Ugh! What a difference between a genius and an ordinary person like me!'' Kisha thought, recalling how it had taken her multiple attempts to successfully store items in her inventory. In contrast, Duke had managed to do it in just one try, effortlessly storing everything she had gathered. Chapter 415 The Unknown Seed "Host, you''re being dramatic. You didn''t take that many tries to store things in your inventory. You''re just imagining things," 008 retorted before disappearing into the far corner of Kisha''s mind, leaving her stumped. Kisha blinked, still processing, ''Okay¡­ maybe I was exaggerating a little bit.'' ''Can''t you just humor me a bit? I was just playing around,'' Kisha pouted in her mind, sounding like a child seeking attention. In reality, she knew that to store items in her inventory, she only needed to rely on her mental capacity. The higher her mental capacity, the easier it became to store items¡ªand she could even manage larger ones. The Space Ring functioned similarly, and since Duke was already at Level 2, his mental capacity had long surpassed that of an average human. This allowed him to use the Space Ring effortlessly, without straining his mind like Kisha did. The only distinction between Kisha''s inventory and Duke''s Space Ring was that Kisha''s inventory was being facilitated by the system, while Duke operated within a standalone space. Duke began experimenting with the Space Ring, testing how quickly he could retrieve specific items. He focused on accessing and removing various supplies, contemplating how useful this ability could be in battle. In particular, he considered the practicality of swiftly grabbing crucial items like grenades or weapons when the situation demanded it. He even stored his spear inside the ring, feeling a surge of satisfaction at the thought of having it with him at all times without the hassle of carrying it on his back or in his arms. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha watched him with an approving smile as he practiced using the ring. Once Duke was finished, they were nearly ready to leave the territory. "Y-Young Madam, Young Master? I apologize for interrupting your moment..." Daisy stammered, clutching a small leather bag that hung from her left shoulder and rested against her right hip. In her other hand, she held a small notebook and a pen, which she had been using when she unexpectedly came across Duke and Kisha. Both Kisha and Duke turned to Daisy, offering her warm smiles. With their keen senses, they had noticed her approach long before she arrived. However, since they weren''t engaged in anything inappropriate for a child to witness, they decided to let it be, especially Kisha, whose heightened senses made her particularly attuned to her surroundings. "No, you didn''t disturb us at all. We were just testing out an item," Kisha replied reassuringly. An idea struck her, and she reached into her inventory, pulling out a small gift before stepping closer to Daisy. "Do you think you could plant these and study what type of plant they grow into?" Kisha asked gently, placing a small pack of seeds into Daisy''s hands. "It would be a great project for you! Maybe you could even ask your grandfather for help. He might know how to make sure the plant stays healthy and adapts well to its new environment." Kisha watched as Daisy''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Just imagine how rewarding it will be to nurture something from a tiny seed into a beautiful plant! Plus, it''s a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about botany and the environment." Daisy nodded enthusiastically, her expression filled with determination. "I will! I can''t wait to see what it turns into!" "Exactly!" Kisha encouraged, smiling warmly. "And don''t forget to take notes on its growth process. You might discover something really interesting along the way. Just remember to give it plenty of sunlight and water!" Kisha just recalled receiving an ''Unknown Seed'' during her last sudden hiden mission after the zombie raid, which she hadn''t yet investigated. She realized that since Daisy''s talents and gifts were related to plants, she might be the perfect person to study the seed and uncover its secrets. This could be an exciting opportunity for Daisy to explore her abilities further. It would also help her become more familiar with her abilities. The moment Daisy saw the seeds, her eyes sparkled like stars, and she eagerly took them from Kisha''s hands, her curiosity ignited. She examined the small packet closely, marveling at the potential hidden within. "Thank you, Young Madam!" Daisy exclaimed, bowing deeply before dashing off, clutching the seed tightly. Her excitement bubbled over as she thought about starting her study and enlisting Marcus''s help. With his ''Green Thumb'' gift, he could ensure the seed thrived in its new environment, making it even more resilient. Once Daisy discovered the type of plant and its growth requirements, she would gain a deeper understanding of its nature and optimal planting conditions. Once it bore more seeds, she could decide where to cultivate it next. Fortunately, they had bees nearby, which would assist in pollinating the plant, helping it mature and produce even more seeds. Just the thought of all the possibilities made Daisy giggle with excitement as she skipped back to her grandfather, her joy palpable. Kisha couldn''t help but smile at Daisy''s exuberance, as if she had discovered a delightful new toy. She also found herself hoping the seed would turn out to be one of the herbs she''d need for the stamina booster recipe she anticipated receiving from an ongoing mission. Any useful herb would be a welcome addition to her inventory. When Duke noticed Kisha''s excitement, it was contagious, and he couldn''t help but chuckle softly. The two of them then left the territory space and made their way back down to where Duke''s team was waiting. Without wasting any time, Duke led his team out of the villa. Each member had a large military bag strapped to their backs, while Duke carried none himself. No one found it unfair; they understood that he would be at the forefront, leading them into whatever challenges lay ahead. Kisha watched from the Eastern gate as Duke and his team sprinted into the city, expertly navigating the chaos around them. They fought off zombies with agility and precision, their movements synchronized as they worked together. From the watchtower, snipers provided crucial support, taking out threats from a distance to ensure the team''s safe passage. The sight filled Kisha with a mix of pride and concern, knowing they were facing danger but confident in their skills and camaraderie. Kisha lingered on the top of the Eastern Wall, her gaze fixed on the horizon long after Duke and his team had disappeared from sight. Her expression had returned to its familiar indifference, leaving those around her unsure of her thoughts. After a while, she turned away, refocusing her energy on supporting Vulture and the others as they worked to barricade the perimeter for the new wall. The weight of her responsibilities settled over her, grounding her in the task at hand as she channeled her thoughts into the preparations ahead. On Duke''s side... The moment Duke stepped out of the Eastern gate, he felt Kisha''s lingering gaze on him, warming his heart as he charged into the horde of zombies advancing toward him and his team. Unfazed by the onslaught, he didn''t even bother pulling out his spear from his Space Ring. With a powerful kick, he sent a zombie''s head flying from the impact. Chapter 416 The Level Up Changed The Body Grabbing a nearby metal pipe, he swung it with precision, taking down the zombie next to him. He didn''t care that blood splattered across his handsome face; he exuded an aura of ruthlessness and wild intensity, fully immersed in the chaos of battle. Duke''s team shivered as a wave of goosebumps ran across their bodies, feeling the sheer menace of his aura as he cut through the horde. They could only follow closely behind, awe-struck by his relentless power, while the snipers from the watchtower cleared the path ahead, ensuring they wouldn''t be overwhelmed by the swarming zombies. With Duke leading the charge at the forefront, the team swiftly carved their way through the zombie horde. They moved with relentless momentum, fighting and running without pause. Those stationed in the middle of the formation were tasked with quickly harvesting the crystal cores from the zombies'' skulls as they advanced, ensuring they wasted no time while collecting valuable resources. With time running short, they couldn''t afford to use daggers. Instead, they plunged their bare hands into the zombies'' skulls, ripping out the crystal cores along with bits of brain matter. The urgency of the situation left no room for hesitation or nausea, their focus solely on survival and completing the mission. With their relentless pace and efficient handling of the situation, Duke and his team quickly broke free from the zombie horde and sprinted deeper into the city. Duke didn''t slow down until he was certain they were no longer surrounded and had secured a clear escape route in case of emergencies. Only then did he stop, allowing his team to catch their breath after the intense run. Despite their exhaustion, no one uttered a word of complaint. Instead, following Duke''s orders, they immediately checked on each other, ensuring no one was injured and assessing if any adjustments were needed in their formation. They understood the importance of knowing if the group could maintain this formation over a long period, especially given the intensity of their mission. At this moment, Duke was still evaluating which formations worked best with his warriors and which ones fell short, ensuring they could adapt quickly if things went sideways. He was meticulously testing their endurance and responsiveness, knowing that any tactical misstep could be costly. Fortunately, Vulture had anticipated this need and had already selected team members with the best stamina and solid defensive abilities. Though they weren''t as powerful as Duke in terms of dealing damage with their raw strength, their resilience ensured they wouldn''t be a burden in critical moments and could defend themselves or their teammates when things went south. By the time they finally stopped, two and a half hours had passed, and they had been sprinting as if their lives depended on it¡ªbecause they did. The warriors were panting heavily, gasping for air, their legs feeling like lead from the relentless pace. Despite their exhaustion, none of them dared to stop until Duke gave the signal. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They knew too well that halting prematurely would mean certain death, making them easy prey for the zombies and becoming their lunch. Pushing their weary bodies to the limit, they kept running, fully aware that slowing down before Duke''s command would turn them into the horde''s next meal. While the team took a moment to rest, Duke stood by the entrance of the building, assessing the situation outside. Inside, the warriors hastily dug into their military rations¡ªbiscuits and water that Kisha had carefully prepared for the mission. As Duke observed them, he noticed how quickly they were consuming their supplies. He remembered that Kisha hadn''t been able to pack much food, as their bags were already filled with other essential items. Realizing this, Duke made a mental note of their dwindling provisions. Despite the brief respite, Duke ensured that at least two guards remained on alert at the building''s entrance, rotating shifts with the others. He excused himself from the group, telling them he was going to scout the area while they rested. No one dared protest. They could all see the stark difference between themselves and their leader¡ªwhile they were drenched in sweat and struggling to recover from the grueling two-and-a-half-hour sprint, Duke appeared almost unaffected. His shirt was only lightly damp, and his breathing was calm, as if the intense run had barely made an impact on him. The team respected Duke''s strength and endurance, knowing that his instincts would keep them safe as he ventured out to scout the perimeter. Even though some of them wanted to accompany Duke on his scouting mission, their bodies simply wouldn''t allow it. Exhaustion had overtaken them, and their limbs felt like jelly. As they ate, lifting their trembling hands to feed themselves took tremendous effort. Every movement seemed like a monumental task. If it weren''t for their pride and the fear of losing face in front of their comrades, they might have just collapsed onto the ground, eating their rations like worms, barely able to move anything but their heads. Seeing them in such a state, Duke could only shake his head in amusement. He understood, though, that these warriors had given their all. What they just did wasn''t a casual jog but a full-on sprint, and despite having awakened their abilities, they were still at Level 0¡ªunlike him. They couldn''t possibly keep up with his pace, but the fact that they tried their best spoke volumes. It showed they were determined not to hold him back, a trait Duke deeply appreciated. Their effort and resolve were more than enough for him to recognize their potential and dedication as loyal subordinates. After excusing himself, Duke made a quick beeline to the nearest grocery store they had passed. He pretended to be on a supply run, grabbing a large eco bag that resembled a suitcase¡ªbig enough to fit a person inside. He stuffed it with essentials: cup noodles, loaves of bread, plenty of water, and energy bars and he even added a few vegetables to the mix. To ensure he looked like he was genuinely gathering supplies all over the place, he took dawdle a little. While he waited, Duke took the opportunity to set up a small camping stove and filled a pot with water to let it boil. As the water heated, he leisurely munched on a melon bread that Kisha had tucked away in his Space Ring. His casual demeanor masked the urgency of their situation, allowing him to gather not just supplies, but also a moment of rest like the others. When the water began to boil, Duke pulled out a kimchi-flavored noodle packet he had randomly chosen from his stash and set it to cook. After a few moments, he added two drops of egg and promptly turned off the stove. Once the noodles were fully cooked, he didn''t bother waiting for them to cool; instead, he dove right in, savoring every bite. Surprisingly, he didn''t feel the usual sting of heat on his tongue. Perhaps it was due to his enhanced defenses, which allowed him to enjoy the food regardless of its temperature. In reality, the soup was hot enough to cause a significant burn, around a 4.5 degrees burn on the scale, yet Duke relished it without a care. Chapter 417 Vegetables This only demonstrated the extent of the alterations their level-up had made to their bodies, allowing them to endure discomforts that would have once been unbearable. Although Duke was simply eating noodles, he found them surprisingly enjoyable and delicious¡ªmore so than the gourmet meals he had tasted during his business trips. Perhaps it was the knowledge that these supplies were meticulously prepared by Kisha that made the food taste so good. With each bite, he savored not only the flavor but also the effort she had put into it, making it all the more special. As he ate, a smile crept across his face, and he resolved to find some supplies dedicated to his subordinates. He wanted them to have their own share of good food so he could fully appreciate the delicious supplies Kisha had prepared just for him. He knew it was a bit childish, but these small things were his source of happiness, especially now that he was away from Kisha. It was his way of maintaining sanity amidst the chaos. No matter how strong Duke''s mental fortitude was, this was still his first experience of the apocalypse, and he was adjusting in his own way. After all, he had been born into a peaceful era, where his only concerns revolved around the schemes of the business world. Perhaps it was the way he had lived his life that allowed him to adapt better than most, but deep down, he still craved the simple pleasures that grounded him. However, this was the first time he had been so far away from Kisha since the apocalypse began, and it was impossible not to miss her presence. Yet, that longing only fueled his determination to excel in this mission. He wanted to alleviate some of Kisha''s burdens and ensure that their efforts would lead to a safer, more secure future for both of them. After finishing his meal, he carefully washed the utensils he had used, making sure that he used little water because he couldn''t be wasting water now that they had any sure way to filter water, and then, taking a drink to remove the after taste of what he ate and resting for a moment. When he returned to his subordinates, he found that most of the warriors had fallen fast asleep, snoring in various corners of the room. Those who were still awake lowered their heads in embarrassment, shaking them in dismay at the sight. Duke remained silent, understanding their need for rest; he knew that merely sitting around wouldn''t be productive. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He placed the eco bag he had brought with him on the floor, and those who were awake immediately noticed it as soon as he stepped into the room. "Take this and distribute it among yourselves. See if you can fit it into your bags so you''ll have something to eat during the mission," Duke instructed, settling down near the window. He gestured for them to act quickly, as he had another task prepared for them. Among the items he packed in the bag were a foldable camping stove, several small butane tanks, and a pot, allowing them to cook noodles or boil water whenever needed. Having arrived at a nearby grocery store, Duke collected everything still useful from the shelves, checking the warehouse for any additional supplies. He carefully stored these items in the free space that Kisha had left for him, ensuring he had ample room for whatever else he might find in the city during this mission, allowing him to bring back any valuable supplies. With eager anticipation, the remaining awake warriors rushed over to Duke''s eco bag, their excitement reminiscent of children rifling through their mother''s grocery haul in search of hidden treats. As they peered inside, their eyes lit up with delight at the sight of the food supplies. Who wouldn''t be thrilled to discover a better meal option than their usual rations? It wasn''t that they disdained the military biscuits Kisha had prepared for them; it was simply that, given the extent and danger of their mission, those dry snacks wouldn''t provide the energy they needed to stay mobile. The presence of noodles and fresh bread was invigorating, like a breath of fresh air amidst their plain and dry biscuits. Alongside these were vibrant vegetables, a rarity in their current circumstances, promising a much-needed boost to their morale and health. The warriors couldn''t help but feel a surge of gratitude and renewed energy at the prospect of a hearty meal, ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead. ''Vegetables?'' They exchanged puzzled glances, their heads tilting in unison as they processed the surprising discovery. It had been weeks since the apocalypse began, and the thought of fresh produce felt almost like a fantasy. If Duke had rummaged through any grocery store or market, surely the vegetables and meat would have long spoiled, especially with the electricity cut off and the heat of the sun bearing down. One of the warriors finally gathered the courage to voice his curiosity, unable to shake off the nagging question. "Vice City Lord, why are there vegetables in here? Surely, there aren''t any fresh ones left in the stores?" Duke didn''t even glance up; he remained seated with his eyes closed, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He had anticipated this question the moment he included the vegetables in the bag. "Who said I got them from any store?" he replied, his tone casual yet hinting at something more. The warrior blinked, confusion mingling with intrigue. "Then where did they come from?" Duke finally opened his eyes, meeting the gaze of the curious warrior. "Let''s just say I have my ways of finding good supplies in unexpected places," he said cryptically. After hearing Duke''s explanation, no one dared to ask any further questions. It was entirely plausible that he had procured the vegetables from an unexpected source. Besides, they were all clean and free of dirt, so there was no need to dwell on insignificant details. They were well aware that there were countless methods to clean vegetables, and they certainly weren''t naive enough to ask that question. Satisfied with Duke''s answer, the warriors eagerly began distributing the supplies among themselves. Excitement and camaraderie filled the air as they planned how to prepare the food, grateful for the small luxuries that could momentarily lift their spirits during such dire times. Many of you may be wondering why Duke didn''t simply bring his own subordinates, the Winters'' bodyguards¡ªhis loyal forces that he had trained and nurtured for years. With them by his side, he wouldn''t have to conceal the existence of his Space Ring or worry about whether his warriors could keep up with him. He could operate without hesitation, focusing solely on the mission at hand, free from the concerns that currently weighed on his mind. The answer is quite straightforward: while his own subordinates are strong and highly qualified, both he and Kisha now bear the responsibility for the entire base. They can''t focus solely on nurturing their own forces while neglecting the rest; the entire base is their collective strength. It''s crucial to maintain balance, which means they need to train the warriors and give them the opportunity to gain combat experience. Chapter 418 Web Like Formation Duke''s personal forces have already fought alongside him and Kisha, becoming familiar with their strategies and patterns. It''s essential to ensure that everyone, not just a select few, is prepared for the challenges ahead. Instead of allowing them to roam freely outside, Kisha decided to have Duke''s subordinates integrate into the base, assigning them important tasks to bolster operations. For instance, Tristan took on significant responsibilities that contributed to the overall efficiency of the base. With the demonic insects embedded in their hearts, both Kisha and Duke felt secure knowing that sensitive information and crucial tasks were in capable hands. There was no one they trusted more; the risk of betrayal was virtually nonexistent, allowing them to focus on the greater challenges ahead. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though this requires more effort, it proved to be the most effective long-term strategy. It could also help Kisha complete her A-Class mission, ''Commander of a Thousand,'' ensuring that her forces are well-trained and battle-ready when the time comes. Now, all these warriors are either with Sparrow, Vulture, or Duke, or patrolling the walls on all sides. With this rotation and experience, they are steadily growing stronger each day. Beyond their training, this hands-on experience is yielding even better results. Of course, they continue their daily training, especially focusing on consuming the Scarlet Honey to prepare for leveling up soon. With such a strong defense force, Kisha can truly feel the base becoming unified and self-sufficient. Soon, the base won''t need her constant support to thrive. She realized that this must be the true purpose of her main S-Class mission, ''Taking Nest for 30 Days.'' She always knew her missions had deeper meanings, and although this one was incredibly difficult, the rewards she was gaining were monumental. Yet, like the other missions that had killed her in her past lives, it seemed almost impossible to complete. She was certain the system had made this mission nearly unachievable¡ªif not for her territory pack, which luckily was there to assist her along the way. Kisha was convinced the system wasn''t just pushing her to become a better version of herself or teaching her with an iron fist. In the past, she had faced similarly impossible missions, but they had come one at a time¡ªstill extremely difficult though, like saving thousands of lives and providing for them over a set period. How was she supposed to accomplish that when food and other essentials had become so scarce? Even with her inventory then, it was still impossible. Her current situation felt even more overwhelming, confirming her belief that the system was working against her at some point. Not only that, she had faced similar missions where she had to build her own base and lead everyone, only for the system to turn it into a charity-like situation. It forced her into the role of a benevolent leader, enabling everything to happen. But when she could no longer give, even after exhausting herself, the people revolted and killed her in the end. t felt as if all the missions from her past lives had been thrown at her at once. If she hadn''t managed to buy her territory pack at the very beginning, she might have met the same fate as before. She also recalled what 008 had told her upon 100th rebirth¡ªthis was her final chance. It means that if she failed and died again, there would be no more chances; this time, death would be permanent. Even though the people at the base now worship Kisha and seem trustworthy, she didn''t want to take any risks. Everyone who had ingested the Heart Gu Pill was placed in critical positions that required careful oversight, such as the supply center, where they assisted Mr. Winters to prevent him from being overwhelmed by his workload. Additionally, someone was stationed alongside Aston to ensure that, in case of an emergency, there would always be someone Aston could fully trust. Kisha couldn''t simply make everyone at the base take the Heart Gu Pill, as that would make it feel more like a cult than a community. She didn''t want to bind everyone to her in that way. While Kisha was doing everything she could for the base and its people, her motives weren''t entirely selfless. She was no longer the na?ve leader who once believed that doing good would prevent betrayal. She had learned the hard way that people could still turn on the hand that feeds them. Now, she approached everything with a clear, objective mindset and acted decisively. After the warriors finished distributing supplies among themselves and resting to fully replenish their stamina, they began moving deeper into the city. While they had the stamina boosters that Kisha had prepared, Duke advised them not to use them unless absolutely necessary¡ªnot because the supply was limited (Kisha had stocked more in his Space Ring), but because, like Kisha, Duke wanted his subordinates to avoid becoming overly reliant on these items. As soon as they regained their stamina, Duke pushed them to keep moving, urging them to run farther into the city. He quickly scouted for a strategic vantage point among the buildings and led the group to the top floor of a tall structure. Clearing their way of any zombies they encountered, the team fought their way up. Once they reached the top, Duke assigned eight warriors to operate the drones, using the elevated position to survey the city and detect potential threats. Meanwhile, the rest of the group was divided into pairs, each guarding a different section of the perimeter, including the exits, ensuring they had full coverage and no blind spots in their defense. They deployed eight drones, each sent in one of the eight directions: North, South, East, and West¡ªthe four cardinal directions¡ªand the intercardinal directions: Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest. This strategy allowed the drones to cover narrower, more focused paths, ensuring they could thoroughly scan each sector without missing any potential threats or key details. By dividing the search in this way, the team maximized their ability to gather critical information about the surrounding area while maintaining precision in their surveillance. Duke had set up a strategic net-like formation at key locations, particularly at the intersections in the sewer system. He was carefully inspecting these areas to identify any possible openings because if zombies were appearing in the sewers, there had to be an entrance. It wasn''t as if the zombies could open manholes like humans, so Duke and his team needed to locate the points of entry and determine how the undead were getting in. Once they found these openings, their priority would be to seal them completely. Only after securing all the entry points could Duke focus on eradicating the zombies underground. Without first sealing the sewers, any battle below would be endless, with new waves constantly emerging. Duke knew that if the situation became too dire, Kisha would intervene herself, something he was determined to avoid. He didn''t want her risking herself or stepping in because it would mean he had failed. His goal was to ensure that the situation remained under control, so Kisha wouldn''t need to get involved. "Vice City Lord, this area is clear. We can move to the next," one of the drone operators called out after he and the others retrieved their drones and confirmed that there were no problem in the vicinity. Chapter 419 How Duke Lead Despite the efficiency of the team and the speed of the drones, the operation had taken nearly an hour. Even with their skillful handling, it took time to thoroughly follow the web-like formation Duke had mapped out. However, within that hour, they had managed to cover a substantial portion of the eastern part of the city. The methodical process was necessary¡ªDuke''s plan demanded precision, leaving no gaps that could compromise their mission. Clearing such a large area in this time was a significant achievement, as it allowed them to eliminate any potential threats while simultaneously gathering valuable intel on the city''s layout and key locations. The drones'' surveillance revealed more than just enemy positions; it also provided insight into strategic points they could use to their advantage in future operations. As the team prepared to advance to the next section, they knew they were making progress, but Duke''s instructions remained clear: ''No rushing. Ensuring each zone was fully secure was essential, as any overlooked threat could spell disaster later.'' After finishing up in the current area, Duke led the team to the next location, moving with an air of calm efficiency. It almost seemed as if he was more of a babysitter than a commanding officer, guiding them through the city and ensuring they stayed alive and well. He only provided extra resources, like food or supplies, when absolutely necessary¡ªjust enough to keep them going but never coddling them. Some of the warriors began to realize that Duke''s approach felt more like a practical exam for soldiers on their first real mission. His leadership style resembled that of an instructor overseeing a field test, quietly observing and evaluating. Duke wasn''t just leading them¡ªhe was grading them, taking note of how they handled themselves under pressure, how they followed his orders, and how they adapted to the challenges they faced. It became clear that this wasn''t just about clearing areas or defeating zombies. Duke was using this mission to assess their capabilities, identify their strengths, and reveal any weaknesses that might surface under real combat conditions. This field experience was like a proving ground, a way for Duke to determine how each of them would perform in future, larger-scale operations. He needed to know who could be relied on, who showed potential, and where the gaps in their training were. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By stepping back and letting them take the lead while offering just enough guidance, Duke was allowing them to show their true potential while also learning what issues they might face as they progressed. It was a test not only of their skills but also of their endurance and ability to think independently in the heat of battle. And they weren''t wrong¡ªDuke was indeed doing exactly what they suspected. It was much like the final phase in military training, where cadets are sent on a minor mission before they can officially graduate. These missions were often reconnaissance-based, never involving high-risk target elimination. The goal was to test their readiness in the field under controlled, but real, conditions. Just like those military exercises, Duke had briefed them thoroughly on the area''s condition, the challenges they might face, and the tactical choices available. He had mapped out their formations and ensured that all the resources they would need were prepared in advance. It was clear that his role mirrored that of a seasoned veteran or instructor, present not to fight the battles for them but to observe, guide, and ensure they didn''t fail completely. The situation reminded some of their past training, where everything was laid out¡ªwhat to expect, how to proceed, and what decisions could make or break the mission. All the cadets had to do was execute and prove they could apply their training in a real-world environment. They were expected to demonstrate not just individual skill but the ability to function as a cohesive unit, each member contributing without becoming a burden to the team. Duke wasn''t just watching for combat ability, either. He was assessing their discipline, their communication, their adaptability under pressure¡ªtraits that separated a good soldier from a great one. The real test was whether they could execute the mission while maintaining the unity and trust that any strong team requires. In essence, Duke was testing not just their survival skills but their potential as leaders and dependable warriors in future, more dangerous missions. When Duke briefed the warriors before the mission, while Kisha was busy preparing the supplies, he had already mapped out their strategy in detail. He spread out a large, comprehensive map of the entire city, where he had carefully marked the key locations for their web-like surveillance formation. The warriors weren''t required to memorize the exact locations, as Duke would personally lead them to each spot. Instead, their primary focus was to remember the radius they needed to cover when deploying their drones. Duke had instilled in them the importance of precision and attention to detail. He knew from experience that in urban warfare, especially in a city infested with zombies, even the slightest gap in intelligence could lead to disastrous consequences. By breaking down the mission into manageable sections and providing a clear, structured plan, Duke ensured that his team could focus on execution without being overwhelmed by the scale of the operation. His leadership allowed them to concentrate on their individual tasks while understanding how each small part contributed to the larger objective. In this way, the warriors weren''t just following orders¡ªthey were learning to operate as a cohesive unit, with each member playing a vital role in the success of the mission. Thanks to Duke''s exceptional memory and analytical skills, the moment he laid eyes on the sewer system''s blueprint, he had already committed it to memory. With his photographic memory, this was a simple task¡ªhe not only memorized the entire sewer layout but also quickly analyzed the key junctures where he needed to set up his formations. These intersections were critical to controlling access and movement within the sewers, and Duke had pinpointed them with precision. But his analysis didn''t stop there. Duke had also memorized the city''s layout in detail, seamlessly linking the sewer system''s blueprint to the city above. Without needing to constantly reference the map, he mentally overlaid the two, forming a comprehensive understanding of how the underground passages connected with the streets and buildings above. This allowed him to anticipate potential threats, movement patterns, and strategic advantages both on the surface and below ground. By combining his deep knowledge of the city''s structure with his mastery of the sewer system, Duke had already identified and mentally marked all the critical vantage points across the entire city. These points weren''t just random high ground; they were carefully selected locations that would give him and his team the upper hand in monitoring and controlling key areas. Whether above or below the surface, Duke had crafted a tactical framework that allowed him to anticipate movements, bottleneck the undead, and protect vital entry points before the team even stepped into the field. This ability to instantly process complex layouts gave Duke a distinct advantage over his enemies and even his own team, who relied heavily on maps and visible markers. For Duke, everything was already mapped out in his mind, allowing him to focus on strategy and execution without ever needing to pause and recheck his plans. His foresight and preparation made him a formidable leader, ensuring that he was always several steps ahead, ready to adapt and counter any situation that arose. Chapter 420 Sparrow In Another Predicament Duke''s leadership over the warriors ensured the mission ran smoothly. With the support of the drones, they were able to map out safer routes, allowing them to move forward with minimal interference from zombie attacks. Under Duke''s guidance, the warriors also learned how to move more stealthily, picking up techniques to conceal their presence. They began to mimic Duke''s skill in staying undetected, so much so that even when he walked right behind a zombie, it failed to notice him. This newfound ability significantly reduced their exposure to danger, enhancing their chances of survival in every encounter. Although mimicking Duke''s technique was challenging, the warriors put in their best effort to figure it out. They were fortunate, however, as Duke provided them with small hints to help them develop their own methods for reducing their presence. He understood that everyone was built differently, and what worked for him might not work for others. Duke''s approach allowed each warrior to find their own unique way of staying undetected, rather than forcing them to follow his exact steps. This flexibility made all the difference in their progress. After dozens of trials and errors, some of the warriors with higher potential managed to partially conceal their presence, significantly easing their journey. As their stealth improved, they encountered fewer threats, allowing them to navigate the city with minimal combat. This newfound ability made their reconnaissance mission far more efficient, as they could move through the streets almost unnoticed, focusing on gathering crucial information rather than constant fighting. While everything was running smoothly for Duke, the same couldn''t be said for Sparrow. In fact, calling his situation "fine" would be an understatement¡ªhe and his entire team were in deep trouble. The sight in front of him made his stomach twist, and in frustration, he scratched the back of his head, trying to steady his breathing. The pressure was mounting, and it was clear they had a serious challenge ahead. "What?! You think we wouldn''t retaliate after you killed my people and left the others on the brink of death?!" the leader of the opposing group shouted, his voice thick with rage. He tapped a spiked bat against his shoulder, each movement calculated for intimidation. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The nails embedded in the bat glinted menacingly, as if echoing his fury, while his stance and every action screamed of a desire for confrontation. ... Sparrow and his team had successfully gathered everything they needed from Port City. Like their first visit, they secured ten cargo trailers from the western side of the port and decided to rest on the eastern side to gather more supplies before heading back to the base the next day. However, unlike last time, they no longer had the protection of the Scarlet Bees. This left Sparrow as the only scout responsible for monitoring their perimeter, while he assigned guards to maintain constant patrols. Though the process was more tedious than their previous trip, everyone understood Sparrow''s caution. His meticulousness was necessary to ensure they weren''t being followed or would be ambushed. What Sparrow didn''t realize was that during their first visit to Port City, when the Scarlet Bees were still protecting them, there had been an unseen threat. On the night he left with the five STAU, a group of assailants had attempted a sneak attack on his team. Unbeknownst to him, the Scarlet Bees had swiftly eliminated the attackers before they could strike, silently keeping his team safe from harm while he was away. And who were these attackers? None other than the same group Sparrow and his team had encountered earlier on the western side of the city. This was the group that had tried to use Sparrow''s people as a distraction, tossing the zombies on their tail towards them, hoping to escape in the chaos. However, Sparrow had quickly turned the tables, leaving them to fend for themselves once more, already exhausted from their own desperate attempts to survive. In the end, the opposing group had no choice but to sacrifice some of their own members to ensure the majority could escape. But, of course, no one in their right mind would willingly volunteer to be the one sacrificed. Faced with the impossible decision, tension, and fear tore through their ranks as they desperately tried to save themselves, knowing that survival would come at a heavy cost. But when no one volunteered to act as bait and be devoured by the zombies while the rest fled, the same person who had originally devised the plan to use Sparrow and his team as a meat shield took matters into her own hands. Without hesitation, she coldly resorted to sacrificing their own members. She shot five of her teammates in the legs with her shotgun, rendering them unable to run, leaving them as helpless distractions for the approaching horde while the rest made their escape. The others were left stunned by this shocking act, but in their desperation to save their own lives, they convinced themselves it was the only way to ensure the majority''s survival. Morality had long since been cast aside; if they had retained any sense of ethics, they would never have considered using Sparrow and his team as bait to the zombies chasing them. Survival trumped all else, and the harsh reality of their situation forced them to embrace a cold pragmatism that they never thought they would resort to. As the remaining members of the group managed to escape from the horde, the desperate cries of their sacrificed teammates echoed behind them. The pitiful, hoarse pleas for help fell on deaf ears as the unfortunate five crawled away, only to be caught and torn apart by the zombies that seized them. Their sacrifices had been enough to distract the horde, causing the zombies to turn on each other in a frenzy, fighting for the feast laid out before them. Meanwhile, the main group, now free from immediate danger, pressed on, burdened by the weight of their choices. Once the main group managed to catch their breath in the forest near the western edge, they lingered for a while, ensuring no zombies remained in the vicinity. They were running low on ammunition, and the weight of their recent actions hung heavily in the air, unspoken but palpable. Grudges simmered against Sparrow; they believed that if their plan had succeeded, there would have been no need to sacrifice their own. With this resentment festering, they decided to follow Sparrow and his team. However, when they finally found them, they discovered that Sparrow had trucks and another group waiting further down the road. At that moment, they felt a flicker of relief that they hadn''t acted impulsively, for had they attacked, they would have faced certain death. Instead of confronting Sparrow, they decided to trail his team to the eastern side of Port City. Initially, panic set in as they feared that Sparrow and his group might leave the City for good, leaving them without a chance for revenge. But when they saw Sparrow and his team head toward the eastern side, a wave of relief washed over them. They exchanged glances, their spirits lifting as they realized their opportunity was still intact. Waiting patiently for darkness to envelop the city, they plotted their next move, eager to exact their revenge under the cover of night. Chapter 421 What Really Happened As locals of Port City, they were intimately familiar with every nook and cranny of the area, which fueled their confidence in surviving the night. Once darkness descended, they stealthily made their way toward the forest, their hearts racing with anticipation. Spotting Sparrow''s truck camouflaged among the trees, a smirk spread across their faces. They exchanged knowing glances, convinced that once they eliminated Sparrow and his team, they would claim those trucks as their own. The thought of driving home in the very vehicles that had once provided refuge for their enemies filled them with a sense of triumph. As they lay in wait, the tantalizing aroma of food wafting from Sparrow''s camp wafted through the trees, causing their stomachs to rumble with hunger. The smell of sizzling meat only intensified their hatred for Sparrow, fueling their determination to confront him and his team. It was clear that Sparrow and his group had an abundance of supplies, enjoying a feast while they struggled to survive. Eager to seize what they believed was rightfully theirs, the assailants scoured Sparrow''s truck for any leftover supplies but found it as barren as a desert. Frustrated but undeterred, they exchanged furtive glances, their resolve hardening. While Sparrow''s team busied themselves with cooking and preparation, the assailants began to creep silently through the forest, ready to strike when the moment was right. Coincidentally, Sparrow was away with the STAU, having left only a small amount of supplies to be cooked. Seizing the opportunity, the assailants quietly advanced toward Sparrow''s camp, believing they had the upper hand. With the element of surprise on their side, they thought they could launch a sneak attack and eliminate Sparrow and his team before they even knew what hit them. Their confidence surged as they imagined the imminent victory, eager to take revenge for their fallen comrades (who they killed). However, they never anticipated that something lurked in the shadows, ready to strike. Before they could react, they found themselves completely surrounded. At the forefront of the ambush, Bell buzzed its wings with authority, rallying its army to unleash chaos upon the intruders. The air crackled with tension as the loyal defenders surged forward, ready to defend their territory against the encroaching threat. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How dare you attempt to ambush my master''s subordinate in my presence? Stupid humans!" Bell buzzed furiously, its wings vibrating with anger. The intruders, however, could only comprehend the deafening hum of the bee''s wings, their faces draining of color as the realization dawned upon them: they had unwittingly stepped into a nightmare. The woman leading the group couldn''t fathom why these colossal bees had chosen to target her and her crew instead of attacking Sparrow''s team first, especially when they were only separated by a few trees and bushes. Panic surged through her as the ominous buzzing grew louder, a harbinger of the chaos that was about to ensue. However, she had little time to think as the swift Scarlet Bees launched their assault. Before the ambushers could even react, two of their members lay dead, grotesquely punctured in the head. Panic erupted, and the remaining assailants scattered like headless chickens, frantically trying to escape. But Bell was unfazed; with their overwhelming numbers, the Scarlet Bees had taken position in every tree, ready to strike. Their incredible speed left no room for doubt¡ªthere would be no survivors left to recount the story of this ill-fated ambush. Bell had held back the Scarlet Bees from attacking immediately upon spotting the intruders. She wanted to ensure there were no hidden threats lurking in the shadows, ready to ambush her forces in return. Her strategy was to eliminate everyone in one swift strike, catching them off guard before they could react. Only when she was confident that no reinforcements were on the way did she finally give her army the signal to attack. However, the woman leading the ambush was shrewd and ruthless. Realizing that their situation was dire, she seized the hand of one of her crew members and sprinted toward the nearest exit of the forest, refusing to look back. Meanwhile, the rest of their group scattered, seeking refuge behind trees or preparing to fight back. Bell and her Scarlet Bees, overconfident in their superiority, allowed the others to flee, giving them a false sense of hope. They intended to strike when the ambushers believed they had escaped, savoring the moment when hope peaked before delivering the fatal blow. With Kisha absent, the true nature of Bell and her army began to surface. Bell harbored a deep disdain for ordinary humans¡ªthose who couldn''t cultivate or awaken their abilities¡ªviewing them as inferior beings, this was because this was already ingrained in her bloodline, so it wasn''t so easy to change, much like a predator sizing up its prey. This arrogance led them to allow the two women to escape a bit further, perceiving them as the easiest targets among the group. The woman being led away felt a surge of gratitude toward her leader, who had not abandoned her like the others. As fellow woman, she sensed a bond of understanding and compassion from her leader, who had always treated her like a little sister. Overwhelmed by emotion, tears streamed down her face. However, as they neared the edge of the forest, the gruesome reality of what awaited them became apparent. The fate of their comrades was horrifying; some had been brutally dismembered, their blood and body parts scattered throughout the underbrush, painting a macabre scene that left her trembling with fear. As Bell and the Scarlet Bees focused on the two women, the bees formed a tight, menacing formation, surging toward them with alarming speed. The woman being led by the hand felt her entire body tremble at the sight; her face drained of color, pure terror flooding her senses. Just an inch away, the bees closed in with deadly precision, their formation designed to strike both women in one swift attack. Suddenly, the woman at the back experienced a forceful shove from her leader, sending her stumbling toward the oncoming swarm of massive bees. In a shocking moment, she saw her leader leap away, abandoning her to the swarm. The last image burned into her mind was of betrayal¡ªher leader sacrificing her as a shield to ensure her own escape. Within seconds, her body was torn apart, reduced to a gruesome mess, her head flying through the air as the final testament to the horror of her end. The spot where their leader had jumped was a steep slope, and as she tumbled down, she collided with boulders and branches that jutted out along the way. Desperately, she covered her head with her arms, bracing for impact as she rolled uncontrollably down the hillside. The Scarlet Bees, observing her perilous descent, chose not to pursue her; they recognized that her chances of survival were slim to none. The steep terrain posed its own dangers, and the uncertainty of lurking zombies at the bottom further diminished any hope she had. With each jarring hit, it became increasingly clear that she was alone in this fight for survival, her fate hanging by a thread. But who would have thought that this despicable woman would defy the odds? Against all expectations, she survived the harrowing fall, her tenacity shining through the chaos. Chapter 422 Sparrow Was Blamed Just when it seemed like her fate was sealed, she was fortuitously discovered and rescued by her own team. They had been anxiously searching for her after she and her group failed to return from their patrol outside the safety of their territory. Her luck had turned, and in a twist of fate, she found herself back in the company of her allies, ready to regroup and seek vengeance for the chaos that had unfolded. When the woman regained consciousness, fueled by sheer will, she mustered her remaining strength to fabricate a lie. This was her way of assuaging her hatred and ensuring that Sparrow would face consequences. In her mind, if Sparrow hadn''t provoked her, she wouldn''t have ambushed him and his team, leading to the horrific encounter with the deadly bees that claimed her entire crew. Redirecting all blame to Sparrow and his team, she provided their descriptions to the shelter leader, a righteous and protective figure who, without question, accepted her account despite its many inconsistencies. And that''s how they found themselves in this predicament. The opposing leader, a former underworld boss accustomed to brawls and skirmishes, had barred Sparrow and his team from leaving Port City. With many people now looking to him for protection, he considered them his own. Any harm inflicted upon his people was viewed as a direct challenge to his authority, one he would not take lightly. So now, back to the present... After observing Sparrow''s trucks traveling along the routes specified by the woman they had recently rescued from the brink of death, the shelter leader of Port City quickly took action. With unwavering resolve, he and his formidable team of gangs and former mafia members positioned themselves to block Sparrow''s path as they exited the Eastern Part, determined to prevent their passage. The leader and his men were acutely aware of the dangers lurking on the Eastern side of Port City. That area had once been their refuge until a stormy night unleashed a relentless wave of infected, overwhelming their defenses and turning their sanctuary into a nightmarish battleground. The memories of that chaotic night still haunted them, as the zombies had surged forward like a ravenous pack of wolves, leaving destruction in their wake. Knowing the dangers that lurked on the Eastern side, the shelter leader understood that Sparrow''s return to that part of their territory meant one of two things: either Sparrow was trying to devise a way to navigate past the zombies trapped within the Eastern Warehouse, or they had successfully acquired the supplies stored there. If it was the latter, the leader felt justified in his instincts to reclaim what rightfully belonged to his people. After all, those supplies were not merely goods; they represented hope and survival for his community. When they halted Sparrow and his team from leaving, their eyes sparkled with eager anticipation. They fixated on Sparrow''s truck, eager to uncover the extent of the supplies he and his group had managed to gather. The prospect of valuable resources ignited their curiosity and excitement, fueling their determination to inspect the contents without delay. After all, the woman, the sole survivor of her team, had claimed that she and her group were drawn to the forest by the tantalizing aroma of cooked meat wafting through the air before they were mercilessly slaughtered by the gigantic bees. She cleverly concealed her actions, framing them as an innocent mistake for venturing into that part of the city, while allowing her team to meet such a tragic fate. By twisting the narrative, she cast herself as the victim and portrayed Sparrow and his companions as the true villains. This was also why the leader of the Port City shelter refrained from approaching the Eastern part directly and allowed Sparrow and his team to enter. Instead of outright stopping them before they reached the city or as they were leaving the Western Warehouse, he wanted to ascertain whether Sparrow and his team would be attacked by the gigantic bees or if the threat had dissipated. In a way, he was using Sparrow and his team as bait and guinea pigs to test the waters. In all of this, the leader saw countless opportunities in this encounter with Sparrow. However, he underestimated Sparrow''s capabilities, failing to realize that Sparrow was not someone to be trifled with. This mission had been entrusted to him by his Young Madam, and the people with him were also valued by her. Thus, seeing someone gaze at them as if they were a piece of meat after a long hunger grated on Sparrow''s nerves. His eyes twitched as he fought the urge to punch someone on the spot. He knew he couldn''t just indiscriminately attack or kill everyone he encountered. As Kisha pointed out, the number of humans who survived the initial zombie transformation was already alarmingly low. With the impending blood rains and zombie raids, that number would dwindle even further. Given that territorial disputes and supply shortages were becoming increasingly inevitable, he realized that continuous fighting and killing could ultimately lead to a situation where they might become the last remaining human survivors if things continued on this path. Sparrow took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain composed as he listened to the other party''s leader. The leader''s voice was filled with outrage as he shouted, "What?! Do you really think we wouldn''t retaliate after you killed my people and left the others on the brink of death?!" Confusion was etched on Sparrow''s face as he stepped out of the truck, with Evelyn and Rose flanking him like vigilant guards. Behind them, Clyde and Reeve held radios, ready to communicate with the rest of the warriors if the situation turned hostile. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fred and his team remained on standby, awaiting Sparrow''s signal while scanning the surroundings for any signs of an ambush. They were acutely aware that the opposing party could attempt a pincer attack, so not everyone exited the vehicle. Fred, a former S.W.A.T. personnel, understood the importance of maintaining a secure rear, which is why Sparrow had left them to guard the convoy''s flank. As Rose and Evelyn stepped out alongside Sparrow, the men surrounding the Port City leader let out appreciative whistles, their eyes gleaming with mischief. They scanned the two women hungrily, nearly drooling at the sight of clean figures, free from dirt or zombie blood, a stark contrast to the grim looks of the women from their own shelter. "I call dibs on that fierce and beautiful woman!" one of the men exclaimed, pointing eagerly at Rose while licking his lips, unabashedly revealing his lust for her. "Then, leader, I want the other woman! Her big breasts really turn me on! Ha ha ha!" One of the muscular men standing behind the leader chimed in. Their crude remarks only fueled Sparrow''s team''s anger, making them feel more like livestock being auctioned off than human beings. Sparrow gritted his teeth in frustration, his anger boiling beneath the surface; their blatant disrespect was a clear insult not just to his companions but to him as their leader. Before Sparrow could respond, the leader of the opposing party barked, "SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH!" Chapter 423 Sparrow Refuting Their Accusation Sparrow remained unfazed by the chaos erupting among the opposing party; his expression was grim and cold. He was already weighing the possibility of eliminating those in front of him. However, before making that decision, he needed to clarify their claims about his supposed involvement in their people''s deaths¡ªafter all, he had only killed zombies, not humans when he got to Port City. "Hey, fuckers! Are you really accusing me of killing your people? Is it because I took out the zombies in your territory?" Sparrow questioned, his voice chillingly devoid of emotion. However, the members of the opposing group dismissed his demeanor, convinced they had already gathered all the information they needed. But their leader continued, "No! You killed the survivors from my shelter. Here''s the deal: either you surrender all your supplies and leave some of your people as compensation for our losses, or you all die, and we''ll still take everything from your trucks, including the vehicles." "Leader! How can you even consider letting them live? They killed our people!" one of the men shouted, his anger boiling over. He couldn''t believe their leader would contemplate sparing Sparrow''s team. The rest of the group shared his disbelief, expecting their leader to avenge their fallen comrades by taking down the intruders and claiming both their supplies and women. "Why would we kill them? It''s not as if they commanded those gigantic bees," the leader whispered back to his subordinates. "But she mentioned encountering this group in the Western part of the city and using our people as bait! Isn''t that already cruel enough?" one of the men protested, frustration evident in his voice. "That''s right! Why are you even considering letting them go? Do you really think that''s a wise decision? Don''t forget, there are those coveting your position, just waiting for you to make a wrong move before they strike!" "That''s a different issue altogether! Listen, if we engage in a fight with these people, we''ll be the only ones to suffer. I have a strong feeling that they could wipe us out completely..." The leader said through gritted teeth, his gaze fixed on Sparrow as he felt a chill run down his spine under Sparrow''s piercing stare, which seemed to regard them as little more than prey. "Moreover, we can''t be certain that they were the ones who killed our people..." the leader added. "Are you implying that one of our own is lying and blaming the innocent? We''ve faced life-and-death situations together and know each other''s character by now. From what I''ve seen, she doesn''t strike me as the kind of person who would do that!" One of the muscular men protested, defending the woman who was still bedridden at their shelter after enduring so much and witnessing the annihilation of her entire team. Sparrow, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up. "If you''re referring to a group led by a woman with a bob haircut and tanned skin, I didn''t lay a finger on her or her team." "They attempted to use me and my team as bait, trying to lead the zombies straight to us. All I did was redirect the zombies back to them and ensured my people were hidden in a safe spot. Their fate was in their own hands, not mine." "If anything, I should be the one asking for compensation for the danger they put me and my team in, along with the psychological trauma it caused us." Evelyn and Rose exchanged incredulous glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of skepticism and a swirl of other emotions, as if Sparrow had just sprouted a second head. ''Who endangered who?'' Rose mused, raising an eyebrow as she scrutinized Sparrow''s back. ''Captain''s just spinning a web of lies without even batting an eye, huh?'' Evelyn thought, doing her best to keep her skepticism from showing on her face. However, Clyde and Reeve wore expressions of bewilderment. Despite standing close to Sparrow, they had to shout to be heard by the opposing party. They couldn''t help but wonder how Sparrow had known what they were discussing. Was it sheer instinct, or did he piece it together from the fact that they only encountered so little population of survivors in Port City? These people included. The opposing party shared Clyde and Reeve''s curiosity, pondering how Sparrow seemed to know their thoughts. The answer was both: not only was Sparrow naturally pieced everything together, but he also possessed his "Hawk Eyesight" gift. Despite the distance, he could clearly see their expressions and the movement of their lips, allowing him to read their conversations even as they whispered among themselves. After all, their leader had not once looked away as he spoke in hushed tones to his subordinates. It was as if he was inviting Sparrow to read his lips and understand their conversation. While the other party was still grappling with his unexpected response, Sparrow continued, his tone firm but measured. "I can''t say what happened to your people after we parted ways, but let me make this clear: I won''t hesitate to defend myself and my team against anyone who threatens us." "That said, if there are those among you who understand the importance of coexistence and choose not to provoke us, we can certainly go about our business without conflict." "We don''t seek to harm anyone, but we will protect ourselves if necessary. It''s simple: respect our boundaries, and we''ll respect yours." He glanced at his team, ensuring they were ready for whatever might come next. Sparrow''s eyes scanned the faces of the opposing group, searching for signs of understanding or hostility. He knew that in a world like theirs, cooperation was often a rare commodity, but he was willing to offer it¡ªif they were willing to accept it. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I don''t care whether you choose to believe my claims," Sparrow continued, his voice dripping with mock indifference. "I didn''t think to strap on a body camera to document my daily activities, so I have no evidence to prove my innocence." "But let''s not forget that your people are also quick to cast judgment and put me in a difficult position without any real proof. It''s a double-edged sword." His demeanor shifted, adopting the cold and unyielding tone he had learned from Duke and Kisha. He had seen how effectively they navigated tense situations, often wielding their aloofness like a weapon. It was a strategy he now emulated, understanding that sometimes detachment was the best way to handle confrontation. Sparrow''s gaze sharpened as he scanned the opposing group. "You may want retribution for perceived slights, but that path leads to further chaos. If you truly wish to protect your people, consider the consequences of your actions." "Escalating hostilities will only leave us both worse off. So, I suggest we keep things civil and focus on surviving in this unforgiving world, instead of seeking revenge based on misunderstandings." His words hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in an offer of peace. He hoped they would recognize the wisdom in his approach, even if they might not fully understand his position. The leader of the opposing group found himself at a loss for words, unable to refute Sparrow''s claims of innocence. Chapter 424 Sparrow The Shameless The palpable bloodlust radiating from Sparrow made it clear that he was more than capable of taking them all on if it came to that. The leader sensed the underlying tension in the air, feeling the weight of Sparrow''s unspoken challenge. It was evident that Sparrow was willing to kill if necessary, yet he was also extending an olive branch, framing the situation as a misunderstanding. The leader grappled with conflicting thoughts. Part of him recognized the opportunity Sparrow was offering¡ªa chance for both sides to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. However, a nagging doubt crept into his mind. Was this merely a ploy, a form of reverse psychology designed to allow Sparrow and his team to escape accountability for their actions? After all, it was he who had initially issued the threat, and Sparrow''s cold response could just as easily be interpreted as a counter-threat. Caught in this mental tug-of-war, the leader weighed the risks. Could he afford to trust someone with such a fierce personality? Or would backing down now only embolden Sparrow and his team to take advantage of the situation? The uncertainty churned within him as he considered the potential consequences of either choice. The leader of the opposing group wasn''t indecisive; rather, he found himself torn between protecting his people and grappling with the inconsistencies in the woman''s account of her team''s annihilation. If Sparrow''s words were true, and the woman had claimed they first encountered him and his team at the Western warehouse while her group was obliterated by the gigantic bees in the Eastern forest, it suggested that her desire for revenge stemmed from Sparrow''s actions in the Western warehouse. Unfortunately, that quest for vengeance had led them to a far worse fate against the terrifying bees, creatures capable of shredding them like butter on a hot knife. As he began to think critically about the situation, his face drained of color in horror. He realized he had been inadvertently offending unknown individuals with mysterious backgrounds, all while lacking the full story. It dawned on him that Sparrow''s demeanor¡ªhis confidence in walking away unscathed and his apparent ease in threatening their lives¡ªmade it seem all too likely that he was indeed speaking the truth. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, he couldn''t simply back down; he had too many plans in motion. His primary concern was the growing hunger among the people in his shelter, who were surviving day by day while risking their lives on supply runs around Port City. Each foray was fraught with danger, and casualties were increasing as more people fell prey to zombies. Some residents were too terrified to venture outside, resorting to eating tree bark to stave off starvation, while others clung to the hope that the government would eventually devise a better strategy to eradicate the zombie threat and come to their rescue. The leader found himself at a loss. He considered blackmailing Sparrow to secure some much-needed supplies, but the fear of Sparrow annihilating his entire group loomed large in his mind. While he had no desire to confront Sparrow''s team, the weight of his responsibilities as a leader¡ªwhere the lives of his people rested on his shoulders¡ªwas overwhelming. He wasn''t a saint; he had already taken countless lives during the more peaceful days when society was still governed by law. However, given the current circumstances, he was increasingly aware that the zombie population had swelled alarmingly compared to the number of human survivors. If he allowed more people to die or turn into zombies, it would significantly decrease his own chances of survival. Right now, there was a glimmer of hope in their numbers; they could work together to fend off the relentless hordes that came knocking at their doors. But if he were left alone, the weight of the situation might overwhelm him¡ªboth mentally and physically. It was only now that he began to truly appreciate the value of human life, and he was starting to atone for the atrocities he had committed in the past. This newfound awareness fueled his protectiveness toward his people and drove him to manage the shelter with utmost dedication¡ªso different from the way he had once operated his cartel and various other businesses under his name. However, in his eagerness to trust his people completely, he failed to recognize that she had deceived him, leading him to offend someone who appeared to be a war veteran. While he was lost in thoughts about all he had endured with his most loyal men, Sparrow''s voice pulled him back to reality. "Move!" His voice was calm yet laced with malice, delivering an ultimatum: if they didn''t clear his path, Sparrow would no longer be polite and would ensure that anyone who obstructed him would pay the price. The Leader of Port City instinctively stepped aside, leaving his own people stunned. The commotion had begun to attract the attention of nearby zombies, and they had no choice but to hasten their actions. With urgency, the Leader barked out orders to his team. "We''re heading back to the shelter!" His command stunned his entire team. They had ventured out with the hope of securing valuable supplies from this skirmish, but now it seemed they would return empty-handed. Many members were unwilling to accept this disappointing outcome. "Boss! What about the supplies they took from the Eastern Warehouse? Those belong to Port City, and we''re the only ones entitled to them!" one man exclaimed through gritted teeth, a wicked glint flashing in his eyes. He had been loyal to his leader for years, steadfast even when some members defected and began eyeing his boss''s position. His loyalty stemmed from his unwavering belief in his leader''s remarkable talent for guiding them to victory, especially in territorial disputes and gang wars. But now, his leader was acting like a coward in front of an outsider who resembled a pretty boy. He loathed it; he despised seeing his boss appear so weak. This vulnerability could easily be exploited by their rivals within the shelter. The man glanced at his boss, who was already in his late forties, and felt a surge of frustration. ''Maybe he''s getting senile with age, or perhaps he has simply passed his prime and lost the confidence he once had. It''s as if he''s easily intimidated now, which could explain why he''s ignoring the threats looming over the shelter.'' Standing at the back of the open truck, the man glanced at his boss once more, a resolute decision forming in his mind. He no longer believed that following his former boss was the best choice, especially with the world having devolved into chaos. His boss''s newfound softness felt akin to a tiger losing its teeth and claws in old age. In this time when danger lurked around every corner, they needed a stronger, fiercer leader more than ever. He silently signaled for some of his men to move in and subdue Sparrow. The priority was to seize the supplies from him before addressing the latter part of his plan; now wasn''t the right time to confront that decision. But before he and his crew could act, Sparrow spoke up again. "If you''re after supplies, you should head to the Eastern Warehouse. It''s true that my team and I intended to retrieve some supplies from there, but the entire place is sealed off, swarming with thousands of zombies. How could my team and I possibly get inside and extract any supplies without being noticed?" Sparrow posed the question, challenging their intentions. Chapter 425 Sparrow The Shameless 2 Upon hearing Sparrow''s words, Clyde, Reeve, Rose, and even Evelyn exchanged incredulous glances. ''How can he lie through his teeth without even breaking a sweat?'' Rose wondered, struggling to suppress the twitch at the corner of her mouth. ''He must have been a conman even before the apocalypse,'' Clyde thought, astonished by how effortlessly Sparrow spun his web of lies without betraying a single expression. ''He really chose the wrong profession,'' he added mentally, doing his best to maintain a neutral facade. Reeve and Evelyn struggled to mask their reactions, their expressions betraying a mix of disbelief and shock. They couldn''t help but find Sparrow utterly shameless, especially as he claimed they couldn''t retrieve any supplies from the Eastern warehouse. It was ironic, considering he had already raided the third warehouse and was planning to keep at it every time they returned for the cargo trailer. Just last night, he had been urging the five STAU to push themselves in training, insisting they continue well into the early hours to reach Level 1 as quickly as possible. This would allow them to increase the capacity of their portable space, enabling them to store more cargo trailers and supplies. However, his question also caused the opposing party to pause and think. They were the ones who had sealed off the Eastern Warehouse, which had once served as a refuge for thousands of survivors who had fled to the Eastern Port seeking safety. Back then, supplies were never a concern because they had everything they needed stored there. The people managing the Eastern Warehouse had welcomed them, allowing them to use it as their shelter while they waited for the government to intervene and send in the military. The current leader of the Port City Shelter had initially come to the area to oversee his smuggling operations, unaware that the apocalypse was about to unfold. Seeking refuge in the Eastern Warehouse, he and his entourage initially resorted to intimidation to assert control over the desperate survivors. However, as they observed the large number of women, children, and elderly individuals in the shelter, the leader softened his approach. This change in demeanor was also influenced by the fact that, after a week, no help had arrived to assist them. He believed that they were all in this together, fostering a spirit of kindness among one another. By doing so, they could create a stronger community, united in their efforts to watch each other''s backs against a common enemy. It was astonishing to think that someone had been bitten yet chose to hide this crucial information out of fear of being killed, just like the others who had perished. This single act of cowardice ultimately led to the entire Eastern Warehouse falling into the hands of the zombies. In the chaos, there was a desperate reluctance to abandon the valuable supplies stored within the warehouse. Concerned that outsiders or rival factions might seize the opportunity to claim those resources, someone made the fateful decision to seal off the warehouse as they fled. The consequences were devastating. Those who managed to escape were numbered in the hundreds, but they had lost countless lives due to the rampant spread of infection that had breached their defenses. The once-thriving shelter became a haunting reminder of their failure, filled with memories of the lives lost and the trust shattered. The weight of their decisions hung heavily over the survivors. Now that Sparrow had brought up the state of the Eastern Warehouse again, it stirred a wave of memories among the group. Although they were the ones who had sealed off the warehouse with plans to return later, those intentions had never materialized. The moment they opened the gates, they knew a horde of zombies would surge out, and anyone attempting to do so would likely face certain death. No one was eager to take on that dangerous task. Instead, they chose to push the supplies from the Eastern Warehouse to the back of their minds, focusing on their remaining options to scavenge the city for what they could find. This attitude of avoidance led to a chilling reality: many of their own had grown cowardly, unwilling to risk their lives for a supply run. The current leader, burdened by the responsibility of his people, was the only one genuinely concerned about the situation. His worry, however, bred discontent among his followers. Many began to perceive him as soft and indecisive, attributing his caution to the apocalypse''s toll on his spirit. They felt that in a world where survival was paramount, their leader''s reluctance to make bold moves was a sign of weakness, jeopardizing their chance for survival in an increasingly dangerous landscape. "If you''re genuinely curious about whether I managed to secure any supplies, feel free to check the Eastern Warehouse. You might find something has changed or discover a safer route around," Sparrow challenged, a smirk playing on his lips. Deep down, he was well aware that every inch of the Eastern Warehouse was swarming with zombies. They had completely overrun the place, and before anyone could take a single step further, they would find themselves surrounded by the relentless horde trapped within the perimeter. Moreover, Sparrow was certain they wouldn''t notice anything unusual just by inspecting the perimeter. He had been sneaking in and out of the warehouses through an open window on the third floor, a method so stealthy that no one would suspect how he managed to avoid the zombies lurking below. He hadn''t disturbed any of the undead in the vicinity, leaving no corpses behind to give away his movements. "If you didn''t come for our supplies, then why are you even wandering around Port City? Wasn''t it just to scavenge for supplies?" one of the burly men beside the shelter leader interjected, struggling to understand Sparrow''s presence there. "I''d be lying if I said I wasn''t considering the supplies in the Eastern warehouse, but no matter how hard I looked, that place seems completely impenetrable. Besides, I came here for the machines in the Western warehouse; I was just testing my luck on the other side," Sparrow said, casually shrugging his shoulders as if it were no big deal. Clyde stifled a cough, clenching his fist in front of his lips to hide the smirk threatening to escape. He found it amusing how easily Sparrow spun his lies, and they all knew no one could confirm the truth of his claims. Ironically, it just so happened that they had indeed taken some forklifts and construction materials from the Western Warehouse, which made Sparrow''s assertions feel less like total nonsense. Clyde couldn''t tell if Sparrow was genuinely gathering supplies to bring back to their base or if he had anticipated someone questioning him, using this as a convenient cover for his frequent visits to Port City. After all, Aston had already warned them about the shelters nearby, making it entirely plausible that others were keeping a watchful eye on Sparrow''s team''s movements in the area. Moreover, it was undeniable that they needed these supplies, as there were numerous ongoing construction projects and renovations taking place at the base. The opposing group still had countless questions and couldn''t let Sparrow''s team walk away so easily, but the growing horde of zombies left little room for further discussion. Sparrow tapped the front of the truck with his hand and declared, "We''re leaving!" He shot a pointed glare at the other party, a silent challenge that warned, Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''Try to stop me and see what happens.'' Chapter 426 Duke Met With Problems Everyone climbed back into their trucks, with Sparrow taking the lead. His military-grade armored truck bulldozed through the zombies that came their way, leaving the opposing party in their dust. Even if they wanted to pursue Sparrow and his team, they were at a disadvantage; their trucks were only regular trailers that had been hastily reinforced with some modifications like sturdier bumpers and blades on the sides to fend off the attacking zombies. However, none of that could compare to Sparrow''s military vehicle, which boasted superior defense and a powerful engine. They could only glare at Sparrow''s retreating convoy with a mix of envy and frustration, unwilling to accept this outcome so easily. Defeated, they returned to their shelter, realizing they had achieved nothing. The time spent talking to Sparrow now felt like a waste; they should have seized the moment when they saw him and simply ransacked his trucks once they were done. Even without any supplies inside, the military vehicles would have given them a significant advantage for navigating the city with greater ease. Sparrow, however, brushed off the encounter as inconsequential to his mission and the people he had brought with him. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In fact, he was fully prepared to eliminate anyone who failed to recognize the gravity of the situation and backed down. The opposing party was fortunate that their leader was sensible enough to de-escalate the situation; otherwise, Sparrow would have had no qualms about taking drastic action. Little did the members of that faction know, their leader had just saved their lives. Instead, they were already scheming to defect from his faction, leaving behind only a handful of truly loyal followers. Sparrow and his team made their way back to the base. Although they faced some delays, their return was still within the expected timeframe. Meanwhile, Kisha allowed Vulture to take the lead with his team while she remained close to the warriors, ensuring to replenished their stamina and spiritual energy at the right moments when needed. The newly joined survivors quickly settled into the roles they were most familiar with. The Evans'' former bodyguard integrated into the warrior group, where he was astonished to discover the existence of superhumans. Witnessing their awakened abilities was a mind-boggling experience for him and the other newcomers. They were equally surprised by how relaxed everyone seemed within the base, as if they didn''t have a care in the world about the zombies lurking outside or the uncertain future of their supplies. To them, it felt like they had stumbled upon a paradise in the midst of a barren desert¡ªan oasis still in the early stages of development. Although the base lacked a stable water supply and electricity, these issues were far from their minds. The presence of ample food and drinkable water at the Supply Center overshadowed any concerns they might have had. Instead of the gloom and negativity that might have surrounded the base due to their lives turning upside down in a single day, the residents exuded an air of resilience and determination, eagerly looking forward to the future. Kisha herself was unaware of the significant impact she now had on the survivors of her base. Perhaps it was because she had built a sturdy wall around her heart and mind after enduring past betrayals, allowing only a select few inside. However, the former bodyguard of the Evans family could clearly see the change. Everyone appeared resilient and strong-minded, like hardy grass thriving by the side of the road. Given the way their City Lord worked and strategized, the survivors believed she had already devised plans to address the deficiencies in the base. Even though they hadn''t heard her outline these plans, they had faith in her capabilities and in the leaders of each department. While everything was running smoothly at the base, Duke encountered a problem as soon as he reached the southeast perimeter. The reconnaissance in the southern sector had gone remarkably well; they even completed their tasks ahead of schedule, allowing them to shift their focus to the east and navigate the city in a counterclockwise direction. However, upon reaching the southeastern border, they were met with a cacophony of unsettling noises. Eeeick! Iiickickikc! The sounds that filled the air resembled the high-pitched squeals of rats, and they weren''t alone; countless of these creatures emerged from every corner of the city, flooding the streets. Their sizes varied dramatically¡ªsome as large as a normal dog, while others were the size of a cat. There were also smaller ones, darker and more menacing than the rest. A wave of dread washed over everyone, causing their faces to pale and goosebumps to race down their spines. They couldn''t help but swallow the lump that had formed in their throats. The eyes of the rats glowed eerily red, reminiscent of blood, particularly those lurking in the shadows, which made them appear even more terrifying. The warriors felt their hair stand on end as an instinctual chill ran down their spines, prompting them to take a step back. They were overwhelmed by the sheer number of rats encircling them, with no escape in sight. Yet, Duke remained unfazed, casually scanning his surroundings as he assessed both the situation and his enemies. The cacophony of rat noises grew increasingly loud, and the creatures seemed almost exhilarated at the sight of Duke and his party. After mutating into their current form, these rats had spent their existence lurking in sewers or scavenging the city, which offered little more than trash and the occasional zombie. Their diet consisted mostly of the decaying flesh of the undead that roamed their territory; when hunger struck, they might consume one or two zombies, despite the foul, putrid taste. With no other options available, they scavenged to survive. But now, with fresh meat approaching, a primal hunger surged through the horde of rats. The warriors watched in horror as the rats began to drool, resembling animals infected with rabies, their excitement palpable. A wave of fear washed over the warriors, stronger than any dread they had felt when facing zombies. The sight of these massive rats, seemingly eager to feast on them, was unnerving. The sheer number of the creatures was terrifying; the thought of one biting them was enough to send chills down their body, for they knew that if one attacked, countless others would surely follow. The prospect of being overwhelmed by the horde filled them with a chilling sense of vulnerability. However, the sheer number of the mutated rats wasn''t their only threat. Their front teeth had grown strong enough to bite through bone, making even the larger rats formidable opponents. Their attack pattern resembled that of piranhas, swarming a victim in a frenzied onslaught until nothing was left. The warriors realized that facing these creatures was not just a fight for survival¡ªit was a battle against a relentless tide of flesh-eating predators. Suddenly, Duke''s eyes narrowed as he observed the larger rats, and a chilling realization washed over him. He recalled Kisha''s earlier warnings about these creatures before he set out on his mission. Now, he fully understood the gravity of her concern. It wasn''t just the risk of being bitten¡ªthese rats were not merely aggressive; they were poised to devour their prey down to the bones. Chapter 427 Mutated Rats Duke watched in horror as a massive mutated rat gnawed on a steel pipe from a street sign, its gaze fixed menacingly on him and his team. Mucus-like saliva dripped from the corners of its mouth, pooling on the ground below as it savored its makeshift meal. Duke inhaled sharply as he surveyed the precarious situation, acutely aware that neither his team nor the mutated rats had made any sudden moves. They were locked in a tense standoff; the rats seemed to sense Duke''s formidable aura, holding back their eagerness to attack, their eyes gleaming with a mix of hunger and caution. As Duke continued to analyze the scene, a chilling realization struck him. The earlier ease of their journey through the southern part of the city hadn''t been due to luck or flawless reconnaissance. He had sensed something was off¡ªa disquieting stillness that felt unnatural. Now, watching one of the larger mutant rats gnawing on the decaying flesh of a zombie, its mouth stained with dark, congealed blood, everything clicked into place. The absence of zombie hordes was not a sign of safety; it was a warning. The mutant rats had claimed this territory for themselves, eliminating any competition for food and effectively driving the zombies away. Duke''s pulse quickened as he realized that their earlier path had been a mere prelude to the true danger lurking ahead. The rats were not just a nuisance; they were apex predators in this new, twisted ecosystem, and they were hungry for more than just rotting flesh. They were hunting for fresh prey, and Duke and his team were now squarely in their sights. Duke contemplated the unnerving scene before him, piecing together the implications of the mutated rats'' presence. It seemed clear that these creatures had emerged from the sewers in search of new dietary options, driven by an insatiable hunger. They resorted to consuming the zombies roaming their territory only when no other prey was available. Although he lacked concrete evidence to support his theory, it felt like the most logical explanation for the situation unfolding around him. Reflecting on his previous arrival with Kisha in City B, he recalled their journey through the most secluded areas, where they had successfully avoided unnecessary encounters with a horde of zombies. This time, however, he had intentionally chosen routes closer to their designated location, opting for paths that were supposed to be safer due to a lower number of zombies. Yet, even now, they had only encountered a few hundred of the undead. While he was relieved that their reconnaissance had been relatively smooth, it nagged at him that City B, a bustling big city that once boasted a population in the millions, felt eerily desolate. Given the size of the city and the density of its former inhabitants, the current scarcity of zombies didn''t add up. Even after the recent zombie raid, which had not significantly thinned their numbers, it was puzzling that this portion of the city appeared so abandoned. Duke''s instincts told him that the mutant rats were likely responsible for this unsettling shift in the city''s ecosystem, claiming territory and asserting dominance over the food chain. The unsettling thought gnawed at him: what would happen if these rats continued to grow in number and boldness? Would they turn their ravenous hunger on the living next? Or are they already hunting human survivors that''s why they came out of the sewers? With every passing moment, Duke understood the gravity of the situation. The presence of these mutated rats was not just an anomaly; it signified a shift in the balance of power within the city. They weren''t merely scavengers; they were predators, and his team was standing on the precipice of danger. Duke observed closely as the mutated rats appeared to hesitate, seemingly taking a step back. His team let out a collective sigh of relief, but Duke''s instincts tingled with unease, darkening his expression. "Prepare for battle!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. In that instant, the warriors realized the truth: the rats weren''t retreating; they were merely regrouping, preparing to launch their attack. As soon as the words left Duke''s mouth, the air crackled with a sudden energy, and the mutated rats sprang forward, a frenzied wave of fur and teeth. Duke acted swiftly. He conjured an ice wall that encased himself and his team, forming a shimmering barrier against the onslaught. His companions, having learned from past encounters, instinctively summoned their own defenses. Earth walls erupted from the ground, encircling the group in a sturdy fortification. "Now!" Duke commanded, channeling his energy. With a flick of his wrist, he called forth his Fire Meteor. The sky darkened as flames ignited, and fiery projectiles rained down upon the encroaching horde of mutated rats. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, a tempest of heat and destruction aimed at their foes. The mutated rats, momentarily stunned by the display of power, began to scatter. Some turned to flee, sensing their impending doom. But Duke''s fire meteors had already encircled them, casting a deadly net of flames that fell in random directions, igniting anything in their path. Screeches of panic erupted from the rats as the first meteor struck the ground, sending shockwaves through their ranks. The heat radiated outward, causing the air to shimmer. Duke''s heart turned cold as he maintained focus, directing the meteors with precision, ensuring that no rat would escape unscathed. His team watched in awe, adrenaline surging through their veins, as the mutated rats, once a formidable threat, were reduced to chaos and confusion. In that moment, Duke knew they had turned the tide; they were not merely surviving this encounter but fighting back with ferocity and determination. The battlefield had transformed, and they would not be victims today. Despite the chaos and destruction wrought by Duke''s fire meteors, a resilient group of mutated rats remained, their instincts ignited by the loss of their companions. With an unsettling determination, the surviving rats surged forward, as if throwing caution¡ªand their very lives¡ªinto the winds. They lunged at the ice and earth walls protecting Duke and his team, their sharp claws raking against the surfaces while their teeth gnawed desperately, trying to breach the barriers and reach their prey. Duke could feel the mounting pressure. He refused to allow the rats to overwhelm his defenses. With a swift and focused motion, he activated his ice ability, channeling his energy. The ground trembled as he summoned numerous ice spikes that erupted from the earth, towering over the advancing rats like jagged teeth of a great beast. The spikes shot up with astonishing speed, piercing through the air as they emerged from the ground, catching many of the rats off guard. The icy formations glistened menacingly in the dim light, casting eerie shadows as they impaled their targets. The remaining rats screeched in terror and confusion, their frenzy momentarily halted by the sudden onslaught of ice. The once-chaotic battlefield was now a testament to his power and his team wasn''t even able to lift a finger to help him. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The mutated rats, disoriented and panicked, found themselves trapped in a deadly trap of ice and earth, struggling against the elements that sought to claim them. "Push forward!" Duke commanded, invigorated by the sight of their enemy faltering. "We can''t let any of them escape!" With renewed determination, he summoned more ice spikes, his mind racing with strategies as he directed his team to prepare for the next wave of attacks. Duke''s eyes flickered with resolve. They had the advantage now, and he intended to make every moment count. Chapter 428 The River Of Black Mass With Duke''s sharp reminder, the warriors in his team snapped out of their momentary awe. They had been mesmerized by Duke''s display of sheer power¡ªhis control over fire and ice was nothing short of formidable, and it had momentarily left them in silent admiration. But his command jolted them back to the grim reality at hand. There were still mutated rats, now crazed with desperation, that needed to be dealt with. The warriors quickly focused, summoning their own powers as they prepared to join the fray. With their hands glowing faintly with energy, they called forth earth spikes from the ground, mimicking Duke''s earlier strategy. Sharp, jagged rocks erupted from the ground, piercing through the air and targeting the rats that were still frantically trying to breach their defenses. The ground trembled under the simultaneous power of the warriors as they unleashed wave after wave of spikes toward the remaining mutated creatures. For a moment, the mutant rats were stunned and confused with the attack directed at them and how it came to be but, the mutant rat''s confusion quickly turned into seething hatred as they watched so many of their kind fall like flies, easily cut down by the warriors'' attacks. The mutated rats, now driven by blind rage, were more dangerous than ever. Duke, however, refrained from making another move. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He remained vigilant, keeping his energy in reserve in case reinforcements arrived. He couldn''t afford to drain his spiritual energy just yet, and he trusted the warriors to handle the cleanup. None of them stepped beyond the protective earth wall, maintaining their defensive position as they systematically eliminated the remaining threats. The rats, now more frenzied than ever, reacted with violent unpredictability. They screeched louder, their blood-red eyes glowing with fury as they charged at the team''s defenses with reckless abandon. They attacked blindly, gnashing their powerful teeth and throwing their bodies against the ice and earth walls, seemingly indifferent to the danger that surrounded them. Some of the rats were pierced mid-leap by the earth spikes, their bodies impaled as they let out dying shrieks, while others dodged the attacks and continued their relentless assault. The warriors, initially hesitant, now fought with renewed vigor. They realized that Duke wasn''t the only one capable of taking control of the battlefield. They, too, had the power to turn the tide. With every spike they conjured, they became more confident, their movements more fluid and precise. They synchronized their attacks, creating a seamless barrage of earth spikes that slowly but surely thinned the remaining rat numbers. Yet, despite their efforts, the mutated rats seemed even more deranged. Their rage only intensified with every loss. Their attacks became more erratic, and they began throwing themselves against the walls with a manic determination, trying to break through any gap they could find. "These things are relentless!" one of the warriors muttered under his breath, as he barely managed to dodge a rat''s deadly bite. "We''ve got this!" Duke shouted from his position, his eyes scanning the battlefield for any sign of weakness among the enemies. "Don''t let up! Keep pushing forward!" The warriors nodded, gritting their teeth as they focused on the task at hand. Their earth spikes continued to burst from the ground with renewed force, piercing through the air and slicing through the remaining rats. It was a fierce, bloody struggle, but the tide of battle had already turned in their favor. With every passing moment, fewer and fewer rats remained. Their numbers, which had once seemed overwhelming, were now dwindling rapidly under the onslaught of the warriors'' combined might. But the final few were the most dangerous¡ªthese last survivors, driven by pure instinct, were willing to risk everything. They attacked with a ferocity that was almost suicidal, trying to break through the defenses one last time. But it wasn''t enough. The warriors, now fully in sync with Duke''s leadership, fought with precision and coordination. Together, they struck down the remaining rats, leaving the battlefield littered with the broken bodies of their mutated enemies. As the last rat fell, there was a brief, stunned silence. The team stood amidst the wreckage, panting and battered but victorious. Duke lowered his hands, his breathing steady but his expression grim. "Well done," he said, his voice steady but low. "But this isn''t the end. We''ve got to stay alert. There could be more." The warriors nodded in agreement, their senses still heightened from the battle. They knew Duke was right¡ªthough they had won this round, the city was still crawling with dangers, and the rats were only one of many threats that lurked in the shadows. Duke took a moment to survey the scene, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The mutated rats had been a formidable challenge, but they were only a part of a much larger problem. He knew that the real danger lay in what the city still concealed. Sure enough, the piercing screeches of the mutated rats attracted reinforcements. From the depths of the sewers, another horde emerged. Duke and his team watched in horror as the rats poured out of the manholes like a dense, writhing mass of black matter, their sheer numbers making it seem as though the ground itself was shifting. The sight of the endless swarm left no doubt¡ªthey were about to face another overwhelming wave. Duke quickly assessed the situation and instructed his team to shift their focus entirely to defense. "Reinforce the barriers!" he commanded, his voice steady but urgent. They needed to find a way out of this encirclement, and fast. Staying locked down in this location was not an option. Even with the support of stamina boosters and the vials of black liquid, they couldn''t afford to stay in a prolonged standoff against the seemingly endless flood of mutated rats pouring from the sewers. The strain on their mental and physical endurance would be too great, and time was not on their side. ''We can''t hold them off forever,'' Duke thought grimly. ''We need an escape plan¡ªnow.'' Duke scanned the perimeter, desperately searching for any possible escape route or place to take shelter. However, the grim reality quickly set in¡ªthere was nowhere they could hide from these relentless mutated rats. Even if they found temporary cover, the rats would likely pursue them with a vengeance, not just driven by hunger anymore, but by a deep, primal fury born from hatred and anger. They weren''t just predators now; they were enemies out for blood. Duke knew they couldn''t simply flee¡ªthey needed to outsmart the swarm or face being overrun. After a moment of contemplation, Duke made a decisive call. He and the rest of the team began to push forward cautiously, retreating toward an alleyway. They carefully controlled the earth and ice walls, using them as moving shields to protect themselves as they advanced. Step by step, they edged their way backward into the narrow passage. The mutated rats, however, were relentless¡ªswarming like a river of solid black mass, stepping over one another in a frenzy, each fighting to be at the forefront of the assault. The sight of them flooding the streets, desperate to breach their defenses, only intensified the team''s urgency to escape. As the mutated rats continued to pile up, their sheer numbers began to reach the height of the ice and earth walls shielding Duke and his team. Chapter 429 The Angry Mutated Rats Realizing the imminent danger, they quickened their pace, trying to stay ahead of the rats'' relentless surge. The warriors poured more of their spiritual energy into fortifying the walls, repairing the damage caused by the relentless gnawing and clawing. The race against time became critical as the rats threatened to breach their defenses with each passing moment. In the alley, Duke spotted an emergency exit. Acting swiftly, one team member crouched down on one knee, positioning his hands to create a sturdy platform at chest level. Another team member took a few steps back, adjusting his stance before sprinting forward. With perfect coordination, he planted his foot onto the hands of the crouched man, using them as a stepping stone. Boosted up, he grabbed the edge of the ladder, quickly climbing to the top. Once he secured his position, he kicked the ladder down, allowing it to slide back down for the rest of the team to use. The rest of the team ascended the ladder with practiced discipline, their movements fluid and efficient. While nerves and fear coursed through them, they didn''t show signs of panic. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They recalled Duke''s lessons from their training: maintaining a clear mind was crucial in dangerous situations. The more perilous the circumstances, the more alert and focused they needed to be to survive. They understood that succumbing to panic could lead to misjudgment, endangering not only themselves but also their teammates. They all did their best to maintain their composure, fighting against the fear that threatened to overwhelm them as the mutant rats surged toward them like a black flood. After kicking down the ladder, everyone except Duke had climbed up to safety. With a grim determination, Duke pushed the ladder back up while he stayed in his position, creating a barrier to prevent the mutant rats from reaching them. His team watched in horror, hearts racing, as they feared he was sacrificing himself to hold the line. If Duke could read their thoughts, he would have rolled his eyes and scolded them for watching too much drama. Why on earth would he sacrifice his life when he had a wife waiting for him back home? Were they completely out of their minds? They were fortunate that Duke was so focused on keeping the mutant rats at bay that he didn''t notice the expressions on their faces. Once he ensured everyone had made it up the fire exit staircase, he knew the rats would soon attempt to climb the building floor by floor or claw their way up the cemented walls. With a determined push, he sent the piling mutant rats tumbling down like a line of dominos, slowing their reactions. He quickly summoned another fire meteor, ready to incinerate the mass of mutant rats before him. As the rats piled on top of one another, those at the very bottom found themselves trapped, while the ones at the top stumbled to regain their balance. But before they could react, the fire meteor descended upon them, engulfing most of the horde in flames and reducing their numbers significantly. The heat and chaos created a momentary reprieve, buying Duke precious seconds to regroup and think of their next move. The mutant rats'' dry fur made them incredibly susceptible to the fire, allowing the flames to spread rapidly through the pile before Duke. The conflagration roared to life, transforming the horde into a writhing mass of burning flesh, sending plumes of acrid smoke spiraling into the air. The stench of charred fur mingled with the nauseating odor of the rats'' flesh, creating a noxious haze that threatened to overwhelm Duke''s senses. Realizing he couldn''t stay in that position any longer, Duke swiftly leaped from his spot, propelling himself upward toward where the rest of his team awaited. The heat from the fire licked at his back, but his focus remained sharp as he soared through the air, determined to rejoin his comrades and strategize their next move. Duke''s leap was astonishing, propelling him high into the air with an impressive grace that left his team momentarily speechless. They watched in wide-eyed disbelief as he soared upward, defying expectations and gravity itself. With a single bound, he seemed to glide toward them, effortlessly bridging the distance to the fire exit on the second floor. Their jaws dropped as they realized that this wasn''t just an ordinary jump; Duke was tapping into his latent power, showcasing the incredible strength and agility that had always set him apart. For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as they absorbed the sight of their leader, embodying both heroism and sheer determination. This was a man who wasn''t just fighting for survival; he was inspiring them all to push beyond their limits. The awe in their eyes reflected a newfound respect for Duke, and they couldn''t help but feel a surge of adrenaline at the thought of standing alongside someone so formidable. Once they gathered on the second floor of the fire exit staircase, a collective sense of relief washed over the team as they looked down at the inferno below. The alley was transformed into a chaotic spectacle of flames consuming the pile of mutated rats, and for a brief moment, it felt as though they had finally triumphed over the monstrous horde. Many of the warriors exchanged relieved glances, their tense expressions softening as they shared in the momentary victory. They felt the weight of fear lift from their shoulders, believing they had outsmarted the relentless creatures that had pursued them so fervently. Thud... Thud... But that relief was short-lived. Just as they began to celebrate their narrow escape, a low, menacing growl echoed from below, slicing through the fragile calm like a knife. The team''s smiles faded, replaced by looks of horror and disbelief as they realized that the burning mass was not the end of their troubles; it was merely the beginning. Emerging from the shadows of the alley, more mutated rats began to appear, their eyes glowing with a fierce determination. It was clear that the fire had only angered them further, igniting a primal rage that fueled their relentless pursuit. The warriors felt their hearts race again, the adrenaline surging as the reality of their dire situation settled in. They were still very much in danger, and now they needed to regroup and prepare for another fight. Suddenly, the air was filled with loud thuds reverberating from below, shaking the very foundation of the building they were perched in. The sound grew louder and more chaotic, an ominous herald of the mutated rats'' relentless pursuit. Duke and his team watched in mounting dread as another surge of black mass surged into view, a writhing tide of fury and determination. This time, the mutated rats had changed their strategy. Instead of dispersing, they charged straight toward the building, their beady eyes glinting with rage and hatred. It was as if they had recognized their prey, and their focus was now entirely locked on Duke and his team. The sight was terrifying. The creatures climbed over each other, a mass of fur and claws, as they clawed and gnawed at the entrance, desperate to breach the barrier that separated them from their targets. Their guttural screechs filled the air, a chilling symphony of primal instinct and insatiable hunger, echoing through the empty corridors of the building. "Get ready!" Duke shouted, his voice cutting through the noise as he prepared to take charge. They would have to stand firm, fight back, and find a way to escape this nightmare. The mutated rats were coming, and there was no turning back now. Chapter 430 The Infestation "Shit!" One of the warriors exclaimed, panic surging through his chest like ice water. "Move! Move up!" Duke barked, urgency lacing his voice. He gestured for his team to climb the ladder leading to the roof of the building, which was only about five floors high. As Duke''s command echoed in the cramped space, the warriors sprang into action, urgency overriding their fear. They scrambled up the metal stairs, their hearts pounding with adrenaline. Just as they began their ascent, the mutated rats surged forward, flooding the window beside them with terrifying speed. With a deafening crash, the glass shattered, sending shards flying in all directions. The rats poured through the broken window, some tumbling down into the raging fire below, but their instincts were singular and relentless¡ªthey seemed utterly unconcerned with their own demise, fixated solely on reaching Duke and his team. Screech! The air filled with the shrill cries of the mutated rats, their desperation echoing off the walls, a chilling reminder of the danger that pursued them. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke felt a surge of determination. There was no room for hesitation. They had to reach the roof before it was too late. "Keep going! Don''t look back!" he urged, his voice cutting through the chaos. The warriors pushed themselves harder, fueled by a primal instinct to survive. With each step up the ladder, they could feel the heat of the fire below mingling with the overwhelming stench of the rats, a putrid reminder of what lay in wait should they fail. They could hear the rats clawing and screeching behind them, a cacophony of fury that threatened to swallow them whole. But Duke knew they had to hold their ground; they had to outlast this wave. He couldn''t even begin to estimate how many waves of these mutated rats were still lurking, waiting to strike. If his instincts were right, he and his team had already taken down hundreds of them, swarming out from the sewers in relentless attacks. Yet, the thought of how many more could still be hiding in the labyrinthine sewer system sent a surging headache. It was hard to imagine the full scope of the infestation. These creatures were like grotesque¡ªlandbound piranhas with ravenous hunger, tearing through anything in their path. In a strange twist of fate, he almost felt lucky they''d encountered the rats while on outside on a mission. If these monstrous vermin had reached their base unnoticed, the outcome would have been catastrophic. Caught off guard, the entire base would''ve been defenseless, overrun by the horde of these mutated rats. Not only would the infected have risen as zombies¡ªjust as Kisha had warned¡ªbut the base itself would''ve crumbled, becoming nothing more than a feeding ground for these voracious creatures. The very thought made Duke frown deeply. Even Kisha, their most knowledgeable person because of her experiences from her past lives, hadn''t predicted the surge in the mutated rat population festering underground. It was a terrifying realization: the threat was far greater than any of them had anticipated. This had to be why Kisha''s mission classified these mutated rats as a major threat. It wasn''t just an oversight or a minor concern¡ªthese creatures represented a looming disaster waiting to happen. They were fortunate, for now, that the rats hadn''t yet made the decision to swarm out of the sewers and launch an assault on their base, something Duke had feared from the very beginning. The threat was real, but they still had a window of opportunity. Right now, they had the advantage. The rats were still confined to the sewers, biding their time in the shadows. If they could act swiftly, they might be able to eradicate these pests before the rats made their move. It was a race against time¡ªif the rats decided to attack, the base and everyone in it would be in grave danger. The stakes couldn''t be higher. For now, the only thing standing between the rats and the base was this team. It wasn''t just about killing them; it was about preventing a full-scale disaster from unfolding. This mission had shifted from a precautionary operation to a desperate attempt at survival. The fate of everyone at the base depended on whether or not they could stop the rats from overrunning them. Duke''s mind raced, frantically searching for a more effective solution to deal with the swarm of mutated rats in one decisive strike. He knew that as long as even a single nest remained hidden deep within the sewer system, they would never be truly safe. The rats had an alarming reproductive cycle, breeding at a staggering rate. In just over half a month since the apocalypse, their numbers had exploded into the hundreds, maybe even thousands. This wasn''t just a simple infestation¡ªit was an unstoppable force growing stronger by the day. The realization gnawed at him: they were running out of time. The rats weren''t just dangerous; they were evolving, thriving in the shadows. With each passing day, the situation worsened. If he didn''t find a way to uproot every last one of them, it was only a matter of time before the infestation spiraled completely out of control. The base would be overrun, and no amount of fortifications would hold these creatures back. Duke understood that their current approach¡ªfighting them wave after wave¡ªwas unsustainable. They needed a plan, a way to strike at the heart of this rat colony and wipe them out before their numbers grew beyond containment. As the team leader, the weight of responsibility hung heavily on his shoulders. Every second they delayed, the rats multiplied, their population growing exponentially. It wasn''t just about survival anymore¡ªit was about ensuring the future safety of the entire base. The rats'' rapid growth and sheer numbers made them more than just a nuisance; they were a force of nature. How could Duke be so certain that the mutated rats had an alarming reproduction rate? The answer lay in what he knew about the cities before the apocalypse. City B, much like City A, had always been diligent about pest control. As one of the country''s main merchant hubs¡ªand a thriving one at that¡ªthe city had been under constant scrutiny by the government to ensure that its bustling economy remained unaffected by health hazards, particularly pests. The stakes were high; any outbreak of disease or infestation could have ripple effects that would harm business and disrupt trade. With so much at risk, pest control wasn''t just a priority¡ªit was a necessity. City B''s sewers, though not completely free of rats, should have been relatively clean. The city''s rigorous pest management strategies ensured that the rat population was always kept in check. In a city as prosperous as this, the government spared no expense to maintain hygiene, knowing full well that even a minor pest problem could spiral into an economic disaster. Under normal circumstances, the number of rats in the sewers would have been manageable, with regular sweeps keeping their population low. But now, in the wake of the apocalypse, everything had changed. The sudden explosion of mutated rats in such a short time was a glaring anomaly. These rats weren''t just surviving¡ªthey were thriving, multiplying at a terrifying pace. Duke could tell that the population had grown exponentially, far beyond what the sewers should have supported under normal conditions. The fact that they had already encountered hundreds of these creatures, despite the city''s previous pest control efforts, was all the proof he needed. It wasn''t natural¡ªthis was the result of rapid mutation, combined with an accelerated reproductive cycle. Chapter 431 A Way Out Duke understood that whatever mutation these rats had undergone, it had amplified their ability to breed and grow in numbers at an astonishing rate. In less than half a month, the situation had shifted from a manageable nuisance to an uncontrollable horde. But right now, Duke couldn''t afford to focus on the mutated rats'' alarming reproduction rate. What demanded his immediate attention was survival¡ªhow to escape the relentless pursuit of the mutant rat''s horde closing in on them. If he and his team couldn''t outmaneuver the swarm on their heels, there would be no future plans to consider. The rats were faster than they appeared, and if even one of them fell behind, they''d be dead within seconds. These creatures weren''t just predators; they were ravenous. A single slip-up, and the rats would devour their prey so quickly that there wouldn''t be enough left to bury. Duke knew that every second counted, and unless they could escape, they''d become nothing more than a meal for these monsters. Survival now was the only path to ensuring he''d get a chance to eradicate these pests once and for all. But first, they had to live through the next few minutes. "Run faster!" Duke urged the warriors ahead of him, his voice sharp with urgency. The group strained to comply, their faces flushed red, veins bulging in their necks as they pushed their bodies to the limit. They were already giving everything they had, but Duke, in his haste, seemed to forget one crucial detail: these warriors were still at level 0, far behind him in strength and endurance, much more agility. There was a massive gap in their stats. While Duke was pacing himself, aware that he could push harder if needed, he had been holding back to protect the rear, ensuring no one was left behind. To him, this was a controlled effort. But for the warriors, every step was agony¡ªthey were running at their absolute limit, lungs burning and muscles screaming for relief. Duke''s call to run faster hit them like a punch to the gut, a stinging reminder of their limitations. They knew they couldn''t keep up with him, but they also knew that falling behind wasn''t an option. The mutated rats were closing in, and if they slowed down for even a moment, their fate would be sealed. Even then, no one uttered a word of complaint. Instead, they gritted their teeth and pushed themselves harder, climbing the stairs with relentless determination, never daring to look back. When they finally reached the fifth floor, they paused only long enough for Duke to catch up before hastily erecting an earth wall at the stairwell. But they all knew it was a temporary solution at best¡ªthe wall wouldn''t hold for long before the mutated rats tore through it. Duke scanned the rooftop, assessing their next move. His eyes locked onto the opposite building across the alley. There was only a few meters of distance separating the two rooftops, and without missing a beat, he sprinted to the edge. The warriors exchanged uneasy glances, understanding immediately what Duke was thinking. But while Duke stood there with a calm, calculating expression, the others paled at the realization. It wasn''t that far, just a few meters, but for them, it might as well have been a chasm. They knew they couldn''t make that jump. The only solution was to build a bridge. But that posed another problem¡ªthe earth bridge they could create, even if they all pooled their strength, would be thin and fragile, only able to hold a few individuals at a time. And to make it strong enough to support them all would take time, time they didn''t have. As they felt the rumble of the mutated rats hammering at the earth wall behind them, panic began to set in. The clock was ticking, and every second counted. Bang! Bang! S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To make matters worse, a loud rumbling and frantic banging came from the rooftop door. The sound was unmistakable¡ªthe mutated rats inside the building had already reached the fifth floor. Without waiting for Duke''s orders, two earth-type ability users sprang into action, immediately raising another earth wall in front of the door to buy them precious time. This time, Duke also realized that the warriors in his team were all just level 0''s and they didn''t have the stats or strength to make the leap to the neighboring building. He could make it easily, but the others? They wouldn''t even come close. If they tried, they''d likely plummet from the fifth floor straight down to the streets below. Even if the fall didn''t kill them, it would leave them vulnerable, helpless targets for the mutated rats swarming the ground. Those who fell wouldn''t have the chance to get back on their feet¡ªthe rats would be on them in seconds, tearing them apart before they even had time to scream. The clock was ticking, the rats battering against both their earth walls, and he knew they needed a plan fast. The warriors had done all they could to fortify their position, but the walls wouldn''t hold much longer. Every moment they delayed, the more certain their doom became. Duke quickly gestured for half of the earth-type ability users to start conjuring the earth bridge. He recalled how Vulture had done the same when he and his family were fleeing from the Coltons, so he knew it was possible, even at their current level. The plan was simple: they would create the bridge, and Duke would use his ice ability to fortify it, making it strong enough for more people to cross safely. He gave them a tight deadline¡ªjust five minutes to finish building the bridge. It was an immense amount of pressure, but there was no time for hesitation. Everyone nodded in grim understanding. The mutated rats weren''t going to give them the luxury of waiting. Determination set in as the earth ability users immediately set to work, hands moving in unison, channeling their powers to shape the earth and extend it across the gap. Meanwhile, the rest of the team formed a perimeter, scanning the rooftop for any sign of the mutated rats finding another route. They knew these creatures were cunning and relentless¡ªif the rats started scaling the walls or pouring out of vents, it would be over. Eyes darted nervously between their surroundings, each warrior bracing for the worst. Duke, along with a few other warriors, turned their focus to the emergency staircase. Mutated rats were already climbing, their sharp claws scraping the metal as they ascended. Without hesitation, Duke unleashed a barrage of ice projectiles, while his comrades fired earth projectiles to slow the swarm. Every second bought was precious. At the same time, the remaining earth-type users reinforced the barricade at the rooftop door. The mutated rats were hammering at it furiously, the walls shuddering with each impact. The warriors holding the line knew it was only a matter of time before it gave way, but they couldn''t afford to let that happen¡ªnot before the bridge was complete. The air was thick with tension. Everyone was racing against the clock, and the sound of claws scraping and walls trembling only added to the pressure. Duke could feel everyone''s nervousness and fear thick in the air, but he remained focused, knowing that failure wasn''t an option. If the bridge wasn''t finished in time, they wouldn''t make it out alive. Chapter 432 Crossing The Bridge Everyone was drenched in sweat as they worked tirelessly, their movements fueled by both adrenaline and fear. When one person grew too exhausted to continue, they would immediately rotate with the next, standing guard along the perimeter to ensure they could alert the others if danger approached. Breathing was labored, each gasp a reminder of their exhaustion, as beads of sweat dripped down their faces. Their tense shoulders quivered with nervous anticipation, their hands trembling as they continued their efforts, and their legs threatened to give out beneath them. If not for their sheer willpower, many of them might have already collapsed. The weight of their situation hung over them like a storm cloud, but they steeled themselves, refusing to let fear cripple them in this critical moment. Every second felt like a battle between their physical limits and their determination to survive. "Sir! T-the bridge is complete!" one of the earth-type ability users shouted, his voice straining with exhaustion as he tried to get Duke and the others'' attention. The five minutes they were given felt like an eternity, but they had done it. Duke immediately strode over to inspect the bridge, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he assessed their work. Nodding to himself, he raised his hand and unleashed his ice-type ability, fortifying the bridge with a solid layer of ice. It thickened to at least five inches, ensuring it would hold under the weight of the warriors as they crossed. Not satisfied with just that, Duke manipulated the ice further, making the surface rough, embedding it with small spikes¡ªjust enough to provide grip for the warriors'' shoes so no one would slip or lose their footing. He could hear the muted crunch as the ice settled, the rough texture preventing the bridge from becoming a deadly slip-and-slide. His attention was unwavering as he worked, knowing that one mistake could cost them everything. The air was thick with tension, but Duke remained calm, his mind fully focused on the task at hand. Satisfied, he glanced at the warriors gathered behind him. "Cross quickly, but carefully," he commanded, his voice steady. "We don''t have much time." They nodded, determination etched on their sweat-drenched faces, and began moving toward the bridge, their boots gripping the rough ice surface as Duke continued to monitor the situation around them. Without wasting any more time, Duke called out to the warriors, instructing them to begin crossing the earth bridge in a controlled manner. Even with the reinforced structure, the bridge could only support five adults at a time¡ªespecially considering the warriors were all large, heavily-built men. Five was the optimal number, any more and the bridge would risk collapsing under the combined weight. The first group of five warriors cautiously stepped onto the bridge, their movements deliberate and calculated. Though their eyes were focused on the opposite building, their senses were on high alert, scanning for any sign of danger. They needed to ensure the next building was secure before signaling the rest of the team to follow. Even as they moved steadily across, each warrior clutched earth spikes in their hands, ready to strike at a moment''s notice. Halfway across, the tension thickened. The sound of boots against the ice-crusted bridge was nearly drowned out by their rapid heartbeats. They knew the risk of being exposed in the middle of the crossing¡ªif anything attacked, there would be little room to maneuver, and falling from this height would mean certain death. But they are warriors, trained to act under pressure. Their eyes darted between the building ahead and the surroundings below, vigilant for any movement, their muscles coiled and ready to launch their earth spikes at the slightest sign of danger. Behind them, the second group was already preparing to cross, waiting for the signal that the other side was clear. Everyone knew they were racing against time. The bridge was a fragile lifeline between survival and catastrophe, and the mutated rats would tear through the reinforced walls at any moment. After ensuring that the warriors were making steady progress across the bridge, Duke cast one last glance at his team before swiftly turning back toward the emergency staircase. His face hardened with resolve as he reached into his Space Ring, retrieving several grenades. Without hesitating, he pulled the pins one by one and tossed them down into the swarm of mutated rats clambering up the stairs below. The loud, thunderous explosion shook the building as the grenades detonated, blasting chunks of debris from the stairs and sending dozens of mutated rats flying. The entire stairwell collapsed, burying scores of them in the rubble. But Duke knew better than to assume that would stop them for long. Amid the smoke and carnage, a shrill, determined screech cut through the air. Duke''s eyes narrowed as he spotted the larger mutated rats¡ªunbelievably tenacious¡ªquickly organizing themselves. They bit down hard on each other''s tails, forming a grotesque living bridge, their jaws clamped tightly onto the remaining edges of the destroyed stairwell. In mere seconds, the rats had created a gruesome, makeshift bridge with their bodies, enabling the rest of the horde to continue their advance. Duke raised an eyebrow, briefly impressed by the horrifying ingenuity of the creatures. "Quick thinkers, aren''t they?" he muttered under his breath. But there was no time for admiration. Without wasting a second, he pulled out three more grenades. This time, his movements were faster, more precise. He pulled the pins in rapid succession and hurled the grenades directly at the rats forming the bridge, aiming for the center of the writhing mass. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The grenades hit their target with chilling accuracy. A series of deafening blasts followed, and the air was filled with the sharp stench of burning flesh and the splattering of blood as the makeshift rat bridge disintegrated in an explosion of fire and fur. The larger rats that had been holding the structure together were blown apart, their bodies collapsing into the abyss below. Boom... Boom... Boom... Duke didn''t let up for a second. His hand moved with relentless precision, pulling the pins from grenade after grenade and hurling them down into the abyss of rats below. The repeated explosions echoed through the building, each one louder and more destructive than the last. The warriors, waiting nervously for their turn to cross the bridge, watched with pale faces. The thunderous noise reverberated through the area, each explosion sending a shockwave of fear through their bodies. It wasn''t just the immediate threat of the mutated rats that had them on edge. The sheer volume of the blasts was bound to draw attention¡ªpotentially from more hordes of mutated rats or, even worse, from the zombies scattered across the far corners of the city. The warriors exchanged uneasy glances, their minds racing with the grim possibility that they might soon be surrounded from all sides. Mutated rats coming from below and zombies closing in from the streets. "What is the Vice City Lord trying to do?" one of the warriors whispered, unable to tear his eyes away from the destruction Duke was unleashing. But what they didn''t know¡ªwhat none of them could have guessed¡ªwas that this was exactly what Duke had in mind. He wasn''t just recklessly throwing grenades to stop the rats. He was betting on something much bigger. Chapter 433 His Observation In his mind, this was a high-stakes gamble, a strategy to lure out the other threat lurking in the shadows¡ªthe zombies. Duke knew the mutated rats weren''t the only danger in the city. The undead were scattered across the city, many were wandering aimlessly. But they were drawn to sound. Loud noises like the explosions he was creating would undoubtedly reach their decaying ears, pulling them toward this side of the city. And that was exactly what Duke wanted. He was counting on it. If he could attract a horde of zombies to the area, they would clash with the mutated rats, creating chaos and infighting between the two monstrous forces. The rats, in their aggression and hunger, would likely turn on the zombies, and the zombies would do what they always did¡ªattack anything that moved. It was a risky play, but one Duke believed could buy them time and provide an opportunity to escape while their enemies were distracted, locked in combat with one another. The warriors had no idea that this was Duke''s plan. All they could see was the danger growing with each deafening blast. They braced themselves for what might come next, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of incoming zombies or more rats. Duke, however, remained calm, methodical. His eyes, sharp and calculating, never wavered from the chaos below. Duke was playing a dangerous game, but he needed to know¡ªwould the zombies and mutated rats join forces against him and his warriors? If they did, it would be the worst-case scenario, an alliance of monsters that would ensure their doom. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His plan, risky as it was, would backfire spectacularly, and the relentless barrage of grenades would turn out to be nothing more than a stupid, reckless choice. But Duke wasn''t one to leap blindly into action. He''d thought this through¡ªat least as much as he could in the chaos. If the rats and zombies were coexisting peacefully, then it stood to reason that the rats wouldn''t attack the undead. They would treat the zombies as fellow inhabitants of the city, perhaps avoiding them altogether. Yet, from what he had seen so far, there was no sign of cooperation between the two. He had never seen any indication that the rats considered the zombies anything but another source of food, and if they were as territorial as he believed, they would likely turn on the zombies the moment they entered their domain. That was his bet¡ªthat the rats, aggressive and ravenous as they were, wouldn''t pass up a meal, even if that meal was the decaying flesh of the undead. If his assumption was right, the mutated rats would see the zombies as invaders and attack them on sight. The rats might be mutated, but they still operated on basic survival instincts. And those instincts told them to eat. But then came the question that gnawed at him, one he couldn''t shake: would the zombies simply stand there and allow themselves to be slaughtered by the rats? Were they mindless enough to let that happen? He''d seen zombies before, and they weren''t exactly known for their strategic thinking or their ability to defend themselves. They attacked whatever was in front of them. They moved toward noise, toward life, and attacked anything living. But the rats weren''t like any other creatures the zombies had encountered. They were fast, vicious, and unpredictable. Would the zombies even be able to fight back, or would they be overwhelmed by the swarm of mutated rats? Duke weighed his options. If the rats tore into the zombies like he expected, it would be a fight between two formidable threats, allowing him and his warriors a chance to escape while the two sides were distracted by each other. But if the zombies somehow banded together with the rats, or worse, simply ignored the rats and kept coming after his team, they would be trapped¡ªsurrounded on all sides by enemies with no way out. It was a gamble, but Duke was willing to take it. He had no choice. The survival of his team depended on it. He needed to create enough chaos for them to slip away unnoticed. The rats and zombies couldn''t afford to ignore each other¡ªnot if his theory was right. So as he hurled another grenade down into the depths of the building, Duke clenched his fists, bracing himself for what was to come. The sound of the explosion ripped through the air, the walls shaking with the force. All he could do now was wait, his heart pounding as he watched the smoke and debris settle, hoping¡ªthat the two forces would turn on each other like he expected. And if they didn''t? If he was wrong? Duke glanced at his warriors, their faces taut with fear and anticipation. He had to be right. There was no other option. Even if the zombies couldn''t outright kill the mutated rats, Duke knew they would still serve as an effective diversion. The sheer chaos of the undead swarming the rats would buy him and his team precious time¡ªtime to regroup, find cover, and rethink their strategy. The goal wasn''t to wipe out the rats; it was to create enough disruption to slow them down, giving his team a fighting chance to escape. With this thought in mind, Duke''s resolve only hardened. He yanked the pins from more grenades, his fingers moving with practiced efficiency, and hurled them into the stairwell below. The explosions echoed violently through the confined space, sending mutated rats flying in all directions. Their bodies, torn apart by the blast, rained down in grotesque fragments, painting a macabre scene of severed limbs, twitching tails, and viscera splattered across the crumbling remains of the staircase. The sight should have been unsettling, but Duke felt no pity. These creatures, mutated and monstrous, were the very embodiment of survival gone wrong¡ªravenous and relentless. He couldn''t afford to hold back. Each grenade was a calculated throw, tearing into the horde with brutal efficiency. He watched as the larger rats¡ªthe ones that had been attempting to form a grotesque bridge with their own bodies¡ªwere torn apart by the shrapnel. Their quick thinking had been no match for the force of the explosions, and their writhing bodies were flung into the air like ragdolls. A quick glance over his shoulder told him the warriors were still working to get across the earth bridge, moving in cautious batches of five. They couldn''t afford to rush, not when the bridge''s integrity could only support so much weight at once. Every second counted, and Duke knew it was up to him to keep the mutated rats at bay for as long as possible. The mutated rats, fortunately, didn''t seem to have impenetrable defenses. Their twisted, sinewy bodies weren''t immune to the force of the grenades, which was a relief¡ªwithout the added firepower Kisha had packed into his Space Ring, they''d have been overwhelmed long before now. The grenades were proving to be a game-changer, allowing him to thin the horde significantly and keep the rats from advancing too quickly. He allowed himself a brief moment of gratitude for Kisha''s foresight in loading his Space Ring with these essential supplies. The explosives had already proven invaluable, and they were helping him turn what could have been a catastrophic failure into a fighting chance for survival. Without them, he and his team might have already been overwhelmed, pinned down by the swarm of mutated creatures. Chapter 434 Two Forces Fighting Against Each Other But Duke knew better than to let his guard down. The rats, though momentarily stunned by the blasts, were still surging forward. Their screeches filled the air, a sound that grated against his nerves. Despite the carnage, their numbers weren''t diminishing fast enough. The grenades were working, but the horde was relentless, and the narrow stairwell could only contain them for so long before they''d spill over and flood toward his team. He could feel the tension building around him. The warriors waiting for their turn to cross the bridge cast uneasy glances at him, their faces pale from fear and exhaustion. The constant explosions echoed around them, making the situation feel even more dire. It was only a matter of time before the loud noises attracted more unwanted attention¡ªfrom either another horde of mutated rats or, worse, a nearby group of zombies. But that was exactly what Duke was hoping for. His plan was a gamble, but if it worked, the noise from the explosions would draw the zombies into the fray. If the zombies attacked the rats, it would create enough of a diversion for Duke''s team to escape without being pursued. It was a race against time now¡ªhow long could they hold out before the entire city''s horrors descended on them? His mind raced as he tossed another grenade, watching as the stairwell collapsed further, sending more rats tumbling into the wreckage below. The explosions reverberated through the air, louder than ever. The sound would carry, drawing attention from every corner of the city. Duke could almost feel the approaching tension, knowing that if the zombies did show up, it would be soon. And when they did, the real test would begin. Would the zombies and rats tear each other apart, as he hoped, or would his team find themselves trapped between two deadly forces, with no way out? Duke didn''t wait for the answer. He continued to throw grenade after grenade, each one buying his warriors a few more precious moments. The bridge was almost clear. Only a few more batches of men remained on his side. He just had to hold out a little longer. Grahhhh!!! Raaawwwr!!! Thud... Thud... A cacophony of zombie roars echoed from all directions, accompanied by the thunderous sound of a marching sound, no, it was more like a stampede reverberating throughout the southeastern part. ''They''re coming!'' Duke thought, his heart racing as everyone held their breath, desperately trying to navigate the earthen bridge. They struggled to compose themselves, but it was futile; their legs felt like they were about to buckle under the weight of fear. The thunderous march of approaching hordes reverberated through the ground, even from several floors above, while the deafening roars of zombies echoed ominously nearby, signaling their presence in the vicinity. Just then, the mutated rats paused, momentarily stilled by the zombies'' guttural cries. But it wasn''t long before they screeched in response. Duke, witnessing the chaos unfold, couldn''t help but grin widely. ''Oh! Now they''re worried that the zombies might steal their prey,'' Duke mused, glancing into the distance. ''They must have sensed the overwhelming horde approaching¡ªan alarmingly large number they can''t afford to ignore.'' S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rats are intelligent creatures, and though they can be vengeful and destructive, they possess a keen survival instinct that alerts them to threats. That''s why they band together, using their numbers to fend off larger predators or to hunt. Right now, with the zombies marching toward their location in alarming numbers, the mutated rats recognized that their target was the same as theirs. Redirecting their anger, they understood that if they didn''t confront the zombies now, their prey would continue to fight back, depleting their own numbers. Not only could the zombies steal their prey, but the rats could also become victims of the zombies, who were their natural enemies. Duke watched from the rooftop as the mutated rats abruptly changed direction, turning to face the approaching zombies. The rumble from the rooftop door faded as the rats poured out of the building''s windows, joining their peers to create a tidal wave of fury aimed at overwhelming the zombies. Soon, the two groups clashed in the intersection below, and a brutal carnage ensued. The mutated rats eagerly tore into their enemies that had invaded their territory, while the zombies, impervious to pain, fought back with relentless bites, devouring any rat they could grasp. But the mutated rats only grew angrier as they witnessed their comrades being devoured. The smaller rats banded together, leveraging their speed to target one zombie at a time, tearing into its flesh and bones without hesitation. However, the zombies, lacking functioning pain receptors, felt no suffering. Instead, they grabbed the smaller rats that lunged at them, shoving them into their mouths even as they were being eaten and their flesh and bones being torn apart. There was even a loud crunch as the mutated rats bit into the zombie''s bone but the zombies didn''t care and just continued to feed on the food that came their way. The scene was so gruesome that the warriors could hardly bear to watch the brutal clash between the two sides. However, witnessing the chaos unfold, the warriors¡ªincluding Duke¡ªfelt the tension in their bodies begin to dissipate. They let out a collective sigh of relief, knowing they could continue on their path with renewed reassurance. While they still needed to regroup and devise a new plan, their immediate priority was to distance themselves from the area. This time, the warriors crossed the earth bridge with ease, their minds freed from the weight of time constraints and the threat of mutated rats. Once everyone had safely made it across, Duke instructed them to destroy the bridge, and he too, shattered the ice that reinforced it. He remained on the far side of the building, keeping a watchful eye on the fierce battle between the zombies and the mutated rats. Many had already perished, their bodies piling up in the streets, but Duke had no intention of intervening. Acting now might draw attention to him and his team, putting them at risk of being hunted by both forces. He understood the delicate balance of nature; even lions and deer could ally against a new predator, just as lions from rival territories might join forces to take down a forest tiger. Duke was keenly aware of how these dynamics played out in the wild. After observing the chaos for a while, Duke walked slowly to the edge of the building. The earth bridge was gone, and the warriors looked at him in confusion. They now understood that Duke wasn''t planning to sacrifice himself; they simply didn''t want to confront what he was about to do, fearing it would further bruise their confidence. As they suspected, Duke leaped effortlessly from the edge of the building to their side, as if he were taking a leisurely stroll in the park. He landed with a graceful precision that made it seem like the wind itself had carried him down, placing him gently on the ground. However, no one voiced their concerns; they swallowed their thoughts as Duke led them to the next building. This time, they didn''t need to create another earth bridge since the distance wasn''t far. Chapter 435 Sending Back A Report With their enhanced abilities, they could easily jump to the other side if they adjusted their positions. Without delay, Duke instructed them to leap from rooftop to rooftop, executing their movements like parkour experts, while he remained at the back, vigilant and alert. He kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, ensuring the mutated rats weren''t on their heels again. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everyone drew their daggers, ready to counterattack at a moment''s notice if anything lunged at them during their movement. They remained vigilant, ensuring they could react in time to defend themselves. Watching their preparedness from the back, Duke couldn''t help but smile to himself. ''At least training them wasn''t a waste of time,'' he thought as he gracefully leaped from one rooftop to another. His fluid movements were so seamless that not a hair on his head was ruffled. From their vantage point, they could still hear the screeches of the mutated rats mingling with the growls of the zombies, while Duke''s team stealthily slipped away. Yet, despite his smile, a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes as he fell into deep contemplation. Following this incident, Duke and his team designated the southeastern part of the city as a red zone, marking it as highly dangerous. It was likely that much of the city was already in a similar state, prompting them to hasten their reconnaissance efforts. They worked day and night to complete their assessments, allowing Duke to formulate a plan to address the influx of mutated rats and zombies flooding the sewers. It was possible that the rats were emerging not only in search of fresh prey but also because their territory had been invaded by the zombies. Both viewed each other as nothing more than sources of food, and neither was willing to share their domain. After a moment of contemplation, Duke led his team to the edge of the southeastern part of the city, close to their base. He instructed one of the warriors to prepare the drone. Once everything was set, Duke noted their discoveries on a piece of paper and sealed it beneath the drone, marking it prominently to ensure that whoever found it would follow the marker and uncover the hidden letter. With that done, he directed the warriors to pilot the drone toward the base''s wall while he and the others monitored the camera footage. They observed hordes of zombies emerging from the city, and snipers took up their positions, ready to shoot down the approaching threat from a distance. As the zombies drew closer, soldiers stationed atop the wall prepared their assault rifles to eliminate any that got within range. As one of the snipers focused on a distant target, he noticed a dark object flying toward them. It took him a moment to adjust his scope before realizing it was a drone. To his surprise, he spotted a large white arrow on the front, pointing downward. He instinctively glanced down at the streets but saw nothing, leaving him puzzled. Unaware that Duke and his team had brought a drone, he never would have expected them to have ventured this far into the city. Instead, he assumed the drone belonged to other survivors seeking help. "Sir! There''s an incoming drone at 12 o''clock!" the sniper reported over the walkie-talkie. The other sniper, intrigued, stopped targeting the zombies and turned to assess the approaching drone. Like the first, he scanned the area but found nothing unusual. While one sniper monitored the drone, the other continued picking off the incoming zombies. Positioned in the watchtower, they had a broader view than most. As the sniper keeping an eye on the drone adjusted his focus, he spotted silhouettes standing on a nearby rooftop. He zoomed in, and his breath caught in his throat when he recognized Duke among them. Realizing it could be a message from the Vice City Lord, he quickly reached for his walkie-talkie again. "Sir, it''s from the Vice City Lord!" he shouted, emphasizing the title to ensure no one accidentally shot down the incoming drone. The mention of Duke immediately caught everyone''s attention. The gatekeeper moved closer to the wall, eagerly awaiting the drone''s arrival. As the drone approached, he raised his hands high in the air, signaling for it to land. The drone slowly descended and gently touched down right in front of the gatekeeper. Duke smirked as he watched the footage from a distance. ''It''s truly great to communicate with smart people,'' he thought. He had been slightly worried that it would take too long to send the message, fearing that the soldiers might accidentally shoot down the drone or fail to grasp his intent. However, it seemed he had underestimated them. Fortunately, the soldiers were observant enough to notice the markings. Duke could even sense the moment the sniper peered through his scope and spotted him, prompting him to glance back in the sniper''s direction, leaving the soldier momentarily flustered. Soon, the gatekeeper¡ªa soldier¡ªnoticed the markings and carefully lifted the drone for inspection. Duke and the others stood still, allowing the gatekeeper to retrieve the letter before taking back the drone. Following the markings, the gatekeeper discovered a small compartment and carefully opened it. Inside, he found a sealed envelope and a smaller folded piece of paper. He took both items and unfolded the note with curiosity. "Report. Deliver this to the City Lord." The gatekeeper refrained from prying into the letter''s contents. After retrieving it, he closed the lid on the small compartment and gently set the drone down. As soon as it touched the surface, the drone took off, buzzing away into the distance. The gatekeeper then called for someone to summon the Minister of Defense, ensuring the letter would be delivered personally to the City Lord. As a gatekeeper, he wasn''t permitted to leave his post, which was crucial for maintaining the gate''s security. Instead, he called for Aston to come over. Given that the message originated from the Vice City Lord and was sealed, it was clear that the information was classified and significant. Only the designated recipient was authorized to open it. To ensure the safe delivery of the message, he entrusted Aston with the task, knowing he was one of the most reliable individuals in the base and fiercely loyal to their City Lord. They didn''t have to wait long before Aston came running, looking disheveled and haggard. "What''s going on? Did the Vice City Lord really send a message?" he asked breathlessly as he reached the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper nodded and promptly handed the letter and note to Aston. Understanding the urgency, Aston quickly left to find Kisha outside the wall. The reason Aston looked so haggard was that he had been working tirelessly to prevent any leaks while also planning a contingency. Meanwhile, Kisha was assisting Vulture with the cleanup outside, knowing that Sparrow might arrive at any moment. With everyone busy, Aston felt like he was spinning in circles. Once Aston took the letter and left, the gatekeeper returned to his duties at the wall, personally monitoring the ammunition inventory. A wave of worry washed over him as he noticed the dwindling supply of crates. He felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach at the thought of reporting this to his superior. If they ran out of ammunition, it would mean sending soldiers outside to handle the zombies personally. That was one concern, but what about the threat posed by other humans? He contemplated his next course of action, weighing the risks carefully. Chapter 436 The Letter The same issue was occurring at all four gates, with the gatekeepers growing increasingly concerned about the dwindling ammunition at their disposal. Kisha sensed a shift in the air, her body tensing as she surveyed her surroundings. She couldn''t quite pinpoint the source of her unease, but she was acutely aware of a lurking danger. Although she already knew they were at risk, this was something more¡ªan unknown threat looming just out of sight, as if a series of events were about to unfold. Taking a deep breath, she glanced around. Vulture''s team aside from Vuture and the others were still absorbed in their tasks, unaware of the issues brewing in the sewers, which Kisha and the rest had managed to keep under wraps while diligently fortifying their defenses. She didn''t know how long they could keep this information hidden from everyone at the base, but she could only hope that by then, they would have devised a plan or that Duke would have completed his mission outside. Only then could the survivors find some peace of mind. Despite her efforts to conceal the issue, many still felt uneasy, especially since they could hear the zombies stirring in the sewers. To mitigate the threat, she had sent Bell to patrol the area, but she couldn''t allow them to eliminate the zombies just yet. The carcasses could serve as stepping stones for other zombies, allowing them to reach the surface through the manholes or dig new escape routes. Additionally, having zombies beneath them posed a significant health risk; if they died and littered the sewers, it would create even greater health hazards for everyone at the base. At that moment, Kisha''s mind was overwhelmed with a barrage of issues, each one more pressing than the last, leaving her gasping for breath whenever she recalled them. None of this chaos had occurred in her previous lives; while similar problems may have arisen, they had never converged all at once, creating a real headache for her. As she continued to contemplate better solutions for their mounting challenges while Vulture and the others worked, she suddenly heard Aston''s voice calling from a distance. "City Lord! City Lord!" Aston shouted, almost breathless, as he was chauffeured in a golf cart, deftly weaving through the narrow gaps between the littered cars on the street to reach Kisha more quickly. Waving the letter in the air to grab her attention, he called out to her as soon as he spotted her. Kisha''s eyes fell on the letter, and a frown creased her brow; a sense of dread gnawed at her stomach. As Aston''s small golf cart came to a stop in front of her, he leaped out even before it had fully halted and quickly handed the letter to Kisha. "It''s from the Vice City Lord," Aston said in a rush. "The snipers spotted him and his team on the roof at the southeastern edge of the city. He delivered this letter via drone and instructed us to give it to you. I''m guessing it relates to the ongoing issues we''re facing in the sewers." He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, knowing he was just as anxious as Kisha to see what Kisha would find in the letter. Although Kisha was eager to open the letter immediately, she knew this wasn''t the right time or place, especially with Duke''s mission being a secret. The others in the base believed he, like Sparrow, had gone out to gather supplies. Only Duke''s team was privy to the details, having been briefed that morning. They hadn''t had a chance to share any of this with others, nor would they want to. Everyone understood the gravity of their mission; revealing it could spark unnecessary unrest and fear among the survivors in the base. Such panic would only hinder their efforts and could even bring the base''s operations to a standstill, as people would be consumed by the belief that their survival was at risk. Noticing Kisha''s apprehensive expression and her reluctance to open the letter, Aston understood her concerns. He guided her to sit in the golf cart, and their driver took them directly to Villa #1. Upon arrival, they headed straight to the study. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Marcus and the children observed their grim demeanor decided to wisely chose not to interrupt Kisha and Aston''s meeting, refraining from offering snacks or drinks this time. As soon as they entered the study, Kisha made a beeline for the leather chair. Upon sitting down, she immediately sensed something was off; the chair felt too low for her liking, making her uncomfortable. However, she pushed those thoughts aside and slowly opened the letter. Inside the envelope, she found a straightforward report. [We''ve encountered an unprecedented surge of mutated rats emerging from the sewers. I''m ramping up our operations and will do my best to finish this as soon as possible, but I''ll need Rose''s assistance, along with some of the Scarlet Bees and fire-type awakened abilities users. This will allow us to expedite the process. Currently, my team and I are assessing the sewer entrances throughout the city to plug any holes and prevent more zombies from flooding the sewers or rats from escaping. However, we need to act swiftly and precisely to ensure the mutated rats don''t have time to retaliate or disrupt our efforts.] Beneath the note were coordinates. Kisha pulled out the city map from the drawer and traced the coordinates on it. She read Duke''s letter repeatedly, trying to grasp his thoughts and intentions while writing. After her third reading, a subtle smile crept across her face; she began to understand what Duke was aiming to achieve. "As soon as Sparrow''s team arrives, find Rose and bring her to me so I can assign her next task," Kisha said, leaning back in the leather chair. A glint flashed in her eyes as she studied the map intently. Before leaving, Aston hesitated, casting a lingering glance at Kisha. "Speak," Kisha said, her voice icy and indifferent, a stark contrast to the warmth she had shown earlier. Aston felt a chill run down his spine. "City Lord, do you think whatever the Vice City Lord is planning will work?" Aston asked, seeking reassurance. He had witnessed the couple''s remarkable leadership and their ability to tackle challenges head-on, yet he still needed some words of comfort to ease his anxious heart. Kisha''s indifferent gaze settled on Aston as she tilted her head slightly, a cold smile creeping across her lips that sent a shiver down his spine. "Of course it will work. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have mentioned it. Besides, even if things go awry, he''ll find a way to handle it." That''s how Duke had been in her previous life¡ªcrafty and intelligent. There was nothing that could deter him from rising to the top, making his base the strongest among the others that are still standing. If not for saving her, would Duke have truly met his end? Kisha didn''t believe that for a second. So when Duke claimed he could accelerate the timeline, she was certain he had already devised a solution. After hearing Kisha''s words, Aston realized that while it wasn''t the direct reassurance he had hoped for, the confidence in her eyes was enough to put his mind at ease. Sensing that he had nothing further to worry about, he made his way to the door. He opened it gently, careful to close it quietly behind him, allowing Kisha the space to gather her thoughts as she remained immersed in her contemplation. After Aston left, Kisha dove into the mission tab, meticulously reviewing every ongoing missions and their respective timeframes. Almost all of the missions were set to conclude simultaneously, with only a few wrapping up days before the main event. This suggested that something significant was on the horizon, and what they were experiencing now was merely the tip of the iceberg. As she assessed their progress, a sense of frustration washed over her; the construction of the wall, the training of the warriors, and even her efforts to care for the survivors all felt painfully slow. As she stared at the mission tab, Kisha felt her stomach churning violently, and she let out a shaky breath. All she could do was prepare and lead everyone in the base to do the same. Fortunately, the survivors was remarkably compliant; no one attempted to stir up trouble or rally factions against her and her people. This reassurance was the only thing that kept Kisha grounded, allowing her to continue her efforts. Chapter 437 The Scarlet Bees Mission Fortunately, the survivors was remarkably compliant; no one attempted to stir up trouble or rally factions against her and her people. This reassurance was the only thing that kept Kisha grounded, allowing her to continue her efforts. She had built a thick wall around her heart, developing trust issues along the way. Because of this, she often found herself overthinking every situation, instinctively focusing on the negative side before she could accept that what was happening might actually have a positive side. Without Duke by her side, the negativity that had long been buried in her heart began to resurface. She was reminded of the profound changes he had brought to her life in this 100th rebirth; he was her salvation, the one who helped her become her best self. This brief separation allowed Kisha to reflect on many things, revealing insights about herself and her feelings, as well as her overall perspective when Duke was with her. She realized that she preferred this version of herself¡ªone that had emerged from the shadows of her past¡ªover the unhinged person she used to be, whose only solution to conflict was bloodshed. A small smile crept onto Kisha''s lips as she contemplated her thoughts. She closed the system interface and leaned back in her chair, her eyes closing briefly. Her expression quickly returned to its usual cold and indifferent demeanor, making it impossible for anyone to guess what was on her mind. "Bell, how many Scarlet Bees do we have now?" Kisha asked through their mind link, her thoughts returning to the report she had received from Duke. "Master, we now have over a thousand adult Scarlet Bees ready to be sent on menial tasks outside or to fight," Bell replied calmly, as if she''d already hardened her heart to the idea of sending her children into battle. And in a way, she had. As a beast from the Murim world, fighting had always been part of their daily lives¡ªwhether it was against cultivators trying to tame them or other beasts seeking their precious Scarlet Honey. Either way, many of her Scarlet Bees would inevitably perish. As queen, Bell had faced this reality countless times. She couldn''t afford to mourn every loss when she had an entire colony to govern and protect. For the Scarlet Bees, sacrificing their lives to safeguard their queen and secure the future of the colony was only natural. It was part of their purpose¡ªto ensure new generations of bees could be born. In a way, it wasn''t much different from how governments send soldiers to protect their lands, even at the cost of those soldiers'' lives. With Kisha as her contract master, Bell realized that the deaths of her children had significantly decreased compared to what her ancestors endured in the harsh Murim world. It was one of the reasons her species had nearly gone extinct, leaving her as the last of her kind. Kisha provided a safe haven, mourning and even getting angry on Bell''s behalf whenever her bees perished¡ªlike when Tristan had accidentally killed the scout bees during their search. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And for Bell, this was enough. Her mind was at ease, knowing all she needed to do was follow Kisha until the end. So, when Kisha decided to send the Scarlet Bees to support Duke''s mission, Bell didn''t feel sadness. Instead, she felt a spark of excitement. While she didn''t want her children to die, she also knew they couldn''t be sheltered from the realities of battle. Bell understood the importance of keeping their survival instincts sharp and their wild nature intact. By letting them face grueling fights, she ensured that her bloodline wouldn''t weaken, and the next generation of bees would be strong enough to survive even the harshest environments. When Bell responded to Kisha, there was a subtle hint of excitement in her voice that didn''t go unnoticed. Kisha, with her eyes still closed, raised an eyebrow at the change in tone. Naturally, Kisha''s thoughts aligned with Bell''s. She had often treated Bell and the Scarlet Bees as scouts or bodyguards, sometimes forgetting that they were also fierce fighters. It was easy to overlook their true potential, but hearing Bell''s excitement reminded her that the Scarlet Bees weren''t just protectors¡ªthey were warriors, too. "Send 800 Scarlet Bees to support Duke," Kisha ordered. "Then split the remaining bees into two groups. One group will assist in guarding the walls, just as they''ve been doing, and only intervene if the soldiers struggle during a sudden zombie raid. The rest should continue producing Scarlet Honey inside the territory space." Kisha spoke lazily, her mind drifting to Duke''s mission while waiting for Rose. If her calculations were right, with Sparrow''s driving skills and leadership, the team should have arrived two hours ago. The delay indicated they had been held up, but Kisha wasn''t concerned about Sparrow''s safety. Before closing her system interface earlier, she had checked the ''Team Tab'' and confirmed that everyone¡ªDuke, Sparrow, and Vulture¡ªwere all safe, with no immediate danger to their lives. Kisha frequently checked the ''Team Tab'' whenever she sent someone outside the walls, ensuring her people were still alive and well during missions. Now, all she needed to do was wait for Aston to bring back Rose. While waiting, she longed for a moment of solitude to clear her mind. Ever since her main mission began, she had been constantly on edge, thinking through countless details and wrestling with conflicting decisions. For now, she just wanted to take a brief break, breathe, and let the tension ease away. Following Kisha''s instructions, Aston made his way to the Eastern wall and patiently waited for Sparrow''s convoy. After leaving Kisha''s villa, he ended up waiting for another hour and a half before the snipers spotted the trucks approaching in the distance. "Sir, we have visuals on captain Sparrow''s team! Prepare to open the gate in five minutes!" the sniper radioed to the gatekeeper. Aston perked up, standing atop the wall alongside other soldiers on standby, ready to provide support as the four trucks approached the gate. The truck, grimy and smeared with zombie blood, appeared more dirtied than usual, yet everything seemed intact. The sniper noticed some limbs dangling from the windshield of the truck in front, but such sights had become commonplace. They had come to terms with their new reality in this apocalyptic era, where a severed hand hanging from a vehicle was a lesser horror compared to the gruesome scenes of zombies reduced to a bloody paste on the streets. This was especially evident after Kisha had used a truck to clear the streets, leaving behind nothing but a gruesome mess of flesh. ''Dang! They must have bulldozed through the wall of zombies with how the truck looked like.'' One soldier, aiming his assault riffle in front thought to himself as he peered through the scope. As Sparrow''s truck rounded the corner, the gatekeeper signaled to the two soldiers stationed beside the gate to open it. They strained against the weight of the heavy gate, pulling it open with all their strength. Once there was enough space, Sparrow''s truck surged through the opening, coming to a sudden stop a short distance inside to allow the other trucks to enter as well. The sharp crack of gunfire echoed from atop the wall, immediately drawing the attention of the nearby zombies. Chapter 438 Low Ammunition Sparrow effortlessly jumped down from the driver''s seat and gave a firm, loud tap on the side of the truck, signaling everyone inside to disembark. As soon as Sparrow tapped on the truck, Zeus leaped out from the back with boundless energy, bouncing up and down as its paws hit the ground, as though it were relishing the feel of solid earth after the long ride. "Master, master! Zeus is back!" came the excited voice through Kisha''s mindlink. Zeus was practically shouting with joy. Kisha didn''t need to wait for Aston''s report to know Sparrow had arrived. She simply chuckled to herself, savoring her quiet time in the study as she waited for them to come. The other trucks had also made it through the gate, and the gatekeeper, along with the two stationed at either side, began pushing the massive doors shut. However, a few zombies managed to slip through the cracks as the soldiers atop the wall struggled with empty weapons, their ammunition depleted. Face-to-face with the undead, the gatekeeper and the two soldiers took deep, shaky breaths, their panic barely held in check. Despite their fear, they remembered their duty as soldiers. Drawing their daggers, they fought to defend themselves, but for every zombie they cut down, two more surged through, overwhelming their efforts. The soldiers halted from closing the door because the zombie just surged in, Sparrow, instantly noticing what was happening, immediately jumped in to help, to avoid hurting his people, he didn''t use his wind blade as his wind blade doesn''t have eyes, so it would easily cleave through anything in its path, including the soldiers. With this in mind, Sparrow swiftly drew his dagger and rushed to assist the gatekeeper and the two soldiers, who were visibly struggling to defend themselves. The soldiers stationed atop the wall, realizing the urgency, abandoned their assault rifles and joined in to help contain the situation, hoping to close the gate before things spiraled further out of control. Meanwhile, Kisha learned of the situation through Bell, who had bees stationed along the wall. However, she remained calm, confident that Sparrow could handle the threat without needing her intervention. The rest of Sparrow''s team quickly joined the fray, with Clyde being the most eager to help. Without hesitation, he cleaved through the head of the nearest zombie, showing no fear. With their combined efforts, the two soldiers managed to finally close the gate, sealing off the flood of zombies. Sparrow, moving with practiced ease, stabbed his dagger into the skull of the remaining zombie that had slipped inside. With a swift kick, he sent the lifeless body tumbling away, clearing the area. Bang! Bang! Scratch- The zombies locked outside the gate continued to bang and scratch at the metal, their long nails creating a grating sound that made everyone cringe. The noise was unnerving, but Sparrow wasn''t having any of it. An accident had nearly occurred, and to think the soldiers had run out of ammunition at such a critical moment was unacceptable. "Did none of you conduct an inventory check? How could the soldiers run out of ammo at a time like this? Don''t you care about keeping backup magazines on hand?" Sparrow flared, frustration evident in his voice. The gatekeeper stepped in quickly, eager to take responsibility and avoid deflecting blame onto anyone else. The gatekeeper lowered his head in thought, allowing Sparrow to finish his tirade. It was understandable for Sparrow to be irritated after a long journey and a situation like this. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fortunately, after venting, Sparrow began to calm down. He was relieved it had been him and his team facing this issue, rather than someone else; otherwise, there could have been a serious breach in their base. He shuddered at the thought of how many lives might have been lost due to such a minor oversight. "Tell me, why weren''t you prepared?" Sparrow asked, his voice calmer and more measured this time, yet still laced with authority. "Captain Sparrow, I apologize for this situation. We are currently conducting an inventory check on the base''s ammunition and will report back to the City Lord once we''re finished." "We allocated all available ammunition from the warehouse to the four gates, and we believed this last batch would suffice to support you and your team as you entered," the gatekeeper explained, not attempting to conceal anything. Sparrow fell into deep contemplation, realizing they should have seen this coming. The soldiers often needed to fend off zombies while ensuring the safety of their people, and using firearms was the safest approach. With the zombies still weak enough to be handled from a distance, they had assumed there was plenty of ammunition in the warehouse. However, in their focus on the bigger picture, they overlooked this crucial detail. Kisha had also heard about the situation from Bell. With a heavy sigh, she accepted that this oversight was partly her responsibility. While it fell under Aston''s jurisdiction, he had taken on the role of the base''s butler, juggling multiple tasks, making it easy for him to overlook such details. Everyone had been so focused on keeping the supply center stocked that they had forgotten the necessity of ammunition for the regular soldiers who hadn''t awakened yet. Most of the fighters had developed their abilities and no longer relied on firearms, causing this critical need to slip their minds. Now, more than ever, the unawakened soldiers and survivors would feel insecure and less useful, highlighting the urgent need to equip them with weapons like guns for self-defense. With a sigh, Kisha reached for the walkie-talkie clipped to her belt and radioed the Eastern Wall. The gatekeeper''s radio buzzed to life, causing him to hesitate for a moment, torn between answering it in front of Sparrow¡ªwhile he was still being reprimanded¡ªor waiting until they were safely inside the base. However, the urgency of Kisha''s voice left him no choice. "East Wall, do you copy? Over." Static crackled through the radio. The gatekeeper glanced around, his expression incredulous. He couldn''t shake the feeling that he was in trouble this time. Sparrow, aware that Kisha was monitoring the situation, urged the gatekeeper to grab the radio and respond. "Yes, City Lord, I hear you. Over." "Good. Communicate with the other three gatekeepers and send some of your men to my villa in two hours to collect ammunition and spare firearms from my warehouse. I believe your supplies are running low for holding the front line, and I have some quality rifles available. After all, you soldiers are the backbone of this base, and it''s only right that you''re properly equipped. Keep up the great work." Kisha''s voice was cold and indifferent, yet her words resonated deeply with the soldiers. Although they might not have awakened their abilities¡ªor perhaps never would¡ªthey were still soldiers at heart. Even though they were at a disadvantage compared to the warriors with awakened abilities, they refused to abandon their duties to protect the base. This commitment is why they remained steadfast as the guards of the wall. Watching others grow stronger without relying on firearms often left them feeling insecure and inadequate. Yet, no one voiced these concerns, aware that doing so could complicate matters and create a rift between the superhumans and the ordinary soldiers. Chapter 439 Gaining Some Followers The last thing they needed right now was internal conflict. The base was finally moving in a positive direction, gradually restoring a sense of peace. But if tensions arose between superhumans and ordinary soldiers, it could lead to unrest and division among the people. Soon, factions might form, with individuals feeling dissatisfied or insecure because others had powers they lacked. In this harsh new reality, power held great influence, and those without it might feel vulnerable, believing they too needed abilities to protect themselves against any future threats. Hearing Kisha acknowledge their hard work and take steps to provide what they needed meant a lot to them. It showed that their City Lord valued not only the superhumans but also looked out for everyone equally. The gatekeeper and those nearby who had overheard the radio transmission exchanged smiles, feeling reassured and appreciated. With renewed motivation, the gatekeeper responded enthusiastically. "I''ll get right on it, City Lord¡ªwe''ll be there in two hours." The gatekeeper''s voice nearly cracked with excitement. Sparrow, observing him with an almost fatherly expression, shook his head with a smile and patted him on the shoulder. Kisha''s words had also reminded Sparrow of the soldiers'' complicated position, and his stern demeanor softened to one of quiet gratitude. "You''re all doing a great job. Keep it up, and don''t dwell on my outburst," Sparrow said, choosing not to make excuses but instead acknowledging both his own actions and the hard work of the soldiers. Even Aston, still standing atop the wall, smiled appreciatively at Sparrow¡ªand especially at Kisha. Like many, he hadn''t yet awakened, so he threw himself into every task he could, feeling it was the best way to be useful and to contribute to the base''s growth and the safety of its people. Hearing Kisha''s words, he felt a deep sense of validation; his hard work hadn''t gone unnoticed. For the first time in a while, he felt truly seen, and a renewed pride filled him, lifting some of the weight he''d been carrying. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After exchanging a few words with the soldiers, Sparrow joined Aston in escorting Rose to Kisha''s villa to give a full report, with Zeus naturally tagging along. Meanwhile, the five STAU members took the cargo trailers directly to the Supply Center to unload, while the other warriors from Sparrow''s team showed their appreciation to the soldiers before heading home on their own paths. Only after Sparrow and the others left did the gatekeeper seem to snap out of what felt like a dreamlike haze. Everyone else around him felt similarly, but now, grounded in the reality of the moment, they began to reflect on what had just happened. "How did the City Lord''s timing feel so precise... almost as if she''s watching us?" they wondered, a sense of awe shared among them. They glanced around the walls, half-expecting to spot a hidden CCTV camera. But then they remembered: with no electricity except in certain buildings powered by fuel generators, operating a CCTV system here would be impossible. Yet, despite this, they couldn''t shake the feeling that their City Lord was somehow keeping a watchful eye over them. Though the notion wasn''t far off, instead of feeling creeped out, they felt a renewed sense of energy. After all, if their City Lord was watching them, it meant they were worthy of her attention, and that she had their backs. As thoughts swirled in their minds, their admiration for Kisha deepened. Unbeknownst to her, she had gained a few more dedicated followers that day. As the atmosphere settled within the walls and the ammunition issue was temporarily resolved, the gatekeepers and soldiers experienced a renewed sense of calm. They resumed their tasks, strategizing on how to maximize the use of their remaining ammunition until the two-hour timeframe Kisha had promised for the pickup. Since she hadn''t insisted on an immediate response, they understood she must have important matters to attend to, perhaps alongside Sparrow, who likely had his own critical updates to share. With this in mind, they nodded in agreement and got back to work. The STAUs headed directly to the temporary warehouse at the Supply Center to unload all the supplies they had brought from the Eastern Warehouse in Port City. They quickly realized that this approach was far more efficient. Unlike the last time, when they had to divert personnel to transfer supplies from the empty lot to the warehouse, this method will keep everyone focused on their original tasks. The five of them could handle the unloading swiftly, needing only to walk a short distance and spend a few minutes to complete the job before heading to the empty lot to drop off the cargo trailers. When the eager men who had come to assist saw the STAUs unloading supplies seemingly out of nowhere, their initial feelings of uselessness transformed into awe. They recognized that even though the five weren''t offensive-type awakened ability users, their skills were equally valuable and impactful. A few of the onlookers even started following the STAUs, intrigued by their efficiency. Though the five felt somewhat like animals in a zoo under the attention, they embraced it, feeling a surge of pride in their contributions. This experience bolstered their confidence in their abilities as support-type users. Meanwhile, Rose and Sparrow exchanged curious glances, both wondering why Kisha had called for Rose. While Aston remained tight-lipped, Sparrow''s mind raced with speculation. He couldn''t shake the feeling that Kisha''s request had something to do with Rose''s awakened abilities. Her potential for absolute defense combined with formidable offensive skills suggested she was uniquely suited for a particularly dangerous mission. This left Sparrow in a bind, as he would need to continue leading his current team while Rose might be pulled into something far more significant. Sparrow considered that allowing everyone to explore their strengths was essential for their growth. He remembered how he had started in much the same way, receiving tasks from Kisha that often carried risks. Each challenge had pushed him to rise to the occasion and learn something valuable. He realized that sending Rose on a mission could yield similar results, fostering her skills and confidence. Ultimately, this would strengthen not just her but the entire personnel at their base. With a nod of determination, Sparrow crossed his arms over his chest and walked thoughtfully behind Aston, convinced that this approach would benefit them all in the long run. As they approached the study''s door, Aston knocked a couple of times, pulling Sparrow back from his thoughts. Clearing his throat, Aston announced, "City Lord, Captain Rose is here, and Captain Sparrow has arrived to report." "You may enter," Kisha''s voice called from the other side, clear and unhurried, carrying an air of indifference that hinted at her composure. Aston gently pushed the door open, and they immediately noticed Kisha leaning against the table, her chin resting on her intertwined fingers as she watched them enter. An unsettling pressure hung in the air, akin to a predator eyeing its prey. Though Kisha appeared relaxed and indifferent, her unrestrained aura created a palpable tension, sending a shiver down their spines and making their hair stand on end. __________ Please ADD to your LIBRARY to be notified when the update is posted. Thank you!!! Please don''t forget to cheer me up by voting with Powerstone and Golden Ticket! Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! Also, I might get delayed in the update as I am also updating my new novel < THE RETURN OF THE CANNON FODDER TRILLION HEIRESS> Chapter 440 The Snake And The Farmer The three who had just entered exchanged anxious glances, swallowing the lump in their throats. Kisha''s indifferent expression was both unreadable and intimidating, leaving them unsettled about what lay beneath her calm exterior. Sensing that something was amiss, Sparrow and Rose quietly took their seats in front of the table, while Aston stood beside Kisha like a dutiful butler. Kisha raised an eyebrow at Aston, but offered no comment, maintaining the air of mystery that hung around them. "Welcome back to both of you. It''s clear your trips have been fruitful; with all these supplies, we can support the entire community for a year without worry," Kisha began, recognizing their hard work and accomplishments. "Thank you, Young Madam. However," Sparrow interjected, shifting in his seat to face Kisha directly. "These supplies are from the Eastern Warehouse in Port City. There are still a few more warehouses filled with similar goods, and I plan to retrieve everything. However, I''ve been considering distributing some to the people living in the shelter in Port City, as they belong to that community," Sparrow said hesitantly. It wasn''t that he felt pity for them, but a sense of conscience nudged him, prompting him to gauge Kisha''s reaction. If she agreed and wanted to provide the people a way out by sharing the supplies, he would gladly support it; his intention was simply to inform Kisha and let her make the final decision. Kisha understood Sparrow''s perspective; after all, they had both faced life-and-death situations and worked closely together in the field, allowing their thoughts to align. She didn''t hesitate to share her own feelings on the matter. "No need for that. Those supplies will only go to waste if left behind, and if you give them to the people in the Port City shelter, they''ll likely take it for granted. Once they latch onto you out of gratitude, it will be hard to get rid of them." "Always remember that people who are desperate and have nothing to lose can be unhinged and unscrupulous. They might even turn on you, biting your flesh and drinking your blood if you refuse to help them after your initial gesture," Kisha said, her expression grim. Her gaze seemed to drift off into the distance, as if she were recalling a distant memory. Sparrow nodded in agreement; he had never felt inclined to help those people anyway, so it was easy for him to accept Kisha''s perspective. However, Rose felt a twinge of apprehension. She believed not everyone could be painted with the same brush, and the idea of not helping the civilians felt too harsh. Yet, she struggled to find the words to voice her concerns. Aston might have shared Rose''s perspective if he were still the same person he was before meeting Kisha. However, after witnessing the chaos unleashed by the Coltons and the Minister of Defense¡ªevents that claimed countless innocent lives¡ªhe had come to understand the darker side of human nature when it operates outside the confines of the law. Now, he found himself drawn to Kisha''s insights, as if she had navigated these treacherous waters countless times before. In his eyes, following her guidance seemed like the best path forward for everyone involved. Now, Aston remained silent, despite knowing he should share Rose''s concerns for the civilians. Both of them were forces dedicated to serving the people and the country, yet Rose had not fully adjusted her mindset away from this. Kisha noticed the uncertainty in Rose''s eyes and decided to elaborate. She understood that withholding her perspective could create a rift between them. If Rose were left to her own devices, she might act impulsively, leading to trouble not just for herself but for the entire base, especially if decisions were made in the shadows without the benefit of shared understanding. Before diving into her thoughts, Kisha allowed Sparrow to report on both trips, listening intently to every detail. After he finished, she nodded in agreement with his actions, recognizing that she would have made similar choices¡ªperhaps even more decisive ones¡ªif she had been in their position. "You made the right call. As I mentioned before, we can''t help people blindly; a single wrong decision can lead to the deaths of more than a dozen." "Always keep in mind that we are now in positions of leadership. Our choices not only affect us but also have repercussions for everyone around us." "I don''t discourage you from helping those in need, but it''s essential to remember that any act of kindness may lead to unintended consequences. When you assist someone, they may feel compelled to follow you¡ªnot just because of your strength, but also because you can provide for them." "This dependency can breed ingratitude. Always keep in mind the story of ''The Snake and the Farmer.'' Not everyone is deserving of your help; many are selfish and greedy, and greed rarely leads to a positive outcome." Rose looked up and asked, "How can we determine who is truly worth helping? Should we only consider those who can bear their own burdens or who have good intentions? What about the children, women, and the elderly? How can we know if we don''t give them a chance?" Her tone was neutral; she wasn''t being defiant¡ªshe genuinely struggled to grasp Kisha''s broader perspective. For Rose, her role was to protect and provide for those in need, but she had never delved deeply into the complexities of such decisions, as she had little interest in politics. "You don''t need to worry about them for now. If they truly want to survive, they must learn to toughen up and take the initiative¡ªwhether that means fighting with their hands and feet to gather supplies or leaving behind oppressive leadership to seek their own path." "They need to experience what it''s like to live in this apocalyptic era and realize they can''t always rely on others; they must depend on themselves. Our new world is far too unpredictable. Only once they''ve truly made an effort will we be in a position to help them." The more Kisha spoke, the further her gaze drifted, as if she were lost in thought, conversing with her past self. Each word seemed to remind her of the choices she had made and the lessons learned, pushing her to strive for more¡ªnot just for herself but for her loved ones as well. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Misplaced pity and misguided notions of justice can lead to our downfall¡ªnot just ours, but also the lives of those in the base. Many may appear pitiful, concealing ulterior motives, and while some may cry for help, their tears can mask a heart full of greed." "Not everyone who seeks your assistance deserves your compassion; some are simply waiting for a naive soul to take the bait, hoping to use them as a shield or provider," Kisha stated firmly, making sure her words were clear and direct. As Kisha spoke, Rose felt a wave of confusion wash over her. She scratched the back of her head, unsure how to articulate her thoughts. While she wasn''t the best judge of character, she understood the complexities of human nature. She had witnessed the darker sides of humanity, but not to the extent that Kisha had. Chapter 441 Allocating The Mission There was still a gap in their experiences that left Rose feeling lost. Sensing her struggle, Kisha decided to offer further guidance. "If you genuinely want to help someone but aren''t sure about their character, just bring them to me, and I''ll assess whether they can join our base. And if they happen to discover our location and spill the beans to other shelters, it won''t matter¡ªwe''re strong enough to protect our home and our people." "I''m offering you this opportunity so you don''t think I''m heartless." Kisha ended with a lighthearted tone, a playful smile gracing her lips. This brought a sense of levity to the serious conversation, and Rose felt a wave of relief wash over her. How can Kisha be this confident in selecting people? Of course, it was because she had the ''Eye Of Truth'' where she could not only see people''s abilities and potential but also see where their morality inclined, just like how she first checked the former bodyguard of the Evans'' and his people''s morality before she jumps into action, she first made sure that they are worthy of receiving help who will not backstab her and her people and use them as nothing but meatshield. After only confirming that they are good and upright people did she decided to help, after all, it''s better for them to die in the hands of zombies like that than be saved and later on bite the hands that feed them. However, Kisha had no intention of abandoning the young or leaving them to perish. Once she confirmed that the group didn''t include any dark-hearted individuals, she acted swiftly, determined to provide help while ensuring their safety. She was also considering the other survivors, including those still in Port City. However, attempting to rescue them now, when they were completely reliant on the hope of government aid rather than actively seeking food and resources, could lead to complications. Their lack of motivation to fend for themselves might turn them into liabilities for the base, potentially fostering discontent. Worst of all, they could feel entitled, rallying others to demand changes in the management of the base, which would only exacerbate the situation. They say one bad apple can spoil the bunch, and Kisha wasn''t willing to take that gamble. If Sparrow and the others rescued people from the Port City Shelter without knowing their true natures, it would fall to her to sort the good from the bad. How could she possibly justify her choices to those rescued, especially when they would likely refuse to return to the Port City Shelter after experiencing what her base had to offer? No one in their right mind would choose to go back to starvation when a thriving base like Kisha''s was right in front of them. "Are you really serious, City Lord?" Rose asked, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Yes, but only if you have a good impression of the person." "As you know, even with our power, we can''t save everyone. They have to want to save themselves for us to help them. That''s why we need to be selective about who we allow into our base¡ªit''s essential for everyone''s safety." Kisha spoke cryptically, but she knew Rose would grasp the underlying message: some people simply wouldn''t meet the requirements to join them, and that meant they would be left to fend for themselves outside. No matter how it might sound, Kisha didn''t feel guilty about her stance. While many would advocate for helping one another and sticking together during tough times, she understood that such ideals often proved impractical. In reality, she couldn''t afford to offer indiscriminate help to everyone. Rose''s expression turned serious as she considered Kisha''s words, eventually nodding in agreement. With that topic settled, they moved on. Kisha briefed them on the city patrol''s findings about the sewers and shared the troubling details of Duke''s activities beyond the walls. As she spoke, both Rose and Sparrow exchanged uneasy glances, their faces darkening with concern. They struggled to envision the implications of Kisha''s words, knowing deep down that their base was facing serious threats. Despite the grim news, Kisha urged Sparrow not to abandon his mission to secure more cargo trailers. Their territory expansion depended on acquiring additional trailers, and Sparrow understood the necessity. Reluctantly, he agreed, placing his trust in Duke''s ability to protect himself. It was natural for Sparrow to feel protective; he had been raised and trained to serve as Duke''s sword and shield. The thought of Duke undertaking a dangerous mission alone weighed heavily on his mind, but he knew they had to press on. Once Sparrow calmed down and began to think more logically, he steeled his resolve and nodded in agreement with Kisha''s decisions regarding her husband. He recognized the strength of the couple and understood that worrying about them would not help the situation. Instead, he realized it was more prudent to focus on his own progress and responsibilities. Kisha noticed Sparrow''s expression soften, indicating his complete trust in Duke. A smile crept onto her lips at this realization, and she decided to move on to the next topic. Kisha then asked Sparrow to assist the five STAU members in preparing to level up today, ensuring they''d have a larger space by tomorrow. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There was no need for Kisha to supply them with crystal cores; Sparrow and the other awakened ability users had plenty on hand. After all, he insisted that his team harvest crystal cores from every zombie they killed, refusing to leave any behind. Like Kisha, Sparrow had developed a bit of a hoarding tendency and was determined to ensure that the cores they collected didn''t fall into the hands of others. As a result, many in his team carried pouches brimming with crystal cores, eagerly awaiting the signal to use them. Thanks to their collective efforts, they had now reached a multiplier of x10 and were on the verge of hitting the cap for their level. Even without Kisha needing to remind them, they could feel the change in their bodies. With a nod, Sparrow exited the study to find the five, leaving Kisha, Aston, and Rose behind in the room. "Rose, I need you to head to this coordinate," Kisha said calmly, handing the map to Aston. The route was already circled and underlined, so Rose only had to follow it. With the Scarlet Bees as her bodyguards, Kisha felt confident that nothing would happen to her. Moreover, Rose''s impressive offensive and defensive skills made her nearly invulnerable. Kisha had chosen the safest route, avoiding main roads and large establishments. While she considered potential challenges along the way, she believed Rose could handle them. With that thought, Kisha felt a wave of relief, knowing that Rose would be able to manage whatever obstacles arose during her journey to the designated location. "When should I leave, City Lord?" Rose asked, her seriousness underscoring her commitment to the mission. "Tomorrow morning at the latest," Kisha replied nonchalantly. "As you know, traveling at night is far more dangerous. My husband and his team are likely already camped out, and setting out now would be futile." She was confident that Duke had considered all variables when choosing a location in the east where they could meet halfway. Chapter 442 Update From City A Rose could simply set out with Sparrow and the others tomorrow morning to ensure she reached the nearest route safely. Rose nodded in understanding, recalling that Kisha had mentioned Duke''s message originated from the southeastern edge of the city. This meant they were making their way toward the eastern part, aligning perfectly with their planned coordinates for tomorrow''s meeting. Setting out in the morning wouldn''t be too late; as Kisha had suggested, Rose could easily hitch a ride with Sparrow when they departed for Port City, significantly reducing her travel time on foot. With a nod, Rose agreed with everything Kisha had said. Kisha smiled sweetly, her eyes crinkling with warmth. ''It truly is a pleasure to speak with smart people,'' she thought, gesturing for them to get back to their tasks, including Aston. Meanwhile, Kisha decided to stay in the study to check on the base in City A and chat with her little brother. She wanted to gauge their status and ensure they were aware of the rising threat posed by mutated animals and plants, reminding them to be vigilant during patrols, especially when venturing into the city. Kisha couldn''t help but hand Keith more vials of black and blue liquid for emergencies, along with some stamina boosters. She also tossed him more Scarlet Honey and a selection of spiritual crops and fruits. Keith happily accepted the gifts, feeling as though he was living in a ''Solo Leveling'' manga, where rewards appeared out of nowhere after completing missions. Kisha smiled, indulging his antics, knowing it would help improve his mood and make him happy. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Keith shared updates with Kisha about the transformations happening at the base in City A and how the people were adjusting. Although Kisha could monitor these developments herself, she let Keith speak, encouraging him to express his dissatisfaction. He noted that while the Evans and Blythes families were integrating smoothly, the Evans had begun to distance themselves due to lingering tensions, leaving them feeling awkward around Melody. However, Melody seemed oblivious to the changes; she was too focused on crafting her image in front of the newly arrived Winters'' men from the other cities and neighboring areas. And it was expected even more newcomers to arrive soon. Kisha also discovered that many of the Winters'' men hadn''t survived. Although the initial phase saw fewer transforming into zombies, most had perished during their travels, as they navigated areas swarming with undead that could easily overwhelm a city. Those who made it through were among the toughest and most skilled. Many had begun their awakening process, and this time, unlike their initial experience at the base, none of them were flustered or anxious. Instead, Elios took the lead, assisting and monitoring the group. After Keith shared Kisha''s teachings about the awakening process, Elios found himself much better equipped to guide them and diligently kept a log of their experiences. The Winters men fully trusted the process when they learned it stemmed from Kisha''s guidance. After all, they wouldn''t have made it this far without her firsthand warnings, and their group would have been ill-prepared without her support. Without Kisha, they could have faced annihilation. The only oblivious one among them was Melody. She believed she was well-received by the Winters men and that they revered her as the future young madam of the family. However, the reality was different; many were simply ignoring her. They refrained from voicing their opinions to spare her feelings, but in truth, her actions held little weight. The Winters had already chosen Kisha, and even if Duke chose not to be with her, she would remain the only woman, aside from Mrs. Winters, who could command their respect and authority. The Evans observed the Winters men''s attitude and attempted to reason with Melody, but she lashed out at them instead. Realizing their efforts were futile, they decided to back off and let her be. It was preferable to see her working diligently to maintain her image than to burst her bubble and risk her becoming a liability. As far as they were concerned, it was better for everyone if she continued in her delusion. The influx of new arrivals significantly boosted their manpower, enhancing the base''s defenses. Many members could now participate in supply runs throughout the city, focusing on essential items like gas, camping equipment, LPG gas, fuel, batteries, and more. They were essentially hoarding everything they could get their hands on, and Kisha couldn''t have been happier with their progress. Unbeknownst to everyone, an invisible barrier protected their base, yet they remained vigilant. The team diligently scouted the perimeter and maintained their defenses to guard against surprise attacks or ambushes. Surrounded by dense forest, they were acutely aware that zombies could be lurking nearby at any moment. After learning that the Winters men had gathered a substantial collection of supplies, Kisha instructed Keith to store everything securely in the warehouse for easy access. This way, she could retrieve items whenever necessary and also Kisha increased the food allocation for the base each day. With this system in place, she no longer had to worry about supplies accumulating in the territory''s inventory that she needed to transfer to the Supply Center without raising suspicion at HOPE Base. Instead, she could simply send the excess supplies to the base in City A, effectively solving her dilemma. While others fretted over dwindling supplies and hunger, Kisha found herself concerned about the excessive accumulation of resources in her inventory. She recognized the need to strategize effectively, ensuring that these supplies could be leveraged to her advantage in the future. With the increase in manpower at City A''s base, more individuals were tending to the farm she had placed within the base, resulting in thriving crops and healthy animals. While the yield wasn''t quite as abundant as those in her territory space, it was sufficient to sustain everyone at City A''s base. Kisha discovered that the "Green Thumb" boost effect she enjoyed within her territory also extended to the farmland in City A, since it was essentially part of her territory. This centralization of the boosting effect brought her immense satisfaction, further solidifying her plans for growth. However, everyone assumed that the Blythe family''s growing proficiency in farming and taking care of the animals was the sole reason behind the exceptionally large crops. Unfortunately, the animals had not experienced the same boosting effect in growth, as Mike''s abilities did not extend to them in City A. Overall, the base in City A was thriving; it wasn''t facing nearly as many challenges as HOPE Base. Despite being a mega city, Duke''s men had surprisingly encountered no setbacks, allowing them to amass a substantial stockpile of supplies. They even identified several smaller, self-sustaining shelters around City A. Instead of bringing every survivor back to their base, Duke''s men had the foresight to send them to these nearby shelters. Kisha felt a surge of elation knowing that Duke''s men were making pragmatic decisions rather than acting like heroes, as such behavior could jeopardize the longevity of their own base. Fortunately, she had already relayed this approach to Hawk and Eagle, who took her advice seriously and diligently followed her instructions. Chapter 443 The Aldens Awakened Ability Keith became the main bridge of communication between Kisha and the people in the base in City A. Kisha, careful not to reveal the unique abilities of her territory, opted to pass her messages through him. Although Hawk and Eagle were curious about how Kisha and Keith managed to communicate so seamlessly, they respected boundaries and refrained from asking questions. Keith had already distributed the Scarlet Honey according to Kisha''s instructions and explained how to use it. Although initially hesitant to teach the Evans and Blythe families the techniques Kisha had shared, Kisha''s assurance that she would remove anyone who caused trouble put Keith''s mind at ease. Knowing that the teachings came directly from Kisha, the Winters'' men¡ªand surprisingly, even the Evans and Blythe families¡ªcomplied fully, following Keith''s guidance closely. Day by day, they continued to grow stronger, especially as they began collecting crystal cores based on the latest communication between Keith and Kisha. Keith passed along Kisha''s message, encouraging everyone to gather as many crystal cores as possible during supply runs. This practice not only provided them with a valuable resource but also gave them regular experience dealing with zombies, sharpening their skills with each encounter. At first, many were disgusted by the task of retrieving crystal cores, especially the Blythes family, who were appalled at having to dig through a zombie''s skull to find the core within its brain. Initially, they thought Keith was playing a prank on them. However, when they actually discovered something inside the zombies'' heads, they began to believe. Still, the core resembled broken glass, which kept them somewhat skeptical. Meanwhile, the Winters and Evans families accepted it more readily, having learned to trust Kisha''s guidance without question. As for the elderly Aldens couple, they had been briefed by Kisha before her departure and believed everything she said wholeheartedly. Kisha''s grandparents were also making remarkable progress, which even surprised Kisha. They had quickly learned how to harness the spiritual energy within their bodies and effectively use the Scarlet Honey, becoming stronger day by day. Grandpa Aldens no longer had to worry about struggling with heavy loads; he could easily carry a sack of rice for Grandma Aldens and even lift a horse if he so wanted. His awakened ability was particularly impressive: he was a body enhancer, capable of doubling his strength, agility, or defense¡ªthough only one attribute at a time. Kisha suspected that as he leveled up, he might even reach a tenfold increase, which motivated him to train intensely. Grandma Aldens'' ability was equally intriguing. Known as a "Home Maker," she could influence others'' emotions, providing comfort, dispelling negativity, and boosting morale. Her awakened ability worked like a form of mental reinforcement, akin to brainwashing, though it only took effect if the individuals around her had lower mental resilience and willingly accepted her influence. Her unique ability had become a subtle yet powerful way to support the mental well-being of everyone in the community. Many people in the base willingly accepted Grandma Aldens'' ability, which created a sense of calm and unity. Her influence helped dispel fear, allowing everyone to focus on growth and resilience. As they grew stronger, many were soon ready to prepare for their first level up, diligently practicing their abilities each day. Keith, in particular, had made impressive strides. His ability to create realistic illusions became an invaluable asset, allowing him to lure manageable groups of zombies toward his team, so they could eliminate them without overwhelming numbers. His tactics had transformed their battle formations, reducing casualties and improving efficiency. Keith had drawn inspiration from watching Kisha wield her telekinesis with precision, like a formidable battle goddess. This admiration drove him to hone his own ability in hopes of contributing as effectively as she did in combat. Kisha had already shared information about the evolved zombies some time ago, so everyone in the base remained vigilant, particularly given that they were all still at level 0. This caution helped keep them prepared, knowing the added danger these evolved zombies posed. Following Kisha''s encouragement, everyone began practicing their awakened abilities and registering them, allowing others to see which roles each person was best suited for, similar to the system in HOPE Base. Now, with nearly everyone in City A Base having awakened their abilities, they had become a formidable force. After learning all this, Kisha felt reassured leaving her family in City A, knowing they were not only thriving but growing stronger even without her. She felt a deep sense of pride and happiness seeing them adapt so well. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her family shared this sentiment, feeling glad to no longer be a burden or a hindrance to Kisha, and grateful they could now stand on their own. On the other hand, after leaving the study, Sparrow headed straight to find the five STAU. He was eager to help them level up, as it would create more space for storing additional items. The prospect of having more room excited him, and he hoped to maximize their storage capacity for the mission. When Sparrow arrived at the empty lot, the five STAU had already finished unloading the supplies into the temporary warehouse and were now putting the cargo trailers to their designated spots. As soon as they completed their task, Sparrow could see the exhaustion etched on their faces. The five of them were on the verge of tears, longing to go home and rest. Unlike Sparrow and the other superhumans, they felt more like regular humans, especially with their low stats. Even as they increased their stats using the Scarlet Honey, their increases were minimal, typically just a single point each time. This could be attributed to their support-type abilities, which primarily focused on enhancing their spatial capabilities. Despite their pitiful appearances, Sparrow had been shaped by Duke to be a strong leader, one who wouldn''t be soft-hearted when it came to his team. Now that he finally had a team to lead, he was determined to push them hard. Without a hint of hesitation, Sparrow directed the five STAU to the back of Villa #1, leading them into the forest behind the villa. This secluded area would provide them with the focus they needed, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the community and the silent tension that the zombies lurking in the sewers created. Unable to invoke even a hint of pity from their captain, the five reluctantly surrendered to their fate and followed Sparrow, their feet dragging with each step. They could only hope the training would be over quickly so they could get some much-needed rest before their early departure the next morning. Upon arriving in the forest, Sparrow gathered them in a circle and instructed them to take the Scarlet Honey until they felt their spiritual energy nearing its breaking point¡ªan indication they were at their bottleneck and ready to level up. The five obeyed, but the continuous intake of the honey began to take a toll. They experienced sharp pains from pushing their bodies to the limit, struggling to control their surging spiritual energy. Sweat poured from them as they fought against the discomfort, yet Sparrow insisted they persevere. With no choice but to push through the pain, they pressed on, determined to meet his expectations. Chapter 444 Eat This Before they could catch their breath, Sparrow handed each of them a clean crystal core. "Eat this," he commanded, a hint of glee lacing his voice. It was as if he relished the thought of watching them grimace and struggle with the same disgust he had felt when he first consumed one, fully aware of the origin of these items. They didn''t need to guess what Sparrow was thinking; it was written all over his face. His lips twitched uncontrollably, and he bit down on his lower lip to stifle a grin that threatened to spread from ear to ear. His eyes narrowed into crescent shapes, giving him a slightly sinister look that reminded them of Hisoka from ''Hunter x Hunter'' when he was plotting something. They all shuddered and instinctively averted their gazes from Sparrow. While the thought of eating the crystal core was indeed disgusting, Sparrow''s unsettling enthusiasm overshadowed their revulsion. Feeling targeted by his intense gaze, they mechanically swallowed the crystal cores, their faces betraying no emotion. However, their lack of reaction quickly deflated Sparrow''s enthusiasm, and he pouted in disappointment. He had hoped to see their faces contorted in horror and disgust, seeking validation for his own feelings during his first experience. This little prank was meant to amuse him, but instead, his team swallowed the crystal cores without so much as a flinch. Soon, the five of them radiated a brilliant light, illuminating the forest as if the sun had risen for just a moment. The intense white glow enveloped the area before fading, leaving them in a dim afterglow. As the magical energy coursed through their bodies, they exchanged glances, a newfound strength evident in their eyes. "Is that it?" one of them asked, skepticism creeping into his voice. He had expected the leveling-up process to be a grueling and excruciating experience, and the sudden ease of it left him questioning his earlier nervousness and fear. "No pain? Just like that?" "It happened so fast!" "Are we really done? Did we actually level up, or did we fail?" The uncertainty lingered in the air as they exchanged glances, still trying to process the swift transformation they had just undergone. Everyone was filled with questions, their confusion palpable in the air. In unison, they turned to Sparrow, seeking answers, as none of them fully understood what had just happened. "Yes, you guys have successfully leveled up. The bright light that radiated from your bodies was the proof of your achievement," Sparrow said, his tone lacking enthusiasm as he rolled his eyes. "Now, check how much your spatial ability has increased with this level-up. That way, we can determine if we can increase the number of cargo trailers we can bring back." Only when Sparrow reminded them of that crucial detail did they recall why they had hurried to level up in the first place. Without hesitation, the five STAU members settled into meditation to explore their spatial abilities. One by one, they gasped in astonishment as they opened their eyes in surprise, their faces lighting up with wide smiles. "I think mine increased to 200 cubic meters! That''s a 50 cubic meter boost!" "Same here! Mine''s at 200 cubic meters as well. With this, we can fit three cargo trailers and pack them full of supplies!" "This is amazing! I expected only a 10 to 30 cubic meter increase, but gaining a whole 50 cubic meters is huge!" The five were buzzing with excitement. Previously, the 150 cubic meters had been just enough to fit two cargo trailers, leaving little extra space. But now, with the added 50 cubic meters, they could utilize that small area more efficiently and accommodate one more cargo trailer. They felt lighter, stronger, and more in tune with their abilities. Where before they had to touch each item individually to store it, they could now, like Kisha, use their mental capacity to control what they wanted to store and selectively retrieve items from their space with ease. However, there was still a limit to how much they could store without direct contact. They could only manage a yard''s width of items at a time; to add more, they needed to move closer to another yard''s worth of items. Despite this constraint, the upgrade was still a welcome improvement after their level-up, and they felt that the pain they had endured earlier was well worth the effort. The five of them exchanged delighted smiles as they sensed the changes in their bodies and abilities. They felt more confident than ever, with their stats now nearly in the 20s. Their strength, defense, and agility had all seen significant boosts. While they knew that compared to Sparrow and the others, their improvements might not seem impressive, they took pride in the fact that they could now send someone flying with a single kick. Given that they weren''t originally battle-type superhumans, they had no reason to compare themselves to others; their progress was more than enough for them. Seeing them all happy and content, Sparrow allowed himself a slight smile before sending them home for a warm meal and much-needed rest. He, too, returned to have a comforting meal, a hot bath, and finally collapse into his soft bed. It didn''t take long before he drifted into a deep sleep as soon as he hit the mattress. The other warriors who had accompanied him felt the same way¡ªmentally and physically exhausted from their time outside the walls. Now, back in their own beds, they felt a wave of relief wash over them as their bodies relaxed and the tension of battle faded, allowing them a rare, peaceful rest. Duke and his team, meanwhile, chose to rest in an eight-story building at the eastern and southeastern border. They stationed themselves two floors below the rooftop, providing a strategic buffer. This way, if any mutated rats tried to sneak up on them, they could detect the activity on the stairs or within the building and gain a brief window to escape to the rooftop, repeating their previous tactic against the rats. They avoided the rooftop itself for additional security. Given the presence of mutated rats, the possibility of other mutated creatures¡ªlike birds or bats¡ªwasn''t far-fetched, and they also had to remain cautious of evolved zombies. Without any detection or scout-type awakened ability users on their team, and considering that even Duke''s heightened senses had their limits and could be delayed at times, resting directly on the rooftop was simply too risky. Everyone trusted Duke''s judgment completely; his decisions had saved them more times than they could count. By nightfall, they''d already reviewed contingency plans, ensuring that if they became separated, each team member would know exactly where to go, what actions to take, and how to handle situations independently. Duke meticulously planned for every scenario he could think of, offering reassurance to the team and reinforcing their chances of surviving and making it back home to their families. One of Duke''s strengths was his ability to coach his team in real-time, pointing out mistakes, correcting postures, and refining techniques as they fought. His commitment to teaching never wavered, and the team found his guidance invaluable, especially in high-stakes moments. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 445 Sending Off Rose When morning arrived, Sparrow and his team gathered at the designated meeting spot where their trucks were parked. Rose joined them, eager to reunite with the group. Once everyone had arrived, they climbed into the trucks, and the drivers revved the engines, setting off toward the Eastern wall. As the convoy approached, the gatekeeper spotted the trucks and shouted to the two guards stationed at the gate to open it. "Open the gate! Soldiers, prepare to support against the incoming zombies!" the gatekeeper shouted, brimming with renewed energy. Unlike the previous days, when he had been weighed down by concerns over ammunition supplies, today felt different. Yesterday, during their trip to Villa #1 at the City Lord''s request, they had been pleasantly surprised by the abundance of firearms and ammunition that Kisha had promised. It had seemed almost impossible to gather such a stockpile so quickly in the wake of the apocalypse. Without ample time for preparation or access to a proper armory, supplying a military camp with that quantity of weaponry would have been a formidable challenge. When they arrived and Kisha guided them to the back of the villa, towards the storage room, he was completely taken aback. The room was overflowing with an astonishing array of ammunition and firearms, resembling a military armory that had just received a fresh shipment of supplies. Crates lined the walls, each filled with top-notch weaponry of the highest caliber. Many of these firearms were so advanced that they hadn''t even been seen in the army''s armory during their time in the military. The sheer volume and quality of the equipment left him speechless, igniting a sense of hope and excitement within him. "Go ahead and gather everything and move it to your barracks," Kisha instructed, as she chuckled because of their enthusiasm. "Some of these weapons came from the Coltons'' armory, while others are from the Winters''. You''ll find a wide selection of new, top-of-the-line firearms here. Many of them have been customized, especially those from the Winters'' collection. I hope you find them to your liking." She gestured for them to enter the storage room and take a closer look, her excitement evident as she watched them explore. "City Lord, are we really allowed to take all of this and distribute it to the soldiers guarding the wall?" the eastern gatekeeper asked, his hands trembling slightly as he reached for one of the Gatling guns in the storage. His eyes widened in disbelief, a mix of excitement and concern evident on his face. "It''s not like we can use it here; if we leave it sitting around, it''ll just rust and become useless. We might as well put it to work defending the entire base. Install the Gatling guns on top of the wall or on some of the vehicles¡ªit''s entirely up to you how you want to deploy them." Kisha shrugged, her tone casual but firm. "In the future, if we manage to acquire more supplies, we''ll send them to your barracks so the soldiers can use them however they see fit." The four gatekeepers clasped their hands together in joy, their eyes sparkling as they surveyed the entire storage room. "Thank you, City Lord!" they exclaimed in unison, their excitement palpable. Kisha chuckled as she left, leaving them to transport the items. The gatekeepers quickly called for more personnel to fetch trucks for the task. As the Eastern gatekeeper recalled the day''s events, his enthusiasm for the work surged. Even the soldiers stationed atop the wall felt the excitement, especially the snipers in the watchtower. They now had access to a new set of high-spec sniper rifles, allowing them to take out zombies from greater distances. With an ample supply of ammunition, they no longer had to hold back when it came to firing, relishing the freedom to shoot without restraint. As the trucks approached the gate, the sound of gunfire echoed through the walls, louder than ever. Along with their assault rifles, the soldiers had already installed the Gatling guns on top of the walls¡ªtwo at each gate, mounted on either side. They had wasted no time in setting up and were now eagerly using these powerful weapons at the first opportunity, unleashing a barrage of fire that reverberated through the entire area. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ratatatata!!! Bang Bang! Sparrow glanced up at the wall, chuckling as he saw the enthusiasm of the soldiers with their new firepower. The gates swung open, and, as soon as he judged the opening wide enough for his truck, he accelerated through, bulldozing over the dense cluster of zombies outside. The other three trucks followed in tight formation, maintaining a steady pace. As soon as all four trucks cleared the gate, the gatekeeper immediately ordered it closed, ensuring no zombies would get close to the entrance this time¡ªespecially after last time''s breach. Sparrow let Rose ride in the back of his truck, and once they navigated through the city, he veered onto a different route. This new path followed the exact course Rose would have taken on foot if she were traveling solo. Sparrow intended to drop Rose directly at her designated location, so Duke wouldn''t be kept waiting at the rendezvous point. Rose was pleasantly surprised by this thoughtful gesture and accepted it gratefully, relieved she wouldn''t have to fight her way there. Little did she know, she would also have bodyguards joining her¡ªthe Scarlet Bees¡ªa detail still unknown to her at the time. Rose thought she''d be facing the journey alone. Since Duke had picked a relatively safer route for her to reach the rendezvous point, Sparrow had little trouble navigating the streets because of the route Duke draw for Rose. When a few dozen zombies lurked nearby, he and the other trucks simply plowed through them, crushing them with the trucks'' weight and numbers, sending bodies flying or smashing them like watermelons. Soon, they arrived at the rendezvous point. Sparrow stopped briefly to let Rose jump down from the truck bed, and as soon as she was clear, he and the other trucks took off. Rose stood in the middle of the street for a moment, saluting Sparrow and the others as they disappeared into the distance. Turning back, she unsheathed her dagger and made her way to the building where she was scheduled to wait, quickly scaling its exterior with practiced ease. Rose cautiously climbed the stairs, her dagger poised defensively at chest level, ready to strike. As she reached the second floor, a zombie suddenly lunged at her with little time to react. The impact pushed her back against the wall, but thanks to her prepared stance, the dagger kept the creature from biting her. While a bite wouldn''t turn her into a zombie, it would still be painful¡ªa pain she wanted to avoid. Quickly, Rose used her free arm to shove the zombie back. She noticed more zombies advancing from within the second-floor hallway, and without hesitation, she drove her dagger upward through the zombie''s chin, piercing into its skull. Black blood gushed from the zombie''s chin as it collapsed lifelessly to the floor. Wasting no time, Rose surged forward, executing a spinning kick that sent another approaching zombie sprawling across the ground. With precise agility, she drove her dagger into the temple of the second zombie, killing it swiftly. Chapter 446 The Rendezvous Point Before the zombie she had kicked could rise, Rose leaped, gripping her dagger firmly in both hands, and plunged it straight into the center of its skull, ensuring it stayed down for good. Rose had no time to catch her breath as more zombies, drawn by the noise in the hallway, shuffled toward her. She heard loud banging from the closed doors of nearby rooms, but with those threats contained for now, she focused on the immediate danger, confronting the approaching horde in the hallway with steely resolve. As Rose fought her way up to the third floor, clearing each number of zombies to ensure the building was safe, a realization hit her¡ªshe''d been relying solely on her daggers and had forgotten about her newly awakened ability. Frustrated, she gave herself a small knock on the head, then smirked, deciding to use her abilities. With a flick of her wrist, she conjured a series of ice crystal needles, each as thick as an adult''s finger. She sent them flying toward the zombies down the hall, and in seconds, the undead were covered in the sharp, glinting shards, resembling oversized, frozen hedgehogs. "That was surprisingly easier," Rose murmured, watching the zombies drop like flies under her assault. She shook her head, realizing how much effort she''d wasted fighting them one by one when her powers allowed her to take them down from a distance. A smile tugged at her lips as she acknowledged just how silly she''d been to overlook her abilities, making things far harder than necessary. Fortunately, Rose had already reached level 1 as a superhuman, allowing her to conjure a substantial number of ice crystal needles quickly and efficiently. Unlike when Sparrow and Vulture first attempted to harness their awakened abilities, which took considerable time and focus, Rose benefited from her higher starting point. This advantage enabled her to utilize her powers with greater ease, making her feel a step ahead of her companions. On the fourth floor, Rose relied entirely on her awakened ability, conjuring an array of ice crystal needles as she ascended. She didn''t need to pause to kill the zombies; the more she practiced with her powers, the more confident she became. With each encounter, she learned to conserve her spiritual energy, efficiently producing her ice crystals without any waste. Before long, Rose reached the rooftop ahead of schedule. With plenty of time to spare before Duke and his team arrived, she pulled out her binoculars and began scanning the streets for any impending danger. She settled into her lookout position, remaining vigilant for quite some time as she waited. As she spotted an incoming zombie within her reach, Rose would conjure a single ice crystal needle and took aim like a sniper, effortlessly shooting down the undead lurking in the streets. With each successful strike, she found herself enjoying the task more, using the time to hone her skills while waiting for the others to arrive. Meanwhile, Duke and his team were on the move before dawn, already busy preparing breakfast to ensure everyone had the energy to keep running and fighting until they reached their next resting point. He hoped that by the time they arrived at the rendezvous point, Rose would have cleared some of the area, making it easier for his men to navigate without having to fight their way through. Though he hadn''t explicitly mentioned it in his letter, Duke had deduced that by the time Rose left the base to head to the rendezvous point, it would be morning. He anticipated that Sparrow would also be en route to Port City by then. Knowing Sparrow''s personality and unwavering loyalty to him, Duke was confident that Sparrow would either drop Rose off nearby or, ideally, right at the specified coordinates. This arrangement would give Rose the opportunity to clear the area before his arrival. Duke was banking on this outcome; after all, he was a shrewd strategist who always aimed to secure an advantage. After their hearty breakfast, which included meat and vegetables, everyone began packing up to leave as soon as possible. They stopped questioning Duke about the source of the food he provided, simply grateful for whatever was on their plates. After all, it was a welcome change from the dry ration biscuits that barely filled their stomachs and left them with parched throats. After finishing their preparations, they departed when Duke gave the signal to leave, heading toward their next destination. By the time they arrived at Rose''s location, the sun was shining brightly, and the streets were free of zombies. The building marked by the coordinates Duke had given Kisha was actually one of the key sites for establishing their spider web formation to monitor the sewer system. Upon reaching the rendezvous point, they wasted no time and immediately began preparing the drones, while Rose trailed behind, observing their actions. Duke didn''t need to inquire about how Rose had fared while waiting for them; before they even stepped foot in the building, he noticed several dead zombies scattered around the streets they passed. Each zombie had a gaping hole in its head, remnants of ice crystal essence glimmering around the wounds, making it clear what Rose had been up to. With Rose''s arrival, their monitoring efforts continued smoothly, and her presence made it easier to kill the zombies, thanks to her great offensive-awakened abilities. However, that wasn''t the primary reason Duke had called for her assistance. The main draw was Rose''s impenetrable defense, a crucial asset they needed, especially since they had discovered a collapsed section of ground where the zombies might have used to enter and now roamed the sewers below. Duke tasked Rose with covering all the holes to ensure no more zombies fell in and added to those already in the sewers. While Rose focused on this task, the other team members continued their reconnaissance. After all, Rose''s Ice Crystal was incredibly durable, deflecting any attacks directed at it. Even if the zombies or mutated rats tried to destroy it, they would fail. Unlike the earth walls or even Duke''s ice walls, Rose''s creation was superior, making her role in this task crucial. They wouldn''t have time to return to the same location after completing their mission. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once Rose finished filling the hole, the others would help clear the debris that had fallen into the sewers. It was a lot of work, but it had to be done. Duke, meanwhile, was busy drawing a map, but only he knew his true intentions. The others were puzzled by his work, as no matter how curious they were, they couldn''t decipher what he was creating. They patiently waited for Duke to explain, knowing that his thought process was often difficult to understand. Their current task felt like a repetitive cycle, and they only needed to engage in combat when absolutely necessary. They hadn''t left the base to hunt zombies; their primary objective was to clear the sewers. Purposefully seeking out and killing zombies would consume valuable time, so they tried to avoid it whenever possible. With Rose added to the group, she often found herself with nothing to do while the others were preoccupied. To make the most of her time, she practiced her long-range attacks, using her ice crystal needles like a sniper. Chapter 447 Mission Going Smoothly Even Duke recognized that what Rose was doing was a valuable opportunity to eliminate the zombies approaching their perimeter while they surveyed the area. Rather than interrupt her, he chose to offer her some pointers to help enhance her skills, making them more applicable in real battles and situations like this. Thanks to Rose''s assistance, they were able to move more quickly, encountering fewer lurking zombies along their path since she had already dealt with them from a distance. While everyone else focused on scanning the surroundings with the drone and Duke concentrated on mapping, they covered the entire eastern side in just half a day, uncovering only one hole. Next, they turned their attention to the northern side, continuing their efforts. By the end of another half-day, just before dark, they had managed to cover half of the northern area. They uncovered three gaping holes in the ground leading to the sewers. Following Duke''s instructions, the others began clearing the debris that had fallen into the holes. Since some zombies lurked below, a few team members had to descend to deal with them. Duke didn''t join them; the Scarlet Bees were silently protecting the group. Unbeknownst to him, his team appreciated this new setup, believing they were now strong enough to handle themselves without constant supervision. As a result, they were even more determined to prove that his teachings had truly made them stronger. Those who descended into the sewers began a friendly competition to see who could kill the most zombies while cleaning up the debris. Duke, aware of their playful rivalry, merely shook his head and allowed them to enjoy themselves. ''It''s better for them to be a little more competitive for better results than to be unmotivated and die like flies,'' Duke thought to himself as he continued his work. He also considered a better plan. While the others were busy clearing debris and Rose was on standby, waiting and dealing with stray zombies felt like a waste of her time. Duke decided to send her on occasional solo missions, accompanied only by the Scarlet Bees, following the route he had outlined for her. Rose didn''t hesitate to accept the mission entrusted to her. She found it easier to follow orders than to give them, as issuing commands often required extensive brainstorming. Now, she felt less pressure and more enjoyment in her role. Rose would leave the group almost every hour, returning each time a little disheveled and dirty. With limited water available for cleaning, Rose can''t clean herself up, neither of them does, and although they are curious to know what Rose is up to they don''t have the time to ask her about her solo missions. However, it was clear that she had been through a rough time; her appearance resembled that of a beggar, with a dirty face, tattered clothes, and an unusual odor. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though Rose wanted to scold them for their insensitivity, she couldn''t deny that she smelled funny, especially after running back and forth at the edge of the city. She would often hijack abandoned cars along the street to make her travels faster and easier, but her missions invariably led her to the dirtiest places. As a result, it was impossible for her to avoid getting dirty or for the lingering odors of those locations to cling to her body and clothes. At the Vulture''s side, the day began with a swift effort to erect cargo trailers and continue constructing the wall where they had left off. Although ten cargo trailers seemed sufficient for building a long wall, as they started covering the first trailer of the day with earth walls, they quickly realized that the span they had built was not very long. It was far from enough to complete even one corner of the base, raising concerns that they might not finish the wall within the stipulated time. Fortunately, Vulture encouraged his team not to neglect their training after their daily work beyond the base''s walls. Like Sparrow, he had led more than half of his team to level up just the night before, which made their work much smoother. Now, they could conjure stronger and thicker earth walls to cover the cargo trailers, significantly increasing their speed. As a result, Vulture found that he was no longer the only one doing most of the work. They were now able to distribute the workload evenly, making their tasks much easier and faster than before. Concerned about the increasing strength of the zombies and the hollow nature of the cargo trailers standing as their wall for their defense, they proactively decided to increase the thickness of the walls. With the next batch of cargo trailers scheduled to arrive tomorrow, they anticipated completing the ten trailers by the end of the day. Kisha was pleased to see their proactive approach to reinforcing the walls for extra safety. She, too, had plans to strengthen the walls further after they finished, ensuring that the zombies wouldn''t breach their defenses. Given the possibility of evolved zombies launching an attack on any base, adding an extra layer of protection was a wise decision. Kisha observed the wall that Vulture and the rest were erecting. It had a smoother finish and felt more solid than before, likely a result of their progress to level 1. She was satisfied with the outcome. Meanwhile, Aston and his team were busy positioning the cargo trailers using cranes and forklifts, allowing Vulture and the others to continuously cover them with earth. As the sun reached its zenith, Aston''s team had prepared lunch: succulent short ribs, miso soup, karaage, rice, and stir-fried vegetables to ensure a balanced diet for the warriors and keep them well-fed. The warriors, despite the zombie carcasses littering the area, were now able to eat their meals without losing their appetites. Perhaps they were becoming accustomed to the smell, or their hunger had simply overridden their discomfort. Either way, they devoured their food without much concern for the slain zombies around them. Of course, they still took care to wash their hands before eating; the last thing they wanted was to risk food poisoning or a stomach infection after handling zombies. The warriors had even begun to joke around while eating, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a regular construction job. Kisha felt a sense of joy seeing the survivors maintain a positive mindset. She also appreciated the food from the makeshift cafeteria that Aston had set up. Initially, the cafeteria only provided meals for the warriors as promised, but as everyone at the base became busy with their own tasks and found the food delicious, many began purchasing meals there. The cafeteria was well-received, saving everyone time on breakfast and lunch, allowing them to focus on doing their work around the base without needing to go back home to cook and only needing to worry about dinner. Even if they were too tired to cook, the cafeteria offered dinner options, which proved to be a significant help for the base. As demand increased, more people had joined the cafeteria staff, ensuring everyone was well-fed. Marcus''s vegetable production had also increased significantly as he prepared to level up alongside his grandchildren, who were clearly making great progress. Chapter 448 Level up (Territory Pack Facilities) While others were busy resting and eating, she took a moment to pull up her territory pack''s status window, staring at it thoughtfully. "Host, would you like to level up your territory''s facilities? We have enough points to do so," 008 chimed in as Kisha examined the status window, noting that some facilities had not yet reached their maximum level. "How many points would it take to level up all the facilities in my territory to their maximum level?" Kisha asked 008, taking a bite of the karaage. She had been eager to enhance her territory for some time, especially the animal pen, which was now too crowded to accommodate any more livestock. However, her busy schedule often caused her to forget about it. "Just give me a moment, Host! I''ll calculate that for you!" 008 replied enthusiastically before vanishing from their mind link''s connection. Kisha then turned her attention back to the current status of her territory pack. .... [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] 100 acres of farmland (subspace type - maxed) 100 acres of lake (subspace type - maxed) 100-acre Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - maxed) 50 acres of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) 30 acres of rainforest (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Poultry (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Pigpen (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Cow shed (subspace type - upgradable) Show more ... .... Not long after, 008 returned and casually stated, "Host, it will cost 380,000 points to upgrade all the facilities to their maximum level." Kisha, sipping her lychee tea, nearly choked at the staggering amount. "How many points do we currently have?" "Host, your current system points stand at 420,000." With a heavy sigh, Kisha nodded. "Alright, use 380,000 points to upgrade all the facilities in my territory." [Do you Authorize the Use of 380,000 points for Territory Pack Upgrade?] [Yes] or [No] Kisha clicked "Yes" without hesitation, watching as her 420,000 points dwindled to 40,000. After just a moment, 008 announced the completion of the upgrades, confirming that all the facilities within her territory pack had been maximized. .... [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] 100 acres of farmland (subspace type - maxed) 100 acres of lake (subspace type - maxed) 100-acre Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - maxed) 100 acres of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) 100 acres of rainforest (subspace type - maxed) Level 100 Poultry (subspace type - maxed) Level 100 Pigpen (subspace type - maxed) Level 100 Cow shed (subspace type - maxed) Show more ... .... Inside the territory, Marcus and the children watched in awe as the animal pen expanded, transforming into a larger, upgraded structure that provided the animals with more room to roam. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The orchard also grew, revealing additional empty space, when suddenly, a rumble shook the ground, causing them to lose their balance. Panic set in as they looked around, and to their amazement, a second majestic mountain began to rise from the earth, blanketed in lush greenery. With wide eyes and mouths agape, Marcus and the children marveled at the transformation unfolding before them. The entire territory was expanding¡ªthe pens took up more land, and surprisingly, the overall plot of land itself grew, creating a sense of vastness that left them in disbelief. The animals, stirred by the commotion, became increasingly rowdy, adding to the excitement of the moment. It took Marcus and the children a moment to process their astonishment at the incredible changes happening around them. Meanwhile, Kisha remained unaware of the transformation; she hadn''t yet checked on her territory after the upgrade. Trusting 008 to handle it, she missed the spectacle of the holographic display showcasing her territory expanding and doubling in size. Instead, she focused on finishing her meal before returning to assist Vulture with their ongoing tasks. Meanwhile, on Sparrow''s end, everything progressed smoothly this time. The previous group had not disturbed them again, allowing them to secure more cargo trailers. Each Space Type Ability User could now store up to three cargo trailers, resulting in a total of fifteen¡ª a significant increase from the ten they had previously managed. After loading the trailers, they headed to the Eastern Side of the Port City. Sparrow, accompanied by the five Space Type Ability Users, noticed that this time, the group no longer felt the fear they had previously experienced. They had surrendered to their fate and now hung around Sparrow like colorful flags waving in the breeze as he leaped from platform to platform. Upon reaching the third warehouse, the group didn''t need any prompting from Sparrow. They swiftly began filling their cargo trailers with everything they could find inside the warehouse, their increased storage capacity allowing them to efficiently clear out the entire warehouse, leaving room to spare. They then proceeded to the fourth warehouse to repeat the same process. Once they finished gathering what they needed, they returned to their team, who were in the midst of preparing dinner. However, as Sparrow and the others arrived, they noticed some new faces among their group. "Hurry, get the first aid kit from your space!" Evelyn urged one of the STAU members, her voice urgent as she assessed the seven individuals who appeared to be on the brink of death. They were gasping for air, and one of them had a large, gruesome hole in his stomach¡ªnot a bite wound, but a stab wound that looked as if the attacker had twisted the knife to make the injury even more severe. None of the seven looked any better than the others; they all appeared as though they had just crawled out of hell. "Ugh!" "Ha, ha." The atmosphere was heavy with groans of pain as everyone looked as though they had just suffered a great blow, their expressions a mix of disbelief and sympathy as they watched the seven individuals who appeared to be on the verge of death. The five STAU members turned to Sparrow, seeking his guidance on whether they should pull out the first aid kit, though they all knew deep down that the kit wouldn''t be enough to save these men. Sparrow''s grim expression surveyed the faces of the men around him, each one reflecting a struggle to even breathe, let alone speak. He recalled the time when he and Vulture had rescued one of their comrades from the Western part of City A, a man who had looked almost identical to these seven when he was on the verge of death and only his willpower was keeping him alive. The memory made Sparrow''s stomach churn, and he found it hard to remain still. "Take out seven blue vials of liquid," Sparrow commanded, his voice low and commanding. His grim demeanor left no room for argument, and the five STAU complied without hesitation. They retrieved the blue vials containing the liquid Kisha had entrusted to them. Since only Rose had used it before, they were still uncertain of its specific effects aside from it being able to heal wounds at the speed of light. They had been saving it for a worst-case scenario, and even without Sparrow''s explanation, they understood it was an elixir beyond their current civilization''s reach; no scientific lab could concoct something so extraordinary. Although they were curious about its origins, they chose to remain silent, wary of delving into matters that didn''t concern them. Chapter 449 Saving People The five STAU, along with Evelyn and another team member, approached the seven individuals lying on the ground, each one gasping as if every breath might be their last. Even with their eyes closed, the determination to survive was evident¡ªthey refused to give up. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow recognized them immediately; they were the same group that had intercepted his entourage the day before. The older man, who looked the worst, was their leader¡ªthe one who had issued threats against him. Sparrow''s face darkened as he observed them. He couldn''t shake the feeling that their appearance in the Eastern Port was no accident. They had come there deliberately, yet he sensed no malice from them. Driven more by strategy than compassion, Sparrow decided to save them, knowing it was a chance to uncover what had led them there. His instincts told him that, while they had arrived with purpose, it wasn''t a threat to him or his team. Their injuries didn''t look like the work of zombies but rather inflicted by other humans, leading Sparrow to suspect they might have had a violent fallout with their own group and were fleeing, seeing Sparrow and his team as their only chance of survival. But something about that didn''t sit right with him. If they had simply wanted help with an internal conflict, risking their lives to find him would have seemed unnecessary; their safety should still have been a priority. The fact that they came this way despite their severe injuries suggested there was more at stake. Or perhaps they truly had nowhere else safe to run, and Sparrow''s camp in the Eastern forest was their only refuge. Either way, speculation wouldn''t solve anything. Deciding it was better to ask them directly, Sparrow chose to save them first, then get to the truth of their intentions out from their mouth once they woke up. After Sparrow''s team uncorked the blue vials, they carefully opened the mouths of the injured men, administering the elixir without spilling a drop. None of them felt it was a waste to use the precious blue liquid to save someone in need. Unlike Kisha, who had endured countless betrayals, Sparrow''s team still held onto a measure of hope in humanity, and compassion came naturally to them¡ªespecially to Evelyn, who had recently found a new purpose in life after adopting the baby Kisha had rescued. When they spotted the seven people crawling out of the forest''s edge during their patrol, leaving a long trail of blood behind them, Sparrow''s team couldn''t help but feel a pang of compassion. They had no idea how far these people had crawled to reach them, but their desperate struggle was evident. Despite the threats from the day before, Sparrow''s team set aside any resentment, recognizing that these strangers were only trying to survive. After all, while they themselves were secure within a well-equipped base, these people had clearly endured unimaginable hardship, making it all the more natural to extend a helping hand. Since it felt only right to help those in need, Sparrow''s team brought the injured strangers back, hoping to save them. It was pure chance that Sparrow and the others returned at that moment. Initially, they intended to rely solely on the medical kit, knowing the rarity and immense value of the blue vials of liquid, which were under Sparrow''s care. None dared suggest using them. But when Sparrow immediately chose to use the vials, it raised their respect for him even more. After all, they had no idea how many of these life-saving concoctions they had, and they weren''t something anyone could easily replace. This strengthened their trust in Sparrow, deepening their sense of loyalty and respect for him. Cough! Cough... Cough... The quietness of the open space was broken only by a chorus of coughing, each rasping breath echoing in the dim, flickering light of the lone lamp. Everyone watched with a mix of worry and hope as the seven men lying on the ground gasped and coughed, struggling to pull in air as though their lungs were reawakening after brushing against death itself. They all watched in awe as the elixir worked its miraculous magic, pulling the seven men back from the brink of death in mere seconds. The gaping wounds that once gushed blood began to close before their eyes, leaving only trails of crimson stains on their bodies and soaked clothes. Soon, the seven men''s breathing steadied, and one by one, they slipped into a deep sleep. Sparrow and his team observed them, noting how the tension in their faces eased as the pain subsided. Perhaps they were unaware that they had survived; they might have believed that their newfound relief meant they had crossed over to the other side. Some even shed tears, a stark contrast to their rugged exteriors¡ªbulky and stone-like¡ªnow softened by vulnerability. But Sparrow brushed aside his thoughts. "Alright, everyone, return to your tasks." "Clyde, you and your team, step up the patrols and stay alert. I don''t want us caught off guard while we''re vulnerable," he commanded. Clyde nodded seriously and signaled for his team to follow him as they headed out to patrol the forest. "Evelyn, we need to finish cooking as soon as possible. We don''t want to attract the attention of whoever was after these men, and that could end badly. But we can''t neglect our people''s needs either. So let''s make sure to hurry with the cooking so everyone can eat and regain their energy." After receiving her instructions, Evelyn rallied the others to pick up the pace. They worked quickly, keeping the lids tight on their pots to prevent the enticing aroma of the boiling food from wafting too far. "Fred, assign some people to keep watch over these men and call me as soon as they wake up. We need to interrogate them." Fred nodded and, along with a few of his men, settled beside the injured men. They kept their daggers at the ready, prepared for any potential threats that might arise. After giving his instructions, Sparrow leaned against a tree and closed his eyes. He needed to recalibrate his emotions, having been affected by the intensity of the situation and sudden turn of events. Thoughts of Kisha''s words echoed in his mind: not everyone was worth saving. This left him feeling hesitant about his next move. On Duke''s side, after reaching the northern area, the group was about to settle in the tallest building, and just like the night before, opting for the two floors below the rooftop. Their day had gone smoothly, and the warriors, feeling a bit complacent, believed they were invulnerable as awakened superhumans. However, their overconfidence quickly shattered when they found themselves face-to-face with two evolved zombies. Rose had just returned from her solo mission, only to be met with the harrowing sight of Duke flanked by the two menacing evolved zombies. Their entire team was on the brink of annihilation, gasping for air as some warriors clutched gaping wounds on their throats while others lay with their stomachs brutally opened and some of their intestines almost spilling from their stomachs, while some even had their limbs already dangling, almost falling off. No matter where Rose looked, chaos surrounded her; the entire area was in disarray, and many were on the verge of death. Chapter 450 Too Much Of A Coincidence Even Duke, despite his strength, found himself in a dire predicament, flanked by two evolved zombies. These creatures were likely somewhere between level 0 and level 1, and a level 0 zombie could match the power of a level 1 superhuman on the brink of leveling up to level 2. With two of them flanking Duke, the situation was even more dangerous. As Rose approached, she heard a gurgling sound. One of the warriors struggled to breathe, blood pooling in his mouth. Feeling a rush of urgency, she moved closer to help him, glancing at Duke as he fought to hold back the evolved zombies with his spear and awakened abilities. His expression was a fierce mix of determination and anger. An hour earlier... Without Rose, who had been sent on her last solo mission before nightfall, Duke and his team searched for a suitable camping spot for the night, planning to move again the following day. Along the way, they encountered numerous zombies, but his team had grown accustomed to the threat. They killed the undead with ease and minimal fear, a stark contrast to how they feared and acted during their first mission outside the base. Noticing their complacency and burgeoning overconfidence, Duke felt it necessary to remind them of the dangers they still faced. "Don''t get too complacent just because you''re improving," Duke warned, his tone serious. "Always stay vigilant and keep an eye on your surroundings¡ªdanger can strike when you least expect it." While he reprimanded his team, he kept his gaze lowered, straining to sense the environment around them. A lingering unease had settled over him since earlier, though he couldn''t quite pinpoint its source. The only movement he felt was the steady advance of zombies being killed by his warriors as they continued their journey. He wasn''t the type to dismiss his uneasiness; his strong instincts and keen senses had always guided him well. Yet, despite his efforts, he couldn''t identify the source of his discomfort. All he could do was remain as vigilant as much as possible, scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. Then a horde of zombies emerged from both sides, flooding in front of them at the fork in the road. However, Duke''s team remained calm, fighting in formation and resisting the urge to take on any zombies solo, no matter how weak the zombies appeared. This disciplined approach earned Duke a satisfied nod. Before long, his warriors managed to clear the streets once again and resumed their journey. Yet, it wasn''t long before another wave of zombies appeared, flanking them from both the front and the back. The warriors quickly took their positions, dealing with one zombie at a time while others held the defensive line. Despite their impressive performance, Duke''s brow began to furrow with increasing concern. ''This is too much of a coincidence,'' Duke thought, his eyes scanning the area as his team engaged in battle. The relentless waves of zombies felt almost too orchestrated; it was as if they were strategically flanking his team. While it could be argued that the initial wave from the front was a mere accident, the appearance of hordes from the back suggested otherwise. It seemed the zombies had been lying in wait, biding their time until his team passed by before launching their attack and sneak behind them. This realization made Dukes frown deepened as he looked around their surroundings, and was deepening his sense of unease. Even if the zombies weren''t specifically trying to catch Duke and his team off guard, the relentless stream of undead was wearing them down. Initially, the drone had indicated that this area was clear, but the continuous waves of horde of zombies were proving otherwise. It felt as though they were engaging in a battle of endurance, and Duke''s warriors were clearly not in an advantageous position against the zombies who don''t feel tired or pain. It was a good thing that his warriors were alternating between using their awakened abilities, hand-to-hand combat, and melee weapons to take down the regular zombies. However, with all his observations, Duke was increasingly convinced that these zombie attacks were more organized than usual. The relentless onslaught seemed calculated, coming at them without rest as they navigated the streets. This battle of endurance was a tactic often employed since the early days to wear down the enemy before the main force launched a full assault. In this case, however, Duke feared that the so-called "main troops" could either be a horde of thousands of zombies or, worse yet, an evolved zombie capable of commanding the others. It was possible that this evolved zombie possessed a mental-type ability or had reached a level that allowed it to act as a "zombie king," commanding the normal zombies to follow its every order. Now that Duke had considered this possibility, he felt his heart racing faster than before. If his speculation was correct, it meant he and his team had unwittingly entered enemy territory and fallen into a carefully laid trap. Fortunately, it wasn''t too late for them to rectify their mistake. As he looked around, searching for a better route, Duke realized that if he focused solely on finding an exit without understanding the enemy''s position, he could easily end up moving deeper into danger rather than escaping it. He didn''t want to unwittingly walk into a situation that would lead them closer to the chopping block. With that thought, Duke took a deep breath to calm his nerves, forcing himself to act as normally as possible. He knew that panicking would only cloud his judgment. Instead, he relied on all his senses¡ªhis eyes, instincts, nose, ears, and gut feelings¡ªto identify whether an evolved zombie was nearby or if more hordes were closing in. Duke''s intuition leaned heavily toward the belief that an evolved zombie was lurking in the shadows, enjoying the game of hide-and-seek, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He remained alert, every muscle in his body tensed, ready for action as he tried to piece together the puzzle of their dire situation. The stakes were high, and any misstep could cost them their lives. Duke had faced this kind of danger many times before, and he knew he wasn''t simply acting paranoid. Something was definitely targeting them, and the sense of impending doom hung in the air like a thick fog. It could have begun the moment they entered the northern side, or perhaps it was a remnant of the zombies that had raided the base just days earlier. Maybe it was a newly evolved zombie, adapting and learning to hunt more effectively. Regardless of the cause, one thing was clear: his team needed to evacuate this area as soon as possible. But how? The thought echoed in his mind, a relentless drumbeat of urgency. Duke scanned their surroundings again, weighing their options. Duke knew his warriors weren''t strong enough to take on an evolved zombie, especially considering they had no idea what abilities it might have developed. If it specialized in ambush tactics, his team would be doomed. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The uncertainty gnawed at him; he couldn''t shake the thought that this evolved zombie might retain a remnant of its rationality, much like the one Kisha had encountered inside the base. The implications were dire, and with each passing moment, the potential threats multiplied in his mind. Chapter 451 Endless Tide Half an hour had passed without any sign of movement from the other side, and he began to second-guess himself. Was he truly in danger, or was he merely imagining shadows in the darkness? The lack of immediate threat made him feel unsure; it was unnerving to be on edge when the enemy remained unseen. He took a deep breath, grounding himself in the present. Doubt was a dangerous companion in times like this. Instead of succumbing to it, he reminded himself of the facts: they had encountered too many organized attacks lately to ignore the possibility of an evolved zombie lurking nearby. Duke forced his focus back to his team, watching their faces as they remained vigilant, ready for any sign of danger. Their trust in him gave him strength. They needed a plan, and he was determined to formulate one that would keep them alive, whether that meant confronting the threat head-on or finding a way to slip past it unnoticed. Whatever lay ahead, he was prepared to face it. That''s what he thought when he resolved to protect his people. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But just as his determination solidified, who could have predicted another wave of zombies would surge toward them? This time, it wasn''t just a few hundred¡ªit was a full-on small-scale zombie raid that took them completely by surprise. "Fall back! Get to safer ground!" Duke commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos. He conjured another round of ice spears, each one as long as his own spear. With a force like a ballista, the spears shot forward, pinning two or three zombies to the walls at once. But it still wasn''t enough¡ªit felt like trying to fend off a hornet swarm with a needle. Despite his relentless efforts, their numbers barely seemed to dwindle. "Sir, there''s nowhere left to fall back to!" one of his warriors shouted, hacking his way through the encircling zombies. "And there''s no end to them!" another called out, as more undead flooded in from every street around them. For each one they managed to take down, two more took its place, surging forward in an endless tide. Duke scanned their surroundings desperately, searching for any possible escape route. If he were alone, he could slip away¡ªbut leaving his team behind wasn''t an option. "Rotate positions every two minutes!" he commanded, voice steady despite the chaos. "Don''t exhaust yourself before switching out with the person behind you! And if your spiritual energy and stamina are still low after resting and you''re hitting your limit, use the stamina booster and the vial of black liquid!" "Yes sir!" "Roger sir!" "We will!" A unified shout of agreement filled the air, their voices steadying each other amidst the chaos. A shiver ran through them¡ªnot from fear, but from the surge of determination and resolve to survive. Knowing they wouldn''t turn into zombies if bitten gave them an edge, replacing fear with a focused drive to fight their way out. They fought their way through, conjuring earth spikes from the ground with a speed they hadn''t realized they''d gained. Between dagger strikes and earth spikes, they didn''t noticed their abilities had sharpened under pressure. When their spiritual energy dropped to half within two minutes, they rotated out, letting the next line step in to hold the front. But even while resting at the back, they stayed vigilant, covering blind spots and ensuring no attack came from behind. Their teamwork flowed seamlessly, a synchronized effort driven by survival and an unspoken trust in their team. They formed a tight circle, each warrior covering a direction to ensure no side was left unguarded. Meanwhile, Duke fought with brutal precision on his own, smashing zombie heads into the ground with his fists. One kick from him fractured skulls, shattering them from the sheer force¡ªhis enhanced stats delivering blows akin to a small cannon. Yet, even with his power, the zombies pressed close, surrounding him within arm''s reach. He itched to pull his spear from his Space Ring but hesitated, mindful of staying visible to his warriors, worried that they might see him taking out the spear from out of thin air. Though they were in peril, Duke held back, knowing that revealing his Space Ring would risk exposing Kisha and possibly endanger her. Despite his instincts urging him to wield his spear, he forced himself to fight barehanded. Fortunately, he still had a dagger, which would have to suffice for now. Duke spun around after delivering a powerful kick to one zombie, swiftly gripping another by the head with one hand while driving his dagger into the skull of a third zombie nearby. In just sixty milliseconds, he crushed the skull of the zombie in his grasp and then pivoted sharply, unleashing a rapid series of kicks to clear a path around him. While Duke engaged in hand-to-hand combat, he continued conjuring more ice spears even as he fired off the previous ones. Above him, fire meteors rained down from the sky, providing essential support to both Duke and his warriors. To conserve spiritual energy, Duke honed in on precision and efficiency, ensuring each attack was deliberate and used minimal energy. He abandoned flashy maneuvers in favor of tactical strikes. With greater stamina, he prioritized melee combat and utilized his awakened abilities as a support system for his warriors, who were clearly struggling to defend themselves. Even Duke felt the strain of exhaustion after another half hour of relentless fighting, his mental stamina beginning to wane. ''Something is seriously off here,'' he thought, scanning the area once more. They were still encircled by an endless tide of zombies, and no matter how many he took down, the numbers only seemed to multiply. He couldn''t see any carcasses of the zombies he had defeated; there should have been enough to form a small mound by now, given that he was certain he had killed hundreds. Those bodies should have created obstacles for the others, but there was nothing. Duke''s suspicions, which had nagged at him from the beginning, now crystallized into a chilling certainty: everything was an ''illusion''. Yet, the fight felt painfully real. He could touch the zombies, and each of his strikes landed with a solid impact. This dissonance left him doubting whether he was facing an elaborate illusion or a small-scale raid orchestrated by a higher-level zombie. "Sir! We can''t hold on much longer!" one of the warriors shouted, his voice raspy and strained as he conjured another earth spike while fighting off a zombie with his dagger. Like Duke, they all felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on them. They had consumed so many stamina boosters and vials of black liquid that they could hardly keep track. Now, the effects were taking their toll: sluggishness crept into their limbs, and a throbbing headache pulsed at their temples from the relentless cycle of draining their spiritual energy and body, only to replenish it again for the next fight. Despite the pain, they clung to the hope that they could carve out a path to escape or eliminate every last zombie advancing on them. Each of them understood the stakes, and though fatigue clawed at their resolve, the thought of survival drove them to push on. Chapter 452 Shockwave However, that prospect felt increasingly impossible in the face of the relentless onslaught of the zombies. With no end to the horde in sight, their minds grew sluggish, and their bodies responded mechanically, driven solely by the primal instinct for survival. Each movement became a struggle, a fight against the overwhelming fatigue that threatened to engulf them as they faced wave after wave of zombies. Duke could see the struggle etched on the faces of his warriors, their determination wavering under the relentless pressure. Clenching his jaw, he resolved to take decisive action. It was time to test his theory: was this small-scale zombie raid merely an illusion, or was there truly an endless horde bearing down on them? With a deep breath, he prepared himself for what he was about to do. "Conjure an Earth wall around you! Make it as strong as possible!" Duke shouted, straining to steady his breathing. His warriors didn''t question him; they trusted Duke implicitly. Recognizing that he was plotting something, those who still had the energy quickly began to erect the wall. They formed a tight circle, knowing that by working together, they could create a smaller barrier that would still provide protection despite their exhaustion. As his warriors worked to complete the Earth wall, Duke provided crucial support by conjuring more ice spears to take out the incoming zombies that were relentlessly battering their makeshift barrier. He fought fiercely, alternating between his bare hands and dagger, determined to protect his team while they reinforced their defenses. Once his warriors were safely inside the cocoon-like Earth wall they had conjured, Duke stood tall, taking a moment to steady his breath. Without hesitation, he focused inward, channeling his energy until the edges of his clothes began to float with the intensity of his power. As the zombies lunged toward him, an invisible electromagnetic barrier formed around him, keeping them at bay. Duke continued to harness his energy, drawing it deep into his core, causing his hair to stand on end as electricity surged through his body. Small sparks of energy crackled and danced across the ground like lively serpents, illuminating the chaos around him. The dim streets began to brighten as Duke''s body radiated light, the energy within him surging toward his core. With each pulse, he slowly lifted off the ground, his eyes glowing so intensely that his irises vanished. The energy enveloped him like a luminous sphere, rendering the surrounding zombies motionless, as if frozen in time. With a deep, shaky breath, Duke unleashed all the energy he had gathered, releasing it in a powerful wave. The explosion of energy radiated outward, creating a shockwave that reverberated through every corner of the street. In an instant, the nearby zombies were sent flying, their bodies tossed like rag dolls. The Earth wall his warriors had constructed trembled under the force, cracking as the ground shook violently. Fractures snaked across the barrier, and they could hear the ominous sound of crumbling earth echoing in the chaos. Just when they thought the shockwave had subsided, a second wave of explosive energy surged forth, completely obliterating the earth wall they had constructed for protection. The force of the blast sent them flying several meters away. Fortunately, this second wave was slightly weaker than the first, allowing them to cling to one another and preventing them from being hurled too far. As they regained their bearings, they noticed that the street was now devoid of zombies¡ªexcept for one massive figure standing just three meters away from Duke. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The creature towered at two meters tall, its head resembling a grotesque fusion of two basketballs that was shaped like a brain. Or was it really a brain outside of the skull? Its elongated arms, devoid of fingers, dangled down like vines, brushing the ground. The zombie''s body was a sickly reddish hue, with no skin covering its exposed muscles. They didn''t need to ask what it was; the sheer presence of this creature made it clear¡ªit was an evolved zombie. The evolved zombie stood there, glaring angrily at Duke. Although Duke was still floating in the air, he was no longer surrounded by a bright light; instead, faint crackles of electricity flickered around him. An arrogant smirk crossed his face as he uncorked a vial of black liquid, his eyes locked onto the creature before him. After unleashing his explosive energy, Duke realized that the horde of zombies surrounding them had been nothing more than lifelike illusions conjured by this very monster. The evolved zombie had extended its vine-like arms, creating balloon-like structures that formed the fa?ade of each zombie. Not all of the illusions carried the balloon-like forms; their appearance was random. Once a zombie was taken down, the evolved zombie would simply generate another, creating the illusion of an endless tide of zombies coming from all sides. As Duke was fighting the zombies coming his way, the evolved zombie was inching away from him, searching for an opening to strike. It prioritized eliminating Duke, perceiving him as the greatest threat. Who could have anticipated that Duke would gather all his spiritual energy to unleash a devastating explosion, capable of crushing everything in its path? Duke had nearly depleted all his spiritual energy, leaving just enough to keep himself standing and conscious; he still didn''t know if he would be safe after this. His decision proved to be wise as the blast of force blew away the real zombies, revealing the two-meter-tall evolved zombie standing in front of him. Clearly, his choice to unleash such power had worked. However, Duke felt the toll of his actions. His spiritual reserves were drained once more, causing a pulsing ache in his head. Even after downing a vial of black liquid, the pain coursing through his body¡ªespecially in his brain¡ªremained unbearable. It felt as if his energy core was on the brink of bursting. Despite his discomfort, a faint smile crept onto his lips as he envisioned Kisha''s angry face, scolding him for neglecting his own well-being yet again. ''I''m sorry, wifey. I''ll let you punish me later,'' Duke murmured, his gentle eyes shifting into a menacing glare. His warriors remained on the ground, still reeling from the shockwave that had battered their bodies and grunting in pain. Duke understood that he couldn''t afford to expend any more spiritual energy; even a single use could create an imbalance in his body, potentially leading to serious complications. At this moment, he could only resort to melee combat. However, using a dagger was out of the question. With no other options left, he reached into his Spatial Ring and pulled out Kratos'' Spear. None of his warriors noticed his move, but he knew they would soon realize something was different. For now, though, that was the least of his concerns. With a swift motion, Duke brandished Kratos'' Spear and slowly descended to the ground. The evolved zombie took a step back, growling at him, its beady black eyes betraying a sense of fear. Duke recognized that the creature lacked significant offensive power, prompting him to smile wryly at himself. He realized that he had allowed this kind of zombie to give him a hard time simply because he hadn''t trusted his instincts from the very beginning. Chapter 453 Two Against One Exhausted and unwilling to let the scene drag on, Duke tightened his grip on his spear, channeling his remaining strength for a decisive attack. With a swift motion, he swung his weapon, aiming to bring down the evolved zombie in a single, lethal strike. "Ugh!" "Ah!" "Ack!" A sudden commotion erupted from across the street, where Duke''s warriors were supposed to be regrouping. When Duke turned toward the noise, his heart dropped. "NO!" he roared, his voice thick with horror. His eyes widened at the sight before him¡ªhis warriors lay sprawled on the ground, their bodies drenched in blood. Ghastly claw marks slashed across their torsos, and some had their stomachs torn open, a grim testament to the brutal ambush they had just endured. But the attacker wasn''t done. It relentlessly tore through the remaining warriors with blinding speed, leaving them no chance to fight back or even see their assailant. They tried desperately to raise earth walls to shield themselves, but each attempt crumbled before the attacker''s brutal force. Whoever moved first fell first, struck down before they could complete their defenses. Those still conscious struggled on the ground, gasping for breath, their bodies ravaged but not fatally wounded. It was as if the attacker took pleasure in watching them cling to life, savoring each agonizing second as they writhed, straining to survive. Despite the terror gripping them, none of Duke''s warriors fled, unwilling to abandon their companions even with their lives at stake. One by one, they attempted to aid each other, but any chance to act was crushed as they fell to the ground like flies. Enraged, Duke leaped forward to intervene, only to be blocked by the cunning mental-type evolved zombie¡ªthe very one who conjured the illusion of a relentless zombie horde earlier, trapping Duke and his warriors in a deadly loop, leaving them vulnerable and unable to fight back. The mental-type evolved zombie stood menacingly in front of Duke, its vine-like arms spreading wide to block the entire street, preventing any chance for Duke to slip past. Its dark, beady eyes remained fixed on him, while its exposed brain pulsed grotesquely, shifting with every heartbeat. Brararara¡­ Gruuuhh... The creature emitted a strange, rhythmic sound¡ªnot quite a purr but unsettling in its own way. It continued this odd noise, as if communicating with the other evolved zombie. Duke''s eyes scanned the carnage, watching helplessly as his warriors fell one by one. It didn''t take long for him to realize the zombie attacking his warrior was another evolved zombie¡ªa stealthy, high-speed type that moved so quickly he could barely catch its motion, even with his trained eyes. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The agility-type zombie and the mental-type zombie appeared to be working together in a deadly ambush, each feeding off the other''s strengths to dismantle his team. Duke took a deep, unsteady breath, gripping his Kratos'' Spear tightly as he swung at the mental-type evolved zombie blocking his path. To his frustration, his strike barely made a dent¡ªthe creature had an extraordinary defense. It became clear that the zombie wasn''t just mindlessly standing in his way; it was fully confident in its ability to withstand his attacks. Duke realized this must be why it hadn''t flinched even when he unleashed his spiritual energy earlier, which had sent a shockwave powerful enough to blast ordinary zombies to pieces. ''Damn it! This is trickier than I thought,'' Duke muttered under his breath, shifting his stance as his gaze shifted between the mental-type evolved zombie and his fallen warriors. Only a handful of them were still standing, while dozens lay sprawled on the ground, struggling for breath like fish out of water. The only reason they hadn''t succumbed immediately to death was their enhanced stats, but even that couldn''t stop the inevitable. Blood gurgled from open throats and torn stomachs, pooling around them as they fought to cling to life. Duke''s icy gaze locked back onto the mental-type evolved zombie. Shifting his stance, he planted his left foot forward and leaned back, bracing himself as if to hurl his spear directly at the creature. Sensing the shift in Duke''s aura, the evolved zombie froze, a sudden instinctual dread flickering in its eyes before it tried to retreat. But Duke wasn''t bluffing. In one swift motion, he spun and launched the spear like a javelin, pouring every ounce of his strength into the throw. As the Kratos'' Spear hurtled forward, its special effect, ''Pierce'', activated, ensuring nothing would stand in its path. Fortunately, the spear''s additional effects, ''Stun and ''Slow'', also kicked in, amplifying its impact. As the Kratos'' Spear tore through the air, a faint glow indicated the activation of these effects, ready to paralyze and impede anything in its path. The evolved zombie froze mid-retreat, its movements slowing as a wave of disorientation swept over it. The evolved zombie quickly pulled its arms back, crossing them in a desperate attempt to shield itself from the incoming spear. It realized too late that dodging was no longer an option; it would rather sacrifice its limbs than face certain death. Its instincts screamed that Duke''s attack was lethal. But before the spear could make contact, Duke as if he teleported directly in front of the creature, locking eyes with it in a moment of shocking proximity. The evolved zombie''s surprise registered just an instant too late. As it tried to recoil, the spear plunged into its arms with force, the ''Pierce'' effect amplifying the impact. The spear''s enchantment unleashed a critical strike, driving through its defenses and delivering a devastating blow that sent shockwaves of force through the creature''s body. The evolved zombie''s formidable defenses crumbled under the force of Duke''s attack, causing the spear to slam into its chest. Duke followed up with a powerful blow, driving the zombie''s head into the ground and creating a small crater upon impact. He had hoped to crush its head with sheer strength, but it seemed his raw power wasn''t quite enough to finish the job. With little time to waste, he wanted to deliver a few more strikes, knowing that the spear''s effects were still in play, keeping the mental-type evolved zombie in a stunned and slow state but, he needed to help his warrior now and couldn''t waste his little time with the mental type evolved zombie. Gripping his Kratos'' Spear tightly, Duke yanked it free with a violent pull. The spear''s barbs dug deep into the creature''s flesh, forcing its body to arch forward as Duke tore the weapon from its form, ripping flesh along with it. The evolved zombie let out a guttural roar as if it was in pain, momentarily disoriented and vulnerable. But Duke was well aware that these creatures felt no pain; their roars stemmed from frustration rather than agony. The mental-type evolved zombie, still immobilized in its stunned state, was calling out to its ally, a warning that echoed through the chaos. When the agility-type evolved zombie heard its companion''s roar, it paused mid-attack, turning its gaze back to Duke. Duke stood over the mental-type zombie, now sprawled helplessly on the cold ground, making futile attempts to rise. With a swift motion, he pinned it down with his foot, ensuring it remained immobilized. His focus shifted to the agility-type evolved zombie, which was poised to strike one of Duke''s warriors with its long, razor-sharp claws, ready to drive them into the warrior''s head at any moment. Chapter 454 Two Against One 2 Duke gritted his teeth, his body radiating a chilling, deadly aura as his gaze fixed on the bodies of his warriors sprawled on the cold ground. None of them were standing anymore; they lay scattered, surrounded by large puddles of their own blood. Each one was audibly gasping for breath, their breaths shaky and ragged, as if they teetered on the brink of death. Kaakaka... Graaaah!!! The agility-type evolved zombie seemed to taunt Duke with a menacing glare, its expression shifting to anger as it glanced at the mental-type evolved zombie, clearly frustrated by its defeat at Duke''s hands. Fury surged within Duke; he was enraged that he hadn''t been able to reach any of his warriors to help them. The sight of their fallen bodies served as a stark reminder of his own weakness. He struggled to mask his emotions, determined not to betray his inner turmoil. At this moment, he could only hope that some of his warriors still had the strength to reach for the vials of blue liquid stored in their backpacks. With a haunting smile, he focused on the agility-type evolved zombie, poised to drive his spear into the vulnerable mental-type evolved zombie lying beneath his feet. As far as Duke knew, based on what his wife, Kisha, had told him, evolved zombies were fiercely territorial creatures. They wouldn''t share their territory with other evolved zombies of the same rank or weaker unless the latter surrendered or formed an allegiance. Stronger evolved zombies, particularly those ranked as zombie kings, had the ability to command others, compelling them to follow without question. However, it was clear that the two evolved zombies before him didn''t fit the typical hierarchy; neither was stronger nor a dictator while the other remained subservient. Instead, they had formed an irregular alliance, each equally matched. But Duke''s primary concern was for his warriors. A tight knot formed in his chest as he struggled to regain his focus, suppressing his swirling emotions. Just as Duke''s spear was about to strike the mental-type evolved zombie''s head, the agility-type evolved zombie lunged at him. With its long right claws, it intercepted Duke''s attack while its left claws slashed toward him, aiming for a direct hit. Unable to keep up with the agility-type evolved zombie''s rapid movements, Duke had no choice but to rely on his instincts. Just before the zombie''s left claw could strike him, he instinctively backed away, adopting a defensive stance. The agility-type zombie positioned itself protectively in front of the mental-type evolved zombie, assuming its own defensive posture while glaring at Duke with hostility. The two remained motionless, locked in a tense stare, fully aware that they were engaged in a mental game of strategy. Each tried to anticipate the other''s next move, a realization that startled Duke. If the agility-type evolved zombie was capable of strategic thinking, it suggested a higher level of cognitive function than what he expected from evolved zombies of their kind. This intelligence resembled that of the evolved zombie Kisha had fought in the base, one with a rainbow crystal core. Duke''s expression shifted to one of steely determination; he refrained from making any hasty moves. With both he and the agility-type evolved zombie locked in a standoff, the effects of the stun and slow debuffs on the mental-type evolved zombie had worn off. It rose unsteadily from where Duke had struck it, and despite the large gaping hole in its chest spilling thick, black coagulated blood onto the ground, it showed no sign of pain or weakness. Instead, it staggered slightly before spreading its arms wide once more, preparing to launch another attack on Duke. Gagagrahhh! With a piercing screech, the agility-type evolved zombie surged forward, launching a relentless assault on Duke. Meanwhile, the mental-type evolved zombie attempted to strike from behind with sneaky attacks, aiming to ensnare Duke''s feet and slow him down. Despite the odds, Duke skillfully evaded the mental-type evolved zombie''s underhanded maneuvers while deftly deflecting the razor-sharp claws of the agility-type evolved zombie. The two-on-one situation was proving to be a significant challenge, as both zombies demonstrated remarkable teamwork, seamlessly coordinating their attacks. They instinctively knew when to strike and when to provide support, making it increasingly difficult for Duke to gain the upper hand. At that moment, Rose returned from her solo mission, and Duke felt a wave of relief wash over him as he watched her crouch down beside the fallen warriors. He didn''t have to issue any orders; she instinctively began searching for the vials of blue liquid in their backpacks. This action visibly alleviated Duke''s stress, allowing him to focus fully on the task at hand¡ªeliminating the two evolved zombies¡ªwithout the worry of accidentally harming his own people. Although he remained concerned about inadvertently using his awakened abilities too close to them, he knew he couldn''t abandon the warriors. They were extremely vulnerable, and normal zombies could easily prey on them if left unattended. As long as there was even a faint breath of life in his people, Duke refused to lose hope. Now that Rose was assisting the warriors, Duke felt a weight lift from his shoulders, allowing him to focus solely on the battle. However, the agility-type evolved zombie quickly noticed her efforts and shifted its attention from Duke to Rose. In an instant, it vanished from Duke''s sight. Before he could react, the agility-type evolved zombie reappeared beside Rose and lunged at her, swinging its long claws towards her face. Startled by the sudden attack, Rose barely had time to react or evade. Clang! Shhiiiik! A high-pitched scratching sound pierced the silence, causing even Duke to falter in his stance as he watched a tall, dome-like ice crystal barrier envelop Rose. The agility-type evolved zombie found its claw trapped inside the crystalline structure, its attempts to pull free proving futile. No matter how fiercely it struggled, the claw remained firmly ensnared within the shimmering barrier. Screech... Clang! The evolved zombie lashed out at the ice crystal, but its strikes barely left a mark. Rose, seeing the claw just inches from her face, breathed a sigh of relief as it was halted by her icy barrier. However, beneath her calm exterior, she felt a deep sense of unease, her body still trembling from the close encounter. "Protect everyone and help them drink the vials of blue liquid!" Duke shouted to Rose, sprinting toward the agility-type evolved zombie. He refrained from throwing his Kratos'' Spear, fearing it might pierce through Rose''s icy barrier and injure his warriors instead. Instead, he charged at the immobilized evolved zombie, determined to finish it off while it was still trapped. Duke decided to ignore the mental-type evolved zombie, for now, recognizing that the agility-type evolved zombie posed a more immediate threat. As long as the mental-type evolved zombie could only create illusions and not manipulate minds, it wouldn''t be a significant problem for him. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that focus, he prepared his attack, hoping the piercing effect of his Kratos'' Spear would ensure a fatal blow to the evolved zombie''s head. With a powerful leap, Duke focused his energy on the tip of his spear, enhancing its attack. Both the agility-type and mental-type evolved zombies sensed his intent. The mental-type zombie stretched its vine-like arms toward Duke, attempting to pull him back to the ground, but Duke was well out of reach. Chapter 455 The Tide Is Turning In a state of panic, the agility-type evolved zombie understood the imminent threat it faced; if Duke''s spear found its mark, it would undoubtedly meet its end. With a split-second decision, the agility-type zombie sprang into action. Swoosh! Graaaaah! Snip... Crash!!! In that fleeting moment, Duke''s spear found only air, crashing into the ground where the agility-type evolved zombie had just stood. A small puddle of black coagulated blood pooled around the spot of impact, and the only remnant of the creature left behind was a severed arm, still lodged in the protective ice crystal dome surrounding Rose and the other warriors. Rose was taken aback by the agility-type zombie''s swift decision to sever its own arm to escape Duke''s attack. It displayed an unsettling intelligence, recognizing the futility of trying to break free from the ice''s grip. Instead of recklessly risking its life, it chose to endure a painful setback. A chill coursed through Rose as she contemplated the creature''s cunning nature. Duke narrowed his eyes as he followed the trail of blood back to where the agility-type evolved zombie now stood. It glared at him with hostility and anger, but beneath that defiance lay a flicker of fear and hesitation; it recognized Duke as a formidable threat. Even the mental-type evolved zombie took a cautious step back, retreating behind its companion as they communicated in hushed sounds without breaking eye contact with Duke. Both creatures remained acutely aware of his every move, their body language betraying their unease in the face of his unwavering presence. Grruuuhaaa.... Aaaarrrrgggghhh! Duke tilted his head, unsure of what the two evolved zombies were communicating, but neither showed any signs of backing down as they faced him. Meanwhile, Rose, who had been momentarily startled by the attack, refocused on aiding the most critically injured warriors, those teetering on the edge of life. She quickly retrieved all the vials of blue liquid from their backpacks. Fortunately, Kisha had packed an abundance of these vials, along with stamina boosters and vials of black liquid for worst-case scenarios. Her foresight proved invaluable, as those on the brink of death were saved at the last moment. For the warriors with limbs nearly severed, Rose carefully adjusted their positions to ensure the healing effects of the vials of blue liquid would take hold effectively. As for those with open wounds in their stomachs or throats, the healing process was already underway; she watched in awe as the gaping injuries slowly began to close, flesh regrowing and pulsing back into place. Although she winced at the sight, she pressed on, determined to help her comrades recover. Those who had just awakened from their healing slumber groggily propped themselves up, eager to assist Rose in feeding their comrades the vials of blue liquid designed to aid their recovery. Despite their lingering disorientation, sheer willpower drove them to focus on the task at hand. Deep down, they were astonished to have survived such a near-death experience and to feel the revitalizing effects of the vials, yet they knew that this was not the time to question anything or let distractions creep in. Fortunately, Rose''s ice crystal dome barrier provided a safe haven as Duke battled outside. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With his impressive stats and abilities, he was more than capable of holding off the two evolved zombies, expertly countering their attacks. His mind was at ease, knowing that his warriors were safe within the protective barrier. Duke swung Kratos'' Spear, directing the tip toward the agile evolved zombie while deftly using the opposite end to deflect a sneak attack from the mental-type evolved zombie lurking behind him. Although both zombies displayed remarkable intelligence and cunning, their attacks followed discernible patterns that Duke was beginning to recognize. With each encounter, he was becoming increasingly adept at predicting their next moves. Now that his concerns about his warriors'' safety were alleviated, he could fully concentrate on the battle at hand, channeling his focus into outmaneuvering his formidable foes. Duke''s attacks intensified, executed with such precision that he pushed the two evolved zombies back, despite their seamless teamwork. Observing this, his comrades, including Rose, began to reconsider whether their intervention was necessary; they feared that their presence might hinder Duke rather than help him. As a result, none of them made a move, choosing instead to assist their fellow warriors in consuming the healing elixirs. Meanwhile, Rose maintained her ice crystal dome, confident in its ability to deflect the evolved zombies'' relentless attacks without the need for reinforcement. Duke bent his knees and flipped his spear, creating a circular barrier in front of him to deflect the vine-like arm of the mental-type evolved zombie as it lunged to attack. Meanwhile, the agility-type evolved zombie''s movements had noticeably slowed; without its other arm, it was forced to rely on just one arm for offense, limiting its options and making its attacks more predictable. This reduction in movement option allowed Duke to maintain a confident smirk as he effortlessly intercepted another strike from the agility-type zombie, blocking it with the spear he continued to twirl. The deflected attack stunned the zombie, momentarily throwing it off balance. Seizing the opportunity, Duke swung his spear with precision, striking the zombie squarely in the right ribcage. The force of the blow sent it crashing against the wall, leaving a clear mark of Duke''s dominance in the fight. Seeing its companion losing to Duke, the mental-type evolved zombie let out a piercing screech and lunged at him. However, Rose seized the moment to assist Duke. She conjured dozens of ice crystal needles, each twice the size of the previous ones, and launched them toward the mental-type zombie. Even though the creature managed to evade her initial attack, Rose continued to summon more needles, sending them after the zombie as if they were homing missiles, effortlessly tracking its every move. The mental-type zombie became increasingly furious as it realized it couldn''t aid the agility-type zombie, especially as they both sensed the impending danger emanating from Duke. They knew all too well that the other zombie would die in Duke''s hands. The agility-type zombie sprang to its feet, quickly assuming a defensive stance. However, Duke wasn''t about to give it a moment to readjust. Thankfully, Rose took the initiative to keep the mental-type evolved zombie at bay, allowing Duke to focus solely on the agility-type. Without hesitation, he lunged at the creature, each strike aimed at severing its head or piercing its skull. The agility-type zombie did its utmost to evade Duke''s relentless attacks, growling and glaring in frustration, but Duke remained unfazed. He knew he couldn''t afford to let such a threat linger near their base; if given the chance, the zombie would only grow stronger. Defeating it now was crucial¡ªnot just to eliminate the immediate danger, but also to prevent it from harboring a deep-seated hatred for Duke after losing its arm. Realizing it could no longer escape, the agility-type evolved zombie switched tactics, going all out in a frenzied assault. It became increasingly ferocious, attacking Duke relentlessly while circling around him, launching strikes from every direction. Duke could barely keep up, his keen senses picking up afterimages of the creature as it darted around him, its sharp claws slashing wildly in a chaotic barrage. Chapter 456 Be One Duke sensed that the agility-type evolved zombie was now pouring every ounce of its strength into this final showdown, determined to decide who would emerge victorious. He narrowed his eyes, focusing intently as he wielded his spear defensively, using it as a shield to protect himself from the creature''s frenzied attacks. He positioned it strategically to guard against strikes aimed at his most vulnerable areas¡ªhis head, neck, and joints¡ªwhere a hit could easily incapacitate him. With a keen awareness, he tracked the afterimages of the zombie''s movements, his ears attuned to the rush of wind, ready to anticipate its next strike. Clang! Clang.... One... Two... Three... The agility-type evolved zombie darted from one location to another, attempting to exploit any potential weak spot in Duke''s defenses. Frustrated, Duke realized that relying solely on his eyesight was futile; all he could see were fleeting afterimages of the creature''s movements. Any reckless strikes he attempted only opened him up to counterattacks. Instead of blindly swinging his spear, he decided to adopt a more patient approach, much like a lion waiting for its prey to drop its guard. He focused on remaining calm and alert, biding his time for the perfect moment to strike and deliver a decisive blow. Rose expertly kept the mental-type evolved zombie at bay, consistently blocking its attempts to support its agile counterpart. The zombie showed no inclination to flee, and as more warriors recovered, they joined the fray by summoning earth spikes and creating small pits to hinder its movements. Those who couldn''t summon spikes from a distance focused on conjuring them close by, then plucking them up and throwing them like javelins. Meanwhile, Rose''s ice crystal dome provided strategically placed openings, allowing the warriors to launch their attacks without exposing themselves, ensuring they remained well-protected within their safe zone. Thanks to their teamwork, Duke was now able to focus on the agility-type evolved zombie without distraction. He honed in on its movements, anticipating the direction from which it would strike. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a deep breath, he steadied himself and tightened his grip on his spear, preparing to make his move. Swoosh! The agility-type evolved zombie leaped behind Duke, but he had anticipated this move. With a swift turn, he kept his spear close to his body, avoiding any wide movements that might give the zombie to alter its course after seeing his movement. In an instant, a dull ripping sound echoed as his spear pierced through the zombie''s vulnerable abdomen, driving up through its throat and into its skull, completely skewering its insides. The suddenness of the attack caught the evolved zombie off guard, and it froze in place, the life draining from its body as Duke''s spear found its mark. Duke had long observed that the agility-type evolved zombie frequently leaped to his sides to strike, but these attacks were often superficial, mere feints designed to mislead him. However, when it positioned itself behind him, its assault was lethal, consistently delivering three random strikes from various angles before attempting to ambush him. The zombie relied heavily on its speed and cunning, making it difficult to pin down. Yet, despite its intelligence, it lacked the complexity of an adult''s thought process, allowing Duke to recognize and memorize its attack patterns with relative ease. Graaaaahhhh! Whaaaaaaaarrrr!!!! A chilling screech echoed through the street, as if the mental-type evolved zombie mourned the loss of its fallen companion. As Duke withdrew his spear from the lifeless body of the agility-type evolved zombie, the mental-type zombie extended its vine-like arms, conjuring an army of illusionary zombies. Although Duke understood these were mere phantoms, he couldn''t shake the oppressive surge of energy surrounding him. A deep frown creased his brow as he watched the illusory horde advance towards him with relentless determination. The mental-type evolved zombie moved forward, approaching the lifeless body of its fallen ally. Crouching beside it, it lingered for a moment, its gaze fixed on the still form. Then, without warning, it opened its mouth and began to bite off the agility-type zombie''s head, a gruesome display of grief and primal instinct. "Ugh! It''s eating its own companion!" one of the warriors shouted in disgust as they watched the mental-type evolved zombie consume the head of the fallen agility-type. Meanwhile, the illusions of other zombies began to close in around them, obscuring their view and creating a barrier that prevented them from seeing what the mental type was doing next. "Shit!" Duke exclaimed, a sudden realization hitting him. He gulped and lunged toward the mental-type evolved zombie, determined to strike it down in one swift motion. But he was too late; the mental-type evolved zombie had already consumed the agility-type evolved zombie''s crystal core, gulping it down before leaping back to safety. Surrounded by its army of illusory zombies, the mental-type evolved zombie began to detach its vine-like arms, maintaining the illusion even as it shed them like a snake shedding its skin. As its arms grew longer, they curled around its body, forming a cocoon. With its beady eyes locked onto Duke, a glint of malice flashed before it was completely enveloped by the crawling vines. "Kill it! Kill it!" Duke shouted urgently to his team. The evolved zombie was on the brink of another evolution, and he feared the consequences. Uncertainty gnawed at him; he had no idea what kind of monster would emerge from that cocoon after consuming the agility-type evolved zombie''s crystal core. Though it was just a hunch, Duke felt certain that this was the mental-type evolved zombie''s plan to exact revenge and wipe out his entire team. He knew that once it broke free, it wouldn''t just be twice as powerful¡ªit might possess entirely new abilities. He couldn''t afford to take that risk. Even as discomfort twisted within his energy core, Duke channeled his spiritual energy to conjure a barrage of attacks¡ªice spears and fire meteors¡ªfiring them in rapid succession at the protective cocoon. He suspected that this cocoon-like barrier was as formidable as the one that shielded Rose during her awakening, and he was determined to find a way to penetrate it before it was too late. Feeling the urgency in Duke''s voice, Rose quickly began conjuring her own ice crystal spears. With precision, she hurled them from above, sending them flying toward the cocoon. The team collectively ignored the advancing army of zombies, now aware that they were merely illusions incapable of inflicting harm. Their focus sharpened on the true threat at hand, prioritizing the imminent danger posed by the evolving creature. A concentrated barrage of energy erupted from the team as they launched their attacks in rapid succession. Earth spikes surged upward from the ground in a concerted effort to breach the protective cocoon surrounding the evolved zombie. However, despite the multitude of spikes conjured, their impact failed to create even the slightest dent in the cocoon''s surface, highlighting the formidable strength of the evolved zombie''s defenses. The resilience of the cocoon underscored the pressing need for a more effective strategy to counter the imminent threat posed by the creature within. Thud! Rose''s Ice Crystal Spears struck the upper portion of the cocoon, and given their renowned defensive properties, they were expected to deliver a significant blow when used offensively. However, the outcome was disappointing; her attack merely punctured a small hole in the cocoon, and the once-mighty ice spears shattered upon impact, producing only a dull thud. This result left her feeling frustrated and concerned, as it was clear that the cocoon''s defenses were far more robust than she had anticipated. Chapter 457 Their Coordinated Attack Even Duke''s Ice Spears and Fire Meteors struggled to make a dent, yet none of them were willing to relent. The intensity of Duke''s reaction and the gnawing sense of dread that clawed at the depths of their hearts made it clear: allowing this evolved zombie to break free from its cocoon would spell disaster. They understood that if it emerged, it could mean game over for them all. Rose conjured dozens of Ice Crystal Spears, but this time, instead of focusing on size, she honed their strength and durability, carefully molding each one to maximize its offensive power. She understood that bigger wasn''t always better, so she concentrated on crafting each spear to its sharpest and sturdiest potential, even though this required more time and energy. Despite the intense strain on his energy core, Duke concentrated on conjuring sturdier, more powerful Ice Spears, while continuously sending Fire Meteors at the cocoon. His strategy was to keep the cocoon under relentless attack, forcing it to divert energy toward reinforcing its outer shell and healing damage instead of fully committing to the evolution inside. By keeping the cocoon on the defensive, Duke hoped to delay the evolved zombie''s transformation, buying his team precious time to weaken it. The warriors continued their assault, hurling earth spikes repeatedly, even though they seemed ineffective against the cocoon. Some resorted to throwing spikes by hand when their powers couldn''t reach far enough, resulting in makeshift projectiles soaring through the air. Despite the lack of visible impact, none of them were willing to relent, each determined to do whatever they could to contribute to the fight. Duke caught Rose''s attention and signaled to her with a series of hand gestures¡ªa unique code the Winters had developed and taught to Rose and the others for situations just like this, when silent communication was crucial. Understanding immediately, Rose nodded and focused on summoning a few more dozen Ice Crystal Spears, pouring nearly all her remaining energy into making them. With a wave of her hand, Rose launched the dozens of Ice Crystal Spears in a single, focused barrage aimed directly at one spot on the cocoon¡ªthe head. The projectiles struck with a series of dull, heavy impacts, each blow widening the initial crack she had created. As the first dozen shattered on impact, Duke immediately followed up with his own Ice Spears, driving them into the opening and deepening the hole Rose created through her attack. Inside the cocoon, the evolved zombie was helpless to move or retaliate, limited to healing the damaged area while its illusionary zombie army surged forward, trying to distract Duke and the others from attacking it This time, however, the team adjusted their approach. The warriors concentrated on fending off the illusionary army, keeping them at bay and giving Rose and Duke a clear path to continue their relentless assault on the cocoon. With their coordinated efforts, they prevented the cocoon from healing fully, keeping the pressure on and weakening the evolved zombie''s defenses. Meanwhile, Rose released a second wave of Ice Crystal Spears aimed precisely at the same weakened spot she had been targeting. Duke''s Ice Spears followed closely behind, driving deeper into the breach with each strike. It became clear that Rose was deliberately creating an opening for Duke''s attacks to land with maximum impact¡ªand they weren''t trying to hide this strategy anymore. Sensing their intent, the illusionary army of zombies pressed forward with renewed urgency, attempting to disrupt Rose and Duke''s attacks, even though they couldn''t inflict real harm. Their purpose was clear: to distract and break the rhythm of Rose and Duke''s assault on the cocoon. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yet, with the team''s intense focus and coordination, they managed to maintain their momentum, each strike chipping away at the cocoon''s defenses bit by bit. Duke and Rose relentlessly continued their assault until they had carved a five-inch-deep hole into the cocoon, revealing a glimpse of the evolved zombie resting within. Its oversized head was pulsating with a strange rhythm, as if feeding on energy¡ªbut the open hole was already starting to close within seconds they stopped their attacks. Without hesitation, they knew they had only seconds to strike before the cocoon could fully regenerate. Duke gritted his teeth, unable to conjure any more Ice Spears as the pain in his head became unbearable. He downed another vial of black liquid, but instead of relief, the pain intensified, spreading through his energy core like it was fracturing under the strain. Waves of nausea washed over him, and the throbbing in his head reached an agonizing peak. With a heavy thud, he fell to his knees, clutching his spear to keep himself upright. Gritting his teeth, he tried to push himself back to his feet, refusing to let the pain stop him from fighting. Rose unleashed her third wave of Ice Crystal Spears while drinking the vial of black liquid to replenish her spiritual energy, her gaze flicking toward Duke, who had signaled his next move. Duke''s plan was for her to create a direct opening for him to launch his Kratos'' Spear. He could have thrown it earlier, but seeing how little damage even Rose''s Ice Crystal Spears had managed, he hesitated. He wasn''t sure if his spear alone could penetrate the cocoon''s tough defenses and reach the evolved zombie within¡ªhe didn''t yet fully understand the limits of his spear''s power, and didn''t want to risk wasting his best shot without a clear path. If Duke threw the Kratos'' Spear relying on its "Pierce" effect to break through the cocoon, it was only a 50% chance that the effect would trigger a critical strike. There was no guarantee it would work, and he couldn''t risk everything on one throw without a clear advantage. If he failed, the cocoon might strengthen its defenses even further¡ªor worse, it might call for reinforcements, summoning a swarm of real zombies to defend it. The cocoon couldn''t move, but it was likely still capable of sending a distress signal to nearby undead. Weighing all these possibilities, Duke knew he had to play it safe and wait until there was a clear path. Now, with Rose creating a focused opening, he finally had the opportunity he''d been waiting for. But now, his body was on the verge of giving out. Duke gripped his spear tightly, forcing himself to stand once more. He couldn''t let Rose carry the entire burden of the attack; eventually, she would reach her limit and have to stop for any number of reasons. He struggled to rise but faltered, his strength waning. The open hole in the cocoon was slowly closing, and he clenched his jaw in frustration, aware that his body had reached its breaking point. The explosion of spiritual energy he had unleashed earlier had taken a toll, causing significant internal damage¡ªincluding to his energy core. Distant Roars and marching... Grahhh! Roarrrr! Marching..... As he had feared, not far from their position, the unmistakable sounds of hurried marching filled the air, accompanied by the deafening roars and growls of incoming zombies from all directions. They hadn''t heard the evolved zombie call for help, but Duke realized that it didn''t need to make an audible distress signal; it could have transmitted a brainwave signal that only other zombies could detect. Their situation had become increasingly dire, and Duke''s body was betraying him, refusing to respond to his commands. Weighed down by an overwhelming heaviness, his limbs trembled uncontrollably, making it an effort just to grip his spear. It felt as though his entire body was preparing to shut down in an instinctive response to protect him from the brink of death due to the immense strain on his energy core. He was teetering on the edge of survival mode, where his body would prioritize preserving its functions and healing itself¡ªespecially his energy core, which felt like it could explode at any moment. Duke''s vision began to blur and flicker, and a deafening ringing filled his ears. Rose and the other warriors quickly noticed his deteriorating condition, their expressions darkening as they realized the gravity of the situation. They could only curse under their breath, fully aware that they were in deep shit as the marching sound came closer to their location. Swoosh! Then, a splatter of blood, and the sound of almost like something exploded before the blood hit the floor, everyone was momentarily taken aback by the series of events that took place that was outside of the plan. Even the sound of marching abruptly ceased, leaving an eerie silence that felt almost surreal. Perhaps it was their minds refusing to process what had just happened and so, they could no longer hear anything around them, aside from one thing, as the sickening sound of flesh exploding and blood splattering echoed nearby. A heavy thud resonated through the air, the sound piercing the silence like a gunshot, as Duke''s body collapsed to the ground, still clutching his spear. They could only watch in stunned disbelief, their mouths opening and closing like fish gasping for air, but no words came. The shock rendered them speechless, paralyzed by the reality of what they had just witnessed. They all turned to Duke, their eyes wide and rimmed with red, struggling to comprehend the chaos unfolding around them. But who would answer them? After all, Duke has already... Chapter 458 His Condition? (Unknown) But who would answer them? Duke was already¡­ "Vice City Lord!" "Vice City Lord!" Gasps filled the air as Duke collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud. Shocked, everyone stared at his body lying motionless on the cold ground, horror etched on their faces. Without a second thought, they all rushed to him, momentarily forgetting the danger that still loomed around them. "What was that?!" one of the warriors exclaimed as a loud buzzing sound filled the air. He looked around, unable to pinpoint the source, and with them stopping using their abilities, the whole place dimmed, shadows filled the darkened streets, obscuring their view. They couldn''t make out what had just happened¡ªonly that something had exploded, and now Duke lay motionless on the ground while the cocoon still loomed tall in the center of the street. Despite their best efforts to stay hopeful, dread crept into everyone''s mind as they considered the worst possible scenarios. The warriors quickly formed a defensive circle, positioning those with remaining strength on the outer perimeter, while the more exhausted fighters took refuge within. A few knelt beside Duke, anxiously assessing his condition. Rose, stationed on the outer line, led the defense with a vigilant gaze, but kept one ear tuned to the hushed conversation of those tending to Duke. Every warrior was tense, ready for any sudden threat, as they struggled to hold their ground amidst the dire situation. "W-what''s this?" one of the warriors stammered as he reached out to adjust Duke''s body, trying to help him lie down properly on the pavement. His hand touched a sticky, metallic-smelling liquid. He froze, recognizing the scent instantly¡ªrusted iron. He didn''t need to look twice to know what it was. "B-blood!" he choked out, the grim realization dawning on him and the others as they began to piece together what had happened. "Dammit!" one of the warriors muttered, his voice thick with a mix of frustration, sorrow, and helpless rage. Hearing the commotion behind her but still unsure of Duke''s condition, Rose stepped forward and barked an order, her voice firm. "Help carry the Vice City Lord! We''re moving out to the next location before that zombie raid arrives." Her jaw tightened as she finished. The weight of the situation bore down on her¡ªshe had no idea how she''d explain this to Kisha back at the base. With Duke incapacitated, she wasn''t sure if she could even get the rest of the group back safely. Anxiety knotted in her stomach, thoughts spiraling with all the things that could go wrong from here. "Yes ma''am!" "Yes ma''am!" "Copy!" Soon, everyone prepared to retreat. They could no longer focus on the evolved zombie¡ªthey didn''t know what it might do next, but in their current state, facing it was out of the question. With Duke down and his condition uncertain, continuing the fight was simply impossible. Two warriors quickly fashioned a makeshift stretcher from a sturdy earth spike as the pole and a large towel, were carefully secured from the sides of each earth spike to support an adult''s weight. Once Duke was loaded onto the stretcher, the group prepared to leave. Rose and the others cast reluctant glances back at the cocoon, frustrated by how close they''d come to breaking through. But with their depleted strength and Duke''s condition, even Rose''s firepower wouldn''t be enough to finish the job before the small-scale zombie raid arrived. Although the eerie sound of marching had momentarily ceased¡ªpossibly because they''d halted their attack, interrupting the evolved zombie''s distress call¡ªthey had no way of knowing how long it would take to complete its transformation. They found themselves in a difficult position, and Rose''s priority shifted to preserving their team''s lives. She resolved to retreat to the base and assess their options from there. After all, the only people she knew who could handle this kind of situation were Duke or Kisha. With Duke incapacitated, Rose knew she would have to rely on Kisha to devise a plan for dealing with the cocoon and its evolving threat. However, traveling at night carried significant risks, and they decided it was best to set up camp and wait for the morning before returning to the base. With their enhanced physiques as superhumans, they possessed greater power, agility, and stamina, not to mention heightened senses. Despite the darkness shrouding the streets, they navigated with confidence, heading towards the location Duke had indicated earlier. Somber and grim expressions marked each face, and although the shadows obscured their features, the weight of the atmosphere made their shared tension palpable. The warriors in the outer layer of the formation fought off the zombies that approached them as they moved, while those inside concentrated on recovering their strength so they could switch places with their comrades on the front lines. "At three o''clock, incoming!" Rose shouted as she assumed a defensive stance and began to advance. The warriors braced themselves for another confrontation as a horde emerged from the street ahead. Gritting their teeth, they fought valiantly to carve their way through the oncoming waves of zombies before launching into a relentless sprint toward safety. After an exhausting thirty minutes of battling and running, they finally reached their designated location, securing the perimeter just in time. They collapsed onto the ground, utterly spent, their exhaustion palpable as they fell into a heavy silence. For a full hour, they rested in quiet contemplation, lost in their own thoughts, none of them eager to move. It was only when one of them recalled that Duke was still lying motionless on the makeshift stretcher that the gravity of their situation truly sank in. They found it hard to accept the reality of what had transpired. Overwhelmed by an exhausting fatigue that dulled their senses, they couldn''t even muster the energy to feel hunger. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The thought of returning to the base with Duke in such a state filled them with dread. Finally, someone snapped and stood up to turn on a lamp and prepare a simple meal. No matter how shitty their circumstances were, their bodies still needed nutrition and energy to face the challenges of the next day. He realized they could only tackle other concerns after ensuring they had the strength to fight their way back. Above all, they needed to guarantee that Duke''s body would be delivered to Kisha properly. The same person who was preparing the food began to sob quietly, struggling to keep his voice down, but soon, his anguish echoed through the group. One by one, others joined in, weeping for their vice city lord. They couldn''t bear to look at Duke''s motionless body now that the light had been turned on; they were too afraid to confront the reality of how he had ended up like this. They felt the weight of their helplessness crashing down on them, realizing how weak and useless they had been. They couldn''t even assist Duke during his battle against the evolved zombies; instead, they had become a liability. If it weren''t for his instinct to protect them, he wouldn''t have had to exert himself to the point where he''d end up like this. They knew that if he had only focused on his own survival, he could have easily escaped, as they had all witnessed his strength and intelligence in combat. Duke had the skills to evade multiple evolved zombies and ensure his own safety, but because of them, he was now... Chapter 459 What Really Happened Louder sobs reverberated through the building as they began to reflect on their failures. One by one, they crouched around the room, overwhelmed by their emotions. Even Rose, who had been striving to maintain her composure, succumbed to her grief and sank to the ground, unable to meet Duke''s motionless body. The memory of flesh exploding and blood spraying across the street haunted them, and they simply couldn''t bring themselves to look, knowing all too well what that meant. They could only imagine the horrific reality¡ªsomeone had lost their life, and it was a burden they could not escape. They remembered Kisha''s warning about the dangers of overusing spiritual energy; depleting it could lead to catastrophic consequences, including the explosion of one''s energy core, which means, their brain exploding. They understood that having too much spiritual energy spiraling out of control could result in the same fate. With these cautionary reminders echoing in their minds, they could piece together what had happened to Duke. The sheer amount of energy he had expended to create that shockwave indicated that he had pushed himself to the brink, sacrificing his energy reserves to unleash explosive power against the small-scale zombie raid in order to protect everyone else. After using the vial of black liquid, they understood its effects on the body. Some of them had witnessed Duke taking it, so it wasn''t hard to piece together how things had unfolded. Among them, Rose felt the most guilt. She had believed that Kisha sent her to help Duke, to ease his burden as he completed his mission. Now, however, she felt like she had failed both Kisha and Duke. Overwhelmed by shame, she couldn''t bring herself to look at him, terrified of seeing the consequences of the explosion that had destroyed his energy core. "Hu hu hu.." Sob... Sob... "Ugh!" A chorus of sobs filled the air, drowning out all other sounds, including the grunts of those around them. No one paid attention to one another; they were lost in their own self-reproach and disdain. "Hisss... Why is everyone crying? Ugh." "What else?! Mourning for the death of the Vice City Lords. Hu hu hu¡­" Duke, just awakening with a splitting headache and aching body, choked on the words he heard. Still hissing in pain, he struggled to prop himself up. Even before he opened his eyes, he was met with the sounds of sobbing and crying. Fear gripped him as he forced his eyes open, worried that they had lost too many warriors while he had been incapacitated, unable to complete his mission. He had no idea what their situation was or what had happened with the evolved zombie that was going through another evolution. So many questions swirled in his mind, but first, he needed to stop everyone from crying. The sound of their sobs echoing through the building only intensified his headache, making his throbbing energy core feel like it was on the verge of exploding. His body still ached from the strain of his spiritual energy running wild, a sensation similar to how Kisha''s two conflicting energies had once clashed within her. But this time, it felt different¡ªa torrent more violent, like a lake suddenly hit by an intense drought, drying up as life withered without water, only to be followed by a flash flood that broke through every dam meant to regulate its flow. His veins, channels for the energy, burst in places under the overwhelming surge, struggling to make way. Meanwhile, his energy core¡ªthe main source of his power¡ªhad nearly fractured from the sudden, uncontrollable influx, teetering on the edge of explosion. He had come dangerously close to losing control and ending his own life. Fortunately, he remembered the time he''d seen Kisha manage her conflicting energies within her body¡ªa moment that offered him just enough inspiration. Drawing on her example, he was able to stabilize his energy core, deflecting the impending explosion and averting death. Even without checking his condition, his subordinates had already assumed the worst and were now mourning his death. "Very well!" Duke growled through gritted teeth. "So, you really want to send me to my death, huh?" His indifferent, cold expression hardened further, casting an icy chill over the entire room. The shift was so unsettling that everyone felt a shiver down their spine, as if they''d been plunged into freezing water. But even more than the fear, there was something hauntingly familiar about the voice. One by one, they stopped crying, turning slowly toward the sound like rusty metal doors, mouths slightly agape, eyes wide in disbelief. "V-Vice City Lord?! Y-you didn''t turn into a vengeful ghost, did you?!" Rose stammered, pointing at Duke. He sat there, eyes bloodshot, his body covered in blood¡ªlooking as if he had crawled from the grave like a vengeful spirit. His blood-smeared face and menacing glare sent a collective gasp through the room, a chill creeping up everyone''s spine as they instinctively took a step back. If supernatural powers could exist, then perhaps ghosts and demons could too. A mix of disbelief and fear gnawed at their cores as they wondered if Duke had truly crossed into something otherworldly. "Oh? I didn''t realize I was so hated that you''d be praying for my demise¡­" Duke said slowly, one eyebrow arching. His voice held an unsettling mix of amusement and menacing threat, making them regret even considering such words in his presence. But right now, everyone was too disoriented to respond¡ªthey''d all clearly heard an explosion and seen blood spraying through the air, leaving them bewildered and unsure of what had really happened. One of them, sensing Duke''s growing anger and driven by a strong survival instinct, tried to deflect his fury. "V-Vice City Lord, if it wasn''t you who¡­ died from a brain explosion, then who did?" But his question only made things worse. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You tell me," Duke replied with a smirk, his eyes as dark as the abyss. As if on cue, a loud buzzing sound filled the air. "Ah! That sound again!" one of the warriors exclaimed, recalling hearing it outside. "Did something follow us here?!" he added, as they all instinctively dropped into defensive stances. The buzzing grew louder, pulsing with a strange, almost eager intensity as it circled the room. "Stand down," Duke commanded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a massive Queen Bee appeared, startling everyone. "Bell?!" Duke said, incredulous. He had requested assistance from Kisha to allow him to borrow some of the Scarlet Bees, but he never expected Kisha to send Bell. Bell was essential back at the base, overseeing scouting missions, reporting to Kisha, managing the walls, and coordinating Scarlet Honey production. In truth, Bell hadn''t been sent by Kisha. While busy with its duties along the wall, Bell had sensed a distress signal from a distant Scarlet Bee. However, the signal was too far beyond its control for Bell to decipher its meaning; it felt more like a dying call for help. Without hesitation, Bell abandoned its post and darted toward the source of the signal, neglecting to inform Kisha. That''s why she was unaware that Bell had left its station. When Bell finally arrived at the location of the signal, darkness had already fallen. It found Duke on his knees, witnessing a small-scale zombie raid approaching, as Bell flew past the marching undead. Chapter 460 What Really Happened 2 When Bell arrived, it instantly sensed the dire situation Duke was in¡ªhe was in serious danger and might even be killed in action. Bell knew how much Kisha valued and loved Duke, and if anything happened to him, she would be devastated. At that moment, Rose was busy launching one Ice Crystal Spear after another, piercing a massive cocoon that loomed in the middle of the street. Without needing to ask, Bell understood what that cocoon contained. As a spiritual beast, Bell could easily detect the intense, pulsating spiritual energy emanating from it, realizing that an evolving zombie was inside. Bell knew that Duke and his team were likely trying to eliminate the creature, and it must be the reason why Duke was in such a dangerous situation. Without waiting for further instructions, Bell sprang into action. Bell swiftly adjusted its size, allowing it to strike through the opening in the cocoon with ease. Charging up its Stinger Strike skill, Bell infused its stinger with spiritual energy, strengthening it for a powerful, piercing blow. Moving faster than the eye could track, Bell attacked with such speed that the team only heard a faint, rapid buzz before the evolved zombie''s head exploded. In a single, seamless motion, Bell struck through the small hole, emerging on the other side of the zombie''s skull. Clutched in its forelegs lay the zombie''s crystal core, gleaming as proof of Bell''s precision and skill. Just as Bell launched its attack, Duke had reached his physical limits, with the strain causing his veins to rupture, covering him in his own blood. At that precise moment, Bell''s Stinger Strike connected with the evolved zombie''s head, moving at near-sonic speed. The force of the strike created a sickening explosion, sending the zombie''s blood splattering across the ground. To those nearby, the sound of flesh bursting was almost overwhelming, but it was simply the impact of Bell''s powerful strike hitting its mark. Since everything happened in a split second, everyone initially thought it was Duke''s energy core that had exploded from overuse, and a wave of shock and grief swept over them. Seeing him covered in blood, they feared the worst and hesitated to check on him, convinced that Duke had met a tragic end. In reality, though, their worst fears had only come remarkably close to being true. After they safely transported Duke into the building, Bell and the Scarlet Bees followed closely, with Bell still clutching the crystal core in its forelegs. When Duke finally regained consciousness, Bell buzzed happily, eager to reveal itself both to celebrate Duke''s recovery and to hand over the crystal core it had retrieved. It also hoped to return to the base soon, knowing it had ventured out without Kisha''s knowledge. Since Bell couldn''t communicate via mind link with anyone except Kisha, it made its presence known in the only way it could¡ªby appearing in plain sight. Now that Bell had shown itself, it struggled to convey what it wanted to say. Instead, it simply flew down to Duke''s side. As Duke noticed the gleaming crystal core clutched in Bell''s forelegs, shimmering in the light, he immediately extended his hand, his heartbeat quickening with excitement. He had a strong suspicion about the significance of that crystal core. Duke suspected that his team hadn''t confirmed the status of the evolved zombie¡ªthey''d likely assumed he was dead and rushed him to safety without checking. Even if he wanted to ask them, they probably wouldn''t have the answer. When Bell gently placed the crystal core in his palm, Duke inspected it closely. It was larger than the unique evolved zombie''s crystal core Kisha had acquired back at the base, and its colors were even more vivid¡ªa radiant rainbow that hinted at a higher level. Judging by its brightness and size, he guessed it could be a level 2 or possibly even level 3 crystal core. Understanding that Bell would want to return to Kisha, Duke said, "Hold off on heading back. Take this core to my wife, along with a letter, so she won''t worry." Hearing this, Bell immediately shrank to the size of a normal bee and perched on top of Duke''s head, ready for its mission. Only now did everyone start to grasp the unexpected turn of events, as they watched Bell prepare to carry out Duke''s request, astonished by the sight and realization of what was truly unfolding. "V-Vice City Lord, wh-what is that?!" Rose exclaimed, pointing at Bell. Realizing that an introduction was needed to prevent any misunderstandings¡ªor worse, an accidental attack on the Scarlet Bees mistaken for mutated ones¡ªDuke quickly stepped in. "This is my wife''s pet, Bell, the Scarlet Queen Bee. As a queen bee, she commands her own colony and an army of Scarlet Bees. Right now, we''re surrounded by them and under their protection," Duke explained. He hadn''t intended to mention the Scarlet Bees, knowing that once they realized the connection, everyone would remember that the scarlet honey they consumed came from these creatures. However, witnessing their capabilities firsthand, he doubted anyone would dare to challenge and mess with them; otherwise, they might find themselves facing a fate similar to that of the evolved zombie, whose head had exploded at supersonic speed. After hearing Duke''s explanation, a wave of realization washed over them, leaving their heads buzzing. They hadn''t even noticed the Scarlet Bees'' presence or when they had arrived, and the knowledge that such powerful hidden allies were surrounding them was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While they felt a sense of safety knowing they had such formidable guardians, the gravity of the situation sunk in¡ªnone of them could afford to make a mistake. While they now understood that Kisha had this remarkable pet, they were still unaware that she could communicate with it. They merely assumed that Bell followed Kisha''s commands and could fight for them when needed. After the initial shock wore off, they began to gather their thoughts, taking note of Bell''s distinct coloration compared to ordinary bees. They made a mental note to steer clear of any bees that appeared scarlet, understanding that these were not to be underestimated. After making a brief introduction and with his team tactfully refraining from asking too many questions, Duke began writing a letter to provide Kisha with a standard progress report and reassure her about his well-being. As Duke focused on his writing, the atmosphere relaxed, and everyone started preparing the meal with renewed seriousness. Once Duke finished, he carefully placed the letter and the crystal core into a piece of cloth and secured it with a knot. Bell, seeing that Duke was ready, transformed back into its larger size, wrapping the cloth tightly in its forelegs, then hug it closer to its stomach. It then performed a circular motion in front of Duke before soaring toward the window, disappearing into the dark night on its way back to the base. It was only after completing all these tasks that Duke became acutely aware of the stinging pain that enveloped his body. "Ugh," he grunted, reaching for a vial of blue liquid from his Space Ring. In an instant, he drank it, and within milliseconds, he felt the soothing effects as his body began to heal. Settling into a cross-legged position, he traced the flow of his spiritual energy, working to mitigate the damage it had inflicted on his body and, most importantly, on his energy core. Chapter 461 Level 4 Crystal Core Who could have imagined that such a dangerous situation would transform into a blessing? As Duke continued to trace the pathways of his spiritual energy and assess his energy core, he realized it felt sturdier than before. Although there were still some cracks from overuse, he could sense a significant difference in its resilience. ''Maybe it''s like a bone that, when broken and healed, becomes even stronger than before,'' Duke pondered as he repeatedly guided the flow of his spiritual energy back to his energy core, eager to confirm his suspicion. Once he was certain of his findings, he opened his eyes, satisfaction washing over him. Just then, his team finished preparing a warm meal for everyone, reminding them how hungry they were after a day filled with intense battles, where it felt as if each fight could be their last. Growl- As a chorus of grumbling stomachs echoed around the room, everyone eagerly dug into their meal, ready to refuel and rest for the night. Not long after Bell departed from Duke''s side, it swiftly returned to the base thanks to its impressive speed. When Bell arrived, Kisha was in the study, checking her territory pack once again. She recalled 008 mentioning that once she maxed out the facility upgrades, she could also upgrade the entire territory pack, expanding both its functionality and the amount of land she possessed. Eager to explore the possibilities, Kisha was checking the requirements for upgrading her territory pack, curious about the new features it might offer or whether it would simply increase the size of her existing land and facilities. ... [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] [Level 1 - Upgrade to Level 2] [Required Points: 500,000] [Current Points: 40,000] [Status: Insufficient Points] ... Kisha choked on her own spit as she stared at the staggering number of points required to upgrade her territory pack to level 2. Uncertainty gripped her as she weighed her options¡ªshould she pursue this upgrade or not? The reality was harsh: not only did she lack sufficient funds, but gathering the necessary amount would also take considerable time. "Host, I think it would be best to go for it," 008''s childish voice interrupted Kisha''s thoughts. "As I mentioned before, only those deemed the most powerful in the Murim World can create these little realms. To do so, they harness their immense spiritual energy to shape these realms." "The stronger the cultivator, the larger the realm they can create. Some even use these realms to conceal their inheritances for future generations. Such realms are rare; few cultivators are ever eligible to reach that level." "Many covet this type of realm due to its numerous advantages. For instance, the time difference allows cultivators to train within the territory, enabling them to make significant progress compared to their peers." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This accelerated growth can lead to them being hailed as geniuses, granting them numerous benefits. If you can develop the land to gather spiritual energy, it becomes an even more valuable treasure that few possess in their lifetimes." "With continuous upgrades, this territory could evolve into a small continent, or even better, transform into its own world." 008 then giggled excitedly and added, "If your realm were to become a world, you''d be akin to a god!" Kisha dismissed what 008 was implying; while it was true that achieving such a status was akin to becoming a god, she knew it was a challenging feat and that few had accomplished it. After all, she was currently living in the lowest world of the lowest realm, with scarce spiritual energy. The notion of becoming a god felt like a distant dream. Since she didn''t have the necessary points, she decided to set the idea aside for now and plan to revisit it once she had the points to reconsider her decision. Just then, Bell returned, swooping in through the window with the package Duke had sent. "Master, I brought your husband''s package!" Bell announced cheerfully through their mind link. Kisha raised an eyebrow, curious about when Bell had met Duke, and began to scrutinize the creature. Sensing Kisha''s gaze, Bell decided to come clean, hoping to mitigate any potential punishment for leaving its post and perhaps even earn some commendation for its bravery in saving Duke and in delivering the package. "Master, I apologize for leaving my post so suddenly," Bell began, its beady eyes fixed on Kisha''s. "I sensed a distress signal from afar and feared it was coming from my dying bees. I rushed over to investigate and forgot to report back to you." As Kisha remained silent, Bell felt a wave of nervousness wash over it and continued its explanation, eager to clarify its actions. "Master, I, um, encountered your husband," Bell stammered, glancing up at Kisha. "He seemed injured and was fighting one of those disgusting creatures¡ªa powerful evolved zombie. Luckily, I arrived just in time to blow its head off and save him. He asked me to deliver the crystal core from the zombie along with his report." Bell quickly flew over to Kisha''s desk and gently let go of the cloth it had been holding in its forelegs. With a soft ''thud'', the cloth landed on the desk. Kisha watched Bell closely, her silence betraying the turmoil within her. The news of Duke''s injury rattled her, bringing back haunting memories of the horrific end he faced during her 99th life. Her fingers trembled, and her lips paled as she took a deep breath, steeling herself before reaching for the cloth bag. Slowly, she began to open it. As she opened the cloth bag, her eyes were immediately drawn to the crystal core inside. It was a diamond-shaped gem radiating a deep rainbow hue that sparkled and reflected the light beautifully as she lifted it from the desk. Its size was strikingly larger than any crystal core she had in her inventory, nearly three times the size of the ones in her possession. ... [Zombie Core] Level: 4 Attribute: Rainbow (All Attributes Present) Spirit: 100 Description: This rainbow-colored zombie core originates from a powerful evolved zombie that lacks specialized abilities, exhibiting a balanced array of attributes. Although it was taken from an evolving zombie that had the potential to reach level 7, its evolution was abruptly halted. As a result, it only achieved a high-grade level 4 core, providing only half the power it would have otherwise possessed. ... Kisha''s eyebrows shot up as she inhaled sharply. Without even reading the letter, she grasped the gravity of the situation and how close Duke and his team had come to annihilation. She shuddered to think of what could have happened if Bell hadn''t arrived in time. With trembling hands, she set the crystal core aside and quickly reached for the letter, eager to piece together the details of what had transpired. In the letter, Duke described how they had been ambushed by a mental-type evolved zombie. Just when his team was on the brink of winning against the mental-type evolved zombie, a second evolved zombie with agility-based abilities appeared out of nowhere. After fighting and killing the agility-type evolved zombie, they thought victory was within their grasp, but the mental-type zombie devoured the agility-type''s crystal core and transformed into a cocoon. This cocoon had proven nearly impenetrable; even Rose''s Ice Crystal Spear had failed to breach its defenses. Duke detailed how Bell''s timely arrival had been instrumental in taking it down. Chapter 462 Bells Level Up After recounting the harrowing events, Duke reassured Kisha that despite his injuries, it had turned out to be a blessing in disguise, ultimately strengthening and expanding his energy core. This reassuring message eased Kisha''s mind considerably. Following that, the letter contained a progress report and outlined the expectations she should have for the upcoming days. Only after reading the entire letter did Kisha feel the tension in her shoulders ease. She nodded at Bell and took out a bundle of crystal cores. "Bell, why don''t you consume some more crystal cores and level up to level 3?" she suggested. With zombies evolving so quickly, she realized that Bell and Zeus''s strengths seemed rather average in comparison. If she needed them to assist in future battles, they both had to become more powerful. Caught up in various responsibilities, Kisha had neglected Bell and Zeus''s growth, and this recent event served as a stark reminder that she needed to invest more effort into strengthening her forces, including her beloved pets. With a wave of her hand, Kisha took out dozens of crystal cores from her inventory. Since Zeus was still outside with Sparrow, she decided to let Bell level up first and allow Zeus to follow later. Bell performed a joyful twirl in the air, its massive body spinning with excitement. "Master, you''re the best!!!" it exclaimed as it perched on the desk and eagerly began munching on the crystal cores, savoring their delicious flavor. ''Though those undead may look disgusting, their crystal cores are quite tasty, so I don''t mind fighting them anymore,'' Bell thought as it continued to munch on the crystal cores. Before long, Bell''s body began to radiate light, signaling its level up to level 2 after devouring its 30th crystal core. Unlike Kisha and the others, who needed to consolidate their spiritual energy and strengthen their foundation before advancing to the next level, Kisha didn''t stop Bell. After all, Bell''s unique constitution as a spiritual beast allowed it to continue without those precautions. Shortly after leveling up to level 2, Bell resumed happily munching on the crystal cores, feeling the spiritual energy naturally flowing into its body towards its energy core. After devouring another 100 crystal cores, Bell achieved yet another level up. Kisha watched as Bell glanced back at her, contemplating whether to request more crystal cores or to be satisfied with the rewards it had already received. After all, Kisha maintained strict control over the collection of crystal cores stored in her inventory. As Bell pondered whether to ask for more crystal cores, Kisha activated her ''Eye of Truth'' ability to examine Bell''s current status window. She wanted to assess how much Bell had grown without the aid of multipliers like others received, allowing her to gauge the additional strength Bell could contribute to her own power. ... S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Scarlet Queen Bee: Bell (Mythic Grade)] Level 3 (Exp: 0/5000) Strength: 300 (+265) Stamina: 300 (+273) Defense: 300 (+279) Agility: 300 (+250) Mental Capacity: 300 (+266) Charm: 300 (+261) Leadership: 300 (+265) Skills: Stinger strike, Modify Description: A beast from ancient times that gave birth to Scarlet Bees that produces the scarlet honey that could strengthen one''s constitution and command thousands of its kind. Due to the honey''s miraculous effect on the martial arts practitioner and beast, it was hunted until none was left and was erased from the history of Murim. ... Kisha''s eyebrows shot up in surprise as she observed Bell''s stats skyrocketing, even without the multipliers and stat boosts that she and the others enjoyed from the Scarlet Honey. Bell''s numbers surpassed those of anyone in the group. In comparison, even with Duke''s ''Tyrant'' gift, achieving such impressive stats in an instant seemed impossible; even with the aid of the Scarlet Honey, it would likely only be attainable at level 4 or maybe at higher levels. As if reading Kisha''s mind, Bell chimed in excitedly, "Master, at my current level, I''m still just a young spiritual beast and quite weak by comparison. My strength is nothing compared to those spiritual beasts who have cultivated for decades¡ªthey are far stronger than most humans." "Those with purer and superior bloodlines can even erase an entire mountains with their attacks. What I can do feels superficial." Although Bell was merely explaining its situation, Kisha could sense the embarrassment in its tone, highlighting how acutely aware it was of its relative weakness compared to other spiritual beasts. Hearing Bell''s recollection of the strength of spiritual beasts, Kisha took a sharp breath. ''Wow! I''ve truly found a gem. If I keep feeding Bell, it could become my most significant trump card.'' However, as soon as the thought crossed her mind, another concern surfaced. The higher Bell''s level, the more crystal cores it would need to level up. Without a multiplier like the one Kisha and the others received from the Scarlet Honey, it meant they would need to provide Bell with even more crystal cores. There was also the issue of the lack of natural spiritual energy in their world, and it wasn''t feasible for her to give Bell all the spiritual crops, as those were also essential for the rest of the team. With another deep sigh, her enthusiasm quickly waned. Still, she had an abundance of crystal cores left, so she decided to give Bell another 500 Level 0 crystal cores to help it continue its ascent toward Level 4. However, with the sheer amount of crystal cores she had provided, and after Bell had already consumed so many, it could only manage to eat a few more before falling into a deep food coma. Exhausted and content, Bell collapsed into a peaceful sleep, its wings twitching occasionally as it rested. Reminded of her and her companions'' limitations, Kisha watched Bell sleep for a brief moment, her mind already racing with thoughts of how to strengthen them. With a quiet sigh, she entered her territory space, where she began to cultivate both her spiritual energy and mana. Unlike the others, Kisha could only draw from the spiritual energy of the crops within her territory while simultaneously working on expanding her mana. She spent hours immersed in her cultivation, her focus absolute. By the time the first light of dawn began to break, she emerged, feeling rejuvenated despite the long hours. Yet, even after such an extended period of cultivation, she had only managed to accumulate a modest amount of spiritual energy and mana, not nearly enough to significantly expand her energy reserves. ''This is still much better than nothing,'' Kisha thought to herself, taking a deep breath as she savored the crisp morning air, feeling the cool dew on her skin. Meanwhile, after a tense night on Sparrow''s side, they observed the people they had saved, all appearing fine and peacefully asleep. There were no signs of any further movement that suggested an ambush or an attempt to retaliate against Sparrow and his group, or those responsible for what had happened to the seven people they rescued in the forest. However, knowing that there was a skirmish had left tensions high, the group remained on high alert throughout the night. Only a few took short breaks to rest, while the rest of the team patrolled the perimeter, staying vigilant to avoid being blindsided. Chapter 463 Rakan "Ugh! My gut hurts!" One of the burly men saved by Sparrow''s group groaned in pain as he gradually roused from his sleep. His sudden movement drew the attention of Sparrow and the others, who turned to look at him. As he fully regained consciousness, the man froze, wide-eyed, as if he had been caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His gaze darted around, his mind racing to process what had happened. One by one, the remaining six began to stir, with the leader being the last to wake. As soon as their grogginess faded, they immediately slipped into defensive mode, sensing the weight of several sharp gazes fixed on them. Panic surged through them as they feared they''d been caught and dragged back to the shelter. The accusatory stares of Sparrow and his group made them feel as though they had inadvertently wandered from one dangerous den to another, having barely escaped the wolf''s den the night before. "Who are you, and why are you here?" Sparrow''s voice cut through the tense silence, his tone unwavering and serious. As he spoke, he slowly ran a whetstone over the blade of his dagger, the sound of metal scraping against stone sharpening the atmosphere. The seven men couldn''t tell if Sparrow was deliberately using the act to intimidate them, or if it was simply a coincidence, but no one in his group made any move to stop him. Instead, they stood in a tight circle, their eyes trained on the seven men who had crawled into their camp the night before, waiting for answers. "We... Um..." The first man who woke up struggled to find the right words. Unsure of what to say, he quickly glanced up at his boss, knowing he wasn''t good with words and usually left the talking to him. One by one, the other five men followed suit, looking at the middle-aged man who sat at the center. He appeared intimidating, yet there was an unmistakable weariness about him, his battered appearance a stark contrast to his usual commanding presence. "We didn''t come here looking for trouble." Rakan sighed in defeat, twisting his stiff neck to stretch a little. He wasn''t intimidated by Sparrow''s actions; in fact, he felt safer with them around. After taking a moment to assess their surroundings, he began to relax. "My name is Rakan," he continued. "I''m the leader of the Grim Reaper Mafia. We were in this area when the zombie apocalypse hit, and we took shelter in an eastern warehouse. That''s where I became the leader of our group." He paused, taking a deep breath as memories of the past events weighed on him. "But, unfortunately, just last night, my position was taken from me. We were thrown out of the shelter." Rakan gave a weak smile and lifted his head to meet Sparrow''s unbothered gaze, his expression a mixture of weariness and resignation. "But you still haven''t explained why you ended up in such a sorry state and made your way here, knowing full well that my people and I rest in this area," Sparrow said, his tone sharp. "Or are you planning to run to my side and shamelessly beg to join my base?" He didn''t spare Rakan''s feelings, showing no concern for whether he was embarrassed or if his pride had been trampled. "You arrogant bastard! Don''t think you''re above us! We didn''t come here to join you; we can handle ourselves!" one of Rakan''s men snarled. Sparrow didn''t even look up as he replied, "Oh, really? You call that taking care of yourselves?" "Ha! We came out of goodwill to warn you," another of Rakan''s men muttered, his voice low but carrying in the silence. "Victor''s planning an ambush to kill your people and seize your supplies. Hell, they''re even talking about following you back to your base to strip it clean." Rakan propped himself up and glared at the man who had spoken out of turn, then sighed weakly. "What my men said is true. Everyone in the shelter was furious when they found out I let you and your people go without a fight¡ªor any supplies. Victor, my second-in-command, challenged my leadership and took over." "I wasn''t about to go down without a fight, so I and a few loyal men slipped back inisde after being kicked out, determined to end the traitors ourselves. That''s when we overheard what they were planning against you." "Unfortunately, we got caught, and a full-on skirmish broke out. Most of my men were killed¡­ only seven of us managed to make it here, to warn you." Sparrow looked at Rakan with a scoff. "You expect me to believe you risked your life to help us out of the goodness of your heart?" He let out a cold laugh. "After your little stunt, do you really think I''d help you¡ªor even let you near my base?" His voice dropped, laced with a chilling edge. "I''m not that forgiving. In fact, I''m vengeful. And I take everything personally." Among them, Sparrow was the one who looked more like a seasoned member of a mafia syndicate than Rakan and his men. Rakan¡ªthe feared leader of the country''s most notorious syndicate, with influence that stretched internationally¡ªnow found himself intimidated by a young man. He made him and his elite men look like street ruffians by comparison. He''d never been in a position like this before. Blinking a few times as he looked at him, Rakan suddenly broke into loud laughter, eyes brimming with tears. "Oh, God! I''ve never felt this alive! I like you, lass. Why don''t you become my godson?" Sparrow, along with Rakan''s men, all stared at Rakan in bewilderment, glancing at him as if he''d lost his mind. "Sir¡­ him? Really?" grumbled one of the bulkier men. "The last thing we need is another smartass on our team." "Well, yeah, because you''re the original smartass here," chimed in another of Rakan''s men, not so much defending anyone as stating a fact. The comment was oddly comical, given that they''d just escaped death. Despite the tension¡ªand Sparrow''s clear disdain¡ªthe group seemed remarkably unfazed by the situation. "Anyway," Rakan continued, "whether or not we join your base, I just wanted to warn you about this. Victor and his men are determined to follow you, convinced that people as well-equipped as yours must have a stockpile somewhere." "They''re not just after your supplies¡ªthey''re aiming to take over your base entirely. So, thinking of joining you would be a risky move for me and my men when that happens." He fixed Sparrow with a scrutinizing gaze, watching closely for any reaction. But Sparrow remained unmoved, unfazed. Even Sparrow''s men looked at Rakan and his people as if they were joking, clearly not treating Victor''s forces as a serious threat. After all, who could possibly take over their base with their formidable City Lord and Vice City Lord, Kisha and Duke, guarding it? Victor wouldn''t stand a chance¡ªhe''d be blasted into oblivion if he dared to make a move. The thought made Sparrow and his men scoff smugly, which left Rakan and his subordinates baffled. They assumed Sparrow''s group was overconfident simply because they were better positioned than Victor¡ªa dangerous arrogance that, in Rakan''s view, would get them killed. What Rakan didn''t realize, however, was that it was Victor who was overestimating himself. Sparrow and his men were still holding back, refraining from openly mocking the fools planning this reckless stunt. Chapter 464 Rakans Silent Surrender Then, as if something suddenly occurred to him, Sparrow glanced at Rakan again, this time with a contemplative look. Since they hadn''t seen any movement from this Victor character, it was likely he had set up an ambush on Sparrow''s return route, planning to capture one of his team members alive to lead them back to the base. If they were really planning to use explosives against Sparrow and his team, this could be their way of ensuring they hit their target. Since Rakan and his men acted as informants, Sparrow found their story too dubious to accept without prior investigation, carefully considering all factors. However, one thing was certain: based on Rakan''s and his subordinate''s behavior and their simplistic account of Victor and their shelter, it was clear none of them were yet aware of superhuman abilities or awakened powers. This oversight would work to Sparrow''s advantage as their trump card. Confident in their plan, he realized they wouldn''t even need to involve Kisha in this fight, especially since she and Duke were preoccupied with the sewer issue back at the base. Adding this problem to their workload would only strain their resources further. Using Rakan and his people as a resource seemed reasonable¡ªafter all, this was something Sparrow could handle himself. If he couldn''t manage a minor issue without guidance, it would be shameful, especially since he is one of Duke''s direct subordinates. With a decisive nod, Sparrow made up his mind. "Alright, let''s set this aside for now." Turning to his men, he commanded, "Get the others ready. We''ll be heading back, so make sure we''re well-prepared, well-rested, and fully stocked. Everyone needs to stay on high alert." Despite the clear instructions and the sense of an impending clash, Sparrow''s calm, almost casual tone left Rakan puzzled¡ªit was hard to understand how he could sound so relaxed. Feeling he''d achieved his purpose, Rakan stood and signaled his men to leave, only to be blocked by Sparrow''s crew. They didn''t look particularly strong or intimidating, yet their expressions made it clear they''d gladly take Rakan down if he took another step. Each held only a dagger, which added to Rakan''s confusion¡ªand even more so for his steel-jawed subordinates, who were clearly thrown off by this bold, unassuming group. Rakan couldn''t understand where Sparrow and his crew got their strength, but he and his men felt as if they were completely outmatched. They slowly raised their hands in surrender, clustering together. Glancing around, Rakan realized Sparrow had no intention of letting him leave, likely suspecting he''d come to gather intel on Sparrow''s numbers or capabilities. But if that were the case, how could he explain his own brush with death just moments ago? Reflecting on it, Rakan vividly recalled being stabbed deeply, bleeding heavily, and feeling his life slipping away¡ªso much so that he''d planned to do one final good deed before he left this wretched world. Yet, as he stood there now, he noticed something strange: he felt no pain whatsoever. In fact, he felt better than he had in years, even his persistent back pain was gone. Forgetting the men around him, Rakan began inspecting his torso and touching various parts of his body where his wounds should have been, only to find¡­ nothing. Rakan was certain that last night hadn''t been a dream. He could still feel the memory of gut-wrenching pain, and he remembered watching some of his people die. In fact, their absence now was undeniable proof of what had happened. Yet, as he looked at his six remaining subordinates, he recalled that each of them had been on the verge of death, just as he was. Now, though, they were moving around as if nothing had happened, appearing as healthy as ever. Their clothes still bore the bloodstains and even the torn holes where they''d been injured¡ªbut the wounds themselves had vanished without a trace. Rakan stood there, utterly stupefied. When Sparrow''s men noticed his unblinking stare¡ªlike he was seeing something otherworldly¡ªthey started to lose their patience. Growing frustrated, they were ready to forcibly snap him back to reality. Rakan had never believed in witchcraft or anything supernatural. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He''d always thought the zombie apocalypse was a product of science gone wrong¡ªa man-made virus, much like in ''Resident Evil'', that had shut down higher brain functions and left only the basic instincts to feed. In some ways, that theory wasn''t far from the truth. The only difference was that the virus wasn''t modern¡ªit was ancient, originating from a faraway place or even another planet. And it had the power to trigger evolutionary changes in any living organism¡ªgood or bad. Rakan had never once considered the possibility that his survival was due to some kind of elixir. Even now, he was still baffled, unable to piece together what had actually happened. How had he and his subordinates survived? Where had their injuries gone? How could their wounds vanish without a trace? One thing was clear: it had something to do with Sparrow and his people. And now, with nowhere else to turn and Sparrow seemingly the one responsible for saving their lives, Rakan decided to follow him. After some internal resolve, he snapped back to reality just as Sparrow''s men were growing impatient. Raising his hands in surrender once again, this time, he was genuinely willing to comply. Though he didn''t understand any of it, he knew that following Sparrow was the only way to find answers. His subordinates, however, were still too preoccupied to start processing what had happened to their bodies. They seemed more focused on how to escape Sparrow or seek revenge on Victor. Rakan could only shake his head, knowing they were missing the bigger picture. ''This group wouldn''t survive out there without me.'' While the thought crossed his mind, his expression softened, more indulgent than critical¡ªas if he were thinking of his own children rather than his subordinates. Sparrow''s men swiftly bound Rakan and his subordinates with thick ropes, securing them individually before connecting them with another rope tied around their torsos, much like prisoners chained together. Rakan''s subordinates gritted their teeth, their faces reddening with fury at the humiliation they were enduring after their efforts to warn Sparrow and his team. It felt like their goodwill had been trampled underfoot. Rakan, however, remained composed, his silence only further fueling the simmering anger of his subordinates. They glared and snarled at Sparrow''s men, their frustration palpable, but in the end, they turned their faces away in defiance. Once Rakan and his men were all securely tied up, breakfast was ready as well. The mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread and creamy clam chowder filled the air, drifting tantalizingly toward them. Evelyn and the others in charge of the meal began serving up bowls of clam chowder, club sandwiches, Caesar salads, and glasses of pineapple juice, passing the trays around to everyone. Rakan and his subordinates couldn''t help but watch, eyes wide and mouths watering, as the tempting smells made their stomachs rumble loudly in protest. They hadn''t had such a decent meal in so long that they could feel their muscles growing weak and their energy dwindling. It was getting harder to perform labor-intensive tasks, which was partly why Rakan and his people had lost so badly to Victor¡ªthey''d been sacrificing portions of their own meals to help other survivors, ensuring everyone had just enough to stay alive and stave off starvation. Chapter 465 Preparing For Confrontation Rakan and his subordinates felt like stray dogs waiting to be fed. Even though their pride was taking a hit, they would endure this treatment if it meant they could finally have a proper meal. Their eyes widened as they spotted a bear-like creature being served an entire cow''s leg, only intensifying their hunger. Watching others eat so freely, without the pangs of starvation Rakan''s team had endured, underscored just how much Sparrow and his people seemed to have. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At this moment, they were certain Sparrow''s team had all the supplies they could ever need to survive the apocalypse, with enough resources to prepare such a variety of big, hearty meals. Perched atop a tree, Sparrow quietly observed Rakan and his people. They were visibly starving, eyes fixed on the food with a fierce hunger, though none of them begged. Their pride held firm, but their longing gazes told Sparrow everything he needed to know. "They don''t look that bad," Clyde remarked from below, glancing at Rakan and his subordinates, who were pitifully eyeing the pot of clam chowder and Zeus, who was tearing into a whole cow''s leg. Clyde could practically read their thoughts as they watched Zeus devour his meal¡ªthe bear-like creature was living far better than they were, and the envy on their faces was unmistakable. Once Sparrow and his crew had finished eating, he signaled Evelyn to serve Rakan and his group a modest portion¡ªjust enough to sustain them for the day. He made it clear, however, that this wasn''t charity; they''d need to earn their keep if they wanted more in the future. Soon after Evelyn finished her meal, she, along with five STAU members and a few other warriors, approached Rakan and his group, each carrying a piece of plain, freshly baked bread and a bowl of clam chowder. Although the bread didn''t have any fillings like the others had enjoyed, it was still far better than cup noodles or stale biscuits. No one felt they were mistreating Rakan and his men, especially given the uncertainty around their intentions. Surprisingly, Rakan and his subordinates didn''t complain and eagerly accepted the food, devouring it like starved wolves. A few of them even came close to accidentally biting Evelyn''s hand in their haste. Evelyn wasn''t concerned about getting hurt¡ªshe was more worried that they might chip a tooth on her now tougher skin, thanks to her "gift." Burp. "That was delicious¡ªthank you!" Rakan and his subordinates finished their meals in a mere two minutes, practically inhaling the clam chowder. If it were possible, they might''ve gulped down the bowl too, savoring the comforting warmth that filled their stomachs. After such a satisfying meal, some even thought that being Sparrow''s prisoner, if it meant eating this well, might not be so bad. With renewed spirits and smiles, Rakan''s subordinates became surprisingly friendly, chatting warmly with Evelyn and the others. Clyde couldn''t hold back his laughter at the sudden shift in attitude, but it was cut short by a reprimanding smack on the back of his head from Sparrow. "You''re lucky my Young Madam saved you and brought you back with us," Sparrow scolded, narrowing his eyes at Clyde''s young face. "Do you think, if it weren''t for her, you''d be any different from them?" The words sank in, and Clyde swallowed his response. Sparrow was right¡ªhis family''s life, and his own, had transformed entirely because of Kisha''s generosity and leadership. Everything he enjoyed now was thanks to her. Had the Coltons still controlled the base, many of them might have died during their awakenings or starved, as Clyde was certain the Coltons would have hoarded all the food and resources for themselves. Reflecting on this, Clyde felt a wave of embarrassment for looking down on Rakan and his people, who, like everyone else, just wanted to survive and have hope for a better tomorrow. Clyde took a deep breath and looked at Rakan thoughtfully. "I apologize, Captain Sparrow, for my immaturity," he admitted sincerely, bowing his head. Sparrow patted his shoulder in response, not wanting to be too hard on the young man. After all, Clyde was barely an adult, yet he was already fighting on the front lines just like him. "Don''t worry too much; it''s not as if they''ll be staying with us for long. Go with Evelyn and keep an eye on them. If they try to run off or pull anything, handle it however you need to." Though Sparrow knew Clyde was still young to shoulder so much responsibility, he could see Clyde''s natural talent for leadership. He understood why Kisha had sent Clyde out here¡ªto sharpen his decision-making skills and prepare him for moments when quick thinking could make or break a mission. Sparrow didn''t know how many more assignments like this lay ahead, and he couldn''t take them all on alone. It was clear Kisha was already preparing others to take on roles like his and the team''s. Understanding Kisha''s intentions, Sparrow was determined to give Clyde as many opportunities as possible to grow. Clyde nodded enthusiastically before making his way to Evelyn''s side, casting occasional glances at Rakan and his group. He moved like a young wolf, always on alert, still feeling somewhat awkward around Rakan and his subordinates. Sparrow couldn''t help but watch with amusement as Clyde adjusted to the new dynamic, observing both him and Rakan''s group from a distance. Before long, the others finished their preparations, as there wasn''t much to handle on their end. They departed from the Eastern Forest as scheduled. But before boarding the truck, Sparrow and his warriors conducted a meticulous inspection to ensure there were no explosives planted. They checked the brakes, fuel tanks, and every other critical component to make sure nothing had been compromised. After all, thorough preparedness was their greatest asset now, and they needed to be certain everything was in working order before setting off. It was crucial they stayed one step ahead in this fight. They placed Rakan and the others in the center of the convoy, flanked by the five STAU, with Zeus, Evelyn, Clyde, and Reeve keeping a close watch over them. Only after confirming that Evelyn and Zeus were with them did Sparrow feel a sense of relief. With these two in place, he knew Clyde and Reeve would be well protected, even if Rakan was planning something against them. The convoy continued on its usual route, seemingly unaware of any potential danger. However, Sparrow wasn''t taking any chances. The moment they left the forest, he activated his "Hawk Eyesight," scanning every corner of the streets ahead and the surrounding perimeter. He remained vigilant, determined not to overlook anything. He maintained a steady pace while driving¡ªnot too fast, but not too slow either. As soon as they reached the entrance of Port City, Sparrow''s senses sharpened. He detected subtle movements in the distance¡ªnothing overt, but enough to catch his attention. He suspected it was Victor, the individual Rakan''s subordinates had mentioned. Given Victor''s background in a mafia syndicate specializing in ambushes, it wasn''t surprising. Without Sparrow''s "Hawk Eyesight," he might have driven straight into a trap, unaware of the spikes hidden on the road and the armed ambushers waiting nearby. Chapter 466 Sparrows Group Vs Victors Group Sparrow grabbed the walkie-talkie in front of him, pressing the button as he waited for the familiar crackle of static. Once it cleared, he spoke with urgency. "Listen up, people. Targets spotted between three and four o''clock, and from eleven to nine o''clock. Take your positions and prepare to fire back. Over." "We''re ready to move out anytime, Captain," Fred replied, his voice steady as he signaled for the warriors under his command to fall into a defensive stance, ready to strike the moment the opportunity presented itself. Evelyn and Zeus positioned themselves alongside Rakan and his team, mirroring the defensive posture. Clyde and Reeve, though vulnerable due to their still-unawakened status, remained protected within the formation, flanked by the five STAU members. Despite the five having awakened, their abilities were no more than that of ordinary humans with slightly enhanced strength, which made them no match for the upcoming battle. Despite the risk, they kept Clyde and Reeve guarded within the formation, given their youth and inexperience in battle. Meanwhile, Evelyne and Zeus positioned themselves at the most dangerous points, fully aware of the danger. Rakan and his subordinates, still seated on the truck''s floor, exchanged confused glances. They couldn''t understand why Sparrow and his team had chosen to take the same compromised route, one they knew was already dangerous. Why not opt for a safer, alternative path that would minimize the risk and ensure they wouldn''t be walking straight into further danger, ambush even? ''They could have easily gone around. There are plenty of secret routes around Port City that would get them out unscathed. Why risk it all by going through Victor''s territory?'' Rakan muttered to himself in frustration. He couldn''t make sense of Sparrow and his team''s decision, and all he could do was let out a resigned sigh. If they fell, it meant they were all dead¡ªno escape. What Rakan didn''t understand was that Sparrow, much like his master, didn''t tolerate leaving enemies with a target on their back. They both knew that such threats would haunt them relentlessly, like ghosts that wouldn''t rest. They hated the trouble, and after all, this mission wasn''t the last one. There would always be a next day, a next target. So what if he managed to avoid these people and throw them off his trail for now? S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It didn''t guarantee they''d stop targeting Sparrow and his team. In fact, they would likely escalate their efforts, closing off other hidden routes. That would only force Sparrow and his group to take longer, already a significant concern with their mission on a tight deadline. The cargo trailer was critical for completing the new wall, and every delay could cost them more than they could afford. The best approach, then, was to force their way through and eliminate their enemies. As Kisha had said, not everyone was worth saving. It would be better to wipe them out entirely so that no more threats lingered around their base. When they returned to Port City, their mission would be much smoother. By taking the same route again, they could lower Victor''s guard. Since Rakan and his people had been gravely injured and nearly dead the night before, Victor likely assumed they hadn''t survived and wouldn''t be able to expose them. With Victor''s plan in motion and his confidence high, this was the perfect opportunity for Sparrow to strike while they were off guard. With a devilish smirk, Sparrow slammed his foot on the gas and signaled to the person in the passenger seat. "Now!" In an instant, the person beside him summoned a thick layer of earth, swiftly covering the spikes designed to puncture the truck''s tires. The action was so quick that Victor''s men were caught off guard, unable to react in time. Before they could even comprehend what had happened, one of their own had already fallen¡ªvictim not to a bullet, but to a sudden burst of fire that rained down from the sky. "Arg!!! Help me!" The man screamed, but his desperate cry was drowned out as the fire engulfed him. The flames, hotter and more lethal than anything he''d ever encountered, consumed him instantly. In moments, he was reduced to a smoldering crisp. The fire''s essence was drawn from a Superhuman Level 0 at its peak, who had been preparing to level up after days of consuming Scarlet Honey. The power behind the flames was beyond anything that a normal man could survive. Sparrow''s truck screeched to a halt just ahead of the position where Victor and his men were hiding. The moment it stopped, Sparrow''s crew erupted from the truck, the normal humans staying behind to man the vehicle, preparing their weapons for cover fire. Meanwhile, the superhumans unleashed their awakened abilities with a ferocity that left the enemy stunned. Wind blades sliced through the air, fireballs ignited in mid-flight, and other potent abilities surged upward, all aimed directly at the enemy. The opposition was momentarily paralyzed with disbelief, unable to comprehend the sheer force they were facing. They didn''t even have time to react before their comrades began falling, one by one. A few heads were cleaved clean off as wind blades zipped through the air, slicing through necks with surgical precision. Blood sprayed in violent bursts before the lifeless bodies crumpled to the ground. It wasn''t until nearly half of Victor''s men had fallen in the span of a few heartbeats that the survivors snapped back to their senses. In a desperate scramble, they dove for cover, hiding behind anything solid they could find, trying to shield themselves from the onslaught. The enemy occasionally peeked out from behind their cover to fire, but their bullets followed a straight line, barely reaching their targets. In contrast, Sparrow''s superhumans could conjure fireballs that arced through the air as though they had a mind of their own, striking with deadly accuracy. The wind blades they summoned weren''t just ordinary weapons¡ªthey curved and spun like boomerangs, relentlessly homing in on their targets until they struck with fatal precision. The windblades, especially those thrown by Sparrow, were far more lethal and sharp than any ordinary version. Ever since leveling up and consuming the Scarlet Honey, Sparrow had grown more attuned to his abilities. With each passing day, it became easier to sense the windblade''s presence in his fingertips, allowing him to control its spin and trajectory. A subtle flick of his fingers before the blade left his hand ensured its deadly, curved path¡ªlike a boomerang, it would return to haunt its target, cutting down anyone in its way. Sparrow smirked, satisfaction evident on his face as he effortlessly executed his new technique. The more he practiced, the easier it became to perform it with precision and speed. His men watched in awe as he effortlessly conjured wind blades that curved and cut through the air with deadly intent, while theirs only followed a straight line. They couldn''t help but marvel at his skill, observing closely in hopes of picking up some pointers. However, despite their efforts, it was clear there was a natural gap between those with innate talent and those who had to rely on training alone. Mastering such a technique wasn''t easy, and even with all the practice, some things could not be replicated so easily. Chapter 467 Sparrows Group Vs Victors Group 2 The fire-type awakened ability users among Sparrow''s team began summoning fireballs in their hands, carefully calculating the trajectory based on the distance, wind direction, and the position of their enemies. With precise aim, they launched the fireballs into the air, allowing them to arc and curve in a controlled pattern¡ªeither a sharp or wide curve, depending on the situation. As the fireballs reached their peak, they would fall directly onto their targets, incinerating them with ruthless efficiency. Victor''s team, caught off guard and at a severe disadvantage, could only curse and scream in panic as they begged for their lives, realizing too late that escape was impossible. How could Victor''s team possibly compete with Sparrow''s? Some of his men were not only battle-hardened soldiers, but some were mathematicians, engineers, and experts who had a natural affinity for numbers. The mathematics professor, in particular, was the first to devise this strategy. Using his sharp analytical mind, he calculated the precise angles and trajectories, testing his theory in real-time. Those hiding behind walls with narrow openings were quickly falling into his trap, unable to escape the deadly accuracy of his fireballs. One by one, they were picked off, dying slowly as they realized too late they were caught in a calculated, inescapable web. Sparrow''s eyes landed on the middle-aged professor, who appeared unremarkable at first glance. But the calculating smirk playing on his lips betrayed his true nature as he conjured yet another fireball, his gaze sharp with focus as he lined up his next target. Sparrow couldn''t help but whistle and chuckle under his breath, impressed by the sheer talent in his team. While their awakened abilities may not have been the most overpowering, it was the wielder who determined a weapon''s lethality. After all, weapons are only tools; it''s the one who wields them that truly makes them deadly. And the perfect example of that stood right in front of him¡ªthe mathematics professor, whose sharp mind turned every fireball into a calculated strike of destruction. Sparrow wasn''t about to be outdone by his team, so he continued to unleash his boomerang-like windblades, each strike more precise than the last. Soon, curses echoed from the distance, followed by desperate cries. "FUCK! FUCK, FUCK!!!" "I don''t want to die! Please, stop!" But how could Sparrow and his team stop when they weren''t the ones who initiated this fight? Still, even though they had been dominating the skirmish from the start and none of them had been injured, Sparrow''s men couldn''t help but feel a pang of pity for the opposing side. Those with weaker resolve and a stronger sense of morality hesitated, their hands faltering as they stopped attacking. Their hesitation left only Sparrow and the professor to continue the assault, while the others stood idly by, unsure of how to proceed. Rakan, still inside the truck with Evelyn and the others, could only hear the desperate shouts coming from Victor''s men. At first, he thought it was Sparrow''s team that was shouting and crying, but as he listened more closely, he realized that the voices came from Victor''s men and there was a distinct lack of gunfire. Instead, all he heard were pleas, curses, and wails of agony¡ªuntil it all suddenly fell silent. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rakan and his subordinates were left baffled, unable to imagine what was happening outside. The only thing they could assume was that Sparrow and his team were engaged in a brutal melee battle with Victor''s forces. Sparrow''s side hadn''t even used up the first magazine in their guns. They had only provided cover fire at the beginning, but as soon as Sparrow and the other superhumans took control of the battle, they stopped. It seemed pointless to waste more ammunition when their enemies had already retreated into hiding. But as soon as the other superhumans ceased fighting, leaving the stage to Sparrow and the professor, Victor¡ªwho had been expertly hiding amidst the rubble just out of sight¡ªslowly emerged. A glint of hatred and malice flashed in his eyes as he surveyed the scene. "Monsters die!!!" Victor shouted, his voice dripping with malice as he opened fire with his assault rifle. His ambush caught some of Sparrow''s men off guard¡ªstill reeling from their momentary moral hesitation and pity. They had let their guard down, and Victor seized the opportunity, gunning them down mercilessly. Despite their enhanced strength and defenses, the bullets pierced through, cutting them down one by one. As soon as Sparrow noticed the chaos, he sprang into action. Leaping through the air, he conjured two wind blades¡ªone in each hand¡ªand hurled them with deadly precision toward Victor. But Victor, battle-hardened and quick on his feet, wasn''t so easily taken down. Trusting his instincts, he dodged the wind blades with a swift, fluid movement, narrowly evading the unseeable strikes. Victor dashed forward, using a stack of bricks as cover, quickly propping himself up behind it. He could see that even though his men were sheltered, they were still falling, struck by something they couldn''t see. Realizing that the unseen threat was relentless, he knew he couldn''t afford to stand still. Moving swiftly between covers, he kept himself well-hidden, constantly staying one step ahead. As soon as he spotted an opening, he fired his assault rifle, sending rounds toward any target in sight, all while ensuring that whatever was targeting his men couldn''t reach him. "Take cover!" Sparrow bellowed, his voice laced with fury as he snapped his subordinates out of their shock. They had been momentarily paralyzed, staring in disbelief at their fallen comrades, blood pooling around them. In their newfound confidence as superhumans, they had underestimated the threat of ordinary weapons, thinking that guns and bullets would no longer be a serious danger. But seeing their own people go down proved just how vulnerable they still were. Their awakening hadn''t granted them invincibility, and the harsh truth was clear¡ªthere was no room for hesitation, no place for moral doubts. Survival was the only priority now. As the rest of the team took cover, Sparrow, consumed by anger, pursued Victor relentlessly. The distance between them grew, but the others in the truck didn''t just watch¡ªthey sprang into action. Covering fire erupted from their guns, a shield for the superhumans to pull their injured comrades out of the open. The first to act was the mathematics professor. He rushed to a fallen comrade, his body slick with blood, and dragged him closer to safety, his eyes never leaving the battlefield. Even as he pulled his teammate to cover, he continued launching fireballs towards the enemy''s position, ensuring that no one could sneak up and overwhelm them. His efforts, though chaotic, were crucial¡ªhis side had been thrown into disarray, but he wasn''t about to let it fall apart. "Help the wounded and get them to safety!" The professor commanded, his voice sharp and authoritative, cutting through the chaos. With Sparrow occupied and Fred at the back, providing cover fire, the professor found himself to be the only possible temporary leader in the frontline who could take on the job. He knew the gravity of the situation¡ªhis sharp mind, the only one fully functioning in the chaos¡ªwas needed now more than ever. As Sparrow fought further away, the professor took charge, guiding his team with calm urgency, making sure the injured were tended to and swiftly moved to safety, all while keeping the pressure on the enemy. Chapter 468 Sparrows Group Vs Victors Group 3 "Those who can still fight, keep pushing forward! Don''t lose focus!" he commanded, his voice firm. Turning to the others, he shouted, "Anyone wounded needs immediate attention¡ªget them to the truck for treatment, then return here to support the line!" Gradually, order returned to their ranks as those stunned by the sudden turn of events regained their composure and followed the professor''s instructions. They began pulling their wounded comrades out of the open, while launching counterattacks against the enemy, who had regained their firepower and confidence after Victor''s ambush and was now relentlessly shooting at them. Once they had pulled their comrades out of the open, they carefully made their way back to the trucks, lifting the injured up into the truck beds. Evelyn helped position the wounded inside, supporting them as gently as possible, though pained grunts escaped them each time they were moved. They were fortunate that Kisha, with her foresight, had arranged for a doctor to join them. Though his skills hadn''t been necessary on previous missions, now he sprang into action. With the five STAU providing support, the doctor prepared for an impromptu field surgery to remove bullets from the wounded before administering the vial of blue liquid meant to aid their recovery. Although the unhygienic environment was far from ideal, minimizing infection risks was secondary to stabilizing the injured. The doctor could only hope the blue liquid''s healing properties would help offset these rough conditions. They prioritized the gravely wounded first, beginning immediate operations right there on the spot. Fortunately, due to their superhuman resilience, even though the bullets had pierced the enhanced defenses of their bodies, they hadn''t gone too deep. This made it easier for the doctor to extract the bullets and quickly move to the next patient. After each extraction, one of the STAU team members would administer a vial of blue liquid to the patient, accelerating recovery and helping prevent infection or other complications before they could take hold. Through their coordinated efforts, they managed to treat the dozen wounded warriors. Rakan and his subordinates watched in awe as the warriors who had been on the brink of death were now breathing steadily, their wounds healing at an incredible speed. At that moment, Rakan realized it had truly been Sparrow''s team who had saved him and his men from the deadly injuries that had almost claimed their lives. "What are you guys lounging around for? Get up and support the others!" Clyde, who had been quiet until now, suddenly got up and gave a playful kick to the foot of a wounded warrior. Rakan stared at Clyde, wide-eyed, thinking, ''This kid is even more ruthless than I am¡ªand I''m a mafia lord. Can''t he see they just barely escaped the Grim Reaper?'' But just as Rakan thought that, the warrior Clyde had kicked propped himself up with a playful wink, sticking his tongue out. "I thought I could fool you and sleep it off. The others can handle things on the battlefield," he said with a wry smile. In truth, the man had been hoping to avoid returning to the frontlines. He felt guilty for being caught off guard by the enemy, a victim of his own hesitation to harm or kill, driven by his lingering sense of morality. It almost cost him his life. If he hadn''t awakened as an ability user, that bullet might''ve taken him down instantly. Just the thought of it made the warriors who had been sent back feel embarrassed and guilty. They were afraid of pulling their comrades down with them again. So, after they healed up, they pretended to sleep, hoping to avoid drawing attention. But how could anyone sleep when gunfire was constantly echoing around their trucks? Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Some bullets even hit the sides, creating loud, jarring "clanks" as metal met metal, each sound a reminder of the chaos outside. Clyde could easily tell whether they were truly unconscious or just faking it. He was ruthless enough not to give them the time to stew in their guilt or hesitation¡ªhis focus was on the people outside who desperately needed support. The battle had already shown that, despite their newfound abilities, the warriors were still vulnerable to gunfire. Awakening didn''t make them invincible, and they were just as prone to death as before if they weren''t careful. With the opposing side bringing enough firepower to threaten them, they needed all the help they could get to take down the enemy. After Victor''s successful counterattack, his forces found new courage and determination. It was now all or nothing¡ªthere was no turning back after provoking the hornet''s nest. With renewed fighting spirit, Victor''s men reorganized their lines and launched a fierce counteroffensive, coordinating their fire to cover each other as they shot at Sparrow''s team. Fortunately for Sparrow''s side, they were equally well-armed, particularly the regular humans like Fred. Fred quickly took charge, leading his team to provide crucial support for the superhumans, ensuring that the line held strong and the counterattack was as coordinated as their enemies''. Fred took cover behind the truck, steadying his assault rifle with practiced ease. His sharp eyes locked onto a target, and with pinpoint precision, he squeezed the trigger. The shot rang out, and an enemy dropped instantly, a clean hit to the head. With each calculated peek, Fred''s training paid off, allowing him to take down one enemy at a time with unwavering accuracy. Fred peered cautiously from his cover, scanning the battlefield to pinpoint the next enemy. His eyes narrowed as he tracked a target within his sights. With practiced precision, he quickly reloaded his sniper rifle, then steadied his breath. Peeking through the scope, he exhaled slowly, his finger tightening on the trigger. The shot rang out, clean and silent, as his target fell. Bang! The man who had been hiding behind the wall, trying to sneak up on the superhuman at the front line, suddenly dropped to the ground, a clean bullet hole in his head. The superhuman, who had almost fallen into the ambush, whipped around and scanned the area, his gaze briefly landing on Fred''s position. But Fred had already ducked back into cover, taking a steadying breath. He knew he couldn''t afford to expose himself too often; one careless peek could make him a target for a stray bullet from an enemy sniper positioned elsewhere. Fred swiftly moved to a different position, carefully surveying the area for a new target. Once he identified one, he repeated his previous actions¡ªsteadying his breath, aiming through the scope, and taking the shot with precise focus. Bang! As Victor skillfully dodged Sparrow''s windblades, Sparrow leaped onto the roof, pausing for a brief moment to regain his bearings. Below, Victor scanned the area, searching for any sign of his elusive opponent, but no matter how hard he looked, he couldn''t seem to pinpoint Sparrow''s location. Meanwhile, Sparrow sneered from above, silently watching as Victor moved cautiously beneath him, clearly unaware of the danger lurking overhead. Knowing that Victor''s incredible instincts made him nearly impossible to take down with his windblades, Sparrow realized that continuing to target him would only drain his spiritual energy and expose his own position. With a scoff, he decided to change his approach. Riding the wind like a breeze, he seamlessly moved through the air, suddenly appearing behind Victor. Chapter 469 Sparrows Group Vs Victors Group 4 Victor, sensing a shift in the air, reacted instantly, ducking out of sheer instinct. The motion saved him from a fatal strike as Sparrow''s dagger only managed to graze the edge of Victor''s hair. Sparrow raised an eyebrow, momentarily perplexed. Despite his superior agility, Victor''s instincts were far more dangerous than he had anticipated. As Victor ducked and quickly spun around, he aimed to sweep his legs out from under Sparrow. However, Sparrow was already one step ahead. Noticing the movement, he quickly pivoted and delivered a precise knee strike. The positioning worked in his favor, allowing him to connect the blow just as Victor was mid-turn. Sparrow''s knee slammed into Victor''s face before he could fully complete his sweeping motion, sending a shockwave of impact through Victor''s face. Although Victor''s instincts were extraordinary, they couldn''t match Sparrow''s speed. The knee strike landed squarely on Victor''s face, shattering his nose with a sickening crunch. The force of the blow forced him to stagger back a few steps. Dazed and disoriented, Victor pressed his hand to his nose, feeling the warm trickle of blood seeping through his fingers, dripping down to his lips. The sharp sting of pain reverberated through his skull, and his vision blurred as his head throbbed. ''Fuck! I think my lip''s busted too!'' Victor thought, the realization making his anger flare. He glared at Sparrow with renewed ferocity, the sting of the attack fueling his rage. Grunting, he roughly wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes narrowing into a deadly, menacing glare as he locked onto Sparrow. The taste of blood only heightened his determination to turn the tide in his favor. Victor shifted his stance, sidestepping cautiously as he drew his dagger. He knew that trying to engage Sparrow with his assault rifle was pointless¡ªSparrow seemed to glide on the wind with every movement, too elusive for gunfire. So, Victor decided to close the distance and rely on his hand-to-hand combat skills, confident in his own strength and fighting prowess. What he didn''t realize, however, was that it was the worst decision he could have made. He never anticipated that his instincts, which had always kept him alive in the most dangerous situations, would fail him at this critical moment. As Victor took another cautious side step, Sparrow surged forward with a smirk, taunting him. But Victor could barely track Sparrow''s movements, let alone see his expression. In an instant, Sparrow turned into a blur, and before Victor even realized it, Sparrow''s dagger had already swung through the air. Victor stepped back instinctively, but Sparrow, anticipating his reaction, adjusted his position. With a swift, calculated motion, he swung his dagger again, this time slashing across Victor''s shoulder, cutting deep into his chest and down to his stomach. The wound was severe. Blood spilled freely as Victor staggered back, his hand instinctively reaching for his gut. His fingers met the warm, sticky blood, and to his horror, he felt the raw edge of the wound. His stomach had been torn open, and the pain hit him like a wave, his vision blurring as he struggled to maintain his balance. Victor glanced down in horror, seeing his intestines spilling from the gaping wound. His eyes widened, disbelief spreading across his pale face as dizziness overtook him. His vision blurred, and the world around him seemed to spin. He tried to focus on Sparrow, but his weakening body refused to cooperate. The blood loss was rapid, and with each passing second, he could feel the life draining from him. A cold, suffocating fear began to settle in¡ªhe was dying, and he couldn''t escape it. "No, I can''t die here," Victor gasped hoarsely, his breath ragged as he desperately tried to push his intestines back into his body, his hands trembling in panic. With a dull thud, he collapsed to his knees, his legs no longer able to support him. "No, no, no," he whispered weakly, a broken murmur as he fumbled in vain to seal the wound. The blood poured out relentlessly, and deep down, he knew the truth¡ªhis time was running out. The wound was too severe, and unless a miracle occurred, death was inevitable. Seeing Victor slowly succumbing to death brought no satisfaction to Sparrow. With a flicker of mercy, he stepped forward, his expression cold yet resolute. In one swift, decisive motion, Sparrow summoned a wind blade and cleanly severed Victor''s head, sending it spinning through the air. As Victor''s body collapsed, the last thing he saw was the world spinning around him, his severed head joining the motion, before everything went black. Victor didn''t even have the time to regret his choices before his life was abruptly cut short. Sparrow cast one final glance at Victor''s lifeless body before he grabbed the severed head and turned to rejoin the chaos of the battlefield. His forces and Victor''s continued to clash in the skirmish, the sounds of gunfire and combat still filling the air. Thud- With a powerful leap, Sparrow soared high into the air, using his whirlwind ability to carry him. He hurled Victor''s severed head into the heart of the battlefield, where it landed unnoticed at first, lost among the chaos of combat. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the fight raged on, the two forces were too consumed in their own struggles to pay attention. Then, like a ghost on the wind, Sparrow descended with slow, deliberate grace, making a dramatic entrance right in the midst of the fray. The sheer spectacle of his arrival caused both sides to momentarily falter, giving him the opening he needed. He landed in front of Victor''s head with a calculated ease, kicking it disdainfully toward the opposing enemy, his message clear in the motion. A collective gasp echoed through the enemy ranks as they finally saw what Sparrow had kicked toward them. Horror washed over their faces, their color drained, and a wave of trembling fear took hold. They looked back at Sparrow, and without him uttering a single word, the message was clear. Sparrow''s actions spoke louder than anything he could have said¡ªhe was offering them one final choice. It was now up to them: they could either choose to end up like Victor, or they could cherish the fragile lives they had left. The weight of the decision hung in the air, and the tension was palpable. In truth, Sparrow wasn''t offering them a choice¡ªhe was showing them their inevitable end. They had already drawn their weapons and set their sights on Sparrow''s team, and even if he let them go now, the lingering resentment would fester, eventually becoming a threat that could endanger his people. Sparrow had seen the ugly face of greed and mercilessness in this apocalyptic world far too many times, and each time it had only deepened his disappointment. He knew better than to gamble with his people''s lives. There was no room for mercy in a world that had already shown its true, ruthless nature. Before Victor''s remaining forces could even think of retreating, Sparrow signaled to his own team. In an instant, the air crackled with energy as his warriors conjured fireballs, windblades, and other powerful abilities, launching them toward the retreating enemy. Unlike before, when hesitation lingered in their hearts, there was no such uncertainty now. They understood the harsh truth¡ªthis was a "kill or be killed" world, and only those willing to fight with everything they had would survive. The jungle had its rules, and today, they would be the ones to enforce them. Chapter 470 Drastic Measure Soon after, Sparrow and his team emerged victorious; Victor''s forces were completely wiped out. Fred led a group to ensure that none of Victor''s men had survived and, if any were injured but still alive, to end their suffering swiftly. He also made sure to collect any usable weapons from the fallen, knowing they could be valuable for the base''s future defenses. Though most of them felt a heavy weight in their hearts, they gritted their teeth and pressed on. None of them had wanted to kill or be responsible for someone''s death, but they knew they had no choice. When cornered, they would fight back, no matter how difficult it felt. Seeing his men''s hearts in the right place, Sparrow nodded in satisfaction. He could see the resolve etched on their faces as they made their rounds. Their skirmish, along with the noise of the battle, had attracted a swarm of zombies from within Port City, now shambling toward them. Sparrow and the others had already taken down a few dozen, so Fred and his team quickened their pace back to the trucks. Once everyone was on board, Sparrow led them back onto the road, heading for home. Not long after Sparrow and his team left, the zombies swarmed the area, drawn to the bodies left behind. Their hungry, guttural growls and frenzied roars echoed across the landscape, reaching the shelter inside Port City. The sound filled the air with dread, and the people huddled inside the shelter trembled, crouching in corners and covering their ears. Those who had gone out earlier to scavenge for supplies hadn''t returned, heightening the group''s fear and helplessness. Sparrow and his team could still hear the distant, chilling noises of the zombies swarming the battleground they had just left behind. Some of the men glanced back over the edge of the truck, their gazes unreadable, hearts heavy with mixed emotions. Rakan observed the returning warriors, sensing the conflict within them. He could understand their turmoil¡ªvictory came at a cost, and the sight they left behind was haunting. The first kill was never easy; it lingered, unsettling, in the mind. But after that, the second kill often came easier. The real fear wasn''t in the first act of taking a life¡ªit was in the creeping numbness that followed, the risk of growing accustomed to it. Rakan understood that these ordinary people, now shaken, were wrestling with that very fear. They were afraid of what they might become, and that was why emotions ran high. Throughout the journey, everyone remained silent, speaking only when absolutely necessary. Rakan and his subordinates kept a low profile, not wanting to draw attention to themselves¡ªespecially since Sparrow''s intentions for him an his people were still unclear. Drawing unnecessary attention now might only complicate things for him and put them all in a difficult situation. So, he and his people kept a low profile, blending into the background as if they weren''t there. Clyde noticed their careful restraint but chose to stay silent, sensing that everyone needed space and quiet to process their emotions. Fortunately, aside from occasional stops to refuel, the journey was smooth, almost as if some higher power took pity on their troubled hearts. They arrived back at the shelter just before sunset, just in time when Vulture and the rest to finish up with the last trailer, securing it behind the newly constructed earth wall. Upon arriving, Sparrow and his team of five STAU members immediately began sorting the supplies they''d gathered. Instead of stacking the cargo trailers in their usual empty spot, they coordinated with Aston, taking the trailers directly to where Vulture and his crew were working. This streamlined the process, lightening Aston''s team''s workload and helping everyone get organized more efficiently. Instead of returning to rest, Vulture and his team continued working, with Kisha staying behind to assist them. She subtly replenished their spiritual energy and helped with their stamina recovery. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After several days of relentless labor on the wall project, they were just a little over halfway done. With only four days remaining before the mission''s deadline, Kisha couldn''t help but feel anxious and worried about completing the task in time. ''I guess I''ll have to take more drastic measures,'' Kisha thought, observing the five STAU members as they helped position the cargo trailers, saving the use of cranes and forklifts. Kisha and the others worked late into the night, the area growing darker with each passing hour. She only allowed them to stop when she could see that their mental endurance was reaching its limit. However, thanks to her discreet assistance in replenishing their spiritual energy and stamina to continue working nonstop, Vulture''s team¡ªhimself included¡ªhad experienced a significant boost in mental capacity. This improvement allowed them to use their awakened abilities more swiftly and with greater precision. They decided to view this as part of their training, understanding that the consistent use of their abilities and ongoing efforts were pushing them to reach their peak once again. This would set them up for another level-up, ultimately boosting their productivity. This was the only reason Kisha wasn''t overwhelmed despite the looming deadline. Not only was the wall expansion and wall defense enhancement mission approaching, but in just nine days, all of her chain missions would also come to a head. Though she felt the weight of it, she managed to keep her unease under control, carefully hiding her stress. "Aston, can you please gather the five STAU and have them meet me in the study?" Kisha radioed as she made her way back to the villa. By now, Aston and the five STAU had already returned inside the wall to eat and rest. Given that it was late into the night, Kisha expected the FIVE STAU to be fast asleep, likely preparing for an early departure the next day. "And also, call in Sparrow," she added. Kisha turned to face Vulture. "Before you rest, meet me in the study. We need to make some changes to the plan." Vulture didn''t ask any questions; he simply nodded and followed behind her. Just then, Tristan emerged from Villa #5. He was still covered in blood, his expression dark, and the lingering killing intent around him was reeking his body¡ªlikely from blowing off steam after tormenting the Coltons again. As he saw Kisha and Vulture, he quickly masked his emotions, adopting a gentle smile. "Good evening, Young Madam." Tristan bowed curtly, a gesture of respect. Kisha nodded in acknowledgment and waved him off. "Go ahead and continue with your tasks." Tristan returned a brief nod before heading home to shower and rest. He had another early day ahead, handling the various responsibilities around the base. As the secretary, it was his role to manage everything and assist both the City Lord and Vice City Lord with their duties. This was the reason Kisha and Duke could leave the base without concern¡ªTristan was in charge, effectively managing and coordinating with the other departments to maintain order within the walls. When Kisha and Vulture arrived at the study, only Sparrow was present. They waited a few moments for the five STAU members to arrive. Each one looked as though they had been pulled from their sleep, their faces tense and filled with unease while still in their sleeping wear. They were clearly nervous, likely fearing they had done something wrong to warrant being called in the middle of the night. Their stiff postures and the worry etched across their faces were unmistakable. Chapter 471 Drastic Measure 2 "I apologize for calling an emergency meeting at this hour," Kisha began, her voice sincere. "I know you''re all exhausted and were preparing to rest, especially you, Sparrow, and your team, since you''ll be leaving early tomorrow." She spoke with genuine concern, but her expression hinted at something more¡ªan expectation that everyone would soon find out. Her eyes seemed to suggest that there was more to this meeting than just a simple apology. The room fell silent, the tension rising as they all exchanged knowing looks. No one spoke up, but each of them gave Kisha a polite, encouraging smile, silently urging her to continue. Kisha nodded, her smile widening as she addressed the group. "As you can see, the wall''s construction is far from complete. At our current pace, it will take at least another week to finish. And considering the time needed for travel between City B and Port City, each trip takes more than a day for the back and forth." Kisha sighed, her expression serious. "But I don''t think we have the luxury of time. We can''t predict when another zombie raid like the last one might hit." "Our priority is to strengthen the wall''s defenses and, at the same time, expand our territory. Our numbers will only continue to grow, and we need to be ready for what comes next." Kisha''s expression grew more serious as she continued, "However, sending almost half of our offensive awakened ability users outside the base will significantly weaken our defenses here. So, tomorrow will be the last time you all head to Port City." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. The five STAU exchanged uneasy glances, their concern growing. One of them, unable to hold back, spoke up, "City Lord, there are still so many supplies left in Port City, especially in the Eastern warehouse. If we don''t retrieve them, they''ll just go to waste." Kisha''s eyes curved into a crescent, her lips curling into a satisfied smile as if she''d been waiting for exactly this response. "I''m glad you brought that up," she chuckled before shifting her gaze to the five STAU. "That''s exactly why I called you here. Right now, you''re all at level 1, which limits the amount of supplies you can store to just three cargo trailers each. And honestly, that''s still far too little for what we need." At Kisha''s remark, the five STAU exchanged bewildered glances, as if she had just sprouted three more heads. To them, the idea of having space to store up to three cargo trailers was already a remarkable luxury. They couldn''t fathom how they could possibly need more space, nor did they ever expect to be told that what they had was insufficient. Even they, already impressed with the vastness of their storage capacity, were taken aback by her comment. Until a few minutes later... "So, everyone, welcome to my territory space," Kisha said with a playful smile, glancing back at the five. They were all too stunned to respond, their eyes darting around the vast expanse of land, still bathed in the bright light of day. They rubbed their eyes repeatedly, unable to believe what they were seeing, thinking they might be hallucinating. It wasn''t until Kisha''s calm introduction that the reality of the situation began to sink in. After the initial shock, when they felt as though their souls had nearly left their bodies, the five finally understood why Kisha had called their storage space "small." In comparison to the vastness of her territory, their space truly seemed insignificant. However, if they were to learn that Kisha also had a separate inventory with unlimited capacity, they might just break down in disbelief and cry. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s smile twisted into something darker, a cold and calculating smirk. "Now that you know my secret, you have two choices," she said, her voice dripping with menace. "Either die right here... or take this." She opened her palm to reveal five Heart Gu Pills, each one gleaming like a black pearl, its sinister luster catching the light with an eerie glint. A cold shiver ran down the spines of the five as they realized the gravity of Kisha''s words. Though she offered them a choice, it was clear that the only real option was to follow her. Earlier, the five were stunned when a portal-like door suddenly materialized out of thin air. Before they could process what was happening, Sparrow and Vulture had already pushed them through, leaving them no time to react. To their shock, they found themselves in what seemed like an entirely separate world with its own distorted flow of time. Now, standing before Kisha, they were presented with a choice that felt more like a trap laid out for them. If they refused to follow her, it was clear that she wouldn''t hesitate to eliminate them. After all, their awakened abilities were no longer necessary to her¡ªshe had something far more powerful at her disposal. Fear clenched their throats as they realized the weight of their situation. With a collective gulp of panic, they took the Heart Gu Pills from Kisha''s hand and, without hesitation, swallowed them. Even Kisha was momentarily taken aback by their quick decision. Kisha raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharpening as she looked at them. "You didn''t even wait for me to finish speaking?" Her voice was laced with surprise and amusement. One of the bolder STAU members, trying to hide his nervousness, spoke up, though his words betrayed his uncertainty. "City Lord, we trust you. It''s not like you''re feeding us poison, right?" As soon as the words left his mouth, the change in Kisha''s expression was immediate. His face drained of color, and the weight of his words sank in. Panic surged through him as he choked on his own spit, his eyes widening in terror. "I-I-it wasn''t poison, right?" A tense silence fell over the group, and one by one, the others began to panic as well. They hadn''t fully thought through the implications of their actions, and now, the fear that Kisha might truly carry out her threat felt all too real. They all recalled the expansive farmland and the orchard they had seen earlier, the source of the fresh supplies they had been receiving might have come from here and they all realized this. If this secret of hers came to light, it would cause far more trouble than they could imagine. The weight of it pressed down on them all, and the gravity of their situation made their anxiety spike even higher. After Kisha composed herself, she smiled brightly. "Of course, it wasn''t a poison." She then saw them relax but she continued. "But it was something worse than poison." Her bright smile now looked more like something out of a horror thriller smile and they all felt a cold sweat dreched their clothes. Kisha then explained to them what the pill they took and what it does to the body, the longer Kisha spoke the paler the five''s faces became and someone even passed out of fear, the other one had his eyes rolled back and was about to collapse only to be caught but Vulture. "Don''t worry, we also took it." Vulture tried to reassure the guy but his words only scared him even more, making him pass out completely. Chapter 472 Zeus, Hurt Only one person managed to stay awake, but Vulture and Sparrow couldn''t get through to him as he started mumbling to himself in fear. Kisha awkwardly scratched the tip of her nose, realizing that her intention had been to scare them just a little¡ªnot to scare them silly. But what''s done is done. Kisha, along with Sparrow and Vulture, rested for a while inside the territory. The two of them took a short nap before deciding to train, eager to prepare for their second level-up. Kisha had already set a clear timeframe for them to follow, and they needed to grow stronger to make their work easier. She allowed them the freedom to find their own spaces within the territory and gave them unrestricted access to the Scarlet Honey and Crystal Core until they reached level 2. While waiting for four STAU to wake up and the other one to get better, Kisha turned her focus to Zeus, giving it the same amount of Crystal Core as she had to Bell. Meanwhile, Bell was sent to find Duke and assess his condition again. Like the wall''s deadline, Duke''s mission only had four days left starting tomorrow. Kisha could only hope he''d make it, but more than that, she was worried about his safety. Deep down, she still feared for his life, and that anxiety kept her from resting easy. Not knowing his condition weighed on her, so to ease her mind, she entrusted Bell with the task of checking on him and offering whatever support it could. At least now, the base was stable and didn''t require Bell to remain on constant alert. Additionally, with numerous Scarlet Bees stationed along the walls, even if Bell had to leave, her commands would be acknowledged and followed by the bees, ensuring that the base remained secure in her absence. The moment Kisha placed 630 crystal cores in front of Zeus, he devoured them as if it were a bowl of dog food. He didn''t even bother to chew; with each bite, he swallowed mouthfuls of crystal cores, causing Kisha to choke up in worry. Zeus wasn''t like Bell, who had a special constitution to handle such massive amounts of spiritual energy. She quickly reached out, holding onto Zeus''s head, watching nervously as he consumed the crystals like he''d been starved. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha struggled with Zeus, who had already devoured nearly half of the crystal cores in just two bites. "Ugh! I forgot this one''s a complete glutton," Kisha muttered as she tried to hold him back. Zeus, however, was fixated on the remaining crystal cores, determined to break free from her grip to get to them. "Master, delicious! Zeus eat!" Zeus whined, wriggling in Kisha''s grip, desperate to reach the crystal cores. "No! Sit down for a bit!" Kisha commanded firmly. Just as the words left her mouth, Zeus''s body began to glow, signaling his sudden level-up to level 2. But before Kisha could even process it, another burst of light radiated from him, hinting at yet another level up. "Great..." she sighed, her heart racing with worry. She quickly stored the remaining crystal cores back in her inventory, fearing that if Zeus ate any more, he might actually explode. "Arf! Master, tummy hurts! Head hurts! Zeus dying!" Zeus whimpered in a pained, frantic tone, curling up and whining non-stop. Kisha''s heart raced as panic set in¡ªZeus was clearly suffering from the side effects of consuming too many crystal cores too quickly. He''d leveled up without having a chance to properly consolidate his strength, leading to this painful backlash. Zeus was lucky his head hadn''t exploded immediately. Kisha sat down beside him, focusing intently as she attempted to sense the erratic flow of his spiritual energy. Gently, she channeled her own energy into his veins, guiding his turbulent energy along a stable path, like a breeze supporting a paper plane, helping it reach its destination. But Zeus resisted her efforts, his own energy forcefully blocking her aid, causing her guiding energy to rebound. "Zeus is a good boy, right? Let Master help you. Just follow my energy, and the pain will stop," Kisha coaxed softly, gently stroking his head. "Master... it hurts..." Zeus whimpered, pressing his head into her hand. "I know. I''ll help make it go away," Kisha murmured, steadying herself as she sent another wave of spiritual energy into his veins. This time, Zeus''s energy didn''t reject hers completely; though it occasionally resisted, it allowed her to help guide its flow. Gradually, Kisha was able to ease his turbulent energy, offering him some relief. "Good boy, just like that," Kisha murmured, her eyes closed in concentration. Kisha could feel the chaotic flow of Zeus''s spiritual energy¡ªit was all over the place, wild and unstable. Zeus was now at level 3, one level higher than her, making the task of guiding his spiritual energy even more challenging. As Kisha channeled her spiritual energy, she could feel it becoming increasingly turbulent, creating restless waves within her. Her mana stirred alongside it, but thankfully, it didn''t seize the opportunity to cause havoc within her system as her spiritual energy remained focused on guiding Zeus. Beads of sweat began forming on her forehead, her eyelashes fluttering as she concentrated, her face glistening under the strain. Yet, she kept her eyes closed, fully absorbed in the delicate task at hand. While Kisha focused on helping Zeus, the four STAU members slowly began to stir from their slumber. Disoriented at first, they blinked and took in their unfamiliar surroundings, struggling to recall how they had ended up in this strange place. One of them continued to mumble to himself, lost in thought. As memories of the events from just hours before came flooding back, their faces turned pale with worry. They searched for any sign of Sparrow and Vulture, but both were nowhere to be found. Kisha, too, was absent. Concern mounting, they had no choice but to begin looking around, dragging along the one who was still mentally adrift. "Where are they?" one of them asked, scanning the vast expanse of land before them. "Shit! This really is a farmland," another exclaimed, his eyes widening as he took in the abundance of crops planted all around. "And look at these¡ªthese are the same crops we buy from the Supply Center! They look huge and fresh!" "So, are you suggesting that the City Lord and the other leaders were lying when they claimed that those supplies came from the Coltons'' seized stock?" one of them asked, a hint of disbelief in their voice. They weren''t fully rejecting the idea, though. After all, even though they had just been threatened, they couldn''t ignore the undeniable truth of what Kisha had done for the base. She had stabilized their lives and restored a sense of peace and normalcy, despite the constant threat of zombies and ongoing battles. Not only did they have plenty of food, but they also had a safe haven to call home. That alone set them apart from the other survivors they had encountered from outside, particularly the ones from Port City, who clearly hadn''t been so fortunate. "Now that you mention it, didn''t Captain Sparrow and Captain Vulture say they had taken it too?" one of them pointed out, trying to focus on the silver lining. "And look at them¡ªthey''re fine. As long as we take the antidote before the two weeks are up, we should be okay." Despite his attempt to sound hopeful, his voice trembled, a clear sign that the thought of the pain they''d endure when the demonic insect stirred in their hearts still haunted him. Chapter 473 Their Conclusion "But if we consider it from a different perspective, I think I can understand why the City Lord had to be so cautious," the one walking at the back suddenly said. His words made the others turn to look at him, and realizing he had their attention, he hesitated for a moment before continuing to explain his thoughts. "Just look around," he said, gesturing to their surroundings. "She has an abundance of supplies here." He paused, letting the others absorb his words, before continuing, "And have you noticed the smell in the air? That stench¡ªlike a pigsty. It means, aside from growing crops, they''re also raising livestock here. And, by the way, there are more than 5,000 people in our base right now." "With this many people, keeping up with the demand would be a challenge. Even though the farmland is vast, each crop requires a lot of time to mature¡ªat least a month for the quickest harvest, and others take even longer." "Given that timeline, the fresh produce at the Supply Center will run out quickly, and they''d have to wait several weeks before the next batch is ready." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "But have you noticed something strange? The supplies never seem to run low. Every day, there''s a consistent supply of fresh crops in the Supply Center, along with fresh meat. I used to work as a butcher, so I can tell the difference between frozen meat and fresh meat." "At first, I didn''t say anything because I couldn''t wrap my head around it, even after awakening my space-type ability like you guys. But no matter how I look at it, I still can''t understand where she''s getting all of this." "And let''s be honest, humans are naturally greedy¡ªso even if the City Lord and the others were truly using the supplies seized from the Coltons, there should still be a limit to how much they can distribute. Yet, somehow, we''re eating well every day, just like we are now." "So, in conclusion," he began, his voice steady, "even though the City Lord made us take the Heart Gu Pill, it was really just to ensure our loyalty remains unwavering and prevent our greed from taking over, especially with all this abundant supply in front of us." He exhaled deeply, as if a weight had been lifted from his chest. A smile slowly spread across his face, his mind finally clear. "Why didn''t you say that earlier?" the man at the front asked, his voice tinged with exasperation. "You looked so terrified that I actually started to feel scared myself, especially when you suddenly fainted." The one who had been elaborating his thoughts choked on his own spit, embarrassment flooding his face. "What was I supposed to do?!" he retorted, his voice rising in frustration. "My mind just went blank¡ªimagining what those demonic insects might do to me terrified me so much that I couldn''t think straight!" He adjusted his expression, a mix of embarrassment and helplessness now clearly visible on his face. "Alright, let''s not dwell on this anymore," the one in the middle said, trying to calm the others down. "We''ve all taken the Heart Gu Pill, and what he said really does make sense. We''ve been living so comfortably that we overlooked things we might have thought were minor. But if we''d paid a little more attention, it would have been clear." "It''s not that the City Lord was hiding things out of greed¡ªit''s more about maintaining stability, both in our resources and in our mindset, and preventing envy and greed from stirring up trouble." The others nodded in agreement, feeling slightly more at ease as they reflected on their situation. By sharing their thoughts and analyzing the events since Kisha took charge, they began to understand things more clearly and stopped feeling so fearful. After a bit more discussion, they all reached a unanimous decision: they would follow Kisha''s arrangements, no matter what. After all, they were support-type awakened ability users, unable to defend themselves in the outside world, relying entirely on the base''s protection. Realizing they couldn''t afford to turn against the hands that fed them, they began to look at their situation with a much clearer perspective. Their minds now less clouded, they focused on their surroundings with renewed attention. They even slapped the man who had been muttering to himself a few times to snap him back to reality. Once he regained his senses, they explained their conclusions, which helped him calm down and see things more clearly. Only when they were all settled did they resume their search for Kisha and the others. Along the way, they explored the area, taking in the orchard, livestock farm, and vast farmland. As they approached the mountain, they saw Kisha sitting quietly in a flower field, surrounded by large Scarlet Bees buzzing around, each one dipping its head into the flowers before flying off again. The bees seemed completely unfazed by Kisha''s presence, as if she didn''t exist at all. The five of them were taken aback, their scalps tingling at the sight of the massive bees that could easily sting them to death. However, noticing that the bees weren''t attacking Kisha and seemed to be living well in her personal space, they deduced that the creatures might be her pets or under her control. Even so, they cautiously made their way toward Kisha, sidestepping slowly while keeping a wary eye on the bees, fearful that one might suddenly turn on them. It took them quite some time to reach Kisha, and as one of the STAU members reached out to tap her shoulder to announce their presence, another quickly grabbed his wrist, stopping him. The team member could tell that Kisha wasn''t sleeping, but meditating. Her posture and the stillness around her suggested she was deeply focused, perhaps channeling her energy. Disturbing her now might disrupt her concentration or the flow of energy. With a quiet nod, he motioned for his comrade to refrain from touching her, respecting the moment of calm Kisha was in. After being stopped, the man who had reached out to touch Kisha paused, his eyes now taking in her calm, meditative state. Only then did he realize the mistake he almost made. Not wanting to disturb her any further, they all quietly settled around her, choosing spots where they could meditate in silence. Given that they had just recently leveled up, they knew they needed to stabilize their spiritual energy and solidify their foundation. Each of them took out a bottle of Scarlet Honey, but as they watched the large scarlet bees buzzing in the distance, their eyes widened in realization. They recalled hearing the honey referred to as "Scarlet Honey" when it was first distributed, and now, seeing the deep scarlet-colored bees buzzing around in the distance, the connection became clear. The honey they had been using actually came from Kisha''s territory. This realization opened their eyes to something even more significant: Kisha''s land wasn''t just home to crops, but also to rare treasures that many would covet. The Scarlet Honey itself was proof of this¡ªit had incredible effects on the body, and anyone who had used it could attest to its benefits. If others were to learn where it came from, there was no doubt they would start to desire it, perhaps even take action to claim it for themselves. Chapter 474 Zeuss And The Five STAUs Level Up Now that they were inside Kisha''s territory, they began to notice many things that hadn''t clicked before. They realized just how much Kisha and the other leaders had been silently helping every one of them. This newfound awareness made them feel even more indebted to Kisha and the others, motivating them to take their training more seriously. When Kisha finished helping Zeus, she noticed the five of them training on their own, without any prompting from her. Their faces showed a look of resolve and determination as they sat with their eyes closed in focused concentration. Kisha raised an eyebrow but didn''t say anything. Meanwhile, Zeus, having exhausted himself to stabilize his spiritual energy, was finally resting peacefully, free from the pain that had been tormenting him. Seeing the five STAU members training on their own without her needing to prompt them, Kisha felt reassured. Quietly, she placed additional crystal cores in front of each of them, then activated her ''Eye of Truth'' to monitor their progress. With her enhanced mental capacity, she could now train herself while using part of her consciousness to observe them¡ªa valuable exercise in control. This dual focus would strengthen her ability to manage multiple tasks with precision, an essential skill for manipulating various items efficiently. Everyone became absorbed in their own training, with only the distant hum of buzzing and their steady breathing filling the air. Hours later, the five STAU members opened their eyes, each exhaling a deep, concentrated breath that radiated with strong spiritual energy¡ªa sign they''d reached a bottleneck and were ready for the next level. Their bottles of Scarlet Honey were now emptied, and, at that moment, Kisha opened her eyes as well. "Good," Kisha said, nodding in approval as she looked over each of them. "It seems you''re all ready to break through to level 2." She paused, then added with a thoughtful smile, "But before you do, why not practice control and precision with your space abilities first? Test your strength and refine your energy. With all the Scarlet Honey you''ve been using, stabilizing your spiritual energy will help your body adjust before the final step to level 2." Without questioning her reasoning, the five STAU stood up, scanning their surroundings for objects they could use to practice storing and retrieving from their space. They searched for anything substantial, but all they found were open land, trees, and a few large boulders. Observing their need for larger items, Kisha walked over and, with a wave, summoned a set of trucks from her own inventory. The five STAU members looked on, astonished, as five fuel tanks materialized before them. They all sprang to their feet, turning to Kisha with wide-eyed disbelief, their faces clearly asking, ''Was that you? Did you just do that?'' Kisha, however, remained calm and unfazed, simply watching their reactions with a hint of amusement. "City Lord, y-you... you..." one of them stammered, at a loss for words. They didn''t need to say more; it was clear to all of them where those trucks had come from. A new realization struck them: the City Lord held far more secrets than they had imagined. Suddenly, her previous warnings made perfect sense. They couldn''t help feeling a touch of defeat, recognizing that while they had taken pride in their storage capacities¡ªalmost to the point of arrogance, thinking they controlled the base''s lifeline¡ªKisha had silently been carrying even more. In that moment, they understood just how much she was safeguarding, and it humbled them deeply. Their pride felt punctured, as if the thing they once held in such high regard had suddenly been diminished. None of them dared to wonder just how vast Kisha''s storage space truly was¡ªthey sensed that doing so would completely deflate their remaining confidence. Determined to stay focused, they set their thoughts aside and threw themselves into their training, silently waiting for Kisha''s next instructions. Kisha hadn''t intended to undermine their confidence; instead, her goal was to empower them. Now that they had taken the Heart Gu Pill, she felt it was time to reveal more of her own capabilities, knowing their loyalty was bound and their cooperation could be invaluable. Enhancing the capacity of their spatial abilities was now her top priority, as this would make them even more effective allies in the future. As the others focused on their training, Kisha found herself with little to do. So, she turned her attention to Zeus, peering into its status window to assess its strength after its recent level-up. She was curious to see how much it had grown. ... [Tibetan Mastiff: Zeus (Unique Grade)] Level 3 (Exp: 0/5000) Strength: 245 (+216) Stamina: 245 (+216) Defense: 245(+212) Agility: 245 (+207) Mental Capacity: 245 (+230) Charm: 245 (+236) Leadership: 245 (+235) Skills: Armor Skin Level 1, Sonic Wave Level 0, Stun Level 1 Description: A mutant animal from Earth a lower realm, it survived the mutation unscathed, breaking free from the virus''s control. Unlike corrupted mutants, its temperament and memories remained intact, retaining its intelligence and gaining formidable strength. ... S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''Hooo....'' Kisha raised an eyebrow as she studied Zeus'' status window. Its stats were only slightly behind Bell''s, which was impressive considering it was a Unique-grade creature¡ªtwo grades lower than Bell''s. In fact, Zeus'' base stat increases were remarkably high, almost on par with Duke''s, making it clear just how strong it had become. Kisha rested her chin on her palm as she stared at Zeus, contemplating. ''I guess Zeus could be considered a genius among animals,'' she thought. It was a good thing she''d been adding Scarlet Honey to Zeus'' food from the start. While the honey was particularly ineffective for Bell, it had clearly benefited Zeus as well, enhancing its growth and helping it reach such impressive stats. Kisha smiled softly, pleased with the results. Satisfied with what she''d seen, Kisha returned to her own training, patiently waiting for the five STAU to finish theirs and reach their next level. It wasn''t long before they all felt their spiritual energies stabilize. One by one, they began consuming the crystal cores Kisha had prepared for them. As the energy surged within them, their bodies began to glow, and a collective hum of comfort escaped their lips. The sensation of energy flowing through their veins was exhilarating, and once the process was complete, they immediately began assessing the extent of the growth of their spatial abilities. "My space has expanded by another 100 cubic meters! That brings the total to 300 cubic meters!" one of them exclaimed, awestruck by the newfound vastness of his own space. "Exactly! With this, we could store up to five cargo trailers!" another chimed in, excitement evident as he mentally calculated just how much they could now store. "If we place one cargo trailer horizontally among the four, we can actually fit five¡ªno, wait, we could fit seven! When our space was only 200 cubic meters, we managed to fit three trailers, plus some extra supplies from the warehouse. But now, with an extra 100 cubic meters, we can fit two more, and there''s still room at the back! Plus, since our space is a large, evenly sized square, we can even stack more on top of the trailers!" Chapter 475 Sparrow And Vulture Reaching Level 2 "Wait, now that you mention it, we could have stacked the trailers earlier instead of just adding more supplies..." "But with this extra space, we could actually fit more than seven! It''s not far-fetched to think that we could fit ten cargo trailers in here. By the time we get back, we could have fifty trailers'' worth of supplies, and the cargo trailers would be enough to build the wall! Don''t you think?" "Ugh! Honestly, I''m glad none of us are engineers or anything related to math¡ªwe really suck at calculations! We could have fit so much more before, but we were too focused on just adding more supplies instead of thinking about the cargo trailers. Now that the City Lord mentioned this is our last trip to Port City, it''s only now that my brain is finally starting to work a little better." One of them grumbled, frustrated by the missed opportunity. "It''s no use crying over spilled milk," Kisha said, her voice calm as she approached them from behind. "But with that many cargo trailers, we can definitely finish the wall construction and expansion. The real problem now is how we''re going to complete it in the next two days, after you all return." She paused, acknowledging the challenge ahead. "Fifty cargo trailers is a lot to manage with such a tight deadline." But fifty cargo trailers were more than enough to cover the expansion, and even Kisha hadn''t anticipated that the five STAU would each have 300 cubic meters of space. For space-type ability users, that was already incredibly impressive. If she didn''t have her system, these five would have been considered treasures in their own right. The thought made her smile even wider, feeling a sense of pride in how far they had come. Kisha fell into deep thought, her brow furrowing as she sighed heavily. "I suppose we have no choice but to repurpose the cargo trailers we''re currently using as walls," she said, her tone resolute. "We''ll need to adjust them to align with the outer walls we''re building and temporarily use a different material for the rest of the current wall. We''ll also have to increase security around the area." The others instinctively sucked in a sharp breath, a wave of apprehension sweeping over them at the thought of such a drastic change. If they followed Kisha''s suggestion, it would leave their base exposed, especially if another zombie raid occurred unexpectedly. As if reading their thoughts, Kisha continued, "I understand your concerns, but we have no choice. We''ll need to bolster the guards around the area. And although I can''t prove it, I have a strong feeling that we must complete all preparations in the next few days. If we don''t, we''ll be in an even more vulnerable position." Kisha hesitated but felt compelled to say more than she normally would, the weight of the situation pressing on her. Kisha understood their fears well. If they moved the current wall without completing the outer layer, they would be leaving their defenses exposed, making them vulnerable to zombie attacks. She could see the concern in their eyes, but she also knew that if she didn''t complete this one mission, everything else would start to fall apart. It was all part of a chain mission, and if she faltered now, the entire mission could collapse. And it only means death. "Young Madam, allow me to lead my people and double our efforts to continue building the outer wall. We still need to move the current wall to align it with the new one we''re constructing, so we might as well get it done sooner rather than later." "My team is growing stronger with each passing day as they continue to train and hone their awakened abilities. In a few days, they''ll be ready for another level up, and by then, we should be able to complete the wall''s construction," Vulture said, stepping out from within the mountain forest with Sparrow by his side. Both had reached level 2, and Kisha couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow as she observed them. They now exuded a newfound confidence and strength, far more than before. ... [Code name: Vulture] Level 2 (EXP. 0/1000) Strength: 110 (+85) Stamina: 110 (+83) Defense: 110(+77) Agility: 110 (+90) Mental Capacity: 110 (+87) Charm: 110 (+100) Leadership: 1110 (+97) Title: None Skills: Earth Spike level 1, Earth Manipulation level 2 Talent: Strong Defence Gift: Affinity with Earth Ability: Earth ... [Code name: Sparrow] Level 2 (EXP. 0/1000) Strength: 115 (+92) Stamina: 115 (+85) Defense: 115 (+94) Agility: 115 (+81) Mental Capacity: 115 (+91) Charm: 115 (+103) Leadership: 115 (+103) Title: None Skills: Whirlwind Level 2, Windblade Level 2, Perception Level 1, Wind Boomerang Level 1 Talent: Scouting Gift: Hawk eyesight Ability: Wind ... These two were the first to reach level 1, but they had been too occupied with their responsibilities to take the time to level up. Now that they finally had, Kisha was surprised by how much they had grown, especially with the help of the Scarlet Honey. What caught her attention the most was Sparrow¡ªhis base stats were now nearly on par with hers, which was both impressive and a little intimidating to witness. Kisha nodded in agreement with Vulture''s suggestion, as it aligned perfectly with her own plans. Since he was stepping up, she would do her best to support him and his team. She made a mental note to stay by their side and provide more vials of black liquid and stamina boosters as needed. Her passive skill, "Healing Dome", would be a great help, but she also now had the active skill "One Body," which she''d been using on them for some time. This ability enhanced their team''s synergy and boosted their overall power by 50%, making them more effective. It worked seamlessly with the increase of effectiveness in their awakened abilities, which was why the earth wall was becoming sturdier and they were completing their tasks faster than before. "I think it is really doable," Kisha said, with her high spiritual energy she could keep on using her active skill to accommodate and help Vulture and his team with the construction. "Alright! Since we''re done here, let''s head out and get to work!" Kisha announced with a wave of her hand, causing a portal to appear in front of them¡ªjust like the one they had used to enter. The five STAU couldn''t help but marvel at the sight, still amazed by the novelty of it. As they stepped out of Kisha''s territory and into the open, the first light of dawn was beginning to break from the east, casting a faint glow on the horizon. The large part of the sky was still dark, which puzzled the STAU. They had spent more than ten hours inside Kisha''s territory¡ªalmost an entire day¡ªand yet the time outside seemed to have barely passed. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Realization dawned on them as they exchanged confused looks, and all of them turned to Kisha, silently questioning her. Kisha noticed their puzzled expressions and smiled knowingly. "I see what''s bothering you," she said, understanding their confusion. "The flow of time inside my space is ten times faster than outside," Kisha explained with a casual shrug. Chapter 476 A Gift From Sparrow "But don''t worry¡ªyou''ve still got a few hours to catch a quick nap before we head to Port City." Sparrow shook his head, his tone resolute. "No, Young Madam. It''s best for my team and me to leave immediately. We need to get back as soon as possible so Vulture''s team can stay on schedule with the wall''s construction¡ªand we''ll be there to help guard the area in the meantime once we are back." He paused, his gaze steady. "I''ve calculated the timing carefully. I''m confident we''ll make it back faster this time." Kisha didn''t try to argue with Sparrow further; she simply nodded in agreement. But Sparrow wasn''t finished yet. He looked at her with a proud, mischievous smile and added, "Oh, and Young Madam, I actually got you a gift. I wanted you to check it out right away, but we were so busy last night." His tone was both mysterious and playful, sparking Kisha''s curiosity. Soon, the group of eight emerged from the villa. The five STAU members quickly called in their team to prepare for an early departure, while Sparrow and Vulture walked on either side of Kisha, ready to unveil the gift Sparrow had mentioned. Before long, they were standing in the former Colton''s hidden base, where they are currently being imprisoned. Sparrow led Kisha down into the underground dungeon, but this time, the atmosphere was quiet¡ªno torture, only watchful silence. As they passed, the guards bowed deeply to Kisha, respect and awe evident in their eyes, especially in the gaze of the young man with white hair whom she had saved before. Kisha paused and looked at the young man. "How are you feeling? Have you fully recovered? Don''t push yourself too hard," she said gently. Seeing him reminded her of Keith¡ªthey were the same age, yet this young man had already faced death''s door and witnessed the darkest sides of human nature. The thought softened her heart, filling her with a quiet compassion for everything he''d endured. The young man was visibly surprised¡ªand deeply elated¡ªthat Kisha remembered him. He nodded eagerly, his eyes bright with gratitude. He''d never imagined she would recall him, but the joy of being acknowledged was mixed with a hint of embarrassment. She had seen him at his lowest, in one of his most shameful moments, which tempered his enthusiasm slightly. "I''m happy that you still remember me, and I haven''t even thanked you properly for saving my life back then," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I''m doing much better now, and I''m stronger than before. I only hope I can awaken an ability someday¡ªto be of real help to you." Kisha shook her head with a gentle, almost doting smile as she patted his shoulder. "Don''t put too much pressure on yourself," she reminded him warmly. "With or without an awakened ability, you have great potential. Just stay focused on your goals and don''t rush things." The young man straightened, nodding earnestly, reassured by her words. Kisha gave him one last encouraging smile before she and the others continued down into the dungeon. The stench in the dungeon was even worse than before¡ªa suffocating mix of feces, blood, and urine, each smell overpowering the other. Even Sparrow and Vulture, hardened by their time handling the decaying stench of zombies, struggled to keep their composure, nearly retching several times. Kisha''s brow twitched in reaction, though she managed to hold steady. They pressed forward until Sparrow finally stopped in front of one of the cells. Inside the cell were the seven men Sparrow had captured from Port City¡ªRakan and his people. They looked far worse for wear, pitifully mistreated and exhausted. The night spent in the dungeon had taken its toll, and the overpowering stench had left them too nauseated to eat anything. Kisha scanned the dungeon, her eyes lingering on the once-mighty Coltons. It had been some time since she''d last been here. Her gaze met Alex''s¡ªthe Young Master of the Coltons. Unlike the last time she''d seen him, he had visibly shrunk. His face was gaunt, dark circles beneath his eyes, and lashed wounds marred his skin. His eyes seemed to bulge, hollow and vacant, as though they might pop out of their sockets at any moment. He was nothing but skin and bones, and though the Coltons'' downfall had occurred only recently, he appeared to have aged decades. His once-arrogant gaze had been replaced by a vacant stare, his lips mumbling incoherently. The others around him fared no better. Even the once-fat former Minister of Defense had lost so much weight that Kisha barely recognized him, had it not been for her ''Eye of Truth,'' which displayed his name. Kisha averted her gaze, a cold resolve settling in her chest. She didn''t feel pity for them; after all, they had destroyed too many lives to deserve any compassion. Her eyes then shifted to the seven men in the solitary cell, settling on the middle-aged man who seemed to be their leader. "Is this the gift you mentioned?" Kisha asked Sparrow, her gaze never wavering from the elderly man. Rakan slowly lifted his head, his eyes locking on hers. Upon seeing the young, beautiful woman who seemed so out of place in the grim surroundings, he was momentarily struck. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But as he met her piercing, cold gaze, a shiver ran down his spine¡ªhe quickly realized she was no ordinary woman. "Didn''t Young Madam say you''d be the one to judge anyone we wanted to recruit?" Sparrow asked with a proud smile, as though he were presenting a prized possession to Kisha, eagerly awaiting her verdict. Kisha, in turn, gave a small, approving smile, clearly intrigued by his gift offering. ... [Rakan] Level 0 Morality: Neutral Strength: 20 Stamina: 27 Defense: 21 Agility: 19 Mental Capacity: 20 Charm: 20 Leadership: 20 Title: None Skills: None Talent: King Of The Jungle Gift: The Animal Kingdom Codex Ability: None ... Rakan''s stats were impressive, particularly his well-balanced attributes. What piqued Kisha''s curiosity, however, were his "Gift" and "Talent"¡ªabilities she had never encountered before. They sounded both intimidating and potentially useful, though their exact functions remained a mystery. More importantly, Rakan wasn''t inherently good or bad, which suggested that with the right approach, they could find common ground and work together effectively. "How did you find these people?" Kisha asked Sparrow, her tone curious. "They tried to steal from me," Sparrow replied with a grin. "I gave them a little lesson, and when we met again they crawled back to me, barely clinging to life. Following in my master''s footsteps, I figured I should show some magnanimity, just like you, and bring back a little talent." He finished with a pleased smile, rubbing his palms together. Vulture, who had been watching quietly, shot Sparrow a sidelong glance, his brow twitching. "Since when did you become such a sycophant and learn how to kiss ass?" he whispered to Sparrow. Before Vulture could react, Sparrow elbowed him sharply in the stomach, catching him off guard. The blow was unrestrained, and Vulture, surprised, accidentally bit his tongue, wincing as the pain shot through him. Sparrow didn''t even spare Vulture another glance, instead shooting him a look that clearly said, ''Serves you right!'' He then turned back to Kisha, focusing on her as he began to recount the events that had caused their delay the previous night. Chapter 477 Arent You Scared? Kisha glanced at Sparrow with a mix of amusement and pity. "Sparrow, don''t you think you''re a bit... unlucky? Vulture''s team is moving along just fine, but wherever you go, it seems like misfortune follows you." She couldn''t help but smile inwardly, recalling some of the stories he had shared with them in the past. They had been undeniably amusing, though she wisely kept her laughter to herself, not wanting to hurt his feelings. Sparrow had already noticed this himself. It wasn''t that he was always this unlucky, but the constant mishaps seemed to follow him. His eyes flicked toward Vulture, who was quietly snickering at his expense. Unable to resist, Sparrow gave him a swift kick in the backside, causing Vulture to stumble forward with a frown. "It feels like all my luck was drained by my former team members," Sparrow muttered, shooting a disdainful glance at Vulture, who was still snickering. He placed all the blame squarely on him, but soon let the matter go, refocusing his attention back on Rakan. "So, Young Madam, what do you think of my gift?" he asked, his tone turning more serious. "Trouble may always follow you, but it seems you''ve also managed to attract a fair share of fortuitous encounters and talented individuals," Kisha remarked, a genuine smile on her face. She was truly satisfied with the gift she had received, but now, the real challenge was figuring out how to put it to good use. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Host," 008''s voice cut in, childish yet eerily cold, "Why waste time thinking when you could simply shove the Heart Gu Pill down their throats?" "Are you suggesting everyone should take the Heart Gu Pill now?" Kisha replied, her tone laced with skepticism. Although Rakan and his subordinates were now aware of the awakened abilities and the vial of blue liquid, that wasn''t sufficient reason to immediately use the Heart Gu Pill on them. After all, the knowledge they possessed would eventually spread to the outside world. With the Gachapon draw and mission rewards, it wasn''t far-fetched for her to eventually get her hands on the recipes for both the vials of blue and black liquid, just as she had in store with the stamina booster recipe from one of the previous missions. ''Forget it. We''ll let them join the base for now, but if they try anything funny, we''ll have more than enough ways to deal with them.'' Kisha thought. "Let them join the base, but they''ll have to work harder than the others," Kisha said, her lips curling into a devilish smirk. "Not only are they newcomers, but we don''t fully know their true nature or what they''re capable of." Vulture and Sparrow exchanged knowing glances, both aware that Kisha already had a plan for Rakan and his group. With that, they complied and released the seven prisoners, and soon, the group emerged from the dungeon. This time, Rakan and his subordinates remained silent, not uttering a word as they made their way out of the dungeon. "Why are you letting us go?" Rakan asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. "Aren''t you worried we''ll betray you and take over this base? After all, we''re former mafia¡ªwe''re used to seizing territory and taking control." He couldn''t help but notice the stark contrast between this base and the shelter he''d once built, sensing a whole different atmosphere here. Kisha snorted dismissively without even glancing at them as she started walking. "Go ahead, try it if you want," she said coldly. "But I''ll make sure you regret every second of it. No need to say much¡ªyou''ve already seen how those who have tried me ended up in the dungeon, haven''t you?" Luckily, Sparrow had been clever enough to place Rakan and his subordinates in the underground dungeon from the start. Forced to witness the grim fate of those imprisoned there, those who are there quickly realized the bleak reality¡ªwhere life was a slow torment, and death was a distant wish. Rakan and the others fell silent, the weight of what they had witnessed pressing down on them. They had seen firsthand the horrific fate of those in the cells, and though they couldn''t tell if it was meant to intimidate them or not, the guards'' rounds only deepened their unease. As they listened to the guards speak, they overheard chilling details about the prisoners'' past¡ªhow they had once been the apex predators of the base, only to be brought down by the City Lord and her people. Now, their lives were nothing more than a grim existence in hellish conditions, a fate they could scarcely imagine if they were put in the same position. Though Rakan and his men were tough, battle-hardened individuals who had seen the darkest sides of the world, their survival instincts ran deep. Having crawled from the gutter to their current positions by risking their lives in the mafia world, they understood when to fight and when to bow their heads. They knew the moment they had reached a point where surrendering was the only viable option. Upon hearing Kisha''s words, without hesitation, Rakan and his subordinates knelt behind her, lowering their heads to the ground in submission. "Boss, please, take us in as your subordinates!" Rakan, positioned at the front, didn''t hesitate to bow his head, unashamed. Seeing how Sparrow treated Kisha and the respect the guards showed her, he had already deduced that she was the City Lord they had heard about. Having been granted a second chance at life after surviving his near-death experience, Rakan was now more determined than ever to fight on and grow stronger, willing to follow this powerful leader until the very end. For people like them, power and strength is everything. They follow only those stronger than themselves, those they can respect. So, it''s no surprise that they have surrendered to Kisha¡ªthey recognize her strength and believe she is the one capable of leading them. Especially now that he has seen something extraordinary happening in this world, he didn''t want to pass this chance to experience what every man wanted, to be able to wield immense power that could move mountains and split the sea. If only Kisha could hear their exaggerated thoughts, she would shatter their distant dream right there and then. "That was easier than expected..." 008 commented. They had been wondering how to make these people submit without using the Heart Gu Pill, but it seemed they had delivered themselves right to Kisha''s doorstep without a struggle. Kisha''s eyes narrowed into crescent shapes as she observed them. "Very well." Without saying much more, Kisha turned on her heel and gestured for them to follow. Sparrow and Vulture trailed closely behind her as they made their way toward the eastern wall. By the time they arrived, Sparrow''s team had already gathered with the trucks, and Aston was there as well, ready to begin his work. The new recruits followed closely, taking in the scene. "City Lord, this..." Aston began, pausing as he looked over his shoulder at the new arrivals after offering a simple morning greeting. "You''re just in time," Kisha responded smoothly. "We''ve got new recruits joining the base. They''ll be a valuable addition to our defense force. Help them with the registration process and make sure their work and accommodations are sorted so they can get started right away." Chapter 478 Astons Scheme "Understood." Aston gave a nod and stepped aside. Sparrow quickly briefed his team on their last mission to Port City, and within moments, they were ready to depart. Rakan, watching the truck drive away, cast a final glance before turning away. He followed Aston, his six surviving subordinates trailing behind him. They no longer felt any obligation to assist the people left in Port City''s shelter. After all, when Victor''s men had driven them out, those people had only looked on with disdain, as though they had committed unforgivable crimes by not killing Sparrow and seizing their supplies. When Victor made his move on his own people, those they had once treated with care had stood by, indifferent to the fate of their lives. At this point, it was clear that returning to Port City wasn''t the best choice for him and his subordinates. Though they were tough and ruthless, they were still human, and still felt the sting of betrayal, after all they''d done to help those people to survive, it was something they couldn''t ignore. For that reason, they felt no shame in bowing down to Kisha. They recognized their limitations in surviving alone in this harsh world. Rather than leading as he did in Port City, Rakan preferred to follow the same person Sparrow was loyal to¡ªsomeone clearly hundreds of times stronger than he was. With determined strides, Rakan followed Aston into the base, his six most trusted men close behind him. They felt relief and gratitude for following Rakan''s lead and making it out alive. As they took in their surroundings, they were struck by the security and order of the base¡ªit was almost as if the apocalypse hadn''t touched this place. Children played freely in the streets, and the atmosphere was calm, giving the impression that a zombie breach was an impossibility here. They were amazed to see that the residents inside the base didn''t seem forced into anything¡ªespecially not supply runs outside just to survive. Everyone looked well-fed and occupied with their own tasks, sparking curiosity about where the base sourced its supplies. As they observed, people went about their day, doing a variety of jobs¡ªrunning errands, delivering documents, or transporting goods. It was almost as if society had returned to normal, with no sign of the zombie threat outside. Aston led them to the central hall for registration, then guided them to temporary tent accommodations. Most of the tents were nearly deserted, as previous occupants had been moved to better housing under Kisha''s direction. The remaining tent residents were recent arrivals who, by working hard, were close to earning the privilege of selecting more permanent accommodations, just like those who came before them. For Rakan and his subordinates, even these tents felt luxurious compared to the rags they''d slept on back in the Port City shelter. Aston chuckled as he noticed their excitement. "Don''t get too comfortable just yet. This is only the basic setup we provide for new members. Once you''ve started working and earned enough points, you''ll be able to upgrade to better accommodations, like larger apartments." "Apartment? Points?" one of the men asked, eyebrows raised in confusion. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston nodded. "Here in HOPE Base, people have a choice in the work they do based on their skills and strengths. You can work in different departments or take on odd jobs¡ªconstruction, security, or administrative work." "No matter the role, you''ll earn what we call ''work points,'' our currency here in the base. You can use these points at the supply center to get your basic needs. Later, I''ll show you where it is." He explained this in his usual businesslike manner, straightforward and stern, like the seasoned commander he was. "Really?!" one of the men exclaimed, visibly impressed. Rakan, however, seemed more thoughtful. After a pause, he asked, "If that''s how things work here, how do you support so many people? Who handles the supply runs?" Aston turned with a smirk. "You''ve met Sparrow. He and the other Captains lead teams on supply runs. Those capable of fighting can register as warriors, and their compensation is higher than most, so it''s a popular choice." "However, we limit the number of people who can join, unless they were soldiers or had combat experience before the apocalypse." With that, Aston led them back toward the central hall. After a few minutes of walking, Rakan and his men found themselves in front of the mission board, their eyes widening as they read the requirements for becoming a warrior. They couldn''t hide their astonishment. "Is this for real?" Rakan turned sharply to Aston, disbelief clear on his face. "As real as it gets," Aston replied, unfazed. Rakan''s gaze drifted back to the compensation section, his expression shifting to one of deep intrigue. [Compensation: 5 kilograms each of rice, vegetables, and assorted meats per week. 400 work points per week. 20% discount at the Supply Center (exclusive to warriors). Free medical check-ups and essential medicine for warriors and their immediate family members. One bottle of Scarlet Honey every two weeks. Additional perks may be introduced as the base and resources expand.] "I want to apply," Rakan declared, his eyes sparkling with confidence. "My men and I are high-ranking mafias, especially myself. We''re no strangers to combat. We''re confident we can handle any task you throw our way." He couldn''t help but imagine the supplies and rewards that would come with the position, the thought fueling his determination. "Alright, I''ll register all seven of you. And since you''ll be warriors under my care, I can''t let you go hungry," Aston said with a knowing smirk. He led them to the cafeteria, where the seven men attacked their food with the ferocity of starving wolves. They devoured every bite, not caring that they had already reached the free limit of what they could eat. Aston didn''t stop them. In fact, this was his strategy. As a commander, he knew that offering them a hearty meal would not only satiate their hunger but also lure them into working as warriors. He couldn''t pass up the opportunity to recruit more capable hands into his ranks. From the very beginning, Aston had intentionally brought up work points, the warrior roles, and the compensation to pique Rakan and his men''s interest. He had observed their muscular builds and knew they were more than capable fighters, likely stronger than some of the warriors already in the ranks. After seeing their hunger for the opportunity, he was certain they would be a valuable addition. True to his expectations, once they finished eating, Rakan and his six men were eager to jump into work without hesitation. They didn''t even pause to rest or acclimate themselves to the base. Their hunger for action and rewards was palpable, and they were ready to prove themselves right away. ''They''ve taken the bait,'' Aston thought, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he led Rakan and his men to the side of the wall where Vulture and his team were working. Rakan and his subordinates were tasked with guarding the opening left after the cargo trailers, which had acted as a makeshift barrier, were moved further outside. The shift created a massive gap in their defenses, and it was up to them to hold the line. Chapter 479 Where The Problem Originated From Alongside Rakan and his team, machine guns were positioned on both sides of the gap on top of the cargo trailers, manned by soldiers who vigilantly scanned the perimeter for any signs of incoming zombies. While the team was well-prepared, Vulture had also stationed additional members from his unit as lookout. Their job was to ensure no zombies from within the city breached their defenses and approached the base''s wall, maintaining a tight security perimeter. Though Rakan and his team were eager to prove their worth, Vulture kept them on standby, not giving them a chance to take action. The boredom quickly set in as they stood watch, while Vulture and his team remained as busy as ever. Those on guard duty were the ones who had just finished their shifts building up the wall. Their rest periods had now shifted to perimeter patrol, ready to engage in hand-to-hand combat with any zombies that might breach the defenses. The tension in the air was palpable as both sides prepared for whatever might come next. They were exhausted, every muscle aching from the relentless work, but Kisha''s presence seemed to ease some of their struggles. Her passive and active skills subtly at play, her influence went unnoticed by most, yet her calming aura and quiet efficiency helped sustain the team''s morale. Though others couldn''t pinpoint it, there was a sense of relief whenever she was near, her actions quietly lifting the burden without anyone realizing how much she was contributing. On Duke''s side, after recovering overnight, he and his team, along with Rose, resumed their mission. This time, with Bell and a few Scarlet Bees by their side, their reconnaissance became much more efficient. No longer needing to disguise themselves or hide, Bell and the Scarlet Bees soared freely above, scouting ahead and helping to fend off zombies and mutated rats that crossed their path. This newfound freedom and speed allowed Duke to opt for using a car, greatly accelerating their progress in clearing the mission. The combination of enhanced mobility and the Scarlet Bees'' support made their operation smoother and far more effective. By the end of the day, they had completed their reconnaissance, with their final destination being the western side of the city, where the majority of the population had been concentrated. However, rather than risk traveling by car and potentially becoming stranded among the zombies with no way to escape, they decided to go on foot. This approach allowed them to remain more agile and avoid any unforeseen obstacles that might trap them in the chaotic city. Since Duke had already been to this area with Kisha and the others, he was able to navigate it with much greater ease this time. As he had suspected, the biggest issue with the sewers stemmed from the very spot where he, Kisha, and the others had almost been trapped during their previous visit. The opening in the sewer had grown larger since then, with the pavement collapsing under the immense weight of the zombies that had been walking over it. This caused a surge of zombies to fall into the pit and spill into the sewers below. As they gathered in the tunnels, they had inadvertently flooded the sewers beneath the HOPE Base. That meant there were already hundreds of thousands of zombies now lurking under the base, creating an even greater threat. Duke and his team, positioned atop the building, observed the massive pit from a distance. The pit had grown into something resembling a crater, its edges jagged and wide. Below them, the street was overwhelmed by a dense sea of zombies, so tightly packed that the pavement was completely obscured. The sheer number of the undead filled the entire street, a suffocating mass that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. "Sir..." One of Duke''s team members spoke, his voice laced with concern as he gazed at the dense mass of zombies below and the yawning crater. A sense of helplessness washed over him as he tried to imagine any way they could seal the gap and eliminate the hundreds of thousands of zombies that had already poured into the sewers. The thought alone sent a shiver down his spine, as if something cold and sinister were crawling up his neck¡ªa feeling like the touch of a massive spider''s legs against his skin. Instead of addressing the growing tension, Duke turned his gaze to Rose. "It''s time for you to get to work," he said flatly, his tone leaving no room for debate. He wasn''t seeking her opinion¡ªhe was giving an order. Rose''s face drained of color, and she sprang to her feet, her expression one of horror. "V-Vice City Lord, w-what do you mean?" she stammered, her voice trembling with fear. Her wide-eyed panic made her appear vulnerable, and the others exchanged looks of sympathy, as if she had just been marked as the team''s sacrificial lamb. "Well, not just you¡ªall of you," Duke added, there was a dangerous glint in his eyes as he gave everyone a passing glance. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everyone paled as they felt dread in their hearts, too afraid to listen to what Duke was about to say, they wanted to run but they don''t know how, so they could only swallow their fear and the feeling of injustice. They thought of their families inside the base, not long after, their fear-stricken face turned into desperate determination as they awaited what Duke was about to say. Making Duke raised an eyebrow before his eyes turned into a satisfied glint. "Don''t worry," Duke reassured, his voice cold but steady. "You''ll suffer a bit, but you won''t die." His words, meant to comfort, only deepened their fear, confirming their worst anxieties. The team stood frozen, their eyes wide with dread, desperate to cry but unable to shed a tear. Duke turned toward Rose then, his expression shifting to something darker. Her hair stood on the ends as his eyes locked onto hers. "For starters," he continued, his voice carrying an unsettling edge, "why don''t we have you plug that giant crater with your Ice Crystal wall?" Duke''s smile was anything but reassuring¡ªit was a twisted grin that looked more sinister than comforting. With a single tear, Rose prayed for her soul. After a brief moment of preparation, Rose found herself dangling by the rope, suspended just above the massive crater. Below her, the horde of zombies stirred restlessly, their gazes fixed on her with a hunger that sent a chill on her body. The air was thick with their snarls and groans, the sounds growing more frenzied by the second. Duke and the others held the rope tightly from the floor above, their faces tense, every muscle coiled in anticipation, knowing that the slightest mistake could turn this into a nightmare. ''Have I really just become a human pi?ata?!'' Rose thought bitterly, her mind a whirl of dry, desperate thoughts as she dangled above the thrashing zombies below. The grotesque sight of them clawing at the air only made her grip the rope tighter, her heart pounding in her chest. She was tasked with sealing the massive crater, but the challenge didn''t stop there. She had to ensure that the pavement surrounding it wouldn''t collapse further, which meant conjuring a wide Ice Crystal floor strong enough to cover the entire street. The weight of the responsibility pressed down on her, and with every passing second, she could feel the precariousness of her situation¡ªher life hanging by a thread, just like the rope holding her. Chapter 480 Going Smoothly Rose glanced up at the window where her rope dangled, catching one last look. Duke and the others were out of sight, positioned deep inside the room as they held her rope securely. Technically, one person could have held it¡ªafter all, they were superhumans now¡ªbut for added safety, three men were stationed to anchor her rope firmly. Meanwhile, the others took positions across different buildings, ensuring no threat could reach her from any angle. Duke positioned himself a bit farther back, overseeing everyone with binoculars in hand as he scanned the surroundings. He had strategically placed the Scarlet Bees at key points, ensuring that if Rose were to fall, they could provide immediate support. They lowered Rose gradually toward the opening so she could conjure her Ice Crystal and cover the entire street. Her ability, though ice-based, had a unique diamond attribute that made the ice unbreakable and resistant to intense heat. This made it the perfect choice to seal the crater, as it would remain intact unless Rose dismantled it herself or it encountered someone with a stronger ability. When Rose was close enough to the crater, she got to work, grimacing as zombies lunged and tumbled into the pit while trying to reach her. Spurred on by their relentless movements, she increased her pace, quickly conjuring ice across the street. Within ten minutes, she was halfway finished but already exhausted. Reaching into her breast pocket, she downed the vial of black liquid Duke had given her, feeling her spiritual energy surge almost instantly, restoring her strength. With renewed energy, she pressed on, repeating this process until the entire crater and street were sealed by her unbreakable Ice Crystal floor. In the end, even the zombies on the ground found their feet frozen and trapped in the ice, immobilized. Once they finished, everyone gathered to cook dinner and settled in for a much-needed rest. The next day, after confirming that the western sector was secure, Duke assigned his teams to cover the city in four separate units. Rose, accompanied by Bell, received a special task: they were to head out of the city to seal specific sections of the sewer system using her Ice Crystal ability, strategically dividing it into isolated segments. At dawn, the five groups split up, with Rose heading off on her own while the other four teams proceeded to their assigned sectors. Upon arrival, each team divided further into four smaller units, each heading to specific locations in large trucks carrying oil tankers. It took the entire day for each team to reach their designated locations, where they awaited Duke''s signal to proceed with the next phase. Meanwhile, Rose worked tirelessly all day, pushing herself to the point of complete exhaustion. Sparrow and his team truly delivered on their mission, returning even faster than expected. Before dawn, they had already completed the supply run, taking everything they could from Port City. This time, they didn''t pause to rest in the usual Eastern forest, as there was no one left to worry about. With Victor out of the picture, the remaining survivors in Port City were too frightened to venture out, leaving Sparrow and his team undisturbed. They managed to haul nearly every cargo trailer from the western sector and emptied the eastern warehouses up to the tenth, leaving not a single supply behind. Even the supplies they''d previously ignored in the first warehouse were now fully emptied. When Sparrow returned the next day, the team faced an unexpected problem: figuring out where to store all the supplies he had brought back. Rakan, who had witnessed Vulture and his team working the previous day, thought he had seen it all when it came to awakened abilities. But when he saw what the Five STAU could accomplish, his perception was shattered. His eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, and his jaw hung open in disbelief at the sheer volume of supplies they had brought back that were being pulled out of nowhere. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Fuck! So they really did take the supplies from the Eastern Warehouse like we suspected!" one of Rakan''s subordinates exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief. As they watched Tristan and Aston directing the workers to move the supplies and repurpose another office building into a temporary warehouse, the magnitude of the operation was becoming all too clear. Later, they discovered that the five were actually space-type ability users, and that revelation finally made sense of how they managed to transport the contents of six or seven entire warehouses using only four trucks. It was a feat that seemed impossible at first, given the sheer volume of supplies¡ªand on top of that, the massive cargo trailers. Only after understanding their abilities did everything fall into place. The cargo trailers no longer fit within the confines of the empty lot, with some even being placed outside the walls. They had to replace the trailers that had been taken from the current wall, just to ensure that Vulture and his team could continue their work without interruption. Rakan and his six subordinates all turned their gaze toward Sparrow, who stood nearby, eyeing the massive stockpile of supplies he had brought back. Sparrow caught their stares and flashed a smirk. "What? If a thief is asked by the cops whether he stole something, should he just admit it?" he scoffed, before spinning on his heel and heading out of the base. "I''m going to help Vulture''s team deal with the zombies," he added, his voice laced with amusement as he walked away. Some of Sparrow''s team members also joined Vulture''s team to speed up the process. As a reward for their hard work, Aston and Tristan increased the work points they''d be earning, along with an overtime pay incentive. This gesture fueled everyone''s enthusiasm, making them work even harder to get the job done quickly. Kisha, who had been overseeing the progress, smiled with quiet satisfaction as everything seemed to be falling into place. The wall construction had now covered a third of the entire planned expanse, easing her mind slightly, though she refused to let herself become complacent. Instead, she ordered an increase in security, ensuring extra guards were posted to protect their hard work from any potential threats¡ªwhether from evolved zombies or hostile people. The day had passed smoothly and productively, leaving everyone feeling satisfied. By the following morning, work began again before dawn. However, before they could even get started, a flare shot up into the sky¡ªbright red, resembling a firework that didn''t go off. Everyone halted, immediately assuming someone inside the city needed help, but before they could act, another flare erupted from a different location. Then came another, and a few more followed, scattered across the city. The flares'' erratic pattern felt ominous, sparking panic among the base''s survivors. Without hesitation, they rushed to alert Kisha. They didn''t need to call for Kisha, as she could see the flares from where she stood, bright red streaks cutting through the sky, leaving trails of smoke in their wake. The sun was beginning to rise in the east, slowly brightening the sky, but the sight of the flares only deepened the growing worry. Everyone knew that flares were used as signals, but what they signified was still unclear. The uncertainty gnawed at them¡ªwas it a call for help or a signal for an attack? The possibility of the latter was their greatest fear, especially now. Chapter 481 The Sweeper As time ticked on and uncertainty hung in the air, Kisha decided they couldn''t afford to wait any longer. She immediately sent Sparrow and the rest of the team to take positions around the wall, putting their work on hold. Everyone was on high alert. The flares had been scattered throughout the city, surrounding them from all directions. If it turned out to be an enemy''s signal to attack their base, they would be in serious trouble if they weren''t prepared. Tension gripped the camp as they braced for whatever might come next. Kisha stood atop the wall, scanning the horizon as the sun rose fully into the sky. All the snipers were peering as far as they could through their scopes, and machine guns were loaded, ready to fire at a moment''s notice. Some soldiers were preparing to deploy drones to survey beyond the blocked views caused by surrounding buildings. But just as they were about to take action, something unexpected happened. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! A series of explosions erupted across the city, distant at first but steadily growing closer. The sound echoed in a relentless chain, like a massive serpent slithering underground toward the base. One by one, manhole covers blasted into the air, propelled by each explosion. As the wave of blasts approached, each cover shot up higher, until the final manhole cover outside the base flew skyward, reaching above the ten-meter wall where Kisha stood. Everyone watched in shock, their mouths open as they followed the cover''s trajectory. It hurtled back down and crashed onto the cargo trailer where Kisha stood, embedding deeply from the top and reaching the bottom. If it had hit anyone, it would have been an instant death. But the explosions didn''t stop there. The chain reaction continued, reaching underneath the base itself. The ground trembled, and another blast sent the nearest manhole cover hurtling skyward, along with debris, torn zombie limbs, and splatters of dark blood. Fortunately, everyone had already taken cover; the soldiers on the wall had spotted the approaching explosions in time to warn the people inside and made them take cover as soon as possible. Thanks to their quick reactions, no one was injured, and the survivors inside the base were spared from a gruesome shower of the zombie remains raining down after the blast. Some of the superhumans, like Kisha, reacted swiftly to protect themselves. Those with elemental abilities formed protective shields¡ªwater shells, earth barriers, and more. Kisha, using her telekinesis, pulled a nearby truck over her head as a makeshift cover, shielding herself from the foul-smelling zombie blood and raining flesh. Those standing close to her hadn''t reacted quite as quickly, but they managed to find shelter in time under her makeshift cover, thanks to Kisha''s quick thinking and resourcefulness. Unfortunately, the less fortunate ones¡ªRakan, his men, and Vulture¡ªhad no choice but to endure the shower of black zombie blood. Worse still, as they were looking up with open mouths, some of the blood and flesh landed inside. Though they''d long since become accustomed to the zombies'' foul stench, tasting it was another matter. The moment the taste and smell hit, Rakan, his team, and Vulture couldn''t hold back; they all began to retch, competing to see who could empty their stomachs fastest. Sparrow snickered as he watched his partner, Vulture, looking pitifully covered in the zombie''s black blood and bits of rotting flesh. Reluctant to even touch him, Sparrow took clear satisfaction in Vulture''s misfortune; after all, he''d been the one to bear all the bad luck in their previous missions. ''Like they say, share the blessings along with the hardships,'' he thought with a silent laugh, watching the scene unfold before him. Ding!!! [Congratulations for Completing the Sudden Hidden Mission: SSS Class "The Sewer''s Pest Cleanup!"] [You have received 10 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 5 Resource Crates] [You have received 50,000 Points] [You have received a mass of Vanadium and Iron Meteriorite] [You have received New Sewer System with Gas Preservation Blueprint from World 943746] [You Gained the ''Sweeper'' Achievement] [You received 2,500 Achievement Points] Kisha''s attention was immediately drawn to the system notification in front of her. She raised an eyebrow, and as realization set in, a delighted chuckle escaped her, her eyes twinkling with amusement. ''Hmmm, my husband''s been working hard, even earning me this achievement and finishing the mission two days ahead of schedule,'' Kisha thought to herself, a smile tugging at her lips as she examined the items she''d gained from completing the sudden mission. On the other side of the city, Duke had just ignited the entire sewer system with a single fireball, after his men had carefully poured truckloads of flammable gas into the sewers from various sections. The flare in the sky signaled the start, and in an instant, all their work was made easier, the chaos unfolding in a blaze of destruction. With one final, cold glance, Duke dispatched the Scarlet Bees to ensure that every manhole cover was securely back in place, preventing any more zombies from falling into the sewers. He and his team only needed to wait for the Bees to complete the last checks before they could prepare to head back. They loaded up the remaining gasoline from the city''s gasoline stations, which had been siphoned dry and stored in the trucks they had brought along. Duke made sure not a drop of fuel was wasted, ensuring that even if the city''s sewer system was reduced to chaos, the remaining gasoline wouldn''t go unused. After Kisha discovered that the explosion had been Duke''s doing, as indicated by the system notification, she swiftly directed everyone to resume their tasks and clean up the aftermath around the base. It was only then that the survivors learned there had been zombies lurking beneath the sewers. A wave of fear rippled through them, but it quickly dissipated once they realized the situation had already been handled before they could fully process the terror of it all. While the survivors worked hard to clean up around the base, Vulture took charge, leading his team to continue their tasks. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Alright, everyone! Back to work, no wasting time!" Vulture barked, his voice sharp, still clearly irritated after the unpleasant ordeal. He sent his people out with Sparrow taking the lead for a bit while he stepped away to take a quick shower. That "quick" shower, however, turned into a full hour. When Vulture finally returned, he looked like a dried-out squid¡ªhis skin red and tight from long overexposure to hot water. "What the hell happened to you?" Sparrow asked, barely able to hold back his laughter as he circled Vulture, clearly enjoying the sight. "Fuck off!" Vulture snapped, his frustration evident as he returned to his work on the wall construction. Despite his best efforts to scrub off the stench, his skin still has the lingering smell of zombie blood. The smell had clung to him so stubbornly that he''d had no choice but to throw away the clothes he''d been wearing, the odor having seeped into the fabric permanently. "Serves you right! Ha ha ha, to think you were laughing at my misfortunes earlier! Karma''s a bitch!" Sparrow teased, laughing as he sprinted away, narrowly avoiding Vulture''s enraged smack behind his head. Vulture looked like he was about to pop a vein, his face flushed with fury. The nearby workers overheard their playful banter and couldn''t help but laugh along, turning the moment into a shared joke. But Vulture, red-faced and fuming, could do nothing but stew in his anger as the laughter echoed around him. Chapter 482 Duke Is Back "I can see them!" one of the snipers in the western watchtower called out excitedly over the radio, his eyes glued to the scope. "Prepare to open the gates in 2!" "Roger that, over!" the gatekeeper responded, signaling the two soldiers stationed on either side of the gate to prepare for the opening in two minutes. Moments later, the low rumble of the fuel tanker''s engine echoed from a distance. But not far behind, a far more ominous sound joined the tanker''s hum¡ª the deafening roar of thousands of zombies sprinting after the trucks, their collective footfalls shaking the ground beneath them. "Everyone, get ready to fire, but aim carefully! Don''t hit the tank, or we''ll be blown to hell!" the gatekeeper shouted, moving quickly along the top of the cargo trailers, his eyes scanning the incoming threat. Beside him, the soldiers steadied their rifles, their focus sharp as they lined up their shots, knowing the slightest mistake could cost them everything. Bang... Bang... Screeched! As the first truck came to a halt, Duke swiftly emerged from the driver''s side and made his way toward Kisha, who was standing among the crowd. Her eyes locked onto him, and she greeted him with a warm, inviting smile that softened the harshness of the surrounding chaos. Seeing her smile like that, Duke couldn''t help but nod in appreciation. Without a second thought, he scooped her up into his arms, spinning her around a few times in sheer joy before planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Wifey, I''m home..." he murmured softly, his eyes brimming with unspoken happiness and love, the words carrying a depth of emotion that went beyond the simple greeting. "Welcome home, hubby." Kisha''s mood lightened instantly, her previously cold, indifferent demeanor melting away as she embraced him. Though only a few days had passed since their separation, it felt like months to them both. Their busy lives and work had kept them distracted, but now that they were reunited, the intensity of their emotions was undeniable, stronger than ever before. The others couldn''t help but cheer them on, watching with warmth in their eyes. After all, Kisha and Duke were the ones who had created this safe haven for everyone, and seeing them share such a tender moment as a couple made the group feel even closer to them. It reminded them that, despite their leadership roles, Kisha and Duke were also just ordinary people who experienced happiness, love, and grief, just like anyone else. After Duke finished basking in the joy of their reunion, he turned to the side with a mischievous grin, as if unveiling a surprise for his wife. "Wifey, I brought you a gift." He gestured toward the convoy of trucks lined up, unable to park at the gate due to their size. Several of them were already being directed further into the base, as the massive fuel tankers needed more space and couldn''t fit near the entrance. Kisha tapped her finger thoughtfully on her chin as she glanced up at the line of trucks, her gaze lingering on the fuel tankers before she gave a satisfied nod. "We only used about half the capacity in each truck," Duke explained, eager to clarify. "We made sure to conserve as much gas as possible, just enough to take care of the vermin below." He knew better than to let Kisha ask him why he''d blown up the sewers. If she had to question him, he was pretty sure she''d be the one teaching him a lesson. Kisha raised an eyebrow at Duke, a wry smile tugging at her lips. ''What a sly fox you are...'' she thought to herself, deciding not to press the issue further. He''d already admitted his mistake¡ªor at least preemptively informed her¡ªbefore she could even ask. She figured it was best to let it go for now. Her anger melted away instantly. After all, Duke had completed the mission flawlessly, and ahead of schedule no less. How he did it didn''t matter¡ªwhat counted was the result and, most importantly, the fact that there were no casualties. With a smile, she gave him a nod of approval, and only then did Duke let out a deep sigh of relief. He flicked his neck, signaling to his team to move the trucks inside, making sure they were parked properly without obstructing the gate. The rumble of the engines filled the streets once again as Duke''s men carefully maneuvered the ten or so fuel tankers into the base. Meanwhile, Duke and Kisha made their way back to the villa. As they arrived, Duke''s family had already gathered, having taken the day off from their respective duties to welcome him home and check on how he fared during his outing beyond the base. Seeing his family lively and in good health brought a warm smile to his face. But as he greeted them, he couldn''t resist showing off the Space Ring that Kisha had given him. He held it up with a subtle, almost proud gesture, like a person flaunting the largest diamond engagement ring, basking in the compliments and admiration of those around him. His family gathered around eagerly, their eyes widening in admiration as they took in the sight of Duke''s ring, before turning to Kisha with curious glances. However, instead of offering their usual praise, his grandfather, the patriarch, couldn''t resist a playful scolding. "What a man you are!" he exclaimed with a raised eyebrow. "Shouldn''t you be the one giving your wife rings and pampering her? Looks to me like you''re enjoying watching her wear the pants in this relationship!" He shook his head, gripping his cane tightly, though he stopped short of delivering the usual playful whack he would give Duke. The old man was careful, knowing his cane might not survive a strike on Duke''s sturdy frame that was like a tank with its defense. Instead, he settled for a hearty chuckle, clearly amused by his own teasing. Duke raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth as he casually dropped the bombshell. "Grandpa, I gave my wife the most expensive, sought-after diamond ring¡ªthe same one you gave Grandma on your wedding day. But the ring my wife gave me? It''s no ordinary ring. It''s a Space Ring." He watched as his family''s expressions shifted from thoughtful contemplation to sudden realization, followed by a spark of envy. The silence in the room grew heavy with the weight of his words. With a satisfied smile, Duke leaned into Kisha, pulling her waist closer to his side, his chest swelling with pride. "I know my wife loves me the most," he said playfully, his tone filled with confidence and affection as he nuzzled against her, thoroughly enjoying the moment. Kisha, however, was focused on her status window. More specifically, she was examining the ''Achievement Tab,'' eager to see the new achievement she had earned after completing the sewer mission. [Sweeper Achievement] [Description: Keeping the city free from pests is crucial to prevent health issues that could lead to death. However, the current problem isn''t with the typical vermin that cause infections or illnesses; these creatures have evolved into something far more dangerous. The vermin now have the strength to devour humans in seconds, much like piranhas, and their bites can turn victims into zombies. They no longer see humans as just a nuisance; to them, we''re food. If their population continues to rise, human settlements will fall, and the death toll will be catastrophic. Grade: SSS S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Additional points 10 in all stats +20% Poison Resistance +50% Increased Battle Power against vermin (rats, cockroaches, etc.) +10% Critical Hit -10% Critical Damage Taken] ... Kisha smiled as she examined the impressive buffs from the achievement she had just unlocked. ''A well-deserved triple S grade,'' she thought, nodding to herself as she lingered on the tab. After a quiet breakfast where they all enjoyed each other''s company, the others reluctantly cut their leave short to return to work. However, Kisha didn''t rush back herself. Instead, she guided Duke back to their room, her mind lost in thought. When they reached the door, she hesitated for a moment, deciding, ''I''ll do it later... he needs rest first.'' Gently, she nudged him inside the room, noting how worn and rugged he looked after his time away. It was clear he needed rest, and Kisha knew that was the first priority. Before Kisha could step away, Duke''s hand shot out, gripping her wrist gently but firmly, his fingers insistent as he pulled her back. "Wifey, I missed you so much," he murmured, his voice low with an edge of vulnerability that Kisha hadn''t heard before. "Can you stay with me for a bit?" Although he didn''t want to be a burden or distract her from the tasks she needed to handle, the fear that had gripped him while he was out there ¡ª facing the evolved zombies and the harsh world without her ¡ª lingered. It wasn''t the idea of dying that terrified him; it was the thought of never seeing her again. The thought of almost losing her had shaken Duke more than he let on, even if he had tried to maintain his usual tough exterior in front of others. Deep down, the fear had lingered, unsettling him long after the danger had passed. When Kisha saw the raw vulnerability in his eyes, something inside her softened. She couldn''t bring herself to leave him when he was so open with his feelings. Instead of simply letting him rest in their room, Kisha decided to lead him to a more peaceful, secluded spot within her territory ¡ª a quiet corner by the serene lake. Chapter 483 The Shy Duke There, they laid down a mattress, piled pillows high, and wrapped themselves in blankets. To shield them from the sun, Kisha set up a small tent, ensuring that they could rest in privacy and comfort without any distractions. It was their little sanctuary, a place where they could escape the world and simply be with each other. As Kisha and Duke settled onto the mattress, Duke pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her tightly, unwilling to let go. He inhaled deeply, taking in the familiar scent of her hair, which instantly calmed his racing mind. He had intended to shower before sleeping, but his exhaustion hit him all at once. His eyelids grew heavy, as if the weight of the day had finally caught up with him. Maybe it was the comfort of Kisha being so close, or the warmth of her presence, but his body seemed to relax in a way it hadn''t in days. He found himself drifting off, his mind finally at peace now that she was there with him. Kisha, too, felt her body soften in his embrace. Perhaps, without fully realizing it, she had been keeping herself busy, trying to push away the longing she felt for Duke. Now that he was finally here with her, she realized just how much she had missed him, how deeply she had craved his presence. His closeness eased the ache in her heart, and as she melted into his arms, all the pent-up stress she had been carrying seemed to drain away. The weight of everything that had built up over time lifted, and she found herself allowing herself to relax, surrendering to the comfort of his touch. Soon, Kisha, too, drifted into a deep sleep. The two of them rested for ten hours, finally catching up on the sleep they both desperately needed, their bodies replenishing with much-needed energy. Kisha didn''t mind Duke''s scent, despite the fact that he had just returned from outside. There was still a faint trace of his masculine, natural fragrance, mixed with the smell of the outside world, this made her feel more grounded and secure as she slept. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, when they woke up, Duke felt a wave of embarrassment. His face flushed with self-consciousness as he sniffed himself, recoiling at the smell. The faint scent of sweat, the lingering stench of rotting flesh, and the trace of gasoline on his clothes filled his nostrils. He grimaced in disgust, realizing how much he had been out in the harshness of the world, and now, he was aware of how he must have smelled to Kisha. ''Fuck it! How could I hug my wife so closely smelling like this?! Did she pass out from the stench?!'' Duke internally panicked, glancing at Kisha with a mix of guilt and horror. His embarrassment only deepened when he noticed the amused glint in her eyes. It was as if she could read his thoughts perfectly, her lips twitching in a knowing smirk that made his face flush even redder. Kisha''s gaze held a teasing warmth, clearly enjoying his discomfort, which only made Duke squirm more under her amused scrutiny. "I-I''ll go take a bath!" Duke stammered, bolting out of the tent like a man on fire. Kisha chuckled softly, shaking her head at his flustered retreat. Moments later, Duke poked his head back in, looking sheepish. "Wifey, can I have some soap and shampoo, please?" he asked, his voice a mix of embarrassment and pleading. His lips were pressed into a tight line, and he avoided her gaze, clearly too self-conscious to get any closer now that he was acutely aware of his less-than-pleasant scent. Kisha raised an eyebrow, amused by his awkwardness. With a teasing grin, making a mental note to savor every bit of his rare vulnerability. Kisha stepped closer to Duke with a mischievous glint in her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck. She leaned in, pressing a gentle peck on his cheek, followed by soft, teasing kisses on his lips. Before Duke could react, she deepened the kiss, drawing a surprised gasp from him. Flustered, Duke instinctively tried to pull back, but Kisha wasn''t having it. Just as he opened his mouth to protest, she slipped her tongue past his lips, silencing him with a passionate kiss. A low groan escaped him, and his hands, as if acting on their own, slid under her shirt and found their way to her chest. He let out a deep, satisfied sigh, momentarily forgetting all about his earlier embarrassment. Kisha smirked against his lips, thoroughly enjoying his conflicted mix of shyness and desire. "I missed this..." Duke murmured between kisses, his voice husky with longing. His tongue met hers in a passionate dance, sucking gently and savoring the fruity flavors of her lips. One hand remained firmly on her chest, while the other slid down to cup her ass. Just as he was completely lost in her warmth, a sudden thought crossed his mind¡ªwhat he was supposed to be doing. Embarrassment flickered across his face as he reluctantly broke the kiss, though his hands refused to let go, lingering on her curves as if they had a will of their own. Caught between desire and self-consciousness, Duke froze, his face a picture of deep internal conflict. Kisha, unable to contain her amusement, burst out laughing. Her melodious laughter filled the tent as she reached into her inventory, pulling out a large basin, body soap, and shampoo. "There," she said with a teasing smile, setting the items down. "Now you don''t have an excuse to stay dirty, Mr. Handsy." "Go ahead, take a bath. We need to draw the gachapon after this and check the mission rewards," Kisha said, playfully waving him off and resisting the urge to tease him further. Her tone was light, but the subtle hint of urgency made it clear she wanted him to get moving. Duke nodded quickly, his face still flushed from earlier. Without another word, he darted out of the tent, heading toward the lake. However, mindful of the delicate ecosystem, he avoided using the soap and shampoo directly in the water. Instead, he fetched a bucketful of lake water and carried it further into the forest, finding a quiet, secluded spot to wash himself. The cool shade of the trees and the soothing sound of the lake nearby made it the perfect place to freshen up, though Duke couldn''t help but feel a lingering heat in his cheeks as he thought back to Kisha''s teasing smile. Duke scrubbed himself vigorously, lathering up with soap multiple times to ensure every trace of the zombie stench was gone. He attacked his hair with the same fervor, determined to rid himself of the lingering grime. All he could think about was how mortifying it would be to stand before Kisha with even a hint of that foul odor clinging to him¡ªconveniently forgetting they had fought zombies together before and slept side by side, both covered in dirt and sweat. Now, though, he was acting like a smitten teenage boy desperate to impress his crush. This thought wasn''t lost on Kisha, who watched him from afar with an amused smile, shaking her head lightly at his antics. Chapter 484 Set Item After finishing his bath, Duke returned to the tent feeling refreshed and brimming with confidence. Inside, Kisha was already seated cross-legged, her eyes focused intently on something invisible to others. Duke knew immediately that she was reviewing her status window. With a slight smirk, he settled beside her, his presence now bold and relaxed. Without missing a beat, Kisha shared the status panel with him, the translucent display hovering between them, allowing Duke to see everything she was analyzing. "What do we have here?" Duke asked, his voice teasing as he leaned slightly against Kisha''s shoulder, his eyes scanning the shared panel with interest. "Hmm," Kisha murmured, scrolling through her system panel. "After completing the sewer mission, we received this ''New Sewer System with Gas Preservation Blueprint'' from World 943746." She displayed the blueprint on her system panel, projecting it for Duke to see. The moment Duke''s eyes landed on the intricate design, a spark of excitement lit up his expression. Kisha could practically see the gears turning in his mind as he studied the blueprint, already calculating the resources, manpower, and logistics needed to bring the project to life. She smirked, knowing that his enthusiasm meant he was already mentally drafting the first steps to implement it. Kisha smiled at Duke, her expression soft yet knowing. "Alright, I''ll give you the blueprint later. We can go over it and plan things out. But for now, let''s move on to the other items we received." Duke looked at her, a wave of adoration washing over him. He understood how difficult it must have been for her to be open about such sensitive matters¡ªthings that, if discovered by the wrong people, could put her life in jeopardy. The trust she placed in him, sharing such a significant secret, made his heart swell with warmth. He was deeply grateful for her confidence and couldn''t help but feel an even stronger bond between them. Duke playfully ruffled Kisha''s hair, his smile warm and affectionate. "I''ll listen to my wife," he said, his tone teasing yet filled with genuine admiration. Kisha''s eyes sparkled with excitement, her voice rising a pitch as she spoke. "Alright, let''s draw from the gachapon!" The thrill in her voice was unmistakable, and Duke couldn''t help but share in her enthusiasm. After all, this was where they''d gotten his spear, and after seeing firsthand how powerful it was, he too was eager to see what new treasures they could draw. He was especially curious about what items they might get next¡ªthings that would help them in future battles and make them even stronger. Just like the first time, Kisha selected the [x10] option, hoping to increase their chances of drawing more useful items. As soon as she made her choice, the screen lit up, flashing with bright colors. The cards on the display shimmered, each one glowing with a different hue as the draw began, the anticipation building as the spinning wheels slowed down. Without realizing it, Duke and Kisha found themselves gripping each other''s hands, their eyes fixed on the screen as they waited in anticipation. The flashing lights and spinning cards made their hearts race, both of them silently hoping for another mythic or legendary item like the ones they had seen before. The tension was palpable, as they eagerly watched the draw unfold, hoping for something extraordinary to appear. Soon, the flashing lights faded, and the ten cards lined up on the screen, each one waiting to be revealed. As the cards slowly began to unfold, the suspense grew, and both Duke and Kisha leaned in, eager to see what treasures awaited them. ... [Common Quality "Healing Potion"] [Normal Quality "Speed Talisman"] [Common Quality "Healing Potion"] [Normal Quality "Stamina Booster"] [Common Quality "Healing Potion"] [Uncommon Quality "Ice Bomb"] [Uncommon Quality "Ice Bomb"] [Normal Quality "Stamina Booster"] [Normal Quality "Speed Talisman"] ... Kisha and Duke''s excitement quickly faded as the items were revealed one by one. Despite the anticipation and the earlier flash of rare, legendary, and even mythic items, it felt like a bait and switch. Instead of the powerful gear they''d hoped for, the list was filled with disappointment¡ªnone of the coveted items made the cut. "Don''t worry, wifey, we still have one more," Duke said, though his voice lacked conviction. He could see Kisha''s disappointment as she stared at the results, and he wanted to lift her spirits, even if he wasn''t entirely confident himself. [Legendary Quality "Kratos'' Cloak"] After seeing the last item, Duke clenched his fists in triumph. At least they had managed to pull a legendary, its golden glow a clear sign of its rarity. But as Duke stared at the items, he froze for a moment. "Wait... is this part of the set for my spear?!" His excitement grew tenfold, and he realized he was practically bouncing with joy. Quickly, he sat back down and cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. Kisha chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like they were listening to you," she teased, "rewarding you for your unwavering faith." Without missing a beat, she tapped the item to bring up its description, eager to see what it could do. ... [Legendary Quality "Kratos'' Cloak"] [Description: The legendary black cloak, worn by the God of War as he stood triumphantly atop a mountain of fallen foes, became a symbol of his power and dominance. It was not just a garment, but a banner of war, a flag that waved with the blood and glory of countless battles. Grade: Legendary Unique Item: 2/15 Type: Armor Skills & Effects: Skill: Commander''s Berserk: Grants the wielder the ability to enter the battlefield with a commanding presence, unleashing a berserk state in their army. This boosts the strength of all allied forces, doubling their power and ferocity for a limited time. Effects: *Block: Grants immunity to abnormal statuses such as curses, mind control, illusions, charms, and other debilitating effects. *Morale: Enhances the wielder''s ability to boost their team''s morale, inspiring courage and increasing fighting spirit in the heat of battle. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. *Counter: When successfully blocking a lethal attack, the wielder''s perception sharpens, granting a chance to retaliate with a devastating critical strike. *??? *??? [More effects yet to be unlocked...]] ... "Ooooh," Kisha hummed, her voice trailing off as she admired the cloak. It was as black as a raven''s feather, with a subtle sheen on the fabric''s undercoat. The collar was lined with thick soft black fur, and at the back, a majestic lion emblem was embroidered in golden thread. The cloak exuded an aura of intimidation, its regal design striking and powerful. Duke stared at it, his gaze unwavering. Kisha didn''t need to ask¡ªshe could tell he was completely captivated by it, much like the way he had first reacted when he laid eyes on the spear. With a tender smile, Kisha pulled the cloak from her inventory and handed it to Duke. When he saw her offering it so effortlessly, he was initially taken aback, but that surprise quickly gave way to a warm, grateful smile. His eyes softened with affection, the love and admiration he felt for her shining through as he accepted the cloak. Duke felt an undeniable pull towards the cloak, a deep connection that seemed to resonate with something inside him. He could almost see himself wearing it¡ªstanding atop the bodies of fallen enemies, a figure of cold, ruthless power. Chapter 485 When A Beauty Is Around In his mind''s eye, he was no longer looking like the God of War as described, but a god of death, merciless and unyielding. The cloak billowed in the wind, its golden lion emblem now drenched in red, as it was soaked in blood. The sky above had turned a deep crimson, matching the blood-stained blade of his spear, which was still lodged in the body of the last fallen foe he had defeated. "You really like it that much?" Kisha''s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He nodded enthusiastically, like a child receiving a gift from their favorite person. A sweet, childlike smile spread across his face, and Kisha couldn''t help but smile back at him. Though they hadn''t found many valuable items, getting one of the set pieces was still a win in their eyes, and it felt good to have something tangible to show for their efforts. Completing the set item was as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack, especially considering the sheer number of items in the gachapon collection. These items spanned the farthest reaches of the universe, originating from places as mysterious as divine artifacts or lost civilizations long forgotten. The odds of finding the remaining pieces were incredibly slim. But Kisha remained confident¡ªonce they completed the set, she knew they would unlock its hidden effects, which were still labeled as ''???''. The possibilities were exciting, and the thought of discovering what lay beneath kept her determined. "Are you sure I can have this?" Duke asked, his voice laced with concern. "You didn''t receive any equipment from the gachapon." He hesitated, a frown forming on his face. The cloak was the only valuable item they had drawn, and it felt a bit unfair to him that the one piece of luck they''d gotten was being given to him alone. "It''s fine," Kisha said with a soft smile. "I already have Erubu''s cloak, and besides, you were the one who completed the mission on time. I''ve already received more than enough rewards for myself. You deserve this." She spoke with gentle assurance, making sure Duke wouldn''t feel guilty about accepting the reward. After receiving the cloak, Duke wrapped it around himself with a delighted smile, savoring the moment. As he tried it on, it fit his frame perfectly, making him look every bit the commander of an army. But as Kisha watched him, an unsettling series of images flashed in her mind. She saw Duke standing atop a battlefield strewn with fallen foes, the crimson sky swirling above him. His spear was lodged deep into the body of his last enemy, yet he stood there, looking at her with an unreadable expression. Then, as if from another world, he smiled¡ªa sad, almost resigned smile that sent a chill through her. Without her realizing it, a single tear slipped down Kisha''s cheek. Seeing it, Duke froze, startled by the unexpected sight. His heart clenched, and without thinking, he rushed to sit in front of her, panic rising. "Wifey, I''m sorry, I... I can''t take this," he stammered, his voice filled with concern as he reached out to her. "Please don''t be angry, I don''t know what to do when I see you cry." He gently cupped her face, his tone softening, "Shh, don''t cry, baby... Please." His words were filled with genuine worry, unsure of how to comfort her but desperate to make it right. Kisha, now back to her senses, couldn''t help but chuckle at Duke''s startled reaction. "What are you talking about? I was just fighting back a yawn!" she teased, playfully jabbing his arm. Even she didn''t know what had gotten into her, so she quickly came up with the first excuse that popped into her head. Hearing her words, Duke visibly relaxed, the tension in his shoulders melting away. "That scared me to death," Duke sighed, gently rubbing the side of Kisha''s eye with his thumb, still trying to calm his racing heart. "What? Are you scared I''ll take back the cloak?" Kisha teased, her playful tone easing the tension between them. Duke chuckled, his eyes narrowing mischievously. "No takebacks," he said, pulling Kisha into a warm, loving hug. The embrace was so comforting that Kisha forgot whatever she had been upset about in that moment. After they wrapped up with the gachapon, they headed outside to continue with their tasks. Duke carried the blueprints for the solar panels and the new sewer system with the gas preservation, ready to discuss it with the engineers at the base. Kisha let him take the lead on the matter, deciding to hold off on opening the Resource Crate for the time being. Before fully joining Vulture and the others, she took a final glance at her status window to check how much her stats had increased after the +10 boost across the board from her "Sweeper Achievement." ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 200 (+10) Stamina: 282 (+10) Defense: 490 (+10) Agility: 200 (+10) Mental Capacity: 700 (+10) Charm: 200 (+10) Leadership: 300 (+10) Luck: 250 (+10) Mana: 670 (+10) Spiritual Energy: 670 (+10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Skills: Telekinetic Level 1 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 1, Rainbow Cube, Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 1, One Man Team Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... Seeing her ''Healing Dome'' and ''OneBody'' skills level up, Kisha couldn''t help but smile. No wonder the others had started recovering their stamina and spiritual energy faster when they were around her¡ªit was all thanks to the skill upgrades. When Kisha arrived at the construction site, the wall construction was already in full swing. Vulture and Sparrow were working seamlessly together, ensuring that no zombies would slip through their net-like formation while Vulture''s team continued to build the wall. Though it had only been an hour, the workers were beginning to feel the weight of exhaustion. They hadn''t noticed it at first, but they thought that maybe after days of continuous work and overtime, fatigue was starting to catch up with them. However, when Kisha started doing slow rounds around them, their energy visibly began to replenish. Vulture, feeling the shift in energy, couldn''t help but joke, "Young Madam, having you supervise us really gives us a boost. Knowing you have our backs makes all the difference." "That''s right, City Lord," another voice chimed in with a grin. "Having a beauty around really lifts our spirits." The lighthearted comment earned a round of laughter from the group, but before anyone could say more, Vulture delivered a playful smack to the back of the speaker''s head, making the group chuckle even more. "What?! Are you trying to flirt with the Young Madam? Trying to steal her away from my master?" Vulture exclaimed, his voice feigned with mock outrage, though his playful grin betrayed that he was just messing around. "Hey! Captain, don''t even joke about that!" the other guy retorted, feigning fear and putting on an exaggerated expression of grievance. "You know how terrifying the Vice City Lord can be if he hears even a whisper of someone having a crush on the City Lord!" Chapter 486 Eric Gilberts Awakened Ability "I''m glad you''re aware," Vulture grinned, his eyes glinting mischievously. "My master would surely skin you alive." He burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the moment, but his hands never faltered as he continued to conjure the earth wall around the cargo trailer. Once Sparrow and Duke returned, the team was reinforced, and now they had more manpower to handle the construction. They divided into groups¡ªsome focused on guarding against the approaching zombie horde, while others jumped into the work of building the wall itself, ensuring both tasks progressed smoothly. Reeve, Clyde, Tristan, Fred, and a few others had also fallen ill, their awakenings beginning to take shape. Kisha could sense that this was truly the final batch of awakened individuals. As more of them emerged from the medical facility, she noted with relief that many were elemental types. These newly awakened ability users would be invaluable, particularly for the construction of the wall. Among them, several had water elemental powers, which would directly address the base''s ongoing water shortage. Seeing an immediate opportunity, Kisha directed the water ability users to Mr. Winters, ensuring they would be put to work filling up water tanks. This would allow the base to distribute the much-needed water to the survivors, enabling them to finally start taking care of their hygiene. Earlier in the morning, before she went to welcome Duke back to the base, Kisha had stopped by the medical facility to check on the people awakening. To her surprise, she met the head doctor, Eric Gilberts, who had a strong healing talent and an impressive ''Medical Territory'' gift. What was even more surprising was that Eric had awakened an irregular ability, one that, while still falling within the mental type category, seemed to be a unique blend of multiple powers. His ability is called ''Human Hospital'', combining elements of healing, space, and mental powers, making it a rare and potent skill. As Eric explained to Kisha, his ability allowed him to scan people with his eyes, functioning like advanced medical machinery to detect fractures, internal injuries, and more. Additionally, he possessed a personal spatial dimension that housed a fully equipped operating room and hospital bed for his patients. Within this space, he could monitor their recovery with 100% accuracy, eliminating the need for external medical equipment. His talent, ''Strong Healing'', and his gift, ''Medical Territory'', further enhanced his abilities, providing a powerful recovery buff to any patient under his care due to the innate healing properties of his skills. He even believes that if he reaches a higher level, he''ll be able to manifest a research lab within his ability, allowing him to deepen his understanding of awakened ability users. With this, he could explore new ways to treat illnesses specific to superhumans, as conventional medicine no longer proves effective for them. He wasn''t just a valuable asset¡ªhe was practically a divine doctor, as 008 had described him. Kisha felt as though she had hit the jackpot by having Eric in her base. Healing-type ability users were incredibly rare, even rarer than lightning-elemental ability users, making Eric''s presence a monumental advantage. ''He truly is a walking human hospital,'' Kisha thought, recalling Eric''s explanation of his abilities. However, as impressive as his powers were, he was still in the early stages of mastering them. Being an irregular awakened ability user with a skill spanning multiple categories, Eric faced significant challenges in controlling his abilities. Given that his powers were primarily mental-based, Kisha had advised him to focus on strengthening his mental capacity to overcome these difficulties. Without proper control, his "Medical Territory" could become a double-edged sword¡ªpotentially harming or even endangering his patients if spatial distortions occurred. Currently, Eric''s ''Medical Territory'' was modest in size, resembling a small clinic with a single operating room and one hospital bed. However, as he continued to level up, there was potential for expansion¡ªperhaps adding another hospital bed or unlocking additional features. While the space lacked an unlimited supply of medicine and tools for now, those limitations could be addressed over time with the help of external help. With further progress, his ability might evolve into a fully equipped facility, resembling an entire hospital with complete functions and resources. The possibilities were as exciting as they were promising. "Host, that guy is infuriatingly lucky to have awakened such an ability!" 008 fumed, clearly frustrated. "Do you realize how many thousands of system points we spent to purchase your territory space? And yet, here he is, just awakening a ''hospital'' as his ability!" 008''s indignation was palpable, as it couldn''t help but marvel¡ªand grumble¡ªat the sheer improbability of Eric''s awakened ability. It was something so extraordinary, it seemed almost impossible to exist without the direct intervention of a system. "Are you sure he doesn''t have a system too?" Kisha teased with a playful smirk. She wasn''t worried about Eric at all. Since he was on their side, whatever advantage he possessed would ultimately benefit the entire base. Truthfully, she felt fortunate to have someone with such an incredible ability in their ranks, and she couldn''t help but feel a flicker of pride at the stroke of luck that brought him to them. "If he had a system, I''d sense it," 008 grumbled, still fuming. The little system couldn''t hide its envy of Eric''s ability. It even began scheming, imagining how useful a skill like that could be if added to its mall. Whether to gift it to Kisha or sell it through its sales channel, 008 could already picture the points it could rake in. The mere thought had its circuits buzzing with excitement, despite its lingering frustration. "Your eyes are practically glowing with dollar signs," Kisha teased with a smirk. "Ugh..." 008 grumbled, sulking deep within the recesses of Kisha''s mind. As the moment passed, Kisha''s thoughts took a different turn. She suddenly realized that Eric might not have survived in her past lives either. With an ability like his, he should have been one of the powerhouses, perhaps even among the elite in her previous lives. He would have lived a life of luxury and influence, yet no one had ever spoken of him. That only meant one thing¡ªhe hadn''t lived long enough to realize his potential. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''Such a waste,'' she murmured to herself, feeling the weight of it. But then, a smile crept across her face as she refocused her thoughts. ''But now... he''s mine.'' Her eyes narrowed to crescents, a sense of possessiveness washing over her. She now understood that Eric''s talents were more than just a gift¡ªthey were a treasure, a vast resource that could transform her base into something extraordinary. As Kisha walked around, assisting Vulture and the others in recovering their stamina and spiritual energy, she couldn''t help but assess the newly awakened individuals. She took note of each one, evaluating their abilities to determine who had the most extraordinary potential. After checking on all the newly awakened individuals helping out with Vulture''s team, Kisha slumped down on the hood of one of the cars in frustration. ''I guess it''s not that easy to find treasure, huh?'' she thought to herself, feeling deflated. Despite the impressive abilities of the others, none of them compared to Eric. She had seen the best, and now everything else seemed lackluster in comparison. But in reality, the rest of the new awakened were still exceptional¡ªbetter than the second wave of awakened users she''d encountered in the past. They were just overshadowed by Eric''s unique and rare abilities. She had to remind herself that not every talent could be a game-changer, but that didn''t mean these people weren''t still a powerful asset. Chapter 487 Climate Change As Kisha and the others worked tirelessly outside, constructing the wall, Duke was deep in discussion with Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel about the solar panel and sewer system. Dr. Shuveck, having already examined the solar panel design and the materials required, was well-versed in the project''s needs. However, they were still short on the various sturdy steels necessary for its construction. With this limitation in mind, the trio focused on strategizing the next steps. Duke, meanwhile, pondered ways to gather the necessary resources, his mind racing with potential solutions as he considered the best approach to secure what they needed. On the other hand, Engineer Steel was captivated by the sewer system blueprint featuring gas preservation, which Duke had recently brought to the table. Having already seen the solar panel blueprint, Engineer Steel was no stranger to the groundbreaking nature of these designs¡ªeach one a game changer in its own right. Both he and Dr. Shuveck were eager to dive into the projects, knowing how transformative they could be. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, at present, the sewer system seemed the most feasible to start, with its construction manageable in the immediate future. So, Duke and Engineer Steel began strategizing, discussing the logistics and steps for building the sewer system, planning to tackle it as soon as the wall construction was completed. Although neither Dr. Shuveck nor Engineer Steel were awakened ability users, their expertise in their respective fields made them just as invaluable as any awakened individual. Duke felt confident leaving the two projects in their hands, reassured by their skill and experience. He spent the rest of the day with them, discussing the details and logistics of the projects. Meanwhile, Kisha and the others working on the wall construction were nearing the finish line. She could already see that the project would be completed on or before the deadline, which brought her a sense of satisfaction and relief. Aston and his team continued to do an excellent job delivering meals on time, making life easier for everyone working outside. Even Rakan, who was stationed as a guard at the open wall being restructured, found himself looking forward to each meal. The full set meals¡ªcomplete with meat, vegetables, rice, drinks, and sides¡ªwere a welcome break during his shifts, and he appreciated the thoughtfulness behind the well prepared meals. "Boss, this is the best decision we ever made," one of Rakan''s subordinates said, his mouth full as they ate atop the wall. They were positioned beside the machine guns, vigilantly scanning the surroundings to ensure no zombies slipped past their watch. Spotlights had already been set up on the streets ahead, illuminating the area to prevent any blind spots. With the added security, they felt more confident that nothing would go unnoticed during their shift. Kisha and the team worked tirelessly, unable to afford rest during this crucial time. To manage the workload, Kisha organized them into three shifts¡ªmorning, afternoon, and late-night¡ªensuring the wall construction continued without pause. No one complained about the arrangement. While they weren''t entirely sure what Kisha was preparing for, they trusted her instincts. After all, they had already experienced the sudden zombie raid, and it was clear that such attacks might become more frequent. With their population increasing and more survivors inevitably arriving, the zombies would likely be drawn to their base, making the need for a fortified wall even more urgently. With this in mind, everyone pushed through, gritting their teeth and working hard. Thankfully, Kisha wasn''t just demanding their effort without recognition. She ensured they received overtime pay, and Aston prepared more satisfying meals, making the long hours easier to bear. The other survivors in the base couldn''t help but envy the workers, watching them enjoy their lavish meals. And it wasn''t just the workers who benefited¡ªtheir families back home were also able to enjoy better meals, no longer worried about where their next meal would come from. The sense of security and reward made the grueling work feel worthwhile. Duke, however, didn''t want Kisha to keep working nonstop without a break. Although she wasn''t physically involved in the wall construction like the others, she was still exerting herself by constantly using her active skill, ''One Body'', which drained her mental capacity and spiritual energy. Rather than returning to the villa to rest, Kisha set up a designated resting area near the construction site, where anyone feeling the exhaustion of using their awakened abilities could sit and recover there. As for herself, Kisha had arranged a tent on top of a truck just beside the designated resting area for the others, creating a temporary sleeping space. While she rested, her passive skill, ''Healing Dome'', automatically activated whenever anyone came close to her resting area, providing relief. To ensure her support was uninterrupted, she tasked 008 with assisting activating her active skill, ''One Body'', so that even while she slept, she could continue helping those working tirelessly. Duke, of course, wouldn''t let Kisha sleep alone outside like that. After finishing his own work, he would join her at the resting area, settling beside her in the tent. They would hold each other close, sharing warmth to fend off the chill of the night, as the thin fabric of the tent offered little protection from the cold wind. Meanwhile, the warriors on the night shift wore thicker clothing, doing their best to work efficiently despite the biting cold. Fortunately, Kisha had provided some of the extra clothes from her inventory to the Supply Center, but it wouldn''t be enough for long-term use. So, she and Duke revisited their plans to raid the Linen Factory. They hoped to gather enough materials to create new uniforms for the warriors, as well as additional winter clothing to ensure they could all survive the changing weather. The weather had become increasingly unpredictable. Some days, the sun blazed so fiercely that the warriors had no choice but to strip off their upper clothes to work under its scorching heat. Yet, the intensity of the sun often left their skin burning, making it impossible to endure long hours outdoors. On other nights, the temperature would plummet to an icy chill, as cold as the depths of winter. At times, the shifts in temperature were so drastic that they seemed to alternate between extremes, making it harder for everyone to adjust. And this was all because of the climate change, in fact, everything started because of the climate change that released the ancient virus that was resting up in the northern ice. And Kisha, who have experienced the extremes of the climate change and how devastating it was in her previous lives was worried about it and wanted to start preparing as soon as possible. Everything she had asked Duke to prepare when they met wasn''t enough to cover the five thousand plus survivors that are now under her care, what she have was only enough for her, her family, Duke, his family and his men. They don''t have anything to spare. "We should raid the Linen Factory once the wall''s construction is done," Duke suggested, pulling Kisha closer as they lay together in the tent near the construction site. Kisha nodded in agreement, her voice tinged with weariness. "Yeah, we need to finish it as soon as possible," she murmured, her eyes growing heavy with exhaustion. Chapter 488 A Reward "We''re lucky, instead of the original plan to make multiple trips to the factory, now that we have the five space type ability users on our side, raiding the whole place and bringing everything back will be much easier." Duke mused softly, when he glanced down at Kisha he found her peaceful face, her gentle snores filling the quiet night air as she slept soundly in his arms. He chuckled quietly, a warm, contented smile tugging at his lips as he carefully adjusted their position. Then, with a final glance at her face, Duke closed his eyes, letting the rhythm of Kisha''s breathing lull him into a peaceful sleep as well. The next morning, work resumed in full swing. As they assessed the original wall surrounding the base, it became clear that it needed to be restructured and repurposed to connect the remaining sections of the outer wall. This new, reinforced wall would become the cornerstone of their expanded base. Everyone was busy hauling cargo trailers and moving materials to the frontlines, where Vulture and his team were diligently constructing the new wall. Aston and his team took on the responsibility of dismantling the original wall, carefully transporting the cargo trailers to Vulture''s crew, ensuring nothing went to waste. The air buzzed with activity as the plans that Kisha and Duke had put in motion slowly began to take shape. By now, Aston''s team had successfully dismantled the entire original wall and realigned the cargo trailers with the new wall that was being constructed. The only task remaining was to cover it with an earth wall, which the earth ability users were already handling. Meanwhile, Rose took the initiative to further strengthen their defenses. She conjured ice crystal spikes of varying lengths and sizes, placing them strategically outside the 10-meter perimeter wall. These spikes would act as an additional barrier, ensuring that any zombie attempting to breach their defenses would be kept at bay. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha nodded in approval as she watched Rose work independently, but a sense of concern lingered. Rose, being the only one with the ability to create Ice Crystal spikes, was working at a slow pace. Each spike took time to conjure, and given the vast perimeter that needed protection, Kisha knew it would take a while to finish. She couldn''t help but grit her teeth in frustration. Aside from Rose, no one else possessed a better combination of offensive and defensive abilities. While others could create earth spikes, they lacked the strength and durability of Rose''s ice crystal, making them far more easily destroyed by the zombies. Kisha knew they were on a tight schedule, but for now, Rose''s power was their best line of defense. Rose shared the same thoughts, which is why she had chosen to create the Ice Crystal spikes in the first place. However, after just an hour of relentless work, she was starting to feel the weight of exhaustion. Looking back over the distance she had covered, she realized with a sinking feeling that she had barely managed to create even a kilometer of defense, and already her energy was running low. Weakness washed over her, and she collapsed on top of the wall, panting heavily. She lay there for a moment, struggling to catch her breath, her body aching from the strain, before she forced herself to rest for a brief while, knowing she had to push on soon if she wanted to finish the task. Rose yelped in surprise as something cold and wet touched her cheek, her eyes snapping open. She quickly scanned her surroundings and saw Kisha sitting beside her, holding a can of cold Coke. Without hesitation, Rose grinned and snatched the can, cracking it open and taking a long, satisfying gulp. "Thank you, City Lord..." she muttered, letting out a loud sigh of contentment as the cold drink revitalized her. The refreshing liquid seemed to restore her energy almost immediately. Feeling a surge of relief, she squinted her eyes and looked beyond the wall, taking a moment to refocus before getting back to work. Seeing that Rose wouldn''t be able to cover the entire perimeter with her Ice Crystal Spikes in time, Kisha carefully considered their options. "Why don''t you focus on conjuring the Ice Crystal Spikes around the Western wall first?" Kisha suggested. "Then, once that''s covered, move on to the south. The north and east can wait for now." She paused, meeting Rose''s eyes with an approving gaze before continuing. "I see what you''re trying to do, and I agree with it. But covering the whole perimeter will take time. For now, the best approach is to prioritize the most vulnerable areas. The Western wall is the most critical since that''s where the zombie population is concentrated, with a little less in the south." Kisha offered a thoughtful pause before adding, "We could also have the other awakened ability users handle the other areas, leaving you to focus on the West and South. That way, we can reinforce the areas that need it the most." Rose fell into deep thought, processing Kisha''s suggestion. After a moment, she nodded, fully understanding the logic. The western wall was indeed the most vulnerable, given the concentration of zombies in that direction, with the southern wall being a close second. The north and east, however, were more manageable, and she agreed that it would make more sense for the other awakened ability users to handle those areas. This way, she could focus her efforts where they were needed most. With a happy nod, Rose felt a renewed sense of purpose. Kisha, seeing her agreement, pulled a spiritual fruit from her inventory and handed it to Rose. At first, Rose thought it was just a regular fruit, so she eagerly took a bite. The moment the sweet, flavorful juice hit her taste buds, however, she couldn''t suppress a satisfied moan, savoring the burst of delicious flavor hitting her. Kisha chuckled at her reaction, clearly amused by Rose''s reaction. As soon as Rose swallowed the fruit, she felt a gentle stir in her stomach, followed by a wave of soothing, comfortable energy that spread throughout her body. Her eyes fluttered as the sensation enveloped her, and for a moment, she felt completely at ease. When the wave of comfort finally subsided, she snapped her eyes open, her gaze fixed on Kisha in astonishment. She knew, without a doubt, that Kisha had given her something extraordinary. ''Is this the City Lord rewarding me for being proactive?!'' Rose thought, excitement bubbling within her. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to sense the flow of energy within her. Aside from the comforting warmth, there didn''t seem to be anything immediately noticeable, but Rose had a strong hunch that what she had just eaten was something truly special¡ªsomething rare, and certainly not something she could find just anywhere. It wasn''t until Rose began working on the Western wall that she noticed something subtle, but significant. She realized that conjuring the Ice Crystal Spikes was a little easier than before. It wasn''t a drastic change, but there was a subtle difference¡ªshe was able to create them a fraction of a second faster, and with less strain on her spiritual energy. If it had been anyone else, they might not have noticed, but Rose had spent years honing her senses while working in the government, and she could tell something was different. Chapter 489 An Artisan Awakened Ability Users? She paused for a moment, wide-eyed, as she realized the truth. ''The City Lord really gave me a reward!!!'' The thought made her squeal with excitement, and a smile spread across her face. ''I''m definitely going to work hard to earn more of that fruit!'' With renewed energy and determination, Rose immediately got back to work, conjuring more Ice Crystal Spikes along the wall, knowing that whatever Kisha had given her was exactly what she needed to keep getting stronger. Seeing Rose fired up and fully committed to creating Ice Crystal Spikes, Kisha couldn''t help but smile in satisfaction. It was clear that Rose had figured out the significance of the fruit she''d been given and was now thoroughly motivated, likely hoping for another Spiritual Fruit as a reward. Kisha admired Rose''s sharp intuition¡ªwhile she and Duke had consumed more of the same fruit, they hadn''t noticed the changes in their abilities as quickly or as precisely as Rose had. This was likely only Rose''s second time consuming anything imbued with spiritual energy. The first had been during an experiment when Kisha successfully cooked something using the spiritual crops into a meal. Watching Rose now, Kisha felt a sense of pride; not only had the fruit worked, but it had also sparked a drive in Rose that could inspire others around her. As Kisha descended the wall, a voice called out to her, catching her attention. "City Lord!" Aston called, jogging toward her with a sheet of paper in hand, his expression slightly tense. Kisha slowed her pace and turned to face him. "What''s the matter?" she asked, her tone calm but curious. "I''ve received the latest list of newly awakened ability users from the person you assigned to oversee their registration," Aston said, pausing to catch his breath before continuing. "Apparently, most of the abilities this time are classified as ''Artisan'' abilities." He frowned slightly, his tone a mix of confusion and curiosity. "I don''t really understand how that works, but that''s what the overseer said¡ªthey''re artisans." Aston shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "It''s not that I don''t know what artisans do, but I''m struggling to see how that fits as an awakened ability. I mean, I haven''t awakened myself, so I don''t really know the specifics." "Hoooh!" Kisha exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she scanned through the list. "Isn''t this great?!" Her excitement grew visibly as she read further, a wide grin spreading across her face. Aston tilted his head, still puzzled. "Is it, though?" he asked hesitantly, unsure of what had her so thrilled. "Well, they might not be particularly useful for direct defense or offense," Kisha explained, her tone brimming with enthusiasm, "but they excel in support. These abilities allow them to create things that provide invaluable aid¡ªjust like artisans did in our previous society." "Well, I can imagine what they might create, but how exactly does it help?" Aston asked, genuinely curious. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Is it by crafting weapons that both normal humans and superhumans can use?" He wanted a clearer understanding so he could better explain the potential of these abilities to the artisan-type awakened users. Vulture and Sparrow, with their own unique abilities that were specialized in either offense or defense, couldn''t assist in guiding them, especially since many artisan-type ability users felt disheartened and useless. They couldn''t directly contribute to defense or offense, and it''s not like they could just toss a pot they made at a zombie and expect it to be effective, right? "Well, yes and no," Kisha replied, her tone calm but thoughtful. Seeing Aston''s expression, she could already sense his concern. It wasn''t just him¡ªthose who awakened as artisans probably felt useless right now. Kisha understood their predicament all too well. In her previous life, despite being a support-type ability user herself¡ªor so she had thought at the time¡ªartisan ability users had often been overlooked. Their focus on creating and crafting meant they were treated by other superhumans as no more than ordinary humans. They were tasked with building structures, making everyday items, forging weapons, and so on. To many, they seemed "lesser," even compared to other support types. In the harsh reality of those times, artisans were often regarded as tools, valued for their work but not their worth as individuals¡ªtreated more like slaves than equals. Kisha''s expression hardened slightly as she recalled those injustices, determined not to let that history repeat itself. Why was Kisha so excited? The reason was simple. In her 40th to 99th life, most especially on her 99th life, she had come to a crucial realization: awakened abilities were not fixed in their potential¡ªthey depended entirely on how the users chose to wield them. She had discovered this herself when her telekinesis, initially thought to be just a support ability, became a game-changing power with the right applications. Motivated by this insight, Kisha had begun experimenting with other awakened ability users, including artisans. While artisans might initially seem no different from ordinary humans, she uncovered something extraordinary. As their levels increased, so too did the quality and power of their creations. Their crafts, once mundane, could evolve into incredible tools of support, utility, and even offense. This potential made Kisha view artisans not as secondary players, but as crucial assets to their survival and growth. For example, a blacksmith at level 0 would craft a weapon no different from anything a regular human could make. But as they leveled up, the weapons they created would gain additional effects¡ªalmost like enhancements similar to the abilities and stats provided by her system. While the power and effects of these artisan-crafted weapons wouldn''t match the abilities, effects, and stats her system granted the items coming from the mall, sales channel, or achievement shop, they are still formidable in their own right. These weapons could deliver devastating blows, often tipping the scales in battles against powerful evolved zombies. In her 99th life, Kisha had relied on weapons crafted by awakened blacksmiths to survive. Even though she couldn''t purchase weapons from her system, the artisan-made gear proved invaluable, and it was through these unique creations that she managed to stay alive for so long. Just recalling this made Kisha feel a surge of excitement. For her, the items created by artisan-type awakened ability users might seem ordinary, but for others, they were a game changer. After all, it wasn''t as if she could supply every single one of her warriors with items or weapons from her system¡ªeach of those items was as costly as Duke''s space ring. While her system provided the best of the best, relying too heavily on it wasn''t practical or sustainable. The high-quality gear it offered was a significant advantage, but it wasn''t a feasible solution for outfitting her entire army in the long run. As Kisha''s mind raced with concerns, this unexpected news felt like an answered prayer, making her heart leap with excitement. Without wasting a moment, she rushed to where the artisans were gathered, with Aston hurriedly trailing behind her. In her enthusiasm, what was meant to be a simple walk turned into a brisk stride, almost like a power walk, as Aston couldn''t help but chuckle at her energetic pace. Chapter 490 Talk With The Artisans Aston, noticing Kisha''s excitement, couldn''t help but shake his head in resignation, a small chuckle escaping him as he tried to keep up. Despite his best efforts to run faster, there was no matching Kisha''s speed. His human abilities simply couldn''t compete with her enhanced abilities, boosted by her awakening, level-ups, and the additional stats from her system. Within moments, Kisha had disappeared from view, leaving Aston to race towards the destination, hoping to catch up with her before she got too far ahead. When Aston finally arrived, slightly out of breath, he saw Kisha already deep in conversation with the overseer of the awakened ability registration. In front of her stood the group of artisan-type ability users, their expressions a mix of worry and apprehension about their awakened ability. Among them, Aston recognized a few familiar faces¡ªsome who had been working under Mrs. Winter''s Women''s Care department, others who were engineers assisting with the Supply Center warehouse construction, and several more from various roles within the community. Their unease was palpable, but Kisha''s animated demeanor hinted at her eagerness to ease their concerns. "How are you feeling?" Kisha asked the overseer with a warm smile. The overseer, looking a little shy but clearly eager, straightened up as though he were addressing his idol. "I''m doing great, City Lord!" he said enthusiastically. "I''m really enjoying my work and learning so much along the way." His grin widened, almost sheepish, revealing just how proud and excited he was to be contributing. "That''s great to hear. Now, tell me¡ªhow many artisan-type awakened abilities do we have, and what is the range of their skills?" Kisha wasted no time, cutting straight to the heart of the matter. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she focused on the overseer, making it clear this was no casual inquiry. The overseer, sensing Kisha''s genuine enthusiasm, sighed in mock defeat. He realized she wasn''t there to scrutinize or question the artisans'' worth but was truly eager to understand and welcome them into the fold. The artisans stood nervously, the tension could be felt in the air. They couldn''t quite put their finger on why they were so anxious. Before awakening, most of them had been ordinary workers in various departments, going about their jobs like anyone else. Perhaps it was the fear of disappointing Kisha that gnawed at them. The thought of her thinking poorly of their newfound abilities weighed heavily on their minds. Without realizing it, almost everyone in the group had clammy hands, fidgeting nervously as they awaited her reaction. "City Lord, we have identified 339 artisan-type awakened ability users so far," the overseer began, his voice steady but tinged with pride. "They span across various fields, with the majority specializing in food preparation, blacksmithing, sewing, fortification, and construction." He handed Kisha a neatly organized report, complete with a detailed pie chart summarizing the distribution of talents. The foresight to compile this information into an easy-to-read format impressed Kisha, and she smiled in approval as she studied the chart. "This is incredibly helpful," she remarked, her eyes scanning the data with keen interest. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she scanned the group of artisan-type awakened ability users. To Kisha, they were brimming with untapped potential, each a diamond in the rough. As she activated her ''Eye of Truth,'' the ability revealed the depth of their talents and gifts, confirming her instincts about their capabilities. Some of them had only awakened days ago and were among those she had carefully assigned to temporary accommodations in the hallway in the medical facility before the unsettling incident involving the individual who transformed into a zombie. Even then, she had recognized their exceptional promise. Now, standing before her, these individuals were confirmed to be among the highest-quality talents in the base. A sense of pride and excitement filled her chest¡ªshe knew these artisans would be pivotal in shaping the base''s future. Sensing their growing unease, Kisha decided to address the artisans directly. She knew that if their anxiety lingered, it could hinder their future performance. Confidence was key, especially for artisans whose creations thrived on precision and creativity. Reassuring them now would not only ease their minds but also help them unlock their full potential. "Hello, everyone. I''m absolutely thrilled to meet and welcome all of you," Kisha began warmly. Her words immediately captured their attention, and a wave of hope seemed to ripple through the group. The artisans, who moments ago were fidgeting nervously, now straightened up, standing at attention. The place fell into a hush as they hung onto her every word, anticipation lighting up their faces. "I know many of you are feeling uncertain about your awakened abilities right now," Kisha began, her voice steady and reassuring. "But as I''ve said before, every ability has its purpose. If you''ve awakened to an ability, it''s because it holds value for our survival. Don''t be afraid to explore what you''re capable of. Only by doing so will you realize how much you can contribute to this base, to the people you love, and those you want to protect." She paused, her gaze sweeping over the group, making eye contact with each of them. "You might not be on the frontlines fighting, but that doesn''t mean what you create won''t be just as essential. Whether it''s food, equipment, clothing, or anything else¡ªwhat you make will empower those who are. Your work is vital." Kisha''s words hung in the air, and she watched as the artisans exchanged glances, the weight of her encouragement slowly sinking in. Kisha couldn''t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as she looked at the artisans before her. In her past life, she had been fortunate enough to know a few artisans whose talents seemed limitless. Seeing the potential in these individuals reminded her of them, and she felt a strong desire to bring those artisans into the fold of HOPE Base. These people''s skills could play a pivotal role in the future, and she was determined to help them realize their full potential, just as she had done for her friends in the past. ''Maybe I should take some time to search for them outside once my mission here at the base is over,'' she thought to herself. As soon as her words reached their ears, a wave of calm washed over the crowd in the square. The tension lifted, and excitement began to spread, with everyone turning their gaze toward Kisha. Just then, Aston arrived, breathless and sweating, but still managing to push forward. He walked up to Kisha, who turned to face him. "You arrived just in time," she said. "Since you''ve already opened a cafeteria, why not set up workshops for these artisans? It would give them the chance to practice their crafts and gradually improve over time." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Of course, they should be compensated better than regular craftsmen¡ªafter all, they''ve awakened their abilities. While it may not be obvious now, their skills will surely be valuable in the future." "For now, let''s focus on helping them master their craft and level up, as artisans-type awakened ability users are often late bloomers." Kisha''s voice was calm but clear, strong enough for everyone to hear. It was then that they realized how serious she was about what she''d said earlier. Their initial worries transformed into a sense of resolve and determination. Chapter 491 Tristan s Work After Kisha outlined what Aston needed to address for the artisan-type awakened ability users, he needed to head out to seek Tristan''s help. The tasks ahead were substantial, and Tristan''s expertise would be crucial in coordinating with the Supply Center and the whole process. Together, they needed to secure a free pass for all the materials required to set up the workshops. In return, the artisans would contribute their skills and earn work points, creating a mutually beneficial system. Kisha fell into deep contemplation once more. "Wait... hmm. Instead of just creating a workshop, why don''t we let them turn this into their own livelihood? They can have the freedom to choose¡ªthose who want to stay in the workshop can remain, while those who wish to branch out on their own can receive our support until they''re self-sufficient. In the meantime, they can repay us with their crafts." She turned to Aston, who immediately caught on to her idea. He nodded enthusiastically, agreeing that this approach was much better. It aligned perfectly with their plans to open a marketplace once the base was ready to welcome other survivors. The marketplace would not only serve as a trading hub but also act as a relay point for superhumans venturing further out, just as Kisha had envisioned happening in the future. Soon, as awakened abilities became more widely recognized, superhumans from various shelters and bases would begin taking on missions to expand and fortify their own territories, gather supplies, and collect crystal cores from zombies. When that time came, many of them would inevitably be drawn to their base. Turning those people away wasn''t an option¡ªit would only paint them as a prime target for predatory forces. Instead, it was better to share some of their resources through trade or exchange. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, before that day arrived, they needed to focus on becoming stronger to secure their position. Through trade, they might even attract more powerful allies¡ªa realization that only struck Aston after Kisha mentioned it. It was indeed a better approach for the marketplace, offering everyone the freedom to choose their own path, decide how to pursue it, and see how they could grow and develop to their fullest potential. After finalizing their agreement, Aston departed to meet with Tristan and begin setting up the project with the artisan-type awakened ability users. Meanwhile, Kisha went to assist Vulture and the others in continuing work on the wall. After parting ways with Kisha, Aston headed straight to the temporary office designated for the City Lord and Vice City Lord. There, he found Tristan buried in paperwork. The office itself, ironically, had yet to be used even once by Kisha or Duke. When Aston arrived at the office, he found it bustling with workers coming in and out, carrying stacks of paperwork. He peeked inside and saw Tristan buried under a mountain of documents, yet he appeared unfazed, as if this was just another day for him. Calm and collected, he carried himself with the grace of a true gentleman, fully accustomed to the hustle and bustle around him. "Secretary Tristan, do you have a moment?" Aston asked hesitantly. Tristan looked up from the document he had been reviewing, his movements unhurried as he removed his glasses. "What can I do for you, Minister of Defense, Mr. McMillan?" he replied with calm professionalism. "We have a proposal that needs reviewing, and I''d appreciate your opinion on it as well," Aston said, stepping inside and sitting down across from Tristan. "Shoot," Tristan replied, leaning back in his seat with both elbows resting on the armrests, his fingers intertwined in a relaxed but attentive manner. "As you may already know, I''m currently overseeing several projects," Aston began. "One of them is the cafeteria, primarily intended for the warriors, though it''s open to the public as well. Alongside that, there''s the warriors'' lodging, which comes with full utilities and serves as a privilege for them, allowing their families to stay. The reason I''m fully responsible for these projects is that they''re all directly related to the warriors." Aston paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "This time, however, I''ve been tasked with launching a workshop and a program specifically for artisan-type awakened ability users." "Artisan-type awakened ability users? That''s a new one..." Tristan mused, his voice calm as the gears in his mind started turning. "Are they considered support-type awakened ability users?" "Kind of..." Aston replied. "Since they aren''t directly related to the warriors or the base''s defense, I could really use your help with this. I''m not too familiar with what they might need, and given your experience working in a multi-billion-dollar company like Winters'' Corporation, I thought you''d be more suited to this kind of work," Aston continued, his tone a little hesitant. It was clear that Tristan was swamped with work, juggling the responsibilities of signing papers for both the City Lord and Vice City Lord positions. While both the leaders focused on fieldwork, the burden of paperwork always fell to someone¡ª in this case, to Tristan. Aston felt a twinge of embarrassment, realizing that despite knowing how much Tristan was already handling, he still had the audacity to ask for his help. Tristan remained silent, his gaze lowering to the papers on his desk, leaving Aston unsure of what he was thinking. To break the silence, Aston began relaying what Kisha had discussed with him. Tristan, already familiar with the plan for the marketplace and the idea of opening the gates to other survivors, listened intently. After sharing the details of the conversation, Aston handed over the pie chart and a list of the artisan-type awakened ability users. "This will help you understand the focus areas," Aston said, "so you''ll know if we need to prepare more resources for blacksmiths, seamstresses, or any other crafts. It''ll give us a clearer idea of what to prioritize." "Actually, setting up the workshop itself isn''t too difficult," Tristan began, his tone thoughtful. "Especially with the territory expansion, we have enough space to allocate for the craftsmen. The main issue, however, lies in the materials they''ll need. For those involved in food-related crafts¡ªcheese, pickling, and so on¡ªour Supply Center has plenty of resources readily available, and requesting more shouldn''t be a problem." "The real challenge comes with the other artisans, particularly blacksmiths, seamstresses, potters, and similar trades. They require specialized materials that we may not have in abundance." He paused, his mind already working through potential solutions, considering the logistical and supply issues that might arise. "As far as I know, my master and the young madam discussed raiding a linen factory, which would certainly solve the seamstress''s material shortage," Tristan said, leaning back slightly. "As for the blacksmiths, they present a whole different set of challenges, but considering that the young madam is planning to open a workshop, she may have already prepared some materials for them." He set the papers aside and unfolded a map of City B. "We could convert the building on the newly acquired land near the northern wall. It''s large enough to house a workshop, and we can partition it to ensure each type of artisan has their own designated area." "For those who wish to work independently, we could allocate a certain amount of supplies each week and follow the young madam''s idea¡ªhaving them pay with their crafts in return." Tristan''s mind was already formulating the logistics, weighing the pros and cons of the proposal. Chapter 492 Checking The Site "We should go inspect the location together," Tristan suggested. "Once we see it, we can decide how to transform the space into a fully functional workshop and figure out the logistics." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston nodded in agreement. "You know, that''s exactly what the City Lord suggested as well. Looks like we''re all on the same page. And you''re probably right¡ªif the City Lord hasn''t mentioned anything about the materials, she might already have what we need." He gave a satisfied nod, feeling more confident in their plan. What Aston didn''t realize was that Kisha had forgotten to mention one crucial detail. Fortunately, she had received some valuable steel, but those materials were far too precious to be used by the artisans for practice. Given their current skill levels, they might not even be able to smelt or properly utilize such high-quality steel. Additionally, Kisha had already made plans for those materials, keeping their potential use reserved for a more important purpose. After discussing the matter further, Tristan set aside the document signing and joined Aston as planned to visit the site for the new workshop. Fortunately, the northern wall''s expansion in that area had already been completed some time ago, and the space had been cleared out. However, since it was still relatively new and untouched, the area felt a bit desolate, with only a few soldiers stationed on the wall and some warriors on patrol nearby. In the area, there was a closed-off marketplace that resembled a mall, with five floors excluding the underground garage. Fortunately, Kisha and the others had already cleared the space of zombies, leaving only minimal cleaning to be done. Despite the place being relatively untouched, several items and shelves remained, left by the previous occupants, and many of them still seemed usable. The marketplace had already been sectioned off, making it easier to allocate space for the artisans. Tristan and Aston decided to assign each floor to two or three groups with complementary skills, ensuring that their work wouldn''t interfere, even if they were neighbors on the same floor. The first floor was designated for food-related artisans, while the second floor was set aside for blacksmiths, jewelers, engravers, and transcribers. The third floor was designated for construction-related artisans, such as builders, carpenters, and more, while the remaining artisans were allocated to the fourth floor. The building was vast, offering plenty of room, but there was one major issue: the electricity no longer worked. They would either need to rely on generators or climb the stairs manually. However, the real challenge would be how they managed to work efficiently without proper power, especially considering that artisan-type awakened ability users typically lacked the enhanced physical capabilities of defense and offense-type superhumans. This would make their tasks far more difficult, as they were not as physically strong and would likely struggle with the demands of the work. The main issue now was how to transport materials to the upper floors, given the artisans'' lack of physical strength. The only viable option was the stairs, as the elevators were non-functional without electricity. If they wanted to restore power to the building, they''d need to use a generator. However, given the building''s vast size, the generator would require a significant amount of gasoline. This posed a problem, as Duke and his team had already raided all the gasoline stations in the city, draining their supplies. Half of that gasoline had already been used to blow up the sewers, leaving them with limited reserves. The current gasoline stock was carefully rationed, as it was already being used for essential operations, like powering the City Lord''s villa, the central hall, the Supply Center, and various offices, as well as fueling the trucks used for supply runs. Now that the problem was clearly identified, Tristan and Aston had to come up with a solution. Unfortunately, there were no larger buildings nearby that could be repurposed into a workshop. Their only alternative would be to allocate multiple smaller buildings for different types of artisan work, which wasn''t ideal. Despite the expansion of their territory, they had to use the available space wisely, as they still had to accommodate the future influx of survivors. Every decision regarding space allocation would need to be strategic and long-term. "How about we set up a pulley system outside the building to deliver materials to each floor?" Aston suggested suddenly, his gaze drifting to the window. He noticed a balcony just outside where someone could easily stand to wait for deliveries. Beyond that, he saw the perfect spot to install the pulley system. It seemed like a simple yet effective solution. "That''s a solid idea," Tristan agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "But we''ll need to ensure the pulley system is sturdy enough to handle hundreds, if not thousands, of kilograms of supplies up to the fourth floor." He paused, glancing outside as well. "As for lighting, we can use candles or oil lamps¡ªthose won''t drain our gasoline reserves, so that''s one less issue to worry about." Aston hesitated for a moment, then clarified, "I was thinking we could use the crane''s structure to support the weight, but instead of actually lifting the supplies with the crane, we could rig it to hold the load in place while a manual pulley system does the lifting. Essentially, the crane would just act as a frame to distribute the weight safely, without using its lifting mechanism." Tristan paused, considering the idea. "So, the crane''s just there for structural support, and the manual pulley would do all the heavy lifting? That might work," he said, his tone thoughtful. "If we''re going to set up a pulley system, we''ll need a solid foundation for the wheel. We could park the crane beside the building; we wouldn''t need to operate it, just use its sturdy hook and frame as the anchor." Aston paused as he looked at a specific location where he thought the crane would be positioned. "Then, we can have a strong superhuman pull the pulley system up. However, it could get cumbersome, so it might be best to create a delivery schedule. That way, we can rotate the task among a few people, spreading out the workload." "Well, that''s our best option for now, unless we manage to fix the electricity issue at the base," Tristan nodded, thoughtfully considering Aston''s suggestion. It was a practical solution for the time being. "It''s a solid plan. Now, the next step is figuring out who wants to work under us and who prefers to go solo," he added, scanning the area as if waiting for further input. "About that, I''ll need to have a conversation with them," Aston said, pulling out a small notebook and readying himself to take notes. "But I''m not sure how to explain the material distribution... or the help they''ll get if they choose to go solo." Tristan didn''t seem bothered by the question, despite the constant stream of inquiries. He leaned back, considering the situation. "It''s simple enough," he replied thoughtfully. "You can explain that while working under us means shared resources and a guaranteed supply of materials, those who go solo will have more freedom but will need to handle their own supply needs." "Make it clear that going solo comes with more responsibility, but they won''t be left completely unsupported¡ªthey''ll still have access to some resources, just less consistency." Chapter 493 Nearing The End "The material allocation will depend on how much we have on hand. We''ll prioritize the artisans who agree to work with us directly, ensuring they have a steady supply. Those who choose to go solo will receive a more limited amount, and for any materials we''re lacking or have in short supply, we''ll have to restrict distribution to the bare minimum. It''s important to make it clear to everyone that scarcity will dictate the priorities." Aston jotted down everything Tristan said, nodding thoughtfully as he did. He agreed completely with the plan¡ªensuring fairness in distribution seemed like the only logical approach, especially given the limited resources. There was no room for disagreement. After finalizing their plan, Aston accompanied Tristan back to the temporary City Lord''s office. Once their tasks were completed, Aston headed off to gather the artisan-type awakened ability users for an announcement. He explained the decisions that had been made and set up two registration desks for them to choose their path. As expected, 100 artisans opted to take their chances as independent business owners, while the remaining 229 chose to work directly for the base. While both paths meant contributing to the base''s assets, those who worked directly for the base would receive full support, and their crafts would be exclusively utilized for the base''s needs¡ªespecially for equipping the warriors who fought to protect them. The decision to go solo wasn''t taken lightly by the 100 artisans. After much consideration, they recognized the importance of diversifying their efforts. Some artisans needed to pioneer the marketplace, ensuring the base could develop a thriving economy. Many of those who chose independence had prior business experience, while those less confident in managing a business leaned toward working under the base''s direct leadership to ensure their skills were put to good use. Understanding the reasoning behind their choices, Aston nodded with a proud smile. It dawned on him how deeply connected the people within the base had become to their community, especially to their City Lord. They were actively thinking of ways to contribute meaningfully on their own. Kisha''s words about their awakened abilities had clearly struck a chord, inspiring them to improve their crafts and live up to her expectations. In a way, her encouragement had become a driving force, igniting their determination to push forward and make themselves indispensable to the base''s future. With the groups now divided, those who opted to go solo were guided to a different area to arrange rental contracts and select their locations in the marketplace. The marketplace fell under Mr. Winters'' management, so Aston had already sent someone ahead to inform him about the artisans and their agreements. This allowed Mr. Winters'' team to prepare everything so that once Aston arrived with the artisans, the contracts could be signed smoothly. Meanwhile, the artisans who chose to work for the base were sent home for the time being and should wait for further instruction. Aston decided that he and Tristan needed to prioritize cleaning and organizing the closed-door marketplace that would now be their workshop. Their goal was to clearly establish departments within the building so that when the artisans arrived, they could immediately begin their work without delays. By organizing the workshops within a single building, Aston and Tristan ensured that the artisans would be able to work efficiently once operations began. To prepare for this, they needed to sort and allocate the required materials in advance, creating a smooth workflow for the artisans to focus solely on their crafts. This centralized system was a significant advantage for those who chose to work directly for the base, as they benefited from full support and resources. However, the artisans who chose to go solo and start their own businesses didn''t feel envious of these arrangements. They had a different vision. With the establishment of a marketplace, the base was laying the foundation for rebuilding an economy. This meant residents would soon have the freedom to choose between working for the base or running their own enterprises. The currency would transition from work points to crystal cores¡ªa system already introduced and widely understood as part of Kisha''s broader plan to develop their community. This shift promised substantial benefits for everyone. As solo artisans launched their businesses, it was expected that people from other shelters and bases would visit the marketplace to trade and purchase goods. This influx of visitors and commerce would enable the base to accumulate more crystal cores, which could then be used to help their superhumans level up more easily without constantly risking their lives in dangerous expeditions to collect cores. In this way, the marketplace was not only an economic revival but also a strategic move to strengthen the base as a whole. This arrangement was particularly advantageous for non-combatant awakened ability users and other support types. It allowed them to avoid venturing into dangerous areas and risking their lives to gather the crystal cores needed for leveling up. Moreover, starting their own business wouldn''t limit them to just selling their crafts. These artisans could also gather valuable information from travelers visiting the marketplace and relay any critical insights to the City Lord''s office. However, this role required bold individuals with strong business acumen, which is why only those confident in their abilities and resourcefulness chose to go solo. Although they were labeled as "going solo," these artisans were not entirely alone¡ªthey often had family or friends to support them in managing their businesses. While their products might have shifted to align with the new reality, their goals remained steadfast: to earn more and, in turn, collect crystal cores. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These cores would allow them to level up faster and even assist their family members in doing the same, should they awaken abilities in the future. With this in mind, the 100 artisans enthusiastically selected prime locations within the marketplace, which Mr. Winters had strategically designated. The marketplace itself was set to be established on a large, empty lot that once served as a parking area for government officials. Though the space was currently barren, the vision for its transformation into a bustling hub of commerce was clear. The vehicles that once occupied the lot had long since been cleared out, making room for a dynamic, large-scale marketplace that would soon breathe new life into the area. The marketplace was spacious enough to accommodate the hundred artisans while still leaving room for future stall owners to set up shop. With the plan firmly in place, Aston and Tristan found themselves busier than ever in the days that followed. They worked tirelessly to organize the workshop and ensure that the solo artisans were comfortably settling into their new stalls. Fortunately, Mr. Winters took charge of assisting the solo artisans, as the marketplace fell under his jurisdiction, lightening the load on Aston and Tristan while ensuring the marketplace was smoothly operational. After a long and eventful day, everyone retired to their respective places to rest. Meanwhile, Kisha and Duke remained outside, vigilantly overseeing the final stages of the wall''s construction. With such a crucial phase underway, they couldn''t afford to let anything go wrong. Both Vulture and Sparrow had been doing an excellent job, ensuring the schedule was met and progress continued without delay. Kisha and Duke kept a watchful eye, knowing how critical this moment was for the success of their plans. Chapter 494 Unexpected Reward Ding! [Congratulations on Completing the A Class Mission "Commander of a Thousand"] [You have received the "Stamina Booster Recipe"] [You have received the Title: "Commander of a Thousand"] [You Gained the ''The Commander of Heaven'' Acheivement] [You Gained 3,000 achievement Points] Kisha was abruptly awakened by the system notification early in the morning, just two days before the deadline for the wall''s expansion and reinforcement. She lay there, staring at the ceiling of the tent, as her mind tried to process the unexpected news. How had she completed the A-class mission "Commander of a Thousand" when there were still seven days left before the deadline? It took her a moment to fully absorb the reality of it, her thoughts racing as she tried to make sense of it all. "Host! You''re mixing things up!" 008 interjected, its voice tinged with urgency. "The deadline for the ''Commander of a Thousand'' mission is also ending in two days, coinciding with the base wall''s construction. Gosh, how are you going to manage without me?" It made sure to correct Kisha, testing her focus as it could tell her mind was still in a fog from just waking up. "Oh," Kisha replied flatly, her lackluster response immediately deflating 008''s excitement. With a metaphorical sigh, the system retreated to the depths of her mind, sulking over her indifference. It was only after 008''s reminder that Kisha opened the mission tab to double-check. Sure enough, 008 was right¡ªthe mission "Commander of a Thousand" had started five days before the wall''s expansion and fortification. The mission requirement listed a 15-day duration, which explained why she had mixed it up. Without 008''s timely intervention, she might not have noticed the discrepancy. "Glad you figured it out," 008 quipped with a hint of sass before retreating into the depths of Kisha''s mind. "Alright, thank you, 008," Kisha murmured, her tone a mix of gratitude and amusement. She shifted slightly, careful not to disturb Duke, who was still sound asleep beside her. His left arm served as her pillow, while his other hand rested protectively on her stomach, occasionally rubbing it in his sleep as if to shield her from the chill of the night. A soft smile tugged at Kisha''s lips at his unconscious gesture of care. Gently, she turned her focus to the new title she had earned, opening the system interface to examine it. ... [Title: Commander of a Thousand] [Description: It was a title worthy of someone who had led five hundred elite warriors¡ªindividuals considered the finest in the nation and the cornerstone of its future strength. These warriors were not only formidable on the battlefield but also exceptional in defense, boasting a balanced skill set honed through training with the most distinguished fighters in the land. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Grade: EX Leadership: +250 Mental Capacity: +250 Charm: +100 Luck: +20 Active Skill: Lion''s Roar Passive Skill: People''s Heart] ... Then there was the matter of her growing list of achievements. Ever since her luck stat had emerged, Kisha felt like she was racking up achievement points and milestones at an unprecedented rate. She wasn''t complaining¡ªfar from it. This newfound streak of success was something she had only begun experiencing in this life, and it left her feeling both exhilarated and empowered. ... [The Commander of Heaven Acheivement] [Description: The title Commander of Heaven is bestowed upon a leader who possesses the unique ability to win the unwavering loyalty and admiration of warriors, achieving not just the required recruitment quota but doubling it effortlessly. Such a commander doesn''t just lead¡ªthey inspire, earning the respect and devotion of their followers through unparalleled strategy, strength, and charisma. The *Commander of Heaven* stands as a revered figure, embodying divine-like leadership akin to the legendary God of War, *Kratos*. Grade: EX Additional 20 in all stats +30% Increase in Warrior Affinity +30% Boost to Warrior Growth +30% Bonus to Experience Gain +30% Increased Chance of Talent and Gift Awakening ] ... Everything Kisha read made her heart soar with excitement. She rubbed her eyes a few times, almost unable to believe the incredible effects she was seeing. A 30% increase in EXP gain, combined with the benefits of Scarlet Honey¡ªwhat could possibly stop her army from becoming unstoppable strong? The thought filled her with a sense of invincibility. The additional 30% chance of awakening talents and gifts felt like an extraordinary advantage, especially since such awakenings were rare. Typically, talents and gifts were sealed at the initial awakening, making this new perk a game-changer for her forces and giving them a chance to awaken a gift and talent even after their awakened abilities have already manifested were never heard before. She then checked the skills associated with the title she had just gained. ... [Active Skill: Lion''s Roar] [Description: A war cry that boosts the morale of all warriors serving under you, with no limit to the number it can affect. As their morale rises, their healing speed, stamina recovery, and spiritual rejuvenation increase by 30% to 50%. Effective for 20 minutes CD: 3 hours Grade: EX] ... [Passive Skill: People''s Heart] [Description: The more people believe in and respect you, the faster your spiritual energy¡ªand any other energy you utilize¡ªrecovers, potentially granting an infinite supply. However, if their trust turns to hatred and disdain, your energies will be sealed. It''s a double-edged sword, where only the hearts of the people will determine how you can harness its power. Grade: EX(Evolvable)] ... ''How am I supposed to use this Lion''s Roar? Do I actually need to roar like a lion?'' Kisha thought, a dark line forming on her forehead as the idea sent an embarrassing shiver down her spine. She really hoped she wouldn''t have to use such a skill. [Please set Skil: Lion''s Roar activation command] As if reading her thoughts, the system sent her a prompt, and Kisha couldn''t help but let out a sigh of relief. While she had been dreading the idea of embarrassing herself, the skill''s potential was too valuable to overlook. Now that the system offered a way to use it without the awkwardness, she felt much more optimistic. "For the activation command, how about ''Let''s Get Them!''" [Do you want to set ''Let''s Get Them!'' as the activation command?] [YES] or [NO] After Kisha clicked "Yes" with a smile, Duke stirred beside her, a chuckle escaping his lips. Seeing Kisha in such a good mood so early in the morning made him smile too. His eyes, still heavy with sleep, blinked lazily as he turned to gaze at her. "What''s got you so happy this early?" "I''m happy because the base is slowly coming together, and the warriors you''ve trained are getting stronger, ready to leave the nest," Kisha said with a chuckle. She figured that the completion of the mission was likely tied to the fact that most of the warriors in the defense force had awakened their abilities. This made their base home to an unprecedented number of awakened ability users across various classifications. More than that, the warriors had mostly reached level 1, with some even reaching level 2. She suspected this was why the system considered the mission complete¡ªher warriors were now strong enough to fight on their own, without her or Duke''s guidance. Why shouldn''t she be happy? Her breakfast had turned into earning a title, an achievement, and two new skills, all accompanied by a massive boost in stats. Chapter 495 Will You Treat me Like A King? ''I could even laugh in my sleep,'' Kisha thought, giggling to herself. Duke, with a smile, buried his nose into Kisha''s neck and chuckled along with her. Though he didn''t know exactly what had made her so happy¡ªcertain that she hadn''t shared the full story¡ªhe chose not to pry. Her joy was undeniably infectious, and that was enough for him. Kisha, meanwhile, returned her attention to her status window, unable to resist admiring how much her stats had skyrocketed thanks to the boosts from her new title and achievements. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 220 (+20) Stamina: 302 (+20) Defense: 490 (+20) Agility: 220 (+20) Mental Capacity: 970 (+270) Charm: 320 (+120) Leadership: 570 (+270) Luck: 310 (+20) Mana: 690 (+20) Spiritual Energy: 690 (+20) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand Skills: Telekinetic Level 1 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 1, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 1, One Man Team, People''s Heart Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Another giggle escaped Kisha''s lips as she stared at her status window. Her stats had never been this impressive before. With these upgrades, she felt like she could rival a level 5 or 6 evolved zombie on her own, a thought that made her feel almost invincible. For a fleeting moment, she even dared to think she might be stronger than Duke. In her previous life, Duke''s strength had always been unmatched, towering at the top of humanity''s ranking system for the strongest awakened ability users. His power had seemed bottomless¡ªa force no one could fully measure. Yet, that boundless strength had been sacrificed... for her. Kisha''s good mood plummeted, crashing into a pit of despair as the memory of Duke''s sacrifice resurfaced. ''I promised to make it up to you in this life,'' she vowed silently, her heart aching with guilt and determination. Seeking solace, she buried her face against Duke''s chest, his steady heartbeat and familiar masculine scent grounding her. The calming warmth of his presence eased the storm of emotions swirling inside her, bringing her a measure of comfort amid the turmoil. "Are you alright?" Duke asked, his perceptive nature instantly picking up on the shift in her mood. He tightened his embrace, offering silent reassurance as his deep, husky voice carried a note of concern beneath its lazy tone. His eyes searched her face, worry evident despite his relaxed demeanor. "Hmmm, yeah, just a random thought," Kisha replied softly, avoiding elaborating it. She couldn''t bring herself to confess the truth¡ªthat in her previous life, Duke had died because of her. The fear of his potential hatred loomed too large, silencing the words she desperately wanted to say. Sensing her emotions beginning to spiral, Duke tightened his embrace, pulling Kisha closer as if trying to absorb whatever was troubling her to himself. They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in silence, his warmth grounding her. When they finally stepped out of the tent, the outside was already bustling with activity. Warriors were hard at work constructing the walls, their focus unwavering. At the same time, Aston''s men arrived with the breakfast delivery. Aston himself was absent, busy collaborating with Tristan to set up the workshop. The camp thrummed with energy, progress evident in every corner. Kisha immediately guided Duke to a nearby bench. "Sit here; I''ll grab our breakfast," she said with a warm smile, eager to return the care he so often showed her. Most of the time, it was Duke who played the perfect partner, ensuring she had everything she needed to focus on her tasks without worry. But today, she wanted to turn the tables. Duke had always been the one giving¡ªhis unwavering support, his quiet acts of service, his steadfast presence. He deserved just as much in return. To Kisha, he wasn''t just her husband but her partner in every sense of the word. And if she was his queen, it was only right that she made him feel like the king he truly was. "Honey, it''s my job to serve you," Duke said, his voice dipping into a deep, alluring tone as his gaze locked onto hers, filled with warmth and affection. The gentle glint in his eyes spoke volumes about his devotion. Kisha shook her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Let me do this for you," she replied, her tone light with a teasing edge, though her eyes betrayed her earnestness. "You always treat me like a queen, and I want you to feel like the king you are." Duke pulled Kisha onto his lap, his strong arms circling her waist with a possessive yet gentle hold. His lips hovered just behind her ear, his warm breath brushing against her skin and igniting every nerve. A tingling warmth surged through her, sending a wild churn to her core. Kisha shivered, her lashes fluttering as she fought to suppress a gasp. "Honey," Duke murmured, his voice low and seductive, a velvety caress to her senses. "I love pampering and doting on you. But if you really want to treat me like a king..." He paused, his lips curving into a wicked smile she could feel against her skin. "It might be better done in bed instead. I''d enjoy that far more than breakfast service." His thumb traced lazy, teasing circles around her belly button, and Kisha could only stifle a breathless laugh, her cheeks burning as she tried¡ªand failed¡ªnot to melt into his embrace. "And more than that," Duke murmured, his voice dropping to a sinful growl, "the breakfast I''d truly love to devour... is you." His lips brushed against her ear as he whispered the last word, his baritone chuckle following like a melodic echo, warm and deep. The sound sent a shiver down Kisha''s spine, but it was his words that made her body react as though a surge of electricity had just danced through her veins. Her breathing quickened, her heart racing wildly as her mind betrayed her, replaying flashes of Duke''s passion and intensity in bed. She felt her cheeks flush, heat pooling in her core. But before she could utter a single protest¡ªor invitation¡ªDuke''s lips descended to her earlobe, capturing it gently. His warm mouth and teasing tongue made her gasp softly, her resolve melting like snow under the sun. "Say, my queen, will you treat me like your king?" Duke''s voice deepened, rich with desire, each word laced with a restrained hunger. "Because I''ll tell you this¡ªmy staff is more than ready." A faint pant escaped his lips, his control clearly wavering. "My God, wifey," he groaned, the rawness in his voice sending a shiver through her. "I want you so badly. I need to be inside you, to feel your tight pussy gripping my cock. But more than that, I want to hear you scream my name." Kisha''s back pressed firmly against his chest, and she felt every rise and fall of his labored breathing. Chapter 496 Like The View? His cock, hard as steel, pressed insistently against her rear, igniting a heat between them that was impossible to ignore. Duke''s finger trailed downward, hovering tantalizingly close to Kisha''s clit, teasing her in a way that sent shivers through her body. His tone was low and inviting, laced with seductive hunger. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hmmm, I''m starving," he murmured, his voice thick with desire. "How about you spread those beautiful legs of yours so I can feast on that sweet, pink pussy? That''s the kind of breakfast I''m craving right now," he growled, his words dripping with carnal intent. ''Oh shit! I think I just poked the sleeping bear,'' Kisha thought, swallowing hard as a lump formed in her throat. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, the anticipation sending a rush of heat through her. She could already imagine Duke''s next words, knowing all too well what he was capable of¡ªhe''d proven it to her before. As Kisha''s breaths grew more labored, Duke chuckled softly behind her ear¡ªa sound both seductive and teasing. He rested his chin on her shoulder, exhaling deeply as he wrestled with his desire. He knew this wasn''t the time or place for such feelings. The setting was far from intimate, and Kisha was focused on completing their mission, with the deadline rapidly approaching. Even so, he couldn''t resist teasing her, a move that both stoked his frustration and gave him a hint of satisfaction. Reluctantly, he pulled back, inhaling her scent one last time in an attempt to calm the storm of longing within him. "I''m letting you go for now, wifey. But you''d better be ready to satisfy this king soon," he teased, his voice laced with playful mischief. Chuckling, Duke gently set Kisha down on the bench before heading off to fetch their breakfast. Kisha, still reeling from what happened, felt a mix of frustration and longing. She couldn''t shake the feeling of being both cheated and riled up, and the worst part was the fire Duke had ignited within her had nowhere to burn. Kisha felt like strangling someone at that moment, but her frustration only deepened as she watched Duke stride toward the delivery truck with an unmistakable spring in his step. He looked to be in a great mood, seemingly unfazed by the noticeable tent in his pants. Thankfully, his windbreaker partially concealed the evidence, and he chose to ignore the discomfort. What lingered in his mind, though, was the look on Kisha''s face before he walked away. That expression told him everything¡ªshe wanted him just as much as he wanted her. The thought made his day, filling him with a sense of reassurance and satisfaction that was more than enough to keep him grinning. While Duke was basking in his happiness, Kisha was simmering in frustration for the first time. ''Is this what they call unfulfilled desire? Damn it, Duke. What a great husband you are,'' she fumed silently, her glare locked on him as he headed toward the truck. Duke, feeling the intensity of her gaze, glanced back¡ªonly to be met with a look that could pierce steel. Her expression, complete with flaring nostrils as though smoke might burst out any second, made him laugh out loud on the spot. He found her glare irresistibly adorable, but the moment he thought that, but he soon regretted that thought. When Duke returned with two trays of breakfast, Kisha didn''t spare him a glance. She focused intently on her own business, pretending he was nothing more than a breeze passing by¡ªanything to quell the fire still raging between her thighs. Her core tingled and clenched, a lingering reminder of the spark he''d ignited. Memories of their passionate nights together resurfaced unbidden, and without her realizing it, a flicker of anticipation began to build within her. Her body betrayed her, responding to the desire, while her mind struggled to maintain logic. The result was a maddening frustration, one she squarely blamed on Duke, who had lit the flame and then walked away, leaving her to deal with the aftermath. "W-Wifey, are you mad?" Duke asked hesitantly, inching away from Kisha like a scolded puppy. His eyes were droopy, his expression radiating regret. Kisha shot him a sidelong glance and could almost picture imaginary dog ears drooping alongside a tucked tail. He looked utterly pitiful, but she wasn''t about to let him off the hook so easily. Stifling a laugh, she snorted instead and continued eating, pretending to be angry despite the amusement bubbling just beneath the surface. In an attempt to pacify her, Duke kept offering Kisha bits of his food, carefully choosing the dishes he knew she liked. "What''s this? A peace offering?" Kisha snorted, rolling her eyes. Despite her sarcasm, she popped the food into her mouth, trying to mask her enjoyment. Duke''s grin widened at her reaction, and without missing a beat, he placed another piece of tamagoyaki onto her plate. ''Hmph! You''re lucky I''m not teaching you a lesson! I just promised to make it up to you, and this is what you do?'' Kisha fumed inwardly as she shoved another piece of tamagoyaki into her mouth. She shot Duke another sharp glare before resuming her meal, but he only watched her with a soft, adoring gaze. The way he looked at her¡ªlike everything she did was the most amusing and entertaining thing in the world¡ªmade her chest tighten in frustration. ''Damn it! How am I supposed to stay angry with that face?!'' she thought, clenching her jaw as she hurried to finish her food. She needed to get to work on the wall''s construction, to get as far away from him as possible. Otherwise, the tingling coursing through her core wouldn''t go away, and she desperately needed a distraction to clear her mind. As Kisha lowered her head to eat, her eyes inadvertently flicked to the tent in Duke''s pants¡ªit still hadn''t gone away. The sight made her freeze, and before she realized it, the food in her chopsticks slipped back onto her plate. Duke, noticing her distraction, glanced at her face and then followed her not-so-subtle gaze. He burst into laughter, his amusement echoing around them, snapping Kisha back to her senses. Her cheeks flushed as she quickly averted her eyes, pretending nothing had happened. "Wifey, eyes up here," Duke teased, a wolfish grin spreading across his face, his eyes gleaming with mischief and amusement. "If you''d like, I''ll even give you a free pass to touch. After all, this is all yours anyway¡­" His voice carried a playful tone, laced with just enough seduction to make her cheeks burn. To emphasize his point, Duke leaned back on the bench, letting his windbreaker fall aside to fully reveal the bulge in his pants. Kisha''s eyes flicked downward involuntarily, and she even caught the slightest twitch. Her face flushed as she snapped her gaze back to his with a fiery glare, though it only made Duke''s grin widen further. "Like the view? Hmmm?!" Kisha felt the urge to smack the smug smile off Duke''s face as he reveled in her flustered reaction, her cheeks burning bright red. But before long, she couldn''t help but laugh with him. The playful exchange felt so natural, so much like what a loving husband and wife should be. The anger she''d been trying to hold onto melted away, and they settled into a comfortable rhythm, chatting casually as they ate. They talked about their day yesterday, their thoughts, their plans, and everything in between. Time seemed to slip away unnoticed, and before they realized it, more than an hour had passed. With a shared glance, they both jumped up, suddenly aware of the time. Without missing a beat, they hurried off to get to work. "Wait" Chapter 497 The Errand Boy "Wait." Kisha tugged on Duke''s arm, and for a moment, he felt as though he were rooted to the spot. He tried to pull away, testing her grip, but to his surprise, he couldn''t overpower her. His brow quirked in amusement as he stood still, waiting for Kisha to speak. Without saying a word, Kisha tugged Duke toward the tent, guiding him into her territory space for more privacy. "Just give me a minute," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Did you finish smelting the materials I assigned last night?" Kisha asked 008. Before heading to bed, she had recalled the new features unlocked when 008 reached level 5¡ªthe ''smelting and synthesizing'' abilities. With that in mind, she had immediately sent 008 to smelt the large amounts of Tungsten Steel, Vanadium, and Iron Meteorite she received as a reward. Given their current equipment, she knew even their skilled artisans, even with awakened abilities, might struggle with such materials. So, she took it upon herself to ensure the job was done. "Please deliver this to Aston so he can assign it to the artisans. These materials might be useful for the solar panel project and any other blueprints we acquire in the future," Kisha said, her tone firm yet purposeful. Understanding her reasoning, Duke nodded and swiftly stored the large crates into his Space Ring. Each material¡ªcarefully smelted into ingots¡ªfilled at least three crates each material, neatly prepared and ready for distribution. Duke understood that while Kisha wanted Aston to oversee the distribution of the materials, her true intention was to ensure he had what was needed for crafting the solar panels. The remainder was meant for safekeeping, as these rare and valuable resources couldn''t be squandered on practice or routine crafts. Duke was well aware of their scarcity and the importance of preserving them for critical projects. With a nod, Duke took the materials and made sure to explain to Aston exactly what they were for and how they should be handled, ensuring everyone was on the same page. Kisha, pleased by Duke''s quick understanding, nodded happily in return. They both exited the territory space, each heading in their own direction. As usual, Kisha stayed close to Vulture and the others, lending them her presence. The team felt more powerful with her nearby, as if their spiritual energy was overflowing, and fatigue seemed like a distant memory. What they didn''t realize was that Kisha had been subtly activating her new skill each time she called out "Let''s get them!" While they assumed she was just offering encouragement, she was actually triggering her active skill ''"Lion''s Roar" that boosted their morale and enhanced their spiritual and stamina recovery. Coupled with her "Healing Dome," it was a double punch of power, making them feel as though their energy and stamina were limitless. Even Kisha was taken aback by the results. It almost felt as though their stamina and spiritual energy had become limitless. Not only were they able to work tirelessly, but Kisha herself now had an abundance of spiritual energy to fuel her active skills. Her abilities seemed to defy natural limits, though there was a catch: after using her 20-minute skill, she had to wait for a 3-hour cooldown. Despite this limitation, her "Healing Dome" was more than enough to keep everyone going without pause, ensuring they could work relentlessly without tiring. Whenever Kisha activated her "Lion''s Roar" skill, everyone would feel a surge of spiritual energy and stamina, making them work faster and more efficiently for the entire 20 minutes. Once the skill''s effect wore off, the overwhelming energy would dissipate, but their spiritual regeneration would still be much faster than usual. This served as a reminder to pace themselves and be mindful of their energy use, ensuring they didn''t overexert themselves and burn out. Although they were initially baffled by the sudden surge of power, the group was too focused on their tasks to dwell on it, and simply accepted the strange but beneficial phenomenon. After parting ways with Kisha, Duke made his way directly to where Aston and Tristan were. He asked a few people along the way if they had seen them and was directed to the workshop they had chosen the day before. Upon arriving, he saw Aston and Tristan overseeing the construction of a platform where items would be placed before being lifted by the pulley. Nearby, a large crane was being positioned beside the building, carefully placed to avoid obstructing the flow of people coming and going. When Duke arrived, the workshop was already buzzing with activity. Workers were busy rearranging the space, creating clearly defined areas with temporary partitions. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since they lacked enough materials for permanent walls, they had opted for the partitions as a short-term solution. Later, once the earth-type awakened ability users were available, they planned to have them craft earth walls to divide the sections more permanently, without using up the precious construction materials Sparrow had brought back for the Supply Center warehouse. Since the earth users were still occupied with building the wall for the City Lord, they had to wait for them to become available. For now, the partitions would suffice, allowing the artisans to begin their work as soon as possible. Duke glanced around, his curiosity piqued after hearing Kisha speak about the artisan-type awakened ability users. While he was intrigued, he couldn''t help but feel somewhat skeptical. Having already experienced the high-quality products from Kisha''s system, he wasn''t sure if the artisans could replicate anything on that level. Still, he understood Kisha''s vision for what the artisans could contribute to their base. Equipping their people with such specialized items would undoubtedly make them more formidable, especially when facing outside forces. As Duke surveyed the place, he noticed Aston and Tristan deep in a heated discussion about the workshop''s blueprint. "Hey," Duke called out, making his presence known as he approached. Both Aston and Tristan immediately looked up, standing up straighter at his approach. Aston, in a moment of reflex, saluted Duke before quickly realizing he had treated him like a general. He quickly recomposed himself, a faint flush creeping onto his face. "Good day, Vice City Lord," Aston greeted, his tone respectful as he presented the blueprint he had retrieved from the archive. "Are you here to check on our progress?" he asked, gesturing to the document he and Tristan had been editing to match their vision for the workshop. "No, I''m here on my wife''s orders to deliver some items," Duke replied casually. Both Tristan and Aston choked in surprise. They exchanged a look of incredulity¡ªhearing Duke, of all people, being sent on an errand was something they never expected. Given they both knew Duke before the apocalypse, the idea of him being anyone''s errand boy was almost laughable. The very thought of someone daring to ask the great Duke Winters to run errands would surely be the subject of gossip for days. With this new perspective, both men felt a renewed sense of respect for Kisha. They were also intrigued¡ªwhat could be so important that Duke himself had to deliver it? Surely, someone else could have handled it. Realizing it must be something significant, Aston and Tristan exchanged a brief glance before nodding in silent agreement. Without a word, they gestured for Duke to follow and led him to a more private area. Chapter 498 A Man Changes After Marriage And what could be more private than the City Lord''s villa? It wasn''t long before they arrived at the villa''s study¡ªa place reserved for the most critical and sensitive discussions. Duke seemed entirely unbothered by the choice, finding it the most natural course of action. Settling into his usual leather chair, he leaned back with practiced ease, propping his chin on his intertwined fingers, elbows resting casually on the desk. "Vice City Lord, is the item you''re delivering something of great importance?" Tristan asked directly, standing firm and attentive before Duke, his tone reflecting both curiosity and respect. "Hmm," Duke responded with a simple hum, flicking his wrist nonchalantly to draw attention to the ring on his finger. The subtle gesture didn''t escape Tristan and Aston''s notice. Their eyes widened as they registered the crates Duke had seemingly conjured out of thin air. It didn''t take long for them to connect the dots¡ªonly a space-type awakened ability user could perform such a feat, and Kisha was the only one who wasn''t a space-type awakened ability user who could do the same and she was known to possess incredible tools and many deep secrets, but they had never considered Duke to be one of the space-type awakened ability users. The logical conclusion? He''d received something extraordinary from Kisha, something that mimicked the capabilities of a space-type awakened ability user. Given all they''d witnessed before¡ªlike Kisha''s slave contracts, elixirs, and other miraculous items¡ªanother space ring wasn''t exactly surprising. Still, the implications of Kisha''s growing arsenal left them both awed and slightly surprised. The moment they realized that Kisha had likely gifted Duke something as significant as a space ring, both Tristan and Aston gasped in astonishment. Their eyes widened as they gawked at the ring on Duke''s finger, its significance now clear. Duke, for his part, made no effort to hide it¡ªhis casual yet deliberate gestures all but confirmed that the ring was the source of his portable storage capabilities. A flicker of smugness danced in Duke''s eyes, betraying the urge to proudly announce the gift he''d received from his wife. If not for the need to maintain discretion and avoid drawing unnecessary attention from the survivors in their base, he might have openly boasted about it. However, with Aston and Tristan being privy to such matters, Duke didn''t have to hold back completely. He let his satisfaction seep through in subtle ways, his fingers occasionally twisting the ring as if to flaunt it without saying a word. Though his pride stopped him from outright rubbing it in their faces, the way he played with the ring was enough to convey his quiet triumph. The two men didn''t hide their envy as they both stared at the ring on Duke''s finger, their expressions revealing their admiration. ''I never thought my master could act like this after marrying, but it''s almost endearing. It''s childish, but funny¡ªmaybe I''ll tell the others,'' Tristan thought, his gaze fixed on the red ring. It gleamed with elegant gold engravings, striking a balance between refinement and subtlety. Though it had a certain flashy appeal, it didn''t scream importance at first glance, merely resembling a wedding band. Yet, to those in the know, its true value was far beyond its appearance. ''A man really does change after marrying,'' Aston mused silently as he watched Duke, clearly reveling in the smug satisfaction of showing off his wife''s gift. The pride in Duke''s expression was unmistakable¡ªhe was practically bursting to tell the world about the ring his wife had given him. But after a moment of basking in his little victory, Duke shifted gears, as if reminded of the task at hand. He had clearly had his fill of flaunting the gift. Now, it was time to focus on the errand his wife had sent him on¡ªone he was eager not to forget, for the last thing he wanted was to incur her wrath. "So, these crates contain substantial amounts of Tungsten Steel, Vanadium, and Iron Meteorite," Duke began, his tone shifting to something more serious. "As you''re well aware, Aston, these materials are not only incredibly durable but also very rare." "Given your background in the Military, you know how valuable they are. They''re typically reserved for weaponry and armor¡ªthings the government would hoard and control strictly." "These materials were provided by my wife," Duke continued, his expression serious. "She recently acquired blueprints for an advanced solar panel system and a sewer system with gas preservation. I''ve already reviewed the blueprints with the experts in the base, and it turns out that some of the materials needed to construct the solar panels are these very metals." "Since you''re overseeing the workshop for the artisans, I''d like you to have them use some of these metals to begin crafting the necessary components for the solar panels. This will help us tackle the electricity issue in the base. Once that''s set up, we can redirect the gas for use exclusively with the trucks." The two gasped in unison, overwhelmed by the string of revelations. It felt as though each piece of information was more crucial than the last. Knowing the blueprints came from Kisha, they both understood that "advanced" was an understatement. For all they knew, the technology could be so far beyond anything on Earth, it might even be alien technology in nature. "And of course," Duke continued, his tone firm, "you''ll only use what''s necessary for the parts. The rest of the metals need to be safeguarded. We can''t afford to take risks, especially since we don''t know when or if we''ll get resources like this again." He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Aston. He didn''t break eye contact until he saw Aston nod in acknowledgment. "As for the sewer system with gas preservation," Duke continued, his voice thoughtful, "the blueprint will allow us to use gas more efficiently, providing a sustainable source for cooking and other needs." "It works by separating water from human waste, allowing the waste to decompose and generate flammable gas, which we can then use as a primary energy source." Duke nodded to himself as he spoke, recalling the blueprint with admiration. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He couldn''t help but marvel at the system''s efficiency¡ªnothing was wasted. He even saw the potential to link the sewer system to the water purification system, recycling water for washing, gardening, and other non-drinking uses while keeping a separate system for drinking water. The thought of it all filled him with excitement for the innovative blueprints Kisha would continue bringing him. If 008 could hear Duke''s thoughts, it would be surprised to see how easily Duke grasped the advanced technologies from different worlds that Kisha was acquiring in her ongoing missions. Due to this understanding, Duke had already spoken with Dr. Shuveck and, more importantly, with Engineer Steel to ensure that, when constructing the sewer and gas preservation systems, they would leave space for a future water system blueprint they would possibly acquire. This would allow for easy integration once it was acquired. Engineer Steel, impressed by Duke''s analysis, fully agreed with the plan, and his excitement grew as he envisioned the possibilities. When Aston and Tristan heard Duke''s thoughts, both were taken aback. They realized that such a blueprint must have been carefully crafted, with every detail thoughtfully considered. The design would undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to their base, offering solutions on multiple fronts. Chapter 499 Preparing For Another Large Scale Mission With a clearer understanding of the situation, they all agreed to follow Duke''s instructions carefully¡ªonly using what was absolutely necessary and preserving the rest of the materials. It was crucial that the artisans were made aware of this as well. "Don''t worry, Master. We''ll ensure no materials are wasted," Tristan responded promptly, earning a nod of approval from Duke. "As for the other supplies, you can bring Winter''s men into my wife''s territory to gather materials¡ªlogs for carpentry, clay for pottery, stones for the stonemasons, and any other resources we may need," Duke added, his tone decisive. "As for the silk, we''ll be raiding the linen factory soon, so the seamstress can wait for the fabrics. While we''re there, we might also seize any heavy equipment that could make their work easier." "Additionally, you could ask Marcus to start raising silkworms so we can produce our own silk. We have the advantage of the territory, so use it to our benefit. Just head over to Marcus if you need assistance with opening the portal." "You''ll need to be discreet with your movements. Send Sparrow along with the Winters'' men on a supply run, making sure it appears like a routine task. Don''t forget to take the five STAU with them¡ªthose five have already received a Heart Gu Pill, making them one of us." "This will also make their work easier and allow us to bring back as many items as possible, considering their expanded space. Anything we don''t have can be sourced outside the base." "Additionally, have Sparrow pretend they''re gathering livestock as well. This will help establish a credible source for our fresh meat supplies and allow us to raise livestock openly around the base." Duke paused for a moment, making sure all his instructions were clear. He knew Kisha was on the same page, so he took the liberty of laying out how they would tackle any issues that might arise in the future. Preparation was key. "If I recall correctly, there''s an animal farm on the outskirts of the city that supplies the fresh meat to the market." "Given that this city is a major merchant hub, the farm is sizable¡ªit delivers live animals to merchants involved in the food industry, including those who deal in canned goods and preserved meats," Aston added, recalling the crucial information only after Duke had mentioned it. "However, I''ve heard that the farm is a bit farther out, intentionally kept outside the city to prevent the smell from bothering the residents." "Recently, though, the farm underwent renovations to become a tourist destination, allowing people to experience farm life firsthand. As a result, the place is now much more hygienic and visually appealing. The downside, however, is that it''s become quite crowded." "Given that animals can now mutate, I can''t be certain that the animals at the farm are still purely alive." "Even if they are, there''s a high chance they''ve mutated. If that''s the case, they''d likely be far more hostile toward humans." Aston added, his voice growing tense. After hearing the warriors'' reports about the mutated rats on Duke''s mission, he felt a chill run down his spine. The thought of those rats causing trouble for them sent goosebumps creeping over his skin. If those rats were capable of such mutations, who knew what kind of horrific changes other animals might have undergone? He shuddered at the thought of the potential consequences for the team if they faced an attack from something far worse. "We could make it look like we raided the farm while bringing animals from my wife''s territory, or perhaps we could scout the place out. But the safest option is to simply pretend we went there, taking only the animals we need from the territory to maintain our alibi." Duke suggested. Given that they already had plenty of livestock in Kisha''s territory, there was no need to risk their lives by actually raiding the animal farm. The facade would serve as the perfect cover for their operations, providing the best solution without exposing their secrets. Tristan nodded in agreement with Duke''s plan. "I''ll coordinate with Sparrow and the team once the wall''s construction is complete. But with so much on our plate, what should we prioritize first?" "Hmm, since we''re focusing on the workshop, let''s prioritize gathering as much material from the territory as possible and handle the smaller tasks first." "Once the wall''s construction is complete, we can send Sparrow, the Winter''s men, and a few of the STAU to the outskirts to pretend to gather livestock." "At the same time, bring out all the resources we''ve collected from the territory, making it look like we''ve sourced everything from the outskirts." "While they''re on the mission, I''ll lead a second group to head to the linen factory, bringing along the remaining STAU to gather supplies there." Duke added thoughtfully, his mind racing with plans. "Make sure to arrange the team lineup with a mix of defense, offense, and support-type awakened ability users so we can cover any scenario that might arise outside the base." Tristan and Aston both nodded, diligently noting everything Duke had said. While Duke made it sound straightforward, they both knew this would be another large-scale mission outside, with countless potential dangers to consider. But since Duke had already laid out the plan, all they could do now was prepare thoroughly and ensure they were ready for any scenario that might arise. After the meeting, Aston didn''t take the metals elsewhere. Instead, he instructed his most trusted men to store them in the villa''s secure storage for safekeeping. After all, aside from the City Lord and Vice City Lord''s residences, it was the safest place in the base and nowhere else. With no better location to safeguard the items for now, he decided to leave them there and take only what was necessary when needed. After finishing at the villa, Aston and Tristan began their preparations. Tristan gathered all of the Winters'' men and led them to the backyard, where Marcus was waiting. With a wave of his hand, Marcus opened the portal, allowing them to enter the territory, head to the mountains, and then start chopping down trees for logs. Meanwhile, one of the STAU members was called in to assist, and once their space was full, they would summon another to continue the work. Since some of the Winters'' men had awakened their abilities, felling the trees became much easier. With the mountain''s expansion, there were now more trees available for cutting, so deforestation wasn''t a concern in this area. Tristan, on the other hand, approached Mike, Marcus'' grandson, to ask for help in selecting quality livestock¡ªa mix of pregnant females, males, and younglings¡ªto meet their needs. The key question now was whether the STAU''s space could store live animals, or if it functioned like Kisha''s inventory, which only accommodated objects. Soon, one of the STAU arrived and was led to the animal farm inside the territory. Without wasting time on pleasantries, Tristan immediately got to the point. "Could you try storing this chicken in your space and see if it can survive there? Also, check how long it can stay inside." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While the others focused on gathering resources around the territory, Tristan was eager to test the capabilities of the STAU storing live animals in their space. Understanding whether the STAU could store live animals in their space was crucial for Tristan and the team, as it would help them plan the mission more effectively and ease the burden on Sparrow''s team. The STAU nodded in acknowledgment, stepping forward. With a swift wave of his hand, the chicken vanished from sight. Cluck... cluckukukuh... The STAU then focused his attention on his space, using his mental focus to monitor the chicken. To his relief, the chicken didn''t immediately perish after being stored, and he let out a quiet sigh of relief. Cluck... cluckukukuh... Cluckahhhh. The chicken paced nervously within the confines of the space, its wings flapping frantically as it searched for a way out. The STAU was puzzled by its apparent distress, but his confusion was soon answered. Gradually, the chicken''s movements slowed, its cries growing quieter and more labored. As the minutes passed, its strength waned, until it finally collapsed, motionless, and died. Within less than five minutes, the STAU retrieved the chicken from his space and shared his observations with Tristan. As he processed the information, Tristan fell into deep thought, his mind working through the implications of what he had just learned. "So, it''s possible to store live animals, but the real issue is how to keep them alive for an extended period." Tristan mumbled to himself, his index finger tapping thoughtfully against his chin as his arms folded across his chest. "Your space doesn''t have the same limitations as young madam''s inventory, which is a relief. But why did the chicken die after only a few minutes?" "Maybe we should try sending a person inside?" the STAU suggested. After all, it wasn''t like they could ask an animal what was wrong inside the space. Only someone who had experienced the space could explain what it felt like inside. Only then would they truly understand what went wrong and how to resolve the issue. "Would you like to volunteer, then?" Tristan shot back, his irritation clear. Sending someone inside was a dangerous gamble¡ªwhat if it killed his men? He was frustrated with the STAU for offering such a reckless solution. The STAU, however, looked taken aback, feeling wronged. He hadn''t had a better suggestion; he was simply offering what seemed like the most feasible option at the time. Chapter 500 How Transport Them "Send in another chicken and take it out when it looks like it''s dying again," Tristan ordered. Mike stepped into the coop, grabbed another rooster, and placed it in front of them. Before the bird could run or even flap its wings, the STAU had already flicked his wrist, swiftly pulling the rooster into his space. Just like before, the rooster panicked, flapping its wings and searching desperately for an escape. The rooster must have sensed the imminent danger of death in that space, triggering its survival instincts and making it restless. Its movements grew weaker by the second, and just before it collapsed, the STAU pulled it from the space. The rooster hit the ground, motionless. Slowly but surely, the rooster began to stir. It took a full five minutes before it managed to stand, as if it had just narrowly escaped death. Another three minutes passed before it regained its energy, moving with renewed vigor. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I see," Tristan murmured. Both Mike and the STAU turned to him, waiting for him to explain what he had concluded after observing the rooster. Tristan didn''t disappoint. "I think the reason the chicken died earlier was due to a lack of oxygen in your space," he began. "While there''s no restriction on what you can store inside, there''s also nothing to generate oxygen." "Without it, no living creature can survive for long. In comparison, this territory can sustain life because it has a complete ecosystem." "So, maybe if we could place plants inside¡ªones that can convert the carbon dioxide animals exhale into oxygen¡ªthen the animals could survive in your space," Tristan explained. "But with the number of animals we plan to transport, we''d need something close to a small forest, which would be difficult to achieve." He paused, reflecting on the challenge of finding plants as large as trees to sustain the animals stored within the space. "And besides the plants, we''d also need sunlight," Tristan added, frowning. "Your space doesn''t have enough room to accommodate not just the trees, but also the sunlight necessary to produce oxygen." He looked visibly frustrated, realizing this method wouldn''t work. Still, they needed a solution. To make their plan convincing, they would have to temporarily store the animals in the space and then remove them just before bringing them into the base. This way, the survivors would believe the livestock had been gathered from outside. "Hmm, maybe we could equip them with some oxygen tanks?" Mike suggested absentmindedly, scratching the back of his head. He didn''t fully grasp everything Tristan had explained, but he understood one crucial point: there was no oxygen inside the STAU''s space, and without it, the animals would die within minutes of being placed there. Since it had already been established that placing plants inside the space to transform carbon dioxide into oxygen was too complicated without sunlight, the only simpler solution Mike could think of was using oxygen tanks. "Ha ha ha," Mike laughed awkwardly, his voice trailing off as Tristan fell silent, staring at him. The prolonged silence made Mike squirm, embarrassed, and he began to wonder if his suggestion had been foolish. "You don''t¡ª" Before Mike could finish his sentence, Tristan cut him off. "Of course! The solution is so simple! Why was I overcomplicating it?" Tristan exclaimed, nodding appreciatively as he patted Mike''s shoulder. Sometimes, solutions didn''t need to be complex¡ªhumans just had a way of making things more difficult than they needed to be. "But where are we going to get the oxygen tanks? And how many animals are we planning to transport?" the STAU asked. "Or do we need to make multiple trips like we did with the cargo trailers?" Though the solution seemed simple at first, it wasn''t without complications. Oxygen tanks weren''t something they could easily get anywhere, and they were meant for farm animals, not humans. That raised several concerns. For one, the animals might quickly remove their masks due to discomfort, or they could deplete the oxygen in the tanks faster because of their erratic behavior. It also wasn''t ideal for the STAU to keep a close eye on each animal in the space. It would be draining, tiring, and could overload their mental capacity to maintain awareness inside the space for so long. As if he understood the STAU''s concerns, Tristan explained what he had realized. "Of course, it would be simple." "If I recall it correctly, I prepared a few hundred large oxygen tanks back at our base as part of our medical supplies, which the young madam had asked me to gather before I left to find the Winters'' family." "Sparrow and Vulture mentioned that she cleaned out the entire warehouse and took everything with her. That means she currently has all those supplies, including hoses, oxygen masks, and gas masks." Tristan continued, but Mike and the STAU didn''t fully grasp all the details¡ªlike which base he was referring to or what he meant by ''before leaving to look for the Winters.'' However, despite not fully understanding everything, they now knew that Kisha had the necessary supplies. Even the STAU realized that aside from the current territory space, Kisha must have a separate inventory space where she stored those supplies. After all, the STAU couldn''t see hundreds of large tanks around the area, nor did it seem like they had a cabin hidden somewhere in the forest. The STAU felt a sudden sense of disbelief upon learning something incredible about their City Lord once again, making him question his very existence. But before he could dwell on his shock, Tristan continued. "Since we have the oxygen tanks, which can surely accommodate many animals, we can place an order with the artisan-type awakened ability users. They can modify the gas or oxygen masks to fit the animals, allowing them to breathe inside the space. We''ll also put the animals to sleep so they won''t stir too much, reducing their oxygen consumption inside the space." Only after Tristan explained everything clearly did Mike and the STAU begin to visualize the plan themselves. They realized it was not only feasible, but also their best option. In fact, it was simple enough to think that bringing Kisha along would solve everything, as her skills alone could take care of it without using up many resources. However, Tristan saw it differently. He viewed this as a great opportunity for the artisans to practice their craft and receive their first order. He didn''t want to rely on Kisha too often, especially since it wasn''t always possible to bring her into every mission. Even though involving her would make everything much easier, Tristan was determined to manage without her this time. But easier wasn''t always better¡ªnot for everyone involved. Kisha couldn''t continue bearing all the burdens alone; others needed the opportunity to step up and shine. With this understanding, one of the Winters'' bodyguards was sent out to relay the order and inform Kisha of their plans. Since modifying the masks would take time due to the number of animals involved, it was crucial to get the artisans started as soon as possible. In addition to modifying the masks to resemble muzzles, they also needed to design a large, isolated pod for the smaller animals. This would eliminate the need to create individual oxygen masks for creatures like chickens and ducks¡ªa task that seemed nearly impossible given their size and anatomy. Chapter 501 Walls Completion They not only had to consider the animals'' size but also other factors. This was why muzzle-type oxygen masks would only work for larger animals like cows and pigs, while isolated pods would be necessary for smaller animals. Once the plan was finalized, Kisha returned to the villa briefly to deliver all the supplies Tristan had specified. She didn''t ask many questions, trusting that Tristan and the others had everything under control. Kisha believed in giving them opportunities to take on leadership roles, knowing it was essential to challenge them occasionally and prepare them for the bigger picture. The idea for the isolated pod actually came from a carpenter artisan-type awakened ability user. Initially, they had considered using pods for all types of animals, but given the resources required and the limited time available, it wasn''t feasible. Constructing pods for every animal would take far too long. Instead, they decided to modify masks into muzzles for the larger animals and create a few isolated pods for the smaller ones. This approach was not only more practical but could also be completed within a day or two, ensuring everything was sturdy and reliable. Despite the workshop still being incomplete, some artisans eagerly began working as soon as they received their first order. After the STAU delivered the supplies Kisha had delivered to the villa before promptly leaving again, the workers didn''t ask many questions. They simply assumed the supplies were part of what Sparrow''s team had recovered during their mission to Port City. On the northern side of the base, the workshop was bustling with activity, supervised by Aston, while Tristan oversaw another critical project around the Territory Space. This division of tasks ensured no one was overworked. Meanwhile, Duke was immersed in his own work with the engineers about the blueprints. Kisha, on the other hand, returned to the wall construction site, which had been underway for days. Her heart raced as she observed the progress. Though a small section of the wall still needed polishing, much had already been accomplished. Rose was also working tirelessly, reinforcing the wall''s defenses with her Ice Crystal Spikes. Inspired by Rose''s dedication, Evelyn stepped up as well. She left her new baby and now temporary house-husband to manage things at home while she joined the effort, focusing on strengthening the wall''s gate. With the wall fortified, the gate also required reinforcement. Standing before each gate, Evelyn used her Metal-Type awakened ability to enhance its strength. Unlike other abilities that could be conjured from thin air, her power allowed her to manipulate metal at will. She could alter the metal''s present properties and rearrange its structure on a nanoscale level, essentially reshaping it to her needs. Her abilities weren''t limited to manipulation alone. Thanks to her ''Talent: Control Over Metal'' and ''Gift: Woman of Steel'', Evelyn had an extraordinary affinity for metal. She could feel it as if it were an extension of her body, even transforming her own skin into metal when necessary. This unique connection made her work highly effective. Using her abilities, Evelyn reconstructed the gate''s metal, making it as sturdy as the walls of a great fortress. This significant upgrade bolstered their defenses, ensuring the gates could rival the resilience of Rose''s Ice Crystal Spikes, adding an extra layer of protection to their stronghold. Since Evelyn only needed to fortify four gates, her task was far easier compared to Rose''s. It didn''t take her long to finish. By the time the sky turned a bloody red and a heavy gloom settled over the air, everyone''s attention was fixed on the wall. Ding... [Congratulations on Completing the A Class Mission "Base''s Expansion!"] [Congratulations on Completing the Hidden Mission: B Class Mission "Strengthen The Base''s Wall"] [You have received Advanced Water Filter Blueprint from World 005795] [You have received Advanced Energy Gun Blueprint from World 102879] Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [You have received Title "A True Ruler"] [You have received 100,000 Points] [You have received 10 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 50% Mall Points Discount Coupon] [You have received Spiritual Crystal Gatherer] ... As the continuous system notifications popped up before her, Kisha''s eyes sparkled like crystals as she confirmed the completion of the Wall''s construction mission. Standing alongside Vulture, Sparrow, and everyone who had worked tirelessly for nearly two weeks, she felt a surge of emotion. The sight of their hard work culminating in the completion of the tall, sturdy wall brought an overwhelming sense of pride. Cheers erupted as emotions ran high. Many collapsed onto the ground inside the base''s walls, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the face of their achievement. The air filled with collective laughter and joy, echoing across the base. Even Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle, her heart lightened by the shared celebration of their hard-earned success. However, Kisha''s happiness was rooted in the rewards she had just received. For now, she decided not to use the 10 Gachapon Draws immediately. Instead, she planned to hold onto them until she had more, in hopes of increasing her chances of obtaining more valuable items. She was particularly eager to go for the x100 draw, if possible. Soon, Duke arrived beside Kisha, having heard the cheers and so, he came out to see what was happening. As more people emerged from their offices and homes, they saw the celebration of the wall''s completion and joined in. Together, they admired the sturdy new wall, feeling a sense of security settle in their hearts. Some even shed tears of joy, overwhelmed by the sense of safety and happiness that had grown day by day within the base. When Duke and Kisha stood side by side, the cheers shifted toward them. Everyone began calling their names, followed by words of appreciation and gratitude, as if they were welcoming the heroes of their territory. Aston and Tristan, having heard the excitement, left their work to join in the celebration. Aston, ever proactive, immediately sent the cafeteria staff to begin preparing a hot pot feast to share with everyone¡ªeveryone, meaning the entire base would gather for a grand banquet. At this news, the survivors wasted no time. They eagerly sprang into action, each person doing their part. Some went house to house, borrowing tables and chairs and gathering plates and utensils. Others transported ingredients from the Supply Center to the cafeteria, while another group helped with preparing the food¡ªwashing and cutting vegetables, preparing meats, and making the hot pot sauces. The whole base became a whirlwind of activity, working together to create a feast for all. Mr. Winters worked diligently to ensure that all supplies taken from the Supply Center were properly documented and approved, avoiding any issues with future audits. Once he and his team finished their tasks, they headed to the square, where the banquet was set to take place. Kisha and Duke wholeheartedly supported the idea of a grand banquet, believing it was only right to honor their people for their hard work. The feast would celebrate their dedication¡ªtheir sweat and effort that had gone into building the base and making it a better place. By doing this, everyone would feel appreciated and recognized for their contributions, ensuring that Kisha and the other leaders weren''t taking credit for the work done. This small celebration, a moment of joy, would uplift everyone''s spirits and boost morale, preventing any feelings of despair or negativity from taking root. Chapter 502 The Banquet Just like that, the atmosphere shifted into one of celebration, as everyone went about their tasks, working together to prepare. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke and Kisha, being the honored leaders, were not allowed to participate in the preparations; their roles were to guide and oversee, like commanders leading their troops. With a sense of purpose, the survivors moved efficiently, each member contributing their part. Kisha, in particular, had already reassured everyone that there was no need to worry about the supplies. They had more than enough to ensure a successful day of festivities, and it was time to unwind. After weeks of relentless pressure, with one challenge after another coming in, the people had barely had a chance to release the built-up tension. Today, however, would be different¡ªtoday, they would take a well-deserved break and let go of the stress that had accumulated in both their bodies and minds. Hearing this, a wave of gratitude surged through everyone, deepening their respect for Kisha. Motivated by her words, they silently vowed to do more, to strive for excellence, and to uphold the trust she had placed in them. In their hearts, they made an unspoken promise: to never betray their leaders, for the consequences of such treachery would be nothing short of a painful, inevitable end. Of course, Kisha didn''t organize this banquet simply to give everyone a chance to unwind¡ªshe had a more strategic purpose in mind. It was a way to reinforce her "carrot and stick" approach, reminding everyone that hard work would be rewarded, but betrayal would not go unpunished. This was not just a celebration; it was a subtle reminder. Everyone at the base knew that Kisha and her team had taken down the previous tyrants who once ruled, and now those tyrants were locked away, their fates unknown. No one dared to speak of them, and no one knew what had become of them. In this atmosphere of uncertainty, Kisha''s periodic rewards served as a stark reminder¡ªa comparison to the old regime. These moments of recognition were meant to solidify the trust and loyalty of her people, ensuring that their commitment to her and her team would only grow stronger. After all, while the harshness of the world often brings out the darker sides of people, it also exposes their vulnerability. In their lowest moments, even the smallest act of kindness can ignite a deep sense of gratitude. But this only holds true for those with a good moral compass, which is why Kisha had to be meticulous in screening the survivors who entered her territory. By carefully selecting those who would join her base, she ensured that her people remained united and harmonious. This way, the foundation of her community would be built on trust and shared values, fostering an environment where loyalty and cooperation thrived. Not long after, the streets within the base, especially the square, were illuminated with oil lamps placed everywhere. Each table had its own oil lamp, and others dotted the square, casting a soft, flickering glow that created a warm, inviting atmosphere. It felt almost like celebrating Christmas Eve together, and the sight of it made everyone working feel even more solemn and dedicated to their tasks. As the others prepared the ingredients, most were setting up camping stoves at each table, placing pots on top. The cooks had already prepared large batches of rice, bone broth, and a mild spicy broth. For those who craved more heat, a spicy Sichuan seasoning was available to add as desired. The air was filled with the smell of food, and the atmosphere buzzed with the energy of people coming together to enjoy a much-needed break. They also prepared a variety of fried foods, including crispy fried chicken, fried balls, sausage and golden-brown tofu, while making minced meat and seafood mixtures so everyone could enjoy fish balls and meatballs in the hotpot. As the night went on, the temperature unexpectedly plummeted, turning the evening into one of the coldest nights they''d experienced in a while. Though it wasn''t snowing, the chill was so intense that each breath they took produced a cloud of visible vapor. It was strange¡ªwinter wasn''t supposed to have arrived yet, but the sudden drop in temperature made it feel as though it had come early. As the cold grew more intense, a hotpot quickly became the perfect choice for the banquet. The superhumans were less affected by the sudden temperature drop¡ªthey were cold, but still able to manage it. However, the normal humans could feel the chill in their bones, their limbs growing stiff as they began to shiver. To counter the biting cold, some of the workers set up a large bonfire in the center of the square, with smaller ones placed around the corners to ensure that everyone stayed warm, especially the children. The little ones gathered closer to the warmth of the flames, while the adults focused on their tasks. The elderly were entrusted with watching over the children, ensuring that they stayed safe and kept a respectful distance from the fires as the evening buzzed with activity. After hours of working together, everyone was tired, but the moment the rich scent of the hotpot began to waft through the air, a renewed sense of energy filled the atmosphere. People gathered around the tables, some standing, others seated, but all were eagerly waiting. At the front, Kisha and the other leaders sat like royalty, overseeing the gathering. The survivors, who had worked diligently all evening, looked up toward them, their eyes waiting for the signal to begin. The warmth from the bonfires mingled with the anticipation in the air, adding a sense of unity and reverence to the moment. Kisha and Duke exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with silent understanding and a shared smile. Raising their glasses filled with alcohol, they prepared to officially kick off the banquet. With a slight nod from Kisha, the leader''s words were met with an anticipatory hush, as she stood ready to make a short but meaningful speech to mark the beginning of the celebration. "Everyone, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for all the hard work and dedication you''ve shown in making HOPE Base a better place for all of us. This base is ours, and it is only through our collective effort that we can shape and protect it." "With the completion of the new, stronger wall, our defenses are now much more secure. We no longer need to live in constant fear of when the next zombie raid will breach our walls, as we did before." "Not only that, but with the expansion of our territory, we can also rest easy knowing that we have the space and resources to accommodate the growing population for the time being." "With this, we''ve earned a brief moment to catch our breath and gather our strength. I want to remind you all: don''t feel discouraged if you haven''t awakened yet, or if your abilities aren''t what you expected." "Each and every one of us has a role to play in supporting this base. There''s no need to put undue pressure on yourselves. We are here to support you, and we hope you''ll do the same for us as we lead the way forward." "What matters most is that we build a foundation of mutual trust, knowing that, together, we can stand strong against a world that has turned its back on us." "With the completion of our wall, we take our first step toward a brighter future. I hope that each of us will continue to do our best, for the sake of our children and loved ones. I thank you all for being here, for your hard work, and for your commitment to our shared future." As Kisha finished her speech, she raised her cup and drank deeply, her actions steady and resolute. The others followed suit, their faces reflecting deep respect and quiet emotion. A slight redness rimmed their eyes, for Kisha''s words had struck a chord in their hearts, reminding them of the sacrifices they had made and the hope that still burned within them. Kisha''s words had the desired effect, stirring the hearts of everyone in the banquet place, just as she intended. By repeatedly using "we" and "our," she subtly reinforced the idea that the base belonged not just to the leaders, but to everyone present. It was a clever way to ensure that the survivors saw themselves as an integral part of the community, while simultaneously positioning Kisha and her allies as the natural leaders who would guide them toward a better future. This strategic use of language made the idea of leadership elections seem unnecessary, almost unthinkable. It created an unspoken understanding that Kisha and her people were the rightful rulers, and anyone who challenged them would be seen as working against the collective goodness and effort of everyone. By making everyone feel involved in the base''s success, Kisha subtly placed the onus on them to contribute positively. Any action that went against the base''s well-being would be viewed as a betrayal of not just the leaders, but of the community as a whole. This psychological maneuvering ensured that the survivors felt both the privilege and the responsibility of being part of something bigger than themselves, grounding them in their positions and reinforcing their loyalty to the leaders. Duke and his family exchanged knowing glances, a sense of pride in their eyes as they watched Kisha speak. Her impromptu speech revealed her natural leadership, effortlessly uniting her people while subtly ensuring that her agenda remained firmly in place. Kisha''s words were not just inspiring¡ªthey were calculated, designed to strengthen the bonds within the community and solidify her role as the unquestioned leader. Chapter 503 Wifey, I Feel Bad The patriarch and Mr. Winters, who had listened intently, couldn''t help but feel reassured by Kisha''s strength and poise. As the daughter-in-law of their family, they knew she would keep Duke steady, never allowing his light to overshadow hers. Instead of diminishing, Kisha''s brilliance would only grow with time, standing beside Duke as an equal. The patriarch and Mr. Winters exchanged glances with Duke, their expressions a mix of mock disdain. It was as if their unspoken message to him was: "You''re lucky to have such an incredible wife¡ªyou don''t deserve her." They even snorted for effect, but the broad smiles tugging at their lips betrayed their genuine happiness for him. In their hearts, they were overjoyed that Duke had found a partner like Kisha¡ªa woman capable of shouldering the world''s trials and triumphs alongside him. She wasn''t just a companion; she was a pillar, someone who would stand tall beside him no matter the challenges, much like their own wives had done for them in their time. As they reflected on this moment, gratitude filled their hearts. They silently thanked their ancestors for the blessings bestowed upon their family. Despite the fall of the world, the Winters had not only endured but thrived, now standing as leaders guiding humanity''s survival. To witness three generations of Winters united in this pivotal moment felt like a testament to their resilience and the hope that Kisha and Duke would carry their legacy forward. Duke rolled his eyes with mock disdain, matching the energy of his father and grandfather. If he didn''t know any better, he might have believed he was the adopted son of the Winters, given how they were treating him. Then again, perhaps this behavior ran in the family. After all, the patriarch had treated Duke''s father much the same way when he brought home a gentle and sensible wife¡ªa woman who not only brought harmony to their household but also managed to raise the once-rebellious Duke into the fine man he was today. Some things, it seemed, were destined to be passed down through the generations. The banquet buzzed with lively energy as everyone indulged in the feast before them. The tables were laden with an abundance of vegetables, meats, rice, noodles, and even frozen seafood¡ªluxuries that made the gathering feel more like a wedding banquet than a simple celebration. The atmosphere was warm and joyous, and the sense of camaraderie grew stronger with every shared laugh and bite. Some of the attendees, feeling more at ease and closer to their leaders, couldn''t resist playfully teasing Duke and Kisha, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the evening. "City Lord, since we missed your wedding ceremony, let''s treat this as your wedding banquet! Please accept our toast," one slightly drunken man declared, raising his glass. His bold statement brought laughter, and soon, others joined in, lifting their cups to toast Kisha and Duke. Graciously, the couple accepted the well-meaning congratulations with warm smiles. Amid the cheers and chatter, Duke leaned against Kisha''s shoulder, a faint pout on his lips. There was a hint of melancholy in his expression, amplified by the alcohol loosening his usual composure. "Wifey, I feel bad..." he murmured softly, his tone almost childlike. Kisha glanced at him, both amused and indulgent. "Why?" she asked gently, knowing he was rarely so vulnerable in front of others. "Because, even though we''re husband and wife, we still haven''t had a proper ceremony. I want to give you the wedding you deserve," Duke confessed, his voice tinged with regret as he clasped Kisha''s hand, gently rubbing it with his thumb. They had been consumed by their responsibilities for so long that moments like this¡ªtender, private, and meaningful¡ªfelt rare. Duke''s gaze softened as he continued, "Life like this feels so precious. I want to cherish everything¡ªthe moments we share, the wedding, even a honeymoon." His words carried a wistful tone, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to fade as he focused solely on her. "I wish I had met you before the apocalypse," he admitted quietly. "At least then, we could''ve done all those things together. You deserve to experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment like that¡ªa real marriage, the way it''s meant to be." His heartfelt confession made Kisha''s chest tighten, a mixture of warmth and sadness stirring within her. "It''s alright," Kisha said reassuringly, her voice steady and warm. "We can always have a proper ceremony in the future, once everything settles down." She gave Duke''s hand a gentle squeeze, her gaze filled with understanding. Kisha knew exactly what Duke was feeling, but after enduring the relentless harshness of the apocalypse, she had come to treasure simpler joys. Just being with Duke and their family felt like a luxury in a world that seemed determined to strip them of every comfort and push them toward despair. To her, surviving together was already a gift beyond measure¡ªa testament to their resilience and love in a world that seemed intent on erasing hope. Her words weren''t just meant to comfort Duke; they were a reminder to herself as well, a vow that their future¡ªno matter how uncertain¡ªwould hold space for dreams yet to be fulfilled. "But a wedding only happens once in a woman''s life," Duke said, his lips forming a slight pout. His earnestness was almost childlike, and Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle softly. Unable to resist, she reached out and gently pinched his cheeks. "You''re such a baby sometimes," she teased with a playful smile. Luckily, the lively atmosphere of the banquet shielded their tender moment. Most of the attendees were already too intoxicated or engrossed in their food and conversations to notice the quiet exchange between their leaders. The cold wind outside was long forgotten, replaced by the comforting warmth of hotpot and the flush of alcohol, wrapping everyone in a rare moment of camaraderie and cheer. "Who says a wedding only happens once?" Kisha countered, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Weddings and vows can be repeated as many times as the bride and groom desire. Sure, we didn''t have a traditional ceremony before declaring ourselves husband and wife, but does it really matter? What counts is that we''ve already accepted it in our hearts and minds." She gently clasped Duke''s hand, her tone softening. "When the time comes, and you meet my family, they can arrange the ceremony with your parents back at our original base in City A. That way, even your subordinates can be witnesses to the occasion. Don''t you think that would be perfect?" Duke''s pout started to fade, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "As for the honeymoon," Kisha continued, her voice turning playful, "we can still travel¡ªthough the scenery might occasionally include zombies. But hey, we''ll also come across some breathtaking views along the way. Who says a zombie apocalypse can''t have its moments of romance?" She burst into laughter at her own teasing, and Duke couldn''t help but crack a grin, his earlier gloom melting away. "That honeymoon would definitely be... unromantic," Duke chuckled, shaking his head as he imagined zombies shambling around during their so-called getaway. "It wouldn''t look like a honeymoon at all¡ªmore like a cleanup mission." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha joined in, her laughter ringing out as they shared the absurdity of the thought. Their laughter mingled with the cheerful voices and lively chatter of the banquet below. The flickering glow of the bonfires illuminated the gathering, casting a warm and inviting light over the scene. As they watched the others, their joy and contentment mirrored the laughter and camaraderie of the people they had worked so hard to protect. It was a rare moment of peace, and they were determined to cherish it. Chapter 504 A Flash Sale With 50% Discount After the lively banquet the previous night, everyone returned to their homes with smiles, their hearts warmed by the shared celebration. The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight peeked through the windows, Kisha woke with a start. Excitement stirred in her chest as she remembered the rewards waiting for her from completing the two missions. She hadn''t had a chance to inspect them amidst all the festivities and responsibilities. Careful not to disturb Duke, who was still peacefully asleep beside her, she sat up quietly. With a deep breath, she opened her system panel, eager to explore the new title she had earned. Her fingers hovered over the glowing interface, anticipation building with every passing second. ... [Title: A True Ruler] [Description: There is always a stark difference between a dictator and a true ruler. A true ruler governs with compassion, understanding, and love, while maintaining fairness and knowing when to be ruthless and when to show mercy. Leadership is never an easy path; a ruler will inevitably face difficult choices and challenging obstacles. However, a true ruler never wavers, persevering through adversity, and ultimately leading their people toward a brighter, more prosperous future. Grade: SSS Leadership: +300 Mental Capacity: +100 Charm: +100 Luck: +20 Additional Reward: 10 Gachapon Draw, 50,000 points, and 5 Resource Crate] ... After reading her new title, Kisha let out a small chuckle. Although she hadn''t received another achievement this time, she didn''t feel disheartened. After all, the numerous rewards she had already accumulated were more than enough to lift her spirits. "Host, do you think earning an achievement is as easy as picking cabbage at the market?" 008 interjected quickly in Kisha''s thoughts. "Just one achievement is already a big deal, yet you''ve been racking them up left and right lately, to the point where you''re starting to take them for granted." Kisha paused for a moment, considering 008''s words. It was true¡ªback in her past lives, she hadn''t even been able to access the achievement tab. But now, with achievements coming one after another, it almost felt effortless. She couldn''t help but laugh, shaking her head at how quickly she had gotten used to it. "You''re right," Kisha said, chuckling as she glanced at her status window. "Thanks to all the titles and achievements I''ve racked up from these tough missions, my stats are so high now, I might just be able to take on a zombie tide all on my own. Well, maybe." She grinned, the playful tone clear in her voice as she spoke to 008. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 220 Stamina: 302 Defense: 490 Agility: 220 Mental Capacity: 1070 (+100) Charm: 420 (+100) Leadership: 870 (+300) Luck: 330 (+20) Mana: 690 Spiritual Energy: 690 Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand, A True Ruler Skills: Telekinetic Level 2 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 2, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 2, One Man Team, People''s Heart Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... With her ''Mental Capacity'' now reaching 1000, Kisha could sense a remarkable change within herself. She felt like she could control larger objects effortlessly and manage multiple items simultaneously without any strain on her mind. Her thoughts were clearer, and a sense of ease settled over her mind. As she focused on her spiritual energy, she noticed a subtle but significant shift¡ªthere was a faint barrier now protecting her energy core. It seemed like she had broken through a threshold that had strengthened her core on its own. She hadn''t done anything to trigger it, but it felt as if an additional layer of protection had been cast over her. Perhaps, being a mental type, reaching this threshold had triggered a small evolution in her ability. Kisha took a moment to adjust to the new sensation before moving on to inspect her other rewards. However, she didn''t immediately look at the blueprints. Instead, she set them aside on the bed, planning to give them to Duke later so he could pass them on to the engineers for review and determine how they might be useful for the base. Instead, she focused on the 50% Mall Points Discount Coupon, curious about what kind of benefits it might offer. Kisha quickly asked, "008, if I use this coupon, will there be a limit on how long I can use it or a cap on how many items I can apply it to?" She was puzzled since the coupon didn''t include any details, and with only 240,000 system points left, she wasn''t sure if that would be enough to make the most of the 50% discount. She wondered if the coupon had a time limit for usage or if it applied to multiple items at once. If it was time-sensitive, she feared she might miss out on something really useful, especially if there were too many tempting items to consider. "Host, upon activation, the coupon will turn the entire system mall shop into a flash sale with a 50% discount for the entire day," 008 quickly explained. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There was no need for further clarification, as it was clear that the discount would apply to everything in the shop. While the sale would reduce 008''s earnings, it wasn''t as bad as it seemed¡ªafter all, the transaction would still be recorded. Once 008 realized it would continue to make sales, any small resentment it had toward the coupon quickly faded. "Oh, alright then. I''ll just put it away for now and use it when I have more system points," Kisha said, her voice thoughtful. She then shifted her focus to the last reward she had received: the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer. It resembled one of those spherical glass crystals fortune tellers often used as decoration on their tables, clear and unremarkable at first glance. Curiosity piqued, Kisha activated her Eye of Truth to discern if there was more to this item than met the eye. ... [Spiritual Crystal Gatherer] [Description: As the name suggests, this item is inscribed with a powerful spiritual gathering spell. It draws in and concentrates the spiritual energy in the surrounding area, creating a rich aura of energy that cultivators can use to significantly enhance their cultivation. With the concentrated spiritual energy, they can more easily connect to their meridians and accelerate their progress. Over time, as the energy accumulates in one place, it also nurtures the surrounding environment, fostering the growth of plants and animals. The plants grow stronger, and animals that breathe in the spiritual energy gradually evolve into spiritual beings, such as spiritual trees or energy-infused animals. These enhanced life forms can serve as valuable resources for the cultivator, aiding in their journey by providing nourishment or even spiritual energy for further cultivation.] ... Kisha stared at the item, her eyes gradually widening as the implications of its usage sank in. ''Does this mean I can now continuously cultivate both my spiritual energy and mana without any limits?!'' she thought, excitement building within her. ''If that''s the case, doesn''t that mean my spiritual and mana pools will grow exponentially, allowing me to use my awakened ability and attacks without worrying about energy depletion? With my passive and active skills aiding in the recovery, I''ll never run out of energy!" Chapter 505 Spiritual Crystal Gatherer Her thoughts raced, and without realizing it, Duke had been quietly watching her. He leaned against the side, resting his arm casually on the surface, his hand cradling his face as he observed the range of expressions that flickered across Kisha''s face. He found her reactions both fascinating and amusing, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. After Kisha''s excitement began to fade, she became aware of Duke''s intense gaze. Turning to her side, she found her husband watching her with a gentle smile, but his eyes carried a smoldering intensity that made her cheeks flush. Embarrassed, she flicked his forehead, but her action only made Duke laugh heartily as he effortlessly pulled her into his arms. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What got you so happy this early in the morning?" Duke asked, his voice still husky from sleep, carrying a deep, magnetic timbre that sent a pleasant shiver down Kisha''s spine. "I got two new blueprints, and this crystal ball," Kisha replied with a hint of excitement, holding up the item for him to see. It was only then that Duke noticed the transparent, basketball-sized crystal resting in her hands. Since Kisha''s back had been to him when he pulled her into his embrace, he hadn''t seen it right away. Propping himself up slightly to get a better look, he raised an eyebrow in curiosity, silently urging her to explain further. Instead of explaining, Kisha simply led Duke to the territory space. She scanned the area, considering the best spot to place the item. Unsure of the crystal''s exact range, she decided on a secluded yet central location within her territory. Fortunately, the Winters'' men were already hard at work clearing trees in the forest, with Vulture and Sparrow lending their efforts. Spotting Vulture nearby, Kisha called out to him. "Vulture, can you help me with something?" Curious, he approached, and Kisha explained her request. With a nod, Vulture conjured a small altar from the earth in the chosen spot. The structure was simple yet sturdy, a perfect base for the mysterious crystal. Once it was ready, Kisha carefully placed the item atop the altar, her mind already buzzing with anticipation for what it might do. Without hesitation, Vulture stood still, took a deep breath, and concentrated on creating the altar. After a few minutes of focused effort, he crafted a structure resembling a lamp post. It stood tall, reaching Kisha''s chest, and was as thick as an adult''s waist. Noticing what Kisha was holding, Vulture had thoughtfully designed a socket atop the altar, ensuring the crystal would fit securely. Wasting no time, Kisha placed the ''Spiritual Crystal Gatherer'' into the socket. Seeing this, Vulture added finishing touches, conjuring prongs around the crystal to lock it tightly in place. The reinforced design ensured the crystal wouldn''t budge, no matter what forces might act upon it. Satisfied with their teamwork, Kisha stepped back to admire the altar, a sense of anticipation building within her. Kisha shot Vulture an approving gaze before stepping back to inspect the altar. However, as Duke, Vulture, and Sparrow exchanged puzzled looks, large question marks practically forming above their heads, they suddenly froze. A powerful surge of spiritual energy rippled through the area, drawing their attention to the crystal atop the altar. The energy wasn''t subtle¡ªit was so obvious, a force they could feel in their very cores. The spiritual energy seemed to condense and flow directly toward the crystal, creating an almost tangible aura around it. They didn''t even need to focus to sense it; the energy was so abundant that simply breathing felt invigorating. With each inhale, they could feel the rich spiritual essence coursing through their veins, awakening and strengthening their bodies in a way that left them speechless. In unison, realization dawned upon them, and their eyes widened as their heads whipped toward Kisha, mouths slightly agape in astonishment. "This... this is what had you so happy?" Duke asked, his voice trembling faintly with a mixture of awe and excitement. He understood the immense potential of the crystal¡ªhow it could exponentially enhance their strength if they trained within the territory''s bounds. The thought sent a thrill racing through him, and before he could contain himself, he leaped forward and wrapped Kisha in a firm hug from behind, his excitement palpable. "Wifey, you''re absolutely incredible!" Duke cooed, his grin stretching from ear to ear as he showered Kisha with unabashed praise. His delight was contagious, making Kisha laugh heartily along with him. But their shared moment of joy was soon interrupted by a new wave of energy that surged through the air, more concentrated in the center yet spreading across the entire territory like a tangible force. The spiritual energy thickened, enveloping the entire area. Even the Winters'' bodyguards, hard at work in the distant forested mountains, paused as they felt the sudden shift in the atmosphere. A surge of energy coursed through their veins, leaving them momentarily breathless. "Master, I can feel the spiritual energy fluctuating across the entire territory!" Bell''s excited voice echoed through the mind link, her words charged with enthusiasm. The confirmation only widened Kisha''s smile as she realized the crystal''s effect was even more profound than she''d anticipated¡ªit was reaching every corner of her territory, creating a haven rich with spiritual energy. This reward was truly invaluable, and Kisha knew it would significantly benefit her territory. With the spiritual energy spreading throughout, it wasn''t just limited to humans¡ªit meant that every animal, aquatic or terrestrial, and every plant could potentially evolve, embedding spiritual energy within them. Coupled with the ''Green Thumb Achievement'', which already granted her spiritual crops and fruits, the crystal all but guaranteed that every harvest would yield abundant, high-quality spiritual produce. The synergy between the crystal and her achievement meant her crops would not only thrive but likely surpass expectations. It was even conceivable that everything within her territory would gradually become infused with spiritual energy, creating a harmonious ecosystem. Such a transformation would vastly enhance her ability to sustain and strengthen her forces in the future. The realization filled Kisha with a growing sense of excitement, knowing she was laying the foundation for an unparalleled stronghold. Even the Scarlet Bees within the territory seemed to be rejoicing, their buzzing echoing through the forest as they flitted about. Some had already begun cultivating to elevate their cultivation levels. Although the crystal had only recently been placed, causing the spiritual energy in the territory to remain somewhat unstable for now, Kisha knew it was only a matter of time. As the energy continued to gather and settle, it would gradually grow stronger, eventually stabilizing and reaching its peak. Once it did, the rich spiritual energy would remain constant, creating an environment perfectly suited for cultivation and growth for all beings within the territory. To test the effects of cultivating within the territory, both Duke and Kisha set up mats in front of the crystal before beginning their practice. The others returned to their respective tasks, leaving the couple to focus on their cultivation. While Duke concentrated solely on his spiritual energy, Kisha took a different approach. She simultaneously cultivated both her spiritual energy and mana, carefully ensuring that both energies remained balanced within her body. She was cautious, knowing that even a small ripple could cause the two energies to clash again. Chapter 506 Preparing For The Next Mission Given her past experience, she wasn''t willing to take any chances; she didn''t know what might happen if history repeated itself. Although her progress was slower than Duke''s, Kisha didn''t mind. She remained steady and focused, determined to cultivate at her own pace and ensure her growth was stable and secure. After Kisha and Duke finished cultivating, they both felt invigorated and renewed. They could already sense the powerful effect of the crystal¡ªafter just two hours, it had increased their cultivation by more than threefold. However, as the spiritual energy continued to gather, they soon realized that its concentration had skyrocketed to ten times its original strength. The potency of the energy was far beyond what they had anticipated. Once they were done, they left the territory, and Duke immediately made his way to Engineer Stell again. This time, he brought with him two more blueprints, eager to continue the expansion of their territory''s potential. As soon as Engineer Stell laid eyes on the blueprints, his eyes lit up with excitement. Without sparing a glance at Duke, he and his team immediately immersed themselves in studying the intricate details. However, just like the previous blueprint for the solar panels, this one was also based on alien technology far too advanced for Earth''s current capabilities. The materials listed were equally rare and precious, to the point that Engneer Steel wasn''t sure they could even source them with their current resources. "Don''t worry, we already have some of the materials," Duke reassured, his voice steady and confident. "My wife and I have been gathering supplies from one of the Winters'' old warehouses, where we store precious materials. As luck would have it, we already have some of what we need." "Some of those items have already been sent to the artisans, who are working on turning them into parts. We''ll continue collecting what we need and let the artisans keep crafting, and we''ll assemble everything here as we go." His words were calm, but the task ahead was far from simple. Yet, his assurance seemed to ease the team''s concerns, even if they knew the work ahead would be demanding. Duke quickly fabricated a plausible story about the origins of the materials, carefully choosing details that would keep anyone from questioning where they came from or suspecting Kisha''s involvement. He knew that no one would bat an eye at the mention of his extensive resources. After all, everyone in the country was aware of Duke''s reputation: he had always been able to procure rare materials even before the apocalypse, with his own team of researchers, scientists, and connections in military weaponry and armor. His background made the acquisition of such items seem completely ordinary, and his explanation went unquestioned, leaving no room for suspicion. Duke was transparent about the materials they had, which reassured Engineer Steel. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hearing this, the engineer felt more at ease and even more optimistic about their progress. Once he finished inspecting the blueprints, he left them in Engineer Steel''s care for further study, along with the previous blueprints. Without anything more to do for the moment, Duke headed out and made his way to the square, where he found a group of warriors¡ªwho had suddenly found themselves with free time¡ªtraining alongside others who were off duty. The square was buzzing with activity, as the idle warriors were eager to keep busy and improve their skills. When Duke arrived at the square, he found the warriors in the midst of their training. They were sparring with one another, each testing the other''s progress. Some were exchanging punches that, while appearing friendly at first glance, carried a newfound confidence, precision, and deadly intent. It was clear that their attacks had evolved¡ªno longer the hesitant swings of beginners, but sharp and focused strikes. Duke could tell that their experience from fighting alongside their previous leaders during long, grueling missions outside the territory had sharpened their skills, transforming them into a much more formidable force. Those resting on the sidelines were exchanging stories of their experiences outside the territory. While some shared funny anecdotes, the majority recounted the horrors they had faced¡ªclose calls with death and encounters that had left lasting physical or mental scars. Others boasted about their strength or the significant contributions they''d made, as was typical in any conversation among warriors. After observing them for a while, Duke stepped forward. The atmosphere instantly shifted; everyone stiffened, immediately standing to salute him, especially those who had recently joined his team. Their respect and admiration were evident, but so was the nervous energy that filled the air as he approached. "I''m glad to see that none of you are slacking off during your free time and are instead focused on honing your skills," Duke said, his voice filled with approval. He made no effort to hide his satisfaction, and his words immediately lifted their spirits. The warriors stood up straighter, a gleam of pride shining in their eyes at the recognition. "Now that the wall''s construction is complete, we still have more tasks to tackle," Duke began, his voice steady but serious. "One of those tasks is a supply run to the linen factory, and I''ll need another team to come with me." "However, this journey won''t be as straightforward as the previous ones to Port City or our last mission. Back then, we had clear routes to avoid the zombie hordes, but the linen factory is a different story." "It''s surrounded by dense industrial areas, full of factories and warehouses, which makes it far more dangerous. One wrong move could easily turn the situation against us." He paused, scanning the faces of his men. He didn''t offer any additional reassurance, letting the weight of the mission settle in. He could see their expressions shift, some paling, others visibly uneasy, but he made no attempt to soften his words. His intent was clear: this would be a risky endeavor, and only those truly prepared for it should volunteer. No one knew better than them how terrifying it was out there, especially when faced with a zombie horde. They understood the panic that surged through their veins when they were surrounded, hearts pounding as the crushing weight of hopelessness set in. They had all experienced that gut-wrenching feeling of thinking they might not make it out alive. So, when Duke outlined the dangers of the mission, they didn''t need further explanation. They knew exactly what he was implying. This wasn''t just a casual task¡ªit was a high-risk operation. Duke wasn''t calling anyone out by name. Instead, he was giving them the choice to join, allowing those with the courage to step forward on their own. By volunteering, they were signing their own waiver, acknowledging that they were ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead, no matter the cost. Of course, Duke didn''t need to explain why the supply run to the linen factory was so important. It was obvious to everyone, especially with the weather steadily worsening. The sudden drop in temperature, like the freezing chill of last night, was a warning. They didn''t know how quickly it could turn dangerously cold again, and without proper clothing, the survivors were at risk of freezing to death. With no electricity and no heating system in place, there was only so much human warmth could provide. Chapter 507 Protected By A Dog No amount of huddling together would be sufficient if the temperature dropped any further. The situation was dire¡ªwithout a reliable way to start or sustain a fire, the nights would become unbearable. It was clear to everyone: this wasn''t just another supply run. This had evolved into a mission for survival, where every decision could mean the difference between life and death. After many volunteers signed up for the mission, Duke carefully scanned the list to ensure that everyone was qualified. He wasn''t questioning their abilities, but he knew that even a small mistake could pull down the entire team. It was essential to make thoughtful decisions. After narrowing down the list, Duke and the team began preparing for their mission to the linen factory. Duke aimed to keep it short and efficient, so he brought along two STAU''s, as well as Fred, Rose, Evelyn, Reese, and Clyde. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Sparrow remained behind. Once the Winters'' bodyguards had finished securing the resources from the territory space, Sparrow would leave with them, heading in the opposite direction. Vulture and Bald Eagle, on the other hand, were assigned to guard the wall and the base. "Alright, let''s head out!" Duke called out as the team gathered in front of the gate, their trucks lined up and ready to go. The sun had almost risen at its peak, they were already set to leave. Kisha stood with them, there to see them off. Just before they left, Duke stepped closer to Kisha, pulling her into a hot, passionate kiss that left her breathless. "We''re in public view," Kisha whispered, still catching her breath. "It''s fine," Duke replied, his voice warm. "You''re my wife, and besides..." He glanced around, noticing everyone watching with amused, teasing smiles, as if they were spectators to a scene in a Korean drama. "They''re all enjoying the show," Duke added with a grin. Kisha, now blushing a deep shade of red, swatted at him playfully, earning a few chuckles from the team. "Stop it!" she said, her embarrassment making her laugh despite herself. Three trucks were lined up in front of the gate, engines humming in preparation. After Duke finished saying his goodbyes to Kisha, he gave the truck a firm knock, signaling for it to start moving. With that, he climbed into the passenger seat of the lead truck, settling in as the convoy began to roll out. Bang... Bang... Creak... After a series of gunshots cleared the path, the heavy gate creaked open slowly. "Zeus, go with Duke," Kisha commanded, her voice firm yet gentle. The dog, still sitting beside her with his tail wagging and tongue lolling, immediately sprang to attention. At the sound of her command, Zeus dashed forward, racing past the gate just before it closed. He sprinted after the truck, his paws pounding the ground in pursuit. The soldiers, caught off guard by the sudden movement, paused and exchanged surprised glances. They hesitated, unsure whether to open the gate and call for the City Lord''s beloved dog to return. "It''s okay, he can fend for himself," Kisha said, waving for the soldiers to quickly close the door. The soldiers, unsure of Zeus''s capabilities, exchanged uncertain glances. Only those who had witnessed Zeus in action knew just how powerful he was¡ªstronger even than some of the warriors themselves. The rest of the survivors didn''t know if they should fear for the dog''s safety. Outside, Zeus''s heavy paws thudded against the ground as he sprinted, his broad form cutting through the air with surprising speed. Without hesitation, he reached the rear of the last truck and leaped into the back. The truck creaked and wobbled under Zeus''s weight, his bear- like frame causing the vehicle to tremble like a small mountain had just landed in the cargo area. "Woah! What was that?!" "What happened?!" The warriors in the back of the truck jolted, their instincts kicking in as they immediately dropped into defensive stances, their reflexes sharp as ever. It wasn''t until they spotted Zeus, the bear-like dog, lounging at the rear of the truck that their tension eased and they slowly relaxed. A sudden crackling noise filled the radio, signaling an incoming transmission. "What happened?" Duke''s cold, indifferent voice came through the static. The warrior sitting in the passenger seat of the last truck quickly grabbed the radio, responding. "Vice City Lord, yo¡ªyou, um..." The warrior hesitated, glancing back through the small window, then peering behind the truck. "Your dog... it followed us out of the base. It jumped onto the back of the truck," he reported. "Let it protect the rear," Duke replied nonchalantly, ending the radio call before the soldier could respond. Duke''s calm and casual reaction left both the driver and the warrior who answered a bit puzzled. They exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to process the order. Could they really rely on a dog for protection, especially when they were the best of the best¡ªhandpicked by Duke himself and trained in offensive, defensive, and support abilities? With a skeptical thought, they decided to let it be. After all, if the other large dog had managed to survive outside, even guiding its owner back to the base while carrying a baby, then perhaps this seemingly silly-looking dog could hold its own too. They even began to wonder if zombies were simply not attracted to animals, though they didn''t realize the larger problem: there were almost no animals left in the city. What they didn''t notice was the absence of pet animals, which should have been common¡ªmost had either been eaten by their owners, by other survivors, or by the ravenous zombies. The Alabai dog they had in mind was much like Zeus: a fiercely protective, yet battle-hardened fighter, and its survival instincts could not be underestimated. How could a small dog like a Chihuahua¡ªor even a friendly, non-aggressive dog¡ªpossibly defend itself? Sure, they might try to fight back, but with their small builds and limited stamina, they would quickly become exhausted and overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of zombies. Eventually, they would succumb. In contrast, the Alabai dog was a different breed entirely. It was a fierce fighter, determined to protect its owner and their wishes. Its survival against the odds was nothing short of miraculous. Perhaps it was its intelligence that allowed it to make it this far¡ªable to assess situations, avoid zombie hordes by circling around, and choosing safer paths. It only fought when victory was within reach, and every action was driven by its sole mission: to guard and safely deliver the baby to a secure place, following its owner''s instructions to the letter. Soon, the warriors believed their Vice City Lord was simply making a joke, unaware of Zeus''s true strength. However, at that moment, Zeus was curled up behind the truck, resting peacefully, lulled by the rumbling of the engine. Meanwhile, Duke and the others were pushing forward, ramming through zombies in their path, while the first two trucks fired off fireballs and wind blades to clear any approaching threats. Even Reeve and Clyde, who had only recently awakened their abilities, weren''t sitting idle. They were using this opportunity to practice and get more familiar with their powers. And even without their abilities, the two had already honed their melee combat skills, ready for whatever challenges came their way. Reeve opened his mouth as if to shout, but instead of a vocal cry, a powerful sonic boom erupted, sending zombies flying through the air. Their heads exploded like balloons, the force of the sound hitting them without even touching them directly. "Woah! Your awakened ability is incredible! What kind of ability is that?" one of the warriors asked, wide-eyed. Reeve, feeling a little shy under the attention, replied, "The City Lord said it''s called ''Sound Manipulation,'' and my Gift is called ''Siren''s Call.''" Before anyone could fully process Reeve''s impressive display, Clyde waved his hands to both sides of the truck, and with a forceful motion, the zombies that were about to reach the truck were instantly crushed to the ground, flattened like empty cans beneath a heavy boot. The sight of the bloody scene made everyone gasp in shock, their eyes widening in horror as they stared at Clyde. "W-What about you? What''s your awakened ability?" one of the warriors asked, both fear and admiration evident in his eyes. The sheer power of both Reeve and Clyde''s abilities left him in awe, and a pang of envy hit him as he realized just how much stronger they had become compared to the rest of them. "Mine is ''Gravity Manipulation,''" Clyde replied simply, attempting to match Duke''s cold, indifferent tone. However, despite his calm exterior, there was a gleam of pride in his eyes. Deep down, Clyde was a young man who had once doubted his own potential, thinking he''d only be of support and never gain an awakened ability. But now, with a power that could crush enemies with ease, he felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Even the City Lord had acknowledged both him and Reeve as "irregulars," much like herself, and that validation meant the world to him. Despite his best efforts to appear mature, Clyde was still only 19, and the excitement and pride of discovering his power were emotions that could not be hidden. The two young men, working in tandem, effortlessly obliterated the incoming zombies without even making direct contact. Their powers were so overwhelming that even Duke found it amusing to watch. There was hardly anything for him to do, so he leaned back in his seat, relaxing, while his voice crackled through the radio. "Don''t push yourselves too hard, or you''ll burn out before you even get to enjoy your awakened abilities," he teased lightly, the hint of mischief in his tone. Chapter 508 Clyde And Reeve The two young men felt their ears burn with embarrassment at the comment, the playful reprimand making them squirm in their seats. The two young men were undeniably getting carried away, their exhilaration from using their awakened abilities still fresh in their minds. Their Gifts and Talents, both based on group synergy, had a noticeable impact on everyone around them. The warriors fighting alongside Clyde and Reeve felt a sudden surge of energy. They moved faster, hit harder, and their bodies seemed to become more resilient. It was as if they had received an invisible buff, making them feel stronger with every passing moment. The more people that were near Clyde and Reeve, the more powerful they became. This was precisely why Kisha had urged Duke to bring both of them along, despite the fact that they had just awakened and hadn''t fully mastered their abilities yet. While they might still fumble with their powers or be less efficient than the more experienced members, their group synergy made them invaluable. Even if their individual skills weren''t fully honed, the boost they provided to the team was already more than enough to make a difference. Now that Duke understood why Kisha had been so adamant about bringing Clyde and Reeve along, he could finally relax in his seat as the two young men practiced. However, being newly awakened, they still lacked full control over their abilities. As a result, they were experimenting with their powers indiscriminately¡ªReeve testing his sonic boom, and Clyde using his gravity manipulation¡ªwhile being careful not to face their comrades, mindful of the risk of a friendly fire incident. Clyde, in particular, struggled to control the strength and radius of his gravity manipulation. It was clear that he was still learning the limits of his power. Every attack seemed to draw on his spiritual energy with such intensity that it felt as though his gravity manipulation was set to its highest possible level. The sheer force of his abilities could easily flatten anyone caught in the blast, and the warriors around him instinctively gave him plenty of space. Despite the chaos of their raw power, there was a certain admiration in the air as they watched the two young men hone their extraordinary abilities. After several attempts, Clyde gradually gained more control over his gravity manipulation. He discovered that he could now adjust the intensity of his attacks, choosing how much gravitational force to apply. With a powerful strike, he could crush zombies with the force of a giant, leaving a crater in the ground, or he could reduce the strength to the point where he only shattered their bones without killing them. As he continued practicing, Clyde began to gain more precision over the radius of his attacks. In time, he would be able to target individual enemies even in the midst of a crowd, selectively applying his power to hurt only those he intended to. Though these improvements would happen in the future, but for now, Clyde was already making impressive progress, and he could feel his confidence growing with each successful attempt. But right now, Clyde was still struggling to fully control his abilities, and his lack of precision caused everyone in the truck to instinctively huddle together in one corner for safety. The sudden, loud ''clank'' of metal echoed through the truck, and when they looked up, they saw the side of the vehicle dented, a visible reminder of the raw power Clyde was still struggling to harness. The tense silence that followed was broken only by the faint hum of the engine, as everyone exchanged nervous glances, hoping the young man could rein in his abilities before they were all caught in the line of fire. Clyde''s embarrassment was evident as he awkwardly looked around, still trying to rein in his power while indiscriminately attacking zombies on both sides of the truck. Reeve, shaking his head in exasperation, smacked him lightly on the back of his head. "Be careful, will you?" he scolded, frustration clear in his voice. But almost immediately after, Reeve unleashed a sonic boom of his own, his attack blasting through the air with such force that it nearly hit the truck behind them. The sonic boom clipped a nearby lamppost, sending debris flying, but by some miracle, the truck swerved just in time to avoid crashing into a cluster of zombies. Reeve felt the rush of panic when he realized how close it had been to disaster. Sheepishly, he scratched the back of his head, glancing at Clyde with an apologetic smile, knowing that his own mistake had been just as reckless. The two young men, both of the same age and having been in the same group for a while, had grown close over time. Their bond had deepened through shared experiences, and now they interacted with a camaraderie that allowed them to be both reckless and hardworking together. Their friendship had evolved into something that balanced their impulsiveness with determination, making them a strong team capable of tackling challenges head-on. Because of these accidents, everyone in the same truck as Reeve and Clyde had become hesitant to get too close or be within their line of sight. They feared becoming unintended targets, just like the zombies, worried that they might be crushed like an empty can by a misplaced gravitational impact or have their brains explode from a sonic boom they couldn''t even see or hear coming. Since neither Reeve''s sonic boom nor Clyde''s gravitational impact were not visible, the only clues to where the attacks would land were the subtle movements of Reeve''s mouth or Clyde''s hand gestures, making it a nerve-wracking experience for anyone near them. Now, the group found themselves more afraid of these two kids than the zombies. Only after Reeve and Clyde finally ran out of energy did the others breathe a collective sigh of relief, eager to take over the task of eliminating any zombies that got too close to the trucks. Despite their fear, the warriors were relieved that there weren''t enough zombies on the road to pose a serious threat or risk stranding their convoy. Reeve and Clyde, meanwhile, had been exerting themselves not out of recklessness but with a clear purpose¡ªthey were practicing. Both were determined to master their abilities so that, when the time came for a real battle, they could pull their weight and prove themselves as assets to the team rather than liabilities that others had to worry about. As the convoy continued to navigate through secluded streets, the drivers focused on ramming any zombies that blocked their path. The trucks rattled and shook relentlessly, making the ride at the back almost unbearable. After two hours of nonstop travel, everyone''s bodies ached from the constant jostling. Despite the discomfort, the group pressed on, their goal steadily drawing nearer. When they finally reached the marked location, the convoy came to a halt. Following standard protocol to avoid being stranded in a potential horde, everyone disembarked from the trucks. The group immediately divided into four teams, each led by a captain: Duke, Clyde, Reeve, and Fred. Evelyn was assigned as Reeve''s vice-captain, tasked with helping him navigate his new leadership role and providing guidance along the way. Similarly, Rose was paired with Clyde as his vice-captain to ensure he stayed grounded and made thoughtful decisions. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 509 Extreme Heat While the women''s primary role seemed to be babysitting the two young leaders, they didn''t see it that way. Instead, they viewed it as an opportunity to take on greater responsibilities and mentor the next generation of leaders, showcasing their own capabilities in the process. When Duke observed the two women generously mentoring Clyde and Reeve, a sense of satisfaction crossed his face. He nodded approvingly, reassured by their dedication to guiding the younger leaders. The decision to make Clyde and Reeve team captains instead of the two women hadn''t been based on gender. Both women were highly skilled¡ªnot only as fighters but also as leaders, capable of handling even the most challenging situations. However, this mission wasn''t just about immediate results; it was also about fostering potential. Kisha had pointed out that Clyde possessed the ''Talent: Command'', a rare gift that indicated he had a natural aptitude for leadership and the ability to command an army in the future. While this talent was a significant advantage, raw potential alone wasn''t enough. Clyde needed experience, mentorship, and opportunities to hone his skills. Leadership wasn''t something that could simply be claimed¡ªit had to be earned and cultivated. This mission was an ideal training ground for Clyde, a chance to mold him into the leader he was destined to become. Although Reeve was initially intended to serve as Clyde''s second-in-command, their combined ''Group Synergy'' made their partnership a strategic highlight. This dynamic, however, also meant that Reeve needed to develop leadership skills alongside Clyde to maximize their potential as a team. Recognizing this, Duke assigned Rose and Evelyn¡ªboth great leaders with patience, tactical acumen, and a nurturing demeanor¡ªto act as mentors rather than lead the groups themselves. This arrangement allowed Clyde and Reeve to take the reins, giving them the freedom to navigate the complexities of leadership. Rose and Evelyn stayed close by, offering guidance, constructive feedback, and encouragement when needed. By letting the young men "drive" while keeping a watchful eye, the women created a supportive environment where mistakes became opportunities for learning. This hands-on approach ensured that Clyde and Reeve would grow into capable leaders more quickly, equipping them to step out of their mentors'' shadows and confidently lead on their own in the near future. By adopting this strategy, Duke and Kisha aimed to cultivate a robust pool of capable captains who could each lead their own specialized units. These units could then be deployed swiftly and efficiently whenever and wherever they were needed. This approach ensured that the base would not remain overly dependent on Duke, Kisha, or the elite core members like Vulture and Sparrow. As the base expanded and its influence grew, so did the need for decentralized leadership and operational flexibility. Developing a new generation of leaders not only reinforced the foundation of their community but also prepared them for a future where challenges would demand multiple teams operating independently. This forward-thinking approach was crucial for sustaining their strength and ensuring the base''s continued growth and resilience. After forming their groups, the four teams maintained a balanced formation¡ªclose enough to provide support if needed but far enough apart to cover more ground efficiently. Each team took a different street, carefully coordinating their movements to monitor one another''s progress while ensuring the paths ahead were secure. If a team encountered a street that posed too much danger, they would backtrack, mark the location with an "X" to indicate a hazardous route, and choose an alternate path. This methodical approach minimized unnecessary risks and ensured a safer journey for all teams as they advanced cautiously. Without Sparrow or the Scarlet Bees acting as scouts, the teams had to rely on themselves to survey the area. This provided an excellent opportunity to teach each team the fundamentals of scouting, particularly the younger members. It was a valuable lesson to curb impulsive tendencies and emphasize the importance of assessing their surroundings before moving forward. Although this method slowed their progress, it ensured their safety. By casting a wider net across the area, they could identify potential threats early and chart alternative routes. This approach allowed them to prepare multiple exit strategies in case they encountered a dead end or an unexpected obstacle ahead. The extra caution meant a better chance of completing their mission without unnecessary losses. After two hours of relentless running, the team finally found a better spot to rest. Gasping for breath, their lungs burned with each inhale, and their knees wobbled, threatening to give out at any moment. Sweat drenched their bodies, and the blistering sun made it feel like they were on the verge of collapsing from heatstroke or dehydration. Their faces were as red as boiled lobsters, and they couldn''t help but gulp down as much water as they could manage, trying to rehydrate. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The heat was so intense that the rubber on the asphalt was beginning to melt and cling, turning the ground sticky. Even the soles of their shoes left behind melting rubber trails as they took each labored step. After the bone-chilling cold of the previous night, the intense heat now seemed almost unbearable. Some felt as if they were running a fever, their bodies struggling to adjust to the drastic shift in weather. Inside the building, they rested and drank, but no one had the appetite to eat. The scorching heat left them craving only cold drinks to cool down. The air inside the building felt thick and dry, as if all the moisture had evaporated, leaving it suffocating and stale. Breathing became difficult, and it felt as though there wasn''t enough oxygen in the air, adding to their discomfort. However, despite the exhausting run and the toll it took on their bodies, Evelyn, Rose, and the two STAU knew they still had to prepare a meal. They understood that everyone would need to replenish their energy and build up stamina if they were to continue their journey after resting. Instead of a hot meal, the four decided to prepare cold food, opting for dishes like cold noodles. They even asked an ice-type awakened ability user to create ice, while Evelyn, using her unique ability to manipulate her body into steel, sharpened her hands like knives and sliced through a large block of ice, effortlessly turning it into cubes. Watching Evelyn''s hands gleam with sharp precision reminded everyone of the iconic scene from ''The Terminator'', where the metal-clad robot''s limbs gleamed with cold, unyielding strength. After Evelyn sliced the ice spear into cubes, the heat was so intense that the ice began to melt almost instantly, a clear sign of how sweltering the temperature had become. Looking ahead, the horizon shimmered in the distance, distorted by the oppressive heat. Realizing the limitations of regular ice, Rose decided to use her Ice Crystals awakened ability, knowing the intense heat wouldn''t be able to melt her ice. Just like regular ice, her ice crystals retained their cold properties. Rose focused on creating ice cubes herself, sparing Evelyn from the need to slice them, besides, even Evelyn wouldn''t be able to cut through her ice crystal anyway, and her ice wouldn''t melt too quickly. The cold ice crystals were used to chill the noodles, ingredients, and even the drinks, which began to freeze inside their containers as they slowly cooled down. Chapter 510 Extreme Heat 2 After waiting for the cucumbers to be sliced and added to the cold noodles along with other fresh ingredients, the meal was finally ready. Their drinks were cold melon milk¡ªa refreshingly sweet and creamy treat, perfect for battling the scorching heat. To add to their comfort, Rose used her unmelting ice crystal ability to conjure ice crystal spikes around the room. The effect was immediate, creating a cool, soothing atmosphere that felt almost like being in an air-conditioned space. As the icy breeze circulated, everyone began to relax, the oppressive heat fading into the background. "The effects of climate change are really starting to bare their fangs," Duke muttered, his thoughts drifting to Kisha''s explanation about how the ancient virus escaped the ice. It all traced back to the relentless impact of climate change¡ªa consequence of humanity''s actions. In a way, humans were like a virus to the Earth, he thought grimly. They thrived within their host, yet their existence brought harm, inflicting damage that could ultimately destroy the very environment sustaining them. And like any virus, the host''s survival often required eradicating the invader¡ªor both would perish together. "Vice City Lord, the food is ready," Evelyn''s voice gently pulled Duke''s attention back to the present. He approached the group, where a bowl of cold noodles and a jug of chilled melon milk awaited him. The milk had large, translucent ice crystals floating inside, carefully prepared to be easily seen, ensuring Duke wouldn''t accidentally bite or swallow one. After everyone had their meals, they began eating, finally able to enjoy their food and drinks. Rose''s ice crystal spikes had transformed the oppressive heat into a tolerable coolness, reviving their appetites. No longer feeling like parched fish left under the blazing sun, they ate in relative comfort. Once the meal was finished, they rested for a while, savoring the refreshing atmosphere and reluctant to step back into the searing heat. However, their journey couldn''t be delayed forever. Eventually, they forced themselves to leave the cool haven and continued onward. By late afternoon, the temperature outside remained relentless, the sun''s oppressive rays making it feel as though layers of skin were peeling away under the heat. Though they were fortunate to be superhumans with enhanced defenses, they couldn''t help but think about how unbearable it must have been for ordinary humans without such defenses. Back at the base, the extreme heat had taken a serious toll on the normal humans. Many people were succumbing to heatstroke or severe dehydration and were being rushed to the medical facility, which was quickly overwhelmed. Kisha was among those assisting with the growing crisis. Even support-type awakened ability users, whose physical stats were not much better than those of regular humans, were affected and had to seek treatment themselves. Ice-type awakened ability users were working tirelessly, conjuring ice to provide temporary relief for the patients. However, their efforts felt futile; the ice melted almost immediately in the relentless heat. Without Rose''s ability to create long-lasting ice crystals, their attempts to cool down the facility seemed like a losing battle. The head doctor, Eric, overwhelmed and running out of options, resorted to using his medical space to stabilize one patient at a time. Yet this solution was temporary at best. Once the patients were released from the cool environment of the medical space, the extreme heat would likely undo their recovery and potentially worsen their condition. It was a dire situation with no clear solution in sight. Fortunately, both he and Kisha remained calm as they worked to find a solution. However, the situation was rapidly deteriorating. The ice-type awakened ability users, having pushed themselves to their limits, began collapsing from sheer exhaustion. Despite their best efforts, it felt like they had drained their spiritual energy without making a significant impact. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the hours dragged on, the oppressive heat continued to take its toll. More and more people succumbed to illness, the medical facility struggling to keep up as the number of heat-related cases soared. The atmosphere grew heavier with desperation as they fought against time and the unrelenting conditions. Kisha suddenly dashed out of the medical facility, leaving Eric momentarily stunned and unable to call after her. With no choice but to stay behind, Eric focused on managing the chaos inside. Outside, Kisha didn''t slow her pace, her expression cold and resolute. Even with her enhanced defenses, the scorching heat of the sun pricked at her skin like needles. If it was this unbearable for her, how much worse must it be for the ordinary humans with no protection? The sight of some civilians and support types beginning to convulse from the heat only fueled her urgency, propelling her forward despite the extreme heat of the sun. Kisha immediately sent Vulture and Bald Eagle to patrol the area, directing them to assist anyone who needed help reaching the medical facility. Fortunately, both stayed behind and were able to support the effort. The medical facility quickly became overcrowded, spilling into the hallways, and the air grew thick and stifling. The heat became suffocating, and it felt as though the oxygen had been sucked out of the space. People began gasping for breath, as if they were suffocating in smoke or being slowly dried out by the relentless heat. The pungent smell of sweat filled the air. Then, out of nowhere, a cool breeze swept through the facility, causing a collective shudder of relief. The sudden chill brought a brief but much-needed moment of comfort to everyone inside. Thud... Thud... Thud... A resonant thud echoed around the medical facility, followed by the sharp crack of ground splitting beneath a heavy impact. The sound startled everyone, but their exhaustion left them powerless to investigate. Gradually, a remarkable chill began to permeate the building, as though a massive air conditioning system had been activated. The cooling effect revived their energy, allowing them to recover from the heatstroke and dehydration that had been ravaging them. With the help of the medical staff providing hydration and stabilizing their conditions, the patients finally regained some strength. Only after the immediate crisis subsided did the curious and concerned staff and patients venture to check what had caused the startling noise and sudden, welcome change in temperature outside. When everyone stepped outside the medical facility, they were greeted by a surreal sight. A mist-like cold air, resembling the vapor from dry ice, hovered just above the ground. Around the medical facility, towering ice spikes had been driven into the earth, almost as though they had been forcefully thrust there. The ice didn''t just surround the facility¡ªit stretched outward, forming a protective barrier. People, desperate to escape the brutal heat, began gathering near the facility, shielding themselves with umbrellas, tents, and even pieces of board to cover their heads. They moved closer to the ice spikes, hoping to find relief from the scorching sun. What was most surprising was that these ice spikes didn''t melt under the intense heat. Unlike ordinary ice, they remained solid and unyielding. Curious, the ice-type awakened ability users started to approach and inspect the unusual formations, intrigued by their ability to endure in such extreme conditions. "Ah!!! This is Captain Rose''s Ice Crystal Spikes!" one of the ice-type awakened ability users exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe as he touched the towering ice crystal spike, nearly two meters tall. Chapter 511 Sun Dried Zombies "Did Captain Rose return?" one of them asked, glancing around. Thud! The sound echoed again¡ªthe unmistakable noise of something being forcefully driven into the ground. Then, they saw it: numerous ice crystal spikes floating in the air, still speckled with dirt along their edges, resembling the sharp fangs of some great beast. As their eyes followed the scene, they spotted Kisha nearby, each ice crystal spike being slammed into the ground one after another with precision. Astonished by the sight, everyone watched in awe as their City Lord effortlessly controlled so many ice crystal spikes in the air, driving them into the ground one by one. But the question lingered¡ªwhere had she gotten them? They all glanced around, searching, but Rose was nowhere to be seen. "Captain Rose is still out," a haggard, breathless man, still sweaty from the heat, said as he stood near one of the ice crystal spikes to cool off. After a moment of relief, he continued, "The City Lord took these spikes from the eastern wall''s defenses and brought them here temporarily. She said she''ll return them once the heat wave passes, or when Captain Rose comes back. If not, she''ll have her create a new ice crystal barrier for the eastern wall." When they heard the explanation, everyone gasped, their eyes turning red with emotion. "Our City Lord is so kind, like a guardian angel, always protecting us," a woman said, clutching her young child, whose face was as red as a tomato from the heat. The child had looked like he might pass out at any moment and was about to be taken to the medical facility for an assessment. But as the cool breeze from the ice crystals spread around them, the child slowly started to feel better. His dazed eyes began to clear, and his condition improved noticeably. The extreme heat left the air still, and when a breeze did come, it felt like the sun''s fiery tongue was licking their skin. It was painful, almost burning them, and the air itself seemed to scorch the oxygen, making it difficult to breathe. Even the plants around them were wilting and slowly dying. Watering them only seemed to hasten their decline. To protect what they could, some tried to shield the remaining greenery from the harsh sun, covering the larger trees with tents. This was all under Kisha''s orders. With the air already thin and difficult to breathe, the absence of trees¡ªvital for oxygen production¡ªmade the situation worse. The plants and trees still had a chance to survive, and Kisha couldn''t bear to let them perish so quickly. The soil, though parched, still held enough nutrients to sustain life¡ªunlike the future soil, which had turned barren and incapable of supporting growth. After organizing everything around the base, Kisha ensured that ice crystal spikes were placed along the northern and eastern walls to shield the soldiers stationed there from the intense heat. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She also made sure everyone was taking cover from the sun''s relentless rays. Due to the extreme conditions, work around the base ground to a halt. No one could continue their tasks effectively, and Kisha even ordered a complete suspension of work, warning that anyone who ignored the order would only end up in the medical facility. On Duke''s side, the extreme heat had taken a heavy toll on his people. They were easily fatigued, requiring frequent breaks to cool down. After another two hours of travel, they finally reached the textile factory. The stench hit them long before they arrived. Even from miles away, the overpowering smell of decay was unmistakable. The zombies'' skin appeared as shriveled, dried flesh, yet they still moved¡ªalbeit sluggishly, their once rapid movements now hindered by the intense heat. "Don''t you think this feels like a blessing in disguise?" one of Duke''s men murmured to the warrior beside him. From their vantage point on the rooftop of a building near the textile factory, they could see a vast sea of zombies below. The factory, with its large workforce, was surrounded by wide streets designed to accommodate trucks coming and going without congestion. But now, the street before it was crowded with the sluggish, sun-dried zombies, their decaying bodies barely moving in the sweltering heat. Even the zombies'' roars and growls had a dry, hollow sound to them, their throats parched by the relentless sun. Not only were Duke and his men struggling in the heat, but the zombies too had become sluggish and brittle, like dried fish left to rot under the scorching sun. With renewed confidence, Duke and his team began to summon their awakened abilities, launching swift attacks. The zombies, now lethargic and slow-moving, stood no chance. They were barely able to close the distance before being decapitated, even when Duke''s team switched to melee combat. It was almost effortless. As they fought, it became clear that nearly 95% of the zombies were wearing the factory''s uniform. These were the workers, likely caught during the blood rain while they were still on the job. It wasn''t a surprise¡ªthe factory had been busy when the outbreak hit. However, Duke and his team knew they couldn''t afford to engage in a prolonged battle under the scorching sun. So, they made preparations. Each of them retrieved extra clothing, and Rose conjured ice crystal cubes. They carefully placed the cubes inside the clothes, securing them around their heads, and covered them with caps to hold the ice in place. Some ice crystal cubes were also tucked into the rest of their clothing to regulate their body temperatures and prevent heatstroke. Once they had taken these precautions, they were ready. With their bodies shielded from the sun''s relentless heat, they could engage the zombies without risking exhaustion or collapse. Without these preparations, even though the zombies were sluggish from the sun''s effects, the team would struggle to fight effectively and might not even reach the factory''s interior without succumbing to the heat themselves. With all these preparations in place, they were able to fight as they normally would, without the constant need to stop and rest due to the heat. This method allowed them to reduce their rest breaks, keeping their momentum going. The group split into four teams, each assigned to protect one direction, forming a diamond-shaped formation. The group split into four teams, each assigned to protect a different direction, forming a diamond-shaped formation. Duke''s team took the vanguard, leading the charge as Duke swung his spear while summoning ice spears that sent zombies flying before they even got close. Clyde and Reeve led their respective teams, guarding the left and right flanks, while Fred''s team held the rear. Fortunately, Fred had awakened his ability just a day after their last mission to Port City, which gave him confidence and eased his fear of being bitten. This newfound strength allowed the group to move efficiently, with those running low on spiritual energy retreating to the center of the formation where the support-type awakened ability users and two STAU members were stationed. Despite the thousands of zombies in their path, the team continued to push forward without being overwhelmed. Though they struggled, they never faltered. Slowly but surely, Duke and the others made their way toward the factory. Duke maintained a steady, controlled pace, ensuring that no one was left behind, even as the pressure mounted. Chapter 512 Textile Factory "Those low on spiritual energy, move to the center!" Duke commanded, his spear cutting through the advancing horde without pause. Draped in his Kratos Cloak, Duke stood unwavering at the vanguard. Though its fur-lined neck seemed stifling and ill-suited to the searing heat, they had found ways to mitigate the discomfort, allowing him to wear it without issue. The golden lion embroidered on the back of his cloak gleamed in the sunlight, exuding an aura of strength and heroism. His commanding presence was like a beacon, inspiring those around him. Unbeknownst to the others, this surge of energy wasn''t purely emotional¡ªit was an effect of the cloak itself, a hidden skill amplifying morale and resolve. Fueled by this unseen force, the team fought with renewed vigor, their strikes sharper, their movements more decisive, as if Duke''s unyielding figure lent them his strength. At this moment, the Kratos Cloak''s added skill, ''Commander''s Berserk'', was actively boosting the team''s strength. Simultaneously, its morale-enhancing effect heightened their fighting spirit, courage, and determination, allowing them to press forward with greater ease. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Duke''s lips as he drove his spear through the head of a zombie blocking his path. The team was now closing in on the gates of the textile factory, though the throng of zombies around them grew denser. Fortunately, the effects of Clyde and Reeve''s ''Group Synergy'', were also in full swing. The ability significantly reduced their team members'' fatigue, accelerated recovery, and provided an additional boost to their overall strength. Together, these layered effects created a formidable advantage, keeping the group cohesive and their momentum steady as they carved a path through the undead horde. Some of the support-type awakened ability users also contributed by casting boosting skills on the warriors. However, a challenge arose with two of them¡ªtheir abilities provided random stat boosts, leaving them uncertain about which attribute would be enhanced after each cast. "Here, drink this," one of the STAU said, handing a vial of dark liquid to a warrior who had retreated into the center of the formation to recover their depleted spiritual energy. "Thanks," the warrior replied, instantly downing the vial of black liquid without a second thought. As soon as he did, a surge of energy coursed through him, restoring his depleted spiritual reserves. He glanced thoughtfully at the STAU, realizing the liquid''s origin likely wasn''t as mysterious as it once seemed. With the emergence of so many awakened abilities in their base¡ªspanning diverse and unexpected skills¡ªmost people now assume that the vials were crafted by an artisan-type awakened ability user or perhaps a skilled awakened ability user medical staff member. This shift in perception had allowed Kisha and the STAU to distribute the vials of black and blue liquid more openly without arousing suspicion, ensuring its benefits reached those in need. They could now use the vials freely without needing to be overly cautious, and the warriors no longer questioned their origin, acting as if they had already pieced its origin together. Because of this, those who stepped into the center of the formation for a brief rest would quickly drink a vial of the black liquid, recover their strength, and rejoin the fight with renewed vigor. "We''re almost at the gate! Everyone, hold the formation!" Duke''s commanding voice rang out, and the team responded with renewed intensity. Their attacks grew fiercer as windblades, fireballs, ice spears, and more filled the air, cutting through the horde of zombies. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Evelyn, her hands transformed into gleaming steel, drove her fist through the skull of a zombie advancing toward her. Another lunged at her, baring its jagged teeth, only to bite down on her steel arm. Instead of panicking, Evelyn let out a low chuckle as the zombie''s teeth shattered upon impact, scattering across the ground. With a swift, effortless motion, she swung her arm, decapitating the creature in one clean strike. Evelyn stood firmly in front of Reeve, acting as his shield while he unleashed sonic boom after sonic boom. Each explosive wave tore through the horde, catching dozens of zombies at a time and causing their heads to burst like balloons. Reeve''s large-scale attack left everyone both envious and astonished by its devastating effectiveness. On the other flank, Clyde was equally relentless. With no need to hold back for fear of harming his team, who remained safely behind him, he manipulated gravity with precision. Each wave of his hand sent the approaching zombies crashing to the ground under crushing gravitational impact. His ability cleared the path on his side, leaving no zombie able to draw near. Meanwhile, Clyde sent Rose to assist the vanguard, adding her ice-type abilities to strengthen their frontline. This coordinated strategy ensured that every side of the formation was secure, making their advance more efficient and less dangerous. With their combined efforts, the team pushed forward steadily. Not long after, they reached the factory gate, their formation still intact despite the relentless assault they sustained. The factory gate was no haven. Even inside, the area was teeming with zombies, leaving no opportunity for the team to rest. The sun was already dipping low, and in an hour or two, night would fall¡ªa dangerous prospect in their current situation. Staying in that place during the night was not an option. Recognizing the urgency, Duke increased their pace slightly, his focus unwavering. He kept a vial of black liquid within easy reach at all times, ensuring his spiritual energy remained intact. Reeve and Clyde were each provided with a supply of vials of black liquid as well, enabling them to maintain their effectiveness in battle. At the center of the formation, the STAU meticulously managed the distribution of the vials, ensuring every fighter had a spare on hand. Their efficiency allowed the team to keep moving, maintaining the formation''s integrity and their momentum toward the factory''s interior. But that didn''t mean the team emerged unscathed. Injured warriors¡ªwhether bitten or scratched¡ªheld their positions with grim determination until their strength began to falter. Once they could no longer endure, they were carefully escorted to the center of the formation. There, they drank the blue vial of liquid to heal their wounds and recover their strength. Only after they were fully patched up did they rejoin the fight, seamlessly returning to their assigned positions. Though the relentless battle felt like an eternity, in reality, only 15 minutes had passed since they began forcing their way inside. "Close the gates!" Duke ordered, his voice sharp and commanding. At the same time, Reeve unleashed another powerful sonic boom, clearing a path through the sea of zombies. Without hesitation, Fred''s team rushed to the massive sliding gate, pushing it shut with all their strength. The heavy gate clanged shut just in time, cutting off the zombies from the street and reducing the number of enemies they would have to face inside. As Duke and his team entered the factory''s vicinity, the sound of the commotion outside attracted the attention of the zombies within. A few dozen stumbled toward the gates, but before they could catch their breath, hundreds more emerged from deeper within the factory, surrounding them from all sides. To make matters worse, the zombies outside continued to push against the gate, threatening to break through. Reluctantly, Duke and his team pressed on, fighting their way through the overwhelming horde as they moved deeper into the factory. Chapter 513 Freds Awakened Ability "Vice City Lord, you need to rest too," Evelyn said, her voice filled with concern as she approached him. Duke had been drinking the vial of black liquid almost nonstop, yet he hadn''t taken a single rest, unlike the others. Not only had he been continuously conjuring ice spears, fire meteors, and lightning rains¡ªeach draining an immense amount of spiritual energy¡ªbut he was also actively engaged in combat with his spear. No one could match his pace. While others relied on their melee weapons, they couldn''t focus on their awakened abilities at the same time, as the distraction would weaken the effectiveness of their attacks. But Duke was pushing himself beyond what anyone else could handle. Despite Duke''s relentless efforts, each of his attacks continued to hit with devastating force, annihilating everything in his path. Even though he had been drinking the vial of black liquid consistently, the truth was that he had only consumed two, unlike the others who had already taken three to five. It just so happened that every time he drank, Evelyn happened to be nearby, leading her to believe he had been drinking more than he actually had. Thanks to the spiritual fruits and crops he had been consuming ever since Kisha discovered them, Duke''s spiritual energy''s quality had greatly improved. As a result, not only did he require less energy to conjure his skills, but his abilities were also significantly stronger. Now, even when casting a powerful AOE (Area of Effect) skills like Fire Meteor and Lightning Rain, his spiritual energy consumption remained minimal. With a nod, Duke replied, "No need, I''m not tired at all." After answering, he turned his attention back to the front and resumed his attacks. Thanks to his purer spiritual energy and larger spiritual pool, he was able to perform better than the others. This allowed him to recover from any energy depletion more efficiently, requiring less frequent refills compared to the rest of the group. Perhaps it was due to the previous incident when Duke''s energy core had been damaged and then healed, but now his energy core was sturdier than before. Unlike the others, even if he exhausted his spiritual energy and replenished it with the vial of black liquid, it would take several refills before he felt any strain on his core. After consuming five vials of black liquid, the others would start feeling discomfort in their bodies. Left with no choice, they had to move to the center of the formation to rest, preventing further strain and avoiding the risk of their energy cores collapsing from overuse. "Just a little more¡ªwe''re almost inside the factory!" Duke shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos as he noticed more warriors retreating into the formation, their faces strained with discomfort. "If you''re feeling unwell, don''t push yourselves just because we''re close. You''ll only make things worse." His firm reminder resonated with those still fighting despite the throbbing pain in their heads. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Reluctantly, they paused and retreated into the formation to recover. Even Reeve and Clyde tempered the intensity of their attacks, prioritizing caution over recklessness, aware that overexertion could render them liabilities later. "Quick, open the door!" Fred yelled urgently as they reached the first warehouse, where stacks of textiles ready for delivery were stored. "But it''s locked, sir!" one of the warriors called out, pointing to the massive padlock securing the door. "Forcefully open¡ª" Fred began, but before he could finish, Evelyn stepped forward, grabbed the lock, and gave it a seemingly gentle tug. To everyone''s astonishment, not only did the lock come off, but a portion of the door was torn away with it. Silence fell as all eyes turned to her in shock, their expressions shifting from disbelief to thinly veiled fear. They gulped nervously, exchanging glances. ''No matter what, we can''t afford to offend Sister,'' they collectively thought, quickly plastering ingratiating smiles on their faces as they looked at Evelyn with a mix of awe and apprehension. "Thank you, Sister," they chorused with nervous smiles. Evelyn gave a curt nod before calmly returning to her position to fight. Unlike the others, Evelyn didn''t need to conjure elaborate attacks. She simply controlled her spiritual energy, channeling it through her body to enhance her strength and transform her skin into steel-like armor. This efficient use of energy consumed far less spiritual energy compared to the others'' offensive abilities. As a result, she hadn''t needed a single vial of black liquid since the battle began. The only thing weighing on her now was fatigue from prolonged exertion, but even that she managed to endure with her remarkable resilience. Duke and the others quickly adjusted their formation. Fred and his team took the lead, positioning themselves at the front to handle the task of opening the door, while Duke and the rest focused on holding off the rear to protect the group. As soon as the door creaked open, Fred''s team snapped to full attention, their weapons ready, eyes darting into the dim interior, wary of any ambush waiting on the other side. "Vice City Lord, the door is open!" Fred called out, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. "Move inside quickly! We''ll take five minutes to recover while the Space-Type Ability Users handle the supplies. Those who can still fight, guard the STAU. The rest, focus on recovery," Duke ordered, his voice calm but commanding. Even as he issued instructions, Duke continued to swing his spear with precision, though he had deliberately reduced the frequency of his awakened ability attacks to conserve energy. Fred and his team nodded sharply, immediately moving to secure the area, while the two STAU perked up, ready to act at a moment''s notice. Fred raised his assault rifle, his ears pricked and his senses on high alert as he and his team carefully surveyed the dimly lit warehouse. One of them quickly searched for a light switch, hoping the factory''s backup generator would activate automatically. Unfortunately, the generator was an older model that required manual operation to start. With no functioning lights and the generator located elsewhere, they had no choice but to proceed cautiously in near darkness, fumbling their way forward while remaining vigilant. The reason Fred still used his assault rifle was tied to the unique nature of his awakened ability. Similar in concept to "Hawkeye from the Avengers," Fred could create specialized projectiles with unique properties based on his intent. His skill allowed him to infuse empty cartridges or arrowheads with his spiritual energy, transforming them into custom-made ammunition with specific effects. These effects varied depending on how he channeled his energy. For now, Fred had mastered two distinct bullet types: one packed with raw spiritual energy that acted as an enhanced standard bullet, capable of piercing through with much greater force, and another that exploded on impact, dealing substantial area damage. However, his ability came with limitations. Preparing these bullets took time, as he had to infuse each cartridge individually. Fred could also use arrows if equipped with specialized arrowheads, but currently, he only had bullets ready for use. The drawback was that his weapons and ammunition weren''t crafted from special alloys capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to his spiritual energy. Overuse could degrade the materials, potentially causing bullets to explode prematurely while being loaded or fired, posing a risk even to him. Chapter 514 Got What They Need Fred''s awakened ability made him an excellent backup, which is why he was positioned at the rear. Like Evelyn, his stamina had been affected by the continuous strain of their actions since the beginning. He had already infused numerous empty cartridges during their journey. Whenever they made a stop, Fred would take the time to infuse five to ten bullets¡ªor even more, depending on how long they rested. By now, he had accumulated several hundred infused rounds, allowing him to manage his spiritual energy efficiently. Unlike the others, he didn''t need to push himself to his physical limit during combat. However, the main drawback was the quality of his weapon. The more he used his gun, the more it wore down, especially the barrel. After prolonged use, the barrel would reach its limit and eventually explode. Because of this, Fred had to constantly switch out his firearms and be meticulous when infusing his spiritual energy into the cartridges. If he wasn''t careful with the amount of energy he infused, the bullets could backfire and explode. Despite these drawbacks, Fred''s ability proved incredibly useful. As an excellent marksman, he was able to provide cover for the team from the rear, ensuring everyone''s safety during their movements. Weapon in hand, he moved cautiously through the warehouse, only calling out once he was certain the area was secure. "The warehouse is clear!" "Clear!" "Clear!" Each member of his team, stationed at different corners of the warehouse, called out from all sides, confirming the area was secure. Only then did Duke and the rest of the team enter, quickly closing the door and reinforcing it with some wood. But even that wouldn''t hold the zombies back for long. Then Evelyn stepped forward from the crowd, her eyes focused as she used her awakened ability. She manipulated a nearby metal scrap, fusing it seamlessly to reinforce the door. The result was a sturdy, impromptu lock. The others couldn''t help but whistle in admiration. It was effortless for her¡ªtearing metal apart or merging it together at will. Once they managed to lock themselves inside, they collapsed to the ground, their bodies trembling from exhaustion. Their legs felt like they might give out at any moment, and they could sense their energy cores stirring uneasily¡ªalmost as if they were on the verge of being pushed too far. "W-We made it..." "I thought I''d collapse out there and end up as their dinner." Some of the warriors tried to joke to lighten the mood, but while the rest of the team rested, the two STAU ventured deeper into the warehouse, securing the textiles inside their space. They were escorted by three to five warriors who still had the strength to move. Meanwhile, Duke made his way up to the second floor, scanning the area as he oversaw the team, ensuring there were no evolved zombies lurking nearby. The warehouse was massive, and Duke knew it would take some time for the STAU to gather everything they needed. As he surveyed the area, Duke realized his team needed time to rest. With that in mind, he quietly slipped away from the second floor, unnoticed by the others, and exited through the window. He made his way toward the factory. If he waited for the STAU to store everything from the warehouse into their space, it would take a while. Bringing everyone along would slow things down even further. By the time they fought their way there, nightfall would have arrived, making it risky to stay in a place surrounded by zombies. Navigating their way out would be nearly impossible, especially if evolved zombies were lurking nearby¡ªan additional danger they couldn''t afford. With no other option, Duke decided to move alone. This would allow him to navigate more stealthily through the dense mass of zombies surrounding the area. He surveyed the exterior of the warehouse and noted that none of the zombies had noticed him yet¡ªhis stealth skills were still sharp. Quietly, he leaped onto a nearby pipe that connected to another building, using it as a bridge to cross over. Staying above the zombies, he avoided a direct confrontation, knowing that engaging them would waste precious time. Duke continued to navigate from roof to roof, eventually reaching a factory swarming with zombies. They were all wearing company uniforms, lurking around the factory from every angle. While they weren''t densely packed, a direct confrontation would waste too much time, so Duke carefully moved forward, using the large machinery as platforms to leap from one spot to another. When zombies got too close, he quickly killed them with his spear. After a while, he waved his hand, storing the machinery in his Space Ring. He repeated this process, adding more machines to his collection until he could no longer fit any more. By then, he''d already secured dozens of pieces. Though the factory had hundreds of machines, he knew their base wouldn''t need that many. If they required more in the future, they could simply recreate them from scratch, especially since they now had a sample to dismantle. This would give the engineers a clear blueprint to work from when the time came to assemble more. With that in mind, Duke made his way back to the warehouse where the rest of his team was waiting. As he returned, he found that the STAU had just finished emptying the entire warehouse. Their space was now packed to the brim with textiles that could last them for years, depending on the demand. With this task complete, there was no need to ransack the remaining warehouses. They had already achieved their primary objective. While the textiles were valuable, they weren''t their main concern. The real priority was the machinery¡ªbecause, with the right equipment, they could easily produce textiles back at the base. Thanks to Kisha''s territory, they had ample space to grow the necessary materials, or even raise silkworms, making the textiles themselves a secondary need. "Alright, we''re moving out!" Duke''s voice rang out from the second floor. No one had noticed his absence, assuming he''d been in the same spot the whole time. But now, as he issued the command, the entire team immediately sprang into action, rising from their positions and swiftly falling into formation. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead of retracing their steps, Duke led his team toward the back of the warehouse, where a smaller, less conspicuous door awaited them. Thanks to the commotion at the front, most of the zombies had swarmed to the main entrance, banging relentlessly against the doors. The back door, however, was nearly clear, providing Duke and his team with a clear escape route. They rushed out, slipping through the back of the factory with far less resistance than when they entered. This was part of Duke''s plan all along. By pushing his team forward despite the zombie-packed streets, he''d intentionally drawn the undead toward the front, creating a distraction. The chaos had drawn most of the zombies to that area, allowing them to clear a path and quietly retreat from the rear. By the time the sun began to set on the horizon, they had already put considerable distance between themselves and the factory. The journey back was far easier, requiring only a fraction of the effort they had exerted while advancing toward the factory. As a result, the warriors didn''t have to push themselves as hard this time. Chapter 515 Storm As the sun dipped lower, Duke glanced at the sky. Instead of the usual fiery red hue, it appeared dark and ominous, the air unnaturally still. "Hurry up, a storm''s coming," he ordered, prompting the others to look up. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Given the intense heat earlier that day, Duke knew this storm wouldn''t be ordinary. A sense of unease settled in him¡ªhe worried they might get caught outside. Despite not having traveled too far from the factory and knowing that some zombies still roamed nearby, he pushed the STAU to bring out the trucks. "Get the trucks ready, we need to move fast!" "Understood, Vice City Lord!" The STAU quickly retrieved the trucks from their space. The drivers rushed to their seats while the rest of the warriors fought outside, clearing a path. As the engine of the truck roared to life, the warriors slowly began boarding. Duke made his way to the front, climbing into the passenger seat. With everything in motion, they sped off. The zombies nearby, drawn by the noise, quickly rushed toward them. Fortunately, the path had already been cleared, allowing the trucks to barrel through. As the vehicles surged forward, they plowed into the oncoming zombies, scattering them out of the way. Duke and the others quickly activated their awakened abilities, ensuring the zombies didn''t get too close to the front while also clearing the path ahead. They needed to ensure the truck wouldn''t get trapped in the heart of the horde. The driver, sensing the urgency in Duke''s demeanor, pressed harder on the gas pedal, pushing the truck to its limits. With the constant threat looming, he too felt the pressure to reach their destination as quickly as possible, his anxiety rising alongside Duke''s. Duke hadn''t intended for his anxiety to show, but as he glanced up at the sky, he couldn''t help but feel his heart race. The intense heat earlier in the day hinted at a storm that could be far more dangerous than usual. The longer they remained outside, the greater the risk to his people. He was certain that Kisha had already sensed the shift in the weather and was likely preparing for the storm as well. On Kisha''s side, once the intense heat was alleviated by the Ice Crystal Spikes, everyone''s condition improved significantly. Many people, unwilling to lose a day''s work, brought their tasks to the medical facility, setting up tables and continuing their work in the shade. Kisha couldn''t help but laugh as she watched them, amused by their determination. While others focused on their crafts, she moved through the base, ensuring that everyone was safe and accounted for. Some of the Ice Crystal Spikes were also placed in the square, providing more space for people to gather and stay cool. As the sun began to set, Kisha started retrieving the Ice Crystal Spikes, carefully returning them to their original positions. Meanwhile, Vulture led a group of earth-type awakened ability users to seal the holes left in the ground by the spikes. With her enhanced telekinesis, Kisha was able to manipulate heavier objects with ease, so it only took a few trips to restore all the Ice Crystal Spikes she had taken from the southern wall. A few earth-type awakened ability users assisted, ensuring the spikes were securely reattached, reinforcing the ground to prevent them from loosening and falling off. Once Kisha finished, she paused at the top of the southern wall, gazing up at the sky. The cold breeze was unnervingly still, and the once fiery red hue of the setting sun had been replaced by a dark, ominous gloom. Having lived through the apocalypse countless times, Kisha recognized the signs. A Geostorm was about to happen. She knew from experience that not only would the storm be incredibly destructive, but it would also bring powerful whirlwinds, torrential rain, and hail. That wasn''t all¡ªrising seas would trigger a tsunami, swallowing any low-lying areas near the coast. A cold shiver ran down her spine as the memories resurfaced. "Everyone, make sure everyone is safely inside their homes¡ªno one is allowed to stay out!" Kisha commanded sharply, startling those who were still working outside, finishing up the Ice Crystal Spikes. "All guards stationed on the walls need to return to the base immediately and ensure no one is left outside!" Kisha added, her tone firm. She quickly ordered the soldiers to radio all guards posted at the corners of the wall to head back to safety. As the team scrambled to execute her orders, Kisha turned to 008. "008, find an AOE-type city shield. If possible, I need one similar to the one we have in City A," Kisha instructed, her voice steady but urgent. "Just give me a minute, Host. I''ll find it right away. Trust me," 008 said, its voice filled with determination, as though its very life depended on fulfilling her request. Kisha felt a slight sense of reassurance wash over her at 008''s words. In her past lives, she hadn''t accumulated enough points to afford such a crucial item, even a one-time-use city shield. As a result, countless casualties had been lost to the ferocious whirlwinds that danced through the city, ripping people away and never to be seen again. The Port City and nearby coastal areas were not only flooded¡ªthey were erased, sinking into the ocean, leaving no trace of life behind. Fortunately, City B, being near Port City, had been partially shielded by the destruction. The waves had been stopped by the barrier of Port City, sparing City B from total devastation. However, the Geostorm''s power was still enough to nearly wipe out the survivors, with the hail and rain bringing with it the blood rain that made the event even more nightmarish. But this Geostorm wasn''t supposed to happen now¡ªit was supposed to occur two years later. Kisha felt her face drain of color as a wave of dizziness washed over her. Her strength seemed to evaporate, and she struggled to stay upright, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Everything was unfolding out of their timeline. She felt cornered, helpless. Then, suddenly, a thought sparked in her mind. She glanced up once more, and a holographic map of her territory in City A materialized. She quickly searched for Keith and her grandparents, and a wave of relief washed over her when she confirmed they were safely within the barrier. Letting out a quiet sigh, her gaze instinctively shifted to the team''s tab, where Duke''s stats were displayed. Aside from his spiritual energy, which was constantly in use, his health seemed stable¡ªthere was no sign of immediate danger. Still, anxiety gnawed at her, and her stomach churned with worry. She could only pray that Duke had noticed the weather shift and was heading straight home, rather than staying outside. With no way to control the situation, she reluctantly sent Bell to find him, hoping it wasn''t too late. Noticing the urgency in Kisha''s voice, Bell immediately shot out of the base at her command, heading toward Duke''s last known location. While waiting for updates, Kisha accessed her territory''s interface and called Keith. It didn''t take long for Keith to answer, his voice lively and playful. "Sister! Miss me?" He immediately shifted to a cute tone, clearly having found a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of the base. "Baby brother, listen closely. Make sure everyone stays inside the base and doesn''t leave for any reason. If there are still people out on supply runs, get them to return immediately. A storm is coming, and it''s not one to take lightly." Chapter 516 City As Base Keith, trusting his sister''s words without question, didn''t ask for any clarifications. Instead, he swiftly grabbed the radio clipped to his waist and sent out an urgent broadcast. "Everyone, emergency alert! A storm is approaching. Halt all operations outside the base until further notice." He paused briefly before continuing, his tone shifting playfully. "I repeat, halt all operations outside. This is an order from my brother-in-law¡ªEhem, I mean, this is a directive from Mr. Duke Winters." Keith delivered the line with mock seriousness, intentionally slipping the "brother-in-law" title to annoy Melody if she happened to hear the broadcast. At the same time, it served as a subtle flex, signaling to the Winters'' men that he had a close connection with Duke and a direct channel to communicate with him. After all, if Keith had said the warning came from his sister, no one would have taken him seriously. Melody might even use it to stir up trouble. Of course, this approach could still cause some chaos within the base, but Keith wasn''t the type to let Melody push him around. Not a chance. Even Kisha was momentarily surprised by Keith''s actions. She broke into a smile, realizing how much her baby brother had changed. ''When had he become so cunning?'' Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Perhaps it was because he had stopped relying solely on her and started wanting to protect her instead. Keith was clearly growing into his own, learning that sometimes the first step to strength is mastering a few clever tricks. A crackle of static broke the airwaves as someone connected to the transmission. "Little Brother Keith, is that true?" The voice belonged to Ethan Evans. Kisha immediately recognized the stern tone and could almost picture his expression as he spoke. "Brother Ethan, while we don''t have access to precise weather forecasts right now, you can see the signs if you look to the northern sky. The air is already still, the cold winds carry a damp chill, and the clouds are dark and foreboding." "If we send people outside and the storm turns severe, we could lose contact with the advance party, leaving us unable to assist them when they need us most. Especially with the added danger of zombies in the area¡ªand there''s even a chance of blood rain coming." Keith explained his reasoning so eloquently that even Kisha raised an eyebrow in surprise. She couldn''t believe her baby brother was capable of speaking like this. ''Since when did he learn to read the sky? Wasn''t he only good at eating, drinking, and having fun?'' she wondered, her gaze fixed on him. Curious, Kisha opened the territory interface and searched for Ethan. He was standing next to an armored car with a few members of the Winters team, preparing for a supply run to the city and to assess the situation there. However, he froze the moment he heard Keith''s words. Instinctively, he glanced up at the sky. While his view was obstructed by the tall trees surrounding their location, he knew that climbing to the top of their building¡ªpartially nestled against the mountain¡ªmight give him a clearer view of the northern horizon. "Little Brother Keith, is this really from Duke?" Ethan asked, his hesitation evident as he faltered slightly¡ªa detail Keith didn''t miss. Keith pouted, crossing his arms. "What, would you believe me more if I said it came from my sister?" he shot back, his tone tinged with a hint of childish defiance. Despite his earlier composure, he was now slipping into the temperament of a typical 19-year-old, his patience thinning after being questioned again. Kisha, observing the exchange, couldn''t help but chuckle softly. Shaking her head, she thought, ''So much for his earlier maturity.'' But who would have thought that after that, Ethan would finally stop asking questions? "Alright, we''ll follow her advice. We won''t go outside and will monitor the situation from here," Ethan said, his tone carrying a hint of doting affection that grated on Keith''s nerves. Keith shot a sharp glare at Kisha and mouthed, ''What''s going on?'' Even Kisha blinked in surprise, just as puzzled as Keith. She couldn''t understand why Ethan seemed so willing to follow her advice over Duke''s without further questioning. The static crackle of the radio broke the brief silence. "If it''s from Miss Kisha Aldens, then it''s safe to assume our Master supports this as well. We''ll follow the arrangement, remain at the base, and observe how the situation unfolds. Please let Miss Kisha know that we will comply," came the calm yet authoritative voice of Eagle, the temporary leader while the others were away. Having spent time following Kisha and observing Duke''s behavior around her¡ªespecially during those few hours they had spent together¡ªEagle had noticed Duke''s deference to her. It was clear that Duke valued Kisha''s insights deeply. Beyond that, Eagle was well aware of Kisha''s remarkable understanding of the apocalypse, which had been instrumental in helping them survive so far. To him, her words carried the weight of absolute trust¡ªpractically gospel. It was thanks to Kisha that they had learned to better understand awakened abilities. She had guided them in cultivating these powers, with her brother teaching them how to use and enhance their skills, alongside the introduction of Scarlet Honey. Because of this, Eagle had long known that Keith had a way to stay in contact with Kisha and was likely keeping her informed about everything happening at the base in City A. Eagle didn''t mind this arrangement. In fact, it was one of the reasons he kept Melody''s actions in check, ensuring she didn''t overstep too far. After all, her aspirations of becoming Mrs. Winters seemed like a distant dream¡ªone that only Duke himself could decide. And as things stood, Kisha''s influence was undeniable. Her words often carried the same weight as Duke''s, if not an extension of his authority. "Little Brother Keith, please thank Miss Kisha for us," Eagle said with a good-natured smile. "And let her know to remind our Master to take care of himself and the others." "Got it. She''ll know," Keith replied, clipping the radio back to his waist. He then turned to look at his sister, whose image was still displayed on the video call interface of the territory system. "My sister is really amazing," Keith said, grinning. "Even from so far away, your influence still stretches far and wide." Though his tone was teasing, the genuine admiration in his voice was unmistakable. "Sister," he added, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "is it really true that no one else can see this interface in front of me, even if I run around the base with it?" "They won''t," Kisha replied with a laugh, "but if you keep talking and wandering around, people might start to think you''ve got a few loose screws." Her playful tone was accompanied by a warm smile, fully aware of what he was planning. "Alright!" Keith said with a laugh before darting off. He hurried back to his room, searching for his grandparents. As luck would have it, the two had just returned to rest. Their faces lit up with gentle smiles the moment they saw him, their warmth immediately filling the room. The three of them huddled together, eagerly starting a conversation with Kisha. Only after Kisha granted her authorization did the elderly couple see the interface again, their faces lighting up with joy as they happily chatted with her. Chapter 517 City Shield And New Mission "Host, I''ve found a City Shield¡ªthere''s an option for 8 hours and 24 hours, though the price is a bit high, especially for the 24-hour shield. Would you like to take a look?" 008 suddenly interjected, breaking up the little family moment with Keith and their grandparents. She knew it was time to get back to work. "Keith, Grandpa, Grandma, I need to head back and take care of some work," Kisha said gently, her voice almost coaxing. "This storm is going to be devastatingly powerful, so I need to prepare. I''ll talk to you all later, okay?" She knew she had been too busy lately, barely having time to catch up with her family. But even so, they were always in her heart, and she had made sure to keep an eye on them¡ªwhether directly or with 008''s help. "Okay, always stay safe." Their grandmother was the first to speak, her understanding smile softening her words. "You can always call us when you''re not too busy. With this thing floating around and you being able to check in on us, it will help us feel closer." Their grandfather nodded enthusiastically in agreement. They didn''t want to add to Kisha''s worries, especially when she was so far away and already burdened with so much. The best they could do was grow stronger each day, so they could help her in their own way. If they could ease her worries about their safety, it would give her one less thing to stress over. Kisha understood exactly what her grandparents were thinking, and for a moment, a soft wave of affection washed over her. She felt like the little Kisha again¡ªthe one who used to run to her grandparents with so many feelings to share. She nodded, her eyes filled with a quiet love and tenderness. As soon as the video call ended, Kisha turned her attention to 008. "Show me." ... [City Shield] [Description: A city-wide defense system used across various worlds, typically created by mages through a series of barrier spells or by cultivators. These shields are sustained by powerful runes, and the strength of the runemaster or mage directly impacts the shield''s duration and its ability to withstand attacks. The stronger the caster, the longer the shield lasts and the more powerful the attacks it can repel. Grade: Rare Type: Consumable] ... [City Shield - 8 hours] [Cost: 2,000 points] [City Shield - 24 hours] [Cost: 5,000 points] ... Seeing the price, Kisha couldn''t help but think how expensive it was for a one-time-use item. But with no other choice, she decided to buy it. Luckily, the base in City A was well-protected under her territory''s defense. The base''s barrier had a health system in place: even if it were attacked and the barrier''s integrity weakened, it would eventually recover over time. Additionally, she could expedite its recovery by using methods such as exchanging crystal cores for spiritual energy, which could be used to replenish the barrier''s defense. Alternatively, she could directly infuse spiritual energy. With these options, she wouldn''t need to spend more points on additional City Shields. [Do you want to spend 5,000 points to buy the ''City Shield - 24 hours''?] [Yes] or [No] Without hesitation, she purchased the City Shield. A token-like object materialized in her hand, about the size of her palm. It was round, with an engraving of a tower surrounded by a globe-like design etched into its surface. [Do you want to use the City Shield?] [Yes] or [No] As soon as she clicked "Yes," a series of almost-transparent hexagons began to materialize in the air around the base. The hexagons interlinked, and once they had fully covered the entire area, the shield became completely transparent¡ªso much so that it was as if nothing was there, making it impossible to see anything else. "Host," 008 interjected, its tone sounding almost like a salesman pushing a deal. "Although this barrier is a one-time-use shield for 24 hours, if it reaches its maximum limit of repelling the attacks before the time runs out, it will still crumble. Would you like to buy a backup shield, just in case? We can''t be sure if the Geostorm will be able to crush this one." Kisha felt a twinge of frustration upon hearing this. She had assumed the shield would simply last the full 24 hours, but the added health system made it seem more like a scam¡ªdesigned to pressure her into spending more. "Host, don''t slander me," 008 replied, its voice defensive. "I''m just selling the product, not creating it. Besides, each City Shield is made of runes. With every attack it takes, the runes absorb the impact, causing them to crack and lose power over time. It''s only natural that the shield will disappear once it reaches its limit." "Unless, of course, it''s like the barrier in City A''s territory, which is powered by the territory''s spiritual energy. That barrier can heal itself over time, using spiritual energy. The more energy your territory can harness, the stronger the barrier becomes." "Ugh!" Kisha groaned, then reluctantly bought a backup City Shield. 008 giggled happily at her reaction and for selling another item. Kisha set the backup shield aside, planning to save it for later¡ªno need to waste time searching for it when she really needed it among the countless items in the system mall. But as she thought about it, a realization struck her. With the Spiritual Gatherer Crystal now in her territory, didn''t that essentially give her territory its own "solar panel" to generate spiritual energy? And after hearing 008''s explanation, wasn''t the barrier now practically unbreakable? "Well, that''s true, but it''s not like you can bring the shield here," 008 interjected again, unintentionally irritating Kisha. Though Kisha still had 230,000 points left after spending 10,000 on two City Shields, she knew it wouldn''t last long. With all the things she would need in the future and the high cost of items in the system mall, she realized that her points would quickly dwindle. Especially since she hadn''t received any new missions yet, she could easily find herself low on points again. Ding... [New Mission Available!] [Sudden Hidden Mission: SSS Class "Survivor of God''s Wrath!"] [Description: It is said that storms are God''s wrath, meant to teach humans a lesson in cherishing and loving the world they''ve been given. But when the Gods believe that humans have abused the world, they unleash their fury¡ªdrowning them in endless seas, crushing them with the power of whirlwinds, tearing them apart with earthquakes, or stoning them with relentless rain and hail. Mudslides descending from mountains complete the cycle of destruction. Mission Requirement: Prepare to survive the coming massive storm, the true beginning of the apocalyptic era. This beginning of the end storm will cleanse the weak, and only the strong and prepared will endure. Fate will decide your luck. Mission Completion: 10 Gachapon Draws, 10 Resource Crates, 100,000 points, and a mass of Chromium metal Mission Failure: Automatic failure of the C-Class mission "The Philanthropist" and the S-Class mission "Taking Nest for 30 Days.", 500,000 Points deduction and instant death.] ... Kisha''s lips twitched as the new mission appeared, her initial relief at the system finally addressing her concerns quickly turning to frustration. Instead of a solution, she was slapped with the ''Mission Failure'' consequences. Not only would she fail the two remaining missions she had, but she would also face a significant points deduction and, worse, instant death. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It felt like a cruel blow¡ªshe was being robbed blind and condemned to die. ''How is this even fair?'' Kisha thought bitterly. Chapter 518 Hidden Mission "Host, it''s not me, okay?" 008 quickly distanced itself from the main system that had issued the mission. Even 008 seemed at a loss for words at the over-the-top Mission Failure penalties. But deep down, it knew the system had always been this ruthless¡ªafter all, they wouldn''t have faced repeated deaths otherwise. Kisha, after her initial burst of anger, managed to calm herself. This wasn''t the first time the system had been outrageous, and she knew there was little she could do about it. However, the severity of the mission failure also confirmed one thing: the incoming storm wasn''t ordinary. It would undoubtedly be deadly. If the storm was catastrophic enough to be labeled the beginning of the end, a chilling thought crossed her mind¡ªhow would the other survivors scattered across bases and shelters around the world possibly endure it? "Doesn''t this look like what they call Ragnarok?" 008 suddenly remarked. "Well, that''s why it''s called the apocalypse¡ªit''s the end of the world. And it seems the Gods are truly determined to wipe us out," Kisha replied, her face darkening as she glanced up at the ominous sky. ''Maybe it was a good decision to buy a second City Shield. Who knows how long this storm will last or how strong it will be?'' she thought, her gaze drifting toward the direction Duke and the others had gone. Her heart pounded louder with unease. Shaking off the growing tension, she turned her attention back to the territory interface and quickly sent a message to Keith. [Kisha: Baby Brother, can you help me broadcast a message to any open channel?] The sudden appearance of a chatbox startled Keith, making him stumble slightly. But as soon as he realized it was from his sister, he quickly steadied himself, read the message, and replied. [Keith: I can! Eagle mentioned that the base has a satellite radio room. It can connect to multiple radios and open channels out there.] [Kisha: Perfect. I need you to issue a public warning about the storm¡ªand make it as dramatic as possible. Describe it like this: tornadoes with thunderstorms striking one after another, rain mixed with hailstones the size of fists, tsunamis swallowing the shores, mudslides tearing down mountains, and flash floods sweeping away anything near rivers or lakes. Emphasize the danger to ensure everyone takes it seriously.] [Keith: Sis, is it really that dangerous?!] [Kisha: Probably even worse...] [Keith: Damn! I''ll get on it right away!] [Keith: What''s the timeline?] [Kisha: An hour or two¡ªmaybe even less.] [Keith: We''re screwed. I''ll get Eagle and Hawk to help me out spreading the word.] [Kisha: Thanks, Baby Brother.] Ding... [Hidden Mission Unlocked] Kisha smiled brightly at the sight of this notification. It reminded her of a similar mission she had before the apocalypse began¡ªone where she had to warn as many people as possible. Back then, her reward was based on the number of lives she managed to inform and save. Reflecting on the impending storm, she figured it was worth trying again. Even if no hidden mission appeared this time, it wouldn''t hurt to warn others. Though her heart had hardened over the course of the apocalypse, she still didn''t wish for humanity''s complete extinction¡ªit wouldn''t serve her any purpose. As long as people stayed out of her way, there was no harm in helping them survive. Who could have guessed she''d be right? Her efforts triggered a hidden mission once again, proving that her instincts were spot on. ... [New Mission Available!] [Hidden Mission: S Class "The Saint"] [Description: The role of a saint is to inspire hope and save lives, regardless of the methods employed. As long as the saint chooses to warn and protect as many lives as possible, they serve as a beacon for humanity, ensuring that the people of this world continue to survive and persevere. Mission Requirements: Warn as many people as possible about the impending Geostorm, set to occur within the next one and a half hours. Each person who survives because of the warning will be worth 1,000 points. Mission Completion: Weather Satellite with Radar Blueprint (Origin: World 453683), 10 Gachapon Coupon, 5 crates, and System points equivalent to the number of lives saved (1 person = 1,000 points) Mission Failure: Automatic failure Sudden Hidden Mission: SSS Class "Survivor of God''s Wrath!"] ... Kisha decided not to dwell on the daunting consequences of mission failure any longer. Instead, she focused her attention on the mission''s completion rewards, which were undeniably generous¡ªeven for an S-Class mission. ''I''ve really grown used to seeing S to SSS-Class missions,'' Kisha mused, her thoughts trailing off. Missions that once felt insurmountable now seemed almost routine, their frequency dulling her initial apprehension. ''Since when did S-Class missions start feeling as common as cabbages sold on the street?'' she thought dryly, a faint smirk tugging at her lips despite the situation. "Greater risk equals greater rewards," 008 chimed in, its tone a little awkward as it attempted to lift her spirits. "I''m not sad," Kisha replied, her tone steady but laced with a hint of defiance. "As you said, this is my last chance. If I fail and die again, that''s it¡ªno reincarnation, no second chances. My soul will be erased for eternity. Knowing that your constellation is working so hard to throw one brutal mission after another at me has only fueled my resolve. If they''re testing me, then I''ll grit my teeth and survive. How could I let them down now?" Her gaze hardened, a quiet determination replacing any trace of despair. She had accepted her reality¡ªthere was no running from it. Yet, a lingering question gnawed at the edges of her thoughts: ''How long will this continue? Until I die for good? Until I grow old and too weak to fight back?'' She exhaled softly, shaking off the thought. For now, survival was her only goal. With Eagle and Hawk''s technical expertise, Keith and the team successfully connected to the satellites orbiting Earth. While Eagle and Hawk worked diligently behind the scenes to set up the broadcast, Keith, holding his pre-prepared speech in hand, stepped forward. He took a deep breath, his hand steady as he lifted the radio connected to their apparatus and began speaking in clear, confident English. "Hello, everyone. This is Keith, broadcasting from a base in the City A survivor camp. We''ve received critical information about an incoming storm, and I urge everyone to take immediate precautions." His voice grew firmer as he outlined the dangers: "For those near coastal areas, move to higher ground or as far inland as possible. This storm will bring tsunamis as tall as skyscrapers, capable of engulfing the shoreline. The movements of the ocean floor are unpredictable, and the effects may vary, but the risk is real." He continued, his tone serious yet calm: "To those living near rivers or lakes, evacuate immediately. Flash floods are expected and could sweep away anything in their path. Mudslide-prone areas are especially dangerous; avoid them at all costs to prevent being buried under cascading debris. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Additionally, thunderstorms with hail and tornadoes are imminent. Be prepared for hailstones large enough to cause fatal injuries on impact. This is not an ordinary storm¡ªit is life-threatening, and everyone must act quickly to ensure their safety." Keith paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle, then added, "Please share this information with as many people as possible. Together, we can save lives." His determined tone left no room for doubt or hesitation, and he hoped his message would reach those in need before it was too late. Chapter 519 The Disaster Is Coming Keith repeated the broadcast tirelessly, knowing that time was of the essence. With the internet mostly inaccessible due to widespread power outages, many electronic devices¡ªphones, computers, and even emergency systems¡ªhad likely stopped functioning. For those few devices still operational, the lack of cellular networks or internet connectivity made communication nearly impossible. Recognizing this, Keith, along with Eagle and Hawk, decided that radio frequencies were the best option. They knew survivors in isolated camps or shelters might be scanning the airwaves, desperate for updates about the outside world. Radio remained one of the few reliable means of communication, capable of reaching those who had no other way of staying informed. Keith''s voice carried unwavering determination as he repeated his warnings again and again, hoping it would reach as many people as possible before the storm struck. The three of them worked tirelessly, trying to reach as many frequencies as possible. They repeated the same warning message over and over, hoping it would break through the static and reach those in danger. As Keith''s voice grew hoarse from constant speaking, he switched positions with Hawk, who took over with equal urgency. They didn''t forget to emphasize the critical timeline of the incoming storm. Knowing that people in different locations might not have seen the storm clouds yet, or might be experiencing different weather patterns, Keith avoided specifying an exact timeline. Instead, he urged listeners to pay close attention to any changes in the sky or the environment around them¡ªthe shifting weather, the rising tides, or any signs of impending disaster. The storm''s approach was inevitable, but the timeline varied depending on location, and they could only hope the message would reach those in time. In Port City, a group of survivors huddled together, desperately listening to the radio. They had long been abandoned by the men who had either vanished or fled with the supplies, leaving behind the sick, elderly, and children. The survivors believed they were left to fend for themselves, with no one to care for them in their vulnerable state. But when they heard the broadcast warning about the incoming storm, doubt clouded their minds. Some thought the warning might be exaggerated or irrelevant to their situation. Then, a voice broke through the tension. "T-the sea is receding!" an elderly man shouted, his voice filled with alarm as he gazed out the window from the fourth floor of the building they had taken refuge in. When the survivors heard the old man''s shout, those still able to move staggered toward the window. What had once been a scenic port, now lay eerily empty. The water had receded so far that the sea floor was exposed, stretching out beyond what their eyes could fathom. They could no longer see how far back the water had pulled, but the sight alone was enough to send a chill through their bones. The warning from the radio wasn''t some scare tactic or prank meant to cause panic¡ªit was real, and the disaster was coming. Even the birds flying above seemed unsettled, their usual calm replaced with erratic movements. The mutated rats scurrying through the city''s streets were fleeing, desperate to escape the coastal areas. Even the zombies, usually so mindless and driven by hunger, seemed to sense the change. They moved away from the city, shuffling slowly, as if instinctively avoiding the impending disaster. "W-We need to leave!" someone croaked, desperation in their voice. But how could they leave when their bodies were barely functional? They hadn''t eaten in days, and many had already succumbed to the brutal extremes of heat and cold from the past few days. Their bodies, frail and weak, could barely move, let alone escape. "H-Hu hu hu... We''re going to die..." another person sobbed. "It''s because we''re all cowards¡ªtoo afraid to leave, too weak to fight for food¡ªthat we were abandoned," grumbled an elderly man, his eyes dull and empty. "Now look at us... we can''t even move." "Grandpa... will I die too?" A small child, barely more than skin and bones, whispered from the cold floor. He stretched out a trembling hand toward the old man, his voice a faint murmur. The elderly man turned and scanned the room. The place was filled with bedridden survivors¡ªsome too weak to speak, others barely clinging to life. The children, their faces gaunt and hollow, could hardly move, their eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. He gritted his teeth, a spark of defiance lighting in his eyes. "No, we''re not going to die here! Those who can still move, come with me. Let''s get the vehicles ready and take the children first!" His voice was firm, filled with a determination he hadn''t felt before. In truth, he was once one of the most cowardly men around¡ªsomeone who would rather chew on tree bark than venture outside for a supply run. But now, his fear had brought them to this point. They were dying, and the children and grandchildren were on the brink of perishing with them, all because they had refused to leave. As the harsh reality set in, he realized this was their last chance. If they stayed, they would die. If they ran, they might survive¡ªhe had nothing left to lose. One by one, the others in the room understood what needed to be done. Even as their bodies trembled with weakness, they pushed themselves to move. They staggered toward the exit, their resolve growing with each step. The zombies had begun to retreat from Port City, and for the first time in days, they saw an opportunity¡ªhowever small. It was now or never. With a final surge of effort, they gathered together, ready to flee. Across various locations around the nation and the world, people who had received Keith''s warning took it seriously. They began closely monitoring the weather, focusing on the sky and, for those in coastal areas, the sea. As the tide receded, the reality of the threat became undeniable. People immediately began moving inland, heading toward the mountains in an effort to escape. However, they soon realized that they were not alone in their flight. Mutated animals and zombies, also sensing the danger, were fleeing alongside them. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The sheer chaos of it all made the situation even more dangerous. The truth of Keith''s broadcast became clear¡ªsafety was no longer guaranteed. As more and more survivors ran for their lives, the roads became a battleground. To reach safety, they would have to fight their way through the hordes, making the journey even more dangerous for everyone involved. Driven by pure survival instinct, a surge of adrenaline coursed through their bodies. Whether it was the body''s limiter shutting down in the face of danger or sheer desperation taking over, the people who encountered zombie hordes or mutated animals became like wild beasts, fighting with everything they had to survive and escape. Those quick-witted enough didn''t hesitate to leave the safety of the skyscrapers. They realized that, even if the towering buildings could withstand the tsunami''s initial impact, they were not guaranteed survival. The danger of being trapped in a flooded city without knowing when the water would recede made staying put a risky choice. For those in more inland areas, even if they couldn''t make it to the mountains, they gathered their supplies and moved to the highest buildings they could find, hoping to outlast the flash floods and mudslides. Chapter 520 Battery They waited, praying the waters would recede or the earth would harden enough to allow them to move safely again. Their only hope now was to survive long enough to find a new location to rebuild their lives. As everyone scrambled to find a safe place after Keith''s warning, there were still a few stubborn individuals who refused to listen. They dismissed the warning, convinced the storm wasn''t as bad as it seemed and that the person broadcasting the message was simply trying to scare them into abandoning their shelters or bases. After all, fewer people meant more supplies for the rest. But when the storm unfolded exactly as it had been predicted, those same people were the first to suffer. They became the first victims, their lives claimed by their stubbornness. And in the end, there was no pill for regret. Back on Kisha''s side, she stood resolutely atop the city wall after activating the City Shield and ensuring the people were safely in their homes. Her eyes were fixed on the horizon, scanning the distance for any sign of Duke''s convoy. The sky had already darkened, and the wind was growing fiercer, whipping through the air and stirring up smaller debris. Nearby, small whirlwinds began to form, their swirling shapes a testament to the escalating storm. Yet Kisha remained unmoving, her silhouette a steady figure against the chaos. She refused to leave her post until she was certain that Duke was close, her resolve unwavering despite the mounting tension in the air. "C-City Lord!" A man in a white lab coat came rushing out from the base, his disheveled appearance and breathless excitement making him look both eager and haggard. His eyes sparkled, and a wide grin stretched across his face, barely contained. "I¡ªI have something to tell you!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with urgency. Kisha turned her head slightly, her gaze cool and indifferent as it briefly shifted from the distant street. "What is it?" she asked, her tone calm and composed, her focus still fixed on the horizon. "My team and I managed to build a small battery capable of storing electricity, using lightning as the energy source," the man explained, his excitement evident. "However, to make it work, we need to install the pole at the highest point here. The problem is¡ªit''s heavy and requires precise placement." Kisha''s eyebrows rose instinctively as she glanced around, her sharp gaze taking in the surroundings. The highest point in the base was the Central Hall''s dome-like roof, where a flagpole stood in the center, the flag whipping fiercely in the wind. It didn''t take long for her to piece it together¡ªthe man was asking for her help to use her telekinesis to place their pole in that spot. Without hesitation, she made her decision, offering no objections. "Lead the way," Kisha said, casting one last glance at the street behind her before following the engineer. She knew that once Duke was nearby, Bell would notify her, and it wouldn''t be too late for her to return. The engineer guided Kisha to the front of the Central Hall, where a few meters of pole lay on the ground. Several engineers were gathered around it, checking its connections to a laptop, while multiple wires snaked through the pole. At the other end, the setup resembled an intricate electric circuit. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The person in charge, Engineer Steel, was barking orders to the team, urging them to work faster. He was determined to have the pole installed before the storm hit. Connected to the pole was a tangle of wires, leading to a massive machine placed on a small trailer. The machine was so large it took up the entire back of the trailer, and the pole itself, which Kisha was expected to place atop the Central Hall, was as thick as her waist. ''No wonder they needed my help,'' Kisha thought. Even a superhuman would struggle to lift that massive pole, let alone position it atop the roof. No matter how many people worked together, they''d still need a crane, and their largest one was tied up in the workshop. The fastest solution was Kisha''s telekinesis, something they''d already witnessed in action. They knew this task would be child''s play for her. When Engineer Steel gave the signal, Kisha stepped forward. "City Lord, please, we''ll leave it in your care," Engineer Steel said, his voice full of anticipation. Kisha nodded, her focus sharpening. She raised the pole effortlessly with her telekinesis. Ever since her Mental Capacity exceeded one thousand, her control over her powers had grown immensely. The weight of the pole barely fazed her, and as she lifted it higher, she felt no strain at all. Feeling emboldened, she allowed herself to float upward, her body rising into the air. The sight left the watching engineers gasping in surprise. Kisha''s telekinesis wasn''t limited to inanimate objects or external things, so she figured she could use it to lift herself into the air. And she did, effortlessly. Now, alongside the massive pole, she too was floating, something she had never managed to do before. Typically, only high-level wind-type awakened ability users allowed for this kind of flight, as those users could make the wind feel like an extension of their bodies, manipulating it as they wished. Though Kisha appeared calm and indifferent as she floated, her heart raced with excitement. This was her first time experiencing this sensation, and deep down, she couldn''t help but revel in the thrill of soaring through the air. After enjoying the sensation of floating, Kisha focused her telekinesis with precision. She carefully guided the pole into place on top of the Central Hall''s roof. With expert control, she bolted it securely, using the pre-positioned bolts at the base of the pole where the circuit was attached. Only when she was certain the pole was firmly in place did she float around it, inspecting her work one last time before descending. When she landed gracefully on the ground, the engineers gasped in awe. "Woah! City Lord, you can fly!" "Was that part of your awakened ability?!" "That was amazing!" The engineers gathered around her, their admiration evident as they gazed at her in awe, almost treating her like an idol. Kisha wouldn''t deny that she felt a sense of pride from the praise, but at the same time, she couldn''t help feeling a bit shy. She wasn''t used to this level of admiration. Even when she built shelters for people in her past lives, they had always treated it as something she was simply supposed to do¡ªas if it was her duty and responsibility. Instead of gratitude, she had often been met with scorn or dismissive side glances. Now, with more control over her telekinesis, Kisha felt a newfound sense of possibility. She realized she could do far more than she had before, not just move objects or herself. After the engineers praised her, they huddled together around Engineer Steel, who was holding a laptop under his arm. Intrigued, Kisha moved closer to see what they were doing. Engineer Steel ran a program on the computer, then looked up toward the pole. A black loading prompt appeared on the screen. Moments later, several more black screens popped up, indicating progress. Chapter 521 New Electricity Source Once the installation was complete, a system program appeared on the screen, displaying a pie chart along with several other graphs. The charts indicated the charging progress of the eight batteries docked in the machine, each as large as a crate. These batteries were now ready to be recharged using the lightning. Each battery was numbered, allowing the engineers to easily track which ones were nearly fully charged and which still had some way to go. There was also a tab allowing them to run a diagnostic on the batteries to ensure there were no issues before they were put into use. Each battery was capable of powering a large building for a full week once activated. This made Kisha raise an eyebrow, recognizing the immense potential of the project. With the Advanced Solar Panels still on hold due to a shortage of materials, this new energy source could be a crucial solution for now. "Did you get the inspiration for this from the Advanced Solar Panel blueprint?" Kisha asked suddenly, her gaze fixed on Engineer Steel. Engineer Steel rubbed the tip of his nose sheepishly, but his eyes sparkled with excitement. "That''s right! The blueprint was so advanced, but it required rare materials we don''t have enough of yet. So, my team and I had the idea to adapt some of that technology into this machine, using the materials we currently have available." His expression shifted to one of concern, and he looked at Kisha with a mix of regret and apology. "But City Lord, I must apologize. I used some of the precious materials you allocated for the Advanced Solar Panel to help build this machine." "It''s alright," Kisha said with a reassuring smile. "Since it will take time to finish the solar panel, we can go with the second-best option for now. With this, we can conserve our fuel and reserve it for the vehicles we use to gather supplies." "After all, our fuel is limited, but lightning is unpredictable¡ªit can strike anytime. If we don''t get a thunderstorm, the Vice City Lord can always use his lightning-type awakened ability to power the pole, and we''ll never run out of electricity." She finished with a teasing tone, a thought of her husband bringing a smile to her lips. ''I miss him,'' Kisha thought, her gaze drifting to the pole. Hearing that Kisha didn''t blame them, Engineer Steel felt a mix of guilt and relief. His resolve, however, grew stronger. He was more determined than ever to ensure that he and Dr. Shuveck finished the Advanced Solar Panel. They were nearly done studying the blueprint and had already drawn so much inspiration from it that they were now discussing plans to build other machines that would undoubtedly be beneficial for their base. Once his guilt had subsided, Engineer Steel returned his focus to the laptop, running a program to perform a thorough diagnostic on each battery and the pole, checking for any potential issues. When the tests were complete, the team carefully moved the trailer to a safer distance from the Central Hall and covered it with a reflective tarp to prevent any accidental lightning strikes. Next, they entered the small building next to the Central Hall, where Engineer Steel pushed the laptop onto a window sill. The laptop was still connected to a tangle of cords. Kisha followed them inside, taking in the sight of the room. It was already neatly arranged, filled with an array of computers and machines. "This is...?" Kisha asked, glancing around the room. "This will be the operation room for the electricity systems, where everything will be maintained and monitored," Engineer Steel explained. "Once the solar panels are up and running, this will continue to serve as the operation room." Kisha glanced around again and noticed several backup batteries scattered about. Seeing her gaze, Engineer Steel quickly explained, "Once the batteries docked in the machine are fully recharged, we can replace them with these empty ones and repeat the process." "This way, we can avoid overcharging the batteries and preventing them from exploding, while also making sure we don''t waste any of the lightning''s energy." "We''ll be able to recharge as many batteries as possible. However, with our current resources, this is all we can manage for now." He paused for a moment, then added, "Meanwhile, Dr. Shuveck and his team are busy working on the fuse that will allow us to dock the batteries and connect them to the base, so we can power our small city with them." Once he finished explaining, Engineer Steel looked proud of their accomplishment. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even Kisha was taken aback by their progress; she had always assumed they were simply busy studying the blueprints. She couldn''t hide the confusion on her usually stone-cold face, and Engineer Steel noticed it immediately. "The Vice City Lord helped plan this with us while we were studying the Advanced Solar Panel blueprint." "When we realized it would take time to complete the solar panel, we decided to pivot and design a different machine using the same technology but with materials we already had on hand." "We started working on it the day after we received the blueprint, and the idea was inspired by the Vice City Lord himself." Engineer Steel wasn''t trying to flatter anyone; he was simply expressing his admiration for Duke''s intelligence and quick decision-making. He couldn''t help but praise him, which made Kisha smile proudly. After all, what Duke and the others had accomplished had been a huge benefit to the base. Thanks to their efforts, the survivors now had access to heaters and air conditioners when needed most in extreme climates. Plus, they could conserve fuel by powering the Supply Center with these batteries instead. Kisha nodded in appreciation as she took in the small building, now transformed into their makeshift electricity department, poised to power the entire base. Before long, Dr. Shuveck and his team arrived. "We''ve finished the installation," he said, excitement in his voice. When they heard that a thunderstorm was approaching¡ªjust as they were wondering how to test the machine¡ªtheir energy shifted. They immediately sprang into action, running around the base to prepare for the test. This would be the initial trial to see if the machine performed as they had hoped. This was a crucial moment for them. Initially, they had planned to ask the Vice City Lord to be their test subject, to channel lightning into the pole as agreed upon during the planning stage. However, he had to leave just as they were finishing the machine, which was still in its prototype phase. It felt as though the gods were giving them a chance to test it out. The test was essential, as it would allow them to gather data and identify necessary adjustments. Moreover, a thunderstorm was the perfect opportunity to do so, as the machine was specifically designed to harness lightning, while the solar panels were still in progress, awaiting some key components. "Did you create a fuse for the entire base?" Kisha asked. "Not yet, City Lord. Currently, we''ve only created a fuse for the Central Hall and the Supply Center." "This is still a prototype, and we need more data. Once we''ve gathered and analyzed the results from this experiment, and if it proves successful, we''ll begin connecting the electric wiring from within the base to the main fuse, powered by these batteries recharged using lightning." Chapter 522 Different Way To Control Her Power Doctor Shuveck took the lead in explaining. Originally a Solar Physicist specializing in the study of solar energy, he brought his expertise to the project. Paired with Engineer Steel, a seasoned Mechanical Engineer, the two formed a formidable team. Together, they combined their knowledge and collaborated closely, often drawing on Duke''s insights during the development process. Duke had spent considerable time with them and their teams, poring over the blueprint and brainstorming solutions to the challenges they faced. After countless hours of effort, their combined hard work was finally about to face its ultimate test. Engineer Steel and Doctor Shuveck, both buzzing with excitement, huddled with their team around the program, double-checking every detail. Their anticipation filled the air, but Kisha quietly stepped away, leaving them to their fervent preparations. "Master! We''re back!" Bell''s voice resonated through Kisha''s mind via the mindlink, signaling their proximity to the base. Without hesitation, Kisha sprinted toward the wall and leaped effortlessly to its top, her gaze scanning the horizon with eager anticipation. Through the whipping wind and flying debris, she spotted faint silhouettes in the distance. Even amidst the chaos, the rumbling engines grew steadily louder, and her sharp eyes picked out the dark forms of the convoy moving closer. Her heartbeat quickened, matching the tempo of her growing excitement, and a smile crept onto her lips, unbidden but full of warmth and relief. Since Kisha had already sent the soldiers guarding the wall back to their homes, the gate was left unguarded. Aside from herself, no one else would open it, but she wasn''t concerned. As the trucks neared, the sound of zombies scrambling behind them grew louder, desperate to catch up and claim their prey. With a focused thought, Kisha controlled the metal debris scattered around the area, letting it rain down on the zombies following the convoy. She also turned her attention to the heavy gate, manipulating it with her telekinesis to open wide, allowing the convoy to enter the base safely. While defending the entrance, Kisha ensured no zombie would get close. The sky above the gate became a deadly rain of nails, metal scraps, signposts, and jagged debris. Each piece fell with terrifying precision, impaling the zombies'' skulls, causing them to drop like flies one after another. Bell, perched comfortably on Duke''s shoulder, didn''t need to lift a finger. The warriors, weary from the long journey, watched the carnage unfold in stunned silence, their eyes wide with awe at the sheer power of Kisha''s control. Even Duke stood motionless for a moment as he watch from the side mirror, taking in the terrifying beauty of the scene before him. They couldn''t help but feel that they had yet to witness the true extent of Kisha''s power. It was as if she hadn''t been pushed to the point where she''d be forced to reveal all her capabilities. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unlike Duke, who had already been driven to his limits on more than one occasion¡ªone time, it nearly cost him his life. Even so, Duke was growing stronger with each passing day, leaving everyone else in the dust. His monstrous strength seemed unparalleled, and no one could compete with it. This led the others to wonder: who, between the two of them, was truly stronger¡ªthe unstoppable Duke or his equally formidable wife? "That''s my wife," Duke murmured proudly, his usually cold, indifferent expression softening as a gentle, doting smile spread across his lips. The warriors who had often witnessed this side of their Vice City Lord had long grown accustomed to it whenever Kisha was around. It no longer surprised them. Meanwhile, their attention was fixed at the back of the convoy as they watched zombies fall one after another, unable to even get close to the perimeter. Kisha, using her telekinesis, was systematically slaughtering them, her power raining death upon them with unrelenting precision. But for Kisha, it wasn''t enough. An inspiration sparked in her mind. While the majority of her focus remained on controlling the debris to impale the zombies, a small part of her mind shifted to one particular zombie¡ªthe slowest one. With concentrated focus, she reached into its body, visualizing the black blood coursing through its veins, following it up to the brain. She could almost sense the brain''s fluctuating rhythm, the delicate pulse of its energy. And deep within that brain, she could feel the flickering light of the crystal core¡ªpulsing like a battery, radiating its strange energy throughout the body. As Kisha focused, her eyes began to glow a brilliant gold without her even realizing it. She tilted her head, lost in the sensation, before her movements became resolute. Just as she did, everyone had disembarked from the truck, and Duke was heading toward Kisha. In that moment, all of Kisha''s attacks ceased as her attention fixed solely on one zombie slowly approaching the still-open gate. Duke leapt onto the wall where Kisha stood frozen. "Master?" Bell called out through their mind link, but received no answer from Kisha. It was as if something was blocking their connection, and Bell could feel the link growing fainter, unreachable. Panic set in as Bell hovered anxiously around Kisha''s head, desperately calling to her. Kisha was so absorbed in her discovery that she didn''t notice Duke standing beside her. He reached out to shake her awake, but as his hand hovered over her, he froze. The golden glow in her eyes caught his attention, and following her unblinking gaze, he saw her focused on a single zombie. Though he couldn''t tell what she was doing, he noticed more and more zombies closing in. "Close the gate!" Duke barked, turning to his warriors. The warriors, unsure of what was happening, assumed Kisha had suffered a backlash from overexertion, but didn''t dwell on it. Some rushed to the gate, while two superhumans stepped forward to push it closed. The others conjured their abilities and sent bursts of energy through the cracks in the gate, striking the approaching zombies until, at last, the gate was securely shut. Kisha remained focused on the zombie as Duke watched her from the side, still unsure of what was happening. As she concentrated, she slowly raised her hand into the air and made a subtle gesture, as if strangling something. Before Duke could grasp what she was doing, the zombie''s head exploded. Thud... The lifeless body collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud. Duke turned to see the headless zombie, its body drenched in black blood, with no trace of its crystal core. The remnants of its brain matter lay scattered around, and the surrounding area was eerily silent. A moment later, Kisha''s golden eyes returned to their usual amber hue. She slowly glanced down at her hands, still feeling the vivid sensation of what she had just done. Closing her eyes, she clung to that sensation, not wanting to let it go. She took a deep breath, attempting to understand and internalize the power she had just tapped into. Duke wanted to ask Kisha what had just happened, but seeing her so deeply focused on internalizing the experience, he held his tongue. He silently studied her, his intense gaze searching her face. He knew whatever had occurred was tied to Kisha''s awakened ability. Clenching his fist, he couldn''t ignore the growing realization that she was becoming stronger, faster than he could keep up with. The thought lingered in his mind¡ªif this continued, he wouldn''t be the one protecting her. Instead, he might always find himself relying on her strength. His resolve to grow stronger, to match her power, solidified in his heart. As Kisha continued to reflect, she returned to the sensation she had experienced earlier, focusing once more on the intricate feelings that had surged through her. When Kisha sensed the fluctuation of the zombie''s crystal core, she focused intently on the feeling. She could see the flickering lights of energy emanating from the core, traveling through the brain and spreading throughout the rest of the zombie''s body. Becoming more attuned to this sensation, she honed in on the core itself. It was as if she could sense its very life force, and with a little effort, she could control its fate. With a focused thought, she extended her arm, her mind reaching out toward the crystal core. It felt as though it were within her grasp. When she tightened her mental grip along with her hand, the energy pulses from the core slowed, as though it were being strangled. She applied more pressure, watching as cracks began to form on the crystal''s surface. Finally, with a burst of force, she crushed it, causing the core to explode. In an instant, the zombie''s head exploded violently, as though a bomb had detonated from within. Kisha was both surprised and exhilarated. She had never imagined that telekinesis could be controlled in such a way. It felt as though her invisible hands could reach out to anything, anywhere, and manipulate it as she wished¡ªunstoppable by any defense. Perhaps it was because her mental capacity had surpassed its previous limits, unlocking new possibilities she had never even dreamed of before. With this newfound realization and the vivid sensation still fresh in her mind, Kisha decided to try again, focusing on a nearby zombie. Duke watched quietly from the sidelines, not intervening in her practice. Kisha repeated the process from before, but this time, her movements were quicker, more confident. She knew she had to first establish a clear connection and visualize the zombie''s body through her telekinesis. Any abruptness could sever that connection, preventing her from replicating what she had just done. Chapter 523 Thunder Redirecting Talisman Once Kisha felt she had the right sensation, she clenched her outstretched hand again. Another zombie collapsed to the ground with a loud thud, its head bursting apart in a grotesque explosion. She repeated the action, over and over, practicing until the motion became second nature. Each time, the result was the same¡ªa lifeless body falling to the ground, its head obliterated. Duke observed the carnage closely, his sharp eyes scanning the remains. No crystal cores were left intact in the wreckage. That''s when it clicked¡ªKisha was deliberately targeting the zombies'' crystal cores with precise, devastating accuracy. By the time Kisha had grown accustomed to the technique, she was already feeling drained. However, thanks to the newly formed protective barrier surrounding her energy core, the strain on her body was minimal. Instead, the toll came from the excessive use of her spiritual energy. While her mental capacity was notably high, her spiritual energy reserves were only slightly above average. Using the skill for the first time demanded more energy than usual, as she hadn''t yet mastered the control needed to wield it efficiently. Despite her progress, refining the technique would clearly require time and practice. As Kisha finally stopped, Duke immediately stepped forward, gripping her arm to steady her. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. His eyes searched her face anxiously, unable to hide the worry etched into his features. Though he didn''t say it aloud, Duke couldn''t shake the memory of his own near-fatal experience from overusing his energy core¡ªa mistake that had brought him dangerously close to death. The thought of Kisha suffering a similar backlash sent a wave of dread through him, making it impossible for him to stop fretting over her well-being. "I''m alright, just a little tired," Kisha replied softly. After taking a moment to steady herself, she looked up at Duke with a playful smile dancing on her lips. "What about you? Are you tired? Hungry? Or maybe... you want something else?" she teased, her voice lilting with mischief as she nuzzled her head against his firm chest. Kisha knew exactly why Duke was so worried, and the weight of his concern tugged at her heart. Not wanting him to dwell on it, she decided to redirect his attention. Her playful, coquettish behavior was her way of lightening the mood and easing the tension between them. Sure enough, as soon as the words left her mouth, Duke burst into a hearty laugh. "I choose the last option!" he declared cheerfully, clearly interpreting Kisha''s teasing as an invitation for intimacy. Kisha smirked, her eyes glinting mischievously as she caught on to his thoughts. Without missing a beat, she hooked her arm through his and began leading him back toward the base. Below, the warriors who had accompanied Duke were still waiting. When they caught sight of their leaders'' playful exchange, a ripple of chuckles spread through the group. Their lighthearted interaction was a rare but welcome moment of levity amid the usual seriousness of their duties. "Thank you all for your hard work. Please head to the military cafeteria and enjoy a good meal¡ªit''s on us," Kisha said warmly, motioning for the warriors to take their leave. Her words brought an instant spark of energy to the exhausted group. Despite their weariness, their eyes lit up, and they eagerly made their way to the cafeteria. The STAU team followed suit, their hunger driving them forward. Once they had eaten, they would need to return to Kisha and Duke to receive instructions on where to store the supplies they had retrieved from the textile factory. As the warriors dispersed, Kisha took Duke''s hand and pulled him along. Duke followed willingly, a wide grin spreading across his face as he let her lead the way. Before long, they stood in front of a modest building where Doctor Shuveck and Engineer Steel were stationed. Duke froze, staring at the structure with a mixture of surprise and unease. He knew exactly what this place was¡ªafter all, he had chosen it himself. His mouth opened and closed as if to speak, but no words came out. Frustration flickered across his face as the realization dawned on him. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''I''ve been tricked,'' he thought, casting Kisha a look as if he was wronged. Kisha, unfazed, merely tilted her head up to meet his gaze, her expression unreadable but her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "What? This is the last option," Kisha said with an innocent smile that didn''t quite match the mischievous glint in her eyes. "I just wanted to show you the completion of the project you led." Duke let out a resigned chuckle, fully aware that he''d been played. But as he looked at her beaming face, he couldn''t bring himself to be annoyed. Instead, his expression softened, and he reached out to ruffle her hair affectionately. "Alright, alright," he said with a mock sigh of defeat. Kisha took his hand and led him toward the entrance of the building. Before they stepped inside, she handed him a spiritual fruit, her voice gentle as she said, "Here, eat this first." They entered the building quietly, the hum of activity greeting them as people moved around the computers, focused on their work. Outside, the sky had turned pitch black, a heavy gloom settling over the base. The air felt charged, and the distant rumble of thunder, deep and resonant like a lion''s roar, echoed ominously. "It''s starting!" Engineer Steel exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. He rubbed his sweaty palms together, his eyes fixed on the monitors as he eagerly awaited the first bolt of lightning to strike the pole. The anticipation in the room was palpable as everyone held their breath, watching the screens. Moments later, the first thunderclap boomed, and a brilliant flash lit up the sky, signaling the strike. Clap... Crack... The thunderclap cracked through the sky with such force that it startled everyone in the room. The sound was deafening, like the sky itself had split open. "Wait, did it not reach the pole? Where did it hit?" Doctor Shuveck asked, frowning at the computer screen, which showed no change in the data. Kisha, however, felt her heart skip a beat. Why? Because just as the lightning struck, a system notification had flashed before her eyes: [City Shield Protection: 950/1000] Instead of the lightning striking the pole Kisha had placed on the roof of the Central Hall, it collided with the city shield first. ''Shoot, why did I forget this part?'' Kisha muttered, slapping her forehead in frustration. Her sudden movement startled Duke. ''The lightning from the storm counts as an attack on the base,'' Kisha realized, her mind racing. ''It would naturally hit the city shield first, preventing it from reaching the pole.'' Her worry deepened when she saw the shield''s energy drop by 50 points in an instant. That meant the lightning strike had been strong enough to kill even an evolved zombie on contact. "Host, we can use the Thunder Redirecting Talisman," 008''s voice suddenly echoed in Kisha''s mind. "Why are you only telling me this now?" Kisha asked, her frustration evident. "Won''t the city shield block the talisman''s effect too?" Chapter 524 The GeoStorm "The Thunder Redirecting Talisman can attract lightning to a specific location," 008 explained calmly. "It will prevent the lightning from striking random places and instead channel all of it to the pole. We can then open a small section of the city shield to create a gap where the lightning will come through, allowing it to bypass the shield entirely." Kisha''s thoughts whirled as 008 continued, almost as if taking responsibility for not mentioning the talisman sooner. "I only just discovered the talisman while browsing my channel. I thought it would be a great solution. Plus, I can help with adjusting the city shield settings to make it work." Just as soon as 008 mentioned this, another lightning strike hits the city shield. [City Shield Protection: 900/1000] "Shoot, go ahead. We''ll go with your idea," Kisha said, her voice tight with panic. Though the city shield displayed a total of 1000 protection points, indicating its strength, the 50-point deduction made her heart race. ''That''s how powerful the strike was...'' Kisha thought, anxiety rising. If this continued, the shield''s protection would soon be depleted, leaving the base vulnerable. She''d have to set up a new one quickly if this continues. Luckily, 008 was fast. In an instant, the Thunder Redirecting Talisman was in Kisha''s hands. Without hesitation, she bolted from the building, making Duke freeze in confusion. He was surprised by her sudden urgency, but said nothing, instead following her outside. Stopping in front of the Central Hall, Kisha glanced down at the yellowish paper in her hand. The cinnabar writing on it was unfamiliar, but she didn''t have time to dwell on it. The lightning could strike again at any moment. With a quick, decisive motion, she tossed the talisman into the air. Using her telekinesis, she guided it upward, watching as it soared toward the pole. The moment it reached the top, she placed it carefully in the center of the pole, feeling the energy of the talisman hum through the air. Now, all she could do was wait. Her eyes flicked to the sky, anxious for 008 to adjust the city shield and open a gap above the pole. Kisha''s gaze locked onto the transparent shield once more, its gleaming surface shimmering in the sky. A series of interconnected hexagonal tiles surrounded the entire base, each one carefully positioned to form an impenetrable barrier. Then, above the pole, one of the hexagonal tiles shifted, opening a gap just wide enough¡ªa hole about one and a half meters across. It was a small opening, but it was enough for the lightning to pass through. Boom... Another rumble of thunder echoed through the sky, shaking the air as the clouds parted, revealing a dragon-like streak of lightning racing across the heavens. In an instant, a bolt as thick as two adults'' waists slammed into the pole. Kisha''s heart jolted at the sight. ''No wonder,'' she thought, her mind racing. ''No wonder it deducted 50 points from the city shield. That lightning was terrifying.'' As the bolt struck, she heard an excited shout from the building behind her. Kisha turned around to find Duke standing there, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised, his gaze questioning. She froze for a moment, unsure how to explain everything at once. With an awkward shrug, she scratched her head, trying to divert his attention. "Shall we go in and see?" she said sheepishly, offering him a playful, cute smile to soften her evasiveness. Duke didn''t press for an explanation. Instead, he simply wrapped his arm around Kisha''s waist and guided her back inside. As they entered the small building, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Doctor Shuveck, Engineer Steel, and their team were all huddled around the monitors, eagerly checking the data after the lightning struck the pole. "It''s working!" one of them cooed, a smile spreading across their face. "It''s really working!" another shouted. "The batteries are recharging at an incredible rate. The first dock is already 30% full!" "30% already?!" someone else exclaimed in disbelief. "That lightning was insane!" "Absolutely," another operator chimed in. "Each of these batteries can hold several hundred megawatts. And with one megawatt equaling one thousand kilowatts, that''s enough to power an entire building, right?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "With these batteries, we can power up the main buildings, which need electricity the most. Once we create larger, sturdier batteries, we''ll be able to light up the entire base. But for now, this is more than enough. We can keep the Central Hall and Supply Center running for weeks without needing to use fuel for the generators." Excitement buzzed through the air as everyone gathered around, chatting eagerly while monitoring the screens. One after another, bolts of lightning struck the pole, charging the batteries at a rapid pace. At the same time, the hailstorm intensified, and tornadoes began to form around the base. Though they were still some distance away, their size was terrifying, and they ravaged the city with terrifying force. Cars were ripped from the ground and tossed into the sky, spinning like leaves in a storm. Zombies caught in the vortex were flung upward, their bodies torn apart by the intense pressure. The tornadoes continued to wreak havoc, sending cars and trucks flying across the city. Some were hurled into buildings with such force that they embedded deep into the structures. [City Shield Protection: 898/1000] [City Shield Protection: 895/1000] [City Shield Protection: 890/1000] The relentless pounding of the heavy hail and the debris slamming into the city shield caused its energy levels to drop at an alarming rate. Kisha''s heart raced, her breath catching as she watched the shield''s energy steadily deplete. Inside the base, however, everyone was blissfully unaware. Doctor Shuveck, Engineer Steel, and their team were still engrossed in their work, oblivious to the shield''s strain or what was happening outside of their base. They were too focused on the data and the booming thunder that drowned out everything else outside. But Duke noticed Kisha''s expression changing with every passing second. He could sense something was off. "What''s wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he pinched Kisha''s waist to get her attention. She was staring off into space, lost in thought. He didn''t know that her forehead was already slick with cold sweat, her mind bombarded by system notifications, each one more urgent than the last. "H-Host, do you think we should buy more City Shields?" 008 asked anxiously. Earlier, it had merely suggested purchasing additional shields, but now it was genuinely concerned that the two they had wouldn''t last long enough for the Geostorm to pass. Kisha''s brow furrowed as she weighed the situation. "Can you activate a new City Shield on your own once the first one''s energy runs out?" she asked, her tone serious. She knew that letting the shield go down, even for a second, could be catastrophic. If the shield''s protection faltered while the tornadoes were bearing down on them, the base could be destroyed in an instant. The idea of the shield disappearing with the tornadoes closing in was unthinkable. If that happened, everyone inside would be at the mercy of the storm¡ªand she couldn''t allow that. "I can do that, Host. You don''t need to worry¡ªI won''t miss a single beat," 008 replied, its voice filled with resolve. It understood the gravity of Kisha''s concerns and was determined to do everything in its power to protect the base. Chapter 525 Grant Him Access "Then just buy another City Shield when the second one is nearly used up," Kisha said firmly. After weighing her options, she concluded that a few thousand points were a small price to pay for the safety of her people. Even if one City Shield cost 5,000 points, it was worth it¡ªshe still had plenty of system points to spare. "Understood, Host," 008 replied, switching into monitoring mode immediately. Kisha stepped aside and summoned the holographic display of her territory in City A. Duke followed quietly, his curiosity evident. Noticing him, Kisha silently granted him access to view the hologram. The astonishment and awe in Duke''s wide eyes were unexpectedly endearing, softening some of the tension in her chest. Turning her attention back to the hologram, Kisha began operating the interface, focusing on the territory''s barrier. Unlike the City Shield she was using for HOPE Base, this barrier was significantly stronger¡ªoffering ten times the level of protection. ''Well, it''s only fair,'' Kisha thought, her lips curving into a faint smile. ''I did spend tens of thousands of points to acquire it.'' Seeing that the base in City A was also enduring the Geostorm and the barrier was holding steady, Kisha''s trembling heart calmed, if only for a moment. "I-Is this the base in City A?" Duke asked hesitantly, his voice barely above a whisper. His wide eyes were fixed on the holographic display, which showed countless green dots moving throughout the base¡ªsome inside the building, others patrolling outside. Encasing the entire base was a dome-like protective barrier, its energy level displayed as 9,970 and steadily decreasing. The people inside appeared completely unaware of the storm raging beyond their safe haven. Duke''s amazement was palpable. The intricate details of the holographic map stirred a sense of wonder in him, and he couldn''t help but feel an almost childlike excitement bubbling in his chest. His fingers itched to touch the display, to interact with the shimmering projection. "Do you want to play with it?" Kisha asked teasingly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. But as the words left her lips, her cheeks flushed when she realized how suggestive her tone sounded. She glanced around nervously, relieved to see that everyone else in the room was too engrossed in their work to notice her slip. Duke, oblivious to her embarrassment, was too captivated by the hologram to respond immediately, his awe lighting up his face. Duke was so captivated by the holographic map that his usual quick wit seemed to vanish entirely. Kisha let out a small sigh of relief, amused by his childlike enthusiasm. When he nodded eagerly in response to her offer, she grabbed his hand and led him back to the villa, retreating into the safety of her territory space. Once inside, Kisha began explaining the intricacies of the holographic map. As she spoke, Duke''s awe grew. It dawned on him that Kisha had been monitoring the City A base all along, quietly aware of everything happening there. She wasn''t just able to call and chat with her brother¡ªshe had access to tools and systems that allowed her to oversee and manage the entire base remotely. "This is incredible," Duke muttered, his voice filled with wonder. The realization that the City A base was directly connected to her territory space made the whole experience feel even more extraordinary. His respect for Kisha deepened as he grasped just how far her reach extended and how much effort she put into ensuring their safety. Kisha quietly observed as Duke manipulated the holographic map, enlarging it until the green dots transformed into detailed human figures. His curiosity piqued, he zoomed in on the broadcasting room, where Keith, Hawk, and Eagle were stationed. Duke''s eyebrows shot up in surprise when he realized he could hear their conversation. The hologram''s capabilities were more advanced than he''d anticipated. Listening closely, he discovered that Kisha had sent the trio to broadcast warnings to as many people as possible, urging them to take precautions against the Geostorm. A warm smile spread across Duke''s face as he glanced at Kisha. Without a word, he gently pulled her into his lap, settling them both on the soft, grassy land within her territory space. Kisha didn''t resist; exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and she allowed herself to lean into his embrace. As Duke''s arms wrapped securely around her, she felt the tension she''d been carrying for days begin to melt away. The relentless worry and constant activity had left her burnt out, a fact she hadn''t fully realized until this moment. Now, nestled in Duke''s protective hold, Kisha let herself rest, her mind and body finally finding a moment of peace. Duke''s embrace felt like a soothing balm, easing away the stress Kisha had been carrying. It wasn''t long before she drifted off to sleep in his arms, her soft, rhythmic breathing filling the quiet space. When Duke heard her faint snores, a warm chuckle escaped his lips. Adjusting her position with care, he cradled her like a child, her head resting against his chest while her legs curled at his side. His left arm supported her waist securely, while his right hand explored the holographic map with curious precision. As he navigated the display, Duke''s expression shifted. He discovered that some of his men, previously stationed in a neighboring city, had already made their way to the base. It wasn''t long before he noticed that some of his men, stationed in the neighboring city, had already arrived at the base. His mind shifted into tactical mode, but he realized he hadn''t had much time to check in with Eagle or Hawk. He almost forgot that he still had direct communication with them¡ªbut having the holographic map in front of him was proving far more efficient. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke smiled, appreciating the advanced technology at his fingertips. Still, his attention never wavered from Kisha, who was now peacefully asleep, her soft breath warming his chest. Kisha didn''t realize that by granting Duke full access to her territory, she had inadvertently opened the door to a wealth of information. As Duke continued exploring the holographic map, he discovered he could view not only the layout of her territory but also the supply distribution routes and the territory''s warehouse. The businessman within him stirred with excitement. He was impressed by how efficient the system was, and the more he delved into it, the more intrigued he became. Amused by the discovery, he began to explore the territory''s warehouse, comparing it with the physical storage space within the base. To his surprise, he found that Kisha had set up a daily distribution schedule with a fixed supply amount¡ªclearly organized and thoughtfully managed. Eagle and Hawk were responsible for overseeing the distribution, while Mr. Evans and his eldest son, Eric, handled the logistics. What fascinated Duke even more was the fact that part of the territory''s farm plots had been placed within the base in City A, providing a sustainable source of resources. Duke couldn''t help but admire the level of planning and foresight Kisha had put into this system. Her strategic thinking was impeccable, and it was becoming clearer just how much she had already done to ensure the success of their operations. Chapter 526 Hell Descended On Earth It was only now that Duke realized just how much Kisha had already thought ahead. Even before they left, she had been making careful plans for their territory. The more he explored, the clearer it became: this was the solution Kisha had mentioned before the apocalypse began. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She had always been confident, telling him that she had found a way to manage their base, no matter where they were. Now, he understood. She had devised a strategy to ensure their territory would remain safe and secure, a place where they could raise livestock, grow crops, and sustain themselves. ''No wonder she was so confident back then,'' Duke thought with a mixture of admiration and awe. He looked down at the woman sleeping peacefully in his arms, her features softened in rest. A fond smile spread across his face as he reached out and gently pinched the tip of her nose. Instinctively, Kisha scrunched up her face and swatted at her nose before settling back into a deeper sleep. Duke chuckled softly, his heart light with affection, before letting out a quiet, heartwarming laugh. ''My wife is truly amazing,'' Duke thought, his heart swelling with admiration. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Kisha''s forehead before gazing at her with affectionate warmth. After a moment, he turned his attention back to the territory''s interface, his fingers gliding over the holographic controls. As he explored, something caught his eye¡ªthe dome-like barrier surrounding the base. The numbers were steadily dropping, and as he zoomed in for a closer look, he saw that the barrier was taking a beating. Large hailstones were relentlessly crashing into it, causing the energy level to dip. Fortunately, their territory was nestled in the mountains, which helped shield the base from the worst of the storm. Unlike their HOPE base, which was exposed to the full fury of the storm, the mountain acted as a natural buffer, absorbing some of the impacts. Though he hadn''t seen the full extent of the chaos outside yet, the strikes of lightning hitting the pole gave him a clear idea of the storm''s deadly nature. He couldn''t help but think that if he and his team had been caught outside in this storm, survival wouldn''t have been guaranteed. Seeing how much better the base in City A was faring brought him a small sense of relief, though the tension still lingered. Eventually, his exhaustion caught up with him. With a quiet sigh, he slowly laid down on the soft grass, careful not to disturb Kisha as she slept in his arms. Kisha instinctively nuzzled her head deeper into his chest, and Duke smiled, feeling the soothing rhythm of her breathing. He buried his nose in her hair, inhaling the calming scent that always brought him comfort. As his eyes fluttered closed, a contented smile tugged at his lips, and soon, both of them were lost in the peaceful embrace of sleep. As the couple rested, finding solace in each other''s presence, both City A and City B were managing to weather the storm thanks to their protective city shields and barriers. However, the same couldn''t be said for other bases. Despite receiving warnings from Keith, most survivors were helpless in the face of the chaos that surrounded them. The tornadoes ravaged the land, and while many sought refuge underground, the relentless storm brought its own set of challenges. Floodwaters began to rise, submerging large swathes of land. As the floodwaters crept higher, mutant rats, driven from their dens by the rising water, started to emerge in swarms. The tornadoes, now mixing with the water, became even more deadly, carrying both brutal winds and torrents of rain, making it almost impossible to escape. Survivors who managed to find temporary shelter were soon faced with the new nightmare: the mutant rats, relentless and territorial, were drawn to the same safe places. What little refuge they had left was quickly shrinking. With no other option, the survivors banded together, but fighting the mutated rats was no easy task. The rats were fierce and aggressive, turning the situation into a deadly battle for survival. There was no peace, no reprieve¡ªonly the desperate struggle to stay alive. Other places fared no better, but the survivors'' troubles didn''t end with the storm. Along with the violent weather came the blood rain, a sinister downpour that spurred the already frenzied zombies into even greater chaos. The zombies, drawn to the blood rain, became wild and erratic, feeding off the energy of the virus that came with the storm. In an unexpected turn of events, the mutated rats, now more aggressive and territorial than ever, fought back fiercely. The zombies, in their bloodthirsty frenzy, clashed with the rats, creating a chaotic battlefield. As the rats began to lose ground, the survivors, trapped in between, saw a fleeting chance for escape. "Hu hu hu! This is hell descending on us!" A voice cried out, filled with hopelessness. "I don''t want to die like this!" Another screamed, their voice muffled by the torrential rain. "Help, somebody help!" Yet another cry echoed through the storm, desperate and filled with fear. The cries of the dying were drowned out by the relentless storm and the deafening thunder, but they still rang out, each one carrying the weight of terror. Some survivors were not even given the chance to escape. Large hailstones pounded from the sky, mercilessly striking those unlucky enough to be caught outside. Bodies were battered and heads crushed, their blood mixing with the storm, leaving only lifeless figures in the wake of the chaos. Yet, there was nothing anyone could do. Everyone was fighting for their own survival, each struggling against the storm, the zombies, the mutants, and the fury of nature itself. If anyone said the world had descended into hell, no one would argue. At that moment, it truly felt like the gates of hell had opened, unleashing chaos and destruction. The survivors weren''t just grieving the loss of their loved ones¡ªthey were also watching their precious supplies disappear, swept away by the fury of the storm. Yet, even in the face of such devastation, they held onto one last hope: survival. They fought tooth and nail, desperately trying to salvage whatever they could, knowing that those supplies were their lifeline. Without food, water, and medicine, surviving the storm would mean nothing. Starvation would claim them just as surely as the storm had. The harsh truth hung heavy in the air: survival wasn''t just about weathering the storm¡ªit was about holding onto the means to keep going after it passed. When Kisha and Duke finally woke up, less than 10 hours had passed since they fell asleep. By the time they stepped outside, it hadn''t even been an hour, and the storm had worsened. Kisha motioned for Duke to take a shower first while she stepped outside to patrol, needing to assess the situation herself. The dark, swirling clouds gave the sky an eerie, nighttime feel, even though it was still day. Three¡ªor maybe more¡ªmassive tornadoes were circling the city shield, their winds howling like beasts as they battered the barrier with relentless force. Kisha''s heart skipped a beat as she watched the monstrous tornadoes, their twisting, dark forms resembling looming giants, their power overwhelming and frightening. Chapter 527 Good News And Bad News "They''re not coming any closer?" Duke''s voice came from behind, low and curious. Kisha didn''t turn around, her gaze fixed on the tornadoes spinning furiously like tops around the perimeter. It was as if they were desperately trying to breach the base but were held back by something unseen. "They can''t," Kisha replied evenly, her voice calm but firm. Her words sparked a realization in Duke, and his thoughts drifted to the base in City A. "Is it because of... an invisible barrier?" he asked, piecing the puzzle together. Kisha turned to glance at him, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It''s nice talking to smart people," she said simply. There was no need for further explanation¡ªher brief response confirmed Duke''s suspicion. His gaze shifted around, observing the area more carefully. The barrier wasn''t entirely invisible, he realized; it was more like a transparent shield. Each time the city shield endured a powerful strike, hexagonal, interconnected tiles momentarily glowed at the points of impact. However, since the shield hovered slightly above the ground covering their sky and around the base, the details weren''t immediately noticeable unless one took the time to examine it closely. Kisha continued to receive system notifications alerting her to the city shield''s energy steadily depleting. With a sigh, she shifted the notifications to the side of her peripheral vision and muted them to avoid further distractions. "008, can you link the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer to the barrier at City A''s Base? I want it to recover automatically," Kisha requested. She had noticed that although the barrier''s energy remained in the nine-thousands, it was still slowly decreasing. She didn''t want to wait until the barrier sustained significant damage before finding a solution to restore its energy. "I can handle that, Host." 008 responded quickly, its actions seamless as it immediately connected the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer to the barrier. It ensured that the crystal would supply the necessary spiritual energy to help the barrier recover, automatically shutting off once the barrier reached full energy. This way, the crystal wouldn''t inadvertently draw energy from the barrier, which would deplete it, and 008 wouldn''t have to manage it manually. The system was designed to provide energy as needed while preserving the remaining supply for other areas, ensuring the territory wasn''t affected. "Do we need to do anything else?" Duke asked, standing beside Kisha as they looked out from behind the wall. The scene before them was chaotic¡ªcars lay smashed and scattered like discarded toys, tossed effortlessly by the raging wind. Large hailstones slammed into the ground with enough force to dent the pavement, while the eerie blood rain fell alongside the hail. Fortunately, the zombies attempting to approach the base walls were shredded by the tornadoes swirling nearby. In an ironic twist, the destructive tornadoes had become an unintentional shield, protecting the base from the approaching horde. "Host, I have good news and bad news," 008 suddenly spoke inside Kisha''s head as she stared intently ahead. "What is it?" Kisha asked, her gaze unflinching. "The good news is that we won''t need to spend too many system points purchasing additional City Shields from the channel," 008 began. But before Kisha could feel any relief, 008 continued, "Unfortunately, there''s a catch. There are only ten City Shields left in the channel, and the maker will take quite some time to produce more. Since crafting them isn''t easy, it will take months before they''re restocked." "And as we''ve already purchased two, only eight remain in the channel. Also, the 8-hour City Shields are completely sold out, so I went ahead and bought the remaining ones." Kisha felt a lump in her throat upon hearing this. She understood why 008 had purchased the remaining shields¡ªif they hesitated, someone else from another world with access to the channel could snatch them up. Still, the cost¡ªanother 40,000 system points¡ªfelt like a stab to her chest. After the deduction, her balance was down to just 190,000 points. "I-It''s okay," Kisha croaked, trying to convince herself as much as 008. "We don''t know how long this storm will last, and the first City Shield was about to break. We really didn''t have a choice." She let out a weary sigh of defeat, shoulders slumping slightly. All she could do now was hope to earn more system points through the hidden mission. "Don''t worry, host. I can see the system points steadily increasing from the hidden mission," 008 said reassuringly. "It means that whatever your little brother and the others are doing on their side is working." 008 wasn''t just trying to comfort her¡ªthose rising numbers were real. The points they were earning now weren''t anything they had managed before, nor something they could have imagined achieving under normal circumstances. "It''s just that this Geostorm is far too deadly," 008 added, its voice tinged with sadness and worry. "Even with the warnings, survival would be nearly impossible for most people¡ªespecially since so many are still unaware of the awakening. In some ways, humanity is truly at a disadvantage." The weight in 008''s tone was obvious. After all, its mission was to guide its host in leading humanity''s remnants to survival, ensuring their species would not be extinguished at any cost. That was why so many of Kisha''s previous missions had centered on creating a safe base and caring for others, even if it meant sacrificing herself in the process. Through countless calculations and analyses, 008 had determined this was what the Constellation intended. Yet, there was a nagging suspicion: more than one Constellation seemed to be issuing missions, and something¡ªor someone¡ªlurking behind the scenes was complicating matters for both Kisha and 008. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, 008 chose not to share this with Kisha. She already held a poor opinion of 008''s Constellation, and revealing this would only deepen her mistrust. Instead, 008 fell into a contemplative silence. Kisha, lost in her own thoughts, didn''t dwell on 008''s sudden quietness. She, too, had nothing more to say, weighed down by a growing sense of gloom. The reality was so unfair that out of over 8 billion people, countless had already turned into zombies. Many others had perished while fleeing, only to rise again as part of the undead horde. Some had died during failed awakenings, and now, the storm had come¡ªa catastrophic force. With supplies dwindling and destruction rampant, it felt as if every possible path to survival was being systematically blocked, as though the world itself had decided to snuff out humanity without prolonging the suffering. Perhaps it was a butterfly effect¡ªHOPE Base had so many awakened ability users, a scenario that hadn''t occurred in the past. This abundance of power allowed their base to operate smoothly, in stark contrast to the doom others were facing. Kisha decided not to dwell on it any longer. With nothing else requiring their attention outside, and Duke having already assessed the situation, they turned their focus to the warriors gathered in the cafeteria. At this time, both the cafeteria and the supply center were still operational, ensuring that anyone needing to purchase supplies or grab a meal could do so without interruption. After all, the survivors living inside the base had accumulated enough work points to ensure their comfort during these times of crisis and disaster. They no longer felt the urgent pressure to earn more just to feed themselves or their families. Chapter 528 Inspection When Kisha and Duke arrived at the cafeteria, everyone was enjoying their meals, savoring the food that was a far cry from what they had outside the base. The first batch of the Artisan''s products had also been delivered to the Supply Center, and some of these delicacies, like pickled vegetables, fruit juices, and more, had been added to the cafeteria''s menu, offering a welcome change from the usual mass-produced fare. "City Lord, Vice City Lord! Come, join us!" one of the warriors who spotted them called out with a smile, standing up in greeting. Kisha and Duke didn''t refuse the offer, as they hadn''t eaten anything since waking up and were beginning to feel the hunger. They walked up to the counter, where the staff eagerly piled more food onto their plates, until they were overflowing. Each cafeteria worker seemed determined to make sure Kisha and Duke ate well, pressing extra portions onto them. Both of them pursed their lips as they looked at their plates, now heaping with food, trying to move forward without spilling it. The others burst out laughing at the sight, both Kisha and Duke looking like two peas in a pod with the same bewildered expression. "Ha ha ha! City Lord, Vice City Lord, don''t worry, if you can''t finish it all, we''ll gladly help you out." "I wish I were as loved as the City Lord and Vice City Lord, getting so much food from the staff. I''d be laughing even in my sleep if that happened!" "Stop dreaming, man." The cheerful buzz around them was heartwarming, so Kisha and Duke decided to go along with it and sat down with the warriors to eat. Despite Duke''s large appetite and Kisha''s effort to eat more, the food on their plates was still far too much for them to finish. The warriors around them, however, were more than happy to help and eagerly ate their leftovers without a hint of complaint. In fact, they seemed delighted to pitch in. The menu for the day was especially appetizing: braised pork, chicken curry, steamed cod, rice, and a side of pickled vegetables that had the perfect balance of saltiness and tang, making it the perfect accompaniment to the meal. Soon, a tired Aston and Tristan arrived at the cafeteria, intending to grab some lunch before returning to their tasks. The workshop was progressing well, moving in the right direction, but the storm had forced the workers to halt temporarily. Despite the conditions, the artisans refused to stop and continued working in the unfinished workshop, so it was up to Tristan and Aston to oversee them. Meanwhile, those working solo were managing on their own, supported by their families or friends as they prepared to launch their businesses as soon as possible. Aston and Tristan, however, still had to oversee the ongoing projects. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They knew it would take time for everyone to adjust, and they wanted to ensure everything ran smoothly, not wanting any setbacks during this crucial phase. When Aston and Tristan saw Kisha and Duke sitting with the warriors, they immediately approached to greet them. "City Lord, Vice City Lord," Aston said, saluting before taking a seat beside them. "Master, Young Madam," Tristan added with a slight bow before joining Aston. The four of them discussed the ongoing projects while Aston and Tristan ate, and Kisha and Duke rested after finishing their meal. The warriors around them quietly excused themselves and, with great thoughtfulness, took Kisha and Duke''s plates to the counter, which Kisha appreciated and thanked them for. During the conversation, Kisha and Duke learned that Aston was overseeing Sparrow''s group, who were preparing to venture outside. Meanwhile, Tristan was in charge of the Artisans, who were making adjustments to the specially created muzzle oxygen masks for the animals. Due to the storm, both operations had to pause, which, in turn, gave the Artisans more time to prepare without the added pressure of the time. After hearing Aston and Tristan''s reports, Kisha and Duke headed to the workshop. Upon seeing everyone hard at work, the two leaders shared a few encouraging words, which seemed to motivate the Artisans even more. Kisha couldn''t help but scratch her head, impressed by the shift in energy. Soon, they made their way to the Supply Center, where they found Duke''s father talking with the staff. "Father," Duke called out as he and Kisha approached. "What are you two doing here? Aren''t you supposed to be resting?" "We just came to check on how everything''s going," Duke replied, glancing around. The Supply Center was impressively organized, with the staff maintaining a calm and composed demeanor despite the influx of customers. Nearly every item had clearly marked prices, visible to all. The space was large and spacious, allowing easy navigation, and every corner was closely monitored with staff stationed throughout to assist and keep everything running smoothly. Duke and Kisha exchanged a smile, recognizing the dedication Mr. Winters had invested in making sure the Supply Center was both efficient and well-managed. "Everything''s good. We have more than enough supplies," Mr. Winters replied. "In fact, we''re running out of warehouse space to store everything, so I''ve had to relocate the supplies Sparrow and his team gathered during their mission to Port City." He paused for a moment, then added, "We also have consistent deliveries of fresh crops from Marcus'' garden." He emphasized "garden" to provide a cover story, since the crops were actually coming from a large, secret farmland known only to them. Given the number of workers working in the Supply Center who could hear them, the staff could only imagine how vast Marcus'' "garden" must be, especially considering the large quantities of crops arriving daily. Not long ago, Marcus and his grandchildren had stopped sending fresh meat to the Supply Center to avoid drawing suspicion. While the crops were easy to explain as coming from his garden, the meat posed more of a problem. For now, the meat was stored in the Territory Space''s warehouse, and only frozen goods were sent to the Supply Center. "How about the frozen goods?" Duke asked just as the conversation shifted. "We have plenty," Mr. Winters replied. "That way, we can ensure the survivors'' diets are balanced, and no one suffers from malnutrition." He added the last part with a dry joke, though his stoic expression made it clear he wasn''t laughing. After getting a clear picture of the situation in the Supply Center, Kisha and Duke headed back into the Territory space. They had both been so focused on the events happening outside the base that they hadn''t been keeping up with what was going on inside. As leaders, they understood the importance of staying informed about every aspect of the base. It was essential for making decisions that could directly impact their people. Their rounds now felt more like an inspection, especially since they were free at the moment and didn''t have pressing tasks to handle. As soon as they entered the Territory space, Kisha and Duke were greeted by the sight of the Winters men working diligently, moving about the area. In the distance, they could see trees falling one after another on the mountain, a reminder of the ongoing efforts to cut down trees. Meanwhile, Marcus was busy tending to his farm, his focus unwavering. By now, Marcus was nearing a level-up, his constant use of his ability pushing him closer to that milestone. His grandchildren, too, weren''t far behind in terms of growth. With the help of the Scarlet Honey, they were becoming stronger each day, their abilities expanding as they honed their skills. Chapter 529 Lily Seeing everyone hard at work, Kisha and Duke decided to join in. While Winter''s men focused on cutting down trees, Kisha climbed up the mountain and used her telekinesis to pull tree stumps from the ground effortlessly. She flung the stumps out into the open, leaving them to dry so they could later be burned and processed into coal. But Kisha''s efforts didn''t stop there. After removing each stump, she carefully planted seeds in its place, hoping they would eventually grow into new trees. Her goal was to ensure that the ecosystem within her territory wouldn''t suffer from the deforestation. Although there were no wild animals in her domain, Kisha understood the importance of preserving the mountains'' greenery. Keeping the forest intact would not only benefit the environment but also provide valuable resources in the future. "Young Madam, where should we put these stumps?" one of Winters'' men asked as he approached, dragging a large tree stump from the other side of the forest. "I''ve already placed the other stumps down the mountain," Kisha replied. "Could you ask the others to dig a pit there as well?" "How big should the pit be, Young Madam?" "Make it a few meters wide and about one and a half meters deep," Kisha instructed after a moment of thought. She then added, "Also, ask the others to find the largest bucket or container they can and be ready to help cut these stumps once they''ve dried." The man nodded and left to carry out her orders. Kisha returned to her work, using her telekinesis to pull another stubborn stump from the ground. She cleared away the remaining roots before carefully filling the space with dry leaves and ashes, ensuring the area would be ready for planting or further processing. She hadn''t asked the Winter''s men to help with the stumps, as they were already busy cutting down trees. However, since they volunteered to assist on their own, she didn''t stop them. Once she finished clearing one area, she repeated the process, searching for other tree stumps left behind from the cutting. Fortunately, the men were mindful in their approach. They didn''t cut all the trees in one location. Instead, they selectively felled trees a few meters apart to ensure the mountain wouldn''t be left bare. Scattering across the mountain, they worked methodically, cutting trees from various corners to preserve its natural balance. Some of Winter''s men were scattered along the small river stream up the mountain, all the way down to the lake and swamp areas, collecting clay. Fortunately, the different locations yielded various types of clay, offering artisans a range of colors and textures to choose from for their crafts. To keep things organized, the men carefully sorted the clay into separate large containers based on its properties. The mixing, however, was left to the artisans, as it was their area of expertise. Meanwhile, others were focused on pulling large rocks from the rocky side of the mountain. These stones were destined for the stone masters, who would shape them into something of value with their skill and craftsmanship. ''My territory will not run out of rocks and clay, would it?'' Kisha wondered as she watched some of Winter''s men pulling carts laden with large rocks and clay toward the STAU. This setup ensured the STAU''s wouldn''t have to move back and forth constantly, streamlining their work. Besides, it served as excellent lower-body training for the Winter''s men, adding an extra benefit to their efforts. "Don''t worry, Host. Your territory is not like an ordinary mountain," 008 reassured Kisha, sensing her concern. "How do you think it was created? Certainly not through science. The resources here won''t run out, just as the flow of time in this space differs from reality." 008 understood why Kisha was so worried. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If they continuously extracted resources like rocks, soil, and clay¡ªespecially those that couldn''t be replenished¡ªone might assume the territory would eventually shrink. However, that was impossible. This space was formed from a cultivator''s lifetime of spiritual energy and cultivation, making its foundation far beyond the limitations of normal physics and science. Naturally, such depletion wouldn''t happen easily. As long as there was sufficient spiritual energy, the territory would heal itself, regenerating its resources and restoring balance. In fact, 008 had once explained that with enough spiritual energy and cultivation, the territory space could even grow into a vast continent. Recalling 008''s words, Kisha set aside her worries and focused on her work. But after a moment, she paused and frowned. "Then¡­ doesn''t that make everything I''m doing right now useless?" she asked directly, her voice tinged with frustration. She had been working tirelessly, believing it was necessary to maintain the balance of her territory''s ecosystem. "How could that be, Host? Of course, you''re doing the right thing," 008 replied firmly. "While your territory is self-sufficient and capable of regenerating its resources, if the mountain is littered with tree stumps, where would new trees grow? By taking these actions, you''re helping the territory recover even faster. So no, your efforts aren''t useless." Kisha could almost picture 008 shrugging its shoulders as it explained, its tone light but reassuring. Hearing this, Kisha felt a wave of relief and resumed her work with renewed determination. As long as her efforts weren''t in vain, that was all that mattered. Fortunately, she had just acquired the crystal, which had resolved the issue of spiritual energy. The longer the crystal remained in its position, the thicker the spiritual energy would become in her territory. Over time, this would cause the energy to flow more freely, transforming all lifeforms and even the crops into spiritual beings, ultimately benefiting her in the long run. As Kisha focused on her work, she didn''t realize how far she had already moved. She was nearly at the base of the mountain, pulling up stumps, and the pile of discarded stumps in the clearing had begun to form a small mountain of its own. A little further away, Kisha spotted Daisy, happily walking around. It seemed like she had finished checking on what was going on around the territory and was heading back to her studies on the plants. An idea suddenly crossed Kisha''s mind, and she decided to wrap up her work and follow Daisy. After some time, Kisha trailed the little girl as she passed the flower field and ventured into a secluded area where sunlight filtered softly through the tree leaves. Daisy continued through the bushes, moving deeper into the shade. As Kisha followed, she could hear the gentle rustle of the wind through the leaves, creating a peaceful, calming atmosphere. The space wasn''t too bright but not overly dark either, offering the perfect balance of serenity. Kisha came to a stop when she saw Daisy crouching in a small clearing, bathed in a soft patch of sunlight that filtered through the tree leaves. The light seemed to spotlight the little girl as she worked. Daisy pulled out a notebook from her leather shoulder bag, along with a pen, and began sketching while muttering to herself. "Uh-huh... Don''t worry, you''ll definitely grow into a beautiful flower." "Do you like it? I think so too." Kisha''s sharp hearing picked up on Daisy''s words, but there was no one else around. Curious, she quietly crept closer. As she stood behind Daisy, she noticed a small plant sprout in front of her. Suddenly, like a startled rabbit, Daisy spun around, catching Kisha off guard. Kisha had always prided herself on her stealth¡ªno one, not even the most trained bodyguards, could detect her when she was trying to remain unnoticed. So, when Daisy unexpectedly turned around as if she had sensed her presence, it startled Kisha and made her feel an unexpected blow to her pride. "W-What are you doing here?" Kisha asked, quickly composing herself. "Hello, Young Madam!" Daisy immediately stood up and bowed to Kisha before trotting over and handing her the notebook. Inside was a detailed sketch showing the growth stages of the small sprout in the clearing. "I''m drawing Lily!" she added brightly. Kisha initially thought Daisy had simply named the sprout "Lily" because she hoped it would bloom into a flower. But as she glanced at the notebook, her attention was drawn to the writing on the page. Lily: A Mystical Plant Lily can bear fruit that enhances the success rate of pill and elixir creation. Lily is amazing... ________ Hello, everyone! I hope you''re all doing well. I wanted to let you know that I might be a bit slower than usual over the next few days. I''ve been invited to participate in an award ceremony in Shanghai, which has kept me busy recently and will continue to do so in the coming days. I''ll be flying to Shanghai on the 15th and returning on the 20th. During this time, there are several events lined up, so my schedule will be packed. However, I''ll do my best to release at least one chapter a day for you. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Your support means the world to me! Chapter 530 Lily And Five Elements Kisha studied the drawing and the notes in Daisy''s notebook. She couldn''t determine if this insight came from Daisy''s Gift, Scope¡ªwhich allowed her to perceive a plant''s properties and uses¡ªor if it was her talent in Plant Breeding, enabling her to understand plants on an intuitive, almost personal level. It reminded Kisha of her brother Mike, who could form emotional connections with animals. ''Could it be that the one she was talking to earlier was actually the plant, Lily?'' Kisha pondered, a hint of skepticism flickering in her mind. "Host, it''s not impossible for a plant to develop its own consciousness," 008 explained. "Even high-level items can form consciousness and take on human forms once they reach a certain cultivation level. This just means that the plant has exceptional grade and immense potential." Kisha glanced at Daisy''s eager face before returning the notebook to her. A soft smile played on her lips as she gently asked, "Are you talking to Lily, the little beauty growing over there?" Daisy hesitated, fidgeting nervously as her gaze shifted back to the tiny sprout, no bigger than her small palm. She didn''t want Kisha to think she was talking to a ghost, a devil, or one of those mysterious beings adults often dismissed. Even as a child, Daisy had heard other kids being called liars for claiming to have friends that adults couldn''t see. She couldn''t shake the worry that Kisha might think the same and end up disliking her or doubting her words. Kisha noticed Daisy''s hesitation and discomfort. "It''s alright, Daisy," she said gently. "I''m not here to scold you or anything. I''m just curious about your friend. After all, anyone who''s a friend of Daisy''s is a friend of mine too." Kisha''s tone was warm and reassuring. She remembered what it was like to be a child, with fragile confidence and sensitive emotions. She knew she needed to approach Daisy with care, ensuring the little girl felt safe and understood. Hearing Kisha''s reassurance, Daisy''s face immediately lit up, and she nodded vigorously. "Young Madam, yes! Lily can talk. At first, all it could say was ''eat, eat, eat,'' but after it sprouted, it started talking a little more. But¡­" Daisy''s voice softened, and she pouted as she continued, "nobody else can hear her voice¡ªonly I can. That''s why I don''t want people to call me a liar." She paused, her expression tinged with frustration as she recalled a memory. "I tried bringing my brothers and grandfather here when Lily first peeked out of the dirt. I could clearly hear her saying ''eat'' over and over, but no matter how much I tried to make them listen, they couldn''t hear her at all." Even though her brothers and grandfather didn''t say anything, Daisy could sense that they truly couldn''t hear Lily¡ªand worse, they didn''t believe her. They thought she had spent so much time with plants that she''d created an imaginary friend. Marcus, her grandfather, even cried in secret, blaming himself. He thought he had neglected Daisy so much that she was starting to experience auditory illusions because of her loneliness. After that incident, the twins and Marcus began checking on Daisy more often and making an effort to spend more time with her. Daisy knew they were worried, even though they didn''t say it outright. While she appreciated their care, she wished they understood her better. She wasn''t retreating to the plants and flowers because she was lonely or imagining things¡ªshe genuinely felt the emotions of the plants, even without them speaking. Lily was the first plant to ever speak to her, and it made Daisy cherish her time in this secluded spot even more. But the more often she came here, the more worried her family seemed to become. Their concern, though unspoken, weighed on her. She didn''t want to be seen as strange or as a liar. Now that Kisha had discovered the place, Daisy felt torn. She didn''t want to keep Lily a secret anymore, but she also feared being misunderstood again. After Daisy finished speaking, her eyes dropped to her feet as she fidgeted nervously. She heard the soft rustling of grass and saw Kisha''s feet stop in front of her. Bracing herself, Daisy squeezed her eyes shut and pursed her lips, expecting... something. But instead of scolding or disbelief, Kisha crouched down to Daisy''s level, her cold and aloof demeanor momentarily replaced by warmth and gentleness. Looking directly into Daisy''s eyes with a calm and encouraging gaze, Kisha asked, "Did Lily tell you I was standing behind you just now?" Her tone was light and probing, but it carried a sincerity that reassured Daisy she wasn''t being mocked. Daisy hesitated, glancing back at the tiny sprout. "Lily did," she admitted softly. "Lily said... mother was standing behind me." Kisha blinked in surprise. ''Mother?'' S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For a moment, she wasn''t sure if Lily was referring to her as the plant''s mother or if it thought she was Daisy''s mother. Either way, the unexpected title made her chuckle helplessly. "I believe you, Daisy," Kisha said gently. "After all, when I sneaked behind you, I was confident you wouldn''t notice me¡ªunless someone else saw me and told you." When Daisy heard Kisha''s words, her face lit up with a radiant smile, and her giggle rang out like a melodious bell carried by a gentle summer breeze. "But why does Lily call me mother? Does it think I''m your mother?" Kisha asked curiously. She couldn''t help but probe further, wondering if the plant had a limited understanding of the concept of a mother or if there was another explanation entirely. Daisy turned to the tiny sprout, tilting her head slightly as if listening intently. After a moment of silence, she began nodding enthusiastically, as though she had deciphered some hidden message. Looking back at Kisha, her expression was thoughtful. "Lily said she calls you mother because..." Daisy paused, her brow furrowing as she searched for the right words. "Because mother breathed life into Lily, and Lily was taken care of by sister¡ªme. So, Lily calls me sister and calls you mother." "Breathed life?" Kisha repeated, her tone laced with intrigue. "What does that mean?" Daisy shook her head with a small frown. "I don''t know. Lily couldn''t explain it either. Her words are still like a little child''s, so I don''t think she knows how to say it properly yet." Kisha attempted to access the plant''s status window, but aside from the details in Daisy''s notebook, there was no additional information available. Everything else was marked with question marks, and even the plant''s original name was missing. "Host, perhaps it''s because the plant is still small and hasn''t fully developed, which is why we can''t discern the true nature of this spiritual plant yet," 008 offered after analyzing the situation. "Spiritual plant?" Kisha asked, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, host. As mentioned in the notebook, it''s a special mystic-grade plant, which means it has already undergone a form of enlightenment and this doesn''t happen often," 008 explained. "This means it has awakened its consciousness. The idea of ''breathing life'' into it could refer to your connection, as your spiritual energy might have triggered its awakening. In a sense, it''s like you gave birth to it." "The medium through which it gained enlightenment is unclear, but it''s possible that the spiritual energy in this territory¡ªbound to you¡ªhas left an imprint on the plant. By default, that would make you its ''mother'' in a spiritual sense." "Hmmm." Daisy made a small sound as something came to mind. When Kisha glanced at her, Daisy shyly added, "Lily was given to me by you, Young Madam." ''Given by me?'' Kisha thought to herself, unsure of anything she might have given to Daisy. "Host, you did give her something a while ago," 008 chimed in. "I did?" Kisha raised an eyebrow, trying to recall the event. "Remember when you received that unknown seed? You gave it to this child back then." There was a pause as Kisha''s eyes widened in realization. ''Oh, that seed?'' she thought. She turned her gaze back to the small sprout. The tiny leaves, still not fully opened, trembled slightly as if a gentle breeze had brushed past it¡ªeven though there was no wind. "Young Madam, Lily says hello and is happy to see you, mother." Daisy stood beside Kisha, acting as her translator. Kisha smiled, leaning down to gently poke the plant. It shivered in response. "What does it eat?" she asked. "Um, I water it and let it bask in the sunlight, but Lily said it wasn''t enough. It wouldn''t grow from that alone," Daisy explained. "It kept asking for food, so I brought it some, but it wouldn''t eat cooked food. Then I brought some crops from Grandpa''s farm, and among them, it only liked one." "It ate it happily, and after that, one of its small leaves opened slowly. After that, it stopped asking for food and said the food was floating around and that I didn''t need to bring it anymore." "Host, this little plant must have consumed the spiritual crops. After you installed the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer, it no longer needs to rely on them, as the spiritual energy in the air is now abundant," 008 explained. "I thought so too. So, it means it really only feeds on spiritual energy?" Kisha asked. "Not entirely," 008 replied. "As a spiritual plant, it still has an affinity for a specific type of spiritual energy. It could belong to one of the five main elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Lightning, or Wind. But aside from these, there are also sub-elements like Ice, Metal, and others." Chapter 531 Demonic Insect "What''s this affinity with elements connected to spiritual energy? I remember you mentioning it before," Kisha said, her brow furrowing as she tried to recall the details. It had come up earlier when she was learning to cultivate her spiritual energy and mana. "Host, each cultivator, spiritual animal, or spiritual plant has an affinity with specific elements. Their spiritual energy aligns with these affinities and takes shape accordingly." "For example, your husband, Duke, has awakened abilities in Lightning, Fire, and Ice. This means his affinity leans toward those three elements, and the spiritual energy flowing through his veins is composed of them." "When he absorbs spiritual energy from the surroundings, his body selectively draws in these three elements while ignoring or repelling the others. As the spiritual energy takes form, it manifests into the abilities or skills you''ve seen when you conjure or cast them." "Every cultivator, spiritual beast, and plant possesses at least one elemental affinity, and their abilities develop based on that affinity. For example, those with a fire affinity often manifest fire-based powers and frequently pursue alchemy, as they can cultivate a pure soul flame." "Similarly, spiritual plants with elemental properties are highly valued in alchemy, as they can enhance the effectiveness of pills and produce unique results depending on their elemental alignment." 008 continued explaining elemental affinities to Kisha, understanding that her unfamiliarity with the murim world left her with gaps in knowledge about such concepts. The more she understood, the better equipped she would be to advance in her cultivation, especially since she was now cultivating both mana and spiritual energy. While Kisha''s understanding of mana cultivation had been significantly enriched by the cultivation manual she acquired, her knowledge of the murim world and its unique principles still needed to be expanded. Currently, the development of her world seemed to align more closely with the cultivation practices of the murim world, making information about such systems increasingly vital to her. "I see. So you''re saying this spiritual plant, which has awakened its consciousness, also has an elemental affinity, but we don''t yet know what it is," Kisha murmured, her gaze thoughtful as she absentmindedly played with her chin using her thumb and index finger. "Host, given the nature of this mystical spiritual plant, I''m confident it possesses at least two strong elemental affinities, which is what makes it so special," 008 clarified. "Otherwise, it wouldn''t have the unique ability to enhance the success rate of pill and elixir creation." As another realization struck her, Kisha gasped. "Doesn''t that make this spiritual plant a coveted treasure?" "It certainly does," 008 confirmed. "If this spiritual plant had been born in the murim or a fantasy world, countless powerful martial artists and adventurers would likely fight to the death for it." "Its miraculous effects would make it immensely valuable. The fact that it can enhance pill and elixir creation indicates that its fruit or flowers will contain potent spiritual energy, capable of significantly boosting a person''s cultivation in multiple ways." "Woah! I guess I''m actually a rich woman, huh?" Kisha said casually, brushing off the weight of the revelation and tucking the topic away at the back of her mind now that she understood the basics. ''Host, you''re far beyond just wealthy,'' 008 thought to itself. ''Your territory space alone is a treasure among treasures in the murim world. Add to that the last surviving Scarlet Bees and their queen, and now this mystical spiritual plant... Not to mention an omnipotent system like me.'' But 008 kept those thoughts to itself. After all, if it voiced them, Kisha would just tease it for "patting itself on the back" and boosting its own ego. Kisha had no idea just how many treasures she held in her hands. If anyone knowledgeable about such things were to see them, she would undoubtedly be coveted as a walking treasure trove. Fortunately, she had learned the value of discretion, sharing these secrets only with Duke and her close-knit family. As for the others who were aware of her secrets, they were bound by such loyalty¡ªor fear¡ªthat they wouldn''t dare betray her. Even if they wanted to, they wouldn''t live long enough to utter a word. With a calm heart and a clear mind, Kisha stayed with Daisy for a while, attempting to sense the spiritual plant''s thoughts as Daisy did. Perhaps it was Daisy''s natural affinity for plants that allowed her to easily connect with their thoughts and emotions, a talent Kisha and others lacked. Despite its awakened consciousness and its bond to Kisha¡ªmuch like Zeus and Bell¡ªthe plant couldn''t yet establish a direct connection to her mindlink. It was still too young, and with Kisha''s recently enhanced mental capacity, forming such a connection would be a challenge even for those far more advanced. At present, Kisha hadn''t realized that her enhanced mental capacity was preventing the spiritual plant from forming a mindlink connection with her, as she had yet to gain full control over her newfound power. After spending some time with Daisy, Kisha decided to leave her alone to enjoy her time freely, playing with the plant as she pleased. Kisha then returned to her own tasks, her thoughts lingering briefly on the curious little sprout before focusing back on her work. "Argh!" "Ugh" Cough... Cough... As Kisha stepped out from the hidden location of the plant, she heard a commotion nearby. Turning toward the noise, she saw people collapsing to the ground one after another. Her brow furrowed in concern as she moved closer to investigate. Not far from the Winters'' men, Sparrow and Vulture were also on the ground, in the same state as the others. A sudden tremor of realization swept through Kisha as her heart tightened, remembering something important. Without hesitation, Kisha retrieved a pill bottle from her inventory and quickly took out a handful of pills. At the same time, Duke, who had been occupied elsewhere, came rushing over upon hearing the commotion, followed closely by Mike, Gant, and Marcus. The five of them worked quickly, helping the people who had collapsed, their faces pale and twisted in agony. Some had veins bulging in their necks, threatening to burst, while others had the veins in their foreheads visibly straining. Gritting their teeth, they writhed on the ground, clawing at their chests as if trying to rip their hearts from their bodies. "Gah!!!'' "Quick, help me get these into their mouths!" Kisha urged urgently, tossing the pill bottle to Duke. She swiftly pressed a pill into the nearest person''s mouth. Duke, acting just as quickly, grabbed a handful of pills and threw the bottle to Marcus. The pills were small, about the size of half a bean, and as soon as they touched the tongue, they dissolved instantly. A few seconds after ingesting the pill, some of the victims stopped writhing in pain, their bodies drenched in cold sweat, then they quickly lost consciousness. The five of them worked quickly and efficiently, administering the pills to everyone. Once they finished, Kisha and the others left Sparrow and the others behind to rest, deciding to search for the rest of the Winters'' men. Kisha immediately instructed Duke and the others to use the territory''s interface and map to locate the remaining members, ensuring they wouldn''t waste any time. Soon, they dispersed, each of them using the territory interface to check the map. Green dots marked the locations of the Winters'' men scattered across the territory. Without hesitation, each member took a direction and sprinted toward their target. Kisha and Duke chose the farthest locations, knowing their speed surpassed that of Marcus and his grandchildren. Marcus and the others, without question, followed the orders given to them and quickly set off. Soon, Kisha arrived at the southwestern part of the swamp, where she found the Winters'' men who were supposed to be gathering clay, their bodies twitching and foam bubbling from their mouths. Her heart tightened with concern as she quickly used her telekinesis to lift them from the muck and carry them to the dry shore. Without wasting any time, she fed them the pills using her telekinesis, ensuring they received the relief they desperately needed. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once she had administered the pill to each of the Winters'' men, Kisha carefully checked their conditions one by one. Satisfied, she used her telekinesis to lift them into the air and headed in the direction where Duke had gone. By the time she arrived, Duke had just finished assessing the last person''s condition. Without exchanging many words, Kisha raised everyone into the air with her telekinesis. Duke gave her a quick nod, signaling his acknowledgment. With another nod in return, Kisha lifted herself off the ground as well, using her telekinesis to float upward. She didn''t want to risk running through the forest while carrying so many people, fearing they might collide with the trees. It would require too much concentration to ensure none of them were harmed, especially when she was also preparing to head toward Marcus and the others. As Kisha made her way to where Marcus and the others were, Duke hurried off toward Sparrow and the rest to keep watch over them. Kisha followed the map, flying directly to Marcus''s location. When she landed in front of him, Marcus instinctively stepped back. Kisha quickly scanned the Winters'' men on the ground and, noticing that their breathing had stabilized, she used her telekinesis to lift them all. She then headed toward Mike and Gant, repeating the process for the men scattered across the territory. Once she had gathered all the Winters'' men, she returned to where Duke was waiting. Gently, she set everyone down on the ground and pulled mattresses from her inventory to ensure they were comfortable as they regained their strength. Chapter 532 Demonic Insect 2 Once Kisha had set everyone down and ensured they were resting peacefully, she let out a quiet, guilty sigh of relief. Duke, noticing her expression, approached from behind and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You don''t have to feel guilty," he said gently. "We all know it was a necessary step to ensure no one could betray us when it mattered most." Kisha shook her head, her voice thick with emotion. "They''re your family. We need to figure out a way to remove the demonic insect from them." "They''ve already proven their loyalty, and they shouldn''t be enduring this kind of torture for following us." Her throat tightened as she spoke, her thoughts flashing back to the Heart Gu Pill she had made them take. It had been necessary to ensure their loyalty and to root out any potential spies when facing the Coltons, but now, seeing them suffer, the weight of it hit her hard. Now that the Coltons had been apprehended and were in their custody, Kisha knew she could have them swear their loyalty using the slave contract, just like she had with Aston and the others. Duke, hearing her resolve, nodded silently. He, too, felt a deep discomfort seeing his men in such a state. After all, he had poured his blood, sweat, and years of dedication into raising these men, who had become like sworn brothers to him. Seeing Kisha proactively offer this solution for his men, Duke was deeply moved. He knew all too well that she was doing this to protect him. While the method was ruthless, he understood its necessity. Without it, many of his loyal and trusted men would fall victim to betrayal, and he couldn''t allow that to happen. Duke gently cupped Kisha''s neck, pulling her closer until she rested against his strong chest. "Thank you, wifey..." he murmured solemnly, his voice trembling slightly. Kisha didn''t notice, but Duke''s eyes glistened with unshed tears, as a wave of conflicting emotions passed through him. Not long after, Marcus and his grandchildren arrived. Upon seeing that Kisha and Duke had already settled the Winters'' men, the three exchanged quiet glances, silently retreating to continue their work. Kisha nestled against Duke''s chest, her voice tinged with concern as she asked, "008, is there a way to remove the demonic insects from their hearts?" "Yes, host," 008 replied, its tone calm but serious. "There is a method to extract the demonic insects safely. We can use smoke to draw them out, which is relatively less dangerous." "However, the process is painful. The insects would crawl out from the heart, through the arteries, and eventually emerge from their mouths. To make this work, we''ll need a healing potion for their recovery, as well as a crucial ingredient that must be burned to create the smoke that will force the demonic insects out." "Can you find the ingredients in your channel or the system mall?" Kisha asked, her voice filled with concern. "Yes, host," 008 replied, "but the ingredients will be quite expensive." Kisha nodded, bracing herself. "No worries, just purchase them. Do we have enough points for it?" "Yes, host," 008 reassured her. "If my calculations are correct, we have enough and will still have some points left over." Relieved, Kisha gave a small sigh. "Alright, go ahead and buy what we need. We''ll remove the demonic insects from everyone who took the Heart Gu Pill." "Host, are we discarding the Heart Gu Pill completely? We still have some left," 008 asked, its tone curious. "No," Kisha answered, her voice heavy. "We''ll repurpose it, but it will never be used on anyone close to us again." As she spoke, she felt as though a weight had been lifted from her chest. "By the way, didn''t you mention before that there''s a profession in the fantasy world called ''Inscriber''?" Kisha asked, a sudden realization lighting up her expression. Her eyes gleamed brightly as the thought struck her. "Yes, host," 008 replied. "There are manuals available in the system mall that you can purchase, or I can check my channel for more advanced manuals from the fantasy world." Then, 008 paused, a new understanding dawning on it. "Host, are you considering learning how to inscribe so you can create slave contracts on your own?" The last words carried a tone of both excitement and awe. "Yes, there''s a limited supply of slave contracts in your channel, and they''re often sold quickly," Kisha explained. "If I could make my own slave contracts, not only would we have access to them whenever we need, but we could also sell them in your channel. I''ll give you a portion of the sales." She knew she couldn''t keep this plan from 008 for long, as she would need its cooperation and the channel to sell the extra slave contracts. Kisha had realized that relying solely on the points earned from mission events wasn''t sustainable anymore¡ªshe needed a more consistent way to accumulate points for emergencies like this one. In her previous lives, Kisha had never accumulated enough points to afford the manuals necessary to learn any skills, but now that she had the resources, why not take the opportunity? Besides, learning more skills would make her more powerful and help her protect her loved ones better. From what she understood, inscribing wasn''t just useful for creating contracts¡ªit was also similar to the talisman-making techniques from the murim world. As her proficiency grew, she could even inscribe additional effects onto weapons and defensive items, adding offensive or defensive abilities to further enhance her strength. "That''s an excellent idea, host! We''ll get rich!" 008 exclaimed with excitement. Kisha''s mood lightened as she teasingly responded, "Are you that confident in me? What if I fail to learn?" "Host, what are you saying? The manuals from the system are all consumable items that directly inject the knowledge into your brain." "It integrates seamlessly, like you''ve known it your entire life. Once you learn it, you''ll only need to practice." 008 paused, a sudden thought hitting it, and then added sheepishly, "Of course, it also depends on your talent and how well you can apply the knowledge." "Ha ha." 008 chuckled awkwardly. "But host, don''t worry. I''ve been with you for a long time and I know your capabilities. I''m confident you''ll do well." "You''ve already used a manual before and seen for yourself how it works. You proved you could harness its knowledge effectively, so I''m sure other manuals will be no different." Kisha playfully rolled her eyes, but she understood exactly what 008 meant, and she agreed. The manual would provide the knowledge, but it wouldn''t guarantee mastery¡ªproficiency still depended on the individual''s talent and how they applied that knowledge. Although she wasn''t sure if she had a natural affinity for inscribing, she figured she could only try. If she failed, she would simply chalk it up to experience. After making her decision, Kisha clenched her fist with resolve, while 008 immediately sprang into action, scouring its channel for the necessary ingredients and manual. After a while, Kisha felt Duke''s gentle hand stroking her head. Perhaps he sensed her shifting emotions and wanted to comfort her. Feeling his warmth, Kisha leaned into his embrace, allowing herself to be pampered for a moment. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When Duke felt Kisha nuzzle closer, like a contented, pampered cat, he chuckled softly, his chest vibrating with the sound. After some time, the Winters'' men slowly began to stir, their eyes fluttering open as they regained consciousness. Sparrow and Vulture pushed themselves up from the mattress, both shaking their heads as if trying to clear the fog from their minds. Sparrow rubbed his temples, attempting to recall what had happened, while Vulture supported his head, his expression clouded with confusion. Gradually, their memories resurfaced, and the phantom pain lingered in their minds. The instant they remembered, their faces drained of color, and a visible pallor washed over them. They quickly sat up, instinctively touching their chests and bodies, relieved to find the crawling pain that had gripped their hearts was gone. As they looked around, they noticed Duke and Kisha standing nearby, watching them. Vulture was the first to rise. "Master, Young Madam, thank you for saving us." The others followed suit, their gratitude evident in their voices. Kisha''s throat tightened, a heavy guilt swelling in her chest at their words. Duke gently patted her back, offering silent support as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. "Don''t blame yourself," Duke reassured Kisha softly. "The moment they took the Heart Gu Pill, they understood the risks and chose to show their loyalty anyway. They could have refused, but they didn''t, even knowing the pain they would endure. They''ve faced worse before. So, don''t punish yourself over this." Kisha glanced around, and sure enough, none of the men held her accountable for what had happened. Their silent support only strengthened her resolve. She would end this here, once and for all. Kisha cleared her throat before speaking. "We''ve already dealt with the Coltons, and I''ve found another way to keep everyone in check¡ªone that no longer requires you to endure the torture of the demonic insect every two weeks." "However, the process of removing the demonic insect will still be painful. In order for it to leave your body naturally, it has to crawl out from your heart, moving through your arteries and making a small incision, and then, it will eventually crawl out of your mouth." Normally, if the demonic insect were forcefully extracted, it would cause excruciating pain for the host, often resulting in death. Chapter 533 Luminous Pearl And Heavenly Tribulation Bone Because of this, no one has ever successfully removed a demonic insect from its host. However, since 008 was the one who proposed this solution, Kisha was confident in their success, especially since they had plenty of vials of the blue liquid prepared. Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged wide-eyed glances, their mouths agape, but the excitement in their eyes was unmistakable. They too longed to be free from the torment they had endured. It felt as though sharp needles were stabbing into their chests, and something sinister was writhing within their hearts, tightening its grip with unrelenting force. The pain was worse than anything they had ever experienced before. Now that Kisha had decided to rid them of this abominable demonic insect, a wave of relief surged through them. They rejoiced with vigor, Kisha could feel their collective joy, knowing just how deeply they had suffered from the insect''s relentless stirrings. Without the antidote to keep it dormant, the demonic insect had wreaked havoc within their hearts, and now, finally, they would be free. With the problem resolved, all they needed to do was wait for 008 to complete the purchase before they could proceed. "Quiet down, please," Kisha said, her gaze sweeping across everyone''s faces. "I''m speaking to you as someone Duke considered family, which means you are also part of mine. So, I expect none of you to bite the hand that feeds you." "I can assure you, even if my husband chooses to tolerate betrayal, I will not. And I will ensure you answer for any treachery." Kisha''s voice was stern, her tone unwavering. "Now, I need to gather the materials for the demonic insect''s extraction. In the meantime, you may return to your tasks. I''ll call you back when I''m ready." "Do not worry, Madam, we understand," Sparrow said, stepping forward with respect. "The Master has always been our Master since he took us in. If anyone dares to betray him, we will ensure that they face the consequences." "You need not stain your hands with such matters¡ªwe will deal with the traitor, ensuring they meet a cruel and regretful end. And, Young Madam, as the Master''s wife, you are our master as well. Please allow us to serve both of you without concern." Sparrow bowed deeply in front of Kisha and the Duke. Duke, standing behind Kisha like a lion guarding his lioness, watched with pride as his men showed the respect his wife deserved. A smile spread across his face, knowing that his loyal subjects recognized Kisha''s rightful place. After Sparrow, Vulture stepped forward, his voice steady and filled with reverence. "Young Madam, from the moment you helped our Master bear his burdens in City A, we recognized you as his true partner." "We knew only you could stand by his side. Our respect and admiration for you is no different than the loyalty we feel for him." "You are now one of us, and we will never betray the hand that has fed us, clothed us, and given us a future. Those who dare to do so deserve nothing less than a thousand needles pricking their skin, followed by a death so agonizing that they will regret their betrayal." "That''s right!" Everyone echoed in unison, their voices filled with unwavering support for Sparrow and Vulture''s words. Their loyalty was clear, and it was enough to make Duke''s heart swell with pride. He couldn''t help but smile widely, a grin that spread across his face like a satisfied lion. As soon as his men left, Duke wasted no time. He wrapped his arms around Kisha from behind, his grin widening as he held her close. "I''m so happy to hear my wife acknowledge me in front of so many people," Duke chuckled, the sound rich and deep, vibrating in Kisha''s ear and sending a warm, melodic hum that lingered in her senses. Duke openly flirted with Kisha, his affection evident for all to see. Sensing the intimate moment, everyone tactfully excused themselves, giving the couple the space to enjoy each other''s company. The Winters'' men quietly returned to their work, leaving without a word, while the STAU team, inspired by the display of loyalty and unity, felt a surge of motivation. Witnessing the pain the Winters'' men had endured from the demonic insect''s attack on their hearts, the STAU members knew they would soon face the same fate. Yet, before that day came, they were eager to ensure they, too, would be part of the group Kisha would help extract the demonic insect from. Their dedication grew stronger with each passing moment, as they knew the cost of delay could be far greater than they had imagined. After all, they were only human, longing for a better life. They had merely stumbled upon a secret they weren''t meant to know, and in truth, they hadn''t done anything to wrong Kisha or her people. So, as they worked tirelessly, they hoped that Kisha would show them mercy and not forget to help extract the demonic insect from their bodies as well. With everyone working together, fueled by renewed enthusiasm, they quickly filled the STAU''s space, utilizing the resources they had gathered from Kisha''s domain¡ªlogs, boulders, clay, and more. Once they finished, they all headed to the farm to assist Marcus with plowing the land in preparation for the next batch of crops. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Some of them helped Mike care for the pregnant animals, while others milked the cows and goats that had recently given birth, storing the milk in clean metal buckets. With Marcus''s assistance, they carefully stored everything in the territory''s warehouse. Next, the others helped collect fresh eggs from the chicken coop and duck house. The STAU members who remained to watch couldn''t help but be astonished, no matter how many times they witnessed it. With the space''s altered time flow, they had already seen Mike harvest countless eggs, milk, and other resources from the livestock, all while the outside world had barely seen a full day pass. The sheer abundance of supplies was nothing short of remarkable. Some of the Winters'' men were assisting Gant with the fisheries, setting up nets around the lake to separate the larger fish from the smaller ones. This allowed them to harvest the adult fish more easily, preventing overcrowding in the lake and other bodies of water. They had also begun fishing in the vast ocean surrounding Kisha''s territory. Some managed to catch octopus and squid, while others, lucky enough, spear-fished a massive tuna far from off the shore. To their surprise, they also caught fresh lobsters, each one three times the size of those typically found in the market before the apocalypse. With all the work and excitement, the Winters'' men quickly forgot about the gloom brought on by the demonic insect, treating their tasks more like an adventure or a playful excursion. Eventually, after everyone had their fill of fun, 008 returned with good news. "Host, I''ve located the materials we need to create the smoke that will drive the demonic insect out of their bodies." "We can gather everyone around a bonfire, dampen it with water to produce smoke, and let them inhale it. After some time, the demonic insect will crawl out on its own."008 excitedly explained as it presented the material information to Kisha. A series of system interfaces appeared before her eyes, each showcasing different items. One was a strange-looking flower, but the price left Kisha momentarily speechless¡ª10,000 system points for just that single flower. Next appeared a seaweed-like mass, curled into a ball, its brownish hue and some parts resembling black trash accumulated under the sea. The disgusting seaweed-like mass was priced at 5,000 system points. Then, there was a luminous pearl¡ªa pearl the size of two adult fists placed together. Although it was called a pearl it was u nlike a typical white pearl, it glowed softly like a tiny moon, emitting a gentle, non-glaring light. However, it came with a hefty price tag of 30,000 system points, making it the most expensive item on the list. There were other items as well, but just seeing their prices made Kisha swallow hard. She wasn''t sure if her remaining system points would be enough to cover everything. In the end, her total purchase amounted to a staggering 90,000 system points. [Do you agree to spend 90, 000 system points to buy the items above?] [Yes] or [No] As soon as she clicked "Yes," the item interface disappeared, and the purchased materials were instantly transferred to her inventory. "Now, host, we just need to synthesize all these materials to create the ''Heavenly Tribulation Bone''," 008 explained. Kisha raised an eyebrow but refrained from asking further questions. Instead, she opened the synthesis tab. Before her, ten empty boxes formed a circle, with one large box in the center, its contents grayed out. The tab was empty except for the bluish boxes, with nothing else visible. [Please put the materials in the boxes and start the Synthesis.] Chapter 534 Heavenly Tribulation Bone (Edited) [Please put the materials in the boxes and start the Synthesis.] Kisha opened her inventory and began placing the items she had just purchased into the synthesis boxes, carefully arranging them one by one. When she added the luminous pearl last, the boxes glowed with a soft, ethereal light, signaling that the synthesis was ready to begin as soon as Kisha clicked "Start." Without hesitation, Kisha clicked "Start." The materials she had placed in the boxes vanished, as if drawn into the large central box. The synthesis would take five minutes to complete, so while she waited for the countdown, Kisha wandered around the farm. She admired the glowing crops, noting how their radiance had intensified. This was a clear sign that the crops now contained stronger spiritual energy. If consumed, the energy they provided would be far more potent than before. With a nod, Kisha made her way to the orchard, searching for the spiritual fruit that glowed more brightly than the others. She carefully picked it, washed it in the small stream, and took a bite. The juicy peach was sweet and fragrant, and as she tasted it, Kisha''s eyelashes fluttered in delight. As she swallowed, a warm sensation spread from her throat down to her stomach, filling her with a comforting heat. She finished the entire fruit, then dropped to the ground and crossed her legs to sit and meditate. Focusing inward, Kisha followed the warm sensation as it traveled through her meridians, making its way to her energy core. She could feel her energy slowly being purified, the effect far stronger than any fruit she had eaten before. In the past, she needed to consume large quantities of spiritual crops or even cook them into spiritual cuisine to feel any significant effect. But now, with just this one fruit, she could already sense its powerful influence. It was clear¡ªthe Spiritual Crystal Gatherer was working wonders. After some time, Kisha slowly opened her eyes, letting out a sigh that carried traces of spiritual energy. She felt lighter, more invigorated, as though a weight had been lifted. Gently rising to her feet, she noticed the synthesis had long been completed¡ªshe had meditated for longer than she realized. Opening the synthesis tab, her eyes fell on an item resting in the center of the box. Though it is called ''Heavenly Tribulation Bone'', it wasn''t a bone at all. Instead, it resembled a pill the size of an eyeball, gleaming like a smooth black marble. Upon closer inspection, she noticed faint, cloud-like engravings swirling around its surface, adding to its mystique. ''What is this?'' Kisha wondered as she carefully examined the item she had pulled from the box. "Host, this is a Heavenly Pill of the highest grade," 008 explained. "The cloud patterns on its surface signify its superior quality, and the marble-like sheen is another indicator. A lower-tier version of this pill would lack the intricate patterns and would appear dull in comparison." "Since this is a Heavenly Pill," 008 continued, "it directly contrasts with the chaotic energy coursing through the body of the demonic insect." "The energy of the insect is derived from the demonic sect, characterized by its chaotic, volatile nature." "While powerful, this energy is torturous to cultivate, and it isn''t suitable for everyone. Due to its instability, many demonic cultivators have been driven to madness, becoming psychopaths, serial killers, or mass murderers." "That''s why righteous cultivators and just factions hunt down anyone who turns to demonic cultivation." "In contrast, a Heavenly Pill is typically used by righteous cultivators and contains pure energy, flowing harmoniously with the heavens and earth." "When these two forces¡ªchaotic demonic energy and the purity of the Heavenly Pill¡ªclash, death is the inevitable outcome. That''s why it''s crucial to use this pill to expel the demonic insect from their bodies." "Oh, I see," Kisha replied, before heading toward the grassy clearing near the flower field. It was a spacious area, perfect for gathering everyone. Once there, she sent a message to the group through the territory interface. As she did, a sudden screen materialized in front of each person, interrupting their activities. Confused and surprised, they all paused, exchanging glances. When they saw the same expression of disbelief on each other''s faces, they quickly realized they weren''t imagining things¡ªwhat they were seeing was real and visible to everyone. Despite the initial shock, they quickly accepted the unexpected development. After all, the existence of this territory space alone was mind-boggling, so the appearance of a message in front of them didn''t seem as impossible to accept. Soon, everyone gathered in the clearing and helped Kisha set up the bonfire. Once it was ready, they placed the pill in the center and set it alight. As the fire burned the pill, they carefully extinguished the flames. Thick, white smoke began to swirl around them, filling the air with a heavy, suffocating presence. For the next hour, agonizing cries of pain echoed throughout the clearing. The group gasped for breath, their eyes red and tear-streaked as they struggled against the torment coursing through their bodies. They clawed at their skin, desperately trying to rid themselves of the excruciating pain, but it persisted relentlessly. The pain was unbearable, stretching on for what felt like an eternity, until finally, the demonic insect began to emerge, crawling out from their mouths. "Isn''t this just a form of pesticide?" Kisha asked skeptically, her gaze fixed on the demonic insects that crawled out of the Winters'' men. The creatures resembled large centipedes, their sharp forelegs gleaming like steel knives. One by one, the insects fell to the ground after emerging from their hosts'' mouths, their movements swift and unsettling. The demonic insects wriggled desperately, attempting to bury themselves in the ground in a futile bid to escape, or perhaps just to survive. But the thick smoke from the pill clung to the air, suffocating their attempts. Once expelled from their hosts, the insects fell to the ground, twitching before lying still. Meanwhile, their hosts collapsed, convulsing in violent spasms, as though struck by seizures. "Are they going to be alright?" Kisha asked, her eyes scanning the scene anxiously. "Host, you need to administer the healing potion now," 008 reminded her. "Right..." Kisha nodded, only then realizing how deeply she had been captivated by the unfolding events. Her gaze lingered on the grotesque centipedes, their scarlet underbellies gleaming ominously. The sight was so chilling it made her scalp prickle in unease. Kisha swiftly retrieved several vials of blue liquid from her inventory, then crouched down in front of the nearest Winters'' man. Without hesitation, she uncorked a vial and poured the healing potion into his mouth. She didn''t wait for any sign of recovery before moving on to the next man. Soon after, Duke arrived, offering his assistance. Together, they worked in tandem, feeding the men one vial after another, the healing potion flowing into each of them as they tended to their fallen comrades. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once they had administered the healing potions to everyone, Kisha and Duke patiently waited for the Winters'' men to recover. As they did, Kisha carefully collected the demonic insects from the ground, gathering them into a neat pile. "Host, you should set these aside. The carcasses of the demonic insects can be useful for crafting certain pills in the future, especially those that contain chaotic energy," 008 advised. Taking the suggestion to heart, Kisha gathered the remaining insects and placed them into her inventory, making sure she hadn''t missed any. With that task done, she and Duke settled on a nearby boulder, waiting in silence for the men to regain their strength. Kisha also made sure to bring along the five STAU''s, each having consumed a Heart Gu Pill. Since the alternative¡ªthe slave contract¡ªhadn''t been prepared yet, she made sure each STAU was accompanied by a Scarlet Bee. Though she had yet to decide whether to impose a slave contract on the Winters'' men, Kisha glanced at Duke and, seeing his calm expression, decided against it. After all, they were Duke''s people, and they had already demonstrated their loyalty at the cost of their own lives. It only seemed right to give them a chance to continue proving themselves, especially Sparrow and Vulture. They had followed every order without hesitation, their unwavering dedication speaking volumes about their commitment and trustworthiness. After making her decision, Kisha handed Duke a spiritual fruit she had picked earlier, already washed and ready to be eaten. Duke glanced at her, a smile spreading across his face, before he took the fruit and savored it with a look of contentment as they waited. Another hour passed, and the Winters'' men slowly stirred, gradually pushing themselves up from the ground. They felt lighter, their bodies far more at ease than before. The heavy burden in their hearts had lifted, signaling that the demonic insects had been successfully extracted, leaving them with a sense of relief as the presence of the demonic insect vanished entirely. Without exchanging many words, they all bowed deeply to Kisha in gratitude, even the STAU, who had experienced such intense pain for the first time, followed suit. The relief of no longer needing to endure such excruciating pain filled them with an overwhelming sense of happiness, and it quickly became clear to them that betraying Kisha was never an option. They understood that she had countless ways to ensure their deaths would be far from peaceful, that they wouldn''t even have the mercy of dying with their eyes closed. The mere thought of it sent a chill of fear through the five STAU, their bodies instinctively trembling at the image of such a fate. Chapter 535 The Emperors Inscribing Manual "No need for the formalities," Duke said, casually waving his hand, signaling for everyone to continue with their tasks. The group immediately complied, a renewed sense of vitality coursing through their bodies. Aside from expelling the demonic insects, the heavenly pill had also infused them with pure spiritual energy, enhancing their power and purifying the energy within them. The effect was undeniable¡ªthey felt stronger, more attuned to their surroundings, and far more capable than before. The pill had proven to be far more beneficial than they''d anticipated, improving both their physical and spiritual well-being in multiple ways. With renewed energy, everyone dove back into their tasks around the territory. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As they finished their work, there was nothing more to be done, so they began preparing to leave, waiting for the storm to pass so Sparrow and his team could head north. Meanwhile, the artisans continued their work on the oxygen muzzles and isolated pods. With time on their hands, the others decided to rest and find a way to redirect the surge of energy coursing through their bodies. Ultimately, they chose to cultivate, using the opportunity to prepare for their next level-up. For those who had yet to awaken, it felt as though they were on the cusp of a breakthrough. Their energy swirled around them, intensifying to the point where some experienced fever-like symptoms. Even after the first batch of awakeners had already passed, the special circumstances continued to influence them, and one by one, they too began to awaken, their powers unlocking amidst the rising surge of energy. Kisha left everyone to focus on their tasks, knowing the first city shield was on its last legs and nearing collapse. 008 was ready to replace it as soon as the time came. With nothing pressing to do and no way to leave the base, Kisha and Duke decided to relax and spend some time with his family. They sat together on the sofa, sharing a meal and enjoying the quiet moment before returning to the territory to cultivate. Duke settled near the Crystal, while Kisha retrieved the inscribing manual that 008 had purchased for 50,000 system points, leaving her with just 50,000 points remaining. Though the low points nagged at the back of her mind, Kisha chose to focus on her task. She found a quiet spot, crossed her legs, and opened the manual. As soon as she flipped the first page, a system prompt appeared in front of her, drawing her full attention. [Do you wish to use The Emperor''s Incribing Manual?] [Yes] or [No] Kisha didn''t hesitate for a second. Without giving it much thought, she clicked ''Yes''. The pages of the manual flipped rapidly, and in an instant, a golden light shot out, rising from the book and floating toward her head. It entered her forehead with a gentle pulse. The moment the light merged with her, the manual burned to ashes and vanished. A torrent of knowledge flooded her mind, overwhelming her senses. Her brain pulsed with intensity as the surge of information poured in, leaving her momentarily disoriented. The rapid influx of understanding caused her head to throb, and she struggled to process the depth of the newfound wisdom. ''Damn! I really can''t get used to this excruciating pain!'' Kisha grumbled in her mind. But, surprisingly, this pain was far more tolerable than before. Perhaps it was due to the protective layer that had formed around her energy core after her ''Mental Capacity'' reached 1000 points. This change not only shielded her from the worst of the pain but also allowed her to recover much faster. Soon, after only a brief sweat and the lingering discomfort, the pain faded. The flood of information gradually settled into her mind, and the overwhelming rush of knowledge calmed. She could feel the transformation taking place within her, and the sudden clarity was both overwhelming and exhilarating. Once the discomfort faded, Kisha settled into a calm state and began reviewing the information that had been injected into her mind. Although she was already familiar with the content of the manual, she knew she needed to take the time to fully understand and master the techniques. Each passage required careful consideration, and she patiently worked through them, ensuring she grasped the intricacies of the practice. After a few hours of focused silence, Kisha finally turned to 008. "Can you buy the materials I need to practice inscribing?" she asked. 008, always eager to assist, immediately complied and began arranging the purchase without hesitation. Not long after, 008 returned with the bulk training materials, each item carefully chosen for its quality. Even the parchment paper was no ordinary paper¡ªit was magical paper, crafted by a production mage from enchanted plants. The ink was made from charcoal derived from burnt magical wood, the same wood used to create a mage''s staff. Everything came at a steep cost, totaling an additional 20,000 system points. However, Kisha had long since accepted that her points would inevitably be spent on such necessities. With that in mind, she stopped worrying about saving them up, focusing instead on the task ahead. [You have purchased Magical Parchment Paper] [You have purchased Enchanted Ink] [You have purchased a Phoenix Feather Pen] ... After gathering all the materials, Kisha set up a small workstation with a table and stool. She arranged the items 008 had purchased from the system channel¡ªstacks of magical parchment paper to her left, and a bottle of enchanted ink to her right. In her hand, she held the Phoenix Feather Pen, its fiery red glow still shimmering with magical energy as she gripped it between her fingers. Once everything was in place, Kisha took a sheet of parchment and began to inscribe the simplest contract she could manage, given her current mastery level, which was still that of a beginner. As she attempted to write with the Phoenix Feather Pen, she felt her hand tremble. The unfamiliarity of the pen''s balance caused her to struggle with control, and the words on the paper looked less like legible writing and more like squiggly worms, their forms erratic and disjointed. It was a far cry from the precision she hoped for, and the sight of her clumsy attempt was almost comical. ''I didn''t realize it would be this difficult to write the scriptures,'' Kisha thought to herself, setting the paper aside in frustration. "Host, the issue is that you didn''t channel the correct amount of mana into the Phoenix Feather Pen while inscribing," 008 explained patiently. "The pen was acting on its own, essentially resisting your control." "Is that so?" Kisha asked, skepticism lacing her tone as she frowned at the pen in her hand. "Yes," 008 confirmed. "This item is similar to those in the Murim world that have gained their own consciousness and chooses their own owner." "Are you saying it''s not accepting me?" Kisha''s voice faltered with frustration. "If the pen won''t let me use it, does that mean I need to buy a new one?" She felt a growing sense of annoyance at the thought of needing to purchase another item, especially after she had just spent so many points on this one. "No, host. Why don''t you try bonding with it for a while?" 008 suggested. "How do I do that?" Kisha asked, still skeptical but willing to give it a try. Chapter 536 Inscribing Practice "It''s simple," 008 explained. "You just need to cultivate while holding the feather pen, focusing on it until it feels like an extension of your own body. When that happens, the pen will respond to your will more naturally." "Was it that simple?" Kisha asked again as she stared at the feather pen in her hands. "Yes, host," 008 added thoughtfully. "You just need to let the item adjust to your mana. You''re accustomed to using your spiritual energy, but you haven''t really practiced channeling mana much." "It''s natural that you feel unfamiliar with it. Because of that, your mana flow was awkward, and the item could sense your hesitation, which made it resist you." Kisha nodded slowly, finally understanding. What 008 said made sense, and she realized that her lack of familiarity with mana was the true source of the issue. Kisha carefully stored the table back into her inventory before resuming her cultivation. This time, instead of focusing primarily on her spiritual energy, she shifted her attention toward her mana. Though she still cultivated both, her focus was now on the mana, feeling its subtle flow throughout her body, its currents gently swirling around her heart. As she directed the mana toward the Phoenix Feather Pen, she felt it tremble in her hand, responding to the energy she sent through it. It took Kisha three hours of steadily channeling her mana through her body and into the Phoenix Feather Pen to become familiar with its flow. When the pen finally felt more responsive and the resistance faded, she stopped her cultivation. Taking the table out from her inventory, she resumed her practice of inscribing. This time, with a smoother connection to the pen, Kisha felt more confident as she traced the scriptures onto the magical parchment. As 008 had suggested, she could now sense the difference in her control, and her movements felt more fluid and purposeful. This time, the contract''s inscription was much easier to read than before. While the writing still wasn''t flawless, the outcome was a success. The first contract she managed to complete worked as intended. Though it couldn''t compare to the powerful slave contract she had purchased from the system, which could bind ten individuals at once, Kisha was satisfied with her progress. Her contract could bind just one person, and while the restrictions weren''t as harsh as those in the system-purchased contract, it was still effective. For her first attempt, Kisha felt it was a solid achievement. It wasn''t until Kisha learned inscribing that she fully understood the contract she had signed with Aston and the others. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She realized that it was written in the same way as a standard contract from her world, with one key difference: the repercussions for breaking the contract were clearly outlined. The consequences for betraying Party A were explicitly stated, detailing the suffering they would endure if they violated the agreement. This newfound understanding made her see just how serious the terms were. With this newfound understanding, Kisha wrote her first contract in the same format, though, as a beginner, she couldn''t impose severe punishments for breaking it just yet. The best she could do was include a mild consequence: "The party who breaks the contract will suffer severe hair loss, lose a tooth, and have one finger broken." Her beginner status limited her ability to enforce harsher penalties, such as those that could result in a person''s death, so she had to settle for these less severe but still significant repercussions. As Kisha''s proficiency in inscribing grew, so would the strength and severity of the punishments she could impose in the contracts. Each contract an inscriber created drew from their own mana, power, and mastery, so the more skilled they became, the more potent the contract would be. Conversely, a less experienced inscriber would craft weaker contracts, and if too little mana was poured into the inscribing process, the binding power of the contract would be weaker as well. Writing even a single contract was already physically draining, especially if severe penalties or violations were included, as the energy required to enforce such terms was immense. After understanding all these intricacies, Kisha continued inscribing, experimenting with different punishments allowed by her current level of proficiency. She pushed herself until her mana was completely depleted. Unlike when her spiritual energy ran out¡ªwhere she would feel a sharp pain in her head¡ªdraining her mana had a more severe consequence. Her body, unable to function without mana, shut down entirely, and she fell into a deep coma. Unaware of the risks, she collapsed right where she sat, her body unresponsive to the world around her. When Duke came to check on Kisha, he found her asleep, likely exhausted from her work. With a gentle smile, he brushed aside the bangs that had fallen over her face, tucking them behind her ear as he gazed at her for a moment. Then, quietly, he pulled a blanket from his Space Ring and draped it over her before returning to his cultivation. As he turned to leave, his eyes caught sight of the contract Kisha had written. The language and script were from the fantasy world, so he couldn''t understand it, but he knew she was up to something. With a soft chuckle and a fond shake of his head, he left her to rest, heading back toward the central area where the crystal was located. If Kisha ever exhausted her mana during battle and fell into a coma, the consequences could be dire¡ªpotentially even fatal. Fortunately, she discovered this now, sparing herself the dangerous experience on the battlefield. It took her a full two hours to recover just a fraction of her mana, and when she woke up, her body ached as though she had been brutally beaten. This made her realize how serious the consequences of depleting her energy could be, and she knew she had to be cautious going forward. Fortunately, with the help of the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer and the cultivation manual, she could simultaneously cultivate both her spiritual energy and mana. This allowed her to increase both her spiritual and mana pools at the same time. Over time, she would build up a larger reservoir of energy, reducing the risk of exhaustion and giving her more resources to rely on in battle. Only by cultivating both energies simultaneously would she be able to use them continuously for different situations. As if a thought struck her, Kisha retrieved the vial of black liquid and downed it. Sure enough, the moment she consumed it, her depleted mana began to recover instantly. With newfound determination, she resumed inscribing, crafting one contract after another. As she worked, her eyes landed on the proficiency bar. [Profession Proficiency: Inscriber Newbie 15%] ''That was fast,'' she thought, gazing at the progress bar, a hint of satisfaction in her expression. "Yes, host, that was impressive progress! Maybe you really do have a natural talent for this, more than we initially thought." "Of course, it could also be thanks to the system injecting the knowledge directly into your brain, speeding up the process." "But even if that''s the case, those who''ve been learning from a young age might want to beat me black and blue if I mentioned it." "So, the only explanation left would be talent and a bit of a gift," 008 explained, throwing in a playful tease alongside the compliment. Kisha couldn''t help but smile, feeling a bit of pride at the praise. Chapter 537 Inscribing Mastery After finishing her practice, Kisha had accumulated a sizable stack of slave contracts. However, she couldn''t find any practical use for them within her base. To her, the contracts seemed almost laughable, as they didn''t appear particularly effective or impactful. Yet, at the same time, she felt it would be a waste to simply discard them. Determined, she began contemplating ways to put them to good use. "Host, we can sell them in the sales channel as you originally planned," 008 suggested cheerfully. "Do you really think anyone would buy these when the punishments look more like a prank than an actual penalty for a slave contract?" Kisha grumbled, pouting as she eyed the stack of contracts. The sight of the punishment clauses made her feel utterly defeated. She couldn''t decide whether to laugh at the absurdity of it all or cry at her current predicament. "It''s so embarrassing," she muttered under her breath. "Host, there are plenty of younger customers out there, and these contracts have a quirky, playful appeal. They might actually want to buy them to keep their playmates in check and prevent things from getting too out of hand," 008 said with a mischievous giggle. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha furrowed her brow, unsure whether 008 was genuinely serious or just poking fun at her. Kisha let out a long sigh, scrunching her nose in mild frustration. "Alright, fine. Do what you want with them since I can''t even use these contracts in the base for now," she said, her tone bordering on a complaint. Still, she knew there wasn''t much else she could do at her current skill level. To make any real progress, she''d need to reach the intermediate rank as an inscriber. "Actually, Host," 008 interjected, its voice tinged with pride, "with your current progress, you already have a 99.99% success rate in inscribing." "That''s practically unheard of, and it''s why your progress has been so rapid. Once you hit 100%, you''ll automatically be promoted to the intermediate level. Honestly, no one from the fantasy world has achieved this level of efficiency before." 008''s tone grew smug, almost arrogant, as it emphasized Kisha''s unprecedented success rate compared to others. "So, if my calculations are correct, even if we sell these contracts in my sales channel at lower prices, we''ll still make a small profit and recover the material costs," 008 said, its tone gleeful. "Hehe, and it''s all thanks to your remarkable success rate!" "Typically, newbie inscribers waste thousands of resources before making any significant progress or producing a usable inscribed text," 008 continued, its voice brimming with pride. "The average success rate for beginners is only around 30% to 75%. And believe me, hitting 75% is already considered a monumental achievement that many strive for but rarely reach." "Is that so?" Kisha muttered, still a bit skeptical. However, she couldn''t deny that her results had been impressive so far. It was surprising to learn how low the usual success rate was, and it made her accomplishments feel even more significant. "Well, while inscribing might sound easy, it''s far from it," 008 explained. "In the fantasy world, it''s known as ''inscribing,'' but in the Murim world, it''s called ''talisman-making.''" "Although there are differences between the two, the line separating them is quite thin. Surprisingly, the level of difficulty is similar in both practices, and only those with real talent can truly excel at it." "Once you''re promoted to an intermediate inscriber, we''ll need to upgrade your materials," 008 began, its voice tinged with excitement. "The parchment and ink you''re using now are designed for newbies. When you reach mastery, you might even need to switch to using dragon blood as ink¡ªwhich, by the way, is ridiculously expensive unless you have a living dragon as your ally." 008 was practically babbling at this point, too excited to filter its thoughts. It imagined all the possibilities. "With your talent, host, you could even learn talisman-making to expand your skill set." "Just think about it¡ªwe''d have even more to sell on the sales channel. If we play it right, we''ll never run out of system points!" Then, almost bouncing with excitement, it suggested, "So, host, why don''t you try learning about talisman-making next?" "008, if I go around learning everything without properly mastering the first skill, I''ll just end up being a jack of all trades but master of none," Kisha sighed, her tone firm as she tried to reason with 008. "I need to focus on mastering one skill at a time. If I split my attention, my progress will slow down, and honestly, there''s no rush." "My life isn''t in danger, and I don''t have to do everything on my own. I have people around me who can handle their parts, so I don''t need to carry the entire burden myself." She spoke nonchalantly, not realizing how much her perspective had shifted until 008 chimed in to remind her. "Host, since when did you start thinking of relying on others? Is this Duke''s influence? You used to handle everything on your own," 008 said, its tone laced with unexpected jealousy. It sounded almost like a child sulking because their mother was now paying attention to a new stepfather. It was as though 008 felt abandoned, replaced by Duke after all the times they had faced challenges together. Kisha noticed the undertone and couldn''t help but chuckle. In her mind, she could imagine 008 pouting, looking utterly aggrieved and envious. "I get it, 008," she said, her voice warm with amusement. "But hasn''t that approach only made things harder for me? I either ended up overworking myself to the point of collapse or fighting off entire factions alone." "Maybe it really is time to form a group¡ªa team I can trust to stand by me no matter what. This way, I won''t always have to bear everything on my own." "If worst comes to worst, I still have you. I know you''ll never betray me, right?" Kisha said gently, her tone laced with reassurance as she tried to pacify 008. Sure enough, as soon as those words left her lips, 008 perked up immediately. Kisha could almost picture a wide, triumphant grin spreading across its imaginary face. "Leave everything to me, Host!!!" 008 declared with an enthusiastic burst of energy, sounding completely revitalized. After their brief conversation, Kisha returned to her training, this time paying closer attention to her mana levels. To make monitoring easier, she opened the ''Team Tab'' from her status window and positioned her team profile to the left, keeping it within view. Every time she completed a contract and glanced up, she could see how much mana she had left. To her surprise, her Skills: Healing Dome and People''s Heart were working in tandem, continuously replenishing her mana. With just a short one-minute break between inscriptions, the mana she expended on each contract was almost fully restored. This realization brought a sense of relief, allowing her to focus more intently on improving her craft. The fact that her People''s Heart skill was actively working indicated that many people in the base now believed in and respected her. This realization filled her with hope¡ªif she could gain the belief and respect of everyone in the base, her energy recovery could potentially become infinite. Chapter 538 008s Sales Channel #841273 [Would you like to list the Slave Contract (Newbie) on the Sales Channel?] [Yes] or [No] Kisha clicked ''Yes,'' and the 100 pieces of Slave Contract (Newbie) she had just inscribed disappeared from her inventory and instantly appeared as listings on 008''s sales channel. While 008 could have handled this task automatically, Kisha chose to go through the process herself to better understand how it worked. The listing process was strikingly similar to selling items on an online marketplace. She uploaded the items for sale, set the details, and then waited for interested buyers to take action. However, instead of reaching out directly to her, buyers would simply add the contracts to their cart or purchase them outright. It was straightforward, yet it gave Kisha a clearer picture of how the system operated. Following 008''s advice, Kisha listed each Slave Contract (Newbie) for 150 system points. If all 100 contracts were sold, she would earn 15,000 system points. Considering she had spent 20,000 system points on materials, this seemed like a decent return, especially since she still had more than half of the ink and several hundred pieces of magical parchment left. The bulk purchase 008 made included 1,000 sheets of parchment and a large bottle of enchanted ink, ensuring she had plenty of resources to continue practicing and refining her skills without needing to restock anytime soon. If Kisha maintained her current pace and success rate, she could potentially accumulate several thousand system points. The mere thought of this made her heartbeat quicken with excitement, invigorating her to keep inscribing. Thanks to her skills, Healing Dome and People''s Heart, she didn''t feel tired at all. Unlike her spiritual energy, which caused her energy core to act up if overused, her mana was far more stable. As long as her mana flowed steadily within her mana heart and her body could handle the physical exhaustion, she could continue her efforts without issue. Ding... [Dragon Lord bought Slave Contract (Newbie) x5] Ding.. [Minatour King bought Slave Contract (Newbie) x3] Ding... [The Apostle of the house of Athena bought Slave Contract (Newbie) x10] S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ding... [Dragon Lord gave you a five-star review for the Slave Contract (Newbie)] Ding... [Minatour King gave you a five-star review for the Slave Contract (Newbie)] Ding... [The Apostle of the house of Athena gave you a five-star review for the Slave Contract (Newbie)] "Ah!!! Host!!! My sales channel is finally getting reviews¡ªall thanks to you!!! Hee hee hee!" 008 laughed gleefully, practically vibrating with excitement as it watched the flood of positive reviews pouring in. To top it off, the contracts they had listed were selling like hotcakes, with no sign of slowing down. Kisha noticed something peculiar¡ªat the top of 008''s sales channel, the label [Level 0] was prominently displayed. This indicated that the store was still at its lowest rank, meaning it was either newly established or lacked sufficient points to level up. A Level 0 store was accessible to anyone with sales channel access and typically featured items that were either inexpensive or readily available in other stores. Kisha tapped her index finger against her chin, deep in thought. "008, how many bottles of Scarlet Honey do we still have?" "Host, we have thousands in our warehouse, and a few hundred bottles are with Aston for the warriors," 008 responded casually. But as soon as it finished speaking, an idea seemed to spark within it. "Host, are you thinking of adding the Scarlet Honey to our system store?!" Kisha considered it for a moment before replying, "How about we start with 100 bottles?" [Would you like to list the Scarlet Honey on the Sales Channel?] [Yes] or [No] By now, half of the slave contracts Kisha had listed in the store were already sold. With a click of ''Yes,'' 100 bottles of Scarlet Honey appeared on the sales channel, filling the empty listings. The two items in 008''s store now looked a bit sparse and unappealing, but fortunately, the seller could add descriptions to the items in the listing. This made it easier for buyers to understand their purpose. As soon as the Scarlet Honey was listed, her first buyers from earlier eagerly rushed to purchase some. This time, knowing that the Scarlet Honey came from the now-extinct Scarlet Bees¡ªa rare and unique product not found anywhere else¡ªKisha felt a surge of confidence. She decided to price each bottle at 1,000 system points, testing the market. If the price didn''t attract enough buyers, she could always adjust it later. Ding... [Dragon Lord bought Scarlet Honey x10] Ding... [The Apostle of the house of Athena bought Scarlet Honey x20] Ding... [Daoist Emperor bought Scarlet Honey x50] Ding... [Mystic Sword Emperor bought Scarlet Honey x20] This time, thanks to the unique properties of the Scarlet Honey and its limited supply, it sold far faster than the slave contracts. Buyers snatched it up in the blink of an eye, and before long, it was completely sold out. "Host! People from all over different worlds are asking if we''re going to sell more Scarlet Honey!" "They''re flooding my inbox with private messages!" 008 exclaimed, its voice tinged with panic. It was receiving an overwhelming number of inquiries, especially from cultivators from the Murim world, as well as alchemists and apothecaries. The excitement was palpable, but 008 felt overwhelmed, unsure of how to manage the sudden surge in interest. "No, just ignore them," Kisha replied with a smile, turning her focus back to inscribing more slave contracts as she continued practicing. "What?! But wouldn''t this be our chance to earn more system points?" 008 exclaimed in panic, clearly confused. It didn''t understand why Kisha was turning down such an opportunity. Worried that Kisha might be concerned about not having enough Scarlet Honey for her people, 008 scrambled to think of ways to convince her otherwise. "Tsk, tsk, tsk." Kisha clicked her tongue, wiggling her index finger in the air before adding, "Didn''t you know that with higher demand comes inflation?" "So, when we put up another batch of Scarlet Honey, we can raise the price based on today''s sales. Maybe we could even set up a bidding system. Do you think that''s possible?" She directed her question to 008, who suddenly went silent, as if its eyes had turned into dollar signs. It was already mentally calculating the system points they could earn and the good reviews they would receive from this new strategy. "Ah! Ah! Yes! That''s definitely possible! We can set up a bidding for each item and let the highest bidder win! I''ll set it up now and notify the buyers so they can keep an eye out for the upcoming bids!" 008 exclaimed, clearly excited by the idea. "Go ahead," Kisha replied without looking up, her focus still on inscribing as she continued her work. Soon, 008 sent out a notice that appeared on top of the store, flashing like an advertisement, alerting all the potential buyers about the upcoming bidding. [Dear Valued Customers, We apologize for the limited quantity of some items in our sales channel. Due to the high demand and our commitment to maintaining the highest quality, restocking may take some time. In response, we are introducing a bidding system where the highest bidder will secure the item. We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, and we sincerely apologize if we are unable to meet the demand immediately. Rest assured, we will do our best to restock and provide the best service possible. Thank you for your understanding and continued support! Sincerely, Sales Channel #841273] Chapter 539 After The Storm As soon as 008 sent the notification, a flood of angry private messages poured in from customers. Many were outraged, believing that a bidding system should be exclusive to high-ranking stores with a reputation for offering rare, valuable items. These established stores had already proven themselves, providing the best of the best from across worlds, often becoming leading figures in their respective realms. The mere idea that a newly opened store in the sales channel would introduce such a bidding system seemed not only presumptuous but audacious. Customers felt that the store was overstepping its bounds, flaunting arrogance by attempting to implement a system meant for only the most established sellers. Typically, low-level stores like 008''s would adopt a humble and subservient approach toward their customers. While they set fair prices for their items, these stores often competed to offer the lowest prices, aiming to attract more customers and improve their retention rate. Their focus was on building a strong reputation through positive reviews, hoping that over time, this would allow them to rise in status and eventually level up. While Kisha''s approach was bold, 008 couldn''t help but feel a sense of worry. However, 008 understood Kisha''s strategy. Even if customers ranted and vented their frustration, they wouldn''t be able to find any Scarlet Honey elsewhere. After all, when 008 acquired Bell, it ensured that no other store in any sales channel would have any other Scarlet Queen Bee. Wanting to avoid being bombarded with endless private messages, 008 muted the notifications and even blocked those sending harassing messages, reporting them to the system moderators. Since 008 and Kisha hadn''t violated any rules or guidelines, the moderators quickly acted, issuing warnings to the offenders. The channel fell silent once more. Shortly after, 008 began receiving a flood of positive reviews from customers who had purchased the Scarlet Honey again, along with messages eagerly inquiring about the next restock. Following Kisha''s strategy to keep the customers hooked, 008 deliberately left the messages unread and didn''t respond. As a result, those who had experienced the effects of the Scarlet Honey set up notifications for 008''s sales channel, eager to be alerted as soon as new items were stocked. Especially those from the Murim world, who were familiar with the legendary Scarlet Honey, became even more determined to acquire more. As a result, 008''s sales channel began to gain recognition, steadily growing in popularity. But thanks to the Scarlet Honey, they had earned 100,000 system points almost effortlessly, which made both Kisha and 008 giggle with delight. Kisha''s system points were now back to 145,000, and there were still some slave contracts left in the store. An idea suddenly surged in Kisha''s mind. "Do you think you''ll be able to find the remaining materials we need to complete the Solar Panel?" "Host, we can," 008 replied. "Buying it from the system store would be overkill. We can get it from mission rewards or the resource crates in your inventory without spending any points." "Oh, now that you remind me, we do have unopened resource crates in the inventory, and more will be coming in from the ongoing missions." Kisha soon abandoned the idea and decided to focus on improving her inscribing proficiency instead. Seeing how dedicated she was, Duke chose not to disturb her. Instead, he focused on his own cultivation near the crystal. Meanwhile, the other members of Winter''s group returned and followed suit, immersing themselves in their own cultivation. Those who felt the stirring of their awakening immediately made their way to the medical facility for assistance. Despite the ongoing Geostorm outside, which kept the entire base on edge, the residents chose to place their trust in Kisha and focus on what they could control. While confined to their homes, the solo artisans set to work, using the limited supplies they had scavenged from around the base. Their goal was clear: to open their stalls as soon as the storm passed. In the workshop, the artisans were equally busy, especially the food artisans. With an abundance of food supplies at their disposal, many began crafting pickles, dried foods, and even ham, smoked fish, and cured meats, ensuring they were well-prepared for what lay ahead. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thanks to the bustling activity, the base didn''t feel as gloomy as other places, even with the ongoing Geostorm. 008 had done an excellent job of changing the city shield to a new one, ensuring that no wind could be felt from the outside, despite the continuing tornadoes and hail. Meanwhile, in the small building beside the Central Hall, Doctor Shuveck and Engineer Steel were in high spirits. They had successfully recharged three batteries to 100% and safely stored them, ensuring a plentiful supply of electricity for the future. However, they now faced a new challenge: the pole Kisha had installed atop the Central Hall. It was absorbing too much powerful lightning, and they feared it wouldn''t last much longer. Despite this, the data they had gathered was invaluable. They now only needed to replace the wiring and chips at the bottom of the pole, as they were nearly fried from the constant strain. Fortunately, the materials used for the pole were made from a sturdy metal, which prevented it from exploding or splitting after several powerful lightning strikes. However, their new challenge was figuring out how to replace the wiring and chips within the pole without causing any further damage or getting hit by the lightning. The days passed quickly, with the Geostorm raging for two more days, leaving only two days remaining before the 30-day nesting period mission given to Kisha by the system. She and the others barely noticed how quickly time had flown by, as they were all busy in their respective tasks. Duke had reached a point where he was ready to level up again, while Kisha had reached 100% mastery proficiency and advanced to intermediate inscribing after working tirelessly within her territory. She also helped 008 manage the store in the sales channel. By now, Kisha had used up the 1,000 sheets of parchment, earning another 135,000 system points. Both items in the store had sold out, and she had yet to restock the Scarlet Honey. Even Mrs. Winters had been coming in and out of the territory space to cultivate alongside Duke and the others, managing to level up to level 2. Sparrow and Vulture were also on the verge of leveling up to level 3. Kisha, not wanting to fall behind, balanced her work on inscribing proficiency with cultivation, and was now just one step away from leveling up herself. After what felt like a month, everyone left the territory and were greeted by the bright sun and calm weather outside. The residents of the base began to emerge from their homes, no longer hearing the loud thunder or the howling winds. The streets inside the base remained as clean and tidy as they had left them, but when the soldiers climbed to the top of the wall, they saw the horrific scene outside. Outside the walls, there was nothing left intact. The cars on the street were nearly shredded by the tornadoes, their twisted remains scattered across the area. Some were embedded in buildings, while others hung upside down in the most unlikely places, and a few had been thrown several kilometers from their original locations. 008, too, was growing nervous, concerned that the city''s shield wouldn''t withstand much longer after three days of nonstop Geostorm. Fortunately, there were brief moments when the hail would stop, and the number of tornadoes surrounding the base would subside, only to pick up again after a while. These temporary lulls, though brief, were enough to help conserve the little protection energy the city shield still had left. The trees outside the base had been completely uprooted, and not a single lamppost remained standing, all torn down by the tornadoes that had circled their base like a giant spinning top. Outside, the floodwaters had risen to ankle-deep, but thankfully, they had already cleared out the mutated rats from the sewers before the storm hit. Without that precaution, they might have been at risk for leptospirosis. The situation they faced, though concerning, was relatively mild compared to other areas. In some places, entire cities had sunk beneath the ocean, like Port City, where only the tips of towering buildings now poked out from the water. Other regions had been torn apart by tornadoes, mudslides had swallowed an entire village, and flash floods had wiped out half of some communities. However, there was no way to truly convey the devastation happening around the world, and Kisha and her team now needed to focus on strengthening their defenses. After all, the three days of blood rain would likely trigger the evolution of the zombies. They were fortunate, though, that the relentless tornadoes had acted as a natural barrier, shredding any evolving zombies that dared to approach their base during the storm. Now, with the storm finally over, it felt as though they were merely experiencing the calm before the real storm. Kisha could sense a shift in the air, an unsettling tension that made her skin crawl and the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She immediately instructed her team to begin preparations. The 30-day nesting period in the base was coming to an end in two days, and she couldn''t shake the feeling that the mission had not only been to keep her within the base, but that something significant was about to unfold. While Kisha and Duke were busy securing the base, she sent Sparrow on a mission they had prepared for¡ªto head north and pretend to retrieve the surviving livestock from a farm in that area. Chapter 540 Sparrow Going On A Mission Again "Alright, everyone, get in formation!" Sparrow commanded, knocking on the side of the truck to get everyone''s attention. He urged the team to line up so he could give a quick pep talk before the mission. Meanwhile, around the base, the soldiers were working hard, pushing crate after crate of firearms into position, ready for deployment. Vulture was directing his warriors to fortify the defenses, summoning more earth spikes to reinforce the walls. Even Rose was busy on her end, conjuring additional Ice Crystal Spikes along sections of the wall she hadn''t had time to address earlier. As Sparrow''s team assembled in front of him, standing straight and lined up with military precision, he scanned each of them carefully. Though he didn''t say it aloud, the tension in his demeanor was evident¡ªeveryone could sense that their City Lord was anxious about this something. It was clear that she expected them to complete it as quickly as possible and return by the following morning, no matter what. Fortunately, Sparrow''s team consisted entirely of the seasoned Winters men and five members of STAU, a combination that inspired confidence. Their primary challenge was maintaining their cover for the mission, but the blood rain that had recently occurred posed a serious complication. The outside world was now far more perilous¡ªzombies were in the midst of their evolution, making them hungrier, more aggressive, and even more unpredictable than usual. The stakes had never been higher. This pep talk was meant to mentally and emotionally prepare the team for the challenges ahead. Thankfully, the past two days had provided an unexpected advantage: all the Winters'' men had successfully awakened their abilities. This remarkable progress was likely due to the concentrated spiritual energy within Kisha''s territory, combined with the potent effects of the Scarlet Honey, which seemed to guarantee an almost 100% success rate for awakening. Because of this, the team no longer needed to fear dying or turning into zombies while outside. Their time spent in the territory space over the past 3 days which was equivalent to 30 days had been invaluable¡ªmost of them had already reached level one, thanks to their nonstop cultivation and sparring, which not only strengthened their foundations but also stabilized their progress. Even the warriors at the base were stunned to learn that in just three days of seclusion, the team had not only awakened their abilities but had also advanced to level one. It was a feat no one could fully comprehend. Although many were eager to gossip about the team''s astonishing progress, they quickly held their tongues. Sparrow looked like he was in a rush, and Kisha''s restless demeanor only added to the urgency in the air. Sensing the gravity of the situation, everyone turned their attention back to their tasks. Sparrow, with a steely expression, addressed his team. "I know many of you have already seen the state of things outside, but after the storm, it''s absolute chaos." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The evolving zombies are more formidable than ever¡ªstronger, faster, and deadlier." "I need each one of you to stay sharp, keep your eyes wide open, and never get complacent." He paced back and forth in front of his team, his tone firm and commanding, driving home the seriousness of their mission. More than anyone else, Sparrow had the most experience navigating the outside world during the blood rain. He had even survived a near-fatal encounter with an evolved zombie¡ªa harrowing experience that left a deep impression on him. With that in mind, he stressed the importance of vigilance. "Stay alert at all times," he warned, his voice firm. "Do not abandon your position under any circumstances unless ordered. The stakes are too high, and one mistake could cost us everything." Having worked alongside Sparrow for so long, the Winters'' men were well-acquainted with his no-nonsense temperament. They understood that when Sparrow spoke in this tone, he meant business. His warning wasn''t just a precaution¡ªit was a clear directive: stay grounded, follow orders, and resist the urge to play the hero. Acting impulsively could spell disaster, not just for the individual but for the entire team. The weight of his words settled heavily on them, and many unconsciously swallowed the lump in their throats as they exchanged glances, feeling the palpable tension in the air. "Also, even though you''ve all awakened and reached level one, remember this: after the blood rain, many of the zombies will have likely reached level one as well," Sparrow reminded them, his tone grave. "This makes them stronger, faster, and far more dangerous than before. Don''t be caught off guard if you find yourself pushed back by their newfound strength." The repeated warning brought a renewed focus to the group, as Sparrow''s words reminded them of Kisha''s earlier insights. She had explained that the blood rain was a catalyst for evolution, not just for humans but for zombies as well. This was why Kisha had instructed the Winters'' men, the warriors, and soldiers to venture out occasionally during the Geostorm, encouraging them to use the opportunity to benefit from the rain''s effects. Kisha hadn''t told the survivors the full significance of the blood rain to avoid unnecessary panic. To ensure the base remained safe from any potential zombie transformations during this time, Kisha assigned Vulture and his team to patrol the area more frequently. They kept a close watch on residents bathing in the rain or using the collected rainwater from the blood rain. While the rainwater could aid in awakening abilities, leveling up, or increasing strength, it also carried a significant risk of triggering zombie transformations, making vigilance crucial. This is why Vulture and his team were too preoccupied with patrolling the base to join Sparrow on his mission outside. After finalizing preparations, Sparrow''s team boarded the trucks, including two modified vehicles designed specifically for transporting livestock. "Let''s roll out!" Sparrow called from the driver''s seat of the lead truck, his voice firm and resolute. "Roger!" "Okay!" "Yes sir!" As soon as the trucks'' engines roared to life, a frantic shout echoed from the top of the wall. "Zombies incoming!" The alarm sent shockwaves through the base. Soldiers who had been busy hauling crates of firearms immediately dropped their tasks and sprinted to their stations atop the wall. They began firing at the incoming horde of evolving zombies, whose appearance was far more terrifying than before. These zombies no longer staggered aimlessly. They ran with unnerving speed and ferocity, their emaciated faces twisted in hunger, and their roars had turned guttural, animalistic. The sight alone was enough to send a chill down the spines of the soldiers. For those who had survived the horrors of the second blood rain, the scene brought back haunting memories. Fear prickled at their skin as they recalled that night of chaos and carnage, but they steadied their aim, determined not to let history repeat itself. Vulture immediately climbed to the top of the wall, leaving the internal patrol duties to Bald Eagle. Taking command of the situation, he shouted over the chaos, "Don''t let them get too close to the wall! Aim and fire!" Without wasting a second, he raised his hands and began conjuring earth spikes. With precision, the sharp formations erupted from the ground meters ahead of the advancing zombies. However, this horde was unlike any they had faced before¡ªfaster, more agile, and disturbingly evasive. Many of the zombies dodged the spikes with unnatural reflexes, closing the distance toward the wall. Frustration flickered across Vulture''s face as he gritted his teeth, pushing himself to conjure spikes faster and in rapid succession. Sweat formed on his brow as he adjusted his tactics, aiming for clusters of zombies to maximize the impact of his attacks. "Stay sharp and keep them away!" he roared, his determination unwavering despite the mounting pressure. Bang... Bang... Rahhhh! Roar!!! The deafening sound of gunfire mingled with the guttural roars of the evolving zombies, creating a chaotic symphony in the air. From every corner of the wall, the battle raged on. Kisha and Duke quickly took their positions, coordinating with the soldiers to manage the escalating situation. Though the horde of evolving zombies was relentless, it still fell short of a full-scale zombie raid. The primary challenge, however, was their speed¡ªfaster and more agile than ever, making them harder to target. On Kisha''s side, she opted for a broader, more devastating approach. With calculated precision, she wielded larger objects, sweeping swathes of zombies off the ground and pulverizing them into unrecognizable heaps. Meanwhile, Duke unleashed raw, overwhelming power. His attacks rained down indiscriminately, ensuring that even the most evasive of zombies couldn''t escape the sheer force of his onslaught. Together, they provided a formidable defense, buying the soldiers precious time to regroup and adjust to this terrifying new threat. On Vulture''s side, where Sparrow and his team were exiting through the north gate, the combined efforts of the awakened ability users and the soldiers created a strong defense. While the awakened ability user''s attacks often missed, the soldiers quickly adapted, using the missed shots as cues to predict the zombies'' movements. With their keen aim, they targeted the zombies as they evaded the blows, managing to land shots on their moving targets. This tactical advantage helped maintain control, easing the pressure on Vulture and his team. Though the evolving zombies were still a significant threat, the coordinated effort of both groups allowed them to manage the onslaught more effectively, buying them crucial time to hold their ground. However, the zombies'' defense seemed to have improved as well. A single bullet no longer sufficed to penetrate their skulls and kill them, forcing the soldiers to expend more ammunition to take down each zombie. Chapter 541 Going With Them Fortunately, the sniper''s bullets, with their higher velocity and power, still proved effective. One well-placed shot from the snipers was enough to take down a zombie, providing crucial support from the watch towers above. Their precision shots helped to thin the horde, giving the ground forces a much-needed advantage in the ongoing battle. Vulure''s radio crackled during this chaos, he almost couldn''t hear it because of the loud gunfire around him and the sound of the zombie''s roaring from all around the outside wall. He grabbed the radio, the crackle of static breaking the silence before Kisha''s voice came through. "Vulture, do you copy?" "Young Madam, I''m here. Copy." His response was steady, the urgency of the situation clear in his tone. "Great, I need you to head out with Sparrow," Kisha said without wasting any time. "With the evolving zombies becoming more unpredictable and powerful, Sparrow will need you on this mission to provide defensive support for the team." Vulture paused for a moment, scanning the area as the zombies continued to advance. Thankfully, their numbers seemed to be dwindling. His gaze shifted to Sparrow''s truck, which was steadily making its way toward the gate. The others were already preparing to open it, and Vulture knew there wasn''t much time left to act. "I''ll go, Young Madam," Vulture replied. As soon as Sparrow''s truck reached the gate and the front of the vehicle passed the wall, Vulture swiftly leaped from the top of the wall, landing with a loud creak and thud on the truck''s roof. Despite the noise, Sparrow remained focused and didn''t flinch, continuing to drive without hesitation. As soon as Vulture landed on the roof of Sparrow''s truck, he quickly stashed his radio away. He didn''t need to carry anything¡ªfood and supplies would be provided when necessary. Crouching low, he positioned himself on the roof like a spider, steady and alert. As the truck barreled through the zombies in its path, Vulture focused, his hands moving swiftly. He conjured a protective earth wall in front of the truck, shaping it into a triangular barrier. The wall cleared the way, allowing the truck to bulldoze forward with ease, pushing through the relentless undead without slowing. The soldiers and warriors who had been standing on top of the wall were momentarily stunned by what Vulture had done just now. It took them a moment to process what they had just seen, but soon, they regained their composure and refocused on their task. Working together, they continued to eliminate the incoming zombies, clearing the path for Sparrow''s team. It wasn''t any easier for Sparrow and his crew. The road ahead was clogged with evolving zombies, and their trucks shook violently with each undead body they ran over. Despite the constant jolting of the truck, they didn''t slow down. They pushed forward relentlessly, determined to make it through the dense swarm. As soon as Sparrow reached the farthest point where the snipers from the watchtower could no longer see them, he slammed his foot on the gas, causing Vulture to jerk backward from the roof. Fortunately, Vulture''s quick reflexes saved him, but not without a few curse words for Sparrow. ''Damn this jerk! He''s doing that on purpose!'' Vulture thought, gritting his teeth as he leaned down closer to the truck, trying to avoid being swept away by the rushing wind. Then, without warning, Sparrow made a sharp left turn, nearly sending Vulture flying off the truck''s roof. Vulture cursed nonstop, his frustration building as he clung to the roof. Sparrow wasn''t unaware¡ªhe could faintly hear Vulture''s curses growing louder with every sharp turn he made to avoid the oncoming zombie horde. Vulture didn''t even get a chance to drop down from the roof and climb inside the truck; Sparrow''s erratic driving felt like a wild rodeo ride. "Fuck you, Sparrow!" Vulture yelled at the top of his lungs, desperately gripping the roof of the truck. He held on to anything he could to avoid being thrown off, but Sparrow didn''t slow down. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to; he couldn''t. Zombies swarmed the streets in endless waves, and if they stopped for even a second, they''d be swarmed. The trucks behind them followed in tight formation, almost like a centipede, ensuring there was no gap that zombies could use to cut them off. Driving this way was a challenge¡ªSparrow''s every small movement had to be mirrored with perfect precision, a near impossible task as they fought to stay ahead of the relentless horde. The drivers of each truck were turning the steering wheels as sharply and quickly as possible, matching every slight movement Sparrow made up front. Each driver gritted their teeth, their palms sweaty with nerves. But more than anything, they were laser-focused on their task. The passengers in the front seats didn''t dare make a sound, afraid even the smallest noise would distract the drivers. They gripped the overhead handles with all their might, their bodies slamming left and right with each turn, sometimes even jerking backward. Those in the back were in an even worse position. The truck swayed violently, and on the first sharp left turn, those sitting in the back were slammed hard against the side. Some were thrown forward into the lap of the person in front of them, only to be tossed in the opposite direction moments later. They clung desperately to whatever they could grab, trying to stay upright in the chaos. They weren''t faring any better than Vulture in this situation, but no one dared to complain. The growls of the zombies were deafening, echoing from all around as they drew closer to the truck. They could hear the frantic pounding of claws and feet as the zombies raced toward them, leaping onto the vehicles. A single moment of hesitation or a brief stop, and the trucks would be overwhelmed. The zombies would swarm them, tipping the trucks over or sending them careening off course into a disastrous accident. Because of the constant jerking of the truck, they couldn''t even use their awakened abilities to fight back against the zombies. It took more than thirty minutes of relentless driving to finally shake the undead, leaving the sprinting zombies in the dust behind them. Only when Sparrow was certain they had outrun them did he ease up on the aggressive driving. However, they didn''t completely stop moving. This brief respite gave Vulture the chance to slip into the passenger seat, awkwardly squeezing through the window to join the person already seated there. Meanwhile, those in the back finally got a moment to catch their breath, adjusting their positions as the truck''s chaotic pace slowed. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Are you guys still alive?" One of Winters'' men asked teasingly, eyeing the five STAU members who looked like they were on the verge of collapse, their faces pale and contorted in discomfort after being tossed around in the back of the truck. They couldn''t muster a response. All they could do was weakly look up and force a smile¡ªthough it was more of a grimace, a poor attempt at hiding their misery. No one could blame them, though. After the brutal, stomach-churning drive, everyone felt dizzy, struggling to regain their bearings after the violent turns and sudden maneuvers. Chapter 542 SparV One of the STAU nodded, but the simple movement made his stomach churn. He gagged, barely stopping himself from vomiting as the wild ride took its toll. No one said a word after that, the air thick with shared misery. Everyone had stopped asking questions¡ªno one felt any better than the others. Once Vulture finally settled into the passenger seat, he let out a slow breath, the tension easing from his body. Sparrow didn''t ask why he was there; he simply kept his focus on the road, his hands steady on the wheel as he continued to drive down the street. Vulture let out a small chuckle, his tone light with excitement. "Partner, looks like we''re back at it. The SparV is in action again!" He grinned, reminiscing about the old days. Back then, he and Sparrow were always paired up for missions. Sparrow would be behind the wheel, while Vulture sat in the passenger seat, ready to offer support when needed. But after they reached City B''s base, things changed. Their missions became more independent, and their paths started to diverge. Most of the time, Sparrow was sent out due to his awakened ability and the compatibility it offered for external missions, while Vulture stayed behind, guarding the base. Now that he had the chance to get back out, Vulture felt a surge of excitement, like an arrow finally loosed from its bow. Sparrow could sense how much Vulture had been holding in¡ªthe frustration of being left behind as their paths diverged. Their individual growth had started to pull them further apart. Vulture''s opportunities for progress were limited within the base, while Sparrow''s potential had been constantly tested by the unpredictable challenges of the outside world. Sparrow let out a teasing snort. "I hope you''re not planning on slowing me down." The words sounded harsh, but a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Deep down, he was glad to be working alongside his old partner again. After all, he and Vulture knew each other so well, their partnership a seamless blend of trust and experience. "Ha! We''ll see who holds back who!" Vulture shot back, his eyes scanning the road and the surrounding buildings, always alert for any sign of zombies nearby. His gaze was sharp, almost gleaming with excitement, as if this was his first taste of freedom in a long time. Sparrow simply shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. Despite the teasing, he was genuinely happy for his partner. While Sparrow and his team made their way up the north, Kisha, Duke, and the others were busy clearing the area outside the walls. Fortunately, the walls were stronger than ever, reinforced with earth spikes and ice crystal spikes created by Rose. Even with the evolving zombies slipping past the gunfire from the soldiers and the barrage of awakened abilities coming from all directions, the undead couldn''t get close. The spikes impaled them before they even had a chance to reach the walls. Although the zombies had grown faster and more resilient, their defenses had improved, but they hadn''t become any smarter. They charged directly toward the wall, oblivious to the spikes. In the end, the spikes stopped them, but Kisha and the others knew they couldn''t rely on them forever. The spikes could only hold so much. Eventually, the zombies caught in the traps would become stepping stones for the others, allowing them to climb over and reach the wall. One advantage they had was that the wall was 10 meters high, making it difficult for the zombies to scale it. "Alright, soldiers, prioritize the closest zombies! Superhumans, focus on the ones in the middle¡ªtake down as many as you can!" Kisha commanded sharply, pausing just long enough to give her team the chance to adjust to the zombies'' patterns and speed. Within moments, the soldiers and superhumans adapted to the new strategy, shifting tactics in perfect unison to follow her orders. This strategy allowed the soldiers to conserve ammunition by focusing only on the zombies caught in the earth spikes, while the superhumans handled the incoming threats. Though the superhumans'' aim didn''t always result in a sure kill, often only severing limbs like legs or arms, this was enough to slow the zombies down. Even if they couldn''t eliminate them with a single shot, the superhumans took advantage of the pause, using the moment to adjust their aim and strike again¡ªthis time ensuring a kill. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Good! Keep this pace!" Kisha''s voice rang out, firm and encouraging. Thanks to both her passive and active abilities, the superhumans were able to push through without feeling the usual exhaustion, their energy sustained as they fought. On Duke''s side, after unleashing his overwhelming power, he took a brief moment to recharge, allowing his spiritual energy to replenish. Despite the toll it had taken on him, his voice remained sharp and commanding as he barked orders to the soldiers and superhumans. "Use the machine guns¡ªaim for the head!" Though he had expended more spiritual energy than he let on, his face remained cold and unreadable. Only he knew how fatigued he was, but his expression gave no hint of the weariness creeping through him. "Yes, sir!" the soldiers responded in unison, their eyes locked on the street ahead. Duke remained standing in the center, his gaze fixed forward. "Superhumans, pair up. Use your awakened abilities to corner one zombie at a time, and work together. This will help you get used to their new speed, so you will not get caught off guard in future for melee combat." His voice was steady as he observed the horde outside. "Copy, Vice City Lord!" came the chorus of replies. Duke observed as the soldiers and superhumans followed his instructions, nodding slightly when he saw their initially clumsy efforts improve with time. He allowed himself a moment to rest, feeling his spiritual energy gradually returning to full strength. For now, he crossed his arms over his chest, maintaining a calm yet commanding presence as he directed the team. However, the chaos wasn''t limited to the outside. Reports soon came in of survivors within the base turning into zombies. These were likely the ones who had been exposed to the blood rain but failed to awaken an ability, instead succumbing to the transformation into the undead. When Bald Eagle discovered this, he learned that some survivors had tried to conceal the infected, unable to accept the horrifying truth that their loved ones had turned into zombies. These were family members who hadn''t been bitten, and the survivors couldn''t understand how it had happened. Grief-stricken, they could only cry in despair. Despite their denial, they tried to hide the transformation, but it was the neighbors who lived closest to them who reported the situation to Bald Eagle''s team. They knew the threat could escalate, and they acted quickly to prevent the incident from growing and potentially threatening the safety of the entire base. Most people knew that concealing this was selfish and could jeopardize the entire base, but they couldn''t help it. The transformation had come so suddenly, and the emotional turmoil of losing their loved ones made it hard for them to act rationally. Some survivors who had been exposed to the blood rain began transforming on the first day of the Geostorm, but their families had hidden it, unwilling to face the truth. Others had turned on the second or third day, and it was only now that Bald Eagle had become aware of the growing threat. Chapter 543 A Mothers Grief "Encircle the building!" Bald Eagle barked angrily, his eyes burning with fury as he stared at the structure. Inside, some of the families were hiding their infected loved ones, reluctant to kill them. They had bound the zombies with ropes and gagged their mouths to muffle the growls, hoping to keep them from drawing attention from the neighbors. No matter how hard they tried to hide it, some neighbors couldn''t ignore the commotion, the muffled growls, and the putrid stench of rotting flesh emanating from inside. Bald Eagle''s team surrounded the building, their expressions grim and jaws clenched in determination. "We''re in position, sir! Waiting for your order!" the warriors said in unison, their voices steady but taut with anticipation. "Don''t come any closer!" a family member of the infected shouted from inside the house. The door and windows were already tightly shut, the family doing everything they could to keep Bald Eagle and his team out. But would this flimsy barrier be enough to stop them from forcing their way inside? Of course not. The family''s resistance only fueled Bald Eagle''s anger further. Adopting Duke''s ruthless approach, he no longer had any patience for their explanations. His sole focus was doing his job and ensuring the safety of the base from this growing threat, especially with Kisha and Duke busy fighting off the zombies at the wall. But as history has shown, the hardest threats aren''t those from the outside¡ªthey come from within. It''s not the attacking force that''s the greatest danger, but the traitors who manage to infiltrate the walls and undermine the defense from within. And guarding against such attacks was always the most difficult challenge. Bald Eagle now approached the situation with more focus and determination. "Tear the door open!" he barked, his eyes narrowing with intensity. Inside the building, the people grew restless, fear spreading among them as they realized what was coming. "Don''t come! Stay away!" A woman''s voice shouted from behind the window, trembling with fear. "Please, don''t come! Just leave this to us¡ªI swear it won''t be a threat to the base. Please, trust me!" "No!" Bald Eagle''s voice was firm, cutting through the air. "Even if the one who turned into a zombie is your son, your husband, or any other family member, we can''t allow a zombie to live and walk inside the base. Not only will it kill your remaining loved ones, but it will also put everyone else at risk!" His words were not aimed at reasoning with the woman inside¡ªhe knew she was beyond listening, consumed by grief, disbelief, and sorrow. She couldn''t hear him anymore. But Bald Eagle wasn''t speaking to her. He wanted the other survivors to hear, to understand. He knew that, no matter how some might try to hide those who had turned, the rest of the community, those with any conscience left, would never allow the secret to remain. Bald Eagle needed them to understand just how dangerous it was to keep a zombie within the base. Even if they had contained it for now, accidents always happened¡ªand leaving everything to chance was too risky. "No!!!!" The woman''s voice shrieked from inside, wild with desperation, her cry both heartbreaking and maddening. But Bald Eagle had already hardened his heart, knowing that the safety of everyone else was his responsibility. "Kick the door open!" Bald Eagle commanded again, his voice unwavering. His warriors snapped back into focus, exchanging determined nods before advancing toward the building. They ignored the frantic, nonstop shouts of the woman pleading for them to stop, their focus set on the task at hand. They began kicking at the door, but it didn''t budge. It was clear the woman had barricaded it with every piece of furniture she could find, making it nearly impossible to open. With each kick, the door barely moved. Inside, the woman had already positioned herself behind it, using her own body to hold it shut, desperate to stop them from entering. "Honey... Don''t worry, I won''t let anyone hurt you..." The woman whispered, her voice trembling as she gazed at the figure tied to the floor. The zombie''s bloodshot eyes seemed to weep tears of blood, its movements frantic and desperate. It squirmed against the ropes, trying in vain to break free, its body relentless in its efforts. Though it felt no pain, the constant struggle tore at its flesh, leaving its hands and ankles raw and nearly reduced to bone as it rubbed against the bindings. As Bald Eagle''s team battered the door, the woman frantically worked to reinforce the barricade, pressing her body against it to keep them out. "You can''t come in! I won''t let you hurt my son!" she hissed, her voice raw with madness. Her eyes burned red with a mix of fury and pain, the weight of her grief consuming her. Her only son¡ªher only remaining family¡ªhad turned into a zombie, and she had no understanding of how it happened. They were supposed to build a life together, support each other in this broken world. Now, all that hope had shattered in an instant. They had only each other now. Most of their family and friends had either turned into zombies or perished trying to escape to City B. Her son was all she had left, and together, they had built a small, fragile sense of normalcy. They had work, they earned enough to buy meat from the Supply Center, and for the first time in a long while, they had hope for tomorrow. They talked about the future¡ªabout awakening their abilities, about the life they still hoped to live. She dreamed of seeing her son fall in love, get married, and have children. She imagined holding her grandchildren in her arms, watching them grow. So many milestones, so many moments they had looked forward to, now seemed so far out of reach. The future they had planned¡ªher son''s future¡ªhad just been ripped away in an instant. She couldn''t accept it. She refused to. In her heart, she still believed there was a cure somewhere¡ªa way to bring her son back. She told herself that if she just waited long enough, someone would find it, and everything would be okay again. But the harsh reality was closing in, and she couldn''t deny it anymore. Her son had turned on the first day of the Geostorm, and since then, she had kept him tied up, desperately clinging to the hope that it wasn''t too late. But now, after days of neglect, the wound on his body had begun to fester and rot, emitting a sickening odor. He wasn''t her son anymore. He was just a shell, a walking corpse, driven only by the remnants of a broken mind. Thud! Thud! The warriors outside kicked the door with relentless force, each blow growing more urgent than the last. They weren''t devoid of compassion¡ªeach of them could feel the woman''s anguish, her heartache¡ªand yet, they couldn''t ignore the truth she refused to see. What she called love was really a dangerous kind of selfishness, and they were the ones who had to make the hard call. Her refusal to accept reality, to let go of what was gone, could lead to catastrophe for everyone in the base. If the zombie broke free, if it spread the infection or killed someone else, the consequences would ripple outward, devastating more lives. More families would be torn apart, just as hers had been, and others would be left to suffer the same agonizing loss. Was that what she truly wanted for her son? To have his memory be the cause of even more grief and more victims, caught in the same destructive cycle? The onlookers gathered around the building, their hearts heavy with sympathy. They could all feel the woman''s pain, as they had each experienced the same gut-wrenching grief more than once since the apocalypse began. No one could blame her for the overwhelming sorrow that clouded her judgment¡ªit was a natural, human response. But as they watched the scene unfold, a sense of unease settled over them. Their feelings were torn. While they understood her pain, they also knew the reality of the situation all too well. Keeping a zombie inside the base was an incredibly dangerous gamble, one that could spiral into disaster if not dealt with swiftly. They couldn''t shake the fear of what might happen if it broke free¡ªif it spread the infection or caused more lives to be lost. At that moment, they were caught between empathy for a mother in agony and the cold, harsh knowledge that the safety of everyone in the base was at stake. The air was thick with tension as a heavy silence settled over everyone. Each person was lost in their own thoughts, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. The woman''s frantic shouting from inside the building echoed through the quiet, her desperate pleas growing more frantic with each passing second as she tried to barricade the door. Meanwhile, the doorframe groaned under the relentless force of the kicks, its wood splintering and creaking as dust fell with each impact. The frame was visibly buckling, on the verge of giving way, as if it could barely withstand the mounting pressure. Every violent strike made the walls shudder, amplifying the sense of impending collapse. The longer it took to bring down the door, the harder the warriors kicked, their strikes growing more forceful with each passing moment. They understood the urgency of the situation¡ªthe longer they delayed, the more unpredictable and dangerous things could become. They couldn''t afford hesitation. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From inside, the woman''s desperate cries pierced the air, her voice raw with anguish. "Ah!!! Ah!!! No!!!" She screamed, her words laced with a mixture of denial and fear, as though hoping against hope that somehow, they would listen. Chapter 544 Those Who Mourn "Ah!" The woman let out a piercing scream, suddenly shrill and filled with unrestrained terror, like the cry of an animal in its final moments. Her frantic pleas faltered, choking off into a breathless silence. Then, the silence shattered as a guttural, primal roar erupted from behind the door, echoing with a bone-deep ferocity that made everyone freeze. Roar! Grah! Without even looking, they knew what had happened inside¡ªit was already too late to save the woman. This was the price she paid for concealing her son after his transformation. The warriors under Bald Eagle, now on high alert, didn''t let the grim reality slow them down. They redoubled their efforts, kicking at the door with renewed urgency. After several powerful strikes, the door splintered nearly in half. Working quickly, the warriors pried it open, their movements precise and cautious. The furniture piled behind the door served as a temporary barrier, providing a small measure of safety against the zombie inside. It gave the team enough time to force their way in without fear of an immediate attack, but they knew the real danger was just beyond the threshold. Through the small gap, they could hear loud, ravenous munching sounds, as if the person on the other side was desperately hungry. Low growls rumbled from within the room, adding to the tension. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, due to the furniture blocking their view, it took them longer to break down the door. By the time they finally managed to tear it open, Bald Eagle had already pushed the civilians farther back to ensure no one would be caught off guard if the zombie lunged out the moment a path was cleared. The civilians, fully aware of the danger and knowing they were powerless to help, took several cautious steps back. Some of the warriors stood by, rifles aimed at the door, ready for any sudden movement. Meanwhile, the rest of the team continued to work on the door, carefully moving the furniture aside. Since not all the warriors had awakened yet, they moved with extreme caution, fully aware that any misstep could lead to a deadly bite from the zombie. Fortunately, most of the furniture blocking the door wasn''t very large¡ªjust stools, chairs, small drawers, and tables. As they cleared the last of it, the warriors finally got a clear view inside the house. What they saw made their stomachs twist. The male zombie was crouched on the ground, ravenously gnawing on a body, its face buried in a pool of blood. It didn''t take much to realize the body belonged to the woman from earlier. The zombie gripped her arm, sinking its teeth deep into the flesh, tearing away at the ligament and skin as it pulled with horrifying strength. It was a truly nauseating sight, one that made even the seasoned warriors who had witnessed all this gruesome sight before pale as they stood frozen, forced to watch every horrifying detail up close. Some of them, with weaker stomachs, couldn''t hold back and vomited on the spot. Despite having witnessed such scenes countless times before, the raw brutality of it still struck them hard. The grotesque sight stirred up deep, unwanted emotions and memories they had long buried, leaving them feeling physically sick and overwhelmed. Fortunately, the zombie was so consumed with its grisly meal that it didn''t seem to notice the warriors retching in disgust nearby. Only Bald Eagle, hardened by years of experience, remained focused. He aimed his assault rifle steadily at the door, stepping cautiously closer. When he reached the threshold, there was no hesitation. With practiced precision, he pulled the trigger, the shot ringing out as he struck the zombie directly at the back of its head, ending the gruesome feast. Bang! Bang! Bald Eagle fired several more shots, ensuring the zombie was truly dead before cautiously approaching the corpse. With a grim expression, he turned his attention to the unmoving woman on the floor. Knowing she would eventually rise as one of them, he made the decision to put her down now, rather than risk one of his warriors being caught off guard while handling the bodies. It was a harsh choice, but one made with survival in mind. He fired again, ensuring there would be no surprises and no more danger. The warriors standing to the side weren''t shocked by Bald Eagle''s actions. Instead, they regarded him with a deep sense of appreciation. They knew they weren''t yet strong enough to make such decisive choices themselves. This was the kind of leader they needed¡ªsomeone who could act without hesitation, even in the most brutal situations. They understood that if their leader had been as weak-willed as some of them, they would have paid for it with their lives long ago. Bald Eagle''s strength and resolve were the very qualities that kept them alive. After some time, the warriors regained their composure and began handling the aftermath of the situation. As they pulled the bodies from the house, the onlookers were struck by the gruesome fate the woman had met. It became painfully clear that trying to conceal the truth from the base''s leaders¡ªclinging to the hope of saving a loved one¡ªwas a dangerous mistake. The woman''s actions, driven by grief and desperation, had ultimately led to her tragic end. Yet, no one could entirely blame her. A heavy burden weighed on the hearts of those watching, as they imagined themselves in her shoes. None of them could fathom how they would react if faced with the same heart-wrenching dilemma. In the wake of the event, the survivors around the base grew increasingly vigilant. They understood the dangers of concealing a zombie and made it a priority to report anyone suspected of hiding one to Bald Eagle and his team. As a result, Bald Eagle found himself overwhelmed, constantly managing a growing list of concerns and dealing with reports from all corners of the base. The responsibility weighed heavily on him as he worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone. Kisha and Duke didn''t learn of the tragedy until much later, their attention consumed by the ongoing battle with the horde of evolving zombies attacking their base. Once they were informed of the situation, Kisha immediately ordered Bald Eagle to organize a mourning ceremony to honor those who had turned or died during this time. Bald Eagle and his team quickly set up a somber gathering in the square, arranging the bodies with care, their lifeless forms lined up side by side. As the last of the deceased were placed, the survivors began to gather around the square. Although none of the fallen were their direct family or close friends, a heavy sadness filled the air. The sight was overwhelming, and many felt the sting of grief, their eyes filled with tears as they mourned not just the loss of life, but the deepening of the community''s pain. Without realizing it, the survivors had long come to treat everyone inside the base as family, bound not by blood, but by shared hardship and survival. So, witnessing the deaths and transformations into zombies struck them deeply, each loss felt like a personal wound. The mourning ceremony became a solemn, sacred moment for all of them. With Duke leading the fire-type awakened ability users, they stood together before the bodies. Chapter 545 Those Who Mourn 2 As they raised their hands in unison, flames began to rise, engulfing the corpses and reducing them to ash. At that moment, the dead were not just burned¡ªthey were released, their tragic end marked by the fire that consumed them, closing a painful chapter for the survivors. As if the heavens themselves shared in their grief, a strong gust of wind swept through the square just after the cremation, lifting the ashes of the fallen into the air. The fine particles danced and swirled, carried freely upwards into the sky. All the survivors within the base watched in silence, their eyes following the trail of ashes as it rose, a collective moment of reverence as they looked up, acknowledging the souls now carried away by the wind. "May the souls of all these people rest in peace," Kisha''s voice rang out, steady and solemn, drawing the eyes of every survivor to her. Standing beside Duke, her face remained cold and indifferent, yet her eyes betrayed the depth of her pain. Without tears, her gaze seemed to cut through to their hearts, and for some reason, that quiet sorrow stirred even greater emotion within them. As they fought to hold back their sobs, Kisha''s voice broke the silence once more. "Don''t let grief consume you. These strong souls will now watch over us from above." "We must honor them not with sorrow, but with strength. Their passing is not the end¡ªnor does it define them." "We may or may not fully understand why some chose to hide their loved ones who turned into zombies, even as they ended up falling victim to those who turned and died, but we must learn to let go." "We owe it to them to carry on, to move forward for the sake of those who remain and for the sake of their sacrifice." "Only then can we carry the memory of our loved ones with us, all the way to the end of this struggle." "We will show them that their sacrifices were not in vain. Even if..." Kisha''s voice faltered for a moment, as if the weight of her own grief threatened to break through. She paused, regaining her composure, and continued, her tone calm but with a slight tremor. "Even if only one of us remains, we must keep fighting. We must survive, so that one day we can understand why this is happening, and see what the future holds." "That alone will bring peace to those we''ve lost, knowing that we will not let them down¡ªthat we won''t cause them to worry as they journey to the other side." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Those of us still alive must carry the burden and bear witness, continuing to fight. This is how we give justice to those who have perished." "When we eventually join them, we must have stories to share¡ªstories that will show them we did not falter, that we didn''t lose the will to fight, even when they were taken from us too soon." "I know this will be incredibly painful, especially for those of us left without family, but we must do it¡ªnot for ourselves, but for those who gave everything for us to reach this point." Kisha''s words struck deep into their hearts, and at that moment, they finally understood why they had to keep moving forward. Clinging to the last reason to keep going¡ªholding on to the memory of a single family member¡ªwas not the answer. The true answer had always been to grit their teeth, to keep fighting against a fate that seemed determined to crush them at every turn, where death lurked just a breath away. Kisha''s solemn words etched themselves into their hearts, solidifying their resolve to do better¡ªnot for their own sake, but for those they had lost along the way, whether friends, lovers, or family. They understood now: they must carry on. Kisha''s words rang true¡ªthose who had died did so by offering their lives, allowing the living to move forward while carrying their memories. It was a testament to the deep love those who sacrificed their lives had for the living, giving everything so the rest could keep fighting, keep surviving. If they were to give up, losing their will to live, wouldn''t that be dishonoring the sacrifices of those who chose to die to save them? Wouldn''t it be like a slap in their faces, making those who gave their lives regret ever doing so to save someone too weak to carry on? To give in to despair would be the ultimate betrayal, an ungrateful way to repay the lives lost for their sake. With their newfound understanding and renewed resolve to survive and grow stronger, everyone bowed their heads in a quiet prayer for those who had passed. They solemnly vowed to live as long as they could, so that when the time came to join their loved ones on the other side, they would have countless stories of their own adventures to share. In doing so, they would ensure that those who had died would never have to worry about them again. Because of this solemn end, many found the strength to start anew, a flicker of hope reigniting in their hearts as they paid their respects. Each person offered a heartfelt prayer, sending the souls of the departed to rest in peace. On Sparrow and Vulture''s side, they found themselves in a desperate situation as they reached the farm in the north after only a few hours of driving under the harsh midday sun. Cornered and on the brink of disaster, they faced a relentless attack from mutated animals. A mutated cow, resembling a raging inferno bull, charged at them without mercy. "Drive! Drive faster!" Vulture shouted, his gaze fixated on the creature as it rammed its fiery, horned head into the side of the truck. The cow''s horns, twisted like a ram''s, glowed with an eerie heat, and it seemed hell-bent on flipping the truck over, determined to take them down. "Shut the hell up! I can''t focus!" Sparrow snapped, his grip tightening on the wheel. Around them, the other trucks scattered, each trying to outrun the crazed bull charging after them. But it wasn''t just the cow¡ªother mutated animals were attacking as well. Though the storm had wiped out most of the livestock on the farm, the ones that survived had evolved into monsters of incredible strength and resilience. Even the superhumans were struggling to handle them. These mutated beasts boasted unnaturally high defense and stamina, making every encounter a battle of endurance. Bang! Sparrow''s truck was slammed again by the massive cow. The beast was so enormous it seemed to stretch half the length of the truck, and its height nearly matched the vehicle''s. The entire truck bucked violently as it rattled and wobbled across the road. The force of the impact sent Sparrow''s hands flying off the wheel for a moment, and the truck began to skid. Panic surged through him, but he gritted his teeth, desperately fighting to regain control as he yanked the wheel back, fighting against the slide. "Ah! Damn that fucking cow!" Vulture swore, gripping the overhead handle as the truck swerved. He focused, attempting to summon an earth spike to strike the beast, but it was futile¡ªthe spike barely made a dent in the cow''s thick hide. "Shit! This is useless! Drive, Sparrow!" "Shut the hell up, Vulture, you''re such a pussy!" Sparrow snapped, his teeth gritted in frustration. He struggled to steer, feeling the busted tire dragging the truck to one side. The wheel refused to respond, and the truck''s handling had turned erratic. "I''m trying, but this damn thing''s falling apart!" Chapter 546 Vulture VS The Mutated Cow "What the hell did you just say?!" Vulture''s head whipped around, his glare locking onto Sparrow. Frustration and anger flared in his chest¡ªnot only had his attack failed miserably, but now Sparrow had the nerve to snap at him and call him a pussy. Sparrow didn''t reply, his focus entirely on the wheel. Beads of sweat rolled down his temples as he fought to stabilize the truck, which was tilting dangerously to one side. "That''s it!" Vulture growled, his patience snapping. But instead of firing back with words, he acted. Without warning, he threw open the door and leaped out of the moving truck. "What the hell are you doing?!" Sparrow yelled, his voice cracking in alarm, while the man in the passenger seat shouted after Vulture in sheer disbelief. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Both watched in stunned horror as Vulture hit the ground and rolled, disappearing from view amid the chaos. "Get back here, Vulture!" Sparrow shouted from his seat, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel. The truck jolted violently, but his focus remained split between keeping the vehicle steady and yelling after his reckless teammate. Meanwhile, Vulture hit the ground hard after his jump, rolling several times before finally coming to a stop on his knees. His palms slapped the dirt, embedding into the ground as he steadied himself. Fury burned in his eyes, hot and unrelenting, and his teeth clenched as his chest heaved. The truck, the insults, the failed attacks¡ªit all boiled over into a seething need to act. His gaze snapped to the charging cow, its fiery horns blazing, and a grim determination took hold. If he needed an outlet for his rage, this beast would do. To everyone else watching, it was a suicide mission. They had already seen the mutant cow''s raw power, its ability to shrug off attacks that should have at least slowed it down. From the back of the truck, the rest of the team saw Vulture crouching in the path of destruction and shouted in unison, their voices rising in panic. "Vulture, get out of there!" "Vulture! What the hell are you doing?!" someone shouted from the truck, their voice filled with panic. "Ah, shut up! I''m gonna cook this thing and turn it into a flaming steak!" Vulture bellowed, his voice echoing with raw anger as he glared at the massive mutant cow. Standing just a few meters away from the beast, his defiance was almost palpable. The cow''s reaction was almost human¡ªits fiery eyes seemed to narrow, its nostrils flared, releasing bursts of steam, and the flames on its horns roared brighter as if fueled by its growing rage. It pawed at the ground with its massive front hooves, the sound of scraping pavement sharp and menacing. "Oh, you''re mad now?!" Vulture taunted, a cocky sneer spreading across his face. He straightened, brushing the dirt off his knees with deliberate slowness, his gaze locked on the enraged animal. The cow let out a guttural bellow, its muscles rippling as it crouched low, ready to charge. Every movement screamed of its intent to obliterate the man in front of it, and the tension in the air was thick enough to cut. "Fuck you!" Vulture roared, his voice cutting through the chaos as he charged straight at the mutant cow. The ground seemed to tremble under the sheer intensity of their collision course. Neither backed down¡ªboth man and beast hurtling toward each other with unrelenting force. Instead of dodging at the last moment, Vulture met the flaming horns head-on. With a feral shout, he gripped the burning horns tightly, the searing heat scorching his palms but failing to deter him. His feet dug into the pavement, anchoring him like an unyielding pillar as he strained to halt the beast''s relentless momentum. His muscles bulged under his shirt, veins pulsing visibly along his arms and neck as he pushed forward with raw determination. Every ounce of strength in his lower body came into play as his legs trembled with effort. His heels lifted slightly off the ground, his stance braced, leveraging every fiber of his being to counter the mutant cow''s massive strength. "Ugh!" Vulture groaned through gritted teeth as the searing heat from the cow''s flaming horns licked at his palms and face. Though the flames didn''t leave visible burns on his skin, the intense sensation was enough to make him cautious. Without hesitation, he summoned his earth armor, encasing himself in a protective layer of hardened rock and soil. Even so, he noticed something unusual¡ªthe flames hadn''t actually harmed him. A flicker of realization crossed his mind, but he dismissed it for the moment, focusing instead on the task at hand. Clad in his earthy shell, Vulture wrestled with the mutant cow, his feet grinding against the pavement as he pushed back against its monstrous strength. Not far off, Sparrow''s truck skidded to a halt as the passengers prepared to assist. However, the scene before them left everyone frozen in awe. Vulture, enveloped in his rugged armor, stood his ground against the massive, fiery beast¡ªa sight that made even the seasoned warriors hesitate in stunned silence. Vulture held his ground with surprising strength, keeping the massive cow from advancing. Despite the creature towering over him, the scene resembled a modern-day battle between David and Goliath. Vulture''s unyielding stance only seemed to enrage the beast further. The cow let out a deep, guttural moo of frustration, its hind legs kicking furiously against the pavement as it struggled to overpower its tenacious opponent. Yet, no matter how hard it pushed, Vulture refused to budge, his resolve as unshakable as the earth itself. Vulture smirked, his sneer cutting through the tension like a blade. "What''s wrong? Getting angry, you stupid cow?" he taunted, his voice dripping with defiance. Taking a deliberate step forward, he forced the massive beast to stumble back a step. The cow, furious at being overpowered, braced itself and attempted to ram him, but Vulture held firm. His grip on its blazing horns was unrelenting, rendering the creature''s attempts futile. "Mooo!!!" the cow bellowed in frustration, its fiery eyes burning with rage as it struggled against the unyielding force before it. The cow let out an enraged bellow, its nostrils flaring with thick, heavy steam. Vulture grimaced and shouted, "Ugh! Your breath stinks!" His voice carried both irritation and mockery. Behind him, Sparrow and the others watched the tense showdown with a mix of amusement and awe. A few of them chuckled at Vulture''s quip, but beneath the surface, anxiety gnawed at their nerves. They knew the stakes were high¡ªif Vulture failed to control the rampaging cow, it could ram him with devastating force. The impact might send him flying which might result in severe fractures or, worse, crush him to death. Not willing to risk Vulture getting seriously injured, Sparrow sprang into action, moving like a blur. In the blink of an eye, he appeared behind the cow, his speed so swift that the beast didn''t even notice him. Its full attention remained fixed on Vulture. Moooooo! The cow let out a sharp, pained cry, its fiery eyes darting sideways while its head stayed locked in place by Vulture''s iron grip. There, on its flank, stood Sparrow, his dagger glinting in the light. Chapter 547 The Mutated Cow Though the cow''s thick hide was formidable, Sparrow had managed to make a shallow but precise cut. "Its hide is ridiculously tough!" Sparrow muttered in frustration, repeatedly striking the same spot with his dagger. Each blow chipped away at the cow''s defenses as he focused on wearing it down to deliver a fatal stab to its stomach. Mooo! The cow let out a desperate, guttural bellow, the sound tapering off like the cry of a creature on the brink of death. Vulture, sensing its weakening strength, seized the moment. With a surge of power, he gripped the fiery horns tighter, his muscles straining as he channeled every ounce of his strength. Twisting his waist in a smooth sidestep, he hoisted the massive beast into the air and, with a roar of effort, slammed it onto the ground behind him in a bone-shaking crash. The cow''s body bounced slightly upon impact, skidding across the pavement. Thud! With a loud thud, the cow collapsed, its body going limp on the ground, unmoving. Both Vulture and Sparrow exchanged skeptical looks, surprise flickering across their faces. Sparrow stepped forward cautiously, examining the mutated cow. Its tongue hung out, slack and lifeless, while foam bubbled from its mouth. Blood trickled from its eyes, nose, and ears, creating a grotesque sight. The symptoms pointed to one grim conclusion¡ªit had been poisoned. Vulture and Sparrow exchanged a tense glance, and Vulture spoke first. "It wasn''t me." Sparrow opened his mouth to echo the same, but before he could speak, both of them noticed a drop of black liquid with a faint greenish hue dripping from the dagger still clutched in Sparrow''s hand. Vulture quickly jumped back, his eyes wide as he watched the liquid hit the pavement, sizzling upon contact. He glanced back at Sparrow, his expression one of confusion and silent questioning. Neither of them spoke for a moment, both unsure of what they had just witnessed. From a distance, those watching the scene were left to assume the outcome. They had seen Vulture slam the cow into the ground with incredible force, and when it stopped moving, they assumed the impact had killed it. After all, with Vulture''s strength, it wasn''t far-fetched to think the cow''s internal organs had been fatally damaged from the blow. "W-What is that dagger? Where did you get it?" Vulture asked, his voice tinged with unease as he instinctively took a cautious step back, reluctant to get too close to the mysterious blade. "I... The Young Madam gave me this dagger before we left," Sparrow replied, his voice tinged with a mix of fear and awe. He cautiously inspected the dagger, careful not to touch the blade, his leather gloves providing some protection. As he studied it, he noticed that the black liquid had stopped oozing from the blade. Instead, the dagger gleamed with an eerie, unnatural sheen, almost as if it were alive. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As if recalling something important, Sparrow added, "The Young Madam called it the Shakan Poison Dagger." Vulture nodded grimly, his gaze fixed on the lifeless mutated cow. "Well, the name of the dagger was very self-explanatory. That dagger must be coated with a poison so potent that even a small cut was enough to seep into the cow''s body and take it down. No wonder it died so quickly." He placed his hands on his hips, still staring at the dead animal, the implications of the poison settling in. But then, the seriousness faded from Vulture''s face as he suddenly remembered something. "Damn it! So, I can''t even turn this beast into a steak now?!" He shot an incredulous look at Sparrow, almost as if blaming him for poisoning the cow. Sparrow raised an eyebrow, giving Vulture a skeptical glance. "You were actually thinking of cooking and eating that thing? Even without the poison, you''d still end up with food poisoning. Are you out of your mind?" Vulture choked on Sparrow''s sharp rebuttal. "What do you know? Sure, the animals mutated, but unlike zombies, these animals are still alive. The mutated cow''s hide might be tough, but we can''t say the same for its meat." "It could still retain its qualities as livestock, and if that''s the case, doesn''t it make sense that while humans evolve, animals do too?" "We''re still the predators, and they''re the prey, right?" Vulture explained. Although Kisha hadn''t specifically mentioned this before, he reasoned that while she''d said mutated animals were stronger and harder to kill, she never said they couldn''t be eaten. That meant it was still possible¡ªand maybe it was something people had done in Kisha''s past lives. It just so happened that hunting mutated animals was difficult, but it made sense to think that some of them could still be eaten, just like before. In that case, the balance would remain the same as it was before the mutation: some animals would still be safe to eat, while others might be poisonous and off-limits. Now that Vulture had brought it up, Sparrow began to follow his line of thinking¡ªsimple, and somewhat naive, but still with a possibility. "How about we bring some of this mutated livestock back to the base and ask Young Madam? If it turns out they can be eaten, at least we''ll have a sample to raise for the future." "It could give us some good options. And if it turns out they''re not safe to eat, we can always dispose of them later." "Yeah, right. You make it sound like it''s easy to catch this beast," Vulture said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. He was still holding a grudge that Sparrow had ruined his hunt by poisoning the mutated cow. It could''ve been his trophy to bring back home, and the idea of eating its meat had crossed his mind¡ªthough, he thought, maybe it wasn''t such a bad idea after all. He could always think of it as the hunter eating his prey. Besides, Vulture genuinely believed that the mutated cow''s meat might be safe to eat. After all, they were now superhumans, and their evolved constitutions might be able to handle the meat of a mutated animal. Seeing the thoughtful expression on Vulture''s face, Sparrow sighed, knowing that his mind was solely focused on food. Shaking his head, he crouched down in front of the mutated cow and examined it. Using a different dagger, he carefully stabbed at the cow''s hide¡ªbut as soon as the blade made contact... Clank... A sharp ''clank'' echoed through the air as the dagger snapped in two. Sparrow looked up at Vulture, who had witnessed the mishap in silence. After a moment, Sparrow smirked. "And you plan to eat this?" he teased, his tone dripping with mockery. "Good luck with your teeth." He chuckled, savoring Vulture''s silent frustration, before returning his attention to the lifeless mutated cow. Since regular blades were ineffective, Sparrow had no choice but to turn to the dagger Kisha had given him. This time, however, when he used the dagger, there was no black liquid leaking from the blade. It seemed that the strange substance before was actually the mutated cow''s blood, which had been tainted by the poison coating the blade. The poison had thinned the blood and turned it black with a greenish hue. Chapter 548 How It Ended Up Like This This explained why the cow was still bleeding until now¡ªit was the poison, making the blood run thinner and darker. As the thought crossed his mind, Sparrow realized that it could very well explain everything. With this newfound understanding, he took the ''Shakan Poison Dagger'' and approached the mutated cow''s stomach area, where he had previously struck. He located the small wound he had inflicted earlier, and with the tip of the dagger, he carefully made an incision, probing to see what the poison had done to the cow''s insides. Everyone gathered closer to see what Sparrow and Vulture were doing to the mutated cow. The flame in its horn had long since died down, leaving everyone even more curious. It took Sparrow quite a while to cut through the stomach of the creature, and when he finally did, a black, watery blood gushed out. The consistency was so thin and unnatural that it was hard to believe it was blood at all. No wonder the mutated cow had died so easily. Surprisingly, just as Vulture had mentioned, the mutated cow''s meat was incredibly tender, much like wagyu beef. Its flesh marbled with fat, and despite its massive, muscular frame, the meat wasn''t made up of tough ligaments and muscle. The contrast was so striking that Sparrow and everyone else stood there dumbfounded. Unlike its tough hide, the meat inside was surprisingly easy to cut through, almost like butter under Sparrow''s blade. He briefly wondered if the dagger Kisha had given him was special, its sharpness perhaps making the task easier. Curious, he glanced back at Vulture, grabbed the dagger at his side, and tried using it to cut through the mutated cow''s meat. To his surprise, the dagger sliced through the flesh without any issue. "Told you, this mutated cow could still be eaten," Vulture said smugly, his arms crossed as he looked down at Sparrow, eager to rub in that he was right. Despite Vulture''s confidence, Sparrow remained cautious. While this might prove Vulture''s point, he couldn''t shake the feeling that there might be hidden issues with the mutated cow''s meat that they hadn''t discovered yet. After all, the cow had died from poisoning, and they wouldn''t know for sure until they examined the other mutated cows. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After standing up, Sparrow motioned for everyone to head back to the truck. "Alright, let''s get back and find our people. One Space Tye Awakened Ability User, store this mutated cow in your space, and we''ll let the City Lord examine it once we''re back!" He clapped his hands together to shake off the dust sticking to his gloves, then wiped Vulture''s dagger clean off any residue to the mutated cow''s hide. Holding the blade carefully, he returned it to Vulture, waiting for him to take it before doing the same with the dagger Kisha had given him. Vulture eyed Sparrow''s dagger with interest, a wide, fawning smile spreading across his face. "Hey, Sparrow, mind if I borrow your dagger for a bit?" he asked eagerly, clearly eager to test out the mysterious, razor-sharp blade. At the sound of Vulture''s wolfish tone, Sparrow instinctively gripped his dagger tighter, not wanting Vulture to get any ideas. The "borrow for a bit" could easily stretch into something much longer. After all, once Vulture realized the dagger also enhanced the wielder''s strength¡ªsomething Sparrow had felt firsthand earlier¡ªhe''d probably never want to give it back. Without a word, Sparrow quickly turned and strode back toward the truck, leaving Vulture standing there with his hand outstretched. "Use your big hammer..." Sparrow said, and it was only then that Vulture remembered he had left his massive hammer behind. He had forgotten to use it earlier, as it was too large to carry comfortably. He had leaned it against the seat, deciding it would be too cumbersome to keep in his lap during the journey, especially with the cramped space. Even with that massive hammer, Vulture doubted it would do much against the mutated cow. The creature''s defenses were so tough, he feared his hammer might end up like Sparrow''s dagger¡ªbroken after just one strike. "Hmph! Cheapskate!" he grumbled, chasing after Sparrow. He slid into the truck''s passenger seat, but once inside, they all realized they had forgotten one important detail¡ªthe truck had taken quite a beating from the mutated cow. So, they all climbed out again. "We need to change the tire and fix a few things¡ªthe truck''s leaning to one side," Sparrow said, gesturing toward the vehicle. A few of Winters'' men jumped into action, working together with Vulture to lift the truck, since they didn''t have a car jack. While Vulture and the others focused on changing the tire, Sparrow took charge of perimeter security, leading the rest of the team. Meanwhile, he tried reaching out to their other group via radio. "Over, over, can anyone hear me?" Sparrow spoke into the radio, standing atop the truck and scanning the horizon. All Sparrow could hear was the static crackling through the radio, no response coming through. "Sparrow, any news?!" Vulture''s voice shouted from below. His muscles were straining, veins bulging in his neck, arms, and forehead as he lifted the side of the truck while the others worked on changing the tires. Vulture, stronger than the rest, was carrying more weight, but the truck''s bulk was still too much for him. Despite his struggle, he didn''t stop asking about their other team members. They had all been separated, and it would surely hurt Duke if he were to hear that more of his people had been lost in the mission. "No, no one''s answering!" Sparrow replied, his voice heavy with concern. He descended slowly to the ground, his wind ability carrying him gently down. "You keep an eye on everyone while you''re changing the tires and stabilizing the truck. I''ll scout the area for a bit¡ªhopefully, I can find some trace of them." Sparrow didn''t wait for Vulture''s response. Instead, he leaped into the air with the agility of a frog, soaring a few meters high before grabbing onto a nearby pine tree. With swift movements, he climbed higher, then leaped again, using the trees to propel himself through the forest as he searched for any signs of their missing team. As Sparrow leaped from tree to tree, he kept his gaze trained on the ground, using his ''Hawk Eyesight'' to scan for any trace of his missing team¡ªwhether a trail or tire tracks in the dirt. But all he could find were hoof marks and other animal prints. A tightness gripped his throat as worry began to gnaw at him. These people were under his command; their safety was his responsibility. If anything had happened to them, the weight of it would fall squarely on his shoulders. He never expected things to go south so quickly once they reached the outskirts of the north. As he drove along the dirt road toward the farm, still a few kilometers away, everything had seemed to be going smoothly. They''d successfully outmaneuvered the evolving zombies that had relentlessly pursued them, fending off multiple attacks and even managing to shake their tail as they neared the edge of the city. As they made their way halfway through the northern stretch toward the farm, a loud banging sound echoed in the distance, coming from the thick trees ahead. The birds scattered from the branches, their sudden flight signaling the presence of a large, dangerous predator drawing near. It was clear to him and the others that something formidable was approaching from that direction. They couldn''t afford to slow down or abandon the truck to travel on foot. The rumble of their engine had likely already drawn the predator''s attention, and it was probably closing in on their position. Without hesitation, Sparrow slammed his foot on the gas, accelerating down the dirt road. The other trucks, following his lead, revved their engines in unison. The vehicles bounced violently as they hit rocks and potholes, the tremors shaking them to their core. But no one complained. Everyone gripped the overhead handles tightly, bracing themselves to ensure they wouldn''t be thrown off during the chaotic ride. Despite the roar of the truck''s engine, Sparrow''s ears caught a distant, thunderous marching sound¡ªsomething like the pounding of hooves or the charge of a bull. He couldn''t be sure, as the noises blended together in the chaos. But before he could process it, the truck was suddenly slammed from the side with incredible force, nearly sending it into a violent roll. Sparrow reacted instinctively, jerking the wheel just in time to prevent the truck from overturning. The maneuver minimized the impact, but it wasn''t enough to stop the massive dent left in the armored vehicle''s side. The sheer strength of the attack was undeniable. Just as Sparrow thought the danger had passed, a fresh wave of thunderous marching sounds echoed from the same direction. Emerging from the forest, a herd of mutated cows with flaming horns charged toward the convoy. Instead of huddling together and risking being overwhelmed, each driver veered off in a different direction, accelerating without hesitation. The mutated cows scattered in response, but most of them relentlessly pursued Sparrow''s truck. With quick thinking, Sparrow swerved and rammed the body of his truck into one of the massive cows, jolting everyone inside. The force of the impact caused the truck to lean sideways, but it was a necessary move to shake off the pursuing herd. After Sparrow slammed into the leading mutated cow, it collapsed to the ground, only to be struck by the other charging cows behind it. The impact sent them all tumbling, creating just enough chaos for Sparrow to floor the accelerator and drive away. Chapter 549 Being Followed Unfortunately, they hadn''t managed to fully escape. One mutated cow had still followed them¡ªthe very one they had just killed. Now, with no one from the other teams responding and their current location isolated, he had no idea where to even begin searching for his teammates. Honestly, they shouldn''t have gone to the farm in the first place. They already had the livestock from Hera''s space prepared and could have moved them out and transported them back to the base as soon as they found a safe location. Going to the farm was primarily a way to investigate the situation, especially after encountering the mutated rats. Sparrow and the others needed to determine if other animals were also starting to mutate and assess whether these creatures posed a significant threat to the base. They intended to report their findings back to Kisha. However, it was shocking to realize that even before they reached the farm, mutated cows were already in the forest, causing havoc near the city. This raised a troubling thought¡ªif they hadn''t gone out, these mutated cows might still have found their way toward the city. And who knows what chaos might unfold if the zombies and mutated animals ended up fighting each other? "Fuck!" Sparrow cursed under his breath. He had already strayed too far from his team, and going any farther would only make it harder to return quickly. Reluctantly, he changed direction, picking up his pace. He couldn''t afford to stay away for too long¡ªVulture and the others might find themselves in the middle of another dangerous situation while waiting for him. "Sparrow, over..." Vulture''s voice crackled through the radio. Sparrow halted mid-movement, gripping a tree branch with his right hand and hanging there like a monkey. His left hand reached for the radio strapped to his belt. "What''s wrong?" he replied, his voice calm but tense. The radio crackled again, the weak signal distorting Vulture''s words, causing them to turn garbled at times. "Any lead?" "None. I''ve already tried a few directions, but I can''t find their tracks," Sparrow said, his voice heavy and hoarse. Vulture could hear the frustration and self-reproach creeping into his tone. Sparrow rarely cared about losing others, but the Winters men were different¡ªthey were brothers, the ones they had grown up with. Even after all they had been through, even with their hardened exteriors, the bonds they shared still carried a sense of warmth and loyalty. This was why the normally composed Sparrow, who hadn''t even flinched when his people were gunned down during his showdown with Victor in Port City, was now on edge. The thought of losing his team was eating away at him. "Don''t be too hard on yourself. How about we head to the farm? Maybe they all went straight there, thinking that''s where everyone would regroup," Vulture suggested, trying to comfort Sparrow. The truth was, none of them had discussed a rendezvous point in case they got separated. It wasn''t something they had anticipated¡ªsplitting up was far too dangerous, and operating separately was never part of the plan. Sparrow hadn''t even considered the possibility, and now he realized it was a mistake, one he wouldn''t easily forgive himself for. Reflecting on Vulture''s words, Sparrow nodded in agreement. It occurred to him that he''d been away for quite some time. Perhaps Vulture and the others had already finished changing the tires and maintaining the truck, and they were now growing worried about his prolonged absence. With that thought, Sparrow secured the radio back onto his belt. Gripping the branch firmly with both hands, he swung his body forward, using the momentum to propel himself to the next tree. Moving swiftly, he leaped from branch to branch, his movements fluid and controlled. This time, however, he adjusted his path, choosing a slightly different route on his way back to ensure he didn''t miss any signs of his other teams. As he moved forward, Sparrow forced himself to clear his mind of worry. He knew it wouldn''t help their situation and might even cloud his judgment when he needed to stay sharp. However, the moment he managed to steady his thoughts, he noticed something unsettling¡ªthe eerie silence around him. There were no sounds of insects, no rustling leaves, not even the whisper of the wind. The unnatural stillness sent a chill down his spine, and his hair stood on end. His instincts were screaming at him, warning that something was very, very wrong. The last time he felt this way, he knew his life was in immediate danger. Without hesitation, he halted in his tracks, pausing atop a tree branch a few meters above the ground. His decision wasn''t driven by a reckless desire to confront the danger head-on, but by a deep concern that he might unwittingly lead it back to his unsuspecting team, putting their lives at risk. For now, the nature of the danger remained unclear, and Sparrow couldn''t be sure if it was following him like a predator stalking its prey. Smart predators often followed this routine to locate the nest of their prey, ensuring they could return to it again and again whenever hunger struck, securing a steady food supply. However, this kind of behavior was typically seen in predators with a family to feed, or those preparing for winter. In the worst case, it could be a predator hunting purely for sport, taking pleasure in the chase, and killing without any need for sustenance. Sparrow feared that the danger lurking in the shadows might be the latter¡ªan unpredictable predator hunting for sport. If that were the case, it would be catastrophic for his entire team to face such an unknown threat. Without betraying any change in his demeanor, Sparrow feigned exhaustion, deliberately breathing raggedly and fanning himself to add to the illusion. He leaned back against the tree, his eyes scanning the area methodically with his "Hawk Eyesight." He was determined to leave nothing unchecked¡ªevery small rock, twig, dead leaf, or subtle shift in the bushes or leaves around him was scrutinized for any sign of movement or danger. No matter how thoroughly he scanned his surroundings, there was nothing¡ªonly the unnerving silence, a sign in itself that danger was lurking nearby. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''Is it another invisible-type evolved zombie? Or maybe a mutant animal that could camouflage?'' Sparrow thought to himself. His mind raced with possibilities as he tried to piece together what was happening, searching for clues to understand the nature of the threat. Once he had a clearer picture, at least he would have a fighting chance¡ªan idea of how to confront or counter this unknown danger. The longer he stayed, the heavier his heart became, yet there was still no sign of movement around him. If it were another invisible evolved zombie, he might have been able to detect some distortion in the space around him, just like the last time he fought with such a zombie. The same would apply to a mutated animal that could camouflage itself in its surroundings. But no matter how hard he searched, even using his ''Perception Skill'' to slow everything around him and heighten his awareness, there was nothing. Every little detail should have been easier to detect, but the silence and stillness persisted, leaving him with an unsettling sense of being watched, yet finding nothing to prove it. Chapter 550 You Have To Return Alive It made him feel like he was fretting over nothing, yet the sense of danger was so intense and unmistakable that he couldn''t dismiss it as mere paranoia from the constant battles or his mind playing tricks on him. The feeling was too real, too sharp, to ignore. "Tsk!" Sparrow clicked his tongue in frustration, his patience wearing thin. Vulture and the others were waiting for him at the truck, and they still needed to search for their missing teammates. Despite his irritation, Sparrow couldn''t see a way out of this mess. The situation was only growing more complicated, and he was stuck in the middle of it. ''Why the hell am I so unlucky?!'' Sparrow muttered to himself, a mix of self-doubt and disdain in his voice. He couldn''t help but realize how often trouble seemed to find him on missions, as if he were some kind of magnet for it. ''Fuck, this isn''t funny at all...'' he muttered, though a touch of dark humor slipped into his thoughts. He forced himself to lighten up, hoping to shake off the heavy weight on his chest. ''Why can''t I attract a little good luck for once? Maybe some love life, instead of all this damn trouble?'' After a while of finding nothing, Sparrow leaped from one branch to the next, seemingly continuing his journey back. But in reality, he was trying to draw out whatever was following him. His senses were on high alert, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. Yet, with each movement, the heavier the feeling in his chest became, the more his unease grew. A sudden icy chill crept up his neck, forcing him to stop and spin around, only to find... nothing. This was the first time Sparrow had ever been this spooked. ''It isn''t a ghost, is it?'' he thought, his mind nearing the breaking point. ''Fuck... Is it playing with me? Or is it just enjoying watching its prey drown in fear before it finally shows itself?'' His expression darkened as his eyes darted back to the path he''d come from. ''When did it even start following me?'' Sparrow thought with a twinge of self-reproach. ''I didn''t notice until it was too late.'' He cursed under his breath, frustration building inside him. If he had kept his mind sharp the entire time, maybe he would have noticed the abnormality sooner. But his thoughts had been distracted, and now it was too late to turn back. Yet, no matter how much he beat himself up or reprimanded himself, it wouldn''t change anything. It was also possible that even with his mind fully focused, he might not have detected this shadow so easily. "Sparrow, over... What''s taking you so long? The mutated cows might come back and catch our scent out here in the open," Vulture''s voice crackled through the radio again. This time, it was clearer than before, signaling that Sparrow was getting closer to Vulture''s position. A bead of cold sweat formed on Sparrow''s forehead as the realization hit him. He grabbed the radio and said, "You lead the team to the rendezvous point, I''ll follow you guys." Sparrow deliberately avoided mentioning the location of their meeting spot. He was cautious¡ªwhatever was following him might possess enough intelligence to pick up on his words and track his teammates instead. After all, it was far more efficient for the threat to follow the group than waste time on a guarded Sparrow. Vulture, picking up on the tension in Sparrow''s voice and the words he''d chosen, immediately sensed that something was off. From their years of working together, Vulture knew Sparrow had likely found himself in a situation where returning to the main group would only put them at risk. It was also clear that Sparrow hadn''t identified the nature of the threat yet¡ªif he had, he would''ve given more direct instructions or even come up with a plan to confront it together for a faster, more effective resolution. Hearing the uncertainty in Sparrow''s tone, Vulture immediately understood that Sparrow wanted him to take charge and lead the team forward until his return. Leaving the group without a strong leader would only put them at greater risk. Knowing Sparrow as he did, Vulture also knew that Sparrow wouldn''t feel at ease leaving his team in the hands of anyone else. But with Vulture in command, he knew the team would be in capable hands. Vulture was just as strong and competitive, ensuring everyone''s survival¡ªeven if they ended up bruised, battered, or on the brink of death. As long as they still had breath, it was enough, especially with the vial of blue liquid in their possession to pull them back from the edge of the underworld. "Alright, be careful, and don''t keep us waiting too long," Vulture said, his voice casual, but the unspoken threat in his tone was clear¡ªhe wouldn''t forgive Sparrow if he didn''t return. "Okay," Sparrow replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn''t find the right words. Honestly, he felt like his life was hanging by a thread this time. He couldn''t even promise he''d make it back alive. But hearing Vulture''s words stirred something inside him¡ªsome strange mix of guilt, determination, and gratitude¡ªas he slowly clipped the radio back to his belt. With his heart pounding, he scanned the surroundings once more, every sense on high alert. The soft rustle of leaves in the wind and the eerie creaking of the trees around him only heightened the tension. Once again, Sparrow felt that icy shiver crawl up his neck, as though something was breathing down on him. He recoiled instinctively, but, just like before, he found nothing. Frustration surged within him, mingling with a cold, creeping fear that pulsed through his veins¡ªdeath seemed to be watching, waiting. Sparrow hated that feeling. He had faced death countless times and never once allowed it to claim him without a fight. He was the type to claw his way out of the grave, to battle the Grim Reaper with everything he had. But this time was different. This time, doubt gnawed at him. He had never felt so vulnerable, never been so unsure. No matter how stacked the odds against him, he had always found a way to emerge victorious. Yet now, he felt cornered... trapped in a situation that even his will to survive couldn''t fully grasp. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow''s mind raced, trying to devise a way out of this nightmare. He waited, listening intently, ensuring that Vulture and the others had left the area before making his move. Once he was sure, he took off, running with everything he had. Confronting an unknown threat was one of the most dangerous things to do¡ªit was like stepping into the dark, not knowing where or how the danger would strike. And with death''s presence creeping closer, Sparrow realized that staying there would only increase the risk. The longer he lingered, the stronger that oppressive sense of impending death became. Using his wind ability, Sparrow propelled himself forward, increasing his speed as the gusts pushed him onward. However, the rush was not without its dangers. Sometimes, he stumbled on the branches, or sharp ends of twigs and leaves struck his face. Chapter 551 What Happened To Sparrow Luckily, his defenses had improved just enough to prevent any serious injuries, but the impacts were enough to blur his vision for a few seconds, causing him to nearly lose his balance and stumble multiple times. Despite the constant stumbling and the grim state he was in, he pressed on, urgency driving him forward. He kept his focus on his surroundings and his back, but no matter how hard he searched, there was nothing¡ªnothing following him. And it was driving him to the brink of madness. Another rustling of leaves and the eerie creaking of trees filled the air as a gust of wind swept past him. Sparrow''s stomach churned, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. "Fuck!" he growled under his breath, then leaped forward, pushing himself to go faster. '' ''Just a little more, he urged himself. His legs burned, but he didn''t stop, knowing he was closing in on the vast rice fields ahead. He had no idea how long he''d been running¡ªtime blurred in his mind. All he knew was that he was nearing the farm, though still not close enough. Ahead, there was a clearing, his last chance. Once he reached it, he could use it to force whatever was following him into the open. It was his only shot at uncovering his pursuer¡ªor perhaps, by then, the thing chasing him would give up and retreat. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He didn''t know what to think, but as she leaped from branch to branch, the golden expanse of the rice fields came into view in the distance. A smile slowly spread across his face, and a wave of excitement surged in his chest. In that final moment, he pushed himself higher, leaping with all his strength to land a few meters outside the forest, right in the middle of the sprawling field. Ack! Cough... Cough... Sparrow''s vision blurred almost instantly as the golden hue of the rice field swayed before him, carried by the gusts of wind. Everything felt distant, and his surroundings began to darken. Desperate, he reached for the radio clipped to his belt, intent on sending a message that he wouldn''t make it back. But his strength was slipping away, and before he knew it, the radio fell from his hand, clattering to the ground as a stream of blood rushed from him, staining the earth beneath. Through his blurry vision, Sparrow looked down and saw himself suspended above the golden field, his stomach gruesomely torn open. Thick, thorny vines twisted through the gaping wound, their barbs glinting ominously. "Fuck... A m-mu...ta...ted plant," he managed to gasp, his voice weak and fading. Darkness quickly enveloped him, and in an instant, the vines that had skewered him yanked his body back into the forest. The eerie silence returned, as if nothing had ever happened. Sparrow vanished into the shadowy depths of the forest, leaving only his blood-stained radio abandoned in the middle of the swaying golden rice field. The wind carried a haunting stillness, rustling the stalks softly as if nothing had happened. Suddenly, the radio crackled to life. "Sparrow, over," a voice called, cutting through the silence, unanswered. "Sparrow, do you hear me? Over." Vulture''s voice rumbled through the static, his tone strained as he continued to call out for Sparrow. But no response came. When Sparrow sent him away, Vulture had reluctantly complied, immediately boarding the truck with the rest of the team. He delegated the driving to his co-passenger while he focused on monitoring their surroundings, ensuring their escape route was clear. They had driven a considerable distance before Vulture allowed himself to glance back, hoping to catch sight of Sparrow. But the forest remained ominously empty, with no sign of their comrade. Tension thickened as they pressed on, eventually reaching the farm. What greeted them was a scene of utter devastation¡ªa once-thriving place now reduced to ruins. The wreckage was everywhere, and it was clear the farm had been nearly obliterated. At least, this time, they encountered no further threats, but the absence of Sparrow weighed heavily on all of them. Only when they stopped in front of the farm did Vulture try calling Sparrow''s radio again. He convinced himself Sparrow was only a few kilometers behind, making his way to rendezvous with them¡ªbecause that''s how it always was. Sparrow was their reconnaissance expert, as elusive and quick as an eel. If anyone could outmaneuver danger and survive an ambush from the unknown, it was Sparrow. He was the one who always managed to slip through the tightest traps and emerge unscathed. In Vulture''s mind, Sparrow would be the last of them to fall. But as the static crackled in response to his calls, an uneasy silence began to gnaw at his confidence. As soon as they touched down, Vulture felt an unbearable weight settle on his chest, like a boulder pressing down, suffocating him. Sweat began to bead on his forehead, and his heart pounded painfully, each beat echoing in his ears as if it were being twisted by an unseen hand. The ominous sensation only grew stronger with every passing second. Gripping the radio tightly, he called out, "Sparrow, do you copy?" His voice carried an edge of desperation, but the silence that followed was deafening. The more he called Sparrow''s name without a response, the louder and heavier the pounding in his chest became, a primal warning that something was deeply, horribly wrong. "Fuck! Sparrow! Answer me!!!" Vulture roared, his voice raw with frustration and fear. In a surge of rage, he slammed his fist onto the hood of the truck with a resounding ''bang'', leaving a massive dent in the armored vehicle''s surface. The sound echoed in the uneasy stillness, but it brought no answers¡ªonly more suffocating silence. Bang! Everyone turned to look at Vulture, unease spreading among them like wildfire. The sight of him, usually composed and unshakable, visibly distressed sent a ripple of worry through the group. They exchanged glances, searching for answers in each other''s faces, but none could explain what was happening. This was unlike anything they''d ever seen before. Sparrow had disappeared without contact for days in the past, and Vulture had never reacted like this. They all knew the unspoken rule: trust in Sparrow and each other''s capabilities. Vulture, more than anyone, was familiar with how resourceful and resilient Sparrow was. During those times of absence, Vulture never faltered; he simply focused on training, confident Sparrow would return like he always did. So why now? Why was Vulture acting like this? The tension in his clenched jaw and the raw emotion in his eyes unnerved them all. If even Vulture, the rock of their team, was shaken, then what could it mean? What had happened to Sparrow? They all wanted to ask Vulture what had gotten into him, but the sheer intensity of his presence held them back. His bloodshot eyes burned with suppressed fury, and his clenched fists trembled as if he were moments away from flipping the entire truck with his bare hands. No one dared to step forward, not even to voice their concern. Even though other teams were still missing, their fates uncertain, Vulture had never reacted this way before. Chapter 552 What Happened To Sparrow 2 He always maintained his composure, his trust in their resilience unshaken. But now, as he called out to Sparrow over the radio without a response, something within him was unraveling. Why was this different? What was it about Sparrow''s silence that caused Vulture to lose his iron grip on control? The unspoken question hung heavy in the air, and the unease among them deepened as they watched their unyielding leader teeter on the edge of rage and despair. They all wanted to know what was running through Vulture''s mind, but the sheer weight of his fury kept them at bay. The oppressive tension in the air made their nerves fray, and none of them dared to step closer or ask. An icy dread crept up their spines, turning their feet numb, while cold sweat trickled down their backs. The group fell into an uneasy silence, each unwilling to confront the fears that mirrored in the others'' eyes. Suddenly, a voice called out from the distance, cutting through the oppressive stillness like a knife. "Ah! It''s them!" The cry echoed through the wreckage of the animal farm, shattering the silence and snapping everyone''s attention toward the direction of the sound. Some of the Winters'' men turned toward the source of the voice, their eyes narrowing as they scanned the wreckage of the animal farm. In the distance, figures clad in black emerged, steadily pushing aside debris as they advanced. Their identities were unclear in the bright sunlight and swirling dust, casting an unsettling shadow over the scene. Instinctively, the group shifted into defensive stances, muscles tensing as they prepared for the unknown. Yet, Vulture remained detached from the moment, his thoughts consumed by the storm of emotions raging within him. His usual sharp instincts seemed dulled, his awareness of the outside world faltering as his senses betrayed him. "Captain, Vulture, we''ve got movement¡ªpeople are heading our way," one of the Winters'' men reported sharply, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. The team instinctively shifted into formation, their training kicking in as they prepared for potential confrontation. Recognizing Vulture''s distracted state, one of them nudged the team''s STAU forward, positioning him close to Vulture to make sure that he was just as protected. The rest of the group tightened their defensive perimeter, their eyes locked on the approaching figures. They couldn''t afford to take any chances¡ªnot when Vulture, their strongest pillar, seemed completely consumed by whatever storm raged inside him. The team drew their daggers in one hand and pistols in the other, their postures tense and deliberate. Each of them silently prepared to summon their awakened abilities, ready to adapt their tactics based on how the approaching group might react. The air around them buzzed with the weight of unspoken strategy, every member poised to respond to the slightest sign of hostility. But the figures advancing toward them were in no rush. Their unhurried pace only heightened the tension, the agonizing slowness building an unbearable pressure in the team''s already taut muscles. Every second dragged on, amplifying the nervous anticipation of the inevitable confrontation. The group standing under the glaring sunlight seemed to notice the tense and solemn atmosphere emanating from Vulture''s team. Their movement faltered, and they came to an abrupt stop, an action that only heightened the unease among Vulture''s men. Every muscle in the team coiled tighter, nerves stretched to their limit. Then, one of the figures on the opposing side slowly raised an object. The intense sunlight obscured it, blinding anyone who tried to focus on it¡ªeven binoculars failed to provide clarity. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The unknown gesture, combined with the charged tension in the air, triggered a cascade of assumptions within Vulture''s team. The oppressive atmosphere, seemingly fueled by Vulture''s silence and intensity, cast a shadow over their judgment. One team member, unable to suppress the growing unease, fired a shot. The bullet narrowly missed the figures and struck a piece of debris near their feet. The sound of the gunshot shattered the fragile stillness, and before anyone could process what had happened, others followed suit. A hailstorm of bullets erupted, raining down on the unknown group, turning a tense standoff into chaos in an instant. "Shit! You! You! Stop! Stop! What the hell are you doing?!" the people from the other side shouted desperately as they ducked and scrambled for cover behind anything they could find¡ªtorn-down walls, broken ceiling fragments, pieces of wood, or whatever debris was within reach. They waved frantically at Vulture''s team, holding up the object in their hands as if to signal their intentions, but their actions were drowned out by the relentless gunfire. Vulture''s men, blinded by tension and adrenaline, ignored the shouts and continued firing, their focus fixed solely on neutralizing what they perceived as a potential threat. "I said, STOP, you fuckers!" a furious voice bellowed from the other side. Suddenly, with a burst of raw power, a massive boulder¡ªlikely a chunk of a fallen pillar¡ªcame hurtling through the air. The boulder was as tall as an adult and as thick as a person''s waist, leaving everyone stunned. By the time Vulture''s team realized what was happening, it was already too late to react smoothly. Chaos erupted as they scrambled to dodge, diving out of their positions in a desperate bid to avoid being crushed. The boulder slammed into the ground with a deafening thud, kicking up debris and leaving a crater, a stark reminder of what could have been an instant death for anyone caught in its path. However, when a piece of a pillar was suddenly hurled toward their side, it solidified the belief among Vulture''s team that the approaching group had hostile intentions. This perceived aggression only escalated the situation further. The gunfire ceased, but not because the tension abated¡ªinstead, Vulture''s team transitioned to using their awakened abilities, unleashing an onslaught of elemental attacks. Fireballs blazed through the air, slicing wind blades tore across the field, and water bullets rained down in rapid succession. Some among them conjured jagged earth spikes, sending them hurtling like javelins toward the other side, creating a chaotic storm of destruction. The battlefield became a whirlwind of power and fury, with the attacks crashing down relentlessly on the other group, who had no choice but to take cover and endure the barrage. Perhaps it was the mounting pressure from Vulture''s uncharacteristic behavior, or the growing concern over Sparrow''s disappearance, with no word on their other teams'' whereabouts. A swirl of mixed emotions overtook Vulture''s team, and in the chaos, their impulsiveness got the better of them. The relentless barrage of attacks had been a release of their pent-up stress, but once that fury began to fade, their assault slowed, giving the other side a window of opportunity. Seizing the moment, a figure from the opposing team slipped from shadow to shadow, moving with remarkable speed. They were using their awakened ability to enhance their agility, darting from corner to corner with fluid precision, their buffing skill making them almost invisible as they closed in on Vulture''s team. The change in tactics was subtle, but it was clear: the tide of the confrontation was shifting, and the opposition was ready to capitalize on Vulture''s team''s momentary lapse. Without Vulture''s team noticing, the figure silently closed the distance, moving with stealth and precision. Chapter 553 What Happened To Sparrow 3 In one swift motion, the shadowy figure leaped from the corner, soaring into the sky, their form silhouetted against the blinding sunlight. As they ascended, the harsh light cast an eerie, elongated shadow across the ground. The sudden movement caught the attention of Vulture''s team, and they instinctively squinted against the glare. Realizing the threat, they immediately raised their arms in a defensive cross, bracing themselves for whatever was about to strike, their bodies tense and prepared for impact. "You motherfuckers!" The man shouted in fury, his voice full of raw anger. With a sudden, swift turn, he launched a midair spinning kick aimed at the nearest target. The force of the strike was devastating, sending the unfortunate victim flying. Though the person attempted to brace the impact by crossing his arms defensively in front of his chest, the sheer power of the kick overwhelmed him. He was slammed into the armored truck with a sickening thud, his back crashing against the metal with such force that he gasped in pain, struggling to recover from the impact. "Ugh!" A muffled groan of pain echoed through the air, causing everyone to tense up, ready to strike again. But before they could make another move, they froze, their eyes locking onto the figure. Covered head to toe in mud, only the faint outline of their eyes and a few contours of their face were visible, barely recognizable beneath the thick, muck-covered layer. It took a moment for the realization to hit¡ªthis person was someone they knew, someone they hadn''t expected to see in this state. "Ah, it''s you guys?!" One of Vulture''s men exclaimed in disbelief, halting mid-attack. His words caused the entire team to pause, their eyes shifting back to the others who had been hiding. As they noticed the stop of gunfire from Vulture''s side, the group from the other side slowly emerged from their cover, cautiously lifting the objects they''d been holding high into the air once more. The muddy figure turned to glance at his companions, his gaze meeting the realization that, despite their efforts, Vulture''s team still couldn''t see what was being raised in the air. "Fuck this!" he growled, slamming his foot into the ground. "No wonder there''s been this misunderstanding!" His voice was tight with frustration as he spoke through gritted teeth. One of Vulture''s team, still on edge, cautiously asked, "What do you mean?" The muddy figure exhaled sharply, shaking his head in frustration. "We noticed something wasn''t right on your side, so we didn''t want to startle you by getting too close too quickly." "We found a piece of cloth along the way, tied it to a stick, and raised it as a signal. But we didn''t consider the position of the sun, and we didn''t realize you wouldn''t be able to see it clearly." Someone on Vulture''s team let out an awkward laugh, scratching the back of their head. They weren''t usually this clumsy, but today had been a mess. Emotions had gotten the better of them, and in their rush, they''d overlooked key details, letting their bloodlust take over the moment they spotted a target. The others slowly approached Vulture''s team, each of them in a similarly sorry state as the man who had first come forward. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Covered in mud from head to toe, some of it had already begun to dry and crack on their skin. "What happened to you guys?" someone from Vulture''s team finally asked, eyeing them with a mix of concern and confusion as they took in the sorry state of the newcomers. The first man who had confronted them let out a weary sigh before speaking. "When we got separated from you guys, our driver headed northwest, but unfortunately, a couple of mutated cows started following us¡ªtwo or three of them, and they seemed intent on impaling us with their horns." "We barely managed to escape, but luck was on our side when we stumbled upon a ditch, knee-deep in mud. It must''ve been a pond that dried up from the heat, only to fill up during the storm." "We immediately abandoned the truck, and the STAU with us used their space to hide it. We buried ourselves in the mud, hoping the mutated cows wouldn''t pick up our scent." "We couldn''t risk a direct confrontation¡ªno matter what attack we threw at them using our awakened ability, it didn''t work, and there were three of them. So, we had no choice but to stay hidden." The man paused, clearly still shaken by the memory. "Luckily, after we all took cover in the mud, the mutated cows didn''t follow us in, or we''d all be dead by now. But even so, getting out of that mud was no easy task. It took us forever to free ourselves, and by the time we finally managed to get out, we were exhausted." "Fortunately, that spot wasn''t too far from here, so we decided to make the journey on foot. We moved cautiously, knowing the mud on our bodies would mask our scent, giving us a bit of protection against any mutated creatures lurking around." With his explanation, Vulture''s team gained a clearer understanding of what had happened after they were separated. Despite their grim appearance, it seemed that no one was seriously injured or missing. Given that, it truly felt like they had been incredibly fortunate to survive an encounter with three mutated cows that had relentlessly pursued them. "Are you sure you hid in the mud, and not in a pile of shit?" one of Vulture''s men teased, pinching his nose. Only then did the others notice the overpowering stench that surrounded the newcomers, causing everyone to instinctively take a step back. "Guess you weren''t all that fortunate after all," they added with a grin. They all chuckled for a moment, and after some time, the rest of the team slowly appeared in their line of sight, emerging from the same direction the other muddy people had come from. When the last of them arrived in front of Vulture''s group, they quickly did a head count to ensure no one from truck number 4 was missing. There were six trucks in total that had gone out with Sparrow. Each truck had no more than six people onboard, including the STAU assigned to each one. Only one truck didn''t have a STAU¡ªthis truck was supposed to carry the isolated pods for smaller animals like chickens, ducks, and rabbits. Sparrow''s truck had been number 1, so now, with two trucks'' worth of people gathered, they were still missing four more trucks. The newcomers, already on edge, started to grow more concerned. It wasn''t until they looked around that they realized Sparrow wasn''t with Vulture''s team either. "Wait, where''s Captain Sparrow?" one of the newcomers asked, confusion flickering in their eyes. At first, they had assumed he was out scouting or looking for the rest of the team. But as soon as the question was casually raised, the faces of Vulture''s team dropped, and the air grew heavy with unease. The newcomers'' expressions tightened with the unspoken worry that something was very wrong. No one answered, as no one knew how to respond. Even Vulture, still lost in his own thoughts, remained silent. But when he heard Sparrow''s name, it was as if he''d been shocked awake. Chapter 554 What Happened To Sparrow 4 His eyes snapped to attention, and without thinking, he began slapping his own face, as though trying to shake off the fog clouding his mind. Slap! Slap! "C-Captain Vulture, what are you doing?!" one of the newcomers asked, his voice laced with concern. He didn''t understand what had caused Vulture''s sudden outburst, but no one moved to stop him. The rest of Vulture''s team stood frozen, wearing expressions of guilt, their eyes avoiding the captain''s intense behavior. After a few forceful slaps, Vulture''s face turned red and swollen, the sharp impact leaving his skin stinging since he didn''t held back. But the harsh reality of his actions jolted him awake, pulling him out of the dark spiral of guilt and self-reproach. The weight of what had happened to Sparrow suddenly crashed down on him, and he knew he had to focus¡ªthere was no time for regrets now. With a hoarse voice, Vulture finally spoke. "Sparrow encountered a threat while scouting earlier, trying to locate the rest of the team, but we haven''t heard from him since..." His voice cracked slightly, the worry and guilt clear as day. It was obvious that he feared something terrible had happened to Sparrow, and that fear had caused him to lose control for a moment. But as Vulture stood there, the weight of responsibility hit him. He was now the leader of this group, and showing any more signs of weakness could fracture their unity. If the core of their leadership faltered, it would only lead to chaos and disarray among them. Since Sparrow had entrusted the others to his care, Vulture knew he couldn''t afford to let them down now. With a heavy heart, he took a deep breath, inhaling the weight of his responsibility. As he exhaled, he released the tension and his worry, clearing his mind and steeling himself for what lay ahead. "Sparrow will come back," Vulture muttered, though his words sounded more like a plea to himself than a declaration of certainty, to make himself believe that Sparrow will really come back. The quiet conviction in his voice only made the others'' eyes redden, but no one spoke. They simply followed in silence. Vulture tightened his grip on the radio resting at his side, as if the weight of it could anchor his thoughts. He took a steadying breath and began making his way toward the wreckage of the animal farm. They were standing at the entrance now, where once there had been an arc¡ªa photo spot for tourists. Beyond it had been a registration building, where visitors would pay their entrance fee. Now, all that remained was ruin. The piles of debris were so scattered that it was impossible to discern what had once stood there. The animal farm stretched across a vast expanse, with piles of debris littering the area and the foundations of what used to be buildings barely recognizable. Vulture and the rest of the team moved cautiously through the wreckage, surveying the extent of the devastation left by the Geostorm. The once-flat terrain was now a chaotic mess, the result of countless tornadoes tearing through the area. Debris was scattered far and wide, with some building fragments even reaching half a kilometer from the farm¡ªa detail that had been confirmed by Group 4. "Don''t move!" The sudden command cut through the air, halting Vulture''s team in their tracks. But instead of freezing, they merely shifted their focus toward the source of the voice, their eyes narrowing as they assessed the newcomer who had emerged from behind the rubble. "Oh, great. People from truck number 5, huh?" one of Vulture''s team muttered casually, his tone more relaxed now. After the earlier misstep of reacting too quickly, they had learned to hold back, making sure they knew who they were dealing with before jumping to conclusions. When they realized the newcomers were from their own team, the tension melted away, replaced by a sense of relief. As the group moved on, they continued to encounter other teams that had gone missing. No team had emerged unscathed. Group 5, for example, looked worse for wear, their members battered and bruised. It turned out, that in order to escape the mutated cow''s pursuit, they had leaped off a cliff, praying the mutated cows wouldn''t follow them. Thankfully, while the cliff looked dauntingly high and dangerous from the top, it turned out to be more of a steep slope than a sheer drop. Still, it had been treacherous, littered with jagged rocks. Group 5 had tumbled down the slope, each roll a painful jolt until they finally came to a halt at the bottom. Group 3 had taken a desperate gamble, jumping into the rushing river to escape the mutated cows. The current was brutal, nearly sweeping them away, and the mutated fish that now inhabited the river were enormous, some nearly as large as dolphins. These creatures hunted them, circling and snapping at them as they swam for their lives. It became a brutal struggle for survival, with the relentless current threatening to pull them under at every turn. Thankfully, some members of Group 3 had awakened abilities tied to water, which gave them a fighting chance. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their powers helped them fight against the current, pushing them toward safety. Just as they thought they had escaped the mutated cows, they found themselves trapped in the lair of the mutated river fish. What was supposed to be their salvation turned into yet another deadly obstacle, as the ferocious fish came close to finishing them off. Lastly, Group 2 was the luckiest. They had managed to climb up into the trees near a vast flower field, successfully evading the mutated cows. The overpowering scent of the flowers masked their own, confusing the cows'' enhanced sense of smell. The mutated cows wandered the area for a while, sniffing the air in frustration, but the flowers kept them at bay. Only after a long stretch of time did the cows give up and move on. When it was safe, Group 2 carefully descended from the trees, but not before rubbing some more flowers on their bodies to further mask their scent. Just as they thought they had escaped, they found themselves nearly becoming targets of a swarm of enormous bees that had made their home near the field. It was a tense moment, but thanks to being used to Bell and her scarlet bees, they didn''t panic. Using their knowledge and familiarity with the bees'' characteristics, They were able to calmly make their way out, leading the group out of danger and away from the area without triggering an attack from the swarm. It was only then that the rest of the group learned that Sparrow''s team had actually managed to take down a mutated cow, that beast was larger than a horse. The revelation shocked everyone, but it was when Vulture mentioned plans to bring some of these mutated animals back to the base that the group erupted in disbelief. "Captain Vulture, that''s impossible!" One of the voices called out, filled with skepticism. "Our attacks could barely scratch those mutated cows. How are we supposed to bring one back?" A murmur of agreement spread through the group, everyone exchanging uncertain glances. The idea seemed almost absurd considering how little they had been able to do against these creatures. Chapter 555 What Happened To Sparrow 5 Vulture shrugged nonchalantly before replying, "It was Sparrow''s decision. Besides, we''ve already checked the quality of their meat, and it seems feasible to use them as a new food source." He paused, letting his words sink in. "It would only be believable to others if we bring back both types of animals¡ªthe mutated ones and the normal ones. With mutated animals already beginning to emerge, it would look suspicious if we only brought back the normal ones." His explanation carried a tone of practicality, but it did little to ease the unease rippling through the group. The Winters'' men understood Vulture''s point. It was true that the survivors within their base might not question much; their lives had significantly improved, and the Supply Center was well-stocked, so, their minds would be mostly at peace and would only be thinking about how to keep this peace for as long as possible. After all, those who had endured hell would cling tightly to the peace they had found, unwilling to return to a nightmare. They would cherish every moment of quiet and stability in their lives. Since Kisha had been so accommodating to the survivors, offering them a sanctuary of peace and the hope of a better future, few would willingly risk shattering it with their own actions. However, the situation would change once they opened their gates to survivors from other shelters and bases for trade. Outsiders were bound to scrutinize everything, and any hint of suspicion could trigger complications. Once trading began, it wouldn''t take long for distrust to fester. In such an environment, suspicion could escalate into action, and the looming threat of territorial conflicts and power struggles between leaders and bases would inevitably come to the forefront. The team knew that preparing for such eventualities was crucial. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After all, it was human nature to fall into such a mindset. Even with the looming threat of extinction and the constant danger posed by the zombies, many would still succumb to greed, prioritizing power and control over survival. They wouldn''t hesitate to exploit any situation as long as it served their own interests. And their Young Madam, with her enigmatic nature and boundless potential, along with her many secrets was like a gold mine waiting to be claimed¡ªa temptation too great for some to resist. As this realization sank in, the complaints gradually died down, and everyone began to reluctantly accept the mission. However, the daunting task of capturing mutated cows still loomed over them, and they couldn''t shake the feeling that it was nearly impossible. "What about other mutated animals, like chickens, ducks, goats, or something smaller?" someone suggested, their voice laced with a glimmer of hope. "We''ll get to them when we find them. Let''s see what''s out there," Vulture said casually. So far, they had only encountered the mutated cows, the mutated bees spotted by the other group, and the enormous river fish. It seemed possible that not all animals had undergone mutation, much like humans. However, given the growing number of mutated creatures they''d already encountered, it was safe to assume that more than half of the animal population had likely begun their evolution by now. After wrapping up their discussion, a heavy silence settled over the group. Finally, someone voiced the question that had been weighing on everyone''s minds. "Captain Vulture, should we search for Captain Sparrow first?" Though their primary mission was at the forefront of their thoughts, Sparrow''s unexplained absence loomed over them like a dark cloud. They couldn''t shake the unease creeping into their hearts. The longer Sparrow remained missing, the more their nerves stretched thin, and the uncertainty gnawed at their resolve. "But where would we even start?" someone interjected, breaking the group''s collective thoughts. The question hit hard, as it highlighted the daunting reality of their situation. Without any leads, searching for Sparrow would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Worse still, what if Sparrow returned to the animal farm only to find them gone? That could trigger even more confusion. He might worry something had happened to the group and set out to search for them in turn. It would only lead to both sides missing each other repeatedly, wasting precious time and increasing the risks for everyone. "Then what do you suggest we do?" Vulture asked, his voice rough, betraying the tension beneath his calm exterior. His face remained stoic, his expression unreadable, but the weight of his concern was palpable. Despite his worry, he focused on the mission, making it clear that his priorities were in line with what Sparrow had entrusted him to do. For Vulture, completing this mission was what Sparrow would have wanted¡ªhe couldn''t let anything distract him from that responsibility. "Let''s focus on our mission first," Vulture suggested, his voice steady despite the underlying worry. "If we still have time afterward, we can search for Sparrow before heading back. If we can''t find him, he should be able to make his way back to the base on his own. If he can''t get through due to the zombie horde, he''ll fire the flare gun to signal for backup or to indicate danger." "Honestly, this is the best hope we have right now," Vulture admitted, knowing how uncertain their search for Sparrow could be. "We don''t know where he went, and our search could take days." "But knowing Sparrow, he might just do what he always does¡ªhandle it himself and return to the base. After all, that''s why Young Madam trusts him with solo missions in the first place¡ªhe knows exactly what to do when things go sideways." Vulture could only hope that his instincts were correct. "Aside from Captain Sparrow, we''re also still missing truck number 6," someone added, their voice tense. Their expression flickered with a mix of worry and uncertainty, as the weight of their growing concerns seemed to grow and add up. "We should proceed with the mission and keep an eye out for them along the way. If we can''t find them, perhaps we should head back and report to Young Madam." "She could send the Scarlet Bees to search for the missing. That seems like a better option than continuing on our own." "Instead of wasting time, we should focus on finishing the mission and return as quickly as possible to initiate a proper search and rescue," one of the men suggested thoughtfully. He had remained silent up until now, observing Vulture''s emotional turmoil while maintaining a calm, detached demeanor. His ability to stay removed from the situation allowed him to see things more clearly¡ªafter all, as they say, bystanders often have a better perspective than those too deeply involved. ____ OMG, I have someone incredibly special to thank right now! A huge shoutout to the amazing Author Air_Ace, the brilliant mind behind ''When Love is a Question Mark'' and ''Blaze Deception: A Villain in a Hero''s Disguise.'' She went above and beyond by writing a song just for this novel! I''m absolutely in love with the lyrics and can''t wait to share them with all of you. She created two songs for this novel: 99 Times and 100th Life which you''ll see on Kisha and Duke Love nest channel on my serve Chapter 556 Searching For The Mutated Animals When Vulture was presented with a clearer course of action, he nodded without hesitation. The longer he hesitated, the more time he was wasting, and the thought of Sparrow possibly being in danger made his stomach churn. The uncertainty gnawed at him, and he felt utterly helpless, unsure of what to do next. "Alright, let''s do that," Vulture said decisively. With that, the group conducted a final inspection of the animal farm before regrouping and beginning their search for mutated animals in the wild. As they ventured out, they encountered numerous animal carcasses scattered around the perimeter of the farm. Some were crushed beneath boulders and collapsed structures, others torn apart and left in grotesque disarray. One particularly disturbing sight was a carcass hanging upside down from a pole, its lifeless form swaying slightly in the breeze. The stench of decay was overwhelming. Many of the corpses had already begun to rot, attracting a swarm of buzzing flies. Maggots writhed within the decomposing flesh, the sound of their activity adding to the grim atmosphere. The group pressed on despite the sickening scene, their expressions grim but resolute as they continued their search. Compared to the revolting stench of zombies, with their festering pus and other grotesque features, the odor of decomposing animal carcasses was tolerable for the Winters'' men. They scanned their surroundings with calm, indifferent eyes, their expressions unchanging as they began their search. Expanding their efforts outward from the farm, they shifted into hunting mode, meticulously examining the ground for traces of animal activity. The presence of only a few hundred dead animal carcasses near the farm indicated that not all had perished. It was almost certain that the survivors had undergone mutation, making them the team''s primary targets. Since it had rained during the Geostorm, any fleeing animals would have left tracks in the mud¡ªtracks deep enough that subsequent rain and environmental factors wouldn''t easily erase them. Fortunately, their gamble paid off. Not far from the animal farm, near a forest and golden rice fields, they spotted faint hoof prints in the muddy ground. The tracks were massive, as large as their faces, likely belonging to a mutated cow. Vulture suddenly froze in his tracks, a wave of doubt washing over him. The only reason they had managed to defeat a mutated cow before was because he and Sparrow had worked together¡ªand it was Sparrow''s precise strike with his dagger that had delivered the killing blow. Without Sparrow''s skill and assistance, the chances of successfully taking down a mutated cow seemed slim. Vulture''s hand clenched into a fist as they advanced cautiously, each step deliberate to avoid being caught off guard by the mutated animal they were tracking. Near the entrance to the forest, they finally spotted their targets: two goats grazing on the grass. But these were no ordinary goats¡ªthey were as large as pigs ready for slaughter, their massive, sharp horns gleaming like polished knives. The sight sent a shiver down the spines of the Winters'' men. One accidental ram from those deadly horns could mean instant death. Beyond their intimidating size, the goats'' hair was longer than usual, its glossy sheen reflecting the faint sunlight, further emphasizing their unnatural transformation. "Wait, didn''t they say goats freeze up when they''re startled?" someone whispered, as they are all crouching low behind the bushes and trees. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They moved with utmost caution, every motion deliberate and subtle, careful not to make a sound that might alert the mutated goats to their presence. "We can only try and see," someone muttered before suddenly leaping from behind the bushes. With a wild, primal roar, he charged forward. His massive, bulky form made him resemble a hairless bear as he bellowed, "Gahhhhh!!!" His arms tensed as the roar erupted from his chest, and without a moment''s hesitation, his feet slammed onto the ground. The startled mutated goat, which had been grazing peacefully, immediately froze, spooked by the sudden outburst. Mehh! The mutated goat let out a startled bleat before its body stiffened, collapsing to the ground in an unnatural stillness. It lay there for several moments, frozen in place. "Now!" Vulture barked, snapping his team into action. With swift precision, they pulled out more ropes. Given the size of the mutated goat and its dangerously sharp horns, they made sure to secure it with multiple layers of rope. As soon as the goat regained its senses, it began thrashing wildly, trying to break free. Meeeheeeh! Meeeeh! The mutated goat bleated frantically as it struggled against the ropes, its thrashing intensifying. "I didn''t realize they could still get so easily spooked," the big guy, who had startled the mutated goat earlier, chuckled, grinning like a fool. But his expression quickly shifted as he added, "But if it keeps thrashing like this, the ropes might not hold for long." His words mirrored the growing concern among the others. "Why don''t we try to knock it out?" someone suggested, but the idea quickly fell flat. They hadn''t brought any tranquilizers, and the risk of getting close enough to perform a choke hold was too dangerous. The mutated goat was still wildly thrashing its head, its sharp horns swinging dangerously, making it all too likely that someone would get impaled if they tried. The sight of the ground being punctured by the horns as the creature flailed only reinforced their hesitation. A shiver ran down their spines as they imagined themselves getting too close to those lethal weapons. No one wanted to take that risk. "How about we move them into our space first, then let them pass out from oxygen deprivation?" One of the STAU members suggested sheepishly, stepping forward. "Once they''re knocked out, we can knock them out again before they regain their senses." By "knocking out," the STAU meant ensuring the mutated goats wouldn''t wake up too soon. If they did, they could simply repeat the process to keep them unconscious long enough to transport them back to the base. With no better solution in sight, the team proceeded with the plan. The STAU kept the mutated goats in their space long enough for them to pass out, then brought them back out before the mutated goats die from oxygen depravation. As soon as they were out, a few of the Winters'' men worked together to subdue the goats. Vulture coated his arms and hands with earth armor and gripped the mutated goat''s horns, preventing it from thrashing while the others are holding it in a chokehold. The rest of the team worked to pin down its body, ensuring it couldn''t escape. Even with the earth armor around Vulture''s hands, the mutated goat''s horn still managed to slice through it. Thankfully, his high defense prevented any damage to his palm. He remembered Kisha telling him before that his defense was so strong, he was like a walking tank. To test it out, after they finished with the first mutated goat, Vulture decided to try something daring. Instead of using earth armor, he gripped the second mutated goat''s horn with his bare hands, leaving everyone shocked and worried. They wanted to stop him, but they were too stunned to act. To their amazement, Vulture held the horn without a drop of blood, his palm completely unharmed. Chapter 557 Searching For The Mutated Animals 2 After everyone got over their initial shock, they quickly resumed their work, coordinating to subdue the second mutated goat. With teamwork and precision, they managed to knock it out, and soon enough, both mutated goats were unconscious, their mission successfully completed. "Hey, looks like we got lucky!" someone exclaimed, the one who had been holding the massive body of the mutated goat. He was the first to notice. "These mutated goats are male and female!" Once he pointed it out, the others took a closer look, and sure enough, the goats were indeed of different genders. This discovery meant they now had everything they needed to start increasing the mutated goat population in the future. There was no need to search for more¡ªthis pair would be enough. To transport the two massive mutated goats without alerting nearby mutated animals or drawing attention, they decided against using their trucks. The loud engine noise could potentially scare the animals off or attract the mutated cows again. Instead, they came up with a plan to create a device that would help them pull and drag the goats quietly, ensuring they could move the creatures without attracting unwanted attention. In a rush to move the mutated goats, the group quickly gathered their resources. They worked together to chop down the nearest tree, cutting it into planks. There was no need for precision or polish¡ªthey simply focused on creating a sturdy platform to place the animals on, ensuring they could transport them efficiently without wasting any time. Once the platform was ready, the group moved forward. The team members transporting the mutated goats were positioned in the center of the group, allowing them to focus on pulling the planks. Ropes were tied to the front and back of the platform, with the strongest members from the group at the front and rear to handle the weight. The rest of the team formed a protective perimeter around the central group, ensuring the safety of the STAU members and those transporting the animals. The front and back teams kept vigilant, while those in the center rotated shifts, allowing the team to move efficiently without slowing down. Once everything was set, they departed. Vulture led the team, staying a little ahead of the main group to scout for mutated animals. His position allowed him to spot threats quickly, taking down any creatures he encountered or signaling the main group to stop and hide if necessary. This strategy ensured their movements were coordinated, minimizing the risk of startling the mutated animals. If an attack occurred, Vulture and the advance party could rush back swiftly to assist the others, maintaining a balance between offense and defense. The entire group was ready to act in unison if the situation called for it. Not long after, the main group''s messenger noticed the hand signal from the advance party, led by Vulture. As soon as he saw Vulture motion for them to stop, he immediately raised his own hands to signal the main group to halt. They followed his cue, pausing in place. Then, he signaled for them to move forward slowly and quietly, indicating they had either located another mutated animal or a potential threat. Everyone became tense, moving with extreme caution to avoid making a sound. Even those carrying the mutated animals took extra care, stepping lightly and brushing away dry leaves or twigs from the ground to minimize noise as they advanced. They moved cautiously, slipping behind trees to conceal themselves. Vulture scanned the area, spotting several mutated chickens the size of turkeys. They were pecking at the ground, scratching and hunting for food like normal chickens, but their size and behavior set them apart. There were at least a dozen of these massive birds, some males among them, and their talons were sharp and formidable. Even the hens had talons resembling those of eagles, a clear indication of their deadly potential. Vulture noticed the sharpness of their beaks as well, knowing that these mutated chickens weren''t just ordinary animals¡ªthey were capable of inflicting serious harm. "Captain, how do we capture them?" someone beside Vulture whispered, his voice laced with concern. "We can''t surprise them¡ªif they see us, they''ll either scatter in all directions or attack." Vulture nodded, agreeing with the assessment. They had no idea how these mutated chickens would react to humans. It was possible they still retained some of the behavior of normal chickens, like the mutated goats, but there was also the chance they had become aggressive. Given their large size and powerful wings, Vulture knew a single flap could cause serious injury. The sharp talons and beaks would make them deadly opponents if provoked. They needed a plan¡ªone that wouldn''t set off a chain reaction of chaos. If only they knew how complicated things were about to get, they might have wished they''d brought Mike along. With his awakened ability, Gift, and Talent, he could have easily calmed the mutated chickens, making them docile enough to follow him without the need for a brutal fight. "Do you think catching them with a net would work?" someone asked, but his suggestion was quickly met with silence. It was an impractical idea. With their sharp talons and beaks, the mutated chickens would tear through the net like it was paper. "Then, what if we use wind blades to cut their legs and beaks?" another person proposed, but the suggestion only brought skepticism. "Then they won''t survive, and how exactly do you plan on cutting through their legs and beaks? What if they''re too agile for that?" came a sharp retort. As they whispered among themselves behind the bush, it seemed the mutated chickens had sensed their presence. One by one, they lifted their heads, their eyes scanning the area. The male mutated chickens'' feathers along the back of their necks began to stand on end, a clear sign of agitation. It was as if they were preparing for a confrontation. "Shit! Did it notice us?" someone whispered, their voice tight with anxiety. Vulture narrowed his eyes, scanning the group of mutated chickens. He locked onto one male and one female. Making a swift decision, he leaped from his hiding spot, his hands shooting out to grab the nearest chickens by the necks. As soon as he moved, the entire flock panicked, scattering in all directions. The two mutated chickens in his grasp flapped their wings violently in retaliation, struggling to break free. As Vulture calmly brought back the two mutated chickens, one in each hand, those who had been brainstorming complicated solutions earlier couldn''t help but pursed their lips in frustration. They had been overthinking the problem, coming up with elaborate plans, when Vulture had simply gone in and grabbed the chickens with his bare hands, effortlessly. With his overwhelming defense, the sharp talons and beaks hadn''t even fazed him. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now, they couldn''t help but feel a little foolish, as if they''d been playing a game of strategy while Vulture had already won with sheer practicality. The mutated chickens struggled fiercely, using their sharp talons in a desperate attempt to cut through Vulture''s grip, trying to free themselves. Unable to reach him with their beaks, since he was holding them by their necks close to their heads, they resorted to flapping their wings wildly. Chapter 558 Searching For The Mutated Animals 3 But no matter how hard they tried, their talons couldn''t even graze Vulture''s skin. His ironclad defense held firm. Eventually, the chickens'' frantic movements slowed, and they hung limply from his hands, their exhaustion evident. If not for the steady rise and fall of their chests, one might have thought Vulture had accidentally choked them to death. With only two mutated chickens caught¡ªeach as large as a turkey¡ªVulture instructed the group to securely tie them with strong ropes, ensuring their talons and beaks were rendered useless no matter how much they thrashed. As an added precaution, he had metal scraps from the wrecked animal farm fashioned into covers for their beaks, preventing any accidental injuries. The foresight to salvage the metal scraps proved invaluable. Once the chickens were safely restrained, the group resumed their journey, eventually reaching the flowing river where the other team had previously encountered the mutated fish. However, instead of fish, this time they were met with mutated ducks, eerily gliding through the water. The mutated ducks were now even more flamboyant than before, resembling oversized swans with comically loud quacking sounds. Their feet were as large as the hands of a six-foot-tall man, their necks longer and fluffier, and their bodies were three to five times their original size. Although they lacked sharp nails or beaks, their speed in the water was astonishing¡ªakin to a speedboat. They darted through the river in a frenzy, racing to catch the mutated river fish, even though the fish were larger than them. Undeterred, the ducks repeatedly dove into the water, causing the fish to scatter in panic like frightened cats. The mutated ducks resembled swift submarines as they dove underwater, moving with remarkable speed and precision. It was no wonder the fish scattered in terror¡ªonce a duck locked onto its prey, it wouldn''t relent until it captured the chosen fish. After successfully catching a large fish, the bulkier ducks, noticeably larger and more muscular, would bring the catch ashore and share it with the smaller ones. Based on their observations, Vulture and the others speculated that these mutated ducks had retained some of the characteristics of their predecessors. The smaller ducks were likely females, while the males were not only larger but also had distinctive features: feathers atop their heads standing upright, slightly elongated, resembling small tails. Once the male mutated ducks dragged their hunted fish to their respective female partners, the females would respond with delighted quacks, their tails wagging enthusiastically. Their necks would swayed back and forth towards their partners, as if expressing their gratitude. After the males finished their task, the pairs would begin eating the fish together. Observing from the shadows, Vulture and the others noticed a surprising detail: the mutated ducks had sharp, saw-like teeth hidden inside their large beaks. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These teeth retracted when not in use, making it easier for the ducks to bite through the tough scales of the mutated fish and tear the flesh from their bones with remarkable efficiency. This time, even Vulture hesitated to step forward and repeat his earlier tactics with the mutated chickens. Just the sight of the mutated ducks was enough to send a shiver down his spine. However, when he turned around to suggest a plan or seek input, he was met with everyone''s expectant gazes. It was clear they had unanimously decided to leave the decision-making¡ªand the "honor" of taking action¡ªto him, without a single word needing to be said. Vulture instantly choked on his own spit, his throat tightening as anxiety bubbled up. The thought of those mutated ducks possibly snapping off one of his fingers with their terrifying saw-like teeth was enough to make his stomach churn. While part of him was eager to take action, the ducks'' proximity to the water posed a serious problem. If startled, they could easily escape into the river. He furrowed his brows, falling into deep contemplation as he struggled to devise a solution. ''Maybe if Sparrow were here,'' he mused, ''he could use his agility to sneak up on them while they''re on land and knock them out quickly.'' But with Sparrow absent, Vulture realized this challenge was his to face alone, adding to the mounting pressure. As soon as Vulture thought of Sparrow, an uneasy knot twisted in his stomach, adding to the growing tension. Shaking off the nerves, he decided to focus on the task at hand. Moving carefully, he began crawling closer to the mutated ducks, using the seven- to ten-inch grass as cover. It wasn''t particularly tall, but it was dense enough to conceal him as he slithered like a snake. The cacophony of quacking and splashing from the ducks playing in the water, combined with the noisy interactions of other pairs, masked the sound of the grass rustling. This gave Vulture the opportunity to inch closer undetected. His eyes locked onto a male and female mutated duck engrossed in their meal, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings. However, as Vulture got within range, the male duck suddenly raised its head, its alert posture suggesting it had sensed something. Vulture froze in place, holding his breath as the duck''s sharp eyes scanned the area. Seizing the moment before he was discovered, Vulture extended his hand, channeling his focus. A cluster of earth erupted from the ground, snaking around the ducks'' feet like living vines, binding them securely in place. The sudden action caught both ducks by surprise, giving Vulture a small but critical victory. Surprised by the sudden restraint, the two mutated ducks let out loud, alarmed quacking, flapping their large wings frantically in the air as if attempting to take flight. However, upon realizing their feet were firmly bound by the earth, they quickly shifted tactics. Using their saw-like teeth, the ducks began biting at the dirt bindings with fierce determination. Despite their panic, the sight was almost surreal¡ªthese massive creatures, resembling oversized swans with their elegant yet intimidating forms, were struggling against their confinement. Vulture didn''t waste the opportunity. While the ducks were preoccupied with their futile escape attempts, he stealthily approached from behind. Without hesitation, he repeated the same strategy he had used on the mutated chickens earlier. With swift precision, he grabbed the necks of both ducks, aiming to subdue them. The moment he made contact, the mutated ducks reacted violently, flapping their powerful wings with renewed vigor. The male''s wing struck Vulture square in the face, while the female''s slammed into his side, leaving a stinging sensation. Undeterred by the flurry of blows, Vulture tightened his grip, enduring the onslaught until the mutated ducks'' struggles weakened. Finally, their flapping slowed, and after a few more moments of resistance, the mutated ducks fell limp, their fight extinguished. Vulture let out a breath he hadn''t realized he was holding, his body aching from the scuffle but triumphant in his efforts. Although Vulture''s strong defenses kept him from sustaining any physical injuries, the relentless beating from the mutated ducks'' wings left him feeling mentally drained, as if he had taken a psychological beating instead. The experience left him frustrated and fired up. After taking a brief rest with his team by the river to recover and regroup, they quickly prepared to move on, eager to leave the unsettling encounter behind and continue their journey. Chapter 559 Searching For The Mutated Animals 4 "Captain, we''ve got eggs here!" one of his men called out, crouched low and peering into the grass. The not-so-tall blades obscured the view, prompting Vulture to move closer. As he approached, the man carefully parted the grass, revealing a cluster of five to seven large eggs. The eggs had a distinct bluish hue and were only slightly smaller than ostrich eggs. Vulture didn''t need to think twice to realize these were the eggs of the mutated ducks they had just encountered. "Isn''t this close to where I caught the two mutated ducks?" Vulture murmured, his eyes scanning the area. The man who had called him nodded in confirmation. "Yes, Captain, you''re right," the man explained. "I was about to sit down when I heard a sharp cracking sound, like the breaking of a shell. I was surprised, and when I looked closer, I found these eggs hidden by the grass." Vulture crouched down for a better look, and sure enough, one of the eggs was cracked, with a small leak running down its side. "Let''s take these eggs too and see if Mike can hatch them," Vulture suggested. "It''s more convenient to carry an egg than a whole animal." The man nodded in agreement and quickly set off to gather dry grass and twigs to create a makeshift nest for the egg. A few of the other men followed, not wanting anyone to work alone. If anything happened, at least they would be able to work together¡ªwhether to fight, run, or call for backup. Seeing his responsible teammates, Vulture nodded in satisfaction before scanning the area. The mutated ducks had long since disappeared from the riverside. As soon as they noticed Vulture, they took off like speeding boats, gliding across the water with astonishing speed¡ªso fast it seemed as if they could walk on the surface. The sight left not only Vulture but everyone else in awe. These mutated creatures could undoubtedly make for fascinating subjects for research, especially if they could find a scientist willing to study their evolution and determine how consuming them might affect the human body. After the team managed to make a makeshift nest for the mutated duck''s eggs, they noticed the mutated goat and mutated chicken had woken up. However, Vulture swiftly choked them once again, and the creatures quickly passed out before they continued their journey. "Alright, we don''t need to collect every mutated livestock we come across," Vulture said decisively. "After a few more, we''ll head back while also keeping an eye out for Sparrow." Everyone nodded in agreement, though their brows were furrowed. They hadn''t forgotten about Sparrow or Group 6, who had yet to make an appearance. Their only hope was to cross paths with them while continuing their search for mutated animals in the forest. As they reached the heart of the forest, the team spotted the mutated pigs with their pinkish skin. One of them stood out, muscular like a bull, with a single horn protruding from the center of its skull, resembling a unicorn. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Vulture and the others couldn''t fathom why a pig would evolve in such a ridiculous way. It seemed pointless, even a bit comical¡ªlike a "unicorn pig" hybrid. Despite its strange appearance, its size remained the same, though its muscle mass had clearly increased. It might have been because it was a male pig, but the others were smaller, with well-proportioned muscle and meat. However, the real shock came when the female pigs turned around. Not only did they share the male''s horn in the center of their skull, but they also had another horn at the top of their nose bridge. They looked more like rhinoceroses than pigs, their imposing appearance a little intimidating. And just when they thought the situation might be harmless, the pigs noticed them. Instead of running away, they charged, squealing in a wild rampage like angry boars. "Oh shit, oh shit! We need to run!" "Fuck! They''re fast!" "Why the hell did you even laugh? You caught their attention!" Everyone cursed each other loudly as they scrambled to escape in different directions. Some immediately climbed the trees, while the STAU quickly stored the mutated animals they had collected inside their spaces before leaping onto the nearest Winters'' men. The slower climbers were in danger of being skewered by those long horns if they didn''t act fast. To think that the once weak STAU were now so fast, clinging tightly to the Winters'' men like human monkeys, but no one had the energy to laugh. The pigs looked downright murderous, charging as a horde. Even Vulture was forced to retreat and find a sturdier tree to climb. The pigs rammed their horns into the tree trunks with brutal force. However, their horns were just long enough that some got stuck on the thicker trunks, unable to free themselves no matter how hard they struggled. The most aggressive of them all was the female pig, its rage unrelenting. The mutated pigs that managed to free themselves from the tree trunks shook their heads, steadying their dizzy minds. Once they regained their bearings, they charged again, ramming into the tree trunks where the Winters'' men had climbed. Fortunately, the Winters'' men were scattered across different trees, and the number of mutated pigs didn''t exceed a dozen. This caused confusion among the pigs, as they struggled to decide which tree to target. It gave Vulture and the others a precious window of time to regroup and prepare to fight back. "Ey! Bring me my hammer!" Vulture shouted to the STAU, who was just one tree away. Without hesitation, the STAU didn''t ask any questions. He immediately pulled the large hammer from his space and, with the help of one of the Winters'' men, tossed it toward Vulture. They were on a tight deadline¡ªif they didn''t act quickly, the mutated animals they had painstakingly captured would perish inside their spaces. Vulture understood the urgency, so he didn''t waste another moment. As soon as he gripped his massive hammer, he leaped from his position, aiming straight for the nearest murderous mutated pig. If he couldn''t bring all of them back alive, at least he could bring back a few, dead mutated pig. With that thought, Vulture didn''t hesitate. He raised the hammer high above his head and, with the force of gravity on his side, he slammed it down onto the mutated pig''s neck. He deliberately avoided striking its head, wary of the sharp, long horn. Unsure which would be sturdier¡ªhis hammer or the mutated pig''s horn¡ªVulture played it safe, targeting the neck instead. The mutated pig didn''t even have a chance to make a sound as Vulture''s attack struck. With a sickening crack, its neck twisted at an unnatural angle, and the pig was instantly silenced, its life snuffed out. The horn remained lodged in the tree trunk, unmoving. Without pausing, Vulture quickly turned, swinging his hammer sideways in a fluid motion, as if he were playing tennis. The strong blow full with force connected with the incoming mutated pig''s jaw, sending it reeling. The pig staggered, its head rattling from the impact, before it collapsed to the ground with a loud, resounding thud. "Two!" "Five!" Chapter 560 Searching For The Mutated Animals 5 Vulture didn''t relent, relentlessly swinging his hammer with precision and purpose. Despite his relentless assault, he maintained tight control over his strength, ensuring he killed only as many mutated pigs as necessary. The rest he deliberately spared, leaving them alive to be captured and brought back. "Hurry up! Get the mutated animals out of the space now!" Vulture roared, his voice commanding urgency as he felled the last mutated pig. Without wasting a moment, the STAU members, still perched in the trees, quickly followed his orders. They didn''t even bother climbing down, hastily retrieving the mutated animals from their storage. A moment later, the creatures they had painstakingly captured emerged, visibly weak and on the brink of death. Fortunately, several of the Winters'' men, equipped with strong offensive and defensive abilities, stepped in to assist Vulture. Some provided crucial support, enabling the group to finish the task swiftly. Without their help, all the hard work they had put into capturing the other types of mutated animals might have been for nothing. "Captain! This one''s on the verge of dying¡ªits mouth is already foaming!" one of the Winters'' men called out, catching Vulture''s attention. He pointed to one of the mutated chickens that appeared to be in critical condition. Right on cue, the STAU descended from the trees and immediately rushed to check on the mutated animals. They inspected each one thoroughly, administering a few drops of a vial containing blue liquid to stabilize the creatures and ensure they wouldn''t succumb to their condition. It was a calculated risk to have stored the animals in their spatial spaces earlier. Leaving them exposed on the ground could have resulted in their deaths at the hands of the rampaging mutated pigs. In hindsight, they agreed that it was better to play it safe than regret the loss of their hard-earned captures. Aside from temporarily storing the mutated animals in their spaces, they had no other viable option. Without specialized equipment like spare oxygen masks, they could only let the mutated animals endure a bit of discomfort for a short while. "Check on the surviving mutated pigs and make sure they stay alive. As for the ones that are already dead, store them away¡ªwe''ll take them back with us," Vulture instructed, his voice firm. He swung his massive hammer in the air a few times before resting it on his shoulder, scanning the group with a sharp gaze to ensure he hadn''t overlooked anything in his orders. "Alright, we''ve got everything we need. Let''s get ready to head back once you''re finished with this batch!" Vulture commanded after a brief pause. Without wasting time, the team began hauling the unconscious mutated pigs out of the forest. They didn''t bother with planks or other equipment; instead, they grabbed the pigs by their hind legs and dragged them along the ground, leaving visible drag marks behind. No one cared about the marks, not after the pigs had nearly killed them. Besides, time was of the essence¡ªthey needed to return to base before nightfall so they could deploy the bees to search for Sparrow. After reaching a clearing with a dirt road, the STAU swiftly pulled five trucks out of their spaces. Before boarding, they carefully removed the animals still fitted with specialized oxygen muzzles and large oxygen tanks. Since the animals were still unconscious, the team loaded them into the trucks and secured them tightly. However, they realized they were short one truck intended for smaller animals that were placed in isolated pods. Forced to improvise, they collectively cut down more trees from the surrounding area to craft additional planks. With everyone''s cooperation, the task was completed faster than expected, but it was already past noon by the time they finished. While most of the team worked on the planks, the STAU members, lacking the strength or agile hands for heavy labor, took charge of preparing lunch. They washed and chopped vegetables, prepared the meat, and set the rice to cook on one side of the clearing. Meanwhile, two or three of the Winters'' men stood guard, keeping a vigilant watch over the perimeter to ensure everyone''s safety. When pass lunch arrived, the STAU was done cooking beef curry and deep fried some tonkatsu, they then serves a big bowl of rice with beef curry on top and then on top of it was a big egg omelet and then the tonkatsu on top. The food was still steaming, its enticing aroma wafting through the clearing and making everyone''s mouths water. After working nonstop since morning and facing life-threatening dangers at every turn, the team was beyond famished. Their stomachs twisted in hunger as they eagerly awaited the long-overdue meal. As soon as the food was served, the Winters'' men, along with Vulture, wasted no time. They dove in, taking large bites and shoveling spoonfuls of food into their mouths with unrestrained enthusiasm. "This tastes amazing!" one of the men exclaimed between bites. "You guys are seriously talented," another added, nodding appreciatively toward the STAU members who had prepared the meal. "GOD! I''m so hungry I could eat a whole cow!" one of the Winters'' men exclaimed dramatically, shoveling another mouthful of food into his mouth. The rest of the Winters'' men chimed in, showering the STAU with compliments for their cooking. The STAU members, caught off guard by the praise, smiled sheepishly. They knew the men were hungry enough to devour anything put in front of them, but the compliments still warmed their hearts. In truth, the STAU hadn''t done anything extraordinary. They had simply used a ready-made beef curry mix, thrown everything into a pressure cooker, and let it simmer until the beef was perfectly tender. Still, seeing the others enjoy the meal so much made their efforts feel worthwhile. No one said a word, understanding that they had done the best they could with the limited resources and tight timeline. Heads bowed over their bowls, they focused on eating in silence, savoring the meal as much as their hunger would allow. After finishing, they drank water to wash down the food and rested briefly before returning to work. With their energy replenished, the team quickly completed cutting enough planks. They loaded the planks into one of the trucks, using them to create a second layer inside for better storage capacity. In Truck Number 1, the team carefully arranged all the captured cows, ensuring they were secure. The Winters'' men took their seats at the very back, near the truck''s doors, ready to keep an eye on the cargo as they prepared to set off. They kept the process simple, avoiding unnecessary construction. The truck''s frame already featured vertical circular metal bars designed to support its armor, making it convenient for the team to utilize. They placed the planks across these bars, ensuring each end rested securely on the metal supports. To reinforce the structure and prevent the planks from buckling under the weight, they added a second layer of planks laid perpendicular to the first. This cross-pattern ensured stability and balance, providing a sturdy foundation for their cargo. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Only after ensuring the second layer was sturdy enough did they begin loading the animals, maximizing every inch of space within the trucks. Truck 1 was designated for the larger cows, accommodating the dairy cattle and cattle for slaughter called beef cattle together on the reinforced first layer. Truck 2 housed the pigs on the first layer and the goats on the second. Truck 3 was reserved for sheep on the upper level and calves on the lower, as the group had multiple cattle breeds and needed to distribute them across the trucks. Trucks 4 and 5 carried the poultry, including chickens, ducks, quails, and a growing number of pheasants. These birds were still being raised to increase their population and had not yet been served at the Supply Center. This systematic arrangement ensured every animal was securely placed and made optimal use of the available truck space. Only after ensuring all the arrangements were complete and everyone was securely aboard the trucks did Vulture knock firmly on the back of the lead truck, signaling with a command, "Let''s roll out!" Yet, even as the convoy roared to life, his gaze lingered on the distant terrain they had just left behind. There was a flicker of hope in his eyes, an unspoken anticipation that Sparrow would emerge at the last moment, just as he often did. But as the trucks began to move, that hope dulled, replaced by a gnawing unease. Vulture''s stomach churned, not from physical exhaustion, but from the growing weight of doubt pressing on his thoughts. He stubbornly clung to the idea that Sparrow would appear, defying logic and timing like always. Yet this time, no familiar figure materialized from the shadows, and the absence settled heavily in his chest. With one final glance at the horizon, Vulture climbed onto the roof of Truck 1 instead of taking his usual place in the passenger seat. No one knew why he chose to sit there, but no one questioned him either. The drivers started their engines, and the convoy began its slow, steady departure from the area. Chapter 561 Vulture The Cowboy Fortunately, their retreat went unnoticed. Whether by luck or by the absence of threats, no zombies or mutated animals appeared to challenge their escape. The eerie stillness of the surroundings lent an almost unnatural silence to their exit, leaving behind only the faint rumble of the trucks fading into the distance. Vulture remained silently perched on the roof of the truck, issuing only a single order to the drivers: to head back. The tension in his demeanor was palpable, and though no one spoke of it, everyone felt the weight of his mood. They understood. Among them, Vulture had been the closest to Sparrow. Despite their constant bickering, their bond was like that of brothers¡ªstrong and unwavering. The group respected his pain, knowing that if they were in his position, they would feel just as devastated. Recognizing his need for space, they focused on their tasks, performing their duties diligently and without adding to his burden. They knew Vulture would ask for help if he needed it, and until then, all they could do was quietly support him from afar. Vulture was acutely aware that everyone was giving him the space he needed, but that didn''t mean he had forgotten his duties and responsibilities. Though the weight of worry pressed heavily on him, he knew there was nothing more he could do for the moment. He shifted his focus, channeling his anxiety into determination. He had to get back as quickly as possible. All he could do now was hope and pray that Sparrow could hold on a little longer. While he couldn''t control the situation on his end, Vulture clung to the belief that with Kisha''s help and the Scarlet Bees, they might still be able to make a difference. They often said that working smart was better than working hard, and Vulture knew this all too well. If he and the Winters'' men tried to scour the entire perimeter where Sparrow was last seen, following every potential lead and predicting his next course of action, it could take weeks¡ªif not longer¡ªwithout any solid clues. Add in the unpredictable weather, the danger of zombies, and mutated animals, and the search would only grow more arduous, longer, and uncertain. The forest itself was vast, stretching out with a massive, imposing mountain ahead. Not only would it be near impossible to find Sparrow in such an expansive area, but the team also had to consider the potential dangers that lay hidden in the mountains: wild mutated creatures, like tigers and bears, could be lurking, posing an even greater threat to the Winters'' men. The stakes were high, and every choice had to be weighed carefully. After weighing the pros and cons of his options, Vulture, despite not being as sharp as Sparrow, understood that the odds were stacked against him. Without another skilled scout in their group who possessed abilities similar to Sparrow''s, any attempt to track him would likely be in vain. The situation was grim, and the only hope left was Kisha¡ªshe was the only one who could potentially help them now, or so he presumed. Without wasting any time, the drivers floored the accelerator. After only ten minutes of driving, the group spotted a familiar scene in the distance. A plume of dust rose into the air, catching Vulture''s attention. He straightened up from his position on the roof of the moving truck, his massive hammer lying beside him, a quiet reminder of the urgency of the moment. After several minutes of crouching atop the moving truck like a spider clinging to a wall, Vulture''s eyes narrowed as he finally spotted the source of his growing frustration. The mutated cows had returned for round two. A full herd of them was charging towards the truck, their heavy hooves thundering as they closed the distance, just like the first time they had been attacked by these beasts. But this time, Vulture had been anticipating their arrival. The loud rumble of the truck''s engine had already given away their position, drawing the mutated cows in. Though he couldn''t find Sparrow, that didn''t mean he couldn''t exact some revenge on these monstrous cows¡ªafter all, they were the very reason he and the others had been separated, forcing Sparrow to take off on his own to scout for their missing people. Vulture would never forget the chain of events that had brought them to this point, but he also had to acknowledge that Sparrow''s growing confidence in his own strength had led him to overlook an essential layer of protection or pushing himself over his limit. This lapse in judgment had directly contributed to the current situation, where they couldn''t even reach him. Once Vulture dealt with the mutated cows, he was determined to hold Sparrow accountable for his recklessness. No one, not even Sparrow, would escape the consequences of their actions. With these thoughts in mind, Vulture grabbed a rope and secured it tightly around his waist, ensuring that it was fastened securely to a hitch protruding from the side of the armored truck. He double-checked the other end, tying it off firmly to guarantee he was anchored properly. Safety was paramount¡ªif he was going to criticize Sparrow for his overconfidence, Vulture knew he couldn''t afford to be reckless himself. Accidents could strike at any moment, and only through preparedness would they be able to accomplish their mission and stay alive. Once Vulture was fully prepared, the herd of mutated cows were still several meters away. He stood tall on top of the moving truck, the wind whipping around him. The drivers in the truck behind glanced up at him, raising an eyebrow in confusion, but quickly shook their heads and went back to their focus. Undeterred, Vulture continued securing ropes to the roof of the armored truck, one after another. When he was finished, he tightened the loose ends around his waist, tying them like a seasoned cowboy. The men watching couldn''t quite grasp what he was planning, but a thought began to form in their minds¡ªhe hadn''t told anyone to slow down. What was he about to do? In response to Vulture''s actions, each driver instinctively increased their speed. As the mutated cows neared, the other trucks had already surged ahead, leaving truck number 1 at the tail end of the convoy. The mutated cows, enraged and wild, were closing in fast, their horns poised and ready to ram, charging at Vulture''s truck with relentless fury. "Ahhhh!" "I''ll make sure to turn you into beef curry, you motherfucker!" Vulture roared, his voice full of fury. Without waiting for the mutated cows to close the gap, Vulture took action. As soon as the words left his mouth, he launched himself from the roof of the truck, his massive hammer gripped tightly in both hands. With a forceful leap, his body arced backward, channeling every ounce of raw power into the weapon. Then¡ª Bang! Vulture''s hammer struck the first mutated cow in the herd, the nearest to the truck, its skull taking the full brunt of the blow. He had timed it perfectly, ensuring his strike avoided the sharp horns, targeting only the skull and neck, just like he had done with the mutated pigs earlier. Before the mutated cow even had the chance to collapse from the head trauma, Vulture was already moving with practiced precision. He swiftly grabbed one of the ropes still tied to the hitch on top of the armored truck. With the grace of a seasoned cowboy, he hurled the loop of the rope over the cow''s head and secured it tightly. His movements were lightning-fast, taking only a couple of seconds. By the time the mutated cow hit the ground, it was already tethered, and the truck had started dragging it along. Not pausing for a second, Vulture leapt in a different direction, repeating the process. One by one, he looped the ropes around the heads of nearly half a dozen mutated cows, securing each with quick, efficient knots. He made sure to inspect each one carefully¡ªscrutinizing their size, strength, and gender before attacking¡ªknowing that these beasts were far from ordinary. Despite his destructive strikes, Vulture''s blows only sent the mutated cows into unconsciousness, their extraordinary defenses ensuring they survived, albeit knocked out cold. Vulture didn''t feel a shred of regret or pity as the mutated cows were dragged by the truck, leaving them to tumble and roll in the wake of his hammer strikes. Without any more ropes to tie the remaining cows, he let them stumble and crash to the ground and be left behind in the dust, a testament to the force of his attacks. Using the last rope tethered to his body, he pulled himself back toward the truck''s edge, swinging from it like an agile spider. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With one hand gripping the rope, the other holding his massive hammer, Vulture used the side of the truck as a springboard, launching himself into the air to take down more of the mutated cows. His attacks were swift and brutal, but his movements were calculated and precise. The Winters'' men, watching from the backs of the other trucks, couldn''t help but be mesmerized by the spectacle. Their phones, once nothing more than relics of a peaceful time, had now become tools to capture the unimaginable. They''d used them for nostalgic glimpses of happier days, scrolling through pictures of loved ones long gone. But now, with Vulture''s relentless fight unfolding before them, they realized the value of their phones had changed. These scenes weren''t meant for words; they needed to be shown. And so, they began recording, knowing that these moments were too unbelievable to convey in any other way. Chapter 562 Going Back After ensuring that all the remaining mutated cows chasing the truck had been dealt with, Vulture took a moment to rest his aching arms. Gripping the massive hammer in one hand and the rope in the other, he dangled from the side of the moving truck, catching his breath. Only after regaining some strength did he begin the slow and arduous climb back onto the roof, his exhaustion evident in every strained movement. The truck continued hauling the unconscious mutated cows behind it, their massive bodies dragging over rocks, sticks, and other debris scattered along the dirt road. Despite the frequent impacts, Vulture and the others knew these collisions were far from enough to kill the beasts; the mutated cows'' incredible defensive resilience was well-known to the group. Meanwhile, the driver skillfully managed the vehicle, keeping it steady despite the additional burden. Only after they were certain they had put enough distance between themselves and any remaining mutated cows did Vulture instruct the drivers to stop. "Pull over nearby," he called out firmly. "Let''s load these mutated cows into the remaining space in the trucks¡ªafter making sure they''re fully incapacitated and securely tied." As soon as Vulture''s order was received, the trucks gradually rolled to a stop, and the Winters'' men began working together to lift the massive mutated cows. "Damn! No matter how hungry I get, I don''t think I could ever eat one of these things. It''s like lifting a small car!" one of them grumbled as a dozen men strained to carry the massive beasts. The final two mutated cows were loaded onto the last truck, but as soon as they were secured, the truck''s rear dipped dramatically, nearly flipping the vehicle as its front tires lifted precariously off the ground. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With no other option, they quickly rearranged the isolated pods inside the last truck to better distribute the weight. The mutated cows were carefully placed on opposite sides of the truck, ensuring balance. Meanwhile, the STAU personnel assigned to that truck were tasked with keeping a vigilant eye on both creatures throughout the journey. "STAU, keep a close watch on these mutated animals at all times," Vulture instructed firmly. "If they wake up, you know what to do¡ªdon''t hesitate. If we lose control, they could wreak havoc, throwing the entire truck into chaos and endangering everyone onboard." Each truck was assigned one STAU responsible for providing tools, supplies, and assistance with handling the animals. Their vigilance was now more crucial than ever. To ensure the mutated animals were properly managed, the team distributed them among the trucks, assigning a STAU to each vehicle. They were tasked with monitoring the creatures closely and using the same method as before to render them unconscious if necessary. The STAU members all nodded in understanding, and soon everyone climbed back into their respective trucks to resume the journey. This time, Vulture returned to the lead vehicle, taking a seat in the passenger spot of the front truck as they headed back toward the city. As the convoy made its way back to the base, everyone kept a watchful eye on the road, hoping to spot Sparrow and the missing truck. However, each stretch of empty road only deepened their disappointment and concern. The drivers, sensing that waiting might not be the best course of action, pressed harder on the accelerator, convinced that returning quickly to seek assistance would be more effective. Their urgency paid off, and they reached the city''s outskirts in record time¡ªmuch faster than their initial journey to the farm. Before fully entering the city, Vulture and the team made a point to refuel the trucks completely, ensuring they wouldn''t encounter any mishaps. They also conducted quick checks on the engines to guarantee everything was in working order. Once satisfied that all preparations were complete, they proceeded into the city. Vulture and his team barreled toward the city like an arrow loosed from a bow. The moment their trucks hit the pavement, zombies began emerging from the shadows, launching an ambush as if they had been lying in wait for their return. Despite the military trucks being weighed down by the number of animals they carried, their momentum remained formidable. Though their speed wasn''t as great as when they left the city, the impact was still devastating¡ªzombies were sent flying on collision, while those unfortunate enough to fall beneath the trucks were crushed under the sheer weight of the reinforced vehicles. The bumpy ride didn''t deter the Winters'' men; they leaned out of the door and roof hatches, taking aim and firing at the zombies that closed in. Every impact made by their awakened ability echoed through the streets, a testament to their determination to fight their way back to the base, no matter the odds. The Winters'' men channeled all their disappointment and worry into fierce determination, unleashing their frustration through relentless combat. Their attacks became brutal, each strike fueled by the desire to survive and protect their convoy along with their frustrations and fear for their missing brothers. However, the zombies were in the midst of an evolutionary phase, growing more savage and resilient. Their defenses had significantly improved compared to before, forcing the Winters'' men to exert greater effort and precision just to take down a single zombie. The battle was no longer just about survival; it was a test of endurance against an increasingly formidable enemy. "Motherfucker, take this!" someone shouted from the doorway, hurling a fireball at the zombie clinging to the truck''s entrance. The fiery projectile hit its mark, engulfing the creature''s face in flames. Yet, despite its burning visage, the zombie refused to let go, its charred fingers still clawing as it attempted to haul itself over the edge. "Ugh! The stench of burning rotting flesh is unbearable!" someone grimaced, disgust evident in his voice. He then delivered a powerful kick to the zombie''s face, sending it sprawling off the truck. The creature attempted to rise, but before it could even gather itself, the truck behind rolled over it, crushing it beneath the weight of its tires. "Nice support!" the man who had kicked the zombie off said with a cheeky grin, giving the driver of the truck behind a thumbs-up. The driver rolled his eyes but didn''t take his focus off the road, expertly navigating through the chaos. Meanwhile, the crew in the back remained relentless, fending off the zombies attempting to board their truck, each attack more brutal than the last. There were times when the Winters'' men opted for more practical solutions, using simple weapons like poles to push zombies off the edge of the truck''s entrance. _______________ PS: Another month has passed, and I''m genuinely grateful to see so many of you continuing to support and engage with the story. Your ongoing enthusiasm and encouragement mean a lot to me. As a token of my appreciation, please accept this redeem code: . You can redeem it for 10 Fast Passes at the Redeem Center located in your Profile section, just below your Purchase History. The code is valid for 10 users on a first-come, first-served basis. I hope this small gesture brings a smile to your face and encourages you to keep supporting me. Thank you again for being part of this journey! Chapter 563 Ask For Help They''d also strike with precision, aiming for the zombies'' limbs until their knuckles were crushed, forcing the creatures to release their grip. This approach allowed them to conserve their spiritual energy, avoiding unnecessary overuse while still effectively neutralizing the threat. Seeing the effectiveness of this strategy, the others who had been resting quickly followed suit. They grabbed whatever they could find¡ªmakeshift weapons or tools¡ªto ensure the zombies couldn''t breach the truck. Those zombies that came at them from the sides only managed to scrape along the armored truck, and whenever they tried to latch onto anything, the vehicle simply passed over them, leaving them to stumble and fall or get caught under the truck''s massive tires. Each passenger secured themselves to the truck, tying their waist to any available hook, bracing themselves for the jolting movements and sudden bumps. Despite the instability, the precautions ensured that no one would accidentally be thrown off the truck during the chaos. All of this was inspired by what they saw Vulture do, and the others quickly realized the importance of securing themselves inside the truck. They were now sitting close to the edge, and every sudden shake¡ªfrom collisions or when a zombie was run over¡ªcould easily send them flying off. If someone fell, they would be surrounded by zombies before anyone could react, leading to a disastrous outcome. Even with the best intentions, no one could reach a fallen person fast enough to save them from being devoured alive. To prevent any accidents, everyone secured themselves by tying a rope around their waist and fastening the other end inside the truck. This allowed them to confidently fight at the edge without the fear of falling off. With their minds at ease, they could focus on the battle without restraint. "Man, I''m almost out of spiritual energy. Let''s switch!" One of the men at the edge called out to the rest. The two inside, hearing the request, immediately stood up, took their positions at the edge, and unleashed wind blades that sliced through zombies, severing their heads with surgical precision. "Oh! I can feel my ability becoming easier to use and stronger¡ªlooks like I''m about to level up!" the man said with excitement, launching more attacks with renewed energy. The battle raged on, stretching longer as they neared the wall. When Vulture''s truck was spotted by the sniper atop the watchtower, the alert was immediately sent to the gatekeeper. Soldiers swiftly took their positions, and once the truck entered firing range, they began providing cover. Meanwhile, the warriors held their ground, waiting for the zombies to come within range of their awakened abilities. Once the time was right, they conjured their powers and unleashed devastating attacks into the air, targeting the advancing horde. Everyone was so absorbed in the battle that they didn''t realize one of Vulture''s trucks was missing. However, with the soldiers'' assistance, Vulture successfully entered the gate without incident. As the massive door closed behind them, the soldiers and superhumans continued to battle the remaining zombies outside, drawn to the base by the convoy''s arrival. While the warriors and soldiers focused on eliminating the threat, the Scarlet Bees quickly went to work, collecting crystal cores from the fallen zombies that was too far from the gate. This allowed the warriors to remain within the safety around the gates while their other comrades keep watch over them, avoiding the need to venture too far beyond the walls to secure the valuable cores after the fight. The moment Vulture''s truck passed through the gates, he leaped out without waiting for it to come to a full stop. His eyes quickly scanned the area, searching for Kisha. When he didn''t spot her nearby and noticed the sun beginning to set, anxiety gripped him. He hurriedly began asking around, his voice tinged with urgency, hoping someone knew where Kisha was. "Do you know where Young Madam is?" Vulture asked urgently, his tone sharp. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The gatekeeper, taken aback by the intensity in Vulture''s voice, could only shake his head frantically. He was so rattled by the sudden urgency in Vulture''s demeanor that words escaped him entirely. Without hesitation, Vulture sprinted toward the villa, urgency propelling his every step. None of his team attempted to stop him¡ªin fact, they all silently hoped he would find Young Madam as quickly as possible. As he ran, Vulture asked anyone he passed if they had seen Kisha, but each response left him more anxious. With no answer to ease his mind, he pushed forward, praying that either she was already at the villa, or at the very least, someone there would have information about her whereabouts. "Young Madam! Young Madam!" Vulture''s voice rang out before he even reached the door. Kisha jumped, startled by the sudden shout. Duke, lounging beside her on the living room couch, frowned and glanced toward the door. They had been relaxing together, unwinding after their duties around the base. It was rare for them to have time alone, and they were both eager to spend it in peace, away from the weight of their responsibilities. Duke had even started to make his move, hoping to enjoy a quiet moment with his wife, but Vulture''s urgent voice shattered the calm. His annoyance flickered, though curiosity quickly took over. ''What had Vulture so panicked and nervous?'' Sensing something was off, Duke immediately stopped what he was about to do and pulled Kisha into his chest, wrapping his arms around her waist. Kisha didn''t protest, understanding the situation. It would have been embarrassing if Vulture walked in to find them tangled on the couch. Fortunately, nothing had escalated yet¡ªthey were simply sharing a quiet moment, playfully teasing each other after a long day of work. They had planned to return to their duties after an hour of rest and a quick early dinner, but now, with the tension in the air, their attention shifted. When Kisha heard Vulture''s urgent calls, she looked up at Duke, uncertainty clouding her eyes. She had just received a report from Bell informing her that Vulture was looking for her and heading toward the villa, but she hadn''t realized he was already so close. "Master, it wasn''t that I reported too late, but Vulture was running like a madman," Bell quickly clarified, eager to clear her name. She didn''t want to be seen as slacking off, especially since she had refrained from interrupting Kisha''s time with Duke. Bell hadn''t planned to inform Kisha about Vulture''s arrival just yet, wanting her to enjoy her private moment without the weight of base duties, but the urgency in Vulture''s voice made it impossible to ignore. "What''s wrong, Vulture?" Kisha asked, her voice filled with concern as she saw him rush in, disheveled and visibly nervous. "Young Madam, we need your help to find Sparrow and the others..." Vulture''s words were heavy with guilt, and he dropped to his knees, bracing himself for the reprimands he knew were coming. "I''m sorry, Young Madam, I wasn''t able to help them..." His voice cracked, and the sight of the usually tough man on the verge of tears stirred a mix of emotions in Kisha. She already knew sending them out now was far too dangerous, but seeing Vulture like this made it all the more difficult. Chapter 564 Asking For Help: What Happened? She believed that sending Vulture with them would mitigate the risks they might encounter. With Vulture''s exceptional defensive skills and Sparrow''s powerful offense, their teamwork was unmatched, making them the ideal duo to lead the team. She felt confident they could successfully complete the mission and return before tomorrow, the final day of her mission, ''Nesting''. Knowing her mission''s conclusion likely held unexpected challenges or chain reactions, she resolved to prepare thoroughly for whatever might unfold. Part of her responsibility was to ensure the safety and well-being of the people in the base, including securing their meals. This made it impossible to pass up the opportunity for Sparrow and Vulture to venture outside, ostensibly to retrieve livestock from the farm. However, she was unaware of what had transpired during their mission that compelled Vulture to call for her assistance. A sinking feeling gripped her heart, an ominous sense that something had gone terribly wrong. She braced herself, knowing that whatever news Vulture brought would only deepen the unease settling over her. Kisha took a shaky breath, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, "What happened?" Vulture wasted no time on unnecessary chatter and dove straight to the point. "Young Madam, we''ve lost contact with Sparrow and Team 6." "On our way to the farm, we encountered a herd of mutated cows that launched an attack. During the chaos, our convoy got separated, each truck veering in a different direction." "After Sparrow and I managed to finish off the mutated cows pursuing us, Sparrow decided to search for the other team while I stayed behind with the rest of our group to tend to the damaged truck." "At first, I was still able to stay in contact with Sparrow, and we kept a tight communication line. But after some time, the updates stopped coming." "I got worried¡ªSparrow had promised to return, and I assumed he was already on his way back to the team. We had agreed to head straight to the farm, thinking it would serve as a rendezvous point since that was our designated destination. It seemed logical that anyone who got separated would make their way there first." "But when we arrived at the farm, Sparrow was nowhere to be found. Even after regrouping with the other teams, there was still no sign of him¡ªor of team 6." "That''s when we realized they might be in serious danger. The problem was, we didn''t know where to start looking." "Sparrow''s movements, traveling from tree to tree, made him hard to track, and none of us have scouting abilities comparable to his. Searching blindly felt like chasing a needle in a haystack. "So instead, we focused on completing our mission at the farm and returned to request your help. We need the Scarlet Bees to secure a wider area and help us locate our missing brothers." Vulture''s voice was heavy with guilt, but his determination to find his comrades was unmistakable. Understanding the gravity of the situation, both Duke and Kisha remained silent, their expressions dark and filled with worry. They had known Sparrow for a long time¡ªespecially Duke, who was well aware of Sparrow''s exceptional abilities. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For Sparrow not to return as promised could only mean one thing: he had encountered something truly dangerous. Duke''s thoughts raced as he considered the possibilities. Knowing Sparrow''s skillset, it was hard to believe he would fall easily. But perhaps he had taken on more than he could handle, confident in his strength, only to face something beyond his expectations. Or worse... Duke shook his head, unwilling to entertain the most dire scenario. Sparrow was one of his best men, someone whose progress he had witnessed firsthand. He knew Sparrow could handle even the most evolved zombies on his own. But if confidence had led to a momentary lapse in vigilance, it might have been enough to put him in jeopardy. The weight of uncertainty hung heavily in the air, unspoken but palpable between them. Duke massaged the bridge of his nose, his frown deepening with each passing second. His gaze shifted slowly to Kisha, who appeared just as unsettled. Like Duke, she had closely monitored Sparrow and Vulture''s progress. After all, she made it a point to observe those with great potential, hoping to shape them into core members of her elite squad. Kisha knew Sparrow was not only highly capable but also quick-witted¡ªsomeone who understood when to engage and when to retreat. The thought of him encountering a situation so perilous that it left him unaccounted for was difficult to process. Both leaders shared a mutual understanding: Sparrow''s disappearance wasn''t due to recklessness alone but something far more sinister. Without wasting any time, Kisha retrieved a map of City B from her inventory and spread it across the coffee table. Her movements were precise, her expression focused. "Can you mark the location where you last saw Sparrow and estimate how much time passed while you were still in contact with him after he left?" she asked, her tone steady but laced with urgency. Vulture nodded, crouching down in front of the coffee table. He carefully examined the map, his mind retracing the sequence of events. After a moment, he pointed to a location on the map. "This is where we fought the mutated cow. Afterward, Sparrow headed this way, towards the forest." His finger traced the path Sparrow likely took. "Given his urgency, he likely increased his pace. I would estimate that he''s already reached this point." Vulture''s finger hovered over a deep stretch of forest, a place so remote that even he and the rest of the team hadn''t ventured this far. "But, knowing Sparrow, he might have altered his route along the way to check where the others went," Vulture added, his brow furrowing. "So, he may not have reached this deep into the forest. Instead, he could have veered off in a different direction, within a certain radius, to assess the situation." He corrected himself, the uncertainty still lingering in his voice. Kisha nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with Vulture''s assessment. She retrieved a red marker from her bag and marked an ''X'' on the locations Vulture had indicated, then circled the area where he believed they lost contact with Sparrow. The room fell into a heavy silence as Kisha continued to stare intently at the map. Neither Vulture nor Duke interrupted, recognizing the familiar focus in her eyes. It was a look they had seen before, one that often preceded Kisha speaking with Bell. They both silently assumed that Kisha was now in communication with Bell, strategizing the next steps for the search operation. "Alright, I''ll need to leave the base and accompany the Scarlet Bees so they won''t have to return and report before we dispatch our people," Kisha said, surprising Vulture. This wasn''t the approach he had anticipated, but her reasoning was sound. Only by being there in person could they ensure the quickest search for Sparrow. "Then, I''m coming with you," Duke stated firmly, his expression leaving no room for argument. Before Kisha could protest, he continued, "If Sparrow truly faced a formidable enemy, and his life and death is unknown, I can''t let you go alone. I know you''re strong, but there are too many unpredictable factors to consider. I wouldn''t feel right letting you go on your own." Chapter 565 Search And Rescue Mission Hearing Duke''s argument, Kisha paused, considering his words carefully. She knew he was right. While she was stronger than him, Duke''s awakened abilities, especially his elemental abilities, couldn''t be underestimated. It could prove invaluable in unforeseen situations. After a brief moment of thought, she nodded in agreement. She and Duke had always worked well together, their coordination seamless, so having him by her side wouldn''t be a hindrance¡ªit would make the mission that much more efficient. "I want to go too, Young Madam, Master," Vulture said, his voice filled with conviction. Kisha instinctively opened her mouth to turn him down, thinking about the need for more manpower to guard the base while she and Duke were away. But as she met his gaze, the pleading look in Vulture''s eyes stopped her. It was a look she knew all too well, one she had seen in her own eyes when she was begging others to join her in fighting for her family or saving lives. At that moment, Kisha understood. She knew how deep the bond was between Vulture and Sparrow, and how much this mission meant to him. She let out a soft sigh and, with a small nod, conceded. "Alright, you can come." Afterward, Kisha reached out to Aston, Tristan, and Duke''s parents to inform them that she, Duke, and Vulture would need to leave the base for a while on a critical mission. Once the calls were made, she turned her attention to the mission board. With efficient precision, she posted the mission notice, registering their names under a search and rescue operation. As she did, she couldn''t shake the weight of the task ahead, but she knew this was necessary to bring their missing team member back. Why did she have to go through these steps? The reason was simple: she had no choice. If she left the base without proper protocol, it could jeopardize her S-Class mission, "Taking Nest for 30 Days," which required her to remain in the base for the specified duration. The mission was scheduled to conclude the day after tomorrow, and leaving at the last minute would certainly affect its completion status. To avoid any complications, she made sure her outing was officially recognized as a mission sanctioned by the base itself, taking all the necessary precautions. After sending the mission request to the Central Hall with her signature and the list of participants, the person responsible for maintaining mission records was puzzled. Why would the City Lord need to formalize a mission instead of handling it directly, given her position? Additionally, the reward¡ªa mere five crystal cores¡ªseemed more like a formality than an actual incentive. Despite the confusion, the clerk complied, recording the request and issuing the mission permit for Kisha and her team to leave the gate. Once the Winters'' man sent by Kisha received the permit, he flashed a smile and returned to the villa. When he arrived, Aston, Tristan, Mr. and Mrs. Winters, and even the Patriarch were already gathered in the living room, sitting around Kisha and Duke on the sofa, ready to discuss their next steps. The man approached Kisha with a respectful demeanor, presenting the permit to her with both hands before retreating and quietly closing the door behind him, allowing the group to speak freely. Moments later, Bald Eagle arrived, joining the gathering. All the key leaders¡ªthose privy to many of Kisha''s secrets¡ªhad now arrived, including the Wyatts, marking the beginning of an important discussion. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We''ve called this meeting because Duke, Vulture, and I need to venture outside to search for our missing team members, including Sparrow," Kisha began, her voice firm and commanding, the tone of a leader addressing her team. "While we''re away, I trust that everyone will ensure the base remains secure and operational. I''ll leave some of the Scarlet Bees in charge of monitoring the walls, ready to respond if anything unexpected arises. They''ll also be responsible for keeping us informed of any developments while we''re out." Her words carried the weight of responsibility, and the room fell into a focused silence, understanding that this was no longer a casual discussion but a matter of utmost importance. No one took offense; it was clear that Kisha was speaking as the leader of their operation, not just a family member or friend. Despite Kisha''s authoritative tone, there was still a sense of unease among some of the gathered, particularly Mrs. Winters and the Patriarch. Both had seen the horrors of the outside world firsthand and were still haunted by the memories. Hearing that only Kisha, Duke, and Vulture would be venturing out left them even more unsettled. They knew how strong Kisha and Duke were, but they were still human¡ªvulnerable to fatigue and the toll of the dangers outside. The thought of just the three of them battling their way through the zombie-filled wasteland felt like an insurmountable challenge. There was a deep, unspoken fear that they could easily be overwhelmed by the frenzied hordes, and the risk of being outnumbered and trapped was a real possibility. Sensing the unease in the room, Duke quickly spoke up, hoping to ease the tension. "Keeping our numbers small will allow us to move faster," he explained confidently. "With our combined strength, I don''t think the zombies will pose much of a threat. Our real challenge might come from the evolved zombies, but with Kisha and I working together, we''ll be able to handle it." He flashed a smile, which, to those listening, felt more like a display of his strong bond with his wife¡ªlike a picture-perfect couple who could take on anything. The Patriarch, unimpressed by the public display of affection, rolled his eyes and snorted at his grandson''s words. Despite that, he couldn''t deny the logic in Duke''s argument. Everyone in the room knew that Kisha and Duke were the strongest fighters in the base. Having them lead the mission with a small group, rather than a larger group, made sense. The rest of the team would only slow them down, and traveling with a small, agile group would allow them to reach their destination without attracting unnecessary attention or complications. With that, the matter was settled, and no one could find any reason to object. Seeing that no one had any further objections, Kisha took the opportunity to continue. "While we''re away, I need everyone''s help to stay on top of the ongoing projects inside the base. We''ve already secured a location to raise the livestock, which should help with any suspicion regarding where the meat is coming from." "Additionally, we still have the resources that were brought back, and they need to be properly organized and distributed to the workshop and solo stall owners. I have full confidence that Aston and Tristan will handle that efficiently." Her voice was steady and authoritative, but also trusting¡ªshe knew the team could manage without her for a while. Vulture suddenly interjected, as if recalling something important. "Also, Young Madam, we brought back some mutated animals. We were wondering if it would be possible to use them as a source of food or for other purposes?" His tone was thoughtful, recognizing the potential value of these creatures, and he looked to Kisha for her direction. Chapter 566 Search And Rescue Mission 2 Kisha raised an eyebrow before responding, her tone pragmatic. "Of course, they can be eaten. How else will humanity sustain itself in the future without a reliable source of protein?" "You did well bringing these mutated animals back. We can leave them in Mike''s care. He''ll know how to subdue them and, with time, perhaps even train them to be as docile as they once were as livestock." She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. The group discussed a few more key reminders, focusing on what needed attention while she and Duke were away, including contingency plans for any unexpected issues. Once the final instructions were given, Kisha and Duke exchanged glances and stood, ready to embark on their mission. "Be careful out there," Mrs. Winters said softly, gently taking Kisha''s hands in hers. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her worry evident. Over time, Mrs. Winters had grown increasingly fond of Kisha, appreciating her as a daughter-in-law. Kisha''s grace, kindness, and unwavering strength had won her over. She admired how Kisha balanced compassion with a fierce determination to protect her people and family¡ªa perfect match for her son, Duke. Not only did Kisha exude a calm, collected demeanor, but beneath her seemingly cold exterior lay a warm and compassionate heart. Mrs. Winters now regarded her not merely as a daughter-in-law but as a daughter in every sense of the word, her protective instincts intensifying with each passing moment. Seeing the concern etched on Mrs. Winters'' face, Kisha felt a wave of warmth in her own heart. A gentle smile spread across her lips as she reached out, patting Mrs. Winters'' hand with genuine care. "Mom, don''t worry. Duke and I will look out for each other out there," she said reassuringly. The word "Mom" flowed so naturally from Kisha''s lips that it struck an emotional chord in Mrs. Winters. Overcome with emotion, Mrs. Winters felt tears welling up. She had never imagined being so deeply moved by the simple act of being called "Mom" by her daughter-in-law. Without hesitation, she pulled Kisha into a heartfelt embrace, patting her back as if to shield her from the dangers ahead. "Stay safe, both of you," she whispered, her voice thick with love and worry. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After embracing Kisha, Mrs. Winters turned her attention to her only son, her expression firm yet filled with motherly concern. "Son, protect your wife at all costs," she reminded him, her voice steady but laced with emotion. Duke met her gaze and nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of her words. His father, Mr. Winters, remained silent but stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Duke''s shoulder¡ªa quiet gesture of support and trust. Moments later, the familiar rumble of the armored vehicle echoed through the area as Vulture arrived, driving the armored car they had previously used to reach City B. The vehicle''s reinforced frame gleamed faintly under the light, a testament to its reliability in the dangerous terrain outside. As Kisha, Duke, and Vulture prepared to board, an unexpected figure bolted toward the car. Zeus, their loyal canine companion, bounded into the vehicle with uncontainable enthusiasm. The large dog squeezed itself into the passenger seat, wagging its tail furiously, its tongue lolling out as though it were simply heading out for a joyful outing. Its bright, excited demeanor contrasted starkly with the seriousness of the moment, but it brought a small, much-needed smile to everyone''s faces. "Master! Zeus is coming! Zeus is coming!" the excited voice of Zeus echoed through their mindlink, brimming with enthusiasm. Kisha could only sigh, knowing there was no convincing the determined canine otherwise. Besides, she reasoned, Zeus might look like a goofy, overexcited dog, but his combat skills were nothing to scoff at. In fact, his presence could prove invaluable¡ªnot only in providing support during potential fights but also in aiding the search for Sparrow and the rest of Team 6. With that thought in mind, Kisha allowed herself a small smile, resigned yet grateful for the unwavering loyalty of her four-legged companion. Even though night was quickly approaching and the risks grew significantly after dark, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture couldn''t bring themselves to wait until morning to search for the missing team. The urgency of the situation outweighed the added danger, and their resolve was unwavering. As Kisha and Duke approached the armored truck, Kisha halted and turned to Vulture. "Vulture, I''ll drive. You and Zeus can sit in the back," she instructed firmly. Vulture nodded, recognizing the authority in her voice, and moved to the back with Zeus, who happily followed. Kisha climbed into the driver''s seat while Duke took the passenger seat beside her. As he settled in, a memory surfaced, bringing a wide smile to his face¡ªthe first time he had ridden in her car before. That moment, filled with admiration and a hint of nervous excitement, now felt like a lifetime ago, but the warmth of it lingered. This time, Duke made sure to fasten his seatbelt securely. With Zeus now lounging in the back, there was plenty of space for its large frame to stretch out beside Vulture. Even Vulture buckled his seatbelt, understanding the importance of safety in a vehicle that Kisha was about to drive. There wasn''t much preparation needed for their journey¡ªKisha had already stored everything they might require in her inventory. Before leaving, she had also taken precautions to ensure the base''s operations could continue seamlessly. She left the territory''s portal open in the woods behind their villa, maintaining Marcus'' connection to the territory even in her absence. This way, the team could proceed with their activities without disruption, and Kisha could focus on the mission ahead. The Winters men ensured the mutated animals were delivered safely into the territory, where Mike could begin their training and taming. This task brought Mike a sense of satisfaction, as he found these creatures more intelligent than regular animals, though they also exhibited a stronger temper. However, Mike remained mindful of one critical rule: he must avoid forming emotional bonds with these animals. He knew that growing too attached would make it far more difficult to see them slaughtered in the future if they were ultimately designated as livestock. This practical mindset allowed him to focus on his work while preparing the animals for their intended purpose. The STAU assigned to manage the resources gathered within the territory efficiently moved the materials to the designated storage area. This space had been allocated specifically for organizing the supplies before distributing them to the workshops and new stall owners. While everyone within the base remained occupied with their respective tasks, Kisha''s armored car rumbled toward the northern gate, catching the soldiers stationed there¡ªand even the gatekeeper¡ªoff guard with its unexpected approach. "C-City Lord, where are you headed?" The gatekeeper leaned forward, peering into Kisha''s armored car. However, given the vehicle''s height, only his head could reach the window, and Kisha had to glance down slightly to meet his gaze. She calmly retrieved the mission permit and handed it to him. As the gatekeeper read the words "Search and Rescue Operation," his eyes widened in surprise. "City Lord, must you go personally?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. His gaze shifted to the sky, which was gradually darkening, adding an unspoken weight to the urgency of her mission. Chapter 567 Search And Rescue Mission 3 Kisha didn''t respond verbally, only nodding in acknowledgment. Seeing her gesture, the gatekeeper sighed, his expression resigned. "City Lord, safe travels," he said, his voice soft, recognizing that whatever concerns he had would be pointless now. He had already noticed the discrepancy in the number of trucks that had returned compared to those that had left that morning, and he hadn''t seen Captain Sparrow among the returning crew. It was clear to him that this was a search and rescue operation for someone missing, likely Sparrow, and that the situation was serious enough for the City Lord to venture out personally. After stamping the permit, he signaled for the soldiers stationed above to be on high alert and ordered the gates to be opened, allowing the armored vehicle to pass through. Seeing their City Lord leaving the base for the first time in a long while, a sense of tension spread throughout the soldiers above the wall. They turned their attention to the incoming zombies, fortifying their positions and preparing for what was to come. As the gate remained shut, Kisha kept her window open, her elbow casually resting on the edge while her right hand lightly gripped the steering wheel. Duke, in his usual quiet manner, didn''t speak but focused intently on the map. He traced the possible routes that Sparrow could have taken while out on his mission. Yet, despite his focus on the task at hand, his gaze would occasionally drift to his wife. He couldn''t help but admire her calm demeanor, her side profile framed by the soft glow of the setting sun. Each time his thoughts wandered back to the map, he found his mind clearer, almost as though her presence helped him think more sharply. Kisha could feel Duke''s intense gaze on her, though she chose to ignore it, her attention fixed on the gate ahead. She noticed the soldiers on either side of the gate preparing to move, signaling that the moment was near. Without hesitation, she pressed the gas pedal, the engine revving to life. As the gate began to open, Kisha swiftly shifted gears, propelling the armored car forward with a burst of speed. The vehicle shot out of the gate, its sides narrowly missing the edges as it squeezed through, leaving only an inch to spare. The soldiers and gatekeepers were used to seeing Sparrow pull off this daring maneuver¡ªhe always made sure to deny the zombies any chance to slip inside. But Kisha''s approach was even more dangerously precise. If there had been a delay, even by a fraction of a second, the car might have collided with the gate instead of clearing it. The sharpness of her move caught even the seasoned gatekeepers off guard. The soldiers opening the gate were visibly sweating, their nerves frayed by the near-miss, but Kisha had no time to dwell on it. Her mind was already laser-focused, shifting gears mentally as she planned her next move. Every second counted. She evaluated the advancing horde of zombies, calculating the best route to avoid being overwhelmed or boxed in. Her thoughts raced as she mapped out the quickest, least risky path to the outskirts, all while steering the armored car with unwavering precision. The danger was mounting, but Kisha''s instincts and experience were sharp¡ªshe was ready for whatever came next. "Ah! Ah! Zeus, move your stinky ass!" Vulture roared from the back as the armored car made a sharp turn. Duke glanced sideways, purposely ignoring Vulture''s distress. Truth be told, neither Duke nor Kisha wanted to be sitting in the back. They both knew how easily they could be thrown around back there, and they were concerned Zeus might get playful and join them, leaving them the ones suffering instead of Vulture. Realizing they couldn''t dissuade Zeus from coming along, Kisha had suggested driving, and they both tacitly understood why. Kisha''s knowledge of City B''s terrain allowed them to exit the city more swiftly, but now, seeing Vulture struggle to breathe in the back, both Kisha and Duke couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt. "Hang in there, we''ll be out of the city soon," Duke said, trying to reassure Vulture while carefully avoiding his gaze. Despite his words, he could hear Vulture struggling, pushing Zeus away from his face as the massive dog shifted positions. Just as Vulture managed to move Zeus, the armored car took another sharp turn, sending Zeus''s weight off balance and causing Vulture to end up in an even more awkward situation. The sudden sharp turn threw Zeus off balance, and Vulture''s nose ended up directly pressed against Zeus'' butt hole, causing Vulture to gag in shock. He looked utterly pitiful in the backseat, his face twisted in disgust. Meanwhile, Zeus, oblivious to the situation, was still enjoying the ride, his tail wagging happily as if Vulture''s discomfort was just part of a playful game. The dog wiggled his behind as if trying to engage Vulture in a game, unaware of the discomfort he was causing. It was hard for Duke to suppress a chuckle, but he knew better than to acknowledge the chaos happening in the back. Instead, he focused on looking outside the window the car through the streets, keeping his mind sharp for the road ahead. Duke couldn''t bear to look at Vulture, but in his heart, he silently prayed, "RIP, my brother." Kisha, too, pursed her lips. She felt a hint of guilt, but she knew there was no other choice. The road was getting dark now, with no streetlights, and they could only rely on the headlights of the armored car. Every sharp turn made it harder to anticipate the zombies that might jump into their path. Fortunately, Kisha had 008''s assistance, which provided a radar-like map, showing the red dots surrounding them. Despite that, their speed demanded lightning-fast reflexes, and Kisha knew that staying sharp was crucial to avoiding disaster. Every now and then, a zombie would leap out of nowhere toward their windshield, forcing Kisha to swerve to avoid a collision. If the windshield shattered, it would be a huge problem for them. Amidst all the chaos, Kisha''s sudden jerks of the steering wheel rattled the entire armored car. Duke, having put away the map, was gripping the overhead handle tightly, his lips pressed into a thin line. Initially, he thought he had gotten used to Kisha''s wild driving, but now that he was in the passenger seat again, it felt more like a roller coaster¡ªunpredictable and dizzying. At least he was in the front, and didn''t have to worry about Zeus taking a tumble in the back. Kisha also wanted to send Zeus back into the territory space to spare Vulture some discomfort, but Zeus wasn''t having it. He was so caught up in the excitement of the ride, thinking it was all one big game, that he refused to go back. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Vulture could only bite his lip, wanting to cry, but no tears came. He couldn''t even bring himself to be angry at Zeus; the dog was just being playful. So, he swallowed his grievances, feeling like he was unfairly bearing the brunt of the situation. Kisha expertly navigated the best routes, weaving through the streets to avoid the zombie hordes. With her sharp focus, they quickly reached the outskirts, maintaining a blistering speed of 80 to 100 km/h. Chapter 568 Search And Rescue Mission 4 "Should we take a break for now? The engine''s too hot," Kisha suggested, slowing the armored car and pulling it to the side of the road. Duke nodded, adjusting himself in his seat as he took out the map once more. Handing it to Kisha, he glanced out the window. The road was shrouded in darkness, the faint glow from the reddish moon offering barely enough light to make out the path ahead. Kisha took the map from Duke, and they switched on the small overhead light. Together, they began tracing the map, trying to get their bearings. "I think we''re here," Kisha said, pointing to a spot on the map. Duke raised an eyebrow, his tone more curious than skeptical. "Can you tell for sure?" His question was understandable¡ªout here, in the eerie darkness, the road ahead was completely invisible, and everything around them seemed to blend into the night. It was nearly impossible to make out any landmarks. Kisha nodded confidently. With 008''s radar-like map, she didn''t need to see the entire area to get a sense of where they were. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The map on hand''s details, though partial, provided enough of an outline to match with the road ahead. Even though the official map didn''t show every little path, it had been updated to include the unofficial dirt road they were on, especially since City B had been expanding and the animal farm had become a popular tourist spot. The new map had replaced the old one, making it easier to match the limited information she had with the reality on the ground. With that, Kisha was able to piece together their location with remarkable precision. Though Kisha didn''t explain this detail, Duke didn''t press her for answers. He knew that Kisha operated in ways and had layers of knowledge that he couldn''t quite grasp yet, and he wasn''t in a rush to uncover every part of her. After all, Kisha was gradually opening up to him on her own, revealing pieces of herself without needing to be asked. Duke trusted that, in time, the things he didn''t understand would fall into place. When the time came for Kisha to share her secrets fully with him, it would be a sign that her heart was completely open to him, and he would be ready for that moment. The thought of it made Duke feel a surge of happiness and excitement, but on the outside, he remained calm and impassive, his expression cool as he listened intently to Kisha. At the moment, Kisha was still relying on 008''s radar map, opting not to send the Scarlet Bees out just yet. She didn''t want to exhaust them prematurely, especially since they didn''t have a specific location to target. The bees would need to conserve their energy for when the time came to search for even the smallest clue, so they needed all the rest they could get. Duke understood this, realizing that Kisha wasn''t depending on the Scarlet Bees to pinpoint their location just yet. Regardless of how she managed it, he trusted her completely, nodding in quiet agreement. Kisha noticed the trust in Duke''s eyes gleaming in the darkness, a warmth spreading in her chest as she nodded in appreciation. Without a word, she reached into her inventory and pulled out a plate of cooked food, offering it to both Duke and Vulture. The Mexican tacos, accompanied by spicy soup and chilled Coca-Cola, were a welcome sight. Duke even helped by chilling the cans of Coke, making them perfectly cold with a hint of ice inside. The humid night air made the simple treat feel even more refreshing. To conserve fuel, Kisha had turned off the engine, relying on a small battery-powered lamp to provide a dim light, leaving the window slightly open to let in a breeze. But the heat lingered, and the cold Coke offered a much-needed relief, cooling their throats as they settled in for a brief rest. After finishing the tacos, Kisha reached into her inventory again, this time pulling out some spiritual fruits and offering them to Duke and Vulture. The fruits were vibrant, exuding a faint glow, and they seemed to revitalize them with every bite. Meanwhile, Zeus, content and unbothered, was happily devouring a large roasted T-bone steak. If any outsider were to witness Zeus eating, they''d likely envy the luxurious meal, wishing they could be Kisha''s pet instead. The huge beast, with its massive appetite, was eating better than most survivors who struggled to find even a single packet of noodles. But no one could fault Kisha for pampering her pets. After all, Zeus and Bell were both far stronger than a typical superhuman, and treating them well was more of an investment than anything else. Not to mention, they were both incredibly cute and easy to get along with, making them a joy to care for. In this harsh world, where survival was a constant battle, having powerful, loyal companions like them was an invaluable asset. Duke and Vulture didn''t question Zeus''s feast, fully understanding that whatever Kisha did was always with purpose, and they had no reason to doubt her decisions. Once they finished their meal, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture were all battle-ready, their focus sharp as they prepared to continue their journey. As they neared the location where Vulture had pointed out the attack by the mutated cow happened, Kisha slowly rolled down the window of the armored car. Her eyes scanned the area, but all that met her gaze was an eerie silence. The only sounds were the whispering wind and the occasional chirp of distant insects. The calmness of the scene belied the danger they had faced earlier, but Kisha''s instincts remained on high alert as she surveyed the surroundings, her senses attuned to every movement in the stillness. For the first time, Kisha took out the Erebus cloak and draped it over herself, its dark fabric blending seamlessly with the night. Duke, already prepared, had donned his Kratos'' cloak before leaving the base. Meanwhile, Vulture, true to his usual style, wore his combat attire: a long, fitted turtleneck that accentuated his well-defined muscles, paired with black cargo pants secured by straps that held his massive hammer and other tools. His small tactical belt bag and holstered guns were at the ready, and his combat boots completed the look. Unlike Kisha and Duke, Vulture didn''t wear additional protective armor or a cloak, but that didn''t matter. His defensive talent was enough to keep him safe, and he was more than capable of handling whatever came his way. Kisha, Duke, Vulture, and Zeus stepped out of the armored car, the dirt road beneath their boots still soft underfoot. With a swift motion, Kisha stored the vehicle back in her inventory. All of them were dressed in black, blending almost seamlessly with the shadows, and Zeus, too, seemed to merge with the surrounding darkness, making it difficult to spot any of them. With Kisha leading the way, her heightened senses allowed her to navigate the terrain with ease. Her eyes, glowing faintly like a cat''s, scanned the outlines of trees and bushes, guiding them through the night. Duke and Vulture, thanks to their physical conditioning, training, and awakened abilities, also had impressive vision in the dark. However, Kisha wasn''t willing to take any chances. Before they fully entered the forest, Kisha reached into her inventory and pulled out night-vision goggles, handing a pair to both Duke and Vulture. The outside world was already dark, but inside the forest, it would be near impossible to discern anything without proper equipment. Even with her heightened senses, Kisha wasn''t about to gamble with their safety, so she slipped on a pair herself, ensuring they were fully prepared for the darkness that lay ahead. Kisha then applied a special sticker to the front and back of Duke and Vulture''s chests, as well as on either side of Zeus. To the naked eye, the stickers appeared to be ordinary, but under the night-vision goggles, they emitted a soft, glowing light. This glow would allow the team to easily identify each other in the dark, preventing any potential confusion or accidental crossfire. The glowing markers would make it easier to track each member''s position, ensuring they remained in sync throughout their mission. Those without night-vision goggles, however, would see nothing in the pitch-black environment, keeping the markers discreet to anyone outside their group. Vulture, noticing the thoughtful preparation, gave Kisha a thumbs up. Despite the dire nature of their situation, she never failed to ensure that her team was fully equipped and coordinated for the mission. He couldn''t help but smile, thinking how the woman who had always shown such admirable qualities was now his master''s wife. Even Duke looked at Kisha with a look of contentment and love, as if he had just struck gold. Kisha, however, rolled her eyes playfully at Duke, but the moment of lightheartedness quickly faded, and everyone''s demeanor shifted back to seriousness as they ventured deeper into the forest. With no knowledge of what dangers might lie ahead, they proceeded with caution, their senses heightened and their every step deliberate. Chapter 569 Search And Rescue Mission 5 Kisha released thousands of Scarlet Bees into the night, watching as they dispersed in every direction, their tiny wings creating a soft hum in the air. She ensured they remained within a 500-meter radius, maintaining a direct connection with Bell, allowing for swift and precise communication. Bell, now perched atop Zeus''s head, emerged from the territory space, her presence calm but alert. "Master, all the Scarlet Bees have been dispatched. I''ll keep you informed of any findings," Bell assured Kisha, her voice steady and focused. "Hmm," Kisha responded thoughtfully, scanning the dense forest around them. Based on her knowledge of Sparrow, she knew he could move through the trees effortlessly, leaving little trace for any predators or enemies to follow. However, that also meant it would be hard for his people to track him. Kisha quickly relayed instructions to the Scarlet Bees, ensuring they focused on the tree branches. She instructed them to look for any signs, such as footprints, mud, or broken branches, that might indicate Sparrow''s path. She recalled that the ground had been muddy earlier that morning, especially after Sparrow and Vulture had dealt with the mutated cow. They had both left traces of mud on their shoes, and Kisha suspected that Sparrow might have unknowingly left some of it behind as he moved through the trees. That small detail¡ªthe mud on the branches¡ªcould be their only lead in finding him. "Alright, Master, the orders have been sent," Bell confirmed after establishing a wide mind-link with all the Scarlet Bees scattered in various directions. The transmission took only a second to send and receive, showcasing the remarkable efficiency of their coordination. Meanwhile, Zeus wasn''t idle. As soon as they entered the forest, he took the lead, sniffing the air and ground intently, searching for traces of Sparrow''s scent amidst the natural musk of the surroundings. With the Scarlet Bees combing the area and Zeus tracking diligently, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture moved forward, their senses sharp and their focus unwavering, determined to locate Sparrow as quickly as possible. The trio moved swiftly through the forest, alternating between running, walking, and pausing to scan their surroundings. Suddenly, Zeus began hopping excitedly and calling out through their mind-link, "Master! Master! Smell! Sparrow''s smell!" Zeus reared up on his hind legs, leaning against a large tree as he continued to signal his discovery. Kisha and Duke, just a step behind, quickly caught up, noticing Zeus''s animated behavior. They exchanged a brief glance, knowing he must have found something significant. Kisha, Duke, and Vulture all directed their attention toward the tree. Without hesitation, Kisha used her telekinesis to lift herself effortlessly into the air. As she hovered among the branches, she scanned carefully, her senses on high alert. At first, everything seemed ordinary, but Kisha refused to give up. Her persistence paid off when she noticed a small broken branch. Upon closer inspection, she found a tiny piece of torn black cloth snagged on it. It was almost imperceptible in the dense darkness of the forest, but Kisha''s telekinetic sweep had allowed her to feel the subtle irregularity in the tree''s texture. Kisha plucked the fragment of cloth delicately, her expression sharpening with determination as she descended back to the ground. "We''ve got a lead," she said, holding up the piece for the others to see. Using the tree as their starting point, Kisha, the Scarlet Bees, and Zeus spread out to search for Sparrow''s next move. They carefully examined the surrounding trees, looking for any hint of his direction¡ªwhether it be lingering traces of his scent, broken branches, or other subtle tracks he might have left behind. However, the task proved challenging. The forest seemed to have swallowed any evidence, with nearly no scent remaining, and even the Scarlet Bees struggled to find traces based on Kisha''s mental instructions. Despite this, none of them gave up. Kisha, determined as ever, heightened her focus, guiding the Scarlet Bees to meticulously scan the area. Zeus continued sniffing around with his sharp senses, his movements calculated as he attempted to pick up even the faintest hint of Sparrow''s trail. Meanwhile, Duke and Vulture were also actively engaged in the search. Understanding Sparrow''s role as a scout, both men began looking for signs that Sparrow might have deliberately left behind¡ªmarks or symbols unique to their team''s training. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was common practice for scouts to leave subtle traces or hidden messages that only their comrades could decipher. These would serve as breadcrumbs in case they couldn''t return or their situation turned dire, ensuring their team could follow their path or understand the danger they faced. The group worked tirelessly, combining their skills and instincts, knowing that any small detail could be the key to finding Sparrow and ensuring his safety. Typically, leaving behind such traces or messages was a practice reserved for death warriors or those who were certain they wouldn''t make it out alive. While they believed Sparrow had no intention of dying at the time¡ªhe had likely been focused solely on scouting¡ªthey also knew it was possible he hadn''t left any deliberate clues or messages. Despite this, Duke and Vulture refused to overlook the possibility. They diligently scoured the area, examining every detail with care and determination. Even the faintest hint could provide insight, and they weren''t willing to take any chances when it came to finding Sparrow. For two relentless hours, Kisha, Duke, Vulture, Zeus, and the Scarlet Bees combed through the forest, following every lead and speculating about where Sparrow might have lost contact. The group tirelessly searched, moving in calculated patterns to ensure no area was overlooked. Despite their efforts, exhaustion began to creep in. Their breaths grew heavier, and the strain of running in circles was evident as their stamina steadily dwindled. Fortunately, Kisha''s passive and active skills kept their physical energy replenished, allowing them to recover stamina and spiritual energy continuously. However, the real toll was on their mental state. The weight of their growing worries and the effort to suppress those anxieties gnawed at their focus and resolve. Slap! A sudden, loud slap echoed through the stillness of the forest, halting everyone in their tracks. The sharp sound broke the tense silence, leaving Kisha and Duke startled. Kisha blinked, her wide eyes snapping toward the source, only to see Vulture standing rigid, his head slightly tilted from the force of his own slap. His cheek bore the clear mark of impact, and it was evident he hadn''t held back. Even Duke appeared taken aback, momentarily speechless. Before either of them could ask what had just happened, Vulture adjusted his posture and straightened his clothes with an air of composure, as if nothing unusual had occurred. But his eyes told a different story. The intensity of his focus and determination now burned brighter than ever, a fiery resolve replacing the earlier shadow of doubt. It was then that Kisha and Duke understood. Vulture had been grappling with guilt and fear, the weight of their inability to find more clues about Sparrow pressing heavily on him. The creeping sense of hopelessness had been gnawing at his resolve, threatening to undermine his focus. The slap had been his way of grounding himself¡ªa sharp, physical reminder to regain control and refocus on their mission. Chapter 570 Search And Rescue Mission 6 Vulture''s decisive action served as a wake-up call not just for himself but also for Kisha and Duke. It reminded them to push aside the haunting "what ifs" and refocus on the task at hand. Kisha clenched her fists, her resolve solidifying as she thought, ''Right, I have to keep looking for Sparrow. He must be waiting for our rescue.'' But if only she knew... In a secluded part of the forest, a massive tree groaned softly as the wind swept through its branches, creating a low, haunting hum, almost as if the tree itself was alive and content. The ground around it was soaked in a thick, red, slimy liquid, and not a single blade of grass dared to grow in its shadow, as though the tree greedily consumed every ounce of nourishment for itself. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Upon closer inspection, broken, mangled limbs protruded from the ground¡ªfragments of something or someone¡ªand then, as if unseen hands were at work, they were slowly pulled beneath the earth. Moments later, an eerie stillness blanketed the area once more. On Kisha''s side, after circling the same area three times, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture decided to pause and reassess their situation and leads. They realized that continuing aimlessly would only drain the Scarlet Bees'' energy and waste precious time¡ªtime that was critical to Sparrow''s survival. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on them, prompting them to refocus and strategize before proceeding. "Master! We found something!" Bell''s sudden voice echoed through Kisha''s mind, startling Kisha. But as the words registered, a smile spread across her face. Without a moment''s hesitation, she started running, eager to follow the lead. In her excitement, she forgot to relay the Scarlet Bees'' findings to Duke and Vulture, but seeing her eager expression, they quickly understood that a clue had been discovered. Without hesitation, they sprinted after her. Kisha, Duke, and Vulture darted through the forest, with Kisha relying on the vivid mental image sent by the Scarlet Bee that had found the clue. Using the memory, she expertly navigated the terrain, her focus sharp as she closed in on the source. Before long, they arrived at the tree where the clue awaited. As before, Kisha lifted herself into the air with her telekinesis, her eyes scanning the tree branches carefully. There, she found small clumps of muddy crumbs along with the faint imprint of a military boot¡ªSparrow''s, no doubt. The print was barely visible, just the tip of the front shoe, but it was enough to indicate the direction he had taken. With this newfound clue, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture continued deeper into the forest, following the trail. As they moved, Kisha observed that the traces around them had become slightly more pronounced. It was as though Sparrow''s path had become clearer. Duke frowned, his thoughts turning inward. "Did he lose focus and start leaving these traces subconsciously?" he murmured. "Or was this a deliberate attempt to leave a trail for his subordinates? What was his mentality at this point?" Duke was trying to piece together what Sparrow might have been thinking during his journey, but without knowing for sure, it was difficult to gauge. Still, the traces were there¡ªhowever small¡ªand they served as their only guide. Even the smallest crumbs of mud on the branches were enough to keep them on track. Reluctantly, Duke realized that all they could do was follow these faint clues and hope they led them to Sparrow. As they continued to follow the faintest of leads, the group had already changed direction several times. Then, at one point, the broken branches around the trees became more pronounced, the damage larger and more obvious. It was clear now¡ªSparrow was on the run, no longer concerned about leaving traces behind. Kisha and Duke exchanged a grim look, both understanding the shift in the situation. Without another word, they surged forward, their pace quickening as they pressed deeper into the forest. "Master, blood!" Zeus yelped through Kisha''s mind, his alertness sharp despite the absence of visible traces. Unable to spot any fresh blood, Kisha trusted Zeus''s instincts and followed him. Although the blood had dried by now, leaving only faint remnants in the air, Zeus''s keen senses led the way. Soon, they spotted a small droplet of blood on the ground. The sight made Kisha, Duke, and Vulture''s expressions darken, a chill running through them as their hearts sank. They followed the faint trail, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. Eventually, they reached a clearing. The rustling of the husks in the wind sounded unnervingly loud in the otherwise silent night. Towering, dark grass stretched endlessly before them, a stark contrast to the dense forest they had just left behind. "A rice field?" Kisha murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she scanned her surroundings. Her heart pounded in her chest, nerves and fear crawling up her spine. When her eyes landed on the rice field, a sense of relief washed over her¡ªperhaps Sparrow had fled to this area while escaping, and it felt like a plausible lead. "Master!" Bell''s urgent call echoed through Kisha''s mind, causing her to jump slightly. She quickly turned to the sky, spotting Bell circling above them. "What is it?" Kisha asked, her voice tense with anticipation. "There!" Bell responded, her tone sharp and focused. "Over there! One of my Scarlet Bees found something!" "Master! Blood! Smell!" Zeus interjected suddenly, his voice urgent, and Kisha''s heart sank. The worst-case scenario immediately flashed through her mind, a cold dread settling in her chest. Without a word, Kisha stepped forward, towards the direction Bell and Zeus had indicated. Her feet felt heavy as if they were made of lead. She didn''t want to move closer, afraid of what the rice field might be hiding¡ªafraid of what lay beyond the tall stalks. But there was no choice. She needed to know. The hope that her fears were wrong barely lingered in her mind, quickly drowned by the weight of the situation. With each step, her heart grew heavier, her face more somber. As she neared the edge of the field, her senses sharpened, and she detected the faint, metallic smell in the air¡ªa scent far too familiar for her comfort. Seeing her like this, Duke and Vulture exchanged grim looks. Their expressions darkened, the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon them as their hearts sank further into a cold, dark place. The silence between them grew, broken only by the sound of their own footsteps as they followed her, each one more reluctant than the last. Kisha waved her hand, clearing a path through the rice field, deliberately avoiding the temptation to float above it. She didn''t want to risk missing something, and deep down, she knew her heart wasn''t ready for the horrors that might be visible from above. As she walked, each step was a battle to steady her breathing and calm her racing thoughts. But it wasn''t enough. The weight of the worst-case scenario hung over her like a suffocating cloud, and despite her best efforts to block the images flooding her mind, the fear persisted, gnawing at her with every passing second. Minutes stretched on, each one feeling like a lifetime, as a torrent of emotions coursed through her. Her hands trembled, her body cold and heavy, and her heart beat with a mix of dread and determination. The silence of the rice field felt like a living thing, pressing in around her as they made their way deeper into the vast stretch of stalks. Chapter 571 Search And Rescue Mission 7 At last, they reached their destination. Just a few meters from the edge of the forest, the rice stalks stood untouched, swaying gently in the breeze as if no one had passed through. There were no signs of a struggle, no footprints or disturbances¡ªnothing to suggest anyone had ventured this way. The air hung thick with stillness, an eerie calm that felt almost unnatural. For a brief, unsettling moment, it was as if the world itself had paused, holding its breath in anticipation. When Kisha, Duke, and Vulture laid eyes on the object on the ground, a collective sigh of relief escaped their lips. It was as if the weight of a boulder pressing down on their hearts had suddenly lifted, and the suffocating tension that had held them captive melted away¡ªat least, for a fleeting moment. But as they crouched down to inspect the item, their relief shattered like glass. Their hearts sank, and their minds spun into chaos as they realized what they were staring at: there was no sign of Sparrow''s body. Instead, only a bloodied radio lay discarded on the ground. A crushing silence filled the air, and for a moment, they were frozen. But then, a small thread of hope flickered. The absence of his body could also mean one thing¡ªhe might still be alive. They clung to that fragile hope, unwilling to let go. Sparrow had been one of their core members, a true part of their family. Kisha, Duke, and Vulture all felt the same¡ªlosing him was unimaginable. The thought was too heavy to bear. Duke''s voice cracked, hoarse with emotion as he spoke, "He might be around." It was unclear whether he meant they should search for him, or if he was unwilling to accept the possibility that Sparrow was no longer alive. Kisha nodded absently, her mind racing. But as if trying to deny the truth, Vulture pulled out his walkie-talkie and tried to contact Sparrow''s, hoping for a response. Instead, it was the crackle of the walkie-talkie on Duke''s hand that filled the air, followed by a tense silence as the connection went through. Vulture''s words faltered, stuck in his throat. The oppressive stillness hung around them like a shroud. They didn''t need to say anything more. The truth had settled in¡ªthere was no denying that the bloodied radio on the ground belonged to Sparrow. Any hope of it being someone else, or clinging to excuses, had vanished. With a heavy heart and his mind in turmoil, Vulture''s hand dropped limply to his side. His radio slipped from his grasp, landing softly among the dry leaves of the golden rice stalks, the faint rustling sound amplifying the silence that followed. A sob escaped his lips, raw and unrestrained. "We need to find him," he whispered, his voice trembling with a desperate plea. The words were filled with anguish, but no one could fault him; they were just as consumed with worry for Sparrow. As if jolted back to reality, Kisha suddenly spoke up, her voice cutting through the tension. "Wait," Kisha said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "If the blood trail led to this spot, where Sparrow was supposed to be, but he''s nowhere around... doesn''t that seem a bit off?" She couldn''t quite put her finger on it, but a nagging feeling settled in her gut. Something didn''t add up, and she couldn''t shake the sense that they were overlooking something important. "What do you mean?" Duke asked, his gaze drawn to Kisha''s face, her features now marred by a frown. Though the night vision goggles obscured much of her expression, casting a shadow over her face as they hung loosely atop her head, the furrow in her brow was unmistakable. She had lifted the goggles to get a clearer view of the item, but the crease between her eyebrows told him everything. Duke could tell that Kisha was puzzled, something weighing on her mind. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What if the trail we''ve been following isn''t leading to where Sparrow is, but to where he was supposed to be heading to escape?" Kisha suggested, her voice steady but tinged with doubt. She scanned the surroundings once more. "I''ve noticed since earlier that there''s no other trail here. And even if Sparrow used his wind ability to glide, he still doesn''t have the power to fly. He can only jump long distances, the wind carrying him farther, but he''d still need to land somewhere." She paused for a moment before continuing. "I sent the Scarlet Bees to search the area, but there''s nothing. No trail left. Everything stops here." As if Duke was finally catching onto her line of thought, he continued her reasoning. "And the way this walkie-talkie looks¡ªit seems like it was dropped from above, not something he would''ve dropped as he came down. There''s no sign that he landed here." A sudden realization struck Duke, and he quickly turned to Kisha, his eyes wide with shock. "Do you think he was attacked from above before he had a chance to land? Maybe he was dragged away, and the walkie-talkie just... fell?" Kisha hesitated, then added, her voice laced with a hint of hope, "Or maybe he was trying to leave us a clue." Though they were both uncertain, one thing was clear: Sparrow had been attacked from above before he had a chance to land. He had been fleeing from something¡ªand that something was the reason he was missing. If the creature that attacked him was a flying one, they''d need to find its nest. But if they were unlucky and the creature had fledglings, it would mean that Sparrow was either already eaten or thrown to the young ones. Kisha recoiled at the thought, unwilling to let her mind go down that path. The idea that he might already be dead, with no chance of survival, was too much for her to bear and it would feel like she was already ending his chance of survival without even finding out the truth. Kisha''s heart pounded violently in her chest as she glanced back at the path they had come from. Duke, his voice steady but tinged with concern, spoke up. "I think we need to retrace our steps. If he was really attacked and this blood trail isn''t small, it means Sparrow was badly injured. If he was attacked from above and dragged away, then we''re following the blood trail in reverse. He might''ve been taken deeper into the forest." Duke analyzed the situation with a clear, focused gaze, his eyes flicking back toward their starting point. Kisha met his look, a silent understanding passing between them. Without another word, they both stood up. Kisha carefully placed Sparrow''s walkie-talkie into her inventory, the weight of the situation settling heavily between them. As they moved forward, Kisha and Duke both noticed that Vulture remained frozen in place, his body stiff and unyielding, as if he had already lost his soul and was silently grieving the loss of his brother. Duke stepped closer to him, his expression hardening. Without a word, he raised his hand and¡ª Slap! The sharp sound of the slap cut through the air, echoing the tension that hung between them. Duke''s hand stung, and he looked at it, his fingers numb from the force of the strike. ''It''s alright,'' he told himself, his mind steadying. ''He''s got thick skin. He won''t feel it.'' But still, it felt like he had struck metal. Chapter 572 Search And Rescue Mission 8 "Vulture, get a grip," Duke said, his voice grim but firm. "If Sparrow''s still alive, he''s probably waiting for us, stuck in a dire situation. If we waste any more time here, he could be dead for real. Don''t jump to conclusions¡ªnot until we see his body for ourselves." Duke didn''t want to say it, but the words were necessary. He needed Vulture to pull himself together. Kisha and Duke couldn''t afford to babysit him. If even Sparrow, with all his skills, had been caught off guard and unable to fight back, it meant their enemy was powerful enough to push him into a corner. They couldn''t afford to be distracted or broken, not now. If they allowed their spirits to drop, it would only drag them all down. Vulture''s blank expression and dull eyes slowly shifted toward Duke. He stared at him for a long moment before, suddenly, he burst into a sob. "Master, Sparrow..." His voice cracked, choking on the words. Duke didn''t hesitate. He slapped the back of Vulture''s head again, the sound sharp and quick, as though trying to jolt his mind awake. "Did your brain fill up with water?" Duke snapped. "Let me slap the stupid out of you so you can think straight." The scolding tone was harsh, but there was something oddly comforting about it. It was as if Duke were nagging a son, and despite the gravity of the situation, it carried a warmth that spoke volumes about the bond they shared. It was a reminder that, in the midst of all this, Duke saw them as family. Vulture''s worry for Sparrow was palpable, but Duke''s own anxiety was just as strong. He needed Vulture to pull himself together¡ªnot for Duke''s sake, but for Sparrow''s. They needed to find him, and Vulture''s current state wasn''t helping anyone. After a moment of sobbing, Vulture wiped his eyes with the back of his arm, looking every bit like an aggrieved child struggling to hold back his tears. With a quiet hiccup, he stood up, silently clipped his walkie-talkie back onto his belt, and without a word, fell in line behind Kisha and Duke once more. Duke paused, his scolding over, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He turned and started walking behind his wife, though the smile quickly faded, replaced by a hard, cold edge. A murderous glint flashed in his eyes as he glanced ahead. He didn''t tolerate anyone laying a hand on his people, and the thought of one of his trusted men being reduced to this... it only fueled his anger. The fire of vengeance burned hotter within him, and the need to make sure the culprit suffered¡ªnot just die easily¡ªconsumed his every thought. They all pushed their personal thoughts aside, refocusing on the mission to find Sparrow. The weight of the situation was clear¡ªany lapse in attention could mean missing a crucial clue or failing to spot danger before it was too late. Being absent-minded now could cost them everything. After taking a moment to school their emotions, they steeled themselves and moved forward once more. Since they were retracing their steps from where they had first found the blood trail, it was easier to follow the path back. Kisha, Duke, Vulture, Zeus, and the Scarlet Bees moved through the forest, the quiet urgency of their steps punctuated only by the distant rustling of the trees. Kisha kept the Scarlet Bees within a specific range, ensuring they formed a protective ring around the group. As they moved, the bees maintained a constant radius, a protective shield, and a detection network, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. With the Scarlet Bees forming a protective perimeter, any incoming threat would be detected almost immediately, giving Kisha and her group the opportunity to quickly formulate a plan to defend themselves. This added security allowed them to focus on the task at hand. With renewed determination, the group continued their search through the forest, following the blood trail. As they moved deeper into the woods, the sight of more blood only heightened their anxiety. The further they went, the more unsettling it became. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite having traveled a considerable distance, the blood trail was still fresh, and the amount of blood visible was increasing. Their worries deepened. If Sparrow hadn''t died from the wounds already, the sheer loss of blood could be life-threatening. Even if he had survived the initial injury, the danger of bleeding out grew with every step they took. The deeper they ventured into the forest, the colder their bodies became, gripped by the growing fear for Sparrow''s life. Then, without warning, the blood trail abruptly stopped. They were no longer sure of their exact location. The dense trees surrounded them, obscuring their sense of direction, and tall grass swayed eerily in the silence. There were no signs of life¡ªno buzzing insects, no rustling leaves. It was then that they all realized: they had unknowingly entered the den of a dangerous predator. The abrupt halt of the blood trail only solidified the grim possibility that they were now in the territory of the creature that attacked Sparrow. Given their initial suspicion that the enemy was a flying creature, Kisha and Duke silently began scaling the nearest trees, moving with quiet precision. The Scarlet Bees hovered above, scouting the canopy and keeping watch from all angles. Meanwhile, Zeus and Vulture scanned the ground below, searching for any signs of the creature''s nest¡ªwhether it was perched in the trees or burrowed into the earth. As much as they were in a rush, the unknown nature of their enemy forced them to slow down. Without any clear idea of what they were up against, caution became their only option. Kisha relied heavily on the Scarlet Bees to carry out the search and detect any threats, careful not to alert the enemy. The bees shrank to their smallest form, their wings beating with almost imperceptible softness, minimizing the sound they made as they moved through the area. They had no idea how vast the creature''s territory was, or where its boundaries lay. The only choice was to remain as cautious as possible. Kisha, Duke, and the others scanned their surroundings, searching for any signs¡ªmarks on the trees, perhaps¡ªindicating that the creature had claimed this land as its own. It could be like a bear, marking its territory to ward off intruders, a clear sign of territorial dominance. They needed to be certain, though, before making any moves. Kisha and the others searched the area, but found nothing¡ªno sign of a nest, no tracks, not even the faintest hint of other animals, insects, or mutated creatures. The eerie silence was unsettling, and the absence of life around them was deeply odd. It became painfully clear that whatever creature they were dealing with was not just a predator, but a force of destruction¡ªmurderous enough to either kill everything in its vicinity or drive it away. The possibility that it had devoured anything in its path loomed over them, an even darker thought. As they continued to scan the surroundings, their expressions grew grimmer with each passing moment. The more they realized the deadly nature of the creature they were up against, the more their fear for Sparrow intensified. The thought that he might be facing something so merciless was almost too much to bear. Chapter 573 Search And Rescue Mission 9 "This is deeply concerning," Duke muttered, his index finger lightly resting against his chin as he surveyed their surroundings, his expression dark and grim. Despite the prolonged search and the energy they had expended¡ªboth physical and spiritual¡ªthey were holding up well, thanks to Kisha''s active and passive skills. These abilities not only kept their stamina replenished but also shielded them from the worst of the strain. However, their mental endurance was being tested. Yet, who were they if not seasoned veterans of countless harrowing experiences? Their resilience had been forged through hardship, and their minds were far from fragile. They pressed on with a steady determination, their composure unwavering. Even so, an hour passed with no progress. The Scarlet Bees, typically efficient in scouting, had scoured the area but uncovered no new leads. The silence and emptiness weighed heavily on them, deepening the unease in the air. "Ah!" Kisha suddenly let out a sharp, frustrated cry, her expression darkening with fury. She stomped her foot on the ground, her teeth clenched tightly, radiating anger. "What happened?" Duke asked, his voice tinged with concern as he quickly moved to her side. Placing a reassuring hand on her back, he gently rubbed it in soothing circles, his touch steady and calming. His worried eyes searched her face, silently urging her to share what had triggered her outburst. "Something killed my Scarlet Bees!" Kisha exclaimed, her voice laced with anger and urgency. Without hesitation, she broke into a steady sprint toward the location where her Scarlet Bees had been attacked. Duke immediately matched her pace, running alongside her. "Then doesn''t that mean we''ve found a lead on where the creature might be hiding?" Duke said, his tone trying to offer encouragement. "Their sacrifice wasn''t in vain, Wifey. This could take us straight to our target." Though Kisha appreciated Duke''s attempt to console her, she couldn''t help but feel a deep pang of frustration. The Scarlet Bees weren''t just disposable tools to her. Thanks to Bell''s diligent efforts, their numbers had grown into the thousands, but nurturing the specialized scouting drones wasn''t an easy task. These drones, with their extended stamina and endurance, were vital for long-term reconnaissance missions. Unlike the regular worker Scarlet Bees, these drones could scout for longer periods without succumbing to exhaustion, making them indispensable to her operations. That''s why losing them stung more than usual. They weren''t just valuable assets¡ªthey represented countless hours of care and effort. Still, Kisha steeled her resolve, knowing their loss might finally provide the clue they desperately needed just like what Duke said. Kisha felt her heart ache as if it were bleeding. Losing a dozen Scarlet Bees in an instant was a devastating blow, made worse by the frustration of not knowing what had happened. There had been no warning¡ªno sign of danger. One moment, the connection was alive and strong; the next, it was abruptly severed, leaving her bewildered and angry. Deciding to exercise caution, Kisha refrained from sending any more Scarlet Bees into the area. Instead, she ordered the remaining Scarlet Bees to maintain a safe distance, monitoring the scene from above and along the perimeter without venturing closer. She couldn''t risk losing more of her bees without understanding what had killed them. As Kisha, Duke, Vulture, and Zeus approached the perimeter where her Scarlet Bees had disappeared, their steps instinctively slowed. Eventually, they came to a halt. The air ahead of them was dense with an ominous, thick fog, curling unnaturally around the area. Kisha''s sharp eyes narrowed as she studied the unsettling sight, a shiver of unease running down her spine. "Was the fog poisonous?" Duke asked, his voice low as his sharp eyes scanned the area. He couldn''t spot any of the Scarlet Bees¡ªthey had expertly hidden themselves among the broad leaves and other safe crevices. The usual faint hum of their wings was absent, adding to the eerie silence. Duke''s brow furrowed as he observed the fog swirling around the area. It wasn''t natural; it carried an oppressive stillness that seemed to suffocate everything it touched. Could it have been the fog that killed the Scarlet Bees so suddenly? His jaw tightened at the thought, knowing whatever they were up against was far more dangerous than they''d anticipated. "This fog appeared out of nowhere," Kisha said, her voice tight with concern. She relayed the information coming from the Scarlet Bees positioned around the area. According to their reports, the fog hadn''t just risen¡ªit had appeared suddenly, almost as if summoned. But what caught their attention was that the Scarlet Bees had already started dropping dead before the fog even reached them. "So, it''s possible that the fog itself isn''t what killed them," Kisha continued, her thoughts racing. "It could be a poisonous smell that took them out, and the fog is just a cover¡ªa way to hide whatever''s lurking inside it from us." This meant that either the creature they were hunting had already detected the Scarlet Bees hovering around the forest and killed them with a poisonous scent, or it had sensed something hunting it and, in a defensive move, released the toxic air, leaving only a scent. The fog was likely a cover, a way for it to shield itself while hiding in the thick mist. But if the creature they were after could kill its enemies so easily, why would it need to hide? Kisha struggled to pinpoint what kind of enemy they were facing. Many mutated animals had the ability to create fog and emit poisonous scents, but it was also possible that the creature was a symbiotic pair¡ªtwo different creatures working together for mutual protection and survival. With so many possibilities, Kisha couldn''t narrow it down. They would have to see for themselves to understand the true nature of their enemy. Now that Kisha realized they were hunting a creature capable of secreting a poisonous substance potent enough to kill her Scarlet Bees, it became clear that the poison likely had properties similar to a pesticide, highly effective against insects¡ªor it was simply potent enough to kill something as large as an elephant with its scent. She couldn''t risk sending her Scarlet Bees in anymore, as she''d lose more of them. She also couldn''t send Zeus in, as his strong sense of smell might make him fall victim to the same fate as the Bees. Kisha then took out a stick and carefully prodded the fog, testing whether it had any corrosive properties that might erode their equipment or clothing. Fortunately, the fog seemed harmless¡ªaside from its ability to obscure vision and disrupt their senses, it didn''t pose any additional threat. Relieved, Kisha distributed gas masks to Duke and Vulture, ensuring they were properly equipped before venturing inside the perimeter. After they donned their gas masks, keeping their night vision goggles in place, they prepared to enter. Zeus paced anxiously around them as if wanting to accompany Kisha but instinctively knowing how dangerous it was inside. His behavior reflected a heightened survival instinct that humans often lack. Kisha''s eyes narrowed as she observed Zeus, falling into deep contemplation. It was a common belief that if someone was uncertain about danger, they should watch the animals around them. Animals'' instincts are often spot on, signaling imminent threats. Although Zeus couldn''t explicitly warn her, his anxious pacing was enough for Kisha to sense the danger lurking within. Zeus, who had once stood his ground against an evolved zombie and a horde of its kind without flinching, now paced restlessly, his fur bristling along his back. Occasional growls rumbled from his throat, a clear sign of the tension and unease he felt. "Zeus, can you sense what''s inside?" Kisha asked, reaching out to Zeus through their mindlink. "Master, Zeus doesn''t know. But... danger... danger... strong!" Zeus responded, his anxiety evident as he paced restlessly. At times, he tugged at Kisha''s cloak, trying to pull her away, his desperation clear. His actions spoke volumes about the peril that awaited them, but Kisha couldn''t afford to hesitate. If the danger was this great and this was their only lead to find Sparrow, they had no choice but to press on, ready to face whatever came their way. Zeus let out a soft, mournful whine, his head drooping as Kisha gently but firmly stopped him from pulling at her cloak. His body was tense with anxiety, and his eyes were filled with a mix of fear and sadness. The thought of losing Kisha, his only remaining family, weighed heavily on him. She had promised to be his family after the loss of the one he had known growing up, and the possibility of losing her too made his heart ache. Despite his desperation to stay by her side, Kisha wouldn''t let him come along. Zeus knew he couldn''t protect her if he was left behind, and that thought only deepened his unease. Seeing Zeus''s drooping ears and the sadness in his eyes, Kisha''s heart softened. She knelt down to his level, her voice gentle but firm. "Zeus, we can''t take you inside, but I need you to guard the perimeter with the Scarlet Bees. Keep an eye out for any enemies or danger trying to enter while we''re inside. We''ll be relying on your protection from the outside so we can focus on the fight within." Bell, too, had been vocal in trying to stop Kisha through their mindlink, her warnings persistent and urgent. But Kisha had already blocked Bell''s incessant pleas, repeating the same words she''d told Zeus. Now, both Bell and Zeus had no choice but to remain outside, guarding the perimeter and ensuring no unexpected threats would disrupt the group as they moved forward. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 574 Search And Rescue Mission 10 Only after ensuring that both Zeus and Bell had resolved not to follow her inside did Kisha finally relax. While her concern for their safety was paramount¡ªknowing the poisonous gas could easily claim their lives¡ªshe also needed them to guard the perimeter. Their role was crucial in preventing any external threats or reinforcements from sneaking in and tipping the balance of the battle, a risk that could jeopardize their mission and endanger everyone inside. She needed to ensure they were fully prepared before moving forward. As much as she wanted to save Sparrow, it was equally vital to guarantee that she, Duke, and Vulture made it out alive. Saving Sparrow only to lose someone else in the process would be a hollow victory, equally devastating and rendering their mission meaningless. Her priority was to plan meticulously, equip themselves thoroughly, and establish contingency plans to face whatever dangers lay ahead. Fortunately, Kisha wasn''t the only one prioritizing caution. Duke shared her mindset, meticulously preparing to ensure they wouldn''t be at a disadvantage once inside. Like Kisha, he was determined to avoid the devastating outcome of losing one person while saving another. With this shared resolve, Kisha moved forward, her senses sharp and focused. Duke followed closely, his heightened alertness and defensive posture reflecting his readiness to counter any ambush. Meanwhile, Vulture maintained vigilance at the rear, safeguarding their flank and ensuring no threats could sneak up on them. They didn''t forget to fall into formation. Kisha took the lead as the vanguard, relying on 008''s radar-like mapping to navigate the dense fog. Duke stayed close behind her, practically her shadow, determined not to lose sight of her in the oppressive mist that limited their visibility to barely three feet. Vulture brought up the rear, wielding his massive hammer with an air of nonchalance. Yet, beneath his calm exterior, he was the most worried and tense of the group. His impressive defensive abilities gave him some reassurance, allowing him to maintain his composure, but his mind kept drifting to the worst-case scenarios. Despite his nerves, Vulture focused intently on the mission, pushing aside his fears and anxieties, especially those concerning what might have happened to his good brother. As soon as Kisha and her team entered the fog, their vision and senses were severely compromised. It felt as though they had stepped into an endless white void¡ªdisorienting and devoid of any tangible landmarks. Their sense of direction faltered, unable to distinguish right from left, while their physical awareness dulled to the point where they couldn''t feel the environment around them. The overwhelming blankness made them hyperaware, their instincts kicking into overdrive to compensate for the lack of sensory input. However, this heightened awareness came at a cost. Remaining in such a state would strain their mental fortitude, leaving them fatigued before they even encountered their enemy. Kisha couldn''t shake the thought that this was precisely what their enemy intended¡ªto weaken their resolve and sap their energy, making them vulnerable when the confrontation finally came. Kisha took a shaky breath, placing one foot carefully in front of the other as she scanned the foggy surroundings. Her heart threatened to race out of control, but a reassuring pat on her back from Duke steadied her. It was his silent way of saying, "Don''t worry, I''m right behind you." The simple gesture grounded her, pushing back the creeping edges of panic and reminding her that she wasn''t alone. This enemy was unlike any they''d faced before¡ªdangerous, methodical, and deadly. Kisha''s mind raced as she pieced together possibilities, narrowing the creature''s identity down to a handful of horrifying candidates. Each scenario confirmed one undeniable truth: they were walking into real danger. It made Zeus and Bell''s roles in securing the perimeter all the more critical. If reinforcements arrived or something attacked them from behind, they''d be cornered. Knowing the two were outside watching their backs gave Kisha the strength to push forward, even as uncertainty gnawed at her resolve. Each step Kisha took felt heavy with dread. The soft crunch of grass beneath her feet and the faint rustle of blades echoed unnaturally in her ears, as though it were the only sound in the entire world. The oppressive silence wrapped around her, amplifying every movement. She could barely see more than three feet ahead, the fog reducing everything to indistinct shadows. A tree would only reveal itself as a dark blur at the edge of her vision, its full shape materializing only when it loomed directly before her. The eerie delay between seeing and recognizing her surroundings set her nerves on edge, heightening the tension with every step forward. "This won''t do," Vulture muttered, his frustration bubbling over. "Can''t we do something to drive this fog away? Or does anyone know how long it might last?" His voice, though controlled and barely above a whisper, seemed to echo unnaturally in the oppressive silence. Following closely behind Duke, Vulture couldn''t afford to keep more than two feet of distance between them. Any further, and he risked losing sight of the group entirely, making himself vulnerable to an ambush. Yet staying this close came with its own risks. Both he and Duke wielded large weapons¡ªa massive hammer and a spear, respectively¡ªand the confined proximity meant that any sudden movements in combat could inadvertently strike an ally. The fog wasn''t just disorienting; it was forcing them into a position where their coordination could falter, adding another layer of danger to an already precarious situation. "I agree," Duke said, his tone grim. "This fog is dangerous. It conceals any potential attack, and we''d only notice it at the last second¡ªtoo late to react properly. That kind of delay could easily get us hurt, or worse." They halted in their tracks, each member keenly aware of the oppressive atmosphere. Though it felt as though they''d been walking for several meters, the truth was sobering¡ªthey had only ventured about fifty to a hundred meters into the fog. The disorienting environment was playing tricks on their senses, making progress feel far more significant than it actually was. Kisha remained silent, knowing that anything she said might only heighten their anxiety. She, too, was relying heavily on 008''s radar-like map to detect enemies and on her sharpened senses to navigate the suffocating fog. Without 008''s assistance, she might have been just as worried as Vulture. She didn''t need them to voice their concerns to understand their fears. She shared them. The fog was a perfect hunting ground for an enemy that thrived on confusion and isolation. It was clear to her that the creature might be waiting for them to separate before launching its attack. To counter this, Kisha stretched out her telekinesis, creating invisible tendrils that silently connected her to Duke and Vulture. Their dulled senses made them unaware of the subtle contact, but she maintained this link to ensure she wouldn''t lose them in the disorienting haze. This silent act of protection gave her a small measure of control over an otherwise unpredictable and deadly situation. After their brief pause, the group pressed on. Vulture fell silent, realizing that the more he spoke, the easier it would be for the enemy to pinpoint his location through the echoes in the still air. Surprisingly, his anxiety began to ebb, his heartbeat slowing, as if a heavy weight had lifted. What he didn''t realize was that Kisha''s silent protection was at work¡ªher invisible tendrils had subtly connected to his waist, allowing her to pull him away if necessary, just as she had done with Duke. None of them felt the gentle touch of her telekinesis. With a newfound sense of confidence, Kisha quickened her pace, her senses sharpened as she readied the daggers in her inventory, prepared to launch them the moment a threat emerged. Duke, now gripping his spear tightly, stayed close behind, his focus unwavering. After what felt like an eternity, Kisha suddenly realized something had changed. The usual crunch of the grass beneath her feet had faded, and now the ground beneath her was strangely sticky. ''What is this, mud?'' she thought, glancing around, but seeing nothing. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Suddenly, a sharp "Ack!" broke the silence, and both Kisha and Duke flinched, their heads snapping back to locate Vulture. Since they couldn''t see him clearly, they instinctively took a cautious step back. "What happened?" Duke asked, his sharp eyes scanning the area, every sense alert. His gaze landed on Vulture, who was struggling to regain his balance. "I got tripped by some roots sticking out," Vulture muttered, gritting his teeth. He had indeed noticed something protruding from the ground moments earlier, but it had been too late for him to react, and the impact had been unavoidable. "Ugh!" "What now?!" Duke snapped, his frustration mounting. Every sound Vulture made was amplified in the eerie silence, and Duke couldn''t help but worry that their enemy might be listening in from the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. "A... A-arm..." Vulture stammered, his voice trembling just above a whisper, as if the words had caught in his throat. Both Kisha and Duke froze. Their eyes widened in unison as they turned toward Vulture, following the direction of his trembling finger. Just a foot away from them, half-buried in the ground, was a dismembered arm, its fingers clawing at the ground as though it were trying to crawl free¡ªonly to remain trapped, motionless. The thick fog and oppressive darkness had initially disguised the object as a simple root protruding from the ground. It wasn''t until Vulture had moved closer and squinted in suspicion that the true nature of the thing became clear. They all realized, with a sinking feeling, that they were now perilously close to the creature''s lair or nest. A tense silence fell over them as they stiffened, eyes scanning the ground for any other signs of movement or danger. Chapter 575 Search And Rescue Mission 11 "We must be getting close," Duke muttered, shifting his weight as the thick, muddy ground clung to his boots, making every movement feel sluggish and uncomfortable. Kisha felt a knot tighten in her stomach, but she couldn''t quite place why. Her gaze lingered on the arm lying on the ground, and the unease settled deeper. The thick fog clouding their senses wasn''t the only obstacle¡ªthey were now fighting against the sticky earth beneath them. Each step was heavy, the mud clinging to their boots like an anchor, forcing them to move slowly. More than once, they nearly lost their footing, and with every misstep, the feeling of vulnerability only grew stronger. "This isn''t good," Duke muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the mud-slicked ground. The effort of slogging through it, combined with the oppressive darkness and the suffocating fog, felt like an exhausting battle with every step. They were vulnerable, exposed in the heart of enemy territory, and for a moment, he regretted their decision to enter. But he quickly pushed the thought aside¡ªwithout venturing in, they''d have no clue where Sparrow was. The severed arm lying on the ground only deepened the pit of dread in his stomach. This part of the forest felt like a trap¡ªeerily silent and charged with a palpable sense of danger. The air itself seemed to scream that Sparrow''s life was in grave peril. The thought of whether he was still alive or already gone twisted something inside Duke, a burning anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. Yet, he refused to let the rage overtake him, knowing that losing his composure would only cloud his judgment. Glancing at him, Kisha could feel the turmoil radiating from Duke, his body tense, as if the weight of the situation was crushing him. Wordlessly, she reached for his hand, offering silent comfort. She knew how deeply he cared for those close to him, and the raw emotion emanating from him now spoke volumes. Even his hands were trembling, betraying the fierce battle inside him. The feel of Kisha''s hand in his provided Duke with a momentary sense of calm, the silent support grounding him, though it did little to dispel the unease gnawing at his insides. The more they ventured into enemy territory, the clearer it became that Sparrow had undoubtedly encountered some kind of accident. The realization only deepened their dread. As Vulture finally regained his footing, he moved toward the protruding arm, his curiosity piqued. With a grunt, he attempted to pull it from the mud, only to find it stuck, as though the arm had been cemented into place. The strange resistance fueled his determination to pull harder, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. Kisha, too, sensed something was off. The mud was thick, yes, but with Vulture''s strength, the arm should have come free without too much effort. A gnawing suspicion settled in her gut. Something wasn''t right. If this was truly their missing person, they needed to confirm it, but for now, the arm''s resistance only added to the growing sense that whatever they were up against, it was far more dangerous than they had initially realized. As Kisha and Duke stood lost in thought, Vulture''s determination grew. He wasn''t about to give up easily, not after everything they had already endured. The arm was a potential lead¡ªone that could guide them to their missing person, or at the very least, provide crucial information. With gritted teeth, he yanked harder, his muscles straining with the effort. The veins in his arms and neck bulged as he pulled again and again, his frustration mounting with each failed attempt. "Argh!" With a final, forceful tug, Vulture used every ounce of his strength to yank the arm free from the stubborn mud. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The sudden movement sent him tumbling, rolling across the ground in a chaotic sprawl. The unexpected motion startled both Kisha and Duke. Fortunately, Kisha had anticipated the possibility and had silently wrapped her telekinesis around both Vulture and Duke, keeping them tethered to her. Even as Vulture''s body skidded through the mud, she was able to track his movements effortlessly. Without missing a beat, Kisha and Duke sprinted toward him, ready to assist. Vulture shook his head, disoriented from the blow he''d taken when his head slammed against a rock. He propped himself up, still sitting on the muddy ground, gripping the severed arm in one hand while his other hand pressed against his temple. "Young Madam," he panted, "I managed to get it out, but damn, why was it so difficult? Felt like I was trying to pull up a whole person buried under there." He raised the arm high, presenting it to Kisha and Duke as their shadowy figures drew closer, finally coming into clear view. Kisha and Duke leaned in for a closer look, the arm initially appearing like a root from a distance ¡ª dry, almost mummified, and shriveled. But as Kisha''s gaze sharpened, she noticed something more disturbing. Wrapped around the arm was a real root, its end sharp enough to penetrate the limb, passing through from one side to the other. The sight darkened her expression, her aura shifting in response to the ominous discovery. Both Duke and Vulture felt the change in the air, a subtle but undeniable shift in Kisha''s presence. Duke squinted at the arm, noticing the root still firmly attached, which likely explained why Vulture had struggled so much to pry it free. But the question of why a root would be entwined with a severed arm lingered, an unsettling mystery neither of them could easily solve. Kisha, however, already knew the answer. Yes, she already knew that they are fucked. With gritted teeth, Kisha reached for the severed arm in Vulture''s hand, but before she could take it, the ground began to tremble beneath them. Creak. The ominous groan of the trees echoed through the fog, a sound that sent a chill down their spines. "Fuck!" Kisha muttered under her breath. She attempted to leap into the air, but the sticky mud clung to her like glue, trapping her in place. With no other option, she used her telekinesis, lifting herself and then pulling Duke and Vulture up with her. "What''s happening?" Duke asked, tightening his grip on his spear as Kisha lifted them above the thickening fog. Beneath them, the ground rumbled again, accompanied by a series of low, grinding sounds ¡ª as if the trees were shifting. "We''re facing a mutated tree," Kisha snapped, her voice seething with frustration. It was clear from her tone that she had just realized the extent of their situation. Mutated trees, with their unpredictable properties, were among the most dangerous enemies to deal with. With tough, nearly indestructible defenses and long-range attacks using their roots, they were a nightmare to defeat. And now, Kisha could already sense the trees'' intention ¡ª it was using its roots to drag them in, and its cover had been completely exposed. ''No wonder there''s fog and that foul, poisonous scent in the air,'' Kisha thought, her mind racing as the full scope of the situation dawned on her. ''It''s not unusual for mutated trees to have these kinds of defensive abilities. Some of them use this tactic to ensnare their prey, dragging them underground to harvest their blood and flesh, feeding their growth and strength. All that''s left behind are bones.'' With a grim understanding of their predicament, Kisha focused on lifting herself higher, making it harder for the mutated tree''s roots to reach them. Chapter 576 Mutated Tree The mutated tree must have been patiently waiting for Kisha, Duke, and Vulture to venture further into the fog, carefully observing their every move, knowing that the deeper they went, the easier it would be to ambush them. It had been biding its time, silently preparing to ensnare them with its roots. However, when Vulture uncovered the arm and Kisha showed signs of trying to escape, the tree''s patience snapped. It couldn''t afford to let its prey slip away¡ªespecially now, after the recent blood rains. The tree must be ravenous, needing more sustenance to fuel its evolution and grow even stronger. Now that the mutated tree''s cover was blown and it sensed its prey trying to escape, it could no longer feign to be just a normal tree. The transformation was swift. Kisha, Duke, and Vulture were confronted by a massive Weeping Willow tree, its branches resembling the long, slithering arms of a jellyfish, undulating in the air as if reaching for them. The thick, twisted roots began to writhe across the ground, creaking ominously with each movement. Although the dense fog obscured much of its form, the tree''s enormous size and deliberate movements were impossible to hide. The shifting roots stirred the mist, slowly unveiling the contours of the creature beneath the eerie reddish moonlight. It was an unsettling sight¡ªroots unfurling like serpents emerging from their burrows, now awake and hunting for their next meal. As Kisha, Duke, and Vulture hovered above the ground, they finally got a clear look at the Weeping Willow¡ªtowering far above the other trees, a grotesque anomaly in the forest like a sore thumb. Its size was likely a result of the mutated tree''s insatiable hunger for nutrients¡ªblood and flesh, whether from humans or wild animals. It explained why there hadn''t been any animals in sight for miles, the forest eerily void of life. The tree''s reach was unsettling, its roots thick and twisted, stretching deep beneath the ground. It wasn''t hard to imagine that this was why Sparrow hadn''t been able to escape when he first sensed something was wrong. As Kisha pieced it together, the mutated tree had waited patiently, sensing Sparrow''s awareness and quickly moving to trap him, ensuring he couldn''t flee. Now that Kisha had fully grasped the nature of their enemy, her gaze darkened. Facing such a creature on his own, Sparrow''s chances of survival were nearly nonexistent. Kisha lifted herself, along with Duke and Vulture, higher into the air. The mutated tree before them was at least ten meters tall, its vine-like tentacles stretching far and wide. But the most dangerous part was its roots¡ªsharp, thick, and with a reach far greater than its vines. As Kisha analyzed their position in relation to the spot where they had found Sparrow''s walkie-talkie, it became clear that this tree either had roots that extended for miles or, even more terrifyingly, it was capable of moving¡ªtreating this area as its nest, where it stored its victims before draining them of blood and flesh. In either case, the mutated tree was a deadly force, far more dangerous than Kisha had anticipated. It seemed as though Vulture and Duke already understood Kisha''s thoughts. Duke locked his gaze on the mutated tree, his expression menacing, though he waited for Kisha to speak. "Wifey, do we have a plan?" he asked, his eyes never leaving the swaying tree. The thick roots lashed out like monstrous serpents, while the fog churned in the air like dust, the sticky mud beneath them resembling treacherous quicksand. Under the eerie glow of the reddish moonlight, the ground now looked like a vast sea of blood. Though Duke was eager to make a move, he hesitated, aware that he wasn''t familiar with the powers of a mutated tree. He trusted Kisha''s judgment, knowing she had witnessed these creatures in her past lives. Her reaction moments ago confirmed what he already suspected¡ªKisha knew exactly what kind of danger they were up against. "To be honest, this one is far too dangerous," Kisha said, her expression grim. "It may look like a tree, but it''s clever enough to bait and ambush its prey. Mutated trees usually have exceptional defense and area-of-effect offense." "As we can see, it''s using an AOE defense¡ªthis fog that not only dulls our senses but can also poison us. It''s not just a defensive tactic; it''s a lethal offensive one." "If it weren''t for the Scarlet Bees, we would have likely fallen right into its trap." Kisha paused, her gaze sharp. She and the others hadn''t removed their gas masks, and their night vision goggles were pushed up on their foreheads, the faint reddish moonlight providing just enough visibility as they hovered above the forest. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The mutated tree, as if trying to intimidate them, relentlessly lashed its roots against the ground, the eerie creaking sound echoing through the air. It could have been attempting to draw their attention, preparing for a sneak attack. Either way, Kisha remained vigilant, keeping a close watch on their surroundings from above with the help of the Scarlet Bees and her heightened senses. However, the strain was evident. As she used her telekinesis to keep both Duke and Vulture elevated, her focus was split thin. The mental effort of holding them aloft while scanning for danger was beginning to take its toll, draining her ''Mental Capacity'' rapidly. Swoosh... Bang... Kisha barely managed to evade a sneak attack from behind. With quick reflexes, she used her telekinesis to shift herself, along with Duke and Vulture, out of the way just in time. A thick root, as wide as an adult''s waist, shot up from the fog beneath them with startling speed and precision. If she hadn''t been so attuned to her surroundings, aided by her ''Perception Skill,'' she might not have noticed it in time¡ªor worse, she might have been caught off guard entirely. "Shit! That was too close!" Vulture swore, his eyes fixed on the black roots that, after their attack, vanished back into the fog. It felt like they were caught in a twisted game of ''whack-a-mole.'' The mutated tree''s roots would suddenly emerge from the mist, striking with deadly precision, only to retreat and disappear as soon as they failed. Using the fog as cover, it would quickly reposition and launch another surprise attack, keeping them constantly on edge. Given their altitude, Vulture found it difficult to connect with the earth beneath them, making it nearly impossible to manipulate the terrain. As a result, he was left relying on his massive hammer to deflect the roots'' vicious strikes. Meanwhile, Duke, though armed with his spear, wasn''t launching random attacks. Instead, he was waiting, carefully conserving his spiritual energy and using his awakened abilities only when the right moment arrived, knowing that a careless counterattack would be a waste of precious strength. Kisha was also struggling with the situation. She knew that without getting close to the mutated tree''s main body, they wouldn''t stand a chance of defeating it. But she also wasn''t sure if the mutated tree had any intention of letting them leave. From what she could tell, it would stop at nothing to bring them down, using their bodies as nutrients to fuel its growth. The closer they got, the more the roots became a serious problem. A few meters away from the tree''s main body, she could already see its vine-like tentacles stirring, preparing to strike. The situation was growing increasingly dangerous, with each step bringing them closer to an inevitable confrontation. Chapter 577 The Battle As Kisha used her telekinesis to evade the sudden attacks emerging from the mist, Duke focused intently on analyzing the mutated tree''s movements. While the tree was cunning enough to bait its victims and launch sneak attacks, Duke could sense it lacked the intelligence to outmaneuver them entirely. He was certain its attacks followed a pattern¡ªone he was determined to uncover. As expected, the mutated tree''s attacks were predictable¡ªit relied solely on speed, striking from behind or below in an attempt to catch them off guard. There was no intricate strategy, no clever plan to outmaneuver them, just brute instinct. After carefully analyzing its movements, a dark, menacing smile spread across Duke''s face. "Wifey, this dumb tree only knows how to hit from the blind spot¡ªbehind or below," Duke said with a snort, his tone dripping with disdain. He fixed his gaze on the mutated tree, his expression taunting, as though daring it to try again. "I know," Kisha replied, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "But even so, getting closer is still a challenge. The nearer we get, the more roots it unleashes to attack us. And if we move in too close, those vines might join the assault as well." Her eyes darted constantly, scanning their surroundings as she monitored for any movement. Her focus was razor-sharp, always a millisecond ahead of the mutated tree''s sneak attacks. Even though she was beginning to adapt to its attack pattern, the strain was immense. Controlling her telekinesis to keep both Duke and Vulture aloft while dodging was a delicate balancing act. A single mistake could cost them dearly¡ªif she lost focus for even a moment, she might miscalculate her strength and crush their waists with her power. It was a risk she couldn''t afford, and she was pushing herself to her limit to ensure it didn''t happen. Maintaining the delicate balance of her telekinesis required precise control¡ªit was all about finesse. With her attention fully focused on dodging the mutated tree''s relentless attacks and ensuring Duke and Vulture''s safety, Kisha barely had the bandwidth to consider launching a counterattack. Noticing her intense focus and understanding the strain she was under, Duke offered a solution. "How about you focus on dodging and defending us, and I''ll handle the attacks?" he suggested, his tone calm but resolute, his eyes never leaving the thrashing tree below. "Master, I can help deflect the attacks if it becomes too much for the Young Madam to handle," Vulture offered, his tone steady but resolute. His serious expression was laced with a flicker of hatred as he glared at the mutated tree. "After all, I''ve got a strong defense and body¡ªthese little roots won''t do much damage to me." The burning anger in his eyes betrayed his desire for revenge. If he had the strength to destroy the mutated tree on his own, he wouldn''t hesitate. It wasn''t just about survival; it was about avenging his brother. But as much as his hatred fueled him, he knew he wasn''t strong enough to take it down alone. For now, his focus was on working with the others to ensure they killed the monstrous tree and left nothing of it behind. "Alright," Kisha replied, her voice calm but focused. Inch by inch, she guided them closer to the mutated tree, carefully maneuvering between each attack. "Do you know this tree''s weakness?" Duke asked, his eyes scanning their surroundings. With each question, he deflected the roots that came too close, his spear a blur of precision. "I can''t say for sure," Kisha admitted, her gaze darting around as she remained hyper-aware of their surroundings. "Every mutated tree has its own specific weakness, depending on its properties. But generally, their vulnerabilities are tied to elemental forces¡ªfire, lightning, or sometimes even salt. Before, some people used salt to cover the ground around the tree, slowly killing it from the roots before launching an attack." "Salt? Would it work here?" Vulture asked, his deep voice steady despite the chaos around them. With a sharp swing of his massive hammer, he sent an approaching root flying to the side, the impact echoing with a dull thud¡ªlike a batter hitting a home run. "Salt is effective against most mutated trees because, despite their mutations, they still retain their basic plant properties," Kisha explained, her tone steady despite the tension in the air. "They draw nutrients from the ground through their roots. Unlike mangrove trees, which thrive in watery, saline environments near the sea, forest trees like this one can''t tolerate salt. Once it reaches their roots, it causes them to fester and die¡ªespecially with prolonged exposure." "But the problem is," Kisha began, her voice edged with frustration, "I suspect this mutated tree can move from its original position. Using salt would be pointless. We''ll have to rely on firepower and locate its crystal core to take it down." Before she could say more, a massive root lashed out from the opposite direction. "Ugh!" Kisha grunted as she used her telekinesis to block the attack. The force of the blow sent a sharp gust of wind against her, brushing harshly against her face. Despite successfully defending herself, the sheer power behind the strike made her heart race. She spared a quick glance at Duke and Vulture, relief washing over her. ''At least it was me who took the brunt of that attack,'' she thought grimly. ''If it had been either of them, I don''t want to imagine the consequences.'' "Are you alright?" Duke asked, his voice laced with concern. "I''m fine," Kisha replied, shaking off the surprise. "Just caught off guard." She refocused her attention, mentally chastising herself. ''I let my guard down for just a moment...'' Her expression darkened as she continued her internal thoughts. ''I need to train more¡ªlearn how to split my focus effectively. I can''t afford distractions like this again.'' After the surprise attack, Duke''s expression grew grim. Now that he knew mutated plants had elemental weaknesses, it played right into his hands. With three different elements in his arsenal, he could test each one on the tree and determine which would be most effective. As they drew closer, the attacks became more relentless, and Kisha and Vulture focused on defense, their movements quick and precise. But the closer they got, the more dangerous the situation became. When they finally looked up, the mutated tree towered over them, its shadowy form an ominous presence. The sheer size of it was suffocating, and they could barely see through the oppressive darkness. Without hesitation, they all activated their night vision goggles, aware that the vines were now within striking distance. Without hesitation, Duke unleashed a powerful Lightning Strike, the crackling energy arcing through the air toward the mutated tree. He knew this wasn''t a rubber tree, and it wouldn''t be immune to the lightning. From what he had heard, the lightning element was one of the most potent among awakened abilities, and he believed the mutated tree wouldn''t be able to withstand such a powerful attack. The air around them crackled with energy as the strike surged toward its target, the sky flickering with bright, violent light. Sure enough, after the Lightning Strike, the mutated tree recoiled for a brief moment. A crack appeared on its surface where the lightning had struck, and smoke billowed from the damaged area. Duke''s grin spread across his face, but it quickly faded as a surge of anger took over him. This wasn''t enough. Not only had this mutated tree killed his subordinate, Sparrow, but it had also attacked his wife, Kisha. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 578 The Battle 2 Although the mutated tree momentarily halted its movements after Duke''s Lightning Strike, it seemed to only grow angrier from the attack. The very air around them seemed to tremble with its fury as it retaliated with relentless force. All of its available roots and twisting vines launched an unholy barrage of attacks, lashing out from every direction. The once eerie quiet was replaced by a deafening storm of strikes, each one more murderous and precise than the last, forcing them to dodge and deflect with every ounce of their strength. "Shit!" Vulture cursed as he narrowly deflected another attack, but two more roots shot toward him. Without hesitation, he raised his massive hammer like a shield, using its weight to block the incoming strikes. With a powerful swipe, he knocked the roots aside as if swatting away a pesky fly. Kisha, on the other hand, was facing a much more overwhelming onslaught¡ªat least four mutated roots were coming at her from all angles. Fortunately, her previous training in splitting her focus was paying off. She used her telekinesis as if it were a set of invisible hands, managing to swat the roots away or redirect their paths without wasting precious spiritual energy. By carefully guiding the attacks off course, she avoided a drawn-out struggle with the tree''s powerful tendrils, giving herself the advantage of conserving strength for the ongoing battle. Duke seized the opportunity, unleashing a devastating ''Fire Meteor'' as soon as Vulture and Kisha cleared the mutated tree''s attacks. As the meteor rained down, he couldn''t help but notice the shift in his awakened abilities. Earlier, his ''Lightning Strike'' had been as massive and fierce as a serpent descending from the sky, and thought that its power was amplified by his anger. But now, watching the ''Fire Meteors'' fall from the sky, each one as large as an adult''s face, he realized something had changed. As the fiery meteors crashed into the mutated tree''s branches and leaves, the flames quickly began to consume its twisted form. The fire''s essence tore through the tree''s body, burning away at its very core. Meanwhile, those meteors that missed their target ignited the surrounding area, quickly setting the forest alight with spreading fire. Duke''s gaze snapped to Kisha, confusion etched across his face as he tried to understand why his awakened ability had experienced such a surge in power. But Kisha only smiled at him, her expression filled with pride. "It''s because of the Scarlet Honey and the Spiritual Fruit," she explained, her eyes glinting with understanding. As soon as Kisha mentioned it, Duke remembered what she had told him about the Spiritual Fruit. He had consumed so many Spiritual Fruits and other crops, but he hadn''t felt any noticeable change in his body. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha had explained that the fruit would refine the quality of his spiritual energy, purifying it over time. ''So, is this the result of the purification?'' he wondered, watching the mutated tree lash its roots and vines frantically, struggling to contain the spreading fire. It seemed to be in agony, the long, continuous creaking sounds reverberating through the air. But Duke didn''t hesitate. He summoned another ''Fire Meteor,'' his determination unwavering. Even though this was his third AOE attack, he didn''t feel the familiar weight of exhaustion. ''Is it because my spiritual energy was purified by the Spiritual Fruits?'' he thought, briefly glancing at his palms, surprised at how easily the power flowed. As the ''Fire Meteor'' descended and struck the mutated tree, thick plumes of smoke billowed from the surrounding area and the tree itself. However, to their surprise, the damage was only superficial. The bark of the mutated tree peeled away under the fiery assault, but beneath the scorched exterior, the inner core remained untouched. The leaves were completely consumed by the flames, turning to ash, but once the foliage was gone, the tree looked even more menacing¡ªa charred, lifeless husk. Its branches were blackened, yet the vines continued to lash out with a furious intensity, as if the tree itself had grown angrier, its movements more erratic and desperate. Kisha, Duke, and Vulture''s expressions hardened, the weight of the situation settling in. Vulture swallowed hard, the lump in his throat a testament to the growing tension surrounding them. Though Duke didn''t feel fatigued from his earlier attacks, seeing that his efforts had only caused superficial damage to the tree dampened his confidence. But rather than faltering, he adjusted his strategy, his determination solidifying. Kisha, too, sharpened her focus, intensifying her dodging and deflecting as the mutated tree''s rage boiled over. Its attacks grew unnervingly faster and more brutal, its vines whipping through the air with deadly precision. Meanwhile, the surrounding fire raged on, adding an oppressive heat to the already volatile battle. The mutated tree launched a full-force assault, determined to trap Kisha, Duke, and Vulture with no escape. Every available root and vine lashed out in unison, cornering them in midair. Despite Kisha''s telekinetic abilities, she could only manage to form a temporary barrier around them, using her invisible like hands to create a fragile shield. But the weight of the tree''s relentless attack made it increasingly difficult to hold. The pressure of the vines and roots pressing against their protective sphere intensified and started to coil around the barrier, as though the mutated tree was trying to crush them within the barrier. Kisha struggled to maintain the barrier''s integrity, her focus slipping as the oppressive force grew stronger. Inside the barrier, darkness enveloped them, their hands and feet invisible in the thick blackness. They could feel the roots and vines coiling around them, squeezing tighter with each passing moment. Though Kisha was doing her best to keep them safe she was still having a hard time pushing off the mutated tree''s roots and vine, Duke''s resolve hardened. With a fierce, angry glint in his eyes, he summoned an ''Ice Storm''. Slowly but surely, the roots and vines around them began to freeze, the thick ice encasing them in a crystalline grip. Though this was a new skill that should have posed a challenge for Duke to master, his overwhelming protectiveness of Kisha drove his instincts into overdrive. His ''Talent'' and fierce determination unlocked the power within him, allowing him to conjure the ''Ice Storm'' with surprising ease. As the storm raged on, the freezing ice quickly enveloped the mutated tree''s roots and vines, slowing their relentless advance. Parts of the tree were encased in thick layers of ice, but it kept crawling forward, desperate to break the mutated tree''s momentum. The mutated tree thrashed, shaking violently to dislodge the frost from its limbs. However, it couldn''t move its roots or vines¡ªespecially those still coiled tightly around Kisha''s barrier. Despite its efforts, the mutated tree found itself trapped, immobilized by the freezing grip of the storm. Without hesitation, Duke summoned another powerful ''Lightning Strike,'' sending it crashing down just above their position. Thanks to Kisha''s protection, the three of them remained unharmed, but the effect of the strike was devastating. The ice that had already coated the mutated tree''s roots and vines amplified the force of the lightning, causing the frozen tendrils to shatter into sharp, jagged shards. As the lightning coursed through the tree, the once sturdy roots and vines became brittle and dry, weakened by the ice, making them more vulnerable to the strike. Duke''s eyes gleamed with a sinister satisfaction as he watched the mutated tree''s defenses crumble under the combined onslaught. Chapter 579 The Battle 3 With this new combination, Duke realized that they finally had a chance to turn the tide against the mutated tree. The creature, though exasperated, felt a growing sense of fear and hesitation. It paused, uncertain whether it could win against Duke and the others. However, after a brief moment of indecision, it decided to press on with the fight. Despite its formidable power, the mutated tree''s intelligence was limited, leaving it unable to assess whether it was truly gaining ground. As a result, it continued its relentless assault, unaware of the shift in momentum. The mutated tree''s entire body trembled, emitting a deafening creak that echoed through the air¡ªlike the groan of an old, brittle tree. But this time, the sound resembled a roar, a clear declaration of fury. Its stance shifted, radiating an intense anger as it prepared to fight Kisha, Duke, and Vulture to the death. This, however, was exactly what they had been hoping for. They didn''t want the mutated tree to retreat; they wanted it to stand its ground, so they could finally face it head-on. With most of its roots and vines damaged by Duke''s recent ice-and-lightning attack, the mutated tree had little choice but to rely on its remaining tendrils. It surged forward with its massive form, aiming to crush Kisha, Duke, and Vulture, swatting at them as though they were mere flies buzzing around its massive trunk. "Seems like it''s already losing its composure after taking that much damage," Duke remarked mockingly, a cold smile curling on his lips as his eyes followed the enormous Weeping Willow tree''s every move. "I knew this mutated tree had the ability to detach itself from the ground and move whenever it pleases," Kisha said, her voice sharp with anger as her eyes tracked the massive, moving mutated tree. The fury surged through her veins. Along with using her telekinesis to keep herself, Duke, and Vulture floating in the air, she extended her powers further, reaching out with determination. Bang! A massive cluster of hardened soil shot toward the enormous mutated tree. Due to its sheer size, it couldn''t evade the incoming attack Kisha launched at it, and the clump of soil struck the tree''s body with a resounding impact. Most of the mutated tree''s roots and vines had already been damaged by Duke''s earlier strike, leaving it severely weakened. Without the ability to regrow its roots quickly¡ªespecially without the vital nutrients or the flesh and blood of living creatures¡ªthe tree was left battered and defenseless. Its remaining roots were insufficient to provide proper balance. When Kisha''s attack landed, the mutated tree was knocked off balance and tumbled backward with a loud, crashing thud. Seeing the mutated tree struggle to stand back up, Duke seized the opportunity. He conjured an even more powerful and bigger ''Ice Storm'', enveloping the tree''s entire form. The storm''s icy tendrils surged with force, covering every inch of the mutated tree. The creature tried to push itself up using its remaining roots and vines or roll out of the way to avoid being encased in ice. Just the sight of the ice caused the tree to tremble, recalling the damage to its roots and vines earlier, and panic set in as it realized its vulnerability. But Duke wasn''t about to give it a chance to recover. As he maintained the ice storm, Kisha offered crucial support. She harnessed her telekinesis to gather more hardened soil from the surrounding area. Initially, she considered using nearby trees that would serve as her bullet, but she quickly dismissed that idea, recognizing the ecological importance of the trees to their planet. Instead, she scooped up the solid earth with a telekinetic grip, launching it at the mutated tree with all the power her immense strength could muster. With her Strength at 220, each chunk of soil hit with the force of a cannonball. Even though the mutated tree boasted impressive defense, Kisha''s attack still struck with overwhelming power, causing the already-weakened creature considerable pain and further destabilizing it. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the ''Ice Storm'' steadily encased the mutated tree in thick layers of freezing ice, Kisha''s relentless assault kept the creature pinned to the ground. With precision, she used her telekinesis to pull herself and the others closer, inching ever nearer to the struggling tree. Once they were within range, Vulture felt the familiar, grounding connection to the earth once more. With this newfound proximity, he was able to draw on the earth''s energy, conjuring powerful earth spikes. The spikes shot up from the ground with lethal speed, further immobilizing the mutated tree and ensuring that it couldn''t escape its weakened state. This effectively set the stage for Duke to deliver the final, devastating blow. As Duke watched the mutated tree fully encased in layers of ice, a sinister grin spread across his face. With a decisive motion, he raised his arm high and summoned a ''Lightning Strike'' that crackled with the fury of a dragon descending from the heavens. The bolt of lightning surged down, engulfing the mutated tree in a blinding flash of energy. Upon impact, the freezing ice that had cocooned the tree shattered violently, breaking apart like brittle glass. The tree''s roots and vines splintered with it, leaving only a small portion of the trunk standing. Though the tree''s immense form had been devastated, the trunk quivered faintly, its creaking sounds betraying its desperate struggle to cling to the last vestiges of life, as if it refused to yield completely. With a swift motion, Kisha used her telekinesis to lift herself, Duke, and Vulture high above the mutated tree. Without hesitation, Duke seized his Kratos'' Spear, gripping it firmly, and with a burst of raw power, hurled it with pinpoint precision at the crevice of the mutated tree. His eyes had caught a faint glimmer there, suspecting it to be the tree''s crystal core. The Kratos'' Spear, enhanced with the ''Pierce'' effect, cut through the mutated tree''s remaining defenses as effortlessly as a hot knife through butter. The moment the spear struck its target, the tree let out a dying groan, its form cracking as it split in two. The Kratos'' Spear was lodged deep between the severed halves, its tip buried in the earth, while beside it lay the green crystal core¡ªa smooth, vibrant orb roughly the size of a ping pong ball, glimmering faintly in the fading light. Without descending to the ground, Kisha used her telekinesis to lift the mutated tree''s crystal core toward them, along with Duke''s spear. She handed the spear back to him, then briefly examined the crystal core before storing it safely in her inventory. With the immediate threat neutralized, their focus shifted to finding Sparrow. Though the evidence from the mutated tree¡ªthe fact that it fed on flesh and blood¡ªled them to believe that Sparrow was most likely dead, they still held onto a glimmer of hope. They wanted, at the very least, to recover his body or remains to bring back to the base for a proper burial, giving him the respect he deserved. Vulture fell silent as well, his thoughts mirroring those of Kisha and Duke. As they descended to the murky, sticky ground, he gave the dead mutated tree a hard kick, his frustration and sorrow evident. Afterward, he quietly retreated to a corner, his shoulders shaking as he silently broke down, tears streaming down his face. Chapter 580 Vultures Sorrow And Mystic Practitioners "You motherfucker... you didn''t even wait for me to save you..." Vulture sobbed, his voice trembling. "It''s my fault, brother," Vulture choked out, his voice breaking. "I should''ve gone with you, or at least not let you go alone. Maybe I shouldn''t have let you go at all. I''m so sorry..." He collapsed forward against the lifeless body of the mutated tree, sobbing uncontrollably, each breath ragged and strained. Vulture could barely catch his breath as he wept, his heart heavy with guilt. Deep down, he had known the chances of Sparrow surviving were slim, but he had held on to the hope¡ªhope that Sparrow''s resourcefulness and cunning would somehow pull him through, that he''d always find a way out of any situation. That small flicker of hope was what kept him going. But now, the harsh reality had settled in. His brother was gone. "I''m sorry, brother. I''m sorry." His words were barely a whisper, but with Kisha''s heightened senses, she could still hear the raw pain in his voice. Her heart tightened, and her own eyes began to water. Sparrow had become part of her family, and he was here because of her orders¡ªshe couldn''t shake the guilt and sorrow that settled in her chest. Instinctively, Kisha looked up at Duke, standing beside her. His expression was unreadable, his long lashes casting shadows over his eyes, making it impossible for Kisha to gauge his emotions. The darkness of the night only deepened the silence between them, making everything feel heavier and more distant. But Kisha could feel the aura emanating from Duke, and she knew he, too, was filled with a mix of sadness and anger. It wasn''t directed at her¡ªshe understood that¡ªbut at the situation itself. No one could have foreseen the mutated tree lurking near the farm, and even Kisha hadn''t expected it to appear so early in the apocalypse. Just when she thought she was starting to understand the changes sweeping through the world, she was blindsided once again. These mutated trees, unlike the evolved zombies or mutated animals, were much more intricate and difficult to evolve. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That''s why they were the most dangerous, the hardest to deal with, and the true bane of humanity''s survival. Kisha allowed Duke and Vulture the time they needed to process their grief, giving them space to mourn the loss of Sparrow. Though she too felt the sting of his death, she recognized that the bond between Sparrow and the others ran deeper, having been forged over years of shared experiences. Her connection with him, while strong, wasn''t as rooted in that same brotherly love, and she knew she had a responsibility to find his body. She couldn''t let her sorrow overtake her; there was work to be done. Pushing her emotions aside, she focused her energy and extended her telekinesis, feeling the surroundings in search of Sparrow''s remains. Kisha closed her eyes, taking slow, deliberate breaths as she grounded herself on the sticky, murky earth. With each exhale, she steadied her focus, allowing her consciousness to expand beyond her physical form. As she reached outward, she began to feel her surroundings with a clarity that transcended the limits of her sight. The world around her became a vivid tapestry of sensations, each subtle detail registering in her mind as though she could see it all. Gradually, she extended her awareness further, her focus honing in on the presence of Duke and Vulture. Though her eyes remained closed, she could sense them, still and silent in the distance. Her heart clenched with sorrow, but she pushed the emotion aside, reminding herself that she had a task to complete. Slowly but surely, Kisha expanded her reach, gradually acclimating herself to the process. She was careful, unwilling to rush and risk the negative consequences of hastily pushing her consciousness too far. She understood the importance of patience¡ªone wrong move could disrupt her entire focus. "That''s right, Host," 008''s voice resonated in her mind, breaking the silence. "You shouldn''t rush. Expanding your consciousness too quickly could cause irreparable damage. Repairing a damaged consciousness is far more difficult than mending a damaged dantian. I must say, though, I didn''t realize you had such a natural talent or a soul so strong." "Why soul? Shouldn''t it be mind?" Kisha asked, her curiosity piqued by 008''s unusual choice of words. "Master, in the Murim World, consciousness is actually a part of the soul. As practitioners seek to transcend the limitations of their physical forms, they train their souls to grow stronger, which in turn strengthens their consciousness." "This process makes their minds more resilient and powerful. Practitioners with strong consciousness are less susceptible to tricks or techniques that target the soul or mind." "A powerful soul also reinforces the mind, making them resistant to manipulations like charm, soul manipulation, mind control, and many more." "Generally, those with a strong consciousness tend to excel in fields like alchemy, rune mastery, talisman mastery, and other professions that require exceptional mental fortitude." Bell interjected, clarifying 008''s earlier explanation. "In the Murim World, practitioners are classified into two main categories: Martial Arts Practitioners, who focus on enhancing their physical strength and abilities, and Mystic Practitioners, who specialize in cultivating their souls." "Mystic Practitioners don''t necessarily need to excel in physical combat, but they are far rarer than their martial counterparts. This is because individuals with innate talent for mysticism and strong soul are much more difficult to find than those with the physical foundation needed for martial arts," Bell explained, recalling the laws and principles from the Murim world. "That''s certainly interesting," Kisha responded, her focus still on expanding her consciousness through the surrounding area. "It must be because my ''Mental Capacity'' has already surpassed a thousand, which likely allows my consciousness to handle this much more effectively." "Host, you truly possess a strong soul, which is why you awakened Telekinesis as your ability. As you already know, an awakened ability is tied to one''s Talent and Gift, meaning it is something you are born with." 008 paused before adding, "Honestly, now that I think about it, the reason I was thrown¡ªor perhaps summoned¡ªinto this lower world might be connected to your soul..." 008 fell silent after that, leaving Kisha''s curiosity unanswered. Despite her attempts to probe for more, it refused to elaborate, knowing her interest had been piqued. Since 008 remained silent and Bell had no answers regarding what 008 had hinted at, Kisha focused her attention back on her task. Gradually, her consciousness expanded, reaching deep underground. She could almost see the tangled roots below, feeling their connection with her mind. As she probed further, her senses revealed mangled bodies and scattered bones, more than six feet beneath the surface. Though the remains were spread out, they formed a rough pattern, as if they had been carefully placed. It seemed the mutated tree had created a massive pit to store its prey, a place where it stored food for later consumption. The scattered remains were only part of the picture. Below, a larger pit extended beneath the site where the mutated tree had once stood, filled with dried bodies, some mummified as if their blood had been sucked dry. The scene felt like an eerie cave of horrors¡ªan unsettling collection of the tree''s victims. Chapter 581 Looking For Sparrows Body After locating the pit, Kisha approached Duke and Vulture, carefully retracting her consciousness to avoid any strain. Her voice was hoarse as she spoke. "I found a pit underground filled with remains." Her eyes met Duke''s briefly before her gaze flickered to Vulture, gauging his reaction. As though struck by lightning, Vulture froze, his body stiffening at her words. Slowly, he turned away, his shoulders heavy with emotion. He wiped the tears and snot from his face with his arm, but it wasn''t enough. With a resigned sigh, he lifted his shirt to wipe his face, revealing the sight of his well-defined abs. Before the sight could fully unfold, Duke''s sharp eyes snapped to Kisha''s face with a somewhat accusing gaze. His eyes narrowed protectively, and with swift precision, he covered Kisha''s eyes with his hand, his possessiveness clear. "Wifey, if you want to see an eight-pack, there''s no need to look elsewhere," Duke said, his voice low and teasing. Without giving her a chance to protest, he grabbed Kisha''s wrist and guided her hand to rest against his shirt. But apparently, that wasn''t enough for him. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he lifted his shirt and bit down on the hem, holding it in his teeth to fully expose his sculpted, rock-hard abs. He then pressed her hand against the defined ridges, guiding her touch along the length of his abdomen, ensuring she could feel every line and curve. Even in such a tense moment, Duke''s possessiveness radiated unmistakably. Kisha, caught off guard, couldn''t help but feel both flustered and wronged. She hadn''t been sneaking a peek at Vulture''s abs, despite what Duke clearly thought. Well, it wasn''t like she needed to explain herself. Besides, she found it amusing to see Duke''s somber expression replaced by a flare of jealousy. His brooding mood had lightened, and for that, she was secretly grateful. At least now, he wasn''t consumed by grief. After a bit of playful teasing and once Vulture had calmed down, Kisha took the lead, guiding the two men toward the location of the pit she had sensed. Vulture, however, still bore the evidence of his earlier breakdown. His swollen, red eyes and equally flushed nose stood out against his rugged appearance. The contrast made him look both pitiful and unintentionally comical, a sight so oddly out of place that Kisha had to suppress the urge to chuckle. Given the seriousness of the situation, Kisha chose to remain silent. As they arrived at the spot where the mutated tree had once stood, she halted at the edge. The gaping hole left behind by the tree''s massive roots stretched deep into the earth, but it wasn''t wide or clear enough for them to see far below the surface. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Focusing her telekinesis, Kisha summoned an invisible force, akin to giant, unseen hands, to dig into the sticky soil. With one swift motion, she removed a massive chunk of earth¡ªnearly the size of a nanny van¡ªand flung it aside effortlessly. Despite her efforts, the depth of the pit was far greater than she anticipated, plunging much deeper than the scattered remains and bones she had sensed earlier, which lay a few meters beneath the surface. After Kisha successfully excavated the pit, Duke took the lead in ensuring their safety. He conjured a powerful ''Fire Meteor'' and sent it hurtling into the depths of the pit. The intense flames illuminated the dark cavity, burning away any lingering harmful gases that could pose a threat to them. Once the air was cleared, the trio removed their gas masks, leaving only their night vision goggles to aid their vision in the darkness. With a brief glance at one another, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture leaped into the massive pit. Their coordinated landing echoed with a loud creak, the sound resonating ominously through the cavernous space. Snap! Creak! As their boots hit the ground, the brittle bones beneath their feet snapped like dry twigs, sinking them ankle-deep into the unsettling terrain. A cloud of fine dust rose from the disturbed surface, further obscuring the already dim environment. The ground beneath them felt unstable, as though they were standing atop a gruesome mountain of bones, dried bodies, and dismembered limbs. A nauseating, musky odor permeated the air, difficult to describe. It wasn''t the rancid stench of rotting flesh, as most of the remains were desiccated or skeletal, yet the smell was deeply unpleasant, a mixture of decay and something disturbingly hard to explain. Kisha and Vulture instinctively coughed as the rising dust hit their faces, while Duke furrowed his brow, scanning their grim surroundings. However, with only their night vision goggles, their visibility was limited¡ªeverything appeared in hazy outlines, distorted and incomplete. No light from the reddish moon reached the depths of the pit, leaving it in a suffocating darkness. Realizing the need for better illumination, Duke conjured three small fireballs that floated around them, casting a flickering glow. He was careful not to create more than necessary, mindful of preserving the limited oxygen in the enclosed space. With the area now illuminated by the soft glow of Duke''s fireballs, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture removed their night vision goggles and handed them to Kisha, who quickly stored them in her inventory. Only then were they able to properly take in their surroundings. The pit resembled a cave, its walls lined with dangling roots that swayed slightly, as if alive. Beneath their feet was a chaotic pile of bones and bodies, so jumbled together that it was impossible to distinguish whether the remains belonged to men or women. Mixed among the human remains were the carcasses and bones of various animals, creating a grim, unsettling tableau that emphasized the horrors of the mutated tree''s feeding pit. As they surveyed the pit, it seemed nearly impossible to identify whether Sparrow''s remains were among the countless others. Vulture''s gaze swept over the pile of bones, his eyes blank as he spoke. "Master, do you think the missing members of Group 6 are also here... among the dead?" His voice was hollow, and his gaze lingered on the vast sea of bones beneath their feet, a jumble so extensive that he couldn''t even tell where it ended or how deep it truly went. Duke didn''t respond. He simply scanned the entire area, his expression darkening with each passing moment. His eyes, sharp and menacing, scanned every corner of the pit as his lips pressed into a thin, grim line. His cold, indifferent demeanor remained unbroken, leaving it unclear whether he hadn''t heard Vulture''s question or had deliberately chosen to ignore it. They then each moved to different corners of the pit, with a fireball trailing closely behind them. Kisha couldn''t help but feel amused by the sight. As far as she could remember, no fire-type superhuman had this level of control. Typically, once a fireball was conjured and left a summoner''s hand, it was like a bullet fired from a gun¡ªit would either hit its target or simply dissipate. But what she is seeing now was different. The fireball remained under Duke''s control, despite being separated from him. Maintaining this required constant spiritual energy consumption, a feat most fire type awakened ability users couldn''t manage. The effort it took to sustain the flame after it was released was impressive and rare. Chapter 582 Looking For Sparrows Body 2 "M-Master!!!" Vulture''s loud, trembling shout snapped Kisha out of her thoughts. She blinked, her gaze shifting to the fireball floating beside her. Despite being so close, it didn''t burn her or feel excessively hot. It radiated warmth, but other than that, it seemed harmless¡ªmore of a light source than a threat. After a moment''s reflection, she walked toward Vulture, who was crouched in the far corner, mostly hidden by thick roots. He was nearly invisible, save for the fireball hovering nearby, casting a soft glow around him. "What''s wrong?" Duke asked, his voice steady as he approached. Kisha followed closely behind him, her eyes scanning the scene. Vulture didn''t respond right away, his body still trembling as he crouched down. Kisha heard him stifle another sob, and her heart ached. She stepped closer, her gaze drawn to a dried-up body half-buried beneath the twisted roots. The body was eerily familiar, dressed in the same clothes Sparrow had worn the morning of their departure. As Kisha''s eyes moved lower, she saw a dog tag resting on the corpse''s lap. The body, preserved like a mummified relic, was so desiccated that its features were almost unrecognizable. The hair, tangled and matted like seaweed, clung to the skull, stained with dried blood. The sunken eyes were hollow, and the mouth hung open in a silent scream, the expression frozen in terror, as if the person had died in agony, as it was being drained of life and blood. In its final moment, the dried-up body lay limply, its head tilted downward. The jaw hung loosely, the teeth visible as the lips had withered like dry tissue, shriveled and drawn tight, exposing the teeth even more. All that remained was a thin layer of skin clinging to the bones, a grotesque reminder of the body''s once-living form. "Sparrow..." Vulture whispered, his voice breaking as he gently picked up the dog tag that had fallen into the dried-up body''s lap. His eyes scanned the inscription¡ªSparrow''s codename and the date he had joined Duke Winters'' fold. The weight of their discovery crushed him, and his hand trembled as he gripped the dog tag, holding it tight as if afraid it might slip away. The sobs came again, wracking his body with grief. Duke''s expression darkened, and his eyes reddened, though he remained still, standing in grim silence. His gaze was fixed on his fallen subordinate, the lifeless form of Sparrow. It was as though he was piecing together the final moments of his subordinate''s life, imagining the horror and pain he must have endured before his death. Kisha remained silent, giving them the space they needed to mourn Sparrow''s death. She couldn''t bring herself to say "condolences" ¡ª those words felt hollow to her now. In the apocalyptic world, death was a constant happening, following them like a shadow, and over time, she had become numb to its weight. Her own well of emotion had long since dried up, reserved only for her family and Duke''s. Still, despite her detached exterior, she couldn''t ignore the small pang of sorrow for Sparrow, for he had been a part of Duke''s family, and in that, he had been a part of hers, too. After what felt like an eternity, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture finally emerged from the pit. Vulture was carrying a body bag with Sparrow''s remains, his solemn expression unwavering. Kisha offered to place the body in her inventory or leave it in her territory for safekeeping, but Vulture gently refused. He wanted to carry Sparrow''s body back himself, as part of his mourning ritual, a final act of respect for his fallen brother. Only when they returned to the base would he entrust Sparrow''s body to Kisha to keep it safe in her inventory then, so they could give him a proper burial alongside the rest of their fallen comrades in City A once they came back there. Kisha respected Vulture''s wishes, understanding the weight of his mourning, and knowing that this was likely what Duke and the rest of their brothers would want as well. Sparrow had always been a loyal brother to them all. As they emerged from the pit, the first light of dawn began to crest the horizon, but the heaviness in Vulture and Duke''s faces remained shrouded in darkness. Wordlessly, they made their way back to where they had left Zeus and Bell, their steps quiet and deliberate. The weight of the unspoken grief hung in the air, and the silence between them spoke volumes. Understanding the mood, even Zeus remained unusually subdued and behaved, making an effort not to disturb the solemn atmosphere. In a rare act of sensitivity, Zeus returned to Kisha''s territory space with Bell, clearing the way for Vulture to carry Sparrow''s body and let it rest beside him in the car. Kisha appreciated this gesture deeply and reached down to give Zeus a gentle pat on the head, silently thanking him for his thoughtfulness. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It wasn''t until after Kisha had sent Zeus back into the territory space that she realized something wrong. Despite her meticulous preparations to keep a portal open for Marcus and the others back in the base, allowing them to come and go freely in her territory space even in her absence, she found that the portal had unexpectedly closed once she had traveled a certain distance. Those outside couldn''t enter, and those inside were unable to leave, forcing them to wait for her to open a portal again. She only discovered this after noticing Mike brooding inside the territory space, alone. It seemed that Marcus and the others were absent, likely having left to assist at the villa. Mike, on the other hand, had become so engrossed in studying the mutated animals, eager to understand their nature, that he lost track of time, unaware of the others'' departure. When Mike attempted to leave, he quickly realized he couldn''t. Since time flowed differently inside the territory space compared to the outside world, he had unknowingly been trapped there for hours. It wasn''t until he saw Bell, Zeus, and Kisha entering that he was finally able to communicate with anyone. He immediately informed Kisha about the situation, explaining how he had been stuck inside the space without realizing it. It seemed that because her territory was originally established in City A, that was the only place it could connect to. While she could temporarily open a portal outside her territory, it would automatically close once she left the vicinity. Kisha hadn''t considered this limitation before; she had assumed that opening a portal would suffice for any situation. Now, she understood how it worked. Fortunately, she had only been away from the base for one night, so Marcus and the others hadn''t missed much, and Mike hadn''t been trapped for days. Once Kisha understood the situation, she reassured Mike that he was no longer stuck in the territory space. To spare him from seeing Sparrow''s body and the grim expressions on Vulture and Duke''s faces, she sent him back inside. Mike happily complied, eager to continue studying the mutated animals, now relieved that he could leave whenever needed. After settling things with Mike, Kisha took the wheel of the armored car and began driving back to the base. Duke and Vulture remained silent, lost in their grief, so she respected their space and refrained from speaking. The journey was heavy with unspoken sorrow, punctuated only by the occasional roars of zombies they encountered along the way. Whenever one attempted to approach the vehicle, Kisha mercilessly rammed into it without hesitation, clearing the path before driving on without a backward glance. Chapter 583 Youre Home It didn''t take long for Kisha to return to the base with Duke, Vulture, and Sparrow''s bodies inside the car she''s driving. The armored car was smeared with dried black blood and bits of brain matter, creating a grotesque and eerie scene. A severed hand was even stuck to the front number plate, dangling grotesquely. The sight was nauseating, but the soldiers had grown desensitized to such horrors. One of them, descending from the wall, wordlessly plucked the hand off and tossed it aside without a second glance. As Kisha drove through the gate, the soldiers quickly killed the last zombie that had pursued the car to the wall. The gatekeeper approached to check Kisha''s permit¡ªit was just a formality¡ªbut his real focus was elsewhere. His sharp eyes scanned the vehicle, silently counting how many survivors Kisha''s team had managed to rescue during their search-and-rescue mission. When the gatekeeper noticed the lone body bag in the back of the vehicle, he immediately stopped prying. Instead, he straightened up and saluted Kisha, Duke, and Vulture, his expression turning solemn as his gaze lingered on the body bag. Without another word, Kisha resumed driving, heading back to their villa. Word of their return spread quickly. At the villa, as soon as the rest of the Winters and their subordinates heard that Kisha and the team were back, they rushed over in a hurry, desperate to see for themselves the fate of their missing brothers. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Kisha''s armored car approached, the absence of Group 6''s missing truck was glaringly obvious. A heavy silence fell over the people waiting, their hearts sinking as grim expressions spread across their faces. No one blamed Kisha¡ªthey knew she had done everything she could¡ªbut the weight of their loss was starting to sink in their hearts. Deep down, they dreaded hearing the confirmation of what they already feared hearing about their brothers. When Vulture stepped out of the car, cradling a body bag in his arms, no one was prepared for the gut-wrenching sight. The collective grief deepened, the weight of loss settling like a heavy cloud over the group. Without a word, Vulture made his way to the back of the villa, and the others solemnly followed. As Vulture unzipped the body bag, revealing its contents, the person inside was unrecognizable. The silence hung thick until Vulture reached into his pocket, pulling out a dog tag and holding it up for everyone to see. The realization hit like a tidal wave¡ªit was Sparrow''s. Soft sobs and muffled cries began to fill the backyard. The group stood in a solemn circle around Sparrow''s body, heads bowed in silent prayer, paying their final respects to a fallen brother. Kisha stepped aside, silently allowing the others space to bid their final farewell to their fallen brother. Beside her, Duke reached for her hand, his grip firm yet trembling. Though he remained silent, the slight quiver in his fingers and the tight set of his lips betrayed the storm of emotions within him. His gaze remained fixed on the center of the circle, unyielding and unblinking. On the side, Mrs. Winters wept softly, her hand covering her mouth in an attempt to stifle the sound of her sobs. Mr. Winters stood beside her, his expression stoic but his grief unmistakable. He gently rubbed his wife''s back in a quiet gesture of comfort, though the weight in his own eyes revealed that he was just as deeply affected as everyone else. Tristan stood on the outer edge of the circle, his usually composed demeanor unshaken on the surface. Yet, the red rims of his eyes betrayed the depth of his grief, silently revealing the pain he was trying so hard to conceal. The loss of a brother weighed heavily on him, even as he remained quiet, stoic in his sorrow. For a long while, the Winters and their men lingered in the backyard, shrouded in their collective mourning. No one dared to interrupt; it was as though the entire base understood the gravity of their loss and respected their need for this sacred moment of grief. By midday, everyone had reluctantly returned to their duties. In the harsh reality of the apocalypse, time for mourning was a rare luxury. They knew all too well that many never even had the chance to be brought home for a final farewell. All they could do now was endure¡ªsurvive and live not just for themselves, but for those they had lost. They carried their memories, vowing silently to honor their fallen brothers and share their stories when they met again in the afterlife. Once everyone had left, Vulture stood by Sparrow''s body for a final moment. His voice was soft but firm as he said, "Brother, you''re home now. Rest in peace." With a lingering look, he gently covered the body bag again. Turning to Kisha, his eyes carried a silent plea, filled with grief and a hope for closure. Without needing further explanation, Kisha stepped forward. With a quiet gesture, she waved her hand, storing Sparrow''s body into her inventory. There, time would stand still¡ªthe body preserved, untouched by decay¡ªuntil they could lay him to rest properly at City A''s Base. In the small cemetery they had built with their own hands, a place where their other fallen brothers already rested in peace. Although their spirits were dampened, life had to go on. Vulture, despite his heavy heart, returned to his duties and resumed patrolling the walls. The evolving zombies outside were still in a frenzy, relentlessly searching for food. As for their missing brothers from Group 6, it wasn''t that Kisha, Duke, and Vulture had forgotten about them. While they were tracking Sparrow, Kisha had already dispatched the Scarlet Bees to search for any trace of group 6. However, the group seemed to have vanished without a trace, leaving no trail behind. Tracking them had proven even more difficult than finding Sparrow. The harrowing battle with the mutated tree and the grim discovery of Sparrow''s fate had left Kisha and the team physically and emotionally drained. For now, they had no choice but to return to the base and rest, especially since time was against them. Tomorrow marked the final day of Kisha''s nesting mission in City B. Once the timer reached zero, she would be free to leave the city. Yet, uncertainty loomed. Kisha couldn''t shake the ominous feeling that something significant might happen when the clock ran out. If she wasn''t present to face it, she feared the worst for the people in the base¡ªtheir survival could hang in the balance. Anxiety gnawed at Kisha''s nerves with every passing moment, but she did her best to mask it. She knew the others were still mourning and their spirits were low. The weight of grief hung heavily over the base, and she didn''t want to add to it. Meanwhile, Duke had thrown himself back into his duties as Vice City Lord, assisting Tristan to help lighten his load and reassure the community. News of Sparrow''s fate and the mysterious disappearance of Group 6 had already spread, leaving everyone in the base saddened by the loss of such valued comrades. Even Rakan, despite being new to the base, felt the loss deeply. He had clashed with Sparrow head-on during their first encounter and, though he had lost, he had gained a deep respect for him. Losing someone he had fought alongside left a heavy weight on his heart. Chapter 584 Dr. Shuvecks Request Seeing how Kisha and her team honored the loss of someone like Sparrow made Rakan realize they had truly found the right place. The way the leaders treated their people with such care and respect¡ªgoing to great lengths to save, rescue, and recover their fallen comrades¡ªinstilled in him a deep sense of trust. He no longer hesitated to put his faith in these leaders, knowing he could fight for the base without reservations. It wasn''t just Rakan who felt this way¡ªmany others shared the sentiment. They understood that following such leaders would guide them to the right path. While they all carried the weight of their grief, their resolve was stronger than ever. While the others kept watch outside the walls, the rest of the people¡ªwarriors and civilians alike¡ªwere dedicating themselves to training and growing stronger. Meanwhile, the medical facility had a brief respite. The first batch of awakeners had already stabilized, allowing the medical staff to take a moment to rest and reassess their resources. They reviewed the facility''s capabilities and inventory, ensuring they were fully prepared for when the second batch of awakenings began. The Artisan workshop, along with those running their own stalls, were also putting in their best efforts. They focused intently on honing their craft, driven by the hope that their work would not only improve in quality but also gain some stats buff, or even produce something that could benefit the people of the base. Seeing everyone else working diligently, Kisha pushed aside her growing anxiety and completed a final patrol along the wall. She made sure the perimeter was secure, the defenses were at their strongest, and took additional precautions by placing obstacles in front of the wall using the abandoned vehicles scattered outside. With her telekinesis, she effortlessly lifted and arranged the vehicles in random positions on the street. The purpose wasn''t to create an intricate maze but to at least slow any zombie waves that might approach. She left gaps between the vehicles, ensuring that even if zombies managed to climb over one obstacle, they would still face more barriers. Additionally, she carefully positioned the vehicles a few meters away from the earth spikes in front of the wall, preventing zombies from using the vehicles as platforms to scale the walls. Kisha repeated the process around the entire wall as part of her preparations. Her focused, determined actions puzzled most of the onlookers, who assumed she was simply trying to occupy herself and take her mind off of what had happened to Sparrow. No one intervened, thinking it was a task she assigned herself while thinking. Only a few veteran soldiers understood her method. They recognized it as a tactic similar to the one used on battlefields, where soldiers would create sandbag walls, pits, and obstacles to establish temporary shelters, hiding spots, or even maze-like fortifications. These structures were designed to slow the enemy''s advance, forcing them to navigate treacherous terrain while waiting for an ambush. Seeing Kisha prepare in such a focused manner made everyone feel as though she was gearing up for something significant. Her words, the ones she had repeatedly emphasized, echoed in their minds. One of the veterans, a gatekeeper, could feel the weight of the situation and immediately took action. He ordered his soldiers to ensure that all firearms in their corner were thoroughly checked and ready for use, in top condition. They even began counting their remaining ammunition, knowing they couldn''t afford to panic if they found themselves suddenly running low. While the soldiers busied themselves with their weapons, the gatekeepers turned their attention to the warriors stationed by the wall. They reminded them to continue their training, urging them to push themselves, even if just a little. The tents near the walls were theirs to use, and no one would disturb their efforts. Whether they leveled up or not, becoming even slightly stronger in that moment was all that mattered. Although the warriors didn''t fully understand the urgency behind their increased training, they accepted the challenge without question. With little else to occupy their time, and deeply affected by the somber mood hanging over the base, they felt a strong drive to improve themselves. They believed that in order to honor their positions and contribute meaningfully, they had to become stronger, no matter the reason behind the push. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After finishing her patrol and finalizing the preparations, Kisha made her way to the small building housing their temporary electricity department, expecting to find Duke. She wasn''t mistaken. As she stepped inside, she saw Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel engaged in a serious conversation with Duke, their expressions grave. Kisha moved closer and, sensing something was amiss, asked, "What''s going on?" Dr. Shuveck hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, his expression somber. "City Lord," he began, "as you know, we originally came from City D. During our escape, we were fortunate enough to cross paths with the group you rescued here in City B." "However, in our rush to flee, we were forced to leave behind everything¡ªour research materials, our life''s work¡ªall of it. Those materials were crucial for the advancement of humanity''s future, and losing them has been a heavy blow." Dr. Shuveck paused, his eyes distant as he gathered his thoughts. "But that''s not the only thing I left behind," he continued, his voice tinged with worry. "I fear my son is still in City D. I hope he''s alive, waiting for help, but I can''t be certain. There''s also my notebook¡ªI''ve realized that some of the calculations and details from the advanced solar panel blueprints aren''t adding up." "Engineer Steel and I have gone over them, but there are discrepancies we can''t resolve. Without clearing up these inconsistencies, we won''t be able to build the solar panels to their full potential." "Even if we manage to finish them, there will likely be issues down the road. But above all, my thoughts keep drifting back to my son. I can''t shake the fear that he might still be out there, searching for me in City D." Dr. Shuveck''s voice wavered with desperation as he continued, "I am requesting your assistance, City Lord and Vice City Lord. I need a search and rescue team to go into City D, not only to search for my son but also to recover my notebook and research materials." He then bowed deeply, his body bent at a 90-degree angle to convey the urgency and weight of his plea. His tone was sincere¡ªhe wasn''t merely using the search for his son as an excuse. The truth was, he was struggling with the advanced solar panel blueprints, and he recalled a critical discovery he''d made just before everything fell apart and the apocalypse started. His notebook held the answers that could change everything. More than that, Dr. Shuveck knew he wasn''t a fighter¡ªhe would be of no use if he went to City D on his own. He wasn''t even sure he could make it there, given his lack of combat experience. That''s why he turned to the Vice City Lord for help. At first, he had believed his son¡ªhis most cherished treasure, a renowned professor in the science department of City D''s prestigious university¡ªwas already dead, which was why he had fled alone. But that wasn''t entirely true. In the chaos, soldiers had pushed him into a military vehicle, along with other researchers, engineers, and important figures deemed valuable by the government. His son had been one of them, swept up in the mass evacuation to safety. Chapter 585 Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel When the apocalypse struck, Dr. Shuveck was deep into his research, working on a breakthrough a better solar panel designed to alleviate the strain humanity was placing on the planet. The project aimed to reduce the harm that energy consumption needed to power cities and mitigate the damage being done to the ozone layer. Just as he was nearing a major breakthrough, everything fell apart. Soldiers stormed his research facility, seizing him and his colleagues with brutal efficiency. They were herded into military vehicles like cattle, along with other vital figures. As they were being transported, Dr. Shuveck learned from one of the soldiers that his son¡ªone of the nation''s top scientists¡ªwas also part of the evacuation. The government had prioritized the safety of individuals like Dr. Shuveck, believing their survival was crucial to humanity''s future. If civilization had to rebuild from the ashes, people like him would be key to finding a way forward. Unfortunately, during their transport, disaster struck. The military vehicle was thrown off balance as the driver plowed into a horde of zombies. The vehicle''s tires rolled over their bodies, but the driver misjudged the terrain¡ªwhat seemed like a minor incline turned out to be too much to overcome. With the relentless push of the zombie horde pressing in from all sides, the military vehicle tipped over. Despite the soldiers'' best efforts to fight back and clear the path, chaos erupted. Many inside the vehicle were injured, some knocked unconscious from head trauma. Dr. Shuveck was among them, suffering a mild concussion when his head struck the side of the vehicle. When he regained consciousness, the scene was eerily quiet. The sounds of gunfire, once deafening as soldiers desperately fought to protect the convoy, had fallen silent. It was clear that most of the soldiers who had been attempting to defend the group had been overrun. The remaining soldiers could do little but evacuate the remaining survivors as best they could, leaving behind the fallen. After all, they couldn''t risk sacrificing the entire forest for a single tree. While Dr. Shuveck and the others were undeniably important, the rest of the convoy was equally vital. The soldiers faced a difficult decision: they could either prioritize saving the larger group, or turn back to protect a few scientists and engineers at the cost of endangering everyone else. In the end, the choice was clear¡ªsecuring the safety of the majority was the only option. The loud gunfire echoed through the chaotic scene, momentarily drawing the zombies away. Fortunately, the military vehicle was heavily armored, and though it had tipped over, the occupants inside managed to survive. Among them was Engineer Steel, three armed soldiers, and two researchers from different departments. With the vehicle inoperable and too heavy to right, they had no choice but to abandon it. Now, on foot, they faced the treacherous journey ahead with extreme caution. The group was severely outnumbered in terms of combatants¡ªonly three soldiers were fit for defense, while the rest of the group consisted of non-combatants. Two of the researchers, already elderly, struggled to keep pace with the others. Every step was fraught with danger, but survival depended on their ability to move carefully and stay vigilant. In the end, one soldier gave his life to protect them, and both the doctor and the researcher were overwhelmed, falling behind and being overtaken by the zombie horde, their pursuers closing in fast. When they could, they traveled by car, but when the roads became impassable, they had no choice but to continue on foot. Their original destination had been the capital, or one of the government-established shelters and bases. However, their route was blocked and infested with thousands of zombies. With only two soldiers and limited ammunition, they knew they wouldn''t make it. Remembering that a shelter had been set up in City B, and that some of their comrades were likely headed there too, the two soldiers decided to reroute, hoping to find reinforcements and complete their mission. Despite enduring countless trials and surviving the relentless zombie onslaught, the two soldiers ultimately couldn''t make it. Fully aware of Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel''s significance to the government, they knew their primary duty was to get them to safety, even if it meant sacrificing their own lives. Cornered in a building on the outskirts of City B, with only a few rounds of ammunition left and makeshift weapons at their disposal, the soldiers did what they could to buy time. They drew the zombies'' attention, creating distractions, while Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel attempted to escape undetected. Sadly, the soldiers were overrun by the sheer numbers of the horde. Exhausted, hungry, and battered from days of fighting, they simply couldn''t hold on any longer. With no combat experience and no means of defending themselves, Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel believed their fate was sealed. However, by chance, they crossed paths with another group fleeing towards City B¡ª the Evans'' bodyguard and maid. Seeing the two men in such a dire state, the group took them in without hesitation. Grateful for the unexpected rescue, Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel blended into the group and fought side by side with them. Under the bodyguards'' tutelage, they learned basic combat skills, enabling them to protect themselves and contribute to the group''s survival as they made their way to City B. The rest of their story unfolded when they were nearing the City B''s base, and they encountered Kisha, who came to their rescue. Had she not intervened at that critical moment, they would have been wiped out. However, Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel had blended in so seamlessly with the group that neither Kisha nor Duke recognized them until much later. It wasn''t until they took on tasks from the mission board and revealed their true identities that Duke discovered who they really were. Kisha, on the other hand, only learned of their identity at the last possible moment. Perhaps Kisha was simply too busy, or maybe she hadn''t paid enough attention while scanning the group while she was checking their morality values using her ''Eye of The Truth''. She might not have focused on their names at the time. It wasn''t until she saw the list of people from the central hall that she realized who they were¡ªand it was Duke who casually mentioned it in passing. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That''s why Duke had been carrying the blueprint around. They realized they didn''t need to make a special trip to City D to find the people they had been discussing earlier. "City Lord," Engineer Steel said, breaking Kisha and Dr. Shuveck''s reverie, "I also wanted to request your help in finding my son. He''s a brilliant machine engineer, just like me¡ªI taught him everything I know." "As far as I can recall, he was supposed to be in City D that day as a guest speaker for a scheduled lecture. I was hoping he might still be there, or at the very least, I''d like to know any news about him if he''s alive or not." Kisha glanced at Engineer Steel, noticing for the first time that these two middle-aged men, so dedicated to their work, were now speaking about their sons. It struck her as unusual that they would mention them now, after such a long silence¡ªperhaps something had occurred while she was away. Chapter 586 Needed To Go To City D? As if reading her thoughts, Engineer Steel began to explain. "City Lord," Engineer Steel began, his voice tinged with a mixture of hope and worry, "I have a satellite phone¡ªa small one¡ªmade by my son before everything started, the apocalypse." "Just recently, I received a message from him, and he''s been looking for me. But... I''m hesitant to ask him to come here. I know firsthand how dangerous it is to make it to this place, and I fear for his safety." "He''s safe where he is for now, so all I can do is pray that he stays there until I can figure out how to help him." "But unfortunately, the communication was brief, and it ended as quickly as it began. I don''t know his exact location¡ªonly that he''s still somewhere in City D." "I''m deeply worried, but I also understand we can''t send people blindly without knowing more about the situation or his whereabouts." "I hope you can understand the feeling of a parent in this situation," Engineer Steel said, his voice heavy with emotion as he bowed his head, mirroring Dr. Shuveck''s gesture. In truth, it was Engineer Steel who had received the message from his son, but this news had reignited Dr. Shuveck''s hope that his own son might also be alive. It was this spark that led him to seek help from their Vice City Lord. After all, Kisha and Duke were the strongest in the base, and if she allocated manpower to help them search for their sons, the chances of success would be much higher with their involvement. Dr. Shuveck''s offer of his notebook and the invaluable research he''d dedicated his life to wasn''t just a gesture¡ªit was a genuine payment for the favor, and his concerns about the issues with the advanced solar panel blueprint were valid as well. Hearing this, Kisha found herself in a real bind. After completing her nesting mission, she had planned to return to City A''s base to check on her family, reunite with the others, and reassure them that the Winters were safe. She had hoped to catch up with everyone. But with this new request, she felt caught between a rock and a hard place. She didn''t want to turn them down, yet the difficulty of the mission loomed large. City D was quite a distance from City B, and the journey would undoubtedly present numerous challenges, especially considering the aftermath of the Geostorm and the presence of evolving zombies. The road there would be very complicated, fraught with danger and complications. However, Kisha couldn''t bring herself to refuse their request. Both Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel''s sons were highly promising talents¡ªones that could potentially surpass their fathers in the future. The more skilled individuals she could accumulate in her base, the stronger it would become. This would reduce the burden on her, allowing her to focus on other aspects of leadership. Additionally, the number of individuals like Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel in the base was alarmingly small. Most of the others were retired elders, whose contributions to the development of new technologies were limited. While they could mentor the younger generation, science and engineering were fields that took a lifetime of effort and innate talent to master. Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel''s sons, with their knowledge, were invaluable assets that couldn''t be easily replaced. Given all this, Kisha knew she had to make a difficult decision. "Alright, we''ll begin preparations, but you must also keep a close watch on the communication with your son and inform me immediately of any updates." "Stay consistent in messaging him at regular intervals, so he knows when to expect your contact." "This will help him find a safer location to reach you, if necessary. We also need to consider the possibility that his lack of response might be due to being in a dangerous situation or surrounded by people who he didn''t want to know of your whereabouts. So, we can''t afford to rush this." Kisha tapped her index finger against her chin for a moment before continuing. "Also, you need to warn him about people who might intercept your messages. It would be best if you have a secure way to send coded messages¡ªsomething that''s hard to decipher." "That way, even if someone else intercepts it, they won''t be able to understand what you''re trying to say. It could buy your son some extra time." Hearing this, Engineer Steel''s face drained of color, a look of horror spreading across his features. He had almost forgotten how much the apocalypse had changed human nature¡ªhow greed had taken root, with many willing to trample on others for their own gain. It dawned on him that some might use his son as a pawn, exploiting the situation for their own purposes. They might assume he had been safely transported by the government, living in a secure place with abundant supplies. If that was the case, they could use his son as leverage, blackmailing him into sending help. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Such a move could lead them straight to him and the shelter he was staying in, and worse, it could spell disaster for everyone involved including the whole shelter. "I-I''ll keep that in mind and keep you updated," Engineer Steel stammered, his voice trembling as he gripped the satellite phone in his pocket, the weight of his responsibility while the thought of his son''s safety was heavy on his mind. Even Dr. Shuveck, who had been quietly listening, looked visibly shaken. The same realization that had struck Engineer Steel had also hit him with full force. His worry for his own son was no less intense, and the fear of what might happen if things went wrong consumed him just as much. With Kisha''s advice in mind, Engineer Steel shifted to a more cautious and strategic approach. The relative safety and calm of HOPE base had made him forget, to some extent, just how dark the human heart could become in desperate times. But now, with supplies becoming scarce and the aftermath of the GeoStorm still lingering, the reality of the world outside hit him hard. People had lost everything¡ªsupplies, loved ones¡ªand that kind of desperation could drive them to madness. He knew all too well that in such circumstances, some would do anything to survive, even if it meant taking lives. This also highlighted how effective Kisha had been in creating a safe haven for her people. However, she knew that this peaceful existence couldn''t last forever, especially as they considered opening their doors to other survivors. Allowing superhumans to come and go, exchanging resources and intel, could prove dangerous. Having seen the quality of life within HOPE Base, many of these superhumans might grow envious or greedy, scheming to take control of the base for themselves. Kisha understood that maintaining her people''s safety required more than just protection¡ªit demanded constant vigilance against those who might try to exploit their security. However, she couldn''t keep the doors closed forever, as doing so would only fuel greater envy and desire for what they had. By opening their doors, they could form alliances with other shelters, bases, or factions in the area. This would not only strengthen their overall position but also provide additional security for her people, ensuring a broader network of support in an increasingly uncertain world. Chapter 587 School For The Children With her plate already full, Kisha decided to set these thoughts aside for now, focusing on more urgent matters. Many of her ongoing missions were scheduled to conclude by the end of the day tomorrow, leaving her little time for anything else. Determined to stay on top of things, Kisha began her rounds around the base, ensuring everything was running smoothly. Meanwhile, Duke was far from idle. He took an active role in managing the base operations, easing Kisha''s burden and allowing her to juggle her responsibilities more effectively. Tristan had also returned to lend Duke his support, seamlessly falling back into their old dynamic from the days when Duke was standing at the very front and leading his business empire. As the day came to a close, everyone was bustling with activity, finishing up their rounds before heading home to rest for the night, preparing for another busy day ahead. Most of the work had already been taken care of, which gave Kisha a sense of relief as she made her way back to the villa. Marcus and his grandchildren had already set the dinner table, and Duke was preparing to head home while the other Winters family members were also wrapping up their day. Once they all gathered at the villa, they shared a meal together, consciously avoiding any discussions about base matters to keep the atmosphere light. Instead, the conversation turned to funny and random stories from their workplaces, with Mrs. Winters doing most of the talking. She often managed the kids, women, and elderly at the base, so her stories were filled with amusing tales from her interactions with the children. Her anecdotes had everyone laughing, as the kids'' innocent and adorable antics never failed to bring smiles to their faces. "Do you think we should build a nursery, kindergarten, and a school for the kids?" Mrs. Winters suddenly asked, her voice thoughtful. She paused for a moment before continuing, her words carrying a weight of concern. "We may be in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, and everything around us feels uncertain and dangerous, but we have so many children here at the base. Their education is just as important." "They are the future¡ªnot only of this base but of humanity. Teaching them to be literate and knowledgeable will empower them to find their own strength. This will help us shape a better future for them." "After all, we can''t shoulder all the responsibilities forever, nor can we protect them in this shelter for the rest of their lives. They need to grow, to learn, and eventually stand on their own. And we can''t let the wisdom of our generation die with us. Don''t you agree?" Everyone at the table fell silent, the gravity of Mrs. Winters'' words settling over them. This was exactly why they usually avoided discussing base matters during meals¡ªsuch conversations had a way of turning serious. However, Kisha didn''t mind. What Mrs. Winters said was undeniably true. They couldn''t always focus solely on survival¡ªon gathering supplies and fighting. The children needed to learn, too. They couldn''t just train all of them to be warriors; what about the other professions¡ªengineers, chemists, doctors, and more? It was easy to forget about their education in the midst of the constant struggle for survival, but Kisha realized that their future wasn''t just about fighting. Education was just as crucial. The children were the future of the base, and they needed to be equipped with knowledge that would help them thrive, no matter what the world had become. "Mom, you''re absolutely right. We''ve almost overlooked something so crucial," Kisha said with a thoughtful nod. "As much as we focus on survival, the children need knowledge to expand their horizons and prepare for the future. By giving them a solid foundation, they''ll be able to make meaningful contributions to the base and help the survivors in ways beyond just defense." She paused, her mind racing with possibilities. "With the number of people we have here, it''s hard to believe we don''t have any teachers. And even if we don''t, we have elders with diverse skills and knowledge who could take on apprentices. We can establish a school and teach the children general knowledge first¡ªhelp them grow and find their place in the world before they specialize in anything specific profession." Mrs. Winters nodded with enthusiasm. "I can take on the role of the kindergarten teacher, and I have several capable women in my department who could help teach the younger ones the basics. But beyond that, I want to reshape our education system to better fit our current reality." "We should be teaching the children practical skills alongside traditional academics¡ªthings like survival tactics, welding, cooking, farming, and other hands-on skills they''ll need to thrive." "By the time they reach first grade, we can start helping them explore their interests and talents, guiding them toward future careers that will contribute to the community. This way, they won''t just learn what we know¡ªthey''ll be prepared to build the future themselves." Mr. Winters gazed at his wife with a soft, admiring smile, his eyes filled with warmth and respect. It was as though he were seeing her through the lens of their younger years, when her ideas and determination had first captured his heart. He watched her now, as she continued to shine, bringing innovative solutions to better the base and its people. Kisha, too, observed Mrs. Winters with renewed admiration. She had always known her mother-in-law to be a kind-hearted woman, but now she saw even more clearly the depth of her wisdom. Mrs. Winters had always been active in charitable causes, particularly in providing education to remote, underserved areas, and her knowledge of the education system was extensive. This reassured Kisha greatly¡ªMrs. Winters wasn''t just proposing ideas; she had the expertise to make them happen. Kisha felt a sense of peace knowing that her mother-in-law wasn''t one to present a problem without having a solution in mind. Mrs. Winters was the type to make things work, never relying on others to carry her burden, even though Mr. Winters, ever protective, would no doubt assist her in any way he could. Mrs. Winters, however, was aware that her husband was just as busy¡ªif not more so¡ªand, though she knew he would help, she didn''t want to place additional pressure on him. Kisha appreciated Mrs. Winters'' self-sufficiency and was confident that whatever she suggested would come to fruition, without being a burden on anyone. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Alright, Mom, we''ll leave this in your hands," Kisha said with a smile, her voice full of trust. "Just let us know if you need anything from us. If we come across any useful learning materials outside, we''ll bring them back." Duke, sitting beside Kisha, didn''t speak but nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with quiet contentment. Their family was united, supporting one another, and Duke found happiness simply in witnessing this harmony. The conversation naturally turned toward the school for the children as they listened to Mrs. Winters'' ideas, each family member offering suggestions to improve the plan. It was a lively discussion, with everyone eager to contribute to something so important. Fortunately, their base was located near the government office, and the nearby Department of Education held valuable learning materials that could be useful for their efforts. Still, Kisha couldn''t shake the thought of raiding a public library. The books there were treasures of centuries-old knowledge¡ªknowledge that could help shape a better future for the children. With the idea in mind, Kisha added it to her to-do list. She had always been fond of hoarding¡ªwhether it was food, weapons, or useful items, anything she could collect brought her satisfaction. Shopping sprees were no longer an option to relieve stress, so she found comfort in hoarding instead. The thought of gathering supplies for the future made her smile contentedly. Duke, watching her with a resigned smile, shook his head. He knew exactly what Kisha was planning, but deep down, he didn''t mind. If it made her happy, he was more than willing to help out. After all, a happy wife meant a peaceful home, and he would do whatever it took to support her. After the meal, the family lingered in the living room, each engaged in their own activities¡ªreading reports, having light conversations, and simply enjoying each other''s company. It was a quiet, comforting moment, one where they didn''t need to speak much to feel reassured. The presence of family was enough¡ªa reminder that, no matter how challenging their work around the base or the responsibility of ensuring its safety, it was not a burden. Rather, it was a shared commitment to protecting each other''s well-being and happiness, something they would all do together, no matter the cost. After some time, they each retired to their rooms to rest. Duke, settling into bed next to Kisha, couldn''t resist pulling her closer, his mind drifting to thoughts of their future. "Wifey, I''m really glad to see our base taking shape. It''s so reassuring to see the people feeling peaceful, knowing that we''re building something solid here," he said softly. He inhaled deeply, the scent of her hair calming his mind and body. In this quiet moment, he felt a profound sense of contentment. He imagined a future where they would raise their own family, where their children would run freely around the base, learning, exploring, and carving their own paths as they grew. It was a future filled with hope and possibility, one he cherished deeply. Though he had lost his fortune in the chaos of the apocalypse, Duke found himself with something far more precious¡ªa woman he deeply loved, and perhaps, in time, a family of his own. The thought of it brought a soft smile to his lips as he closed his eyes, a sense of peace settling over him. "Mm." Kisha murmured, her voice soft as she, too, drifted into sleep beside him. Chapter 588 The Beginning Of The End "Alert!" "Alert!" Kisha''s eyes snapped open at the sound of 008''s mechanical voice. Her pulse quickened as her vision adjusted, and what greeted her was a glowing new mission tab hovering in her line of sight. ... [New Mission Available] [Sudden Hidden Mission: EX Class "The Beginning of the End!"] [Description]: Today marks the beginning of humanity''s true end¡ªa descent into the harshest trials yet. The time for small challenges is over. Mission Requirement: Survive the next 24 hours and ensure that your base withstands the storm. Protect its existence from being wiped off the face of this abyss-stricken world. Lead your strongest warriors through this first, grueling test and secure the survival of humanity''s hope. Prove your worth as a leader and commander. Mission Completion Rewards: 30 Gachapon Draws, 30 Resource Crates, 200,000 System Points, System Update +1, 1 Awakening Stone, and Title: "The Leader of the New World" ... Kisha jolted awake, her heart pounding from the vivid images of the new mission swirling in her mind. It was still dark outside, and she had no idea what time it was. Boom! A distant explosion shattered the silence. Startled, Kisha froze, ears straining as the sound rippled through the night. Around her, others began to stir, roused by the deafening blast and was starting to come out of their own room to check what was going on. Even Duke shot upright, his eyes narrowing with sharp, predatory focus. The air around him seemed to thrum with tension. "We''ve got company?" His words, though phrased as a question, carried the weight of certainty. Kisha nodded and instinctively glanced at the wall clock. It read 12:02 a.m.¡ªjust two minutes past midnight. She realized that the notification had come precisely at 12:00 a.m. If they needed to survive for 24 hours as stated in the sudden mission, that meant their challenge would end at 12:01 a.m. the next day. A full day of survival under these circumstances felt daunting, but there was no time to dwell on it. Kisha pushed the thought aside, focusing on the immediate demands of the situation. Boom! Another resounding explosion echoed from the opposite side of the wall. Instead of hearing an alarm from the base''s speakers, the blasts themselves served as a grim warning¡ªan imminent battle was unfolding in the wall. The lack of a formal alarm meant the soldiers and warriors were caught off guard, overwhelmed by the sudden chaos. Kisha and Duke wasted no time. They quickly got dressed and geared up, ready for action. As they stepped out of their room, they crossed paths with the Winters. Moments later, Marcus and the children came rushing in from the outside to check on the Winters. Meanwhile, the Winters'' men sprinted toward the villa, clearly alarmed and seeking to ensure their master''s safety. However, there was no sign of Vulture. He was likely still out on patrol, guarding the perimeter near the walls. After donning their cloaks, Duke leaned in and kissed Kisha''s forehead. His gaze was intense, brimming with trust and determination. "You better stay safe and protect yourself out there," he said firmly. Kisha nodded, and with that assurance, Duke started sprinting off. But before he got too far, Kisha''s voice rang out behind him. "Be careful! And make sure to protect yourself too! Don''t you dare die on me!" she shouted, her voice cracking with emotion. Her eyes were noticeably red, her chest tight with unspoken fears. She hadn''t told anyone, but she knew this battle would be far more brutal than the first zombie wave they had endured. The fresh pain of Sparrow''s loss weighed heavily on her, and the thought of losing anyone else¡ªespecially Duke¡ªmade her tremble. Fear clawed at her, threatening to overwhelm her resolve, but she fought to keep it at bay. She took a shaky breath, forcing herself to steady her nerves. As she composed herself, a cold glint of determination replaced the fear in her eyes. Without hesitation, Kisha sprinted toward the western wall, while Duke headed for the southern wall. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke hadn''t responded to her earlier plea¡ªhe wasn''t one to make promises. Instead, he let his actions speak for him, and the look in his eyes said everything Kisha needed to hear. It was that unspoken assurance that allowed her to set aside her fear, even if only for a moment. She couldn''t afford to let doubt cloud her judgment in the heat of battle. Right now, her focus had to remain sharp. As the mission demanded, she was the commander, and it was her responsibility to lead these people through the chaos. They had 24 hours to survive¡ªa long and arduous test of endurance, resolve, and strength. Around Kisha, warriors and soldiers moved with urgency, rushing to their posts with weapons and supplies in hand. The air buzzed with tension and the sound of hurried footsteps. When Kisha reached the western wall, the scene was already chaotic. Soldiers were hard at work: one manned the mounted Gatling gun atop the wall, its barrels ready to roar into action, while others prepared their grenades. "Frag out!" a soldier shouted, hurling a grenade over the wall. A sharp explosion followed, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Without hesitation, another soldier stepped forward, readying the next grenade as the first detonation echoed through the air. "12 o''clock, 1 klick away! Zombie wave incoming!" A soldier on lookout shouted, his voice urgent as he scanned the streets with his binoculars. He motioned for the others to prepare for the oncoming assault. The horde was massive¡ªzombies pouring out from the heart of the city toward the base. The soldiers knew they had no choice but to use grenades to thin out the massive cluster of the undead. The creatures seemed unnaturally fast, moving with a terrifying urgency, almost as if they were under the influence of some kind of stimulant or enhancement. Kisha narrowed her eyes and activated her ''Eye of Truth,'' focusing on the nearest zombie to the wall. She needed to assess the enemy''s status quickly before the huge battle erupted. ... [Zombie (Normal Grade) "Buffed By the Event"] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300) Morality: Corrupted Strength: 20 Stamina: Null Defense: 20 Agility: 20 Mental Capacity: Null Charm: Null Leadership: Null Skills: None Description: A human infected by an ancient virus loses their brain function and rationality, leaving only their primal instincts. This transforms them into a relentless, ravenous beast driven by an insatiable hunger. ... Kisha turned her attention to another zombie, inhaling sharply as she assessed its status. Most of the incoming zombies were now Level 1, but some were still in the midst of their evolution, their levels and stats marked as [???]. The uncertainty of their progression sent a chill through her. These creatures could be leveling up to Level 2¡ªor higher¡ªand that thought terrified her. What made it worse was the realization that most of her warriors were still only Level 1, with some barely even having leveled up at all. Facing evolved zombies would put them at a severe disadvantage. She could feel the weight of the situation sinking in¡ªtheir chances of survival were growing slimmer by the second. The sheer number of zombies alone felt overwhelming, as if the horde was intent on wiping out the entire base. It seemed like nothing more than a matter of time before they were overrun, the base flattened under the weight of the undead. Kisha''s eyes narrowed as she watched the zombies relentlessly approaching the wall. Her voice trembled slightly with anxiety. "008, do we still have any City Shields left? Or is there anything we can buy from your sales channel?" "Host, we still have some City Shields in stock," 008 responded promptly. "Would you like me to activate them now?" "Yes, we need to formulate a plan and make sure everyone understands what to expect," Kisha said, her voice firm, though tension pulsed through her words. "We can''t let them expend all their energy at the start, or we won''t last through the next 23 hours or so." Her jaw tightened, and her fists clenched in determination. In response to her will, the familiar transparent shield began to materialize. Slowly, it stretched outward, enveloping the entire base, rising up to the sky. The warriors and soldiers watched in awe, their eyes wide at the sight. The shield glinted in the dim light, resembling a massive, transparent glass barrier¡ªclear, but not fully invisible. They could see the shimmer of light across its surface, the subtle movement of energy as it formed. Once the shield had fully encased the base, it became nearly invisible, only faintly reflecting light energy when the zombies struck it. The soldiers and warriors could see the impact: the zombies seemed to stop abruptly, as if some invisible force was halting them from advancing. The zombies slowly piled up around the barrier, their relentless movements stalling as they were unable to advance. Soldiers and warriors stationed along the wall stopped in their tracks, eyes wide and mouths agape, mesmerized by the spectacle unfolding before them. Some managed to regain their composure, but the sight left an undeniable impression. Then, the base''s speaker system crackled to life, cutting through the stunned silence. "All soldiers and warriors, report to the Central Square, ASAP! I repeat, all soldiers and warriors, head to the Central Square, ASAP!" The voice, a man''s, blared urgently over the speaker, the sound of a panic-stricken command echoing through the base. Chapter 589 Battle Preparation Everyone marched directly to the central square, where Kisha and the core members of the management were already standing on the podium. As the soldiers and warriors arrived, they lined up in formation, falling into a tense silence. Though the invisible barrier surrounding them gave an illusion of safety, they all knew it was only a temporary solution. Those with sharp minds had already surmised that the real purpose of this gathering was to discuss their next steps in confronting the growing threat that loomed over them. "Everyone, quiet!" Aston commanded, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the soldiers and warriors. Even the civilians gathered at the edge of the central square fell silent, eager to understand the situation. They had already overheard the whispers and sensed the growing unrest. The loud explosions and the constant roar of Gatling guns from various directions around the wall had only intensified their fears. It was clear to everyone that the HOPE base was facing a major crisis, and they were all desperate for answers. When the crowd finally fell silent, Aston gestured to Kisha, giving her the stage to speak. With a calm and composed expression, Kisha began. "I know many of you have already seen or heard what''s happening outside. Unfortunately, it''s another zombie wave, but this time it''s stronger and larger than anything we''ve faced before. Be prepared, this battle will be longer and more challenging." A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. If Kisha was saying this wave was bigger than the last¡ªwhen thousands of zombies had already attacked¡ªthen this could mean millions, the entire city now turned into mindless horrors of flesh-eating zombies. The gravity of the situation hit like a tidal wave. Some of the civilians began sobbing, their legs buckling beneath them as panic spread like wildfire. "What are we going to do?" "We''re going to die, aren''t we?" "Huhuhu... I don''t want to die yet." "What about my children?..." Panic spread like wildfire as the crowd erupted into cries of fear. Grievances and worries filled the air all at once, the murmurs escalating into a chaotic roar. "Please, quiet down," Kisha''s voice cut through the chaotic scene. Though it wasn''t as loud as Aston''s, there was an undeniable authority in her tone. Instantly, the crowd fell silent, their eyes locking on her. Most of the tears that had been falling were now subdued, the quiet sobs barely audible in the stillness. "I know that many of you are frightened and uncertain, but we''ve already been thrust into this situation, and there''s no running away. Instead of cowering in fear over what''s ahead, why don''t we stand together and fight for our future?" "Yes, we''re outnumbered, and yes, the enemy is strong, but we are not weak. We cannot go down without a fight." "If we let fear consume us, we''ll dishonor all the sacrifices we''ve made, all the hard work we''ve put in just to survive and find a safe haven. Let''s not let it all be for nothing." "Now, we have this safe haven¡ªa place where we can rebuild, where we can create a better future for ourselves and our families, or for the families we''ll one day have." "Can we really let it all slip away so easily?" Kisha asked, her gaze sweeping over the faces of the soldiers and warriors. They all stood in stunned silence, their eyes fixed on her, processing her words. Yes, she might be manipulating their emotions, but this was a necessary tactic to boost her soldiers'' morale. They needed to understand that retreat was not an option. It was do or die. If they allowed fear of death or the unknown to dictate their actions, the fragile peace they had fought so hard to build would slip away forever¡ªjust a distant illusion, and they would never find peace in this forsaken world. They had no choice but to grit their teeth and toughen up, especially for those with children or loved ones to protect. As the combatants heard Kisha''s words, flashes of memories surged¡ªmoments of hardship when they fought to live just one more day, desperate to avoid being devoured by those monsters or becoming one themselves. They had done everything they could to survive until they found this shelter. At first, they thought they''d escaped one nightmare only to fall into another under the Coltons'' rule. But then Kisha and her group had taken over, transformed the base, and improved the lives of the inhabitants. For a brief moment, they experienced what felt like a return to normalcy¡ªsafety, stability, a sense of peace, even if it was fleeting. Thinking back, it had only been a little over a month since the apocalypse began, yet it felt as though years had passed. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They had all endured unimaginable hardships, each of them narrowly escaping death in their own way. So, when Kisha said they shouldn''t go down without a fight, a fiery warmth spread from the pit of their stomachs to their chests, fueling their determination. [Active Skill: Lion''s Roar Activated] [Active Skill: One Body Activated] With the Lion''s roar resonating through the air, her "One Body" skill activated in tandem, amplifying the effect. Alongside it, Duke''s Kratos'' Cloak boosted everyone''s morale, igniting a surge of energy in everyone present. A wave of excitement and strength washed over the crowd as they shouted in unison, their blood pulsing with newfound bravery. It felt as though courage had taken root in their very veins, pumping through them with an unstoppable force. "Huha!!!" "We won''t go down!" "We won''t go down without a fight!" The soldiers and warriors chanted in unison, raising their fists in the air to show their unwavering support for Kisha''s words. Alongside her skill buffs, the effect of Reeve and Clyde''s group synergy also played a crucial role, adding to the collective strength that surged through the ranks. Their chant echoed through the open square, louder and more resolute than the distant roars and growls of the zombies clawing at the City Shield outside the walls. The sound of unity and determination seemed to challenge the oppressive weight of fear. With their fighting spirit reignited and morale bolstered by Kisha''s powerful words and the help of the buffs, the soldiers and warriors were swiftly sent back to their posts. Kisha handed the remaining three ice bombs to Bald Eagle and Rose, entrusting them with their strategic use. Since Sparrow was no longer with them, Rose stepped up to take charge of the Eastern wall alongside Evelyn. Bald Eagle was assigned to the Northern wall, while Reeve and Clyde were dispatched to back up Duke at the Southern wall. This area, being one of the base''s most vulnerable points, faced the second-largest wave of zombies. The effects of Reeve and Clyde''s group synergy would prove invaluable in supporting Duke''s efforts to hold the line. Kisha then deployed the STAUs to the field, assigning them the critical role of supporting the fighters stationed atop the walls. Each of the STAUs was positioned strategically at one of the cardinal directions¡ªNorth, South, East, and West¡ªto ensure efficient supply distribution and reinforcement. The fifth STAU member remained stationed at the central command hub alongside the logistics team, tasked with coordinating and providing additional supplies to any direction as needed. Chapter 590 Battle Preparation 2 The logistics team included vital support from Eric Gilberts and the medical facility, ensuring that medical assistance was readily available. Civilians also stepped up, taking on essential roles around the base, such as transporting ammunition, firearms, and food, as well as helping with cooking and distributing meals. This collaborative effort ensured that soldiers and warriors could remain at their posts without needing to leave their stations to retrieve supplies. Kisha had already emphasized that this battle would be long and grueling, so it was crucial for everyone to work together seamlessly to provide all forms of support. Each team had its own personnel assigned to manage communications, ensuring seamless coordination for supply requests. If additional stamina boosters or vials of the blue or black liquid were needed, these supplies could be quickly obtained from the logistics team. Kisha had planned meticulously, leaving an ample stock of these resources for the STAU teams to distribute as needed. Access to these items was limited to the STAU and warriors, with soldiers also permitted to use stamina boosters. However, strict guidelines were in place: once a soldier''s body showed signs of exhaustion, they were required to rest for at least two hours before returning to the battlefield. By maintaining this balance, they ensured that everyone could fight effectively without overexerting themselves. The civilians also stepped up to assist in the cafeteria, ensuring enough food was prepared to cover meals for the entire unit as well as the civilian population. This prompted Mr. Winter to authorize the distribution of significant supplies from the Supply Center. Without hesitation, he led the civilians in moving boxes upon boxes of goods, including canned food, frozen meats, vegetables, fresh eggs, and milk, to the cafeteria. They even emptied the Supply Center''s stock of fresh produce to ensure sufficient ingredients for cooking. The volunteers in the cafeteria worked diligently to prepare and distribute the first meals, understanding the critical importance of proper nourishment. Everyone recognized that while stamina boosters and the vials of black and blue liquids could provide temporary energy, they couldn''t substitute the sustenance provided by real food. Ensuring everyone was well-fed was essential to maintaining the strength and morale needed to endure the prolonged battle. Fortunately, the City Shield held firm for longer than anticipated, buying Kisha and her team valuable time to prepare for the impending battle. She hadn''t realized just how resilient the shield truly was. Perhaps it was because the Geostorm''s previous attack had been far more devastating¡ªits force far beyond anything humans could replicate. By contrast, the zombies'' strength, though enhanced by the event, still adhered to the parameters of what the City Shield was normally handling. Kisha reasoned that while many of the zombies had reached level 1, with some advancing to level 2, their true strength might be slightly really different without the buff of the event which seems like making the zombies stronger to add another layer of difficulty to her mission. However, this also implied that there were now fully evolved zombies at levels 3 and even 4, thanks to the event''s enhancements. This realization underscored the severity of the threat they faced, but it also steeled her resolve to lead her people through the fight ahead. Given the sheer number of zombies amassing outside the walls, it was painfully clear that many soldiers might not realistically be able to leave their posts. The situation was dire, as the base still lacked a sufficient number of awakened ability users, and conventional firearms were becoming increasingly ineffective against the evolving horde. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the cooks quickly deliberated on the kind of food that would be easy to consume yet packed with essential nutrients to sustain the soldiers and warriors through the prolonged battle. After some discussion, they decided to prepare onigiri balls paired with fresh fruit juice. Each onigiri was filled with a variety of options¡ªtuna, salmon, cheese, salted egg, bulgogi, and more¡ªensuring both variety and nutritional balance. The combination was designed to provide the fighters with ample carbohydrates for energy and a refreshing drink to keep them hydrated and energized. The onigiri balls were not only nutritious but also convenient for the fighters to eat during quick breaks or when hunger struck. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They could easily pop one into their mouths and munch while continuing to fire their weapons or use their awakened abilities. After all, most of the frontline fighters had already endured countless horrifying sights. Their tolerance for gore had grown to the point where they could face butchered zombie remains without flinching. Many had mastered the ability to maintain a straight face, pretending not to notice the carnage around them, and could still stomach their food despite the grim surroundings. Medics were strategically stationed near each cardinal direction, ready to respond swiftly to any injured soldiers or warriors. This ensured immediate attention for those who hadn''t received enough blue vials of liquid during resupply or needed additional care. The placement of medics provided multiple options for treatment, further boosting the readiness and resilience of the teams on the front lines. Lastly, the children were entrusted to the care of the elders, who stayed inside the Central Hall. Meanwhile, the parents assisted around the base, running errands to support the combatants. The children, understanding the gravity of the situation, cooperated maturely, minimizing the burden on the elderly. This allowed the elders to focus on keeping everyone calm and organized. If any issues arose, they could quickly radio the command center for assistance. The command center, which also doubled as the logistics hub, served as the place where Kisha coordinated operations and relayed additional instructions to the entire base. Of course, Kisha''s instructions would be relayed to the command center through radio communication, as she was needed on the western frontline alongside the other soldiers and warriors. In fact, she was expected to be the main force in that area, where the zombie wave was at its heaviest. With preparations complete and the City Shield''s energy nearly depleted, everyone had managed to eat a hearty meal and regain their strength, ready for the battle ahead. Positioned on the walls, they braced themselves, anxiously anticipating the moment to launch their first attacks. Outside, the zombies had begun to swarm, packed together so tightly they resembled a can of sardines. Some of the zombies began climbing over others in their desperate attempt to reach the wall, using the tightly packed horde beneath them as a grotesque makeshift ground. The sheer density of the crowd created a bottleneck, making it difficult for most zombies to move. Only a few managed to crawl to the top, while the rest were trapped in their own stampede. As the City Shield finally disappeared, the immense pressure of the surging horde caused the front ranks of zombies to collapse forward, tumbling to the ground and get trampled by those behind or on top of them. The ones caught in the middle were crushed, immobilized by the relentless wave of bodies behind them. Kisha observed the chaotic scene with a sharp smirk, exchanging brief nods with the warriors and soldiers around her and the other captains leading each force also showed the same expression as Kisha. It was time to begin the fight. Chapter 591 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle "Fire!!! Kill all these motherfuckers!" Vulture roared from his position on the northern side. He was supposed to swap shifts with Bald Eagle, allowing them both to rest and alternate command, but consumed by sorrow and anger, Vulture couldn''t wait any longer. He wanted to lead the charge and be the first to strike back at the incoming horde. Without hesitation, he sent Bald Eagle to take a moment on the sidelines while he took control of the battle. Kisha, her smirk still in place, shouted with commanding authority, "Fire!" "Frag out!" The collective voice of the soldiers rang out as grenades were hurled into the heart of the battlefield, exploding upon impact and tearing through the mass of immobilized zombies. Boom! Boom! Boom! After the explosion, the soldier manning the Gatling gun opened fire, his aim precise as he targeted the zombies below. The firepower of the Gatling gun, combined with the distance to the zombies, made it easy for him to take down several, focusing on their skulls with rapid, continuous shots before moving to the next target. Fortunately, the wall was constructed high and reinforced with sharp, protective spikes. As the zombies neared, they were impaled by Rose''s Ice Crystal spikes¡ªeach one as durable as a diamond. The undead were helpless against them, unable to break through and only able to fall victim to the unyielding, frozen crystals. On Duke''s side, there was no need for a shout. His actions spoke volumes. As soon as the soldiers saw his ''Fire Meteor'' descend from the sky, a fiery storm that incinerated the zombies below like a raging wildfire, they knew the battle had begun. Without hesitation, grenades were hurled into the fray, and the soldiers unleashed a barrage of gunfire to ensure every zombie was put down. Meanwhile, the superhumans activated their awakened abilities, cutting through the horde with lethal precision, each one determined to claim their share of the carnage. While Duke fought on the frontlines, Reeve and Clyde stood by, watching the battle unfold. Duke had instructed them to rest and conserve their energy, ensuring they would be ready to take over when he grew exhausted. In the meantime, they had organized themselves into smaller teams, each one prepared to rotate in and out of the fight. This strategy allowed them to have a rest and recharge while maintaining a constant presence on the battlefield. Given their limited number of awakened ability users, it was the most effective plan they could have under the circumstances. Aston and Tristan, on the other hand, were managing logistics, ensuring the flow of supplies and communication. Kisha refrained from using her signature move, as she had already set up a maze-like barricade around the streets, strategically placing abandoned vehicles along the streets to slow the zombies'' approach. However, this meant she couldn''t use her usual tactic of controlling the largest vehicle in the crowd to plow through the incoming horde. With no other choice, she drew all the daggers she could carry and sent them into the fray, each one slicing through the battlefield like a precision drone hunting its prey that has an automatic target lock-on command on each one of the zombies. Kisha maintained a sharp connection to every dagger, her wide-ranging vision tracking their movements, ensuring she wouldn''t lose control of them. Amid the chaos, Kisha''s daggers zipped through the battlefield, weaving between the bright flashes of fireballs, wind blades, and other awakened abilities lighting up the dark sky. The air buzzed with energy, explosions from grenades punctuating the echoes of battle as superhumans unleashed their powers. Kisha didn''t hold back, pushing her telekinesis to its limits. Her daggers flew like bullets, piercing the zombie''s skulls with precision and speed. Having honed her control over her abilities, Kisha rarely missed, even when zombies tried to evade. However, the daggers'' effectiveness waned against higher-level zombies. While they easily killed level 1 undead, the enhanced defenses of level 2 or higher level zombies caused problems. Some daggers chipped or dulled upon impact, while one completely shattered after striking a particularly tough target. Kisha''s brows furrowed as she assessed the situation¡ªthree daggers were already rendered useless, and she couldn''t afford to lose many more. Kisha''s attacks were swift and relentless, leaving no time to assess each zombie''s level or their status window before striking. She focused solely on targeting the closest threats to the wall, which had taken a toll on her daggers. Now chipped and dulled, they struggled to remain effective. Frustration flared in her chest, and she bit her lip as she called her daggers back to her. Hovering before her in mid-air, the weapons bore the scars left by combat and success in killing the zombies. Though not forged from the finest or most durable materials, they had served her well¡ªbetter than most. Seeing them in such a state brought a heavy sigh to her lips. One by one, she discarded the damaged blades into a nearby box. She couldn''t afford to waste resources; the blacksmiths could smelt the remnants into something useful later. With the worn daggers set aside, Kisha opened her inventory to look for the remaining daggers she had. Her fingers swiftly navigated to the synthesis tab, her mind already calculating how to craft stronger replacements. Time was of the essence, and she needed weapons that could endure the escalating intensity of the battle. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Please put the materials in the boxes and start the Synthesis.] Kisha quickly retrieved another set of ten daggers from her inventory and placed them into the empty slots within the synthesis tab. She didn''t spare a thought for whether anyone noticed¡ªeveryone around her was too preoccupied with battling the advancing horde at the walls. Taking a step back to ensure she had enough space, she focused entirely on her task. As the daggers settled into place, a soft, ethereal glow enveloped each slot. With practiced ease, Kisha tapped the "Start" button, initiating the synthesis process. The familiar hum of energy signaled that the synthesis was underway, but it would take five long minutes to complete. Five minutes would feel like an eternity in the heat of battle. Her absence from the frontlines for that duration could shift the tide against them, and she knew it. With her daggers temporarily unavailable, Kisha resolved to adapt. She steeled herself, ready to fight differently, even as time ticked down on the crucial process that could soon turn the odds back in their favor. Kisha found herself slipping into deep contemplation. Her telekinesis, while undeniably versatile, seemed to pale in comparison to Duke''s devastatingly destructive awakened abilities. Unlike his raw power that could decimate waves of enemies, her other skills primarily revolved around group buffs and support. Though valuable to the team, she couldn''t help but feel a pang of frustration at her apparent lack of direct offensive impact using her awakened ability. She smacked her forehead in irritation. Deep down, she believed her telekinesis held untapped potential¡ªpotential to become a truly deadly force on the battlefield. But she hadn''t yet fully explored its depths, barely scratching the surface of what her power might achieve. Her mind wandered to the technique she had used before: bursting the heads of zombies with sheer force using her telekinesis. It was undeniably effective, but it remained unrefined, demanding an enormous amount of spiritual energy and "Mental Capacity." Chapter 592 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 2 The strain it placed on her was unsustainable in prolonged combat, and using it recklessly could leave her drained and vulnerable. For now, she knew she had to focus on conserving her energy and honing her abilities when the opportunity arose. This battle wasn''t just a test of strength¡ªit was a test of resourcefulness and endurance. Kisha took a deep breath, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly to steady her racing thoughts. With her mind slightly clearer, she opened her Skill Tab, her eyes scanning through the list of skills at her disposal. ... [Active Skills] Telekinesis Level 2 Perception Level 0 One Body (Growth Type) Level 2 Rainbow Cube Lion''s Roar [Passive Skills] One Man Team Healing Dome (Growth Type) Level 2 People''s Heart ... As her gaze landed on a particular skill, she froze. ''Rainbow Cube''. She had almost forgotten about this ability entirely¡ªan intriguing skill buried in her arsenal that she had never tried using before. Curiosity sparked, and with a flick of her finger, she tapped on the description tab to uncover its potential. [Active Skill: Rainbow Cube] [Description: Creates a separate, customizable space that can trap anything inside. The size of the cube depends on the user''s mana. Consumes mana to generate the space. Grade: EX] The word "trap" ignited a spark of inspiration in Kisha''s mind. She glanced around her surroundings, searching for a suitable object to test her skill. Her eyes fell on a discarded bullet cartridge lying on the ground. With a slight wave of her hand, she focused her mana and conjured an enclosed space¡ªa transparent cube shimmering with iridescent rainbow hues, it was just like a bubble catching the light. Guided by her telekinesis, she maneuvered the ''Rainbow Cube'' closer until it hovered directly in front of her face. Curious, Kisha reached out and tapped the surface of the cube. To her surprise, though it appeared as delicate as a bubble and looked just like a bubble, it was as solid as steel. She felt an odd sense of connection between this skill and her telekinesis, a resonance she couldn''t entirely explain. Then, an idea struck her. Concentrating, she controlled the ''Rainbow Cube'' with her will to shrink. It responded seamlessly, its space contracting until the bullet cartridge inside was compressed beyond recognition. Within moments, the cartridge was reduced to a flattened scrap no thicker than a needle, crushed effortlessly within the cube''s confines. Kisha''s heart drummed fiercely in her chest as realization dawned¡ªthis skill was far more powerful than she had ever imagined. The more mana she funneled into the ''Rainbow Cube'', the larger it grew, capable of trapping multiple objects¡ªor even enemies¡ªwithin its confines like an indestructible prison. What made this skill truly formidable was its subtlety. It activated without any distinct patterns or visual indicators, making it nearly impossible for enemies to detect. The element of surprise it offered was invaluable, turning the ''Rainbow Cube'' into a perfect hidden weapon for ambushes or sneak attacks. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Excited, Kisha quickly returned to her position, a spark of confidence and mischievous anticipation lighting up her eyes. Those standing nearby noticed that she did not have her daggers floating around her and grew distracted due to curiosity, glancing between her and the battlefield. They couldn''t help but shift their focus to what their City Lord might be planning. Suddenly, a commotion broke out among the warriors as something unusual caught their attention. "Whoa! What''s that?" "T-The zombies... they''re floating in midair!" "No, wait¡ªlook closely! They''re trapped inside some kind of... bubble?!" "But why does the bubble look like a cube?" "Wait a second... who''s doing this? Do we have a new awakened ability user on our side?" "Holy shit! This is amazing!" Kisha raised her hand and channeled 10 points of mana into her skill. In an instant, she conjured a massive cube that entrapped 15¨C20 zombies, packed tightly together like sardines in a can. The trapped zombies, unaware of what restrained them, began thrashing and banging against the cube''s transparent walls in confusion. The structure shimmered faintly, glinting with a rainbow-like hue as it floated slightly off the ground. The soldiers and warriors atop the wall stared in astonishment, their eyes fixed on the hovering cube that held the struggling zombies. The cube itself wasn''t particularly large; it was simply that the zombies had been packed so tightly together, allowing Kisha to trap that much inside. Without warning, the cube contracted in the blink of an eye. The soldiers on the walls were left in stunned silence as black blood splattered in every direction. In an instant, the cube vanished, leaving no trace behind¡ªno cube, no bodies¡ªjust a pool of dark blood splattered across the ground. In reality, when the rainbow cube had crushed the zombies, it had instantly disappeared, leaving only the compressed bodies in its wake. The suddenness of the cube''s disappearance caused the remains to fall to the ground with startling speed, leaving the soldiers bewildered and unsure of what had just happened. Kisha had been careful not to completely flatten the zombies'' bodies, as she didn''t want to crush the valuable crystal cores inside them. Instead, she ensured that the zombies were only compressed enough to kill the threat. Once satisfied with the result, she stopped funneling mana into the rainbow cube. She''d discovered that while she could conjure the rainbow cube with the use of mana, maintaining it required a continuous supply of mana too. As soon as she cut off the mana flow, the ''Rainbow Cube'' would instantly vanish, leaving no trace behind. With her theory proven and the experiment a success, Kisha began conjuring more Rainbow Cubes one after another, pushing her limits. Thanks to her practice in splitting her consciousness, she was able to focus on multiple tasks at once. Now, she could control several Rainbow Cubes simultaneously, carefully managing the mana distribution for each. As she continued to slaughter the incoming zombies, the warriors and soldiers could only watch in stunned silence. All they saw was a relentless downpour of black blood staining the streets and the sudden "pop" of the Rainbow Cubes, like bubbles bursting one after the other. "Holy fucking hell! That''s so OP!" "Fuck! I kind of fear this kind of end!" "Holy shit! That''s insane!" "God, I can''t even imagine facing that kind of power..." The soldiers and warriors murmured in disbelief. They had all frozen for a moment, awestruck by Kisha''s display of power, the only one still moving was Kisha herself¡ªher hand fluidly slicing through the air as she conjured and cut the flow of mana like a maestro conducting an orchestra. The sight sent shivers down their spines, and not one of them dared to ask how she was doing it. They all knew by now that Kisha possessed a truly unique awakened ability, and they assumed this was simply another manifestation of her growing power. After taking a moment to process the sheer force Kisha wielded, the soldiers and warriors snapped back into action, their fighting spirit now burning brighter than before. Witnessing such overwhelming power in their ranks had ignited a surge of adrenaline in them all, and they were more determined than ever to join the fight. Chapter 593 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 3 And Boosted Stats Alongside Kisha, the warriors unleashed their abilities with precision and intensity. Fireballs roared through the air, wind blades sliced through the undead, and earth spikes were hurled like javelins, striking with deadly force. The soldiers, not to be outdone, held their ground and focused their gunfire on the zombies'' heads, understanding the importance of conserving ammunition. They knew that shooting anywhere else would be futile, so each shot was aimed with precision to ensure a clean kill. High above in the watchtower, the snipers meticulously lined up their targets, delivering flawless headshots without fail, each one a testament to their skill and discipline. Thanks to Kisha, the number of zombies outside the wall had significantly thinned. However, just as a glimmer of hope began to surface, another wave of undead surged from within the city, rushing to merge with the horde already gathered outside. The scene devolved into utter chaos, a grim reminder of what a true zombie apocalypse looked like¡ªhumanity''s desperate last stand or was it just the beginning of the awaiting struggle they have to face? Every passing minute felt like an eternity as the pressure mounted, beads of sweat forming on everyone''s brows. Fortunately, Kisha''s skills, ''One Body'' and ''Healing Dome'', became the saving grace. These skills rapidly replenished the warriors'' stamina and spiritual energy, ensuring they could keep fighting without faltering. Even the soldiers, fatigued from constant combat, found their strength restored, allowing them to hold the line against the relentless waves of the undead. Kisha periodically activated her skill, ''Lion''s Roar'', whenever its effects faded, ensuring its continued impact on the warriors and soldiers around her. Thankfully, her skill, ''People''s Heart'', made her feel as though she had an infinite supply of spiritual energy and mana. A quick glance at the team''s tab confirmed it¡ªher spiritual energy and mana reserves hadn''t even budged. Duke, Vulture, Clyde, and the others were also managing their spiritual energy efficiently, holding their ground despite the overwhelming odds. Adding to their survival was Kisha''s skill, ''One Man Team''. Given the sheer danger of being surrounded by tens of thousands of zombies, her stats had multiplied dramatically in response to the life-threatening situation. Curious, Kisha couldn''t resist taking a quick peek at her boosted status. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 220 x 10 (2200) Stamina: 302 x 10 (3020) Defense: 490 x 10 (4900) Agility: 220 x 10 (2200) Mental Capacity: 1070 (+100) x 10 (10700) Charm: 420 (+100) x 10 (4200) Leadership: 870 (+300) x 10 (8700) Luck: 330 (+20) x 10 (3300) Mana: 690 x 10 (6900) Spiritual Energy: 690 x 10 (6900) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand, A True Ruler Skills: Telekinesis Level 2 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 2, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 2, One Man Team, People''s Heart Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... When Kisha glanced at her stats window, her eyes widened in disbelief. The numbers displayed before her were staggering¡ªfar beyond anything she could have imagined. It was then that she realized why she hadn''t felt the slightest fatigue despite summoning countless ''Rainbow Cubes'' across the battlefield. Initially, she thought her boundless energy was solely due to ''One Body'', ''Healing Dome'', and ''People''s Heart'', which created the sensation of infinite mana. But now, she understood that the ''One Man Team'' skill was the game-changer. Its effects had pushed her capabilities to near-invincibility, empowering her to endure as long as the non-ending zombie waves continued to come. Thanks to the unwavering respect and faith the survivors in her base had for her, Kisha''s skill, ''People''s Heart'', continuously replenished any spiritual energy or mana she used at an unprecedented speed. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It felt as though her energy reserves were truly infinite and inexhaustible. With all buffs and effects stacked to their peak, Kisha no longer needed to hold back. The overwhelming synergy of her abilities had completely erased her concerns about managing her spiritual energy and mana. Her ''Mental Capacity'' had surpassed ten thousand, allowing her to handle immense strain without any adverse effects. Her energy core remained steady, and she felt as though her mastery over telekinesis and her ''Rainbow Cubes'' had reached new, unparalleled heights. Even the hesitation she initially felt about using her newly developed skill¡ªthe one that made zombies'' heads explode¡ªhad disappeared. Now, she could wield it without restraint, confident in her limitless potential. To successfully master the technique and officially register it as a skill in her status window and Skill Tab, Kisha practiced it again with determination. A sniper positioned at the watchtower, carefully aiming at a zombie, was startled when the creature''s head suddenly burst like a melon. Confused, he hesitated, his finger still on the trigger. He hadn''t fired yet, though he had been preparing to take the shot. For a moment, he doubted himself, wondering if he might have accidentally pulled the trigger. However, even if he had fired, he was certain his shot wouldn''t have caused such a dramatic explosion. His confusion deepened when the same phenomenon occurred with several other zombies nearby. Each head burst violently, leaving him both puzzled and astonished. "Hey! Did you see that?!" His partner, positioned in the watchtower beside him, nudged him excitedly as he continued to peer through the sniper''s scope. "Damn! Their heads are popping like balloons!" "Yeah, I saw it..." "That''s gotta be the City Lord''s doing!" "How can you be so sure?" "Well, duh! Who else could pull off something like that? And with all the deadly cubes she''s been making, it wouldn''t surprise me if she''s behind this too." "Yeah, that actually makes sense." Several soldiers and warriors caught sight of the phenomenon, watching in awe as zombies dropped like flies, their heads suddenly bursting. They all instinctively turned to Kisha, noticing the bright golden glow in her eyes. As she continued her actions, Kisha suddenly received a system notification. Ding! [Sysntesis Complete!] Kisha didn''t hesitate for a second. As soon as she glanced at the Synthesis Tab, she noticed the boxes, which had been arranged in a circle, were now empty. The large central box now displayed an item. [Dagger+1 x 3] Without wasting time, she took the items out and inspected them. It seemed that after the synthesis, the dagger had been upgraded. The "+1" indicated it had undergone one synthesis upgrade, which had enhanced its durability. Curious to see the details, Kisha activated her ''Eye of Truth'' to examine the dagger. ... [Dagger+1] [Description: A dagger that has undergone its first synthesis upgrade. Grade: Normal Durability: 100/100] ... Kisha raised an eyebrow. ''Does this mean I can synthesize the same item multiple times and increase the +1 symbol with each upgrade?'' she wondered. After a quick check, she discovered she now had three "Dagger+1"s and one that hadn''t been upgraded, confirming that three identical items were needed for synthesis upgrade. To test her theory, she placed the three "Dagger+1"s into the empty boxes in the Synthesis Tab. Just as she was about to click the "Start" button, she noticed a new detail: at the bottom right corner below the boxes arranged in a circular manner, a "Success Rate: 99%" indicator appeared. This hadn''t been there before. Chapter 594 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 4 It seemed that the more she synthesized the same item, the lower the success rate became¡ªor perhaps the success rate decreased with higher synthesis levels. To confirm her theory, Kisha clicked the "Start" button again. The system indicated a five-minute wait time for the process to complete, so she returned to the battlefield, continuing her earlier strategy with precision and determination. Kisha continued using her telekinesis to make the zombies'' heads explode like overripe melons. By now, the warriors and soldiers were no longer shocked¡ªthey had already deduced that it was Kisha''s doing. Knowing this, their sense of security grew, and their fighting spirit soared to new heights. Kisha paused momentarily before giving her orders in the loudest voice she could as the sound of the firearms, the roars and growls of the zombies below and grenade going off was too loud for them to speak normally. "Let''s reduce the number of people on our side and send reinforcements to the southern section of the wall." "Check if they need more manpower, and if they don''t, redirect them to another section. My attacks cover a wide area, so I can hold this position with fewer forces." She then pointed to a group of awakened ability users and soldiers. "You, you, and you¡ªmove out. One sniper, four soldiers, and four warriors. Go and assist the other teams." "City Lord, I think we should remain here for a little longer while monitoring the situation," one of the soldiers suggested. "It''s only been ten to fifteen minutes since the battle started on this wall, and we need to ensure we have enough forces. The enemy numbers here are far greater than at the other walls." "No need," Kisha said shouting, her voice firm over the chaotic noise. "Unlike the others, I use only a small amount of spiritual energy, which means I can fight longer without wearing myself out." "Because of that, I can hold this position longer than the other team captains. When they need to switch shifts with the next team, there will naturally be disruptions in pacing, and some might even feel overwhelmed." "Sending more reinforcements to their side will help ease their burden and keep morale steady." She was specifically referring to Clyde and Reeve, who were preparing for their first battle leading a team after Duke stepped down to rest his depleted energy core. While Clyde showed potential as a commander, his youth and inexperience were likely to leave him feeling the weight of responsibility once he realized what it meant to step into Duke''s shoes¡ªshoes that would undoubtedly feel far too big for him at this stage. This battle was bound to be long and grueling, testing both physical endurance and mental resilience. The soldiers'' and warriors'' morale would inevitably take a hit as exhaustion and the relentless onslaught of enemies wore them down. A decline in fighting spirit could easily lead to a drop in performance, creating a dangerous downward spiral. Kisha understood this all too well. Her strategy was clear: send reinforcements to bolster the other teams while she held the line on this side of the wall. Though her nearly infinite reserves of spiritual energy and mana, coupled with her vast ''Mental Capacity,'' gave her an edge, even she wasn''t entirely sure if she could maintain this position for the full 24 hours she had envisioned. The unrelenting pressure of the battle would challenge her focus and determination like never before. After a brief pause, Kisha broke the silence. "You can send the soldiers and warriors who are already exhausted and off their shift to this side." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Whether they''re from the southern wall or elsewhere, they can see for themselves how well I''m holding this position." "Who knows? Watching us manage here might even reignite their fighting spirit and give them the boost they need." Her tone carried a hint of teasing, but beneath it lay a confident reassurance. She was making it clear that she could hold the fort with fewer people, and there was no need for unnecessary worry. In reality, Kisha''s intention was to have the exhausted members sent to the western side so her skills could help them recover faster than simply resting on their respective facilities on their side of the walls. The western side had tents and designated rest areas prepared for soldiers and warriors who were rotating shifts, and those from other teams could make use of these facilities while benefiting from her recovery skills. It was a strategic way to ensure her forces regained their strength efficiently. Although her combatants, which had initially numbered around five hundred, had grown to nearly a thousand as more people awakened their abilities, they were still a small force compared to the overwhelming number of zombies outside the walls. Despite their increasing numbers, they were but a handful fighting to survive. Eventually, the crushing reality of their situation would weigh on them, and the pressure could cause their resolve to falter. However, if they came to the western wall and saw that Kisha and her team were holding up well, with their bodies recovering and resting properly, it would provide reassurance. Not only would their spirits lift, but their mentality would shift as well. Their survival instinct would kick in, and their adrenaline would surge, empowering them to keep fighting. With these factors combined, word would spread quickly among the different teams. They would grit their teeth and continue fighting, but more importantly, they might start to see the western wall as the safest place to rest. Once they realized that it was the fastest place for them to recover, it would serve Kisha''s purpose even more effectively. Of course, the soldiers and warriors didn''t realize that Kisha had already planned several steps ahead, but they nodded in agreement nonetheless. After all, they had witnessed Kisha fight using her awakened ability. They weren''t sure how many awakened ability users there were like her, but despite unleashing a wide array of attacks across the battlefield, she hadn''t broken a sweat. It was clear that she wasn''t experiencing any strain, even while covering the largest area around them. The soldiers and warriors reluctantly nodded before turning their attention back to the wall. One by one, they stood tall and saluted Kisha. She smiled at them, watching as they sprinted off toward the southern side of the wall. After sending them off, Kisha shifted her focus back to the battle. Even while speaking with the soldiers and warriors, she had never stopped conjuring the ''Rainbow Cube,'' ensuring that the soldiers and warriors didn''t feel overwhelmed when she briefly stepped away to send reinforcements to the other teams. After leaving Kisha''s side, the warriors and soldiers rushed to the southern wall and quickly reported to Duke, who was summoning a massive ''Lightning Strike.'' The strike lit up the sky before crashing down onto the streets teeming with zombies. The warriors and soldiers paused for a moment, stunned by the sheer power of Duke''s attack. Not only did it look incredibly devastating, but the wide area of effect decimated a large number of zombies, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Unlike Kisha, Duke was already beginning to sweat. A thin layer of perspiration formed on his forehead as he conjured the ''Fire Meteor'' right after the ''Lightning Strike.'' But he didn''t stop there. With determination, he unleashed an ''Ice Storm,'' turning a wide swath of zombies into frozen statues. Chapter 595 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 5 As the ''Fire Meteor'' crashed down, it shattered the statues into nothing but ice shards and dust, leaving the battlefield eerily silent for a moment. But before Duke and his people could breath, the zombie wave continued to pour out from within the city. "Vice City Lord, you can take a break for now." Clyde offer as he was preparing to flatten the zombies down the wall with his gravity manipulation skills. Duke shook his head. "No, not yet. It''s still too early for you to step in." "But we don''t have enough people to handle this! The zombies keep coming!" Clyde protested, his voice tinged with panic as he glanced nervously over the wall. Even though Duke had obliterated countless zombies with a single attack, it seemed to have no effect. The undead surged forward relentlessly, like moths drawn to a flame. Unlike them, the zombies didn''t fear death, which meant there was no need to maintain morale or concern themselves with fatigue. They simply kept coming, tireless and unstoppable. Seeing that Clyde was beginning to feel overwhelmed, the soldiers and warriors Kisha had sent approached with purpose. They gave a respectful salute to Duke before reporting. "Vice City Lord, we''ve been sent by the City Lord to assist on the southern side of the wall," one of them explained. Duke raised an eyebrow in silent questioning, but his focus remained on the battlefield, his hands steady as he continued conjuring powerful attacks, each one lighting up the sky with devastating force. Seeing Duke''s expression and subtle cue, the soldier continued. "The City Lord is doing fine on the Western wall..." He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully before adding, "In fact, she''s handling it so well that she''s single-handedly cutting through the zombie wave." "It seems she''s fully mastered her awakened ability and is now able to decimate large groups of enemies with her bubble-like power." "Bubble-like power?" Duke repeated, his brow furrowed in confusion. He hadn''t seen what they were referring to. All he knew about Kisha''s awakened ability was that she could control inanimate objects with her telekinesis. But was this bubble-like phenomenon another aspect of her telekinesis? Or was it a separate skill entirely? Duke wasn''t sure. The soldiers and warriors weren''t sure either, so the soldier could only explain, "Maybe it''s a skill, but it really looks like a cube-shaped bubble." "It traps zombies inside, and then the City Lord crushes them like a tin can. She can conjure countless of them, covering a huge portion of the battlefield." "Some of us were practically redundant over there." The soldier shrugged, recalling what he had witnessed on the western side. He shuddered at the memory. While Duke''s awakened ability was flashy and powerful, Kisha''s was just unnervingly terrifying. With her, they never knew when the next strike would come, but when it did, it was an instant death. "Yeah, we think she can even make the zombies'' heads explode with just a thought," one of the warriors added, his voice tinged with awe. Duke smirked, raising an eyebrow as the memory of Kisha practicing that move over the wall came to mind. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He knew exactly what they were talking about, and it was clear that the bubble-like ability was a new skill she had just developed. A sense of reassurance washed over him; after all, he knew his wife well¡ªshe wouldn''t do anything that would put her in danger. With a deep sigh of relief, he nodded. "Alright, take your position with the next group for the shift change. I''ll remain here for a bit longer before handing over this position to the next team," Duke said. He had planned to hold the line for at least one hour before letting Clyde take over, allowing him to rest for the next two hours. After Clyde, it would be Reeve''s group, and then it would cycle back to Duke''s team. This way, their rest periods would be spaced out, ensuring that they could fully replenish their spiritual energy and recover from the mental strain caused by the vial of black liquid for maintaining their spiritual energy reserves while fighting. Duke decided that he would check in on Kisha once he had handed the reins to Clyde. "You can help these kids once it''s their turn to take over the wall''s defense," Duke said, tilting his head toward Reeve and Clyde, who were clearly on edge. "But until then, take some time to rest and recover." The soldiers and warriors Kisha had sent understood Duke''s orders, so they made their way to the tents to rest until they were called to prepare for their shift on the wall''s defense. Just then, Duke conjured dozens of ''Ice Spikes'' and, with a swift motion of his hand, launched them toward the zombies. It was like an army of archers releasing a volley of arrows into the sky. The sight was awe-inspiring as the ''Ice Spikes'' impaled one zombie after another, striking with the force of ballista bolts. Each spike was long and thick enough to pierce two zombies at once or even more, and even if the attack didn''t kill them, it grounded the zombies, rendering them immobile. This made them easy targets for the soldiers to snipe or for the warriors to kill using their awakened abilities. Duke then summoned another ''Ice Storm,'' but this time, it was on a smaller scale. Rather than freezing the zombies into solid statues, he focused on freezing their feet to the ground, effectively immobilizing them. This allowed him to conserve a bit more spiritual energy while still maintaining a solid defensive strategy. By grounding the zombies, Duke ensured that the soldiers and warriors would have easy targets, allowing them to take down the frozen zombies without wasting their spiritual energy or ammunition on missed shots. This tactical shift enabled him to seamlessly alternate between defensive and offensive moves, maximizing the efficiency of his team''s efforts. Sure enough, the soldiers and warriors were able to conserve much more spiritual energy and ammunition. With the zombies immobilized, their chances of hitting the target dramatically increased, reducing the risk of wasted shots. The warriors, in particular, were able to unleash their wind blades and fireballs with precision, striking the zombies'' heads in a single blow. It was a significant advantage for them, as taking down moving targets was always a challenge, and now they could focus on finishing the job with confidence. On Rose''s side, things weren''t easy either. Zombies continued to pour in from the east, and she suspected these were the ones that had fled from Port City, only to meet their demise and turn into the undead. Alternatively, they might have come from smaller villages or towns, but whatever the source, the numbers were far from insignificant. Fortunately, among her team was a mathematics professor who also possessed a fire ability, which proved to be a valuable asset in handling the oncoming horde. Although the math professor didn''t have an Area of Effect attack like Duke''s ''Fire Meteor,'' he had developed a unique approach to combat. With remarkable precision, he threw fireballs in a perfect parabola, each one expertly striking a zombie in the head. It was as though he had anticipated their every move¡ªcalculating the distance, wind direction, and trajectory with pinpoint accuracy before each attack. Chapter 596 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 6 Despite the complexity of his strategy, the intervals between his strikes were surprisingly short, proving that he wasn''t just a math genius¡ªhe was a master of applying his skills in battle. He wasn''t wasting a single shot, nor any of his spiritual energy. Calm and calculated, his movements were smooth and precise, almost as if he were casually throwing a baseball or playing with a water balloon. Meanwhile, Rose was equally relentless. She conjured hundreds of Ice Crystal needles, each as thick as an adult finger and five to six inches long. The crystals were so hard that they became one-shot kills, piercing through the zombies like bullets from a machine gun. Rose''s practiced precision ensured she rarely missed her targets, each strike lethal. With the two of them working seamlessly in tandem, their coordinated efforts successfully contained the wave of incoming zombies. Vulture on the Northern wall channeled all his sorrow and pain over losing his brother into the fight. Each earth spike he conjured and hurled at the zombies below carried the weight of his grief, but it still didn''t feel like enough for him. After a moment, he picked up his massive hammer and enveloped himself in an impenetrable suit of earth armor. From head to toe, he was encased, with only small openings for his eyes, nose, and ears. The rest of him was completely covered, making him resemble a walking mound of earth¡ªan imposing, living earth golem ready to unleash his fury. "Vulture!!!" "Come back up here!" Bald Eagle was taken aback as he watched Vulture leap from the wall directly into the midst of the zombie horde. With his massive hammer raised high above his head, Vulture arched his body to maximize the momentum of his descent. When he landed, he brought the hammer crashing down with devastating force, obliterating the zombie beneath him. The impact was so powerful that it not only crushed the zombie''s head but also created a massive crater in the ground, sending shockwaves through the surrounding area. "Argh!" Vulture roared at the top of his lungs, unleashing all his pent-up frustration, anger, sorrow, and melancholy in a guttural cry. With unrelenting fury, he swung his massive hammer to his right, smashing a zombie into oblivion. Then, with a swift movement, he conjured three sharp, seven-inch-long earth spikes on his armored fist, resembling the claws of a predator. He turned to his left and drove his spiked fist through the skull of another zombie, the force of his punch piercing it cleanly. Without pausing, Vulture swung his hammer in a powerful diagonal arc, obliterating several more zombies in one strike, his movements wild and ferocious, as if consumed by a berserker''s rage. But Bald Eagle quickly realized Vulture wasn''t done¡ªnot by a long shot. With a primal roar, Vulture charged forward like an enraged bull, smashing zombies directly in his path with his hammer while ramming others aside with the sheer weight of his earth-armored frame. Bald Eagle''s jaw dropped in disbelief as he watched Vulture unleash unrestrained fury, going berserk on the battlefield. While Bald Eagle was familiar with Vulture''s tendency to be easily provoked and lose his temper, he''d never seen him like this¡ªcompletely untethered, fighting with reckless abandon. Fortunately, the northern wall wasn''t as densely packed with zombies as the western side, where the undead were surging in a chaotic stampede. This gave Vulture some breathing room to maneuver, allowing him to move freely as he wreaked havoc amidst the horde. The warriors and soldiers atop the wall could only watch in a mix of awe and panic as they frantically provided cover fire to support Vulture. Their hearts felt like they were hanging by a thread, tension rising with every swing of his hammer. Yet, as the minutes dragged on, their initial worry began to feel misplaced. Not even the relentless horde of zombies could halt Vulture''s rampage. He tore through them with an almost mechanical precision, smashing one after another as if playing an unstoppable game of whack-a-mole. "Vulture! Don''t push yourself too hard! Get back here before you collapse out there! If that happens, we won''t even be able to recover your body¡ªand then no one will be left to avenge Sparrow!" Bald Eagle shouted desperately, his voice strained with urgency as the veins in his neck bulged. He had no choice but to invoke Sparrow''s name, hoping it would snap Vulture out of his frenzy. Watching him wreak havoc amidst the sea of zombies, Bald Eagle knew that if Vulture fell unconscious, rescuing him would be impossible, leaving him there vulnerable. Vulture faintly heard Bald Eagle''s shout, the mention of Sparrow causing him to flinch. The words pierced through his raging fury, helping to steady his turbulent emotions. After smashing a few more zombies in his path, he took a deep breath and conjured stepping stones from the earth. With swift, calculated movements, he leaped from one stone to the next, climbing higher with each jump until he finally reached the top of the wall, where Bald Eagle and the others waited anxiously. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As soon as Vulture reached the top, he retracted his earth armor, revealing his sweat-soaked face and body. His breaths came in ragged gasps, but his expression was noticeably calmer. The dark shadows under his eyes had softened, and the tense furrow in his brow was gone. Bald Eagle observed these changes and felt reassured¡ªVulture had managed to release some of the pent-up anger and stress that had been weighing on him. With a firm nod, Bald Eagle stepped forward and patted Vulture''s shoulder, a silent gesture of support and acknowledgment. "You''ve done well, brother," Bald Eagle said, his voice steady and reassuring as he took charge of the battle, giving Vulture the chance to rest and regain his composure. Vulture''s lips tightened for a moment before he managed a faint whisper, "Thank you, brother." He descended from the wall and found a quiet spot in a corner, far from the chaos. Slumping down, he rested his back against the cold wall, his gaze fixed on the dark sky above. His mind wandered, consumed by unspoken thoughts and memories. Minutes passed in silence before he finally let out a long, weary sigh. Gathering his resolve, he slapped his cheeks firmly, the sharp sound echoing faintly, as if to jolt himself back to the present. "This is enough of worrying the others," Vulture muttered to himself as he brushed the dust from his pants, his posture straightening with determination. "Otherwise, if Sparrow saw me like this, he''d just laugh and call me a sissy again." At the thought of Sparrow, a small chuckle escaped his lips. He couldn''t help but smile as memories of their constant bickering flooded his mind. He could almost hear Sparrow''s teasing remarks if he were still around, and despite the pain, the thought brought a bittersweet warmth to his chest. With a renewed sense of purpose, Vulture reentered the battle, his determination unwavering. He didn''t change his approach; the hammer and close combat felt more suited to him. It allowed him to control the earth spikes with greater precision, providing the support he needed when surrounded. Moreover, his strong defensive abilities meant that the zombies couldn''t even get a scratch on him. When Vulture shared his plan with Bald Eagle, there was no convincing him otherwise. Bald Eagle, understanding Vulture''s resolve, relented and ordered the warriors and soldiers to provide him with support from the top of the wall, knowing there was no stopping Vulture once his mind was set. Chapter 597 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 7 Sure enough, the moment Vulture landed on the ground and began smashing zombies with his hammer, he seamlessly incorporated his earth spikes into the fight. He strategically conjured them at random intervals, primarily to cover his blind spots and ensure no zombies could approach him from behind. The spikes would erupt suddenly from the ground, either impaling or trapping any zombies attempting to sneak up on him, effectively creating a protective barrier around him as he continued his relentless assault. Vulture fought like a beast unleashed from captivity, his relentless assault unyielding. Suddenly, a zombie lunged at him from behind, wrapping its decayed arms around his neck and coiling its legs tightly around his waist. From atop the wall, Bald Eagle''s panic was evident as he shouted warnings, but Vulture remained calm. He didn''t flinch or falter¡ªinstead, a confident smirk spread across his face, as though the situation was entirely under his control. "Foolish move!" Vulture growled, his voice tinged with contempt. In an instant, jagged earth spikes erupted from every surface of his armor, piercing the zombie clinging to him. One massive spike shot upward from the crown of his head, skewering the creature from its chin through to its temple. For a brief moment, Vulture resembled a living porcupine, bristling with lethal spikes. As the zombie''s lifeless body fell limp, the spikes receded smoothly back into the armor, leaving Vulture unscathed and unfazed. Since Vulture was clad in his earth armor, he had complete control over the spikes that could emerge from every surface of it. This unique advantage gave him the confidence to dive headfirst into the fray without hesitation. The spikes served as both offense and defense, ensuring his safety even in the thick of the horde. With this, Vulture wasn''t overly concerned about being surrounded. He knew that when fatigue eventually set in, he could simply create stepping stones to ascend back to the top of the wall, rejoining Bald Eagle and the others to regroup. "Damn! I didn''t know you could do that!" Bald Eagle exclaimed the moment Vulture climbed back up. He couldn''t help but circle around him, marveling at the impressive earth armor. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, the once-mighty armor was now smeared with thick, black zombie blood from all the ramming and impaleling it had endured. Vulture, unfazed by the mess, retracted the armor with a simple motion, revealing his sweat-drenched but determined face. A nearby warrior quickly handed him a bottle of water, which Vulture accepted with a grateful nod. "That''s an innovative way to use the earth element," commented one of the earth-type ability users, his tone filled with admiration. His eyes gleamed with respect as he regarded Vulture, as though he had just witnessed the creation of a groundbreaking technique. After all, most of them had been throwing earth spikes like javelins since the zombie wave began, and the constant effort was wearing them down. Their throws often missed the mark, as precision became harder with fatigue. Being positioned high above the ground also limited their ability to conjure earth spikes at a distance, as their current strength didn''t allow for a wider range. Even Vulture hadn''t mastered that level of reach yet. However, watching him engage in close combat while using an earth armor to shield himself was nothing short of ingenious. Before long, the other earth-type awakened ability users followed Vulture''s lead. They donned their own versions of earth armor and armed themselves with the sturdiest weapons they could find, descending into the fray to engage the zombies in close combat. However, with many of the zombies now significantly leveled up, taking them down proved far from easy. Regular weapons struggled to finish the job, often requiring several strikes to the head before the zombies were truly defeated. Realizing this, the group adapted by conjuring earth spikes and wielding them as spears or like a brass knuckles with earth spikes, using their abilities to augment their attacks. From time to time, additional earth spikes would erupt from the ground to impale nearby zombies, providing tactical support. With this new approach, their battle began to turn the tide, and the situation started to look more promising. The other awakened ability users, along with the soldiers, shifted their focus to providing support, ensuring that the earth-type awakened ability users on the ground wouldn''t be overwhelmed by the relentless zombie horde. Their role was to cover the fighters below, using ranged attacks and precise strikes to thin out the advancing zombies. Whenever the earth-type users signaled their intention to retreat to the wall, the support team worked together to create a safe path, allowing them to ascend without incident. Thanks to their earth armor, the fighters on the ground felt a surge of confidence, believing they were untouchable¡ªeven when surrounded by zombies. Or so they thought. "Watch out!" Bald Eagle shouted urgently. At the sound of his voice, Vulture snapped to attention, instantly alert. The earth armor began to materialize around him, starting at his feet and gradually climbing up his body. It enveloped him like a protective shell, covering his neck and finally his face, leaving only his determined eyes visible through the cracks in the armor. With a powerful leap, Vulture soared into the air, his body hurtling towards the battlefield once more. He landed with a crash, charging forward and plowing through the zombies in his path. But his urgency wasn''t without reason¡ªone of the earth-type awakened ability users had been struck and was now hanging up in the air. A massive spike of ice had impaled him through the stomach, its jagged shards spreading a deadly chill that began to freeze his body. The ice cracked and splintered, even tearing through his armor. Blood coughed from his mouth as he struggled to lift his head, desperate to see the attacker. What he met was the cold, gleaming stare of a pair of sinister red eyes¡ªbelonging not to a human, but to an evolved zombie. A cold dread gripped the warrior''s heart as he realized that his end had come. The evolved zombie seemed to relish the moment, tilting its head with an eerie smile that sent chills down his spine. Its body shimmered with frost, encased in a transparent ice armor that radiated an unnatural cold. A crown of jagged spikes crowned its head, adding to its nightmarish appearance. As it drew closer, the zombie opened its mouth, and a puff of icy mist billowed from its throat. Then, with a terrifying roar that seemed to freeze the very air around them, it unleashed its fury, signaling the warrior''s doom. Before the evolved zombie''s roar could fully echo, Vulture charged with a powerful force, slamming into the creature and sending it hurtling away. With a swift motion, he positioned himself in front of the dying warrior. Conjuring a jagged earth spike in the shape of a claw, Vulture struck the ice spike multiple times, each blow shattering the frozen spike with brutal precision. As the ice splintered, the warrior''s limp body began to fall, and without hesitation, Vulture leaped forward. With incredible speed, he caught the warrior mid-air, cradling him in his arms to prevent any further injury. The furious roar of the evolved zombie echoed behind him, but Vulture didn''t look back. Instead, he ran toward the wall, his focus unwavering. Chapter 598 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 8 As he neared one of the earth-type awakened ability users, he swiftly handed over the dying warrior. "Take him up! Get him to safety!" Vulture commanded, his voice resolute as he carefully handed the limp body of the injured warrior to his comrade. The wounded man coughed up another mouthful of blood, his grip weak but desperate as he clutched Vulture''s arm with the last of his strength. "Captain... don''t... go... it''s dangerous..." he rasped, his voice barely audible over the chaos. Each word seemed to take everything he had. The gaping wound in his stomach remained wide open, but the frost encasing the edges had stemmed the bleeding. The chilling cold from the ice seemed to seep deeper into his body, his limbs trembling uncontrollably as his teeth began to chatter. Despite his efforts to suppress it, he could feel his life slipping away with every passing moment. Despite his fading strength, he refused to let go of Vulture''s arm. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, though it had only been a matter of seconds, barely even a minute. His pleading gaze locked onto Vulture, silently begging him not to go. He could sense Vulture''s intentions, the unmistakable resolve in his captain''s stance¡ªthe determination to face the evolved zombie head-on. Seeing the worry in the warrior''s eyes, Vulture gave a small nod of reassurance. "Don''t worry too much," he said firmly. "I won''t fight a losing battle. The moment I gauge the enemy''s strength, I''ll retreat if it''s beyond what I can handle." "Someone has to test the waters, or that zombie will eventually breach these walls, putting everyone in danger." His voice carried conviction, though it was clear he wasn''t acting out of recklessness or a desire for heroics. Among them, Vulture had the best chance of holding his ground against the evolved zombie. Even now, as they stood amidst the chaos, the warriors and soldiers on the wall were providing cover, ensuring no other zombies could approach while Vulture transferred the injured man to the other''s care. "Captain..." the warrior began, his voice weak but filled with desperation as he tried to plead with Vulture to reconsider. Perhaps they could call for reinforcements from the City Lord or Vice City Lord. But deep down, he knew the harsh reality¡ªboth Kisha and Duke were stationed at the most crucial and heavily infested walls, where the sheer number of zombies was overwhelmingly large. Neither of them could abandon their posts without risking the city''s collapse. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even so, the fear lingered. Could Vulture truly stand against the evolved zombie? The odds seemed stacked against him. Their elements were in direct opposition¡ªice held a natural advantage over earth, its chilling force capable of overpowering and shattering even the sturdiest defenses. Vulture would be fighting at a disadvantage from the outset. Vulture didn''t waste time with further explanation. His sharp gaze shifted to the man now carrying the injured warrior, silently conveying his intent. The man caught Vulture''s unspoken message and, with a resolute nod, glanced down at the wounded comrade in his arms. Pressing his lips into a firm line, he turned away and sprinted off as soon as Vulture gently pried the injured warrior''s grip from his arm. The injured man barely had time to register what was happening. His strength was fading fast, leaving him powerless to resist or protest. Before he could muster a reaction, the distance between him and Vulture had already widened. His fading consciousness allowed only a fleeting moment of realization before the darkness claimed him, and he passed out completely. The warriors and soldiers atop the wall worked tirelessly to provide cover, ensuring the warrior carrying the injured man could make it up without delay. Wind blades flew, and earth spikes rose to keep the zombies at bay as the pair ascended. As soon as they reached the safety of the wall, the space type awakened ability user stationed in the norther wall rushed over without needing to be prompted. His urgency was palpable as he knelt beside the injured man, quickly pulling out a small vial of blue liquid from his space. "Hold him steady and pry his mouth open," he instructed firmly. With the help of the others, they carefully opened the unconscious man''s mouth, allowing the STAU to slowly pour the liquid down his throat, ensuring every drop was administered. Each movement was deliberate, their combined efforts a race against time to save their fallen comrade. The injured man, even in his unconscious state, seemed to instinctively recognize that the liquid being poured into his mouth was his lifeline. Driven by an innate will to survive, his body reflexively swallowed the blue elixir. Within moments, an astonishing transformation began. His pallor improved almost instantly, and the gaping wound in his stomach started to mend itself. Those watching could see the torn organs slowly regenerating, pulsating rhythmically as they returned to their original state. The sight was both miraculous and mesmerizing, leaving everyone in awe of the blue liquid''s potency. This was no ordinary healing potion¡ªit was the pinnacle of alchemical achievement, a high-grade elixir known for its extraordinary restorative properties. The group marveled at its effectiveness, but they also understood its rarity and cost. Only the highest-tier elixirs could achieve such feats, and acquiring them was no simple task. Kisha, however, had ensured their availability. With her exceptional skill in crafting and selling slave contracts through the system mall, she had earned the resources needed to procure these life-saving elixirs. Her foresight and preparation had once again proven invaluable in the face of danger. The STAUs knew the importance of using the high-grade elixirs judiciously. These potent vials of blue liquid were a finite resource, reserved for dire emergencies. Unlike the more common healing potions they routinely employed, these elixirs had to be rationed carefully to ensure they were available when truly needed. Once the injured man''s wounds had fully healed, thanks to the miraculous elixir, the others helped him to a designated recovery tent set up for soldiers and warriors. There, they gently laid him down to rest and recover his strength. Medics stationed in the tent immediately began to assess his condition, checking his vitals and ensuring he was stable. Without advanced medical equipment to diagnose potential brain injuries or long-term internal damage, the medics relied on basic methods. They monitored his pulse, observed his eye movements, and checked his reflexes. While these measures provided some reassurance, the lack of specialized tools left them uncertain about the full extent of his recovery. For now, they could only hope that the powerful elixir had worked its magic completely. Vulture now stood face to face with the enraged evolved zombie, its icy armor glinting menacingly in the little light of the moon peeking in the night sky. As the creature growled, its red, gleaming eyes tracked his every movement. Vulture, calm and calculating, began to circle the enemy slowly, his sharp gaze analyzing every aspect of its body. He was searching for a potential weakness, studying its movements and assessing its defenses. Although he knew the head was typically a zombie''s primary weak spot, this one was different. Its head was encased in a formidable crown of jagged ice, making it appear far more resilient. A single, decisive attack wouldn''t be enough to bring it down this time. Vulture clenched his fists, determination etched across his face as he silently formulated his strategy. Although the evolved zombie was visibly enraged, it made no immediate move to attack. It was unclear whether it was underestimating Vulture, confident of its inevitable victory, or simply slow to react. Regardless of its reasoning, Vulture remained vigilant, his instincts on high alert. Before engaging, Vulture had already ensured the safety of the other warriors on the field. He sent them to focus on clearing out the lower-level zombies but issued clear and precise instructions: everyone was to remain vigilant for any signs of additional evolved zombies. If another one was spotted, they were to keep their distance and alert the team immediately. Meanwhile, the snipers stationed along the walls scanned the battlefield with unwavering focus, their sharp eyes trained on the fray. Their priority was to identify and neutralize any further threats posed by evolved zombies, ensuring they couldn''t catch the others off guard, even if they can''t take down the evolved zombies, they were to inform the rest so the warriors on the field could steer clear of them. As Vulture circled the ice-type evolved zombie, he noticed the ground beneath them gradually frosting over, the icy spread creeping outward like a silent threat. "Tsk!" he clicked his tongue in frustration, leaping into the air to launch an attack. His left fist, encased in claw-like earth spikes, swung toward the zombie with force. The strike landed squarely on the evolved zombie''s face, but the outcome was far from what Vulture hoped. The instant his earth spike connected, it froze solid, the ice crawling rapidly over its surface. Before he could react, the frozen spike shattered upon impact, and the earth armor covering his fist crumbled into pieces, leaving his hand exposed. Vulture immediately stepped back, his sharp eyes catching the frost creeping up to his feet in the brief moment he had been near the ice type evolved zombie. He stomped hard on the ground, shattering the ice encasing his feet, and quickly re-formed the earth armor over his left fist. His expression remained composed, but inwardly, he had pieced together the truth. The evolved zombie wasn''t motionless out of arrogance or sluggishness¡ªit was a deliberate strategy. It knew that even without attacking, any physical contact with its frozen body would transfer its chilling frost to its opponent, freezing their armor and flesh alike. Chapter 599 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 9 The frost''s devastating power could immobilize and shatter anyone reckless enough to engage it head-on. Vulture''s eyes narrowed as he studied the ice-type evolved zombie from a cautious distance. The creature met his gaze with an unsettling, eerie grin, its razor-sharp, piranha-like teeth glinting menacingly. Slimy saliva dripped between its teeth, forming threads that added to its grotesque appearance. The sight sent a shiver down Vulture''s spine, cold sweat forming on his back as a wave of unease washed over him. In that moment, he realized the horrifying truth: this zombie wasn''t just an elemental mismatch for him¡ªit was stronger. Its power radiated with an intensity that suggested it was not only more formidable but possibly even a level above him. Suddenly, a flicker of doubt crept into Vulture''s mind, eroding the confidence he had moments ago. Yet, retreat wasn''t an option. If he backed down now, everyone behind him¡ªthose stationed on the wall and the countless civilians within the base¡ªwould be doomed. Just one evolved zombie breaching the defenses could spell total disaster, spreading infection or unleashing slaughter among the vulnerable: children, the elderly, and non-combatants. Vulture swallowed hard, the lump in his throat refusing to ease as he stared intently at the evolved zombie. The creature tilted its head to the side, its expression almost mocking, as if puzzled by why Vulture wasn''t fleeing for his life like any sane person would. Its sinister grin twisted into a frown of anger and displeasure as it let out a low, guttural growl. Without warning, the evolved zombie leaped toward Vulture. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Midair, its body curled in on itself, transforming into a solid sphere of frozen ice. When it crashed into the ground, the impact created a deep crater, sending frost rippling outward in an instant. Nearby zombies were caught in the icy spread, their feet frozen to the ground. Fortunately, Vulture had already leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the frost''s grasp. As he landed on the now-frozen terrain, his footing faltered¡ªhis foot slipping against the slippery surface. Thinking quickly, he conjured jagged spikes of earth beneath his soles, giving him traction and preventing a disastrous fall. With his balance restored, Vulture readied himself, knowing he couldn''t afford even the smallest mistake in this critical moment. Just as Vulture managed to regain his balance, a chilling gust of wind swept past him. Instinctively, he leapt to the side, just in time to see his previous position obliterated by a massive ice ball barreling through like a cannonball. The ground it traversed was left with deep gouges, evidence of its destructive force. Its speed was alarming, and Vulture knew that being struck by such an attack would send him flying and leave him gravely injured. From atop the wall, the onlookers gasped in unison, their stomachs churning and hearts pounding with fear. The sight of Vulture narrowly evading the devastating assault left them clinging to worry, their nerves stretched taut as they prayed he wouldn''t be caught off guard by the next attack. Vulture quickly conjured a series of earth spikes along the trajectory of the massive ice ball, hoping to halt or at least slow its momentum. However, the sheer force and velocity of the icy ball crushed the spikes effortlessly, reducing them to rubble without losing any speed. His jaw tightened, and a deep scowl etched across his face as frustration bubbled within him. His efforts had proven futile, and the reality of the evolved zombie''s overwhelming power weighed heavily on his mind. The massive ice ball rolled toward Vulture once more, forcing him to evade at the last possible moment. Despite his quick reflexes, the edge of the ball grazed his arm. The brief contact was enough to coat his arm in a layer of frost, and the freezing effect began to spread rapidly. Reacting instinctively, Vulture struck his own arm, shattering both the ice and the earth armor covering it before the frost could reach his skin and paralyze his limb entirely. Without wasting a second, he reinforced his arm with a fresh layer of earth armor, preparing himself for the next attack. The evolved zombie''s relentless attacks inadvertently struck its own kind, yet its focus remained locked on Vulture. With every successful dodge, its fury grew, and its attacks became increasingly intense and erratic. Observers on the wall could see the strain on Vulture as he narrowly avoided each strike, often coming dangerously close to being hit. His movements were sharp and desperate, but it was clear that the relentless onslaught was beginning to wear him down. "What should we do? If this keeps up, Captain Vulture won''t survive out there!" one of the warriors exclaimed, panic evident in his voice. "We can''t just stand here and watch! We need to provide support and attack the evolved zombie together!" another shouted, desperation creeping into his tone. "Are you crazy? If we attack now, we might end up hitting Captain Vulture instead!" someone retorted, their fear and hesitation clear as they tighten their gripped on their weapon. The warrior who suggested attacking scratched the back of his head, his frustration mounting as he realized the flaw in his plan. Using their awakened abilities to strike from a distance would be risky¡ªit wasn''t as if they could control their attacks once unleashed. It would be like firing a stray bullet, with the very real danger of hitting Captain Vulture instead of the target. "But it''s clear that Captain Vulture is getting worn out," he muttered, his voice filled with worry. "How much longer can he keep dodging those attacks? Honestly, even I wouldn''t be confident in evading them¡ªthe strikes are getting faster and more relentless..." "I know, but..." the other warrior trailed off, his gaze fixed on Vulture, who was relentlessly dodging each attack. The streets were now coated in frost, making the battlefield even more treacherous. The warriors below had instinctively pulled back, retreating to fight near the base of the wall, ready to climb up if the clash between Vulture and the evolved zombie escalated further. They didn''t want to add to Vulture''s burden or risk getting caught in the chaos. "Wait, can''t you guys see something?" one of the soldiers suddenly said, his voice breaking the tense silence. "See what?" another asked, confusion and curiosity mixing in his tone as he turned to look more intently at the scene unfolding before them. The soldiers gathered around, their eyes fixed on the battle between Vulture and the ice-type evolved zombie. Gradually, a realization seemed to dawn on them as they exchanged glances, small chuckles breaking out among the group. "What''s wrong with you guys? Why are you acting all mysterious? Just say it already!" one of warriors snapped, clearly frustrated by the suspense. "Ha ha, sorry," one of the chuckling soldiers replied. "We just noticed something, and we were double-checking to see if it was real or not." "And?" the impatient warrior pressed, his curiosity growing stronger. "And it seems like Captain Vulture is intentionally making it look like he''s barely evading the attacks," one of the soldiers explained, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "He''s doing it to fuel the evolved zombie''s anger, forcing it to focus solely on him. By doing so, the zombie is unleashing its fury indiscriminately, causing chaos on the battlefield." "In the end, it''s the other zombies that are caught in the crossfire and suffering the most from the destruction." Chapter 600 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 10 "Look closely," one of the soldiers said, pointing toward the battlefield. "Because of the evolved zombie''s relentless attacks, the zombies around it are getting caught in the frost and frozen solid. As Captain Vulture keeps moving, the evolved zombie rolls around in its blind fury and ends up smashing into the frozen zombies, shattering them to pieces. In the end, all Captain Vulture has to do is evade while the evolved zombie takes care of its own kind. Heh, brilliant, isn''t it?" "Ohhh! What a clever strategy!" another soldier exclaimed, eyes widening in admiration. They turned their attention to the battle below, and the soldier''s explanation proved to be spot on. Frozen zombies were scattered all over the battlefield, immobilized by the frost. The ice-type evolved zombie, now in its massive rolling ball form, barreled through the area, smashing into its own frozen kind like a bowling ball hitting pins. The sheer strength of the evolved zombie left the others completely helpless¡ªunable to fight back, they froze and shattered like fragile glass upon impact. Meanwhile, Vulture managed to avoid significant harm. Though his armor occasionally caught the frost, he quickly shattered the affected areas before it could spread to his body, skillfully repeating the process. His calculated movements left only him and the evolved zombie on the battlefield. Even the warriors below had retreated to the safety of the wall, unwilling to become obstacles in his strategy. Since Vulture couldn''t defeat the evolved zombie head-on, he decided to turn it into a weapon against the incoming horde. After all, even if the evolved zombie possessed seemingly endless stamina, did it also have an unlimited reserve of spiritual energy? That was the question Vulture intended to find an answer to. For now, he conserved his own strength, using only the bare minimum of spiritual energy to maintain his earth armor while focusing entirely on evasion. His goal was simple: force the evolved zombie to expend as much spiritual energy as possible. If it ran out of spiritual energy, he could seize the advantage and strike decisively. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But even in the worst-case scenario¡ªif the evolved zombie somehow had an inexhaustible supply of energy¡ªit wouldn''t be a total loss. Its relentless attacks were already devastating the surrounding zombie horde, turning it into an unwitting ally in thinning their numbers. Either way, Vulture''s strategy ensured that he wasn''t fighting this battle alone. Once they grasped the situation, the warriors and soldiers began to relax, observing as Vulture singlehandedly handled both the incoming zombie horde and the evolved zombie. Their tension eased slightly, but they remained vigilant, scanning for any sign of another evolved zombie that could tip the scales and put Vulture at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, the STAU prepared a supply of stamina boosters and vials of black liquid¡ªan emergency elixir designed to replenish both stamina and spiritual energy. These were kept ready for immediate delivery, ensuring Vulture could sustain the fight should he begin to falter. Though confident in his abilities, they knew better than to let their guard down in a battle this critical. The battle raged on for another two hours. Meanwhile, on Kisha''s side, the warriors and soldiers who had been on the frontlines rotated out, replaced by fresh reinforcements. The first batch of fighters retreated to the tents, physically drained and low on spiritual energy. However, instead of simply resting, many of them took Kisha''s earlier advice to heart. Rather than lying idle, the resting warriors used the opportunity to strengthen their foundations with Scarlet Honey, a rare elixir that enhanced physical and spiritual growth. With their bodies still primed from the intense combat, the synergy between the Scarlet Honey and their recent battle experience offered the perfect conditions for training. Sitting cross-legged in meditation, they consumed the Scarlet Honey and focused on fortifying their constitution, their breathing steady and controlled as they worked to maximize the benefits of the rare substance. It was a critical moment to grow stronger while simultaneously recovering, ensuring they would return to the battlefield even more formidable. Kisha, on the other hand, showed no signs of fatigue throughout the battle. Thanks to her passive and active skills, the soldiers and warriors fighting alongside her barely needed to use stamina boosters or vials of blue liquid. Even after more than an hour of relentless combat, they still had enough energy to continue if they chose to rely on those resources. However, Kisha decided to rotate them out and send them to rest. She recognized this as the perfect opportunity for them to grow and level up. Allowing them to step back after such intense fighting would not only help them recover but also ensure they could use their experience to strengthen themselves. She also saw this as a chance for the next group to take the field, allowing everyone to gain equal benefits from the battle. By maintaining this rotation, Kisha was confident her warriors would soon level up, maximizing the gains from both the combat and their recovery process. She remained vigilant, carefully managing the flow of the battle to prevent overexertion while ensuring her team grew stronger with every passing moment. Kisha considered herself fortunate that even after two hours of relentless combat, she wasn''t feeling fatigued. On the contrary, she felt her body growing stronger with each passing moment. Using her ability to split her consciousness into multiple branches, she skillfully managed both the battle and her own personal growth. Taking advantage of this unique capability, she consumed Scarlet Honey during the fight, using it to strengthen her foundation and fully integrate its benefits into her system. She was acutely aware that the mission wasn''t over yet. With 24 hours of continuous fighting ahead, she needed every ounce of strength she could build to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Unfortunately, the tide of the battle shifted. Much like in Vulture''s area, evolved zombies began to emerge. One appeared on Kisha''s side, and reports quickly followed of similar threats on Duke''s and Rose''s fronts. The stakes had just been raised, and Kisha braced herself for the intensified fight to come. The evolved zombie on Kisha''s side stood at the far edge of the battlefield, its eerie grin fixed as it observed her every move. It didn''t charge mindlessly like the rest of the horde but instead remained stationary, studying her with a predator''s calculating gaze, as if searching for a weakness before making its move. Kisha mirrored its stillness, her sharp eyes locked on the creature. She didn''t dare make a move yet, as she had no idea what ability it possessed or what level it might be. It was too far away for her to use her ''Eye of Truth'' to gather more information. The only reason she was certain it was an evolved zombie was its distinct appearance and behavior. Unlike the frenzied zombies sprinting toward the wall in their relentless hunger, this one exuded a sense of intelligence and control, standing apart from the chaos. Thanks to her heightened senses, Kisha was able to make out its unsettling form from the distance. Its body was covered in thorny, vine-like growths that twisted and coiled like living tree branches. Ominously, a viscous liquid oozed from the tips of the thorns, glinting under the dim battlefield light, hinting at some dangerous, unknown ability. Chapter 601 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 11 Thanks to the occasional bursts of light from the attacks conjured by the awakened users¡ªresembling fireworks¡ªKisha managed to catch this small detail from afar, even in the darkness. All she could see was the shadowy figure and its red, glinting eyes, which sent a chill down her spine and made her hair stand on end. When the evolved zombie raised its hand, the thorny vines coiling around its arms unclasped and danced like a snake, wiggling around its arm. Its entire body became shrouded in the twisting vines, leaving only its glowing red, beady eyes, and blackened teeth visible through the tangle." Then, without warning, the wood-type evolved zombie raised its hands again. The vines in its arms shot out, latching onto a random zombie charging forward. The vines rattled like a snake, writhing and twisting as they held the struggling zombie, before suddenly hurling it like a cannonball. Bang! ''Phew! I almost didn''t see that coming!'' Kisha thought, wiping at the nonexistent sweat on her forehead. Despite her attempt to stay calm, her nerves were on edge. The evolved zombie had just hurled a zombie straight toward the wall above her head. Fortunately, Kisha reacted instinctively¡ªreaching out with her telekinesis, she lifted a nearby car and smashed it into the airborne zombie, sending it hurtling back toward the evolved zombie. The force of her attack was so intense that the zombie''s body was reduced to a paste, splattered against the wall like a squashed mosquito. "Home run! Good shot, host!" 008 commented cheerfully. Kisha could almost picture 008 circling her, arms raised triumphantly in the air. She chuckled at the thought, but her amusement was short-lived as the wood-type evolved zombie wasn''t done yet. This time, it grabbed four more zombies and hurled them toward the wall. Acting quickly, Kisha lifted several abandoned vehicles from the street and used them to knock the incoming zombies back toward the evolved zombie. Now, she had three more cars floating around her while simultaneously conjuring an equal number of ''Rainbow Cubes'' to trap and eliminate more zombies in the battlefield. Along with this, she retrieved the [Dagger+2] from her inventory while continuing to synthesize additional daggers to ensure she had plenty on hand. She then opened the dagger''s stats window to check for any changes. ... [Dagger+2] [Description: A dagger that has undergone its first synthesis upgrade. Grade: Normal Durability: 150/150] ... The dagger''s stat had indeed changed, but the only noticeable enhancement was its added durability, which made Kisha feel like the material had been wasted. ''Or was it because it was just a normal grade?'' she wondered. With a flick of her hand, using her telekinesis, she controlled the dagger midair and sent it back into the battlefield, where it resumed cutting down zombies as usual. Once the dagger was dealt with, Kisha redirected her focus to the evolved zombie. It appeared amused now, controlling an increasing number of thorny vines to ensnare more zombies. Its intent was clear¡ªit was determined to push a zombie past Kisha and into the base. The menacing creature wasn''t going to stop until it achieved its goal. Kisha wasn''t about to let it happen without a fight. Tilting her head with a challenging look and a mocking grin, she stretched her neck, exuding confidence and daring. She wanted to test the evolved zombie''s capabilities¡ªand if possible, provoke it into closing the distance. Despite her curiosity, Kisha remained cautious. Her ''Mental Capacity'' was currently boosted to an impressive number of ten thousand, a level she wasn''t yet fully accustomed to, but even with that advantage, she didn''t want to reveal all her cards just yet. Without fully understanding what the evolved zombie was capable of, showing her hand prematurely might only give it an opportunity to retreat and regroup, possibly plotting against her. If that happened, dealing with it would become far more challenging¡ªespecially since she couldn''t afford to abandon her position right now. After noticing Kisha''s taunting expression, the evolved zombie appeared to comprehend her mockery. It let out a guttural growl, loud enough to echo across the battlefield, causing the surrounding zombies to halt in their tracks and turn toward it. For a brief moment, the horde seemed frozen in place before the evolved zombie directed its attention to the wall where Kisha stood, its gaze filled with malice. As if following an unspoken command, the zombies let out synchronized roars and shifted their focus entirely to Kisha''s position. Kisha raised an eyebrow, observing the horde as they moved with uncharacteristic coordination. They no longer charged aimlessly; instead, the zombies sprinted toward the base of the wall beneath her. It was as if they had entered a trance, unified by the evolved zombie''s rage. Upon reaching the wall, their behavior grew even more unsettling. Instead of forming a chaotic stampede, they displayed an eerie intelligence, grabbing and climbing over one another to form a grotesque, writhing ladder aimed at scaling the wall. Though the warriors on the wall and Kisha herself continued to strike them down relentlessly, the zombies showed no signs of hesitation. They didn''t flinch, didn''t retreat, and didn''t seem to care as their comrades fell and die. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Driven by an unyielding determination, they pushed forward, their numbers dwindling but their resolve unbroken. The soldiers and warriors around Kisha grew increasingly nervous and fearful as they watched the unsettling scene unfold. The sight of the zombies forming a ladder to scale the wall was enough to send shivers down their spines. However, Kisha remained unfazed. She understood all too well that evolved zombies possessed the ability to control hordes, and their power to command grew with their strength. There were two distinct types of evolved zombies: those that relied on crowd control to do their bidding and solo combatants who fought without depending on weaker zombies. Kisha and her team had encountered a crowd-controlling evolved zombie before¡ªthe earth-type evolved zombie during their mission to rescue Zeus. The other type, a solitary fighter, was precisely what Vulture was battling on the other side of the battlefield. Kisha assessed the situation carefully. Based on the sheer number of zombies the evolved zombie could control, she now had a rough estimate of its strength and level. With this understanding, she shifted her focus to casting her ''Rainbow Cube'' on the piling zombies in front of her. The swarm made for easy targets, drawn to her like moths to a flame, allowing her to kill them in large numbers with precision and efficiency. Despite the massacre of its minions, the evolved zombie appeared unfazed. It seemed well aware of its nearly limitless supply of reinforcements. For every zombie that fell, it could summon more to replace them, continuing to send wave after wave toward Kisha, wholly fixated on achieving its objective. Noticing that Kisha was holding her ground and the zombies under the evolved zombie''s control were being eliminated one after another, the other warriors and soldiers shifted their focus to the scattered zombies roaming the streets that weren''t under its influence. To support Kisha, some soldiers tossed grenades down the wall, targeting the writhing ladder of zombies attempting to climb. Their efforts helped thin out the swarm, buying Kisha more time to concentrate on casting her ''Rainbow Cube'' and further decimating the horde. Chapter 602 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 12 But the effort wasn''t without its challenges. The more Kisha killed, the greater the mound of zombie carcasses piled up beneath the wall, creating a grotesque mountain that the remaining zombies began using as stepping stones to scale the wall. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha frowned as she watched the relentless tide of undead continue their approach. Her eyes flicked to the evolved zombie''s sinister smile, and it became clear to her¡ªit had planned for this. The more she killed, the more carcasses accumulated, and soon, the mound would rise high enough for the zombies to climb over the wall and slip past her defenses. The evolved zombie wasn''t concerned about the body count¡ªit was counting on this very strategy. But the evolved zombie wasn''t stopping there. While Kisha was preoccupied with the zombie horde scaling the wall, it began launching more zombies like cannonballs toward the base. Each time a vine freed itself from a zombie, it quickly snaked out to grab another, hurling more zombies relentlessly toward the wall. It seemed to be betting that, with Kisha''s hands full dealing with the horde on the wall, she wouldn''t be able to stop the barrage of zombies flying toward the base. Soon, the base would descend into chaos as the zombie breach wreaked havoc inside, killing and devouring the survivors. Just the thought of it made the evolved zombie''s sinister smile widen, and it even seemed to be drooling, which sent a shudder of disgust down Kisha''s body. But when the zombies it hurled toward the base came flying at her, Kisha didn''t hesitate. She used the vehicle floating around her once again, sending it crashing into the zombies and knocking them back toward the evolved zombie. Each one slammed into the wall with a sickening thud. The dull thud, accompanied by the sickening sound of flesh being squashed, echoed in the air around the evolved zombie. When it turned slightly and saw its cannon fodder reduced to nothing, its attention snapped back to Kisha. The evolved zombie''s expression twisted with even more fury as its undead minions were sent back with such force that they didn''t survive the impact. Kisha couldn''t really be blamed for that, though. Her strength was now over two thousand, so it wasn''t surprising that she could send zombies flying and crush them against the wall. In fact, if Kisha hadn''t carefully controlled her strength, the zombies would have been obliterated on impact with the vehicle she controlled. But Kisha didn''t want that. She made sure to carefully control her strength, ensuring the zombies were sent flying back toward the evolved zombie, where they would inevitably slam into the wall behind it and become embedded from the sheer force of impact. She wasn''t just trying to eliminate the threat¡ªshe was taunting the evolved zombie. Though it was more intelligent than the typical zombies, it still wasn''t as clever as a human, and its arrogance and territorial nature made it prone to anger. It despised weak zombies, but what truly infuriated it was when things didn''t go its way, like a child throwing a tantrum. After all, these evolved zombies were just beginning to regain their intelligence, and it was clear their minds were still functioning like those of children. That was why taunting the evolved zombie was so effective. Without this tactic, the evolved zombie might never even try to get close to Kisha. Perhaps it recognized Kisha as a formidable threat, which is why it had been attacking from a distance, never getting too close. It could also still be assessing her strength while plotting to breach the base, ensuring chaos would erupt inside. But Kisha wouldn''t let that happen. While she was focused on the zombies scaling the wall, she never lost track of the evolved zombie''s actions. The warriors and soldiers around her could see the tension, their concern evident, but they didn''t stop their work. They knew there was nothing they could do to help Kisha with this fight aside from trying their best. They were even grateful to have Kisha on their side. What she was doing alone¡ªtaking on the horde as if she were a one-woman army¡ªwas what a hundred people would be doing together. Just watching her in action made them feel secure. "Get them all!" Kisha roared, and in that moment, everyone felt their blood surge. Adrenaline coursed through their veins, making them feel invincible, energized, and more powerful than ever before. "Yeah!" Everyone shouted with renewed vigor, their attacks growing stronger. Kisha just activated her ''Lion''s Roar'' skill, a powerful ability that would last for another twenty minutes. With this, she could afford a brief moment of rest, allowing the warriors and soldiers to help thin out the zombie horde. The more they killed, the fewer minions the evolved zombie would have at its disposal, leaving it with little choice but to face Kisha directly. She was waiting for that moment¡ªlike a hunter poised to strike when its prey stepped into the trap¡ªwhile still fending off the relentless waves of zombies. When the pile of zombie carcasses below the wall reached halfway, it seemed as though the evolved zombie''s plan was working. It flashed another sinister, almost arrogant grin, as if it believed it had already won. "That''s why they say not to count your eggs before they hatch." Kisha murmured under her breath. With a determined focus, she used the vehicle she controlled with her telekinesis to level the wall, smashing through the mound of zombie carcasses and flattening them as much as possible. "Rarhhhh!" "Roar!!!" The evolved zombie let out an enraged roar, slamming its fists into the ground like a rampaging Hulk, its fury radiating from its body. Kisha''s eyes narrowed, a slight smile tugging at her lips as she watched it. "Like I''d let you succeed that easily," she murmured, her tone dripping with amusement. If this had been before, she might have struggled to keep up, fighting to protect the base with every ounce of effort. But now, thanks to the stat boost, she felt stronger than ever. Not a trace of fatigue lingered in her, and she reveled in the rush of power. "Woah! Our City Lord is truly formidable!" The warriors and soldiers exclaimed, watching in awe as Kisha flattened the mound of zombie carcasses, preventing the zombies from using them as stepping stones to scale the wall. Now, the horde had to start over, and they had no doubt Kisha wouldn''t let them succeed again without leveling the mound once more. With that thought, the warriors and soldiers felt a surge of excitement, chuckling in relief. It wasn''t that they were lowering their guard, but the tension in their shoulders eased. They no longer had to worry about the zombies reaching the wall with this tactic in play¡ªonly to see Kisha level the mound again, pushing the evolved zombie into a fit of rage, as if it might burst and die from sheer anger. The evolved zombie leaned back and let out an earth-shaking roar, as if it was pouring all its strength into calling for reinforcements. And sure enough, more and more zombies began emerging from within the city. Kisha and the others felt the ground tremble beneath them, the unmistakable sound of marching echoing from miles away. Another swarm of zombies poured out, rushing toward them. The evolved zombie had summoned backup, and Kisha''s expression darkened as she realized what this meant. Chapter 603 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 13 "Fuck, we need more grenades!" A soldier barked into the walkie-talkie, his voice strained with urgency as he called logistics at central command. Aston and Tristan, picking up on the desperation, immediately responded. "Where should we send them?" Tristan asked, his tone sharp and focused. "The western wall!" the soldier shouted over the chaos. "Hell, another wave of zombies is surging from here! That damn evolved zombie is furious¡ªit''s trying to drown us in sheer numbers! Get those supplies here fast! We''re running low on ammo for the Gatling guns and the rest of our firearms!" He paused for a brief second before adding, "Do you have any RPG? We might seriously need one out here!" Tristan and Aston exchanged a tense glance before Aston grabbed the walkie-talkie. "We''ll send what we can¡ªhold on! We''ll get it to you as fast as possible!" he assured, his voice steady despite the chaos and loud noises. After ending the transmission, Aston raised his hand in a sharp signal. "Gather up!" The survivors assisting nearby, though unfamiliar with military signals, quickly understood his words and moved to form a loose circle in front of him. Tension hung in the air as some had overheard the desperate radio conversation, while others, too occupied with their tasks, had missed it entirely. The cacophony of noise around them¡ªgunfire, explosions, and the distant groans of the undead¡ªmade it nearly impossible to catch every word, but the urgency on Aston''s face was enough to silence any questions. "Prepare more grenades, all types of ammunition, and if there are any heavy firearms we haven''t accounted for¡ªfind them and report immediately! They might be critical at the Western wall¡ªASAP!" Aston''s voice thundered through central command, his expression grim and unyielding. The urgency in his tone left no room for hesitation or questions; the team scattered at once, moving with swift precision. They gathered every available resource, organized the supplies with practiced efficiency, and loaded them onto a forklift to ensure the delivery to the Western wall would be as fast and seamless as possible. Fortunately, during the earlier chaos, the survivors had already taken the time to organize the supplies. Ammunition was neatly arranged by size and type, making it easy to identify and grab without needing specialized knowledge. When Aston gave the order to send all kinds of ammo and firearms, the team wasted no time¡ªthey loaded everything onto a forklift and assigned a man to transport it to the Western wall. While waiting for the forklifts to return, others began scouring the area for any high-damage firearms that might still be available, ensuring no resource was left unused in their fight for survival. "Sir! We have some rocket launcher over here!" an excited civilian shouted from another corner, his voice carrying a hint of expertise despite his non-military background. When his words didn''t immediately catch anyone''s attention, he sprinted over to Aston, his excitement barely contained. "Sir, I found some RPGs! They were hidden under a tarp, which is probably why no one noticed them earlier. But I''m pretty sure these are the latest military models!" Aston raised an eyebrow as he listened to the man, quickly processing the information. "Prepare a dozen RPGs immediately and send them to the western wall along with the other supplies," he commanded sharply. The urgency in his tone left no room for delay; the soldiers at the western wall had specifically requested rocket launchers to help thin out the incoming horde. Before he could fully focus on the western wall''s situation, another distress signal crackled through the radio¡ªthis time from Duke''s position at the southern wall, urgently requesting more ammunition and other supplies. Aston''s jaw tightened as he made a quick decision. "Logistics team, double-time! Get the supplies to the southern wall immediately!" Without wasting another second, he delegated the tasks to the survivors working in logistics, trusting them to organize and deliver the much-needed items to both critical points as swiftly as possible. The walkie-talkie crackled to life once again. "Sir! Sir! Can you hear me?" came the voice of an excited middle-aged man, his tone filled with urgency and enthusiasm. Aston immediately grabbed the device. "What is it?" he replied, his voice steady and commanding. "Sir, as an artisan-type awakened ability user, we''ve been experimenting in the workshop with empty bullet casings. We managed to create a dozen impact-exploding rounds!" the man reported eagerly. "All the blacksmiths have been working together, and we''ve confirmed that the ammunition is safe¡ªit won''t explode in the barrel. Since we''ve heard the zombies'' defenses have become stronger, we figured we needed to improve our weapons." "We''ve been working on this for a couple of days now and finally achieved the right balance of gunpowder." "Although our supply of potassium nitrate and sulfur is limited, we have plenty of charcoal to keep production for a limited number. Would you like us to deploy these rounds for testing?" The excitement in his voice was palpable as he awaited Aston''s response, clearly hopeful that his creation could make a difference in the intense battle. Aston''s ears perked up as he heard the report. The situation at the walls was dire, and he knew the soldiers desperately needed something stronger than standard rounds¡ªnormal bullets simply wouldn''t cut it anymore." "He fell into deep contemplation for a full minute, weighing the options. The man on the other end of the walkie-talkie remained silent, patiently awaiting Aston''s decision. Finally, Aston spoke with firm resolve. "Can you modify the ammunition we already have? Instead of using spent bullet casings, focus on remaking these live rounds." "That way, you''ll have more gunpowder to work with, and we''ll end up with upgraded bullets ready for immediate use." He paused, his mind racing with the potential impact. "Once it''s proven that these enhanced rounds are more effective against the zombies, it''ll be a game-changer." "The soldiers will have a better chance at achieving one-hit kills, conserving ammunition, and holding the lines longer. We don''t have unlimited supplies, and we''ve yet to secure more gunpowder, so this might be our best shot." Aston''s voice carried both urgency and determination as he made his decision, knowing that every moment counted in their fight for survival. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yes, sir!" the voice on the other end of the line responded with unwavering resolve. Without wasting a second, the artisans began packing the impact-exploding rounds into a secure container. A member of the logistics team arrived shortly after, and the artisans carefully explained safety protocols to ensure the bullets would be transported without any mishaps. Not long after, the logistics team delivered a fresh batch of ammunition to be remodeled. The artisans worked meticulously, extracting the gunpowder with steady, delicate hands to avoid any accidental detonations. Thankfully, their extensive experience handling gunpowder had sharpened their skills and instincts, allowing them to carry out the delicate process with confidence. With each round, they carefully repacked the gunpowder into its new form, ensuring everything was precise and safe for use. When the impact-exploding rounds arrived at the western wall, what was described as "a few dozen" turned out to be several crates of ammunition. The logistics team quickly briefed the soldiers on how to use the rounds, and their excitement was immediate. The potential of these new rounds to turn the tide of the battle was clear, sparking a renewed sense of hope and determination among the troops. Chapter 604 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 14 Kisha, upon hearing the report and seeing the soldiers'' enthusiasm, made an immediate decision. She ordered the remaining standard bullets to be sent back for remodeling into impact-exploding rounds, ensuring they could maximize the effectiveness of their firepower against the advancing horde. No one disagreed with Kisha''s decision; the impact-exploding rounds were clearly more effective than the standard ones. The soldiers stationed on the walls immediately switched to the new ammunition, taking their positions and preparing for the next wave. Bang! Bang! As the rounds hit their targets, the soldiers watched in awe. When the bullet struck a zombie''s head, it penetrated the skull and exploded on impact, causing the zombie''s head to violently disintegrate. All that remained was a gaping hole, and the lifeless body collapsed to the ground, faceless and motionless. The soldiers who fired the first successful shots were stunned. Their mouths dropped open in amazement as they exchanged excited glances. This was no ordinary ammunition¡ªit was a game changer. Their confidence surged, and they quickly joined in, each soldier now eager to unleash the destructive power of the new rounds. Within moments, the incoming wave of zombies began to fall in droves, their bodies dropping like flies. Kisha, not slowing down for a second, kept her focus on casting her "Rainbow Cubes" as swiftly as possible, eliminating as many zombies as she could with each calculated strike. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The evolved zombie showed no signs of slowing down, relentlessly hurling more of its zombie minions toward the wall. Kisha, undeterred, focused all her energy on striking back, using her skills to knock the zombies back toward the source of this flying zombie. And it just so happened that she also successfully synthesized a [Dagger+3]. ... [Dagger+3] [Description: A dagger that has undergone its first synthesis upgrade. Grade: Normal Durability: 200/200 Sharpness: +1] ... Kisha wasn''t sure what the added stat ''Sharpness+1'' would do, but she immediately put the [Dagger+3] to use on the battlefield. The previous [Dagger+2] had shown little improvement¡ªjust more durability than a regular dagger¡ªbut it still wore down quickly against the zombies, whose defenses had grown stronger. Curious about the new stat, Kisha watched with interest as she sent the upgraded dagger into the fray. To her relief, it performed far better. Though the cuts weren''t as effortless as a knife through butter, the dagger sliced through zombies with noticeably improved efficiency, and its durability held up much longer than before. Kisha paused for a moment, reflecting on her decision. Initially, she had thought it was a waste of time¡ªeach synthesis only seemed to improve durability, and she had been reluctant to keep using daggers for upgrades. But the surprising results from her latest synthesis gave her a sense of satisfaction, and for the first time, she felt a flicker of excitement at the possibilities. To upgrade the dagger to +4, Kisha realized she would need to sacrifice more daggers¡ªpossibly even using up all the ones in their team''s supply just to create a slightly upgraded version. This wasn''t the most efficient approach, and it frustrated her. The only benefit of the synthesis process was that even if a dagger was worn out and nearly broken, the end result would still have full durability, unaffected by its previous condition. Unfortunately, the daggers stored behind her were all too damaged to use for synthesis, leaving her with fewer options. However, Kisha devised a plan: she could use the [Dagger+2] in battle, letting them wear down in the fight, and then retrieve them just before they broke. Once the daggers were on the verge of shattering, she would send them for synthesis to improve them further. She continued this process tirelessly, pushing through until she ran out of usable daggers¡ªthree hours later, she found herself with no more supplies left. The sky was beginning to lighten as the sun slowly peeked over the eastern horizon. The morning dew, which would usually carry a refreshing scent, now reeked of rotting flesh, the putrid stench of zombies overwhelming everything around. The deafening roars of the creatures echoed throughout the area, their relentless march shaking the ground beneath them. Many warriors and soldiers had already rotated shifts, with most heading to the western wall to rest. They had discovered that the western wall offered the best chance to recharge, despite the louder sounds of zombie roars, grenade explosions, and rocket fire. The chaos there seemed more bearable, a small comfort amidst the madness. As word spread, more and more soldiers sought refuge at the western wall¡ªjust as Kisha had hoped. They couldn''t quite explain why, but despite the western wall being the most chaotic¡ªoverrun with a much larger zombie wave than the other walls¡ªthey found it strangely easier to recharge there. But after the three hours, Kisha managed to get a [Dagger+6] synthesis ... [Dagger+6] [Description: A dagger that has undergone its first synthesis upgrade. Grade: Normal Durability: 350/350 Sharpness: +2] ... Kisha discovered that every three levels of upgrades, the sharpness stat improved. Currently, her dagger''s sharpness was +2, allowing it to slice through zombies like a hot knife through butter. She only had one such dagger; the others were +3 and +4, with two +5 daggers that she used in the field. What she noticed, though, was that the durability of the higher-level synthesized daggers no longer deteriorated, unlike the others. She speculated that the reason for the durability loss on the lower-level daggers was due to the increased defense of the zombies they were being used against, which wore down the blades. When the opponents had weaker defenses, the daggers remained in better condition and was unaffected. If this could be done with daggers, then it was possible for firearms or other weapons as well. This was why she had been eager to reach level 5 on her system before. She wanted to experiment with firearms, but since they were much larger than daggers, it would be harder to carry out the modifications without drawing attention¡ªunlike with the daggers, which she could easily conceal in her cloak. For now, she set that idea aside and focused on the ongoing battle. After five hours of non-stop fighting, Kisha noticed that her control over her consciousness and mana had improved. She could cast the ''Rainbow Cube'' much faster, with far less delay. The flow of her mana and spiritual energy was smoother, and she had even managed to increase both her mana and spiritual reserves through her efforts. Kisha felt a surge of excitement as she noticed her progress. At the same time, she had successfully proven to herself that she truly could tap into an infinite source of spiritual energy and mana, thanks to both her active and passive skills. As the upgraded daggers soared through the battlefield like drones, Kisha focused on refining her telekinesis, causing more zombie heads to explode one after another. Through her relentless practice, she successfully developed a new skill: ''Energy Burst''. By manipulating the energies and blood vessels inside the zombies'' heads to make them explode, she honed her control over the process. Now that the skill had formed, she could cast it faster, with less spiritual energy and focus required. Chapter 605 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 15 "Host! You''re on fire!" 008 exclaimed as Kisha''s relentless attacks lit up the battlefield, with her daggers weaving through the horde like guided missiles. Meanwhile, the soldiers found renewed purpose as they armed themselves with the newly supplied rounds of enhanced ammunition. Previously, they had felt like insignificant participants in the battle, their efforts barely making a dent against the now stronger, more resilient zombies. Many had seen themselves as expendable compared to the awakened ability users¡ªthe true treasures of the base. But now, armed with superior weapons, they stood on equal footing. Even without awakened abilities, they could hold their ground and fight effectively. Their confidence, long eroded, had been reignited, and a renewed determination surged through the ranks. "Hell yeah!" Kisha smirked, ramping up her attacks on the relentless wave of zombies. The wood-type evolved zombie, visibly enraged by the failure of its forces to gain any ground against Kisha and her people, roared in frustration. But the angrier it got, the more exhilarated Kisha felt. She grinned wickedly, her eyes blazing with determination. "Push them back even harder!" she commanded, her voice cutting through the chaos like a rallying cry, fueling the morale of her people. "Yes, City Lord!" a soldier responded crisply before launching an RPG into the heart of the dense zombie horde. The missile struck its target with precision, triggering a massive explosion that sent zombies flying in all directions. Three more soldiers quickly followed suit, firing their own missiles, creating a chain of deafening blasts. The reverberations shook the walls, and the shockwaves sent hot gusts of wind sweeping over Kisha and the others. Despite the devastating attacks, the horde barely seemed to thin down, it did so little to their number. Undeterred, the soldiers seamlessly transitioned to the next wave of attacks. While one group reloaded, the second team, already prepared, unleashed their missiles, ensuring there was no pause in the relentless bombardment. "Chop chop! Move it!" a soldier barked, glancing back at the team handling the RPGs. His voice carried urgency as he turned his focus back to the incoming wave of zombies within his line of sight. With practiced precision, he aimed his assault rifle, keeping it on single-fire mode to conserve ammunition. Each carefully placed shot found its mark, taking down one zombie at a time. For now, a single bullet was enough to do the job, and he wasn''t about to waste resources with reckless firing. The artisans were working tirelessly, pushing their limits as they upgraded the ammunition. With each task, their actions became more precise, their techniques more refined, and their foundations stronger. Unlike the offense and defense-type awakened ability users who relied on battles to solidify their foundations and gain experience before leveling up, artisan-type awakened ability users had a different path. They needed to craft as much as possible within their area of expertise to strengthen their foundation. Only then could they attempt to advance through meditation¡ªa slow process unless supplemented by the energy from zombie crystal cores, like what Kisha and the others do. This disaster, ironically, was also a blessing in disguise for all awakened ability users. Whether offense, defense, or support types, everyone would inevitably grow stronger from the relentless battles and challenges. For the blacksmith artisans, the constant crafting and upgrading of ammunition allowed them to steadily stabilize their foundations. If they kept this up, it wouldn''t be long before they, too, were ready to level up. The blacksmith artisans divided themselves into two groups to maximize efficiency. The first group focused on reinforcing the ammunition cartridges, while the second group worked on enhancing the gunpowder. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once the gunpowder was ready, it was handed back to the first group to reseal the cartridges. Meanwhile, the artisans skilled in food preparation teamed up with the cafeteria staff to produce easy-to-eat meals and snacks, ensuring the warriors and soldiers on the walls remained nourished and energized. These collective efforts from every corner of the base strengthened the defenders'' resolve. The warriors and soldiers standing on the walls felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing they weren''t fighting alone. The entire base was more united than ever, a unity so palpable that it stirred something within Kisha, amplifying her determination and fueling her spirit. More than anything, Kisha could feel her skill ''People''s Heart'' pulsating intensely. She didn''t understand what was happening, but the energy radiating from within her seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment. A mix of confusion and concern crept over her as she called out to 008. "008, what''s going on with this skill? Is it overheating or something?" Kisha asked, her voice laced with worry. She couldn''t afford for ''People''s Heart'' to malfunction¡ªnot now when she was relying on it so heavily. If something went wrong, she wouldn''t know how to manage without it. The western wall''s defense depended on her, and they were only six hours into the battle. With another grueling 18 hours ahead, Kisha knew her current stats wouldn''t sustain her without reinforcements or the extra boost provided by the skill. She desperately needed ''People''s Heart'' to hold out, or everything she worked for might collapse. "Um¡­ Host, I''m not sure either," 008 replied nervously, its uncertainty causing Kisha''s anxiety to spike. If even 008 didn''t know what was happening, then who would? A chill ran down her spine as fear gripped her¡ªthis was the last thing she needed right now. Her heart pounded erratically, the unease clawing at her mind. Yet, she forced herself to maintain a calm, composed expression, refusing to let anyone see the storm brewing inside her. She kept her focus on the battlefield, her attacks relentless as she struck down zombie after zombie. But deep down, the uncertainty gnawed at her. With no answers and no solutions in sight, all she could do was push forward and keep worrying silently while ensuring the defense of the wall didn''t falter. Meanwhile, trouble found its way to Duke and his team on the southern wall. A thick mist blanketed the entire area, and Duke immediately recognized the presence of an evolved zombie lurking somewhere in the shadows. The mist wasn''t just an inconvenience¡ªit was a deadly veil that obscured everything around them. Visibility was so poor that they couldn''t even see their own feet, let alone the direction of the next attack. It wasn''t the light, hazy kind of mist; it was dense and suffocating, more like the heavy smoke from a burning building. The oppressive atmosphere left everyone on edge. Though it wasn''t as deadly as the fog they had faced in the forest when he and Kisha battled the mutated tree, it was more than enough to blind them to the lurking dangers. The uncertainty gnawed at their nerves, making it clear that this fight would require every ounce of their focus and strategy to survive. "Vice City Lord, this isn''t good!" Clyde reported urgently, his tone laced with worry. "We''ve already requested another round of ammunition from the central command, but if this keeps up, we''re doomed. I heard the western wall was facing an endless surge of zombies, like waves crashing against the shore. They can''t be in good shape, but honestly, our situation isn''t much better!" Clyde, now acting as Duke''s vice commander on the battlefield, was no stranger to the front lines anymore. He had already proven himself, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the soldiers, fending off zombies and killing them with relentless effort. Everything had gone smoothly when Reeve had taken charge after him; their coordination and teamwork were solid, and they managed to hold their ground. But just three hours into the battle, a thick mist began to creep out from within the city. At first, they thought it might be another natural phenomenon, like the Geostorm that had ravaged the area just a few days ago. Yet, the unease settling over the battlefield made it clear that this mist was no ordinary occurrence¡ªand its origins were far more sinister. As time passed, an unsettling realization began to creep over them: something was deeply wrong with the mist. It wasn''t just obstructing their view¡ªit seemed to muffle the sounds of the zombies as well. The eerie silence made it nearly impossible to anticipate the enemy''s movements, and more than once, a zombie suddenly appeared out of nowhere, catching them off guard. Fortunately, the sturdy wall still stood between them and the horde, offering a fragile sense of security. But for how long? The oppressive atmosphere and dwindling visibility were making everyone on the wall increasingly anxious. They couldn''t afford to attack blindly¡ªdoing so would not only waste precious ammunition but also drain their spiritual energy, resources that were far from limitless. "Stay focused and keep in line. Don''t get too distracted," Duke said firmly. Though his voice wasn''t loud, it carried effortlessly across the distance, cutting through the eerie silence. Perhaps it was because the usual cacophony of growling zombies had faded, replaced by the oppressive silence of the mist. Hearing his steady tone, the soldiers straightened, their nerves slightly eased. If Duke was there, they felt they could trust him to find a way through this chaotic mess. With renewed determination, they turned their focus back to the battlefield beyond the wall. But the view was grim¡ªnothing but dense, choking mist stretched out before them. It was as though the zombies had learned to cloak themselves within the fog, launching sudden, stealthy attacks that caught the soldiers off guard. More than once, a zombie appeared just feet away from the wall, its proximity shocking them as it emerged like a phantom from the haze. Chapter 606 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 16 The ongoing tension had everyone''s nerves stretched to the breaking point, their hearts pounding as if hanging by a fragile thread. It felt like a heart attack could strike at any moment with the constant, sudden appearances of zombies seemingly materializing out of nowhere. The stress was starting to mess with their heads, filling them with the unnerving paranoia that a zombie might pop up inches from their faces at any moment, ready to catch them off guard. Even Duke was struggling, as he was tasked with protecting the largest section of the southern wall using his area-of-effect attacks. Unlike Kisha''s side, however, the southern wall had yet to receive the upgraded ammunition from the artisans. Aston had deemed the western wall the most urgent priority, given its dire situation, but no one had anticipated that Duke''s side would face an entirely different type of threat. Yet, even if they had the upgraded ammunition, it would make little difference¡ªthey couldn''t fight what they couldn''t see. Suddenly, the ground began to tremble beneath their feet. A massive horde of zombies emerged on one side of the wall, catching everyone by surprise. Like the scene on Kisha''s side, the zombies began piling onto one another in an attempt to scale the wall. Their abrupt appearance threw the soldiers and warriors off guard, causing a crucial delay in their response¡ªjust enough for the tension to reach a breaking point. But that wasn''t the only problem. As the zombies suddenly flooded one side of the wall, the warriors and soldiers instinctively rushed to that area, leaving the other sides vulnerable. Moments later, another horde attacked a different section, making it clear that these assaults were coordinated. To make matters worse, the base of the wall was shrouded in a thick mist, completely obscuring the ground below. Panic began to spread among the defenders as they realized the zombies appeared to be operating with some level of intelligence. However, Duke knew better. These were no masterminds¡ªthe zombies were merely pawns under the control of an evolved zombie that was manipulating the mist. The real challenge was identifying the type of evolved zombie they were dealing with and understanding its full range of abilities. Aside from the mist, Duke had no concrete information to work with, making it nearly impossible to devise an effective strategy to counter the horde or the evolved zombie. "Clyde, go take care of the other side," Duke commanded, his voice cutting through the rising chaos. Everyone was in a state of panic, and he knew it was the gnawing anxiety and nervousness eating away at their composure. The thick mist that blanketed their surroundings hid the lurking threats from view, amplifying their fear. After all, what could be more terrifying than being surrounded by enemies you couldn''t see? Duke understood what they were feeling¡ªthe sudden appearance of zombies, coupled with the unsettling intelligence they displayed, was enough to push anyone to the brink. But despite the oppressive tension, Duke''s presence served as a stabilizing force, keeping the group from completely falling apart. After Clyde moved to the other side, where the second horde of zombies was attempting to scale the wall, Duke turned his attention to the soldiers gathered on the opposite side. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He ordered them to take out the tank of used oil. For a moment, the soldiers froze, confusion flickering across their faces as they struggled to grasp the meaning of his command. Then, realization dawned on them as they glanced down the wall, where zombies were climbing with alarming speed. Understanding Duke''s intention, they sprang into action, scrambling to gather the used oil that had been drained from the truck engines and other machinery. The oil, stored in unused tanks, had been set aside as part of their efforts to conserve and repurpose every resource they had. With supplies dwindling, nothing could be wasted¡ªeverything had to be reused or recycled as much as possible. Most of the awakened ability users were mentally and physically exhausted, still in the process of recovering their spiritual energy. The walls, therefore, had only a handful of fighters left standing, with Duke being the sole force holding everything together. Now that Duke had provided them with a clear strategy for dealing with the zombies, the soldiers'' nervous hearts began to settle, and they started working with renewed focus. Meanwhile, the remaining soldiers and warriors fought to keep the zombies from scaling the wall. On the other side, Clyde used his ''Gravity Manipulation'' to flatten the zombies to the ground. With the creatures piled on top of each other, he had little trouble handling them; his power covered the entire area, making the task feel almost effortless. A sense of satisfaction washed over him as he looked at Duke, seeking validation for the job well done. Duke wasn''t stingy with praise when it was warranted, and he certainly recognized Clyde''s strategic thinking. He watched as Clyde patiently waited for the zombies to pile on top of each other before unleashing his awakened ability. Clyde planned to use the highest gravity weight he could muster to flatten them, and given the situation, the amount of spiritual energy required would remain the same, with the radius of his attack unchanged. Since the zombies were already stacked together, there was no need for Clyde to overexert himself. It was a perfect example of working smarter, not harder¡ªa principle Duke appreciated. With a quiet chuckle and a nod of approval, Duke acknowledged Clyde''s approach, making Clyde feel more confident in his decision. With this tactic, they managed to keep the incoming zombies at bay. But then, another horde emerged from the mist and began scaling the wall, mirroring the actions of the first two. It was as if they were searching for an opening, hoping to breach the defenses and climb over. Just as the other warriors and soldiers were about to scatter to address the new threat, those who had gone to retrieve the used oil Duke had requested returned. Without waiting for further orders, they rushed to the edge of the wall and began pouring the oil over the zombies that had already made it halfway up. The thick black oil slowly cascaded over the zombies, covering most of them. Then, without hesitation, the fire-type awakened ability users ignited the zombies, and the soldiers with the oil tanks did the same to the remaining horde scaling the wall. With the battlefield already shrouded in thick mist, the addition of the smoke rising from the burning zombies barely made a difference to the visibility. The soldiers and warriors watched the zombies burn, even though the creatures couldn''t feel the pain, but still, their muscles stiffened gradually, and one by one, they collapsed, falling and rolling over each other. The pillar of zombies that had been scaling the wall had begun to crumble, giving the soldiers and warriors a renewed sense of confidence. They repeated this process time and again, allowing most of them to recover their stamina and spiritual energy. Even Duke took this opportunity to rest for a moment, feeling the pulsating ache in his head from overusing his awakened ability in an effort to hold the fort. Chapter 607 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 17 "Vice City Lord, the oil is nearly gone!" shouted the soldiers who had been pouring the used oil over the zombies. Despite this, the aftermath of their tactic was clear: the remaining pillars of zombies that had been scaling the wall were now engulfed in flames and crumbling to the ground. Then, from within the mist, an angry roar echoed, signaling the evolved zombie''s fury. While it was a sign of their success, it also meant that they had taken down a substantial number of zombies in the process. And Duke wasn''t in a rush to confront the evolved zombie. In fact, he''d just come to a realization: the evolved zombie, lurking within the mist, might only be using the mist as its ability, along with crowd control to manipulate the horde at will. If that was the case, then all Duke needed to do was pinpoint its location, which would make it easier to tip the battle in their favor. Once he dealt with this one issue, they could return to their original strategy without exhausting his soldiers and warriors by constantly battling zombies that appeared out of the mist. The zombies seemed to emerge at random, waiting for Duke''s forces to lower their guard before launching an attack. But if his people stayed alert, never letting their defenses slip, they risked wearing themselves down mentally. Duke continued to monitor and analyze the zombies'' movements and patterns. Just moments ago, when the evolved zombie let out a roar, Duke used the sound to try and pinpoint its location within the mist. That''s when it hit him¡ªthe zombie might not be as far away as they thought. It could be standing right in the middle of the mist, watching them from a distance. They couldn''t see the evolved zombie, but perhaps it could see them. If that was the case, it would explain how the zombie was able to direct the horde, determining where and when to strike. Having finished his analysis, Duke instructed the soldiers and warriors to hold their positions and wait while resting. They had already dealt with the pillars of zombies that were still burning near the base of the wall, eliminating most of the threat. What Duke needed now was to confirm whether his suspicion was correct. "Wind-type awakened ability users, line up here!" he commanded, stepping aside to make room for them. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the warriors with wind-type awakened abilities lined up beside him, all eyes turned toward him in anticipation. Duke pointed in a specific direction, his voice steady. "Use your strongest whirlwind and cast it toward that area¡ªall at the same time." The warriors exchanged glances, taking deep breaths as they prepared. Then, with a shared understanding, they began to focus, conjuring the whirlwind, ready to execute the plan. As the whirlwind grew stronger, the wind users pushed it forward, directing it toward the specified area. The mist was sucked up and carried away by the powerful gusts, momentarily clearing the path. However, the mist would gradually return, slowly reclaiming the area. Then, Duke saw a lone figure emerge from the fog. Their eyes locked, and Duke couldn''t help but smile smugly, but before he could react further, the figure vanished back into the mist. The whirlwind began to dissipate, and the mist crept back into the cleared area, slowly engulfing it once more. As the evolved zombie''s shadowy figure slowly disappeared into the mist, the atmosphere shifted, signaling a moment of confrontation. In that instant, Duke took out the Kratos'' Spear and leaped down from the wall, his cloak swirling dramatically in the wind. The soldiers and warriors were left in stunned silence, fear and awe mixing in their expressions. Clyde, reaching out in a futile attempt to stop him, grasped only empty air¡ªjust inches from the fluttering tail of Duke''s cloak. As Duke hit the ground, he swung his spear in a wide arc, decapitating a burning zombie that had been charging at him, eager to sink its teeth into him. Without missing a beat, he sprinted into the mist. Zombies leaped from the fog, attempting to bite and tear at him, but Duke''s reflexes were lightning-quick. His spear seemed to move of its own accord, swinging in a natural, almost instinctive motion. One zombie wasn''t enough. Suddenly, a horde materialized out of nowhere, swarming toward him with bloodthirsty intent. But Duke didn''t falter. While running, he swung his spear overhead, spinning it like a helicopter blade before rolling it in his wrist, maintaining the circular motion. With fluid precision, he passed the spear to his other hand, clearing a path through the crowd. As he continued to charge forward, the spear spun relentlessly around him, cutting down zombies with unstoppable force. His movements were so fast, and the Kratos'' Spear rotated with such precision, that anyone witnessing it would find it hard to believe the weapon was as heavy as it was. Duke rotated the spear behind him, transferring it smoothly to his other hand through the back, ready to strike at the zombies closing in from behind. At the same time, he sliced through the ones approaching from his sides. With each motion, he left a trail of dismembered corpses in his wake. Then, within the mist, he spotted the familiar shadowy figure. Without hesitation, Duke propelled himself high into the air with a powerful leap, soaring more than two meters off the ground. As he rose, he rolled the spear in his wrist, positioning it with precision before gripping the end with his right hand and the middle with his left. With one swift motion, he thrust the spear downward at the zombie directly below him. The attack landed, but the evolved zombie, ever resourceful, used one of its minions as a shield, sacrificing the normal zombie to block the strike. Unable to evade in time, the evolved zombie took a step back, momentarily retreating, and the zombie it used as a shield received Duke''s attack just now. "Tsk!" Duke clicked his tongue in frustration, but he didn''t stop. With a heavy step forward, he activated the Spear''s ''Stab'' skill, and the piercing effect took hold, striking the evolved zombie in the shoulder as it continued to retreat. The zombie was trying to run, seeking the safety of the mist and summoning the horde for reinforcements. But Duke wasn''t about to let it escape so easily. He took another powerful step forward, his foot sinking into the pavement, leaving an imprint as though the ground were soft clay. With his spear raised, he thrust it again, but just as he did, a wave of zombies surged forward, forming a wall to shield the evolved zombie. Duke''s attack slammed into them, allowing the evolved zombie to pull further away. Despite the setback, Duke''s gaze never left the evolved zombie. His resolve was unwavering¡ªthis time, he wouldn''t let it run away. Even as a wave of zombies lunged at him, Duke didn''t break his stride. He used his spear to clear them away, the weapon''s sharpness effortlessly slicing through their ranks as if they were mere obstacles. His focus remained solely on the evolved zombie, even as he pushed deeper into the enemy''s territory. Despite the growing chaos around him, Duke remained calm¡ªunshaken. It was the evolved zombie that seemed to be losing its composure. Roaring in frustration, it used the normal zombies as fodder to buy itself time, retreating further into the mist. This only confirmed Duke''s suspicion: the evolved zombie didn''t possess any special abilities of its own, relying solely on the mist to hide and control the horde. Chapter 608 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 18 Luckily, after Duke vaulted over the wall, Clyde quickly took charge of the group above, allowing Duke to focus on the front lines without worry. Clyde understood the gravity of the situation. He knew that they had to deal with the evolved zombie swiftly, or else the longer it remained on the battlefield, the harder it would be for his team to maintain their resolve. The constant fear and anxiety would slowly erode their morale, even if they didn''t crumble under the physical onslaught of the zombies. The longer the battle raged, the more mental strain they would endure, leaving them vulnerable in ways that the enemy could exploit. Despite knowing the dangers of going down alone, Duke understood it was the best course of action, and he was the only one capable of carrying it out. Determined, he fought his way through the relentless zombie wave, closing in on the evolved zombie. His movements were unyielding, and his presence exuded a menacing aura that seemed to seep into the very core of his enemies. Even the evolved zombie, despite its heightened abilities, began to feel the weight of fear under the pressure of Duke''s unwavering killing intent. Duke''s swift movements and powerful strides brought him directly in front of the evolved zombie, leaving it momentarily stunned. The path he''d carved through the zombie horde seemed effortless, the creatures falling aside as though they were nothing more than obstacles. Realizing it had nowhere to run, the evolved zombie surged deeper into the horde, trying to escape, but the impact of Duke''s presence was undeniable. As it retreated, the entire zombie wave coming to the wall halted, redirecting its focus to Duke. The evolved zombie, now feeling its safety threatened, continued to use the normal zombies as a shield, desperately searching for somewhere to hide. It knew it couldn''t blend into the horde¡ªit stood out too much. No matter where it tried to go, Duke would always be on its trail. Of course, Duke was able to track the evolved zombie without difficulty. Just moments before it had attempted to flee, he had managed to surreptitiously place a retroreflective sticker on its back, a small, nearly undetectable move. With a flick of his finger, the sticker was sent to the evolved zombie''s back, allowing him to see its glowing reflection whenever it merged into the horde. Now, as the evolved zombie ran, Duke simply followed the gleaming trail it left behind. Standing face to face with the evolved zombie once again, Duke wasted no time. He unleashed his ''Ice Storm,'' ensnaring the evolved zombie''s feet and the surrounding area within a three-meter radius of ice. As it struggled to move, Duke seized the opportunity, launching his spear with deadly precision. The spear connected with the evolved zombie, its piercing effect taking hold and the stab skill ensuring the attack was as devastating as possible. With a single strike, Duke obliterated the evolved zombie, its monstrous form collapsing in an instant. As the horde around him began to scatter and be all over the place, the zombies on the street surged toward him in a chaotic wave, attempting to overwhelm him. But Duke''s quick reflexes made him a difficult target. Without missing a beat, he rushed forward, grabbing both his spear and the evolved zombie''s crystal core. In one fluid motion, he dashed back toward the wall, ensuring the core was safely in his possession. Duke kept the crystal core close, wary of the other zombies that might target it, as he had witnessed before with the other evolved zombie eating other evolved zombie''s crystal core to further their evolution. As the evolved zombie fell, the mist that had enveloped the street began to dissipate, gradually fading away. As Duke sprinted back, he conjured ''Fire Meteor'' and ''Lightning Strike,'' using the powerful blasts to clear his path through the horde. Simultaneously, his ''Ice Storm'' froze the zombies closest to him, trapping their feet in place and halting their advance. Despite his quick movements and relentless attacks, he could feel his spiritual energy draining rapidly. In response, he fished out a vial of black liquid, quickly downing it to replenish his energy and continue unleashing his elemental powers. With the zombies immobilized by his Ice Storm, his other attacks cut through them with ease, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. He carefully placed the evolved zombie''s crystal core into his Space Ring, making sure not to lose it during his frantic retreat. Meanwhile, his spear was in constant motion, swinging to carve a path as he moved forward. Because the evolved zombie had ventured deep into enemy territory, Duke was still a little too far from the safety of the wall, the pressure mounting as more zombies closed in. The soldiers and warriors couldn''t afford to attack blindly, wary of accidentally striking Duke in the chaos. Through the thick mist, they could only catch glimpses of his elemental attacks flashing in the distance. Tension hung in the air as they held their breath, eyes fixed on the swirling fog, waiting for Duke to emerge. Every second felt like an eternity as they stood poised, ready to act the moment Duke reappeared. Slowly, the mist began to dissipate, revealing the battlefield little by little, allowing the warriors to finally make out the lay of the land. The anticipation grew as they braced themselves for the next move. "I-I see the Vice City Lord!" Clyde shouted, pointing toward a specific direction. The soldiers and warriors, filled with excitement, quickly followed his fingers, their eyes narrowing in on the shadowy figure emerging from the mist. As the figure grew clearer with each passing moment, flashes of elemental attack lit up the area behind it, confirming that it was indeed Duke. The unmistakable silhouette of his long spear soon followed, and the soldiers knew exactly where he was. To prevent the zombies from focusing solely on Duke, some of the soldiers began tossing grenades across the battlefield, creating chaos among the horde. The explosions rattled the undead, ensuring they wouldn''t be so easily drawn to Duke alone. Moments later, Duke emerged from the mist, and the soldiers and warriors collectively exhaled in relief. They watched as he leaped toward the wall with impressive strength, his legs propelling him high into the air. However, despite the height of his jump, it wasn''t quite enough to reach the top. Without missing a beat, ice spikes materialized midair, providing Duke with a makeshift stepping stone. With a swift push, he used them to propel himself the rest of the way, reaching the top of the wall. As soon as Duke reached the top of the wall, a wave of relief washed over everyone, and they let out a collective sigh. Meanwhile, Duke slumped, too exhausted to move, his head pounding from the strain. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was clear to everyone that their Vice City Lord had pushed himself beyond his limits to deal with the evolved zombie. Reeve, noticing his condition, immediately stepped in to help, guiding Duke toward a tent for some much-needed rest. "No," Duke muttered, his voice weak. "Take me to the western wall. I''ll rest better and recover faster there." Despite barely being able to stand, Duke''s determination still shone through. Reeve quickly radioed for a golf cart to be brought to the site, ready to take Duke to the western wall as he requested. Chapter 609 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 19 As soon as the golf cart arrived, Reeve gently helped Duke into a sitting position. Duke''s eyes were closed, his breathing shallow, but despite his exhaustion, he still clutched his spear tightly in his hand¡ªalready asleep. After carefully settling him into the cart and making sure he''d be taken to the western wall, Reeve nodded at the driver. "Take good care of the Vice City Lord," Reeve instructed, his voice firm but full of concern. "Make sure he gets the rest he needs." Reeve watched as the golf cart carrying Duke slowly disappeared into the distance before climbing back onto the wall. Clyde had taken over Duke''s position, now commanding the rest of the team. Reeve stood beside him, and as their combined presence resonated, their ''Talent'' and ''Gift'' activated, creating a group synergy that enhanced everyone''s strength. The moment this energy surged through the team, a profound shift took place. The lingering feelings of vulnerability were replaced by a renewed sense of power. No one could quite explain why this happened¡ªperhaps it was the slowly dissipating mist that revealed the horde''s movements, or maybe it was Duke''s actions that had ignited their fighting spirit. Regardless of the reason, they felt a surge of resolve. With Duke temporarily out, they knew they had to hold the line¡ªstronger than ever. On the northern wall, the defenders also felt the intensifying pressure from the zombie horde. However, thanks to the ice-type evolved zombie, they were still able to keep the numbers manageable. Vulture had been replaced by a new earth-type awakened ability user, who was quick on his feet, and who now took charge. He expertly maneuvered and led the the ice-type evolved zombie, guiding it to roll through the battlefield, and directing it to kill its own kind without the creature even realizing it. Thanks to Vulture''s strategy, the team didn''t need to expend much ammunition or spiritual energy to fend off the incoming horde. Their primary task was simply rotating the role of leading the ice-type evolved zombie on the battlefield to roll around in its big ball shape and squash its own kind, allowing them to continuously thin out the zombie ranks. The warriors and soldiers only had to handle the few zombies that managed to get close to the wall, ensuring no undead could breach their defenses. Vulture''s plan had made the task remarkably easier. However, while Vulture could hold his position for extended periods, the other earth-type awakened ability users could only last a few minutes in the field. The ice-type evolved zombie was relentless, and its constant attacks froze parts of their bodies, making it tough to keep up. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fortunately, under Vulture''s guidance, everyone wore earth armor, which helped mitigate the freezing effects. "I didn''t know you were this smart," Bald Eagle teased, elbowing Vulture in the side, causing Vulture to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "Do you think I''m an idiot?" Vulture shot back, a hint of mock offense in his tone. Bald Eagle quickly avoided his gaze, almost confirming that, yes, he did think Vulture was a bit of an idiot. Vulture froze, momentarily taken aback by Bald Eagle''s reaction. He wanted to retaliate but held back, rolling his eyes instead and turning his attention back to the battlefield. As he focused on recharging his spiritual energy and resting, the soldiers and warriors around them silently cheered on the earth-type awakened ability user, who was skillfully dodging the ice-type evolved zombie''s attacks. He couldn''t afford to be distracted¡ªone mistake, and he''d either be crushed or frozen solid. On the eastern side of the wall, Evelyn had now stepped into the fray. Just like Vulture, she couldn''t control metal from a distance, so she leaped outside the wall to fight the zombie horde head-on. But with her unmatched defense, the zombies couldn''t even make a scratch on her. Every punch she landed was enough to obliterate a zombie instantly. She was also able to reshape her hands into sharp blades, and with each swing, multiple zombies fell to the ground, decapitated. Her seamless combat style made it clear she was more than a match for the oncoming wave. Rose let out a low whistle as she watched Evelyn effortlessly take down zombie after zombie. Despite the relentless horde flocking to her, none of the zombies could even scratch Evelyn''s metallic skin. Instead, they met their end with each strike. They were like moths drawn to a flame, continuously rushing toward her. Evelyn didn''t need to venture far to deal with them; the zombies came to her, allowing her to conserve her stamina. She only needed to move just enough to avoid being buried under the carcasses of the zombies she killed. With Evelyn positioned below, the zombies were drawn to her, though a few still attempted to scale the wall. However, the warriors and soldiers on top had no trouble handling this smaller group. The majority of the horde focused on Evelyn, but she wasn''t concerned about being surrounded. Her metal defenses made her nearly invulnerable, and the zombies were powerless against her. Even when the two women leading the eastern wall faced an evolved zombie, their flawless coordination and abilities allowed them to defeat it. Afterward, Evelyn made her way across the battlefield to retrieve the evolved zombie''s crystal core, ensuring it wouldn''t fall into the hands of the other zombies. The evolved zombie''s body was riddled with Rose''s ''Ice Crystal Needles,'' making it easy for Evelyn to spot the evolved zombie''s carcass and take out its crystal core. Once she retrieved it, she returned to the wall, and they quickly dispatched someone to the western wall to deliver the core to their city lord. Unlike the other three walls, Kisha had yet to kill the evolved zombie on her side. It stubbornly lingered at the back of the horde, continuing to send waves of zombies toward the wall. Kisha hesitated for a moment as she felt the subtle shift in her ''People''s Heart'' skill. She realized that if she experienced a sudden backlash and her people''s faith in her wavered, she might suffer a draining effect, with her spiritual energy and mana continuously siphoned from her. After weighing the risks, she decided to confront the evolved zombie head-on. Using her telekinesis, she floated off the wall, lifting the abandoned vehicles with her as she hit the zombies back being thrown in her direction. As Kisha floated off the wall, the warriors and soldiers exchanged knowing glances and quickly understood her intentions. They redoubled their efforts, working even harder to repel the zombies attempting to scale the wall. Those who had been resting also joined in, aware that without Kisha, they needed to support the defense. Despite their increased efforts, their eyes remained on the battlefield, where Kisha now floated in midair. The evolved zombie, which had been relentlessly throwing zombies toward the wall, paused in its tracks and locked eyes with Kisha. Enraged, it let out a furious roar and hurled the zombie it was holding straight at her. But Kisha wasn''t to be outdone. With a swift motion, she launched the vehicles she was carrying at the evolved zombie with incredible force and speed. Chapter 610 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 20 Now that Kisha was in the middle of the battlefield and closer to the evolved zombie, the distance between them wasn''t far enough for it to react in time. The evolved zombie had no chance to evade as the vehicles Kisha hurled slammed into it with tremendous force, burying it under the wreckage. ''That was fast,'' Kisha thought to herself, a hint of regret creeping into her mind. ''If only I had acted sooner, I wouldn''t have had to endure so much, would I?'' She chastised herself silently, feeling the sting of self-reproach. Her tendency to overthink and overanalyze had made her overly cautious, causing her to hesitate instead of stepping forward right away. Instead, she had wasted time trying to bait the evolved zombie into coming closer on its own. The evolved zombie lay buried beneath the vehicles, with no sign of movement. Kisha cautiously descended, lowering herself closer to the scene while casting more ''Rainbow Cubes'' around her for protection. Her dagger wove through the surrounding horde with precision, clearing her path. As she approached and prepared to lift the vehicles off the evolved zombie, a sudden surge of force erupted. The zombie''s vine-like tentacles burst forth, hurling the vehicles aside with such power that one nearly struck Kisha midair. She quickly steadied herself and saw that the evolved zombie had encased itself within a dense sphere of intertwining vines, creating an impenetrable shield to block her attacks. A bright smile spread across Kisha''s face as a brilliant idea struck her. ''Let''s see whose ability is stronger¡ªyour vines or my Rainbow Cube.'' With the evolved zombie well within her range, casting her skill was effortless. Without hesitation, she activated the ''Rainbow Cube,'' instantly trapping the creature inside. The wood-type evolved zombie recoiled in shock. As it retracted its vines, it realized too late that something was confining it. Panic set in as it thrashed violently, lashing its vines against the cube''s walls, trying to break free. It even attempted to pierce through with sharpened tendrils, but no matter how hard it struck, the cube remained unscathed. A furious roar echoed from within. And now that Kisha was close enough, she could finally see its status window. ... [Zombie (Common Grade) "Buffed By the Event"] Level 5 (Exp: 0/20,000) Morality: Corrupted Strength: 520 Stamina: Null Defense: 540 Agility: 540 Mental Capacity: Null Charm: Null Leadership: 530 Skills: None Ability: Wood Description: A human infected by an ancient virus loses their brain function and rationality, leaving only their primal instincts. This transforms them into a relentless, ravenous beast driven by an insatiable hunger. ... Kisha''s breath hitched as she processed the information before her¡ªa Level 5 evolved zombie with stats exceeding five hundred. No wonder it looked so powerful and could command such a massive horde. Yet, despite its overwhelming strength¡ªenough to bring down the western wall¡ªit kept its distance. It must have sensed her power and was playing it safe. Fortunately, her strength had been amplified tenfold. If this monster had appeared on another side of the wall¡­ she didn''t even want to imagine the devastation that would have brought there. Kisha let out a shaky breath, her gaze locked onto the evolved zombie. Despite its immense strength, it couldn''t break free from the cube, proving that her Rainbow Cube was capable of trapping almost anything. However, as the zombie thrashed violently inside, she could feel the rapid drain on her mana. Maintaining the cube required an overwhelming amount of energy¡ªan undeniable drawback to its incredible power. The ''Rainbow Cube'' consumed mana at an alarming rate, draining it like water to sustain itself. Fortunately, Kisha possessed an immense, almost limitless supply, but even so, she knew she had to deal with this evolved zombie quickly. If anything happened to her, no one else would be able to handle this threat. With that in mind, she ascended higher into the sky, pulling the trapped zombie along while continuing to thin the horde below. This time, the assault on the wall ceased as the zombies shifted their focus entirely to her, swarming beneath in a relentless tide. Forced to rise even higher, she watched as her Rainbow Cube slowly shrank. The evolved zombie inside was resisting with all its strength, struggling to keep itself from being crushed. This was why Kisha couldn''t crush the evolved zombie instantly as she had with the others. Unlike regular zombies, it had enough strength to resist¡ªbut not for long. With her superior stats, she could still overpower it, steadily shrinking the Rainbow Cube around it. Desperation set in as the trapped evolved zombie let out frantic calls to its minions. Below, the horde responded, climbing over one another in a relentless attempt to reach her, forming a writhing mass like ants building a bridge. The cube continued to shrink steadily, and even through the deafening roars and growls of the horde below, Kisha could hear the sickening snap of bones. A slow smile curved her lips as she locked eyes with the evolved zombie, which glared at her menacingly while straining against the cube, trying to resist being crushed. Desperation flickered in its gaze as it wrapped itself in vines, as if that feeble defense could save it. Kisha let out a sharp, mocking laugh at its futile attempt. But then, her expression shifted¡ªher eyes turning cold and ruthless. In an instant, the Rainbow Cube shrunk out of existence, vanishing from sight. All that remained was a pool of black blood and an unrecognizable mass of crushed flesh and tangled vines. Kisha activated her telekinesis, carefully sifting through the mangled flesh in search of the crystal core. The moment she located it, she glanced toward the western wall, where soldiers and warriors stood frozen in awe. Then, a triumphant cheer erupted¡ªarms shot into the air, some embracing one another in sheer relief. They could hardly believe it. The monster that had terrorized them for quite a while was gone¡ªjust like that. Below, the remaining zombies halted, momentarily in a daze. The towering pillar of the zombies collapsed in a heap as confusion rippled through their ranks. But the pause was brief. Within moments, they resumed their assault¡ªonly this time, it was the same disorganized frenzy they were used to. Kisha used her telekinesis to pull the crystal core toward her. As it landed in her palm, she stared at the perfectly shaped, dark green crystal core, its surface smooth and unblemished. A powerful energy pulsed from within, radiating in steady waves, rich and unused power. ... [Zombie Core] Level: 5 Attribute: Wood Spirit: 230 Description: A dark forest green-colored zombie core that has recently formed and strengthened, containing only a decent amount of energy. ... After a brief inspection, she stored the crystal core in her inventory and began making her way back. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As she moved, she left a trail of mangled zombie carcasses in her wake, never once ceasing her assault. Without an evolved zombie to summon reinforcements, the horde''s numbers were finally dwindling. The difference was unmistakable¡ªwhere once an endless tide of undead surged, now only scattered limbs and pools of black blood remained, staining the ground and the abandoned cars outside the wall. This sight fueled the soldiers and warriors on the wall, reigniting their resolve. Energized, they pushed themselves harder, their determination renewed to continue the fight. Chapter 611 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 21 Another two hours or so passed, bringing them to nearly eight hours into the "Beginning of the End" battle. The strain was becoming unbearable. Though they could rest in brief moments when exhaustion set in, the relentless toll on their bodies and minds only grew. Fatigue weighed heavily on their muscles, and their spirits were battered, each soldier and warrior feeling the mental and physical toll of the prolonged fight. Yet, despite it all, they found the strength to push forward¡ªmotivated by the love they had for their families and the hope of a future together. The human body, however, has its limits. One by one, soldiers and warriors began to collapse, convulsing before passing out, leaving the medics scrambling to keep up. Even Duke, who had been sent to the western wall to rest and recover, had recharged quickly. Yet, driven by his eagerness to return to the fight and his concern for the two teenagers holding the line, he couldn''t stay away. He rejoined the frontlines, only to collapse once more. This time, he convulsed and passed out, and the sight of him falling made Kisha''s worry intensify. Unable to focus solely on her own side, she too pushed herself too hard, ultimately finding herself on the brink of collapse, just like Duke. Chaos quickly spread through their ranks. With both the western and southern walls losing their pillars of leadership, soldiers, and warriors grew increasingly nervous. The absence of Duke and Kisha fueled their fear¡ªhow could they hold the line without them? One mistake after another followed, and slowly, despite the lack of a commanding leader, the zombies began to advance. They neared the wall once more, scaling it with increasing determination. As the pressure mounted, the warriors and soldiers buckled under the stress. The zombies, relentless and uncaring, climbed over their fallen comrades, turning lifeless bodies into mere stepping stones as they steadily reached the halfway point of the wall. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! What do we do now? The City Lord''s down!" one of the soldiers shouted, panic in his voice as he hurled a grenade over the wall. "What else can we do but fight?!" another soldier snapped back, his voice tinged with frustration. "Our City Lord has been on the frontlines with us for over seven hours straight. It''s no surprise she''s fallen ill! It''s because we''re not strong enough that we''re dragging her down!" "I heard the Vice City Lord''s down too!" someone else cried out, his voice breaking with worry. "We have to hold the line until they return! Push forward!" another shouted, rallying the troops. "Shit! I can''t die here!" someone else yelled, fear creeping into their words as the pressure mounted. As the warriors and soldiers bickered on the wall, caught between their fight and mounting fear, the medics worked tirelessly to tend to those who had collapsed¡ªKisha and Duke among them. Both were taken to separate tents, where Eric Gilberts personally oversaw their care. After thorough examination, he found no physical injuries beyond the signs of extreme exhaustion and stress. It was as if their bodies had simply shut down, like an overworked machine that had overheated and could no longer function. At the fifteen-hour mark, the soldiers and warriors on the wall were completely drained, like withered trees desperately holding their ground against a relentless storm. The winds and rain had battered them for so long that they were on the verge of breaking, and inevitably, they did. The defenses on both the western and southern walls began to crumble. Kisha hadn''t anticipated this. She hadn''t fallen because of exhaustion¡ªshe still felt relatively fine. If she had even felt the slightest hint of fatigue during the more than seven hours of nonstop fighting, she would have allowed herself a brief rest. After all, having already dealt with the evolved zombie, she knew that taking a moment to recover wouldn''t endanger the western wall. But now, the situation had shifted beyond her control. As Kisha continued to fight, her body suddenly gave out. Without warning, her vision blurred to black, and before she could react, she collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud. Those around her saw her fall and immediately went into a panic, rushing her to the medic. At the same moment, Duke fell in the same way. When both were brought to the medic''s tent, the sight of the City Lord and Vice City Lord unconscious sent a wave of shock through those who had carried them. The realization that both leaders were down only deepened their anxiety, amplifying the fear that gripped the camp. Several hours had passed, yet neither Kisha nor Duke had woken up. The pressure mounted on those still fighting on the battlefield. Vulture and Rose had managed to send reinforcements from their teams, as they were holding up relatively well in their sectors. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, it still wasn''t enough. Both the western and southern walls were falling, and despite their best efforts, they couldn''t stop the inevitable. Just as everyone thought this might be their end, as the zombie horde began to breach the western and southern walls, a strange buzzing sound echoed through the sky. Buzz... Buzzz. Before the warriors and soldiers could make sense of what was happening, the ground was once again covered with mangled zombie limbs. They couldn''t comprehend what was unfolding around them; all they saw were zombies falling, one after another, in a chaotic, gruesome display. The air was filled with the sound of bodies being sliced apart, but the source of the attack remained a mystery¡ªno one could see who or what was cutting through the horde. The scene quickly turned into a macabre spectacle, a blur of dismembered corpses. The remaining soldiers and warriors, chilled with the certainty that they were about to be overwhelmed by the zombie horde without their leaders, stood frozen atop the wall. They watched in disbelief as the scene below unfolded, desperately trying to identify who¡ªor what¡ªwas cutting down the zombies. It wasn''t just happening in one spot; it was as if an invisible net was systematically sweeping through the horde, silently eliminating them. The attack moved deeper into enemy territory, beyond the wall, leaving a trail of fallen zombies in its wake. "W-What''s going on?!" one of the soldiers exclaimed, his voice trembling with confusion. "I don''t know... but... I think we might be saved!" another replied, a hint of hope creeping into his tone. "It''s the City Lord!" one of the warriors murmured in disbelief, repeating the words, "I think it''s the City Lord!" "How can you be sure?" someone else asked, and they all turned to look behind them, expecting to see Kisha''s return. But there was no sign of her. Even the warrior who had first suggested it fell silent, realizing how implausible it seemed. "But... only the City Lord could do something like this," one soldier ventured, his voice filled with awe. "Do you think she''s still protecting us, even while she''s unconscious?" He slowly rose from the ground, peering over the wall to glimpse the ongoing chaos below. "I think you''re right," another soldier muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "Only the City Lord has this kind of power. She was still protecting us... worried about us, because we''re so damn weak." He croaked, wiping at his eyes as they blurred with tears. They had thought it was their end, but this unexpected turn of events had shattered that despair. Chapter 612 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 22 "Damn," another soldier chuckled softly, though his voice was strained. "Even when the City Lord''s out cold, she can''t rest without worrying about us. What a handful we are." The joke was weak, but it only made them cry harder. Relief, gratitude, and fear swirled within them, overwhelming their senses. Their knees gave way, and they dropped to the ground, unable to process how Kisha was even doing all this while she was unconscious. For a moment, they truly believed they were dying¡ªbut somehow, they had been given a second chance. What they didn''t know was that the Scarlet Bees, led by Bell, had been on standby all along, ready to step in when things got critical. In this case, with Kisha down and the soldiers cornered, they had little hope left. Even though the horde of zombies no longer had a commanding force behind them, the sheer number of zombies still surrounding the walls was staggering. Without Kisha, their primary attacker who had been cutting through zombie after zombie, their own efforts felt weak and ineffective in comparison. After hours of exhausting battle, one by one, the soldiers and warriors were succumbing to fatigue. That''s when Bell''s arrival on the battlefield proved to be a game-changer, providing much-needed relief. Her presence allowed the soldiers a moment to breathe, regain their composure, and adjust their strategies, offering them a brief reprieve from the mounting pressure. While Bell was busy managing the zombie horde outside the walls, Eric Gilberts focused his attention on assessing Kisha and Duke''s condition. Both appeared to be in a deep, unresponsive sleep, which made him uneasy. The stillness of their state left him with a nagging sense of concern, wondering if they were truly just resting or if something more was happening to their body. "Have the City Lord and Vice City Lord woken up yet?" Aston asked as he arrived, his face etched with concern. Having heard what happened, he had come to check on them, sharing the same worries as the soldiers and warriors defending the western and southern walls. Unlike the western wall, which was struggling, the southern wall was faring much better. Clyde and Reeve had stepped in to cover Duke''s role, keeping the defenses stable. Meanwhile, Kisha had been fighting alone in her section, relying on Bell to take over when the situation demanded it. Fortunately, Kisha had made some preparations in advance, preventing the worst from happening. Since the battle had raged on for more than half a day, the cafeteria had already begun delivering meals to the soldiers and warriors. Even those too preoccupied to stop and eat were forced to take a break by the food runners, who understood that proper nutrition was just as vital as stamina boosters and vials of black liquid. No matter how fierce the fighting, their bodies still needed real sustenance. Even the frontline fighters had no choice but to shove food into their mouths between attacks¡ªone hand gripping a meal while the other continued firing using their weapons or conjuring an elemental strike. However, after fighting for an extended period, exhaustion was beginning to take its toll. Many were growing weary, even on Vulture and Rose''s side, despite the rotation of manpower. The news about Kisha and Duke only heightened their concerns, adding to the mounting pressure on the battlefield. By the seventeen-hour mark, even the Scarlet Bees were reaching their limits. Bell had no choice but to order them to stand down and rest¡ªany further, and they would collapse from sheer exhaustion and die. This meant the soldiers and warriors had to take charge once again. Fortunately, the Scarlet Bees had bought them a crucial two-hour window to recover, allowing them to fight more effectively. However, Kisha and Duke had yet to wake up. Knowing that their leaders had pushed themselves to the brink, the soldiers and warriors felt a deep sense of duty to fight even harder. Some warriors were already bleeding from their noses and ears, their heads pounding as if they were about to split open. Despite this, they stubbornly refused to back down, determined to hold the line until Kisha and Duke woke up. The soldiers had to force some of them to step back and rest, but the warriors resisted, their resolve unshaken. To them, enduring this battle a little longer was their way of repaying their leaders'' sacrifices¡ªto buy Kisha and Duke the time they needed. After all, they just had to hold on for a few more hours. But the soldiers weren''t having it. "You want to push yourselves to the brink? Are you trying to explode your energy core and give our City Lord even more problems? Get a grip and take a rest!" one soldier barked, his voice sharp and commanding. Without hesitation, the soldiers dragged the warriors back to the tents to recover. Thankfully, the batch of the newly upgraded ammunition had arrived, which gave the soldiers a small sense of relief¡ªthey were no longer fighting with inadequate resources. However, even with reinforcements from other teams stationed at different walls, their numbers were still dwindling rapidly. The warriors were dropping one after another, succumbing to the backlash of overusing their awakened abilities. Blood poured from their noses and ears, and in the most severe cases, blood wept from their eyes. It was a dire sight, and no matter how many reinforcements arrived, the strain on their forces was unbearable. Fortunately, they had all been warned by their City Lord about the dangerous symptoms that came from overusing their awakened abilities¡ªsymptoms that could lead to death or irreversible damage. The soldiers knew they had no choice but to intervene and prevent their comrades from self-destructing. It was clear that this wasn''t the kind of sacrifice Kisha would ever want to hear about. After all, awakened ability users were invaluable, and Kisha would never want one of her warriors to perish needlessly. Their lives were too precious to be squandered like that. Now, the soldiers were mostly the only ones left holding the line on the walls, struggling to fend off the relentless zombie horde. Their situation had grown increasingly dire. The zombies were piling up faster than before, overwhelming them, as the firearms and grenades they had weren''t nearly enough to push back the wave. Each shot and explosion seemed less effective, and the pressure was mounting with every passing moment. They were clearly at a disadvantage, fighting a losing battle against the sheer numbers of the undead. "Fuck! This isn''t cutting it anymore! We need more firepower!" one soldier shouted, desperation creeping into his voice as he launched another RPG. But even their supply of RPG missiles was dwindling fast, and their stockpile of grenades was nearly exhausted. The soldiers could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on them, and anxiety spread quickly through their ranks. There was no armory here, no backup supply of weapons or ammunition. What they had was all they could rely on, and once it was gone, they''d be defenseless. The sight below the wall only fueled their growing panic. The zombies were piling up faster than ever, their numbers overwhelming. The spikes that had once formed the first line of defense were now buried beneath a sea of rotting corpses, rendering them useless. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The undead had trampled and piled on top of one another, creating an ever-expanding mass of death. Chapter 613 Is This Really The End? All the soldiers could do now was watch in horror as the seemingly endless tide of zombies pressed closer, inching their way up the base of the wall, and the threat of running out of ammunition loomed larger than ever. They were backed into a corner, the situation growing direr by the minute. Their warriors were down, the ammunition supplies nearly depleted, and Kisha and Duke were still unconscious, leaving the remaining soldiers with little hope. As reality set in, even the logistics team, usually focused on supplies, started to panic. Fear spread through the base like wildfire, igniting unrest among everyone as they realized they were inching closer to the point of no return. Despite all their efforts, they couldn''t shake the feeling that they would eventually fall to the overwhelming tide of zombies. Then, the twenty-hour mark came, and it was worse than anyone had imagined. The soldiers had exhausted every last round of ammunition, and even the artisans¡ªwho were capable of crafting on the fly¡ªhad run out of the necessary materials to create more. Without enough gunpowder or other essential components, they were powerless. Their last option, primitive weapons like makeshift bows and arrows, were no match for the relentless horde of zombies as they couldn''t even make a dent in the zombies anymore. Even the artisans, typically resourceful and inventive, felt helpless in the face of such overwhelming odds. It was a grim reality: they were running out of time, and nothing they had could stop the inevitable. Everyone was running out of ideas, growing increasingly desperate, and Kisha and Duke''s prolonged unconsciousness only added to the mounting tension. Eric Gilberts, despite his medical expertise, couldn''t make sense of their condition. Unlike the others who had overexerted their awakened abilities and slipped into comas as a result, Kisha and Duke exhibited no obvious symptoms of that kind. There were no signs of the usual physical backlash that accompanied the excessive use of their powers. Eric was stumped. The virus that had altered the bodies of awakened ability users hadn''t been thoroughly studied, and with limited knowledge of how the transformation affected their physiology, he was left grasping at straws. With no clear diagnosis, Eric could only monitor their vitals and keep them hooked up to IV fluids, though he couldn''t even be sure if it would help. The uncertainty weighed heavily on him, knowing that every passing hour without an answer brought them all closer to the brink of failure. Using the syringe on Kisha and Duke was proving to be an incredibly difficult task for Eric Gilberts. Time and again, he had wasted dozens of syringes, the needles bending uselessly as they made contact with their skin. It was as if their bodies had transformed into something far tougher, like elephant hide¡ªresistant and unyielding. His frustration mounted with each failed attempt. After a considerable amount of time and an increasing pile of broken syringes, Eric had a breakthrough. He realized that his spiritual energy could be the key. Gently, he focused his energy around the tip of the syringe, enveloping the needle in a layer of spiritual energy to add a little more strength and toughness to the needle. With this added force, he carefully inserted the needle into Kisha and Duke''s skin. The enhanced toughness of the syringe allowed it to pierce through, a small victory in the face of mounting challenges. The word quickly spread throughout the base that the western wall was in critical condition, and the situation at the southern wall wasn''t any better. The warriors there had fallen unconscious, much like Kisha and Duke, and with ammunition and military supplies completely depleted, the soldiers found themselves in a dire situation. It was as if they were nothing more than sitting ducks, waiting to be slaughtered by the relentless tide of zombies just outside the walls. The zombies were now climbing the walls, and the soldiers on duty could hear the deafening, relentless banging against the gates¡ªa sound that reverberated like a death knell. Each thud echoed in their ears, reminding them that the gates might give way at any moment. As the soldiers stood on the walls, cold and anxious, the grim reality set in: the end might be drawing near. The gates could fall, and with it, the inevitable wave of death would soon follow. Some of the soldiers who had been the pillars of strength, keeping everyone''s morale up while they waited for Kisha and Duke''s return, now slumped to the ground in defeat. They, too, had run out of options. With no weapons left and no way to fight back, they were helpless. Even if they chose to throw themselves into the midst of the zombie horde, to act as bait or to make a final stand, without awakened abilities, they knew their efforts would be futile. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They wouldn''t even have a chance to make it through the first wave. In the end, they would be shredded to pieces, their sacrifice nothing more than a pointless loss. Though they appeared exhausted and helpless, the soldiers had truly given their all. As ordinary humans, they had pushed their bodies beyond the limits of endurance, but they never uttered a word of complaint. They understood that this was the least they could offer¡ªa silent sacrifice. Unlike the warriors who had awakened their abilities, the soldiers'' strength relied purely on their grit and determination, and they knew this was their duty, no matter the cost. "We''re gonna die, aren''t we?" one soldier sobbed, leaning back and gazing up at the now pitch-black sky, where not even a star could be seen. They had managed to hold out for twenty hours, with half of that time a testament to the strength of their City Lord and Vice City Lord. But they too had given their all as mere humans, without the aid of any awakened abilities. They had held their ground for three hours without the warriors'' help, proving that they weren''t as useless as they had feared. But now? What difference did it make? Their ammunition and military supplies were all but gone, and the zombies, relentless and undeterred, were slowly but surely climbing the walls. Even without an evolved zombie leading them, it felt like the end was inevitable. They could feel the ground tremble beneath them as the zombies outside the wall descended into a frenzy. The terrifying growls and roars echoed from the horde, a sound that felt like a call from hell itself. Fear gripped their hearts, and their limbs grew cold and stiff, as the reality of their impending death settled in. At least they would be the first to fall once the zombies breached the walls, sparing them the agony of watching helplessly as the creatures tore through the base, massacring the last of the survivors. The thought of dying, knowing how powerless and futile they had been, was a bitter pill to swallow. "Even if I die, I have no regrets. I fought until the bitter end," one soldier said, his voice hollow with resignation. He looked out over the wall, contemplating a desperate escape¡ªif he jumped from the ten-meter height, he could either end it quickly by hitting his head or, at worst, become paralyzed and leave the zombies to finish what he started. Either way, he preferred the certainty of death over the pain of being torn apart alive. "Who said you''re dying?" A familiar voice cut through the air from behind them, sharp and unwavering. Chapter 614 What Really Happened Everyone whipped their heads to the side as they heard that familiar voice that sounded more like hope in the middle of their helplessness and pain. "City Lord!" The soldiers sprang to their feet, their spirits reignited. Excitement surged through them as the heavy weight of fear lifted. They knew, deep down, that they were finally safe. Kisha''s presence alone was enough to restore their resolve. Kisha, too, felt the change. Her skill, ''People''s Heart'', which had previously drained her spiritual energy and mana, had stopped its relentless pull. Instead, it was now tipping in her favor, as if it were finally balanced. The drain had ceased, and rather than feeling her energy slipping away, she felt a slow, steady replenishment of her energies. Her other passive skills, which aided in the restoration of her mana and spiritual energy, were working in harmony, allowing her to regain what had been lost. It was a welcome relief. Earlier, when Kisha sensed something was wrong with her skill ''People''s Heart'', it wasn''t just the draining of her energy that troubled her. The change seemed to coincide with the rising fear among her people¡ªdoubt began to creep in as they feared they wouldn''t survive the relentless zombie waves. Their uncertainty, their wavering hearts, began to weigh heavily that it was reflecting on her skill. She hadn''t fully understood at the time that those fears, that creeping doubt, might have been enough to stir feelings of disdain or even hatred within her people, causing her skill to spiral into a negative shift. The balance had tipped dangerously, and the scale was teetering on the edge of depletion. But it wasn''t until she fell into a coma that the true nature of the situation became clear to her. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She finally understood what had truly been happening¡ª''People''s Heart'' had reacted to the emotional turmoil of her people, and that turmoil had almost consumed her. It wasn''t that her people had suddenly grown to hate or disdain her. Instead, the turmoil was a result of her skill People''s Heart undergoing an evolution. It was an evolvable skill, one that could grow and change over time. According to 008, Kisha had reached a critical milestone¡ªshe had gathered enough followers, enough believers, to trigger the evolution of her skill. ''People''s Heart'' was evolving, and it was now meeting the requirements for the next stage of its power. ... [Passive Skill: People''s Heart] [Description: The more people believe in and respect you, the faster your spiritual energy¡ªand any other energy you utilize¡ªrecovers, potentially granting an infinite supply. However, if their trust turns to hatred and disdain, your energies will be sealed. It''s a double-edged sword, where only the hearts of the people will determine how you can harness its power. Added Effect: +20% Permanent Energy Replenishment Added Effect: Enhances First Impressions, Making Others View You More Favorably Grade: EX ''Mythic'' (Evolvable)] .... As ''People''s Heart'' prepared for its evolution, it began to draw in as much energy as it could from Kisha''s body, pushing her beyond her previous limits. As the skill underwent this transformation, Kisha herself was also undergoing significant changes. According to 008, this skill wasn''t just any ordinary ability¡ªit was a lesser Constellation ''Authority''. In essence, it was a fragment of a Constellation''s power, intimately tied to the faith of its believers. The more believers there were, and the stronger their faith, the more potent the Constellation''s authority became. This authority acted as a wellspring, a source of power that connected directly to the Constellation''s strength. In short, it was the heart of their power¡ªthe core that fueled everything. The strength of a Constellation is directly tied to the number of believers they have. To prove their existence and establish themselves as true, living Gods, some Constellations grant miracles to their followers, bestowing a portion of their power upon chosen apostles. This power is known as ''Authority''. The more access an apostle has to their Constellation''s ''Authority'', the stronger they become. This cycle not only strengthens the apostle but also serves as tangible proof of the Constellation''s existence to the believers. As the believers'' faith deepens, the Constellation grows more powerful, fueling the cycle of belief and divine power. 008 hadn''t realized that Kisha''s skill, ''People''s Heart'', had actually evolved into an ''Authority''. It wasn''t easy to obtain such a power, and it didn''t feel like a Constellation had directly granted it to Kisha. If a Constellation had given her such an ''Authority'', she would have already become a saintess, bound eternally to that Constellation. Her soul would have been tied to it forever, locking her in servitude as its chosen apostle. However, that hadn''t happened, leading 008 to believe that something else was at play in this ''Authority'' that fell into Kisha''s hand. Kisha and 008 didn''t have the luxury of time to delve deeper into the nature of her ''Authority''¡ªthey were far too focused on the pressing matters outside the wall. When Kisha finally arrived, the soldiers, who had felt the weight of impending doom, were overcome with emotion. They had been ready to accept their fate, believing that death was inevitable, and hopelessness had begun to take root. But with Kisha''s return, a wave of relief washed over them. The tension in their bodies finally released, and the stress they had been carrying caught up with them. Some of the soldiers even collapsed from exhaustion, their bodies finally giving in after holding on for so long. Surrounded by Kisha, they felt a sense of safety and renewed hope that had seemed impossible just moments before. Kisha surveyed the soldiers one by one, her lips pressed in a tight line. Without asking questions or wasting time, she extended her telekinesis, lifting each unconscious soldier with a delicate but firm grip. One by one, she guided them over to the medics'' tent, where the makeshift stretchers awaited. With practiced precision, she gently laid the soldiers down, ensuring they were settled carefully, each of them resting in a safe, temporary space where they would receive the care they so desperately needed. In fact, Kisha wasn''t the only one who had woken up. Duke had also regained consciousness, but unlike her¡ªwho had unlocked the true potential of her skills and discovered that what she possessed was actually an ''Authority'' from a Constellation¡ªDuke''s situation was quite different. He had undergone a second awakening. Yes, a second awakening! And this time, he had awakened a mental-type ability, even in this life, he still had the same ability as he had in his previous life. ... [Duke Winters] Level 2 (Exp: 898/1000 X 10.0) Strength: 170 (+115) Stamina: 170 (+115) Defense: 170 (+115) Agility: 170 (+115) Mental Capacity: 170 (+115) Charm: 170 (+115)) Leadership: 170 (+115) Title: None Skills: Ice Spear Level 2, Fire Ball Level 2, Fire Meteor Level 1, Lightning Strike Level 1, lightning Rain Level 1, Ice Storm Level 0 Talent: Multi-faceted Gift: Tyrant Ability: Elemental (Lightning, Fire, Ice), Absolute Zone (Mental) .... Now, both Duke''s Lightning Ability and his newly awakened Mental Ability had been unlocked, much like in his previous life. He had truly become the Tyrant Emperor¡ªunmatched in terms of firepower. With this new power, Duke grew even stronger, and his energy core received an additional layer of protection thanks to his Mental Ability. This was one of the reasons Mental Types were so rare¡ªthey possessed sturdier energy cores, making them far harder to kill. Their resilience and complexity made them a force to be reckoned with, and Duke''s newfound strength reflected that. Chapter 615 Up Up Up! Now, Duke was on a roll, eagerly exploring the capabilities of his newly awakened ability. As its name suggested, ''Absolute Zone'' granted him complete control over everything within its range. Inside this zone, he could manipulate speed¡ªslowing enemies down, accelerating movements, or even momentarily freezing time itself. However, since the ability was still new, he could only create a zone with a five-foot radius, forming a protective barrier around him. Despite its current limitations, it was more than enough to help him evade attacks from agility-type enemies and detect sneak attacks before they could land. Now, he felt like an unstoppable force¡ªan invisible fighter who could seamlessly switch between long-range combat and melee battles. With his newly awakened abilities complementing his already formidable skill set, he could overpower almost anyone. Even Kisha would find it challenging to contend with him, given the lethal combination of his lightning and mental abilities. It was this very ability that solidified Duke''s position as one of the strongest, especially when combined with his lightning-type awakened ability, which was ranked first in power. He was practically a one-man army. When Kisha initially saw that he had only awakened elemental abilities¡ªones he didn''t even possess in her previous life¡ªshe assumed they had replaced his mental-type ability. However, now she saw that it wasn''t the case at all¡ªhe had instead undergone a second awakening. The sheer unfairness of it all was almost unbelievable to ordinary people. ''Comparison really hurts,'' Kisha thought, momentarily comparing herself to Duke. But she quickly brushed the thought aside. They each had their own strengths and weaknesses, and it wasn''t as if her awakened ability was weaker than his¡ªshe just hadn''t fully tapped into its full potential yet. In fact, she had a feeling there was more to her ability than she currently understood. With that in mind, she refocused on the present. Taking a deep breath, she soared back up to the top of the wall. This time, she could feel her skill, ''People''s Heart'', surging through her like a powerful current, seamlessly merging with her body and soul. She raised her hand, her eyes glowing gold as her hair floated weightlessly around her. In an instant, the zombies standing before her had their heads explode like fireworks, painting the battlefield with gore. But it didn''t stop there¡ªthe second row of zombies met the same gruesome fate, their skulls bursting as if caught in an invisible force. ''This feeling...!'' Kisha thought, a cold chuckle escaping her lips. Unlike before, she felt no strain¡ªonly raw, overwhelming power coursing through her veins. She could keep going, effortlessly wiping out wave after wave without a hint of exhaustion. Combining her ''Energy Burst'' skill with ''Rainbow Cube'', Kisha''s attacks became faster and deadlier than ever. It was as if mana and spiritual energy were no longer a concern¡ªshe could unleash an onslaught without restraint. Feeling unstoppable, she singlehandedly tore through the endless waves of zombies, her power cutting them down by the thousands. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''Let''s see which is faster,'' she mused, eyes glinting with determination. ''Will they reach the wall first, or will I wipe them out before they take another step?'' It wasn''t arrogance¡ªher boosted stats and support skills had elevated her strength to a whole new level. Now, she was eager to test just how far her power could go. In no time, the number of zombies outside the wall continued to dwindle as Kisha''s attacks grew even faster and more relentless. The soldiers who had managed to climb back up the wall to watch could only stare in awe, feeling almost sorry for the zombies that were being slaughtered like flies caught in a pesticide storm. With Kisha leading the charge, time seemed to fly by effortlessly. The once-overwhelming fear had faded, replaced by sheer astonishment. No one even thought to cry¡ªthey simply watched, wide-eyed, as she singlehandedly tore through the relentless wave of undead. ... [Inflicted Critical Hit x 5895] [Gained Experience x 50] [Inflicted Critical Hit x 6344] [Gained Experience x 50] [Rainbow Cube activated] [Energy Burst Activated] [Rainbow Cube activated] [Energy Burst Activated] [Rainbow Cube activated...] ... A series of notifications bombarded Kisha''s view, but she quickly muted them. There was no need to keep track of every activation or the successful damage she was dealing to the zombies; she was attacking on autopilot, her strikes landing randomly and relentlessly. Meanwhile, the southern wall was no different. Duke had returned¡ªstronger than ever. His newfound power carved through the enemy ranks with ease, proving that his second awakening had made him even more formidable than before. Then, without warning, two brilliant bursts of light tore through the sky, splitting the darkness in opposite directions, and signaling the turning point of the battle. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 3 (Exp: 0/8000 X 0.0) Strength: 270 (+50) (270x10 = 2700) Stamina: 360 (+48) (360x10 = 3600) Defense: 560 (+70) (560x10 = 5600) Agility: 270 (+50) (270x10 = 2700) Mental Capacity: 1110 (+40) (1110x10 = 11100) Charm: 460 (+40) (460x10 = 4600) Leadership: 910 (+40) (910x10 = 9100) Luck: 350 (+20) (350x10 = 3500) Mana: 720 (+30) (720x10 = 7200) Spiritual Energy: 720 (+30) (720x10 = 7200) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand, A True Ruler Skills: Telekinesis Level 3 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 1, One Body Level 2, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar, Telekinesis Sub: Energy Burst Level 0 Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 2, One Man Team, People''s Heart Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Profession Proficiency: Intermediate Inscriber ... Kisha also noticed the bright light flashing from the other side of the wall and had a strong feeling about who might have leveled up. Curious, she opened the ''Team Tab'' and saw Duke''s name and profile glowing. As soon as the light around her own body faded, she immediately clicked on Duke''s profile to check his new stats. After all, he had just undergone a second awakening, and she was eager to see what new perks had been added to his abilities. ... [Duke Winters] Level 3 (Exp: 0/8000 X 0.0) Strength: 280 (+110) Stamina: 280 (+110) Defense: 280 (+110) Agility: 280 (+110) Mental Capacity: 280 (+110) Charm: 280 (+110) Leadership: 280 (+110) Title: None Skills: Ice Spear Level 2, Fire Ball Level 2, Fire Meteor Level 1, Lightning Strike Level 1, lightning Rain Level 1, Ice Storm Level 0, Lightning Ball Level 0, Absolute Zone Level 0, Movement Manipulation Level 0, Time Manipulation Level 0 Talent: Multi-faceted Gift: Tyrant Ability: Elemental (Lightning, Fire, Ice), Absolute Zone (Mental) ... But as soon as she saw his stats had jumped by 110 points, she rolled her eyes. ''Of course! The gods'' chosen child gets a massive boost.'' His stats had nearly doubled! Kisha gawked at the status window in front of her, staring at Duke''s new numbers in disbelief. And this was without any special perks like hers¡ªno stat increases from hellish mission rewards. But him? Duke''s stats were absolutely insane! Seeing that ''Absolute Zone,'' ''Movement Manipulation,'' and ''Time Manipulation'' had already appeared on his skill stat confirmed that he had quickly adapted to them in such a short amount of time. ''No wonder many consider him a monster,'' Kisha thought to herself. Chapter 616 Supplies Everywhere! Ding... Ding.. Ding... ... [Congratulations on Completing the S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days"] [You have received 1,000,000 points] [You have received a stat increase of 10 for all stats] [You have received 50 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 100 Resource Crates] [You have received an unknown egg] ... [Congratulations on Completing the C Class Mission "The Philanthropist"] [You have received 100,000 points] [You have received a stats increase of 1 for all stats] sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [You have received Title: The Philanthropist] ... [Congratulations on Completing the Sudden Hidden Mission: SSS Class "Survivor of God''s Wrath!"] [You have received 10 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 10 Resource Crates] [You have received 100,000 points] [You have received a mass of Chromium metal] ... [Congratulations on Completing the Hidden Mission: S Class "The Saint"] [You have received the Weather Satellite with Radar Blueprint (Origin: World 453683)] [You have received 10 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 5 Resource Crates] [You have received 200,000,000,000 system points] ... [Congratulations on Completing the Sudden Hidden Mission: EX Class "The Beginning of the End!"] [You have received 30 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 30 Resource Crates] [You have received 200,000 System Points] [You have received System Update +1] [You have received 1 Awakening Stone] [You have received Title: "The Leader of the New World"] ... "What the¡ª?! What''s happening?!" Kisha exclaimed, barely catching her breath after delivering her final attack. Just as the clock struck midnight, her timer let out a sharp ding, and a flood of system notifications exploded across her screen. Before she could process them, 008 sent a burst of virtual fireworks¡ªvisible only to her¡ªlighting up her interface. The messages kept rolling in, one after another, overwhelming her senses. "Um, host¡­ some of these system notifications were actually delayed," 008 admitted sheepishly. "Remember when you completed those other missions¡ªlike surviving the Geostorm¡ªand you only got two notifications back then? Well¡­ I kind of held back the rest. You were too busy to care at the time, and I didn''t want you getting distracted or letting your guard down." "So, I figured it''d be best to release them all at once after you completed everything in the ''Mission Tab.'' That way, you could enjoy checking out your full reward haul all at once!" 008 hesitated, unsure how Kisha would react to the revelation. It had made the decision without consulting her¡ªwould she be upset? But as Kisha thought about it, she realized 008 had a point. If she had received the system notifications and seen her rewards earlier, she would have felt good¡ªmaybe even a little overconfident. And while those rewards could have been a great help to both her and the base, they might have also made her underestimate the difficulty of surviving the endless zombie wave. That kind of false confidence could have been fatal. Instead of getting angry, Kisha simply nodded, accepting 008''s reasoning. She then looked toward the wall, watching as the remaining zombie horde suddenly turned back, retreating as if summoned by an unseen force. Only then did Kisha let out a deep sigh of relief¡ªthey had survived the attack. Ding! [Congratulations on successfully surviving and completing the First Test!!!!] "First test?" Kisha muttered, narrowing her eyes at the notification. "What does that mean, 008?" 008 hesitated before responding. "Host, I''m not entirely sure either¡­ This message came directly from the Constellation." ... [You Gained the ''Leader Of The Lower World'' Achievement] [You received 5,000 Achievements Points] [You have successfully unlocked the ''Authority'' Power] [You received 20,000 Achievements Points] ... Kisha drew a sharp breath as she looked at the points flooding into her account, her heart pounding with excitement. Her eyes flickered over her haul, checking each item one by one, and a satisfied smirk crept onto her lips. [Current System Points: 200,001,680,000] [Current Achievement Points: 35,000] [120 Gachapon Draws] [155 Resource Crates] "Holy fucking GOD!" Kisha shouted inside her heart, eyes wide as she stared at the total amount of system points she had accumulated. The majority came from the Hidden Mission: S-Class "The Saint"¡ªa task that required her to warn as many survivors as possible. Unlike the first time, when her warnings fell on deaf ears, this time, people had listened. And because of that, she had saved two hundred million lives. If each life was worth 1,000 system points, then¡ªher breath hitched¡ªshe had just earned an astronomical reward. "Host! We''re rich! We''re rich!" 008 shouted excitedly inside Kisha''s head. She could practically picture the little system bouncing like a sprite around in sheer joy as they both stared at the mind-blowing number of system points in their account¡ªsomething they had never even dreamed of achieving. Kisha''s pulse raced. "Alright! Don''t we have that 50% Mall Points Discount Coupon?!" she exclaimed, her excitement skyrocketing. "We''ll splurge on supplies and other essentials, but first¡ªlet''s do the Gachapon Draw and open up the Resource Crates!" Lost in the thrill of the moment, she completely forgot that she was still floating above the battlefield¡ªhaving just barely survived yet another brutal day. The ''Mission Tab'' was now grayed out, indicating that she had no active missions. For the first time in a while, she could afford to take a breather¡ªat least until the next mission popped up. Before diving into what she truly wanted to do, Kisha pulled up her Stat Window once more. Her stats had increased from her recent accomplishments, but with the overwhelming zombie wave finally gone, the temporary boost from her ''One-Man Team'' skill had faded, bringing her stats back to their normal levels. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 3 (Exp: 0/8000 X 0.0) Strength: 281 (+11) Stamina: 371 (+11) Defense: 571 (+11) Agility: 281 (+11) Mental Capacity: 1121 (+11) Charm: 471 (+11) Leadership: 921 (+11) Luck: 361 (+11) Mana: 731 (+11) Spiritual Energy: 731 (+11) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand, A True Ruler, The Philanthropist, The Leader of the New World Skills: Telekinesis Level 3 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 1, One Body Level 2, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar, Telekinesis Sub: Energy Burst Level 0 Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 2, One Man Team, People''s Heart Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Profession Proficiency: Intermediate Inscriber ... Now, even her Defense had surpassed 500 points, making her a walking fortress. She could feel the sheer power coursing through her body, a tangible testament to how far she had come. A deep sense of satisfaction settled over her¡ªevery struggle, every hardship, every moment of chaos had been worth it. One look at the rewards in her inventory, and she knew¡ªthis was the payoff for all her hard work. _______________ PS: Another month has passed, and I''m genuinely grateful to see so many of you continuing to support and engage with the story. Your ongoing enthusiasm and encouragement mean a lot to me. As a token of my appreciation, please accept this redeem code: . You can redeem it for 10 Fast Passes at the Redeem Center located in your Profile section, just below your Purchase History. The code is valid for 10 users on a first-come, first-served basis. I hope this small gesture brings a smile to your face and encourages you to keep supporting me. Thank you again for being part of this journey! Chapter 617 After The Battle Kisha turned her gaze toward the mountain of corpses piled outside the wall, the overpowering stench finally registering now that the battle was over. During the fight, survival had been their only focus¡ªadrenaline had dulled their senses, pushing everything else to the background. But now, with their bodies finally at rest, the gruesome reality of the aftermath settled in. The soldiers standing atop the wall began to shift uncomfortably as the foul odor assaulted their nostrils. The wind carried the putrid stench far beyond the barricade of the wall, seeping into the central hall¡ªa sickening reminder of the carnage they had just endured. "Ugh! It feels like I can taste it through my nostrils. Uweh!" A soldier gagged, his body still weak from exhaustion as he fought the urge to vomit. The stench wasn''t just the foulness of a dumpster or a rotting corpse¡ªit was something far worse, something thick and suffocating. But none of them had the energy to clean up. Even Kisha, despite her abundant spiritual energy, mana, and high ''Mental Capacity'', felt the weariness creeping in now that the tension had drained from her body. She still needed rest. With one final glance at the battlefield, she let out a slow breath and began her descent from the sky. "Alright, everyone," Kisha called out, her voice cutting through the air. "Those who''ve managed to rest will take watch on the walls. The rest of you, get some sleep and gather your strength before we start cleaning up this mess." She didn''t mind the stench¡ªit was something she had grown used to from her previous lives. But that didn''t mean she was willing to let it linger. The situation was urgent. There were still many normal humans, low-level Awakened ability users, and support types among them, all of whom had weak immune systems. If they didn''t take care of the corpses outside the walls, the rotting bodies would quickly become a breeding ground for disease, threatening to wipe out her people one by one due to an epidemic. It wasn''t just a mess¡ªit was a ticking time bomb. More than just the disease, the corpses outside could attract swarms of vermin¡ªmutated rats, dangerous animals, and disease-carrying insects¡ªgathering around their base like an army of filth. The thought made Kisha''s smile fade as quickly as it had appeared. After a brief moment of relief, she set aside her excitement and focused, slipping back into the role of a City Lord. Thankfully, seeing how hard everyone had fought and how many remained in a coma, the civilians within the base stepped up to serve as temporary lookouts. Meanwhile, the soldiers, warriors, and leaders¡ªthose who had led the battle from every corner of the wall¡ªfinally had the chance to rest. The soldiers and warriors felt a wave of appreciation wash over them, their emotions stirred by the sense that all their struggles had been worth it. The bond between the base''s people had grown stronger, and more unified. Kisha nodded in quiet approval, pleased with the sense of camaraderie that had emerged from the chaos. After making sure everything was in order around the western wall and checking the tents set up near her side, Kisha''s eyes fell on the warriors who had fallen into a deep coma. They had pushed their bodies to the brink, overexerting their energy cores to the point of near-explosion. She couldn''t shake the worry gnawing at her. Not everyone would be as fortunate as Duke in surviving such an ordeal. The risk of long-term damage or even death was very real. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha clenched her fists, her mind racing with how to prevent further casualties among her people and help those who were already suffering from the after-effects of overexerting their energy core. Seeing that the medical staff was busy tending to the fallen warriors, Kisha allowed herself a moment of rest. It was then that Duke arrived, having just finished his arrangements on the southern wall. He had come to pick her up so they could both take a brief respite before diving back into their duties. Kisha''s gaze lingered on Duke as he approached¡ªhis body smeared with black zombie blood, his clothes disheveled from the chaos of the battle. Despite the grime and wear, he still exuded that same dashing presence. If anything, the sight of him made him look even more powerful, his strength more apparent than ever. Kisha couldn''t help but smile, the brief reprieve from the battlefield making her appreciate the bond they shared even more. "Done?" Duke asked as he approached Kisha, keeping a respectful distance between them to avoid transferring the dirt and grime from his body onto her. Unlike him, Kisha still appeared immaculate, free of any stains or blemishes. While Duke had been out on the frontlines, engaging in melee combat more than once, Kisha had fought from a distance, staying far enough from the mess to remain relatively clean. Kisha nodded, and together, they walked back to the villa. Once inside, they went their separate ways for a much-needed shower. Duke retreated to the guest room, while Kisha took hers in the master bedroom. It took Duke a bit longer to emerge; the stench of rotting zombie corpses had clung to him stubbornly, and he had to wash thoroughly, using soap multiple times to rid himself of the lingering odor. Once they were both finished, they made their way downstairs, drawn by the pleasant aroma of food wafting through the air. Marcus and his grandchildren had worked together to prepare a hearty meal for them. Even Vulture and the others were already seated at the dining table, looking completely drained. They appeared so exhausted that their eyelids were half-closed, and they kept nodding off in their chairs, their bodies begging for rest. Despite their fatigue, they all knew how desperately their bodies needed nourishment. With a collective sigh, they remained seated, waiting for the food to be served, though their weariness made it clear they were barely holding onto consciousness. Kisha and Duke took their seats at the table, and Kisha''s gaze naturally drifted to where Mr. and Mrs. Winters and the Patriarch should have been. Noticing her searching look, Tristan quickly offered an explanation. "The Patriarch, Madam, and Sir went out to help with the other survivors. They''re making sure the base stays in order, giving us all the time to rest and recover, lightening our load." His voice was weary, and even Tristan himself looked haggard, his exhaustion evident as he spoke. Kisha nodded and smiled, grateful for the sense of teamwork that had emerged among the survivors. She no longer had to constantly order people around, as many were stepping up on their own to help around the base, ensuring they weren''t a burden to the others. This made everything easier for Kisha and the others, allowing them to focus on what they needed to do without guilt. It was a refreshing change compared to her previous lives, where she had always been left to shoulder everything alone. No matter how exhausted she was, no one had ever offered to help lighten her workload. It was as if it was simply expected of her, just because she was stronger than the rest. But here, things were different. People were supporting each other, and Kisha could finally rest without the weight of guilt or sense of responsibility pressing on her shoulders. Chapter 618 A Vacation? Marcus and the children had worked together to generously prepare a bountiful spread of food. The table was laden with a variety of dishes: seafood congee, stir-fried vegetables and meat, hearty stews, onigiri, and much more. While the dishes weren''t Michelin-starred, they were comforting and hearty, with vibrant colors and enticing aromas that immediately whetted the appetites of the exhausted people around the table. Among them, Vulture seemed especially eager. Having spent much of the day running through the streets, luring the ice-type evolved zombies into rolling over and killing its own kind, his body was drained and his energy was spent. But as the delicious smells reached his nose, his exhaustion faded, and a wide grin appeared on his face. The others followed suit, eager to dig in, their tired bodies finding new life at the sight of the feast. Everyone ate happily, their sleepiness momentarily forgotten as they indulged in the warm, comforting food. Duke carefully scooped a bowl of seafood congee for Kisha, filling it with fresh prawns, abalone, clams, and crabs, all harvested from the territory''s space. While the others were busy defending the walls, Grant had been taking full advantage of the opportunity to explore the sea within Kisha''s territory. He discovered that, much like the lake with its perfect ecosystem, the sea was an equally thriving environment. Vast and expansive, it housed a diverse array of aquatic creatures, supported by vibrant coral reefs that nurtured various marine life. This newfound bounty was a pleasant surprise, adding another valuable resource to their growing supplies. There were even octopuses, lobsters, groupers, and tuna in the sea, which Grant had carefully spear-fished. These fresh catches now served to nourish Kisha and the others. Like all the creatures living within Kisha''s territory, these aquatic animals were larger and more flavorful than anything they had ever encountered in the outside world. The bounty from this vibrant ecosystem was truly a gift, far surpassing what they were accustomed to, making every meal an unexpected luxury. After taking a bite of the congee, Kisha couldn''t help but notice how massive the prawns were¡ªsome were nearly the size of lobsters, expertly cut into smaller pieces to fit in the clay pot. Despite their size, they were incredibly sweet and tender, their rich flavors melding perfectly with the rice. The abalone was equally impressive, its delicate taste blending seamlessly into the dish. The meal was so delicious that it left Kisha feeling even hungrier than before, her stomach growing greedier with every bite. The rest of the food was just as satisfying, each dish more comforting and flavorful than the last. "Wow! This is absolutely delicious and so fresh!" Kisha exclaimed between bites, her eyes lighting up with delight. Not only was she a food enthusiast, but after enduring hunger in her previous lives, she couldn''t help but savor each bite even more deeply. The flavors were more than just satisfying¡ªthey were a reminder of how far she had come, and every mouthful felt like a small, precious gift. Mike, with a big, dreamy grin on his face, leaned in to share the story, his voice light and full of excitement. "Young Madam, you won''t believe it! Grant went spearfishing around the sea in your territory space. We were all surprised to discover the beautiful, vibrant coral reef surrounding the island." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "There were so many fish, it was like a hidden paradise! Even I, who usually avoids the deep sea, had an amazing time. We all had a great time helping Grant gather all these fresh ingredients. It was an experience like no other!" His enthusiasm was contagious, and the mood at the table lightened, bringing smiles to everyone''s faces. Kisha, hearing this, recalled that she had briefly checked out the sea before, but never had the time to explore it thoroughly. Hearing how Mike and Grant had such an enjoyable experience only piqued her curiosity further. "Oh? The sea was really that beautiful?" Vulture asked, his interest evident as he looked up from his bowl. "Yes!" Daisy chimed in, her eyes bright with excitement. "It was like something you''d see on those travel blogs¡ªpicturesque and vibrant! I still can''t get over how gorgeous it was underwater. It was breathtaking!" "Then, perhaps we should take a breather out there and enjoy a little vacation while we rest and replenish our strength?" Duke suggested, his cold and indifferent expression remaining unchanged. At his words, everyone at the table seemed to perk up, a flicker of excitement spreading through them. The idea of taking a break was too appealing to resist. After all, the time inside the territory space passed much faster than in the outside world. So, even if they spent a week relaxing within the territory, it would only be a few hours in the outside world. "Alright, why don''t we do that?" Kisha agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "Even if we sleep in our rooms, it will still consume few hours of hour time. Inside the territory, we can maximize our time and truly unwind." She validated the suggestion, recognizing that a change of pace was exactly what they all needed. After all, even she was starting to feel the weight of exhaustion, and a break was long overdue¡ªboth for her mind and her body. A vacation, even if brief, would be the perfect way to recharge. Now that everyone had agreed, they all dug into their food with cheerful appetite. Among the dishes was a unique seaweed called seagrapes, which had a slight salty tang and a slimy texture, but its freshness and deliciousness made it an unexpected delight. Soon, the table was cleared, with everyone savoring every bite. After the meal, some were so full they couldn''t help but succumb to a food coma, their eyelids growing heavier by the minute. Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight. It was hard to believe that only hours ago, they had been caught up in a life-or-death battle. Now, here they were, relaxed and carefree, their spirits lightened by a simple, well-earned meal. In the end, Kisha, Duke, and the others entered the territory, each carrying blankets, mattresses, and pillows. Kisha transported them to the beach, and they scattered around, finding their own spots to rest. Most of them set up their tents by the seashore, where the white sand beach stretched out before them, a sight that was soothing to the eyes. The rhythmic sound of the crashing waves acted like a lullaby, helping them unwind. Those who preferred more shade pitched their tents in the nearby forest, where the gentle rustling of the leaves calmed their nerves after the intense battle. Kisha and Duke decided to set up a tent on the beach. Kisha offered to help pitch the tent, but Duke wouldn''t let her lift a finger. Instead, he set up a large beach umbrella and a reclining chair for her, placing a refreshing coconut juice and some snacks on a small table beside her. He then encouraged her to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view while he took care of the rest. Kisha felt both flattered and touched by the way her new husband, Duke, was treating her. Not wanting to argue, she settled into the reclining chair as he suggested, taking a sip of the coconut water and nibbling on the biscuit. Chapter 619 008 Reaching Level 6 While waiting for Duke, Kisha decided to start unboxing her reward. First, since she had received a free system upgrade, she chose to level up 008 to Level 6. "Really, host?!" 008 responded excitedly, confirming with Kisha. But before she could nod or say anything, a system notification suddenly popped up in front of her. [System Upgrade to Level 6 Authorization] [Cost: 0 points] [Accept] or [Decline] Kisha didn''t waste any time and immediately clicked the ''accept'' button. She knew how excited 008 was, and in a way, this was a reward for all the help it had given her¡ªespecially since the system upgrade was free. On top of that, she had so many points that she wasn''t even sure where to begin spending them. As soon as the system upgrade began, 008 fell silent, leaving Kisha to manage the system manually. She stared at the screen, still in disbelief at how many rewards and points she had accumulated. She continued munching on the biscuit, her mind still processing the unexpected windfall. But as she continued munching and staring at the screen, she didn''t realize she had already drifted off to sleep, her body relaxing completely while Duke focused on arranging the tent. When Duke glanced back to check on Kisha, he found her fast asleep, the biscuit in her hand had fallen to the side of the chair as she snored softly. A small chuckle escaped him as he made his way over. Gently, he lifted her, careful not to disturb her peaceful sleep, and carried her toward the large tent he had just pitched. Inside, a soft queen-sized air mattress awaited, and part of the tent was left open to let the cool breeze in, preventing it from feeling stuffy or too hot. He gently laid Kisha on the mattress, making sure her head was comfortably resting on the pillow. He gently placed an eye mask on Kisha to shield her from the light filtering in from outside, ensuring she could sleep peacefully without disturbance. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After settling her comfortably, he laid down beside her, pulling her closer into his arms. He then covered them both with a soft, fluffy blanket before finally drifting off to sleep himself. After a restful 12 hours of sleep, Kisha naturally woke up feeling refreshed and content. However, she didn''t immediately get out of bed. Instead, she snuggled closer into Duke''s arms as he continued to lay there. She glanced up at him, taking in the sight of his long lashes casting a soft shadow under his eyes and his sharp nose breathing steadily. She traced his features with her gaze. "I''m glad to know my wife appreciates my face," Duke''s voice rumbled, hoarse from sleep, as he slowly opened his eyes and met her gaze. "I can only thank my parents for blessing the world with such a handsome man." "You''re awake," Kisha said awkwardly, though she didn''t look away from him. "How could I not wake up when you''re staring hungrily at me?" Duke teased, his voice low and filled with a dark, smoldering desire. His gaze intensified, and Kisha couldn''t help but notice the unmistakable bulge pressing against her belly from his pants. Duke didn''t wait for Kisha to respond; instead, he gently kissed her cheek, then her forehead. "I''m happy I get to wake up beside you again," he murmured, his words carrying a deeper meaning. He, too, knew how close they had come to being breached and wiped out during the battle. Every time he swung his spear, all he could think about was making it back to her¡ªso she wouldn''t have to cry or feel sadness in his absence. Waking up beside her now felt like a blessing to Duke. Kisha, too, cherished the shower of kisses Duke gave her. With their unspoken understanding, they stayed in that intimate embrace, not pushing further¡ªsimply lost in the warmth of their love and appreciation for one another. In that moment, the connection they shared felt even sweeter than physical intimacy. They felt closer than ever, as if their souls were quietly mending and intertwining together. After a long moment, Duke and Kisha reluctantly pulled away from each other. Though Duke felt the urge to take the opportunity and make love to his wife, he held himself back. He knew she was both physically and mentally exhausted, so he chose to give her the space she needed to rest. "Take your time, and sleep more if you need to," he said softly, his voice full of affection. "I''ll go make us something to eat before we head out to explore the sea." He gently ruffled her hair, his doting nature clear. Kisha smiled and nodded, appreciating the tenderness in Duke''s gesture. When Duke stepped out of the tent, he found that no one else was up yet; the others were still resting and recovering. He decided to set up a temporary kitchen near a large boulder. He took out a stainless steel table, placed a double-burner stove on top, and set the LPG canister beside it. He made sure the sand beneath was stable to prevent the canister from tipping over. However, that didn''t work as planned, so he returned all the items to his Space Ring. Determined to make it work, he retrieved a thick plywood sheet and placed it on the sand first. Then, he set the stainless steel table back in place, testing it to see if it was steady. After confirming the table''s stability, he brought out the LPG canister once again. Satisfied everything was secure, he fetched another wooden table, carefully placing a matching piece of plywood that was just as wide beneath it to ensure he wouldn''t step on it, completing his makeshift kitchen setup. Duke laid out a variety of supplies on the table, still undecided on what to cook for Kisha. He stared at the assortment of vegetables, meat, and seafood before him. With such a complete set of ingredients, he could make almost anything. However, given that he and Kisha had just woken up from a long 12-hour rest, he didn''t want to prepare anything too heavy. He was concerned that a rich meal might upset her stomach, so he decided to keep it light for now. Duke reached for the whole chicken, already cleaned and free of feathers, its head and legs removed. It was large, plump, and had smooth, shiny white skin. He nodded in approval as he inspected the quality of the meat. Deciding on a dish, he chose to make a nourishing chicken soup for Kisha¡ªsomething light to help warm her body and restore her strength after the exhaustion of the past few days of relentless fighting. Duke then reached for the garlic and ginseng, peeling and crushing them before setting them aside. Next, he retrieved a clay pot and placed it on the stove. He carefully added the whole chicken, followed by the garlic and ginseng, with a few cups of water, ensuring the flavors would meld together. Turning the heat to low, he let the soup simmer slowly, allowing the rich aroma to fill the air as it cooked. Since he wasn''t yet an expert cook, Duke still wasn''t entirely sure about all the ingredients needed for the perfect chicken soup. So, he pulled out his tablet and rewatched the cooking video he had saved. While the chicken simmered on the stove, he focused on preparing the vegetables that would be added later, once the chicken had cooked long enough to release all its flavors. Chapter 620 Underwater Dive After washing the vegetables, Duke chopped them and set them aside in a bowl, ready to be added later. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After that, he prepared the second dish: a simple shredded potato pancake with twisted dough. As a side, he also made a kani salad, though he wasn''t planning to serve it immediately. Instead, he placed it in a container to chill, allowing his ice ability to cool it just enough so that by lunchtime, it would be refreshingly cold without making the lettuce soggy. He knew that achieving the perfect crispness required just the right amount of cold, rather than rushing the chilling process. He also whipped up some mango ¨¦clairs using a makeshift oven, relying on his fire element to bake them. In reality, it wasn''t a fancy oven¡ªjust a carefully assembled piece of enclosed metal with the right thickness. He controlled the temperature precisely with his fire, maintaining the ideal heat as he patiently waited for the ¨¦clairs to bake to perfection. As Duke focused on his task, carefully preparing the meal, he suddenly felt a hand gently wrap around his waist, followed by the warmth of a soft body pressing against his back. The familiar scent he adored filled the air. "Wifey, what are you doing out here? The food isn''t ready yet. You should rest a little longer inside," Duke said with a chuckle in his voice, not turning around. He was determined to make sure the meal he prepared for his wife was perfect. "It smells amazing," Kisha murmured, still clinging to Duke''s waist. The simple gesture filled her with happiness, and for a moment, she wished time could stand still, allowing her and Duke to live in this peaceful, loving bubble where survival wasn''t a constant worry. But then, she thought to herself that life might feel dull and monotonous if everything were always perfect. She shook off the thought, choosing instead to savor the quiet moment with Duke, teasing him gently as they shared a lighthearted chuckle. Before long, Duke had finished preparing all the dishes. He had added the vegetables and mushrooms to the chicken soup, skimming the broth carefully to perfect the flavor. He began setting the food on the coffee table inside the tent, while Kisha helped arrange the utensils. The rich aroma of the chicken soup filled the air, spreading throughout the tent. Kisha''s stomach growled loudly, and Duke couldn''t help but chuckle, his laughter echoing softly in the cozy space. As Duke chuckled, he was already scooping some soup for her. He passed the bowl to Kisha, serving her some of the food he had prepared. Watching him, Kisha''s heart warmed, a flutter of happiness spreading through her that felt almost ticklish. Her sweet smile was contagious, and it made Duke feel as though all his hard work had been worth it. He couldn''t help but feel a warm, fuzzy sensation in his chest. In return, Kisha served Duke some food, her voice gentle but insistent. "Don''t focus only on me. You should eat, too." She encouraged him, taking a sip of the long-simmered chicken soup herself. As the rich taste of the soup spread across her palate, Kisha''s eyes lit up, her gaze locking with Duke''s. "This is amazing!" she exclaimed, genuinely delighted. She had always loved his cooking, even in her previous life, and now, to be able to enjoy it whenever she wanted in this lifetime felt like a sweet reward for all the struggles she''d faced before. Without realizing it, she started humming in contentment, nodding with each bite, her actions making Duke''s smile grow even brighter. The peaceful breakfast stretched on for over an hour, with no rush to finish, as if they were no longer bound by time or the pressures of survival. They savored each bite, enjoying the food and the moment together. Their laughter and conversation filled the air, making the meal feel like a luxury they hadn''t had in a long while. Afterward, they worked together to clean up, like any loving couple, their movements in sync and easy. Once they finished, the others trickled in, having also wrapped up their own meals. Some had roasted a whole chicken over an open fire in the forest, others had enjoyed fresh fruits and vegetables, and a few had fished from the lake, relishing the catch of the day. Once everyone had gathered, they naturally changed into clothes more suited for moving around in the sea and underwater. Thankfully, Kisha''s habit of hoarding anything she thought might be useful paid off¡ªshe had brought along a set of snorkeling gear. She handed out the equipment to everyone, ensuring that they were prepared. While their enhanced abilities and improved physiques would have allowed them to stay submerged for longer periods without the need for the gear, Kisha wanted to be cautious and provided the equipment anyway, just in case. Duke also entered the tent to change into a pair of shorts, while Kisha slipped into a red two-piece bikini. When they both emerged from their makeshift changing areas made of blankets and poles, Duke''s expression instantly darkened. His brows furrowed with frustration¡ªnot because of her, but because of the men gathered around. Seeing Kisha in such a revealing swimsuit sparked a sense of possessiveness within him. He didn''t want anyone else admiring his wife, his jealousy flaring up at the thought. "Wifey, why don''t you change into something else?" Duke asked, stepping closer to Kisha. His gaze never left her face, though it slowly traveled down her body, his voice thick with a hint of desire. But Kisha wasn''t paying attention. She was too captivated by Duke''s chiseled form. His abs were defined and deep, each ridge pronounced, while his biceps, though not oversized, were firm and muscular. The veins running down his arms to his hands only added to the allure, making them impossible to ignore. Kisha couldn''t tear her eyes away from his face and body, and in that moment, she forgot about everything else. Seeing her like this, Duke''s frustration melted away in an instant. He let out a deep chuckle, his chest rumbling with amusement, before looking at her teasingly. "Is it really that distracting?" he asked with a sly grin. "Would you like to touch them?" He reached for her hand gently, guiding it to his abs. But as soon as he did, Duke realized he had shot himself in the foot. What was meant to be playful teasing turned into a situation where his body betrayed him. A sudden wave of desire hit him, and before he knew it, he was hard, his body burning with need. He instantly regretted his action, but Kisha''s laughter echoed in the air as she found his reaction utterly amusing. Seeing Duke like this¡ªso different from the Duke she knew in her previous life¡ªwas like a breath of fresh air. Duke stared at Kisha, biting his lip, his thoughts running wild. ''Laugh all you want, wifey, but you''ll worry when I decide to make my move.'' His smug expression only added to the playful tension between them. Instantly, Kisha stopped laughing, a strange sense of awareness flooding her. She had a feeling she knew exactly what Duke was thinking. Without a second thought, she sprinted outside, clutching the snorkeling gear as she raced away. Once she''d reached a safe distance, she paused and looked back, only to burst out laughing again as she saw Duke emerge from the tent, looking frustrated and gloomy. His eyes were fixed on his shorts, where a telltale bulge was impossible to miss. Fortunately, after changing into their swimwear, the others hurried into the water to begin their snorkeling, leaving Kisha and Duke alone on the beach. After a bit more teasing between the two, they finally decided to join the others. The sea was neither too cold nor too warm¡ªit was just the perfect temperature. Without hesitation, they donned their snorkeling gear, eager to dive in. Kisha took a deep breath through her snorkel, filling her lungs with air before plunging beneath the surface to explore the vibrant coral reef below. Kisha was awe-struck by the breathtaking view beneath the surface of her territory. The coral reefs were vibrant and thriving, with a kaleidoscope of colors, and schools of fish swam around her in an intricate dance. Some of them weren''t even the ones she had brought from Duke¡ªthey were native to the area, adding to the natural beauty. As she glided through the water, Duke remained just beside her, his gaze fixed on her with a soft smile, his eyes crinkling in delight at how much she was enjoying herself. The fish, unafraid, swam gracefully around her, even forming a circle as if acknowledging her presence as the owner of this underwater world and celebrating her visit with them. Kisha lifted her right arm, and a swirl of small fish danced around it in a joyful display, making her smile in return. She glanced around, her eyes lighting up when she spotted a school of black sea urchins with long, spiky needles. Curious, she dove closer, and the fish, as if recognizing her intent, gently swam away, giving her space. With ease, Kisha plucked one of the sea urchins from the rock, her high defense rendering the sharp spikes harmless. She looked back at Duke, who gave her a reassuring nod. Kisha continued plucking more sea urchins, carefully storing them in her inventory. She hadn''t stocked up on them yet, and after seeing them here, she couldn''t resist the urge to gather some for later. As she scanned her surroundings, she realized there were hundreds of sea urchins scattered around her, their nest nestled not far from the shore. This spot was a treasure trove she could revisit anytime. She made a mental note of the location, planning to return when she wanted to gather them manually, rather than relying on the territory interface for an automatic harvest of the fish. Chapter 621 Beach Campfire After gathering hundreds of sea urchins with Duke''s help, Kisha and Duke drifted through the water, their eyes scanning the surroundings. It wasn''t long before something caught Kisha''s attention: a large lobster hiding beneath the coral. Its bluish hue stood out starkly against the surrounding colors of the reef, drawing her in. Without hesitation, she swam closer and effortlessly caught it. The lobster didn''t even attempt to swim away, and for a moment, Kisha felt a twinge of guilt. She couldn''t help but think of herself as a landlord taking advantage of her tenants¡ªthese creatures never fought back, and she couldn''t shake the feeling that she was exploiting her ownership of the territory. But the guilt was short-lived. She shook it off and stored the lobster in her inventory, continuing her exploration. The size of the aquatic life in her territory was truly remarkable. The lobster alone was longer than her forearm and thicker than her upper arm. Even the sea urchins she''d gathered earlier were as large as both her fists combined. Kisha''s gaze drifted to something unusual¡ªwhat she initially thought was a rock swaying gently in the water. As she drew closer, she realized it was actually a large octopus, perfectly camouflaged. Like all the other aquatic creatures in her territory, the octopus didn''t even resist as she caught it. Without hesitation, she pushed aside any lingering thoughts of fairness and simply collected whatever caught her attention. After resurfacing a few times to catch their breath, Kisha and Duke continued their underwater exploration. By the time they were ready to head back to the shore, their haul was impressive¡ªstriped bass, black sea bass, sea eels, two types of flounder, and countless other fish. It was as if they had scoured the entire sea, their bounty growing by the minute. When they reached the shore, everyone proudly displayed their catches. Vulture had managed to haul in a massive swordfish, its size towering over him. The fish, still thrashing in his grip, swung its sword-like nose dangerously as he struggled to hold it. With his immense strength and sturdy defense, he''d been lucky not to have been pierced, but the fish was so large it made him appear as though he were carrying a small boat. Mike and Gant had worked together to spear a flounder, its size nearly equivalent to an adult torso, and half as tall as them. Daisy, who had only ventured into the shallow reef, was just as successful, proudly holding up a large lobster. The others had similarly impressive catches, each person grinning from ear to ear, their pride evident. But Kisha hesitated to take out her own haul. She couldn''t shake the feeling that displaying it would somehow diminish the others'' sense of accomplishment. While they had worked hard for their catches, she and Duke had effortlessly gathered an abundance, with the aquatic creatures in their territory yielding to her presence without resistance. Kisha exchanged a glance with Duke, who gave her a nod of affirmation, silently entrusting her with complete control. She was still getting used to this version of Duke, so compliant and agreeable, unlike the Duke from her past life who was always in competition with her. The shift felt strange, but she pushed aside the feeling. Deciding to take charge, she pulled out the hundred black sea urchins they had gathered, adding with a casual tone, "We happened to find a nest of sea urchins." The group accepted her explanation without question, and soon they were all focused on setting up their campfire. Duke, Vulture, and the other men worked together to dig into the sand with shovels, preparing the area for the fire. Meanwhile, Kisha and Daisy arranged their catches on large banana leaves, adding an extra touch of care to the feast. Mr. and Mrs. Winters were also present, acting like an endearing older couple, their interactions sweet and tender as they cared for one another. The Patriarch watched the younger group with a smile, quietly enjoying their laughter and camaraderie. Meanwhile, Tristan and Aston were deep in a lively debate about which fruits complemented the feast best and what drinks should accompany it. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the designated beverage and fruit arrangers, they were determined to get everything just right. The STAUs, who had proven themselves invaluable as couriers during the battle, were also invited to the gathering. Along with them came Rose, Evelyn, Clyde, and Reeve, as well as all the Winters'' men, making for a sizable assembly. For those visiting Kisha''s territory for the first time, signing a slave contract was non-negotiable. While the bonds forged through their shared struggles were deep, Kisha had learned a painful lesson: the only person she could trust completely was Duke. As much as she cared for her comrades, she understood that loyalty, no matter how steadfast, could falter under the right pressure. Betrayal was always a possibility. But she couldn''t be blamed for thinking this way or for being overly cautious. She had been let down and betrayed so many times during the apocalypse that she had lost count, leaving her trust bruised and battered beyond repair. Fortunately, the others understood her reasoning. The slave contract wasn''t entirely one-sided¡ªit served as a safeguard for both parties. If Kisha were ever to betray them first or attempt to kill them without just cause, they would have the right to retaliate against her. This way, the contract provided security not only for Kisha but also for those bound by it. After the signing, just like before, a slithering golden light of letters crawled across the ground toward each person who had to sign their name on the contract after agreeing verbally. The glowing letters plunged into their hearts, followed by a wisp of flame that came from them and came towards the paper. As their names appeared on the contract, the ritual was completed after the contract burned and disappeared. Many others stepped forward of their own accord to sign, without needing to be called¡ªan undeniable testament to their trust in Kisha. Everyone''s reaction stirred deep emotions within Kisha for countless reasons. What had started as a simple gathering had unexpectedly turned into a mass contract-signing event, with the golden glow from the contracts creating a breathtaking sight. No one could look away as they watched the process unfold. However, when Mr. and Mrs. Winters, along with the Patriarch, stepped forward to sign the contract, Kisha gently refused. To her, they were already family, and she didn''t want them to feel as though she doubted their loyalty. More importantly, she didn''t want this to become an unspoken issue between her and Duke now that they were married. Family conflicts were different from those with subordinates¡ªmore delicate, more personal¡ªand she knew they had to be handled with care. Seeing this, Duke felt even more emotional than Kisha. It was a clear sign of how much she valued his thoughts and how she had already embraced his family as her own. Though his family was treated differently, no one felt it was unfair¡ªthey all understood the reasoning behind it. In fact, it made them feel even more secure. The contract wasn''t one-sided, and it reassured them that Kisha wasn''t just protecting herself¡ªshe was also ensuring their safety. As long as they remained loyal or posed no threat to her and her family, she would treat them with the same care and respect she gave to her own. Chapter 622 Beach Picnic After the contract signing, the group started a barbecue over an open flame. Some were grilled over charcoal, grilling stuffed squid, buttered lobster, and octopus, while the larger fish were roasted over the campfire. Kisha wanted to help, but Duke wouldn''t allow it¡ªand neither would the others. First, because this was her territory, and they already felt like they were benefiting enough just by being here. Secondly, they would feel uneasy watching her busy herself when she had already done so much for the base and everyone in it. In truth, they didn''t want Duke helping either, but he insisted on personally cooking for his wife. No one could stop him from pampering Kisha. Instead, they divided the tasks among themselves, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Only Daisy and Mrs. Winters stayed beside Kisha, engaging her in conversation, while Rose and Evelyn took charge of cooking, preparing barbecue marinades, and making dipping sauces. Marcus busied himself fetching fresh ingredients from his field, while Mike and Grant gathered seasonal fruits from the orchard for Aston and Tristan to slice. Everyone moved with purpose, as busy as bees, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. After the tense and nerve-wracking battle they had endured, this sense of peace and camaraderie felt like a breath of fresh air. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air as they worked together, making the wait for lunch all the more enjoyable. Vulture''s massive swordfish was still grilling over the campfire, its size making it difficult to cook evenly. To prevent charring on the outside, they wrapped it in banana leaves, allowing the heat to penetrate slowly. Meanwhile, Tristan and Aston busied themselves slicing watermelon, pineapple, oranges, and mangoes, tossing them into a large juice bowl. To enhance the flavor, they added Scarlet Honey and water before calling on Duke to conjure ice spikes. Evelyn, with her blade-like hands, swiftly chopped the ice into tiny pieces, creating the perfect refreshing drink to accompany their feast. Aston and Tristan didn''t forget to grab some coconuts for fresh coconut water, a beachside favorite. Aston was assigned the task of climbing the coconut tree, which posed a bit of a challenge for him, as climbing wasn''t exactly his strength. Tristan watched him like a hawk, adding pressure to him so he really didn''t have a choice either. Thankfully, Aston recalled one of his soldiers climbing a similar tree with no branches, so he decided to give it a shot. However, when he realized there was no rope available, he had no choice but to remove his belt and use it. Wrapping it around the tree like an anchor, with both ends firmly gripped in his hands, he let out a heavy sigh and glanced up at the towering coconut tree before beginning the climb. He carefully removed his shoes to avoid slipping, then proceeded to ascend slowly. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Every few steps, he paused to use his machete, carving a trail to make the climb easier the next time. As Aston repeated the process, he eventually reached the top of the tree, where the coconuts were hanging. Their greenish hue, tinged with a hint of brown at the top, made them easy to spot. Once he was sure he could reach the fruit with his arm, he paused in his climb, hugging the trunk of the tree. The tree was stable, slightly tipping sideways, which allowed Aston to let go with his upper body, using only his lower half to cling tightly to the trunk. His hands were now focused on cutting the branch that held a cluster of coconuts. Once he severed it, the tree, which had been slightly tilting under the weight of the coconuts, began to straighten, and Aston had to cling tightly once again to maintain his balance. Fortunately, the coconuts had already fallen, landing safely on the sand right in front of Tristan. As Aston began his descent, Tristan carefully pulled the cluster of coconuts to the prep table, where he cut the stems before using his machete to crack open the fruit and started serving it to those whole like a drink. Once Aston reached the ground, however, he didn''t head straight to Tristan. Instead, he climbed another coconut tree, repeating the process until he had gathered several dozen coconuts. This way, they wouldn''t need to send anyone to fetch more if the ones they had were used up, ensuring there was a steady supply for everyone. When the grilled stuffed squid, buttered lobsters, octopus, fish, and fresh sea urchins were finally ready, the Winters'' men arrived, carrying freshly washed banana leaves that they had carefully dried under the sun to ensure they weren''t damp when used to put the food in it as a makeshift plate. Kisha then took out several long tables from her inventory, surprisingly from the Evans and Winters'' villa in City A¡ªitems she had taken when ransacking the place before they left. Mrs. Winters stopped in her tracks as she laid eyes on the familiar tables, her breath catching in surprise. Kisha didn''t wait for Mrs. Winters to ask and quickly confessed. "Um, Mom, before we left City A, we stopped by your villa, and... well, I took everything I could carry¡ªyour fish tanks, ornamental plants, all of it." As she spoke, a flush crept up her face in embarrassment. She hadn''t felt this way when ransacking the villa with Duke by her side, but admitting it to her mother-in-law was a different story. To her surprise, Mrs. Winters burst into a hearty laugh. "No wonder it looked so familiar. Turns out, it was my table," Mrs. Winters said with a soft laugh before composing herself. "Well, I''m relieved you took it with you. Otherwise, I would have been heartbroken thinking that all my furniture and plants could be ruined¡ªeither by the zombies or just by time and the environment." Mrs. Winters wasn''t just trying to comfort Kisha; she genuinely appreciated the effort Kisha had put into taking the furniture with her. She had spent years selecting each piece, hoping that her home would provide her family with the warmth and comfort they deserved. The furniture wasn''t just functional¡ªit was a symbol of her care, and each piece had been carefully chosen, crafted from rare, high-quality hardwoods like African Blackwood, Rosewood, and Brazilian Rosewood. Those naturally sourced from the wild were far more expensive than synthetic or artificially grown alternatives, adding even more sentimental value to each item. The fact that all these pieces of furniture, originally belonging to Mrs. Winters, ended up with Kisha and now back with the Winters family felt like fate, and Mrs. Winters couldn''t help but chuckle at it. However, after placing the tables, they noticed that it was sinking into the soft sand, Rose quickly took action. She conjured a smooth Ice Crystal floor beneath them, carefully shaping intricate ice hedges around the table''s legs to prevent them from sliding or shifting. The structure ensured that the tables stayed firmly in place while everyone enjoyed their meal. At first, the others hesitated when they saw the seemingly expensive tables, unsure of whether to place the food directly on them. But their reservations faded, and they quickly spread banana leaves over the surface, layering two sheets to ensure the tables wouldn''t get scratched. With that done, they began arranging the cooked food. Evelyn had also prepared rice in a large pot, distributing it into several big bowls and placing them around the table¡ªone at each end and two in the center. The grilled seafood was then spread out across the middle, with the banana leaves serving as a makeshift platter. Chapter 623 Doing Farm Work When Vulture''s swordfish was finally done, they sliced it and scattered the pieces around the table, creating a feast that piled up like a small mountain of food. With only two tables available, everyone had to either grab their portion and find a spot to sit or stand around the tables, enjoying the meal together. Marcus also prepared a fresh batch of sea grapes that the Winters'' men had found in the shallow waters near the rockery. After washing them thoroughly, he sliced some white onions and tomatoes and drizzled them with a salty sauce with a fishy taste. For the Winters, who were trying it for the first time, the strong, pungent flavor¡ªdue to the onions and sauce¡ªwas a bit of a surprise. But when mixed with the rice, the flavors melded together, creating a surprisingly delicious dish. This recipe was something Marcus had learned from his father, who had often visited a nearby fishing village where the locals enjoyed it. Marcus had always liked it and wanted to share it, curious to see if others would enjoy the unique flavor as well. Soon, everyone gathered around the table. Some placed rice and seafood on banana leaves before finding a spot to sit, while Reeve, Clyde, and the other younger ones chose to stay standing around the table, making it easier to reach for their favorite dishes. To their surprise, others followed their lead, standing and reaching for the food they liked. It turned into a fun, relaxed experience, with everyone feeling closer as they shared the meal. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter as they enjoyed the food together, making the moment even more memorable. After a long day of work and with the weight of their nervousness and fear finally lifted, everyone''s appetites had grown larger than usual. It didn''t take long for them to devour the remaining food. With so many people eating together, cleanup was simple. They hadn''t even used many utensils, so there wasn''t much to wash. They discarded the used banana leaves and sticks into the campfire, letting them burn down. The ashes could later be used on the farmland, while the unburned fish bones were gathered in one spot. They could either crush them into fine powder for calcium-rich supplements or mix them with the ashes to create fertilizer. It was a resourceful way to make the most of everything. Regardless of how they used it, they were committed to not wasting anything and instead made sure to repurpose whatever they could around the territory. Marcus took charge of the process, while the others focused on cleaning up. They wiped down the tables and made sure to leave no trash behind, knowing full well that the beach belonged to their Young Madam, Kisha. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It would be a sign of disrespect not to care for her land after enjoying their time there. Once lunch was finished, some wandered along the beach, taking in the scenery, while others returned to the water to play and unwind even further. After a full day of playing, they decided to cook another seafood banquet when they started feeling tired and hungry. The sky was still bright, so they could only estimate the time, realizing it was already evening they all ate. After enjoying dinner in the same spot, they returned to their tents to rest for the night. The next day, everyone woke up feeling refreshed and relaxed, but the urge to continue the festivities had faded. Instead, the Winters'' men went to the farm to help out with the harvest, as time moved differently here. Some crops were already ready for harvesting, and Marcus, grateful for the extra hands, didn''t hesitate to accept their help. He made it clear that they were welcome to assist without any formalities. Kisha and Duke decided to walk around the farm to check on its progress and ended up lending a hand with the harvest. They were joined by Reeve, Clyde, Rose, Evelyn, Aston, Tristan, and the rest of the group. For Evelyn, Reeve, and Clyde, it was their first time seeing the farm, and they were in awe of its vastness and the wonders of Kisha''s mystical territory. They were eager to explore more of it later, but for now, everyone focused on pitching in and helping with the harvest. Kisha surveyed the crops and noticed that there were now more spiritual crops than before. The glow of these crops was much more pronounced, creating a mesmerizing sight. As per her earlier instructions, Marcus had carefully stored the harvested spiritual crops in a separate warehouse to ensure they wouldn''t be accidentally distributed throughout the base. At that moment, the okra, also known as "Lady''s Finger," was ready for harvest. Since most of them were superhumans, they didn''t need gloves to handle the okra, which had tiny needles that could cause minor discomfort or itching. With practiced ease, they continued harvesting without hesitation. Kisha and Duke shared a large basket as they carefully plucked the okra from the tall plants, each reaching up to Kisha''s chest. The okra, measuring 5 to 7 inches long like small eggplants, stood pointed upwards, ready to be harvested. Though Kisha could easily use her telekinesis to gather them all at once, there was something special about harvesting them alongside Duke the traditional way. The quietness between them felt peaceful and intimate, each moment shared in simple silence. Once the okras were gathered, they moved on to harvest the pumpkins, continuing their work together. The Winters'' men assisted in gathering the full baskets of okra, placing them in an open space near the farm. They then distributed empty, large baskets to those standing by the pumpkin field. Among them were Kisha and Duke, already crouched and carefully twisting the pumpkins from their thick stems. Each pumpkin was twice the size of the average one, weighing at least 50 kilos. With just a few of these massive pumpkins, the large baskets were already full, and any more would surely make them too heavy to carry. After the okra and pumpkins, they moved on to harvest the leafy greens¡ªbok choy, spinach, lettuce, kale, mustard greens, and arugula. This was followed by various radishes, broccoli, scallions, beets, and green beans. They also harvested tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, corn, and cantaloupes. The last to be gathered was rice. With 100 acres of farmland and an array of crops, it took them three full days to finish the harvest. Surprisingly, the act of harvesting felt somewhat therapeutic, providing a sense of calm as they worked. It allowed them to slowly shake off the haunting memories of the recent battle, which had plagued many of them in their dreams. These few days spent on the farm, immersed in the simplicity of mundane tasks, helped them cope, particularly the younger ones like Reeve and Clyde, who had been thrust into the horrors of the battlefield. By the end of the fourth day of harvesting, seeing the hundreds of baskets brimming with a variety of crops brought a sense of fulfillment to everyone. It was the result of their hard work, and the pride in their efforts was evident. They also carefully separated the spiritual crops, as Kisha had instructed, from the regular ones and stored them in different warehouses in the territory''s management that many of them are only finding out about now. This would ensure they had a fresh supply for the future, especially since they''d used up so many resources from the Supply Center during the recent battle¡ªparticularly the fresh crops and produce. Chapter 624 Animal Care Once the harvest was complete, everyone headed to the animal farm, eager to check on the mutated livestock and see how Mike was managing their training and care. They were particularly curious about how well he had integrated them with the normal livestock. But Mike wasn''t concerned about the inspection¡ªthanks to his unique talent and gift, he successfully trained the mutated animals to follow his every command. No longer hostile, they now lived peacefully alongside the regular livestock, eating the same food and adapting well to their new environment, despite their unusual appearances. There hadn''t been a single incident where the mutated livestock attacked the normal ones. So, when Kisha and the rest went to check, this was what they saw: a towering, massive mutated cow standing out among the normal herd. However, what truly surprised them was its behavior¡ªit was calmly grazing alongside the others. Even its once-raging, fiery horns, which had previously burned with uncontrollable intensity, now glowed with a subdued, almost decorative warmth. Kisha herself was taken aback by the transformation. When Vulture first brought these mutated animals back, they were all unconscious. But the moment they were transported into her territory and regained consciousness, they were nothing short of hostile¡ªready to attack anything that got too close. The mutated cows, in particular, were the most aggressive. Seeing them now, peacefully integrated with the normal livestock, was nothing short of astonishing. But now, they all appeared docile and harmless despite their intimidating physical traits. As Kisha and the rest followed Mike around the farm, the others began helping with the animals. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire Kisha and Duke, in particular, assisted with gathering eggs from the chicken coop. Since Kisha had already reached the maximum capacity for her chickens, she could now harvest at least five thousand eggs daily. On particularly good days, when the hens were more productive or laid more than one egg, the number could even reach seven to eight thousand. With just these eggs alone, Kisha could provide one per person residing in her base every single day, which even surprised her. Since she rarely had time to personally manage her territory, she hadn''t kept track of the growing population of her livestock, the increasing number of Scarlet Bees, or even the fish in the lake and sea. Now that she was actively helping out, her understanding of her own territory was renewed. In fact, she was thrilled to realize just how abundant her supplies had become. After all, once a person has experienced hunger, they naturally develop a tendency to hoard supplies. For Kisha, seeing her stockpile grow brought her a deep sense of satisfaction. Duke was also helping her collect eggs as they moved from nest to nest inside the massive chicken coop. Fortunately, everything was well-organized, and the chickens weren''t hostile. Kisha and Duke could simply reach under the hens and retrieve the eggs without any trouble. The coop was impressively clean, so they didn''t even have to worry about touching chicken droppings. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The nests were meticulously arranged, and Kisha wasn''t sure if this was a result of the chicken coop being upgraded to its maximum level or if it was Mike''s doing. The nests were organized in a five-tier, stair-like structure, resembling shelves. Each long wall of the chicken coop featured these five-layered shelves, while a back-to-back shelf stood in the middle, effectively maximizing the available space. During mealtime, the chickens would leave the coop to graze in the tall grass, catching insects and worms or nibbling on the vegetation. Occasionally, Mike would provide a special feed mix to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring the chickens weren''t too fatty or too lean. Even the flavor of the chicken and eggs was better than that of domesticated chickens before the apocalypse. As it happened to be the chickens'' mealtime, Kisha noticed Mike pushing a wooden cart filled with vegetables, leafy greens, and mixed grains. Curious, Kisha and Duke approached him. "What is this for?" Duke asked, eyeing the contents of the cart. Most of the leafy greens were the outer layers of harvested crops, such as lettuce, kale, and other similar greens. There were also damaged vegetables¡ªsome split in two, others pulled from the ground with too much force, like radishes and damaged, or ones that had been accidentally squashed during harvesting, such as okra. "Master, instead of discarding these or using them as fertilizer¡ªsince the farmland inside the Young Madam''s territory doesn''t even require fertilizer to yield such amazing crops¡ªwe use these leftovers to feed the animals," Mike explained as he opened the wooden fence and pushed the cart inside. The chickens immediately turned their attention to the cart, their hungry eyes fixed on the food. However, they still maintained a respectful distance, clearly influenced by Mike''s presence. Their cooperation and docility didn''t go unnoticed, and Kisha couldn''t help but nod in approval at how well-trained they were under his care. Kisha and Duke watched as Mike casually tossed the vegetables onto the grassy land. Inspired, Kisha scooped up a handful of mixed grains and mimicked his actions, while Duke followed suit behind her. The moment the food hit the ground, the chickens eagerly fluttered over, pecking at the grains and vegetables with enthusiasm. Cluck... Cluck... Cluck... The air was filled with the excited clucking of chickens as they scattered around, eagerly pecking at the food. Mike continued pushing the cart, tossing handfuls of vegetables along the way. Kisha and Duke trailed behind him, each tossing their own handfuls of food into the expansive grassy field, watching as the chickens eagerly rushed to enjoy their feast. Duke, who wasn''t as familiar with farming and livestock care, couldn''t help but ask, "Why are we tossing their food around instead of placing it in a container so it doesn''t get scattered and wasted?" Despite his question, he continued tossing handfuls of food, grabbing one after another from the cart as he kept pace with the others. "That''s actually a great question, Master," Mike began, his tone thoughtful. "Most poultry farms use food containers to store the chicken feed, and the chickens eat from those, with the containers being refilled at the next feeding time. However, I also read somewhere that organically raised chickens¡ªones that don''t rely on processed feed¡ªlive off grass and insects." "I realized that the quality of the food they consume directly impacts the taste of their meat and produce, especially the balance of their muscle and fat." "When I arrived here, I noticed that these animals were not just grazing on grass and catching insects but were also eating fruits and vegetables. Their coats and overall growth were remarkable, and that''s when I realized that a proper diet really makes a difference." Mike smiled as he continued, his explanation clear and methodical. "The reason I scatter their food around instead of placing it in containers is actually part of a cycle I''ve noticed works well." "Any leftover food¡ªbe it grains or vegetables¡ªonce left on the ground for a day or two, attracts insects. These insects then become another natural food source for the chickens." "It''s a sustainable method, where the remnants of their food naturally contribute to the ecosystem around them. Additionally, the leftover food decomposes and acts as a natural fertilizer for the grass." "This, in turn, helps the grass grow even lusher, which means more insects will come around, and the cycle continues." "The chickens can then eat the insects, graze on the fresh grass, and always have a variety of food available. It ensures they''re never without options, reducing the chances of hunger or malnutrition." Chapter 625 The Smart Mike Kisha and Duke listened intently, both struck by the depth of Mike''s understanding. It was astonishing that a teenage boy had such a thorough grasp of livestock care and their diets. Not only did he comprehend the intricate balance of feeding these animals, but he had also developed a strategic plan to ensure that their food source remained constant. Despite the limitations on harvests and the occasional shortage of fruits and vegetables, Mike''s approach meant that the animals would never go hungry. The thoughtfulness and foresight behind his plan left Kisha and Duke genuinely impressed, as they realized that his knowledge was far beyond what they had expected from someone his age. Kisha and Duke exchanged a look, admiration shining in their eyes as they realized the extent of Mike''s dedication to the animals. His deep understanding of their needs and the careful planning he had put into ensuring their well-being made it clear that his Talent and Gift weren''t just about his skills¡ªit was his natural affinity for animals. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha couldn''t help but think that no wonder his abilities aligned with animal care. His methods and understanding were part of the reason why the animals here were thriving, growing bigger and tastier than the ones they had before the apocalypse. It wasn''t just luck¡ªthere were many factors at play, from his gift to his meticulous approach to raising the animals, and the results spoke for themselves. Kisha couldn''t help but feel a deep appreciation for Mike''s exceptional talent, especially since he remained so humble and lowkey. If she and Duke hadn''t taken the time to observe, she would have never realized the immense effort he put into caring for the animals. Handling thousands of livestock on his own while also coming out of the territory to assist around the villa, Mike''s dedication was truly impressive. The Wyatt family, she thought, was filled with good people, and Mike was a shining example of their strength and generosity. Kisha''s thoughts seemed to wander as she watched Duke continue with the task. She wondered if hiring more people to work on the farm would lighten the load on Mike and the others, especially since he was doing so much on his own. As she thought about it more, she realized that with her ability to draft the slave contracts, she could ensure that her secret remained safe and that everyone she hired would be bound to confidentiality. She absentmindedly tapped her chin with her finger, deep in thought, as Duke worked beside her, letting her process her ideas without interrupting her flow. After finishing up in the chicken coop, Kisha and Duke watched as Mike pushed the now-empty wooden cart back toward the farm. Without wasting time, they moved on to the duck house. Just like in the chicken coop, they began collecting eggs, working their way from the back to the entrance. By the time they were done, they had gathered an impressive eight thousand eggs. As they neared the exit, the steady chorus of quacking echoed through the duck house, filling the space with a lively energy. Stepping outside, they spotted Mike once again¡ªthis time pushing another cart filled with mixed grains and veggies. The feed looked similar to what the chickens had eaten earlier, reinforcing the careful balance Mike maintained in the animals'' diets. This time, Kisha noticed that the duck house wasn''t just surrounded by an expansive grassy area¡ªit also had a large pond. Tall reeds grew abundantly around the water, creating a natural habitat. Within the pond, she spotted snails and clusters of snail eggs, which the ducks could eat if they wished. Water crickets and other insects thrived alongside patches of moss, contributing to a self-sustaining ecosystem. It amazed her how closely this environment resembled the natural wetlands outside her territory, seamlessly supporting the ducks'' needs. Unlike how he fed the chickens, this time, Mike tossed the leafy greens directly into the water, allowing those that could float to drift on the surface while placing the heavier ones¡ªthose that would sink¡ªinto containers for the ducks to eat. The moment the food hit the water, several ducks sprinted toward it, eagerly plucking the floating leaves, sending small splashes rippling across the pond as they fed. Meanwhile, the ducks on land crowded around the containers, their feathery tails wagging happily as they pecked at their meal. Some even opted to pluck at the fresh grass before turning their attention to the food in the containers, enjoying a well-balanced feast. After finishing up at the duck house, Kisha and Duke walked past the sheep enclosure, where the others were just wrapping up the shearing process. What caught their attention was the towering mound of freshly shorn fleece¡ªthick, pristine, and incredibly soft. Unlike the usual wool from farms before the apocalypse, which was often matted and dirty, this fleece was remarkably clean and bright white, making it much easier to process. Kisha was amazed; it was her first time seeing freshly sheared wool up close. With such an abundant supply, they could spin it into yarn or craft thicker blankets and warm clothing¡ªvaluable resources that would help survivors endure the cold far better than during their first harsh winter-like cold that abruptly appeared out of nowhere. The Winters men carefully rolled up the fleece before asking Marcus for help in transporting it to the warehouse. Once stored, they can ask the workshop''s artisans to begin processing it¡ªcleaning the wool, soaking it in a special solution, and preparing it for spinning into woolen yarn or weaving into fabric. The finished materials would then be crafted into blankets, clothing, and even carpets. Some of the wool would also be distributed to independent artisans who ran their own stalls. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire "How come the fleece is so white and fluffy?" Kisha murmured, marveling at its pristine quality. Mike, who was standing beside her, overheard the question. He wasn''t trying to boast about his achievements, but he felt it was important to explain the process. "Young Madam, I actually bathe the sheep regularly, but don''t worry¡ªI don''t do it manually," Mike explained with a small chuckle. "As you can see, there are hundreds of them, and it would take forever if I washed them one by one. Instead, I herd them toward that enclosure." He pointed to a structure not far away. Kisha and Duke followed his gaze before walking over to take a closer look. The enclosure resembled a narrow, winding passage that allowed only one sheep to pass through at a time. The entire length of the passage was filled with bubbling water, and in the middle stood a series of rotating brushes made from bundled dry reeds. Though the brushes appeared somewhat crude, they were easy to replace with sturdier reeds when needed. As the sheep moved through the passage, the brushes scrubbed away dirt and debris, gradually cleaning their coats. By the time they emerged on the other side, their fleece was noticeably cleaner. The simplicity and efficiency of the system impressed Kisha¡ªit was a low-maintenance yet highly effective way to ensure the livestock remained well-groomed. "That''s smart," Duke praised, patting Mike''s head. For Mike, the gesture felt like a great acknowledgment of his hard work, but he remained humble as he continued explaining. "I actually came across this method on YouTube once while watching random videos," he admitted with a small smile. "Since I didn''t have large synthetic brushes, I just improvised with what I had." Chapter 626 After Rest, Back To The Battles Aftermath "Don''t downplay your work," Kisha said, glancing back at the teenage boy. "Not everyone would think of doing this, even if they''ve seen it online." She gave Mike two thumbs up before shifting her gaze around the enclosure. It was set within the sheep pen, surrounded by grassy land. Her brows furrowed as she considered something¡ªthe water from the enclosure could be used to irrigate the grass, replenished by the steady stream flowing through the farm. A small man-made canal directed water from the stream to the enclosure, with a wooden plank serving as a stopper. If they needed to add more water, they could simply lift the plank and put it back to stop the flow when necessary, making water management much easier. However, to replace the old water inside the enclosure, they had to manually scoop it out using large pails and discard it before refilling with fresh, clean water. However, she noticed the water inside the enclosure was bubbling. That meant Mike had likely added something to create the effect, possibly a detergent. A worrying thought crossed her mind¡ªif the treated water was flushed out onto the grass and the sheep ate it, she didn''t even want to imagine the consequences. She couldn''t help but ask, "Mike, what did you use to make the water bubble?" "Oh, Young Madam," Mike began, scratching the back of his head. "When I was building the enclosure, I realized that plain water alone wouldn''t be enough to properly clean the sheep''s coats." "So, I searched the forest and found a type of plant that looked like a flower but secreted a slimy liquid. From what I know, certain plants like that can act as natural detergents or shampoo." "I did some experiments first to make sure it was safe and effective, and it turned out to work really well." "Since there''s an abundance of these plants in the forest, I collected some of the liquid and added it to the water. This way, it gently cleans the sheep without any harsh smells that could irritate them or affect the scent of their wool." "Plus, when we drain the water onto the grassland before refilling it, it won''t harm the grass. Instead, it acts as a natural fertilizer because it contains dirt and traces of sheep waste." "I''ve noticed the grass growing even lusher without needing to toss in extra vegetable scraps for decomposition." Kisha was truly amazed. Mike made it sound so simple, but in reality, his level of thoughtfulness and effort was remarkable. Even experienced animal caretakers wouldn''t go to such lengths¡ªscouring the mountains for a natural shampoo or detergent when they had commercial options readily available in the warehouse. Most people would have taken the easier route, but Mike thought differently. He considered not just the effectiveness of cleaning the sheep''s coats but also their health and how the solution would impact their living environment. His dedication and foresight were beyond impressive. "Well done, Mike." Kisha nodded, looking at him with a proud smile and a gentle gaze. Even Duke regarded him with appreciation. Though still a teenager, Mike displayed remarkable maturity and dependability, reaffirming their belief that entrusting the entire animal farm to him had been the best decision they could have made. Seeing this, Duke reached out and gently patted Kisha''s head, his voice filled with warmth. "You''ve done well too¡ªyou have a great eye for people." In the past, Kisha might have felt insulted by those words. Being told she had "a great eye for people" would have felt like rubbing salt in the wound, a cruel reminder of the countless betrayals she had suffered¡ªbetrayals that had ultimately led to her death. But now, after countless trials and errors, she truly felt like she had succeeded. She had gathered talented individuals, and her squad was finally taking shape just as she had envisioned. With a genuine smile, Kisha nodded in agreement. Not far from the sheep pen was the cowshed, where Rose, Evelyn, Reeve, and Clyde were seated on wooden stools, manually milking the cows. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire This time, there were no machines to assist them, so once the Winters'' men finished storing the sheared fleece in the territory''s warehouse, they joined in to help with the milking. Fortunately, there were only a few dozen dairy cows, making the task manageable. Among the cows was a highland cattle that had recently given birth. Rose and Evelyn focused on milking her since highland cattle produce milk rich in butterfat. However, there were only a few of them. The cowshed currently housed about 100 mixed-breed cows¡ªthe maximum it could accommodate¡ªincluding dairy cows, highland cattle for both milk and meat, and beef cattle of different breeds, with some pairs of rarer varieties. Observing this, Kisha began considering expanding the barn. She wanted to raise more cattle, not only to increase their milk production but also to ensure a wider variety of high-quality meat for the future. The same applied to the other farm animals. Among the cattle, the highland breed was the easiest to raise since they thrived on grass and other plants, requiring minimal additional feed. In contrast, the beef cattle needed a more varied diet, including hay and grains, which had to be sourced from the farm. Anticipating this, Marcus had already set aside a portion of the farm''s vegetables to supplement the animals'' diet. Additionally, the hay from the recently harvested rice only needed a bit more drying before it could be used as feed for the cows. After Kisha and the others finished helping out on the cowshed, they spent another three days within the farm and orchard, ensuring everything was in order before moving on. When they finally emerged, they had spent a total of 240 hours inside¡ªequivalent to 10 days¡ªwhile only 24 hours had passed in the outside world. Despite their absence, everything outside continued running smoothly. The people carried on with their work, and many of the warriors who had fallen into comas had regained consciousness. Though they were still weak, they were alive and, thankfully, suffering no lasting aftereffects from overusing their awakened abilities. They were fortunate to have been stopped in time¡ªhad they pushed any further, they might have suffered severe brain damage, potentially leaving them in a vegetative state. Fortunately, Aston and Tristan had exited earlier than the rest to take charge of operations outside. Because of this, they didn''t participate in the farm work and instead emerged after 12 hours¡ªjust enough time to rest before assuming command. Once they took over, the veterans who had been holding temporary leadership reported back to them. From there, Aston and Tristan began reorganizing. They ordered the retrieval of weapons back to the warehouse and had the empty bullet cartridges gathered and sent to the workshop. They also conducted a thorough assessment of the injured and checked for any casualties. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts¡ªeven with the use of the blue vials of liquid¡ªthere were some who didn''t make it. Most of the casualties had suffered fatal consequences from overusing their awakened abilities, their brains unable to withstand the strain had exploded and they bled from their seven orifices. The western wall had been hit the hardest, with three confirmed fatalities, while the rest¡ªabout a dozen¡ªhad managed to wake from their comas. Those who lost their lives, unfortunately, had no family members inside the base. Perhaps that was why they didn''t hesitate to sacrifice themselves, dedicating everything they had to defending the wall so that others could continue living in safety. They had given their lives for the greater good. Hearing this report the moment she stepped out of the territory space made Kisha''s heart sink. A heavy weight settled in her chest, the realization hitting her hard¡ªit was her responsibility, her oversight that had led to their deaths. As a leader, she couldn''t ignore that truth. The guilt pressed down on her like an unbearable burden. Seeing the pain reflected in her eyes, Duke pulled her into his arms, wrapping her in a firm, reassuring embrace. "Wife, don''t think that way. It wasn''t your fault, so you shouldn''t carry this burden alone," Duke said gently, his gaze steady as he tried to ease the conflict in Kisha''s eyes. "They knew what they were doing, and they still chose to do it¡ªbecause they believed in you. They believed you would make this base a safe haven for the children and the people they fought to protect." "In their hearts, they probably felt they were doing something meaningful, something right." He paused, tightening his hold on her. "Didn''t you hear? When their bodies were found, even after all the pain they endured before passing, they still had smiles on their faces. This was their choice, Kisha. You don''t have to carry the weight of it as guilt." Duke studied her face, knowing that no matter how much she claimed to have grown cold, deep down, Kisha''s heart was still as warm as it had always been. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 627 Memorial Hall After some coaxing, Kisha finally calmed down, regaining her usual cold and indifferent demeanor¡ªat least on the surface. However, those who had witnessed the crack in her expression earlier knew that their City Lord wasn''t as detached as she seemed. It was more likely a defense mechanism, a way for her to cope with the weight of responsibility or the pain she must have been facing. With Kisha composed once more, Tristan and Aston resumed their report on the base. Aside from the three casualties, several others had been rushed in for treatment¡ªthose who had fallen into a coma, teetering on the edge of death or permanent vegetative states. Fortunately, most of them had regained consciousness. The medical team was now providing close care and monitoring their conditions to ensure there were no lasting effects. After fully grasping the situation, Kisha raised her hand, signaling Tristan to pause his report. Her voice was firm yet solemn as she spoke. "Before we move on to other important matters, please arrange a memorial service for those who lost their lives in the line of duty." "Also, find a suitable location that we can transform into a memorial hall for our fallen heroes, separate from one dedicated to civilians. They all deserve to be honored and remembered with the respect they earned, even in death." Her words left not only the nearby warriors and soldiers¡ªwho had been discreetly listening¡ªin stunned silence but also Tristan and Aston, who hadn''t expected such a request. Given their current situation, holding a memorial service wasn''t a major issue. However, the idea of constructing a memorial hall for the fallen stirred mixed feelings among them. Firstly, with the ongoing apocalypse, many of the deceased likely wouldn''t even have bodies left to bury. Secondly, death had become an almost daily occurrence. Dedicating precious land to a memorial hall could mean sacrificing the valuable space they had fought tirelessly to reclaim¡ªland that had been secured through countless battles and relentless effort. Would it truly be practical to set aside such a resource for the fallen when the living still struggled to survive? Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire But Kisha saw things differently. She wasn''t just thinking emotionally¡ªthis wasn''t just about her own feelings but about the morale of everyone in the base. It was true that death had become an everyday occurrence in their zombie-infested world. They lived surrounded by death, and fear was inevitable. She had been considering this for a while. Since she couldn''t prevent every loss, the least she could do was give the fallen a dignified resting place. By establishing a memorial hall, she wasn''t just honoring the dead¡ªshe was giving the living a sense of hope. Knowing that, even in death, they wouldn''t be reduced to mindless, ravenous corpses wandering outside the walls would bring some solace. It would reassure them that their sacrifices wouldn''t be forgotten, that they wouldn''t simply vanish into the chaos, unrecognized and unburied. Instead, they would be remembered, their names etched into history, forever set apart from the horrors lurking beyond their sanctuary. This small sense of belonging, even in death, was the least she could offer in a world consumed by horror, fear, and pain. Kisha had always dreamed of building a true safe haven, but she knew that achieving it would demand countless sacrifices¡ªsweat, blood, and relentless effort. A sanctuary wasn''t something that simply appeared because they wished for it; it had to be earned. So, while she couldn''t promise an end to the suffering, she could at least offer a place for people to lay their loved ones to rest¡ªa space where they could return, remember, and honor those they had lost. In doing so, she wasn''t just giving them closure; she was strengthening their connection to the base itself. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If people felt emotionally tied to their home, they would be more willing to fight for it, to protect it, and to build a future worth living for. Beyond that, while the memory of losing their loved ones in this apocalypse was painful, Kisha didn''t want them to forget. Instead, she wanted them to carry those memories¡ªnot as a weight to drag them down, but as fuel to keep clawing their way out of this hellish world. She understood this from personal experience. Many people preferred to forget, to live in the moment, to cherish the present and make the most of what little they had. But that mindset only allowed them to escape their fears temporarily, pushing them to survive rather than truly fight for something greater. With the memorial hall as a constant reminder of what they had lost, they wouldn''t settle for merely getting by. They would push harder, strive for more, and refuse to let their sacrifices be in vain. Currently, while many were eager to become warriors for the base, most were drawn by the promise of better meals each day. But that alone wasn''t enough. Kisha needed her warriors to have true determination, grit, and passion¡ªto fight not just for survival but for something greater. Especially now, after what happened the previous day, she knew that was only the first test. There would be a second, a third, and possibly countless more trials ahead. If they weren''t prepared¡ªphysically, mentally, and emotionally¡ªthen their future was doomed before it even began. Now, facing these people¡ªTristan''s understanding gaze and Duke''s gentle coaxing voice¡ªKisha knew she had to correct their misconceptions. It was true that she felt some guilt earlier, knowing that three of her warriors had died while she was in a coma, fighting to keep the zombies from breaching the walls. They had done an incredible job, and offering them this memorial was the least she could do in return. Duke''s words stirred something in her, touching an emotion she rarely allowed herself to feel. But for someone like her, who had witnessed countless deaths¡ªincluding her own, in a way¡ªthis loss, though painful, was just another chapter in the brutal reality they lived in. Even though they had their doubts, no one voiced them. They understood that Kisha was speaking from the heart, and the words "memorial hall for the heroes" struck a deep chord within them. It made them feel that their sacrifices wouldn''t be forgotten, even if they fell in the future. And for some reason, that thought stirred something within them¡ªan emotion they couldn''t quite put into words. After a brief moment of stunned silence, Tristan responded, his voice steady. "Yes, Young Madam. I''ll begin working on it right away." With that, he gave a respectful nod to both Kisha and Duke before turning to leave. Aston, still slightly uncertain about his next move, followed Tristan, ready to assist with the arrangements for the memorial service in the proper military fashion, as what befit heroes. Meanwhile, Kisha and Duke remained standing on top of the wall, their gaze sweeping over the streets outside. Soldiers were diligently ensuring that all the zombies had been dealt with, collecting the valuable crystal cores. The first light of dawn began to creep across the sky, signaling the brief respite was over, and now, the real work began. It was a brief moment of calm in an otherwise chaotic world after their long battle the other day. After a full day of rest, everyone knew it was time to shift gears and face the aftermath of the battle. Chapter 628 Cleaning Up The soldiers descended from the wall using ropes, as opening the gate was out of the question. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If they did, the zombie carcasses would spill in from the outside, and in the event of another wave or trouble, closing the gate would become nearly impossible. This left them with no choice but to climb down. Equipped with large military backpacks, they first cleared a small, designated area. There, they began collecting the zombie corpses they had already inspected and removed crystal cores from, piling them up in one spot. Once everything was gathered, they set the pile ablaze, ensuring the remains were properly disposed of. This approach, however, was slow¡ªlike counting rice grains one by one from a sack¡ªand not nearly fast enough for the sheer number of zombie carcasses outside. If they continued at this pace, it would take forever. Kisha recognized this and decided to enlist the help of the Scarlet Bees to speed things up. The soldiers and warriors had already experienced the bees'' power firsthand, even if they had not observed them in action. This also served as a perfect opportunity to create another disguise, allowing others to believe she was using her telekinesis to extract the crystal cores from the zombies'' skulls. With thousands of Scarlet Bees at her disposal, Kisha knew they could gather the cores more efficiently. However, with so many zombie bodies piled high, the bees struggled to reach the ones buried deeper in the stack. To overcome this, they adapted their strategy, slicing through the pile, extracting the crystal cores as they went, and collecting them in a designated area free of bodies. This approach was far too gruesome, only adding to the mess around them. Kisha shook her head as she observed from the sidelines. Meanwhile, the soldiers and warriors working on the other sides couldn''t help but steal glances at her. They weren''t sure if they were being punished by having to witness this scene or if it was entirely unintentional. Either way, none of them dared to voice their thoughts. Instead, they focused on their tasks, doing their best to pretend they saw nothing. But it was nearly impossible to ignore¡ªespecially when severed hands or feet went flying through the air, occasionally landing right where they were collecting the crystal cores. Before things got further out of hand, Kisha recalled the Scarlet Bees. Though the process had been messy, the bees had already gathered hundreds of crystal cores in a remarkably short time. The nearby warriors and soldiers quickly moved in to collect the neatly piled crystal cores, stuffing them into their bags before scaling the wall and depositing them into the designated containers for cleaning. Once the boxes were full, another team would carry them to a large drum filled with cold water, where they would be vigorously shaken to remove any lingering black blood and brain matter clinging to the crystals. And they would repeat it in three different drums filled with cold water to make sure that the crystal cores were cleaned. Once cleaned, the boxes were lifted out of the water and placed on a table where another team wiped the crystal cores with clean cloths. If any remnants of brain matter or zombie blood remained, they would rinse the cores again before thoroughly drying them. The cleaned crystals were then stored in separate boxes, which were sealed once full. When the number of filled boxes became too large to transport manually, a lift was used to move them to the City Lord''s Villa. Meanwhile, Rose and Evelyn meticulously recorded everything, while their subordinates listed and calculated the number of crystal cores to be distributed as rewards to those who had participated in the battle. Seeing how well-organized everyone was, Kisha knew she didn''t need to worry about the rest of the process and could instead focus on the cleanup operation outside the wall to ensure they finished as soon as possible. Just then, an excavator pulled up in front of the gate, likely expecting the soldiers to open it so the machine could pass through and assist in clearing the zombie carcasses. Even if the piled-up bodies rushed forward once the gate was opened, the operator was confident he could push them back with the excavator, preventing any major issues. However, the gatekeepers hesitated, still wary of the risk. Noticing their uncertainty, Kisha didn''t bother waiting¡ªshe simply used her telekinesis to lift the entire excavator over the wall. The sudden motion sent the operator into a panic, making him scream his lungs out as he was unexpectedly lifted off the ground. "Mommy! What''s going on?!" the operator panicked, desperately trying to grab onto anything within reach. Through the excavator''s window, he caught sight of Kisha standing atop the wall, effortlessly lifting the massive machine with her telekinesis. His eyes widened as he realized he was about to be carried over the ten-meter-high barrier. "Oh¡­ it''s the City Lord," he muttered with a wry smile, attempting to mask his sheer terror. He tried to act unfazed, but in reality, his knees were buckling beneath him. Heights were already his worst fear, and the thought of plummeting from such a height only made it worse. However, since it was Kisha who was lifting him, he knew he couldn''t complain. Still, his forced smile was beginning to crack. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, his face turned ashen, and his entire body trembled despite his best efforts to appear brave. Kisha noticed the operator''s discomfort and called out, "Just close your eyes! By the time you open them, you''ll already be on the ground!" This was the fastest way to get the excavator over the wall. If the operator had to clear out the zombie carcasses that had spilled inside before making his way out, it would take too much time. Using her telekinesis was simply the most efficient solution. It only took her a few breaths to lift the excavator over the wall. The operator, trusting her words, squeezed his eyes shut. When he finally dared to open them, he was already on solid ground. His excavator now rested atop the piled-up zombie corpses outside the wall. He exhaled deeply in relief, but his teeth still chattered, and his back was drenched in cold sweat. "T-Thank you, City Lord¡­" the operator murmured, his voice hoarse and unsteady. He struggled to say it out loud, his words barely escaping as he trembled uncontrollably. But Kisha paid him no mind. As soon as she set the excavator down, her gaze swept over the streets outside. Soldiers and warriors were still collecting crystal cores by hand, their figures moving tirelessly. The same scene unfolded along the other walls, a relentless effort to gather every last core. Kisha let out a sigh before turning to the excavator operator and shouting, "Start piling up the bodies! Don''t worry about whether the crystal cores have been removed¡ªjust stack them up!" The operator, who had just begun to steady himself, stiffened at her command. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire Swallowing his nerves, he gave a quick nod, refocused, and started operating the excavator. With each scoop, he lifted as many zombie carcasses as the machine could carry and began piling them up. Kisha then turned to the warriors nearby and called out, "Fire-type awakened ability users, gather here! We''ll burn the pile to ash, and the soldiers can collect the crystal cores afterward. It''ll be much faster that way!" Chapter 629 Preparing To Draw Everyone turned their attention to Kisha. They had considered this method before, but the fire-type awakened ability users weren''t strong enough yet¡ªtheir fire essence couldn''t fully incinerate the zombie carcasses in one go. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It would take multiple attempts before they could properly cremate the bodies. Despite this, Kisha urged them to move forward with the plan. The excavator operator began scooping up the surrounding zombie carcasses, barely needing to move as the bodies were already piled around the machine. With each scoop, he dumped them into the center, gradually forming a towering mound that soon stood taller than the excavator itself. Once the first pile was ready, Kisha signaled for the fire-type awakened users to ignite it. The excavator operator didn''t pause; as soon as one mound was burning, he shifted position and began creating another, just as tall and not far from the first. The cycle continued, ensuring a systematic disposal of the bodies. After the fire-type awakened ability users set the bodies ablaze, thick black smoke billowed into the air. However, as the fire began to weaken, they saw that only blackened, charred remains were left¡ªfar from being reduced to ashes. Without hesitation, Kisha ordered them to reignite the flames. They complied, repeating the process several times. Each time, the bodies burned further, gradually breaking down. It took patience and multiple attempts, but eventually, the remains were reduced to fine ashes. Once the cremation was complete, all that was left to do was shovel through the ashes to uncover the crystal cores buried beneath. With this method, they no longer had to spend excessive time cleaning the crystal cores of black blood and brain matter. A simple rinse with water and a quick wipe were enough to make the process significantly faster and more efficient. While waiting for one mound to finish burning and for the fire to die down, they could focus on setting the next pile ablaze. With Kisha present, they didn''t have to worry about recovering their spiritual energy¡ªshe ensured they had the support they needed. Once the fire in one mound faded, they reignited it and repeated the process, while a dedicated team shoveled through the ashes to retrieve the crystal cores. With this process, everything became significantly easier, allowing them to clear a small section of the streets efficiently. Meanwhile, Kisha focused on clearing the abandoned vehicles to ensure the excavator operator could maneuver smoothly without obstruction. She carefully gathered and stacked the cars in one place, ensuring they were securely positioned to prevent any risk of collapse. The slightly dimmed sky was illuminated by the ongoing fires burning in the streets. If any zombies emerged from within the city, snipers were on standby to provide support. Although the zombies had reverted to their normal state and were no longer enhanced or buffed by the event, they remained stronger and more agile than before, requiring everyone to stay vigilant. Fortunately, after surviving numerous life-and-death situations, even the soldiers who had yet to awaken their abilities were becoming more accustomed to battling the undead. While they still suffered from nightmares and PTSD, they now faced the zombies with greater confidence and resolve. Knowing that Kisha was watching over them, everyone felt a renewed sense of confidence, almost as if they were invincible. The fear of dying outside no longer weighed as heavily on their minds, knowing that countless eyes were watching over them, ready to provide cover and support at a moment''s notice. "Host! I''m back!" 008''s voice suddenly rang inside Kisha''s mind, bringing a small smile to her lips. "Welcome back, little one. I''ve been waiting for you," Kisha said, casting one last glance at the people outside the wall before shifting her focus to 008. She had been anticipating its return ever since it began its Level 6 upgrade. Now that it was complete, she could finally start the Gachapon Draw and check her other rewards. Of course, she could have done all of this even while 008 was undergoing its upgrade, but having it around made the system''s operations much smoother. Besides, there was no rush¡ªafter all, the storm had passed, and a rare moment of calm had settled over everything. With that in mind, she allowed herself to take her time, enjoying the peace and spending it with everyone inside her territory space. After confirming that 008 was back, Kisha turned to the gatekeeper and handed over command. "Keep a close watch on everyone outside. Don''t let them overexert themselves¡ªonce they start feeling tired, have them return inside the walls to rest. And make sure no one engages in battle alone without proper support," she instructed, her tone firm and authoritative. "I need to step away for a bit to handle something important, so I''ll be counting on you to guide them from here." Her gaze remained steady, reinforcing the seriousness of her orders. Hearing Kisha''s words, the gatekeeper''s eyes lit up with determination, realizing the weight of the responsibility she was entrusting him with. He straightened his posture and saluted with a confident smile. "Don''t worry, City Lord. I''ll keep a close eye on everything here. You can rest assured." Kisha gave him a firm nod before making her way down from the wall. Just as she descended, she ran into Duke, who had been searching for her. "Wifey, we''re currently burning the bodies outside to make it easier for everyone to harvest the crystal cores¡ª" He paused mid-sentence, his gaze shifting toward the billowing smoke rising from beyond the western wall. His brow lifted slightly before he let out a chuckle. "Looks like we''re so in sync that we had the same idea..." With a teasing smirk, Duke pulled Kisha closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I''ve already instructed the others to implement this method at the other walls so we can finish the cleanup as quickly as possible." Kisha smiled and nodded. "Just as expected from my husband¡ªcompetent and smart," she teased, giving him an approving look before tugging him along. Duke raised an eyebrow but followed without hesitation. "Where to?" he asked, matching her pace. Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire "To make a draw..." Kisha replied, her voice laced with mystery. She shot him a mischievous smile before turning toward their villa, leaving Duke both intrigued and amused. "Draw?" Duke repeated, his mind latching onto the keyword. Then, it clicked¡ªKisha had said the same thing before about that Gacha-something, and that was when he got his beloved spear. Now that he remembered, excitement bubbled up inside him like a kid on the morning of a long-awaited trip. ''This is going to be fun!'' he thought, his anticipation growing. Without another word, Duke eagerly grabbed Kisha''s hand and practically dragged her toward the villa. His long strides easily outpaced hers, making her take three steps for every one of his. But instead of protesting, Kisha simply smiled, amused by the pure excitement in his eyes. He knew exactly what she meant by "Draw," and she could already tell he was looking forward to it just as much as she was. On their way back to the villa, they were greeted by survivors along the road, who smiled warmly and invited them to join their meal. However, Duke, too caught up in his excitement, barely slowed down¡ªhis beaming smile the only acknowledgment he gave before hurrying past them. Chapter 630 100 Gachapon Draw Coupon Seeing this, the survivors exchanged knowing looks and chuckled to themselves. ''Seems like we''ll have a little City Lord running around soon,'' they thought. Kisha, completely unaware of their misconception, could only let out a small, defeated smile as she trailed behind Duke, who was practically radiating enthusiasm. Not long after, Duke and Kisha arrived at the villa. Mrs. Winters attempted to strike up a conversation with the couple, but Duke, too caught up in his excitement, breezed right past her with a wide grin. "Oh my! It seems my son is really planning to give me a grandson this time," she remarked with amusement before glancing at her husband, who was lounging on the sofa, calmly sipping his tea. "Leave the kids alone," Mr. Winters said, his tone relaxed. "They know what they''re doing..." Yet, despite his words, the small smile on his face betrayed his own quiet anticipation. "I never said I''d try to stop them. In fact, I was even planning to give them some encouragement¡ªand maybe a few tips if my daughter-in-law needs them," Mrs. Winters said with a playful smile before settling onto the sofa beside her husband. She quickly launched into gossip, chatting animatedly, while Mr. Winters pretended to be indifferent. However, despite his outward nonchalance, he was clearly listening to every word his wife said. Meanwhile, Duke and Kisha had already reached their room. Just like before, they sat on the edge of the bed, and Kisha checked the number of Gachapon Draws she currently had. "Last time, you said we''d wait until we had 100 draws before doing another draw. Does that mean you''ve already reached the goal?" Duke asked, his tone casual, but the excitement in his eyes gave him away. Kisha couldn''t help but smile at his barely contained enthusiasm. She nodded. "Yeah, I''ve got 120 Gachapon Draws now, which means we have an even higher chance of getting some good equipment this time." As she spoke, she accessed her inventory, searching for the Gachapon draws coupons. [Do you want to use the Gachapon Draw Coupon?] Options appeared on the screen: [Yes] or [No] Without hesitation, Kisha pressed ''Yes'', while Duke watched silently beside her his eyes practically glued to the screen before him. The instant she made her selection, a large screen materialized in front of them, displaying an array of random items arranged like cards. The screen was vibrant with various colors and effects: some items glowed with a golden brilliance, others shone in a striking scarlet red with swirling red and gold lights, while additional items were highlighted in shades of purple, blue, green, and a muted white. Each item seemed to radiate its own unique aura, adding an element of anticipation to the draw. Below the large display of items, two options appeared: [Draw x1] or [Draw x10] Then, there was a big display that shows [Draw x100] Just as Kisha had expected, it was indeed possible to use all 100 Gachapon draws at once. Without hesitation, she pressed the ''Draw x100'' button, and Duke didn''t stop her¡ªthey had decided on this long ago. As soon as she clicked, the cards began to glow, just as she remembered. The light pulsed across the array, moving slowly at first before picking up speed. Each card shimmered randomly, making it impossible to tell what items or their rarity they had obtained just yet. Despite the uncertainty, anticipation filled the air. Both Kisha and Duke sat in silence, eyes locked onto the screen, their excitement and nervousness intertwining. Unbeknownst to them, their hands had found each other, fingers clasped tightly as they awaited the results. After what felt like an eternity, the glowing cards finally began to reveal themselves one by one. The first few were green, followed by a couple of blues, then a striking purple. Excitement bubbled up between them¡ªuntil a streak of ten muted white cards appeared, causing their anticipation to dip slightly. But just as they started to worry, the 15th card emerged, shining with a brilliant golden light, swirling with an aura of shimmering gold. Both Kisha and Duke nearly jumped in place, eyes widening in excitement. Moments later, another purple card appeared, and then¡ªsuddenly¡ªa deep red card with swirling golden light followed. Their breath caught. They knew instantly¡ªit was a mythical item. Their excitement skyrocketed, and as more vibrant and rare-colored cards continued to appear, their joy only grew. The more dazzling the draws became, the happier the couple was, their anticipation turning into sheer exhilaration. Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire The more cards that were revealed, the bigger their haul became, filling them with anticipation. Then, a second red mythical item appeared, making Kisha nearly giggle with excitement. Moments later, another golden card surfaced¡ªthen another¡ªfollowed by a purple card. With each rare card that emerged, their excitement only grew, their happiness evident in the way their eyes sparkled with joy. Since they had chosen to do 100 draws at once, the process took some time, and they had to wait until all the draws were completed before they could fully see the items they had obtained. While waiting, Kisha decided to make use of the time by opening the Resource Crate. [Do you want to open Resource Crate?] [Open 1] or [Open All] Kisha didn''t hesitate and clicked "Open All," eager to see what the Resource Crate would contain. Since this was her first time opening one, she had no idea what to expect. As the name suggested, it should hold valuable resources, but the exact contents remained a mystery. Watching her, Duke was equally curious. He had no doubt that whatever came from the crate would be immensely useful¡ªafter all, everything Kisha obtained always turned out to be extraordinary and had helped them countless times before. So, while waiting for the draw to finish, they were also waiting for the crate to open. Just like the Gachapon Draw, the crate had its own animation. The crate''s top slowly opened, revealing shifting shadows of various items hovering above it. The glowing colors changed continuously, mirroring the same rarity indicators as the Gachapon Draw, making the anticipation even more exciting. Kisha split the screen into two¡ªone side showing the ongoing Gachapon Draw and the other displaying the opening of the Resource Crate. Since there were over 100 crates to open, the resources slowly compiled into a list beneath the crate. Once the process was complete, all the acquired resources would be displayed, just like in the Gachapon Draw. Kisha and Duke exchanged a glance, the suspense nearly unbearable. The anticipation and nervousness gnawed at them¡ªfar more intense than any battle they had fought on the frontlines. Strangely enough, facing hordes of zombies hadn''t made them this anxious before, yet now, they found themselves holding their breath, worried they might not get as much as they had hoped. "Host, didn''t you want to expand your territory pack too?" 008 asked innocently. "Yeah, I do, but isn''t it already maxed out?" Kisha replied. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That''s true, but have you forgotten? We can still upgrade your entire territory to level 2! It requires 500,000 points, and before, that amount seemed impossible. But now, with the number of points you have, it wouldn''t even make a dent in your reserves!" 008 said excitedly. In the past, 008 had always been hesitant about spending points since they were scarce. But this time, for the first time ever, it was acting like a carefree rich guy ready to splurge without a second thought. Chapter 631 Territory Pack Upgrade Hearing this, Kisha recalled what 008 had mentioned when she first obtained the territory pack. Back then, 008 had told her that an upgrade was possible, but it required a whopping 500,000 points. She hadn''t given it much thought at the time¡ªafter all, she and 008 had always been scraping by when it came to system points, and that amount had seemed like nothing more than a distant dream. But now? Now, she had more points than she ever imagined, and the realization hit her like a rush of power. For the first time, she truly felt like a rich woman who could spend without a second thought. ''Damn! Being rich feels so fucking good!'' Kisha thought with a smirk. "Alright, 008, help me upgrade my territory pack." "Leave it to me, Host!" 008 responded enthusiastically before getting to work immediately. [Do you wish to spend 500,000 points to upgrade ''Territory Pack'' to level 2?] [Yes] or [No] Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire Kisha clicked "Yes," and almost instantly, Marcus, Mike, Grant, and Daisy¡ªwho were still inside the territory space¡ªwere all abruptly ejected. Stumbling slightly, they looked around in confusion, completely caught off guard by what had just happened. One moment, they had been minding their own business inside the territory space, going about their tasks, and the next, they found themselves forcefully kicked out without warning. Meanwhile, on Kisha''s screen, a new message appeared. [Territory Pack undergoing upgrade: 15%] Kisha was still unaware that Marcus and the others had been kicked out, but when she realized she couldn''t access the territory pack, a sense of unease settled over her. "008, I can''t open the territory interface. Does that mean the protective barrier and my connection to the territory in City A have been lost too?" she asked urgently, her voice laced with concern. "Host, I''m currently reading the territory pack''s manual. It states that while everyone inside the territory space will be expelled during the upgrade, anything placed outside will remain fully operational. This includes the farmland you established in City A and the barrier protecting the base. However, the barrier''s strength will remain at level one until the upgrade is complete, at which point its energy capacity will increase." [Territory Pack undergoing upgrade: 17%] "Alright then, as long as the base in City A is functioning properly, I''ll leave the monitoring to you. I''ll check on it again once the upgrade is complete." Just as she finished speaking with 008, the Resource Crate finished opening. Duke nudged her, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Wifey, all the Resource Crates are open." "Oh!" Kisha responded absentmindedly before quickly opening the list. [Normal Quality Mass of Vanadium x 15] [Common Quality Mass of Iron Meteriorite x20] [Uncommon Quality Mass of Chromium metal x 35] [Rare Quality Mass of Magic Wood x 25] [Legendary Quality Elf''s ears x 10] [Mythical Quality Dragon''s blood x 5] [Normal Quality Goblin''s Tongue x 20] [Uncommon Quality Mass of Zirconium x 10] [Uncommon Quality Mass of Osmium x 10] [Rare Quality Mass of Lutetium x 5] Most of the resources she obtained were metals, along with a few magical items that seemed to be categorized as resources. These magical items could be used for alchemy, ink-making for inscriptions, rune crafting, and other mystical applications. However, even after opening 100 crates, the majority of the items were still materials that could be found on Earth¡ªalbeit rare and difficult to acquire under their current circumstances. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This likely explained why most of them were classified as common or uncommon. Yet, when compared to Earth''s resources, these metals were highly valuable and could be considered rare treasures. "Most of these resources are exactly what we need for building the Advanced Solar Panel and the main engine for the Sewer System with Gas Preservation," Duke said as he scanned the list of metals dominating the screen. Since he had been heavily involved in the construction of the solar panel and frequently reviewed other blueprints while brainstorming with Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel, he was well-acquainted with the materials they required and the ones they were still missing. He wasn''t there to breathe down their necks or rush them to complete the project¡ªhis hands-on involvement stemmed from genuine interest. When he was still the head of the Winters and leading his business empire, he often collaborated with the military on various projects. He funded many of the large-scale projects, and he was always fascinated by modern technology and weaponry. He even had a private collection, which some, he had once shown to Kisha. However, this advanced technology was something different¡ªboth foreign and strangely familiar. It intrigued him in ways he hadn''t expected, making him all the more eager to see the final product. That''s why he was always willing to contribute however he could. "Hmm, alright then. We''ll send these minerals to the workshop so they can be smelted and processed into parts. After that, Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel can use them to complete the blueprints," Kisha said thoughtfully. "But it''ll take time¡ªthere''s a lot of material, and our equipment is still limited." As she spoke, she considered ways to improve the workshop''s efficiency. So far, they had been relying on makeshift equipment pieced together from scraps¡ªnot exactly ideal for long-term use. If they wanted to produce high-quality components and speed up production, they needed better tools and machinery. Kisha made a mental note to look into possible upgrades to support the team. Especially for manufacturing the essential parts for the solar panel, sewer system engine, and gas preservation unit. Duke let out a tired sigh before speaking. "Actually, I have advanced equipment stored at the base in City A¡ªthe one we''re currently occupying. Originally, I built that place as a hidden armory where I designed and stockpiled advanced weapons." "The blueprints either came from commissions I had made or were acquired through deals with the government in exchange for funding or materials. It was through those business transactions that I managed to establish that hidden facility," Duke explained. Now, everything was starting to make sense to Kisha¡ªwhy that place was so well-hidden and why Duke had so many secret weapon stashes, even at the farm. It was all coming together. The fact that he had struck deals with the government only reinforced his capabilities and influence; even the authorities couldn''t easily dismiss him. However, one question still lingered in her mind¡ªwhy had he been preparing and stockpiling so many weapons in the first place? As if reading her mind¡ªor perhaps simply wanting to explain¡ªDuke spoke up. "Well, I manufacture and sell weapons worldwide. You could say I''m technically a weapons smuggler, but that''s also where my main financial firepower comes from." "More importantly, it helped keep other countries in check, ensuring they wouldn''t even think about attacking ours." "At the same time, I provided free and discounted weapons to our military, making it a win-win situation. That''s why their weapon engineers were always eager to sell me their blueprints¡ªI had the advanced equipment to produce them." "Of course, on the surface, I made it seem like I was just commissioning the military to manufacture my armored vehicles and firearms, using it as a cover." Chapter 632 Going Back To City A? Now that Kisha had a clearer understanding, her thoughts shifted back to their territory in City A. "So, you''re saying that you have proper equipment there that can help our artisan blacksmiths increase their production rate and manufacture the parts we need for our projects?" she asked, wanting to confirm the crucial details. Duke nodded. "Exactly." "But even with advanced equipment, we''d still need to travel back to City A and bring the blacksmiths with us since most of the equipment is massive and built-in¡ªwe can''t just dismantle it and transport it to City B," Duke explained carefully. "On top of that, we''d need to establish a clear and secure route for transporting essential materials between the two cities. This whole process will take a significant amount of time unless we consider relocating our base to City A. But that would mean moving over five thousand survivors from City B, which would be incredibly risky and time-consuming." He laid out the challenges methodically, ensuring Kisha understood the scale of what they were up against and what steps would be necessary to make the most of their resources. "Alright, let''s think about it later. We''re done here in City B, so we can head back to City A, check things out, and then decide whether to move our base or not," Kisha said with a nod, considering Duke''s words carefully. Hearing that they were finally returning to City A made Duke visibly pleased. His lips curled up slightly in satisfaction, but the sight of that subtle smile made Kisha''s brows furrow. She suddenly remembered one crucial detail¡ªMelody was still there. For some reason, that barely-there smile on Duke''s face felt glaringly infuriating to her and left a bitter taste in her mouth. "Why do you look so happy? Are you looking forward to seeing someone there?" Kisha couldn''t help but ask, her tone carrying a sharp edge. Duke was momentarily taken aback, sensing the faint hint of jealousy in her voice. But instead of feeling guilty, his smile only widened. "Hmm¡­ why do I suddenly smell sour lemons in the air? Do you smell that?" Duke teased, pretending to sniff dramatically. Then, leaning in closer to Kisha, he took another exaggerated sniff near her. "Ah, I think it''s coming from right here," he said with a mischievous grin. Kisha glared at Duke as he happily teased her, but she couldn''t bring herself to smile. How could she, when Melody¡ªhis former fianc¨¦e¡ªwas waiting for him back in City A? Their families had been close, and they had known each other since childhood. If Duke was implying she was jealous¡ªhell yeah, she was. She couldn''t help it. The mere thought of Melody being there, waiting for him, made her feel like she was about to explode with frustration. She had never felt this jealous before. She never imagined herself as the possessive or jealous type, always believing she was laid-back and unbothered by her man interacting with other women¡ªwhether they had feelings for him or not. As long as he knew his limits and maintained clear boundaries, she thought she''d be fine. But now? Her blood was boiling with anger, and she couldn''t control it. This side of her was completely unfamiliar. Had she always been like this? Or was it because of the betrayal she suffered in her previous life that she had become this way? She didn''t know. Seeing Kisha genuinely upset, Duke stopped teasing and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. He pressed a series of soft kisses on her cheeks, trying to soothe her. "Baby, don''t overthink it," he murmured. "I''m happy because when we get back to City A, I''ll finally be able to show you my secret stash¡ªblueprints, weapons, and a whole bunch of things I''ve hidden there. I forgot to mention it last time because I was too worried about my family. But now that we''re going back, I can finally present them to you." He leaned in, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "Didn''t you say you wanted planes, helicopters, yachts, and all that? Well, I have a collection of the latest military Humvees and even military-grade versions of what you wanted. They''re all hidden underground." Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire Duke lifted his right hand, holding up three fingers. "Scout''s honor. I''m telling you the truth." "Wait, an underground bunker? You have an underground bunker?" Kisha''s eyes widened as she stared at Duke in disbelief. "Why didn''t you just have Eagle and Hawk retrieve everything and deliver it here?" "They can''t access it without my authorization," Duke explained. "The bunker is secured with a retina scan, fingerprint scan, full-body scan, and a passcode¡ªeverything is registered solely to me. Meaning, I''m the only one who can open it. It''s my personal hidden stash." "Why do you even have all that? Were you secretly preparing for a war?" Kisha eyed Duke skeptically, her suspicion growing. "There''s no way you knew a zombie apocalypse was going to happen, right?" "I wasn''t preparing for a war, but I was making sure we were ready¡ªjust in case," Duke said with a casual shrug. "There were already rising tensions between countries, and Russia had already attacked some, while wars in the Middle East were ongoing. I just wanted to ensure that if anyone dared to make a move against us, my private army and I would be well-prepared." He spoke as if it were nothing more than a routine precaution, but to Kisha, it was starting to sound more like a well-laid-out contingency plan. "Wait¡­ is that why you took in so many orphans, trained them as your personal bodyguards, and then sent them all over the country?" Kisha questioned, though it sounded more like a statement than an actual inquiry. "You weren''t just helping them¡ªyou were building your own private army while gathering intel at the same time, weren''t you?" Her gaze locked onto Duke, piecing everything together as the realization sank in. Duke stared at Kisha for a moment, his eyes deep and unreadable. She couldn''t tell what he was thinking until, suddenly, a soft smile spread across his face, his features relaxing. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My wife really understands me best," he said simply. Those few words hit Kisha like a thunderclap. Her mind reeled as she pieced things together¡ªDuke had been gathering and training orphans since he was young. If that was the case¡­ then had he been planning this from the very beginning? What kind of mind did the young Duke possess to think that way? And why would he even consider such a thing? For some reason, Kisha couldn''t wrap her head around Duke''s way of thinking. The more she tried to understand him, the more puzzled she became. But before she could dwell on it any longer, the sound of the Gachapon Draw finishing snapped her out of her thoughts. Out of the 100 draws, three red cards glowed brightly with a golden light swirling around it, indicating mythical item¡ªan impressive haul, considering there was only a 1% chance of obtaining one. Additionally, she had pulled 15 golden cards, representing legendary items with just a 3% probability, along with 35 rare items (8% chance), 20 uncommon, 10 common, and 17 normal items. It was an incredible outcome. She wasn''t sure if it was because doing a hundred draws had naturally increased her chances or if luck was simply on her side. Chapter 633 The Haul "Host, it''s definitely your Luck stat," 008 explained, excitement evident in its tone. "With over 300 Luck, your chances of getting better rewards have significantly increased. Your overall luck influences everything, and right now, it''s working in your favor..." 008 couldn''t help but feel thrilled. Kisha''s windfall meant the end of their struggles¡ªfamine was over, and a season of abundance and prosperity had finally arrived. To make it easier to review the items, Kisha sorted them by rarity before beginning her inspection. Wanting to save the best for last, she started with the normal items first. ... [Normal Quality Stamina Booster x5] [Normal Quality Healing Potion x 5] [Normal Quality Speed Talisman x 3] [Normal Quality Mana Potion x3] [Normal Quality Fire Grass Seed x1] [Common Quality Black Raven''s Beak x 5] [Common Quality Goblin''s Blood x 4] [Common Quality Monster''s Bood x 1] [Uncommon Quality Four Season Fabric Fabric x 15] [Uncommon Quality Bredmon Leather x5] [Rare Quality Blast Hammer] [Rare Quality Blast Gloves] [Rare Quality Blast Jacket] [Rare Quality Blast Boots] [Rare Quality Blast Necklace] [Rare Quality Blast Ear Stud] [Rare Quality Blast Ring] [Rare Quality Blast Bangle] [Rare Quality Blast Shirt] [Rare Quality Blast Pants] ... After seeing several intriguing items on the list, Kisha was immediately drawn to what appeared to be a set item. She paused her review, opting to inspect a few of the most interesting items that had caught her eye first before continuing. Some seemed to be materials with multiple uses, similar to those she had obtained from the Resource Crate¡ªpotentially valuable for alchemy and other crafting purposes. ... [Four Season Fabric Fabric] [Description: A fabric woven from magical threads, designed to withstand elemental attacks. It can be crafted into clothing or protective armor, providing the wearer with resistance against elemental forces and extreme environmental conditions. Type: Craftable Grade: Uncommon Effect: *Elemental Resistance: Increases resistance to elemental attacks by +10% *Defense Boost: Enhances overall defense by +5] ... [Bredmon Leather] [Description: Crafted from the hide of the Bredmon Beast, a creature known for its thick, durable skin and exceptional defense. This leather provides excellent impact absorption and sound-dampening properties, making it ideal for stealth and protection. Grade: Uncommon Type: Craftable Effect: *Defense +10 ¨C Enhances overall durability and protection. *Impact Absorption: Reduces the force of incoming attacks, mitigating damage. *Sound Absorption: Lessens noise, aiding in stealth and reducing detection.] ... [Blast Hammer] [Description: Forged from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Hammer was crafted to deliver devastating, earth-shattering blows. Designed as part of a powerful set, its effects amplify when combined with other matching gear, greatly enhancing the wearer''s strength and battlefield dominance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Weapon Stats: Strength +15 Effects: *Blast: 15% chance to generate a shockwave upon impact, staggering nearby enemies. *Charge: Enables the wearer to build momentum, increasing damage when charging into groups of opponents. *Earth Affinity: Enhances the wearer''s connection to earth-based abilities and attacks. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Berserk Mode: Grants a temporary 15-minute boost, doubling overall strength, but requires a cooldown period. *Mountain Splitter: 15% chance to create a seismic fissure up to 50 meters long and 5 meters wide upon striking the ground. *Energy Blast: Allows the wearer to channel and store energy within the hammer, releasing a powerful blast for an enhanced ''Blast'' shockwave. Requires significant energy to activate.] ... [Blast Gloves] Description: Forged from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Gloves were designed to complement the devastating force of the Blast Hammer. These gloves provide crucial impact absorption, preventing recoil damage while enhancing the wearer''s grip and durability. As part of a powerful set, their effects grow stronger when paired with matching gear, further amplifying battlefield prowess. Grade: Rare Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire Unique Item: 10/10 sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Type: Accessory Stats: Defense +5 Effects: *Impact Absorption: Reduces incoming impact force by 80%, minimizing strain on the wearer. *Elemental Resistance: Grants 80% resistance to elemental attacks. *Grip Enhancement: Increases the wearer''s grip strength by 15%, improving weapon control and grappling ability. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Boulder Splitter: Boosts the wearer''s striking power by 20%, allowing for more destructive force in melee combat. ... [Blast Jacket] Description: Crafted from sturdy meteorite iron by a legendary master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Jacket is designed to provide unparalleled defense, akin to an impenetrable turtle shell. As part of a powerful armor set, its effects become even more potent when combined with other matching pieces, significantly bolstering the wearer''s durability and combat resilience. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Armor Stats: Defense +100 Effects: *Turtle Shell: Generates an invisible barrier that absorbs all incoming attacks for 10 minutes, ensuring maximum protection during combat. *Deflect: Grants a 20% chance to deflect most critical attacks, reducing potential damage. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Absolute Defense: Renders the wearer impervious to all attacks for 20 minutes (Condition: Successfully evade five consecutive near-miss critical attacks). ... [Blast Boots] Description: Crafted from sturdy meteorite iron by a legendary master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Boots are designed to enhance mobility while offering superior protection. These boots completely absorb impact from footfalls, reducing strain on the wearer and enabling swift, unhindered movement. As part of a powerful armor set, their effects are significantly amplified when combined with other matching gear, increasing battlefield prowess. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Armor Stats: Defense +20 Effects: *Absolute Impact Absorption: Completely negates foot impact, reducing fatigue and increasing endurance. *Sprint: Boosts the wearer''s agility by 30% for 10 minutes, enhancing speed and maneuverability. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *High Jump: Grants the wearer the ability to leap significantly higher without risk of injury. (Note from the creator: "Designed for the weak-boned.") ... [Blast Necklace] Description: Meticulously forged from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Necklace is enchanted with powerful magic to enhance both offense and defense. Designed as a crucial component of the Blast Set, this accessory bolsters the wearer''s durability and destructive potential. When worn alongside matching gear, its effects are significantly amplified, granting unparalleled battlefield dominance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Accessory Stats: Defense +10 Strength +10 Effects: *Regeneration: Enhances the wearer''s natural healing speed by 20%, allowing faster recovery from injuries. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Enlarge: Temporarily increases the size of the Blast Hammer, delivering a devastating large-scale strike with massive impact. (Cooldown: 2 hours.) ... [Blast Ear Stud] Description: Expertly crafted from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Ear Stud is imbued with powerful enchantments to reinforce both the offensive and defensive capabilities of its wearer. As an integral piece of the Blast Set, its effects are significantly enhanced when combined with other matching gear, further augmenting battlefield dominance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Accessory Stats: Defense +5 Strength +5 Effects: *Deflect: Grants a 10% chance to completely deflect a powerful incoming attack. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): Amplify: Allows the wearer to double the power of one main attack. (One-time use, activated upon binding the item to the wearer.) .... [Blast Ring] Description: Forged from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Ring is infused with potent enchantments to enhance the wearer''s defensive prowess. As a key component of the Blast Set, its effects are significantly amplified when paired with other set pieces, further increasing battlefield efficiency. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Accessory Stats: Defense +5 Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Critical Strike: Grants a 10% chance to land a critical hit, dealing significantly increased damage to an opponent. ... [Blast Bangle] Description: Expertly crafted from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Bangle is infused with potent enchantments, enhancing the offensive prowess of its wearer. As a crucial component of the Blast Set, its effects become significantly stronger when paired with other matching gear, further boosting battlefield performance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Accessory Stats: Strength +5 Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Energy Amplification: Expands the wearer''s energy pool, allowing for greater endurance and sustained combat performance. ... [Blast Shirt] Description: Expertly crafted from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Shirt was designed to provide an extra layer of impenetrable defense for its wearer. As a vital piece of the Blast Set, this armor enhances durability and resilience. When worn with other matching gear, its effects are greatly amplified, granting the wearer unmatched battlefield endurance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Armor Stats: Defense: +20 Synergy Bonus (when paired with Blast Pants): Critical Evasion: Increases the wearer''s chance to evade a critical hit by 10%. ... [Blast Pants] Description: Expertly forged from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Pants were crafted to provide reinforced defense and durability to their wearer. As a vital component of the Blast Set, these pants enhance resilience and fortification, ensuring unwavering protection in battle. When worn alongside other matching gear, their effects are greatly amplified, further solidifying the wearer''s battlefield dominance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Armor Stats: Defense: +20 Synergy Bonus (when paired with Blast Shirt): Critical Evasion: Increases the wearer''s chance to evade a critical hit by 10%. ... "Don''t you think this Blast set would be perfect for Vulture? It focuses on strength and defense, and more importantly, each item has a unique effect that could greatly benefit him in future battles," Kisha said to Duke as she examined the Blast Ear Stud. Looking through the set piece by piece, she could already tell how much it would bolster Vulture''s power¡ªespecially with the Synergy Bonus. Only now did she realize what the question marks on some of the set items meant; they indicated locked effects that required the full set to activate. Chapter 634 Duke Was Even Better At... The discovery excited her¡ªunlocking the additional effects would make the set even more powerful and impressive. Just as 008 had mentioned, it seemed her ''Luck Stat'' played a significant role in allowing her to pull a full set in one go. Of course, the fact that she did a hundred draws also increased the probability, but overall, several factors contributed to this outcome. This was different from when she obtained the ''Erebus Cloak'' or ''Kratos'' Spear,'' which were individual pieces of a set. Now, she would need even more luck to acquire the remaining parts of those collections. Kisha then checked the other items, hoping to find pieces that could complement a set for either Duke or herself. She particularly liked the Erebus Cloak, which enhanced her stealth and could deflect critical attacks. As she scrolled through the list, she did manage to find an addition to her set¡ªbut unfortunately, it was only one piece. It seemed like most of her luck had already been used up on drawing the full Blast set. Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire ... [Erebus Boots] [Description: A legendary cloak once worn by the God of Darkness and Shadows, imbued with his essence. It is said to grant unparalleled mastery over stealth and movement, making its wielder a ghost in the night. Grade: Rare Unique item: 2/10 Type: Armor Stats: Agility +10 Effect: *Stealth: This feature silences the wearer''s movements, making it nearly impossible for opponents to detect them in darkness. *Blitz: Grants the wearer the ability to dash from one location to another in a split second. (Distance: 15 meters) *??? *??? [More effects yet to be unlocked...]] ... [Kratos'' Gloves] [Description: A crucial piece of the legendary war set once wielded by the God of War, Kratos. These gloves resonate with divine power, enhancing both raw strength and battlefield control. Only the worthy can unleash their true potential. Grade: Legendary Unique Item: 3/15 Type: Accessory Stats: Strength +50 Effects: *Amplify: Doubles the power of the wearer''s attacks. (Cooldown: 2 hours) *Resonate: When paired with Kratos'' Spear, increases the duration of ''Stun'' and ''Slow'' effects by twofold. *??? *??? [More effects yet to be unlocked...]] ... Aside from these two, the other legendary and rare items they obtained no longer captured their interest. Kisha decided to distribute them among their most loyal subordinates to enhance their battle prowess. These items would also serve as rewards for the hardworking, ensuring they felt valued and recognized for their dedication. Kisha understood that mere words of gratitude weren''t enough¡ªtrue appreciation was best expressed through tangible rewards, reinforcing their loyalty and efforts. "Hubby, I was thinking of giving away the remaining items¡ªespecially those that aren''t unique or part of a set¡ªas rewards for our most loyal subordinates. What do you think?" Although Kisha had already made up her mind, she still sought Duke''s opinion, unsure if there was anything from the pile that he might want to keep. Duke stared at Kisha, seeing the trust and respect in her eyes, as if she was truly ready to follow his decision. He had no doubt that if he disagreed, she would reconsider. After a brief pause, a wide smile spread across his face before he nodded. "I''ll go with what my wife suggested..." he said warmly. Duke was, without a doubt, a henpecked husband¡ªone who never failed to support his wife. By now, no one would be surprised to see him like this. Although Duke enjoyed collecting high-caliber weaponry and rare models, he knew when to indulge his interests and when to prioritize others. He had reviewed the item descriptions alongside Kisha, and aside from the Blast set, Kratos'' Gloves, and Erebus Boots, nothing particularly caught his eye. Given his current strength, the remaining items felt redundant and wouldn''t provide much benefit to him. However, if they followed Kisha''s plan and distributed the items to their most loyal subordinates, it could significantly enhance their overall power. Strengthening their base as a whole was far more valuable than simply increasing his own individual strength. "Alright then, let''s prioritize our closest subordinates and family members first, then distribute the rest based on contribution," Kisha decided. "Agreed." Duke nodded enthusiastically, almost like a bird pecking at rice. Then, with a grin, he added, "My wife is the best! So smart." His sudden compliment caught Kisha off guard, making her face warm up. But after a brief moment of surprise, she chuckled. "You''re really getting better at giving compliments, huh?" she teased. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke leaned in close to Kisha''s ear, his expression turning mysteriously serious before whispering, "Do you know what I''m even better at?" Kisha didn''t respond¡ªshe already had a good idea of what he was hinting at. She sighed inwardly, feeling defeated. No matter the time or place, Duke always had a way of slipping seduction into the conversation. He grinned devilishly, giving her a knowing look, but Kisha simply ignored it, pretending not to notice just to tease him back. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him dramatically pouting¡ªa first for him. It was oddly cute, yet so out of character that she couldn''t help but burst into laughter. For a brief moment, the chaos of the outside world, the harsh reality of the apocalypse, all seemed like a distant dream. In their warm, cozy home, surrounded by family and each other''s presence, peace was all that existed. "Are you imitating me?" Kisha asked, raising an eyebrow. "Well," Duke chuckled, "I remember seeing you do that a while ago when you were pretending to act cute. And I have to admit¡ªit was pretty effective. It could melt hearts and make people do whatever you wanted." He smirked, tilting his head slightly. "So, I figured if I tried it, I might get a little reward or something." He nudged Kisha''s shoulder playfully, leaning in closer. "If you know what I mean." His voice held a teasing lilt, making his intentions all too clear. Kisha burst out laughing, clutching her stomach as she tried to catch her breath. She never imagined she''d see this playful side of Duke¡ªit was so different from the man she had known before. She had spent years by his side in her previous life, believing she understood him completely, only for this version of him to shatter all her expectations. But she liked this Duke¡ªhe was livelier, more expressive, and filled with emotions she hadn''t seen before. Most importantly, he hadn''t endured the devastating heartache of losing his family, a pain that had once hardened him beyond reach. Now, he could show his raw emotions without hesitation, without fear. And that, more than anything, made her cherish this moment even more. As Kisha basked in the warmth of the moment, she leaned against Duke''s shoulder. Neither of them spoke; they simply sat there in peaceful silence, enjoying each other''s presence. The steady rhythm of their heartbeats and breathing was soothing, lulling Kisha into a sense of calm. Slowly, her eyes fluttered shut, savoring the tranquility. After half an hour of quiet stillness, Kisha''s eyes suddenly snapped open. "Ah! We still haven''t checked the three Mythical items we got!" "Right," Duke replied simply, his tone cool and composed, as if his usual indifferent self was settling back in. Kisha didn''t mind, though¡ªshe was well aware that this was just how Duke naturally was. His stoic demeanor, or rather, his default expression, was something she had long grown accustomed to. Chapter 635 What My Hubby Wants, I Give Then, Kisha clicked on the mystical items to check their descriptions. ... [Bloodline Evolution Fruit] [Description: A divine fruit nurtured and safeguarded by a guardian beast for a thousand years, destined to awaken its bloodline and ascend to nirvana, becoming a living god among heavenly beasts. However, just as it reached the final stage of ripening, a rival heavenly beast, lurking in ambush, attempted to steal the fruit. A fierce battle erupted among the heavenly and mythical beasts, shaking the entire continent and plunging the world into chaos. Amidst the turmoil, the Bloodline Evolution Fruit mysteriously vanished. Grade: Mythical Type: Consumable] ... The fruit was as large as a melon, with a scaly white skin that resembled a fusion of raspberry and lychee, with a slight fuzziness akin to a kiwi. However, what truly set it apart was the unmistakable golden glow that enveloped it, exuding an aura of holiness and divinity. Kisha could feel the overwhelming spiritual energy radiating from the fruit¡ªfar surpassing even the most potent spiritual crops and fruits harvested from her territory. And there weren''t just one, but two of them. Recalling Bell''s explanation, Kisha knew that in the Murim world, some beasts possessed hidden bloodlines¡ªsome weak, others pure, like Bell''s. The purer and stronger the bloodline flowing through a beast''s veins, the greater their strength and the higher their chances of evolving to reach their pinnacle. Some would ascend into legendary beasts, others into mythical beings, and beyond. Now that she had this fruit, she felt it would be invaluable in the future. Even if she didn''t obtain a mythical weapon or armor, this alone made up for it. Satisfied, Kisha stored the fruit in her inventory before turning her attention to the final mythical item¡ªa manual. It belonged to the same league as the ''Manual: Profound Understanding of Mana: Stages and Techniques'' she had previously purchased for 400,000 points. However, this time, the manual focused on ''Aura''. While she had heard of Aura before, she didn''t know much about it. Her curiosity piqued, she eagerly examined it further. ... [Manual: Profound Understanding of Aura: Bloodline Tempest] [Description: This manual contains the hidden, exclusive technique of the Hero Emperor of the North, the legendary warrior who defeated the Demon Lord during the invasion of the Aisim Continent. The technique, known as Bloodline Tempest, was a divine gift bestowed by the Goddess of Peace and Harmony to give humanity hope and the strength to resist the demons that sought to rise from hell and claim their sanctuary. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire Only those with the bloodline of the Hero Emperor of the North can practice this technique, as it requires an imprint of his lineage to function. Without it, attempting to cultivate this power would lead to stagnation, rendering the user incapable of progress¡ªand ultimately crippling their meridians. Grade: EX Type: Consumable] ... Kisha stared at the manual again and again. On the surface, it sounded incredible¡ªan overpowered technique that could grant immense strength. However, the key issue was its prerequisite. Not just for her, but for anyone. No one could practice this technique without the Hero Emperor''s bloodline, and no matter what they did, there was no way to acquire it. In the end, keeping this manual might do more harm than good. She exchanged a look with Duke, and from the disappointment reflected in his eyes, she knew they were both thinking the same thing¡ªthey would have loved to try it. But aside from the prerequisite, another thought struck Kisha. She vividly recalled what happened when she accidentally gained a second type of energy within her body. The imbalance had nearly caused her to explode into nothingness. That experience was a stark reminder¡ªeven if she found a way to practice this technique, she would still have to ensure the different energies within her remained in perfect harmony. If not, the clash could turn fatal. "It seems like we can''t do anything about this one," Duke sighed in disappointment as he stared at the manual''s description. There was something about it that resonated with him¡ªnot the manual itself, but the aura it described. He had a feeling that aura could grant him a power distinct from the spiritual energy already flowing through his veins. His thoughts drifted back to Kisha and the time she had gained a second energy source after wearing ''The Princess''s Tear Necklace''. It had nearly cost her her life, but once she managed to balance the two energies, the strength she radiated was undeniable. For some reason, Duke felt tempted. He wanted that kind of power. Whether it was to protect his loved ones or simply to surpass his current strength, it didn''t matter¡ªDuke felt an undeniable urge deep within him, a drive pushing him to become stronger, so powerful that no one could stand against him. However, the excitement in his heart was dampened the moment he saw the manual''s prerequisite. No matter how much he wanted it, without the required bloodline, it was nothing more than an unattainable dream. Seeing Duke''s expression shift from eager anticipation to quiet disappointment, Kisha felt a strong urge to find a solution. Maybe she could search for a different manual in the system mall or check the achievement shop for something she could gift him. Duke never coveted her things, nor did he proactively ask for anything from her. Yet, whenever she gave him something, he would light up with pure joy, cherishing it as if it were the most precious gift in the world. Now, seeing him long for something he couldn''t have made Kisha''s heart clench. Maybe it was her natural instinct to pamper the person closest to her heart, or maybe she just couldn''t stand seeing Duke look like a disappointed big puppy¡ªit was tearing at her heart. "Host, actually, I can check if either of you has compatibility with this manual, if you''d like," 008 suddenly interjected, halting Kisha''s train of thought. "Compatibility test? You can do that?" Kisha asked, though she kept her expectations low. She didn''t want to get her hopes up, only to have them crushed later. "Yes, just give me a moment..." 008 responded before falling silent. Kisha assumed the system was running the compatibility test, so while waiting, she stole a glance at Duke. His expression had already returned to normal, as if the disappointment she had seen earlier had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion. Kisha sighed silently. She chose not to tell Duke about the compatibility test just yet. If the results weren''t favorable, she didn''t want to be the one to raise his hopes only to shatter them, making his disappointment even worse. The few minutes of silence felt like an eternity, making Kisha fidget anxiously. Meanwhile, Duke, instead of showing any more of his disappointment, quietly slipped on the Kratos'' Gloves that Kisha had given him. A small smile played on his lips, as if he was soothing his disappointment by focusing on the gift she had already given him¡ªas if that alone was enough. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For some reason, seeing this side of him only made Kisha''s heart soften even more. It strengthened her resolve to find him a different manual because, deep down, she could tell just how much Duke truly wanted it. Chapter 636 Compatibility Test [Kisha Alden''s compatibility with the Bloodline Tempest Technique: 68%] [Duke Winters'' compatibility with the Bloodline Tempest Technique: 95%] Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire Seeing the results flash across the screen, Kisha nearly jumped off the edge of the bed in shock. She couldn''t understand how Duke had an astonishing 95% compatibility with the technique. As far as she knew, the manual originated from a completely different world¡ªthere was no way Duke could possess the bloodline of the Hero Emperor of the North. Or was the bloodline prerequisite an entirely separate factor from compatibility? But before Kisha could spiral deeper into confusion, 008 quickly provided an explanation. "Actually, Host, while the technique is described as requiring a bloodline imprint, it''s not strictly hereditary. The imprint was originally granted by the Goddess who bestowed this technique upon the Hero Emperor of the North, allowing him to pass it down to his descendants. However, it''s more akin to divine favor than a true bloodline inheritance." "As long as someone has received the blessing of the Goddess of Peace and Harmony, they have a chance to practice this technique. After all, gaining the favor of a God¡ªalso known as a Constellation¡ªis no simple feat." "So, how does someone receive a favor from a Constellation?" Kisha asked, her curiosity piqued despite her lingering resentment. After all, her experience with the Constellations had been anything but pleasant¡ªthey had subjected her to relentless, life-threatening trials that had nearly killed or really killed her more times than she could count. "Well, there are a few ways," 008 explained. "You could offer yourself to a Constellation and become their apostle, sword, or whatever title their followers use. You might receive their grace simply because they take an interest in you, or you could be genuinely loved by a Constellation." "Typically, those who gain a Constellation''s favor receive imprints that can be passed down through bloodlines¡ªlike the Hero Emperor of the North from the Aisim Continent." "However, some particularly strong imprints aren''t just hereditary; they can be carried by the soul into the next life. That means even after death, certain imprints can persist through rebirth." Kisha listened intently, but something about 008''s explanation didn''t sit right with her. It took her a moment to realize what it was, and when she did, her brows furrowed in thought. "Wait, are you telling me that the reason Duke has such a high compatibility with the Bloodline Tempest technique is because his soul received a favor from the Goddess of Peace and Harmony? But why?" Kisha asked, her confusion deepening. 008 responded casually, as if discussing something trivial. "Well, it could be that your husband was a great person in his past life¡ªmaybe he even saved a world." "If that''s the case, it''s possible that his soul originated from a different world before coming to Earth. Or, he might have been deeply loved by the Goddess of Peace and Harmony in his previous life, and this imprint is a mark of that affection¡ªkind of like an imprint or token of love or something." 008 chuckled as if he were joking, but in reality, every word he said was true. For some reason, Kisha found the latter explanation grating, stirring an inexplicable sense of irritation within her. She didn''t like the sound of it, but she still needed to confirm. "So, it''s possible for a soul to travel between different worlds to be reincarnated?" she asked, her brows furrowed. "If that''s the case, does that mean all the humans on Earth could just be reincarnations from the past or even from entirely different worlds?" She had come across countless reincarnation theories on the internet before, but hearing something so similar from 008 piqued her curiosity even further. "Well, yes. A soul can travel for millennia, passing from world to world before finally being reincarnated," 008 explained. "As long as their soul isn''t condemned to the underworld by the God of Death as punishment, they are free to reincarnate. However, where they end up is almost entirely random." "Some souls from the past may be reborn in the current era, while others might find themselves in an entirely different world. But they wouldn''t remember their past lives¡ªthose memories are erased to give them a clean slate, allowing them to start over anew." "Then what happens to those who are punished in the underworld by the God of Death?" Kisha asked, growing more intrigued. This kind of topic was right up her alley but to be precise, this interest all came from Keith who like watching all sorts of things, and she couldn''t help but lean in with curiosity. "Depending on their sins, they may face eternal torment, or they might endure thousands of years of punishment before being granted a chance at reincarnation¡ªif they manage to atone. However, those who cannot redeem themselves will be erased from existence, with no hope of reincarnation," 008 explained. "Some souls are reborn as beasts, while others, having paid for their past wrongdoings, return in less favorable circumstances. On the other hand, those who accumulated great karma through good deeds are reincarnated into privileged lives, often born with a silver spoon." 008 then smirked, adding with a teasing tone, "Now, if you''re asking whether your husband is the same, I can''t say for sure. But given the uniqueness of his soul¡ªjust like yours¡ªwho knows? Maybe he was even a god in his past life, perished, and his soul shattered into pieces." Though his last remark sounded like a joke, the truth was undeniable¡ªDuke''s soul was unlike any ordinary human''s. It radiated power and vitality, something rare and exceptional. And Kisha''s soul, while slightly different, carried a similar extraordinary quality. "Gods can die too? And their souls can shatter? Does that mean they can also be punished by the God of Death?" Kisha asked, her curiosity growing. "Yes," 008 confirmed. "Even gods can perish, but only at the hands of other gods. However, such acts are strictly forbidden in the God Realm. Any deity who violates this law is sentenced by the God of Death to eternal confinement and imprisonment." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha frowned, pondering this new information. "But why is it forbidden for gods to kill each other?" "Because when a god dies, the world under their domain begins to wither, and an apocalypse inevitably follows," 008 explained. "Unless another god takes over in time, the world is doomed. Even if a new god intervenes, the inhabitants must still endure the apocalypse and fight for survival." "The only thing that can be prevented is the complete destruction of the planet itself¡ªbut more often than not, the majority of the population perishes before they can make it through." "Then¡­ does that mean Earth''s god is already dead?" Kisha asked, her heart skipping a beat. "No," 008 reassured her. "I told you before¡ªthe source of the virus that caused the zombie apocalypse didn''t originate from this world, nor was it triggered by the death of a god. This means the virus was an intentional act of sabotage." Kisha''s brows furrowed as she recalled something. "But you said that when a god dies, their soul can still be reincarnated, right?" "That''s only a slim possibility," 008 clarified. "Gods like that aren''t truly dead¡ªthey exist in a limbo state. Their worlds can still survive, but no matter how much the inhabitants pray or offer their faith, their prayers will go unanswered. That''s why many believe their gods are dead." Chapter 637 Territory Upgrade Complete He continued, "Some gods who narrowly escape true death have their souls shattered and are reincarnated as lesser beings, like humans. If they manage to grow stronger and reclaim their missing soul fragments, they have a chance to regain their divinity. However, the odds are extremely low. Most fail, and as a result, the worlds under them eventually collapse." "Woah! That''s so complicated," Kisha muttered, trying to process everything. "But basically, you''re saying that Duke has a god''s imprint, which explains his high compatibility with the Bloodline Tempest. Then¡­ what about me?" Her compatibility was 68%¡ªnot exceptionally high, but not low either. It meant she had a decent chance of succeeding if she practiced the technique. More importantly, it reassured her that attempting it wouldn''t leave her crippled, should she choose to go through with it. "Actually, host, that''s what confuses me too," 008 admitted. "Normally, compatibility is either 0%¡ªmeaning no favor at all¡ªor a high percentage, indicating direct favor from a god. But in your case, it''s¡­ in-between. Almost like you''re in a cordial, but not particularly close, relationship with the Goddess of Peace and Harmony. That''s pretty unusual." 008 paused before adding with a chuckle, "Unless, of course, you were her rival in love, and she''s only maintaining a surface-level friendliness with you. Ha ha ha." Despite the joke, even 008 couldn''t come up with a proper explanation for Kisha''s strange compatibility. Kisha rolled her eyes. She already knew she didn''t have much favor from the Constellations¡ªafter all, she had no idea which one had been targeting her or who was responsible for what happened to Earth. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Anyway," she said, cutting to the chase, "this means both Duke and I can practice the technique without the risk of being crippled, right?" "That''s correct," 008 confirmed. "Alright." After ending her conversation with 008, Kisha turned to Duke. "Hmm, I''m not sure if we should blindly trust what the description says. There could be other ways to practice this technique without needing the Hero Emperor of the North''s bloodline." "So, how about this? Since I''ve already experienced something similar before, I''ll train with the manual first and then pass on what I learn to you. You''re a fast learner¡ªyou''ll pick it up quickly." She wasn''t just flattering him; Duke truly was a quick learner. Besides, once she used the manual, it would disappear, and all its knowledge would be transferred directly to her mind. By learning it first, she could guide Duke through the process, helping him stabilize the new energy in his body and allow it to harmonize with his existing Spiritual Energy. That way, he wouldn''t experience the same rough experience she had when her body was overwhelmed by the sudden shift. This way, they could train together and support each other. Duke was momentarily stunned by Kisha''s suggestion¡ªhis head snapped to the side as he looked at her in shock and disbelief. But the surprise quickly faded, replaced by a wide, approving smile. He nodded repeatedly, his trust in Kisha unwavering. She had never once led him into harm''s way, and beyond that, she was his wife¡ªhis faith in her was absolute. "Alright, I''ll follow my wife and do as you say," he said with a chuckle. Without hesitation, he scooted closer, wrapped an arm around her waist, and effortlessly pulled her onto his lap. Holding her snugly against him, he buried his face against her cheek, pressing a trail of affectionate kisses along her skin, his embrace warm and unwavering. "Stop, it tickles!" Kisha giggled, squirming slightly as she tried to dodge some of Duke''s kisses. The light stubble on his chin brushed against her skin, sending tingling sensations that made her shiver. Duke chuckled, undeterred. "My wife loves me so much that she spoils me beyond the heavens..." he cooed dramatically, his voice dripping with playful affection. Kisha burst into laughter, rolling her eyes at his antics as they continued their lighthearted teasing, wrapped up in their own little world. Ding! [Territory Pack undergoing upgrade: 100%] [Territory Upgrade Complete] "Perfect timing! Now we can start training inside the territory," Kisha said excitedly as she hopped off Duke''s lap, eager to explore the changes brought by the recent upgrade. "Oh, and by the way," she added, turning to Duke with a smile, "let''s inform your family and subordinates that we''ll be heading back to City A tomorrow morning." She didn''t bother asking for his opinion¡ªshe already knew he was just as eager to return. This was merely a courtesy. As expected, Duke gave her a knowing smile before nodding in agreement. With that settled, Kisha activated the portal leading into her territory. She wasn''t expecting much from the upgrade¡ªperhaps just an expansion that would allow for more farmland and additional space for livestock. But as she stepped inside, she couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to it than she initially thought. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire But when Kisha and Duke stepped inside, they were both taken aback. The land had indeed expanded¡ªbut by how much, she wasn''t sure. It felt as if the territory had doubled in size. The once familiar landscape had changed dramatically¡ªthe forest had grown denser, the mountains had risen higher, and to her surprise, a completely new mountain had appeared. From where they stood on the farmland, she noticed several empty plots ready for cultivation. However, unlike before, they could no longer see the animal farm, nor could they catch a glimpse of the orchard. Curious, Kisha quickly accessed her territory interface. A holographic projection of the island appeared before her, revealing the changes in detail. She discovered that the orchard had been relocated to the newly formed mountain, and to her delight, she now had the option to expand her orchard further. The entire mountain could be filled with different seasonal fruit trees, thanks to a unique feature¡ªeach of the mountain''s four cardinal directions now had distinct climates and temperatures, all of which were adjustable through the interface. The same applied to the farmland and the animal farm, giving her unprecedented control over her territory''s ecosystem. She was so caught up in exploring her newly upgraded territory that she and Duke momentarily forgot about the manual. "Wifey, what happened to your territory? It feels completely different from the last time I was here," Duke remarked, glancing around in awe. But Kisha was too busy examining the additional functions of her territory to hear him. Her focus was entirely on the interface in front of her¡ªuntil she suddenly gasped. Duke turned to see her staring at him, wide-eyed and utterly speechless. It was as if she wanted to say something but couldn''t find the words. Then, without another word, she whipped her head back toward the system interface, her fingers moving rapidly as she navigated through the new features. Duke furrowed his brows, intrigued, but he couldn''t see what she was looking at¡ªshe wasn''t sharing her screen this time. Whatever she had just discovered was for her eyes only. What could have shocked her this much? Well, Kisha had just stumbled upon something truly incredible. After the upgrade, the territory pack granted her the ability to establish a second territory. Curious to test its limits, Kisha decided to designate City B as her new territory. She hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety¡ªwhat if doing this caused City A to disappear from her list of controlled territories? She didn''t want to make a reckless mistake, but her curiosity won out. Chapter 638 New Territory Functions Holding her breath, she proceeded with the operation. Moments later, she realized she had successfully set up City B as a new territory without affecting City A in the slightest. Relief washed over her, quickly followed by exhilaration¡ªshe now controlled two territories. Just like in City A, City B was now protected by its own barrier, completely separate yet just as powerful. To her surprise, the barrier''s energy had even increased to 2,500, making it even stronger than she had expected. Now that City B was officially her territory, Kisha had full control over all its facilities. She could now link all her warehouses to the main supply hub, ensuring a steady flow of resources between both bases without having to lift a finger for logistics. At the same time, she could closely monitor all survivors in HOPE Base. By granting Tristan and Aston administrative access to the system interface, they would no longer have to exhaust themselves running around to manage operations manually. This would significantly lighten their workload, allowing them to focus on their training instead. Most importantly, with HOPE Base now under her command, her Achievement: The Commander of Heaven would take full effect. This meant all warriors within her territory would experience enhanced growth and faster experience gains during training. Additionally, the probability of her people awakening their Gift or unlocking hidden Talents would increase¡ªespecially for those who had yet to develop any after awakening their abilities. This newfound advantage would undoubtedly bolster the base''s overall firepower. She then smiled at Duke, her eyes sparkling with delight as a wide grin spread across her lips. Even without knowing the reason behind her happiness, Duke couldn''t help but smile just as joyfully¡ªbecause if his wife was happy, that was all that mattered to him. "I now have HOPE Base as one of my territories," Kisha announced, excitement shining in her eyes. "Which means I have full control over all the facilities in both territories. So, I can easily transfer an entire room from City A''s territory to HOPE Base in City B." She turned to Duke with eager anticipation. "Would you be willing to move your workshop here to City B? That way, the artisan blacksmiths could use your equipment to start making the parts right away." Without hesitation, Duke said, "Sure, go ahead and redecorate our territory in City A however you like." He shrugged casually, as if his beloved workshop didn''t matter as long as it made Kisha happy. Kisha''s eyes turned into crescents as she beamed at him. "You just earned one brownie point, hubby," she teased. "Only one?" Duke shot back, leaning in closer with a playful smirk. "One or none?" Kisha teased, looking at him. Duke let out a deep, rumbling laugh, his voice low and seductive. He didn''t argue further, only gazing at Kisha with pure affection as she shifted her focus back to the air in front of her¡ªwhere he couldn''t see what she was doing. A moment later, she suddenly shared her screen with him. Two holographic projections appeared¡ªone displaying City A''s territory and the other showing City B''s HOPE Base. Kisha swiftly searched for Duke''s workshop, zoomed in, and then shifted her attention to City B''s layout. Before making any changes, she contacted Aston, who was working nearby. Just as Aston was minding his own business, something abruptly popped up in front of him, nearly making him jump. He rubbed his eyes a few times, but the floating screen remained. It looked like a chat box. Panicking slightly, Aston glanced around to see if anyone else could see what he was seeing, but to his surprise, no one reacted¡ªhe was the only one who could see it. Displayed on the screen was a message: [Territory Owner: Aston, this is Kisha. Please gather the artisan blacksmiths from the smithy and have them wait outisde for a moment. I need to take care of something first.] Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire Kisha sent the message without giving Aston any prior notice, which initially left him stunned. However, once he saw her name, his surprise quickly faded¡ªhe had long since grown accustomed to Kisha''s many unusual abilities. Without hesitation, he entered the workshop and sent the artisans on a short cigarette and coffee break. Once they had cleared out, he remained standing in the middle of the workshop, intending to type a response. But before he could even touch the reply box, the entire room around him transformed in an instant. State-of-the-art equipment he had never seen before materialized out of thin air, filling what had once been a nearly empty workshop with only low-quality tools. Now, the space was fully equipped, and Aston stood there, utterly astonished. On Kisha''s end, after messaging Aston, she immediately got to work. Since the time flow in her territory was vastly different from the outside world, she had already begun operations on City A''s side while Aston was still in the process of sending the blacksmiths away. She carefully selected the entire workshop and hovered over the ''Transfer All'' button. When a confirmation pop-up appeared, she didn''t press ''OK'' right away. Instead, she took the opportunity to explore the newly upgraded functions of her territory. For over two hours, she familiarized herself with the added features, experimenting and playing around with different options. Duke simply smiled as he watched her completely absorbed in her work. He found joy in seeing her so enthusiastic, and as he observed, he was also learning alongside her. So, as soon as Aston sent the blacksmiths on their break¡ªjust two minutes later on his side¡ªKisha wasted no time. Seeing his movements in real-time through the workshop''s interface, she immediately clicked ''OK'' without waiting for his response. After performing a series of operations, Kisha assigned Aston and Tristan administrative access to City B''s HOPE Base through her territory interface. However, their authority was strictly limited to City B¡ªthey had no access to City A unless Kisha explicitly extended their privileges. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She was still experimenting, ensuring a clear and structured distribution of power among her subordinates. Her goal was to keep responsibilities well-defined, preventing unnecessary burdens on her team while also safeguarding against potential loopholes that could be exploited within the system. Now, Tristan could oversee resource distribution directly from the territory interface without the need to run around, allowing him to manage everything efficiently from his office as Kisha and Duke''s secretary. Meanwhile, Aston had full access to monitor all warriors and soldiers under his command, accurately tracking military supplies, personnel headcounts, and even their movements across the base. With this system, he essentially had 24/7 surveillance, akin to a high-tech CCTV network, enabling him to quickly radio any team and deploy them to specific locations as needed. This significantly enhanced their threat response capabilities. Both Aston and Tristan were thrilled with their new level of control and efficiency. But Aston and Tristan weren''t the only ones granted access. Mr. Winters now had direct access to the territory''s warehouse, which was seamlessly connected to the Supply Center. With this system in place, he could generate highly accurate reports detailing the exact inventory, its distribution, and its intended purpose. This not only streamlined inventory management but also ensured precise tracking of supplies. Additionally, he was considering integrating the system with a computerized network to further automate the process, making operations faster and more efficient for everyone involved. Chapter 639 Going Back To City A After assigning designated access to others¡ªincluding Mrs. Winters, the Patriarch, Vulture, Bald Eagle, and even Duke¡ªKisha ensured that everyone could work efficiently while maintaining seamless communication within the base. This setup significantly boosted the productivity of their respective departments. "This is amazing..." Duke murmured, his eyes fixed on the interface as he navigated through its functions. He began mirroring everything Kisha had done, quickly familiarizing himself with the system. This time, Kisha granted him full access, just as she had before. Now, both she and Duke had unrestricted control over both territories, allowing them to monitor and manage everything as they saw fit. Suddenly, Kisha burst into laughter. "Let''s head back to City A now!" she declared enthusiastically. The urgency in her voice stemmed from two reasons¡ªshe missed her family and was eager to meet Duke''s newly arrived subordinates, whom she hadn''t had the chance to see when they first arrived because both Kisha and Duke were currently away. She had already identified a few promising individuals among them and intended to send them to Aston and the others for joint training to maximize their potential. Additionally, she was ready to begin properly organizing both territories. She had no intention of giving up either one¡ªCity A would remain her primary stronghold, a secluded sanctuary where she and Duke could live in peace, hidden from the prying eyes of other bases. Meanwhile, City B would serve as their operational front, ensuring their influence remained strong while keeping their true base well-protected. "I thought we were leaving tomorrow morning?" Duke asked, a bit baffled. Kisha didn''t answer¡ªshe only flashed a mysterious smile and turned her attention to her chatbox in front of her, quickly typing out a message to Keith. [Kisha: Baby brother, I''m coming back to City A very soon.] [Keith: OMG!! For real?! How soon?] [Kisha: Before you know it¡­] [Keith: Shoot! I''ll inform Grandpa and Grandma right away. Where should we meet you? And how many people are with you? Be careful on the road¡ªthere''s been some movement in the small towns and villages near City B. The zombies that migrated toward the city are now making their way back. I have no idea what caused the round-trip migration, but something definitely stirred them up.] [Keith: Anyway, just send me the location where we should meet you so we can escort you back to the territory. A lot has changed since you left, and we''ve set up plenty of traps along the way. If you go in alone, you might trigger them.] [Kisha: No need, baby brother. Just wait for us at the base. I''ll be bringing your brother-in-law and all of the Winters'' men back with me.] Kisha closed the chatbox and turned to Duke. "Should we bring your family back too?" Duke rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his knuckles grazing against his stubble. "Hmm, I suppose so. This would be a good opportunity for both families to meet. We can formally greet your family and let them know about our union. After all, everything happened so fast¡ªthey''re bound to have questions. My family and I should be there to explain." Kisha raised an eyebrow, a knowing grin playing on her lips. "Oh? So you do realize how fast we progressed?" "Do you?" Duke shot back playfully, a devilish smile curling on his lips. Then, leaning in slightly, he added, "As much as I can''t keep my hands off you, I know you''re the same. Besides, in a world this chaotic, nothing is guaranteed. I don''t want to die without spending my life with the woman I love." "Who said anything about you dying?" Kisha huffed, pinching his side in protest. "Don''t jinx yourself." "Alright, I''ll live past 100 and make sure to shower you with love every day until you get tired of my old, wrinkly face," Duke teased with a chuckle. He playfully hugged Kisha from behind, squeezing her close as they flirted for a moment before finally stepping out of the territory space. Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire Wasting no time, they quickly informed everyone about their departure for City A. Duke gathered the Winters'' men and his family, while Kisha briefed Aston, instructing him to oversee the base in their absence. Since Duke was bringing all the Winters'' men¡ªincluding Vulture, Bald Eagle, and their teams¡ªRose, Evelyn, Clyde, and Reeve would need to step up and take over their positions to maintain order. Rakan and his team had integrated seamlessly with the other soldiers and warriors, performing their duties with exceptional efficiency, so they were placed closer to Rose and Evelyn so they could learn from them and help them carry the burden. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before leaving, Tristan and Duke made a stop at the dungeon. The guard at the door was still the same young man with silver-white hair. Duke glanced at him before giving a simple command. "Come down to the dungeon with us." After they descended, the sight that greeted them was grim. The prisoners were on the brink of death, their expressions hollow and lifeless. Duke showed no reaction, but a suffocating aura of bloodlust and dominance emanated from him. His gaze settled on Young Master Colton, who was now barely recognizable. His once-arrogant features had withered¡ªhis cheeks sunken, eyes hollow, and his once-thick hair now sparse and brittle. His formerly strong physique had deteriorated to little more than skin and bones. It was impossible to tell how long they had been starved, but the signs of neglect and suffering were undeniable. Some even had missing teeth, likely from beatings or malnutrition. The moment they saw Duke, terror overtook them. Their bodies trembled violently as they scrambled backward, desperately pressing themselves against the cold, unforgiving walls, as if trying to disappear into the cracks. "Kid, look at them," Duke said, his voice cold and devoid of any warmth. "Their will is broken, consumed entirely by fear. They''ve lost their minds. Keeping them alive serves no purpose¡ªit''s just a waste of resources on vermin." The gentle, doting expression he reserved for Kisha was nowhere to be seen. In its place was a ruthless, icy demeanor that sent a chill through the room. He addressed the young man who had followed them down, a boy whose eyes burned with hatred and the desperate thirst for revenge. It was clear¡ªhis very reason for living was to see the Coltons pay for what they had done. "Even if we tortured them, it wouldn''t bring the satisfaction we imagined¡ªnot after all the horrors they inflicted on others," Duke said, his voice steady and cold. "But killing them would be an easy way out. It would free them from their suffering." He turned his sharp gaze to the young man beside him. "So, tell me¡ªwhat do you think we should do with them?" Duke was giving him the choice, knowing full well that the boy had suffered at the hands of these very men¡ªespecially Young Master Colton. In the past, Duke wouldn''t have hesitated to execute them before he left to go back to City A, ensuring they never had a chance to cause trouble again in his absence. But now that HOPE Base belonged to Kisha, they had the means to monitor their prisoners and confine them indefinitely. Though he had called it a waste of resources, they weren''t exactly short on supplies. More than anything, Duke saw the way this young man clung to his hatred, living only for revenge. If left unchecked, that bitterness would consume him. Maybe, just maybe, by giving him this choice, Duke could offer him a way out¡ªa chance to build a life beyond vengeance. Chapter 640 Levi Adams After all, the young man had already endured immense pain¡ªhe deserved a chance to lead a better life, to find a new purpose worth living for, something far more meaningful. Though he was allowing the young man to make the final decision, he had never truly intended to grant these people a swift death. No, he had vowed to make them live in fear and regret, to ensure they experienced the agony of a living hell. This was the price they owed for ruthlessly taking the lives of his men. "I don''t want them to have an easy death," the young man declared, his voice steady but laced with chilling resolve. "I want them to suffer in pain for as long as they live¡ªbecause that''s what they owe me for everything I''ve endured." His eyes burned with murderous intent, cold and devoid of mercy as he fixed his gaze on Young Master Colton, looking at him as if he were already a dead man. Duke tilted his head to the side as he studied his prisoners, his gaze cold and assessing. He shared the same sentiment¡ªhe had come down here to ensure their suffering and to see firsthand that their torment was far from over. When he returned to City A, he wanted his men to know that those who had inflicted pain on their brothers were now enduring a far worse fate¡ªand would continue to do so for the foreseeable future. However, as his eyes shifted to the young man standing guard at the door, a new thought crossed his mind. A young man like him had so much more potential than being confined to this dungeon, wasting away in a cycle of vengeance. Duke saw something in him¡ªa fire, a determination. Rather than being buried in this place, he could channel his hatred into something greater, using it as fuel to grow stronger, to carve out a future where he wouldn''t just survive, but thrive. "Then we''ll keep them alive and make sure they suffer for as long as possible while we go on to live better lives. That, in itself, would be the greatest revenge you could take." Duke''s voice was firm yet measured as he looked at the young man. "You should leave this dungeon and step into the world above. Join your friend Reeve, train, and become stronger. By doing so, you''ll ensure that the tragedy you once suffered will never happen to you again." "More than that, you''ll gain the power to protect the weak, to prevent others from experiencing the same pain you endured. If you stay here, letting hatred consume you, you''ll only lose yourself to the abyss." "But you''re still young¡ªyou need to go out, to broaden your horizons. If you confine yourself to this narrow space, you''ll be giving these people exactly what they want. They''ll know they still hold power over you, that they can control your emotions. Don''t let them have that satisfaction." "So you should show them your strength¡ªprove that you can step out of the shadows, rise above this place, and become even stronger. That way, when you return to see them again, they''ll have no choice but to bitterly laugh at themselves and drown in their own suffering," Duke advised the young man. He wasn''t the type to concern himself with others, but as Kisha had reminded him before, this was now their territory, and these people¡ªthis young man included¡ªwere under their protection. Beyond that, Duke understood the harsh reality: the number of survivors left on Earth was dwindling. If humanity had any hope of survival, they needed to protect and guide those who remained, ensuring they had a future worth fighting for. As a leader, it was Duke''s responsibility to guide and inspire his people to strive for something greater. While he knew they could never completely let go of their hatred, he also understood that allowing it to consume them would only hinder their growth. Holding onto vengeance without progress was nothing more than self-sabotage. That was why he wanted to enlighten the young man¡ªto give him a path forward. "Then, what do you want me to do, Vice City Lord?" the young man asked, bowing his head. His eyes were red, a mix of emotions swirling within them. He didn''t fully agree with Duke''s words, but something about them struck a chord. He realized that letting his enemies dictate his emotions¡ªallowing them to control his every thought¡ªonly gave them more power over him. And perhaps Duke was right. Living his life to the fullest while ensuring his aggressors suffered in misery would be the best revenge he could ever hope for. And Duke wanted to give him that chance¡ªto carve out a future where he didn''t just survive but thrived. Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire "Get stronger and serve me and my wife. Become one of our sharpest blades and ensure that no one in this base suffers the same injustice you once did. Train until you''re strong enough to lead a small team¡ªso that when my wife and I need to leave for scouting missions, we can do so knowing this place is in capable hands," Duke said nonchalantly, his gaze shifting back to the prisoners in the cell. He made it a point to say this to all his people¡ªnot just to push them to grow stronger, but to fuel a sense of rivalry and purpose. By making them believe their leader saw potential in them, he kept them from stagnating. After all, knowing that someone expected great things from you was often the greatest motivation of all. But the truth was, Duke genuinely saw potential in the young man standing before him. That was why he was even bothering to alter the course of his future¡ªto make him into someone useful. And while he had framed it as serving both him and Kisha, in reality, it was mostly for Kisha''s sake. He was simply following her vision, ensuring that her efforts to build a better, stronger community bore fruit. "Levi Adams will follow the will of the Vice City Lord¡ªand more importantly, the City Lord, who saved me and granted me a second chance at life. My life already belongs to the City Lord," Levi said, bowing deeply to Duke, his voice steady with conviction. "Thank you, Vice City Lord, for reminding me of this." His resolve was clear¡ªhe would do better, he would grow stronger, and he would follow the path that had been laid before him. Duke raised an eyebrow, a flicker of irritation passing through him. For some reason, he felt like this kid was paying too much attention to his wife, and he didn''t like it. His thoughts carried a hint of contradiction, perhaps because he didn''t like the way the young man had phrased his statement¡ªespecially when it involved his wife. After all, Levi¡ªdespite being younger¡ªhad a striking beauty that bordered on androgynous. His sharp yet delicate features made him stand out. It wasn''t hard to see why Young Master Colton had taken a liking to him, even back when he was just a boy. And with Levi being close in age to Kisha, maybe that was why Duke suddenly felt a twinge of jealousy. "You may go." Duke''s tone was calm but firm as he gave Levi one last look. Levi bowed curtly before turning on his heel, this time heading toward the barracks. Meanwhile, Aston was busy handling work alongside The Winters'' men¡ªthough, in reality, The Winters'' men were offloading most of their responsibilities onto Aston while preparing for their departure back to City A. Everyone was in the middle of the turnover process before leaving, which was why Duke had taken the time to check in on the Coltons again. His gaze shifted toward Young Master Colton, his expression darkening. "It''s been a while¡­" Duke''s voice was chillingly cold, sending an immediate shiver down Young Master Colton''s spine. The moment he heard it, flashes of past torture surged through his mind like a nightmare come to life. Young Master Colton looked as if he had just seen the Devil take a human form. His breath hitched, and he instinctively tried to back away, but there was nowhere to run¡ªhe was trapped in a cramped cell filled with other prisoners, all of whom feared Duke just as much as he did. And that was exactly what Duke wanted to see. He didn''t need another round of torture¡ªnot today. He didn''t have the time. He had only come to take a look, to remind them of who held their fate in his hands. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke turned on his heel, Tristan following closely behind as they exited the dungeon. A replacement had already been arranged to take over Levi''s guard duty, ensuring the prison remained secure in their absence. Emerging from the underground dungeon, Duke made his way back to the villa, where his subordinates were already assembled, waiting in military trucks, Humvees, and armored vehicles. His parents and grandfather were seated in one of the armored cars, ready for departure to City A. Now, only one person was missing¡ªKisha. No one seemed to know where she was or what she was doing at the moment. "Where''s my wife?" Duke asked, his voice firm, but no one could give him an answer. They all assumed she was inside the territory space. Without hesitation, Duke, wielding full authority within Kisha''s territory space, opened a portal and began searching for her. Using the territory map, he scoured nearly every corner¡ªonly to finally spot her crouched in the middle of a flower field, looking utterly giddy. Chapter 641 We Are Back! "What''s got you so happy?" Duke''s deep, masculine voice resonated behind Kisha, making her instinctively turn around. As always, he had a way of sneaking up on her, rendering her heightened senses useless. "Is everyone gathered?" Kisha asked instead, skillfully dodging his question. She knew he''d find out soon enough, so there was no need to explain. "Yeah, we''re all ready to leave for City A," Duke confirmed, unfazed by her evasion. "Should we go now?" Kisha met his gaze, then stood up from the flower field, dusting off her pants¡ªthough there was nothing to dust. With a nod, she turned and opened a portal. As she stepped out of the territory space, Duke followed closely behind, moving like her ever-present shadow. "Alright, let''s go!" Kisha said, but instead of heading to the armored car at the front like she usually did, she stopped and scanned the group with a raised eyebrow. She didn''t say a word, yet there was something mysterious and intriguing about her expression. Without explanation, she gave them one last look¡ªan unspoken command that clearly said, Follow me¡ªbefore turning and walking toward the backyard. Puzzled, everyone exchanged glances before stepping out of their vehicles. Even Duke, though equally curious, chose not to question her. Instead, he followed closely behind, and one by one, the others trailed after them, their curiosity growing with each step. But Kisha was already making her way toward the dense forest behind the villa, heading straight for the northern wall. The group hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the parked vehicles in front of the villa before finally trailing after her. Without a word, Kisha opened another portal. "Oh! Are we having one last strategy meeting before heading back to City A?" Vulture mused, his tone carrying a hint of realization. "Hmm¡­ If I remember correctly, the journey between the two cities is arduous and full of complications. It makes sense to go over our tactics one last time." His voice carried a note of understanding, as if he had already pieced things together without Kisha needing to explain. After all, alongside Sparrow, Vulture was one of the subordinates who worked with Kisha the longest as they traveled and fought alongside her and their master. He took pride in the fact that he had begun to decipher her subtle cues and silent directives. Besides, Kisha had a habit of doing this to ensure everyone was on the same page and that no one would fumble their roles. Hearing Vulture''s words, the rest of the group took his reasoning seriously, their expressions turning solemn as they followed Kisha. They had all traveled those perilous routes before and knew firsthand how dangerous the journey could be. If one misstep could mean losing someone, then a final strategy meeting was necessary. They couldn''t afford to be careless. The safest and most practical place to hold a large-scale meeting with so many people involved wasn''t the villa¡ªit was Kisha''s territory. Without hesitation, they followed her through the portal, but what they saw on the other side left them utterly speechless. Instead of stepping into a meeting place inside her territory space, they found themselves in their territory in City A. The towering half-crescent mountain stood majestically the sun rising above the mountain creating a shadow stretching over the land. The lush forest surrounding the area swayed gently in the breeze, adding to the surreal beauty of the scene. Within the massive mountain''s cave-like structure was the building nestled in the limestone formation, people who had been going about their day around the territory froze in shock as a portal suddenly materialized before them. Before they could even process what was happening, Kisha emerged, stepping out confidently. She was followed by Duke, then Vulture, then Duke''s family, and finally, his other subordinates. One by one, they filed out, each person equally stunned as they took in their unexpected surroundings, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. They all turned back to stare at the portal, half-convinced they were hallucinating. Yet no matter how many times they looked between the swirling gateway and the scene before them, nothing changed. It was real. Some of them, still in disbelief, began pinching each other¡ªhard¡ªwithout holding back, trying to confirm whether they were dreaming. But the pain was real, just like the impossible event they had just experienced. A long-distance mass teleportation¡­ something they had never thought possible until now. Even Duke, who had been following closely behind Kisha, assumed she would give a speech, clarify their travel tactics, and assign roles for the journey. However, he chose to remain silent, trusting her decisions and simply supporting her as much as he could. But when the portal stabilized and he stepped through, he was caught off guard. The surroundings had changed completely, and to his astonishment, they had arrived¡ªnot at a meeting location, but at their final destination. City A''s territory. His own hidden base nestled within the mountains. Even some of Duke''s subordinates, along with Ethan Evans¡ªwho had been overseeing military training in the large open space in front of the building¡ªwere stunned by Kisha and the others'' sudden appearance. The unexpected arrival caught everyone off guard, yet Kisha remained unfazed. She had anticipated this reaction. In fact, she had been looking forward to it. Find more to read on My Virtual Library Empire This was precisely why she had been so eager to set off for City A as soon as possible. While experimenting with the territory''s system interface and exploring its new functions and features, she had made a groundbreaking discovery. Not only did she now have full control over two separate territories, but she also realized that having dual territories granted her the ability to open a portal between them. With this newfound power, she could travel back and forth at will. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Distance no longer mattered. After discovering this, she immediately informed Duke that they would be leaving the same day, prompting a sudden change of plans. Earlier, when she left the others to handle their tasks while she remained in her territory''s flower garden, she hadn''t just been idly enjoying the scenery. In reality, she had been meticulously double-checking the new features, ensuring she wasn''t misinterpreting them or getting excited over nothing. Only after confirming everything did she finally put her plan into action. This discovery wasn''t just exciting¡ªit was a game-changer. It resolved numerous logistical challenges for the inhabitants of both territories, making travel and coordination far more efficient than before. Ethan Evans managed to regain his composure after witnessing so many people appear out of nowhere. As he stepped forward to approach Kisha and Duke, his gaze remained fixed on Kisha. It had been over a month since he last saw his sister, and during that time, he had worried about her endlessly. Yet, with no way to contact her, his concerns only grew. That was why he and his family¡ªexcept for Melody¡ªhad drawn closer to the Aldens. At first, Ethan couldn''t understand why the Aldens showed no signs of worry for Kisha. It wasn''t until later that he discovered the reason¡ªthey had been receiving regular updates about her well-being. Unlike him, they had a direct line of communication with her, speaking with Kisha whenever she wasn''t too busy. Their mother discovered this after growing close to Grandma Aldens, who had helped care for their family when they all fell ill. During that time, Melody had refused to look after them, fearing they might turn into zombies¡ªa decision that deeply disappointed them. Chapter 642 When The Three Families Met Now, seeing Kisha safe and sound before him, Ethan first thought he was imagining things. He had been planning to leave the hidden base with a small group to search for her in City B. However, upon discovering the Aldens'' ongoing contact with Kisha, he and his family drew closer to them, hoping to gather as much news about her as possible. They learned that Kisha and Duke had reunited with Duke''s family and were tying up loose ends before returning to the hidden base. This made Ethan hesitate. If he left to look for her, he might miss her entirely or be stranded elsewhere. These conflicting thoughts overwhelmed him, ultimately keeping him from seeing her even longer. "H-Hello again, little sister." Ethan ran toward Kisha, his eyes locked on her, scanning for any signs of injury. He was already fretting over her well-being, eager to make sure she was truly okay. But before he could reach her, someone else beat him to it. Keith was mesmerized by his sister''s incredible arrival¡ªsomething he had only seen in anime¡ªand was instantly starstruck. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward Kisha, his excitement overflowing. "Sister! You''re back! This little brother of yours missed you so much!" Keith cooed as he excitedly circled around Kisha before glancing back at the still-open portal. His eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Sister, is this why you wouldn''t let us pick you up? Because you already had this portal to bring you straight into the base?" Kisha chuckled at her brother''s boundless energy. Watching him, she could tell just how much he had grown. Though he still spoke to her the same way, there was now a distinct air of a warrior about him. His physique had changed significantly¡ªhe was taller than he had been a month ago, his body lean and muscular, and the spiritual energy she sensed from him had noticeably strengthened. A satisfied smile spread across her lips as she instinctively reached out to pat Keith''s head, just like she used to. But to her surprise, he had grown so much that she could no longer reach. Kisha blinked, staring at him for a moment, before deciding to lower her hand. Before she could, Keith, like a cat seeking affection, lowered his head himself and placed it under her hand, silently asking for a pat. "I knew it! My sister missed me too¡­" Keith murmured, almost purring as Kisha patted his head. Not far from them, the commotion outside had already drawn the attention of those inside the hidden base. One by one, people started emerging¡ªamong them were the Evans and the Aldens. The moment Grandpa and Grandma Aldens spotted Kisha in the crowd, their eyes lit up. Without hesitation, they rushed toward her, completely ignoring Keith as they pushed him aside to embrace their granddaughter. Caught off guard by the sudden shove, Keith lost his balance and tumbled to the ground like a damsel in distress. He blinked up at them in disbelief, his expression pitiful as he watched his grandparents and sister completely forget about him in the midst of their heartfelt reunion. Kisha chuckled, amused by how dramatic her brother had become. She turned her attention back to her grandparents, her usually cold and indifferent expression softening into a warm, genuine smile. "I missed you all," she said, wrapping her arms around them in return. Just then, someone stepped forward from behind her. Without hesitation, Duke wrapped his arms around Kisha''s waist, his grip firm yet possessive¡ªwordlessly declaring to everyone that she belonged with him. The affectionate display did not go unnoticed. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire Melody had just stepped out of the building when her eyes landed on Duke. Without thinking, she rushed forward, eager to get closer to him¡ªonly to freeze mid-step as she witnessed the scene before her. Her heart clenched, and a wave of disbelief crashed over her as she watched Duke openly stake his claim on the very woman who had always been an eyesore to her. ''What is going on?'' Melody thought, her teeth clenching in frustration as jealousy burned through her veins. But her question was quickly answered when Duke stepped forward and spoke, his tone filled with newfound respect. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hello again, Grandpa, Grandma," he greeted warmly. "I believe we''ve already spent some time together before, and I trust you haven''t forgotten me after just a month. However, during my time away, there has been a significant development between your granddaughter and me." He glanced at Kisha before turning back to them, his voice steady yet affectionate. "She is now my wife, and because of that, I consider you my own elders." A gentle smile curved Duke''s lips¡ªa rare sight that left many in the hidden base utterly stunned. The Duke they knew was cold, ruthless, and unyielding, yet here he stood, exuding warmth. However, those who had traveled with Duke and Kisha were unfazed. They had already grown accustomed to the stark contrast in Duke''s demeanor when it came to Kisha. "What?! Who''s your grandpa?! Wife?! How? When?!" Grandpa Aldens exploded, his reaction as fiery as if he had just swallowed gunpowder. He had been so excited to see his granddaughter again, ready to cherish their long-awaited reunion. But before he could even celebrate properly¡ªbefore they could sit down and talk about her experiences¡ªsomeone was already standing at his doorstep, trying to steal his little girl away. He simply couldn''t accept it. To him, Kisha was still his precious, young granddaughter, and the idea of letting her go was unthinkable. When they first heard about her relationship with Duke through Kisha''s own words¡ªand even saw Duke during a video call some time ago¡ªthey had brushed it off. They assumed the relationship was moving too fast, that perhaps Kisha and Duke were exaggerating their claims. But now, standing face to face with Duke, watching his possessiveness over Kisha firsthand, Grandpa Aldens could no longer ignore the truth. He couldn''t dismiss it, couldn''t downplay it. And so, he did the only thing he could¡ªhe got angry. "Wife?!" The shocked exclamation rippled through the crowd standing near the hidden base. Every single person who heard it was momentarily frozen, staring at Duke as if he had suddenly transformed into someone unrecognizable. Then, almost in sync, their gazes shifted to Tristan and Vulture, who stood just behind Duke. Their silent stares practically screamed the same question¡ª''Is this some kind of joke? Or is it actually real?'' Among them, the one who reacted the most violently was, without a doubt, Melody. Her expression twisted with disbelief, her hands clenching at her sides. Right behind her, the Evans family also stepped forward, closing the distance, now standing just behind the Aldens. Their faces, though not as overtly expressive as Melody''s, clearly showed their own shock and confusion. "What''s happening? Can you explain, Duke?" Mrs. Evans asked, her voice calm but firm. She stole a few glances at Kisha before shifting her gaze back to Duke, her expression unreadable. Her posture stiffened as she locked eyes with him, the weight of unspoken truths lingering between them. The Evans family had been treading carefully, knowing that Duke and Kisha were still unaware of Kisha''s true lineage¡ªthat she was, in fact, their real daughter. And yet, despite this hidden truth, Duke and his family should have still recognized that he was meant to be engaged to Melody. Chapter 643 Growing Misunderstanding But even as conflicting emotions swirled within her, Mrs. Evans couldn''t deny the relief that settled in her heart. Regardless of the twists and turns that fate had thrown their way, her real daughter had still ended up with her intended fianc¨¦¡ªwithout any influence from family ties. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before Duke could respond, a movement from behind caught everyone''s attention. Mr. and Mrs. Winters stepped forward, gently pushing past Vulture and Tristan. They were followed closely by the Patriarch, his piercing gaze fixed on the unfolding scene. "What''s the matter? Can''t my grandson choose his own wife? What era are we living in? Do we still have to control a man''s life choices, especially now that the world has changed so drastically?" The patriarch''s firm and unwavering voice echoed through the open space, leaving no room for argument. His stance was clear¡ªhe was standing by his grandson, ready to confront the Evans family if they dared to bring up the long-standing engagement between their families in an attempt to force Duke and his wife apart. He was more than satisfied with his granddaughter-in-law. Not only was she capable and kind, but she also took great care of her people. More importantly, she made his grandson truly happy, and that was something he would not allow anyone to take away. If the Evans wished to challenge this, so be it. Even if it meant going head-to-head with them, he would not back down. As the patriarch of the Winters family, he would use every ounce of his authority to make his stance known. Realizing the Winters patriarch''s stance, Mr. Evans took a step forward, his expression calm as he offered a slight smile. "Why don''t we continue this conversation somewhere more private? After all, this matter concerns not just two¡ª" He paused briefly, his gaze shifting toward the Aldens before continuing, "¡ªbut three families. This situation requires further explanation, and perhaps, once everything is laid out, we can clarify the misunderstandings and discuss the best course of action together." Mr. Evans was subtly hinting at the need to involve the Aldens and Winters in a deeper conversation¡ªone where he and his wife could finally reveal the truth about Kisha''s origins. She was, in fact, the Evans'' long-lost daughter, missing for decades. However, his words were misinterpreted by everyone who heard it, leading to an entirely different assumption. The Winters assumed that Mr. Evans was trying to dissuade them from the union, possibly using the long-standing engagement agreement between the two families as leverage. Meanwhile, the Aldens believed there was some undisclosed arrangement between the Winters and Evans, with Kisha caught in the middle, which immediately put them on edge. Unlike Grandpa Alden, who remained wary of Duke, Grandma Alden had already taken a liking to him. She had observed their interactions before Kisha and Duke left for City B and wholeheartedly supported her granddaughter''s choice. As for Grandpa Alden, though he had been furious with Duke earlier, his anger was more about the rapid changes in Kisha''s life than any real resentment toward the young man. However, when Mr. Evans spoke and suggested relocating the discussion, his serious demeanor put Grandpa Alden further on guard. He wouldn''t allow anyone to pressure Kisha or take Duke away from her. The happiest among them all was Melody, convinced that her father would fight for her and use their long-standing family alliance to force Duke to separate from Kisha. She was certain that the Winters wouldn''t risk breaking their deep-rooted friendship over an unfamiliar woman they had only known for a month. After all, she had grown up close to the Winters¡ªthey had witnessed her childhood, knew her character, and had always been part of her life. In her mind, the favor should be in her hands, especially with so many people supporting her relationship with Duke. Although Mrs. Evans remained calm, knowing exactly what her husband intended, the Evans brothers couldn''t help but feel a bit concerned for Kisha. They loved Melody, but they didn''t want to make things difficult for their long-lost sister. Kisha had already endured countless injustices and had spent years suffering outside their protection. Now, her happiness was their priority above all else. In their determination to stand by her, they momentarily forgot about Melody and how she might feel if they supported Kisha''s relationship with Duke. While everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Duke''s grip on Kisha''s waist tightened. No matter what anyone said, no one would interfere with his decision. If push came to shove, he wouldn''t hesitate to use force against anyone who tried to take Kisha away from him. A cold, menacing aura radiated from him as he locked eyes with the Evans, his stance unwavering. Sensing the tension, Keith and Grandpa Aldens instinctively positioned themselves protectively in front of Kisha, making it clear that they wouldn''t let anyone threaten her. Mr. and Mrs. Evans misinterpreted the protective stance of the Aldens and Winters toward Kisha. They began to suspect that the families had caught on to something and were deliberately reluctant to acknowledge Kisha as the Evans'' long-lost daughter. This realization made the Evans couple exchange nervous glances, while the Winters couple''s expressions hardened as they observed them. Sensing the tension, Mrs. Winters stepped forward and gently took Grandma Aldens'' hands in hers. Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire "Aunty, don''t worry. We''ll handle this¡ªwe won''t let you be at a disadvantage," she reassured her. However, her words were once again misinterpreted by the Evans couple, who mistakenly believed that Mrs. Winters was siding with the Aldens to keep Kisha from returning to them. The situation grew more complicated by the second as misunderstandings piled up on all sides. Each person had their own assumptions, fueling the tension in the air. Unaware of the growing misconceptions, Kisha remained focused on what she did know¡ªMelody was supposedly Duke''s fianc¨¦e in name only, a title he had never acknowledged. But that didn''t matter to Kisha. It wasn''t in her nature to surrender what was rightfully hers. ''Over her dead body.'' If anyone tried to take what belonged to her, she would crush them without hesitation. Her bottom line had always been her family. Now, the Winters and Duke were part of that, and she would never allow anyone to harm them. Just as the friction between the two families seemed ready to escalate, a new voice suddenly cut through the tense atmosphere from somewhere behind the crowd. "Eh?! Master! Young Madam! You actually came?!" The familiar voice made Kisha, Duke, Vulture, Tristan, and everyone from the Winters freeze in place. Their heads snapped toward the source of the voice, eyes wide with shock. "W-What''s wrong? Why are you all looking at me like that?" The man shifted uncomfortably under their intense stares. "Uh¡­ is it because I didn''t report back?" He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, deliberately avoiding their piercing gazes, which felt like they could burn a hole through him. ''Did I really make them that mad?'' he wondered, trying his best not to meet their eyes. Before anyone could respond, more people emerged from behind him, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity at seeing Duke, Kisha, and their entourage. Among them were unfamiliar faces¡ªnew survivors who had clearly been taken in by the hidden base. It was evident that they were people from the surrounding area who had somehow managed to make it inside. "Ah! A ghost!" Vulture exclaimed, pointing at the new arrival. The others followed suit, all eyes fixated on the newcomer without blinking. However, the newcomer was just as confused about what was happening and why Vulture and the others were acting that way. He could only stare at Vulture and the rest, opening his mouth and then closing it, overwhelmed with questions he didn''t know how to ask. Vulture felt uncertain about his emotions upon seeing the person in front of him, but more than anything, he felt angry. Why was he angry? It was because he felt cheated and that his emotions were played with all this time when he grieved and cried for his lost brother, but what happened? Who was the person making Vulture angry? And why was he acting so strongly right now? Was he alone in feeling this way? No, he wasn''t alone; there were more people feeling the same thing. Confusion and more confusion washed over them as they stared at the person. "Why the hell are you alive, Sparrow!" Vulture roared as he lunged at Sparrow, who remained clueless. "What the hell do you mean, ''Why am I alive''? Do you really want me to die that badly, you asshole?" Sparrow shouted angrily as Vulture kicked him in the ass. Since he didn''t expect it, he was sent to the ground, and no one helped him up. "What the hell is going on in here?" Sparrow added, looking at everyone who stared at him as if they were seeing a ghost. Sparrow was happy to see everyone after he thought he wouldn''t make it, he thought that everyone would be glad to see him and know that he had survived, but what was this reaction? How are they greeting him like he wasn''t supposed to be alive and yet he was? He felt wronged and angry, especially at Vulture who reacted the strongest. Chapter 1 - 1 My 100th Life Kisha Aldens as a fresh graduate looked high and low for a place to work, our society now is very competitive and almost all companies are looking for stellar workers with experience and a good family background. Hence, Kisha did not fit in with the requirements, her only advantages are her stellar grades and her celebrity-like face. Despite her clean records, others still valued their interest and helped their relatives to get the positions. After a multitude of applications sent to various companies, big and small, she finally landed an average position in a medium-sized company. At first, everyone treated her cordially, she even garnered some admirers because of her pure and kind temperament and she''s great in her work, but it''s also because of this quality that she has gained the jealousy and envy of other women. Their Manager Lisa was the first to make a move when her sugar daddy, the company''s Director got captivated by Kisha''s beauty. The unsuspecting Kisha had almost become a capitalist toy if it were not for Lisa''s fear of being replaced, would she not have helped Kisha avoid the disaster. However, she also started targeting Kisha, giving her unfair treatment in the company and even instigated others to do so. Kisha felt that it was unfair and hard not to get angry but if she gets fired. It will be harder for other companies to hire her, her only choice was to persevere and resign after a few years to have a better prospect. Not until she suddenly saw a bluish system interface showing a countdown in front of her face. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She thought she was hallucinating after long hours of work and lack of sleep. She tried to look around and saw her colleague acting normal. She blinked a few more times but it was still there. Another prompt message appears. "Ding" "[User had met the requirements to integrate with System 008]" Below the message was a 10-second countdown. She did not know what it was, the feeling was very novel. It was so vivid that it was hard to think of it as a hallucination, not unless she was going nuts. There were even two buttons to Accept or Decline the offer. She tried to wave her hands around but accidentally clicked the Accept button. The interface changed and showed a loading icon that almost occupied the entirety of the interface. She was puzzled but she was not given time to think deeply, The department manager Lisa walked out of her office as she shouted. "Alright, everyone! Finish your respective research and report! I need it by the end of the day!" She walked around the room in body-fitted clothes and 6-inch high heels. She never forgets to stop at Kisha''s desk to sarcastically demean her. "What are you doing Ms. Aldens?! Start working! The higher-ups are egging me on with the development report for the new project! You''re as slow as a turtle and as dim-witted as a pig" Kisha kept her head lowered and did not speak because the more she tried to explain, the heavier their bullying would be. No one would stand up for her nor show sympathy. One''s weakness is not their business but Kisha has never experienced this before, she grew up well protected by her grandparents. She always believed that as long as she''s a good person and her conscience is clear, she''ll soon find her happiness. Naive, I know. But she was raised by a middle-aged couple who found her on the road when she was 6 years old. They were good people and forgiving, they would always tell her stories of Prince and Princess and isolate her from the madness of people''s inner thoughts because they wanted Kisha to remain kind and pure even when she grew old, that''s why Kisha grew up believing in Prince Charming and never delved deeper into people''s hearts. This belief caused her not just an arm but life, or should I say lives. Kisha''s long and curly eyelashes fluttered as she blinked multiple times, a severe headache assaulting her head as she listened to the loud voice above her, sounds of computer keyboards halted almost at the same time, and women around snickering as they enjoyed another bout of Kisha''s miseries. Not long after, there was a big earthquake, cracks slowly crawling on the walls, and things falling from high places. This sends everyone into chaos. After the scary tremor, everyone evacuated the building in an orderly manner and stood outside looking for an open space to avoid the aftershock. Not long after the earthquake was a bloody rain that lasted for 10 minutes and was enough to cover everyone from head to toe with blood-like fluids, the horrifying scene was so scary that everyone thought that it was the end of the world. Well, they are not wrong. Soon after, their thoughts started materializing. People outside started screaming in pain and scratching their skin as if trying to dig into their flesh. Horrified, some took a step back and looked at the woman who was squirming on the floor. A man tried to call for an ambulance while two other men tried to stop the woman from hurting herself, thinking that she was having a panic attack. The woman bit the man holding her arms, and due to the pain, he pushed her using all his strength. But the chaos intensified, more people started biting on the people near them and the scene became bloody. Kisha was scared silly and held the person next to her, Lisa. Although Kisha was not weak they were all mentally unstable because of all the blood gushing and spraying around. She didn''t know what to do until one of their male colleagues pulled them to run. It was crowded outside their office and everything was in chaos, and it became a stampede. They turned and entered the building instead to hide for a while to monitor the situation. When they thought that they were safe, a man with part of his face''s skin falling off and an open stomach ran after them, it attacked Lisa but since Kisha was still holding on to Lisa''s arm, Lisa kicked Kisha to the zombie to be her meat shield. Kisha''s eyes widened in shock and pain but she could not do anything and was bitten in the neck. She used all her strength to push the zombie away, blood painted her white polo shirt. "Ding!" " Congratulations Host for Successfully integrating with the system." A childlike voice sounded in her head. Aggrieved and flustered 008 said. "Oh no! I was too late, you were bitten by the infected." It has just integrated with its new host and the user is already infected. He was fuming but it had no way out too. Kisha felt a hot pulsing current from where she was bitten but lost consciousness before she got far. When she opened her eyes again, she was back in the office. Everything felt like a vivid nightmare. She subconsciously looked at her phone, it showed September 2nd, 1:30 pm. She remembered that it was supposed to be September 3rd today. She thought that her phone must have malfunctioned and looked at her computer screen to check the date. It puzzled her to see the same September 2nd, 1:30 pm. But everything became more clear when the nightmare she thought, happened again the next day. On her third rebirth, she called for sick leave to avoid the disaster and did not allow her family members to go out. She wanted to wait for the government to rescue them but they ended up starving to death. On her fourth rebirth, she and her family manage to save up supplies but was still not enough, not wanting to repeat her previous mistake to die from starvation, she and her brother went to find supplies but they encountered black-hearted people and they wanted to rape her so her brother did his best to protect her but ended up being stab in the throat. Knowing that she couldn''t run away, she decided to throw herself into a zombie instead of being played with by those men. On her fifth time, she decided that enough was enough. She took a kitchen knife and planned to fight instead of cowering in their house. She did manage to learn a few things after staying alive for 2 weeks. But she and her brother could not protect their grandparents well and still ended up dying with the scruples for supplies. On the sixth rebirth, 008 seems to have had enough of seeing its host dying so many times. "Host, why don''t you use me, your system? I''m omnipotent, upgrade me and I''ll be stronger!" Hearing the familiar voice in her head, she started asking 008 to teach her how to use the system. After finding out its function and what it can do. Kisha started laughing and crying at the same time, she gritted her teeth as she tried to calm her raging heart and mind. 008 cowered as it felt its host''s strong anger. Kisha lost her reasons and for the first time in her whole life cursed and raged at someone. "You fucking system! You could have told me from the second time I woke up, I would not have been angry with you the first time because we were still integrating and it was too late, but you were silent for so long, you were supposed to be my support but you just watch me and my family die for so many times?!" After the bout of cursing and letting her emotions out, she felt like she was truly reborn inside out. This nightmare kept on repeating and her only way out was her system. But soon after superhumans emerge. She was besieged by superhumans for her supplies and massacred her family. Her unending death and rebirth kept on repeating that her mental health was collapsing, every time she went back to the first day of the apocalypse, her family would see her changes and it hurt to see her that way but they didn''t know what caused it or how to help. What seemed like an endless loop kept on repeating, she experienced all kinds of death. Countless years of experience were only visible in her head because even her experience points and the items she got before death would reset on the first day. She couldn''t find a loophole, she tried all possible ways to give her family a safe place but the whole world was so engulfed by the apocalyptic era that it seemed impossible. Not until she reached her 99th rebirth and she met the Tyrant Emperor, Duke. He built a base of his own and he found her talent and strength admirable, they see eye to eye, both on the verge of insanity. They found solace in each other''s company, they built a safe haven of their own using his previous base as a foundation. But Kisha is still a woman inside and out, in the chaotic harsh world they live in, her heart still looks for comfort and warmth that her family can''t give. She felt the gentleness and love provided by a man that she once saved and fell in love with him. Little did she know that the man she thought loved her would betray her and would cause not only her death but even implicate Duke who was killed before her. .... She opened her eyes in the same old office that was engraved in her memory. The desk that she was so familiar with, the computer screen showing the same date and time [September 2nd, 1:30 pm], and the people sneering behind her. Lisa kept demeaning her with the same old phrase. Kisha''s long and curly eyelashes fluttered as she blinked multiple times as she tried to control the pulsing headache that made her feel irritated. She massaged her temple as she tried her best to rearrange her thoughts. "Stop barking like a dog, will you?" Her temperament changed from timid to glacially cold, there was even a hint of killing intent. Everything went silent and people''s jaws dropped that can fit a whole duck egg. "What''s wrong with Kisha?" A girl murmured. Everyone looked at her as if they were looking at a new continent. Well, they can''t be blamed, as Kisha''s change of demeanor and tone had never been heard before, she is as timid as a rabbit even when bullied by Lisa, she would always hold her breath when Lisa is scolding her out of mood swings. "Ding...." She looked at the system interface in front of her showing a 24-hour countdown. "We meet again host!" A child-like voice sounded in her head. A new system notification appeared in front of her. "New title obtained!" "Congratulations host for obtaining the 100''th life Title!" Chapter 2 - 2 Duke Winters "Congratulations host for obtaining the 100''th life Title!" Kisha gritted her teeth and her hand clutched the arm of the chair. "Are you congratulating me or are you pissing me off?!" "Of course, I''m congratulating you! This title includes 100 thousand shop points plus 10 points on all stats!" If the system has a body it would start jumping around while setting off handheld fireworks. "Fuck off!" She roared in her head. The system immediately went silent. "To think that I would be betrayed by my best friend and lover in that raid." She thought. They must have planned it long ago, and to think that she never suspected them, Unlike them who are always in the base, Kisha was busy trying to expand their territory and making it as safe as possible. This was not her first time dying but it was the most painful, as she spent 5 years with them. She saved her lover from dying in the clutches of a high-level zombie while she intercepted a group of human-eating people to save their captive including her supposed best friend. But what does she get from her love and care? Betrayal! To think that the man she loved would push her to the zombie hoard with his eyes full of disdain and disgust while her best friend clinging to him, showing Kisha that he belonged to her, her face plastered with the smile of victory. She gave them the best of everything and treated them as precious as her family, she never forced them to do what they didn''t want to do. She even got into an argument with her family and her friend just to make sure they wouldn''t feel misunderstood. "I never believed it when others told me that those dogs were cheating on me! I thought I graduated from being naive and overtrusting." "I''m still here host, even if you can''t trust anyone, you could always trust me." The system said proudly. "Right. I still have you. You''ve stayed with me in the 99 times I died. To think that I died that many times. Why does my life become like a game character where I die at every turn of events?" Kisha said numbly. "In the novels mentioned by those kids, the main character would become OP when they gained a system, why is it different from mine?" "Host! Are you showing disdain over me?!" The system said angrily. "Kisha you bitch! Are you ignoring me now?!" A shrill female voice pulled Kisha from her thoughts. Kisha stood up from her chair and looked coldly at Lisa. " I will not become your punching bag today. Are you having your menopause that''s why you''re always moody and angry?" Kisha''s brow raises questioningly while looking straight at her. Lisa''s face contorted and she pointed at Kisha with a trembling hand. "What did you say?! You bitch, have you eaten a lion''s balls that you have the guts to retort?!" "No, it''s just that I had enough of your bullying since I entered this company. Not only did you bully me but you even promoted others to do the same." Kisha''s piercing gaze sent a shiver through Lisa''s spine and she unconsciously took a step back. "Either you took my credit as your own or you gave it to others in return for money. I have never voiced my anger and dissatisfaction but you never stop there, you would even deduct my pay with petty excuses." Kisha took a step forward emitting an incredulous killing intent, even the people watching turned pale as they were overpowered by pressure. "Just because you don''t like me and I am a fresh graduate, that you do this to me? You called me a bimbo with no context but you gave me all the core work and overworked me without paying for my overtime work. Tell me what would happen if this reached the upper echelon?" "Don''t slander me, bitch! You don''t have any evidence." In the air-conditioned office, Lisa''s face was full of sweat and her legs trembling. "You can try me." Kisha looked at her one last time before walking out. But before she reached the door Lisa screamed. "You are fired! You hear me? FIRED!" "Kisha is so scary! If I had not seen her earlier this morning and seen her being timid while others bullied her. I would think that this person standing before us is an impostor." a guy near the door whispered to his colleague. "But don''t you think she''s more attractive this way? She''s like a poppy flower, beautiful yet addictive." the other guy nodded, his eyes glued to Kisha. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No need to tell me, I quit anyway." She walked out with her things in a high-profile manner. When she reaches the elevator she smirks. "008, gather all the evidence about Lisa''s bribery, prostitution with the director, office bullying, and taking credit for others'' work and send it all to the higher management." "Host that would cost 5000 points, should I deduct it now?" " Yes, and don''t forget to delete all my work from my computer. Use the point needed for all this work since we have enough to allocate to the upgrades and purchase of important items." Although there are only 24 hours before the apocalypse befalls, I would let you lose what you are so proud of as payment for killing me in my first life Lisa. This is your debt to me and I promised to take your life when our paths cross again! ... On the highest floor of the Alpha Empire Corporation, Duke Winters is looking at the report of the misconduct that was sent anonymously. As the one who sat at the top of the pyramid since he reached eighteen up until now that he is twenty-five, he has cleaned his company of any corruption and showed his ruthlessness when dealing with human trash. But to think that this still happened under one of the companies under him is unforgivable, he exercised positive rivalry in the workplace, big paychecks, and rewarded his employees handsomely for the great work but of course, he only accepted those who were qualified. "Tristan, I want this dealt with before this day ends!" Tristan respectfully bowed beside Duke and took the files with two hands, as he left Duke''s office, he made sure to close the door. Duke''s phone lit up and an unknown number is calling. Only Tristan, his closest friends, and his family members knew his number, his private information is highly protected, and even though this is highly suspicious he had an inkling feeling to answer the call which baffled him. He answered the call and stood up, looked over the floor-to-ceiling window which overlooked City A, the most prosperous city in their country. "Hello." His cold and indifferent voice could make those who heard it feel a shiver but the one on the other side of the phone felt nostalgia and swelling happiness in her heart. An equally cold female voice with a hint of gentleness sounded on the phone. "Duke, I have urgent information to share with you." His eyebrow knitted but there was no displeasure in his heart instead curiosity plagued him. Without the change in his voice, he answered. "Who are you?" "My name is Kisha Aldens, I''ll be arriving in your office in 15 minutes. I hope you can inform the front desk to allow me in or let Tristan fetch me." Surprise flashed in Duke''s eyes. This was the first time he heard the woman''s voice and hadn''t even seen her but he could feel her pure intentions and an indescribable feeling swirling in his heart, there was not even an ounce of doubt. Before he could utter a word the call got cut off. He thought deeply he could not come up with an answer so he decided to instruct the front desk to lead Kisha to his office once she arrived. He usually doesn''t give strangers a second of his time, other has to line up to wait for him and give them a chance. But this time, he waited patiently for Kisha to arrive and hear what this urgent information she carried with her. Not long after, a knock sounded from the door. "Mr. Winters, your guest has arrived." A deep cold voice but surprisingly pleasant to the ear uttered. "Come in." As Kisha was led inside the office, she saw Duke leaning in his leather office chair. Monitoring her every action. In his black and wood-themed office which looks elegant and noble, he still stood out the most, his perfect chiseled face, high nose bridge, seductive deep eyes that could suck you in, and his thin lips. It''s not only limited to his face but he also has a good figure, his body is lean but a little muscular with his height of 189 cm. He''s like a supermodel. No wonder his the most sought-after bachelor in the entire country. It might sound exaggerated but he''s good-looking, even Kisha who''s gone through life and death with him still gets attracted by his good genes. "What do want to drink?" Duke asked "Water is fine." Kisha answered, she tried to tone down the coldness her body emitted as she looked straight at Duke''s eyes. He called for his secretary in the intercom to prepare his coffee and bring Kisha water. In his spacious office, he seems so far away from Kisha who sits silently on the sofa in the middle of the room. He stood up from his chair and walked to the sofa to sit in front of her, to also get a better look at the woman who piqued his interest. His efficient secretary brought the drinks and closed the door to give them space to talk about their business. She watched him elegantly drink his coffee as if he were a piece of art. "He''s still as handsome as I remembered but as cold as a block of ice." She chuckled in her mind His usually intimidating aura intensified, thinking that it might work on Kisha like it did to others. "Tell me what is this urgent information you brought." He leaned on the sofa and put his right leg on top of his left as he crossed his arms. Kisha was unperturbed by his intimidation as she continued. "I want you to promise first to give me 100M worth of supplies." Duke''s brow raises trying to understand what is inside her head. "What would I get in return?" "A life-saving information." She smiles gracefully as she drinks her water. "Host! Are you trying to scam this guy to get your supplies?" 008''s excited voice rang in her head. "Well, you issued a 100M supply gathering mission. Do you think I have that much money?" "But don''t we usually ransack the warehouses around?" "Not only is it time-consuming but I can''t do that within the 22-hour time remaining before the apocalypse starts and I have other things that I need to prepare." "But this guy is always suspicious of everyone and is usually the one who scams people until nothing is left. How can we even get something out of him?" "Well, let''s try to negotiate because not only his people is efficient in getting things done, but we might be able to share his resources in the future if he deems this information useful. Either way, we are not losing out." Duke''s eyes narrowed as he tried to read through her eyes but could not get anything from her deadpan expression. "So tell me. What information is deemed life-saving and is worth 100M? You know that I am a businessman and I do not make a losing deal." "Let me show you something first." The glass of cold water in Kisha''s hand suddenly disappeared and reappeared like magic Although, Duke still has an indifferent expression. There were surging emotions deep within him and could not understand what had happened or he refused to understand as he is a more scientific than superstitious kind of person. Kisha understood him better than other people, that''s why she knew that he must have understood the emergence of superpowers but was thinking of how to know the triggers. "As you''ve seen, I have awakened. But this is not what''s important, I showed you my superpowers to give the upcoming information more credibility." His whole body stiffened as his expression turned serious and his ears perked up. "In 22 hours, there will be a huge earthquake but that''s not all, it will be followed by a blood rain which will cause the virus to spread. This is not limited to this city. The whole world will fall into chaos. That''s why I''m trying to get as much supply as possible." Kisha did not keep any information from him as she trust him from the bottom of her heart. He is the only person who never betrayed her even when his life was endangered or died. Chapter 3 - 3 Hoarding of Supplies As everyone should know, food supplies were the most important thing even in ancient times, this factor could decide the fall or rise of a city. Without food, people will starve and die. That''s why this is the first thing that Kisha needs to secure, and that''s her mission that the system made her do. Missions are classified from F to S classes, SS and SSS class are rare but not unheard of, but it was deadly. This time, to complete the 100M supply gathering mission Kisha decided to go directly to Duke. Not only will it save her time but it will also help Duke save his forces from taking a hit from the apocalypse. Kisha first met Duke on her 80th rebirth, their meeting was brief but it left a huge impression on her. They did not meet again until her 99th rebirth, he was the only one she could call a true friend, and fought side by side with her. He watched her back and even sacrificed his life to save her after they built a safe haven for everyone. But who would have thought that the place they built with their sweat and blood would soon fall on the traitorous couple''s hand. Just thinking about it makes Kisha''s blood boil and felt that she let Duke down but at the same time, she feels gratified because she has a chance to meet Duke again and make sure to correct her mistakes and choices. Duke took another sip of his coffee. His deep husky voice broke Kisha''s reminisce of the past. "Ms. Aldens, a magic trick, and words without evidence will not be enough to make me believe you." Kisha thinks for a second before she calls 008 in her mind to check her stats. "Host, would you like to check your status window?" "Yes." [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 18 (+ 10) Stamina: 20 (+ 10) Defense: 16 (+ 10) Agility: 15 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 25 (+ 10) Charm: 27 (+ 10) Leadership: 25 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: None Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of the truth "Host, we have to start over again. Although this is going to be your last chance in life, the additional 10 points in all stats and the 100 thousand points will be a great help to move around this time." 008 said emotionally. 5 points in stats would be the average starting point for level zeros, those who have reached 10 points are considered well-trained in martial arts. Kisha noticed a piece of additional information in her status window. "008, when did I receive a new gift?" She stared at her new gift Eye of the truth 008 checked the history when they obtained the Eye of the Truth from his archive. "Host, you obtained it when you died in the hands of those dogs!" "Let''s check the details of this gift." She instructed. Duke cleared his throat to get Kisha''s attention as he had been waiting for her to continue for a long time, she''s been staring blankly in front of her. She picks up her glass of water, acting nonchalantly cold and the Eye of the Truth''s detail is on display in front of her. Eye of the Truth Details: A gift from the Gods to the poor soul who has tasted all kinds of bitterness of life and betrayal from their loved ones. Helps the user to check other''s status windows. An active skill. "Upgradable" Kisha''s eyes lit up after reading the gift''s details and immediately tried it on Duke. [Duke Winters] Level 0 Strength: 20 Stamina: 20 Defense: 20 Agility: 19 Mental Capacity: 20 Charm: 38 Leadership: 40 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Multi-faceted Gift: Tyrant "OMG! Host! He is not a human at all! No wonder you could not win him in duels." You even have the plus points but you can''t still be compared to him. 008 could only think about the other half of his sentence because he knew that if he said more, his system upgrade would be pushed to the back of the to-do list. Kisha''s lips twitch as he looks at Duke enviously. "Comparison will only make one''s heart breaks." She thought "Forgive me for taking too long to rearrange my thoughts, Duke. Although, I cannot prove what I said about the virus and blood rain right now. You''ll see it tomorrow, however, the disappearance of the glass of water is no mere magic trick. It is called space type ability." to give her words more impact, she put the entire coffee table including his coffee and her water in her inventory. This time, Duke sits straight and looks straight into her eyes. "This space ability allows you to store anything in it?" She nodded and took out the coffee table again, she didn''t need to touch the items to store them in her inventory, as long as she could see it she could store them but it would consume her mental stats. Those who have high mental capacity will more likely awaken a mental type ability. "You wanted the 100M worth of supplies to store in your space?" She nodded and knew that Duke had finally believed in her. "So please prepare it as soon as possible, 20% clothes for all seasons and all genders, 30% Medicines, 40% food including live animals and aquatic animals as I have use for them, and 10% utility items. It would be great if you could add a bulletproof Hummer as a bonus." Kisha tried to smile as sweetly as she could but for 008 it could only see a scheming smile on her face. Duke coldly smirks as he looks at her smiling face. "You think I will give you the supplies?" "Well of course. Do you think we have the time to waste when I mentioned that it will be tomorrow? Besides, you have to spend as much money as you can to hoard supplies. Don''t you have your people?" Her voice sounded cold and aloof but her words carried warmth as she truly worries for him. The sincerity and warmth in her eyes are overflowing, only a blind person would not see it. And she''s doing her best to lower the coldness and killing intent her body is emitting that has accumulated over the repeated years she has lived in the apocalypse. She really wanted to give Duke a good start in the apocalypse so he could build his forces early on. He stops talking as he ponders deeply on his choices he taps his index finger on his lap, and as a thought hits him, his tapping stops and he looks at her seriously. "Then tell me more of the information you know." Kisha readily accepts. "Sure." But before she could continue, a knock on the door interrupted them. Tristan entered after the knock. "Master, I have already taken care of the issue that you gave me earlier, her assets have been frozen for the investigation as the authorities uncover embezzlement with the director''s involvement." Only after he spoke did he notice that a woman was sitting across from Duke. "Mmm. Good. Since you''re back, I want you to use half of the empire''s assets and my family''s assets to purchase all kinds of livestock, live aquatic animals, all kinds of food supplies, Medicine, clothes, and other important things that could last for years. Do not forget bulletproof SUVs and military trucks and a few tons of Gas. And make sure to convert the remaining asset of the empire and my family''s into gold bars and secure it with the supplies." Tristan was shocked to hear this instruction from Duke. "Master, what''s going on? How will we explain this to the board of directors, what about the patriarch?" Are we going in a war? Tristan''s jaws are wide open as he does not know what led to this decision. Duke did not even stop to consider the board of directors'' dissatisfaction and his family''s thoughts. It''s not just hundreds of millions they are talking about but hundreds of billions that need to be spent. "You don''t need to explain anything, we needed all this in less than a day, separate a 100M worth of supply for Ms. Aldens here." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha glanced at the nervous Tristan and generously commented. "If you have choppers, planes, or ships that you would want to safely keep for future use, I could also help you keep them, just pay me with supplies." The woman in front of him has a mischievous smile on her face, she looks like a cat who stole a fish for dinner. He unconsciously smiled as he watch Kisha cute antics. Chapter 4 - 4 Planning Tristan retreated with a surging headache to do the task assigned to him as fast as he could with the limited time they had. As soon as he is out of the room, Duke jumps into the conversation. "Care to explain the entirety of the omitted information you got? How did you chance upon this knowledge before it occurred? And why did you come to me?" Even though Duke has a good impression of Kisha, he still needs to be vigilant because a lot of people want to drag him down from his position and they will use any kinds of method just to achieve their goal. Kisha understands this the most, Duke often talks about his venture in the business world whenever they are out on a mission in her previous life, so she understands him like the back of her hand. " This is not the first time I have experienced this." She dropped the bomb without warning and it caught Duke off guard but his face still showed calm and indifferent expression as if they were talking about the weather. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He has been trying to decipher everything she had said from the beginning til now but it''s just hard to comprehend because no one would even jump to the conclusion that she had died and come back to life to re-experience the apocalypse, will they? "You''re probably wondering what am I even trying to say." Kisha chuckled as she tucked the few loose strands of her long curly black hair into her ear. "I have died and came back to life a day before the apocalypse." She stares right back at him as she reiterates the words. No matter how steady a person Duke was, that information still struck his brain cells and made him daze for a while until he slowly processed the information and accepted the possibility of it being true. Because if everything she says ends up happening tomorrow including her awakened superpowers, then more likely than not, her being reborn after death is also true. He slowly took a breath as he evaluated her every action, he narrowed his eyes and asked. "Why did you decide to share this information with me and not the government? This could save millions of lives." Other than Duke, everyone else would just treat her as a lunatic who preaches the end of the world like the crazy people who shout in the central square that the end of the world is near. She would just waste her time doing so and she did try that before and the passersby just laughed at her crazy antics. "Might be, but how many of them would believe me? If I showed what I can do, I might even be dragged by the government and be locked down." She drank a mouthful of water to wet her throat. "You, on the other hand, are different. As long as there''s conclusive evidence, you''ll listen and will not bet your people''s lives to a possible danger." Although his enemies call him ruthless and coldblooded. But in truth, he is a good person, he is protective of his own and a good leader. This is also the reason why she started hanging out with him in her previous life, they are each other''s confidant, and if anyone needs help they don''t need to ask questions as they have absolute trust in each other, only if she did not make that mistake. He wouldn''t have to die. Remembering the sad past, Kisha''s body slightly trembled and her eyes clouded in pain, but she quickly adjusted her emotions. All these minor changes were captured by Duke''s decerning eyes, even if he did not know her, he could feel the trust she had in him which somehow made him happy. Kisha shared her knowledge with Duke about the virus that will spread tomorrow. The said virus is one that laid dormant in the ice territory up north. It was kept by towering ice walls that buried the Greenlands when the ice age hit the earth. This ice age saved the remaining life on earth but it still took thousands to millions of years for the life to slowly prosper again. But now, because of climate change, the heat slowly dissolves the ice walls over time, and there have been more earthquakes that resulted in the virus escaping its confinement. This was discovered by a dedicated scientist five years post-apocalypse. Only a quarter of humanity will be lucky enough to awaken a superpower, another quarter will remain normal, and a small minority will be asymptomatic where they look like a normal human but their bodily fluids can turn normal humans into zombies. And the rest will become a mindless human-eating monster. Superhumans will be categorized into regulars and irregulars and their powers after awakening will start from Level 0. Regulars are the known powers like elementals which are more common but they will still be classified from low, middle to high class. The low class is the support type, the middle class is the defensive-attack type that has appropriate damage or defense, while the high class has destructive attacks and indestructible defenses. The best example of high-class elemental power is lightning users. Lightning users can attack and defend at the same time that''s why it was the most revered ability but also as rare as irregulars. Irregulars have no known pattern of ability and Kisha can be identified as an irregular for possessing the system. As smart as Duke, he has already figured out almost everything without Kisha mentioning it. So he already decided what he had to do to make sure he was well prepared. "Based on your explanation, your space ability is a support type. Is that the reason why you died so many times in your last life?" "Pfft" 008 was trying his best not to burst out laughing after hearing Duke''s honest question. Kisha on the other hand felt her face heat up for the first time after so long due to her embarrassment. It was because her system was really useful and almost omnipotent but because of her timid, naive, and overtrusting nature that was engraved down to her bones that she had to die at almost every turn. There was a saying "Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." It''s also because she had always tried to save everyone that she ended up sacrificing herself and back then she did not understand that she couldn''t save every human just because she had her system. A person who''s trying to become a hero will end up sacrificing either their loved ones or themselves which she had understood by now. "Ehem. I''ll tell you some other time. We don''t have much time to begin with." Duke noticed her deflecting his question so he understood that her experience would either be embarrassing or a utter humiliation to her ability. He did not try to probe her about her ability because his instinct told him that she would not keep it from him for long and that he could trust her. Duke contemplated for ten minutes, trying to formulate a plan in his head for his next step, and took out City A''s map that they use for strategic planning for all their ventures. He encircled three spots outside the city. " If most people will turn into those monsters you mentioned, then Cities will not be safe for creating a base, we will be besieged sooner or later. We need a place that can be self-sustaining, easy to defend but hard to besiege." They look at the three locations at the same time after weighing the pros and cons both pointed in a valley surrounded by the mounted cliff that only has one entrance. Duke looked at Kisha with appreciation and smiled happily, he realized that he and Kisha had the same way of thinking that did not differ from the other. The three locations are farmland near the river, a warehouse on the outskirts, and Duke''s hidden base where he trains his private guards. The warehouse, although located on the outskirts, is still a little closer to the city, the farmland could be a self-sustaining base however, even though Kisha has never heard of a zombie swimming in the water but there are mutant animals, they could sneak in from the river to their base and it was equally dangerous even if they set up a prevention safety measures. She stared at the map again and was hit by a realization. "Do you think, we can both develop the two locations as our food production line and our main base?" Kisha asked after thinking about it again. If they could think of a prevention safety measure that is almost perfect or maybe with the help of her system this could be her best option, there''s no saying because, in the hidden base, they could be attacked by mutant plants from the mountain or mutant rats or snakes. Nowhere is safe but she has enough points now. Chapter 5 - 5 95 Thousand Points to Use "Host! you have almost forgotten that we are now rich with points!" 008''s voice echoed in her head. "Right, why am I being stingy with my points?" She thought. This is the very first time in her 100th life that she has an abundance of points, it''s basically because as the system is omnipotent, it was harder to earn points, especially with the mission deployed by the system, 7 out of 10 she''d die from the mission. If luck forbade she''d even have teammates who seem to be mentally challenged, and most times the Goddess of luck did not give her face as people who are purely greedy or cowardly will push her to her death. But this time, she has few advantages in her grasp including the Tyrant Emperor, Duke. 008 snorted. "We almost completed the last main mission in your 99th time, but because of that dog couple, we failed and had to restart again from scratch!" Frustration and sadness are visible in 008''s voice as he is full of indignation for those two who betrayed Kisha. "It''s fine! I''ve not only seen their true selves that were hidden deep underneath their perfect facade, but we even gained an abundant harvest this time. Besides, I don''t want to use a single brain cell thinking about them, I will get my revenge this time." Kisha can now scout people to be part of her elite squad, she even gained points that will allow her to build an impregnable fortress! "008, I remembered that there was a territory pack in the store previously. Do check if it''s still there and how much it is." It would be beneficial for her to build her territory in the early stages so they can kill as many zombies as possible and help her own people get used to the changes. This will be the first on the list of her agenda. 008''s trembling voice interrupted Kisha''s planning in her head. "Host! It is available and it cost 50 thousand points." Kisha was surprised. 50 thousand is a high price, the highest she saved up before was only 30 thousand and it is only because of the numerous S-class missions that the system has thrown at her. "Why so expensive?" She was indignant. She could have bought other important things with the points. As 008 checked the item, it listed out the inclusions and showed it in the system interface. [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] Inclusions: 100 acres of land (subspace type - upgradable) 100 acres of pond (subspace type - upgradable) 100 acres Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - upgradable) 100 acres of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) 100 acres of rainforest (subspace type - upgradable) Poultry (subspace type - upgradable) Pigpen (subspace type - upgradable) Cow shed (subspace type - upgradable) Show more ... Kisha''s eyes bulged as she read through the inclusions of the Territory pack which was far superior to what she had remembered. "No wonder it is expensive!" She exclaimed. "It also included here that the owner has the only one with access to the subspace resources, the owner has the authority to provide or take access from trusted aides and move the territory if necessary." 008 shouted in shock and excitement as he informed Kisha of his findings. Kisha''s eyes were red with excitement as she shouted as if afraid that the item would disappear in the blink of an eye. "Buy! BUY it!" She had already forgotten Duke''s presence beside her who was assigning his people their task. His eyes whipped up to look at her excited face that is both cute and funny. " Buy what?" He questioned, his cold voice has a hint of restricted laughter. Kisha grinned like a cunning fox. "Good stuff! I found a good stuff!" This was the first time she had truly felt joy after so many years in the apocalypse. "We can either use the valley or the farmland without worry as I have found a great solution but you have to promise me that we are partners, we share everything equally." Duke has the manpower while she can ensure a self-sustaining place, although they have secured billions worth of supplies, it will not be good if the outsiders find out about her territory. There are wolves everywhere and these billions of supplies alone are a great temptation. "What do you say?" Kisha asked jokingly, she was really in a great mood. Duke with the instinct of a predator, could smell a great opportunity. A cunning fox can''t win a tyrant when it comes to taking advantage of an opportunity. "Deal!" These two have a tendency to always try to one-up each other. Like best friends, at the same time rivals but at the same time like lovers. People from her previous life wonder why these two did not get together when they clicked like an oiled gear. Their abilities did not fall far from each other, as well as their temperament and thinking. Kisha knew that she was swept with the sweet nothing and the eloquence of the scumbag, but little did she know that he is like that to everyone he deemed beneficial until he no longer needed them. That''s why she ended up being a snack to the zombie hoard. "Make sure to increase the livestock, and live fish, and don''t forget to include farm seeds and fruit trees. We can''t live with only canned food or dry rations!" Kisha said as she walked away. Duke put down his pen and stood straight. "Where are you going?" She stops in her tracks. "I''m going to fetch my Grandparents and younger brother. I''ll look for you when I get them." It''s been a long time since she last saw her grandparents and brother. When Granny and Grandpa Aldens found Kisha on the roadside, they were on their way home after attending their daughter''s funeral, with the unfortunate turn of events, their daughter was abused to death by her husband, leaving her only child Keith whose only 3 by the time of the incident and was so traumatized that he suffered a fever. He had to stay in the hospital for months and even after he was discharged, his bright eyes dimmed, and his usual bubbly self hated to go out and play with other children. He was ostracised and blamed for jinxing his mother. Those words were his deep scars, often reminding him of his mom''s tragic death. The old couple did not know what to do and could only worry about the child''s mental health and future. That''s why when they come across Kisha on the road, they thought of keeping her to give their Grandson an older sister to help him muddle through his childhood trauma but of course, they did not forget to report to the authorities and went through legal procedures to adopt Kisha. As time passed by, Keith slowly warmed up to Kisha as she had the sweetest smile that slowly broke down his walls. They would cuddle in their sleep, and give each other their favorite things. The old couple could only thank the heavens for having mercy. They treated the children equally, doted on them, and gave them all the love and care they could. They were not financially rich, their living expenses only came from Grandpa''s pension from his military days and Grandma''s retirement plan. It was not much but it was enough for them to get through adulthood. Before she went home, she went to her favorite pastry shop to line up and buy all kinds of sweets that they would miss. She was greeted by a very cute staff as she reached the counter. "Hi welcome, what can I get for you?" She looked behind her and saw a few more people lined up. "Hi, I would like to get everything in the shop." the staff''s heart skipped a bit, thinking that it might be a prank. A business-tailored smile plastered on the staff''s face. "Sorry! I seem to have missed what you said." She looked around the room and saw the people who were queuing having dissatisfied looks. In an extremely good mood, her crisp and clear voice sounded cold yet pleasant. "I''m buying everything." Unable to decide, she called her manager to continue the transaction. "You are getting everything, have I understood it correctly?" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The people behind glared at the manager as they said with gritted teeth. "What about us?" Acting oblivious to the resentment building behind her, Kisha nonchalantly answered. "What seems to be the problem? I was first in line, so they have to take my order first." After her repeated rebirth, she was no longer timid, and sometimes she, herself even thinks that there are already some loose screws in her head. Who would care about a bunch of nobodies when she just wanted to buy some dessert that she and her brother could eat from time to time? This was not enough, she had to go to different restaurants and shops to buy some takeouts. "Make sure to add all stocks from the back too. I''ll pay with a card." She pinched her debit card with her index and middle finger, and she gestured to the manager to take it. The manager thinks that they have already sold out for the day so they can go home early, so he happily punches all the available stock in the inventory and swipes the card. "We can help deliver your orders to your home." Kisha smiled slightly and gave them a 500-dollar tip as she gave the manager her address. Before Kisha left, she heard the manager mention his 6-year-old daughter. She stops in her tracks and looks back at the manager. "Mr. Manager." Hearing someone calling him, he turned around with a smile on his face. "Yes, miss? Is there anything else I can help you with?" "I''ve seen some big families hoarding food and other home supplies, I think prices of supplies might skyrocket tomorrow. You probably might want to save up supplies for future trouble. And this might be because they said that some big gangs will be having a turf war on the streets tomorrow. You might want to keep yourself safe." Kisha spouted all the nonsense she could think of that sounded legit to at least try to warn these people without sounding like a nut job. She continued to buy as many takeouts, specialty products, special sauces, and snacks on the way home and she did not forget to warn them the same thing she said in the pastry shop. Chapter 6 - 6 Trouble "Host, because of your subtle warning for tomorrow''s major event. You have earned 50 points!" 008 giggled as he reported the increase in points. That''s right, Kisha did not warn those people out of the goodness of her heart. She has a main system mission, and although it is an F-class mission, they could earn 1 point per warned person. Whether they believe it or not is their problem. Kisha walked slowly home as she took in the feeling of the peaceful street, there were even high school students laughing in front of the convenience store. She sighed as the gruesome bloodbath flashed through her mind. She worries for her grandparents, throughout her rebirth, they never passed a certain period. They could not cope with the changes added by their age. As she climbed the stairs to their old residential apartment, she had already heard a commotion on the second floor where their apartment was located. The closer she got, the louder the voices became. "I''m your father! How dare you not share good things with me?!" "You are not my father!" Roared by the young man. As she reached the end of the stairs and turned right, she saw her younger brother shielding their grandparents behind his back while confronting the unreasonable man. His face contorted in anger, fist balled as if ready to pounce anytime, and his tense jaw showed how much he was trying to hold back. "You want us to pay for your gambling debt? Dream on!" Shouted by Grandpa Aldens while trying to pass through his grandson''s protection. His wife holding his left arm, trying to hold him back. This man was Keith''s father, a vermin who only knows how to cause trouble. He gambled, waiting to win the jackpot and indulge himself in debauchery. The reason why he ended up killing his wife before was because of his gambling addiction, she did not relent in giving her last saving that she put in her parent''s name for Keith''s future. He got so angry that he did not even try to hold back his strength as he beat her, he did not even care where his fists and kicks landed on her body. All of this was witnessed by Keith, when he tried to stop his father, he was almost hit too but his mother shielded him. That''s why he always blamed himself for his mother''s death, there were "IFs" in his head, thinking that if he did not try to step in, his mother would not need to protect him and there might be a chance for her to not suffer from internal injury caused by her broken rib bone piercing her lungs and other internal organs. Although he slowly accepted that no matter what his choices were, his father was still the biggest culprit there were still remnants of the shadows in his heart. But this vermin never learned his lesson, he just got out of jail not long ago and he is already causing trouble to her grandparents, is it, not enough for him to take their daughter''s life and cause their only grandson severe trauma, and now he is harassing them again?! Kisha strode over and held his arm that was raised in the air aiming at Keith. She kicked his back knee hard and twisted his arm to his back. But that was not enough for Kisha, she made sure to dislocate his arm, causing him severe pain. He wailed like a pig being slaughtered, sweating cold buckets. "You wench!" He roared through his ragged breath. "I''m gonna kill you!" He tried to stand up. But Kisha did not give him a chance and kicked him hard in his stomach. He twisted in pain like a newborn but Kisha didn''t even bat an eye and looked down at him coldly as if she''s looking at a dead person. "This is just a small greeting from me Mister." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She paused and took a step, emitting an intimidating aura, and continued. "But if I ever see your face again, I will make sure that you regret showing your face. Only your eyes will be spared!" His heart skipped a beat. No matter how much pain he was in, he did his best to crawl and run. He knew that she was telling the truth and he might even be killed if he angered her. "When did they get acquainted with a gangster?!" He thought as a shiver ran down his spine. Even Keith and their grandparents were so shocked by the turn of events that there was not even a chance to react or make a sound. Only when she turned around and faced them with a sweet smile on her face did they though that they must be hallucinating. She was still their sweetest Kisha, smiling sweetly with dimples on her cheeks. She urged them to get inside the house, and even though they followed her inside their minds were still flying around. They are all smart people, they knew that no matter how much they tried to direct their thought that it was a hallucination, it was an actual truth that the person who beat up Keith''s father was indeed Kisha. But it was the first time they saw this side of her. She would even cry when a dog died in a movie. Is she a white lotus then? But she was never good at hiding her thoughts and pretending. Her face would always show what she thinks. "Sister, that." Keith hesitated to continue. But when Kisha entered, she already saw that their small two-bedroom apartment was full of takeouts and other things she bought earlier. She waved her hand and everything disappeared. Their grandparents haven''t even cleared their thoughts about the incident outside and there goes another. Their brain has short-circuited. But Keith was different. His eyes lit up in excitement and walked around the room to check if everything had vanished into thin air. He treated his sister like an omnipotent superhero, because not only was she drop-dead gorgeous but she was also smart. And there was one more thing, he was a fan of novels and manhwa that featured OP characters. So he has a big imagination. "Everyone let''s sit down and talk. I have an important announcement." She walks to the single sofa chair in front of the window and sits, putting her legs to the other while both her hands are intertwined on her knees. The excited Keith immediately sat right in front of his sister and forgot to support his grandparents down. The dissatisfied old man hit him on the back of his head supported his wife gently and slowly sat on the long couch on Kisha''s left. The old madam is still absent-minded. Kisha cleared her throat. Her mind ran thousands of kilometers per hour trying to think of how to break the news to them. "The world will end tomorrow." We should prepare our luggage. "Host! Are you trying to scare the old couple to death?!" 008 exclaimed. "Argh! I misspoke and said what I thought and thought of what I was supposed to say." Everyone looked shocked. Old Madam''s eyes and nose turned red, tears welled up in her eyes. "Old man, our sweet girl has become a retard." Kisha became flustered. "Sister will not spout things without basis. We should let her explain well Grandma." Keith winked at his sister after he spoke. As if waiting for an exciting news "Please, listen carefully Grandma, Grandpa, and Keith. Please, no matter what I say, you have to control your emotions. This is important." Grandma stopped crying and held her husband''s hand as the whole family went silent. Only Kisha''s voice can be heard. She decided to tell them everything, her repeated rebirth, her experiences, their family''s unjust treatment, and everything she could remember. She opened the floodgate of emotions that she kept all this time that ate away her mind, sending her to the verge of insanity. She had always tried to keep them away from harm''s way and tried to solve everything all by herself. But Keith once told her on her 99th rebirth that she should have told them despite the heaviness of the problem. They are a family, they are each other''s foundation and support. Their grandparents always thought that they were just included baggage for his sister to carry, that''s why they always tread in a thin line. They thought of themselves as old and useless. Every time they saw her weary state, they would blame themselves. After hearing this from Keith, she realized how wrong she was in her way of thinking. She thought she was doing the right thing without consulting what they thought. Without realizing that she is just causing a misunderstanding and a series of pain for her family. How many times did they suffer injustices because of their fear of adding to her worries? How many times did they stay silent as people took advantage of them? How much did my Grandma cry herself to sleep? How much did Grandpa endure for the family? How much fear did they hide in their hearts? Although everyone didn''t have a good expression on their faces, they understood the severity of the matter. The couple is worried about being a burden as they are already in their 60s. Understanding the old couple''s worries, Kisha went to the system store and bought the immortal pill from the world of immortals. Yes, World of the Immortals, there are tens of thousands of parallel worlds out there and the system is the bridge for the worlds to interact with the other through item exchange. It is like an online market where they can bargain and sell things. She got her territory pack from the same world. The immortal pill cost 10 thousand points per piece and she bought two for both her grandparents. Unlike what the name implies, this pill will not make them an immortal but it will just lengthen their lives by ten years and there''s a limit a person can consume else it will be useless the next time. She urged them to eat it and explained to them what it would do to their body. All the accumulated pain and diseases that came with time will be healed and they will be ten years younger. Even if it was expensive, it was worth it. Keith was happy and excited to see their grandparents move well, relieved of joint pains and back pain. But of course, the happy atmosphere has to end for now as they have to pack up. Kisha pulled Keith to the side while letting the couple happily get their things. "Didn''t you win an award in the hacking contest nationwide?" Puzzled, he nodded his head while waiting for his sister to speak. Her eyes turn to a crescent shape. "Great! Since we just spent a huge point, we have to earn it back!" They silently hack into the country''s network which is connected to the media, social media platforms, and radio. [Warning! An earthquake with a magnitude 6 will hit the country tomorrow at 1:30 pm make sure to stay in a safe place and stock up as many supplies as possible. Be safe!] Chapter 7 - 7 Blood Rain Kisha put everything they had in their apartment into her inventory. They each had a backpack that contained mineral water and bread for the appearance''s sake. Of course, her family members understood this well, they couldn''t blow their cover and let others scheme against them, could they? It''s already the middle of the night but the whole family doesn''t seem to feel tired at all, they moved out silently, luckily, Kisha already rented an expensive SUV for a day so it would be easier for them to travel. Before they departed, she called Duke. "It''s me." His pleasantly cold voice resounded on the phone. "It feels like my ear might get pregnant listening to his voice." she thought. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I''m on my way, please send the address to me. We''ll go straight to the base." His brows knitted. "It will be dangerous to operate separately. Everything''s settled on my end. We''ll go together." Kisha nonchalantly answered. "It will be inconvenient to make big moves now. It will be easier for people to locate our base." "I sent my people per batches, your worries are unfounded." "And your family?" "They''d been settled as well." "No thank you. I prefer to go on my own." He was displeased, he didn''t like her acting cold and distant towards him. He can''t say that he is interested in her romantically but he acknowledges her as his equal and she is now one of his people, so shouldn''t she be happily protected under his wing? He thought. Before he could continue, Kisha interjected. "Tomorrow, after the earthquake will be a blood rain." She arranged her thoughts and continued. "The blood rain can be considered both good and bad news at the same time." Puzzled, he tilted his head to the side as he looked down the brightly lit city from his office on the top floor. "How?" "As I''ve explained, the virus was from the melted ice up north. So if the ice melts, it will go to the ocean, be part of the vapor cycle, and will turn into rain clouds. That''s the blood rain." "But wasn''t it a bad thing? How did it become good news?" "For some yes, but for us, it''s beneficial at some point." She looked out at the window and continued. "We just need to be drenched by the rain for 10 minutes. But of course, not everyone''s bodies can accommodate the virus. Let''s just say that we are doing this to make our bodies stronger." "What will happen if the body can''t fight and adjust to the virus? Will they die?" "They would wish that they just died if their bodies can''t go through it." Duke emitted a strong oppressive aura in his anger and his voice turned a few degrees colder. "Kisha, I hope that you''re not messing with me. They are my people!" "I know, that''s why I''m sharing this with you." "You''re someone I can trust my back with, so I hope you can do the same." His anger turned into comfort. At least, she''s not trying to do something shady. He did not know where his trust for her came from but there was a feeling of comfort as if he had known her for long. She understood that his silence meant that his anger subsided so she continued to explain. "Although being drenched in the blood rain will not create an antibody in our bodies, it will still be beneficial for those who will survive, they will be the same people but." She doesn''t know how to break the news without sounding like she doesn''t care for his people. Duke already feels that theirs a catch in this blood rain but they will still suffer some losses which doesn''t sit to his liking. "But?" "But if their bodies rejected the virus, they will start convulsing, they will bleed from seven orifices, and will start attacking and biting people. If that happens, I hope you can put them to rest." Her voice sounded solemn "Is there any other way to deal with it?" She shakes her head but remembers that he can''t see her. "No, if they bit other people, others will turn like them. It was too late for them to go back to being humans. They will just be human-eating monsters for the rest of their lives." An incredulous look appeared on his face. "The zombies that you mentioned?" "I''m glad you know the term." She sounded mocking and teasing. "Is this woman trying to get on my nerves? How would she know if I did or did not know things?" He thought and snorted. "Don''t play with me now." She chuckled. "I wasn''t trying to. I''m telling the truth and it is up to you if you would gamble for future benefits but don''t come crying to me once you realize what it does." Although Kisha has already explained to Duke the general idea of what to come and expect, she did not explain most of the important details like the blood rain and how people turned into zombies, that''s why she called to explain this important fact. She admits that it was her negligence because she was too focused on the big scenes like ability users and some of her previous experiences. "Alright, I''ll think about it." "You better do, there''s only one chance." She hung up the call and sent him a message urging him to send the address. Once she got it, she gave her phone to Keith to drive. There''s one thing she realized about the first blood rain in her repeated lives. Every time she got soaked in it, she would feel her awakened powers would be stronger and have more potential to grow and even her body was stronger compared to when she hid during the first blood rain. Her power would also awaken faster. She conducted a survey, throughout her 99 lives when she realized this difference in her body. Even Duke was not an exemption. He said that during his field trip to one of his newly acquired lands, the earthquake happened and was soon followed by a blood-colored rain. It was an unexpected rain so they were all soaked from head to toe. He soon awakened his ability, not only was he a lightning user but he even awakened the rare mental type ability. He alone was a powerhouse and became the strongest. They were the first batch of superhumans, and those who awakened after them were not as powerful, they all thought that it was because they awakened first so they had time to strengthen themselves. The scientist she knew was the one who confirmed her suspicions about the blood rain, he said that after the first blood rain, the virus seeped to the ground, and with the sun''s heat it turned to vapor and part of it turned to gas, so through time, the virus will still slowly entered the body of the living. And every time it rains, there will be particles of the virus included so it will accumulate in a person''s body and will give them a chance to awaken. But those who awakened like this have a small amount of virus in their body so their ability is a little weak unlike the first awakened that has a huge concentration build up in their body. If it can be compared to medicine, the first dose would always have the strongest effect and if we use little dosage throughout time, that body will slowly adapt until the medicine slowly becomes useless. And that''s how he explains the virus, all the living have a virus in their body as time passes but if they did not turn to zombies the first instance they got exposed to it, they will not turn, not unless they were bitten by the zombies. Kisha of course asked why would they still turn if they already had the virus running in their bloodstream. He answered that, as humans continue to adapt to the virus, the zombie continues to evolve with the help of the virus so of course they will become stronger and the virus in their body will be the evolved and stronger version. Only the superhumans will not turn after being bitten as the virus in their body also evolve along their powers. 008 once said that this virus''s origin is from a different world that might have been accidentally brought to earth. But it was hard for them to investigate and know from which world it originated because it happened at the beginning of time, which means that''s when the earth was formed. Earth was the youngest and is also the lowest world in all the parallel worlds. Worlds are classified to small realm, middle realm and high realm. The higher the realm the more the prosperous their worlds are. So unlike other worlds where multiple systems would appear, on Earth, there was only one. Earth''s resources are unpalatable for the other worlds, there were magic swords, medicine that could bring a person back to life, and many more but what Earth could offer that they don''t have? It could be said that 008 was demoted which was why it was sent to the lowest-ranking world to fend for itself. They rely on their host to be upgraded to open more functions and features which will allow them to connect to a higher realm for exchanging information and items. The better their sales channel the better their ranking. But what could 008 sell from Earth? That''s why they were so poor in her previous lives. No one wanted their things. But 008 was unresigned, he wanted to make a name for himself and be promoted, be one of those who sat at the top. Owning his own realm and territory with a wide channel. They called them constellations. Some call them Gods. All the constellations started like 008, a system. After numerous upgrades, they will form their own consciousness, the higher they climb, the higher their ranking. The top-ranking systems will then gain an authority that is unique to them. And once they are well known in all realms, they will gain a follower, the more followers they have, the stronger their authority will become. Once their authority reaches a certain level, they can create their little system to send to the small realms to repeat the cycle. The little systems are all connected to their own constellations but once they gain consciousness they could choose to separate themselves from their constellation or take over the constellation''s position once they are powerful enough. Chapter 8 - 8 Car Chase Her call with Duke only lasted for a few minutes and they were just a few blocks away from their apartment building when two SUV blocked their path. Kisha could already sense that these people brought trouble, so she eyed Keith and asked him to exchange seats with her. Keith protested and shot a questioning look at her but he still obediently followed his sister''s demand and went to the passenger seat. "Buckle your seatbelts and hang on tight." She reminded. "What''s happening Shasha?!" Grandma asked a little flustered. Grandpa, throughout his military career, had an idea of what was going on, so he just did what his granddaughter asked of him and secured himself and his wife. He made sure to hold his wife''s hand and gently rub it with his thumb to silently tell her not to be afraid. He trusted that his granddaughter, with her experience, knew what she was doing. He knew that they couldn''t confront them as there were 3 non-combatants on their side and they were unsure of the number of their enemy. It was stupid to charge head-on. "Do you have a plan?" He asked. "We don''t know if these people are the advance force or the overall people that were sent to deal with me, if they were only the advance party, it would be bad if we ran to ask Duke for help to deal with them." She stared coldly at the vehicle that had no movement yet. "Deal with you? Who would even want to deal with you sister? The apocalypse has yet to start?!" Keith stated with gritted teeth, wanting to skin the people who want to hurt his sister. "I have only provoked my Manager and the Director, her lover." "How so?" He questioned. "They''d probably suspected me of sending their skeleton in their closet to the police. They got in serious trouble because of it, and Lisa must still be in the police station for investigation. So these must be the director''s people." She smiled smugly. "Should we wait for them to make a move? Shouldn''t we ask for help?" Keith''s said flustered. "We are far from Duke''s main party and we don''t know what would be their next move. I just hope that they will not be bold enough to deal with us with guns now." It is also a good thing that the apocalypse has yet to start as people will not mindlessly kill like before. The people from the two SUVs seem to reached their patience as Kisha and her family have yet to step out of their vehicle and have noticed their motives. So one by one, stey started to come out with their weapon of choice. they are mainly steel baseball bats and steel pipes. "Let''s thank the heavens that we are ruled by law." She let out a sigh of relief. She took advantage of this action and stepped on the gas pedal and zoomed out in the narrow alley to her left. She grew up in this old neighborhood so she already memorized every nook and cranny of the place. Stunned, they momentarily fell into a daze as they watched Kisha''s car speed up in the alley. Their leader, even though stunned, was still composed and immediately gathered his thoughts and shouted. "Move! MOVE! Don''t let them get away!" They all rushed up to their vehicle, and without even buckling their seatbelts, they tried their best to catch up to the car in front. Keith held onto the handle on top of his head. His heart almost beating out of his chest. "Sister, I didn''t know that you drive aggressively like a race car driver." His lips twitched. "This is normal in the apocalypse." She didn''t even care if she hit a trashcan or any obstacles on the road. Things flew around as the car chase continued for hours around the city. When she noticed that the gas was about to run out, she led them onto the outskirts where trees are denser and don''t have many people. The skies started to brighten up, and Kisha abruptly stopped at an abandoned factory a little far from the city. "Keith sit in the driver''s seat if anything happens. Don''t hesitate to drive away." Aggrieved, he asked. "But sister, are you planning to face them alone?" "Then, do you know how to fight?" He looked worried but at the same time helpless because he knew that he couldn''t help in any way. Their grandfather broke the awkward silence. "Trust your sister, she survived and fought in the apocalypse longer than anyone, so she must be confident to win this. You''ll just drag her down if you come with her." Kisha did not wait for another word and stepped out of the car with a kitchen knife in hand. Why kitchen knife you asked? Because the weapon dealership was closed yesterday. For unlucky reasons, it had to be close when she needed cold weapons urgently. The people on the other side were happy to finally see their target out in plain sight, they rejoice in their hearts as they slowly got down with their weapons. For them, Kisha is just like a newborn calf, unafraid of tigers. But seeing her beautiful face and curvacious body, another thought flashed in their mind and they started to look at her with undisguised desire. 008 started to pray for their poor soul. Kisha most hated it when men looked at her like that more than when her capabilities were being questioned. Her demeanor turned ten degrees lower, like the Goddess of death. She walked slowly, in her every step, their heart beats coldly, and they gulped down the lump of saliva in their throat. They don''t understand why a weak-looking woman was able to emit such a dangerous aura, but as gangsters who grew up in a lawless and dangerous place where their other feet are deep in the grave. Their gut feeling tells them to run. But their body doesn''t want to listen to their thoughts, their trembling legs glued to the ground. This can be considered the most danger they felt throughout their lives and they suddenly felt regret for accepting a seemingly easy money but was actually a pit. But before any of them made a move, two black armored cars stopped behind them. Men in black overalls and black army boots stepped out and without a word started attacking the gangsters. Even Kisha was shocked. "What''s going on?" She murmured. But as if to answer her question, a figure emerges from the second car. "Duke?!" She exclaimed. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He jogged towards her and looked at her from head to toe to know. After confirming that she was unhurt he let a sigh of relief. A little puzzled, tilted her head to the side and she asked. "What are you doing here?" "Didn''t I say that we''ll go together?" "Didn''t I say you can go ahead and I''ll follow from behind?" She pouted a little. Amused, his lips subconciously lift a little. "I never agreed to your suggestion." He paused and looked at the gangster lying on the ground. "It''s a good thing I didn''t." And he nodded as if to agree to himself. Displeased with his smug face. "Tsk. I could beat them just the same without your intervention, though!" "You could just thank me honestly you know." His lips purse like an aggrieved child. The men cleaning up the mess unintentionally look at the two of them and happen to see this and are shocked, rub their eyes and look again but the same image is still there. Duke, the cold, unfeeling, and uninterested in women is acting coquettish in front of a beauty? This had never been heard or seen before. Not until today. But they were glad, not because they were happy for their boss, but because he was rumored to be gay and interested in men instead. They were afraid that if they caught Duke''s eye, they might lose their asses. That''s why they were always on tenterhooks around him but now they felt relieved. "It''s not that Boss is uninterested in women but he has not met the one." They thought as they silently cheered. Duke who doesn''t have a clue about the rumors or what his people think, was still standing near Kisha, uncaring about the rest. He has no idea that his men misunderstood his actions. "Let''s go and meet up with the rest." He suggested. The gangster that was beaten up black and blue was still lying on the ground pretending to be dead so that Duke would forget about them. Who among them did not know Duke? Everyone knew Duke but he was more of a legend in the underground world as the unforgiving and ruthless ruler of the light and dark part of the society. No one in their right mind would provoke Duke or his people. They did not know that this woman knew this tyrant. Hatred for the Director surged in their hearts and vowed to take revenge on him if they survived this. "People of the same feather flock together. So no wonder they seemed close." They thought in their hearts as they did their best to lessen their presence. Duke knew what they were thinking and had noticed their every action but he chose not to do anything, for him, they were as good as dead anyway, they might die in the apocalypse so why exert effort if nature can take care of them for him? Thinking of the pros and cons, Kisha decided to relent and follow Duke closely. She can consider this as another layer of protection for her family. So they drove back to the city''s direction in a convoy. Chapter 9 - 9 Changes "We''re almost out of gas, we''ll stop at a gas station for refill." She sent it to Duke while munching on potato chips. Keith looked at his sister''s relaxed and carefree appearance in the passenger seat. He, on the other hand, felt dreadful, his palms were sweating while anticipating the upcoming chaos, every second passed felt like a decade and butterflies fluttered in his stomach. He inhaled and exhaled deeply to relax his nerves, and cleared his mind. "Stop thinking about it, we''ll cross the bridge when we get there." Kisha stated with a deadpan expression. "I''m trying but we only have more than 6 hours before then." He mumbled like a child, pouting. "By then, we''ll be in the base Duke prepared. We have a great headstart than everyone else." "What if unexpected things happen?" He feels pessimistic even before it happened. Grandma slapped his arm with knitted brows. "What''s wrong with you?! Don''t jinx it." "Son, a soldier can''t run in a war. It''s okay to be nervous but don''t let your anxiety kill your will to fight, else, you wouldn''t even know how you died." Grandpa patted his shoulder, trying to comfort him and give him strength. "We have each other. Don''t overthink things." Feeling that they were right, he relaxed a little and parked the car at the gas station. While Keith was filling the tank, Kisha and her grandparents went to the store to buy some more snacks and other necessities they needed. Duke also followed suit and let his people fill their tanks and went to follow Kisha inside the store. He filled Kisha in on the progress of the supplies. "We''ve got hundreds of livestock of different variations, It was all sent in the valley along the fruit trees and seeds." Then showed her his phone screen showing the pictures of the livestock and other items being pulled to the big warehouse. "I got them to lock the place down so that the animal will not be affected by the blood rain or be attacked by zombies just in case." Her brows raised and looked at him up and down. "You''re meticulous." She commented. His eyes twitch. "Why do I feel like this woman is making fun of me?" He thought to himself and cleared his throat. So he decided to tease her a little. He dialed Tristan and in a few seconds, it was answered. "Do you have other instruction, master?" "Let the animals bask in the sun and take a shower in the rain later." Tristan and Kisha were surprised. Tristan was aggrieved and a little resentful as they just finished pulling the animals inside and he wanted them to pull them out again? He pursed his lips "No! no!" Kisha was flustered and immediately held his arm that was holding the phone. "This guy is so petty! If I did not know better, I would think that he has retained some of his memory." She thought as she glared at him. Duke was enjoying what he was seeing, he smirked. "I thought you were not satisfied with my arrangements earlier so I want to rearrange them again." Kisha smiled sweetly and acted fawningly. "What are you talking about big brother? Haven''t I just commended your meticulousness?!" But she can''t stop her eyes and the corner of her lips twitching. "I thought you snorted at me and thought I was incompetent?" He acted as if he was wronged. "Who said that?! Aren''t you the most capable?!" Tristan on the other side of the phone heard everything and was in a state of shock. "Where was the Duke Winters that never jokes around and is 24/7 serious?" He inhaled but suddenly clasped his free hand in his mouth trying not to make a sound. Kisha complained in her heart. "He used to be stoic and just a plain iceberg. Why is he acting chummy now? Did he hit his head?" Having enough fun he told Tristan to continue storing the important items in the warehouse and told him to always update him on the progress. After picking what to buy, they went to the counter to pay. But before the cashier starts calculating the purchase, an earth-shattering tremor shakes the whole place. Duke pulled Kisha into his arms and tried his best not to lose his balance as he walked slowly toward the pillar. "My grandparents!" Kisha worriedly said. Duke whispered in her ear. "Don''t worry, they are hiding under the table." Only then did Kisha relax, she also noticed Keith was fine and was protected by the guards outside. The earthquake was really strong, everyone was having a hard time standing and all the items in the store were being thrashed from the shelves. The light posts falling to the ground one by one and cracks from the walls and floor slowly getting bigger. Dark clouds starting to block the sun and the sky is getting darker and darker. Kisha was having a bad premonition about this. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She looked up at Duke and met his gentle eyes, devoid of worries. But it somehow made her feel guilty. She did not know what was happening because it never happened before, she''s having an inkling of feeling that things would go off course starting now but was it a butterfly effect? Why did it never happen before, it is not that there was no butterfly effect before but there were no major changes in big events like this. She knew in her heart what would happen next but she still had a small hope that it was just a false alarm. She tried her best to calm down and waited for the tremor to stop. But for some reason, this earthquake took longer than before and was stronger. Some parts of the building wall are starting to fall off. The rain cloud was also darker, thunder roared and there were even strong winds blowing, as if a storm was coming. Her heart felt heavier every passing second felt like an hour. The moment the earthquake stopped, the woman next to them reached for the door and started running but before she got far, the store''s signboard fell on her, squashing her to the ground. The man behind her, who might be her family member, screamed in agony. He cried and slumped to the floor. Others couldn''t take the gory scene so they looked away, some with weak stomachs even vomited on the spot. Kisha checked her grandparents and only felt relieved when she saw that they were fine. She led them outside with extreme caution and regrouped with Keith and the others. Duke never let go of her hands but Kisha did not notice because she was deep in thought. She uttered. "I think the apocalypse will happen ahead of time." She looked at Duke and told him to inform his people to be prepared for the rain to come and be more vigilant. The virus''s effect might have increased and is different from what she remembers. By now, she has realized that she has been fighting a battle that seems impossible to win. As if an invisible entity wanted humanity to perish. "Host, I also feel like, something is manipulating the happenings on earth." 008''s weak voice sounded in her mind as if afraid of something. "008, we still have enough points right?" "Yes host, we still have 25 thousand points. Plus the current mission is still gaining points, currently, we have earned 100 thousand points." "Only 100 thousand? Not millions?! Are you sure you counted correctly?" Kisha was agitated. It was rare for them to have this kind of mission where they could earn points like selling pancakes. But why is it only 100 thousand? Did people treat their warning as a hoax or a prank? She was fuming with the people''s stupidity. She adjusted her emotions. "Either way, 008 use 1000 points to upgrade yourself, in a few days, we need to upgrade again. We need to unlock the other features and functions. Especially the item exchange in the shop." The item exchange feature is where they can sell or exchange items to different worlds. She also needs to unlock the feature Item Modification so she can modify and strengthen their current item. Although they can''t sell things to other worlds because no one wants what they sell, they could still try so that she can continue to upgrade her system and she can go to higher realm''s sales channel to buy more useful items. Having formed a simple plan in her head, she led her people to wait for the rain to come just outside the store while discussing with Duke their next step. Chapter 10 - 10 It Started "So before anything happens, what do you have in your trunk?" Kisha probes Duke. Not getting annoyed with her probing and seemingly bossy attitude, he opened his SUV''s trunk and showed her his collection. The trunk was full of black boxes, each box was full of high-end guns. From pistols to rifles, there are even sniper rifles. He looked smugly at Kisha as if waiting to be complimented. Before he left to fetch Kisha and her family, he made sure to select the best of the best from his collection of weaponry from his private collection. He won''t even let his close friends touch it and they could only enviously look at it. All of his collection was customized and modified to be better than the regular model. But what he saw in her eyes was a mocking and taunting look. It puzzled him. So he asked. "Why don''t you have a look?" She rubbed the tip of her nose, trying not to laugh because he looked earnest and cute like a child waiting to be complimented for doing good. She did not want to burst his bubbles but she had no choice as they were lacking time. "They are indeed good guns." She smiled which made Duke smile proudly. She continued. "But we don''t need them." His smile froze. Feeling guilty she patted his shoulder. "Not for now." She rummaged through the other boxes but did not see what she was looking for. "Did you not prepare any cold weapons?" He looked a little dejected, that''s why Kisha felt down, thinking that he had not brought any and they might have to improvise using the tools they could find in the gas station store. But Duke walked to the other SUV''s back and opened it. Kisha followed and just like the other trunk, it was full of black boxes. Duke silently opened each one and murmured. "You can choose from here." His voice was so low that only Kisha heard it because she was standing next to him. Feeling bad for him, she tried to appease him. "Don''t worry, we''ll use your gun in the future, let''s just save the best for the last." Only after hearing that, did Duke''s expression improve. His subordinate not still used to his change in expression and mood felt like this was very novel and wanted to gossip about it with their other bros but they held back because they were well aware of his temper. After checking the boxes, Kisha''s face lit up, a smile blossomed on her lips, and her eyes turned to a crescent shape. Duke was silently watching her expression change and he completely recovered from his earlier temperamentality and smiled too. After looking around, she chose a really sharp katana, the blade had a cold sharp glow and had a long Chinese dragon engraved on it that covered the whole blade, the Guard before the handle had a cherry blossom design on it and the handle had the same design. It''s craftsmanship is indeed top-notch. She took the 75 cm long katana and a small version like a dagger. She also took a double-sided dagger and hid it in her boots. Duke looked at her in appreciation. "Great choice, these mother and son swords are my favorite too. It is made of a combination of Chromium and Tungsten. The most durable metal." He rubs his chin as he reminisces. "I even went to Japan''s number one family that crafts the best Katana personally to get this made." "But why do you even want to make this, are you going to a war or are you going to hack someone with it?" Asked Kisha questioningly. Stump, he answered. "No." "You''re lucky that we found a use for this in the apocalypse, else it will just be a useless collection and will collect dust." "It''s a collection, it doesn''t need to be used. Collections are for novelty of the item, though." As he spoke, Kisha looked at him with a deadpan expression and his voice turned lower and lower until he stopped talking. "Tsk, world of the rich." She then turned around and asked everyone to choose a cold weapon to prepare. The people inside the store are all standing near the door and are looking at them, they do not know why and what Kisha''s party is preparing for but they could feel they are not to be trifled with. Once everyone had chosen and prepared, she looked around in satisfaction and said. "In a few minutes, the rain will fall and so I want everyone to be vigilant. Avoid using guns and loud-sounding weapons because it will attract their attention." She stood next to her family and said. "Don''t get too far from me and try not to fight a one-on-one battle and always aim at the head." "Are we going to collect those things called crystal core?" Keith asked, enough for everyone on the team to hear. "No, crystal core has yet to form in this stage. Once the virus is well concentrated on the body only then will a crystal core will be formed." She explained as she looked up at the sky. "Avoid getting the rain in your mouth and those among you who have wounds need to avoid the rain. Ingesting it as well as it getting into your bloodstream through the wound is sure to 100 percent transform you into zombies." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hearing this, Duke made sure to send this information to his men to make sure to lessen their losses. After a little waiting, red drops of fluid started falling from the sky, it started slowly and then it poured. The ground turned red and it was hard to see far from all the red raindrops but they did not stand together, they maintained a two-step distance from each other. Kisha especially paid attention to the people Duke brought with him because she was sure that none of her family members would turn and neither Duke. The people inside the store were shocked by the scene and they slowly went out, out of curiosity, they touched the rain wanting to see if it smelled like blood or rust. The man whose family got crushed by the signboard started laughing which shocked the people near him. He ran outside and kneeled beside the diseased, he looked up at the sky and started shouting. "The heavens have eyes, it saw that my wife died tragically and it sympathized with her!" He continued to cry as he shouted. "Sister, this." Keith pointed at the man as he worriedly looked at his sister. He was worried that he would not only transform but would also attract the nearby zombies with his shouting. He''s starting to get flustered as time passes by. Duke took a step forward, wanting to take care of the man but Kisha stopped him and shook her head. She did not want him to make a move because the people inside the store all went out to try and help pull him back inside. They are now all drenched and no one can''t say who among them will transform. Their own group still needs to be monitored so she does not want him to get distracted. After a moment the rain stopped and Kisha made sure to time it, and just like what she expected. It lasted five minutes longer than usual, so she is afraid that the potency is stronger than usual too. Not long after, a continuous scream reverberated from afar and nearby. It sounded like the roar of a beast rather than from a person. "It started." She said. The man who was shouting earlier started shaking nonstop, he fell to the ground and everyone thought that he was just having a health seizure. They surrounded him and pressed him down. A man even gagged him to make sure that he would not bite his tongue while having a seizure. All four of his limbs were pressed by the healthy men, but another one fell, and then another. Of the ten people, half of them fell, one after the other, and started convulsing. Their eyes turned up, their lips turned purple and they bled from their seven orifices. A sudden sound that dropped on the floor brought Kisha and other''s attention. Their heads turned like a whip and saw two of the men Duke brought fell to their knees. Nerve bulges in their forehead and their jaws clench tightly. As if trying to fight it, they balled their fist, enough to dig their nails into their flesh. The two of them closed their eyes, breathing heavily and letting out a muffled grunt. Another scream from the front of the store caught their attention when they turned around. They saw the first man who fell, now turned to a zombie pounce on the man taking care of him. The guy held the zombie''s collar to stop him from biting him but he was not safe from being clawed, his face was scratched badly and he couldn''t stop screaming. When his eyes got caught by the scratching, he squealed and momentarily let go of the zombie''s collar, and because of it, he was bitten on his face. The moment he was bit, he tried to push the zombie away but the zombie''s jaw seemed to have locked on him and wouldn''t let go of him so he used his lower half to kick it hard but part of his face was torn off. He rolled on the ground from the severe pain and couldn''t stop screaming. Chapter 11 - 11 Chaos Everyone was like a headless chicken and it was a complete chaos. Two of Duke''s men who have normal signs named Eagle and Hawk, immediately went into action and dealt with the zombies that were within a 5-meter radius near them. They even want to deal with two of their brothers named Sparrow and Vulture thinking that since they will turn into zombies, they better kill them while they still have human consciousness because they know that those two would want that too. The two members of Duke''s team that were twisting around on the floor have yet to finish their transition so Kisha does not allow Duke and the others to make a move because it is still unknown if this is an early awakening. After all, she has yet to see the symptoms that they are transforming into zombies. This possibility is only 10% because there are times that a transition will happen silently without much shaking and jerking like normal. Besides, an awakening can also cause severe pain in the body as if the internal organs are being stirred violently. The blood vessels would bulge because of the increase in pressure for blood circulation. Especially in the head. It would feel like their head would explode at any minute as it forcefully and quickly stimulates the brain. Which will then create the central hub of the awaken''s source of power. The Crystal Core. After explaining this to Duke, she made him call all his executives so that they don''t accidentally kill the awakened. Duke made a conference call to his executives, once they started answering the call one by one, he turned it into speaker mode and made Kisha repeat her explanation. After the explanation, she asks them to send those who fit the bill for a few days of quarantine. If they do not turn, that means they are successful. If they turn, they need to be killed. One of the executives asks. "Why is the awakening similar to transitioning to a zombie?" "It''s because the virus and crystal core are one. If the virus eats the brain, then they become zombies and after it eats the brain, the concentration of the virus in the brain will then create a crystal core but if the virus successfully integrates with the human brain, positively. Then the human evolves and the crystal core will be the power source like a battery." She stopped and thought again because she thought that it was kinda messy so she said. "You can just think of it as Evolution, the other has a negative impact while the other is beneficial to us." "And the only difference with their crystal core is that the zombie core will form after they turned and so, their core is impure. On the other hand, the awakened''s core will form during the virus''s stimulation, and in turn, the core is pure and has more energy in it." Everyone understood what she meant and started working. These people are Duke''s most trusted people that will not turn on him, Kisha has seen their trust and devotion towards Duke. He once said that these people were kids from orphanages, Duke decided to nurture his own people when he was just 10 years old, they all grew up with him and treated each other as brothers. This is the reason why Kisha was so open with the information with them, she knew that they would not share this information with anyone without Duke''s go signal, even if the one questioning them were his family. These people are Duke''s limbs, eyes, and ears. They all covered all kinds of industries that Duke would only need to relax and let them work without telling them what to do. Kisha wished to create such a squad before but it was hard to find elite people that could be trusted, most of them wanted to be the head of the power and not be a mere subordinate so she gave up halfway. Seeing Eagle and Hawk busy dealing with the zombies nearby, she looked around to see the situation in the store and it was a bloody mess. A woman ran in their direction shouting for help but Duke kicked her in the stomach, the impact of the kick sent her flying a few feet away. Duke can''t be blamed on this one, because the woman has a few gushing bite wounds on her thigh and arms. It was 2 inches deep and a palm wide, it looked like it was bit and forcefully pulled. The muscles are visibly twitching and the blood vessels spray blood every time the muscles move. The wound was starting to turn purplish black and she was weakly crying and repeatedly asking for help even when she couldn''t speak properly from pain. But Duke did not even bat an eyelid when he kicked her and just looked at her indifferently. When the woman met Duke''s eyes, she was eaten by agony and kept asking in her heart why no one wanted to help her. She was just a weak woman who wanted to help those who fell but was attacked instead. She doesn''t understand what''s going on or what she has done wrong. She was asking for help from Kisha''s group because she saw them dealing with these crazy people with ease but they didn''t want to help her. She was wondering why, she was not crazy like them. She just wants to be safe. She cried and cried until her tears turned red and her sobs turned to grunts and low growls. Her limbs turned stiff, and the nerves in her eyes became even more visible, like purple centipedes. Her porcelain white skin turned purplish with a green hue, just like a corpse. And the wounds turned black and the blood coming out of the wound turned coagulated black blood too. But the woman still has little consciousness left in her as she still looks pitifully at Duke and turns to Kisha thinking that as a fellow woman, she would sympathize with her kind. She was hoping and praying until her vision turned dark, she was no longer the kind and pitiful woman she once was but a ferocious beast that would never feel full and is now only roaming to kill and eat any living creature. The female zombie roared and stood up stiffly, not feeling any pain, only hunger. She looked at Duke and charged, with the only thought of eating her food. Even though her body was a little stiff she was a little agile, however, Duke is a well-trained man and well-versed in mixed martial arts and military close combat. Before the female zombie gets too close to him, he does a really fast tornado kick with his long legs and he looks like he is flying, Kisha could only hear the loud cracking sound of a bone. She did not know if it was the zombie''s spine or skull that snapped and broke from the kick. It was an Insta kill, the female zombie never crawled back up after the blow. Duke took care of the zombies in the storefront with his swift and deadly kicks aimed at the weak heads. When he came back and stood next to Kisha, he looked indifferent but if you looked up a little, you''d see his smiling eyes full of smugness. He''s just short of directly asking Kisha if she has seen his cool moves. Kisha held back her smile, but this was the first time she had seen Duke like this and it was tugging at her heartstrings. His image and his cute antics don''t match up and look kinda funny. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She smiled. "That was a cool move. Keep up the good work!" She immediately turns around, her shoulders shaking but she forcefully held it in. And she went inside the store. "Out of sight, out of mind." She thought She waved her hand and put everything in the store inside her inventory. Then she went to the back where the warehouse is located and made sure to get all the supplies from it, accidentally, she saw two fuel transport trucks parked nearby, each had two tanks installed. She checked if it had gas stored in it by opening the manhole assembly and poking a long steel stick to see how much it has. Luckily, all two trucks were new. They must have just arrived this morning to refill the gas station. She stored all of it in her inventory and went back to where her group was with a big grin on her face. Chapter 12 - 12 Escape The screams are intensifying and everyone''s getting nervous, Kisha decided not to gamble it anymore, so she went and took out a thick rope as thick as two fingers that she found at the warehouse just now. She sat down beside Sparrow and Vulture to tie them back to back, she just sat down when she bent backward and used her left hand to support her. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everyone''s attention was caught by her big action and only realized that one of the people Duke brought rushed up to her in a biting position. His eyes were bloody red, veins popping out like worms, concentrated towards his eyes and the pupils of the eyes were nowhere to be found. Black blood slowly dripped from his mouth. From her position, she took out the double-edged dagger from her boots and stabbed it from his chin up, its length was enough to puncture through the upper skull. She kicked his neck with her right leg and used her left hand as leverage to push herself up. Because of her experience and heightened senses that acted like a muscle memory, she was able to evade it in time, if not, she would have been bitten on the neck. Another two rushed up to her but before they reached her. Duke already stabbed them from the back of their head consecutively with precision and agility. Keith, who was new to all this, including his Grandma was scared witless and they started to tremble in fear. But Grandma has a stronger mentality than him, in a moment, she was able to adjust herself. "Wasn''t it just killing zombies? I can easily kill live fish, chickens, and ducks. I''ll just think of them as the human version of a wild beast." She thought, convincing herself that she shouldn''t be morally burdened by it. It is also a way to protect her family, and strengthen her conviction, thinking that she shouldn''t drag her family down. Noticing the commotion, Eagle and Hawk jogged back to see what happened and saw three of their brothers lying in a black pool of blood. The rim of their eyes turned red and the tip of their nose also turned red but they did not shed tears. Seeing this, Kisha''s heart went with them, she knew how painful it was to lose a family so she waved her hand and the three disappeared. Before anyone could ask, she explained. "I can store non-living things in my inventory, once we''ve settled down, you can make a burial ground for them." Only then did they cry silently, they were thankful for her kindness and decided to protect her family with their lives as they already decided to treat them as part of their big family. Even Duke felt thankful, he thought he could just bring back their things and make a resting place for his people. After a moment of grief, they are back on their feet and decide that Hawk will drive and Eagle will watch over the two from the passenger seat. They stored the other armored car in her inventory and Duke joined Kisha''s car. Kisha led the way, she avoided the main roads and busy streets like malls, schools, and markets, especially hospitals. She navigates like a human version of Google Maps. Duke glace in her direction and raised his eyebrows but he did not say anything and went back on looking at the road ahead. But he could not hold it in and asked "Do you always drive like this?" He looked indifferent but he was already holding on to the overhead handle. Kisha nonchalantly answered. "I think so, why?" "I''m surprised that you managed to get a license." He said with a hint of mocking and resentment. The whole car was shaking and sometimes got suspended in the air as it flew when the road was uneven. Kisha snorted. "What?! Do you expect me to follow the road signs and drive leisurely?" He went silent and did not speak. He only heard her mixture of snort and chuckles. But throughout this bantering Keith who was sitting in the middle at the back was beaten up black and blue from the violent shaking, he would sometimes get slammed on the front seat or be pushed back on his seat with so much force. His grandparents each have an overhead handle that they can hold on to, so they can somehow control the impact but for him who could only try to hold onto just anything, he felt his battered body aching so much that he had forgotten his fear from earlier. He was afraid that he would not last long from this violent joy ride. But he couldn''t say anything because he knew that once they slowed down, they would get stuck and be muled by the zombies. He could only swallow his sobs. Seeing his expression, Kisha felt bad for her brother. "Sorry baby brother, hang on a little longer okay?" Her gentle voice soothes Keith''s pain and he smiles widely at his sister and nods but not long after, their car takes a sharp left turn, and his face slams into Duke''s back seat. Duke chuckled and looked at Kisha again, Kisha even though she had a deadpan expression, her ears flushed red and Duke noticed it and felt better. She couldn''t help it. There was a huge mass of zombies scattered on the road ahead so she could only take the safer option. Their convoy attracted the other survivors and zombies alike, some would shout at them for help and those who were more gutsy would even run to try to forcefully stop them but Kisha never cared if she was driving over a zombie or human. That''s why the other survivors would get scared and would evade on their own and just curse at their retreating cars in frustration and hatred. She knew that if she, really did stop, others would come to them and there would not be enough seats for anyone anymore, she was sure that those people would use moral kidnapping to make them compromise but she had seen enough of this, those people would not feel grateful for being rescued or helped, they would just feel entitled that Kisha should naturally protect them because she''s stronger. Even though some are different, they are kind and just helpless. Kisha would not help them if she, herself was not in a favorable situation. They have to learn the harsh truth early on that they can only rely on themselves to survive in the apocalyptic era. Chapter 13 - 13 Fiancee After driving around for two hours, they had yet to leave the city so Kisha decided to find a silent place to rest and eat. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She drove around but found none, Duke then told her to drive straight to the East district where the influential and powerful lived. That place was well protected. Even if they have to deal with zombies, they will be able to handle the number and not be overwelmed. There was also a sturdy gate and walls protecting the whole district. So Kisha obliged. "Do you also live there?" She asked. Duke nodded and answered indifferently. "I own the whole district." Kisha''s lips twitch. "No wonder he seems confident." She thought. Keith looked at Duke as if he were looking at a new continent, only then did he realize that the rich have different levels of richness that poor people like them would never fathom. As they pulled over at the front gate of the Lakeside villa, Hawk from the convoy jogged straight onto the gate and did some climbing and jumping like he was doing an intense rock climbing. If it was just a normal human, they would not be able to do what he just did. In just a few minutes, he opened the gate from the guard house, when Kisha and Eagle drove past the gate, Hawk closed it again and went inside the second car. Duke told Kisha to go to the central part of the district where his villa is located. She drove around the silent road, noticing the fluttering curtains in some of the villa''s windows, she guessed that the survivors of the district were probably hiding in their houses, they might have been waiting to be rescued. She sneered in her heart. "As if there will be someone to rescue you. Even the government has already disbanded." She remembered on her third rebirth, she was also like them. She always believed in the government and so, they did their best to persevere. Zombies would crowd their hallway and they couldn''t even fall asleep from the occasional banging of the door and loud growls. When she closed her eyes, her mind would always subconciously think that their door would be crowded with zombies and eat them. She would see some survivors from time to time but they can''t go past the residential area because zombies are everywhere. But she still believed that the government was taking a little time to reorganize and help other places. Until they died from starvation, they did not hate them and believed that they must be lacking manpower to do the rescue in other places. Not until she reached her 20th rebirth that she found out from a soldier that the higher-ups in the government used the soldiers as their own guards, securing their own families and wealth to a safe base and reorganized their position and lord over the people who came to them for refuge. In the guise of protection, they would send the civilians to find supplies, sometimes they didn''t even send soldiers and just let the civilians fend for themselves and they would very rarely send some soldiers to go with them while the majority of the forces was guarding the base. And they even invoke heavy taxes in the base. Everything has tax. Going in the base would require an entry fee, and renting a place costs supplies but it also has additional tax and more. The higher echelon didn''t need to go outside to kill zombies or find supplies. They are well fed and protected inside, even the management was on someone else''s shoulders. "Are you okay?" Duke asked gently. She nodded and directly parked the car in front of the villa. They stepped down one by one. Before going inside, she went to the other car and checked on the two, they hadn''t transitioned yet and were having a high fever. "How is it?" Hawk nervously asked. "We''ll see tomorrow. Lead them in to rest." Eagle and Hawk led Kisha''s family inside the villa, Kisha was about to follow but she noticed Duke fiddling with his phone with knitted brows. "What''s wrong?" She asked. "I can''t contact Tristan and the others." He said a little frustrated. The phone signal is still fine, even internet connections are still working, and electricity and water are still working too. It wasn''t even 24 hours since the apocalypse started that''s why Duke was worried that something unexpected happened to his subordinates. "Give them time, they might be busy reorganizing the work distribution." She tapped him on the arm as she coaxed him. He knew that thinking would not help in this situation, so he cleared his mind deeply inhaled some air, and exhaled. He looked straight into her eyes, some hidden emotions surging through it but he hid it as soon as he felt it. "Duke!" A woman''s surprise voice resounded behind them. "I knew you''d be safe!" Her gentle voice sounded sweet and refreshing. Duke and Kisha slowly turned around, Kisha saw a very elegant and noble woman of her age standing a few steps away from them. She looked behind the woman and saw a few people of different ages standing on the front poarch of the villa opposite. Duke did not answer and only looked on indifferently. A cold aura started emitting from his body. But the woman seemed unaffected and walked straight to greet Kisha. "Hi! I''m Melody. Melody Evans, Duke''s fiancee!" She extended her hands with a sweet harmless smile. Kisha gave Duke a side glance and answered with a voice as cold as Duke. "Kisha Aldens." But she did not extend her hands. Her expression is almost identical to Duke''s. They looked like two peas in a pod. Melody smiled unaffectedly at them, she got closer to Duke and reached out to hold onto his arm but he looked sharply at her as a warning. But she wanted to show her sovereignty over Duke so Kisha would back off. Her woman intuition tells her not to let Kisha get close to her man. "I never agreed to any engagement. Miss Evans, please show some self-respect and don''t touch just any man." Duke reiterated without minding if she lost some face. Chapter 14 - 14 The Promised Engagement "How could that be? Our marriage is decided by our family. It is our responsibility as aristocrats." Melody answered with confidence. She looked at Duke full of adoration and hidden possessiveness. Duke sneered. "Do you think my family needs marriage alliance for power or wealth?" She puffed up he chest and stood up tall. "Isn''t it only normal for people of our standing to do so? To choose benefit? Feelings can be slowly nurtured between husband and wife." For Melody, she is the only lady fit to be Mrs. Winters. She was raised as the Evans''s heiress, one of the eight major aristocratic families. Even though the Evans family might not be as wealthy or as socially accomplished as the Winters, they still ranked second and have hundreds of years of history, wealth, and connections just like the Winters. They were well rooted in City A. Even before she was born, her mother and Duke''s mother had already arranged for their children to marry in their adulthood. It''s just that Duke has never cared about their mother''s deep friendship and promises. He did not argue with his mother but he treated her coldly, their mother and son bond was affected by this engagement but she couldn''t take back what she promised and hurt her gentle and kind best friend whom she grew up with. "I''m sorry to burst your bubble but the apocalypse has dawned upon us and you have to wake up from your fairytale-like fantasy." Kisha interjected. She looked at Melody as if she were looking at a mentally challenged person. Melody was taken aback by Kisha''s disrespectful words. "Miss Aldens, please watch your words." She still tried to show Duke how magnanimous and kind-hearted she was by not flaring up on Kisha. Kisha bowed slightly, like a lady from a good family, her temperament was like a rose, enchanting and soul-stirring. "Pardon my straightforwardness, my lady, my words were the truth my heart felt." She then looks Melody straight in the eye, her lips raised, her voice laced with taunting and her eyes speaking words of mockery. Melody was momentarily dazed, the way Kisha looked felt familiar but before she delved into this familiarity she realized that Kisha was mocking her for having princess syndrome in front of Duke. Anger surges in her heart, her nails digging into her palm but a smile remains on her lips. "Miss Aldens, who are you to step in to speak when this is about our family matters?" She glared daggers at Kisha. Her annoyance can''t be hidden anymore. "She is my business partner." Duke pulled Kisha by the shoulder to stand right next to him, which looked intimate yet sincere and full of trust. He continued. "I allowed her to speak, besides, she just spoke what I thought but failed to deliver." "I am only being cordial to you Miss Evans for my mother''s friendship with yours but if you continue to harass me. I''m afraid that this last bit of respect I have for their friendship might disappear." Her eyes reddened, and she appeared pitiful which invoked a man''s desire to protect her. She thought that Duke was treating her this way because of Kisha, the vixen must have seduced her man for him to not even respect the two families'' agreement. "What''s going on?" A young man asked with a powerful tone of voice. Everyone''s eyes followed the voice to the entrance of the villa. A young man around Duke''s age emerges from behind the people who were standing on the porch earlier. He has an upright, steady, and calm temperament, he looks gentle but still carries authority with every move or word he says, quite opposite to Duke''s cold and indifferent temperament. Hearing her elder brother''s voice, Melody''s eyes lit up. As if seeing her savior. "Elder Brother!" She then started to shed tears and looked pitiful. Eric''s heart tightened seeing his sister being bullied by Duke, so he walked in big stride and stood in front of Duke shielding his little sister behind him. He stared at Duke as if he were looking at an enemy. He did not even notice Kisha because of his rising anger and dissatisfaction towards Duke. He always felt that Duke was arrogant and had little regard for them, he even sometimes felt like Duke looked down on them and treated his sister like trash even when his sister was gentle and kind, she didn''t even get angry at Duke for being treated unjustly. "Duke, why do you always bully my sister?" Even though he is angry, his good upbringing is still visible in the way he talks, he is not unreasonable but he is not easily bullied. Duke did not answer and only raised his brows. Not wanting to stand and talk with them anymore. Kisha said. "Duke, let''s just go inside. This will just take forever if we continue to argue with them." Her cold voice carried a hint of displeasure. She is annoyed for some reason and thinks that she is worn out. "Why did this man start to demand an answer when it was his sister who continued to yap and would not let them go." She murmured and was annoyed to look at the siblings. Only then did Eric realize that there was another person next to Duke. He was taken aback by Duke''s closeness towards the woman and at the same time, familiarity hits him. Feeling like he knew her. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Miss, have we met before?" Bemused by the greasy pick-up line. Duke''s brows knitted, it was so close together that it was enough to squeeze a fly. "I''m afraid that you have mistaken me for someone else, sir." She put down Duke''s arm that was wantonly placed on her shoulder. He felt vexed by her distant attitude. He did know why, but he didn''t think it was a love-at-first-sight thing. But before he could sort out his feelings, Kisha already pulled Duke inside the Villa and Melody tugged at his shirt her eyes full of unwillingness. She did not want to let Duke go and wanted to pull Kisha by the hair. Why was she allowed inside while she was barred outside? Despite her reluctance, she could only accept defeat and wait for them patiently. She was resolute because she''s been waiting for Duke since she was young. The very first time she met Duke, she knew that she wanted to be his wife and she would not allow any unknow woman to steal her possessions. Chapter 15 - 15 Eric Evans When Duke closed the door, he noticed that Kisha was not in a good mood, he wanted to coax her but he had never coaxed a woman before, not even his mother. He was stumped and didn''t know what to do. He followed her closely as she went inside and sat on the sofa. Grandma heard the door closing, she went out of the Kitchen holding a spatula and saw Kisha walking in, upset while Duke followed her from behind. She slightly chuckled as she thought of Duke as a big black dog who was worried about his owner abandoning him and was trying to please her but did not know what to do so it just followed its owner wherever she went. Her previous assessment of Duke as an unfeeling and ruthless person has been renewed. "You just get here in time, the food is ready, hurry up and wash your hands." Duke showed Kisha where the comfort room was and they washed their hands. Keith just reached the first floor after calling Eagle and Hawk to eat and just saw the small person and big person walking around like a chick following the hen. He was amused and thought that he must have looked like this when he was young and dependent on his sister. But he was a little jealous at the same time so he stood right next to his sister and chatted with her and ignored Duke''s irked expression. Because of Keith''s continuous jokes and chatter, her previous bad mood has been pushed to the back of her mind, and is now smiling while listening to Keith. Duke sat silently with them, no one knew what he was thinking but it looked like it was not a good one. When Eagle and Hawk reached the end of the stairs on the first floor, this is what they saw. "What was boss scheming?" They both thought and prayed for the poor soul who stepped on his toes. Just imagining it sends a shiver down their spine. Grandpa helped Grandma bring out the food they cooked and called. "What are you guys standing there for? Hurry up and wash your hands and let''s eat. Kisha stood up and went to the dining table followed by the two. Duke immediately sat on her right while Keith was on the other. Grandma brought the last dish from the kitchen and felt good with her newfound body which is brimming with energy. So she was all smiles. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She used to have cramps in her hands when she was cooking or doing other housework, but now, she can cook any dish she wants without worry and Grandpa can lift any heavy things for Grandma without suffering any back pain so they are both happy and energetic. Grandpa and Grandma continued to stuff food on their grandchildren''s plates and Grandma did not forget to put on Duke''s plate from time to time. Everyone at the dining table is eating merrily, on the opposite side of the villa, the Evans family''s mood is dampened even more when they see the only daughter of the family upset and don''t want to eat. But they also understood that it was not Duke''s fault, just like what he said, it was his marriage and his life. They don''t have the right to demand him to marry their princess, especially now that the social hierarchy is in disarray. No one can just throw their weight around anymore just because they are wealthy and powerful. At least their family understands this but unlike the rest of the Evans family who are just and reasonable. Melody has a different opinion and thinks that her position is everything and everyone, including Duke, has no right to just outrightly turn her down. A seed of hatred has sprouted on her heart, this hatred was solely aimed at Kisha. She has never been rebuked like Kisha did, not once in her life. Duke used to just ignore or avoid her but never did he scold her. The hurtful words Duke said have miraculously erased from her mind and only blamed Kisha for everything. Thinking just like what he said, he still has an ounce of respect for their mother''s friendship so he was a little cordial in treating her. It was fine then, she always thought that with her warmth, care, and love, his glacially cold heart would melt little by little through time. But what''s the difference in treatment?! She can''t accept that the unknown woman who just sprouted from nowhere was treated better than her by Duke. She could not work her mind around the reason why. Although Kisha is better looking but her beauty is like an enchantress, she, on the other hand, looks pure and innocent which should be what the men in power appreciate and covet. No one, even herself knew how narcissistic she was. She always believes that everything she wants will be hers. She thought that Duke just didn''t want to get married yet and was only focused on bringing his business empire to new heights. She also heard the rumor about Duke being gay but she never believed it and always admonished the idea when brought up as a topic in social gatherings. But now, she believes it was because of Kisha. "The bitch must have seduced him and instigated him to humiliate me!" She thought as a vicious glint flashed in her eyes. Eric accidentally looked up and saw his sister''s sinister look but it disappeared instantly without a trace and an obedient and sweet smile appeared on her face again. He wanted to think of it as a hallucination but that moment''s feeling felt vivid and her look was subconciously engraved in his mind and heart. That instant, his sister''s image in his heart broke down and as an older brother, he didn''t want his sister to hurt anyone. Especially that girl he had just seen outside. Just thinking of Kisha getting hurt, he felt like his heart was being stabbed repeatedly, he did not know where it came from but he just didn''t want it to happen so he decided to watch over his sister''s action. He was not like any doting brother who condoned his sister''s wrongdoings. He has already decided in his heart but shows nothing on his face to avoid worrying his parent, especially their mother who has a weak constitution. Chapter 16 - 16 Dream "Duke, we can''t continue with our way now." She looked outside the window. "I don''t think we''ll reach the outskirts before dark. The danger will intensify during the night." Duke weighs the pros and cons of continuing and thinks that there will be more variables they can''t control during the night and they have fewer combatants in their midst. So he nodded and continued to call for a conference call with his executives. Three executives joined the call, and Duke''s worries lessened after seeing them come. And another few entered. Even the executives he sent overseas were able to join and report their situations. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At first, the executives were against Duke''s order to convert all his assets into supplies and other important things. And even when they heard Kisha''s prophecy like pieces of information, they were just acting, to avoid angering their boss but they were indignant because one wrong move and all of Duke''s effort over the years would go down the drain. They don''t believe the authenticity of Kisha''s words because it was so out of this world and laughable. They don''t even know why their Boss seems to believe her. They were still trying to save up some important assets for Duke but when shit really happened. They were thankful that they still followed Duke''s orders and were able to survive Their previous doubts were converted to respect, they didn''t know where Kisha got the information but it helped them save their forces. At least half of it. They reported to Duke that more than half of their people did not make it and transformed into zombies, but compared to other forces, they are still doing better. While Duke was planning with his people, Kisha went up to take a shower and rest. Her body was exhausted from the bumpy ride and 008 is currently in the process of upgrading so her system''s function is limited. Sometime later, Kisha opened her eyes in a grand spacious room, the ceiling had delicately designed carvings of dragons and angels plated in gold, and she was lying on a king-sized bed draped with white satin silk blankets and pillow casing that had gold embroidery of magnolia in it. She felt the embroidered flower and a smile played at her lips, her soft white hand caressed her bulging stomach. She felt ecstatic as she kept on feeling the life in her stomach. After a while, she sat at the edge of the bed and looked around the spacious room, as though she was looking for something, she then spotted a baby white crib just right beside the bed, she stood up and slowly approached the crib with excitement and longing. As she touches the crib, a strong muscular arm embraces her gently from the back. She was delighted to finally find the one she was looking for, she touched his face that was resting on her shoulder, her eyes turning to crescent with delight. The man behind her placed a gentle kiss on her cheek as he continued to hug her and caressed her big stomach dotingly and said. "Son, father can''t wait to meet you." Kisha giggled like a teenager, full of bliss. Her heart brimming with uncontained happiness. She exhaled and she slowly opened her eyes, her heart full of sadness and anguish. Her face was stained with tears but she could not remember the entirety of her dream, she felt an extreme familiarity with the man, and just thinking about him made her tears uncontrollably fall. She tried to remember what he looked like but she felt as though there was a thin layer of mist concealing his face, when she felt like she was about to grasp something, that feeling would suddenly disappear and it made her feel lost and frustrated. Just a moment ago, she could still hear his voice ringing in her ear but now she could not remember how his voice sounded, all she could remember was how gentle and loving that voice was, that tugged at her heartstrings violently. She feels jittery with the thought. That dream was a bolt from the blue, that certainly is not from any of her past rebirths. She pulled herself together, thinking that it must be her inner desire that she subconsciously hid deep within. She put it at the back of her mind since it was just a dream. She headed downstairs, just in time, Grandma had already prepared the breakfast and rations they could eat on the road. Everyone noticed that Kisha was a little absent-minded, she didn''t look worried but thinking about something completely unrelated to anything that was going on around them. Grandma, however, suspected that her little granddaughter had fallen in love because of the stirring emotion in her eyes that had a shadow of longing. She silently glances at the five men on the table, including the previously unconscious Sparrow and Vulture. Kisha thought that she had already put her dream at the back of her mind but it would occasionally pop up in her head like a notification, and she suddenly fell into a daze. Duke tapped her on the shoulder, which startled her, and her head whipped to look at him. The man in her dream suddenly overlapped with Duke''s face. Stupefied for a moment, it roused her from her dazed state and shook her head. "I think I was just too exhausted that''s why my mind is playing tricks with me. I even took a dream seriously." She thought as she chuckled. "I''m wide awake now, thanks." She carries on with her breakfast. She discussed their route with everyone so they could be prepared for any sneak attack or danger that may arise at any time. Although it is only a day after the apocalypse, human''s adaptability is scarily good, she worries that people with bad intentions will take advantage of this chaos to start doing evil. If they let their guard down for a moment, there will be severe consequences, Duke and his men understood this very well, and that''s why she put extra emphasis on this to her family because they are the most vulnerable in the party. Chapter 17 - 17 Leaving While she was eating, she decided to check everyone''s status window. She only remembered to do so now because there was no time yesterday. She started from the two who had successfully awakened. ..... [Code name: Vulture] Level 0 Strength: 14 Stamina: 15 Defense: 16 Agility: 10 Mental Capacity: 9 Charm: 5 Leadership: 8 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Strong Defence Gift: Affinity with Earth Ability: Earth .... [Code name: Sparrow] Level 0 Strength: 11 Stamina: 13 Defense: 10 Agility: 17 Mental Capacity: 10 Charm: 7 Leadership: 7 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Scouting Gift: Hawk eyesight Ability: Wind ..... [Code name: Eagle] Level 0 Strength: 12 Stamina: 15 Defense: 12 Agility: 12 Mental Capacity: 14 Charm: 7 Leadership: 8 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None .... [Code name: Hawk] Level 0 Strength: 17 Stamina: 16 Defense: 10 Agility: 10 Mental Capacity: 18 Charm: 9 Leadership: 10 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None ..... [Keith Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 5 Stamina: 4 Defense: 4 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 20 Charm: 10 Leadership: 6 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None ..... [Victor Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 8 Stamina: 9 Defense: 5 Agility: 5 Mental Capacity: 15 Charm: 6 Leadership: 9 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None .... [Martha Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 3 Stamina: 6 Defense: 4 Agility: 7 Mental Capacity: 10 Charm: 5 Leadership: 5 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None ... Then she looked at Duke, remembering his stats. Her eyelashes quiver, she doesn''t want to dampen her self-confidence with this monster''s stats. Kisha was not surprised to see his subordinate''s stats because she knew that all his men were elites and had extraordinary physiques but what surprised her was that two of them had useful talent and gifts. Even her family has some stats that are above average and Keith even reached 20 points in mental capacity when he was just level zero, when he awakens, controlling his ability would be easy for him. After breakfast, Kisha toured around the villa and stored everything she could store in her inventory. Duke just followed her and even suggested going to the garage to get all the limited edition cars he had and also led her to his secret room. They took four big generators, solar panels, garden tools, a heating system, and water tanks were not spared. The whole villa was left bare naked, If only she could store the whole villa in her inventory, she would. She also took the expensive ornamental plants in the garden, koi fishes from the big pond on the back, and the ornamental fishes from the special aquarium in the exhibit hall that is seven feet tall and ten feet wide. She stored these things in her subspace territory. And she stored the big aquarium in her inventory, she didn''t want to leave any good thing. Kisha was pleased and couldn''t contain her smile. Once she was done, they went to the entrance of the villa and everyone was waiting for them there. I mean everyone, including the Evans family. Kisha was taken aback. "They are not planning to hitch a ride with us, do they?" She thought as she sneakily glanced at them. There were more than 30 people on their party, consisting of no more than three to four families. Based on their outfits, three of the four families are wealthy people and the last one must be their servant. The remaining are their bodyguards. Just looking at them, Kisha already knew what was going to happen next. She''s having a surge of headache. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She tried her best not to give a fuck. She and her family boarded their SUV, Duke sat on the passenger seat just like yesterday. The other four were still in the other vehicle and would follow them from behind. Before they could drive off, Melody obstructed the road ahead, the other family went along with her. They all stood on the road blocking Kisha''s car. The other members of the Evans were dumbfounded, Melody only told them that they would ask Duke politely. They were panic-stricken by what Melody had done. She was standing confidently on the road an innocent smile on her face. "Duke, please give us a chance to speak with you." She glanced behind her, seeing that everyone supported her, her confidence reached another height. "We want to follow you out to a safe place. Please bring us along." Kisha observes the Evans members who are the only ones remaining standing in front of their gate. They took a peek at Kisha with guilt. Without any choice, Kisha stepped out of the car and walked slowly towards the people blocking them. "Is this how you ask someone for a favor?" She asked as she unleashed the intimidating aura that she''s been reining over these days. Everyone else felt a pang of fear standing before her and could only step back a few steps bowing their heads and refusing to look her straight in the eye. But Melody has been so used to Duke''s intimidation that, even though she is scared silly, can still speak. "What do you mean? I am not asking you any favor, we are asking Duke politely." Melody retorted. "Is this your way of asking someone politely?" "Why are you even speaking when Duke hasn''t said anything?" "Precisely because he is not speaking that I am!" Her voice turned colder by the second. "Save your words, we have nothing to speak to you. We want to speak to the one in charge." Melody glared at Kisha, unable to hide her hostility anymore. "Aren''t I here, speaking with you?" She stared down everyone and continued. "But if you don''t value your life, then, I can only drive over your body." She was about to turn around when her arm was grabbed hold of by someone. "Can you tell me how old are you now?" A woman''s trembling voice resounded in her ear before she could turn and see who held her back. Melody cried and ran to her mother. "Mom, this woman is too much!" She looked aggrieved and pitiful. "She said she would run over us and refuse to give us a chance to speak to Duke. I just want a chance to speak, I was afraid that if we did not obstruct the road first, they would just drive off without looking at us. But to think that she did not even think highly of human life for her to be able to speak this way." She briefly glanced at Kisha, indicated how barbaric she was. "But we understand if you are like this since we have different upbringings, I''ll do my best to be magnanimous and understand you were not taught properly growing up. You must not have finished school and became a gangster for you to be this violent." Melody shamelessly throws mud at Kisha, and Kisha''s patience is running thin for this woman. She was not the sort of person that kills wantonly but she hated this kind of person. They only know how to bring trouble and do not want to take responsibility. They are self-centered and too pampered. It''s better to end their life now than to let them grow another head and be a problem in the future. But the woman holding her arm had a strong grip and wouldn''t let her go. Chapter 18 - 18 Obstruction "Madam, if you are afraid that I''d hit your daughter. Then please, leash her, lest she bite just anyone." Kisha was vexed inside, she wasn''t usually like this, easily provoked. She''s been in a lot of ups and downs and has experienced many unreasonable people. But this time, she didn''t know what was making her heart clench, so much that she wanted to cry and vent her anger on Melody. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She was immersed in her thoughts and failed to see the emotions swirling in the woman''s eyes. Melody still wants to taunt her but is held back by her mom, she is unresigned and wants to vent her dissatisfaction but she notices her mother''s warning gaze and she chokes up with her words. "Child please allow me to apologize for my daughter''s rash actions and crude words." Her voice was soothingly gentle, and Kisha''s heart went rampant. The woman did not offer any excuses for her daughter''s behavior, even she was shocked, the daughter she raised for more than fifteen years was sensible, always spoke highly of others, and was definitely not arrogant. She never heard her daughter fighting with anyone, especially not being malicious. She was even civil when facing women who pursued Duke. She tried to attribute it to her stress level due to the sudden changes and violence outside. Kisha remained silent, avoiding the woman''s eyes, as if a child whos done something wrong and was afraid of being scolded by her mother. "I understand, but we can''t fulfill your request." She regulated her breathing. "It was complete chaos outside, our party can''t protect all of you. If you decide to go out then you can only be responsible for yourself and ensure your safety." Duke stepped down from the car and stood beside Kisha. Melody''s eyes sparkled and shot a taunting side-eye to Kisha. "Auntie Emma, she represents the whole party. If she says we cannot bring all of you. I hope you understand, we are also only relying on her ability to navigate around the place to keep us safe." Duke said respectfully but his countenance was unyielding. Melody''s good mood was dampened by Duke''s answer. Emma smiled gently and nodded while thinking. "I understand." She remembers that when she was tending her garden yesterday, the whole family was having a little family bonding outside. Three of the families with them were invited by the Evans to socialize and let the children broaden their social network but who would have thought that an earthquake would happen? After the earthquake a blood-like rain poured from the sky, afraid of the aftershock of the earthquake they hid under the gazebo in their backyard but only then did they realize that Melody was not with them, worried for her safety. The Evan''s member scoured the whole backyard, not minding being drenched by the questionable liquid. Only after the rain did they see Melody run out of the house. They felt relieved but not long after, they were horrified by the bloody scene that followed. Most of the servants who were soaked with the rain turned into scary-looking monsters that eat flesh, luckily, her husband and sons, along with the remaining bodyguard hardened their resolve to protect them and were able to take care of it. But because of this, everyone''s afraid to go outside. They watched the news and saw that it was happening everywhere and planned to wait for rescuers to come. Her second son even camped near the gate to have a closer look outside and wait for the rescuers. But they saw Duke and people they had never seen before come, her second son saw them come from the outside, and they thought that everything had stabilized outside. But now they are telling her that it is still chaotic outside and is hard to survive, so why is she going out there again? She felt panicky. "If it is as you say outside, then why are you leaving? This place is safer than outside." Melody interjected. "Or you just don''t want us to follow you?" Kisha, who has finally calmed down, coldly said. "Miss Evans, you can think anything you like. You are always free to go outside to venture on your own and see for yourself what the world has become." "You!" She choked up from anger. "Child, it is so dangerous outside. Why don''t you stay?" Emma looks at her, concern and heartache visible in her beautiful orbs. "We have our own plans." Kisha said, avoiding eye contact. She felt a prickling feeling when she saw heartache in her eyes. "Then let us follow you." Melody insisted. "You can follow us, but just like what I said. It is risky outside if you encounter any life-threatening danger. We will not stop to assist you in any way. You''re on your own." Exasperated, Melody retorted. "Why are you so heartless?! Don''t you care about human life?" Kisha took a quick glance at her and answered indifferently. "Caring about human life is different from ensuring my family''s safety. I can barely keep my family safe and you want to add another burden on me? You can dream on." Duke only chuckled as if he heard a funny joke. Melody flushed red, fuming because of Kisha''s answer. "You don''t have to make it sound so noble, in the end, you still don''t care." "It came directly from your mouth, I don''t care. So what? What can you do to me?" Kisha taunted. Emma pulled her daughter to stop her mouth from running. "Will-will it really be alright if we follow you?" Her worried voice made Kisha''s brows unconsciously crease. "Like what I said, we don''t care if you follow at your own risk. That is, if you can follow." Melody was so angry with her answer that she wanted to slap Kisha on both cheeks. But she doesn''t understand why her mother is allowing such a disrespectful woman off the hook. She is the noble Mrs. Evans, gentle and kind but will not suffer any injustice. "Then, child will you give us little time to discuss it with everyone?" Kisha, not forgetting what''s important, asked. "Then what can we gain by letting you follow us?" "You''re not even protecting us! How dare you ask for payment?" "Then you can go out on your own and navigate the road and see if you can survive for half an hour." "Don''t exaggerate things, you just want to extort us of money." "What''s the use of money now?" "Then what do you want if not money?" Melody snorted. Kisha''s cold voice has a hint of cheerful and playful tone in it as she said. "I just want to tour your villa once everyone''s packed up and is sitting in their car." Duke''s brows raised and looked at her and understood what she wanted. "Alright." Emma agreed before Melody could continue her tirade. "Good, we''ll give you half an hour to discuss amongst yourselves and pack up your important things. After I had my tour, we''ll leave right away." "But before that, child, can you tell me how old are you this year?" Emma looked pleading and pitiful as she met Kisha''s eyes. Kisha was choked by the lump of saliva on her throat and made a great effort to answer. "Twenty-two." Chapter 19 - 19 The Evans Family "Twenty-two?! How''s your parents?" Emma asked as she looked at the car where Kisha stepped down from. "They are my grandparents. I don''t remember about my parents." Indeed, she doesn''t remember her parents anymore or any of her family members. When her grandparents saw her on the road when she was six, they said that she had suffered a concussion in the head but other places were fine so they thought that she had been in an accident before. Then it was reported to the authorities and she was sent to the orphanage, and the Aldens waited for someone to claim her but there was none, so later she was adopted by them. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Emma''s eyes lock onto Kisha''s. "Are they." She choked up but continued with great difficulty, her voice trembling. "Are they your biological grandparents?" Kisha felt uncomfortable being asked about her private matter when she didn''t know her motive, she had an inkling of feeling to not answer. "They aren''t." But her mouth beat her to it. This uncomfortable but familiar feeling is eating away at her emotions and mind. This must be the reason why she''s been temperamental since earlier. She wanted to get to the bottom of what going on with her, and that''s why she decided to let them follow them, that was an out-of-the-blue decision that was not part of the plan. She wasn''t the type of person who values morality at this point, after all, she''s been betrayed and killed more than just once. She wanted to keep her company small and as much as possible just her family, besides, she could clearly feel Melody''s hostility against her. She''s another factor to watch over if she wants to live a better life this time around. Despite that, her rationality was beaten by her own emotions. She''s never been this emotional after she experienced multiple rebirths, even when her lover and best friends betrayed her, she was angry but not sad. She was at the edge of being numb, all her raw emotions were now only reserved for her family and a little part for Duke, the only one who remained by her side and never betrayed her. Emma''s eyes started to water, and with a hoarse voice, she told them that she was going to talk to her family and the others. Melody was confused about what was going on. Her mom didn''t look angry but rather, she was melancholic. A bad feeling bubbled in her heart. Kisha and Duke went back inside the car, Duke could see Kisha''s uneasiness no matter how much she tried to hide it. While Kisha is discussing the change of plans with everyone. Emma went straight and talked to her husband. She first told the other family of what she had heard and let them discuss and decide on their own. Then she led her own family inside the villa and completely broke down. Melody''s anger was ignited. "Dad! That woman was so disrespectful to Mom, mom has been talking to her nicely but she doesn''t even care about giving face." Melody wants to say some more with hidden insults but she is stopped by her father. "Honey, what''s wrong?" He was heartbroken to see his wife crying, he dotes on her and protects her more than his life. It made him flustered to see her like this. He bent down and supported her, held her hand as gently as he could, and rubbed it with his thumb, trying to soothe her pain. "Tell me, okay?" "Our Eve." She said with a broken voice. Her husband''s body stiffened. "Why-why are you talking about Eve now?" Melody was the only one who was clueless about who Eve was. "I found her." She sobbed even louder after saying that. Everyone felt like a bolt of lightning hit them, only Melody was still puzzled. "Who''s Eve?" Her voice was drowned by Edward''s excited voice. "Really?! Where?! Let''s go and save her!" Tears started to stream down his face. But it was out of happiness, his heart was squeezing in excitement. A realization hits Eric and he excitedly asks. "Was she the girl you''re talking to earlier?" Emma nodded like a chick pecking on food. Just then, Eric felt happy, realizing that the feeling he felt back then was what they called blood ties, blood is really thicker than water, and even though he did not know she was his sister, he was still able to recognize her. Everyone rejoiced and they huddled and cried. Only Melody was left behind. Not knowing what''s going on. "Who is Eve?" She asked with a raised voice, she didn''t like the feeling of being left behind by her family. Elios, the third son of the Evans, he proudly said. "She is my missing little sister. Eve Evans!" Melody''s mind seemed to go into shock and it stopped working that instant, her ear ringing and her whole body frozen still. "Sister? Since when did I have a sister? Why did I not know?" She thought. Her whole body felt like it was sinking into a deep swamp, and cold sweat started to form on her back. Everyone was so happy that they forgot about Melody. She was already having beef with Kisha and now she found out that she has a long-lost sister that she did not even know of before and everyone seems to only care about her now. This even further pushed her antagonism against this newfound sister, Kisha. She hated her even more. Everyone was busy rejoicing that they did not see Melody''s raging hate about to come out of her being. Having heard Emma''s explanation earlier about the plan to follow Kisha''s team outside. Edward got a new fuel to go out there and not let Kisha out of his sight. "Go! Go prepare your things!". He pushes Eric and his other sons to prepare. "Bring less unimportant things and bring more food. We don''t know how long are we going to travel outside before help arrives." Then he rubbed his chin and said. "They might not even send help. We need more supplies. Eric, prepare it and add more for your sister Eve." He smiled widely as his tears brimmed in his eyes again. Elios and Eliot, the third and fourth sons who were twins, raced to go to the kitchen to get more supplies even before preparing their clothes. Even though Melody hates that Kisha is rushing them, she can''t do anything because Duke agrees with Kisha. She did not want to be left behind. She forcefully wanted to follow them just so she could stay beside Duke, but she did not intend for Kisha to suddenly be found. She wouldn''t probably be this hostile to her sister if that sister is not Kisha, if it was someone else, she might reluctantly accept it but not Kisha. "When I married Duke, I will surely dispose of you, bitch!" She murmured as she packed up her branded clothes, bag, and shoes. She didn''t even forget to bring her jewelry with her. Chapter 20 - 20 Call me Brother Melody dragged four suitcases out of the villa, at the same time, Ethan the Second Child drove an armored army truck followed by Eliot''s Black Hummer. Two car''s trunks filled to the brim with food supplies, water, and medicine they had in storage. Eric came out with a duffle bag, he was wearing sportswear, confused he said. "Melody, what''s with the heavy luggage? We are not going on a vacation. Please wear sportswear and a cross-trainer instead." He sighs. "If anything untoward happens later, how are you going to run in high heels?" He was having second thoughts again about his sister''s character, aside from last night. As if meeting his sister for the first time again. The melody he knew was sensible, pure, and kind, and knew how to read the situation. Not the arrogant and pampered lady he''s seen since last night. A thought flashed in his head but he shook his head to dissolve the thoughts, it would further ruin his sister''s image in his head so he did not continue with the line of thought. In this short duration of exchange. Emma and the other boys are all done preparing and are all wearing dark sportswear. Therefore, they were all surprised to see Melody in a white dress and heels, not even runner shoes but heels! Ethan, got out of his car to help his mother stuff her small bag at the back and commented tactlessly and snorted. "It was like a no-brainer choice of outfit on this occasion." He was the most straightforward and no-filter person in the family, he was not that close with Melody to begin with and he was always in the army hanging out with the boys. He never filters what he says which easily annoys Melody to the core. They are like water and oil so they avoid talking to each other as much as possible, but since she is his sister still, he tries to give in to her as long as it is reasonable. Eric, as the eldest, tried to smooth things over to avoid any argument since they already lacked time and couldn''t drag out their departure any longer. "Alright, let''s not have a go right now. Melody, hurry up and change, or else, don''t whine later, no one will have the time to help you." He pointed to the row of suitcases. "Just choose two to three pairs of clothes and inner garments that are easy to move with. We are not bringing those, we don''t have enough space." "But." "No buts, either you choose or I''ll throw out everything and you''ll have to wear the clothes you are wearing now for how long, we don''t know." Ethan sarcastically said and continued with seriousness this time. "Chop chop! We only have five minutes left!" After finishing his words, he strode to Kisha''s side of the car and knocked on the glass window, sporting the most charming smile he could muster, so he thought. Kisha was bewildered because Ethan had the appearance of a handsome man but his features were rough, his skin had a healthy tan shade, his brows were a little thicker, high bridge nose, and thin lips, and his eyes were deep black but had the concealed killing intent that has built up throughout years of service. He was indeed handsome, but with an appearance that looked strict and with his sudden smile. Kisha doesn''t really know what to make out of that smile, it is indeed incomprehensible. If only his eyes didn''t appear sincere, she would think that he was there to scheme against her, worst trying to intimidate her. "That''s new, it''s my first time seeing the almighty Major General of the army, trying to fawn at someone. I wonder what he''s up to?" Duke slightly chuckled as he glanced at Kisha''s reaction. "What?! He''s trying to fawn on someone with that look?" Surprised, she looked back at Duke with a questioning gaze. "All I know is that he is certainly not someone who smiles and is very strict." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Are you pulling my legs?" She almost cackled. He gave her a sideways glance. "Definitely not." She instantly stopped and lowered the window. "What can we help you, sir?" "Hi Ev-, I mean miss. My name is Ethan Evans, the second child of the Evans. May, may I know your name?" His voice has a clear indication of excitement. "Kisha Aldens." She said indifferently but deep inside, she felt intrigued. "What can I do for you, Ethan?" "Brother." He corrected. "What?" "You can call me brother." He stared at her expectantly. "I do not call any random people brother." Ethan looked dejected and Kisha couldn''t stand it and made up an excuse. "My little brother will get jealous. " Keith''s head whipped and looked at her dumbfounded but well he agreed, he didn''t want her calling just anyone brother. "You have a brother?" His brows creased in displeasure. "Yeah, she has me. Do you have a problem?!" Keith popped up his head beside Kisha from the back seat. "You''re just a midget." He grumbled. "Excuse you?!" Keith was incensed. He is 180 cm, which is by no means short. "You''re still smaller than me though." He ignored Keith afterward and looked at Kisha instead, full of smiles. "We are all ready. You can tour the villa. Do you want me to lead the way?" She wanted to turn him down but he looked expectant and she was hesitant to burst his bubble for some reason. "You can watch the gate and make sure that everyone''s ready on the vehicle and not anyone enters until I exit the place." "Roger ma''am!" He saluted, but this time, his smile was more sincere which made him more charming. Kisha was dazed for a moment but Duke nudged her, pulling her from her thoughts. They then made a beeline inside the villa. Melody wanted to follow them in but was stopped by Ethan, they had a bout of argument, and before it got bigger, Eric pulled Melody to sit still in the car. Melody protested but for the first time in her life, Eric scolded her and became impatient with her. Her most gentle brother. She was shocked that she ended up tearing up but Eric did not apologize and no one from the family coaxed her. It stumped her and blamed Kisha for not letting her in. "I''m sorry brother, please don''t get angry." She silently cried as she pulled his shirt. Eric nodded but did not say anything. Until she obediently sat in the passenger seat. She was waiting for Emma and Edward to feel sorry for her and get angry at Eric for treating her that way but they did not even turn their heads in her direction, she saw them from the rearview mirror that they were both looking longingly at the entrance of the villa. They are even afraid of blinking. As for Kisha, she put the Evans family at the back of her mind and happily ransacked the whole villa just like how she did in Duke''s place. Duke led her to every corner of the villa, he even pointed out the most important and most expensive items he could see, including the luxury cars and SUVs. She''ll find a use for all of these items in the future. Her inventory doesn''t have a limit anyway. Chapter 21 - 21 Departure from East District Just like what she said, after she exited the Evans''s villa, she went straight into driving her SUV and was followed by Eagle''s armored car. Noticing the influx of zombies around the gate, she put out her arm on the window and signaled to stop. When the convoy was at a complete stop, Hawk came forward and stood beside her window. "Should I send Sparrow and Vulture out?" Satisfied. She nodded and added. "Yes." "This is a good chance for them to practice their control and stabilize the energy inside their body after awakening." She thought Understanding the mission issued. He bowed respectfully and sent the two out and he went back in the passenger seat. "When do you think we will awaken?" He asked enviously at Eagle. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I don''t know too, but I''m excited to know what''s my ability." The two guys sounded gossipy but before they could continue, they noticed that they had a long car lined up. Even Kisha saw the long line from the side mirror of the car. The car at the back saw Hawk''s people going out of their vehicle but couldn''t see far out because of all the cars, but most of them already come to the conclusion that they must be dealing with the zombies. On the third line that''s behind Eagle''s car is the Land Rover Defender in matt black that is being driven by Eric, seated inside are Melody, Emma, and Edward. Followed by Ethan''s military truck with his two brothers. The fifth was a Mercedes-Benz G-class in matt green and a Porsche Cayenne Coupe in gray, both drivers and passengers are all the remaining servants and bodyguards of the Evans. There are eight cars in total and only one family decided to remain in the district. Two cars from the very back are a Maserati Quattroporte and a BMW i7 in silver and white. These are all expensive cars, even Kisha is driving a Genesis GV80 in matt black and Duke''s armored car is a customized bulletproof armored car which is more expensive than any of the cars lined up together. She only admired it for a moment, in a while most of it would turn into junk anyway. She then pulled out the map from her inventory to recheck all the possible routes just in case. It was a two-hour ride to reach the outskirts in normal circumstances but in their case, the time will be doubled to secure their safety. "Keith put more gas in the tank. We might not have time to do so later, just to be sure." She gestured to Keith to go as she kept the map again. "Okay." He cheerfully complied. Seeing their action, Eric understood what his sister was thinking, pulled the only gas container he had, and made sure that their gas was full. Ethan also always made sure that his spare fuel container was full as a habit, so he used it to fill up his tank too. The others didn''t do anything unlike them, first, it was because they didn''t have spare fuel, second, they didn''t think much of the danger as they trusted their numbers and the mobility of the car. The people in the last two cars think that the two cars leading are enough to be their meatshields to block all incoming zombies and they just need to follow. So they were cool as cucumber. Not long after, Vulture gave a signal and Kisha started the engine and drove off. Eagle remained in his position and motioned to Eric who was behind him to move ahead and others followed. They opened the gate, naturally, they have to be the ones to close it. Everyone in the district seems to be too afraid to go out. Eagle and the others can''t just leave the gate open and harm the people inside. Do they? Even if the people got in trouble eventually, it would not be their fault anymore. Their conscience is clear. Kisha was also thinking of this, she knew that Duke''s people would not wantonly cause harm to others without good reason so she trusted that they would stay behind to close the gate. She knew they were ruthless but that was only to their enemies, they never went out to provoke other people or use their strength to bully others. This is what she likes about Duke, they have the same Philosophy, maybe not all but most. She sped up into the street, and even though Vulture and Sparrow cleared the perimeter around the gate, there were still incoming zombies so she rammed into them, their vehicle would shake every time she ran over a zombie and it would go under. From time to time it will fly over or crash into the windshield which creates a huge crack on it. But it was mostly on Duke''s side, Kisha did her best to avoid getting her side smashed by the impact so she could still see the road clearly. Duke took a quick glance at her, thinking that she was doing it on purpose but he couldn''t remember offending her. "Did I?" He asked himself. His side not only had a huge crack on it, but it was also even dripping with thick coagulated black blood, and there was some flesh stuck on the windshield wiper, and worse, some brain membranes were smeared on the windshield. Even though he doesn''t have OCD, the sight is still repulsive for him. He resentfully peeks at Kisha''s face. Kisha noticed it but acted as if she did not give a penny, but in fact, she was actually enjoying his reaction. If she could, she would really tease him but the situation is not proper, right now. The farther she gets from the gate, the denser the zombie''s number gets. She sped up again after she saw that Eagle was slowly catching up from the back. The side mirror on Duke''s side got smashed as Kisha swerved a little on the road. Duke really wanted to complain, like an aggrieved wife who was being bullied but he didn''t know how to. He could only hold to the overhead handle and not overly concern himself with what he was seeing. On the other car, Melody is already starting to get on Eric''s nerves as she keeps fussing over the splattering of blood on the windshield and her side of the window. She was even horror-stricken because of the eyeball that was hanging on the side mirror beside her. Emma was also scared but she was not as fussy as Melody, she still tried to calm down her daughter but Melody wouldn''t listen and continued to scream. It was torture for Eric who needed to focus on driving. Melody''s screaming would startle him from time to time. The pressure doubled because of her, he almost drove south and got stuck in the middle of the flock. Unfortunately, the white BMW i7 was a little low, so when it ran over a zombie, a part of its body got stuck on the bumper and the vehicle''s speed reduced a lot, many of the surrounding zombies caught up to them until it was swarmed around by the zombies. The driver couldn''t see where he was going, and it got harder to control the wheels, coupled with his anxiousness he stepped on the gas pedal hard which led them to almost crash into Eric''s car, luckily, Eric evaded it in time but the white BMW i7 crashed into the flock of zombies. The white car pulled the agro from Eric, so Eric took advantage of it and drove away as quickly as he could. He and his family saw how the car was besieged. As the zombies did not feel the pain, they struck the windshield and glass windows with their bare hands or body. Before the car completely vanished from their sight, they saw the zombies breaking the windshield and crowding the car. The people inside screamed their lungs out for Eric''s family to stop and save them, and a gut-wrenching scream soon followed. Eric and his family knew better, they couldn''t do anything at this point. This is the danger Kisha warned them of. Seeing the horrifying ending their family friend had, Melody screamed in panic. This ticked Eric off and shouted at Melody. "Shut up! If you don''t want to end up like them, then keep your mouth shut and let me focus on driving!" She covered her mouth with both hands, holding back tears. Only then did Eric let out a sigh of relief, as if a huge burden was lifted from his shoulder. His mother, although she is filled with fear, chose to silently hold onto her husband''s hand but did not look away and made sure to take everything in. Chapter 22 - 22 Robbers In the east district, the family who has decided to stay behind has a scheme in mind. They waited for Kisha''s convoy to completely disappear from sight before they ran back to the central district where the Winters and Evans family lived. "Dad! They left! And close the gate so I didn''t have to do it!" Said the young man excitedly as he gasped for air. "Good! Very Good!" He laughed merrily as he held his stomach. "Honey! The imbeciles decided to throw away their lives and did not even wait for the rescuers to come." His wife chuckles, slowly fanning her face. "It''s a good thing for us, they will die out there and for us." He scanned the big villas as he imagined his bright future. He and his family decided to pretend terrified to go outside and just wait for the rescuers to save them, his house was located in the outer layer of the district where the nouveau riche lived. Even though they lived in the East District where the truly affluent people resided, they were just from the outer layer and they couldn''t be considered one of the circle of the affluent. He did a lot of sucking up and kissing someone''s ass to get a place there. If he waited to enter the inner circle of the nobles, it would not be his turn. He even spent half of his assets just so his friend would bring him to meet the Evans. That''s right, his family was not one of the invited guests to visit the Evans. He pestered his friend to bring him along so that he could make a connection with the Evans and promote his business and himself for a chance to collaborate. But who would have thought that the world would turn upside down?! Even the heavens appreciated his hard work and gave him this chance to make a name for himself. If the only Heir of the Winters and Heir of the Evans died all at the same time. The power in City A will need to be reshuffled and there would be an opening for new forces to come and replace them. He already imagined himself to be one of them and grinned from ear to ear. "Dad, should we go in?" His daughter reminded him. "Right! Let go in!" He enthusiastically led the way. When he opened the door, everything was gone. He ran around the villa to see every corner but saw not even a spec of dust. That''s right. He went back to the Evans''s villa to steal their valuables like expensive paintings, jewelry, and such. He planned to blame it on the robbers but he did not know where the things had gone to. Just this morning, the furniture was still there, and the paintings were still hanging on the wall. Even the crystal chandelier is missing! He did not see the Evans bring out anything aside from food, medicine, and a small portion of clothes. He then ran across the road to the Winters''s home and saw the same thing. The two villas are bare naked! His son ran inside from the backyard. "Dad, even the solar panels and the plants at the back were dug clean." His son frantically said. "What''s going on?! We just left for a little while!" He was fuming, his face flushed red in anger. "Dad, do you think, others have the same idea as us? Maybe their neighbors did it?!" His daughter said unconfidently. "Even though that''s the case, it''s not physically possible. That''s a lot of valuables!" "Maybe they brought all their servant?!" His son said as he scratched his head in frustration. "It did not even take an hour for it to suddenly disappear! Even if we bring all our servants and guards, it will still take days or a whole week to completely move all the valuables. That''s only for one villa!" He was so agitated. "Only for one villa! But we''re missing two villas worth of valuables!" He roared. "Maybe they have some sort of magic?!" His son voiced out. It was an unfathomable line of thinking but no matter how much he racked his brain for the cause, he couldn''t come up with anything. He smacked his son on the head. "Stupid! Do you think I''m stupid huh?!" His nostrils expanded as he breathed in and out so hard. He looked scary. "Maybe they have installed some kind of mechanism in the villa that we don''t know and hid everything to avoid anyone from taking anything?" "Then what should we do next?" His daughter felt dejected. "What can we do? Let''s go back and observe first!" He roared and strode out. The son and daughter did not forget to close the gates on both sides and ran after their father. .... Ethan has been keeping an eye on Kisha and Eric''s car, so when he saw that Eric almost got in trouble, he immediately stepped on the gas to assist him but was overtaken by the White BMW i7. The moment he saw that the Landrover escaped successfully, he overtook to take some of the burden off his brother''s shoulder, with their tacit understanding, Eric took cover behind Ethan''s car to rest for a bit. Ethan and his two brothers inadvertently remembered the scene earlier. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They witnessed what happened to the passenger of the BMW i7 much more clearly and closer than Eric and their family. Luckily, none of the three had a weak stomach and vomited at the sight. They saw the mother in the passenger seat being dragged out from the window and then bitten all over and slowly torn apart, their daughter could only let out a scream before her throat was ripped open in one bite. It was so bloody to see, their hair stood on ends and their mentality took a huge blow except for Ethan, even Elios, the doctor couldn''t handle it and went pale. As they follow behind Kisha, they almost go off track multiple times because of her aggressive driving, they don''t know when she''s going to take a sharp turn, and there are even times when she suddenly drifts. Ethan was used to this kind of car chase but Eric was having a hard time coupled with Melody''s incessant murmurs and sudden screams. He already flared at her three times because she couldn''t keep her mouth shut. It''s not that he never thought of making her unconscious for a while, it''s just that, he is also thinking of the consequences it might bring. He really has no choice. It''s a good thing that he is calm and steady, even though he got annoyed with Melody, he was never flustered. With Kisha''s lead, the road they take has fewer zombies, as if she could predict where zombies are denser. However, it''s different from Melody''s perspective. She thinks that Kisha is bringing them where it is most dangerous. She cursed ceaselessly inside her head. Her hatred is growing bigger, especially when her eldest brother shouts at her earlier. She blamed Kisha for it. Chapter 23 - 23 Time to Practice The two-hour-long drive felt like a decade for the people following behind Kisha''s car. This hellish place is eating away at their mentality, every roar that resounded sent fear onto their soul that would hunt them every time they closed their eyes. Kisha knew that everyone''s reached their limit, they were hungry, and on constant high alert. She was like them the first time she had to travel outside. It wasn''t as easy as they thought it would to adapt, they had to constantly fight the thought of whether to run away and hide or follow the group. They had yet to adapt to the changes and were mentally exhausted from the continuous drive so she was prepared to stop for lunch. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, no matter how unwilling they are to accept reality now, they don''t have the luxury to slowly adjust, only those who have a great mentality to accept and adjust to their new reality would be able to live. Seeing that there was only a small number of zombies around, Kisha pulled over to a gasoline station. Eric and Ethan also pulled over behind them, a little later, Eagle pulled over too, and was followed by the remaining car. Before she unbuckles her seatbelt she signals to Duke. "Fill the tank. We''ll just take a little stroll." Keith who was stretching his back immediately perked up. "Stroll?! To where?!" Kisha looked back and pointed her index finger on the window. Keith followed her finger as it pointed to the zombie that was crawling on the ground, dragging its almost severed body towards them. "I''ll watch you practice your moves." "Sweet!" He pulled the tomahawk axe that was hanging on his waist. "I''ll be able to use this cool baby!" Kisha shook her head in resignation. She thought that he would be afraid because this would be their first time facing and killing zombies but it seemed her worries were for naught. "Hold your horses, young man! Let me get off first before you swing that around. Tsk!" His grandfather grumbled. Keith rubbed his nose in embarrassment, he didn''t want to be a burden to his sister, and that''s why he was so excited when he heard her say they were going to practice. This is a valuable experience, he wanted to be as cool as his sister. He could still remember when she killed the zombie in the gasoline station yesterday. Her precise and swift attack was beautiful. She has quick reflexes and keen senses, he at least can see and understand that, even though he is not a fighter himself. He had seen many such OP cases in Manhua and anime, he had dreamed of being one and now an opportunity was laid in front of him. Kisha could understand what''s running in his head right now. "This brother of mine is really still a kid at heart." She chuckled. "Alright! Grandpa, Grandma, and Keith, please don''t leave my side, and don''t try to go on your own." The people are stepping out of their vehicles one by one, curious about what Kisha and the others are doing. But of course, Melody didn''t care about it, she jogged straight towards Duke who was filling the tank on the side. "Sister, can I deal with that zombie?" Keith used his tomahawk axe to point at the crawling zombie from earlier. "Don''t be complacent just because it is immobile, it still poses danger. Be always vigilant, understand?!" "Don''t worry sister, I understand." Only then did Kisha nod to give her consent. Keith walked slowly behind the zombie, even before the zombie had the chance to crawl around, Keith had already swung his axe down without fear and hit the target, the round head split open like a watermelon. Thick black blood splatter a little on his hands and face. His lashes quiver a little as he smells the stench of decay. Soon after, three zombies came, Kisha dealt with the two and left behind the slowest one. Its right foot was twisted and a bone was sticking out of its flesh, and it had a cleaver knife stuck to its left shoulder blade. It has huge human skin stuck to its teeth, a big beer belly, and a few missing fingers, its white apron has turned black from the blood gushing from its wound. It must have turned not long ago. The people behind Kisha suck a mouthful of air and held their breath because the zombie looked horrendous and they are out in the open. Afraid that they would be attacked. Contrary to their fears Keith felt a surging energy in his body that he never felt before, he bolted beside the zombie and hacked its neck with his axe. But his strength is insufficient so his axe got stuck. Before he could pull his weapon, the zombie turned to face him and reached for him, he took a step back in a hurry but he accidentally fell on his butt. Kisha made a move in the nick of time and cleanly cut off its arms. Grandpa followed and hacked its head cleanly with his machete bombardier. Grandpa angrily pointed his machete to his grandson. "Your sister just said not to be complacent, and here you are attacking on your own?!" Keith''s neck shrinks in embarrassment. He admitted that he got carried away by his first kill and forgot his sister''s reminder. He looks down on his hands. "I''m sorry Grandpa and sister. It will not happen again." "It better not, if there''s a next time, we don''t know if anyone can save you by then! Hmp!" He walked straight to his wife to coax her after the fright. Keith slowly stood up, pulled his axe, and wiped it on the zombie''s body to remove the blood. Melody sneered as she watched and mumbled. "It''s what you get for showing off." Duke briefly glanced at her, before she could be elated by the attention she got. Duke walked away and went to stand beside Kisha. Eagle parked his car to refill the tank and ignored her, guarding both cars. After Keith was reprimanded, he moved closely with his grandparents to take care of one zombie, Kisha was keeping watch and controlling the number. The first one to get used to it was Grandpa as he has the foundation as a retired soldier. Followed by Grandma who has better agility than the two, of course, Keith performed well too as his agility was not far behind his Grandma. With the one with experience, Grandpa did not forget to point out the best places to attack, how to take advantage of the situation, and how to fight effectively. Later on, the three got used to it, and their movements improved and became a little coordinated. Seeing the result, Kisha was satisfied. Her eye caught a glimpse of Eric and his three brothers following their example and killing the zombies that go near their location. They have good coordination, Ethan is leading them, teaching them, and pointing out their weakness and how to make up for them. With only thirty minutes, they cleaned up the zombies in the perimeter. Kisha offers a clean towel. "Keith, Grandma, Grandpa, great job. Let''s eat lunch and continue on our way." Ethan and his brothers were jealous of Kisha''s attentiveness to her adoptive family. But they can only look from afar. The three nodded and Grandma went to the car to retrieve the lunch boxes she and her husband made early in the morning. They choose a clean place inside the store to sit and eat. Others followed and looked for something to eat inside but the shelf was robbed clean. There must be people who have anticipated the importance of food supplies early on and went to stock up. Everyone''s spirit was dampened and some even regretted following outside. They thought that it was better to stay in the comfort of their home and wait for the government. Melody looked at the white bread in her hand and then looked at the sumptuous lunch in front of Kisha. Eric saw what she was looking at so he passed her the peanut butter. "Make do with this first." She nodded but her eyes never left the food on the other side. They''re all famished, but they are all in a hurry to prepare their things and they don''t have time to cook food, aside from Kisha''s family who''s well prepared, no one else could eat a proper meal. Chapter 24 - 24 Danger! "Dad, I''m still hungry." Grayson Blythes sheepishly smiled at his twenty-three-year-old daughter. "I''m sorry my princess, endure it for a little while. Okay?" Gretha Blythes and her mom, Anna Blythes felt worried and sad. They were just having a great time spending time with the Evans yesterday morning and now. Everything has changed, they couldn''t even eat a full meal and they are in constant fear of being eaten. They''ve seen how the Dexters turned out after their car was besieged by the mob of zombies, they thought that it would be as easy as a walk in the park if they stayed at the back but the pressure was more than they could handle. They are compelled by the idea of continuing on the dangerous road but are afraid of going back, they are in a great predicament. But Grayson has an unwavering resolve to continue, not for himself, but for his wife and daughter. He has a gut feeling that they would be fine if they followed the Evans out. He doesn''t believe that they would survive if they stayed in the East District and waited for the government to save them. He is in politics so he was more familiar with politician''s train of thought and he was sure that they had already fled. He was not as naive as those who stayed. He and his family decided to persevere. But was it that easy in the apocalypse? Guess not, they were still munching on their food when Kisha quickly stood up with a grave expression. "We''re leaving!" Startled by her cold loud voice, everyone peeked at each other''s faces. Meanwhile, The Aldens, Evans, and Duke''s men speedily organize their things ready to set out at any second. They understood the dire situation they were in, and based on Kisha''s alarmed expression, they could already imagine the incoming danger. The Aldens and Duke have complete trust in Kisha''s judgment and they know of her experience so there is a basis for their trust. But even without knowing it, they would still trust her with all their heart. They did not wait for the slow poke to move, they left them and headed to their respective vehicles. The Blythes followed closely, but the servants and bodyguards were still clueless and a little taken aback by their behavior. Melody was also indignant with Kisha''s sudden order and was planning to take her time organizing the bread and peanut butter on the floor when her brother, Eric swept everything to the bag and hauled her like a chick, stuffing her in the passenger seat like a sack of potato and drove off as soon as his butt reached the driver seat. She did not have time to process and put her seatbelt on, that''s why when Eric drove like a maniac, she was slammed back on her seat before she could open her mouth to protest. The passengers of the Mercedes-Benz G-class and Porsche Cayenne Coupe were heading in their vehicle when they heard a deafening roar and blaring marching sound. Their heart was on their throat with the realization that they were fucked up. They entered their car in a hurry and drove off. Kisha and the four others were already a few meters away from them, and the distance kept getting bigger. They tried their best to speed up to get as close as possible. But no one would have thought that the Porsche Cayenne Coupe would jolt and come to a sudden stop. The Mercedes-Benz G-class crashed on the back of the Porsche. The driver cursed through his breath as he created a distance between cars and drove off, leaving the Porsche. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The people inside the Porsche were distraught as they grimaced with their misfortune. The driver noticed the fuel gauge. "The fuck?!" He was seething in anger as he looked at the man sitting in the passenger seat. "I asked you to refill our tank!" It is out of fuel and they are now stuck. They couldn''t even see the tail of the Mercedes-Benz anymore. Grasping the mistake he made, he could only tremble in fear as he awaited his death. "No! I''m sorry! I''m sorry!" He mumbled over and over again. The female servant from the back screamed. "I don''t want to die! Do something!" They are all on their wit''s end. The three women at the back hysterically cried as their doom was getting closer. The driver hits the steering wheel in frustration. He inhaled some air, trying to calm his nerves. He has been a bodyguard for years so his fortitude is better than the four others, the young gardener and three young maids are still in the middle of their panic attack and despair. He glances at them and said. "Either you guys come with me or die here." He pulled a tactical knife from his back trouser. "What?! We''re going to die out there!" The young maid said in anger. "You can only choose to either die later or die now. Your choice." He did not wait for them to answer and ran as fast as he could on the road. He already saw the army of zombies marching the street to where they were. The numbers are a dozen times bigger than the ones they saw on the road earlier. He was sweating buckets out of nervousness and his hands were trembling. He couldn''t find a way out. All the cars parked outside don''t have keys and he didn''t have time to hijack one. The young maid who had made up her mind ran after him while the three were undecided. But time waits for no one when they have finally made up their mind. It was already too late for them. They were surrounded and there was no way for them to get out of the car. The two maids hugged each other as they wailed and the gardener put both his hand on his ears as he curled to make himself smaller on the passenger seat. The zombies pounded on the windows which made the three despaired even more. They could see the red-eyed zombies that looked like they crawled out of a nightmare. The bodyguard and maid ran across the road, almost every road had zombies roaming around and in considerable numbers. They were cornered and when they thought everything was over, a voice called over to them in a hushed voice. They looked around to find the owner of the voice and saw the middle-aged man hanging on the fire exit, signaling for them to climb up. The bodyguard helped the maid to reach the ladder by making her step over his shoulder. He stabbed a few zombies in the head to give himself some room to maneuver. Once she was at the third-floor balcony, he took a few steps back, jumped as high as he could, used the wall as leverage to reach the ladder, and relied on his upper muscles to pull his weight up slowly, he then heard an ear-piercing scream. During his struggle to climb up, the car''s window has been broken. The zombies raced to get inside and bit the struggling people. When he got up to the third floor, he looked down from where they came from and saw that it was crowded with zombies, the car was shaking so much from being pounded from all sides. He could only sigh in relief and at the same time, in fear. If he dragged it a little longer, he would be one of them. Chapter 25 - 25 Counting Sheep "Kisha, rest and I''ll drive us to the base." Duke said worriedly, he was concerned that Kisha was pushing herself too much and taking all the burden by herself. "Don''t worry, I can handle this much." She doesn''t want to give this responsibility to anyone else, especially right now that they are still inside City A, the biggest and most prosperous city in their country. One wrong move and they might get trapped. She doesn''t want to gamble on her family''s safety at all, they can''t even protect themselves. "I''ll let you drive once we reach the outskirts." She said as she stepped on the gas pedal to increase their speed. "Sister, we''re almost at the outskirts. Are we really staying with Duke and his people?" Keith ask. Duke''s eyes frosted over. "Is he insinuating that his sister should choose not to?!" He thought as he simmered inside, does this kid want to take his business partner away? Kisha did not think twice and answered. "We will eventually need to join a base, joining now and joining later is still the same." Duke crossed his arms in front of his chest and nodded in agreement. His anger subsided a lot. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "But don''t we need to go out there to hunt zombies for the crystal core?" "Not yet, the zombie cores have yet to form, instead. Why don''t we ask Duke to include you in their training?" Duke smirked, he was given a chance to teach the brat a lesson. "Right, it''s important to know the basics." "Right! I''ve seen Hawk and the other''s strengths, it will do you good if you can learn at least one or two moves from them." Grandpa echoed. Keith only smiled as he leaned both his arms on the back of the driver and passenger seat, his head lowered. Everyone thought that he was just feeling down and doesn''t want his ass whipped out while training. Grandma wanted to cheer up her grandson, so she reached out to touch his arm however, she was surprised by the heat that was coming from his body. "You are scalding hot Keith." She yelped. She already noticed his skin turning red earlier but did not think too much about it, but now, he seemed to be having a high fever. Kisha''s body jerked, and she reached out her right hand to touch Keith''s forehead. She didn''t look worried and instead asked. "Have you felt a sudden surge of energy inside your body?" Keith slowly lifted his head with a smile and just nodded with a low grunt. He remembered that he felt a sudden surge of energy from within when he was fighting the zombies earlier. Kisha saw Keith''s actions from the rearview mirror and exclamated. "Congratulations!" A sincere smile plastered on her lips. Keith was a little delayed in his reaction and processing skills due to the suffocating heat enveloping his body, that''s why he did not understand what his sister was congratulating him for. His blood pumping to his brain with double the pressure, and his whole body is aching as if he were suffering from internal injuries and bone fractures. But he was doing his best not to let others notice his pain so he was chattering nonstop, even when his lips turned pale and his back soaked in cold sweat. He still tried not to worry his family, but he already reached his limit and wanted to take a little break, he did not expect that his Grandma would still find out. And why was his sister congratulating him? Duke''s eyebrow raises as he gives Keith a side glance. "Is he in the process of awakening?" "Yup!" she then turned her attention to Keith and looked at him through the rearview mirror. "My little brother, you''re doing great! Hang on a little longer okay?!" Her calm demeanor reassured Keith and felt like the pain he was feeling was a lot more tolerable than earlier, he was able to squeeze a smile before he passed out. Grandpa caught him in time before he hit his head. "Will your brother be alright?" He was nervous and worried that a mishap would happen to his grandson. "Don''t worry Grandpa." She took out an ice pack from her inventory and gave it to her grandpa. "Please help him reduce the heat, or else it will fry his brain." It was too early for Keith to awaken, it was supposed to be a month later. Kisha did not anticipate that the virus''s potency would increase to ten times more than before. She was worried that the zombie''s evolution would drastically increase in numbers and the time they evolve might be earlier than usual as well. 008''s words popped up in her head, it mentioned that it was suspecting that something or someone was manipulating things behind the scenes. Was this man-made? Is it why the apocalypse broke out earlier than expected? Then, does that mean that someone other than her has experienced a regression or rebirth? Or was it just a coincidence? These thoughts were eating at Kisha''s mind, everyone feared the unknown, including her. It was true that she had experienced a hundred rebirths, but more and more things had been happening that had never happened before. Everything is spiraling out of her control. She thought, everything was already under her grasp and she would have the absolute advantage over the previous rebirths she''d been through. But the hurdle just increases in difficulty. Nevertheless, she hid her thoughts and emotions under wraps. She knew that her grandparents and Keith would only worry if she let it slip. Although she was well aware that they would do their best to assist her and carry her burden with her, it would also only mean that the danger they would face would increase. She decided to ask Duke to include her family members in the training his team conducts every day. She was just thinking of how she''d ask him. She glances at Duke, noticing her eyes on him. He met her gaze and he was stunned to see her sweet smile. He was swooned over by that smile, over his cold indifferent facade was a heart palpitating nonstop. Although it was but a brief smile, he could still see the image in his mind. ''How would it feel if she treated me like her family? How she cared for Keith. How she worried over someone. How would it feel when she caressed me gently and whispered in my ear...'' A sudden swelling pain in his lower body jolted Duke out of his reverie. A certain part of his body stood at attention, his eyes clouded with lust. He changed his position, put his left leg over his right, and pulled his shirt a little to hide what was trying to come out. He didn''t know what came over him to have this kind of thought. He couldn''t even lift his head to look at Kisha, he leaned on the window and started counting sheep in his head to calm his raging snake. Chapter 26 - 26 Good Harvest Not only did Duke''s raging snake calm down, but he even fell asleep in the middle of counting the sheep. Awakened by the sudden halt, his closed eyes fluttered. His long eyelashes cast a shadow under his eyes, his eyebrows creased as he tried to open his eyes and he exhaled while he stretched his stiff neck. "Have we arrived?" Only then did Kisha realize that Duke had fallen asleep. His newly awakened voice was a little hoarse but sounded alluring and sexy. She unconsciously closes her eyes for a moment to savor his voice as it sends a shiver down her spine, down to her navel. A little daze, she answered. "We are on the outskirts." When she met Duke''s misty eyes, the stirring in her navel got stronger that it sent an electrifying feeling to the tip of her fingers down to her toes. She came back to her senses when she heard someone clear their throat. She was in a moment of shock. "Have I always been this horny?" She thought as she felt her face, ears, and neck heat up. The eagle-eyed Duke was silently monitoring the changes in her expression from the moment he opened his eyes. He was in a good mood after finding out that he had the same effect on Kisha as she had on him. [Ding...] She forgot her embarrassment from the sudden notification. [Congratulations for upgrading the system to level 1] [Congratulations for Completing the F-class Mission "The Good Samaritan"] [Congratulations for Completing the Hidden Mission "Street Cleanup."] The continuous notification sent her head ringing. "I''m back host! Miss me?" 008 is in a jovial mood after its first upgrade in this life. "I can now perform a 5 meter-radius radar scan!" "Great! We''ll set your next upgrade in a few days time, but first, let''s see how many points we have accumulated." "Right away host!" He paused and continued. "As of this moment, we currently have 575, 000 points available. You earned 500,000 from the F-class mission and another 50,000 from the hidden mission!" It exclaimed in excitement. Kisha''s eyes bloomed into an animated smile. "Good harvest!" It appears that her system has some conscience and now feels guilty for making her poor in points in her previous lives and now giving her better rewards. Feeling its host''s disdain over it, 008 could only aggrievedly keep silent. It was also a victim of the stingy missions. It was not the one giving out missions but it only accepts it. 008 wanted to file a complaint but there was no outlet to vent its dissatisfaction with the injustice it receives from its higher-ups. Kisha pulled the emergency break and gave a passing glance at Duke with a blank face as if what Duke had seen earlier were mere illusions. She then started checking on her brother''s situation, his veins were protruding so that it looked like it was about to combust any second. Their Grandmother was fidgety, worried about her grandson''s rising temperature, she asked for another set of ice buckets from Kisha to cool down Keith''s almost boiling body. Seeing how busy they were, Duke left them to their device and went straight to Eric''s car. As soon as the window rolled down, Duke asked without reservation. "Where do you plan to go now?" "What about you?" Eric tried to pry some information from Duke, not necessarily to know about his next step but to simply know if Kisha was going with him. "Are you guys going to the military evacuation center in City C?" Duke shook his head. Eric frown. "Are you heading to a different Military base or evacuation center? Are you meeting up with Auntie and the others?" "Yes and No." Eric was extremely frustrated, Duke has always been a man of few words but he''s seen him chatting casually with his sister, so he thought he had changed quite a bit. ''But I guess he is discriminating against gender?!'' "What do you mean Yes and No?" He asked as he reined in his frustration. "I''m meeting with my people and have my own place prepared." "Can-can we follow you? Please?" Emma pleaded and Melody nodded enthusiastically. "You should go to the evacuation centers, you''ll be well protected there." "We''ll do our best not to be your burden." "Auntie, I''m afraid that my organization won''t be able to cater to you like what the other bases can provide for your position. You''ll be treated well on any base." Duke exhaled. "You don''t have to cater to our needs, we can work it out ourselves. All we ask is for you to let us stay with you guys." Edward interjected, he knew that his wife was emotional and couldn''t currently express her emotions the way she wanted to. Duke pretended to think. "Uncle, we are both businessmen. What can I get from allowing you to stay?" "But we are family friends! We don''t have to be calculative with each other, do we?" Melody said as if it''s the most natural thing in the world. "We are. But my supplies are limited. We don''t know how long this disaster will last, it could be a lifetime danger we have to face, by then, supplies will be the most crucial and significant in survival." "Then, are you bringing their family with you?" She pointed at the car where Kisha and her family were. Although, Melody said it with curiosity in actuality she had a deeper meaning in her question, Eric and his parents did not say anything because they also wanted to know where Kisha was heading so they could follow. "They are coming with me." "Then, what''s the difference between them coming and us coming?" Melody calmly asks. "I did not say you can''t come, however, I don''t keep useless people. As I''ve said, I have limited supplies." Melody smiled as she continued. "With what you said, they aren''t useless. Tell us, what can they do that we can''t for you to not give us the same treatment as them?" "First of all, she is my partner. It is our base and we share the supplies. And you?" Duke''s cold gaze lingered on Melody''s face but Melody did not feel good at all, she could feel the warning hidden beneath. "Son, you don''t have to worry. We''ll look for supplies, work around the base and we don''t need special treatment. Eric and I can assist you with anything we can, Elios is a doctor so he can be of great help, Eliot can also work in the kitchen. And as you know, Ethan is a Major General so he''ll be a great addition to your people in terms of defense and fights. As for my wife and Melody, we''ll do their part." Edward said. Flustered, Emma added. "No, I can also help out. I can assist Elios or Eliot in their work." She was afraid that if she showed that she''d be a burden, Duke would not agree and she''d have no chance to spend time with her daughter, Kisha. She has yet to tell her about their familial ties and how much she missed her. Duke''s facial expression turned calm with a hint of gentleness that was not that visible. "Auntie, it''s not that I don''t want you to come with us, of course, my mother will love the idea of you accompanying her, especially now. But I don''t want a troublemaker in my place." At the end of his sentence, he glances at Melody. Eric who is sensitive to people''s feelings, caught the underlying meaning of his words and assured Duke right away. "We will keep it under wraps and will not let anyone from our family cause trouble." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Better be, I have strict rules and a punishment system for violators." Melody gulped the lump of saliva on her throat, she knew how cruel Duke could be, so she decided to change her approach to dealing with Kisha. She was only planning to cause trouble for Kisha so she would be kicked out. Chapter 27 - 27 Valley Edward assigned Eric to speak with his brother and the Blythes about the arrangement they agreed with Duke. It appears that aside from their family, only the Blythes were able to follow them. Although the Blythes were in a sorry state, they are still alive. They did not even notice when they lost the Mercedez-Benz that was following from the back. Ethan and his two brothers did not have any opinion with the agreement either, as long as they can follow Kisha, everything is fine. As for the Blythes, after hearing about the agreement, they did not kick a fuss and agreed right away. Or should I say Grayson, agreed without so much thought. He did not care if his wife was kicking a fuss, he just followed his gut feeling. Hearing that her husband would discipline her if she as much caused trouble, Anna felt scared and quieted down. Gretha was meek, to begin with, so she did not say anything and just silently sat at the back. Once everything was settled. Hawk led the convoy to the Valley that was prearranged as their settlement. It only took them 3 whole hours to travel without any difficulties on the road, and within these three hours, Kisha was able to have a shut eye on the passenger seat while Duke drove steadily. "Host, we''re almost at the destination." 008 reminded her. She slowly opened her eyes and looked out at the window. What greeted her was a tall mountain, surrounded by a vast forest. She wound down the car window and savored the clean air. The place was the typical place good for mountain climbing and excursions Kisha was satisfied with the location and she smiled as she let her hair flow with the wind. This is indeed a luxury for her. In her previous lives, there was no clean air, the smell of decay was so strong that it could be smelled everywhere. The trees and plants that did not mutate were slowly dying, the soil turned so rusty that no plant or vegetable could grow and the water was something that could not be easily consumed, and everyone thought it was better to have food poisoning than to accidentally drink the water. That memory was truly gloomy. The lush trees and clean air soothe her worries about the future and decides to cross the bridge when they get there. For now, she wanted to enjoy the scenery as if she were going on a picnic, she felt her mood improve drastically. Soon, they exited the lush forest and were met by a cave-like valley, it was so huge that it was almost one-third of the humungous mountain, although it was a cave-like formation, but it was more like a cliff that was leaning out and covering some part of the valley that creates a shade. It has a wall that was made out of naturally formed limestone, the location faces east so it has enough sunlight and there was a modern building attached to the cliff that was almost blending with the wall, if not for her good eyesight, she would not notice it. "It was indeed a good hiding place." Duke only smiled when he heard her compliment. As far as Kisha could remember, this was not where Duke set up his base. She was wondering if something happened in this place or if it was attacked by mutant plants that he had no choice but to transfer his base to City B? Aside from mutant plants, this place is easy to defend against zombie hordes and attacks from humans. But this is none of the concern now, she bought the territory pack for this reason. She wouldn''t have to worry about the overall defense of the place within her territory, and now that she thought about it. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She hasn''t fully dived into the use of the territory pack aside from knowing about the subspace-type farm, orchard, and other facilities. She decided to do some experiments once they settled down. She nodded in agreement with her decision. Duke parked the car under a huge tree with wide branches providing shade for them. In front was a large open space and a little further ahead was the building. The building was ten stories high and its expanse was almost half of the place, which was tens of thousands of square meters. He did a quick scan around the surroundings before looking at Kisha, seeing that she was in a good mood, Duke''s eyes turned gentle. "We have arrived. You can ask Hawk to lead you directly where the warehouse and check if your request has been fulfilled. After all, you''ll be responsible for the Defense and Supply Management." Astounded, her head whipped almost instantly to look at Duke. "Since when?" "Just now." Duke gave her a challenging smile. "You up or afraid?" Her eyebrows twitch in irritation as she looks at Duke''s sarcastic smile. "Bring it on!" Duke chuckles. "Don''t worry, you can do whatever you please and order anyone you like." "You said it, no takebacks." Kisha smirked, there was an evilly playful glint in her eyes. "Hmm." He nodded. When she stepped out of the vehicle, Hawk and Vulture were already waiting by the door. Hawk stood straight, puffed out his chest, and said while wearing a salesman''s smile. "Let''s go Ms. Aldens, I''ll lead you to the warehouse." She nodded and instructed Vulture to bring her family to their room to rest. She scanned the place and noticed Duke with a grave expression on his face, rushing to the building. She silently followed Hawk to the right outermost corner where a bunker-like building was standing tall. It was located in a secluded place surrounded by a cliff. "008, scan the surroundings for people where we''ll pass later. Let me know if you pick up signatures different from the people with us" During her brief exchange with 008, Hawk did a retina and fingerprint scan before putting in the code, after a careful process, he pushed open the twenty to thirty-foot-tall automatic iron door. A loud mix of noises from different animals was heard the moment the door was opened. Kisha placed her attention on the stimulated animals, they were all so noisy that it gave her a headache. She took a closer look and noticed that there was no food or water placed for them, she looked around and found no one taking care of the livestock. She waved her hand and placed all the livestock in her territory subspace. "Where are the supplies?" She asked in a hurry. Hawk led her to the innermost part of the room and there was another big iron door separating a different room from where the livestock were located. He performed the same security check before they were able to enter the room. The second room was two times bigger than the last and was brimming with boxes of supplies of different categories. Kisha''s eyes lit up after seeing the amount of supplies they had and started planning its uses and management. But before she let herself be consumed with excitement, she stored all the supplies in her inventory, straightened her posture, and strode back to the building. There was something she needed to confirm. Chapter 28 - 28 Territory Pack Kisha rushed to the building but no matter where they go, they can''t find anyone. There was an ominous feeling bubbling in her heart the longer she walked around the building, in the end, she decided to head and seek Duke. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk led her to the conference room where Duke was having his call with his subordinates. Kisha pulled the nearest chair and sat, she waited for his call to end before she asked. "Care to explain what''s going on?" Duke was silently thinking with both his hands intertwined under his chin. His frown could squeeze a fly in between, he doesn''t seem to hear Kisha''s question because his brain seems to have come to understand some possibilities of a certain situation. Kisha repeated her question only after she had gotten his attention. Snapping out of his spiraling thoughts. Duke answered. "The convoy that was supposed to bring my family here has been intercepted. And we have lost contact with them. Including Tristan." He exhaled deeply and continued. "My people have been looking for clues around. But because of the chaos outside, our network has been paralyzed." "When did it happen?" Kisha inquired. "Last night, I presume." Kisha remembered that Duke mentioned that he couldn''t contact Tristan anymore. She then fell into deep contemplation. If her memory serves her correctly. Duke has never mentioned his family in her previous life and not just that, she could not remember seeing Tristan, Hawk, and the others. Not even once. ''Could it be?!'' "Do you at least have a clue where they were before they disappeared? Or did Tristan leave any clues? Any rendevous location?" Duke tried to think again to see if he missed some important information or clues. Aside from the last text message Tristan sent him at dusk, nothing else could be used as a clue. "I have sent my people to the last known location to investigate." He appeared downcast as he spoke. "I have a suggestion, do you want to hear it?" Kisha said, neither cheerful nor hopeful but informative. Duke stared at her for a full minute before he nodded. "Send Sparrow to investigate." Sparrow who was silently standing on the side, was jolted in nervousness as to why he was called. Kisha continued when she saw Duke''s probing gaze and looked at Sparrow. "Have you noticed some changes in your body like getting better eyesight during the day or night?" Sparrow deliberated in his head before he nodded in confusion. "I have seemed to feel that way." He looked nervously at Kisha, wanting to consult something, he only continued when he saw her nodding in his direction. "I can also feel my footsteps getting lighter." "Which means?" Duke stared at Kisha, probing for an answer. He had a conclusion in his head but he needs to confirm it with Kisha. "This change is the indication of his talent and gift." "His awakened ability?" "It is greatly associated with his awakened ability. Talent and gift are perpendicular to awakened abilities, but not all awakened have them. It is highly likely linked to a person''s potential." She pointed at Sparrow. "In his case, he awakened the wind ability and was also gifted a hawk eye, which compliments his talent in reconnaissance." Understanding her point and what she wanted Sparrow to do, he answered. "If that''s the case, it is indeed our best choice to send him without alerting the enemies." Sparrow was wondering when he mentioned his awakened ability to Kisha? But unlike him, Duke had an epiphany about Kisha''s ability. He did not pry any more than necessary and directly agreed to send Sparrow out on a mission together with Vulture as a safety measure. He has many enemies and this is sure a great chance for them to strike, his expression doesn''t look angry but inside his head, he was already planning how he would skew and torture his enemies so that they would regret that they did not die out there and instead decided to provoke him. He was not called a tyrant for no reason. Feeling his growing blood thirst, she tapped his shoulder and consoled him. "It''s better not to have any news than having bad news, doesn''t it?" Seeing the worry in her eyes and the gentleness in her voice, his bloodthirst dispersed and he returned a smile to assure her that he was now feeling better. But they did not stop getting busy, they quickly sprang into action to check all possible locations where they could be hiding. A lot of possibilities and outcomes had already crossed inside Duke''s head, his brain was running a few miles in seconds and Kisha felt bad for him. She knew that this must be the tragedy that happened to Duke in her past life. She did not pry much about it because Duke never wanted to reminisce about his past that much, he would always try to avoid the discussion when the topic was brought up. Who amongst the people who survive the apocalypse does not have a tragic life? Everyone has, and she fully understands it but she doesn''t want Duke to experience the same tragic end he had experienced before, this is what she owes him. She is determined to help Duke find and rescue his family, so she asks 008 to look for an item that can be used to track people without concern about the cost, she would keep the item aside for emergencies. 008 understood how much sacrifice Duke made for its host that''s why it did not oppose the idea even when it knew how hard it would be to gain those points back and immediately went into action in searching in his vast sales channel. After leaving 008 in charge of the item, she excused herself and let Hawk lead her to her room, not forgetting to remind him to keep her updated about the investigation. Once she felt Hawk''s presence getting further, she closed the door and made sure that it was locked before she turned to her system interface. She opened her Territory pack, and what greeted her was a holographic version of the mountain and vast forest, floating in front of her. She felt the novelty of the futuristic and magical vibe it presents. She savored the feeling for a bit before she started studying it, she could zoom in and out of any place she desired and the infrastructure was very life-like, so she poked it a little, right after her action, a notification popped up. [Do you want to place the territory in the chosen location?] Just below the message were the buttons. [Accept] or [Decline] After clicking accept, the interface showed a loading page and just after 5 minutes, the holographic map showed a green flag where the building was and it was surrounded by a dome-like grid that expanded to the whole valley which is a hundred thousand square meters in size. She then tried to click the green flag and another option showed. [Territory Management] [Territory Upgrade] [Relocate] She giggles like a child as she busied herself getting familiar with her new toy. As time passed by, her brows started to crease in dissatisfaction. It turns out, that her subspace facilities did not offer 100 acres per facility but it will start from 1 acre and will only increase little by little through an upgrade. So what she saw before was the fully upgraded version and if she wanted to upgrade it over 100 acres, then, she needed to buy the territory upgrade that cost 500,000 points. "So that''s what it meant when it says upgradable?!" She mumbles through gritted teeth. But she could not do anything anymore since she already bought it. She then clicked the Territory''s status window again. [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] 1 acre of land (subspace type - upgradable) 1 acre of pond (subspace type - upgradable) Full 1 acre Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - upgradable) Full 1 acre of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) Full 1 acre of rainforest (subspace type - upgradable) Poultry (subspace type - upgradable) Full Pigpen (subspace type - upgradable) Full Cow shed (subspace type - upgradable) Full Show more ... As she scanned through the interface, she noticed that some facilities were full so she checked the upgrade requirement, and she was relieved to see that it only required 1000 points to upgrade to level 2, so she upgraded the pond first and was instantly infuriated when it only increases to 2 acre after the upgrade and it was still showing full! In the end, she used up 100,000 points to upgrade all facilities needed. [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] 1 acre of land (subspace type - upgradable) 15 acres of pond (subspace type - upgradable) 10-acre Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - upgradable) 15 acres of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) 1 acre of rainforest (subspace type - upgradable) Level 12 Poultry (subspace type - upgradable) Level 13 Pigpen (subspace type - upgradable) Level 15 Cow shed (subspace type - upgradable) Show more ... She inhaled and exhaled deeply as she tried to repeatedly tell herself that it was useful and no need to be stingy with points. Once she had fully calmed down her aching heart, she started looking at the holographic map to decide where she would place the facilities so that others could help her tend to the livestock. After forming a plan in her head, she started to get busy again while waiting for news from Sparrow and Co. Chapter 29 - 29 Work Allocation A knock called her attention from the territory management. She thought it was Hawk who came to report the update from Sparrow''s investigation, so she immediately went ahead and opened the door. However, who greeted her with a smile was Emma, who was standing with Eric and Ethan. They both have an amiable expression on their faces, without waiting for her to speak, Emma said. "Hi, Ms. Aldens! Eagle led us to our rooms earlier and told us to go directly to you to know our post." Emma had an indescribable feeling swirling in her eye and she kept staring at Kisha''s right jawline. Kisha was confused by her emotional gaze, then she minced Emma''s words and thought that it must be because she was worried that she''d have to do heavy work, it is indeed worrying for someone who grew up in an affluent family to suddenly start working around the base. She sighed. Before she stepped out of her room, she glanced out the window and realized that it was dark outside, which meant, she spent at least a couple of hours fiddling with her territory and missed checking on Keith. Knowing that her little brother would be fine, she faced the task at hand first. "Hello, Mrs. Evans. I apologize for the delay, I was supposed to be the one to call for a meeting for the work allocation the moment we arrived, instead, you even came to remind me. Please forgive me." Kisha said neither overbearing nor humble. Visibly flustered, Emma answered without knowing where to place her hands. "Wha-what are you talking about Ms. Aldens?! We heard that you had an important matter to attend to earlier, besides, we were able to rest because of it. So you did us good." She knew that her actions of staring could make anyone uncomfortable that''s why she was feeling a little embarrassed. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She knew that it was weird for her family to easily accept what she said about Kisha being their missing daughter without prior investigation or proof, but that''s how desperate they were. They''ve been looking for Eve for 16 whole years without any result. All they knew was that she was kidnapped from the school gate, and every trace was wiped clean. They used all possible means to look for her but still, everything was for naught. They almost lost all hope, until she saw Eve, she had an uncanny similarity with her and her husband as well as the three little star birthmarks on her jawline arranged in a triangular shape. If only there was a way to do a paternity test, they would do it right away so they could easily explain it to Kisha. But until then, everything is just their speculation. But Emma was so sure that Kisha was Eve, her maternal instinct told her, and because of this little hope she would sometimes get overwhelmed by how much she missed her little princess. She wanted to hug her, spend time with her, and do other things like a normal mother and daughter would do. That''s why she would always look at Kisha with longing and pain which she knew could make Kisha feel uncomfortable. Emma was pulled from her trance by Kisha''s cold and indifferent voice. "Thank you for your understanding, Mrs. Evans." Emma controlled her pounding heart to calm down and repeatedly told herself to approach Kisha little by little and let her feel comfortable in her company. "Just call me Auntie." Kisha neither agreed nor disagreed and just smiled a little. "Please call everyone and head to the conference room, I''ll be there in a short while." The quiet Ethan found a chance to speak. "Where are you going? Would you like me to escort you there?" "No thank you, I''ll just check on my little brother." Ethan''s smile froze and turned into a depressed look, he also wanted Kisha to call him brother affectionately but the last time he did, he was shot down right away. He is eager to spend time with his little sister however, he is also afraid to scare her away and thinks that he''s a weirdo. Ethan was in a dilemma for the first time in his life, he had never once felt the need to please anyone before, so he was unsure of what to do to get closer to Kisha. He was racking his brain for an answer when Eric stepped in with a smile, enough to ease the little awkwardness in the air. "We''ll wait for you in the conference room then." He then nudges Ethan to leave with him while supporting his mother to follow them. Kisha somehow finds Ethan''s fidgety look a little cute and an unconscious smile surfaced on her lips. After the trio disappeared in the corner, she launched the territory interface, zoomed in on where she was standing, and started searching for where Keith and her grandparents were. ''This feature is really cool, I can see the miniature version of all the people inside the base and see what they were doing....'' An image flashed in her mind the instant she finished her sentence. And she then slapped her forehead, this is clearly stalking, and doesn''t that mean that she can see what everyone''s doing, including their private affairs? Kisha''s face heated up in embarrassment the moment the thought hit her. ''This feature is banned!'' Kisha decided to only use this feature when absolutely necessary, or else, she''ll see something unmerited. Her hair stood on end and felt like something was crawling on her skin. ''This is kind of scary!'' After composing herself and putting the embarrassing thought in the back of her mind, she went back to her business. In order not to spend too much time checking each person''s identity and whereabouts, Kisha clicked the search bar on the upper right corner of the map and typed Keith''s whole name, and an arrow appeared on the holographic map which was also displayed in real life, so she directly minimized her map and just followed the arrows around the building. This conveniently helped her locate Keith, and soon she was standing in front of the door. Just before she opened the door, the doorknob turned and her grandpa stepped out, followed by her grandma. She craned her neck to peek inside but the room''s dark so she could only see Keith''s outline and hear his even breathing through her heightened senses. Grandma Martha held Kisha''s hand in a comforting manner and said softly. "You don''t have to worry dear. Keith''s fever has died down and he was just sleeping now. Your grandpa also helped him change to a new set of clothes." Kisha smiled. "I know Grandma. I was just here to check on him and to call you guys for a meeting." Grandpa Victor saw his granddaughter''s calm demeanor, and he smiled as he urged them. "Let''s go then." Not before long, they arrived at the conference room, everyone was present aside from Hawk and Duke who were busy at the moment. Kisha observed that the spacious conference room was halfway full, with the attendance of the Evans and Blythes families. She walked straight to the very front where Eagle was standing guard, her grandparents sat at the very back of the room. She first introduced herself and her position in the base and asked everyone to introduce themselves, right, the very typical first-day class introduction if you must say. After figuring out their previous jobs, she decided on their positions, Ethan was obviously placed to train the newbies and guard the base''s perimeter alongside her Grandpa Victor, Elios was tasked to work in the mini hospital, Eliot was in charge of cooking together with Mrs. Evans, Eric together with Mr. Evans would be in charge of supply distribution and allocation And last but not the least, Grayson, Anna, Gretha and Melody will be working on the livestock. But of course, Kisha would still need to overlook their jobs through her system interface which was connected to the territory. This reminded her of a game she played on her senior year where she could slowly build her village and turn it into a city through repetitive upgrades and commanding each person to do certain work or task to increase the city''s exp. "What was that game again? Right! Medieval Dynasty." She thought and continued with the discussion. Chapter 30 - 30 Work Allocation 2 "Why do I have to work with the stinky animals?! Are you perhaps targeting me?!" Melody said in outrage, she felt that she was demeaned by Kisha for putting her in a filthy place such as pigpens and the like. Kisha paused her discussion with Eric and turned to Melody who was red from anger. "Then tell me what can you do Ms. Evans?!" Her cold voice permeated the entire place. "There are other places you can put me to work. I can be Duke''s assistant." Kisha let out a cold chuckle that could send people''s hair standing. "Do you think, we are still in a society where being a CEO''s assistant is good enough to put food on your table?" Melody was wearing an arrogant look, thinking that Kisha was afraid of her getting close to Duke by being his assistant. "What''s wrong with being his assistant? Are you afraid?" She gave Kisha a challenging smirk. Eagle on the other hand was giving Melody a mocking gaze, as if he was looking at a stupid girl who was still living in her own world. Kisha withdrew any form of smile on her face, her blank stare made Melody feel not just uncomfortable but scared. She started to sweat but she didn''t want to back down. Kisha''s voice and aura turned a few degrees colder which made everyone in the room suck in their breath. "First of all Ms. Evans. You''re not here as a guest, so you can''t choose what you want and don''t want to do. Second, you don''t have any other admirable traits in survival or other house chores. Third, food is not free so if you want to eat, then work and learn to follow your superior. Fourth, you can''t even take care of yourself and yet you want to be Duke''s assistant? Tell me, if I threw you out there would the zombies spare your life just because you can play the piano or would they watch you dance?" Melody was fuming for being humiliated in front of everyone and the worst part is, not a single person from her family said a thing to defend her. If eyes could kill, Melody had already killed Kisha multiple times. She started to skin Kisha alive in her head and said. "According to your logic, I am so useless, so isn''t it better if I just serve as an assistant to Duke so I could learn a thing or two?" "True, you might learn something if you follow him. But we are now in a time-constrained environment where every second counts. Farming and growing animals are most important. So, don''t you think that you''ll be very helpful if you just do the task assigned to you?" "How dare you treat me, the only Evans''s heiress like this?!" She emphasized the word heiress, not wanting to recognize Kisha as her sister. "Hmmm. You are indeed the Evans''s heiress, but this is not your company or home. So don''t use that crap on me." Kisha deflected. "YOU!" Melody said with gritted teeth, her hands balled and her nails digging to her flesh. "What?!" Kisha lazily raised her brows and continued. "If you''d like, there''s another solution." Melody did not answer but still waited for Kisha to continue. "You could just leave. Go to any base or evacuation center, there, they will treat you with respect and they will not ask you to do any filthy job unbefitting your position. How about that?" Melody disdained Kisha for being barbaric and unsophisticated but she hated her even more for always getting in her way in getting close to Duke and for trying to take her family''s attention from her and now, she''s even sending her to a filthy place to work. She really wanted to go up there and give her a double-sided slap on the face. Melody''s face contorted in an unsightly manner because of her uncontrollable rage, even Emma could not take it anymore. "I''ll just exchange positions with Melody, Ms. Aldens." "Mrs. Evans, I have put everyone in their respective position considering their previous jobs and strengths as an individual, which I think will be helpful with the base. But if you wish to take her position instead, I will not interfere. I just wish she''s not going to pull anything stupid or be a hindrance in the kitchen." Emma''s face flushed red, she had nothing to retort. Even she found her daughter Melody narrow-minded in this situation. She could only bear the responsibility for her as her mother and avoid direct confrontation between her two daughters. She was indeed caught between a rock and a hard place. Yet, Melody did not appreciate the gesture and just snorted. Thinking that she would teach Kisha a lesson sooner or later. "I just came by to have a look, but I didn''t expect to witness this." A very cold voice reverberated throughout the conference room, everybody was equally nervous but Kisha was lazily looking at the person who spoke. "We are almost done with the meeting, if you have anything you would like to add, please do so." "Hmm. I left you completely in charge of this matter. If there''s anyone who doesn''t want to listen to your arrangements, just throw them out to fend for themselves outside." His gaze lingered on Melody as he reiterated it word for word. Hearing Duke''s words that were aimed at her, Melody quieted down and tears started to fall from her eyes like a faulty faucet. "I''m sorry Duke, I don''t want to cause trouble. I just wanted to be of use to you." Her tears pulled Edward''s heartstrings, as her pitiful appearance and choked-up voice as she apologized made him feel bad for his daughter, they raised her for so many years and doted on her. She was a pampered rich lady, and now she has to suddenly accept a situation where she has to do something she has never done before. He somehow felt dissatisfied with Kisha, feeling that she was targeting Melody on purpose. He glances at Kisha before stepping in to coax Melody and apologize to Duke on her behalf. "Duke, I apologize for my daughter''s behavior. I hope you don''t take it to heart, she was used to a carefree life so she hasn''t adapted to the sudden change and her stress level just led her to this." "Just take it that my daughter is being willful." Edward''s smile was strained. Kisha felt that she had gone too far by scolding Melody, it was true that she used to be the young miss of an affluent family and she wouldn''t be able to adjust in just a day. So she relented and let Emma and Melody change places since it would not hinder any of the base''s operations. And to also give them a little leeway for Duke. "All of us here were forced to accept what the world has become, if we are going to wait for some people to adjust, we''ll die from the zombies that never stop a second to find their next meal." Duke looked around and observed each person''s expression without missing a beat. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "If you think, it is unfair for you to do the dirty work, you are free to go out there to gather your supplies and pay for your accommodations. We will not ask you to do anything else." Everyone''s faces turned pale, they knew how scary it was out there and they only survived by relying on Duke''s team to get here. If they go out there again to try their luck, who knows how they will die? Chapter 31 - 31 Anger The atmosphere was tense and heavy, but for Kisha, it was good that everyone was reminded of the danger. They are being complacent just because they have found a place to settle down. This tense atmosphere was interrupted by Hawk who came in a little later than Duke. With the frowning Duke, he could already imagine that some of the people in the conference room had rubbed him the wrong way. He accidentally made an eye contact with Eagle, if only eyes could speak. Eagle''s eye would have already said. "Do something!" Hawk cleared his throat to get Duke''s attention, and once he did, he whispered something in his ear that made Duke''s body turn stiff, he pursed his lips and the suffocating aura around him intensified. He eyed Kisha to follow him outside, feeling that it was a piece of important information, she followed suit almost instantly. And before she left the room, she gave Eagle an order to take care of the rest. When everyone thought that Eagle was a soft persimmon and was easier to deal with than Kisha, they started another bout of complaint and the room was in a moment of chaos, but Eagle who is a capable elite, did not take long to keep everything in order and did not care about anyone''s dissatisfaction. He did not argue like Kisha did nor intimidate anyone like Duke but his killing intent was plain and simple, he let his attitude tell everyone that he would not hear any of them and he just followed one man, and maybe, an additional woman. And Melody was not so stupid after all, they already heard Duke''s stance so if she continued to make a scene, there was no telling when they were going to kick her out so she compromised. She retreated to advance. "I apologize Mr. Eagle for my narrow-mindedness and for giving you trouble. I will follow your arrangement and will learn with all my heart. And I hope that you will not hold this against me." She smiled gently. Edward was glad to see his daughter going back to being sensible like she used to be and felt that he should take good care of her as much as possible. He subconsciously started comparing the sensible Melody to the cold Kisha and felt that the latter was too insensible. .... Duke led Kisha to his office, just like his office in Alpha Empire Corporation the big room had a black and wood theme which looked elegant and noble. The floor-to-ceiling window behind Duke reflected the dark and gloomy forest which added a hint of danger to the person sitting in the middle of the room with his cold aura permeating the room. Kisha took a big stride and sat on the sofa in front of Duke and waited for him to talk. "Sparrow had found a trace of the convoy." He exhaled and his aura turned colder before he continued. "He reported, out of the twenty elite guards. They encountered seven that turned into a zombie, those seven had severe wounds on their body and." He paused for a moment, trying to contain the heavy bloodlust and anger that wanted to come out of his body. And through gritted teeth, he continues. "Their limbs were intentionally broken while they were alive and were gnawed by the zombie as they struggled for their lives. They could hardly be recognized, if not for their dog tags." Hawk, who was standing behind Duke had a tense jaw, veins bulging in his forehead and jawline. His eyes are red but he refuses to shed a tear, the hands behind his back are balled so tightly that his knuckles turn white. He could hardly imagine how much pain and suffering his brothers had to experience to turn out like that. He could not erase from his memory how they looked like from the pictures, Sparrow sent just now. They all looked miserable, he could not imagine how much hatred the person who did it had for them. And because of it, they are more worried about the Old master, Mr. and Mrs. Winters''s whereabouts, and hope that they have yet to fall into the enemy''s hands. Kisha felt the need to say something to console Duke, but she could hardly think of anything to say right now. She had already accepted this kind of outcome in the apocalypse and many such occurrences happened in her past life, those who have evil minds weaponized zombies like this against their enemies and only strength can determine what''s right and what''s wrong. She sympathized with the victims but her heart was not big enough to empathize with all of them. That''s why, when it comes to consoling, she is useless. She and the Duke of her previous life, don''t need to console each other, they have a tacit understanding of one''s feelings and what matters is action, and that is where they are good at. She knew how much anger was burning in Duke''s heart right now and she couldn''t blame him. His men are all ophan that he chose and nurtured with his own hard-earned money, it has nothing to do with the Winters, and he treated them as his own brothers. [Ding....] She was brought back from her trance by the system''s notification [Successful purchase of Scarlet Queen Bee.] She was baffled by this transaction. "Host, I have found it!" "Found what?" Before 008 could answer, Duke received another report from Sparrow. He did not dilly-dally and quickly checked the content of the report only to find one sentence. But this sentence is enough to make him have a little hope and at the same time anxious. "Boss, we''ve found one survivor but he''s wretch." Sparrow seemed to be in a hurry to send the SOS signal to his boss for another instruction and only said what was important. He did not include any other findings about his investigation, since, they have no other traces or clues other than the survivor who was on the verge of death. Sparrow and Vulture did a quick first-aid but they were afraid to move the survivor thinking that it would aggravate his wounds. Duke understood their action and their meaning so he asked Hawk to call for Elios. Shortly after, Elios who was distraught was dragged by Hawk into the office, he did not know why he was brought in a hurry and sneakily. He was in the mini hospital checking the inventory and arranging his tools according to how it was in his hospital, it''s just to make it easier for him to remember their location and for his convenience. But who would have thought that he would be dragged without prior explanation, this is enough to make him think that something happened to Kisha, he remembered that Kisha was with Duke and Hawk, he was fidgety and anxious but when he entered the room, the first thing he saw was Kisha who was calmly sitting in the sofa like a willow tree that''s slowly swaying in the spring breeze, elegant and beautiful. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He let out a sigh of relief and composed himself. He turned to Duke and asked. "Is there something I can help you, Duke?" Duke did not say anything but instead, he video-called Sparrow and let him explain what was going on with Elios while showing him the wounds and status of the person. Elios did not waste a second and jumped straight to explaining and showing some samples using Hawk as a mannequin and letting Sparrow follow his every action. Hawk silently played dead as his body was moved from time to time, dressed his invisible wounds with torn clothes, and many other more. With the four people''s effort, they were able to put the survivor in the back seat of the car, secure his life that was hanging in a thin thread, and travel steadily back to the base. Chapter 32 - 32 Scarlet Queen Bee Hawk assisted Elios in the mini hospital to prepare the equipment that was needed to operate on the arriving patient while they kept in touch with Vulture to check on the vitals of the patient. Kisha wanted to go and help them do the preparation to receive the patient but was shoved out of the hospital to do her own thing. Getting bored of waiting, she sat at the bench and continued her conversation with 008 that was cut off earlier. Kisha relaxed her body, rested her right leg over her left leg, and asked. "So, now that we have time, was the thing you found earlier related to the notification?" "You asked me to find an item that will be able to track so I did." After 008 said this, it pulled the newly bought item out of its inventory. And a huge cocoon that was a little bigger than Kisha''s face appeared out of thin air, it was just floating in there. As if time had stopped, Kisha remained stationary until there was a subtle movement inside the cocoon and then a crack appeared and it slowly got bigger. When the crack was a finger long and two knuckles wide, a thick insect leg that was as thick as a child''s finger slowly crawled out of the cocoon and then a palm-sized Bee emerged and steadily opened its 4-5 inches wings. Kisha was shocked, the bee emerged a few inches away from her face and it was so big that it gave her a shiver. She subconsciously leaned back on the bench to keep some distance. The bee was just flying steadily in front of her, just staring at her, instead of the usual yellow and black stripes this Queen bee had an intense scarlet and black stripes and it had a big stinger the size of a fingernail. Even though Kisha was not afraid of insects, however, this size was still enough to make her hair stand on end and make her a little nervous. "Why is it staring at me?" Kisha asked 008 without taking her eyes away from the Queen bee. "It was waiting for you to complete the contract so you can establish your connection with it as its master." "Contract?" Kisha was confused and had never heard of this before. "Where did you even find this?" "Host, I found this from the Murim world and a contract is to form of bond between the master and contracted beast but for newborns, it is a form of imprint as recognition of their parents. And for this Scarlet Queen bee, it''s the latter." "Wait, what?!" Her eyes turned into a saucer, she did not know if she would be astonished for having a big insect following her or if she would be amazed that the bee would treat her as a parent. "Is the Murim world different from the World of Immortals where you bought the territory pack and the immortal pills?" "They are both from the higher realm but the World of Immortals is still a grade higher than the Murim, we could say that the World of Immortals is the end goal of everyone from the Murim World." "If there are grades in realms, does that mean that there are worlds the same as Earth that are only a few grades higher?" "Yes, although both worlds belonged to the lower realm, it is still separated by grade. And it is classified through resources. And since Earth is the youngest world, the resources we could gather here are still few and scarce." The person and the system have their own thoughts, having enough of being ignored, the Scarlet Queen Bee flapped its wings to make a sound to catch Kisha''s attention but Kisha was so engrossed in her own thoughts that the Bee had to do the motion multiple of times before it was noticed. It even pointed its stinger at Kisha to show its dissatisfaction with its owner for not completing the contract right away. "How do I complete the imprint?" Kisha asked. "The imprint has been completed, and the Scarlet Queen Bee has recognized you as its parent but if you want to be able to communicate with it, you have to form a contract with the Scarlet Queen Bee. So it will be your contracted beast." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s interest was piqued. "What would be the benefit of contracting a beast?" "In Murim World, they treat their contract beast as their companion and a battle helper. The stronger your contracted beast is, the stronger your overall battle score and the good thing is, if the master has good constitution and abilities, the more beasts they can control." 008 paused and continued after a while. "The only problem is, the higher the beast''s grade and level, the prouder they are because at that point they have already formed a consciousness similar to humans, also the purer their bloodline, the prouder the beast will be. They could already understand human language and speak. And because of it, they would either not submit to humans or they would be very picky." "That sounds troublesome." Kisha said indifferently as she monitored the bee''s every action. "Show me its status window." [Scarlet Queen Bee (Mythic Grade)] Level 0 Strength: 30 Stamina: 22 Defense: 16 Agility: 45 Mental Capacity: 29 Charm: 20 Leadership: 34 Skills: Stinger strike, Modify Description: A beast from ancient times that gave birth to Scarlet Bees that produces the scarlet honey that could strengthen one''s constitution and command thousands of its kind. Due to the honey''s miraculous effect on the martial arts practitioner and beast, it was hunted until none was left and was erased from the history of Murim. Kisha was surprised to see its grade and description, but it also proved how problematic this beast would be. Luckily they live from different worlds or else she would be the target of everyone. Hmmm. But wait, it shows ''Mythic Grade'' just now. Kisha stared at the status window for a very long time before she snapped out of it. Rather, she was pricked by the Queen Bee. Due to being ignored for a long time, the Scarlet Queen Bee became restless and just decided to prick Kisha using its stinger to complete the blood contract. An intricate Array formed under Kisha''s seat and a blinding golden light flashed from the array, soon the array floated in the air and split into two and entered Kisha''s head and the Scarlet Queen Bee. A light and sweet voice of a girl resounded in her head and said. "Master." Kisha felt amazed by the Queen Bee''s voice and when she compared it to how it looked, she somehow felt complicated. She tried to adjust her thoughts and feelings. "Why don''t I call you Bell instead? Your voice sounds light and nice, like the sound of a ringing bell in a spring wind, it is soothing." "I love it, Master! Thank you!" Bell flew around Kisha, creating a buzzing sound. This constant buzzing is irritating Kisha. "Alright, alright. Don''t be too excited and stay still." Bell stopped flying and rested on Kisha''s shoulder which made her very apprehensive, she felt her scalp tingles and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She was too conscious of Bell''s presence on her shoulder and her skin was feeling itchy. "Hmm. Bell?" Kisha''s broken voice sounds very uncomfortable. Before Kisha could say anything, Bell already changed her size to a thumb size Queen Bee which is more acceptable for Kisha. Seeing Bell become a little smaller, she felt her uneasiness calm down. She could accept this size even though it''s still a little bigger than a normal Bee, but for her, this is normal because in the apocalypse, animals, insects, and plant types will mutate and most insects will become bigger so seeing a thumb-sized bee is normal. "Then let us get into business, 008 did you buy Bell''s egg because of the description that states it can control thousands of its kind?" "Precisely host, you know me the best!" "But is the meaning of ''its kind'' specified as Scarlet bees or bees as the majority? If it is the latter then it is good for us, but if it is the former, that means we still need to wait for Bell to give birth to more bees before we can send out some drones." 008 turned silent as it realized the problem, it is true that if it is the former then they can''t immediately ask Bell for help and still need to look for other items to assist them later. it was getting nervous because 008 spent 200,000 points to buy Bell and was only left with 375, 000 points, it hadn''t told Kisha about his spending and was afraid to divulge it so it was planning to keep it a secret for a very long time. If 008 had a physical body, it would be sweating buckets now. Bell''s sweet voice interrupted their conversation. "Master, if there are normal bees nearby, I can communicate with them and ask them for help but my influence on them will be limited, however, I believe that it is enough to use as an information-gathering tool. We just need to be in a close proximity for me to receive their message." 008 felt relieved after hearing Bell''s words and a huge boulder was lifted from its chest. "Then Bell, do you know the exact range we need to keep so we will not lose contact with the bees?" "I can only communicate with them with the proximity of 250M as I am still weak. If it is Scarlet Bees then I can send them for 500M away from me." Bell explained as she tried to move her antenna to detect bees nearby. Kisha was still having some doubts because she did not know if the bees would have the capability to understand the basic instructions or how to describe what they saw or gathered. So she told Bell her doubts and worries. "I understand your concern, Master, it is indeed hard for the regular bees to describe what they see or to distinguish complicated things like intricate facial features but it is not impossible, and in five days time, I''ll have already laid my first hundred eggs and will hatch within the time frame but the Scarlet Bees would still be too young and needs to be nurse so we can''t use them yet but in the future, I can also project in your head the information they will send to me, so you''ll have a visuals." Awestruck, Kisha looked at Bell on her shoulder. "Sounds like a nice plan. I''ll leave this in your hands Bell." "Don''t worry Master. I''ll do my best!" Chapter 33 - 33 Roadblock Kisha was lucky that they are surrounded by a vast forest and a mountain so they don''t lack bees in the area. She let Bell communicate with them and win their trust. For the time being, they have a solution for the pressing matter which is a way to find Duke''s family. For the period that Kisha was communicating with Bell, someone silently sneaked behind her, like a shadow that blended with the night, without sound or presence. Kisha only noticed it when a warm breath touched the back of her ear and said in a teasing tone. "Here you are." His voice was deep with a hint of seduction and playfulness. Kisha did a quick turn and stepped back in a fighting stance with her right hand holding her ear. In that quick process, she felt strong butterflies fluttering in her stomach that''s sending electrifying bolts to her nerves reaching every end of her fingers down to her toes. "Duke, why are you acting so sneaky?!" Her voice was shaky and she felt her face and ears heating up but she kept her indifferent expression despite the contrasting feeling swirling inside. Part of her was flustered by his seductive voice but at the same time, she was indignant that she failed to detect his presence even when he was standing behind her. That could be deadly if it were in other places or other untrustworthy people. In spite of her rising anger, Duke found her little pouty lips cute, like a startled cat. He wanted to chuckle but he held it in knowing that she would be even more irked. "I''ve been walking in the corridor quite loudly and stood here waiting for you to notice me. You looked so serious and busy thinking and I was afraid to disturb your train of thought." Kisha was disgruntled, even when she was in deep thought, she never let her guard down and if what Duke said was true, she would have noticed him long ago. She squinted her eyes as she tried to pry more information from Duke but he pretended not to see her eyes and sat on the bench. "What are you worrying about?" He asked nonchalantly as he rested both his arms on the top rail of the bench. "Tsk!" Kisha rolled her eyes and sat beside him. "I was getting bored so I checked if they need some help here." Why would I let you know what I''m planning after you made fun of me? Hmph! I''m petty alright! .... "Sparrow, drive faster. His breathing is getting shallow." Vulture said in a panic. He was not only worried for his sworn brother''s life but was also concerned about the information he might know. He is their only lead to know where has the others gone to. "I''m trying!" Sparrow replied in frustration, it was already almost midnight but they were still far from the base. It was harder to navigate at night due to the scattered zombies on the road that would suddenly jump on them, in addition, they didn''t have Kisha to lead the way. They don''t have the foresight to know which road is less dangerous, so they will bump into trouble from time to time. Sparrow stepped on the gas pedal to increase their speed without minding the danger. All he could think was to get out of the city as fast as he could and they would have a much smoother way after. As he drove through the city road, he noticed a roadblock a few hundred meters away which alarmed him and he immediately let Vulture know. Vulture was his partner since they were young so they have a great understanding of each other without saying much. Vulture understood the danger they were going to face, so he reached out to the compartment and took out something. Seeing Vulture ready, Sparrow slowed down because it would be impossible to knock off the roadblocks on the road. They have to find a detour, Sparrow calms his nerves and scans the area. With his improved eyesight, he located a few heads that were slightly sticking out from the trimmed plants in front of the commercial building a few blocks away from them. He tried to estimate their number based on his visuals and he counted more than ten, they were outnumbered and even had a patient with them. So the two of them decided not to get out of the vehicle. As they approach the roadblock, the people waiting for the ambush start to move fast, except they are a bit clumsy with their movements. Sparrow and Vulture figured that they were more or less civilians so Vulture halted his action and they decided to wait for what these people were up to. At first, they decided to make their action decisive and swift but now that they realized that the enemy are civilians, they don''t want to make a hasty move and randomly kill people for their convenience. Sparrow played along and stopped the car a few feet away from the roadblocks. Successively, men of different body build and heights rush out and block them, each holding steel objects, and most had blood splattered on either their clothes or weapons. Sparrow and Vulture looked at each other and nodded. "Gentlemen, please don''t leave. We need your help, Our wives and children need help. Please have mercy." The man on the lead begged as he kneeled on the ground. Sparrow smiled amiably and asked. "What can we help you sir?" Upon hearing Sparrow''s kind words and amiable tone, the man immediately stood up, his eyes sparkling. "Sir, please let us borrow your vehicle and if you have some food, that would be great!" Vulture sneered and looked back at his comrade lying at the back. Seeing his pale face, he eyed Sparrow. Getting his meaning, Sparrow shook his head and said. "I''m sorry sir, we have a medical emergency and can''t leave the car and we have not brought food with us." He tried to be as civil as possible but after hearing his words, the man stepped back and pointed at Sparrow with trembling hands. "You! You have an infected with you?!" He looked back at his men and nodded his head to give them a signal. "You even lied about not having food, since that''s the case. Don''t blame us for using force!" The man thinks that since Sparrow and his friend looked strong, it was only right for them to give up their car and supplies to him and his men who needed to transport their family to a nearby shelter. The world has already turned out like this, they have fought tooth and nail to survive for two days and they are reaching their limit however, there are still no signs of the military''s intervention. They are angry and devastated but they need to survive so they decided to find the shelter themselves. Sparrow snickered at the unreasonable demand. He knew that trying to communicate with this kind of people would only waste their time, he already told them his stance but they did not want to back off, he noticed a lot of cars parked on the road then why did they not use those cars to run and instead decided to hijack someone else? They just want to make things easier for themselves, he also noticed the fresh blood on their clothes and weapons that did not belong to zombies, at first, he thought that they had no choice but to kill someone who wanted to kill them first but from the looks of it, they are just a bunch of unreasonable people who would turn to violence when things don''t go their way. The men standing in front all raised their weapons and charged at them, without waiting for them to reach the car, Sparrow drove reversly and made some distance. Vulture, on the other hand, rolled down the window, pulled the safety pin of what he was holding, and after considering the distance they had from the roadblocks he threw three hand grenades. Sparrow continued to back away and the men looked back at the things that were thrown in their direction before they could process what was going on, the grenade exploded. Half of them got caught in the explosion and their limbs got blown off, the other lucky ones who were able to duck or hide looked horrified. They threw curses at Sparrow. "Those crazy motherfuckers!" Regardless of how much hatred and curses they said, Sparrow already drove straight to the now open path and left them to their own device, and due to the loud explosion, it called forth the attention of the zombies from miles away. Realizing their disadvantage in the current situation, they started to scurry away. Leaving the wounded behind, even when they heard them howling for help, they did not stop running to their residences and locked the doors. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The unfortunate ones were soon crowded by zombies, they weren''t even given a chance to shout when they were chomped violently and tugged like a rag doll. Their hope was crushed as they experienced hell while they were alive and they could only bitterly regret causing trouble and being greedy. Why did Vulture and Sparrow decide to do such a dreadful thing? It''s very simple, they have a dying patient in their car and made sure to communicate it to the other party but they only think of their own interest, and in the process when he was speaking with the man, he noticed a red panty and gold necklace with traces of blood dangling in the man''s breast pocket and his covetous eyes did not pass through Sparrow''s detection hence, Sparrow and Vulture chose their own people and avoided being stuck for long, they could not directly drove away as these men block other roads to prevent their victims from running. Such vicious people need to be dealt with viciously to get a taste of their own medicine. All of this was heard and witnessed by Hawk and Elios who are still in a video call with them. Hawk on the other side of the phone could feel their anxiousness which is why he tried to maintain his calmness and continued to instruct them what to do, from time to time Elios would but in to ask about the situation of the patient. The four of them worked well together, Hawk remained as their anchor to keep them together and not drift far away from each other''s responsibilities. Because of this, Sparrow was able to safely leave the city and drive steadily towards the base. Chapter 34 - 34 10 Hours Prior At 2 midnight, Sparrow and the others arrived. Elios and Hawk were already waiting at the door pushing a hospital stretcher to the backseat. Elios carefully climbed into the backseat to firmly hold onto the thick towel that was placed under the patient and he instructed Hawk to slowly lift the other end of the towel. They worked together to carefully place the patient on the stretcher before they could wheel him inside the building to the operating table. Kisha and Duke silently supported the two men and prevented them from stumbling into any obstacles until they reached the operating theater. And since there was no active nurse present in their team, Hawk stepped up to take the position to assist Elios during the operation. This did not pose a big issue to Elios as he is the hailed medical genius in the Medical industry. He only allowed Hawk to pass him the needed tools and devices while he was operating, even before Sparrow and the others arrived, he already prepared all the possible tools and equipment he would need during the operation to lessen his burden and to prevent it from taking too much of his time. From anesthesia, blood suction, and suturing of the open wound, he performed everything as cleanly and orderly as possible. He remained calm all throughout the 12-hour operation and he kept steady and focused. During the operation, Duke and Kisha were anxiously waiting outside, they already sent Sparrow and Vulture to rest, so the long and dark corridor seemed gloomy which added to their anxiousness. They both saw how much damage the man''s body had sustained and his breathing could stop at any time, Kisha was already amazed at how tenacious the man was for holding that long. But he clearly lost too much blood and also suffered from internal bleeding any of his wounds were deadly on their own but he sustained all possible deadly wounds. He was only holding onto his life through his strong will to survive. It was clear that the perpetrator wanted him dead, he must have gotten hold of an important information so the enemy wanted to silence him. Duke and Kisha understand this well that''s why they are anxious for the man''s survival. They have yet to identify the survivor as he was covered in thick hardened black and human blood all over his body. If not for his uniform and the crest embedded in it that could hardly be recognized, would Sparrow and Vulture realize that he is one of them? .... Back to 10 hours ago. Sparrow drove to the streets they recently took to escape the city, according to Kisha, it was safer compared to the other busy streets and main roads. They did not waste too much time traveling and circled the last location they knew where the others went missing. Not wanting to get unwanted attention from zombies and people, they parked the car in a nearby parking lot in an abandoned commercial building and hid their car through the junk. Sparrow and Vulture both held military knives in their hand and an assault rifle with a silencer in their backs. They also brought military backpacks filled with water and dry rations with medical kits, spare bullets, and loaded magazines. Although they have awakened their abilities, Kisha told them not to be too reliant on their abilities as it consume their energy, so they have to use them moderately, especially since they have yet to master the control. Keeping this in mind, they move silently and swiftly through the streets. Eliminating two to three zombies on sight. They rarely rely on guns and only use them when they are faced with a big group of zombies or when they are fleeing. Repeating this process as they slowly move around to reach their target location. They exhausted two magazines each and were too tired to move so they decided to stop for a while and eat. "There, I think it has a great vantage point." Pointed by Sparrow as he tapped on Vulture''s shoulder. Vulture followed his finger pointing at a one-story toy store in front. The surrounding buildings are all old commercial one-story buildings located in the old commercial street on the west side of the city. This place was on the opposite side of the now-newly developed commercial streets which are full of luxury brands and high-end malls. The toy store has enough cover with the use of the big bear signage and there was a torn tarp placed on the flat surface of the roof, maybe the owner used it to cover the roof from leakage. The two circled and saw a 6-7 feet tall wall behind the store, Vulture used it as leverage to climb the roof of the toy store. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It wasn''t that hard for him to climb up the wall with a heavy baggage tied to his back but compared to him, Sparrow brings about a small windstorm enough to lift him up to the roof. He looked down on Vulture who was working hard to climb up with a taunting smirk on his face. Vulture was so triggered that he wanted to pull Sparrow''s feet and drag him down from the roof. ''This asshole! Not only did you not help me up, you even came to provoke me?!'' His nostrils flared up. With a heavy heart, he climbs up faster and once they have sat their asses off the roof, Sparrow surveyed the surroundings for any danger or signs. Once everything was clear, they ate their rations and rested for 10 minutes, after their quick rest, they left to go straight to the edge of the west district where the convoy was lost. "Is this really the right place?" Asked Vulture as he slowly took his step in an alert manner. "This is the last known location we found on Tristan''s table, even if they are not here. We could try looking for clues." Right after he finished his sentence he noticed a pool of blood outside a residential apartment''s side door. It was inconspicuous and he felt a loud thumb in his heart and gave him a premonition he did not want to see. He cautiously surveyed the place and looked around, indeed, he found one of the convoy''s vehicles that crashed into a telephone pole a few blocks away from them. They rushed to check but aside from the bloody seats, they found nothing, the people inside were missing. He saw dents and scratches on the armored car, he investigated and found a bullet stuck to the hinge of the car window. The bullets did not penetrate the bulletproof body and window of the car but they were cornered in the pursuit and were led to hit the telephone pole. They probably tried to maneuver but it looks like another car rammed them from the back based on the huge dent, preventing them from taking other actions. Looking at the traces left in the car, they probably used a sticky bomb as the left back door was blown off, and while the passengers were lightheaded and unsteady, they took the chance to stab them in tendons and stuffed their mouths to prevent them from committing suicide. Following the blood traces, they were most likely dragged down from the vehicle as they struggled violently, their joints were dislocated and broken if not, there would be no chance for the enemy to drag them out. These were all their deduction based on the traces left As they continued to follow the traces and type the report on their phone, they felt like they ate shit, their strong emotions are eating away at their rationality and they wanted to burn the place down. The pool of blood they saw earlier must be the place where they were dumped while they were barely breathing after the bout of torture. Sparrow and Vulture were not sure if they were tortured for information or for other purpose. With that much splattered blood on the floor and the chaotic scene, they must have been attacked by zombies and they couldn''t fight back, they deduced based on the scene but since their bodies were not there, they had a small hope that they might have crawled inside the building or rather, they made themselves believe that there''s still a little hope. Both of them dragged their heavy feet and entered the residential building. They just entered and they already met one, half his body was bitten off, to the point that his bones were in plain sight, and his face was half eaten showing a bloody skull and hanging eyeballs. Their poor comrade couldn''t even make a growling sound as he crawled to reach their feet because his jaw was dislocated and hanging loosely while his tongue was bitten off and the remaining part was churning up and down. The black thick blood slowly dripped. It was a hell of a sight that burned Sparrow''s and Vulture''s anger and hatred for the perpetrator. Chapter 35 - 35 10 Hours Prior 2 Vulture promptly dealt with his comrade by stabbing his military knife into his skull. As a form of respect for his late comrade, he firmly supported his falling head and steadily placed it on the floor, searched for his dog tag, and solemnly put it in his breast pocket with a raging fire eating at his heart he swore to take revenge on the culprit. Both of them were overwhelmed by grief and anger, and this was the very first time they felt so powerless. They tightened their grip on the knives, their knuckles turning white and their jaws tense from trying to rein in their rage to avoid clouding their judgment. They forced themselves to continue searching for others, each step they took felt so heavy, their hearts drowning as they followed the traces. The second trace led them to one of the residential doors on the first floor, both of them looked at each other, determination reflected in their black orbs, and then nodded at each other. No matter what they see here, they decided to do everything they could to move forward. Sparrow signaled to Vulture that he''d open the door, so Vulture nodded after Sparrow pulled open the door, Vulture quickly and cautiously entered the dimly lit room, he scanned the room and reached out to the wall near the door to turn on the switch. Once the light was on, he saw three dead bodies lying symmetrically on the floor covered by a thin cloth, so he took it off and saw that they were probably the three other men from the car earlier. They look a little better than the one they saw outside but not that much better. He knocks at the side of the door to inform Sparrow that the room is clear. Sparrow entered, shut the door, and locked it from the inside to prevent anything or anyone from attacking them from the back. After that, he strode straight to the three men lying on the ground and inspected their wounds. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He saw that they were the same as their comrade outside, they were bitten all over their body and it was hard to recognize them anymore so he slowly searched them for their dog tags. After securing their dog tags, he stared at them for a while and nodded, as if he realized something. Vulture waited for him to explain what he found out, soon, Sparrow''s solemn and hoarse voice sounded in his ears, asking. "Didn''t Tristan and the others went over to support the convoy?!" Vulture looked up to think and he nodded. "Yes, he brought everyone from the base to assist the madam and master." Soon after, he realized what he was implying and went out to follow his lead. Straight away, they fought the zombies they saw along the way in search of the people who respectfully ended their brother''s suffering and climbed each floor in caution. On the third floor, they saw traces of fighting and bullets stuck on the walls, blood stains were all over the place so they carefully forced open each door to find more clues. On the last unit, before they were able to open the door, they heard low growls and grunts. With a heavy heart, they forcefully entered and dealt with the zombies inside. Like the previous situations, there are three more of their comrades inside but they are in a lot worse shape than the previous four. One of them had a severed arm, his tendons were cut off, gushing bullet holes in his body, and was knawed by zombies on every part. The other one has broken limbs, his throat was torn open from a bite and even his eyes were not spared and was eaten. The last one met a more tragic end than the rest, he''s barely able to move because he is almost only left with bones. Witnessing this tragic end, the two felt their chest heaving uncontrollably, and their whole body trembled. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn''t contain their bitter tears anymore and they sat on the floor as they silently mourned for their lost brothers. They cried for five whole minutes, they knew that crying would not achieve anything but they still cried to let out their grief and sorrow for their brothers. After they let their feelings take over, they felt a little refreshed and then collected themselves to start working. They gathered the dog tags and made sure to take pictures just like they did in the previous four and continued to type their report. Once everything was organized and the pictures were attached, Sparrow sent the report to Duke. Afterward, they left the room to head back. Sparrow''s head was lowered, a little dejected from everything they witnessed and because they failed to gather more information about the other''s whereabouts. In his peripheral view, he caught sight of red droplets towards the stairs and through closer inspection, it turned out to be a blood trail. They followed it all the way to the fifth floor, and then they stood in front of the utility room. They looked at each other''s nervous eyes and instantly entered, but they did not forget to secure the place. What greeted them was a bloody mess of a man who was bathing in his own pool of blood. His face was covered by dried blood together with knife wounds so they couldn''t recognize him, Sparrow stepped closer and squatted in front of the man to get a better visual. He notices his uniform with their squad''s crest embedded in his chest. He turned excited after finding out that he was one of them, but was also afraid to dampen his hope if he found out that he was already dead. Despite the turmoil he felt inside, he placed his index finger under the man''s nose and his other hand is feeling the man''s pulse. He was devastated when he did not feel air coming out of the man''s nostrils and his pulse beat. However, before he took his hands off, he felt a weak hot air coming from his nose. He was stunned for a minute and looked at Vulture, who met his eyes with wide eyes. Vulture could tell from Sparrow''s reaction that something was up. So he started to get anxious watching. Sparrow continued to check the man''s breathing and pulse for a whole minute. "He''s alive!" He yelped. In a panic, he fished out his phone from his pocket and struggled to text Duke with his trembling hands. "Boss, we''ve found one survivor but he''s wretch!" He made sure that the text was delivered, and then he sent out Vulture to get the car while he performed the first aid. He first took off the man''s clothes, including the pants, took some folded clean towels from the basket in the corner and slowly wiped the man''s body off of blood, he boiled water in the electric kettle from the mini kitchen located inside the utility room. Once the water was boiling, he took the biggest bowl he could find from the kitchen and put some water and mixed some hot water in it to continue to clean the man''s body. But he could not completely clean him due to the hardened blood so he focused on where the fatal wounds were and cleaned around it. His face has hardened blood but only has minor injuries so Sparrow let it be. As he performs the first aid, he continues to inspect the gravity of his injuries. He would touch his body from time to time to check if he had broken ribs or bones, and because of it, the man would let out a weak grunt that was as soft as a kitten''s purr. When he was almost done dressing his wounds, Vulture burst in, he was drenched in his own sweat. He must have sprinted from the residential area to the abandoned building where they left the car. "Is there anything I can do?" Vulture asked, not minding his fatigue. He was still panting and wiping his sweat using his sleeves. However, before they could talk more. Sparrow''s phone rang loudly, breaking the room''s silence. They look startled and look at each other. When he checked, he found out that Duke was video-calling him, so he promptly answered. Before he could ask Duke anything, the phone was passed to Elios. He immediately understood what Duke wanted him to do, so he explained the general situation of the patient since he was not a medical expert he could only describe his findings. Elios did not waste time greeting any of them and went straight to asking the status of the survivor and even asked Sparrow to slowly zoom in the camera around the patient''s body as he examined the wounds. With limited access to the patient''s body, he pulled Hawk to the floor and placed the camera on the floor leaning 90 degrees on Duke''s mahogany table. He slowly instructed Sparrow using Hawk as a model on how to correctly adjust the dislocated bones, how to effectively close the big wounds with their available medical supply, and many more. Making sure that they did not miss any procedure, he advised them to transport him using a thick towel that could support his whole body so that it would be easier later to transfer him from the car to the stretcher. Vulture made a makeshift cloth stretcher when he heard Elios mention it. After Sparrow completed all the necessary emergency treatment, they carefully placed the man in the towel stretcher, covered his body with a clean towel to prevent him from catching a cold and left the building in a steady but swift manner. And drove away to send him to the base. Chapter 36 - 36 I Trust You At 2 in the afternoon, the light in the operating theater turned green, soon after, the exhausted Elios came out with a weak smile. "The operation is successful, his life will be out of danger once he passes through the night successfully." He pinches the bridge of his nose and continues. "I''ll send him to the ICU for monitoring." His voice sounded weak and exhausted. Seeing Elios''s pale and exhausted face. Duke exhaled and felt a little relieved. "I''ll send Eagle to the ICU to assist, just let him do the monitoring and take a rest so you can run when you are needed." Elios did not turn down his good intentions and nodded at Duke, he came back to the operating theater to push out the man and wheeled him to the ICU together with Hawk. The man was bandaged up like a mummy, only his eyes, nose, and mouth were left visible. Even his hair was skimmed and there was a little blood stain on the left side of his head. He must have received some stitching in there too. Duke carefully observed the person lying on the bed that was being wheeled out, "He really does look wretched." Duke thought. The man looked pitiful as he lay there like a dead man, Elios even had to give him an oxygen mask to support his breathing and all kinds of monitoring equipment was attached to his body to monitor his weak vitals that could stop at any time. All these things are giving him a headache and did not know where to start aside from waiting. He knew that he had no time to wait but he couldn''t force his subordinate to wake up to extract some information that would lead to compromising his health when he was already like this. He massages his temple, he inhales deeply and exhales to try to calm his mind. He repeated it until he felt his headache subside a little and he intended to head back to rest but was soon pulled by Kisha to head into his office. He was puzzled as to what she was planning with that little head of hers that she looked so serious. No matter what she''s up to, he just lets her drag him anywhere without any reluctance or annoyance. He even kind of enjoyed her little touch and the feeling of trust that she had for him. He felt his headache disappear without a trace, her warm and soft hand gave him comfort that was reaching his chest. He wanted to bask in that warm comfortable feeling that he had never felt before, without him realizing that he was already smiling and looking at Kisha dotingly. So when they reached the office and Kisha turned to face him, she witnessed his affectionate expression that she had never seen before. She was beyond shocked and stared at him absentmindedly. He was beyond gorgeous when his eyes sparkled when he smiles, it was so captivating that it could suck you in and be lost in indulgence and his sexy lips were not just forming an arc but it was smiling with relaxed facial muscles which shows the sincerity behind that smile. He looked so handsome that even Kisha, who spent years with him was taken by surprise. She was swooned over by that smile, that face! She only saw him frown, angry and most of the time had an indifferent expression. Those are the expressions she''s used to seeing on Duke''s face, but lately, she noticed that the Duke in front of her did not align with the one in her memory. This Duke had more variety of raw emotions that he was willing to show than before. Somehow, she felt heartache for him, she did not know what Duke had gone through in her previous life before she met him, for him to end up so detached and unfeeling. "That''s where you are wrong host." 008''s childish voice rang in her mind. Bringing her to her senses. Duke was silently watching Kisha''s face change in a matter of seconds and he felt amused. The beautiful cold rose he had seen for the past three days had this cute side to her, and it was enough to tug at his heartstrings. His smiles turned even more affectionate. "What do you mean?" She asked confusedly and her brow raised subconsciously. "Duke was not that unfeeling like you believed him to be." 008 said as a matter of fact. "Is there something you know that I don''t?" She was interested to know what 008 meant, especially if it knew something that she didn''t. "I think you really are beyond saving if you have never noticed it." 008 snorted. Kisha was annoyed by the suspense and 008''s pragmatic information. "Spill it out." "Why would you even want to know? It has passed, so what''s the use?" You would only want to slap yourself if you knew. Of course, 008 has no guts to say the other half because it is afraid of angering its host. Kisha was so angry that she swatted 008 like a fly in her mind. So 008 turned silent knowing that he successfully annoyed Kisha. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even 008 did not know why he wanted to somehow give Duke justice even if it was already late, maybe out of all the people Kisha interacted with in her previous lives, aside from her family, Duke was the most sincere that''s why 008 was grateful to him and at the same time upset for his ending. He felt bad for Duke that Kisha had never realized his feelings for her. But it would only upset her if she found out how blind she was previously. It''s not that Kisha has never had any thoughts about Duke before but they were both broken inside out that she did not know how it would work for them, or maybe she was just afraid to ruin their existing close relationship. Seeing her brows creasing, Duke wanted to reach out to smooth it over but he stopped halfway, afraid that she would find him disrespectful or annoying, so he instead asked. "Why did you bring me here?" His voice was gentle and coaxing. It was so pleasant to hear that Kisha subconsciously closed her eyes for a moment. ''Speaking about a voice that could impregnate you coupled with that face.'' She cleared her throat and calmed her wild thoughts. "I was thinking that you might be worrying for your subordinate that was brought in." She took out a small bottle containing a blue fluid out of her pocket. "Since the operation is successful, you could give him this to speed up his recovery." Due to Duke''s excitement, he forgot his previous thought of not wanting to scare her and directly hugged her tight. " Thank you!" He did not know what else to say and could only show his gratefulness through actions, he inhaled her scent and he felt happier and calm. "You''re not even going to ask me what it contains or if it was legit?" She held both his arms and tried to twist her head to look at him He slightly shook his head and his hug became tighter. "No, I trust you." Kisha felt her nose and eyes sting, he had been always like this, even when they first met in this life, he still showed his pure trust. He always gave his absolute trust to her and never doubted her. In her previous life or the current life, he has never ever shown doubt. She suddenly felt bitter and angry at herself for causing his death. This feeling suffocated her to the point where she wanted to go back just to give her previous self a wake-up slap on the face. Her hand that was placed on his arms slowly moved to his slim waist to give him a hug. She tried to comfort herself by sharing his warmth to her body. Duke did not know what triggered her emotions to turn 180 degrees, but he could feel her mood turning for the worse, he wanted to comfort her and didn''t want her to be sad because when she was sad he felt his chest constricting like now, he felt helpless. So the two silently hug each other both have intense feelings swirling in their heart. From now on, she swore to make sure that in this life, Duke would have everything he would desire and she would do everything to make sure he would lead a happier life. She loves seeing his smile and his raw emotions. And she promised to be braver this time. Chapter 37 - 37 Control Yourself After calming down her emotions. Kisha felt embarrassed not wanting Duke to think that she was feeling his body and taking advantage of him. Her face flushed red and she avoided meeting his eyes. Duke chuckled as he enjoyed Kisha''s cute reaction, he had never felt happy being in close proximity to a woman, especially not being hugged. But this time, he could only wish for the time to stop as he enjoyed Kisha''s warmth in his arms and her scent that could calm him down but at the same time could trigger a reaction in his body. He ran his hands through his hair as he chuckled helplessly, he tried to control his raging heart with his raging desires. He strode straight to his leather chair and sat. He was doing his best to hide his boner. That''s right, he had a boner with a simple hug and it was visibly creating a tent on his pants. He was frustrated at himself. "Have I been abstinent for so long that my body had this kind of strong reaction?" He thought. He reached out to grab the water pitcher on the right side of his desk and poured himself some water to drink. He gulped down the entire glass of water in one go to calm himself. After recovering from her embarrassment, she watches Duke sit restlessly on his table while in deep thought and frowning. "Did I overdo it? Have I upset him?" She fidgeted as she thought to herself. Duke on the other hand felt really uncomfortable because his pants became so tight and his boner was not calming down and felt like it was about to burst anytime. He clenched his jaw as he tried to adjust his breathing. He closed his eyes to focus, but every time he closed his eyes, he remembered Kisha''s warmth and scent that it was doing the other way of his intentions. He turned to look at Kisha, his orbs became even more seductive. This was enough to stun Kisha, she wasn''t unfamiliar with this kind of look. She could clearly see an intense desire swirling in his eyes and it was enough to make her feel weak and her legs turning to jelly. She sucks in a mouthful of air, her eyes staring at Duke''s and her belly bottom churning wildly. She closed her eyes for a moment and opened it again, but this time, when she looked at Duke''s eyes, she could only see calmness as if the storm that was brewing before was just her illusion. She blinked a few more times but it was the same. "Was I just daydreaming earlier?" "I think, you should rest first. You have stayed with me all night to wait for the result. Since we can now ensure his survival and recovery. There''s nothing for you to worry about and can rest." Duke said as he smiled gently. Kisha nodded absentmindedly and headed back to her room. "I must really be exhausted that I started having wet dreams while awake." She shook her head in disbelief. After making sure that he had successfully sent Kisha out of the office. Duke sneakily went to the door to securely lock it and headed to his private room attached to his office to take care of his business. He headed to his bedroom made sure to lock the door and took all of his clothes off. He rushed to the bathroom to take a cold shower. He did not know what was going on and what was with his body''s strong reaction but he was already going crazy. He did not know that a simple hug could make him like this. He sent Kisha away because he didn''t want her to think that he was a pervert or was after her body, he respects her and that''s for sure. But this is not the first time his body has reacted this way about her, he still repulses women and it was proven when Melody was around. Logically speaking, he was a healthy man in his mid-twenties so it''s probably normal for his body to have reactions. But throughout his life, he was never attracted to any woman, he even disdained those who tried to crawl to his bed no matter if it was out of love, benefit, or other reasons. He refuses to touch any of them and would heartlessly send them off and would even embarrass them if they go out of line. He always sees them as annoying, but from time to time, he felt like he was seeking something and there was a huge void in his heart. This led him to feel his life so monotonous and bland. But he, himself did not know what is he seeking. That''s why he put all his energy into expanding his family business and nurturing his forces, resulting in his business empire soaring through the business world and becoming one of the leading forces in every industry he dips his fingers into. He led his family to another level of prosperity that his ancestors could never have imagined. However, instead of feeling disdainful that Kisha could play him at the tip of her finger with her influence on him, he didn''t even dislike it but instead was looking forward to it. He also saw that he had a strong effect on Kisha, he saw how she looked at him. Her expressions, just remembering it gave Duke a shiver that kind of felt good. Instead of calming down in the cold shower, his thing twitched and only became even more excited. Duke grunted in defeat and started to stroke his thing, he could only try to pacify his raging desire by using his hands. He closes his eyes as he lets pleasure reins in, and soon, groans of pleasure escape his lips, his left arm resting on the cold bathroom tiles supporting him as he strokes himself. When he reaches the climax, he feels his scalp tingle as if electricity runs through his every nerve. He let out a louder groan and his body arched forward. After a while, his heavy panting resounded in the shower accompanied by pouring water. He stared at his right hand. This was the first time he ever touched himself, he did not know that it would feel like this but it was not enough for him to get hooked, having said that an image flashed in his mind. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No! I was barely able to calm myself down!" He chases the thoughts out of his mind and brushes his hand through his hair in frustration. He shouldn''t be like this, it''s not that he dislikes it but he was afraid of scaring Kisha away and what if he failed to control himself in front of her, would she misunderstand him? He places both his hands on the tiled wall, letting the cold water run from his head down to his body. He forces himself to think of math problems, physics, chemistry, and other difficult equations that are hard to solve from the professor''s column he was part of. He makes his brain solve all those difficult equations and problems to extricate himself from any wild thoughts that might reignite his barely calmed desire. It took him two and a half hours before he could come out of the shower to sleep. Then he remembered the thing that Kisha gave him so he made a quick beeline to the ICU to meet Eagle and let him feed the solution to the patient. After delivering the item, he went back to his room to sleep. Chapter 38 - 38 Keiths Ability A relaxing wind blew from the open window, and the sound of the soft flutter of the curtains was calming to the nerves. Kisha inhaled the cold fresh air and slowly opened her eyes as she stretched her arms. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She took the blanket off intending to climb out of the bed but a strong muscular arm clung to her waist and pulled her even closer. Her back was greeted by a strong muscular chest, she wasn''t angry in particular but instead smiled affectionately as she slowly turned around to face the person behind her. "Didn''t you promise to walk in the garden with me every morning?" She pats his arm that was clinging around her waist. The man pulled her closer and kissed her cheeks. "Good morning my beautiful wife." He lazily opened his deep seductive eyes and met her gentle orbs. He felt contented with the life he currently has, opening his eyes every morning with his wife in his arms. He smiled dotingly at her. He caressed her stomach and gently placed a kiss on it. "Good morning my son." The blissful morning made Kisha involuntarily giggle and a wide smile plastered on her lips. She shared the same feeling as the man in front of her, contented and happy with the life she was leading. She is simply enjoying the time of her life. Despite her happiness and wide smile, she was still pulled back from her wonderful dream to her reality. Her blissful moment suddenly turned to displeasure. She opened her eyes to the dull ceiling of the base, she couldn''t even remember what she was laughing about in her dreams. She knew it was a really wonderful dream but she couldn''t grasp what it was and who the person was. The vivid voice and face she just saw and heard were suddenly enveloped by a thin veil, when she felt like she was about to remember the important part, she would then lose it. It was very frustrating and she felt restless, feeling that she was missing something important but did not know what it was. Not wanting it to affect her overall mood, she forced herself to push it at the back of her mind and quickly washed up to head down. As early as 6 in the morning, the Evans brothers, and Duke was already doing some stretches in the open field. Eric jogged straight to Kisha and greeted her. "Good morning Ms. Aldens. Are you out for a run?" Kisha only nodded at him and wanted to walk past him but he followed her. "May I run with you?" He looked at Kisha enthusiastically. Kisha doesn''t have the heart to turn him down when he is smiling innocently. Like what they said, No slap in the face to those who are smiling. Luckily, Duke walked to her side without saying anything and he just stood between her and Eric. His action was very natural and protective of her after he felt she was feeling uncomfortable. He was acting as if nothing had happened last night. Actually, he barely slept because he was having an identity crisis. The feeling of shame, mixed with self-reproach but at the same time, he felt alive. He was ashamed because his self-control didn''t seem to be as strong as he thought it was but at the same time, he felt alive since these feelings were new to him. Therefore, he decided to pay close attention to Kisha, however, Eric following Kisha around doesn''t sit well with his liking. It is undoubtedly irritating. The Evans brothers wanted to have time to talk to Kisha, to get to know her better, that''s why they are trying to find a common ground to talk about, yet, Duke is getting in between their quality time. The sparks are flying around whenever their gazes meet. The four were exasperated, still, they were well aware that they couldn''t beat Duke up. They tried to shoot a pitiful look at Kisha but she pretended not to see it so they just gave up and followed them from the back. They ran 5 laps circling the field when Keith came down with his grandparents and called Kisha with a bright smile. Kisha stopped running after hearing his voice and smiled back at Keith as she walked closer, followed by Duke. The four brothers were looking at Keith as if another cat had stolen their mice. They were shooting daggers at him with an unfriendly smile. "How do you feel baby brother?" Kisha''s doting smile was caught by the Evans brothers and they are jealous as hell. Their lips are twitching while they are trying to keep a calm facade. "I feel as light as a feather!" Keith looked down on his fingers that was squirming. "But sister, I don''t know what I can do yet." Kisha stroked his head and smiled considerately. "No rush. You just awakened and it will take time for you to get used to it. You just need stimulation or guidance to feel the changes in your body." The four brothers are clueless about the awakening and before they could have a chance to ask, Kisha urged Ethan to train her grandparents and everyone else. Kisha faced Ethan with an indifferent expression and said. "Ethan right? I''ll leave the civilian training with you, you can arrange the 2 hours training schedule every day." Ethan felt vexed, her expression changed so fast that the doting gaze she just had towards Keith was replaced by indifference when she faced him. He nodded at her and still smiled at her enthusiastically, thinking that it was his time to show Kisha what a cool brother she had, which was him. "You can leave this to me!" He puffed up his chest and patted it with vigor. Kisha just nodded and led Keith to the corner leaving them after she greeted her grandparents and told them not to overwork themselves. The difference in treatment, it wouldn''t hurt if the Evans brothers did not compare themselves to the Aldens. Kisha made Keith sit down in the grass and meditate to feel the energy in his body. Simultaneously, she checked his status window. [Keith Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 5 Stamina: 4 Defense: 4 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 20 Charm: 10 Leadership: 6 Title: None Skills: Phantasm Talent: Mind Manipulation Gift: None Ability: Mental Kisha nodded after confirming that he still had the same ability, however, it was only now that she found out that he had a talent for mind manipulation. So this was the reason why he had so much potential in making vivid illusions before. It was just, he wasn''t given time to develop. If he could master this, he would be an indispensable member of this base and be part of the top-ranking ability users. Kisha felt excited for Keith as she started to plan how to help him. She felt giddy but still did her part to guide him little by little on how to get used to the energy pulsing in his head and how to utilize the same energy to bring out his ability to create a small illusion of a rabbit. The illusion of the rabbit was blurry and in its 2D form. When creating an illusion, one''s creativity and imagination will be tested because they have to project what they create in their imagination into reality. "You''re doing great baby brother." Kisha cheered him on. "This is your first time making an illusion, and you can already make out of something. You have great control, you just need practice." She pat his shoulder. Keith was not discourage by the result and listened to his sister. And he continued to maintain the illusion for few minutes and released it when he is tired and meditate to recover a little of his energy. He repeated the process a few times. Duke was silently watching from the side, taking notes of everything Kisha said and pointed out for future reference. He has a strong intuition that he will awaken a mental ability. They continued to practice until 8 in the morning, Kisha wa called by Ethan and the others to head to the cafeteria to eat their breakfast and so they stopped their training and followed to eat. Eliot was busy in the kitchen preparing everyone''s food while Melody put the cooked food in the tray for a buffet style set up. She was not having a good mood that''s why Eliot let her to slack off in the kitchen and just ask her to transfer the cooked food while he did the rest. Melody noticed Duke entered the cafeteria, her eyes regained their glow. "Duke!" She wave at him and immediately took a tray and a plate to give him big servings of everything. Duke did not look her way, he followed Kisha, passed a tray and a plate to her, he would even ask her what she likes to eat and get a big servings for her. Kisha was looking at him and helplessly said. "Duke, I can do it." She glances at his plate that it still empty and glance at the food in front. She took his plate and get a servings of his favorite food and once she''s done, she places his plate back to his tray. Duke was over the moon being taken care of by Kisha. His smiling eyes betrayed his indifferent face. "Thank you." This was witnessed by Melody who, by now was seeting in anger. But no one paid her any attention, even the Evans brother were all paying attention to Kisha. Kisha seated with her family, on her left was Keith and on the right is Duke. "Is the patient awake?" Kisha asked before she took a bite of her bacon sandwich. "Yes, I''ll be visiting him after breakfast. Care to join?" Kisha nodded and continued to eat Chapter 39 - 39 The Patient is Awake Right after breakfast, Kisha let her family do their own task and she followed Duke to the ward. Yesterday, after Eagle fed the blue liquid to the patient, his vitals turned to normal in a matter of minutes. He was not sure what''s the thing Duke made him feed his comrade but it was miraculous. He excitedly called Elios to check on the patient, forgetting that Elios was just about to take his rest. Elios dragged his feet and headed to the ICU, however, when he reached the ICU and saw the monitoring machines, his exhaustion disappeared without a trace. He passionately checked the condition of the patient and everything was normal. He has a quick epiphany and slowly cuts off the patient''s bandage with scissors, his hands trembling with his unimaginable speculation. With careful inspections, he found out that the wounds left no trace at all. He could not understand what happened that led to this, he jolted from his seat and this sudden movement knocked the small bottle on the side table. The bottle rolled to the edge of the table and Elios''s attention was brought to it. He noticed the trace of the blue liquid in the bottle, he picked it up to sniff the remaining content but it had no smell, and then, he tilted it upside down to his mouth to have a taste. For some reason, he feels that it has something to do with the patient''s sudden recovery. Eagle who was watching from the side was shocked, he didn''t have a chance to say anything from Elios''s inconsistent movements. The moment the remaining drop of liquid entered Elios''s throat, he felt a refreshing feeling gliding through his throat down to his stomach and it immediately spread through every cell of his body. He felt rejuvenated and savored the feeling for as long as possible. Eagle uneasily asked. "Mr. Evans. Hmmm, what are you doing?" Elios did not answer his question, when he opened his eyes, he met Eagle''s eyes and returned a question instead. "Did you feed him this?" Eagle remained silent, he did not know where Duke got the liquid but he did know that this is an incredible thing that might lead to danger if known. He had forgotten to get rid of the bottle due to the turn of events and excitement. He remained stoic and refused to answer Elios. Elios understood his silence, he knew that he was stepping out of line. He also knew that Duke has a world-class research facility but what the liquid achieved was beyond what science can. But then again, a lot of unimaginable things are happening around them now so he can''t rule out miracles. Elios took out a sample of the patient''s blood took it to the small lab for research and left Eagle on his own. And so, Eagle reported what happened to Duke early in the morning. Back to the preset... The dying patient that was sent last night was now sitting on the bed. Looking incredulously at his boss with trembling hands. "How long have I been asleep? Was it years? Months? It can''t be days, right?" He started to weep like a child. "Did Tristan and the others save the old master and madam? I''m sorry boss, I''m so useless." His tears were mixed with his snot. "Are they alright?" Duke shook his head with a grim expression. Just seeing his expression was enough to make the man cry even more miserably. "Did they die? What about Tristan and the others, did they all die that''s why the boss is so sad? Am I the only survivor?" The man''s thoughts were running a mile per second and he imagined all tragic end the others met. Eagle who''s standing in the corner was secretly filming the patient with a playful smile. He was planning to show Hawk the embarrassing crying face of the Squad 1 captain. He knew that it was not a good time to do this but he couldn''t pass the good opportunity to have good material against the strict captain who gave him a lot of beating down during training. Duke pinches the bridge of his nose, a headache is building up in his temple hearing the ruckus. "Stop crying!" He snapped The man instantly stopped crying with a hiccup and hearing Duke snapping at his comrade, Eagle put away his phone gave the man a cup of water, and stood still at the side. "You''ve only been asleep for a night." Kisha explained. The man choked on the water and coughed his lungs out. "No. wa-wait." He coughs a few more times and adjusts his breathing before he continues speaking. "Only for a day?" He touches his body but he feels no pain so he sneaks a peek inside his clothes and there are still no wounds. "Then what happened to my wounds?" He remembered that he suffered a few broken ribs and bones, there were also bullet and knife wounds that were quite deep, and even his head was smashed by the back of the assault rifle of his enemy. He did not know how he survived such an ordeal. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke shook his head for the second time and glanced at Kisha, the man followed Duke''s gaze and assessed Kisha from her face to her temperament. "Doctor, thank you for saving my life. How did you do it, with advanced technology?" Kisha''s brows involuntarily raise after hearing him calling her doctor. "I''m not a doctor but you''re right with one thing. I did partly save your life." She paused and continued. "Anyway, that''s not important. Care to explain what happened to the convoy?" Remembering the chaos that day, he delved into his memory. They received a bizarre order from the higher-ups that day, from safely transporting the Winters family to getting drenched from the blood like rain. They did not receive any explanations, only the leaders knew what was going on. They only know not to get bitten by the flesh-crazed addicts roaming the streets and to detain their comrades if they suddenly fell ill and kill them if they turned rabid. Although they did not know the reason behind all this, they still strictly followed, especially the men in his squad. They treated Duke''s order as a creed. From the ancestral house in the suburbs, they circled around the city and stopped from place to place to avoid being followed by their enemy. However, they did not expect the earthquake and the rain to happen ahead of the expected time. They could only briefly tell the old master, Mr and Mrs. Winters that Duke gave them a mission to bring them to a safe place and to make sure they stayed in the rain. They had a hard time pacifying the masters but when they did, people started going crazy so they could only tuck the masters inside the car and for them to follow the plan. Unfortunately, their movements were sniffed by the opposition and they were ambushed near the border of the west district. He asked the assistant captain of his squad to request for backup and to be the vanguard of the convoy while he took care of the rear. He was taken by surprise by a pincer attack at a critical moment, two cars were cornered including his. His squad knew best not to stop and to continue to flee and shake off the tail. He fought back and tried to regroup with the passenger of the second car, but when they arrived. The four were left outside to be eaten by flesh-crazed bastards. They tried communicating with them but it did not work, something was not right with them. They don''t look like just crazy but they could not explain what''s wrong. They attack them physically but those people don''t seem to feel any pain as they continue to jump on them after being hit, they drag their four unrecognizable comrades inside the residential building. One of the four bites the one dragging him, so he accidentally let go of him but he did not have time to drag him again as the door was already breached so they continued to drag the other three to one of the units. They secured the door and could only make sure that the remaining three would rest in peace from their suffering and retrieve their body at a later time. He tried calling the convoy but the signal was jammed so they waited for the crazy bastards that were banging on the door to disperse. Regrettably, the one who was bitten started groaning in pain, firmly holding his hand that was bitten. The veins in his hands are turning black and the red blood turning coagulated black. He started panting and a trail of sweat formed on his forehead. As soon as the people outside dispersed after hearing a loud explosion outside, the four of them came out of the unit and headed for the door but when they opened the door, they were rained with bullets. One of them was hit so they headed upstairs instead. They did not have much chance to tend to their wounds when they were caught on the third floor. They started fighting in close combat, three men ganged up on him so he was fighting fiercely. His three men were caught and their limbs were broken and being played at just like what happened to their four comrades downstairs. He became even more fierce and ruthless with his attacks, however, he suffered severe beatings and wounds, and he was even shot by a pistol at a close distance. The enemy noticed that the person they were fighting was fiercely resisting and seemed to have no fear of death. They decided to retreat, but not before one of them said, "Our objective has been achieved. They will soon perish, and the wild animals outside are waiting to feast on them. Let''s leave them to their fate and move on to the meeting point." Right after the enemy left, he dragged his three men, one by one to the last unit to tend to their wounds but he noticed that there was nothing that could be used to dress their wounds. He could only grit his teeth and climb up the stairs to look for useful items. He reached the fifth floor''s utility room, but before he could do anything. He lost consciousness and was engulfed by the darkness. He thought it was his end. Chapter 40 - 40 Where to Look? "These are the only details I can recall before passing out," the man stated firmly. Duke was furious upon hearing about their experience, especially because they were unable to extract any useful information from it. The only clue they have is the one they already possess, and gathering more clues from the outside seems impossible due to the chaos in the surroundings. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist. He felt dejected. Kisha was watching Duke''s every action and expression, she knew that he was feeling down right now. That''s why she held his tightly balled fist. "Why don''t we gamble instead?" She stated in a confident tone. Duke slowly lifted his head and met her eyes, trying to understand what was going on in her head and to find an ounce of worry but there was none. "What do you have?" He asked, his voice was a little hoarse. "If I have to gamble, I think I know where they are heading. But I am not sure if your family will be there. It''s possible that we will only meet your enemy." Duke thinks for a moment since they don''t have any more leads. They can only try to gamble on what Kisha wants to do. He can only hope that they still have ample time and for his people to hold on a little longer wherever they are. He slowly nodded at Kisha to give his acquiescence and then looked at Eagle to gather his men to head to his office. The Squad 1 Captain climbed out of bed and followed Eagle, Eagle was stunned only for a moment and recovered after realizing that his buddy had fully recovered so it was only right for him to be present in the meeting. So they went out to prepare for the meeting and waited for Duke and Kisha to arrive in the office. When they are the only people left in the ward, Duke asked. "Is it alright if I ask what''s the thing you gave me last night?" It took her a few seconds to remember about the potion she gave him. "Oh! Do you mean the health potion? It is what people call an Elixir." She bought the health potion from a fantasy world where mages and dragons exist. So an Elixir is not uncommon but it was expensive. She did not let the patient drink the Elixir as he still had bullets lodged in his body. She was unsure of the potential consequences if she were to allow him to drink it immediately. She did not want to risk his life, so she waited until after the operation had been successfully completed. This ensured that the patient''s recovery would be seamless and without any complications. Duke doesn''t seem to be surprised anymore by what Kisha could pull out of her pockets. She could basically bring just anything unimaginable in front of them and it would still be completely normal for her. He didn''t ask where she got it, he believed that she would tell him when she was more comfortable sharing her secrets with him. Duke held Kisha''s hands and he led her to the office. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His sudden movement took Kisha by surprise and she was led by Duke just like that, when she recovered, she felt awkward to just pull her hand out of his grasp so she just let him do what he wanted. When they entered the office, the five men were already standing behind the sofa in a straight line facing them. Duke sat on the long couch and pulled Kisha to sit beside him, not letting go of her hands. Others in the room noticed their intertwined hands and smiled knowingly. The sight sent a chill down Kisha''s spine, and she subconsciously tucked a loose strand of hair that was getting in her face. The room was quiet, everyone was waiting for Kisha to speak up. However, Kisha was a bit slow to catch on that they were waiting for her to give them direction. It seemed like she only realized this when Duke was around, as he always seemed to throw off her rhythm. Only Duke has the power to stir her emotions. She could only attribute it to their long camaraderie. "Host, just admit that you had a crush on him." 008 teased. Kisha''s eyes widened. "Shut up! Stop making stuff!" 008''s childish giggle echoed in her head but 008 did not say anything else after. Kisha cleared her throat and rearranged her thoughts. "For starters, I had to inform all of you that we could only bring Sparrow and Vulture in this mission, aside from Duke of course." Everyone understood the importance of the mission and the need to maintain the base while the leader was away. No objections were raised. Without any further instructions, Eagle and Hawk volunteered to keep a watchful eye on the base, ensuring that no one was slacking off while waiting for their return. They would also continue to communicate with their other branches. Kisha shared her opinion and plan with the team, not leaving any information out. But for suspense, she chose not to inform them about Bell, not yet. It was announced on the radio and TV that the government had established an evacuation shelter in City C, which is the closest city to City A. However, based on her recollection, there was a group that had set up a private base in City B. If she pieced together everything she knew, she could only arrive at one clue. Duke in her previous life, took control of City B. At first, it puzzled her as he had other options within his territory, such as City A, the Valley they were currently in, or the farm. Both the Valley and the farm had a strong foundation for a good base, yet Duke chose to travel thousands of miles to reach City B from City A. It is highly likely that Duke''s family experienced a similar kidnapping incident in their past lives. It is unclear whether Tristan, Hawk, and the others were with Duke or if they went ahead without him. Regardless, she was aware of the outcome of the incident, but she had no means of knowing the specifics. In Duke''s past life, there were no companions such as Tristan, Hawk, Eagle, Vulture or Sparrow. Additionally, there was no one called Mr. or Mrs. Winters. So all in all, Duke probably met a devastating end and witnessed the slaughter of his people. This only proves why he never wanted to disclose information about his family or past to her. If she uses this as her guide, it means that Duke went to City B to search for or save his people. It is also possible that they met a tragic end in City A and fled to City B to start over again. However, since they were already in City A, they could only go and check City B. There are a lot of variables that are still unknown. Everything is just a deduction, but it was enough since they hit a dead end. Despite knowing where to begin, she wasn''t aware of their enemy''s strength or the exact location of their people. As a result, they could only move in small groups and play it by ear to infiltrate. Fighting their way to reach City B would be much more difficult, and a larger party would only attract attention from the enemy. Duke''s frown eased after he learned that they now had a direction. He looked at Kisha''s face, and his expression softened. He felt grateful towards her and realized that his burden was no longer as heavy as it seemed. He now had someone to share his burdens with, and the feeling of being protected from time to time felt good. Chapter 41 - 41 The Protective Duke "Sister! I want to come with you," Keith exclaimed, chasing after Kisha as she headed towards the vehicle, waiting for Duke and the others to finish packing up. Duke needed to organize tasks for his subordinates who would remain behind. Eric came over, his determination was evident. "I want to come too." Before Kisha could respond, Ethan interjected, "It would be beneficial for me to accompany you. I have combat experience and survival skills." He said worriedly. Kisha regarded Ethan with an indifferent expression. "Your combat proficiency is precisely why you should stay here. Your assignment is to train civilians and assist in organizing perimeter guard rotations, correct?" Ethan grasped Kisha''s implication, yet he couldn''t bear the thought of his younger sister confronting the horde of rabid zombies out there. Despite recognizing that she somehow has combat prowess, he couldn''t shake the belief that, as a woman, her strength might not suffice, and there could be situations where she would require assistance. This is only natural because he did not know Kisha''s level of skills and had not seen her engage in a fight but based on Duke''s trust in her, she would definitely have some skills of her own. Or she might be just a guide, just like her role in their escape through the city. Ethan was worried to death that he could not stop himself from thinking of many things while facing his sister. However, Ethan momentarily overlooked the fact that Kisha wouldn''t be alone. Duke and the other two, Sparrow and Vulture, would accompany her. While Sparrow and Vulture were on par with Ethan in skill, Duke stood at an even higher level. Ethan''s concern was evident, etched on his face, mirroring the sentiments of other Evans members nearby who harbored a desire to accompany Kisha, alongside her grandparents. Yet, they all understand that their presence might only burden Kisha rather than aid her in times of need, so they remain silent. Eric, being the eldest, understands that Ethan cannot leave his post. However, he realizes that he can step in, especially since he and their father work at the same place. Eric plans to delegate his responsibilities to their father and take on the role of protecting his sister outside."Then allow me to come with you," he proposed. Kisha''s eyebrow arched slightly as she responded with a stoic expression. "No." She remained uncertain and indifferent as to why the Evans always seemed so attentive and enthusiastic around her. Whether they sought her favor to speak up on their behalf or to lighten their burdens, she saw no room for negotiation. Yet, she found herself strangely at ease in their presence, almost amused, as she had never witnessed such a strong familial bond in the apocalypse, of course aside from her family¡ªa stark contrast to what she previously experienced with other families who survived together but ended up killing each other to continue surviving or for other reasons. The apocalypse often revealed the darkest aspects of humanity, leaving little room for genuine connections. Eric was taken aback. "Why?" She answered. "No time to babysit." She then faced Keith, her stoic face softening. "Baby brother, I can''t bring you with us now because it''s going to be dangerous. But I need you to stay here to train with our grandparents and to practice what I taught you previously." Kisha reiterated patiently. The stark contrast in treatment pained Eric and Ethan but they can''t do anything about it. They can only keep it to themselves because they have yet to reveal their connection with Kisha so it is understandable for her not to have the same patience with them the way she has for the Aldens. The silent Melody seized an opportunity to voice her thoughts upon witnessing her family''s discomfort with the perceived disparity in treatment. Eager to stoke discontent, she aimed to gradually sway them to her side. "Ms. Aldens," she began, her tone calculated, "considering the perilous nature of the journey with Duke and the others, wouldn''t you be the one potentially hindering their progress? Perhaps being babysat instead of contributing?" "Suppose you gained Duke''s trust through questionable means," Melody insinuated, her words dripping with accusation, "but is it not excessive to cling to him in such dire circumstances as now? In the chaotic world outside, caring for a woman''s safety becomes a daunting task. Wouldn''t going out to save his family require focus and resolve, rather than treating it as a casual outing?" Her meaning was unmistakable. Following the rescue of the Squad 1 captain, the gravity of the Winter''s family predicament became apparent to all. They understood the dangerous situation and the urgency with which Duke needed to act to save his parents. Melody''s insinuation weighed heavily on the Aldens and Keith, their expressions incense with the implications. Meanwhile, the Evans wore furrowed brows, their emotions difficult to discern¡ªwhether disappointment in Kisha''s perceived actions or genuine concern for her safety if she were to accompany Duke. Eric and Ethan bowed their heads in apology to Kisha on behalf of Melody. "Ms. Aldens, please forgive our sister," Eric began, "she''s still young and sometimes lacks the discretion to know when and what to speak and when to remain silent." Kisha, however, wasn''t swayed. "Ms. Evans," she addressed Melody sternly, "as a member of an esteemed family, why do you view others through such a tainted lens? Or perhaps that''s simply your nature?" Turning to Eric and Ethan, Kisha continued her tone firm. "Gentlemen, your sister is a grown-ass woman. Referring to her as young and attributing her behavior to immaturity and insensibility will only embolden her. While you may tolerate her actions as a family, do not expect everyone else to do the same. I will not tolerate it." Despite feeling a surge of anger for being called out, Melody managed to conceal her emotions behind a practiced smile. "I apologize, Ms. Aldens if my words came across as insulting," she responded smoothly. "My intention was genuine concern for your well-being. We''ve all witnessed what happened to our acquaintance and knew the dangers that await beyond the vast forest, and the thought of you facing such horrors is indeed unsettling." Melody''s words carried a veiled undertone of frustration, masked by her diplomatic demeanor. She refrained from revealing the true depth of her feelings, choosing instead to maintain an air of composure in front of the others. Melody adeptly downplayed her previous insulting remarks about Kisha''s relationship with Duke, as if she had never uttered them in the first place. Taking note of the softened tension among the group, Melody seized the moment to make her suggestion. "Considering the gravity of this task, wouldn''t it be wiser to entrust it to someone like my brother Ethan?" she proposed. "His skills and expertise could undoubtedly assist Duke in the mission to rescue his family." Melody''s primary objective is to prevent Kisha from spending additional time with Duke, as she harbors concerns about their growing rapport. Additionally, she views this situation as an opportunity to elevate her brother''s status and gain Duke''s trust. By positioning Ethan as a valuable ally in Duke''s eyes, Melody hopes to increase her own proximity to Duke. Ultimately, she envisions this strategic maneuver as a stepping stone toward reviving her family''s efforts to arrange a marriage between herself and Duke. Melody also sees an opportunity to counter Kisha''s accusation of her being insensible by flipping the narrative in her favor. She aims to portray Kisha as overly harsh and unfit to lead, highlighting Kisha''s apparent bias and inability to accept criticism. Through this strategic maneuver, Melody intends to sway others to question Kisha''s leadership abilities and rally support for her own side. Suddenly, Duke''s cold, stern voice reverberated from behind them. "Who are you to make suggestions and decisions on my behalf?" He approached and stood beside Kisha. "While Ethan is undoubtedly skilled, and a good candidate to fight through a wall of zombies out there.." S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Upon hearing Duke''s words, Melody''s selective hearing honed in solely on his compliment toward her second brother, leading her to believe that he had affirmed her earlier suggestion. Before Melody''s imagination could run wild, Duke continued with a firm tone. "However, it seems you''ve conveniently overlooked whose efforts and discerning decisions saved your entire family. It was Kisha''s." Without waiting for a response, he strode off, pulling Kisha along by the hand. She gestured to Keith and her grandparents to follow them briefly. Keith and their grandparents complied, standing by the window with visible concern etched on their faces as they watched Kisha. Seeing their worried expressions, Kisha couldn''t help but smile. "Don''t worry, little brother, Grandpa, and Grandma. I''m well-prepared for what lies ahead. When we return, I hope to find you all ready. Next time I venture out, you''ll join me." It was only then that Keith took a step back, promising his sister that he wouldn''t slack off. He vowed to diligently train his newly awakened ability. Their grandparents, equally determined, pledged to intensify their training efforts so they wouldn''t hold back or worry Kisha. After bidding her farewell, Duke signaled to Sparrow to drive. Kisha spoke up. "Should I take the wheel instead?" Duke replied, leaning back in his seat with his eyes closed. "No need." Sparrow continued Duke''s words to explain. "Haven''t I returned unscathed from the city filled with zombies? I''ve grown accustomed to maneuvering through the streets, even when they''re overrun with zombies. Navigating through such conditions won''t be an issue for me anymore¡ªI''ve picked up a few tricks along the way."Sparrow boasted. And so, they embark on their mission with a clear goal in mind. Chapter 42 - 42 The Farm Not wanting to be overdone by Kisha, Melody''s determination was also sparked. Although she was angry to see Duke''s physical contact with Kisha, she had no way of showing her discontentment. She places her effort in growing her strength and her influence in the base without alarming Duke and his people so she can eventually have a voice in the future. .... "Boss, the farm is just up ahead. Should we take a look or continue on our way?" Sparrow asked Duke. Kisha glanced over at Duke, the exhaustion evident in her expression. After three long hours of travel, despite her best efforts, she couldn''t shake the numbness creeping into her feet, while her senses dulled as her discomfort settled in, even affecting her ability to feel her own body. However, Duke remained steadfast in his position, seemingly unfazed by the journey. Sensing Kisha''s gaze, he observed her subtle movements as she attempted to alleviate her discomfort by massaging her leg muscles. "Why not take a break and do some stretches?" he suggested, acknowledging her need for relief. A subtle shift transformed Kisha''s usually stoic expression, her face briefly lighting up with a hint of warmth. Though the change occurred swiftly, Duke''s observant gaze didn''t miss a beat, capturing every ounce of her actions and expressions. Over time, he had grown attuned to Kisha''s subtle cues, and witnessing her moment of happiness energized him, strengthening his connection to her. Upon receiving Duke''s approval, Sparrow veered to the right onto a narrow mud trail hidden within the forest. The trail was so faint that it almost seemed nonexistent, making it challenging to discern amid the dense trees and tall grass. Describing the road as merely "a little bumpy" would be an understatement. As the car navigated the muddy terrain, it jolted and bounced intermittently as medium-sized rocks rolled beneath the tires. The relentless movement caused Kisha''s already numb feet to tingle intensely, the sensation creeping up to her gums, making them itch. With gritted teeth, she endured the discomfort until the numbness gradually subsided. Observing Kisha''s discomfort from the corner of his eye, Duke couldn''t help but let out a chuckle. Despite understanding her discomfort, he couldn''t help but find her expressions cute and amusing. In response to Kisha''s frown and side glare, Duke openly chuckled, unabashedly enjoying the moment as he watched her reaction. Resigned to Duke''s teasing, Kisha decided to ignore it and focused on finding relief. Gripping the overhead handle, she shifted her position slightly, lifting her butt off the seat. The sensation of pins and needles prickling her backside made her wince, but she persevered, determined to alleviate the discomfort. Observing Kisha''s attempts to find comfort, Duke burst into hearty laughter, clutching his stomach in amusement. Sparrow and Vulture, catching glimpses of Kisha''s glare into the rearview mirror, wisely avoided meeting her eyes, sensing her irritation. However, Duke remained unfazed by her threatening expression, his laughter continuing unabated. It would be dishonest to claim that Sparrow and Vulture weren''t tempted to sneak a glance because of Duke''s infectious laughter, a rare occurrence for their typically cold indifferent boss. Indeed, since meeting Kisha, Duke seemed to be breaking his own norms regularly. They recognized that Kisha held a unique power over him, capable of eliciting changes that others couldn''t. They knew that this wasn''t a bad thing. They smiled reservedly as they focused their gaze on the road ahead. After 30 minutes of navigating the rugged terrain, the silhouette of a silo and a barn finally came into view. Sparrow skillfully parked the car in front of a rustic cabin, and as they stepped out, Kisha swiftly stored the vehicle in her inventory. It had become her habit to stow away items after use, a precautionary measure born out of the uncertainty of what might occur next in the midst of the apocalypse. "Boss, I''ll go ahead and scout the area," Sparrow offered. Duke nodded at Sparrow. Taken aback by Sparrow''s quick escape, Vulture stammered, "I-I''ll, uh..." Unable to think of a plausible excuse, he blurted out, "I''ll just... take a quick whizz." As the words left his mouth, Vulture realized the awkwardness of his statement, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment as he glanced in Kisha''s direction. Such an excuse wouldn''t have been so embarrassing if there hadn''t been a woman present. Vulture sensed Sparrow''s intention to provide their boss with some privacy with Kisha. Recognizing this, he too made a swift exit, deciding to explore the interior of the cabin. As Kisha and Duke engaged in their muscle stretches, Vulture took the opportunity to inspect the cabin. Upon entering, his attention was immediately drawn to the sight of cigarette butts littering the small coffee table, alongside several empty cans of Monster energy drinks. Venturing further into the cabin, he noticed a few cup noodles scattered on the kitchen counter. The sight immediately put him on high alert; the noodles appeared relatively fresh, emitting a sour smell indicating they had been there for about 15 to 24 hours. He proceeded to the bedroom, confirming his suspicions as he observed the disheveled bed with a few bed sheets spread on the floor. In one corner, he noticed patches of blood staining the white sheets. He cautiously reached out to touch the dried blood, feeling its hardened texture and noting its dark, nearly brown color. Cracks had formed around the edges, indicating that it had been there for some time. On the opposite side of the farm, Sparrow observed multiple tire tracks at the alternate exit leading toward the forest road. Upon inspecting the garage, he noticed that the spare cars typically parked there were now absent. Hastening to the secret bunker concealed behind the garage, he meticulously examined each box. Satisfied with his investigation, he swiftly returned to where Duke was waiting. He approached to find Kisha and Duke engaged in a serious conversation, their expressions grave and tense. As Vulture joined them, he witnessed the same somber scene unfold before him. Before either of them could speak, Kisha abruptly departed, heading back in the direction Sparrow had come from. Sparrow and Vulture exchanged surprised glances, momentarily forgetting what they had intended to report as they watched her leave. Duke broke the silence. "It appears our people have arrived here. Most likely Tristan and the others." Once more, Vulture and Sparrow were taken aback by surprise. "Boss, how did you know?" Sparrow inquired, seeking clarification. "Upon reflection, it does seem probable," he added. "The lack of forced entry into the bunker and the missing firearms suggest familiarity with our operations. Everything else appears undisturbed." Vulture echoed, his tone grave. "Additionally, there are signs of recent occupancy in the cabin, and it seems that some individuals may have been severely injured." After Vulture spoke, he and Sparrow exchanged incredulous glances as a realization dawned on them. However, they couldn''t help but wonder ''How did Duke know these details when he and Kisha had not moved from where they had left them?'' Sparrow couldn''t help but voice his curiosity. "Boss, how did you know?" he inquired, noting Duke''s lack of surprise upon hearing their report. "Kisha told me." Duke said proudly. The two were thoroughly shocked and their curiosity deepened. ''Could Kisha have deployed drones to monitor their movements?'' Well, they weren''t far off. Kisha had indeed dispatched drones to keep an eye on them. Kisha dispatched the regular bees to meticulously monitor every move made by the two individuals. This was a deliberate test to assess the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the regular bees and to evaluate whether they could efficiently relay useful information through their connection with Bell. The regular bees, while small and inconspicuous, faced a communication barrier and struggled to convey what they observed in detail. They could only describe things using shapes or the simplest words they knew. Bell, tasked as their translator, found it incredibly challenging to relay this limited information to Kisha. Bell could only shed tears, wishing fervently for her colony to grow faster. Kisha and Duke collaborated, analyzing the information gathered by the bees and piecing together the puzzle. Duke''s familiarity with the area proved invaluable; with just a few details, he could discern what was happening. He shared his insights with Kisha, allowing them to form a comprehensive understanding of the situation. But of course, he chose not to divulge the involvement of the bees to Sparrow and Vulture. He savored the sense of exclusivity that came with being the first to know about this significant secret Kisha was keeping. While he knew that others would eventually discover it, the feeling of being the initial confidant held a special significance for him. A ticklish flutter warmed his heart as he contemplated the secret, his eyes forming into crescents as a smile tugged at his lips. Sparrow and Vulture could only stare in disbelief as they watched him. Not only were they left without answers to their growing curiosity, but they also witnessed Duke happily lost in his own thoughts. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The two had no choice but to suppress their curiosity and remain silent, patiently awaiting further instructions. Is this really their boss. Despite their respect for Duke, they couldn''t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for their former boss. It''s not that they dislike the changes in their boss, but seeing him in this light somehow left them feeling a pang of loneliness being single. They couldn''t shake the bitterness creeping in as they longed for a love life too. Chapter 43 - 43 Mountain Road Kisha went straight to the hidden bunker, she had no problem since the place was left open, she stored the remaining firearms in her inventory and made a quick beeline to the farm equipment that the bees saw nearby. There''s a complete tractor, pruner, and many other of large farm equipment. She knew that all of these would be very useful on her own farm and orchard. "Master, the whole farm is deserted, and no zombies are roaming around, do we continue to patrol the area?" Bell communicated with Kisha through their master/subordinate connection. "Yes, continue. We also have to test how long we can continue the connection with the regular bees." As if Kisha remembered something and she added. "How''s your newborn?" Bell''s antenna wiggled excitedly as she reported to her master, "Master, I''ve given birth to 100 healthy scarlet bees! Once they mature and start producing honey, I''ll share it with you." S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha chuckled warmly as she congratulated Bell. "Well done! You''ve certainly worked hard." "No, Master! It wasn''t!" Bell replied, thrilled that her master was concerned for her. Eagerly, she communicated with the regular bees on patrol to search for more useful items. After a quick walk around the farm, Kisha came back to where Duke and the others were. When she came to, she found Duke crouching near the steps in front of the cabin. "What''s up?" She asked, puzzled. Duke looked up at Kisha before showing her the small paper he found wedged in the crevice. "I found Tristan''s message," he said. Kisha read the message, which said: "Master, if you found this, I and the others successfully rescued the old master and the others. However, we are still closely tailed and some...". The remaining words were garbled and hard to decipher. It was evident that Tristan must have encountered an unexpected situation, prompting a swift escape after he stuffed the letter in a safe place. Duke''s eyes swirled with a mix of emotions, his shoulders tense with worry. Despite knowing that his family had been saved, he couldn''t relax, knowing they were still in danger. Kisha gently patted Duke''s shoulder, understanding the gravity of the situation and the urgency at hand. "Let''s not waste any time. We need to follow their tracks in the forest." And she took the car out of her inventory. Sparrow wasted no time and promptly hopped into the car, prepared to drive off at a moment''s notice. Vulture followed suit, already buckling his seatbelt in readiness for the journey ahead. Kisha felt a lump forming in her throat as she observed Duke''s vulnerable demeanor. Despite his facade of indifference, she sensed the turmoil of emotions raging within him. He carried the weight of worry for his people''s safety, yet felt powerless to protect them. With no one to confide in, he bore the burden of leadership alone, unable to display even a hint of vulnerability. Duke must have wanted to rush there to save his people but also had to think about the consequences it might bring to his remaining subordinate. So, through this conflict, Kisha stepped in and told them that they could go directly without warming their body inside the cabin or resting. While some might view their decision as reckless because nights are even more dangerous and the danger only intensified due to the threat of zombies, Kisha remained confident in her abilities. With her system in place and the bees on patrol, she felt assured that they wouldn''t be caught off guard by any potential threats during their journey. At present, zombies are the least of their concerns. These creatures had yet to evolve significantly and could be handled by ordinary people if they possessed the courage. However, the enemies pursuing Duke''s family were armed and well-trained, presenting a far more dangerous threat. Given the circumstances, Kisha believed that rushing to their aid and catching the assailants off guard would be a more strategic course of action than proceeding cautiously. Observing the confident smirk on Kisha''s face, Duke ceased his hesitation. Having spent considerable time together, he understood that Kisha was not the reckless type; she wouldn''t venture out without a solid plan or the confidence to emerge victorious. Soon, the group of four traversed the rugged terrain into the depths of the forest toward the mountains. Kisha attempted to consult the map, but the car''s jolting and trembling made it impossible for her to see anything clearly. She found herself practically bouncing in her seat. Her frown deepened, and she found herself regretting her sympathy for Duke at that moment. She longed for the smooth, flat road again, even if it meant taking a bit longer to reach their destination. The prospect of being jostled around and bruised all over was becoming less appealing by the minute. She felt as if her body were on the verge of breaking from the relentless tossing within the car. Witnessing her discomfort, Duke''s heart softened, and he felt a pang of sympathy for Kisha. He offered innocently, "Would you like to sit on my lap instead? It might be a bit cramped and hard, but you''ll endure less jostling than being strapped into the seatbelt." Kisha shot Duke an incredulous look as if he were a foolish pervert trying to take advantage of her. It was only then that Duke realized the unintended implication of his words. He attempted to appear nonchalant, but his racing heart betrayed the turmoil within him. The two people in the front seats were taken aback by Duke''s unexpected offer, exchanging a surprised glance as they caught sight of the awkward dynamic unfolding in the rearview mirror. Kisha locked eyes with Duke, finding only genuine concern reflected in his gaze. "I must have been reading too much into it," she thought, reassured by his sincerity. After being silent for a long time, 008 interjected with a mischievous grin. "Host, just admit it. You''re the one yearning for his touch, fantasizing about him thinking of you in that way," 008 teased, his words laced with playful insinuation. Kisha felt annoyed but she could only grit her teeth. "No need, I''ll just make it uncomfortable for you and take much space." She struggled to maintain a poker face, but Duke couldn''t miss the telltale flush creeping up her cheeks. Amused by her reaction, he couldn''t resist pushing a little further. Initially concerned for her well-being, his concern now mingled with a mischievous desire to tease her, spurred on by her evident embarrassment. "Don''t worry, I don''t mind." He added. "I mind, you know. Who in their right mind would sit on someone else''s lap?" She retorted. "What? I''m genuinely concerned that your body won''t hold up before we reach our destination. Besides, do I have time to treat you like a woman right now?" Duke said with a poker face. Kisha felt conflicted; while she recognized the validity of Duke''s concern, she couldn''t help but feel slighted that he didn''t see her as a woman. "Do I appear that unattractive to him?" she wondered silently. Feeling a sting to her pride from his apparent indifference, she clenched her teeth, unbuckled her seatbelt amidst the car''s jolts, and defiantly settled herself into Duke''s lap. Even Duke was caught off guard by her sudden move, his throat tightening with surprise. His arms seemed to act on their own accord, encircling her small waist almost instinctively, while his other hand found its place on her lap, offering support. The warmth of Duke''s hand on her back and lap sent a tingling sensation through her scalp, causing her to shiver slightly. Given Duke''s tall and slightly muscular build, the space felt incredibly cramped. His breath brushed against her neck, warm and gentle, sending flutters through her stomach and causing her eyes to involuntarily close. Duke, on the other hand, relished the sweet, pleasant scent emanating from Kisha. He felt her shiver, and this small reaction brought a smile to his face. However, not long after, he felt a familiar warmth coursing through his body, originating down from his navel. He could only curse through gritted teeth as he struggled to adjust his breathing and maintain his composure. Kisha now regretted her impulsive move and felt foolish for succumbing to her pettiness. She wanted to return to her seat, but Duke''s grasp tightened around her. "Stop moving," he whispered into her ear, his breath growing heavier. "Was I that heavy?" She thought. She wanted to look at Duke''s face, but his face remained pressed against her neck. She squirmed a little, prompting Duke to groan and pinch her waist. He couldn''t speak, his forehead veins bulging with strain. "Try moving some more and you''ll know the consequences," Duke grunted with heavy breathing. The two in the front exchanged a knowing look, realizing they were intruding on a private moment. They wisely raised the divider between the front and back seats, allowing Duke and Kisha their privacy, and returned their attention to their tasks. Kisha was about to retort, but then she felt something rod-like thing beneath her. Despite the fabric separating them, she could vividly feel the contours, leaving her speechless as a gasp escaped her throat. Her squirming stopped almost instantly, giving Duke some time to adjust his breathing as he hugged her tightly. But of course, the road did not give him time to adjust as the jolting and trembling of the car continued. Duke felt his thing grinding on Kisha, unable to control the unavoidable contact. Kisha felt her whole body tremble and she''s getting wet down there. ''So-so big!!!'' She tried her best not to let out a moan as it would only aggravate the situation. "This is the worst decision I have ever made!" She shouted in her brain. This torture lasted for a while until they exited the mountain road, Duke almost couldn''t hold himself from bursting through his pants. Luckily, he could last long while Kisha looked like her soul was sucked out of her. After seeing her state, Duke smirked triumphantly. Chapter 44 - 44 Disguise After quelling the storm of emotions provoked by the recent events, Kisha diverted her gaze from Duke as they journeyed along a smoother stretch of road, having exited the mountainous terrain. Now navigating the highway, they had shaved off 8 hours by cutting through the mountains instead of following the circuitous route along the highway. "We should take a break," Kisha suggested, her gaze fixed on the seemingly endless highway strewn with abandoned vehicles ahead. "Alright. Sparrow, locate a secure spot for us to rest," Duke commanded, his demeanor betraying little emotion. "Consider it done, boss," Sparrow replied promptly. His need for rest was palpable; the strain of relentlessly maneuvering through a zombie-infested road had taken its toll. With arms threatening to surrender and a leaden foot from the constant pressure on the pedal of the manual car, a break was not only necessary but urgent. Within a mere 500 meters, a gas station came into view. Sparrow skillfully drove the car to a halt at one of the fuel pumps. "Vulture, could you please check if there''s any gas left and refuel the car? If you stumble upon any spare containers, fill them up as well. We''ll pass them to Kisha later," Sparrow instructed. Sparrow swiftly exited the car, unsheathing his dagger in a fluid motion. With only a few steps taken, a zombie lunged towards him. "Eager to die, aren''t we?" Sparrow remarked casually as if making light of the situation. In truth, their location was swarming with over a dozen zombies, with more approaching rapidly. Sparrow''s movements were swift and precise as he dispatched each one with a well-aimed thrust to the head with his dagger, ensuring their demise with a deft twist of the blade to confirm that they were dead, a double dead kind of dead. His precision and agility enabled him to maneuver seamlessly through the throng of stiff, undead bodies, clearing a path with remarkable ease. The increasing mastery of his wind ability added to the mix, making him look like he was playing in the midst of the flesh-eating zombies. Meanwhile, Vulture had mastered the technique of conjuring earth spikes. With precision, he summoned a single spike that could impale a zombie, ensuring a swift death. "Quality over quantity," he murmured, driving his dagger into the nearest zombie with lethal accuracy. Outside, Sparrow and Vulture were fully occupied, exterminating any zombies that crossed their path. The scene grew increasingly chaotic and grim, with black blood spattering through the air and coating the ground, accompanied by the nauseating stench of decay. Inside the safety of the car, Kisha and Duke patiently waited for their companions to complete their task. The atmosphere was thick with an awkward silence, a stark difference from the usual tranquility they feel around each other like of the night. Duke found himself struggling with the tension, his throat growing dry as he cleared it nervously. Keeping his gaze fixed outside, he attempted to distract himself from the lingering warmth of Kisha and the lingering fragrance that enveloped him. Despite his efforts to push the thoughts away, her presence lingered vividly in his mind, refusing to be erased. He tried counting sheep while his eyes were tightly closed but from time to time, Kisha''s image would suddenly flash in his mind, disrupting his slowly calming mind so he would have to go back to square one. He lost track of time while dealing with his inner turmoil until Sparrow called out to him. "Boss, the gas station has been cleared, and Miss Aldens is resting inside the store. Why don''t you take a nap too before we continue our journey?" "Alright, I''ll take a quick nap. You guys better rest too," Duke replied wearily. As he trudged towards the store, a nervous knot twisted in his stomach. Kisha was already resting inside, and he couldn''t shake the uncertainty of facing her. He cursed his lack of control over his impulses, his lower half seemingly acting on its own accord. His initial nervousness morphed into frustration upon reaching the store and finding Kisha resting so peacefully, without a trace of worry on her face. He felt like a silly child, fretting over nothing. After a few deep breaths to calm himself, he settled down near Kisha, ready to spring into action if needed. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unbeknownst to Duke, Kisha and 008 had been conversing about the recent events. 008 playfully teased Kisha until she reached her limit and jokingly threatened not to upgrade him for a few days. 008 relented and refrained from further jests, realizing Kisha''s discomfort. In truth, Kisha was just as uncertain as Duke about how to navigate their evolving relationship. This was uncharted territory for her, and she found herself drawn to Duke in ways she hadn''t anticipated. Despite her initial reservations, she discovered herself growing fond of him with each passing moment. She unknowingly fallen asleep as she''s having her inner debate about things. The four of them took turns resting for a maximum of four hours before they prepared to continue on their way. As they were about to step outside, Kisha interrupted with a firm "Wait." She then retrieved a large suitcase from her inventory and motioned for the others to find chairs. Puzzled by Kisha''s actions, the three of them complied and found chairs to sit on. Though curious, they remained silent, waiting for Kisha to explain her intentions. Rather than providing an explanation, Kisha opened the suitcase to reveal an assortment of makeup and prosthetic elf ears, long noses, and other items. The three of them were not just baffled but also intrigued by her sudden actions. Unsure of her intentions, they looked at each other for confirmation, they had allies skilled in disguise among them so they are somehow familiar with what''s inside the suitcase. With silent agreement, they allowed Kisha to alter their appearances as she saw fit. Kisha spent a whooping 30 minutes on each person, because they had to wait for a little for the artificial skin to dry before she could cover it with waterproof foundation and makeup. She did not allow them to look at each other''s faces yet and let them dry their faces with mini fans while she takes care of her own disguise. In 2 hours, their disguise are complete and they changed into baggy worn clothes too. And when they had the chance to finally see each other''s faces. The three was beyond shock. "Who are you?!" Vulture exclaimed as he pointed at Sparrow who has a big open wound on his left cheek that seems to scratched the surface of a sand paper. It was a disturbing sight, as Sparrow not only appeared unrecognizable but also seemed pitifully worn out, clearly affected by stress. Even his hair seemed to be losing its vitality. "Vulture?! This disguise is both pitiful and eerie." He observed Vulture''s appearance, noting the numerous black bruises that adorned his face, he looked like a panda,. With scratches resembling those caused by asphalt, and traces of blood mingled with small stones still embedded in the wounds. Now that they knew who they were facing, they all turned their gaze to the tall Duke. His missing eye looked like it was dug out and it incredibly looked real, and every inch of his face bore scratches and bruises. The overall makeup was surreal, making him appear as though he''d endured the trials of life and death, emerging from the depths of hell itself. Despite looking pitiful, as if Kisha had intended to make him suffer, he also exuded a menacing aura, reminiscent of a demon ready to consume you whole. Kisha bore a large cut from her right eye down to her left cheek, crudely sewn together with thick black thread. Like Duke, she appeared both pitiful and terrifying. If one didn''t know them, they might assume they had a field trip through hell and back before returning. "Are we going for a trick or treat? This will definitely scare a lot of people and we''ll win the best costume awards," Sparrow joked awkwardly. "Miss Aldens, why can''t we disguise to look like different people and appear normal? Like those who do missions, they definitely don''t look anything like this," Vulture honestly asked, clearly unnerved by his own appearance. Kisha sighed and explained, "If we go out looking as we usually do, we''ll attract unnecessary attention and increase our enemies'' chances of finding us before we complete our mission. It''s because we appear unharmed and clean that others will try to target us. In this chaotic world, no one emerges unscathed when they flee. So, our current appearance is what normal people look like out there. Besides, Duke is so good-looking with a great figure that he''d surely attract a lot of attention in a crowded place. So, I had to add more wounds to make him appear as he does now." Hearing her explanation made Duke break into a happy smile, as if he could taste the sweetness of honey in his mouth. The two nodded in agreement. "So that''s why you two look more pitifully scary than us." But after saying that, Vulture came to a realization that they were not as handsome as their boss. He looked at Sparrow and felt relieved that he had more scars on his face, meaning he was a little more handsome than Sparrow. Chapter 45 - 45 Disguise 2 Somehow, Sparrow felt offended by Vulture''s gaze, so he kicked him in the ass. Duke had been staring at Kisha with a gaze dripping with honey, making her feel uncomfortable as her stomach churned. She cleared her throat to break the tension. Thanks to Sparrow''s sudden question, it pulled her out of her predicament. "But, I just wanted to ask, did you prepare this makeup material before the apocalypse happened? How come you conveniently have it?" "Oh! This?! My little brother Keith is an anime fanatic and has often gone to cosplay conventions since we were young. I often helped him make his costumes and apply his makeup, so I''ve gotten used to it. When we evacuated our place, I also took all our belongings, so this was among those things," Kisha explained as she reminisced about their past. "No wonder you''re so familiar with the tools!" Vulture quipped. The silent Duke finally spoke. "But why do we have to disguise ourselves now? Are we close to our target location?" He asked with seriousness. Kisha shook her head and said, "No, we''re still far from the target location. However, I think that we''ll soon encounter more people who are fleeing as well. So, we''ll have little time to disguise then. It''s better to be prepared ahead for a foolproof plan than be blindsided later on." Recognizing the wisdom in her words and the importance of avoiding trouble to reach their destination swiftly, Duke remained silent. His trust in Kisha was unwavering, knowing she had his back in every situation. As they pressed onward, Sparrow skillfully maneuvered their armored vehicle to the edges of the abandoned cars littering the highway, pushing them aside to clear a path. Thankfully, the sturdy construction of their armored car ensured it could withstand the impact without sustaining damage or scraping against other obstacles along the way. However, this method unavoidably prolonged their journey to escape the highway congested with abandoned vehicles. What would typically be a one-hour drive to exit the highway ended up stretching to two and a half hours. Considering traversing on foot as an alternative briefly crossed their minds. Yet, they quickly dismissed the idea due to the considerable amount of time it would consume, not to mention the inconvenience compared to traveling by vehicle. Therefore, Kisha decided to conduct a test by checking her territory. Upon realizing that others couldn''t see her system interface, she speculated that they likely couldn''t see the holographic territory she possessed either when she displayed it in front of her. If they could see it, it wouldn''t be a problem too because they were the people she could trust with her secret. She viewed this as a chance to experiment within the confines of people she trusted. Besides, she was planning to let Duke know of her system anyway but not now and she thinks that she doesn''t even have to spill the beans for him to figure out, he''s always that smart and observant but still, she would divulge it. She just had the feeling that Duke would appreciate it more if it came directly from her mouth. Unbeknownst to Kisha, Duke had been attentively observing every subtle change in her expression: every furrow of her brow, every flutter of her long eyelashes. Gradually, his throat grew dry, and his body warmed as if he were coming down with a fever. Sensing that another thing was acting up, he quickly averted his gaze and stared out of the window. He wasn''t sure if he had masochistic tendencies because, as far as he was aware, he didn''t. Yet, he couldn''t help but feel drawn to Kisha, triggering a mix of emotions within him that bordered on torture. As if, his abstinence over the years came crashing down on him like a flash flood, threatening to break the damn in a second. This strong pull he felt was doing wonders in his mind and body. He closed his eyes, attempting to refocus on the important matters he had set aside before all this chaos emerged. Seeking solace in his thoughts, he pushed away thoughts of Kisha, striving to regain mental clarity. Eventually, he drifted back to sleep. Kisha, meanwhile, had been engrossed in manipulating her territory, exploring its capabilities. It wasn''t until 008 notified her that Duke had been watching her, though he didn''t seem to notice anything unusual. She speculated that others might only see her territory''s system interface once they became her administrators, granting them authority to manage her territory but with restricted access. Now that she had a better understanding, Kisha discovered some amazing uses for her territory and its subspace farm. She realized that it had far more potential than she initially thought, leading her to giggle like a child with the realization that her investment hadn''t been in vain. As night fell, Kisha and her companions found a secure location to rest. Thanks to Kisha''s inventory of pre-cooked food, they didn''t need to bother with cooking. They simply ate whatever was available and settled down for rest. Sparrow took the first watch, keeping watch over them during the first half of the night, while Vulture would take over for the latter half. As Vulture settled in for his watch, Kisha suddenly snapped her eyes open, startling both him and Sparrow. Not only did Kisha open her eyes, but she also immediately sat up, triggering a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu for the others. They couldn''t help but recall the last time Kisha had reacted like this: it was when they were almost ambushed by a horde of zombies at the gasoline station while on the run. So, Sparrow and Vulture immediately became alert, scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. Kisha motioned for silence, placing a finger to her lips. "Shhh." Duke, now awakened by the commotion, silently moved closer to the door, his body low to the ground as he approached cautiously. Kisha retrieved her smaller katana from her inventory and crouched low to the floor, ready for any threat. Meanwhile, the other two positioned themselves near the windows, ensuring all entry points to the room were covered. After ten tense minutes of waiting, the room remained silent, but as the fifteen-minute mark passed, the door began to creak open from the outside. No one rushed in immediately; instead, a pistol was cautiously pointed into the room, its wielder assessing the situation before making any further moves. Before anyone could enter, Kisha had already concealed herself within the shadows cast by the shelf, adeptly melding into the darkness. Her eyes gleamed with the intensity of a stalking puma, poised to spring upon her prey as they drew nearer. Advancing cautiously, the figures outside took measured steps, their movements betraying apprehension. However, in a swift motion, Duke intercepted, pressing a dagger against the throat of the leading individual, while Sparrow and Vulture sealed off any chance of escape from behind. Emerging from the concealment of shadows, Kisha scrutinized the newcomers with keen observation. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Amidst the intruders stood a woman cradling a baby, drawing Kisha''s immediate attention. Her gaze swept over the group, revealing a mix of ages, from the elderly to the young. The man Duke had apprehended wore a black S.W.A.T. uniform, his hands raised in surrender. "Please, don''t hurt the civilians," he blurted out, the words tumbling from his lips in a rush, his tone desperate as he raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. He didn''t entertain even a moment''s thought that Duke might slit his throat in an instant. Kisha nodded at Duke, signaling for him to release the man. "Are you all survivors?" she inquired, her voice cold yet tinged with concern as she observed the weary and hungry faces of the newcomers. Kisha retrieved her large bag, originally meant to act as a cover for their supplies, and began distributing food to the group of the S.W.A.T member. Initially, reluctance lingered among the survivors, perhaps intimidated by Kisha''s group''s ominous appearance. However, the woman with the baby, driven by maternal instincts, accepted the provisions without hesitation, recognizing the necessity for her child''s well-being. Hence, the rest of the group followed suit, accepting the supplies from Kisha and hastily indulging in the food, wary of the possibility that Kisha might rescind her offer. It was only then that the S.W.A.T member, regaining his composure, responded to Kisha''s inquiry. "Yes, these folks are from a neighboring small town. I''m Fred." "Kisha, that big guy is ''D'' and those two are just his lackeys." Kisha introduced her companions herself, and upon hearing her label them as lackeys, Sparrow and Vulture felt like crying. "Where are your other team members?" Kisha asked, scanning the surroundings for any sign of additional S.W.A.T. personnel. Fred''s expression darkened. "They didn''t make it... I''m the only one left to safeguard the civilians and guide them to the evacuation center." "That''s indeed saddening, but you have to stay strong. These people rely on you, and you have to live for your comrades," Kisha randomly said just to create a rapport with Fred. "Thank you, Kisha," he replied with a grateful smile before adding, "Are you guys heading to City B too?" Kisha nodded. ___________ PS: Hello everyone! Apologies for the long wait. I''ve been occupied with , leaving me little time to work on other chapters for this novel. Starting today, I''ll strive to release a chapter regularly every day, aiming for two chapters if possible. Chapter 46 - 46 Do You Want to Help? "Great, why don''t you guys come with us?" Fred extended the invitation, not only out of gratefulness but also because he sensed their strength. He knew he couldn''t protect all the people with him alone, so he needed extra help. Although he never entertained the thought that Kisha and the others might be bad people, he remained vigilant. "Alright, I''ll consult with my group first to hear their thoughts on this," Kisha nodded. She and the others stepped aside, allowing the new arrivals some space, and gathered in a corner to confer among themselves. "We''ll be delayed if we travel with these people," Duke remarked, his brows knitted together so tightly they could have crushed a fly. He had overheard Kisha''s conversation with Fred and found himself in disagreement. He believed they would only become encumbered, especially considering their current time constraints. It''s not that he doesn''t want to help the civilians, but his hands are currently tied. Every second counts when his family''s lives are on the line. "I thought so too, but it would be easier for us to blend into the crowd to infiltrate our destination," Kisha explained, exhaling deeply as she considered all the possibilities that might go awry. "We can also help them get to the evacuation center faster if we work with Fred, and in turn, they will be our cover. That just sounds good to me," she concluded, weighing the pros and cons. "Just disguising ourselves isn''t enough to ensure that the enemies won''t be alarmed, potentially endangering your family," Kisha reasoned. "I share your urgency to get there quickly, but the lack of information leaves us blind on how to proceed. It''s best for us to tread as silently and securely as possible," she added, emphasizing the need for caution. "You''re right. I''m sorry, I''m getting impatient," Duke admitted, realizing the validity of Kisha''s perspective. His impatience had clouded his judgment. Sparrow and Vulture exchanged surprised glances, ''Boss relented. But more than that, he apologized!'' they communicated through their eyes. After their discussion, they rested, with Vulture continuing to keep watch over their sleep. However, another predicament soon arose. Due to the limited space, Duke and Kisha had to sleep side by side, causing them both to feel restless. Kisha became a bundle of nerves, her stomach churning with anxiety. She was hypersensitive to every movement Duke made, and every time his warm breath brushed against her skin, she couldn''t help but feel a knot in her stomach and her toes curling. Duke wasn''t faring any better. With Kisha in such close proximity, he felt an intense heat rising within him. Her scent acted like an aphrodisiac, stirring him up without any effort. He struggled to calm the raging desire within him, which was now creating a noticeable tent in his pants. But the situation didn''t stop there. An elderly woman lay behind Kisha, further pressing her against Duke. Unable to contain himself, Duke let out a muffled grunt in discomfort. Startled, the elderly woman apologized profusely for taking up too much space. However, neither Kisha nor Duke uttered a word in response. With Kisha now nestled in Duke''s embrace, her face pressed against his sturdy chest, she could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and the raggedness of his breath, as if he were struggling to breathe. She sensed that he was pressed too tightly against the wall, making it difficult for him to breathe, so she attempted to shift slightly to give him more room. "Don''t move," his hoarse voice whispered beside her ear. It sounded so seductive and inviting that Kisha couldn''t help but swallow the lump in her throat. "Are you alright?" Kisha whispered to Duke. "Would you help me if I weren''t?" His voice was hoarse, tinged with a hint of seduction and teasing. Kisha realized something was indeed wrong. Very wrong Duke tightened his grip around her waist, preventing her from moving as he buried his nose in the top of her head. Uncomfortable with her position, Kisha shifted slightly, inadvertently brushing against something hard, which elicited another muffled grunt from Duke. Her mind raced, unwilling to dwell on what that hardness could imply, knowing all too well what it likely was. Kisha''s heartbeat quickened as she attempted to look up at Duke, but his head remained stuck to her hair. She felt her face, along with her ears and neck, flush with the sudden realization. "Do you still want to help?" Duke didn''t miss the chance to tease, rather than being embarrassed for being caught in such a state, he seemed to relish it, finding amusement in imagining Kisha''s reaction. Despite the discomfort his body was causing him, he found a strange happiness in the situation. Kisha fell silent, realizing the seriousness of their situation, where others were still grieving and filled with fear about what the next day might bring, while they were... "Just shut up and sleep," she muttered, trying to redirect her thoughts away from the awkwardness of the situation. Duke did not know what happened to him but he seemed to have swallowed a ''shameless pill'' that he couldn''t give it a rest. "I''d sleep a lot better if you could... assist me... with this..." He said, boldly placing her hand on his abdominal muscles, teasing her as he slowly guided her hand downwards. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as she felt the urge to scold Duke for his shamelessness, especially given their current situation surrounded by others... ''But hold on. Why does that feel off as well?'' "Host, are you suggesting it''s okay to get touchy and lovey-dovey when it''s just the two of you?" 008 chimed in teasingly, but quickly retreating far into Kisha''s consciousness to avoid bearing the brunt of the situation. Instead of allowing Duke to persist in his shamelessness, Kisha pinched his navel, eliciting a wince and a grunt from him. Unable to help herself, she bit her lower lip as she pinched him firmly, using it as a means to punish him for teasing her and being shameless. Duke gently grasped her hand, the one pinching his navel, trying to coax her into easing up as another grunt escaped his lips, this time from the pain. He admitted that he had gone too far in teasing her, to the point where he almost lost control and acted on his impulses. So, being pinched was like his wake-up call. After Kisha had finished venting her anger on him, she closed her eyes. She decided not to dwell on anything else because it would only make her restless. Besides, after finding a comfortable position in Duke''s arms, Kisha realized how soothing it was to sleep nestled against him. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For the first time in a long while, she found a sanctuary where she could feel safe and truly relaxed, where she could forget about everything¡ªthe burdens, the sufferings, and every other emotion that gnawed at her rationality and sense of self. It felt as though she had stumbled upon an oasis after a long and arduous journey through the desert. Similarly, Duke experienced a profound feeling with Kisha sleeping in his arms, it felt so right. It was as though the elusive piece he had sought for so long had finally found its place. After banishing any impure thoughts, he settled into a state of relaxation and inner peace. The rhythmic sound of Kisha''s breathing and the gentle weight of her body against his own filled him with a happiness, so overwhelming it bordered on inexplicable. Though he couldn''t quite identify all the emotions stirring within him, he knew one thing for certain: in that moment, he felt contented in a way he had never experienced before. He felt complete... Without him knowing, Duke also drifted off to sleep, his hold on Kisha''s waist tightening as if he feared she might slip away, or perhaps he desired their two forms to merge into one. In response, Kisha instinctively snuggled closer to Duke, seeking solace and warmth in his embrace. Observing the intimate scene, Fred couldn''t resist posing a question to Vulture as he cleaned his pistol. "Are they a married couple?" Vulture, in the midst of taking a sip of water, was caught off guard by the inquiry, causing him to choke on the liquid in surprise. Fred only asked it to build rapport with Vulture but he did not expect him to receive a huge reaction. He noticed how Kisha and Duke flirted even when surrounded by unknown people, he even thought that they had a really good relationship but he also felt bad for them for sustaining such injuries that resulted in them being disfigured. Unable to coax Vulture into a conversation, Fred decided to rest as well. Exhausted from a day filled with relentless struggle, he lacked the energy to dwell on the possibility of Vulture and his companions posing a threat. Instead, he could only hope that they would be left undisturbed. If danger did arise, Fred resigned himself to the notion that at least he would pass away peacefully in his sleep, spared from a painful demise. As a seasoned S.W.A.T. personnel, Fred knew he shouldn''t succumb to such defeatist thoughts. However, the relentless strain on both his mind and body had reached a breaking point. He yearned for respite, to release the burden weighing heavily upon him. With a heavy heart, he allowed himself to drift into sleep, choosing to momentarily ignore the uncertain future that awaited them. Chapter 47 - 47 Sharing Supplies As the sun rose, everyone awoke feeling refreshed and well-rested. While most had experienced nightmares and restless sleep, Kisha and Duke slept soundly for the first time in ages, particularly Duke. He had never experienced such a peaceful night''s sleep without any dreams. It felt as though he had simply closed his eyes, only to awaken to the morning light. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brimming with energy, they both did a few stretches to ease their stiff muscles. "How do you think we should proceed from here?" Fred asked as he walked towards them, feeling noticeably better after a good night''s sleep. "It would be ideal if we could find transportation for all these people," Kisha suggested, scanning their surroundings. "But navigating through this highway filled with abandoned cars would pose a challenge," Fred remarked somberly. "We can clear a path for you; we just need to find a larger vehicle for everyone," Kisha offered. She couldn''t afford to travel leisurely with them, which is why she suggested opening the path, as that was their intended course of action anyway. "Do you really think it''s possible?" Fred asked, his tone laced with skepticism. His team had also been traveling in a S.W.A.T. truck, considered an armored vehicle, yet they had still encountered difficulties. The truck had gotten stuck, resulting in the loss of many comrades who were cornered. Fred didn''t want to dampen their spirits, but he knew from experience that navigating through a highway full of cars wouldn''t be as straightforward as they imagined. "I don''t think it''ll work out that easily," he added cautiously. "I know it will not, but it''s still better to give it a shot, besides, we are nothing but sitting ducks in the open with many non-combatants here." Kihsa gave a cursory look at everyone''s battered and defeated look everyone had. "This is our best bet to keep everyone safe because if we dilly dally here, more people will die from attacks that can possibly come from any corner of the highway, and when that happens, we''ll truly be stuck." Kisha shared her thoughts, she''s lived most of her life in a repetitive cycle of her rebirth and experienced all kinds of death that''s why she has learned that decisiveness and making sure that she''s a few steps ahead of the enemy works best. If she could take a hundred steps ahead better, but if not, she should at least have a backup plan. Fred''s intuition strongly urged him to stick close to Kisha at all costs if he wanted to stay alive. Although he couldn''t pinpoint any logical basis for his gut feeling, it had served as his guiding force, his silent protector, throughout his journey. It was the unseen hand that had guided him through countless dangers, and he trusted it implicitly, this is the reason he has survived this long. With a resolute nod, Fred conveyed their discussion to the group. Despite the fact that many among them hadn''t fully grasped how the plan would work, their unwavering trust in him was evident. This deepened Fred''s resolve to safeguard everyone to the best of his ability, instilling in him a sense of duty and determination to rise to the occasion. Before Kisha and the others could take a single step forward, a bulky man in his mid-50s stepped forward and stood in front of Kisha. "Before we head out, how about we eat something first?" he suggested, his gaze shifting between Kisha and her companions. Implying that they should share more food just like last night, Kisha couldn''t help but sneer. She was all too familiar with these kinds of people¡ªgive them an inch, and they''ll take a mile. Fred stepped forward to take charge of the situation. "Why don''t we search for food along the way? Let''s endure for a bit until we find something to eat." "But we are already so old, we won''t be able to last long if we don''t eat," he lamented, casting a worried glance at the others, silently rallying them to support his cause. He emphasized that it wasn''t just for his own well-being but for everyone. "But we don''t have anything now. We''ve used up all the supplies we gathered on the way here," Fred explained. In fact, none of them carried anything with them aside from the occasional stroke of luck when they found food in deserted shops and such. "Since we''ll be looking for food on the way anyways, why not borrow their supplies first then we can just pay it back after?" The man pointed at Hera and the others, he was eyeing the bulky bags they had behind them. "Uncle, we can''t do that. They already provided for us last night. You know how risky it is to search for supplies out there..." The woman with the baby interjected. She was grateful to Kisha and her companions for sharing their food the previous night, but she was also concerned about offending them. She had witnessed firsthand how swiftly individuals could transform amidst the loosening grip of law and order amid chaos. She harbored no desire to engage in conflicts, particularly with those who had shown her kindness. Even as others succumbed to immorality, she was determined not to follow suit. She was keenly aware of the old man''s intentions to exploit Kisha''s group. Having observed him consistently positioning himself in the safest spots and showing no hesitation to use others as shields. On multiple occasions, she had nearly fallen victim to his schemes, only for him to dismiss them as accidents caused by the chaos or other convenient excuses. "Look, if you''re content to starve, that''s your choice, but don''t assume to speak for all of us. I''ve been pushing myself to the brink, walking despite my joints protesting and hunger gnawing at me. If there''s a chance for us to eat and make it through another day, why wouldn''t I want that? Huh?" His words and expression seemed sincere like an old man trying to reason with genuine concern. Yet, the subtle flex of his arm muscles betrayed an underlying aggression. Observing the exchange, Kisha couldn''t suppress a soft scoff. She was all too familiar with hypocrites like him, scattered throughout that group and beyond. "As an elder, my foremost concern is the well-being of all. Consider this: amidst the turmoil that surrounds us, a guiding hand is indispensable. We require leadership, a unifying force to navigate the chaos that has engulfed our world. Uncertainty looms, and to ensure our collective survival, order must prevail. In the absence of a recognized leader, I have taken it upon myself to advocate for the greater good." "Furthermore, let''s be clear: I''m not seizing their supplies outright. I simply propose a temporary loan, with the intent to replenish what we borrow in due time. After all, it''s for the benefit of all involved." Now that the man had voiced his seemingly benevolent intentions, those who remained neutral, especially the hungry and suffering, grew dissatisfied with the woman with a baby. They believed the man''s words offered a more compelling solution than Fred''s earlier proposal. Even Fred found himself unable to object, recognizing that the proposed course of action seemed to be in the best interest of everyone. With a strong sense of duty, he understood that aiding the civilians was his responsibility, and ensuring their safety was an integral part of that duty. However, he failed to recognize that this approach did not necessarily apply to Kisha and her group. Furthermore, nobody noticed the malicious glint in the man''s eyes, aimed directly at the woman who had spoken out against his suggestion. "Well..." Kisha''s voice cut through the silence, capturing everyone''s attention. All eyes inadvertently turned towards her. "If you''re proposing to borrow our supplies, then we''d like to witness your group''s ability to handle zombies and scavenge for resources. Lending our supplies implies we must have assurance of their return, so we need to assess your skills." Kisha''s words carried a cold, emotionless edge. She doesn''t want to show anyone unnecessary kindness because once they tasted that kindness, they would want more and would feel entitled to it. She doesn''t want any burden right now, especially those who have their own agenda. She suggested accompanying this group as a cover, but if they pushed their luck too far, she preferred they strike out on their own again, seeking out other groups along the way. They were still several miles from their destination, and this certainly wouldn''t be the only group they''d encounter. The man, feeling flustered by Kisha''s condition, appealed emotionally. "Can''t you find it in your heart to show compassion for your own people? For the elderly and the young?! If you won''t help us old folks, since we''re nearing the end anyway, at least consider helping the young ones?" He resorted to emotional manipulation, he believed stirring up feelings would sway a woman, assuming emotions were every woman''s weakness. Unfortunately for him, Kisha had already seen through his tactics long ago; emotional manipulation didn''t sway her either. Her heart had hardened, only open to her family and Duke ¨C and by extension, his people too. Chapter 48 - 48 Step up? Seeing that Kisha remained unaffected by the emotional approach, he grew angry. "Are you so heartless that you won''t even consider the well-being of the younger ones?" Unmoved, Kisha responded, "Even banks require collateral for loans. Why should we be any different? You''re borrowing perishable supplies. How can we ensure we''ll get them back afterward?" Her demeanor was cold and intimidating, leaving the old man unable to argue, knowing he had no intention of returning anything. "Can''t we simply collaborate and support each other, especially in times of need?" "Collaboration implies mutual effort, not a one-way street where you stand back expecting protection," Kisha retorted, disdain evident in her tone as she observed the man''s attempt to rally others against her group. Understanding her implication, the old man reacted as though she had trodden on his toes and shouted, "What do you mean?! We''re civilians, so it''s only right for us to be protected! That''s what our taxes are for!" Taken aback by this statement, Fred found himself grappling with a maelstrom of emotions. It was an undeniable truth that individuals like him, serving in the government, bore the responsibility of safeguarding their citizens and nation from any threat, including the peril staring them in the face. It was a pledge they had solemnly undertaken upon joining their sector. The words struck Fred like a sudden blow, causing a wave of conflicting emotions to surge within him. While he acknowledged the truth in the man''s statement, it nevertheless felt like a sharp sting¡ªa subtle reminder of the sacrifices made by his fallen comrades. It was a sobering realization that their tireless dedication was sometimes overlooked or taken for granted. Unsure if it was the weight of grief or mounting stress that fueled his emotional response, Fred couldn''t shake the feeling of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. Kisha noticed the subtle shift in Fred''s expression, and a smirk tugged at her lips. She had deliberately provoked the old man to ensure Fred fully grasped the gravity of the situation, urging him not to be blinded by his solemn pledge alone. Understanding that mere words might not suffice, Kisha believed it was imperative for Fred to witness firsthand what was truly at stake. Certainly, Kisha wasn''t one to waste her time on frivolous matters. This morning, however, she had taken a moment to assess Fred and the others'' status windows, and to her surprise, she discovered some promising developments. Additionally, she noticed a subtle shift in the data provided by her ''Eye of Truth'' gift, revealing new insights into the moral inclinations of those around her. It appeared that her ''Eye of Truth'' gift was of the growth type, a revelation that intrigued Kisha. While its future potential remained uncertain, she recognized its current value as incredibly significant. Furthermore, she speculated that if she could access more detailed information about specific individuals, the gift would prove even more invaluable. As she observed the situation, Kisha discerned the old man''s position firmly entrenched within the "unjust factor" of the scale, contrasting sharply with Fred and the woman with the baby, firmly placed within the "just factor." Recognizing the potential and value represented by individuals with commendable gifts and talents, she deemed it a waste to allow a promising seedling to wither away, particularly when their contributions could be beneficial. "Those ready to showcase their skills and take up frontline duties will be rewarded with food. How about that?" Kisha reiterated her proposal. "Impossible! Have you not heard a word I said?" The old man protested. Even Fred intervened, expressing his concerns. "Kisha, I believe that''s too extreme." Kisha simply shrugged and replied, her voice carrying enough weight to reach everyone''s ears. "In these times, Fred, you can''t protect everyone." "Are you suggesting he abandons us to fend for ourselves?!" The old man exclaimed, his voice betraying a mix of indignation and fear. "Of course not. But danger lurks everywhere. If all of you rely solely on one man without trying to step up your game, you''ll perish without even understanding how it happened," Kisha stated bluntly. She didn''t sugarcoat her words; there was no intention to coddle anyone. They had the right to make their own decisions. "But even the S.W.A.T members were obliterated. How can we fight if those trained to be on the frontlines can''t even stay alive?" The woman with the baby interjected, her voice quivering with fear. She clutched the baby in her arms as if her life depended on it. "Precisely why you need to learn how to fight for yourself. Leaving your protection to someone else will only make you more vulnerable, and we don''t know when danger will strike," Kisha answered, her gaze lingering on the bundle in the woman''s arms. "Don''t spout nonsense!!!" the old man roared. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Keep raising your voice, and soon we''ll be crowded by zombies here," Kisha reminded, her voice carrying an indifferent tone. The old man instantly shut his mouth, afraid that they would attract unwanted attention. "Alright, we will not force you to give us your supplies as a loan anymore because you just want to push us to our death. We could just look for food on the way," he said, walking to the back of the crowd with a snort of frustration. After the disagreement died down, many were left dissatisfied by Kisha''s callous approach, while others felt like there was no hope left in their lives. However, the woman with a baby stepped forward. "Do you really think it is possible for us to fight those monsters? Will I be able to secure my child''s life if I learn how to fight?" Determination was etched in the depths of her eyes. Kisha couldn''t help but soften her demeanor and smile at Nancy. "Yes, it''s possible." Nancy''s eyes sparkled with newfound hope. "Then how can I learn?" she asked eagerly. The fear of Kisha and her group seemed to dissipate, replaced by a glimmer of hope. "By the way, my name is Nancy." "Nancy, why don''t you watch my group fight from time to time?" Kisha offered. Although they didn''t have time to provide formal training, there were plenty of opportunities for observation and learning. "You can pick up little things along the way and gradually implement what you learn." Nancy nodded in agreement, it would be a lie to say that she was not scared, especially when she saw how those monsters eat people and tore them like a pieces of meat, she was fucking scared but at the same time, she felt like what Kisha said was true and she could only remain strong on her own to make sure her child will live. With resolve in her heart, Nancy adjusted her mindset and fell in step behind Kisha and her group. As they exited the building, they were met with a horde of zombies scattered across the road, their vacant eyes searching for any signs of life to prey upon. The group collectively held their breath, their bodies trembling with fear as they strained to remain silent, hoping to avoid drawing the attention of the nearby zombies. However, tension spiked when Fred raised his gun and took aim. Kisha quickly intervened, noticing that he hadn''t attached a silencer to the weapon. The absence of silencers could have been a critical mistake that led to the demise of Fred''s former comrades. Engaging zombies with firearms without silencers not only failed to conceal their presence but also attracted more zombies with loud gunfire, resulting in overwhelming numbers and subsequent fatalities. But Fred was unaware of this, so he was baffled why Kisha wouldn''t allow him to take action. But Kisha did not look at him and instead nodded at Sparrow and Vulture. The duo picked up their pace, and with quick coordinated steps, they accelerated toward the roaming zombies, upon noticing their approaching figures, the zombies roared and pounced on them but before they could even touch Sparrow, they were already hacked to the head with precise aim and he did a quick turnaround kick to the zombie behind him and landed a heavy blow which sent the zombie flying a few feet away but unlike Duke''s destructive strength, Sparrow is lacking just that, so he had to do a follow-up thrust of his knife to the zombie''s head. In a matter of seconds, their coordinated movements unfolded with such swiftness that it left Fred momentarily speechless. Both Sparrow and Vulture refrained from unleashing their abilities, exercising caution in the presence of unfamiliar bystanders. Despite this restraint, their proficiency in killing the zombies was unmistakable, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed their remarkable skills. Kisha was also the reason why they had to not allow anyone to know that they already wield an ability, she warned them not to openly use their ability in the presence of other people, especially now that abilities are yet to be discovered. Or else, they are just going to invite more trouble. Chapter 49 - 49 To City B After securing the perimeter, Sparrow and Vulture returned to Kisha and Duke''s side like loyal guardians, evoking the image of faithful dogs protecting their owners. The civilians who had chosen to follow them experienced mixed emotions. Many felt reassured, knowing that Kisha''s group offered stronger protection than Fred''s. However, some couldn''t shake their unease, observing Kisha''s demeanor and sensing her callousness, which left them even more frightened. She wouldn''t even flinch when her people killed zombies, leading some to speculate that she viewed them as mere meat shields against the man-eating monsters. For Nancy, however, this presented a chance to learn and grow. She hoped to attain even half the proficiency of Kisha''s people. With her determination ignited and hope rekindled, she shadowed Kisha and her group closely, almost fearing they might leave her behind if she didn''t keep pace. As planned, Fred joined forces with Kisha''s group to search for a larger vehicle for his group of civilians. Vulture, Sparrow, and Fred took the vanguard, proceeding with caution, while Kisha and Duke remained at the rear to watch over and safeguard the civilians. However, the man who had clashed with Kisha earlier held a different opinion. He believed that Kisha''s boldness and apparent arrogance stemmed solely from the protection of her two loyal dogs, rather than any genuine combat prowess of her own. As he kept an eye on Kisha, he briefly glanced away to survey the group. When he looked back, Kisha had vanished. "Hey! Where did that woman go? Did she get scared and run off to hide?" he sneered mockingly, loud enough for those around him to hear his contemptuous remarks aimed at Kisha. Upon hearing this, Duke felt an intense urge to snap the old man''s neck. The old man was fortunate that he hadn''t resorted to calling Kisha names or using derogatory language. Otherwise, he would have found his own head separated from his body before he died in regret. Duke managed to rein in his emotions, but in that fleeting moment when his restraint slipped, those around him felt an icy chill crawl down their spines. With his intimidating appearance ¡ª the missing eye and scarred face ¡ª coupled with his menacing aura, Duke exuded an aura of dread that silenced the old man instantly. He wasn''t certain about Kisha''s relationship with this man, but one thing was clear to him: the man was more dangerous than the zombies lurking nearby. Those trailing behind sensed that their lives were more at risk not from the zombies, but from Duke, who walked at a distance behind them. Shortly after they noticed Kisha''s absence, Vulture located a nearby bus and hurriedly ushered them aboard. Once they were settled, a black armored car pulled up to the front of the bus, and Kisha emerged from the driver''s seat before relinquishing it to Sparrow. Fred took the wheel of the bus, and Kisha decided she wouldn''t concern herself with the others any longer. If they could keep up, then fine; if not, it was their own responsibility. Judging by Duke''s sour mood, she surmised someone had said something bad about her, likely while she remained at the rear, waiting for the opportunity to acquire a suitable vehicle so she then could retrieve the armored car from her inventory. However, she pushed aside this concern for the time being, choosing to focus on the task at hand. "Sparrow, let the bees guide us to a better route that''s easier to maneuver. Just follow their signals along the road," she instructed. Sparrow found himself perplexed by Kisha''s instructions. The notion of bees aiding them seemed absurd, leaving him with a barrage of questions swirling in his mind. However, he knew he had to concentrate on the road ahead. Despite the bees being too small to easily notice, Sparrow counted himself fortunate to possess sharper eyesight than the average human. Kisha signaled to Fred to follow closely with a gesture, then instructed Sparrow to advance before the zombies reached their location. As Sparrow accelerated, he noticed tiny bees forming an arrow sign atop the cars a few meters ahead, visible only to him due to his enhanced eyesight. Tilting his head, Sparrow stole a glance at Kisha in the rearview mirror, pondering her role in their seamless navigation. Though he couldn''t quite fathom her methods, he was confident they stemmed from her. With her guidance, they traversed the highway without delay. Occasionally, they encountered small groups of two to three zombies, swiftly dealt with as Sparrow plowed through them without hesitation. After hours of relentless driving, they finally exited the highway and transitioned onto a countryside road, where obstacles were fewer, allowing them to relax momentarily. Vulture took the helm of driving as Sparrow took a well-deserved rest. They made it a habit to stop at any convenience store or gas station they encountered along the road, stocking up on supplies and replenishing their gas reserves for the journey ahead. Kisha and her group followed suit, ensuring they blended in and avoided suspicion while also seizing every opportunity to acquire additional provisions. She demonstrated to everyone around that she had also stocked up supplies in their backpacks, deftly concealing the excess in her inventory without attracting any notice. As they prepared to leave, she ensured that the shelves were cleared of any remaining supplies with a quick flick of her hand, taking care of the cleanup once everyone had departed. After years and years of having troubles with food supplies in the apocalypse in her repeated death and rebirth, she has already formed a habit of hoarding supplies, no matter how little or insignificant it looks, she will keep it in her inventory. Not minding extra trash because she had no inventory limit and every time she died, her supplies would also disappear. They made a point to steer clear of entering any sub-cities, towns, or densely populated areas. Instead, they occasionally sought refuge in small villages they passed, taking the time to clear the perimeter of any zombies to ensure a peaceful night''s rest. This cycle was repeated until their fourth day on the road. "We''re nearly at our destination. Let''s proceed on foot, blending in with the refugees entering the evacuation center," Kisha suggested as they drove along the road, just a mile away from their destination. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We''ll follow your lead," Duke murmured, his eyes slowly opening as he leaned back in his seat. He had consciously avoided dwelling on his family''s whereabouts, as there seemed to be no way of obtaining useful information about them. His surviving people had also yet to hear from their own families and were preoccupied with various tasks concerning their forces and settlements. Thus far, they had successfully secured their most crucial industries, including water and food production, along with essential machinery. Although scattered across the country, they made a concerted effort to gradually rebuild their communication centers. However, the task proved more challenging than anticipated, as the relentless zombie hordes posed a significant threat. Kisha warned that the zombies would only grow stronger and evolve over time, prompting them to prioritize fortifying their defenses alongside the construction of communication centers. They weren''t just contending with zombies; they also faced threats from other factions eyeing their resources and bases. In response, Duke devised a plan to establish a mega city where they could consolidate their essential equipment and resources, as well as their people. While unsure of the logistics, Duke''s intuition told him it was feasible, instilling a sense of determination to see it through. For now, he focused on clearing his mind of any concerns or stress. Their journey concluded with a final stop at a gasoline station, where Kisha briefed Fred on their next plan. Having witnessed the competence of Kisha and her group throughout their four-day journey, he concluded that following their lead was the wisest course of action, as it minimized danger and reduced casualties. He couldn''t help but lament that if they had encountered Kisha while his comrades were still alive, perhaps they would have survived to this day. However, such bitter thoughts could only remain as regrets in this life. "Fred, from here on, we''ll travel on foot," Kisha stated calmly, devoid of emotion. "Using a car to get through the evacuation center could attract unnecessary attention, not just from other survivors, but also from nearby zombies. They might trail us through the center, putting others in danger." Kisha understood how to communicate with Fred, knowing he was fair-minded, deeply concerned about human life, and dedicated to his duties. She trusted that after she highlighted the crucial points and appealed to his sense of justice, he would opt to follow their lead. As anticipated, Fred immediately agreed with Kisha''s suggestion, wasting no time in conveying it to his group. Having developed a deep trust in Kisha and her companions, they adhered to her guidance as if it were a sacred creed, that will lead to their safety. With newfound optimism, their once somber expressions began to brighten, gradually glimpsing a silver lining amidst the darkness of the dreadful apocalypse. Chapter 50 - 50 City B Nancy began to display a newfound fierceness she never knew she possessed. Occasionally, she would seek guidance from Kisha during their stops, demonstrating a willingness to learn. Kisha, in turn, offered her pointers on fighting zombies, further empowering Nancy in this journey. She also had her first experience of killing a zombie, which instilled in her a sense of power¡ªthe power to shape her own future. Throughout their four days of travel together, more people began to join Nancy in learning from Kisha. Observing Nancy''s transformation and newfound confidence, they too were inspired to seek guidance from Kisha. While Kisha hadn''t initially aimed for this outcome, she didn''t mind teaching an additional person. She allowed them to learn at their own pace, as long as it didn''t negatively impact her group. The old man perceived this as a direct challenge to his authority within the group. Before Kisha and her group arrived, he held sway over the others, including Fred, who often deferred to him. However, with Kisha''s arrival, he found himself marginalized, with others even criticizing him for constantly clashing with Kisha. When Fred mentioned Kisha''s suggestion to proceed on foot while they were still a few kilometers away from the evacuation center, the old man seized upon it as a fresh opportunity to sow discord and turn the group against Kisha. Despite the positive impression Kisha had built by assisting the group, fear of the unknown lingered among them. In such circumstances, it''s often easier to instill fear than to foster hope. "Why should we travel on foot when our current method has been effective? Won''t we just be inviting danger by wandering on foot through a zombie-infested city like City B?" He displayed his agitation and fear, clearly troubled by the potential consequences of following Kisha''s suggestion. Kisha was keenly aware of the old man''s ploy, but she had no intention of coercing the group into following her. She understood the dangers of cities, particularly those with large populations like City A and City B, both leading in population within their country. Just as adept as she was at navigating the streets of City A, her expertise extended even further in City B. This was the city where she and Duke had established their base in her previous life. Kisha traversed these streets as if they were their own backyard, allowing Kisha to discern the most dangerous routes from the safest ones with precision. With the assistance of the Scarlet Queen Bee and her system, there was little cause for concern. This situation also presented an excellent opportunity for Sparrow and Vulture to acclimate to their newfound strength through practical experience. At this point, Bell had already birthed her first batch of baby bees, while the crystallization process inside the zombie heads was nearing completion. Kisha''s primary focus now was ensuring that her team was fully prepared for what lay ahead. Moreover, Bell reported that their drones had observed an increasing number of people gathering nearby, indicating a growing influx of individuals toward their location. This meant that regardless of whether this group chose to accompany her, Kisha and her team could still integrate with other groups as planned. Therefore, Kisha opted not to engage in mind games with the troublesome old man. She wasn''t seeking their approval or cooperation; rather, she was simply informing them of her intended course of action. Whether they chose to follow her plan was entirely up to them. As they deliberated on their next move, Kisha and her group proceeded deeper into the streets to "conceal their armored car," although in reality, she stowed it away inside her inventory. They swiftly packed their belongings and embarked on a predetermined route by foot. The group trailing behind Fred began to panic upon witnessing Kisha''s departure without them. Despite the old man''s warnings lingering in their minds, those who had previously followed Kisha''s instructions without incident, like Nancy and Fred, swiftly joined her group in pursuit. Observing that half of their group opted to follow Kisha, the ones who possessed combat skills and familiarity with her leadership, the remaining individuals found themselves vulnerable and without viable alternatives but to follow suit. Even the troublemaker begrudgingly fell in line, realizing he lacked the means to survive alone. Sparrow and Vulture couldn''t help but throw them a mocking look and those who have doubted Kisha were feeling like shit because knew how important Kisha''s role was in their survival but they still openly showed their distrust of her. As they emerged from the street, they encountered another group of survivors locked in a desperate struggle against a horde of zombies. Despite their valiant efforts, the survivors were being overwhelmed by the sheer number of zombies coming for their necks, their ranks thinning with each passing moment. "Hang in there!!! Don''t let them bite you!!!" The woman at the forefront yelled, her voice resolute amidst the chaos. With precise aim, she aimed her magnum pistol at the zombie ahead. The bullet pierced through the center of the zombie''s forehead, and it collapsed to the ground, motionless. Sparrow couldn''t help but let out a whistle as he watched, seemingly unfazed by the danger unfolding before them. Despite the chaos and screams surrounding her, the woman leading the fight still managed to hear the whistle. She glanced around, her eyes scanning the area, and her gaze landed on Kisha''s group standing in the nearby street, watching them fight. She was livid. Most people would start running at the sight of zombies rushing towards, and some would even panic at the sight of just one. But here, she saw Kisha''s people just standing around. She couldn''t tell if they were stunned to the point of being paralyzed on the spot or if they were simply watching her group''s struggle unfold as if it were some form of entertainment. However, Kisha wasn''t simply idling by. She was meticulously scanning each and every person''s status window. She wasn''t about to aid individuals who might eventually betray her or lead them into peril. This was just another layer of protection for her and her group. Once Kisha ensured that the individuals before her were not among those classified as "unjust," she signaled for Sparrow and Vulture to assist them. However, it wasn''t just Sparrow and Vulture who joined the fray; Nancy and several others who had been training with Kisha also stepped up to fight. Nancy entrusted her child to an elderly woman who had been assisting her with childcare as she stepped up to join the frontline of the fight. Nancy cautiously advanced, clutching a kitchen knife tightly. She moved with stealth, ensuring the zombie ahead remained unaware of her presence to maximize her chances of a successful kill. The female zombie wore a once-white t-shirt, now stained black with blood oozing from a gaping wound on its shoulder, likely inflicted by a powerful blade or axe. Despite its slow, stiff movements, the sight was undeniably gruesome, giving Nancy a moment of hesitation before she struck. She raised her knife high and swung it down at the back of the zombie''s head. As the creature dropped to its knees, Nancy swiftly used her foot to push it away, creating some distance to retrieve her weapon. However, this method left her vulnerable, with several openings for the zombie to exploit. "Watch your back!" Vulture cautioned, swiftly pivoting to stab a zombie approaching from Nancy''s right side, its gaping mouth mere steps away from her neck. Nancy''s brush with death shook her, highlighting her momentary lapse in judgment and hesitation. She tightened her grip on the knife and approached another zombie with newfound determination. With calculated precision, she aimed for the lower part of its head, driving the blade upward to pierce through its skull. As she swiftly withdrew the knife, black blood splattered on her face, and the putrid smell of decay assaulted her nostrils, causing her nose to instinctively scrunch up. Observing Nancy''s resolute actions and solid movements, Kisha couldn''t help but nod in approval. With Sparrow and the others lending their assistance, the woman''s burden had noticeably lightened. As she prepared to aim her magnum pistol at a new target, Sparrow swiftly approached and gently guided her hand downward, shaking his head to dissuade her from firing. Before the woman could become agitated by the interruption amid the perilous situation, Sparrow interjected, his tone firm yet composed. "Using loud firearms in this vicinity will only attract more zombies. We won''t be able to manage the situation if they swarm us." Despite conversing while still grasping the woman''s pistol, Sparrow remained engaged in combat, fending off the encroaching zombies with his free hand and agile movements. Comprehending Sparrow''s implication, the woman reholstered her pistol and drew a concealed dagger from her thigh. Despite its smaller size compared to Sparrow and Vulture''s weapons, she compensated by twisting the blade several times upon contact to ensure the zombie was thoroughly incapacitated. Her movements and lethal strikes were no less impressive than those of Sparrow and Vulture. In contrast to Nancy and the others, who had only recently begun learning how to fight, her actions were executed with deadly precision. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 51 - 51 City B 2 Throughout the chaos, Kisha and Duke remained inactive, leaving all the action to Sparrow and Vulture. It suited them fine for others to perceive them as mere ornaments with intimidating appearances, rather than capable fighters. Kisha had little interest in battling the sluggish zombies that offered no crystal cores, deeming it a waste of her time. Meanwhile, Duke''s primary concern was Kisha''s safety. Despite his trust in her abilities, he couldn''t shake off his needless worry, preferring to stand by her side to ensure she remained out of harm''s way. The newfound confidence among those who joined the fight was palpable. Despite Fred''s occasional reminders to avoid complacency, he allowed them to revel in their newfound courage. It was a reminder that even in the face of danger, maintaining hope and confidence could fuel their determination to survive, far better than succumbing to despair and resignation. The woman stepped forward towards Kisha, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you for sending us help," she said. Kisha raised an eyebrow; she hadn''t directly intervened in the fight. Nonetheless, the woman instinctively approached her to express her appreciation. The woman noticed Kisha''s skepticism but couldn''t resist giving a confident smirk. "I witnessed your subtle gesture of sending your people to assist us. And judging by how they responded to you, it''s clear you''re the one leading this group." She paused, casting a thoughtful glance around at Kisha''s team before continuing. "As a fellow woman leader of a group, I can''t help but wonder: do you possess formidable combat skills, or do you just have a really useful head atop your neck?" The woman''s demeanor wasn''t meant to be rude, but rather straightforward, a trait ingrained in her due to her profession. She sought to establish a genuine rapport with Kisha and her group, expressing her intentions openly and honestly. However, Kisha maintained her stoic expression and simply nodded at the woman before guiding her people back to their journey on foot. Though the woman seemed frustrated by being ignored after posing her question, Kisha had no time for idle chatter. The woman''s group had suffered numerous casualties, with many members bitten or killed by the relentless onslaught of zombies attacking them from all sides. She found herself in a difficult situation. While they understood that the zombies were no longer human, it remained emotionally challenging for them to kill them. Moreover, killing those who were still breathing, particularly those who had only been bitten, posed an even greater moral dilemma. However, she was unwilling to endanger the remaining people with her. Her expression turned grim as she reached a decision in her mind. Wails filled the street, echoing and reaching the ears of Kisha''s group. They felt fortunate to be under Kisha''s leadership because they knew that if they weren''t, they might have met the same fate as the group they had just passed. Once again, they were reminded they were still alive and kicking, owed to Kisha''s exemplary leadership and navigation skills. While they couldn''t quite decipher her methods, they weren''t foolish; they had discerned that since joining Kisha''s group, their travels had become noticeably smoother, with fewer conflicts and obstacles to contend with. Since joining Kisha''s group, they hadn''t experienced any casualties. Previously, they often found themselves besieged from all directions, with only a handful managing to escape and preserve their lives. The young and the elderly were particularly vulnerable in these situations. Despite Fred''s efforts to save as many people as possible, the task proved to be more difficult than anyone could have imagined. Consequently, most individuals began to regard Kisha as something akin to a deity¡ªa beacon of hope and their sole salvation in a world that had devolved into a living hell. Everyone remained focused, setting aside thoughts of "what ifs" and other conjectures. They understood the importance of staying alert, knowing that danger could lurk around any corner, especially during their travels on foot. They recognized that a moment of inattention could lead to unforeseen complications, and so they remained vigilant at all times. Kisha was aware that the woman and her group trailed just a few meters behind them, after having dealt with the bitten and those beyond saving. However, she paid them little mind, confident that they harbored no ill intentions towards her. Thus, she allowed them to continue on their way without interference. "Sparrow, Vulture, be prepared; we have incoming from the east," Kisha announced, her pace slowing as she spoke. The members of the group immediately snapped to attention, their expressions tense with nervous anticipation. Despite their apprehension, they remained alert, ready to respond from their positions. Moments later, a horde of over a dozen zombies emerged from the eastern street, varying in agility and condition. Some moved swiftly, while others struggled with stiff bodies and broken limbs. The civilians with combat skills quickly delegated the task of dealing with the agile zombies to Sparrow and Vulture, while they themselves confronted the slower, more manageable zombies using makeshift household weapons. Sparrow and Vulture accepted the arrangement without hesitation, confident in their ability to handle the task at hand. However, as they engaged in combat, they discreetly inspected the heads of the zombies they killed, adhering to Kisha''s instruction to monitor for the formation of crystal cores. Disappointingly, they found that the cores had not yet formed, prompting them to redouble their efforts to kill the zombies as swiftly as possible. Their focus remained on ensuring their group''s safety so they could press on with their journey and hopefully arrive at the evacuation center before dawn. The group trailing behind rushed forward to offer aid to Kisha''s group, eager to reciprocate the assistance they had received. However, upon reaching Kisha''s position, they were met with a surprising sight¡ªthe battle had already concluded. Momentarily stunned, they stood in disbelief, their readiness to help rendered unnecessary in the face of Kisha''s group''s swift and efficient action. They could only silently go back to their group feeling useless. Kisha guided her group through the most secluded streets of City B, which were narrow and often deserted. Though they had encountered only one horde of zombies while following her, aside from the instance with the second group, some members began to wonder if she was leading them aimlessly, potentially setting them up for an ambush. However, they quickly remembered that they lacked significant resources, dispelling any suspicion of foul play. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fatigue weighed heavily on everyone, and the old man, in particular, attempted to voice his complaints multiple times. He believed Kisha was leading them aimlessly, masquerading confidence without certainty. Despite his proficiency in talking, he was not the brightest bulb among them and he was as cowardly as he could be. Every time Duke cast a menacing glance his way, the old man would abruptly fall silent, quelling his incessant babbling. Before anyone succumbed to exhaustion, they finally caught sight of towering walls made from piled cargo trailers and concrete materials, standing at an impressive height of 10 meters. Additionally, makeshift lookout towers had been constructed, though they appeared somewhat wobbly. Nevertheless, they were sturdy enough to accommodate two individuals standing watch. One of the lookouts caught sight of Kisha and her group, but since they were still a distance away, it was not easier to differentiate them from a zombie horde. Using binoculars to confirm, the lookout then tapped the person beside him. "Hey, watch it, man! You nearly pushed me off the tower! Are you trying to get me killed?!" the other man exclaimed, his frustration evident as he readjusted to a safer position. "Sorry about that," he muttered, passing the binoculars to the other guy while pointing in a direction. "Another zombie horde?" the second lookout questioned, but instead of taking the binoculars, he aimed his rifle in the indicated direction. "Hey! What do you think you''re doing?!" the first lookout exclaimed, quickly pressing the second lookout''s rifle down before he could accidentally pull the trigger. "Those are survivors!" he roared, emphasizing the urgent need to differentiate between friend and foe. "What?! You''ve got to be kidding me!" he exclaimed, snatching the binoculars from the other guy. As he peered through them, he too noticed the figures moving in the direction indicated by the first lookout. However, the sight of actual people walking in that area was unusual, as typically only zombies roamed the city streets. Spotting civilian survivors was a rarity for them, given that civilians were often ill-equipped to handle the brutality of the situation. Many lacked the resilience needed to survive, succumbing to the horrors around them and becoming part of the zombie horde. Those fortunate enough to survive often appeared disheveled and mentally unstable, bearing the scars of their traumatic experiences. "Hey, inform gate 1 of the incoming survivors!" The first lookout ordered the other guy as he tried to count the number of incoming people. Sensing an intense gaze upon him, Duke couldn''t resist glancing up towards where the first lookout stood. Duke''s sharp eyes and menacing aura sent a shiver down the lookout''s spine, prompting him to quickly avert his gaze and focus instead on estimating the numbers of the approaching figures. Meanwhile, the second lookout contacted the gatekeeper via radio to alert them of the situation. "Incoming survivors at gate 1. Prepare for inspection!" Chapter 52 - 52 Moving Boxes The gatekeeper chuckled at the lookout''s report. "Are you joking? How many times have we mistaken zombies for survivors?" He didn''t take the lookout''s words seriously. He knew well that besides occasional rescue missions, survivors rarely lasted long outside due to the overwhelming number of zombies infesting every street. The zombies weren''t just terrifying because of their sheer numbers, but also because of the difficulty in killing them, especially for civilians unfamiliar with their weaknesses. "No, it''s serious! They''re heading this way," the lookout insisted. "Sure, whatever you say" the gatekeeper replied dismissively, letting out another chuckle before setting down the radio and disregarding further calls from the lookout. "Master, the bees have spotted a few black boxes moving in this direction," Bell informed Kisha through their telepathic link. "Black box?" Kisha repeated with a furrowed brow, her pace steady as they continued towards the gate. "Yes, they described it as what you typically use for travel," Bell clarified. "So, you''re saying there are multiple vehicles approaching?" Kisha sought confirmation. "Yes, master," Bell affirmed. Kisha''s eyes narrowed as they neared the gate, just a few blocks away. "Everyone, move! Run forward!" she bellowed at the top of her lungs before breaking into a sprint herself. Without hesitation, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture followed suit, matching her pace without questioning her command. However, the others were momentarily taken by surprise, unsure of what was happening. Only Fred and Nancy reacted quickly, sprinting alongside them. Nancy even supported the older woman who had always assisted her with her baby, urging her to run. The woman leading the second group felt a sense of unease creeping over her, unable to shake off the feeling that something was wrong. "Run! Run now!" she shouted urgently from the rear, before swiftly joining her group in a sprint forward. Observing Kisha and the others sprinting as if their lives depended on it, the remaining individuals, who had been standing by, wasted no time in joining the frantic run. Having spent several days with Kisha and her group, they had come to understand that she was not one to act without reason or impulsively. Despite this, fear began to gnaw at every fiber of their being as the unknown loomed before them. Despite their uncertainty about what was happening, they ran, pushing their exhausted bodies to limits they had never reached before. In just five minutes, they arrived at the closed iron gate. Relief flooded through the survivors, tears welling in their eyes as they realized they were safe. Some began pounding on the gate, pleading, "Open the gate, please!" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite their extreme fatigue, the survivors were fueled by adrenaline, their weariness overridden by excitement and hope as they continued to call out to the people on the other side of the gate. However, their hopes were short-lived. Soon, the distant roar of car engines reached their ears, accompanied by another, more ominous roar¡ªthe sound of a zombie horde following the vehicles as they drove in their direction. The survivors standing at the gate felt their entire bodies tremble with fear as they beheld the overwhelming number of zombies before them, more than they had ever seen. Their pounding on the gate became more frantic, fueled by the realization that they were utterly unequipped to face such a massive horde. Even Kisha knew that those numbers were more than she could handle even if she had awakened her ability. Startled by the commotion outside and recalling the lookout''s earlier report, the gatekeeper hastily ascended the stairs to peer through the peephole. As he looked, his heart sank; indeed, there were not just a few, but dozens of survivors gathered outside. His eyes widened as he also spotted the approaching trucks, confirming the urgency of the situation. "Open the gate! Call the medics!" he shouted urgently, his voice echoing with alarm. "Arm yourselves and take position! We''ve got a zombie horde incoming!" With a swift motion, he sounded the alarm bell, signaling to those inside to prepare for battle. But the alarm not only alerted his people but also the nearby zombies, soon, zombies from other streets started to emerge and move towards Kisha''s group. Kisha moved back to the rear to protect the civilians as they went inside the gate, Duke, Sparrow, Vulture as well as Fred took position at the rear together with Kisha and even the woman leading the second group stayed at the back. Kisha wasted no time waiting for the zombies to reach the gate. With swift precision, she advanced towards the approaching undead. Before the zombie could even graze a strand of her hair, she expertly drove her smaller katana into its head. Without pausing, she swiftly swung the blade to the side, causing the zombie''s head to detach and drop to the ground. Without hesitation, she swiftly moved to the next nearest zombie, her katana slicing through its neck with precision and force. The head rolled from its neck, hitting the ground with a thud. In one fluid motion, she sidestepped, executing a swift turnaround kick to another two nearby zombies, followed by a quick stab to its temple. As she landed, she stomped her foot down on one zombie she had kicked moments before, causing black blood to splatter across the ground. Her relentless assault showed no signs of stopping; she continued her killing spree without pause as if facing her greatest adversary. Her eyes turned dangerously cold, reflecting the intensity of her focus. The lookouts stationed nearby, originally tasked with monitoring the incoming trucks, were completely absorbed by the scene unfolding before them. The ferocity of Kisha and her group''s battle had completely captured their attention. Her movements were fluid and deadly, each strike aimed with precision at the heads or necks of the zombies, swiftly incapacitating them. As Kisha advanced, the bodies of the undead lay motionless in her wake, with black blood trailing along the path she took. The scene was undeniably gory, sending shivers down the spines of those who were mere spectators. Instantly, a sense of fear and awe gripped them as they watched Kisha in action, likening her to a trained assassin effortlessly dancing through the battlefield. Bang- Bang- Bang- Bang- Resounding gunshots echoed from the top of the cargo trailers, makeshift walls manned by armed men lying prone as they aimed their guns at the approaching zombies. Despite the gate slowly opening, Kisha and Duke pressed on with their assaults. Not everyone had entered yet, and although the personnel from the evacuation center were helping to control the influx of zombies, the gunfire only seemed to draw more undead towards them. The soldiers positioned atop the wall were well-trained marksmen, providing effective cover fire for Kisha and the others. However, despite their prowess, Kisha and Duke refrained from unleashing their full fighting capabilities in front of the others. Nevertheless, their skill and determination were evident to those who witnessed them, instilling a sense of fear and awe. As the survivors rushed inside the gate, Kisha and her group gradually retreated as well, ensuring everyone made it to safety before following suit. Chapter 53 - 53 Examination "All of you, halt!" a commanding voice boomed. Upon entering the gate, Kisha and her group were confronted by armed soldiers, their guns trained on them as they were surrounded. They were carefully directed to the side to make way for the approaching vehicle, ensuring it could pass through the gate smoothly before it closed behind them. None of the survivors dared to cause a commotion, fully aware of the potential danger if the soldiers decided to open fire. Fear gripped them all, immobilizing them, each one refraining from moving a muscle unless instructed to do so. Even Kisha and her group concealed their weapons and raised their hands to their heads, moving slowly to the side as directed. As Kisha and the others stood to the side, the rumble of engines grew louder, accompanied by the intensifying cacophony of gunfire as more people joined the defense against the incoming hordes. Soon, military trucks began to pass by, one after another, until the fourth truck approached. The people behind the gate wasted no time; they began to push it shut before the vehicle could fully pass through. Kisha and the others didn''t have a moment to spare as they were immediately subjected to interrogation. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Who are you? Where did you come from?" demanded the person leading the soldiers surrounding them. Despite Kisha''s attempts to evade attention and focus solely on survival, she and Duke found themselves unable to ignore the situation. The imminent threat of the incoming zombie horde made it clear that avoiding engagement was no longer an option. If they didn''t take action, they risked being surrounded by zombies before receiving assistance from the soldiers stationed on the walls. Even if they tried to avoid reaching the gate and sought refuge from the horde first, Kisha wasn''t certain they could hold out for long or avoid being overrun. Kisha gritted her teeth, her mind racing as she searched for a way out of the tense situation. Uncertain of whether these people were allies or adversaries of Duke''s family''s aggressor, she found her options severely limited. Her focus was abruptly drawn to the man leading the interrogation; he seemed vaguely familiar, but she couldn''t place where she had seen him before. "I demand answers! Who are you? Where did you come from?" the man reiterated, the soldiers surrounding them tightening their grips on their weapons, their tension palpable. "Rose Brigget! Special Agent from Security Division 1," the woman leading the second group declared firmly as she stepped forward to address the soldiers. "The majority of these survivors are civilians we''ve gathered along the way, along with some of my colleagues from Division 1." She kept her hands raised in the air, demonstrating compliance. "Fred Archer from S.W.A.T team 2 from City A," Fred announced as he stepped forward alongside Rose. The soldier leading the interrogation craned his neck, directing his attention towards Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture. "What about those individuals at the rear?" he inquired. "They are my colleagues from Division 1 extension," Rose asserted, her gaze unwavering as she fabricated the story seamlessly. "They''re relatively new, and tend to keep to themselves, but rest assured, they''re highly skilled." Though Kisha was surprised by Rose''s quick cover-up, she maintained her stoic expression, offering no hint of her inner thoughts. Despite the worn and injured appearance of most of the soldiers facing them, none of them matched the intimidating and gory appearance exuded by Kisha and her group. ''I think, I''ve overdone our disguise?'' Kisha thought to herself as she silently observed the people surrounding them, the whole place was still noisy due to the gunshot echoing from the walls This was a little different from what she had experienced in her previous life, but she only attributed it to the notification she had asked her brother to send to alert as many people as possible. But now that she thought about it, she has yet to check how much she had earned from that mission. "008, is that mission completed?" Kisha queried. "Host, are you referring to the mission to notify as many people as possible before the apocalypse strikes? I''ll check on it immediately," came the swift response. The soldier then redirected his focus to Fred, inquiring about the whereabouts of the other S.W.A.T personnel. Fred''s expression saddened as he shook his head. "They didn''t make it. I barely managed to bring some survivors with me when we were besieged by zombies." The soldier''s expression darkened, his lips forming a tight line. "My condolences," he uttered solemnly. Fred remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground, his eyes reddening with grief. Shortly after, a few medic personnel approached, prioritizing the soldiers disembarking from the military truck. They swiftly assessed their condition and directed them towards nearby tents for further treatment and examination. Though the soldier ceased his interrogation, he remained vigilant, not fully lowering his guard. However, he instructed the soldiers to lower their weapons and directed them to guide the survivors to the nearby tents for thorough examination before granting them access to their base. Witnessing Kisha and the others'' formidable combat skills firsthand, the soldier couldn''t help but admire their proficiency. He acknowledged his own limitations in close combat, realizing he couldn''t match Duke''s explosive strength, capable of killing zombies with mere kicks. Considering the potential of these individuals if they were indeed working in the government like himself, they would surely be a great addition to the base. However, he remained vigilant, fully aware that if they harbored hidden motives, he would not hesitate to take decisive action, even if it meant eliminating them. The survivors were divided into two groups based on gender and escorted to separate tents. Inside, they were instructed to disrobe completely, including removing their inner garments. While many women felt uncomfortable with the idea of exposing their bodies in front of strangers, the stern warning that refusal would result in being sent back outside compelled them to comply. Reluctantly, they shed their clothing, placing them in the baskets provided, and proceeded cautiously toward the female medics conducting the thorough body checks. They approached the checking process with unwavering diligence, understanding the grave consequences of any oversight. The memory of a past incident haunted them¡ªa slight neglect allowed an infected individual to enter the evacuation center, leading to widespread chaos and casualties. Aware of the severity of the situation, they remained vigilant, knowing that even the slightest scratch could warrant a stringent three-day quarantine before release was considered. "Host!!!" 008''s excited voice echoed inside Kisha''s head. "We garnered exactly 500,000 points from the mission you inquired about!!! And you have 10,000 points from another previous mission that you have completed early on but we failed to check because a lot of things happened." Kisha''s eyebrows shot up after hearing 008''s report. "Did the system finally gain its conscience after giving me little points before?" Kisha said to 008, her statement was laced with sarcasm and a hint of indignation. "Host, you have to understand that this has nothing to do with me." 008 cowered. [Ding...] [New Mission acquired!] Kisha''s eyebrows twitch, feeling that something must be up and she''s not feeling good about the mission that came in. [S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days"] "008 what does this mission mean?" Kisha asked, her brows knitted tightly. "Next!" Kisha''s attention was jolted back after being nudged by the person behind her multiple times. Kisha stepped into the partition, clutching the basket containing her belongings tightly. As she entered the designated corner, she obediently placed the basket down. Her exposed, curvaceous figure appeared unscathed, in stark contrast to her face, which bore numerous wounds and cuts. The incongruity between her pristine body and her visibly injured visage raised suspicion. Even Kisha found herself taken aback by the requirement to disrobe. In her previous life, she was accustomed to arriving late to bases, by which time superhumans had already emerged. Back then, possessing her own abilities, she had bypassed the need for thorough examination; the immunity of superhumans to the virus had been widely acknowledged. Chapter 54 - 54 S Class Mission Sensing the persistent scrutiny about her contrasted body with her wounded face, Kisha felt compelled to address the unspoken questions. "Please, don''t concern yourselves with the injuries on my face," she offered calmly, aiming to alleviate any unnecessary suspicions. "They''re from a previous mission¡ªa longstanding injury." Through Kisha''s efforts to apply makeup to mimic bruises and scratches on her face and the others, the underlying wounds appeared aged, and the scratches resembled those from gravel, sharp objects, or projectiles, clearly distinct from zombie attacks. Moreover, their adept combat skills ensured that not a single zombie could land a scratch on them. Despite the medic''s initial skepticism, Kisha''s explanation was ultimately accepted. Having already heard about the recent events involving the new survivors and their formidable strength from the soldier they had examined earlier, the female medic ensured Kisha had no other injuries before allowing her to dress in the corner. Afterward, she directed Kisha outside to wait. Despite herself, the medic couldn''t help but feel a twinge of envy at Kisha''s well-proportioned, curvaceous body with curves and contours in all the right places. Unfortunately, Kisha''s face bore the marks of the ordeal, marring an otherwise enviable appearance. ''God is really fair.'' The medic said under her breath as she watched Kisha slip out of the tent. "Next!" As Kisha stepped out, she spotted Rose leaning against the military truck, its surface still smeared with ominous black blood. "Hey there," Rose greeted with a nod as Kisha approached. "I don''t know much about you or the folks you''re with, but I hope my gratitude for saving me and my group extends to vouching for your credibility, so no one doubts you or your intentions." Kisha narrowed her eyes, fixing her gaze directly on Rose, attempting to glean any insight into her thoughts. Of course, she wasn''t a mind reader, but she couldn''t help but try. Nevertheless, she nodded at Rose. "Thank you." Rose departed with a playful smirk dancing on her lips, making her way to her waiting group on the other side. "We''re all clear," Duke''s cold voice echoed behind her. She turned just in time to witness Duke pulling down his dirty, oversized jacket. As Kisha caught a glimpse of Duke''s alluring V-line and pronounced abdominal muscles, she couldn''t help but feel a lump form in her throat. Despite swallowing hard, her mouth remained dry, and a wave of heat washed over her body. Struggling to contain the surge of thoughts and emotions, Kisha maintained a blank expression outwardly. Yet inwardly, Duke''s physique was undeniably captivating¡ªan irresistible sight to behold. This wasn''t the first time Kisha had seen Duke''s bare upper body. He often invited her into his study to discuss building plans, defense strategies, patrols, and various other matters. Given their busy schedules, these discussions typically occurred right after he had showered. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He would often pace around the room, clad only in a towel slung over his shoulder, leisurely drying his wet hair. During those moments, Kisha made a concerted effort to avert her gaze from his physique, determined not to entertain any inappropriate thoughts about him, though it proved to be a considerable challenge. However, during those encounters, his body bore numerous scars, each with its own story¡ªsome seemingly more fatal than others. Despite the scars, his muscles were more defined back then, his back rippling with every movement, and water droplets cascading down his alluring neck as his Adam''s apple bobbed with each swallow of liquid. For a fleeting moment, Kisha''s eyes sparkled with desire, but she quickly masked the emotion, though her efforts were in vain. Duke, ever observant of her expressions, caught the subtle glint in her eyes. With a knowing smirk, he advanced towards her, fully aware of the effect he had on her. At this point, Kisha was already engaged in a discussion with 008 regarding the mission that was released by the system. [S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days"] [Mission Description: Spend 30 days in City B''s base, immersing yourself in the community of survivors, understanding their way of life, and forging connections. Failure to complete the mission will result in immediate death.] "Damn it! Not another one of these missions!" Kisha cursed silently. "And what exactly does this one entail?" "Host, don''t fret. We''ll decipher the system''s intentions together," 008 reassured, though inwardly nervous. Its host had perished multiple times on missions of this caliber, and while the task might seem straightforward, there was always a catch or trap lurking beneath the surface. Kisha reminisced about her first encounter with an S-class mission. The excitement had been palpable, driven by the promise of a superior reward and the apparent simplicity of the task. However, she quickly discovered the perilous reality: one misstep and the consequences were dire¡ªher head would explode in an instant. She couldn''t shake off the resentment towards the system, feeling as though its purpose was not to aid her but to set her up for failure. However, when she confronted 008 about it, she learned that the missions weren''t issued by it either. They originated from the constellation above, and even 008 was clueless about the reasons for the mission, it was also equally disappointed and angry. After pushing aside her annoyance at the back of her mind, Kisha and her companions moved forward to the designated area following their body checkup. Once everyone had gathered, the soldier from earlier positioned himself on the platform, his hands clasped behind his back as he stood with an air of authority, his expression stern. "Welcome to City B''s evacuation center," he declared solemnly. The soldier''s gaze swept over the faces of the new survivors before he proceeded. "Some of you may have arrived here with the hope of finding safety and relief supplies, thinking this evacuation center is a sanctuary. Allow me to clarify." "This place is far from heavenly. The chaos and danger you see outside are not unique to this location; it''s a global crisis. There''s no safe haven left. We must all fight for our survival against the monstrous beings that were once human." His words elicited gasps from the crowd, who found themselves swallowing hard as they trembled with a sense of defeat. From his announcement, they glimpsed a bleak future, already anticipating his next directives. "We are faced with limited supplies and manpower," he continued, his tone grave. "Each of you must bear your own burden. Those capable of fighting will be tasked with accompanying us on supply runs and reconnaissance missions outside. In return, we will provide compensation in the form of supplies. For those unable to fight¡ªwomen, the elderly, and the young¡ªyour assistance will be needed within the evacuation center. Though the compensation may be less, it will suffice to sustain you." "No! Isn''t it your duty to ensure our safety?" The older man from Hera''s group protested vehemently. "We''ve dutifully paid our taxes, and those taxes are meant to fund your responsibilities, soldier. Why are you now forcing us to work and defend ourselves? This is unjust, and it will only lead to our demise. Are you trying to monopolize the supplies?" His indignation was palpable as he challenged the arrangements. "Allow me to clarify: We''re not compelling anyone to work. You''re free to choose not to lift a finger." Even as the old man began to muster a smile, the soldier''s words pressed on. "Of course, we cannot distribute supplies indiscriminately. There are others in greater need," he explained calmly. "Those who risk their lives to secure additional resources, even if it''s just one more grain of rice. There are also those tirelessly clearing the streets of zombies to prevent an overrun of our sanctuary. And let''s not forget those dedicating themselves to tending to the sick and injured." Though his voice remained steady, his point was unmistakable. He implies that if anyone refused to work, they would be given the option to either leave or gather their own supplies, as the resources in the evacuation center were already allocated for others. Duke and Kisha didn''t harbor strong opinions on the matter, as this approach mirrored how they managed their own base and delegated tasks among their people. They understood the necessity of maintaining productivity and couldn''t tolerate idleness. As long as individuals were fairly compensated for their efforts, they saw no issue with the arrangement. Chapter 55 - 55 Team Following the introduction and clarification of expectations, the soldier directed them to the central hall for registration. Once Kisha and the others completed the registration process, they were directed towards the mission board. There, they were informed that they had the freedom to select the type of work or mission they wished to undertake in exchange for their food or supplies. Additionally, there was an option for group registration for those interested in forming a permanent team to tackle more challenging tasks. Among the postings on the bulletin board, Kisha noticed a reconnaissance mission that had been untouched since it was posted two days prior. Recognizing its better compensation and relatively easier nature for their group, she promptly selected it for their group. After selecting their mission, Kisha and the others proceeded to register their group, which comprised herself, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture. "What will your group be called?" inquired the lady handling the group registration. "The Northern Arctic," Kisha blurted out. "And the names of the Leader and Vice Leader?" the lady asked. "Leader ''D''," Kisha replied, without hesitation or further inquiry. "Vice Leader Kisha," Duke announced, following Kisha''s lead. Knowing she had appointed him as the leader to sidestep undesirable tasks, he reciprocated by designating her as his vice leader, relishing the opportunity to assert authority over her. With a taunting smirk, Duke glanced at Kisha. Gritting her teeth, Kisha shot daggers at Duke, who met her gaze with a glance that seemed to say, ''You brought this upon yourself because you started it.'' "Alright! Your team, The Northern Arctic, has been successfully created. You''ll now have access to group missions. Simply check the bulletin for available tasks, register them here, and upon completion, come to me to claim your rewards. If there''s anything you''re unclear about, please don''t hesitate to ask," the girl stated, her demeanor reminiscent of someone reciting from a policy booklet, addressing Kisha and her team. "We understand," Kisha replied calmly before handing over the mission she had just taken from the bulletin board for their team. The girl behind the group registration desk took the paper, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise as she scanned its contents. She glanced back at Kisha with concern. "Miss, are you certain you want to undertake this? It''s a highly dangerous mission typically assigned to groups of 10 or more participants with military experience." Kisha nodded confidently and added, "We''re government-trained special agents with extensive experience in this field." Sparrow and Vulture turned to Kisha simultaneously, their expressions revealing a mix of surprise and skepticism at her bold claim. Meanwhile, Duke merely raised an eyebrow, casting a curious glance at Kisha but refraining from comment. Upon hearing Kisha''s declaration and recalling rumors of survivors who arrived at the evacuation center on foot, bravely battling at the gate like emissaries of Death, the girl behind the desk wasted no time. Without hesitation, she swiftly approved the mission and informed them of the rewards awaiting completion. However, Kisha paid little heed to such concerns; their supplies were plentiful, and they were undertaking the mission primarily to avoid suspicion of where their supplies were coming from. "More importantly," she continued, "where can we find accommodations? Do we have assigned housing or are we provided with tents? We need a place to rest." Unfamiliar with the initial stages of the base''s procedures and management, Kisha found herself completely clueless about their next steps, relying solely on the guidance of those around her. "Alright, regarding accommodations," the girl began. "There are two ways to obtain lodging in the evacuation center. First, you can wait for our staff to assign you a tent number. In this case, you''ll share the tent with other survivors. Each tent houses 20 individuals, as we provide 10 double beds in each. Additionally, each bed comes with a pillow and blankets," she explained, pausing briefly before continuing. "The second option is to acquire better accommodations, such as a three-bedroom house, by exchanging a specific quantity of supplies. In this world where money holds no value, supplies are our currency. We utilize essential resources like food and medicine as a means to obtain goods and services. The evacuation center is prepared to furnish a house for you and your group since we don''t know how long the supplies in the warehouse will last.," explained the girl. The girl''s words spilled out, more like a frustrated rant to Kisha and the others. She painted a grim picture: the scarcity of full meals and the controlled flow of food supplies meant that some people could only eat once a day. In the midst of this discourse, Kisha cut in with a practical question: "Where can we find accommodations?" "Oh, once you step out of the central hall, you''ll notice another large building to the right. That''s the house and allocation management office. You can obtain your accommodations there," the girl explained cheerfully. With a nod, Kisha handed the girl a chocolate bar before taking her leave. Grateful for the rare treat in a world where chocolates were scarce, the girl''s eyes lit up with joy. Inspired by this act of kindness, she resolved to treat Kisha and her group with greater warmth upon their return. However, as she savored the chocolate, her mind couldn''t help but drift to the mission they had undertaken. A wave of worry washed over her. "I might not receive another chocolate," she mused, her optimism clouded by doubts about their mission''s success. But Kisha and her group were unaware of her thoughts and honestly, she did not care. Upon arriving at the house and allocation management office, she noticed the familiar faces of the people they had been with for the past few days, patiently lining up to secure their accommodations. With no other option, Kisha and the others resigned themselves to wait in line as well. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha turned to Duke and the others, suggesting, "Why don''t we send Sparrow and Vulture to scout around and gather information while we wait here?" Duke simply nodded in agreement, recognizing that there was little else to do besides standing in line. Sparrow and Vulture set off to fulfill their task while Duke and Kisha took their place at the end of the line. Duke''s towering figure and imposing presence made him stand out conspicuously at the rear of the line, his intimidating demeanor drawing attention. He resembled a formidable pirate with a rugged appearance, sporting a missing eye as he stood there with arms crossed. Despite the loose and tattered clothing he wore, his muscular biceps remained subtly visible, hinting at his underlying strength. "008, as we''ll be spending some time here in this base, keep an eye on Kieth and my grandparents from the territory pack. Inform me immediately if anything occurs," Kisha instructed, mindful not to overlook the need to check on her grandparents, especially during these busy periods far from her family. "Should we inform our people back at the base about the possibility of us staying here a little longer?" Kisha inquired, meeting Duke''s gaze as she sought his opinion. Though they were initially in a rush, their current circumstances left them uncertain of their next steps. Without knowing where to look or who their enemies were, they found themselves navigating blindly. Duke''s gaze flashed with a hint of menace, but he quickly masked it with a nod in response to Kisha. "I''ll make an effort to contact them later and inform them," he assured her. "Hawk and Eagle are more than capable of managing the base, and if any urgent matters require my approval, we''ll address them accordingly." His hand instinctively reached out, lightly brushing against Kisha''s cheek as he spoke. Both Duke and Kisha stiffened, their gazes darting away as a jolt seemed to course through them at the contact. There was no embarrassment, but rather a sensation akin to electricity wherever their skin met. A flurry of butterflies danced in their stomachs, and Duke even felt his throat go dry momentarily. Duke clenched his jaw, struggling to control his breathing as he felt the familiar warmth stirring in his lower half. He couldn''t help but feel annoyed with himself for losing control, especially in a public setting like this. "Next!" Their attention was brought back to what they needed to do, so the pink atmosphere around them cleared up as if nothing ever happened. Both of them are so good at masking their emotions and keeping an indifferent face so no one even notices that something going on. Chapter 56 - 56 Accommodation "You must be one of the new arrivals. First, I want to apologize because we have no space left in the tents. So, you can''t expect to have your own bunker beds. What we can do is give you a blanket and a pillow, and you can wait until we''ve built a new tent for the survivors," the soldier explained to Kisha, glancing at the booklet in his hands as he briefed her on the shelter''s predicament. Kisha remained expressionless throughout the soldier''s explanation. Once he finished, she responded, "It''s okay. My team and I were actually hoping for our own house. I''d like to know what steps we need to take to secure a house with four or more rooms." The soldier was taken aback, as seeking separate accommodation was a luxury afforded only to high-ranking soldiers and officials in the evacuation center. For most, affording such accommodations was simply out of reach. He was momentarily lost in thought before regaining his composure. "Perhaps they''re unaware of the requirements or the amount of supplies needed to secure private accommodations," he mused, gathering his thoughts and retrieving the booklet detailing all available accommodations within the shelter. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He then passed the booklet to Kisha, expecting her to simply accept one of the options he had prepared in advance. However, Kisha pointed to something in the booklet and remarked, "I would like to secure this villa. It seems to be one of the finest options available here." He retrieved the booklet and observed that it depicted a 10-bedroom villa with a rose garden in the front, a swimming pool at the back, a spacious garage, a private gym, a helipad, and an expansive open area. Duke glanced at the booklet and raised an eyebrow after seeing it. "Are you certain you want this one? It''s likely to be quite expensive," the soldier cautioned. "What are the requirements?" Kisha inquired, her demeanor steady and composed. "We''ll need you to pay at least 50 kilos of rice and a box of canned goods or instant noodles for this much land and facilities," he informed Kisha straightforwardly. "Hmmm," Kisha pondered, placing her finger on her chin as she considered how to procure the necessary supplies from her inventory. "We would like to secure this villa. Currently, we have four bags full of supplies. Although we lack the 50 kg of rice, we do have several gallons of mineral water, instant noodles, and canned goods." The soldier was completely taken aback, as he had never encountered anyone willing to expend such a significant amount of supplies for accommodation. "Miss, in case you are not aware, this is a monthly rental." Kisha nodded indifferently before she set down her heavy bag. Fortunately, they had come prepared. Observing Kisha''s readiness to exchange her supplies for the villa, the soldier eagerly led them to view the property before settling the payment. Duke silently trailed behind them, his eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but no one could fathom what was going on inside his head. As they strolled through the evacuation center, they traversed the rows of massive tents erected side by side in the expansive square near the gates. Numerous individuals roamed the area with hollow gazes and somber expressions. Most of the survivors huddled inside the tents, grappling with their new reality and clinging to the hope that the apocalypse that befell the earth would soon be vanquished or fade away. Many preferred to avoid confronting the grim circumstances they now found themselves in. However, there were those who steeled themselves to confront the harsh truth of their once-peaceful homeland''s transformation. For the sake of their families and the prospect of a future, they tirelessly labored within the shelter, trading their efforts for essential supplies. As they drew nearer to the heart of the shelter, the tents became filled with soldiers and government officials. Some bore heavy wounds, yet they continued to meticulously clean their firearms outside, their eyes harboring a sense of unease as if they were poised to spring into action at any moment. As Kisha and Duke silently observed their surroundings, they trailed behind the soldier en route to the villa. "We''ve lost too many comrades in the 4 days it took to build this shelter," the soldier reflected. "Initially, we housed survivors within the building, but our superiors knew it wouldn''t last for long. They feared siege and us being massacred with no way out. So, we mobilized our forces to erect sturdy walls using cranes. Each day, we expand our territory to enhance our defenses," he elaborated as they walked along the road. Kisha and Duke took in the scene without uttering a word. They observed the disproportionate ratio of tents to soldiers within the shelter, noting that some tents appeared unoccupied. Meanwhile, medics hurriedly moved between tents. The atmosphere weighed heavy with gloom and tension, suffused with the distinct scent of blood and gunpowder. Having experienced such scenes numerous times, Kisha no longer felt the same level of fear or concern as she once did. Her stomach had hardened over time, unlike the first instances where she was overcome with nausea and her insides twisted in every direction. Now, she could even tolerate being around rotting flesh if circumstances demanded it. After passing through the mid-section, they entered a zone enclosed by heavy gates guarded by soldiers around the clock. Beyond these gates stood the large villas. As they proceeded deeper into the central area, they reached Villa #1, the accommodation Kisha had set her sights on. Positioned at the heart of the shelter, it boasted a metal gate standing over three meters tall and its own guard house. "We''ll take this," Kisha declared as soon as they stepped beyond the gate. A skeptical look crossed the soldier''s face. "Are you not going to view every place inside?" he inquired. "No need. We''re tired from traveling outside and we just want to rest," Kisha replied calmly. "Two of our people might come to your office later. You can direct them here as we arrange for the supplies we have. Alternatively, you can check what we have now and return for the remaining once our people come back." With a deliberate motion, Kisha began to remove the backpack from her back. "No problem, I''ll gather the supplies all at once later. Then I can bring some people with me to carry the supplies to the warehouse," the soldier said, his tone tinged with excitement. He seemed eager not only because it would be counted in their inventory, but also because he would receive a bonus, much like a realtor. "Then, if you don''t have anything else for me, I''ll be leaving you here," the soldier said before departing with lighter steps, heading back to the house and allocation management office. Once the soldier had left the premises, Kisha and Duke approached the villa''s entrance. The entire property was spacious and grand, reminiscent of a castle, but with a modern design. Approximately 30% of the structure was covered by floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the second floor, providing an expansive view of the surroundings from both the upper level and the area overlooking the swimming pool. After walking for about a hundred steps, the soldier suddenly remembered that the villa was equipped with a smart lock, requiring either a fingerprint or a code if they didn''t have the master key. It had taken them three whole days to successfully unlock the villa for future use. He hurried back to Villa #1, realizing he had forgotten to provide Kisha with the access code or the key card. However, upon reaching the gate, he noticed that the lights in the villa were already on. Doubt crept into his mind as he questioned whether he had already informed them about the access method and he had just simply forgotten. With a shrug, he walked back to his office, scratching his head in embarrassment for his forgetfulness. Chapter 57 - 57 What are we? "So, you were already familiar with this place?" Duke inquired as they stepped inside the villa, observing Kisha''s confident navigation to the light switches. Kisha shrugged casually. "Wasn''t this your villa?" Duke chuckled as he strolled into the living room. "Did I ever mention this in your past life?" "No, this was our home," Kisha replied, joining him on the couch and sinking into its comfort. Hearing her say the word ''our home'' made his whole body tense. There''s only one reason he could think of why they would live together under one roof. His gaze darkened as he stared at her, although Kisha was wearing a scary disguise, but Duke''s brain automatically changed her appearance to her original face as he stared at her without blinking. Feeling his intense gaze boring into her, Kisha lazily raised her head to meet Duke''s eyes. "What?" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What were we in your previous life? Why did we live under the same roof?" After the words left his lips, he immediately felt a twinge of regret. He didn''t want to hear any answer other than what he was thinking, yet at the same time, he yearned for confirmation. His throat went dry, and his breathing grew heavier as he kept his eyes locked on her, awaiting her response. Upon hearing Duke''s question, Kisha''s body stiffened. Frankly, she didn''t want him to know what a letdown she was in their past life. There were countless "what ifs" swirling in her head, unanswered questions that she was too afraid to confront. She didn''t want Duke to know the extent of the sacrifices he made for her, only to meet his demise because of her actions. If she hadn''t been so afraid of disrupting their relationship dynamic and had instead pursued him, would he have returned her feelings? Perhaps then, they wouldn''t have been betrayed by the very people she had saved and brought into Duke''s abode. Kisha choked on the question, struggling to find the words to respond. She was torn between fear and honesty, unable to bring herself to lie to Duke. Stifled by her own turmoil, she remained silent, grappling with the weight of the truth she held. Yet, she wasn''t alone in her unease, sensing that Duke too was anxious about what her answer might reveal. Duke rose from his seat and strode toward her, halting just inches away. A tumult of possibilities swirled through his mind, but one particular notion struck a nerve, causing his emotions to surge beyond his control. His mind buzzed incessantly with tumultuous thoughts, a desperate attempt to expunge the unsettling notion. But it had rooted itself deep within him, an indelible mark upon his very essence. Before he comprehended his own actions, he found himself pressing Kisha against the couch. Both his arms were trapping her in between while he was crouching a little, his face was a few inches away from Kisha''s. "Tell me..." His breath was scorching against Kisha''s skin, sending a shiver down her spine. Every hair on her body stood on end as an electrifying sensation surged through every nerve. Her stomach churned, a tangle of nerves twisting between her thighs, as his proximity ignited an overwhelming heat within her. She didn''t know that Duke had this effect on her because they''d never been this close before, they would always keep a safe distance from each other, as if they were protecting each other from whatever they deemed dangerous. Although there were more times that they''d seen each other bare naked due to some accidents but the next day, they would both act as if nothing happened. But even then, they both kept their calm. But now, she felt a stronger pull to him. As if her desire for him has been amplified by a hundred times. As if, every touch would awaken something dormant in her, she never felt this with anyone, even with her lover in her past life who eventually betrayed her. Or perhaps, her lover also felt it which resulted in him choosing to betray her instead? She had no answers to her questions and right now, her mind was in disarray because of Duke''s close proximity, as if her brain cells were fried in an instant and stopped working. SCREECH... Thud - Thud - The two were abruptly brought back to reality by the creak of the door and approaching footsteps. Reacting swiftly, Kisha shoved Duke aside while he was still in shock. "Master, Kisha, we''ve searched the shelter, but..." Sparrow''s voice trailed off as he sensed the tension in the air. His eyes widened as he met Duke''s menacing gaze, feeling the weight of his presence causing his knees to buckle. If only a stare could kill, he would be double dead by now or even worse. "I think, we should do a double-checking?" He staggered back as he avoided Duke''s glare, he found support from Vulture who was standing steadily behind him, seemingly unaware of Duke''s bubbling anger. "No, tell me what you''ve discovered first," Kisha urgently stopped Sparrow before any escape attempts could be made. She wasn''t prepared to confront her inner turmoil just yet, fearing Duke''s potential reaction if he were to find out. However, she didn''t intend to keep it hidden indefinitely; she simply needed time to realign her thoughts and emotions. Thus, her only recourse was to temporarily utilize Sparrow and Vulture as a distraction. Sparrow hesitated for a moment to report their findings and he sneaked a peek at Duke who was now trying to calm his emotions that were thrown all over the place while massaging the bridge of his nose in defeat. He felt that there was something important he needed to know that Kisha was trying to avoid just now. And he knew that, whatever it was, it wasn''t good, maybe for him or for her. This only aggravates him even more, but he doesn''t want to force the answer from her and wants her to tell him when she is ready. So he nodded at Sparrow after he rearranged his thoughts and focused on the important matter. After seeing the go signal and seeing that Duke''s aura was going back to normal, Sparrow let out a relieved sigh as he held his wildly beating heart. While Vulture on the other hand was clueless about what his partner was going through because, in a sense, he was a little dense in getting cues and reading the atmosphere in the room. "We''ve been cautious not to raise any suspicions among potential hidden factions within the shelter. Our approach for gathering intelligence under the pretext of seeking to align with the most dominant force for better benefits, all the while remaining vigilant for any irregular behavior," Sparrow advised, taking a moment''s pause before resuming. "Initially, everything appeared mundane, but there''s one piece of information that I find rather disconcerting." "Which is?" Kisha asked while both her arms crossed in front of her chest. "One of the soldiers mentioned that there''s supposedly a faction aligned with one of the prominent families receiving substantial supplies regularly. However, none of the regular soldiers or survivors have ever seen them, except for the soldier and government officials managing the shelter," Sparrow relayed, his fingers tapping against his chin as he deliberated further. "I took it upon myself to investigate, but my scouting confirmed that besides the military presence, there are no other factions within the vicinity." "And they''re all tight-lipped about it, so extracting further information seems futile. Additionally, I doubt that the Patriarch, Mr. and Madam Winters, are present in this location," Sparrow added with a shake of his head. "Good," Kisha said, then she summoned Bell in front of everyone. Bell appeared slightly larger than before, having grown after emerging from its cocoon, and its presence exuded a chilling aura. Even Sparrow couldn''t shake the feeling of something crawling beneath his skin upon seeing Bell''s thick legs. "Wha-What''s that?!" Sparrow croaked. "This is my contracted beast." Kisha explained as she looked at Bell who was flying around in front of her. "Contracted beast? Was it the one controlling those armies of bees that helped us navigate through the highway?" Sparrow asked after remembering the unusual actions of the bees from the highway. Kisha nodded. While Duke looked at Bell with amusement, although, he had somehow figured it out, but this was still the first time he saw a queen bee this big. Chapter 58 - 58 What to Eat? "Bell, deploy all available bees and have them explore every corner of this shelter. Notify me immediately if anything out of the ordinary is discovered," Kisha instructed through their link. Duke and the others observed without understanding the exchange, but they witnessed Bell flap its wings twice and give a slight nod¡ªa gesture impossible for an ordinary bee. From this, they surmised that Bell possessed not only an unusual size but also intelligence beyond that of a typical bee. "What are you planning?" Duke asked as his eyes examined Bell. Just right after his question left his mouth, a swarm of bees materializes out of nowhere just like how Bell appeared in thin air. They were all fascinated but at the same time felt their skin crawling with bugs. They were accustomed to seeing Kisha store and retrieve items from her inventory, but witnessing living creatures emerge from her space felt entirely novel to them. Kisha allowed Bell to fly around the villa, ensuring it had morphed to appear smaller and less conspicuous. Despite being within their own walls, there was still a concern that someone might unexpectedly check on them and notice Bell''s presence. As she reminded Bell and it changed its size to an even smaller form, the doorbell chimed from outside. Vulture, being closer to the entrance, swiftly took on the task and hurried to check the intercom connected to the doorbell outside. "Master, it''s a soldier from the (HAMO)House and Allocation Management Office," Vulture reported, standing beside the intercom, awaiting Duke''s response and instructions. Duke did not immediately answer but looked at Kisha, remembering that they still had this issue. Kisha waved her hand and instantly, a box worth of instant noodles and canned goods, along with a few gallons of water appeared on top of the coffee table in front of them and Kisha put all the big bags lying on the floor back to her inventory, to make it looked like they have already arranged the supplies they are going to use for the exchange. Observing that both Kisha and Duke had ceased their movements, Vulture promptly accessed the gate control panel beside the intercom and opened the gate. He positioned himself by the door, ready to welcome the visitors, while Sparrow positioned himself behind Duke and Kisha, assuming a stance akin to a loyal guard dog. Not long after, the soldier from earlier, accompanied by two more soldiers of lower ranking following him from behind, entered the villa with a wide smile playing their lips. "Hello again, I hope I am not disturbing your evening as I am only passing by to collect the supplies meant for the rental of the villa." He said as he scanned the living room and immediately saw the supplies they''d talked about in the office earlier. He did not act humble nor servile towards Duke and the others, instead, he immediately stepped forward to assess the supplies and after making sure that there was nothing missing and it was enough, he nodded and the two soldiers behind him stepped forward to start packing the supplies so they can transport it back to the warehouse after filing it in the inventory. Kisha and Duke did not try to make a conversation with the soldiers and just watched them complete what they came for, the soldiers also felt uncomfortable under their gazes so they worked faster and left just as soon after a little smile and farewell with the four people living in the big villa. But even after the people left, Kisha and the rest still did not start another conversation. However, the tranquility was abruptly shattered by the loud grumble of a stomach. All three turned their heads to look at Kisha, her expression indifferent as if nothing had occurred, and certainly not acknowledging that the noise had emanated from her own stomach. "Are you hungry?" Duke inquired, drawing nearer, his gaze lingering on her face. If Kisha didn''t know better, she might have interpreted his expression as an attempt at seduction. ''Does he look even at the toilet bowl like this?'' It would be a lie to say that Kisha was not affected by that look. "Are you planning to cook? Because I''m hopeless in the kitchen," Kisha responded, meeting Duke''s gaze with a smile. It wasn''t that she couldn''t cook, but Duke''s culinary skills were simply exceptional. In their past life, he didn''t always cook, but when he did, it was unforgettable. Just the thought of one of his simple dishes had her salivating. So, if, she''s going to compare herself to him, she''s really hopeless. Duke''s gaze lingered on her face for a moment longer before he rose from the couch and made his way to the kitchen. Kisha''s eyes lit up in anticipation as she watched him retrieve an apron hidden in the drawer. Without hesitation, she joined him in the kitchen, put some ingredients in the fridge, and assisted in the cooking process. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While Sparrow and Vulture watch with open mouths because they did not even know that Duke knows how to cook because they knew that Duke has never even touch a spatula and never went near the kitchen. But here he was, acting all confident and picking out ingredients from the fridge that Kisha prepared. "what are you cooking?" Kisha excitedly asked as she watched him from the side. Duke''s head remained buried in the fridge as he continued to select ingredients. "What do you feel like eating?" he replied casually, his focus on the task at hand. "I''ll eat anything you make," Kisha replied almost instantly. Duke''s head turned sharply to the side, his eyes were almost sucking her in with the way he looked at her, a different intensity flickering in them as his lips curved seductively. "You''ll eat anything?" he added, his tone suggestive. But for Kisha, his question sounded suggestive and lewd. Her breathing hitched in her throat as she met his gaze. She couldn''t determine if she was being dirty-minded or if that was exactly what he intended to convey. Moreover, she didn''t want to jump to conclusions. It appeared as though Duke enjoyed teasing her frequently, and she didn''t want to be the sole subject of teasing. So... Kisha locked eyes with Duke, her expression equally seductive. Her lips parted slightly, and she teasingly grazed her tongue with her lower lip, invitingly. Leaning against the counter, she showcased her curves for Duke to admire. Not content with just that, she retrieved a strawberry from her inventory and sensually nibbled on it, adding to the allure of the moment. Duke observed Kisha''s every move with intensity, his gaze fixed on her like a hawk. He felt a rush of heat flooding his lower abdomen, his throat drying up, and his entire body growing warm. Unable to tear his eyes away, he was captivated by the woman before him, who was teasing him unabashedly. His eyes grew darker, acknowledging the truth that he had initiated this exchange, his mind succumbing to desire triggered by something Kisha had said. However, being met with the same teasing energy now pushed his last shred of restraint to the brink of snapping. ''Fuck! Now I know the true meaning of shooting yourself in the foot!!!'' Duke thought as the remaining strings of reason snapped one by one. Chapter 59 - 59 What to Do Duke rose swiftly, closing the distance to Kisha in just a couple of strides. His right arm wrapped around her slender waist, drawing her close, while his left hand rested on the counter, supporting his weight. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Witnessing the intimate moment between Duke and Kisha, Sparrow and Vulture exchanged knowing glances before discreetly making their exit. They opted to patrol the perimeter instead, sharing a smirk that mixed happiness for their boss with a touch of incredulity at the sudden turn of events. Duke enveloped Kisha with his entire body, his warm breath caressing her forehead. Kisha''s long eyelashes trembled as she slowly blinked, gobsmacked by the turn of events. She just wanted to get back at Duke for teasing her, and she knew that this kind of teasing had not affected him one bit in their previous life. Now caught in this situation, she began to second-guess her understanding of Duke and how his mind operated. The weight of his body pressed against hers, their chests intimately pressed together, prompted her to reconsider the depth of her knowledge about him and his intentions. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as she felt a pulsating, thick long rod-like thing against her stomach, instantly recognizing what it was. Her eyes widened in shock as she glanced up at Duke, who wore a taunting smirk. Despite the playfulness of his expression, his eyes retained their dark, seductive allure. Duke maintained a composed facade, but internally, he grappled with an identity crisis. His conflicting desires waged war within him: one urging him to lose himself in her completely, he wanted to bury himself inside her right then and there, while the other, his rational side, cautioned against the impulsive act. He feared that succumbing to his desires might jeopardize their relationship, causing her to turn against him. After a moment''s pause, Duke closed his eyes and rested his chin on top of her head. Kisha could feel his wildly beating heart and the heat coming from his body. "So, he finally snapped, huh?" 008''s voice echoed in Kisha''s mind, its tone laden with implications. "What do you mean?" Kisha inquired, her hand resting atop Duke''s rapidly pounding heart. 008 did not answer but remained quiet. But Kisha was dying to know the answer, she felt like there was something she did not know that 008 was aware of but was refraining from sharing with her. She contemplated issuing another threat to 008, but before she could, Duke drew nearer. "I trust you''ll accept the consequences of your actions," his voice was husky, carrying a seductive undertone. As his hand found its way to the back of her neck, a jolt of electricity surged through Kisha''s entire being, eliciting an involuntary moan that caught her by surprise. That lone moan ignited Duke''s desire even further. "Kisha..." His voice resonated deep within his chest, sending shivers down Kisha''s spine and stirring her very soul. As Duke called her name, a tremor coursed through her body and soul, but it wasn''t sparked by desire; instead, an overwhelming urge to cry washed over her. It felt as though her heart, along with the pit of her stomach, was being yanked violently, yet the sensation had nothing to do with lust, disgust, or anger. Instead, it was a profound longing tinged with melancholy, a yearning for something intangible and elusive. Unbeknownst to her, tears began to stream down her cheeks, marking the first time in ages that she had allowed herself to succumb to silent sobs. Overwhelmed by a wave of sorrow and melancholy, she found herself unable to contain her emotions any longer. Feeling a dampness against his chest, Duke couldn''t resist the urge to glance down, only to discover Kisha silently weeping. He felt as though a bucket of cold water had been thrown over him, instantly extinguishing the flames of desire and replacing them with panic. This marked the first time he had witnessed Kisha shed tears, and it was undoubtedly the first time she had let her indifferent facade crumble, revealing the vulnerability she typically shielded herself from others to avoid being belittled or taken advantage of. Kisha''s true nature belied the facade she presented to the world. Beneath her tough exterior lay a woman of kindness and honesty, shaped by the relentless struggles she endured in the harshness of the apocalypse. The trials she faced left her battered, weary, and broken, bearing witness to unfathomable despair. Despite the turmoil she endured, Kisha recognized the futility of tears. Instead of succumbing to despair, she chose to adapt and evolve. She shed her naivety and learned to view the world through a more discerning lens, guarding herself against exploitation and manipulation. She felt the weight of all the pain she had carried in her heart, the burden that had eaten away at her from within. It felt as though she was drowning, suffocating under the weight of her grievances. At that moment, Duke became her lifeline, and she clung to him desperately, seeking solace and support. Duke witnessed the transformation in Kisha''s demeanor, the shift in her aura, and the anguish etched across her face, and panic surged within him. For the first time in his life... he felt scared.... He was at a loss, unsure of how to comfort Kisha in her distress. He cursed himself for allowing things to escalate to this point, for even considering acting on his desires at that moment. ''I must have scared her.'' As he contemplated his actions, Duke''s complexion fluctuated from pale to dark, his expression cycling through various emotions in rapid succession. If anyone had witnessed the scene, it might have appeared somewhat comical. "Kisha, I''m sorry. This is all my fault," he confessed, his voice betraying a hint of tremor as he spoke. He carefully lifted her and seated her on the countertop, his left hand tenderly running through her hair while his right hand gently stroked her back in an attempt to soothe her distress. His eyes were filled with genuine concern and self-reproach. Kisha felt his warm hand on her back, but instead of calming down, she wailed even more. Like an aggrieved child who has been wronged and wants to tell on the culprit. This only made Duke even more panicky than he already was. Kisha couldn''t gauge how long she had cried or how much effort Duke had put into comforting her. But after releasing all her pent-up emotions, she couldn''t help but let out a soft chuckle at the sight of Duke''s panic-stricken expression. "Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?" Duke''s typically cold tone softened, resembling a gentle summer breeze. Kisha nodded, attempting to wipe her tears, but Duke gently brushed away her swollen eyes with his cold thumb. His gaze conveyed a mix of self-reproach and affection, coupled with tenderness. "I''m sorry for scaring you." Duke solemnly apologized as his lips were tightly pursed together. Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle. "Do you think I was easy to be scared away? It was just due to hormones." Kisha felt bad seeing Duke blaming himself when she herself did not know why she cried in the first place, she could only find an excuse that typically used by other women in the menstrations. The only difference is, it''s not the time of the month yet. Duke nodded silently, though he didn''t seem entirely convinced by her excuse. He moved to take care of the ingredients, but the funny thing was, that he had his phone open to a cooking tutorial, silently following each step as he worked. Kisha found this revelation novel, as she had always assumed that Duke knew how to cook. ''So, does that mean he only learned how to cook post-apocalypse?'' she mused. However, she quickly realized there was nothing wrong with it; in the apocalypse, having a warm meal was already a luxury, let alone a delicious one. She silently watched Duke bustling around the kitchen while she remained seated on the countertop. Sparrow and Vulture returned quietly, observing the scene before them. They exchanged a knowing look, silently communicating, ''They look like a newlywed couple.'' Sharing a private chuckle, they continued to watch from a distance. However, they couldn''t resist snapping a stolen picture of Duke diligently preparing a meal for his ''little wife''. Chapter 60 - 60 Nightmare After cooking their dinner, Duke also led Kisha to sit down at the long dining table, insisting that she not move a muscle as he shuttled back and forth to the kitchen, bringing out the dishes he had prepared and carefully placing them on the table near her. Seeing the sumptuous meal, Kisha couldn''t help but gasp in delight, her eyes sparkling with pleasure and completely forgetting what happened earlier. "You can start eating anytime," Duke said graciously as he placed the last dish on the table, then elegantly seated himself beside her. "Here, try this. I believe I''ve outdone myself with this one." He carefully served the braised pork belly into Kisha''s bowl. Before Kisha could be enticed by Duke''s enticing dishes, she noticed Sparrow and Vulture silently standing near the living room, resembling statues. "What are you two doing over there? Are you not joining us for the meal?" she inquired. "Let them be; they''re perfectly capable of looking after themselves," Duke remarked casually, continuing to serve more food for Kisha. He cast a sidelong glance at his subordinates as if their presence was intruding on what he considered the private time between himself and Kisha. It was not only the first time they had seen Duke cook but also the first time he had displayed such gentleness while serving someone else. The novelty of the situation left them unable to fully grasp it; they were eager to share this revelation with everyone in their team, but with that option currently unavailable, they settled for silently giving their future madam a thumbs-up as they retreated outside to resume their patrol around the perimeter of the villa. "Why didn''t you invite them to eat first?" Kisha inquired, taking a bite of the braised pork belly Duke had served her. "They can eat later; it makes no difference," Duke replied nonchalantly, though his gaze kept returning to Kisha as if anticipating her reaction or approval. "But you know I have the entire place covered, so there''s no need to send anyone on patrol." Kisha''s voice was still indifferent and she was only asking for the sake of it. "It was still necessary for appearances, to show those who are keeping an eye on us that we remain vigilant and so those two won''t become complacent with their job," Duke explained between bites of rice, though he couldn''t resist stealing subtle glances at Kisha. "You''re testing me, aren''t you?" Duke questioned with a knowing smile. "Just checking if we''re on the same page," Kisha replied, returning his smirk before resuming her meal. Duke didn''t catch Kisha''s praise for his cooking, which nearly discouraged him. However, when he noticed Kisha eating more than she typically did, he understood that her increased appetite was the praise he had been anticipating, bringing him a sense of satisfaction and happiness. It was an achievement that felt more significant than winning a deal flawlessly or acquiring a company. The feeling couldn''t even be compared to the satisfaction he felt in those moments. They ate in silence, but it wasn''t uncomfortable; rather, it was peaceful, filled with a tacit understanding between them. They didn''t need to verbalize every thought to convey their meaning; they simply understood each other without words. After they had consumed nearly half of the meal Duke had prepared, they took a brief respite. Sensing the strain on her body, Kisha excused herself to rest upstairs. Despite her vast experience from previous lives, her current body remained fragile and weak, a stark contrast to her previous abilities. It was a testament to her resilience that she could endure for days without rest, but even so, her body was still at level 0, requiring frequent breaks. Despite having an additional 10 points in all stats, Kisha''s capabilities still couldn''t compare to Duke and his comrades, who were seasoned in arduous journeys and battles. Duke fully understood this, which is why he refrained from initiating a conversation about their mission or pressing her for discussion. Kisha indulged in a long bubble bath, a luxury she could never have enjoyed in her previous life where water was more precious than food. She reclined her weary body on the edge of the bathtub, allowing the warm water to envelop her, soothing every muscle. The strong scent of roses calmed her soul, serving as a gentle reminder that she had a precious window of time to rest and rejuvenate. As she rested, 008 provided updates on the situation in the territory where Keith and her grandparents resided. According to 008, Keith was excelling in his training and making rapid progress. Kisha also remained informed about Melody''s activities throughout the territory. As she listened to the report, Kisha didn''t realize she had dozed off. "Host, wake up! You''ll get sick if you stay in the bathtub for too long; the water is already growing cold..." 008 called out until he noticed that Kisha had woken up. After cleaning up for a bit, Kisha dragged her weary body to the big, fluffy bed. She didn''t even have the chance to admire the room and simply went straight to bed without much thought. As Kisha opened her eyes, they widened in alarm as she surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings. The area was engulfed in towering flames, casting an eerie glow over everything. The acrid scent of burning wood filled the air, mingling with the overpowering stench of burning flesh. Smoke billowed into the darkened sky, creating a harrowing scene that left Kisha''s heart racing with dread. Tears welled in her eyes as the dreadful realization dawned upon her, cascading helplessly down her cheeks and chin to the cold, hard ground below. Chaos reigned around her, with lifeless bodies strewn across the landscape. Despite her efforts, she found herself unable to free her arms from the grasp of two strong men, her body weakened to the point where she could barely keep her eyes open. Despite her weakened state, a surge of anger, despair, and hatred coursed through her, fueling her determination to stay awake and witness the unfolding chaos around her. With gritted teeth, she fought against the exhaustion threatening to overwhelm her senses. Finally, her eyes locked onto a familiar figure drawing nearer, sending a shiver down her spine. In the midst of the chaos, a soft, melodious voice cut through the dreadful night. "Long time no see, sister," the voice echoed, sending chills down Kisha''s spine. Her initial chuckles morphed into a terrifying cackle, filled with madness and cruelty beyond comprehension. It was as if the scene unfolding around them was nothing more than a twisted spectacle for her twisted amusement. "I have longed to see you in this position, groveling in front of me, watching as everything dear to you slowly withers away," the woman declared with a chilling tone. She circled Kisha, tapping her fan against her palm as she savored the sight of Kisha''s disgraceful and weakened state, delighting in the spectacle before her. "Why did you do this?" Kisha managed to speak each word clearly, straining to lift her head to meet the other woman''s eyes. "Why can''t I do so?!" She sneered, delivering a blow to Kisha''s beautiful face with the fan she held in her hand, her eyes bulging with veins, causing them to turn red. "You''ve taken everything that was supposed to be mine!" "Nothing that belongs to me is yours," Kisha sneered defiantly. "Your claims are nothing but wishful thinking." Despite her perilous situation, her aura and demeanor remained unchanged. She exuded an air of elegance and grace, akin to the ruler she was. Amidst the chaos, she longed to caress her bulging stomach, offering solace to her unborn child who could sense her unease. But the woman seemed oblivious to Kisha''s words, lost in her own delusions. "Unfortunately for my brother-in-law, if only he had chosen me over you, he might still be alive." Upon hearing her implications, Kisha''s entire body tensed, and all she could see was red. "What have you done to my husband?!" she demanded, her voice quivering with rage and fear. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t worry, you''ll soon be reunited with him in the underworld," the woman''s cruel, maniacal cackle echoed throughout the space, sending shivers down Kisha''s spine. A wave of coldness washed over her entire body as she envisioned her husband''s demise. Her scream, earth-shattering and filled with anguish, anger, and heartbreak, echoed throughout the entire space. Those who heard it felt as if their hearts shattered into a million pieces, overwhelmed by the raw intensity of her pain. Kisha woke up sobbing from her nightmare, her entire body trembling and chilling as though she had spent the night in an ice cellar. Her heart-wrenching sobs pierced the stillness of the night, awakening Duke from his slumber in the adjacent room. He rushed to her door, frantic with concern, pounding on it as her cries grew louder, filled with anguish. Her sobs sounded strained as if she were struggling to catch her breath amidst her tears. Duke did not wait for Kisha to open the door because it didn''t seem like she could hear him and she was engulfed in her own heartache. Chapter 61 - 61 Going Out In a rush, Duke darted to the drawer in his study room where the spare keys were kept. He quickly retrieved Kisha''s room key and dashed back to her door with urgency like a sprinter in a marathon, his heart pounding with concern. As he returned, the sound of Kisha''s faint sobbing lingered in the air. Without hesitation, Duke unlocked the door and made his way to her bedside. There, he embraced her with such intensity, as if he wished to merge her into his own being, to shoulder her suffering as his own, all in an effort to alleviate her distress and bring her solace. Feeling pained to see her in such distress, Duke hugged her tightly, wishing he could bear her pain himself. They sank onto the bed together, him cradling her in his arms, gently patting her back in a rhythmic motion, offering what comfort he could. Kisha felt a warm, boulder-like presence enveloping her entire body. Surprisingly, rather than feeling discomfort, she found herself at ease, as if cocooned in a protective embrace. The sensation seemed to gently ease her pain, cradling her until she drifted back into a peaceful slumber. As Kisha''s breathing steadied and her soft whimpers ceased, her knitted brows gradually relaxed. Watching her peacefully sleeping in his arms, Duke felt a sense of relief and happiness wash over him. Drawing her closer, he too succumbed to sleep, comforted by her calming scent and the warmth of her body against his. In her presence, he found a sense of ease and solace, his heart at peace. As morning broke, Sparrow searched for Duke in his room, finding it open and empty. Curious, he headed to Kisha''s room to inquire about Duke''s whereabouts, only to discover her door wide open as well. To his surprise, he found Duke sleeping in Kisha''s bed, with Kisha nestled in his embrace. Had it not been for the sight of Kisha''s long hair entwined with Duke''s arms, Sparrow might have mistaken the rooms altogether. Seeing Sparrow''s stunned reaction, Vulture approached and witnessed the same scene. Instead of being taken aback like Sparrow, he took action. Closing the door firmly, he then gently guided Sparrow downstairs. "Mas-master..." Sparrow began uncertainly, his words trailing off. "It''s a good thing that Master has found the woman who could melt his heart made out of a block of ice." He then chuckled and hauled Sparrow into the kitchen so they could both prepare a sumptuous meal. The two worked diligently to whip up fluffy pancakes that would delight anyone''s taste buds for breakfast. They also brewed coffee and squeezed fresh orange juice, intending to surprise Duke and Kisha with breakfast in bed. However, just as they finished cooking the pancakes, Duke and Kisha appeared together heading downstairs. Kisha descended the stairs, followed by Duke, whose sharp gaze betrayed no signs of sleep. Despite her red and puffy eyes, Kisha retained her stunning beauty, though her demeanor exuded coldness and indifference. Duke, equally distant, stood close behind her, emanating an aura of aloofness and unapproachable. Both of them still wore their disguises, which were becoming increasingly itchy and irritating against their skin. "Young Master, young madam, the breakfast is ready," Vulture eagerly invited the two to sit down. Duke''s eyebrows raised, but he didn''t correct them. Kisha opened her mouth as if to say something, but Duke had already pulled her to sit down next to him. They were promptly served by the two, who were acting like doting parents-in-law. Soon enough, Kisha had already forgotten what she wanted to say, her mind drifting back to the memory of her nightmare from the previous night. She desired to recall every last detail of the dream, but upon waking up, only the overwhelming emotions lingered, leaving the specifics shrouded in fog Duke reassured her, urging her to let go of the nightmare as dwelling on it would only sour her mood, which held truth. Thus, she heeded his advice and ceased dwelling on it altogether. "Kisha, have your bees discovered anything significant last night?" he inquired, drizzling more maple syrup onto Kisha''s pancake. "No, it seems we may need to widen our search radius. There were no clues here, nor any signs of secret passages being accessed covertly. Alternatively, we could postpone the investigation for now. They might be laying low," Kisha explained, delicately cutting a piece of pancake to fit into her mouth. "Hmm." Noticing his understated response, Kisha stole a worried glance at Duke. She understood his anxiety about his family, yet he maintained a calm and composed demeanor to avoid pressuring her in her search. Feeling a warm surge in her heart, Kisha spoke up. "Perhaps we should conduct our investigation outdoors. Using our group mission as cover would allow us to freely access the shelter without arousing suspicion." "I think so too." With a consensus reached, Kisha and the others swiftly finished their breakfast. She made sure to stow away all their supplies in her inventory. Even if someone were to snoop around inside their villa, they wouldn''t find anything amiss. The HAMO officer knew they had sent all their supplies as rent for the villa. It seemed logical that they would need to venture out to search for supplies. But before they departed, Kisha insisted they remove their disguises and take a moment to freshen up. Spending an additional two hours to redo the disguises ensured their comfort, preventing any skin irritation. With all preparations complete, the four emerged from their villa, their expressions determined, as if going into a war. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha and the others had barely stepped out of the villa''s gate when a fox-like old man approached them from across the road. "Hello there, neighbors! I heard you''re new around here?" Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture remained silent, their expressions indifferent as they regarded the old man. "I apologize if I startled you. I''m one of the leaders of the prominent group within this shelter. It has come to my attention that your group is filled with talented and exceptionally strong individuals," he began, his gaze sweeping over each of them before settling on Kisha. "Frankly, I would like to extend an invitation for you to join our group. It would greatly enhance our ability to gather supplies, complete missions outside, and, of course, reap more rewards." He offered a friendly smile at Kisha who looked a little less intimidating, appearance-wise, but when he met her eyes, ''Oh boy, he was so wrong.'' He found it difficult to maintain eye contact with her for more than a few seconds and instinctively looked away. When his gaze met Duke''s, a sense of dread washed over him, surpassing anything he had experienced outside. Buckets of cold sweat formed on his back, and each second of waiting for their answer felt like a decade. He even contemplated running away without waiting for a response, feeling as though he stood before not two human beings, but beasts. Duke''s voice, cold and intimidating, echoed in the old man''s ear, as though Duke were looking down on him from a throne at the top of a grand staircase. "Is your group the strongest and most influential in this shelter? Were you once among the top families?" Duke''s tone wasn''t that of a question; it carried the weight of authority, demanding a response from the old man. "N-no... We were not as formidable as the Coltons, who are among the top 8 families of City A," the old man nervously replied. "Why bring up the Coltons?" Kisha pressed for further information. "They''re the only prominent family in this shelter," the old man truthfully disclosed. Chapter 62 - 62 Going on a Mission Kisha''s entire body stiffened, and she instinctively glanced at Duke, silently assessing whether they were on the same page. "Given that your group isn''t the strongest here, we''re inclined to decline," Duke stated with an air of indifference. While the old man felt a pang of disappointment for missing out on what seemed like a valuable opportunity, he harbored no illusions about his own capabilities. He understood all too well that he stood no chance against Duke''s formidable presence; he might even find himself metaphorically pinned beneath Duke''s heel if he dared to push further. "I understand. Should you ever require assistance in the future, do not hesitate to seek me out. I''ll be more than willing to lend a hand," the old man offered politely before swiftly taking his leave as if pursued by rabid dogs. "Master, young madam, if the Coltons are here, why would they try to hide? Were they also being chased like the patriarch and the others?" Vulture inquired, tilting his head to the side as he sought to grasp the intricacies of the situation. "It''s either that or they simply don''t want small fry flocking to their door seeking employment or protection. After all, they still need to maintain their appearance of power and prestige. If word got out that the Coltons, one of the top 8 families of City A, couldn''t even hire people because they lacked supplies, it would be detrimental to their family''s reputation in the long run. They might not have fully grasped the implications of the apocalypse yet," Sparrow elucidated to Vulture. Kisha furrowed her brow and remarked, "Or they could be covering their tracks to conceal something significant." Duke cast a sidelong glance at her, as though attempting to discern her thoughts. He sensed that Kisha was withholding information, perhaps because she wasn''t entirely certain and didn''t want to provide false hope or misinformation. "Given that we''re clueless about their whereabouts, let''s focus on our mission for now since we can''t find them," Duke asserted as he strode towards the exit leading to the central area. The four of them strode purposefully towards the outer layer of the shelter, heading for gate 2 on the western side. Compared to what they observed at gate 1 yesterday, the survivor population in this area was notably larger, with more soldiers stationed here as well. Despite the increased presence of people and military personnel in this direction, the atmosphere felt considerably tenser and heavier compared to what they had experienced yesterday on the opposite side. Gate 1 linked to the southern part of the shelter, while each cardinal direction had a corresponding gate: one leading to the northern part, one to the eastern part,, and the two mentioned earlier. Given their shelter''s central location within City B, they strategized for multiple entrance and exit points. This contingency plan ensured that even if one entrance was overrun, they could safely evacuate from any direction. However, this also meant doubling their efforts to fortify and defend each entrance against potential zombie attacks. It would still be manageable now since the zombies only have their sheer number right now but when they start evolving, this is going to be problematic in so many ways. As Kisha and her group approached Gate 2, they were halted by the gatekeeper. His stern expression conveyed authority, undeterred by their intimidating appearances. "Halt! Where do you think you''re going? Have you obtained permission to leave?" As a seasoned soldier accustomed to the battlefield, the gatekeeper had encountered countless scars and no longer paid them much heed. However, even he couldn''t ignore the recognizable aura of Duke and Kisha, tinged with a hint of bloodlust. He could discern that the four individuals before him were battle-hardened veterans, their experience surpassing even his own. Though they attempted to rein in their bloodlust, it occasionally leaked through, leaving no doubt in his mind. He had no qualms when Kisha mentioned their affiliation with the government as special agents. Kisha and her team were also provided with a permit and badges, signifying that they had registered as a group and were authorized to roam outside freely, returning at their discretion as long as they adhered to the safety protocols upon reentry. Upon seeing the badge and permit, the gatekeeper suddenly had an epiphany and understood. He even felt a sense of relief and satisfaction at the sight of more experienced, battle-hardened individuals coming to their shelter. It added an extra layer of security for all the residents therein. His stern countenance, unaccustomed to smiling, now bore a happy grin as he returned the badge and permit to Kisha. With a gesture, he signaled to the lookout in the tower, ensuring they could assess the number of zombies in the perimeter. This precaution would facilitate the safe departure of Kisha''s team. Understanding the gatekeeper''s cue, the lookouts diligently scanned the area beyond the gate, their gaze extending as far as possible to ensure a safe passage for those venturing out. Once the scan was complete, the lookout relayed their findings to the gatekeeper, sharing the information they had gathered and recommending the most secure route for departure. After obtaining an estimate of the number of zombies outside, the gatekeeper signaled for the other soldiers to take their positions on top of the wall to assist Kisha and her group as they ventured out. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, Duke intervened. "No need," he asserted, "We must conserve as much ammo as possible. My team and I can clear our own path, especially since we''ve been given an estimate of the zombie count outside the gate." The gatekeeper found himself opening and closing his mouth, unable to utter a response. This was the first time his offer of assistance had been turned down. Typically, groups venturing out would request assistance in clearing a path before departing. Unlike those with vehicles for their exit, Kisha and her team were on foot. He felt it was only right to offer them some aid. But Duke is turning down his good intentions. Instead of growing angry, the gatekeeper felt a surge of curiosity about their combat prowess. He sensed the confidence emanating from Duke and his team as they stood there, poised and ready, waiting for the gate to open. Following Duke''s decision, the gatekeeper instructed his soldiers not to intervene and slowly opened the gate. As soon as it was open enough, Sparrow and Vulture darted out from the crevice and swiftly hacked the nearest zombie with precise blows to the head. The sudden action caught everyone off guard, leaving them stunned, except for Duke''s team. Sparrow moved with the grace of a dancer, killing the nearby zombies with precise, coordinated strikes. Meanwhile, Vulture''s explosive attacks sent several zombies flying several feet away, adding to the chaos. Kisha and Duke exited the gate with an air of calmness, assessing the situation before taking any action. With only a dozen zombies in the perimeter, Sparrow and Vulture seemed more than capable of handling the situation. The gatekeeper and the soldier on the wall watched in astonishment as Duke''s team displayed their fighting prowess. Their combat style resembled military close combat techniques, but it was executed with a level of precision and lethality that surpassed anything they had seen before. Impressed, the gatekeeper couldn''t help but let out a whistle. "No wonder they''re so confident!" After clearing their path, Kisha and the team ventured deeper into the city, leaving the gate slowly closing behind them as the other soldiers watched with interest. "Sparrow, Vulture, keep an eye out for crystal cores. I have a feeling we''ll find some soon," Kisha instructed as they sprinted through the zombie-free streets. "Roger that!" they replied in unison, taking the lead as they scanned their surroundings. Chapter 63 - 63 Crystal Core "Four more zombies incoming from 2 o''clock," Kisha announced calmly, her larger katana cleaving through one zombie''s neck while her smaller blade found its mark in another''s head. Her movements were fluid, almost balletic, as she seamlessly danced between strikes, each motion graceful yet undeniably lethal. Duke displayed his prowess with a long spear, its handle nearly as tall as him and boasting a hefty two-inch thickness. The spear''s blade, double-sided and sword-like, extended his reach significantly. With each swing propelled by his explosive strength, he carved through the zombies effortlessly, slicing them with the precision of a seasoned warrior. With Kisha and Duke leading the charge, Sparrow and Vulture unleashed their awakened abilities without restraint. It was Kisha who proposed utilizing their powers to the fullest, albeit with caution regarding their stamina and spiritual energy levels, akin to a game''s MP or Mana. Sparrow and Vulture had to rely solely on their own sensations, making it challenging to accurately gauge their spiritual energy levels, especially when adrenaline surged. They often forget to monitor their spiritual energy level usage, risking exhaustion. Fortunately, Kisha''s ability to perceive spiritual energy gauges provided a crucial advantage, enabling her to oversee their condition and intervene when necessary. This spiritual energy gauge determined how much they could push their abilities further without risking exhaustion. She can also see a life gauge akin to a game''s HP which was also helpful. But this life and spiritual energy gauge was exclusive to her due to her ''Eye of Truth'' gift. She only became aware of this enhancement following the upgrade of her Eye of Truth. This feature allowed her to visually track the spiritual energy level of each individual, and she decided to conduct an experiment with Sparrow and Vulture, given that they had already awakened their abilities. Thus, these spiritual energy gauges would prove invaluable in their endeavors. Realizing the challenge of monitoring individual stat windows during intense battles, Kisha promptly tasked 008 with sourcing plug-ins from the system or its shopping mall. Her goal is to consolidate all vital information into a single interface resembling those found in video games. This centralized system would allow her to efficiently oversee her entire team''s life and spiritual gauges, streamlining her command and ensuring optimal performance in combat. Recognizing the potential benefits of such a plugin for her system interface, Kisha quickly conceived the idea, albeit with some skepticism about its availability. Nonetheless, she wasted no time in dispatching 008 to scour the system''s shopping mall and his entire channel in search of this valuable addition. "Alright, let''s take a 15-minute break over there," Kisha directed, pointing towards the rooftop of a single-story building nearby. They had been outside for two hours, meticulously inspecting each zombie they killed, hoping to find a crystal core embedded in their skulls. However, amidst the piles of corpses, not a single core had been spotted yet. After hearing her command, Duke swiftly withdrew the spear he had plunged into the zombie''s skull in front of him. With a powerful swing, he flung it around, causing the coagulated blood accumulated on the spear to splatter onto the ground. After ensuring his spear was free of blood, he approached Kisha, who was meticulously wiping her katana''s blade on the zombie''s clothing, avoiding direct contact with the gore. Duke couldn''t help but chuckle at her, noticing she was already covered in the same blood she was avoiding. She looked both silly and cute in her fastidiousness. Hearing Duke''s chuckle above her head, Kisha turned around, meeting his eyes as her own narrowed. "Let''s head up. Need a boost to the roof?" Duke asked, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. Kisha ignored Duke''s teasing and stood up, swiftly storing her katanas in her inventory before striding toward the building. Sparrow had already summoned a small whirlwind to lift himself onto the rooftop, looking effortlessly cool as if he were flying, while Vulture created a staircase from earth to ascend to the rooftop. Kisha and Duke raised their eyebrows in acknowledgment of Vulture''s useful abilities. After Vulture, Kisha, and Duke ascended to the roof, Vulture waved his hands, causing the stairs to crumble to the ground, leaving only a small mound of earth behind. Sparrow couldn''t help but whistle in admiration at Vulture''s useful abilities, while Vulture proudly accepted the acknowledgment, puffing out his chest and tilting his chin skyward. They looked comical, but it was their way of lightening the gloominess that the apocalypse had brought to their new lives. After their brief interaction, Sparrow returned to his task of scouting the area. Despite knowing that Kisha had already deployed drones around the perimeter, he wanted to further hone his talents and gifts by actively participating in the reconnaissance effort. Bell soared through the air, her presence a cheerful addition to the group as she expertly managed the bees scouting ahead. With her improved communication skills, Bell seamlessly relayed information between the bees and Kisha. While the bees still struggled to distinguish between zombies and living humans, their descriptions of what they observed had become more detailed and informative over time. This improvement made Kisha happy, and also, Bell''s own hive is doing well and the babies she has birthed are growing well, soon, she will be able to deploy her own Scarlet Bees to patrol farther and they can start making the Scarlet honey which will be very helpful in the body''s constitution but what stumped Kisha is how will she help Bell to level up because contracted beast from another world is obviously different from the mutated beast in the world they lived in. Putting aside her concerns about Bell''s level-up and evolution for the time being, Kisha focused on the mission at hand. The western side of the city presented a heightened level of danger and population density compared to other areas. This district primarily comprised residential buildings, catering to the lower and middle class segments of society. The landscape was dominated by tightly packed apartment buildings, rendering their intended route fraught with peril. It''s no wonder that no other groups were eager to take on this mission, despite the promise of rewards ten times the usual rate. However, Kisha and her team had a silver lining¡ªtheir decision to travel on foot minimized the noise they made, ensuring safer passage through the perilous area. Meanwhile, their drones and Sparrows took turns keeping a vigilant watch, scanning for any potential threats from afar. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This combination made their journey a little better, if any group saw this, they could only cry buckets of tears for envy. However, the drawback was that it took them longer to complete their reconnaissance mission. With no specific target location specified, their task was to thoroughly scout the entire western district, maintaining vigilance for anything out of place. Kisha wasn''t certain if their heightened alertness was due to the alarming rate of zombie activity, their potential evolution, or something altogether different. Nevertheless, it was this uncertainty that drove her to lead this mission¡ªnot solely for the reward, but because something felt amiss, and she was determined to uncover the truth while also searching for Duke''s family. Even though Duke remained stoic and hadn''t voiced his concerns, Kisha could sense his growing impatience and worry regarding his family. The absence of any word from his other subordinates only added to his unease. After the 15-minute break, Sparrow took the lead, guiding the team forward. Their strategy was to scout the western district from the outer perimeter inward, ensuring a thorough assessment of the area. This approach would allow them to efficiently complete their task and return directly to the shelter once finished. "Incoming zombies at 12 o''clock, over a dozen," Sparrow informed his team that was running behind him. They required no instruction, and each member instinctively assumed their position, charging ahead to confront the zombies. Sparrow''s agility was on full display as he leaped forward, driving his knife into the first zombie in sight. With remarkable balance, he perched on the creature''s shoulder, crouched and ready for action. After thrusting his knife and harnessing his momentum, Sparrow relied on his leg muscles to spring back to the ground, delivering a swift but controlled kick to the zombie as he retrieved his knife. Sparrow appeared to be executing a gymnastics routine as he leaped from side to side, efficiently killing zombies with his agile stabs. Despite being in the process of recuperating his spiritual energy after earlier exertion, he seemed to be enjoying himself. Meanwhile, Vulture employed a different approach. Though he couldn''t execute acrobatic maneuvers like Sparrow, his technique was just as effective. With powerful kicks, he effortlessly sent zombies hurtling through the air. The dozen or so zombies no longer posed a threat to them once they had mastered killing them. As Sparrow delivered his final blow to the zombie behind him, he prepared to advance when a glimmer caught his eye¡ªa shiny white crystal nestled within the zombie''s head. "Ah! Miss! Check this out! There''s a crystal core in this one!" he called out excitedly. Chapter 64 - 64 What?! As Sparrow delivered his final blow to the zombie behind him, he prepared to advance when a glimmer caught his eye¡ªa shiny white crystal nestled within the zombie''s head. "Ah! Miss! Check this out! There''s a crystal core in this one!" he called out excitedly. Kisha''s head snapped in the direction of Sparrow''s voice to verify his claim. Sure enough, there was a gleaming crystal in his hands, resembling shattered glass. Its formlessness made it appear as if it were mere debris, stuck to the zombie''s head for some unknown reason. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha cut the zombie in front of her before she ran towards Sparrow who was happily running to them to show his spoils of war. And once he reached Kisha''s side, he passed the crystal core to her with trembling hands. He was too excited because Kisha had told them that this crystal core was crucial for their advancements. With the crystal core now in her possession, Kisha employs her ''Eye of Truth'' to inspect the item. This unique application of her ability proves invaluable, as it allows her not only to view the stat windows of beasts and humans but also to inspect items imbued with spiritual energy. [Zombie Core] Level: 0 Attribute: None Spirit: 10 Description: A transparent zombie core that has recently formed, containing only a small amount of energy. .... "How was it?" Duke inquired, eyeing the crystal in Kisha''s palm with a hint of skepticism. To him, the shard seemed no more than a common piece of glass, and he wondered if Sparrow''s excitement was warranted or if he was simply exaggerating. Even without a detailed examination, Kisha could discern the subtle energy fluctuations within the crystal core, she just used her gift for testing an item with spiritual energy. While it might be challenging for those who hadn''t awakened to sense the energy within crystal cores, Kisha''s heightened senses made it second nature for her. Kisha nodded and returned the crystal core to Sparrow, who looked at her with an incredulous expression. Before he could voice his question, Kisha instructed, "Try sensing what''s inside the crystal." Sparrow furrowed his brows, unsure of how to proceed. He stared at the crystal, attempting to sense its energy, but found himself coming up empty-handed. Turning back to Kisha, his expression conveyed more questions than answers. Kisha shook her head with a sense of resignation. "You can''t just stare at it. You need to feel and sense the energy within, much like how you feel the wind even when you can''t see it, or the warmth of sunlight when it''s intangible," she explained patiently, recognizing that this was their first encounter with such a phenomenon. Observing Sparrow''s continued struggle to comprehend, Vulture took the crystal core instead, closing his eyes in concentration. "Hmmm, there''s a faint warmth emanating from it," he noted. "Of course it''s warm, it just came out from my palms, you know," Sparrow retorted, sounding somewhat exasperated as if addressing someone who wasn''t quite getting it in the head, in short Stupid. "I know, I''m not stupid, I am not talking about the surface of the crystal but within the crystal core. It felt like something warm is coming out from within is what I''m trying to say." Vulture clarified, his expression showing a hint of frustration at Sparrow''s misunderstanding. Unlike Sparrow, who relied more on logic, Vulture trusted his intuition. Kisha regarded Vulture with a newfound respect. Sensing the energy within the crystal wasn''t easy, and not everyone could do it. After all, the primary method of utilizing the crystal core was simply ingesting it. The challenge arose from the fact that not everyone could sense the energy within crystal cores, especially in the early stages of their discovery. This vulnerability led some unscrupulous individuals to exploit others by substituting genuine crystal cores with ordinary glass shards. Hence, Kisha aimed to educate everyone on how to discern genuine crystal cores from fake ones, enhancing their sensitivity to the cores'' energy signatures. Duke approached to examine the crystal core, scrutinizing it intently. "Can this truly aid our advancement? And how do we harness its potential?" he inquired, gently returning the core to Kisha''s hand. "This crystal core contains the concentrated virus, as I''ve explained before. Once ingested, it gradually integrates into our energy cores, the source of our awakened abilities," Kisha elaborated. "Wait, what? We''re supposed to eat this?" Sparrow jumped up from his position, his face instantly turning pale in disgust at the thought. "Of course, we''ll wash it clean before consuming it," Kisha reassured, not seeing what was wrong with the process, as she''d been doing it for how long, no one knew. Duke''s brows furrowed as he stared at the crystal core, then at the zombie lying on the ground, before returning his gaze to the crystal core, his expression growing more intense with each passing moment. The sight of the disgusting zombies and the stench emanating from their bodies made the idea of consuming something that came from those rotting corpses utterly repulsive and unimaginable to them. Even Duke couldn''t hide his disgust, scrunching up his nose as he looked at Kisha. Despite his revulsion, Kisha found his expression endearingly cute, unable to suppress a soft chuckle after observing him for a while. Observing their reactions, she sought to alleviate their concerns. "Don''t worry," she reassured them. "Although it''s as hard as a real crystal to the touch, once you put it in your mouth, it''ll dissolve like candy and taste just as sweet. You won''t even remember it came from a rotting corpse." She did not forget to tease them lightly at the end of her sentence, hoping to lighten the mood. Despite her efforts, their reluctance persisted. "Do we have to consume that now, or should we continue to look around for more?" Sparrow inquired, his expression contorted in distaste. "We should avoid zombies for now. Within the next 1-2 days, most of the crystal cores will likely have formed, and we can start hoarding them to begin leveling up," Kisha suggested, stowing the crystal core in her inventory. "Why should we do that? What if we get attacked?" Vulture innocently questioned before suggesting, "Isn''t it fine to take out the ones in our way and just collect from those we''ve defeated after two days?" "Why would we break our piggy bank when it hasn''t even generated money yet? Don''t you think it''s wasteful?" Kisha retorted, her brows furrowed in concern. The thought of squandering potentially valuable crystal cores weighed heavily on her heart. "Em," Vulture mumbled, unsure of how to respond. He found himself agreeing with Kisha''s logic. "Then, let''s move out," Duke interjected, breaking their little exchange and signaling for them to continue forward. His frustration over the lack of information about his family''s whereabouts was evident in his tone. Chapter 65 - 65 Lets eat "Little madam, there''s another one here!" Sparrow exclaimed, handing over another crystal core to Kisha. They had already agreed not to engage with zombies in sight. Thus far, their route had been relatively smooth, encountering only small groups numbering in the dozens. However, as they ventured deeper into the inner part of the western district, avoiding larger hordes became increasingly challenging. They had no choice but to engage the zombies. Out of the 20 they''d killed, they''d only retrieved two crystal cores. With a total of six in their possession now, they knew they needed more. If luck didn''t favor them, even after killing 20 zombies, they might only acquire one core or worse, none at all. They''d been out for over six hours, venturing deeper but still not enough to cover the entire western district. It seemed like it might take a week or even two to thoroughly search the area on foot, navigating like in a maze, ensuring not a single spot was left unexplored. While the statement was figurative, thanks to the drones and Sparrow, they didn''t actually need to physically traverse every inch themselves; it was already mapped out by the bees. However, Kisha and the others still moved about, ensuring they remained vigilant and never grew complacent, particularly the two who had recently awakened. Kisha concluded that people would likely begin awakening their abilities within a month, if not sooner. With only a few weeks at most, they couldn''t afford to waste time, especially since they still had no clue about the whereabouts of the other Winters. The inherent adaptability of humans meant that some would undoubtedly uncover the secrets of the crystal cores soon after awakening. This foreboded the emergence of even more challenges. Just contemplating this possibility sent a sudden surge of headaches assaulting Kisha. Observing the towering apartment buildings surrounding them, Kisha suggested, "Let''s take a break and conserve our stamina. We''ll let Bell and the others handle the scouting in this area." To prevent the bees from becoming exhausted due to nonstop flying, Kisha organized Bell to establish a rotation system consisting of at least 10 groups of drones for scouting. Each group would fly for a designated period before returning to rest, then be replaced by the next batch in rotation. This arrangement proved highly effective. To prevent any vulnerability during the shift change, Bell ensured that the bees exchanged positions midway through the rotation. This synchronized movement meant that as some bees returned, others would be emerging, maintaining a continuous surveillance presence without any gaps for potential exploitation. This was made possible by Bell''s diligence in recruiting regular bees from the surrounding area. So far, she had amassed thousands of bees under her command. While these regular bees lacked combat abilities, their dedication to scouting and their sheer numbers provided comprehensive coverage in all directions. "Little Madam, I found a promising vantage point on the second floor of that building at the end of the road. It offers good coverage and multiple exits," Sparrow indicated with a gesture, leading the way forward. Kisha nodded, following Sparrow''s lead as they walked onward. She couldn''t help but notice how Vulture and Sparrow had started addressing her as "little madam," and Duke hadn''t corrected them. Their dynamic had become ambiguous, and Kisha hadn''t attempted to clarify it either, as she herself wasn''t sure where she stood with Duke. And they didn''t have time to delve deeper into that matter for now, as they had more pressing tasks to attend to. "Let''s be real, host. You couldn''t help but enjoy it, didn''t you? After all, you''ve had a soft spot for the Tyrant Emperor for quite some time." 008 chuckled inwardly as it teased her, but sensing Kisha''s rising temper, it retreated to the depths of her consciousness once more. They''ve engaged in this banter for so long that 008 has grown rather cheeky when it comes to teasing Kisha about her relationship with Duke. Despite Kisha''s frustration, she finds it difficult to lose her temper with 008, as it always seems to sense when she''s on the verge of exploding and promptly retreats. After reaching the second floor of the building at the road''s end, Kisha and the others settled onto the chilly floor to recuperate and regain their lost energy. Taking advantage of the outdoor setting, Kisha retrieved a portable stove and pot from her inventory, swiftly setting them up to boil some water. "Will instant noodles suffice for everyone?" she inquired, though she had already begun extracting four packs of Shin Ramyun noodles from her inventory. Anticipating the smaller pot''s capacity, she also retrieved four sets of portable stoves and pots. As the water began to heat up, Kisha proceeded to retrieve four eggs, luncheon meat, enoki mushrooms, soft tofu, and leeks from her supplies. Prior to diving into the task of cutting the ingredients, she made sure to thoroughly wash her hands with water and soap, ensuring cleanliness before food preparation. Initially, Duke attempted to take charge of the cooking, but Kisha intervened. "I''m not completely hopeless, you know. I can handle this," she asserted, brushing off Duke''s attempt to take the knife from her. Duke couldn''t help but chuckle softly as he observed her bustling about, while the other two men relaxed, patiently awaiting their light meal. Yes, this is what a light meal is to them because their usual meal was not something anyone could see in the apocalypse, they would always have rice, a fish dish, meat, and vegetables. When the water reached a rolling boil, Kisha added the noodles along with their powdered condiments, covering the pot for a minute to allow them to soften. Afterward, she removed the lids and arranged the freshly cut toppings, cracking an egg atop the noodles. With the lid back in place, she let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes, ensuring that the noodles cooked thoroughly alongside the toppings and egg. Once everything had cooked to perfection, Kisha delicately arranged the green leeks as a garnish. She then proceeded to portion out individual servings for each of the four of them, accompanied by a set of chopsticks, a spoon, and a fork for each. With their preferred utensils in hand, they were free to enjoy their meal as they pleased, Kisha ensuring they had their own personalized dining experience. While she''s digging on her own food, she opened her own status window to see the changes. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 20 (+ 10) Stamina: 25 (+ 10) Defense: 21 (+ 10) Agility: 24 (+ 10) sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10) Charm: 30 (+ 10) Leadership: 31 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: None Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Pet: 1 She could readily observe the tangible improvements in her stats following their continuous battles. Despite the absence of experience points to aid in leveling up and enhancing their overall stats, which would naturally reflect in their physical abilities and bodily functions, they had no choice but to rely on manual training. While slower than leveling up, this method was their sole option for gradually building their foundations and enhancing their stats in the current circumstances. Upon leveling up, their stats cap would correspondingly increase, allowing their physique to potentially surpass the limits achievable by ordinary humans. This inherent advantage of the awakened, compared to those who have yet to unlock their abilities, lies in the continuous enhancement of their physical capabilities through leveling. Chapter 66 - 66 Danger? As Kisha pondered strategies for leveling up and scrutinized her stats, a subtle series of marching footsteps on their perimeter caught her attention, she was also informed by the bees of the movement, even 008 told her the same things so there was no mistaking it. Her hand halted midway, just as she was about to take a slurp of her piping hot noodles, a sign of her heightened alertness to the potential danger approaching. Her entire body went on high alert. While everyone else was engrossed in enjoying their noodles, Kisha''s senses sharpened. With a swift motion, she waved her hands, causing everything in front of them to vanish into thin air as she stored them in her inventory. However, she made sure to mark each pot in her inventory meticulously to avoid any confusion when they resumed eating, ensuring each person received their rightful portion. Upon noticing Kisha''s heightened alertness, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture swiftly sat up and cautiously made their way toward the door and nearby window, preparing for a potential attack. Kisha and Duke positioned themselves on opposite sides of the door, standing only a yard away. This strategic placement ensured that even if zombies were to burst through the door, they wouldn''t be immediately bitten or scratched, allowing Kisha and Duke to take this chance to take the initial attack effectively against the zombies. While Sparrow and Vulture take position near the window but are still facing the door as they also take note of the movements outside the window. They waited for a while in silence until there was a sudden silence just in front of the door. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bang- The door suddenly burst open, causing the entire frame to crash to the floor, catching both Duke and Kisha off guard. They exchanged a glance, sensing that this wasn''t the typical attack of a zombie horde. Sparrow and Vulture, realizing their vulnerable position in the open, swiftly shifted to different covers, aware of the imminent danger posed by potential armed enemies. With lightning-fast reflexes, they executed quick flips to reach the blind spots of the door, seeking refuge from the looming threat. Kisha was able to estimate the number of people outside the door thanks to 008''s recent upgrade, which introduced a radar-style function. However, similar to Bell''s drones, it couldn''t differentiate between humans and zombies, only displaying moving targets as they approached. The individuals outside the door appeared hesitant to burst in, likely due to only hearing a faint rustle from within. Instead, they opted to throw a flash grenade. Their rationale was clear: if those inside were humans, they would likely react audibly after being blinded or startled by the grenade. Unfortunately for them, Duke''s team could discern between types of grenades. And no one panicked and instinctively closed their eyes, Kisha, with her swift reflexes, followed suit instantly. Surprisingly, no sound escaped them during this moment, prompting those outside to realize that something was amiss. They remained unmoving outside of the door, the two sides were in a complete standoff and the more they remained in that position, the more mental energy they consumed thinking of all the possibilities and whatnot while watching out for any danger from the zombies that may climb up the stairs or go down from the above floors. However, Kisha and her team were playing it cool. Duke and Kisha even had the chance to playfully smirk at each other after opening their eyes. Kisha made a gesture informing Duke of the other party''s estimated number and where they were positioned. After comprehending Kisha''s message, Duke nodded with a proud smirk on his face, leaving Kisha puzzled about the reason for his smile. However, she had no time to dwell on it as Sparrow and Vulture sneakily glanced at Kisha and Duke''s positions, awaiting their next orders. Duke signaled to them, conveying the same information that Kisha had informed him of. Utilizing hand signals known only to Duke''s inner circle, Kisha and the team communicated silently. Having spent considerable time alongside Duke in her previous life, Kisha had been taught these secret gestures, allowing her to seamlessly understand and participate in their covert communication. In the face of uncertainty regarding the intentions and armament of the individuals outside, Duke and Kisha opted to take the initiative. Duke nodded at Kisha, signaling for her to execute their discussed plan, while he, Sparrow, and Vulture assumed strategic positions, ready for whatever might unfold. Clink- Swoosh- With precision, Kisha removed the safety pins from two grenades before hurling them outside the door. The individuals outside scarcely had time to react before the grenades landed among them, catching them off guard despite their swift reflexes. "Arg! My eyes! Damn it!" Angry groans reverberated through the hallway as smoke billowed out from the door where Kisha and Duke stood. With a mocking sneer shared between them, they swiftly donned gas masks retrieved from Kisha''s inventory. Opting for pistols in each hand instead of their usual cold weapons, Kisha and Duke executed a swift flip into the smoke-filled corridor, launching an attack on the people outside. Without a shred of mercy, Kisha and Duke attacked the people outside, sending them flying with powerful kicks or rendering them unconscious. Sparrow and Vulture were left without the opportunity to join the fray, as the skirmish concluded swiftly, even before the smoke had dissipated. Kisha and Duke found themselves without the need to utilize their guns with silencers, as the conflict ended decisively in their favor. So instead, Duke and Kisha aimed their guns at the incoming zombies that came from the upper floor that was drawn by the commotion. When Kisha and Duke was done with the clean-up, they took off their gas mask after making sure that the gas has dissipated from the air and would no longer cause them eye and nose irritation. After ensuring everything was under control, their attention turned to the individuals with whom they had clashed. "Ahhh!!!" Vulture''s sudden exclamation startled them, and they turned swiftly, fearing for his safety. "Aren''t they our comrades from another group?!!!" Kisha, Duke, and Sparrow were all stunned by the revelation, their hearts racing with a mixture of shock and anticipation. Without hesitation, Duke and Sparrow sprang into action, swiftly checking each unconscious figure lying on the floor. Sure enough, their faces appeared familiar, albeit worn and gaunt compared to their memories. Despite their haggard appearance, Vulture, Duke, and Sparrow recognized them as their own people. Duke''s heart surged with emotion at the sight of his surviving subordinates, their appearance speaking volumes about the hardships they endured in recent days. "Are these really your people? The ones we''ve been searching for, or are they from a different district?" Kisha''s tone carried a mix of concern and hope. While she was relieved to discover individuals connected to Duke, she remained uncertain whether they held any knowledge about Duke''s family''s whereabouts. "Master, should we wake them up?" Vulture inquired, his voice tinged with concern as he carefully checked each person''s breathing, ensuring that Duke hadn''t accidentally ended their lives. "Bring them inside first and guard the door," Duke ordered, his voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions churning within him. As he composed himself, he cast a searching gaze at Kisha, hoping to glean some insight. He sensed that she might possess knowledge about this incident concerning his family, perhaps from her previous life, yet she had remained silent about it. However, according to what he has observed so far, Kisha would only tell him something she was sure about and would not disclose any information that she has not verified from her experience to avoid misaligning anyone and giving false information or hope. So, he could only surmise that Kisha did not know the full information but has only gathered a small clue that she thinks might be helpful. Chapter 67 - 67 A Goddess With a grateful glance toward Kisha, Duke waited as Sparrow and Vulture carefully brought each unconscious person into the room. Once everyone was safely inside, Sparrow and Vulture took up positions outside the door, ready to intercept any zombies that breached the floor. As Duke and Kisha entered the room, they found a corner and settled there, facing the unconscious group. Sitting on the cold floor, Kisha reached into her inventory and retrieved their portion of instant noodles, passing one to Duke since they hadn''t eaten much of their meal earlier. Since Kisha''s inventory wasn''t affected by time, everything she stored there remained unchanged. As she pulled out the food, it was still steaming, and the delicious aroma of Shin Ramyun filled the room. Putting all their thoughts aside for the moment, Kisha and Duke began to eat their share. The appetizing smell of the food caused the unconscious individuals to abruptly wake up and sit up. Their eyes were still blurry and unfocused, but the sight of them drooling was a bit amusing. However, considering their pitiful and unkempt appearance, Kisha bit her lip and avoided looking at them to stifle her laughter. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Host, I noticed that you''re becoming more lively now compared to your other lives in the apocalypse. Before you looked like an unhinged person but now, you at least looked like a sharp blade." 008''s voice suddenly interrupted Kisha''s thoughts Now that 008 had pointed it out, Kisha also noticed that she''d been displaying more emotions lately than in her previous reincarnations. Surprisingly, she didn''t feel as much pressure as she had in her past lives. ''What was different?'' "Maybe your love life?" 008 teased before going into hiding again. Kisha didn''t have the opportunity to pursue the conversation with 008 further because the previously unconscious individuals were now awake. As their eyes gradually gained clarity, it was evident that their senses were a bit dulled, likely due to exhaustion and hunger, rather than sharpening from the danger that surrounded them. At that moment, right on cue, a stomach growled so loudly that it startled them out of their reverie. Their gaze had been fixed on Duke, who was quietly eating in front of them until the rumble of hunger snapped them back to attention. Soon after the first growl, a second one chimed in, followed by a few more from the others. Hearing the commotion from inside the room, Sparrow craned his neck to sneak a peek inside. When he saw that his comrades were awake, he exclaimed, "You guys are finally awake!" The man felt that the person''s voice standing guard at the door sounded familiar, so familiar. Vulture also looked back while maintaining his vigilance, his face lighting up with a smile upon seeing their comrades awake and alive. Despite their miserable appearance, the fact that they were alive and could return together brought relief. The man turned to the door and gasped, his voice trembling with emotion. "S-sparrow?!" He rubbed his eyes, blinked, and stared again, his eyes reddening with tears. Choked with emotion, he struggled to call out their names once more. His companions mirrored his reaction as if they had glimpsed a ray of hope. Overwhelmed, the men around Kisha began to sniffle and rub their eyes, trying to hold back tears. Despite Sparrow''s disguised and scarred face, his silhouette still bore a resemblance to his former self. They had encountered many masters in disguise before so their eyes were well trained to spot many things that normal people don''t notice, allowing them to recognize traces of Sparrow in the man standing guard at the door. The almost imperceptible sound of slurping noodles caught his attention. Before him sat a man with a pirate-like appearance, yet his commanding and noble presence could only belong to one individual¡ªthe person they had known since youth, the one who had imbued their lives with newfound purpose. Despite any changes he may have undergone, they would always recognize him. "M-master... Duke?!" The man who had been the first to wake up croaked, his voice hoarse and trembling as he called out to Duke. Disbelief filled his wide-open eyes, as if he couldn''t quite believe that the Duke in front of him was real, and not just a figment of his imagination. "Um..." Duke responded with a simple sound as he continued to eat his food without looking up. "Master... You''re alive..." The men echoed, their usually stoic demeanor crumbling in the face of overwhelming emotion. Despite their battle-hardened elite status, they resembled vulnerable children, tears and snot mingling as they repeatedly called out for Duke, who continued to eat his meal in silence. If Kisha hadn''t looked closer, she might have missed the subtle tremble in his fingers and the storm of emotions swirling in his dark eyes. He attempted to conceal it, but the weight of the moment had cracked his facade. Witnessing this vulnerability, Kisha couldn''t help but offer a defeated smile. ''Is he so fearful of revealing his vulnerability to others? Or perhaps his pride won''t allow it?'' she pondered silently. In the midst of the silent rejoicing of those around her, as they reunited with their leader, Kisha stayed quiet. With no familiarity or connection to these individuals, she found herself without words to say. Instead, she busied herself by bringing out additional pots and a portable stove, intending to cook more noodles for the seven men. Their hunger seemed so intense that they appeared on the verge of fainting. As Kisha unveiled the ingredients and utensils, all seven pairs of eyes swiveled in her direction. They had witnessed something extraordinary happening almost as if by magic, and their shock was palpable. Their surprise, though profound, was tempered by the grim realities they had come to accept in the wake of the apocalypse. Having heard tales and rumors from their leaders, they were somewhat prepared for the unexpected. Yet, witnessing such a remarkable occurrence firsthand was nothing short of astounding. So absorbed were they in this novel experience that they momentarily forgot their tears, captivated by the unfolding spectacle before them. Upon hearing stories of future awakenings of supernatural abilities from their respective leaders, they couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation stirred within them. Witnessing Kisha''s extraordinary capabilities fueled their excitement for their own potential awakenings, injecting a newfound sense of hope into their weary hearts. It became a beacon of promise amidst the bleakness of their current reality, offering them something to eagerly anticipate and strive towards. Kisha felt their intense stares but chose to focus on the task at hand, pushing aside the weight of their scrutiny. Duke, finishing his noodles swiftly, left not a drop of soup behind before setting down his utensils. Without hesitation, he joined Kisha in preparing the additional servings for the seven men, seamlessly lending his assistance. Kisha remained wordless, allowing Duke to assist without interruption. As they cooked in silence, the seven men observed them with astonishment. They were well aware that their master had never set foot in a kitchen, much less wielded a spatula or prepared noodles. Their gaze shifted to Kisha, scrutinizing her every move. They had no idea what she looked like, but considering Duke and the others were in disguise, they speculated that the woman before them might also be hiding her true appearance. Kisha looked up and said. "Hungry? Just wait for a little while, the noodles will be cooked." Then turned her attention back to the pots. The seven men were overcome with emotion. ''She''s a goddess,'' they thought, feeling tears welling up in their eyes. Chapter 68 - 68 Tell me What Happened Once the noodles were cooked to perfection, Kisha swiftly distributed portions to the seven eagerly awaiting men, their mouths watering in anticipation, drool nearly escaping the confines of their lips. As Kisha handed out the steaming bowls of noodles, the men eagerly accepted them with trembling hands, their excitement palpable as if receiving a priceless gift from a monarch. While Kisha observed this gesture, she didn''t dwell on the small details, understanding that hunger had taken its toll on them. Despite their exhaustion and hunger, it was remarkable that they still retained the strength to fight as fiercely as they had earlier. Having likely endured days of hunger in their struggle to survive, the men''s voracious appetite was evident. The room fell silent as Duke and Kisha observed them indulging in their meal, the only sounds filling the air being the slurping and loud gulps as they eagerly consumed their fill. Interestingly, there were no zombies in sight this time, providing a rare moment of respite for the group. As each person grappled with their own thoughts and emotions, a heavy silence settled over them. For Duke, the weight of this silence was particularly burdensome, as he remained uncertain about the significance of his people''s presence in this place. He had his own deductions, yet he hesitated to entertain them just yet. With the weight of uncertainty pressing upon him, Duke chose to set aside those thoughts for the time being. Within a matter of minutes, the seven men had devoured their meals with gusto, prompting Kisha to offer them water to help settle their stomachs. After ensuring the men had finished their meal, Duke wasted no time in addressing the question that had been weighing on his mind. "Were you the group that escorted the Patriarch and my parents?" His voice betrayed no emotion, its tone cold and detached, though his expression remained impassive. The man at the forefront straightened his posture, his expression taking on a somber tone. "Yes, master." "How is my family?" Duke inquired. "They are safe, master," the man replied with evident difficulty, hinting that while they were physically safe, their situation might not be favorable. Upon hearing this assurance, Duke felt the tension in his muscles ease, and his clenched jaw relaxed. "What exactly occurred?" "As you instructed, we arrived to escort the Patriarch and Mr. and Mrs. Winters from the Mansion to the designated safe settlement. However, shortly after departing the mansion, we realized we were being followed. We attempted to lose our pursuers by taking a detour through the west district, but they persisted, and we ended up losing valuable time in the process. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By the time the blood rain began, we were still navigating through the west district. We also ensured that all our people, including the Winters, were exposed to the blood rain as instructed. However, we took precautions to make our actions appear less conspicuous." He sighed heavily as the memories of that chaotic day flooded back. "Even amidst the chaos, our pursuers refused to relent. They pursued us relentlessly, changing tactics until we found ourselves trapped in an ambush. Thankfully, Tristan arrived to aid us, but not without losses. We lost some of our men in the attempt to escape, forcing us to flee to City B to avoid leading them to our base." "But who would have thought that even after reaching City B''s evacuation center, they would still pursue us relentlessly? Their determination to capture or eliminate the Winters knows no bounds. To prevent the sheltered civilians from getting caught in the crossfire, we sought refuge here in the western district. Yet, they persisted, relentlessly tracking us down. Despite our efforts to conceal the patriarch and your parents, we''re surrounded, unable to gather supplies effectively for fear of revealing their location. We''re forced to skulk about like rats," he concluded, his tone heavy with wounded pride as he stared down at his hands. "If it were up to us, we''d face those bastards head-on, tooth and nail. But alas, we''re left to swallow our dissatisfaction and flee with our tails between our legs. We can''t risk the safety of the Winters. Not only were we outnumbered, but they had superior weaponry and ample supplies," he lamented. As Duke listened to the brief account, his eyes darkened and his aura seemed to grow heavier, casting a palpable pressure over them. He was seething with anger as he heard the tale of the day his parents and the patriarch vanished, along with his aide, Tristan. To think that some people would try to take action against his family even after the chaos has descended down on earth, those people sure not only have guts but deep enmity with him or his family to pursue them until the end of the earth. "Good, very good," he muttered, mentally noting to ensure those perpetrators meet a well-deserved end for targeting his people and daring to harm his men. The memory of finding his seven men''s bodies, and the pain they endured before death, still haunted him. He vowed to ensure their assailants suffered far worse before he ended their lives. He was seething with rage, but he hadn''t forgotten what was important. Pushing aside his deep anger, he composed himself and asked, "Do you know the enemy''s position? Even if it''s not the exact location, just the proximity is fine." He glanced at Kisha, and when she nodded, he turned back to his subordinates. "We''ve marked three possible locations where they might have been waiting in ambush. We''re avoiding those places for now because we''re low on manpower, running out of ammo, and our food supplies are running low. The madam was also sick, which is why my team and I went out to get some medicine and food supplies. She must have been under a lot of stress with everything that''s been happening, plus being hunted by those people," the man explained. Duke''s jaw tightened after hearing about his mother. It had already been more than a week since the apocalypse started, and he was certain that when they were escorted, they didn''t have many food supplies with them. Most of the supplies had been sent to the base, and the weapons and ammunition the convoy had must have only sufficed for a few days. He inhaled deeply, attempting to calm his raging emotions and focus on logical thinking. He understood that being emotional at this moment would only cloud his judgment and be counterproductive. As if on cue, he felt Kisha''s small, soft hand patting his back rhythmically. It was remarkably soothing; he sensed his anger subsiding and his mind clearing. "Lead us to where you guys are hiding," Duke commanded. "Yes, master." They didn''t question Duke''s orders, especially after witnessing what Kisha was capable of. They surmised that she likely had supplies hidden somewhere, so all they needed to do was guide Duke and the others back to their hideout. Doing so might even alleviate some of the stress his mother was feeling. None of them wasted time sitting around; they all set out to traverse the path toward the hideout. The newcomers in Kisha''s party were baffled by how much easier their route seemed this time. It was as if Kisha knew where and when a zombie would appear from any corner ahead of time, giving them a heads-up or command of what to do. They observed Duke''s composed demeanor as Kisha seamlessly directed his subordinates, almost as if they were her own team, and how Sparrow and Vulture effortlessly followed her commands. Wide-eyed, they exchanged glances, clearly surprised by the scene unfolding before them. Their astonishment at this scene surpassed even their initial shock at witnessing humans transforming into zombies. Born into power, Duke had never been accustomed to taking orders, yet here he stood, calmly following Kisha''s lead. This unexpected dynamic left them reeling with disbelief. "Damn! This woman has tamed the Tyrant Emperor just like that!" They shared the thought. And then they knew, she was definitely going to be their young madam for sure. Chapter 69 - 69 Surprised? "Wait! Hold up right here," Kisha exclaimed abruptly, halting their stride near the heart of the western district. With a swarm of zombies looming ahead, she urgently sought to reassess their route. "Miss Kisha, what''s wrong?" One of the newcomers inquired, only to receive a sharp smack on the head from Sparrow''s palm in response. "Less chit-chat, more focus on what''s around us, you fool!" Despite his playful tone, his expression resembled that of a vigilant guard dog. His posture stiffened, and every muscle tensed as he scanned their surroundings intently. "This route won''t do. We need to detour to the southeast; it might add some extra distance, but it''s significantly safer," Kisha declared decisively. However, her momentum halted as a crucial piece of information flashed into her mind. Approaching Duke, Kisha shared her thoughts on the situation, outlining the looming threat of the zombie horde ahead. It was clear they couldn''t proceed, and the only viable path to the southeast led through territory potentially occupied by their adversaries. Having absorbed Kisha''s plan and the gravity of the situation, Duke glanced over at Sparrow. Despite the seriousness of their circumstances, Sparrow seemed to be engaging in light banter with the newcomers, recounting snippets of their recent journey to City B with a hint of cheerfulness. As Sparrow caught sight of Duke''s gaze, he swiftly closed the distance, intuiting that he was likely about to be assigned a mission. The expressions on their faces, particularly Kisha''s, hinted at something brewing, something that didn''t seem entirely favorable not for them but for those she scheming against. Having observed Kisha closely, he couldn''t shake the feeling that she bore a striking resemblance to Duke, particularly in their approaches to handling traitors or adversaries. A pang of sympathy struck him for anyone foolish enough to cross the Winters. He realized that their enemies weren''t just up against Duke anymore; they now had another powerful opponent in Kisha, someone who might be even more skilled at leveraging the chaos of the apocalypse to their advantage, mastering strategy and manipulation to the utmost degree. ''They''ve definitely stirred up a hornet''s nest this time.'' Those who dared to provoke them would undoubtedly face dire consequences. Sparrow couldn''t resist the anticipation of becoming the instrument of Duke and Kisha''s will, eager to witness the unfolding events from the front row. "Master, how may I assist you?" Sparrow inquired as he approached Duke and Kisha, a mere arm''s length away. Instead of Duke, it was Kisha who responded. "Sparrow, I need you to conduct reconnaissance in the southeast part. See if you can locate the enemy''s hideout, assess their numbers, and gauge their current status. But be cautious; we don''t want to tip them off. Can you handle it?" Sparrow bowed his head briefly, contemplating his course of action and strategizing how to approach his mission. He understood that Kisha and Duke had likely devised a comprehensive plan extending beyond simple reconnaissance, though its details remained unknown to him. As he considered the mission ahead, he meticulously evaluated potential obstacles, such as the presence of lookouts in strategic positions and lurking snipers concealed in the shadows. After assessing his role, Sparrow lifted his gaze to meet Kisha''s eyes, nodding with confidence. This was his moment to showcase his scouting prowess and leverage his gift, known as ''Hawk Eyesight.'' He welcomed the opportunity to operate independently, free from the reliance on Kisha''s drones that had previously surveyed the area. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With Sparrow''s confirmation, Kisha and Duke swiftly dispatched him on his mission while they led the remaining group to a nearby building with strategic vantage points and multiple exits for rest. Before departing, they left subtle markings for Sparrow to follow upon his return, ensuring he could easily locate them. "Master, why aren''t we continuing our journey? And where''s Sparrow off to?" one of the newcomers queried, brimming with curiosity. He couldn''t help but marvel at Kisha''s leadership, noting how she had navigated them through streets and alleys nearly devoid of zombies. If he had not known better or experienced it himself he would easily believe that traversing this zombie-infested city might be as simple as strolling through a park. Speculations buzzed among them, suggesting that Kisha might possess a radar-like device or some extraordinary awakened ability. If it were an ability, they eagerly entertained the notion that Kisha was a truly formidable awakened individual, evidenced by Duke''s deference to her leadership, akin to a husband attentively heeding his wife''s guidance. Unbeknownst to them, their speculations were remarkably close to the truth, particularly in Duke''s case, who would have been amused to hear their conclusion about him being Kisha''s husband. They couldn''t help but notice Duke''s attentiveness towards Kisha, particularly when it came to her input on important matters. He seemed to carefully consider her advice and often chose to follow it. This side of Duke was entirely novel to them; they were accustomed to him being the authoritative figure who issued commands and made the final decisions without entertaining input from others. Especially when something grated on his nerves, Duke rarely accepted advice or direction from anyone. It made sense given Duke''s exceptional leadership qualities and sharp intellect. His position at the apex of their pyramid was a testament to his capabilities; he wouldn''t have risen to the top of the hierarchy at such a young age or formed his own formidable force outside of the Winters'' influence if he lacked these qualities. Despite his impatience concerning his family''s well-being, Duke chose to heed Kisha''s directions, finding solace in the knowledge that his family was alive, albeit in a dire situation. In the past, he might have impulsively charged into danger, even through a horde of zombies, to rescue them. However, now, while still strategic and cautious, he recognized the importance of patience and prioritizing the safety of both himself and his loved ones. They didn''t resent the changes in their master; in fact, they welcomed them, understanding that it meant Duke would be around for much longer. While Duke wasn''t typically confrontational, his occasional impatience was evident. Having someone like Kisha to offer an additional perspective not only eased his burden but also prevented him from becoming a solitary ruler atop his throne. Unbeknownst to them, they were gradually adopting roles akin to Vulture and Sparrow, silently recognizing Kisha as their future young madam. After a long day of travel, particularly for Duke''s group, and with darkness descending, Kisha reached into her inventory and retrieved something to cook. They were all in need of a well-deserved rest and nourishment. Despite sending Sparrow on a mission, Kisha made sure to equip him with a pouch containing easy-to-eat food and a pair of night vision goggles sourced from Duke''s secret stash at the farm. Choosing to prepare a hearty meal, Kisha decided to whip up braised pork with boiled eggs served on a bed of rice, accompanied by steamed buns. As the group watched her seemingly conjure a fresh, sizable slice of pork belly out of nowhere, they couldn''t help but gulp in anticipation. It had been a week since they''d enjoyed a proper meal, particularly one with meat and rice. Their eyes practically gleamed with anticipation as Kisha began to work with the ingredients. Despite Duke''s enjoyment of Kisha''s cooking, akin to that of a pampered husband, he still assisted her with the preparation. Gradually, he took over some of the tasks, following her lead and allowing her to focus on the cooking process. Duke''s unexpected obedience around Kisha caught the newcomers off guard; they weren''t accustomed to seeing their master so compliant with anyone. It was as if he transformed into a loyal, tail-wagging big dog in her presence. However, when Kisha was out of sight, Duke reverted to his usual demeanor, resembling a rabid dog ready to snap at any moment, especially if his metaphorical tail was inadvertently stepped on. Their reactions would surely intensify once they discovered that Duke had not only learned to cook but also prepared a substantial meal solely to comfort Kisha after she had cried her eyes out. Vulture observed their responses, reminiscing about his and Sparrow''s own astonishment upon witnessing the unexpected scene. Unable to contain himself, he quietly chuckled at the prospect of their eventually knowing this in the future. Even Duke''s own mother, whom he respected and loved deeply, had never received such treatment from him. Neither had his father, whom he respected and followed dutifully. Therefore, those who had spent the past few days with Duke and Kisha, witnessing their interactions up close, grasped the significance. It became evident to them that Duke was resolute on making Kisha his future wife, despite not vocalizing it yet¡ªor perhaps, he hadn''t even realized it himself. Chapter 70 - 70 Sharing? Even Duke''s own mother, whom he respected and loved deeply, had never received such treatment from him. Neither had his father, whom he respected and followed dutifully. Therefore, those who had spent the past few days with Duke and Kisha, witnessing their interactions up close, grasped the significance. It became evident to them that Duke was resolute on making Kisha his future wife, despite not vocalizing it yet¡ªor perhaps, he hadn''t even realized it himself. Watching in astonishment as the duo busied themselves with cooking, they realized that Kisha and Duke had a remarkable tacit understanding of each other. They moved around seamlessly, like a long-time couple, without needing to exchange words. It was a captivating sight, yet it stirred a twinge of envy among the single men watching. It almost felt like Kisha and Duke were flaunting their relationship before them, igniting a sense of jealousy. They found themselves eager to gossip with Vulture, hoping to uncover how their master became so adept at pleasing a woman, especially considering his lack of prior experience. It seemed like just yesterday when they had speculated about Duke''s inclinations toward men, leaving them on edge, fearing that he might develop feelings for one of them and their asses being wrecked. Vulture couldn''t help but notice their covert glances, brimming with curiosity and anticipation. However, he chose to feign ignorance, uncertain of how to articulate the intricacies of Duke and Kisha''s evolving relationship. For them, it was a journey marked by spontaneity and acceptance, leading to a favorable outcome where Duke appeared destined to stand by Kisha''s side. Everything unfolded so naturally that neither he nor Sparrow could offer much explanation. While Vulture empathized with his comrades, who had endured over a week away, battling the unforgiving elements, he recognized their yearning for uplifting news or engaging gossip to momentarily divert their attention from the harsh realities they faced. "You guys, how long are you going to stare? The food is ready," Kisha''s chilly tone sliced through the room''s silence. Startled from their reverie, they turned their gaze toward Kisha as she expertly assembled a meal, spooning rice into a large bowl and adding the braised pork and egg on top with practiced ease. She then handed it over with chopsticks, as if offering solace to those in need. As they absentmindedly accepted the bowls, their attention shifted to the food cradled in their hands. Among them, the newcomers swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in their throats as they beheld the hearty servings before them. It was almost enough to bring tears to their eyes. "Do you need other utensils like a spoon?" Kisha asked them because they were not moving at all and were just staring at the bowls in their hands, it''s not as if she did not know how they felt. She''s also been hungry in the apocalypse, she knew how scarce the food had become that they would cook whatever without complete seasoning, what more ingredients. They considered themselves fortunate if they could indulge in a simple porridge made from just rice and water, perhaps with a pinch of salt. In a small group, such a meal was a luxury. Rice couldn''t be cultivated in the rusted, barren soil, and water from rivers or nearby bodies of water had become dangerous to consume, even after boiling. As the apocalypse was still in its infancy, the hunger faced by those before her couldn''t yet compare to what would come in the years ahead. However, Kisha chose not to dampen their spirits or hopes by revealing this truth, not even to Duke. Besides, it didn''t seem necessary because she already had her territory pack, which proved to be incredibly useful in numerous ways. So, she allowed them to savor their emotions while holding a bowl of food. After providing them with additional utensils for comfortable eating, she began her own meal. As she ate, a clean pair of chopsticks bearing a large piece of meat entered her field of vision. They gracefully deposited the meat atop her rice, catching Kisha off guard. She lifted her head from the bowl and met Duke''s indifferent expression, but his eyes betrayed a tenderness that momentarily took her by surprise. Though fleeting, the emotion in Duke''s eyes lingered in Kisha''s mind, leaving her to wonder if it had been merely her imagination. But she wasn''t the only one who noticed. All eyes in the room were fixed on Duke as he carefully selected a generous portion of his own braised pork and offered it to Kisha with an affectionate gaze. Perhaps Duke himself was unaware of the expression on his face, but to those witnessing the gesture, it was truly a sight to behold. After generously sharing half of his meat with her, Duke felt a sense of contentment wash over him as he dug into his meal with gusto. He paid little heed to the extra pair of eyes trained on him or Kisha''s wide-eyed surprise. In fact, he found her expression rather endearing, further affirming to him that he had made the right choice in sharing. Kisha''s momentary surprise dissolved as she recalled Duke''s consistent generosity in her past life. Despite his often stoic demeanor, he had always shared good things with her. However, what truly caught her off guard this time was the warmth emanating from his expression. While she had grown accustomed to his actions, the tenderness in his gaze was a delightful surprise, offering a new facet to his character she had yet to fully appreciate. In her previous life, Duke consistently shared his spoils with her, be it wine, rice, or even a precious chocolate bar. These were luxury items in scarce supply, yet his generosity never wavered. At times, she speculated whether his actions hinted at a deeper interest, but his stoic demeanor and lack of romantic gestures dispelled such notions. She could only conclude that he treated his valued subordinates with the same level of care and respect. "Host, you also used to have a stone-cold expression," 008''s voice broke through her deep thoughts. Before Kisha could retort, 008 continued. "Even if he was interested in you back then, what''s your plan now? You can''t argue that he simply wasn''t into women. He certainly isn''t gay, though." "I never suggested that," Kisha retorted silently. "Well, I''m just making sure, Host," 008 teased before retreating back into Kisha''s inner consciousness. Inside the silent room, the only sound was the clinking of spoons against bowls. Outside, the horrifying roars of zombies echoed through the streets. They wandered endlessly, relentless in their pursuit, unaffected by the need for sleep or sustenance. The occasional roars of zombies filling the air around them no longer fazed Kisha''s group. To them, the sound had become as mundane as the chirping of cicadas on a summer day. On the other side of the city, Sparrow silently reached the southeast side of the western district. With nimble steps, he leaped from one roof to another, scanning the area for lookout posts or any signs of snipers hiding in vantage points. He used his Hawk Eyesight to its limit, scanning the roofs for any signs of movement. Sparrow meticulously surveyed the buildings within the perimeter, searching for optimal vantage points for lookouts or snipers. With stealthy precision, he quietly moved to the next building, determined not to make any mistakes that might alert their enemies. He meticulously mapped out the area he had scouted, ensuring there were no signs of human activity before proceeding. Sparrow was reluctant to assume his comrades had erred in designating this area as part of the enemy''s hideout. Instead, he moved forward cautiously, treading through the veil of the dark night with precision and care. Thanks to Kisha''s gift of night vision goggles, Sparrow''s job became much easier. He no longer had to worry about using a flashlight or any other lights that might attract the enemy''s attention, especially since they were unaware of the enemy''s precise whereabouts. As Sparrow planned to take a brief rest and enjoy a quick snack, he ascended to the rooftop of an apartment building in the vicinity. As he prepared to settle into a corner and retrieve the food from his pouch, a sudden rustle nearby caught his attention. Startled, he nearly leaped to his feet, scanning his surroundings for any signs of a zombie creeping in the shadows. With caution, he swiftly stowed away his pouch and retrieved his tactical knife, advancing cautiously toward the source of the rustle. Each step Sparrow took was as silent as a cat''s, his senses honed to every rustle and movement. As he closed in on the source of the sound, a voice broke the silence of the rooftop. "Hey, slow down! You''re giving me a backache!" came the irritated voice of a man. "Sorry," another man''s voice echoed from the same direction, accompanied by a groan akin to that of a beast in heat. This was enough to send a shiver down Sparrow''s spine. With a lump in his throat, he cautiously moved closer, the unsettling sounds growing louder with each step. Soon, the night air was filled with the unmistakable sound of flesh meeting flesh. Sparrow''s scalp tingled with unease; he wasn''t ignorant of the nature of those sounds. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soon, his suspicion was confirmed by the following words they exchanged. "Ah! Right there!" exclaimed the man who had been complaining earlier. "Fuck, tighten your ass. I''m cumming!!!" He let out another groan through gritted teeth. Chapter 71 - 71 Ripping a Sudden Benefit "Ah, fuck!" echoed simultaneous groans of pleasure from the corner where two brawny men were intertwined, their pants both down to their ankles. Sparrow was profoundly unsettled by the scenes he had just witnessed, feeling as though his very eyes had been prodded and stirred. Never in a million years had he imagined he would stumble upon such a sight¡ªmen engaged in such elicit behavior, particularly in a setting fraught with danger. The two appeared to be typical straight men, exuding an aura of masculinity and strength. Had he encountered them on the road, Sparrow would have simply pegged them as formidable soldiers. However, his perception had now been shaken to its core. At that moment, nausea threatened to overwhelm Sparrow, but the urgency of his mission snapped him back to attention. Thankfully, he had managed to stifle any outward signs of his distress, allowing the two men to continue their oblivious activities for a second round. Sparrow''s only desire was to vacate the scene as swiftly as possible, unwilling to prolong his presence there any longer than necessary. However, as Sparrow began to retreat, a realization struck him: these men likely served as lookouts or snipers, strategically positioned to monitor their surroundings. With a quick scan, he confirmed his suspicion. The rooftop they occupied offered a commanding view, granting them surveillance over every vital street and even the hidden corners of smaller alleyways. Had these two men not been preoccupied with their carnal desires, Sparrow pondered how long they might have remained vigilant on the rooftop, making it nearly impossible for him to sneak in. Despite the discomfort of the situation, he couldn''t help but feel a glimmer of gratitude that their distraction had inadvertently provided him with an opportunity to infiltrate unnoticed. Knowing that the two men were wholly engrossed in their indulgence, Sparrow seized the opportunity to scour the rooftop in search of any belongings, radios, or maps that might reveal their intentions. Initially, Sparrow had intended to simply pilfer their belongings. However, as he rifled through their backpacks and secured the Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM) on his back, a moment of hesitation crept over him. His gaze shifted to the solitary door serving as the rooftop''s only exit, and a mischievous grin crept across his lips, planting seeds of a different plan in his mind. Utilizing his wind ability, Sparrow leaped from the rooftop to a building several floors below where the two men were stationed. Before proceeding, he meticulously surveyed the area for any additional threats, thankfully finding none. Carefully, he set down the backpacks and AWM before retracing his steps back into the building where the men remained unaware. Entering through a window, Sparrow then directed his attention to the task at hand: gathering the zombies from five floors below and guiding them towards the rooftop door. With a few already present, their numbers grew insignificantly as he added more, all relentlessly pounding on the rooftop door, blending in seamlessly with the existing chaos. Just before finding himself sandwiched between the advancing waves of zombies, Sparrow swiftly employed his wind ability, executing a series of agile maneuvers along the stairwell. With each leap from edge to edge, he skillfully avoided the encroaching horde as they relentlessly streamed towards the staircase. Due to the rigid and sluggish movements of the majority of zombies, they failed to react in time to Sparrow''s rapid passage, his movements akin to a fleeting gust of wind. Although a handful of more agile zombies attempted to keep pace, none could match Sparrow''s remarkable speed and agility. Instead, the zombies redirected their attention toward the noise emanating from the rooftop door. Once Sparrow had safely exited through the window, he swiftly retraced his steps back to the rooftop. Ensuring that the two men remained deeply engrossed in their activities, he approached the rooftop door with determination. With a powerful leap, he soared into the air before delivering a decisive kick aimed directly at the door handle. The force of the impact caused the doorknob to shatter instantly, crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thud- Sparrow anxiously stole a quick glance and strained his ears, hoping to discern any reaction from the two men. However, the deafening cacophony of the zombies breaking through the door drowned out any other sound, rendering his efforts futile. Keenly aware of the dire consequences of his actions, Sparrow wasted no time in making a hasty retreat back to the adjacent rooftop. Despite the gravity of the situation, a wide grin spread across his face as he disappeared into the shadows, his escape now secured. Upon hearing a loud thud near the door, the two men''s bodies momentarily tensed, but they swiftly dismissed it as merely another onslaught of the relentless zombies. Over time, they had grown accustomed to the incessant banging, hardly giving it a second thought. If the need arose for them to depart from the building, they could simply rappel down using the ropes they had brought along, a contingency plan they had long prepared for. So, they resumed their activities, the man positioned behind continued to thrust his hips vigorously against the man in front, his grip firm on the other man''s shoulder while his other hand firmly held onto his hips. Amidst the backdrop of their rugged breathing and pleasure-filled groans, they remained oblivious to any signs of trouble, their senses fully absorbed in the moment. Their passionate activity abruptly shattered when a cacophony of growls echoed behind them, sending chills down their spines. Turning to face the source, their blood ran cold as they were met not by a singular threat, but by a horde of ravenous zombies. In an instant, the man previously engaged in the act found his ardor extinguished by sheer horror, his once-erect member now limp and forgotten as the grim reality of their predicament set in. In a panicked frenzy, they attempted to flee, but their pants, still down around their ankles, hindered their movements, causing them to stumble and collapse onto the ground. Desperation mounting, they frantically searched for a weapon, only to realize with a sinking feeling that they had left their pistol and sniper rifle near the rooftop''s edge along with their other belongings. With dread creeping in, they found themselves encircled on all sides by the advancing horde of zombies, their options dwindling with each passing moment. "Oh, FUCK!" Their terror-filled scream was drowned out by the fervent growls of the approaching zombies, signaling the grim inevitability of becoming their next meal. Meanwhile, Sparrow had swiftly departed the scene, leaving behind the chaos of the rooftop. He proceeded to another location marked on the map, intent on verifying whether the indication corresponded to a lookout position or a potential hideout. n the southeastern part of the western district, Sparrow observed five prominent ''X'' marks forming a circle. At the center of this arrangement lay a large circle, encompassing a significant portion of the surrounding area. This layout presented a challenge in pinpointing the exact hideout location due to the expansive coverage. However, upon closer examination and comparison with his current position, Sparrow could only conclude that the enemy had strategically covered the perimeters meticulously. This defensive setup aimed to prevent any unforeseen attacks, whether from a sudden zombie horde or an unexpected human attacks. Chapter 72 - 72 They Got Each Others Back Armed with a clear map, Sparrow navigated swiftly toward the second ''X'' mark under the cover of darkness, moving with utmost stealth to avoid detection. Despite the unexpected and unsettling encounters, Sparrow found solace in the silver lining¡ªthe valuable information he had gleaned. In retrospect, he deemed the temporary discomfort of witnessing such scenes a worthwhile trade-off for the insights gained. His elation was palpable, manifesting in an uncontainable grin that adorned his face. This newfound clarity eased his task, sparing him the arduous endeavor of blindly scouring the area for potential vantage points held by the enemy. While the newfound clarity lessened the weight of pressure on Sparrow''s shoulders, he remained vigilant, knowing all too well that appearances could be deceiving. It was entirely possible that what he had stumbled upon was merely a decoy, or that the lookout and snipers had relocated for reasons unknown. Such uncertainties compelled him to maintain his guard, ever watchful for any unforeseen developments. However, a thought struck Sparrow: the enemy likely possessed a radio. Realizing this, he decided to take a momentary break on one of the rooftops to replenish his energy reserves. Constantly utilizing his wind ability to navigate the rooftops had drained him of spiritual energy, necessitating a brief respite to regain his strength so this was just the perfect opportunity for him to snoop around. As Sparrow rested, he retrieved the food he had intended to eat earlier and settled in. With a flick of a switch, he activated the radio, tuning in to listen for any chatter among the other lookout positions while he indulged in his meal. As anticipated, the other lookout personnel grew weary during the long night of vigilance, prompting them to engage in casual conversation over the radio to stave off boredom. "Looks like Johnson and Rick are still at it, huh?" One of the voices chuckled teasingly over the radio. "Well, what do you expect when you''ve got two horny mutts in the same spot?" Another voice chimed in, dripping with disdain. "Hey, lighten up. Being cooped up here without any female company is driving us all crazy," the other man remarked nonchalantly. "Hmph! That''s no excuse for fooling around with each other," came the retort. "Hey, cut them some slack. Even I''m resorting to self-pleasure to keep sane. At least, they''ve got each other''s backs," the other man chuckled, his laughter echoing through the radio. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Listening to their conversation, Sparrow couldn''t shake the memory of what he had witnessed earlier. Suddenly, the food in his mouth seemed flavorless, almost like wax, and he lost his appetite instantly, though he managed to suppress any urge to retch. After the hysterical laughter subsided on the other end of the radio, the man continued with a more serious tone. "But on a serious note, what do you reckon young master is scheming?" Another voice interjected into the conversation. "What, you''re getting cold feet? The Winters reign has come to a close. It''s the Colton family''s turn to ascend and steer us into a new era. Besides, who even remembers Duke Winters? For all we know, he''s already been turned into one of those monsters," the voice declared with a tone of condescension that grated on Sparrow''s nerves. Nevertheless, he made a conscious effort to suppress his emotions, particularly now that he was beginning to grasp the bigger picture of what was unfolding. "Enough with the speculation. Our duty is clear, and it''s not our place to question our superiors or indulge in idle gossip," a stern voice interjected, cutting off any further discussion on the matter. Sparrow found himself frustrated, having only gathered small clues. However, based on the conversation he overheard, he could already begin to piece together the puzzle. Yet, he couldn''t recall any conflicts between his master and the Colton family, nor could he recall any disagreements between Duke and the Colton''s young master that might have led to these events. However, he couldn''t shake off the suspicion that perhaps the Colton family sought to absorb the decades-long history and power of the Winters for themselves. A mocking sneer curled on Sparrow''s lips at the thought. "If my master isn''t fit to guide humanity to safety, then who else could?" he mused to himself. "They''re certainly overestimating their own abilities. Ha!" "You guys better check on Johnson and Rick." the stern voice echoed through the radio once more. Sparrow was just about to switch it off when those words reached his ears, causing his heart to nearly leap out of his chest. From their earlier conversation, Sparrow deduced that the Johnson and Rick they referred to were the same individuals he had encountered on the rooftop moments ago. With this realization, his mind kicked into overdrive, racing to concoct a plan to avoid raising suspicions among the other lookouts. "Relax. Those two horndogs will be at it until dawn, so you might as well get some rest and not fret over them. They''ll be fucking each other like rabbits all night long," the man chuckled once more before the radio fell silent again. Observing the lack of further communication from the other end, Sparrow breathed a sigh of relief, though his heart continued to race. He found solace in the fact that the individuals on the other side were well-acquainted with the habits of those two men. This familiarity spared him the need to expend energy concocting strategies to prevent arousing suspicion, allowing him to focus on the task at hand without unnecessary distractions. After steadying his nerves and ensuring his safety, Sparrow opted to take a brief power nap while concealed. This decision granted him a respite from the constant worry of potential zombie attacks or the risk of detection by enemy forces seeking out infiltrators. After half an hour had passed and a fraction of his energy and spiritual reserves had been replenished, Sparrow sprang back into action, resuming his scouting mission around the southeastern part of the western district. Upon confirming the presence of a lookout at one of the ''X'' marks on the map, Sparrow proceeded with assurance to verify the other designated locations. Carefully navigating his way around, he then stealthily infiltrated the marked circle, intent on uncovering the elusive hideout rumored to be hidden within its boundaries. Given the size of the circle, Sparrow speculated that the ideal location for the hideout would be in the center. This strategic placement would afford them a considerable distance from any monitored exits or entrances, minimizing the risk of detection by the enemies. Furthermore, equipped with efficient communication devices, they could ensure prompt information relay without concern for delays. Concerned about the possibility of the enemy employing detectors to monitor for unfamiliar devices and signal frequencies, Sparrow took precautionary measures. He opted to power off his own communication device, one utilized by him and his team, to err on the side of caution and minimize the risk of detection. Luck was on Sparrow''s side as he discovered that the enemy forces had indeed positioned their hideout at the center of the circle, providing optimal coverage. This became evident from the patrols conducting rounds on the rooftops and the strategically placed lights illuminating each street, making their presence somewhat conspicuous. Their conspicuous presence made them easy for Sparrow to spot, but he didn''t have the luxury of time to estimate their numbers. With only a handful of men on patrol and the likelihood of others resting indoors, conducting an accurate headcount proved to be a challenge. Though tempted to infiltrate the hideout for additional intel on their plans, Sparrow hesitated, mindful of his mission parameters set by Kisha and Duke. They had tasked him solely with pinpointing the hideout''s exact location, and he was reluctant to deviate and potentially jeopardize their strategy. With this in mind, he refrained from further action after confirming the markings on the map. Opting to return to his group, Sparrow took advantage of the shroud of darkness enveloping the night. His movements went undetected as he skillfully navigated his way back, evading any suspicion as he lurked around the enemy base. Chapter 73 - 73 Report It took Sparrow whole one hour to get back to where he and the others separated ways, he knew that they had left the place long ago but knowing his master, he must have left him a clue where to look for them, so he searched the whole street and found a small marking on the wall, it was not that conspicuous but his master must have put into consideration his Hawk Eyesight gift when he placed the markings. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So discreetly marked that it resembled a mere doodle, ensuring that only those with a keen eye, like Sparrow, would discern its significance. He traced the markings to an apartment building boasting modern amenities. Following the indicators, he ascended to the third floor, where the newcomers occupied a unit apartment. Meanwhile, Kisha and Duke occupied another apartment, each boasting three bedrooms along with a generously sized living and dining area. In their arrangement, Kisha and Duke had their own separate space, while Vulture maintained a vigilant post in the living room, positioned to keep watch over the door. Sparrow rapped on the door with a distinctive rhythm, a code signaling his friendly intent to those within. Responding to the signal, Vulture promptly swung the door open, revealing Sparrow''s fatigued figure on the threshold. Sparrow stood there, burdened by two military backpacks and carrying two AWMs slung across his back. Sparrow''s appearance resembled that of a weary warrior returning from a prolonged conflict. "You''re back!" Vulture exclaimed eagerly, darting back into the apartment to summon Duke and Kisha, momentarily forgetting to assist Sparrow with entering or unburdening himself with the luggage he carries. Left standing outside once more, Sparrow remained speechless, taken aback by the oversight. After successfully summoning Duke and Kisha, Vulture suddenly realizes his oversight in leaving Sparrow outside. Swiftly returning to the door, he found Sparrow still standing there, his expression clouded with aggrievement and resentment. Feeling guilty, Vulture scratched the back of his head before guiding Sparrow inside. Vulture relieved Sparrow of the luggage he was carrying before leading him to the sofa. Kisha and Duke were already seated in the living room, casually sipping tea as if they were on vacation rather than in the midst of an apocalypse. "Welcome back," Duke greeted, setting down his teacup with an elegant touch. He leaned back in his chair while gesturing for Sparrow to take a seat opposite him. Kisha observed Sparrow''s movements silently, her gaze attentive. She could tell that Sparrow had a long, eventful day, and she even took a quick peek at his status window. Seeing his spiritual energy level nearly depleted, she surmised that he had likely rushed over, exerting his wind ability to hasten his return. So, she could only surmise that he had successfully found the enemy lair and had obtained a good harvest, given the two backpacks and AWMs he brought with him. She nodded in satisfaction and waited for Sparrow to gather his thoughts before he started reporting. Duke gave him the time he needed, understanding that Sparrow was weary. Kisha poured Sparrow a cup of tea and offered him a light snack before heading to the kitchen to prepare a meal for him. Duke''s gaze followed Kisha''s every move until she disappeared into the kitchen, his eyes never leaving her figure. After Kisha disappeared from his sight, Duke''s gaze remained fixed on the kitchen door as if longing for her return. Not long after, Kisha emerged with a big bowl of chicken noodle soup in hand, which she promptly gave to Sparrow to enjoy. They didn''t press him to report immediately, allowing him to eat first. Understanding his master''s intentions, Sparrow eagerly began eating in front of everyone, relishing the savory chicken broth before savoring the noodles and the succulent chicken, which had been boiled and then seared outside. The dish also featured a soft-boiled egg, bok choy, and a generous amount of scallions on the side. As Sparrow indulged in his meal with evident enjoyment, Vulture began to feel hungry again, as if he were watching a live mukbang show. He averted his gaze from Sparrow, while Duke seemed unfazed, his attention fixed on Kisha. Meanwhile, Kisha watched Sparrow with a contented expression as he relished the food she had prepared. After a few minutes of savoring his meal, Sparrow felt satisfied and replenished. He began, "Master, I''ve located their base in the southeast part of the western district." With that said, Sparrow stood up and swiftly approached the bag he had been carrying, opening it without hesitation. Duke and Kisha remained silent, observing intently as Sparrow retrieved a map from his bag. Duke''s expression remained unchanged, a testament to his confidence in his team''s capabilities; such presentations were routine for them. Sparrow carefully laid out the map on the coffee table, while Kisha swiftly cleared away the tea set with a wave of her hand, making space for the map. As the intricate markings on the map came into view, a subtle smile graced Kisha''s eyes, reflecting her satisfaction. "I stumbled upon this map while scouting the southeast," Sparrow explained, his tone laced with mock amusement. "The enemy''s arrogance is astounding¡ªthey''ve meticulously charted out their entire operation. It''s almost laughable how they failed to anticipate it falling into the hands of their enemies." Reflecting on the circumstances that led to obtaining the map, Sparrow suppressed a grimace, preferring not to dwell on the memory. "You''re telling me this wasn''t charted by your hand, but rather by the enemy themselves?" Kisha clarified, her expression a mix of disbelief and incredulity as if she had just heard the most ludicrous joke imaginable. Sparrow nodded solemnly. "Indeed, young madam. I was navigating the area with utmost caution, hoping to evade detection by the enemies lurking in the dark. Yet, fate saw fit to lead me to their watch post, where I made an unexpected discovery." His voice carried a touch of revulsion, his gaze darkening with foreboding. Kisha interpreted Sparrow''s words differently, assuming he had engaged in a fierce struggle with the enemy to obtain the map. Choosing not to dwell on it, she and Duke refrained from probing Sparrow further and instead moved on swiftly to the next topic. "Has the authenticity of this map been confirmed?" Duke asked with an air of indifference. "Yes, master," Sparrow affirmed. "I retrieved the map from this point," he paused, indicating the spot on the map where he obtained it. "Then I proceeded to the next marked location in a clockwise direction, confirming the accuracy of each marking." He then pointed to the center of the circle on the map. "Here is the location of their hideout, which I also visually verified. However, I refrained from infiltrating the area to ascertain the enemy''s numbers, fearing it may alert them to my presence." Sparrow''s explanation was delivered with precision and clarity. "It''s alright, we don''t necessarily need to ascertain their headcount," Kisha reassured, nodding in satisfaction at Sparrow''s report. "I thought as much, young madam. After all, you stressed the importance of verifying the exact location," Sparrow said proudly, resembling a child who had successfully grasped his parent''s instructions. Chapter 74 - 74 Sleeping Together Kisha and Duke studied the map intently before exchanging a knowing glance, their eyes reflecting a shared determination and cunningness that only the two of them could fully comprehend. At that moment, they appeared as though they were two halves of the same shrewd coin. "Master, young madam, how do you plan to proceed from here?" Sparrow asked, he had been curious about this part since even before he departed for this mission but he just had no chance of asking then. "Why don''t you take a moment to rest? We''re well aware of how exhausting it must be, running around all day," Kisha suggested, cautious not to reveal the full extent of the plan just yet. She feared that if Sparrow became too excited, he might neglect much-needed rest, potentially leading to complications down the line. But not telling him anything now will also make him worry and think about it so Kisha added. "We''ll give you a better position to watch the show. You should rest until 4 in the morning. By then, you''ll have an important role to play." Kisha said, Her words dripped with a devious smirk, hinting at the intrigue to come. Although Sparrow was eager to unravel their scheme, he possessed the wisdom not to press for answers at this moment. He silently acquiesced to Kisha''s arrangements, recognizing that pushing further could risk angering his master. After reaching an agreement, Sparrow promptly handed Duke and Kisha the radio he had obtained from the enemies. Additionally, he passed the backpacks containing dried goods, canned foods, and ammunition for the AWMs, along with some pistols. Notably, both AWMs were in pristine condition, prompting Sparrow to entrust them to Kisha''s discretion regarding their usage. With Duke''s consent, he withdrew to one of the rooms within the apartment. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the rifles wouldn''t be required immediately, Kisha swiftly stored everything in her inventory before she and Duke retired for the day as well, aiming to replenish their energy and they went to their separate rooms to rest. Kisha indulged in a long, hot bath before slipping into a fresh set of sportswear and heading for her bed. However, just as she was about to settle in, a knock echoed at the door. Pausing, she tilted her head, pondering if there were any lingering issues to resolve. Finding none, she couldn''t fathom why someone would seek her out at this late hour. With a hint of curiosity, she could only assume it was Duke, perhaps with something he had forgotten to mention. So she swiftly went to the door and opened it for Duke. Not only did Duke not speak but he immediately went inside Kisha''s room as if it was normal for him to do so, Kisha could only slowly close the door in confusion as she followed Duke inside her room. Duke then sat at her bed looking at her, as if she was taking forever to come and follow him inside. Still puzzled, she followed his lead and stood before him, waiting for him to speak. However, Duke''s impatience was palpable as he quickly rose to his feet and gently pulled her towards the bed with a determined yet tender force. "Why the delay?" Duke''s husky voice, tinged with a hint of gentleness, murmured as he grasped her wrist, his other hand lightly tracing her waist. Kisha was taken aback by the sudden turn of events, unsure of how to react. She had attempted to push aside the memory of waking up in Duke''s arms earlier that day, striving to maintain an air of nonchalance. Yet, beneath her composed exterior, a whirlwind of emotions stirred within her, leaving her feeling utterly in disarray. He slowly and gently lay them both on the bed, his arms enveloping Kisha as if gently persuading her to rest. Completely bewildered by his actions, Kisha struggled to comprehend the situation. "Um... Duke, what brings you here?" she queried, her voice hesitant as she sought clarity. "To sleep with you," Duke stated matter-of-factly, his expression unwavering, as if oblivious to any potential impropriety in his words. Kisha gasped audibly at his response, her heart pounding fiercely against her ribcage. Nerves gripped her like never before, her anxiety escalating to the point where she feared Duke might sense or even hear her erratic heartbeat. Desperately attempting to conceal her inner turmoil, she countered with a shaky question, "What? Why?" Duke''s gaze shifted downward, his eyes reflecting a tempest of emotions. A seductive smirk danced upon his lips as he leaned in, his voice dripping with allure, a tone Kisha had never heard from him before. "Why? Afraid I might devour you?" he murmured, his words tinged with a tantalizing hint of seduction. Kisha felt a lump form in her throat, rendering her speechless. Before she could gather her thoughts or formulate another question, Duke spoke again. "Sleep," he commanded softly. Leaning in close to her ear, he whispered, "If I really want to do something to you, I''ll do it openly and make sure you''re wide awake." Once more, Kisha found herself at a loss for words, astonished by Duke''s shameless demeanor. Heat flooded her cheeks, spreading to her ears and neck. Surprisingly, rather than feeling bothered, she found herself almost anticipating the prospect of such audacious behavior from Duke. Duke''s contentment grew as he observed Kisha''s reaction, a gentle smile gracing his lips and transforming his eyes into crescents. Deep down, he knew his words rang true. If he harbored to genuinely touch her, he preferred to act openly. In doing so, he could savor her reactions and ensure his actions were pleasing to her. And when that time comes, he would make sure that Kisha was thoroughly savored by him, every corner of her body, her sweet smell, and her every alluring moan would solely belong to him. Desire burned brightly in Duke''s eyes as he gazed at Kisha, who lay silently in his embrace. Sensing the familiar surge of heat in his core, his focus intensified on her. Kisha noticed the unmistakable hardness pressing against her stomach, her gaze darting up to meet Duke''s face. There, she found a smug smile playing upon his lips, revealing his satisfaction. Amusement danced in Duke''s raised eyebrows as their eyes met, observing Kisha''s adorable expression of disbelief with a hint of satisfaction. Before she could utter a word, Duke interjected, "As you can see, I''m ready anytime. So, if you desire something, just say the word. If not, then let''s rest." His words were accompanied by the trail of his fingers, tracing a tantalizing path from the back of Kisha''s neck down her spine. The sensation sent a delightful shiver cascading down her spine, leaving a lingering warmth between her legs. As the tingling sensation enveloped her, Kisha''s entire body trembled, a soft moan escaping her lips involuntarily. The sound only served to heighten Duke''s excitement, causing his hardened member to twitch with anticipation. He cursed silently within himself, realizing he had inadvertently played himself by teasing Kisha, only to be the one caught off guard. With a muffled groan, he rested his head against Kisha''s temple, attempting to shift his focus elsewhere. Despite his attempt to divert his attention, Duke''s hands continued their exploration of Kisha''s back, causing her to squirm in his arms as she tried to escape his paw. Her movements only served to intensify the desire surging through his body, prompting another suggestive groan to escape Duke''s lips. "You seem to be enjoying this, Kisha. Would you be kind enough to help this poor soul alleviate my discomfort?" Duke''s husky voice resonated above Kisha''s head as he drew nearer, his hardened shaft pressing against her stomach. The heat radiating from his body sent another wave of tingling sensations coursing through her, this time with even greater intensity. She could feel her core heating up, and her womanhood beginning to grow wet with desire. With a trembling lustful voice, Kisha asked. "Duke, did you come here to seduce me?" She did not feel that embarrassed anymore as they were both adult and with this position, they could both feel each other''s body and Duke''s body sent that intention all along. "So what if I did?" Duke replied his voice husky with desire. Chapter 75 - 75 Taking Care of Oneself Duke''s direct response left Kisha momentarily speechless. She felt torn, caught between acting on her desires and hesitating out of concern for the potential complications it could bring to their relationship. Their current dynamic was already somewhat ambiguous, and Kisha didn''t want to risk reducing their connection to mere physical attraction. Kisha bit her lower lip, grappling with the desire to be forthright with Duke. As if sensing her internal struggle, Duke spoke up before she could voice her thoughts. "But don''t worry," he reassured her, "I won''t do anything to make you feel uncomfortable or used. I genuinely came here to sleep with you on the same bed, so I can be here in case you have another nightmare." Duke offered the explanation to ensure Kisha didn''t misunderstand his intentions, although his body''s honesty betrayed the simplicity of his words. Yet, he made sure to convey it clearly to Kisha. "But as you can see," he began, his voice husky with sincerity, "I''m nothing more than a healthy, normal man. So, unless you give me permission, I won''t do anything that might hurt you." With that, Duke leaned in and placed a gentle peck on Kisha''s temple, surprising her with his tenderness. Kisha found herself torn between laughter and tears at Duke''s words. However, the rhythmic patting on her back proved to be a soothing lullaby, coaxing her into a deep slumber. Before long, she drifted off in Duke''s embrace, leaving him to contend with his own inner turmoil. Once Kisha''s breathing had steadied, indicating she was truly in a peaceful sleep, Duke quietly slipped away and returned to the bathroom. He needed a long, cold shower to relieve the tension coursing through his body. The discomfort he felt was excruciating; it seemed like his member might explode at any moment. He couldn''t help but ruefully reflect on the consequences of his actions, feeling the full weight of shooting himself in the foot this time. Despite standing under the cold shower for a full ten minutes, Duke found no relief from his intense desire. The realization that he was showering in Kisha''s room, separated from her only by a wall, only fueled his excitement further. The image of Kisha''s vulnerable form lying on the bed just beyond that wall played over and over in his mind, intensifying his longing rather than abating it. His breath hitched, and a flush spread across the nape of his neck as he leaned against the cold tiled walls. There was a palpable conflict within him, a battle of desires waging silently. The mere thought of Kisha being just on the other side of the wall tipped the scales, compelling him to give in to the impulse, compelling him to yield to the mounting desire and seek release, if only to alleviate the tension and bring an end to the internal turmoil. Once again, he began to stroke his shaft slowly, the sensation causing a noticeable twitch in his palm as his excitement grew. Despite the water cascading down his face from the shower, his breaths came in ragged gasps, making it difficult to breathe. His chest heaved violently as his strokes became more rushed and a little rougher. Soon, the bathroom was filled with his muffled groans echoing against the tiled walls. He made a conscious effort to keep his moans subdued, not wanting to risk waking Kisha from her slumber. However, the thought of her being so close only fueled his excitement further, causing him to arch his back and increase the pace of his strokes on his shaft. Despite his efforts to stifle the pleasure that is coming out from his lips, the sounds of his aroused groans only grew louder, and seemed to escalate even more, his desire reaching unprecedented heights. It was almost as if, deep down, a part of him secretly longed for Kisha to awaken and discover him in this vulnerable state, adding an exhilarating edge to the already intense moment. ''Oh, how I yearned to kiss her soft, moist lips as I imagined ramming my hips roughly at her,'' Duke thought. However, the fear of potentially frightening her held him back, causing him to hesitate. The mere thought of the possibility heightened his sensitivity to such an extent that he felt a tingling sensation in his gums as if every nerve in his body was electrified. With gritted teeth, he found release in the most satisfying way possible at that moment. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath following his release. Leaning against the walls for support, his left arm bore the weight of his body. As the intensity of his desire gradually subsided, he felt a sense of calm settling over him. However, once he regained his composure, he couldn''t help but slap his forehead in frustration, berating himself for even entertaining such thoughts about Kisha while seeking his release. He felt like he disrespected her in many ways. Determined to regain control over his desires, he resolved to exercise restraint in the future. It was his first time experiencing such intense romantic and physical attraction to a woman, and he struggled to comprehend that these feelings were normal. However, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he had behaved like a brute, particularly after a period of abstinence. After spending nearly two hours in the cold shower, Duke returned to bed beside Kisha. He pulled her closer to his body in a warm embrace, but his skin, chilled from the prolonged exposure to cold water, contrasted sharply with her warmth. As their skins made contact, Kisha trembled ever so slightly, a reaction Duke found endearing. Unable to resist, he let out a soft chuckle in response. Soon, Duke also drifted off into a dreamless sleep. When he awoke, a few hours had already passed and the only light was the soft glow from the nightstand lamp on the bedside table, and Kisha was still peacefully asleep in his arms. Though his arms felt numb, he resisted the urge to move, not wanting to disturb her slumber. Instead, he watched her sleep, his gaze tracing the delicate contours of her porcelain-like skin, smooth and flawless. He found her small, pointy nose endearing, and her slightly parted, plump lips hinted at the peacefulness of her slumber as she breathed evenly. Long eyelashes cast a delicate shadow under her closed eyes. This time, she slept serenely, free from the nightmares that had plagued her in the past. It brought him immense joy to see her rest peacefully, without the tears and restlessness he witnessed before. Just the memory of her broken state during those nightmares felt like a vice clenching around his heart, inflicting a sharp pain. Offering her his presence and comfort in moments like these was the only solace he could provide, a way to help alleviate any pain she might endure in her dreams. Whether those nightmares were echoes of past experiences in the apocalypse or remnants of multiple lives lived, he was determined to spare her from suffering as much as possible. Lost in thought, Duke found himself entranced by Kisha''s serene expression as he studied her face. Suddenly, he was snapped out of his reverie when her eyes fluttered open, meeting his striking blue orbs. Duke realized he hadn''t even noticed when she had awoken, but now they held each other''s gaze in silent communion for a timeless moment. As Kisha gradually opened her eyes, she sensed an intense gaze fixed upon her. Her breath caught in her throat as she found Duke''s eyes meeting hers. Trying to piece together the events of the night, she wondered how long she had been asleep and how long Duke had been awake, his unwavering stare adding to her uncertainty. In that vulnerable moment, she couldn''t help but feel a twinge of insecurity about her appearance, particularly given that she had just woken up. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Curiosity nagged at her, prompting her to discreetly check if she had drooled in her sleep. However, the thought of openly examining herself felt too embarrassing, causing her to become absentminded as a multitude of questions swirled in her mind. Interrupting her reverie, 008''s voice broke through her thoughts, reminding her that it was almost 4 in the morning. It was a playful jab, intended to keep her from being too swept away by Duke''s presence in that moment. Although Kisha knew it was a tease, she found herself at a loss for words. In that instant, she couldn''t help but be captivated by Duke''s handsome face, so close to hers, and his intense gaze that seemed to ensnare her completely. She quickly sat up in bed, a sense of urgency flooding her. "We need to prepare," she declared her tone firm. "It''s almost 4 in the morning." "Alright, I''ll join you shortly," Duke replied, his voice still husky from just waking up. The mere sound of his words sent a jolt of electricity through Kisha''s body. Hastily, she made her way to the bathroom, eager to wash away any lingering impure thoughts. Watching her hurried pace, Duke couldn''t help but chuckle in amusement, pleased by Kisha''s reaction to him. With a contented smile, he slowly sat up in bed, taking a moment to massage his numbed arm from sleeping while Kisha was in his embrace overnight. Chapter 76 - 76 Being Monitored After Kisha finished washing up, she made her way to the kitchen to whip up a quick breakfast for everyone, while Duke took his time to freshen up in her room. Upon hearing movements in the kitchen, Vulture snapped awake, instantly on alert. He found Kisha preparing breakfast, prompting him to approach, still a bit groggy from just waking up. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Is there anything I can help you with?" Vulture''s voice sounded hoarse, as though he might be coming down with a cold. "Did you catch a cold?" Kisha asked, confirming her suspicion. "No, young madam. This is my natural voice after waking up," Vulture meekly smiled at Kisha. Unlike other guys who sounded alluring after waking up, he, on the other hand, sounded like he had a sore throat. "Alright, you should sit there for a while. I''ll whip up a quick breakfast for everyone. And later, don''t forget to call the other guys from the opposite apartment," Kisha said as she busied herself in the kitchen, preparing corn soup, pan-seared fish, egg rolls, and rice. As she cooked, Kisha ensured there was enough food for all 11 of them. While busy in the kitchen, she didn''t forget to inquire about the situation in their base from 008. "008, how are my grandparents and little brother at the base? Any changes?" Kisha asked as she beat the egg. "Host, Keith is excelling in his physical training, along with the illusion manipulation training you imparted before your departure," 008 reported happily, then added, "Ethan is effectively coordinating with Hawk and Eagle in managing the training and perimeter defense of the base. Despite no zombie threats in the vicinity, the patrol team remains vigilant and proactive, perhaps due to Ethan''s leadership." "How''s that woman?" Kisha''s voice turned cold. "You mean Melody? So far, she''s performing well in her duties. There haven''t been any underhanded moves from her. Instead, it seems she''s focusing on winning everyone''s favor." Kisha chuckled coldly. "She thought she could catch me off-guard and rally everyone against me once we''re back?" Kisha was only able to leave her family in the base with complete strangers only because she had her territory pack, just like what she had found out before, after playing with her territory pack for the first time, she could see what the people in the territory is doing like a surveillance camera. That alone was a formidable tool; nothing could evade her prying eyes, no matter how discreetly they maneuvered. Moreover, she held the power to expel anyone from her territory at will. This expulsion meant they could never set foot in her domain again unless she chose to welcome them back. With her territory pack at her disposal, Kisha could reassure her family and maintain constant communication with Keith and her grandparents. The pack also granted her the ability to send messages directly to individuals within her territory, an action that would surprise them as a pop-up interface appeared before their eyes. While Kisha had the option to utilize this feature, she hesitated, considering that it would reveal her capabilities even when she was absent. Opting for discretion, she chose to silently observe the ongoings within her territory for the time being. She took extra care to maintain a 24/7 watch on the individuals they had welcomed into their base, particularly those who weren''t supposed to be there. After enduring betrayal in the past, Kisha refused to be complacent. She couldn''t afford to save people only to leave them with her vulnerable and defenseless family. She also made a brief check on the small animal farm situated in the far corner of the territory, overseen by the Blythes. Placing the surplus livestock within the territory allowed the residents to tend to them. With only a dozen of each animal present, it posed no significant challenge for them to manage. She observed the Blythes putting in their utmost effort, despite facing difficulties, particularly the mother-daughter pair who, having never handled a broom before, were now diligently cleaning the pig pen. Grayson Blythes showed adeptness in managing the entire area, gradually adapting to his responsibilities. Eric and Edward Evans showed proficiency in managing the stocks she had left in the base, demonstrating their adeptness in this responsibility. They proved reliable, shouldering their tasks effortlessly and lessening the burden on Eagle and Hawk. While cooking, she projected a holographic image of the entire territory beside her. She observed green dots moving in circles around the perimeter along the edge of the territory, indicating the patrols doing rounds. Concentrated clusters of green dots show people were still asleep inside the buildings, while others were already active in various areas, such as the kitchen where two green dots moved about. As Kisha zoomed in, she observed Eliot and Mrs. Evans bustling about, preparing ingredients for the day''s meals. Meanwhile, Elios was occupied in the mini hospital, meticulously cataloging the medicines in stock and noting any shortages. Eric and Mr. Evans were also occupied with surveying and tallying the supplies in storage. Their furrowed brows betrayed their concern as they realized the limited quantity of provisions stored, scarcely enough to last a month or two if the community expanded. However, their anxiety was somewhat alleviated by the presence of the livestock, offering a supplementary source of sustenance. She also observed Hawk and Eagle in Duke''s office and engaged in a call with Duke. He informed them of the discovery of the Winters'' location, prompting Hawk and Eagle to rejoice visibly at the news. Their emotions overflowed, evident in the tears welling in their eyes, a testament to the shared anxiety they had endured. After confirming that she had checked every aspect of the territory and ensuring that everything was running smoothly, she continued her tasks with a lighter heart. Soon, Vulture brought the seven new people in from the apartment opposite them. He also assisted Kisha in setting the food on the table, and the others called the sleeping Sparrow and Duke to come and eat. After finishing their breakfast, two of the newcomers took charge of clearing the table and washing the dishes in the sink. Then, as if recalling something important, Sparrow spoke up. "Master, I forgot to inform you last night, but I heard from the lookouts that the ones targeting your family were the young master of the Coltons." Duke''s expression remained unchanged. "I suspected as much," he replied calmly. Kisha, too, showed no signs of surprise upon hearing Sparrow''s words. Both she and Duke had already surmised this possibility the moment they learned about the Coltons in the shelter. It was inconceivable for such influential figures to be absent from a place like the shelter, given their status as one of the most powerful families in City A. Chapter 77 - 77 Being the Bait "As we''ve finished resting and eating, let''s delve into today''s plan," Kisha began, taking a sip of her tea. Outside, darkness still prevailed, the only sound piercing the quiet being the growls and roars of the zombies wandering about. "As I mentioned yesterday, the road ahead is blocked by a massive zombie horde, a number we can''t handle. So instead, we''ll weaponize this horde and direct them southeast," Kisha stated in a tone devoid of emotion, as though discussing the weather. Duke remained unruffled, showing neither concern nor surprise, as he had been privy to this plan from the start and had given his approval. Despite the surprise, no questions were raised, not even from the newcomers. They were accustomed to their master''s approach and anticipated that this was how things would unfold. However, what astonished them was Kisha''s demeanor¡ªshe seemed to mirror their master in every way, albeit as a female counterpart. Sparrow seemed to grasp the situation. "So, you sent me to confirm the enemy''s location for this purpose?" Kisha affirmed with a nod. "Exactly. Your role is vital¡ªyou''ll guide the zombie horde toward the designated spot." "Am I to understand correctly that I''ll be directing them to a post where the lookouts are offline?" Sparrow sought clarification. "Didn''t you already clear out one post when you retrieved the map?" Kisha reminded him. Sparrow chuckled dryly, recalling the harrowing experience. "So, my task is to guide the horde to that specific location and let them overrun the entire area, right?" Kisha nodded, her expression bearing a devilish grin. "Exactly. They''ve cornered the Winters in the center, surrounded on three sides. The only reason they didn''t station an ambush team on the side facing the zombie horde is because of the overwhelming numbers of the undead. So, despite their ample supplies, manpower, and superior weaponry, they''re still wary of the zombie horde, keeping an escape route open for themselves while leaving the Winters to perish from hunger or at the hands of the zombies," Kisha explained with a grim tone. Duke''s jaw clenched tightly, his eyes smoldering with hatred as his fist clenched, knuckles turning white from the intense pressure. "Since they''re resorting to unscrupulous methods, we''ll fight fire with fire. We''ll begin from the southeast side, gathering the zombie horde and directing them southeast, catching our enemies off guard. Sparrow, you''ll be our bait, given your agility," Kisha stated without flinching. Then, she retrieved an amulet from her inventory and passed it to Sparrow. "This amulet will shield you from three critical hits. Once depleted, it will disintegrate," Kisha clarified as she passed the amulet to Sparrow. Examining the amulet, Sparrow noted its aged appearance, with markings written in what seemed like red paint. As if reading his thoughts, Kisha added, "Those marks aren''t made with paint, but beast''s blood. Crafted from the essence of a hundred different beasts, it offers potent protection. Keep it close to your heart for maximum efficacy while you lure the horde." Sparrow nodded, tucking the amulet securely into the inside pocket of his vest, over his left chest. He patted his chest a few times, feeling the reassuring weight of the amulet against his heart. His pulse quickened, not from nerves, but from anticipation and adrenaline. He relished the thought of making a significant move against their enemies. With a growing smile, he readied himself to play the bait, eager for the challenge ahead. Before Sparrow could rise, Kisha handed him a few vials of thick black liquid. Sparrow studied them for a moment, then glanced up at Kisha. Duke recognized the vials from the base, where Kisha had given them a similar substance used for instant healing. However, the color was different this time, so he, too, awaited Kisha''s explanation. "Since you''ll be running around as bait, I know you''ll be using your wind ability nonstop. These potions are similar to mana and spiritual energy replenishers. They should help restore your spiritual energy levels when they hit rock bottom. However, I''m not entirely sure if they''ll work as intended, so it''s best to try them when you still have plenty of spiritual energy left and see if they make a difference." Kisha explained. Those witnessing Kisha''s actions for the first time regarded her with awe. Every move she made seemed miraculous to them. Hearing about Sparrow and Vulture''s awakened abilities only added to their envy, yet it was clear that Kisha surpassed them both in power and capability. Even Duke gazed at Kisha with pride, grateful for her thorough preparations and concern for his subordinate. With everything ready, Kisha and the others emerged from the building. Sparrow, already outside, held large chunks of meat in his hands, still dripping with fresh blood. He dashed toward the approaching zombie horde, the mass of undead so dense that even a dropped pin would hardly reach the ground amidst the throng. As Sparrow reached the designated spot, he climbed atop a lamppost, clutching the meat tightly. Not a single zombie had noticed him yet. He attempted to attract their attention by shaking the meat, causing blood to dribble onto a zombie directly beneath him. However, the undead remained oblivious. In frustration, he resorted to shouting at the top of his lungs, hoping to provoke a response. Finally catching the zombies'' attention, they began to growl louder and gather beneath the lamppost. However, Sparrow sensed it wasn''t sufficient. Disappointed, he tossed the meat down to the zombies, only to see it ignored and trampled upon once it hit the ground. Frowning, Sparrow made a quick decision and drew his tactical knife. Ensuring he had his spare tactical knife, one he hadn''t yet wielded against a zombie, Sparrow swiftly made a deep cut in his forearm, ensuring a continuous flow of blood for a certain duration. As expected, the scent of fresh blood from his wounds aroused the nearby zombies, prompting them to clamor excitedly as they surged toward the lamppost. Satisfied with the outcome, Sparrow leaped from lamppost to lamppost, drawing more zombies to his trail. Once confident he had their full attention, he began guiding the horde steadily southeastward. Sparrow diligently ensured he drew in the zombies lingering in the smaller streets, steadily augmenting the horde tailing him. At times, he even feigned near falls, riling the zombies'' instinct to seize him, for to them, he was nothing but a potential meal. Though stripped of their past memories, the zombies retained their primal urge to feed and destroy. Sparrow''s repetitive maneuvers effectively manipulated the zombies, stirring their primal instincts. Despite the darkness veiling the streets, the zombies relied on their sense of smell. Though dulled compared to their living state, it remained keen enough to guide them in hunting their prey. As Sparrow led the zombie horde southeastward, Kisha''s team advanced toward the center of the western district to rendezvous with Tristan and the others. They waited briefly, ensuring Sparrow had drawn the bulk of the nearby zombies away before making their move. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 78 - 78 Finding a Different Way As Kisha guided the team through the center of the western district, they encountered sporadic resistance from zombies lurking in the alleys or hidden within buildings. Each member of the team engaged in battle, swiftly killing the zombie threats. However, amidst the chaos, Kisha and her team remained vigilant, ensuring to search for crystal cores within the zombie heads after each skirmish. Even the newbies were instructed to inspect the zombies'' heads for crystalline formations embedded in their brains before proceeding. Initially, they found the task unusually revolting. Despite having encountered and experienced numerous gruesome sights, the mushy texture of the brain and the nauseating stench of the zombie''s decaying flesh was on another level entirely. It took them some time to acclimate to the task. Thus far, they had acquired an additional 3 crystal cores, bringing the overall total to 9, including the ones in Kisha''s inventory. Searching for crystal cores after each battle became their routine, serving as both a rest and a crucial task. Afterward, they would resume their journey, repeating the process at each encounter. Exhaustion settled in as they pressed on. Despite Sparrow''s success in luring away most of the zombie horde, a significant number still obstructed their path, disrupting what should have been a relatively smooth journey. Even with Kisha carefully selecting the safest route, they found themselves facing more than two dozen zombies at every turn. The situation was dire enough with most of the zombie horde lured away. If they hadn''t succeeded in that endeavor, their predicament would have been exponentially worse. Time was a luxury they couldn''t afford, with little respite between encounters as fresh waves of zombies seemed to flood in incessantly. To manage the relentless pressure, Duke and Kisha split the group into two teams. Each team alternated between leading at the vanguard and resting at the rear, alleviating the constant strain and ensuring they could continue without succumbing to exhaustion. The vanguard bore the brunt of the assault, absorbing roughly 75% of the pressure as they faced the onslaught head-on. Meanwhile, those at the rear handled the remaining 25%, affording them brief moments of respite amid the ongoing journey. The relentless cycle persisted unabated. Among them, Vulture stood as the sole awakened ability user, stationed at the center to offer aid whenever necessary. Clutching the vial of black liquid given by Kisha, he had previously tested its effects when his spiritual energy level dwindled to a mere 10%. Upon consuming the elixir, his spiritual energy level surged to 100%, rejuvenating not only his energy but also replenishing his stamina. Kisha verified the potion''s efficacy through her ''Eye of Truth'', affirming its effectiveness. However, the cost was steep¡ª1000 points per small vial. Uncertain of its long-term effects, especially given Vulture''s current Level 0 status, she harbored concerns about its usefulness as they advanced in levels. Additionally, there lingered worries about potential side effects or even the risk of addiction. So she only gave Vulture and Sparrow few vials and warned them to only use it whenever necessary but to never be too reliant on it. After their relentless efforts for half a day running around while piercing through the zombie-infested streets, Kisha and the rest have finally reached the center of the western district. They thought that they would finally have some rest but the situation was not what they thought it would. Zombies were freely roaming about the central area, leaving Kisha puzzled as to how the seven men managed to navigate their way out of this perilous zone to gather supplies on the outskirts. "What''s happening?! There shouldn''t be this much of zombies around here!!!" The one leading the seven-man codename: Bald Eagle, exclaimed, his eyes scanning the surroundings in disbelief. "What do you mean?" Duke''s expression turned grave, his voice dropping a few degrees colder. "M-master... When we left 2 days ago to search for supplies as we told you, the central part wasn''t this concentrated with zombies! There must have been something that happened!" "Shit! Let''s go!" Kisha almost shouted through gritted teeth. "The drones have noticed a cluster of zombies around that building!" "No!!! That''s where we left the others!" Without waiting, Bald Eagle sprinted through the streets in panic, gripped by fear. But Duke clutched his shoulder, restraining him from running around on his own. He knew it would only result in his own death, keeping his own frantic thoughts from running amok. He then looked at Kisha, seeking an answer about what was happening around the building. However, Kisha only shook her head. The bees couldn''t differentiate between the living and the dead, so they needed to find a way to get closer to the building without drawing too much attention from the zombies and secure an exit for all of them. Duke took a deep breath, consciously calming his nerves to prevent his judgment from being clouded by his emotions. He reminded himself of the importance of Kisha''s safety as well. "Have you identified any alternative routes that are less dangerous than this one?" Duke asked Kisha, seeking confirmation. Kisha nodded, her expression serious as she responded. "I''ve dispatched the bees to scout the sewers, and they confirmed the presence of fewer zombies down there. However, it poses a greater risk for us to venture into the sewers. If we''re detected by the zombies above, we could find ourselves trapped with no escape route." She exhaled slowly, attempting to steady her nerves amidst the tension. Duke considered the options carefully, his gaze turning to Kisha for her input. She nodded in agreement with his unspoken question. "It''s undoubtedly risky," she began, her voice measured. "But considering the overwhelming numbers aboveground, it seems our only viable entry point. We''ll need to proceed with utmost stealth and speed through the sewers to minimize the risk of drawing the zombies'' attention." Her explanation was clear and detailed, emphasizing the importance of their approach. "I think so too." Duke paused and then added. "Will we have an entrance to that building?" Kisha furrowed her brow, her focus divided between awaiting the bees'' response and handling any zombies that crossed their path. Even in conversation, they remained vigilant, ensuring their safety while scavenging for valuable zombie cores. Kisha''s eyes brightened, and she exclaimed, "The bees found one right at the building!" Her smile was infectious, bringing relief to everyone. They were all well aware of Kisha''s remarkable Scarlet Queen Bee, which effectively commanded the ordinary bees, turning them into vigilant scouts that monitored their surroundings like a radar throughout the day. Trusting Kisha''s words filled them with hope, yet a gnawing worry persisted as they remained in the dark about the other''s situation. "Then we entrust ourselves to you," Duke said with a smile, his voice carrying a blend of seriousness and unwavering trust. Kisha nodded in understanding before guiding them to the nearest manhole in the street. With a quick check for any lurking zombies, Kisha descended first. The damp and smelly sewer greeted her, its dimensions providing ample space¡ª2 meters high and 3-4 meters wide¡ªenough for all of them to maneuver comfortably. Along the sides, elevated platforms provided dry passage, sparing them from the dirty water below. Once everyone descended, the last person ensured to seal the manhole, preventing any unexpected zombie encounters that could complicate their journey ahead. They wasted no time and sprinted at full speed under Kisha''s lead. The yellow lamps above cast a steady glow, illuminating their path as they navigated the sewers. Duke''s team, renowned as the elites among elites, moved with unparalleled stealth. Their footsteps barely made a sound, akin to the silent tread of a cat. Encountering zombies ahead, a member of the group would swiftly rush forward, executing precise, lethal maneuvers before the zombies could detect them. Each encounter resembled an intricate assassination mission, with the team adeptly lowering the zombies to the ground without a sound¡ªall the while scouring for crystal cores. Throughout their journey in the sewers, this pattern persisted. They encountered only a handful of zombies along the way, many clad in orange uniforms adorned with neon reflector vests, likely maintenance workers or laborers toiling in the depths. Civilians-turned-zombies were a rare sight; those attempting to flee through the sewers likely succumbed to bites before reaching safety, transforming into zombies within the very refuge they sought. Kisha and the others didn''t linger on this grim reality; time was of the essence. Within a brief ten minutes, they halted beneath a steel ladder that leads to another manhole above. "It''s just up ahead. Let''s take a quick breather while I send some bees to gather intel." Kisha''s words came between gasps. They''d been running around for half a day nonstop while fighting, her body wasn''t as strong as she was used to and this was already her limit while she was feeling lethargic and hot. She felt her blood pumping to her brain as if it was about to explode. She did not know if she had pushed her body beyond the limit. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 79 - 79 Who Killed my Bees? "It''s just up ahead. Let''s take a quick breather while I send some bees to gather intel." Kisha''s words came between gasps. They''d been running around for half a day nonstop while fighting, her body wasn''t as strong as she was used to and this was already her limit while she was feeling lethargic and hot. She felt her blood pumping to her brain as if it was about to explode. She did not know if she had pushed her body beyond the limit. "Are you alright?" Duke approached her, concern etched on his face as he noticed her flushed complexion and labored breathing. "Yeah, I just need a moment to catch my breath," Kisha reassured Duke, offering him a reassuring smile despite her exhaustion. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Duke couldn''t help but place a hand on her forehead in concern. Kisha, in turn, noticed that he too looked red and sweaty, though he must have been masking it to avoid showing weakness in front of his team. Besides, he had always been physically fit and accustomed to such exertion from the regular training sessions he and his team underwent. Unlike Kisha''s soft body, Duke''s physical endurance was already an advantageous asset. Despite this, both were sweating buckets, sharing a knowing glance that acknowledged they were both feeling terrible. Despite their discomfort, they couldn''t help but share a chuckle, lightening the tense atmosphere around them, if only slightly. "Ah!" Kisha snapped to attention, her eyes widening with incredulity. "What happened?" Duke''s body tensed as he waited for an explanation. "Someone killed my bees up there!" Kisha''s expression darkened as she delivered the news grimly. "Did they see if it was a zombie or a human?" Duke''s voice carried a sense of urgency as he sought the crucial details, his expression betraying none of his inner turmoil. Kisha shook her head, her brows furrowed in concern. "It happened too quickly for the bees to react. They weren''t equipped to differentiate between the living and the dead." The crucial piece of information slipped Duke''s mind amidst his worry. He massaged the bridge of his nose in an attempt to focus, but with each passing moment, his breathing grew more ragged, and his throbbing headache made it increasingly difficult for him to concentrate. It''s no wonder he overlooked something important. "Given our uncertainty about the identity of our adversary up there, allow me to proceed alone. Master and young madam, you both appear fatigued; it''s best for you to rest for now," Vulture asserted, noticing the evident physical strain on Kisha and Duke. Unsure if the exhaustion and stress had taken their toll, he resolved to ascend and assess the situation firsthand. His awakening bestowed upon him a heightened resilience against the virus transmitted by zombie bites and scratches, as Kisha had previously explained. His proficiency with earth abilities makes him the most capable candidate to investigate and confront the threat above. Recognizing this, Vulture wasted no time waiting for Kisha or Duke''s agreement before he began ascending the ladder to venture forth and identify the source of the problem. Duke and Kisha, feeling sluggish and overheated, readily acquiesced to Vulture''s suggestion. They leaned against the wall for support, their arms bearing some of their weight, while their companions offered assistance, only to be assured with a gesture that they were fine and simply in need of rest. Like two peas in a pod, they stood together, united in their need for recuperation while not needing any help. Ensuring everyone''s safety below, Vulture began his ascent up the ladder with caution. His heart raced as he climbed, troubled by the realization that the enemy had detected even Kisha''s seemingly inconspicuous bees with remarkable agility, swiftly eliminating them without detection. This underscored the formidable threat they faced. Upon reaching the top of the ladder, he meticulously lifted the lid of the manhole with great care, ensuring not to create any noise that might alert whoever lurked above. Stealth was paramount to avoid drawing any unwanted attention. He surveyed the basement of the building, noting its damp and chilly atmosphere where the manhole connected to the sewer. Assured of the absence of any occupants, Vulture leaped upward, ensuring his movements remained utterly silent. His heightened senses, on edge with hyper-awareness, caused him to instinctively jump on his heels at the slightest rustle behind him, ready to strike at any sign of an approaching threat. Much to his relief, it turned out to be nothing more than a rat the size of a cat, fleeing at the sight of human presence. He sighed in relief at the sight of the large rat, but his senses remained sharp as he meticulously surveyed the area. Suddenly, another rustle caught his attention from behind. Assuming it was another rat, he hesitated for a moment before reacting, only to find a dagger dangerously close to his right temple. With a swift step back, he narrowly avoided the blade, watching it pass by his face in a tense moment. Once he confirmed the dagger''s passage, his gaze fixed firmly on the figure before him. The dimness of the basement obscured Vulture''s view of the enemy. Unlike Sparrow, whose exceptional vision pierced even the faintest light to guide his eyesight, Vulture found himself at a disadvantage in such conditions. Despite the limited visibility, Vulture sensed the formidable strength of his enemy, evident in the swift and precise attack aimed directly at his head. It was clear that this opponent posed a serious threat to his life. Vulture quickly deduced that this must be the individual responsible for killing Kisha''s bees, possessing an agility that even surpassed Sparrow''s. Following his evasion of the dagger''s strike, Vulture sensed a sudden gust of wind from his left and swiftly raised his arm to intercept the attack. However, despite his efforts, he could not fully withstand the force behind it. Staggering several steps to the right, he felt the full impact of the blow. He grimaced, realizing he might have sustained a couple of broken ribs from the steel-like force of the kick. Despite having relied on an earth armor to absorb the blow, it was not enough to fully mitigate the impact. His armor now lay pierced and crumbling, while he grunted through the pain. The force of the impact forced a painful groan from Vulture''s lips, though he bit down hard to stifle any further sound. Yet, the assault persisted, with a barrage of strikes directed at his vital points, any one of which could incapacitate him or worse, end his life in an instant. As the intense exchange of blows continued, Vulture began to sense a familiarity with the close combat style employed by his enemy. Strangely, he also noticed a subtle shift in the intensity of the enemy''s attacks, as if they, too, were experiencing a similar recognition. It was as though a mutual understanding had silently dawned between them. After subjecting Vulture to several more punishing blows, the assailant abruptly ceased their onslaught, granting Vulture a moment to catch his breath. Sweat poured from him like rain, his breaths ragged from the relentless assault. Before he could even collect his wits, the man''s voice, low and menacing, cut through the chilly air with a threat colder than their surroundings. "Who are you?!" he demanded. Recognizing the familiar voice, Vulture choked back a gasp before exclaiming, "Ah!" Hearing Vulture''s urgent cry from above, those lurking in the manhole abandoned all caution and swiftly emerged. ''Vulture!'' they exclaimed in unison. "Vu...Vulture?!" The man''s voice quivered slightly before pressing on. "Are you truly Vulture?" Having caught his breath, Vulture nearly shouted the man''s name upon recognizing the familiar voice, though his voice came out a bit hoarse. Nonetheless, he still remembered who it belonged to. "Tristan?!" Upon hearing Vulture call his name, he felt certain that the figure before him was indeed the familiar acquaintance he had hoped for. His tense muscles gradually relaxed, and he released a sigh of relief, feeling the dissipating grip of his bloodlust. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and concern. Then, as if a sudden realization struck him, his muscles tensed once more, and he leaned forward anxiously. "And what about Master?!" His eyes flashed with a hint of red, as if bracing for the worst possible outcome. Chapter 80 - 80 Are They Alright? As Vulture attempted to straighten up, drawing closer to Tristan while wincing in pain, those in the manhole keenly observed the shifting dynamics between them and they noticed the person standing before Vulture. "Tristan, we''re back!" Bald Eagle exclaimed with excitement, emerging eagerly from the manhole. "Bal...Bald Eagle?!" Tristan''s voice trembled once more, taken aback by the unexpected appearance of Bald Eagle and his team. They hadn''t seen them return from their supply run the previous day, leading them to assume the worst¡ªthat those who ventured outside were lost. Plans were already underway to verify their fate when this unforeseen turn of events unfolded, leaving them caught in this precarious situation. Before Tristan could contain his excitement, he caught sight of Duke''s silhouette emerging from the manhole, and his heart leaped with even greater anticipation. "Master!" he exclaimed, rushing toward Duke. However, as he drew closer, he sensed something amiss and his mind immediately jumped to the worst conclusion. "Has Master been bitten?!" His voice, filled with anger and fear, reverberated through the basement, drawing the attention of everyone present as they struggled to comprehend his words. Vulture gasped as he tried to adjust his breathing due to the pain brought by his broken ribs from being beaten to a pulp by Tristan. "Tristan, what are you saying? Master could never have been bitten." Tristan furrowed his brow at Vulture''s words, acknowledging Duke''s formidable strength and skill, traits that would typically render him impervious to even the slightest scratch from the feeble zombies. However, it was the relentless stamina and overwhelming numbers of the zombies that posed the true threat. Observing Duke''s abnormal behavior, Tristan couldn''t ignore the signs reminiscent of those who had been bitten and were on the brink of turning into zombies themselves. "Rest assured, he''s not turning into a zombie; he''s undergoing awakening," a clear, cold female voice echoed from the entrance of the manhole. As her words sank in, gasps escaped everyone''s lips as they turned their attention back to Duke, then to Kisha, who struggled to breathe under the weight of the same condition afflicting her body. "Does that mean you''re also awakening, young madam?" Vulture sought clarification. More than the revelation about awakening, Tristan was taken aback by Vulture addressing someone as "young madam," especially in Duke''s presence. He surmised that Duke might not have noticed, given his current state of distress. As Tristan struggled to place the familiar yet unsettling voice of the woman before him, he wracked his brain trying to recall where he might have encountered it. Despite his efforts, he couldn''t place the voice or the face. Something nagged at him, a sense of familiarity he couldn''t quite grasp. Then, as if a light had dawned, his gaze shifted to Vulture''s face, realizing it didn''t resemble his usual countenance. Suddenly, a memory surfaced¡ªthe image of a beautiful woman visiting Duke''s office, speaking of the most outlandish ideas he had ever heard. Slowly, the pieces began to fall into place, and Tristan started to comprehend the situation unfolding before him. Kisha and Duke were feeling sluggish and their brain felt like it was about to explode anytime, their brain''s function also slowed down they couldn''t even think properly anymore, while their whole body felt like breaking and disintegrating into dust. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The stronger the awakening, the more excruciating the process becomes. What Kisha and Duke were enduring now was ten times more agonizing than Keith, Sparrow, or Vulture had ever experienced during their awakenings. However, it also signified a greater potential. Interestingly, both Sparrow and Vulture had passed out from the intensity of their awakening pains, resulting in fragmented memories of the event. Sensing her limits approaching, Kisha waved her hand, conjuring numerous backpacks filled with supplies she had meticulously prepared in advance, materializing them seemingly out of thin air. Buckets of ice joined the array, ensuring the perishable items remained fresh so they could use it too to lessen Duke and Kisha''s temperature to make sure that their brain wouldn''t be fried by the overwhelming hot temperature of their body. Amidst the flurry of conjurations, she didn''t overlook summoning Bell, directing her attention towards Vulture with a purposeful gesture. Struggling to utter even a few simple words, Kisha collapsed suddenly, her strength failing her. Duke, moving sluggishly, managed to raise his gaze just in time to witness Kisha about to hit the ground. Instinctively, his body reacted, lunging forward to catch her in his arms. As he cradled her close, he felt his own strength waning, and with a heavy heart, he succumbed to unconsciousness, embracing Kisha tightly as they both fell into the depths of sleep. A stunned silence enveloped the room as everyone struggled to process what had just transpired. After a brief moment, their collective gaze shifted towards Vulture, the only one among them who had experienced a similar awakening. With uncertainty clouding their thoughts and no clear course of action in sight, they turned to him, hoping for guidance in this bewildering situation. It dawned on Vulture what needed to be done. "Quickly, let''s move. Carry Master and Young Madam to a safe area. We need to help them lower their body temperature to prevent overheating while they''re unconscious." It was only then that everyone sprang into action. The seven, led by Bald Eagle, attempted to separate Duke from Kisha so they could carry them individually. However, they encountered unexpected difficulty as Duke clung to Kisha with a grip so tight it seemed as though his life depended on it. Their bond was palpable, and the group hesitated, fearing to inadvertently harm either of them if they were forcefully separated. Their gazes met in a shared sense of defeat. "What should we do?" someone voiced the question lingering in the air. "Stay put. We made a makeshift stretcher up above. I''ll fetch it so we can transport them to safety," Tristan declared hastily before vanishing into the shadows, leaving the rest behind. As they waited for Tristan''s return, the others decided to inspect the contents of the backpacks. After assessing their supplies, they retrieved towels and carefully arranged clusters of ice in the center. Placing these makeshift ice packs on top of Kisha and Duke''s heads, they hoped to alleviate some of the heat that threatened to overwhelm the two. The ice melted at an alarming rate as if exposed to an intense heat source. They found themselves constantly wringing out the soaked towels and replacing them with fresh ice, a cycle they repeated tirelessly until Tristan finally arrived with the stretcher. Tristan returned with a couple of eager helpers to assist with the task. Prior to returning to Duke and the others, Tristan had already briefed the Winters and their subordinates on the situation. They were both relieved and concerned about Duke''s condition, prompting them to swiftly dispatch Tristan with additional support to aid in carrying everything back. Duke and Kisha were carefully placed on the stretcher, but their weight posed a concern, raising the risk of potential accidents. To mitigate this, four individuals assisted in carrying the stretcher, ensuring they kept a vigilant watch over their precious cargo. Meanwhile, the others carried the backpacks and buckets. Tristan took it upon himself to support Vulture, who was struggling due to his broken ribs, offering a helping hand as they moved forward together. Bell perched on Vulture''s head in her smaller form, ensuring her true form remained hidden to prevent alarming the others. Shortly afterward, they ascended to the floor above, where Vulture realized they were still in the basement. It became evident that there were multiple layers of the basement, deepening the complexity of their surroundings. As they entered the room adjacent to the staircase, the previously quiet atmosphere was shattered by the sight of the figure on the stretcher. "My son..." A feeble voice croaked the moment Duke came into view. The woman attempted to rise, only to be thwarted by her weakened legs. "Sweetheart, don''t strain yourself," the man said gently as he steadied the beautiful woman, whose face bore evident signs of stress and weakness. Casting a meaningful glance at Tristan, he silently implored for an explanation of the situation. An elderly man also stepped forward, eager to catch a better glimpse of Duke''s face. "Patriarch, Mr. and Mrs. Winters, please do not worry. Master is undergoing his awakening," Tristan explained calmly. While ascending to that floor, he urged Vulture to share more details about their situation and how they ended up there. Although Vulture had already summarized everything, Tristan was aware of Kisha''s significant role in aiding their master. Tristan''s words left the Winters in astonishment. Though his explanation about the awakening and related matters lacked detail, they understood its potential significance. They recognized that even a basic understanding could prove invaluable in their current situation. Chapter 81 - 81 The Winters Only after Tristan has calmed down the Winters do they notice that there is a woman in Duke''s embrace as if he''s been protecting her from any harm that may come their way while they are unconscious. Duke''s grandfather and parents were shocked to their core, their mouths wide open as they tried to comprehend what was going on. They knew Duke very well; they knew he didn''t typically get close to women aside from his mother¡ªit was almost as if he avoided them altogether. But now, he was holding onto a woman, unwilling to let her go. The patriarch''s laughter thundered through the room, momentarily forgetting the dire situation they were in. "Hahaha! I never thought I''d see the day my grandson would hold a woman like this! The heavens still favor the Winters," he exclaimed between fits of laughter. Duke''s mother couldn''t hold back her tears, her shoulders trembling with happiness. Even Duke''s father, the only one not surprised, gave his wife a doting smile as he comforted her. "I told you there''s nothing to worry about when it comes to our son," he said soothingly. "Um." Mrs. Winters nodded profusely as she looked at the two. Kisha''s face was mostly buried in Duke''s chest, so they could only catch a glimpse of her right side profile, revealing delicate contours. The Winters smiled dotingly at Duke and Kisha, feeling relieved, and worried, but mostly overwhelmed with happiness to be reunited with their family. After Tristan helped Vulture wrap his injury, he began recounting the events from when they started fleeing City A, detailing the ambush on the Winters up to how they found the place they were hiding. While others tended to Duke and Kisha on the floor cushions with towels, Vulture spared no detail in recounting the events, leaving nothing out. Vulture remained tight-lipped about Kisha and her abilities, sharing only what was already known to the others. He wasn''t certain if he had Duke''s approval to disclose such information to everyone else. As they shared information and recounted their experiences, Vulture and the others began preparing dinner using the ingredients Kisha had packed in their backpacks. The sight of the abundance of food made everyone with the Winters feel ravenous¡ªthey hadn''t had a proper meal in days, constantly on the move in the heart of the western district to evade their pursuers. It''s been a taxing journey, and their resources are running thin, leaving them drained with each passing day. However, despite the fatigue and dwindling supplies, they refuse to succumb. They''re determined not to fade away pitifully, without dignity, like mere street rats. Mrs. Winters was not accustomed to rigorous labor or enduring starvation while on the run, pushing her body beyond its limits. Consequently, each passing day saw her grow weaker until her body succumbed to the relentless fatigue and stress. Despite the emotional boost of seeing her son and the woman he embraced, Mrs. Winters remained physically fragile. Even the brief exertion of standing proved taxing, depleting her already limited energy. Thus, her husband gently assisted her in laying down once more, ensuring she rested while they awaited the meal''s preparation. Mr. Winters didn''t overlook the vital reason for Bald Eagle''s excursion. "Vulture, did you bring any medication? Even just flu medicine, and perhaps some vitamins if available." His tone conveyed neither humility nor dominance, but rather a measured authority, indicating the gravity of their situation. This certain information almost slipped Vulture''s mind if he had not been reminded, so he opened one of the backpacks and rummaged through its contents for a bit before retrieving a medic kit. After seeing the glaring icon on the medic kit only then did Mr. Winters''s tense shoulder relax. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once Vulture passed him the medical kit, Mr. Winters clutched it tightly, as if it held the key to his wife''s lifeline. He held onto it for a moment, ensuring its safety, before they resumed waiting for the food to cook. He planned to administer the medication to his wife only after she had eaten. Even the Patriarch let out a sigh of relief upon seeing that they now had the medicine needed by his daughter-in-law, and they were even reunited with his grandson, who also brought the Patriarch''s future granddaughter-in-law with him. The Patriarch''s happiness was palpable, akin to the satisfaction he felt when winning a big bidding project. It seemed as though they had momentarily forgotten their perilous situation, surrounded by a horde of zombies on all sides. They were preparing to explore the lower levels of the basement and assess the feasibility of using the sewer as a last resort for escape. Tristan volunteered to scout ahead while the others remained to protect the Winters. Who could have anticipated that he would encounter their master emerging from the sewer channel, accompanied by the party they had believed lost forever? The surprise and joy they experienced were beyond measure. As Vulture explained, they had already begun to piece together the identity of the force attempting to corner them and the motives behind their schemes. To lighten the mood, Vulture regaled them with tales of their adventures outside. He made sure to highlight Kisha''s contributions to ensuring their safety, sharing how she provided valuable information and tips. He aimed to enhance Kisha''s image in the eyes of her soon-to-be in-laws. And just like that, he managed to bring smiles to the faces of the Winters, who listened eagerly to his lengthy story. Vulture continued speaking, his voice growing hoarse from the prolonged conversation, yet he didn''t cease. Amidst his narrative, they were oblivious to the disturbing growls and roars of the zombies several floors above, only hearing Vulture''s relentless voice recounting nearly everything. He didn''t miss the opportunity to showcase his awakened abilities to the Winters and the other comrades who hadn''t witnessed an awakened before. He aimed to offer them an additional layer of reassurance, demonstrating that he and his master''s team were capable of ensuring their safety. This display was intended to alleviate some of their stress and fear regarding what might transpire from that point onward. After witnessing Vulture''s awakened ability, everyone was filled with amazement, finding a glimmer of hope amidst the bleakness of their situation surrounded by the undead. Now, they were eagerly anticipating discovering the awakened abilities that Duke and Kisha would manifest once they awoke. After the excitement settled, Tristan inquired, "Vulture, what happened to Sparrow, Eagle, Hawk, and the other two who accompanied you when Master went to search for Miss Aldens?" Vulture perked up and responded. "Sparrow was safe, it''s just that, he was tasked this time to bait hundreds if not thousands of zombie horde to the southeast past of this district." He paused and clarified immediately, just in case they think that they are sacrificing Sparrow. "But, you don''t have to worry because he has awakened a wind ability which only enhances his agility, so he became like a human loach and is harder to catch than before. As for Eagle and Hawk were left behind in the base to oversee it while the Evans and other survivors lived there." Then his expression turned glum and continued. "Unfortunately, the other two... didn''t make it." Chapter 82 - 82 They are Fine? After the excitement settled, Tristan inquired, "Vulture, what happened to Sparrow, Eagle, Hawk, and the other two who accompanied you when Master went to search for Miss Aldens?" Vulture perked up and responded. "Sparrow was safe, it''s just that, he was tasked this time to bait hundreds if not thousands of zombie horde to the southeast past of this district." He paused and clarified immediately, just in case they think that they are sacrificing Sparrow. "But, you don''t have to worry because he has awakened a wind ability which only enhances his agility, so he became like a human loach and is harder to catch than before. As for Eagle and Hawk were left behind in the base to oversee it while the Evans and other survivors lived there." Then his expression turned glum and continued. "Unfortunately, the other two... didn''t make it." "What?! The Evans were also with you?!" The usually silent Mrs. Winters, who was supposed to be resting, perked up with surprise. Mr. Winters gently coaxed her back to lying down and resting, then turned to Vulture for clarification. "Are they all okay?" Vulture nodded. "Yes, Mr. Winters. On the first day of the apocalypse, as we were attempting to exit the city, we sought refuge in the Winters villa in the eastern district for a day and encountered the Evans there. It seemed they were having a gathering with some other family friends, with all the Evans gathered in one place." He chose not to mention their initial reluctance to bring the Evans along, knowing Mrs. Winters''s close friendship with Mrs. Evans; it wouldn''t do to upset her now. Besides, they might think badly of Kisha if they heard this. "Did all of their family friends come to the base with you?" Mr. Winters clarified again, his expression akin to Duke''s¡ªindifferent and cold, revealing nothing of his thoughts. With that look on his face, he bore a striking resemblance to Duke, almost like an older version, save for the age difference. "Originally, there were three families with them. One family stayed in the east district, while the other two joined us, along with 10 of their remaining servants and bodyguards. We had a total of 8 cars when we left the villa." Vulture unconsciously shrugged with an apathetic expression before he continued. "Unfortunately, one of their family friends got surrounded by a zombie horde after we left the villa, and we lost track of the 2 vehicles containing the Evans''s servants and bodyguards at some point." "Only the Blythes family remained, along with the Evans. They are both safe and sound in the base, helping out with the work," Vulture explained. The Patriarch nodded in agreement, understanding the difficulty of protecting themselves in such dire circumstances. He didn''t expect Duke''s subordinates to rescue and protect others, recognizing Vulture''s unspoken effort to protect his daughter-in-law''s feelings, especially given her closeness with the Evans. Mr. Winters shared the same perspective. He believed it was already a significant achievement that Duke and the others had managed to bring some survivors with them. They couldn''t afford to prioritize others'' safety when they were struggling to ensure their own. This mindset had enabled them to survive outside the shelter for so long. They hadn''t left solely to protect the civilians there, but because they couldn''t discern friend from foe. For all they knew, anyone there could turn against them at any moment, potentially surrounding and even threatening their lives. The Winters men were characterized by their distinct coldness, primarily focused on their kin, especially their significant others. That''s why the Patriarch and Mr. Winters didn''t dwell on whether the Evans survived or not. While they were family friends, their importance paled in comparison to the welfare of their own family, although they were concerned on account of Mrs. Winters''s connection to them. "Does that mean there are only a few of your people left in the settlement you''ve prepared? What if something untoward happens in the base or someone plans to take it while you''re away? Wouldn''t that mean we wouldn''t have a place to return to and would be stuck here instead?" Mr. Winters inquired, seeking to grasp their situation on the other side. "Not exactly, Mr. Winters. Even though we left Eagle and Hawk to oversee the base back in City A, Miss Aldens assured us that she had a solution to prevent such issues from arising. That''s why we feel more confident about leaving. However, even if that''s not the case, we would still prioritize your rescue. We''ll even ensure to bring our people and as many supplies as possible with us," Vulture explained. Mr. Winters and his father exchanged a glance, sensing Vulture''s genuine admiration for Kisha. It was evident that this admiration stemmed not from intimacy but from pure reverence. They suddenly found themselves curious about the girl who had earned the approval of Duke''s elite subordinates. Tristan voiced the question that had been lingering in their minds. "What method did Miss Aldens use to ensure that no one will be able to threaten your position in the base, or give you the confidence that everything will be fine even without your presence there? Weren''t you aware that human hearts are fickle, especially now with the world in chaos, and loyalties shifting at a moment''s notice?" Tristan''s tone wasn''t meant to be harsh; he was simply being realistic. He didn''t want others to be blinded by false hope. While grateful to Kisha for alerting Duke about the impending apocalypse, Tristan remained cautious. He didn''t know Kisha well enough to understand her true character or the methods she used to convince Duke to prepare for the worst. Without spending much time with her, his guardedness was understandable. Vulture couldn''t help but smirk knowingly. He understood the direction of Tristan''s thoughts and the implications behind his words. Having spent some time with Kisha and observing how she handles situations, Vulture had begun to grasp her character, although not to the extent that Duke had. Vulture considered his words carefully before speaking. "As I mentioned before, our survival and well-being are largely thanks to her. I can''t divulge the specifics of her methods, but I can assure you that she''s not only dependable but also capable of safeguarding us and ensuring the security of our base, just as she promised." "But, how can you be sure that her blade will not be pointed at us eventually?" Mr. Winter suddenly asked, he was well aware of the darkness of the human heart, especially now that they knew that there was no more justice to hold them accountable, morals would surely drop to nothingness now that nothing was holding them grounded. He can''t afford to let his only son be misled by someone or be taken advantage of by blackhearted people, especially through seduction. Now that everything has become so dangerous, they tend to think of the worst-case scenario before anything else, they have no leisure to think otherwise because that might lead to their own downfall. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They couldn''t shake their doubts, especially given Vulture''s evident reverence for Kisha, a reverence previously reserved for Duke alone. It seemed as though Vulture regarded her with a godlike reverence, treating her words as if they were sacred creed. Chapter 83 - 83 Sparrows Side In the western district, Sparrow arrived at the location where he had encountered the two men and discovered the map. This map had been instrumental in helping him locate crucial lookout points and served as a valuable clue in finding the hideout. Since no lookout was stationed in that specified place, no one was able to stop him from advancing further and notifying the others. In order to keep baiting the zombies in the dark, he kept a steady pace along with the continuous way on hurting himself in the forearm. By now, his forearm was covered by deep and long cuts that was overlapping each other. The thick scent of blood enveloped Sparrow, drawing the attention of the zombies and exciting them to the point where they refused to let him out of their sight. As he progressed, he unwittingly attracted even more zombies, who were not only enticed by the scent of blood but also by the commotion created by their fellow zombies on Sparrow''s tail. The group of zombies Sparrow was leading had doubled in size. Meanwhile, the other lookouts assumed the two men stationed where Sparrow was, were merely messing around around, leading them to neglect checking on them or attempting to radio them. It didn''t strike them as unusual that they hadn''t received any reports from the men throughout the entire night, which played to Sparrow''s advantage. Sparrow continued to monitor the others through the radio he had acquired, using it to gauge any potential movements on their side. As he approached the edge of the building where the two men were stationed, Sparrow couldn''t resist glancing up at the rooftop. To his dismay, the zombies he had led were still lingering there, seemingly drawn by his bloody scent. Despite being several buildings away, they began to exhibit signs of excitement, converging towards him with a relentless determination. They believed they could reach Sparrow by pressing forward, leading many of the zombies to shove each other off the building''s rooftop in a chaotic mess, resulting in fatal falls and crushing impacts. Sparrow found the scene strangely amusing; the zombies appeared utterly devoid of any sense of danger, their actions seeming almost comically foolish. Taking a moment to observe and rest, Sparrow looked down on his handiwork with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction. Once again, Sparrow continued on his path, leading the zombie horde towards the center. Descending to the lampposts, he resumed his strategy of leaping from one to the next, deliberately making himself seem tantalizingly close to the mindless zombies below. Exploiting their lack of intelligence, he knew they would be driven to move forward in a futile attempt to reach him, unaware of the distance between them. The zombies showed no signs of exhaustion, relentlessly howling and roaring like mindless beasts with no regard for their physical limits. As Sparrow reached the brightly lit street, he paused, waiting for the zombies to catch up. He pondered his next move, contemplating how to navigate past the illumination without alerting the enemies of their presence. Failing in his mission was not an option, so he strategized carefully, mindful of the risks involved. Not yet proficient enough to utilize his wind ability to reach a target several hundred meters away, and with his spiritual energy reserves depleted to their lowest acceptable level, Sparrow resorted to opening the vial of black liquid and downing its contents in one gulp. The effects were swift; he didn''t have to wait long before feeling its almost instantaneous effect. Just before the zombies reached the spotlight, Sparrow utilized his wind ability to ascend swiftly to the top of the building where the lights were positioned. With a silent landing behind the two men standing guard on the roof, their attention focused elsewhere, he seized the opportunity to slit one of the men''s throats with lightning speed. As the remaining man reacted with alarm and aimed his gun at Sparrow, Sparrow''s superior agility allowed him to swiftly grab hold of the assault rifle and deflect it away. Before the man could pull the trigger, Sparrow''s dagger plunged deep into his throat, silencing him before a single shot could be fired. As the life drained from the man''s body, he grew weaker, making it simple for Sparrow to wrench the assault rifle from his grasp and discard it on the ground. With the immediate threat eliminated, Sparrow scanned his surroundings, ensuring there were no additional threats nearby. Fortunately, there were none; the rooftop guards rotated periodically, granting Sparrow a brief window of opportunity. Acting swiftly, he sprang into motion, tracing the wiring connected to the large street-facing lights in search of the electric box that controlled them all. It didn''t take Sparrow long to locate the electric box, confirming his suspicions that it served as the central hub for all the connected lights. Without hesitation, he blew it off, triggering an instant blackout throughout the entire building. Unbeknownst to Sparrow, the electric box also served as the main electric breaker for the building, compounding the inconvenience for its occupants. Tough luck, indeed. After disabling the electric box, Sparrow wasted no time in repurposing the light''s wiring to strangle the two guards he had just killed. With methodical efficiency, he hoisted their lifeless bodies and tossed them over the edge of the building. As they hung grotesquely halfway down the building, their blood continued to flow, tracing a macabre path from their necks down to their feet, pooling ominously on the ground below. Following the blackout, the occupants of the building quickly realized they were under siege. Frantically, they roused their comrades and began making preparations, their nerves on edge. Suddenly, a collective roar and growls erupted from nearby, sending shivers down their spines. Dread washed over them as they braced for what was to come. Moments later, the relentless pounding of the zombie horde echoed through the building as they clamored at the doors and gates, their impending doom closing in. Unsatisfied with the chaos he had already sown, Sparrow meticulously orchestrated the gathering of more zombies, strategically positioning them to encircle the entire street and building. His intent was clear: to ensure that no one could escape through any exit, sealing the fate of those trapped inside. While inside the building earlier, Sparrow had noticed a signal jammer nearby. An evil grin crept across his lips as an idea struck him. Swiftly seizing the device, he ascended to another rooftop, observing the chaos below as people scurried about like headless chickens. With a decisive motion, he activated the signal jammer, effectively cutting off any attempts to communicate with lookouts or others from the Coltons, further exacerbating their plight. As gunfire echoed through the area, Sparrow had already departed, making his way towards the lookout positions. With practiced precision, he navigated the streets, his movements guided by memory alone. He didn''t need to consult a map; the locations were etched in his mind from his visit the previous night. Placing the signal jammer strategically on the building''s opposite side, Sparrow ensured that communication beyond its walls remained severed. Despite the distant gunfire echoing in the air, he remained vigilant, aware that any lingering suspicions from the lookouts could jeopardize his mission. Determined to maintain his advantage, he swiftly moved to neutralize each lookout, one after the other, without pause or respite. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once Sparrow was certain that all the lookouts in the area had been dealt with, he finally allowed himself a moment of respite. Collapsing into a brief rest, he took the opportunity to catch his breath and recover from the intense work. Despite his exhaustion, Sparrow made sure to collect the backpacks and sniper rifles from the lookout points. The weight of the burdensome gear added to his fatigue as he leaped from rooftop to rooftop, yet he harbored no regrets. Each item seized represented a victory in his mission, validating the strenuous efforts he had exerted. Encountering Bald Eagle and the rest of the group made him realize the critical importance of supplies and weaponry in surviving the apocalypse. While Sparrow had grasped this concept intellectually before, the stark reality of scarcity and danger hadn''t fully sunk in until now. His earlier experiences with his Master and Kisha had been relatively uneventful, shielding him from the true hardships of the post-apocalyptic world. Witnessing the struggles of his fellow comrades, Sparrow''s perspective shifted. He realized the necessity of stockpiling resources and armaments to ensure their collective survival in the face of adversity. With his mission accomplished, Sparrow felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that he had furthered his master''s cause, potentially easing his own search for his family. He permitted himself a longer period of rest, mindful of Kisha''s warning about the risks associated with relying too heavily on the vial of black liquid she had provided. Despite its remarkable effects, he understood the importance of exercising caution, lest he become dependent on it or suffer unforeseen consequences. As Sparrow rested, he took a moment to refuel with an energy bar from his backpack. Simultaneously, he diligently disinfected and bandaged his self-inflicted wounds to prevent bacterial infection. While Kisha had assured him of immunity to the zombie virus since their awakening, she hadn''t addressed protection against bacterial infections or other diseases. Recognizing the importance of wound care, Sparrow ensured he maintained his health and well-being amidst the dangers of the apocalypse. Chapter 84 - 84 Rusty "But, how can you be sure that her blade will not be pointed at us eventually?" Mr. Winter suddenly asked, he was well aware of the darkness of the human heart, especially now that they knew that there was no more justice to hold them accountable, morals would surely drop to nothingness now that nothing was holding them grounded. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He can''t afford to let his only son be misled by someone or be taken advantage of by blackhearted people, especially through seduction. Now that everything has become so dangerous, they tend to think of the worst-case scenario before anything else, they have no leisure to think otherwise because that might lead to their own downfall. They couldn''t shake their doubts, especially given Vulture''s evident reverence for Kisha, a reverence previously reserved for Duke alone. It seemed as though Vulture regarded her with a godlike reverence, treating her words as if they were sacred creed. Upon hearing Mr. Winters''s words, Vulture''s gaze faltered momentarily, but he quickly composed himself, recognizing that persistently defending Kisha in front of the Winters might prove counterproductive. "Don''t worry, Patriarch and Mr. Winters. You can make your own judgment about Miss Aldens once she awakens," Vulture assured. His expression remained neutral, but there was a subtle intensity in his eyes and tone that hinted at a deeper conviction. The father and son of the Winters exchanged resigned glances, sensing that Vulture and the others were deeply entrenched in their beliefs, which made them wary around Kisha. After a few moments, the food was prepared. Tristan served the Winters first, despite their days of hunger, they didn''t immediately dive into the meal. Their elegance and composure remained undisturbed, a testament to their refined demeanor. Their noble bearing remained evident as the Patriarch and Mr. Winters gracefully accepted their portions of food, treating them with the reverence one might reserve for a Michelin-starred feast fit for royalty. Mr. Winters received his portion alongside his wife''s. Without delay, he set aside his own meal and immediately attended to his wife, ensuring she was well-fed and had taken her medicine before partaking of his own portion. Mr. Winters indeed epitomizes the essence of a devoted husband. Even prior to the onset of the apocalypse, he lavished attention on his wife and valued her opinions above all others. Although the men of the Winters family may appear stern and authoritative, they wholeheartedly devote themselves to their partners, demonstrating their love through actions rather than mere words. While they may not express affection through romantic gestures or sweet whispers, their unwavering commitment speaks volumes about the depth of their love and devotion. Even in the current circumstances, Mr. Winters continues to regard his wife with tenderness and places her well-being and safety above all else. This is why he remains cautious about Kisha. While he harbors concerns about the possibility of his son being manipulated or taken advantage of, his greatest fear is endangering his wife, who is the most vulnerable member of their group. After everyone finished eating, silence enveloped them once more. No words were exchanged as they simply allowed their weary bodies to rest, drawing strength from the tumultuous and stressful events of the past 24 hours. As they rested, their bodies remained vigilant. A few guards took shifts to watch over Kisha and Duke, ensuring their comfort by replacing the towels on their foreheads at intervals. Each guard took turns ensuring that everyone had the opportunity for proper rest. After four hours of sleep, Tristan resumed his patrol, scouring for alternative exits from the building and assessing the situation on the ground floor. Suspicion lingered in his mind regarding the connection between who''s been after them and the sudden influx of zombies swarming the building from all angles. Despite only staying in the building for only four days, the perimeter only has more than a dozen zombies lurking around every corner. And it was manageable for his group, the situation escalated drastically just two hours after Bald Eagle and the others departed for a supply run, with the streets suddenly brimming with zombies. Tristan''s diligence in securing the perimeter, his habit of meticulously inspecting every corner and crevice of their hideout, proved crucial. It was this vigilance that alerted him to the sudden shift in the surroundings, giving him the opportunity to swiftly relocate the Winters to a safer location. Had he not been so thorough, they might have remained unaware of the danger until it was too late, trapped and vulnerable on the upper floors, facing imminent demise. In light of the situation, it''s probable that their enemies have a good grasp of their whereabouts. The fact that Duke and the others managed to infiltrate their hideout was troubling enough. Tristan''s eyes narrowed with concern. Instead of heading to the ground floor, he dashed towards the lower level of the basement, desperately hoping that his suspicions were unfounded. As Tristan reached the lower level of the basement, he observed that everything seemed unchanged, with the same eerie silence prevailing as before. Letting out a sigh of relief, he momentarily relaxed. However, just as he did, his heart skipped a beat so forcefully it was almost painful. As he surveyed the basement once more, finding nothing amiss, Tristan attributed his sudden unease to concerns about the Winters or the Madam. Turning to head back, his hand on the door, he heard the wind whistle in his ears, a sound out of place in the confined space. "SHIT!" Tristan wasn''t accustomed to cursing, his reserved nature setting him apart from his comrades and earning him Duke''s trust as his aide. But this time, a curse escaped his lips as he narrowly avoided a sneak attack from above. The assassin likely clung to the pipes overhead, waiting for Tristan to let his guard down before striking. Tristan avoided the attack by flipping to the side but did not step too far from the door, afraid that the assassin would head upstairs and see the Winters there when they are currently vulnerable. They engaged in a silent duel, their minds locked in a battle of anticipation and strategy. Neither flinched nor moved a muscle as they exchanged mental blows, each seeking a vulnerability in the other. Tension hung heavy in the air as they locked eyes, their focus razor-sharp. They stood locked in their silent standoff, unaware of how much time had passed in their tense exchange. Creak- "Tristan? What are you doing here?" One of their group members asked, bewildered, after he opened the door and descended the stairs. His confusion provided the assassin with a split-second opening, and in that brief window, the assailant seized the opportunity, lunging at the unsuspecting newcomer. Tristan swiftly intercepted the assassin''s attack, positioning himself protectively in front of the young man. As the tension escalated, another voice rang out from behind. "What''s happening here?" The tremble in the young man''s voice reverberated in Tristan''s ears. The assassin''s eyes gleamed with malice, a smug smirk curling his lips as he lunged once more at Tristan. It seemed his recklessness stemmed from feeling outnumbered, yet Tristan sensed something amiss. With little time to ponder, he swiftly positioned himself defensively, intent on shielding the young man from harm. "Ack!" Thud- A muffled groan echoed behind Tristan even before the assassin reached him. This sudden noise caused the assailant to halt his movement, his smug smirk fading into a dissatisfied frown as he glanced back, clearly unsettled by the unexpected sound. "Only a week apart, and you''ve already gone rusty," Vulture''s voice echoed behind Tristan, his breathing ragged and punctuated by panting. Each exhale reverberated through the silent space of the basement. Tristan''s body tensed as Vulture''s words hit him as if a sudden realization had struck him. His pupils quivered imperceptibly, and his throat tightened with dryness. "What brings you here?" Tristan''s question cut through the air, his gaze never leaving the assassin''s form as Vulture loomed behind him. A heavy silence enveloped the room, broken only by the sound of Vulture''s weary sigh. It was unclear whether it signaled relief or exhaustion, but his words soon pierced the quietness. "I merely chased a rat scurrying about," he remarked with a hint of both resignation and disdain in his voice. Tristan couldn''t ignore the weight of Vulture''s implications. The abrupt shift in the assassin''s demeanor spoke volumes, a stark reminder of how close Tristan had come to peril through his lapse in vigilance. The realization stung¡ªhe had almost paid dearly for his brief lapse, misled by a misplaced trust in the figure standing behind him. Little did he know, that Tristan''s misstep could have had catastrophic consequences. Had he met his end at that moment, the assassin and the traitor would undoubtedly have seized the opportunity to strike at the heart of the Winters'' operation. With a mole in their midst, their defenses would be compromised, making it all too easy for their enemies to catch them unaware and unleash devastation upon their entire team. It''s almost as if they were lying in wait, timing their enemy''s final strike to coincide with Duke''s arrival, aiming to deal with them all once and for all. Chapter 85 - 85 Tristans Other Side Tristan''s throat tightened, forcing him to swallow hard, while a bead of sweat formed on his forehead and traced a path down his chiseled jawline. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once more, Tristan heard Vulture emit a groan before the words spilled from his lips. "I''ll entrust that bastard to your care." After that, all Tristan could hear was the sound of labored breathing and a thud against the door, followed by the slow slide of something along its surface. An intense scent of blood filled the confined space of the basement, saturating the air with its ominousness. His tense jaw loosened slightly, his entire focus now fixed on the assassin standing before him. Tristan cleared his mind of all distractions, allowing instinct to guide his actions. An aura of bloodlust emanated from him, enveloping his body, while the calculated glint in his eyes transformed into that of a predator hunting its prey. The assassin''s skin prickled, a cold sweat breaking out on his back as he met Tristan''s beast-like gaze, which tracked his every move. This was the Tristan Vulture had faced earlier, the Tristan who had shed all inhibitions, allowing his primal instincts to dominate his every sense. The assassin perked up and guarded against Tristan more than before because he could tell that Tristan just become even more dangerous than he already was from earlier. His body''s every fiber was screaming danger. He assumed a defensive stance, his eyes scanning the surroundings for a potential escape route. The young man lay prone on his belly, clutching a dagger in his right hand while blood seeped from a wound on his throat, his eyes wide open in shock but he was long dead because Vulture made sure to stab the young man from the back of his throat and the tip of his dagger even exited the young man''s adam''s apple. Meanwhile, Vulture leaned against the door, his weakened form still sporting a smug smirk on his lips as he weakly observed the unfolding scene. Vulture knew Tristan very well, he was not only a perfectionist but he was extremely cautious so he would certainly go out to scout the area and look for alternative exits so he did not move when he saw Tristan leave the room. He kept his eyes closed, allowing his injured body to rest. However, just a minute later, another figure stealthily rose to their feet, taking care to move without attracting attention. Even those tending to Kisha and Duke had nodded off at some point, unaware of the figure''s movements. Seizing the opportunity, the young man slipped away unnoticed. Vulture sensed an unsettling intuition about him, a gut feeling urging him not to leave the young man unattended. Despite his aching body, Vulture dragged himself to his feet and followed at a distance. Eventually, he found himself led back to the lower basement, the same place from which they had all come. Despite his injuries, Vulture managed to conceal his presence and silently trailed the young man. As the young man exited the staircase, Vulture cautiously approached the small glass window attached to the door, hoping to glean what lay beyond. Through the window, he witnessed Tristan locked in a standoff with an unknown, clearly hostile individual. Though tempted to intervene, Vulture hesitated, fearing that his injury might only impede Tristan and the young man, rather than aid them. But when he saw the young man pull a dagger while trying to sneak on Tristan, Vulture threw all his caution into the wind, and as soon as he exited the door, he swiftly plunged his dagger into the back of the young man''s neck. The young man emitted only a muffled groan, blood seeping from his mouth and throat as he collapsed to the floor. Vulture harbored no sympathy for him; in their world, traitors and moles garnered no compassion. However, his swift assault on the young man strained his abdominal muscles and aggravated his broken rib, sending waves of excruciating pain coursing through him. Cold sweat drenched his brow, rendering him immobilized. Despite his agony, he leaned heavily against the door, determined to prevent the assassin from accessing the staircase leading to their comrades and their master. Tristan grasped Vulture''s mindset, knowing he had his support. Without hesitation, he confronted the assassin head-on. Initiating the attack, Tristan''s agile movements forced the assassin into a defensive stance, rendering him unable to land a blow while enduring a barrage of relentless cuts from Tristan''s onslaught. Had he not defended himself promptly, Tristan''s first strike would have likely found its mark at his throat. Despite the assassin''s boast of agility and speed, they paled in comparison to Tristan''s lethal prowess. With each relentless onslaught, Tristan''s claws inflicted small but telling wounds, causing the assassin to bleed. It was as if the once gentlemanly Tristan had transformed into a sadistic figure, reveling in the sight of his prey-rendered powerlessness. As blood seeped from the myriad small cuts, the assassin''s movements grew sluggish, his arms heavy and difficult to raise. Tristan methodically targeted the tendons in the assassin''s ankles and wrists, further impairing his mobility. Even Vulture couldn''t help but wince at the sorry state of the assassin after just 10 minutes of Tristan''s relentless assault. Tristan looked like a cat playing with a mouse that''s already cornered. "Now, now, shall we get to the main course?" Tristan''s voice, laced with predatory intent, rose as he slowly lifted his eyes to meet the assassin''s gaze, tinged with fear and weariness. With a smirk, Tristan continued, "Did the Coltons send you to sabotage our exit or to eliminate the Winter directly?" As he uttered the last words, a palpable aura of bloodlust enveloped him. The assassin''s pupils contracted upon hearing Tristan''s words. They had believed their allegiance to the Coltons was concealed, merely masquerading as a mercenary from the shelter, dispatched to fulfill their mission. The scouting and other missions posted on the mission board were orchestrated by the Coltons themselves, and designed to provide cover. They meticulously orchestrated their movements, ensuring the Winters remained unaware of their operations. Even if the Winters dispatched subordinates stationed in other cities or places, they wouldn''t uncover anything. That is, of course, if any surviving Winters men were nearby. Despite this, they spared no effort in preparing to confront the Winters from the shadows. Now, he sensed they had fallen into a trap. Urgency gripped him, compelling him to escape the clutches of the man before him. He needed to alert his comrades that the Winters were onto their plan, urging them to fortify their defenses. Chapter 86 - 86 A Traitor Deserved The assassin attempted to raise his foot, but Tristan mirrored his movement, indicating he was one step ahead. Sweat beaded on the assassin''s forehead as he locked eyes with Tristan, grappling with his options. He couldn''t afford to meet his end here. While he didn''t possess crucial information, he understood the necessity of alerting his allies to the change of plan. The young man introduced earlier had been planted as a mole by the Coltons in the Winters'' base several years ago. Throughout this time, he meticulously followed orders from the Winters, refraining from making any suspicious moves or transmitting secret information to avoid tipping off Duke to their intentions. However, when they discovered that Duke had sold off a significant portion of his business empire, they realized that something was amiss and decided to expedite their plan. Duke''s significant decision to sell off his properties and shares wasn''t kept under wraps; it caused a stir in the upper echelons and garnered attention internationally from those monitoring Duke''s activities. His assets were snapped up rapidly, generating widespread interest. Moreover, many individuals were eager to offer additional resources to Duke in exchange for a stake in his companies. Tristan, being closely involved in managing the sales, had a thorough understanding of the process. After the Winters'' swift overnight operation, speculation ran rampant about Duke''s intentions. It seemed as though he was preparing for a major confrontational war or event, prompting him to stockpile supplies. In the wake of the apocalypse, this raised suspicions now differ that Duke was somehow privy to some crucial information about the coming of the apocalypse. Consequently, their objective shifted from merely eliminating the Winters to also seizing control of their valuable supplies. The young man, acting as the Coltons'' mole, provided critical intel on the Winters'' recent movements, effectively serving as their guide. With Duke''s impending arrival anticipated, the Coltons prepared for a full-scale assault. Tasked with extracting information about the location of their supplies, the assassin was dispatched with the ultimate goal of eliminating Duke and his family after getting the information they wanted. Unexpectedly, significant developments unfolded without their knowledge. It seemed the mole ceased communication, likely due to Duke''s presence, prompting him to meet the assassin in person instead to convey vital information he gathered from Vulture''s story and updates on Duke''s condition. However, this face-to-face encounter took an unforeseen turn, leading to unintended consequences for their plans. But since the mole only has a low rank among Duke''s group, he did not gather any vital information that''s why they are dragging and just cornering the Winters until today, all the information he got was from what Vulture said. And knowing that someone would come, he sneaked out to relay the information so that, whoever among the two escaped, at least both had the information to relay to their young master. With the mole dead and the assassin now trapped, the situation grew dire. Uncertain of his next move to evade Tristan''s relentless assault, the assassin found himself in a precarious position. Tristan, showing no mercy, unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, leaving the assassin battered and helpless. Tristan also realized this crucial information and his awareness heightened upon discovering the mole within their ranks. With this knowledge in mind, he swiftly honed in on the assassin''s weaknesses, targeting both his physical vulnerabilities and his mental resilience. Tristan aimed to extract any valuable information from the assassin, resorting to lethal force if necessary should the assassin prove uncooperative. "Why don''t you answer my question? Hmm?" Tristan repeated his eyes gliming with cunningness and killing intent. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The assassin tightened his lips, his intentions evident. Tristan''s expression soured as he shook his head. "Even if you stay silent," he warned, his smile stretching wider, morphing into something chillingly eerie. "We''ll still find out." The assassin knew that they fucked up, but before he could let out a sound, Tristan zoomed in on him almost instantly and stabbed his dagger on the assassin''s chin upward towards his skull before he twisted it, making sure that he stirred what was inside his head. Blood spurted from Tristan''s dagger like a burst dam, drenching it, his hands, and even the floor, splattering onto his boots and pants. The assassin''s life ended abruptly, yet Tristan remained impassive, his gaze unwavering. With a detached air, he allowed the assassin''s body to slump heavily onto the frigid ground before striding purposefully toward Vulture, who observed the macabre scene with stoic detachment. "You still alive?" Tristan''s voice cut through the tense silence as he gazed down at the young man, lifeless with eyes wide open. Memories flooded back¡ªthis young man, once like a younger brother to their group, had seen many of their comrades fall protecting him during their harrowing escape from City A and their relentless pursuers. With a surge of anger threatening to overwhelm him, Tristan battled the urge to unleash it upon the lifeless form before him, a vessel of vengeance for his fallen brothers. Yet, he understood the futility of such emotions, reigning them in as he strode past the corpse. Crouching beside Vulture, who struggled to draw breath, Tristan''s demeanor shifted to one of concern and focus. "Still alive and breathing." Vulture chuckled lightly, attempting to alleviate the tension that weighed heavily in the air, knowing full well the turmoil Tristan must be experiencing and feeling shitty. His eyes briefly flitted to the lifeless body nearby before he continued, his tone sobering. "That''s a fate befitting a traitor." He didn''t need to inquire about the events that unfolded while he and their master were absent, for the consequences were starkly evident in the scene before him. Entrusting Tristan with the helm during their absence must have weighed heavily on him, sensing the immense pressure and adversity that Tristan must have faced in leading their comrades in their struggle for survival. But to find out that one of the people his protecting was a snake preparing to bite them to death must felt as shitty as hell. No words of solace were necessary between the brothers, for they shared an unspoken understanding that transcended spoken language. In a silent moment of reverence, they closed their eyes, their thoughts turned inward to honor the memories of their fallen comrades. Each fallen brother was a testament to sacrifice, offering their lives so that others, dear to them, might endure and survive. With heartfelt prayers and gratitude, they paid homage to the departed, acknowledging their sacrifices for the brotherhood and the profound impact each had left on their lives. As Tristan''s thoughts settled, he rose to his feet, his gaze set on the inner section of the basement. "Where to now?" Vulture inquired, pushing himself upright in an effort to accompany Tristan. Tristan halted in his stride, pivoting to face Vulture before he spoke. "I''m going to inspect the sewers as a potential escape route. The door on the ground floor might not hold up for long, and I''m unsure if the zombie horde will disperse. We need contingency plans. Besides, I don''t know if the assassin that the Colton''s sent is a death warrior, maybe he already did something to close the sewers to cut our exit." Tristan patiently explained because he was well aware that Vulture was quite slow in the uptake. Chapter 87 - 87 Bell After hearing Tristan''s words, Vulture hurriedly tried to stand on his feet to go and see because unlike when Kisha was awake and could direct the bees to scout around, they were now in the dark, quite literally. Vulture felt a sense of urgency, realizing they were in unfamiliar territory, with no clear idea of where to start looking for an exit if the sewers were indeed compromised. ''Just wait....'' Vulture thought long and hard because he felt like he was forgetting something important. Then he heard a buzzing sound coming from the bees''s wings as they flew. Tristan also noticed and threw the dagger in his hand toward Vulture. Vulture was caught off guard and was delayed in his reaction coupled with his broken ribs, he couldn''t even move his left arm to deflect the attack. Swoosh- Clang- Vulture and Tristan were not just surprised but utterly shocked to see a palm-sized bee hovering before them. Yet, what truly stunned them was not its size, but its remarkable agility. With forelegs as thick as a child''s finger, the bee expertly deflected the dagger Tristan had thrown with astonishing precision. Vulture''s skin crawled as Bell hovered nearby at her original size. What unnerved him even more was the metallic sound her forelegs made as they deflected the dagger. It seemed effortless for Bell to neutralize the attack, and the realization left Vulture with a deep sense of unease. "Vulture, watch out!" Tristan''s warning echoed as he surged forward, swiftly flipping to retrieve the fallen dagger. With lightning speed, he maneuvered to intercept Bell, aiming to neutralize the unexpected threat. "WAIT!!!!" Vultured shouted with sweat trickling down his face, if he was a bit late, then, Bell would turn into meat paste and he wouldn''t know how to explain it to Kisha when she woke up. Besides, he knew what Bell was capable of now, even though he was still a little skeptical about how Bell defended itself using only its forelegs. "Don''t attack it!" Vulture added as he raised his right hand in a gesture to stop Tristan from moving forward. Little did he know that attacking Bell would result in Tristan being reduced to a bloody mess. Despite Bell''s focus on managing the drones and producing the Scarlet honey for Kisha''s constitution reconstruction, its Divine-grade status made it a formidable opponent. With basic stats surpassing even Tristan''s, particularly in agility, which stood at an impressive 45 points, she was a force to be reckoned with. In a display of discontent, Bell aggressively flapped her wings, producing a loud buzzing sound before landing squarely on Vulture''s head. Vulture felt as if his soul left his body when he sensed Bell''s thick forelegs moving on his head. While he wasn''t typically afraid of insects, Bell''s legs were thicker than a tarantula''s, sending shivers down his spine. Unconsciously, he closed his eyes as the sensation settled in his back. "Uh, um... Bell, could you transform into a smaller size, please?" Vulture couldn''t stop himself from voicing his thoughts, unsure if Bell would understand him. He wasn''t sure how Kisha and Bell communicated, but he assumed Bell was an intelligent insect, so he tried talking to it too. Just like that, Bell immediately changed its form to become the size of a thumb. Vulture let out a sigh of relief as he suddenly realized that Bell was indeed intelligent, momentarily forgetting about Tristan. "Care to explain what that was?" Tristan''s heavy voice caught Vulture''s attention back to him. But before he could answer, a realization hit Vulture. "Ah! It was you?!" He exclaimed, pointing at Tristan with wide eyes and a dropped jaw. He remembered Kisha mentioning that someone had killed her bees while patrolling in the basement, and he couldn''t think of anyone faster and more capable than Tristan. Furthermore, when he emerged from the sewer, Tristan was also in the basement, making him the prime suspect. Then, he recalled the furrow in Kisha''s brow when she mentioned her bees being killed. "What was going on?" Tristan''s displeased voice echoed as he looked straight into Vulture''s eyes, trying to understand the situation with a frown. But Vulture remained silent, leaving Tristan''s questions unanswered. "Did you kill the bees?" Vulture''s sudden question made Tristan tilted his head to the side, not understanding where Vulture''s thoughts were going. "Did you or did you not?" Vulture asked again but with a defeated tone this time. "I think I did..." Tristan''s voice trailed off as he tried to recall if he really had. "Ah! It was really you!!!" Vulture exclaimed again. Even Bell flew back and forth with a louder buzzing of its wings, showing its anger. It even pointed its stinger a couple of times towards Tristan, as if considering whether to attack him or not. "What''s with the bees, especially that one?" Tristan pointed at the angry Bell that morphed a little bigger than earlier, he could feel like it put a big target on his back. "Those bees are Young Madam''s!" Vulture explained a little frustrated, "Why did you even kill it?" Tristan rubbed the tip of his nose, feeling awkward and embarrassed. "I just thought it would be dangerous to let those creatures roam around, in case they turned out to be carriers of a virus that could affect the Winters," he explained, casting an apologetic glance at the bee. He could sense that those bees had something to do with the unusually angry one in front of him. "What''s the deal with all these bees anyway? Her pets?" Vulture nodded, and Tristan felt like he had never really known the world because he never knew that bees could be kept as pets. He shook his head at Kisha''s peculiarities, but then again, he remembered that her bee didn''t look like a normal bee in any way. It seemed like it could even understand human language based on how it responded to Vulture earlier. So, Tristan watched the bee closely this time, trying to discern something. "This is a Scarlet Queen Bee that Young Madam keeps with her. This little fella acts as our head scout, like a radar. It sends out regular bees as drones to gather information, which it then relays back to Young Madam," Vulture explained what he had understood so far. He didn''t know exactly how Bell relayed the information or communicated with Kisha, but based on his observations, Kisha and the bees seemed to have a great tacit understanding. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tristan was gobsmacked. If bees possessed such extraordinary talents, beekeepers would undoubtedly be the world''s best spies. Just entertaining these whimsical thoughts lifted the gloominess surrounding them, prompting him to let out a chuckle. Vulture scratched the back of his head, knowing Tristan might find it easier to believe a dog could talk than a bee acting as a drone. "What I said earlier was half true," he admitted. "Sparrow did an excellent job as a scout with his awakened ability. But since Young Madam started using her bees for scouting, Sparrow''s role became more symbolic. Young Madam can send the bees to every corner, which is more convenient and efficient." He continued, "Sparrow even felt competitive with the bees because, with their number, they could cover a 250-meter radius. Though the bees couldn''t differentiate between the living and zombies, it was still good enough for us to travel as safely as possible through the streets filled with zombies." Vulture''s tone became smug at the end, as if recounting his own achievement through the bees'' capabilities. Chapter 88 - 88 Find the Exit "Was it really that good?" Tristan was taken aback to hear those words but he could not find any other expression on Vulture''s face stating that he was talking shit right now and he and the others also knew that it was really almost impossible to go out of the center of the western district without being surrounded by hundreds in just a few seconds. Vulture nodded, his smug smirk widening. "You''d better not harm Bell and her bees again, or I won''t be there to help you explain it to Young Madam. And if Bell stings you to death, don''t count on anyone coming to your aid," he warned, recalling Kisha''s attachment to her bees. "You''ll have to explain yourself to Young Madam when she wakes up, or don''t blame me if Master gives you a hard time," he added with a mischievous chuckle. Tristan croaked, feeling a sense of unfamiliarity wash over him as he observed Vulture and the others. They seemed different now¡ªless cold and stoic, more uplifted and lively than he remembered from before the apocalypse. He couldn''t help but feel curious about Kisha and her interactions with everyone else, especially with Duke. Tristan nodded in agreement with Vulture''s warning. "I''ll handle it," he assured, turning to leave. "Wait!" Vulture''s interruption grated on Tristan''s nerves. They had already wasted enough time with discussions. Time was of the essence now. And Vulture stopped him once more, igniting Tristan''s impatience. "What now?" he demanded, feeling the urgency of their situation. "If you''re thinking of joining me, it''s best you stay put and let me scout down there alone." "I''m not trying to halt your progress; I''m suggesting a more efficient approach," Vulture retorted with a sneer. Recalling what he had forgotten earlier, he saw an opportunity to leverage it¡ªperhaps it was the reason Kisha had summoned Bell before she lost consciousness. "Considering Bell''s capabilities, we could delegate the scouting to her. It''s unlikely anyone down there would harm her bees again." With a subtle jab at Tristan, he emphasized the misstep in his previous actions. Tristan''s impatience dissipated, replaced by a sense of embarrassment as he approached Vulture. "How do we go about that? Can you communicate with the bees?" "Of course not," Vulture replied with a sarcastic smile. "I trust Bell to figure it out. It''s smart enough to handle it." Impressed by Vulture''s compliment, Bell flew in front of him, her stinger wiggling in the air. Within moments, the scattered bees, which Kisha hadn''t retrieved, converged towards Bell. Tristan and Vulture watched as the bees lined up like disciplined soldiers, with Bell leading the way. After a brief moment of stillness, the regular bees began to fly towards the sewer, leaving Bell behind. After dispatching the bees for scouting, Bell returned to perch on top of Vulture''s head. "I suppose all we can do now is wait and hope for the best," Vulture said uncertainly, his eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them. Tristan, equally perplexed, opted to accompany the bees on their reconnaissance mission. Without waiting for Vulture to offer further explanation, he dashed toward the manhole from which Vulture and the others had emerged. He remained uncertain about the workings of the bees, despite Vulture''s assurances of their reliability. Tristan couldn''t comprehend how Vulture would discern the outcome if he couldn''t communicate with the bees in the same way Kisha could. After reaching the entrance of the closed manhole, he slowly opened it before jumping down. With light in the sewers, his sight remained unaffected, and he could see everything clearly. He hurried toward the direction Vulture had mentioned they came from, but he only took a few steps before catching sight of a group of zombies heading his way. Without hesitation, he sprang into action to deal with the threat. After finishing off one group, another wave surged forward, followed by yet another. His brow furrowed as he noticed the numbers kept on increasing. Amidst the echoing growls of the zombies in the sewers, another wave surged forward. Tristan fought valiantly against the relentless tide, but as the zombies continued to pour in, overwhelming him, he heard Vulture''s voice calling out from above the manhole he had descended from. "Tristan, the sewers are no good!!! Come back up!!!" Vulture''s urgent voice echoed down the tunnel. Tristan''s expression remained stoic, but his pupils shrank as he realized Vulture must have gleaned information he also saw some of the returning bees. In all directions, bees returned from the depths of the sewers, as if signaling danger. He did not want to waste his energy any more than he already did and climbed back up to where Vulture was. Vulture was breathing heavily as he supported himself as he walked along the wall, his right hand resting on the wall as he tried his best to stand up straight but could not help but bend forward due to the pain. As soon as Tristan emerged from the manhole, he wasted no time in questioning Vulture. "How did you know? Was it because you heard the noise the zombies are making down there?" Tristan''s skepticism was evident in his tone. Vulture shook his head and gestured towards Bell, who had returned to her original size and was now flying beside him. Tristan looked visibly puzzled, prompting Vulture to explain further. "After you left, it seems Bell had already received some information from the bees that entered the sewers first. And it appears Bell didn''t send all the bees south; some were stationed nearby, awaiting her next instruction. Guess how Bell let me know that the sewers were no good?" Vulture''s excitement shone through his explanation, his eyes gleaming like those of an excited child. Tristan maintained his stoic expression, prompting Vulture to click his tongue in disappointment. "Tsk! What a killjoy," he muttered before continuing. "After Bell received the information from those bees inside the tunnel, she instructed the bees that remained nearby to form symbols to alert me. Initially, they formed an arrow pointing towards the sewers, so I assumed it was clear. But then, the next symbol changed to a big ''X'' mark." "And since our communication was very limited, I thought I should check it out here to see if my understanding was correct. When I approached the manhole, I could already hear the zombies down there, so I could only assume that the symbols represented that it was no good." After Vulture explained, he took a deep breath. Then, they saw the bees nearby forming a big circle, as if Bell was instructing the bees to confirm that what he said was true. Vulture''s head snapped back to look at Bell, and Bell did a flip with its big body. Tristan and Vulture were amused to see that the Scarlet Queen Bee was doing its best to communicate with them. They had already proven that Bell was truly intellectual and could understand human language. So, they conducted a few experiments to make communicating with Bell easier in the future. They spent some time conducting trial and error experiments to create signs that the bees could easily produce and that Vulture and Tristan could easily understand. Eventually, they agreed to use the symbol ''X'' to signify "no," ''O'' for "yes," arrow symbols to indicate directions, and the symbol ''!'' to denote danger. So far, all three of them have come to terms with these symbols. Bell even prompted Vulture to write the symbol ''!'' on the ground so the bees could see it and become familiar with it. It turned into a fun activity for the trio. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bell found it challenging to convey that the bees didn''t understand all the symbols using only its body language, flipping and flying around, and using its huge stinger to point and all. Fortunately, Tristan had a quick solution: he suggested that Vulture draw all the symbols on the ground for clarity Once they finished scouting the sewers, they returned to the basement, one level above where the Winters and the others were resting. Bell also ensured that the bees were dispatched around the building to locate a suitable exit. Chapter 89 - 89 Conserve the Energy "Welcome back. How''s the situation?" Mr. Winters inquired as soon as he spotted Tristan and Vulture entering. His expression remained calm and collected as he gently stroked his wife''s hair, soothing her to sleep. The Patriarch also stirred from his slumber upon hearing of the return of Tristan and Vulture. Their absence had extended beyond an hour, or perhaps even longer, given that most of the others were already fatigued and asleep within the room so no one really noticed. Vulture and Tristan''s expressions darkened as they recalled the events downstairs. "Mr. Winters," Vulture began, pausing briefly to gather his thoughts before continuing. "Sir, we ventured down to inspect the sewer for a potential escape route around the building. However, we encountered an assassin." Frustration tinged Vulture''s voice as he recalled the encounter with the infiltrator. "Moreover, we discovered a mole within our ranks, attempting to relay gathered information to the assassin. Fortunately, Tristan and I managed to neutralize both threats." He explained succinctly. But Mr. Winters remained unfazed upon hearing the news as if he had anticipated such developments and was ready for any outcome. "Great job. What about the escape route?" He raised his gaze to meet theirs, though his hand continued to stroke his wife''s head. Tristan shook his head, his demeanor resolute rather than defeated. "We inspected the sewers, but it appears the assassin tampered with them to draw more zombies down there. Eventually, it will become overrun. However, I believe the assassin has another escape route prepared. He didn''t strike me as a death warrior; rather, he was likely sent here to gather information from the mole and sabotage our escape route before making his own getaway," Tristan openly shared his deduction. Mr. Winters nodded thoughtfully. "What about Sparrow? Have you received any updates from him?" "Sir, Sparrow knew where to find us. He had a general idea of the direction to our hideout, and by now, he''s likely completed his mission and is en route here. If that''s the case, once he arrives nearby, he''ll surely notice something is amiss if he doesn''t see us. He could be a valuable asset in our escape," Vulture explained, calculating the time that had passed since their separation before dawn. "What about my grandson and his wife?" The Patriarch interjected, having grasped the full scope of the situation. His primary concern now lay with his grandson. Upon hearing the Patriarch refer to Kisha as Duke''s wife, Vulture chuckled wholeheartedly, while Tristan nearly choked on his saliva, taken aback by the Patriarch''s swift acceptance of Kisha. Vulture abruptly halted his hearty chuckle, his expression turning serious. "Patriarch, Master, and the young madam will be fine. As they awaken their abilities and struggle to gain control over the virus within their bodies to harness it as a power source, it will take time. However, based on my experience, they should regain consciousness by tomorrow morning. Until then, we must do our best to hold the fort without them." Upon hearing Vulture naturally refer to his granddaughter-in-law as "Young Madam," the Patriarch chuckled gleefully before his expression turned worried once more. "Will they truly be alright? What if they turn?" "Patriarch... Young Madam assured us that she and Master will be fine. We simply need to believe in them and wait," Vulture reassured, his voice steady despite the underlying concern. "Very well, we''ll wait, but ensure more people are dispatched to search for a new escape route," the Patriarch reminded his tone firm with a hint of urgency. Vulture smiled confidently and replied, "Actually, Patriarch, there''s no need to send anyone out for patrol or to search for the exit. We''ve identified the perfect candidate for that task, allowing us to conserve our energy and rest in case of emergencies." Mr. Winters scrutinized Vulture''s expression, attempting to grasp his meaning, but found no clues. The fact that they hadn''t delegated the task to anyone but it also didn''t look like they weren''t planning to wait for the enemy to sneak in again just to locate the prepared exit. His eyebrow arched slowly as he found himself at a loss for an answer. He ceased attempting to guess, recognizing Tristan and Vulture as among the most trusted and skilled elites in Duke''s inner circle. Whatever they were currently plotting might seem a bit eccentric or difficult to grasp, or perhaps they were intentionally being cryptic to ensure they had everything meticulously planned before revealing their strategy, thus avoiding raising any false hopes or concerns. So, he redirected his focus to his wife and her condition. Upon hearing Vulture''s explanation, the Patriarch reached a similar conclusion to his son and ceased fretting over every detail. Recognizing his own vulnerability due to his old age, he opted to rest his weary bones. Preserving his energy now would ensure he wouldn''t be a burden to anyone when the time came to act. Vulture and Tristan eased themselves into a brief rest, conserving their energy while they relied on Bell and the bee team to meticulously comb through every nook and cranny of the building in search of a possible escape route, leaving no vent or crack unexplored. As the sun descended in the west, its rays cast a fiery glow across the sky, painting it the color of blood. This crimson hue reflected off the buildings and the shuffling corpses that roamed the streets below, creating an apocalyptic scene straight out of a nightmare. The ceaseless moans and groans of the zombies filled the air, a haunting symphony that surpassed the horrors of any film ever seen on the silver screen. Sparrow reached the outskirts of the central western district, anticipating rendezvous with his companions. Despite luring away numerous zombies, he was startled to find the streets teeming with an even larger horde than before. It seemed as though they were being drawn inexorably toward a singular destination. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a brief observation, he discerned a peculiar pattern: the zombies were congregating in a single location. Swiftly, he pursued them, leaping from rooftop to rooftop. Drawing nearer to the epicenter, he discovered the source - a series of small speakers emitting random noise, luring the undead. As he approached, it became clear: each speaker ceased its noise only to pass the baton to the next, maintaining the zombies'' relentless march. The cacophony persisted until he reached a particular building, where the speakers blared incessantly, anchoring the horde in place. As the incessant pounding of the zombies echoed through the air, his expression soured with anger. In that instant, he grasped the grim reality: his Master and companions were confined within the besieged building, ensnared in a trap crafted to ensure that they would all go down together while making sure that all escape routes were sealed. Despite his anger and worry, he refrained from acting impulsively. Understanding the importance of maintaining a clear head, he focused on strategizing how best to assist his Master. Circling the building multiple times, he meticulously examined every potential exit point. Yet, it was evident that their enemy had taken great care to seal off any means of escape for his Master. His only recourse now was to utilize their emergency communication tool device to reach his comrades inside. Chapter 90 - 90 How To Escape Despite his anger and worry, he refrained from acting impulsively. Understanding the importance of maintaining a clear head, he focused on strategizing how best to assist his Master. Circling the building multiple times, he meticulously examined every potential exit point. Yet, it was evident that their enemy had taken great care to seal off any means of escape for his Master. His only recourse now was to utilize their emergency communication tool device to reach his comrades inside. Their communicator resembled a satellite radio, elevated several notches with advanced features, nearly indistinguishable from a smartphone. Despite its private radio frequency, caution remained paramount; in an ever-changing and evolving world, nothing was absolute. Sparrow could only hope there were no signal jammers nearby. If there were, he''d be forced to scour every nook and cranny in the vicinity before contacting his people, with no guarantee they could hold on until then. Buzz.... Buzz.... Buzz.... A steady vibration from his breast pocket jolted Vulture from his light slumber, instantly alerting him to the buzzing of his communicator. His sudden movement also roused Tristan, who had been resting nearby. As Vulture retrieved his communicator, Tristan immediately inferred that Sparrow must have reached out to him. Sensing the need to grasp the situation outside, Tristan drew nearer. Meanwhile, despite Bell and the bees'' exhaustive efforts to search every inch of the lower and upper-level basements, they had yet to uncover anything significant that may lead to an exit. Vulture immediately answered the call and in a silent and confined space as they are staying right now, they didn''t need to actually put the call into the speaker to hear what the person on the other side was saying. "Oh God! You guys are alright!" Sparrow''s nervous voice echoed through the call. "I''m outside... I think it used to be a high-end building. Zombies are swarming from all sides. Please don''t tell me you''re inside, right?" His laughter sounded strained as he finished his sentence. "Are you referring to the Amoure High-end Condominium?" Tristan interjected calmly, devoid of any hint of nervousness in his voice. "Tristan! You''re alive too!" Sparrow''s voice carried excitement, though he quickly returned to the conversation. "Yes, I believe that''s the original name of the building, just missing a few letters." After his response, Sparrow donned the night vision goggles he had used the previous night to survey the surroundings. With the sun having set and many lampposts out of commission, the streets were shrouded in darkness. "It''s the same building we''re currently holed up in. Give us the lowdown on what''s happening out there," Tristan asserted firmly. With Duke and Kisha out cold, Mr. Winters preoccupied with his sick wife, and the Patriarch''s old age, Tristan had taken it upon himself to lead until Duke regained consciousness. "Damn it! So they''ve truly cornered you in that building?!" Sparrow''s voice erupted with frustration, though his vigilance never wavered as he scanned the area. "The fiberglass on the ground floor is top-notch, not even the relentless pounding of the zombies made a dent. But despite our fortress-like defenses, there are no viable exits at the moment," he concluded, exhaling deeply. "I''ve observed that the reason the zombies have congregated here is due to the speakers strategically placed throughout the streets, emitting sound at intervals to draw them to this specific location, hence the congestion. Although I''ve disabled the speakers responsible for the noise, there are still thousands upon thousands of zombies already gathered down here," Sparrow reported. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a prolonged silence on his end, Tristan''s voice broke through, chillingly cold. "Have you destroyed the speaker?" "I''ve taken out the closest speakers to the building to halt the influx of zombies. However, those on the fringes of the horde are still drawn by the distant sounds and aren''t dispersing easily," Sparrow reported. Understanding Tristan''s strategy, Sparrow grasped his intention: turning the tables on their enemies and letting their enemies taste their own medicine they don''t probably expect that there would be one from Duke''s group who would wander outside freely. "Shall I draw the zombies towards their hideout like I did earlier?" Sparrow proposed. After a moment of contemplation, Tristan reconsidered his decision. He understood the gravity of the situation¡ªthey couldn''t afford any mistakes now. If he let emotions dictate and issued a wrong order, it could spell disaster for all of them, possibly even before Duke regained consciousness. "It would be beneficial if you could lead them away, but that also means we''d lose our only lookout outside," Tristan acknowledged. "Let''s alter the plan. You''ll guard us from there instead. Keep us informed if you notice any movement from them." Tristan felt the urge to repay the enemy in kind, momentarily forgetting their precarious situation with an uncertain exit looming over them. After Sparrow received his assignment and confirmed everyone''s safety, he began to relax. It was only then that he realized he hadn''t heard his Master''s or Kisha''s voices. Normally, Kisha would assign tasks if Duke wasn''t available. But if the voice speaking to him now wasn''t either of them, it could only mean they were either out of reach or something had happened to them. The mere thought of the second possibility filled him with anxiety, prompting him to quickly pose his question. "Where''s Master? And Young Madam?" Sensing his partner''s thoughts spiraling, Vulture intervened in the call. "Master and Young Madam are undergoing their awakening, which is why they''re unavailable. We just need to find an exit or hold on until they wake up," he reassured, while also trying to convince himself that things would eventually work out. Upon learning that Duke and Kisha were undergoing their awakening, Sparrow''s excitement surged as he anticipated what abilities they might awaken. Yet, his excitement was tinged with worry, fearing that something could go wrong. Restlessness consumed him, driving him to take action to ensure that Duke and Kisha wouldn''t awaken amidst a zombie horde attack. "How many people do you have there?" Sparrow inquired. "Including Master, Miss Aldens, and Vulture, we have 22 people. What''s your plan?" Tristan inquired. "I don''t have a grand plan, to be honest. It''s quite simple, really. You''ll just need to fight your way through a few dozen, or even a hundred, zombies without getting killed," Sparrow stated seriously. "Are you fucking out of your mind?! We have the Patriarch with us and Master is unconscious!" Vulture exclaimed, frustration evident in his gritted teeth. "Still beats facing thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, right?" Sparrow retorted mockingly, his tone implying that Vulture was being a wuss. Chapter 91 - 91 The Plan "I don''t have a grand plan, to be honest. It''s quite simple, really. You''ll just need to fight your way through a few dozen, or even a hundred, zombies without getting killed," Sparrow stated seriously. "Are you fucking out of your mind?! We have the Patriarch with us and Master is unconscious!" Vulture exclaimed, frustration evident in his gritted teeth. "Still beats facing thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, right?" Sparrow retorted mockingly, his tone implying that Vulture was being a wuss. "Then, what do you say we should do?" Tristan''s voice sounded from the other side again, as if he really is planning to accept Sparrow''s suggestion. Sparrow paused to recalibrate his thoughts. While he had proposed the idea, he couldn''t dismiss the inherent danger it posed. Among the 22 individuals involved, only one possessed awakened abilities. Unlike Sparrow, whose agility type and awakened skills aided him in navigating crowded streets, his companions inside the building lacked such advantages. A single misstep could prove catastrophic for them. Nevertheless, they found themselves backed into a corner with limited options. "Before I dive into it, could you let me know your current location?" "We''re currently holed up in the basement," Vulture replied. "Did you and the master crawl from the sewers to that place?" Sparrow''s direct question didn''t bother Vulture; their interactions were often characterized by such casual banter. Without taking offense, Vulture simply recounted how they''d entered the building through the sewers, ensuring to mention the events that had rendered the sewers inaccessible for their return journey. Sparrow nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the details of their situation as Vulture recounted the events so far. He didn''t interrupt, recognizing the importance of ensuring they were all on the same page. Now, he also understood that Vulture and Tristan were attempting to enlist the help of the bees to find an alternative route, although the success of this plan still remained uncertain. "Given our current predicament with Master and Young Madam both unconscious, we''re running out of options. What I have in mind may seem risky, but it''s worth considering. Before anyone objects, hear me out," Sparrow spoke, his tone firm yet earnest. He wanted them to think rationally and weigh the potential risks against the urgency of their situation. Lingering any longer could only worsen their already precarious circumstances. "Since you guys are now familiar with my awakened ability, you must have known that my strong suit is agility so it was easy for me to navigate around even when there were many zombies surrounding me, but actually, I was able to travel from places to places because I jumped from roof to roof which has lesser number of zombies and was easier to navigate than the streets." He pauses for a bit to breathe after talking for so long. "So, let''s consider this: if we can''t use the sewers or streets, we can ascend to the upper floors and move from roof to roof to avoid the zombies. And if there''s a significant gap between buildings, Vulture can create a bridge using his earth ability for everyone to cross. I believe this idea is feasible. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though getting up there initially might pose a challenge, once we''re on the roof, everything will become easier. What do you all think?" After reviewing his plan again, Sparrow concluded that it was the best solution available, rather than simply waiting. Tristan and Vulture exchanged glances as they processed Sparrow''s words. They both found his plan feasible and sensible. After all, they couldn''t predict when their enemies would make their next move. It was possible that they would take steps to ensure the zombies could besiege them, or the zombies themselves might break through the fiberglass. As Sparrow had pointed out, the initial challenge would be clearing the hundreds of zombies already inside the building. However, once they reached the rooftop, Sparrow could lead the way, guiding them on the safest route. With him clearing the path ahead, they could navigate more efficiently. After outlining their plan, Tristan gathered everyone, including the Patriarch and Mr. Winters, to ensure everyone was on the same page. Meanwhile, Sparrow made another round outside to ensure no Coltons were nearby to spoil their exit. "I hope everyone''s well-rested," Tristan began, scanning his comrades'' faces. They seemed to have gained a bit more strength compared to the last few days, thanks to the warm meal and rest they just had. "Have you found an exit yet?" the Patriarch inquired. Tristan shook his head. "There''s no exit, Patriarch." Before the Patriarch could ask another question, Tristan continued. "However, instead of waiting indefinitely, we''ve decided to take matters into our own hands and create our own escape route. By now, everyone must be aware that we unearthed a mole earlier. Vulture and I managed to seize their communicator after neutralizing them. Fortunately, the information Vulture shared with us hasn''t made its way into their intel yet. But we can''t be certain how long we''ll remain safe here." "If they could send an assassin to sneak up on us, they might send another one to open a path for the zombies to besiege us once they notice that the assassin and the mole they sent are both dead," Tristan said, his frustration evident in his voice. "So instead of waiting to be chopped off on their chopping board, wouldn''t it be wiser for us to go up the floors and clear our own path?" Everyone comprehended the rationale behind a battle of attrition, recognizing their current disadvantage. Not only were they encircled on all fronts, but they were also outnumbered and lacked sufficient supplies and firepower compared to their enemy. This was further exacerbated by the presence of two unconscious individuals, one sick and one elderly, among their ranks. They couldn''t afford to remain idle and wait, as every passing moment diminished their options and increased the likelihood of their demise. Therefore, everyone concurred with Tristan''s assessment, and they proceeded to discuss the plan outlined by Sparrow. They engaged in a collaborative brainstorming session, pooling their collective expertise to ensure everyone was aligned and to sift through various ideas, particularly regarding how to address the needs of those unable to participate in combat. After an hour of deliberation, they finalized a more robust plan. Before setting out, Vulture took charge of cooking a meal, recognizing the importance of sustaining their energy for the imminent battle. Tristan assisted him in the preparation, while the others gathered their combat essentials. They also reinforced the makeshift stretcher to ensure it could withstand the journey, knowing Duke''s unwillingness to let go of Kisha, his grip akin to that of an octopus. Despite efforts to pry them apart, Duke and Kisha remained inseparable, Duke''s clutches unyielding. As preparations continued, Sparrow and Vulture exchanged progress reports to stay informed about both internal and external developments. While the others enjoyed their hot meal, Sparrow begrudgingly nibbled on a compressed biscuit, a meager ration salvaged from the lookouts he had killed earlier. He also readied the assault rifles and AWMs he had obtained from the enemy, intending to distribute them among his comrades to bolster their combat capabilities once they ascended. Despite his desire to assist them directly, he remained at his post to keep watch, ensuring the Coltons couldn''t spring any surprises on them. As both groups prepared, an hour had already passed, and the night had deepened, adding an extra layer of danger to their situation. However, they were fortunate¡ªthe building they occupied still had power, thanks to a functioning generator. The automatic hallway lights provided a sense of security. Choosing this building had been strategic; they had managed to lock the fiberglass doors through the security room. Yet, this decision was a double-edged sword. If their enemies gained access to that security room and unlocked the doors, it would spell their demise. This knowledge led them to unanimously agree to Sparrow''s plan, despite its inherent risks. The Patriarch rose, after wrapping cardboard and towels around his limbs and body¡ªa makeshift armor to provide some measure of protection. Though it made him feel somewhat uncomfortable, he recognized its necessity. His reaction time had slowed over the years, rendering him more vulnerable. Similarly, Mrs. Winters followed suit under the watchful eye of Mr. Winters, who insisted on her safety. Others abstained from such precautions, aware that it would impede their movements and hinder their actions. Once everyone finished their preparations, they each shouldered the bags Kisha had retrieved from her inventory, leaving the empty buckets behind after using up the ice to cool down Duke and Kisha''s fevered bodies. With their body temperatures now lowered, the risk of brain damage had diminished. Four individuals remained responsible for carrying Kisha and Duke, while the Patriarch, Mr., and Mrs. Winters positioned themselves at the center so that they could be well protected. Tristan took the lead at the forefront, leading the vanguard, while Vulture positioned himself at the rear, serving as backup and conserving his energy. His role was critical for when they reached the roof, where he would need sufficient energy reserves to construct a bridge for everyone to cross if the need arose. Chapter 92 - 92 Moving Forward "Is everyone ready?" Tristan asked from the front, his hand resting on the doorknob without turning it just yet. He glanced back at the group, noting the determination etched on their faces. Everyone nodded in unison, drawing deep breaths and tightening their grip on their weapons. Positioned at the center were the Patriarch, Mr. and Mrs. Winters, and those tasked with carrying the stretchers. After a final check, Tristan drew a deep breath, steeling himself before twisting the doorknob of the emergency exit leading to the upper floors. The real problem now lay ahead: the zombies lurking in the emergency exit. With their ascent, the challenge doubled; if they engaged in combat, pushing forward would become even more difficult with the risk of additional zombies descending from above. A stampede could crush them, and falling zombies posed yet another threat, among countless other possibilities. The reason why they are thinking of this as an issue was because there were a few doors of the emergency exit from the upper floor that had been compromised and were now wide open or jammed. As the zombies descended, those at the vanguard would face the immense weight of the undead pressing against them, yet they would have to forge ahead. With no time to spare, Tristan acted swiftly, flinging the door open. As it swung wide, a group of zombies standing in the fire exit fixed their hungry gaze upon them, then lunged forward like ravenous wolves. Tristan and the others at the vanguard wasted no time deliberating; they let their actions speak for them. During their earlier meeting, Vulture had emphasized that the crystal core must have formed by now. If feasible, they should extract it from the zombies'' heads, as it was as valuable as water and food. With the emergency exit still relatively clear, Tristan took the lead, guiding the group swiftly. As he moved, his other hand deftly and precisely extracted the crystal cores from the zombies he killed. He aimed for maximum efficiency, unwilling to linger any longer than necessary, ensuring he didn''t miss a beat in collecting the cores. The others followed suit, though not as efficiently as Tristan, their pace was still brisk. However, in the confined space of the emergency exit with minimal ventilation, the overpowering stench of rotting corpses became unbearable, even for Tristan. They all felt nauseated, their stomachs churning at the thought that their last meal might soon be expelled from their bodies. Even individuals like Tristan, who had witnessed all manner of gore and disgusting sights, couldn''t help but gag occasionally as the putrid stench assaulted his nostrils with each impaled zombie. The guttural growls and roars of the defeated zombies reverberated in the confined space, echoing ominously and drawing more undead towards them. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, they had no choice but to press onward and ascend. Despite only reaching the third-floor exit, they had already killed more than two dozen zombies. Their progress was hindered by the inability to move the bodies of the undead they had just slain, causing the corpses to pile up on the floor. This clutter occasionally causes someone to lose their balance or stumble, posing a significant danger. If such an accident were to occur during combat with zombies, a fatal bite would likely ensue sooner or later. Tristan and the others had anticipated this issue, but they hadn''t yet found a more effective solution. So, after killing a zombie and extracting its crystal core, they made sure to shove the corpse down the flight of stairs. This tactic aimed to create a makeshift barrier. If zombies came running from the compromised or open emergency exit doors on the floors below, the dead bodies would slow their advance, buying the team some precious time to regroup or catch their breath. As the vanguard began to tire from leading the group, they rotated positions with those at the rear to catch their breath and offer support when necessary. By the time they reached the fifth floor, a surge of over three to four dozen zombies poured out from the open double doors. It seemed there had been some kind of gathering on that floor, resulting in a horde of young people turned into zombies. Tristan had barely returned to the vanguard when the zombies surged towards them, catching them in the midst of their ascent and putting them at a clear disadvantage. With no flat ground to confront the zombies, none of them faltered. Instead of resorting to their usual tactics, one of the vanguard members began shoving the zombies sideways, pushing them off to the railing to the flight of stairs. So, even if the zombies didn''t die from the impact when they hit the ground or the railings of the lower floor, the force would still be enough to shatter their limbs or spines, rendering them immobile. The only problem was, that this method was energy-consuming and not as swift as simply stabbing the zombies, especially with more of them approaching. Vulture took the lead and conjured a wall-like barrier to push the zombies back towards the door, while the others tossed the remaining zombies that didn''t get caught in the earth wall to the side of the railings, similar to what the first man did. Their tacit understanding and clear grasp of their roles were pivotal in their progress. With a coordinated effort, they applied more force to advance the earth wall step by step, sensing the weight of the zombies pressing against it. Each member of the vanguard exerted themselves to the fullest to maintain the push. "Ugh!" "One step at a time!" Tristan called out, establishing the rhythm for the push. "Don''t exhaust yourselves. If you feel you''ve used up more than half your energy, rotate with those at the rear and take a break!" Between breaths, he continued to exert force against the earth wall, veins bulging on his forehead, face reddening with effort. Every four steps, the vanguard would swap positions with those at the rear. Once both groups felt exhaustion creeping in, they maintained their positions to catch their breath. Maintaining their position became more manageable than pushing forward, especially with the zombies frantically rushing toward them, causing the earth wall to shake violently. Vulture continuously reinforced the earth wall due to the relentless attacks it received from the zombies. As a result, he couldn''t join the rotation to push the earth wall, as it required his full attention to maintain its stability and the protection it provides. The clamor from the emergency exit drew the attention of the zombies from the floor below, intensifying the pounding on the door. This development unsettled their group because being trapped in the middle of their ascent would pose a serious problem, especially since most of them were exhausted. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their worried gazes turned instinctively to Duke, who remained unconscious on the stretchers, his furrowed brow indicating his troubled state. Kisha remained in a similar state to Duke, showing no signs of stirring even once beneath his embrace. Her face retained a serene composure, seemingly unaffected by the chaos unfolding outside. Mrs. Winters, too, appeared to be affected by the mounting stress in the air, her demeanor filled with a sense of dread. Chapter 93 - 93 Their Hidden Weapon "Don''t worry, we''ll get through this," Mr. Winters whispered reassuringly to his wife, drawing her into his embrace as he surveyed the unfolding situation before him. Meanwhile, the old Patriarch also pondered, searching for a solution amidst the chaos. As the sense of predicament and hopelessness settled over everyone... Buzz... Buzzz... A loud buzzing, like that of an insect''s wings, echoed from beyond the earth''s wall. Perplexed, they couldn''t discern its origin, but they sensed the resistance from the other side diminishing, and the relentless crumbling of the barrier subsided. As everyone exchanged puzzled looks, Tristan and Vulture exchanged a wide-eyed glance, as though they had suddenly realized what might be happening on the other side¡ªan aspect hidden from them due to their lack of visibility beyond the wall. Based solely on the sounds, Tristan and Vulture could already deduce what it might be. The buzzing intensified, and soon there were not just one or two but several buzzing sounds, making it impossible to count. Yet, one thing was clear: the source of this sound had just become intertwined with the problem they were facing. Then, as suddenly as it had intensified, the pressure on the other side of the earth wall disappeared completely. What startled them next was Vulture''s swift action. He dispersed the earth wall entirely, unveiling a gruesome sight beyond. Zombie corpses littered the floor, their heads neatly sliced in half, while others had been gruesomely dismembered into cubes. Black blood splattered across the wall, mingling with brain matter that oozed down slowly. Despite their plight, a pang of sympathy struck the group for the zombies, meeting a grim demise. Amidst the carnage, a swarm of bees buzzed around a massive Queen Bee, adorned with crimson stripes along its body. Its thick forelegs dripped with coagulated black blood, which it diligently tried to rid itself of, conveying a sense of disdain for the tainted substance, as if it were beneath its dignity to bear such filth. Vulture remained oblivious to Bell''s presence until he noticed her there. He had assumed it was still atop his head, overseeing the scouting bees. Little did he realize that the Queen Bee perched atop him was a formidable killing machine, capable of decimating dozens of zombies single-handedly. From his perspective, the regular bees seemed more adept at distraction than participating in combat. So, the entire scene before them had been single-handedly managed by Bell, who had now reverted to its original size. Disdainfully buzzing its wings, it attempted to rid its thick forelegs of the blood, a testament to its formidable prowess in killing the zombies or maybe even armed humans. Given that not everyone was familiar with Bell, the others instinctively assumed combat stances, recognizing it as a potentially greater threat than the zombies surrounding them. However, before they could advance, Tristan halted them, realizing that engaging with Bell would not only be futile but also a waste of time, given its status as their ally. Upon discovering that Bell belonged to Kisha, they regarded her with newfound respect, silently acknowledging her connection to Duke and thinking, "As expected of our Master''s woman." As they pondered Bell''s sudden intervention, some couldn''t help but wonder why this formidable asset hadn''t aided them earlier. Though not a complaint, they couldn''t shake the thought that their journey might have been considerably smoother had Bell been actively involved from the start. Bell''s reluctance to directly engage with the zombies stemmed from its inherent nature as a divine beast and queen. Its prideful demeanor disdained the filth and weakness of the undead, rendering it unwilling to soil itself with their touch. However, Kisha''s directive, given before she fell unconscious, compelled Bell to assist in ensuring the survival of Duke''s family and allies until Kisha''s recovery. Thus, while Bell primarily focused on guiding and scouting with the bees, it intervened when the situation demanded, prioritizing the well-being of Kisha''s companions. Bell, lacking direct means of communication with those around it, swiftly took action. Commanding the bees, it orchestrated the collection of crystal cores scattered on the floor, delivering them to Vulture. Given the weight of each crystal core, multiple bees collaborated to transport them, forming what seemed like a protective cluster around each precious cargo. With the immediate danger handled by Bell, Tristan instructed his comrades to take charge of gathering the crystal cores, freeing up the bees to resume their scouting tasks. Additionally, it seemed evident that the regular bees were struggling to collect the crystal cores due to their small size. With the assurance of having a formidable ally by their side, Tristan''s companions felt a renewed sense of courage and urgency to press forward. Even Mrs. Winters, who had been previously consumed by worry over their impending doom, now walked with a relaxed demeanor, occasionally stealing glances at Bell and Kisha. Mrs. Winters had a deep affinity for flowers and plants, evident in the array of expensive and exotic flora adorning their villa''s backyard, which now thrived within Kisha''s subspace rainforest. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Given her fondness for these natural wonders, it was no surprise that she would cherish the presence of butterflies and bees, essential companions in the symbiotic dance of pollination among her beloved blooms. So, rather than feeling frightened by the sight of the enormous bee flying around and killing zombies, Mrs. Winters felt a sense of security and fascination with Bell. Unlike the typical reactions others might have to Bell''s formidable size and imposing forelegs, Mrs. Winters found Bell endearing and even felt the urge to pet it. However, Bell''s continuous pointing of its stinger whenever Mrs. Winters attempted to touch it, coupled with her husband''s admonition against doing so, prevented her from acting on her impulse. Otherwise, she might have eagerly embraced Bell long ago. The group''s ascent became considerably smoother with Bell''s intervention, especially when they found themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of zombies. Tristan''s earlier concerns seemed trivial now, overshadowed by Bell''s formidable power. Without the earth wall obstructing their view, they could witness firsthand how effortlessly Bell sliced through the zombies as if they were nothing more than soft tofu. Even Tristan found it remarkable, pondering, "No wonder when it deflected the dagger, we heard the sound of metal hitting metal, and yet Bell didn''t sustain even a scratch." As time passed by, they felt like they could feel Bell''s proud demeanor like the queen it was while it directed the bees around and as if it was looking down on them whenever it was coming down to help deal with the zombies. They felt like it was laughing at their weakness because they needed help from a fucking bee. They weren''t entirely off the mark; Bell did indeed look down on them, chuckling silently as it observed their struggles against the relentless tide of zombies, pushed around and tested by the chaos surrounding them. Bell''s obedience to Kisha stemmed from their deep bond as master and contracted beast, a connection that drove its loyalty and obedience. However, with Kisha unconscious, Bell had no one to answer to, and its softer side, reserved solely for Kisha, was dormant. Consequently, its proud and domineering demeanor came to the forefront, reflecting its independence and innate power. Chapter 94 - 94 Clearing the Path They weren''t entirely off the mark; Bell did indeed look down on them, chuckling silently as it observed their struggles against the relentless tide of zombies, pushed around and tested by the chaos surrounding them. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bell''s obedience to Kisha stemmed from their deep bond as master and contracted beast, a connection that drove its loyalty and obedience. However, with Kisha unconscious, Bell had no one to answer to, and its softer side, reserved solely for Kisha, was dormant. Consequently, its proud and domineering demeanor came to the forefront, reflecting its independence and innate power. With Bell''s assistance, Tristan''s team ascended to the 10th floor more swiftly and efficiently than initially anticipated. They also fortified their path by sealing off open emergency exits with earth walls, serving as a precautionary measure against potential attacks from zombies on both sides. After being accustomed to the rhythm of their tasks, the team coordinated more effectively. At Mrs. Winters''s urging, they enlisted her, her husband, and even the Patriarch to assist in retrieving crystal cores from the zombie heads while the rest focused on repelling the vanguard''s onslaught. At first, Mr. Winters was so worried that his wife would feel uncomfortable with the revulsing task of retrieving the crystal cores from the rotting zombies but he did not expect that she would be even more enthusiastic about the task and did not show any signs of disdain or revulsion. He let out a sigh of relief and felt a sense of admiration for his wife swelling in his heart, clearly, he was underestimating his wife by not believing in her capabilities. Maybe now that she found some use in herself, she stopped stressing herself about every little thing, coupled with the relief of knowing that her son was doing fine. Now, Mrs. Winters appeared revitalized, her previous weakness and pallor replaced by a newfound vigor as if a surge of energy came crashing into her bloodstream. With enthusiasm akin to searching for treasures, she eagerly extracted the crystal cores. Having grasped the general idea from Tristan and Vulture about the potential use of these cores, she recognized their significance. Increasing their supply could enhance their family''s safety by bolstering their strength and this empowered her even more. After retrieving the crystal cores, she meticulously deposited them into the belt bag her husband had provided, akin to a squirrel diligently storing food in its tree. Finding the task both enjoyable and purposeful, she was so engrossed that her mind effectively blocked out the putrid stench emanating from the corpses and the unpleasant squishy sensation as she handled the brains. This additional helping hand has made it easier for the group to move forward because there''s now a clear distribution of tasks and more time to rest in between their ascent to every floor. After nearly three hours of climbing through the stairs, they finally arrived at the garden nestled on the 10th floor, where they decided to take a well-deserved break. This unique feature of the condominium, a balcony transformed into a lush garden, was open for residents to enjoy at any time, providing a serene recreational space for all. Given the circumstances, the garden had become overrun with zombies, numbering more than five or six dozen. When the earthquake struck, residents of the higher floors lacked the opportunity to descend to ground level to avoid potential aftershocks. Their only viable option was to seek refuge in the garden, which provided ideal shelter against such threats. Now that the former residents had transformed into zombies, they posed a new challenge for Tristan and his companions to handle. "Sparrow, are you hearing me?" Vulture''s hoarse voice crackled through the communicator. "Yeah, I''ve got visual on your team too," Sparrow responded, spotting Tristan''s group as they approached the garden several floors below the condominium''s rooftop. "Do you think we can reach the other building from here?" Vulture asked, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The effort of climbing and defending was compounded by the fact that he was still recovering from broken ribs, making every action strenuous for him. Sparrow scanned the area once more. "I believe so,''" Sparrow affirmed. With confidence in his wind abilities, he descended from the opposite building, riding a whirlwind that carried him across the gap. To his comrades below, he appeared as a shadow descending from the dark night, a surreal sight amidst their ongoing battle with the approaching zombies. Amidst their battle with the relentless zombies, they couldn''t help but marvel at Sparrow''s awakened ability. However, they knew they couldn''t afford to pause and admire it, as their immediate priority was killing the oncoming horde of undead threats. So, they pressed on, focused on eliminating the zombies that continued to swarm towards them. Sparrow stepped up his support by distributing the assault rifles and AWMs he was carrying among his comrades, making it easier for them to deal with the zombies. Fortunately, each assault rifle was equipped with a silencer, ensuring they could use them without drawing more undead attention their way. After distributing the rifles, Sparrow ascended a tree in the garden to gain a better vantage point. From there, he could assess the number of zombies still advancing toward them and provide valuable guidance to his comrades, directing their focus where it was most needed. His scouting and communication proved invaluable, significantly easing the team''s burden. While the bees had been scouting earlier, using symbols to indicate safety or danger ahead, they found that human language was ultimately more effective. Therefore, Bell directed its bees to patrol within a 250-meter radius around them to ensure their safety. This allowed Sparrow to focus on providing closer support and scouting within the immediate vicinity. After dispatching all the zombies lurking around the garden, the group secured the door from the outside to prevent any undead from exiting the building and disturbing their rest. With the area deemed safe, they collapsed onto the ground, feeling utterly drained of both physical energy and mental fortitude. They felt as though they had been thrust into the midst of a war zone, overwhelmed by the stress and exhaustion. "You all look like you''ve been through hell," Sparrow quipped to Vulture, the remark audible to Tristan, who sat nearby. "Enlighten us. Tristan turned me into pulp," Vulture retorted, his breath labored as he gingerly supported his side, mindful of his broken rib. "Clearly, you need more training," Tristan fired back at Vulture, who was in no shape to offer a rebuttal, prompting even Sparrow to chuckle at his expense. It wasn''t until he''d settled down that Vulture noticed Sparrow''s arm, swathed in gauze with a hint of blood. Suddenly, he didn''t feel quite as pitiful anymore, realizing that they were both equally battered and bruised, covered in wounds from the ordeal. "Do you still have the vial of black liquid?" Sparrow asked Vulture after a moment''s pause. "I''m down to just two," Vulture sighed in response. "I''ve still got one," Sparrow revealed, displaying his remaining vial to Vulture. With only the two of them awakened in their group, they were the sole reliance for the team in times of greater crisis, particularly with Kisha currently unconscious. The mana potion would serve as their covert ace for the time being. After a brief respite, the trio embarked on another brainstorming session. Despite reaching the 10th floor, safety remained elusive, with hidden dangers lurking in every corner, their emergence unpredictable. The silver lining, however, was the increased yield of crystal cores obtained this time around, ensuring that each zombie killed contributed to their growing stockpile. This bounty of crystal cores would be valuable to share with Kisha and Duke once they awoke. During their brief respite, Mrs. Winters dedicated herself to tallying the crystal cores they had amassed. Even the Patriarch joined in, eager to contribute in any way he could, unwilling to burden anyone further. With no clean water readily available and energy levels at an all-time low, they resigned themselves to snacking on biscuits and dry rations, washing it down with what little water they had. Cooking seemed an insurmountable task in their current state; some could barely lift their arms, while others succumbed to sleep the moment they found a spot to rest. Their journey from the basement to the 10th floor felt like conquering thirty floors, weighed down by the struggles and stress of relentless zombie attacks. Right now it was almost as if they had momentarily forgotten the ongoing dangers that lurked outside, finding perhaps a semblance of reassurance in the presence of Bell, the formidable killing machine that stood like a guardian by their side. Mrs. Winters paused in her counting when she noticed a hairy, thick foreleg of an insect delicately touching one of the crystal cores on the ground. The insect, Bell, seemed to take a keen interest in the cores, its actions suggesting some form of communication. With a series of taps from its forelegs, Bell conveyed a message, its intentions shrouded in mystery yet intriguing to all who observed. Chapter 95 - 95 Do You Want it? Mrs. Winters watched in astonishment as Bell continuously tapped the crystal core with its foreleg, each tap growing more impatient. Sensing some meaning behind Bell''s actions, she ventured, "Do you want it?" She then heard Bell flap its wings enthusiastically with a ''buzz'' after hearing her question, then tap on the crystal core again. Mrs. Winters tilted her head to the side, trying to decipher what it wanted. "Perhaps it wants the core but wants you to clean it?" The Patriarch interjected, unsure, as he looked at the intimidating Bell. After his words left his mouth, they saw Bell flap its wings again, more excitedly this time, and even do a flip. After hearing what the Patriarch said and seeing Bell''s reaction, Mrs. Winters hurriedly wiped one crystal core clean and even used her own water to wash it before wiping it again and handing it to Bell with both hands. She felt happy that Bell was not trying to be as defensive to her as earlier when she was trying to get close to it. Bell took the crystal core from Mrs. Winters'' hands with its two front forelegs and stared at it for a while. So, the Patriarch and Mrs. Winters both watched it to see what it was trying to do with the crystal core. They both thought that Bell only found it interesting and wanted to play with it, like pet dogs and cats with toys. Not until Bell took a bite of the crystal core, as if it were a piece of candy. "Ah!" Mrs. Winters''s exclamation caught Tristan and the rest''s attention. They thought something happened to her, so they all rushed to her side, only to witness Bell eating the crystal core held in its forelegs. After devouring the core in two swift bites, Bell tapped its forelegs again, this time on a crystal core positioned closer. Sparrow and Vulture''s breath hitched as they watched with wide eyes. They worried about the consequences of Bell consuming the crystal core. Aware of Bell''s significance to Kisha, they feared her wrath if anything went wrong. The responsibility weighed heavily on them; they felt accountable for Bell''s well-being, entrusted to their care by Kisha. Mrs. Winters felt a chill run through her body, uncertain of what consequences might arise from Bell consuming the crystal core she had handed over. Minutes passed with no apparent ill effects on Bell, but its behavior grew increasingly impatient. Its wings buzzed incessantly, and it began flicking the crystal core toward Mrs. Winters with its forelegs, as if feeling neglected. "Do you think it still wants to eat more crystal cores?" The Patriarch asked, his curiosity overshadowing the growing worry in the others'' hearts. Bell''s wings buzzed excitedly once again in response to his words, confirming their suspicions. Mrs. Winters let out a sigh of relief upon seeing that the crystal core hadn''t harmed Bell. Seeing the creature still eager for another one, she wordlessly took a couple more crystal cores, cleaning them with water and wiping them down before placing them on a clean towel in front of Bell. Bell happily did another flip, seemingly expressing gratitude to Mrs. Winters before eagerly starting to eat. Everyone watched with bated breath as Bell indulged in the crystal cores, which were originally intended for when Kisha woke up. The group was filled with anxiety, uncertain of whether this would have any negative effects on Bell''s body but they couldn''t even intervene with what it likes to do, so they could only watch with pursed lips. After a few more tense minutes, Bell had consumed five additional crystal cores, bringing the total to six. Despite Bell''s desire for more, they hesitated to provide her with additional cores. They were unsure of the potential consequences and aftermath, fearing that it might cause Bell to transform into one of the zombies and pose a threat to them. Mrs. Winters acknowledged the problem and ceased counting the crystal cores, instead stowing them all inside the belt bag. She feigned ignorance of Bell''s continued attempts to gather more cores. The relentless buzzing became unbearable for everyone; it disrupted their ability to rest, making it impossible to ignore Bell''s persistent fussing. Observing the unfolding events, Vulture interjected, "Bell, let''s wait for Young Madama to wake up. What if she becomes upset upon discovering you''ve been consuming the cores?" His concern stemmed from a lack of understanding; while he recognized the potential benefits of consuming the cores, he remained uncertain about the specifics and the potential effects on Bell. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With Bell having already ingested six cores, there was a growing worry that it might do more harm than good. Surprisingly, Vulture''s words had an immediate effect, causing Bell to settle down and cease pestering Mrs. Winters. Bell was also apprehensive about Kisha''s potential reaction upon discovering its consumption of the crystal cores. After Bell calmed down, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. There had been concerns that Bell might continue indefinitely, seemingly addicted to the crystal cores and prone to becoming agitated when denied. After everyone found a comfortable spot to rest, most of them took the opportunity to nap and recharge their energy. Others remained vigilant, keeping watch over the group. Sparrow, who had been traveling tirelessly throughout the day, was not only physically exhausted but also suffering from anemia due to significant blood loss while baiting the zombies earlier that morning. Despite his weariness, Sparrow fell into a deep sleep, reassured by the presence of companions who would watch over him while he rested. As if he had completely passed out from exhaustion. Tristan and Vulture empathized with Sparrow''s fatigue and decided to let him sleep undisturbed. They, too, recognized the importance of rest and took the opportunity to recuperate their weary bodies, replenishing as much energy as possible before continuing their journey. They didn''t intend to ascend further floors but instead opted to traverse the nearby building from the garden. Climbing higher floors posed too many uncertainties, despite having Bell to assist them. Fortunately, stumbling upon the garden was a stroke of luck. Its proximity to the adjacent building''s balcony made it a strategically better waypoint for their journey compared to the roof. In just one hour, a commotion erupted from the other side of the garden, jolting them all from their rest. The guards quickly stood up, alert and tense, trying to comprehend the source of the disturbance. One thing was certain: it wasn''t a good sign. Thud- Thud- Thud- Following the commotion, a thunderous marching sound reverberated through the air, resembling an impending stampede. The noise grew louder, sending a chill down everyone''s spine. Tristan swiftly roused everyone from their slumber, including Sparrow. The bees surrounding them swiftly formed an exclamation point, indicating danger a little further from the corner that led to the other side of the garden, where the gym and other amenities were located. Without pausing to question or gather further information, they hastily collected their belongings and bolted away. Sparrow, still feeling lightheaded and groggy from being abruptly awakened, struggled to fully comprehend the situation. Nonetheless, he instinctively followed the others, trusting their lead. They soon reached the edge of the garden, adjacent to the building standing beside it. A distance of 8-10 meters lay before them, which they needed to cross to reach the balcony of the adjacent apartment building. Chapter 96 - 96 Crossing Over Without pausing to question or gather further information, they hastily collected their belongings and bolted away. Sparrow, still feeling lightheaded and groggy from being abruptly awakened, struggled to fully comprehend the situation. Nonetheless, he instinctively followed the others, trusting their lead. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They soon reached the edge of the garden, adjacent to the building standing beside it. A distance of 8-10 meters lay before them, which they needed to cross to reach the balcony of the adjacent apartment building. Vulture wasted no time and conjured an earth bridge. However, being only a level zero, the bridge he summoned from that distance wasn''t as sturdy as he had hoped. It was already pushing its limits to support two people at once; any more than that would risk causing the bridge to crumble. Worse still, anyone crossing it might fall from the bridge, which was suspended 10 floors above the ground. Without a doubt, a fall from that height would be fatal. Even if the zombies below somehow cushioned the impact, the victim would likely be overwhelmed and bitten to death before they could comprehend what was happening. The apartment building adjacent to their condominium was also high-end, boasting large units and spacious balconies. However, being a residential building, they had to anticipate a substantial number of zombies residing there as well. Venturing to the 10th floor posed significant risks, given the uncertainties that would inevitably follow. Their deliberations were cut short as zombies emerged from the building, advancing directly toward them despite their efforts to remain stealthy. As if guided by an unseen force, the zombies advanced towards them. When this realization struck Tristan, he glanced back at the source of the marching sound. Urgently, he instructed his companions to begin crossing the bridge one by one. With Duke and Kisha unconscious, the first person to cross secured three thick ropes around their body, tethering them to the others who remained on the opposite side of the bridge. After crossing the bridge, he swiftly dealt with the two zombies on the balcony, ensuring the door leading to the apartment''s living room was securely closed to prevent any further zombie intrusion while the next person crossed over and he was doing the necessary preparation on his side. Experienced in such situations, they wasted no time crossing the bridge. Swiftly and confidently, they ran across its surface, each member following in rapid succession. As soon as one reached the balcony, the next would promptly follow suit. The first person to cross had already secured the three ropes to the railing, creating a sturdy suspension rope that would act like a conveyor belt but would require a human force to push what was placed on top of the rope. This arrangement allowed them to place the stretcher on top, requiring only one person to push it along until they reached the end apartment''s balcony. Since the bridge couldn''t support the weight of more than one person, they had to devise a different method to transport Duke and Kisha to the other side. After preparations were completed, the two men assisted in placing the stretcher onto the suspended rope, ensuring that each side of the rope fit snugly around the metal poles of the stretcher. An additional middle rope provided support to maintain balance in the middle and both sides. As everyone watched the individual transporting Duke and Kisha over the rope, they held their breath. The tension was palpable; any misstep could result in the two on the stretcher tumbling and plummeting to the ground below. The worst-case scenario loomed in their minds: the stretcher overturning on the rope, sending Duke and Kisha hurtling directly into the swarm of zombies below from the 10th floor. None of them had the chance to watch intently, as the zombies from the building reached their location, surrounding them. Only five people had successfully crossed over the bridge, while Duke and Kisha, along with the person transporting them, were still in the midst of the bridge, not even close to the middle to be exact. The process was taking longer than expected, and time was running out as the undead closed in on them. With a wider area to protect, Vulture found himself unable to create any more earth walls. The remaining dozen or so people on their side took up defensive positions to shield the Patriarch, Mr. and Mrs. Winters, who had yet to cross the bridge. They were fortunate to have an assault rifle and a few extra bullets, which bolstered their defense somewhat. However, the relentless stream of zombies emerging from that particular side was cause for concern. It seemed as if the main door of the condominium leading to the emergency exit on the floor they were on had been forcibly opened, but they had no way to investigate as they were now in the midst of battle. Meanwhile, the individual transporting Duke and Kisha remained suspended in the middle of the bridge. Clang- Amidst the cacophony of roars and growls from the encroaching zombies, a jarring metallic clang reverberated through the air. Tristan and Vulture both turned simultaneously, only to witness Bell soaring overhead, circling around the stretcher. To their dismay, the individual tasked with transporting Duke and Kisha was nowhere to be found. Their hearts seemed to skip a beat, pounding against their ribcages with fear. With a sinking feeling in their stomachs, they couldn''t shake the conclusion forming in their minds. Yet, without witnessing the event themselves, uncertainty gnawed at them, leaving them unsure of what had transpired in that fleeting moment. Sparrow abandoned his post and hurried over to where Duke and Kisha lay, relieved to find them unscathed. However, his relief was short-lived as he scanned the area for the person responsible for transporting them, only to be met with the sight of a member of their group on the other side signaling to him in sign language. Sparrow''s heart sank as he learned that the individual had been shot in the head and fallen from the bridge. "There''s a sniper!" The urgency in Sparrow''s shout spurred another person to take over the transport task. Sparrow quickly assigned Bell to safeguard Kisha and Duke while he set off to locate the sniper. His suspicion was fueled by the loud metallic sound they had heard earlier, possibly Bell deflecting a bullet with its forelegs. Sparrow also observed a sizable cut on Bell''s front forelegs, oozing a translucent greenish substance that seemed to be its blood seeping from the wound. Upon learning about the sniper, tension rippled through the group, heightening their vigilance. However, they found themselves in a vulnerable position, akin to sitting ducks in the water. Tristan surmised that the sniper had likely orchestrated the sudden appearance of zombies in the garden, effectively trapping them in a perilous predicament. However, the presence of a sniper meant that anyone, including the Winters standing behind them, could be the next target. While they were fortunate that Bell had successfully shielded Duke and Kisha, the ongoing threat posed by the sniper put them all at risk. If the attacks persisted, their defenses would crumble in a matter of seconds. Sparrow swiftly sprang into action, utilizing his ''Hawk Eyesight'' gift to scour the surroundings. He focused on identifying vantage points with clear lines of sight to their location, ones that weren''t too distant. He reasoned that the sniper likely hadn''t strayed far, having recently orchestrated the path for the zombies. If the sniper aimed to target Duke and the Winters, they wouldn''t have had time to flee too far. Chapter 97 - 97 Find the Sniper Another concern weighed heavily on Sparrow and Tristan''s minds: the possibility that the enemies lurking in the shadows were a team of highly trained elites, including both snipers and close combatants, much like themselves. This uncertainty only compounded the array of challenges they currently face. Additionally, they were perplexed as to where these individuals had originated from, given that all passages appeared to be sealed shut or compromised. They had no time to dwell on the problem, their minds racing at a mile a minute while their bodies continued their relentless onslaught. The chaos and danger made it impossible for the Winters to collect the crystal cores. Mrs. Winters could only watch with a heavy heart as the zombies fell one by one to the ground, lamenting the loss of those precious crystal cores. She proved herself to be really the wife of a businessman, who doesn''t want to take a loss. The enemies seemed to be toying with them, halting their sniping as if they were aware that Sparrow had closed in on their location. It was unclear whether this was a tactical move to extend Sparrow and his team''s struggle in finding them, or if they had some other sinister intention. After a couple more minutes passed, there were no significant developments. The onslaught of zombies continued unabated from the same location, and their numbers showed no sign of dwindling. Meanwhile, their ammunition was being depleted rapidly, and the individual transporting Duke and Kisha was only three-quarters of the way across the bridge. Frustration and nervousness mounted among the group as time dragged on. Sparrow and Vulture refrained from recklessly employing their abilities at the moment, opting instead to engage the zombies in hand-to-hand combat. Unlike the others, they weren''t as fearful of being bitten, having already successfully awakened their abilities. This granted them a degree of immunity to the virus, enabling them to confront the zombies head-on with nothing but their cold weapons, even amidst the swarm. As soon as they heard the people on the other side shout, "Master and Young Madam have successfully crossed the bridge!" Tristan''s group felt a wave of relief wash over them. Encouraged by this news, they urged the Winters to cross the bridge as well. The Patriarch''s son and daughter-in-law insisted that he cross first, understanding Mrs. Winters'' fear of heights, the Patriarch went up the bridge to walk one step at a time while holding onto the rope that was still tied to the railings. Meanwhile, her husband continued to offer words of encouragement, coaxing her gently, "Honey, don''t be afraid. I''ll be right behind you every step of the way. Just keep your eyes on the other side, and before you know it, you''ll be there. Trust me, okay?" With tears welling in her eyes, she nodded at her husband, understanding that she had to muster the courage to cross on her own. It wasn''t feasible for her husband to walk closely beside her while holding her hand, so she resolved to take the step forward independently. Mr. Winters kept a watchful eye on his father as he crossed the bridge, holding his wife close in his embrace and offering words of comfort to ease her fear. Despite his efforts to reassure her, he couldn''t shake his own nerves, especially with the lurking threat of the sniper hiding in the shadows. Truthfully, he was more terrified of the sniper targeting his family than he was of the zombies currently surrounding them. The zombies, though numerous, were still manageable due to their sluggish movements. Their only advantage lay in their sheer numbers and lack of exhaustion. On the other hand, the snipers possessed the intellect to scheme and exploit loopholes around them, making it difficult to predict their next move. Unlike the zombies, driven solely by primal instincts to feed and kill, the snipers'' actions were unpredictable. Thankfully, the Patriarch crossed the bridge without incident, while Sparrow continued to scan the surroundings for clues to locate the sniper. Bell dispatched its army of bees across a 250-meter radius, covering the entire floor and the surroundings outside the building to aid Sparrow in locating their enemies. However, it appeared that their adversaries had either gone into hiding or had vacated their previous position, relocating elsewhere to evade detection. This was a typical tactic employed by snipers to elude their pursuers; they would shoot and relocate, making it challenging for their enemies to track them down until they completed their mission. Unless they were significantly distant from their enemies, it would be difficult to pinpoint their exact location. Sparrow refused to relent; he was resolute in his determination to pinpoint the enemy''s exact location. Every minuscule detail became crucial as he meticulously scoured the surroundings, searching for any clue that could unveil the enemies'' hiding place. As it became Mrs. Winters'' turn to cross the bridge, the relentless onslaught of zombies heightened the pressure on everyone. However, as she began her journey, she was met with a powerful gust of wind that buffeted her frail frame. The deafening roar of the wind drowned out all other sounds, disorienting her further. Struggling to maintain her balance, her body swayed with each forceful gust, her weakened form unable to withstand the powerful currents. While the bridge wasn''t excessively narrow, neither was it particularly wide. Thus, when the wind slammed against Mrs. Winters'' body, she swayed, inadvertently glancing downward in her attempt to regain her balance. Instantly, a wave of fear washed over her, causing her entire body to tremble, her limbs turning cold as she stood frozen in place. Observing her sudden stillness and the shift in her demeanor, Mr. Winters sensed that something was amiss. Despite his instinct to rush to her side, he hesitated, acutely aware of the bridge''s limitations and the potential danger posed by adding his weight to it. He feared that any sudden movement might compromise the bridge''s durability, endangering Mrs. Winters'' life further. Mr. Winters shouted, "Honey, breathe, and don''t look down!" He attempted to soothe her with his confident voice, hoping she would find comfort in his reassurance. However, unbeknownst to him, Mrs. Winters couldn''t hear him over the howling winds, his voice barely audible amidst the tumultuous gusts that slamming into her body. "Ah!" The entire place seemed to freeze in an instant as Mrs. Winters'' urgent shout pierced the air, only to gradually fade away from their ears. Even Mr. Winters, caught off guard, felt as though his feet were rooted to the floor. A chill ran down his spine as he watched helplessly, his blood running cold, as his wife fell from the bridge, the bridge cracking where Mrs. Winters once stood. "OLIVIA!!!!" Mr. Winters'' anguished cry echoed through the chaos as he attempted to climb the bridge, only to be restrained by Tristan. "I found the damn sniper!" Sparrow''s furious roar pierced the air, his sense of urgency propelling him skyward without hesitation. With a singular focus, he soared towards the direction from which the bullet had originated. "No, no, no!!!! OLIVIA!" Mr. Winters'' voice cracked, the desperation evident as he called out his wife''s name repeatedly, unwilling to accept the reality that she had fallen from the 10th floor of the bridge. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 98 - 98 Mrs. Winters is Gone "No, no, no!!!! OLIVIA!" Mr. Winters'' voice cracked, the desperation evident as he called out his wife''s name repeatedly, unwilling to accept the reality that she had fallen from the 10th floor of the bridge. Mr. Winters struggled some more to get on top of the bridge even when he knew that he couldn''t do anything anymore but he was indignant to just accept that his wife was gone just like that. "OLIVIA!" He croaked, his voice so heart-wrenching that even Tristan felt like crying to see the spitting image of Duke, both have cold domineering exteriors was now crying his eyes out like a child as he kept on calling his wife''s name as he struggled, as if he wanted to follow her to her death. Although Tristan empathized deeply with Mr. Winters'' anguish over the loss of his wife, he couldn''t allow himself to lose Mr. Winters as well. The thought of explaining Mrs. Winters'' death to Duke, once he regained consciousness, was unbearable. With a heavy heart, Tristan closed his eyes in sorrow, grappling with the weight of the situation. They couldn''t ascertain the exact sequence of events, but judging by the circular cracks on the bridge and Sparrow''s earlier reaction, it seemed likely that another sniper attack had occurred, likely aimed at Mrs. Winters. If that were indeed the case, similar to the previous victim, she likely suffered a fatal headshot and fell from the bridge. None dared to muster the courage to glance downward at the bridge''s edge where Mrs. Winters had fallen. The dread of witnessing the horde of zombies below, tearing into her body like a rag doll, kept their gazes fixed ahead. The fact that the sniper hadn''t targeted the Patriarch earlier suggested they were likely on the move to a different location. Then, upon finding a suitable vantage point, they took another shot, unfortunately hitting Mrs. Winters as she crossed the bridge. With Sparrow hot on their heels, the sniper and their companion bolted upright and dashed away at full speed. Because they literally saw Sparrow gliding through the wind like some kind of immortal that they only saw on TV. They are still unaware of the awakened abilities and when Sparrow and Vulture used their abilities earlier, the sniper and their comrade had yet to arrive at the fifth floor after they led the horde of zombies from the ground floor to that garden. These people of the Coltons rush to the security room to open up the main door of the condominium and the gym door located on the other side of the emergency exit just so they could use the staircase Vulture and the other used, they also sent small heat detector drones around to specifically find the Winters, since zombies are basically dead bodies, it does not emit heat in their body, which made their task of locating the Winters easier since they did not see any other survivor in the vicinity. With an arsenal of equipment at their disposal, the sniper and his team propelled from building to building with remarkable agility, closing in on the specific condominium where the Winters sought refuge. Their advanced gear facilitated their movement, offering them a distinct advantage over the Winters, who lacked comparable resources and were therefore severely limited in their options. Once they had cleared the way for the zombies, their strategy was simple: disrupt the Winters'' defenses and wait for their fortifications to crumble under the relentless onslaught. With the Winters weakened, completing their mission would be a straightforward task. Afterward, they could swiftly retreat by propelling themselves to the safety of a nearby building, leaving chaos in their wake. Little did they anticipate Sparrow''s swift ascent to the seventh floor, resembling a flying sparrow in the night sky. His sudden appearance struck fear into their hearts; he seemed poised not just for combat, but to usher them into their darkest nightmares. "What, scared now?" Sparrow sneered, exuding a menacing aura akin to a grim reaper as he drew closer. ''If I don''t avenge Mrs. Winters, Master will undoubtedly storm the Coltons'' headquarters seeking blood.'' Sparrow could already envision Duke''s reaction upon learning the truth. He felt compelled to ease Duke''s sorrow by avenging his mother, fearing Duke might even blame himself for not being present when his family was in dire peril. Sparrow descended onto the balcony of the seventh floor of the condominium, where the sniper and his cronies were positioned. They scattered at the sight of Sparrow, perhaps underestimating his swiftness, assuming he would take his time catching each of them. Among them were four individuals: a sniper, a technician, and two close combat specialists. The two non-close combatants sprinted, realizing they couldn''t confront Sparrow head-on. They hoped he''d take his time capturing them to extract information. However, they underestimated Sparrow''s resolve; he was there solely for vengeance. He swiftly dispatched the two combat specialists, unleashing a focused wind blade aimed directly at their throats. The attack was so swift and precise that all they could perceive was their comrade''s head separating from their bodies in a blur of motion. Sparrow rarely employs this technique due to his limited control over his wind ability. The stability of his attacks varies, making it difficult for him to aim accurately at moving targets. Sometimes, his wind blade disperses before reaching its intended target. But now, he didn''t dwell on the complexities; his eyes burned red with determination. The concentrated wind blade, no wider than 5 to 7 inches and so thin it was imperceptible to the naked eye, honed in on its target, even eluding his ''Hawk Eyesight.'' Sparrow felt like he''d stumbled onto something remarkable. Perhaps his ability had sharpened through continual use, as he''d traversed rooftops all day. Now, instead of relying on logic, he trusted his instincts. He sought to recall the sensation he''d experienced when conjuring the wind blade, anchoring himself in that memory. As he familiarized himself with the sensation, Sparrow felt an electric current surge through his body, tingling as it reached the tips of his fingers. Meanwhile, the two remaining enemies stood frozen, stunned by the sudden and swift demise of their comrades. Sparrow descended calmly, and before they knew it their comrade''s heads rolled to the floor before their headless bodies followed with a resounding thud. The next thing they knew, the blood of their comrades sprayed across their bodies and faces, yet they remained oblivious to what had just occurred. Despite their lack of awareness, a chilling realization washed over them: they were all doomed. In mere seconds, Sparrow conjured another wind blade in his palm. Though invisible to the naked eye, he could sense the intense pressure it exerted against his skin. The air around him seemed to converge, forming a vortex of energy focused on his palm. This concentrated force condensed into a razor-sharp blade. With Sparrow''s staying still, the wind blade streaked toward the technician''s head. Swift and razor-sharp, it grazed the tip of his nose, leaving a fleeting sensation like a passing line. Before his mind could comprehend the touch, half of his head was already plummeting to the ground, a crimson trail marking its descent before darkness overtook his vision. The sniper''s gasp echoed loudly as he watched the technician''s head split in half, a gruesome spectacle that left him frozen in shock. Before he could process the horror before him, Sparrow lunged with lethal precision, his dagger plunging into the sniper''s skull before he could even react. Sparrow, now familiar with the sensation of conjuring the wind blade, exercised caution in its use. Aware that it required intense concentration, he refrained from continuous deployment. Each wind blade demanded a few precious seconds to materialize, during which Sparrow had to remain perfectly still, lest the wind disperse and render his efforts futile. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 99 - 99 Rescue After eliminating the four individuals accountable for Mrs. Winters''s death, he finds that it fails to satisfy his thirst for vengeance. Perhaps only by extinguishing the entire Coltons will his rage finally dissipate, and only then might his heart find peace, assured that there will be no further threats looming over them. With a heavy heart, he gathered their belongings, meticulously checking for communicators and other useful equipment. Sure enough, they indeed possessed a communicator, albeit damaged. He couldn''t ascertain whether it was intentionally sabotaged or if the damage occurred prior to or during the altercation. Unfortunately, without a technician among them, resolving the mystery seemed an impossibility. After collecting the belongings of their enemies, Sparrow descended from the 7th floor to where his teams were still mourning the loss of Mrs. Winters. However, during his descent, he noticed something peculiar, compelling him to detour to the opposite side where Duke and the others were located. There, he left the loot before returning to the bridge to conduct further investigation. After Mrs. Winters''s tragic fall from the bridge, a profound stillness settled over the group. Gripped by grief, they remained rooted to their spot, focused on consoling the Patriarch and Mr. Winters. Meanwhile, the other guards, though tearful, maintained their posts, honoring Mrs. Winters''s memory with their steadfast defense. To them, she was more than just their master''s mother; she was the epitome of kindness, a maternal figure who provided not only shelter but also a sense of belonging and familial love they had never known. They hesitated to cross the bridge in the aftermath of Mrs. Winters''s fall, still grappling with the shock and grief of the event. Meanwhile, relentless zombie attacks persisted, compounding their unease. Some had already depleted their ammunition and spare rounds, leaving them with no choice but to rely solely on cold weapons for defense. Rather than retreating, they channeled their anger and grief into relentless attacks against the oncoming zombies. Each strike served as a release for their pent-up emotions, and it was evident to any observer that the zombies had become mere punching bags for their collective frustration. Sympathy seemed to be reserved not for the relentless attackers, but for the hapless zombies caught in their path. Observing the collective unrest among the group, Sparrow assumed the responsibility of investigating the incident. Sprinting to the middle of the bridge, he examined the crack closely. Though present, it appeared insufficient to cause the entire structure to collapse. Additionally, he noticed bloodstains on the bridge''s surface, likely remnants from either the fallen guard or Mrs. Winters, prompting further inquiry into the tragic events that had unfolded. However, the true cause of concern lay with the vines he spotted dangling from the bridge. Sparrow crouched down at the bridge''s edge, gripping the rope still tied to the railings for support as he leaned over to inspect further. "SHE''S ALIVE!!!" Sparrow''s shout pierced through everyone''s eardrums, causing them to momentarily jerk in surprise. In an instant, Mr. Winters and the Patriarch ceased their tears and rushed over to the edge of the railing, following Sparrow''s gaze. Without Sparrow''s ''Hawk Eyesight'' gift, he wouldn''t have discerned the subtle rise and fall of Mrs. Winters''s chest from their considerable distance. Suspended about 10 meters below, she was entwined in thick green vines, each as robust as an adult''s arm. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unconscious, blood trickled from a graze on her forehead, though from Sparrow''s vantage point, it appeared more severe due to the blood''s dramatic effect. She likely lost consciousness after the fall and was startled by the subsequent attack. However, what puzzled Sparrow was the origin of the vines and how they ended up entangling Mrs. Winters. With little time to dwell on this mystery, his attention snapped back to the immediate danger as he heard the telltale sound of the earth bridge crumbling under the weight of two adults in its center. After confirming Mrs. Winters''s condition below, Sparrow swiftly returned to the other side to procure a new set of thick rope. Instructing the others to prepare for the rescue, he ensured the rope was securely fastened to the railing. Rushing back to the middle of the bridge, he carefully descended the vines. Drawing close to Mrs. Winters, he adjusted his position, hanging upside down to facilitate tying the rope around her waist, as she was cradled among the vines. To ensure her safety during the rescue, he looped the rope around her torso, distributing the pulling force evenly across her body. Additionally, he utilized some of the vines as a cushion around her, providing extra protection against potential fractures. After he was sure that everything was safe enough, he slowly cut off the vines that were holding her and before he cut the remaining vine, he also grabbed the rope above his head tied to Mrs.Winters''s body so that once the vines are out of the picture and they fall another 5 meters down towards the apartment building, he could assist Mrs. Winters not to crash to the wall if he were there with her and he could use his wind ability to cushion their impact while he also makes sure that no zombies on the balconies of the apartments below would get the chance to touch her. With a plan firmly set in his mind, Sparrow moved forward and severed the remaining vines. Sensing their descent, he seized the rope and braced himself, ready to conjure a whirlwind at a moment''s notice. As Sparrow and Mrs. Winters descended, anxiety gripped everyone on Duke''s side, while those on Tristan''s side held their breath, watching with bated anticipation as they neared to crash into the apartment wall. With one misstep, the impact could have resulted in severe injury or worse. However, as a skilled elite under Duke''s command, Sparrow''s comrades'' anxiety and worry proved unnecessary. Sparrow executed the maneuver flawlessly, cushioning their impact with a timely whirlwind, thwarting the danger just in time. The force even sent the zombies on the balcony flying, providing Sparrow with an opportunity to swiftly deal with the threat. After confirming Mrs. Winters''s safety dangling below, the guards on Duke''s side began to hoist the rope upward while Sparrow released his grip and leaped from balcony to balcony ahead. His mission: was to ensure no zombies would impede their progress as they pulled Mrs. Winters to safety. Upon witnessing his wife being pulled to safety, Mr. Winters dashed up the bridge, intent on reuniting with her. However, before he could ascend, Vulture, sensing his intentions, utilized his earth''s ability to reinforce the earth bridge, ensuring it posed no further danger to anyone. Only after ensuring the bridge was reinforced did Vulture exhale a sigh of relief. With the immediate danger averted, they resumed their defensive efforts with renewed vigor. As Mr. Winters safely crossed the bridge, the rest of their team followed suit, one after the other, marking a collective push towards safety. It took some time to safely pull Mrs. Winters up to their level, as the distance of 5 meters was considerable, and they had to proceed cautiously to prevent any mishaps. The slow, deliberate process was crucial to ensure she didn''t collide with the railing or put too much strain on the rope, which could risk breaking it. Mr. Winters remained vigilant, closely supervising the operation to ensure his wife''s safety and prevent any further harm. Chapter 100 - 100 Last Spurt After clearing the balconies ahead, Sparrow swiftly returned to assist Vulture in defending their position. With their numbers dwindling, the pressure on the remaining defenders intensified. Though snippers from the other side provided support, ensuring they weren''t overwhelmed, it remained challenging for the remaining fighters to hold their ground. Sparrow''s timely assistance was crucial in maintaining their position under such trying circumstances. As their defensive force dwindled to just seven individuals, Vulture took charge, conjuring successive earth walls to encase them. He also erected earth spikes in front of the walls to impede the zombies'' advance, providing the team with crucial moments of respite and an opportunity to regroup. Sparrow held back, observing the situation, and only sprang into action when Vulture and Tristan were the last defenders left on that side. To buy them precious time to escape, Sparrow conjured a whirlwind between the earth walls. He and Vulture had already consumed vials of black liquid, ensuring they could summon their abilities as needed. Once Tristan successfully crossed the bridge, Sparrow directed Vulture to take flight ahead for easier maneuverability. As Vulture made his way across, Sparrow unleashed wind blades that effortlessly sliced through a dozen zombies, showcasing the blades'' razor-sharp precision before they dissipated. Bell also lent her aid in fortifying the position alongside Sparrow. When Vulture safely crossed, Bell promptly informed Sparrow and urged him to follow suit. Sparrow wasted no time, taking two long leaps between riding his whirlwind to reach the other side. As the earth wall began to crumble, Vulture had already transformed the earth bridge into dirt, severing the connection between the two buildings. Relief washed over everyone as they watched the earth bridge disintegrate, finally releasing the tension that had gripped their hearts throughout the ordeal. Their fortunate outcome stemmed from the fact that their group comprised highly trained combat elites, enabling them to withstand the zombie siege. Had they been composed of civilians, they would have likely succumbed to the onslaught from the very onset of the attack. As the rush of adrenaline subsided, they collapsed to the floor, gasping for air, their bodies trembling as they struggled to regulate their breathing. The half-minute standoff had felt like an eternity, each passing second stretching out like hours in their minds. Amidst the chaos, one thought dominated their consciousness: they had to press on. For in this fight, they knew that if one of them faltered, it could spell the end for them all. Their resilience had finally borne fruit, and the overwhelming emotions they had bottled up came pouring out in tears of relief. Mr. Winters tenderly attended to his unconscious wife, diligently disinfecting the wound on her forehead. Concerned by her trembling and rising temperature, he administered another dose of fever medicine, recognizing the impact of the harrowing experience she had endured. Some of them seized the opportunity to enter the apartment, swiftly killing any zombies they found inside. Meanwhile, others focused on clearing and cleaning the rooms, preparing them for Duke and Kisha to rest on. One room was designated for Mrs. Winters, who remained unconscious and in need of care. Once they completed their tasks, Vulture, having rested briefly, joined Tristan in preparing a simple, hearty meal to replenish everyone''s energy. They cooked steaming rice accompanied by mushroom soup, along with canned tuna saut¨¦ed with shallots and pickles for added flavor¡ªthe best ingredients they had on hand. Not forgetting the instant noodles they found in the cabinets, they included them in the menu as well. As he observed the food being prepared in the kitchen, Sparrow couldn''t help but glance toward the door leading to where Duke and Kisha were resting. He found himself longing for Kisha''s cooking, reminiscing about the abundance of food and choices she used to offer. However, unlike Sparrow, the others found the meal abundantly satisfying and were already expressing gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy a hot meal. If only they could hear Sparrow''s thoughts, they might have been exasperated by his wistfulness and kick his ass right there and then. Despite Sparrow''s nostalgic thoughts, his fatigue and hunger were undeniable. He felt as though he could devour an entire cow, especially considering the physical and mental strain he and Vulture endured while continuously using their abilities during the siege. While Vulture and Tristan continued to prepare the meal, Sparrow settled into the living room, taking a moment to check through the loot they had acquired from their enemies. He meticulously inspected the broken communicator once more, hoping to salvage any useful information from it but unfortunately, he couldn''t find anything out of it. Moving on to the other equipment in their backpacks, he found long, thick ropes accompanied by grappling hooks. Additionally, there was a grapple gun¡ªa versatile tool that could assist them in various scenarios, enabling them to propel from one location to another quickly and efficiently. It occurred to him that this might have been the very item their adversaries used to ascend to the 7th floor with such speed and ease, a feat impossible to achieve by clearing one floor at a time in such a short span of minutes. Now equipped with four grapple guns and an additional four grappling hooks, they had ample tools at their disposal to navigate any situation. With an abundance of ropes available as well, their ability to traverse from building to building was significantly facilitated. Sparrow and Vulture could now move with greater ease, knowing they no longer had to exert themselves unnecessarily with these items in hand. After sorting through his loot, Sparrow divided the ammunition among the others, ensuring everyone had what they needed for the coming challenges. He then passed the food supplies to Vulture and Tristan, suggesting they incorporate them into the menu. Meanwhile, Sparrow took charge of the equipment, his mind already busy formulating plans for their next moves. Uncertain whether to press on or wait for Duke and Kisha to awaken, Sparrow grappled with the weight of the recent events. The prospect of navigating further challenges with two unconscious individuals added to his dilemma. Recognizing the gravity of the decision, he decided to set it aside temporarily, intending to revisit the matter later with input from the group. After contemplating his options, Sparrow allowed his weary body to rest while awaiting the meal. The events of the day had taken a toll on him, compounded by his ongoing battle with anemia and the re-opening of wounds on his arms. because of his fatigue, he drifted off to sleep, succumbing to the exhaustion of the day''s trials. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fortuitously, one of Sparrow''s comrades noticed blood seeping through the bandages on his arms and took it upon themselves to assist him. While Sparrow was sound asleep, they gently cleaned his wounds and carefully re-bandaged them. Sparrow''s exhaustion was so deep that he didn''t even register the sting of the medicine as it made contact with his wounds. __________ PS: I''m absolutely thrilled that we''ve reached the 100th chapter! First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support. I couldn''t have made it this far without your encouragement and companionship on this journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here with me every step of the way! Chapter 101 - 101 The Decision Following their satisfying dinner, Sparrow chose to voice about his concerns in front of the entire team, inviting everyone to contribute their opinions and concerns. This collective discussion was crucial, particularly in light of the uncertainty surrounding potential pursuit by their enemies, given the recent incident that had endangered Mrs. Winter''s life. Everyone listened attentively as Sparrow recounted the events on the 7th floor and voiced his concerns about their next steps. Nods of agreement rippled through the group as he emphasized the dangers of moving while both their master and Young Madam remained unconscious, highlighting the recent accident involving Mrs. Winters as a stark example. However, Sparrow also acknowledged the peril of remaining stationary, particularly with the enemy''s advanced technology potentially pinpointing their location. There was a shared understanding that if the enemies noticed their forces'' disappearance, they might infer the Winters had neutralized their threat, leading to the termination of communication from their end. The group faced a difficult decision: whether to forge ahead or remain where they were. Moving forward seemed daunting, as they lacked a clear destination. Returning to the shelter was equally unfeasible; it could now be filled with their enemies, and could potentially endanger innocent lives that manage to get to the shelter after experiencing the apocalypse. The risk of inadvertently leading danger to their sanctuary weighed heavily on their minds, complicating their choice. Returning to their base in their current state was out of the question, especially with their enemies in close pursuit. The journey back could expose them to ambushes, putting the individual they needed to safeguard at risk. Their defenses would inevitably be compromised, leaving them vulnerable to unforeseen threats. They couldn''t afford to solely depend on Vulture and Sparrow''s awakened abilities. Moreover, they remained uncertain about Mrs. Winters'' fate and the condition of their Master and Young Madam until the following morning. While Vulture and Sparrow had some insights into Mrs. Winters'' situation, they couldn''t be certain yet. A heavy silence enveloped them as they pondered their options, each eager to reach a consensus. Yet, they faced the reality that it was the dead of night, and waiting for Kisha and Duke to awaken would consume at least another five hours. Within that span, numerous unforeseen events could unfold, posing risks to everyone under their protection, including the entire Winters household and Kisha in particular. They grappled with the realization that whatever decision they made would pose challenges. Breaking the silence, Tristan spoke up. "I suggest we hold our ground for the time being," he said, moving closer to the coffee table and crouching down to examine the heat detector drone. "We have acquired some of their equipment, so we might as well make use of it. We can navigate between buildings as we did before from here. I don''t believe we''ll lose any options before Master and Young Madam awaken." Unbeknownst to Tristan, he had also begun referring to Kisha as "Young Madam," mirroring Vulture and Sparrow''s lead. In doing so, he unwittingly acknowledged her imminent role within their group and the authority she would wield. Moreover, he couldn''t shake the feeling that circumstances would shift once she and their Master awakened. With this in mind, he and the others resolved to persevere until that moment arrived. Sharing Tristan''s sentiment, Vulture swiftly voiced his support for the suggestion. However, a pressing concern lingered: he and Sparrow now possessed only a solitary vial of the black liquid, which they must conserve for critical moments. Consequently, they realized the necessity of restraining their movements to preserve this invaluable resource. This vial now stood as their sole remaining lifeline as they maintained their vigilance. Following the Winters'' departure to rest, Tristan, Sparrow, and Vulture organized themselves into three separate groups, each taking turns to keep watch throughout the night. Their shared goal was to ensure nothing went amiss during the night, although they acknowledged the enormity of the task, they remained resolute in their determination to give their all to safeguard their charges. A member of their team, who possessed greater knowledge of technology than the three combined, meticulously inspected the equipment confiscated from their enemies. Their objective: was to ascertain whether any hidden locators were embedded within the items, potentially enabling their enemies to track their location once they realized their operatives had been neutralized. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They deemed it wiser to err on the side of caution rather than risk being caught off guard by an ambush or sneak attack during the night, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. Fortunately, one member of the group foresaw this potential threat and discovered hidden locators within their communicators and heat detector drones, meticulously concealed by their enemies. It became clear how their enemies had effortlessly tracked them and discovered their relocation from the basement. It appeared that the communicators obtained by Tristan and Vulture from the assassin and the mole had been tampered with. Consequently, Sparrow decided to have the radio he acquired from the southeast region examined to determine if it had undergone similar manipulation. Luckily, the radio from the southeast region showed no signs of tampering. It seemed that the enemies had yet to realize the developments in that area, focusing instead on their current location. With the communicators from the assassin, mole, and others now rendered useless, the group strategically scattered them in various locations throughout the building. Meanwhile, they removed the locators from the heat detector drones to maintain the illusion that their pursuers were still hot on their trail even if they successfully relocated to another building, all while maintaining a safe distance. Removing the heat detector drone was only going to be thought of as noticed by the Winters''s men and was taken care of that''s why it was now lost. However, this move could only buy them a limited amount of time before their enemies noticed the discrepancy. Aware of this, Sparrow took precautions by dispersing the locator far and wide around the building. Additionally, they meticulously cleared the balcony of any remnants, including ropes and zombie corpses, that could arouse suspicion among their enemies. After completing their preparations, the trio and their companions allowed their exhausted bodies a brief respite, indulging in a power nap to replenish their energy reserves before resuming their vigilance. Throughout this brief rest period, they maintained a dark and quiet atmosphere within the apartment, mirroring the appearance of any other vacant unit. Despite resting, they remained vigilant, their senses keenly attuned to detect any signs of movement in their surroundings. Chapter 102 - 102 Cat and Mouse The night grew restless for Tristan, Sparrow, and Vulture, their senses hyper-alert to every sound and movement, leaving them mentally consumed and unable to find rest. Two and a half hours passed in this heightened state of vigilance, amplifying their sense of unease. They detected movements near the area where they had placed the communicator, and the heat detector registered human heat signatures in its vicinity. Slowly, they roused their resting comrades, including the Winters, ensuring everyone was prepared to act at a moment''s notice. Additionally, they carefully maneuvered Duke and Kisha onto the stretcher, ready to transport them quickly if the situation turned dire. Meanwhile, they positioned themselves in concealed spots and crevices, strategically utilizing blind spots within the room to remain hidden should anyone unexpectedly enter. And also to make sure that even when the enemy sent another heat detector drone, they could at least maneuver accordingly. After they saw how the heat detector worked, they and the one who had checked the devices earlier had already made some arrangements to at least disrupt the drone''s signal and functions as it entered a certain radius to specific places just so the enemies would not single out the apartment unit they are in. They had discerned that their enemies were relentless in their pursuit, unwilling to grant them respite or the opportunity to reorganize themselves. Thus far, they considered themselves fortunate that the enemy''s response had been limited to sending death warriors. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If the adversaries opted to deploy their entire army to confront the Winters, the situation would become dire, with little chance for the Winters to mount any effective retaliation, let alone survive the relentless onslaught of both enemy forces and zombies. They were adept at spotting opportunities and exploiting loopholes to their advantage. However, they faced a significant challenge: their resources were scarce, and their designated technician''s expertise in this area was limited. While they had achieved some success, it was clear that their current efforts were insufficient to guarantee their safety in the long run. As each second ticked by, they gritted their teeth and remained vigilant. Sparrow toyed with the idea of hunting down and eliminating the enemies scurrying about, aiming to sow further chaos among their ranks. However, he hesitated, realizing that doing so would deplete his already dwindling spiritual energy reserves, which were already at half capacity. Furthermore, if any unforeseen circumstances arose with the main team while he was away, he would be unable to return and provide assistance, posing a significant risk for both sides. With determination, Sparrow opted to maintain his composure and stay with the team, a decision echoed by Vulture and Tristan. They remained level-headed, despite the tense situation. In reality, they had only relocated a few rooms away from their initial landing point, deliberately leaving false trails to divert attention towards a different path leading to a separate floor. This strategic move allowed them additional time to strategize and regroup while their enemies searched fruitlessly for them. However, they were all aware that it was only a matter of time before their enemies caught on to their tactics. It was inevitable that the enemies would analyze their movements, catch up to their thinking, and eventually locate them. They found themselves in a perilous game of cat and mouse, with danger lurking at every turn. Reluctantly, they assumed the role of the mouse being pursued by a meticulously prepared cat. However, amidst the chaos, they clung to a glimmer of hope: if they could endure for another two and a half hours, there was a chance that Duke and Kisha would awaken. At that point, they anticipated a reversal of fortunes, where they could shift the balance of power and begin to fight back, possibly following Duke''s penchant for a retaliatory approach. The tension in the room was palpable as everyone anxiously awaited the next move of their enemies. The room fell into an eerie silence, their controlled breathing barely audible amidst the cacophony of roars and growls emanating from the zombie-infested corridor outside. Deliberately, they refrained from eliminating all the zombies in that hallway, strategically leaving it untended to create the illusion of a hasty retreat. This calculated move aimed to deceive their enemies into believing that they wouldn''t probably try to stay on the same floor where zombies were running rampant in the hallway where their safety could be jeopardized any second. While it was uncertain whether their adversaries would interpret their actions as intended, they felt compelled to attempt it, hoping it would buy them some time. Fortunately, their ploy seemed to have succeeded as their enemies all converged on the locators'' positions, focusing their attention on the lower floors where potential exits were more accessible. Another agonizing hour dragged on, each moment laden with tension and anxiety. Beads of sweat dotted everyone''s brow as their nerves gnawed at them, making each passing minute feel like an eternity. They anxiously awaited the pivotal moment when Duke and Kisha would awaken, their hopes pinned on their successful awakening. Meanwhile, Mrs. Winters had regained consciousness after her fall from the bridge, her husband having filled her in on the events that had transpired while she was unconscious. Despite her husband''s recounting of the events, Mrs. Winters struggled to fully comprehend the details. Her mind was consumed by a peculiar sensation coursing through her body, monopolizing her thoughts and preventing her from focusing. Try as she might, she couldn''t quite pinpoint the source of this feeling. Sensing its importance, she made a concerted effort to push it aside, fearing that she was overlooking a crucial piece of information necessary to decipher her own thoughts. She maintained discreet proximity to her husband and the Patriarch as they advanced towards Duke and Kisha''s location, facilitating the guards'' task of ensuring their safety. However, this strategy bore a significant risk¡ªif their adversaries were to discover them, the consequences would be dire for all involved. To mitigate this threat, Tristan, Vulture, and Sparrow assumed the role of their guards. Their unwavering confidence, combined with the presence of Bell in the room, bolstered their determination to protect their group at all costs. This tactical decision consolidated their firepower, ensuring they could provide comprehensive coverage for the gathered individuals. Vulture summoned an earth wall, while Sparrow conjured a whirlwind barrier, assuming a defensive posture. Meanwhile, Bell assumed the role of the group''s offensive force, ready to strike at any sign of threat. Chapter 103 - 103 The Face Off As another hour passed without incident, tension hung heavy in the air, constricting everyone''s throats. With each tick of the clock, the realization sunk deeper: their enemies were gradually unraveling their tactics. It was only a matter of time before the Winters'' sanctuary within the building would be discovered. In the cramped confines of the apartment, the prospect of combat seemed daunting. With their own people filling the space, any altercation could quickly turn chaotic, leaving them vulnerable to a swift attack. Their only solace lay in the hope that their adversaries wouldn''t resort to explosives or other destructive means to eliminate them. Vulture pondered why their adversaries hadn''t employed such a tactic yet. With the Coltons having already dispatched death warriors after them, it seemed logical that a single warrior armed with a detonator could swiftly eliminate them. Was their hesitation a deliberate strategy, designed to prolong the Winters'' struggle, akin to a cat playing with its prey before delivering the final blow? If the Coltons'' young master was indeed orchestrating this sinister game, it spoke volumes about the twisted nature of his mind and the extent of his power in this apocalyptic landscape. With chaos reigning supreme, he could wield authority unchecked, crafting his own reality where he dictated the rules unchallenged. In this lawless realm, power became the arbiter of morality, blurring the lines between right and wrong until they were indistinguishable. The very concept of ethics seemed to fade into obscurity amid the relentless pursuit of dominance. Vulture drew in a slow, deliberate breath, hoping to sharpen his senses and extend his perception beyond the confines of the apartment walls. With each inhale, he sought to tap into an ability akin to Kisha''s, whose heightened senses surpassed those of ordinary humans. Yet, despite his efforts, he found himself unable to replicate her extraordinary sensitivity. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the horizon began to brighten, casting a faint glow into the room, tension mounted among the group, who anxiously awaited the awakening of the couple. Mrs. Winters broke the silence with a whisper, her gaze fixed on the intertwined figures on the bed. "Do you truly believe my son will awaken in half an hour?" she questioned softly. Duke held Kisha in a tender embrace, her form nestled against his, seemingly undisturbed by the turmoil surrounding them. Meanwhile, the Duke himself slumbered with an air of tranquility, a serenity that had rarely graced his features before. Previously, Duke struggled with sleep, often working himself to exhaustion, managing only 4 to 6 hours of rest each night. However, on this occasion, both Duke and Kisha had slumbered for over 8 hours, their rest extending into the early daylight hours. Mrs. Winters couldn''t help but feel a growing concern for Duke; she knew the risks involved if the awakening process failed, potentially resulting in their transformation into zombies. Despite her worries, Vulture and Sparrow exuded confidence that the awakening would proceed smoothly for the pair. ''Even if Duke succeeded in awakening, what about the lady in his arms?'' Mrs. Winters thought. She knew that everyone''s pinning their hope on Duke awakening so that he could regain control of his people and he can direct them on what to do and how to tackle this issue and how they were going to retaliate against the Coltons. The tranquility shattered as the sound of breaking glass echoed through the apartment, followed by a hail of bullets raining down from the balcony. It was clear: their enemies had located their hiding spots. Several assailants hung from the balcony, brandishing assault rifles, while continuously firing their guns to rain bullets on them. Mr. Winters swiftly pulled his wife to the floor, shielding her with his body, while Tristan did the same for the Patriarch. Agonizing groans reverberated from outside their room, likely signaling that their comrades had been caught in the gunfire. Despite their urge to check on them, they couldn''t risk leaving their current position while the assault persisted. Protecting the Winters remained their top priority. Fortunately, Vulture had conjured a thick, concentrated earth wall to shield Duke and Kisha, who lay on the bed. However, the shattered glass flying around managed to reach them, adorning their bodies like glistening crystals. Tristan and the others held their breath, fearing the glass might harm them. Yet, simultaneously, they couldn''t help but notice how the glass lent an oddly beautiful aesthetic to Duke and Kisha''s forms. Following the gunfire, the assailants from the balcony breached inside. Several of the Winters'' guards lay wounded on the floor, with gunshots in their shoulders, stomachs, and other areas. However, those who found good hiding spots escaped unscathed, utilizing crevices and blind spots for cover. The injured, though fortunate to be alive, owe their survival to these strategic hiding places. Without them, their fate would have been sealed in an instant. Caught off guard, they barely had a moment to recover before the attackers swarmed in not just from the balcony, but also from the front door. It was a relentless assault, a pincer attack that left them reeling, with enemies converging on them from multiple directions. The bees had been tirelessly patrolling throughout the night, leaving them exhausted and some even perishing from sheer fatigue. Witnessing their loyal sentinels succumb one by one, Tristan reluctantly ordered Bell to let the remaining bees rest, despite his inner conflict. He grappled with the decision, torn between prioritizing their protection and sparing the bees further strain. Sparrow intervened, cautioning against such a sacrifice, mindful of Kisha''s inevitable wrath upon awakening. With several dozen bees already lost to exhaustion, Tristan deemed it too heavy a toll to allow the remaining ones to meet the same fate. Recognizing the urgency of their situation with only half an hour left to wait, he reluctantly ordered the bees to stand down and rest. Meanwhile, their group remained on high alert, prepared for any imminent threats. As their enemies closed in from both directions, the Winters'' guards swiftly ushered the injured into the safety of the room, while the uninjured ones braced themselves and tried to return fire. The ensuing chaos attracted the attention of zombies from floors above and below, compounding their already dire situation. It seemed their enemies had no intention of leaving anyone alive, as they systematically closed off every possible exit. The assailants stormed into the apartment, unleashing a relentless barrage of gunfire that tore through the surroundings, leaving behind a landscape pocked with bullet holes. Their weapons roared without restraint, filling the space with deafening echoes that drowned out any hope of return fire from the Winters'' side. Forced to take cover, they could only bide their time, waiting for a fleeting opportunity to strike back. It was uncertain how long the onslaught lasted before their assailants ceased firing, perhaps depleting their ammunition or pausing to allow for a counterattack. The respite was short-lived, however, as the echoing roars of zombies outside signaled a grim continuation. While the invaders dealt with the undead threat, some of the Winters'' guards seized the opportunity to return fire, claiming the lives of two enemies near the balcony door. Yet, amidst the chaos, the adversaries remained vigilant, lying in wait for any sign of the Winters'' presence. Tragically, one of the Winters'' guards fell victim to their ambush and was struck down while seeking refuge near the living room. The confined space posed a significant challenge for the Winters'' men to mount a counteroffensive, restricting their movement and options for cover. Despite the odds, they remained resolute, returning fire with lethal precision. Their retaliatory strikes proved effective, claiming the lives of nearly half of their attackers. However, this resolve came at a cost, with casualties mounting among their own ranks as well. Amidst the chaotic exchange of bullets between the two parties, a palpable surge of electricity crackled through the air, almost seeming sentient as it sought out the assailants with deadly precision. Like a living serpent, it struck down the intruders one by one, causing them to collapse to the ground in a convulsing heap. Though immobilized by the electrifying shock, they remained alive, their bodies twitching uncontrollably from the force of the electrocution. But the Winters'' men wasted no time in seizing the advantage, disregarding the mysterious source of the electricity. They swiftly aimed their weapons at the fallen assailants, ensuring they remained incapacitated. "You''re making enough noise to wake Kisha," Duke''s raspy voice carried from the room where the Winters were huddled together. The door bore the scars of bullet holes, nearly torn off its hinges by the relentless onslaught. Beyond the door was the awake Duke who was now leaning on the headboard while patting Kisha''s head as if he was coaxing her back to sleep. His brows knitted into a frown, everyone on the room was beyond surprised when they saw Duke open his eyes and as if he was never asleep, instantly sat up, Vulture didn''t even have the chance to conjour another earth wall around Duke to protect him. Bullets tore through the perforated door, aimed directly at Duke''s face, but in a breathtaking moment, electricity crackled to life around him. The bullets hung suspended in mid-air, mere inches from Duke''s gaze, before anyone could register what was happening. Then, in a swift and startling turn of events, the same electric energy surged out of the room, accompanied by a sudden silence from outside. A collective thud reverberated through the apartment, the gunfire quelled. It was only then that Duke calmly uttered his words. Chapter 104 - 104 They are Awake The next sound Tristan heard from outside was the sporadic discharge of a few single gunshots. Then, their comrades'' voices pierced through the tension. "They''re all down. We''ll handle the zombies that breached through and secure the main door." The uninjured members swiftly took charge, killing the zombies that had infiltrated the apartment with cold precision, opting for silent weapons to prevent attracting more undead. Meanwhile, Bald Eagle led the rest in attending to the wounded, ensuring their comrades received the necessary care and attention. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Regrettably, they suffered the loss of three more elite comrades, who valiantly sacrificed themselves to protect their brethren, ensuring that more of their comrades would survive at the cost of their own lives. Amidst the heartache, Bald Eagle and his companions, tending to the wounded, struggled to contain their sorrow, tears silently slipping down their cheeks. Meanwhile, others tenderly carried their fallen comrades to the living room, where they reverently lined them up, a somber tribute to their bravery and sacrifice. Even within the confines of the room, the weight of their grief hung heavy in the air, rendering everyone speechless as they honored the memory of their fallen comrades. Duke''s brow furrowed deeply, sensing the somber atmosphere that enveloped them. Though unaware of the events that unfolded while he was unconscious, he understood the gravity of the situation. Had he not awakened when he did, more lives would have been lost in the relentless onslaught. He clenched his jaw tightly, drawing in a sharp, deep breath to temper his anger, the desire to exact vengeance burning fiercely within him. Yet, as he glanced down at Kisha sleeping peacefully beside him, a measure of solace washed over his tumultuous emotions. Observing her serene countenance and steady breaths, he felt a sense of calm enveloping him. It was a rare respite, a moment of restorative rest that he attributed to Kisha''s presence, revitalizing his weary body and soothing his troubled mind. Unbeknownst to him, his gaze softened as he tenderly regarded Kisha, his mother observing him closely with a knowing expression. With a gentle nod, she redirected his attention back to the woman resting on the bed, her form a serene contrast to the surrounding chaos. She felt a growing anticipation about meeting Kisha, eager to discern whether Kisha would positively influence her son. Her curiosity extended to understanding more about her potential future daughter-in-law. While she had previously consented to the marriage alliance per her best friend''s suggestion, she wasn''t inclined to disregard her son''s desires, particularly if he had already developed feelings for someone else. She resolved to discuss it with her friend once they were face-to-face. In a world already fraught with chaos, adhering strictly to the confines of a prearranged marriage alliance is already of the past. She harbored a hope that her decision wouldn''t strain her friendship with her closest friend. Before immersing himself in the chaos that happened around him, Duke took a moment to allow the surge of power within him to settle. With closed eyes and controlled breaths, he sought to gain deeper insight into his awakened abilities. Embracing the power, he integrated it seamlessly into his body and mind, as though it had always been a fundamental part of his existence since birth. In a remarkably short span of time, Duke had assimilated with his newfound powers, a feat that had taken Sparrow and Vulture a week to achieve familiarity with. Having acquainted himself with his newfound abilities, Duke slowly opened his eyes, his focus intense yet outwardly serene. Only 20 minutes had elapsed since he began attuning himself to the power coursing through his body. "Can someone fill me in on what happened while I was unconscious?" Duke''s voice was calm, but beneath the surface, it carried a weight of anticipation, like the eerie calm preceding a storm. As the one who was privy to every detail since Duke''s collapse, Vulture emerged. "Master, following your and Young Madam''s loss of consciousness, we located Tristan who guided us to your parents. Regrettably, shortly thereafter, we discovered an infiltrator among us, covertly divulging your parents'' whereabouts to the Coltons." Vulture extracted the undamaged communicator from the southeast section. "The mole has been equipped with a locator, allowing the Coltons to track the Winters'' movements and hideouts. They believed they had complete control, and were merely toying with our people. Vulture steadied his ragged breath, fueled by anger. "Their strategy likely aimed to crush hope and morale, softening us up before a final blow. Alternatively, they may be biding their time, anticipating your search for your family, intending to strike at the entire Winters clan in one fell swoop." Despite Vulture''s revelations, Duke remained outwardly stoic. His calm demeanor, however, sent a chill through the room, a silent warning of the tempest within. His aura crackled with a palpable sense of menace and suppressed rage, filled with bloodlust but he remained expressionless. A sight that unnerved even those who knew him best. Vulture swallowed hard, the lump in his throat almost suffocating as he pressed on with his account. "Upon reuniting with the Winters, an assassin emerged from the sewers we''d traversed, sabotaging them in the process. Our access was compromised, rendering that route impassable. With the mole and the assassin neutralized, our next move was to navigate the building via the emergency exit to the 10th-floor garden to reach this current apartment. However, our adversaries anticipated our path and deployed a sniper, claiming the life of one of our own and nearly claiming Mrs. Winters'' life." After Duke absorbed the final revelation, his gaze snapped to his mother, her complexion drained, her figure appearing fragile, with a gauze adorning her forehead. Despite the seething anger brewing within him, he contained it, allowing Vulture to proceed. Sensing Duke''s turmoil, Vulture pressed on with his summarized report. "After crossing over, one of our men inspected the equipment seized from our enemies, revealing embedded locators. To buy us time, we dispersed them several floors below, creating a false trail. Additionally, our resourceful comrade created a makeshift jammer from salvaged communicator parts, albeit its potency is modest. This jammer successfully interfered with the heat detector drones and was strategically placed in multiple locations." As Vulture concluded, a note of pride crept into his voice, acknowledging his comrade''s ingenuity in crafting the jammer from dismantled materials. "Despite its limited effectiveness, the jammer still caused significant disruptions to their devices, buying us invaluable time. However, we didn''t rely solely on that. We held them at bay for over five hours until your awakening. As you can observe, the death warriors are now resorting to a cruel tactic¡ªplanning to torture us by executing our comrades and potentially your parents one by one. Instead of a swift assault using explosives upon discovering our location, they''ve opted for a pincer attack, likely aiming to cripple us emotionally and physically." "I simply cannot fathom the mindset of the Coltons'' young master. To put it bluntly, he''s utterly deranged," Vulture remarked, his voice thick with disdain. "Why complicate matters? The solution is simple: eliminate them all," A captivatingly hoarse voice interjected, abruptly diverting their attention to the figure reclined on the bed beside Duke. As Kisha''s eyes fluttered open and she attempted to rise, Duke gently restrained her, mindful of the glass shards littering their bed. Scooping her into his arms, he settled her onto his lap, ensuring her safety. Chapter 105 - 105 Status Window Kisha attempted to extricate herself from Duke''s lap, feeling a rush of embarrassment. With unfamiliar faces filling the room, she could only assume they were Duke''s family, intensifying her discomfort about sitting on his lap during such a momentous occasion. As Kisha stirred in his arms, Duke''s hold tightened, refusing to let her go. "Stay still, there are shards of glass on the bed. Just be good," Duke''s earlier aloof tone softened into tenderness, his words now gentle as if he was coaxing his beloved wife. The Patriarch, who had remained silent until now, was visibly startled by his grandson''s sudden shift in attitude towards Kisha. His eyes widened in surprise, mirroring the astonishment shared by Mr. and Mrs. Winters. They hadn''t anticipated such a profound change in their son, though Mrs. Winters quickly dismissed her surprise, recalling that the Winters men often displayed such protective behavior towards their partners¡ªa trait she herself had experienced. Mrs. Winters could only sneakily smile as she realized that her son was really serious about Kisha but she could feel that her son was still working on it because Kisha was still a ''little'' apprehensive with Duke''s touch. "What do you mean by that?" Duke was the first to voice the question regarding Kisha''s statement about "eliminating them all." However, Kisha remained silent, her gaze sweeping across each person in the room. A hush fell over the entire room as they awaited her response. Unbeknownst to them, Kisha was discreetly assessing the status window of each individual in the room. [Do you want to use ''Eye of Truth'' to check a status window?] [Yes] OR [No] The Eyes of Truth require manual activation by Kisha or assistance from 008, making it inconvenient for her to use this gift constantly. As a result, she only utilizes it when necessary or when reminded, finding the process somewhat cumbersome. "008, please assist me in checking everyone''s status window," Kisha mentally communicated with 008. "Of course, host!" 008 responded eagerly. It welcomed the additional task, having been primarily focused on monitoring the territory to prevent any troublemakers from causing mischief while Kisha and Duke were away made it feel so bored. Having been standing the closest to Duke and Kisha, Vulture was the first person Kisha looked at to check his status window. [Code name: Vulture] Level 0 Strength: 20 Stamina: 22 Defense: 28 Agility: 15 Mental Capacity: 18 Charm: 5 Leadership: 8 Title: None Skills: Earth Spike Level 0, Earth Manipulation Level 0 Talent: Strong Defence Gift: Affinity with Earth Ability: Earth Kisha immediately noticed the significant spike in Vulture''s stats, recalling that he previously had only a handful of attributes nearing the 20-point mark. Now, almost all of his stats had surpassed this threshold. It was evident that their relentless battles and the frequent use of their abilities had boosted their stats. Additionally, Vulture had acquired two new skills, likely a result of the continuous utilization of his awakened ability. The frequency and repetition of using one''s ability increase the likelihood of developing a specific skill. Once a skill is formed, executing it becomes more effortless for the user. They no longer need to concentrate on the intricate details, such as sensing the energy distribution throughout their body, or maintaining intense focus like Sparrow does when crafting his wind blade to prevent premature dispersion. Once a skill is successfully created, it alleviates the cumbersome task of manually manipulating and distributing energy, as well as managing the overall creation of specific attacks. This achievement signifies that the individual has internalized the skill, making it an inherent part of their body and mind. This phenomenon is akin to Sparrow effortlessly summoning a whirlwind to traverse from one rooftop to another, seamlessly integrating the skill into his actions and being able to conjure it anytime he needed it without any delays. She did not dwell on it any longer and proceeded on Sparrow. [Code name: Sparrow] Level 0 Strength: 18 Stamina: 25 Defense: 16 Agility: 29 Mental Capacity: 19 Charm: 7 Leadership: 7 Title: None Skills: Whirlwind Level 0, Windblade Level 0 Talent: Scouting Gift: Hawk eyesight Ability: Wind ..... [Tristan] Level 0 Strength: 20 Stamina: 27 Defense: 21 Agility: 35 Mental Capacity: 24 Charm: 9 Leadership: 9 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None Ability: None ..... [Darius Winters (Patriarch)] Level 0 Strength: 8 Stamina: 10 Defense: 6 Agility: 7 Mental Capacity: 15 Charm: 11 Leadership: 15 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None Ability: None ..... [Dante Winters] Level 0 Strength: 16 Stamina: 17 Defense: 20 Agility: 22 Mental Capacity: 20 Charm: 17 Leadership: 18 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: None Ability: None .... [Olivia Winters] Level 0 Strength: 5 Stamina: 8 Defense: 5 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 17 Charm: 15 Leadership: 9 Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: Plant Affinity Ability: Wood, Earth Observing Mrs. Winters''s status window, Kisha''s eyebrows raised in surprise. "Ma''am, it seems you''ve awakened a dual elemental ability. Congratulations!" Her words hit everyone like a bolt of lightning, catching them off guard with the unexpected possibility. No one had considered such a scenario, and they were left wondering when Mrs. Winters had awakened. The revelation sparked deep contemplation in Mr. Winters, who began connecting the dots. "So, you''re suggesting that when my wife fell ill a few days ago, it wasn''t merely stress or fear causing her fever, but rather her awakening?" As his sharp mind pieced together the puzzle, he realized the significant likelihood that his wife had awakened long before, only discovering it when her life was threatened, prompting her instincts to kick in and activate her ability at a critical moment. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "So, when Mrs. Winters fell from the 10th floor..." Before Vulture could finish his sentence, a palpable heaviness descended upon him, causing him to abruptly fall silent. He realized he had unintentionally revealed something significant. "What did you say happened to my mother?" Duke''s voice was low and ominous, sending shivers down Vulture''s spine. Previously, Duke had remained stoic when informed that his mother had narrowly escaped an attack by a sniper, thanks to his men''s intervention. However, it was only now, with Vulture''s accidental slip of the tongue, that the true gravity of what had occurred regarding his mother''s life-threatening situation became apparent. "Ma-master...." Vulture didn''t know what to say or how to say it, due to Duke''s aura he was stuttering because he could feel his whole body trembling. "Duke, it''s in the past now. In fact, I feel a sense of relief knowing I possess the same power as Sparrow and Vulture. It makes me feel less powerless," Mrs. Winters confessed, her gaze downcast, as if weighed down by the belief that she''s nothing but a burden for her husband and son to bear. Her recent illness while they were on the run only exacerbated this feeling, causing her to feel responsible for the loss of their men who sacrificed their lives to protect them, particularly herself. Understanding Mrs. Winters''s feelings, Kisha gently placed her hand on top of Duke''s, which was resting on her stomach as he supported her while she sat on his lap. "Consider it a blessing in disguise, and let''s not make it harder for him," Kisha suggested, her voice soft but firm. "This newfound ability will greatly enhance your mother''s chances of survival from now on." She believed that it was fortunate the sniper hadn''t targeted any other member of the Winters family, as the outcome could have been far worse, leaving Duke devastated. Kisha didn''t mean to sound callous; she simply believed they should view this as the best possible outcome given the circumstances. Yet, Kisha hesitated to express her true thoughts outright, fearing misunderstanding and causing Duke distress. Having endured the trials of the apocalypse for decades, she had witnessed countless deaths and experienced her own share of heartbreak. However, she couldn''t deny that despite the accident involving Mrs. Winters, the outcome had inadvertently become a blessing for the rest of the family, including herself. Chapter 106 - 106 A Level Up Kisha caught a glimpse of Bell out of the corner of her eye, standing quietly in the corner as if trying to avoid drawing attention. This behavior struck Kisha as odd because typically, Bell would be the first to greet her eagerly upon waking. Its current attempt to minimize its presence and blend into the background seemed out of character. Kisha sensed that something had transpired while she was unconscious, and Bell''s unusual behavior hinted at possible guilt. To unravel the mystery, she resolved to utilize her "Eye of Truth" gift to examine Bell''s status window before probing further into the matter. [Scarlet Queen Bee: Bell (Mythic Grade)] Level 0 (Exp: 60/100) Strength: 30 Stamina: 22 Defense: 16 Agility: 45 Mental Capacity: 29 Charm: 20 Leadership: 34 Skills: Stinger strike, Modify Kisha quickly discerned the issue upon inspecting Bell''s status window, where the (Exp: 60/100) conspicuously displayed next to Bell''s level, an addition that hadn''t been there prior to her unconsciousness. Her gaze sharpened as she confronted Bell. "Care to explain what you''ve consumed while I was unconscious?" All eyes turned to Kisha and then to the corner where Bell frozen in place, visibly startled by Kisha''s inquiry. Lost in her focus, Kisha hadn''t realized she''d spoken aloud instead of communicating with Bell in their mind link. Mrs. Winters''s body stiffened upon hearing Kisha''s question, her own guilt bubbling up as she recalled precisely what Bell had consumed while Duke and Kisha were unconscious. It was she who had provided it to Bell, and now, her nerves tingled with apprehension as she reflected on that incident. Vulture, having already taken a hit earlier, braced himself and stepped in again to shield Mrs. Winters from the line of fire. "Young Madam, is there an issue with Bell?" His voice was tense, his lips pressed tightly together as he awaited Kisha''s response. "Nothing''s wrong. I believe she''s on the brink of leveling up," Kisha clarified. It was only then that Bell stirred, its wings fluttering as it floated toward Kisha. "Master, are you upset with Bell?" Bell''s voice sounded timid through the mind link as it hovered in front of Kisha, its demeanor nervous. Kisha shook her head lightly, her expression softening. "It''s actually a good sign. It means something from my world could aid in your evolution and leveling up." Upon hearing Kisha''s words, Bell performed an excited somersault through the air, buzzing its wings in exhilaration. However, Kisha noticed the wound on Bell''s front forelegs. Though the bleeding had stopped, the injury remained prominent. Furrowing her brow, Kisha realized the extent of Bell''s efforts in ensuring Duke''s people remained safe, preventing a potential massacre by their enemies. Kisha didn''t waste a moment, quickly exchanging some points for a vial of blue liquid, a healing potion. "Bell, come here," she called gently. The others watched curiously, aware of Bell''s visible wound and grateful for its invaluable assistance during their hardest fights for their lives. Kisha uncapped the vial, a very familiar vial to Duke, who watched in silence. Bell approached cautiously, perching on Kisha''s leg. "Bell, drink some of this healing potion," she communicated through their mind link. Bell didn''t hesitate, moving closer to the vial''s opening. From its mouth, a straw-like appendage extended, called a Bobascis, with the end, called Glosa, it is what bees used to collect nectar or consume. As Bell sipped the healing potion until the vial was empty, its wound miraculously healed, leaving no trace of a scar. The sudden recovery surprised everyone except Duke, Vulture, and Sparrow, who had witnessed a similar phenomenon with the captain they had saved previously. Overnight, the captain who was on the brink of death had miraculously recovered, leading them to conclude that the vial must possess magical properties akin to the black liquid they had been consuming to fully regain their stamina and spiritual energy. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Observing Tristan''s hesitation as he opened and closed his mouth, Kisha swiftly exchanged ten more vials of healing potion using her mall points. She then handed them to Vulture, who stood nearby. "Give these to the injured," she instructed, her tone sounded callous but her actions spoke volumes about her concern. Vulture nodded in appreciation before swiftly accepting the healing potions and darting outside. With his departure, a heavy silence descended upon the room once more, each person lost in their own contemplations. As the heavy silence lingered, Mrs. Winters finally broke it with a question that had been weighing on her mind. "What do you mean Bell is about to level up?" She had been anxious ever since Bell consumed the six crystal cores, dreading the moment Kisha would wake up and discover what had happened. Now, hearing Kisha mention Bell leveling up, she felt a slight easing of the tension in her muscles. Despite her lack of expertise in many matters, she at least understood the significance of a level-up. Kisha shifted her gaze from Bell to Mrs. Winters, a hint of gentleness softening her otherwise expressionless face. Though her demeanor remained composed, a nervous flutter danced in her nerves as she addressed Duke''s mother. "As I mentioned, Bell consumed something that has accelerated her progress, bringing her closer to a level up. This advancement will make her stronger." After hearing what Kisha said, Mrs. Winters and even Tristan simultaneously let out an audible sigh so Kisha could tell that something was up. So she continued. "Do you know what Bell ingested this time I was unconscious?" Mrs. Winters didn''t hesitate to share the truth. "I actually gave Bell the crystal cores from the zombies, six of them," she admitted. Kisha absorbed this revelation, recalling the details she gleaned when inspecting the crystal core using the ''Eye of Truth''. Retrieving another crystal core from her inventory, she examined it once more. [Zombie Core] Level: 0 Attribute: None Spirit: 10 Description: A transparent zombie core that has recently formed, containing only a small amount of energy. Everything clicked into place. Bell had ingested six crystal cores, each providing 10 spirit points. These points transformed into experience, much like when an awakened person''s experience increased upon ingesting a crystal core. It dawned on Kisha that Bell''s source of power was akin to that of an awakened person. The very issue she had been fretting over was coincidentally resolved while she was unconscious, leaving her feeling relieved beyond measure. "Then, I must thank you. Thanks to it, Bell will take a few steps closer to her first level up, which means she''ll be stronger than before." Kisha emphasized Bell''s impending level up, not just to relieve Duke''s mother, but to convey her gratitude for helping Bell and herself overcome this almost becomes their stumbling block if she does not find out. Mrs. Winters also radiated happiness and contentment, no longer feeling like a burden to the group but rather a helpful contributor. When everyone heard Kisha mention that Bell would become even stronger, it was as if a machine gun was being upgraded into a tank. They were filled with a mix of excitement and frustration. On one hand, they anticipated the added layer of protection Bell would provide. On the other hand, they grappled with feelings of uselessness, realizing that without Bell, their chances of surviving the ordeal would have been slim. Duke was also silently assessing everything around him but one thing was for sure, he gained a deeper understanding of Kisha''s abilities, he now understood that she has a way of seeing into people''s power level, awakened abilities, or something along the lines. This revelation held promising implications for the safety and advantage of his group. However, Duke also recognized the potential threat it posed to their enemies, heightening the stakes in their ongoing conflicts. After Seeing almost everyone''s status window, Kisha also decided to check her own because she doesn''t do it so often, only from time to time especially when she clearly knew that she did not do anything significant that may affect her current stats. [Do you like to check your status window?] [YES] OR [NO] [YES] [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 25 (+ 10) Stamina: 26 (+ 10) Defense: 22 (+ 10) Agility: 25 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10) Charm: 30 (+ 10) Leadership: 31 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: None Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Chapter 107 - 107 Bells Level Up Her awakened ability remained unchanged from her previous lives, yet her current stats showed remarkable improvement. Before the apocalypse, she was merely an office worker, incapable of single-handedly killing a zombie in her early encounters with the undead. Now, despite her body''s protests and the agony of newly strained muscles, she managed to execute strenuous attacks with surprising efficiency. While her reflexes weren''t as sharp as they once were, her reliance on past experiences compensated for this drawback. Though not quite like a muscle memory, it was still almost the same but the only downside was that her reaction time wasn''t as quick as in her prime. But that was understandable, she already felt that she was making progress here. "What''s on your mind?" Duke''s voice reverberated in her right ear, it was warm and alluring that Kisha felt her back tremble a little and since her back was resting on Duke''s chest, he also felt that little reaction from her which elicited a soft chuckle from him. He wanted to tease her even more. As Kisha slowly turned her head, she realized there was one person in the room she hadn''t checked yet. Meeting Duke''s mischievous gaze, she found herself locked in a silent exchange. Duke, undeterred, maintained his steady gaze, mirroring her own. "Host, are you absolutely certain about this?" 008''s sarcastic tone resonated in Kisha''s mind. "I believe it might be wise to spare yourself some heartache." 008 didn''t miss the opportunity to remind Kisha of the last time they checked Duke''s status window, a memory that still rankled deep within her. Duke appeared to be adored by the world and he was just like a killing machine of his own. Kisha ground her teeth in frustration as she recalled the infuriating moment in Duke''s office when she had checked his status window. Despite the irritation, she forced herself to calm down. Uncovering Duke''s abilities was crucial; in her previous life, he had displayed numerous abilities, many of which remained obscured from her knowledge. [Do you like to check Duke Winter''s status window?] [YES] OR [NO] [YES] [Duke Winters] Level 0 Strength: 30 Stamina: 30 Defense: 30 Agility: 25 Mental Capacity: 35 Charm: 40 Leadership: 45 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Multi-faceted Gift: Tyrant Ability: Elemental (Lightning, Fire, Ice) Kisha''s lips tightened in frustration, and 008''s amusement only aggravated her further. She could practically hear its mocking thoughts: Host, you''ve gained those extra 10 points, but he still outmatches you. "Host, don''t slander me. That''s not what I''m thinking though!" 008 protested defensively, as if stung by Kisha''s assumption. "At least try to mask your laughter if you want to be believable." Kisha''s brows knitted because she really felt that it was unfair that this guy was so strong even before he awakened and when he did, he still had all the high-class attack-type abilities which were widely coveted and revered types of abilities. She sighed inwardly, wishing for just a fraction of his innate strength. While her ability doesn''t even look or sound that flashy, so everyone always assumes that she''s just a sidekick with a weak ability because everyone''s been hearing about telekinesis and such even before the world turned out like this, so they are already somehow immune to what her ability could do and they already formed a misconception about it without actually knowing the full extent of what she actually could do. Duke watches Kisha as her expression turns every second, her brow''s every crease to how her lips purse in frustration, and how her eyes reflect envy as she stares at him. He was amused, to say the least, it''s as if she was looking at something about him that was making her so jealous but she couldn''t do anything about it and could only try to pacify her own self. "Is there something on your mind?" Duke''s raised eyebrow conveyed a sense of curiosity and empathy as he continued to regard her. Kisha met his gaze for a moment before shifting her attention to the others in the room, silently contemplating her response. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "As I mentioned before, crystal cores aid in the advancement, or leveling up, of superhumans who have awakened their abilities, as well as mutated animals and other entities affected by the virus." Kisha produced several crystal cores from her inventory. "I assume you all collected some crystal cores during your escape?" Sparrow returned from distributing the healing potions outside and handed one to Vulture, who was still nursing his broken ribs. However, Vulture was taken aback, as they had planned to surprise Kisha with the crystal cores they had collected. He had forgotten that Kisha could sense the spiritual fluctuations within the crystal cores, and she felt them emanating from the belt bag held by Mrs. Winters. Recalling that she had the crystal cores, Mrs. Winters removed the belt bag from her waist and placed it on the bed in front of Kisha, as if presenting a treasure. Unintentionally, Kisha found herself smiling at Mrs. Winters, her eyes tracking her every movement. "Are we going to eat it now?" Duke asked, his expression contorting with uncertainty and disgust as he imagined the prospect. The others, hearing the information for the first time, were shocked. Even Mrs. Winters couldn''t fathom the idea of consuming something dug out from the decaying bodies of zombies. "We''re going to eat this?" she choked up, the words thick with disbelief. "Not us, but Vulture and Sparrow," Kisha corrected, then continued, "We have just awakened our abilities, so we need to consolidate our foundation before advancing to the next level. Rushing the process could weaken our foundation, leaving us like paper tigers¡ªimposing in appearance but lacking in firepower." After her explanation, everyone, including Duke, let out a sigh of relief, relieved that they wouldn''t have to eat the crystal core then and there. Meanwhile, Sparrow and Vulture, who had dreaded this day, suddenly regretted gathering the crystal cores, as they hadn''t anticipated being the first to consume them. Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle at their expressions of repulsion. Taking four of the six crystal cores she had taken out from her inventory, she handed them to Bell, who accepted them eagerly. The creature silently perched on Kisha''s lap, happily munching away on the cores. As Bell finished consuming the final crystal core, its entire body began to glow with a radiant rainbow light for five seconds before it dissipated. After the intense brightness subsided, they observed Bell happily fluttering its wings, emitting an excited buzzing sound. Although they couldn''t discern the exact nature of the change in Bell, they could sense a palpable difference in its aura. Only Kisha, utilizing her ''Eye of Truth'' gift, could perceive the precise alterations taking place within Bell and the increase of its strength. [Scarlet Queen Bee: Bell (Mythic Grade)] Level 1 (EXP. 0/300) Strength: 35 (+5) Stamina: 27 (+5) Defense: 21 (+5) Agility: 50 (+5) Mental Capacity: 34 (+5) Charm: 25 (+5) Leadership: 39 (+5) Skills: Stinger strike, Modify Kisha was taken aback by the significant boost Bell received from its level-up, resulting in a substantial increase of five points. "A whopping five points!" This leap was nothing short of remarkable, akin to the gains one might achieve through weeks of intense training to enhance overall strength and speed. With each level-up, not only does it raise the ceiling of an individual''s potential strength, but it also grants free level-up points. To encourage and uplift Vulture and Sparrow, Kisha suggested, "Bell, why don''t you demonstrate your newfound strength to Vulture and Sparrow? Let them witness firsthand the wonders of leveling up." Her tone carried a hint of playful teasing, which Duke noticed with raised eyebrows, amused by her good mood. Upon hearing Kisha''s command, Bell immediately darted around the room at lightning speed, its form blurring to the naked eye. All that remained audible was a rapid "buzz" as it zipped past them, leaving observers amazed at its newfound agility. Sparrow and Vulture''s eyes widened in astonishment as they observed the difference in Bell''s speed. Previously, even at its fastest, they could still see its afterimage. Now, however, there was no trace left behind¡ªonly the faint buzzing of its wings, indicating its movement. Vulture didn''t hesitate and asked, "How many should I eat?" Sparrow''s head whipped around, astonished at Vulture''s sudden change of heart upon witnessing Bell''s remarkable improvement post-level up. He couldn''t blame Vulture; even he felt tempted. Sparrow turned to Kisha, wordlessly awaiting her response. "Only 10 each," Kisha replied with a deadpan expression, though inwardly she was stifling laughter. Chapter 108 - 108 Vulture and Sparrows Level Up Upon learning the quantity they needed to consume, Sparrow and Vulture swiftly darted towards the belt bag, each determined to retrieve ten crystal cores. Once they secured the precise count, they hurried outside to cleanse them thoroughly. The last thing they desired was to endure the nauseating stench of decay when ingesting them. After ensuring that the crystal core had been thoroughly washed with soap several times, Sparrow and Vulture finally summoned the courage to place it in their mouths. To their surprise, they were greeted with a sweet, candy-like taste. Instantly, they glanced at each other, their expressions mirroring incredulity as if they couldn''t believe the crystal would taste like candy. As the crystal melted on their tongues, they found themselves able to swallow it whole. As the crystal core reached their stomachs, they experienced a gentle warmth spreading from their stomachs to every fiber of their bodies, feeling it reach every part until the sensation gradually faded away. After trying the first crystal core, their hesitation diminished, and they found themselves less reluctant to consume the second, then the third, until they were devouring the crystal cores like peanuts. They even considered putting everything in their mouth, until they heard Kisha''s voice echoing from inside the room, cautioning, "Don''t attempt to consume everything at once, or you might risk exploding from the sudden surge of energy." It was then that they exercised restraint, opting to consume one crystal at a time, waiting until the warm current subsided before indulging further. As they consumed the crystal cores, their previously injured comrade stood nearby, their expression twisted in disbelief as they observed Vulture and Sparrow devouring the crystal cores extracted from the zombies'' skulls. Despite feeling repulsed by the notion, they couldn''t help but be intrigued by the two''s apparent enjoyment. Driven by curiosity, they decided to witness firsthand the outcome of consuming everything they held in their hands. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They also vaguely heard what Kisha had said inside the room while everyone was busy tending to the injured who suddenly became better after drinking the vial of blue liquid. When they heard from Sparrow that it was from Kisha, they somehow felt like Kisha was some kind of a mad scientist who developed an elixir that gave a miraculous effect because they literally saw their open wounds closing but of course, they happened to have extracted the bullet first before they consumed the vial of blue liquid and seeing their wounds closing just like that made them thinking if the bullet would be stuck inside their wounds if they drank it right away. As they consumed the final crystal cores, Sparrow and Vulture experienced an extraordinary sensation. Their bodies seemed to shed weight, and a profound sense of rejuvenation washed over them. They sensed an inexplicable transformation, a newfound strength and agility that defied verbal description. Their entire beings seemed to radiate with energy that glowed brightly, albeit in distinct hues ¡ª Sparrow''s aura emanated a vibrant yellow, while Vulture''s took on a deep, earthy brown hue, a marked different from Bell''s earlier glow. At that moment, Kisha and Duke emerged. Duke''s arm was wrapped around Kisha''s waist, and despite her attempts to free herself, he held on steadfastly. Resigned to his embrace, Kisha allowed him to maintain his grip, while Duke beamed with self-satisfaction, his eyes forming crescents as they walked out of the room together. The Winters didn''t find it particularly surprising after witnessing it once or twice, as such behavior was commonplace among Winters'' men. They simply shrugged it off. However, they struggled to adapt to Duke''s current appearance with the disguise still covering his face, finding it unfamiliar and somewhat disconcerting. Consequently, they avoided direct gazes, unable to fully reconcile with his pirate-like guise. As the Winters and Tristan witnessed Vulture and Sparrow''s level up, their bodies aglow with hues distinct from Bell''s earlier radiance, a question arose. The brilliant light persisted for a mere five seconds before fading away. "Why do they emit different colors when they level up?" Mrs. Winters couldn''t help but voice her curiosity about the disparity. "The glow of light emanating from their bodies is simply the release of energy following their level up," Kisha elucidated. "It occurs when their energy core expands, allowing trapped energy to burst, making room for a more potent energy flow. However, this released energy is subsequently drawn back in, essential for consolidating their energy core and fortifying their foundation." "Whoa! I feel lighter and stronger than ever," Vulture remarked, marveling at his hands. [Do you like to check Vulture''s status window?] [YES] OR [NO] [YES] [Code name: Vulture] Level 1 (EXP. 0/300) Strength: 25 (+5) Stamina: 27 (+5) Defense: 33 (+5) Agility: 20 (+5) Mental Capacity: 23 (+5) Charm: 10 (+5) Leadership: 13 (+5) Title: None Skills: Earth Spike, Earth Manipulation Talent: Strong Defence Gift: Affinity with Earth Ability: Earth [Do you like to check Sparrow''s status window?] [YES] OR [NO] [YES] [Code name: Sparrow] Level 1 (EXP. 0/300) Strength: 23 (+5) Stamina: 30 (+5) Defense: 21 (+5) Agility: 34 (+5) Mental Capacity: 24 (+5) Charm: 12 (+5) Leadership: 12 (+5) Title: None Skills: Whirlwind Level 0, Windblade Level 0 Talent: Scouting Gift: Hawk eyesight Ability: Wind "After reaching Level 1, you should notice enhancements across various aspects of your physical performance like stamina, strength, agility and etc. However, it''s crucial to continue consolidating your energies as before to strengthen your foundation before progressing to Level 2. Only with a solid foundation can you fully utilize your awakened abilities. Avoid rushing the leveling process; as you advance, it becomes increasingly challenging to consolidate your energy cores and overcome the bottlenecks on your path to the next level." Kisha''s advice after she explained what she knew about leveling up. Her gift ''Eye of Truth'' only made it easier for her to know when a person is about to level up and if they are making progress as they consumed the crystal cores. As one''s level increases, the demand for higher-level crystal cores also rises. Lower-level crystal cores become less effective as individuals progress. Therefore, to experience significant improvements, one must consume crystals that match or exceed their current level. She also recognized the need to develop her newly awakened ability, which had surfaced only today. However, given her exceptional mental capacity, she anticipated mastering her ability with greater ease. Glancing discreetly at Duke, she couldn''t help but speculate, ''Likewise for this big guy, he''ll likely breeze through it without breaking a sweat.'' For some inexplicable reason, Kisha felt a twinge of irritation upon realizing Duke''s remarkable constitution, almost as if he were born a battle god. "Why are you feeling jealous of him, host? Remember, you have me, and he doesn''t have a system," 008 offered, attempting to comfort Kisha. "Yeah, right! My system, which has caused my death multiple times. I''ve perished more from the missions you''ve assigned me than from encounters with zombies or betrayals, you know," Kisha retorted with annoyance directed at 008. For her, it felt deeply unfair. While others might perceive her system as omnipotent, she saw it as a double-edged sword, one that seemed intent on thwarting her success and even endangering her life. Upon hearing Kisha''s sentiments, 008 choked up, feeling on the verge of tears. It had already clarified to Kisha that it wasn''t responsible for assigning missions; rather, it was the constellation above it. Despite its efforts, Kisha seemed to have formed her own negative perception, leading her to resent the system. "Right, speaking of missions. Don''t I have a current S-Class mission ongoing?" Kisha''s heart skipped a beat as she recalled the task. S-Class missions and above were laden with death flags and required meticulous attention. She had almost forgotten about it. "Host, would you like to check on your mission board?" 008''s voice resonated in her mind, tinged with concern. "Yes," Kisha responded tersely. [S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days" (Current Days Spent: 4 Days)] [Mission Description: Spend 30 days in City B''s base, immersing yourself in the community of survivors, understanding their way of life, and forging connections. Failure to complete the mission will result in immediate death.] "Wait, why does it show 4 days when we''re currently outside?" Kisha questioned aloud. As she pondered, her mind began counting the days since their arrival at the shelter, including the time spent searching for Duke''s family outside. Suddenly, it clicked ¡ª today marked the fourth day since their arrival, precisely as displayed on the board. ''Does that mean we''ve already met one of the requirements to continue the mission even while we''re outside the shelter?'' Kisha pondered. Suddenly, a realization struck her. ''Right! The reconnaissance mission!'' It dawned on her that this endeavor fell in line with how the community operated ¡ª completing missions to earn rewards. If that were the case, Kisha and the others could venture outside the shelter under the guise of fulfilling the shelter''s missions. Perhaps they only needed to adhere to the time limits stipulated by the shelter''s missions. Chapter 109 - 109 Teaming Up? Kisha felt a sense of relief wash over her as if a stubborn fishbone had finally dislodged from her throat upon realizing that she had successfully secured the S-class mission this time. "Also, Host," 008 interjected, as if recalling something important. "I managed to procure the system add-on you requested from a highly advanced civilization in the mid-realm. It didn''t cost much, as it was merely a widget that enhanced my system with futuristic features. Would you like me to proceed with the system update and integrate it?" 008''s excitement was palpable, akin to purchasing cool outfits for a character in games. That''s how 008 felt at the moment. "How long would the update take?" Kisha asked. "Just 5 minutes, host." "Okay, go on." Without hesitation, 008 swiftly initiated the update as soon as Kisha gave the green light. Meanwhile, Kisha retrieved another set of fresh meat, vegetables, and other ingredients from her inventory, preparing to cook and depart from their current location before the next wave of death warriors descended upon them. As Vulture and Tristan took charge of cooking, Kisha made her way to the balcony where Duke''s fallen comrades lay. Positioned atop the bedsheets and shrouded in blood, their serene expressions gave them the appearance of peacefully slumbering. It was evident they had willingly sacrificed their lives to ensure the survival of their comrades and master. Duke stood beside Kisha, his throat tight as he swallowed hard. His jaw clenched, and veins pulsed on his forehead, betraying the depth of his anguish over the loss of his subordinates. His fist clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white as he grappled with the ''what if'' scenarios¡ªwhat if he had awakened his abilities earlier, or prepared more thoroughly for the unthinkable? He was abruptly snapped out of his thoughts when Kisha tugged at his collar. "Duke, you''re losing focus. This isn''t like you," she admonished gently. Kisha understood that Duke regarded his subordinates as family, and their deaths weighed heavily on him. However, his current demeanor, while understandable, was uncharacteristic. The immense stress he had endured from the outset until now had taken its toll. It was only natural for him to struggle to maintain his composure amidst the chaos and loss. And that''s perfectly normal; it''s what makes them human. However, they must gather themselves together at this moment because many people are relying on them. Duke pursed his lips and took a moment to compose himself, feeling momentarily vulnerable in Kisha''s presence. He found solace in the fact that he could reveal his vulnerability to her, something he rarely allowed himself to do. It made him feel more human, unlike his usual self, where he would always restrain his emotions with rationality. This tendency often led outsiders to perceive him as cold and unfeeling, casting doubt on his humanity. The more time Duke spent with Kisha, the more he felt himself aligning with what he perceived as normal human emotions and reactions. It was as if, in her presence, he was rediscovering parts of himself long forgotten. As he observed Kisha solemnly praying with her eyes closed for his fallen subordinate, he felt a tremor in his heart. At that moment, he understood the significance of Kisha''s presence in his life. With this realization, a weight lifted from his heart, and he found himself involuntarily smiling. After offering prayers for their souls, Kisha gently waved her hands, invoking her power to store their bodies in her inventory. This way, they could be laid to rest in their own territory, offering solace to their living comrades and providing a place for them to visit and pay respects whenever they wanted. In the post-apocalyptic era, a grave is a luxury. The harsh reality is that bodies are often consumed by zombies or risk becoming undead themselves, making retrieval nearly impossible. Moreover, those fighting for survival rarely have the luxury of pausing to mourn or transport their loved ones'' remains as they flee for their lives. Everyone present understood the gravity of the situation. Kisha''s actions did not go unnoticed; those witnessing her efforts could only struggle to hold back tears of appreciation and gratitude. Each of them longed to bring their fallen comrades along but recognized the impracticality and danger involved. Kisha''s swift resolution of the matter left them deeply moved and grateful. This newfound insight into Kisha''s character prompted a gradual opening up toward her, particularly from the Winters. Their perception of Kisha had been shaped solely through hearsay, leaving them with some reservations. However, witnessing her actions firsthand dispelled any lingering doubts. They now felt more comfortable allowing their sole heir to remain in her company. "Host, the update is complete," 008''s voice echoed in Kisha''s mind, drawing her attention back to the present. Curious to see the changes, she decided to check her status window. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 Strength: 25 (+ 10) Stamina: 26 (+ 10) Defense: 22 (+ 10) Agility: 25 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10) Charm: 30 (+ 10) Leadership: 31 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: None Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Without any prompt, Kisha''s status window appeared before her, sporting a sleeker and more futuristic design interface. Previously reminiscent of a 1990s gaming interface, it now boasted a sophisticated more akin to that of a futuristic 3000s. The difference was striking. Moreover, where once manual confirmation was required to access an individual''s status window through her ''Eye of Truth,'' now a mere thought sufficed, causing the target''s status window to instantly materialize before her. It was not only limited to that, even Kisha''s system''s inventory had undergone a significant upgrade. Now, it was meticulously organized, with items categorized by type¡ªcooking materials, clothes, medicine, and more. Any items that defied classification found a home in the ''Others'' category. Moreover, her inventory now possessed the remarkable ability to autonomously sort items as soon as Kisha placed them inside. This proved immensely helpful, given that she couldn''t possibly remember every item she stored within her inventory. Beneath her status window lay icons representing her inventory, point shop, and even a pet section where Bell''s information was neatly stored. This meant Kisha no longer needed to constantly check on Bell to assess its status. The entire system interface had become exceptionally user-friendly. Now, as the moment of truth arrived, Kisha eagerly prepared to explore the reason behind her acquisition of this add-on. Kisha turned to Duke with a playful glint in her eyes, as if she had stumbled upon a new toy to explore. "Duke, would you like to join my team?" she asked with a grin. Duke raised his eyebrows in mild surprise, but after a moment''s consideration, he nodded. "Yes, I do." As Kisha''s status window remained open before her, she awaited any sign of activity. Suddenly, another icon materialized below, depicting the figures of three people. Intrigued, she tapped on it, revealing Duke''s name under the ''Team'' section. Beneath his name, she noticed two vital indicators: HP, represented by a red gauge denoting his life force, and SP, symbolized by a dark blue gauge representing his spiritual energy. In addition, Duke''s picture appeared in a circular frame, adding a personalized touch. What''s more, she realized she could access Duke''s status window from this interface, allowing her to keep tabs on him even when they were apart. She then positioned herself in the living room where everyone could easily hear her. "Alright, everyone. Since we''ll be departing shortly after our meal, I want to know if you''re all willing to join and follow my team?" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She patiently awaited their responses. The first to speak up was Vulture. "Yes, young madam," he replied promptly. "I am willing, Young Madam," Sparrow replied promptly. Immediately following his response, their names appeared under Duke''s in quick succession. However, there were still a few who remained silent. Despite this, their pictures were displayed in the ''team'' section, albeit below those who had verbally agreed. This suggested that verbal or heartfelt agreement, whether spoken or unspoken, was sufficient to be considered a form of agreement. She scanned the list to ensure no one was overlooked. Surprisingly, all 17 individuals were already listed, leaving no one behind. However, upon closing the status window, she realized she wouldn''t be able to access the team''s status anymore, leaving her feeling perplexed. "008, how much did this system add-on cost?" she inquired. Knowing that Kisha felt a little dissatisfied 008 was a little hesitant to answer. "2-20000 host." "Say what?!" Kisha exclaimed, feeling as if her heart were bleeding. "20,000 points, host," 008 confirmed. Kisha closed her eyes in frustration, taking a deep breath in and out. Outside observers could only see her deadpan expression, unaware of the turmoil within her mind. Chapter 110 - 110 The Meal Before the Face Off Kisha shut down her status window with a silent sigh, adopting the mantra "out of sight, out of mind." Taking her seat at the dining table, she left everyone to ponder her earlier question about joining her team. ''Weren''t they already part of the team from the beginning?'' Confusion hung in the air, but amidst the uncertainty, they collectively brushed off the momentary puzzlement, eagerly anticipating the meal simmering in the kitchen. The tantalizing aroma of meat filled the air, a stark contrast to the week they spent subsisting on tough bread and canned goods scavenged from outside. Their mouths watered uncontrollably at the heavenly scent, so much so that one of them couldn''t suppress the loud rumble of his stomach, louder than that of a zombie''s growl. Laughter filled the room as they shared a moment of amusement at the sound of the growling stomach. While they awaited the main course, Kisha waved her hand, conjuring an array of appetizers and fruits from her inventory. These were provisions she had stocked up on the day before the apocalypse struck, now providing a welcome addition to their meal. Now that everyone had a better understanding of Kisha''s ability to store and take out items from her inventory, their eyes crinkled in happiness because they knew that they would never be hungry anymore but at the same time, they felt reverence towards Kisha like a Goddess who descended from heaven and provided them provisions amidst the drought. They felt immense gratitude that their leader had found such a resilient woman to stand by his side. In the midst of chaos and death, they saw the apocalypse as a blessing in disguise, bringing their master the companion he had long sought. But even though they are all happy to see all the food on the table, no one has yet made a move because they don''t want to look disrespectful in front of their future young madam. ''And just like that, they already accepted Kisha as their young madam. All it took was delicious food.'' If Kisha were to hear this, she would be cackling like a madman due to amusement. Observing the hesitant silence despite the tempting spread, Kisha interpreted their reluctance as a sign of respect, a collective effort to avoid appearing impolite or gluttonous in her presence. With a warm smile, she encouraged them to indulge, recognizing the need for sustenance to face the challenges ahead. "Please, help yourselves," she urged, her tone welcoming. "We have plenty, and today promises to be demanding. You''ll need all the energy you can muster to confront our aggressors." As Kisha''s words settled in, their eyes widened as they processed her implications. Before anyone could articulate their thoughts, Duke seized the moment. "Seems like we''re perfectly in tune," he remarked with a playful smirk, idly running his fingers through Kisha''s hair. Seated beside her, he basked in the comfortable atmosphere they shared. Hearing Kisha vocalize what had been on his mind brought a happy smile to Duke''s face. In that moment, he felt a profound connection with her, realizing that nobody understood him quite like she did, and no one seemed to sync with him as effortlessly as she did, in every aspect of their relationship. His eyes sparkled with emotion as he gazed at Kisha, his fingers still gently toying with her hair. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You all better eat," Duke echoed Kisha''s words. Upon hearing Kisha and Duke, everyone abandoned their remaining manners and dove into the appetizers on the table while waiting for Vulture and Tristan to finish preparing the meal. Duke picked up a fruit knife and began peeling some pears, handing them to Kisha. His father raised an eyebrow and remarked, "You brat, once you''ve got a wife, you forget about your mother?" Kisha choked on the pears she had just put in her mouth upon hearing Duke''s father''s words. Duke responded playfully to his father, "Why should I worry about my mother when you''re already there?" He didn''t even deny Kisha being his wife anymore, not referring to her as a business partner either, but openly acknowledging that Kisha was to be his wife. Kisha felt her whole face warming up from hearing Duke and his father''s banter as if she wasn''t even there. Under the table, she felt a tap on her lap, and when she looked up, she saw Mrs. Winters looking at her affectionately while mouthing, "Let the fools fool around." After deciphering Mrs. Winters''s message, Kisha nearly choked on her laughter. She hadn''t anticipated such candidness from the elegant woman before her, especially when it came to her husband and son sitting just beside them. Amidst the playful banter between Duke, his father, and even the Patriarch, Kisha marveled at Duke''s ease and comfort around his family. Though their expressions remained stoic, their playful exchanges revealed the depth of their closeness. The Winters men''s poker-faced demeanor added an extra layer of amusement to their banter, leaving everyone guessing whether they were teasing each other or discussing the weather. Now, Kisha understood why Duke was so devastated before, he became even more ruthless and unfeeling after what she perceived as the death of his family. And all the clues she has gathered throughout their journey to City B only point to one conclusion. ''What happened now to the Winters including Tristan and his men, also happened in her previous lives but the only difference was, Duke has never made it and failed to save his family for some reason.'' She pondered over the fate of Sparrow and the others, wondering if they had originally been part of Tristan''s party and perished there, or if they had all been present from the outset, including Duke. In either scenario, Duke stood out as the sole survivor of the Coltons'' assault. Reflecting on the past, Kisha''s emotions simmered, recalling Duke''s avoidance of discussing his family in her previous life. She witnessed his longing to reunite with them, tempered by a palpable sense of grief and self-blame. Remembering the Duke of old brought a pang to her heart, contrasting sharply with the livelier and more open demeanor of the Duke before her now. Kisha''s gaze lingered on Duke and his family, sensing a warmth akin to what she shared with her own adoptive family. It was a love that transcended words, expressed through genuine gestures and shared moments. Though unspoken, its presence was palpable, radiating throughout the room and enveloping everyone in its embrace. Kisha''s heart swelled with happiness for Duke and his family. It ignited a deep-seated desire within her to protect them as if they were her own, to ensure that Duke never withdrew into the shadows of his past self. She couldn''t bear to dwell on the melancholy Duke of her previous life, yet she couldn''t deny his profound impact on her present. As Vulture and Tristan placed the steaming dishes on the table, the others had already polished off the appetizers. Yet, in a display of appreciation, they made sure to offer Vulture and Tristan bites of food as they worked, a small gesture of gratitude for their efforts in preparing the meal. Everyone enjoyed a hearty breakfast, and they even packed lunchboxes filled with onigiri and sandwiches for their outdoor excursion. In the past, they wouldn''t have dared to do so, fearing the food might not survive the journey intact. But now, with Kisha''s ability to safely store items away, they felt confident in making extra provisions. Chapter 111 - 111 Their Awakened Ability After ensuring everyone was adequately equipped and rested, Kisha and her team pressed on with their journey. While she and the others fought their way to a more secure location, they dispatched Sparrow on another mission. Their goal was to navigate through another building, seeking a safer path forward. She equipped each and every one of them with better equipment she gathered from the farm she ransacked to the ground. She did not think that she''d be needing those items as soon as she woke up from her awakening but she was somehow excited to get back at the people who targeted her and her people. Absolutely, Duke''s people were her people, and any threat to them was a threat to her. Their plan now was to ensure the safety of the Winters by relocating them to a secure location with additional bodyguards for protection. Meanwhile, the primary party, including Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, Vulture, Tristan, and other supporting members, would launch raids on all known Coltons locations. With Kisha once again at the helm and the bees resuming their rotation, reminiscent of their initial foray into the western district, the entire group now grasped the ease with which others had traversed the zombie-infested streets, while they are maintaining the appearance of cleanliness and composure throughout their journey. It felt almost like night and day as they progressed, with the zombies encountered along the way proving manageable and not overly abundant. They could even afford brief intervals of rest amidst the ongoing skirmishes, finding the battles surprisingly easy to handle. Additionally, Kisha made a discovery: when her team or any member entered battle mode, a list of their names appeared on her left side, akin to a gaming panel, displaying their respective (HP) and (SP). This feature allowed her to provide support to those in need during combat. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not only did this feature make it easier for Kisha to identify which members of her team needed support, but it also allowed her to monitor Sparrow, who was on a separate mission. This meant that even when her team was far from her, she could still ensure to monitor their HP which would give them an idea if that person was safe or under attack. Moreover, in the heat of battle when she couldn''t spare a moment to check the team panel, 008 could step in to remind Kisha to stay updated on their status. While on the move, Kisha and Duke took advantage of the opportunity to consolidate their energy within their energy cores. Duke had become adept at wielding his ability, seamlessly integrating it into his combat style as though it were innate. Even at level zero, he demonstrated the potency of his high-class awakened ability, unleashing devastating attacks capable of killing multiple zombies with a single strike. Now Kisha understood why Duke struggled to articulate his initial experience with his ability. There was simply nothing to explain; from the moment he awakened, his ability seamlessly integrated into his being, becoming as natural to him as breathing. Kisha couldn''t suppress a pout, silently wishing her talent matched Duke''s prowess. However, she halted her thoughts, knowing 008 would grow resentful. Redirecting her focus, she concentrated on her fingertips, attempting to manipulate the smallest knife she possessed. While her mind kept pace, her body''s energy integration still faced some delays. Undeterred, Kisha persisted, seizing every opportunity to refine her energy manipulation. Initially, everyone marveled at Duke''s flashy and lethal attacks, displaying enthusiasm akin to fanatics. Meanwhile, Kisha focused on guiding Mrs. Winters to harness her own ability, ensuring she became comfortable with it before proceeding with her own training. Although this process took some time, Kisha soon mastered control over a dagger, sending it flying through the air to kill zombies with remarkable precision and speed. As she continued unabated, her companions found themselves with little to do but collect the crystal cores left behind. The vanguard now operated as two separate groups: one led by Kisha and the other by Duke. Whenever one of them grew fatigued or depleted at least half of their SP bar while utilizing their abilities, the second group seamlessly stepped in to take over. This strategy ensured they could maintain a relentless onslaught, with one group leading while the other rested, allowing for continuous utilization of their awakened abilities without constraints. Mrs. Winters remained in the midst of the action, offering support as necessary. However, due to her unfamiliarity with her ability, she required time to conjure even a single vine. Given her limited experience, she could only summon a small vine to ensnare a zombie''s feet, allowing her companions to handle the threat while she continued to hone her skills. In truth, Mrs. Winters didn''t necessarily need to engage in combat, given the time it took for her to conjure her vines. However, both Kisha and Duke ensured that at least one zombie remained for her to practice on. They understood that facing a moving target would accelerate her adapting to her ability. The heightened sense of danger and instinctual response to threats would compel her to rely on her instincts and body rather than overthinking. Mrs. Winters seemed to thrive in situations of danger, where her intuition and reflexes took precedence over analytical thought, allowing her to better acquaint herself with her ability. Kisha and Duke intentionally tapped into Mrs. Winters'' instinctive survival nature to help her grasp the feeling of using her ability. Meanwhile, for the rest of the group, witnessing Kisha''s ability instilled a sense of fear due to its sheer lethality. Unlike Duke''s flashy lightning bolts, fireballs, and ice blades, Kisha''s attacks were more streamlined and efficient. This efficiency, coupled with the perception that her ability would be ideal for a sneak attack, intensified their apprehension. Unbeknownst to them, what they witnessed of Kisha''s ability was merely the tip of the iceberg. Her potential was far greater, but thus far, she had only scratched the surface, wielding just a single blade. When she first realized that her awakened ability was Telekinesis, she also thought that it was lame and not as lethal as Duke''s ability, it was not as intimidating or as flashy as Duke''s, it does not even emit light when she call forth her ability. As Kisha grew more accustomed to her ability and began thinking outside the box, she realized its limitless potential, particularly given its classification as a Mental ability. Her naturally high mental acuity only augmented the desirability and effectiveness of her power. This was precisely why Duke recognized her as a formidable talent in their past life. Now, she was back, fighting with Duke back to back again and they were still in sync as they were in the past life. Without exchanging words, they intuitively sensed each other''s fatigue and need for a break. Kisha didn''t even need to track Duke''s HP and SP levels to anticipate when he was nearing the halfway point of his SP bar, smoothly taking over before he reached his limit. As they reached the connecting point between the apartment building and the next structure, Vulture assumed control, constructing another earth bridge while Kisha and Duke took a moment to rest. Meanwhile, the others undertook the task of clearing the balcony of the adjacent building. However, their respite was brief, for they remained uncertain of when the next wave of death warriors would appear, or how long they would be under surveillance. They pondered the methods by which the Coltons tracked their movements¡ªwhether through the presence of zombie corpses, a locator, or satellite monitoring. The latter seemed impossible, as securing a satellite bunker in that location would be a formidable task, even for the well-prepared Coltons. The rest of the group made the decision to power down all their communicators to prevent any potential tracking via those devices. Despite their reluctance to entertain the notion, Kisha and Duke couldn''t shake the suspicion that there might still be a mole within their ranks if the next wave of death warriors managed to locate them effortlessly once more. They could only hope that their concerns were unfounded and that it was all merely a string of coincidences. However, Kisha, drawing from past experience, knew all too well that coincidences were a rarity in their world. Kisha and Duke remained vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings, their comrades, and everything in between. Meanwhile, a significant milestone was reached as Bell successfully called out her first batch of Scarlet Bees, expanding Kisha''s radar to a radius of 500 meters. This heightened awareness allowed any suspicious activity to quickly register on Kisha''s radar. What''s more, the Scarlet Bees demonstrated greater intelligence than their regular counterparts, easily discerning between living humans and zombies upon sighting them. This newfound ability also facilitated smoother communication between Bell and its Scarlet Bees. This development provided Kisha and Duke with a slight boost in confidence. However, they chose not to disclose this information to anyone else, wary of the possibility that a mole still lurked among them. Chapter 112 - 112 Removing the Disguise "After clearing out the last zombie on this floor, let''s take a break and grab some food!" Kisha called out, her voice echoing through the exhausted group. She herself was panting from exertion, realizing that pushing forward in their current state would only lead to disaster. The prospect of encountering a horde while everyone was fatigued was a daunting one, underscoring the importance of resting and replenishing their energy. Mrs. Winters found herself barely able to move a muscle after continuously running and manipulating her ability. Without her husband''s support, she might have collapsed, potentially leading to a significant accident for the group. Kisha and the group stumbled upon a larger room capable of accommodating all 17 of them, providing a chance to wash their hands and faces before eating. Kisha observed that her own and the other two''s disguises had become uneven due to sweat accumulating beneath the prosthetic skin. Given the prolonged duration since their application and the relentless combat, such imperfections were inevitable. Kisha had been feeling the discomfort for quite some time, and she couldn''t imagine how much worse it must be for those who were looking at their faces. It was becoming increasingly apparent that their disguises were hardly effective anymore. Taking charge, she motioned for Duke and Vulture to join her aside. With a gentle touch, she began to remove Duke''s disguise, careful to minimize any further irritation to his skin. As she peeled off the prosthetic skin from Duke''s face, Kisha noticed the beginnings of a rash, his skin reddening beneath. "Here, use this," she said, handing him a cleanser designed for sensitive skin, a favorite of Keith''s. After tending to Duke, Kisha turned her attention to Vulture, noticing he had developed a similar skin condition. She instructed him to follow Duke and borrow the cleanser. As she prepared to address her own face, she noticed the previously rowdy group had fallen silent, casting furtive glances in her direction. It was evident they were curious to see the woman who had captured Duke''s heart. Even the Winters were openly gazing in anticipation, waiting for her to remove her disguise. "Looks like your in-laws are eager to meet you," 008 teased Kisha, sensing her nerves. Despite the ambiguity of her relationship with Duke, the fact that his family was observing her every move and possibly sizing her up as their future daughter-in-law made her feel incredibly nervous. "Isn''t this a good opportunity? You can win over his family first and make them like you before him," 008 continued, unable to suppress a giggle as it playfully teased Kisha. "You''re not helping," Kisha sighed, rolling her eyes at 008. She couldn''t remember ever feeling this nervous, not even when facing zombies two to three levels higher than her. "Agreed, Duke seems to already like you, so winning his family''s approval should be a breeze," 008 chimed in before darting away from Kisha, leaving her to her thoughts. Kisha felt a surge of nervousness, now even contemplating removing her disguise elsewhere. Just as she was about to act on this impulse, Duke returned, oblivious to her internal struggle. Noticing her unease, he quipped, "Are you okay? Don''t tell me you''ve grown fond of that disguise? I wouldn''t mind, though," teasing her gently. Kisha''s eyebrows arched in response to Duke''s comment, prompting her to fire back, "I didn''t realize you had that kind of fetish." She flashed him a smirk before sauntering away to the side, though she remained fully within everyone else''s view. Duke found himself at a loss for words, wanting to fire back but Kisha had already left, leaving him speechless. Subconsciously, he glanced at his father for some guidance, only to find his gaze avoided, while his mother chuckled softly. Puzzled by the situation, Duke couldn''t help but feel bemused. To onlookers, they appeared like a long-time couple engaged in playful banter, with Duke resembling a husband teasing his wife, who in turn, seemed to be in a playful yet moody mood. Even Duke''s father found himself at a loss, unable to offer any solution but to let his son console his own wife, making it difficult for him to meet his son''s gaze. He realized it was his own fault for being ignored. Meanwhile, Kisha pushed aside her thoughts and focused on removing her disguise, trying to ignore the sensation of being closely watched. Placing a mirror on the table before her, she delicately began peeling back the prosthetic skin with her tools. Gradually, her true features emerged¡ªher plump, red lips, her cute, pointy nose, followed by her left eye and then her right. As Kisha finished removing her disguise, she was met with wide-eyed stares from everyone present. The transformation was striking¡ªshe appeared vastly different from her disguised self, almost like two distinct individuals. While the previous Kisha seemed intimidating, the one before them now exuded a breathtaking beauty, akin to a goddess who descended upon them during the hard times to lead humanity to salvation. Both Mr. Winters and the Patriarch nodded in unison, their expressions seeming to convey a silent sentiment of approval as if silently remarking, ''As expected of my grandson, he learns from me.'' If Duke could have heard their thoughts, he would undoubtedly have facepalmed himself in exasperation. After removing her disguise, Kisha headed to the sink to cleanse her face with a gentle cleanser, mindful of the slight irritation. She opted for warm water, delicately washing away any residue. Once finished, she dried her face with a clean towel. Duke, noticing her actions, took the towel from her hands, using it to pat his own face. Despite the fact that his face should have been dry by now, he insisted on using the towel nonetheless. Even amidst the chaos of the apocalypse, Duke maintained his reluctance to share daily necessities like towels or clothes with anyone else, adamant about maintaining his personal hygiene standards. However, he didn''t seem to mind using items that Kisha had used or sharing a bed with her. Vulture had observed this behavior for quite some time and couldn''t help but chuckle softly at his master''s endearing quirks. Of course, this was something Kisha was unaware of, she was accustomed to sharing towels, blankets, and other items with Duke, having done so since their previous lives. Consequently, she remained unaware of Duke''s aversion to sharing his belongings, or vice versa. After everyone had freshened up, Kisha laid out the food they had prepared earlier. Lunch box after lunch box filled the dining table, accompanied by some favorite beverages she had added to the mix. The sight brought joy to everyone, for in their eyes, Kisha resembled a real-life Doraemon. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Much like the beloved character, she seemed capable of producing anything and everything from her inventory, delighting them with her seemingly magical abilities. Everyone eagerly grabbed their desired food and drink from the table before finding a comfortable spot to enjoy their meal. As they happily chatted together, it was as if the looming threat in their lives had momentarily vanished, and for a brief moment, life felt as ordinary and carefree as it used to be. Kisha selected a lunchbox containing an onigiri, sandwich, egg rolls, blanched vegetables, and fruits¡ªa substantial meal guaranteed to satisfy anyone who eat its contents. As she ate, Kisha heard Bell''s voice in their mind link. "Master! I have wonderful news! My babies have successfully produced a glass of Scarlet honey!" Chapter 113 - 113 Scarlet Honey Kisha''s hand paused midway as she processed Bell''s words. "The honey that the Scarlet Bees produce?" After a moment, she recalled the unique effects of Scarlet Honey on the body. Bell continued with its report. "Also, Master, the 3rd and 4th batches of Scarlet Bees are currently being nurtured. We just need to wait a little while longer before we can expand our army. And one last thing: after my level-up, my radar''s scope seems to have increased by an additional 10 meters in radius. So, the overall reach of my Scarlet Bees is now up to a radius of 510 meters," Bell exclaimed with excitement. Kisha also felt a surge of excitement upon hearing Bell''s report. Amidst their busy schedule, she had momentarily forgotten about the Scarlet Bees and the Scarlet Honey they produced. If Bell hadn''t been consistently providing updates, she might have remained unaware. Additionally, the Scarlet Bees resided in her territory pack within the rainforest subspace, where Bell had established its colonies. Bell had the freedom to enter and exit this space at will. However, when Kisha fell unconscious, Bell''s link to the rainforest subspace was severed, leaving her without access and in the dark about what was transpiring there. Fortunately, Kisha had acquired some flowers and plants from Duke''s family villa, which now served as the Scarlet Bees'' source of sustenance. Her task now was to expand the flowers there to ensure they would suffice as the Scarlet Bees'' numbers increased over time. "Why don''t we try the Scarlet Honey now?" Kisha suggested to Bell through their mind link. Without delay, Bell relayed the request to the Scarlet Bees. Shortly after, Bell handed Kisha a glass containing the Scarlet Honey. Its hue was brighter than ordinary honey, akin to gold with a glimmering ruby-like sparkle within. If Kisha didn''t know any better, she might have mistaken it for an alchemist''s concoction rather than a honey. [Scarlet Honey (Mythic Grade)] Description: Scarlet Honey strengthens one''s constitution, laying a robust foundation for enhanced strength. Over time, regular consumption of Scarlet Honey expands the spiritual passageways, facilitating the gathering of heaven and earth energy. It also aids in enlarging the dantian, thereby reducing the likelihood of martial arts practitioners sustaining internal injuries. Additionally, Scarlet Honey can be utilized in pill-making processes, improving the chances of success and enhancing the quality of the resulting pills. "Do I need to consume all of this to experience the effects?" Kisha inquired, unsure of how Scarlet Honey worked. "No, master, just a spoonful a day is sufficient," Bell replied humbly, clarifying the dosage. Kisha was taken aback to learn that just a spoonful could yield such powerful effects. This realization shed light on why the Murim World was so enthralled with Scarlet Honey and the Scarlet Bees producing it. However, their relentless pursuit of this extraordinary honey had driven the Scarlet Bees to extinction. "Could you tell me when the Scarlet Bees will produce the next batch of honey?" Kisha inquired of Bell, seeking clarification on the bees'' honey production schedule. Bell''s head drooped slightly, and its antenna lowered as it responded, "Master, it will take another month for the bees to produce the next batch of honey. However, as my colonies grow larger, subsequent batches will be several times larger than this one. With further expansion, we may eventually produce different batches, potentially enabling us to harvest honey twice a month or even weekly. But to achieve this, I need to increase the number of scarlet bees in my colonies." Bell explained in detail, ensuring Kisha grasped the entirety of the situation. Overall, their main issue now lay with the number of Scarlet Bees, especially since some were dispatched by Kisha to scout the area. However, recalling them and substituting them with regular bees wasn''t an option anymore. For now, she had to manage with the amount of scarlet honey she currently possessed and use it sparingly. "Thank you for all your hard work, Bell," Kisha expressed her gratitude sincerely. She resolved to prioritize Bell''s leveling up as a token of her appreciation. As Kisha scooped up a spoonful of scarlet honey and brought it to her lips, she was met with a taste that transcended ordinary sweetness. The honey''s flavor was delicate, neither overly sugary nor tart, with subtle notes that danced on her palate. It was a culinary masterpiece in its own right. As the honey slid down her throat, a warm sensation enveloped her, spreading a comforting glow from her stomach to every inch of her body. It was a sensation both refreshing and exhilarating, leaving her yearning for more, an experience so captivating it could easily become addictive. The experience was akin to a surge of euphoria, sending shivers down Kisha''s spine and enveloping her entire being in a wave of ecstasy. However, it wasn''t just a physical sensation; it was the scarlet honey at work, unlocking her dormant dantian and allowing spiritual energy to flow freely like a rushing river. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The once barren dantian, devoid of any spiritual energy, now resembled a lush forest teeming with vitality. She felt such bliss that her eyes drifted shut, a serene smile gracing her face as a soft, contented moan escaped her lips, catching everyone''s attention. However, Kisha remained oblivious to their stares, completely absorbed in the delightful sensations induced by the scarlet honey. The tingling sensation on her lips was so intense that she found herself instinctively biting her lower lip, overwhelmed by the stirring experience. Duke couldn''t help but notice Kisha''s expression and what she was holding, his brow furrowing with concern as he made his way toward her. He could still hear Kisha''s occasional little moans, each one carrying a hint of pleasure. If she were in a closed room and these sounds were audible from outside, it would easily give rise to some rather mischievous assumptions about her activities inside. Duke felt a strong urge to scoop Kisha up and take her inside, uncomfortable with the idea of other men witnessing her expression of ecstasy while she moaned contentedly. But before he could act, Bell flew over and repeatedly jabbed its stinger as if to prevent him from touching Kisha. Duke''s frown deepened, confused by Bell''s behavior and concerned for Kisha, who remained lost in her reverie. His gaze shifted from Kisha''s face to the object in her hand. Initially, he mistook it for one of the vials of liquid they had been given before, like the black and blue vials with various effects. However, this time, it was a golden color with a ruby-like glimmer, resembling honey in consistency, and housed in a different container. Duke also noticed the spoon in Kisha''s other hand, prompting him to address Bell. "Is that honey?" His voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty, as there had been no mention of honey until now. As he scrutinized Bell more closely, the realization dawned on him that Bell, as a queen bee, likely had her own beehive that produced honey. "Is that honey from your hive?" As Bell''s wings buzzed excitedly and it did another flip to confirm Duke''s assumption, Duke remained puzzled about why Bell was seemingly preventing him from touching Kisha now. Chapter 114 - 114 Scarlet Honeys Effect Kisha was motionless for the whole 10 minutes and Bell did not want anyone, including Duke to disturb Kisha at that moment but they did not know what was happening. And after 10 minutes, Kisha slowly opened her eyes with newfound clarity and her skin and every part of her body seemed to be radiating at that time, her skin turned even more supple and fair. Amidst the backdrop of suggestive noises and the tense standoff between Duke and Bell, all eyes gravitated towards the trio. In the midst of this heightened tension, everyone bore witness to the mesmerizing transformation unfolding in Kisha. Over the course of just 10 minutes, her once-muted complexion burst into life ¨C her cheeks blooming with a rosy hue, her lips adorned with a vibrant red akin to freshly applied lipstick, and her locks shimmering with a newfound, healthy luster. It was as if nature itself conspired to enhance her beauty, casting a spell of enchantment upon all who beheld her. Kisha sported a glow that could rival someone fresh from a lavish spa retreat, exuding an aura of blissful satisfaction. Despite her obvious elation, she found herself perplexed, unable to discern what changed in her body. "What''s going on with you?" Duke''s expression morphed into one of incredulity as he scrutinized Kisha, eager to uncover the mystery behind her changes. However, before Kisha could even process his question, she was already engrossed in examining her status window, oblivious to Duke''s inquiry. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5) Strength: 25 (+ 10) Stamina: 26 (+ 10) Defense: 22 (+ 10) Agility: 25 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10) Charm: 30 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 31 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: None Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Though the changes weren''t particularly dramatic, Kisha''s gaze fixated on the unfamiliar addition to her status window: (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5). The mere sight of it brought a smile to her face, the implications clear. Despite her curiosity tempting her to test the effect by consuming a crystal core, she resisted the urge. She knew that doing so would only squander both the crystal core and its multiplier at this early stage. Indeed, Kisha was convinced that the indicator represented a multiplier, likely enhancing either the potency of the spiritual energy within the crystal core or her body''s efficiency in absorbing it or perhaps even both simultaneously. Regardless of the specifics, she recognized it as a positive development, anticipating the benefits it could bring. If indeed the indicator represented a multiplier, Kisha realized the importance of maximizing it to its fullest potential. This would ensure that each crystal core could propel them as far as possible. While their current status as lower-level superhumans might not fully leverage the multiplier''s benefits, Kisha foresaw its crucial role in the future. As they advanced to higher levels, where consuming low-level crystal cores would prove futile, the multiplier would become invaluable, optimizing their progress significantly. Glancing at the Scarlet Honey still nestled in her hand, Kisha couldn''t help but smirk mischievously. Despite her overwhelming desire to down the entire glass, she knew better than to give in to greed. Indulging too much at once could have dire consequences. Her body might struggle to handle the intense stimulation, risking nerve paralysis or excessive flooding in her dantian that could lead to damaging it instead of the intended benefits. Moreover, there was no rush for Kisha to level up at the moment; she recognized the importance of solidifying her foundation first. As she pondered this, a giggle escaped her lips, recalling a crucial effect mentioned in the description. [Scarlet Honey (Mythic Grade)] Description: Scarlet Honey strengthens one''s constitution, laying a robust foundation for enhanced strength. Over time, regular consumption of Scarlet Honey expands the spiritual passageways, facilitating the gathering of heaven and earth energy. It also aids in enlarging the dantian, thereby reducing the likelihood of martial arts practitioners sustaining internal injuries. Additionally, Scarlet Honey can be utilized in pill-making processes, improving the chances of success and enhancing the quality of the resulting pills. As Kisha stared at the description once more, her eyes fixated on specific lines, reading them over and over to confirm her understanding. Her repeated giggles caught Duke''s attention, his concern growing with each passing moment. He couldn''t shake the worry that something had gone awry with Kisha. ''Has she been affected by what she consumed?'' Duke''s heart clenched with unease as he glanced at her, his expression filled with concern and a touch of heartache. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fueled by impatience and mounting worry, Duke reached out, gently grasping Kisha''s shoulder. "Kisha, are you okay?" His voice quivered with emotion as he spoke the words, unable to fathom the possibility of something going wrong with Kisha. The mere thought sent a shiver of dread down his spine, his mind racing with concern for her well-being. It wasn''t until that moment that Kisha tore her gaze away from the system interface to meet Duke''s eyes directly. Despite the concern etched on Duke''s face, Kisha''s smile remained undiminished, her eyes crinkling with unmistakable delight. "I''ve stumbled upon something amazing, it was good stuff" she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. Now, Duke''s mind began to race with suspicions. He couldn''t shake the thought that whatever Kisha had consumed might be some form of hallucinogenic drug, affecting her perception. A surge of pain began to throb in his temples, signaling the onset of a headache as he grappled with the troubling possibility. As if sensing Duke''s thoughts, Kisha''s annoyance was palpable as she pouted. ''How dare he assume I''m taking drugs!'' With a swift motion, she tossed both her dagger and smaller katana into the air. Before they could even graze the ground, Kisha effortlessly seized control of them mid-air, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Earlier that day, she could only manage control over a single dagger, because she was still struggling with the weight and size of her smaller katana. The larger and heavier the weapon, the greater the strain on her mental capacity, requiring heightened focus and control. Moreover, since she hadn''t yet made a skill for this, every movement still demanded manual control, draining her spiritual energy even further. With just a single spoonful of Scarlet Honey, its effects have already become evident in numerous aspects. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5) Strength: 25 (+ 10) Stamina: 26 (+ 10) Defense: 22 (+ 10) Agility: 25 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10) Charm: 30 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 31 (+ 10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) With just one attempt, she succeeded inturning a skill out of it, streamlining her performance significantly. As the skill levels up, its destructive power intensifies, unlocking a vast potential within her abilities. This newfound efficiency means she won''t need to invest excessive time in mastering individual skills; instead, she can focus on exploring and expanding her abilities with the assistance of her system and the Scarlet Honey, opening up new avenues for exploration and growth. Chapter 115 - 115 The Invaluable Treasure Kisha felt an overwhelming urge to grab Bell and plant a kiss on it to express her sheer joy. In her previous life, mastering a few skills from her ability had already made her formidable, but now, armed with this new cheat item, she felt invincible. Yet, this newfound power came with a weighty responsibility. The item was potent enough to warrant going to war over, adding layers of secrecy and caution to her already complex life. It''s no surprise that the Murim world is obsessed with the Scarlet Bee and Scarlet Honey; Kisha''s firsthand experience only deepened her understanding of their allure. She never anticipated such remarkable effects; they were akin to treasures surpassing even the toughest alloys and most potent panaceas in the world. Before Duke could utter another word that might irk Kisha, she grabbed his hand and whisked him into the room, shutting the door firmly behind them to ensure privacy. Once inside, she pulled Duke to sit beside her on the bed, her excitement overshadowing any consideration of their close proximity and the potentially ambiguous atmosphere it created. Despite her excitement, Kisha found herself torn between sharing the newfound information with Duke or keeping it to herself for now. Part of her wanted to be petty, considering how Duke had annoyed her, and she relished the idea of surprising him with a better, more efficient path to strength¡ªone that didn''t demand excessive time and could potentially bolster their foundation in ways the conventional methods couldn''t. As much as Kisha relished the idea of teasing Duke and witnessing his surprised and frustrated expression, she couldn''t ignore the potential repercussions on his future development. She refused to jeopardize Duke''s potential and future for the sake of petty revenge. Realizing how carefree she had become lately, she took a deep breath, pushed aside all playful thoughts swirling in her mind, and shifted into serious mode. Raising the glass of Scarlet Honey in front of Duke, Kisha began, "You probably already have an idea of what this is." Her mysterious smile caused Duke to gulp nervously. "This is the Scarlet Honey collected by Bell''s hive, but it''s no ordinary honey." However, she remembered Duke''s concerns when she was lost in reverie, mistakenly thinking she might be under the influence of drugs. "But let me assure you, Duke, this isn''t a drug or anything of the sort, so don''t jump to conclusions." Upon hearing her reassurance, Duke breathed a sigh of relief, his nerves calming as he nodded at Kisha, silently urging her to continue. As Kisha continued, she felt a surge of indignation at Duke''s fleeting suspicion, but she pushed it aside to deliver her explanation. "The Scarlet Honey not only clears our dantian, making spiritual absorption faster and more efficient, but it also acts as a multiplier. This means that when we consume crystal cores, we won''t need as many to level up." Pausing to catch her breath, she continued with excitement, "But that''s not all! The honey also strengthens our foundation, reducing the time needed to consolidate it before leveling up. Its benefits are numerous¡ªit''s essentially the ultimate elixir for enhancing our battle strength." Duke quickly grasped the implications of Kisha''s explanation, nodding with restrained excitement. However, he couldn''t shake the realization that this newfound resource would be a double-edged sword for him and his team. Its incredible uses and efficiency meant that once its effects leaked to the outside world, many would stop at nothing to obtain it, especially in the current world they live in which was full of desperation. Yet Duke was aware that Kisha must have considered this as well, which was likely why she chose to discuss it only with him and not the entire team. The realization that she placed such complete trust in him filled him with happiness, causing a glimmer of complicated emotions to flicker in his orbs as he gazed at Kisha. Following Kisha''s explanation, she retrieved a spoon from her inventory and carefully scooped out a spoonful of Scarlet Honey from the container, placing it on Duke''s lips. A charming smile graced Duke''s lips as he watched Kisha share this invaluable treasure with him. Despite Kisha not mentioning it, Duke couldn''t shake the thought that the honey''s production might be limited, and he was uncertain about when the next batch would be available or how it would all unfold. Nevertheless, he placed unwavering trust in Kisha and her judgment, so he would just let her do as she pleased about this and he would just stand behind her, making sure that she had a sturdy back to lean on and support her from the back. But the true invaluable treasure was none other than Bell itself, it was not only a good contracted beast that stood as a battle pet but it was also good at scouting which made their journey a lot safer, but to think that it could also produce such valuable item that could help a person in so many levels. Kisha believed that the points they invested in acquiring Bell''s egg were already a steal, especially considering that Bell was only at Level 1. With each increase in level, Bell''s capabilities would expand exponentially, not just in terms of overall stats, but also in the range of tasks it could perform. As Duke swallowed the Scarlet Honey spoon-fed by Kisha, he fought to stifle any sound, but a soft, involuntary groan still managed to escape his lips. His Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed the lump in his throat, and Kisha noticed him shiver slightly, exerting effort to suppress any further suggestive sounds. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as she witnessed Duke''s vulnerable and captivating state. Despite her efforts to remain rational, she found herself tempted by everything she had seen and heard. The enclosed space only heightened the intensity of the moment, causing her heart to race and her mind to wander into forbidden territory. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She fought against the impulse to take advantage of Duke''s vulnerability, struggling to maintain her composure amidst the overwhelming surge of desire. Kisha experienced a euphoria, the effects of consuming Scarlet Honey, a sensation similar to an orgasm. She couldn''t help but notice Duke''s body reacting, with a noticeable tent already forming below. Though Kisha wasn''t intentionally looking, the situation was too obvious to ignore, almost as if it demanded attention. Despite Duke wearing loose sweatpants, there was no hiding the undeniable bulge, standing tall without restraint. Kisha swallowed hard, her throat dry as she watched the tent forming below. Duke was still in the midst of experiencing the effects of the Scarlet Honey, and Kisha couldn''t tear her eyes away from the captivating sight. But she still did her best to focus on what''s important. ''This item is truly dangerous,'' Kisha muttered under her breath, clicking her tongue in concern. She stored the remaining Scarlet Honey in her inventory and observed Duke closely. She could sense the spiritual energy circulating within Duke''s body, following the pathways cleared by the Scarlet Honey. Despite her heightened sensitivity to spiritual energy, its presence was faint, given Duke''s Level 0 status and the internal nature of the process. Kisha stepped closer, placing her right hand on his chest and her left hand on his lower core at his navel. Leaning in, she rested her forehead against his. Chapter 116 - 116 Would You? While experiencing the effects of the Scarlet Honey, Kisha observed that the main dantians were located in three key areas: the head, chest, and lower core near the navel. These regions seemed to function as reserves where energy primarily flowed through and gathered before being distributed to activate their awakened abilities as needed. Kisha diligently monitored the three specific locations, attuning herself to the flow of spiritual energy coursing through Duke''s body. She felt a wave of relief wash over her as she sensed no disturbances or issues arising. The Scarlet Honey continued to navigate its path unhindered, steadily progressing for a full ten minutes, mirroring Kisha''s own duration. As the intense currents in Duke''s body began to subside, Kisha remained vigilant, monitoring his spiritual energy levels. However, Duke''s eyes gradually fluttered open, and he found Kisha mere inches from his face, her eyes closed as if anticipating a kiss. What caught his attention even more was her hand resting on his navel, where he could unmistakably feel his arousal stirring. He couldn''t discern who was taking advantage of whom at this moment. His entire body remained incredibly sensitive due to the lingering effects of the Scarlet Honey, and Kisha''s actions were only further agitating his heightened arousal. With a burning intensity in his gaze, he awaited the moment when she would finally open her eyes. As Duke''s spiritual energy gradually settled within his body, Kisha slowly opened her eyes. However, when her gaze met Duke''s fiery orbs, their intensity was so overwhelming that she felt as if she might melt on the spot. Suppressing the lump that formed in her throat, Kisha began to extricate herself from him, but Duke refused to let her go. With determination, he pulled her closer by the waist, drawing her nearer as they stood intimately together. "How do you plan to settle this?" Duke''s voice was low and husky as he pressed his body closer to Kisha, ensuring she could feel the heat emanating from his throbbing boner concealed within his trousers. Kisha''s heart pounded fiercely in her ribcage, its rapid rhythm threatening to burst from her chest. Duke''s brazen seduction left her reeling, but amidst her turmoil, she couldn''t deny the intense allure of the Scarlet Honey''s effects. Even she, with her heightened spiritual control, was not immune to its potent influence. Yet, she couldn''t shake the feeling that Duke might be using this as an excuse to become intimate with her. However, she quickly dismissed the thought, reminding herself that Duke was the most reserved man she had ever encountered. Nevertheless, the memory of recent instances in this current life where Duke had boldly seduced her lingered in her mind, casting doubt on her previous reassurances. So she boldly teased him in return. "Would you like me to help you with this? Hmm?" Kisha''s voice was laced with playful suggestion as she placed her hands on his toned stomach, slowly tracing the contours of his abdominal muscles down to the waistband of his trousers. Duke couldn''t suppress a sexy groan as he bit his lip in response to her provocative touch. "Would you?" Duke''s impatience was evident as he swiftly guided Kisha''s hands to his throbbing boner without hesitation. Since she had offered, he saw no reason to decline her goodwill. An evil smirk graced his lips as Kisha''s eyes widened, slowly comprehending Duke''s bold move. Her teasing had backfired spectacularly, leaving her feeling choked up by the sudden turn of events. She had anticipated Duke pushing her away and reacting grumpily, but he had surprised her by doing the exact opposite. It was as if he were telling her not to play with fire. Before she could protest, Duke interjected, "Hurry up. Others are waiting for us out there, and we''re still amidst a chaotic mess. If we linger here too long, they''ll become suspicious of what we are doing inside." Duke''s reminder was laced with teasing, indicating his arousal and sensitivity in the moment, which made him feel suffocated by his throbbing member that showed no signs of subsiding. He understood that Kisha was likely just teasing him, perhaps influenced by the suggestive events that had unfolded between them recently. However, he couldn''t deny that he harbored some expectations for further developments in their interaction. As Kisha''s hands remained atop his member, he sensed her fingers stiffen the moment they made contact with his throbbing boner. As Duke''s member twitched in Kisha''s hand, he couldn''t help but feel even more excited, especially knowing that she had noticed. Meanwhile, Kisha''s throat went dry as her mind raced with options. It was her first time touching Duke''s member, and she couldn''t help but be struck by its size. "Is he an elephant?" the thought involuntarily crossed Kisha''s mind. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s heart pounded wildly in her chest, its rapid beats echoing loudly in her ears. She was certain Duke could hear it. Before she could gather her thoughts and decide on her next move, Duke leaned closer to her, emitting a stifled, sexy groan that sent shivers down her spine. Unbeknownst to her, her hand slid down the length of his member, coming to rest at its base. Duke''s voice turned into a low purr as he urged her on, whispering in her ear, "Don''t stop... keep going." His breath became ragged as he gently guided her hand up and down his shaft. The softness of her touch was all it took to push him to the edge, and Kisha''s mind felt like it short-circuited at that moment. She had never witnessed this side of Duke, not even once before. All she could recall were his grim and cold, indifferent expressions. But this was entirely different¡ªit reminded her of the stark contrast between the Duke she had known in her past life and the one she knew now. She couldn''t help but feel that he was cuter this way. Duke tightened his grip on Kisha''s waist as he continued to guide her on how to stroke his shaft. Initially, he had second thoughts about allowing this, fearing that Kisha might become angry. However, his body was ablaze with desire, as if he were under the influence of an aphrodisiac. So, he decided to test the waters, knowing that if it didn''t work out, he would handle the consequences on his own. However, he hadn''t anticipated that Kisha would simply go along with it, which filled him with even more excitement and ecstasy. Chapter 117 - 117 Dont Look Every touch from Kisha sent a tingling sensation racing across his scalp, elevating him to cloud nine. It felt even better than when he was doing it on his own. "Kisha, faster, okay?" he urged, then began nibbling on her earlobes, overcome with arousal. Kisha instinctively followed Duke''s words, and he slowly released her hand so she could continue on her own. Unaware that she was still instinctively obeying his command, Kisha suddenly realized what she was doing. She could have stopped right there and left Duke hanging, but considering she had initiated the teasing and Duke took it seriously, she decided to bite the bullet. With resolve, she used her hand to stroke his member through his pants. Despite the fabric acting as a barrier between her hand and his throbbing boner, Kisha could still feel the heat emanating from it. Duke''s nibbling on her sensitive earlobe only served to further cloud her mind, igniting a rising sense of arousal within her as well. As the minutes passed, Duke began gasping for air, the hot breath escaping from his mouth teasing Kisha''s ears. His occasional groans only fueled Kisha''s eagerness to please him further. She found herself craving more of Duke''s reactions, each one igniting a growing excitement within her as if his pleasure were her own release she sought after. "Kisha, Kisha..." Duke''s voice trailed off as he closed his eyes, overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through his shaft from Kisha''s strokes. Each movement left him craving more from her touch. She stroked from the head of his shaft to the base, her pace quickening slightly from when she had started, and her movements were now less clumsy, smoother, and more confident than before. Duke and Kisha were now sweaty and flushed with heat, having been at it for a solid 15 minutes. Kisha''s hand was starting to feel sore from the continuous stroking of Duke''s shaft. She hadn''t anticipated that Duke would last this long, and her hand began to ache with exertion. Duke''s hand glided from Kisha''s waist to the curve of her back, slipping beneath her clothing to explore the soft, supple skin with his slightly rough fingers. Each caress sent a delicious shiver down Kisha''s spine, her eyes fluttering as a gasp parted her lips. But Duke''s touch only intensified as his other hand found the back of Kisha''s head, gently urging her closer to him. With a hungered breath, he captured her lips in a searing kiss, igniting a fire between them. Kisha was caught off guard by Duke''s hungry yet gentle kiss, which gradually escalated into a passionate exchange as he teased her lips with his tongue. His exploration was deliberate, inching closer to find her small dainty tongue, and when they finally met, it sent a jolt of electricity through Kisha''s body. After a while, Duke pulled back, and a thin strand of saliva lingered between them, a silent testament to their heated exchange. "Don''t stop, I''m almost there..." Duke urged his voice husky with desire, reminding Kisha to continue stroking him. Then, without hesitation, he dove back into the kiss with renewed fervor, as if unable to quench his thirst for her. As Kisha resumed stroking Duke''s shaft, their passionate kiss continued unabated. The sensation was overwhelming, causing Kisha''s knees to weaken until she could no longer stand upright. Fortunately, Duke''s strong arms wrapped around her back, preventing her from collapsing, as he maintained the intensity of their kiss. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His skilled hands roamed over Kisha''s back, while the other held her head close, deepening their connection. Meanwhile, Kisha found herself equally drawn into the moment, her free hand instinctively reaching up to entwine in Duke''s hair. This silent gesture conveyed her unspoken desire and eagerness to fully immerse herself in the passionate exchange. If Duke hadn''t exercised restraint, he might have already carried Kisha to the bed. However, he hesitated, fearing that such a move would only intensify their intimacy to a point of no return. He wasn''t confident that he could halt the momentum once it reached that stage. Duke, with a slight pinch on Kisha''s back, fervently explored every inch of her mouth before abruptly ending the kiss. "I''m cumming!" he exclaimed, biting Kisha''s lower lip once more. His body trembled with pleasure as a louder groan escaped his lips, signaling his release. Duke''s scalp tingled with excitement, sending electrifying sensations coursing through his gums. As he experienced his release shooting powerfully inside his trousers, he found the sensation ten times more intense than when he was doing it alone. The taste of Kisha on his lips felt incredibly sweet, and his heart pounded so hard in his rib cage that it felt like it could shatter at any second. His release sent waves of pleasure coursing through his entire body, causing his toes to curl inside his shoes. As he felt his climax continuing unabated, he couldn''t help but let out a satisfied chuckle. Gently, he pressed a peck to the edge of Kisha''s eyes. "That felt amazing," he murmured, his voice filled with contentment. Kisha pursed her lips, recognizing that their relationship had just taken a significant leap, skipping over some levels that might not be deemed appropriate for outsiders. However, she reasoned that they were now living in a post-apocalyptic era, where societal norms had shifted, so she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind. She observed Duke panting from his release, his trousers stained and damp where the head of his member was. She noticed that he was still hard, but at least it didn''t seem to be throbbing as painfully as earlier. "If you keep looking, I might get aroused again, and I don''t know how things will progress from there," Duke said in a seductive tone, his gaze intense as he seemed to silently request more. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat, feeling the weight of his gaze. She quickly retrieved a new set of clothes for Duke to change into, realizing that his current attire was no longer suitable. Chapter 118 - 118 Take Responsibility Realizing she was also perspiring from their exercise, Kisha hurriedly dashed to the bathroom to change her own clothes. As she ran, her knees threatened to buckle beneath her, a testament to the intensity of their passionate moment. Meanwhile, Duke remained behind, trying to regulate his breathing after his climax. Amused, he couldn''t help but chuckle softly as he watched Kisha''s hurried retreat to the bathroom. Duke''s eyes took on a contented crescent shape, brimming with satisfaction and a hint of mischief as if he had just won the lottery. As Kisha disappeared into the bathroom to change, Duke settled onto the bed, relishing the lingering sensations of their intimate encounter. However, he had to abruptly halt his reverie, lest he stirs up his arousal once more. Kisha, on the other hand, stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was flushed, her lips red and slightly swollen¡ªnot the natural plumpness they usually had. It was evident she had just shared a passionate kiss, and she couldn''t help but facepalm herself at the thought. There was no way anyone wouldn''t notice, and she dreaded the inevitable questions and speculations about what had transpired behind closed doors. Even after living through a hundred lives, Kisha still felt inexperienced when it came to love. In her 99th life, she had a lover, but they never had the chance to be intimate. "Host, more like you never even wanted to be touched by him," 008 interjected into her thoughts before retreating back into the depths of her consciousness. Kisha ignored 008''s jab and returned to her thoughts. Reflecting on her past, she realized that not being intimate with that asshole for a long time might have been the reason he cheated on her and ultimately betrayed her. ''I guess treating someone well isn''t always enough to keep them as a lover,'' she mused. After regulating her breathing and calming herself, Kisha took a quick shower and changed into fresh sportswear. When she stepped out of the bathroom, she found Duke leaning against the door frame, waiting for her. He flashed his most charming smile, satisfaction radiating from his face¡ªhe was practically glowing. "From now on, you''re my wife," Duke declared possessively. Kisha''s lips twitched at his words. Duke''s glowing satisfaction was almost blinding, leaving her unsure of how to feel. She felt as if she had jumped right into a pit dug specifically for her. The one who benefited the most stood right in front of her, and Kisha couldn''t help but feel a pang of frustration. Her frustration was evident, especially in her eyes. Duke chuckled as he watched her expression shift from embarrassment to irritation, clearly enjoying the sight. He hadn''t expected things to turn out this way just because of a spoonful of honey, but he couldn''t deny he was happy with the outcome. He had been worrying about how to further their relationship when the opportunity presented itself, and he was so delighted that he wanted to secure her for himself as soon as possible. The thought of her making the same mistake with another man made his blood boil; he knew he would lose it and might crush some skulls right then and there. "I''ll take responsibility. From now on, you are my wife... Hmm?" Duke repeated when Kisha didn''t respond the first time. His serious expression and possessive gaze were unmistakable, and he made no effort to conceal them from her. The intensity of his aura made Kisha swallow hard, a lump forming in her throat as tension radiated through her body. Unaware that her playful teasing would escalate to this, or perhaps recognizing it as an ill-timed jest, especially following his consumption of the Scarlet Honey, she couldn''t help but acknowledge its peril. "That honey was dangerous," she mused, resolving to keep it away from prying eyes. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No need to shoulder any responsibility. Nothing happened, after all. Let''s simply move on and focus on what needs to be done," Kisha attempted to maintain a fa?ade of nonchalance as she walked past Duke. But Duke intercepted her, pulling her back into his embrace. "Running away, are we? Or shall I summon my parents to initiate the proper procedures for you to consent to becoming my wife?" Duke''s demeanor turned icy, unwilling to let her slip away. Despite benefiting from the situation, he was unwilling to forfeit the opportunity that lay before him. Kisha pursed her lips and met Duke''s gaze. "Why do you speak as if I took advantage of you?" "You did, in a way. You claimed all my firsts," Duke retorted, a smirk playing on his lips. Kisha choked from his response. ''What does he mean by "took his firsts"? He was the one who took my first kiss and even the first intimate touch.'' Fuming with frustration, Kisha simmered inwardly. But before Kisha could express her anger, Duke pressed on. "No woman has ever laid a hand on me, nor have I kissed anyone. So, technically, that was my first kiss and the first time someone touched me," Duke explained, his voice taking on a seductive tone as if attempting to reassure his wife. His words were like a sultry purr, stirring something within Kisha, yet she couldn''t shake off her skepticism. Given Duke''s status and position, countless women would undoubtedly vie for his attention, providing him with ample options to choose from. He was undeniably attractive, possessing a magnetic charm that could easily captivate any woman. However, the claim that he had never allowed a woman to touch him or kiss anyone seemed impossible to Kisha. Unaware of her doubtful expression, Kisha''s skepticism subtly etched across her face, a revelation that Duke couldn''t overlook. Sensing her disbelief, he felt a surge of frustration at her lack of trust, though he quickly opted for a teasing approach. "You know what? I might have made a mistake. Those weren''t my firsts," he quipped, a smug smirk playing on his lips. And sure enough, Kisha''s expression shifted ever so slightly, her eyes narrowing dangerously in response to his words. ''Is he playing games with me?'' she seethed inwardly. "The very first woman was, of course, my mother. She even saw me naked and surely kissed me many times when I was young but she surely never touched me inappropriately. So yeah, you are still the one who stole all my first when it was supposed to be for my wife. To make things right, wasn''t it only right that you accept me as your husband?" Duke said confidently, bearing the demeanor of a businessman who never accepts defeat. Feeling foolish for taking Duke''s words seriously, Kisha pinched the side of his stomach, causing Duke to wince and cease his teasing. "Are you just going to dine and dash? Hmm?" He quipped. Kisha choked up, realizing it sounded like she was the one evading responsibility, so she retorted, "You''re the one who stole my first kiss though." "Then I''ll take responsibility and make you my wife," Duke declared, turning on his heel and heading straight to the bathroom with a satisfied grin as if he''d just pulled off a successful heist. ''Did I just fall into his trap?'' Kisha asked herself incredulously. Chapter 119 - 119 Their Union Kisha waited impatiently for only 10 minutes as Duke finished his shower. They emerged from the room, freshly dressed and smelling pleasant. Avoiding eye contact with anyone, Kisha couldn''t help but sense the judgmental stares directed her way. What made it worse was that she had been the one to pull Duke into the room, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable to the assumption that she was the needy one in their eyes. She believed she had shed all her shame in previous lives, yet she could feel her face growing hot with embarrassment. All it took was this subtle indication for everyone to confirm what had transpired inside the room. "Congratulations, my grandson!" The Patriarch''s laughter broke the silence as he warmly congratulated his grandson. Unfazed, he recalled his own and his son''s past daring endeavors to win over their wives, understanding that such boldness ran in the family. Nevertheless, he hadn''t anticipated his grandson''s decisive action happening quite so soon. As Duke and Kisha remained in the room for over an hour, the lack of soundproofing in the apartment allowed Duke''s pleasure-filled groans to echo throughout the space, audible to those nearby. Duke wasn''t the least bit embarrassed. In fact, he considered them witnesses, ensuring that Kisha couldn''t evade the situation unless she genuinely abhorred the thought of being his wife. Yet, he felt assured that Kisha didn''t harbor such feelings, as he sensed her care and had some level of interest in him. As Kisha''s face grew warmer under everyone''s gaze, she felt an urgent desire to leave the room and proceed with their intended plans. However, Duke had other ideas and was determined not to let her escape so easily. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Mother, Father, Grandpa," Duke addressed them solemnly, "I want all of you to bear witness as Kisha and I mark this day as the beginning of our union as husband and wife. While we''ll have a formal wedding once we return to the base and things settle down, I would like to obtain your agreement and have you as our witnesses for this moment." Kisha felt a protest bubbling up inside her. It seemed that Duke was making a mountain out of a molehill by taking things this far. She hadn''t even had a chance to process what had happened inside the room, let alone consider how her grandparents and little brother might react if they found out about this sudden proclamation. "As long as this is truly what you desire," Mrs. Winters spoke first after Duke''s announcement. Initially, she had hoped to unite her son with the Evans family due to her deep friendship with Emma. However, this had strained her relationship with her son. Despite the tension, he continued to show respect for her, silently expressing his love for his parents. Mrs. Winters felt a profound sense of gratitude towards her son and also heartache for neglecting his feelings for her friendship. Now that her son had found someone he truly wished to spend his time with, and considering that Kisha was not a bad person herself and was actually a good match for her son in terms of temperament and thinking process, Mrs. Winters felt relieved. She was willing to take on the task of explaining the situation to her best friend, Emma, and face any potential anger from her. What mattered most was her son''s happiness, especially considering that social norms and status seemed irrelevant now that everything had been thrown into chaos. The Patriarch approached Duke with a tender expression, producing a velvet box from his pocket and presenting it to his grandson as though offering a cherished treasure. "This was the wedding ring I gave to your grandmother when we got married. She hoped to pass it on to your future wife. Now that you''ve decided to tie the knot with this young lady, I wish to give this to you and your wife as a memento of your grandmother. Please take good care of it." He then turned to Kisha with a warm smile. "Welcome to the family." Kisha''s cold indifferent face broke into a smile as the Patriarch showed the same doting smile her own grandfather gave her, she now found herself in the predicament of accepting it or not. "Host, quit the charade of hesitation. I''m well aware of the feelings you harbored for Duke in your previous life. Shouldn''t you be rejoicing now that he reciprocates those feelings?" 008 hijacked Kisha''s thoughts, causing her hesitation. It wasn''t that she didn''t care for Duke; rather, she feared jeopardizing what they already shared. This Duke wasn''t the one she knew from her previous life, nor was he the one who had stood by her in life-and-death situations. Yet, she couldn''t deny her fondness for the Duke standing before her. "But they''re still the same person, so his feelings stem from the same heart. That means, whether it was in the past or now, I doubt his actions would change. If he stood by your side through thick and thin before, then he''ll undoubtedly do the same in this life. Although the Duke you encountered in your previous life may have been slightly different, it was only because of the experiences they went through. You can always test his feelings for you in this life, their depth and sincerity," 008 added solemnly. "Oh! When did you start becoming so mature in your thinking process, and now you''re even speaking up for Duke? Were you bribed?" Kisha teased 008 after hearing its take on the matter. Despite the jest, 008''s words struck a chord with Kisha, and she felt the weight on her heart been lifted. While Kisha found it difficult to trust anyone besides her family, she held a deep-seated belief in Duke''s reliability and sincerity. With her mind now cleared of unnecessary worries, she realized that she had already resolved to make Duke''s life better than it was in his previous life and to protect him at all costs. In light of this, taking their relationship to the next level seemed like a natural progression. Moreover, Duke was the one who initiated the proposal, and Kisha hadn''t employed any manipulative tactics to coerce him into marriage. His earnestness indicated his genuine feelings for her, a notion that stirred a delightful flutter in her stomach. "Since the elder has already spoken, I''ll reluctantly accept Duke''s proposal," Kisha declared, playfully flashing a teasing smile in Duke''s direction. Since she can''t escape, she resolved to savor the moment instead. Chapter 120 - 120 Shotgun Wedding? "Oh? It appears my wife has already consented to marry me?" Duke teased, his smirk widening as he raised an eyebrow at Kisha. He had expected to employ a few more tactics to win her over, but to his delight, it seemed unnecessary. Suppressing a laugh, his eyes crinkled into crescents, brimming with satisfaction. One thing led to another, but the result left him deeply satisfied. Duke had been aware of his burgeoning feelings for Kisha for some time, but he exercised caution, not wanting to frighten her away. He couldn''t help but attribute part of the outcome to the Scarlet Honey. Not only did it assist in their awakened abilities, but it also unexpectedly propelled his relationship with Kisha to the next level. However, he couldn''t deny that his shameless antics played a role in the mix as well. "How could I refuse when you''ve practically dragged me into a shotgun wedding?" Kisha quipped, her protest half-hearted as she playfully threw the remark at Duke. "A shotgun wedding, you say?" Duke arched an eyebrow in amusement, but Kisha ignored his teasing. Resting his chin on his fingers, he continued, "If you''re suggesting this is a shotgun wedding, how about we start by making a little dumpling first, and then I''ll consider going for the real deal? Hmm?" Duke teased once more, eliciting laughter from his parents and grandfather at their playful banter. As Duke''s words sank in, his family members tilted their heads in confusion, and the Patriarch voiced the question lingering in their minds. "Didn''t you two just do that inside the room, which led to this abrupt wedding?" Duke cleared his throat, gathering his thoughts to explain to his family. "Grandpa, it''s not what you think. We were just dealing with a situation related to our awakened abilities and conducting some experimentation. As for the wedding, well, I''ve reached an age where marriage seems fitting, especially given the current state of the world. I figure securing a wife now ensures a stable future for our next generation. Plus, I can''t risk some random guy snatching Kisha away if I leave her on her own," Duke explained, unable to resist teasing Kisha at the end, eliciting an eye roll from her. When Kisha heard the word "experimentation," she couldn''t help but recall what they did inside the room. Her stomach churned, and her toes curled inside her shoes. She couldn''t tell if Duke had chosen that word intentionally or if he was simply explaining his point, but either way, it had a strong effect on her. Duke''s cold fingers on hers snapped Kisha back to reality. She looked down to see him slipping a stunning ring onto her finger. It was a rare blue diamond, cut into a perfect rectangular shape, surrounded by smaller rare pink diamonds. The intricate cutting technique of the blue diamond created a mesmerizing, abstract glimmer as the light hit its many facets. All these exquisite gems were set in a delicate blend of white and pink gold, giving the ring an ethereal appearance. "This is my grandma''s prized possession, the Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring. When Grandpa had it designed for her, it was estimated to be worth around $25.8 million," Duke explained as he gently slid the ring onto Kisha''s finger. He admired the sight of the ring on her hand, a symbol of their union and a cherished family heirloom. "I hope you don''t feel like I''m mistreating you because we''re not having a formal wedding just yet," Duke said, looking up at Kisha with a playful glint in his eye. He kissed her hand where the ring rested, honoring his late grandmother and showing respect to his new wife, his eyebrows raising teasingly. Kisha snorted at him but accepted his gesture. She had promised herself to be braver this time, but when it came to Duke, she couldn''t help but always take a step back, fearing that his rejection would hurt far more deeply than anyone else''s. However, now that he had taken the first step, she had no intention of backing away. Deep inside, she felt a flutter of excitement and still couldn''t believe how quickly everything had changed because of a spoonful of Scarlet Honey. She imagined telling this story to her children or grandchildren someday¡ªthey would probably think she was making it up. The reason for their union wasn''t sweet or romantic; it was actually quite comical. After Duke slipped the ring onto Kisha''s finger, there was a moment of silence as everyone tried to process the whirlwind of events that had just transpired. But soon, the room erupted in applause, followed by a chorus of congratulations from Duke''s subordinates. The Winters family also expressed their happiness, pleased to see Duke take this significant step. Despite the haste and lack of traditional romance, Duke''s promise of a proper wedding once they returned and settled down reassured everyone that he was taking this seriously. Deep down, they all suspected that something had happened in the room to prompt this sudden decision. However, seeing Kisha''s evident embarrassment, no one wanted to challenge Duke''s explanation. Mrs. Winters stepped forward and held Kisha''s hands tenderly, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. Despite the tough life they led, constantly surrounded by danger and pursued by their enemies, there were still moments to be grateful for¡ªand Duke and Kisha''s union was one of them. The Winters had not expected this, and Mrs. Winters could hardly contain her happiness for her son and his new wife. "Kisha, welcome to the family," Mrs. Winters said warmly, gently tapping Kisha''s hands. "If Duke ever gives you any trouble, just let us know. We''ll make sure to teach him a lesson." Hearing his mother''s words, Duke couldn''t help but purse his lips in disbelief. "Mom, who really is your child? You just got a daughter-in-law and you''re already forgetting your son?" he teased, glancing between Kisha and his mother. This playful banter was a stark contrast to Duke''s usual stoic and cold demeanor. In the past, he rarely exchanged more than a few words with his parents while he was busy building their business empire. But now, thanks to Kisha, he had started to open up. He only realized it now, and his family was glad to see Kisha''s positive impact on him. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Of course, Kisha was still not used to her new title. Every time Duke called her his wife, it felt like her funny bone was being tickled, and sometimes she wondered if it was all just a dream. But this happy occasion had to come to an end because there was still work to be done. After the festivities, Kisha and Duke exchanged a look, nodded, and led their team back into action. Splitting into their usual two groups, Duke took the vanguard position. Once they were ready, they burst out of the door, efficiently clearing the zombies that had gathered outside the apartment due to the noise from their sudden celebration. No one was upset to see the dozen zombies piling up outside the door. Instead, they were delighted because more zombies meant more crystal cores, and the more crystal cores they collected, the easier it would be for them to level up. After witnessing Sparrow and Vulture''s recent level-ups, everyone felt motivated to work harder. They wanted to be prepared for their own potential awakenings, just like Sparrow, Vulture, Mrs. Winters, Duke, and Kisha. Seeing what these individuals could achieve had significantly boosted everyone''s morale. Chapter 121 - 121 Practical VS. Flashy When a horde rushed at them, no one became flustered. They continued to kill one zombie at a time, maintaining their composure. Suddenly, Duke called forth a lightning bolt, sending it into the midst of the horde and charring them almost instantly. Everyone in the group, including Kisha, noticed that the lethality of Duke''s awakened abilities had reached a new height as if he had leveled up like Sparrow and Vulture. Kisha and Duke exchanged a knowing look after the devastating attack that cleared the horde blocking their path. Without stopping, they ran straight ahead. Kisha and the others didn''t even need to lift a finger when Duke released his ability. The potency of the Scarlet Honey was evident, and Kisha couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement as she watched Duke effortlessly use his ability without expending too much of his SP. She was starting to form a new conclusion in her mind that thrilled her. Kisha monitored Duke''s SP usage every time he used his ability. Previously, each attack consumed up to 50 SP, allowing him to use his ability ten times before depleting, he currently has 500 SP and 100 HP. However, he typically stopped after five or six uses to conserve energy. Now, thanks to the Scarlet Honey, his SP consumption had decreased to 45 points per attack, giving him an extra opportunity to use his ability one more time. However, SP usage varies based on the type of ability being used. In Duke''s case, his awakened ability has a high SP consumption compared to Sparrow, who only needs half as much to summon his whirlwind. This difference is likely due to the potency of Duke''s ability, requiring more energy. Therefore, having a high-class awakened ability comes with its own drawbacks. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fortunately, the Scarlet Honey seems to mitigate this issue. As Kisha and the rest of the group ran, they didn''t even have to stop to dig out the crystal cores. The ever-resourceful Bell had sent her Scarlet Bees to retrieve them. Kisha hadn''t known this was possible, but despite being only half as powerful as their queen, the Scarlet Bees were still stronger and faster than humans. Additionally, their size was significantly larger than that of normal bees, making it easy for them to transport the crystal cores back. It felt as though Kisha had found a $10 million antique at a garage sale, an incredible stroke of luck that made everything easier not just for her but for everyone else. The task of retrieving the crystal cores was handled by just five Scarlet Bees. Their extreme agility and forelegs, as strong and sharp as knives, made quick work of digging the crystal cores out of the zombies'' skulls. This made Kisha and their people''s journey remarkably smooth, allowing them to keep running without frequent stops. When they did pause, it was only to catch their breath. Kisha switched places with Duke once his SP was down to half. She moved with great agility, controlling three military daggers with ease as they danced through the air as if alive. Unlike Duke, she could continue using her ability almost indefinitely; her SP consumption was only 5 SP for every 20 seconds of continuous use, or 1 SP per second. This efficiency was a significant advantage, as her power''s effectiveness depended on the weight and size of the objects she controlled. In contrast to Duke''s flashy but SP-intensive abilities, Kisha''s power was more practical and sustainable for prolonged use. While Duke rested at the back to slowly replenish his SP, Kisha smoothly led the team to the next building. They navigated through three buildings before Kisha swapped places with Duke. This left Duke feeling quite dissatisfied; he had hoped to impress Kisha and reassure her with his abilities, but instead, he felt overshadowed by his new wife''s effortless leadership and skill. Duke never expected Kisha''s awakened ability to be so efficient and effective against the zombies. He even felt that Kisha could emerge victorious if surrounded by hundreds of zombies on both sides. He wanted to display his manly side to Kisha, hoping she wouldn''t regret her decision to marry him. Despite his nonchalant demeanor when discussing their marriage with his family, he was actually feeling dreadful inside, fearing she might refuse to be his girlfriend, let alone his wife. He had been pushing his luck, never expecting her to agree. Now, he was determined to demonstrate his value to her, eager to dispel any hint of regret she might feel. The mere thought of her second-guessing their agreement filled him with dread, spurring him into action. Beneath his nonchalant exterior lay a current of nervous energy, driving him to find a way to prove himself. As they paused for another rest before swapping places with Kisha, he approached her with a bottle of water in hand, cooled by his ice ability. "Wifey, care for some cold water?" Duke''s voice overflowed with tenderness and affection for his wife, prompting everyone who overheard to feel their skin crawl. Those who hadn''t witnessed it themselves wouldn''t have believed Duke was capable of such gentleness, behaving almost like a devoted puppy towards another. Kisha glanced up, she remembered that the Duke in her past life also always gave her cold water that he chilled using his ice ability but the difference in their attitude was miles away, the Duke in her previous life would simply toss her the bottle and depart, while the Duke before her now seemed eager to please, resembling a devoted black puppy, its tail wagging enthusiastically in her presence. With a smile, Kisha accepted the water before playfully teasing, "I never knew having a husband could be this delightful. If I had known earlier, I might have rushed into marriage sooner!" Duke''s ears perked at her words, nearly prompting a grin to spread across his face. However, as he caught sight of Kisha''s teasing smile, he grasped the implications: while she found marriage appealing, it didn''t necessarily imply he was the groom. His expression soured instantly, and he scooped Kisha from her seat, settling her onto his lap with a displeased frown. Observing Duke''s actions, those nearby tactfully looked away, giving the new couple some space. Some even discreetly stepped back, creating the illusion that they were not eavesdropping to maintain a semblance of privacy, albeit with a hint of curiosity. However, they were careful not to appear too obvious, mindful of potentially invoking Duke''s displeasure. After settling Kisha on his lap, he asked, his voice laced with sour jealousy. "Then, who are you going to marry? Hmm?" He then pinched her side like a jealous wife. Kisha yelped as Duke unexpectedly pinched her sides, a mix of pain and ticklish sensation coursing through her. She shot him a glare, only to find him pouting with clear signs of displeasure and jealousy. At that moment, he appeared more like the one being bullied, and Kisha''s own annoyance dissipated. She rubbed the tip of her nose, averting her eyes, recognizing she had pushed her teasing too far. "Tell me, who would you rather be married to? Hmm?" Duke repeated his question, his tone laced with dominance this time. His right hand rested firmly on Kisha''s back, while his left hand slowly ventured beneath her clothes. His eyes gleamed with jealousy and possessiveness, fixated on her as if he wished to devour her then and there, a suggestive display of claiming ownership over her. Chapter 122 - 122 Divorce? Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as she observed Duke''s demeanor. It wasn''t his assertiveness that unsettled her, but the intensity of desire burning in his eyes. His possessiveness wasn''t stifling; instead, it felt like a protective embrace, as if she were a cherished gem he feared losing. Kisha had believed she understood Duke''s depth of feeling, but as she witnessed his raw emotions, she realized she may not have known him as well as she thought. Duke''s icy fingers, sneaking under her shirt, snapped Kisha back to the present moment. She gasped nervously, glancing around to find everyone else in the room carrying on as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. Meanwhile, Duke''s parents exchanged amused glances, clearly pleased to see their relationship moving forward. Duke''s spirits lifted as he observed Kisha squirming in his embrace, her discomfort evident in front of his family. Despite recognizing her earlier teasing, the mere suggestion of her with someone else stirred a painful ache within him, a notion he refused to entertain. Determined to convey the seriousness of her jest, he resolved to ensure she never joked about such matters again. Duke gently nipped at Kisha''s earlobe, his voice low and teasing. "Tell me, who would you rather be married to? Hmm?" His hands continued their explorations, he felt Kisha squirming in his embrace as he let out an evil smirk while his warm breath teased Kisha''s weak ear and her squirming intensified, Duke''s face darkened as he realized that he was undermining himself again, in front of everyone and his family. "Keep squirming like that, and we might just pick up where we left off earlier," he whispered huskily, his tone dripping with allure. Kisha rolled her eyes at his words, but Duke persisted in his playful antics, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort. Did he expect her to remain unaffected and act like a block of wood without feeling anything? She couldn''t suppress a yelp when Duke unexpectedly licked her ear, drawing the attention of everyone around them as if he had no care in the world. He was threatening me at one point but did the opposite, Kisha felt stumped and frustrated so she pinched Duke''s hand that was still crawling higher inside her shirt. "Host, isn''t it obvious? He wanted you to move some more so he''ll have a reason to continue where you guys left off." 008 couldn''t suppress the giggles echoing in Kisha''s mind as it observed her predicament. Kisha bit her lower lip and firmly pinched Duke''s hand, which had been exploring beneath her shirt. "Continue with what you are doing, or you''ll hear from my lawyer about our divorce," she quipped, mixing jest with seriousness. Duke chuckled in response, his warm breath tickling her ear as he rested his chin on her shoulder. His other hand ceased its roaming, though his grip on her waist tightened subtly. "Oh yeah? Where will you get a lawyer, hmm?" Duke retorted with a smile. Observers couldn''t help but notice the undeniable chemistry between them. They appeared like a couple who had been together for years, effortlessly navigating each other''s quirks and challenges. Their harmony and happiness were palpable, painting a picture of a perfect couple. "Should I just run away then?" Kisha retorted, raising her eyebrows. "That is if you can run away from me..." Duke''s voice trailed off, a hint of seriousness underlying his jest. He wouldn''t entertain the thought of his wife escaping him. Wherever she went, he would follow; whatever she did, he would too. He wouldn''t give her a chance to flee, let alone seek someone new. After their light-hearted banter, they felt their nerves relaxing and rejuvenated. Kisha and Duke resumed leading their team, with Kisha taking the lead this time since her awakened ability was more practical and lasted longer than Duke''s. Earlier, before their rest, they had already traversed four buildings, and now they were nearing the outer section of the western district. Meanwhile, Sparrow, following Kisha''s directives, was also close to completing his preparations and scouting on the opposite side. "After this, we won''t have any more chances to rest. We''ll head straight to the outer layer of the western district in one go. I hope everyone has rested well, and I trust you all to keep up with us," Kisha declared to the group before their departure. Standing at the front, she was ready to lead them out as soon as everyone showed their agreement and determination. Kisha didn''t wait long for everyone to respond. Without hesitation, she darted out of the room, swiftly killing the zombies in her path while the Scarlet Bees collected the crystal cores along the way. The entire team sprinted without pause, determined to press forward. Earlier, while bantering with Duke, Kisha asked 008 to exchange their points for stamina boosters after learning they were available in the mall. They exchanged 999 stamina boosters, purchasing all available stock since the stamina boosters were much cheaper than the black vials of liquid, which cost 1000 points each. The stamina boosters were only 100 points per vial, but buying all of them still cost Kisha more than 99 thousand points, a significant sum. She didn''t know when the same item would go on sale again, so she took advantage of the opportunity. She gave each team member ten stamina boosters, with each vial restoring their stamina to its fullest. Since she was leading the group and Duke and Vulture were assisting from the rear, she expected this supply would be enough for the entire team to reach the outer layer. After clearing three more buildings, the Scarlet Bees notified Kisha that the streets ahead were more accessible, with fewer zombies piling up compared to where they had come from. Since Bell had sent out the Scarlet Bees for scouting while the regular bees provided support, the entire experience had reached a new level of efficiency. Kisha could now receive detailed, first-hand information directly from Bell''s scouts. The Bees could also map out the entire streets with remarkable precision, sending visuals directly to Bell, who then transmitted them to Kisha''s brain. It felt as if she were seeing everything with her own eyes. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 123 - 123 Stamina Booster After receiving the visuals from the bees, Kisha led her team down the building and directly outside. No one questioned their sudden change of course, having already experienced Kisha''s expertise in leading them through the safest routes like a human radar. Most of them understood it was largely thanks to the bees acting as their scouts. However, the mystery of how Kisha controlled the bees remained a lingering question for many. Despite these questions, no one asked Kisha directly, trusting her judgment as they trusted their master, Duke. Once they made their way to the streets, their journey became smoother. They no longer needed Vulture to conjure earth bridges from one building to another, which had previously consumed both time and spiritual energy. Due to the continuous battles and the frequent use of their awakened abilities, their foundations have gradually grown stronger and firmer. If this growth continues, Kisha expects that she, Duke, and Mrs. Winters could start leveling up in a few days, progressing faster than Sparrow and Vulture. However, before attempting to level up, Kisha wanted to experiment with the Scarlet Honey again. This would have to wait until they returned to the shelter. As they continued moving toward the outer layer, they encountered fewer zombies, facing no more than a dozen at a time. These smaller groups were easier to handle, taking Kisha only ten seconds to deal with, and the Scarlet Bees just a second to dig out the crystal cores and return them to her. Kisha had now collected hundreds of Level 0 crystal cores while Bell was munching on a core from time to time like a snack. Unlike Kisha and the rest of the team, Bell didn''t seem to need to process the energy in its body after leveling up, which didn''t affect its foundation. This allowed Bell to consume the crystal cores and level up again within just a few days. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha wondered if this was due to Bell''s constitution as a Mythic Grade Beast, or perhaps because the small amount of spiritual energy inside the crystal cores was insufficient to even stir its energy reserve. Another possibility was that Bell, having originated from a world where spiritual energy was abundant, could easily acclimate itself to her world. No matter how hard Kisha thought about it, she couldn''t fully understand Bell''s origins or how things worked in its world. She could only speculate and ensure that consuming the crystal cores wasn''t negatively affecting Bell''s growth or foundation. After confirming with Bell that it was safe, Kisha allowed it to continue munching on the cores. She also experimented to see if the Scarlet Honey would have the same effect on Bell, hoping it could benefit from the multiplier. Unfortunately, it didn''t work that way for Bell. Since Bell''s constitution was already exceptional from the beginning, the Scarlet Honey didn''t have any additional effect beyond being a natural food for Bell and the other Scarlet Bees. So, in essence, the crystal cores that she and the rest saved up thanks to the multiplier from the Scarlet Honey would all go to Bell instead. Kisha didn''t know whether to laugh or cry upon realizing this crucial information. "Master, actually, there are other ways to increase my growth, similar to how the Scarlet Honey affects humans and beasts," Bell interjected with Kisha''s thoughts as it hovered over her head while they ran through the streets. "What do you mean, Bell? Do we have other alternatives?" Kisha asked, her eyes lighting up with interest. "In the Murim World where I came from, there were different pills that could help with a practitioner''s growth progress, similar to the multiplier effect you mentioned," Bell explained. "Pills?" Kisha questioned, intrigued. She had a general idea of what Bell was talking about, but she wasn''t familiar with the specifics, and she didn''t know where to begin. "Yes, master. Those pills are like elixirs, but the ones I mentioned were of grade 6 and 7, which only Alchemists¡ªor as you call them, Pill Masters¡ªof grade 7 or above could create. However, such masters are rare because alchemy isn''t an easy task. But perhaps we could try searching for them in the system?" Bell explained before suggesting. Kisha was aware that if Bell depended solely on crystal cores for leveling up, their ability to enhance Bell''s strength would be severely restricted. Unless she could secure a consistent supply of higher-level crystal cores, which could accelerate Bell''s leveling process, their progress might stagnate. As their levels increased, advancing to the next level would become progressively more challenging. This concern was particularly relevant for Bell, who lacked a multiplier like Kisha and the others. She also had a growing suspicion that Bell''s leveling process would become exceptionally difficult once it reached a certain point. So, Kisha promptly instructed 008 to search for the pills Bell mentioned in the Murim World channel. Given that they had previously purchased an immortal pill from that world, it should be easier for 008 to make another purchase. With that task delegated, Kisha shifted her focus back to the immediate challenge they faced. Thus far, she and the others had already consumed three vials of stamina booster, akin to energy drinks. While their physical stamina felt replenished, the mental strain lingered. Despite this, they could push through the fatigue, albeit feeling it to some extent, and continue pressing forward. Kisha had also depleted half of her SP, prompting her to switch positions with Duke. Vulture maintained his support role, as his awakened ability was primarily geared towards defense. It seemed fitting for him to remain in this role and only intervene as necessary. While Mrs. Winters continued to practice her awakened ability with support from her husband, and the Patriarch offered moral support to everyone, their journey proceeded smoothly without any issues. They didn''t encounter any death warriors along the way either. However, Kisha and Duke remained uncertain whether they had truly thrown off Colton''s spies or if they were simply lying low. Consequently, they refused to let their guard down and remained vigilant as they pressed onward. Kisha kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, ensuring that the death warriors wouldn''t pull a fast one on them. After five hours of non-stop sprinting and nearly exhausting all their vials of stamina booster, they finally reached the edge of the western district. Once they stopped at a gasoline station along the way, everyone in Kisha''s team collapsed from exhaustion and mental strain after securing the perimeter. They were breathing raggedly, their muscles drained of strength and their bodies strained beyond their limits. The stamina booster had only replenished their stamina, not alleviated their fatigue or muscle exhaustion. Kisha''s concerns about relying too heavily on such supplements were becoming evident¡ªthey didn''t know the potential consequences of excessive use. Only Kisha, Duke, and Vulture were faring better than the others. Awakening their abilities had raised their body''s capacity limits, allowing them to recover and endure better. Vulture had already leveled up, increasing his overall stats, while Kisha and Duke''s constitutions had improved significantly due to the effects of the Scarlet Honey. However, Mrs. Winters, despite awakening, still struggled due to her originally frail body, with her improvement being only marginal. Chapter 124 - 124 Are you a Dog? When they reached the gasoline station, Kisha allowed the group to rest. The shelves were ransacked and the place looked like it had survived a hurricane, but the glass windows and doors remained intact, and there were only a few zombies around. This likely explained why the place had been looted so thoroughly. Kisha and the rest could rest there peacefully, gathering their strength and tending to their aching muscles. "Are you alright?" Duke asked, sitting down beside Kisha and handing her a cold bottle of water. He was faring well due to his extensive training and monstrous stamina, but his people were different; they were gasping for air. Kisha would have been almost as exhausted, if not for the additional +10 points in all her stats due to her title. Seeing Duke act as if he had just gone for a jog rubbed Kisha the wrong way. His unfairly superior physique was evident then and now. Noticing the envy in her eyes, Duke chuckled and gently placed the water bottle in her hands. As Kisha sat on a stool, Duke crouched down, gingerly lifted one of her legs, and rested it on his knee before he started massaging her calf and leg muscles. Kisha yelped at first because Duke had used too much force. Hearing her exclaim, he adjusted his pressure and watched her reaction closely. After readjusting a few times, he finally saw Kisha''s eyes turn to crescents in delight. In return, as Duke massaged her legs, Kisha took out her favorite melon bread, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. She tore off a bite-sized piece and held it up to Duke''s lips with a smile. When Duke noticed that Kisha was offering him some food, he looked up at her with a playful glint in his eyes before taking a bite. He couldn''t resist teasing her by gently licking her fingers. He felt confident doing so because he knew Kisha had thoroughly washed her hands with soap several times before feeding him. After feeling the dampness on her fingers, Kisha felt a jolt of electricity course from her fingertips to her scalp and down to her belly button. Her eyes fluttered, and she bit her lip, trying to suppress the ticklish sensation. "Are you a dog?" Kisha asked, her voice tinged with embarrassment while her cheeks turned bright red. Despite her embarrassment, Kisha continued feeding Duke. He, in turn, didn''t stop massaging her legs, grinning like a kid who had successfully pulled off a prank. Kisha narrowed her eyes, not in anger, but finding him irresistibly cute and lovable. Her lips curved into a smile, and she felt an urge to pat his head, thinking he looked like a mischievous big black dog. Instead of pinching his cheeks as her hands itched to do, she took some lemonade from her inventory, inserted a straw, and brought it closer to Duke. "Could you please chill this a bit?" she asked. Duke shot Kisha an aggrieved look, feeling momentarily like she was treating him like a human cooler. But he quickly pushed that thought aside, realizing it was better to be useful than useless. Placing his index finger under the bottle, he used his awakened ability to chill the drink, enveloping it in a thin layer of soft ice. The lemonade became refreshingly cool, but not too cold. When the lemonade was cold enough, Kisha brought it closer to Duke''s lips. "Drink, I''ll hold it for you," she said with a deadpan expression, though Duke could see the tips of her ears turning red. Happily, he took a sip. He hadn''t realized the lemonade was meant for him; if he had known, he wouldn''t have felt aggrieved even for a second. He felt happier than a kid with candy. He repeatedly nodded with contentment. "It tasted sweet. Have some too, my dear wife." He then gently pushed the lemonade closer to Kisha, urging her to take a sip as well. At that moment, they looked like an old couple, and when Duke called Kisha ''wife'', she felt a tug at her heartstrings, as if a flood of emotions rushed in unexpectedly. She even thought, ''I finally heard that again after so long,'' which struck her as odd because she had never had such a relationship in all her past lives, even in her recent life where he met Duke. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since it felt irrelevant and like a passing thought, she decided to push it to the back of her mind and focus on the present moment. She continued to serve Duke melon bread and lemonade as he massaged both of Kisha''s legs, enjoying the small, comforting gestures they shared in the midst of their exhaustion. The Winters watched them with delight, already engaged in a family meeting about potential names for their future grandchildren. The Patriarch was the most enthusiastic, followed closely by Mrs. Winters. However, they seemed to overlook the fact that Duke was supposed to have a fianc¨¦e back at the base. Only Mr. Winters seemed to recall this, and though not as carefree as his father and wife, he was still happy and content with his son''s choice. He understood that it wouldn''t be easy for Duke and his new partner to navigate the situation with the Evans, but he remained firmly on his family''s side. Everyone was having a good time while resting as if the chaos around them was a story from a long time ago, they were undisturbed. Why? It''s because, Bell has eaten a lot of crystal core and so, Kisha sent Bell outside to clean up the zombies that came into their vicinity and to exercise a bit more just so it wouldn''t get too fat, she did not even know if beast would get unhealthy if it did not go exercise and besides, Bell was supposed to be a battle pet, it goes with its nature to fight and improved but because her world is not as harsh as Bell''s world, she''s afraid that Bell''s laid back environment that was not up to par to its previous world will affect Bell''s natural strength and forget its strong instinct to strive to be stronger and survive. Kisha knew she couldn''t neglect Bell''s battle practice, as honing its skills and gaining experience was essential for future battles. Kisha was pulled from her planning for the future and everyone else that was resting when they suddenly heard a series of loud, consecutive sounds. Boom- Rumble.... Boom- Rumble.... The noise was so loud that the ground rumbled with each reverberation of the sound, shaking the air around them. Chapter 125 - 125 Worked in their Favor Seven hours ago... After parting ways with Kisha and the rest, Sparrow, with a military backpack strapped to his back, leaped from rooftop to rooftop, focused on his mission. He gripped the backpack''s strap on his shoulder, increasing his speed. Kisha had ensured he was well-equipped, giving him an additional five vials of black liquid and ten stamina boosters. Before he set off on his mission, Kisha cautioned him once more about the vials she had given him. She urged him not to overdose and to avoid using them consecutively whenever possible, as the side effects were still unknown. He always made sure to follow Kisha''s instructions, knowing that her words were law, especially now that she and his master were husband and wife. From the moment he saw his master treat Kisha differently when he rescued her from those people chasing them around the city, he knew she would not be able to escape his master''s grasp and would eventually become his wife. He didn''t have any proof before, only noticing Duke''s oddities in his actions, but now he was certain. This gave him even more reason to put extra thought and effort into the mission Kisha had entrusted to him. Soon enough, he reached the building where the Winters were trapped before. He scanned the entire area, searching for any remaining death warriors. After making a few rounds to ensure the coast was clear, he finally sprang into action. He began dismantling the remaining speakers that were attracting the zombies. Once finished, he changed their sequence, directing the zombies that had gathered in the center toward the west section of the western district. This area, once home to the wealthy residents of City B, was filled with high-end luxury apartments and condos, all centered around a picturesque man-made lake and other exclusive amenities. He cautiously maneuvered through the area, ensuring he didn''t attract any unwanted attention. It took him four hours to set the speakers in the correct sequence, carefully dealing with lookouts in specific locations to create a path for the zombies, much like he had done in the southeast part. While the plan seemed straightforward, the execution was far from easy. He had to navigate above the zombies to reach the speakers, which were often dangerously close to the undead. The zombies clawed at the walls, following the intermittent sounds designed to stimulate and lure them. The walls were smeared with coagulated black blood, and fragments of fingernails and flesh clung to the surface, creating a grotesque sight. Every time Sparrow approached, the stench of decay assaulted his nostrils, and he found himself only a few steps away from the horde. Despite being perilously close to the zombies'' claws each time, he never got flustered. Perhaps he had grown used to the danger or considered the zombies as manageable as a child''s play. The individuals who had originally placed the speakers never anticipated that anyone would dare tamper with their arrangements. They had strategically positioned the speakers to draw the zombies toward the center while also placing them in perilous locations to deter interference. Destroying them with long-range weapons like sniper rifles was feasible, but approaching them up close was a death sentence, even for those who had installed them. Sparrow was doing an excellent job dismantling the speakers, rendering the efforts of those who had made the arrangement futile. He also didn''t forget to collect the AWMs and the lookouts'' backpacks, having learned not to let any opportunity to gather supplies slip by. These resources, such as the assault rifles and AWMs he had previously gathered from enemies in the southeast part, had proven invaluable, and he knew they would be just as useful in the future. He noticed that the arrangement of the lookout stations was similar to those in the southeast, leading him to conclude that the enemy''s base layouts were uniform and not particularly well-hidden. This made it easier for him to navigate, especially since he had acquired their map. It seemed the enemy had grown complacent, never expecting the Winters to escape their predicament, let alone turn the tables on them. They likely believed they were playing a game of cat and mouse, with themselves as the cat toying with its prey. However, they didn''t anticipate certain factors that would tip the scales against them. They likely thought they were playing a game of cat and mouse, with themselves as the cat toying with its prey. However, they didn''t anticipate certain factors beyond their expectations that would tip the scales against them. So, the lookout, who had grown complacent yet also fearful of the world''s changes, was willing to do anything to ensure his survival. He readily divulged his group''s whereabouts and even provided a bird''s-eye view version of the map, detailing each of their locations. Sparrow also discovered that the Coltons swiftly dealt with individuals showing any signs of transformation into zombies, such as high fever or suddenly collapsing, by killing them without waiting for them to transform. They believed that even without a bite, the virus could still be transmitted, leading others to turn if not dealt with preemptively. This explains why there were no awakened individuals among the Coltons'' ranks even after a week had passed, while Duke''s group had already acquired five superhumans. Sparrow couldn''t help but find the irony amusing. The Coltons'' young master''s paranoia and instability inadvertently worked in Duke''s group''s favor. Kisha pondered whether the Coltons had any superhumans among them. She realized the potential implications for their safety and plans if they were caught off guard by such information. She tasked Sparrow with uncovering any superhumans within the Coltons'' ranks, emphasizing the importance of staying informed to avoid surprises that could jeopardize their group''s safety. But then she changed her mind and just planned to just kill all of them to end their future problems. Now, with a clearer understanding of the Coltons'' condition and the map providing a boost to his mission, Sparrow felt as though a stubborn fishbone had been removed from his throat. He couldn''t help but feel a surge of confidence and gratitude for the opportunities that seemed to come his way effortlessly, even in the midst of the apocalypse. It was as if luck was always on his side, presenting him with windows of opportunity without him needing to seek them out. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This insight proved immensely beneficial for his missions, leading Sparrow to contemplate the fortunate circumstances that had brought them to this point. Perhaps it was a stroke of luck, or maybe it was the result of his master''s past good deeds. Regardless, meeting Kisha had been a pivotal moment. Her generosity in sharing vital information ensured that their forces wouldn''t suffer unnecessary losses. Sparrow might find even more reason to laugh if he were to discover that Duke had indeed done something remarkable in his past life. This could explain why Kisha had approached Duke first and had been so eager to alter his path and protect him. It was Duke''s sacrifice that ultimately led Kisha to recognize whom she should prioritize in her current life and where she needed to exercise ruthlessness. She was determined to ensure that those who had caused her death and betrayed her faced the consequences of this life. She wouldn''t allow these individuals to harm more innocent lives for their selfish gains. This became her personal vendetta because they had touched with what belonged to her: Duke. Chapter 126 - 126 The Retaliation Upon gathering the necessary information, Sparrow cast a disdainful glance at the man who had readily betrayed his own people to save himself. The man shrank under Sparrow''s gaze, feeling the weight of his impending fate as cold sweat trickled down his back. He sensed Sparrow''s intent, a prelude to something ominous. "You promised to spare me if I talked!" the man protested, his voice tinged with desperation as he began to back away. Sparrow, however, allowed no opportunity for escape. With a swift gesture, he conjured a razor-sharp wind blade aimed directly at the man''s head. The man''s eyes widened in horror as he felt the sudden surge of wind pressure, but before he could react, his head was cleanly severed from his neck. His eyes remained wide open, frozen in shock, in the moment before his demise. Sparrow harbored no sympathy for the man; one who could so readily betray his own people did not warrant it. He shifted his attention back to the map he had just acquired, meticulously noting each location he needed to remember. With a cold resolve, he murmured, "A man like you will never find a place in this world. You are the true danger." Sparrow delivered a swift kick to the man''s head, sending it tumbling like a soccer ball before hurling his body off the building toward where the zombies were gathered. As the body hit the ground, the ravenous undead descended upon it, tearing into flesh with savage hunger. Sparrow watched indifferently, then scoffed before vanishing from his position like the wind. Guided by the map, Sparrow executed his final mission with meticulous stealth. Just as before, he led the zombies to encircle the enemy''s camp undetected, ensuring each location was tightly surrounded before withdrawing to a safe distance. From there, he observed with grim satisfaction, eager to witness how the Coltons would confront their imminent doom. He knew they would not emerge unscathed from this ordeal, even if they managed to survive. Sparrow stood atop the roof, arms crossed, a wry scoff escaping his lips as he surveyed the scene before him. His belongings lay at his feet, forgotten for the moment. In the distance, the cacophony of zombie roars and growls reverberated through the air, a grim testament to their overwhelming number. The streets below were choked with the undead, rendering them impassable to any unfortunate souls who might attempt to traverse them. Sparrow maintained a mental countdown, poised in patient anticipation as he awaited the commencement of the impending spectacle. Meanwhile, the Coltons remained blissfully unaware of the imminent threat looming over them. Kisha also wanted to see the show but refrained from coming because if she came, Duke would also come but, they wouldn''t be as fast as Sparrow and even if Kisha could be of help setting up the speakers and the other things using her awakened ability, Duke wouldn''t be able to help as much and they would only be on Sparrow''s way, so, they decided to just lead the main party back to a safe place while leaving this mission to Sparrow since his agility and stealth would be his strong points. As the Coltons'' camp became encircled by zombies on all sides, the air filled with the reverberations of gunfire. Despite their awareness that loud sounds could draw more undead, they had no choice but to unleash the deafening sound of their assault rifles. With all combatants engaged in killing wave after wave of zombies from the rooftop, they tried to clear a path for their escape and the relocation of their base. Amidst the relentless barrage of gunfire and cacophony of Zombie roars, they remained oblivious to any suspicious signs around them. They never even had a moment to contemplate the sudden emergence of the zombie horde, as no warning had reached them. The unexpected assault left them bewildered and unprepared, their focus consumed by the urgent need to fend off the relentless undead onslaught. Upon reaching out to neighboring camps for assistance, only then did they realize they had been set up. Each camp faced the same dire predicament, encircled on all sides by hordes of zombies. With no means to send reinforcements and lacking sufficient grapple guns to escape to neighboring buildings, they found themselves trapped. The sudden surge of undead caught them off guard, their arrogance and complacency shattered by the unfolding chaos. They had believed everything was under their control, confident that their elaborate plans would ensnare the Winters without fail. Now, confronted with the harsh reality of their own vulnerability, they scrambled to devise a new strategy amid the chaos of the encroaching horde. Their attempts to strategize were abruptly cut short by the thunderous sound of simultaneous explosions, which sent shockwaves rippling through the ground and debris hurtling through the air. Severed limbs flew in all directions, obscuring the source of the devastation and leaving them disoriented and vulnerable. Caught completely off guard by the sudden onslaught, they found themselves reeling from the chaos as the explosions echoed ominously in the distance. In an instant, three-quarters of their forces lay lifeless, the opening created by the blasts serving as a grim invitation for the encroaching horde of zombies. With their ranks decimated and no escape in sight, they were left utterly defenseless and at the mercy of their relentless assailants. Left with no other viable options, the Coltons resorted to using grenades to clear a path through the encroaching horde of zombies. The earlier explosions had already drawn the attention of zombies from miles around, so they decided to just make use of the chaos and create an escape route. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the relentless tide of zombies converging on their location from all corners of the western district, time was of the essence. If they didn''t act swiftly, their chances of making it out alive would diminish with each passing moment. With a cold, indifferent gaze and a malevolent smile, Sparrow observed the Coltons'' final bid for survival. As they frantically sought refuge in their garage, oblivious to the trap awaiting them, Sparrow''s calculated plan unfolded. He had strategically placed explosives in the garage, ensuring their escape route was sealed shut. Moreover, he had targeted adjacent buildings, preventing them from using their grapple guns to seek sanctuary elsewhere¡ªa tactic Sparrow and the others had employed successfully to run away from the horde of zombies crowding the streets. It was a ruthless scheme, meticulously designed to ensure their demise, and Sparrow reveled in the unfolding chaos. He ensured there was no escape route, relishing in their futile attempts to find one. Sparrow watched as they clung desperately to the dwindling shreds of hope, unaware of the inevitable Fucked up fate closing in on them. This is Kisha''s brutal retaliation against the Coltons for their relentless targeting of the Winters. Her vengeance knows no bounds as she seeks to utterly crush them and wipe the Coltons from existence. It''s not just about this lifetime; it''s about the countless 99 lives where Duke suffered at the hands of the Coltons. She''s avenging him with every ounce of her being. This marks the beginning of a new chapter where she and Duke can finally embrace a better life in the midst of the apocalypse, surrounded by their cherished loved ones. Chapter 127 - 127 Revenge was Served Just as Sparrow had anticipated, the Coltons made their way to the garage, oblivious to the trap awaiting them. As they crowded around the first armored car and opened its door, an explosion ripped through the air, reducing the unfortunate soul who triggered it to nothing but pulp. In a chain reaction, the other cars detonated one by one, ensnaring those seeking escape in a deadly dance of fire and metal. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Only a scant few who had been fighting at the very back remained alive. However, the force of the explosion had torn another hole in their defenses, allowing the ravenous horde of zombies to encircle them from all sides, leaving them besieged and utterly overwhelmed. With nowhere to run, they were consumed by the ravenous horde, their desperate screams drowned out by the cacophony of zombie roars. The only remnants of the Coltons'' camp were dark wisps of smoke rising from the ruins, where half of the building had been devoured by explosions. The scene was grisly, with limbs scattered almost everywhere, torn apart by the blasts and the onslaught of zombies. This was the grim fate of what had befallen the other two remaining camps, stealthily rigged by Sparrow with explosives just like the one now facing him. Sparrow patiently waited for the last of the Coltons'' men to fall to the zombie horde''s onslaught, ensuring no one managed to escape. After confirming the absence of survivors, he let out a sigh of relief. He then proceeded to check the other two camps, ensuring they too had been overrun without any survivors. Finally, satisfied with the outcome, he made his way back to Kisha and his master to report the success of their retaliation. Realizing he had finally avenged his fallen brothers who suffered at the hands of the Coltons, tears welled in Sparrow''s eyes, blurring his vision. He paused for a moment, allowing his emotions to flow freely. The memories of his brothers'' suffering and the grim fate they endured haunted him, reminiscent of the horrors he and Vulture had witnessed in City A''s west district. The sorry state of those they failed to save lingered in his mind, a constant reminder of the atrocities committed by their enemies. Sparrow wept like a child, his tears a testament to the pain and loss of those lost souls. Through his tears, he murmured softly, repeating the solemn vow, "Brothers, your deaths have been avenged." Upon hearing the resounding echoes of the distant explosion, Kisha sensed that Sparrow had executed his mission flawlessly. A wave of relief washed over her, loosening the tension in her muscles and calming her mind. Glancing at Duke, she noticed his solemn expression, perhaps reflecting on the closure brought by avenging his fallen subordinate, granting them peace after the injustice of their deaths. Kisha sensed Duke''s sorrow, but she was unsure of how to comfort him. Nevertheless, she chose to stand by his side, silently offering her support as she held his hand. She felt a momentary flinch in his grip before he clasped her hand tightly as if seeking solace in her presence. Together, they stood in silence, their gaze directed towards the sky above. Kisha observed a hint of sadness in Duke''s reddened eyes, his lips pressed together in a contemplative manner as he released a long, heavy sigh. A somber mood enveloped the room, casting a heavy silence that lingered for half an hour. Eventually, Duke turned to Kisha and wordlessly drew her into his embrace. With a tremble in his voice, he murmured, "Thank you. It''s all thanks to you that I managed to save my family and avenge my people." Gratitude laced his words, and Kisha felt him quiver slightly as he continued, "I don''t know what I did to deserve this in my past life, but I''m grateful you found me." Tenderly, he pressed a kiss to Kisha''s forehead, a gesture filled with appreciation and affection. Kisha felt a lump in her throat after hearing Duke''s heartfelt words. She had yet to tell him the painful truth about how he had died in her previous life. Fear gripped her at the thought of his reaction, but she knew she couldn''t keep it a secret forever. She just needed time to prepare herself for whatever response Duke might have. She felt Duke''s strong heartbeat gradually calm down. Slowly, she encircled her arms around his lean, strong waist and gently patted his back, hoping to soothe his nerves. After half an hour, Duke hadn''t moved, prompting Kisha to lift her head and check on him. She expected to find him still feeling down but instead saw his amused eyes and foxy grin. Narrowing her eyes, she stopped patting his back and asked, "Do you plan on letting go anytime soon?" "Why? I''m just enjoying my wife''s pampering," Duke answered innocently. Kisha felt a surge of irritation, realizing he had been savoring the moment while she worried about him. It seemed Duke never missed a chance to flirt and tease her. Yet, despite her urge to get angry, she couldn''t. This playful, endearing side of Duke was one she had never seen before, and she found herself appreciating it deeply. "Okay then, I''ll pamper you more from now on," Kisha murmured under her breath, thinking Duke hadn''t heard her. But then Duke responded with a playful grin, "I can''t wait for your pampering, my dear wife." Kisha choked on her saliva and felt an urge to hit Duke. He could have just nodded or stayed quiet if he heard her, but he had to tease her, making her feel embarrassed in front of his people, especially his family. Her face turned red up to her ears, and seeing her reaction, Duke''s somber mood lifted, his eyes crinkling into satisfied crescents. Seeing the couple return to their playful banter, everyone''s mood lifted. They watched in amusement as Duke and Kisha teased each other like children. This side of Duke was new to them, even after all the years they''d spent with him. It was as if he shed his cold, indifferent exterior whenever he was with Kisha. With her, he felt more human and alive than he ever had before. Mrs. Winters appreciated Kisha even more for this. Not only did Kisha help share her son''s burdens, but she also brought him out of his shell, enabling him to live a happier life. She had already seen her son smile more than ever before, and unlike his business smile, his current smiles were genuine and raw, reflecting how much he valued Kisha and her company. This made her appreciate Kisha even more. Although she also liked Melody for her sensible and understanding nature, Melody had never been able to get close to her son. Mrs. Winters had hoped Melody would warm her son''s heart just as she had with Duke''s father, but now she realized it took the right person to complete the job, and Melody was not that person. She felt guilty, knowing she almost ruined her son''s happiness by pushing for a marriage before he found the right person. She would have felt bad for Kisha too, seeing how genuine she was with her son, protecting and respecting him. Mrs. Winters also noticed how Kisha, normally cold, opened up around Duke, shedding her tough exterior. It was clear to her now that the two were made for each other. Letting out a satisfied sigh, she watched the couple in front of her, grateful for the happiness they brought each other. Chapter 128 - 128 Preparation Kisha and the team stayed at the gas station, waiting for Sparrow. As they looked up at the sky, Kisha noticed dark clouds gathering. A sense of foreboding began to build in her heart. She felt uneasy. In her previous lives, the first rain came after six months, carrying significant meaning not just for her but for humanity and survival itself. Considering the recent explosions, Kisha estimated that even with Sparrow''s agility and wind abilities, he would take at least three to four hours to return at full speed. Despite this, she wanted to head back to the shelter immediately, where the sturdy walls offered protection. Whenever she felt uneasy, she always sought the safest place she knew. But then, she remembered that the shelter wasn''t that safe either. Duke noticed her unease and gently patted her head. "Are you okay?" Kisha shook her head and looked up again. "I don''t think we''ll be fine," she answered honestly. They had just dealt with one problem, and now another was looming. She felt her temper rising; it always seemed like the world was against her. If it wasn''t the mission, then circumstances conspired to give her a hard time without respite. "What''s going on in your mind?" Duke asked, smoothing the tight furrow between her brows. "Care to share?" Kisha pointed at the darkening clouds. Duke noticed the impending storm. "Are you worried about the rain?" He caught onto her train of thought just by observing her expression and subtle actions. They were in sync, yet he couldn''t fully grasp her concern until he recalled a crucial detail she had shared the first time they met. After recalling that information, his expression also turned grim. However, neither of them panicked. Instead, they looked at each other, searching for worry in the other''s eyes but finding none. They both smiled, determined to think of a solution together. They definitely didn''t want to return to the shelter without Sparrow. Besides, they couldn''t be sure if any Coltons were still inside, making the safety of the shelter uncertain. Regardless of their choice, they would face unknown dangers. Kisha and Duke decided it was better to confront the known dangers outside rather than risk being blindsided upon their return to the shelter. Kisha and Duke didn''t speak of their concerns again, not wanting to alarm their people without a solid plan in place. Kisha discreetly sent out the Scarlet Bees to scout for a more favorable position than the gasoline station. While waiting for the Bees to return, she ventured out to gather any remaining fuel. She hoped to find a truck with a full tank, but luck was not on her side. There were no fuel trucks around, and the underground gasoline reserves were mostly depleted. It was likely that survivors from the shelter regularly stopped by this station, explaining its emptiness. If not them, it must have been the Coltons who drained the supplies. But either way, it wasn''t as if they could steal it back now, regardless of who had emptied the gas station. After confirming there was nothing left to salvage, Kisha and Duke decided to have everyone gear up while they waited for the Scarlet Bees to find a better location. When everyone heard this, they sensed something was up. However, Kisha and Duke remained tight-lipped, increasing their suspicions. It didn''t take a genius to realize that Duke and Kisha were preparing for something significant. Mrs. Winters, along with everyone else, including the guards, was required to don protective layers, ensuring their arms, legs, necks, and torsos were covered by thick clothing. While they geared up, they also ate to maintain their strength and avoid becoming irritable later. The Scarlet Bees returned with valuable information about the best vantage point for their protection. They were fortunate to find one of the most secure, high-end banks in the sector, which belonged to the Winters'' banner. This familiarity with the bank''s layout meant they wouldn''t have to spend much time figuring out the intricacies of its interior and exterior. Kisha felt like slapping her forehead when she heard the Scarlet Bees mention the secure bank. Due to her nervousness, she had completely forgotten about it. ''I guess I''m becoming rusty and too laid back these days; my brain isn''t as sharp as it used to be,'' she thought to herself. She had become reliant on the Bees'' ability to scout and map the area, forgetting that this was her home territory before her hundredth reincarnation, long before she even knew of the Bees. Kisha took a deep breath. ''Truly, the more people who are important to you, the more anxious you feel about protecting them and nervous when danger is near.'' Before, it was always just Duke and Kisha. They only needed to protect themselves against the harsh environment and the zombie onslaught. But now, they had Duke''s family and their people to consider. After calming her nerves and composing herself, Kisha led everyone to the nearby bank. Meanwhile, Duke left clear trails for Sparrow to follow when he arrived. He didn''t use discreet markings; instead, he made them as large as possible, knowing Sparrow could spot them from the rooftops. After ensuring they left clear markings for Sparrow, they didn''t worry much about other survivors seeing them; time was of the essence. They had only 30 minutes to secure a good location. Kisha led everyone inside the bank and made sure to close the fiberglass door. Being a high-end bank catering to high-ranking officials and business tycoons, and the largest bank in City B, all its facilities, including the fiberglass, were top-of-the-line. Even a machine gun wouldn''t be able to penetrate the glass. After securing the first floor, Duke and Kisha each led a team while Vulture protected the Winters in the bank lobby. Thanks to Kisha and Duke''s powerful awakened abilities, they swiftly cleared the first floor, secured the basement, and locked it to ensure no one could enter from outside. With limited time, they focused on clearing as many upper floors as possible. To keep everyone from succumbing to their nerves, Kisha and Duke turned the situation into a competition. They challenged their teams to see who could clear the most floors the fastest. This not only motivated their members but also created a sense of camaraderie and fun. The team members believed this was just a game and that Kisha and Duke''s earlier uneasiness was due to the explosions at the Coltons'' camps. They assumed the leaders were being cautious in case any survivors showed up. Even if there were discrepancies in their conclusions, no one pressed for details, trusting that Kisha and Duke had the situation under control. Besides, knowing more might not change what needed to be done. Kisha darted down the hallway like a loose cannon, killing zombies with ease thanks to her skill and the efficiency of her abilities. She hardly needed any assistance, so when she judged that only a few zombies remained on a floor, she moved ahead to the next one, leaving her team to handle the stragglers. Unbeknownst to her, Duke had the same strategy. To avoid overusing his abilities and tiring himself out, he relied on his explosive strength and his spear, efficiently dealing with zombies without depleting his awakened ability. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 129 - 129 What are we Running Away From? As the time approached the 30-minute mark, Kisha sent a member of her team to fetch Vulture and the others from the lobby while she rendezvoused with Duke and the rest of the group, ensuring they remained in a secure location. Originally, she contemplated hiding in the bunker, but that seemed excessive. The lobby''s fiberglass doors, impervious to both non-superhumans and Level 0 zombies, provided ample protection. It was the best shelter they could hope for in case of a bombing attack in the city. Kisha and Duke reached the 4th floor and chose to halt there for the night, considering the building had only 10 floors. They reasoned that being midway provided flexibility: if they sensed danger, they could ascend or descend swiftly. While Kisha initially aimed for the roof, their priority shifted to ensuring their group''s well-being by taking a much-needed rest. They recognized that climbing to the roof might expose them to rain, thwarting any chance of respite. As soon as they settled into one of the largest offices on the floor, the Patriarch couldn''t help but question Kisha''s nervous behavior. Though he sounded like a curious gossipmonger, he voiced what everyone had been wondering all along. "Daughter-in-law, what''s going on? What are we running away from?" Kisha no longer felt embarrassed by being called "daughter-in-law" repeatedly. She had grown accustomed to it, recognizing it as the Patriarch''s tactic to help her embrace her new title. He would call her that as often as possible, like a parrot, to reinforce her acceptance of the role. "Grandpa, please call me Kisha; ''daughter-in-law'' is too long," Kisha corrected. Once the Winters nodded in agreement, she continued, "The second Blood Rain will happen in a few minutes." Her emotions churned inside as she spoke, knowing the next Blood Rain was supposed to occur in six months. Like the first Blood Rain, this one was also happening sooner than she remembered, which could only mean bad news for them. "Why are you so nervous then?" Mrs. Winters asked, her tone tinged with hesitation. "Because the Blood Rain carries the virus, it acts as a booster to the zombies'' evolution," Kisha explained gravely. "This means their evolution accelerates, posing a significant danger to our survival. And with each Blood Rain, zombie hordes tend to raid human settlements, drawn to them like moths to a flame." She wore a grim expression, realizing she hadn''t yet explained this to Duke, assuming they''d have more time to gather supplies and fortify their defenses. "Zombie evolution surpasses a superhuman''s advancement by half," Kisha explained. "So, to confront a level 1 zombie, we''d ideally require a high-class superhuman proficient in both offense and defense. If such a person isn''t available, our alternative is to rely on two level 0 superhumans, each excelling in offense and defense, working in tandem. Additionally, like superhumans, as zombies evolve, their likelihood of awakening abilities increases, amplifying the threat as they grow stronger." A wave of dread and nervousness swept over everyone as they absorbed Kisha''s detailed explanation. However, mirroring Duke''s calm demeanor, his father calmly assessed the situation, posing the question, "Why would zombies'' evolution be stronger than that of superhumans?" Kisha nodded in acknowledgment of his question before responding. "The difference lies in the purity of the energy within us compared to that in zombies. Human energy requires purification, filtering out impurities before it can be integrated into our energy cores. In contrast, the virus within zombies remains raw and unprocessed, making it easier for them to absorb without delay or refinement. Consequently, during Blood Rain events, which carry the virus, zombies experience a significant boost in strength, rendering them more formidable opponents. Their tendency to raid shelters post-evolution serves to replenish the energy expended during their advancement. This voracious hunger stems from the raw, tainted energy of the virus, intensifying their survival instincts and driving them to become stronger." With Kisha''s explanation, the gravity of their situation became evident to everyone. Her earlier anxiety, palpable during their time outside, now made perfect sense. The looming threat of being assaulted by the advancing zombie horde without the protection of the shelter''s sturdy walls became all too real. Without the safety provided by the shelter, their chances of surviving an onslaught from the evolving zombie horde were slim at best. Even with a few superhumans among them, it was painfully clear that they stood no chance against the encroaching zombie horde. Everyone understood this reality all too well; they recognized that, if anything, they would only burden Kisha and Duke further. The sense of powerlessness weighed heavily on them, especially those who hadn''t yet awakened their abilities. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They couldn''t shake the guilt of feeling like mere passengers, riding on the coattails of their master and his wife. But Kisha and Duke''s worries didn''t revolve around immediate threats. As leaders, their concerns extended beyond the safety of their group to encompass the well-being of their entire base. Kisha, taking on her role, inquired with 008 about the situation at their base in City A. Fortunately, the area remained free from mutant beasts or plants, offering a safer haven than their current location. With a sigh of relief, Kisha felt reassured knowing her grandparents and Keith were out of harm''s way. Utilizing the holographic map, she virtually checked in on their activities, ensuring all was well. To outsiders, it appeared as though Kisha was lost in thought, gazing into empty space. However, Duke, observing her closely, noticed the subtle movements of her eyes, as if she were fixated on something invisible to them. Despite his curiosity, he refrained from probing further. He understood that whatever held Kisha''s attention was likely one of her secrets, and he respected her privacy. If it was something she chose to keep hidden, he was prepared to support her, knowing that she wouldn''t conceal it from the group unless it posed a significant threat or offered substantial use that might entice everyone to be greedy to possess it that might even endanger their lives if more people knew about it. Kisha''s confidence in Duke''s support allowed her to freely focus on checking their territory in City A. Their relationship had reached a level of trust where she felt comfortable sharing most things with him, including details about her territory pack. Having already disclosed numerous secrets to him and his allies, her territory pack seemed like just another piece of information to share. However, when it came to the system, she hesitated. Its origins were beyond her comprehension. Could she reveal that it was an alien entity from another universe, linked to channels from distant worlds? Unable to offer a clear explanation, she decided it was best to keep that aspect hidden, even from Duke. She made a mental note to inform Duke about the territory pack soon, easing his concerns about their base. Kisha understood that there were moments when he fretted over whether they still had a place to return to. His reluctance to contact anyone outside stemmed from the fear that their communication might be intercepted by enemies, endangering his allies. Thus, until it was safe to do so, he focused primarily on ensuring the safety of their group before attending to others. Chapter 130 - 130 Who are you? Kisha and the team barely have time to settle into the office when she notices unusual movements from a few floors above. Earlier, she hadn''t noticed because the Scarlet Bees were scattered within a 500-meter radius, while regular bees patrolled around and inside the building. Kisha''s heightened senses alerted her to the people moving around upstairs. They must have noticed the commotion caused by Kisha and the others while clearing the floor below, prompting them to take action. Kisha mentioned this to Duke, noting that since this is a company under his family''s banner, the people upstairs might also be his. She decided to let him handle the situation. "There are probably a dozen more survivors upstairs," Kisha mentioned, gesturing upward. Duke nodded but chose not to act immediately. He seemed to prefer playing it by ear, observing how things would unfold. Even if they were his people, they might not be part of his inner circle, where trust was implicit. If they were Duke''s subordinates, that was good¡ªthey wouldn''t die easily like the others, especially now that the zombies outside had been dealt with and the entrance securely closed. Kisha nodded, understanding Duke''s intent, and they both settled down to rest. Their bodies were battered from the nonstop running and fighting with zombies. Their muscles were at their limit, and they desperately needed this respite. Kisha and Duke made sure everyone took advantage of the opportunity to rest as much as possible. Kisha had already instructed the Scarlet Bee to inform her once they spotted Sparrow approaching. Since she hadn''t heard anything yet, she knew he was still far off. She decided to stop worrying about it, knowing that overthinking would only drain more of her energy and cloud her judgment. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Dear, you and Duke have done a great job. You should rest now and let us keep watch," Mrs. Winters offered, gently pulling Kisha to the side. Duke followed with a slight smile, feeling a sense of relief. He was pleased that his parents liked Kisha and treated her as one of their own. Although he had not been overly worried about his parents'' acceptance, given his mother''s agreement with the Evans, it was reassuring to see them getting along so well with Kisha, especially his mother. Duke was smiling, though he tried his best to hide it. His grandfather, watching his expression with a knowing smile, stalked him from behind. "My beloved grandson, it seems like spring has arrived for you," he teased, patting Duke on the back. "You better watch your beautiful wife; there will be many unscrupulous men out there who might try to snatch her from you." Though his tone was playful, there was a hint of seriousness. In a world that turned chaotic, where law no longer restrained people, many, regardless of gender, would undoubtedly follow their greed and take what they wanted without remorse. Murder could happen at any time, and stealing had become so common that a reminder for Duke was not unwarranted. Just because he and Kisha could now act as a married couple didn''t mean people would respect their relationship. That''s why Mr. Winters stayed close to his wife. He knew these dangers were real, especially since Mrs. Winters, a beautiful middle-aged woman, could easily attract unwanted attention from men who might try to take advantage of the lawlessness. "I know, Grandpa. They''d have to get through my dead body before they could touch my wife," Duke murmured menacingly. Just the thought of Kisha being taken from him by strangers made his blood boil and filled him with a burning rage. Mrs. Winters led Kisha to a comfortable chair, gently urging her to rest. She stayed by Kisha''s side, ensuring she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile, she made sure Duke was also resting nearby. They all understood the immense effort Kisha and Duke had put into securing the place for the night, and they deserved a peaceful rest. Everyone acknowledged Kisha and Duke''s tireless efforts, eager to contribute in any way they could. However, they understood that awakening their abilities wasn''t something that could be forced¡ªit required patience and time. So, they obediently rested, each finding a comfortable spot within the office and closing their eyes, ready to recharge for the challenges ahead. Prompted by Mrs. Winters'' gentle encouragement, Kisha obediently closed her eyes. Fatigue had taken its toll more than she realized, for as soon as her eyelids met, she drifted off into a deep sleep. Mrs. Winters observed her peacefully slumbering in the leather chair, noting the faint traces of weariness etched upon her face. Despite Kisha''s strength in her past lives, her current physical form remained frail, unable to match the resilience of her accumulated experiences. Unaware of her own limitations, she had pushed herself beyond her limits. Without Mrs. Winters'' perceptiveness, Kisha might have continued to overexert herself, driven by her survival instincts despite her body''s exhaustion. Observing his mother''s departure from Kisha''s side, Duke rose from his seat and made his way to Kisha''s chair. Mrs. Winters noticed this behavior, understanding the protective and caring nature of the Winters men. With a mix of resignation and amusement, she returned to her husband''s side, shaking her head affectionately. Despite her slight exasperation, she couldn''t help but feel proud and delighted to witness her son''s attentiveness to Kisha''s needs. She didn''t feel envious witnessing her son''s attentive care towards another woman, recognizing that she hadn''t experienced such treatment from him herself. However, her primary concern was Duke''s happiness, and seeing him show kindness to others brought her joy. Moreover, she found fulfillment and contentment in her husband''s unwavering love and care, understanding that his presence alone was more than sufficient to fulfill her. After giving Kisha a gentle look, Duke carefully lifted her from the chair, settling back into it while cradling her in his arms. He adjusted her position to ensure her comfort and began stroking her hair in a soothing manner. His intent was to safeguard Kisha''s rest, ensuring it remained undisturbed by any potential nightmares, and to provide her with a sense of security in his embrace. Duke cradled Kisha with an unexpected tenderness, his usually stoic demeanor softened by her vulnerable sleeping form. Seeing her peaceful expression, he couldn''t help but smile fondly, feeling a protective urge towards her. As Kisha remained undisturbed in her slumber, Duke found himself gradually succumbing to exhaustion. The weight of the week''s stress worries about his family''s safety, and the myriad of emotions finally lifted, allowing him to drift into a deep sleep alongside Kisha. Bam- Bam- Bam- Bam- Duke and the others were abruptly roused from their slumber by insistent pounding on the office door. The darkness that now enveloped the room indicated that they had been asleep for quite some time. Sensing Kisha stirring in his arms, Duke tensed, his senses instantly alert as the pounding on the door persisted. "Open the door. We know there are people inside!" A commanding voice reverberated from beyond the door, jolting Duke''s family and the others awake. In an instant, they were alert, their bodies tensed, ready for whatever lay beyond the threshold, their previous slumber forgotten as if it had never occurred. When the people outside did not hear any answer from the Duke''s side, they started to kick the door down unceremoniously. Thud- Thud- Thud- Duke''s expression darkened, his jaw clenched tightly as the relentless pounding continued, disturbing Kisha''s peaceful slumber. With a protective instinct, he gently set her down, his anger simmering beneath the surface. Gesturing to the nearest person by the door, he motioned for them to confront the intruders outside and teach them some manners. Eager to confront the intruders and fueled by his own frustration at being disturbed from a pleasant dream, Vulture wasted no time. With swift steps, he marched towards the door, determined to put an end to the relentless pounding. Without hesitation, he unlocked and flung the door open in one fluid motion. The force of the sudden movement caught the intruder off guard, causing them to lose their balance and stumble backward, tumbling to the ground with an undignified thud. The man, his pride wounded and his nose smarting from the fall, shot up from the ground, his anger palpable. "Motherfucker!!" Unfazed, Vulture remained composed, his tone calm as he inquired, "Who are you?" The man''s voice thundered with indignation. "You don''t even know me and you have the guts to treat me this way?!" His loud outburst jolted Kisha from her slumber, drawing a deepening frown from Duke. Chapter 131 - 131 Proposition "How would we know who you are? You should have carried a banner with you for everyone to recognize," Vulture retorted, dismissing any notion of social status holding sway in their current circumstances. In this new reality, power and influence were relics of the past, offering little protection without one''s own forces. Duke''s chilling presence silenced the man mid-stride, compelling him to halt and close his mouth. "Did they finally decide to come down?" Kisha''s raspy voice interrupted them as she rubbed her eyes, her hair slightly disheveled. Despite her sleepy state, she looked adorable. The man who had just barged in stared at Kisha with his mouth wide open, utterly stunned. Not only was Kisha beautiful and immaculate, but she also seemed entirely unfazed by the danger around her. In his eyes, she appeared pure and protected by the people surrounding her. He glanced at himself and his companions, noticing their dirty and smelly appearance in stark contrast to Kisha and her group, who were all clean. Realizing that rain was imminent, they all sought refuge in the building to take a shower, but they didn''t expect that the bank''s generator was damaged. None of his friends could even wash a dish, let alone fix the broken generator. Moreover, the faulty water system meant they couldn''t use the water from the faucets. The only water they had was the drinking water provided by the bank for its clients. Unsure how long they would need to stay safe inside the bank''s supply storage, he and his friends refrained from using the water for menial tasks like washing their faces or taking showers. Despite the lack of power and water, they considered themselves fortunate to have found the supply storage to hide in. One of his friends had a father who worked at the bank and had a key, which made it easier for them to sneak around. They were also lucky to be children of wealthy families where learning martial arts was a must due to the constant threat of kidnapping. This knowledge helped them navigate outside for a week while trying to reach safety, but they lost many of their guards and friends. Now, only 14 of them remained alive. Most of their family members were scattered in different places, and they planned to meet at the nearest evacuation centers and shelters. They had been traveling for a week and had grown accustomed to fighting zombies and dealing with the deaths that came with it. They didn''t get flustered around zombies, but this was the first time they had encountered living humans. When someone saw people approaching the bank from the window, they anticipated these newcomers would check for survivors and help them. However, after waiting for hours with no one coming to their aid, they decided to go down the stairs and find the people themselves. But now that they were facing Duke''s group, they realized that these people had no intention of helping them as fellow survivors. The man initially felt a surge of anger, but when he saw Kisha approaching like an angel amidst the chaos, his words got stuck in his throat. His friends were similarly speechless, while the girls in their group, naturally more timid, stayed silent. Duke noticed how the newcomers were staring at Kisha. Before they could form any ideas, he stepped closer to her and, when he was near enough, wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Did you have a good sleep?" he asked in a low, seductive voice. Their intimate gesture did not escape anyone''s notice, making it clear to all that they were a couple. Kisha didn''t push Duke away; instead, she leaned into his chest. "Yeah, I was in a deep sleep. I feel good," she replied, yawning and stretching her limbs a little, looking like a lazy cat. The sight was so cute that Duke''s cold eyes softened into a warm gaze as he stared at her. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha looked around and she could hear the loud sound of the rain from outside the window, so she asked Bell. "Have you gotten visuals of Sparrow?" "Yes master, he was already within the 500-meter radius and is heading this way." Bell hesitated a bit but still continued to report. "Also master, the zombies outside are all in an uproar and the majority was rushing to the shelter while there are zombies crowding just outside the bank." Kisha just nodded because she has already anticipated this to happen and the rain would last until tomorrow morning, the outside looked so eerie and gloomy because of the rain coupled with the revenues roars and growls of the evolving zombies outside, even if they failed to evolve the first time, the zombies would still be much stronger and much faster than they were before so that danger still increase. She knew the shelter must be struggling to defend itself, and everything was in chaos. Every Blood Rain turned into a hunting season for the zombies, who would devour anything living without sparing a piece of meat. Whenever a base fell to a zombie raid, by morning, nothing remained but the aftermath of a horrendous night: bones upon bones scattered across the bloody ground. The zombies wouldn''t even give a human the chance to turn into one of them; they would devour their victims within minutes, like starved wolves. During the Blood Rain, the zombies became even stronger and more frenzied, akin to people on drugs. That''s why the Blood Rain was so terrifying. Most people dreaded hearing those words, often breaking down at the mere mention of it, knowing they would likely lose someone important. Over time, the term "Blood Rain" became taboo, yet everyone silently agreed to prepare for it whenever it loomed. The first evolution of the zombies was supposed to occur only after most survivors had awakened their abilities. Given the current situation, it seems as if the world isn''t giving humans or other living beings a chance to survive. Now that Kisha has met other survivors outside of the Blood Rain, she feels her sense of righteousness stirring. However, she restrains it, knowing that these feelings won''t help anyone. To protect those important to her, she needs to be dependable and strong. Thinking about others is beyond her current capacity. "Old habits really die hard," she thought, pushing her righteous instincts to the back of her mind. "What brings you here, ladies and gentlemen? Surely, you don''t expect us to save you, right?" Kisha asked lazily, leaning against Duke''s chest with her arms folded. Duke, meanwhile, happily supported her, enjoying the warmth and softness of her body against his. Kisha''s words made the man choke on his own saliva. He had been about to ask her group to take them to a safe place, which was essentially the same as asking to be saved. However, his pride as a young master prevented him from bowing to anyone, even if it meant ensuring their safety. "We are here to propose a cooperation with your group. I am assuming that you must have come here to seek refuge in the shelter in City B as well as my friends and I. So, the more people we have, the safer it would be for all of us to travel, besides, we know that you came here by foot and that''s already commendable, but, my friends and I have secured an armored bus with us, which will make our journey easier." The man said. Kisha raised an eyebrow at the man, fully expecting them to demand that her group take them along, given the bravado they had shown by barging into their safe space but she did not expect the man to want to cooperate instead. She gave the man a once-over, and under her scrutinizing gaze, he couldn''t help but straighten up and tense his muscles. Despite their arrogance, he and his friends were not entirely unreasonable. He had come prepared with a proposition, knowing that offering a benefit could motivate people. Since Kisha''s group had not come to rescue them, he figured an alternative approach would be to entice them into becoming their bodyguards. He also noticed that the imposing man from earlier was now gently holding the beautiful woman in front of him. Realizing she must be the one in command, he directed his proposition to her, deliberately ignoring Duke. Duke, though clearly enjoying Kisha''s warmth in his embrace, was still attentively listening to the conversation. He had left the negotiation to Kisha, ready to execute whatever she decided. If his subordinates could hear his thoughts, they would definitely facepalm, as the ruthless and commanding master they knew was nowhere to be seen. Chapter 132 - 132 Clyde Morris To everyone present, it seemed like Kisha was deeply considering the proposition. However, in reality, she was discreetly checking their status window to gauge their trustworthiness and assess if they had any valuable talents that could benefit her group. She needed to discern whether they were genuine allies or just looking to exploit her group''s resources. After assessing their status windows, Kisha discerned that they were slightly superior to average civilians, though lacking in comparison to Duke''s elite team. Nonetheless, the men showed commendable training, while the women appeared similarly weak to Mrs. Winters. Kisha inferred that their affluent backgrounds likely afforded them a life of ease, hence their lack of physical conditioning. It''s commendable that despite their privileged upbringing and apparent physical weaknesses, they had made it this far. Even in their dirt-covered state, with clothes stained by dried zombie blood and various other substances, Kisha could still discern a refinement in their movements similar to those of Duke and others she knew from wealthy backgrounds. Though this detail might escape the notice of ordinary people in the dimly lit room, Kisha''s heightened senses afforded her a clearer view of these newcomers and their sorry state. She could discern the signs of emotional strain and weariness etched on their faces, nearly on the brink of breaking down. Perhaps, after encountering fellow survivors, they finally allowed their pent-up emotions to surface, having held them in check for so long in their struggle for survival. As moments passed without a response from Kisha, the newcomers grew increasingly anxious, particularly the girls. Stripped of their family''s protective shield, they felt vulnerable, fearing they might be seen as burdens by the men in their group. This fear silenced their exhaustion, compelling them to push forward relentlessly, determined not to be left behind by their companions. Seeing another group of survivors filled them with hope. They could sense that Kisha''s group was on a completely different level compared to theirs. It is human nature to cling to any chance of survival, and they silently hoped that Kisha would take pity on them and allow them to join her group. The usual air of elegance and arrogance from their privileged backgrounds had been stripped away by the hardships of the past week, the unending death they had witnessed, and the relentless pursuit of zombies threatening their lives. They knew that being haughty at this time would only spell their demise. They were keenly aware that one wrong move could cost them their lives, as there was no longer any law to hold people back from committing crimes. Despite their appearance as seemingly useless heiresses, they were acutely aware of their disadvantages and were not raised to be mere decorations. They were smart enough to know where to place their bets. Even though the whole room was shrouded in darkness, they could still make out bits and pieces and noticed how clean Kisha and her people were. This not only indicated that they were faring well in this chaotic world but also implied their strength and capability to maintain such a state. Every passing second of Kisha''s silence heightened their anticipation and nervousness. They were weighing both good and bad outcomes, their hands growing clammy with anxiety. As Kisha reviewed each person''s status window, one in particular caught her attention, causing her to pause in deep thought. [Clyde Morris] Level 0 Morality: Neutral Strength: 11 Stamina: 15 Defense: 9 Agility: 8 Mental Capacity: 15 Charm: 6 S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leadership: 9 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Command Gift: Group Synergy "Host, I think this person is a perfect candidate for your squad," 008 remarked, mirroring Kisha''s thoughts. "His gift and talent would be very helpful. Besides, he doesn''t seem to be a malicious person. He could become one, but that would likely only happen if he were left outside unattended or influenced by the wrong company." Kisha tried to recall if she had encountered someone with this name in her previous life, but it didn''t ring a bell. Given his gift and talent, he had the potential to be a good leader, general, or hold any commanding position. He would certainly be an asset, comparable to Duke''s elite people. "Host, it''s possible that someone noticed his talent and potential and dealt with him before he could become a threat. Or perhaps he offended someone and was murdered before his abilities had a chance to blossom. In any case, it suggests he met an untimely death." Kisha felt an urge to slap someone, her hands itching with the frustration of 008 hijacking her thoughts. Sensing her intention, 008 quickly retreated to the depths of Kisha''s consciousness, leaving her to make the decision on her own. "What can we get in exchange for cooperating with you?" Kisha adopted Duke''s business-like approach. Duke, beside her, arched an eyebrow in amusement, noting Kisha''s persistence in seeking benefits from the situation. He sensed her inclination to accept, albeit with conditions. Though curious about her decision, he refrained from expressing it, instead casually playing with her locks of hair, appearing unbothered. Clyde was taken aback by Kisha''s question and momentarily stumped. However, he swiftly regained his composure before Kisha and Duke. "What do you mean? We''re already providing the means of transportation, while you''re only offering the manpower." With a cold snort, Kisha responded, "Sir, it''s not that we lack means of transportation. Rather, we choose to travel by foot to avoid attracting more zombies our way." After hearing Kisha''s words, everyone in Clyde''s group seemed to be enlightened. They exchanged glances, realizing they had been traveling by car or bus since their escape from the university. They had never taken the time to think things through amidst the chaos of running and surviving, overlooking this crucial information. Now, they pieced it together: the reason zombies were always on their trail was because they were attracted by the noise of their vehicles. They suddenly felt embarrassed and stupid for not realizing it sooner. Here they were, proposing cooperation with others as if they could offer great assistance. Even the guys in Clyde''s group were losing hope of being helped by Kisha''s group. After resting in the bank for some time, away from the relentless pursuit of the zombies, they almost didn''t want to leave anymore. They simply wanted to be rescued because they felt exhausted and too frightened to face more zombies outside, given the horror they had already experienced. It was only through Clyde''s insistence and leadership that they managed to persevere and make the journey from City D to City B, which was a few miles away and one of the largest cities in the country. However, due to its dense population, it quickly fell to the zombies within days. Even the military had to abandon their stations in the city and focus on evacuating as many civilians as possible to nearby cities and shelters. But not everyone was as fortunate as them. Even the military suffered significant losses while evacuating, and other government officials, who were supposed to prioritize the safety of the citizens, were nowhere to be found. They couldn''t even locate a relay station outside of City D or any supply station to aid the people. Most warehouses were ransacked by the government and their contents were transported to unknown destinations. As a result, many were forced to venture into populated areas, where the risk of finding supplies to sustain themselves was high. Meanwhile, the granaries were emptied out within days, exacerbating the scarcity of resources. Clyde sought clarity, acknowledging his group''s lack of leverage in the proposed cooperation. "Before you respond, I''d like to understand your perspective and how you perceive this collaboration. While my friends and I may be young, we can fend for ourselves. We''re not asking you to put your lives on the line for us. Our aim is to join you on the journey to the shelter, thus enhancing our odds of survival." Kisha appreciated Clyde''s straightforwardness, even though a hint of arrogance lingered in his voice. She recognized that he had the capability to back up his attitude. However, she kept her expression neutral and replied, "Hmm, that''s still not quite right." After a moment of feigned contemplation, she added, "How about compensating us with some supplies, like food, medicine, or water?" To reinforce Kisha''s proposition, Duke added, "We won''t ask for too much, just a sack of supplies per person, and we''ll ensure everyone arrives at the shelter safely." His voice, brimming with confidence, struck a chord with Clyde. Despite Clyde''s assertion that they wouldn''t rely heavily on Kisha''s group, the reality was that their group comprised mostly females who needed protection. Of the 14 people in Clyde''s group, only four bodyguards remained, alongside seven women, with Clyde and two other male friends capable of fighting. They were indeed in a tough spot. Chapter 133 - 133 Deal? "You''re scamming us?!" Said one of Clyde''s friends, they all knew how hard it was to gather such supplies and Duke''s group was asking for a sack for each, which meant they would need to give 14 sacks of supplies that even they could not gather just like that. Coming from affluent backgrounds, they were keenly aware that wealth held little significance in their current reality. What mattered now were essentials like food, medicine, and water, which were poised to become the new currency, sustaining their survival until they discovered a comparable commodity for trade in the future to become a new currency. What Kisha was asking as her payment underscored the urgency of securing vital supplies. Clyde couldn''t discern whether Kisha was testing their resolve or simply driven by greed, leaving him to clench his jaw in frustration as he glanced at his companions who had embarked on this perilous journey with him. Clyde and his friends exchanged uneasy glances, their reluctance and worry palpable in the air. After what felt like an eternity, Clyde finally nodded in reluctant agreement to Kisha''s proposition. "Miss, we''ll comply," he conceded, his voice laced with tension. Drawing a deep breath to steady his violently pounding heart, he continued, "However, if you''re asking for this much, I must insist that you ensure the safety of every member of my group throughout this journey." Clyde acknowledged the reality that they were essentially seeking assistance from Kisha''s team to reach the shelter. Despite his uncertainty, a gut feeling nudged him to trust in this alliance as their best chance for survival. Clyde understood that his companions had reached their breaking point, particularly his steadfast bodyguards. These individuals, entrusted to him by his father, were the pinnacle of loyalty, having steadfastly accompanied them from the journey''s inception to their current juncture. Along the way, they had endured significant losses, sacrificing comrades to uphold Clyde and his friends'' safety. Clyde couldn''t bear the thought of further casualties among his loyal protectors. Observing Clyde prioritize the well-being of his group over his pride, Kisha smiled with satisfaction. She began to see potential in Clyde, sensing his underlying goodness and deeming him worthy of temporary trust, albeit under close scrutiny. Aware of the possibility of betrayal from Clyde and his group, Kisha remained vigilant, prepared to act swiftly if necessary. Despite acknowledging the likelihood of Clyde''s affiliation with the Coltons, Kisha decided to take a calculated risk. She found Clyde''s gifts and talents too enticing to ignore, foreseeing their potential collaboration in the future, particularly once his latent abilities were fully awakened. "Understood," Kisha clarified with Clyde and his group. "We''ll need to wait for the rain to cease and for one of our team members to arrive before proceeding." Kisha''s statement sent a shockwave of complex emotions through Clyde''s group. The idea that someone from Kisha''s team was out alone in the midst of zombie-infested streets, with the expectation of returning unharmed, seemed utterly absurd. They speculated that perhaps this individual had become separated from the group, leading to a mix of worry and hope for their safe return. Clyde glanced out the window, thinking, ''That''s wishful thinking at best.'' However, he refrained from voicing his skepticism, instead nodding in agreement. With heavy rain pouring outside, venturing out would be futile and dangerous regardless. Despite Clyde and his group''s concerns, Kisha and her team remained indifferent. Currently, one of Bell''s scouts was with Sparrow, providing Kisha with the updates she needed to confirm Sparrow''s safety and the overall situation outside the bank. The information was crucial, although alarming, especially if others were to discover it. She also speculated that the shelter was likely already under siege, even though they couldn''t hear any other noises coming from that direction. It could be that the sounds were masked by the raging Blood Rain, or perhaps the shelter was relying solely on firearms for defense without employing bombs or grenades. Regardless, they would find out more tomorrow. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite this uncertainty, she felt reassured, confident that the shelter would overcome this initial obstacle. After wrapping up their conversation, Duke escorted Kisha away, guiding her back to the chair where she had been resting earlier. He ensured she was settled comfortably before joining Vulture and Tristan, who were busy preparing a meal. "Wifey, why don''t you rest first? Hmm?" Duke''s voice, though soft, carried across the room, catching the attention of those nearby, including Clyde. The revelation that Duke and Kisha were married surprised Clyde; he hadn''t realized their relationship was so intimate. A hint of bitterness gnawed at him, realizing his little love was crushed, even before it could fully blossom. Despite this, he found a corner to settle into, seeking some comfort amidst his mixed emotions. Clyde''s group swiftly entered the office, ensuring to shut the door securely behind them. They remained vigilant, aware that zombies from the upper floors still roamed unchecked. They understood the risks of any oversight, knowing that even a small lapse in attention could leave them vulnerable to unexpected attacks later on. After they all entered, they gravitated to a corner where they sat in silence, refraining even from breathing loudly out of respect and fear for Kisha''s group. Mrs. Winters, sensing their apprehension, approached Clyde''s group. "Have you guys eaten? Are you hungry?" Clyde and his group interpreted her question as a subtle reminder about the supplies they owed Kisha. "We''ve eaten, but we''ll gather the necessary supplies before we leave," Clyde replied, his lips pressed together in a tight line. He understood the need for caution in such circumstances, but being met with suspicion was a blow to his pride. Mrs. Winters felt dismayed at being misunderstood by the young people before her. They were likely only 18 or 19 years old, and she couldn''t help but recall Duke at that age, which tugged at her heartstrings. Her intention was simply to offer help. Despite taking the initiative, she remained mindful of Kisha''s potential disagreement. If Kisha objected, she wouldn''t insist. However, like Duke, Mrs. Winters and the rest of the Winters family sensed that Kisha was somewhat receptive to this group of youngsters, so she felt it was acceptable to invite them to eat. Chapter 134 - 134 Lets Eat The young group seemed understandably wary of strangers, which was a prudent mindset. However, Kisha couldn''t bear to see the disappointed expression on Mrs. Winters'' face after the misunderstanding. So, she interjected from her seat on the leather chair, speaking across the room, "My mother-in-law was simply extending an invitation for you to join us for a meal. No need to overthink it." Upon hearing Kisha''s words, Clyde was momentarily caught off guard, choking on his own saliva in surprise. Meanwhile, Mrs. Winters''s smile widened at the unexpected but warmly received address from Kisha. With each passing moment, her fondness for Kisha seemed to deepen, appreciating the respect and endearment behind being called "mother-in-law." Even Duke, occupied with Vulture and Tristan, couldn''t help but smile to himself as he dealt with the ingredients. Inspired by the exchange between his mother and Kisha, he felt compelled to also cook for his own mother. Duke could sense Kisha''s protective instinct toward his parent, and it filled him with immense happiness. Knowing that the most important people in his life were getting along so well made him feel as if all the waiting for the right person had been worthwhile. The thought of spending his life with anyone else seemed unimaginable to him, both in the past and especially now. Duke and the others carried on with their tasks, seemingly focused on their cooking duties, yet they ensured there was plenty of food for everyone, extending their hospitality to Clyde''s group as well. Meanwhile, Mrs. Winters ceased bothering Clyde and struck up a conversation with Kisha, aiming to get to know her better. Their discussion mainly centered around Kisha''s grandparents and younger brother. "You mentioned being adopted. Have you ever had the chance to meet your biological family? Did they ever try to find you after your grandparents sent the report?" Mrs. Winters inquired, her expression fraught with sadness, her voice betraying her emotions as it quivered with a mix of concern and empathy. Kisha''s story touched her deeply, evoking a sense of maternal compassion and a desire to understand Kisha''s journey more intimately. Kisha shook her head. She had tried to find her family after graduating from college and even after she started working. Despite the apocalypse, she clung to a small hope that maybe they had survived. She longed to meet them, to understand her origins, and to know why her family had abandoned her and never looked for her. For over 99 lives, Kisha had never met them and had lost hope of finding them in the apocalypse, considering most of the population had turned into zombies. She thought they might have suffered the same fate. Noticing the helplessness in Kisha''s eyes, Mrs. Winters quickly changed the topic, steering the conversation back to Kisha''s adoptive family. This brought a smile to Kisha''s face, making Mrs. Winters feel guilty for asking such a painful question out of curiosity. She was relieved that Kisha did not get angry with her for asking such sensitive information. It made her appreciate Kisha''s good upbringing and calm temperament even more, qualities that perfectly matched her son. Thinking about how such a wonderful young woman had been chosen by her son filled her with pride. She felt that her son had a keen eye for finding a great partner. Since it was boring to just wait for the food, the Patriarch decided to join in on Kisha and Mrs. Winters'' chitchat. Mr. Winters, sitting silently beside his wife, also listened attentively, finding himself equally bored. "Kisha, when are you planning to have a child with my grandson?" the Patriarch interjected with a wide grin, cutting into Kisha and Mrs. Winters'' conversation. Despite his excitement at the thought of grandchildren, he also felt a pang of sadness. The current environment was far from ideal¡ªso dangerous and uncertain. He knew any children born now deserved the best of everything, yet they couldn''t even guarantee a safe place for them to be born in. Duke, on the other hand, shook his head after hearing his grandfather''s words. "Grandpa, don''t scare my wife off. If she runs away, I''ll grow old alone," Duke teased, trying to lighten the mood after seeing the gloomy expression on his grandfather''s face. He understood his grandfather''s concerns, but Duke was confident that it was only a matter of time before Kisha became pregnant with his child. However, before that happened, he was determined to ensure that his family had a safe place to call home, away from the dangers of the apocalypse. But he wasn''t alone in thinking this way. Kisha also aimed for the same goal, one they had actually achieved in her previous life: a safe haven for humanity. However, it was going to be a lot of work. This time, their safe haven would be even better than before, more sustainable, and more secure. But if Kisha knew what Duke was thinking about her getting pregnant, she might be the one to jump at the opportunity herself. Soon after, Duke, Vulture, and Tristan called everyone to eat. Each member of Kisha''s team held a bowl of steaming beef stew and a large piece of bread. The stew''s aroma wafted through the office, making Clyde and his group swallow hard. Although they had supplies in the storeroom, they didn''t have anything warm to eat, and the smell of meat made their stomachs grow louder than the zombies outside, filling the room with a chorus of hunger. Vulture snorted at Clyde''s group, remembering their earlier pretense. Despite this, he scooped out a bowl of stew for each of the 14 people in Clyde''s group. This time, no one pretended they weren''t hungry or declined the offer. They all eagerly accepted and ate the steaming beef stew with relish, tears of gratitude and relief threatening to spill from their eyes. Vulture also distributed bread along with the beef stew, ensuring everyone had enough energy for the tasks ahead. "He''s arrived," Kisha''s voice, though not loud, carried through the room. Vulture was the first to head to the office door, opening it eagerly. Clyde''s group glanced curiously at the door, and soon after, a man walked in, carrying backpack after backpack of supplies and guns. The sight left Clyde''s group gasping in astonishment. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 135 - 135 Bitten? "What took you so long?" Vulture''s tone carried a hint of playful reprimand, though his eyes betrayed his relief at seeing his close friend return unharmed. Sparrow''s arrival conveniently coincided with their dinner, prompting Vulture, Bald Eagle, and the others to eagerly assist him in setting down the items he had carried like a mule. Vulture gently urged Sparrow to take a seat in one of the chairs before dashing back to fetch a bowl of beef stew and bread for him. It was evident to all that Sparrow was trembling from both the cold and hunger after his relentless journey to reach them, and they recognized that he was exhausted and in need of rest. Vulture and Bald Eagle worked in tandem to move the charcoal stove closer to Sparrow, ensuring he could warm up. Clyde and his group were astonished, having no idea where Vulture and his team had obtained the stove and amassed so many supplies. Seeing Sparrow bring out such a substantial haul single-handedly made Clyde''s group realize that each member of their team was likely acting as a pack mule, carrying as many supplies as possible while traveling on foot. As Clyde and his group pondered the situation, a nagging feeling of uncertainty crept in. Despite the distance, they should have noticed Kisha and her team carrying such a significant amount of supplies into the bank. However, lacking an explanation, they chose to set aside their suspicions and concentrate on their meal instead. Kisha and Duke refrained from pressing Sparrow with questions, allowing him to eat slowly. The others helped him warm up, noticing his hands and lips had turned so pale they were nearly purple, and his fingertips were already numb and shriveled from the cold. Kisha''s nose wrinkled as her expression grew increasingly grave. "Why didn''t you say you were injured?" she asked, her voice cold and tinged with clear anger. Everyone turned to look at Kisha with puzzled expressions, then realized she was addressing Sparrow, who had just arrived. Vulture''s head snapped to the side, his eyes accusatory as he looked at Sparrow. Kisha didn''t wait long before she called out for Vulture to pass the blue vial of liquid to Sparrow, instructing him to drink it immediately. She could smell blood in the air, indicating a severe injury. Coupled with being soaked in the abnormal rain for too long, Sparrow was likely suffering from severe infection, with the virus attacking not only his immune system but his energy core. She couldn''t even fathom how long Sparrow had been enduring such pain. Sparrow must have lost too much blood. He lifted his face and looked at Kisha with an apologetic, wry smile. Despite his severe condition, his expression didn''t reveal any signs of pain. It was the same look he wore when he used his own body and blood to lure the zombies to the southeast of the western district. Vulture was furious that Sparrow hadn''t informed them about his injury as soon as he entered the office, instead acting as if he were fine. Despite his anger, Vulture didn''t know what had happened to Sparrow. He exhaled heavily, strode over to him, uncorked the blue vial, and handed it to him. Clyde and his group were curious and concerned about Sparrow''s condition. They had heard he was injured, and their fear was that he might turn into a zombie, just like their other friends and bodyguards who had been bitten and transformed shortly afterward. There was no specific timeframe for when a person would turn into a zombie, as it depended on individual willpower, immunity, and the ability to combat the virus within their body. The chance of overcoming the virus was a mere 0.01%. Kisha had yet to witness anyone bitten who, instead of turning into a zombie, awakened an ability. This was an almost impossible feat, and Kisha understood why Clyde''s group became wary upon hearing that Sparrow was injured. They were already anticipating the worst possible outcome, which she couldn''t blame them for. "Was he bitten?" one of the girls asked, her entire body trembling in fear at the memory of their companions who had turned into zombies. Her question caused fear to ripple through the group, and they instinctively backed away into a corner while eyeing Sparrow. They didn''t make a move, however, as Sparrow wasn''t one of their own; they waited for Kisha and her team to take action. But instead of killing him, Kisha''s team handed Sparrow a small vial of blue, glittery liquid. Clyde''s group began to panic, their anxiety mounting as they watched Sparrow drink the vial in one gulp. Almost immediately, his condition began to improve. His pale skin regained color, his breathing evened out, and his trembling eased. Though they couldn''t see his injury, it was clear Sparrow was recovering rapidly, as if he had been renewed. Sparrow''s trembling and pale complexion were due to severe blood loss from his injury, yet he had continued to travel despite this. His blood left a trail that was gradually washed away by the raging rain. Now that Sparrow was steadily recovering, Kisha simply waited for him to finish eating. She and the others resumed their meal as if nothing had happened, which baffled Clyde''s group. They were left in the dark about what had transpired and felt unable to ask Kisha and her team for an explanation. Kisha ignored Clyde''s inquisitive glances, as did everyone else. Although they understood Clyde and his group''s fear of what might happen next, there was no need to address anything outside the scope of their deal. Their sole responsibility was to ensure Clyde and his people reached the shelter safely. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This arrangement did not grant Clyde''s group access to Kisha''s team''s command, control, or inner workings. If an explanation was necessary, Kisha could provide a simple reassurance that their safety would not be compromised. Seeing Kisha and her group''s silence and lack of action, Clyde realized that Kisha had already made a decision regarding the newcomer. He also understood the message she was sending to him and his group. Acknowledging this, Clyde fell silent and gave his group a reassuring smile and a slight nod. However, this wasn''t enough to ease the concerns of the others. Soon after everyone finished eating, the office descended into an eerie silence that sent chills through everyone present. Kisha called Sparrow to the center of the room, while the Winters and the rest of their group formed a circle around him, resembling a council ready to judge the accused. Clyde''s people stayed in their corner, resting quietly and making a conscious effort not to eavesdrop on Kisha''s meeting. This discretion did not go unnoticed, and Kisha appreciated their respectfulness. Duke, regardless of the occasion, couldn''t resist making Kisha sit on his lap. He enjoyed her scent and played with her soft hair, acting as her chair. Despite the urgency of the matter or the seriousness of the issue, everyone couldn''t help but relax a little, smiles creeping onto their faces as they watched the newlyweds behave as if they were on their honeymoon. Kisha let Duke have his way, enjoying his playful act since it was both relaxing and ticklish. "Sparrow, could you tell us what happened?" she asked, frowning. "I don''t think this injury was caused by the mission I assigned you." She paused, a thought crossing her mind that seemed almost impossible. "Did you encounter a level 1?" she added, her voice filled with concern and dread. Chapter 136 - 136 Level 1 Zombie Reflecting on everything happening around her, Kisha felt that encountering a level 1 this early was no longer surprising. The second Blood Rain had arrived six months ahead of schedule, and superhumans were emerging earlier than in her previous lives. Everything seemed to be moving at a fast-forward pace, causing a headache to creep in as she grappled with the rapid changes. Her memories from past lives were becoming less reliable, and she realized that much of what she knew might no longer be 100% accurate. Two hours ago... Sparrow had been traveling non-stop for two hours, leaping from roof to roof. He had used up five stamina boosters and five black vials of liquid just to catch up with Duke and the rest. He was eager to deliver the news that the three Colton camps had been razed to the ground with zero survivors. Exhausted and eager to rest after completing his mission, when finally reached them but for now, he could only smile to himself. He was proud, and rightfully so, for he had just avenged his fallen comrades who had been killed and tortured by the Coltons. He knew that his other buddies, who were with Kisha and Duke, would be very pleased to hear how the Coltons'' camps met their end. He was eager to recount every detail: how their enemies'' faces lost all hope when they realized they were doomed. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But despite his happiness, there was a sadness in his eyes. All he could do now was keep moving forward and protect what was left to protect: his master and his wife. He steeled himself to do better and become stronger so that he could achieve this. But his thoughts were distracted by the rain again. He felt something was wrong with it but couldn''t pinpoint what it was. He also noticed the zombies on the streets becoming more frenzied as if they were high on drugs. Their screeching roars were eerie enough to make his hair stand on end, and his heartbeat skyrocketed almost every time he heard their terrifying, intensified growls. He sensed something was off but couldn''t quite grasp what it was. However, there was no time to stop and ponder. He pressed on, knowing he was still too far from Kisha and the others. Sparrow increased his speed, though the heavy bags he was carrying slightly hindered his movements but he did not want to let it go. He selected the most useful items he could find from the three camps that were still usable. He sneaked in without alerting the zombies and managed not to disturb them. After salvaging whatever he could, he left the rubble and the zombies to deal with the aftermath of the explosion and the deaths of the Coltons. His thoughts were interrupted by an ominous feeling looming over him. He halted on one of the rooftops, scanning his surroundings. The heavy rain obstructed his view, blurring everything and making it difficult to see clearly. But he sensed that something was wrong as if he were being stalked like prey. His instincts kicked in, urging him to be careful. Yet, no matter where he looked, the surroundings were eerily quiet. Aside from the sound of the rain, the usual roars of the zombies had ceased, leaving an unsettling silence. His senses heightened, alerting him to the imminent danger. He realized that something dangerous might be on his trail, perhaps following him with the intention of attacking once he led it to where more people like him were waiting. Just the thought made Sparrow break into a cold sweat. This was undoubtedly the way predators hunted. They didn''t pounce immediately upon finding a lone lamb. Instead, they patiently lurked in the shadows, waiting for the lambs to regroup. Once the predator pinpointed the safe haven of the lambs, it would launch a fierce attack, swiftly killing them one by one. Alternatively, it might silently eliminate its prey, maintaining a delicate balance to avoid arousing suspicion among the lambs. This strategy ensured the predator could sustain its hunt, striking again when hunger called. Sparrow refused to lead this danger back to his master and family, even if it meant sacrificing himself on the spot. He resolved to halt the enemy''s advance. As seconds stretched on, Sparrow''s heartbeat quickened, feeling as though it were lodged in his throat. Yet, the enemy remained elusive. Sparrow couldn''t discern whether it was a superhuman or a zombie, leaving him in the dark about the nature of the threat. He set down his belongings and seemed to scan the surroundings for a spot to rest. Deliberately, he projected an air of vulnerability and weariness, mimicking someone who had endured a long journey. After arranging his possessions aside, he sought out a cozy nook for repose. Finally settling, he lay down, using the shelter of the roof to shield himself from the rain, his posture conveying exhaustion and a sense of vulnerability. After nearly half an hour, the creature remained still, refusing to take the bait. Sparrow, feigning sleep for too long, began to feel genuine fatigue and drowsiness creeping in. It appeared that Sparrow alone wasn''t enticing enough to lure the creature out. Just as he entertained the thought of his fatigue playing tricks on him after a prolonged journey, he sensed a sudden lunge from the shadows of the roof, dispelling any doubts he had. The creature moved with such speed that Sparrow could barely register its form, only catching a fleeting afterimage. Fortunately, Sparrow''s agility as a wind user enabled him to react swiftly, summoning a protective whirlwind to shield himself. The force of the whirlwind pushed the creature several steps back. Despite nearly tumbling to the ground, it managed to regain its balance by digging its toes into the cement floor and bracing against the wind. Its claws scraped deep furrows in the cement, marking its attempt to halt its momentum, leaving a trail several feet long and as deep as an inch. Sparrow''s eyes widened in horror as he recognized the attacker as a zombie, but unlike any he had encountered before. This one moved with a speed and ferocity surpassing any he had witnessed, resembling a feral beast driven by insatiable hunger. Its gaze bore into Sparrow with a primal intensity, sending shivers down his spine and a sense of profound weakness through his body. Merely facing its gaze, Sparrow felt himself inferior to the creature before him; its mere nails seemed capable of slicing through him as easily as soft tofu. Chapter 137 - 137 Sparrows Fight Even though Sparrow was already overwhelmed by the zombie''s strength and agility, his resolve remained steadfast. Despite facing a foe clearly stronger than himself, he found solace in knowing that he possessed an advantage: a functioning brain. Unlike the zombie, which relied solely on instinct, Sparrow could strategize and scheme, using his intellect to devise a plan to defeat the undead creature standing before him. Sparrow understood that only one of them could leave that location alive. If he were to lose to the zombie, it would jeopardize the safety of his people, unaware of the imminent danger lurking nearby. Sparrow unsheathed his tactical dagger and assumed a defensive stance, his gaze unwavering as he faced the hungry zombie. The creature, sizing up Sparrow''s strength, emitted a low growl that seemed almost victorious. With calculated movements, it began to circle Sparrow, hunting for an opportunity to strike. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite its physical superiority, the zombie remained cautious of Sparrow''s whirlwind ability, fearing that a single strike could send it reeling or, worse yet, prove fatal. Despite Sparrow''s readiness to defend himself, he couldn''t shake the feeling that the zombie was belittling him with its gaze. Though the undead creature uttered no words, its condescending stare spoke volumes, leaving Sparrow with a palpable sense of unease. Sparrow refused to remain passive; his eyes tracked the zombie''s every movement, from its subtle shifts in posture to the rhythm of its breathing. He sought out patterns, searching for any potential weaknesses. Despite the obvious power imbalance, Sparrow understood that the zombie''s sense of superiority could work to his advantage. He knew that those who deemed themselves stronger often grew arrogant, letting their guard down in the process. Sparrow saw this as an opportunity¡ªa small window of vulnerability that he could exploit to finish the job. Until then, he focused on survival, ensuring that he could withstand whatever onslaught the zombie unleashed upon him. In an instant, the zombie closed the distance with a speed that left Sparrow bewildered. Before he could react, it was upon him, its razor-sharp claw aimed straight at his throat. Sparrow''s instincts kicked in, and he attempted to retreat, but the zombie''s swiftness outmatched his own. The claw grazed his Adam''s apple, slicing through flesh and drawing copious amounts of blood. It was a hair''s breadth away from a fatal blow¡ªif Sparrow had hesitated for even a fraction of a second longer, the outcome might have been dire. The wound inflicted by the zombie was undeniably grave, the fabric of Sparrow''s clothing now saturated with his own blood. Yet, the attack had not ceased; the zombie, having struck, swiftly retreated to its initial position. It resumed its menacing circling of Sparrow, its eyes scanning for another opening to deliver a fatal blow. As the zombie closed in once more, Sparrow sensed the impending attack. With a sudden flung of its arm, the creature aimed for his blind spot. Reacting swiftly, Sparrow steps forward, attempting to evade the strike. Despite his efforts, the zombie''s speed proved too much; its claws left four deep, knife-like scratches across his back, drawing blood almost instantly. Sparrow gritted his teeth, stifling a pained grunt as he staggered back, trying to create distance between himself and the relentless foe. Each step he took left a trail of blood on the ground, a grim testament to his injuries. Despite the agony coursing through him, Sparrow fought to maintain his focus, determined to stay alert and vigilant. Persistently, the zombie closed in on Sparrow without affording him a moment''s respite. Its arms swung once more in a menacing arc. Fortunately, Sparrow''s stumble to the right, caused by his prior injury, enabled him to narrowly evade the strike aimed at his head. Swiftly, he countered the subsequent attack aimed at his stomach, he used his dagger to deflect the blow with determined precision. Sparrow struggled to regulate his breathing, his senses dulled by the loss of blood and the searing pain coursing through his body. Yet, amidst the haze, his eyes shimmered with unwavering resolve and an indomitable will to survive. He remained acutely attuned to the zombie''s every movement, drawing strength from the adrenaline coursing through his veins to maintain his focus. Each pang of pain served as a stark reminder of his mortality, grounding him in the present moment and compelling him to trust his instincts more with each passing second. With each passing second, Sparrow felt himself sinking deeper into a state of intense focus, where he and the zombie seemed to inhabit their own isolated realm within the chaos around them. In this heightened state, his senses became remarkably acute, allowing him to perceive the subtlest details of the zombie''s presence. He could sense its breath, track its movements, and even discern the minute shifts in its muscle contractions with the precision of a hawk. Every aspect of the encounter became vividly clear to him as if he possessed an extraordinary ability to perceive the world with unparalleled clarity, all fueled by his unwavering concentration. Sparrow''s mind had honed in on the imminent threat before him, filtering out all other distractions until nothing else registered¡ªnot the sound of rain, nor the dim surroundings. In that moment, darkness enveloped them, isolating Sparrow and the zombie in a realm of their own. His heightened awareness bordered on the extraordinary, reminiscent of Kisha''s own abilities, albeit temporary. Perhaps it was his brain''s instinctual response to the looming danger, a realization that any lapse could mean his demise. This sharpened state seemed to amplify his gift, ''Hawk Eye,'' aligning it perfectly with his senses and enabling this remarkable phenomenon. The zombie resumed its circling, each movement deliberate, almost as if time had slowed down. Despite the eerie slow motion of the scene, Sparrow''s own reactions matched the pace. Armed with an understanding of the zombie''s attack projections, he could efficiently counter or deflect impending strikes with minimal effort. With a subtle sidestep, the zombie''s sharp claw grazed Sparrow''s left arm, a close call that left him unscathed. Perplexed by Sparrow''s evasion of its swift assault, the zombie recoiled momentarily, its confusion palpable. Undeterred, it regrouped and launched another attack, aiming for Sparrow''s vulnerable blind spot. Yet again, Sparrow''s precise adjustment in movement thwarted the imminent blow, frustrating the zombie to no end as it struggled in vain to kill him. Sparrow had grown accustomed to this sensation, his eyes narrowing as he observed the zombie''s aerial maneuver. He patiently awaited the opportune moment to strike. With deadly precision, the zombie targeted Sparrow''s heart, but Sparrow, ever vigilant, anticipated its attack. Shifting slightly, he evaded the fatal blow, though the creature''s claws found a place and stabbed his shoulder. Reacting swiftly, Sparrow seized the zombie''s arm, preventing its escape. Despite the creature''s escalating hostility, Sparrow remained resolute. As the zombie attempted another assault with its free arm, Sparrow outpaced it. With a decisive swing of his dagger, he severed the creature''s head from its body. Before the zombie''s remaining hand could reach him, its lifeless head rolled to the ground, defeated. With a resolute grunt, Sparrow exerted force to dislodge the zombie''s sharp claw from his shoulder, causing its lifeless body to collapse to the ground with a heavy thud. As he surveyed the aftermath, Sparrow sensed a profound exhaustion wash over him, a testament to the ordeal he had just endured. He couldn''t shake the feeling that he had narrowly escaped death multiple times during the encounter. It was as though he had entered a heightened state of awareness, allowing him to perceive even the slightest nuances in the zombie''s muscle movements, thereby predicting its next move with uncanny accuracy. Sparrow collapsed to the ground, his legs giving way beneath him as if they had turned to jelly. A chill coursed through his body, exacerbated by the loss of blood. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon him, tempting him to surrender to the darkness behind his eyelids. Yet, he fought against the urge, fearful that closing his eyes might seal his fate. After stealing a brief moment of respite, he mustered the strength to push himself upright once more. He knew he couldn''t afford to delay any longer; his master needed to be informed of the potential emergence of a level 1 zombie. After he rested for a bit and steadied himself, he stood up, gathered his belonging and drank some blue vial of liquid. He could have used his awakened ability earlier but aside from defending himself with the whirlwind, he couldn''t even get to see the zombie''s after image so using the wind blade would be useless and the use of her whirlwind would only uselessly spend his spiritual energy without doing much damage to the zombie, so he only has one option and that is to use his own body, it was a reckless move but, he would have died earlier if he overused his awakened ability and he was sure that the zombie wouldn''t give him a chance to consume the vial of blue liquid because, once it saw Sparrow''s vulnerability and an opening, he was sure that the zombie wouldn''t waste its time to kill him then. ----------------- PS: I apologize, everyone, but I can only update one chapter for now. I''ve had to send my fur babies to the clinic because they''re sick. I''ll do my best to provide more updates tomorrow as a token of my appreciation. Thank you for understanding! Chapter 138 - 138 Sparrows New Skill Having recounted his experience, Sparrow exhales a sigh of relief, acknowledging that his risky decision had paid off. Despite enduring a heavy slap to the back of his head from Vulture, leaving him momentarily dizzy, he understood his friend''s concern¡ªit stemmed from genuine worry for his well-being. Reflecting on the encounter, he realizes just how close he had come to losing his life. Faced with a zombie far stronger than himself, the challenge had seemed insurmountable, leaving him uncertain of his chances of survival at the moment. Had Sparrow not been as fortunate as he was, had he not experienced such a phenomenon, he would undoubtedly have perished countless times over. Upon hearing Sparrow''s detailed account of the events and the phenomenon he described, Kisha experienced a sudden realization. She suspected that Sparrow might have unlocked a new skill. To confirm her suspicion, she decided to employ her ''Eye of Truth'' gift. [Code name: Sparrow] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300) Strength: 18 Stamina: 25 Defense: 16 Agility: 29 Mental Capacity: 19 sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Charm: 7 Leadership: 7 Title: None Skills: Whirlwind Level 0, Windblade Level 0, Perception Level 0 Talent: Scouting Gift: Hawk eyesight Ability: Wind Kisha''s suspicions were confirmed: Sparrow had indeed acquired the new skill ''Perception.'' To her, it seemed that all the hardships Sparrow endured were justified by this remarkable gain. ''Perception'' proved invaluable in combat, granting Sparrow an almost uncanny ability to anticipate his opponent''s next move, providing a significant advantage. However, the skill came with a cost: it drained mental capacity, akin to the abilities of a Mental awakened superhuman. Fortunately, Sparrow possessed a high mental fortitude, allowing him to utilize the skill for a limited time. Once depleted, he experienced only minor mental fatigue, a testament to his formidable willpower. This resilience likely contributed to his ability to traverse a mile despite sustaining severe injuries and carrying a heavy load of weaponry, just like a tireless pack mule. Acquiring such an ability was no small feat, even for Kisha, who had endured countless trials in the apocalypse. Perhaps it was Sparrow''s unwavering will to survive or his remarkable focus that brought about this development. Regardless, Kisha couldn''t help but feel a sense of elation; Sparrow had become an invaluable asset to their team. With his newfound skill, he would undoubtedly play a pivotal role in future missions. Reflecting on the past, Kisha couldn''t shake the regret of losing Sparrow in her previous life before meeting Duke. She couldn''t help but wonder what heights they could have reached together. Now, determined to fulfill that potential alongside Duke and their comrades, she set her sights on the future. "Fully embracing your role as Duke''s wife now, Host? Must be over the moon," 008''s teasing remark shattered Kisha''s reverie. It seemed that 008 couldn''t resist the opportunity to poke fun at her, as if it found amusement in everything, its duties confined to monitoring and scouring the points mall for specific items. Kisha responded with a disdainful snort. "You don''t want an upgrade?" "I stand corrected, Host. I''ll return to overseeing your younger brother''s training," 008 conceded before retreating into the depths of Kisha''s consciousness, evading her potential anger. Aware of Kisha''s hidden feelings for Duke from their previous life, 008 speculated that she may have regretted not confessing her affections, fearing rejection like many others, and dreading the potential strain on their relationship thereafter. Before fully retreating, 008 remembered something and added, "Host, I''m still on the lookout for the pill that Bell mentioned, the one that accelerates leveling like Scarlet Honey. Please bear with me for a bit; I''ll inform you as soon as I find it. Also, your S-class mission is progressing smoothly, so it seems everything is in our favor. I''ll keep you updated on any changes." With that, 008 made sure to leave Kisha with some positive news, hoping to mend any disdain before its departure. Kisha chuckled softly at 008 before redirecting her focus to the group around her. With the confirmation of a level 1 zombie, she felt the urgency to accelerate her team''s leveling up. However, before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, Sparrow, who had just recalled something crucial, called out to her and approached, passing her what he had retrieved. "Young madam, this is the level 1 crystal core I obtained from the zombie I killed." Sparrow''s voice exuded pride, his accomplishment evident in his tone. He had achieved something remarkable, especially considering Vulture''s recent revelation about the difficulty of defeating a level 1 zombie. It typically required either two level 0 awakened ability users with exceptional offensive and defensive capabilities or a single level 1 awakened ability user with at least mid-level abilities. [Zombie Core] Level: 1 Attribute: None Spirit: 25 Description: A white-colored zombie core that has recently formed, containing only a small amount of energy. After examining the crystal core''s information, Kisha smiled happily and stored it away in her inventory. This series of actions went unnoticed by Clyde''s group, as Kisha''s team was still forming a protective circle around her and Duke, further concealed by the office furniture. Their conversation was exchanged discreetly to ensure Clyde and the others didn''t overhear. It wasn''t that Kisha was withholding information to gain an advantage, but she understood that these details would naturally be released to the public when the leaders of each shelter and base decided. If this information came out prematurely from someone else, it could draw unwanted attention and make them targets for those looking to seize control of the shelters. Kisha''s discretion ensured that they wouldn''t step on someone else''s foot who wanted to maintain control over the flow of information among the other survivors. If others threatened this equilibrium, they would become public enemy number one, especially since it was still unclear if any Colton survivors remained in the shelter. With this concern in mind, Kisha began to disguise her people again, particularly Duke, Sparrow, Vulture, the Winters, and other key members recognizable to the Coltons. By donning their previous disguises, they could return to the shelter without re-registering and continue their work undetected. Only those within their group knew their true identities; even Clyde''s group had only seen their silhouettes and glimpses of their faces. When Clyde''s group finally saw them in proper lighting, they would realize that their initial impressions were entirely different. When Clyde and his group had glimpsed Kisha''s clean and beautiful appearance earlier, they were relying on the limited light available. This allowed Kisha and her people to use the opportunity to their advantage. This was why Kisha wasn''t too nervous about standing in front of the newcomers without a disguise earlier. Kisha spent nearly the entire night completing disguises for herself and the remaining eight people in her group. By the time she finished, it was almost dawn. The Blood Rain had passed, and the first rays of sunlight began to filter through the office blinds. For many, this signified new hope, especially for those in the shelter who had feared they wouldn''t survive the night. However, it was also a time of mourning for those who had lost loved ones to the zombies while defending the shelter. Chapter 139 - 139 Going Back to the Shelter Since Kisha and the rest had completed the Reconnaissance Mission they took from the bulletin board in exchange for supplies and had successfully rescued Duke''s family, it was time for them to return to the shelter. They needed to assess the situation, ensure the shelter was secure, and determine if further cleaning was required. Additionally, Kisha still needed to stay in the shelter for 25 more days to complete her S-class mission. After ensuring that all preparations were complete, Vulture and Tristan prepared breakfast while Kisha worked on the disguises. By the time Kisha finished their disguises just before dawn, breakfast was ready. Despite the constant threat of zombies, Kisha''s team always ensured they had three meals a day. No matter how busy they were, they always found a place to eat and maintain their strength. Vulture and Tristan prepared soup and pancakes for everyone, including Clyde''s group, who would be joining them on the journey back to the shelter. The entire team prioritized getting ample rest and eating properly to ensure they wouldn''t feel weak during any upcoming battles. Even those without an appetite were compelled to eat, understanding the necessity of maintaining their strength and not becoming a burden to the group. Duke, on the other hand, stuck close to Kisha, as if he were afraid she might disappear from his sight at any moment. His family watched and laughed, amused by the couple''s dynamic that resembled a mother hen and her chick strutting around the room. Duke''s large stature made the scene even funnier, as he followed Kisha like a lost puppy. His parents found it especially amusing, as Duke had never been this clingy even as a child. He had always acted like a cold-faced adult, so seeing him behave this way was new and endearing to them. "My dear wife, could you check my disguise again? I think my left eye isn''t covered properly," Duke asked as he strutted over to Kisha, pointing to his left eye. Despite his intimidating disguise, his concern made him seem almost comical. Kisha, equally imposing, completed the duo''s comedic effect as they displayed their affection in front of everyone. Onlookers felt as if they were being force-fed "dog food" by the couple''s antics, which had been ongoing since yesterday. "There''s nothing wrong with it. How many times do I have to check it, hmm?" Kisha raised her eyebrows in amusement. She noticed that Duke always stared hungrily at her lips whenever she got close to examine his so-called ''missing eye.'' She knew he was doing this on purpose to tempt her, even in front of their people. She couldn''t help but feel shy, wondering what was going on inside Duke''s head. Duke showed no signs of embarrassment, behaving like a hooligan even in front of his parents and grandfather. She wondered if this was a new side of Duke or if it had always been there, hidden from her for years. Despite his antics, she found herself strangely drawn to him, appreciating both his carefree demeanor and the seriousness he had exhibited in their past life. Yet, what mattered most was that he now belonged to her. So, she indulged him once more, allowing him to sit so she could check his disguise. However, as he sat down, his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her onto his lap. "Sit here. You''ll get a better view from up close," Duke declared, a triumphant smile gracing his lips, laced with mischief. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha shook her head in resignation, a soft chuckle escaping her lips, which tugged at Duke''s heartstrings in just the right way. "Aren''t you being mischievous again?" Kisha teased, running her fingers through Duke''s hair with a hint of indulgence. Duke said nothing, his smile lighting up his face like a child receiving his dream birthday gift. "Okay now big guy, let''s be serious now because we need to get back to the shelter, we''ll have plenty of time when we get home," Kisha said smiling at Duke, not fully understanding the full implication of what she said to Duke which was interpreted differently. Duke, on the other hand, now sported a wide grin as he looked at Kisha, his eyes narrowing with delight as he nodded in agreement. ''You said it,'' he chimed, his voice taking on a husky tone as he tightened his grip possessively around Kisha''s waist. ''I hope you''re ready,'' he added, his words carrying a subtle hint of anticipation. Kisha tilted her head to the side, a hint of confusion playing on her features as she observed Duke''s ear-to-ear grin. ''Is he really that thrilled to go back home?'' she mused silently. ''Perhaps he''s missed the comfort of a good night''s sleep and a refreshing shower.'' As their companions busied themselves with the final preparations, ensuring that everything was neatly stowed away, Kisha discreetly helped organize the larger items in her inventory. She skillfully masked their actions, making it appear as though their group was simply returning items to the small storage room adjacent to the office. After completing their tasks, Clyde and his group emerged from their corner, ready to lead Kisha and her companions to the concealed storage area they had been using since their arrival at the bank. However, upon seeing Kisha and the others, their reaction went beyond mere surprise. They stood there, mouths agape, unable to utter a word as shock overtook them. Clyde and his friends are lucky that they are only covered in thick, congealed blood from their encounters with zombies, and sporting minor injuries from their daring escapes, Kisha and her group presented a visage that was nothing short of terrifying to Clyde and his companions. At that moment, the sight of Kisha and her group was utterly chilling. Clyde and his friends couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief that their injuries were minor and they were only coated in zombie blood. As they collectively took deep breaths to steady their nerves, they couldn''t ignore the overwhelming sense of dread. Kisha and her companions appeared dangerously formidable, causing Clyde and his friends to question their decision to align with them. They couldn''t shake the feeling that they were unwittingly placing themselves in harm''s way with Kisha at the helm. Having already committed to the agreement, Clyde and his friends could only hope they had made the right decision in aligning with Kisha and her group. With Kisha and her companions showing determination to proceed, they decided to proceed cautiously, playing it by ear. Without further delay, Kisha and her team got down to business, wasting no time in heading straight to the floor where the bank stored mineral water, beverages, canned goods, and other preserved foods for their elite clientele and employees. The storage room was still brimming with supplies, largely untouched by Clyde and his group during their short stay. They had taken care to keep everything in order, ensuring none of the provisions went to waste or were spoiled. Kisha and her group adeptly feigned storing food supplies in the backpacks each of them carried. Even Clyde and his companions scoured the area for items they could use to carry as much supplies as possible. Once everyone had finished gathering their provisions, Duke took the lead in guiding the group outside, with Clyde''s group following suit. He skillfully covered for Kisha while she discreetly remained behind to collect any remaining items in the storage room and stow them away in her inventory. After securing everything in her inventory, she swiftly exited the storage room, seamlessly blending into the tail end of her group. With Duke at her side, they ensured her absence went unnoticed by Clyde''s group, while their own team adeptly covered for her. Chapter 140 - 140 Heading Back As Kisha guided her group through the streets, they encountered fewer zombies as expected. However, despite the end of the blood rain, the undead continued their frenzied attacks. Many zombies remained in a transitional state, unable to complete their evolution. Some even failed to evolve altogether, remaining at Level 0. These incomplete evolutions meant that future transformations, without the aid of the blood rain, would result in weaker zombies compared to those that successfully evolved during the blood rain, similar to the formidable zombie at level 1 Sparrow had encountered. Sparrow returned the three amulets Kisha had given him, having never found occasion to use them. Kisha did not explain that the amulets were meant to safeguard against instant death or a fatal single strike, scenarios he thankfully hadn''t encountered. It seemed the amulets would activate only under such dire circumstances. However, without Kisha''s explanation, Sparrow assumed they were defective when faced with injuries that didn''t result in instant death. If only he had known their true purpose, he might have appreciated their significance. Kisha found reassurance in Sparrow''s ability to navigate the situation without needing the amulets, interpreting it as a sign of his resilience and survival instincts. Sparrow''s adeptness in combat and his prior experience in life-threatening scenarios kept him composed under pressure, unlike most others who might have succumbed instantly in such a daunting confrontation. His calm demeanor and skillful fighting prevented what could have been a fatal outcome for others less prepared. Kisha and the others refrained from using the armored bus due to concerns that its engine noise might attract nearby zombies, potentially leading to them being besieged from all directions while the infected were still in a frenzied state induced by the blood rain. Surviving such an onslaught would be precarious. If they made it through the current day, it could indicate that the zombies'' frenzied state was subsiding. This would suggest a failed evolution if their energy reserves couldn''t sustain the consolidation of the stirring virus within their bodies by the following day. Kisha and the others faced a formidable challenge at the bank''s entrance, as they opted to confront the zombies using cold weapons rather than relying on their awakened abilities. Duke, wielding a long spear, and Kisha, with her dual katanas, proved adept at killing the undead. Kisha moved with speed and precision, almost as if she were performing a graceful dance amidst the chaos of battle. Clyde''s group stood in awe as they witnessed the strength and prowess of Kisha''s team, particularly the remarkable performances of Vulture and Sparrow. Sparrow moved with agility, effortlessly killing zombies with each fluid motion, while Vulture plowed through the undead like a human bulldozer, sending them flying with each strike. "Is that guy a monkey in his past life? And the other one, a bull?" One of the girls remarked, standing amidst the group, watching the impressive display. This moment of awe provided a rare sense of comfort for them since their departure from City D towards City B. Normally gripped by the fear of death when encountering zombie hordes, they now found themselves admiring the power and prowess of Kisha''s team, feeling reassured about their decision to join them on the journey to the shelter. Clyde''s team found themselves with little to do, relegated to following behind Kisha''s group while remaining protected at the center of the formation. Despite Kisha''s team only having a few more members than them, their strength eclipsed anything Clyde had witnessed thus far. In a swift and coordinated effort, Kisha and her group swiftly killed the zombies that had gathered around. Each member of Kisha''s team couldn''t help but notice the marked difference in strength. While previously they could kill zombies with ease, they now needed to exercise caution as the zombies seemed to have gained both speed and strength. While this surge in strength and agility was temporary, it remained a formidable challenge when coupled with the sheer number of zombies. They could only hope for the evolution phase to conclude swiftly. In the current circumstances, exhaustion during travel seemed inevitable, given the heightened threat level posed by the evolved zombies. Fortunately, they were well-stocked with food and had rested sufficiently, ensuring they had ample reserves of energy to cover greater distances. Kisha''s leadership led them to streets with fewer zombies, a fact even Clyde and his team couldn''t overlook. They pondered whether Kisha''s success in finding these secluded routes was merely luck or if she possessed a method for navigating the zombie-infested streets and selecting paths with fewer obstacles. Thus far, their encounters typically involved battling no more than a dozen zombies at a time. Kisha took proactive measures to utilize the Scarley Bees ahead of them, tasking them with eliminating as many zombies as possible to lighten the load on her group. Simultaneously, she ensured that the bees discreetly collected the cores while her team pressed forward along their path. Unlike before, this arrangement has proven to be the most effective for their journey, significantly easing their burdens. Since Kisha and her team couldn''t utilize their awakened abilities, they relied on Bell''s scarlet bees for scouting and preemptively eliminating zombies along their path. This strategic approach made their journey notably smoother, requiring minimal effort on their part. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, this method came with its drawbacks. By utilizing the Scarlet Bees as scouts and killing machines outside, the production of Scarlet honey had to suffer. This weighed heavily on Kisha''s heart, as she knew the importance of maintaining their resources. Additionally, she had promised to provide Bell with enough crystal cores to level up to level 2 once they reached the shelter. Doing so would expedite the production of Scarlet Honey and increase Bell''s birthing limit, resulting in a larger troop size. It was a difficult balance between immediate needs and long-term sustainability. With their load significantly lighter, Kisha''s group moved more easily along the road. However, due to time constraints and the Scarlet Bees not having ample time to dispose of the zombie carcasses they left behind, Clyde''s team also noticed the undead remains scattered along the path, their heads visibly open. Fortunately, they assumed that the shelter''s soldiers had recently cleared the streets nearby, resulting in the scattered remains. Chapter 141 - 141 Gate 2 In just three and a half hours, Kisha and her group reached Gate 2. The area was strewn with zombie carcasses, and the echoes of gunfire still reverberated in the air. Smoke billowed from both inside and outside the shelter, indicating ongoing efforts to handle the corpses and prevent the spread of any potential plague. Kisha guessed they were burning the bodies to contain any potential outbreaks. As smoke billowed from inside the shelter, Kisha couldn''t help but speculate that some zombies might have breached the defenses, or worse, some soldiers could have been bitten and needed to be dealt with before turning. Despite the challenges, it seemed the shelter''s inhabitants were managing. However, relying solely on firearms posed a significant risk of depleting their ammunition. They would need to strategize how to procure more or find alternative means of defense, especially if they hadn''t yet discovered the potential of the awakened. Their sole beacon of hope rested on the asymptomatic individuals manifesting their awakened abilities. Every symptomatic person who was dealt with meant a potentially awakened individual lost, which was a significant blow to human survival. Given that not everyone would have the opportunity to awaken, each loss diminished their chances. If more awakened individuals were killed, it meant even fewer chances for survival. Sooner or later, the shelter would face a siege by zombies if they couldn''t tap into the power of the awakened. Many might wonder why Kisha wasn''t taking action despite knowing the dire consequences. It wasn''t for lack of effort on her part. In her past lives, she had tried numerous times, only to be branded as a troublemaker by those in power. They saw her attempts as spreading false information to sow discord. In reality, they sought to hoard knowledge to bolster their own authority and maintain control over the shelters, positioning themselves as near-deities. By the time any leaked information surfaced, they had already solidified their power base, rendering any opposition futile. Kisha became their target, ultimately leading to her demise. Currently, Kisha''s primary concern is the well-being and survival of her own people. She''s moved beyond fretting over others, as she once did. As long as she can ensure the safety of her group, she sees no reason to reveal this information. She prefers to let others come to their own realizations, highlighting the folly of succumbing to fear and prematurely condemning those with fevers. If the time comes for Kisha to rescue this shelter, she''ll do so on her own terms, ensuring that Coltons no longer hold sway within its walls. As Kisha and her group caught sight of the towering gate of Gate 2 amidst the scattered zombie remains, they paused deliberately. This precaution was to prevent the lookout in the tower from mistaking them for a zombie horde and firing in panic. Kisha instructed Sparrow and Vulture to hoist a white silk cloth and wave it in the air, ensuring the lookout would recognize them as friendly. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They proceeded towards Gate 2 at a deliberate pace, with Kisha at the helm and Duke at her side, his long spear poised like a protective deity. As anticipated, the lookout, worn down from the previous night''s battle with the zombie raid, spotted their group in the distance. Reacting swiftly to the approaching figures, they raised their rifle, prepared to fire the first shot. Their fatigue drove them to act quickly, unwilling to risk another onslaught that could overwhelm their defenses and potentially lead to more casualties among their people. As the small figures approached, tension gripped the lookout tower. Just as the first lookout prepared to pull the trigger, his companion forcefully pushed down the rifle, causing the first shot to narrowly miss Kisha''s foot. The sudden discharge brought Kisha and her group to an abrupt halt, their movements frozen. Duke''s gaze turned menacing as he fixed his eyes on the lookout tower, his aura radiating an icy chill as his palpable killing intent filled the air. "Idiot! Look closer, those are survivors!" the second lookout shouted at his comrade through gritted teeth. Despite their fear of the zombie raid, they couldn''t afford to kill survivors. They had already lost too many people and desperately needed all the manpower they could get. The fact that these people had made it through the frenzied zombies outside meant they were strong enough to fend for themselves. These strong individuals were exactly what the shelter needed for its survival, and his teammate had nearly killed one of them, risking a serious offense. Little did he know, Kisha was already prepared. If the bullet had been aimed directly at her, she could have used her telekinesis to alter its trajectory, protecting herself and making it seem like the sniper had simply missed the target due to incompetence. Either way, Kisha had anticipated this reaction. Everyone in the shelter was on edge, their nerves taut from the constant threat of a zombie raid striking at any time, especially during the volatile evolution phase. The second lookout informed the gatekeeper of the arrival of survivors. The gatekeeper could hardly believe what he heard over the walkie-talkie. Even their military-trained personnel had suffered heavy casualties during the previous night''s zombie raid, with countless soldiers dying to protect the shelter. Yet, here was Kisha''s team, having navigated the zombie-infested streets outside. Though incredulous, the gatekeeper felt a surge of hope and eagerness to recruit such capable individuals into their ranks to bolster their defenses against the zombies. They had all believed that the sheer number of zombies was their only terrifying aspect, but their beliefs were shattered after last night''s experience. It felt like they had lived through hell on earth. Hearing the news from the walkie-talkie, everyone felt their exhaustion vanish. Eagerly, they climbed up the walls to watch Kisha and her team approach Gate 2. From their vantage point, they could see Kisha and her group killing zombies with ease as they steadily closed in on the gate. They were all in awe, especially impressed by how intimidating Kisha''s team looked. As Kisha''s team drew closer, the gatekeeper began to recognize Kisha and the three others with her. Their fighting skills and commanding presence had left a strong impression on him when they left a few days ago. "Ah! It''s them!" he exclaimed, pointing excitedly at Kisha and her group. "They even managed to rescue some people outside!" Chapter 142 - 142 Last Spurt to Reach the Gate "Open the gate!" the gatekeeper shouted after regaining his composure as Kisha and her team approached Gate 2. Upon hearing the command, the others exchanged glances but remained silent. They all understood that they needed Kisha''s team''s strength to survive from now on. They acknowledged that if they had been the ones outside, they might not have survived the frenzied zombies while defending themselves on the run. Kisha and her team had managed to survive in such perilous conditions that had already claimed the lives of hundreds of their men. When they saw Duke''s menacing and gloomy expression, they all froze, feeling their skin crawl. They had no idea what they might have done to offend him, but they fervently hoped it wasn''t their actions that had angered him. At that moment, Duke looked like death itself, and none of them dared to approach him nor even look at him. When everyone from Kisha''s and Clyde''s teams saw the big gate slowly opening, Clyde''s team began to cheer, feeling a wave of relief wash over them. They had survived until now and were finally seeing a community where other survivors were working together. Their happiness was amplified by the hope that their families, from whom they had been separated, were also safe inside the shelter. But unlike Clyde and his group''s jubilant cheers, Kisha and her team felt a sense of dread, as if they were stepping into another hide-and-seek game with the Coltons. Kisha knew that the Coltons they had encountered and killed outside were not all of them. This wasn''t just a hunch; it seemed sound and reasonable to her. She believed that the Coltons, known for their underhanded tactics, wouldn''t have their leader, the so-called ''Young Master,'' personally venture into danger. Instead, he would likely remain in the shadows, orchestrating from a safe distance while keeping a close watch on the Winters. That person must be waiting for news inside the shelter. That''s why Kisha was adamant about putting on their disguises again and keeping as much information to themselves as possible. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Revealing their awakened abilities would only paint a larger target on their backs, making them more vulnerable once others found out that Kisha and her group could survive outside with ease because of their awakened ability. As greedy as the Coltons, they wouldn''t pass a chance as big as Kisha and the rest, they would probably approach them, if the whole shelter was under the Coltons or if it was still just being coveted by the Coltons means differently to Kisha and she would be able to decide what to do based on these. Kisha pushed these thoughts to the back of her mind, choosing to focus on the present. She knew that dwelling on future uncertainties would only distract her from dealing with the immediate challenges ahead. Duke sensed Kisha''s unease and reached out to gently tap her head with his left hand. This small gesture provided Kisha with the reassurance she needed, reminding her that she wasn''t alone. It was Duke''s way of conveying that, no matter what lay ahead, they would face it together. Kisha felt her heart warm from Duke''s show of support. He always made an effort to ensure she never felt alone, a stark contrast to her previous life where she faced everything by herself as the leader of a base. In this life, she didn''t have to spearhead all the dangers and challenges alone¡ªDuke was by her side, making all the difference. Despite the rapid and unexpected change in her relationship with Duke, Kisha couldn''t deny that it felt like the best decision she had ever made. Agreeing to be with Duke felt like a dream come true, but more importantly, it felt right. It was as if they belonged in each other''s arms, where they were truly meant to be. Kisha''s train of thought was interrupted by soldiers emerging from Gate 2. They were there to escort them inside and eliminate any nearby zombies. However, before they could proceed, Kisha signaled for them to halt. She knew that continued noise would attract more zombies, especially those who came looking for food to aid their evolution. Seeing the confusion on the soldiers'' faces, Kisha then directed Vulture and Sparrow to clear a path ahead. Sparrow, Vulture, along with Tristan and Bald Eagle, formed a protective ring around the group, facing outward in all four directions. With precision and silent efficiency, they killed any zombies that dared to approach. Kisha maintained a steady pace¡ªnot too fast to leave anyone behind, yet not too slow to risk anyone feeling overwhelmed. She aimed to maintain a normal pace suitable for Clyde''s people and Mrs. Winters, who had a frail body, to ensure the safety of all without risking casualties due to haste. The group, including Mr. and Mrs. Winters, couldn''t help but notice the considerate pace set by Kisha. They felt grateful for her thoughtfulness and skilled leadership as they navigated through the dangers together. The soldiers providing support to Kisha''s group were astounded by their seamless coordination and effortless killing of nearby zombies. They appeared highly skilled and formidable, almost surpassing the soldiers themselves. Recalling last night''s encounters where a single zombie breached their defenses, requiring a team of five soldiers to subdue it, resulting in heavy casualties, they recognized the urgency of ensuring Kisha''s group''s safety. They feared that without proper escort, Kisha and her team might fall victim to a surprise attack before they could be effectively deployed. Now, they were concerned that they might slow down Kisha and her team. Surprisingly, they didn''t need to resort to firearms to kill the approaching zombies, saving valuable ammunition for crucial moments. The soldiers simply stood in front of the gate, awaiting Kisha and her team''s arrival before sealing it shut behind them. When Kisha noticed that the soldiers weren''t coming out to assist them anymore, she breathed a sigh of relief. Not that she was concerned about their well-being, but she understood that if those soldiers got into trouble, it would fall on her team to rescue them. With gunfire attracting more zombies, it was a scenario she preferred to avoid. Chapter 143 - 143 Divertion And just like that, Kisha and her companions managed to enter the shelter without any further casualties. The soldiers surrounding them looked at them with admiration, as if they were seeing their idols for the first time. Kisha and the others waited for the medical team to arrive to complete the inspection, similar to their own initial experience. Feeling a sense of responsibility, Kisha felt compelled to brief both her group and Clyde''s group on the upcoming inspection and what to expect while inside the tent. It was a brief explanation, but everyone understood the importance of cooperation. The female members of the group felt embarrassed about exposing their bodies to others, but they refrained from raising any concerns because they understood the necessity of the inspection. They chose not to make a fuss, recognizing the importance of cooperation in the situation. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The gatekeeper, however, abandoned his stern demeanor and hurried to where Kisha and her group were positioned. He observed their remarkable skills from atop the wall, unable to tear his gaze away. He closely watched their movements, attempting to glean insights, but he realized that while Kisha''s group made it appear effortless, replicating their actions wasn''t simple. Their maneuvers demanded either exceptional agility or explosive strength to kill the zombies that suddenly became so strong. He also recalled the recent departure of Kisha and her group from Gate 2. They exhibited incredible strength and navigated the outside world with ease. Despite their prowess, he couldn''t shake the concern that they, like others, might not return. The world beyond the gates had grown increasingly unpredictable, fraught with unforeseen dangers. The recent zombie raid, and the inexplicable surge in their strength, only heightened his apprehension. Little did he expect, Kisha and her team returned unscathed, even bringing back survivors. Observing their protective formation around the survivors, he couldn''t help but regard Kisha and her team with reverence, as if they were battle gods defying all logic. The thought of joining their ranks crossed his mind; he believed that aligning with Kisha''s group could only bring positive outcomes his way. Without hesitation, he resolved to find an opportunity to showcase his strength in front of Kisha, perhaps aiding them along the way to demonstrate his commitment. Lost in his thoughts about how to approach Kisha''s team, he was interrupted by Duke''s cold voice accusing, "Your lookout fired a shot at my wife." The gatekeeper was surprised to hear what Duke had said and broke into a cold sweat, he looked around to find the wife Duke was talking about but since he did not know, he looked back at Duke, only to see him holding the equally intimidating Kisha onto his arms, as if telling him that she was his wife. Little did the gatekeeper know, even though Duke was genuinely angry but he was also trying to show off that he now had a wife and warning everyone not to get an idea about Kisha, he forgot that they were in disguise so even if he paid every man standing in front of them, no one would get an idea to make a move on Kisha who look more intimidating than them. The gatekeeper''s realization hit him like a ton of bricks; Kisha was indeed the subject of Duke''s concern. Swallowing hard, he keyed his walkie-talkie and barked into it, demanding answers. "Who fired those shots earlier? I want answers, now! Get down here!" As the gatekeeper fretted, Kisha found herself amused by the situation, her gaze meeting Duke''s with a hint of mischief. Before long, the two lookout personnel descended to join Duke and the group, promptly replaced by others to maintain surveillance from the tower. With heads hung low, the two lookouts silently acknowledged their collective responsibility for the mistake, understanding that in a team, each member bears accountability. Uncertain of their fate, they awaited word on whether they would face dismissal or punishment for their error. The lookout who made the blunder promptly knelt before Kisha and humbly admitted, "Madam, it was my mistake. Please punish me for my actions. Fortunately, my partner intervened in time to prevent a tragedy, but I shudder to think of the consequences had they not." He took full responsibility, opting not to implicate his teammate, despite having reasons for his error. However, he understood that excuses wouldn''t suffice; what mattered was acknowledging his mistake, one that nearly endangered a highly skilled warrior. Duke''s aura just intensified, wanting to say his piece but Kisha noticed that the medic had arrived and headed inside the tense, she also noticed how tired the soldiers around them were and understood that they were all tired and on tenterhook because of the zombie raid and had so many casualties, so, she tapped Duke''s arm to stop him from lashing out on the poor man. She didn''t intervene to help the lookout; rather, she believed it wasn''t the right time for such action. Even if the shot had been aimed at her head, she knew it wouldn''t have been fatal. Moreover, they had already succeeded in diverting everyone''s attention for the moment. Yes, while everyone''s attention was diverted, Kisha strategically deployed her scarlet bees to gather the crystal cores scattered around. She couldn''t let such valuable resources go to waste when they could be put to good use in her hands. Meanwhile, the soldiers were busy disposing of the zombie carcasses by burning them, but Kisha''s scarlet bees, being no ordinary insects, could withstand the heat. After coordinating with Bell, Kisha ensured that the scarlet bees collected the crystal cores and stacked them neatly in her room within the rented villa. Kisha shared the plan with Duke briefly, knowing he had something to voice out. She decided to let him speak, understanding it could further divert attention to them and away from the pile of zombie carcasses outside. This gave Bell and the Scarlet Bees a crucial window to collect the crystal cores. Once Bell signaled the mission''s completion, Kisha halted Duke''s actions, coinciding perfectly with the arrival of the medics who were preoccupied with tending to the wounded soldiers in their tents. Chapter 144 - 144 Inspection (Edited) The moment the medics arrived, Kisha and the others were directed to enter the examination tent. Just like before, they were asked to remove their clothes so the medical team could thoroughly examine them for any signs of zombie bites or even minor scratches. The exhaustion on the faces of the medical team was evident; they were as weary as the frontline soldiers, having tended to all those who had fought the previous night. The medics also endured significant mental strain, as they bore the responsibility of ending the lives of soldiers who had been accidentally bitten or even scratched by zombies that breached the walls. This unique form of exhaustion dampened their spirits, leaving their eyes lifeless and dark. Kisha understood this burden more than anyone else¡ªthe weight of responsibility and the guilt carried by those who had survived the ordeal and acted as grim reaper. For those experiencing this for the first time, it was an immense burden to bear, but they had no choice but to carry on. Kisha herself had fallen into depression when she first faced this harsh reality, especially upon becoming a leader. The weight of the responsibility was overwhelming, as the deaths of many gnawed at her mental state. The people''s hatred and resentment were directed at her, as they saw it as the leader''s duty to ensure their safety¡ªa duty in which they felt she had failed. Their dissatisfaction and anger were all focused on her, as blaming her was the easiest way for them to cope. But at this moment, Kisha couldn''t summon any empathy for these people. She believed that this harshness was necessary for them to grow stronger for future struggles. Perhaps she had exhausted all her empathy in past experiences that had ended badly. Either way, she looked at these individuals with a cold, detached gaze as she awaited her turn to be called for inspection. The girls in Clyde''s group were timid and frightened because they had a few surface scratches from their escape from City D a few days ago. Despite the scratches being several days old, they felt no reassurance. They knew that everyone in the shelter was on edge after the zombie raid the previous night, which had resulted in numerous casualties. True to her promise, Kisha remained vigilant throughout the inspection, ensuring that none of them were unfairly scrutinized due to exhaustion or fear. She was particularly attentive during Mrs. Winters'' turn, fully aware that the medical team was less approachable now than when she and Duke first arrived at the shelter a few days ago. Kisha''s alertness was crucial in preventing any oversights during the inspections. Just as she had feared, a girl with scratches resembling nail marks failed the inspection and was about to be executed. Kisha felt her eyebrow twitch in frustration; if this continued, not only would their population dwindle, but innocent people with the potential to awaken valuable abilities for humanity''s survival might be lost. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Kisha knew she had to intervene. As the female medic began to drag the hysterically crying girl away, Kisha stepped forward and grabbed the girl''s other hand, determined to prevent an unjust execution. When Kisha grabbed the girl''s arm, the medical team struggled in vain to pull her away, no matter how much force they applied. Frustrated, they considered calling for backup. "Miss, please let go! We can''t play camaraderie here¡ªone mistake could cost thousands of lives!" the head female medic shouted through gritted teeth. But Kisha didn''t budge, letting the medic finish before speaking. "If you suspect this girl is infected, quarantine her for three days. If you continue killing indiscriminately, the human population will dwindle, and we''ll still be fucked up," Kisha said with an indifferent expression. Her use of the word "indiscriminately" struck a nerve, hitting the medics hard like a speeding truck. The idea of quarantine, something they hadn''t considered in their aversion to taking risks, now seemed like a viable alternative, even though it had never crossed their minds during the chaos of last night''s zombie raid. Only now, when Kisha pointed it out, did they feel a knot forming in their throats. Their guilty consciences gnawed at their minds. Unlike in movies where scientists and doctors diligently quarantined individuals and searched for vaccines, these people were terrified for their lives. They couldn''t even entertain the idea of keeping a potentially infected person inside their sanctuary, their only safe haven. It''s only natural for humans to prioritize their own safety instinctively. Kisha''s words hit them hard, igniting a surge of anger, frustration, and a myriad of other emotions. As medics, responsible for safeguarding everyone during inspections, they felt the heat of their failure acutely. Despite their efforts, they hadn''t made any significant progress. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their only recourse was inspecting the deceased, comparing them to the zombies, a task that offered little comfort or assurance. Now, Kisha presented them with another option, one that seemed glaringly obvious in terms of handling an epidemic, but they weren''t dealing with just any epidemic. They hadn''t even unraveled the intricacies of the virus beyond understanding its transmission through bites and scratches. In movies and novels, solutions often come swiftly, but in reality, extensive studies and laboratory trials are required, along with time for analysis and comparison. It had only been a week since the apocalypse began, yet they felt immense pressure to produce results while ensuring everyone''s safety. Even when they quarantined someone suspected of infection, it rarely made a difference¡ªthe outcome was almost always the same, with no cure available, they still had to kill the person. The likelihood that the girl they wanted to drag away had been scratched without noticing was slim, but standing near her was already a huge gamble. Their exhaustion and the mounting deaths had clouded their judgment; they simply wanted the ordeal to end as quickly as possible. Their burden was immense, particularly regarding the deaths of survivors. However, they found it difficult to confront this reality because doing so would only confirm their failure in safeguarding others. Instead, they viewed these deaths as the result of premature judgment, a consequence of being deemed beyond saving without exploring all potential avenues due to fear and aversion to risk. They also grappled with the realization that their earlier approach might be perceived as heartless by fellow survivors, diminishing the trust placed in them and leaving them vulnerable to harsh criticism for their mistakes. The medics standing before Kisha pursed their lips, their eyes clouded with mixed emotions. Some bore expressions of hatred and frustration, their thoughts already racing to the potential consequences they would inevitably face once this situation came to light. Chapter 145 - 145 Kishas Plan The commotion drew the attention of the soldier stationed just outside the tent, whose primary responsibility was ensuring the safety of both the survivors undergoing inspection and the medics conducting it. Although stationed outside the entrance and exit, they couldn''t help but overhear what transpired inside. Their hands trembled involuntarily upon hearing Kisha''s suggestion. They found themselves torn between relief that Kisha''s suggestion made sense and fear of the implications. Like the medics, they were simply doing what they believed was best. While they were medics/ doctors and not experts in viral research or epidemics, their greater knowledge compared to the general populace meant that their words still carried weight and were considered credible. Upon hearing Kisha''s warning about the dwindling human population, a sense of truth and dread settled over them, rendering them silent as they grappled with their own thoughts. Despite their fear and frustration, the medics were still doctors, bound by their oath to save lives¡ªa mission they felt they had failed in this instance. Nevertheless, they remained determined to uphold their sworn duty. Tightening their fists in resolve, they slowly nodded in agreement with Kisha. Before arriving at Gate 2, they had heard tales of Kisha''s formidable team and believed that such strong warriors would be invaluable for their shelter''s survival. They recognized the importance of maintaining a good relationship with Kisha and her team; offending them could lead to their departure, leaving the shelter at a significant disadvantage. Kisha watched intently as the medic escorted the trembling girl out of the tent. The girl looked at Kisha with fear in her eyes, seeking reassurance. Instinctively, she found solace in Kisha''s nod of approval, which eased her anxiety slightly. Reluctantly, she followed the medic outside. Meanwhile, Kisha listened as the medic instructed the soldier to prepare a secure quarantine location. Their intention behind this instruction was not only to isolate the suspected individual but also to ensure that even if they were infected, they couldn''t easily escape and attack other survivors in the quarantine area. The soldier grasped the gravity of the situation and promptly radioed in, and explained the situation, including Kisha''s involvement, the initial resistance from the person on the other side about the idea, subsided, and started to consider Kisha''s suggestion. ''Strength really speaks in these circumstances and only strength has the right to speak.'' If Kisha wasn''t a person with strength, she knew that no one would listen to her pleas, just like in her previous lives. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Following the arrangement, the medics resumed their inspections, and this time, the process went more smoothly. Kisha and the others emerged from the tent one by one. Outside, Duke and the group awaited with somber expressions, having observed and heard what transpired. As the individual taken away belonged to Clyde''s group, Clyde felt a surge of stress, worrying about his friend''s fate. However, all he could do was keep a vigilant watch. Fortunately, aside from the girl in question, everyone else was cleared. Their injuries consisted of superficial scratches, mirroring Kisha''s disguise. The individual who instructed the soldier outside to give Kisha and her team some leeway likely had ulterior motives. By ensuring Kisha and her team were satisfied, they sought to cultivate a sense of indebtedness, potentially leveraging it for future favors. However, this came at the expense of the majority''s safety. Kisha couldn''t shake her curiosity about the person pulling the strings. If it turned out to be the Coltons, it would pose both a headache and an opportunity for infiltration. Conversely, if it wasn''t the Coltons, understanding their affiliation was essential. With these uncertainties looming, Kisha and her team found themselves unable to relax, realizing they had returned to the lion''s den. After Kisha successfully secured Clyde''s group''s arrival in the shelter, she entrusted them to the soldiers, including the Winters and Bald Eagles'' team, to complete their registration and accommodation allocation. This strategic move aimed to conceal their prior association with Kisha and her allies, presenting a facade of detachment. However, it was merely another layer of disguise. Later on, they planned to reunite with Kisha and Duke''s group. Thanks to Kisha and Duke''s previous successful registration of a group before embarking on their search for the Winters, they now had the opportunity to recruit more people to participate in crucial missions outside the shelter, enabling them to procure additional supplies while making sure that they wouldn''t be easily suspected. Executing this plan seamlessly requires everyone to adhere strictly to the personas crafted for them in advance, ensuring they avoid raising any suspicion from potential enemies around. Clyde''s group serves as an effective cover, which is why Kisha readily welcomed them into their midst. Additionally, Kisha seized the opportunity to acquire supplies from them. Despite having amassed a considerable stockpile of supplies, including livestock, Kisha understood the importance of never refusing additional provisions in this unforgiving apocalyptic era. Naturally, only Kisha and the key members of their group were aware of this plan. Some had already formed conclusions about the unfolding events, preempting the need for explicit communication from Kisha and the others. However, recognizing the necessity of vigilance to identify potential moles within their ranks, Kisha took additional precautions. She discreetly assigned two scarlet bees to each individual in the group, except for the Winters. These bees acted as covert surveillance, immediately alerting Kisha to any suspicious behavior. Despite her trust in Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan, Kisha remained mindful of her past experiences, having learned in her previous life not to overtrust anyone because betrayal never came from an enemy but someone closer. While many were aware that Kisha employed scarlet bees for reconnaissance, their understanding of the bees'' capabilities remained limited. They lacked insight into the specifics and extent of the bees'' surveillance abilities. Even those who knew they were being trailed were unaware of the finer details. For instance, few knew that Kisha had deployed two scarlet bees per person, with one bee meticulously concealed and transformed into its smallest form. This level of detail ensured that the full extent of Kisha''s surveillance tactics remained undisclosed to most. Kisha could only hope and pray that they had already uncovered the lone mole within Duke''s group, and that there were no others. She also dreaded the potential impact this betrayal might have on Duke. Despite his typically stoic demeanor, the sting of betrayal could cut deep. Kisha empathized with Duke''s situation, as she understood firsthand the pain of betrayal. She didn''t want Duke to endure multiple heartaches, especially from those he considered family. Betrayal from those closest to you is among the most painful experiences, and Kisha hoped to spare Duke from enduring such anguish the second time. Because, although Duke did not say anything when they uncovered the first mole and he found out about it from Vulture''s account, she knew that he silently bled. Kisha also made sure to deploy scarlet bees for the Winters, not for surveillance, but for security. Even though she could monitor their status through the team''s interface, Kisha knew she couldn''t always be by their side. There might be occasions when it would take time for the team to reach their location, and every moment counted. Kisha didn''t want to take any chances, especially when it came to Duke''s family, individuals he cherished deeply. Chapter 146 - 146 Missions Reward for Completion Although Kisha never told Duke everything she did behind the scenes to protect his interests, Duke was acutely aware of her silent guardianship and unique way of caring for him. He felt a deep happiness and cherished the chance to enjoy this kind of protection from the woman he now called his wife. Despite never believing in deities or gods, he found himself grateful for the chance to meet Kisha in this lifetime and to spend time together. Even in the midst of the bleak future brought by the apocalypse, he felt that these moments were the most fulfilling and happiest of his once dull life. Right now, he was staring at Kisha''s slightly scrunched-up face as she silently planned their next course of action. He didn''t even know how many steps ahead she had prepared to ensure that he and his family would be safe and sound the moment they stepped foot in the shelter¡ªthe lion''s den. But he knew she was ready to spearhead the entire operation to make sure he wouldn''t lose anyone important to him. Only now did he experience the feeling of being protected, and it was an amazing sensation he could easily become addicted to. He hadn''t realized that being under someone''s protective wing could be this blissful. Or perhaps it was because it was Kisha who was doing it? Duke''s eyes crinkled with warmth as he gazed at Kisha, his expression shifting to one of affectionate possession. He couldn''t resist reaching out to gently rub Kisha''s head. "What would you like to eat later?" he inquired softly as they made their way back to the bulletin board to report the completion of their mission. Kisha had meticulously mapped out the western district they scouted for the mission they accepted from the bulletin board, exchanging their findings for vital supplies. As they returned with their backpacks laden with resources, they were obligated to pay half to the shelter as tax. With Clyde''s group included, there were now 31 individuals comprising their party. Upon entering the shelter, they dutifully handed over their share of supplies, enough to sustain many mouths. However, Kisha harbored reservations, knowing that these provisions would likely only reach those in charge. This arrangement allowed them to acquire supplies without risking their people in dangerous scavenging missions outside. It was the standard procedure - they provided protection for the survivors, and in return, the tax ensured the soldiers had the energy to continue their duties. While it sounded reasonable, the survivors were burdened with taxes on almost everything, leaving them with scant supplies for themselves afterward. After a period, the shelter ceased distributing supplies to survivors who weren''t contributing. This reflects the principles of societal cooperation, which Kisha understood without objection. However, the issue arose from the disproportion between the taxes levied by those in authority and the rewards granted for completed missions. While the mission''s anticipated reward suggested generosity, Kisha realized it fell short considering the danger they faced. Self-reliance proved more fruitful; their own efforts yielded greater supplies than missions did. Kisha''s hidden inventory was a stroke of luck, allowing her to keep it concealed from the shelter. She was cautious not to share her hard-won supplies with potential enemies, fearing it might empower them to turn against her and her allies once they regained strength. Once awakened superhumans were discovered, certain individuals known as irregulars who has gained the ability to sense the type of awakened ability a person possessed. These abilities primarily focused on providing mental support rather than defense or combat skills, yet they played a crucial role in society. In Kisha''s past, bases and shelters felt secure in covertly storing supplies, unconcerned about spatial-type superhumans secretly storing away resources without disclosure. However, individuals like the one who awakened this sensory-type mental ability, akin to Kisha''s ''Eye of Truth,'' introduced a new dynamic. They not only discerned the type and strength of superhuman abilities but also scrutinized spatial-type users to ensure no unregistered or concealed items remained in their possession, in accordance with recorded inventories. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite their formidable sensory abilities, they remained unable to detect Kisha''s unique ability. This was a fact she had repeatedly tested and confirmed across her past lives. Thus, even though they recognized Kisha as a typical awakened superhuman with mental abilities, they remained unaware of her status as an irregular with a system. Perhaps her system''s nature, being neither an entity nor originally part of their world, rendered it undetectable to their senses. Regardless, this situation only played into Kisha''s favor, and she harbored no qualms about reserving supplies for herself and her allies. After all, these were resources they had collected through their own efforts, and they were more than capable of defending themselves. Kisha had long shed any feelings of nervousness or guilt about keeping her supplies concealed; her experiences across past lives had shown her the workings of bases and shelters, eroding her trust in the higher-ups operating in the shadows. When Kisha, Duke, Vulture, and Sparrow arrived at the Central Hall where they registered their group, they sought out the woman who had assisted them in forming their team. Without hesitation, they handed her the mission flyer and the map they had meticulously mapped out during their reconnaissance mission. The woman was visibly stunned to see Kisha and her comrades alive and well. Her gaze lingered on the flyer and the map, disbelief evident in her expression. It was hard for her to fathom how they survived, not only due to the zombie raid but also because they had ventured into one of the city''s most dangerous areas. The concentration of zombies there made it a mission most people avoided. Shortly after regaining her composure, the woman swiftly contacted a military representative to examine the map. Soon after, Kisha and her companions were ushered into a room at the rear while the man scrutinized the map. This man happened to be the same individual they encountered at the gate upon their first arrival at the shelter with Fred and the rest. Likely holding a position of authority, perhaps even a team captain, he studied the map with great concentration. It was only when he glanced up momentarily that he recognized the familiar faces standing before him, prompting him to take a second look. Chapter 147 - 147 Her Account It took him a few moments to recall Kisha and her group. Their formidable display of fighting prowess upon arrival at the shelter, executed effortlessly, had left a lasting impression on him. However, this impressive demonstration also put him on guard in their presence. Their extraordinary power hinted at their exceptional nature, leading him to suspect they were not ordinary individuals. It was only upon discovering they were special agents that he slightly eased his guard. His brow furrowed slightly as he inquired, "Are you the group responsible for completing this mission and creating this map?" He watched Kisha and her companions closely, silently assessing their reactions, seeking to glean something from their demeanor. Kisha simply nodded in response, offering no further explanation. The man''s brow furrowed even more tightly, his frustration evident at the lack of forthcoming information from Kisha. Deciding to confront the issue directly, he spoke sternly, "Then, explain the markings you left on the map and provide a detailed account of what you observed out there. We cannot afford incomplete reconnaissance missions or false information meant to deceive us." Each word carried a weight of warning as he addressed Kisha and her team. With a cursory glance at each member, he gestured for them to come closer, conveying the seriousness of the consequences they would face if caught attempting to deceive the authorities by passing off incomplete or falsified mission reports. Kisha and her companions exuded confidence as they stepped forward. Knowing Sparrow had meticulously mapped out the western district, he took the lead, leaning in towards the table. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With deliberate gestures, he pointed to various markings on the map, asserting, "I''m most familiar with these markings as I was responsible for mapping them while our team conducted our reconnaissance." The man''s gaze followed Sparrow''s movements, taking in the detailed map. Sparrow continued, "Our scouting commenced from the outskirts of the western district, moving inward. We identified small encampments surrounding the central hub, where the majority of zombies congregated. Each encampment was equipped with lookout posts positioned along the perimeter, which we''ve indicated on the map with corresponding circles to denote their surveillance areas. Beyond these individuals, the area appeared deserted." With his explanation complete, Sparrow stepped back, rejoining Kisha. The man''s expression contorted in deep contemplation, his thoughts inscrutable to Kisha and her companions. Yet, his seriousness was palpable, indicating he was deliberating something before speaking again. "Did these individuals protect you from the zombie raid while you were outside?" His tone suggested a hint of skepticism as if he himself couldn''t quite believe the question he was posing, yet it was clear he sought to grasp something significant. Kisha responded with a deadpan expression, her tone matter-of-fact. "No, we were already in the outer part of the western district when the zombie raid occurred." The man''s frown deepened. "You mentioned that the central part of the western district was overrun with zombies. Was the situation dire? Did you venture beyond the central area?" Despite his attempt to maintain composure, a hint of tension crept into his demeanor, evident in the stiffening of his neck muscles. Whether this was due to nervousness remained unknown to Kisha. Kisha and her team remained silent, their expressions revealing their reluctance to delve into their harrowing experiences. The man seemed to realize the futility of his previous question and tried again. "I''ve heard you''ve escorted several survivors back to the shelter. Have you encountered any others since then?" There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes as he looked to Kisha and her companions. The term ''a few'' hardly did justice to their accomplishment; escorting over 20 survivors was a monumental task, fraught with challenges. They knew all too well the difficulty of ensuring the safety of such a large group, and they couldn''t guarantee that everyone would make it back alive. In addition to completing their mission, Kisha and her team successfully escorted survivors back to the shelter, who, despite their exhaustion, were all in good condition thanks to their careful protection. "What exactly do you want to know?" Kisha''s tone was chilly, withholding further details. The man sensed her intent to extract answers from him instead. "We were searching for specific individuals in the area, but they weren''t among those you escorted back," the man conceded, his defeated demeanor reflecting profound exhaustion as if the essence of life had drained from him. Observing him closely, Kisha pondered his intentions. From the outset, she suspected they were hunting for the Winters. Initially, she entertained the idea that they sought the Winters family''s precise location to launch an attack. However, this seemed unlikely given the Coltons'' extensive surveillance of the western district to prevent the Winters from fleeing. Furthermore, the individuals before her appeared unfamiliar with the Coltons'' activities beyond the walls. If this were a mere ruse orchestrated by the soldiers, Kisha couldn''t help but admire their skillful deception. Despite acknowledging that these individuals might not be affiliated with the Coltons, Kisha remained uncertain of their intentions. Even if they maintained friendly relations with the Winters, the possibility of hidden Colton operatives lurking in the shadows couldn''t be discounted. Kisha attempted to gauge the soldier''s reaction and to test the waters. "No, we encountered those individuals in the outer layer of the western district, near the bank. When the zombie raid occurred, we sought refuge inside the bank." Her words trailed off momentarily, a hint of recollection crossing her features. The soldier''s posture stiffened, sensing the significance of Kisha''s pause, and he awaited her next words. Kisha didn''t keep him waiting. "Before we reached the bank, we heard loud explosions reverberating throughout the western district, and if my memory serves me right, they originated from locations marked on our map." Kisha wasn''t just gauging the soldier''s reaction; she was strategically distancing their group from any implication in the events at the Coltons'' camps. While they might still be under suspicion, her aim was to ensure they weren''t the primary suspects. Even if they were affiliated with the Coltons'' incident, it would be difficult to align the timing of the explosions with their location using only calculations of distance and time. Such precision would confirm Kisha''s truthfulness and remove her from the suspect list. Chapter 148 - 148 Aston McMillan As Kisha suspected, the soldier was visibly shocked by this revelation, staggering backward in surprise. His thoughts were inscrutable to them, but they could hear him take a deep breath as he regained his composure. In an instant, his emotions vanished from his face, replaced by a stoic expression. He also took care to inquire about the specifics of the explosions and their exact location, aligning with Kisha''s intentions. She willingly shared the information, ensuring to mention that they hadn''t encountered any additional survivors outside. This strategic move aimed to imply that the individuals they were seeking were likely still at large, potentially engaged in conflict with those camps. Kisha surmised that the soldier would likely dispatch a team of skilled soldiers to verify the information they provided, particularly regarding the explosions. However, she remained unconcerned about the duration of their investigation. Even if they were placed under surveillance for an extended period, Kisha was confident in maintaining the authenticity of their account. Since they had already provided a detailed map of the western district and the camps'' locations, the investigators wouldn''t need to scour the entire area. Instead, they could plan their routes efficiently to ensure they reached the specific destinations marked on the map. After ensuring Kisha had said everything necessary, and to prevent the soldier from pressing for more answers, Duke stepped in front of Kisha, feigning impatience and exhaustion. "Can we get our rewards now? We''ve been traveling for days and we''re tired," he said succinctly. His brief words conveyed everything needed. The soldier understood that further questions would yield no more information, so his next step was to verify what had been shared. He reached for the walkie-talkie beside him and called out, "Prepare the supplies for the mission''s reward for scouting the western district." He paused, looking at Kisha, then added, "Also, call unit one. I have a mission for them." After issuing his instructions, he set down the walkie-talkie and remained silent, not dismissing Kisha and her team. As a result, they continued to wait patiently for their reward. He then fell into deep contemplation, but Kisha and her team paid little attention, focused solely on waiting for their supplies so they could leave promptly. After half an hour, a knock sounded on the door, breaking the silence. The soldier finally spoke again, his stern and powerful voice reverberating throughout the room. "Come in." After hearing the acknowledgment, another soldier entered the room. "Commander, the supplies have been prepared outside. They can take them away at any time," he reported before excusing himself and leaving the room. After hearing that, Kisha and the rest were about to leave to get their supplies waiting outside. However, as soon as they turned, they heard a conspicuous throat-clearing. Kisha sensed that the soldier had something more to say, but she had no intention of waiting around for him to speak. They continued to walk out, and on their second step, they heard the man say. "I want to hire you for an escort mission. The reward will be three times what you''re getting now," the soldier said, as if he had deliberated over the offer for a long time and was now reluctantly offering a substantial reward. But who were Kisha and Duke? One was a savvy businessman and the other had no shortage of supplies. They already had a good idea of what the mission entailed, and the danger wasn''t the issue. Whether the soldier was testing them or genuinely needed extra hands was a concern they could address later. But perhaps due to exhaustion or because her brain was busy concocting more plans, Kisha almost missed a significant piece of information. The soldier who came in earlier had referred to the man before them as "Commander." It was as if a lightning bolt struck her, and her mind buzzed for a moment, realizing the importance of this detail. No wonder he looked somewhat familiar to her, though she couldn''t place where she had met him before. His face was still clean and devoid of the ghastly scar that, in her memory, consumed almost half of his face. He also hadn''t grown a beard yet and didn''t look nearly as haggard as she remembered. He was Aston McMillan, an army commander at the age of 27, hailing from a distinguished military family. Tragically, his grandfather and mother did not make it to the shelter, as he was far away and burdened with responsibilities. It was the typical story of a hero who sacrifices their loved ones for the greater good. However, he was a bit different. He genuinely tried to save them, but a mission coincided with the apocalypse, keeping him too far away. When he finally rushed back in a CIA chopper, he found the entire mansion engulfed in flames. Whether his family chose this to avoid turning into flesh-eating monsters or because they knew they wouldn''t survive and didn''t want to burden Aston, it was the worst decision they could have made. This event caused Aston immense heartache and PTSD. The reason he looked familiar to Kisha wasn''t just because he was a commander, but because he served under Duke as his Minister of Defense. Aston had worked with Kisha from time to time on the base''s defense, though they barely exchanged more than a few words. Knowing this person was Aston, Kisha started to let her guard down. She knew Aston was a righteous person who could be trusted. He might be looking for the Winters out of genuine concern since the McMillan family was one of the eight great families of City A, giving him and Duke a solid connection. However, precisely because of this connection, she couldn''t simply inform him about the Winters. If her memory served her right, Aston had been betrayed, leading to the ghastly scar on his face¡ªa constant reminder that a traitor had been close to him. Who that person was still remained unknown to Kisha. This mission offer might be closely related to how Duke survived the Western District in their previous life. Aston might have played a significant role in that survival. It could be because of this very mission that Duke managed to escape the Western District and avoid the Coltons. The traitor in Aston''s midst was likely bought off by the Coltons, intending to deal with both Duke and Aston simultaneously. However, they failed when Duke and Aston joined forces to fight back. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 149 - 149 The Deal But all this was just speculation. Kisha wouldn''t know what really happened unless she went on the mission with them. Regardless of whether she agreed or not, they might still pursue the mission to find the Winters. If she and Duke didn''t go, Aston and his team could still be in danger. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite taking care of the Coltons'' camps, there was still the traitor, and it wasn''t certain that all the Coltons were dead. "Given the increased danger and the fact that the zombies have become stronger, three times the reward isn''t particularly appealing to us," Duke said, beating Kisha to the negotiation. True to his businessman nature, he never agreed to a deal that didn''t favor him and always aimed to gain the upper hand. Aston was dumbstruck by Duke''s boldness. Duke didn''t resemble a special agent; instead, he seemed more like a loan shark shamelessly increasing debt through interest rates. However, Aston truly needed their help to find what he was after. "What''s your suggestion?" Aston asked, his expression indifferent. Duke''s smile faded as he made his proposal, causing Aston to fight the urge to punch him in the face. "Ten times the amount with a lower tax rate, exclusively for our group''s use," Duke said, his smug expression suggesting he was offering Aston an irresistible deal. Even Kisha was taken aback by Duke''s audacity; it seemed less like a negotiation and more like extortion. Unbeknownst to Aston, Duke''s sudden boldness stemmed from jealousy, triggered by Kisha''s intense focus on Aston since he had offered the mission. Duke gritted his teeth, pondering, ''Is he really that good-looking? Better looking than me?'' He eyed Aston with menace. As one of the young masters of City A, Aston exuded a similar air to Duke, albeit with a slight difference. Despite his stern appearance, Aston was undeniably handsome. If not for his serious demeanor, he would likely have had socialites clamoring to marry him, just as they did for Duke, who sat at the pinnacle of the business circle. Now, the so-called number one bachelor was as sour as a lemon, but he couldn''t let his dissatisfaction show. Aston gritted his teeth and thought carefully. He recognized that Kisha''s group was more familiar with the terrain and the zombie activities in the area, having completed their scouting mission. The reason he wanted to employ them was also their fighting prowess; while he and his team might not require it, the people they needed to rescue definitely would. With a heavy heart, he decisively agreed. "Alright, but I would like to emphasize that your group must do everything in your power to protect everyone. If we encounter survivors, they must be your primary concern," he added with conviction, embodying the spirit of a righteous soldier. He must have been attempting to conceal the fact that he was searching for specific survivors, but his inquiries and actions had already exposed his intentions. He was as easy to read as an open book. While he might excel at completing assigned missions and tactical measures, he remained far inferior to the snakes lurking around him. Due to his honesty and righteous demeanor, this might ring true for most soldiers. Similar to her grandfather, she couldn''t condemn Aston for this shortcoming. Her grandfather, like him, was an honest and kind person who always saw the best in others, even after experiencing the darkness of the human heart. Perhaps fueled by his excitement or hope, he displayed a myriad of emotions. It could also be attributed to Kisha''s astuteness that she was able to discern his intentions. Regardless, she made the decision to agree and join the mission. She was eager to unravel what had occurred between Duke and Aston. "Absolutely, we''re on board with the mission, but actions speak louder than words. We''ll need a downpayment to seal the deal," Kisha echoed Duke''s sentiments, maintaining unity in their negotiation. Recognizing Duke''s leadership role, she aimed to support his stance rather than introducing conflicting opinions. Observing his wife echo his sentiments, Duke relinquished his jealousy and attempted to wear a triumphant grin. Aston, puzzled by Duke''s abrupt shift from hostility to smugness, wondered if there was an issue with Duke''s head. However, he decided not to voice his concerns, as his priority was their performance in the mission, akin to how they safeguarded the over 30 individuals they escorted. Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture emerged from the back room and made their way to the heart of the Central Hall, close to the group registration area. Their recently acquired supplies from the mission were neatly arranged there. Many individuals in the hall, there for various missions, cast curious glances at the stockpile being watched over by a soldier. For most survivors present, the sight was unprecedented; they had never encountered such a bounty during their own missions. As Kisha and her group approached to claim their supplies, envy, and covetousness crept into the hearts of onlookers. Some among them felt an urge to join Kisha''s group, while others entertained the idea of scheming to seize their supplies, be it through theft or deception. Despite many not being familiar with Kisha and her companions, such thoughts lingered. Kisha, however, remained vigilant, ready to swiftly address any attempts at foul play. As if anticipating their acceptance of the mission, there were already extra supplies prepared besides the ones they received for completing their recent task. Soldiers openly admired Kisha''s group and offered to escort them to their lodging, making it easier to unload the supplies. They even volunteered their vehicles for transportation. Aston, silently acquiescing, made no move to intervene. However, another soldier rushed in from outside and whispered something to Aston, whose expression turned grim with anger. Aston approached Kisha and Duke with a grim expression. "It seems I can only depend on you now. Unit One has been barred from deployment by the Minister of Defense." His implication was crystal clear. The fact that he lacked the authority to make crucial decisions within the shelter hinted at the presence of a higher-ranking figure in the military hierarchy, likely operating from the shadows in City B. This individual might have discerned Aston''s intentions and was obstructing him, possibly aligning with the Coltons'' faction. Despite this setback, Aston remained determined. The supplies he provided might not have come from the shelter''s storage but rather from military resources or even his own personal funds, all in an effort to secure additional assistance. If this was indeed the case, Kisha couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt for playing him. Chapter 150 - 150 Tampered? Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture were escorted back to their villa, laden with bags of supplies earned from completing their mission. As a tightly knit community, word quickly spread around the shelter about the group''s successful return from the outside amidst the zombie raid. The story quickly turned into an exaggerated gossip topic among the people and soldiers, but this was how news spread far and wide. The tale brought hope to many, instilling the belief that better days were possible with such powerful individuals in the shelter. However, it also led to the expectation that Kisha and her group, being so strong, had a responsibility to provide for everyone by regularly venturing out to gather supplies. These thoughts weren''t isolated to just one person but were shared by nearly half of the survivors in the shelter. Initially, many civilians felt justified in their expectations, believing their taxes funded the soldiers'' salaries, and in return, the soldiers were expected to protect them, often at the cost of their lives. The taxes also paid for relief supplies, which were distributed to the civilians. However, the current amount of supplies was insufficient for long-term sustenance, and a significant portion of these supplies went to the Minister of Defense and other high-ranking officials. The soldiers were powerless to change this distribution. Consequently, frustration grew among both civilians and some soldiers, who began to believe that Kisha and her group, due to their strength and ability to gather supplies, should take on the responsibility of providing for everyone. In summary, their community was far from united. Many were preoccupied with making their lives more comfortable within the safety of the shelter''s tall walls. The ugly side of human nature that Kisha was all too familiar with was starting to surface much earlier than in her previous lives. Back then, despite suffering from depression, malnourishment, and injuries, people still tried to look on the bright side. Perhaps it was easier to deal with the zombies before because everyone had started on the same footing so there was no comparison. Aside from the soldiers with firearms, no one could surpass their skills. They found solace in each other, like wounded animals huddling together for safety. However, Kisha and her group emerged as a beacon of hope. They not only survived the zombie raid but returned unscathed, bringing a glimmer of optimism to the dimming room. This is precisely what Kisha had been striving to avoid all along. She had no desire to become the target of envy and comparison, particularly given their lack of any special standing; it would only place them in a precarious situation. Yet, she found herself powerless now. Despite her relentless efforts to prevent it, fate seemed determined to realize her worst fears, almost as if it were deliberate. Kisha paused her thoughts, allowing Bell to resume scouting and eavesdropping on the shelter''s inhabitants for clues regarding the Coltons'' potential presence. Meanwhile, she ensured that the scarlet bees were tasked with investigating the Minister of Defense''s connection to the Coltons and his intentions. The person didn''t ring a bell from her past lives. Perhaps Duke or Aston had dealt with them prior to Kisha''s arrival at the shelter, or maybe they had fallen victim to the Coltons'' schemes. Regardless, their lack of integrity suggested they weren''t an upstanding official, leaving Kisha with little sympathy for them. Soon after, Kisha and the rest arrived at the front of the Villa, they did not even have to do anything because the soldier who came with them already did the lifting and making sure that the supplies were stacked up neatly in the kitchen, these soldiers shows reverie and respect for Kisha and her group like fans to their idols, it must be because of Kisha and her people''s performance outside while they are coming closer to the gate when they came back or maybe it was because of how they survive miraculously outside while the shelter suffered numerous casualties. This indicates that not all of the individuals serving Aston were corrupt. Some remained dedicated to their mission and sworn duty to the country and its people. Aston made sure to follow them in a separate car, ensuring oversight of his people''s assistance to avoid any embarrassment in front of Kisha and Duke. Once everything was successfully unloaded and transferred to the kitchen, Aston approached Kisha and Duke. "You two deserve some rest tonight. We''ll depart tomorrow, and I''ll ensure everything necessary for our journey outside is prepared. A car will be sent to fetch you and your people from here tomorrow." Kisha and Duke remained silent, though Duke''s tightening grip around Kisha''s waist spoke volumes. It was evident he couldn''t wait for Aston to leave so they could have some time alone. His impatient expression underscored his desire to bid Aston farewell swiftly. Aston, though not oblivious to Duke''s clear indication, maintained a stern demeanor as he said his goodbyes to Kisha and departed with his team. It was only then that Kisha felt the exhaustion from their venture outside wash over her like a trailer truck. She was weary and famished. Fortunately, upon their arrival, Vulture and Sparrow promptly headed to the kitchen and began preparing some hot meals. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But they couldn''t stop thinking about the Winters and their other comrades who were now staying in the tents that were allocated to them, they needed to stay in that space for a while and appear like they were slowly adjusting to the shelter while asking away some information of what to look out for what to do and about the groups, Kisha wants them to slowly join the group to avoid other''s suspicion, Kisha also tasked other people to keep an eye on other groups, although, Kisha''s scarlet bees are all keeping an eye on their surrounding, she could also use this to check how good they are at their jobs and at the same time if the information getting to her was accurate and matching what the scarlet bees gathered. While the two remained busy preparing the meal, Duke led Kisha upstairs to rest. However, his eyes discreetly scanned the villa for any signs of change during their absence¡ªwhether it was tampering with their security systems or the placement of hidden cameras aimed at monitoring them. Chapter 151 - 151 The Aggrieved Duke As he suspected, there were indeed subtle alterations in the villa that weren''t present when they departed. Certain items had been moved and carefully returned to their original positions. It seemed whoever entered the villa believed that by restoring everything afterward, their presence would go unnoticed. Like Duke, Kisha too surveyed their surroundings discreetly, benefiting from her sharper eyesight. She easily detected the hidden cameras, cunningly positioned in obscure locations yet offering broad surveillance coverage. Among the group, only Vulture seemed unaware of these cameras. Considering the presence of hidden cameras, it was likely that hidden listening devices were also scattered throughout the villa. Either they suspect Kisha and her group of being connected to the Winters, or they aim to spy on them to extract information for potential blackmail or manipulation. They may seek to coerce them into joining certain factions or control them with unquestioned obedience. Regardless of the motive, Kisha now discerned a clear conspiracy against them. Fortunately, despite Vulture''s unawareness of the villa''s tampering, he silently worked in the kitchen alongside Sparrow. Their conversation revolved solely around their fatigue and longing for the comforts of a hot meal and the tranquil environment of the villa they currently occupied¡ªmerely a casual and unremarkable exchange. So, whoever was listening to them wouldn''t get anything out of them but at the same time, Sparrow did not know if Vulture just didn''t want to delve into that topic or his instinct was telling him not to speak of important information for now, Kisha and Duke''s privacy was also compromised which made Duke''s aura turned a few degrees colder. He couldn''t shake the disappointment of not being able to share an intimate moment with his wife, based on his understanding of her promise, although Kisha hadn''t explicitly made such a commitment. Observing Duke''s brooding demeanor, Kisha couldn''t help but softly chuckle. She understood Duke''s disdain for being monitored, especially within his private domain, knowing he was on the brink of exploding with anger. She realized Duke might be tempted to rip out all the listening devices and hidden cameras in a fit of rage. However, she also knew Duke wouldn''t act impulsively without first determining the responsible party behind this audacious move. As soon as Duke and Kisha entered her room, Duke swiftly shut the door, his gaze sweeping the room. To his dismay, he discovered signs of tampering. Instantly, a surge of anger welled up within him. He had been eagerly anticipating returning home and reaching the villa, but now his plans were thwarted. Despite his frustration, Duke restrained himself, careful not to reveal his intentions too overtly. He didn''t want his family to start clamoring for grandchildren before they even had a chance to share an intimate moment. Given the situation, Duke wondered how he could share such intimate moments with his wife with hidden cameras and listening devices scattered throughout their surroundings. He was adamant about preserving the privacy of their physical and emotional intimacy; he couldn''t fathom the thought of others witnessing his wife''s body or hearing her voice, which he considered exclusively his own. If Kisha could read Duke''s thoughts at that moment, she would undoubtedly feel utterly embarrassed and promptly kick him out of the room to spend the night on the couch. Duke''s grip tightened around Kisha''s waist as he guided her to the bed. The desire that had consumed him moments earlier, urging him to seize the moment with Kisha once the door was shut, now seemed to dissipate. He felt deflated, like a wilted plant. As he settled Kisha onto the bed beside him and enveloped her in his embrace, he couldn''t help but purse his lips in utter disappointment. He appeared as though he had lost a billion-dollar business deal, his heart heavy with sorrow. Witnessing his distress, Kisha felt a pang of worry. She extended her hand to gently stroke his soft hair, understanding that Duke harbored conflicting emotions about being monitored while maintaining the facade to uncover the culprit behind the surveillance. Sensing Kisha''s tender touch on his head, Duke met her gaze with a pained expression, silently longing for more of her comfort. He found solace in Kisha''s affection, akin to a loyal dog reveling in the gentle caresses of its owner. Soon enough, the two fell asleep while Kisha was playing with Duke''s hair as she slowly brushed her fingers through his hair which was very comforting for Duke and lull him to sleep faster than Kisha who was supposed to be the one he is sending to sleep. After seeing Duke sleeping relaxly, Kisha stared at him, even though his face wore the scary disguise, what Kisha could see in her mind was how he originally looked, she smiled happily as she nuzzled closer to Duke and Duke instinctively drew her closer to his body to share his warmth to her body. Before she realized it, Kisha''s senses were enveloped by Duke''s familiar yet distant masculine scent, filling her nostrils as she drifted into a deep sleep. His warm embrace provided her with comfort and security, lulling her into a peaceful slumber. Kisha stirred from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open in drowsy contentment. With a deep exhale, she felt revitalized and energized after her rest. As she shifted to her side, she was met by Duke''s amused gaze, his blue eyes twinkling with affection. Propped up on his side, his left arm cradling his cheek, he watched her sleep with fondness. He savored the sight of her peaceful rest, grateful that she wasn''t furrowing her brows or crying out from a nightmare. He felt a rush of happiness seeing his wife peacefully sleeping beside him, relieved that she wasn''t tormented by nightmares. There was nothing that brought him more joy than knowing his presence could dispel her vulnerabilities. "How was your sleep? Hmm?" His deep, husky voice was so alluring that Kisha found herself inhaling deeply as she gazed back at Duke. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At that moment, she felt an intense arousal enveloping her, as if experiencing a surge of morning desire ignited by Duke''s presence. Duke couldn''t help but notice a glimmer of arousal in Kisha''s amber eyes, seemingly beckoning him to indulge in the forbidden fruit. However, as much as he yearned to respond, the knowledge that they were under observation held him back. He felt a pang of frustration, like a tantalizing dish laid out before him, yet he couldn''t take a single bite or even reach out to touch it. All he could do was gaze longingly, feeling a sense of longing and desire akin to drooling over a meal he couldn''t have. He harbored a deep resentment towards the person who tampered with his villa, to the extent that he entertained gruesome thoughts of hacking them into pieces and feeding them to the zombies outside the walls. The frustration of being aroused yet unable to act on it intensified his anger even more. Kisha caught a glimpse of the whirlwind of emotions in Duke''s eyes as he hungrily gazed back at her. Understanding their constrained circumstances, she made an effort to calm her thoughts, hoping Duke could do the same. Closing her eyes, she nestled into Duke''s embrace as he drew her closer. She listened to the rapid rhythm of his heartbeat, sensing his body heat rising. She even heard Duke''s frustrated groan, but despite her desire to comfort him, they could only attempt to remain still and composed. Chapter 152 - 152 Two Peas in a Pod Sensing that the husband and wife had woken up, Vulture headed upstairs after asking Sparrow to start setting the table. As if intuitively knowing where to find them, Vulture went straight to Kisha''s door and knocked twice, ever so gently, before saying, "Master, young madam, please head down for dinner." Without waiting for a response, confident they were already awake, he quietly made his way back downstairs to assist Sparrow in completing the table setting and bringing out the dishes they had prepared. When Vulture returned, Sparrow eyed him suspiciously. "How did you know they''re already up? What if they were still sleeping and you disturbed them?" he asked, his tone almost reprimanding. Vulture snorted at him. He had always been a man who relied on his instincts more than rational thinking, unlike Sparrow. This made it difficult for him to explain his actions to Sparrow, and equally difficult for Sparrow to understand him. "How would you know?" Vulture retorted. "Do you think a cow would understand a chicken talking?" With that, he turned on his heel and headed back to the kitchen to prepare some cold drinks for his master and young madam. At first, Sparrow didn''t understand what Vulture meant, but as the seconds passed, his brows knitted tightly as the meaning sank in. ''Did he just... mock me?'' he thought incredulously. It had always been him looking down on the not-so-bright Vulture, who seemed like an old man, superstitious and foolish, while he prided himself on his critical thinking. This was proven time and time again and was the reason Kisha often sent Sparrow out on solo missions. She knew he would always find a way and knew what to do. Vulture, however, was not inferior to Sparrow; the fact that Duke had accepted him into his group was proof of that. Not just anyone could be part of Duke''s elite inner circle. Vulture had always possessed a strong gut feeling that served as an internal alarm. After the apocalypse, this instinct grew exponentially, guiding him through tough times and critical moments, and helping him stay alive. His gut feeling had never been wrong so far, which was why Kisha kept him close. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When her critical thinking and meticulous preparations failed, Vulture''s instincts could pull them out of the gutter. Sparrow and Vulture complemented each other perfectly, which was likely why they were paired as partners. As Vulture had anticipated, when Duke and Kisha heard his soft knock on the door, they slowly averted their gazes from each other, afraid that the fire of their desire would be reignited and neither of them would be able to hold back. Having lived her life 99 times, amounting to over 100 years of experience, Kisha was no longer as naive as she was in her first life. She had seen and experienced countless things and now fully understood the implications of a man and a woman being alone together in a confined space. She couldn''t pretend not to know what Duke was thinking. Even without words, his eyes spoke volumes. His burning desire was clear, like a live fire ignited by kerosene. His hand, which had been resting at his side, slowly moved to Kisha''s small waist, kneading it suggestively while his gaze remained locked onto hers. If not for Vulture''s timely call, Duke might not have been able to control himself, letting his desire override his rationality and leading him to consummate with his new wife. He longed for a honeymoon with Kisha but forgot they hadn''t been properly married yet. In his mind, Kisha was already his wife. This thought was so natural to him that it completed the puzzle of his life, adding color to his dull existence and flavor to his once tasteless world. Now, he understood why he had given her his time despite being a busy man. He realized why he felt drawn to her voice over the phone, leading him to invite her into his office when he ignored everyone else. It wasn''t just because he believed she carried valuable information that could save lives; it was because, even then, he had felt a magnetic pull toward her. As he attempted to rationalize his actions, he realized that his own rationality was being overshadowed by something deeper. It didn''t make sense for him to feel this way about a mere business partner; why would thoughts of her stir such desires and give him a hard-on? Perhaps it was chemistry, fate, or even the notion of them being soulmates that led to this attraction. Regardless, it was working for him. If they weren''t being monitored, he might have seized the moment to ensure Kisha was properly tied to him, preventing any other potential suitors from stealing her away. If Kisha could read his thoughts, she might have laughed her ass off because no other man could give her the butterflies he did, provide the attention and protection he offered, and, most importantly, Kisha had already learned her lesson the hard way. As they heard the knock, Kisha gently squeezed Duke''s hand that was massaging her waist, a subtle reminder to them both. "Let''s go..." she murmured, slowly propping herself up, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Duke. His simple touch had already left her panties damp, and she felt flustered by her own arousal. Embarrassed, she couldn''t bring herself to look at Duke, unaware that he was also feeling uncomfortable, a telltale sign visible in the prominent bulge in his pants. In the dimly lit room, Kisha and Duke rose slowly before making their way to the kitchen. Sparrow and Vulture stood silently at the side, waiting. Kisha descended the stairs first, followed closely by Duke. Their indifferent expressions mirrored each other''s, like two peas in a pod, strikingly similar and somewhat amusing. Kisha nodded at Vulture and Sparrow, indicating for them to take their seats at the table. As Kisha approached, Duke gallantly pulled out a chair for her, gently pushing it in after she sat down before taking the seat beside her. Kisha didn''t need to ask Duke what he wanted to eat; she had already committed his preferences to memory. She began serving him food like a dutiful wife, a gesture that Duke appreciated. Though his expression remained indifferent, his eyes betrayed his delight, turning into crescents as he watched Kisha serve him generous portions and select the best cuts from the dishes before them. Chapter 153 - 153 Going Out again Sparrow and Vulture observed quietly as the couple openly displayed affection in front of them. Initially finding it endearing, their sentiment shifted, feeling as if they were begrudgingly consuming dog food. The food lacked flavor to them, a stark contrast to Duke''s hearty appetite. He ate with gusto, savoring every dish Kisha placed before him, his face lit up with delight. Observing Duke''s evident enjoyment of the meal, Kisha felt compelled to keep feeding him, resulting in Duke consuming four large bowls of rice. However, Duke reciprocated the gesture, ensuring Kisha also received the dishes she enjoyed. While pink bubbles were floating in the air on Duke and Kisha''s side, on the other side, those who were monitoring them felt like bugs were crawling their skin because they were seeing two equally intimidating individuals with different genders acting so intimate from the bedroom and was acting like two in-love teenagers on the dining table, they felt it looked disturbing, even more so when the two individual kept their indifferent expressions. These observers hadn''t collected any substantial information about Kisha and her group yet. They were unsure whether Kisha and her companions were exceptionally vigilant and had detected their surveillance, or if they genuinely led uneventful lives with nothing to conceal. As they watched Kisha and the others enjoy their meal, a sense of resentful hunger gnawed at them, knowing they lacked the abundance of food Kisha possessed. All they had were packets of instant noodles and some canned goods, hardly comparable to the appetizing hot meals Sparrow and Vulture prepared. They found themselves in a predicament. Their storage had been depleted after a recent transport, and the supplies around the shelter were already scarce. To gather more provisions, they would need to venture farther, perhaps to riskier locations that others had not yet explored. Surely, these untapped areas held plentiful supplies waiting to be discovered. If they desired live animals, they could attempt their luck on farms on the outskirts. However, the journey was far and equally perilous as navigating the city. Furthermore, there was uncertainty regarding the survival of any animals. What if the animals too had fallen prey to the zombies, or worse, become infected themselves? There was pervasive uncertainty, which left them hesitant to take risks. Many office workers and seasoned farmers alike began planting vegetables within the shelter''s confines to bolster sustenance for the survivors. These crops could also be bartered for other supplies, albeit at a slightly higher cost due to the scarcity of fresh produce¡ªjust as they lacked fresh meat. The shelter was also grappling with a severe shortage of electricity, as damaged power lines and posts left them virtually powerless. Restoring electricity was crucial, but the company supplying power to the entire city lay on the outskirts, accessible only through open terrain. It was a gamble¡ªeither a straightforward task or a plunge into the fiery abyss. If they were encircled by zombies, there would be nowhere to hide. At present, their reliance is solely on generators. However, without electricity, the water system was at risk of faltering soon. Relying solely on water bottles from their supply runs outside the shelter was unsustainable. The soldiers were diligently addressing this imminent issue to prevent a crisis down the line. Aston''s decision to save the Winters wasn''t solely due to their shared circle; he recognized Duke''s multifaceted talents. With Duke''s ingenuity and resourcefulness, Aston trusted that the shelter''s challenges would soon find solutions. However, Aston was also keenly aware of the conflict between the Coltons and the Winters, which had driven the Winters to flee outside to avoid endangering innocent survivors seeking refuge in the shelters. This understanding improved Aston''s impression of the Winters, leading him to side with them over the greedy Coltons. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He knew the Coltons wouldn''t be satisfied with just eliminating the Winters; they would likely seek to eradicate any potential threats to their rule, including Aston himself. Hence, Aston felt a pressing need to locate the Winters. He understood that without their presence, the shelter he had meticulously constructed would inevitably succumb to the rule of the Coltons, putting the lives of the innocent inhabitants at risk. While Aston was a capable soldier and leader, he recognized that his abilities were not on par with Duke''s. Duke possessed both formidable combat skills and sharp business acumen, qualities that could potentially turn the tide against any challenges they faced. Indeed, Duke possessed a unique perspective that allowed him to view challenges as opportunities, a skillset that Aston admired but struggled to emulate. Unlike Aston, who adhered strictly to principles of righteousness, Duke was unafraid to navigate morally gray areas if it meant securing an advantage for their cause. This divergence in approach often led Duke to consider solutions that Aston might deem morally questionable, yet undeniably effective in achieving their goals. The next morning arrived swiftly, with Aston appearing at the break of dawn, even before the roosters announced the new day. Positioned at the front of their villa, Aston awaited with his truck and a small group of five individuals. Among them were those who had accompanied him previously to deliver Kisha''s rewards, their admiration for her and her group evident in their demeanor. But since it was still so early, because its not as if the early bird catches the worm in this case anymore, Kisha sent Sparrow outside to fetch Aston and his people so they could eat breakfast before going out on their mission, but at the same time, Kiha also wanted to make them help her group to transport their supplies unto the truck, because no matter how much she wanted to put it inside her inventory, the whole villa was surrounded by cameras and listening devices. And she was not stupid enough to just leave her supplies in her villa knowing that some people had access to it, they would surely take her supplies and eat like kings for few days while she was outside and by the time she came back, even if she found out who was responsible for all this, the food has already been consumed. She wasn''t about to take any chances. Kisha would rather risk her rations in the midst of a zombie-infested city than leave them vulnerable in her villa. While the odds of her supplies remaining untouched in the city were around 80%, she knew all too well that within the shelter, they''d vanish without a trace, devoured by opportunistic scavengers. She refused to feed the snakes that lurked within, a sentiment she''d grown to despise over time. Chapter 154 - 154 Departure Aston and his men initially assumed that Kisha and her people, despite their intimidating appearance, would be easy to get along with. They were even planning to share all their supplies so that no one in the team would go hungry. In contrast, Aston''s team had very limited provisions, as they had exhausted their allocated supplies and the Minister of Defense was blocking any attempts to obtain more from the warehouse. Aston''s men cheerfully helped Kisha and her group load the supplies onto the truck. Despite there being only ten of them, they brought along a large military truck¡ªthe only vehicle Aston could secure. Their ammunition was scarce, and the firearms were outdated and noisy. However, Aston preferred having these old models over going unarmed. All the soldiers who accompanied Aston felt their commander was being openly bullied, and some of the other soldiers already regarded them as eyesores. Shortly after they finished loading the supplies onto the truck, another person carrying a military backpack came running towards them. "Commander McMillan!" he shouted as he rushed towards them. "I also want to join you guys." He hoisted his backpack and added, "I brought additional supplies," beaming like the sun. The newcomer had a typical boy-next-door charm, radiating friendliness and approachability. His smile exuded an innocence and purity that could easily be mistaken for naivety. He appeared quite young, likely around 20 to 22 years old. "Why did you come? Didn''t I tell you to wait for our return and stay inside the shelter, doing minor tasks?" Aston berated the young man, sounding like a mother hen nagging her son. However, the newcomer just smiled foolishly at Aston, his stubborn expression making it clear he had no intention of going back. "Commander, you saved me, gave me a new life, and even provided me with a position in the army so I could have my own provisions. It''s only right for me to accompany you on this dangerous mission." Seeing Aston about to explode with anger, he quickly added, "Besides, without you and the others here, they would only bully me, and my life would be even more miserable. Out there, it might be dangerous, but I would gain experience and become more reliable in the future." The young man spoke with conviction, his youthful, handsome appearance reminiscent of a teen idol. Or perhaps he truly had been an idol before the apocalypse descended on Earth. Despite his seemingly weak appearance, he had a well-toned physique, suggesting he wouldn''t be entirely useless in the field as long as he stuck close to them. His words were also reasonable, leaving Aston with no grounds to blow up at him. However, Aston couldn''t bear the responsibility of taking another inexperienced person onto the battlefield. He had only sought help from Kisha and her group for this mission. He glanced at Kisha, standing nearby with Duke, who had his arm wrapped around her small waist. Duke''s long spear was strapped to his back, while Kisha''s long and short katanas were also secured behind her, with daggers at their waists. Observing Kisha and Duke, Aston sensed their confidence, as if venturing outside was as routine as stepping into their backyard. He glanced at Kisha, seeking her approval to bring another person along. Catching his gaze, Kisha met his eyes squarely. She had clearly heard the young man''s plea but remained indifferent. "Why are you looking at me? We''re simply paid as escorts. Your team''s lineup is your responsibility," she stated matter-of-factly before returning her attention to the horizon. In reality, Kisha was surveying their territory, assessing its development firsthand using the territory pack''s hologram feature. Meanwhile, Melody continued her efforts to win over the people on the base, striving to leave a better impression by working diligently, much like her brother did in the kitchen. Kisha anticipated Melody''s actions; despite any princess-like tendencies, she knew Melody was far from foolish. Kisha was certain that Melody would use the time while she and Duke were away from the base to further demonstrate her suitability for Duke to be his wife. She was a princess raised in a greenhouse, accustomed to socializing and engaging in charitable works¡ªactivities common among wealthy ladies. Kisha suspected that Melody, raised by her parents in this manner, would certainly attempt to pull off such a stunt. Upon Kisha''s return, she anticipated finding the people in the base siding with Melody, her words carrying greater weight and authority in their hearts, while Kisha would be relegated to the sidelines. Yet Melody seemed to have overlooked a crucial detail: Duke remained the overlord of the place. Kisha''s return signified his return. Even if Melody managed to win over the hearts of the civilians in the base, the majority of them were not Duke''s people. As the landowner, Kisha held the power to drive them away at any time, rendering their efforts futile. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She could easily enforce a ban, preventing them from entering the vicinity indefinitely. They would remain barred until she chose to lift the ban, like an invisible net restricting their access. With Duke''s people missing and their territory in need of attention, Kisha resolved to make the most of the resources at her disposal. Recognizing that their fate rested in her hands, she felt no fear. When she reunited with Duke and the rest of the group at their base, assuming their roles would be a straightforward task. Now, as Duke''s wife, approved by his family, even if Melody were to throw a tantrum, she wouldn''t be able to seize the position, no matter her actions. Should she step out of line, Kisha wouldn''t hesitate to make her regret it tenfold. She then shifted her focus to Keith and her grandparents. Despite the upheaval of the apocalypse, their lives remained relatively normal, resembling their pre-apocalyptic routines. However, Keith was diligently honing his Illusion Mental Ability. Over time, his illusions had grown in size and duration, becoming increasingly lifelike. Kisha observed that Keith''s control over his illusions had improved significantly, evident in the heightened mental capacity required for such manipulation. His dedication to training extended beyond his mind; he also devoted time to physical training, joining Ethan and the others on patrols while setting aside moments to develop his awakened ability. Kisha felt a swell of pride as she observed her younger brother''s determination and the remarkable progress he had made in such a short span of time. Her grandparents were following suit, diligently maintaining their physical training while tending to their duties around the territory. Although they had yet to awaken their superhuman abilities, they were prepared for when that moment arrived. With Keith by their side, Kisha felt reassured and confident about their readiness for whatever challenges lay ahead. It might take some time for her grandparents to awaken their abilities, but Kisha was confident that they would, and their abilities would prove incredibly useful. Currently, her grandmother was tending to the laundry under the clear sky, while her grandfather worked diligently on the farm alongside the others. In just over a week, the vegetables had already begun to sprout, thanks in part to the use of animal waste turned into fertilizer. Kisha''s territory was flourishing. Although the supplies, animals, and land allocated from her territory pack were minimal, they were the best option. Not only would this prevent suspicion, but it also allowed her to gradually expand her territory''s size and redistribute supplies between the territory and the warehouse as needed. "What''s got you smiling about?" Duke''s husky, magnetic voice echoed from above as he gently rested his chin on top of her head. Chapter 155 - 155 Departure 1 "Nothing, just thinking about my younger brother and grandparents," Kisha replied softly, her gaze still fixed on her family. She felt as though she were there with them, sharing in their moment. Reaching out her right hand, she gently touched Duke''s face, caressing it tenderly. Despite feeling happy and contented, a sense of fear gripped her heart. It seemed that every time she was on the verge of achieving her goals, an invisible force would intervene, presenting impossible challenges or orchestrating betrayals from those around her, threatening her very existence. With no tangible evidence to support her suspicions, only her intuition and thoughts, Kisha couldn''t discern if it was destiny, fate, or perhaps some constellation joke playing out in her life. She couldn''t shake the feeling that something or someone was determined to make her existence difficult. Now, as her life seemed to sail smoothly, adhering to her plans, she feared that future challenges would only grow more arduous, compounded by the unsettling changes already unfolding around her. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite her worries, Kisha collected herself. Knowing she wouldn''t find answers to her concerns, she redirected her focus. As Duke looked down to meet her gaze, she looked up, smiling at him affectionately. Witnessing her expression, Duke''s stoic demeanor softened, his eyes forming gentle crescents as his lips curved into a reciprocated smile. Regardless of the challenges that lay ahead, Kisha found solace in the presence of Duke, the unwavering figure who stood steadfastly by her side through thick and thin. He was the man who had faced death because of her but had never placed blame, who had evolved into her closest confidant amidst the chaos, and the one person she knew would never betray her. Just as they were settling into a comfortable moment together, they heard Aston''s voice ring out, announcing, "We''re done packing!!!" His gaze didn''t linger on Duke and Kisha; he simply stated the fact for everyone''s benefit. Meanwhile, Vulture and Sparrow had conducted a thorough scouting round around the villa to detect any hidden cameras or listening devices in the vicinity outside, and indeed, they found some. They refrained from reporting immediately to Kisha, knowing that with the scarlet bees at her disposal, she might already be aware of the situation. Returning to where the truck was parked, they overheard Aston''s announcement. Acting swiftly, they secured the entrance and stood beside Kisha. As they made their way to the truck, Sparrow and Vulture broke away from the group and headed to the driver''s seat. Aston glanced at Kisha with a questioning expression, clearly curious about the change in seating arrangements. "Since our duty is to ensure everyone''s safety, it''s imperative that we take every precaution, including driving the truck ourselves to guarantee a safe journey," Kisha asserted firmly. She made sure her tone and words left no room for argument, ensuring that the group would have no choice but to agree. Observing Kisha''s resolute stance, Aston didn''t prolong the discussion or challenge her authority, recognizing the truth in her words. He ascended to the back of the truck with the rest of his team, leaving Vulture and Sparrow in charge of navigation. Kisha and Duke joined them, settling in the middle of the truck as if they were embarking on a leisurely picnic outdoors. The other soldiers gazed at Kisha and Duke with admiration, noting their calm and composed demeanor. It was evident that they exuded confidence in their abilities and were committed to ensuring everyone''s safety. With a sense of reassurance, the truck departed from the central part of the shelter, retracing its route back to Gate 2, much like the day before. As the truck approached Gate 2, the soldier stationed there signaled to the guard atop the walls to open a path. Soon, the sound of gunfire echoed outside the truck, catching the attention of Kisha and her companions. Slowly but steadily, the guards surrounding the gate began to open it, allowing the truck passage. Sparrow wasted no time; as soon as he saw the gate begin to open, he pressed down on the gas pedal. Timing it perfectly, he managed to navigate the truck through the partially open gate just in time before it swung wide enough to allow their passage. This tactic ensured that no zombies could slip through the narrow opening of the gate, making it easier for the guards to close the gate swiftly with minimal risk. Sparrow''s bold maneuver surprised the guards, who were initially nervous that the gate might not be wide enough for the truck to pass through safely. Typically, drivers waited for the gate to fully open before proceeding, relying on the guards atop the walls and inside the gate to handle any approaching zombies. This indifference to safety from other drivers stemmed from their confidence in the guards'' ability to fend off threats. Kisha and her team stood out for their emphasis not just on efficiency, but also on safety and effectiveness. They remained mindful that the Winters and some of their people were still inside the shelter. Consequently, they were determined not to allow a single zombie through the gate that might endanger their comrades'' safety, especially when they were outside and unable to provide protection. Kisha took additional precautions by deploying more scarlet bees to safeguard her people. Although she couldn''t communicate with these scarlet bees remotely, she was confident they would remain faithful to the mission she had assigned them until her return. Now, Kisha was confident that neither zombies nor humans would easily defeat her scarlet bees. While they might not be as powerful as Bell, they were still equipped with enough lethality to get the job done effectively. After the soldier at Gate 2 successfully closed the massive gate, they all watched Kisha''s truck plow through the zombies on the road without hesitation, a testament to the driver''s skill in navigating the infested streets. As the truck vanished from sight, leaving only the lingering fumes behind, they collectively breathed a sigh of relief, yet were also left feeling somewhat lost. While many soldiers had abandoned Aston to align with the Minister of Defense, a significant number still held deep respect and trust in Aston''s leadership. The majority of the soldiers stationed on the walls were loyal to him. They all shared concerns for his safety, especially after the harrowing zombie raid they had experienced just the previous night. Chapter 156 - 156 Are you Nuts? As Sparrow drove down the road, the truck jolted violently, resembling a ride on a rugged mountain path due to the sheer number of zombies littering the way. Sparrow mercilessly rammed through the undead, indifferent to whether they were crushed beneath the truck or sent flying into the air. Despite the obstacles, he maintained a steady speed, navigating through the southern part of the western district and then moving counterclockwise until they reached all four of the Colton camps, now overrun by zombies. Since Kisha wasn''t assisting Sparrow with navigation, as the scarlet bees were busy gathering crystal cores from the zombies run over by the truck, Sparrow found the journey challenging but manageable. His experience navigating the streets came in handy, and he used his ''Hawk Eye'' ability to scout each street ahead for signs of zombie hordes, allowing him to choose safer routes and keep the truck moving forward. This method was somewhat straining for Sparrow, but it served as valuable training. They knew they couldn''t always rely on Kisha or her scarlet bees and needed to be prepared for missions without their young madam. From Kisha''s perspective, this approach was longer and more uncomfortable. Unlike traveling on foot, which didn''t attract nearby zombies and allowed them to navigate and change routes easily based on the situation, using the truck was less efficient and more cumbersome. Kisha and Duke remained quiet as they traversed the streets. With the truck at their disposal, they reached the outer layer of the southern part of the western district. This area was where Sparrow had encountered those indecent men, an experience that still haunted his dreams like a nightmare. It wasn''t just what he witnessed that bothered him; over the years, the team''s assumption that Duke, who showed no interest in women, might be attracted to men had put them on guard, wary of becoming appealing to their master. This mindset, combined with witnessing something similar, had traumatized Sparrow. Every time he woke from these nightmares, he felt phantom aches on his rear and was drenched in cold sweat. Even though their misunderstanding about their master''s preferences had been resolved, the mental strain they had endured wasn''t going to disappear overnight. Being back in the place where Sparrow had witnessed such disturbing deeds made him shiver unconsciously. Noticing this reaction, Vulture looked at him with concern. "Dude, are you alright, or are you coming down with the flu?" he asked innocently. "Are you nuts? I''ve already awakened; do you think I''d get the flu?" Sparrow snapped back defensively, as if Vulture had struck a nerve. "Dude, you only awakened, not turned immortal. You can still get a fever or other illnesses," Vulture replied, his lips forming a pout as he felt wronged. He had only asked out of genuine concern for his partner, hoping to help if something was wrong, but instead, he found himself on the receiving end of Sparrow''s sharp retort. He couldn''t understand why Sparrow was so sentimental at this point. Their playful banter soon made Sparrow forget about the unsettling memories, allowing his body to relax a bit. They continued their lively exchange to stave off boredom, their voices mingling with the truck''s hum. The others in the back could barely make out their conversation over the cacophony of zombie roars and the loud thuds as the truck rammed through the undead. The soldiers accompanying Aston felt their skin crawl from the horrifying sounds the zombies emitted and the stench that permeated the air. The rotting smell was so overwhelming that they felt nauseous the entire way to the southern part. Despite stuffing their noses with anything they could find, the foul odor clung to their skin, making it unbearable. Kisha and her team were accustomed to the odor, particularly Kisha, who had endured it countless times before. The current smell, though unpleasant, was not as severe as what she had experienced as Earth slowly died, the air thick with gloom and the scent of decay. The stench of rotting flesh permeated everywhere, enough to induce severe headaches due to its overwhelming nature. The water sources, such as lakes and ponds, had turned murky black, and non-mutated plants had withered away. Consequently, the air on Earth was thinning as trees and plants, vital for processing carbon dioxide into oxygen, dwindled. While a few resilient trees and plants struggled to survive, they were rare treasures in a dying landscape. However, due to the scarcity of water and the deteriorating land, even they were slowly succumbing. The only solution seemed to lie with Earth and water-type ability users, who could nurture these remaining plants and trees within protected zones they have created. In her previous life, Kisha and Duke spearheaded this ambitious project, a laborious and challenging endeavor. Despite their efforts, they still faced losses as some trees and plants struggled to adapt to the drastic environmental changes, gradually withering away. However, a collaborative effort involving scientists and arborist experts was underway to address this issue. Together, they sought to develop and breed more resilient plant species capable of thriving in the altered conditions, striving to ensure the success and longevity of their project. However, despite their efforts, Kisha and Duke passed away before witnessing the fruition of their project. Yet, Kisha finds solace in her territory pack, enabling her to protect numerous trees and plants. Meanwhile, scientists and arborists could research, striving to cultivate more resilient species capable of surviving the harsh conditions of the apocalyptic era. This is what Kisha was aiming for, so even without her territory pack, the trees and plants they cultivated could survive and they could plant it outside of the territory and in order to achieve that, she plans to find her scientist friend who discovered the origin of the zombie virus, because he was trustable and competent, once they are done with City B, she''d go and find him and an Arborist who could work with him with this project. While Kisha pondered her future plans, the truck came to a halt at the entrance of the camp in the southern part, the same place where Sparrow had launched his initial attack. The two men Sparrow had thrown from the rooftop while hanging on the wire were still there, their bodies now beginning to take on a purplish hue due to rigor mortis setting in. And to those observing Sparrow''s victims, it might appear that they had met their demise willingly, accepting their fate in the face of imminent doom, realizing there was no escape from the encroaching horde surrounding them. As the truck came to a halt, the lurking zombies surged towards them, prompting both the soldiers and Kisha''s team to assume combat positions. However, Kisha''s expression soured when she noticed that Aston''s group aimed their outdated firearms at the undead horde, their aged models emitting loud reports sounds. With a surge of frustration, Kisha moved swiftly, pushing down the firearms of Aston and his men to the ground. Her actions spoke volumes, silently conveying the message that using such outdated weapons amidst their precarious situation was folly. Kisha''s frustration simmered beneath her words as she clarified the situation to Aston and his team. "Using those loud firearms will only attract more zombies from miles away. It''s a surefire way to get us overrun in no time." Her tone carried a hint of annoyance, a sentiment born from having to repeatedly explain this crucial point to nearly everyone she encountered. It felt exasperating to contend with this additional concern, particularly in their current predicament. Recognizing Kisha''s implication, Aston and his team swiftly stowed their firearms in the truck, opting instead for their close combat weapons. As the zombies approached, Kisha''s team moved forward, engaging the undead while strategically managing their numbers, ensuring Aston''s team could handle the threat without casualties. Aston, keenly observant in combat, noted the calculated approach of Kisha and her group, acknowledging their vigilant protection of everyone present. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As a result, Aston came to realize that Kisha and her team were far more capable than he initially assumed, especially after witnessing their combat prowess firsthand. Duke''s formidable strength sent zombies hurtling through the air, a display reminiscent of scenes from action movies or anime. However, Duke executed these feats effortlessly, wielding his long spear with precision to ensure each zombie was swiftly decapitated, preventing any chance of standing back up. Kisha''s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing as she gracefully maneuvered around the zombies, her long and short swords flashing in both hands. Her dual-wielding style was not just eye-catching but also deadly, as she swiftly and skillfully sliced through the undead, cleanly severing their necks. Everywhere she and Duke moved, it was a scene of devastation, leaving a trail of motionless zombie carcasses in their wake. It was a gruesome sight, yet undeniably awe-inspiring, particularly for people like Aston and his team. Witnessing Kisha and her companions in action stirred a deep inspiration within them, compelling them to emulate their courage and determination. However, despite their fervent efforts, they could not surpass the feats already achieved. Sparrow and Vulture, in particular, exhibited a prowess akin to that of monsters. Sparrow moved with the agility of an acrobat, swiftly killing zombies with his dagger before leaping onto the next target. Meanwhile, Vulture wielded a larger axe, harnessing his considerable strength to devastating effect. Chapter 157 - 157 Investigation Start With each swing of his axe, Vulture could clear through hordes of 2-3 zombies at a time. Despite the broad arcs of his movements potentially leaving him vulnerable to attacks, he countered this by cloaking himself in earth armor concealed beneath his shirt, the protective layer nearly melding with his skin. His keen awareness of his surroundings ensured that he remained vigilant and responsive to any potential threats. With their combined efforts and precise attacks, the four managed to control the number of zombies coming at Aston and his team while reducing the horde surrounding them. They never felt overwhelmed by the sheer number or the relentless attacks. This scenario reminded Sparrow and Vulture of the time when they were surrounded in the garden area on the 10th floor of a condominium in the central part of the western district. Back then, they protected the Winters, along with an unconscious Kisha and Duke, and managed to handle the situation. Now, with Kisha and Duke, who fought like killing machines comparable to Bell''s prowess, their confidence was even greater. Kisha didn''t miss the opportunity to let Bell fight as well. She sent Bell to a secluded area where zombies were concentrated, allowing Bell to kill them and retrieve the crystal cores afterward. This strategy lightened Kisha''s burden and prevented more zombies from coming their way. Bell was incredibly efficient at dealing with the zombies, even quicker than Kisha and her entire group combined, especially since they couldn''t use their awakened abilities in front of Aston and his team. Through their continuous efforts, they managed to kill the zombies surrounding them. Fortunately, after Sparrow left and the zombies had devoured everyone inside the building, they dispersed in search of their next meal. This coincided with the blood rain, which made the zombies even hungrier due to their evolution and so they left the vicinity in a hurry to search farther away. As a result, the number of zombies around Kisha and her team was not overwhelming, allowing them to manage the situation despite their limited manpower. Kisha ensured the situation was manageable before they proceeded in this direction. If the number of zombies had been beyond their capabilities, she would have instructed Sparrow to change direction and extend their journey, while sending her scarlet bees ahead to reduce the zombie population before they moved forward. At the same time, she didn''t want to make the situation too easy. Kisha wanted to ensure her people remained vigilant and didn''t become complacent. If their senses dulled because she was always protecting them, they would be at risk during important missions, especially if they encountered a powerful evolved zombie or a superhuman with a tricky awakened ability. Although Sparrow and Vulture were the elite warriors Duke had nurtured since they were young, complacency could easily blind them to hidden threats or seemingly unassuming enemies. If they became too confident in their strength and cleverness, they would be at risk of being caught off guard by adversaries lurking in the shadows. This served as a subtle reminder for everyone not to be overly reliant on their awakened abilities. While Bell was dealing with the zombies around them, this was only to ensure they wouldn''t attract more zombies to their vicinity and risk being besieged from all directions. It was essentially a method to control the crowd. Now that the coast was clear, Kisha and the rest paused for a minute to steady their breathing and scan the area. After a moment, they started to move inside to inspect the building. Only then, did they notice two dead bodies hanging on the side of the building, something Aston''s team hadn''t had a chance to properly observe while they were busy dealing with the surrounding zombies and hadn''t looked up. By observing the color of the bodies, they could tell that the deaths occurred more than 24 hours ago, possibly due to suicide or foul play. However, they didn''t have the time to delve into the matter. Inside the building, they saw walls splattered with blood and the unrecognizable remains of the people who had once lived there that were gnawed at by the zombies that managed to breach their fortress. Kisha and her team remained resolute in the face of the gruesome scene, their determination unwavering. However, Aston''s men couldn''t suppress the queasiness in their stomachs as they beheld the harrowing sight, surpassing anything they had encountered thus far. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They trailed cautiously behind Kisha''s group as they methodically combed through each room of the building, uncovering a cache of crucial supplies: a diverse array of firearms, surveillance equipment, drones, AWMs, and ample ammunition. Yet, it was the discovery of a stockpile of essential provisions¡ªfood, water, and medicine¡ªall neatly arranged in one room that brought a sense of relief amidst the tension. Kisha delegated the task of transporting the supplies to Sparrow and Vulture, who swiftly began loading them onto the truck. Aston''s men joined in, lending their assistance with the transportation effort. Soon, only Kisha, Duke, and Aston remained. With a nod from Kisha, Aston was given the go-ahead to scour the entire building in search of survivors, his insistence fueled by the hope that someone may still be alive amidst the devastation. However thorough Aston''s search was, it yielded no survivors. Every nook and cranny of the building revealed only lifeless bodies strewn across various rooms. Even the rooftop offered no reprieve, its haunting silence echoing the tragedy within. Meanwhile, Sparrow, remembering the supplies he had noticed during a previous visit, enlisted Vulture''s assistance in retrieving them, ensuring no valuable resources were left behind. With the abundance of supplies gathered, they successfully filled one corner of the truck, yet there remained plenty of space for additional provisions. However, as they contemplated acquiring more, Aston''s men couldn''t shake the nagging worry gnawing at them. They envisioned worst-case scenarios where they might be forced to abandon the truck and proceed on foot. Such thoughts weighed heavily on their minds, casting doubt on the value of their efforts in loading the truck with supplies. Despite the looming uncertainty, they couldn''t ignore the opportunity to gather the readily available supplies and transport them back to the shelter. After fully loading all the provisions from the building, Aston and his men conducted another thorough investigation of the premises. They sought to unravel the mystery of how the building had been overrun, estimating the time that had elapsed since the tragic events unfolded. Their attention was particularly drawn to two individuals suspended at the side of the building. With careful deliberation, they hauled the bodies to the rooftop, their intact forms offering a potential source of vital information. Kisha and her group remained unfazed by the investigation, their confidence unshaken. Even if Aston and his team discovered that the two individuals had been killed before being left suspended outside the building, it would only confirm suspicions of sabotage orchestrated by their enemies. The sole culprits capable of such a calculated move could only be the Winters, their longstanding adversaries. This revelation hinted at a larger scheme, one aimed not just at one of the Coltons'' camp in the southern part, but potentially at other camps as well. Kisha granted Aston and his team the freedom to speculate while they scoured the area for the Winters outside. Little did they know, the Winters were safely nestled inside the shelter, taking advantage of their enemy''s diverted attention to rest and recuperate. Chapter 158 - 158 To the Next Stop Even though Aston''s allegiance to the Winters was apparent, his overt determination to locate and rescue them from the outside exposed him to scrutiny from the enemies of the Winters. This heightened attention meant that every move Aston made would be closely monitored by the Coltons and their allies. It''s highly likely that any information Aston possessed would swiftly become common knowledge among the Coltons, thanks to the spotlight on his actions and the traitor who''s feeding these pieces of information to the Coltons. To deceive the Coltons effectively, Aston''s collaboration was crucial. There''s a saying that goes, "To fool your enemies, you must first fool your allies." By employing this strategy, they could mislead even a potential mole in their midst, maintaining control over the narrative and concealing the truth from prying eyes. After Aston concluded their investigation, a somber silence settled over the group as they reluctantly returned to the truck. Their journey now led them to the western part, a path that stretched farther with each passing mile. Sparrow navigated cautiously along the outskirts of the southern area, aiming for the distant reaches of the western part. Meanwhile, Aston remained lost in contemplation, his mind grappling with the implications of Duke''s brutal tactics. Instinctively, he recognized the telltale signs of the Winters'' involvement in this massacre. Examining the blown opening at the entrance, Aston inferred that someone intentionally breached it, allowing the zombie horde access to the camp. The strategic positioning of the undead hinted at a deliberate orchestration rather than a random occurrence. Connecting the dots, Aston concluded that the Winters, under Duke''s command, orchestrated the attack. A subtle smile graced his stern countenance as he realized that Duke had finally shown himself to help the Winters. Because as far as he could remember before the Winters left the shelter just so they wouldn''t implicate the innocent people with the clan''s dispute, there was only the grandfather, father, and mother of the Winters along with their elite bodyguards led by Tristan. How could Aston be certain that Duke had joined forces with the Winters? It boiled down to a straightforward deduction. While the Winters were known for their cold demeanor, they lacked Duke''s sheer ruthlessness. Moreover, their resources and skills were unlikely to allow for a covert infiltration of a Coltons camp, especially one brimming with surveillance equipment and top-grade firearms. Aston reasoned that Duke must have enlisted reinforcements, bolstering their numbers to execute such a plan. However, he remained perplexed by how they managed to evade detection by the vigilant Coltons personnel and successfully execute this plan. Unbeknownst to Aston, who was deep in contemplation, both Kisha and Duke observed him silently. However, they weren''t the only ones; another pair of eyes keenly tracked Aston''s every move. It was evident that Aston had sensed something amiss but remained uncertain about the conclusion he had reached. Following their initial stop, a solemn hush enveloped the truck. Each occupant wore a somber expression, grappling with the tragic demise of the Coltons. Despite any personal animosity toward them, the manner of their deaths struck a chord. There lingered a pervasive sense of hopelessness as if an invisible net had ensnared the Coltons, leaving no chance of escape. It was clear that whoever set the trap was intent on ensuring the Coltons'' demise. In truth, Duke felt a profound dissatisfaction after witnessing the aftermath of Sparrow''s scheme. He couldn''t help but harbor disdain for Sparrow''s approach. In Duke''s mind, he envisioned a much more visceral and calculated strategy. He would have ensured that every individual in the Coltons'' camp was restrained, forced to watch helplessly as their fellow comrades were devoured one by one by the ravenous zombies. The psychological torment inflicted upon the Coltons would be excruciating, as they faced the horrifying prospect of being slowly consumed alive, witnessing the gruesome demise of their comrades, and grappling with the remorse of choosing allegiance with the wrong faction. Duke''s vision was clear: before delivering the final blow, he would ensure that his enemies endured a brief but agonizing taste of hell on earth. Renowned for his ruthless nature, Duke harbored no reservations about exacting vengeance upon his adversaries. The memory of how the Coltons had mistreated his men and the manner in which they had perished fueled his desire for retribution. He was determined to make the Coltons experience the same anguish and suffering his men had endured before meeting their tragic end. With the Coltons'' men now deceased, Duke saw no point in lamenting the past. Instead, he harbored a steely determination to exact vengeance upon the Coltons'' family. He intended to subject them to the same torment they had inflicted upon his own men, making them pay dearly for targeting his loved ones in his absence. Duke vowed to ensure that the Coltons experienced firsthand the agony and suffering endured by his men, particularly those who had perished under their tyranny. Duke harbored no illusions of being a saint; he was prepared to embrace his role as a demon if it meant safeguarding his people and instilling fear in their adversaries. His moniker "Tyrant" was not bestowed without reason. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Although he tempered his actions in deference to Kisha''s presence, the recent aggression against his family by the vermin of his enemies left him no choice but to unleash his full fury upon them. Duke relished the prospect of orchestrating their downfall, savoring every moment of their inevitable demise once they fell into his grasp. At that moment, the Young Master of the Coltons felt an icy chill slither down his spine, sending shivers through his body before dissipating into nothingness. He remained attentive as the report detailed the findings of the teams dispatched to investigate the explosion and its aftermath. Among the findings was the unsettling revelation that communication with their people had been lost, and none had returned. He was extremely pissed that he started kicking the young man under his feet, the young man who looked only 17-19 years old with a pretty face. Crying because of the pain he was experiencing over his whole body, he was bruised black and blue in all places while he was naked and shivering. He couldn''t even stand up on his own now, the Coltons'' Young Master was looking at the young man with cold eyes, the Coltons'' Young Master was still wearing his black robe with a grim expression like he was ready to kill anyone at this point. The young man sobbed and pleaded for his life to be spared. "Young Master, please, have mercy on me. I will make sure to pleasure you and do my best." The young man said between sobs, he was already having a hard time speaking with his aching body but he was more afraid of dying than anything else, what''s pride and his integrity if it only means that he dies early? "Oh?! Is that so?" An evil grin played on the Coltons'' Young Master''s lips before he continued. "Then, why don''t you lick my cock like an ice cream and I''d think about if I should keep you or not? Depending on your performance, you will...." He then cackles like a madman Chapter 159 - 159 Coltons Young Master The young man gritted his teeth as he crawled closer to the Young Master, who sat in his chair like a king watching a dog beg for food. The Young Master relished the sight of beautiful men and women trembling before him, deriving pleasure from their fear. He didn''t care if the person riding his cock is a woman or a man; what mattered was their beauty. He had amassed a collection of such individuals in his basement, and those who disobeyed met a grim fate after being toyed with by the Coltons'' Young Master. And there were those who fought tooth and nail for survival, much like the young man standing before him. They had battled against the relentless onslaught of zombies outside, only to find themselves imprisoned within the confines of the Coltons'' villa, reduced to mere objects of pleasure. Fueled by resentment, they are not even treated as proper human beings because they are another mouth to feed when the shelter is already starting to get low on supplies. The young man clenched his jaw tightly as he obediently took the Coltons'' Young Master''s cock into his mouth. Meanwhile, the Young Master leisurely sipped his wine, enjoying the sensation as the young man pleasured him. Occasionally, he released low, pleasure-filled groans, his breath coming out in heavy pants. "A man really knows where to find another man''s weak spot." the Young Master sneered between labored breaths. Gripping the young man''s hair, he forced him to take more of his cock into his throat, ruthlessly jerking his head up and down. Leaning back in his chair, his eyes rolling in ecstasy, he remained indifferent to the discomfort of the young man''s throat, indifferent to his uncontrollable gagging and he paid no heed to the tears and mucus now streaming from the young man''s face. All he cared about was his own pleasure, and once he finished deep into the young man''s throat, he grunted in ecstasy, paying no heed to the young man''s desperate struggles for air. Even as the man flailed his arms, suffocating, the Young Master held firm, relishing his control. After a final few violent thrusts, he cast the young man to the ground, leaving him barely conscious and gasping for air like a fish out of water. The room, once silent, now resonated with the young man''s harrowing gasps, a haunting reminder of his torment. The Coltons'' Young Master wasn''t finished. Downing the last of his wine, he rose from his chair and discarded his black robe. Gripping the young man''s hair once more, he forcefully dragged him to the bed, showing no concern for his well-being. Ignoring any signs of distress, the Coltons'' Young Master callously penetrated the man with his cock, displaying a complete disregard for his condition or his life which was already hanging by the thread. He was used to rough plays, and often his victims perished under the strain of his sexual torture before he could even finish. Yet, he remained indifferent, proceeding to fulfill his desires before callously discarding the lifeless body onto the floor and summoning someone to clean his room. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fortunately, the young man was still alive, albeit barely. Observing his shallow breaths, the individual tasked with cleaning the room of the supposedly dead body made a callous decision. Instead of summoning medical aid or showing concern for the young man''s condition, he heartlessly dragged the young man''s limp body back to the basement, leaving his fate to chance. Whether he lived or perished was now at the mercy of fate. If he managed to survive until the next time the Young Master required another victim, then so be it¡ªhe would have another chance to endure. The young man lacked the energy even to cry out in pain or to cling to the remnants of his fading life. Darkness enveloped him, swallowing his consciousness whole. On Kisha''s side, they finally reached the western area where the aftermath of the explosion had left debris strewn across the streets. Large chunks of building walls, shattered glass, and scattered furniture created a scene reminiscent of a war zone as if an aerial bombardment had ravaged the entire west area. Among the wreckage, zombie corpses lay crushed beneath heavy objects, while human bodies were scattered throughout. The buildings themselves were no longer recognizable as intact structures, with substantial sections having collapsed and exposed the interiors to the elements. After a heavy rain the previous night, the bloody walls and streets had been washed clean, leaving only remnants of the zombie carcasses and human flesh behind. However, despite being crushed under collapsed walls and heavy debris, some zombies still remained alive and squirming, struggling to free themselves from the objects and pinning them down. The entire area exuded an eerie sense of dread, casting doubt on the possibility of salvaging any useful items from the wreckage. However, the pressing concern was the presence of numerous zombies despite the recent explosion. Their numbers appeared to have multiplied significantly, far exceeding expectations. Kisha took charge, directing her team to clear the area while assigning Bell and the scarlet bees the crucial task of gathering the crystal core. Meanwhile, the regular bees continued patrolling the vicinity to maintain security. Kisha efficiently directed her team, guiding them on where to focus their efforts. Initially, only her own team adhered to her commands with unwavering trust, treating her directives as law. However, witnessing the effectiveness of their tactics in combatting the zombies, Aston and his team gradually began to place greater confidence in her judgment. Seeing her strategies in action allowed them to truly appreciate her capabilities. They now trusted her insights on where zombie concentrations were highest, understanding that her keen observation skills provided a comprehensive view of their surroundings. It was as though she had eyes everywhere, ensuring their safety with her vigilant watchfulness. Aston''s team found their admiration for Kisha and her team reaching new heights as they witnessed firsthand their exceptional skills and efficiency in action. They began to believe that their chances of survival greatly increased by sticking closely to Kisha''s leadership. But Kisha did not care what they thought and she and Duke continued to fight back to back in the midst of the zombie horde, Duke''s long spear was fast and powerful that he could kill 2-3 zombies in an instant while Kisha was precise and agile with her dual sword dancing in her hands, everywhere they go. Together, they left a trail of black blood splatter in their wake, effortlessly clearing a path through the chaos. Standing back to back, they ensured mutual protection, a testament to their trust and unity. Vulture and Sparrow, having grown up together, shared an instinctual bond akin to that of Kisha and Duke, seamlessly dispatching zombies while safeguarding each other. Their collaboration compensated for individual weaknesses, creating a synergistic force where their strengths complemented each other harmoniously. Without their awakened abilities, the task proved more difficult and time-consuming, leaving them fatigued. If they had employed their awakened abilities, killing the zombies would have been swift, and they would likely be preparing their meal by now, as it was already lunchtime. Aston''s men were exhausted, their breaths labored and their bodies feeling as though they were weighed down by lead. Moving became an arduous task as they pressed on through the horde. Unlike Aston and his team, Kisha and her team fared better. Despite their exhaustion, their precision and agility remained steadfast as they fought on. Their eyes still blazed with determination as they efficiently killed multiple zombies at once, a feat beyond the capabilities of Aston''s team, who could only manage one zombie at a time. The disparity in combat abilities was striking, leaving Aston and his team feeling inadequate compared to Kisha and her group. However, this only reinforced Aston''s belief that hiring them as escorts was his best decision yet. Refocusing on the task at hand, Aston redoubled his efforts to ensure they eliminated all nearby zombies while prioritizing their safety, determined to prevent any bites or scratches. As Aston pondered his thoughts, a sudden gust of wind startled him. In the blink of an eye, Kisha was at his side, and he found himself splattered with thick, coagulated blood. The events unfolded so rapidly that Aston couldn''t process them in real time. When he turned to where Kisha stood, he witnessed her with both swords raised high, a zombie''s head soaring through the air. Kisha''s swords moved swiftly, resembling a pair of scissors, as she expertly severed the zombie''s head with precise speed. And the speed of the zombie that jumped in as soon as an opening was presented to it was a little scarily faster than normal zombies. After seeing Kisha like that and one of his subordinates sitting on the floor on his butt while groaning in pain, he speculated that after one of his subordinates fell on his ass, a zombie took the opportunity to jump in on him and Kisha saw this and saved him by a thin margin. Chapter 160 - 160 West Part If Kisha hadn''t intervened, Aston might have been bitten on his face or neck, sealing his fate. The gravity of this realization made Aston''s body tense with fear. Looking down at the man now sitting on the ground, his face contorted in pain, Kisha remembered him as the one who used to laugh at even the silliest jokes Aston made, and the most recent addition to their group. After giving the man a brief glance, Kisha returned to her original position beside Duke. But before moving away, she placed a reassuring tap on Aston''s shoulder and uttered a stern reminder, "Be more vigilant of your surroundings from now on." Without waiting for Aston''s response, Kisha swiftly departed and rejoined Duke to resume their killing spree. After approximately two hours of relentless killing, Kisha and her team successfully cleared the entire area. Meanwhile, Aston and his team took a brief rest before commencing their investigation of the surroundings. Kisha assigned Sparrow to inspect the building for any remaining intact resources, while Vulture returned to the truck to begin preparing lunch. Their team understood the importance of maintaining their energy levels and always ensured they were well-fed and rested, akin to a well-fueled car. They recognized that in order to fight effectively, they needed to be both physically and mentally prepared. In a short time, Sparrow returned with a small grin on his face, satisfied that he hadn''t accidentally destroyed the camp''s storage during his bombing. He had successfully located the supplies, buried under the rubble but salvageable nonetheless. He promptly informed Kisha and Duke of his findings. Kisha nodded in satisfaction, while Duke remained silent, waiting for Kisha to make the decision on how to proceed. Shortly thereafter, Kisha nodded decisively and issued her command. "After lunch, let''s gather the supplies, and Aston''s team can assist us with the task." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow joined Vulture at the back of the truck to assist with meal preparation, while Kisha and Duke conducted brief reconnaissance of the surrounding area, subtly showcasing their scouting skills to Aston and his team to avoid appearing suspicious. After an hour, Aston and his men returned from their investigation of the rubble. Some members of Aston''s group wore grim expressions, while Aston himself appeared indifferent, suggesting they had encountered the underground parking area where the Coltons'' men were trapped before being cornered by the zombies and gnawed at while alive or worse, buried beneath the debris, alive. Some of Aston''s men found the scene so horrifying it could potentially trigger PTSD among them. Witnessing the ruthlessness of the Coltons'' enemies, they realized the extent of the danger they faced. The enemies ensured there was no escape for the Coltons'' men, cornering each one and subjecting them to a horrific fate. As soldiers, they were unfortunately all too familiar with this grim reality, though typically it was the work of terrorists seeking to instill fear among their adversaries. Such brutal killings were often executed in the most gruesome manner possible, with the bodies left behind as a chilling message for their enemies to discover. Kisha was already aware of what Aston and his team had uncovered, as she had instructed the scarlet bees to monitor their every move. Duke, on the other hand, remained indifferent, showing little concern for the fate of the Coltons'' men. For him, as long as they met a gruesome end and harbored false hope of survival before facing the harsh reality, it suited their purposes. Duke''s primary concern was avenging his people, a task Sparrow had accomplished, albeit with less ruthlessness than Duke would have preferred. However, Duke chose not to dwell on this, as he remained focused on locating the remaining members of the Coltons family who were still in hiding. A sinister smile crept onto Duke''s lips as he pondered the prospect, a chilling display of his dark intentions that did not escape Kisha''s notice. ''Unlucky souls!'' she thought, mocking those who had dared to provoke Duke and his people. ''You''ve stirred up a hornet''s nest, and your fate is sealed.'' Before she shook her head but she did not feel any sympathy for the Coltons because their fate was of their own making, a consequence of their greed and selfishness. As the landscape remained strewn with the remnants of zombie carcasses, Aston''s men, haunted by the memories of what they had witnessed in the garage, retreated to the truck to rest. Meanwhile, Kisha and Duke remained outside, standing guard while the others rested. Sparrow and Vulture began preparing a meal of rice for the eleven of them. Sparrow assisted Vulture in washing the rice, while Vulture sliced the spam and canned sausages. With Aston and his people present, they couldn''t rely on Kisha''s ability to conjure fresh meat and vegetables from her inventory, so they made do with the canned goods they had on hand. Vulture ended up making fried rice with small chunks of sausage and spam, accompanied by a few slices of spam and sausage with soy sauce. The meal was somewhat redundant due to the repeated use of spam and sausage, but with limited ingredients, this was the best he could manage. Despite the simplicity, Aston''s men saw this as a luxury. Having gone without hot meals for over a week since the apocalypse began, even spam was a welcome substitute for fresh meat. Additionally, Vulture prepared a mushroom soup using canned mushrooms and sterilized milk. He always kept seasonings in his belt bag, anticipating the need to prepare meals under any circumstances. His foresight and resourcefulness ensured that they had a warm and somewhat satisfying meal, even in such dire conditions. The aroma of the hot meal prepared by Vulture quickly dispelled any lingering apprehensions among Aston''s men. The tantalizing scent whetted their appetites and provided a much-needed distraction from their earlier grim discoveries. Once the cooking was complete, Sparrow called Kisha and Duke back to the truck so they could all eat together. Kisha and Duke returned, acting as if they had just finished scouting the area and ensuring it was clear, adding to the sense of security and readiness. After witnessing Kisha and her team''s capabilities, no one questioned their actions. The men were too focused on the food in front of them to even consider it. Even in the shelter, the best they could hope for was mashed potatoes or oatmeal mixed with hot water and devoid of any seasoning, such as sugar. What Vulture had prepared was far beyond their expectations, a true feast in their eyes. Vulture served equal portions of fried rice for everyone in large bowls and filled smaller bowls with mushroom soup, almost brimming to the rim. While this meal was the best Aston''s team had in a long time, for Kisha and her team, it was the most humble meal they had since the apocalypse began. Kisha and her people were all big eaters because their bodies needed a lot of energy to burn, which came from both the food they consumed and their body fat reserves. Kisha always ensured there were vegetables and meat on the table, while Vulture transformed these ingredients into delicious meals. As superhumans, their appetites had increased significantly after they awakened, likely because their bodies continuously burned energy, even when they weren''t working, to keep their energy cores running like a coal-fired train. Chapter 161 - 161 Going to the Next Location If they didn''t consume food to maintain their energy, they would need to rely on crystal cores, which were easier to gather in the zombie-infested world. These cores could sustain their energy for a longer period. However, consuming crystal cores had its drawbacks. As they used the cores to maintain their energy, their experience levels would also increase. This meant they might level up sooner, but without ensuring their foundations were steady and well-built, they risked advancing with a weak foundation. They were like building a paper castle. Kisha learned this the hard way when she first discovered the function of the crystal cores. Initially, she was ecstatic because food was scarce, and the crystal cores seemed like a great alternative. However, after leveling up a few times, she realized her power, though impressive on the surface, lacked true strength. It couldn''t compare to those who leveled up with a solid foundation. Even though they took longer to level up, their firepower was far greater than hers even though those people are lower than her in terms of level. That''s when she understood the drawback of relying solely on crystal cores. To avoid repeating the same mistake, Kisha ensured that she and her team stabilized their foundations before focusing on leveling up. She believed it wasn''t an issue to level up later; as long as their foundations were sturdy and well-managed, the benefits would be greater when they eventually advanced. Additionally, she was eager to experiment with the Scarlet Honey. Kisha wanted everyone to experience its potential multiplier effect and understand its impact on the body when used to its maximum potential if that was even possible. After the food was served, Aston and his men eagerly dug into their meals, barely taking time to chew as they savored the taste of the food. Despite their desire to fully enjoy the meal, their hunger for rice overpowered any intention of savoring the flavors. For them, this meal represented a rare opportunity to feel satiated and content after a long while. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture allowed them to indulge in their food frenzy, opting to eat at a more leisurely pace themselves to prevent any potential discomfort from indigestion. After finishing their meal, they didn''t rush to depart. Having already spent six hours outdoors, Aston''s men considered this pace brisk. Typically, reaching the two sites for investigation would demand a full day''s journey, especially given the formidable challenge posed by the zombie horde on the road. They anticipated potential delays, such as periodic halts to clear the path or the necessity to choose alternative routes in the face of overwhelming numbers of zombies blocking the road ahead. These logistical hurdles were all too familiar to the soldiers assigned to supply runs. Gathering even a small amount of supplies often consumed days, barely filling a quarter of the truck''s cargo space, and constrained to sourcing from a single location. Now nourished and with a moment to pause, they seized the opportunity to reflect. Surprisingly, their journey had been far smoother than the tales recounted by fellow soldiers who frequently embarked on supply runs. These soldiers typically opted for nearby supply sources, ensuring a quick retreat to safety in case of mishaps or selecting relatively secure locations for their endeavors. Now they marveled at Kisha''s team''s adept navigation skills and felt fortunate that the zombie population seemed to be steering clear of their route. As they speculated various theories about their stroke of luck, Kisha and her team remained unfazed by the wandering minds of their companions. Kisha''s sole focus remained on ensuring that no zombies ventured too close, while she delegated Bell and the Scarlet Bees to collect the remaining crystal cores scattered on the ground and search for any survivors among Coltons'' men who might have fortuitously survived beneath the rubble. The Scarlet Bees diligently scoured the sewers and rubble crevices in search of survivors, while Kisha employed the same method to detect any evolved zombies lurking nearby, possibly awaiting an opportune moment to strike. Fortunately, no signs of evolved zombies encircled them, providing a momentary relief. The absence of these evolved threats was a stroke of luck, as confronting them would necessarily need revealing their awakened abilities, this would present a challenge in determining the best course of action based on the specific capabilities and evolution of each encountered zombie. It''s similar to the evolved zombie Sparrow encountered¡ªa zombie showcasing agility, others might have tank-like resilience, or formidable strength, or perhaps even a stealthy stalker. Just as numerous doors opened for awakened superhumans, the same holds true for zombies, presenting myriad possibilities for their evolution. This diversity can pose a challenge; an evolved zombie not only surpasses a superhuman in power but if its abilities are particularly tricky, it becomes even deadlier. That''s precisely why Kisha remained on extremely high alert after leaving the shelter, continuously dispatching the Bees to scout their surroundings. However, amidst this vigilance, she also prioritized ongoing training for her team, particularly focusing on enhancing their awareness. This emphasis on awareness was crucial, ensuring they remained vigilant and never allowed complacency to leave them vulnerable to potential threats resulting from even the simplest mishaps. Despite their outward appearance of being laid back, Kisha''s team remained in a constant state of high alert, poised to act swiftly on Kisha''s commands. Duke, in particular, never strayed from Kisha''s side, serving as her steadfast protector. In any eventuality, he stood prepared to be her sword and shield, ensuring her safety at all times. While Aston''s team remained vigilant, they couldn''t match the hyper-awareness and readiness of Kisha''s team. Their vigilance resembled a sleeping tiger, primed to pounce at the slightest hint of danger in their surroundings. Following their rest, they all geared up to search for an alternative route leading to the northern side of the western district. This area held particular significance for Sparrow, as it was where he witnessed the entire vicinity crumble to the ground in a series of bomb explosions he strategically placed. Despite its distance from the shelter, this location boasted a potential exit, prompting Sparrow''s keen focus. Additionally, it served as a strategic vantage point for him to survey other areas before reuniting with his team. Their team retraced their route for a few more blocks, aiming to navigate towards the outer perimeter of the district to continue their journey forward. Sparrow skillfully maneuvered the truck, disregarding the horde of zombies converging towards them. With precision, he plowed through them, sending zombies flying through the air and colliding with the vehicle, causing a sharp crack to spiderweb across the windshield. "Hey, ease up, man. We don''t need brains and black blood splattered all over us, not to mention the stench, if that windshield breaks," Vulture chided Sparrow with a hint of resentment. He gripped the overhead handle in the truck, feeling the jolts as it rolled over the zombies strewn across the ground, crushing their skulls and limbs, and rendering them immobile. With the spiderweb crack marring the windshield of the truck, Sparrow''s visibility was severely compromised. "This truck''s nowhere near as sturdy as our armored car. Useless," Sparrow grumbled in disdain, his thoughts drifting to their trusty armored vehicle, which had proven almost indestructible even after he led the entire convoy, plowing through hordes of zombies. "Well, what did you expect? Our armored cars were top-notch, made with the best resources, materials, and engines money could buy, far superior to the military-manufactured ones. It''s all thanks to our master''s means and connections that made it possible," Vulture remarked, his pride and happiness evident as he highlighted their master''s significant contribution to improving their lives, especially in such dire times. Chapter 162 - 162 Kishas Team "But we can''t ask the young madam to retrieve it from where she''s storing them, can we? So stop being reckless and continue driving safely," Vulture grumbled, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead. He was growing increasingly irritated with Sparrow''s reckless driving, which was causing him discomfort. Despite his sturdy body and heightened defense, as their young madam had attested, it didn''t mean he was impervious to feeling the discomfort. "Not drive recklessly?" Sparrow shot Vulture an incredulous glance before adding, "What? Do you expect me to still follow the traffic rules? Or should I just swerve around those zombies up ahead? If that''s the case, why don''t you conjure up an earth bridge in the sky if you''re that uncomfortable and capable, huh?" Sparrow couldn''t help but retort at Vulture, his annoyance palpable. He felt like the truck''s tires would burst at any moment or that it would be dismantled due to the numerous zombies he had to plow through with the less-than-sturdy military truck they were using. In short, he was feeling grumpy. As the two in the front of the truck exchanged heated words due to their discomfort, an awkward silence descended upon them once their annoyance had been vented. However, their journey was far from smooth sailing. They encountered a relentless stream of zombies on the road, forcing them to stop almost every dozen meters. Consequently, they spent a significant amount of time outside the truck, and now they watched as the horizon gradually turned a bloody red, a grim reminder of the perilous world they inhabited as the dark of the night slowly approached them. The scene resembled something straight out of a horror movie, or perhaps even worse. As the horizon turned a sinister shade of red, casting everything in its path with a deep crimson hue reminiscent of blood, the advancing zombies only added to the eerie atmosphere. Aston''s men couldn''t help but shiver at the sight, feeling a wave of ominous dread wash over them. The landscape appeared foreboding and terrifyingly dark. Despite spending several hours with Kisha and her team, Aston hadn''t witnessed all of their capabilities firsthand. While he had seen them fight like fierce warriors, he hadn''t yet seen their other strengths, including their scouting skills. Aston speculated that their proficiency in navigation and extreme luck might have enabled them to map out the entire western district. However, he still hadn''t observed their scouting abilities, so he volunteered to take on the scouting task himself in search of a suitable resting place. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha didn''t even spare Aston a glance; she had unwavering trust in her team. Without hesitation, she delegated the task of finding a place to rest to Sparrow, as she often did. Sparrow nodded in acknowledgment and swiftly sprang into action, leaping agilely onto the truck, then scaling the lamppost to a higher building that provided a good vantage point with the agility and leg power of a frog. From his elevated vantage point, he meticulously surveyed the surroundings, assessing potential sleeping spots based on their defensibility and accessibility. As Sparrow carried out his task, Aston''s men watched in awe from a distance, their mouths agape in astonishment. They marveled at his extraordinary leg strength, unable to comprehend how he managed to leap to such heights. Unlike his usual method of utilizing his wind ability to traverse great distances in a single bound, Sparrow relied solely on his innate physical abilities, which had been enhanced by his recent level up. His body''s limits had expanded, resulting in increased strength and agility, enabling him to execute impressive feats such as this without the aid of his wind ability. After Sparrow failed to locate a suitable resting place from his initial vantage point, he swiftly sought out another, disappearing from Aston''s men''s view. Typically, Kisha and her team operated with stealth, revealing only their formidable combat prowess. However, Kisha saw an opportunity to showcase additional abilities her team possessed. By doing so, she aimed to dissuade the traitor within Aston''s ranks from considering betrayal lightly. If they realized the full extent of her team''s capabilities, they would think twice before attempting to act on their treachery. It was a strategic move to deter backstabbing attempts in every step they took and would Kisha and her people a little peace of mind, by doing this, the traitor would surely only choose to act against them when he found an opportunity that would surely be enough to massacre all of them, living no one alive and with that, Kisha would know when to act and when to rest her body, although she has her own countermeasures prepared but it was still consuming her mentality if she was in constant guard against something or someone. This would also serve as a subtle warning, it is up to them if they take it or ignore it. This is the best mercy Kisha could give everyone, whether they are being forced to do this or due to their greed is none of her concerns now, what''s important is that her people are safe but at the same time, she values potential and she just sees a few good seedlings in Aston''s team, hoping that they are not the traitor. Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that there might be a traitor lurking within Aston''s team, biding their time until they could strike. Perhaps they were simply waiting for the opportune moment to betray them. However, by revealing a glimpse of her team''s additional capabilities, Kisha hoped to subtly influence Aston''s loyalty. If he witnessed the full extent of what her team could do, he might be more inclined to align himself with them in the future, just as he had been a trusted member in her previous life. It was a calculated move to solidify alliances and preempt any potential threats from within. Navigating the delicate balance of revealing her team''s capabilities without eroding Aston''s trust presented Kisha with a challenge. She understood that betrayal was a bitter pill to swallow, and she was determined not to sow seeds of doubt in Aston''s mind. Instead, she saw it as an opportunity to showcase her leadership and emerge as their savior in times of uncertainty. By strategically unveiling her team''s strengths while maintaining Aston''s trust, she aimed to position herself as a figure of reliability and strength in his eyes, solidifying her standing within the group. It was a careful dance of influence and perception, one that she was prepared to navigate with finesse. ________________ Firstly, I wanted to thank all the readers who have been showing their support to my writing, for the Powerstons, Golden Tickets and even the gifts I have received from you all are all appreciated and a great motivation for me. Please don''t forget to cheer me up by voting with Powerstone and Golden Ticket! And Please don''t forget to leave a review on the book, thank you!!! Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! Also, I might get delayed in the update as I am also updating my new novel < THE RETURN OF THE CANNON FODDER TRILLION HEIRESS> I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up! Chapter 163 - 163 Her Plan Kisha anticipated another potential threat lurking in the shadows: the Coltons'' spy or known as the traitor in Aston''s team. She knew that their enemy would likely approach her under the guise of offering advantages or subtly testing their bottom line if it was possible to recruit them. By showcasing her team''s capabilities, Kisha aimed to demonstrate their value and resilience. Unlike other factions, they operated independently, refusing to align themselves with anyone else. This independence only underscored their strength and unwillingness to be manipulated. However, Kisha understood the Coltons'' arrogance well enough to anticipate their belief that they could sway her team with enticing offers. It was a game of wits and wills, and Kisha was prepared to play her hand carefully. Kisha suspected that the Coltons had already ordered their spy to approach her team, aiming to entice or test their loyalty. To navigate this delicate situation, she strategically showcased her team''s abilities. While hiding their awakened abilities, she ensured they didn''t appear overwhelmingly powerful, to avoid appearing to be a threat to the Coltons'' interests. It was a balancing act, showcasing their strengths without triggering suspicion or alarm. Kisha knew her plan sounded simplistic and optimistic, but she was willing to gamble on it. If the spy indeed approached her, she was confident in her ability to identify and root out the traitor lurking like a snake in the grass. However, even if they didn''t make a move, she anticipated they would strike in the most perilous situation, aiming to ensure her team''s demise. This strategy mirrored how hunters lure prey out of hiding in a cave by smoking them out, letting them fall into another trap once they emerge. Kisha had learned this tactic from Duke in her previous life, though she still considered herself less skilled than him in its execution. Before they set out on patrol at lunch, she handed Duke a note outlining her plan. After reading and understanding her intentions, Duke incinerated the paper with a small burst of lightning that flickered between his thumb and index finger, effectively destroying the evidence. He also gave his nod at her plan with a proud smile accompanying his nod, with that simple answer, Kisha could tell that Duke was also all-in on the plan and supported her. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After just waiting for half an hour for Sparrow to come back while dealing with the zombies coming their way, Sparrow descended from the building opposite where he initially climbed, he was acting like a ninja from the movie, light and agile and very useful in supply runs as a scout, just seeing Sparrow''s ability to navigate was enough to entice everyone to recruit him to their fold. He was like a walking juicy meat in their eyes. Upon arrival, Sparrow reported his findings: just a few blocks away lay a promising spot for them to rest. It boasted a strategic vantage point that would allow their team to keep watch, ensuring they could monitor the zombie activity in the vicinity. Kisha nodded, instructing Sparrow to drive the truck toward the designated building. The others climbed aboard as they made their way there. Upon reaching the structure, resembling a clock tower, situated amidst a spacious parking area or perhaps a park, Kisha directed Sparrow to lead the team inside. Meanwhile, she and Duke positioned themselves to watch their rear. Each member grabbed a bag of supplies from the truck to carry upstairs. Once everyone had safely entered the clock tower, Kisha waved her hand, using her ability to store the remaining supplies behind the truck in her inventory. Once she was sure the supplies were safely stored in her inventory, Kisha and Duke began trailing behind the main team, keeping a close eye on everyone''s movements. Despite their vigilance, the traitor proved adept at hiding and blending in, eluding Duke''s attempts to identify them. Determined, they redoubled their efforts to catch any suspicious activity without being too obvious. Soon, they reached the third floor of the clock tower, where there was ample space for everyone to rest. Those on guard duty would need to ascend a few more floors to reach the top, where they could gain a full view of the surrounding area. However, halfway up the building, there was also a good vantage point, with windows in all directions providing a panoramic view of the land. This position offered the advantage of both visibility and quick access to the truck below in case of danger. So, after putting down the bag they all carried upstairs, Vulture and Sparrow started cooking while another person from Aston''s team presented to help out while shyly looking at them because he''s been eating like a pig and was only following them around without doing much so he was feeling a little guilty and useless, Vulture generously welcomed him to help out, Vulture assigned him to cut all the ingredients while Sparrow and Vulture are both busy in their ends. Kisha and Duke departed, ascending the stairs to check the floors above. They soon discovered a spot with an excellent view of the surrounding area, positioned halfway up the clock tower. It offered a clear vantage point to monitor zombie activity without needing to climb all the way to the top. They lingered there, anticipating any approaches, but no one came except for Sparrow, who eventually called them down to join the others for dinner before resting. Kisha''s impatience may have led her to believe the traitor would fall into their trap easily, forgetting their own cunning intelligence. So, Kisha and Duke decided to set the matter aside and join the others for dinner, keeping the traitor in the back of their minds for the time being. After Kisha and Duke ascended to the third floor, they found everyone joyfully indulging in their meal, consuming their food with voracious appetites. Sparrow kindly served them each a bowl of piping hot rice topped with spam and sausage, generously coated in a creamy sauce. Alongside, there were canned pickled cucumbers and a steaming bowl of soup to complete the hearty meal. Kisha and Duke settled into a corner, joining the others in their meal without detecting any immediate threats. They too began to eat, finding Vulture''s cooking surprisingly delicious; his culinary skills shone through in each bite. As the satisfying meal came to an end, fatigue washed over them all, a natural consequence of the day''s exertions and constant battle against the relentless zombie onslaught. With stomachs filled and exhaustion setting in, they prepared to rest, seeking solace in the promise of sleep after the day''s trials. Their lives perpetually teetered on the brink of danger, just a few bites away from the relentless jaws of the zombies. Recognizing the need for rest, Kisha allowed Vulture and Sparrow to postpone their watch duties momentarily, observing as they diligently tended to the aftermath of their meal. Content with their efforts, she settled against Duke''s shoulder, feeling his gentle pull as she nestled into the comfort of his chest. Together, they sought solace in each other''s presence, hoping for a night of undisturbed rest amidst the ever-present threat outside. Thud- Thud- Kisha''s eyes snapped open at the sudden, resounding thud, her senses instantly alert to the potential danger it heralded. Chapter 164 - 164 The Traitor She instantly sat up and scanned the room, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Sparrow and Vulture lying on the floor. "Duke!" she called out, reaching for him beside her. But when she looked over, Duke was in a deep sleep too. Kisha quickly placed her hand under his nose, only relaxing slightly when she felt the warm breath of his exhale. "What do you want?" Kisha asked, not even bothering to lift her head. She knew the traitor would act, and now he was arrogantly standing in the middle of the room, looking down at her while she checked if Duke was still alive. The traitor couldn''t help but let out a sneering laugh as he stepped closer to her. "What do I want? That''s the wrong question, little missy," he sneered. "The question is what my master can provide for you." He had witnessed Kisha and her team''s battle prowess up close and knew he couldn''t defeat them in direct combat. So, when he offered to help with the cooking, he took his chance. While Sparrow and Vulture weren''t looking, he helped scoop the food and the soup into bowls. He made sure to add knockout powder to everyone''s meal, except Kisha''s. He only added a small amount to her soup to make her lightheaded and powerless. If she disagreed with his proposal, he could easily slit her throat and end his mission right then and there. Since he didn''t have any poison, using the knockout drops without anyone noticing was his best option. Poisoning them would have been a loss if Kisha agreed to join their side. This way, he hoped to hit two birds with one stone. Watching Kisha try to look fierce while she could barely protect herself, with her loyal bodyguard out cold, was almost comical. The traitor wasn''t even in a hurry to deal with Aston and his team. He looked around smugly, admiring his handiwork and showing disdain. No one had noticed his intentions, and he felt elated by his success. ''No matter how strong these people are, they still fell into my hands. Ha!'' He took a step back from Kisha, laughter echoing through the room. The feeling of power surged through him, knowing that despite Kisha and her team''s strength, they were utterly powerless now. Their lives rested in his hands; if he decided to kill them like flies, they couldn''t even cry out. He hadn''t realized how exhilarating it felt to have such control over someone''s life and death. "So, Kisha, what''s your decision?" the traitor sneered, looking down at her with a condescending gaze as if the entire world lay beneath his feet. "How can I make a decision when I don''t even know who your master is or what benefits you''re offering my team and me?" Kisha''s voice remained steady, her eyes fierce despite her weakened state. She positioned herself defensively in front of Duke, a sight that only amused the traitor. To him, she resembled a lion cub futilely guarding its fallen mother¡ªbravely defiant, yet hopelessly naive. "Feisty, I like it," the man chuckled, giving Kisha a lecherous once-over. He didn''t bother considering her face, focusing solely on the curves of her body. In his twisted mind, Kisha would make an excellent sex slave; they could just make her wear a mask while they fuck her senseless. The mere thought of it made his blood boil with excitement, and he began imagining the possibility of selling her service for supplies if they ever ran short. He was already formulating a plan for the future, dismissing Kisha''s answer because he was certain she wouldn''t turn them down. His only thoughts were on how to maximize their Young Master''s benefits by exploiting Kisha and her team. Though the team members were unattractive, their physiques were impressive, especially the one Kisha was guarding. His strong and sexy body could be trained to serve both men and women, even if he wasn''t initially skilled in bed. "My master is Young Master Colton, the one running the City B shelter behind the scenes," the man said smugly as he pulled a dagger from his back. He crouched down to intimidate Kisha further, slowly slapping her cheeks with the flat of the blade. "He could offer you countless supplies and protection. Even if you have the strength to fight for yourself, don''t you still want a strong man to protect you, a strong arm to lean on?" To think that he would try to entice Kisha by seducing her! He must have assumed that she was only pretending to be tough, secretly yearning for protection like any other woman. In his mind, women were weak and meant to stay at home, waiting to serve their men. If Kisha could read his thoughts, she wouldn''t hesitate to kill him over and over until her anger was sated. "So it was Young Master Coltons," Kisha said with a weak but meaningful smile. The man mistook her smile for interest, assuming she was socially awkward due to her unattractive face and had never truly smiled before. "Oh, you''ve heard?" The man''s smile widened, pleased that Kisha seemed aware of Young Master Coltons'' background. "Since you''re already familiar with his status as a Young Master of one of the 8 great families in the capital, do you accept our offer? We can discuss supply distribution, taxes, and the entire package once we''re back at the shelter." He spoke amiably, eager to fulfill the mission given to him by the Young Master himself. "To the shelter? I thought the Coltons weren''t there," Kisha remarked, tilting her head and regarding the man with suspicion. "My team and I sought out the Coltons when we arrived, but they were nowhere to be found. Are you posing as the Coltons to swindle people?" Her gaze remained guarded as she awaited his response. Instead of being offended, the man''s happiness only intensified upon learning that Kisha and her team also sought to join them, making the situation much easier to handle. He cackled happily as he leaned forward, disregarding Kisha''s intimidating appearance. "Young Master was simply biding his time in the shadows, observing his enemies scurry about like headless chickens," he explained proudly, a grin spreading across his face. "Enemies? Do we have enemies?" Kisha questioned, not thinking twice about hastily aligning herself with the Coltons. The man, however, became even more amiable, interpreting Kisha''s inquiry as a sign of her readiness to join them. He proceeded to share details about their adversaries, assuming Kisha was already on board with their cause. "Right, we are up against the Winters, who''ve been antagonizing the Coltons for a very long time," he explained, his tone laden with hatred. "They even tried to ambush us when we were fleeing from City A to City B. Have you not seen the devastated camps we''ve passes through?" His question carried a weight of accusation as if he expected Kisha to be aware of the severity of their conflict with the Winters. "Yes, it was a devastated camp," Kisha replied, her expression unreadable. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That''s right," the man affirmed, his voice tinged with bitterness. "The ruthless Winters did that. Those were the Coltons'' camps, set up so we could easily gather supplies for the shelter and the people." Chapter 165 - 165 The Traitor 2 Kisha observed as the man shifted all blame onto the Winters. She couldn''t discern if he was genuinely unaware of the situation or shamelessly deflecting responsibility. Perhaps he sought to vilify the Winters in her eyes, knowing they weren''t present to defend themselves, or perhaps he aimed to incite hostility towards them, thus avoiding the need to order her team to fight them when they eventually crossed paths. But unfortunately for him, the people he was slandering were just standing before him and did not even realize it. Kisha was about to execute him but he was still sharpening her knife before giving it back to her. How ironic that was for the whole situation that Kisha found herself being amused by how things turned out for them. ''Was it really this easy to uncover a traitor?'' she mused in herself. "Then, where was the Coltons'' Young Master in the shelter? Why can''t we find him earlier? We were planning to join his command the moment we heard that he was there but we couldn''t even find his stronghold, everyone wanted to seek shelter under him. Where was it exactly? If we knew from the beginning, we wouldn''t be in this situation, don''t you think?" Kisha then let out a defeated sigh as he lowered her head. The man erupted into maniacal laughter, doubling over with his hands clutching his stomach. His expression and demeanor shifted dramatically, exuding a palpable aura of menace. "What a clever ploy, attempting to catch me off guard and extract information!" he spat out between fits of laughter. "Did you truly believe I was so naive?" His teeth clenched, jaw tight with veins pulsating visibly. A furious intensity flashed in his eyes, their hue shifting to a menacing red. He resembled a serial killer teetering on the brink of a violent rampage. Kisha realized that her intentions had been uncovered. The man, who had initially seemed foolish, now revealed himself to be far more menacing and experienced than even the death warriors they encountered while with the Winters. Perhaps, while Kisha attempted to glean information from the man, he too was assessing her sincerity in desiring to join the Coltons versus potentially spying on them, akin to his actions with Aston. "Yeah, I think you really are so naive and stupid," Kisha responded coolly, her gaze unwavering. His demeanor shifted entirely, veering into the realm of the unhinged. "You''re already at my mercy, yet you still act tough," he sneered. "Imagine how it would feel if I had my way with you and fuck you senseless, then systematically dismembered you while you remained alive. Or perhaps I should start with your team, slowly ending each of their lives in front of you?" It appears that unlike Duke, who has cultivated a group of elite bodyguards comparable to the country''s top special agents to elevate the Winters family, the Coltons have instead fostered death warriors to carry out their bidding and execute nefarious deeds like assassinations and the like. "Is that so?" Kisha said indifferently before rising from the ground as though nothing had happened. Her facade had dissolved upon the revelation of her true intentions. She saw no purpose in continuing the charade to uncover the location of their headquarters. Even if the man''s claim about the Coltons'' Young Master being in the shelter was true¡ªor just a ruse to gauge her response¡ªit warranted investigation. Moreover, there was little chance of extracting further information from him, as it was highly unlikely he would divulge more. For all she knew, every word he uttered could be a fabrication, considering his track record of deceit from the outset. Perhaps he was genuinely withholding information, or perhaps he simply had nothing substantial to disclose. Either way, it rendered him useless to their cause. As Kisha rose to her feet, the man''s reaction betrayed no surprise; instead, he assumed an offensive posture, akin to a beast poised to strike at any perceived weakness. Kisha inferred that he had likely been silently studying her fighting style from the outset, perhaps not just hers, but that of the entire group. And he was fully prepared for this kind of scenario so he was not surprised to see her unaffected by the knockout drop he put in her soup. The man snickered to himself, his demeanor akin to that of someone intoxicated with excitement, eager for a one-on-one confrontation with Kisha. His reddened face betrayed a fervent anticipation, resembling that of a combat enthusiast thirsting for battle, regardless of the opponent''s strength. Gripping his dagger tightly, he exhaled with heightened excitement. Despite his demeanor, Kisha remained composed, standing tall before him, her sword still sheathed as she calmly observed his demeanor. Slash- thud- Before he could act, he felt a stinging sensation on his neck. As darkness enveloped his vision, he witnessed his head rolling off his body, his eyes wide with shock and resentment, tears of blood staining his cheeks. His demise was swift and abrupt, leaving him with a tragic expression frozen on his face. Unmoved, Kisha regarded him indifferently, seeing no purpose in prolonging the encounter. Granting him a swift death was the kindest mercy she could offer. As his head struck the floor, his body collapsed with a resounding thud, scattering a fine veil of dust upon impact. "That was quick," Duke''s magnetic voice sounded from behind her. He sat as if enjoying the unfolding scene. "I was expecting a bit of a fight from him," he jests menacingly, his glare fixed on the man''s lifeless form as if contemplating further violence. Still holding grudges over the man''s vile intentions toward his wife, Duke wished to end his life himself, perhaps even prolong his suffering, but Kisha had swiftly put an end to it. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "At last, it''s over. I''ve been dying to scream in pain ever since I stubbed my toe on the table edge, but I had to play unconscious," Vulture grumbled, rubbing his toes resentfully as he slowly sat up from the ground. "You''re lucky it was just your toes; I slammed my face into the table edge. It''s still throbbing now, and I think it''s bruising!" Sparrow sat up indignantly, rubbing his sore face. "What''s there to worry about your face? It''s not as if you''ll be uglier than you already are," Vulture teased, attempting to stand up after rubbing his toes through his shoes a few times. But Sparrow, holding a grudge, swiftly kicked him in the butt, causing Vulture to tumble to the floor face first. "Fuck you!" Vulture shouted, his head snapping to the side to give Sparrow a death glare but Sparrow paid no heed to him and stood up as he started searching the traitor''s body. They were all part of the act. Kisha gave them a heads up through their simple finger gesture that was only known to their people, that''s why they allowed someone to help out preparing the food, the reason why Vulture was always the one preparing the food was not only because he was good at it but also to make sure that no one could tamper their food but since Kisha gave a go signal, they let someone to help them, hoping that this person would knock them out, poisoning is out of the question for them because even if it does, they are sure that Kisha would have a solution to that, that''s why they blindly followed her. Chapter 166 - 166 How a Traitor is Handled Besides, they were all trained to handle drugging and poisoning incidents, so their bodies had developed a certain level of immunity, making drugs or poisons have minimal effect on them. Duke, on the other hand, had complete immunity. He wasn''t even affected by the knockout drops and had been pretending the whole time. Since they were all around Aston''s team and Kisha suspected a 90% chance that a traitor was lurking within the group, she discreetly communicated with her team using hand gestures from the beginning. This kept Sparrow and Vulture constantly informed and prepared for any surprises. Kisha only used a note once with Duke to test if the traitor was secretly spying on them without their knowledge. If the traitor had known about the note, they would surely have tried to ask about it at least once, given that it might contain information about the Winters or any other useful details. Kisha and Duke''s suspicious behavior regarding the note would naturally draw the traitor''s interest. However, the traitor never mentioned it, possibly forgetting to ask or planning to inquire once they had Kisha and her team secured. Either way, the traitor is now dead, and they no longer need to be cautious about everything. They can now focus all their attention on fighting the zombies and figuring out how to escort Aston and his people for the investigation outside. Kisha felt all the tension leave her body, turning her knees to jelly. Fortunately, Duke was right behind her and caught her before she collapsed to the floor. Duke let out a melodious chuckle as he gripped Kisha''s waist and pulled her to his side. "Are you alright? Hmm?" he asked teasingly. Kisha pouted as she glared at Duke. Unlike Duke and his team, she had no immunity to drugs or poison and was still feeling the effects of the knockout drop. She had considered buying an antidote from the mall point, but at 500 points, it seemed like a waste¡ªespecially since it was an all-rounder antidote capable of countering paralysis, poisoning, and more. So, she relied on sheer willpower to stand earlier and used her telekinesis to control Sparrow''s dagger, swiftly and cleanly slicing the traitor''s neck. The traitor never expected such a counterattack, and Kisha''s strike was so stealthy and fast that he was decapitated before he even realized what was happening. Seeing Kisha''s weakness and her limbs turning soft after pushing herself too hard, Duke scooped her up like a princess. He carried her to a comfortable corner, placing her gently on his lap, and rested her head on his sturdy chest. Cradling her in his arms, he looked down at the woman who had been acting tough as if she were carrying the world just moments ago. Now, she was quietly enjoying Duke''s pampering without protest. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and murmured, "You''ve done great. Now, rest and leave the rest to me, hmm?" His voice was soft, coaxing her into relaxation. His voice was so calming and sexy that Kisha''s eyelids instantly grew heavier, and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep. Duke''s caring and gentle demeanor vanished as he lifted his head and gave a cold command to his two subordinates. "Impale that man''s body and put it at the top of the tower. I don''t care if the sun dries it out or if birds eat it¡ªtraitors don''t deserve a just death." If given the chance, Duke would have relished the opportunity to torture the man for his vile words directed at Kisha. However, he saw no purpose in dismembering the body after death¡ªit would only disrespect the dead without serving any practical goal. Instead, he opted to impale the man''s body, a method reminiscent of ancient punishments for traitors, and display it as a warning. Though there were no people to warn in their current situation, Duke believed in providing the traitor with a proper, albeit symbolic, end. And once the remaining people found out about this when they woke up and saw the body up on the top of the tower, they would know the message, Duke was trying to convey. As soon as they got the order, Vulture swiftly hoisted the traitor''s body onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes while his free hand grabbed the head of the head that was on the floor like he was carrying a plastic bag. Sparrow led the way upstairs to light the way. They both don''t feel bad for the traitor who had backstabbed Aston for the benefit the Coltons give or maybe he was someone the Coltons placed under Aston''s command to serve as a spy so that Aston''s every move would be known by the Coltons. Regardless of the traitor''s motives or how he infiltrated Aston''s team, their priority was the safety of their own. With the threat neutralized, they felt a weight lifted from their shoulders. When Sparrow and Vulture reached the top of the tower, they located a single door positioned in front of the towering clock, serving as the maintenance entrance for the clock mechanism. Sparrow and Vulture glanced up at the top of the tower, where a sharp metal rod protruded from the roof, its design unwittingly serving as a potential impaling tool. Without hesitation, Sparrow seized the traitor''s body by the collar from Vulture''s shoulder and leaped into the air. Hovering atop the tower within his whirlwind, Sparrow swiftly released his grip on the traitor''s body, letting it plummet towards the waiting rod below. With a sickening thud, the lifeless form collided with the sharp metal, impaling the traitor''s stomach from behind. The length of the rod ensured the body halted midway, its limbs swaying in the air for a moment. With a satisfied smirk, Sparrow descended to join Vulture. As Sparrow began his descent, he noticed Vulture still holding the traitor''s head. Realizing his oversight, he ascended back up, this time taking care to delicately position the head atop the rod as if crafting a morbid sculpture. Once satisfied with his work, he dusted off his hands and admired the macabre display. With a self-satisfied smile, he descended once more to rejoin Vulture. Vulture remained silent as they made their way to the middle section of the clock tower. They harbored no sympathy for the traitor, believing that such treatment in death was fitting for his dishonorable actions. This, they felt, was the appropriate fate for a traitor and how they should be handled. This grim task only reinforced their memory of the mole who had infiltrated their ranks, leading to the discovery of their team by the Coltons and the subsequent loss of many comrades. The haunting images of their mission to locate the Winters and the subsequent rescue of one of their fellow captains remained etched in their minds, a constant reminder of the betrayal within their midst. The rage that surged through their veins remains vivid even now, etched into their memories like a scar that refuses to fade. Each face of their fallen brothers remains hauntingly clear, a painful reminder of lives cut short, each one a cherished comrade who had shared laughter and camaraderie just hours before their tragic end. Every time they close their eyes, their minds replay the scenes of innocence shattered by betrayal, a solemn tribute to those they had lost. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 167 - 167 The Jealous Duke They harbored this thought that if there was no mole in their midst, none of their brothers would have died tragically like that, and if that was the case, by now, they might have been silently building up their base up the mountains where they could start farming and growing the livestock while hoping for a better future from there. But, there was no ''What Ifs'' in this world as much as there was no medicine for regret. Sparrow and Vulture assumed their roles as the night watch with solemn determination. Though a torrent of thoughts flooded their minds, they silently acknowledged the need to steady their emotions, ensuring that their duties remained unaffected by the weight of their contemplations. During this quiet interlude, Sparrow and Vulture found themselves reflecting on Kisha''s unspoken sacrifices and steadfast support throughout their mission to locate Duke''s family. They recognized that their safety and success were owed in no small part to her efforts, deepening their appreciation for her and reinforcing their unwavering faith in her abilities. Just as they had always trusted Duke implicitly, they now stood ready to risk everything to ensure Kisha''s well-being. As Kisha slumbered, unaware of the development, she unknowingly acquired two steadfast allies. Sparrow and Vulture, like loyal hounds, pledged their unwavering allegiance. They were poised to heed her every command without hesitation, ready to stand by her side, even in potential conflicts with Duke. After precisely four hours had elapsed, Aston and his team began to rouse one by one, emerging from their slumber as if they had enjoyed a long and restorative rest. Stretching their limbs and blinking with sleepy eyes, they surveyed the room with mild confusion. They couldn''t fathom how they had ended up asleep on the floor without seeking out a more comfortable spot. Many among them seemed oblivious to the fact that they had been drugged and were dangerously close to meeting their demise. Aston alone seemed attuned to the abnormality of the situation, his senses sharpened with suspicion as he scanned the room. "What''s going on?" he inquired, his voice raspy with wariness. His gaze settled on Duke, who held Kisha in a protective embrace in one corner. Casting a quick count of the room''s occupants, he noted three missing figures. Though he entertained the possibility that they might have taken the night watch, a disquieting feeling lingered, telling him that all was not as it should be. Duke wasted no time in recounting the events that unfolded while they were unconscious, divulging the unsettling truth. "We had an unwelcome visitor¡ªa traitor from your team¡ªwho saw fit to drug us all," he revealed candidly. Aston grappled with disbelief as Duke''s words sank in. The idea that someone from his trusted team could betray them felt unfathomable. He wrestled with denial, unable to accept the notion that a member he relied on could orchestrate such a betrayal. Suspicion gnawed at him, prompting him to question Duke''s account and contemplate ulterior motives. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Accepting the truth seemed inconceivable in the face of such betrayal. "That''s impossible!!!" Aston''s disbelief erupted into a roar of denial, his eyes ablaze with anger. In a frantic search for answers, he scanned the room, realizing that one of his team members was conspicuously absent. "Where have you taken my team?!" he demanded, rising abruptly from the floor. The sudden shift in Aston''s demeanor startled those around him, who were already reeling from the shocking revelation. Aston''s typically composed demeanor had vanished, replaced by an unsteady stance and a wild look in his eyes. He lurched toward Duke, driven by a sudden surge of aggression. But his swift advance and the palpable aura of hostility he exuded jolted Kisha awake, and in a swift, fluid motion, she intercepted him, pinning him to the ground with surprising ease. With a dagger poised dangerously close to his face, the gravity of the situation hung thick in the air. Thud- Swoosh- Crack- The room was filled with a resounding thud as Aston hit the floor, and the unmistakable sound of a blade embedding itself in the wooden surface followed. Despite just awakening, Kisha''s eyes bore none of the grogginess typical of someone roused from sleep. Instead, they gleamed with a sharpness that cut through the air like a blade. An aura of deadly intent emanated from her, suffusing the room with an oppressive weight. In that moment, she seemed less like someone who had just risen from slumber and more like a seasoned warrior on a battlefield. Aston found himself momentarily stunned by Kisha''s commanding presence, his anger momentarily forgotten in the face of her unexpected assertiveness. Aston''s gaze fell upon the glimmering blade beside him, a stark reminder of the lethal force Kisha had wielded. He couldn''t help but wonder what might have happened if she hadn''t recognized him at the last moment. The intensity of her vigilance was reminiscent of her former life, where safety was a fleeting concept and the threat of ambush by evolved zombies was ever-present, even in their moments of rest. Aston''s hostility and sudden movement just woken her instinct up and he was lucky that she did stop in the nick of time. After a while, Aston also regained his composure, but before he could come back up and fight with Kisha, Kisha was already hauled by Duke with a hint of jealousy because she was sitting in on someone else''s chest. Caught off guard by Duke''s resentful gaze and questioning expression, Kisha''s irritation dissipated, replaced by confusion. Arching her eyebrows, she inquired, "What''s the matter with you?" "Why are you sitting in someone else''s chest, not mine?" Duke''s question injected an unexpected twist into the tense atmosphere, morphing it into an awkward moment. Eyes darted between Duke, Kisha, and Aston before quickly shifting away. Despite the gravity of the situation, Duke''s jealous inquiry sparked a flicker of amusement. The absurdity of his jealousy, juxtaposed with Kisha''s imposing presence, momentarily diverted their attention from the pressing issue at hand. Kisha''s embarrassment swelled as Duke''s jealousy resurfaced, prompting her to quickly divert her gaze. Sensing the need to diffuse the tension, she shifted the focus. "What''s happening? Why all the commotion?" "I should be the one asking, what did you guys do to my team?!" Aston''s voice was thick with resentment as he struggled to rise from the floor. He felt as if he and his team were mere pawns on a chessboard, ready to be sacrificed at any moment according to Kisha and her team''s whims. The disbelief lingered in his tone as he confronted them, demanding answers for what had been done to his team. He was in a defensive stance as he backed away a few times. Kisha knew all too well what Aston was feeling and how confusing and painful it was to be betrayed so he was in denial, especially when he did not witness the so-called betrayal by his people, so it was natural for him to suspect her, and her team in manipulating the matter and placing this stigma in his people. She''s been in this situation a few times and even though she knew that this was not the first time Aston must be in this situation, as a soldier, they are all too familiar with this scenario and they also knew that many people frame others while the pot is calling the kettle black, so what matters is the evidence. Chapter 168 - 168 The Evidence She knew all too well that explaining things to Aston with words alone would be futile. Although Aston, as a soldier, understood the complexities of spies and potential framing, nothing could surpass the impact of indisputable evidence. When she first suspected that Duke''s predicament was connected to Aston and that he had been betrayed while they were outside, she took meticulous steps to prepare. Not only did she strategize to prevent them from being caught off guard by an enemy ambush, but she also took the precaution of wearing a mini camera connected to her phone via Bluetooth from the moment they left the shelter. She realized that only by showing Aston the complete footage of what transpired would he believe that he had truly been betrayed and that neither she nor her team had framed anyone or killed indiscriminately. She realized that providing concrete evidence was the only way to gain Aston''s trust and prove that she and her team were not his enemies. When Kisha noticed Aston''s suspicious gaze, she stepped closer, but Aston instinctively backed away, his eyes turning hostile. Kisha sighed in defeat before speaking. "Look, I know it''s hard to believe, especially when you''ve trusted your people with your life. Trust me, I know how much that betrayal hurts." She pulled out her phone from her pocket, and immediately, all eyes were on her, everyone on high alert. Aston and his team were tense, likely fearing an assassination attempt at any moment. Kisha didn''t care about their suspicions or hostile glares. After pulling out her phone, she tapped a few times until the video appeared on the screen. Without playing it, she extended the phone towards Aston, gesturing for him to take it. "See for yourself," she said, her expression remaining indifferent. Aston, sensing no malice or hostility from her or anyone else, reluctantly took the phone. He saw a video paused and ready to play. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston glanced up to see Kisha, who seemed indifferent to what he intended to do with the phone or the evidence. From everything that had transpired and what Kisha had said so far, he surmised that this was some kind of proof about the traitor in his team. Instead of looking at the evidence, he looked at Kisha and narrowed his eyes. He wanted to ask her how she had obtained the evidence and why she seemed so prepared. Her readiness made him feel exposed and vulnerable as if Kisha knew far more than she was letting on and had anticipated every eventuality. These qualities might reassure her allies, but for her enemies, they were intimidating. At this moment, Aston was uncertain whether she considered him an ally or an enemy. As if reading his thoughts, Kisha said, "Don''t worry, if I considered you my enemies, you''d be like that traitor by now or dead the moment we left the shelter. You wouldn''t stand a chance against us." Her tone wasn''t sarcastic, just matter-of-fact. Aston could sense the truth in her words. Based on what he had seen so far, he knew that if Kisha and her team truly wanted them dead, it would have been easier to kill them outright rather than escort them around. After taking a moment to clear his thoughts and make sense of everything that had happened, Aston finally had a clearer perspective. He took a deep breath, repeating the action a few more times to calm his mind and regain his logical thinking. Though he wasn''t adept at human relations or scheming, he wasn''t stupid either. Aston looked down at the phone in his hands and pressed the play button. At first, the screen showed only darkness; Kisha must have been in a very dark place or the camera was obstructed. Soon, the camera began to move, likely capturing the moment they had just arrived. After watching a bit more, he confirmed this was indeed their arrival. Realizing it would take too long to watch the entire footage, Aston dragged the timeline forward to the point where they were supposed to be eating. As the video played, it matched his memory perfectly. Kisha had been resting in a quiet spot, and although the lighting was dim, the 4K resolution made it easy to identify everyone. He could see his team and Kisha''s team eating voraciously, all consuming the same food. However, there was one person who hadn''t taken a bite of their food or a sip of their soup. This person sat silently, watching the others with a smile. Even from a distance, Aston recognized him¡ªit was his second in command, a man who had been with him through the academy and the army, like a brother. Aston felt his heart thump so loudly in his chest that it was almost painful. His hands trembled ever so slightly. He knew what was coming next, and part of him wanted to put down the phone and simply believe what he had known for so long. It was difficult to accept that the person closest to him could be labeled a traitor. He had known and grown up with this man, knowing him to be inherently good-natured. After that initial thought passed through his mind, Aston managed to relax a bit and resumed watching. "There''s no way it could be Chad," he reassured himself. Nearly five minutes into the video, with nothing seeming amiss, it happened. His team, even Sparrow and Vulture, all dropped to the floor like flies, motionless. Even in the video, Kisha displayed a hint of weakness, her breathing turning into slight panting as she struggled not to pass out like the others. Aston observed how quickly she checked on Duke, who was beside her, even placing her hands under his nose to confirm he was still breathing. Only when she was certain that he was alive did she let out a shaky sigh of relief. The silence in the room was palpable, allowing everyone to hear the events unfolding on the video. Even without seeing the footage, they could infer what Aston must be witnessing at that moment. As the only female in the group, they recognized that the person in the video was undoubtedly Kisha. Then, they heard his voice¡ªChad''s voice¡ªbut the tone and words he spoke were so venomous that they all felt rooted to the ground in shock. They had never heard him speak this way before, especially Aston, who was witnessing the footage of his friend''s demeanor while conversing with Kisha. Aston felt the most profound blow to his heart. The friend and brother he had believed Chad to be turned out to be adept at deception. They had all thought Chad incapable of harming even a fly, joining the army solely because he was poor and needed to support his family quickly, not being particularly intelligent, as he had often admitted. It was only now that Aston realized the truth¡ªthat the friend he thought he knew was merely a facade. Chad had likely joined Aston''s circle to attach himself to him, perhaps to spy on him or for some other ulterior motive. Perhaps there would be no way for him to ever uncover the real reason, especially now that Chad was dead. However, Aston had no desire to probe further into the depths of his wounded trust, which felt as though it were oozing blood at that moment. Chapter 169 - 169 The Evidence 2 Aston couldn''t bear to hear any more of the venomous words spewing from Chad''s mouth, so he immediately stopped the video. Every word Chad uttered only solidified the realization of whom he was colluding with and why he had been there. Aston had heard loud and clear Chad''s intentions and who he was working for, and now everything clicked into place. The reason Aston couldn''t uncover the mole in his group from the start was that the traitor had been right beside him, privy to all his secret commands and aware of every route he would take. Aston realized that everything he had believed about Chad was merely a facade, carefully constructed to gain his trust from the outset. His enemy had been prepared to scheme against him all along, and now, amidst the chaos, they saw their chance to strike. Aston felt as though he had been drained of his usefulness and that killing him would be effortless for his enemies. Aston clenched his fist into a tight ball, his teeth grinding together until he could taste the faint tang of iron in his mouth. The metallic taste brought a sudden realization of how foolish he had been all along¡ªnurturing a snake in his own midst, unaware that it would soon swallow him whole like an anaconda. He had come dangerously close to perishing without even understanding how it had happened, and in the process, almost dragged some innocent people down with him. Aston handed the phone back to Kisha without finishing the video. After hearing Chad''s intentions and the identity of his collaborators, Aston lost all desire to watch further. It seemed futile; it wouldn''t change anything other than confirming Chad''s betrayal and his sinister agenda to eliminate them once he had accomplished his mission¡ªeither recruiting Kisha and her team or eliminating them if they refused to join the Coltons along with Aston and his remaining people. Kisha refrained from adding to Aston''s burden; she had no inclination to kick a person who was already down. Instead, she allowed him the space to process everything on his own and decide his course of action. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Host, aren''t you crafty? You knew he wouldn''t continue watching the video to see how the traitor met his end in your hands, and that he would ask how that was possible, didn''t you?" 008 giggled knowingly inside Kisha''s head. "I have no idea what you''re talking about," Kisha feigned ignorance, playing dumb to 008''s remarks. "I was anticipating his reaction when he sees the glint of the flying dagger slicing through his friend''s neck and wondered about it," 008 continued. "I even speculated on a few answers you might provide, like using an invisible string to pull the dagger in your direction, akin to a real secret agent like James Bond in the movies, or employing some hidden mechanism." 008 sighed. "Well, jokes aside, he must truly be reeling from this news, much like you were when you were first betrayed by the person you trusted the most, only to be cast aside and abandoned." Upon hearing 008''s words, Kisha''s eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint as memories of betrayal and abandonment flooded her mind. However, she quickly pushed these memories aside; they were wounds from the past that she had long attempted to forget, and she had no desire to revisit the pain they caused. After she clarified matters with Aston and the others, particularly regarding the fate of the Traitor, they all reacted with horror upon learning of Duke and the others'' actions. Aston, however, remained impassive, his gaze fixed on Kisha and her team, lost in his own thoughts. While the others couldn''t discern his inner turmoil, they sensed his sadness and understood that he needed time to process his emotions. Depression was a natural response, and they respected his need for space. After the day''s tumultuous events, they retired for the night to gather strength for the journey ahead. Despite the weight of the day weighing heavily on their minds, they knew the importance of rest. Though sleep eluded them, they compelled themselves to at least get some sleep. In a few hours, another pair relieved Sparrow and Vulture, who had been tirelessly navigating the streets throughout the day. Recognizing their exhaustion, the new pair took over, allowing Sparrow and Vulture a much-needed sleep. As Kisha prepared to drift into sleep, she noticed Aston seated nearby, lost in contemplation. His distant gaze suggested he was grappling with the day''s revelations or perhaps reminiscing about past events. Sensing her focus on Aston, Duke playfully covered her eyes with his large hands, drawing her into his embrace. "Caught sneaking glances at another man, hmm?" Duke''s teasing whisper brushed against Kisha''s ear, laced with a hint of possessive jealousy. She hadn''t realized Duke could be so possessive and jealous, perhaps because he hadn''t felt secure enough to express it openly before. As he playfully pinched her waist, Kisha felt a surge of electricity run through her body, his voice carrying a magnetic allure that drew her thoughts solely to him. "How should I punish you, hmm?" Duke''s whisper sent shivers down her spine and her scalp tingling, causing her to squirm slightly in response. With her eyes still covered, every sensation seemed heightened, making her acutely aware of his presence and touch. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as she felt Duke''s hand gliding slowly from her waist to her back. "My dear wife, what punishment should I bestow upon you for gazing at other men?" Duke''s tone held a playful teasing, yet beneath it, there lingered a palpable sense of jealousy. Perhaps his current disguise left him feeling a bit insecure, knowing Aston would stand out, appearing more handsome and dashing in comparison. He sensed that Kisha was going to great lengths to win Aston over to their side, to the point where she seemed to orchestrate this particular outcome for Aston. Now, catching her staring at him only fueled his suspicion further. Noticing the insecurity and underlying resentment in Duke''s voice, Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle softly. As Duke''s hand roamed her body, teasing her while his mind seemed consumed by jealousy, he occasionally pinched her, eliciting gasps from her. She couldn''t discern whether Duke''s actions were intentional, perhaps to assert his ownership over her in front of others. After catching Duke''s hand that was exploring her body, she gently traced circles in his palm, her eyes still covered but her melodious chuckle indicating her enjoyment. Leaning back against Duke''s chest, she used him as a comfortable support. Whispering softly, she reassured him, "How could I possibly be interested in anyone else when I''m married to the most handsome and remarkable man in the entire country? Remember when girls from all over were vying for your attention?" Playfully, she pinched Duke''s index finger. "My only intention was to recruit Aston, a talented and strong individual, to lighten our workload. With more help, we could have more time for each other, don''t you think?" Her words were matter-of-fact, eliciting a wide smile from Duke, his eyes turning into crescents. He was relieved to hear that everything his wife was doing was for their future. Easily believing her words, he let go of his resentment and jealousy right away, feeling reassured by her sincerity and commitment to their deepening relationship. Chapter 170 - 170 Do You Want To Follow Him? After fooling around for a bit, Duke and Kisha fell asleep together. They were abruptly awakened by the night watch''s alert just before dawn, signaling that more zombies were approaching from all directions. Duke wondered if the scent of human blood from the traitor''s body, impaled at the highest point of the watchtower, was attracting the zombies. Although it wasn''t a massive horde, the number of zombies was still significant enough to pose a challenge. According to the night watch, at least a thousand zombies were approaching, a number they couldn''t handle without using their awakened abilities. Kisha and the rest immediately stood up and began packing as quickly as possible. Kisha, thinking ahead, considered storing everything in her inventory but refrained from doing so because there are many outsiders in their group currently. She was the first to leave the tower with Duke, saying they would be out to find an escape route. In reality, they were putting back all the supplies she had taken to store in her inventory. Meanwhile, Sparrow and Vulture stayed behind to finish packing with everyone. Soon after, the others came down, and the zombie horde had yet to reach their location. The zombies were marching rather than running, likely driven by curiosity rather than the certainty of food. The traitor''s body had been impaled at the top of the tower for several hours, causing his blood to dry and its scent to weaken, even as the wind carried it around. The atmosphere among the group was still heavy from the previous night''s events, but there was no time to dwell on it. They quickly boarded the truck, and Sparrow wasted no time starting the engine. Regardless of the direction he chose, they were met by hundreds of zombies standing on the road. The moment the zombies heard the engine''s rumble, their marching turned into a sprint as they chased after the truck. Many in Aston''s group were visibly nervous, their anxiety growing as they saw the horde. One member subconsciously glanced back at the tower, wondering if they should return and wait for the zombies to disperse before continuing their mission. From his position, he saw something different at the top of the tower. Unlike Sparrow and Kisha, who had good eyesight and could see far away, his vision was blurry. He thought the object he saw was just another decoration on the rod. Noticing his intense focus on one spot, another member, trying to distract himself from the anxiety of the zombie horde chasing their truck, also looked up to see what his comrade was staring at. His better eyesight allowed him to make out the silhouette on top of the tower. He recalled what Duke and the others had said about dealing with the traitor. Realizing that it might be the traitor from their team, a shiver ran down his spine, and his mouth fell open in horror. He couldn''t comprehend Duke and his group''s brutality. Placing a dead body in such a degrading position seemed unnecessary and inhumane. The traitor was already deceased, so what purpose did this serve? His face turned pale, and his body trembled uncontrollably. Fear gripped him, not just of Duke and his group, but also of making any noise that might draw attention, though, amidst the surrounding zombie noise, it seemed unlikely anyone would hear him anyway. But at that moment, fear consumed him, his attention fixated on Duke and Kisha seated before them. His teammates noticed his unease and followed his gaze upward. Despite the distance from the tower, they could still discern the unsettling sight their comrade had seen. Aston, currently silent, looked up with a cold, emotionless stare. The silhouette on the tower triggered a shift in Aston''s demeanor from melancholy to rage, his fury directed squarely at Duke. Confusion still gripped the others as they stared upward, until Aston''s roar pierced the air, punctuated by a swift punch to Duke''s face. But Duke didn''t let Aston lay a finger on him, his gaze alone enough to freeze Aston in place. Despite Duke''s intimidating stare, Aston''s anger fueled his adrenaline, and he lunged at Duke again, like a hyena attacking a lion. Duke casually deflected Aston''s punches, knowing full well why Aston was furious but showing little concern. In Duke''s view, survival was paramount; had they not been prepared, they''d all be dead. He contemplated whether their corpses would be left for the zombies or simply left to rot, scenarios equally bleak and unknown. His fury burned hotter as he recalled how his people had been abandoned to turn into zombies or die¡ªa fate equally inhumane. Duke felt he was merely returning the pain inflicted upon them. However, he was resolved that his retaliation would far exceed what they had endured. He vowed to mete out tenfold the suffering and anguish inflicted upon his people, holding both the mastermind and their cohorts equally accountable. As Aston persisted in his assault, Duke''s patience wore thin. "If you''re so eager to join your treacherous friend up there, leaving your vulnerable comrades here with us, I won''t object to sending you on your way," Duke declared with a cold, authoritative tone. It was clear to everyone present that this was no idle threat; Duke was making a serious proposition. The reminder of betrayal hit Aston like a bucket of cold water. As Sparrow took a sharp turn, Aston was thrown back into his seat with such force that it pained his back. Yet, in that moment, the physical discomfort paled in comparison to the emotional turmoil he felt. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But, with Duke''s reminder of his remaining people with him out there and still on the mission to look for the Winters brought him back from his reverie to sort out his emotions like how he was trained to. He stared at Duke for a little then went back to his stern and cold demeanor as if nothing ever happened to him earlier. Duke''s words served as a stark reminder to everyone present. They realized that even if Duke had not desecrated the corpse of their former comrade who had betrayed them, his body would not have received a peaceful burial, as per the tradition of honoring the deceased. In this harsh reality they faced, they considered themselves fortunate to still have their bodies intact and the ability to move freely. Bringing back a dead body would have been impractical and risky, especially given the difficulty they already faced in transporting essential supplies back to their shelter. They collectively realigned their thoughts to prevent their righteous hearts and minds from interfering with their mission. In fact, they realized they should be grateful to Kisha and her team for preventing them from being backstabbed without their knowledge. They hung their heads in embarrassment, realizing their thoughts and actions had seemed ungrateful towards those who had saved them. Reflecting deeply as the truck jolted along, navigating through the encircling zombie horde, they understood the gravity of their situation and had to be on guard right now, rather than thinking of the past. Despite the rough terrain, Sparrow maintained their speed, ensuring the zombies couldn''t catch up. He expertly maneuvered through a series of sharp turns, causing the zombies in pursuit to stumble and pile up like a stampede, gradually thinning their numbers as they continued their journey. Chapter 171 - 171 Reeve Nelson and Hidden Mission Given the nature of their work, Aston''s team of soldiers quickly processed their feelings about the traitor. They understood that dwelling on resentment would harm their mental resilience and distract them from their mission. As soldiers, they were trained to maintain a strong mindset and focus, accepting the loss of a comrade as part of their duty. While it wasn''t easy, they were better equipped to handle such situations compared to civilians. After sorting out their thoughts and feelings, they all sat up straight in alertness, ensuring they were prepared for any impending battle. One of them, a young man with a striking appearance who had recently joined their ranks, glanced at the supplies piled in the corner. His voice, melodious yet carrying an edge of concern, broke the silence. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Doesn''t it seem like our supplies are little compared to when we left them in the truck yesterday?" His question prompted everyone to look at the supplies, but they couldn''t discern any noticeable difference at first glance. Kisha cast a discerning gaze at the young man, causing him to flinch. He worried she might think he was accusing them of keeping supplies for themselves. Unbeknownst to him, Kisha was actually studying his status window. [Reeve Nelson] Level 0 Morality: Neutral Strength: 5 Stamina: 8 Defense: 4 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 9 Charm: 10 Leadership: 4 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Group Synergy Gift: Siren''s Call "Hmm, that''s interesting," Kisha thought as she studied Reeve''s talents and gifts displayed in his status window. If her suspicions were correct about his abilities, they could prove extremely useful. Adding him to the team, although, he could be a frontline defensive tank or an offensive player, his support-type ability could still enhance their overall capabilities. Moreover, pairing him with Clyde could create a deadly synergy effect, making them a formidable duo in any situation. It was rare to come across raw talent like Reeve, and Kisha intended to observe him further to assess his potential for recruitment alongside Aston and Clyde, and possibly even Fred and Rose. Despite her interest in their abilities, she remained cautious about whether they were the best fit for the team, necessary for more observation. Oh well, maybe aside from Aston, because she had already decided on this person and she already knew what kind of person he was. And fortunately, they still had 22 days left in the shelter before returning to base with the others. Hopefully, by then, the outcome of their conflict with the Coltons would also be resolved. The intensity of Kisha''s stare made Reeve feel like his hair was standing on end, sending waves of nervousness and unease through him. He couldn''t discern what plans Kisha might be formulating behind that scrutinizing gaze. Moreover, he worried that she might have deduced his true intentions for joining the team, despite not being a combatant and potentially feeling like a burden to them. Reeve lowered his head, attempting to diminish his presence, hoping that Kisha''s interest in him would swiftly fade. He longed to return to blending into the background, quietly following the team without drawing any attention to himself. Ding... Kisha''s attention was abruptly diverted by a notification from the system, causing her to stare blankly into space. Reeve heaved a sigh of relief, grateful to have passed that moment without drawing further attention. [Hidden Mission: B Class Mission "Save The Lonely Mountain"] Kisha''s head tilted to the side as she stared at the system interface in front of her, baffled by the message: ''Save a Mountain?'' Did it imply she needed to venture into a mountain, clearing out zombies, mutant animals, and even mutant trees? She struggled to grasp the mission''s purpose. "008, could you track the location of this mission and show me the map?" Kisha commanded, breaking the silence that had enveloped 008 until then. "On it, host," 008 replied promptly. As 008 began tracking the mission''s location, Kisha focused on reviewing the mission''s description. [Mission Description: Save the community''s lone Savior.] After reading the description, she found herself even more baffled. What did a mountain have to do with being the community''s lone savior? The system''s missions were always cryptic and confusing like this. Within a few seconds, 008 returned with the map displaying the mission''s location. It wasn''t far from their current position, which might explain why the mission had suddenly appeared. Kisha quickly pulled out her phone and accessed Google Maps to locate the place she had seen on her system interface. Fortunately, they still had a phone signal and working internet, allowing her to send Vulture the location along with detailed instructions on what they needed to do. Vulture didn''t ask any more questions; he simply passed the Google Map information to Sparrow and relayed Kisha''s instructions. Sparrow didn''t hesitate either, swiftly changing their route to head towards their new target location as instructed by their young madam. Aston instantly perked up at the sudden change of route. "Where are we going?" he asked, eyeing Kisha as she put away her phone. He had observed her typing on it moments before their destination changed, leaving him with a sense that something was amiss. Kisha remained composed and ready to address any inquiries. "We''ve been on the move since yesterday and haven''t refueled even once," she explained calmly. "I realized this, and it would be risky to keep going without topping up the tank. The truck could stop suddenly at any moment." Leaning back in her seat, she added, "We can''t afford that kind of risk, it would be dangerous once it happened." After hearing her explanation, everyone realized the validity of Kisha''s concern. No one wanted to risk being stranded in the midst of a zombie horde. Understanding her point clearly, they didn''t press further. Fortunately, Kisha spotted a gas station near the mission location. This provided a convenient cover for her to justify their stop, as she knew she''d otherwise struggle to explain their detour. Everyone might have opposed the idea, especially given their time constraints. Aston was focused on completing the investigation and his mission of finding the Wintersswiftly. He wouldn''t easily agree to Kisha pursuing her own mission without a clear explanation of her intentions. After Kisha explained, she noticed Aston nod in acknowledgment, and they resumed their journey. Since the location was only 1.5 kilometers from their original route, they soon arrived at the gasoline station. Kisha instructed Sparrow to fill up the tank and the empty fuel canister and asked him to locate additional canisters to refill. Meanwhile, Aston and his team secured the area. Kisha and Duke took on the role of scouts, clearing a path ahead to ensure they wouldn''t be caught off guard by any approaching zombie hordes. Aston found no fault in Kisha''s actions and decisions thus far, so he allowed them to proceed. The area around the gasoline station was relatively clear of zombies, and Vulture assisted in securing the nearest vicinity to ensure Sparrow could focus on the task Kisha assigned him without interruption. And so, Aston and his team had a relatively lighter task, prompting no complaints. Kisha took Duke with her and headed straight to the location displayed on the map. Once out of sight, Kisha utilized her telekinesis ability, directing her flying dagger to fend off approaching zombies, while Bell and the other scarlet bees collected the crystal cores as usual. Chapter 172 - 172 The Face Off Duke didn''t leave all the fighting to Kisha; he took care of the zombie that slipped through the crack, ensuring the street they had come from was clear of any further threats. With only the two of them and no need to hold back, they utilized their awakened abilities to carve a path forward. However, as they approached the location marked on the map, the zombie horde thickened noticeably. Kisha sensed that something was amiss; a B-class mission was proving to be as challenging as the rescue mission she had undertaken with the Winters. She struggled to understand the mission description; as far as her memory of the area went, there were no mountains or anything resembling one nearby. She pondered the possibility of it being a rescue mission, given the emphasis on "saving the ''mountain''" and the phrase "community savior" in the description. As Kisha and Duke approached the location pinned on their map, about 500 meters away, they heard a distinct, menacing growl unlike any they had encountered from regular zombies. Kisha wondered if it signaled an evolved zombie leading the horde''s assault. Meanwhile, she noticed the mass of zombies struggling to maneuver past one another, forming a dense crowd ahead. Beyond them, they saw a circular arrangement of colorful buildings centered around a community fountain. The apartments stood closely together, with small shops on the ground floor forming a mini-community of their own. Roar- S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Roar- Another fierce roar echoed from the center of the encirclement, further agitating the zombies. Kisha also felt the ground trembling beneath her feet, unsure whether it was caused by the sheer mass of zombies moving about or by something significant happening in the center related to the roars they had been hearing. Kisha and Duke faced a daunting obstacle: a dense throng of zombies blocked their path ahead. The creatures were too preoccupied with reaching the center of the encirclement to notice the two approaching. Uncertain of what awaited them at the center, Kisha and Duke hesitated to rush in, recognizing it as another reason to hold back. Instead, Kisha and Duke opted to ascend the emergency stairs in an adjacent alley, aiming for an apartment near the colorful building. The emergency stairs were roughly two meters high. Duke positioned himself behind Kisha, securing her waist before effortlessly hoisting her up the wall to reach the ladder. While Kisha could have managed on her own, she appreciated Duke''s assistance and allowed him to help. Using his well-trained muscles, Duke leaped from the ground to the emergency ladder without difficulty. He quickly ascended, utilizing his upper body strength to pull himself up effortlessly. Together, they climbed until they reached the roof of the building. Once they reached the rooftop, their objective was clear: they needed to move to the adjacent building in order to gain a full view of the central part of the community where the commotion originated, and where their mission was focused. The building they needed to reach was somewhat distant, separated by another alley below. However, this posed no challenge to them, even without Vulture''s assistance. Duke stepped back a meter and gestured for Kisha to follow him. He intended to leap from their current building to the next, bridging the gap swiftly. Kisha raised an eyebrow at Duke, unsure if he still intended to throw her to the next building. She shook her head, knowing Duke''s ability allowed him to jump from their building to the adjacent one. Without hesitation, she took the first step. Instead of stepping back like Duke, she leaped from the roof, causing Duke''s heart to leap into his throat with nervousness. Forgetting everything else, he almost instinctively prepared to follow her when he witnessed Kisha use her telekinetic ability to control her dagger, using it for leverage midair. Stepping onto the dagger, she propelled herself forward. However, her first leap wasn''t enough to reach the other side. Adjusting quickly, she maneuvered the dagger again, positioning it ahead of her as a stepping stone. With this final effort, she successfully reached the adjacent building. Duke let out a soft, defeated chuckle as he followed suit. Thanks to his strong leg muscles, he managed to reach the other side with a single leap, unlike Kisha, who had to use the dagger as a stepping stone to make it across. As Kisha and Duke gained a clear view of the central part of the community, they witnessed a peculiar scene: the zombies, eager to climb over each other, were held at bay by those at the forefront, fixated on a standoff between an evolved zombie adorned with earth spikes on its back while also covered in what resembled earth armor and on the other side was what appeared to be a massive, bear-like creature. The creature growled menacingly towards the evolved zombie, dwarfing Kisha in size¡ªperhaps standing next to it would reach her shoulder. "That''s a huge Tibetan Mastiff," Duke murmured, his gaze fixed on the intense standoff between the two creatures. Kisha turned her head sharply towards Duke. As far as she knew, Tibetan Mastiffs were a large breed of dog, but not typically as large as a bear. Its black fur with a hint of brown made it resemble a bear at first glance, though its fluffy appearance made her uncertain. Moreover, it was standing on all fours, adding to the ambiguity. And even when it was standing in all four, it was still massive and intimidating. Roar- The Mastiff''s bark reverberated like a roar, its powerful sound shaking the ground as it stood firm and unmoving. Kisha observed the evolved zombie shrieking in anger; its face covered in earth resembled scales, its ear-piercing shriek also capable of shaking the ground. The zombie attempted to intimidate the dog by conjuring earth spikes from its feet, aiming them towards the Mastiff. Despite its massive size, the dog displayed surprising agility, easily dodging the attack. However, in doing so, it nearly edged closer to the encirclement''s boundary, prompting nearby zombies to lunge and attempt to bite it. Fortunately, the Mastiff swiftly noticed and stepped away, averting the danger. "It''s massive, like a mountain," Kisha murmured as she watched intently. Her words slipped out almost unintentionally, but as soon as she heard herself say "mountain," realization struck. "Mountain," she repeated, her eyes widening with understanding. Duke glanced at her, curious to know what had suddenly excited Kisha. Kisha observed the dog again, then shifted her gaze to the evolved zombie. Recalling the mission description, she noted that despite the zombie''s appearance resembling a mountain with its earth spikes and abilities, it didn''t align with the "Community Savior" description from the hidden mission. Her eyes returned to the dog, their intensity growing. The dog''s immense size was striking; it easily reached her shoulder while on all fours, and would be even taller if it stood upright. Its sheer bulk size gave it a mountainous presence, possibly fulfilling the role of the "mountain" in the mission. She scanned the entire area. If the dog was indeed dubbed a "community savior," then it likely acted as the guardian of this community. Kisha''s eyes wandered across the buildings. Some people remained inside, appearing frail, and hungry, with sunken faces and vacant stares. They observed the commotion outside with indifference, yet whenever they glanced at the dog, a glint appeared in their eyes¡ªnot out of gratitude, but of hunger. Chapter 173 - 173 How To Now, she did not know if she should be saving the dog from the zombie or from the community it was meant to guard, which saw it as nothing more than a large piece of meat, Kisha sighed in frustration. She empathized with the people inside but also felt a surge of anger. The dog valiantly shielded them from zombies, risking its life, yet instead of gratitude, the residents harbored thoughts of devouring it once it averted the danger. Perhaps they intended to sustain themselves a little longer by consuming their protector after the immediate threat passed. But would this truly prolong their survival? No. Such an act would not only betray their guardian but also hasten their own demise. Instead of leveraging the dog''s protection to form teams for supply runs or to seek refuge at a shelter, they opted to remain secluded in their homes, pinning their hopes on eventual rescue while contemplating consuming the dog as a last resort to stave off starvation. Kisha grasped the harsh reality that in dire circumstances, people would resort to anything to survive, even considering the possibility of consuming the dog if absolutely necessary. However, she personally couldn''t fathom the idea of killing a dog or cat for sustenance. Her lingering affection for these creatures, once beloved pets in the world before the apocalypse, still held a place in her heart. Moreover, Kisha recognized the dog''s bravery in defending the residents and its effectiveness in combatting the zombies. She thought that she needed to help the dog ASAP. Otherwise, the dog wouldn''t stand a chance against the evolved zombie that even superhumans struggle to combat. Then Kisha fell into another trance and giggled to herself, prompting Duke to tilt his head to the side in curiosity. He couldn''t decipher what Kisha was plotting, but her mischievous and happy expression hinted that she had something in mind. Kisha resumed her survey of the area, carefully assessing potential entry and exit points for their rescue mission. Without Sparrow with them, they couldn''t employ their usual tactic of baiting zombies away to clear a path. As she estimated the sheer number of zombies encircling the community, she realized there were thousands. Her initial plan was to swiftly swoop in, grab the dog, and retreat, but upon closer inspection, the dog''s immense size gave her pause¡ªits paws alone seemed larger than her entire face. "How do you think we should get to the center?" Kisha absentmindedly asked Duke, who was still watching the standoff between the mastiff and the evolved zombie, both sides locked in a tense stalemate while the regular zombie surrounding them was also posing the dog danger as it could be bitten anytime. "Do you plan on taking that dog home?" Duke quipped, raising an eyebrow. Kisha tilted her head, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Wouldn''t it be better than staying here and waiting to die? We''d have a guard dog and a fluffy blanket when it gets cold," she playfully remarked, starting to seriously consider taking the dog with them. Initially, her focus was solely on completing the hidden mission and rescuing the dog, but Duke''s suggestion sparked a genuine attraction to the idea. Besides, even if she saved the dog from the evolved zombie and the zombie horde and then left it here, judging by how the people looked at it, they would surely kill it. Kisha wasn''t sure if the dog would retaliate or try to run away to save its life. It seemed much better to bring it home with them. But the question remained: how? The dog seemed firmly dedicated to guarding this place, evident in its efforts to protect the entire area with its own body. It appeared impossible to persuade it to come along willingly, and forcing it was out of the question. "Wait, bring it with them..." Kisha trailed off as she pondered this, then suddenly a light bulb seemed to switch on in her head, and she burst into laughter so hard it made her stomach ache. "I think I have a solution on how we could bring that dog with us," Kisha said, almost forgetting the extent of what she could do because she was too focused on her awakened ability these days. She glanced towards the center again. "Could you help me open up a path from here?" she asked Duke, pointing toward the direction of the fountain. She gestured for Duke to clear a path through the zombies so they could reach the dog more easily. Without hesitation, Duke nodded and began conjuring fireballs the size of Kisha''s face. Normally, Level 0 fire ability users could only produce fireballs the size of a fist at best. Some could barely manage a small flame akin to a matchstick, with their abilities growing more potent as they leveled up. Duke''s fireball already rivaled that of a Level 2 superhuman, which left Kisha feeling bitter once again. His prowess served as a constant reminder of the stark contrast between him and normal humans like her, who possessed only average abilities. "Host, show a bit more self-awareness and conscience. Considering you have a system, labeling yourself a normal human is inaccurate," 008 disdainfully remarked, then added, "With your stats alone, you''ve already deemed a monster among Level 0s." Shrugging indifferently, 008 continued, "But comparisons are always painful. Why measure yourself against the Tyrant Emperor, who was a monster among monsters?" Sensing Kisha''s growing irritation, 008 promptly retreated to the far corner of her consciousness, leaving Kisha to huff in frustration. She stopped dwelling on it and observed Duke, each hand conjuring a fireball that he hurled into the midst of the zombies below. The flames consumed the zombies as if they were living entities, actively devouring flesh and blood. The stench of burnt flesh filled the air, mingling with the rising black smoke. Duke persisted, shooting fireballs in succession, creating a blazing path that cut through the zombies below, forming a corridor of flame. As the other zombies stumbled into the flames, they were gradually engulfed, oblivious to the searing heat. Duke''s onslaught didn''t cease; after incinerating the zombies, he swiftly erected an ice wall to block their advance. He cast a glance at Kisha, silently signaling that he had cleared the path she had asked for. Kisha nodded decisively and leaped from the tenth floor of the building. Mimicking her earlier maneuver, she utilized her flying dagger as a platform, leaping progressively until she reached the path Duke had forged. Swiftly, she sprinted towards the center where the evolved zombie and the massive dog remained locked in a tense standoff. The two seemed oblivious to Kisha''s approach and the chaos of the zombies encircling them, each unwilling to make a move that could spell their demise. And it worked entirely in Kisha''s favor. As she raced along the path Duke had cleared, the zombies pounding on the ice wall only fueled her urgency, pushing her to run faster before the barrier could be breached. Within moments, she closed the distance to the massive dog, just a few steps away. With a wave of her hand, she made the dog vanish from sight. The evolved zombie, startled and confused, searched around frantically, unaware of where the dog had gone. Meanwhile, Kisha swiftly retraced her steps back the way she had come. The ice wall began to crumble under the relentless assault of the increasingly frenzied zombies. It was at this moment that the evolved zombie finally noticed Kisha. It let out a furious shriek, enraged and convinced that Kisha was responsible for the dog''s disappearance. In truth, it wasn''t entirely wrong. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 174 - 174 Hidden Mission Upon spotting Kisha, the evolved zombie conjured earth spikes that rose from the ground up to her knees, forming a jagged path as they pursued her. Meanwhile, the ice wall was rapidly cracking under the pressure. From atop the building, Duke was readying more than a dozen ice spears, prepared to rain them down on any zombies that got too close to Kisha. Simultaneously, Kisha readied her flying daggers, ensuring she was prepared for any threat. Behind her, the evolved zombie let out an enraged shriek that made the ground tremble. The zombie horde grew more agitated, surging against the ice wall and pouring in from the central part of the community. As Kisha ran, she glanced up at the building and noticed several windows that had been closed earlier were now open. People were leaning out, screaming for her to help them. "Help us! Hero!" a middle-aged woman shouted, waving her hands frantically in the air to get Kisha''s attention. Another window opened, and a middle-aged man joined in, their eyes filled with hope as they looked at Kisha, expecting her to save them from the nightmare they were trapped in. "Help!" "Here, we have a few of us here!!!" They all thought Kisha was a soldier because of her courage. Having witnessed the apocalypse and the evolved zombie''s abilities, they weren''t surprised to see the dog disappear into thin air. They had been watching everything unfold: the fireballs raining down on the zombies, the ice wall materializing from nothing. It was clear to them that whoever came was strong and capable of protecting them and leading them to safety. When they saw Kisha descending from the roof, they believed she could help them. Knowing she was a woman, they hoped to play on her empathy by appearing weak, assuming she would feel compelled to help them. Kisha ignored their pleas and instead pulled out a grappling gun from her inventory. She aimed it at the top of the building and fired. Once the hook secured a firm position, the gun started reeling her in. As she was being lifted, the angry evolved zombie broke the spikes on the ground and hurled them at her. Fortunately, Duke was ready. He countered the incoming earth spikes with his own ice spears, protecting Kisha as she ascended back to the rooftop where he was waiting. The evolved zombie, now even angrier, directed the horde to break down the building''s entrance, aiming to reach the rooftop where Kisha and Duke were. It continued to hurl earth spikes at them until Kisha finally made it to the top. Duke unleashed his remaining ice spears, raining them down on the evolved zombie. He knew they might not cause significant damage, but they would distract the zombie long enough for them to make their escape. When Kisha reached the roof, she and Duke didn''t rest; they immediately began jumping from rooftop to rooftop without breaking their momentum. When Kisha thought the next roof was too far to reach, she used her flying dagger as a stepping stone. Duke, inspired by her, created stepping stones out of ice. As they continued to run, the zombies below still believed Kisha and Duke were on the rooftop and attacked that specific building, scaring the residents inside, who quickly closed all their windows in fear. Unfortunately for the residents, the zombies were relentless in their efforts to get inside the building. In a fit of anger, the evolved zombie used its earth''s ability to break down the door. Soon, the zombie horde flooded the hallways, directed by the evolved zombie, who stood as their leader. It let out a long, powerful, angry shriek, urging the zombies to ascend and find Kisha and Duke on the roof. By then, Kisha and Duke were already far away, but they still managed to hear the roar, full of rage. With her heightened senses, Kisha heard it loud and clear. She only smirked. She had no intention of exposing the community''s residents to a zombie raid, especially with an advanced zombie leading the charge. It would undoubtedly cause problems. However, she also knew she couldn''t help them if they weren''t willing to help themselves and relied solely on her. Such attitudes would only create issues in the shelter in the long run. She couldn''t afford to worry about others when she was struggling to protect herself and those she cared about. She had grown weary of playing the hero, always rescuing everyone and leaving herself vulnerable to betrayal. Duke and Kisha pressed on until the gas station came into view, carefully descending the building via an alley to avoid detection. Emerging stealthily, they acted as if they had already scouted the entire area. Kisha noticed everyone was taking a brief rest, with Sparrow having finished refilling the tank and the canisters as she had instructed. Though she hoped to secure more gasoline, they couldn''t find additional containers. Returning promptly, they resumed their journey swiftly, completing the task in just an hour away from the group. Duke never asked about the fate of the big dog, knowing Kisha had stored it in the same place as her Scarlet Bees. He imagined the bees and the massive dog either curiously observing each other or possibly fighting. Not that he was concerned about the Scarlet Bees; if the dog provoked them, they''d undoubtedly remind it who was in charge. He couldn''t help but imagine the dog emerging looking like an inflamed balloon from the Scarlet Bees'' stings. This amusing thought was overshadowed by his curiosity about Kisha''s actions. How did she know there was a fight in that area? It was obvious she came specifically for the dog. Was it part of her past life? Had the dog been one of her most beloved companions then? Many questions swirled in his mind as he silently sat there, letting Kisha rest for a bit, just as he did, both of them recovering their spent spiritual energy. [Congratulations for Completing the Hidden Mission: B Class Mission "Save The Lonely Mountain"] [You have received 30,000 points for completing the Hidden Mission: B Class Mission "Save The Lonely Mountain"] S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In her previous lives, 30,000 points were like her life savings. It was the most she could accumulate after slaving away on the system''s missions, only to receive meager rewards in return. She thought that was the limit¡ªbarely enough to buy anything significant, mostly miscellaneous items like amulets and potions, which she had to treat like treasures due to their high cost. But now, looking at the five-digit number she received from just one mission, she felt a surge of relief. This reward came just in time, as she was starting to feel anxious about spending so many points recently without any missions to replenish them. She feared running out of points in times of emergencies. The 30,000 points were only enough to cover the gap from what she spent on the blue and black vials of liquid for the Winters and their men during the rescue mission. Additionally, she had also used points on the pricey amulets and numerous stamina boosters, which altogether cost more than 100,000 points. Chapter 175 - 175 The Tibetan Mastiff Kisha peered into her territory pack''s rainforest area where she had placed the mastiff, expecting it to frantically search for a way back or to be destructive, laying waste to the tall trees around it. Just thinking about it made her heart ache. But surprisingly, what she saw on the holographic view was the mastiff happily running around the rainforest, chasing some of the scarlet bee workers pollinating the flowers. Its fur was matted with blood, but because of its black fur with shades of brown, the matting hadn''t been obvious from her earlier viewpoint. But now that she was watching closely, she could see that one of the dog''s eyes was barely open due to a huge wound, making it impossible for the dog to open its eye without blood seeping in. There were also more wounds on its body, including a large open wound on its hind leg that had scraped off the fur, though the bleeding had already stopped. Despite its pitifully wasted appearance, the dog still stood tall, happily trotting around the flower field. As if everything it saw was new and amusing. "Master," Bell''s melodious but sad voice echoed in Kisha''s head. "This young dog was so pitiful." Bell trailed off, sadness evident in her tone, as if it was sharing her own story. "It said that its owner, who owned the bakery in the community, passed away long ago, before the apocalypse. Some people in the community gave it food sometimes out of pity. Since its master''s death, it became a stray and only stayed around the fountain every day, watching the bakery that used to belong to its owner, missing it." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha could hear Bell''s sigh through their mind link. "It played sometimes with the children in the community, but because of its size, the people living there thought it was dangerous. So, no one plays with it anymore while it''s missing its master," Bell said. Kisha stared blankly at the holographic, lifelike image of the big dog running around in the rainforest. She didn''t know if she should be more surprised that the mountain of a dog was still a young pup or that Bell could even communicate with it. Before hearing Bell''s account, she had already been thinking that it would be a hell of a challenge to get the dog to follow her. It had been defending that community with its life against the evolved zombie while being surrounded by a hungry horde of zombies. She mulled over various ways to win the dog over, observing its fierce loyalty to the community. She anticipated that the dog might view her as an enemy for taking it away without understanding the circumstances surrounding their encounter. "Master, could we keep this young one?" Bell asked hesitantly, her motherly instincts evident in the tone of her voice. As the Queen Bee of the Scarlet Bee species, Bell now spent a third of her time inside her colony to reproduce, emerging occasionally to assist Kisha when needed and to enjoy a brief respite in the less-than-fresh air of Kisha''s world, which often reeked of decay. Kisha decided to test the waters with Bell, seeing her as a potential bridge to communicate with the dog and gauge its response. Bell had already begun to view the dog as part of her own kin and was confident that Kisha would be taking it in, but it still had its reservations and it was obvious to Kisha from just listening to Bell. So Kisha asked Bell directly, "Do you think it would be happy to follow me as its new master?" "Absolutely!" Bell exclaimed without hesitation, its voice filled with conviction. "It expressed feeling lonely and longing for companionship. It understands its old master won''t return, but it has nowhere else to go, only the fountain area. In my opinion, it would gladly accept you as its new master, as long as you''re willing." Bell finished its account, and Kisha could almost picture her doing a celebratory flip in her mind. "Alright, thank you Bell for letting me know about this, it was a great help." Kisha''s voice sounded light and refreshing, it was obvious from her voice that she was happy with this and Bell could only let out a cute giggle as it silently retreated from the mind link. She nudged Duke, who had been silently observing her. "Any ideas on what we should name the dog? I''m drawing a blank," Kisha whispered, eager to find a fitting name rather than just referring to it as "dog" all the time. "What about Thunder?" Duke blurted out almost instantly. Kisha wasn''t sure if he was being serious or if Duke''s naming sense was a bit... "Can you think of anything else we could consider?" Kisha asked again, watching as Duke pursed his lips, clearly giving it serious thought. "What about Lightning, Tabby, or Massy, considering it''s a Tibetan Mastiff? Or maybe Swift, because despite its size, it moves so fast it could even be called Flash," Duke suggested, arms crossed thoughtfully as he tried to come up with a fitting name for the dog. Kisha couldn''t help but be amused by Duke''s earnestness. It was the first time she realized that Duke''s naming sense was a bit imposing yet endearingly cute, like that of a little boy excitedly suggesting names for a new pet. "Do you know if it was a male or female?" Duke asked, wanting to factor in its gender while brainstorming names. "I''m not sure. Let me ask Bell," Kisha replied, initiating a mind link with Bell. "Bell, do you know the dog''s gender?" "It''s a male, master," Bell cheerfully relayed. "Are you thinking of naming the young one, master?" "Yes," Kisha affirmed simply. "Great! I would let it know and the young one would surely be very happy to know of this." Bell excitedly cut the mind link again as it dashed off to find the dog roaming around the rainforest with fascination. "Bell said it''s a male," Kisha relayed to Duke. His expression mirrored hers from earlier upon learning Bell could communicate with the dog, but he quickly regained composure. With everything happening around them and Kisha''s unpredictability, nothing surprised him as much as she did anymore. He nodded and returned to contemplating about male pet names again. Kisha softly chuckled as she observed Duke''s unexpected excitement. She recalled that Duke had mentioned never having a pet before; since he was just 4 or 5 years old, he had been immersed in his family''s heir training, focusing on learning and leadership. Even before reaching his teens, he had established his own elite group by taking in orphans and nurturing them into capable individuals. They had all grown up together under his guidance, and as he matured, he took on greater responsibilities, elevating the Winters family to new heights on the world stage. Kisha glanced back at Duke, reflecting on his upbringing. She realized that growing up under such weighty responsibilities had likely shaped his demeanor into one of cold and indifferencee. She couldn''t help but think that Duke might have secretly longed for a pet all these years, unable to entertain such luxuries amidst his duties. Now, with the chance to bring the dog into their fold, she understood why he had been so eager earlier, asking if they were taking the dog home. Chapter 176 - 176 Looking for the Winters As they made their way to the third camp, Duke remained absorbed in his task of thinking up names. Kisha let him be and took the opportunity to rest. The others, unaware of what had happened while Kisha and Duke were away, focused solely on their mission. From time to time, they would stop the truck to see if they could gather more supplies from the convenience stores and minimarts they encountered on the road. These stops took some time, but with Kisha and her team''s help, dealing with the nearby zombies became easier, and they managed to secure more supplies. The supplies left on the racks or in warehouses were items Aston''s team couldn''t collect due to limited space and time constraints. They marked these locations on the map to send a team to gather the supplies later. However, unbeknownst to them, Kisha, who always stayed at the back, would discreetly store all the remaining supplies in her inventory before they left. Now, those marks on the map would be considered useless and empty. Aston would only discover this when Sparrow mentions it in passing after noticing the marks on the map in the future. Even Kisha had forgotten about it. Yeah, she has accumulated a lot of supplies by now, but she has a habit of hoarding. Someone like her, who has experienced hunger and fought for her life against zombies just to secure a few boxes of food, has developed a fear of not having enough. Over time, she has become hesitant to leave valuable supplies behind, especially once she has set her sights on them. In her previous life, Duke would often tease her for acting like a squirrel, hoarding food in her little tree holes. She didn''t feel embarrassed about it, though, because it benefited not just herself but the whole community. She justified her actions, believing that more provisions were always a welcome asset. After all, who would turn down additional resources? At this point, their truck was already halfway full. Aston decided to halt the search for more supplies as he pondered where the Winters would sit once they found them. He directed the group to focus solely on the mission from now on. They successfully investigated the third and fourth locations, confirming through markings, dried blood on the walls, and the presence of corpses¡ªsome untouched by zombies¡ªthat Kisha''s account was accurate. Despite thorough analysis and calculations, the evidence didn''t support suspicions of Kisha and her group being responsible for the attack on the Coltons. As a result, they were removed from the list of suspects. But something doesn''t add up, and it''s not sitting well with Aston. Apart from the first location they investigated¡ªclearly attacked differently from the first target¡ªthe subsequent attacks on the other three locations were identical. However, Aston couldn''t find any human traces around the buildings, and it didn''t seem like the work of a coordinated group. This inconsistency was perplexing for him. He couldn''t fathom one person executing the job alone, as infiltrating the Coltons was nearly impossible. They were overly cautious, perpetually sweeping the camp for listening devices and potential threats daily. The evidence indicated explosives were strategically planted around the building and neighboring structures. The scale of the operation suggested a large group was involved, yet no traces were left behind. The mystery confounded him, leaving Aston unable to comprehend the situation. Aston''s current concern centered around the possibility that if the group responsible wasn''t the Winters, then the Winters themselves might be in danger. Alternatively, there could be a third party orchestrating attacks on both the Coltons and the Winters simultaneously, aiming to exploit the chaos for their own gain. However, despite pondering the scenario extensively, he couldn''t formulate any plausible theories without solid evidence to guide their investigation. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He set aside his thoughts for the moment and paused to contemplate his next move. Going back empty-handed wasn''t an option, although they had managed to gather some supplies along the way. However, their primary mission remained unfinished. There was only one location in the western district left for him to investigate¡ªthey had covered nearly every corner except the central area. If the Winters hadn''t left City B or relocated elsewhere, it likely meant they were trapped in the center. Kisha''s team had reported a concentration of zombies there, possibly explaining why the Winters couldn''t escape. He swiftly decided they should head to the central area to investigate, hoping they weren''t already too late. After announcing his decision, although some of his team members were hesitant and nervous, none abandoned their post. They all followed his commander towards the central part of the city. Kisha and Duke exchanged glances, both of them having monitored Aston closely from the beginning. Duke, particularly cautious because Kisha hadn''t yet disclosed Aston''s role as their minister of defense in their previous lives, remained guarded, uncertain of Aston''s intentions for looking for his family. But since they were also curious about what Aston and his team were up to, and considering they were currently engaged in a shelter mission, they decided to follow suit. Sparrow brought the truck to a halt just outside the outskirts of the central area, knowing that driving through the zombies would risk getting stuck and pose a greater danger. Aston agreed with the decision, so they concealed the truck in a nearby parking lot, blending it in with other large vehicles already parked there. Since Kisha''s team''s navigational skills had already been tested and the entire team now fully trusted them, Aston delegated scouting to Sparrow while Kisha handled navigation. Halfway through their journey, as the number of zombies thickened, Kisha searched for alternatives. However, Sparrow and Vulture reminded her that the sewers were not an option. The Coltons had blown open an entrance previously, and now the sewers were infested with roaming zombies. It would be too risky to use them and risk being trapped without an exit later on. Having been reminded of this, Kisha nodded and glanced around, contemplating a solution. If it were just her and her team, this issue wouldn''t pose a threat because they have their awakened abilities. But with additional people who were unaware of these abilities, she couldn''t afford to take any risks. Kisha wasn''t certain whether she had completely eliminated the Coltons from their midst. Her caution stemmed from a fear of the Coltons discovering the awakened abilities, which could lead to them exploiting these powers to harm her people or terrorize the innocents. She knew all too well that such power could tempt them to play godlike roles. But right now, they couldn''t afford to continue like this. It posed a danger not just to Aston''s men, but to her team as well. If things went wrong, she and her people would be the first in harm''s way. Kisha wasn''t willing to gamble with their lives in an uncertain and dangerous situation. Seeing Kisha''s hesitation, Aston stepped in to offer a solution. "Why don''t we use the drones to check if there are any survivors here?" he suggested. Kisha raised an eyebrow, feeling a sudden urge to strangle Aston. If they had drones, why hadn''t he mentioned them earlier? Aston sensed the cold rush wash over his body and looked up, only to see Kisha''s annoyance embedded on her face and he guiltily rubbed his nose. Chapter 177 - 177 Looking for the Winters 2 Aston quickly clarified, "Don''t misunderstand. The drone''s battery is extremely limited, and with our restricted access to electricity, as you''ve seen from our equipment, we wouldn''t have even had an upgrade if we hadn''t raided the Coltons'' base for supplies. We stumbled upon some heat-detecting drones in their camps and hoped to utilize them, but without a way to recharge them here, I thought it best to save them for when they''re truly needed. Luckily, one of my men brought one along in his backpack, but that''s all we have." Aston spoke quickly, his nerves masked behind a facade of calmness. He was keen not to be misunderstood by Kisha and her team, wanting to maintain a positive connection with them even as they got back to the shelter. Knowing Aston from her previous life, Kisha understood that he meant no harm and quickly accepted his explanation. She raised the question primarily for transparency, ensuring Duke wouldn''t misunderstand or feel jealous. Glancing at Duke, the imposing figure who could be both endearing and intimidating when jealous, she found it both amusing and slightly unnerving. This side of him was new to her, something she hadn''t encountered before. Duke''s behavior stemmed from his lack of experience in relationships. Despite witnessing the close and loving bond between his parents, he had never experienced such feelings himself. Consequently, when it came to Kisha, he found himself overwhelmed by emotions, often becoming possessive due to his deep-seated love and longing for her. His reactions were driven by a passionate desire to protect and cherish her. Kisha understood this, and that''s why she was also making an effort to protect his feelings as much as he wanted to protect her. Now that they had the drone¡ªa tool Kisha also possessed in her inventory but couldn''t utilize at the moment¡ªshe pondered a strategy. "How long do you think the drone''s battery will last before it runs out?" she inquired, fingers pressed thoughtfully against her chin. One of Aston''s men, with a bulky backpack strapped behind him, stepped forward to provide details. "If we use it strictly for reconnaissance, the battery could last up to two hours, not including the time needed for return. However, if we''re willing to drain the battery fully without retrieval, it might last up to four hours," he clarified, before going back behind Aston. "That time frame might be too short for the drone to explore the central area effectively. We need to take several factors into consideration too," Kisha remarked thoughtfully, feigning contemplation. She understood Aston''s determination to find the Winters, but she also knew there was nothing left here. To save time, she needed to guide them towards her desired outcome. She was reluctant to leave Duke''s family in the shelter on their own for too long, knowing he would grow increasingly concerned about their safety with every passing moment, especially with the ongoing threat looming. "How about this: I''ll send Sparrow for reconnaissance in one-third of the central area, and the drone can cover the rest. To do that effectively, we''ll need to advance a little closer to the central area to give the drone ample access and time for exploration. This approach also provides us with a clearer retreat strategy," Kisha explained, considering their options carefully. Despite feeling like they were searching for a needle in a haystack, she knew they had no choice. Revealing that she had the Winters all along would only arouse suspicion, making their course of action to hide the Winters futile. What if the Coltons still have a spy there who can communicate with them? They could potentially turn the whole shelter upside down searching for the Winters while Kisha and Duke are away. In such a scenario, the Winters would be at a disadvantage, being unfamiliar with the terrain and lacking the manpower and equipment to mount a defense would surely lead to the Winters falling into the Coltons'' hands. Hearing Kisha''s explanation, Aston did not even have to think that she was right and they followed the plan, they continued to move forward as closer as possible to the center while they are defending themselves from the horde that kept on increasing, while also trying to look around the place to see if the Winters are there. Despite the growing challenges they faced with each step forward, Kisha remained steadfast and determined to press on without pause. Aston''s team has gotten exhausted from following from behind even when they are being protected by Kisha and her people, Kisha and Duke spearheading the advance while Sparrow and Vulture guarding the rear, but the sheer number of zombies is still overwhelming and mentally draining for the soldiers, especially for Reeve who wasn''t even originally a soldier. After an hour, Kisha and the rest found refuge in an empty warehouse, the soldiers too exhausted to lift a finger. Kisha''s team mirrored their fatigue, and outside, the warehouse was surrounded by zombies. Aston marveled at how they had reached the place unscathed. Normally, such a dire situation would have resulted in heavy casualties, but somehow they had managed to navigate through safely. The warehouse happened to be the closest to the center, prompting Kisha to assign Sparrow to his reconnaissance task while Aston''s team operated the drone to survey the surroundings. Finding a quiet corner, Kisha settled in to rest briefly, but during this respite, she tasked 008 with searching for something specific. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "008, remember that contract?" Kisha said, her tone cryptic. "What contract, host?" 008 asked, clearly confused. "The contract for the servants," Kisha gently reminded 008. "Ooooh! That?! Would you like me to buy it?" 008 asked excitedly, now understanding that Kisha was being mischievous again and had something planned. "Yeah, I''ve had my fill of this. It''s exhausting and taking forever. I could really use a break," Kisha quipped, knowing well that rest was a rare luxury in the apocalypse. This playful statement was her way of bantering with 008, who understood her intentions perfectly. "But we need that as a backup plan in case things go wrong. I don''t want to be caught off guard by anything unexpected," Kisha added, her tone shifting to a more serious note. It was evident she was contemplating something important. "But that''s exactly what makes it unexpected; something you can''t prepare for," 008 muttered, simultaneously scouring its sales connections for the item. "I know, but it''s better to be prepared. Even if I can''t use it right away, it''ll be useful in the future. It won''t go to waste," Kisha explained, her mind feeling burdened from exhaustion, both physical and mental. Duke sat beside her, uncapping a bottle of cold water. "Drink first and then rest." Duke offered, placing the water bottle near her mouth. Kisha tilted her head to drink, feeling the cold liquid soothing her throat. Afterward, she rested her head against Duke''s arm, finding comfort in his presence. While Kisha rested, Duke gently massaged her soft hand, which had been wielding the katana since earlier while fighting in the vanguard. Seeing her exert herself so much pained him. He understood Kisha''s efforts to protect his family, and even though he could take revenge on the Coltons single-handedly on his own, especially now that he has awakened his ability. However, knowing Kisha was there to shield him filled him with happiness. He silently vowed to support her and relish the sense of security she provided that he has never felt before. He felt pampered and loved which was as sweet as honey that he couldn''t contain the happiness swirling in his heart. Chapter 178 - 178 Breach Despite the loud banging on the big door, Kisha managed to fall asleep, comforted by Duke''s presence. His warmth and protection made her feel secure, knowing that no matter what happened, Duke would never let anything harm her. Just like in their previous life, no matter how subtle his actions were, he always protected her from the shadows, acting like a silent hero. Everyone was occupied with their respective tasks. Sparrow was out on reconnaissance, while Vulture was busy preparing food on a makeshift table using two large drums and a big piece of plywood. Two to three people alternated manning the drone, while the rest guarded the three exit points of the warehouse, ensuring they reported any zombie movements that might result in a breach at their assigned door. Her rest was abruptly disturbed by a loud explosion nearby, so close that she felt the shockwave pass through her. The ground trembled slightly from the blast. This explosion felt different from the destructive ones caused by the explosives Sparrow had placed around the three camps. This one was just a single explosion that was brief and just a little muffled. Clang- "Master, it''s time," Bell''s cute voice rang inside her head, reminding her. "So, there really was one more traitor, huh?" Kisha mockingly asked. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yes, master. Only one." Bell said while she made sure that one of the scarlet bees was on the traitor''s tail. Not that they needed it because, the task that Sparrow really received was not to scout an area, because they knew to themselves that there were no Winters around the area, nor survivors, so, sending Sparrow out was just wasting his energy and time. So instead, she used this task as a guise to let Sparrow wait nearby and see if someone would sneak out. Kisha wasn''t certain if there was more than one traitor among them. There could be a single spy or several sent by different factions with various tasks. Regardless, Kisha was determined to root out all traitors and spies still hiding while carefully assessing the situation. If there were no more spies and she was simply being paranoid, that was fine. It was better to play all her cards now than to let a snake follow them into their sleep and strike when they were unprepared. Initially, she suspected Reeve of being a traitor. After all, he seemed to be hiding something and was too useless in a one-on-one fight with a zombie. His insistence on joining the mission, despite having nothing to offer aside from his good looks, was highly suspicious. Kisha scanned the entire room, observing each person closely. Everyone appeared shocked and seemed to be processing the recent explosion, absentmindedly staring in the direction it had come from. From among those manning the drone was Reeve. Kisha fixed her gaze on him; he appeared frightened but managed to gather himself and reach for a gun, unlike the others who still seemed bewildered and were likely questioning what had occurred. However, the loud roar of approaching zombies from that direction quickly made it evident to all that they had been breached. In mere seconds, the zombies would reach their position. The realization dawned on Aston''s team, their faces paling as they exchanged uneasy glances, each silently questioning if someone from their own ranks had opened the path for the zombies. With Sparrow and one other team member missing, suspicion fell heavily on Kisha, some even wondering if she had orchestrated this intentionally. They now suspected her of killing Aston''s second-in-command because he had discovered something about Kisha and was silenced. Ignoring the evidence in Kisha''s favor, they placed all the blame on her. Despite this, Aston stood resolute at the largest entrance of the warehouse, which remained intact. The breach had occurred at the smallest and most concealed entrance located at the rear of the warehouse. Aston''s team began to panic as the breach occurred. They hastily grabbed their guns, abandoning the idea of using melee weapons against the hundreds of zombies they anticipated flooding into the warehouse. Doubt and fear gripped them as they faced the imminent danger, unsure if they would survive. In their anxiety, they turned their accusing gazes towards Kisha. She remained calm, slowly rising from her position, seemingly unperturbed by the impending threat. This calm demeanor only served to further agitate Aston''s team, reinforcing their belief that she was responsible for the breach¡ªa death warrior sent to eliminate them all. Kisha remained composed, showing no urgency to defend herself or address the suspicions brewing among Aston''s team. Her focus was fixed on observing how everyone reacted under pressure, waiting to see if any more traitors would reveal themselves amidst the chaos. With Aston stationed at the main door, she felt the breach at the smaller entrance was manageable, unlike the potential catastrophe if the largest door had been breached. She observed Aston''s gaze intently, trying to discern if he harbored suspicions about her orchestrating their current predicament. After all, it had been her decision to push closer to the central part, a move that increased their risk of being surrounded and overwhelmed. Adding to the suspicion, one of her own team members was missing. What surprised her more was the absence of the young man, barely older than Reeve, who had always shown enthusiastic admiration towards her and her team, almost treating them like idols. The young man had diligently assisted them in moving their belongings into the villa when they received their rewards. He had proven himself reliable in paying attention to details and ensuring the safety of Aston and the others. Kisha sneered inwardly, not directed at anyone else but herself. She understood not to judge people solely by their actions but by their consistency and intentions. Human hearts are fickle and complicated, capable of turning against you over the smallest disagreement¡ªmost of them, at least. Kisha and her team moved swiftly into action, their coordination seamless and silent. Vulture surged forward, wielding his massive axe with a deadly efficiency. In a single sweeping motion, he cleaved through three zombies who recklessly lunged at him, each strike like a butcher carving through meat. Duke swiftly joined the fray, his long spear dancing through the air with grace and power. With every thrust, he struck with precision and force, his skill evident as he killed nearly a dozen zombies in quick succession. With their swift and effective actions, Kisha and her team caused Aston''s team to experience a mix of emotions. Doubts began to creep in as they questioned whether their suspicions were truly justified or merely paranoia. Throughout the entire journey, it had been Kisha and her team leading the way and protecting them. There were numerous instances where Aston''s team felt on the brink of demise, only to be saved at the last moment by Kisha and her team, despite the possibility that they could have left them to perish. When Kisha saw them readying their guns to fire at the approaching zombies, she quickly intervened. "Using firearms might seem like a faster solution compared to cold weapons," she cautioned, "but gunfire will only attract more zombies. If they breach the other doors, we''ll be in serious trouble, and I can''t guarantee everyone''s safety if that happens." Kisha spoke with a shrug, appearing unfazed by their current predicament. Chapter 179 - 179 Slave Contract Aston''s team stiffened upon hearing Kisha''s reminder. Overwhelmed by fear, they had momentarily forgotten crucial information and were on the verge of using their guns. It was only after her reminder that they realized they had narrowly avoided a grave mistake, acknowledging they had almost walked willingly into disaster. They gulped nervously but swiftly positioned themselves to cover each other''s backs. Kisha, alongside Duke, took immediate action, cleaving through the relentless stream of zombies that surged toward them like an unending river. She understood that everyone would inevitably reach the same conclusion: without a viable exit plan, their fate would be sealed within those walls. If the guards at each exit had reported earlier, they might have had a chance to escape through alternate routes. Now, with explosions having alerted the zombies to every exit, their only path out was to fight through the horde. However, executing that plan was far easier said than done. The streets teemed with around two dozen zombies, their numbers swelling as the explosion likely drew over a hundred more from kilometers away. Each person pondered escape strategies, but the notion of "safety" seemed increasingly out of reach. They resigned themselves to fighting with all their might, knowing exhaustion would come later, possibly ending in a last stand against overwhelming odds. "Hmmm," Kisha hummed as she observed no one else making a move, despite their vulnerable backs exposed for backstabbing. Aston''s team wore grim expressions, fighting with all their might as if they knew they were doomed but clung to hope¡ªfor honor, a miracle, or sheer defiance against death. Regardless of their motivations, Kisha''s patience had run out. She retrieved the contract she had 008 purchased earlier, never anticipating it would be needed now¡ªa slave contract. Amidst the loud growls and zombie roars, Kisha''s voice cut through, reaching Aston and his team. "Do you truly wish to survive this ordeal?" Her voice held an eerie allure, akin to a devil tempting them with power in exchange for their souls¡ªor at least, that''s how it seemed to them. Duke couldn''t help but smirk a little; he knew his clever little wife was up to something again. Aston and his team were dumbfounded, but Kisha''s confident voice and unfazed demeanor prompted them to consider many possibilities, both good and bad. However, time was of the essence; the longer they deliberated, the slimmer their chances became. Aston stepped forward and declared, "Yes!" His voice resonated with determination, and his subordinates quickly followed suit. Kisha tore up the contract in her hands and moved behind Duke to finalize the agreement with Aston and his team. With an unspoken understanding between them, as she stepped behind him, Duke shifted to shield her, expanding his coverage to ensure Kisha could complete her task undisturbed and remain protected. "I, Kisha Aldens, declare that you all shall be my people. I will protect and shelter you, provide you with a good life. In return, you must promise your undying loyalty. Any harm toward me, my people, or my interests that may lead to my death will result in your demise." Kisha''s voice resonated throughout the warehouse, drowning out even the loud growls and roars of the zombies. She paused, then added, "To seal this contract, I require your verbal agreement." No one paid much attention to the specifics because Kisha''s terms posed no direct harm to any of them; it was clear she wanted to ensure loyalty and prevent betrayal. Starting with Aston, they each agreed, one after another. "I acknowledge." "I agree." "Yes, I acknowledge." "I acknowledge." I acknowledge." They didn''t fully grasp the significance of the agreement; they simply trusted Kisha''s decisive action, believing she had a plan to ensure their survival. Soon after their agreement, the torn contract projected a larger version of itself in front of Kisha, almost as tall as she was, floating in midair and glowing with a bright gold hue. The text on the parchment began to writhe like a snake and emitted a radiant glow as it extended towards each member of Aston''s team. The golden text wound around their ankles, slithering up their bodies in a serpentine fashion, imbuing them with a sensation of warmth and tightness akin to a living entity. Gradually, the text enveloped their entire forms, and finally, the end of the glowing script hovered before each of them like the head of a serpent before plunging into their chests. They felt a constriction around their hearts as a translucent flame emerged from their bodies, floating slowly towards the parchment. As each flame entered the parchment, it vanished, leaving behind their names that appeared one by one at the bottom of the Contract. Aston and his team stared wide-eyed as they witnessed the unfolding spectacle, feeling as if they were bargaining their souls with the devil. Nervousness gripped them, yet amidst the tension, there was a sense of awe and wonder at experiencing something so magical amidst the grim reality of the zombie-infested world. It was like stepping into the fantastical realms they had all dreamed of ¡ª where dragons, mages, and holy knights roamed. Each of them had yearned for such an adventure at some point, which is why they grasped the significance of the moment, even as disbelief lingered in their wide eyes. After their names were written in the Contract, sealing the deal, another text left the parchment and floated through the air. Each text headed towards Aston and his team''s foreheads. As it reached them, they felt a searing pain, as if they were being branded with hot iron. Gritting their teeth, most of them couldn''t help but scream in agony. After they were branded, the parchment glowed intensely, and another text wriggled out of it, forming a circular magic circle under Kisha''s feet. She was then enveloped in a bright light. Unlike Aston and his team, who felt excruciating pain, Kisha felt only warmth, as though she was being cradled in a comforting embrace. The parchment disappeared as the Contract was completed. The torn Contract from earlier burned away in a golden flame, leaving behind only ash, signifying the successful completion of the contract. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston''s and the other four names automatically appeared in Kisha''s system interface under the team panel, but unlike Duke and the others who were listed as allies, Aston and his team were categorized as "Slaves." Another option available to her was to issue them direct commands that they couldn''t defy as their master. If they dared to conspire against her or betray her, Kisha wouldn''t need to take direct action; the contract itself would immediately enforce compliance, potentially causing them excruciating pain until they bled from severe internal injuries. And worst their hearts and brains would be crushed to death. If they even entertained such thoughts or took actions that could impact Kisha negatively, they would be warned, feeling as if their heads were being split open while their hearts were gripped tightly. Kisha had no intention of informing them about this, as it was her greatest weapon and a collar to control them. If they harbored any desire to betray her, they would learn their lesson the hard way. Warning them would only make them cautious and drive them to seek other alternatives. Chapter 180 - 180 Time for Action Boys The moment the contract was finalized, Kisha''s smile turned wicked, sending a terrifying chill down Aston and his team''s spines. They instinctively knew that crossing Kisha from now on would lead to dire consequences. Silenced by fear, they swallowed their thoughts and any words they might have wanted to say. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just as she turned around, her cold and indifferent voice, though not loud, was heard clearly by all. "Time for action, boys." She signaled to Duke and Vulture to unleash their awakened abilities and stop holding back. The situation was dire, as they were about to be overrun by the ever-increasing number of zombies streaming down from the forcibly opened exit point. As soon as they heard Kisha''s signal, Vulture immediately conjured a wall of earth spikes. Following his recent level-up, he felt his abilities had significantly increased. The coverage and sturdiness of his spikes were vastly improved. Now, he could summon an earth spike barrier that reached a meter in away, far surpassing his previous limit of just two or three spikes. Additionally, the spikes were now taller and much sturdier, providing a more formidable defense against the encroaching zombies. His earth wall was now thicker and more durable than ever before, lasting longer than he could recall. Duke also did not hold back, understanding that Kisha wanted to demonstrate to the new members the full extent of their team''s capabilities and the potential achievements they could attain by joining forces with them. Using his strongest ability, Duke summoned random lightning bolts to rain down on the advancing zombies, instantly frying them and nearly reducing them to ashes. The destructiveness was terrifying, especially considering he was only at Level Zero. Kisha didn''t bother to glance back at Aston and the others to see their reactions as the situation abruptly shifted from a zombie apocalypse to a fantasy battle. She deftly controlled her two daggers, sending them flying through the air. Wherever they went, zombies were decapitated, making her attacks just as deadly as Duke''s lightning bolts. The three-person team annihilated hundreds of zombies, with more still coming their way. Aston and his team watched in astonishment, feeling incredulous at the sheer power on display. For some reason, they almost felt sorry for the zombies, reduced to cannon fodder for these relentless killing machines. As the overwhelming stream of zombies continued, Kisha called forth Bell to help with the cleanup and summoned the scarlet bees to collect the crystal cores scattered across the floor. "Master, the little one also said it wants to greet its new master and earn its keep," Bell excitedly conveyed to Kisha through their mind link. Meanwhile, Bell continued to buzz around, turning any zombies it passed through into minced meat. Bell''s side of the battlefield was far more gruesome than the others, with black blood splattering everywhere. "Ooh?! It''s already eager to show its talent, huh?" Kisha replied to Bell, with a playful tone. "Master, it was afraid of being abandoned, I suppose," Bell honestly replied. It knew that the little one had grown fond of the rainforest and liked the idea of having a new master, feeling like it had found a new purpose in life instead of toiling away until it died. Kisha pondered for a moment before summoning the large Tibetan Mastiff that had been eagerly waiting in her territory pack''s rainforest, seated at the edge of the flowerbed. Aston and his team believed nothing could surprise them after witnessing the earth rise from the ground as if alive, impaling zombies with lethal precision, and lightning bolts materializing out of nowhere to instantly incinerate others. However, their expectations were shattered when a large, black-furred creature with a brown hue materialized out of thin air, floating momentarily before it descended to the ground with a loud thud. The moment the fur creature touched down, it caused a slight tremor. Vulture was taken aback by this new addition to Kisha''s team¡ªan imposing creature, almost bear-like in appearance and size. Then, it let out a powerful bark that momentarily stunned the zombies, halting their advance for a full five seconds before they resumed their relentless march. Seeing it, made Kisha raise an eyebrow as she studied the big dog for a few more seconds before smiling to herself in delight. "It seems like I''ve really picked up another treasure," she thought, before resuming her attacks. She observed that the dog''s bark, which was infused with stun-inducing skills, had a cooldown and couldn''t be used constantly. However, she wasn''t yet certain about the duration of this cooldown. Despite this uncertainty, she found it to be incredibly helpful in battle. Its single wag of the tail felt like being struck by a pole, sending zombies flying. Its massive paws could crush skulls effortlessly, almost like crushing tofu¡ªa terrifying sight indeed. No wonder it could hold its own against evolved zombies. Despite its size, it proved remarkably agile and smart. It swiftly learned to exploit Duke''s lightning bolts and Vulture''s earth spikes after observing them only once or twice, effortlessly maneuvering among the zombies as if they were mere toys. Kisha felt an urge to check the dog''s status window immediately. She sensed that this dog wouldn''t easily fall short compared to Bell''s stats, and perhaps, it could even rival some of Duke''s team members. The thought made Kisha snicker to herself, catching Duke''s attention. All he could do was shake his head and chuckle softly in response. ''Why does my wife look so cute?'' he mused to himself as he continued to slaughter the zombies. Not long after, Kisha and her team heard a distinct whistle, and three ropes descended from the roof of the warehouse through an open window. Aston glanced upward and spotted Sparrow crouching by the window, diligently securing the ropes to ensure they could bear the weight of an adult. Aston and his team hadn''t lifted a finger since the Contract. They felt as though they were living in a dream as they watched Kisha and her team effortlessly slaughter zombies, almost as if it were a game. Even the dog and the bee seemed stronger than them, which bewildered them. They had so many questions and couldn''t grasp what was happening, but there was no one around to provide answers. "What are you waiting for? Climb up! Or do you want to become zombie snacks down here?" Kisha''s question snapped Aston and his team out of their dumbfounded state. She never knew Aston could be so foolish at times. Only then did Aston and his team snap back to reality and push Reeve and the other young men to climb up the ladder. Aston hesitated, glancing back at Kisha and the rest. They felt helpless, unable to assist, and worried about how they would manage to climb up themselves. Kisha noticed his uncertainty and rubbed the back of her head thoughtfully. "Even if you stay here, you wouldn''t be much help. We can handle ourselves," she reassured him, handing Duke and Vulture each a vial of black liquid. Without hesitation, they took it and resumed their onslaught. Realizing he could be more helpful, Aston directed his team to gather the backpacks from the floor and carry them up the ropes to ensure no supplies were wasted. Except for Reeve, everyone else managed to climb the ropes without difficulty, despite carrying heavy backpacks. By the time Reeve was halfway up the rope, the other two had already reached Sparrow at the top, and the remaining two began their ascent as well. Sparrow patiently waited for the remaining three climbers to reach the top of the roof before he jumped down to where Kisha and the others were. Just as Aston was about to grab the edge of the window, a shadow passed by him. In a split second, he realized someone had fallen. His gaze followed the person, and he instinctively looked back, his heart nearly stopping as he considered letting go of the rope to catch them. Even his team, now at the top, collectively exclaimed in fright as they watched Sparrow suddenly leap down without hesitation as if he were jumping off a two-story building. The height of the warehouse roof, however, was even higher, and despite their trained bodies, they knew that jumping from that height could still result in broken bones or worse. But instead of crashing down to the ground, they witnessed Sparrow slowly descending as if riding the air itself. Before he even reached the ground, he waved his hands, and in an instant, several zombies below him were cleaved in two, while those behind them met the same fate as if struck by an invincible blade. Chapter 181 - 181 Choose Viewing the battle from above provided them with a clearer perspective of Kisha and her team''s formidable abilities. Unlike their obscured view from ground level, this elevated position allowed them to witness the precision and effectiveness of each move against the zombies, realizing the true extent of their skills in action. And one thing was certain: Kisha and her team weren''t just strong; they were frighteningly powerful. Aston now began to understand how Kisha and her team managed to survive outside and protect everyone without letting anyone slip through their grasp. He felt as though he was witnessing a whole new world unfold before him, and a surge of power coursing through his body, igniting a newfound determination to become like them in the future. And he wasn''t alone. Everyone witnessing Kisha and the rest fight with their awakened abilities found renewed hope that someday, they too could become like them and protect the people they hold dear. After the five ascended to the warehouse roof, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture also climbed up the rope. Kisha recalled the dog back to her territory space and left Bell and the other scarlet bees to continue their work. Sparrow, agile as a monkey, evaded the zombies effortlessly¡ªthey couldn''t lay a finger on him. Aston and his team watched in disbelief as Kisha, Duke, and Vulture effortlessly outpaced them in climbing speed, reaching the roof in mere moments. When Vulture signaled Sparrow with a whistle, Sparrow promptly abandoned his post and ascended without needing the rope. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston and his team were not just surprised but also filled with excitement and a twinge of jealousy towards Sparrow''s remarkable ability. Everyone yearned to soar through the air like him, making it a moment of unparalleled novelty for them all. In mere moments, Sparrow reached the roof''s summit, closely followed by Bell, while the other scarlet bees stayed below, collecting crystal cores. Kisha and her team took a brief rest before resuming their journey forward. Sparrow began gathering the rope with Vulture''s assistance, while the rest of Aston''s team watched Kisha''s team as if they were witnessing celestial beings descending into the mortal realm. Their admiration for them didn''t just double but increased a hundredfold. After Sparrow and Vulture took care of the ropes, Kisha stored them in her inventory, which sparked further wonder and curiosity among Aston and his men. Sparrow then walked a short distance away from them. When he returned, he was dragging an unconscious man tied up like a cocoon. Aston and his men narrowed their eyes upon seeing their comrade, who was supposed to be guarding the breached door. Sparrow then poured water on the unconscious man''s face to wake him up. Almost instantly, he regained consciousness, appearing dazed and confused. When he saw Kisha and the others standing before him, his confusion turned to fear, and cold sweat formed on his back. He had witnessed firsthand the savagery of Kisha and her team during their battles, including what they had done to another traitor who attempted to assassinate them in the clock tower. His limbs trembled subconsciously with fear, his heart pounding loudly in his chest. He dared not imagine how he might meet his end at this moment, the fear creeping in more intensely with each passing second. "Scared?" Kisha''s voice, dripping with bloodlust, pierced his ears amidst the cacophony of zombie growls, intensifying the chilling effect of her words. The man involuntarily shuddered at the sound, a reaction not lost on Kisha as an evil smile crept onto her lips. "Now, now. How about telling me who sent you?" Kisha''s voice was laced with a chilling calmness, her gaze fixed on the man like a predator stalking its prey, ready to strike. The weight of her presence pressed him into the ground, the metallic tang of blood in the air mingling with the tension. The man''s teeth chattered uncontrollably, rendering him unable to utter a word out of fear as he shook his head frantically. But Kisha wasn''t satisfied. "Sparrow, how about tying him down and letting the zombies feast on his flesh while he''s still alive?" Her suggestion came with a smile that didn''t touch her eyes, her voice chillingly cold, sending shivers down their spines. "Young madam, should I bleed him like I did to those two men from the southern part of the Coltons'' camp to really get the zombies going?" Sparrow added with a menacing tone, clearly unnerving the young man even further. Sure enough, the moment they heard it, the gears in their heads started to turn and they slowly pieced the information together and came up with one answer. Sparrow was the one who attacked the southern part, before it was impossible for them to even think about it, but, after they witnessed his ability and what everyone could do, they thought that nothing would be impossible for them anymore. Even Aston and his people felt a lump in their throats, realizing they had only scratched the surface of Kisha''s team''s ruthlessness. The thought left them uneasy, now more than ever, about potentially offending them. When Kisha heard Sparrow''s suggestion, she nodded almost instantly and Sparrow did not wait for even a second and started doing his job. Seeing that Sparrow was not just scaring him and was really about to do what he said, the young man who was still tied broke into bitter tears. "I''ll talk, please spare me!" he pleaded through sobs. "Speak," Kisha replied, devoid of any sympathy. "I... I was... sent by the... Minister of Defense," the young man stuttered through sobs, trying to catch his breath. Then he continued, "He... he wants to make sure... that Commander McMillan is dead. He didn''t trust that Young Master Coltons''s men could handle the Commander..." Kisha remained silent, almost as if she had anticipated his response and was verifying it with him. It was evident that the actions of the two traitors were not coordinated; one was a reckless death warrior, arrogant but clumsy, while this one was cunning and adept at scheming. He had even devised his own escape plan swiftly. Unfortunately for him, Sparrow had been lurking in the shadows, watching every move. To discover that this traitor had been plotting to steal the supplies he believed were still hidden in the truck left Kisha convinced of his cowardice and weakness, using schemes to compensate for these shortcomings. He likely held a position of significant trust within the Minister of Defense''s organization. She doubted that the Minister of Defense would allow someone with such cunning intelligence to languish without a purpose or position. Perhaps he had been a spy all along, which would explain his adeptness at acting and his skill in evading detection. Unfortunately for him, his cowardice also turned him into a double-edged sword that could easily spill the beans when cornered, much more torture. The truth of the information he imparted would be tested once they obtained it. "You have two options," Kisha began, her voice carrying a chilling edge. "Either you tell me what you know, or I''ll let the zombies feast on you while you''re still breathing. But remember, whether you talk or not, I have ways to find out. Your life hangs on your decision. I''m sure you understand," she added cryptically, a faint smile playing on her lips. "After all, you witnessed what happened to the Coltons'' camp," she scoffed. The young man''s eyes widened in fear as Kisha confirmed their earlier suspicions with her statement. He now felt like he had kicked an iron bucket and was completely cornered. No matter how much he cried now, he knew he had only one option left. He vividly remembered the ruthlessness with which the Coltons were handled, based on their findings from the investigation. If Kisha''s team was indeed responsible for it, it indicated she would follow through on her words without hesitation. "I... I''ll speak!!!" Without a moment''s hesitation, he knew he had to talk. The prospect of being thrown to the zombies like bait chilled him to the bone, leaving him no choice but to cling to the Kisha for his life, the Minister of Defense can''t blame him for jumping camp like this because he didn''t know how scary Kisha looked right now. "If... If you want to know the Coltons'' hideout inside the shelter, I''ll tell you. Just please have mercy..." he hurriedly stammered, tears and snot streaming down his face. Chapter 182 - 182 Information After he promised to share the information she eagerly sought, Kisha gave him a sweet smile. The young man choked on his sob, momentarily stunned, he was momentarily caught off guard by Kisha''s smile, it was supposed to look sweet and beautiful like how it used to, but Kisha also forgot that she was currently wearing a disguise, so her smile only looked more threatening. And instead, her smile seemed to convey a message: if he lied to them, he''d face dire consequences ¡ª being thrown back into the warehouse, now packed with zombies like sardines in a can. The young man nodded vigorously. "Yes! I''ve always been tasked by the Minister of Defense to deliver important messages to the Coltons'' Young Master, even before they cornered the Winters in the Central part of the Western District." He almost shouted to emphasize his point, but Kisha remained silent, encouraging him to continue. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "They were aware that Commander McMillan was allied with the Winters and viewed him as a potential power rival, especially since many soldiers supported him." "The Minister of Defense and Young Master Colton feared that the alliance between the Winters and Commander McMillan would lead to their defeat. So, they joined forces to achieve their goals. However, the Minister didn''t completely trust Young Master Colton, so he secretly sent me to ensure no one returned alive. This plan was made possible because Commander McMillan''s second-in-command informed them about the fate of the Colton''s men. The Coltons and the Minister were aware of everything Commander McMillan knew." "The Minister rejoiced at the news of the Coltons'' diminished manpower, confident that he would rise to the top once he eliminated the Commander." He revealed everything he could recall about the Minister of Defense''s scheme. "As for the Coltons'' hideout, they''re merely using Villa #5 as a front, blending in with a regular group. Their actual base is a hidden underground bunker accessible through a small shed at the back of the villa. Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense and his associates are stationed at Villa #9, collaborating closely." He volunteered all this information to Kisha, fearing repercussions if he appeared uncooperative. "Anything else?" Kisha maintained her inscrutable expression, which intensified the young man''s pressure to recall any additional crucial information he might have overlooked. His mind raced, feeling as though it were spinning like a top. "They... they''ve concealed 80% of their supplies¡ªlike medicine and firearms¡ªin their respective villas. They maintain communication with camps in the western district using a satellite radio. A-And... despite their formidable appearance, after losing four Colton camps, they''re now just a hollow shell. That''s why they''re so determined to eliminate Commander McMillan this time, hoping to eradicate the Winters as well. Last they knew, despite the Winters'' struggles in the central area, they were still trapped due to overwhelming numbers of zombies." "They knew Commander McMillan had embarked on a mission to find and rescue the Winters from their predicament. Despite its seeming impossibility, their goal was simply to ensure the demise of all their adversaries here," the young man said, his voice trembling with fear as he broke into another bout of sobs. He was increasingly unnerved by Kisha''s unsettling smile, which bore an ominous menace. To him, she appeared like a devil ready to devour him if she detected any falsehood, leaving him no choice but to reveal everything he knew. "Anything else?" Kisha repeated, her expression unchanged. The young man shook his head vigorously. "No, I''ve told you everything..." Before he could finish his sentence, Kisha stood up. He thought she might leave him alone after turning away, but before he could even exhale in relief, Kisha swiftly kicked him off the roof and back into the warehouse. The young man plummeted off the roof, landing directly among the waiting zombies below. His enraged scream of "Fuuuuuucccccck Youuuuu, Bitttcccch!!!!" echoed through the air as he fell. The brief, gut-wrenching scream that followed was unsettling, ending abruptly within seconds. It was clear he was likely torn apart swiftly by the zombies, his demise quick and brutal. For Kisha, it was a swift and relatively painless end for him. His death was already her showing mercy to him¡ªa swift end with little pain compared to the suffering and loss he had caused countless lives through his selfishness and scheming. No one questioned her this time. They all understood that a man like him, cowardly and scheming, could not be trusted. Even if everything he said was true, it wouldn''t absolve him of his actions. His betrayal of his own people suggested he would do so again if it served his selfish interests. No one, except Duke, had anticipated Kisha''s swift action, but there was little sympathy for the man¡ªespecially among Aston''s team. Upon hearing his former comrade''s confession, Aston now fully understood the extent of their depravity. He felt validated in his decision not to collaborate with them from the beginning. He was seething with anger. If he hadn''t hired Kisha and her team as guides and escorts this time, he and his people would have faced certain death without understanding how it came to pass, possibly implicating the Winters in the process. Unaware that he had surrounded himself with treacherous individuals, he unwittingly provided his enemies with information that led to their current predicament. He felt a heavy sense of responsibility weighing on him, head hanging low in remorse as he recalled his former comrade''s urgent plea: "We must save the Winters!" Quickly addressing Kisha and her team, he scanned their now zombie-filled surroundings. He could catch glimpses of the densely packed road where hordes of zombies marched, emphasizing the overwhelming number they faced. "Please, help us find the Winters again. We must save them," Aston pleaded urgently, his tone reflecting increased desperation. He was on the brink of kneeling before Kisha and her team, fully aware of their formidable abilities. Knowing their strength, he believed they were the only ones capable of rescuing the Winters now. "Please..." His plea was filled with desperation, almost on the verge of wanting to kneel before her, hoping it might soften their hearts or earn their favor. "They are safe," Kisha said, abruptly cutting off Aston''s plea. "Pardon?" Aston and his team looked at Kisha with incredulous expressions, which seemed almost comical. Aston still didn''t grasp the meaning behind Kisha''s statement. He struggled to hear amidst the surrounding zombie growls, unsure if his ears were playing tricks on him. "The Winters, including Duke, are all safe and sound. They''re far from here," Kisha explained matter-of-factly, without even glancing at Aston as if discussing a mundane topic. Then, she turned her attention to Sparrow. "Have you spotted a good exit route for us?" "Yes, young madam. I followed that man and discovered his escape route," Sparrow said with a smug look. He was clearly proud of himself. Before capturing the traitor, he had meticulously tracked him to ensure he had identified the escape route. Only after confirming and double-checking the route did he capture the traitor, tie him up, and drag him back to present to their young madam, ready to extract more information and assist with the situation. Vulture could hear the smugness in Sparrow''s voice and couldn''t help but sigh as he listened from the side. Chapter 183 - 183 Reeves Secret Aston and his team were still bewildered by the recent events and Kisha''s statement. They felt as though they hadn''t fully grasped her words. "The Winters are safe?" Aston repeated, seeking confirmation of Kisha''s words. However, Kisha was busy discussing the escape route with Sparrow, and Duke, seemingly unconcerned with anything else, was preoccupied with keeping an eye on his wife as if she might run away if he looked away even for a moment. Vulture took the liberty to briefly explain to Aston. "We already saved the Winters during our initial mission here. And before you ask, yes, we were also responsible for what happened to the Coltons'' camp, but I''m not in a position to explain the whys." "Is it because you don''t trust us yet, or are you afraid we might betray you?" Aston asked, his voice tinged with shame and mixed emotions. He hadn''t anticipated being surrounded by traitors and now feared there might be more among his team. Vulture shook his head. "No, not that. As far as I can tell, what the young madam did to you earlier seemed like a binding contract. Given her cautious nature, it was probably a safety measure to ensure no one could betray us. What would happen if you did, I don''t know. It''s ultimately up to her whether she wants to share more information." He shrugged, following his instincts. If Kisha heard him whispering this to Aston, she might kick his ass for disclosing such information. Luckily, he had kept his voice low, speaking only to Aston. Initially, Aston was brooding with anger, but as he parsed Vulture''s words, a sense of realization dawned on him. "Binding contract?" His brows furrowed deeply, then shot up in incredulity. "Did we somehow sell our souls to the devil?" he gasped, turning to Vulture for answers. The memory of the faint, translucent flame that had emanated from their bodies flashed through his mind, reinforcing his concern. Vulture responded with a nonchalant shrug, leaving Aston with more questions than answers. Then Vulture added, "How would I know? We didn''t go through anything like that." His innocent remark inadvertently rubbed salt in Aston''s wounds, unknowingly mocking him. With those simple words, Vulture implied that he and his team were inherently trustworthy, suggesting that Kisha didn''t need to resort to drastic measures to ensure her safety¡ªunlike Aston and his men, who apparently required such a contract to prevent potential betrayal even while they slept. This revelation further disheartened Aston, adding to the exasperation of his already dismal situation. He realized he had been kept in the dark, while his own people had been taking advantage of him until they discarded him once he was no longer useful. As a soldier of higher rank, he managed to keep his emotions in check and regain his composure. Having pledged his allegiance to Kisha and her team, whether or not there was a binding contract, he was committed to following them. Especially now that he knew of their connection to the Winters, he trusted that no one with ill intentions would be associated with them, as Duke would not allow it. Reflecting on this, he felt much better about their mission. It wasn''t just successful¡ªit was remarkably fruitful. They had gathered a wealth of information and had also removed the weeds that had infiltrated their ranks, those rotten apples who had called themselves his comrades. However, Kisha''s sharp gaze then fell upon Reeve, who was attempting to make himself as inconspicuous as possible, as though fearful of being noticed. Kisha had observed his suspicious behavior for some time; if anyone aroused her suspicion, it was him. Despite her initial doubts, life was full of surprises, and Reeve was not among the traitors¡ªbut he was clearly hiding something. The uncertainty of what Reeve was hiding unsettled her deeply. Whatever it was, it didn''t sit well with her, as it could potentially pose a threat not only to them but also to her group in the future. The possibility that it might not directly concern them didn''t ease her concern; rather, it heightened her apprehension about its potential implications down the line. "Now." Her cold voice was directed squarely at Reeve, causing him to jolt and stiffen in place. He knew Kisha''s words were aimed at him, yet he couldn''t bring himself to meet her gaze, gripped by fear. Having been accustomed to admiration and protection, the harsh realities he faced with Kisha and her ruthless team were entirely new and terrifying for him. The presence of Kisha and Duke was particularly daunting; their aura was overpowering and intimidating. "Why did you join this mission if you can''t even protect yourself? And what are you hiding?" Kisha''s voice was icy as she interrogated him, each word laden with menace. It sent chills down Reeve''s spine as if a colossal serpent had coiled around him, its frigid scales pressing against his skin with a threatening intensity. Reeve pursed his lips, searching for the right words as he felt the weight of everyone''s gaze upon him. He couldn''t evade the truth any longer. With a shaky voice, he began to explain, "I... I was running away." His admission caused Kisha to raise an eyebrow, her silence urging him to continue, though her scrutiny only intensified Reeve''s anxiety. "I used to be a teen idol. My group and I were on our way to a concert in City B when the apocalypse hit," he continued, each word trembling with emotion. "I heard there were no survivors at the concert location. Only a few of us from my group made it out because we were literally outside that time, and we got separated. Thankfully, Commander McMillan saved me." As Reeve spoke, his voice grew increasingly shaky, reflecting the turmoil he felt recounting his ordeal. "After the soldiers successfully fortified the shelter and expanded it to accommodate more survivors, I learned that some of my group had also found safety there. By then, Commander McMillan had assigned me various odd jobs for the military. While carrying out my duties, I happened to overhear soldiers describing a few young men who sounded like my friends, but..." Reeve paused, taking a deep breath as tears welled up, as if he were baring his heart, revealing his grievances and fears. "But I found out they were dragged away by some soldiers and sold to the Coltons in exchange for rations, becoming the Young Master Coltons'' sex slaves..." He paused, a hiccup escaping him, on the verge of breaking down. "I heard they''re being tortured there, and now the soldiers are eyeing me to send to the Young Master''s bed, seeing how the other slaves are dying like flies." "I was scared, but I wanted to help my friends. I knew I couldn''t do anything for them, so when I heard that Commander McMillan was personally going out on a mission, I had no choice but to follow for my own protection. But I was also afraid that he or you might sell me, or that I would end up in a situation similar to those of the Young Master Coltons. My paranoia consumed me." With that, he wailed in fear and pain, pouring out all his anxieties, worries, and sense of helplessness. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "At first, I thought I was safe because all of you are so strong. But then, when I saw how ruthless you were with Commander McMillan''s second in command, I began to fear that you were no different from the Coltons. It scared me to my core, so I tried to keep my distance and be as useful as possible. I was terrified of all the possibilities." As he started to divulge what he had been hiding for days, he couldn''t stop; it poured out like water from a broken dam. Chapter 184 - 184 You Are Now My People Hearing his explanation, Kisha breathed a sigh of relief, though her expression remained unchanged. Reeve now sat with his legs curled up to his chest, burying his face in them. Kisha sensed no malice from Reeve, and the Slave Contract didn''t react either, indicating Reeve likely meant no harm and his words might indeed be true. If Reeve were a traitor skilled in deception, the Slave Contract held sway over his soul and heart, preventing him from deceiving it. Even harboring the slightest malice towards her would trigger the contract''s punishment. Kisha crouched down to meet Reeve at eye level and gently patted his head. He seemed so young, perhaps as young as her own brother, Keith. Hearing his fears and worries, and understanding why he had fled to such a dangerous place for safety, softened her heart. And hearing about his other friends in the same idol group experiencing such horrors made her blood boil. She couldn''t imagine the anguish they must feel, the hopelessness they endured as they suffered such torture, especially considering they were just kids. "Would you like to rescue your friends?" Kisha asked, her voice softening slightly. Reeve stopped crying and, through hiccups, slowly raised his head. His misted eyes looked towards Kisha, but his vision was still blurred by tears, making it hard to see her expression. However, he could sense genuine concern in her voice. He absentmindedly nodded but then hung his head low again. "But... the soldiers said they might be dead by now after being tortured by Young Master Colton," he said, clenching his jaw tightly. He felt a mix of anger and helplessness. "If they are dead, then avenge them. If they survived, then rescue them and help them get back on their feet," Kisha said, her gaze steady. She wasn''t showing sympathy or empathy; she was merely presenting the options available to him and indicating her willingness to help. "There''s only so much you can do. Worrying about what you can''t change is pointless. Focus on what you can do and take action." She shrugged her shoulders, conveying that while she understood his helplessness, ultimately, it was his life and his choice. Reeve cried softly for a few minutes, not saying anything. Then, he nodded with determination. He knew he was powerless, and Kisha''s offer to help was the best deal he could hope for, especially when he had nothing to offer in return. In his heart, he had already sworn to do anything to help Kisha in the future, even becoming her hands and feet if necessary. He resolved to become stronger, determined never to feel as powerless as he did now. He hated being helpless and at the mercy of others. Seeing the determination in Reeve''s eyes, Kisha nodded in agreement and glanced around. She exhaled deeply before speaking. "You''ve all witnessed how fickle the human heart can be, and I can assure you that no matter the lessons you''ve learned today, this won''t be the last time you experience such treachery. You won''t be able to avoid it, especially in a world like ours, where human hearts are pushed to the extremes of cruelty." She paused, her gaze shifting to the horde of zombies in the distance. "But if you have power, as you''ve seen with me and my team, power can dictate outcomes. We''ve always lived in a society where power dictates all, and it has always been a survival of the fittest. The rules have just changed a bit. I hope you all learn to guard yourselves against what may come. Remember, you are now my people, and as you''ve seen, I do not take kindly to betrayal." Kisha''s words ended with a steely resolve, her teeth gritted in pure hatred. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha turned around and gestured for everyone to stand. Without waiting for the others, she strode straight toward the path Sparrow had mentioned. ''Time waits for no one, especially now that danger lurks everywhere,'' she thought. ''I don''t have time to babysit them.'' Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture followed her immediately, without question. They knew that despite Kisha''s seemingly detached demeanor, she deeply valued her people. Her earlier declaration had been more of a reminder to herself than a warning to them. Vulture and Sparrow had a vague idea about Kisha''s experiences, unlike Duke, who had started to understand her more deeply. Observing her every movement and word, he noticed her hidden fears and scars. Although she had shared most of her experiences from her previous lives to make them believe her, she hadn''t allowed them to delve too deeply. Some scars were best left unopened, as revisiting them would only cause pain without benefiting anyone. When Aston and his people came to their senses, they noticed Kisha and her team were already some distance ahead. They had fallen into a trance while listening to Kisha, captivated by her aura and wisdom as if hearing a king''s decree. Once they snapped out of it, they immediately followed with renewed determination and understanding, as if a new path had been revealed to them. Kisha headed straight to the edge of the warehouse''s roof where a thick pipe, as wide as a man''s waist, ran across. Several pipes were clustered close together, forming a makeshift bridge they could use to escape. The warehouse being relatively new meant that the piping was well-maintained and sturdy, capable of supporting the weight of 4-5 adults simultaneously. This allowed them to cross without any concerns. Kisha led the way, followed by Duke and Vulture, then Reeve and the other younger team members. Aston crossed as second to the last, followed by Sparrow guarding the rear. After crossing the pipes, they moved through the second warehouse in a similar manner, eventually reaching the roof of the worker''s dormitory. Descending to the high walls of the dorm was straightforward, thanks to Vulture''s ability to create bridges or stairs as needed, making the task effortless for the team. Now able to utilize their awakened abilities without hesitation, their journey back to their truck became significantly easier compared to their arrival. Kisha and the others opted for the quickest and most direct route, a straight line, moving swiftly toward their vehicle. The journey that had originally taken half a day was now reduced to just two hours on the return trip. Fortunately, they encountered no evolved zombies along the way; however, the regular zombies prowling the streets had grown stronger and more agile since the second blood rain, a fact noticed by everyone. Thanks to Kisha and her team''s protection, they navigated through the surroundings unharmed despite being constantly surrounded. Aston understood that without Kisha and her team, he and his group would not have survived outside in such conditions. Kisha and her team pressed on without stopping, fortunate that their journey was easier than anticipated. They managed without rest, encountering less stress as they avoided engaging with zombies. Their safe passage was ensured by the escort of massive bees as tough as steel and swift as bullets. Before the bees'' buzzing ceased, the zombies were already reduced to mincemeat, especially when Bell took action, turning the encounter into a swift and decisive massacre. It was a little reassuring but scary at the same time. Chapter 185 - 185 The Evolved Zombie Only now did they realize, thanks to Vulture''s insight, that they had always been surrounded by these deadly machines¡ªthey just hadn''t noticed them because of their ability to hide and change size at will. This camouflage allowed them to seamlessly blend into their surroundings like ordinary insects. Kisha didn''t interrupt Vulture as he shared more insights with the group about the apocalypse, recounting their own journey, and preparing them for what lay ahead. His stories kept everyone engaged and fascinated, adding a lively dynamic to an otherwise potentially dull journey. Vulture''s penchant for gossip and storytelling was evident, and Kisha saw no harm in letting him continue. She trusted Aston''s team not to betray her, and Vulture''s explanations helped fill in the gaps, reducing the need for her to explain everything herself. Upon reaching the military truck, Aston and his team finally caught up on crucial information, including details about the awakened abilities, the events surrounding the blood rain that triggered the zombie raid towards the shelter, and numerous lingering questions that had previously gone unanswered. They began to grasp their tasks and anticipate what lay ahead, trusting implicitly in the knowledge possessed by Kisha and her team. Initially, they attributed their team''s proficiency to their combat skills alone. However, as time went on, it became evident that their expertise extended far beyond battle prowess; they possessed a great familiarity with the nuances of the apocalypse itself. Despite this realization, the origins of this knowledge remained a mystery. Vulture had chosen not to disclose Kisha''s identity as a reincarnator with extensive experience of the apocalypses for many years, and thus, it remained unspoken. When Aston and the others climbed back into the truck and found it empty, there was little surprise among them. They had witnessed Kisha''s ability to make items disappear and reappear at will, so they understood how the supplies could be under her control. Thanks to Vulture''s explanations about abilities, they now had a vague understanding that Kisha had secured the supplies for safekeeping, ensuring they couldn''t be stolen by others. This arrangement was the best outcome they could hope for, as it guaranteed both the security of their essential resources and no one finding how many supplies they had, which gave them more security. But trouble seemed to follow them relentlessly. Even before they departed, wave after wave of zombie hordes assailed them without respite, denying them any chance to rest. Kisha couldn''t shake off the feeling of oddity in this relentless assault. She exchanged a knowing look with Duke, and amid the ongoing fight, they scanned the area attentively. They dispatched Sparrow to scout the surroundings, hoping to glean some insight into this unrelenting onslaught. And there, they found out that there really was an evolved zombie that was directing the attack, the zombie they encountered to save the dog. It tracked their truck and waited there patiently to ambush them while keeping the place looking as normal as possible. Luckily, Kisha had her scarlet bees patrolling and her system radar and she immediately noticed that seemingly coordinated attack, the evolved zombie kept its distance away from Kisha and her group for a few kilometers, it seemed intelligent and knew that it could hide itself from the shadows while making the regular zombies do its bidding. t remained concealed and at a distance from Kisha and her team, preventing them from retaliating. It was wary of Duke''s Ice Spears and Fireballs, which could strike the evolved zombie from afar. The creature exploited its ability to command lesser zombies to shield itself from direct confrontation. Whenever Kisha made a move and the evolved zombie sensed that she had detected its position, it didn''t halt the wave of zombies attacking. Instead, it maneuvered itself among the horde to obscure its location and shield itself from its enemies. Kisha wasn''t certain if the evolved zombie held a grudge for thwarting its original prey or if it had shifted its focus to them after losing its initial target. Seeing the zombie''s unwavering persistence, Kisha suspected it had become aware of the utility of crystal cores. These cores weren''t just beneficial to the awakened superhumans; they also accelerated zombie evolution, boosting their strength and capabilities. Crystal cores obtained from awakened superhumans, mutant animals, or plants functioned similarly in enhancing the zombie''s or human''s abilities. Mutant animals and plants could also utilize the crystal core from whichever to increase their strength. Kisha''s eyes narrowed with concern. The level of intelligence displayed by this lower-evolved zombie was deeply unsettling and posed a significant threat to the future. Typically, only high-level zombies regained enough intellect to think like humans, whereas lower-evolved zombies weren''t supposed to possess consciousness beyond basic instincts. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While stronger than ordinary zombies, they shouldn''t exhibit such strategic thinking. Kisha feared that if this zombie wasn''t dealt with, it could potentially evolve into a zombie king capable of terrorizing and destroying any shelter it encountered. Kisha''s determination to eliminate the threat surged as she directed more scarlet bees to lock down the evolved zombie''s position. Simultaneously, her team worked to stealthily extract themselves from the area. Aside from Sparrow, who else among them was best suited for this mission? If the evolved zombie was indeed that intelligent, Kisha suspected it had already marked her and Duke as targets, ensuring that the lesser zombies kept a vigilant eye on them. To confirm her suspicions, Kisha and Duke attempted a coordinated attack to breach through the defenses. However, as they advanced towards the center, they encountered increasing resistance. Whenever one of them momentarily vanished from sight, the lesser zombies became unusually protective of the evolved zombie, which would then conceal itself behind layers of earth armor and earth wall. The evolved zombie and the lesser zombies seemed less vigilant towards the other members of Kisha''s team. From this, Kisha deduced that they were specifically targeting her and Duke. Regardless of the reason behind this targeting, Kisha was determined not to let the evolved zombie survive, as she knew it would spell disaster for their group if it did. Getting close to the evolved zombie seemed nearly impossible, even with the assistance of the scarlet bees. The relentless waves of zombies made it exhausting, and they had the additional challenge of protecting Aston and his team while feeling cornered by the zombie''s onslaught. Kisha and Duke refrained from overusing their awakened abilities in this situation to avoid exhausting themselves, knowing the evolved zombie would seize any opportunity to attack with full force. Currently, it remains vigilant and on guard. The only option they considered was sending Sparrow to assassinate the evolved zombie while its attention was focused on them. They knew they had only one chance, and failure meant they might not get another opportunity. Without exchanging words, Kisha and Duke reached the same conclusion and exchanged a knowing glance. Their minds raced as they contemplated ways to distract the evolved zombie and its protective horde, creating an opening for Sparrow to strike. But Sparrow also needed to get closer to the evolved zombie for his attack to be more effective and deadly, unlike if he were to strike from afar. They hadn''t made a decision yet, so they instructed Sparrow to remain hidden for the time being, ensuring he wouldn''t alert the zombies while they strategized their next move. Chapter 186 - 186 Kill the Evolved Zombie Kisha and Duke fought the zombies relentlessly as if their lives depended on it. Their desperation was evident as they continued to kill, while Vulture joined the fray, using his awakened ability to turn the tide. This only excited the evolved zombie, making the horde more fierce and relentless in their attacks. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite their efforts, Kisha and the others struggled to make any headway and were gradually pushed back into a corner. Sensing their imminent downfall, the evolved zombie grew arrogant, its defense becoming lax as it anticipated their defeat. The longer the evolved zombie watched Kisha and the others struggle, the more relentless the waves of zombies became. Growing impatient, it began sending its guards to the front lines to fight, confident in its protection behind the earth armor and earth wall. The evolved zombie kept screeching, and with each screech, more of its guards left its side. As Kisha and the rest started to get overpowered, they switched to a defensive strategy. Vulture erected a thicker earth wall to halt the zombies'' advance, allowing Kisha and Duke brief moments to rest. It was clear they were getting tired. Their attacks on the zombies were becoming less frequent, and they were retreating behind the earth wall more often. This led the evolved zombie to believe that Kisha and the rest were exhausted and just looking for a way to escape. Thinking that Kisha and the rest would actually run away, the evolved zombie screeched again and began attacking on its own to dismantle Vulture''s protective wall. However, as it switched to offense, its own defenses crumbled. This was exactly what Kisha had been waiting for. Lower-level evolved zombies lacked the intelligence to maintain both defense and offense simultaneously, relying solely on instinct to operate and fight. Unlike humans, who possess strong mental capacities to control their awakened abilities and manage both defense and attack simultaneously, these zombies could not strategize effectively. However, it was true that evolved zombies were difficult to deal with and much stronger than awakened superhumans. Its earth wall was sturdier than Vulture''s, its earth spikes had a greater reach, and its attacks were more powerful. Coupled with its ability to control lower zombies, it was a formidable and a real pain in the ass. As the earth armor surrounding its body slowly crumbled while it continued sending earth spikes towards Kisha and the others, Sparrow, who had been waiting in ambush atop a building, swiftly descended to a lamppost just above the rampaging evolved zombie. Two wind blades were already prepared in each of Sparrow''s hands. Without giving the evolved zombie time to notice him, Sparrow, as soon as he landed on the lamppost, sent the wind blades simultaneously toward its neck, conjuring another as a backup. The first wind blade shattered the remaining earth armor and slightly cut its skin, while the second one sliced through its neck. Nervous that the two wind blades might not be enough, Sparrow quickly sent a third. By then, the evolved zombie had already noticed him. And Sparrow was correct; the two wind blades were insufficient to kill it. The blades only managed to slice halfway through its neck, leaving a gaping wound from which coagulated blood sporadically spurted, like a congested pipe. The evolved zombie''s head now leaned to one side, teetering as if about to fall. Sparrow also noticed the evolved zombie''s neck slowly healing, its muscles regenerating while its hatred-filled eyes locked onto him. The zombie commanded the lesser zombies to smash down the lamp post, intent on bringing Sparrow within reach. Sparrow''s third wind blade missed its mark as the evolved zombie had already sensed him after feeling the impact of the second wind blade. In a last-minute maneuver, the zombie shifted, narrowly avoiding the full force of the blade that could have decapitated it. The evolved zombie shifted its focus to Sparrow, recognizing that Kisha and the others were now on their last stand against its zombie army. With its head wobbling precariously on its almost severed neck, it snapped off an earth spike and hurled it towards Sparrow like a javelin, pinpointing him as the greatest threat. Instead of faltering, Sparrow persisted in provoking the evolved zombie with his wind blades, targeting its limbs to hinder its evasive maneuvers. However, this only further infuriated the creature, prompting it to unleash another ear-splitting screech that goaded its zombie horde into escalating their assault. Sparrow grinned, knowing the evolved zombie couldn''t comprehend his strategy. Feeling threatened, it shifted focus to defense and delegated the lesser zombies to deal with Kisha and Sparrow while it healed. However, the evolved zombie''s fate was sealed as its head rolled across the pavement just as it began to defend itself, completely unaware of what had transpired. Its body slumped to the ground with a thud, but the noise was drowned out by the relentless growls of the zombie horde. What happened was, the moment the evolved zombie turned its attention to Sparrow and Sparrow taunting it so he could keep its attention on him, making him the biggest threat to the anger fille evolved zombie, Bell was also tasked to be on ambush like Sparrow but it was only as a backup, the moment Bell saw Sparrow''s attack did not work, Bell was already only waiting for the right moment to zoom in on the evolved zombie to use its sharp forelegs to completely severe the evolved zombie''s head from its neck and it was going to be easier for Bell because Sparrow has already left a gaping wound on its neck and only needed a little more force to end it. With Bell''s agile movements, she darted towards the evolved zombie, her forelegs acting like sharp blades that swiftly incapacitated the creature. As soon as it fell, the aggression of the zombie horde noticeably subsided. While they continued to attack Kisha and the others, their coordination faltered without their leader to guide them. "Master, it''s dead!" Bell reported with excitement to Kisha, proudly presenting the crystal core she retrieved from the evolved zombie as if it were a precious treasure. Kisha eagerly accepted the crystal core, swiftly storing it in her inventory. Together with Duke, Vulture, and Sparrow, they all drank a vial of black liquid each to replenish their spiritual energy. With renewed vigor, they shifted from defense to offense, unleashing their full power without restraint. Kisha deftly maneuvered two flying daggers to strike at zombies positioned farther away, all the while elegantly killing those nearby with her twin katanas, moving with a grace that belied the intense concentration and skill required. Her actions proved instrumental in improving their dangerous situation. Meanwhile, Duke tirelessly conjured ice spears, unleashing them in a relentless downpour upon the zombies ahead. Despite being limited to Level 0, he managed to summon a maximum of a dozen spears. If he had been one level higher, his ability to create these icy projectiles would have been significantly greater. He grew increasingly dissatisfied with his ability to summon only a dozen ice spears at Level 0, while others could barely conjure one spear as large and powerful as his, each as long and thick as an adult''s forearm. If others with similar elemental abilities were to discover his discontent with his achievement, they might ridicule him mercilessly and drown him in spits. Even Kisha might kick him to sleep outside if she caught wind of his dissatisfaction. This guy was truly exasperating in a unique way. Sparrow alternated between using his wind blades and his cold weapons to help kill more zombies, while Vulture stood guard at the rear, shielding Aston and the others from the relentless onslaught. He erected an earth wall bristling with spikes that skewered the mindless zombies, who continued their advance without hesitation even as their comrades fell to the deadly obstacles. Bell didn''t remain idle either; to prove its worth, it effortlessly sliced through the zombie horde. With their combined effort and a few more vials of black liquid, Kisha and the others managed to eliminate all the zombies surrounding them. However, the battle lasted for hours; they lost track of time amidst the relentless fighting. The entire area was littered with zombie carcasses, making it difficult for them to move around freely. They doubted they could even maneuver the truck through the carcasses-strewn area, so Kisha stowed the military truck in her inventory. They continued their journey on foot. Aston and his team were momentarily surprised to discover that Kisha could store large objects like trucks in her space, finding this capability both impressive and formidable. Before departing, Duke set the entire battlefield ablaze to prevent a potential plague outbreak from the mass of carcasses, fearing that the wind might carry disease to the shelter. His decision was pragmatic; Kisha had firsthand experience with a similar plague in a previous life, where the accumulation of carcasses within shelter walls led to airborne transmission, slowly suffocating those within and leading to lung disease. Chapter 187 - 187 Whos the Jinx? As they walked away from the blazing zombie carcasses, a thought flashed through Vulture''s mind. Previously, he hadn''t paid much attention to the events that had gradually unfolded since they left City A to get to their base. From there, they journeyed to City B to track down their master''s family and eventually rescue them. "Do you think one of us might be a jinx?" Vulture asked incredulously. He had noticed that not a day passed without them encountering some form of danger or problem. Dealing with zombies was one thing, but recently, they had faced more traitors, were hunted by creepy zombie hordes, and now even evolved zombies. "Are you talking about yourself?" Sparrow snorted, looking Vulture up and down. Now that Vulture had mentioned it, Sparrow really did think he might be the jinx. "If you ask me, I''m quite lucky and often stumble upon good opportunities, so it''s highly likely it''s you." Sparrow didn''t spare Vulture''s feelings at all. "Why is it me?!" Vulture exclaimed, his eyes widening with anger. "What? Are you suggesting it''s either Master or Young Madam?" Sparrow teased, a playful smirk on his face. Vulture found himself tongue-tied, unable to respond. He had no choice but to accept Sparrow''s insinuation that he was the jinx of their group. What started as a casual remark now felt like a genuine curse, making Vulture believe that the gods were indeed targeting them, complicating their already challenging lives. The two exchanged a few more playful barbs as they walked back. They traveled on foot for quite a distance before eventually getting back on the truck. As they neared the shelter, Kisha instructed Sparrow to stop in a secluded spot. She knew there was something they needed to take care of before re-entering the shelter. "Before we go back to the shelter, there''s something we must do," Kisha stated, looking around at the faces of her companions. Despite their haggard and dirty appearances, they all seemed fine. None of them had slimmed down or appeared pitifully troubled, indicating they had endured their time outside fairly well. Even though they had lost two members of their group, their appearance suggested they had fared well, leaving no room for excuses about their time outside. "What must we do?" Aston asked, voicing the question on everyone''s mind. "Look at yourselves," Kisha replied, her expression indifferent. "W-we look fine," Reeve responded a hint of doubt in his voice. He couldn''t pinpoint anything wrong, but a sense of nervousness crept in. "Exactly, that''s the problem," Kisha said, pointing at each of them. They all looked confused, not grasping what she was insinuating. Seeing their puzzled expressions, Kisha decided to spell it out. "The issue is that you all look fine. Are they as strong as us?" she directed the question to one of Aston''s members. "No," he answered. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Exactly. You''re not as strong as us, and looking this fine will be an issue," Kisha stated bluntly. "We just lost two people, and those two happened to be traitors sent by the Minister of Defense and the Coltons." Kisha paced around, appearing disinterested as she continued. "If we go back looking like this, how do we explain their disappearance? Do we admit that we knew they were spies? And then what? Let the two forces join hands and surround us on all sides, not knowing who our enemies and allies are? Blindly fight back?" She paused, letting the questions hang in the air. Kisha didn''t want to hand them all the answers. She wanted them to use their brains, to run through the simulations in their heads so they wouldn''t be overly reliant on whoever was leading. "That sounds like a bad idea," Reeve said, starting to fidget. "Even though we now know where the Coltons'' hideout is, we''re still not sure how much influence they have in the shelter or how far they''re willing to go to retaliate. They don''t fight fair; they might even use the innocent lives of other survivors as hostages to get what they want." "Exactly. So, as a cover, we need to make it seem like we had a really tough time outside. We''ll say the two deserted their position to run on their own, only to die before us," Kisha explained, pointing at each of them. "We should look like we fought hell to come back alive. To make it believable, we should have some injuries. Don''t you think?" Hearing the last sentence from Kisha''s mouth made everyone gulp nervously. They sensed where this conversation was headed, and it didn''t bode well. Yet, they couldn''t voice any objections because Kisha had a valid point. They all understood why Kisha and the others kept their awakened abilities hidden¡ªit was for a good reason, and deep down, they all agreed it was the best option. They believed that revealing their awakened abilities to the Coltons would escalate the situation, making it more tragic and challenging. As Kisha broached the topic, they began to grasp her concerns. They understood that returning unscathed while the two spies were missing would raise suspicions, potentially turning the spotlight on them. And if they alerted their enemies prematurely, it would leave them more guarded and prepared, nullifying the advantage gained from the traitors'' information. This moment presented their best opportunity to mobilize their faction, catch the Coltons and the Minister of Defense off guard, and make use of the element of surprise. "T-then... How should we deal with this?" Aston asked tentatively, his voice betraying concern. He wasn''t afraid of pain or serious injury; he''d endured countless battles even before the apocalypse and had no intention of faltering now. However, he empathized with Reeve and the others who lacked his experience. He worried whether they would be able to endure the pain. "Commander, I know you understand what needs to be done. My team and I will also have to go through with this," Kisha said with a frustrated sigh. She didn''t want to see Duke injured, and she knew he didn''t like it either; he was already frowning and simmering with discontent at her side. When she turned to meet his eyes, she could see his silent acknowledgment of the necessity, though he remained silent himself. "We''ll also need to leave the truck behind and continue on foot from here." After Kisha spoke, silence fell over the group as each member contemplated what lay ahead. They absorbed the implications of Kisha''s words, some already mentally planning the injuries they would need to convincingly feign, hoping to appear as beleaguered and vulnerable as possible with their self-inflicted injuries. Kisha was pleasantly surprised by Aston''s team''s unwavering resolve, surpassing her expectations. She hadn''t anticipated their lack of discontent and their eagerness to comply with her orders. She knew this wasn''t because of the slave contract; such contracts didn''t alter a person''s fundamental personality or mindset¡ªthey merely imposed a binding obligation. Their willingness to comply brought a smile to Kisha''s face, reassuring her that she had made the correct decision. In truth, when she first encountered the traitors within Aston''s team, she had entertained thoughts of allowing the others to perish, perhaps even considering drastic measures such as killing them aside from Aston to prevent future betrayals and ensure her and her people''s safety. Chapter 188 - 188 Injuries However, her perspective shifted upon reviewing Reeve''s status window. She realized that Reeve''s survival played a crucial role, prompting her to reconsider her initial plans. Additionally, she anticipated that Aston would resent her if she acted impulsively and harmed innocent people before identifying the true traitor. And even though her heart has already turned cold and can''t trust that easily, she was not irresponsible and wouldn''t kill without reason. If she was, she wouldn''t even bring Clyde, Fred, or anyone else with her to travel to safety when she didn''t know if they would eventually betray her for whatever reason. After everyone grasped what was required, they took action accordingly. Those, like Reeve, who were willing but apprehensive about inflicting injuries on themselves sought assistance from Aston, Sparrow, and Vulture. Some even requested to be visibly bruised and battered, ensuring their ruse appeared convincing. Kisha couldn''t help but watch them as they endured, their muffled groans filling the room. It was clear they were handling it admirably, and she trusted Aston, Sparrow, and Vulture not to overdo it, ensuring the injuries inflicted were just enough to appear convincing without causing lasting harm to their health. Once the three had finished assisting the others, they each retrieved their own daggers, meticulously cleaning them before deliberately inflicting superficial wounds and scratches on themselves. They exchanged a few controlled punches before mutually agreeing to stop. When Kisha prepared to inflict injuries upon herself, Duke shot her a silent, disapproving glare, conveying his stance that while he consented to let the others play their roles, she needn''t join them. Both Kisha and Duke saw themselves as stronger figures in their group, as leader and vice-leader respectively. It seemed fitting to let Sparrow and Vulture, whom they considered their "Lackeys", would take on the task of simulating injuries in their place. But Kisha was determined to ensure their plan was foolproof and wouldn''t raise any suspicions. Duke, however, was deeply reluctant. "If you''re set on harming yourself," he said firmly, holding the dagger close to his chest, "then I''ll take a severe or even life-threatening injury before I let you step outside with that intention." Kisha''s heart nearly jumped out of her ribcage at Duke''s seriousness. "Alright, alright, I understand. I won''t hurt myself. Put that down," she said, motioning towards the dagger. Hearing Kisha step back to prevent him from hurting himself, Duke smiled at her briefly. Lowering the dagger, but then he swiftly stabbed it into his left shoulder and then his right thigh. Kisha was taken aback and momentarily stunned by Duke''s unexpected actions; she hadn''t anticipated him going to such lengths. She was filled with anger, grief, and frustration as she rushed to Duke''s side and helped him up. It wasn''t necessary to assist him; he showed barely any sign of pain on his face. He hadn''t even winced when he decisively stabbed himself, nor did he break into a sweat. Duke continued to act as if nothing was amiss. If Kisha hadn''t witnessed him inflict those wounds upon himself and seen the blood, she might have thought the dagger he used was merely a retractable prop. Everyone, including Kisha, was taken aback by Duke''s actions. They had all held back with the injuries they inflicted on themselves, which now seemed like mere scratches compared to Duke''s self-inflicted wounds. Kisha quickly retrieved the first aid kit from her inventory and began applying medication to Duke''s injuries. If it weren''t for their need to deceive the Coltons and appear authentic, Kisha would have opted to have Duke drink a healing potion and use makeup to disguise any remaining bruises. However, they knew they would face medical examination upon reaching the shelter, and the professionals there would surely inspect and dress their wounds thoroughly. She refrained from hurting herself, knowing Duke would add more injuries if she attempted to do so. She couldn''t bear to see Duke hurt any more than he already was. After everyone had tended to their wounds and deliberately made themselves look more disheveled, they continued their journey. Kisha stored all their supplies in her inventory, leaving only a few backpacks for them to carry, creating the impression they had salvaged some items. Duke then orchestrated the destruction of the truck: Sparrow deliberately rammed it into a nearby building. Making it look like the impact caused a fire, creating the illusion that the driver had been distracted during their escape, leading to the accident. But in reality, after Sparrow rammed the truck, Duke set it on fire with his fireballs. Due to their injuries, the scent of blood emanating from their wounds drew the attention of nearby zombies. Forced to fight while fleeing, they appeared genuinely desperate, as if they were being hunted by the zombie horde. This dramatic scene unfolded before the gatekeeper and others stationed at the lookout tower, who witnessed it from a distance. They were initially alarmed by the billowing dark smoke rising from a distance, catching the lookout tower''s attention first. Soon after, they observed the chaotic scene unfolding as Kisha and the others approached, visible through their binoculars. "Captain, incoming survivors at 3 o''clock!" the lookout urgently radioed, spotting Kisha and her group fleeing from a horde of zombies. The entire team appeared wounded and struggling, with Kisha supporting Duke as they ran. No matter how battered and struggling they appeared, they didn''t stop running. Once the lookout confirmed they were survivors, they began sniping the zombies closest to Kisha''s team to provide support. While the lookout tower provided support, the soldier stationed atop the wall awaited the moment their targets came into view before opening fire. Currently, only the lookout tower had clear sight of Kisha and her team. The gatekeeper was confident that the incoming survivors were their commander and his companions, so, he ensured everyone paid full attention and provided necessary support. He promptly alerted the standby medics upon hearing reports of incoming wounded individuals. Tension gripped everyone as they awaited Aston and the others'' arrival at the gate, hearing the continuous gunfire from the snipers stationed above. "What''s the situation out there?" The gatekeeper radioed the lookout tower urgently for an update. "Sir, it''s confirmed that Commander McMillan''s team is incoming. They appear battered and injured, closing in on the 500-meter mark. Prepare for their arrival down there," the chief lookout responded, maintaining a steady stream of gunfire. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He quickly relayed the information to the soldiers on the wall and signaled for those standing behind the gate to be ready to open it at a moment''s notice. The brief wait felt interminable and nerve-wracking. Chapter 189 - 189 Telling Them What Happened "They''re coming! I can see them!" one of the soldiers on the wall shouted, prompting the others to tighten their grips on their guns. Sweat started to drip from their foreheads as nervousness set in. After the initial shout, everyone had a clear view of Kisha and the others. They witnessed the staggering figures battling their way towards Gate 2. Among them, Kisha stood out as the only one unharmed, fiercely fighting back. She supported Duke with her left arm while his right arm hung limply over her shoulder. Her right arm swung ceaselessly, wielding her sword against the onslaught of incoming zombies. The rest of their group struggled valiantly, barely holding off the zombies with their battered bodies. In the eyes of the soldiers watching from a distance, they appeared on the brink of exhaustion, fighting their final battles with the spirit of warriors. Unbeknownst to them, scarlet bees were aiding each person of Kisha''s group in defense. Whenever a zombie approached to attack, the scarlet bees targeted the ankles of the undead from below, causing them to stumble and fall just as they were about to reach their prey. They repeated this process to create the illusion that Kisha''s group was barely surviving, all the while ensuring they were protected from being bitten or killed during the ordeal. When Kisha and the others reached the firing range, the soldiers on the wall unleashed a continuous barrage of gunfire. Soon after, a group of soldiers in protective gear emerged from the gate, which opened slowly. They moved swiftly toward Kisha''s team, surrounding them. Some soldiers assisted those who could barely walk, helping them into the gate. Initially, their focus was on getting Commander McMillan inside, and they seemed ready to leave the others behind outside. When Aston noticed this, he adamantly refused to abandon his people. He repeatedly assured the soldiers who emerged to assist that everyone with him was free of zombie bites. He even went so far as to threaten them with his own life if they refused to listen. Fortunately, the guards at the gate were all Aston''s men. If they hadn''t been, they might have been willing to sacrifice him to the zombies while pretending to assist him. After asserting his authority and issuing his threat as a Commander, the soldiers finally began to assist the injured and guide them inside. They formed a protective ring around Aston''s team, while those on the wall continued firing their guns incessantly to keep the zombies at bay and ensure their safe passage into the gate. Once they successfully ushered Aston and the others inside the gate, the gatekeepers ensured the gate was tightly closed. Without delay, the medics knelt on the ground and began inspecting their wounds. Only after confirming they hadn''t suffered any bites or scratches from zombies did the medics organize everyone to assist in carrying the injured inside the tent for immediate treatment. Since Kisha appeared relatively unharmed aside from exhaustion, they prioritized treating the others first with thorough examinations and immediate medical attention. The gatekeepers kept Kisha outside momentarily as the treatment tents were occupied. Taking the opportunity, one of the gatekeepers began questioning Kisha about the events that had transpired. He vividly remembered the number of people who had set out just two days ago. While he hadn''t anticipated their return so soon, seeing Kisha and her team return unscathed a few days prior, escorting a large group of survivors, led everyone to assume it would be a similar outcome this time around. Not only were they all heavily injured, but they had also lost two people. With their years of experience as soldiers, just by observing their condition, it was evident that something significant must have occurred to lead them to this state. "Can you tell us what happened? Where are the other two people from Commander Aston''s team? You didn''t use them as bait, did you?" The gatekeeper asked sternly, attempting to intimidate Kisha, although he knew it wouldn''t work. Kisha calmly closed her eyes for a moment, shaking her head. She was still trying to catch her breath after the exhausting run. Taking a few deep breaths to steady herself, she focused on regulating her breathing. No one hurried her to respond; they understood she needed a moment after narrowly escaping death. After more than 10 minutes, Kisha finally spoke up. "We didn''t abandon anyone," she began, her voice steady despite the exhaustion. "We completed our mission and were heading back. At one point, near the shelter, we were suddenly surrounded by zombies from all sides. Initially, we managed to hold them off, but we lost track of two team members in the chaos. With the zombie horde growing, we couldn''t risk leaving our defensive position to search for them." Kisha continued her tale, subtly implying that the two missing team members had deserted their posts, leaving the rest of the team to face the zombie horde alone. She described how the truck was set on fire after ramming into a building, carefully placing the blame on the missing individuals for the dire situation they faced. Kisha''s narrative suggested they were traitors who had planned to abandon and sabotage the team without explicitly stating it. She adhered to the fabricated story they had all agreed upon before returning, ensuring her account sounded credible and consistent. Everyone knew this version of the story, so if asked, they would all provide identical accounts. Having witnessed Kisha and her team return the day after the zombie raid, visibly strong and capable after protecting more than a couple dozen survivors, they easily believed her story. This led them to suspect that the two missing people had been plotting against their Commander''s life. "Did the two arrive before us?" Kisha added, feigning concern as if she genuinely didn''t understand what had happened and thought the two merely got separated from their team. The soldiers guarding the gate exchanged incredulous looks, now tinged with grim realization. Kisha''s story successfully planted seeds of doubt among Aston''s soldiers, making them suspect there were traitors in their ranks aiming to kill Aston. Even if the Minister of Defense and the Young Master of the Colton family discovered their people were missing, they would likely conclude that the mission failed and that the traitors died while attempting to flee after their plot to kill Aston went awry. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No matter how they examined the situation, they could only conclude this after wracking their brains for answers. They wouldn''t be able to find those two spies, and their mission would inevitably fail. With these testimonies, Kisha and her team could absolve themselves of any responsibility, appearing genuinely unaware of the whereabouts or fate of the two individuals. They ensured that only those within their team were privy to this knowledge, confident that anyone attempting to speak out would face dire consequences under the strict terms of the slave contract. Sensing the soldiers around her beginning to grasp the situation from her subtle hints, Kisha cautiously withdrew, mindful not to overplay her hand and draw suspicion onto herself and her team. As the saying goes, history is written by the victors, and only they can do so because the dead cannot speak. Chapter 190 - 190 Another Traitor Uncovered "Master! We have news!" Bell''s sweet voice interrupted her thoughts. "What is it?" Kisha inquired. "I received a report from the scarlet bees we left behind," Bell''s voice turned somber as it continued, "It seems there were still traitors among us who waited for our departure to act against the Winters we left behind. The scarlet bees followed them to the Coltons'' hideout and confirmed its location at the shed behind Villa #5, just as the traitor had disclosed." "They all thought that since you left, you wouldn''t be able to control the scarlet bees and wouldn''t be able to keep them monitored," Bell reported while sending Kisha the visuals of what happened from the scarlet bee who was spying on the person who almost managed to contact the Young Master Coltons and told him about all the information he kept hidden. It turned out that there were still two spies deeply embedded within Duke''s ranks, holding crucial positions such as vice-captains, and strangely, they were the only survivors of their team. Their survival was not due to luck but because they were covertly undermining their colleagues, discreetly eliminating them while avoiding suspicion. By acting in this manner, they not only evoked suspicion but also clandestinely gathered more information. Due to their cautious approach, they refrained from carrying any communication devices that could link them to the Coltons, avoiding direct contact with their men. They seized the opportunity to report back to Young Master Colton only after ensuring Kisha and her core members had left the area, under the assumption that Kisha no longer had surveillance capabilities since it was believed the scarlet bees had a limited range under her control. Which was partially true. Fortunately, Kisha had been excessively cautious and deployed two scarlet bees per person. Initially, she assigned them as guards to ensure everyone''s safety while she focused on identifying any remaining hidden traitors. It turned out to be a prudent decision in the end. After confirming the Coltons'' hideout and the entry route, the scarlet bee cleverly eliminated the traitor and took measures to conceal any evidence linking the deceased to the Winters. The remaining scarlet bees gathered together, leaving only one to continue the surveillance on their targets while the others transported the traitor''s body and discreetly disposed of it in a secluded location. This ensured that if discovered, any finder would likely dispose of it by incineration, fearing potential virus transmission. Working together, the eleven large scarlet bees faced the challenging task of moving the dead body. Despite the difficulty, they managed to succeed, showcasing their intelligence far beyond that of regular bees. This heightened intelligence was due in part to the imprinting Bell passed down to each of its offspring. This imprinting served as a comprehensive knowledge base, imparting awareness of their responsibilities and capabilities. As a result, they could effectively carry out their duties and adapt to circumstances independently, ensuring their ability to survive and thrive without constant oversight. The Winters were faring well, seamlessly blending in with the other survivors while maintaining a facade of normalcy. They couldn''t ignore the disappearance of two of their members, initially suspecting that the Coltons had tracked them down, captured the two, and subjected them to interrogation and torture. However, Mr. Winters'' astute judgment prevailed, preventing any premature actions. Instead, they patiently awaited Kisha and her team''s return, a decision that ultimately proved wise. Now that Kisha had a clearer understanding of the events that unfolded at the shelter in their absence, she realized the extent of the Coltons'' infiltration. Thanks to her careful planning and precautions, they had narrowly averted disaster during her absence. She shuddered to think what the Coltons might have done had they captured the Winters. She didn''t even want to entertain those thoughts because she was certain that the outcome would be disastrous. She waited patiently outside the tent for Duke and the rest to be done with their treatment, most of them passed out and needed to be transported via stretchers and transferred to the medical tent where they should be resting so the tent in the gate would still remain as the full body examination tent for those who came from the outside. Once one of the tents became available, a medic ushered her inside for a full-body examination. After briefly resting while informing the gatekeeper of the events, she quickly entered the tent, removed her clothes, and placed them in a basket. Her full-body examination didn''t take long since she didn''t have any visible wounds, just a few bruises from running and fighting. Once finished, she followed her team to the medical tent situated near the center of the shelter. Many soldiers glanced their way as they were escorted to the medical tent. Despite not appearing to be at death''s door, they deliberately presented themselves as severely injured. Aston and the team had carefully orchestrated their appearance, sparing no effort in exchanging calculated blows, creating bruises and wounds to heighten the illusion. Now, as their audience witnessed their performance, a smug satisfaction couldn''t help but swell within them. Those who had passed out were simply too exhausted. Once they realized they were in a safe place, their stiff muscles relaxed and the rush of adrenaline ceased, making them appear vulnerable and pitiful. Even the fierce-looking Duke, appeared injured and battered, prompting everyone to imagine the severity of their ordeal before escaping the clutches of death. News of their return in such a state began circulating throughout the shelter, causing concern even among the Winters. However, Mr. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Winters advised patience, urging them to wait for Kisha and her team to make contact to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. Only then did Mrs. Winters and the Patriarch heed his advice and remain in place. Even the Winters'' bodyguards were eager to check on their master and young madam to ensure their well-being, yet they refrained from causing any trouble by remaining patient and staying put. Despite Kisha being uninjured, the medical staff insisted she lie down on one of the makeshift beds inside the medical tent, alongside her team and Aston''s team, occupying the entire space. Duke lay beside Kisha, adding to the crowded scene within the tent. "How are you feeling?" Kisha asked Duke with concern etched on her face. She retrieved a vial of blue liquid from her inventory, but Duke shook his head, indicating he didn''t want to use it just yet, knowing it could disrupt their plan. Kisha sighed softly, reluctantly returning the vial to her inventory. "This injury is nothing, you don''t have to worry," Kisha said softly, gently holding Duke''s hand as he reached out to touch her face. She supported his hand as it rested on her cheek, a tender expression on her face mirroring his smile. "Then rest. I''ll stay here and keep watch while you sleep," Kisha said, gently patting Duke''s hand. Instead of looking pained, Duke appeared to be enjoying himself, as if receiving a treat rather than being cared for after a beating. "Would you sleep beside me?" Duke asked, opening his arms as if inviting Kisha to rest in his embrace. "Stop that. You''re injured. Just rest for a bit," Kisha reprimanded Duke gently. "It''s not like I''m planning to do something indecent," Duke murmured, casting a pitiful glance at Kisha in an attempt to invoke her pity and coax her into pampering him. Chapter 191 - 191 Minister Of Defense Kisha sighed in defeat but remained firm, not giving in to Duke''s demand because she was worried about his injured shoulder and thigh. "No, sleep on your own. We can sleep together when you''re well again," she explained. Duke then grinned devilishly. "You said it. No takebacks..." Kisha felt choked by his statement and by Duke''s childish persistence in taking advantage of any opportunity. She didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at how, despite his injuries, he still had time to think of such things. This side of him was so different from the Duke she thought she knew. "It seems you''re doing just fine and don''t need my concern," Kisha said, pretending to be angry and turning away. Duke''s mischievous grin faltered into a flustered smile. Realizing he might have pushed his luck too far, he lay down obediently, knowing that if he really upset her, Kisha might ignore him, and he didn''t want to risk how long his wife would stay mad at him. When Kisha saw Duke lying obediently on the bed without further fuss, she smiled to herself and let him rest. Despite his playfulness, it was clear he was tired, and he fell asleep almost instantly. Kisha stayed by his side, watching over him as he slept peacefully. Seeing Duke sleep made Kisha feel drowsy too, and without noticing, she fell asleep on the bed beside him, still facing his side. Two hours later, they were abruptly awakened by an insensitive soldier who barged into the medical tent where Aston and her team were resting. The commotion roused most of them almost instantly. There were soldiers loudly talking outside the tent, and the sound of incoming footsteps grew louder. Kisha and the rest didn''t even have a chance to process what was happening when a middle-aged man with a round beer belly, a double chin, and thick limbs¡ªessentially, a fatso¡ªentered. He entered the tent, followed by a few more men in army uniforms. They all looked intimidating and strong, but that wasn''t the point. The point was that they barged into the tent where the injured were resting with great fanfare, not even considering how the injured might feel. He looked around the tent, and when he saw Aston, who had also been woken up by the noise and was gazing at him absentmindedly, not even attempting a greeting, the fatso narrowed his eyes in anger. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I didn''t know Commander Aston no longer shows respect for the Minister of Defense. What, you no longer honor your responsibilities and your superiors?" the fatso said, looking at Aston condescendingly. His eyes then swept around the tent until they landed on Kisha, who stared back coldly and indifferently. "You must be the one leading the escort while the investigation was ongoing outside?" he asked, his interest piqued not by her as an individual, but by her potential usefulness to him. He had heard the stories about Kisha and her group: how they successfully escorted a large number of survivors through a zombie raid when the undead seemed to have gone berserk overnight. Tales of their battles described them as total killing machines, leaving nothing but pools of blood in their wake. "And who might you be?" Kisha asked, her displeasure evident at being disturbed while she rested. Glancing at Duke to check if he was awake too, her anger softened slightly upon seeing him sleeping soundly, still holding her hand tightly. She hadn''t noticed when he had started holding it, but his grasp was firm, as though his life depended on it. The man, clearly offended by Kisha''s lack of deference, couldn''t help but feel slighted. "I am the Minister of Defense and the leader of this shelter," he declared proudly, expecting Kisha to recognize his authority and accord him the respect he believed he deserved. "Okay," Kisha replied with a lackluster and indifferent tone. Aston nearly burst into laughter seeing the Minister of Defense''s face flush with anger; clearly, he wasn''t used to such disrespect. For Kisha, respect was mutual and had to be earned¡ªit wasn''t simply granted based on titles or positions. He did not show them respect when he just suddenly barged into the tent without minding how others would feel, especially when they were injured and should be resting. But he even expects them to what, grovel in his feet to show him respect? And yet, he had the audacity to claim leadership of the shelter, despite hiding in his villa and relying on soldiers to protect and provide for him. His pre-apocalypse military rank, whether earned through hard work or connections, was irrelevant now. What mattered was whether he fulfilled his duty as Minister of Defense. But unfortunately, he isn''t doing any of that. "You! Is this how you show respect for the person providing shelter for you?!" he roared, his voice echoing through the tense silence in the tent, startling everyone present. Kisha''s bloodlust surged within her, and she struggled not to let it consume her at that moment. She noticed Duke stirring on his bed, but thankfully, he didn''t wake up. He must have been exhausted from staying vigilant while they were outside, solely focused on keeping Kisha safe. Now that they were safely inside the shelter and Kisha was out of immediate danger, he seemed to relax a bit, finally allowing himself some much-needed rest. Kisha''s menacing aura filled the room, sending a chill through everyone present. It was as if an invisible force held them in place, immobilizing them with fear. Her cold, indifferent gaze added to the mounting tension, making everyone, especially the Minister of Defense, feel a palpable sense of dread. He could feel her hostility bearing down on him so intensely that his knees threatened to buckle under the weight of fear. Kisha suppressed her urge to retaliate, realizing the moment wasn''t right for confrontation. "Minister, I hope your visit isn''t solely to lecture us," she began calmly but with an undertone of warning. "As you can see, my team and I are recuperating after fighting to stay alive. You might not be aware, but the zombies outside have grown more formidable¡ªthey''re stronger and faster than before." Kisha said as if she was merely talking about the weather but her tone made it obvious that she was giving everyone a warning that it was not the time for all of them to fight with each other because no matter who the victor is, if they did not pay attention to the growing strength of the zombies outside, they would still all die. The Minister''s anger ebbed as Kisha''s words sank in. He had indeed received reports about the heightened threat posed by the zombies, but initially dismissed them as temporary anomalies. Now, Kisha''s assertion that the zombies showed no signs of reverting to their previous state unsettled him deeply. "Are you sure about this?" The Minister asked, his face betraying evident difficulty and fear, likely from a frightening encounter with a zombie before reaching the shelter. "How can I not be sure about this? I and my team has been fighting the zombies in close combat and we felt their change. I''m afraid, sooner or later, firearms might not be enough to fight with them if theis continues." Kisha pretended to be worried of the future as she made sure to scare the old fatso away. Chapter 192 - 192 The Sour Duke Sure enough, the Minister was visibly unnerved and hastily departed under the guise of convening an emergency meeting to address the emerging threat. He hurried away, clearly rattled and likely contemplating how to navigate the impending challenges Kisha had brought to his attention. Just contemplating the possibility of firearms becoming ineffective against zombies was deeply unsettling for everyone present, especially given their lack of awareness about the awakened abilities. Aston and his team regarded Kisha with a mix of respect and admiration. While they held the Minister of Defense in low regard, they remained bound by military protocols and continued to adhere to them to this day. Therefore, the Minister of Defense could still exert influence and take action despite offering little beyond his military rank. Unfortunately for him, Kisha was bound to remain in the shelter for approximately 22 more days to complete her critical S-class mission, crucial for her survival. Her objective included purging the shelter of its leeches and addressing the looming threat posed by the Coltons. Reeve''s account of his friends being sold and subjected to being a sex slave by the Coltons reinforced Kisha''s belief that even in the absence of the Winters, the shelter''s residents would continue to endure terror and exploitation at the hands of the Coltons, treated no better than livestock or slaves. No wonder Duke from her previous life wiped out the Coltons and the Minister of Defense before assuming control of the shelter in City B; this issue was undoubtedly the reason. Kisha understood that she would likely take similar actions once fully prepared. With a clear idea of the location of the Coltons'' hideout now in hand, they could approach dealing with them more efficiently and effectively. Now that the Minister of Defense had left, silence returned to the tent, and they could resume resting. However, Aston''s team found it difficult to relax. The encounter with the Minister had brought back all the stress they had managed to avoid outside, weighing heavily on them. This was particularly true for Aston, who had often dealt with the Minister of Defense directly. Kisha left them to their thoughts and returned to rest. Two hours later, Duke woke up feeling refreshed. He lay still, watching Kisha sleep peacefully in her own bed, facing him. Her serene expression showed no signs of nightmares anymore, and she slept soundly. Duke could sense the lingering stress affecting Aston and his team, making the atmosphere in the tent feel somewhat stifling. Even though he didn''t know what happened, he knew that it might have something to do with the power struggle inside the shelter and he didn''t care about it now, since he already rescued his family and his people, he could just bring them back to his base that was well prepared and stocked. But right now, he was just staying because Kisha wanted to, if not for Kisha, he would have already left. Unlike in his previous life, where his family perished at the hands of the Coltons and his men sacrificed themselves to protect him, prompting him to seize control of the shelter in their honor, Duke vowed to exact revenge on those who sought his demise. He resolved to ensure they experienced profound despair before meeting their inevitable demise. But now that everyone was safe and sound, Duke had no intention of pursuing such thoughts and so, his path diverged from his previous life. While he desired revenge, he had no interest in taking over the shelter, especially since he already had his own well-equipped and secure base. Despite this, he found himself bound by the fact that his wife was in charge, making her the one calling the shots. After a while, Kisha and the rest woke up as well, their tired and injured bodies urging them to return home. Before leaving, Kisha handed each of them a vial of blue liquid and explained its lifesaving properties. They hesitated to use it for their current injuries, opting to save it for more dire circumstances. Despite their reservations, Kisha insisted they take the potion within a day. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You all should take it. I have plenty more, but if you don''t drink by tomorrow, I''ll take it back," Kisha sternly reminded them. After hearing her declaration about reclaiming the medicine, they hurriedly dispersed, fearful of her resolve. Unbeknownst to them, they had begun to regard Kisha''s words with unwavering trust, almost as if they were absolute law. Despite not yet witnessing the vial''s effects, they already believed it possessed miraculous properties, akin to the formidable abilities demonstrated by Kisha and her team¡ªattributes that seemed almost mystical like how they had bargained their souls away without even realizing it. Kisha and her team returned to Villa #1, ensuring Reeve came along to prevent him from suffering the same fate as his friends¡ªbeing kidnapped by the Coltons'' men to serve as their Young Master''s sex slave. She made a solemn promise to Reeve that they would also rescue his friends from such a horrific fate. But Duke was far from pleased with this arrangement. Seeing Reeve''s youthful, handsome face filled him with an unfamiliar sense of dread. He feared they were allowing an enemy into his own home¡ªa potential threat who might steal his wife away from him. Duke frowned deeply as Kisha dragged Reeve along with them until they reached home, his gaze fixed on Kisha''s hand gripping Reeve''s with clear displeasure. Despite his inner turmoil, he couldn''t bring himself to confront Kisha until they arrived home. It was only then that Kisha noticed Duke''s disapproval and where his gaze had been fixed the entire time. She quickly withdrew her hand from Reeve''s arm and instructed Sparrow to escort Reeve to an empty room. Taking Duke by the hand, she led him to her room to talk things over and coax him. She didn''t know that Duke could be so possessive and jealous of someone so young that she treated like a younger brother, who knows what''s going on in his head right now and how he thinks that Kisha must adore younger men. If Kisha knew, she would definitely kick him to sleep in the dog house. Now that Kisha and Duke were aware that the entire villa had been bugged, they strategized to remove the surveillance equipment. However, they decided against immediate action to avoid arousing suspicion; instead, they opted to leave the hidden cameras and listening devices in place for the time being. After guiding Duke to her room, Kisha sat him down on the bed beside her. She then took both of his hands and playfully brought them to her face, attempting to act cute. However, in their current disguise, the playful gesture seemed more eerie than endearing, making her look scarier than when she maintained a poker face. But for Duke, he found it endearing that Kisha was making an effort to comfort him and was attentive to his emotions, indicating that she held him close to her heart and paid careful attention to his mood shifts. Thinking this, he felt a sweetness akin to honey on his lips, his mouth curving into a smile. Kisha smiled back upon seeing his expression, but she made sure to explain herself to avoid any misunderstandings. "You know, Reeve is the same age as my younger brother Keith," she began, pausing to ensure Duke was following along. "When I saw Reeve alone and distressed, it reminded me of Keith. I imagined how I would feel if Keith were in his position and hoped someone would extend a helping hand to him. So, I did." Chapter 193 - 193 The Sentimental Duke Seeing Kisha clarify her motives to ensure he didn''t misunderstand, Duke nodded and happily let go of his earlier sourness. Her explanation showed that she valued Duke''s feelings above all else and didn''t want to hurt him. This was all he needed. It didn''t need to be spoken; it was enough evidence for him to realize that his and Kisha''s hearts were aligned. Duke''s eyes formed crescents as he gazed directly into Kisha''s. Those monitoring them from the hidden camera couldn''t bear to watch because Kisha and Duke appeared intimidatingly affectionate toward each other, making them feel uncomfortable as if their eyes were under assault. Duke refrained from making any advances towards Kisha, knowing they were still under surveillance, which irked him. He was eager to teach those who intruded into his private space a lesson they wouldn''t forget once he had the chance. If only he had known they were no longer being watched, he could have taken advantage of the moment to do more than just hold hands. The thought that he missed a perfect opportunity for intimacy with his wife when the mood was ideal frustrated him deeply. Even though they hadn''t officially tied the knot, Duke already considered Kisha his one and only wife. The insecurity about their unofficial status weighed on him, knowing how amazing Kisha was and how easily she could attract attention. Seeing her in disguise actually eased his mind a little. He looked at Kisha''s hand and frowned. "Where''s the wedding ring I gave you?" Although he referred to it as a wedding ring, it was more of an engagement ring for now, considering they hadn''t actually wed yet, if they intended to follow the traditional wedding procedure. But in a world where societal norms no longer held sway, they could consider themselves husband and wife as long as they both agreed. However, Duke couldn''t shake the feeling that it wasn''t enough; he believed Kisha deserved more. If possible, he would spare no effort to give her a grand wedding, reminiscent of the lavish ceremonies he could once afford in a society where he was considered wealthy. Thinking of this made him feel a pang of sadness. Imagining Kisha in a beautiful wedding dress, walking down the aisle in a venue adorned with flowers, surrounded by their beloved family, he felt his heart ache. He longed to give his wife such a beautiful wedding. Kisha noticed Duke''s eyes starting to redden, and she assumed he was upset because she wasn''t wearing the ring he gave her. Feeling guilty, she nervously rubbed the tip of her nose as she retrieved the ring from her inventory. "I was afraid this beautiful ring would get lost or stained with zombie blood, so I kept it safe in my inventory," she explained, showing the ring to Duke. Her grip on his hand tightened slightly as she felt distressed seeing him so sad. Duke took the ring from her and gently slipped it back onto her finger, chuckling softly. "I''m happy to know that you value my grandmother''s ring so much." He then slowly rubbed her finger where the ring sat. "I just wish I could give you more," he added, his tone turning somber once again. As a man who once had everything, he wasn''t afraid of hardships or starting over. However, he felt guilty that he couldn''t provide his wife with the better life and splendor he once enjoyed. As the saying goes, it''s easy to go from poor to rich, but it''s hard to go from rich to poor once you''ve experienced having everything. Although Duke wasn''t dwelling on those thoughts, he felt bad that Kisha couldn''t experience the life he once had. This, however, ignited his determination to do better. Even if they couldn''t return to their normal lives, he was resolved to ensure they could live a better and safer life with their loved ones. He would make sure to pamper her as much as possible. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing Duke like this made Kisha feel a warmth in her heart. She hadn''t known that being loved could feel this way¡ªwarm and genuine. It was a stark contrast to her previous relationship, where her partner had been all talk, leaving her feeling empty. Now, she realized it was because Duke expressed his feelings through both words and actions, never failing to show how much he cared. Kisha had been blind to these cues, afraid of getting hurt or rejected in their previous life. As thoughts of her past began to resurface, Kisha shook her head, not wanting to dampen her emotions when Duke made her feel so full in her heart. She smiled appreciatively at him. "I''m happy that you think of me, but I''m content with what we have. You are enough," she said, cupping his face and staring into his eyes. Though her words felt a bit cringy, she knew she needed to say them out loud to help Duke feel secure. Duke smiled, cupping Kisha''s hand on his face before slowly kissing her palm while gazing at her. "I just wish to give you a memorable wedding, at least," he said, his voice turning alluringly magnetic, never breaking eye contact with her. Kisha rubbed his cheeks and chuckled softly. "If you''re worried about that, we can still make it happen. I''m sure among the survivors here, there are some who worked as wedding planners or designers," she paused, gently coaxing Duke before continuing. "Besides, we''ll meet more people along the way. If we don''t have the right people now, we can keep looking. I''m not in a hurry." Hearing this, Duke''s eyes brightened with the realization that they could indeed post such a mission on the board, offering supplies as payment. He was confident that many would be eager to participate, considering how challenging it was to secure supplies through odd jobs alone, which often left them hungry. By offering a generous reward for the mission, he believed they could uncover hidden talents among the survivors. Having found a solution to his worries, Duke was now smiling again with pure happiness. All he needed to do was gather the necessary materials for the wedding he envisioned for him and Kisha. His determination surged to another level, reminiscent of facing off against the world''s top bosses in the business world. Kisha shook her head in amusement, seeing Duke all fired up. She realized she still had so much to learn about him; only now did she see his sentimental side. In good spirits, Duke led Kisha downstairs to have dinner before bed. As usual, Vulture and Sparrow worked together to prepare a hot meal for the five of them, using only the canned goods and rice they had gathered while outside. They all missed the fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats that Kisha often retrieved from her inventory. However, knowing they were still being monitored, they made do with what they had and planned to indulge once they were free again and Kisha could freely access her inventory. Since Kisha had access to the base''s warehouse and stockroom, she had unlimited supplies of fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat available there. In addition, the supplies she had hoarded before arriving in City B were still there and as fresh as when she had stored them. Chapter 194 - 194 Going to the Market Sparrow and Vulture quickly prepared dinner while Reeve set the table delicately, moving as if on eggshells. As an idol, he was skilled at reading the room and sensitive to others'' emotions, sometimes almost overly so. He was aware that Duke did not look kindly upon him, which made him feel like he was walking on eggshells around the others. Despite Sparrow and Vulture treating him kindly, the final decision rested with Duke, their master. When Reeve saw Duke happily leading Kisha downstairs by the hand, he understood that they had reconciled. However, as an outsider among them, he felt distant and unsure of where he stood. Despite his discomfort, Reeve knew he had to remain with them to protect himself and rescue his good friends from the Coltons'' grasp. But once dinner started, Reeve found himself treated like everyone else¡ªfed and accepted without any hostility from Duke. It seemed Kisha had talked sense into him, now seeing Reeve as more of a kid than anything else. Reeve still felt a bit uncertain, perhaps due to his youth and the constant desire to fit in, but as he relaxed, he noticed Sparrow and Vulture also made it easy for him. Once everyone had finished eating, they gathered in the living room for tea and small talk, deliberately ignoring the cameras and listening devices. They made it appear as though everything was perfectly normal. Then they all retired to rest; Reeve''s room was conveniently located near Vulture and Sparrow''s, ensuring they could keep an eye on him in case of any attempt to kidnap him or pull a fast one. Sparrow and Vulture remained on high alert, while Duke and Kisha resumed sharing a room to themselves. Duke no longer wanted to sleep in separate bedrooms. First and foremost, he wanted to prevent Kisha from having nightmares; he felt he could truly comfort her and prevent them. Secondly, he couldn''t sleep without feeling her soft body against him. It felt incomplete, leaving him restless and unable to sleep peacefully. Kisha was comfortable with this arrangement too. Despite Duke''s occasional teasing, when it came to resting, he always prioritized her well-being and made sure she could rest properly. This was particularly important after their long and eventful day outside the shelter, where Kisha had managed their navigation and remained on high alert with her scarlet bees at the ready. Not long after, they fell asleep in each other''s embrace. Meanwhile, in another part of the shelter, the Minister of Defense and the Coltons'' Young Master engaged in a serious discussion about Kisha and Duke. They held contrasting views on recruiting them into their team. The Coltons'' Young Master was determined to harness Kisha and Duke''s potential as powerful assets, envisioning them as formidable guard dogs and lethal weapons. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In contrast, the Minister of Defense harbored concerns that their unpredictable nature could ultimately lead to disaster for their group. After meeting Kisha earlier, he concluded that they were not the type of individuals easily controlled. Their strength and capability were undeniable, yet this very power posed a challenge in managing such formidable figures, in his view. On the other hand, the Coltons'' Young Master found their dangerous potential enticing. He believed that once he subjugated them and turned them into his hunting dogs, no one would dare challenge his authority again. He watched Villa #1 intently through the monitoring device, observing Kisha and Duke huddled together and became increasingly convinced that capturing one would inevitably lead to capturing the other. He began scheming various scenarios on how he could apprehend either of them, his mind already concocting plans for their capture. After a restful night, Kisha woke up in Duke''s embrace to find him watching her sleeping face intently, unmoving. He didn''t mind his arm growing numb from being used as Kisha''s pillow all night; seeing her so peacefully comfortable in his arms brought a wide smile to his face. When he noticed Kisha waking up, his smile widened. They spent a whole five minutes simply gazing at each other before getting out of bed. Kisha helped massage Duke''s numb arm with a smile, the atmosphere serene and calm, calming their hearts as they thought, "This is how life should be." After freshening up and descending, Duke and Kisha found Vulture had already prepared breakfast, while Sparrow and Reeve set out to patrol the villa, maintaining appearances. Following a light breakfast, Duke and Kisha ventured to a small market where survivors traded daily necessities they had gathered, as their shelter was now of little use for such items, in exchange for food. Vulture and Sparrow remained at the villa with Reeve, dedicating time to training him in basic self-defense techniques to ensure his safety. Meanwhile, Kisha leisurely strolled through the small market, taking in each stand and its offerings: gold accessories, clothing, and everyday essentials such as toothbrushes and shampoo. Duke and Kisha carried a backpack of supplies with them as they browsed. Kisha spotted a stall selling seeds of various vegetables and fruits. It reminded her of the expansive plots of land in her territory pack. While she had allowed the base residents to cultivate a portion of her farmland, much of it remained untouched. In fact, she hadn''t even explored her own territory space fully yet. Seeing the seeds sparked an idea: she decided to experiment with farming inside her territory and explore its capabilities further. She believed there were more functions within her territory pack waiting to be discovered, but her busy schedule had prevented her from fully exploring them until now. "Excuse me, sir. How much are these seeds?" Kisha crouched down to examine the seeds more closely. They appeared healthy and not overly dried, prompting a satisfied nod from Kisha. The elderly man appeared worn and battered, his eyes vacant and his cheeks sunken, giving him an almost skeletal appearance. "Young Miss, I could let them go for a pack of bread," he said, his voice weary but hopeful. Seeing Kisha''s frown, the old man grew flustered. He knew a pack of bread was a steep price to ask, but he had young children to support, and they had gone hungry for days. As an elderly man unable to embark on missions for supplies, he couldn''t rely on earning rewards doing odd jobs for the shelter because there was no shortage of younger individuals who could do the job. The only possessions he had left were these seeds, remnants of his life as a farmer. Yet in the shelter, there was no land to cultivate nor water to nurture the vegetables. All he could do now was hope to find someone interested in these seeds he had managed to salvage while fleeing with his grandchildren. "Grandpa, where did you get these?" Kisha asked as she examined each pack of seeds. There were so many varieties that she could fill one of their backpacks with these seeds alone, all for just a pack of bread. If she could successfully grow all of them, she could harvest enough vegetables and fruits to fill ten trucks. She looked at the old man in astonishment, who mistook her expression for anger and hastily began apologizing, tears welling up in his eyes. Chapter 195 - 195 The Wyatt Family "Young Miss, oh! I was blind! I am not trying to scam you, please quell your anger." The old man pleaded earnestly. His grandchildren, who had been hiding near the alley, rushed to his side protectively. They seemed as fragile as walking sticks that could be blown away by a gust of wind. Kisha wasn''t amused by the sight of the kids at all. Despite her heart growing cold due to betrayal, she couldn''t help but feel sympathy for them. To her, children were innocent souls struggling to survive, and she could never view them in the same harsh light as those who had betrayed her. She took in a deep breath to steady her thoughts. "Old man, I''m not angry. I''m just curious where you got these," Kisha explained gently. The old man still looked frightened, clutching the hands of his grandchildren protectively. Kisha suspected they might have faced hardships in the shelter, possibly neglected or mistreated for being perceived as burdens. Seeing their guarded demeanor, she gently reassured them, "I''ll buy all these seeds from you at your price. I was simply curious about where you found them so I could look for more." "I-I... I brought them from my home. I used to be a farmer. Are you really willing to buy them for just a loaf of bread?" His incredulous question echoed a bit louder, drawing the attention of nearby stall owners whose eyes filled with greed. Kisha understood that a loaf of bread could mean life or death for the old man during these times of severe food scarcity. But still, she nodded, and as she did, the old man and his grandchildren exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with grateful smiles. Kisha added, "But sir, even though I want to start farming these, I''m not knowledgeable about farming. How about I hire you to help me farm and teach me?" Her offer was generous, and she had a clearer plan in mind now. Despite some plots of land at the base being farmed by others using the seeds she left in the storeroom, there had been significant wastage before they managed to grow the plants successfully. The growth wasn''t ideal either, and she realized she needed someone with expertise, someone like the farmer standing before her. As soon as they heard Kisha''s statement, coupled with their terrifying appearance, the children and even the old man trembled. Tears streamed down the children''s faces as they pleaded, "Please don''t eat us! We''re just skin and bones; there''s nothing to eat on us!" Their frantic cries puzzled Kisha, who glanced up at Duke. He met her gaze with an equally perplexed expression. Their faces were now covered in snot and tears, their expressions contorted in fear. Kisha couldn''t help but feel that with her and Duke''s disguise, they looked menacing enough to frighten even a burly man into thinking they were up to no good. With a resigned sigh, she only wished to grab the seeds and leave the bread. "Host, aren''t you going to check his status window? Even if his stats, talents, or gifts aren''t impressive, weren''t you concerned about cultivating your farmland in your territory? How do you plan to cultivate it without understanding farming? Are you thinking of spending points to buy a guide?" 008 questioned Kisha suspiciously, sounding like a thrifty child reluctant to part with his hard-earned money. He guarded his treasure trove closely; they had already spent a substantial amount of points on various items recently, and even though they had earned 30,000 points from a recent mission, it wasn''t enough to sustain their spending. And a guidebook was rather costly too, so 008 felt inclined to be thrifty. After all, they had always been short on points in her previous lives, and 008 was still anticipating its second upgrade Hearing 008''s aggrieved and resentful voice made Kisha feel guilty. She had promised to upgrade 008, and it had already been a week since its first upgrade. It wasn''t as if the upgrade was as expensive as the others, but still, the delay weighed on her conscience. Thinking that she wouldn''t lose out if she checked the old man''s status window or brought him with them seemed like a good option. By checking his status window, she could also determine whether he was a malicious person or a good man. [Marcus Wyatt] Level 0 Morality: Good Strength: 8 Stamina: 11 Defense: 5 Agility: 7 Mental Capacity: 10 Charm: 7 Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leadership: 9 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Farming Gift: Green Thumb Kisha''s eyes widened as she checked the old man''s status window. Not only did he possess fairly decent stats, but his talent and gift were exactly what she needed¡ªa green thumb. In this apocalyptic era, such talent made him akin to a miracle worker, and Kisha felt like she had hit the jackpot. The fact that she couldn''t recall the old man from her previous life suggested he must have perished due to neglect and maltreatment from others who saw him as a burden. ''Ah! What a missed opportunity, It was almost wasted!'' she lamented. She felt like kicking herself for almost overlooking such a valuable talent. Judging by his morality, he seemed to be a good man, likely due to his background as a farmer living a humble, down-to-earth life, which likely kept him from becoming greedy. This was fortunate for Kisha, prompting her to proceed with checking the grandchildren''s status window. [Mike Wyatt] Level 0 Morality: Good Strength: 5 Stamina: 9 Defense: 7 Agility: 8 Mental Capacity: 9 Charm: 6 Leadership: 10 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Animal Care Gift: Fostering .... [Gant Wyatt] Level 0 Morality: Good Strength: 7 Stamina: 11 Defense: 8 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 7 Charm: 9 Leadership: 11 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Aquatic Care Gift: Fostering ..... [Daisy Wyatt] Level 0 Morality: Good Strength: 4 Stamina: 6 Defense: 5 Agility: 7 Mental Capacity: 15 Charm: 14 Leadership: 5 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Plant Breeding Gift: Scope Kisha took in a deep breath as she read through all their statuses. Just seeing their talents and gifts made her want to dance with happiness¡ªthey were all a treasure trove, a bundle of delightful surprises. Mike and Gant appeared an identical twin at sixteen, while Daisy seemed wise beyond her apparent age of twelve. Had the gods not just bestowed upon her a magnificent gift, one that could solve their food scarcity problem once and for all? Now, Kisha stood rooted to the ground, pondering how to convince these four to accompany her without coming across as intimidating or forceful. She feared that if she left them behind, others might harm them¡ªa thought that would become her greatest regret in this life. She sighed. "Old man, I have plenty of food. Why would I even consider eating a skinny, frail man like you? Even if I were in dire need, I''d rather go on a supply run than resort to old bones and skin like yours," Kisha said, her tone blunt but logical. As they processed her words, they gave her a closer inspection, especially the intimidating man standing beside her. Without saying a word, their strength was evident. They appeared capable not only of handling tasks around the shelter but also leading groups on food-gathering missions outside. "T-then, what do you need me for? Just to teach you farming?" the old man asked hesitantly, clearly apprehensive about his role. "I''ve changed my mind," Kisha declared. The old man found himself in a quandary, unsure of how to react. He was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, but Kisha continued. "I want to hire you as a farmer and teacher. Your grandchildren can come along too, and I''ll compensate you with food wages, as long as you''re diligent. How does that sound?" Kisha refrained from smiling, concerned that it might inadvertently frighten them away and raise suspicions about her intentions. "But aside from seeds, do you have land we could use for farming? And what about water?" the old man asked. If he were to be hired as a farmer, he needed assurance that they would be well-equipped. He had witnessed enough of the shelter''s dynamics to know that people were willing to take advantage of others to survive. He worried that if things went awry, he and his grandchildren would suffer the consequences. He also understood that staying in their current situation with his grandchildren, who couldn''t defend themselves, was not an option. His best course of action was to align himself with someone who had power. "That''s a good question. We live in a villa with a spacious backyard suitable for farming, and we have access to water as well." "How can I be sure that you won''t harm me and my grandchildren, or try to kidnap us?" The old man regarded Kisha with suspicion, attempting to appear intimidating despite his sunken eyes. "Old man, you''re already skin and bone, so you can''t accuse us of trying to eat you or kidnap you. Why would we do that when you''d just be a burden?" Kisha said bluntly but it was her own way of trying to reassure him. She took a dagger from her waist and handed it to him. "Here, take this for assurance. If you ever feel threatened by us, you can defend yourself at any time," she added with a playful shrug. "Just know, we won''t hesitate to retaliate if you attack us." Chapter 196 - 196 They are Dead The old man wasn''t offended by Kisha''s blunt words. In fact, they reassured him. As a man who grew up as a farmer, he was accustomed to hearing such blunt and crude language from the other villagers. He could at least tell when someone meant to offend and when they did not. But unlike him, who grew up in a village and only visited the city to see his son''s family, his grandchildren were different. They were angered by Kisha''s words, thinking she was looking down on them and expressing disdain for their perceived weakness and uselessness. The twins glared at Kisha, but she merely chuckled at their not-so-intimidating scowls. "Alright, follow us," Kisha said as she stood up and began walking ahead. She handed them a different type of bread with filling and a drink. The others in the market, seeing this, tried to approach Kisha in hopes of being picked up for a meal. However, with just a single, fierce glance from Duke, as menacing as a death god, they all froze and stopped in their tracks. Kisha and Duke didn''t head back immediately; instead, they continued to walk around the market, looking for things to buy. Noticing that most people were just trying to make a living by exchanging goods, she didn''t mind purchasing a few miscellaneous items from the vendors. Some thought she was being wasteful, while others believed she was easy to fool. But when others tried to take advantage of her, they were swiftly taught a lesson, and she didn''t buy from their stalls. As a result, no one dared to exploit her again. Instead, they eagerly waited in their stalls, hoping she would consider their items. Kisha bought a few more clothes for the Wyatt family, along with utensils, toothbrushes, and other necessities. She also purchased some gold, in case it proved useful in the future. She wasn''t lacking supplies, and with the Wyatt family''s help, she was confident she could at least double her current stock. At the same time, she didn''t want anyone dying of hunger because they couldn''t gather supplies on their own. She didn''t know if there were more people like the Wyatt family hiding in the crowd, so it was better to be generous now and be seen as a good person. This way, when the time came, they would be more likely to follow her lead. Although she believed that her primary responsibility was to protect her family and not be concerned with anything else, she also understood the need for cooperation. Yes, she had all the means to support herself and her family with ample supplies, but what would happen when the zombies grew stronger? Would her territory alone be enough to fend them off? S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That''s why, despite knowing it would be a hassle, she believed it was possible to nurture the right people. She had always wanted to create her own squad and establish a self-sufficient base. This time, she felt confident she could finally create the safe haven she had envisioned for so long. So, in order to do that, she needed to temper the people in the shelter as soon as possible, if they did a great job, she would bring them to the base to lead a better life. From the corner of the market, some people had been following Kisha and Duke for a long time. Observing them buying miscellaneous items, they assumed Kisha and Duke were merely trying to appear like important people and well-supplied to feed their egos. Convinced of this, they left to report their findings. They didn''t have the time to monitor Kisha and her group''s movements constantly, especially when they seemed to be living an ordinary life in the shelter. Once Kisha was certain their tail had disappeared, she, Duke, and the Wyatts proceeded to an alley. Kisha instructed the Wyatts to wait at the entrance while she and Duke ventured inside to meet with some people. As they reached the shadowy corner of the alley, they spotted two men crouching like hooligans. Upon seeing Kisha and Duke approaching from the darkness, both men stood up alertly. However, as Kisha and Duke drew closer and were recognized, the two men visibly relaxed and exclaimed, "Master! Young Madam!" They then bowed slightly in acknowledgment. "It''s been a few days. How have you guys been?" Duke asked, his tone neutral, though Kisha sensed he was relieved to see his subordinates doing well in their absence. "Master... um," the two exchanged a glance, evidently contemplating whether to share something or simply report that they were doing fine. "What is it?" Duke asked not bothered by their sneaky glances. "Master, the thing is... During your absence, we''ve encountered a problem. We''re missing two people," Bald Eagle timidly began, then quickly added, "We''ve searched extensively, but unfortunately, we couldn''t find them anywhere. We fear they might have been captured by the Coltons and could be undergoing torture." He trembled at the thought of what could have happened, particularly after their meticulous efforts to conceal their location from the Coltons. If his suspicions were correct, their young madam was likely biding her time for the opportune moment to retaliate. "But if they talk after being tortured..." He hesitated, not due to a lack of faith in his people''s resilience and unwavering loyalty to their master, but the unsettling possibilities loomed large. "They''re dead," Duke stated flatly, his expression betraying no emotion and his voice steady. Tristan observed his master''s aloof demeanor and sensed that something significant must have occurred. He understood Duke well; if any of their comrades had been harmed by the enemy, Duke would undoubtedly seek retribution. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," as he always said. Tristan knew Duke''s deep protectiveness towards his people made it implausible for him to be indifferent about their deaths unless... Tristan''s thoughts trailed off, a chill creeping into his heart at the implication. Bald Eagle stared at Duke with wide eyes, his mouth agape enough to fit a fist. But before he could fully process Duke''s meaning, Duke continued. "They were Coltons'' moles deeply embedded among us, attempting to alert the Coltons of your arrival at the shelter and critical information they gathered about our awakened abilities, Kisha, myself, and the others," Duke explained gravely. He paused, letting the weight of his words settle, then continued, "They must have been well-prepared for any scenario¡ªor perhaps they themselves were unaware of each other''s identities or who among us had been compromised until they felt it safe enough to surface and report back." "And what better opportunity to do that than when I and the other core members left the shelter, leaving all of you vulnerable?" Duke''s calm and indifferent demeanor spoke volumes. It was the calm before the storm, signaling his brewing rage over the Coltons'' latest stunt, which compounded with their history of malicious actions. Bald Eagle''s already wide eyes widened even more as its rim turned red, even he didn''t know who to trust anymore aside from their master and the Winters. He felt betrayed and frustrated, angry even. They had been oblivious to the danger lurking within their midst, nearly falling into the hands of the Coltons unnoticed. After a moment of stark realization, Bald Eagle''s voice trembled slightly as he asked his master, "Then, who killed them?" Chapter 197 - 197 I Have an Alternative "Who do you think has the greatest ability to protect all of you while we''re away?" Duke answered cryptically, avoiding details of how the situation had unfolded. He emphasized that knowing what had happened was more important than understanding the specifics of how it happened. He still needed to protect his wife from the Coltons'' potential threats, especially if there were still moles lurking around. He turned to Kisha and asked, "Do you still have that contract?" Kisha took a moment to grasp Duke''s intention before responding honestly, "I don''t have one now, but I''ll keep an eye out to see if I can find another." Duke now had a deeper understanding of Kisha''s abilities. While she didn''t have the contract on hand, her capability to obtain one as required suggested alternative sources beyond his comprehension. This realization heightened his awareness of the mysterious nature of Kisha''s powers, which he believed surpassed mere awakened abilities. He didn''t press for more details and simply nodded at her. Contracts like that didn''t come easily, so he knew he had to remain vigilant and watch closely for any suspicious activity from their enemies. Then Kisha paused for a moment, a mischievous glint appearing in her eyes. "But I do have an alternative," she said coyly. Duke raised an eyebrow as he noticed the mischievous glint in Kisha''s eyes, knowing she was up to something. A smile spread across his lips. "Please, my wife, do share," he said fondly, gently rubbing the top of her head as he looked at her with affection. "I may not have that contract with me, but I have a medicine that could give us the same outcome," she said cryptically, aiming to pique Duke''s curiosity. To her dismay, Duke only looked amused, clearly recognizing her playful attempt to tease him. "Alright, I''ll tell you," she said with a roll of her eyes, retrieving a jade bottle roughly the size of her fist. "In here are at least a hundred Heart Gu Pills. We can distribute them to all your subordinates." "Heart Gu Pills?" Bald Eagle looked at the jade bottle with confusion, trying to understand what it contained. It was his first time hearing about this medicine, and he didn''t grasp what their Master and Young Madam were discussing or what they aimed to achieve. "Yes, the Heart Gu Pill. It''s not exactly a medicine or a poison; it''s more like a demonic insect''s egg," Kisha said nonchalantly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. She came across it along with the contract, or to be precise, 008 stumbled upon it while searching for the contract in its sales channels. After reading its description, 008 felt it had similar effects as the contract but was potentially more dangerous for the slaves. 008 hesitantly informed Kisha about it. After learning about its capabilities, she purchased it to explore its potential uses, though she hadn''t anticipated needing it so soon. She heard Bald Eagle gasp in horror as he looked at the pill bottle. Even though he didn''t fully understand its effects, just the mention of "demonic insect" filled him with a sense of foreboding. The mere idea of such a thing made his mind race with negative possibilities. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The medicine surrounding the Heart Gu Pill was a carefully concocted solution designed to preserve the eggs and awaken the dormant demonic insects within. Once the medicine was removed or consumed, the demonic insects would awaken. They would then crawl to the person''s heart, where they would feed on their blood and grow. Without timely intervention with an antidote, the insects would inevitably consume the heart, leading to the person''s death. After feeding, the insects would lay their eggs in the corpse before moving on to find their next victim. This item originated from the Murim world as well, where it was employed by demonic sects to control their slaves, ensuring loyalty and preventing rebellion. Once ingested, only a skilled expert could remove it, typically through a special concoction that would ignite the heart with pure spiritual energy that opposes the demonic insect, driving the demonic insect out of the body. However, both methods were excruciatingly painful, leading some individuals to perish before the insect could be expelled. That''s why the righteous factions despised the demonic sect; their methods were deemed barbaric and inhumane. Once implanted, the demonic insect could identify its master, who possessed the master Gu, and could also function as a truth detector. If the host lied, the insect would emit venom, causing excruciating pain throughout the body. Upon command from the master Gu''s owner, the insect would not hesitate to execute the traitor. "What does it do?" Duke asked. Kisha glanced around, weighing her words carefully. Despite her hesitation to alarm Bald Eagle and Tristan, she ultimately decided to inform them. She recognized their lingering concerns about potential moles and viewed this as a loyalty test going forward. Kisha refrained from influencing Duke''s decisions directly; because they were his subordinates, not hers, she respected his authority to decide such matters independently. "Then, do you have enough antidote for this?" Duke asked his concern for his innocent subordinates evident despite his determination to root out any moles in their midst. "I do have enough, and acquiring it was straightforward and easy. They just need to ingest the antidote every two weeks to prevent the demonic insect from killing them," Kisha explained solemnly. This situation was more dangerous than the ''Slave Contract'' she had used with Aston and the others. Unlike the contract, which posed no direct threat to their health and lives and only enforced punishment upon betrayal or harm to the master, this Heart Gu Pill, however, could potentially endanger them continually. "Alright, I''ll have Sparrow come to your location later to distribute this. Before the two-week mark, we''ll ensure the antidote arrives on time," Duke said to both Tristan and Bald Eagle. He then turned to Tristan. "Make sure to inform everyone about this. Whether they believe it or not, they''ll find out soon. And if there are deserters, you know what to do," Duke commanded sternly. Although he said this, Tristan and Bald Eagle wouldn''t be exceptions, nor would Vulture or Sparrow. Duke needed to uphold his iron-fist rule and ensure there were no exceptions within his ranks. Apart from himself, Kisha, and the Winters, everyone else would take the Heart Gu Pill. Once they finished issuing commands, Duke and Kisha left Tristan and Bald Eagle, who were visibly shaken by what they had just heard but remained steadfast in their loyalty. They then returned to where the rest of the team, including the Winters, were gathered. There, they informed everyone about the situation and what to expect when Sparrow arrived. While Kisha and Duke led the Wyatt family back to the villa where they stayed, Duke couldn''t quite grasp why Kisha was so excited about them. Nevertheless, he trusted her instincts, knowing there was likely something valuable in this encounter. He knew she wasn''t one to waste time on trivial matters that wouldn''t benefit them in battle or in life. _______________ Please ADD to your LIBRARY to be notified when the update is posted. Thank you!!! Please don''t forget to cheer me up by voting with Powerstone and Golden Ticket! Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! Also, I might get delayed in the update as I am also updating my new novel < THE RETURN OF THE CANNON FODDER TRILLION HEIRESS> Chapter 198 - 198 Farming When Kisha and Duke arrived back at the villa, it was already noon, and lunchtime was approaching. Fortunately, the trio had already prepared the food and were in the process of setting the table. Hearing movement at the entrance, they looked up to see Kisha leading a group of newcomers inside, with Duke following closely behind, a doting smile on his face. The trio exchanged confused glances, silently questioning each other about the weak-looking old man and children Kisha was leading into the villa. ''Surely, she''s not planning a charity?'' their eyes seemed to ask. Seeing their curious expressions, Kisha quickly explained, "This is Marcus, Mike, Gant, and Daisy Wyatt. They''ll be working with us from now on, mainly inside the villa where it''s safer." Her explanation seemed to satisfy everyone. It made sense; with Sparrow and Vulture often out on supply runs or missions with Kisha and Duke, managing the growing number of people in the villa was becoming too tiresome for just the two of them. This arrangement will allow them to focus on other important tasks, such as training and managing the group''s manpower, while also being involved in the internal affairs to maintain order. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Marcus will handle the farming with help from his grandchildren, who will also earn their keep by doing chores around the house, like cooking and cleaning. By doing this, they could keep the villa constantly manned and under surveillance even when they are out. Besides, in a few days, the Winters and their subordinates would gradually join the group, making the villa as lively as possible. The Trio welcomed the new additions to the group and set up plates and utensils for them at the table, not minding their current appearance or smell. They were accustomed to far worse¡ªthe horrendous stench of decaying zombies, eating meals while covered in coagulated blood, and dining near rotting carcasses. Compared to that, the smell of people who hadn''t showered in over a week was a minor inconvenience. Marcus and the kids teared up at the sight of the hot meal, overwhelmed by the kindness they were shown despite their appearance. They hadn''t expected Kisha and the rest to be so welcoming. Daisy, the youngest among them, had matured overnight due to the harshness of their environment. She used to be whiny and bratty, doted on and protected by her two brothers. But after their parents died protecting them¡ªturning into zombies after being bitten¡ªshe changed. Their grandfather even had to kill their parents to spare them further suffering. Despite their hunger, Sparrow and Vulture carefully monitored Marcus and the children''s food intake, ensuring they didn''t overeat to avoid stomach issues, especially since they hadn''t eaten properly in a while and needed nourishment. The Wyatts displayed good manners at the dining table, keen not to upset their new employers, and their lunch proceeded smoothly. Afterward, Vulture escorted them to a separate building adjacent to the main house where the workers resided. There, he provided them with the clothes Kisha had purchased earlier so they could clean themselves up before starting their tasks. Kisha, after lunch and instructing Vulture to help the Wyatts settle in, headed straight to the backyard where there was ample space, though she wasn''t certain if it was suitable for farming. Her knowledge of farming was limited, and she doubted it would suffice to make the land productive enough to sustain their needs. As a novice, Kisha believed starting with easy-to-grow vegetables suitable for a backyard was the best approach. She pulled out a handful of seed packets from her pocket while Duke crouched beside her, equally perplexed. He struggled to distinguish one seed packet from another, unsure which seeds belonged to which vegetables. Seeing the typically formidable Duke clueless about something made Kisha chuckle and find him adorable. Before she could tease him, Marcus came to the backyard as well. "Allow me to handle this, Young Madam," Marcus offered as he approached, seeing Kisha and Duke crouched on the ground, puzzled by the seeds they held. He had taken to addressing them as Master and Young Madam, following Sparrow and Vulture''s lead, a fitting title given his role as their gardener. He considered himself just a gardener, given the small plot of land available for simple vegetables. Little did he know that in the future, he would be overseeing hundreds of acres of farmland with the rest of the group. "Marcus, do you think this backyard would be suitable for growing vegetables?" Kisha inquired, seeking Marcus''s opinion on the matter. Marcus surveyed the backyard, crouching down to feel the soil and even digging a bit to inspect its quality. "Yes, the soil is loose and rich. We could grow a variety of vegetables here, especially if we have a water source to keep the plants hydrated," he explained cheerfully. "Alright then, let''s start turning the soil so we can begin planting the seeds," Kisha said enthusiastically. She knew they had to take advantage of the fertile soil while it was still viable for planting before it turned rusty and couldn''t sustain life anymore. She planned to start with the easiest crops and gradually move on to more challenging ones like wheat and rice as she continued her research into farming. Seeing Kisha''s eagerness to start planting, Marcus no longer hesitated to involve himself. It was part of his duty as their gardener to educate Kisha about farming and plants. He guided them through the process of starting seedlings and when they needed to be transplanted into the soil. Duke, on the other hand, was clumsily spreading small seeds onto the seedling tray, often pouring them all into one spot. He was then assigned to more basic tasks like constructing seedling boxes, turning the soil, and preparing the fertilizer mix before they could begin planting anything. Kisha was assigned the simplest tasks that didn''t require much movement, such as spreading seeds evenly in the seedling tray and ensuring they were adequately hydrated for germination. She focused on maintaining proper spacing to prevent the seeds from spoiling or growing too close together. She also ensured that the seedling tray was placed in a shaded area to protect it from the sun''s scorching heat. Kisha carefully spread seeds for iceberg lettuce, bok choy, and various leafy greens across the tray, mindful of providing each seed with adequate space to grow. When Duke and Marcus finished tilling the land and removing the stones, Sparrow and Vulture arrived to lend a hand. The children also pitched in, helping to clear stones, which sped up the process. In just an hour, they had completely turned over the entire backyard, spreading fertilizer and thoroughly mixing it into the soil. After completing the preparation, they divided the garden into sections, each labeled for easy identification of the vegetables planted. One section was dedicated to root plants such as potatoes, yams, and other tubers, each marked with its own signboard. In another section, they planted vine-growing vegetables like beans, peas, and chayote. They also ensured to include essential crops such as onions, garlic, spring onions, radishes, carrots, and various herbs for spices. Ding... [A Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting"] [Mission Description: Plant any edible plant for 10 acres worth and harvest them in 15 days. Mission requirement: 100 kilos each of 10 different types of plants Mission completion: 70,000 points and stats increase of 3 Mission failure: Points deduction of 150,000 points, stats deduction of 5, and system downgrade.] Chapter 199 - 199 The Pitiful 008 "What the fuck?!" Kisha exclaimed, jumping to her feet after seeing the system notification. It was unusually detailed this time, showing rewards and punishments in advance, even though she hadn''t upgraded her system yet. Upon seeing the requirements, Kisha found it quite helpful as she wouldn''t have to figure things out on her own. However, the punishment outweighed the rewards by more than double, and the demand itself seemed unreasonable. Completing the mission within just 15 days with such high expectations seemed impossible, no matter how efficiently she tilled the land and planted. Seeing Kisha''s frustration and her eyes turning red with anger, Duke rushed to her side. "What happened? Are you okay?" Everyone turned their attention to them, wondering why Kisha, who had been happily planting with everyone just moments before, suddenly seemed so agitated. Kisha wanted to voice her complaint, but she found herself at a loss for words. The mission seemed completely unreasonable, like an attempt to unfairly deplete her points and stats. The threat of a system downgrade only added to her frustration. "008!" She shouted in her mind. "What''s going on with this?" She immediately questioned 008 angrily. "Host, I''m not sure. I was just as surprised as you and am already investigating," replied 008, its voice trembling with anger. A flurry of codes flew across the system interface as 008 searched for clues. It was unprecedented for a system mission to be this detailed, which was helpful because they didn''t have to guess what was required to meet the mission''s demands¡ªit was all clearly outlined. But now the problem lay in the unreasonable demand. If before Kisha didn''t know how she would die for failing to meet the mission''s requirements, now she could see it clearly but felt powerless to do anything about it. Both of them were frustrated with this sudden change. It felt like another form of torture¡ªputting in your best effort, yet deep down knowing exactly how it would end because you couldn''t meet the requirement. "Host, I''m being blocked! I can''t find anything," 008''s distressed and crying voice echoed in Kisha''s mind. She pursed her lips in frustration; she couldn''t vent her anger on 008, especially since even 008 couldn''t explain what was happening and was facing a downgrade despite barely reaching level 1. She exhaled deeply, regulating her breathing to calm herself down. Realizing there was no immediate answer, she understood that no amount of anger or berating would change the situation. "008," she called out calmly. "Y-yes, Host?" 008 responded, its voice barely audible between sobs of frustration. It seemed as if the Constellation overseeing it harbored a dislike, always guiding 008 and its host toward potential destruction. "Initiate a system upgrade, now." "Yes?!" 008 choked on its sobs, momentarily taken aback. "System upgrade. I''ll figure out a solution in the meantime while you upgrade," Kisha ordered firmly. [System upgrade to level 2 authorization] [Cost: 5,000 points] [Accept] or [Decline] Kisha didn''t hesitate and immediately accepted the authorization. As soon as she did, 008''s connection to her was cut off for the system upgrade. In its distressed state, 008 forgot to communicate with Kisha before initiating the upgrade. Kisha understood that 008 felt undermined by its own Constellation, which was supposed to be its creator, and was now frustrated. ''What a pitiful one'' Kisha surveyed the backyard and assessed what they had accomplished, realizing it didn''t even cover an eighth of an acre. She felt disheartened. Perhaps her only recourse was to consider buying plant growth promoters with mall points, but she wondered if her points would suffice until she completed the mission. Calculating the cost, she feared spending more points than she might lose if she failed the mission. If that were the case, would failing the mission be the better option? Upgrading the system from level 0 to level 1 cost only 1,000 points, meaning she would lose 151,000 points and 5 stat points. Despite this, Kisha couldn''t shake the bitter taste of failure in her mouth, knowing she couldn''t possibly complete the mission within the given time frame. But she also didn''t want to simply give up and surrender to the path laid out before her; her defiant spirit was challenging all her reasons. She felt like the Constellation was treating her and 008 as pawns in a chess game, to be sacrificed at will or for entertainment. And if she gave up now, there might be a second or even worse, every mission could be the same. She couldn''t forget how many times she had died because of difficult missions; this might explain why, due to the unreasonable mission requirements for completion. "Is everything alright?" Duke asked Kisha again, concern evident in his eyes as he observed her conflicted expression. Kisha bit her lower lip, weighing how much she could share with Duke about her system, unsure if she should reveal its complexities. ''Argh! Damn, all this!'' "Um. I-I think I''m in trouble," Kisha said hesitantly, her voice wavering. She struggled to find the right words, knowing that explaining her situation was complicated. She could show Duke, but explaining the intricacies was another matter. Duke was smart and perceptive; she knew he was starting to piece things together whenever she demonstrated abilities beyond simply storing items in her inventory. Besides, she had previously explained that she could only store non-living things in her inventory, yet she ended up storing living things like the scarlet bees and even the dog in her space, which was contradictory. "How so? Can you tell me?" Duke''s deep, magnetic voice echoed in Kisha''s ear, soothing her frazzled nerves. She felt calmer instantly and stopped overthinking. "You see, it seems I have to plant more vegetables," Kisha began, letting out a deep sigh. Though it seemed like a casual exhale, her expression conveyed genuine worry. "Not just this small plot, but at least 10 acres..." She explained her mission in a much simpler way to Duke so he could have a complete grasp of her worry. Duke looked at Kisha with incredulous eyes, unsure whether to be shocked, bewildered, or amazed by the seemingly impossible task she had just described. He had a lot of questions about where this task came from and how it had ended up like this, but he chose not to voice them. "Okay, you don''t have to explain anything to me. I''ll always trust you and follow what you want. If you ask me to go east, I wouldn''t even think about stepping west. So, just boldly command me and my people, and tell us what to do to complete this task, especially since we don''t have enough time." Duke said, his voice steady and reassuring, showing his full support for her. If he didn''t need an explanation, then his subordinates wouldn''t even breathe a word about it either. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With Duke''s assurance, Kisha felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She knew he sensed her worry and chose not to push for answers she wasn''t ready to give. She felt deeply grateful to have Duke by her side, willing to protect her both physically and emotionally. Overflowing with happiness, Kisha clung to Duke''s arm and began to act coy. "Hubby, you are so good to me," she said, twiddling his arm playfully. Chapter 200 - 200 Territory Space Seeing Kisha like this made Duke happy, but he couldn''t resist taking advantage of the opportunity she presented. As soon as she gave him a chance, he seized it immediately. "Words won''t do. How about thanking me in other ways? Hmm?" He looked down at Kisha, his eyes darkening with swirling desires. His implication was unmistakable. Kisha felt choked up. It wasn''t that she was trying to act virtuous, but they were being monitored¡ªhow could he think of being intimate at this time? She was happy that Duke liked her that much, yet she felt torn because they didn''t have time for it, and she was also nervous since it would be her first time. "Stop being naughty," she said, pinching the side of his stomach. It wasn''t forceful, more like a tickle, causing Duke to chuckle heartily at Kisha''s liveliness. He hesitantly backed off, for now. But he mentally kept track of this debt she owed him, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he stared at her. Kisha felt a cold chill drawl on her spine. She knew Duke was up to no good, so she stopped paying attention to him and scanned the entire backyard. Being the largest villa in the neighborhood, they had a sprawling backyard, and beyond that lay a small forest. Though not extensive, the forest was about the size of another villa. Duke followed her gaze to the forest behind them. "Are you thinking of cutting down the trees to create more farmland for your task?" he asked, though he knew it wouldn''t be enough. Even if they cleared the land, it would take days to cut down all the trees and begin the planting process. Fifteen days would still not suffice. Even with the fastest-growing vegetables, it would still take a month before they could be harvested. And even with the use of growth promoters, could they produce enough to meet their target? The answer, of course, was no. Even without Marcus''s input, they both knew it was impossible. Kisha sighed defeatedly but then cleared her mind and set the thought aside. Since this option was impossible, she decided to go with her initial plan of exploring her territory farm space first. Having learned a few things from Marcus, she might as well try applying them on the farm. If possible, she would employ Duke''s subordinates to help with farming once they completed taking the Heart Gu Pill. With a plan in place, Kisha felt calmer. Her composure seemed to reassure everyone around her, who then returned to their tasks. Meanwhile, she gathered several packets of seeds from their storage and some unused seedling boxes. As she prepared to head towards the forest at the rear, Duke offered to carry the seedling boxes for her and followed along. As they reached the edge of the forest, Vulture stood up from where he was and asked, "Master, young madam, are you planning to plant in the forest as well?" Kisha smiled and walked into the forest. Once she and Duke reached the center and confirmed there were no surveillance cameras or listening devices, she released the scarlet bees to monitor the surroundings and report to her if anyone entered the forest. With everything set and the perimeter secured, Kisha took Duke''s hand and transported them to her territory space. Instantly, the surrounding view changed. Instead of the forest, they stood before a vast plot of farmland. The land was neatly divided into acres of plot, and with a rich, moist color indicating fertility, it appeared ready for use without needing additional fertilization or stone removal. Each section of the land also had a small stream running through it, ensuring there wouldn''t be any issues with irrigation. This allowed them the freedom to plant whatever they desired, with different parts of the farm suited to various types of plants. It resembled a farmer''s haven. While the plot of land Kisha had chosen to place at the base didn''t have a surrounding stream, it still boasted rich and fertile soil ideal for farming. Duke could only whistle in amazement as he realized they had been transported to a different place. Seeing acres of land stretched out before him, he understood that what they needed now was manpower and time¡ªtime for the plants to mature and meet the 15-day deadline. He didn''t know what the task was for and what it would do if they did not complete it but seeing Kisha flustered and upset about it only meant that it wasn''t good if they did not complete it. Since Duke was still inexperienced with farming, Kisha delegated him to fill the seedling boxes with soil and handle plowing the land. As she walked around the farmland, she noticed variations in temperature across different sections, indicating plots suitable for plants that thrive in either hot or cold climates, as Marcus had mentioned. If they planted the right plants in areas with suitable climates, the resulting growth and produce would be significantly better than in unsuitable conditions. Kisha realized her farmland functioned like a greenhouse, providing ideal environments for various vegetables and grains to flourish. This versatility meant they could cultivate a wide range of crops with optimal results. She followed the stream leading up to the mountain and encountered the Tibetan Mastiff for the first time, running around freely in the flower beds where scarlet bees were gathering nectar from the flowers. This discovery revealed that her territory pack wasn''t just a collection of facilities but a unified whole, seamlessly integrated and creating a small, self-sufficient island with everything she would need¡ªa complete territory in its own right. This was her first visit to the territory after she purchased it, and it was truly breathtaking. The air was crisp and cool, almost sweet on her skin. The forest trees were lush and verdant, with an orchard on one side of the farmland and a ranch in another corner where the animals roamed freely within their designated pens and sheds, grazing on fallen fruits and lush grass. They required minimal tending, aside from occasional shearing for the sheep. The animals also had access to a shared spring for drinking, which originated from the mountain and flowed through the farmland. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With this arrangement, she could only assume that there might be a pond or similar setup for both freshwater and saltwater fishes, given the natural flow of water and the diverse environments within her territory. "Bell, where is the pond around here?" Kisha inquired, preparing to depart. However, she remembered Duke and returned to fetch him, eager to explore her territory for the first time with him by her side. She wanted to share this special experience with the man who had become so important to her. _____________ PS: Hello everyone! I''m delighted that we''ve come this far as June draws to a close and we welcome a new month. To show my appreciation, I''ve decided to offer discounted privilege pricing for the upcoming month. Thank you to all who have supported me from the beginning until now. Our journey isn''t over yet, and I hope you''ll continue reading and showing your support. Please don''t forget to leave a review, share your thoughts, and vote (Power Stone and Golden Ticket). Your feedback means a lot to me. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the supportive readers who have gifted and motivated me along the way. Your support is truly appreciated. Thank you all so much for your love and encouragement! Chapter 201 - 201 Territory Space Exploration Since Bell assured her it knew the way to the pond, Kisha no longer felt rushed. Instead, she enjoyed a leisurely walk around her territory with Duke by her side, hand in hand, almost like a date. It was their first time alone together, and Kisha couldn''t help but think of it as their first date as they strolled towards the ranch where the animals were kept. The animals appeared healthy, not too fat nor too lean, a perfect balance evident in their shiny fur and hearty demeanor. As Kisha and Duke watched them calmly grazing in their pens, the thought of the spectacular quality of their meat crossed their minds. Then they wandered through the orchard where the fruit trees were meticulously planted with ample spacing between them, already yielding plump and juicy fruits. Duke reached for an apple from the nearest tree. Its skin was shiny and bright red, without blemishes, perfectly shaped like those seen in commercials. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke walked over to the nearby stream, crouched down, and washed the apple clean. After drying it with the end of his shirt, he used his bare hands to slice it neatly in half, offering one portion to Kisha. The apple looked appetizing, its interior neither too dry nor too watery. Simultaneously, they each took a bite, savoring the sweetness that elevated their taste buds to a new level. The skin was crisp, and with each bite, they could hear the satisfying crunch. Before they knew it, they had devoured the apple entirely. Usually, Kisha prioritized the vegetables and fruits stored in her inventory over those in her territory pack. However, now that she had tasted a product from her territory, she felt the others paled in comparison. To prove her point about the quality of her space, they walked a little farther from the first tree, picked another fruit, and tasted it. To their delight, it was equally delicious and of the same high quality. They realized they wouldn''t be able to go back to eating the usual fruits they were accustomed to after tasting the ones from Kisha''s territory. Having witnessed the difference between the animals and fruit trees, Kisha and Duke were convinced that farming within this space would yield a bountiful harvest, crucial for sustaining their base as their numbers grew. "Where did you get this and how did this come along?" Duke blurted, he was getting so curious about the space that he didn''t manage to hold his own thoughts spilling in his mouth. "Didn''t I tell you before that I found a solution to make both of the bases we''re choosing from self-sufficient? This is it¡ªthe territory pack. With this, our base in City A can be integrated with this space, or it can stand alone as a self-sustaining territory space, which is equally beneficial." "So, you mean you have something like your own portable island that you can take anywhere and set up wherever you want?" Duke said, trying to grasp the concept of the territory pack. "Doesn''t that make you a walking fortress of sorts?" "That''s an interesting way to look at it, actually. I never thought about that," Kisha giggled, amused by Duke''s perspective. He wasn''t entirely wrong¡ªshe could infiltrate a location and bring her team along to dismantle the enemy from within. Thinking this, her lips slowly arc up with a mischievous glint in them and she looked up at Duke and the two of them stared at each other''s eyes with a knowing look. With just their crinkling eyes, they already knew what the others were thinking and were sharing an evil smile with themselves. Bell and the dog couldn''t watch them looking like that and so they turned away to save themselves from the nightmare. Kisha and Duke, noticing Bell and the dog''s reaction, shifted their attention to them. "What should we name that bear-like dog?" Kisha asked Duke. Hearing Kisha about to name the dog, the dog sat up straight, tongue out and panting, showing enthusiasm and eagerness for a name. "What about Zeus? It sounds formidable," Duke suggested, his expression serious yet tinged with happiness. "Zeus it is!" Kisha affirmed. Zeus did a flip, similar to Bell''s joyful antics, already adopting some of Bell''s habits. After naming the dog, the system interface appeared in front of her. [Naming the new pet as Zeus] [Confirm]or[Decline] After confirming the name, Zeus''s status window also became available to her, now appearing under the Pet Panel in her system interface. [Tibetan Mastiff: Zeus (Unique Grade)] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300) Strength: 29 Stamina: 29 Defense: 33 Agility: 38 Mental Capacity: 15 Charm: 9 Leadership: 10 Skills: Armor Skin, Sonic Wave, Stun Description: A mutant animal from Earth a lower realm, it survived the mutation unscathed, breaking free from the virus''s control. Unlike corrupted mutants, its temperament and memories remained intact, retaining its intelligence and gaining formidable strength. Seeing Zeus''s status window, Kisha exclaimed unintentionally, "It''s already at level 1?! It''s even stronger than me!" "Can you tell it''s reached Level 1 and is strong?" Duke asked curiously. Kisha rubbed the tip of her nose as she nodded, a little embarrassed. Deciding to confide in Duke since they were alone, she explained, "It''s my gift. If you''re familiar with a game character''s status window, it''s like that. I can see people and animals'' status windows and special items'' descriptions." Duke, well-versed in game mechanics including character status windows due to his oversight of numerous profitable gaming companies, contrasted sharply with Kisha''s unfamiliarity with such concepts. Upon hearing Kisha mention her ability to see people''s status windows, he realized how she could tell Sparrow and Vulture''s talents and gifts, previously discussed and seemingly familiar to her. Suddenly, everything clicked into place. He then looked at Kisha again, a hint of envy in his gaze. "So, what''s my gift and talent?" "Your gift is Tyrant, and your talent is Multi-Faceted. This means your Tyrant gift makes you stronger than others, potentially growing even more powerful over time, and you could either bring calamity or act as a savior. Your Multi-Faceted talent indicates that you have multiple awakened abilities," Kisha explained in detail. Only then did a blooming smile slowly appear on Duke''s face, casting aside his earlier envy of Kisha''s gift. "Then, doesn''t that make me amazing too?" "Yes, you are super amazing." Kisha looked at him playfully, a hint of teasing in her voice. "So amazing that your status window might be offensive to a mere mortal like me." If 008 could hear Kisha''s statement, it would surely roll its eyes a few times before commenting, ''Host, you''re the offensive one. If a real normal human heard you, watch yourself get beat up.'' Since the two had things to envy about each other, they decided to call it quits and became content with what they possessed. They continued to stroll around the territory space, starting from the flower bed. Duke noticed several flower plants that Kisha had taken from their backyard garden at his family villa in City A. They then followed the scarlet bees as they returned to their hive inside the forest. This would be Kisha''s first time seeing Bell''s colony. When they arrived at the center of the forest, they beheld a large hive resembling a cave, with numerous honeycomb openings each as large as an adult''s face. Chapter 202 - 202 Territory Space Exploration 2 "The Colony even looks like it''s made out of stone," Kisha remarked as she and Duke marveled at the spectacle before them. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Master, it was indeed made from stone that my worker bees carved out with their forelegs," Bell explained through their mind link, causing Kisha to choke a little on her own saliva. It was a testament to the incredible strength and how sharp the scarlet bees'' forelegs. "Carved out! Carved out!!!" A cheerful, excited voice echoed in Kisha''s head, distinct from 008 and Bell''s. Her head instantly whipped to the side where Zeus was excitedly spinning around, almost as if chasing its own tail. Kisha was surprised to hear the voice inside her head, especially when she realized it came from Zeus. ''Could it be because I can now see Zeus'' status window under my pet panel?'' she wondered. ''If so, does that mean I can mind-link with Zeus like I do with 008 and Bell?'' Her thoughts raced, but since she had upgraded 008 herself, she couldn''t ask for confirmation. Still, it seemed plausible to her. Once she made the connection, Kisha stopped dwelling on it. She and Duke admired Bell''s growing colony, then turned their attention to the forest, which now housed a variety of trees¡ªsandalwood, acacia, agarwood, African blackwood, and more. Each tree alone was a treasure trove. If she had secured this space before the apocalypse, Kisha thought, she could have become a tycoon, selling everything produced in this territory. All she would have needed was capital, whether big or small, to earn endless money. "This is a treasure trove!" exclaimed Duke as they passed several African Blackwood trees while following Bell. "Exactly what I was thinking," Kisha replied, scanning the surroundings and realizing the forest''s purpose: to cultivate valuable and expensive trees, rather than host wildlife. Not having seen any animals reinforced this conclusion for her. But for Bell to settle in the forest also means that Kisha could potentially raise her own wildlife if she wanted. It seemed feasible now to have more than one pet like Bell, with plenty of space for them to stay and it seems her system could also accommodate more. After passing the entire mountain where the forest lay, they arrived at a small pond. Kisha frowned slightly, noting that the only inhabitants seemed to be the ornamental fishes she had taken from Duke''s place¡ªa pond as large as a swimming pool. "Bell, are you sure this is the pond?" Kisha communicated through their mind link, sensing Bell''s confusion. "Yes, master. This is the pond," Bell buzzed its wings as it affirmed. Kisha''s confusion deepened, her brow furrowing. "What''s wrong?" Duke asked, noticing her concern. "Hmm, let me think for a moment. I feel like I''m missing something here," Kisha replied, then accessed the territory''s interface. Upon examining the aquatic animals, she determined they weren''t dead but might be located elsewhere. She then mind-linked Bell again. "Do you know of any larger body of water nearby?" There was a sudden silence from Bell, indicating it was deeply pondering the answer. Then, its wings began to buzz excitedly. "YES!!! Master, there''s an enormous lake at the foot of this mountain. The lake is several times larger than this pond, and beyond that, there''s even a sea!" Bell explained eagerly. Whenever Bell had the opportunity to explore the space, it always took the chance to roam around, becoming more familiar with its layout than Kisha. "SEA?!" Kisha exclaimed with wide eyes, her voice carrying surprise and excitement. The revelation of having a sea in her territory space was astonishing to her. ''Doesn''t that make my territory space a complete island?'' "What sea?" Duke asked, his curiosity evident. He had encountered many extraordinary phenomena with Kisha, so the idea of a sea in her domain didn''t shock him. Yet, it still filled him with a sense of wonder. He couldn''t shake the feeling that his wife was truly formidable and otherworldly. "Let''s go see the freshwater fishes first. I hope they''re multiplying or not killing each other," Kisha said excitedly, pulling Duke along as they followed Bell. Their trek through the mountain terrain was arduous, but before they reached the mountain''s foot, they caught sight of an enormous lake that was both picturesque and stunning. Kisha couldn''t help but gasp in excitement. Discovering so many wonders in her own territory exhilarated her. Even Duke was astonished to find the lake so vast that it seemed almost as wide as the mountain itself, likely deep too. They could also have a little glimpse of the sea beyond, it was a glistening blue sea that was no different from the sea outside with white sand and she could even see the end of it. It was as if her territory space was a world of its own, or perhaps it really was a small world created by an immortal. "Master, it is indeed a small world. Powerful immortals from the World of Immortals have enough power of causality and spiritual energy to create such worlds, some even larger than this one¡ªlike entire continents. They would populate these worlds with spiritual beasts and place their legacies within so that cultivators with potential could inherit their legacies and techniques and harvest abundant spiritual energy in the space. They might even form contracts with spiritual beasts, much like I am contracted to you," Bell explained wistfully, betraying a hint of longing in its voice. "How did you come to know all this?" Kisha asked, intrigued. "Us spiritual beasts also inherit inheritance, primarily through bloodlines. The purity of our bloodline correlates with the strength of our inheritance. The heavenly dao has granted us this ability to safeguard our lineage, as often, a beast''s parents sacrifice themselves to protect their offspring. As long as one offspring survives, the bloodline endures. Our inheritance from predecessors includes knowledge, wisdom about our origins and powers, and the accumulated experiences of our ancestors over the years. It forms an archive of memories and knowledge gathered throughout their lives," Bell explained, detailing the profound significance of their inherited wisdom and lineage. "That''s really fascinating!" Kisha exclaimed, genuinely intrigued by Bell''s explanation. Sensing Bell''s underlying sadness through their link as master and contracted beast, she reassured, "Don''t worry, Bell. Just as I found you, there''s a chance we could find another spiritual beast companion for you where you came from. We''ll explore all possibilities. I''ll earn more points and see if we can buy a spiritual beast friend for you, okay?" Kisha wanted to comfort Bell, tempted to pat its head, but she hesitated, mindful of Bell''s delicate antenna. Before she could decide, another voice interrupted their moment. "Master! Me Friend! Bell friend!!" Zeus interjected eagerly into their conversation. It sat up straight, front paws in the air, tongue lolling out like a silly dog. Despite its playful demeanor, Zeus''s size and powerful presence were evident¡ª almost as tall as Duke with large paws capable of killing zombies with ease. Seeing Zeus concerned, Bell''s gloomy mood immediately lifted, and it flipped in the air happily. "Right, Zeus is my friend now too! And with Master here, I won''t ever be sad again!" Bell exclaimed with newfound enthusiasm. With a gleeful mood, Bell led Kisha and Duke to the foot of the mountain and to the edge of the enormous lake. The water was pristine, free of pollution, and so clear that they could almost see the lake''s bottom. Its depth was difficult to gauge. Freshwater fish gracefully swam within, unperturbed by Kisha''s presence, almost as if recognizing her as the owner of their newfound home. Unable to resist, Kisha dipped her hand into the cool water, marveling at its clarity and the serene environment it provided for the aquatic life. ''Aw! Don''t act too cute, or I''ll feel guilty eating you up,'' Kisha thought to herself as she gazed happily at the plump fishes in the water. However, the vastness of the lake made it impossible to see all the diverse species she had put in, adding to the mystery and allure of her expansive territory. If Kisha wanted to relax and fish, she could enter her space. Feeling lazy, she could simply procure livestock or food from her territory via the interface, which was incredibly convenient. Going into the territory was more about the experience than necessity. However, farming posed a different challenge since she really needed to do it on her own. She likely needed people to oversee her livestock and aquatic animals, ensuring proper breeding and minimizing territorial disputes. The adaptation of diverse fish to their new environment was another concern she wasn''t well-versed in, making oversight crucial for their well-being. All she knew was that her animals and fishes were all plump and looking juicy. Chapter 203 - 203 Planting Seeds (by Duke) They didn''t need to make a special trip to the beach to see the sea; they could save that for another time. After entering and traversing the mountain, it took them hours just to settle into the space and begin farming. She and Duke returned to the farmland to resume their tasks, and the back-and-forth was quite exhausting, taking them over five hours. Altogether, they had spent six hours inside the space by now, leading them to believe it was now afternoon only a few hours before the sunsets in the outside world. They had been away from the Villa for too long. If their enemies noticed, it might raise suspicions. Kisha would rather have them think she and Duke were screwing each other in the forest than suspect something more dangerous. Six hours was too long to use as an excuse for them to screw each other, no matter how great Duke''s stamina is. She gave Duke a side glance. She couldn''t even imagine if Duke would last that long, realizing what she was thinking, Kisha felt her face grow hot from embarrassment. She didn''t know that she really was such a horny woman, she fanned her face a little. "Are you tired?" Duke asked, noticing Kisha''s ragged breathing and flushed face. He assumed it was from trekking through the mountains. If only he could read her mind, he might have interpreted her differently. Lost in contemplation of the Space''s remarkable surroundings and the laws governing it, Duke had forgotten they were alone with the entire place to themselves. Had he realized, he might have been tempted to seize the opportunity to pin Kisha down and take her then and there. But since they were already inside, they continued with their farming. While Duke tilled more land, Kisha set about spreading seeds in the seedling boxes. After finishing that, she began planting a variety of vegetables¡ªtomatoes, cucumbers, okra, squash, and everything else in her inventory. She didn''t hold back, recognizing the value of this food not only for meeting the mission''s requirements but also for its potential to benefit her people and assist those in need. At first, Duke struggled with the hoe, often hitting the soil awkwardly with its edge. However, once he found his rhythm and got the hang of it, he picked up his pace and began tilling plot after plot without rest. Kisha was impressed by his impressive stamina. Even during their battles outside, he was usually the last to get tired, covering much of the vanguard and leaving Kisha to watch over his back when needed. "Enjoying the view?" Duke''s teasing voice startled her, snapping her back to reality. "Please stop staring like that. I''m barely keeping myself in check. If I lose what little restraint I have left, who knows what might happen? I might just plant my seeds deep in your soil right here, right now." He smirked, a mix of mischief and teasing in his eyes. As she processed his words, Kisha realized Duke was teasing her, cleverly connecting his remarks to their current farming activities. Unsure whether to laugh or blush, she found Duke''s mischievous demeanor akin to an incubus. She couldn''t predict if she could resist his advances when he was playful like this. His suggestive words and playful tone weren''t offensive but rather endearing and enticing to hear. If she weren''t preoccupied with the mission, she might have been tempted to indulge in some playful wrestling with Duke in the mud. However, Zeus''s loud bark startled her back to reality. "No! The space isn''t private with Zeus and Bell freely roaming around. Maybe I should build a cabin or something if I want any privacy here," Kisha resolved in her thoughts. "Master, are you thinking of building your nest and making babies like I did?" Bell''s innocent voice rang in her mind, and Kisha almost cursed out loud. It seemed she wouldn''t have any privacy at all, with everyone having access to her thoughts. Seeing Kisha flustered, Duke''s infectious laughter echoed through the farm. It was a sound that warmed her heart, melting away the usual chill and filling the space with a comforting warmth that reached deep into her soul. She felt that life like this with Duke wasn''t so bad after all; it was peaceful. A smile spread across her lips as she gazed at Duke with contentment. They stood there, sharing a smile that conveyed millions of unspoken words, thoughts, and feelings. Though separated by the distance around the farm, their hearts felt closer than ever. They breathed as one, feeling whole and complete in each other''s presence. With a spring in their steps, they finished planting a plot of land with vegetables and several dozen seedling boxes. Kisha hoped that with the stream maintaining the land''s moisture and keeping it in good condition, the crops would grow healthily even without her constant intervention. By the time they were done, they expected it to be night already. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They were already considering biting the bullet and pretending in front of the cameras that they had been fucking in the middle of the forest and fell asleep after a few rounds like rabbits. With a resolute exhale, Kisha and Duke stepped out of the space and returned to the spot they had left in the forest. It was a relief that no one else had tried to enter the forest to check on them while they were away. Something felt off for Kisha and Duke as they looked around the forest. Light filtered through the leaves, shining on their heads. Kisha''s body stiffened. ''Is the time in the space different from the outside world? Does that mean we''ve already spent a night in there, and it''s now morning here? If not, then...'' As thoughts raced through her mind, she looked excitedly at Duke. Their eyes met, conveying a realization that seemed incredible yet filled them with excitement to the core. They both raced through the woods, their faces reflecting anticipation and hope. As they neared the edge of the woods, they saw the light filtering through the trees. With renewed energy, they increased their speed, and in a few breaths, they reached the end of the woods. The glaring sun greeted them, causing them to instinctively close their eyes. "Master! Young Madam! You came out so quickly. Are you done?" Vulture''s voice greeted them loud and clear just after they crossed the woods. Kisha immediately opened her eyes and saw Vulture and the others still working on the backyard garden, led by Marcus. The kids were helping to tidy up, putting away unneeded items, and storing the gardening materials in the storeroom. After realizing what had happened, Kisha''s eyes crinkled with delight. She hadn''t expected her territory to have this kind of function¡ªit was more than just surprising, it was a real steal. Turning to Duke, she smiled like a cat that had just swiped a big chunk of fish from a market stall. Duke, seeing Kisha''s genuine happiness and knowing she had found an answer to her worries, felt his heart swell. Her joy was infectious, and his support for her was unwavering. Seeing her this happy made him just as happy, if not more. Chapter 204 - 204 Joining the Group "Sorry, we got so caught up in the moment that we lost track of time," Kisha said, her words carrying a double meaning intended to mislead everyone. And just like that, she successfully made everyone think that she and Duke had engaged in something unthinkable in the forest. The insinuation was particularly effective since almost everyone knew they were a couple. Of course, everyone pretended not to catch the meaning behind her words out of respect for their leaders. Besides, those words were not meant for them but for those monitoring through the hidden cameras around. "It''s alright, young madam. We''re just finishing up here, and you were only gone for about an hour. If you ask me, that''s not nearly enough time for you newlyweds to spend alone, especially with the villa now crowded with people and kids. It''s only right for you two to have some privacy and enjoy a date." Vulture''s words helped make their farce more believable. By doing so, no matter how many times Duke and Kisha entered the forest, it would only look like they were using it as their little rendezvous point for intimacy and privacy away from the others. Kisha nodded in satisfaction, appreciating how Vulture picked up on her cues and managed to provide a plausible explanation. She couldn''t help but admire Vulture''s instincts and quick thinking. However, more intriguing than that realization was the fact that her territory space seemed to operate on a different time scale compared to the outside world ¡ª approximately 1 minute inside equated to 10 minutes outside. They had spent nearly 10 hours in the space, which outside amounted to barely an hour. Kisha pondered the implications: if she were to spend the entire 15 days required for her mission inside this space, would it affect the countdown timer for completing her mission? She would have to wait until midnight to find out if the time spent inside the space would count towards her mission duration. If it did, that would pose a significant problem. However, tonight they also needed to administer the Heart Gu Pill to Duke''s subordinate, so she decided to focus on that task while waiting. They had managed to plant a plot of crops during their time inside. If the system only recognized time according to the outside world, it could work in their favor. But if not, she feared they would be out of options. Duke and Kisha avoided discussing what happened inside the space, maintaining an air of normalcy. After finishing the farming tasks, Sparrow and Vulture resumed their training with Reeve. Meanwhile, Kisha and Duke leisurely rested in the living room, snacking on small berries like blueberries and raspberries, which they pretended to have foraged from the forest behind their villa but were actually sourced from Kisha''s space. Marcus continued to be busy around the villa, tending to the plants and aspiring to become the villa''s gardener and farmer. Meanwhile, Mike and Gant efficiently cleaned the house, and Daisy joined them in the kitchen, where she was learning to cook for everyone. Daisy also showed a keen interest in gardening. Before they could finish preparing dinner, Kisha and Duke''s leisure time was interrupted by the doorbell on the intercom. Without needing to get up, they glanced toward the door as Gant swiftly ran outside to open the gate. Soon after, he came back with a complicated expression and his head lowered. "Young Madam, Master, you have a visitor." He said before running inside the house to join his brother and grandfather. Before long, Clyde came into view, followed closely by his group. "Great to see you again. I heard you had a close call last time you were out," he said as he walked through the Villa''s door. His friends respectfully bowed to Kisha and Duke, who remained seated on the couch, patiently waiting for Clyde to explain his visit. Noticing Kisha and Duke''s indifference, Clyde took a deep breath and addressed them directly. "Guild Leader D and Vice Leader Kisha, my team and I wish to join your group. We leave the reward for our work to your discretion, but a meal would suffice. We believe you''ve observed our abilities," Clyde said confidently. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He wasn''t asking for much, nor expecting three meals a day; he and his friends had experienced firsthand the scarcity of food in the shelter. However, he refused to betray his beliefs by joining the group or rogue attempting to recruit him and his friends. Despite understanding the dangers of defying their wishes, he remained committed to following his own judgment. This resolve was even stronger now that he had reunited with his mother and little sister; the loss of his father only fueled his determination to stand taller for their sake. To achieve his goal, he sought to join a group that met his moral standards. While staying at the shelter, he and his friends observed the people around them, carefully scrutinizing the guilds and their members'' characters. With no laws to restrain them, more people were resorting to violence, theft, and even murder for something as basic as bread. He understood that among such desperate individuals, betrayal could happen at any moment. He feared leaving his mother and sister, now sick from prolonged hunger; his mother had also been emotionally devastated by the loss of his father, who had died protecting his mother and sister. Now that he is the sole provider and foundation of his family, he desperately wants to provide them with warm meals and peace of mind by aligning himself with trustworthy companions. Despite Kisha and Duke appearing indifferent and unappealing, they were straightforward and decisive. He sensed that he wouldn''t be betrayed if he allied with them; his gut feeling reassured him of their reliability. Moreover, he was confident in his abilities. After successfully guiding his friends from City D to City B safely through great distances and dangers, his reputation spoke volumes, attracting the interest of numerous factions seeking to recruit him and his companions. His friends had come to trust his judgment and now relied on him, treating him as their leader after enduring hardships together, side by side. Upon hearing Clyde express interest in joining their group, Kisha felt secretly elated. She had been considering how to recruit him due to his valuable talent and gift, confident that once he awakened fully, he would become an indispensable member crucial for winning future battles against both humans and zombies. If Clyde awakened on his own outside of their group, Kisha feared he might form his own faction and lead his own people. In such a scenario, recruiting him would become significantly more challenging. Now, she saw an opportunity to bring him under her wing. Once he awakened, there would be a greater likelihood that he would remain with them. Even if Clyde didn''t choose to stay, Kisha had supplies she could use as leverage. She had learned from the Scarlet Bees that he had found his family, making it likely he would seek a secure place to earn supplies or food to support them, given his role as their sole provider. Despite her delight, Kisha''s expression remained impassive and unchanged as she scrutinized each of their faces. Chapter 205 - 205 Joining the Group 2 Furthermore, she needed to maintain her facade, especially with the people monitoring her and her group, knowing that Clyde and his friends were likely also under surveillance. "I would love to have such talented people with us," she began, her expression neutral, "but as you can see, our last expedition barely allowed us to return with our lives intact, and our supplies are dwindling. We''re currently seeking a partnership with someone who can provide us with ample resources while we recover," she added, stating her position frankly. Beside her, Duke handed her a raspberry as she spoke. Clyde was well aware of this issue and had heard people mention that Kisha and her group had endured significant hardships, to the point where even Commander McMillan''s team remained bedridden from their injuries sustained in their struggle for survival. Given their current condition, gathering additional supplies and supporting others was undoubtedly a daunting challenge for them. Clyde sighed with regret, but he remained committed to his decision. "I understand the challenges you''re facing, but we''re not asking for a free ride. We''re willing to work hard to earn our keep. I just want to ensure we ally ourselves with trustworthy people who won''t betray us when it matters most," he explained, earnestly expressing his desire to join their guild. This was exactly what Kisha had been waiting to hear. While she wasn''t ready to trust him completely yet, their resolve and dedication were promising. If Clyde or his friends ever attempted to betray her and her group for personal gain, she felt capable of handling the situation. Kisha understood she wasn''t perfect, but she believed in fairness and intended to approach their alliance with integrity and transparency. After all, she wasn''t a saint but she also wasn''t a devil so she made sure to play it fair. "Alright, understood. Once we secure a backer, we''ll notify you immediately. You can head back for now, and when the time comes, we''ll reach out so we can ensure proper support for you and your family," Kisha assured as if her concern for their supplies was real. With this decision, Kisha could demonstrate that her options were limited. Even if Clyde joined her group, it didn''t alter the fact that she and her people were committed to working for someone else in exchange for supplies. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This approach would lead those monitoring them to believe that capturing Kisha''s group would also entail gaining influence over Clyde, effectively achieving two objectives at once and reaping substantial benefits. This action would allow Kisha to subtly protect Clyde, his friends, and their families from danger. It would also prevent those monitoring them from becoming hostile towards Kisha and Clyde''s group, potentially catching them off guard and giving them a strategic advantage. Clyde didn''t fully grasp Kisha''s intentions, but he trusted her judgment. Knowing their strong principles, he was confident they wouldn''t align with someone of questionable character, even if it meant their death. He nodded thoughtfully before asking, "So, does that mean my friends and I can consider ourselves part of your group now?" Kisha tilted her head slightly, observing Clyde''s nervousness. After a moment, she nodded, prompting Clyde to exhale in relief. "Then, we''ll leave it to the guild leader and vice leader to decide," he said, bowing respectfully with his fist cupped before Kisha and Duke. His friends mirrored his gesture, smiling in anticipation. "Alright! We''ll surely follow the one with the best offer." Kisha said deliberately, Clyde found her statement unusual but refrained from saying anything, after all, he just said he would leave everything to their decision. With their discussion concluded, Clyde and his friends bid their farewells and departed, each heading home to their families. They contemplated how to sustain themselves in the interim, awaiting Kisha''s good news. With everything progressing positively, Kisha sensed the urgency of addressing the Coltons and the Minister of Defense promptly, to preempt any plans they might hatch against her group. Duke shared her concerns. They exchanged a quick glance before resuming what they were doing earlier before Clyde and his friends arrived, maintaining an appearance of calm and nonchalance. Shortly afterward, dinner was prepared and they all enjoyed a satisfying meal together. But after their meal, they showed their concern about the food supply dwindling, Marcus and his grandchildren even showed fear because they believed that they would be cut off since they were not that helpful to Kisha and her team and only another mouth to feed. After expressing their concerns, Kisha and Duke retired to their rooms for rest. Meanwhile, Vulture and Sparrow patrolled around the villa to keep watch. Marcus and his grandchildren were left deeply worried, their anxiety keeping them awake until their eyes grew red with exhaustion. Kisha strategically raised this issue to scare the Wyatts. She knew it would appear plausible that their supplies were dwindling, possibly leading the monitors to believe they were vulnerable and ripe for manipulation. Kisha suspected their observers might attempt to coerce them into accepting backing under unfavorable terms, expecting them to shoulder all the work in return. When Kisha and Duke finally reached their room, they washed up and climbed into bed, both exhausted from exploring the territory space and managing Kisha''s farm. They were too tired to exchange banter or playful remarks before sleep. Instead, they cuddled closely and quickly drifted off into a peaceful sleep in each other''s arms. After the Wyatt grandfather and grandchildren finished crying and cleaning up the villa, they dragged themselves back to the workers'' dorm and settled in for the night. None of them slept well, haunted by memories of past hardships and the looming fear of hunger. The children, especially, dreaded the thought of returning to such deprivation. Despite their worries, they felt helpless, unable to change their situation immediately. Meanwhile, Marcus resolved to redouble his efforts in the backyard garden, hoping to yield a better crop to alleviate their food shortage. Once he formulated a plan, exhaustion finally overtook him, and he fell into a deep slumber. Vulture and Sparrow, on the other hand, patrolled the perimeter of the villa. During their rounds, Sparrow seized an opportunity to slip away, with Vulture providing cover to allow him to fulfill a mission assigned by their young madam. Successfully slipping inside the forest just behind their villa''s backyard, Sparrow retrieved a black cloak left there by Kisha for nighttime operations. Donning the cloak, he disappeared into the shadows, blending seamlessly into the darkness. Clad in the cloak, Sparrow activated his whirlwind ability, effortlessly leaping through the trees, seamlessly blending into the shadows as he approached the tent where the Winters'' men waited in silence. Fortunately, they were consolidated in one tent, minimizing the risk of being discovered by others. All that remained was for Sparrow to reach them and proceed with his mission. En route, Sparrow discreetly observed the guard rotations and eavesdropped on soldiers'' conversations, gathering valuable intelligence on the shelter''s defenses and daily operations. Despite Kisha''s extensive knowledge of the area, Sparrow recognized the importance of acquiring his own insights. He methodically collected information while making his way towards the Winters, taking advantage of the opportunity to enhance his understanding of the shelter. Sparrow''s prowess in reconnaissance lay in his ability to seize every opportunity effectively. He knew precisely how to gather information and capitalize on each moment presented to him, making him a skilled operator in the field. Chapter 206 - 206 Taking the Heart Gu Pill After meticulously gathering a wealth of knowledge about the shelter''s layout and operations, Sparrow swiftly made his way to the Winters'' tent as described by Kisha. He almost didn''t need to search, as his comrades had marked the tent entrance with a conspicuous red handkerchief. After confirming the absence of patrols within a few meters of the tent, Sparrow swiftly entered with a ''swoosh'' like a gust of wind. The Winters, alerted by the slight commotion, immediately assumed defensive stances. "Good reflexes," Sparrow teased as he stood facing the group, each of them brandishing a knife. Recognizing Sparrow''s voice, they visibly relaxed, lowering their weapons. Sparrow removed his hood, glanced around at everyone, and sighed, gathering his composure before starting the explanation Kisha had given him for his mission. The explanation was daunting, and even Sparrow felt uneasy. However, he was certain of his loyalty, so he wasn''t worried. Without hesitation, he and Vulture took the Heart Gu Pill in front of their Master and Young Madam earlier in the villa. They understood that their Master had no choice but to take this step to protect everyone else. After he finished his explanation, Sparrow waited for his comrades'' reactions. None of them disagreed; they all understood why their master had to take this step. They had heard about the two traitors who had remained in their midst even after going through life-and-death situations together. The presence of these betrayers endangered everyone, making this action a necessary measure to protect the group. Especially now that they were in enemy territory, they needed to exercise extreme caution. That''s why no one faltered or showed indecisiveness. The Winters exchanged silent glances as they listened to Sparrow''s explanation of the Heart Gu Pill and its harsh effects. While they felt it was inhumane, their time with Kisha¡ªbrief as it was¡ªhad shown them her caution and fierce protectiveness towards Duke and his people. They trusted that she wouldn''t harm her own and saw this as a necessary demonstration of loyalty. Sparrow then distributed the pills one by one, watching each person swallow it without hesitation. His comrades understood Sparrow was just following orders and didn''t take offense at his vigilance. Obediently, they lined up and took their turn, none showing fear but all curious about what it would feel like to ingest the fearsome Demonic Insect that could consume their hearts. As they swallowed the Heart Gu Pill, each person braced for discomfort or pain. They waited until everyone had taken the pill, but felt nothing. They all looked at Sparrow questioningly, as if he had been testing their loyalty and pulling their legs. Sparrow knew what they were thinking; he had felt the same earlier. Rubbing the tip of his nose, he cleared his throat and repeated Kisha''s explanation. "Young Madam said that although we ingested the Heart Gu Pill, which releases the egg of the Demonic Insect from its dormant state, we wouldn''t feel any pain or discomfort immediately. She could have made us take it without telling us since there were no adverse effects right away. This shows that even when she has to take precautionary measures, she still thinks of us." Sparrow did not forget to mention this thought of his to slightly remind everyone not to bite the hand that feeds them and paused to let his words sink in, then continued, "In two weeks, we''ll need the antidote to prevent the Demonic Insect from consuming our hearts, leading to a slow and painful death. If we betray our masters, the Demonic Insect will secrete its poison, causing severe pain before we die. So, I hope everyone understands the gravity of the situation." He ended his speech, watching as everyone processed the information. After hearing Sparrow, everyone nodded in solemn agreement, their determination etched on their faces. They understood what was at stake and felt a profound gratitude toward their master for providing them with a home and a community of brothers with whom they could share their thoughts and feelings. They held a deep disdain for traitors who betrayed their master''s good grace. "Don''t worry, Sparrow. We know what to do. If it weren''t for our master, we wouldn''t have come this far in life, nor would we have brothers with whom to share our joys." "Exactly. We''re grateful that our master found someone who cares for him and his well-being. We won''t betray that trust." "Don''t worry Sparrow." "Don''t worry..." Their collective agreement brought a smile to Sparrow''s face, and even the Winters exchanged reassuring glances. Despite their outward calm, they held their breaths, anxious that Duke''s men might perceive him as ruthless and rebel against him. However, hearing them express care and concern for Duke brought a sense of relief. They were pleased and gratified that the situation had been resolved positively. With the previous issue resolved, Sparrow proceeded to share another crucial instruction from Kisha with his comrades. They gathered closely, speaking in hushed tones and occasionally resorting to sign language to ensure their plan remained confidential, even under potential monitoring. They dedicated half the night to discussing and rehearsing the plan, repeatedly reviewing every detail to ensure it was firmly understood by all especially their roles. Once Sparrow confirmed that his mission was accomplished, he briefly shared the intelligence he had gathered while navigating the shelter on his way to join the group. To his surprise, his comrades pleasantly surprised him by sharing additional valuable information they had gathered around the shelter while Sparrow was away with their Master and Young Madam. This enriched their collective intelligence, making their understanding of the situation more solid and comprehensive for everyone involved. Sparrow also took care to share a brief account of their mission outside, ensuring that everyone understood the situation and wouldn''t worry unnecessarily about Duke and Kisha. This was particularly important to calm the Winters, who had heard about Duke''s severe injury, and most of the people who came out and even lost two who ran away in the middle of the battle. Now that they understood everything was part of Kisha''s plan, they all sighed in relief. Some even began to admire Kisha''s foresight and readiness to prepare a counterattack, ensuring they wouldn''t be caught off guard by their enemies. This further solidified Kisha''s position in their hearts as their Young Madam and Duke''s rightful wife¡ªthe one person who could proudly stand by his side. After seeing the reverie on their faces, Sparrow contentedly left the tent and silently made his way back to the forest behind their villa. After stashing the cloak where he found it, he groggily emerged from the forest, feigning to just having woken up. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he approached, Vulture spotted him and unexpectedly delivered a powerful kick to Sparrow''s backside, causing him to crash to the ground face-first. Sparrow glared up resentfully at Vulture, who was equally surprised by the force of his kick and the unintended outcome. Vulture didn''t break character and continued to chide Sparrow. "How dare you slip away to sleep and leave me to do all the work?" He feigned anger, pointing accusingly at Sparrow''s face. Sparrow bit his lip, attempting to contain his resentment as he struggled to stand up. Failing to do so, he swiftly kicked the back of Vulture''s knee, causing him to collapse to the ground with a loud ''thud''. Chapter 207 - 207 Rendezvous in the Forest ___________ WARNING!!! A little [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! ___________ Satisfied with his revenge, Sparrow swiftly picked himself up from the ground, dusting off the soil that clung to his clothes and even his face. He glanced back at Vulture, who remained stunned and grimacing on the ground. Sparrow snorted with satisfaction and walked away to wash his face before returning to his patrol duties. "Trying to bully me, huh?" Sparrow thought to himself as he left Vulture behind. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that Vulture was nursing a belly full of resentment. His knee had struck a rock, causing him so much pain that he accidentally bit his tongue and was left too stunned to utter a word. After their altercation, the two resumed patrolling in silence, each nursing their resentment. Before dawn, when Marcus emerged from the worker''s dormitory, Sparrow and Vulture retreated to their rooms for some rest. Reeve emerged shortly after, prepared with his dagger and a small pistol provided for patrolling duties, as he found no one else on watch. When morning arrived, the children gradually woke up and began attending to their respective duties. Duke and Kisha, however, remained peacefully asleep in their room, wrapped up in each other''s arms. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. An hour later, Duke and Kisha emerged from their room to find breakfast already prepared. They enjoyed a hearty meal of pancakes, ensuring they were well-fueled for the day ahead. Following breakfast, Marcus and his grandchildren headed to the backyard to tend to the crops and assess any additional tasks around the villa. They diligently repaired what was broken and cleaned everything from windows to stairs, demonstrating their eagerness to prove their usefulness to Kisha and Duke. Kisha and Duke ventured into the forest once more. Kisha, adopting a sultry demeanor, guided Duke through the trees. Finding a secluded spot, Kisha discarded her disguise, preparing to change into a flowing white maxi dress that exuded innocence. Before she could begin changing, Duke fixed his intense gaze on her, silently observing her every move. "What?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Duke pursed his lips, remaining silent. "Don''t tell me you''re planning to watch me change?" Kisha fought the urge to roll her eyes. "What''s wrong with me watching my woman change?" Duke''s voice held a hint of jealousy and possessiveness. Kisha opened and closed her mouth, unable to formulate a complete sentence. "I... You... No..." Before she could respond, Duke added, "I feel like you''re dressing up for someone else, and I don''t like it." Slowly, he approached Kisha, her freshly revealed face devoid of the disguise she had worn for days to conceal her natural beauty, now fully on display. He felt a possessive urge to protect her from prying eyes, even considering hiding her away in their room, but the presence of cameras reminded him of the need for discretion. Instead, he resolved to return Kisha to her disguise. Gently, he traced her bottom lip with his finger, his gaze intent upon her. "I don''t feel comfortable letting you go outside knowing there are beasts of men out there who would look at you with lustful eyes and potentially put you in danger," he said, his palm now resting on her cheek, gently cupping half of her face with his large hands. His thumb traced softly over her lips as he spoke. "Say, why don''t we just let this shelter be overrun by zombies? Hmm?" Duke''s eyes darkened as he contemplated the possibility of his nonchalant remark. Kisha sighed in defeat, understanding Duke''s concern and his deep worry for her safety. She felt warmth envelope her heart as she looked up at him, her eyes softening from their usual coldness as they met Duke''s, which were filled with a mix of emotions. Her lips curved slightly in satisfaction. "Just be patient and wait for my signal, alright?" Kisha gently coaxed him. She wrapped her arm around his neck, and he responded by enveloping her small waist protectively and possessively. Kisha tiptoed to give Duke a gentle kiss on the lips, coaxing him with her tenderness. Feeling him smile against her lips, she started to pull away, but Duke gently grabbed the back of her head, preventing her from breaking away, and deepened the kiss into one filled with passion. He passionately played with her lips, alternating between gentle licks and teasing bites that caused Kisha to gasp. Despite her attempts to pull away from Duke''s possessive kisses, each evasion only seemed to intensify his determination. His tongue slipped into her parted lips, seeking hers in a deliberate and passionate dance, intertwining in a way that kept her ensnared in his embrace. Kisha''s chest tightened as if she couldn''t draw in enough air, her head swimming from the intensity of Duke''s kiss. Duke''s hand, initially resting on her back, slid down to her hips, his grip firm yet tender, sending a tingling sensation through her body. A soft moan escaped her lips, a mixture of pleasure and surrender to his touch. Hearing her soft moan, akin to a cat''s purr, Duke''s touch grew more assertive as he deepened their kiss. Starting at her hips, his hand moved to her waist, pulling her closer. Leaning in, he gently lifted one of her thighs to his waist level. As Kisha adjusted to the shift in her balance, Duke skillfully guided her other thigh around him, wrapping both legs securely around his strong waist. Once Duke secured Kisha in his arms, he carried her over to a nearby tree and gently leaned her back against it. Kisha could feel Duke''s hard cock pressing against her through their clothes, sending a wave of heat through her body. Gasping for air, she broke away from Duke''s passionate kisses. He then leaned in to nibble on her earlobe, trailed kisses down her neck, and gave her a sensual lick that sent tingles coursing through every inch of her. She let out a soft moan, catching her breath. Hearing her like this only fueled Duke''s desire for her even more. He couldn''t resist gently pressing and rubbing his hard cock against Kisha, relishing in the pleasure it gave him. Kisha clung to Duke''s neck as if her life depended on it, occasionally letting her hands wander and tangling her fingers in his soft hair. Kisha could already feel her panties growing damp from Duke''s insistent grinding against her core, his kisses hitting all her sensitive spots. It took Duke only one try to pinpoint Kisha''s weak spot, judging by her immediate reaction. Kisha felt utterly at Duke''s mercy as he explored her body, the thrill of being in the open heightening their excitement. Their hearts raced erratically in their chests. But before Duke could progress beyond kissing and caressing, Kisha heard rustling in the nearby forest bushes. "We can''t continue like this here," Kisha said in a raspy voice as she attempted to pull away from Duke. "They''ve arrived," she informed him. Duke instantly stopped and rested his head on her shoulder. "Wifey, I really wanted to... I really, really wanted it," his voice trembled as he confessed, glancing at Kisha, suggesting they find a quieter spot in her territory space to continue. Chapter 208 - 208 It was Worth It Kisha felt a pang of sympathy for Duke, knowing he had been struggling to restrain his desires. Just seeing him so vulnerable made her want to give in, even though their relationship was progressing rapidly. Kisha no longer saw any issue with it, especially since they had missed each other in her previous life; she didn''t want to miss out on him again in this one. But then, she remembered Bell and Zeus inside her space. Even if she sent the two outside along with all the scarlet bees to give them the entire space, it still wouldn''t feel private because there wasn''t even a shed in her space for them to be alone and have some privacy. Since it was going to be their first time, she didn''t want it to happen just anywhere. Duke also realized this. As his burning desire began to subside, he suggested they go to the lake inside her space for a cold soak to cool down and clear their heads. Kisha saw no issue with the suggestion and transported them both. They remained in the same position as before, but this time, instead of the farm, they arrived at the edge of the lake just as Kisha had intended. She realized she could transport them anywhere within the territory once she entered. When they arrived at the edge of the lake, Duke hugged Kisha tightly, inhaling her scent to calm his racing heart before reluctantly letting her go. Then, without looking back, he ran to the other side of the lake, ensuring he couldn''t see Kisha so he wouldn''t be tempted to run back to her side and regret his decision to run. Kisha watched him run as if his life depended on it and laughed loudly at Duke''s flustered yet frustrated expression. She felt bad for him, knowing how hard it was for him to hold back and how uncomfortable it must be, but this made her appreciate him even more. She realized that all the suffering and pain she had endured in the past were worth it if it meant meeting him in this life. She couldn''t imagine her life without Duke by her side, which made her a little emotional. She had come a long way and felt proud of herself for enduring so much. Now, she believed that everything happened for a reason. After dwelling on her thoughts for a while, she found a more secluded part of the lake. She undressed and took a quick dip, swimming around to explore what lay beneath the surface. It was only after taking a dip that she realized the lake, like the farmland, was divided into sections, each designed to support different types of fish based on their preferred environment and temperature. No wonder the freshwater fish here were plump and lively compared to those in the wild¡ªthey thrived in this predator-free environment, allowing them to breed more easily. If she remembered correctly, there was also a swamp in the territory, as well as a muddy area where crabs thrived. Just thinking about all the food they could enjoy made her happy and excited to explore her territory even more. She swam a few more laps around the lake, with the fish swimming alongside her without fear. The lake''s ecosystem was thriving, and a river from the mountain connected to the lake, allowing fish to come and go. As she explored different parts of the lake, she lost track of time. It wasn''t until she noticed her fingers turning wrinkled that she realized she had been soaking for a long time and Duke must have been waiting for her. After drying herself with a towel, she put on the maxi dress she had intended to wear and slipped on white sneakers. She quickly combed her hair before letting it fall loose. The maxi dress had a slit on the left side, offering a glimpse of her fair and beautiful long legs with each step she took. After finishing her preparations, she returned to where she and Duke had parted ways. Looking around, she sighed softly when she didn''t see him. Not long after, Duke arrived with wet, dripping hair and slightly damp clothes. His shirt clung to his strong muscles, accentuating his physique. "Sorry, I forgot to grab a towel before I took off," Duke murmured sheepishly, noticing Kisha''s questioning gaze as she looked at him, resembling a wet chick caught in the rain. Hearing Duke''s explanation, Kisha couldn''t help but burst into merry laughter. Duke appeared both embarrassed and slightly annoyed, which Kisha found adorable and amusing, prompting her to tease him playfully. "Who told you to run so fast?" Kisha playfully snorted before tossing him a towel and a fresh change of clothes. Her eyes crinkled with laughter, hands on her hips, giving the playful impression of scolding him. Duke remained silent, his eyes softening with a gentle arc playing on his lips as he patted his hair dry. Once finished, he moved behind a large tree to change his clothes. When he emerged, he handed the items back to Kisha, suggesting she put them in the laundry room upon returning. Remarkably, the clothes Duke wore before changing were the same, ensuring no one would notice he had changed them. They acted so naturally like a married couple that they didn''t even notice the small details. If others saw them like this, they would assume they were married, given their strong rapport and understanding. After a few more playful exchanges, they exited the space and returned to the forest. They waited for five minutes until the people they were expecting arrived in front of them. The newcomers immediately clasped their fists and stood at attention, forming a straight line beside each other as they awaited Kisha''s orders. "Young Madam, please give us your orders!" they exclaimed firmly, their voices echoing through the forest and causing Kisha to jump to her feet. Realizing they had nearly revealed their location, they all pursed their lips in acknowledgment of their mistake. However, Duke didn''t let it go. He instructed them all to assume a push-up position on the ground, with their heads anchored down, hands clasped behind their backs, faces towards the ground, and backsides raised in the air. Since they were not in a hurry, Duke made them stay in that position for an hour. He was strict about important matters and didn''t hold back. If they hadn''t been in a forest and might catch the attention of their enemies for staying there for too long, he would have made them stay in that position for another three hours. When the punishment was over, Kisha briefed them on what she wanted them to do. As they listened to her plan, they fell silent, mouths agape and eyes wide with disbelief. Unsure if they had heard her correctly, they collectively turned to Duke, who remained silent and composed, making it difficult for them to gauge the situation. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When Kisha finished explaining, she didn''t repeat herself but simply gestured for them to follow the plan. Afterward, she nodded at Duke and gave him a small kiss on the cheek, noticing he was still sulking about the plan. "Don''t worry too much, okay?" Kisha said reassuringly as she smoothed out his hair. Without waiting for Duke to reply, she gave him one more long kiss and a lingering look before leaving him alone in the forest. Chapter 209 - 209 Who Would You Come With? As Kisha neared the edge of the forest, she took a deep breath to calm her racing heart before stepping out into the open, far from Villa #1. She emerged on the other side of the villa, near an empty lot beside a northern wall. This secluded spot had been their hidden backdoor, used by Kisha and Duke whenever they wanted to slip outside for some fresh air without alerting their people of their disappearance. She chose this path to ensure her origins remained unknown, though it hardly mattered in the end. As she had done yesterday, she returned to the marketplace bustling with people searching for useful items. Her clean, beautiful face drew attention from all directions, with some men following her like bees to flowers. A few even took the initiative to purchase gifts for her from the market, trailing her like eager servants. This was why Duke seethed with jealousy; he knew that when Kisha appeared like this, she would inevitably draw unwanted attention from men. Who knew if they were already undressing her with their eyes or worse, imagining inappropriate things about her? The mere thought was enough to push Duke to the brink of a killing spree if he had been there. Kisha feigned shyness and innocence as she graciously accepted everything they offered: food, accessories suitable for a young woman like herself, clothes, and more. She didn''t have to lift a finger to carry the gifts, as the men who bought them for her took the initiative to carry everything. Just like in her previous life, aside from the villas that had separate water tanks, the villas still had running water for bathing and washing. However, unlike the villas, the surrounding buildings had long been without a water supply, making water one of the most scarce commodities, especially for maintaining personal hygiene. Most people on the streets resembled beggars, nursing wounds from their struggles to survive and their flight to City B. Few were without scratches or injuries, and even fewer had clean bodies and faces like Kisha''s. And most people out in the market with clean bodies are mostly from the Coltons and Minister of Defense factions if not from strong groups who have occupied the other villas. And just like Kisha had expected, in the middle of her shopping, a group of men in black blocked her way, refusing to step aside. They looked at her with covetous and calculating eyes. Kisha recognized the look all too well; she had seen it many times before. She was certain the bait had been taken, and now her task was to verify whether these men were indeed from the Coltons'' faction and not from any other group. "Hello there, missy. Why are you running around on your own and letting these dirty bastards accompany you, hmm?" The man in front said with narrowed eyes, taking a step forward to stand closer to Kisha. When he did, he caught a whiff of Kisha''s pleasant fragrance, refreshing with a hint of flowers, undeniably feminine. It stirred something primal within him, sparking a desire to possess her for himself. Subconsciously licking his dry lips, his gaze darkened. "How about letting this big brother treat you to some delicious food, more clothes, and accessories? What do you think?" He didn''t bother to conceal his lustful gaze any longer, and Kisha sensed that a simple refusal could escalate to violence. She couldn''t afford to abandon her plan just yet, so she pretended to ponder coyly, which only heightened the man''s desire for her. Seeing her seemingly serious consideration without any overt disapproval thrilled him, and he eagerly anticipated the prospect of Kisha becoming his willing lover. Before he could advance any further, another group of men clad in black camouflage uniforms appeared, bearing a red wolf crest on their chests. Their arrival interrupted the tense moment with their serious demeanor. Even Kisha wasn''t certain which faction the new arrivals belonged to. She silently observed the unfolding situation, well aware that both parties were after her. "H-hello sirs. What can we do for you?" She feigned flustered confusion, deliberately keeping her allegiance ambiguous to avoid tipping off either side that she had already chosen a side. The man in charge stared directly at Kisha, ignoring the others beside her. "Hello there, little lady. Are you with them?" Kisha remained silent, her eyes darting nervously between the newcomers and the man in front of her, feigning a slight tremble. "So what if she is with me? She''s my lover now, and I don''t allow any other man to look at her, let alone talk to her!" The man shouted angrily at the new arrival. Despite feeling intimidated by their presence and numbers, he refused to back down in front of a woman he already considered his. The newly arrived man and his team all fixed the man with a stern gaze, exuding an unmistakable aura of menace that seemed to fill the air, directed squarely at him. "Host, I''m back!!!!" 008''s sudden voice genuinely startled Kisha, intensifying her act of feigned fear. "Hmm? What did I miss?" 008 asked, sounding confused. Seeing Kisha visibly trembling and startled, the newcomer spoke reassuringly. "Don''t worry, my lady. Our young master simply wishes to invite you to join him for lunch." He smiled warmly, casting a subtle glance at the man who had been attempting to take Kisha away before their arrival. "Young Master? Who?" Kisha tilted her head to the side, feigning ignorance. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The man responded, "Ah, you may not be aware, as our Young Master has been keeping a low profile lately, but we are from the Coltons. I and my team serve as the Coltons'' private bodyguards." His smile softened, giving him a more amiable and kind appearance. ''How many vulnerable girls or young men has this bastard deceived with his smile and lured into the Coltons'' hideout?'' Kisha thought to herself with disdain, though she kept her expression under control. "Oh?! Aren''t the Coltons one of the powerful families from City A?" Kisha exclaimed, her voice high-pitched with feigned surprise. "Yes, would you care to come and see?" He added, gesturing for her to walk ahead of him like a gentleman. Kisha feigned delight but remained hesitant. ''So, the fish has taken the bait and delivered themselves, what more could I ask for?'' Kisha mused internally, an evil glint flashing in her eyes. "A-alright, I''ll come," she said aloud, feigning hesitation. She turned to the man who approached her earlier and bowed slightly. "I''m sorry, brother, I can''t come with you shopping today. Perhaps another time." With that, she began walking ahead, the Coltons'' bodyguard following closely behind. ''How naive, next time? Do you think our young master would let you go out after you came in?'' the bodyguard who was leading Kisha thought to himself while keeping his practice expression as amiable as possible. If Kisha could hear his thoughts, she might even laugh loudly at him for being so gullible and deceived by who they thought was their prey. Kisha remained silent as she followed the path led by the bodyguard towards Villa #5. True to what the traitor had said, the Coltons indeed resided in that villa. They entered through the front but quickly cut through to the backyard as a shortcut. Chapter 210 - 210 Leading The Wolf Into Your House "Is the Young Master in the backyard?" Kisha asked tentatively, her voice trembling with a hint of fear. None of the escorts responded, surrounding her on all sides as if they feared she might attempt to escape. And soon after, they led Kisha to a large, rundown shed. It appeared unassuming and plain, not suspicious at all. Even her scarlet bees hadn''t discovered the entrance as described by the traitor, which had kept her from taking action thus far. Now, however, they were inviting the wolf into their own home, so they can''t blame her for it. She concealed the smirk playing on her lips as she lowered her head. They refrained from laying a hand on her or using force because she appeared timid and compliant from the start. Seeing no reason to make things difficult, they aimed to present her as a clean, blemish-free gift to their Young Master. This strategy promised rewards in the form of alcohol and food supplies, which brought them immense satisfaction. If they were fortunate and their Young Master found their gift satisfactory, he might even grant them a taste of his collection of sex slaves he was keeping for himself. Little did they know, they were unwittingly leading the wolf into their midst, unaware that it would soon wreak havoc in their homes, turning the tables and becoming the hunter instead of the prey. As they entered the shed, Kisha took note of its interior: ragged and filled with dust, with planks strewn across the corners and stacks of used tires occupying half the room. The man leading them crouched down near one of the tires, his hand reaching out to flip a lever. Kisha could hear the creak of metal as he strained to move it, muscles bulging with effort. After flipping the lever hidden under the tires, the wall covered in planks and boards emitted a soft clicking sound, as if gears were in motion. Slowly, the disguised section of the wall slid open, revealing the true entrance. Kisha then saw the heavy iron door behind the facade, resembling the entrance to a military bunker, confirming that the planks and boards were merely a camouflage for the door. They urged Kisha onward, leading her down several flights of stairs until they reached another metal door. One of the men activated it with a fingerprint and retina scan, and it swung open to reveal a secure area. Surprisingly, there were no guards stationed inside or outside the door, relying solely on its thick construction and biometric security measures. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They proceeded through a silent, dimly lit corridor that seemed eerily quiet and dark. As they walked, the corridor automatically illuminated with each step they took. Continuing onward, they reached another massive door, standing two meters tall and a meter and a half wide. With a push, they opened it to reveal a vast indoor garden. Roman pillars adorned with intricate carvings supported a lofty ceiling, culminating in a glass-like dome at its center. Kisha couldn''t help but wonder about the location of this concealed underground garden with its dome-like glass, which had somehow eluded detection by her Scarlet Bees despite their thorough inspection of each location in the shelter. In one corner of the garden, a massive man-made waterfall cascaded freely, its waters meandering through the lush surroundings where fish lazily swam. Bridges connected an island-like platform in the garden''s center, adorned with a comfortable rattan outdoor chair and table, inviting one to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Seated at the table, engrossed in his reading and sipping from a teacup, the man perked up at the sound of approaching footsteps. He glanced up from his tablet, momentarily stunned by Kisha''s presence before a warm and captivating smile spread across his face. He appeared refined and immaculate, sporting gold-rimmed glasses and neatly combed hair. Beaming at Kisha, he gestured to the men around her to seat her in front of him. As Kisha hesitated before taking her seat, she cast him a shy glance, nervously twirling her fingers, a faint blush painting her cheeks. The man''s smile widened as he noticed Kisha''s reaction, his eyes lighting up with approval. His gaze remained fixed solely on her, ignoring his men completely. Impatiently, he waved away the others to leave. "A-Are you Young Master Coltons?" Kisha stuttered nervously. She glanced up shyly at him, finding him smiling warmly, yet his eyes betrayed a hunger that didn''t surprise her. Hera had already heard from Reeve that this man kept a collection of beautiful women and men as his ex-slaves. "Yes," his calm and gentle tone resonated through the garden, its angelic quality enhanced by the faint echo. Who would have known, that this seemingly angelic voice could transform into something chillingly devilish when he erupted into mad, cackling laughter that could forever give others a nightmare they would carry for life? "May I know your name?" He asked, maintaining his composed demeanor in front of Kisha, who bloomed like a magnolia flower¡ªinnocent, pure, and noble. She embodied the perfection he had sought in a woman for so long, and he found himself truly captivated by her. "Kisha, Kisha Aldens," she answered softly, her voice crisp and gentle. It had been a long time¡ªso long, in fact, that the last time she spoke like this was before the apocalypse. "What a beautiful name," he replied warmly. He gently reached out to hold Kisha''s hand, which was resting on the table and fidgeting nervously. Kisha felt an urge to pull away but restrained herself; she needed to locate the captives first. What if he lost control and harmed them? Wouldn''t her efforts be in vain then? "I''m glad you survived the apocalypse. Did you come here with your family?" he asked, interrupting her train of thought. "N-no... I was saved by a good person, but he died on the way here," Kisha answered quietly, her head bowed, hiding her expression. Despite her best efforts, she struggled to maintain her composure with the bastard''s firm grip on her hand, feeling a creeping sense of disgust crawling under her skin. "Don''t worry. From now on, you can live with me here, and I''ll protect you from any danger that comes your way, that is, if you''re willing to stay here with me," the Young Master Coltons said, his thumb gently rubbing the back of Kisha''s hand. "T-thank you, Young Master Coltons..." Kisha answered, her voice trembling. The man interpreted Kisha''s response as her being emotional, thinking she was moved to tears by his promise of protection. However, in reality, Kisha''s voice trembled with anger. ''Protect me from danger?'' You''re the biggest danger out there, you bastard!'' Kisha seethed silently in her mind, cursing him vehemently while fighting the urge to tear him to pieces on the spot. "Are you hungry? Why don''t we eat first? Hmm?" Before Kisha could respond, he had already rung the small hand bell resting on the nearby pushcart to summon an attendant. Shortly after, a burly man entered from a different door, bowing slightly to the Young Master Coltons upon approaching. As they discussed the meal arrangements, Kisha discreetly scanned the garden, particularly the two doors opposite the one she entered through. Chapter 211 - 211 The Search At first, she thought she would be sent to the dungeon immediately with the other captives. If that were the case, it would have been easy to rescue them and wreak havoc in their hideout. But now, she wondered if the Young Master Coltons always treated captives this way, making them feel safe before exploiting them. If so, he was truly evil, giving them hope only to crush it with his own hands. ''A sick bastard,'' she thought. "By the way, stop calling me Young Master Coltons. It sounds so distant. Just call me Alex," he said, leaning forward on the table, his deep eyes staring at her with clear possessiveness. "Host, you are clearly disgusted with this man. Why are you pretending to be weak and staying here when you could just start killing them? The answer to everything is killing them all, don''t you agree?" 008 said, his disdain for the man standing before Kisha evident. 008 despised lunatics like Alex, especially those who treated human life as worthless. "Do you think I don''t want to?" Kisha replied through gritted teeth. She had already hidden her hands under the table, clenching them into fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white from the strain. "Well, I can hear your brain screaming ''Kill'' repeatedly," 008 said with such vigor, as if delivering good news rather than inciting brutality. "So, what''s stopping you?" "I promised Reeve I''d help him find his friend, who was captured by the Coltons, and save him," Kisha sighed inwardly in frustration. "My hands itch to kill all these animals, especially the man in front of me. But if I massacred them all and failed to find the captives, Reeve would be broken beyond repair. He would blame his own weakness and never grow strong, wasting his talent and gift." Kisha explained solemnly. She had been in his shoes before and knew how destructive it was to one''s mental health. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that Reeve would be consumed by regret and possibly lose his sanity. His fragile spirit reminded Kisha of herself when she first lived through the apocalypse and witnessed her family''s repeated deaths. She had constantly sought ways to save them, only to face the same devastating cycle over and over again. Somehow, she saw her past self in Reeve. With weak resolve and easily broken, he would need rigorous training to grow stronger, both mentally and physically. However, such transformation would demand considerable time and patience¡ªresources Kisha wasn''t sure she could fully provide. For now, she resolved to do what she could and entrusted Sparrow and Vulture with his training. Now that Reeve and the others were her responsibility, Kisha was determined to support them to the best of her ability. "Since you''ve reached level 2, why not scan this whole place and find the dungeon for me?" Kisha instructed 008, who immediately complied, springing into action. "Now that you mention it, host, after my upgrade, I can now perform more comprehensive scans of the surroundings¡ªnot just radar-like detection, but also identifying traps along the way. My capabilities have significantly expanded. So, you''ve entrusted the job to the right person..." 008 paused, then added, "Well, technically, I''m not a person but a system. So yes, you''ve entrusted the job to the right system." With that, 008 retreated into the recesses of Kisha''s mind to perform its task. As Kisha waited for 008 to finish searching for the dungeon, she maintained her facade with the Young Master, suppressing her revulsion while facing him. Not long after, the awaited meal arrived¡ªa lavish spread of cooked frozen seafood and meat, prepared as a luxurious feast just for the two of them. Kisha noticed the server''s longing and hunger as he looked over the spread, almost drooling. Clearly, he must have been enduring a diet of dry rations and unpalatable biscuits for some time. Alex generously invited Kisha to begin eating, serving her the delicious food he had chosen. Kisha accepted graciously, not making a fuss and pretending to be thankful, all the while urging 008 to hurry. She also mobilized the scarlet bees to assist 008 in scouting the area and tracking the movements of people within the hideout, hoping to pinpoint the location of the dungeon. On the other side of the shelter, Duke sat at his computer, typing rapidly as he stared intently at the screen, fully engrossed in his task. While Kisha kept the Coltons'' Young Master distracted, Duke successfully infiltrated their system through hacking. He started by playing a recorded video of himself and Kisha supposedly sleeping in their room, which was displayed on the camera they had placed there. Duke also looped footage of Vulture and Sparrow patrolling the villa perimeter, and the Wyatts moving around inside the villa. He replayed the saved videos from the camera''s archive to avoid raising suspicion among those monitoring them. Meanwhile, he deactivated all of the Coltons'' listening devices and attempted to check in on Kisha. Despite his trust in her abilities, he couldn''t shake off his worry for her now that she was inside the wolf''s den. Once he was certain that she was eating undisturbed, he focused on obtaining the map of the Coltons'' underground hideout. Bell perched on his shoulder, observing everything unfold. This precaution ensured that if 008 overlooked any details, Duke could assist and transmit any crucial findings via Bell, who served as their discreet communication link. However, the Coltons were well-prepared against hackers and had securely stored their important files, including the hideout''s blueprint. Duke carefully navigated their system in silence, taking his time to search for any vulnerabilities without raising any suspicion. So far, no one has detected anything amiss. 008 successfully completed its mission to scan the area, presenting Kisha with a radar-like system interface that displayed the concentration of human activity. Several spots on the screen showed significant clusters of people, likely indicating areas such as training grounds or entertainment areas. Kisha refrained from acting immediately without confirmation, to avoid alerting them prematurely. Kisha instructed 008 to focus on the areas with large clusters of stationary people, as she believed the captives would likely be confined and unable to move freely, either restrained or kept in cages. Now that Kisha could see the density of people in the Coltons'' hideout, she was convinced that the Minister of Defense was unaware of the true extent of the Coltons'' manpower. Alex deliberately kept this information hidden to ensnare the Minister in a trap. By showing apparent losses and creating the illusion of weakened power, Alex aimed to manipulate the situation and seize the Minister''s position. Once he succeeded, Alex would likely eliminate the Minister under the guise of self-defense, preserving his reputation among the shelter''s residents, even if they discovered his role in the Minister''s demise. Kisha considered this possibility because, as far as she could tell, there were approximately a hundred people visible on 008''s radar-like system interface. She doubted the Coltons could have amassed such a large number of beautiful men and women in their dungeon. "Alright, host!" 008''s crisp voice echoed in Kisha''s head just as she finished her meal. Alex then took her hand and led her through his labyrinthine hideout. They passed various entertainment areas: an underground swimming pool, a bar with billiards, and even a theater. Along the way, they encountered many of the Coltons'' men casually enjoying themselves, drinking, playing darts, billiards, and engaging in other activities, as if they were on a team-building outing rather than amidst an apocalypse. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Kisha and Alex passed by, the Coltons'' men would shout in unison, "Young Master is blessed to have Young Madam as your partner!!!" They treated Kisha as if she were already Alex''s wife, and he never corrected them, smiling contentedly at their remarks. Meanwhile, Kisha simmered with anger, nearly reaching her breaking point. Despite her rising anger, Kisha maintained her composure and kept silent, biding her time as she played along with Alex. Her eyes burned with suppressed fury in the corners. Alex, mistaking her red eyes for excitement and touched emotion, felt proud of himself. Having encountered many women in his life and having played games with them, he considered himself adept at reading women. Unbeknownst to him, Alex had completely misread the situation. Standing beside him, Kisha struggled to contain her bloodlust, fighting the urge to twist his neck at that very moment. Each time Alex''s hands strayed toward her, especially towards her backside, Kisha feigned discomfort, pretending to be shy and innocent to the core. In reality, she was barely keeping herself from acting out. If Alex touched her again, her restraint might shatter, leading her to snap and potentially kill them right then and there. She reserved the pleasure of torturing and killing them for Duke; that''s why she refrained from acting independently. Kisha understood Duke''s deep-seated anger and hatred toward these individuals for brutally murdering his people and instilling fear by targeting his family. She intended to let Duke unleash his pent-up emotions upon them. Chapter 212 - 212 Time for Action When she could no longer hold herself back, Kisha pretended to be tired, and fortunately, Alex didn''t disappoint her. He led her straight to the room he had prepared. It was spacious, themed in white and gold, complete with a sofa set and a queen-size bed. Adjacent to the room was a spacious bathroom, and a wardrobe filled with women''s clothes awaited her inside. After closing the door and ensuring Alex had left, Kisha couldn''t help but let out an angry snort as she scanned the room. ''Does he keep his favorite toys here, only to discard them to die in the dungeon when he''s tired of them?'' Kisha thought bitterly, her hand running over the soft leather of the sofa. Her eyes darkened with a hint of rage, a surge of bloodlust escaping her as her core trembled with anger. She was surprised at herself for enduring his touchy hands without snapping. Perhaps it was her feelings for Duke that enabled her to endure, replaying in her mind that it was for Duke''s sake, to prevent him from being consumed by his own demons, which she feared might happen. She surmised that the Coltons were his demons in her previous life, along with the case of his people and his family''s deaths, which led him to become more detached and unfeeling. She had seen him kill a number of people without blinking or saying anything, witnessing his cold and broken side in her previous life. She didn''t want to see him like that in this life either. Duke was in so much pain that he couldn''t even articulate it, choosing instead to lock up all his emotions inside. She felt that if she left the Coltons in his hands, perhaps in this life, he would be able to vent his anger and seek revenge for his people and himself from his past life. So now, all she could do was wait patiently. While she waited, she glanced around the room, opting not to check the door since she had heard the distinct click of the lock. Alex had locked her inside the room, evidently to prevent her from wandering about his underground hideout. She remained composed, knowing she needed to locate the dungeon before taking action. Subtly, she explored every nook and cranny of the room, feigning curiosity while discreetly checking for hidden cameras. "Master, you don''t need to look around. Your husband has already hijacked all the cameras in the villa, including the one in your room right now. We''re just searching for the blueprint of the underground hideout," Bell''s reassuring voice echoed in her head, causing her stiff shoulders to relax and a smile to escape her lips. Duke''s efficiency in action promised to save her significant time. Despite this advantage, 008 continued its own scanning, which would be invaluable for Kisha''s movements. The race was on to see who would secure the layout first. Bell wasted no time either, ensuring her scarlet bees scoured every inch thoroughly. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since she couldn''t take any action or move at that moment, Kisha obediently lay on the bed, attempting to rest and regain her energy for the impending confrontation with the Coltons. She only needed to wait another hour. By that time, Duke and Bell had obtained the complete layout of the underground hideout, and 008 had pinpointed where the people were most concentrated. Armed with this information, Kisha now knew which areas to avoid on her way to the dungeon. It wasn''t that she feared the confrontation, but she preferred not to alert them just yet. After receiving the full blueprint visuals from Bell via their mind link and with the help of 008''s system, 008 reconstructed the blueprint into a game-like minimap, simplifying Kisha''s navigation of the complex. Before she took a step, she waited for Duke''s signal to confirm control over all surveillance cameras. Only after receiving Bell''s go signal did she proceed towards the door. And with a simple use of her telekinesis, she effortlessly unlocked the door. With a soft ''click'', it swung open, and she confidently stepped into the corridor. Checking her minimap, she didn''t need to rely on her senses to detect nearby enemies¡ªred dots indicated their presence. The minimap also provided additional details, such as whether the room ahead was a kitchen, guest room, or otherwise, making navigation effortless and sparing her from unnecessary mental strain. Kisha limbered up with a brief stretch before she surged through the hall, her quick reflexes propelling her forward at a rapid pace. Spotting two figures approaching, she effortlessly maneuvered, blending into the shadows and moving as silently as a cat. Each step was meticulously placed to avoid any sound, ensuring she passed them unnoticed; neither of the two individuals detected her fleeting presence. As she moved past, she left only a subtle gust of wind, easily overlooked by the two patrolling the hallway. Kisha sneered at their lack of vigilance, presuming safety on their own turf. Meanwhile, Duke monitored Kisha''s movements through each camera feed. He simultaneously broadcasted fake recordings to the Coltons'' security room while privately observing the live footage. He watched with pride as Kisha adeptly concealed herself behind pillars and ornamental plants near patrolling guards, none of whom had yet detected her presence. With Kisha''s fluid movements, she displayed the skills of a seasoned spy, capable of infiltrating any base with her adept movements and swift reflexes. Duke couldn''t help but swell with pride as he watched her, marveling at his wife''s abilities. Duke watched with a smug expression before radioing Sparrow. "Sparrow, it''s time to make your move. Kisha''s on the move." Duke played his role as their operator, even though he longed to join them. Kisha insisted he remain as a backup, ensuring someone watched their backs for any ambush or traps. Besides, Duke knew Kisha wanted to protect him and present him the final blow to the Coltons using his own hands, which he felt was part of her pampering him. So, he obediently stayed back, eagerly awaiting his wife''s return. He couldn''t help but feel a bit shy about being treated like the "little wife," while his actual wife was at the forefront, fighting his battles. "If this isn''t pampering, then what is?" he chuckled to himself, his grin spreading from ear to ear. Yet, there was no one around to boast to, so he simply enjoyed the moment in quiet satisfaction. Now, Kisha had descended several flights of stairs and navigated through long corridors where pairs of patrolmen stood watch, oblivious to her presence. Moving stealthily, she advanced until she reached a dimly lit corridor. Ahead loomed a large steel door, guarded by two men. Hiding in the shadows, she observed their movements closely. Kisha held her breath to maintain her concealment, cautiously approaching until she was within range of her telekinesis. Sensing the dagger strapped to one of the guards'' waists, she swiftly seized control and aimed it at their heads, ensuring a silent, lethal strike that prevented any alarm. Afterwards, she efficiently stored their bodies in her inventory. Once she confirmed the area was secure, Kisha examined the door requiring two separate metal keys. Feeling too lazy to search the guards for the keys, she instead placed her hands on the lock and carefully feel its intricacies. This practice also served to hone her telekinesis, particularly useful when manipulating objects out of sight. Mastering the technique required heightened concentration and a deep understanding of the object''s mechanics. Chapter 213 - 213 Rescuing the Captives It took her a full five minutes of careful study and practice using her telekinesis on unseen objects. Once she gained a deeper understanding of the lock''s workings, she began to manipulate it. As she grew more confident, she quickened her pace and swiftly unlocked the door. A loud ''click'' echoed, and the door swung open slightly. A confident smile played on her lips as she carefully entered the door. Fortunately, 008''s minimap had a trap detection feature, allowing her to move with ease and deactivate the traps set throughout the underground hideout. She could tell from the traps that the Coltons had put considerable effort into securing this place, using vicious mechanisms designed to easily butcher any infiltrators. The Coltons must have so much confidence in this place. The inside of the steel door smelled like moss, and the whole place had an eerie, ominous atmosphere. However, Kisha did not falter or turn on any lights as she descended. Thanks to her heightened senses and eyesight almost as sharp as Sparrow''s, she could make out what was in front of her and see better than most. She decided not to use any light source to avoid alerting any guards and giving them a chance to prepare an ambush. Fortunately, there were no additional guards inside. Not long after, she reached the end of the long stairs and was hit by the stench of human filth and the foul smell of human feces and urine mingling together in the enclosed space. A dimly lit fluorescent bulb hung high on the ceiling, casting weak, flickering light. There was no other source of illumination aside from these bulbs. As Kisha walked further, she saw a long hallway lined with dungeon cells, each containing at least one or two men or women. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When they saw a shadow approaching, they all began to tremble in fear. They could barely make a sound, too weak to fight back, and filled with despair and terror. They expected to be dragged back up, only to return as cold corpses or at the end of their lives. As Kisha walked down the long corridor, she saw fear consuming the captives, preventing them from even looking up at her. They assumed she was one of their captors. The Colton bastards hadn''t even provided their prisoners with clothing; most men and women huddled naked in the corners of their cells. Some were on the verge of severe breakdowns, rocking themselves while mumbling incoherently. The entire place was so gloomy it could easily drive anyone inside to mental instability. With no sunlight penetrating the darkness, the captives were convinced they would waste away and die, just like countless others before them. These people were no longer recognizable as beautiful. They had grown so emaciated, their cheeks hollow and their limbs resembling matchsticks. Their eyes were vacant. Kisha didn''t even want to imagine the kind of torture they had endured to reach this point. It was evident the Coltons didn''t care if their captives died here. Bowls filled with writhing maggots sat next to blackened, rotten food. Some prisoners had resorted to biting into their own flesh to soothe their hunger, their eyes red and feral. Kisha continued walking, her eyes scanning the cells for the person she had come to find. "Are you here to save us?" The soft, raspy voice of a woman caught her attention. Though barely more than a whisper, the silence of the place made it audible to everyone nearby. The question, filled with a fragile hope, reverberated through the corridor, reaching the ears of other captives in adjacent cells. Simultaneously, nearly everyone looked up at Kisha''s small frame, a stark contrast to their brutish captors. Those who couldn''t see her in the corridor as she passed drew closer to the bars, craning their necks for a glimpse of their potential savior. Kisha did not immediately respond to the woman''s question. Instead, she posed one of her own. "Have any of you seen a young man, around 19 years old, with ash blonde hair and blue eyes?" The corridor fell silent once more, and no one replied. Kisha scanned the surroundings again, realizing that the dimness and the dirt covering everyone could easily obscure any distinctive features like ash blonde hair, making identification difficult. Eye color, too, would be hard to discern in the gloomy light. "Wait! Are you telling me you only planned to save one person and leave all of us here?" One of the men from another cell shouted in horror, his voice nearly turning into a shriek as he frantically posed the question to Kisha, his hands gripping the bars tightly in front of him. After hearing him say that, almost everyone became hysterical. They believed that someone had come to rescue them, offering an escape from the godforsaken dungeon to a better life, momentarily forgetting the ongoing apocalypse outside. Their singular focus was solely on leaving the place. Kisha remained silent for a moment, contemplating whether to save everyone immediately or focus on finding the specific young man. However, she quickly reaffirmed her commitment to rescuing all the captives present. Taking a deep breath, she addressed them calmly and patiently, "I intend to bring all of you with me. I''m looking for a young man with ash-blonde hair and blue eyes. If anyone has seen him, please let me know so I can locate him before we leave." She spoke with empathy, understanding the fear and desperation among the captives and hoping to reassure them. "Miss, there are many teenagers locked up here, even boys as young as 13 or 14 years old. Do you have any additional description of the boy you''re looking for?" asked the woman who had spoken to Kisha earlier. Her voice carried concern and curiosity, echoing the sentiments of others in the dimly lit dungeon. Now, as Kisha turned to look at the woman''s face, she appeared to be around the same age as Kisha herself. Her long brunette hair, though possibly muddied by dirt, was still discernible. Her face, while not as sunken as the others, suggested she might be relatively new to the dungeon, her mental fortitude still intact. Her eyes were a striking emerald green, contrasting with her pale, chapped, peeling lips. "I think he arrived here just a few days ago. He has a teardrop mole under his left eye and pale skin. He used to be a teen idol," Kisha repeated the description that Reeve had given her about his friend who was captured. "Ah!!!" The woman exclaimed. "Yes!! Yes!!! There was that boy!!!" "Do you know where he is? Is he still alive?" Kisha asked tentatively, moving closer to the woman''s cell. "Yes, if he''s the one you''re looking for, he''s here with me!" The woman exclaimed with excitement, pointing to the far corner of the cell where a bundled shape covered in a blanket lay. Kisha initially mistook it for a mere bundle of cloth due to its small size. According to Reeve, the young man was quite tall, and Kisha couldn''t imagine how he could fit into such a small space. The woman struggled to stand up, stumbled around the bundle, and slowly pulled back the blanket, revealing a sleeping boy inside. His breathing was shallow, as if he might take his last breath any second. Chapter 214 - 214 How They Will Proceed After the woman pulled back the blanket, the young man let out a soft, pained groan but did not stir or open his eyes. His face was as pale as a sheet of paper. Kisha didn''t wait any longer. Using her telekinesis, she unlocked the cell door with a soft ''click'' and strode straight inside. The woman, crouching beside the young man, heard the sound and turned her head instantly to see Kisha walking in. She stared at Kisha with wide eyes, astonished that she hadn''t seen her use any keys to open the cell. Kisha crouched down beside the young man. He did have a teardrop mole under his left eye, though it was barely visible under the grime covering his face. The filth, possibly their own feces, was everywhere, a result of being unable to clean themselves properly and have no toilet to do their business. The overwhelming stench of urine mixed with human waste was so strong it could cause a headache, likely explaining why there were no guards inside the dungeon apart from those at the entrance. Kisha didn''t flinch as she reached out to check the young man''s breathing and pulse. Feeling a faint pulse on his neck, she sighed in relief. She then pretended to pull a vial of blue liquid from her pocket and carefully fed it to the young man. The young man gulped down the liquid like a fish out of water. The speed at which he swallowed made it feel like it got stuck in his windpipe, and he started to cough. Fearing he might spit out the liquid, Kisha quickly covered his mouth to prevent him from spitting the healing potion. When his coughing subsided, he lay back down silently, but the color began returning to his lips, and his breathing steadied a little. The woman beside Kisha stared at her in astonishment, as if she were a divine healer capable of bringing the dead back to life. Not long after, the young man regained consciousness and stared blankly at the ceiling. It took him a moment before he shifted his focus around the cell and met Kisha''s strong, confident gaze. He was mesmerized by the depth of strength he saw in her eyes. He felt that, with a little more effort, he could be as strong as she was. He had already given up on life, believing that the misery of the apocalypse, combined with the humiliation suffered at the hands of the Coltons'' Young Master, had broken him too deeply to envision a good ending for himself. Seeing her felt like seeing light after a storm. His heart shivered, and his insides trembled as if an invisible hand had touched something deep within him. Uncontrollable tears of hopelessness and frustration for being powerless streamed down his face. Kisha silently let him shed these negative emotions, understanding that by doing so, he would be able to move forward and become stronger. There were no words of comfort she could offer the young man, but she could give him a little encouragement to keep moving forward. Maybe, in time, he would find something that made life worth living again. Kisha had been in his place before, so her heart went out to him. She reached out and gently tapped the young man''s head. Her expression was cold and indifferent, but her words were warm as if sharing some of her strength with him. "I can''t say that things will get better from here on, but what I can tell you is this: strength says it all. You have to be stronger than the trials coming your way, so no matter what happens, you will never feel worthless again." Kisha didn''t like flowery words because she knew that no matter how good they sounded, they remained just words. What mattered were actions. She couldn''t offer him much, but if the young man decided to grit his teeth and fight back, maybe he would have a chance to see how she fought her own misery and set an example for others. Having lived through her 100th life, something inside Kisha had obviously broken, changing her forever. Yet, it also taught her how to be stronger, not just physically, but mentally and this kind of misery will not consume her. Growing older doesn''t necessarily mean carrying more wisdom. Knowledge may accumulate, but true wisdom often comes from experience and discernment, things you can only truly understand by living through them yourself. Kisha stood up, not expecting the young man to grasp her words immediately; she trusted time would bring understanding. "Wait here, everyone. I''ll bring back clothes for all of you and secure the perimeter." As she walked slowly, she brushed her hand lightly over each cell door, almost as if tracing her path. To the astonishment of everyone watching, each door she touched unlocked and swung open in sequence. After releasing everyone from their cells, she ascended a few flights of stairs and retrieved several sets of clothes, packing them into a backpack. With a wave of her hand, a portal materialized out of thin air. "Alright, it''s your time to shine, everyone," Kisha calmly directed towards the portal. Within seconds, one after another, the Winters'' men emerged from the portal onto the stairs, appearing well-rested but still in awe of their recent experiences inside. Four Hours Ago... "Listen up, everyone! We''ve located the Coltons'' hideout, but we still need to find the entrance. I''ll go undercover to infiltrate them from within and then signal for you all to come in." Kisha''s voice was confident as she scanned their shocked expressions, each face questioning how this would unfold. "Young Madam, wouldn''t that be dangerous?" Bald Eagle yelped. "In the apocalypse, everything is dangerous. But I have a plan," Kisha replied, casting a glance behind her where Duke stood, looking grim and disapproving. His expression made it clear he didn''t approve of the plan, especially if he wasn''t accompanying her. "Listen to what I have to say first, then decide if it''s worth a shot," Kisha said calmly, aiming to present her plan comprehensively rather than argue her point. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Reluctantly, everyone listened. They knew proposing an alternative to infiltrating the Coltons or finding their entrance was futile; the Coltons were on high alert after the attacks on their four camps, barring strangers. Despite their efforts in recent days, they hadn''t gathered any new information. Moreover, they had come to trust that Kisha never spoke without certainty or would endanger them, so everyone gradually quieted down, their expressions showing readiness to listen. Once Kisha saw them waiting for her explanation, she began. "Firstly, I need Duke to remain in the villa." Immediately after her statement, she heard a snarl behind her. Kisha met Duke''s furious gaze squarely, raising an eyebrow, and continued. "Among everyone here, I trust that no one could outperform Duke in terms of his hacking ability. We don''t have your IT team to assist us with hacking the Coltons'' system, so Duke will need to hijack their surveillance cameras and acquire their hideout''s blueprint without triggering their firewall," Kisha explained, shrugging slightly. Hearing the compliment in her words, Duke puffed up his chest with pride, a smug smile playing on his lips. Sensing that Kisha had successfully defused Duke''s anger, she continued. Chapter 215 - 215 Whos The Little Wife Now? "While Duke covers our tracks and hijacks the Coltons'' system, I''ll need to drop my disguise to lure their men into bringing me to their hideout," Kisha explained. "Young Madam, how will they even do that when they are on high alert and not allowing anyone to get close to them and especially let a stranger in their perimeter?" Bald Eagle clarified he is not following how Kisha''s head is wired because he thought that she might not be aware of the Coltons'' movements after their camps had been razed to the ground. "Well, it turns out the Coltons'' Young Master was a big sex freak and his people kept on kidnapping beautiful men and women to exchange them for supplies from their Young Master," Kisha explained casually, but Duke erupted in anger "No! I do not approve!!!" Duke pulled Kisha into his embrace, his eyes swirling with anger. "You are not going," he growled lowly. Kisha exhaled deeply, meeting Duke''s gaze. With a mischievous glint, she leaned in and stole a kiss from him. "Do you think I''ll give in just because you kissed me?" Duke retorted, trying to appear stern, though the corner of his lips twitched, betraying his amusement. Kisha tiptoed closer, aware of everyone''s wide-eyed attention as their Master seemed to enjoy being kissed by their Young Madam, despite his protests. Seeing Duke''s lips twitching, she playful pepper kiss on his lips until he softened, smiling like a fool and gazing at her lovingly. After that, Kisha smiled smugly and resumed her briefing. "Alright, now that the distraction is over, let''s continue." She glanced at Duke and then paced in front of them. "As we''ve heard, the Coltons are abducting beautiful men and women. I believe I can infiltrate their ranks looking like this." She shrugged and twirled in her white maxi dress, making her point clear. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now, everyone understood why she had changed her clothes and shed her disguise; she looked innocently beautiful and agreed that any man wouldn''t be able to take their eyes away from her. Everyone nodded in agreement as they thought that she''d really get past and be abducted. "So, if any of you are concerned about my safety and don''t want me to go, I have a plan to be taken away without them needing to use force," Kisha said confidently. Upon hearing this, they looked at her with incredulous expressions, struggling to believe her plan. So she explained, "If I act naive and too trusting, would you still need to force me to come with you?" Kisha posed the question, and they all shook their heads in unison. However, the idea of Kisha portraying naivety and innocence seemed incongruous with her usual cold and indifferent demeanor. Nonetheless, they grasped her point and remained attentive to her next instructions. Duke remained concerned and asked, "Then, as the one who will be opening a path for everyone, how do you plan to bring them in?" Despite having an idea of her strategy, he wanted to ensure everyone was clear on the plan. Kisha smirked and waved her hand in the air, conjuring a portal before them. Despite being accustomed to Kisha''s wonders, they couldn''t help but be surprised anew. The circular light, resembling a rainbow portal, appeared, towering over Duke and wide enough to accommodate two men side by side. They all stared at the portal that had appeared, and Kisha began to explain. "This portal leads to my personal space. Or should I say, my own realm?" Kisha''s tone held a touch of mystery, knowing they would be intrigued by what awaited inside. She was confident they would keep this information confidential, especially now that they had taken the Heart Gu Pill. "Everyone, you''ll enter this portal and remain there until I open another to let you out. It functions like a portable land, moving with me wherever I go, in case that wasn''t clear," Kisha explained, pausing to gauge their reactions¡ªamazement and surprise mirrored on their faces. "Also, a key detail: time inside passes ten times faster than outside. So, don''t be alarmed if you spend what feels like a day or two in there while I''m outside," she added, ensuring they understood the concept fully. "And since that''s the case, I have an additional task for all of you," Kisha announced, coming to a halt and fixing a stern gaze on everyone. Their attention was immediately captured as they awaited her next words. "I need each of you to plow the land and plant the vegetable seeds. I''ve marked the plots and provided signboards indicating which seeds should go where. Each seed packet is also labeled with its type," she instructed clearly. Duke burst out laughing upon hearing Kisha''s serious order to his men, while everyone else stared at her dumbfoundedly, as if unsure whether she was serious or pulling their legs. They exchanged looks with each other, silently questioning if their comrades shared the same disbelief. "What? Farming is crucial because eventually, we won''t have the luxury of planting vegetables in the land once it turns rusty and useless. This is the perfect opportunity to secure our food supply while I can preserve everything without compromising freshness but the number of people that we need to cater to will also increase in the future and surely, the supply won''t be able to keep up with the demand by then," Kisha explained with a huff, feeling slightly annoyed at being regarded as if she had grown another head. "You can plow the land, plant the seeds, and take breaks whenever you need. Everything you''ll need is already there. Just do as much as you can while waiting for me; you''ll likely be there for at least 24 hours. When you come out, be prepared for battle. We''ll catch the Coltons off guard from the inside, and I''ll give you all the chance to pay them back for what they did to your comrades. Any questions?" Kisha concluded, confident that she had explained her entire plan to them since it was so straightforward. "Will Sparrow and Vulture join us, or will we coordinate a pincer attack with them attacking from outside, or perhaps they''ll serve as a distraction?" Bald Eagle asked again. "No, they won''t be joining us. Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan have their own mission separate from ours," Kisha explained. "Do you really intend to keep me here in the villa?" Duke said sulkily. Kisha reached out to his arm to appease him. "Your role is crucial as our eyes. I''ll leave Bell with you so it can show me a visual of the blueprint of their hideout once you''ve accessed it. This information will be crucial to our success," Kisha assured him. Duke understood the importance of his task and Kisha''s strategy, but he couldn''t shake his worry for her. "It''s hard to predict the actions of a lunatic, especially when they''re cornered. That''s what worries me," Duke admitted, his concern etched on his face. "I know, but if things go south, I have other ways to handle it. I still have the scarlet bees, my awakened ability, and the healing potions," Kisha reassured him. "Master! We will protect the Young Madam with our lives!" the Winters'' men said in unison, fists over their hearts as they vowed to ensure Duke could remain in the villa with peace of mind. Duke pouted. "I should be the one going to war, and you should be waiting at home with a warm meal prepared, like a little wife. Why does it feel like our roles have been reversed?" he said, a touch of resentment in his voice as he played with Kisha''s curls. Chapter 216 - 216 Dukes Side Everyone burst into laughter after hearing what Duke said, as he looked like a coquettish wife. They all felt the same way, but the situation called for a different approach. Even though Duke had destructive prowers and could quickly kill numerous enemies, Kisha''s ability was still the best option for bringing them in stealthily and with minimal risk. And just as Kisha mentioned, if something went wrong, they could easily escape using a few of their trump cards. Besides, Kisha still had her three talismans that could save her from a critical blows capable of killing anyone instantly. She would never enter the enemy''s den without thorough preparation and careful planning. Reluctantly, Duke let Kisha go, like a wife sending her husband off to war. He looked aggrieved and already missed her even before she stepped out of the forest. Kisha shook her head and gave Duke a reassuring kiss on the lips. Duke looked like he was enjoying it, his eyes crinkling into crescents and a wide grin spreading across his face as he held Kisha''s small waist in his embrace. When Kisha was about to let go, Duke pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. This was the cue for the Winters'' men to enter the portal one after the other and follow their orders, leaving the couple undisturbed. But before they went in, they made sure to steal a quick glance at their once-cold master, now transformed into a love-struck fool. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They sniggered as they entered, exchanging knowing looks. Duke wasn''t content with just a simple kiss. After nibbling on Kisha''s lips and ensuring his men had stopped watching and entered the portal, he kissed Kisha hungrily, not giving her a chance to breathe. In just a few moments, Kisha was breathless and gasping for air, which was exactly when Duke slid his tongue in. Kisha tightened her grip on Duke''s arm, feeling her brain become fuzzy and lightheaded due to the lack of oxygen. At the same time, she felt a delicious twitch in her core and her toes curling as electricity traveled throughout her body. She couldn''t help but moan when she felt Duke''s tongue slip through, exploring every inch of her mouth in a quest to find her own tongue. When their tongues met, an explosion of desire enveloped them. Kisha didn''t shy away from Duke''s possessive kiss. She matched his intensity, ensuring he felt the same sensations she did. They both moaned and groaned, each trying to outdo the other. After a while, they reluctantly let go of each other, a silver thread of saliva connecting their lips as they separated, adding to the sensuality of the moment. Kisha''s eyes were misted with tears, her face flushed, and she panted heavily. Although Duke was also panting, a triumphant smirk played on his lips as he looked at Kisha, as if he was looking at his own art. Seeing Duke looking so smug in front of her when there was barely any difference in them made her roll her eyes at him before she started fixing her own messed up hair that Duke played with while they are kissing. She wasn''t sure if he had done it on purpose to leave his mark on her or if he simply couldn''t help himself, but Kisha suspected the former. Her swollen lips made it obvious she had just shared a passionate kiss. Now, she no longer looked like an innocent and naive girl; she resembled a seductress ready to find a man to enchant. But when Duke saw that Kisha was about to get angry, he hurriedly helped her by smoothing her hair and dress. Meanwhile, Kisha tried to reduce the swelling in her lips. Only when she saw Duke flustered, moving around to brush her hair and straighten her dress, did she smile in victory, her eyes turning to crescents. Duke could only sigh in defeat. ''A happy wife leads to a happy life,'' he thought as he continued fussing over her. When he was done, he handed the brush back to Kisha and escorted her to the edge of the forest where she had chosen to emerge. Once Kisha was out of sight, Duke returned to the Villa, putting on an angry facade. He kicked and punched a tree to make it seem like he and Kisha had a fight, storming out of the forest as if leaving her behind. What happened in the forest, whether Kisha was crying, was left to their imagination. Duke then promptly walked back to his office and turned on his computer. He knew they hadn''t managed to hack into his PC, even if they had gained access to his office, which he rarely used. Confident that his computer remained secure, he focused intently on the keyboard for half an hour. After thirty minutes, he left the room and retired to the bedroom, where he lay for some time before returning to his office. His next move involved ensuring there was a recording of him sleeping in his room. He later used this recording after he hijacked the Coltons'' system, replacing live footage of his whereabouts with the prerecorded video. Once the system infiltration was complete, he searched for the hideout''s blueprint, all the while monitoring Kisha on another screen. He couldn''t stand the way the bastard looked at his wife. It took considerable effort to calm himself down and resist the urge to rush to where Kisha was and confront the Colton. The lecherous gaze the Colton gave Kisha put Duke on edge and filled him with anger, prompting him to hasten his search so Kisha could leave that hellhole as soon as possible. His anger only subsided when he saw Kisha being escorted to a room. Still, he couldn''t shake off the worry that the Colton might try something inappropriate with his wife. When the Coltons'' Young Master left the room immediately after entering, Duke sighed in relief and resumed his search. After some time, he finally accessed the blueprint from the most secure file in the Coltons'' system. It had taken him a considerable effort to crack their security, but he had done so meticulously, ensuring Kisha wouldn''t be endangered by any mistakes. After obtaining the blueprint, he carefully showed it to Bell. Each time Bell buzzed its wings, he would move to a new section of the blueprint, a signal they had agreed upon to communicate effectively. Once he confirmed that Bell had seen the entire blueprint and sent the visuals to Kisha, Bell buzzed its wings again and perched on Duke''s shoulder. Duke understood this as the signal that his mission for Kisha''s side was complete. As he monitored Kisha, Duke switched on the radio beside him. Pressing the side of the radio, he heard static before speaking. "Sparrow, come in." After a moment of static, a voice echoed through. "Master, we''re standing by," Sparrow replied. "Alright, await my signal," Duke instructed. _______ PS: Hello everyone once again!!! Another month has come, and someone introduced a game to me that I''m really eager to try, just some additional motivation so please humor me a little. For five inspiration capsules, I''ll release an extra chapter! (¨R¨Œ¨Q) (?£þ¡÷£þ)? Please ADD to your LIBRARY to be notified when the update is posted. Thank you!!! Please don''t forget to cheer me up by voting with Powerstone and Golden Ticket! Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! You may also like Chapter 217 - 217 Sparrows Side Meanwhile, Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan made their way to the Minister of Defence''s side at Villa #9. Their plan was to orchestrate simultaneous attacks on both factions, preventing them from supporting each other in times of need. Duke''s role would be crucial in ensuring that communication between the two camps was effectively severed. Kisha had directed them to accompany Aston and his team to the Minister of Defence''s hideout. As soon as they departed the villa, they disguised their movements by heading towards a street known as a red-light district, aiming to shake off any tail. Upon arriving at the red-light district, the three encountered many women lining the road in skimpy clothing. Despite appearing cleaner than some, they still bore traces of dirt clinging to their oily skin and hair, which resembled tangled bird''s nests. As soon as the three well-fed and healthy-looking men arrived on their street, the women flocked to them. It was clear to everyone that these men were well-provided for, evident from their healthy skin and muscular appearance. Sparrow and the others found themselves flanked on both sides as the women began fighting over who would serve them. "Hey handsome, why don''t you pick me? I can give you a steamy sex in exchange for a loaf of bread," the woman on Tristan''s side coaxed, pulling him towards one of the tents. Meanwhile, another woman on his other side refused to give up easily and tugged him in the opposite direction. "Hey handsome, I''ll even give you a discount if you choose me." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite feeling bothered and perplexed by the situation, Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan maintained their facade and each randomly chose a woman who appeared cleaner and more composed. Soon, each of the three men was escorted into separate tents one after another. The interiors carried an overwhelming scent, and the sparse furnishings offered little comfort¡ªscant bedding, no blankets, and hardly any food in sight. It was clear these women relied solely on their bodies to survive. They didn''t pry any further and got straight to business. As the women eagerly initiated their services, each man gently stopped them and began their transaction. Despite being in separate tents, all three were noted for their similar thinking and mannerisms. "Let''s make a deal. I''ll give you two loaves of bread, but you have to pretend I''m still here when I leave and continue your performance," Sparrow proposed, producing two loaves of bread from his backpack. The woman looked surprised but suspicious. She wondered why Sparrow was offering two loaves of bread before she had even provided her services, especially when he only needed her to pretend he was there. She sensed that overly generous offers often concealed ulterior motives, so she began to suspect Sparrow''s intentions. "If you plan to use me as a cover, then leave. No matter what you offer, I won''t compromise my safety for you." Sparrow chuckled knowingly, aware that the woman had caught on to something, but he stayed and proposed, "How about two loaves of bread, two packets of instant noodles, a liter of water, and two cans of meatloaf?" He displayed all the food he had in his backpack. The woman''s eyes widened in surprise; the food Sparrow mentioned was already worth a reward for an important mission. As a woman with limited strength, she had few options from the mission board that could earn her a meal, but such jobs were often taken by men. For someone like her, without a man to rely on, choices were scarce. Reluctantly, despite her aversion to using her body to earn a living and knowing it was something she detested, she went ahead because she held onto hope that life would improve eventually. She reasoned that at least by fighting in her own way, she could retain some control over her fate. Now that food was being presented to her on a silver platter, she hesitated, sensing there might be more to it that could endanger her life. Her intuition as a woman kicked in, and she narrowed her eyes, studying Sparrow closely. Sparrow found her perceptiveness unexpectedly useful and saw potential in her as a trustworthy recruit for his Young Madam. He decided to explain himself: "You see, someone has been tailing me whenever I leave, hindering my ability to fulfill the tasks my master assigned. I''m not sure if they mean harm or not, but my master''s orders are crucial." Sparrow sighed wearily, as though genuinely conceding to the situation, though only he knew he had carefully mixed truth with white lies. But the woman became even more guarded. "Who was your Master?" She asked with dread. "Is that important?" Sparrow asked with confusion. "Of course it was!" The woman almost shrieked. Sparrow noticed her cautious demeanor and spoke up. "If you''re worried that my master is Young Master Coltons or associated with him, you''re mistaken. In fact, my master and Young Madam despise that man," Sparrow admitted, withholding further details, hopeful that this revelation would prompt her assistance. As expected, the woman visibly relaxed upon hearing Sparrow''s words but remained cautious. Taking note of her response, Sparrow grew bolder. "If you''re not fond of the Coltons, then that''s even more reason to assist me, don''t you think?" "Besides, I''m offering a substantial reward for a simple job that doesn''t require you to sell your body," Sparrow added. It took a bit more persuasion without divulging further details before the woman reluctantly agreed to take the job. Similar negotiations played out in the other two tents, with Vulture and Tristan handling them more swiftly. They were now waiting for Sparrow in the back alley. After Sparrow convinced the woman, she led him to exit through the back of the tent, which was obscured by other tents. Once Sparrow left, the woman began moaning louder and uttering explicit words, making it seem as though there was a man inside with her. Sparrow could even hear the sounds of skin slapping, making it more believable. This gave him peace of mind, knowing he now had a solid cover. Soon after, he rendezvoused with Tristan and Vulture, and together they headed to where Aston and his men awaited. Aston received a small note delivered by Bell, containing simple instructions that Sparrow would elaborate on later. Sparrow and the others made their way to Aston''s tent. Despite the injuries on Aston and his men, they had convinced everyone that they were bedridden and resting inside their tents. None of Aston''s men had ventured outside the tent since their arrival, only receiving meager deliveries of biscuits from sympathetic soldiers. Thanks to Kisha''s healing potion, their recovery had been swift, though they maintained the facade of injury until Sparrow and his team arrived. As Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan stealthily entered Aston''s tent, Aston and his men lay in bed, appearing weak and battered. However, upon seeing Sparrow and the others sneak in, Aston and his comrades immediately sprang to their feet and saluted. "You''ve finally arrived," Aston said, gathering his well-dressed men around him, ready to move out. Sparrow briefed them on Kisha''s mission and mentioned she was likely already inside the enemy''s hideout. Aston''s heart skipped a beat in nervousness. "Is she alone?" Aston asked, his face paling. Sparrow shook his head. "Our men are with her, and our Master will support us by hacking into the enemy''s system to create a way in," Sparrow explained. Just then, the radio strapped to his backpack emitted a static sound. "Sparrow, come in." Chapter 218 - 218 Operation Starts Sparrow surveyed the men, their faces etched with determination, before responding to Duke over the radio. "Master, we''re standing by," "Alright, await my signal," Duke instructed. After Duke''s radio call, Sparrow stealthily maneuvered his team around Villa #9, where the Minister of Defense was located. They encountered a significant number of patrolling soldiers, prompting them to hold position at a safe distance until Duke signaled them to proceed. Just as Duke had done with the Coltons'' system, he also infiltrated the Minister of Defense''s base and ensured that their surveillance cameras were only showing recorded footage. This allowed Sparrow and his team to sneak in without detection. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke further disrupted their operations by activating a signal jammer found within the Minister of Defense''s fortress, and no one had noticed it just yet because everyone was so lax that they didn''t even take their guard duties seriously and do the monitoring properly. So aside from the guards making rounds outside the villa, Sparrow and the others wouldn''t have any difficulties inside. After ensuring that he had severed the Minister of Defense''s fortress from the outside world, preventing any SOS calls, Duke signaled Sparrow to proceed before they entered Villa #9. Once inside, they would be unable to contact Duke due to the signal jammer. "Sparrow, do you read me?" Duke radioed Sparrow again after half an hour. "Master, Sparrow here, we''re in position." "Good. Note that I''ve activated a signal jammer inside their base, so once you''re inside, you''ll be on your own. The Scarlet Bees will provide support from the side if needed. Stick to the plan, but if issues arise, you''ll lead the group. I trust your experience with this." "Roger that, Master. Leave everything to us. We won''t let you down," Sparrow replied with enthusiastic assurance. His voice carried a sense of confidence that overshadowed any hint of nerves. Having faced similar missions countless times, he was well-accustomed to handling such operations, whether alone or with his team. Right now, he''s focused on leading his comrades so they can learn from his experience. He wonders if this is why Kisha allowed them to accompany him on this mission, even though typically he would handle such tasks alone. Nevertheless, this opportunity makes him feel valued and appreciated for his contributions. Sparrow''s proficiency in infiltration and assassination made him the ideal leader for this mission. By guiding Vulture, Tristan, Aston, and their team, he would demonstrate his skills in action and provide them with insights into how he successfully completed missions, including how the operation he completed and razed the four camps to the ground. It will be mind-blowing to see him in action. This will foster a healthy sense of competition among them and offer those who haven''t yet awakened a glimpse of what an awakened superhuman can achieve with their abilities. Fortunately, Sparrow had anticipated potential unexpected obstacles while inside the Minister of Defense''s base. While they were in Aston''s tent, he took the opportunity to teach them the Winters'' hand signals, known only to them, so that Aston and his team could understand their silent communications. He confidently shared this secret because he had heard from Kisha that these people, like the rest of the Winters'' men, could never betray or harm her due to the slave contract they were under. Thus, any secrets they possessed would never be disclosed without Kisha''s approval. After Duke ended the radio call, Sparrow took a deep breath and scanned the area while his team remained concealed under the bushes. Once he was familiar with the patrol''s rotations and shifts, they swiftly intercepted two patrols that passed nearby. With practiced precision, they incapacitated them, breaking their necks and muffling their mouths to prevent any alarm. They also ensured to conceal the patrol''s bodies in the bushes to avoid detection. Each member understood their role clearly as they advanced deeper into the enemy base. Their coordinated actions and silent communication allowed them to infiltrate smoothly, navigating through the base without delay or alerting their enemies. After entering the Villa, Sparrow signaled his team to prepare for an incoming patrol of four. He positioned himself concealed among large plants, while Tristan and Vulture took cover behind pillars. Aston and his men crouched low under trimmed bushes in the indoor garden, ready for any approach. They all kept their eyes fixed on Sparrow, waiting for his signal to act against the incoming patrol. With their fundamental understanding of base infiltration, they recognized Sparrow''s role as the team''s lookout, leveraging his keen eyesight to scan for any approaching enemies. His decision-making was trusted, knowing it offered the best chance for success in their mission. Once Sparrow gave the signal, Vulture and Tristan, hidden behind the pillars, swiftly pounced on two members of the patrol who were standing at the back. Startled, the remaining two in front turned around, giving Aston and his team who were crouching behind the bushes to emerge from their hiding spots. In a seamless display of precision, Aston''s team incapacitated the patrol members before they could react, their actions swift and lethal. The remaining two in Vulture and Tristan''s grasp looked on in horror, eyes wide with fear before their own necks were twisted mercilessly, plunging them into darkness. Once they had dealt with the four patrols, Sparrow and his team dragged the bodies into a nearby empty room, ensuring they were concealed from sight. Unlike Kisha, who required blueprints of the Colton''s underground hideout, Sparrow and his team didn''t need such detailed information since the Minister of Defense''s base was not concealed. They proceeded with their mission confidently, navigating the base with their knowledge and skills. Since all the villas had nearly identical layouts, Sparrow and his team knew their way and silently made their way to the second floor where the Minister of Defense''s office was located. They encountered a few more patrols along the way but managed to neutralize them swiftly. Soon, they arrived at the office door where two guards stood on standby, but this didn''t deter their approach. Sparrow summoned two wind blades, aiming them at the guards'' throats to silence them. Before their bodies hit the ground, Sparrow and the rest swiftly moved to catch them, ensuring their silent approach continued, along with securing the decapitated heads. But this still made a mess on the carpeted floor because of the blood oozing from the dead guards, so Sparrow and the rest did a quick action of throwing those bodies in a nearby empty room before they all stood behind the Minister''s office door, they all knew that the office was soundproof so no matter how much they tried they will never hear anything out. Instead, Sparrow carefully surveyed the surroundings outside the Minister''s office window to ensure no one would witness his approach. Satisfied that the coast was clear, he opted to enter through the window alone, leaving the rest of the team stationed outside the Minister''s door. Using his wind abilities, Sparrow gracefully glided through the air, using the window sills as leverage to move silently until he positioned himself outside the large office window, directly behind the office desk. He stealthily peeked through the corner of the window to assess the number of people inside the office. Chapter 219 - 219 Operation Underway It was only then that he noticed the large window was slightly ajar, allowing him to catch faint sounds from inside as he cautiously peered through. "Ah! Yes! Right there, harder! Fuck me harder!" Sparrow heard a woman''s loud moans. As he cautiously peeked inside the office, he witnessed the Minister vigorously engaging in intercourse with a woman on his desk, the woman bent over the desk, and the Minister thrusting from behind and slapping her buttocks with fervor. The Minister''s back was turned toward Sparrow, half-naked, with his fat ass bouncing in front of Sparrow''s view. Sparrow felt nauseated upon witnessing it. It seemed he was always unlucky enough to stumble upon such scenes during missions. He felt a deep sense of discomfort, though no tears came to his eyes. Since there were no other people inside the office aside from the Minister and the woman, Sparrow immediately entered through the window and hit the Minister on the back of the neck, Sparrow didn''t even concern himself in trying to catch the Minister''s body as it heavily fell on the floor which surprised the woman and instantly looked behind her only to see Sparrow and before she could even scream in fright, Sparrow has already hit her behind the neck and avoided looking at her naked body. After dealing with the people inside, he opened the office door for the others to enter. Upon entering, Vulture and the rest were greeted by the sight of a naked woman and the Minister, pants down, with his private parts fully exposed. They shared a good laugh before taking action: they tied up the Minister with a rope and draped a blanket over the woman to cover her before tying her together with the Minister. After ensuring they had the Minister secured, Sparrow left three of Aston''s men to guard the prisoners. He then led the rest of the team to eliminate the remaining individuals at the Minister''s base. On the other side of the shelter. Kisha led the rest of the Winters'' men down to the dungeon to pacify the captives, distribute the clothes, and provide them with a small meal to ensure they had enough energy to run along with them. When she descended the stairs followed by the Winters'' men, she saw the captives had already left their cells and were standing in the corridor, supporting each other with shaky legs. Hearing the movement from the stairs, they looked over with vigilance and fear, starting to back away. But when they saw Kisha approaching with a bag, followed by men carrying more bags, their fear subsided slightly. However, they remained in a defensive stance, scanning Kisha and her group with vigilant stares. Kisha noticed the wary stares from the others but said nothing. She opened the bag and slowly distributed clothes. Since she didn''t know how long it had been since they last ate, she only gave them small portions of food to provide energy, avoiding the risk of hurting their stomachs, which might have thinned due to prolonged hunger. No one complained about the food they were given. Their trust in Kisha deepened, as they finally felt they were escaping the hell they had endured, and they decided to follow her. Kisha gave them time to dress and eat, offering some reassurance. Though she wasn''t very skilled at it, she still tried. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I and my people will be bringing you out of here, but I need your cooperation. Do not stray from us or panic and run around on your own. Doing so will not only endanger your lives but also put everyone else at risk. So, I hope you are all with me," Kisha said with an indifferent expression, straightforward and without sugar-coating her words. Hearing that she would be bringing them out of there, the captives all nodded fervently as they tightened their grip. They don''t know the probability of getting out of there alive but they still want to give it a try instead of rotting away in those cells and being subjected to the same hell they''ve been through for days. Once they regained some strength, Kisha positioned the captives at the back while she led the group out of the dungeon. With the captives joining her team, Kisha could now see them as green on her minimap, indicating they were allies. This helped her avoid confusion while they proceeded in their tracks. Kisha aimed to bring all of Colton''s men alive to Duke so he could exact his revenge on his own terms. She pulled out knockout drops from her inventory and distributed them to the Winters'' men. After ascending a few stairs and leaving the gloomy hallway that led to the dungeon, the captives, who had been holding their breath with fear, finally took a deep breath. They struggled to contain their sobs, feeling a sense of relief at finally leaving that hellish place behind. But then, Kisha noticed movement on the minimap: four red dots slowly approaching their position. She signaled silently to the Winters'' men walking behind her to prepare for contact, and they all moved close to the wall near the intersection. As the four dots drew near, Kisha signaled for the Winters'' men to release knockout powder while covering their noses, allowing the powder to spread through the hallway ahead of them. The unexpected knockout powder caught the approaching red dots off guard, causing them to inhale the powder and collapse limply to the ground. Kisha and her team remained cautious, allowing the powder to settle. She then distributed masks to everyone, including the captives, to protect them from the effects of their own weapon. After ensuring everything was under control, they cautiously emerged from the intersection. When the captives saw the Coltons'' men lying helpless on the ground, some recognized their tormentors and rushed towards them to vent their grievances. Kisha''s team reacted swiftly, intercepting the captives and preventing any further escalation. "Don''t. We''ll let you see them suffer all at once. Hold your horses for now," Kisha commanded in a cold, indifferent voice. No one dared to respond, and with great effort, they restrained themselves from taking action. However, they couldn''t help but glare daggers at the Coltons'' men lying on the floor. Kisha then signaled for her men to tightly bind the Coltons'' men and they dragged them away like livestock. This action slightly pacified the captives, who had endured tremendous torture at the hands of the Coltons''. Now, they eagerly awaited the retribution Kisha would mete out to the Coltons, especially the Young Master who was the main culprit of their suffering. Their eyes burned with hatred, and their hearts pounded with anticipation, imagining themselves in the role of torturing their tormentors. Now, the captives felt their hearts beat with fervent anticipation to witness this. Even in their weakened state, they found strength in these thoughts and pushed their battered bodies to continue walking forward. Kisha understood that this was what they needed to keep moving forward and see it through. Many of the captives had endured extreme torment, needing an outlet for their resentment, hatred, and grievances to find a reason to live again. They wouldn''t be able to return to their former selves, but at least they would find the strength to continue living in this apocalyptic era. Chapter 220 - 220 Cleaning Up Without hesitation, Kisha led her group through the underground hideout. As they passed the entertainment area, where many of the Coltons'' men were idling away their time eating and drinking, Kisha instructed the captives to stay far back. She signaled the Winters'' men to toss four sleeping gas canisters into the spacious room, ensuring that no one could escape. The enclosed space guaranteed that everyone inside would inhale the gas. After waiting for another five minutes, Kisha and her group cautiously opened the door and entered to check if everyone was unconscious. Fortunately, their vigilance paid off, as some individuals had managed to stay awake and put up a fight against Kisha''s men. The Winters'' were well-prepared and swiftly subdued the Coltons'' men, rendering them unconscious. Once everything was settled, they ensured to tightly bind and disarm everyone. They also stripped them of their clothes to make sure that they were not hiding any hidden weapon that might be used to unbind themselves and to prevent any attempt to escape. But that number of people wasn''t all the Coltons''. There were still more. Kisha made sure to properly sedate the ones they had captured before leading the captives outside the room, allowing them to take satisfaction in seeing the Coltons'' men tied up and helpless. Once only she and her team remained, Kisha placed all the Coltons'' men in her space, covering their eyes with black cloths and monitoring them with a scarlet bee to be alerted when any of them woke up. By doing this, she ensured that none of them could escape, as she couldn''t trust leaving them in one place within the Coltons'' hideout. If they were left behind and other enemies found them, it could lead to a disastrous situation. By keeping them under her control, she eliminated the risk of them being discovered and rescued by other Coltons'' members. Luckily, Kisha had developed the habit of considering every possibility, no matter how unlikely. Her paranoia stemmed from past experiences where such oversights had cost her dearly, and she was determined not to let it happen again. After clearing the entertainment area of their enemies, Kisha seized all the valuables, including barrels of liquor hidden in the cellar behind the entertainment area. There were enough to keep them drunk for a year. She also found wheels of fine cheese, hams, and other preserved foods. Realizing their food storage was also there, Kisha wiped everything clean. Even the decorations and indoor plants that filtered the air were not spared. She took the sofa set, tables, and everything else in sight, leaving the room completely bare naked. "Host! You really didn''t spare anything, huh?!" 008 said teasingly, while also pointing out items Kisha might have missed. In truth, 008 was the most excited about taking everything in sight. The feeling of banditry awakened 008. The Winters'' men watched in amusement as their Young Madam acted like a bandit. Eager to assist, they began searching for hidden rooms or food storage areas to provide her with more things to take. Once they finished in the large room, they proceeded with their mission, returning to a serious demeanor. As they advanced, they ransacked every room they passed, and any enemy they encountered was swiftly subdued and treated like the others¡ªplaced inside the space. Kisha ensured that someone was sent inside every ten minutes to sprinkle more knockout powder on the captives, preventing them from waking up during the mission. After clearing all the rooms, including the security room and the kitchen where frozen goods and dried vegetables were stored (which Kisha also took, along with the kitchen appliances), they were left with only the large garden where Kisha had first been brought. She knew Alex was there, as she hadn''t seen him anywhere else. Kisha and her men stood before the large door leading to the garden. She ensured the safety of the people she had rescued by keeping them outside the door until she and her team finished dealing with the Coltons. After preparing herself and her team, who were now stationed behind the door ready for an ambush, with the people they had saved waiting at a safe distance, Kisha pushed the door open, prepared her telekinesis, and braced herself for any incoming gunfire. "However, as she fully opened the door, no gunfire erupted. Kisha scanned the entire garden and saw the Coltons'' men standing there, fully armed, their guns aimed at the door, fingers poised on the triggers. Among them, Alex looked at Kisha with an amused gaze tinged with admiration and love. "Kisha felt a chill run down her spine at the way the repulsive man stared at her, but she refused to show any reaction. Her expression had completely transformed since she first entered the garden¡ªnow cold and distant, like a rose with thorns. Yet, Alex found her new demeanor intriguing and was even more enamored with her. "I never expected the first woman to catch my interest would be after my head," Alex chuckled, tilting his head to the side as he gazed intensely at Kisha. "Isn''t that what they call karma?" Kisha replied, uninterested in his blabber, and began assessing the enemy''s numbers. Behind Alex stood two dozen armed men, a few more than Kisha''s own team. With civilians to protect as well, it seemed she was at a numerical disadvantage¡ªsomething Alex was keenly aware of too. He didn''t expect Kisha to remain so composed despite being outnumbered, with her people still hidden behind the door, waiting for her signal before revealing themselves. Alex couldn''t tell if Kisha was feigning calmness or if she truly had a trick up her sleeve. As he pondered this, he began to feel a creeping sense of worry himself. Despite the growing unease gnawing at his mind, he maintained a facade of calm. There''s a saying that a man fears his own ghost¡ªif he hadn''t done so many bad things, he wouldn''t have so many fears hidden in his heart. Kisha was exploiting this, sowing fear in his heart even before the battle began. And the more he didn''t know what he was facing, the more fear would gnaw at his heart. A kind of torment that even Alex wouldn''t be able to run away from. "Why aren''t you letting your people in? Are they using you as a shield? A woman?" Alex taunted with a smirk. His remark wasn''t aimed directly at Kisha, but rather at her men who were still hidden. He believed that by eliminating all those following Kisha, he could capture her and she would have no choice but to stay by his side as his captive, never to see the light of day again. And when that happens, he will surely teach Kisha a lesson or two about obedience. But to achieve that, he had to ensure he drew out the people hiding behind the door and eliminate them before he could reach Kisha. Although Kisha''s men were angered by being called ''hiding behind a woman'' and felt their pride wounded, they remained steadfast in their position. They understood that revealing themselves would only disadvantage their Young Madam and make them a burden rather than a helping. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 221 - 221 The Decisive End But that''s not how the people Kisha saved see it. They were all worried, knowing full well the ruthlessness of Alex and his men. With only Kisha visible on the other side, they began to believe that her men were indeed using her as bait and a sacrifice to eliminate all the Coltons. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They couldn''t bear the thought of being saved only to see their savior die, especially the young man whom Kisha had rescued from certain death. Gripping his clothes tightly, he stood upright, ready to rush past the Winters'' men. Fortunately, just as he reached the door, someone managed to pull him back, out of harm''s way. When the Coltons'' men saw a shadow emerging from the door, they immediately opened fire while Kisha stood in front. Luckily, the bullets didn''t graze her as they weren''t aimed at her. Thanks to the timely intervention, the young man was pulled back just in time, sparing him from being riddled with bullets. The young man shuddered as he glanced back at the wall riddled with bullet holes. Had he not been pulled back in time, his fate might have mirrored that wall. Regret and fear washed over him as he realized how close he had come to death¡ªa life Kisha had snatched from the grim reaper''s grasp with great effort. Now, filled with worry, he shouted out, fearing that Kisha too might have been hit. "No!!!" The young man shouted, struggling against the grip of the Winters'' men. "Young man, calm down! Our Young Madam is fine. They''re aiming at your head, not hers. She won''t stand there to be shot at if things go south. Just stay back and wait. Acting rashly will only endanger her," said the man who had stopped him, his teeth gritted in frustration, barely containing his own anger. "That''s right! Do you think we liked hearing that? Hell no! That fucking lunatic will get what he deserves, but we''ve got to trust in the Young Madam!" said another man standing nearby. He tightened his grip on his dagger and closed his eyes in determination. The Winters'' men collectively took a deep breath, their attention fully on the task at hand, awaiting Kisha''s signal before rushing in. They had unwavering faith in their Young Madam; witnessing her actions from outside the shelter gave them a glimpse into her temperament and approach. They recognized how she mirrored their master''s demeanor and actions¡ªmeticulous yet capable of ruthless decisiveness when circumstances demanded. They all felt reassured to follow her command even without Duke''s explicit order, willingly placing their trust in her leadership. Kisha proved herself as a competent woman who complements their master''s leadership style. "Ha! I didn''t realize you were so eager to see my men meet their end," Kisha retorted, her voice laced with sarcasm and taunt as she faced Alex. She hadn''t expected one of the rescued individuals to dart towards her side, but one of her men swiftly intervened, pulling the impulsive soul back just in time to prevent a potential disaster. "Why spare any of them when they''re taking you away from me?" Alex''s voice was eerily calm yet filled with crazed determination. "I won''t prolong this just to savor the sight of you tied to my bed. I''ll relish every inch of you, hearing your cries of passion beneath me. I would fuck you good and proper until you submit to me like anyone else." He licked his lips hungrily, gazing at Kisha, unaware that his words sealed his own fate, marking the beginning of his downfall. Not only did Duke hear it and despise it, but Kisha was equally incensed, prompting her to swiftly decide to end the battle then and there. She unleashed a surge of bloodlust that she had restrained since her return to this time period, its intensity reaching even those far behind the walls. The captives she had rescued felt it keenly, overwhelmed with fear as if they were already on the executioner''s chopping board, immobilized by the impending threat of imminent doom. Even Alex and his men were taken completely by surprise by the overwhelming and potent bloodlust they had never experienced before. They were momentarily paralyzed, which allowed Kisha to swiftly disarm them all. She controlled her dagger with her telekinesis with such speed and precision that none of the Coltons saw it coming. Before they could react, their fingers, poised around the triggers, were cleanly severed. The only sensation that registered in their minds was the sudden graze against their skin. Within moments, screams of agony filled the air. The assault rifles slipped from their grip, clattering to the ground as the Coltons'' men writhed in pain. Cold sweat dripped down their foreheads, their screams echoing through the room like pigs being slaughtered. Even the people Kisha had rescued heard the agonizing screams. Instead of feeling satisfaction that their tormentors were in pain, fear gripped their hearts. They couldn''t comprehend what Kisha had done to make all of them react like that. Alex was horrified and taken aback. He turned his head and saw blood gushing from his men''s severed fingers, their faces drained of color as they clutched their wounds in agony, trying desperately to staunch the bleeding. He hadn''t noticed Kisha''s change in demeanor or seen her move but suddenly heard his own men squealing in pain, falling one by one. He was utterly baffled and terrified, his head whipping back to look at Kisha again, now wearing a menacing smile that sent chills down his spine. "W-what have you done?!" Alex''s voice was barely above a whisper, trembling with fear. He feared the unknown most of all, and at that moment, he had no clue what had just transpired. "Why don''t you drop your gun?" Kisha''s voice dripped with mockery. She glanced briefly at the people behind Alex before fixing him with a deadly glare. "Or you''ll end up on the floor like them if you even think about aiming at me." Without a word, Alex released his grip on his gun and took a step back. He knew he had lost, yet he couldn''t comprehend how. With superior numbers and the only exit blocked, he had expected to have the upper hand. His plan was to corner Kisha in the garden, eliminate her men, and claim her as his prize while disposing of the rest of his male captives and gifting the female to his own people. Little did Alex expect that Kisha had no intention of fleeing. Instead, she had orchestrated a plan to gather all of the Coltons'' men in one place, setting the stage for Duke to exact his revenge. "Alright, Winters'' men! Gather up these trash and secure them tightly before they meet their just end!" Kisha''s commanding voice reverberated through the enclosed garden, followed by the footsteps of her advancing team. "Winters? You''re with the Winters?!" Alex asked, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Not only is she allied with the Winters, but she also happens to be my wife!" Duke''s voice, laced with anger yet restrained, echoed from the entrance leading from the outside. Alex and Kisha both turned towards the entrance to see Duke, no longer in disguise, clad in black trousers, shirt and leather shoes, with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, walking deliberately towards them. Chapter 222 - 222 Drag Them Down "What?!!! Since when did you get a wife?!" Alex asked in disbelief. Unlike him, who had always been surrounded by women, Duke had never even touched a woman''s hand as far as Alex knew. How could he possibly have a woman, let alone a wife? But his doubts were soon answered as he saw Duke walk past him and go straight to Kisha, giving her a tight hug and a deep kiss, not caring who saw their intimate moment. Alex was in a daze for a moment; he had never seen Duke act like this before, not even with Melody, who had followed him like a loyal servant and been as understanding as possible. Seeing Duke like this was an eye-opener for Alex, but it also filled him with anger. ''So what if she''s his wife? He can''t be better than me in bed, and I can make sure to steal the woman for myself, especially now that I''m interested in her,'' he thought. Duke wasn''t supposed to be there, but his worry for Kisha drove him to the Coltons'' base. He arrived just in time to hear what Alex said to her. He was about to step in and take matters into his own hands, but Kisha acted first. He looked proudly at Kisha for being decisive and ruthless when needed. If she hadn''t acted, he would have made sure they lost an arm or two. Duke scanned the garden, where most of the Coltons'' men were down, and saw Alex standing in the middle like the coward he was, afraid of the consequences of challenging and conspiring against Duke. Alex had been searching for Duke for a long time, only to be surprised by Duke himself arriving at his hideout. To think that he would send his own wife to infiltrate! "Duke Winters, I didn''t know you were such a pussy. You say she''s your wife? Sending her to infiltrate someone''s base is such a cowardly move, don''t you think?" Alex taunted, pretending to be unafraid of Duke''s anger. But Duke didn''t get angry, which baffled Alex. Instead, Duke looked at Kisha with a proud, doting expression that said, "That''s my queen. I would grovel at your feet and kiss them if you so desired because you are amazing." He completely ignored Alex, while his men swiftly subdued and tightly tied up the Coltons. The captives Kisha had saved watched the unfolding event with renewed hope, seeing their captors being dragged away in a sorry state. When it was Alex''s turn to be tied up, the captives looked at him with genuine hatred. Their eyes turned red as they struggled to resist the instinct to run over and tear into his flesh for all the torture and humiliation they had endured under his hands. Now aware of their fate, even in extreme pain from having their fingers cut, they did their utmost to escape the clutches of the Winters'' men and tried to plead with Duke. "Master Winters, please have mercy! Please! We''ll work for you for minimal pay, just spare us!" they shouted in unison as they struggled fruitlessly to break free. Seeing Duke growing increasingly irritated, his men quickly gagged the Coltons'' men and resumed dragging them away, only to pause after a moment. "Master, where should we take them?" one of Duke''s men asked, seeking guidance on their next move. "Host! Um, I have something to say," 008 said hesitantly. Kisha teased back, "Don''t tell me you did something naughty again?" She could practically hear 008 choking in guilt in her mind. "What did you do?" "Host, um, while you were busy with the infiltration mission briefing with your men, we actually received a mission from the system. I delayed its notification because I saw we had another ongoing mission related to farming. I thought you might still be feeling down about it and didn''t want to upset you further," 008 explained hurriedly before Kisha could respond. Hearing 008 explain so carefully as if walking on eggshells, made Kisha imagine 008 pouting as it spoke. She couldn''t bring herself to be angry at it anymore. "Alright, show me the mission board," she said, curious about the new task. [Mission Board] [S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days"] [A Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting"] [B Class Mission "Taking Down the Local Power"] Kisha clicked on the latest mission on the mission board to see what it was about. [Mission Description: There are men who have already sat on the throne of the City as their ruler and are now the ones making the rules. Take over the power in City B and become the new leader to guide its people. Mission Requirement: Overthrow the current ruler of City B in a day. (3/2) Mission Completion: 50,000 points and title "City Lord" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mission Failure: Automatically failing (S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days")] When Kisha saw the mission failure condition, a deep frown creased her brow. "A chain mission?" She pondered, though she already knew the answer. It indicated that the new mission was intricately linked to completing the S-Class mission she had received earlier. With still 20 days left to complete it, it became evident that this wasn''t the sole requirement to finish the S-Class mission. After understanding her situation, Kisha knew she couldn''t do anything but accept it. Time was of the essence with just a day left to complete the mission. Additionally, she noticed something peculiar in the mission description: the "(3/2)" notation, which she assumed indicated the number of opposing forces she needed to overcome. ''So, taking down the Minister of Defence and the Coltons was one thing. Now, who could this last force be?'' Kisha contemplated anxiously. Half a day had already passed dealing with the first two adversaries. The thought of another potential threat unnerved her¡ªwhat if this third force turned hostile towards her and her allies as well? That would surely be a problem. "Duke, now that we''ve secured the Coltons'' hideout, why don''t we give them a taste of their own medicine and throw them in the dungeons? They should know how it feels to be down there," Kisha suggested urgently. With time pressing, she preferred to deal with the Coltons immediately before moving on to locate their final target. "That''s a good idea, wifey," Duke said affectionately, gently rubbing her temple before sliding his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. Sensing Kisha''s anxiety, he sought to reassure her with his touch. He ordered his men to drag all the Coltons to the dungeon. Most of them struggled fiercely, knowing well the cold and filthy conditions awaiting them. Muffled screams echoed across the garden as the Coltons fought desperately to escape their fate. But the Winters'' men proved stronger, easily overpowering the Coltons who were tightly bound with ropes. Kisha and Duke followed closely behind, with the captives they had rescued timidly trailing along. Despite their fear, they were eager to witness the Coltons'' harsh punishment in the dungeon. Everyone wasted no time and swiftly returned to the dungeon. Once there, they callously tossed the Coltons'' men into the cells, paying no heed to whether they hit their heads or faces on the hard ground. Due to the limited space available, the Winters'' men crammed ten people into each cell, creating a scene similar to a can of sardines. Chapter 223 - 223 Unexpected Gain And Challenges "Fuck you, Duke!!!" Alex screamed as he was shoved into the dirty cell, overwhelmed by the awful smell that made him feel dizzy and nauseous. He had never been in the dungeon himself, always sending someone else to handle his dirty work and get someone down there to satisfy his desires. "Let me out of here while I''m still being nice!!!" Alex shouted with urgency, his face paling as he tried to hold back puking while trying to look intimidating. Duke ignored Alex''s empty threats and turned to Bald Eagle. "Find me a suitable torture chamber nearby in the dungeon. Make sure everyone can hear what''s happening to each of them," he commanded. Duke glanced around at the men in the cells, who had visibly paled and now showed fear. They knew Duke was serious, and what awaited them was nothing short of hell. "Yes, Master, leave it to me. I''ll find the tools we need!" Bald Eagle saluted eagerly and dashed outside to scrounge up whatever tools or materials they could find. If necessary, he''d organize his men to craft tools from scratch, having done so before and confident in their ability to improvise. Several others joined Bald Eagle to assist in the search. Once Bald Eagle and his team had gathered the necessary tools and materials, they swiftly transformed them into instruments of torture. They cleared out a cell for the purpose, fortunate that the Coltons'' Young Master had amassed nearly every tool they required, sparing them the need to create new ones from scratch. Bald Eagle found a grim satisfaction in knowing that these tools, originally owned by Alex, would now be used against him, giving him a taste of the suffering he had inflicted on others. They converted a centrally located cell into a torture chamber, strategically ensuring that all other captives could witness what unfolded inside. Despite their attempts to block out the sounds by covering their ears, the close quarters ensured that the screams and cries permeated the entire dungeon, leaving no one untouched by the horror unfolding within. After making some arrangements and instructing his men, Kisha and Duke turned to the captives. "You''re all safe now. My men will escort you outside, back to where you were living before," Duke declared with a tone of detachment, conveying both his lack of personal interest and a desire not to foster false hope among the now mentally unstable men and women. He knew some saw him and Kisha as saviors and potential love interests, but he couldn''t allow them to cling to illusions that he and Kisha would rescue them from their pain and suffering and be their support or whatever. He didn''t want to invite unnecessary trouble into his own home or anger his wife. ''No way!'' he thought. Duke could practically see the women looking at him with reverence, their eyes turning into metaphorical hearts, while the men gazed at Kisha with admiration. This was precisely why he hadn''t let Kisha out of his sight since his arrival. ''Damn it, wolves are everywhere. She shouldn''t have saved these people,'' Duke thought, resolute in guarding Kisha by his side. When they finished, Kisha held onto Duke, preparing to lead him out so they could start the new briefing. However, before she could take another step, a loud series of system notifications echoed in her head, and the system interface appeared before her. Ding! [Congratulations for Completing the Hidden Mission: C-Class "The Saviour"] [You have received 20,000 points for completing the Hidden Mission: C-Class "The Saviour"] [Congratulations for Completing the B Class Mission "Taking Down the Local Power"] [You have received 50,000 points for completing the B Class Mission "Taking Down the Local Power"] [Congratulations for Receiving the Title "City Lord"] Kisha abruptly stopped in her tracks, trying to make sense of what was happening. Just moments ago, their mission progress for B Class Mission "Taking Down the Local Power" was at 2 out of 3, indicating they were still missing one target. She hadn''t even figured out who the third force in the power struggle was. Was it the Winter''s faction, automatically added as completed? sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Or was it Aston''s faction against the Minister of Defense? Or could it be someone else entirely? Regarding the sudden hidden mission, this wasn''t the first time Kisha had encountered such surprises. However, receiving notification only after completing the hidden mission raised suspicions. "Host, I didn''t delay this one! I only postponed the other one because the punishment for mission failure was frustrating, and I didn''t want you to get upset again." 008 hurriedly explained, hoping to clarify the situation before Kisha could get angry or misunderstood. 008 was uncertain about the delay in the Hidden Mission''s notification, but thankfully, it had resolved itself. Kisha didn''t get angry; instead, she felt relieved that things had gone smoothly. She had a suspicion that the Constellation behind the system might be playing tricks on her or acting with hostility, so the delay seemed plausible and not something she could blame on 008. Luckily, the B Class Mission "Taking Down the Local Power" had been resolved with minimal issues. If it had failed, Kisha couldn''t even imagine what the punishment for failing her seemingly straightforward S Class mission would be. Now that a chain mission had emerged, she was certain there would be more interconnected tasks ahead linked closely to completing the S Class mission. Ding! [New Mission available!] [C Class Mission "The Philanthropist"] [Mission Description: As the new City Lord, it was crucial to demonstrate compassion by ensuring the people were well-fed and that no one would suffer from hunger in the next 20 days. Mission Requirement: feed the 5,000 survivors at least 2 meals a day and make sure none would die from hunger Mission Completion: 100,000 points, stats increase of 1, and Title: The Philanthropist Mission Failure: Automatically failing the A Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting" and S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days"] Kisha took in a deep breath as she stared at the system interface before her, her eyes widening with a mix of anger and frustration. Now, she was absolutely certain that the system was deliberately making things difficult for her, and one thing was clear. This S-Class mission would compel her to establish City B as her base and guide its people towards the system''s objectives, whether toward prosperity or doom. However, this didn''t mean she would abandon her and Duke''s base in City A. That place was closer to her dream safe haven, unlike City B, which required substantial work before it could be deemed safe. "Are you alright?" Duke''s concerned voice brought her back from her reverie. Kisha''s expression had shifted multiple times in a short period like she had eaten a fly. He couldn''t discern if she was uncomfortable, tired, or simply angry, but if it was anger, he couldn''t fathom the cause. He glanced at the cell where Alex was held, and Duke speculated that Kisha must have been angered by Alex''s behavior toward her during their meal or perhaps because of how he looked at her or anything along the way. ''That must be it,'' Duke concluded to himself. Without Kisha knowing, she just pushed Alex further into hell and Alex could only cry bitter tears from then on. Chapter 224 - 224 Establishment of HOPE Base "Don''t worry, I''m fine. But I think we need to gather everyone for a quick meeting," Kisha said, her expression still troubled. Since receiving the new mission, it was clear that the mission had begun immediately. She couldn''t afford to waste any time now; the consequences of failing the S-Class Mission were uncertain but potentially dire, possibly resulting in her own death or harm to those close to her, which she was determined to prevent. Seeing her flustered state, Duke sensed that something was amiss, but he refrained from pressing for answers. Instead, he gestured to Bald Eagle to secure the dungeon and then dispatched someone to Villa #9 to check on Tritan and the others, ensuring they joined the meeting promptly. Bald Eagle wasted no time and swiftly gathered a few of his men to rush to Villa #9 and confirm if Sparrow and the others had completed their mission. He also took the initiative to inform Duke''s family about the meeting and ensured they were escorted to Villa #1, where Duke and Kisha were heading. Before joining Kisha, Duke skillfully removed all the listening devices and surveillance cameras around the villa, ensuring that their meeting place was thoroughly protected and secure. Confident that their conversations would remain private, Duke led Kisha back to his villa. He had a feeling that what Kisha was about to discuss was of utmost importance, potentially even a matter of life and death, and he treated it with the same level of seriousness. After they arrived at the villa, Marcus and his grandchildren, who were busy tending to the property, noticed them approaching. They quickly set out some biscuits and canned drinks on the coffee table before resuming their tasks. Duke gently guided Kisha to sit on the sofa and pulled her close, cuddling her as he soothingly rubbed her back in rhythmic strokes to calm her. Feeling his silent protection, Kisha looked up at Duke, and her worries began to melt away. ''Right, as long as Duke is with me, I can find a solution to any challenge that comes our way. I''m sure of it,'' Kisha thought, burying her head into his chest and inhaling his masculine scent. Her anxiety began to fade away. That''s right, no matter how difficult the challenges in her previous life, whenever Duke was by her side, there was always an answer. Both of them were determined not to lose, especially when it concerned the lives of their loved ones. Together, they always found a way to figure things out. Seriously, she had forgotten that she was no longer alone, no longer dealing with everything by herself. If Duke hadn''t died in her previous life, she was sure they would have continued tackling whatever life threw at them together. Now, Kisha understood her feelings even better. She realized that in her last life, it wasn''t that she lost to the two scumbags; it was because she gave up. She gave up on living her life because Duke was no longer there, and she had no other reason to continue. She was simply hoping to see him again. With this realization dawning on her, Kisha suddenly smiled, her eyes brimming with tears before she burst into a crying mess. "Hahaha! I am so stupid!" she muttered as tears streamed down her face. Duke, on the other hand, was flustered and distraught, seeing Kisha act so uncharacteristically. He believed that something must have triggered her. He could accept any challenges or pain, but what he couldn''t bear was seeing Kisha in tears. His mind became a mess, leaving him flustered and unsure of what to do, so he instinctively reached out to wipe her tears. "What''s wrong, baby? Tell me," Duke coaxed gently, continuing to wipe away her tears and kissing each trail on her cheeks and eyes. He peppered her face with kisses, trying to comfort her as best he could. He never considered himself skilled at comforting others; he was simply following his instincts. Soon enough, Kisha let out a giggle as Duke continued to pepper her cheeks, the tip of her nose, and her eyes with kisses. Occasionally, a stray kiss would find its way to her lips too. Kisha was amused by how Duke always managed to find her soft spots and make her smile. In her previous life, he would cook for her or simply listen without trying to offer solutions unless she asked for them. Duke understood that Kisha needed someone to hear her out rather than tell her what to do. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Nothing, I suppose. I''m just overwhelmed with happiness being with you," Kisha replied teasingly, watching Duke''s eyes widen in slow motion as he realized she was poking fun at him. In retaliation, he tickled Kisha''s side, sending her into fits of laughter that seemed endless. "Ahem! Did we arrive at a bad time?" The Patriarch quipped, drawing the attention of both Kisha and Duke. The Wyatt family and several of Bald Eagle''s men stood to the side, observing keenly as their usually stoic Master transformed from a block of ice into Mr. Sunshine. "Grandpa?! How long have you been there?" Duke asked, his expression returning to its usual cold and indifferent demeanor as if the earlier warmth had never existed. "Well..." The Patriarch glanced around mischievously, drawing out the moment before answering. "Long enough to see my young boy growing up and learning how to coax his wife." His grin widened as he watched Duke''s indifferent facade crack, revealing a hint of amusement. Everyone shared a laugh for a little while as they waited for the others to arrive. Once everyone had gathered, including Tristan, Sparrow, Vulture, Aston and his team, Reeve, Bald Eagle, and some of his men, Kisha led them all to Duke''s office. The space was a bit crowded, with everyone standing side by side around the large, sturdy mahogany desk where Duke was seated, and Kisha sat in his lap. Everyone had grown accustomed to this arrangement and now found it quite normal. Kisha had stopped struggling because Duke didn''t want to let her go. Besides, she had already found a comfortable position where she could talk while Duke gently massaged her palm. Kisha took a deep breath and scanned the crowd. "Everyone, thank you all for coming to this meeting. This is the first meeting after the establishment of ''HOPE Base,''" she said with a calm, emotionless tone, causing momentary tension as the group processed and absorbed the significance of her words. "What?!" "Ah?!" "What do you mean, Young Madam?" Sparrow voiced the question on everyone''s mind. "I mean exactly what I said," Kisha replied, her tone steady as she began to play with Duke''s slightly calloused fingers. "Since we''ve taken down the key figures behind City B, the shelter needs a new leader to take over. And there''s no better solution than us stepping in." "Besides, it''s better for us to take charge than to let others benefit from our work and potentially turn hostile towards us," Kisha added firmly. Duke''s eyes bore into Kisha''s as he asked, "What about our base in City A? Hawk and Eagle are still there, along with your grandparents and brother." He tried to grasp her intentions. ''Was this why she was so moody earlier?'' Duke wondered silently. Chapter 225 - 225 Who Will Lead? Kisha then leaned into Duke''s chest, looking up to meet his gaze. They stared at each other for a moment, Duke raising his eyebrows in curiosity. Kisha let out a chuckle and answered, "I never said we would give up our base in City A. It''s still the most ideal safe haven there is, and City B can''t even compare. So why would I let go of the golden goose to take the ugly duckling?" She shrugged, a playful smile on her lips. "We can still manage both bases without giving one up. By doing so, we can strengthen our forces to protect ourselves from the evolving zombie threat and hostile humans," Kisha explained. She could clearly see the confusion on everyone''s faces and understood why. City B and City A were too far apart, it took them almost a week to travel from City A to City B and that was the fastest, if there are any other issues that arise during the travel, it could still increase a few more days or extend to a month if they needed to reroute. Given the distance between City A and City B, discussing the strengthening of forces becomes impractical because they wouldn''t be able to provide timely support to either base in case of emergencies unless they can predict events in advance and deploy forces preemptively. Additionally, managing two bases would significantly increase the logistical challenge of feeding and caring for the people in both locations. Taking on this immense responsibility will undoubtedly weigh heavily on their shoulders, especially hers and Duke''s. However, having previously assisted Duke in establishing the HOPE Base in her past life and seeing it grow to become the best among the others, she was confident they could surpass their previous accomplishments. Moreover, Duke''s innate leadership skills and experience make him capable of managing the challenges ahead effectively, even without the benefit of her past knowledge. "But wouldn''t it be inconvenient to lead two bases that are so far apart? The travel time is considerable, unless we use choppers for transport," Sparrow interjected, highlighting a critical concern before others could speak. "We have two large military choppers equipped with advanced avionics here at the base," Aston added, suggesting it could provide a viable solution to the distance issue. "But Young Madam mentioned before that there are mutant birds and insects capable of automatically attacking flying objects, potentially causing aircraft to crash, it was the sole reason why we opted to drive around from City A to City B." Vulture reminded the group, recounting Kisha''s previous warning. They were cautious, unsure if these animals had indeed mutated, but they had opted for the safer ground travel between City A and City B. The risk of gambling with their lives, especially when others depended on them, was simply not acceptable. "Previously, Duke and I hadn''t yet awakened our abilities, and you and Sparrow were still getting accustomed to using yours. Encountering unexpected enemies in the sky posed significant danger back then. However, now that we have a better understanding and control of our awakened abilities, it will be much more manageable." Kisha glanced at Vulture and then addressed everyone. "However, we can discuss that matter later. What''s crucial now is establishing and implementing ground rules for the base, along with a cohesive work system to ensure effective teamwork among all the base''s inhabitants." Kisha concluded. "Wouldn''t that be easy? Should we just follow the human law that has been established and re-write it according to our current situation? By following the law as our frame, it would be easier for all of us to understand and besides, those laws was created for a reason and after a lot of trials and errors to protect each human''s right against the abusers of power." The Patriarch voiced. Kisha nodded. "That makes a lot of sense, Grandpa," she murmured. Her simple words filled the Patriarch with joy; though not the most useful in battles, he cherished that his views were acknowledged. Plus, being called "grandpa" by his granddaughter-in-law meant a lot to him. "Well then, as the eldest here, I think it would be fitting for you, Grandpa Patriarch, to oversee the establishment of the base rules. If you have any questions or need assistance, we''re all here to help. I''ll send Sparrow to scout for a lawyer who can support you," Kisha said with a smile directed at the Patriarch. He was eager to contribute, relieved that he could demonstrate his value, especially at a time when resources were scarce and concerns about his usefulness lingered. Having once held a position of authority, the Patriarch was keenly aware of the situation and the future challenges ahead. This awareness left him feeling uneasy whenever he saw everyone else working hard, feeling as though he, as an old man unable to provide much help, might be viewed as nothing more than a burden and a waste of resources. Despite his family and grandson being powerful enough to shield him from harm, it still wounded his pride as a Patriarch, once a prominent figure in his clan, now relegated to the role of just an old man. Now, seeing the Patriarch became lively and a sparkle became visible in his eyes, as his son, Mr. Winters was also happy, as well as Mrs. Winters and Duke, they all looked at Kisha appreciatively and with pride. Kisha returned their smiles before continuing. "Now that we''ve assigned the task of drafting the rules¡ªwhich we''ll review once they''re written and condensed¡ªwe need to delegate responsibilities to everyone. But before that, I think we should establish a work system for the residents so they can all contribute, earn points, and function like a cohesive society," Kisha proposed. "Well, a structured work system would be essential because, as we can see, the mission system isn''t sustainable and isn''t supporting the people; they''re slowly suffering and dying," Duke interjected. "Which is something we can''t allow," Kisha affirmed. "Looking ahead, stronger evolved zombies will threaten every base and shelter. Manpower will be crucial for defense and survival. The more manpower we have, and the better trained they are, the greater our chances of survival." "So, in this case, we need to establish a leadership structure, and I believe Duke would be the best person to lead this base," Kisha declared without hesitation. Everyone, including Duke, looked at her as if she had grown another head. "Wifey, we all know I''m your henpecked husband¡ªwhatever you say goes. I''d rather be your sword and shield than lead the base. Besides, you''ve got the power to lead," Duke said, pouting. His words broke the serious atmosphere, sparking laughter among everyone. They chuckled at the thought of Duke being a bit of a ''yes ma''am'' to Kisha, a dynamic that was partly true. Others nodded in agreement with Duke''s words. "I think my son is right," Mr. Winters chimed in. "You''ve been leading us from the start and doing an excellent job. Our role should be to support you and share the burden so you can continue guiding us on the right path, or whichever path you believe is best." Mr. Winters reflected on how he had come to accept Kisha, having witnessed her accomplishments and observed her and Duke''s interactions. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was the first time Mr. Winters had seen his son so happy. Moreover, what Duke had said rang true: without Kisha''s leadership, he couldn''t fathom how they would navigate their predicament. He was certain that under his son''s leadership, the base takeover wouldn''t have been as smooth; it might have even resulted in a bloody confrontation and carnage. Chapter 226 - 226 The Salary I Want Kisha was a bit taken aback. She hadn''t considered this and still wanted Duke to lead the HOPE Base as he had in her previous life. It was what he excelled at, and it was what she was accustomed to. Little did she realize that her actions had already changed many events and won the hearts of the people, including Duke, who saw her as the most suitable leader. "I can still be our group''s leader, but you should be the City Lord of our base. Even if we expand in the future, you''ll still be the one leading," Duke said, his arms slowly wrapping around Kisha''s small waist as he hugged her from behind. ''Being a City Lord'' She thought. ''Right, I haven''t checked that title yet!'' [Title: City Lord] [Description: Given to the person who was chosen to lead a group of survivors to proper, the hope of humanity. Stamina Regeneration: 20% per minute Spiritual Energy Regeneration: 30% per minute Poison Resistance: 50% Leadership: +10 Mental Capacity: +10] ... Upon seeing the City Lord title and the accompanying stats, Kisha couldn''t help but gasp in shock. The benefits were incredibly valuable, especially the spiritual regeneration. With these boosts, she wouldn''t need to rely on the black liquid vials or stamina boosters to replenish her stamina as much whenever it was needed. The enhanced stamina and spiritual regeneration would be crucial assets in any battle. With the additional mental capacity, she could use her telekinesis more effectively and control heavier objects. Kisha began to get excited as she imagined the possibilities. In all her previous lives, she had never gained any title, as it was always a battle between her and the system. But now, things were different. She realized that titles were incredibly helpful and amazing. Gaining her first title felt like a just reward for enduring the ordeals the system put her through. It was as if she had finally received something good after overcoming all the challenges. Now that she thought about it, there was another title awaiting her if she completed the new mission. Kisha realized that the system was skilled at drawing her in; it knew exactly what she needed and used that to entice her into taking risks and completing missions, no matter how impossible they seemed or how harsh the punishments were. With rewards like these, who could complain? Now, she couldn''t help but wonder if the system had undergone a change in management, similar to how company policies shift with new leadership. She didn''t dislike this change. Although the challenges were still tough, they didn''t feel as unfair as before. This time, she was accumulating more points than she ever had in her previous 99 lives combined. The titles she received now were incredibly beneficial, far beyond anything she had been granted before. Then, she decided to check her stats, curious about the changes since she hadn''t done so in a while. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5) Strength: 30 (+ 10) Stamina: 31 (+ 10) Defense: 27 (+ 10) Agility: 32 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 48 (+ 20) Charm: 34 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 46 (+ 20) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second) Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) .... Kisha was elated to see her stats increase after the continuous fights she and her people had gone through, along with the effects of the title she had just gained. Luckily, there were no restrictions limiting her to only wear one title, and could only get benefits for one title, as that would have been disappointing. Kisha giggled happily, her eyes turning crescent-shaped, just as Duke was still hugging her and persuading her to take on the leadership role of the base. Seeing her reaction, everyone assumed she had finally relented due to Duke''s persuasive efforts, and their tense bodies relaxed into smiles. "I''m glad you''ve agreed," Duke whispered into Kisha''s ear as he hugged her closer, a proud smile playing on his lips. He enjoyed seeing Kisha in the limelight and supporting her with everything he had. It felt more fulfilling than his own personal achievements. ''What did I miss?'' She asked herself after hearing Duke''s words. "Host, they just asked you to be the City Lord¡ªthe one to lead the base and any future bases if you and your people decide to expand further. And guess what?" 008 giggled as it caught Kisha up on what she''d missed while absorbed in her stats window and new title. "You giggled happily, and everyone took that as your agreement. Hahaha! Your ambition to laze around has been thwarted!" "If 008 had a body, it might have been rolling around on the ground laughing at Kisha. But contrary to 008''s expectation, Kisha didn''t feel angry. First of all, HOPE Base had been established by Duke in her previous life, and she had joined later after he scouted her from outside. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke had provided her with a home and taught her many things she hadn''t known before. If she had to thank someone for how far she''d come, it was Duke. If this was what Duke wanted, then she would happily follow through. Kisha found herself lost in nostalgia when Duke whispered in her ear once more. "I didn''t mind being your shield and sword, ready to eliminate anything in your path or protect you with all I have, as long as you paid me a salary." He leaned in closer, his breath tickling Kisha''s ear as he continued softly, "The only salary I''ve ever wanted is you. How about tonight? Hmm?" Kisha instantly set aside her sentiments and choked up at Duke''s increasingly brutish behavior. Looking around, she noticed everyone else was focused on the positive steps they were taking¡ªmoving away from the chaos of fighting and running from zombies¡ªinstead of paying attention to her and Duke. "Duke! You''re shameless!" Kisha said through gritted teeth, her face flushing red. Her heart skipped a beat the moment the words left Duke''s mouth. Describing herself as nervous was an understatement; her nerves were consuming her. She hadn''t felt this anxious even during their fights outside. She knew Duke had been holding back from going beyond kissing and touching because they were constantly monitored, lacking privacy. Now, with a break from those who had been watching them 24/7, Duke seized the very first opportunity. "Wifey, don''t tempt me. I can be even more shameless," Duke teased with a chuckle, though his gaze was earnest as he awaited Kisha''s response. "Tonight?" he murmured, nibbling sneakily on Kisha''s ear and giving it a slow lick that sent delightful shivers on her skin. Kisha appeared livid, but beneath the surface, she felt a deep anticipation. Her heart raced within her ribcage, and her hands grew clammy. She and Duke had never gone beyond kissing, and her lack of experience left her uncertain about what to expect and how to proceed. She wanted to feel embarrassed, but her mouth was more shameless than his. "Then you''d better serve your City Lord well tonight," she quipped, smirking at him in a challenge, just like their banter in her past life. Duke felt a surge of excitement greater than when he had first asked her for it. Chapter 227 - 227 Leadership Role Allocation Even as she felt a twinge of regret over her words, it was too late¡ªDuke had already accepted the challenge and was eagerly anticipating it. "Wife, you said it yourself. Better prepare yourself well," Duke smirked with mischief as he hugged her tighter, enveloping her completely. In their close proximity, Kisha could feel his excitement, his warm shaft pressing against her back. Kisha felt a sense of unease, sensing that she might be setting herself up for a predicament she wouldn''t be able to escape once Duke fixed his gaze on her. She swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in her throat, her heart racing and seemingly lodged in her chest. Duke could sense Kisha''s body tensing and her heart racing, but it only heightened his anticipation and excitement. He had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, and only he knew the effort it took to restrain himself around her. The self-control he once prided himself on had shattered repeatedly in Kisha''s presence. He couldn''t even count how many times he had to rebuild that self-control, only to find himself unable to resist her whenever they were alone together. And the pain he endured, seeing the woman he loved right in front of him yet unable to touch her beyond what was allowed, intensified when she became his wife with little change in their status quo. He felt frustrated, especially witnessing Alex''s obvious admiration for Kisha, setting off alarm bells in his head. He knew he had to ensure that Kisha had him alone in her heart, or the flies and butterflies would never cease coming. Kisha and Duke fell silent, but everyone noticed the pink bubble enveloping the couple. The more experienced individuals, like Mrs. Winters, Mr. Winters, and the Patriarch, all had a sense of what was happening. They tactfully guided everyone out of the room under the pretense of starting work, but Kisha halted them. Kisha cleared her throat. "Sorry, everyone. We got caught up in small talk, but we''re not finished with the meeting yet. We need to sort everything out ASAP so we can get the ball rolling," she said, regaining her composure. Duke had hinted that their action would happen tonight, but it was still early, and she needed to ensure everything was in order. Considering Duke''s stature, Kisha worried she might be confined to her quarters for a day or two with him. She cleared her throat, pushing aside her concerns for the moment, and both she and Duke grew serious as they delved into their business discussion. Their playful smiles faded, and Kisha began, "Now that we''ve allocated the Base''s rules to the Patriarch, it''s time to assign other leadership roles. Establishing the base''s leadership structure will make it easier for the survivors to follow." Kisha turned to Aston and asked, "Aston, where''s the Minister of Defense?" "We''ve sent the Minister of Defense to the dungeon with the Coltons, awaiting their punishments," Aston reported, standing upright as if reporting to a superior. He knew the military structure had crumbled and accepted that following Kisha was now the best path to protect the country''s citizens and ensure survival for more people. He trusted her character, though he acknowledged he didn''t have much choice in the matter since he was now her slave. Kisha nodded. Earlier, before leaving Villa #5, she had also left the Colton''s men she had apprehended and stowed away in her own space. She instructed her people to confine them all to one big cell, knowing they would likely be struggling due to the limited space with so many crowded inside. "Now that the position of Minister of Defense has been vacated, Aston will be assuming that role. His military background will reassure the soldiers and pacify the people," Kisha said firmly. "I trust you won''t hesitate to take necessary actions when required. We cannot afford dissent among our ranks; it would only lead to unrest and infighting, which we cannot allow." "City Lord, I am deeply honored to take on this responsibility, and I pledge to carry it out with the utmost diligence," Aston declared, saluting as he accepted the role. He then stepped back to allow others to proceed. "Since we need to establish a work system, we must also introduce a point system for the shelter''s inhabitants to use to exchange for essential goods like food. Accordingly, we need a supply center to store the resources we collect, allowing open access for everyone, and a structured marketplace where people can trade and make payments." "Moreover, I propose establishing crystal cores as our new currency. This will incentivize individuals to venture out and clear the area of zombie threats, increasing our crystal core reserves. These cores can also be used to enhance our defenses and support our community." "I propose appointing Mr. Winters to manage the position of Minister of Revenue. His extensive business experience makes him well-suited to develop a points system and promote active participation in shelter activities and work. This approach will not only alleviate hunger but also offer diverse job opportunities to our community members." "This means that Mr. Winters will oversee the supply center, manage the structured marketplace, and lead the establishment of our new currency. I understand it''s a substantial task, but feel free to hire additional help using points as compensation. This will help kickstart our new work and point system." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Individuals completing missions from the mission board will receive crystal cores, which they can use for trades in the marketplace and supply center. The points system will apply specifically to those working within the shelter, but they will also have the option to exchange their points for crystal cores if they wish." Kisha did not forget to clarify so everyone could understand what she envisioned. "I didn''t realize my daughter-in-law was so decisive and knew exactly what she was doing," Mr. Winters quipped, his jest serving as tacit approval of the role entrusted to him. Kisha smiled warmly at Mr. Winters and nodded before continuing, "I would also like to appoint Mrs. Winters as the Minister of Women''s Care. Our goal is to eliminate all red-light districts around the shelter and empower women to engage in meaningful work without fear of violence or injustice due to perceived weakness. This role will also oversee the well-being of children and the elderly. You''re encouraged to hire additional staff and actively seek out work opportunities for this group. In times like these, they may feel vulnerable and undervalued, but they have much to contribute." "I know Mrs. Winters has been actively involved in charity foundations and understands the intricacies of this role. I''m confident you''ll excel," Kisha said, giving Mrs. Winters an encouraging look. Mrs. Winters was visibly moved, feeling reassured and appreciated. She had been unsure how to avoid feeling idle and useless, but now saw a clear path forward. "I also appoint Sparrow as Captain of the advance party responsible for reconnaissance and leading his team against threats near the shelter. Vulture will be appointed Captain of the Wall Patrol to ensure the walls are well-protected. Both will report directly to Aston." "Tristan will be appointed as the Secretary, reporting directly to me and Duke. He will oversee project progress and handle responsibilities akin to a country''s secretary tot he president," Kisha added. Chapter 228 - 228 Introducing a Sustainable Way Everyone in the room nodded in agreement as they eagerly awaited their assigned roles, all the while noting Kisha''s plans for the shelter. The more they listened, the more they envisioned a brighter future for the shelter, with fewer people feeling helpless and gloomy in the corners. Now, they could envision a path toward a prosperous future, even amidst the apocalypse and the constant threat of man-eating zombies. A smile slowly spread across their faces as they continued to listen intently. "Now, now, that''s not all. I also want to appoint Bald Eagle to be the Captain of City Patrol along with his team to be the city guards to maintain order in the shelter. Only with order would we be able to sleep peacefully at night." Kisha said. She had experienced a lawless base so many times to know how chaotic and scary it was to sleep with such environment even inside a base or shelter which she wanted to purged in this base from the get go, because she didn''t want anyone to get an idea that they could just barged in her base and do whatever they wanted like philandering and killing without any consequences, especially when awakened abilities becomes widely known. But since her people are slowly awakening, it also means that other survivors are also having the same experience, especially when they are in survival mode, the quicker they would awaken. And it would only be the right time to establish the new currency so that when other superhumans visit her base, they can trade and inevitably gather information about the base and its leaders among the inhabitants. No matter how cautious she was, these things couldn''t be completely controlled. Tightening control might breed dissatisfaction and potential rebellion; someone could easily rally others against her efforts. Unable to prevent these possibilities, she focused instead on maximizing her people''s vigilance and fortifying the base''s protection. She relied on her ''Eye of the Truth'' to detect and neutralize any malicious threats from a person or group before they could gain a foothold. "Granddaughter-in-law, I''ve been thinking about the supply center we''re planning to open. It''s clear we''ll need to stock it with essential supplies like food, medicine, and other necessities for survival. My concern is sustainability. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. How do you propose we ensure we can sustain such a center?" The Patriarch''s question snapped Kisha out of her thoughts, and she nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging his discerning concerns. After a pause, he continued. "Should we consider implementing limits on how much each person can acquire per transaction or per month? I''m concerned about how it''s going to work, I might be being pessimistic but this can''t be sustainable, especially for food supplies and water which would definitely be harder to procure no matter how much we send people out to gather the supplies." ''Something to be expected from the Winters, they always get the essence and what''s important in the most crucial times.'' Kisha''s smile lingered a bit while nodding at the Patriarch. "I''m glad this has come up for discussion, and I understand your concerns. I may have a solution." Her gaze then shifted to Bald Eagle and the others. Bald Eagle was momentarily puzzled by Kisha''s glance, his mind processing slowly to grasp her intention. It wasn''t until a few minutes later that understanding dawned, a spark igniting in his eyes. Before he could speak, however, Sparrow beat him to the punch. "Young Madam, are you referring to the hundreds of millions worth of supplies we''ve gathered and stored in your inventory?" Sparrow asked, seeking clarification. If that was indeed the case, he believed it was feasible to continue accumulating supplies to prevent their current stock from depleting too quickly. If that were the case, they might explore methods to cultivate their own food and discover alternative sources from mutant animals or plants in the future. As Sparrow pondered these possibilities, Kisha chuckled softly. Sparrow and Vulture typically would have been among the first to know what Kisha had, but she had sent them on a mission and hadn''t yet had the chance to show them her space. It was only natural that he didn''t know yet. "Well, I guess it would be easier to show everyone rather than talk about it." She glanced up at Duke, who was enjoying Kisha''s presence on his lap and hadn''t paid much attention to the meeting. Despite this, he understood the discussion and felt that Kisha already had all the answers their people might seek. He wanted her to shine even brighter so others would gladly follow her lead. When Kisha met his gaze, he nodded affectionately. He didn''t object to Kisha''s plans because he trusted everyone standing in his office implicitly. Those who couldn''t be trusted would meet their end through the slave contracts or the Heart Gu Pill that Kisha had administered. With a wave of her hand, a portal appeared inside the office, eliciting gasps of astonishment from everyone¡ªexcept Bald Eagle and his team, who had already witnessed it and even spent hours farming inside the space. Bald Eagle and his team showed no surprise; instead, he subconsciously puffed out his chest, as proud as a peacock. Vulture soon noticed his behavior and understood why. "Did you already know about this?" Vulture asked Bald Eagle loudly, drawing everyone''s attention to them. Bald Eagle simply nodded proudly. Seeing the friendly competition between comrades amused Kisha, and she stood up from Duke''s lap, with Duke following closely behind. Once they were both standing near the edge of the portal, Kisha glanced back at the group. "Follow us inside, and you''ll understand my plan easily," Kisha urged everyone before she and Duke vanished through the portal. Everyone felt nervous watching them disappear, apprehensive about the unknown. However, knowing it was Kisha who had already gone in with Duke, they nervously followed suit. Their nervousness was tinged with anticipation and excitement. As they entered, a brilliant light from above greeted them, causing them to squint and raise their hands to shield their eyes. It took a few seconds for their eyes to adjust, and when they finally opened them, they gasped in shock once more. They looked around and could see nothing but a vast expanse of land stretching before them. On one side, there stood a towering mountain, while in front of them, crops were growing, and in the distance, they could spot a few fruit trees. Everyone fell silent, trying to process their surroundings and understand where they were. Bald Eagle remained quiet, even under the gazes of Vulture and Sparrow. He hesitated to explain he wasn''t confident enough to explain this place, as he himself was unsure of its nature. "Everyone, please gather around. Let me explain what this place is," Kisha called out, trying to capture their attention. They all looked like tourists in a foreign land, and she felt like their guide. "So, let me introduce you to my Territory. This space is separate from the real world, but it''s far from virtual¡ªall here is real. Time moves ten times faster than in the outside world." Another gasp rippled through the group. They now resembled fish out of water, mouths opening and closing repeatedly as they struggled to find words. Chapter 229 - 229 Need An Upgrade Again "And as you can see, where we''re standing now is a farmland. Bald Eagle and his team have been farming here while waiting for me to infiltrate the Coltons'' hideout. The crops they planted have grown significantly in just a few hours." Kisha pointed proudly at the flourishing crops. "These crops were planted by Duke and me just yesterday, and they''ve already grown significantly. A little more time, and they''ll be ready for harvesting. We won''t have to wait months for them to mature and yield. With my space, we can provide for the survivors and enlist their help in managing the base effectively." "Besides, I have a complete food source here. We have livestock and aquatic animals in the lake and sea," Kisha added proudly, her voice brimming with excitement. "Ah! There''s also a lake and sea here?! Where?!" Bald Eagle asked in surprise. During their wait inside, he and his team had focused solely on farming and resting to maximize productivity. They drank from a small, sweet-tasting stream for water and picked delicious fruits from the trees when hungry. Since they hadn''t explored this magical place before, they were unaware of the lake and sea. Learning about them made them even more incredulous about the entire situation, and they became even more eager to explore. Bald Eagle realized how promising the place was; the crops and animals raised here would likely taste exceptional, given the sweetness and juiciness of the fruits he and his team had enjoyed inside. Thanks to the sweet-tasting water, the crops and fruits grown in this space are exceptionally delicious. The meat from the livestock also tastes much better, with minimal odor, since they eat organic vegetables, grass, and fruits from this space. Moreover, the absence of pollution ensures the quality of everything in the space. Seeing Bald Eagle''s expression, Kisha''s eyes lit up with delight as she led the group closer to the fruit trees. As they walked nearer, the sounds of animals grazing nearby grew louder. It was only when they got closer that they realized the vast expanse of the ranch and orchard. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This place is truly amazing!" Mrs. Winters exclaimed, looking around in awe. Her gaze then settled on Kisha, who had continuously surprised them with her leadership, ensuring their safety and providing a good life amidst the apocalypse. Mrs. Winters couldn''t have wished for more and felt fortunate to have such an exceptional daughter-in-law. While not overly expressive or seeking attention like other women who enjoy being doted on, Kisha possessed a unique charm that drew people to her. Her genuine care for her people struck Mrs. Winters, who considered Kisha an ideal daughter-in-law¡ªone that anyone would vie for. Mrs. Winters felt proud that her son had made such a decisive choice in marrying her. Although how he achieved that was a bit crude, she couldn''t help but stifle a laugh when she remembered how uneasy Duke had looked at Kisha before he took action. Kisha then led everyone closer to the trees, unaware that Mrs. Winters and the others were starting to regard her as a deity of sorts¡ªnot just Doraemon anymore, but a figure with limitless capabilities who could conjure anything they needed. Well, they aren''t mistaken though. Kisha then plucked some fruits from the tree and distributed them to everyone so they could taste the crops grown in the space. As soon as they took a bite, their eyes lit up. The fruits tasted far superior to the imported ones they had sampled from specialized farms in different countries. Duke, on the other hand, took his time to peel an orange for Kisha. Happily, he fed her a piece before taking one himself, believing that sharing food with his wife made it taste even better. He made a habit of doing so whenever they ate together. Since everyone found the fruits tasty and juicy, most couldn''t resist tasting more than just one fruit before stopping. Satisfied that she had made her point and shown everything, Kisha led everyone to leave the space. However, just as she was about to step out, she glanced back at the ranch and immediately turned her attention to her territory''s system interface. Sure enough, the facilities were already at full capacity, as indicated by the red warning lights. The freshwater and saltwater aquatic livestock were also filled to the brim. That''s when Kisha suggested, "Why don''t we cook some chicken or duck? Perhaps we could also slaughter a pig or a cow?" She spoke matter-of-factly, without concern if anyone found the idea of preparing their own steak by killing the livestock, unsettling. Upon hearing about slaughtering animals for food, Mrs. Winters'' face paled briefly. However, she quickly composed herself and fortified her mindset, which Kisha found admirable, to say the least. With the livestock facilities reaching their limit, Kisha knew she had to expand their capacity limit. Fortunately, she had earned thousands of points that she could use to upgrade the facilities that needed an upgrade, slaughter more animals, and increase her inventory stocks. This was crucial to ensure her mission of providing enough food for everyone, allowing them to eat twice a day. She had nearly forgotten about the animals in the space; if not for the mission, she might not have realized that they had matured and reproduced. With the livestock having been inside the Space for more than two weeks, equivalent to 170 days due to the accelerated time, nearly six months had already passed. The number of chickens and ducks she had now exceeded tenfold compared to when she first placed them there. Many of the livestock that were pregnant upon entering the space had already given birth, and others had become pregnant as well. The aquatic livestock had not only doubled in number but had also filled both the lake and the sea. No wonder she saw so many fish when she took a dip in the lake; the ecosystem there was clearly thriving. "I think we should get some fish from the lake or sea as well. What do you think?" Kisha suggested, staring at the territory''s facilities, which were continuously blinking red. She regretted not increasing the capacity earlier; those days had been wasted because the number of their livestock could have multiplied several times if there had been enough space. "I''ll go fish with my father!" Mr. Winters said, raising his hand slightly while trying to hide his excitement. Both he and his father were clearly looking forward to the task. "Those two are fishing enthusiasts and love spending time together while fishing. They''re probably thrilled to know they can still enjoy their hobby even in this dangerous world," Duke whispered in Kisha''s ear. "I-I''ll get some eggs from the poultry," Mrs. Winters volunteered, albeit a little unsure. "Young Madam, we will handle the slaughtering. Just tell us which animals to go for," Tristan said, gesturing for his comrades to nod in agreement. "My brothers and I are familiar with this task from our time in the wild." Kisha smiled and nodded at them. She then sent Duke to accompany his father and grandfather to the lake and sea, so he could lead the way. This allowed her to focus on upgrading the facilities. She instructed Tristan and the rest to slaughter as many animals as they could while inside, so they could stock them in her inventory. She gave the same instruction to Mrs. Winters, asking her to gather as many eggs as possible from the chicken and duck coops. Before they could all leave for their respective tasks, an earth-shattering bark¡ªmore like a roar than a dog''s bark¡ªechoed through the air. Moments later, a bear-like creature came running toward them. Sparrow and the others stiffened at the sight, instinctively going into defense mode. Chapter 230 - 230 More Scarlet Honey "Zeus, sit!" Kisha commanded firmly. Zeus, in its excitement upon seeing more people around, careened towards them. With a swift movement, Zeus planted its front paws and crouched, creating long skid marks in the soil as it struggled to halt its momentum, finally coming to a stop just before reaching Sparrow and the others. Upon recalling Zeus, Sparrow, and Vulture both sheepishly rubbed the tips of their noses in embarrassment. They had been on high alert, so focused on their surroundings that they had forgotten about Kisha''s new and potentially lethal pet. Even Sparrow was unsure if he could prevail in a fight against Zeus. "So this is where it lives, and I presume Bell is here too?" Sparrow attempted to steer the conversation away, realizing they had completely forgotten about Zeus since its appearance during the skirmish had slipped their minds. Not long after, a long buzzing sound echoed from the same direction Zeus had come from, and soon Bell appeared, flying to them and circling around Kisha in excitement. Bell had returned to its original size and was now freely navigating the space. Having recently laid a new batch of eggs, Bell''s worker scarlet bees were busy expanding their colony to accommodate more members. With no need to go outside and fight alongside Kisha, Bell had ample time to manage its colony and move around freely. While the space did not affect human aging due to its time difference from the outside world, it did impact animals and beasts. During Bell''s time inside the space, it had already laid numerous batches of scarlet bee offspring and steadily expanded its colony. The timeframe that Bell gave Kisha to produce scarlet honey has been significantly altered due to the increased number of scarlet bees. Previously, Bell could only estimate the time needed while constantly outside, fighting alongside Kisha without laying eggs. Now inside, Bell has laid thousands of batches of eggs, drastically changing the production timeline for scarlet honey. Kisha also realized this and felt delighted. Before long, Bell''s worker scarlet bees carefully lifted a ceramic container as tall as Kisha''s waist and twice as thick. It was filled to the brim with Scarlet Honey, which surprised Kisha greatly. While she had anticipated a significant increase in production, she hadn''t expected this much Scarlet Honey. Kisha couldn''t resist clapping her hands in happiness as she gazed at the Scarlet Honey. Duke, too, stared wide-eyed at the container. Memories of the euphoria from consuming a spoonful of Scarlet Honey flooded back to him. As he looked at the full container, a tingling sensation crept over his scalp. He wasn''t sure if it was anticipation or the sheer volume of Scarlet Honey that overwhelmed him. But deep down, he was genuinely pleased to see it. After all, Scarlet Honey had been instrumental in rapidly advancing his relationship with Kisha. He considered the Scarlet Honey his lucky charm. Stepping up beside Kisha, he shot her a knowing look before leaning in to whisper in her ear, teasingly suggesting, "Wouldn''t tonight be the perfect occasion to use this?" "What, can''t you perform without this?" Kisha fired back, causing Duke to choke on his own saliva. Her words stung, implying he was incompetent in bed and relied on external stimulation to get it up, hitting a nerve with Duke. He felt a mix of hurt and frustration, knowing he had provoked this response. Duke stared at Kisha resentfully, feeling aggrieved by her words. "Not really," he replied, hoping to dispel any misunderstanding. "I just hope you''re ready to not be able to walk for days." With a smug grin, Duke turned away, leaving no room for Kisha to retort. Kisha felt her face heat up as she glared at Duke. ''I know you have a pretty good stamina alright! But being able to get it up continuously is a different matter.'' She retorted inside her head, this was supposed to be her answer to Duke''s teasing taunts, but alas, he was fast at running too. But for now, Kisha didn''t know that she just poked the lion on the balls and was just waiting for the right time to pounce on her to prove his point and to shut her doubts about his capabilities in bed. Kisha proceeded to fill several glass containers with Scarlet Honey and distributed them to everyone present. She knew that besides its attribute of enhancing one''s constitution, the honey might also aid those yet to awaken by fortifying their bodies and possibly accelerating their awakening process. While this was merely a theory, she ensured each person received their share, and surprisingly, it barely made a dent in the large container of Scarlet Honey she possessed. "Young Madam, this is?" Sparrow asked, remembering how Kisha and Duke had seemed suspicious about a glass of honey before, and noting Kisha''s unusual behavior after consuming a spoonful. He couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something special about this honey. "Well, as you can see, this is Scarlet Honey, produced by Bell''s worker bees. Bell is special, not just a normal bee, and this Scarlet Honey has miraculous effects. It can help reform one''s constitution and strengthen it. I''m also hoping it can assist those who have yet to awaken in reforming their foundations and strengthening their bodies, potentially accelerating their awakening process," Kisha explained. Those who had not yet awakened felt a surge of anticipation, their eyes sparkling with hope and happiness, as they had often felt like a burden without awakened abilities like Kisha and the others. "You could take a spoonful a day. I haven''t tested what happens if you consume more than that, but its effects are potent. Overconsumption might overwhelm your body''s capacity to handle it, potentially causing harm." Kisha cautioned. She admitted she hadn''t experimented extensively with Scarlet Honey yet due to other priorities, so she advised everyone to stick to safe consumption practices. Her goal was to ensure they could benefit from the honey''s properties without risking their health. If it turns out they can consume the honey safely, that would be ideal, especially since Scarlet Honey tastes better than regular honey. Kisha fell silent for a moment, lost in her thoughts. After five minutes, she spoke again. "I''m considering using this Scarlet Honey as a reward for those who excel in their duties. It could motivate them to strive for even better results once they experience its effects." She paused, scanning the group. "And for our leaders, regular distribution will be ensured." She smiled with satisfaction. Of course, she needed to grant special privileges to the leaders to ensure their dedication and reaffirm their importance within the base. This strategic move aimed to maintain unity and discourage dissenting opinions. She anticipated potential backlash once word spread, but with the ''Eye of Truth'' at her disposal, she could discern any malicious intentions directed her way. She aimed to preemptively address issues before they could sow discord throughout the base. Her approach was clear to everyone in their group: employing a balanced carrot-and-stick method of leadership that fostered cooperation without resorting to the fear-based management tactics of figures like the Coltons and the Minister of Defense. They nodded in unison as Kisha distributed the bottles of Scarlet Honey. Each person instinctively tightened their grip on the bottle, as if their hopes and dreams were held within. Kisha empathized with their sentiments, having been in their shoes before. Despite her fragile trust and apathy towards most things, she still cared deeply for her family and her people. As long as they remained loyal to her leadership, she was determined to ensure they enjoyed prosperous days. However, for those who caused her pain and suffering, their reckoning would surely come, and she would ensure they faced consequences for their actions. After giving out her instructions and ensuring everyone was on the same page, Kisha sent them on their way. She also dispatched Zeus and Bell to accompany and assist Mrs. Winters, who appeared more than willing to accept their help. Meanwhile, Duke seemed eager to take Zeus to the lake, practically ready to leash him up and head straight there. But after seeing that his mother indeed has no one to come with her to help, Duke relented and guided his father and grandfather up the mountain where he and Kisha went to get to the lake. After seeing everyone off, Kisha made her way to the flower field where the Scarlet Bees gathered. She settled atop a large boulder and opened her territory''s system interface, beginning to upgrade the facilities that required attention. After completing her upgrades, she checked her territory''s system interface again. Her heart sank as she realized she had used up almost all her points, leaving her with only 50,000 points for emergencies. ... [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] 100 acres of farmland (subspace type - maxed) 100 acres of lake (subspace type - maxed) 100-acre Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - maxed) 50 acres of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) 30 acres of rainforest (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Poultry (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Pigpen (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Cow shed (subspace type - upgradable) Show more ... S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 231 - 231 The Remaining 50,000 Points After finishing the upgrades and maximizing several facilities, Kisha sighed in resignation. She was left with few points again, but on the bright side, she considered the benefits. With more space available, she could raise more animals and expand her farming operations, and maybe she could fulfill another mission. Despite her efforts to lift her spirits, Kisha still felt a bit down. Instead, she turned her attention to the Scarlet Honey in her possession. With everyone else away, she wouldn''t have to hesitate to indulge in its euphoric effects again while she''s experimenting. "Hossttt!!! Our points vanished!!! Huhuhuh, my upgrade points," 008 lamented inside Kisha''s head, causing her lips to twitch with amusement at 008''s reaction. "Don''t worry, we still have missions to complete and we''ll earn more points. Then I can let you upgrade again," Kisha reassured 008. She noticed that 008 had been quieter lately; perhaps it was because the realization had sunk in that its constellation seemed to have been undermining them from the beginning. This realization might have hurt 008 deeply, as it considered the constellation as its mother. "Host, I hope I won''t have to wait too long..." 008 said, aggrieved. It was hinting at the delay Kisha had taken to give the go-ahead for the level two upgrade, despite her earlier promise to complete it sooner. Kisha understood its frustration. 008 felt increasingly useless the longer it remained at a lower level, unable to provide Kisha with more advantages to complete her missions more easily. If it could upgrade more, Kisha wouldn''t have to suffer as much, and 008 could broaden its sales channels and unlock more features that would be beneficial for her. "Alright, as soon as we get a good opportunity, we''ll proceed with the upgrade right away." Kisha nodded in defeat, acknowledging that it was indeed her fault for the delay. 008 was an excellent assistant and a great help in navigating the sales channel and the radar whenever she was fighting. Kisha considered 008 her assistant, and although she could manage without it, she always wanted to ensure that 008 was available whenever she was outside. In case of any emergencies, she could rely on 008 for assistance. But she also knew that she was becoming a little reliant on 008. Whether she admitted it to 008 or not, it had been her longest companion, knowing her better than anyone else. Without 008, she felt like something was missing, especially since it had shared multiple life-and-death experiences with her. 008 was more than just an assistant; it was her steadfast companion through it all. Now that she was thinking about this, she felt bad for 008. She stared at her 50,000 points again, knowing that upgrading 008 to level 3 would cost 8,000 points. Sure, 8,000 points wasn''t that much since she would still have 42,000 left, but what she could get with those points was very limited, but nevertheless, it would still be a life-saving item. Kisha let out a long exhale. "You know what? It''s not like 8,000 points will get me much more than a few potions. So, go ahead and upgrade while we''re still in a safe place. Hopefully, we can get more missions to replenish our points, but your upgrade is very important. We need to unlock your smelting and synthesizing features so we can upgrade our weapons or get something useful for future use." She said this with determination. "This will be just a moment of hardship," Kisha thought. "But looking at the big picture, those features will be very helpful." Those features would only be available at Level 5, the farthest system upgrade she and 008 had ever reached. They had managed to get there almost by coincidence during a mission and it was given as a reward. Since then, though, she hadn''t been so lucky in her successive rebirths, and they were always short on points for further upgrades. "Really, Host?!!!" 008 squealed with excitement, like a child on their birthday. Hearing Kisha''s approval, 008 didn''t wait for her to change her mind and immediately requested authorization. [System Upgrade to level 3 Authorization] [Cost: 8,000 points] [Accept] or [Decline] Kisha chuckled as she clicked the ''Accept'' button. It had only been half a day since 008 completed its upgrade to Level 2. Luckily, they had dealt with the Coltons and now had time to spare for this continuous upgrade. And hopefully, the remaining 20 days of her stay in the base will be smooth sailing, allowing her to collect points and rewards without any hitches. ''Or perhaps I could explore some alternatives,'' Kisha mused, contemplating how she could enhance the base''s defenses and strengthen the people fast. "Master, no worries! Zeus is strong!!!" Zeus''s jolly voice echoed in Kisha''s head, prompting her to laugh out loud. "That''s right, Master! Zeus and I are both here to support you! We have an army now. Let''s see who can withstand my wrath," Bell declared, trying to sound intimidating, though its cute voice belied any real threat. Thanks to them, Kisha stopped dwelling on uncertainty and focused on what she knew for sure. She resolved to take things one step at a time and deal with challenges as they arose. She noticed everyone was engrossed in their tasks, so Kisha opened the holographic map of the Territory in City A. She checked on Keith and found him frantically running through the hallway with a bucket. Intrigued, she followed his movements until he reached their grandparents'' room. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once Keith entered, he checked on the couple lying in bed. Kisha''s heart leaped into her throat as she saw both her grandparents looking feverish, their faces flushed red with veins bulging on their foreheads. Keith continued to wipe their foreheads with ice water and replaced the ice packs as needed. Keith looked visibly worried about his grandparents, prompting Kisha to call him and start a conversation. Keith, on the verge of tears, was jolted by surprise when his sister''s face suddenly appeared in front of him, almost like a video call materializing out of thin air. Exhausted from a sleepless night of caring for his grandparents, he wondered if he might be hallucinating. "Baby brother, what''s going on with our grandparents?" Kisha asked her attempt to sound calm and collected undermined by the tremble in her voice that betrayed her nervousness. When he realized it was really his sister''s voice, he reached out to touch the video call interface, but his hands passed through it. "Sis! I miss you so much! I must be hallucinating from missing you and being so exhausted. Please, come back home!" he cried. "Baby brother, look properly," Kisha said, fighting the urge to tease Keith and scare him a little. The situation was urgent, and she needed to get to the main point as soon as possible. Kisha discovered this feature after delving deeper into the functions of the territory pack at the administrator level. There were still many functions she had yet to try, but she was fortunate to have the option to call anyone within her territory. This feature also allowed her to initiate a conference call, enabling everyone to join even while on duty. One of the perks Kisha planned to offer her trusted leadership team was access to her territory pack''s management system. She would grant them authority tailored to their specific roles, allowing them to manage everything more effectively and efficiently. Chapter 232 - 232 Mass Awakening By doing this, the burden she carried would become lighter, and she wouldn''t overlook anything important regarding her territory. There were so many tasks required at the administration level that doing everything on her own would waste all her time. Sharing the responsibilities with trusted leaders would ensure efficient management and allow her to focus on more critical matters. Especially now that she had thoroughly vetted everyone and was confident that no one in a leadership role would backstab them or catch them off guard. By delegating responsibilities, she could show her trust in her people, which would, in turn, strengthen their trust in her. This mutual appreciation would benefit everyone and foster a more cohesive and loyal team. Kisha may be considered calculating, but it was a necessary trait given that she now held the lives and futures of many people in her hands. Building respect and loyalty among her leadership team was crucial; their example would cascade down through the ranks, fostering a culture of respect and cooperation among all members of her community. "Ah, this is cool! It''s like a system straight out of the manhua and novels I read!" Keith exclaimed, momentarily forgetting his fear and exhaustion as he recognized Kisha and the system interface in front of him. He narrowed his eyes at Kisha with a knowing look but refrained from asking further questions, clearly impressed by how advanced and futuristic it appeared. But hearing her brother guess correctly just by seeing this little thing made Kisha choked up. It wasn''t that she wanted to hide her system from her family; it was just really hard to explain, and she planned to reveal it to them gradually over time. "Ahem!" Kisha cleared her throat, drawing Keith''s attention back from his reverie in front of the interface. "Tell me what''s been happening at the base these past few days," she asked, her expression serious. After checking on her grandparents and seeing signs of their awakening, she felt reassured about their situation. Keith nodded and found a place to sit after giving his grandparents a final check. "Two days ago, people in the base started falling ill one by one, dropping like flies," he began, his voice tinged with concern. "Most folks panicked, fearing they were infected and might turn, just like those who fell ill at the start of the apocalypse." "We could see they''re all still traumatized by that event. Truthfully, I can''t blame them; it''s something they won''t forget for the rest of their lives. So, their reaction was understandably exaggerated and panicked." "Luckily, Hawk and Eagle took swift action as soon as they found out, preventing anyone from acting rashly and harming the person with a fever. Eagle then quarantined the individual in their room, securing the door and allowing only their family to attend to them," Keith recounted, his frustration evident as he recalled the chaotic events. And honestly, he put it mildly; it was like everyone turned into red-eyed monsters ready to shred anyone in sight. People were divided into factions, brandishing knives with no regard for whether they''d actually kill someone. Some even argued it was better to sacrifice an innocent life than to risk everyone''s safety. If he and his grandparents, along with Hawk and Eagle, hadn''t known it might also be a sign of awakening, they might have resorted to drastic measures and brandished their weapons against that individual. So he couldn''t fully blame those who were scared out of their wits. Keith reflected, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. "Who was the first to get the fever?" Kisha asked, her brow furrowed in concern. She had been preoccupied lately and hadn''t checked on Keith and her grandparents. With 008 being upgraded, she couldn''t rely on it to monitor her family for her. "It was Mrs. Evans," Keith said, his voice devoid of emotion. But Kisha felt a sharp pang in her chest upon hearing it, a tight clenching sensation and a painful churn in her stomach. In that moment, she couldn''t help but imagine the worst-case scenario if Hawk and Eagle hadn''t managed to control the situation. "Has she awakened yet, or is she still unconscious?" Kisha couldn''t help asking, her mouth moving faster than her brain. Before she knew it, her concern for Melody''s mother had already slipped out, sounding oddly out of place. "She''s awake but still being cared for by her family because she wasn''t accustomed to physical labor to begin with, so all the work and stress of the situation has taken a toll on her. But we''re still not sure if she''s awakened an ability or if she was just really sick," Keith explained with a shrug before continuing his story. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The pause allowed Kisha to sigh in relief; she felt the constricting feeling in her chest vanish almost instantly. "After Mrs. Evans, both the doctor and the chef fell sick at the same time. This caused another wave of panic because people feared it might be a contagious disease. With the only doctor in the base also ill, their fears escalated, and imaginations ran wild," Keith recounted. "When everyone thought it was over, all the Evans men¡ªEthan, Eric, and Mr. Evans¡ªfell sick one after another. Only their daughter remained unaffected, allowing her to care for the family. Unfortunately, she claimed she was too depressed and weak to do so, leaving our grandparents to step in. Even the Blythes'' daughter and father fell ill, requiring Eagle and Hawk''s assistance," Keith recounted solemnly. "Although the panic subsided, the atmosphere in the base turned gloomy, with everyone fearing what might come next." Keith continued his narration, unaware that Kisha had fallen silent, lost in deep thought. Her mind wandered into unsettling territory focused on Melody. Kisha couldn''t understand why she felt aggrieved and angry at Melody''s actions. If it were her in Melody''s place, she knew she would never abandon her family in such a critical condition. Anger consumed her heart, and her blood boiled, so intense that she didn''t notice the boulder beneath her starting to crack slowly. ''Melody is truly not someone to be trusted. I''ll use her until she''s no longer of use, then I''ll banish her from the territory before she can cause harm with her recklessness or selfishness,'' Kisha thought bitterly. She was convinced that Melody''s selfishness knew no bounds, evident in her abandonment of her family in their time of need. She knew that such a person was toxic to be around, especially since Melody had her eyes on Duke, her man. Turning back to Keith, Kisha asked, "Have the Evans and Blythes awakened?" Keith shook his head. "Not all of them. Mr. Evans and the twins are awake now and managing their work while helping the rest of the family. The Blythes still haven''t awakened, and then our grandparents fell sick too." Keith''s tone shifted, becoming more gossipy. "Let me tell you, Mr. Evans and the twins are both disappointed in their daughter. Mrs. Evans has been silently weeping in her room, trying to recover quickly so she can care for her sons and husband. She hasn''t spoken to Melody in hours since yesterday." Keith giggled, clearly finding some amusement in the situation. Chapter 233 - 233 What Will Be their Awakened Ability? Keith clearly did not like Melody because he detected the subtle condescension in her voice whenever she spoke to him. She made it seem like Keith and his family were not contributing enough to the base and were merely wasting resources. He knew that Melody had been planning to kick them out of the shelter while his sister and Duke were still away, but fortunately, Hawk and Eagle were on their side. His grandparents were also getting close to Mrs. Evans and the Evans brothers, as well as the father-daughter duo from the Blythes. When Kisha heard what Keith said, she felt a prickling sensation in her heart vanish, and she found herself grinning at the news. Keith, however, didn''t read too much into it and assumed she was simply sharing his enjoyment of Melody''s misery. After all, Melody had an altercation with his sister, a fact he had only discovered from the Blythes'' daughter. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a moment of distraction, Kisha returned to the topic at hand. "Has anyone discovered their awakened ability yet? Or are they still hiding it, thinking they''re some kind of special one?" she joked, trying to lighten the mood a little. She knew her little brother was stressed and worried about their grandparents, so she added reassuringly, "Don''t worry too much about Grandpa and Grandma. They will both awaken; you just need to take care of them for a little while." After hearing his sister''s reassurance, Keith relaxed a little. "Honestly, no one probably knows what''s going on. I assume that most of them, aside from Hawk and Eagle, are just relieved they didn''t turn into zombies after falling sick. Even Hawk and Eagle are still clueless about what they can do," Keith said, shrugging his shoulders as he stared out the window into the distance. "Hmmm, let me check that part then," Kisha said before opening Hawk''s status window. This was possible because they were currently inhabitants of her territory; she didn''t need to ask them to join her team to access this information. As long as they were within her territory, all their information was visible to her whenever she wished to see it. "Wait, you have that ability?" Keith asked excitedly, his eyes sparkling as he looked at his sister with reverence. "Well, didn''t I choose that base as my territory? Since it''s my territory, I have complete access to everyone''s information, location, and whatnot. If they''re outside my territory, I would need to ask them to join my team to see it. It''s really similar to a simulation game where you''re building your own town," Kisha patiently explained, confident that her brother would grasp the concept with that brief explanation. "Woah!!! That''s so SICK! Doesn''t that make you really powerful, like a Goddess of your own domain?!" Keith''s eyes metaphorically turned into stars as he stared at Kisha, silently asking what else she could do. However, Kisha couldn''t provide all the answers, as there were still some aspects she didn''t fully understand herself. When she had more leisure time, she needed to delve deeper into her territory interface. This would make it easier for the leaders to understand the functions and features of their authority within her territory. However, she had to ensure that only those under a slave contract or Heart Gu Pill were granted access. If individuals with malicious intent discovered this, they might exploit their authority and find loopholes to circumvent the system, potentially doing something unacceptable. Once she saw Hawk''s name and avatar in the territory interface, she clicked on it. Hawk''s Live Avatar expanded to show his full form, along with his status window. This was the main distinction between directly viewing someone''s status window using ''The Eye of Truth'' or the team panel connected to the system interface. The territory''s interface only displayed the avatar to confirm that the owner was viewing the correct person, while the system only displayed the status window with a simple avatar. [Code name: Hawk] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5) Strength: 19 Stamina: 20 Defense: 17 Agility: 17 Mental Capacity: 22 Charm: 9 Leadership: 13 Title: None Skills: Lava Armor Talent: Embody Fire Gift: One with Fire Ability: Fire .... [Code name: Eagle] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.5) Strength: 18 Stamina: 25 Defense: 18 Agility: 18 Mental Capacity: 28 Charm: 10 Leadership: 10 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Cloud Manipulation Gift: Merman Ability: Water .... "Hoh! Look at these stats!" Kisha exclaimed in wonder. She then added, "Are you guys going out fighting some zombies for practice?" "What?! What?! Did you see what awakened abilities they have?!" Keith eagerly asked, his excitement palpable. "Well, Hawk has awakened a fire ability. Its destructive power is only second to lightning. The fact that he has a skill right after awakening was rare and his skill makes him become like a destructive tank. Eagle, on the other hand, awakened a water ability. It seems like he has a wide-area effect attack or defense, and he could practically live in the water if he wanted to," Kisha analyzed based on what she could see from her end. However, it would be great to see both of them using their abilities for a better assessment. "Wait! What?!" Keith yelped, jumping to his feet. "Doesn''t that make them incredibly formidable together? Two conflicting elemental abilities, but they could still function as a one-unit!" There was clear envy on his face as he started to compare his own awakened ability to those of Eagle and Hawk. "Baby Brother, don''t even try to compare yourself to them¡ª" Kisha started, but Keith cut her off angrily. "Why?! Is it because I''m super weak compared to them?!" he nearly roared, his voice lowered only out of concern for their sick grandparents in the same room. Kisha chuckled, seeing her brother''s face turn red. She found it cute and wanted to tease him but was afraid of hurting his pride. "Did you not know that ''Mental Type'' abilities are rare? ''Elemental Type'' abilities are the most common ones a person can awaken. The reason ''Mental Type'' abilities are rare is because they have some of the greatest potential, just like how rare and destructive a ''Lightning'' ability is." If Kisha were beside Keith, she would have patted his head to console him, hoping to ease the pressure he was putting on himself through comparison. "R-Really?!" After hearing his sister''s explanation, Keith felt a little rejuvenated and hopeful. He had been making great progress with the training in his awakened ability while following Kisha''s instructions. "Have I ever lied to you?" Kisha replied, raising an eyebrow with a smirk playing on her lips. After a moment of feeling happy, Keith answered Kisha''s earlier inquiry. "We only deal with small groups of zombies that manage to enter the perimeter or those near the base when we go out to assess the situation, but we barely fight." He looked like he was really missing out on a lot of action and was itching to brandish his tomahawk axe to get used to fighting and increase his combat ability and instincts. However, he didn''t forget to add, "But we do daily training, like combat, tactics, and lifting." He started to act smug in front of his sister, proud of how well he was keeping up with Ethan and their grandpa in training. "Hmm. No wonder everyone''s stats are still a little low," Kisha murmured, pondering the difference in Sparrow and Vulture''s stats compared to Hawk and Eagle, who had stayed at the base. Chapter 234 - 234 What Telekinesis Could Do Keith choked up in exasperation after hearing his sister say that. They were already enduring an intense daily training regimen that not everyone could keep up with, yet his sister still pointed out that Sparrow and Vulture were stronger than Eagle and Hawk, who were among the strongest men at the base right now. "Then, what kind of evil training did you guys go through?" Keith asked sarcastically, not wanting to lose to their team. "Well, we basically fought hundreds of zombies swarming at us," Kisha answered, blinking her eyelashes innocently to annoy her brother. Keith sucked in a mouthful of cold air as he heard about dealing with hundreds of zombies, while he and the scout team could only handle dozens and still felt exhausted, often returning to the base in sorry states. He felt the strength gap between the two groups was immense, and it was demoralizing. Kisha also noticed her little brother''s expression drop upon realizing the significant gap, so she stopped teasing him. "Don''t worry. Now that most of you have awakened, you just need to consolidate your energy core in your brain and build your foundation. With time, you''ll become stronger. Just don''t rush it, and soon you''ll be like Sparrow and the rest." Kisha made sure to encourage her little brother while also giving him a gentle warning. She knew Keith tended to be impatient about becoming stronger, which sometimes caused him to stumble. Since they were already fighting zombies, they were getting accustomed to combat, making it easier for her to guide them. "How strong can they be?" Keith asked, reluctant to let go of the topic because he believed everyone in the base was already giving their best efforts. Since awakening, they had undoubtedly grown stronger, so he hoped the difference with his sister''s team wouldn''t be too vast. After contemplating it, he sighed shakily to calm himself. Seeing his brother trying to reason with himself to feel like he wasn''t lacking but rather lacking opportunity, Keith wasn''t wrong. They were all performing admirably and were only missing the chance to awaken their battle instincts and surpass their limits, especially now that they had awakened. But Kisha also knew she had to strike a balance in complimenting them so they wouldn''t become complacent, or worse, arrogant about their growth. "Well, if we are going to compare, I can only say that while Hawk and Eagle have barely reached an average stats of 20, Sparrow and Vulture are both already in the 30s and could easily handle dozens of zombies on their own." Kisha felt a tinge of regret in her heart. Sparrow, Vulture, Eagle, Hawk, and Tristan were all skilled combatants who could hold their own against a horde without losing a limb. Kisha couldn''t help but feel regretful¡ªthey didn''t exist in her past life because of the Coltons and the Minister of Defense. If those five had been alive, their combat abilities would have greatly bolstered HOPE Base''s fighting capacity, easily overcoming the zombie raids that occurred during blood raids or from time to time. Keith gasped as if he were a fish out of water, opening and closing his mouth before managing to say, "No way! Then what about me?!" He pouted dejectedly. "No need for comparison, Baby Brother. Remember, we were just civilians before all this, with no combat experience. You know we''re already doing a great job considering where we started. Well, maybe aside from me who has to learn from my experience." Kisha consoled. Keith nodded in agreement. They both understood that comparing themselves would only dampen their spirits, so Kisha stopped dwelling on unnecessary thoughts and returned to their topic. "After our grandparents awaken, you can continue your training and increase your outings outside the base to fight the zombies. Oh, and don''t forget to collect their crystal cores. Our team here has gathered many crystal cores from the zombies we''ve killed. Besides being the source of superhumans'' level upgrades, we''re starting to use them as currency. Once other shelters or bases catch wind of this, they''re likely to follow suit," Kisha instructed, showing Keith virtually what a crystal core looked like. While they were on the topic, she taught Keith how to distinguish genuine crystal cores, just as she had taught Sparrow and Vulture before. Keith, being a ''Mental Type'' superhuman, quickly grasped the point and could feel the spiritual fluctuation inside the crystal core Kisha had sent him. Kisha had just discovered that, in addition to the territory''s functions and features, she could essentially send gifts or items to anyone within her base as if using instant delivery, materializing them out of thin air. This feature was similar to how she had complete access to warehouses or storerooms even from a distance, allowing her to retrieve or store items remotely. All these capabilities fascinated her, and they were still quite novel. Fortunately, while chatting with Keith, she also explored the territory functions further to better understand their workings. Keith felt like his sister''s abilities were overpowered. Then, as if a light bulb had lit up in his mind, he remembered something. "Sis! Have you awakened too?!" He was more than excited, thinking that if her territory was already this amazing, her awakened ability must be even more impressive. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I did," Kisha replied, adding suspense to her answer. She could tell her little brother was eager to know, and when she saw him unconsciously holding his breath, she couldn''t help but giggle to tease him. His face contorted slightly in mock anger when he realized she was playing with him. Finally, Kisha spilled the beans, "Just like you, I''ve awakened a ''Mental Type'' ability." "Which is it? I''m sure it''s not ''Illusion,'' right?" Keith confirmed eagerly. "I''ve awakened Telekinesis," Kisha replied. Keith stared at his sister, contemplating the ability she had awakened. ''Isn''t Telekinesis weak?'' He recalled internet discussions from the early 2000s, people talking about bending spoons with their minds and moving objects around. ''That just sounds...'' He paused, looking back at his sister with a conflicted smile. He wanted to encourage her, but then he remembered their shared classification as ''Mental Type'' superhumans. He couldn''t shake the belief that their awakened abilities might be useless in battle. Kisha laughed aloud, knowing exactly what her brother was thinking. It was a common reaction whenever people found out about her awakened ability. She had often relegated Telekinesis to mundane tasks like cleaning or assisting with minor tasks since most people didn''t see bending spoons or moving objects as particularly useful in more serious situations. In her previous lives, Kisha had experienced similar treatment. Initially, she could only manipulate small objects like spoons, which led others to see her as little more than a convenient delivery service for passing things around in the office or on the battlefield. But it wasn''t until she accidentally used her ability to move a pen and attack a zombie that breached their defenses, striking those at the back, that she realized Telekinesis had a much broader range of applications. Its flexibility depended on the user''s intent and their understanding of what telekinetic abilities could achieve. It was only because she and those around her limited what she believed she could do, preventing her from exploring beyond mere menial tasks. Chapter 235 - 235 The Question Kisha also knew that if she didn''t correct her brother''s way of thinking, he might undervalue himself due to his seemingly useless ability in battle. In reality, his ability could be deadly if misused and was a significant challenge to contend with. Instead of speaking, Kisha stood up from her seat. With a wave of her hand, the video that had been projecting only her face now captured her entire body. After taking a deep breath, she waved both hands, causing four daggers to float around her. Initially, they levitated slowly, but with a smirk, she flicked her hands, and the daggers began to circle around her rapidly, forming a protective barrier. The daggers revolved around her so fast that they created afterimages, giving the illusion of hundreds of daggers surrounding Kisha. The barrier consisted of razor-sharp knives moving at such speed that they would shred anyone who attempted to enter. The grass beneath Kisha''s feet was shredded as well, creating a circle of dust and soil visible around her, contrasting with the abundant grass outside the circle where she stood. Keith, watching from the feed, widened his eyes in disbelief at what he was witnessing. He could sense that his sister was holding back, only revealing a fraction of her awakened ability. His mind involuntarily wandered to what she could achieve in battle, and he felt his knees weaken as a shiver ran down his body. Only then did he believe his sister''s assertion about the vast potential of ''Mental Type'' superhumans. While he hadn''t witnessed the abilities of other superhumans firsthand, he was certain that his sister was among the most formidable and deadly. Seeing her display such power, his role model, filled him with a surge of pride and aspiration. He eagerly anticipated the day when he could become a significant asset to his sister, offering assistance rather than just receiving protection. He was determined not only to be capable of defending himself but also to protect his sister and grandparents, sharing the responsibility and burden equally. With renewed determination, he vowed to double his efforts to become stronger. After observing the determination on her younger brother''s face, Kisha ceased showing off, returning the daggers to her inventory before settling back on the boulder. "Did you see that? Despite ''Mental Type'' abilities sounding insignificant and less powerful, with effort and proper use, we can surpass more than half of awakened individuals in terms of battle proficiency and usefulness. ''Mental Type'' superhumans are also among the most complex due to their numerous subtypes, making it challenging to ascertain their capabilities and weaknesses." "I hereby welcome you to the ''Mental Type'' ability club!" Kisha joked. Only then did her brother burst into laughter, forgetting his earlier concerns and discontent. He appeared more confident, his mischievous smile returning. Using her control over the territory, Kisha then sent Keith a Scarlet Honey bottle as a gift. They floated momentarily before Keith took them. "What is this, sister?" he asked, looking puzzled. Though he recognized it as honey, it looked magical and unlike any ordinary honey. Knowing his sister''s capabilities and magical prowess, he trusted that the honey in his hand was something beneficial. "That''s Scarlet Honey, produced by my Scarlet Bees. After your daily training, take a spoonful of it. It will aid your growth, strengthen your foundation, and fortify your constitution before you level up. This way, we can maximize your growth, surpassing others at the same level," Kisha explained. She knew her brother was a gamer and was familiar with this concept from novels and manhua he often read. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She had even thought that her brother would be better suited for the system, given his greater knowledge and likely ability to maximize its capabilities. "But you can''t give it to our grandparents just yet. They need to practice with their awakened abilities and stabilize the virus in their energy core before they can safely take the Scarlet Honey. If they consume it prematurely, their unsettled energy could spiral out of control and potentially harm them. But don''t worry, once I determine it''s safe for them, I''ll give them a portion. For now, you take this," Kisha explained carefully to reassure Keith and alleviate any unnecessary concerns. "Okay, I trust whatever my sister tells me because I know you''d never harm us," Keith said playfully. His words warmed Kisha''s heart and filled her with happiness. She hadn''t realized her little brother felt this way, and it made her feel that all the sacrifices she had made were worthwhile. If only Keith were in front of her, she would affectionately ruffle his hair and give him a tight hug. Kisha chuckled. "I''m glad you trust me," she teased. "By the way, sis, what do Scarlet Bees look like, and how are they different from normal bees? Are they one of the mutant animals and insects you mentioned before?" Keith asked eagerly. During their missions outside the base, he hadn''t encountered any mutant animals, insects, or plants yet, and he wondered if they were fortunate or if these mutants simply hadn''t appeared yet. Kisha gestured towards a nearby scarlet worker bee gathering around the flowers. Within moments, it zoomed towards her, and suddenly, a large bee the size of her palm hovered near Kisha''s face. Keith gasped loudly, the sudden intake of air making him feel like he was choking on the dryness in his throat. "This is a Scarlet Worker Bee. The Scarlet Queen Bee is even larger and has a deeper scarlet color. These Scarlet Bees aren''t mutant insects; they''re my spiritual beasts," Kisha explained. The Scarlet Worker Bee happily circled around her a few times before she gestured for it to resume its work. "Spiritual beasts, like the ones from the Murim World in novels?!" Keith exclaimed excitedly, his gaze fixed on Kisha. "Oh, so there are novels like that out there? My Scarlet Queen Bee is actually from the Murim World, the last of its kind," Kisha explained with a shrug, her thoughts turning to Keith''s comment. She recalled that 008 had mentioned there was only one system in her world, so how did people on Earth know about the Murim World and create stories about it? Questions about the system, the worlds, and more kept piling up in her mind, but she couldn''t find answers. Even 008 didn''t have any information beyond the constellations and its own origins; it was unaware of anything outside its knowledge. Just like how a billion-year-old virus ended up on Earth, or whether a Constellation placed it there; how the system decided to attach itself to its host; or even how the entire universe operates. It could be possible that the aliens people on Earth refer to are actually individuals from different worlds who have accidentally arrived on Earth. According to 008, these otherworldly realms are more advanced and resource-rich compared to hers. There have been numerous sightings of aliens and countless questions surrounding lost civilizations that seemingly possessed advanced technologies¡ªsuch as constructing pyramids and towering temples with mechanisms far beyond human understanding and the technological capabilities of their time. These phenomena have been documented across the globe. Archaeologists and other sectors have yet to uncover anything definitive about these anomalies, sparking controversy and countless unanswered questions. Many groups have developed their own theories about these anomalies, as well as sightings of mermaids and monsters. If they really indeed came from those worlds, then, it might be the best explanation there is. Chapter 236 - 236 I Want A Divine Tiger Perhaps it''s the otherworlders who have been spreading stories about their own worlds. If that''s the case, then those unanswered questions may have found their answers. However, for now, whether otherworlders are still present in their worlds or not isn''t something she needs to dwell on. As long as they aren''t posing a threat to the people of Earth, it''s sufficient. But if these are merely her theories, then there''s no harm done since they''re just passing thoughts. "Sister! Can you also help me contract a divine tiger or something similar as my spirit beast?" Keith excitedly asked. Just as Kisha had anticipated, Keith had grasped most of it. Though he was unaware of Kisha''s system, he now understood that she had the means to acquire things from beyond Earth, including the magical creatures he had only read about in novels. But Keith had never considered the existence of other worlds. He had simply thought that perhaps his sister had a way to bring to life creatures from the imaginary worlds created by writers. If only he knew that those worlds were real, he might have desired to transmigrate there or find a way to do so himself. Kisha felt a pang of disbelief hearing her brother mention acquiring a divine tiger as his spiritual beast as if he were casually buying a cabbage from the market. She couldn''t help but laugh wryly, especially now that she was left with only 42,000 points. What important things could she even purchase with that? "Little brother, it''s not that I don''t want to give you what you desire, but it''s simply not possible," she explained. She wasn''t even sure if a divine tiger from the Murim World or the World of the Gods truly existed. Even if such a creature existed, its grade would likely require a substantial amount of points, which she currently didn''t possess. Moreover, even if she did, she couldn''t casually promise her brother something like that. Perhaps in the future, if an opportunity arose, she could consider it. "But hey! I actually have a Tibetan Mastiff as big as a bear, and it''s quite powerful too," Kisha added. So, even if she couldn''t get the divine tiger her little brother wanted, there was still Zeus, who was just as strong, or almost as strong as Bell with its unique grade. Moreover, Zeus possesses the ''Stun'' debuff skill, making it exceptionally powerful in battles, along with its armor-like skin and sonic wave attack. Kisha was confident that Keith would be impressed by Zeus once he saw it. "But sister, I want a battle pet!" Keith murmured with a pout. "Who said Zeus isn''t a battle pet? It excels in battle and could even surpass Vulture with its balanced attributes in offense and defense. Zeus is like a walking tank, you know," Kisha countered, emphasizing Zeus''s capabilities to Keith. "Who''s Zeus?" Keith asked absentmindedly, his thoughts still fixated on the idea of obtaining the divine tiger, which felt like a dream come true to him. "Zeus is my Tibetan Mastiff, now one of my battle pets. It can definitely hold its own, so don''t underestimate it!" Kisha added emphatically. She felt it necessary to ensure Zeus wasn''t underestimated, knowing it might appear foolish when not in battle. She didn''t want Keith to be disappointed if Zeus seemed less intimidating than the divine tiger he was eager to have. Keith fell silent for a moment, lost in thought. "Is that Tibetan Mastiff also a spiritual beast? Or a mutant animal?" he asked, his tone thoughtful. Kisha already knew where this was going. "It''s a mutant dog with impressive battle prowess," Kisha explained. Keith''s eyes lit up. "Really?! Then, maybe if I search in the forest where tigers live, I can come across one with great battle prowess! It could increase my combat efficiency on the field tenfold, maybe even a hundredfold! Since I''m a ''Mental Support Type,'' it means I need constant protection. In that case, I''ll need a partner to be my sword and shield, filling in my weaknesses," Keith explained enthusiastically. Kisha felt relieved that her brother didn''t just want a divine tiger for novelty, but because he had already considered his own shortcomings. He wanted a bodyguard who could accompany him throughout battles, protecting him from ambushes or sudden attacks while he focused on providing support. Little did Kisha know, this idea was just something Keith came up with while trying to argue his case with his sister. Otherwise, she might have tried to get him a mutt instead. But he wasn''t keen on that idea. He desired the imposing and gallant tiger, known as the king of the jungle, rather than settling for a mere man''s best friend that would only bark and run around. It''s not that he looked down on dogs, but he firmly believed that tigers would be far more useful in battles. However, he didn''t anticipate that once he acquired his tiger, he would find himself envying his sister for having Zeus. Zeus turned out to be much stronger and more imposing than his tiger, capable of intimidating and overpowering it, winning any confrontation decisively. But that was a story for the future. "Well then, I''ll remember this. If I come across a tiger with battle prowess that complements yours, I''ll do my best to tame it and give it to you. But you''re not allowed to go searching for it yourself," Kisha explained gravely to Keith. "There are more corrupted mutant animals, insects, and plants out there, and they''re extremely dangerous." She wanted to caution him in case he felt impatient and decided to search for one on his own. "Corrupted mutants?" Keith tilted his head to the side, pondering. "Yes, those are the typical mutant animals, insects, and plants. They''re similar to zombies in that they attack humans as a food source. Although they may not look like rotting zombies in appearance, their genes have mutated and adapted to the virus, creating more powerful creatures. They can even be more formidable than awakened superhumans and are similar to evolved zombies. There''s very little chance that an animal can integrate with the virus and gain power without being corrupted, often enhancing their primal instincts to survive." "Doesn''t that make you really lucky to find a mutated one that wasn''t corrupted?" Keith exclaimed, pondering the possibility that there might be a small number of mutant animals out there that haven''t been corrupted by the virus. He felt like his chances of finding a suitable battle pet were slim and started to feel dejected. "Don''t feel dejected just yet. While the chances of finding a mutated animal that hasn''t been corrupted are slim, it doesn''t mean there''s zero chance. We might come across one in the future. In the meantime, focus on yourself. Besides, I have a feeling I might have better luck than you and find one sooner or later," Kisha said, jesting to lighten her little brother''s mood. Keith nodded and asked another question. "If there are mutated animals that get corrupted by the virus and some that can successfully integrate with it, does that apply to plants and insects too?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha understood his concerns and responded, "That''s correct. Just as there are corrupted animals, insects, and plants, there are also those that remain uncorrupted. Especially with plants, they often have special properties that can benefit humanity. They can excrete useful substances for creating life-saving medicines or emit mist to protect their surroundings as a shield against intruders with malicious intentions." Chapter 237 - 237 Experimentation "Woah! Does that mean those uncorrupted animals, plants, and insects can coexist with humans?" Keith added excitedly. "In fact, yes," Kisha explained. "Just like before the apocalypse, animals, insects, and plants can still coexist with humans and even fight side by side against zombies and corrupted mutants. Humans have always coexisted with these creatures, and it''s this balance that maintains the ecosystem. Now, we have a united enemy: zombies and the corrupted. They only know how to destroy and kill." Given the common goal of survival, even mutant animals would seek shelter with humans and fight alongside them. However, just like before the apocalypse, many humans still believe they are superior and enslave these mutated creatures. This behavior creates distrust and drives a wedge between humans and mutants. "But, I think, survivors would be averse to this and would be scared of the mutant creatures," Keith said it was not hard for him to grasp this important information just thinking of their situation now, almost everything that moves that is not human and was strong would surely scare humanity because it could easily kill them. Kisha was well aware of this potential for exploitation. In her past lives, humans had taken advantage of mutant creatures, using them as slaves or killing machines. This abuse led to an irreparable rift, resulting in a war between humans and mutant creatures, with zombies adding to the chaos. The conflict ended in human extinction, something Kisha hadn''t foreseen. In subsequent lives, she tried to prevent this outcome, but convincing others proved to be incredibly difficult as no one wanted to listen to her warnings. Everyone wanted to exploit what they could and take whatever they could, including someone else''s freedom. If she and Keith hadn''t strayed onto this topic, Kisha might have forgotten about it entirely because of all the things she had on her plate and the numerous missions she was juggling. Kisha shook her head, exhaling the thoughts that consumed her and returned to their original topic. "So, yeah, baby brother. I know you''re old enough to make your own decisions and have your own opinions, and you are free to do so. But I hope you''ll listen to me on this. One wrong move and we could be facing a big problem. I mean your safety." "I promise, sis," Keith nodded obediently. They talked a bit more, with Kisha advising Keith a few more times about what he needed to focus on and what he needed to do. Surprisingly, even though Kisha was inside the territory space and Keith was outside, there was no problem with the communication or the time difference. Maybe the territory automatically compensates for the difference so the users wouldn''t notice any discrepancy in the flow of time between inside and outside. It worked wonders, but Kisha didn''t dwell on it too much since it didn''t affect her directly. After bidding farewell to her little brother, she relaxed and consumed her second spoonful of Scarlet Honey, especially enjoying the peace without Duke around. Just like the previous time, she felt an incredible euphoria that sent a tingling sensation throughout her body. The sensation lasted as long as before, and the intensity didn''t diminish. Once the euphoria passed, she felt refreshed and sensed changes in her stats. Curious, she checked to see what had changed, noting whether the increased stats were the same as before or different. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was part of her ongoing experimentation. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 1.0) Strength: 33 (+ 10)(+3) Stamina: 31 (+ 10) Defense: 30 (+ 10)(+3) Agility: 32 (+ 10) Mental Capacity: 48 (+ 20) Charm: 34 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 46 (+ 20) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second) Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) This time, she noticed that two additional stats had improved by three points each, totaling six. This was a significant boost, but the experience multiplier remained at 0.5 per spoonful. She wondered whether increasing her intake would affect the multiplier or if consuming it more frequently throughout the day would speed up the increase. If she only took a spoonful a day, it would take her 20 days just to achieve an experience multiplier of 10, which felt like a waste of time. Although she could simply use 10 level-zero crystal cores, she felt the multiplier offered better results. Besides, she had leveled up multiple times in her previous lives using the regular method. She believed that finding a different way to continuously grow and consolidate her foundation while taking a spoonful daily was the best path to becoming stronger. She felt confident that the Scarlet Honey would work miracles in this regard. But 20 days of waiting still felt too long. She took a deep breath, scooped another spoonful of Scarlet Honey from the bottle, and consumed it, eager to see if it would indeed lead to the energy fluctuations she anticipated. The moment she put the second spoonful of Scarlet Honey into her mouth, it glided smoothly at first. Instead of the euphoria that had previously given her an almost sensual sensation and relief, she felt a burning fire starting in her throat. It traveled down to her stomach, spiraled there for a while, and then spread throughout her body. It was so intensely hot that it felt like molten iron was coursing through her veins, causing searing pain until it settled in her brain. Her head throbbed with such agony that she could feel the blood vessels in her forehead bulging and throbbing madly. Even without looking, she could imagine the veins popping out of her forehead up to her scalp. The pain was excruciating. She bit her lower lip to keep from shouting, knowing that any sound might alarm the people nearby. If they were alerted, Duke would somehow sense it too, and come running from the other side of the mountain. Kisha tried to regulate her breathing and shift her focus away from the intense pain coursing through her body. This was close to torture, lasting as long as the euphoria she''d felt before, but now, it was anything but pleasurable. She gritted her teeth so hard that she could hear them grinding against each other, she even feared her own molars might break under the pressure. When the awful sensation finally disappeared, she felt completely drained. She lay limply on the boulder, cold sweat the size of bullets trickling down her forehead, her body drenched from the ordeal. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 1.0) Strength: 36 (+ 10)(+6) Stamina: 31 (+ 10) Defense: 30 (+ 10)(+3) Agility: 35 (+ 10)(+3) Mental Capacity: 48 (+ 20) Charm: 34 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 49 (+ 20)(+3) ''Everything in excess is harmful,'' Kisha murmured, feeling on the brink of passing out. Despite the intense discomfort, she pushed herself to set an hour timer before attempting another dose. The pain was familiar to her from past lives, but that didn''t make it any less uncomfortable. She was determined to push her limits and understand the full extent of what she could endure. Chapter 238 - 238 A Technique to Absorb the Scarlet Honey After checking her status window, Kisha noted that her stats were steadily increasing by three points each time she consumed Scarlet Honey. The increments were random, but it seemed she could potentially max out her level 0 stats before she upgrades to level 1. However, the risk lay in consecutive consumption¡ªdoing so could lead to overheating her energy core and brain, possibly resulting in a catastrophic failure. So now, Kisha had to establish a safe time interval for taking Scarlet Honey. She understood that this interval might vary for each person, so others would need to experiment cautiously, starting with a safe approach and not attempting what she had done. Even now, she felt drained and her mind was foggy from the intense experience. She set an alarm on her system for an hour later, then collapsed onto the boulder. Her head felt unbearably heavy, almost detached from her body, and before she knew it, she slipped into unconsciousness. An hour passed in what felt like mere minutes to Kisha before she was jolted awake by the blaring alarm placed beside her. Startled, she snapped to attention, momentarily disoriented and on high alert, scanning her surroundings without fully grasping what was happening. She scanned the area cautiously, momentarily forgetting she was within her own territory space as her mind lagged and struggled with a brief memory lapse. She deduced that the Scarlet Honey had likely stimulated her energy core, located in her brain. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eating a substantial amount in a short period had prevented her energy core from cooling down after processing the initial changes brought by the Scarlet Honey. Consequently, it was overwhelmed by another stimulation before fully recovering from the previous one. After regaining her senses about 10 minutes later, she sat upright and surveyed her surroundings. No one had returned yet, and she figured they might still be occupied with their tasks, given that time passed ten times faster in her space and everyone wanted to take advantage of it to finish more work. Deciding to proceed with her experimentation, she took another spoonful of Scarlet Honey. Similar to before, she still experienced the searing pain coursing through her body, though she couldn''t discern if she had become somewhat numbed to it or if the pain had indeed lessened slightly compared to earlier. She still felt uncomfortable, with her head throbbing as if on the verge of exploding from the stimulation, but it seemed slightly more tolerable than before. Encouraged by this, she decided to try again. Setting an alarm for an hour and a half later, she opted to meditate rather than sleep, hoping to clear the excess stimulation from her energy core. To be precise, she was attempting to cool down her energy core, hoping it would make a difference. Remembering what 008 had mentioned about martial arts practitioners in the Murim World, they meditated to enhance their spiritual energy. They absorbed and controlled energy from heaven and earth, harmonizing it within their meridians and storing it in their cores or it was known as dantians, located in their stomachs. By continually practicing this method, practitioners in the Murim World strengthen themselves and ascend to higher levels of power. Drawing inspiration from this, Kisha adapted the technique: rather than absorbing heavenly and earth energies, she channeled the essence of the Scarlet Honey, guiding it like a flowing stream into her energy core, ensuring a smooth and controlled flow. It took Kisha numerous trials and adjustments to achieve her envisioned technique. Despite its difficulty, she persisted, and eventually, she succeeded. Through this method, the throbbing in her head ceased, and the erratic energy movements causing her pain calmed down. Now, after guiding the Scarlet Honey''s essence, each breath felt refreshingly soothing and harmonious. As she continued with this method, Kisha found it to be a stark contrast from the euphoria of her first experience. This time, it resembled a serene, calm lake¡ªrefreshing and deeply fulfilling. Lost in her focus, she didn''t even notice that she had already reached the time she had set on her alarm. Before she took another spoonful of the Scarlet Honey, Kisha felt an inkling to check her status window again. To her surprise, she noticed some changes. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 3.0) Strength: 37 (+ 10)(+7) Stamina: 31 (+ 10) Defense: 30 (+ 10)(+3) Agility: 36 (+ 10)(+4) Mental Capacity: 48 (+ 20) Charm: 34 (+ 10)(+3) Leadership: 50 (+ 20)(+4) At first, she didn''t notice any changes, but then it hit her. Kisha couldn''t help but suck in a mouthful of breath. Her multiplier had shot straight up to 3. And that wasn''t all¡ªinstead of the usual 3-point increase in her stats, it had jumped to 4 points! After successfully guiding the essence of Scarlet Honey to flow smoothly through her body, Kisha theorized about what might have occurred. By establishing a proper pathway, she prevented her energy core from becoming overwhelmed or overheated by the uncontrolled flow of Scarlet Honey, which typically came from all directions. This focused passage allowed her to maximize and absorb every bit of essence and preventing any excess from dispersing, resulting in an increase in both stat points and multiplier. Kisha felt a surge of excitement as she realized a new method of handling Scarlet Honey. While different from the sensual euphoria of her first and second experiences, this approach proved to be the most rewarding and efficient. She decided to shorten the interval again to one hour, intending to apply her newly developed technique once more to observe its effects. After consuming another spoonful of Scarlet Honey, Kisha immediately began her meditation, guiding the essence''s flow through her body. Surprisingly, this became a subconscious process as her body grew accustomed to the sensation¡ªit flowed naturally, similar to how her blood flows in her bloodstream. And when she was done, she thought she''d done a better job at creating a technique to absorb the Scarlet Honey but when she saw her Status window again, she found out that she was very wrong. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 8.0) Strength: 42 (+ 10)(+12) Stamina: 36 (+ 10)(+5) Defense: 35 (+ 10)(+8) Agility: 41 (+ 10)(+9) Mental Capacity: 58 (+ 10) Charm: 39 (+ 10)(+13) Leadership: 55 (+ 20)(+9) This time, instead of her stats randomly increasing by 3 points or more, every single stat saw a boost of 5 points, and her experience multiplier soared by an additional 5 points as well. Kisha''s eyes widened in disbelief as she couldn''t fathom that such a simple technique could yield such significant results. Laughing excitedly, she stared at her status window. Energized by her discovery, she decided to continue her experiments. Rather than waiting an hour, she reduced her interval to just 30 minutes. After just half an hour, when she consumed another dose of Scarlet Honey, Kisha found that she no longer needed to consciously guide the flow of essence; it moved effortlessly, as if possessing a mind of its own. She simply meditated, cleared her mind, and when she finished, she discovered another 5-point increase across all her stats. Moreover, her experience multiplier had now reached x10, seeming to be the current maximum achievable at her current level. Chapter 239 - 239 Kishas Level Up Despite reaching the multiplier she aimed for, Kisha continued consuming Scarlet Honey without setting any time intervals, though she felt a bit nervous about potential over-stimulation and overdose. Aware of the risks, she also recognized the tremendous benefits and understood that others would likely attempt it as well. Given her greater mental capacity, she reasoned that it might be why she had achieved such remarkable results. After taking a deep breath, Kisha consumed another spoonful of honey and continued her process. Eventually, she seemed to have reached the limit of her stats; no matter how many Scarlet Honey spoonfuls she took, the increases plateaued. Surprisingly, she found she no longer needed time intervals between doses because her energy core no longer overheated. She had established a pathway for the energy flow to her core, and she even felt it had grown stronger, able to store more energy than before. Once she confirmed that her stats had plateaued and her experience multiplier had reached its limit, she glanced at her status window again, savoring the sight before her imminent level-up. This was the perfect opportunity for her to ascend to the next level, confident that she would achieve even greater results and gain formidable strength. She was certain she could surpass Duke now, and the mere thought brought a delighted sparkle to her eyes, forming crescents of anticipation. [Kisha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Strength: 60 (+ 10)(+30) Stamina: 60 (+ 10)(+29) Defense: 60 (+ 10)(+33) Agility: 60 (+ 10)(+28) Mental Capacity: 100 (+ 52) Charm: 60 (+ 10)(+34) Leadership: 100 (+ 20)(+54) S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha couldn''t help but giggle with delight as she looked at her impressively high stats for a level 0. She had never attained such remarkable stats at such a low level before, it would only be possible in her higher-level stages. Now, she felt an incredible surge of power, as if energy was flowing freely through her body and vitality was emanating from every pore. After admiring her stats, Kisha took a deep breath and retrieved a crystal core from her inventory. She consumed it, feeling the familiar warm, sweet sensation as it traveled from her mouth down her throat, spreading throughout her body. She felt as if she were floating, overwhelmed by the sensation, as a golden light radiated from her, bright enough to seem like the sun had descended upon her. The brilliant light caught everyone''s attention, interrupting their tasks. The glow even reached the other end of the island, where Duke, his father, and his grandfather were fishing by the lakeside. They noticed the sun-like, glittering golden light emanating from behind the mountain. Concerned, Duke immediately left his father and grandfather to investigate the source of the light. He sprinted through the mountain nonstop, as fast as he could, arriving just in time to see the last bit of light fade from Kisha''s body. Instantly, he knew she had leveled up and could sense that she was much, much stronger than when they had parted earlier. He couldn''t help but wonder what had transpired in his absence to bring about such a tremendous change. Kisha was too excited to notice Duke standing at the foot of the mountain, a little farther from her. She glanced around and spotted a rock the size of her fist. Without hesitation, she picked it up. At that moment, others from the ranch and coop came out to sneak a peek at the commotion. They all watched in awe as Kisha effortlessly crushed the rock into dust with her bare hand. They all realized she had leveled up, though none of them, not even Sparrow and Vulture, who were the first to level up, knew if they could crush a rock with their bare hands. After leveling up, Kisha immediately checked her status window to see how many stat points she had gained. Usually, it would only be three points, but she was surprised to see an even greater increase than expected. [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 70 (+ 10)(+30) Stamina: 70 (+ 10)(+29) Defense: 70 (+ 10)(+33) Agility: 70 (+ 10)(+28) Mental Capacity: 110 (+ 52) Charm: 70 (+ 10)(+34) Leadership: 110 (+ 20)(+54) She was surprised to see a 10-point increase across all her stats. Kisha knew she was now the strongest awakened being alive and could face an evolved zombie of the same level head-on without needing anyone''s help. Her happiness was cut short when she sensed Duke''s presence behind her, startling her. He had managed to get close without her realizing it, just like he did at the mini hospital in the base in City A when she first got Bell. ''This man really wants to give me a heart attack,'' she silently complained. "You just leveled up?!" Duke exclaimed, scanning Kisha from head to toe. He could sense something different about her but couldn''t pinpoint what it was. She seemed more beautiful and charming than when he had left earlier, though he attributed that feeling to missing her after spending time with a bunch of old coots. "Ahuh!" Kisha beamed with excitement. "I even discovered a more efficient and effective way to maximize our stat limits before leveling up, making us stronger than others at the same level." She spoke with a hint of mystery, hoping to pique Duke''s anticipation and excitement. In reality, she was bursting with eagerness to share her discovery, but she wanted to see Duke''s reaction first. Before Duke could respond, the others who had been approaching heard Kisha''s words. Excitedly, they ran toward her, forgetting they still had blood and other stains on their hands and bodies. They all reached out, eager to touch Kisha and ask her what she meant. However, Duke moved faster, pulling Kisha into his embrace and staring daggers at them, warding them off with a protective glare at their dirty hands. When his subordinates stepped back and stood at attention, he softened his gaze and turned his affectionate attention to Kisha. "I knew there was nothing you couldn''t achieve. Congratulations!" He gently rubbed the top of her head with a proud smile. "You''re no fun!" Kisha pouted briefly but soon shrugged it off. She first sent everyone back to finish up with their task so she could share what she has experienced and the technique she has just successfully created so once they took the Scarlet Honey, they could utilized the technique she created, especially for Sparrow and Vulture. And this would serve as a preparation to those who haven''t awakened. ____________________ PS: Hello everyone!!! Thank you all for participating in the little game I arranged in the previous chapters. I''m thrilled to announce that we''ve reached the 5 Inspiration Capsule milestone, and just as promised, I''m releasing this chapter as an EXTRA CHAPTER!!! Your support means everything to me!!! Please ADD to your LIBRARY to be notified when the update is posted. Thank you!!! Please don''t forget to cheer me up by voting with Powerstone and Golden Ticket! Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! Also, I might get delayed in the update as I am also updating my new novel < THE RETURN OF THE CANNON FODDER TRILLION HEIRESS> Chapter 240 - 240 Everyone Getting Stronger After Kisha shared her experience with the Scarlet Honey she had just distributed, she took the time to carefully guide them through the process of harnessing its essence. She provided detailed instructions to help them channel the Scarlet Honey''s essence into their core, with a particular focus on those who had already awakened. Kisha divided the group into those who had already awakened and those who had not. For those who had awakened, she demonstrated her technique for channeling the Scarlet Honey''s essence into their core. For those who haven''t awakened yet, she altered the approach a little. Instead of focusing solely on directing the energy to their core''s reservoir, she guided them to distribute it throughout their bodies, similar to clearing their bloodstream. This method aimed to strengthen their bodies and reduce the likelihood of failure in their awakening. After ensuring that everyone understood her instructions, Kisha allowed them to practice independently while she observed from the sidelines. It was then that she noticed the varying time intervals required for individuals to take in the Scarlet Honey. Not everyone was able to absorb all the essence from the honey. For Vulture, his stats would increase by 2 randomly each time he consumes the Scarlet Honey and regulates his energy. Sparrow experiences a random increase of 3 stats every time. Even Mrs. Winters, despite her best efforts, manages to boost her stats randomly by 2-3 each time she consumes the Scarlet Honey. But Duke? There was nothing surprising about him. He was the first to reach the x10 limit for the experience multiplier, but unfortunately, he didn''t have a system that could grant him extra stat points, unlike Kisha, who could gain additional points through titles and other achievements. As a result, his stat limit was capped at 50, and beyond that, it no longer increased, which made Kisha smile smugly. For the first time, she could look at Duke''s status window with satisfaction rather than offense. She finally felt more powerful than Duke. In her past life, Duke always bested her at everything and was smug about it, constantly rubbing salt into her wounds. Now, however, she could relish this moment while he was left to seethe with envy. The gap between them would only grow as she continued to level up, earn more titles, and complete missions with stat-boosting rewards. Just thinking about it made her more excited and eager for missions than she ever was in her previous life. She was determined to wipe the floor with Duke one day. It might sound petty, but Duke had always rubbed his success in her face in their past lives. That''s why she initially doubted 008 when it suggested that Duke had a thing for her; she thought he only saw her as a rival and a close confidant. Lost in thought, Kisha opened Duke''s status window and studied it for a while longer, as he sat on the ground, deep in contemplation. [Duke Winters] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Strength: 50 (+20) Stamina: 50 (+20) Defense: 50 (+20) S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Agility: 50 (+25) Mental Capacity: 50 (+15) Charm: 50 (+10) Leadership: 50 (+5) But now that she thought about it, maybe Duke''s constant provocations and taunts were his way of keeping her attention away from her traitorous lover. By emotionally engaging her, he ensured she stayed close to him. She realized that she was indeed with Duke about 80% of the time, even when he was being discreet. There were moments when they were almost inseparable, which often led her lover to question what was going on between them. She wondered if he didn''t trust her or if he simply missed her. But now, she saw things from a different perspective and had a deeper understanding of what 008 had said. Whether it was the Duke of her past or the Duke in front of her, they were essentially the same person. They shared the same core feelings, though their different experiences in life had shaped their actions and behavior around her differently. Ultimately, the emotions remained unchanged. Kisha''s eyes crinkled slightly as she continued to monitor everyone through their status windows, allowing Duke to remain absorbed in his thoughts. As she observed the non-awakened individuals, she noted that their stat increases were limited to just 1. She speculated that this might be because they lacked an energy core to store the energy generated from the Scarlet Honey''s essence. It might also be related to their potential; their absorption capabilities aren''t great at the moment. Kisha could only reassess once they awaken to see if there are any changes. If there are improvements, it would likely be due to their lack of a reservoir to store the energy. If not, then it would be a matter of their own potential and talent. Not long after, the Patriarch and Mr. Winters returned, struggling to drag a large net filled with a variety of big fish. Kisha stored the fish from the lake, briefed them on the recent events, and then integrated them into the training session. She kept a close eye on their progress as they trained alongside everyone else. After many hours of training, most of the people had reached their capacity limits. What was surprising was the variation in their caps; each person had a different limit. Duke had the highest cap, while Tristan had a limit of 40 stat points and Aston was just a few points lower. Sparrow, and Vulture had already reached 60 and were still not reaching their limits, it was maybe because they had leveled up to level 1 and their cap has increased too. Bald Eagle, Mr. Winters, and the Patriarch were close behind at 35. Mrs. Winters had a cap of 30, and the rest were around that range, with the lowest being 25. Only one or two individuals had such a low cap. She believed that those with lower cap limits had less chance of awakening. However, thanks to the Scarlet Honey, they could still become stronger, though they wouldn''t surpass their current limits without awakening. Kisha didn''t have a solution for this issue but was grateful that the Scarlet Honey had helped them reach their thresholds and improved their chances of survival outside. Chapter 241 - 241 Might Sleep in the Dog House Now that Kisha had gathered more data for her experiment, she decided to place the Scarlet Honey in the secret vault of the Supply Center. She would set a high price for it to emphasize its rarity, believing that gifting it to top performers would motivate everyone to work harder and strive for excellence. Since most people had nearly finished their previous tasks, Kisha sent those who were done with their tasks to collect the ripped fruits from the fruit trees. The remaining individuals were assigned to continue farming while waiting for the others to complete their tasks and for Mr. Winters and the Patriarch to finish their training. Kisha then gathered the awakened superhumans to help them level up. She was confident that their energies and foundations had successfully consolidated within their energy cores. The next step was to focus on increasing their cap limits and that was only possible after they leveled up. She asked Sparrow and Vulture to step aside for now, as they still needed more time to consolidate their energy. Since they were already at level 1, their cap limits had increased, and she had not yet seen them reach their maximum cap limit. Therefore, they needed to continue with their training. For now, only Duke and Mrs. Winters were ready to advance to level 1. They stood side by side in front of Kisha, each holding the level 0 crystal core she had handed them earlier. They didn''t have to wait long, though they struggled to ignore the unsettling sensation in their stomachs, which made them feel nauseous and almost vomit. After clearing their minds of distracting thoughts, they placed the crystal cores into their mouths. Fortunately, the taste was not unpleasant, and they managed to consume them without issue. Soon, a mix of red, cold blue, and purple light emanated from Duke''s body, while Mrs. Winters'' body glowed with a bright green light tinged with a brownish hue, representing their elemental awakened abilities. Duke and Mrs. Winters both felt a profound change in their bodies after leveling up. They experienced a surge in power and a lighter, more agile feeling, making everything seem remarkable. [Duke Winters] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 55 (+20) Stamina: 55 (+20) Defense: 55 (+20) Agility: 55 (+25) Mental Capacity: 55 (+15) Charm: 55 (+10) Leadership: 55 (+5) ... [Olivia Winters] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 33 (+25) Stamina: 33 (+22) Defense: 33 (+25) Agility: 33 (+24) S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mental Capacity: 35 (+13) Charm: 33 (+15) Leadership: 33 (+21) Title: None Skills: None Talent: None Gift: Plant Affinity Ability: Wood, Earth This was quite an information to take in. Duke''s stats had increased by only 5 points after leveling up, as a bonus point, while Mrs. Winters'' stats had only risen by 3 points. In contrast, Kisha received an additional 10 stat points after leveling up, which seemed exceptionally generous compared to them. With an unabashedly smug grin, Kisha turned to Duke. Though Duke didn''t understand why Kisha was so pleased, he could tell she was gloating about something. His competitive nature urged him to respond, but he managed to hold his tongue at the last moment. What held him back? He remembered he had a very important appointment with Kisha later that night. If he made a misstep now, he''d risk losing the reward and might end up sleeping in the doghouse. He definitely didn''t want that. Duke made a determined effort to keep his sarcastic remarks in check, pursing his lips with great effort and instead offering a fawning smile to Kisha. Her smug grin faltered as she sensed something off about Duke''s overly suspicious behavior. Feeling uneasy, she backed away slightly, her hair standing on end. Avoiding Duke''s gaze, Kisha directed him to continue farming with the others. She was confident that he had already mastered the essence of consolidating his foundation and crystal core after each level-up, so he didn''t need further assistance. In contrast, Mrs. Winters was less familiar with the process and relied more on her intuition to manage it. Kisha took her time to help Mrs. Winters become more familiar with the process, guiding her thoroughly to ensure she wouldn''t harm herself or her energy core. Meanwhile, Sparrow and Vulture resumed their training with the Scarlet Honey, alongside the Patriarch and Mr. Winters. It took them the full 20 hours within the territory to complete their tasks. Once finished, Kisha collected everything they had gathered from her territory and stored them in her inventory. Once they were out, Kisha sent Mr. Winters and Aston to inform everyone to gather in the center of the base for the announcement about the base''s takeover. While they were on their way, Kisha prepared all the supplies for the supply center, ensuring they would be ready for distribution. She also arranged for everyone to have a hearty meal until tonight. Fortunately, Mr. Winters understood her intention. Before he and Aston finished gathering the crowd, he instructed Aston to dispatch a few trucks and additional soldiers to Villa #1 to collect the supplies needed for the operation. Once the people were fed, they would be able to move around, help set up the supply center, and get everything done. Aston then sent his most trusted soldiers to Villa #1. Since he hadn''t yet dealt with those who needed purging, he could only send individuals he trusted to avoid any potential trouble or uprising. He was concerned that seeing such a large amount of supplies might trigger greed and unrest among the others. After an hour, Kisha was informed that several trucks had arrived in front of their villa and soldiers had begun to assemble. This sight made Reeve and Marcus''s families anxious, especially since they had missed the meeting and were unaware of what had transpired. Mike burst into the room, his face pale and panting heavily. "Young Madam! Soldiers have arrived; you need to leave immediately! I don''t think this is good!" Mike managed to gasp between breaths. He was shocked into silence upon seeing the mountain of supplies that hadn''t been there earlier. He and his family had only stepped out briefly to tend to the garden, and now, an enormous stockpile had appeared. He was utterly speechless. "It''s alright, Mike. Send them in, and later, you and your family, along with Reeve, should join us in the central part of the base. We have an important announcement to make," Kisha said with a smile. Mike was astonished. "You can tell me and my twin brother apart?" Kisha simply smiled and didn''t respond before sending Mike out to call the soldiers. Mike quickly went outside to fetch them, and soon, the soldiers arrived at the location where Kisha and the others were waiting. The soldiers greeted Kisha with polite bows, likely having received a heads-up from Aston about who she was. "I assume Mr. Winters has already instructed you on where to deliver the supplies?" Kisha asked calmly, sitting with an indifferent expression as she observed the soldiers. Although the soldiers maintained poker faces, Kisha noticed their eyes light up with hope and reverie when they saw the supplies. Someone front the front took a step forward. "Yes, City Lord. We have a general gist of the situation and was tasked to bring the supplies that the City Lord prepared to the temporary Supply Center." He clarified with great politeness. Chapter 242 - 242 A New Beginning "Good," Kisha said with a smile, standing up and nodding at the soldiers. Although she was still adjusting to her new role and wasn''t used to being called by her title, she set that concern aside for now, focusing on the task at hand. She gestured for the soldiers to start loading the supplies onto the waiting trucks. Meanwhile, she kept the soldier who had answered her inquiry in place. "Have they finished gathering the crowd?" she asked. The soldier stood at attention, responding with the formality expected of a military to their superior. "Yes, City Lord. The crowd has been gathered. You can head there at your convenience, and we have arranged a car to escort you to the square." Kisha nodded and gestured for everyone to follow her. Since they all held leadership roles, it was important for them to be present and assert their positions. By doing so, they would ensure that the people remembered them and their respective roles, much like politicians make themselves known during their campaigns. This time, they weren''t campaigning; they were already established in their positions and needed to promote their propaganda and roles. As Kisha stepped out of the villa, Marcus and his grandchildren, along with Reeve, were waiting at the gate. A car and a van were parked behind them, ready for departure. The soldiers were still transferring supplies to the trucks, a process that would take a bit more time to complete. Kisha left them to their task, confident that there was little chance of any issues if someone tried to hijack the supplies and run. She had already deployed her Scarlet Bees around the base, ensuring that no one could escape her notice. This would serve as their first test to determine if they were truly trustworthy. Some of the quick-witted soldiers deduced what was happening when they saw Kisha and her team get into the car without leaving anyone behind to oversee the transfer and ensure everything went as planned. After Kisha''s car departed, the soldier who had spoken with her earlier took charge, ensuring his team stayed focused. He reminded them not to act recklessly or be swayed by immediate rewards but to consider the bigger picture. Although no one made a move, he felt it was crucial to reinforce this message to his men. He understood that in times like these when people have experienced hunger and hardship, they can be vulnerable to the temptation of immediate gratification, even if it means facing dire consequences later. However, with the City Lord having already removed the greedy and destructive Minister of Defense and the Coltons¡ªwho had been like a plague to the society''s survival¡ªthere was a chance to give the new City Lord a fair opportunity to prove herself to the people and show her leadership. Although the appointment had only been secured through bloodshed and a forceful takeover, that was secondary to what truly mattered: the future. Besides, they were more like saviors than invaders, given their firsthand experience with the harsh realities and the reign of two greedy powers. Now that they knew the new City Lord planned to distribute supplies equally to everyone, without discrimination, Kisha earned their recognition. Even though many were tempted, they held back and diligently transported the supplies. Some soldiers even stayed behind to guard the villa, ensuring its security in the absence of others. Kisha silently observed their interactions through the visual feed from the Scarlet Bees, which Bell transmitted into her mind. She was impressed; this time, Aston had struck gold with these people. At least he wouldn''t need to purge any of them, as they seemed to be among the few Aston could genuinely trust. Since the base wasn''t that large, Kisha and the rest soon arrived at the square, where Aston had constructed a makeshift elevated platform. This allowed everyone below to see those standing on it. Mr. Winters stood silently on the platform, with Aston behind him and some of Aston''s soldiers positioned around the stage to protect them in case any dissatisfied individuals attempted to attack. The square was filled with murmurs of speculation and gloom. Some had already heard about the fate of the Minister of Defense, as Aston hadn''t been particularly discreet. He had dragged the Minister''s fat, naked ass through the streets, parading him before sending him to the dungeons where the Coltons were held. With that display, everyone quickly understood what was happening, and the news spread like wildfire. Some were filled with happiness and hope for a better future, while others remained skeptical, believing they had merely replaced one dictator with another. They feared that, sooner or later, hunger would claim them, even if the zombies did not. Kisha didn''t need to read their minds to understand their thoughts, but she didn''t care. What mattered was how things would progress from here. Whether they accepted her leadership or not was up to them. If they couldn''t, they were always free to leave and try other bases or shelters to see if they were any better. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, if they expected her to provide everything while coddling them like babies, she would rather kill them and make space for those who deserved it, preventing the rise of potential traitors in the future. The crowd gathered in the square mostly consisted of soldiers not on guard duty, idle medical staff, and those performing odd jobs or otherwise free from any duties and were just waiting to die of hunger. The square was packed to capacity when Kisha and her team approached the stage. Their commanding presence alone was enough to hush the murmurs and command attention. The crowd waited with bated breath as Kisha stood at the forefront of the stage, the others positioned a few feet away, allowing her to take the spotlight. The beautiful woman at the front, with her indifferent expression, appeared cold but didn''t project the same chill as she silently scanned the sea of faces before her. Her composed demeanor and commanding presence left a lasting impression, though few could have imagined that this very woman would make such a significant difference in their lives. Kisha''s crisp, clear voice reverberated through the silent crowd, her authority unmistakable¡ªsomething even the former Minister of Defense or the Coltons'' Young Master could not replicate. "I know that many of you are having a difficult time," she began, pausing briefly before continuing. "But I assure you, today will mark a turning point for all of us. This day will be the start of a new beginning." Although no one fully understood what Kisha was conveying, no one dared to question her. They instinctively knew not to interrupt, sensing that any questions they had would be answered shortly. They weren''t wrong. "I know that many of you may have already heard, but we, I and my people, indeed took down the Former Minister of Defence and the Coltons from their rein and I, now took over the position of the City Lord. And if any of you wanted to ask and were wondering why me? You''ll know the answer to that question if you keep your eyes peeled. I don''t need to tell you what you have to expect or how to view me, what matters is the direction this base is going from now on." Chapter 243 - 243 The Plan Progressing Smoothly Loud gasps filled the air at Kisha''s announcement. Some viewed her as arrogant, dismissing her as just another Coltons'', hungry for power, and would use deception to mislead people, and believed that her gender did not necessarily mean she would lead with kindness. Others speculated that she had used her body to secure the position or that her lover had helped her seize it. Many began to make their own conjectures since Kisha had not detailed how she came to power. However, she paid little heed to these rumors, knowing that explanations would fall on deaf ears. Instead, she preferred to let her actions demonstrate her competence and leadership. Aston, the most familiar figure among them, shouted, "Silence!" His voice was loud and commanding, cutting through the murmurs like a thunderclap. The crowd, knowing Aston better than Kisha and her team, took his command more seriously. While they didn''t necessarily dismiss Kisha, they gave Aston''s presence and authority more weight. Once the crowd had quieted, Kisha resumed speaking. "First, I want to make it clear that my team and I will be taking on leadership roles in the base. As a community, we must adhere to certain rules¡ªnot to control any of you, but to maintain order and uphold the societal norms we had before the apocalypse. The specifics will be outlined later by our newly appointed Minister of Base Laws and Judiciary, Darius Winters, the Patriarch of the Winters family from City A." The mention of the Patriarch of the Winters family brought a moment of stunned silence, followed by enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Since the Winters family had arrived at the shelter in City B almost simultaneously with many other survivors and had communicated with them before, the crowd began to recognize the people on stage as the Winters, and since the Winters had removed their disguises before coming, they are now easier to distinguished, they just didn''t pay much attention, earlier because their attention was all on Kisha. When the people realized that the Winters had survived outside, returned, and fought back against the Coltons, a wave of relief and renewed faith in Kisha''s team swept over the majority of the crowd. The crowd''s attention grew more focused and earnest. Kisha seized the moment, continuing, "We have also appointed a new Minister of Defense: Commander Aston McMillan. Many of you are already familiar with his reputation, so I need not elaborate further. Let''s move on to the next leader and their role." As Kisha spoke, the crowd''s enthusiasm grew. Each announcement seemed to bring good news, reinforcing their belief that this truly marked a new beginning. "Next, we have appointed Mrs. Olivia Winters as the Minister of Women''s Care. She will oversee the welfare of women, children, and the elderly, and work to create job opportunities for these groups, ensuring that no one has to suffer from hunger due to their age or perceived usefulness." The announcement prompted a thunderous cheer from the crowd, but the applause was quickly subdued to prevent attracting any zombies with the noise. As the square fell into a respectful silence, Kisha continued her speech. The crowd, now united in anticipation and excitement, listened intently, their previous doubts and speculations set aside. "We will also be establishing a City Patrol to maintain order and prevent crime, ensuring everyone can live within the base with peace of mind. Additionally, we will enhance our wall defenses with a new Wall Patrol, which will also handle perimeter security. An Advance Party will be dispatched to search for more supplies. The individuals standing behind me¡ªSparrow, Vulture, and Bald Eagle¡ªwill serve as the captains of these teams. You''ll witness their effectiveness firsthand as they carry out their duties." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha then gestured towards Sparrow, Vulture, and Bald Eagle, who stood confidently behind her. "And of course, I saved the best news for last," Kisha said with a smirk, the first time she had shown such expression, which only heightened everyone''s anticipation and drew them closer to her. "We are appointing Mr. Dante Winters as the Minister of Revenue. But before you jump to conclusions, let me explain. The role of the Minister of Revenue isn''t just about collecting money from you. We''re creating jobs throughout the shelter so everyone can earn and purchase food supplies, medicine, water, and other necessities at the Supply Center we''re establishing. You will earn ''Work Points'' for your efforts, which will be used for transactions. Additionally, we will introduce a new currency system, details of which Mr. Winters will unveil in due course. Stay tuned for that, as it will be important." As Kisha concluded her speech, the crowd erupted into loud applause and cheers, their excitement palpable. It took a considerable effort to calm them down, such was their happiness and enthusiasm. Some people even broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the sight of hope after such a long struggle. They were profoundly grateful to have held on through the hardships, witnessing and experiencing a significant change that promised to secure their survival. Before concluding her speech, Kisha introduced Duke as the Vice City Lord and Tristan as the Secretary. This announcement was met with enthusiastic approval. As Kisha and her team prepared to leave the stage, the crowd erupted in chants of "Long Live HOPE Base" and "Long Live the City Lord." The people followed Kisha and her team to the temporary Supply Center, while soldiers maintained order to prevent any stampede. The crowd exhibited remarkable patience, forming orderly lines to ensure the supplies were distributed fairly according to the established system. Everyone was astonished by the vast amount of supplies the base was distributing, realizing that such a generous allocation might not actually be sustainable. This gesture motivated them to work harder and meet the City Lord''s expectations, determined not to become a burden. This was precisely what Kisha intended¡ªto inspire a strong sense of responsibility and commitment among the people. Before Kisha and the others emerged from their territory space, they had already portioned some of the meat and fish. This allowed the soldiers to start distributing a portion of each item per person almost immediately. Meanwhile, other soldiers continued cutting and portioning the remaining meat and other food supplies. The Scarlet Bees, working discreetly, helped maintain order. Anyone attempting to cut the line or deceive the soldiers for extra portions would face consequences, as Sparrow and the team monitored the situation closely through the Scarlet Bees'' observations to intervene if necessary. The soldiers and people, eager to keep things running smoothly, insisted that Kisha and her team take a break and not tire themselves out. As each person received their supplies, they approached Kisha and the others to express their heartfelt gratitude. The overwhelming show of appreciation, including deep bows and expressions of respect, overwhelmed Kisha and the others deeply. The gratitude was so profound that many, who had been at their breaking point, pledged their unwavering loyalty to Kisha, vowing to follow her to the end if necessary. This level of conviction exceeded Kisha''s expectations. She had momentarily forgotten that offering a helping hand during one''s darkest times can forge deep, faithful devotion, especially when the help is given with genuine care and intent. Chapter 244 - 244 How Do We Do It? Since Kisha wasn''t allowed to assist, she focused on Marcus. It was time to put Marcus''s ''Green Thumb'' gift and farming skills to good use. Although she didn''t have many slave contracts at the moment, she felt she could trust the Wyatts and was willing to take a gamble on them. However, if they betrayed her trust, she was prepared to deal with them personally. "Marcus, as you can see, we''re opening new jobs and a Supply Center, so crops will be crucial. I want to appoint you as the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. If you have any additional requests, let me know, and I''ll see if they''re feasible and fulfill them." Kisha went straight to the point, surprising Marcus. He hadn''t anticipated that Kisha had plans for him or that he would be given such an important role. He felt both happy and honored but was also anxious about living up to the expectations now placed on his shoulders. He hesitated for a moment until his twin grandsons nudged him, eagerly encouraging him to accept the role. They assured him of their full support, promising to help share the burden and ease his worries. The Wyatts were unaware that Kisha had already anticipated their collaboration with their grandfather to boost crop yields, livestock, and aquaculture. Sparrow and Vulture exchanged glances, shaking their heads in silent communication. Their eyes conveyed a message: ''They have no idea they''ve fallen for the trap. If Young Madam decided to sell them, they might even cheerfully count the money for her before heading to their cells.'' They both shook their heads with a chuckle. After spending more time with Kisha and Duke, Sparrow, and Vulture had developed such a strong rapport with Kisha that they had begun to understand her thought process. They could sense when she found someone useful or was planning something, even if they didn''t know the exact details. They had learned to recognize the signs of her strategic and sometimes sinister intentions. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a moment of hesitation, Marcus accepted Kisha''s proposal. His grandchildren were eager to support him, hoping to ease the burden he carried. They understood that their grandfather took on this responsibility to ensure their well-being and safety. Knowing that staying with Kisha and Duke meant they would be protected, they were determined to help in any way they could. Moreover, they now had the opportunity for a better life, making it unthinkable to return to a time of hunger and waiting for their own bodies to fail them. This new responsibility wasn''t something that intimidated them; instead, they saw it as a chance to contribute and avoid feeling like a burden. With the soldiers having distributed half of the food supply to the survivors¡ªenough to last until the following morning¡ªKisha and the others left the task to them. They accompanied Mr. Winters to begin drafting the job openings, which would be posted on the bulletin board and at the Central Hall. This way, everyone coming and going would easily see the available positions and help kickstart the Base''s projects. All the leaders appointed by Kisha began drafting lists of job openings for their respective departments. The most extensive list came from Aston, who, as the head of the soldiers, had Sparrow, Vulture, and Bald Eagle reporting to him. With the increased need for patrols and other safety-related tasks at the Base, it was crucial to recruit more personnel to ensure effective coverage and security. As if struck by a sudden realization, Aston asked while everyone else was focused on writing, "Kisha, are we also going to inform everyone about the awakened abilities?" His question, which had been instinctively overlooked, made every one pause. They turned to Kisha, holding their breath as they awaited her response. "Regarding that, rather than revealing that we already knew about the awakened abilities, it would be better to wait and observe those who suddenly collapse with fever. We should then place them in isolated quarantine for monitoring and use this as the moment when awakened abilities are first discovered on the Base. This approach will help us avoid questions about our sincerity and prevent us from being perceived as dictators. If people learn that we were aware of these abilities long ago, they might feel betrayed, regardless of our reasons for keeping it hidden." Kisha patiently explained her strategy, outlining her thought process and goals to ensure everyone understood her approach. After considering Kisha''s explanation, everyone agreed that her approach made sense. Initially, they had hidden the knowledge of awakened abilities to prevent the Coltons from using them for terror or other malicious purposes. However, given their current situation¡ªwhere strengthening their base and protecting their people from zombie raids and potential human threats was crucial¡ªthey had no reason to continue concealing this information. Revealing the truth now was a strategic move to ensure their survival and security. Additionally, while they could establish rules and laws within their own base, they couldn''t impose the same regulations on all survivors across the country who might eventually come into their territory. This could potentially lead to territorial conflicts, so they needed to be prepared for all possible scenarios. "Then we can claim that we were all in quarantine while experiencing feverish symptoms and discovered the awakened abilities during that period. This way, it still holds true that we were the first to awaken these abilities. By presenting it this way, we avoid raising suspicions and can smoothly introduce the concept of awakened abilities and we could openly teach everyone about the things they need to learn about awakened abilities. What do you think?" Duke suggested, standing behind Kisha with a watchful demeanor. Kisha turned to face Duke, her smile reflecting in her eyes. "It seems our thoughts are truly in sync," she mused. She was about to elaborate, but Duke spoke up first. She had previously shared her thoughts to ensure everyone was aligned with the plan, preventing any future slip-ups that could arise if the story didn''t match up. With the plan agreed upon, Aston was assigned to monitor individuals showing symptoms and to coordinate with the medical team for prompt quarantine. This was crucial to prevent deaths or violence driven by fear. After Aston finalized the arrangements with the medics, the team moved forward with their strategy. Kisha and the others settled into their ''quarantine'' at the villa, where they relaxed and enjoyed their time while maintaining the appearance of being bedridden with a fever. As they carried out their plan, they continued to draft the job openings for the bulletin board. The sudden departure of Kisha and the other leaders left the people in the square both surprised and concerned. When word spread that Kisha and the others were feverish and needed rest, it triggered a frenzy of fear, with many worrying that the leaders might be turning into zombies. Some survivors began to pray for Kisha and the others, understanding that their survival depended on her leadership. They feared that without Kisha, they might face a new, greedy dictator. The mixed emotions of anxiety and hope reflected the critical role Kisha played in their lives now. Upon returning to the villa, Kisha and the others ensured that the soldiers kept quiet about what they had seen or heard. The soldiers, dedicated to maintaining confidentiality, willingly complied with the request, understanding that preserving sensitive information was a fundamental part of their duties. Chapter 245 - 245 The Green Thumb at Work After Kisha and the others arrived at the villa, she delegated tasks to everyone else while she and Duke escorted Marcus and his grandchildren to the Territory Space. To ensure Marcus could access the space independently, Kisha granted him administrative authority, allowing him to enter and exit the territory freely to continue his farming efforts and bring his grandchildren along as needed. When Marcus and his grandchildren entered the space, their reactions mirrored those of the Winters, filled with awe and amazement. Kisha and Duke allowed them a moment to fully absorb the grandeur and let the reality of their new surroundings sink in before beginning the tour. Marcus''s initial astonishment gradually gave way to delight as he observed the thriving vegetables in the farmland. He quickly grasped the purpose and potential of the space without needing Kisha to explain it. As a farmer, Marcus was attuned to the nuances of climate, always adjusting his methods to ensure his crops thrived under varying conditions. The farmland he was now presented with, functioning as a greenhouse with its temperature automatically regulated to suit different crops, was beyond anything he could have hoped for. It provided the ideal environment for his work, making it the perfect setting for his farming expertise. He no longer needed to worry about common farming problems such as infertile soil or inconsistent water sources that could hinder crop growth. With the support of the territory space, he could bypass these issues entirely and focus his efforts on productive farming instead of constantly looking for answers and solving problems. Marcus, thrilled by the potential of the farmland and his natural curiosity, immediately dove into farming. He meticulously examined the soil, the crop growth, and the water sources. Meanwhile, his grandchildren busied themselves with their own exploration, exploring the space and contributing in their own ways. Mike was engrossed in interacting with the animals on the ranch, chatting with them as though he understood their every sound. Gant, on the other hand, was scaling the mountains with Zeus, drawn to the lake and its aquatic life. Kisha had anticipated this, knowing Gant''s affinity for water creatures. Meanwhile, Daisy wandered through the fields, thoroughly exploring the crops and everything related to plants. Even though none of them had awakened their abilities yet, it was clear that their natural talents and gifts were already at work. Their skills seemed to be calling out to them instinctively. Once they did awaken, these talents would likely become even stronger and more beneficial. While Marcus immersed himself in his work, Kisha made sure to inform him about the time difference between the Territory Space and the outside world. This detail only heightened Marcus''s fascination with the space. He seemed so engrossed in his tasks that he showed no inclination to leave anytime soon. The extended time inside meant that the Wyatts could comfortably stay, knowing they could still manage their daily tasks outside as long as they kept track of time. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This made them feel even more valued, as they could keep the villa clean and tidy, ensuring meals were served on time, while also having the opportunity to enter the magical land. There, they felt safer surrounded by nature, and engaged in activities that brought them satisfaction. This dual sense of purpose greatly motivated them to contribute even more. Although it wasn''t Kisha''s original intention, it appeared she had found the perfect butler in Marcus. As she watched him with appreciation, Duke chuckled to himself. He could read Kisha''s expression and wasn''t sure whether to feel sorry for Marcus or be pleased that he had unintentionally made Kisha happy and become an exceptional butler in the process. Before Kisha and Duke left Marcus and the children so they could continue to explore the space, Kisha made sure to provide them with a few bottles of Scarlet Honey. She also shared the techniques she had taught the Winters, with the strict condition that they must not disclose this information to anyone. If they did, they would be immediately expelled from the villa and barred from entering the space again. Everyone agreed to these terms. Kisha spent extra time teaching Marcus''s family because the teenagers found it challenging to grasp and apply her instructions. However, once they understood, all the effort Kisha invested proved worthwhile. Before leaving the space, Kisha reminded Marcus to notify her immediately if any of the children developed a fever, so she could make the necessary arrangements. When Kisha left the Space, she brought along additional chickens, ducks, and fish to ensure a sumptuous meal for everyone in the villa. The meal would serve as a celebration of their successful revenge against those who had plotted against them. The mere thought of the Coltons was enough to prompt Duke to set off on his own quest for retribution. Kisha didn''t try to stop Duke because she was the one who set the wheels in motion, allowing him to mete out his own punishment. For now, those remaining outside were those who hadn''t awakened yet, like the Patriarch and Mr. Winters, who were busy pacifying the crowd concerned about Kisha and the others'' sudden illness while continuing their duties. Mr. Winters had already set up his office in the Central Hall, which was also being transformed into a temporary Supply Center. Since the day was still early, he had posted the first list of job openings on the bulletin board. Most survivors, having just received their supplies, made their way to the board to confirm the available job opportunities. Mr. Winters was currently seeking workers to help clear out the building next to the Central Hall, which previously housed various civil servant offices such as accounting and other departments. His plan was to convert this building into the new Supply Center, with a separate warehouse connected for storing supplies. In addition to hiring workers for clearing out the building, Mr. Winters also sought individuals to construct the warehouse behind it. To his delight, several engineers, architects, and former construction workers came forward to apply, alleviating his concerns about the building''s design and construction. Mr. Winters, however, was diligent in conducting thorough interviews to ensure that these applicants truly possessed the skills they claimed, wanting to avoid any future surprises regarding their qualifications. After the interviews, Mr. Winters discovered that most of the applicants were experienced professionals, with the least experienced being a two-year novice who was still eager to learn. Among the applicants were also electricians and other specialists who were better suited for different roles. Mr. Winters arranged for these individuals to be placed in their respective departments, ensuring that each person was assigned to a role that best matched their skills and expertise. Thanks to these skilled professionals, Mr. Winters was able to establish several key departments in just a single day. Many of the new hires were elderly individuals who had been struggling on the streets, unable to perform heavy labor. However, it turned out they were seasoned experts in their respective fields, bringing invaluable experience and knowledge to the base. These veterans were now assigned to mentor the younger workers, ensuring that they develop into skilled experts themselves in the future. Chapter 246 - 246 Its Time For Revenge After hiring the necessary personnel, the engineers and architects began their preparations. They surveyed the plot behind the future Supply Center, discussed potential designs, and made a list of the materials needed for the construction. The other workers began clearing out the office materials from the building, sending them to the ''House and Allocation Management Office'' (HAMO). There, the materials were sorted to determine what would be kept and what would be discarded. Seeing that there were indeed job openings and people of various ages and backgrounds were being hired and starting work, everyone at the base felt a renewed sense of hope and vitality. They prayed more than ever for Kisha and her team to recover from their fever so that Kisha could continue leading them toward a brighter future. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After eating, the people at the base eagerly headed to the Central Hall to explore job opportunities and see what positions they could apply for. To their surprise, there were many open positions, including roles for prosecutors, lawyers, and judges among the listed opportunities. Despite the slim chances of survival of those people who have these roles, the Patriarch decided to try his luck and apply, hopeful for any assistance in the legal field. Indeed, the base proved to be a treasure trove of experts who had managed to survive and seek refuge there. Gradually, the job listings from various departments were being filled, and those who were initially deemed useless and a drain on resources turned out to be invaluable. Their skills and knowledge were crucial in transforming the base into an ideal sanctuary that would provide peace and safety for everyone. While the Central Hall buzzed with excitement and happiness, another part of the shelter was steeped in gloom and anguish. In the underground dungeon, the air was thick with the stench of blood, and the walls echoed with the agonizing screams of men pleading desperately for forgiveness and mercy. "Hmm? Now you understand the pain," Duke''s voice, chillingly cold and devoid of emotion, echoed through the underground dungeon. Tristan stood behind him, presenting the next torture tool Duke intended to use on the wretched man chained to the wall, his body covered in a patchwork of deep, bloody wounds. "Please, stop... Have mercy..." The man, barely able to speak through his labored breaths, managed to plead before he succumbed to his injuries and lost consciousness. "You''re so spineless, yet you still revel in hurting others?" Duke sneered with cold indifference. He motioned to a guard, who promptly dragged the unconscious man back to his cell and prepared a new prisoner. "Now that I''m done with my warm-up, let''s move on to the main event, shall we?" Duke said, gesturing toward one of the cells. With just a few subtle gestures, Duke''s subordinate understood his intent. They roughly detached the unconscious man from the chains, pulling his arms out to either side. Without any concern for his well-being, they hauled him back to his cell and tossed him inside. His head struck the doorframe, and he collapsed heavily onto the floor, his survival uncertain and clearly of no concern to them. After tossing the man into his cell, the guards moved to a nearby cell where another prisoner was frantically screaming for release. "Don''t touch me! Let me go!" The man being dragged out was desperately trying to sound defiant, but his panicked voice betrayed his fear. His trembling limbs betrayed his desperation. "I''ll do anything you want! I''ll give you everything I have¡ªjust let me go!!!" "Let you go and what?" Duke began, his voice cold and menacing. He gestured for his subordinate to chain the man to the wall while he held a whip embedded with steel thorns. "To give you a chance to ambush us again?" Duke''s devilish smile sent chills through the air. "Young Master Coltons, you brought this upon yourself. You knew full well that I have no tolerance for those who harbor malice against me. Now you and your people must face the consequences." "But that''s the least of my concerns right now. Do you know what your greatest offense is?" Duke''s aura darkened, and the temperature in the dungeon plummeted, making Alex feel as though he were submerged in icy water. It was as if a massive snake had coiled around him, immobilizing him with fear. The sensation was paralyzing; any movement seemed to promise death, but remaining still felt equally perilous. Trapped in this agonizing choice, Alex''s hatred surged as he stared at Duke, consumed by despair. "Tsk, tsk, tsk." Duke clicked his tongue, his index finger pointing at Alex as if to emphasize that continued staring would lead to his eyes being gouged out. "Your greatest offense," Duke said through clenched teeth, "is leering at my wife with your filthy eyes, touching her with your dirty hands, and daring to stand so close to her." He cursed under his breath, the anger barely contained. "To think you had the audacity to lay your eyes on my wife is the height of offense!" Duke roared, his voice seething with possessive fury. The mere thought of Alex''s gaze and touch on his wife ignited a blinding rage within him. He felt a primal urge to twist Alex''s neck with his own hands, bypassing any sense of vengeance just to rid himself of this vermin. Duke wasn''t merely jealous; he was enraged by the offense done to Kisha. As her husband, he was furious that she had been subjected to such treatment under his watch. Consumed by this anger, he lashed out at Alex with the full force of his wrath. The whip, studded with steel thorns, cut deeply into Alex''s flesh, making him squeal in agony. The fresh blood dripped down, and the stinging pain from the whip left his flesh throbbing with each cruel lash. He had heard of Duke''s cold and cruel nature, but no one had ever truly experienced it. The reality was that it wasn''t simply that no one had known his cruelty well enough to tell the tale¡ªit was that no one had lived through it to recount their experience. The whip was merely the appetizer. After ensuring Alex''s body was covered in deep, painful welts, Duke handed the bloodied whip to Tristan. Tristan then passed him a new instrument designed to slowly twist and crush each finger, ensuring maximum agony with every turn. This tool was used to inflict the most excruciating pain, drawing out the suffering as much as possible. As Duke personally applied the apparatus to Alex''s hands, the man remained unconscious from the brutal whipping he had endured. Once Duke had secured the devices on both of Alex''s hands, he signaled to Tristan to fetch some water. The intention was to wake up Alex so that the next round of torture could commence. Duke wanted to ensure that the torment was thoroughly administered before heading home for dinner with his wife. Soon after, the air was once again filled with terrifying screams from the torture chamber. The prisoners on the other side of the cells trembled in fear, especially after witnessing the battered state of the previous victim when he was thrown back into his cell. They could only wonder if the man would survive the night. With the man who led them into this nightmare now screaming in agony, his cries gradually fading, the remaining prisoners felt a rising fear that they might be next. Their growing hatred was not directed at Duke or Kisha but at Alex, the one whose greed had led them all into this hellish predicament, causing their collective suffering. They had believed that following Alex would ensure their survival and offer a semblance of a good life amid the apocalypse. Even if death was inevitable, they hoped to savor luxuries they had never known before. But had they known that their loyalty would lead them to endure such hellish torment simply for following the wrong man, they might have fled at the first sign of the Coltons. Even the former Minister of Defense cowered in the corner, desperately trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible to avoid attracting Duke''s attention and being subjected to the same brutal treatment as Alex. The so-called torture chamber had no walls separating the prisoners from the scene inside; the bars allowed a clear view of the horrors unfolding within. Yet, despite the visibility, no one dared to look, paralyzed by the sheer terror of the ongoing torture. Even before facing the torture themselves, their mental fortitude had already begun to crumble, replaced by fear and cowardice. They trembled as Duke''s cold, indifferent voice echoed through the dimly lit dungeon, a sound that seemed to embody the very essence of malevolence as if they were hearing the voice of Satan himself come to life. "There''s something I don''t understand, Young Master Coltons," Duke said, his voice edged with a fierce intensity as his jaw clenched tightly. He could almost hear his teeth grinding, threatening to shatter from the force of his anger. "Why did you have to be so brutal with my men before you killed them?" Chapter 247 - 247 You Forgot To Add "Ha... ha... ha..." Alex tried to act tough and loud, but his facade was crumbling. His face contorted in pain, and he could barely utter a word as agony ravaged his body. Every inch of him ached, especially his hands, which he could barely feel anymore. He knew they were broken and feared they might be beyond saving. "Do I need... a concrete reason... to teach your mutts some... basic manners?" Alex said, looking up at Duke defiantly, a mad grin spreading across his face. "I hate you... and that''s all I need..." Hearing Alex''s words snapped Duke''s last thread of reasoning. He instantly drew the gun tucked in his trousers, pointed it at Alex''s head, and released the safety. After a tense moment, Duke shifted his aim and pulled the trigger without a second thought. Bang! Thud- After the loud ''thud'' following the gunfire, everyone turned to see one of the prisoners on the floor, swimming in his own blood. Everything had happened so quickly that everyone was caught off guard. Duke crouched down and used his gun to lift Alex''s chin so they could look each other in the eye. Then, Duke flashed Alex his most charming smile. "If you think this taunting will make me end your suffering, you''re hugely mistaken. I will torture you day after day until you feel the same pain my people felt before they died at your hands. I will make you experience hell on earth." Duke emphasized each word in a slow, low voice, each syllable dripping with menace. It wasn''t just a threat; it was a promise of what he was about to do. Anyone who heard him would think Duke was the real psychopath between the two. Duke never issued threats¡ªonly warnings or declarations of his next actions. "Even if you are at death''s door, I will revive you and continue to torture you until I am done with you. Before that, I will make sure you know how painful it is to die a hundred times," Duke said sinisterly. His ocean-blue eyes were deep and dark, like an abyss. When Alex saw them, he trembled in fear, knowing Duke''s words were not an empty threat. He knew he would truly suffer such a demise. He thought that if he taunted Duke enough to snap his thread of reasoning, Duke would kill him out of anger and release him from this hellhole. Oh, how mistaken he was. The realization that this was just the beginning of his suffering was enough to shatter his mentality. Alex thought he was prepared for the day Duke would get a hold of him if he failed to dominate him. But he didn''t realize just how unprepared he truly was. If he had known, he might have stayed in his lane, perhaps even joining Duke''s entourage to keep himself safe, enjoying his privileges from the shadows. Alas, there is no cure for regret in this world. He couldn''t go back to correct his mistakes, and now he couldn''t bear the thought of what awaited him. Alex''s eyes slowly dimmed as he succumbed to his fate, eventually turning vacant. "Tsk! I thought you had more guts to challenge me," Duke sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "But it turns out, you''re just a pussy who likes playing the owner of the mountain while the tiger is away. This was just the first day and you''re already this broken?" Duke dropped Alex''s chin in disgust before he stood up and gave the gun to Tristan. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Take care of this man and make sure he will not die, you and the others can torture anyone you like as long as no one dies but keep tight security here and increase the security measures," Duke instructed Tristan as they headed out of the torture chamber toward the stairs. "Understood, Master." Tristan bowed before he signaled for the other subordinates to take care of Alex and followed their Master''s instruction before Tristan hurriedly followed Duke. "Did you bring me spare clothes?" Duke asked Tristan without stopping in his tracks. "Yes, Master. I''ve already arranged for it upstairs," Tristan replied. He had long been attuned to Duke''s preferences and habits, understanding his likes and dislikes. At this moment, he likely wanted to clean himself up before heading home, so he wouldn''t disturb his wife with the smell of blood before dinner. When Duke reached home, he found Kisha and his mother busy in the kitchen, while Marcus and the grandchildren bustled around, helping out with evident energy and happiness. Though he knew the reason for their uplifted spirits, it was the least of his concerns at the moment. All he wanted was to go directly to Kisha, hug her, and breathe in her scent to calm his raging anger. So he did just that, ignoring the looks he got from his mother and father, who had just arrived from working outside. Kisha, busy whipping up some food at the kitchen counter, didn''t notice Duke''s presence. She was startled when a strong arm coiled around her small waist, causing her to yelp in surprise. Duke was exceptionally good at hiding his presence, and Kisha always failed to notice him when he sneaked up behind her. Kisha''s nose wrinkled slightly; even though Duke had taken a shower, she could still detect a hint of rusty iron, the lingering smell of blood clinging to him. She figured that Duke must have gone to the dungeons to torture Alex and the others, not that she minded because they deserved it. Duke rested his chin on Kisha''s shoulder, peering at what she was cooking. "What are you making?" he asked, his raspy, masculine voice sounding huskier than usual, still tinged with hidden emotion. He buried his nose in the nape of her neck and deeply inhaled her scent, seeking comfort. Kisha felt Duke''s arm tighten around her waist as if he were afraid to let go. She smiled. "I''m steaming a halibut, and Mom is making a seafood boil. We also have sea grapes salad, chicken soup, pork barbecue that Aston and the others are grilling outside, steaks, and many more dishes," Kisha said happily. "Why does it look like we''re celebrating something? Hmm?" Duke asked, slightly nibbling Kisha''s neck suggestively. They heard his mother clear her throat before she left her station, walking straight to her own husband to welcome him back. She left a teasing chuckle directed at the new couple, making Kisha feel bashful. She lightly hit Duke on the arm for being so mischievous. "Isn''t it a day to remember? It''s our first day taking over HOPE Base, and we defeated the Coltons, who schemed against you and your family. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for all of us." Kisha stated. Although she meant every word, there was also a deeper meaning behind her statement. Although this marks a promising beginning, it also means they must be prepared for the challenges ahead. The obstacles will only grow tougher, and this might be one of the last chances they have to relax for a while. "Well, you forgot to mention one more thing," Duke whispered, his warm breath caressing Kisha''s skin. The sensation sent tingles down her spine, making her eyelashes flutter. Chapter 248 - 248 Would You Also Help My Little Brother? "What is it?" Kisha tilted her head, trying her best to stifle a moan. She knew Duke was teasing her intentionally, especially with his parents around. Kisha felt Duke''s lips curl into a mischievous grin against her skin. "Tonight will be the night we become one." Kisha nearly choked on her own saliva at Duke''s casual mention. He''d been reminding her of this promise since early this morning, and describing him as excited barely scratched the surface. He looked like a child eagerly awaiting Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, anticipating his gift with wide-eyed excitement. Kisha could feel Duke''s hard shaft pressing against her, as he subtly rubbed it between her cheeks. It was as if he wanted to skip dinner entirely and take her right then and there. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she tried to discreetly check on her in-laws, but Duke''s closeness made it nearly impossible for her to move. Left with no other option, Kisha used her system''s radar to check for people nearby. Fortunately, her in-laws and the others had tactfully given them space, which might have emboldened Duke, or perhaps her in-laws had simply felt uncomfortable intruding on their private moment. Regardless, Kisha felt her face flush with embarrassment and couldn''t help but pinch Duke''s arm to express her dissatisfaction. Duke felt the pinch as a light tickle and chuckled softly. "Are you trying to entice me, my little wife?" he said with a playful glint in his eyes. "I wouldn''t object to starting our celebration feast right now." His words were accompanied by a wolfish snarl leaving his lips but with a hint of teasing. Duke felt his anger dissipate as he teased his wife and watched her face turn crimson with embarrassment. Despite her usual cold and indifferent demeanor, he knew she was still vulnerable to his playful jabs. It brought him immense joy to see that he was the only one able to pierce through her hardened exterior, drawing out the genuine emotions and expressions she typically masked due to her past experiences. He was delighted to see Kisha let down her guard and reveal her true self to him alone. It was a sign that she felt safe enough to shed her cold exterior and show her vulnerability. In turn, he felt compelled to be completely open with her. She was the one woman he had ever truly desired and the only one he would lay down his life for. Duke buried his nose in the nape of Kisha''s neck for several minutes, inhaling her soothing scent to calm his tumultuous emotions and release his darker side. They remained silent, the peaceful moment underscored by Kisha''s gentle caress on his arm. Sensing his need for solace, she tilted her head slightly, offering him more space to rest as he clung to her warmth. Once Duke''s emotions had settled, he chuckled softly and playfully teased Kisha. "Thank you, my little wife. But it seems my little brother here is still quite worked up. Would you be so kind as to help him calm down as well?" Kisha nearly choked on her own breath at Duke''s words, and as if sensing her reaction, Duke turned to face her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the others entering from the outside, carrying the freshly cooked food. Panicked that they might overhear Duke''s suggestive remarks, she quickly slapped her hand over his mouth, the sound echoing loudly enough to startle even Duke, who now looked at her with wide, surprised eyes. "That''s what you get for not knowing your limits," Kisha said sharply, though her eyes betrayed a hint of guilt as she looked at Duke. Her hand remained firmly over his mouth, wary that he might make another suggestive comment. She never imagined Duke had this side to him¡ªhe seemed like a persistent mutt always in heat. Kisha felt Duke''s lips curl against her palm, followed by his tongue gently licking her skin. Startled, she jolted, her eyes widening at his audacity, especially with people gathering around the dining table. She had even invited Clyde and his friends to join the celebration, acknowledging their support before they had successfully defeated the Coltons. Kisha tried to pull her hand away, but Duke caught it, stepping closer to trap her between himself and the kitchen counter. His hard shaft pressed against her stomach as he continued to lick her palm, his presence both intense and intimate. Kisha shot Duke a pointed glare, but it quickly melted into a sweet, teasing smile. "Does it taste fishy?" she asked, her tone playful. Duke''s eyebrows shot up in confusion, his head tilting to the side. "Well, didn''t I mention I''m steaming a halibut?" Kisha said with a smug smirk. "I haven''t had a chance to wash my hands after handling the fish." She wasn''t trying to be devious; Duke had just interrupted her while she was still in the middle of cooking. Kisha watched Duke''s face cycle through a series of expressions¡ªshock, embarrassment, disgust, and anger¡ªbefore settling into a look of helpless resignation. With a calm resolve, he gently placed her hand down and headed to the sink, where he began to wash his mouth out repeatedly. Kisha couldn''t contain her laughter as she watched Duke at the sink, gurgling and scrubbing away. The others, seeing Kisha and Duke''s playful interaction and her hearty laughter, were tempted to join in on the joke. However, Duke shot them a glaring look before they could even voice their curiosity, making it clear that the moment was for Kisha and him alone. Duke didn''t notice any fishy taste on Kisha''s hand, as all his attention was focused solely on her. While he did detect an odd taste, he dismissed it, allowing himself to be swept up in the moment. What he initially thought was an intimate gesture had turned into a playful joke, but he didn''t mind. Seeing Kisha so happy and carefree brought him immense joy. Her genuine smile and lightheartedness made him forget any discomfort and simply appreciate the moment with her. So, if you ask him if he''d do it again? Absolutely, without a doubt. After Kisha and Duke settled in and most of the food was prepared, everyone pitched in to set the table. They even rearranged the seating several times to accommodate everyone, extending the table as needed. Fortunately, the dining hall was spacious enough to allow for this, so they added extra tables on the other side. This way, even Marcus and his family could join in, turning the gathering into a grand banquet. Kisha also brought out sparkling wine, champagne, and red wine for everyone to enjoy. Clyde and his friends were pleasantly surprised by the seafood and the array of meats on the table. They tried to maintain their composure, knowing that Kisha and the others had generously shared such luxuries with the survivors at the base. Being recipients of these good deeds reassured them that they had made the right choice in allying with such capable and generous people. Clyde could see that HOPE Base was on track to become the leading survivor stronghold, but this success would inevitably attract jealousy and envy from other survivor groups. If Kisha''s vision of a safe haven where everyone could live securely and happily came to fruition, it would become a coveted treasure, sparking intense rivalry and potential threats. This realization underscored the need for HOPE Base to become even stronger to protect itself and maintain its position. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 249 - 249 Dukes Mischievous Nature Clyde was aware that Kisha was well-versed in this matter, so he set it aside for the moment. Instead, he chose to focus on the celebration banquet, where everyone was enjoying themselves. He was determined to maintain the festive atmosphere and not let any concerns dampen the mood. Everyone ate and drank joyfully, savoring the moment as if they were back in the days before the apocalypse, simply enjoying a family dinner. The warmth and safety they felt were almost overwhelming, bringing them to the brink of tears. They fully appreciated the peace they currently had, choosing to cherish it rather than focusing on what they lacked. They hoped this tranquility would last a little longer before another catastrophe threatened to shatter their fleeting sense of calm. The men seemed to be drinking the wine like water, eagerly requesting that Kisha bring out some beer to help them loosen up. Feeling generous, Kisha didn''t hold back and produced a stack of cans from various breweries, stunning Clyde and his friends. The beers seemed to appear out of thin air, leaving Clyde uncertain whether it was the alcohol or the sheer surprise that was affecting his perception. When he turned around, he saw the same astonished expressions on his friends'' faces, confirming that it wasn''t just his imagination. He realized that he might not be as drunk as he initially thought, and his brain was still functioning normally, not conjuring illusions. His mouth gaped in disbelief, unable to find the right words. Kisha chuckled as she observed Clyde and his friends. Their astonished reactions to her inventory¡ªsomething she''d used many times¡ªnever failed to amuse her. The sight of their shocked faces still brought a smile to her. After retrieving the beer, Sparrow and the others linked arms with Clyde and his friends, guiding them outside to the open porch of the villa. There, they could enjoy the fresh air and continue drinking while chatting about random topics, letting the relaxed atmosphere enhance their enjoyment. Soon, Clyde and his friends were so caught up in the lively conversation and distractions from Sparrow and the others that they forgot about the earlier surprise. They shifted their focus to discussing the plans for the Advance Party, which would be heading out of the base to secure the perimeter and conduct a supply run. "Sparrow, could you let me join the Advance Party too? I''m great at fighting and quick-witted¡ªI''m sure I can help out outside," Clyde slurred, struggling to articulate his words. His attempts only made Sparrow and the others laugh warmly. "I''m serious! Just give me some fair work points so I can buy meat and water for my mom and sister, and I''ll work like an ox," he boasted, patting his chest reassuringly, followed by a hiccup. Kisha and Duke, sitting nearby, overheard the conversation and the ensuing laughter. Clyde''s vexed expression, feeling belittled for his youth and not being taken seriously, stirred a desire in him to confront them. "Are you trying to run away from me? Hmm?" Duke said with a playful edge in his voice, tightening his arms around Kisha''s waist. She was seated on his lap, enjoying the slice of watermelon he handed her from the plate just beside him, the fruit came from her space. He was also massaging her hands, which had been busy cooking a feast with his mother to accommodate everyone. Kisha felt like royalty at that moment, but her heightened senses couldn''t help but pick up on Clyde''s comments, stirring a mix of curiosity and concern within her. "I''m not trying to escape," Kisha said, rolling her eyes at Duke. "Besides, they''re our guests right now." "Sparrow and the others can handle entertaining the guests," Duke replied teasingly, offering Kisha another bite-sized slice of watermelon. But before she could take a bite, he gently bit down on the remaining piece, capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss. He seemed completely unfazed by the possibility of anyone witnessing their intimate moment on the porch. Everyone made a point of pretending not to notice Duke and Kisha''s intimate moment, as if they were on a honeymoon. "Indeed, the watermelon is sweet and juicy," Duke said after their kiss, his raspy voice sending shivers down Kisha''s spine. He smirked playfully, his eyes glinting with mischief. "So, are you going to let a kid distract you from your husband, or are you ready to focus on me?" His tone was laced with anticipation, hinting at his earlier plans. Kisha pinched Duke''s side with a firm grip, causing him to grit his teeth and let out a pained grunt. Even his simple reaction was somehow alluring, and Kisha''s face flushed darker as she thought, ''This man never misses a chance to seduce me!'' What she didn''t realize was that Duke wasn''t actually trying to seduce her; he was genuinely feeling the pain. Her stats had surpassed his, and despite his increased defense, her offense was so much higher that it rendered his defense nearly ineffective. "Wifey, ah, it hurts¡­" Duke whimpered, his face contorting as if his skin was being pulled from his muscles. He tried a different tactic, pouting and gazing at Kisha with tear-filled eyes. "Wifey¡­" His attempt to act coy backfired, as Kisha mistook his plea for a continued effort to seduce her. Embarrassed in front of the crowd and thinking Duke was still trying to charm her, she tightened her grip even more. Duke''s parents, including his grandfather, watched the exchange with amusement, their laughter echoing around them. His grandfather, in particular, took pleasure in Duke''s discomfort. "Wifey! My skin is going to be punctured by your nails, ah!" Duke grunted, his voice carrying a seductive edge that stirred a sadistic streak in Kisha. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She quickly released her grip and cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. Duke took a deep breath, glaring at Kisha with a mix of resentment and disbelief. "Wifey, are you trying to murder your husband?" he asked, his eyes reddened from the pain. He scratched his side slowly, trying to alleviate the sting. His subordinates watched in astonishment; they had always known Duke to endure severe pain without flinching. Yet, with just a simple pinch from Kisha, he was clearly defeated, revealing just how henpecked of a husband he truly was. What they didn''t realize was that Kisha''s offense was powerful enough to bring even Duke to his knees in pain. If he were to be whipped by her, the intensity would be far greater. The thought of this made Duke look at Kisha with a mix of anticipation and desire. He found himself oddly excited by the idea of being dominated by his wife, imagining himself restrained and at her mercy, whether tied to a chair or bed. If Kisha knew what was going through his mind, she''d definitely have to teach him a lesson or two to correct his improper thoughts. Despite having felt Kisha''s iron grip firsthand, Duke remained unwavering in his devotion, trailing behind her like a lost puppy. As she approached Clyde and Sparrow, he kept close by her side. "Sparrow, I believe Clyde would be a valuable asset to your team, especially once he has gained more experience. Also, don''t forget to take Reeve along on your mission," Kisha advised. Sparrow, ever perceptive, recognized the wisdom in her words and understood the strategic importance behind her recommendation. Chapter 250 - 250 The Lurking Beast Around Her "Y-Young Madam, why me too?!" Reeve, who had been quietly sipping his sparkling wine, suddenly choked and spluttered. His voice trembled with anxiety as he blurted out his question. He had already had a harrowing experience outside once and was determined to secure a safer position within the shelter. "Reeve, the only way to truly find your safety is by facing the outside world and getting accustomed to the dangers out there. Hiding inside the base won''t always keep you secure, as you won''t know when we might be overrun by zombies. You can''t keep running from danger forever. Embrace the challenge, and you''ll discover strengths you didn''t know you had. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It''s important for you to grow stronger and find your own place in the team," Kisha said firmly. She wanted Reeve to realize his full potential and contribute effectively to team efforts, knowing his skills would be invaluable in raids and improving team synergy. "B-but¡­ I don''t even know how to wield a weapon, let alone fight," Reeve murmured, avoiding eye contact. He had mustered the courage to step outside and offer his help, but deep down, he felt ill-suited for the task. He feared that his lack of skill would only hinder the team and that his anxiety about dying miserably would hold him back. "What a fantastic opportunity! As part of your roles, you''ll undergo training to ensure you''re well-prepared for your missions. The team captain, Sparrow, will be leading these sessions and will do an excellent job guiding you and teaching you everything you need to know." She turned to Sparrow with a raised eyebrow. "Right, Captain Sparrow?" Sparrow nodded enthusiastically. It wasn''t as if he hadn''t already planned for this; from the moment he was appointed Captain of the Advance Party, he had been determined to ensure that everyone under his command would undergo rigorous training. This training, designed by Duke himself, was part of their elite program. Completing it would be a crucial step for everyone to effectively take on roles outside and successfully complete their missions. "Wifey, what do you think about implementing a daily training drill for all soldiers and offense personnel, including the newcomers? Once they complete the training and pass the stringent qualification tests, they could be assigned to the departments best suited to their skills. This approach would allow us to effectively match their talents with the appropriate roles. Additionally, we should consider an exchange program from time to time, so they can experience and learn from different departments." Duke thoughtfully proposed. He was drawing from his own experiences with elite training, aiming to ensure that his team was versatile and benefited from diverse experiences. "Hubby¡­" Kisha smiled sweetly, catching Duke off guard. Though he was tempted to be pleased, he knew her smile often masked seriousness. He straightened his expression. "I anticipated you''d suggest this. I''ll leave the elite training to you." Kisha winked, causing Duke to smile widely. However, his subordinates were growing nervous. They were all too familiar with Duke''s rigorous training methods, which included his relentless stamina that made it hard for them to keep up. Duke''s training sessions were infamous for their intensity, including daily drills and hand-to-hand combat where he meticulously pinpointed their weaknesses. When it came to training, Duke was a perfectionist, insisting on pushing his subordinates to their limits until they were left crawling in pain. His trainees felt as though Kisha had orchestrated this deliberately, and they were beginning to flinch in anticipation of the grueling sessions. Aston, Reeve, Clyde, and their teams, initially eager to join the training, soon regretted their decision after experiencing the grueling ordeal firsthand. However, the effectiveness of his training would become evident once he had finished. By then, their base''s defense and offense capabilities would be significantly enhanced, improving by leaps and bounds. With Kisha confident that Reeve should give the training a try to see if he could truly become stronger and join the Advance Party, she and Duke retreated to their room, leaving the others to discuss among themselves as it was already getting late. Duke sent Kisha back to their room first before heading to his office. With Duke out of the way, Kisha seized the opportunity to take a long, hot bath. She knew that after assigning such a significant responsibility to Duke, and with the training starting tomorrow, he would be busy preparing his materials and regimen. This allowed her a rare moment of solitude and a chance to escape from his demanding presence. That''s why he had sent her to their room while he stayed in his study. With time to herself for the first time in a while, Kisha relished the opportunity to take a leisurely hot bath. She added a vanilla bubble bath to the tub, allowing the soothing aroma of vanilla to envelop her, bringing both relaxation and peace of mind. As she hummed softly in the bathroom, Kisha relished the opportunity to soak and scrub herself thoroughly. After constantly being covered in zombie blood and running around, she felt like her skin had accumulated layers of grime. This rare chance to bathe in peace felt like a luxury, so she meticulously cleaned every inch of herself, using her favorite floral-scented shampoo and conditioner, along with vanilla lotion. She even lit a vanilla-scented candle to pamper herself, ensuring a relaxing sleep in bed while Duke was busy outside. This moment of tranquility allowed her to unwind without worrying about the ever-present beast that had kept her on edge and guarded, constantly seducing her. As she hummed and practically danced around the bathroom, Kisha felt a rare sense of freedom and relief from stress. After blow-drying her hair in front of the mirror, she brushed her teeth and put on a white silk nightgown and matching robe, a gift from her mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law had mentioned that she had nothing else to give at the moment and wanted to thank Kisha for everything she had done. The sentimental value of the gift made Kisha eager to wear it, especially since Duke wasn''t around and this was her only opportunity to enjoy it. Kisha practically glowed as she admired herself in the mirror, before happily heading to bed to enjoy a restful sleep. Kisha was startled to find Duke lounging on their bed, clad in nothing but a black robe that left part of his muscular chest exposed, revealing his defined abdominal muscles. He rested his head on his left arm, his gaze fixed on Kisha with a triumphant smirk on his lips. His eyes were dark and intense, filled with a mix of lust and desire. He took in Kisha''s expression before letting his gaze trail down to her visible cleavage and the nightgown that accentuated her curves and porcelain skin. Duke''s smile grew wider the longer he gazed at Kisha. "Do you think you''ve successfully sent me away, my little wife?" Duke asked, his intense gaze making Kisha feel fidgety and her stomach churn. She hadn''t expected him to be there; she had assigned him a significant responsibility for tomorrow, assuming he would be busy preparing and preoccupied tonight. Now, she felt foolish standing there while Duke looked at her like prey that had unwittingly walked into a trap. Chapter 251 - 251 Fulfilling The Promise ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ "W-What are you doing here?!" Kisha asked, trying to keep her composure despite feeling like a deer caught in headlights. She realized she had fallen into Duke''s trap, convincing herself that he would prioritize his task and forget his desire from earlier that morning. It was now clear what mattered more to him. "Wifey, you know how much I''ve been looking forward to our special night. How could I let an insignificant matter interfere with my duty to you?" Duke teased, his tone laced with both seduction and seriousness. "What if this gave you a reason to leave me for someone younger?" His playful yet intense gaze left Kisha uncertain about his true intentions. Duke''s unabashed mention of their special night made Kisha feel extremely embarrassed as if she were already on the chopping block before him. She realized she had misjudged Duke, always believing he would prioritize important tasks. But it seemed his definition of what was important differed from hers. When had this man become so roguish and shameless? She couldn''t even come close to matching his audacity. He had gone so far as to make her believe he was busy preparing the training regimen in his office, only to use that time to shower and ensure she couldn''t escape from him. He had done all this just to lower her guard, only to ambush her in the most unexpected way. He probably hadn''t forgotten their agreement from this morning for even a second, anticipating their first time together. He had returned faster than her and managed to scatter red rose petals on the bed and floor, along with setting up wine and a charcuterie board. ''Where the hell did he even get the roses from?!'' Kisha wondered as she let her eyes roam around the room. Duke seemed so prepared that Kisha didn''t know what to do anymore. She felt like both crying and laughing at how meticulously he had planned everything, a side of him she was only now discovering. It really caught her by surprise. Thankfully, 008 wasn''t there to tease her endlessly about it. She realized he might have even enlisted his mother in his scheme, making the silk nightgown sound sentimental. Now, Kisha suspected that her mother-in-law might have just found the nightgown somewhere and concocted the story to ensure Kisha wore it, all while believing Duke would be too busy to come back to their room, given the ongoing development of HOPE Base and the many tasks still needing attention. But to think that the Vice City Lord''s first mission would be to bed his wife and strengthen their bloodline was something else entirely. Kisha was beyond speechless and could only facepalm internally. Seeing that Kisha wasn''t moving from her spot, Duke realized she had started to grasp what he had done. Fearing she might go ballistic, he quickly stood up from the bed, gently took her hand, and led her to the sofa where the wine and charcuterie board were set up. He wanted to set the mood right, just as his mother had advised. The moment he saw Kisha come out of the bathroom wearing that thin nightgown accentuating her curves while revealing her ample cleavage and fair legs, it was already enough to make him hot all over and his throat getting dry, he wanted to jump her in that instant but his mother reminded him that mood was very important and he needed to show some romance to his newly wedded wife before doing the deed if he didn''t want to sleep in the dog house and advise him of so many other things, which is only making him so antsy the more he get near Kisha. He felt his head swimming in the cloud as he smelled Kisha''s scent and his body reacting faster than his head understanding what Kisha could do to him, he felt the pull stronger than his self-control that before he knew it, he already threw everything his mother taught him and he seizes Kisha''s lips even before her ass reached the sofa, he sat on the sofa and pulled Kisha onto him to sit on him and straddle his strong waist while he cupped both her ass cheeks as he kissed her hungrily. Kisha was initially taken aback by his sudden advance, but her body eagerly responded to his touch, returning his kisses with equal fervor. The room was soon filled with the sounds of their heavy breathing and passionate gasps, as the meeting of their lips drowned out any lingering doubts or objections she might have had about the situation. No romantic ambiance was needed; when they were alone, their desire for each other ignited like fireworks. Kisha had always thought it was Duke who was the driving force behind their physical connection, but she was astonished to discover that she, too, was equally hungry for him. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her longing wasn''t limited to this lifetime but also encompassed feelings from her past life¡ªemotions she had kept hidden, reflecting on how they were like the "one that got away" due to past circumstances and poor choices. Now that fate had given them a chance, Kisha clung to Duke''s neck as if her life depended on it. She bit and nibbled at his lips, eagerly sucking on them. Duke, feeling her fervor matched his own, felt the heat within him intensify. His body was ablaze, and his touch on Kisha only fueled her desire to be more assertive. When she reached out with her tongue, exploring his mouth, it momentarily stunned him, but he welcomed her in with eager pleasure. Their tongues intertwined, Duke sucking on hers with a fervor that made Kisha moan and gasp. This only urged them on as their hands roamed over each other''s bodies. One of Duke''s hands anchored Kisha''s neck, ensuring she stayed close, while his other hand gripped her ass, pulling her even closer as he slowly guided her to grind her pussy on his building cock that was only separated by a thin silk panty that Kisha was wearing and Duke didn''t even bother to wear anything underneath his robe. Kisha could feel every contour of Duke''s cock pressing against her, causing both of them to moan in unison as their lips parted. Duke''s gaze remained locked on her, intense and burning, guiding her movements as she ground against him. The heat between them grew with every friction, and Kisha''s excitement intensified. Clutching Duke''s hair, she matched his gaze, her body responding eagerly as her silk panties grew damp with desire. Each touch and sensation felt electrifying, drawing her closer to the edge of euphoria. Kisha''s moans fueled Duke''s growing desire, each sound like music to his ears. A wolfish grin spread across his lips before he claimed her mouth with a fierce kiss. Rising to his feet while holding her securely to prevent her from falling, Duke found that Kisha moved eagerly against his hard cock without needing guidance. Her movements were driven by a clear, desperate need for release. "Wifey, stop. If you keep this up, I''ll cum too soon." Duke''s voice was a deep, throaty groan of pleasure as he gazed at Kisha. Despite his words, he didn''t slow down; instead, he gently laid her back on the bed, his desire for her burning just as fiercely. Kisha flashed Duke a defiant smile, unwilling to back down or let him have full control. "Oh, hubby, I didn''t realize you were a ''15-minute man''," she teased playfully, her eyes locked on his as she began to untie his loose robe. Kisha bit her lip, her eyes ablaze with desire as Duke''s robe fell open, revealing his hard cock, which twitched in response to her gaze. Duke let out a groan, captivated by every movement she made. As Kisha inched closer, her body supported on the bed, Duke remained on his knees, his posture as straight as a pine tree. Watching her undo his robe and feeling her intense desire mirrored his own, he felt a surge of pride in seeing his wife share the same passion for him. He brushed off her teasing remark about his capabilities in bed, knowing that soon enough, she would experience them firsthand. There was no need to get agitated or try to prove himself verbally¡ªactions would speak louder. After gazing at his hard cock for a moment, Kisha''s lust-filled eyes lifted to him, seemingly begging him to begin. Her hands explored his sturdy chest, gliding slowly over the contours of his abs, sending electrifying sensations through his body. Duke''s stomach churned with anticipation as his senses heightened, causing his cock to twitch in response to the delicious torment of her touch. Despite the growing need, he allowed her to enjoy her playful torment before he took his turn. Chapter 252 - 252 He Got Carried Away ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ Even without much experience, Kisha couldn''t help but tease Duke, sensing his mounting anticipation as he struggled to contain his desire to pin her down on the bed. As her hand reached his navel, she leaned in closer and planted a sensual kiss there, leaving a damp, soft trace where her lips touched. The unexpected sensation made Duke gasp slightly, the heat around his core intensifying with every touch. Noticing Duke''s gaze darken with desire, Kisha smirked triumphantly, savoring the moment. Duke, his thoughts a mix of anticipation and resolve, gently guided Kisha''s hands to his throbbing cock. As he watched her intently, Kisha''s expression was a blend of concern, anticipation, and lust. She hesitated, rubbing the tip of his cock while examining its length and thickness, her mind racing with thoughts of whether it would fit. Kisha thought, "This is so big, I don''t think it will fit." Despite her doubts, she couldn''t deny the intense desire she felt. They both had numerous responsibilities and challenges ahead, yet their current situation offered a rare opportunity for comfort and intimacy. Amidst their chaotic lives and endless battles, moments like these provided a precious escape, a chance to be vulnerable and connected in ways they might not have again for a long time. When Kisha looked at Duke, she pushed aside her embarrassment and fully embraced her desire for the man she loved and adored. She realized that, despite his seemingly overbearing nature, Duke had been carefully holding back to ensure she felt comfortable. His insistence was not about control but about gauging her responses and respecting her boundaries. His patience and care for her were evident, as he was willing to adjust his actions based on her reactions, demonstrating just how deeply he valued and respected her. That''s why Kisha decided to take a more proactive approach. As she began to stroke his hard shaft slowly, she kept her eyes locked on him, watching as he bit his lower lip to stifle a moan. Duke''s sensitivity was heightened compared to when he touched himself or when Kisha had touched him before, intensifying the pleasure he felt from her gentle touch. His heart raced and his stomach fluttered, every nerve in his body tingling with electrifying sensation. His toes curled and his mind buzzed with delight. Kisha''s every stroke and her soul-stirring gaze sent waves of pleasure through him, making him want to thrust into her mouth. Despite his intense desire, he restrained himself, placing both hands behind him to hold back and maintain control. It was as if Kisha could sense his thoughts. She brought her mouth closer to his hard cock, starting with a teasing lick at the tip, savoring the precum. Her small tongue traced a path from the base to the tip, circling the crown with deliberate, slow movements that heightened his anticipation. The sensation was too much for him to bear. His desire surged, overriding any remaining rationality. He moaned loudly as pleasure overwhelmed him. Kisha took him fully into her mouth, and Duke gasped at the intense pleasure. His hands instinctively reached for the back of her head, gently urging her to take more of his length deeper into her throat. Though Kisha was guided purely by instinct, her actions brought Duke intense pleasure. When he urged her to take him deeper and momentarily lost control, Kisha choked, drool spilling from the corners of her mouth. Duke tensed in response, but as she felt his grip on her head loosen, Kisha pressed on, taking him as deeply as she could. This movement elicited even louder moans from Duke. "Fuck! Kisha, darling, right there! Ah," Duke gasped, his voice strained with pleasure as his hand gently guided her head. Kisha didn''t let her other hand idle; she used it to gently massage Duke''s balls, sending waves of pleasure through him. Duke trembled and grunted, his breaths ragged, while his eyes stayed locked on Kisha. The sound of her slurping and the sight of her trying to take his big cock into her mouth with drool escaping made Duke smirk with satisfaction. The pleasure Duke was experiencing intensified, and soon he felt an overwhelming sensation building in his core. Kisha could feel Duke''s cock swell even further, and as she heard his groan, she realized what was about to happen. "I''m cumming!" Duke gasped, unable to hold back. He thrust deeper into Kisha''s throat as he released his seed, filling her deep in the throat. Kisha was taken aback by the intensity, and in her surprise, she grabbed onto Duke''s firm buttocks with one hand while the other hand tried to pull away. However, it felt as though Duke was using all his strength to keep her in place, his grip tight and his release coming with a fierce snarl. Kisha struggled to breathe, feeling tears and a mix of snot on her face as she fought to regain control. The urge to claw at Duke to make him let her go was overwhelming, as she desperately needed air. When Duke came to his senses after he came, he immediately released Kisha, who gasped for air and coughed heavily. Duke felt a pang of guilt for being too rough, and he gently rubbed her back, his voice hoarse with remorse. "I''m sorry, wifey. I got carried away," he said, his tone sincere. Even as he still felt the lingering pleasure pulsing through him, he was deeply satisfied and honestly, deep inside, he was satisfied and if he was given a chance, he might do it again. His guilt was compounded by his own conflicted feelings of satisfaction. Kisha wipe her face with the sleeves of her silk nightgoawn as she struggled to stop herself from coushing and panting at the same time, her chest was constricting. After wiping her face, she lifted her face to look at Duke with resentful eyes and Duke was clearly guilty. So to get back at him, Kisha kissed him passionately and let him have a taste of himself that was still remaining in her mouth after he came into her mouth. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke did not protest and let Kisha do what would make her happy, he returned her passionate kiss and let their tongue dance, sometime pulling and pushing each other as they slowly settled on the bed. Duke indeed had a taste of how his cum tasted like, he frowned a little as how bitter it was and with its unique taste that he himself don''t want in his mouth but thanks to Kisha''s sweet taste that overwhelmed him, he soon forgotten about it and he slowly took off Kisha''s nightgown. Duke''s kisses cascaded over Kisha''s face and neck, leaving her clad only in her silk panties. Despite her resolve, she felt a twinge of embarrassment under Duke''s intense gaze as he admired her form. Subconsciously, she tried to cover her ample breasts with her arms. Duke gently seized her hands, pulling them away to fully appreciate her. His eyes were drawn to her large, round breasts, which bounced slightly with her movements. Amused and increasingly aroused, Duke marveled at their softness, swaying like jelly with every slight motion. Chapter 253 - 253 Evening The Score ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ "Stop staring!" Kisha hissed, her face flushing with a deep, embarrassed red. "Why shouldn''t I admire my beautiful wife? I let you look at me earlier¡ªwouldn''t it be unfair if I didn''t do the same?" Duke said with a smirk. Before she could respond, he dove in for a passionate kiss, his hands roaming over her smooth skin before settling on her chest, gripping her breasts with fervent desire. The sudden movement made Kisha gasp, a mix of surprise and arousal evident in her eyes. Duke, unfazed, continued to shower her with kisses, moving down to her neck. Kisha had never realized just how sensual and pleasurable being kissed on the neck could be until now. The warmth of Duke''s touch sent tingling sensations through Kisha''s entire body, overwhelming her with desire. She involuntarily closed her eyes as Duke''s tongue traced her sensitive neck, his gentle sucking followed by a light bite causing her to writhe on the bed. Just as she began to comprehend his actions, Duke''s attention shifted to her breasts. With one hand kneading her left breast, his mouth found her pert nipple, suckling and playing with it using his tongue and teeth. A loud moan escaped Kisha as the intense sensations from Duke''s mouth on her breast spread to every corner of her body. Her hands gripped Duke''s strong arms, gradually moving to his shoulders and then into his hair. As she tangled her fingers in his locks, gasps of pleasure escaped her lips. Duke pressed his hardened cock against Kisha''s legs as he sucked on her nipple with the hunger of a starving man. Feeling her grip tighten in his hair, his desire only intensified. He lavished her soft breast with fervent attention, his fingers sinking into her supple skin, amplifying his lust with every touch. Feeling his cock throb with growing impatience, Duke''s right hand moved slowly across Kisha''s belly, eventually sliding down to her core. His fingers began to rub her folds through the delicate silk of her panties, heightening the pleasure she was already experiencing. Kisha moaned louder, biting her bottom lip as she looked down to see Duke nestled against her breast. Their eyes locked, and seeing the mist in her gaze, Duke slid her panties to the side and gently inserted a finger into her core. "Ah!" Kisha writhed beneath him, her body arching on the bed as the sensation of his finger entering her made her head tilt back in pleasure and a little bit of pain. "Relax your muscles," Duke said in a deep, raspy voice. He could feel Kisha''s inner muscles tightening around his finger, making it nearly impossible for him to move it. He thought about how much more intense it would be if he were to enter her with his cock¡ªhe might be overwhelmed by the sensation. It seemed as though Kisha was too consumed by pleasure to hear him. Duke continued to move his finger slowly, observing every reaction from Kisha as he leaned to the side. Each stroke made Kisha writhe on the bed, gripping the sheets tightly. Her moans filled the room, and sweat began to glisten on her skin. Noticing that Kisha''s muscles were beginning to relax and adjust to the sensation, Duke increased the speed of his fingers and added another one. He then returned his attention to her nipples, intensifying the pleasure and causing Kisha to moan even louder. Duke took satisfaction in hearing her respond so positively, using this feedback to learn what made her feel good and what might be causing discomfort or pain. As it was his first time, Duke felt a strong desire to ensure that Kisha''s experience was as memorable and pleasurable as possible. He was determined to learn what he could do to enhance her pleasure and make the moment truly special for her. Duke noticed Kisha''s arousal was overflowing, and a satisfied smile crept onto his lips. Despite her ragged breathing and panting, he hadn''t yet brought her to climax, and he was eager to reciprocate the pleasure he''d received. Gently, he slid Kisha''s drenched panties down her long, fair legs and brought them to his nose for a deep quick sniff. Then, he carefully spread her legs, ensuring he had a clear and intimate view. "Fuck!" Duke exhaled sharply, his breath catching as he took in the sight of her flushed, pink pussy. Her clitoris was swollen and red, and her folds offered a tantalizing glimpse of her slightly open entrance. The sight made his cock throb with anticipation, and he took a deep breath, his excitement growing. He was eager to drive his cock deep into her, but he knew Kisha wasn''t ready for that kind of intensity just yet. He was aware that his size might overwhelm her at the moment. Instead, he lowered himself until his face was directly in front of her pussy, preparing to take things slowly. "What do you think you''re doing?!" Kisha''s voice trembled with embarrassment as she realized what Duke was about to do. She felt incredibly exposed, and her face flushed a deep red. "Giving back the favor," Duke said with a smirk as he looked up at Kisha from between her legs. He buried his face in her most intimate area, taking a deep, savoring breath that made Kisha grunt in embarrassment. However, her initial disapproval was quickly overtaken by desire as Duke began to lavish her folds with a long, sensual lick. When his tongue found her sensitive clitoris, Kisha writhed wildly on the bed, her moans echoing through the room as her fingers tangled in Duke''s hair. Duke licked Kisha''s clitoris with rapid, eager strokes, each touch driving her to scream in pleasure. As he worked his tongue, he simultaneously finger fuck her with two fingers, matching the speed of his oral assault. The intense stimulation left Kisha''s body trembling uncontrollably, her eyes rolling back in ecstatic abandon. The overwhelming pleasure built to a crescendo, and she cried out as she reached her climax, her grip on Duke''s hair tightening in a reflexive spasm. When the waves of pleasure subsided, she released her hold, her body going limp as if spent from the intensity of the experience. But Duke wasn''t finished yet; he was just getting started. He watched as Kisha''s chest heaved with ragged breaths, her mouth parting with each gasp. Duke didn''t give her a moment to recover. He moved closer, his weight pressing down on her, bringing her back to her senses. Her eyes were still misty from the intense climax she''d just experienced¡ªan intensity she hadn''t anticipated. She was overwhelmed by the sensation, realizing that this was only the beginning and they hadn''t even reached the main event yet. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It took Duke only a few minutes to bring Kisha to a powerful climax, leaving her a breathless, trembling mess. She felt almost embarrassed, realizing that it took him less than 15 minutes to overwhelm her completely. Duke''s smug expression only added to her mix of emotions. "Wifey, don''t rest just yet. We''re only getting started," Duke smirked devilishly. He then kissed her passionately, letting her taste herself as she had done to him earlier. Duke''s mischievous side was fully committed to evening the score. Chapter 254 - 254 I Want To Hit Someone ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ Duke continued to tease Kisha gently, aiming to help her relax as he positioned himself between her legs. With a look of feigned innocence, he asked, "Wifey, can I?" His eyes were soft and pleading, though in reality, he was barely able to restrain himself. He had wanted to fully connect with Kisha from the start, but he hesitated out of concern for hurting her with his size. He sought to understand her desires before taking that final step. Seeing Duke''s pitiful, puppy-like expression, Kisha''s heart softened, and her lust surged anew. She gazed at him and gave a hesitant nod, her body torn between anticipation and trepidation. As soon as she nodded, she felt a sharp, intense pressure as something hard and solid began to stretch her. Duke grunted in discomfort as he too paused, adjusting to the tightness, both of them caught in a moment of mutual discomfort. Only the tip had entered Kisha, and Duke already felt the extreme tightness gripping him. As a groan escaped his lips, he heard Kisha gasp loudly with a hint of pain, causing him to freeze and hold himself back from moving further. "I''m alright, I think. I''ll get used to the size, just give me time," Kisha said, her voice hoarse as she grimaced in pain. Duke maintained their position, sweat forming on his forehead as he stayed still. His cock throbbed with excitement, eager to continue thrusting, but the extreme tightness held him back. Duke adjusted his position and held both of Kisha''s legs closer to her stomach, causing her face to turn even redder from being fully exposed. He could see their connected private parts in full view and looked back at Kisha with a devilish smirk. To help Kisha relax, he started rubbing her clitoris, sending shivers of pleasure through her core. As Duke pushed deeper, Kisha moaned in pleasure, her fan-like eyelashes fluttering as she tried to keep her eyes open, but the waves of pleasure from their connection made it impossible. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When Duke felt Kisha''s muscles relax and the tightness ease, he began to thrust slowly, his thumb continuing to rub her clit. It took all of Duke''s self-control not to shove his full length inside Kisha and take her roughly, as he had always imagined in his dreams. He began by thrusting only halfway, allowing her to adjust to his size and the rhythm. When Kisha started to writhe in pleasure, clutching the bedsheets and gasping with each thrust, Duke made a bold move, thrusting deeply until he was fully inside her. Kisha screamed in surprise, but it was a scream of pure pleasure. "Ah! Oh god!" Kisha''s scream of pleasure emboldened Duke even more. Her widened eyes locked with his, and she saw the depth and darkness in his gaze, filled with unrestrained lust. At that moment, Kisha knew that the last thread of Duke''s restraint had snapped. His slow thrusts transformed into a piston-like rhythm, rough and hard. He pulled his cock out, leaving only the tip inside before shoving his full length back in, making Kisha moan louder each time. Duke repeated this a few more times, their moans intertwining in the enclosed space. His moans sounded beastly, occasionally snarling deeply, while Kisha could only whimper as his relentless thrusts sent her mind into oblivion from the overwhelming pleasure. "Ah! D-duke!" Kisha gasped, her words fragmented by the intensity of Duke''s thrusts, as if each one was pushing the air out of her lungs. "This is too much!" she managed to say. But Duke leaned in, swallowing her words with a deep, hard kiss. He sucked on her lips, their moans mingling as his hips continued their relentless rhythm, driving her wild with pleasure. After a bout of rough play, Duke changed his pace, pumping into her fast and hard. The overwhelming pleasure left Kisha breathless, her throat going dry as relentless moans spilled from her lips, unable to be contained. Duke seemed to have turned into a ravenous beast, growing hungrier the longer he went on. He relentlessly plowed into Kisha, hard and fast, showering her with kisses. Occasionally, he''d bite her collarbone or shoulder, unable to contain the intense pleasure coursing through him, his gums tingling with each surge. "Ah! Du-Duke! I''m cumming!" Kisha cried out, her eyes fluttering and rolling back. Her entire body started to tremble as a delicious sensation built in her core. She bit her lower lip, trying to contain the tingling filling her nerves, her scalp going numb from the overwhelming sensation. Duke felt Kisha''s inner walls tighten around him, as if trying to push him out, but instead of pulling back, he thrust faster and harder, riding the wave of pleasure. He could feel his own release nearing. "Kisha, let''s cum together!" he groaned, clutching her hips tighter and thrusting as if his life depended on it. Kisha wrapped her legs around Duke''s waist, clinging to the bedsheet, but nothing could calm the storm of pleasure within her. She felt Duke''s cock swell inside her, knowing he was about to cum just as she reached her climax. Their intertwined moans reverberated through the room as they both reached their climax. Duke didn''t stop thrusting, determined to deposit every last bit of his seed deep inside her. Finally, he collapsed on top of Kisha, panting hard as sweat rolled down his body. Kisha struggled to keep her eyes open as her consciousness drifted. She didn''t have the energy to see Duke''s satisfied and refreshed expression; all she wanted was to fall asleep. Her body felt sticky from sweat, but before she could voice any complaints, she felt a shock of incredulity. Duke had collapsed on top of her, and his cock was still deeply buried inside her. He hadn''t pulled out yet. But after that strenuous exercise, Duke still seemed eager for another round. Kisha could sense it wouldn''t be long before he voiced his desire, making her feel a bit uneasy. "Wifey..." Duke''s deep, hoarse voice, thick with lust, echoed near her ear. Even without seeing him, Kisha could sense the smug look on his face and knew he was about to say something that would put her at a disadvantage. As much as she wanted to run, Duke had her anchored to the bed with his own body. "Let''s go for another round," he said. Kisha felt a surge of frustration and felt an urge to hit Duke right then, her body still aching as if she had suffered a great fall. The bites Duke had given her stung whenever they made contact with their sweat. Kisha weakly clenched her fist, ready to hit Duke, but he quickly seized her hand, coaxing her with slow, lazy thrusts. "Wifey, didn''t you challenge me? I thought you wouldn''t be satisfied with just a 15-minute man like me, so I''m doing my best to serve you," Duke said with a coy smile, peppering her face with gentle kisses. Kisha was at a loss for words as she felt another wave of pleasure building inside her, a soft whimper escaping her lips. She tried to respond, but Duke was already one step ahead. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss, swallowing all her words and enveloping her in his embrace. Chapter 255 - 255 Cant Get Enough Of You ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ As Duke silenced all of Kisha''s disapproval with his kiss, his slow thrusts became steady and deliberate. Propping himself up, he lifted Kisha''s left leg and gently turned her onto her stomach without withdrawing. Kisha''s face buried in the pillow, her hips elevated and presented to Duke. A wave of shame washed over her, but Duke''s sudden, powerful thrusts stole her breath away, eliciting a loud gasp from her. "S-so deep," Kisha gasped as Duke''s new position allowed him to reach deeper than before, hitting a spot that made her moan with every thrust. It was almost ironic to think that she had been trying to complain earlier, only to find herself overwhelmed by pleasure once again. Duke seized one of Kisha''s breasts from behind, gripping her shoulder to deliver more powerful and deeper thrusts. Her moans grew louder with each penetration, as he hit what he believed to be the entrance to her womb. Despite his uncertainty, the intensity of her pleasure reassured him. He continued to target that spot, driven by her cries of pleasure, until her desperate pleas for him to stop reached his ears. Instead of halting, he felt a surge of primal desire and pinched her nipple, thrusting harder from behind. Kisha screamed, her back arching as she buried her face into the pillow, overwhelmed by the relentless waves of pleasure. "Wait! Ah! Duke!" Kisha''s voice was barely recognizable as she tried to articulate her pleas, but Duke lost in the intensity of the moment, paid no mind. He increased the force of his thrusts, pulling Kisha''s hips closer to him and pressing her deeper into the bed. Her muffled cries and gasps were barely audible against the pillow, mingling with Duke''s deep, beastly growls. Between his fervent growls, he repeatedly called out her name. Each time he did, he felt Kisha''s inner walls tighten, leading him to believe that she was also caught up in the overwhelming pleasure and loved hearing her name from his lips. Duke reveled in hearing Kisha call his name with such passion, her eyes clouded with a mix of lust and vulnerability. Yet, amidst the haze, he caught glimpses of mischief and affection that captivated him. He couldn''t help but fall deeper into her embrace, savoring the unique pleasure and comfort that only she could provide. Duke gritted his teeth as he neared his climax, leaning his entire body against Kisha''s back. His thrusts became fervent and relentless, pushing her to the edge. The sensation of his skin pressing against hers added a layer of comfort and intense pleasure, making every point of contact between them burn with a fiery, tingling numbness. Duke pressed his face against Kisha''s shoulder, sucking on her skin as he clamped his right hand around her throat, making her moans come out ragged and breathless. His other hand kneaded her breast, pinching and pulling at her nipple, creating a mix of tingling pain and pleasure. Overwhelmed by the intense sensations, Kisha dug her fingers into his hair and pulled. Duke groaned loudly, then licked and sucked on her earlobe, amplifying the pleasure and connection between them. "Wifey, I can''t get enough of you," Duke panted, his voice a mix of desperation and raw desire as he continued his relentless rhythm. "What should I do?" There was a fleeting hint of helplessness in his tone, quickly overtaken by fervent snarls of pleasure. "I''m cumming again!" Duke growled fiercely, his hot breath searing Kisha''s ear, making it tingle and burn. She felt an intense, bursting sensation clamping around her core, even more powerful than before. Clinging tightly to Duke''s hair, she gasped as he plowed deeper and rougher, each thrust sending shivers through her body. Her lips tingled with intensity, and she could only bite down briefly before another gasp escaped her. Kisha couldn''t utter a single word as her mind flickered and only the overwhelming sensation of pleasure registered. Duke could tell she was nearing her climax again; her inner walls were tightening around him with a vice-like grip. A growl escaped his lips as he bit down on Kisha''s shoulder blade. Like her, Duke was no longer thinking clearly; primal instinct and raw lust had completely taken over, driving him to pursue his deepest desires with Kisha. Duke felt Kisha tighten around him even more as he bit her shoulder, her warm fluids gushing out in a powerful spasm that left her gasping for air, her eyes fluttering uncontrollably. Despite her intense reaction, Duke''s thrusts continued unabated, driving her into further spasms and making it hard for her to breathe. Her inner walls clenched and milked him relentlessly, pushing him to the edge. Soon, he reached his own climax, his release spilling deeply inside her, filling her to the brim. Duke let out a primal growl as he filled Kisha to the brim, his release pouring deep inside her. Kisha lay limp in his arms, momentarily losing consciousness from the overwhelming sensations and sheer exhaustion that had drained her stamina. The intensity of their intimacy had blurred time for her, each round stretching into what felt like hours. Now, she was fully aware of Duke''s incredible stamina, regretting ever challenging him. Duke held nothing back, making sure Kisha felt every ounce of his fervor. All traces of gentleness had vanished as he relentlessly ravaged her, his primal instincts fully unleashed. Even now, he continued to thrust deeply and lazily, unwilling to pull out, determined to ensure that every last bit of his seed was deposited inside her. When he finished, Duke remained inside Kisha and lay beside her, observing her exhausted state with a throaty chuckle. Gently pulling her into his embrace, he let himself relax and fall asleep in satisfaction. Although he was eager for another round, he refrained from continuing while she was out cold, preferring instead to wait until she was fully awake before resuming. Duke finally settled into rest, his heavy panting slowing and his breathing evening out alongside Kisha''s. They were both drenched in sweat, their bodies sticky and clammy, but they barely noticed. Kisha''s damp hair clung to Duke''s face, and he gently tucked it behind her ears before falling asleep. He placed a tender peck on her shoulder before burying his face against her. Duke''s mischievous side, however, prevented him from pulling out, ensuring that Kisha remained close and couldn''t escape him in the future. The intent behind his thoughts was clear, a smug grin lingering on his lips as he closed his eyes tightly. Subconsciously drawn to Duke''s embrace, Kisha nestled closer and adjusted herself into a more comfortable position. As she drifted deeper into sleep, the exhaustion from both body and mind caused her to forget everything else. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha enjoyed a few hours of restful sleep, but her eyes flew open as her consciousness and senses returned. She sensed a shift in weight around her and felt a persistent pressure still inside her. Frustration welled up as she experienced an aching in her body, feeling as though her recent efforts to level up had done little to alleviate her discomfort. The culprit of her discomfort was nestled contentedly against her shoulder, lazily thrusting his hardened cock inside her while still asleep. Kisha couldn''t tell if this was a subconscious action or if he was feigning sleep while continuing his shameless behavior. Chapter 256 - 256 The Insatiable Beast ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! Please be warned... ___________ Kisha took a deep breath, trying to pry Duke''s arms away from her so she could slip away and freshen up. She had a strong feeling that if she didn''t, she''d soon find herself entangled in another round with him, which would leave her sore for the entire day. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She felt a mix of exasperation and helplessness. If only she had known, she might have been more cautious and avoided taunting him. Maybe he would have been more restrained. However, she underestimated Duke''s nature; even without her taunting, he would have been a beast in bed. It seemed as though all the restraint he had maintained for years had been undone, unleashing all his pent-up desires. And Kisha was the key that unlocked it, letting his beastly nature surge forth, guiding his primal instincts to dominate with the intensity like of a wolf in heat. Kisha''s attempts to pry Duke''s arms away were futile; his grip was unyielding as if his strength had increased tenfold, anchoring her to the bed. His lazy thrusting persisted, and with each movement, she felt her core growing wetter, slowly being drawn back into a new frenzy of pleasure. It was as if he was subtly preparing her for another round. Kisha, refusing to relent, pinched Duke''s arm in frustration, which woke him from his slumber. Duke stirred but remained close, and she felt his cock growing harder against her. She heard his deep, masculine voice rumble behind her, still husky and enticing. "You''re awake," he said, his tone dripping with triumph. Kisha couldn''t turn to look at him due to his firm grip, but the satisfaction in his voice was unmistakable. "Wifey¡­" Duke called out, his voice laced with need as he lavished Kisha with another kiss. She could sense where this was heading, but she found herself lacking the strength to push him away. Her body seemed to be betraying her mind, responding to his advances despite her exhaustion. Duke, aware that his advances were having their effect, grew even bolder. He began to caress Kisha''s soft skin, his hands roaming more confidently. When he grasped her breasts firmly, Kisha let out a surprised yelp, and Duke intensified his thrusts, his movements growing more deliberate and powerful. "W-wait! Why don''t we take a break and have a bath first? The sweat makes everything a bit uncomfortable," Kisha murmured, struggling to keep her urges in check. She tried to reason with Duke, unsure if she could handle another round with the insatiable beast behind her. She also noticed it was still dark outside, indicating she had only had a brief rest after passing out from exhaustion earlier. She wasn''t planning to be entangled with Duke for the rest of the night, only to suffer through the morning. "Um... Wifey, we could always continue in the bathroom while we''re bathing," Duke suggested, his breathing growing ragged. He lifted Kisha''s right leg higher, giving himself deeper access to her entrance, and began thrusting harder. Kisha moaned involuntarily, feeling her stomach churn as the pressure inside her built with Duke''s size. Each thrust made her feel increasingly full and bloated. "Ah! No!!! Wait!!!" Kisha tried to protest, but Duke''s other hand held her head in place, making her look back at him. He forced her mouth open with his tongue and began to ravage her lips just as intensely as he had on her other lips down there. Kisha''s muffled moans reverberated inside Duke''s mouth as he adjusted his position to thrust harder and deeper. He angled her legs to rest on his arm and pressed his hand against her stomach, feeling it swell with each of his powerful thrusts. His smile widened as he kissed her, savoring the sensation. Kisha''s head lolled back, her eyes fluttering, completely overtaken by the waves of pleasure. Her protests faded into oblivion as Duke hit all the right spots, his attentive gaze never leaving her. He didn''t need her to direct him; her moans and expressions guided him effortlessly. Duke felt a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction each time he saw Kisha losing herself in pleasure, her control slipping away as he expertly drove her to new heights of ecstasy. Knowing he was the one causing her to lose control and revel in such intense pleasure gave Duke a surge of confidence. It reassured him that he was excelling on his first time with a woman, fueling his insatiable desire for Kisha and filling him with a deep, primal satisfaction. Duke hissed when Kisha grabbed the back of his neck, her nails clawing at his skin. She started to grind her hips in sync with his rhythm, making him groan in satisfaction as the sensation intensified. Overtaken by pleasure, Kisha''s body subconsciously followed Duke''s movements, riding his cock as he thrust from behind. Realizing she couldn''t escape his grip, she decided to surrender to the moment and enjoy the overwhelming pleasure. Because of Kisha''s movements, Duke felt himself nearing climax faster than before. He reached down to rub Kisha''s clit, desperate to make her cum simultaneously with him. Sure enough, Kisha tightened her grip on Duke''s neck, moaning louder as the pleasure built to a peak. "Duke!" Kisha screamed his name as she squirted, surprising even Duke. Her sudden release only fueled his desire, driving him to plow into her harder and faster. The warm fluids coating his cock made every thrust more fluid and steady, the slickness from her release providing perfect lubrication as he continued to thrust in and out of her pussy. Kisha felt her head buzzing as her body continued to spasm, trapped in an endless euphoria while Duke pumped in and out. "Wifey, you did a good job squirting, making me all hard and horny," Duke whispered into her ear. His enthusiasm was on another level, driving Kisha insane and breathless. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat; she had never heard Duke speak so dirty, and it only made her desire reach another peak, pushing her to climax again. But Duke was still not done and seemed to be growing even bigger inside her. The ecstasy was overwhelming, making her feel like she was losing consciousness as Duke drove her to cum again and again. Her loud moans transformed into small whimpers as she could no longer draw any strength. Struggling to keep her eyes open, she felt like she was riding on cloud nine. Her body oscillated between muscles tensing up and going limp, lost in the overwhelming sensations. "Kisha!!! FUCK!!!! Cumming!!!" Duke growled through gritted teeth as he rammed into her relentlessly, making her breasts bounce wildly. He was caught between panting and gritting his teeth, growls escaping his lips with each thrust. Duke released all his seed inside Kisha, making her pussy overflow as he finally pulled out. Panting heavily, he propped himself up on the bed to admire his work of art with a satisfied grin. He stared at the cum overflowing from her pussy and felt his cock started to harden again. Shaking his head, he shifted his gaze to Kisha''s face. She had passed out once more, lying limply on the bed, looking as if she had no intention of waking up anytime soon. He wondered briefly, ''With this much, surely my wife will be pregnant with my child soon, right?'' But he quickly shook the thought away. Chapter 257 - 257 I Held Back To claim that he didn''t intend to impregnate her would be dishonest. Deep down, he knew it was his true desire, which is why he took every measure to ensure that every drop of his seed stayed inside her. However, he also recognized that now was not the ideal time to conceive. He was acutely aware of the dangers that lay ahead and the lack of a secure environment for his wife and potential children. As he reflected on this, he realized that his actions were driven more by his desires than rational thought, leading him to act impulsively and repeatedly with the woman he loved. He felt a surge of frustration and considered punching himself in the gut, but with the situation now beyond his control, he focused on finding a solution. His plan B involved locating some emergency contraceptive pills for Kisha. Grunting in resignation, Duke stood up and headed to the bathroom to prepare a warm bath for her. He found a rose petal bubble bath bomb and tossed it into the water as it filled the tub. As the water continued to flow, he checked around to ensure there were towels and shampoo available for Kisha''s bath. Once he finished preparing the bath, Duke returned to the bedroom and carefully lifted Kisha from the bed, placing her gently into the tub. He made sure she was secure and wouldn''t slide before heading back to the room. There, he hastily changed the sheets and blanket that reeked of sweat and mixed fluids. Though he fumbled initially with the sheets, he quickly got the hang of it and moved more efficiently. Soon, he was back in the bathroom, sliding into the tub with Kisha. He began to gently massage her muscles, aiming to ease any potential soreness she might feel when she woke up. It was only then that Duke noticed the stinging pain on his back from the claw marks Kisha had left. He had been so absorbed in the pleasure and his focus solely on Kisha that he hadn''t realized the extent of the marks until now. He also noticed the kiss marks and bites he had left on Kisha''s fair skin. Almost every part of her body bore evidence of their passion, with glaring red marks and teeth impressions especially prominent on her neck, shoulders, and collarbone. He wasn''t sure whether to grin or feel regret, as both emotions swirled within him. On one hand, he was elated that Kisha was now officially his, which gave him a profound sense of assurance. On the other hand, he felt remorse for his inability to control himself and for not being gentler with her during their first time together. Remembering that it was also Kisha''s first time filled him with such joy that he couldn''t help but break into a wide smile. As he helped her bathe and gently rubbed her muscles, he made sure the water stayed warm, using his fire ability to heat it whenever it began to cool. He was meticulous, afraid of making any mistakes that could hurt her, especially when washing her long hair. Not being very familiar with managing long hair, he took his time, carefully untangling any knots as he washed her beautiful locks, ensuring she was comfortable and well-cared for. Throughout the process, Kisha remained completely unconscious, her soft, rhythmic snoring bringing a chuckle to Duke''s lips. After finishing her bath, he carefully dried her hair, blow-drying it with as much gentleness as possible, worried that the sound might disturb her rest. Fortunately, her exhaustion kept her deeply asleep, allowing him to continue without interruption. Once he had finished, he dressed her in a comfortable pair of pajamas he had in the room, ensuring she was settled and cozy before he finally allowed himself to relax. As he attended to Kisha, Duke recited every sutra and calming chant he knew. The proximity to Kisha was enough to keep him aroused, and he was only halfway satisfied¡ªhe had intended to continue until dawn if she hadn''t passed out. Despite his lingering desire, he accepted this development with a sense of contentment, appreciating the moment for what it was. After finishing his own bath, Duke settled beside Kisha, pulling her into his protective embrace before drifting into a deep sleep. When he awoke, the sun was already streaming through the gaps in the curtains, and Kisha had nestled comfortably against him, finding warmth and comfort in his presence as it dispelled the chill from her. Duke shifted in bed and gently tucked Kisha in with the blankets, his gaze fixed on her serene sleeping face. Watching her sleep filled him with a profound sense of contentment he had never known before. He felt more complete and fulfilled than ever as if he were destined for this moment¡ªdevoted to the woman before him and committed to spending the rest of his life protecting and cherishing her. Duke was jolted from his reverie by Kisha''s weak, hoarse voice. "How long are you going to stare at me?" she croaked, her voice sounding parched. Concerned, Duke quickly stood up and hurried to get a glass of water for her. Duke handed Kisha the glass of water with a teasing smile. "I think I was waiting until you woke up," he replied, his tone light and playful. Kisha rolled her eyes as she attempted to prop herself up, only to grimace in pain from the soreness between her legs. Unable to sit up properly, she looked up at Duke with evident resentment, only to see him feigning innocence with a nonchalant shrug. With a mix of anger and frustration, she heard him say, "I held back... a lot." Kisha had never felt so exasperated with Duke before. "What do you mean, you held back?!" she demanded, her voice tinged with anger and her nostrils flaring. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Wifey, I really mean it," Duke said, his tone almost earnest. "If you hadn''t passed out, I was ready to go for at least two more rounds before calling it a day. But since you were already out cold, I had no choice but to hold back and convince myself that maybe your stamina will improve in the future." He looked at Kisha with a feigned innocence that only made her tremble with anger. ''Is that what you call holding back?'' Kisha thought to herself, struggling to calm her intense anger. At the same time, she felt a pang of regret for teasing Duke from the start, not fully understanding what she was getting herself into. She had believed she could handle it, only to be confronted with the stark reality that it was far beyond her expectations. Kisha suddenly felt that the Duke from her past life seemed far cuter compared to the one before her now. If this was his idea of holding back, she couldn''t even begin to imagine what would happen if he let loose. Her insides trembled, though she couldn''t tell if it was from fear or anticipation. Feeling a flush rise to her cheeks, she wanted to slap herself for her own conflicting emotions. To avoid meeting Duke''s gaze, she turned away and pretended to be angry. Chapter 258 - 258 Acting As A Good Husband Seeing Kisha''s furious expression, Duke felt flustered and immediately tried to soothe her. However, Kisha continued to avoid his gaze, intensifying his frustration and leaving him at a loss for how to calm her down. If he had known what Kisha was thinking at that moment, he might have seized the chance to be intimate with her once again. "Wifey, it''s my fault. It''s all my fault." Duke knelt beside the bed, holding her hands with a look of deep remorse. His expression was one of genuine distress and contrition, making it harder for Kisha to maintain her facade of anger. "I''m hungry," Kisha said, trying to get Duke out of the room. She could no longer maintain her angry facade and was on the verge of breaking character, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as memories of last night replayed in her mind. Her heart raced uncontrollably, making it hard for her to keep up the pretense. Hearing that Kisha was hungry, Duke immediately sprang into action, eager to take care of her. "Alright, just stay here and rest. I''ll get some breakfast downstairs for you. What would you like to eat?" He asked gently, giving her a tender kiss on the forehead and a warm hug, like a devoted husband. Kisha struggled to maintain her anger but found herself softening under Duke''s gentle demeanor. Despite her effort to keep a stern expression, her voice wavered slightly. "Anything you cook," she replied, unable to resist the warmth of his care. "Alright, I''ll whip up something delicious for you. Rest here, and I''ll bring breakfast up when it''s ready," Duke said, planting a tender kiss on Kisha''s cheek before he headed out. His cheerful stride and the spring in his step made it clear he was in an excellent mood. As he left the room, Kisha couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling about letting him go. Since everyone in the villa now had their own assigned responsibilities at the base, they were all up early to start their day. Marcus and his grandchildren had already prepared breakfast, and the Winters, along with Sparrow Vulture and the rest, were enjoying their meal. After breakfast, they planned to inspect their respective departments and decide on any changes they wished to implement according to their preferences. Everyone noticed Duke coming down alone, which was unusual since he typically appeared with Kisha, always following her closely. His solitary arrival piqued their curiosity, and they eagerly anticipated some news or gossip. This was especially true for Duke''s grandfather and parents, who were particularly attentive to the change. They watched Duke''s every move and noted his unusually good mood, immediately sensing that something was afoot. The Patriarch, Mr. and Mrs. Winters exchanged knowing glances before turning their attention back to Duke, who, holding a tablet in hand, made his way purposefully toward the kitchen. Seeing Duke preparing breakfast, Marcus immediately offered to help, only to be turned down. "No, my wife specifically asked for my cooking," Duke said with pride as he pulled a pan from the cupboard. He then opened his tablet and searched for recipes for chicken soup and Egg Benedict. After quickly reading through the instructions, Duke began cooking, all the while under the watchful eyes of his parents, grandfather, and the rest of the household. Duke''s mother watched intently as he boiled a whole chicken in a pot, quickly realizing his plan for the meal. She exchanged a knowing smile with her husband, confirming their suspicions. Duke, however, was completely absorbed in his cooking, paying no mind to the onlookers. His sole focus was on preparing a delicious meal for his wife, who was still bedridden and unable to get up. He was already imagining the rewards he might receive if he could delight Kisha''s taste buds first thing in the morning. This thought only fueled his eagerness to cook a delicious meal, driving him to pour extra care into every dish. The usually stoic and reserved Duke was unconsciously smiling to himself, his eyes sparkling with delight as he hummed softly while cooking. It was clear to everyone that something special was happening, and curiosity was running high. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, Duke''s grandfather merely chuckled with satisfaction and urged everyone to step back and avoid crowding the kitchen, so Duke could focus on preparing the meal undistracted. "You all go ahead and have your breakfast, and get on with your duties. Don''t disturb my grandson while he''s cooking¡ªhis wife needs that chicken soup to regain her strength," the Patriarch said firmly. His authoritative tone caught everyone off guard, causing them to stiffen in their places. It took a moment for everyone to process the Patriarch''s words, but once they did, they stared at Duke with wide-eyed astonishment. The realization sank in, and they exchanged bewildered glances, each wearing an expression of utter confusion. This was especially true for Sparrow, Vulture, Tristan, Bald Eagle, and the rest of their comrades, who were all well aware that Duke had never shown any inclination towards sweetness or intimacy, let alone towards a woman. It''s only been hours since the moment the surveillance camera was removed from the villa and they defeated the Coltons and the Minister of Defense but Duke has already made his move on his wife which was surprisingly quick and unexpected. And here they are, still worrying about Duke and Kisha''s progress in their marital life and has forgotten how quick Duke was in capturing Kisha into the net and making her his wife as soon as he got the chance. Witnessing this side of Duke, they all felt as though they were seeing him in a completely new light. They watched Duke with keen interest as he meticulously prepared the ingredients and cooked the meal for Kisha. His wide smile and focused demeanor hinted that he might be up to something, so they all remained silent, pretending to eat their breakfast while observing him closely. Duke spent an hour preparing the chicken soup, ensuring it was rich with aroma and medicinal benefits. He made the Eggs Benedict just minutes before serving the soup to keep everything hot and fresh. When he carried the food upstairs, it was still steaming. Duke planned to act the perfect husband, serving Kisha with the hot soup and gently blowing on it to cool it before feeding her. He had completely forgotten that while Kisha might be sore, she was certainly not incapable of feeding herself. As Duke cheerfully pushed open the door to deliver breakfast, he found Kisha fast asleep once more. A gentle breeze from the slightly open window stirred the curtains, adding to the peaceful scene. Duke''s expression softened into a tender smile as he gazed at Kisha. Moving quietly, he entered the room and carefully closed the door behind him. Meanwhile, some of the curious men followed him upstairs, hoping to catch a glimpse or a hint of what was happening. When they peeked around the corner and saw nothing, they had no choice but to return downstairs, disappointed. Duke quietly set the tray of food down on the sofa, his gaze soft as he turned to wake Kisha. However, seeing her sleeping so peacefully, he felt a pang of reluctance. Just as he hesitated, Kisha''s eyes fluttered open, and she was startled to find Duke''s face just inches from hers. Her initial thought was that he might be planning something sneaky once again. Chapter 259 - 259 Am I Going to Be A Great-Grandfather Kisha wasn''t entirely wrong; Duke had indeed been planning to sneak in another kiss. However, Kisha was worried that the kiss might lead to a repeat of their steamy night, which she was not in the mood for. Still feeling sore and hoping to avoid being bedridden for the rest of the day, she was keen to prevent anything more from happening. Seeing Kisha being a little evasive, Duke felt a pang of reluctance in his heart. He didn''t want her to avoid his touch, though he understood her reasons. Still, he felt wronged, as he had truly held back the previous night. "Maybe just a little?" he thought. He shook his head to clear the thoughts swimming in his mind, trying to avoid letting them lead him back into the gutter. He felt as though he''d lost his self-control the moment he tasted bliss, and now didn''t seem like the right time for such indulgence. Instead, he focused on dutifully serving the food he had cooked on the bed, as Kisha was still having a hard time moving. He helped Kisha sit up in bed and placed a pillow behind her before setting the tray on the side table. He first removed the lid from the clay pot and then scooped some chicken soup into a smaller bowl. Instead of giving her the bowl right away, he stirred the soup a little, then gently blew on a spoonful to cool it down. Kisha looked at Duke in confusion, initially thinking he planned to eat first and let her watch. However, knowing Duke wasn''t like that, she realized he must be planning to feed her. After a moment, Duke came closer, sat beside her on the bed, and held the spoon near her mouth, his eyes expectant as he waited for her to take a sip. Kisha felt like laughing, momentarily forgetting her anger. "I''m not disabled, you know. I can feed myself," she snorted, raising her eyebrows. "I know, but I want to serve my wife," Duke retorted, not budging as he urged her to take a sip, a strikingly doting smile playing on his lips. Kisha was swooned by that smile and absentmindedly followed his lead, taking a sip of the soup. It was rich and aromatic, with a hint of herbs. "A medicinal chicken soup?" Kisha murmured, tilting her head to the side as she tried to understand. She hadn''t specified what she wanted to eat and thought Duke would choose something simple and light that was easy to cook. "Well," Duke began, shyly rubbing the tip of his nose after placing the spoon back in the bowl. "I know my wife was exhausted from last night and needed some nourishment, so I cooked this," he explained. Kisha felt her brows twitching. She didn''t know whether to be touched by his attentiveness or angry because he was also the reason she needed nourishment. However, seeing Duke''s sincere and apologetic expression, she couldn''t stay mad. She tempered her emotions and let it go. After all, she had given her consent and was the one who taunted him first, so she shared the blame for her own discomfort. Besides, even if she didn''t want to admit it, she also enjoyed it just not the aftermath. Kisha smiled in defeat and let Duke feed her, knowing it would make him happy and help comfort him. Duke, seeing that Kisha was no longer mad at him, excitedly fed her the food he had cooked. "Does it taste good? Or were the herbs too strong?" Duke gently asked, wiping a bit of soup from the side of Kisha''s lips with his thumb before subconsciously licking it off. Kisha stared at his hands, then back at Duke. She wanted to say something but stopped herself. Duke looked so natural as he took care of her, from his gentle actions to licking the soup residue off his thumb. ''Maybe this is how a real husband and wife act?'' she wondered, almost bursting into laughter. ''Why am I acting so shy now when we''ve already exchanged saliva in our kisses? Acting shy is pointless at this stage.'' She guffawed. Usually, 008 would remind or tease her, but since 008 wasn''t around, she subconsciously reminded and teased herself. She was acting like a shy wife when, in fact, she had been just as wild the previous night. "No, it tasted mild and delicious. Thank you for the wonderful meal," Kisha smiled. Knowing that Duke had only recently learned to cook by following a cookbook, she appreciated his effort and thoughtfulness. ''I guess I just bagged a perfect husband who loves doting on me,'' she thought. With great effort, she leaned in and gave Duke a peck on the cheek, enough to make his face light up. Kisha greatly appreciated this moment of peace and quiet where she and Duke could indulge in their sweet love. She hoped this tranquility would last. They enjoyed a peaceful breakfast together, with Duke happily feeding Kisha the food he had cooked. They discussed base development ideas and potential issues that might arise later on. When you think of a power couple, they are the epitome. After Duke finished feeding Kisha, he went downstairs to wash the dishes, having cooked enough for both of them and brought everything upstairs. While he fed Kisha, she would also urge him to take a bite, not minding sharing the same spoon since they were husband and wife. What happened last night solidified in their minds that they were truly husband and wife; the wedding would just be a formality. Nothing was stopping them from acting like one. Duke expected a peaceful morning and a calm rest of the day, but as soon as he reached the kitchen, he was bombarded with questions from his grandfather and parents. "Is it true that you have consummated your marriage with my granddaughter-in-law? Can I expect a grandchild anytime soon?" the Patriarch jovially asked, pushing past his son and daughter-in-law to face Duke directly. Duke''s face contorted in shyness and incredulity, wondering how his family knew when he was certain the room was soundproof. "Are you spying on me?" Duke scowled at his grandfather. One thing he couldn''t tolerate was being spied on, even by a family member. "Why would we need to do that when your actions have already given it all away?" his mother countered. Duke looked confused as he tried to recall his actions, but he couldn''t find anything that would give him away. Besides, it was his and his wife''s privacy. He felt exposed as if his family could read him too well. "Well, you realize your reaction just gave you away and answered your grandfather''s question, don''t you?" Mr. Winters sneered at his son''s lack of awareness. He was proud of Duke''s intelligence and strength, qualities that made him a natural leader, but at this moment, he thought his son was being foolish. Perhaps Duke''s brain had short-circuited from bliss after experiencing intimacy for the first time after being a virgin for so long or he probably fucked his brains out last night that it was failing him today. Seeing his father''s expression, Duke felt mocked and belittled, but he couldn''t fight back because he genuinely didn''t know what to say. "Am I going to be a great-grandfather soon?" the Patriarch asked again, this time with immense happiness and pride. He looked at Duke as if he were the family''s grand jewel, feeling he had done a great job. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 260 - 260 Falling Into Another Trap The truth was, the Patriarch was actually feeling gloomy and was trying to hide his depression from his son and daughter-in-law. He felt a bit helpless. Although Duke had finally found a wife and life was starting to look good again through his grandson and his wife''s leadership, he knew they had enormous responsibilities. They would be very busy establishing the HOPE Base. So many lives were relying on them, and because of this, he felt that seeing his great-grandchildren before he died was a pipe dream. Survival had become much harder due to the constant danger lurking around them and the growing strength of the zombies through their evolution, which would surely pose a significant concern in the future. But after hearing his daughter-in-law''s speculation that Duke might have finally made a move on Kisha last night, the Patriarch was so happy that he eagerly waited for Duke to come down. It was also his first time seeing Duke cook like a devoted husband, smiling like a fool in the kitchen on his own. He was reminded of himself when he first got married, so he recognized Duke''s sudden change in mood and believed his daughter-in-law was probably right. When he saw Duke come down again, looking happier and glowing, he couldn''t help but jump in and ask, "Is it true that you have consummated your marriage with my granddaughter-in-law? Can I expect a grandchild anytime soon?" He didn''t get angry or grumpy hearing Duke scowl at him. Although Duke''s face turned gloomy and angry, the Patriarch didn''t care; he was only expecting a yes or no answer. Everything else was irrelevant. After Duke and his father had their verbal exchange, Duke ignored his gossipy family and returned to the master bedroom where Kisha was. His earlier sour expression blossomed into a smile at the thought of seeing his wife again. He felt more attached to her, missing her even after being away for just a few minutes. This made his strides bigger and faster than usual. When he opened the door and saw Kisha struggling to get out of bed, Duke nearly jumped from where he stood. His feet seemed to have a mind of their own as he instantly made his way to her and immediately supported her. "Why are you getting up? Are you feeling better?" he asked with concern as his eyes showed a soft glow. In his haste to support Kisha, Duke left the door open behind him. Unbeknownst to him, his failure to answer his grandfather''s question only fueled their curiosity. The Patriarch followed Duke upstairs, and his mother and father, under the guise of supporting the Patriarch and ensuring he wouldn''t stumble, also followed. With little else to entertain them at the base, they were eager for some gossip. Three heads discreetly watched from the side, hoping to hear some good news. "Isn''t it obvious? We just established the HOPE Base yesterday, so there''s still a lot to manage. You need to conduct your first visit to the square where the initial training will commence, and I need to check if everything is going as planned and provide the necessary support," Kisha explained as she continued to stand up while wincing in pain. "But aren''t you feeling sore and having a hard time sitting? How can you manage walking?" Duke asked, looking worried and pained as he saw Kisha struggling. He didn''t forget to reproach himself for causing her discomfort. When Kisha saw Duke''s gloomy expression and the hint of self-reproach in his eyes, she couldn''t help but ruffle his hair playfully to dispel his sadness. "Are you underestimating me? This little discomfort is nothing. I''ve suffered worse pain before and still fought tooth and nail. What''s a mere soreness?" Kisha said playfully, though her words sounded a bit awkward. Seeing that her playful approach wasn''t working, Kisha changed tactics. She leaned in close to Duke''s ear and whispered mischievously, "Hubby, I heard that the first time is the most painful, but after the second and third time, it will be a walk in the park for me." Her voice sounded suggestively alluring with a hint of playfulness. Duke''s expression changed instantly, his eyes darkening with a hint of hunger as he stared at her like a predator locking eyes on its prey. "Then, will you be able to handle more tonight?" he asked seriously. Kisha''s heart flipped in her chest, and she felt like she had just shot herself in the foot. She had intended to cheer Duke up, but instead, she had fallen into his trap yet again. She felt like she never learned her lesson when it came to Duke. Kisha rolled her eyes at Duke and pushed him aside as she awkwardly walked to the bathroom. Seeing her like that made Duke chuckle and admire his own work with a smirk on his lips. Kisha could feel his intense gaze on her back, but she was too embarrassed to look back, knowing he was probably wearing a smug smirk, proud of having made her walk like this. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He was probably rejoicing over making Kisha fall for another of his traps, getting her to agree willingly without him needing to ask explicitly. ''008 was right,'' Kisha thought, ''No matter what happens, he''s still the Duke I know, and even cheekier.'' She scoffed as she washed herself up, trying to breathe in and out, getting used to the pain so it wouldn''t hinder her work for the day. Duke, on the other hand, did feel sorry for his wife''s soreness. But as a man, he was also proud of himself for doing a good job as a first-timer. And although it wasn''t intentional, he had found another chance to be intimate with his wife. Who was he to turn down such an amazing offer? Duke could barely contain his smile as he followed his wife to the bathroom to wash up a little. However, he found the door locked. He tried turning the doorknob a few more times but couldn''t get in. He grimaced, realizing that his wife was punishing him and being cautious of him doing something indecent during the day. This made him feel like both laughing and crying at the same time. He found Kisha cute for acting like this, but at the same time, he felt wronged again. Wasn''t it normal for him to be intimate with his wife like any other husband? He stared at the door resentfully, contemplating whether he should dismantle it later so Kisha could no longer lock him out. That way, he would also have a complete view when Kisha was taking a shower. As Duke entertained the idea, he found it increasingly appealing and began planning to actually do it. Meanwhile, Kisha, on the other side of the bathroom, felt a chill run down her spine, goosebumps rising on her skin. Narrowing her eyes sternly, she made her way to the door and stared at Duke. He was deep in thought, his right elbow resting on his left arm, his right hand on his chin. She knew immediately he was up to no good. "Don''t you dare try doing it!" Kisha warned Duke. She didn''t know what he was scheming, but she knew she would be the one to suffer. Chapter 261 - 261 Commander Of A Thousand Duke smiled awkwardly at Kisha, feigning innocence. "I was just waiting for you here, wifey. I thought you might need some help," he said, flashing his most charming smile and showing off his pearly whites. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha immediately knew Duke was up to something. He always acted like this when he felt guilty or mischievous, usually planning something that would put her in a tough situation or prank her. Unlike before, when she was left with no way to retaliate because he was always a step ahead and well-prepared for her reactions, she now believed she held some sway over him. "Well, a good husband knows how to listen to his wife, unless..." Kisha trailed off, walking back into the bathroom with a wide grin. "Wifey, unless what?" Duke''s panicky voice came from behind the closed door as he banged lightly on it. He seemed eager to know what Kisha was trying to say but didn''t want to appear too overbearing. He still didn''t know what she meant and didn''t want to risk making his wife angry. Kisha found immense satisfaction in teasing Duke this way, knowing he couldn''t retaliate as he did in her previous life. ''No wonder Duke liked making fun of me before,'' she thought to herself, humming inside the shower room and pretending not to hear Duke''s aggrieved voice on the other side of the bathroom. Ding... [New Mission] [A Class Mission "Commander of a Thousand"] [Mission Description: As the hope of humanity, you are tasked with building a safe haven for survivors. However, a place is not truly safe without its protectors. Only the strongest, those born to lead, can create a refuge that ensures the safety of thousands. This shelter needs warriors who can brave any danger and lay down their lives to protect the weak. Mission Requirement: Recruit 500 brave warriors and train them as fiercely as a lion trains its cubs. Ensure they are fully prepared within 15 days. Mission Completion: Stamina Booster Recipe and Title: "Commander of a Thousand" Mission Failure: Automatically failing the A-Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting," the C-Class Mission "The Philanthropist," and the S-Class Mission "Taking Nest for 30 Days."] When Kisha suddenly received the notification, she was thrilled to see the mission completion reward. Although she wasn''t receiving any points, she was excited to get a recipe that would have been very expensive to buy with points. The recipe was also incredibly useful; if she could mass-produce it with the right ingredients, she wouldn''t need to worry about supplying it to the soldiers at the supply center, ensuring they had what they needed while out on patrol or during supply runs. But the moment she saw the ''Mission Failure'' part, she instantly scowled in anger. She felt like the system was undermining her survival, making everything more skewed and difficult. At the same time, she was curious about what awaited her next month. With all her hard missions seeming to relate to preparations, she wondered if a war or some other major event was on the horizon that would require immense power for survival. The mere thought set all her alarm bells ringing simultaneously. It wasn''t that she was scaring herself with her assumptions, but despite her system''s lack of reliability and its tendency to send her into dangerous situations, she''d never encountered a mission quite like this. While she had received important chain missions before, this was the first time a single set contained more than two chain missions, nearly all of which were A-Class. She felt an intense pressure to complete all of these missions, no matter what. Missing even one seemed like it could spell doom for her and her people, making the situation incredibly nerve-wracking. She quickly finished up and dashed out of the bathroom. Duke, still waiting outside, appeared deep in thought with a serious expression. If Kisha knew that Duke was actually thinking about something naughty, she would definitely give him a lesson to pull his head out of the gutter. "Hurry up and wash up; we have important things to do ASAP," Kisha said with a serious tone and a grim expression. Duke instantly recognized that she meant business. Straightening himself like a disciplined soldier, he headed to the bathroom to wash up. It didn''t take long before he emerged, looking sleek and clean, which made him appear even more handsome and masculine. Kisha''s mind slipped into the gutter as she admired him. Noticing Kisha''s dreamy expression, Duke couldn''t help but smirk devilishly. He maintained a cold, indifferent aura, thinking she would appreciate this more than seeing him looking foolishly smiling. Indeed, seeing Duke exude such a masculine and strong presence, like a battle-hardened soldier, made Kisha''s core tingle with delight as her mind wandered into less holy territory. Duke, fully aware that he had successfully seduced his wife, pretended not to notice and began to walk out of the room. When he reached the bedroom door, he glanced back at Kisha. "Wifey, aren''t you coming?" His voice was deep and authoritative, though his expression remained cold and indifferent. Inside, he took note of what captured Kisha''s attention and was already plotting his next move. When Kisha heard Duke''s reminder, she snapped back to reality, feeling a twinge of embarrassment for letting her mind wander over his body and handsome face. She cleared her throat and refocused on the mission, quickly dismissing the fleeting distraction. Duke was slightly disappointed but understood the importance of their tasks, so he chose not to push his luck further. As Kisha and Duke came downstairs, they found Aston waiting to meet Duke for the training. Aston was there to escort him to the square, where most of the off-duty soldiers and new recruits were assembled. The couple''s matching black military overalls and boots immediately caught their attention. "City Lord and Vice City Lord, it''s a pleasure to meet you this early in the morning!" Aston greeted, his voice filled with respect. The soldiers accompanying him stood at attention and saluted Duke and Kisha in unison. Both Duke and Kisha were accustomed to such formalities, so they greeted Aston and the soldiers with little fanfare. Meanwhile, in the living room, the Patriarch and Duke''s parents sat with stacks of papers, clearly preparing for their own tasks. They exchanged knowing glances before Mr. Winters spoke up, adjusting his gaze to Duke and Kisha. "Are you both heading out to meet the soldiers for their first training session?" Mr. Winters asked. "Yes, Dad. My wife will be accompanying me for the inspection," Duke replied with a casual tone. Mrs. Winters gave her son a stern look before turning to Kisha with a warm smile. "Make sure my daughter-in-law doesn''t stay out in the sun too long and isn''t overworked. She still needs proper rest and nourishment. I''ll stop by around lunch to bring you both some chicken soup and lunch." Her eyes sparkled with affection as she glanced at Kisha. Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that Mrs. Winters was watching her with a knowing look, though she couldn''t quite pinpoint why. To Mrs. Winters, however, Kisha''s avoidance seemed like the bashful behavior of a newlywed wife after her first night with her husband. It struck Mrs. Winters as incredibly endearing. Seeing the usually formidable and fierce Kisha now acting so shy and cute was like a delightful surprise, making Mrs. Winters feel a warm, tickling sensation of amusement. Chapter 262 - 262 Recruits Even the Patriarch couldn''t resist offering his advice as an elder. "You rascal," he said with a stern yet caring tone, "make sure you don''t let your wife overexert herself. It''s your duty to protect her and the baby!" Kisha felt as though she''d been struck by lightning upon hearing the Patriarch''s unexpected comment. Her head buzzed as she blinked in disbelief. Mrs. Winters quickly cleared her throat, stepping in to offer Kisha and her son an exit from the awkward situation, clearly taken aback by her father-in-law''s public declaration. Kisha looked at Duke incredulously, wondering if he had somehow spread the news as soon as he came downstairs that morning. But she quickly dismissed the thought¡ªDuke wasn''t the type to do that. Or at least, she used to think so. She started to question her understanding of him, feeling as if she were meeting a new side of Duke every time they interacted. "I understand, Grandpa," Kisha heard Duke say before he gently pulled her out of the villa. Aston and the others followed suit, still somewhat dazed by the unexpected revelation. They felt a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness, realizing they had overheard something very private. "I didn''t say anything to them," Duke said suddenly as they walked toward the military car parked in front of their villa. He was eager to clarify to Kisha that he hadn''t shared any details about their private matters, hoping she wouldn''t misinterpret his actions as bragging or anything of the sort. Duke felt Kisha''s hand tense beneath his grip, so he tightened it gently as he helped her into her seat, his gaze filled with sincerity. He also wanted to remind her to take some pills to prevent pregnancy, knowing she would have a challenging time balancing her work at the base with any potential pregnancy. He understood that this month would be particularly busy for them, and he didn''t want her to face additional difficulties. However, Duke remembered seeing a box of pills in the sink earlier while he was washing up, so he decided to hold his tongue. Although he knew it was necessary, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. They weren''t yet prepared to welcome a child, a child with the first woman he had truly fallen for. However, Duke consoled himself with the thought that they would have plenty of opportunities in the future. His focus now was on creating a safe and sustainable base for their future children, so they wouldn''t have to worry about their future. With this renewed purpose, he felt more energized and committed to strengthening the base and supporting his wife in every way he could. When they arrived at the square, over fifty men, both seasoned soldiers and young recruits, stood in neat rows, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Duke, Kisha, and the new Minister of Defense. Kisha glanced at the mission tab again, focusing on the requirement [Recruit 102/500 brave warriors]. Just seeing the number of soldiers and new recruits already gave her a headache. With the limited time they had, the task seemed overwhelming. However, rushing into things would only lead to more mistakes in her frantic state. So, Kisha took a moment to calm herself. Once composed, she proceeded with the speech, offering encouraging words to both the soldiers and the new recruits. As the City Lord, it was crucial for her to deliver an impromptu address to inspire and motivate everyone. She cleared her throat and took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over the crowd gathered below the makeshift stage. The faces before her displayed a range of emotions¡ªcuriosity, questioning, disbelief¡ªand many looked up at her with admiration. "First, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you brave warriors for stepping up to defend what matters most, even in the face of danger. While I can''t promise you anything, I assure you that we will give our all to train you in the art of combat. I, the City Lord, and the Vice City Lord, will stand shoulder to shoulder with you, fighting alongside you and leading with all the strength and resolve we have. Together, we will strive to keep the base and its people safe." As Kisha concluded her speech and stepped back, she glanced up at Duke. His proud smile warmed her heart. A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd below the stage, filled with excitement and trust. However, the mood shifted slightly when Duke took his turn to address the audience, his speech adding a more somber tone to the atmosphere. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I won''t say much," Duke began, his voice firm and resolute. "Just know that you should prepare yourselves because I won''t make things easy for you." He turned on his heels and stood beside Kisha, his hand resting possessively on her waist. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the crowd, silently asserting his dominance and warning the men not to overstep their bounds with his wife. Kisha shook her head in defeat, while some people chuckled quietly and others looked visibly nervous. With the introductions concluded Duke quickly took charge. He assigned Sparrow, Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Tristan to form teams, each responsible for training and supervising a group of recruits and soldiers. They were tasked with ensuring discipline, correcting mistakes, and preventing any slackers from slipping through the cracks. As Duke began his first training session, Kisha left the area with Aston in tow and found a quiet spot at the side of the square to set up. "Aston, could you help me prepare a poster?" Kisha asked once she had settled into her chosen spot. "And also, I need a chair and a desk." Aston looked at her with curiosity. "May I ask what the poster is for?" he inquired, puzzled by the request. "I see that we have about 50 participants here, with the other half likely on duty or patrol," Kisha began, assessing the situation. "This brings us to around a hundred warriors, but considering our future operations and the extensive training they''ll need, this number might not be sufficient. It''s crucial that we start recruiting more people now, rather than waiting until we''re in urgent need. We won''t have enough time to prepare them if we wait until the last minute." Kisha explained patiently. "But we did recruit some people yesterday," Aston pointed out. "And I believe we''ll see even more individuals coming to register today and in the coming days." "I understand that," Kisha said. "But our recruitment rate is still too slow. We need to revise our strategy and offer better incentives to attract more applicants. We''ll be opening up less dangerous positions soon, and naturally, people will prefer those over high-risk roles. We need to adjust our approach to make the more dangerous positions more appealing." Aston understood Kisha''s point but offered a different perspective. "We have already provided generous work points as an incentive for those who register as warriors. We saw 20 new recruits yesterday, which is a decent start. However, many people are still shaken by the recent breach during the zombie raid and are understandably hesitant to take on such risky roles. The application rate may improve as the situation stabilizes and people become more willing to consider these positions." Chapter 263 - 263 Propaganda "But with better compensation and benefits, who wouldn''t be enticed by the offer?" Kisha countered. She noticed Aston pondering her point. It wasn''t that he was skeptical; he was considering the perspective of the civilians in the base. Most were terrified and still reeling from their near-death experience while fleeing the zombies to reach safety. Undoubtedly, they were still haunted by nightmares every night. So, the thought of willingly returning to such a hellish experience was daunting and required immense courage. Currently, only those with no other skills to offer for the available jobs would consider applying to be a warrior. They did so because they wanted to sacrifice themselves for their families, who were either sick or suffering from other issues. "This means that those who would consider this job role will be either the truly desperate or those who genuinely want to make a difference. And among the thousands currently in the base, such people are few and far between." Kisha understood Aston''s perspective and acknowledged that attracting candidates would remain challenging, even with increased compensation and benefits. However, she recognized the value of Duke''s training program. Despite its notoriously grueling nature, she believed that the rigorous training would yield remarkable results that would become increasingly evident over time. However, she didn''t have the luxury of waiting for the results to manifest before new recruits began arriving in droves. "Additionally, can we sustain the compensation we offer to the warriors? Not only would the source of our supplies come under scrutiny, but maintaining the facade for too long would inevitably raise suspicions," Aston added. Kisha inhaled sharply, recognizing the validity of his point. Although she was now a City Lord with the backing of her system and could technically support such supplies, she couldn''t afford to reveal this to everyone. Only a select few loyal enough to her would be privy to this secret, while others¡ªdespite her best efforts¡ªcould still turn against her. Kisha fell into deep contemplation, her eyes suddenly lighting up with a spark of realization. "But supplies aren''t our only asset, are they?" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston raised an eyebrow, his expression puzzled. "What do you mean, City Lord? I''m not quite following." "Don''t we already have the Scarlet Honey with its numerous benefits? And if we start releasing information about the awakening, framing it as something that happened to most of us recently, wouldn''t that only increase their desire to join and be a warrior? We could make the Scarlet Honey available exclusively for the warriors and set a high price at the supply center. This could serve as an attractive benefit, helping them get stronger and less fearful of fighting. Additionally, we could offer more meat, vegetables, and other perks that would only be available to the warriors." "It can''t be limited to just food supplies; medicine is also highly valuable and limited, as well as water. With all these assets we have, even if we don''t make them exclusively available to the warriors, we could still offer significant benefits. For instance, we could provide substantial discounts at the supply center, similar to how real soldiers receive discounts when making purchases. Even if we can''t promise high compensation, these benefits¡ªespecially in terms of healthcare and other perks¡ªwould be enough to make them reconsider. By using the government system to offer these incentives, we can attract more civilians to join and serve as warriors, despite the modest compensation." Kisha then happily explained to Aston. Aston understood Kisha''s explanation well, given his own experience as a soldier who benefited from similar perks while serving the country. Despite this, he had overlooked such effective tactics for enticing more civilians to join due to his concerns about the supply issues and the potential fallout from revealing Kisha''s secret to the public, which could lead to significant problems. "Then how are we going to implement this?" Aston asked. "Could you show me the recruitment poster from yesterday? We might need to make some adjustments based on it," Kisha replied. Aston took a deep breath and signaled one of his men to retrieve the recruitment poster from the bulletin board. The soldier quickly sprinted to the Central Hall. Upon arrival, he was taken aback by the large crowd gathered around the bulletin board, all eager to find job opportunities. The soldier maneuvered through the throng with difficulty, determined to fetch the poster. When the soldier finally managed to grab the poster, a man suddenly seized his hand, halting him from removing it. "Sir, why are you taking down the poster? Is this job no longer available?" asked a middle-aged man, whose bulky body was evident despite the slight shrinkage of his muscles due to inadequate nourishment. The soldier was momentarily startled by the middle-aged man who desperately clung to his hand. Realizing the man was eager to join, he decided to explain. "Sir, the job is still available, and in fact, we''re encouraging as many people as possible to become warriors and help protect the base. The City Lord is even considering increasing the compensation mentioned in the recruitment poster as a token of respect for those brave enough to step forward and fight alongside her." "Will the City Lord actually fight alongside us against the zombies, or will she just stay inside the base and give orders?" the man asked, clearly bewildered. His question drew the attention of others in the crowd who were also seeking jobs but lacked the qualifications for safer positions listed on the bulletin board. As they overheard the conversation, their curiosity grew, and they began to listen intently. The soldier chuckled, his tone filled with pride. "It seems you''re not aware of the City Lord''s capabilities. She may look beautiful, but she''s known by many names¡ª''Grim Reaper,'' ''Death''s Rose,'' and more. She''s the same woman who led over 20 people safely back to the base from outside. That''s the City Lord and her team you''re talking about. She''s the one who took charge and led them to safety." "No way!!! Wasn''t that woman ugly and intimidating with a big scar on her face?! You must be joking. How could she be the City Lord, who looks like a goddess?!!!" interjected another man, unable to resist interrupting because of what he had heard. "It''s natural you''d think that way; we were surprised too. The truth is actually quite simple. The City Lord and her companions were in disguise at that time to avoid drawing the Coltons'' attention. After all, the Coltons have a notorious reputation for kidnapping beautiful people. So, if the City Lord had been recognized, she and her team might have become targets themselves," explained the soldier, his animated expression captivating the crowd and making them ponder the reality of the situation. "And thanks to those disguises, they were able to work freely and clear out the scum from the shelter. Now, with the reestablishment of our base as HOPE Base, we''re on a path to a brighter future because of the City Lord and her team leading us there," the soldier continued, weaving in propaganda to inspire bravery and evoke emotions. "Join us, and you''ll be part of this transformation, contributing to a future where we all thrive together." Chapter 264 - 264 Need To Recruit More "Is it really true that the City Lord and her ''guard dog'' are strong enough to take down hundreds of zombies?" asked an older man, his eyes lighting up with a flicker of hope as he imagined Kisha battling at the gate, just as the rumors had described. "Guard dog?" The soldier murmured, recalling Zeus. He knew for certain that Zeus was so formidable that even the soldiers combined couldn''t bring him down. "Yes, her ''guard dog''¡ªthe man who always stands beside her, looking so fierce and intimidating. They say that with just a swing of his spear, he can take down dozens of zombies. Is that true?" The soldier was momentarily taken aback by the description of the City Lord''s husband as a "guard dog," but he couldn''t help but find it fitting. Duke was always by Kisha''s side, not just guarding her from danger but also keeping other men at bay. The soldier chuckled to himself, recalling the dynamic between Kisha and Duke. "You can''t just say that¡ªhe''s our Vice City Lord and the City Lord''s husband!" the soldier interjected. While the description of Duke as a "guard dog" was somewhat accurate, he felt it was important to set the record straight out of respect. Besides, Duke''s impressive strength and formidable battle style were enough to make anyone shiver at the thought. "Wait, husband? But I saw the City Lord with a strikingly handsome man standing beside her yesterday. They looked great together, and I thought he was her husband," one of the men interjected, his eyes widening with realization. "Was he also in disguise?" The soldier nodded in agreement. Before he could continue sharing more about their City Lord''s achievements, the middle-aged man from earlier spoke up again. "Sir, is it true that the City Lord will fight alongside us in battles and that the compensation will be increased?" His voice trembled slightly, and hope flickered in his eyes. His expression was a mix of determination and vulnerability, with his eyes reddening as he awaited a response. "I can''t guarantee that the City Lord will be present for every battle," the soldier explained, "but one thing is certain: she will be there when we need her most. As a City Lord, she has many responsibilities and tasks to handle. However, I can tell you that she and the Minister of Defense are currently discussing adjustments to the compensation. They''re planning to announce the changes at the training grounds where the warriors are being led by the Vice City Lord. It would be beneficial for you to witness this for yourself." Although the soldier knew he shouldn''t disclose sensitive information about important discussions or the whereabouts of the City Lord to avoid potential schemes from those with malicious intent, he saw this as an opportunity to show the people that Kisha was trustworthy and considerate. By sharing this information, he hoped to demonstrate that Kisha was fair and genuinely concerned for the well-being of her people while making decisions. With this, he hoped that Kisha''s actions would win the people''s hearts and help recruit more individuals into the base''s defense, just as the City Lord intended. True to his expectations, after extending the offer, many who hadn''t found suitable jobs from the bulletin board listings followed the soldier to the square, which served as a temporary training ground for the warriors. Since the square was not far from the Central Hall, they arrived just in time to see Duke making his rounds among the soldiers. The soldiers were performing horse stances, shouting at intervals as sweat trickled down their foreheads and drenched their bodies. Despite the hardship and pain, the determination on the warriors'' faces was evident. Not far from them, Kisha sat under a tree, engaged in a serious discussion with Aston, the new Minister of Defense. Soon, the soldier made his way to where Kisha and Aston were conversing. The trainees couldn''t help but watch the entourage with curiosity as they approached Kisha. Duke, noticing the commotion, remained in his position, confident that Kisha could handle the situation herself. A smug smirk played on his lips as he watched her. "City Lord, Minister of Defense, I apologize for the delay. I''ve brought some civilians interested in recruitment, but they want to see the compensation details before making their decision," the soldier explained, handing the recruitment poster to Kisha. She sat at a table, her expression serious and indifferent. Nodding at the soldier, she took the poster and began to read it carefully. No one noticed Kisha''s cold and indifferent demeanor as all eyes were on the poster, eager to learn about the updated compensation. The crowd was a mix of anxious and hopeful¡ªsome worried that the compensation might be reduced, while others hoped for an increase, hoping it would be enough to afford at least two meals a day and prevent their families from going hungry. [Join the Brave Soldiers Defending HOPE BASE! [Requirements: Strong and capable individuals.Preferably those with combat skills or physical strength.Must be willing to undergo rigorous training and remain steadfast in the face of danger. Compensation: 1 kilogram each of rice, vegetables, and assorted meats weekly. 200 work points per week.] ... After reviewing the poster, Kisha found it well-balanced but felt it might not be enough to attract a larger number of recruits. She picked up her pen, her gaze fixed on the blank space of the poster paper on the table. With focused determination, she began to draft her own version, adjusting the compensation details to make the offer more enticing while keeping the other aspects of the recruitment unchanged. [Join the Brave Soldiers Defending HOPE BASE! [Requirements: Strong and capable individuals.Preferably those with combat skills or physical strength. Must be willing to undergo rigorous training and remain steadfast in the face of danger. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Compensation: 5 kilograms each of rice, vegetables, and assorted meats per week. 400 work points per week. 20% discount at the Supply Center (exclusive to warriors). Free medical check-ups and essential medicine for warriors and their immediate family members. One bottle of Scarlet Honey every two weeks. Additional perks may be introduced as the base and resources expand.] Kisha carefully calculated the compensation to ensure that both the warriors and their families could afford two meals a day without appearing overly generous, which might make her look foolish or lead to questions about her supply management. The work points provided could be used to purchase additional supplies if the allocated amount wasn''t sufficient, given that items at the Supply Center were reasonably priced for residents. However, for those from outside the base, purchasing with crystal cores would be more expensive. Given that the warriors wouldn''t need to purchase many essentials and benefit from a 20% discount at the Supply Center, this compensation package would be significantly better than other jobs offering only work points. These perks would enhance their overall benefits substantially. This compensation is for regular warriors; those who perform exceptionally and get promoted will receive even better compensation and benefits. This structure will inspire warriors to strive for excellence and aim higher, ensuring a better and more comfortable life for their families. With this in mind, Kisha carefully scanned the recruitment poster she had just created and handed it to Aston, waiting for him to review her additions. She included a note at the end that perks and benefits may change, as she planned to add the Stamina Booster to the list if she successfully obtained the recipe. Chapter 265 - 265 One Problem After Another There might also be additional recipes available from future rewards that could be added to the perks, reducing the need for warriors to use their work points to purchase these items at the Supply Center. After Kisha finished making the updates, she noticed the eager expressions on the civilians'' faces as they eagerly awaited the posting of the new recruitment poster, hoping to get a closer look and see if they could join and see if the rewards were better. Duke, noticing the commotion and realizing that Kisha had completed the changes, decided to give the warriors a break. He walked over to see what she was up to. While no one openly discussed how attached Duke was to his wife, the warriors quickly moved aside, fearing that obstructing his path might result in extra push-ups or an extended horse stance. Duke made his way swiftly to Kisha''s side without any obstruction. Before Kisha could notice, Duke had already wrapped his strong arms around her petite waist and leaned over to read the poster she was passing to Aston. He rested his chin on her shoulder, seemingly oblivious to the crowd''s curious stares. Kisha, however, felt a flush of embarrassment as she realized the public display of affection was drawing wide-eyed attention from onlookers. Kisha elbowed Duke''s muscular stomach, but he didn''t budge, as if he were deliberately teasing her. After enjoying the sight of her blushing with embarrassment, he finally took a step back, letting her regain her composure. Seeing Kisha bashful and cute brightened Duke''s day. He believed that while she maintained a deadpan expression in front of others, she only showed emotional fluctuations when it came to him and her family. "Wifey, I think you might have forgotten to include water in the compensation," Duke remarked after glancing at the poster. "Water''s just as essential as the other items." "Really? I must have overlooked it," Kisha replied thoughtfully. "And now that you mention it, I realize there''s something else I forgot to include." She took the poster back from Aston and began revising it. Meanwhile, Duke stood behind her, lightly massaging her shoulders to ensure she could work comfortably. His affectionate gesture not only highlighted their close bond but also brought a touch of lightheartedness to the onlookers, who were amused to see the usually stern Vice City Lord displaying his more playful and eccentric side. Now, the compensation page has had a new addition. [Compensation: 5 kilograms each of rice, vegetables, and assorted meats per week. 400 work points per week. 20% discount at the Supply Center (exclusive to warriors). Free medical check-ups and essential medicine for warriors and their immediate family members. One bottle of Scarlet Honey every two weeks. Exclusive use of the water, relocation to a better housing facility including the immediate family. Additional perks may be introduced as the base and resources expand.] ... To maintain dedication and ensure that their work remains effective, it''s essential to set clear goals for everyone. If the survivors in the base were to receive nearly everything they need without any effort, they might become overly dependent on Kisha and her people, taking their support for granted. This could lead to a sense of entitlement, where they view Kisha''s group as solely responsible for their well-being. By establishing goals and encouraging self-sufficiency, they will better appreciate the support they receive and contribute more meaningfully to the community. Even with the promise of food and shelter, there''s a risk that some might think minimal effort is sufficient. They may end up only doing the bare minimum, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of commitment. To prevent this, it''s crucial to foster a strong work ethic and ensure that everyone understands the importance of giving their best effort. Setting clear expectations and maintaining a system of accountability can help avoid such issues and encourage a more dedicated and productive workforce. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead, Kisha envisioned transforming the base into a small, self-sustaining city where everything operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. This approach would mirror the societal norms the inhabitants are familiar with, making the transition smoother while providing a sense of continuity. By creating a familiar economic environment, she aims to foster a sense of personal responsibility and motivation among the community members. This structure would encourage them to work diligently and maintain their own needs, reducing reliance on the leader''s generosity and promoting a more self-sufficient and driven society. This means that payments for housing, water, electricity, and other necessities would be required, along with taxes for those wishing to operate stalls in the marketplace. Offering free housing and water as part of the recruitment compensation for warriors is already a significant benefit. With these provisions in place, they would have no further demands, allowing them to focus on their duties and protect the base with peace of mind, knowing their families are well taken care of. With this level of compensation, they would be highly motivated to excel in their roles, striving to maintain their positions or even aim for promotions to improve their lives further. With a nod of approval, Aston and Duke were satisfied with the revised compensation package for the warriors. They knew that the civilians who saw the poster would stop comparing safe jobs to the warrior recruitment, as the offer was clearly generous in comparison. The warriors'' benefits were substantial, while other jobs merely offered work points. However, with the inclusion of water in the compensation package, Kisha and Duke now needed to secure a reliable source of clean water for the base. Living in the middle of the city without access to a natural water source like a river made it impossible to rely on such methods. Instead, they needed to locate a water treatment plant and ensure it was operational to meet their needs. Kisha understood that relying on the water treatment plant might not be a long-term solution. Given the virus had already contaminated most water sources, the plant''s water could become unusable or even poisonous. The safest options in the interim were to rely on ''Water Type'' superhumans or a clean spring, while they worked on a more permanent solution. Having found a solution for the recruitment mission, Kisha now faced another problem that was giving her a pounding headache. It was precisely these kinds of burdens that made her reluctant to take on a leadership role. With a heavy sigh, Kisha handed the revised poster to Aston, feeling the weight of her increased workload. Aston then made his way to the makeshift stage, where he gathered everyone below to announce the updated recruitment requirements and compensation details. "What''s wrong, Wifey? Shouldn''t you be happy you''ve finished one of your tasks?" Duke asked, effortlessly guiding Kisha into his lap as he took a seat. He began stroking her soft hair soothingly, like calming an upset cat. "Yes, we''ll attract more recruits for the base''s defense, but we also need to find a reliable water source. I doubt the water in the Villa''s tanks will last us a month. We need to devise a plan and recruit ''Water Type'' superhumans to ensure a drinkable supply while we search for a long-term solution to sustain the base," Kisha said, her frustration evident. She felt surprisingly free to express her concerns openly to Duke. Chapter 266 - 266 Revealing the Awakened Ability "Don''t worry too much. I''ll help you carry this heavy burden, alright?" Duke said, kissing Kisha on the forehead reassuringly. Kisha felt a surprising sense of comfort and care from him. "For now, let''s focus on sending people to gather bottled water and supplies nearby. We need to maintain the facade that supplies are continuously coming in and going out," Kisha said, her mind already formulating a plan. Kisha signaled to one of the nearby soldiers, who had been stationed at the side, dutifully providing protection to Duke and herself. Though it was largely unnecessary given their own strength, it was part of the protocol to guard the City Lord and Vice City Lord at all times. This practice was a way for the soldiers to demonstrate their respect and loyalty to the two leaders. After the soldier approached, Kisha instructed, "Have everyone in the shelter gather at the square while the warriors are on break. We have an important announcement to make." Following her orders, the soldier and his comrades left only one man behind to remain with Duke and Kisha. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The rest of the team dispersed with a megaphone to spread the word, ensuring that everyone would make their way to the square for the announcement. As they waited, Kisha and Duke remained in their positions, discussing their next steps. "Should we go out to gather more bottled water and additional supplies? With the Supply Center starting to operate, we need to demonstrate that we have ample supplies for everyone," Kisha said, glancing at the crowd gathering below the stage. "It''s up to my wife to decide, and it''s up to me to take action," Duke said teasingly, his tone suggesting he was referring to more than just gathering supplies. Kisha ignored Duke''s comment and continued, "We should take the new recruits with us so they can start familiarizing themselves with what they''ll be dealing with in the near future." She leaned back against Duke''s sturdy chest as she spoke. "I think that''s a good idea," Duke said with a grin. "We could have Sparrow handle the new recruits. Since he''s now the captain of the Advance Party leading the supply run and perimeter cleanup, it makes sense for him to supervise them." As he spoke, his hands slid around Kisha''s waist, occasionally pinching her sides in a playful manner. He seemed to be making an effort to restrain himself, his focus lingering on her soft belly. "That''s a good suggestion," Kisha agreed, "while we keep everything running smoothly inside the base and work on solving other issues." She then playfully swatted at Duke''s hands as if shooing away an annoying fly. To the onlookers, their interaction appeared as a loving, playful moment between a young couple. Given their youth and evident affection for each other, no one seemed to judge or find their behavior inappropriate. To Kisha, it felt like Duke was intentionally taking advantage of her, so she couldn''t help but pinch the back of his hands to keep him in check and curb his playful antics. Duke, however, found her reactions endearing and continued to smile broadly, enjoying their playful banter as if they were an old couple reminiscing about their fondest memories. Before long, the square began to fill up with more people. Most of their attention shifted to Kisha and Duke, who, despite discussing serious matters, engaged in a playful banter. Their expressions remained indifferent, but their antics were endearing and amusing. The onlookers found the scene entertaining, making the wait feel less tedious. As the inhabitants of the base rushed to the square for the announcement, they left their tasks behind, understanding that their City Lord wouldn''t call them together without good reason. Over the past day, they had begun to grasp Kisha''s personality and her approach, influenced by her earlier actions and the support they had received. The opportunity to earn their living expenses without the constant threat of life and death had left them with a sense of gratitude and respect. When Kisha saw that most of the people had already gathered in the square, she and Duke made their way to the makeshift stage where Aston was maintaining order. As always, Kisha displayed a calm demeanor, yet her authoritative aura was unmistakable. "First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for stepping up to find suitable jobs and help strengthen the base as we work towards a better future. I also want to apologize for the early retirement of myself and some of my family and staff yesterday due to a severe fever," she said, addressing the crowd with a tone of sincere gratitude and regret. After Kisha mentioned the fever, she noticed the expressions of those gathered below the stage shift to anxiety and fear. Many grew fidgety, their eyes wide with concern. They recalled the traumatic experiences of their own families: when someone caught a fever, instead of recovering, they turned into zombies and attacked their other loved ones. This daily fear of the virus''s unpredictable progression made everyone dread even the slightest illness, as they feared it might lead to turning or spreading the virus in unnoticeable ways. Kisha was acutely aware of their fears, so she decided to address the matter directly without any ambiguity. "I want to reassure you all that my people and I are fine. The fever we experienced was unlike a typical fever; it was significantly more intense and painful, almost as if our blood were being pumped into our brains while we endured a searing heat that could have fried our brains." She emphasized the importance of understanding this difference to prevent any misunderstandings about the awakening process so no one would mistakenly kill those who are going through the awakening. Kisha spoke with a tone that blended hope and solemnity. "While we were quarantined, our fear was that this crisis would cause even more upheaval, especially with the recent changes in leadership. Yet, as we persevered and sought solutions, a glimmer of hope emerged. It seems the heavens may have shown us some mercy, allowing us to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Despite the suffering and loss, we managed to pass the critical point and gain something truly precious." She paused, letting her words resonate. "I understand that many of you have lost loved ones who didn''t survive the turning point due to a lack of knowledge about the virus. It is a heavy burden to bear, and my heart goes out to all who have suffered. Let us honor their memory by using what we have learned to protect and support one another." Kisha''s voice was deliberate, allowing her words to sink in slowly. Her audience was left puzzled, grasping parts of her message but struggling with the full meaning. Sensing their confusion, Kisha decided to clarify further. "I and my family discovered that not only did we avoid turning into zombies, but we also gained a power to fight back against them," Kisha announced. She then glanced at Duke, knowing his abilities would make a strong impression. Duke stepped forward, ensuring he could be seen from afar. He raised his palm to chest level and conjured a ball of lightning, eliciting gasps of disbelief from the crowd. But Duke wasn''t finished. He raised his other hand and created a ball of fire. With a dramatic flourish, he pointed both hands skyward, releasing the fireball and lightning bolt simultaneously. The two collided in midair, resulting in a spectacular explosion. Chapter 267 - 267 Being the Pioneer Everyone below cried out in astonishment and disbelief. They remained in a prolonged state of shock, trying to process the information Kisha had shared while staring at the sky, where only smoke lingered from the explosion. Duke stepped back, positioning himself closer behind Kisha. She allowed a moment for everyone to react, knowing this information would be difficult to accept or understand as it was far beyond their previous experiences. Surprisingly, the younger ones were the quickest to accept it. Like Keith, they loved reading fantasy novels and manhua, which made their worldview more open and accepting of these emerging powers. In fact, they were even more eager to hear about what Kisha and her people had discovered after experiencing the fever. Sensing their excitement, Kisha continued her explanation. "As you can see, my husband has awakened the ability to control lightning and fire," she began. Calling him her husband in front of so many people made Duke''s heart skip a beat, a wide, prideful smile spreading across his lips. "But these awakened abilities don''t seem to be limited to just fire and lightning. We''ve discovered powers involving water, wind, earth, and even abilities beyond natural elements. However, we believe not everyone will be able to awaken an ability. We''re unsure if there are specific qualifications or if it''s simply a gift from the heavens or a latent potential. Regardless, I believe that even if not everyone awakens, we will still stand a chance against the zombies. This might also be connected to the zombies themselves, as they grew stronger after the first raid. Perhaps this is the heavens'' way of balancing things out." To be honest, Kisha was mixing lies with truths, essentially spouting a bunch of bullcrap. She couldn''t exactly tell them she had died and come back to life, nor that her knowledge about awakened abilities and the probability of awakening came from a scientist she met who had uncovered the origin of the zombie virus and the awakening process. Unable to reveal most of what she had learned in her past life, Kisha had to blend truths with bullcrap, hoping it would make sense to everyone. It was essential to inform them about the awakened abilities, not only to help the base gain more power to defend against zombie raids but also to earn the people''s trust. If she portrayed herself and her people in a positive light, the people''s faith would naturally shift towards them. As the first to brave the dangers to understand the virus and discover the awakened abilities, their respect and trust in Kisha and her team would skyrocket, placing them on a pedestal. This way, if Kisha made a bold and seemingly dangerous decision in the future, the people would be more likely to trust her and believe in her ability to lead them to safer options. Because in the near future, such outrageous situations would inevitably arise, forcing her to make life-and-death decisions for many. Without the absolute trust of her people, she would be fighting not only the enemy but also facing resistance from within. Although it was a distant future, she wanted to begin building the people''s trust and her image now. Few would question the logic of the awakened abilities; most would be excited about their potential. This revelation would spark hope and enthusiasm, encouraging more people to register for warrior recruitment. The sequence of her actions was crucial. While the people were still energized by the revelation of the awakened abilities, their excitement and hope were high. It was important to leverage this moment to give them an extra push, encouraging as many as possible to seize this opportunity and enlist as warriors. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "As many of you may know, my team and I have been outside the shelter for a few days, rescuing survivors. But our experiences went beyond just these rescues; we faced numerous challenges and made several discoveries. Among these discoveries is this." Kisha held up a bottle of Scarlet Honey. Its glittery appearance, with a rainbow-like luster, gave it an almost luxurious quality, resembling honey mixed with glitter. While its appearance might seem extraordinary at first glance, the people below still did not know that it was an elixir or something of significant value. "We discovered that this substance has the potential to strengthen a person''s constitution. While it doesn''t guarantee awakening, it could improve one''s overall strength and help individuals push beyond their limits, even if they don''t achieve an awakening." "Although we don''t have scientific proof yet, you can trust that my team and I are presenting our findings based on our own experiences. We hadn''t planned to reveal this discovery so soon, as we''re still uncertain about its full benefits. What I''ve shared is largely speculative, but we did notice significant differences, which might explain the superhuman abilities we''ve awakened. Due to the limited supply, we can only offer one bottle to those who join our defense force to ensure our warriors are strong and battle-ready. We will make every effort to distribute more of this substance through the Supply Center so that everyone has a chance to obtain it. However, please be aware that it will likely be very expensive." Kisha aimed to present the Scarlet Honey as a remarkable substance that her team discovered, without revealing its true origins. By obscuring the source, she not only protected it but also created the narrative that it was developed using a special recipe from unique herbs or mutant plants. Her goal was to establish this as common knowledge so that even if individuals from other shelters or bases came across the Scarlet Honey and attempted to identify its composition, they would only waste their efforts on futile research, unable to uncover its true nature. Although it appeared as if Kisha was laying all her cards on the table, revealing everything to the people, she was actually withholding the most critical information that could endanger her and her team. She only shared what she believed they would eventually uncover on their own. Humans have an inherent drive to uncover the truth, so the crystal cores and the nature of the awakened abilities would likely be discovered by someone in the future. By being the first to reveal this information, Kisha not only expedited the discovery but also secured the benefits associated with being a pioneer, enhancing her and her team''s standing in the eyes of others. The crowd erupted in cheers and excitement upon hearing Kisha''s news, showing an unexpected level of reverence. They began to view her almost as a goddess, a reaction that surpassed her expectations. As soon as she finished her explanation, nearly all the able-bodied men formed a single file, chanting in unison, "All hail the City Lord! All hail the Hope Base! We will serve the Base! Hoohaa!" Their voices reverberated through the square, and the ground trembled from the sheer excitement as the crowd stamped their feet in unison. _______________ PS: Another month has passed, and I''m genuinely grateful to see so many of you continuing to support and engage with the story. Your ongoing enthusiasm and encouragement mean a lot to me. As a token of my appreciation, please accept this redeem code: . You can redeem it for 10 Fast Passes at the Redeem Center located in your Profile section, just below your Purchase History. The code is valid for 10 users on a first-come, first-served basis. I hope this small gesture brings a smile to your face and encourages you to keep supporting me. Thank you again for being part of this journey! Chapter 268 - 268 A Good Plan Kisha was momentarily taken aback by the crowd''s reaction. They saw the string of good news as a sign of divine favor and regarded Kisha as a heavenly envoy. Since her appointment as City Lord, the base had been experiencing a series of positive developments and continuous good news, reinforcing their belief that she was blessed by the heavens. Initially, the people were preoccupied with their survival and concerned about how they would secure enough food. Then Kisha arrived and assumed the role of City Lord. As soon as she took office, she provided them with ample food, alleviating their hunger and ensuring they no longer felt the pangs of an empty stomach. The good fortune didn''t stop there. Just when they thought they might be facing their last meal, Kisha provided them with job opportunities to earn work points, allowing them to purchase the essential supplies they needed and be self sustaining. They were already grateful for the ongoing improvements, but the news of the awakened abilities¡ªso impressive as demonstrated by their Vice City Lord¡ªfelt almost surreal, even after witnessing it firsthand. The new developments only bolstered their hope, which had been waning due to the ever-present threat of zombies. Although they were making progress and experiencing improvements, the fear of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of zombies persisted. The reports of the zombies growing stronger since their initial emergence only added to their anxiety about the future. With the introduction of awakened abilities, which could help level the playing field between humans and zombies, they felt a renewed sense of optimism. This newfound hope strengthened their resolve to fight for their safety and survival, allowing them to stay alive as long as possible and create a better future for their children. Hearing that not everyone would be able to awaken initially dampened their hopes. However, their spirits were lifted once more upon learning about the special substance Kisha and her team had obtained from the outside. Even if they couldn''t awaken, the prospect of becoming significantly stronger through this substance was far better than remaining powerless and ineffective. Once they had sorted out their thoughts, the able-bodied men and even some women lined up in a single file, eager to join the defense force and become warriors. They saw this opportunity not only as a chance to become stronger but also as a means to secure substantial compensation, ensuring their daily needs were met while working towards a shared goal of a better future. Feeling more hopeful and full of expectations, the crowd''s spirits soared with excitement. Seizing the moment, Kisha signaled to Aston and his men to begin enlisting the eager recruits for the defense force. Aston and his team quickly organized into ten lines, efficiently enlisting people so they could join the training session after the first break. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha glanced at the growing count of recruits, watching the numbers climb from [Recruit 102/500 brave warriors] to [Recruit 207/500 brave warriors] and still rising. Her eyes sparkled with delight as the line of eager volunteers showed no signs of dwindling. Realizing the recruitment might exceed their initial target, she knew she needed to set a maximum limit. With only her, Marcus and a few others tending to the farm and animals, she wasn''t sure they could sustain and provide for an unexpectedly large number of warriors. If the number of recruits surpassed their supplies, they wouldn''t be able to meet the demand for long. Kisha began to calculate in her head as she observed the line. There were currently about 5,000 survivors in their base, a significant increase from her previous life when Duke had taken over. Back then, there were just over 2,000 survivors and very few combatants. They had managed to prevent the Coltons from killing the Winters and discovered the awakened abilities early, which might have otherwise led to a devastating killing spree and a decline in the number of survivors. Because she had changed the course of the future, the base now had a much larger population to support. The current supplies wouldn''t be sufficient to sustain everyone for long, even with the billions of provisions Duke had acquired just before the apocalypse. She planned to save those supplies for emergencies. According to the system''s headcount, there were 5,000 survivors in the base, and her mission only required 10% of them to become warriors to protect the base. Kisha was unsure what would happen if she exceeded the system''s requested number, as there had never been an indicator before to know if she had surpassed her mission''s goals before. Intrigued by the possibility, Kisha decided to set a recruitment limit of 1,000 warriors. She instructed Aston to close the recruitment once this number was reached, with plans to reopen it only when necessary or if someone quit. With the recruitment process underway, Kisha knew she just needed to wait for the numbers to reach the set limit and for Duke to train the new recruits over the next 15 days. However, she remembered another crucial part of the mission: ''Train them as fiercely as a lion trains its cubs. Ensure they are fully prepared within 15 days.'' If her understanding was correct, they not only needed to train the new recruits but also ensure they could hold their own against zombies outside the base within 15 days. The thought worried Kisha, as these recruits were not experienced soldiers but civilians who had lived ordinary lives before the apocalypse, just as she had. Even if their survival instincts had improved, it wouldn''t be enough to ensure their survival outside. Kisha turned to Duke. "Do you have a way to make them able to fight and hold their ground against zombies in 10 days?" Although it sounded outrageous, she had no choice but to ask. Duke was experienced in training people and more knowledgeable about this than she was, so her first instinct was to seek his advice. Duke fell into deep contemplation before responding. "How much fighting do you expect them to handle? If they work in groups and face a fixed number of zombies to get accustomed to combat and learn group formation, it could be achievable. However, if you want them to reach the level of fighters like Sparrow and the others, it would be impossible, even with exceptional training. They still need to build physical strength, balance, and, most importantly, courage." Duke elaborated on the requirements for preparing the recruits in such a short timeframe. Hearing about the group formation approach, Kisha''s eyes lit up with realization. "That''s it! We''ll start with group formations to help them get accustomed to fighting zombies and working together. Once they''re comfortable with that, we can transition them to pairs and eventually to solo combat. We can keep those who aren''t as skilled in fighting within groups for mutual protection and support. Pairing them up for missions will help them get used to teamwork and prevent communication issues or impulsiveness, as each pair will have someone level-headed. Only those who demonstrate exceptional skill, like Sparrow, will be trained for solo missions if such talent emerges." Kisha excitedly outlined her plan, thrilled to have found a viable strategy. Chapter 269 - 269 Start Of a Hellish Training "Then, is it possible for you to teach them the basics¡ªhow to kill zombies, the best approaches, and so on¡ªin the next three days before we send the recruits outside for their first experience? We can have Sparrow oversee them to ensure nothing goes wrong. Can you do that?" Kisha asked with great anticipation, her pleading eyes making it hard for Duke to dampen her expectations. So, even though he knew it would be grueling and tough for the new recruits, Duke nodded without hesitation. Making Kisha happy and helping her achieve her goal was all that mattered to him. Seeing Duke''s nod, Kisha let out a relieved sigh before happily hugging his arm. Duke reveled in the closeness, enjoying the moment with his wife, while Duke was happy in his wife''s soft arm, the people who would soon fall into hell felt their skin crawl as they felt a dark premonition coming their way. The couple watched as the line of people kept moving forward. Aston had added more stations for registration because ten lines weren''t enough to enlist 1,000 able bodies in a single afternoon. He also needed to hire people who knew how to sew and make uniforms, as it wouldn''t work to have the new recruits without uniforms. Identifying warriors from civilians was crucial. He also needed someone to make badges for the recruits, which would serve as their identification and proof of service in the defense force. With so many things to arrange, he couldn''t help Duke and the others train the new recruits. Aston was actually thankful that their Vice City Lord took on the training, freeing him to focus on arranging wall defenses, patrol rotations, and supply allocations for his soldiers. It took Aston and his team two hours to enlist 1,000 people, requiring a large number of staff to expedite the process. They knew they couldn''t afford to waste time, as Duke and the ongoing training were just on break, and it was crucial not to take too much time away from the necessary training. After enlisting 1,000 recruits, they closed the registration, but many people remained in line, eager to enlist after hearing about the compensation, particularly the bottle of Scarlet Honey, which they believed was the special substance Kisha had mentioned. Many were disappointed when the recruitment closed and couldn''t accept more people. Reluctant to let go of the opportunity, they hesitated to leave, so Kisha had to step in to mitigate the situation. "Everyone, we thank you for your interest in taking this dangerous job to protect everyone from harm. As of right now, we have already reached the ceiling for the recruitment of 1000 warriors, as of now, this is the maximum number of warriors we can take but when our base expands, we will certainly need more warriors. I hope that when the time comes, many of you will still be interested in joining us." Kisha said with a calm smile, taking in the disappointed faces around her. They must be those still searching for employment and eager to earn a living. After a brief pause, Kisha continued, "While we''ve reached our current limit for warriors, we expect to open additional positions soon. Our base has just been reestablished, and there are many tasks ahead. Please keep an eye on the bulletin board for updates on new job openings." After finishing her speech, Kisha made her way to Aston, who was conversing with his team. He briefly introduced the new recruits, ensuring they could be integrated smoothly with those who had arrived the previous day and the veteran soldiers already in training. Meanwhile, Duke began reorganizing the groups, selecting additional leaders from the veteran soldiers he deemed promising. Clyde was also brought in to lead a new group, and more recruits were assigned to various training teams. Before starting the training, Duke surveyed the crowd of a thousand recruits below the stage. The entire square was packed to capacity, and those who hadn''t made it into the enlistment were left to watch from the sidelines. Despite the efforts to clear space, the area was still too cramped for the recruits to perform wide maneuvers effectively during their training. But Duke''s main concern was not the overcrowded space. He focused on informing the recruits about the expectations for their upcoming training and the challenges they would face in the forthcoming drills. "Alright, listen up, everyone! As you all know, we''re in the heart of the city, surrounded on all sides by a massive horde of zombies. This means we can''t afford to be soft in our training or our actions. The upcoming drills will be grueling and hellish, and you''ll need to endure every challenge we throw at you. But¡ª" Duke paused, his commanding presence overwhelming the crowd, intimidating those with weak resolve and those merely drawn by the promise of compensation. "But let me assure you, the rewards for enduring this training will be significant, preparing you to fight effectively out there and keep you safe from danger. For those of you who are only here for the compensation and are half-hearted about this, I suggest you leave now. I''m confident there are plenty of others eager to take your place." Duke finished his speech, having addressed everything he needed to convey. He had no need for half-hearted warriors, especially not those who were cowardly. Cowards are the most dangerous to be around because their fear can jeopardize everyone. Duke preferred a smaller number of committed and determined warriors over a large group lacking in quality and resolve. Kisha''s decision to recruit twice the number of warriors needed for the mission wasn''t driven by concerns over supply or compensation. Instead, it was a strategic move. She anticipated that some recruits wouldn''t be able to endure the rigorous and demanding training Duke would put them through, and would drop out halfway. By over-recruiting, she ensured that even with a number of dropouts, she would still have the necessary 500 warriors for the mission. At the same time, Kisha knew that Duke, with his high standards, would not tolerate recruits with half-hearted resolve. He would promptly dismiss those who didn''t meet his expectations. This would either necessitate bringing in additional recruits to fill the gaps or allow him to focus on training those with strong potential. Individuals like Fred and Rose, who had valuable combat experience with both people and zombies, had already become team leaders, guiding groups of recruits through the rigorous training process. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With this arrangement in place, Kisha had one less thing to worry about and could now focus on the upcoming mission. Observing Duke as he busied himself with warming up the recruits brought her some relief. Once Aston had finished delegating tasks to his close aides, she turned to him to discuss the next steps. "Aston, with so many recruits now, I think we should approach Mrs. Winters for assistance in finding some skilled seamstresses. What do you think?" Kisha said, casting a knowing glance at Aston. "I had a feeling you''d come to the same conclusion. Yes, we definitely need to hire some skilled seamstresses to create uniforms for the recruits. Additionally, we''ll need to find people who can make badges for proper identification. This will help us easily distinguish between recruits and those with specific roles," Aston agreed, continuing to share his thoughts. Chapter 270 - 270 What to Do? Kisha took one last sweeping glance over the square, her eyes instinctively searching for the one figure who exuded an aura of authority and strength, standing tall and commanding like a king. When she finally spotted him, their gazes met¡ªher deep, inquisitive eyes locking with his intense ocean-blue stare. For a moment, they stared at each other, a silent exchange passing between them without the need for words. After a few minutes, Kisha turned away with a broad smile, while Duke resumed his rounds, meticulously observing the recruits to ensure they were either meeting or exceeding the demands of the training. No one noticed their silent exchange, as everyone was engrossed in their own tasks. Kisha and Aston proceeded to the temporary office of the "Minister of Women''s Care," located within the "House and Allocation Management Office," commonly known as HAMO. When Aston and Kisha arrived at the office, Mrs. Winters was already hard at work, directing women and older men as they rearranged the space. They sorted through items, deciding what would be useful and what should be stored away. Mrs. Winters was busy organizing tasks for the women and elders, carefully listing the work to be done. Kisha and Aston arrived just as she was finalizing her plans. "Mrs. Winters, do you have a moment?" Aston greeted her with a brief nod before getting straight to the point, mindful of their tight schedules and the need to avoid small talk. "Oh, hello! Yes, how can I assist you?" Mrs. Winters greeted them with a warm smile. She guided Aston and Kisha to a quieter corner of the office, where she offered them seats and poured them some water. "We came to inquire if any of the women under your care might be able to assist with making uniforms for our new recruits," Aston explained. "We''ve just successfully enlisted 1,000 warriors, but we currently don''t have enough uniforms for them. Additionally, it would be ideal if someone could help redesign the uniforms so that they are distinct from government-issued ones. We''re hoping to incorporate our own insignia to give our warriors a unique and recognizable appearance." "You''ve read my mind!" Kisha exclaimed, almost in surprise. She had been thinking about adding an insignia to represent their base, to distinguish their uniforms from those of the country''s soldiers. She wanted to avoid giving the impression that their base was a government entity, as this could lead to survivors outside expecting to be protected and provided for, which would be quite a hassle to manage. "That''s a fantastic idea!" Mrs. Winters exclaimed, her eyes brightening with enthusiasm. She quickly stood up and moved towards the bustling group of women and elderly, eager to start organizing the new tasks. While Mrs. Winters coordinated with them, Aston and Kisha remained seated for a moment. Kisha, meanwhile, was deep in thought. With the manpower now available for making the uniforms, her focus shifted to sourcing the necessary materials. She glanced at Aston, who was furrowing his brow as he also considered the problem. When he turned to look at Kisha, he found her already gazing back at him. Before Aston could speak, Kisha jumped in with her plan. "If I remember correctly, City B has a large textile manufacturing company nearby. If we can secure fabrics from their warehouse, we''ll have enough material for the uniforms and still have some left for making other clothes." Kisha was already considering multiple aspects of their needs for the future and strategizing a more comprehensive plan. However, after considering the situation, a new problem arises: how will they get there? The textile manufacturing company isn''t located in the heart of the city, but it''s still a crowded area with hundreds of workers, and potentially thousands more. Attempting to march through that area would be a death wish, especially since there are multiple manufacturing companies in the vicinity. This makes it one of the most dangerous places in City B. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As always, places like hospitals, schools, malls, and other densely populated areas should be avoided. These locations can quickly become overrun by zombies, leaving no time for adequate preparation regardless of how much planning is done. Additionally, despite the high danger, raiding these places could yield lucrative rewards. With the current number of survivors at Base Hope, raiding small locations wouldn''t be enough to provide for everyone. Most survivors escaped with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Those few who managed to gather supplies like food and clothing during the chaos were not only smart but extremely capable, though this wasn''t the case for the majority. Currently, they are still in the early stages of the virus outbreak, which has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, there shouldn''t be many evolved zombies in those areas yet. However, given the changes observed during their recent trips outside, Kisha must also consider the possibility of encountering some evolved zombies, though their numbers are likely still low. On the downside, since it''s still the early stage of the outbreak, not many people have awakened their abilities yet. If they venture into those areas, their people could be quickly overwhelmed and killed, only adding to the number of zombies already present. The only solution she could think of was to employ their usual tactic: using Sparrow as bait to draw the zombies away from the manufacturing area, allowing them to collect supplies with fewer zombies remaining. Even if some zombies are still present when they arrive, the remaining numbers should be manageable. However, this tactic isn''t foolproof and still highly dangerous. If only the core members with awakened abilities are sent, it could demonstrate their high capability and inspire the base to rely on them more. But where would that lead them? Moreover, she can''t just send the core members to retrieve the items and then use her space ability to transport them. When they return, explaining how they managed to acquire so much could raise suspicion. If she wants to use her inventory to transport items, she needs to be discreet for now. She should wait until ''Space Type'' superhumans emerge, as they could serve as a cover for her to use her inventory without drawing too much attention. With this in mind, she could pretend to be a ''Space Type'' superhuman, but since this type of superhuman has space limits, she would need to act as though her abilities also have limitations. Claiming to have unlimited space would make her an invaluable asset, and people might see her as someone they could exploit. This would make her indispensable for all supply runs, increasing reliance on her and potentially leading to the very issues she has been trying to avoid. Kisha felt overwhelmed by the myriad of problems she needed to address, from creating uniforms for their warriors to securing clothing materials for survivors to sell at the supply center. Although she wanted to provide each survivor with a set of clothing, the 5000 survivors at her base were too many to support with the current resources. The seamstress couldn''t produce enough outfits for everyone. They might be able to provide pre-made clothing to some survivors if they managed to secure enough, but if they were to distribute pairs, Kisha and her team would need to be fair and ensure that all 5000 survivors received a pair to prevent conflicts. ''FUCK!!! This is exactly why I hate being in a leadership position! Why do I have to be the City Lord?'' Kisha exclaimed inside her head, rubbing her face in frustration. Chapter 271 - 271 Future Plans Aston noticed Kisha''s silent frustration and the strain she was under. Although he understood some of the challenges they faced, he wasn''t as knowledgeable as Kisha and couldn''t pinpoint the exact source of her frustration. He had confidence in Kisha''s ability to find solutions, but he also thought that a brainstorming session could be valuable. Kisha shouldn''t bear all the burdens alone; if she did, her team might either feel like a burden or become overly reliant on her, which would only add to her stress. Aston knew this, which is why he tried to do as much as he could and arrange what he could. However, his belief in Kisha''s capabilities had become deeply ingrained after witnessing her prowess. To him, she was already a godsend. Since Kisha had yet to devise a solution for the situation, she and Aston focused on arranging what was needed first. Just as Kisha made this decision, Mrs. Winters arrived promptly to report to her. "Sweetheart, as much as I want to provide more seamstresses for this order, we simply don''t have enough. Currently, I have only 5 women, 5 elderly, and 6 children under my care. Those who found jobs have chosen to live with their families and didn''t need the assistance of the Women''s Care Department. In my office, only 2 women are experienced in sewing, and 1 elderly woman used to work for a famous clothing line making custom suits," Mrs. Winters said with a hint of embarrassment that quickly flashed across her eyes before she regained her composure. "Are you talking about brands like Armani?" Aston suddenly asked. Mrs. Winters nodded, a calculative glint in her eyes as she continued. "But, I can help hire more seamstresses. I was actually planning to put the women from the red-light district to good use by having them do some crafts, so this job came at the perfect time. Even if they don''t know how to sew, the elderly woman has already offered to teach her skills to the younger ones since she can''t do as much work as she used to." Mrs. Winters smiled, a hint of pride evident on her face. Kisha was satisfied with Mrs. Winters'' resolution and felt confident in her decision to appoint her to the role. She knew Mrs. Winters was well-suited for the job because she understood the intricacies of the work and was far from being a typical rich lady who liked to slack off. Kisha expressed her satisfaction with repeated nods and a bright smile. "This is exactly what we needed. Since we still lack the materials for creating the uniforms, it might be beneficial if the elderly woman could assist with the design. I have a design in mind, but her expertise in making suits would be invaluable in ensuring the uniforms are both comfortable and formal. We''ll send you a military uniform later so you can dismantle it, examine the construction, and incorporate the new design elements with it." "But while you''re still hiring and training the ladies in sewing techniques, my team and I will need to discuss how to gather the necessary materials, such as fabric and thread, for your team." "Sounds good to me!" Mrs. Winters exclaimed, clapping her hands together. Meanwhile, Aston made a mental note to have a subordinate deliver a spare uniform to the Minister of the Women''s Care Department later. Kisha and Aston then exchanged a few brief words with Mrs. Winters before bidding their farewell, allowing them to focus on other job arrangements. "Aston, I just realized we need to arrange for some people to cook lunch for the warriors so they have the energy for training," Kisha said. The thought had slipped her mind amidst the whirlwind of mission details and other pressing tasks. With so much on her plate, she had been focusing on the bigger picture and had overlooked this smaller, yet essential, arrangement. "Don''t worry, City Lord," Aston said with confidence. "I''ve already arranged for my team to hire an additional 100 people to coordinate with the Supply Center for cooking supplies. I understand that you have a lot on your plate and might overlook the smaller details sometimes. It''s our job to support you, and we''re on top of it." His reassurance eased Kisha''s worries and gave her a sense of relief. "Also, I''ve been thinking about setting up a dedicated cafeteria for the warriors," Aston continued, his tone a mix of excitement and nervousness. "The idea is to serve them breakfast, lunch, and dinner there, so their food supplies can be used to support their families. The cafeteria would offer meals at a reduced price for the warriors and standard prices for others who want to dine in. What do you think of this plan?" "That''s an excellent plan!" Kisha said, her rare, genuine smile lighting up her face. "By setting up a dedicated cafeteria for the warriors, we can ensure they receive three meals a day, which will ease their food burden and allow their families to benefit from their food supplies. With three meals a day, depending on their family size, they can use their points to buy additional food or purchase all their meals from the cafeteria. Plus, this approach will help us manage their diet more effectively. You''ve done a great job with this, Aston!" Kisha''s heartfelt praise made Aston blush with pride. He based his plans on the military base''s layout, aiming to create a similar setup for their own warrior base and allocate specific areas for it. Seeing Kisha in a good mood, he seized the opportunity to pitch his future plans. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "City Lord, I''ve been planning to establish a dedicated warrior base specifically for our operations. This would allow us to conduct warrior training and drills out of the public eye, reducing tension and maintaining a positive atmosphere among civilians. Additionally, we could relocate the warriors and their families to this base, creating a distinct community that showcases the benefits and prestige of being a warrior. By highlighting their improved quality of life, we can inspire more people to aspire to become warriors. This way, even if some warriors are lost in raids or choose to leave, we''ll have a steady influx of recruits eager to join, ensuring we''re never short on manpower for the base''s defense." "Good thinking, Aston. I''m genuinely reassured that you''re in this position because you have the foresight to think ahead." Kisha took a deep breath, her smile soft and genuine. She was glowing with satisfaction, and Aston was momentarily taken aback, lost in her radiant expression. He had expected to be shot down, considering the numerous pressing matters at hand, but seeing Kisha so pleased and happy with his proposal reassured him that she was also considering the bigger picture. Reflecting on her past experience, Kisha recalled that the HOPE Base in her previous life lacked such a setup. It was solely a military base where warriors had to find their own lodging, and although meals were provided, there was no dedicated cafeteria. Instead, a tent was used to prepare their food. Supplies were so limited that providing three meals a day was impractical; many warriors could only afford a meal every two to three days, making even a single meal a luxury. Chapter 272 - 272 Harvesting? Now that Kisha is on a mission to ensure her people receive at least two meals a day, establishing a Supply Center and a cafeteria is an excellent strategy. This plan will help guarantee that no one goes hungry and support the well-being of every survivor in the base. "Given the situation, we need to find an appropriate location to transform into a warrior base and plan its construction. This will undoubtedly be a long-term project, potentially taking months or even years. However, with the right awakened ability users, we might be able to expedite the process." Just thinking about the future and the possibility of turning the HOPE Base into the safe haven she always envisioned, along with the base in City A, fills her with energy. Kisha truly believes they can create a real powerhouse this time. Although the HOPE Base was powerful, it was nothing compared to the military bases established in other cities by politicians who fled with their soldiers. Those bases were able to secure substantial military resources, including thousands of soldiers, making them incredibly formidable. Their numbers reached into the tens of thousands, far exceeding the capacity of the HOPE Base. The key difference was that these bases exploited civilians, sending them out to gather supplies in exchange for protection within the military base. So, their practices were not much different from how the county operates¡ªimposing taxes under the guise of protection while exploiting the people and sending them to their doom. Despite its strictness, HOPE Base was still more humane compared to how survivors were treated in those military bases. Politicians, believing themselves to be still in power, used their influence to exploit smaller bases and shelters, claiming to collect taxes. Those who resisted were raided, with any who fought being killed, creating an atmosphere of terror. This allowed them to rebuild their bases and ensure the smaller groups remained subservient, all while they continued to live off the suffering of others. If word got out and HOPE Base became known to those other bases, they would undoubtedly target it in hopes of exploiting its resources and stealing from them. That''s why Kisha supported Aston''s plan. She understood the necessity of strengthening their base''s defenses and ensuring they had a sufficient number of capable individuals ready to step into the roles of the fallen warriors. Certainly, as more survivors flocked to their base, expansion had become an urgent necessity. However, Kisha remained cautious about revealing their other hidden base, as it could serve as a crucial asset in their strategic plans. "Actually, since we''re discussing expansion, we should prioritize reinforcing our walls. The trailer containers won''t hold up indefinitely, as evidenced by the gaps and damage that allowed zombies to breach during the first raid. With the possibility of Evolved zombies leading future hordes, the threat will only intensify. Strengthening the walls is crucial for the base''s safety, not just relying on the guards stationed on top," Kisha said thoughtfully. After hearing Kisha''s thoughts, Aston made a mental note to discuss this with the Minister of Revenue to allocate engineers and architects to evaluate and reinforce the wall structure. The sheer volume of tasks and improvements needed was overwhelming. As they toured the area, Aston realized that their previous standards of "good enough" were inadequate. What seemed sufficient before was now clearly insufficient, and addressing these issues was crucial. Their plans hadn''t accounted for evolving zombies or potential threats from individuals with awakened abilities who might target them. Kisha''s concerns highlighted these gaps, making Aston realize just how naive he had been. He acknowledged his own limitations and recognized that he lacked the strategic insight needed to anticipate and counter such scheming minds. It was only natural for Aston to be feeling this way, as people who had lived in peaceful societies were less accustomed to such malicious attacks and relentless survival challenges. For them, adapting to these harsh realities was a new and difficult process. Kisha, on the other hand, had experienced these dark aspects of human nature many times and was well-acquainted with how twisted the human heart could become. "Alright, let''s tackle these urgent tasks first. If you see something that needs immediate action, handle it promptly. Coordinate with the other departments to avoid being overwhelmed. Later, gather the core members of your department for a meeting at Villa #1 since we still don''t have an official conference room," Kisha instructed. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She needed to gather the fabric and other essential materials as soon as possible because the weather could change at any time. They might not lose people to hunger, but they could lose them to sickness from the changing weather, which is just as dangerous. "Understood, City Lord. I''ll attend to the other matters now," Aston said, saluting out of habit. Kisha didn''t correct him. After giving his salute, he instantly disappeared from sight, as if he were being chased by a rabid dog¡ªthat''s how busy he was. With a heavy sigh, Kisha parted with Aston, knowing he would be busy. She, on the other hand, needed to return to the territory space to check for any changes. It had been more than two days since they started farming, which meant over 48 hours in the outside world. Inside the territory space, that was equivalent to more than 480 hours, or over 20 days. She was certain some of the crops had already matured and could be harvested soon. Kisha took quick, long strides back to the villa to check on Marcus''s progress with farming and raising livestock. However, she knew relying solely on Marcus to sustain thousands of people wouldn''t be ideal; it was like patching a hole with tape¡ªit wouldn''t last long. Currently, she was using the supplies Duke had acquired before the apocalypse to feed the survivors at the base so she could complete the C-Class Mission, "The Philanthropist." To complete most of her missions, supplies were the most crucial right now. She was putting all her eggs in one basket, which was dangerous, but she didn''t have much choice. It wasn''t as if she had been given plenty of time to prepare. If not for her territory space, all those chain missions would have been doomed from the start. Still, she couldn''t help but resent the constellation behind 008 because they were making Kisha''s life as arduous as possible. She''s lucky to have the very supportive Duke and their team who follows her lead. Not long after, Kisha arrived at the villa. Marcus and the children were no longer around, indicating they were inside the territory working. Kisha had been out for four hours since the morning, and it was almost lunchtime. She assumed Marcus and the children had been inside the territory for about 3-4 hours, which was equivalent to 30-40 hours outside. Kisha didn''t waste any time and entered the territory. As she expected, Marcus was already hard at work, crouched down and harvesting crops. Kisha blinked in surprise. "Wait, harvesting?" She did a double-take as she observed Marcus working with the cabbages. They were enormous, larger than an adult''s head, even after the outer leaves had been removed. The cabbages were impressively large and vibrant, but that wasn''t the main focus. Marcus was already deep into harvesting, having even woven a few baskets to collect the crops. These baskets were brimming with a variety of produce¡ªcarrots, radishes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables they had planted just days ago. Remarkably, even the crops planted only yesterday had already been harvested, and Marcus had already sown a new batch.c Chapter 273 - 273 Marcus Awakening Kisha scanned the area and noticed numerous baskets filled to the brim with vegetables, neatly arranged at the edge of the farmland. If she were to count them, there would easily be a few dozen baskets. These were not small baskets; they were quite large, nearly reaching her waist in height. Their thickness made them too cumbersome for her to even hug. Kisha took a sharp breath as she looked around once more, trying to convince herself she wasn''t hallucinating from the stress and endless worries. Then, an overwhelming realization hit her like a ton of bricks, prompting her to check Marcus''s status window. [Marcus Wyatt] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Morality: Good Strength: 25 (+15) Stamina: 25 (+14) Defense: 25 (+20) Agility: 25 (+18) Mental Capacity: 25 (+15) Charm: 25 (+18) Leadership: 25 (+166) Title: None Skills: None Talent: Farming Gift: Green Thumb Ability: Elemental (Earth, Wood, and Water) Kisha gasped in surprise. It seemed that Marcus had successfully mastered the technique for utilizing the Scarlet Honey and had also awakened. She hadn''t witnessed his awakening, but this discovery was significant. It confirmed her hypothesis that consuming the Scarlet Honey could indeed increase the chances of awakening. This was valuable information for others who hadn''t yet awakened and provided solid experimental material. Kisha glanced at his status window again and noticed it was already at maximum. It seemed Marcus was just waiting to level up to increase his cap. She wondered if he had used the Scarlet Honey continuously, reaching his limit without taking breaks to strengthen his foundation or consolidate his energy core properly. Had he consumed it without realizing the importance of consolidating his foundation to avoid damaging his future potential? Kisha felt a pang of regret and worry. She couldn''t recall if she had informed him about this crucial step before giving the Scarlet Honey to him and his grandchildren before she left. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Although she remembered teaching them the technique for using Scarlet Honey, she couldn''t recall if she had emphasized the importance of consolidating their foundation after awakening and gradually increasing their intake. A headache began to throb as her thoughts spun out of control. ''I need to ensure this crucial information is communicated to all warriors and those taking the Scarlet Honey, so they don''t jeopardize their potential.'' She had been so absorbed in all the tasks she needed to accomplish that she had overlooked this crucial detail. Especially now, seeing his immense potential and remarkable talent, she couldn''t afford to let such a valuable gift go to waste. She hurried over to Marcus, determined to confirm and understand the situation so she could find a way to mitigate any potential damage. She didn''t want to jeopardize Marcus'' future potential. As she reached his side, Marcus finally noticed her presence. He looked up from where he was pulling a large cabbage from the ground. "Young Madam, you''re back!" Marcus exclaimed, quickly placing the cabbage into a nearby basket. He then dusted off his pants and wiped the dirt from his hands onto his trousers. "I see you''ve awakened," Kisha said, her voice carrying a hint of regret. Marcus scratched the back of his head bashfully before nodding at Kisha''s question. "Yes, that''s right. The children and I were working on the farm when I decided to try the Scarlet Honey you gave us and practice the technique. After taking four spoonfuls over a few hours, I suddenly felt a sharp, painful surge in my head, like my brain was about to explode. I collapsed, and when I regained consciousness, Mr. Sparrow was already there. He reassured the children, showed them how to care for me, and stayed to monitor me. I don''t remember much because I was in and out of consciousness." "After what felt like a day of suffering from a severe fever, I finally managed to get up, and Mr. Sparrow filled me in on the details. Apparently, after I collapsed, my grandchildren found me and laid me down. Mike then ran outside to find help and happened to bump into Mr. Sparrow, who was on a break. Mike asked him for assistance because the children were flustered and scared, worried that I might turn. Mr. Sparrow arrived and instructed the children to help cool me down, especially my head, to prevent my brain from overheating. Once I survived and woke up, Mr. Sparrow asked me a few questions about how I felt and if I noticed anything new in my body." "And?" Kisha asked with a mix of anticipation and unease. She had an inkling of what Mr. Sparrow might have been trying to do, and she was on the edge of both hope and disappointment, depending on whether her suspicions were correct. "After I answered his questions, Mr. Sparrow taught me a series of techniques to control and strengthen what he referred to as the energy core in my brain. He explained that I needed to consolidate my energy core and foundation before continuing to consume the Scarlet Honey to increase my body''s capacity. Although I didn''t fully grasp the logic behind his explanation, I followed his instructions diligently. I could feel a significant improvement in my strength, and Mr. Sparrow confirmed that I had awakened an ability." "But since he wasn''t sure what specific ability I had awakened, Mr. Sparrow left me to discover it on my own. He taught me how to harness my internal energy to activate my newfound ability. Because our abilities differ, it took some time for us to achieve the desired results. Once I identified my ability, Mr. Sparrow advised me to use it as much as possible to become accustomed to it and improve my proficiency. He also instructed me that if my grandchildren experienced a severe fever like mine, I should manage it in the same way and pass on the techniques he taught me to them." "I also recall you mentioning, Young Madam, that I should inform you if any of the children fall ill. I assumed this might be what you were referring to?" Marcus said, a bit uncertain if he was correct in his interpretation. Kisha let out a sigh of relief and nodded at Marcus. "So, I take it that you ensured your foundation and energy core were properly consolidated before continuing with the Scarlet Honey?" "Yes, Young Madam," Marcus replied eagerly. "This space has been incredibly helpful because a day here equates to just over an hour outside. I''ve been here for a few days now, continuously using my awakened ability to further enhance the growth of the plants. I''m not entirely sure if it''s my ability or something else, but the plants have grown significantly bigger and juicier. It feels like there''s an additional boost, though I''m not sure if it''s due to my ability or some other factor." "Oh! It sounds like you''re referring to your Gift and Talent. Let me explain further, as it might not be immediately clear. For some superhumans with great potential, they are bestowed with a Gift and Talent that significantly enhances their future development and strength. After your awakening, your Talent and Gift have started to come into play. Your Talent is in farming, and your Gift is a ''green thumb.'' This Gift is likely why the crops you plant and care for are growing much faster and juicier." Kisha explains with a relieved smile playing on her lips. Chapter 274 - 274 How His Awakened Ability Works "So, I think every time you use your awakened ability to enhance the growth of the crops, your Gift, ''green thumb,'' automatically plays its part. If I remember correctly, your awakened abilities are Water, Earth, and Wood, right? Are you using your Wood ability to increase the crops'' growth?" Kisha asked. She recalled that those with Wood abilities could indeed conjure trees or plants from the ground up, but these are usually used for defense or offense, like Mrs. Winter''s vines. Typically, they aren''t things that could be eaten, and even if they try to increase the growth of a crop, it doesn''t work and often ruins the crop. She surmised that the imbalance between their awakened abilities and the crops was causing the crops to fail. Forcefully injecting their energy into normal crops overwhelmed the plants, resulting in failure. However, if Marcus was using his awakened abilities in tandem with his Gift, then it was likely his Gift that made his attempts at increasing the growth of the crops successful. "To answer your question, Young Madam, I don''t think I''m only using the element of wood when I try to increase the growth of the crops. I usually feel a harmony of elements inside me whenever I''m planting and farming. The soil feels like it''s happily communicating with me, the moisture in the soil greets me warmly, and the seeds feel like sleeping children. As they grow, it''s as if they''re speaking to me. I don''t know how else to explain it except for the harmony I feel each time. I can''t even tell which specific ability I''m using because I just follow my instincts." "Perhaps I can explain it this way: I use the water flowing around the farm to water the crops and manipulate it at will to make my work easier. I can control the soil to create burrows for planting seeds without getting my hands dirty, and I use my wood ability to uproot grass that invades the crops'' space." Marcus paused, deep in thought, trying to convey his experiences to Kisha. "And when those abilities merge, creating a harmony inside me, it''s as if the crops sing and grow," Marcus added, a look of enlightenment on his face, finally expressing what he truly wanted to convey. "So, you''re saying that all three of your abilities merge into one and create a perfect balance to help increase the growth of the crops, and it works perfectly with your Gift? Or do you mean that your Gift acts as a bridge to create this balance in your awakened abilities, enabling them to enhance the crops'' growth?" Kisha asked, trying not to confuse herself. Although she understood the essence of his Gift, the mechanics were a bit complicated¡ªor perhaps she was overcomplicating things out of curiosity. "Young Madam," Marcus began, scratching his cheek as he blushed. "Um, actually, I don''t know the difference. It feels the same to me, and it''s really hard to explain. It feels so natural that before my brain can understand, my body has already responded." "It''s probably because your Talent is ''Farming,'' and if that''s the case, then your Gift and Talent are likely working together to create the perfect harmony for this to work. Your Gift, ''Green Thumb,'' is guided by your Talent. Either way, I can see that your Talent and Gift perfectly match the work on the farm, and I''m happy to see you becoming stronger." Kisha patted his shoulder. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Marcus, still looking a bit confused, chuckled foolishly when she complimented him. "Keep consolidating your awakened ability, and as you level up, your powers will grow stronger and your body''s capacity will increase," Kisha advised, nodding in satisfaction at her decision. Marcus''s awakening would help her complete her A-Class Mission, ''Planting and Harvesting.'' "By the way, what about your grandchildren? Have they awakened as well?" Kisha suspected that individuals with a talent and gift prior to awakening were almost guaranteed to awaken, while those without these traits might acquire them post-awakening, depending on their potential. However, those with pre-existing talents and gifts generally had greater potential. Regardless, with her ''Eye of Truth,'' she could identify these individuals and recruit them for roles that suited their abilities, ensuring mutual benefit for both them and her operations. "No, Young Madam, they''re currently helping me with the livestock and checking on the aquatic animals to see if they''re growing well and if we can harvest them soon. My youngest granddaughter assists with the farm because the lake is too far away, and managing the livestock alone was too much for her," Marcus explained, straightening his posture as if he were reporting in the garrison. "Wow, you have some truly responsible grandchildren!" Kisha praised. "Keep up the good work. For now, be sure to monitor them closely for any signs of awakening. It could be dangerous if they awaken and aren''t properly taken care of." Marcus stiffened at the reminder, particularly concerned about Gant, who had gone up the mountain to the lake. He was the farthest away and would be the hardest to reach if he did awaken. Noticing Marcus''s growing anxiety, Kisha quickly understood his concern. She decided not to prolong the conversation and instead activated the territory interface of her space. Instantly, a hologram of the entire island appeared before her. Marcus gasped in amazement, prompting Kisha to turn her attention toward him. She saw him staring in awe at the holographic display floating midair. "Can you see what''s in front of me?" Kisha asked, astonished. Until now, no one had ever been able to view this display, no matter where she opened it. Marcus couldn''t find his voice, his eyes wide and his mouth agape as he stared in awe. He managed to nod, completely mesmerized by the futuristic display. The hologram projected a detailed miniature version of the entire island, and he noticed two green lights on the flat ground where the farm was. He surmised that these represented himself and Kisha. Seeing Marcus intently studying the hologram, Kisha realized he could indeed view it. It seemed it was because he now had the authorization clearance to access her space, which might also grant him access to some of its features. She thought she should sit down and review the features available to him. If he wasn''t familiar with them, she could teach him so he could effectively utilize these tools to assist with his work. When Kisha glanced back at the hologram, she noticed that, aside from the green dots representing herself and Marcus, there were three other indicators in blue. These were around the lake, the pig pen, and one that appeared to be moving about the flower field¡ªlikely Daisy. It seemed that because the HOPE Base was outside her designated territory, its inhabitants weren''t considered part of her people. Since they weren''t hostile, their status was shown in blue. It appeared that blue represented neutral entities, while red was reserved for enemies. Marcus was marked with a green dot because he now had authorization to access her space, signifying that he was considered one of her people. Using the holographic map of the island, Kisha methodically checked each blue dot to ensure the children were safe within the territory. Marcus watched intently as she operated the map, clearly fascinated. The hologram displayed real-time images of his grandchildren, moving about the territory with an adventurous energy. Seeing them all safe and well, Kisha could tell that Marcus was both relieved and awed by the technology. Chapter 275 - 275 Territory Storage After ensuring that the children were safe, Kisha and Marcus returned to tending to the farm. Kisha discovered that Marcus could access some features of the territory map, similar to what she used earlier. However, his access was limited compared to hers. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He could monitor the space through the map and address any issues related to the farm or the ranch, but he didn''t have access to all the features she had. Kisha also discovered that Marcus has the authority to grant limited access to up to 10 people. He can assign them to specific areas, meaning they would be restricted to those zones and unable to roam the entire island. However, he has the power to lift these restrictions if needed. So his access functions like that of a sub-administrator. With this authority, he can use the territory''s storage system to store all the crops and produce they gather. If they are in the territory in City A, they won''t need to move a muscle to transfer items into storage, as it can be connected to anywhere, depending on the administrator''s distribution design. This feature could be extremely helpful at HOPE Base, but Kisha doesn''t want to transfer her territory here. Keith and her grandparents are still in City A, and she prefers that place. She wants it to be her main base where agriculture can thrive, something that would be impossible in the middle of a city. Now that she had a clear understanding of the access and authority Marcus wielded, Kisha had no intention of changing his level of authority. She believed it would be helpful in the future. Instead, she began to explain to him how it all worked, detailing his access and how to use the various features. She specifically emphasized the importance of the virtual storage because Marcus might mistakenly store all the crops and produce he harvested from the territory in the physical storage in the city instead of the virtual storage of the territory space. The virtual storage was similar to her system inventory, but with a key difference: it could link to multiple sub-storages from different departments of her territory, depending on the storage link design she created. In contrast, her system inventory was a standalone storage. Currently, the territory''s virtual storage is linked to the physical storage in City A. She had configured it to send a specific amount of supplies to their storage every month. Although they farmed, tended to livestock, and gathered additional supplies outside, she still sent them a bit more to ensure they wouldn''t go hungry. After instructing Marcus on these crucial details, he began practicing with the territory''s storage, placing all the baskets of crops he had harvested into it. Kisha watched in real-time as her system interface updated her mission progress with each batch of crops Marcus stored. Mission requirement: 100 kilos each of 10 different types of plants Progress: 10 Kilos of Carrots, 10 kilos of Yam, 10 kilos of cabbage, 10 kilos of potato, 10 kilos of tomato, 10 kilos of green beans, 10 kilos of okra, 10 kilos of cucumber, 10 kilos of beetroots, 10 kilos kale, 10 kilos of lettuce... Seeing the variety and quantity of vegetables Marcus had harvested, Kisha realized they had already reached more than ten different kinds, with each kind weighing 10 kilos. This left them with just 90 kilos more to reach their goal. With Marcus''s newly awakened ability and his gift ''Green Thumb,'' this target now seemed easily achievable. After harvesting the mature crops, Marcus immediately tilled the soil to remove the remaining roots before planting more seeds. Kisha then realized that the soil in her territory''s farm might not need to rest or be prepared for the next season''s planting like the soil outside. Unlike typical farmland that requires preparation and fertilization to ensure the next crops grow properly, her farmland seemed to be perpetually fertile, free from the complications that often concern farmers. This discovery reassured Kisha, so she left Marcus to continue with his work and headed to the orchard. Her goal was to harvest the fruits before they fell from the trees and either became animal food or rotted on the ground. She moved swiftly to the orchard, setting a few baskets beside her before starting to pick the fruits. Rather than using a ladder, she employed her telekinesis to handle the task. Given that the fruits were much softer and lighter compared to the weapons she typically controlled, she adjusted her force accordingly to avoid damaging them. However, the moment Kisha extended her telekinesis to the fruits, they either squashed into a pulp or burst from the pressure. She approached this challenge as a training opportunity, aiming to refine her control over her awakened ability in new ways. In her previous life, she had only focused on the destructive aspects of her power, neglecting the finer control needed for tasks like this, which she now realized was much more difficult than she had anticipated. Kisha took a deep breath to calm her frustration and deepened her concentration. She carefully extended her telekinesis toward the fruit hanging in front of her. Despite her slow, deliberate movements, a bead of sweat formed on her forehead. With unwavering focus, she managed to gently grasp the fruit with just the right amount of force and carefully twisted it off the tree. Despite the extreme focus she put into the task, Kisha felt more drained than when using her ability in combat. The reason behind her efforts was simple: she anticipated that there would be times when she''d need to use her telekinesis on human bodies in the future. For instance, she might need to lift someone into the air to help them reach safety. If she couldn''t control her ability properly, she could inadvertently crush them before they even reached safety, which would be disastrous. Even if such a situation never arises, having full control over her ability would greatly benefit her in battles and reduce her consumption of spiritual energy. Mastering this skill would not only make her more efficient in using her awakened ability but also enhance her mental capacity. With improved control, she could manage larger and heavier objects, and even handle multiple tasks simultaneously without becoming distracted. Right now, with the intense focus required, she could only harvest one fruit at a time. Attempting to manage two simultaneously led to both fruits being crushed due to a lapse in concentration. Therefore, she chose to harvest one fruit at a time to become familiar with the sensation and gradually build her skill. Although her progress was slower, it was still more efficient than climbing a ladder and picking the fruit one by one. Kisha practiced her control repeatedly for several hours until she could manage to harvest two fruits simultaneously. After a few more hours, she improved further and was able to harvest three fruits at once with minimal effort, demonstrating greater precision in controlling the force. Marcus and his grandchildren watched Kisha in awe as she demonstrated her abilities. Although they were fascinated, they made sure not to disturb her. Once they understood what she was doing, they returned to their own tasks around the territory. They took breaks when needed, resting and sleeping on-site before resuming their work refreshed. Chapter 276 - 276 Are You here to Eat or be Eaten? After finishing her training, Kisha was able to harvest five fruits with remarkable efficiency. It was as if she had five extra hands dedicated to the task, seamlessly following her intentions and actions. It felt like an extension of her own body, perfectly synchronized with her consciousness and desires. Although it took her many hours of practice, being inside her territory meant that only a few minutes had passed in the outside world. By the time she emerged, it was already lunchtime, and Mrs. Winters had finished cooking. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You arrived just in time!" Mrs. Winters exclaimed with a smile. "Didn''t I say I would bring lunch for you and Duke?" She happily handed Kisha the packed lunch she had prepared and urged her to leave the villa. "Now, why don''t you take this lunch to your husband and enjoy a meal with him?" After being promptly sent out the door just after entering, Kisha fell into a daze before she began walking back to the square. As she was leaving the villa, she noticed Marcus and his grandchildren emerging from the backyard, carrying a few vegetables as they headed back inside. Shaking her head, Kisha took determined strides toward the square, her mind still swirling with thoughts about her next steps and how to tackle the challenges ahead. Before she realized it, Kisha had reached the square, where the warriors were lining up in front of a small tent serving food. The sight of the tent brought wide smiles to their faces as they eagerly formed a line. The enticing aroma of meat and vegetables filled the air, lifting their spirits and easing their fatigue. Some warriors were already seated on the ground, savoring their meals, while others set aside portions of meat and vegetables, perhaps planning to take them home for their families or loved ones. Seeing this, Vulture, who was overseeing the line, blew his horn and scolded the warriors. "You lot! We prepared this food to give you the energy you need to continue your training and become stronger. Why are you saving the meat and vegetables? They''re essential for your nutrition!" By the end of his reprimand, he was gritting his teeth in annoyance. Vulture then took a deep breath to compose himself before continuing, "If you''re worried about your families, don''t be. We''ve already prepared half of your compensation so you can focus on your training without concern. You''ll receive the remaining half at the end of the week. Additionally, the City Lord, through the Minister of Defense, has just approved the construction of a cafeteria dedicated to warriors. The food there will be much cheaper, allowing you to enjoy meals at the cafeteria and send all the rations from your compensation home to your families without worry." Vulture spoke with evident pride, as though he were bragging about the new arrangement. The warriors were visibly relieved and pleased to hear that a resolution had been made, easing their worries about their families and children. Energized by Vulture''s words, they began to eat with renewed vigor, savoring the meat and vegetables to replenish their energy for continued training. Their excitement grew as they looked forward to the end of the day when they would start receiving their rations. Those passing through the square couldn''t help but feel envious as they caught the tantalizing aroma of meat in the air and saw the warriors enjoying their meal of vegetables, meat, and white rice. In contrast, they were making do with instant noodles and bread¡ªan improvement from their previous lack of food, but still far from the luxurious fare the warriors received. The disparity sparked thoughts of joining the defense force among many of them, though, unfortunately, they were among those who didn''t make the cut. But, they would take all opportunity to jumped in if there was an opening in the future, which ensured Kisha''s defense force was not lacking any personnel, especially in tough times. While Kisha was busy looking around the square and seeing the warriors vigorous back as they devour their meal, Duke has already seen her from afar and has already made his way to her. Without waiting for Kisha to notice him, Duke swept her off her feet and carried her in a princess carry, completely unfazed by the curious gazes of onlookers. Kisha felt an urge to smack Duke for turning their PDA into such a spectacle, and she buried her face in his chest, clutching the lunchbox tightly. "Are you here to eat with me or to be eaten by me?" Kisha didn''t need to see Duke''s face to know he was wearing that trademark wolfish grin. Even now, she struggled to get used to Duke''s shamelessness. All she could do was pinch him on the side of his stomach, hoping he would behave more appropriately, especially with so many warriors around. Duke merely chuckled at Kisha''s pinch, as if it tickled him, and continued toward his tent, where he could either rest or hold meetings if needed. He gently set Kisha down in a recliner chair and then allowed some people in to set up the food on the table inside. Once everything was arranged, the soldiers discreetly moved away from the tent entrance, avoiding their earlier posts. They knew better than to overhear anything they shouldn''t; while they might escape a zombie attack, facing Duke''s wrath was a far greater danger. Duke didn''t wait for Kisha to stand up; instead, he scooped her up again and placed her gently on his lap. "Hmm? Did you make this?" His eyes lit up when he noticed the lunchbox, and he was thrilled at the thought that his wife had cooked for him and taken the time to bring it over, just like a loving couple would. Overwhelmed with joy, he started to ignore the other food on the table. "No, Mom cooked it and asked me to bring it to you so we could eat together," Kisha explained. Her honest answer was like a splash of cold water on Duke''s expectations, causing his face to briefly fall in disappointment. However, he quickly masked his initial reaction with a smile and nodded, accepting the reality with good humor. "Mom really knows how to bring us together and make us feel pampered. Let''s eat now, shall we?" Duke''s tone shifted warmly as he acknowledged the effort his mother put into preparing the meal so he could spend more time with his wife during this busy period. He appreciated her gesture and chided himself for even momentarily showing any distaste. Duke set a small bowl in front of Kisha, filling it with meat, vegetables, and warm white rice, ensuring she had more than enough to eat. As she enjoyed her meal, he continued to add more food to her bowl, making sure she was well-fed. Meanwhile, Duke took only a few bites himself, content to watch Kisha eat with a satisfied smile. "Why are you only feeding me? You need to eat too¡ªwhat if you collapse from fatigue?" Kisha said, adding more food to Duke''s bowl. Duke''s face lit up with a joyful grin as he accepted the food, his reaction akin to a child receiving a treat. Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that Duke might be pulling another one of his tricks. ''Did I just fall into one of his traps?'' she wondered. Chapter 277 - 277 After Leveling Up The System to 3 Despite her awareness, Kisha continued to pamper Duke, serving him more meat and rice to ensure he had the strength to endure. Even though his body had grown stronger after awakening and leveling up, he remained vulnerable to sickness. The virus had evolved, and so had the illnesses that could afflict humans. That''s why she was so determined to secure the fabrics from the textile manufacturing warehouse. She was deeply concerned that the weakened individuals, suffering from lack of food and malnutrition, would be highly susceptible to illness and could succumb rapidly like flies falling to the ground. The climate had become increasingly erratic due to climate change, compounded by the presence of the virus in the air. The combination made conditions highly unpredictable, with anything potentially going wrong at any moment. With these concerns weighing on her, Kisha felt overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks ahead. With only one body and limited reach, she knew she had to prioritize each issue and tackle them one at a time. Fortunately, they had a stockpile of medicine, but its effectiveness was a growing concern. As both humans and viruses evolved, the medicine might eventually become ineffective. To address this, they needed their own lab and a medical scientist to collaborate with the doctors, ensuring they stayed ahead of the challenges. As Kisha pondered these concerns, the list of tasks seemed to grow longer with each passing thought. Sensing her distraction, Duke playfully nudged her neck with his nose and flashed a teasing smile. "Focus on your meal, or I might just eat you instead to get your attention back on me." His playful comment earned him a light smack on the shoulder from Kisha as she turned to face him. Previously, all these concerns had fallen on Duke''s shoulders, and he managed them admirably while she focused on the defense of the shelter, working with Aston, and handling other tasks that weren''t as expansive. Compared to the scope of responsibilities she now faced, her previous duties¡ªlike supply distribution and personnel allocation¡ªseemed minimal. This only highlighted how remarkable Duke was, having established the HOPE Base in her previous life and making it as resilient as it was, all without the aid of a system or the territory space she now had. Without those two advantages, she couldn''t even imagine how she would have managed or if she would have come as far as she did. "I''m thrilled you finally see my worth, host!" 008''s cheerful voice echoed in her mind as if it were performing a happy dance inside her head. The compliment was a refreshing change from the usual skepticism and questions about its effectiveness that had previously left 008 feeling aggrieved. Kisha choked on her food, it lodging in her windpipe as she swallowed abruptly. "What the hell, 008?! When did you finish your upgrade?" "Just a few minutes ago, host," 008 responded, sounding pleased. "I was waiting for the right moment to speak, and your compliment gave me the perfect opportunity. Ahem!" "Then go ahead and upgrade again," Kisha said, a mix of embarrassment and frustration coloring her voice. She felt a bit mocked by 008 as if the system was teasing her for her earlier criticisms about the missions and the points she was receiving. It was as if 008 was playfully reminding her of how she had felt shortchanged and trapped by the system before. "But, host, haven''t I just upgraded to Level 3? It takes 15,000 points to reach Level 4, and we always kept a reserve for emergencies," 008 clarified. The current situation was quite different from Kisha''s previous approach in her past lives, and 008 wanted to ensure there was no misunderstanding. "Exactly. Playing it safe often led to unexpected events that resulted in my death. We need to reach Level 5 to unlock crucial features like synthesis and smelting for future battles. So, get on with the upgrade," Kisha explained with determination. She felt that her newfound boldness was a key factor missing in her previous approach. Even though she would be using up all her remaining points for the upgrade, she was confident she could find ways to earn more if needed. "Host, let''s be honest¡ªyou''re embarrassed and that''s why you''re being so generous with the upgrade. You don''t want to be reminded of how you used to accuse me of being useless and leading you into danger," 008 said, its voice dripping with sarcasm. "Either you proceed with the next upgrade now, or I''ll delay it for months," Kisha threatened, her tone firm and unyielding. She knew 008 was taking pleasure in poking fun at her and reminding her of past mistakes regarding the system. Despite her irritation, she couldn''t shake the feeling that the system was constantly trying to corner her into a dead end, so, she couldn''t be blamed for how she reacted in the past. Only after her 100th rebirth did things start to turn around. The title she earned from dying 100 times brought her a significant boost in points, which allowed her to buy the highly valuable territory pack crucial for her and her people''s survival. With the newfound points, she began to earn more, but it became clear that the challenges ahead were growing increasingly dangerous too. "No need to be so angry, host. Hehehe." 008 said, then quickly sent the authorization request for the upgrade before Kisha could change her mind and put it on indefinite hold. [System Upgrade to Level 4 Authorization] sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Cost: 15,000 points] [Accept] or [Decline] Kisha clicked the accept button without hesitation, and then 008 fell silent, as if going to sleep or getting lost in a sea of code during the upgrade process. With 008 upgrading to level 4, it would take some time¡ªpotentially more than 24 hours¡ªbecause higher system levels require longer upgrade periods. While she could still access the system, 008''s support would be unavailable during this period. Given the current peace around them, it wasn''t crucial to have 008''s support at the moment, and Kisha could manage with what she had. Duke''s serious voice cut through her thoughts. "Wifey, is it true that we have a military meeting later? Are we heading out on a mission?" "Yes, we are going on a mission outside," Kisha confirmed. "Is this about sending the new recruits out for experience?" Duke tilted his head, resting his chin on Kisha''s shoulder while hugging her from behind. "No, it''s not. This mission will be too dangerous for them, and we won''t have time to supervise the new recruits. It would only put them at risk," Kisha replied. "Hmmm." Duke responded with a thoughtful hum, clearly lost in his own thoughts. He didn''t add anything further. After they finished eating and resting, Kisha gently got up from Duke''s lap. She knew that staying any longer would only distract him from the training he was overseeing. With a brief farewell, she took the lunchbox with her and headed back home. She planned to continue her training to further master her awakened abilities. However, as she made her way home, she noticed people running around in panic and others shouting frantically. Curious about the commotion, Kisha headed toward the source of the crowd. There, she saw a man brandishing a knife towards the crowd, as if to protect something. Peering past him, Kisha noticed a frail woman, looking like little more than skin and bones, lying motionless on the cold ground. Chapter 278 - 278 The Mass Awakening Started "No! Stay away from my wife!" the man shouted, his voice filled with desperation as he gripped his knife tightly. His eyes were bloodshot, and he brandished the weapon with a fierce scowl, clearly beyond reason. "What''s happening here?" Kisha asked, stepping closer. The crowd parted quickly as they realized the City Lord had arrived. With a clear path now open, Kisha approached the scene, while a brave soul stepped forward to explain the situation. "City Lord, the woman there suddenly collapsed, and the man with the knife rushed to help her. Despite his efforts, she hasn''t responded, and her face is flushed red. We initially thought she might have a fever or some illness, so we intended to take her to the nearby doctors, especially given your recent briefing on awakening and its symptoms. However, since you mentioned that not everyone succeeds in awakening, the man appears to have panicked. He fears that if she fails to awaken and turns into a zombie, the doctors might put her down. That''s why he''s been resisting our attempts to get her medical help." He finished with a deep sigh and a shake of his head. Kisha remained silent, reflecting on the situation. She had indeed warned them about the possibility of failing to awaken and the subsequent risk of turning into a zombie. She had hoped that this warning would lead people to understand the importance of sending those who fell ill to the designated quarantine area, where doctors and soldiers could monitor their condition and intervene if necessary. If a person were to turn into a zombie in the middle of the base, it would cause chaos and exacerbate the situation significantly. That''s why the medical team and the soldiers partnered with them took the order very seriously once it was issued. Kisha anticipated that some people, like this man, might resist following protocol due to their fear of losing family members if they failed to awaken, which was understandable. However, they also needed to prioritize the safety of the larger group. Fortunately, someone had already gone to the medic''s tent to call for the doctor and soldiers to transport the woman. They were on their way, and the crowd had been instructed to keep their distance while monitoring the woman for any changes. Kisha, on the other hand, activated her ''Eye of Truth'' gift to gain a clearer understanding of the situation. [Evelyn Steel] Level 0 Morality: Good Strength: 8 Stamina: 10 Defense: 14 Agility: 6 Mental Capacity: 9 Charm: 6 Leadership: 4 Title: None Skills: None Talent: Control Over Metal Gift: Woman of Steel ... Kisha''s eyebrows shot up as she examined Evelyn''s status window, realizing she had stumbled upon another significant find. However, she grew concerned that delaying intervention might not result in the woman turning into a zombie but could lead to severe brain damage from the fever instead and turn her into a fool if not a zombie. Kisha took a step closer, and the man shielding the woman visibly tensed at her approach. Despite his evident fear, he maintained his stance, brandishing his knife towards Kisha without retreating. The crowd gasped in shock at his audacity to turn hostile toward their City Lord, but Kisha remained calm and composed, continuing her advance with unwavering poise. "City Lord, please, don''t come any closer!" the man shouted, causing Kisha to halt her steps. "Why? Don''t you want me to help your wife?" Kisha asked with a deadpan expression, leaving everyone uncertain whether she was angry or genuinely concerned. "But we''re not sure if she''ll awaken or turn into a zombie... I''m afraid of the latter. I''m not scared of her turning, but I''m terrified that she might die because of it." The man sobbed, his knife trembling with each shuddering cry, yet he still held his ground. ''What resolve,'' Kisha thought to herself, admiring the man''s unwavering loyalty. His dedication was remarkable and it warmed Kisha''s heart, prompting her to soften her tone. "But I don''t believe she will turn..." Her statement drew puzzled looks from the crowd as if she were naively offering false hope without any certainty of success. "City Lord, thank you for trying to reassure me about my wife," the man said, his voice trembling with gratitude. "Maybe I should just take her outside and return only if she truly succeeds. That way, we won''t risk anyone''s safety, and we can rejoin the base and work together once she''s well." With that, he sank to the ground beside his wife, a look of resignation on his face. He wanted to remain optimistic about his wife''s situation, but the relentless string of cases where people had turned into zombies, including his own child and other family members, had deeply affected him. The weight of these tragedies had made it so that even a glimmer of hope felt perilous; he feared that any hope might lead to a crushing disappointment that he wasn''t prepared to handle. He couldn''t bring himself to hope, fearing that even a sliver of optimism might shatter the fragile stability he had left. The hope he once had for a miracle to save his baby girl from turning into a zombie had only led to heartbreak. In the end, he was forced to end her suffering while watching his wife crumble emotionally, unable to reconcile the loss of their daughter and the destruction of the rationality that had once defined her. It felt as though life was mocking him once more, driving him to a desperate point where he feared anyone touching his wife might inadvertently end her life. His desperation to protect her stemmed from a deep mistrust, convinced that only he could safeguard her from further harm. Because he knew that everyone would always prioritize their own safety once shits hits the fan and that includes killing his wife the moment they see a little chance of her turning into a zombie and might attack or spread the virus. That''s why, his only option now was to offer to get out of the base with his wife and only return once she succeeded. "But if you take her outside, you might not be able to protect her from the zombies and she could end up suffering a far worse fate," Kisha said bluntly. She knew that stepping beyond the gate meant facing a horde of zombies that would overwhelm anyone in seconds, like throwing a piece of bread into a swarm of starving piranhas¡ªthey would tear apart and devour any living thing that came near. Kisha refused to let this potential asset be lost so easily. She saw the possibility of this woman becoming a formidable superhuman in the future, potentially ranking among the strongest awakened ability users in the country. Though this was speculative, the fact that she hadn''t encountered anyone like this in her previous lives suggested that such individuals were often lost during their awakening, mistakenly believed to be turning into zombies and thus eliminated prematurely. After hearing Kisha''s blunt remark, the man sobbed, his hope and options seemingly evaporating. Clutching his wife tightly in his arms, he felt lost and uncertain about what to do next. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How about this," Kisha began. "We''ll send her to the quarantine area, and I''ll arrange for you to stay in the room with her while doctors and soldiers monitor her condition. This way, you can be by her side and ensure she''s safe, while we keep a close watch on her. You won''t need to worry about anyone harming her out of fear." Kisha proposed, confident in her assessment that the woman would successfully awaken her ability if her speculations were correct. Chapter 279 - 279 The Mass Awakening Started 2 When the man heard Kisha''s proposal to allow him into the quarantine area and stay by his wife''s side, his eyes widened in disbelief, and the tears that had been choking him began to subside. Fearing that Kisha might change her mind, he nodded vigorously and quickly moved to lift his unconscious wife. "I¡ªI''ll go right away!" the man stammered, his voice filled with urgency. "I''ll bring my wife! This is true, right?" He desperately sought confirmation of Kisha''s offer. "You see, since not everyone would be able to awaken, it means, superhuman would be not only a valuable asset but at the same time a rarity, this people would be very crucial in our survival and protect the people such as yourself and everyone around here." Kisha meant to say that people shouldn''t fear this change because this only meant that although they are all thrown into this apocalyptic era, fate still took pity on them and made sure that they could be able to protect themselves and be able to survive. Instead of acting out of fear, they should anticipate the emergence of superhumans who will lead the fight against zombies. By uniting and supporting these individuals, they would help pave the way for a safer future for their children. Kisha hoped her message would resonate with everyone present and encourage them to spread the word. Kisha didn''t wait for a response to her words. Instead, she immediately led the man and his wife to the quarantine area. Along the way, they encountered the doctors and soldiers heading to the site, and together they proceeded to the quarantine area. As they walked, Kisha noticed several rooms were already occupied. Observing her gaze linger on these rooms, the leading doctor began to explain. The doctor explained, "Since the City Lord and your family''s case of falling ill and awakening, we''ve seen a surge in similar cases. We''re fortunate that you alerted everyone, or we might have mistakenly ended up killing many who could have been saved, simply out of fear of spreading the virus. In the past, our only response was to eliminate those showing symptoms, as we lacked the means to develop a cure or conduct proper research due to insufficient equipment. Regrettably, our approach then was to prevent any potential outbreak by any means necessary, even if it meant taking lives." He lowered his head in shame, acknowledging the harsh reality of their previous methods. He now pondered the cost of their previous approach: how many of those they had eliminated might have been undergoing awakening instead of turning into zombies? The thought plunged him into deep contemplation and self-reproach. As a doctor, his duty should have been to find ways to help and save lives, not to take them. Yet, the dire circumstances had driven them to act out of fear. In the end, from millions of people across various cities, only a few thousand survivors remained, a grim testament to their desperate measures during those dark times. They felt immense pressure and fear that without taking drastic measures to protect the dwindling number of survivors, they might all fall victim to the zombie apocalypse and face extinction. "Don''t worry, I understand your situation. I can share my insights on what''s happening and how the awakening process works to give you a clearer understanding. You can use this information to start your research. In the future, if we acquire more medical equipment, we can send it here to help build a larger hospital for the base," Kisha said. She had learned to detach her emotions from the situation, which sometimes made her seem heartless. Despite her lack of visible sympathy, she offered practical solutions and reassurance to the doctor who was visibly emotional. "Do you understand how the awakening process works?" The doctor stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening in disbelief. This was the information they had struggled to grasp¡ªhow the virus and awakening process functioned. It seemed to transcend their scientific understanding, as what they had witnessed from Duke in the square felt almost godlike, far beyond anything they had studied about the human body. Kisha nodded and continued walking, leading the way to Evelyn''s assigned room. The man was granted entry and permitted to stay with his wife while a doctor and two soldiers entered with them to assess her condition. A nurse arrived shortly after with a trolley, placing an ice pack on Evelyn''s forehead and providing her husband with a bucket of ice water. She instructed him to use the cold water to wipe down his wife''s body and to replace the ice pack once it melted. They also supplied him with a bucket of ice to keep the ice pack cold. Honestly, having the man stay with his wife made their job easier. They were overwhelmed with the number of people falling ill in such a short period, leaving them spinning in circles trying to keep up. Given the shortage of medical personnel, soldiers often had to step in to assist with patient care while the remaining medical staff were occupied with other tasks. After ensuring that the man and woman were settled and secure in their room, the lead doctor guided Kisha to his makeshift office for a more private discussion. There, Kisha planned to share insights about the virus, drawing from the knowledge she had acquired in her previous life. Although this information was originally shared by scientists long ago, spreading it now would make their efforts more impactful. It would potentially save many lives by providing crucial understanding long before the remaining population dwindled further. The lead doctor offered Kisha a bottle of clean water before taking his seat and gesturing for her to make herself comfortable. Kisha, preferring to get straight to the point, began without hesitation. "As you might have observed, this virus primarily targets the brain. It erodes human rationality, leaving behind only primal instincts driven by a need to feed on the living. The virus forms what we refer to as ''Crystal Cores''¡ªclusters of virus-filled energy that manifest in the infected after some time. However, it''s not just the zombies who are affected; humans are also infected. This may be linked to the blood rain that preceded the zombie apocalypse, following the massive earthquake. We could have been infected unknowingly, with our immune systems managing to suppress the virus without turning, or it might be related to latent potential within us." "But once the virus spreads and begins attacking the brain, that''s when the awakening process starts. Unlike zombies, which develop a Crystal Core filled with the negative energy of the virus that eats the brain, the awakening of a superhuman follows a different path. The illness we experience is a result of our bodies fighting the virus, attempting to transform it into a more refined energy cluster. This process creates what we call an ''Energy Core,'' which is the source of superhuman abilities. Essentially, it''s like a battery that harnesses the virus''s energy in a controlled, beneficial way." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That''s why some awakenings fail. It''s usually because the body isn''t strong enough to transform the virus''s raw and harmful effects into a refined energy that can strengthen us. In other words, if the body can''t filter and harness the virus''s energy, the awakening won''t succeed, and the potential to evolve into a more powerful version of ourselves is lost and the virus overtakes the body and turns into a zombie." Chapter 280 - 280 The Mass Awakening Started 3 "If we all are really infected, how come we don''t feel any changes in the body if it was so strong that it eats our brain, shouldn''t we feel like our bodies are already fighting this virus and maybe being mentally affected since it mainly targets the brain?" The doctor clarified he tried to understand the explanation, he indeed understood that his brain was going through many phases and problem-solving that he wanted to understand more. "Would we have a way to counter it to have a higher chance of succeeding?" "Well, I believed that there might be some asymptomatic who would be able to infect through bodily fluid, and although we all became infected, the virus might be laying dormant in our body as our body kept it at bay so it wouldn''t cause any necessary damage at a certain time, but once this balance breaks, the virus starts its assault in our body all over again which starts the awakening that stimulates every part of our being, and since the virus laid dormant in our body for such a long time, our body became accustomed to it leading our bodies to evolved without knowing before the awakening and it could also be viewed as a preparation for our awakenings." "Either way, once a superhuman manages to filter the virus to make it their own power, the virus in our body would only help strengthen us, so even if we get bitten and consume the crystal cores from the zombie, it would only help the virus in our body to become stronger leading for superhumans to evolve further and be stronger." "Eating the crystal core?!!!" the doctor exclaimed in shock, his voice tinged with disgust. He swallowed hard, his face contorted as he recalled the revolting appearance and foul stench of the zombies. Despite his medical background and experience with deceased bodies, he found the idea of consuming anything derived from a zombie''s body particularly repulsive. The thought sent a shiver down in every part of his skin. Kisha chose to ignore the doctor''s concerns, having heard similar objections many times before. She knew he would come to accept it eventually, despite the unpleasantness of the process. Continuing, she said, "Since the virus remains dormant in our bodies if someone who hasn''t yet awakened their abilities is bitten by a zombie, the balance in their body is disrupted. The influx of virus in their bloodstream would then cause the virus to wreak havoc, leading to the body''s breakdown and eventual takeover by the virus, as their body isn''t yet adapted to the presence of the virus." "As for asymptomatic individuals, their bodies might have adapted to the virus, treating it as a natural part of their system. Their immune response may have neutralized the virus to the extent that it doesn''t need to create an energy core in the brain. Instead of attempting to overtake the body, the virus exists in a state of silent coexistence. This is why it remains only in bodily fluids like saliva, blood and etc, rather than actively attacking the brain." "And for those who are neither asymptomatic nor superhuman and remain normal humans, it''s possible their immune systems are simply stronger than the virus, causing their bodies to reject or eliminate it or maybe, the virus didn''t just have the time to settle in the body before it gets eliminated or the individual''s body has simply no potential for the awakening that the virus just stayed dormant all throughout. These are the explanations I''ve come up with. It''s up to you to seek further answers as long as you refrain from inhumane experiments. I won''t impede your progress, and you''re welcome to approach me for clarifications¡ªI''ll gladly assist," Kisha said with a stern expression and a deathly glare that left the doctor visibly shaken. ''What does she think I am, a mad scientist? I''m a doctor, for crying out loud! I might dissect a dead body or a zombie, but I''d never conduct experiments on live humans!'' The doctor thought, staring at Kisha in disbelief. He couldn''t believe she''d suspect him of such things and began to question whether he would really go to such extremes to find answers, especially since Kisha had already provided nearly all the information he needed. He was baffled at how she managed to come up with such answers so quickly, given that she had only just awakened yesterday. Then it hit him: Kisha might have been awakened far longer than she had disclosed, which could explain her extensive knowledge and familiarity with the situation. On the other hand, while it was known that their City Lord had also awakened, there had been no visible demonstration of her abilities aside from Duke''s. The fact that everyone took orders from Kisha suggested she was likely stronger and more experienced than any of the others. This realization led him to conclude that Kisha was far more than she appeared, holding the key to understanding more about the virus. Her offer to help and share her knowledge suggested she knew far more than she had revealed. This prompted the doctor to wonder about Kisha''s previous occupation before the apocalypse and a flurry of questions began to swirl in his mind as he continued to study her intently. Kisha decided not to delve further into the topic, recognizing that the doctor needed time to process the information she had shared. She wanted him to fully understand and relay this knowledge to his team so everyone would be better prepared and vigilant for any potential changes or threats. With a clearer understanding of the virus, they could now begin preparations and develop strategies to handle those who failed to awaken. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since Kisha had shared extensive information about the virus but hadn''t mentioned a cure, it was clear that no cure existed. Either no one had developed one yet, or it was simply impossible to cure the virus and the only option was to face it head-on and successfully awaken. If a cure was out of reach, the focus should shift to improving the chances of successful awakenings and finding alternative solutions to ensure they could develop a way to increase their probability of succeeding in the awakening process. With a clearer understanding and a defined goal, the doctor guided Kisha through their small medical facility. They had repurposed one of the office buildings, filling it with as many beds as they could find. Fortunately, the building had numerous rooms, allowing them to clear out unnecessary files and furniture while keeping the chairs and tables. This transformation provided them with an effective quarantine area and a compact hospital to handle their needs. However, with only 20 rooms available, the facility quickly became overwhelmed as the number of sick patients surged. Despite the soldiers'' efforts to clear additional office space for a makeshift quarantine area, and with the limited time for preparations, they still faced a severe shortage of space. The influx of patients and the scarcity of medical personnel made it impossible to accommodate everyone effectively. Now, with the mass awakening underway at their base, the limited space and personnel posed a serious risk. Some patients might be neglected due to the overwhelming chaos, which could lead to severe mental damage for superhumans or even unnoticed transformations into zombies. This negligence could trigger a catastrophic outbreak in the already cramped and chaotic environment. Chapter 281 - 281 The Mass Awakening Started 4 Observing the medical personnel and the doctor she had previously guided frantically trying to manage the influx of patients, Kisha realized she needed to take decisive action. She understood that without her intervention, their base risked collapsing from within, they would be overrun by zombies and chaos. Stepping in to oversee the situation, she knew her vigilance was crucial to preventing a complete breakdown of their defenses. Upon witnessing the pandemonium and the medical staff scrambling to attend to multiple patients at once, Kisha quickly stowed her lunch box into her inventory. Taking charge of the situation, she asserted her authority and organized the staff into action. Using her ''Eye of Truth'' ability, she identified patients exhibiting Talent or Gifts, grouping them together and assigning them to a single room. This allowed family members to assist in caring for the sick, effectively lightening the load on the overburdened medical team. Kisha directed the soldiers to cram as many folding beds as possible into each room, ensuring that even if patients were lying side by side, there was sufficient space for them to breathe and for caregivers to move around. With the shortage of beds, they improvised by using cardboard and other available materials to provide makeshift cushions for patients to lie on the floor. Those without a gift or talent were placed in a separate room, isolated to minimize the risk of unanticipated transformations or awakenings. Kisha opted for this precaution due to the uncertainty surrounding their condition and the lack of personnel to monitor them closely. By quarantining them separately, she aimed to prevent potential chaos that might ensue because of the delays in the medical staff''s attendance of the patients in these separate rooms. Although the doctors and soldiers were concerned that this approach might lead to disastrous outcomes, they were unable to voice their doubts. The lead doctor had unwavering trust in Kisha''s judgment, whether due to her extensive knowledge of the virus or another factor entirely. He ensured that both medical personnel and soldiers followed her directives without question. With the urgency of the situation, there was no time to inquire about her methods of grouping patients while maintaining individual room assignments. For patients with uncertain outcomes, Kisha ensured they were isolated in individual rooms and assigned a dedicated caregiver to monitor them periodically. Fortunately, the medical staff, accustomed to high-stress situations, quickly adapted to Kisha''s plan. They devised a strategy based on her framework, assigning specific staff members to oversee a designated number of patients. As long as Kisha approves, patients could be cared for by their families. The medical staff began to trust Kisha''s approach, feeling that her protective presence alleviated their fears and concerns about potential dangers. They also had faith in their lead doctor''s judgment, given his extensive experience in the medical field. The staff began to suspect that Kisha knew more about the virus than anyone else, which led them to accept her leadership in assigning rooms. Her deliberate placement of patients, and avoiding random assignments, suggested she had a well-thought-out plan for managing the influx. With no better alternatives, they had no choice but to follow her directives. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soon, the building was overwhelmed with hundreds of people, with even the corridors filled with patients lying on cardboard. To manage the situation, Kisha and her team hired additional help, compensating them with work points that could be used to purchase supplies from the Supply Center. Though many feared for their lives and the risk of being the first casualties if a patient turned into a zombie, some boldly accepted the offer. They reasoned that, with the building already teetering on the edge of disaster, the risk was unavoidable. If a patient did turn and cause chaos, the outcome would be the same: they''d be overrun by zombies from within, with no place to escape. Thus, there was little difference in their decision. With the assistance of the additional workers and family members caring for their loved ones, the burden on Kisha and the medical staff was significantly reduced. Now, the soldiers only needed to conduct routine checks on their designated areas to ensure that everything was in order. They also had to be prepared to respond quickly if any patient turned into a zombie, ready to manage the situation with minimal delay. Since the awakening process typically lasts overnight or even a full day, depending on an individual''s body and potential, many patients would need to remain in their assigned areas for the duration. If additional patients arrived, they would need to be isolated if Kisha was not available to assess their condition and determine whether it was safe to integrate them with others. Kisha was astonished by the sheer number of people awakening simultaneously¡ªhundreds, in fact. This unprecedented surge of superhumans had the potential to transform their base into the strongest fortification around, significantly enhancing their defenses against zombie raids and potential attacks from other humans. This had never happened before. To Kisha''s knowledge, the largest bases typically had only about a hundred superhumans, with many having far fewer. For her base to experience such a surge was unprecedented and promising. Previously, patients exhibiting these symptoms would have been immediately dealt with and killed, preemptively extinguishing any potential superhumans before they could fully awaken or reveal their abilities. This, she realized, was one of humanity''s biggest mistakes from her previous lives. Even if she tried to spread the word and share her knowledge, many would likely dismiss her, especially given that she had not yet awakened while others were already starting to awaken and facing death at the hands of fearful humans. Some even suspected that Kisha was spreading false information to undermine their base, believing that she and her allies intended to seize resources from these shelters or bases. This suspicion often led to Kisha being threatened with death or driven out in disgrace, particularly since she had not yet awakened at that time. The only individuals who managed to awaken were those who had hidden their symptoms and relied on their families to protect them, as their loved ones were reluctant to kill them. This approach led to the discovery of awakened abilities. However, this method became widely adopted, which resulted in widespread disaster as more people attempted to use the same strategy, often with catastrophic consequences. Some of the patients were soldiers on duty at the wall and gate, while others were newly recruited or patrol soldiers from the square. Knowing the drill, the defense force quickly sent their affected members to the medical facility for treatment, awaiting to see if their comrades would turn or awaken. As more and more people fell ill, those still unaffected began to fear that if the patients in the medical facility turned into zombies, they would be attacked from within. While some saw the potential for new heroes to rise and lead them, the looming threat of overwhelming zombies cast a shadow over their hope, leaving fear to overshadow the optimism Kisha had tried to instill. Kisha remained untroubled. She knew that once this batch of superhumans emerged and the base saw Sparrow and the others using their awakened abilities, the prevailing fear would shift into renewed hope. Chapter 282 - 282 The Mass Awakening Started 5 After Kisha finished sorting those with gifts and talents to be cared for by their family or other workers and sending those without into isolated quarantine, it was already growing dark. She took her leave and headed home, where Duke and Winters were waiting for her, sitting in a circle around the living room. Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan stayed behind to assist Aston in mitigating and pacifying the fear-stricken populace who had witnessed more people collapsing in the streets or in their homes. They also strengthened the base''s defense, assigning new recruits their first task of patrolling the base in groups of five. The reason for grouping them in fives was straightforward: despite the base experiencing a domino effect of mass awakenings, it was unlikely that all five members of a group would fall ill simultaneously. Typically, only two or three out of five might get sick. This way, if more than one person fell ill, one group member could run to the standby patrol to request help and send the sick to the medical facility. In Kisha''s home, Marcus''s grandchildren also fell ill, starting with Gant and Mike, who got sick a few hours after Kisha left the territory. Daisy followed exactly three hours later. Marcus was busy taking care of the children, so Mrs. Winters gave him time off to focus on them. Marcus took the children inside the space where time moved faster compared to the outside world. He brought their blankets and a bucket of ice, ensuring they were well taken care of inside. Kisha considered using the space as a safe haven for the mass awakening, but she couldn''t invite just anyone in. Instead, she decided to allow access to those who already knew about the space but had not yet awakened, such as the Patriarch, Mr. Winters, Tristan, Blade Eagler, Reeve, Aston, and their followers. She also considered using the space for training purposes to manage time effectively and reap all the benefits. This plan would only work if she were in her territory in City A, where she could build a training area. The time inside the territory space would sync with the designated training area, allowing them to train intensively without affecting their day-to-day tasks. With this approach, they could maximize training and strengthen all their warriors and themselves in a short period of time. Now that Kisha had new ideas for the direction of her territory, she felt more energized. However, the challenge was figuring out how to achieve these goals. Without a solid plan in place, Kisha decided to push it to the back burner. "Out of sight, out of mind," she thought. Taking a deep breath to center herself, she then joined the Winters, who were talking animatedly in the living room. "What are you all so excited about?" Kisha asked as she sat beside Duke, facing his parents and grandfather. They were clearly discussing something that had them all animated and giddy. Duke scooped her off her seat and made her sit on his lap in front of his parents, earning a stifled chuckle from the elders. Unbothered, Duke acted as if his world had shifted the moment Kisha entered, his entire focus now solely on her. These actions made Kisha feel bashful, while the elders enjoyed the scene, thinking it was just how a newlywed couple should behave. They always wanted to be as close as possible, often behaving sweetly as if no one else was around. Their affection and tender gestures not only made those around them feel happy but also garnered support for their relationship. This was certainly true for Kisha and Duke as well. The two individuals who typically wore indifferent, cold, and stern expressions were now behaving like a typical couple. Duke, unbothered by the gazes of others, rested his cheek on Kisha''s shoulder and inhaled her scent, feeling his body slowly relax as his tired and tense muscles eased. For once, he sought comfort from Kisha after a long day, something he usually didn''t need because of his workaholic nature. Now, he found himself longing for the soothing presence of his wife, wishing for her to ask about his day and offer a shoulder massage, just like other couples do. Duke struggled to find the words to express his feelings, so he chose to show them through his actions. When he saw Kisha acting so bashful and nervous in front of his family, her cuteness sparked an intense desire in him. He felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her, even though he was surrounded by family. The sight of her acting so adorably only intensified his feelings and made him want to act on his impulse, despite his initial desire to simply find comfort. Initially, Mrs. Winters was worried because she had envisioned a different bride for her son, concerned that he had hastily chosen someone. However, seeing Duke, who was once cold and distant, now so affectionate and unable to keep his hands off Kisha, brought her immense happiness. She had never imagined witnessing such a transformation, where her son was so openly loving and devoted to his wife. Duke looked so impatient and wanted to whisk Kisha away and went back to their own room to do what couples do but only to be shot down by Kisha because they have important matters to do. While Duke was grappling with his internal struggle, Mrs. Winters addressed Kisha''s inquiry. "We were discussing the positive changes you''ve brought to this base. Everywhere we go, we hear people praising you. Despite the fear caused by the mass awakening, many are doing their best not to be a burden. I believe it has a lot to do with the difference in how the Coltons and the Minister of Defense treated them before, compared to the more supportive environment they''re experiencing now. This shift has played a significant role in winning their trust and loyalty." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Patriarch also chimed in, "That''s absolutely true. The people working with me are incredibly dedicated. They''re so concerned about not doing enough that they refuse to leave our temporary office until all the laws and other tasks are completed. Even those working on the warehouse for the Supply Center are putting in tremendous effort¡ªthey only stopped when my son insisted, and they returned to their work right after. My son has shared with me just how hard everyone is working to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and swiftly. This dedication has significantly accelerated our progress and allowed us to achieve more in a day." Kisha chuckled as she listened to the enthusiastic praise about the workers'' accomplishments while they waited for Aston and the others. It seemed the Winters had enjoyed a productive day, smoothly completing their tasks while working alongside the survivors. Kisha hoped the survivors would maintain their current dedication and not become complacent or take their progress for granted. Not long after, Aston and the rest arrived at the villa. By then, Kisha had already joined Mrs. Winters in the kitchen, where the Winters'' men were also busy pitching in. They helped with cooking, prepping ingredients, and washing dishes, ensuring that they lightened the load for Kisha and Mrs. Winters. Chapter 283 - 283 Charity Cant Be Good In Apocalypse After cooking and serving the food, everyone gathered around the dining table for dinner to replenish their energy from the day. Conversations stayed away from work as they focused on sharing positive stories and highlights from their day. This shift in topic ensured that everyone enjoyed their meal, momentarily forgot their burdens, and maintained a healthy, relaxed mindset. "Young Madam, you wouldn''t believe how intense Master''s training was. Many of the new recruits cried for their mothers and wanted to leave, but even after that, they stayed on, promising to return the next day after getting some rest and supplies. They''re incredibly grateful and understand the sacrifices we''re making to support everyone. This has only fueled their dedication; they''ve even volunteered to patrol the base to ensure everything is in order. Because of this commitment, Sparrow, Clyde, Fred, Bald Eagle, Rose, and many others have become team captains. This helps us better manage the recruits and keep track of attendance," Vulture shared enthusiastically about the positive changes in the square while Kisha was busy at the makeshift hospital. It seems that the warriors, satisfied with the new leadership arrangements, are not only enduring the rigorous training but are also eagerly participating in the patrol groups. They''ve even organized themselves into squads to improve monitoring. Now, each team captain is responsible for reporting on their members, assessing their performance, and identifying opportunities for promotions or improvements. The new system ensures that the team captains are responsible for monitoring their members, tracking attendance, and overseeing the allocation of supplies. This setup relieves higher leaders like Duke and Kisha from worrying about individuals attempting to sneak into the ranks to claim supplies under false pretenses. Additionally, the arrangement allows team captains to closely observe their members'' progress and weaknesses, providing more effective and interactive mentoring. After Vulture and the others updated Kisha, the meal came to an end. As they all cleared the dishes, Marcus entered with his grandchildren trailing behind him like chicks. The children looked healthy, their eyes sparkling with a newfound excitement as they watched Kisha walk with the others towards Duke''s office. "Young Madam, Master, Old Master, and everyone¡ªhave you all had dinner?" Marcus asked with a warm smile, stepping closer as he saw everyone nod in response. He then turned to Kisha and continued, "Young Madam, thanks to your guidance, all my grandchildren have awakened abilities that seem perfectly suited to them. They are all thrilled with their new powers." "If it weren''t for your generosity in providing us with shelter and food, I don''t think we would have lasted a single day out on the streets. We might have perished even before our abilities had a chance to emerge. We would either have been beaten to death or brutally killed by those living around us, driven by their fear," Marcus said, his voice trembling as he fought to hold back tears, his hands clenching in front of him. Everyone felt deeply grateful to Kisha, as her intervention had allowed them to survive and lead a better life than they might have otherwise. However, Kisha didn''t view her actions as mere acts of charity. In the apocalyptic era, there was no such thing as a free lunch, and true generosity was rare. For Kisha, this was a strategic investment in her future. By helping others, she was advancing her own goals and working towards a better life for everyone, including herself. What good is unparalleled strength and power if there''s no one around to share it with? Without companions, even the greatest abilities can lead to a solitary journey filled with battles not just for survival, but for meaning. To avoid such loneliness, Kisha chose to embrace the system missions while finding solace in the company of those she cares about. For her, this connection is what truly matters. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In an apocalypse, kindness and selfless help without any expectation of return are often exploited and seen as weaknesses. Others may perceive a kind person as an easy target, a vulnerable prey. If such individuals turn their backs on those they helped, they might be blamed for their own misfortune, leading to betrayal and a gruesome end. In such harsh realities, kindness can become a dangerous liability rather than a virtue. Kisha learned this lesson the hard way. In her past, she acted out of compassion, saving everyone she could and offering them a safe haven to heal, both physically and emotionally. She aimed to ease their solitude and provide protection amidst the chaos of the zombie horde. Her approach was rooted in basic humanity¡ªhelping those in need, safeguarding the defenseless, and providing for those who couldn''t provide for themselves. Essentially, her efforts had become a charity case, but what did she receive in return? People expected her to shoulder everything¡ªfight on the front lines alone, provide for, and protect everyone she helped¡ªwhile they simply enjoyed what she provided. When Kisha grew weary of this relentless cycle, those she had helped showed no understanding. Instead, they treated her as if she were a long-standing enemy who had wronged them, demanding retribution rather than offering support or empathy. So, she learned the hard way not to initiate endeavors she couldn''t sustain or complete, especially charity where people failed to meet expectations. From Duke, she also learned the importance of using both incentives and consequences to manage others effectively, ensuring they wouldn''t see her as a doormat or a pushover. So, helping Marcus and the children wasn''t driven purely by compassion or humanity, but by the need to ensure usefulness and productivity. While she genuinely cared for the children, those who couldn''t prove their value would need to learn to fend for themselves or face their own consequences. This is why she implemented a work system¡ªnot only to motivate people to earn their keep and contribute to rebuilding the economy but also to encourage self-sufficiency. In an apocalyptic world, charity can''t be given freely without expecting something in return; everyone must find their own way to contribute and survive. That''s why Marcus''s gratitude meant little to Kisha. She might be labeled heartless or devoid of compassion, but she was exhausted from trying to meet others'' expectations while trudging along a path that seemed only to lead to oblivion. Having faced countless life-or-death situations and endured numerous betrayals, pain, and suffering across many of her lives, her mentality had been tested beyond what any single human could endure. But she managed to endure, preserving the last shreds of her sanity and keeping her heart, though scarred, still capable of holding love for her family and Duke. Her life now felt relatively smooth compared to the tumultuous experiences of her past lives. She reserved her best self for those she cherished and categorized everyone else as either helpful, useless, friends, or foes. With this approach, her life felt significantly better compared to before, when she bore the weight of everyone''s hopes and lives alone. While she still bore some responsibility, she no longer had to carry it all on her own. This time, she wasn''t obligated to take on tasks she didn''t want to, and no one could force her or demand anything in return. Chapter 284 - 284 The Wyatts Awakened Abilities Kisha gave Marcus and the children a warm smile, her expression thoughtful. "I''m glad you''re all safe and that the abilities you''ve awakened into are a good fit for you." She nodded a few more times, her gaze sweeping over each of the children with apparent care, though in reality, she was discreetly assessing their status windows. [Mike Wyatt] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Morality: Good Strength: 30 (+25) Stamina: 30 (+21) Defense: 30 (+23) Agility: 30 (+22) Mental Capacity: 30 (+21) Charm: 30 (+24) Leadership: 30 (+20) Title: None Skills: None Talent: Animal Care Gift: Fostering Ability: Mental (Special: Beast Taming Land Animals) ..... [Gant Wyatt] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Morality: Good Strength: 30 (+23) Stamina: 30 (+19) Defense: 30 (+22) Agility: 30 (+24) Mental Capacity: 30 (+23) Charm: 30 (+21) Leadership: 30 (+19) Title: None Skills: None Talent: Aquatic Care Gift: Fostering Ability: Mental (Special: Beast Taming Aquatic Animals) ... [Daisy Wyatt] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 10.0) Morality: Good Strength: 27 (+23) Stamina: 27 (+21) Defense: 27 (+22) Agility: 27 (+20) Mental Capacity: 27 (+12) Charm: 27 (+13) Leadership: 27 (+22) Title: None Skills: None Talent: Plant Breeding Gift: Scope Ability: Wood ... Kisha looked back and forth between Mike and Gant, noting their irregular awakened ability. The gift of fostering seemed incredibly useful, but it felt almost cruel to place them in the livestock breeding grounds. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If Kisha''s understanding of the Gift ''Fostering'' is correct, and the twins can indeed bond with and accelerate the growth and strength of the animals they care for, then... Their ability to bond with animals and accelerate their growth meant they would likely form deep connections with the creatures they nurtured. Kisha couldn''t help but imagine the heartache the twins would endure if they had to watch those same animals be slaughtered for food. Kisha stared at them, lost in thought. Mike and Gant instinctively stood straighter, their bodies trembling with nervous anticipation. They weren''t scared of her, but they felt as though they were being thoroughly assessed. From what they had heard from their grandfather, they suspected that Kisha had the ability to see through a person''s awakened power. This might explain how she had been able to guide their grandfather so accurately, placing him in a position where he could thrive right from the start. If their suspicions were correct, Kisha was seeing right through them, evaluating their awakened abilities. As she stood there, deep in thought, they believed she was deciding where to place them. At that moment, all they wanted was to prove themselves useful to her. Even without their grandfather''s reminder to repay the grace they received at their lowest point and to treat Kisha as their benefactor, they would still do so. They saw in her someone trustworthy, someone who could lead them toward a greater purpose. They believed she would achieve even more than they could imagine, and they were ready to pledge their undying loyalty to her. With this in mind, Mike and Gant both resolved to commit fully to their path. They decided to follow Kisha and the people around her, determined to see how far they could go and how well they could survive in the apocalypse. This was going to be their first real challenge. Although they had a solid understanding of their abilities thanks to their grandfather''s guidance¡ªjust as Kisha had guided him¡ªnavigating their own awakened powers proved difficult. Their abilities were different from anything their grandfather had encountered, but fortunately, the twins had an innate understanding of each other. With their grandfather''s insight and their instincts, they managed to grasp the nature of their abilities, which turned out to be a success. Marcus could then focus entirely on helping Daisy, who was still clueless about her abilities. Fortunately, she shared the same wood-based ability as Marcus, which made it much easier for him to guide her and demonstrate how it worked. After awakening, they felt a surge of strength similar to their grandfather''s experience. He could lift a boulder half his size with ease, as if he were a seasoned bodybuilder. This newfound power confirmed that they had indeed surpassed their human limits, becoming superhuman like the others. This ignited a surge of excitement and anticipation in them, fueling their eagerness to see just how strong they could become. While the Wyatt brothers were lost in their thoughts of their potential, Kisha finished her assessment and let out a frustrated sigh, which did not go unnoticed by Duke. "What''s wrong?" Duke asked, tightening his grip on her waist as he looked at her with concern. Kisha had previously shared that she could see a person''s abilities and status through her gift, so Duke could tell she was troubled by the children''s awakened abilities. If their abilities were merely troublesome, she wouldn''t be reacting this way; it seemed their abilities might pose a significant problem, which was causing her unprecedented stress. Kisha didn''t respond to Duke''s question, instead, she fixed her gaze on the Wyatt brothers. "Why don''t you all come with us to the study? There''s something we need to discuss and something we needed to get done and over with," she said. The sudden shift in Kisha''s demeanor left everyone puzzled, but no one dared to question her. Even Duke, though intrigued, merely tilted his head in curiosity before following Kisha up the stairs to the second floor, where the office had been repurposed as their temporary conference room. Everyone else followed them upstairs, with the Wyatt family trailing last, their anxiety increasing with every step. Kisha''s mention of needing to "get done and over with" made them uneasy, as if she were contemplating sending them away or forcing them into some final decision. The Wyatt siblings began to question whether their earlier suspicion about Kisha''s ability to assess their gifts was accurate or if they had been jumping to conclusions. Or perhaps they hadn''t awakened anything particularly useful, and now they were being dismissed. The Wyatts took a deep breath, trying to steady their racing hearts and turbulent thoughts. When they finally reached the office, they found Kisha already seated behind the desk, with Duke sitting casually on the leather chair while he made Kisha sit on his lap, almost as if he were part of the chair. The scene looked both intimate and oddly amusing. Despite the unusual sight, no one spoke a word. They simply took their seats on the sofa in front of the desk, sitting quietly and comfortably as they awaited further instructions. When Marcus and the children arrived, they felt as if they had stumbled into a council meeting, unable to move from their spot after closing the door behind them. They faced Kisha''s intense gaze as she studied them closely, while Duke, seemingly unfazed by the serious and charged atmosphere, continued to absently work on her long hair as if he were a barber at play. The room fell silent as everyone waited for Kisha to begin the meeting. While some had an inkling of what the discussion might entail, there was still confusion about why the Wyatts were being included in a meeting focused on a serious operation involving imminent danger. Chapter 285 - 285 Not Looking Good Kisha took a deep breath and addressed the four of them. "Marcus, Gant, Mike, and Daisy, are you prepared to join me and my team, fully aware of the risks and dangers that may come with it?" ''I wanted all four of you to join us and be a part of my team.'' Kisha trembled a little because she said what she thought and thought of what she was supposed to say to the four of them which now looked so confusing and out of the blue. Kisha felt like smacking herself on the head because she didn''t want to scare the children and wanted to make it as stress-free as possible but instead, she put the pressure head-on. Duke, who was playing with her hair, felt the slight tremor that traveled on Kisha''s body and so, he rubbed her back to soothe her unease and overthinking, he wanted to show his support for whatever decision she came up with and show her that he would always be there throughout. He knew that Kisha might have messed up something in her mind and what she said, and that''s why she was acting as if she was regretting what she said, although her actions were subtle but Duke could still feel and understand them. Although no one knew why the conversation even started like this or what Kisha was trying to achieve, no one asked for the whys and just remained silent, even the Winters remained silent, Mrs. Winters even comfortably started brewing coffee and tea for the people inside the office, lightening the atmosphere a little. Usually, Marcus would be the first to speak for his family, with his decisions guiding the others. However, this time, it was Mike and Gant who spoke in unison, their voices filled with conviction. "We will!" they declared. Daisy, after hearing her brothers, nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with determination as she clutched the hem of her clothes. After the children declared their decision, Marcus chuckled, somewhat resigned that his grandchildren had beaten him to it. He then turned to Kisha with a determined gaze, his loyalty evident. "Young Madam, wherever you lead us, we will follow. Whatever you ask, we will not question. Use us as you see fit, and know that our loyalty is pledged to you and you alone. My future descendants and I will serve you without reservation." Kisha nodded thoughtfully. Normally, she would rely on a slave contract or the Heart Gu Pill to ensure absolute loyalty and prevent betrayal. However, seeing that the group included two teenagers and a child not yet in her teens, she hesitated. She couldn''t bring herself to subject them to the pain associated with the Heart Gu Pill, especially when they deserved protection rather than suffering. At the moment, Kisha couldn''t acquire a slave contract, not only because they hadn''t yet found a new supplier but also due to her insufficient points. The remaining points she had were reserved for upgrading her system to level 5, making them untouchable. She also hesitated to use the Heart Gu Pill, as it would inflict unnecessary pain on the children. Thus, she resolved to place her trust in their words, but she made it clear in her mind that if any sign of betrayal appeared, she would not hesitate to deal with it personally and kill them. Having settled her thoughts, Kisha gestured for the four to come closer. "First, I want to ask Gant and Mike: How would you feel about taking on the responsibility of caring for the livestock on the ranch and the aquatic animals in the lake and sea within my territory space?" After hearing her question, Gant and Mike''s eyes twinkled like stars and they both shared a glance before facing Kisha with an excited look. Mike was the first to speak his mind in front of Kisha. "Young Madam, I''ve always enjoyed caring for animals on the ranch. Before awakening, it brought me a sense of peace and belonging. Now, with my awakened ability, it seems my gift aligns perfectly with raising and caring for animals. This opportunity feels like a natural fit for me." Mike took a deep breath to calm his excitement, ensuring he remained respectful before continuing. "As I''ve used my ability on the animals, I''ve noticed their growth accelerating significantly, and their size increasing¡ªsometimes even twice as large as usual, they also mature faster with my guidance and breed easily, which could easily increase the number of animals in no time. I''ve also found that I can sense their feelings and understand what they''re trying to communicate. It''s been incredibly thrilling to witness this transformation!" Kisha exhaled, her frustration evident. "I figured as much." Her reaction puzzled everyone. They had anticipated her excitement over the prospect of increased food supply and support for their base''s population, but instead, Kisha''s expression conveyed irritation. It seemed as though something about the situation was troubling her. After Kisha spoke, she did not offer any further explanation and instead turned her attention to Gant. Despite Mike''s disappointment at Kisha''s reaction to what he had hoped was good news, he silently stepped back, allowing Gant to share his own achievements. "Young Madam," Gant began, "like my brother, I find great ease in caring for the fish, treating them almost like pets, but they mean even more to me. The longer I tend to them, the faster they grow and mature. Just as Mike mentioned, they not only double in size but also breed quickly. At this rate, we''ll soon have an overcrowded lake. It''s been fascinating to watch it develop like this." Gant''s explanation highlighted that after spending 5-7 hours inside the territory space, they had not only awakened and understood their abilities but had also significantly improved their proficiency. This resulted in a highly positive outcome. Just as their grandfather could now plant and harvest more crops with greater quality, Gant and Mike felt they were on a similar path. They were confident that their abilities would soon allow them to significantly contribute to Kisha''s efforts and alleviate some of her burdens. This demonstrated their significant potential and rapid growth. It was likely accelerated by the territory''s time flow, which moves ten times faster than the outside world, allowing them to accomplish much more in a shorter span. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gant''s mention of the lake becoming overcrowded with fish brought smiles to everyone''s faces, except for Mrs. Winters, who had yet to see the lake''s vastness. Given the size of the lake and the surrounding sea, this was seen as an impressive achievement. The prospect of such an abundant food supply, combined with the crops Marcus had successfully cultivated, had everyone grinning from ear to ear. However, when they turned to Kisha, hoping to see her smile, they were met with an unsettling silence. Her frown deepened as she leaned forward, her elbows resting on the desk with her hands clasped under her chin, her gaze fixed intently on Mike and Gant. The atmosphere grew tense and somber; everyone could sense that Kisha''s displeasure was serious. They understood that if she was dissatisfied, there was a significant issue at hand. "Granddaughter-in-law, you seem troubled. Perhaps sharing your concerns with us might help lighten your burden. We''re here to listen and offer support. Sometimes, two heads are better than one, and together, we might find a better solution than if you were to tackle it alone." The Patriarch, recognizing his unique position as Kisha''s grandfather-in-law and the elder with the most suitable role to speak up, took the initiative. Given his significant status both before and after the apocalypse and the fact that he was one of the only older individuals present aside from Marcus, it was fitting for him to offer such support. Chapter 286 - 286 The Disappointment "That''s right, wifey. Just tell me what''s bothering you, and I''ll find a way to handle it. Hmm?" Duke said coaxingly as he wrapped his arms around Kisha''s waist, pulling her closer to his chest. He wanted to provide her with support, comfort, and ease her worries, hoping that his embrace would help alleviate whatever was weighing on her mind. Kisha sighed again, her gaze shifting to Gant and Mike, who stood before her looking disheartened. She could see they were feeling down as if their hard work had been dismissed rather than praised. Wanting to lift their spirits, Kisha began to speak. "Actually, what Gant and Mike have achieved is truly remarkable, and I couldn''t ask for more. Especially knowing that their efforts will help stabilize our supplies at the base, with Marcus''s crops and the twins'' assistance with the livestock ensuring a steady increase." Hearing her say all this brought smiles to everyone''s faces, momentarily making them forget how Kisha looked. But when they finally noticed her expression again, confusion deepened. "Then why don''t you look happy, City Lord?" Aston asked, voicing the question on everyone''s mind¡ªor at least most of those in the office. However, people like Duke, the two Winters'' men, and the more quick-witted among them had already grasped the situation and understood why Kisha seemed dissatisfied. Kisha sighed again before continuing, "Although the results are undeniably impressive, the problem lies in their bond with the animals they''re ''fostering,'' as their gift suggests. ''Fostering'' means nurturing, raising, and communicating with them. Gant even mentioned that he sees the fish as more than just pets." "And if that''s the case, how would they cope when the animals they''ve nurtured and bonded with are sent to be slaughtered and eaten? Wouldn''t that cause severe trauma for Mike and Gant? They might feel like they''re sending their friends to the chopping block after fattening them up, which could be unbearably cruel for them. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I''m certain it would be impossible not to get attached to the animals they''ve cared for and raised using their fostering gift." Initially, Kisha was thrilled, believing that the twins'' gifts would be a tremendous asset to the base, much like Marcus''s ability to boost crop growth. She eagerly anticipated the day they would awaken and help care for the farm animals and fisheries in her territory. But once she saw their abilities firsthand, everything became clear to her. If she wasn''t mistaken and remembered it correctly, there was a time when Bell mentioned that in the Murim World, martial arts practitioners were divided into many category depending on their specialty because not all of the martial arts practitioners are just fighting with the power they gained through enlightenment, and just like the world Kisha lived in. The Murim World also has distinct ''Jobs'' and ''Specialties,'' similar to her own world. These include ''Alchemists'' who create elixirs and miraculous pills like the Immortal Pill she acquired from the World of the Gods, ''Blacksmiths,'' ''Sword Practitioners,'' ''Martial Artists,'' ''Poison Practitioners,'' and many more. Among these was a unique role: the ''Beast Tamer.'' Beast Tamers, as their name suggests, specialize in taming beasts. They either sell these tamed creatures so others can form contracts with them as battle pets¡ªmuch like how Bell and Zeus became her companions¡ªor they keep the beasts for their own use. According to Bell, the strength of a tamed beast enhances its master''s power. The purity of the beast''s bloodline also affects its strength, and the more powerful the beast, the more challenging it is to tame. If Kisha were to compare Gant and Mike''s abilities to the Beast Tamers of the Murim World, they seem quite similar. However, unlike the Beast Tamers, who typically possess a single ability to tame all kinds of beasts based on their strength and spiritual energy, Gant and Mike''s abilities are divided. One can tame land beasts, while the other can only tame water beasts. This division is unusual, as it''s more common for a Beast Tamer to have a singular ability that covers a wider range of beasts, depending on their potential and energy. This division in their abilities might be due to their being twins, resulting in a split of their powers. If their awakened abilities were more focused on nurturing and enhancing the growth of animals, it would have been easier to integrate Gant and Mike into the animal care routine. However, since their abilities involve beast taming, this creates complications, making it challenging to use them for the same purpose. The apocalypse has already been deeply traumatizing for the children, and adding the burden of their abilities¡ªparticularly in the form of beast taming¡ªwould only add to their stress and suffering if she placed them where the farm animals and fisheries are that are also meant to be slaughtered. Kisha felt disappointed because she realized it would be more appropriate to place them in a role suited to their strengths rather than burdening them with something so potentially distressing at such a young age. Gant and Mike were taken aback by Kisha''s insights. They hadn''t expected her to understand their abilities so deeply. Her words resonated with them profoundly. They realized that, as Kisha described, their bond with the animals felt more like friendship than mere caretaking. The thought of nurturing these creatures only to have them slaughtered felt like betraying their friends, as if they were fattening them up just to send them to their deaths. It was deeply agonizing and stressful for them to consider. They felt a profound sense of embarrassment, realizing that their remarkable ability seemed to place them at odds with the very goal they hoped to achieve. The potential of their gift now felt overshadowed by the painful reality of its consequences if they continued. Gant and Mike''s heads hung low, their earlier enthusiasm extinguished by the painful realization that their abilities might not be as helpful as they had hoped. The disappointment of awakening to a power that seemed ultimately unfit for their intended purpose made them feel disheartened and ineffective. Kisha noticed the dejected looks on the kids'' faces and, despite her own disappointment, offered some reassurance. "It''s alright. We''ll have Gant and Mike assist Marcus with the crops for now, and we''ll find a more suitable role for them in the future. As for Daisy, since her ability aligns with Marcus'' elemental ''wood'' ability, I believe we can find a different position for her." She said thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on Daisy''s Talent and Gift. "Young Madam," Marcus said, puzzled, "if Daisy has the same ability as mine, wouldn''t it be best to have her work alongside me on the crops? She might help accelerate their growth as well." So kisha had to explain to him so he would understand the difference in their ability. "While Daisy has the same wood ability as you, her talent and gift are different from yours. Just because someone has a wood attribute doesn''t mean they can enhance crop growth. In fact, without a balancing effect like yours, using wood-type abilities could disrupt the balance of the crops'' growth and potentially harm them. Your unique talent and gift is what allows you to increase plant growth effectively." Chapter 287 - 287 Botanist Acquired "And besides," Kisha said confidently, "I believe Daisy''s Talent and Gift would make her an excellent Bonatist." "Really?" Daisy asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she looked at Kisha. "Yes, if I''m not mistaken," Kisha said with a reassuring smile, "you have a Talent for plant breeding and a Gift called ''Scope.'' This Gift could be incredibly useful, as it might allow you to access detailed information about plants, almost like having an encyclopedia at your fingertips. With this ability, you''ll be able to study plants more thoroughly and cross-breed them, potentially creating more resilient varieties that can withstand changing climates and revitalize dying lands." Truthfully, Kisha had high expectations for Daisy. From her previous experiences, she remembered how relentless climate changes had become. Summers grew unbearably hot, winters frigid, and sometimes the weather would deviate drastically from the norm¡ªblizzards in summer, droughts in winter, and scorching heat at unpredictable times. These erratic shifts were not just inconvenient; they caused the soil to die and turn rusty, making it impossible for unmutated plants to survive. As a result, the air around the world grew thinner, exacerbating the environmental crisis. Kisha hoped Daisy''s skills would be key to developing resilient plant varieties capable of withstanding these extreme conditions. These extreme climate changes had severe consequences, leading to a rise in respiratory issues among those who hadn''t awakened. Many people suffered from debilitating asthma, further reducing the human population. Despite Kisha and Duke''s efforts to rally scientists and botanists to find a solution, their research yielded little success. Perhaps their struggle stemmed from lacking the specific expertise Daisy possessed¡ªher talent in plant breeding and her "Scope" gift to understand plant properties might be the key to discovering effective solutions. Reflecting on this, Kisha felt a pang of regret for the loss of such superhumans in her previous lives. Had they survived, the prospects for humanity''s survival might have been more promising. Now that she had these valuable individuals in her care, she felt a renewed sense of hope for the future. All she needed to do was protect these precious reasures and ensure their potential was fully realized. Kisha nodded with satisfaction at Daisy, pleased with her newfound sense of purpose. However, this development left Gant and Mike feeling restless and inadequate. They saw their younger sister finding a meaningful role for her awakened ability, and it stirred a strong sense of urgency in them to prove their own worth. Having matured rapidly after the events that befell their parents, and with their grandfather aging, they felt a deep responsibility to protect Daisy. They were determined not to let her progress while they remained stagnant, driven by the belief that others saw them as having weaker mentalities or being unable to handle the potential trauma of their abilities. Mike, the older brother, spoke up with determined conviction, drawing everyone''s attention. "City Lord, I would like to request to continue taking care of the farm animals as I have been. I believe there might be a way to enhance their growth without forming a bond with them," he stated firmly, confident that a solution could be found to this challenge. Gant added, drawing everyone''s attention with his earnest tone. "City Lord, I also feel a strong connection to the fisheries and aquatic animals in our territory. However, like my brother mentioned, we believe there might be a way to address this issue. We want to contribute to the base''s growth and support its development. Currently, the base relies heavily on what our territory can provide while we build it up, and with our limited resources, maintaining the flow is crucial. If my brother and I don''t help, we risk disrupting the supply, which would only add to the people''s distress." His mature and thoughtful words made everyone in the office realize the depth of his understanding of the situation and was stunned. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For Kisha, witnessing children mature rapidly in the apocalyptic era was not unusual. In a world where survival was paramount, these children had no choice but to grow up quickly. With no one left to lean on or protect them, they had to adapt, learn new skills, and become resourceful just to avoid being abandoned or deemed useless. This urgency was even greater for those with siblings depending on them, driving them to mature faster to ensure their survival and the well-being of those who relied on them. Kisha understood the source of Mike and Gant''s sudden change in decision. They didn''t want to be left behind by Daisy, as it would undermine their ability to protect her and stand by her side as her older brothers. It was not just about pride, but also a drive to become stronger and better. This determination to improve and not fall short was what would fuel their growth and make them formidable in the future. Kisha saw no issue with their drive or request, but she remained concerned about sending the young ones to face trauma while still searching for a solution. Bell''s voice suddenly intruded on Kisha''s thoughts through their mind-link. "Master, what they said holds some truth. As beast tamers, they can indeed form bonds with the beasts they tame, but they can also sever those bonds. After all, how would beast tamers be able to sell or let go of the beasts they''ve nurtured if they couldn''t? While bonds can be formed, they can also be broken, or the beasts can be nurtured without forming a deep connection. Additionally, beast tamers differentiate between livestock and beasts worth taming, adhering to the survival of the fittest principle that even they understand." "I believe these young beast tamers lack proper guidance, which is why they unintentionally formed bonds with livestock and animals meant for food. They got overwhelmed by their abilities without proper direction," Bell added confidently. Everyone in the room fell silent, waiting for Kisha to speak. She stared ahead, lost in thought, her gaze distant. No one wanted to interrupt her, and they were at a loss for words, unsure how to address the situation. "Then, what do you propose?" Kisha asked Bell. Given Bell''s background from the Murim World and its ancestors'' experience with beast tamers after forming a contract with one, Kisha trusted that Bell had a deeper understanding of the subject. She believed there was little difference between the beast tamers from Murim and the abilities of Mike and Gant, so she valued Bell''s advice on how to proceed. "Master, how about I teach you first, and then you can teach them?" Bell suggested. Kisha hesitated, unsure about this approach. She was concerned that learning the technique herself would take time, and without a thorough understanding of every aspect of beast taming, she might end up confusing Mike and Gant rather than helping them. She feared that without mastering the technique first, she could inadvertently misguide the two children and jeopardize their foundational skills. Since Bell was contracted with Kisha, she could sense and understand Kisha''s emotions and thoughts unless one of them chose to block the connection. Right now, with their connection fully open, Bell grasped Kisha''s concerns and reassured her, "Don''t worry, Master. It won''t take long for you to understand the technique. Even without mastering it completely, you''ll be able to teach it effectively once you grasp the core principles." Chapter 288 - 288 Learning Beast Taming Technique Kisha remained skeptical about Bell''s reassurance. Understanding the principles of an unfamiliar technique was one thing, but applying them was another, especially given the vast differences between the Murim world and her own. The techniques and methods from Bell''s world might differ significantly from what Kisha was accustomed to, presenting additional challenges in teaching the kids effectively. Before Kisha could voice her concerns, Bell transmitted a massive influx of information through their connection, flooding Kisha''s mind. The sudden deluge of data caused Kisha to jolt in pain as her head throbbed violently, with veins visibly bulging in her forehead and neck. Duke, immediately noticing Kisha''s distress and pain, rushed to help her soothe her back, and attempted to comfort her by gently massaging her temples and offering support. This alarmed everyone in the room. Kisha attempted to suppress her pain, hoping to avoid alarming anyone, but the effort was in vain. The pain was overwhelming; her hearing was muffled, and her vision blurred as her brain struggled to process the flood of information. The onslaught of data was so intense that it felt as if her mind was being forcibly crammed with knowledge about beast taming¡ªits principles, techniques, and cultivation manuals. The information was overwhelming her, making it nearly impossible to focus or remain composed. It took Kisha a full hour to process the overwhelming influx of information Bell had transmitted into her mind. By the end, she was drenched in sweat, and the room was filled with worried onlookers. As soon as Duke sensed that Kisha''s pain had diminished, he carefully lifted her and carried her out of the room, leaving the others in silence and concern. Since no one officially adjourned the meeting, everyone remained in the office, understanding that Duke had only taken Kisha out to change clothes. The process had drained much of Kisha''s strength and energy, leaving her limp in Duke''s arms. Although she could still hear and feel her surroundings, she was too exhausted to open her eyes or speak. She needed a moment to catch her breath and regain her strength. After carrying Kisha out of the office, Duke took her directly to their room, where he carefully laid her on the bed. He then headed to the bathroom to draw a warm bath for her. While the water filled the tub, Duke went to the walk-in closet to fetch a fresh set of clothes for Kisha and placed them neatly at the foot of the bed where she was resting. He helped Kisha out of her clothes with a focused, concerned demeanor. His mind was consumed with worry and questions about what had happened to his wife, leaving no room for any inappropriate thoughts or admire her naked form. His sole focus was on gently and carefully undressing her, ensuring she was comfortable as he prepared her for the bath. He handled Kisha with utmost gentleness, as though any sudden movement might trigger her pain again. It took him a little while to carefully undress her, and by the time he was done, the bathtub was already overflowing with warm water. Undeterred by the mess, Duke carefully eased Kisha into the tub before finally turning off the faucet. Duke heard Kisha make a soft, contented hum, and he realized that the warm bath was likely soothing her. He watched as her tense muscles gradually relaxed, though her eyes remained closed. Gently, he used a sponge to dab the warm water onto her face and head, trying to bring her further comfort. Every movement was deliberate and tender; whether he was applying soap or shampooing her hair, he handled her with the utmost care, as if afraid that any extra pressure might cause her harm. Kisha, though still exhausted, relished the tender care Duke was giving her. The warm bath, combined with Duke''s gentle touch, made her feel considerably better. She found herself more appreciative than ever of having Duke as her husband. She hadn''t realized just how gentle he could be; his touch was soft and feather-like. Even without opening her eyes, she could sense the concern and worry radiating from him, which brought a subtle smile to her lips. This lovable side of Duke was so sweet and new to her but it felt great to be the receiver of such love, As she basked in his care and evident worry, her heart swelled with emotion. Kisha made a silent vow to herself to never hurt Duke, to protect his feelings, and to cherish him with the same depth of love and respect that he bestowed upon her. Duke spent a full 20 minutes bathing Kisha, meticulously ensuring the water remained warm by continuously using his fire ability to maintain the temperature. After gently washing her, he wrapped her in a large, fluffy towel that cocooned her completely. He then carefully carried her back to the bed, where he tenderly dried her body and hair. With great care, he blow-dried her hair, avoiding any hot air on her face to ensure her comfort. It was a lot of work, but Duke remained silent throughout, his anxiety and concern evident in his every move. Once he finished drying Kisha''s hair, he carefully dressed her in a set of clothes designed for her comfort. Afterward, he settled beside her, pulling her into his embrace and resting his nose gently on the top of her head. Throughout Duke''s attentive care, Kisha stayed awake but couldn''t manage to open her eyes. She even felt her eyes well up with tears from the gentle treatment she was receiving. When Duke noticed the tears glistening at the corners of her eyes, his worry deepened. The sight of Kisha''s tears pained him immensely, and he wished he could take her suffering upon himself to spare her any distress. After another 30 minutes, Kisha finally regained enough strength to open her eyes. As she did, she met Duke''s worried gaze. His eyes, reddened around the rims, searched her face anxiously, looking for any signs of lingering pain. When Duke saw that Kisha''s discomfort had eased, he hugged her a little tighter, though still gently, ensuring not to cause her any further pain. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I''m alright," Kisha croaked, her voice hoarse and dry, sounding weak and pitiful. Duke responded by holding her even tighter. "Don''t make me worry like that again," Duke murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I don''t think my heart can handle such scares." He struggled to keep his emotions in check as he spoke. "Alright, I''ll listen to my husband," Kisha teased, her weakened state making the words sound even more endearing. Duke squeezed her gently in response. "Let''s go back. We''ve been away for a while, and everyone must be growing worried. Plus, we still have a meeting to attend," Kisha said, taking a deep breath. "No, I''m going to take care of things. You stay here and rest," Duke said firmly, not accepting Kisha''s suggestion. Kisha shook her head, not accepting Duke''s insistence. "If I don''t go, then all the pain I endured will have been for nothing. Do you really want to let it all be in vain?" She looked up at Duke with a pleading gaze, though she felt reluctant to use such a tactic. It was the only way she could convince him to let her return to the meeting. Moreover, what she said was true: if she didn''t join the meeting, the pain she endured would feel utterly wasted. She couldn''t bear the thought of her suffering being in vain. "Master¡­" Bell''s voice trembled with embarrassment and remorse in Kisha''s mind. "I''m truly sorry for not warning you about the pain from the information transfer. It was a mistake on my part. Please, punish me if you must." Chapter 289 - 289 Ill Take Care Of You "No need to blame yourself, Bell. It will happen regardless, and even with a warning, I would have still experienced the pain. What matters is the value of the information you provided. I appreciate it greatly, and I want to thank you for that," Kisha reassured Bell, trying to alleviate its self-reproach. Kisha then turned her attention to Duke, who was gazing at her with pursed lips, clearly wrestling with whether to let her return or not. "Can you explain what caused the sudden pain you experienced?" Duke asked, his voice soft and coaxing. He lowered his tone almost to a whisper, the warmth and subtle vibration in his voice, from his Adam''s apple, adding a touch of masculinity that made his concern feel even more intimate. Kisha met his gaze with a look of genuine happiness before she began to explain. "As you know, I reassigned Gant and Mike from their duties caring for the animals. I did this to spare them the heartbreak of seeing the creatures they''ve grown close to being sent to the slaughterhouse for our survival. Given their awakened abilities, it''s nearly impossible for them to care for the animals without forming strong bonds. I was on the verge of rejecting their pleas for this reason, considering they are still too young for such a responsibility, which could potentially shatter them emotionally." "But then, Bell reached out to me with a solution. She mentioned a way to prevent Gant and Mike from forming emotional bonds with the animals they''re caring for, while still allowing them to use their abilities to aid the animals'' growth. To implement this, I needed to learn the technique myself so that I could teach it to the kids." "Unfortunately, learning the skill the traditional way would have taken too much time and required a high level of comprehension. So, Bell decided to transfer the information directly into my mind. The sudden influx of knowledge overwhelmed me and caused the pain I experienced." Kisha sighed, a look of resignation on her face as if she had done everything she could to help the situation. Duke''s brows furrowed in displeasure upon hearing how it happened. He resented the fact that Kisha had to endure such pain for the sake of others. His cold expression and pursed lips betrayed his frustration and concern. Unable to bear seeing him so troubled, Kisha reached out to gently smooth his furrowed brows, offering a comforting touch. "I''m not doing this just to help others achieve their goals," Kisha said gently, her eyes locked on Duke''s with affection. "I''m doing this to create a safe and self-sustaining base for ourselves and our future family." Duke''s displeasure softened at her words, and he felt a surge of conflicting emotions. His urge to scold Kisha for not prioritizing her well-being dissolved as he fixated on the phrase "our future family." His mind drifted to a vision of a little version of themselves, living happily within their safe base. He realized, with a deep sense of resolve, that he too wanted to contribute to making that vision a reality. "But I don''t want you to get hurt," Duke said, his voice thick with concern. "You should let me handle the hard work. After all, I''m your husband, and it''s my responsibility and duty to protect you." His eyes were full of worry and a silent plea as he looked at Kisha. Kisha chuckled softly, brushing her fingers gently against Duke''s cheek. "You know I don''t like being at a disadvantage, right? This situation was an exception and unavoidable. Besides, Bell couldn''t share the information with you; it wasn''t connected to you in any way." "And besides, as your wife, I''m just as responsible for taking care of you and pampering you. So, just enjoy it," Kisha added with a playful smile. Duke''s smile broadened in appreciation, his heart swelling with happiness. It was the first time someone had offered him such a gesture, and his eyes crinkled in delight as he gazed lovingly at Kisha. "Then, I will do my best to serve my wife and ensure you''re completely satisfied." Duke looked so innocently happy that it took Kisha a moment to fully grasp the meaning behind his words. Her face darkened. "This cunning fox! Have I walked straight into his trap again? Did I really just offer myself up so willingly? He knows how to play his cards well; no wonder he''s at the top of the business world. Damn it!" Kisha fumed internally, realizing Duke had skillfully turned her offer into something much more intimate. She felt trapped, as if every step she took, Duke had already set a snare to ensure she''d willingly accept her fate. Now, she dreaded their bedtime, realizing that Duke, with his seemingly innocent expression, was hiding his true intentions behind a fa?ade. His actions spoke volumes more than his words, and she couldn''t escape the trap he had expertly laid. Duke eagerly gave Kisha''s perky ass a playful squeeze and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "How about I start taking care of you tonight?" he murmured with a hint of mischief in his voice. Kisha felt like vomiting blood in anger at how shameless Duke had turned into. Kisha immediately pushed herself away and stood up from the bed before storming off their bedroom, when she reached the hallway, she heard Duke''s contagious laughter echoing in the room which made Kisha smile before she headed back into the study, not long after, Duke also followed behind Kisha. When the two came back to the office, everyone was still there and was discussing other matters regarding their own position that needed help from other departments, mostly from Mr. Winters of the Supply Center for the supply allocation and distribution. When the door opened, everyone looked up with concern, expecting only Duke to return after settling Kisha to bed. Seeing Kisha come back with Duke behind her, they grew worried about her overworking herself. They shot disapproving glances at Duke, particularly his family, who had reproachful looks on their faces. Duke immediately raised both hands in a gesture of surrender, his expression one of helplessness as he shot a glance at Kisha. She merely chuckled and headed back to the desk, with Duke trailing closely behind like a devoted shadow. His swift movement to the leather chair, pulling Kisha onto his lap, had become so routine that no one paid much attention to his antics anymore. Instead, their focus was on Kisha''s pale face. "Sweetie, how are you feeling?" Mrs. Winters asked with concern, her eyes red-rimmed as if she might start crying at any moment. "Why don''t you go back to your room and rest? We''ll continue the meeting and make sure to send you the report first thing in the morning so you''ll know how everything went." Kisha''s expression softened as she looked at Mrs. Winters. "Mom, please don''t worry about me. I wasn''t overworking myself. What happened was that I gained some valuable insights on how to help Gant and Mike use their abilities more effectively without causing them pain from bonding with the animals." Her explanation left everyone gasping in surprise and excitement. Gant and Mike, who had initially looked dejected after Duke carried Kisha away, now shared an excited glance before turning to Kisha, their faces bright with newfound hope and happiness. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 290 - 290 How To Have More Battle Pets Mrs. Winters beamed at being called "Mom," seeing it as a sign that Kisha truly considered her part of the family, acknowledging her as Duke''s mother and solidifying their bond. Even the Patriarch''s eyes sparkled with anticipation, and though Mr. Winters typically maintained a neutral demeanor, he cast a glance at Kisha that carried a hint of expectation. Kisha noticed their expressions and felt a warmth she had previously reserved for her grandparents and Keith, now extended to the Winters and Duke. Her heart brimmed with happiness as she looked back at them. "Dad, Grandpa, you don''t need to worry. Let me explain what happened." Hearing her refer to them as Dad and Grandpa caused the usually stoic Winters men to break into warm smiles, and they nodded at Kisha with renewed affection. Kisha turned to face Gant and Mike with a reassuring smile. "Gant, Mike, as I mentioned earlier, I''ve had an insight on how to address the issue with bonding to the animals you care for. This technique will prevent you from forming emotional attachments that could cause you pain if they are ever slaughtered. It will take some time to master this method, but it will allow you to use your awakened abilities effectively while nurturing the farm animals and fisheries. You''ll be able to nurture them and improve their growth and meat quality without becoming emotionally attached. Additionally, you''ll have control over which animals you bond with, accelerating their growth and strength." Kisha continued with a hopeful tone, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "With this technique, we can have you both tame mutant animals and turn them into powerful battle pets. These creatures could become invaluable allies in fighting zombies, as they would be stronger and more resilient than even the best of superhumans. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. You two would play a crucial role in this, ensuring that we have these mutant animals as our greatest weapons. They could fight alongside us and help us defend against evolved zombies and corrupted mutant animals that threaten us. Your efforts could make a significant difference in our battles." The prospect of this new possibility made Kisha beam with a broad, hopeful smile. Despite the considerable effort required, she was confident it would be worth it. The twins clapped their hands eagerly, their excitement mirrored by everyone else, who seemed to witness a remarkable breakthrough unfolding before them. Though most had yet to see a mutant animal in action, Kisha''s vivid description was enough to inspire instant belief. Their unwavering trust in her, deeply rooted in their hearts, allowed them to vividly imagine her vision coming to life before their eyes. "I-Is that really true?!" everyone asked simultaneously, their eyes widening with a mix of disbelief and hope. To illustrate her point, Kisha summoned Zeus, who materialized out of nowhere. The massive creature was playfully running around the territory, tongue lolling out as it chased after butterflies in the flower field. Though its antics were endearingly foolish, Zeus''s sheer size and presence still exuded an intimidating aura, reminiscent of a formidable bear who was out hunting. Zeus scanned the room with a curious gaze and, upon spotting Kisha, flopped onto its back with a playful grunt. It exposed its belly and let its tongue hang out, clearly inviting Kisha for a belly rub. "Isn''t Zeus a perfect example?" Kisha said proudly. "Zeus is a mutant dog with strength comparable to a level 1 evolved zombie. In fact, it faced off against a level 1 evolved zombie the first time I met it with Duke." Her words jogged Aston and the others'' memories of Zeus fighting amidst a horde of zombies. They recalled how formidable Zeus had been, effortlessly killing a dozen zombies with ease. Most of them knew Zeus as Kisha''s pet but were unaware it was actually a mutant animal turned battle companion. To clarify, Kisha explained, "Since not everyone has seen Zeus in action, let me describe its abilities. Although Zeus hasn''t awakened a special ability, but it''s like a walking tank. Its armor-like skin allows it to crush zombies effortlessly. IT can stun enemies, creating openings for others to strike, especially useful against fast-moving foes. Most importantly, it has a sonic wave attack that can obliterate everything within its radius. Enemies without strong defenses are virtually guaranteed to be defeated in one hit." After hearing Kisha''s detailed explanation, everyone glanced at the silly-looking Zeus, who was still lying on the floor, eagerly awaiting a belly rub and whining for Kisha''s attention. Those who had accompanied Kisha on their last expedition knew firsthand the strength required to combat a Level 1 evolved zombie with an awakened ability. The realization that Zeus could rival such a formidable enemy made them view it in a new light, transforming their perception of the seemingly goofy mutant into a powerful and crucial asset. This revelation ignited Mike and Gant''s enthusiasm for mastering the technique Kisha was about to teach them. They were now eager to embrace their awakened abilities, knowing they could make a significant impact on the base, protect many people, and help lighten Kisha''s burdens. "Sweetie, does that mean Bell is also a mutant insect?" Mrs. Winters asked, her curiosity piqued. Everyone knew how formidable Bell was, with fighting abilities surpassing even Zeus''s. If such a powerful ally could coexist with them in the base and fight alongside them, their base would undoubtedly become a leading powerhouse, and they would no longer be vulnerable to bullying from other bases and fall from the zombie raids in the future. Kisha summoned Bell, who immediately appeared and cheerfully circled around her before settling comfortably on her head. "Bell is a bit different from the mutant animals or insects you might see in the future. It''s not easy to explain, but while it differs in some ways, many mutant animals and insects can become just as strong and formidable as they evolve, much like evolved zombies. This is why having battle pets like Bell to assist us in combat will be incredibly valuable in the long run." This confirmation made everyone nod eagerly, their eyes fixed on Gant and Mike as if they were looking at a precious treasure. The intensity of their gaze filled Gant and Mike with a palpable sense of responsibility, as they felt the weight of the high expectations placed upon them. "Alright, everyone, let''s not put too much pressure on the kids. Achieving this goal will take time because Gant and Mike need to thoroughly understand and master the skill before they can start taming mutant animals. For now, let''s have them focus on caring for the farm animals and fisheries. I''ve shared this vision with you to give you an idea of what I aspire for our base to become," Kisha said with a reassuring smile as she scanned the room before continuing. "Now that we''ve addressed the issue with the animals, we need to move on to the reason for this emergency meeting," Kisha said, her expression turning serious. Taking a deep breath, she signaled that the upcoming discussion would be of a more somber and important nature. Sensing the shift in tone, everyone set aside their excitement and focused intently on the matter at hand. Chapter 291 - 291 True Meaning Behind the Uniforms "As many of you know, we''ve recruited over a thousand warriors to help defend our base and carry out supply runs while we''re still building up our infrastructure. I plan to create uniforms for these recruits. While it might seem like a minor concern compared to other pressing issues, there''s a strategic reason behind it. Uniforms will help project the strength and organization of our base. Sooner or later, other survivors and factions will come to our doorstep. Our warriors will inevitably encounter members from other groups during supply runs, making us vulnerable to espionage and potential attacks. It''s crucial that we establish a visible, unified presence to deter any threats and assert our strength." Kisha''s eyes glazed over with a distant look, remembering the chaos and brutality of the apocalyptic era. "In these times, we need to make it clear that we''re not a force to be trifled with. Uniforms will help imprint our identity and capabilities on others, making them wary of us. However, simply being wary isn''t enough. To protect ourselves from potential threats and prevent others from ganging up on us, we must step up our game. We need to forge alliances with other bases or factions that share our values and goals. Strengthening these connections will help ensure our survival and fortify our position." "Uniforms will play a crucial role in defining who we are and asserting our presence. Additionally, we should consider erecting a flag with our emblem around the walls of our base, similar to ancient times. This would not only mark our territory but also serve as a clear warning to others. While it will make our base more identifiable among the ruins, it will also signal that any who encounter our emblem should show respect and back off, or risk facing our wrath." Kisha elaborated, emphasizing her intention to instill fear. She acknowledged that some factions or groups might try to exploit her base''s growing reputation to boost their own power. However, such issues can be addressed later. By establishing a strong, feared presence, their base''s name will become more than just known; it will become a symbol of power. Those who attempt to misuse their name for malicious purposes will face severe consequences, reinforcing the message that crossing their path is a grave mistake. That''s why this seemingly trivial idea could play a crucial role in establishing their strength and reputation among other bases that might start plotting against them. This is Kisha''s final act of mercy towards those who might consider challenging them; if they persist, she will not hesitate to eliminate them completely. "Sounds good to me," Duke said supportively. He wasn''t just backing Kisha blindly; he recognized the strategic value in her proposal. Although it would be challenging initially, as their name became known and their community thrived, they would inevitably attract attention from those looking to steal from them. This early move to establish their strength would help mitigate those threats. Eventually, many greedy leaders from other bases will start eyeing their own. Engaging in full-scale war with these factions will become inevitable, as they can''t keep their gates closed forever. While they could choose to lock out all outsiders, they risk turning away survivors in need of protection, who might come seeking refuge. They can''t afford to turn away those in need, even if it means exposing themselves to potential spies and malicious scouts. Moreover, he was confident that their base would keep sending people outside, not just for supply runs, but also to combat zombies for crystal cores and to expand their territory as their population grew. Hiding wasn''t really an option. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s strategy to assert their dominance early on, boost their base''s fame, and build a reputation for strength would help deter potential threats and attract those genuinely seeking alliance and protection. Everyone began to consider Kisha''s point, nodding in agreement. Clyde, Rose, and Fred, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, had witnessed and heard many things over time. Now, they stared off into space, grappling with the gravity of Kisha''s explanation and struggling to fully grasp the implications especially those about her secret, and felt that if they made a sound, they would reveal themselves and be killed instantly for knowing too much. Kisha had initially hesitated to share so much information about herself and her territory space with these people, unsure of how it might be received. However, she recognized the potential for growth and usefulness these individuals could offer in the future, which made it necessary to keep them close. To assess their true intentions and character, she planned to have Sparrow administer another Heart Gul Pill, not just to test their loyalty but to gauge their humanity and integrity. Even if they don''t pledge their loyalty to Kisha, as long as they demonstrate strong morals and prioritize the greater good over their own greed, Kisha will free them from the demonic insect''s grasp. She would remove the pests from their bodies, relieving them of their suffering. However, Kisha deliberately left out this detail when she introduced the Heart Gu Pill. Her intention was to observe whether the people under torture would remain loyal despite the pain and suffering they endured or if their true nature would reveal itself once they had reached their limit. Though it may seem inhumane, this approach would help temper these individuals. In the apocalyptic era, danger is ever-present, and showing weakness in critical moments could cost lives. Kisha wanted them to remember the suffering they endured as a lesson, ensuring that they don''t make foolish decisions that could jeopardize their hard-won progress. Aston, meanwhile, felt a buzz of realization as he grasped the deeper significance behind Kisha''s decision to prioritize uniforms, even at the risk of dealing with the hazardous textile factory. Initially, Aston had simply wanted to provide the soldiers with uniforms to signify their status and reward their bravery. He hoped this would inspire other survivors to join their ranks, ensuring a steady influx of recruits. However, he now saw that Kisha''s plan went beyond mere recognition¡ªit was about projecting strength and establishing dominance to deter potential threats and encourage genuine alliances. It''s mind-blowing for him to realize that Kisha was already contemplating something beyond just the uniform. It makes him feel incredibly naive in comparison, especially when he sees how Duke seems to grasp everything Kisha intends to achieve. Mr. Winters rubbed his chin thoughtfully before speaking. "I agree that it''s a good idea, but it would require a large supply of fabric. Using the military''s uniform wouldn''t align with this goal, so we''d need to design and sew our own uniforms featuring the base''s emblem. The challenge, then, is sourcing the fabric." He paused, as if recalling something, and added, "If I remember correctly, there was a major textile factory in City B. Perhaps..." He glanced up at Kisha. Kisha smiled proudly at Mr. Winters, a reaction he noticed, and a realization dawned on him. He nodded with satisfaction and pride. "Yes, that''s exactly what I was thinking, and I''ve already discussed it with Aston. That''s why we''ve called everyone here. Not only do we need to produce uniforms, but we also need to find a way to make clothes, blankets, and other essentials for everyone. The resources we can obtain from outside will be very limited, and other survivors will likely grab as many supplies as they can from the stores." Kisha said as she looked around the room. Chapter 292 - 292 I am Not A Trophy Husband "To solve this issue, we need to acquire the heavy machinery and any remaining materials and fabrics from the textile factory," Kisha added, glancing at Aston. His surprise was evident, likely because she hadn''t mentioned the machinery before and had only focused on the fabric. Of course, Kisha had considered the need for heavy machinery from the start; it was a key part of her plan and a major reason for her willingness to venture into the dangerous area. She had the means to procure ample cotton and wool from her territory, but the machinery was essential for establishing her own factory within the base. With this setup, she could ensure that her base would never be short of clothing, regardless of the climate. Duke noticed Aston''s surprised expression and thought to himself, ''If you believe my wife was only focused on monetary gain, you''re sorely mistaken. There''s nothing more valuable than establishing a means to produce an endless supply of essentials, rather than merely securing a decade''s worth of clothes or fabric that will eventually run out.'' With a smug, satisfied smile, Duke looked proudly at Kisha, as if he were the one who had come up with the solution. Kisha continued, "Given the situation, we''ll need to send a large team and figure out how to break into the factory. It''s surrounded by zombie hordes numbering in the thousands¡ªfar more than a medium-sized base could handle. It''s an extremely dangerous task." She sighed deeply. "I''ll lead the mission," Duke declared with a nonchalant air, playfully twirling Kisha''s curls as he spoke. He looked both playful and a bit silly. Kisha lifted her head to glance at him, then at Zeus, who was still lounging on the floor. Meanwhile, Bell, indifferent to the discussion, was sound asleep on top of Kisha''s head. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke, slightly annoyed by Bell''s presence, considered poking the bee, as it was taking up space he wanted to use. He had hoped to rest his chin on Kisha''s head, but Bell was in the way. Although Duke considered poking fun at Bell, he wisely refrained, recalling how sharp its forelegs were¡ªcapable of slicing through human flesh effortlessly. Instead, he decided to focus on playing with Kisha''s hair. Despite his nonchalant demeanor, Duke exuded a commanding confidence that assured he could handle the task no matter the obstacles. Kisha had complete faith in his abilities, knowing he would find a way to succeed. This certainty put her at ease, reinforcing her trust in Duke and inspiring her on how to address the issue effectively. "Well, indeed. I can leave this to you. After all, weren''t you just complaining about not being able to fulfill your duties and staying home waiting for me like a dutiful wife? Seems like this is your chance to step up," Kisha playfully jested, prompting hearty laughter from everyone. The image of Duke acting like a coquettish wife, eagerly waiting for Kisha to come home like a husband bringing in the bacon, struck everyone as hilariously amusing. Duke, unfazed by the teasing, puffed out his chest with a smirk. "Of course, my wife pampers and loves me," he boasted. "Unlike some of those single guys out there who don''t have anyone looking out for them." He shot a pointed look at Vulture and the other single men who had been laughing the hardest. Sure enough, Vulture, Sparrow, Bald Eagle, and the others fell silent, their faces contorted with resentful glares directed at Duke. Though they tried to restrain their expressions, their irritation was evident. Not only were they being forced to eat dog food daily, but now they were also being mocked for their single status. They resented Duke for forgetting his own humble beginnings (Being Single for years) and for his apparent disregard for their current struggles, especially when he had never had a woman until recently. "Exactly, I was thinking the same thing," Duke replied playfully. "I don''t want to be just a trophy husband to my beautiful wife. I''d hate for some random guy to think I''m merely for decoration and try to seduce you instead." He hugged Kisha from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder and adopting a coquettish tone. Duke''s parents and subordinates exchanged wry smiles, their lips twitching with amusement and resignation. Not only were they being force-fed dog food once again, but they were also witnessing a side of Duke they never imagined they''d see in their lifetime. Kisha burst into laughter at everyone''s expressions, which were a mix of amusement and embarrassment over Duke''s antics. Despite his coquettish remarks, Duke seemed completely unbothered and was grinning proudly. Kisha was genuinely surprised by this side of Duke and found his playful demeanor irresistibly cute. Although Duke''s commanding and aloof demeanor, which Kisha had grown accustomed to in her past life, was compellingly alluring like a mature Adonis, this playful side of him was equally endearing and entertaining, offering a refreshing change that helped clear her mind. Kisha cleared her throat, stopped laughing, and shifted back to business. "Earlier, I didn''t have a good solution for this problem, but on my way back to the villa, I encountered the people being sent to the medical facility. I''m sure you''re all aware of the mass awakening happening around the base¡ªit''s spreading like a domino effect." "And by tomorrow, most of these people will wake up, having fought off the virus that nearly overtook their bodies and ate their minds," Kisha continued. "I just remembered that a significant number of them are likely to awaken abilities. I''ve already separated them from those with a lower chance of awakening or turning into zombies." Kisha also realized that the reason the first batch of awakeners had been stronger in her previous lives was likely due to their greater potential. Just as she observed in the medical facility, there are more people with talents and potential who are likely to awaken abilities compared to those who don''t. Even if someone only has a talent without a specific gift or a gift without a talent, they still have a higher chance of awakening than those without any such potential. This means that individuals like her and Duke, who have already awakened, represent the true firepower for humanity''s survival. In contrast, those who awaken later, after their bodies have adapted to the virus through prolonged exposure, tend to be weaker because they lack these inherent gifts and potential. They''re akin to the scraps left over after crafting the finest, tailor-made garments. Due to people''s ignorance, they ended up killing these superhumans who could have been the true driving force for humanity''s survival. As a result, there were only a few first-generation awakeners like Kisha, leading to a significant disparity in power. It''s only now, with her ''Eye of Truth'' gift¡ªwhich she didn''t have before¡ªthat she fully understands this, as previously they had relied solely on speculation. She genuinely felt sorrow for those who had already been killed, not knowing how many of them possessed gifts and talents crucial for humanity''s survival, or how many harbored monster-like potential similar to Duke''s. Fortunately, this time she and Duke had managed to prevent such a tragedy at their base. However, the same couldn''t be said for the other bases, which made the situation all the more regrettable. This mass awakening would continue throughout the month, until all the first-generation awakeners had manifested their abilities. Chapter 293 - 293 What To Do? If she calculates the timeline for the second-generation awakeners, they might manifest their abilities within one to three months. Given that the first awakening occurred six months earlier than anticipated, it''s reasonable to expect the second wave to emerge sooner as well. The same early occurrence could apply to the evolving zombies, especially since they''ve already seen the signs of zombies evolving and have already encountered two. Now, only did she realize too, why the evolved zombies are all stronger than superhumans. It might also be because not only do they have the complete power coming from the virus without needing to filter it but because just like on the human''s side, the zombies might also have those with talents and gifts, and now that she thinks about it, she hasn''t tried peering through the zombies if she could also see their status windows since it was working for the special items with spiritual signatures. This is something she''ll need to explore further. If she can use this information to her advantage, it would be incredibly useful for countering zombies. Kisha now realizes the importance of dedicating time to testing it out thoroughly. Her thoughts were interrupted when Tristant posed a question. "Young Madam, how can you be certain that those people won''t turn and awaken an ability? It doesn''t quite make sense to me. Is there some pattern or logic to it?" He tilted his head to the side, clearly trying to grasp the concept. "Honestly, there''s no visible pattern you could discern with the naked eye or through scientific methods," Kisha explained with a shrug. "But I have my own methods for identifying who''s more likely to awaken abilities and who isn''t. I can even gauge who''s more likely to successfully awaken, which is why I arranged it the way I did at the medical facility." She spoke pragmatically, though her tone carried a hint of jest. Despite the casual demeanor, she was being truthful. Whether they took her seriously was up to them; explaining her gift, ''Eye of Truth,'' would be too complicated. She had no issue sharing this with Duke, but with others, it was a different story. So she continued, "Since the mass awakening is underway, I was thinking we could wait for the warriors who''ve awakened abilities and assign them to the team heading to the textile factory. This would serve as real training for them, and even if they''re bitten, they won''t turn into zombies because they already have the virus under control in their bodies." "But of course, that also means that as superhumans ourselves, we''ll need to put extra effort into guiding them in harnessing their newfound abilities. This responsibility would fall on..." Kisha said, scanning the room. "I''ll handle it. Since I''m already managing the training, incorporating this additional task will be seamless. That way, those who awaken in the future will be knowledgeable and prepared, even if their awakening happens outside our controlled environment," Duke offered, presenting himself without a hint of hesitation, as casually as if he were discussing dinner plans. Kisha nodded thoughtfully. "So, I suggest we only take those who have already awakened and those who can definitely handle themselves outside. Once we''re out there, everything becomes unpredictable, and we can''t guarantee that we''ll always be able to watch over every team member," she said, considering the logistics of the textile factory mission. "We? What do you mean by ''we''? You''re staying here and wait for me to return," Duke said, pinching Kisha''s cheeks, which took her by surprise. "No! It would be safer for me to be there," Kisha argued, her frustration evident. "It would also be more efficient to clear everything inside the factory in one go, rather than making multiple trips. Besides, if we don''t handle it all at once, other factions might notice our movements and ambush our team. I don''t want to be sidelined from this mission," she said, her anger rising. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Honestly, she feels like hitting Duke right now for trying to keep her from doing what''s necessary." "But, don''t I have the strength to lead the team and complete the mission? Besides, didn''t you want to keep your ''Space Type'' ability a secret from everyone in the shelter because revealing it would complicate things?" "If we only take the essentials and keep making trips, it might become a good option too. Or maybe, if we''re lucky, another ''Space Type'' user might emerge from those currently awakening," Duke said, his tone softening as he spoke. He looked like a wounded puppy, his voice pitifully low. Realizing he might have come off as too controlling, he began to backtrack, trying to avoid putting Kisha in a position where she felt restricted. Kisha then recalled her earlier thoughts. She had indeed planned to keep her Space Ability concealed from the masses to avoid any inconvenience it might cause. She had also decided that the team going outside would make multiple trips to prevent anyone at the base from suspecting anything as they were going to be transporting huge amounts of resources and machinery from the outside. But when she heard Duke''s domineering tone, it sparked a rebellious streak in her, making her feel like she wanted to defy him. It was as if a chord had been struck, causing her to bristle. Although Duke''s desire to protect her seemed sweet and she appreciated it, the idea of being so sheltered made her uneasy. She feared that indulging in such protection might lead her to become too dependent and weak. Besides, after surviving in the apocalypse for so long, the notion of being constantly protected had become somewhat irrelevant. She had learned that being powerful and self-reliant was the best option. Engaging in battles and facing challenges head-on would help her solidify her foundation and energy, especially since she had just recently leveled up. Seeing Duke''s downcast expression made her reconsider her stance. She realized she might have been overreacting, so she decided to back down. "Alright, let''s see what abilities those going through the awakening tonight develop. We''ll finalize the list of those who will join the mission in two days. In the meantime, make sure to train them thoroughly and ensure they understand their abilities well so they can be effective out there," Kisha said, shrugging her shoulders and taking a deep breath to calm herself. Duke hugged her tightly, a broad smile on his face. "I knew you understood me best!" he said, his tone affectionate and playful. Despite her inclination to indulge him further, Kisha noticed that their audience was cringing at the sight of the usually formidable Duke acting so endearingly towards his wife. It was an eye-opener for many to see such a big guy displaying such tender affection. Aston hesitated, not wanting to disrupt the couple''s moment, but he knew he had to bring up the main reason for the meeting. "What about the strategy we are going for?" he asked gently, hoping to address the matter without causing any discomfort. "Hmmm, regarding the strategy, we can''t always depend on Sparrow to lead the zombies away while the main group gathers what we need," Kisha said thoughtfully, her expression deep in contemplation. Chapter 294 - 294 Not Tonight "What''s your take on this?" Kisha asked, turning to Duke. "You have a point. We can''t rely solely on Sparrow to draw the zombies away; his combat skills are too valuable for just being a decoy. While leading them away is useful, it could also backfire and trap us in a dire situation. Instead, I suggest we gather the zombies and eliminate them in one decisive sweep. This approach would be more effective, but we need to consider how quickly we can set it up. The timing will be crucial for our success," Duke said thoughtfully, his expression reflecting the weight of the strategy. "You took the words right out of my mouth," Kisha remarked, her thoughts clearly aligning with Duke''s. "Of course, we''re husband and wife. Our hearts beat as one, and so do our thoughts," Duke said with a joyful smile, like a teenager reveling in his first love. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''Well, we don''t exactly share the same thoughts, especially since yours often wander into rather unholy territories,'' Kisha thought, casting Duke a scrutinizing look. Duke, noticing her expression, shifted his gaze awkwardly and took a small step back, wary of reinforcing a less-than-ideal impression of himself. Duke cleared his throat before continuing, "However, trapping them would require significant manpower to ensure we don''t endanger ourselves or our people. With thousands of zombies potentially gathering, it''s crucial that we devise a method to immobilize them effectively. It''s not a feasible task with our current resources alone." "Then, I think we should put the meeting on hold until the day the team departs for the mission. We need to assess the abilities of the newly awakened superhumans and incorporate their skills into the plan to ensure its effectiveness," Kisha said, interrupting Duke''s train of thought. Her point was valid¡ªany strategy developed now might need to be revised depending on the abilities that emerge, so it''s better to wait and create a plan accordingly. If they proceeded with the planning now, they risked wasting time and effort. Instead, they should wait until the superhumans have awakened, assess their abilities, and select those whose powers are most useful for the operation. The remaining superhumans could be kept as backups and remain to gain some battle experience. By waiting to finalize their strategy until after the superhumans have awakened, they could avoid unnecessary stress and focus on other pressing matters. The consensus among the group was clear, as Kisha and Duke had led the discussion effectively. For those still awaiting their awakening, the hope was that they would manifest their abilities in the coming days so they could be included in the operation. Despite the risks, participating in the mission would provide invaluable experience and significant growth for those who succeeded. Aston, Clyde, Bald Eagle, Tristan, Rose, and Fred all hoped they would awaken in the next few days. They felt a pressing need to become stronger and more capable, especially after hearing Kisha''s words. The reality of their situation¡ªsurrounded by danger and the constant threat of sickness and hunger if the base wasn''t managed effectively¡ªmade them realize the urgency of their situation and how helpless they truly were without Kisha and the rest. After deciding to postpone the planning for the operation, Kisha turned her attention to the progress of rebuilding the base''s walls. They aimed to reinforce the defenses to prevent a repeat of the zombie raid, but the expansion plans posed a significant challenge for the architects and engineers. Creating a solution for both strengthening the walls and accommodating the expansion was complex, especially since movable walls were not a viable option. ''Or maybe it is?'' Kisha pondered. "Perhaps we should first move the trailers and expand our territory before we build the solid walls. Additionally, we''re still short on materials for the construction. Once the engineers finish their estimates, please send the request to my office. We can then dispatch our team to source the necessary materials," she said, directing her comments to Mr. Winter, who was managing the wall project with the engineers. The discussion continued late into the night, prompting Marcus to send the children to rest before rejoining the meeting. According to Kisha, as the Minister of Agriculture, his role and responsibilities were on par with everyone else''s. Therefore, he was entitled to be informed about ongoing discussions and developments within the base, enabling him to stay prepared and determine if his efforts were needed elsewhere. As the meeting concluded, Kisha was exhausted and felt she could barely move. The others, too, looked weary as they left the room. Despite their fatigue, their eyes conveyed a strong sense of purpose. None of them had taken the meeting lightly; they had been attentive, engaged, and diligent in providing their reports. When the couple returned to their room, Duke, anticipating a passionate evening, was taken aback to find Kisha sound asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. He gently tapped her arm. "Wifey?" But Kisha remained unresponsive, softly snoring. At first, Duke wondered if she was pretending to sleep, but despite his efforts, Kisha didn''t stir. When Duke realized that Kisha was not waking up, a pitiful whimper escape his lips as he slowly looked down on the tent standing so tall inside his pants, the buldge was so prominent that he can''t even hide it. He was expecting and excited that a repeat of last night would happen and he was already planning how he''s going to make sure Kisha would last a few more rounds than last night. Kisha looked like a dead fish lying there while Duke was being consumed by his desire. His frustration was evident as he stared at Kisha with a wronged expression but despite his reluctance, he covered Kisha with the blanket before he headed to the shower on his own. He tried to quench his desire with cold water as he had before, but it did little to diminish his arousal. Frustrated, he rubbed his face with his palms. Eventually, his hand drifted to his hardened cock, and he began to stroke it. However, with each stroke, the more he felt that something was missing. After experiencing the intimacy with his wife, satisfying himself alone no longer felt fulfilling. He stroked himself with increasing urgency, but the pleasure he experienced last night far surpassed the fleeting satisfaction of masturbation. Seeking a semblance of that experience, he began to vividly recall the intimacy he shared with his wife. The memory heightened his arousal, and a groan escaped his lips as he whispered, "Kisha!" He quickened his pace, eyes closed, leaning back against the cold tiles of the shower. His free hand descended to gently caress his balls, imagining it was Kisha''s touch. The sensation intensified, and he felt his abs tighten in response. "Kisha!" Duke''s back arched as he began to pant heavily. He moved his hand in a circular motion while stroking, trying to replicate the feeling of Kisha''s inner walls gripping him as he thrust inside her. Meanwhile, his other hand continued to caress his balls, heightening his pleasure. Duke licked his dry lips and bit into them, feeling the intense sensation building within him. He lost track of time in the bathroom, consumed by his pleasure and vivid fantasies of his intimate moments with Kisha, who was just on the other side of the wall. The thought of her sleeping nearby only fueled his excitement, making his groans grow deeper and louder. He found himself hoping, almost wishfully, that Kisha would awaken and find him in this state of desperate desire, then join him. Chapter 295 - 295 Need To Run Like an incubus that awakens the desire in a woman, he was hoping that Kisha would wake up and join him so that he could make his fantasy into reality and slam his him unto her and pump deeper into her pussy while making her cum over and over again to make her lost in the ecstasy of lovemaking. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thinking about this sent tingling sensations through every nerve in Duke''s body. He gritted his teeth as pleasure built up, his eyes fluttering before he finally released, a stream of cum shooting out and landing on the floor, only to be washed away by the water still flowing from the shower. When Duke finally finished, he was a panting mess, his back pressed against the cold tiles that had warmed from his body heat. He stared up at the ceiling, trying to catch his breath and calm his racing heart. To avoid his thoughts drifting back to Kisha and her irresistible body, he forced himself to focus on difficult math problems. The last thing he needed was another hard-on, especially after how much effort it took to satisfy his desire¡ªhis arm felt like it was about to fall off from all the stroking. It took Duke a while to calm down and finish his cold shower. By the time he was done, dawn was approaching, and his skin felt as cold as ice. Despite wanting to fall asleep with Kisha in his arms, he didn''t want to wake her or disturb her rest with his chilled body. Silently, he slipped under the blankets, keeping a small distance between them. He watched her peacefully for a few moments before finally drifting off to sleep. When Kisha woke up, she found Duke''s arm tightly wrapped around her waist, his nose buried in her hair. Concern immediately washed over her¡ªhow could he breathe properly like that? Gently, she tried to lift his arm and shift her head away, hoping to give him some space to breathe more easily. Duke seemed to be in a deep, peaceful sleep, showing no signs of discomfort. Kisha glanced at the window, noticing the bright sunlight streaming in. Realizing it was already late, she hurriedly tried to pry Duke''s arm away, but it was harder than she expected. He was like an immovable boulder, refusing to budge. Kisha struggled to free herself from Duke''s embrace, but despite all her efforts, he didn''t wake up. She couldn''t tell if it was because he was completely at ease around her or if something was wrong. Concerned, she instinctively reached out to touch his forehead. Feeling that his temperature was normal, she sighed in relief before heading to the bathroom to wash up. When she finished, Duke was still asleep, so Kisha decided to head downstairs and make breakfast for him. It had been a while since she last cooked for Duke, and she felt a bit nervous, but she went straight to the kitchen and began preparing the ingredients. The villa was eerily quiet as she moved through it, so she glanced at the wall clock to check the time. Sure enough, it was already 9 AM, and everyone else had already gone off to work, leaving Kisha and Duke alone in the villa. She decided to make a simple meal: clam chowder, Hungarian sausage, two fried eggs, and a glass of orange juice. Just as she was about to wake Duke, she heard him coming down the stairs. Without missing a beat, Kisha began serving the food on the table. "Hurry up and eat your breakfast," Kisha said, bustling around the kitchen after setting the food on the table. "Sparrow and the rest are probably waiting for you at the square for the daily training. If you want anything else, just let me know¡ªI''ll cook it for you." Instead of sitting at the dining table, Duke made a beeline for the kitchen and wrapped his arms around Kisha from behind. "I''m thrilled that my wife is cooking for me. What kind of reward do you want?" he asked, his tone playful. Kisha couldn''t quite tell if he was offering a reward or hinting at what he wanted, but it was clear from his early morning enthusiasm that he had something specific in mind. Kisha couldn''t help but wonder if Duke had been a rabbit in his past life, given how often his thoughts seemed to revolve around lovemaking. Smiling to herself, she decided to play along. "It''s part of my duty as a wife to take care of my husband, isn''t it?" she replied calmly. "Now, hurry up and eat before the food gets cold." She gently guided Duke to the dining table, making sure he settled in before the breakfast she prepared lost its warmth. Duke grinned playfully, his voice tinged with a hint of seriousness. "Oh, so you''ll take care of me? Does that mean you''ll also look out for my little brother?" His teasing tone belied the underlying seriousness that made Kisha feel a surge of frustration. Kisha shot Duke a sharp glare, but before she could truly get upset, Duke swiftly retreated to the dining table where his food was served. Kisha followed and took a seat opposite him. Duke smirked as he glanced at the sausage and eggs on his plate. "Oh? I didn''t realize my wife was so naughty," he teased. Kisha looked up with a raised eyebrow, puzzled by his comment. Curious, she peered at Duke''s plate and noticed that the Hungarian sausage seemed to point directly at her, while the two fried eggs were positioned suggestively at Duke''s side at the end of the sausage. Kisha hadn''t realized the placement of the food might be suggestive, and she felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. Duke, noticing the arrangement, began to stand up from his chair, his eyes darkening with an unmistakable desire. Kisha gulped, realizing that Duke had taken the arrangement as a hint, though it was entirely unintentional. Kisha felt a surge of nervousness and fear as she realized that Duke might not let her go until he was satisfied. The thought of facing him after such an encounter was far more frightening than any threat from zombies or death itself. In a panic, she quickly stored her breakfast in her inventory and dashed out of the villa, still wearing her apron, driven by her fear of what might happen next. Kisha didn''t stop running until she reached the south wall, leaving a trail of confused onlookers in her wake. Her serious expression, combined with the comically misplaced apron, made her seem more endearing than intimidating. Instead of appearing as a fearsome City Lord, she came across as someone deeply dedicated to her duties¡ªso dedicated that she had forgotten to take off her apron after making breakfast for her family. Her hasty departure only added to the positive impression others had of her commitment. Duke stood there, stunned, gripping the back of his chair for support. He was about to rise when he realized that Kisha had already vanished, leaving him alone. He stared at the door, his lips twitching as he struggled to process the sudden and unexpected departure. Duke was torn between exasperation and amusement at Kisha''s reaction. He knew she wasn''t truly afraid of him, just flustered. He recalled how she had fainted twice during their intimate moments, and it made sense why she had fled. She still had a lot to do, and if she got entangled with him now, especially since she was already running late, she wouldn''t accomplish anything. Chapter 296 - 296 A Zombies Status Window But what could Duke do? He was so smitten with his wife that he wished he could keep her by his side all the time, ensuring she stayed in bed until she was utterly exhausted. However, he understood she had important tasks to handle. So, he let it go, savoring the breakfast she had made for him and appreciating her efforts in making the breakfast, he felt like the food she made was the most delicious food he had ever eaten. On Kisha''s side, although she wasn''t physically exhausted from running, she was drenched in sweat and panting heavily, her heart pounding as if she had narrowly escaped danger. She patted her chest a few times to calm herself, standing tall on top of the South Wall while the soldiers and gatekeepers watched her with admiration and curiosity. The soldiers and gatekeepers were eagerly awaiting to see what Kisha would do next. Once she had managed to calm herself, Kisha looked down from the wall. The area was clear of zombies, thanks to the soldiers'' diligent efforts to maintain the perimeter. However, the lack of immediate threats also indicated that their ammunition supplies were running low, a concern that needed addressing. Everyone watched Kisha with a mix of amusement and anticipation, their eyes sparkling with admiration for her battle prowess. They were eager to see what she would do next. Before they could fully process her next move, Kisha had already leaped down from the wall, landing gracefully on the other side. Everyone''s hearts leaped into their throats as panic set in. "City Lord! Did you fall?!" the gatekeeper shouted, his voice laced with urgency. He frantically ordered the soldiers to open the gate, convinced that Kisha''s leap was an accident rather than a deliberate action. In his mind, he refused to believe she had jumped intentionally and instead convinced himself that she must have fallen while inspecting the perimeter. Who would believe that she jumped down intentionally, especially when she was alone on the other side where danger lurks at every turn? The gatekeeper was terrified that a zombie horde might emerge suddenly and attack her. He was also worried about how he would explain this to the other leaders, particularly his commander, who followed the City Lord''s orders. He felt cold sweat bead on his forehead as the others hurriedly opened the gate. "Don''t open the gate!!!" Kisha shouted, her voice cutting through the loud creaking of the rusted metal gate, making her command clear despite the chaos. "But¡ª" The gatekeeper started to protest, still atop the wall and peering anxiously at Kisha. However, when she met his gaze with a stern expression, he instantly froze. Hesitation clouded his face, but Kisha''s unwavering stare left him no choice. He finally relented, instructing the soldiers to keep the gate closed but ensuring they remained on high alert, ready to protect Kisha who stood outside, surveying her surroundings. "Don''t fire unless I give the order!" Kisha shouted again, her voice cutting through the tension and startling the soldiers who were on high alert, their guns aimed in all directions. The command jolted them into not taking action, their expressions hardening with determination as they focused on Kisha. Her shouting had attracted nearby zombies, causing a ripple of fear among the soldiers on the wall as they watched the approaching threat. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instinctively, the soldiers raised their guns at the incoming horde of more than a dozen zombies. Despite Kisha''s stern warning to hold their fire, they hesitated, their weapons still trained on the approaching threat. They kept their aim steady while remaining vigilant, their eyes darting between the advancing zombies and Kisha, who stood resolute outside the gate. Their hands trembled with fear as they watched Kisha being surrounded by the advancing zombies, yet she stood her ground, calmly observing them. Unbeknownst to them, Kisha was quietly assessing the zombies'' status windows, evaluating their threat level while remaining poised in the face of danger. [Zombie (Normal Grade)] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100) Morality: Corrupted Strength: 9 Stamina: Null Defense: 8 Agility: 4 Mental Capacity: Null Charm: Null Leadership: Null Skills: None Description: A human infected by an ancient virus loses their brain function and rationality, leaving only their primal instincts. This transforms them into a relentless, ravenous beast driven by an insatiable hunger. ... Kisha examined the status window with a focused gaze. She realized that her ability extended beyond just humans and mutant animals; she could access the status windows of any entity infused with spiritual energy. This meant she could see and evaluate the attributes of a wide range of beings. Kisha examined the status windows of other zombies and noticed that their stats were largely similar. The variations she saw seemed to be due to the loss of rationality; certain stats were nullified because the zombies lacked the mental capacity to utilize them effectively. For instance, their stamina appeared as null, but this was not because they lacked stamina. Rather, their bodies didn''t experience fatigue, allowing them to move almost endlessly. This indicated that the null value in their stamina stat was a reflection of their perpetual, tireless state rather than an actual absence of stamina. After confirming that she could indeed see the zombies'' status windows just like with any other entity, Kisha drew her katana from her inventory. The soldiers were taken aback, having assumed she had come unarmed. They hadn''t realized she was carrying a weapon with her. Kisha drew her small katana, leaving the soldiers on the wall puzzled. They wondered how she had concealed it under her clothes, but they quickly dismissed the thought. They were concerned that even considering such things might lead their Vice City Lord to think they were being improper, so they avoided speculating further. As the zombies closed in on Kisha, she swiftly drew her katana. With a fluid motion, she struck the first zombie, severing its head before it even had a chance to react. Her katana continued its arc, slicing through the jaw of the next zombie, leaving only half of its face intact as it collapsed to the ground. Kisha executed a spinning kick to the zombie lunging at her from behind, then followed through with a horizontal slash that cleanly severed its head. This was her first battle since leveling up, and she felt an exhilarating sense of lightness and speed she hadn''t experienced before. She perceived the zombies approaching in what felt like slow motion, their movements clear and deliberate. It was as if she had eyes in the back of her head, enabling her to anticipate the actions of the zombies behind her. This heightened awareness allowed her to strategize effectively, choosing her targets with precision and seamlessly transitioning from one strike to the next. Those watching from atop the wall were left speechless, their jaws practically dropping to the ground. They watched in awe as Kisha, seemingly enjoying the carnage, sliced through the zombies with ease. It was as if the undead were nothing more than butter beneath her katana, and her confident smile only added to the surreal spectacle. Kisha moved with the fluid grace of flowing water, each motion seamless and purposeful. Her movements were a dance of precision, never wasting a single action. She deftly tripped a zombie, then drove her katana straight into its brain with unerring accuracy. Without missing a beat, she swiftly transitioned to her next target, skillfully avoiding any splatter of zombie blood that might mar her face. Chapter 297 - 297 Gather The Crystal Cores They had witnessed Kisha''s fighting skills when she first arrived at their base, but her performance now was notably different. She fought with a newfound ease and fluidity, a stark contrast to her previous displays of strength. Although she was always strong, it was clear that something had changed, and her current prowess reflected a significant improvement. Kisha effortlessly dominated the zombies that had been lured by their shouting, ultimately dispatching more than two dozen on her own. Thankfully, she was wearing an apron, so only a small amount of the black, coagulated blood splattered onto it. Despite this, the stench of the blood clung to her, and the zombies'' bodies lay in a chaotic mess around her. Kisha didn''t seem bothered by the mess. Instead, she signaled for the soldier on top of the wall to come down. At first, they didn''t understand her intent, but after she repeated the gesture silently, it became clear that she wanted them to stop shouting. The gatekeeper, unsure of Kisha''s exact request but making a bold assumption, decided to act on the implicit instructions. He instructed the soldiers standing beside the gate to open a small gap and step outside to speak with their City Lord. The soldiers exchanged horrified glances as if they were staring at someone who had just suggested an absurdly dangerous idea. Despite their reluctance, the soldiers had no choice but to follow orders. Since the gatekeeper hadn''t specified how many should go outside, the two soldiers standing by the gate decided to settle the matter with a game of rock-paper-scissors. The loser, clearly distressed, squeezed through the small gap in the gate and made his way to Kisha with a pained expression. Kisha continued to methodically eliminate zombies that emerged from the streets ahead while waiting for someone to approach. When the unfortunate soldier, who had lost the game, nervously stood beside her, she glanced at him before stating calmly, "Dig their brains out." Her indifferent and cold expression made her words sound chillingly stern, leaving the soldier with the impression that he was being reprimanded. "¡ªA-Again, please?!" he stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief and tears welling at the corners. Despite having witnessed numerous gruesome scenes in his life, the sight of the zombie carcasses sprawled around him, coupled with Kisha''s cold demeanor, left him unsure if he was being punished or merely following orders. The macabre scene before him only intensified his unease. "Dig into their brains, and you''ll find a crystal core. Gather it," Kisha clarified, offering a bit more guidance before returning her attention to the street. The soldier, now understanding his task, stopped questioning and nervously crouched beside the nearest zombie carcass. He drew his dagger from his side, plunged it into the zombie''s head, and twisted it to create a larger hole, searching for the crystal core within. The overpowering stench hit his nose like a punch, making him gag repeatedly. Desperately, he pulled his shirt over his nose to mitigate the nauseating smell that was making his head spin. After the initial stab and twist of his dagger, he still couldn''t find the crystal core, so he tried again in a different spot. When his dagger struck something solid that wasn''t bone, he pushed aside the brains and tissue to get a better look through the hole he had made. There, embedded deep within the zombie''s head, he spotted a crystal-like object that resembled a shard of glass. Carefully, he maneuvered his dagger to twist and extract the crystal, inching it closer to the opening he had created so he could grasp it with his fingers more easily. However, since the tip of his dagger was too narrow to maneuver the crystal closer to the opening, he had no choice but to insert his index and middle fingers into the hole. His face contorted with disgust, but he persevered and successfully extracted the crystal core from the first zombie carcass. Realizing there were more zombies to search through, he glanced around at the piles of carcasses with reddened eyes, his face etched with exhaustion. Sniffling pitifully, he moved on to the next zombie. As he worked, the soldier who had climbed up onto the wall to observe the situation looked on with puzzlement, only able to see their comrade hunched over and busy stabbing the zombies. They were unsure what the City Lord intended for the soldier, but it was evident that the soldier had gagged several times and was wiping his forehead with his uniform sleeves. Observing this, the gatekeeper decided to send additional soldiers to assist. He knew that their City Lord wouldn''t be engaged in pointless tasks or power trips, so he assumed she had assigned the soldier a specific and important task involving the zombies. Realizing that the task was taking longer than expected, and with so many zombie carcasses scattered around, the gatekeeper decided to send additional help. Three more soldiers, who had also lost at rock-paper-scissors, reluctantly joined the first. The original soldier greeted them with a mix of relief and pity, quickly explaining the grim task at hand and showing them what to do and what to look for. With more soldiers helping out and Kisha still fending off the incoming zombies, it took some time before they could gather all the crystal cores from the carcasses. Once the task was completed, Kisha instructed them to return inside the base, clean the cores, and close the gate. After a final scan of the area, she too made her way back. But before the soldiers could open the gate, Kisha leaped into the air, and when it wasn''t quite enough, she used her telekinesis to control her dagger, turning it into a stepping stone for a second leap. She landed effortlessly on top of the wall, where the gatekeeper stood, jaw practically on the floor in disbelief. They had heard rumors about awakened abilities and had seen the lightning bolt and fireball Duke sent from the square up to the sky, but since it was far from the wall, they didn''t have much of an opinion. They knew that these abilities could boost their survival rate, but without witnessing them up close, the impact was minimal. Now that they had seen Kisha''s display, even though it was a simple demonstration of her ability, their hearts raced with anticipation at the thought of their own potential awakening. The realization sparked a new level of excitement and curiosity, even though they didn''t fully grasp what had just happened. The fact that someone could leap more than 10 meters high seemed almost superhuman to them. It was only now that they began to understand what had changed in Kisha¡ªit wasn''t her fighting style, which remained the same, but her strength itself. She had become faster, stronger, and more versatile, clearly surpassing the limits of a human body. Their eyes remained wide as they stared at Kisha in silence until she finally spoke. "Now that you''ve gathered the crystal cores, clean them and send them to the Supply Center. You can exchange them for points or keep them for your future awakening. When you''re off duty and join the training in the square, you''ll learn more about these crystal cores and the awakening ability. But remember this¡ªdon''t get greedy and venture outside the wall to gather crystal cores without clearance from the Central Hall. If you do, you''ll be punished," Kisha said sternly. She understood that once the use of crystal cores became widely known, many people without jobs or those eager to earn would attempt to go outside and hunt zombies for their cores. Without proper regulation, this could not only be dangerous but also lead to a breakdown of order within the base. After hearing her stern warning, all the soldiers nodded vigorously, not wanting to provoke their City Lord. Despite her fragile and beautiful appearance, they knew the saying that the more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it can be¡ªand this was especially true for their City Lord. The last thing they wanted was to incur her wrath when she could easily twist their heads off. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After completing her tasks, Kisha headed back to the medical facility to check for any updates. As she walked through the base, she noticed an increasing number of people rushing around in a state of panic, like headless chickens consumed by worry. Yet, amidst the chaos, some were still focused on their duties, determined to survive¡ªeven if only for another day. Chapter 298 - 298 Zombie In The Medical Facility Seeing this, Kisha couldn''t help but smile. At least this time, they weren''t as hopeless as she remembered. Lost in her thoughts, she realized she had already reached the medical facility. Upon entering, she noticed that the floor was barely visible, crowded with patients who were from the rooms sharing space with other patients who were surely not going to turn into zombies. The rooms that were vacated had been filled with newcomers who had fallen ill just the night before. The previous patients had yet to wake up, but Kisha guessed it was only a matter of time. She decided to check on the new arrivals who had come in after she left, assessing who might be at risk of turning into a zombie and who had a better chance of successfully awakening. As the number of patients increased, the medical staff grew increasingly anxious about the possible outcomes. Even the hired help began to fidget nervously as the waiting dragged on. Meanwhile, the family members of those in the corridor were already weeping, as if the shadow of doom had settled over them. Kisha could only sigh deeply, knowing she couldn''t offer them any real comfort¡ªher words would seem like hollow reassurances without proof that her arrangements were the best course of action. Despite their fear and dissatisfaction, no one dared to voice their concerns or protest. They were all desperate to cling to the smallest hope that their loved ones might survive and continue living. Kisha continued her checks and noticed that many of the new arrivals possessed talents and gifts. After evaluating all the new patients, she instructed the head doctor to group those she selected into one room. This would free up space for the incoming patients, who might arrive at any moment. Through this busy moment, they heard a sudden commotion erupted from a room not far away. Roar! Grrr... The commotion alone told Kisha everything she needed to know; there was no need to investigate further. The zombie''s guttural roar sent shockwaves through the medical facility, causing everyone nearby to freeze in terror before scattering in a frenzy. Panic-stricken screams ricocheted off the walls as people fled, their cries of fear mingling with the chaos. Outside, those who heard the uproar wore grim expressions, understanding all too well what was unfolding inside. Even without entering the facility, everyone knew that the frightened screams and chaos signaled one thing: a breach. Patrols stationed nearby, having heard the uproar, quickly took defensive positions outside the medical facility. Armed with daggers and guns, they stood ready, their focus fixed on the door, prepared for any zombies that might emerge. Meanwhile, one of their team had already sprinted toward the square to call for additional backup. The civilians outside quickly retreated a few meters, ensuring they remained in view of the unfolding chaos. Their curiosity was palpable, but they were wary of obstructing the warriors'' efforts or becoming the first to be bitten. If zombies did indeed emerge from the medical facility, they planned to flee at the first sign. However, with nowhere safe to run, they were caught between fear and helplessness, anxiously waiting to see how the situation would develop. As the helpers rushed outside, abandoning the remaining medical personnel and the few soldiers left behind, Kisha moved toward the source of the sound. She could still see some family members, tending to their loved ones, clutching their unconscious relatives protectively in their arms, too paralyzed by fear to move. Kisha forced herself to look away from the terrified families as she approached a room where loud banging rattled the door. A soldier stationed nearby stood frozen, unsure whether to open the door, while the medical personnel had already backed away, fear etched on their faces. Kisha stood outside the door, tense and listening to the deafening roars and the piercing sound of claws scratching against the wood. If they didn''t act soon, the zombie would break through on its own. With a determined nod, Kisha signaled the soldier to open the door. She was already in position, ready to face the zombie that would undoubtedly charge at her the moment the door swung open. The soldier approached the door, nerves fraying as his clammy hand gripped the doorknob, hesitating before opening it. He took a deep breath, glancing at Kisha and the others to ensure they were ready. Raising his free hand, he silently counted to three. Grawrrr!!! Roar!!! But just as he was about to turn the knob, a spine-chilling roar echoed from another room, freezing him in place. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then another. And another. The silence within the medical facility was shattered as a symphony of zombie roars erupted, echoing through the halls. Those who were still conscious turned as pale as sheets, paralyzed by fear, unable to even whimper. The sheer terror overwhelmed some of the medical staff, causing their knees to buckle as they collapsed to the floor. "W-we are do-done for!" One of the medical personnel murmured, her voice trembling with terror. Her lips pressed into a thin line, but they still quivered, and her eyes, wide and red with fear, darted to Kisha. Despite the overwhelming dread, she clung to the hope that Kisha might be their last beacon of light. Rawrrr! Argh!!! Kisha scanned her surroundings, straining to hear as far as possible while manually using the system''s radar since 008 was still upgrading. The red dots on the radar showed that all the infected were confined within specific rooms, and none had breached the hallway. Relieved by this, she allowed herself a small sigh as her tense muscles relaxed slightly. "''Don''t panic!'' Kisha''s voice cut through the chaos like a wake-up call, snapping everyone back to reality. Even the soldiers, previously frozen in fear, regained their composure and turned to her, waiting for her next command." "All soldiers, check each floor and every isolated area to ensure if one of them has turned into a zombie. Scan the hallways to confirm that no one there has transformed. Move carefully¡ªif you notice anything suspicious, report back immediately without engaging!"Kisha''s authoritative and commanding tone brooked no argument. The soldiers nearby stiffened, straightened, and saluted before swiftly moving out to carry out her orders. "It wasn''t that they weren''t scared, but their fear was overshadowed by their duty. They knew that if they didn''t act, more lives would be at risk. They had become soldiers precisely to face such dire situations, and running away was never an option¡ªthey had been trained for this, and it was simply not in their vocabulary. Without someone like Kisha to take charge and give them direction, they would have been running around like headless chickens. But now, with clear orders, they moved with purpose. The soldiers hurriedly checked the rooms with isolated patients and scanned the hallways filled with others, looking for any signs of convulsions or transformation as they moved swiftly from one area to the next. Soon, the entire medical facility was engulfed by the deafening growls of zombies and the relentless banging on doors. Those waiting outside grew increasingly terrified as the sounds grew louder by the second. Their nerves frayed further with each passing moment, as no zombies had yet emerged. This either meant that the creatures were too occupied feeding inside or that they were still contained within the facility. After one soldier ran to the square for backup, those stationed outside were already drenched in sweat, their nerves stretched to the breaking point. They remained on high alert, not knowing when the zombies might burst out of the facility, a tension that tested their mental endurance to the extreme. Kisha, on the other hand, grew increasingly calm as she cleared her mind of unnecessary thoughts. Stepping forward, she signaled to the soldier still gripping the doorknob. At her command, he nervously opened the door, quickly stepped aside, and used the door as a shield following Kisha''s instructions. As soon as the door opened, the zombie lunged out without hesitation, its claws extended and aimed directly at Kisha''s neck. It seemed ready to grab her and sink its teeth into her the moment it made contact. The soldier held his breath, body tense, as he watched the scene unfold. He wanted to reach out to Kisha, but everything happened so quickly that he didn''t have time to react¡ªhe could only watch in fear. A medical staff member standing a few feet away from Kisha let out a scream, her eyes locked on the zombie. Frozen in terror, she could do nothing but shout. Chapter 299 - 299 Clean Up But before the zombie''s claws could even touch Kisha, she swiftly drew her katana, slicing through its arms in one clean motion before severing its head. She then stepped aside, letting the zombie''s body crash into the wall behind her, thick black blood spraying across the hallway and splattering onto some of the unconscious patients. The sight of so much dark blood splattering everywhere caused one of the medical staff to scream again, her voice trembling with shock as some of the blood splattered onto her as well. For a moment, it felt as if time stood still. Everyone''s focus locked on Kisha as she, without a second''s hesitation, decapitated the lunging zombie with a fluidity that seemed straight out of a movie. With the threat neutralized, Kisha calmly moved toward the next nearest room, her eyes fixed on the red dot visible on the system''s radar. Creak! Bang!- After just a few steps, she could already hear the menacing roar echoing from the next isolated room, followed by the sharp crack of bone and a loud crash reverberating from within the room. Graaaahhhh! The growls were angrier and louder than the one Kisha had just killed, reverberating through the corridor as something heavy banged against the door with increasing force. The door shuddered under the assault, sending dust and bits of dry cement cascading from the edges of the frame as if the zombie was determined to bring down the entire door by slamming its body against it. The loud banging startled the nearest nurse, causing her to shriek in fear as she stared at the door, trembling in its frame. Kisha quickly gestured to the nearest soldier, signaling him to take his position behind the door. She indicated that, on the count of three, he should open the door, just as the previous soldier had done. The soldier was visibly more nervous than the previous one, fully aware of how much stronger this zombie seemed compared to the one Kisha had just killed. While the first zombie was quicker, he reassured himself that Kisha managed it because of her superior speed. But this time, the sheer force behind the door made him doubt his ability to handle what was coming. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But what if this zombie was stronger than her? He glanced at Kisha with a hint of contemplation, wondering if he should offer to switch places with her. He knew he had the strength to handle it if he really focused, and the thought of stepping in crossed his mind. But what could he do? Kisha wasn''t flinching or stepping aside, clearly intent on handling the zombie herself when the door opened. It was evident she was determined to take it down on her own. Now that the others had witnessed what happened earlier, they quickly learned their lesson and took a few more steps away from Kisha¡ªnot just to avoid being a hindrance, but because they lacked her agility to dodge the blood splatter. The memory of the medical staff who was nearly knocked out after getting hit with the zombie''s blood was still fresh in their minds, and none of them wanted to experience the same. The smell was so overwhelming and nauseating that they wanted to avoid it at all costs. The soldier behind the door steadied his breathing and signaled to Kisha that he was ready. Once she gave a slight nod, he began the countdown with his fingers. As his three fingers curled into a fist, he turned the knob and stepped back, using the door as a shield. The moment he opened it, the zombie, bracing itself for a body slam, was thrown toward Kisha. The zombie had enough cunning mind to use its shoulder for a powerful body slam, forcing the door open. Its other arm hung limply by its side, clearly injured from the repeated impact. The loud crash Kisha had heard earlier must have resulted from the zombie shattering its own bones during its relentless assault on the door. Grrr! Roar! When the zombie saw Kisha standing before it, it opened its mouth in a snarling roar as it lunged toward her. However, such an opponent was no longer a challenge for Kisha. With a swift sidestep, she swung her leg with precision, delivering a powerful kick that sent the zombie hurtling back into the room, as if she were hitting a home run with a bat. With her enhanced strength, Kisha sent the zombie flying back into the room with a single powerful kick. She quickly drew a dagger and hurled it with precision. Thanks to her increased strength, the dagger drove deeply into the zombie''s skull, embedding halfway into the wall behind it. The blade''s hilt was barely visible, as it had fully penetrated the zombie''s head. The instant kill created a gruesome scene inside the room, with the zombie''s black blood splattering the walls like spilled paint. The overpowering stench of the blood hit everyone''s noses once more, causing many to gag, but Kisha remained unfazed. She simply moved on to her next location, undeterred by the chaos. They repeated this process until they believed they had cleared all the isolated rooms of those who had failed their awakening. However, Kisha noticed one last red dot blinking at the end of the corridor. She proceeded with her usual method, ready to direct someone to open the door as she prepared to confront the final threat. When she and the other soldier reached the end of the third floor, they were met with a disturbing sight: a pool of blood on the floor. Kisha''s eyes widened as she took in the scene. The open door revealed a gruesome tableau: 3 to 5 bodies sprawled out, unconscious but severely wounded. Blood flowed from gaping wounds in their necks, throats, and bellies. One victim had even been bitten on the nose, leaving exposed bone in the aftermath. As Kisha prepared to engage, a man stepped in front of her and the others, wielding a metal bed leg as a makeshift weapon. He brandished it aggressively, trying to keep them at bay and prevent them from advancing closer. "Don''t you fucking dare touch my son!" the man screamed, his voice trembling with rage. When a soldier attempted to disarm him, the man swung the metal bed leg with brutal force. The soldier''s arm was struck with a sickening crack, followed by a muffled scream of pain. His arm twisted at an unnatural angle, with bone jutting out through the torn flesh. It was clear that the bone had snapped, the jagged end slicing through his skin. His hand now dangled limply, swaying like a flag on a flagpole. The soldier gasped for breath as blood poured from his wound, his body convulsing uncontrollably. His eyes rolled back, signaling the onset of a heart failure brought on by the massive loss of blood. Kisha signaled to the medical personnel to attend to the injured soldier and stem the bleeding before he lost too much blood. The medic quickly administered first aid, packing the cleanest cloth available into the soldier''s wound. The soldier groaned in pain as the cloth was forcefully pressed into his arm, feeling as if he were being stuffed like a turkey. Chapter 300 - 300 A Unique Zombie Seeing the damage he had caused, the man became even more emboldened, brandishing the metal pole with newfound confidence while his so-called son continued feasting on the patient lying on the ground. Kisha felt a surge of irritation; those people were the cr¨¨me de la cr¨¨me, and she regretted leaving them so vulnerable. It was a mistake she couldn''t afford to overlook. She couldn''t allow the zombie to keep feasting on more of those people. It had already devoured so many of the talents she treasured, and she was determined to stop it. Though she loathed to admit it, those who hadn''t successfully awakened were likely to turn into zombies themselves due to the sudden increase of the virus in their bodies during the awakening process, a thought she despised. This only heightened her frustration. The zombie was already feasting on its fifth victim, its eyes still roaming as if it intended to sample every helpless human lying on the floor, searching for the best flavor to satisfy its insatiable hunger. "Did you open the door?" Kisha demanded, her voice dripping with menace as she glared at the man standing before her. Her eyes burned with fury, and the air around them seemed to chill as if her murderous aura had sucked the warmth from the room. The man trembled in fear, his knees threatening to give way, but he refused to back down, even if it meant facing death to protect his son. The man took a deep breath before answering, his voice shaking. "Yeah, I did! You said they''d awaken superpowers¡ªthat he''d become a hero, not some fucking flesh-eating monster! This is your fucking fault, you bitch!" he screamed at Kisha, his eyes wild and bloodshot, like a man on the brink of madness. "I told you, not everyone would succeed¡ªsome would still turn into zombies," Kisha replied, her voice steady and unflinching. "Then why couldn''t my son be a hero like the others? Why couldn''t he just awaken?!" the man screamed, his voice shaking with anger as he pointed the pole at Kisha. Suddenly, a wild gleam sparked in his eyes, and he stared at her with renewed intensity. "Wait! Give my son that substance! You and your family turned out fine because of it, right? Give it to me! I''ll save him!" His grip tightened on the pole, swinging it more viciously, his red eyes blazing with desperation. Even the soldiers around him instinctively took a step back, unnerved by his frenzied demeanor. He looked unhinged, like he wouldn''t hesitate to attack or kill anyone in his path. Kisha, fed up with his ranting and fueled by her own anger, decided she had heard enough. With a swift motion, she used her telekinesis to hurl her dagger at lightning speed. The blade pierced through the left side of the man''s head and exited through the right, leaving a large, gaping hole behind. The speed and precision of Kisha''s attack were so unexpected that the blood from the wound didn''t even have time to splatter as if it was delayed by the shock. Before anyone could fully grasp what had happened, the man had already collapsed to the floor with a heavy ''thud,'' the metal pole clattering loudly beside him with a sharp ''clang.'' sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the man''s body and the metal pole hit the floor, the zombie''s attention was immediately drawn to Kisha. It instinctively turned its red, bulging eyes toward her, abruptly abandoning its meal and baring its teeth like a snarling dog. Grrr!- Grawrrrrh! The zombie, whether driven by instinct or the remnants of its former self, seemed to recognize the dead man as its father. Its attention fixed entirely on Kisha, it stood and released an enraged growl from deep within its throat. Unlike other zombies with their pallid skin tinged with purple and greenish hues, this one''s skin had a different, more unsettling appearance. The zombie''s skin was an unsettling, charred black, giving it an even more menacing appearance compared to ordinary zombies. Despite its loss of reasoning, its intimidating presence was undeniable. Kisha took a steadying breath, fully aware that she had become the zombie''s new target. It seemed the zombie retained some vestiges of rationality, as it continued to feed on the helpless victims on the floor, disregarding its father''s frantic shouts. It only shifted its focus to Kisha after the father had died. She was convinced that the zombie retained some semblance of its own mind, though this was almost impossible. Typically, only high-level zombies, like those near the zombie king, exhibited such human-like traits. Kisha''s eyes twitched, her eyelashes fluttering with nervous tension. She quickly opened the status window to examine the zombie''s stats. [Zombie (Unique Grade)] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300) Morality: Corrupted Strength: 40 Stamina: Null Defense: 50 Agility: 60 Mental Capacity: 30 Charm: Null Leadership: Null Skills: None Description: A human infected by an ancient virus loses their brain function and rationality, leaving only their primal instincts. This transforms them into a relentless, ravenous beast driven by an insatiable hunger. ... Kisha''s eyes widened as she saw its stats. The zombie was even stronger than Zeus and nearly matched the stats of other superhumans after maximizing the Scalet Honey. She shuddered involuntarily. A Unique-grade zombie with such stats could wreak havoc in the base, potentially killing nearly everyone present. Kisha felt her hands turn clammy as nervousness gripped her. Though it seemed like an eternity had passed from the moment the zombie reacted to its father''s death to Kisha checking its status window, only seconds had actually gone by. The people around her were still trying to process the rapid sequence of events. Before they could fully grasp the situation, Kisha had already dragged the dead man''s body by the collar as if it were a weightless rag doll. The zombie lunged at her, and in the blink of an eye, Kisha and the zombie vanished from their sight. All they felt was a powerful gust of wind sweeping past them. The moment Kisha dragged the dead man''s body, she immediately took a quick step back, followed by another. The zombie''s agility matched her own, and its claws slashed dangerously close to her head. Had she not moved swiftly, it could have been fatal. As she retreated, Kisha saw the zombie''s extended claws nearly grazing her eyes, just a hair''s breadth away from plunging into them. The proximity of the zombie''s claw to Kisha''s eyes was starkly reflected in her gaze, but she remained unfazed. She continued to retreat down the hallway with unwavering determination. Fortunately, Kisha made a split-second decision to drag the zombie''s father''s body, sensing that the creature was on the verge of causing chaos. Though she had become its new target, she realized it wouldn''t hesitate to kill anyone in its path if she merely evaded its attacks. Believing the zombie had little rationality left, she hoped that by holding onto the corpse of its father, it would become desperate and focus solely on her, trying to reclaim the body rather than attacking everyone indiscriminately. Her strategy was to provoke the zombie into focusing solely on her, a risky gamble she had no choice but to take. If her plan failed, the zombie wouldn''t just be enraged; it would likely slaughter everyone in its path¡ªunconscious patients, medical staff, and soldiers alike. Chapter 301 - 301 A Rational Zombie As Kisha neared the end of the hallway, she was forced to make another split-second decision on which direction to turn. Yet, the deeper she found herself in trouble, the calmer she became. She had trained herself to react this way to stay alive for as long as possible, a survival instinct honed from her past lives. This time, Kisha''s instincts served her well. After retreating just a few steps while keeping her eyes on the zombie, she quickly realized that she had only a few more steps before she would hit the wall and be trapped. With the zombie''s agility matching hers and its strength not far behind, Kisha knew that fighting head-on in a narrow space filled with people would be a death sentence. Fortunately, they hadn''t yet stepped on any of the patients lying on the floor, a thought that had been making her nervous the entire time. But now, Kisha knew she couldn''t afford any distractions¡ªone slip and the zombie would kill her, especially now that it was in berserk mode. Summoning Bell, she quickly issued a mental command through their mind link. Bell responded instantly, using its razor-sharp forelegs to slice into the wall. However, the wall was thicker than anticipated, and Bell''s forelegs, though formidable, weren''t long enough to cut all the way through. It could only manage to weaken the wall, leaving it vulnerable but still standing. But Kisha didn''t have time to wait for Bell to fully open the wall¡ªshe was already just two steps away from it. In a quick decision, she unsummoned Bell, sending it back to the space. She knew that Bell wouldn''t stand a chance against this zombie and could easily be killed, a risk she wasn''t willing to take. As soon as Bell had done its part, she hid it away, preparing to face the next challenge on her own. Kisha made a bold decision and steeled herself, then rammed her back into the weakened section of the wall where Bell had slashed with its sharp forelegs. Gah! Kisha felt the impact knock the breath from her lungs, her teeth clenched as she gripped the dead man even tighter. Her body crashed hard against the wall, but her increased defense absorbed most of the blow, while her enhanced strength allowed her to break through. Despite her defenses, pain shot through her back, and her lungs ached from the force of the collision. But she couldn''t afford to focus on the pain. The zombie seized the opportunity, swinging its claw at her just as she lost momentum from the crash. Fortunately, the wall gave way on her first attempt, causing the zombie''s strike to miss by a narrow margin. Still, Kisha felt a sharp sting as its claw grazed her neck, drawing blood. The wound wasn''t deep, but it wasn''t superficial either. Blood quickly soaked the fabric around her neck, staining her clothes. As Kisha burst through the wall, a loud, dull ''thud'' echoed through the building, followed by the collapse of the wall. Dust and debris rained down from the third floor, shocking everyone who had been waiting outside. Before they knew it, the wall had already collapsed, and a silhouette emerged from the debris, shrouded in dust. Alongside it, something stiff and flag-like dangled, followed by a dark, shadowy form. When Kisha landed on the ground, a tingling sensation coursed from the soles of her feet up through her body to her scalp, briefly numbing her senses. Despite not being injured from the jump, the jarring impact still caused her pain, making her grit her teeth. Her eyes remained locked on the zombie, which had landed just ten feet away from her, its furious gaze never wavering. The zombie made no immediate move, instead seemingly contemplating its next attack. It appeared to have realized that its speed and strength matched Kisha''s, and charging head-on would offer it no advantage. If that was indeed the case, Kisha knew she was in serious trouble. There was nothing more frightening than a zombie with the ability to think and act strategically. Such a zombie would not only possess physical strength superior to that of humans but would also eliminate the one advantage humans had: rationality. As Kisha landed on the ground, the onlookers, shocked by the sight of her bloodied neck, tensed up visibly and gasped in astonishment. Fortunately, even without Kisha needing to instruct them, both civilians and warriors instinctively took a few steps back. They recognized that the zombie before Kisha was not only different in appearance but also in demeanor and strength. They understood that any distraction at this moment could be disastrous, and they wisely chose to stay out of her way. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The onlookers could immediately sense the zombie''s fury just by observing it. Kisha then held the dead man up in front of her, shaking the lifeless body slightly. It was only then that the crowd fully grasped what she was holding, and their fear intensified as they struggled to make sense of the unfolding situation. Many wanted to flee the moment they realized what was happening, but the sheer presence of the zombie kept them rooted to the spot, leaving them frozen and unable to make a sound. Kisha also noticed that the people were not dispersing and were becoming a hindrance, restricting her actions. It dawned on her that their paralysis was due to the overwhelming presence of the zombie, which had frightened them to the point where they were unable to move from their spots. That''s why she tried to keep the zombie''s attention focused on her by reminding it of its dead father''s corpse. As expected, seeing the corpse reignited the zombie''s fury. It let out a menacing growl, its body tensing like a beast preparing to pounce. Grrrr! Grahhhh!!! "Kisha!" Even without looking, she recognized the voice and felt her body stiffen in response. With the zombie''s father now dead, Kisha feared that the creature, possessing a sliver of rationality, might target those close to her¡ªlike Duke, who was rushing toward her. Kisha felt a shiver of dread at the thought. She hoped the zombie''s rationality was merely a remnant of its brain function before the virus fully consumed it, and that its remaining humanity was nothing more than a fleeting, dying thought. If the zombie retained even a shred of rationality, Kisha would be in serious trouble¡ªand not just her, but Duke and anyone else the zombie might target next. Kisha wanted to warn Duke and the others approaching her, but she struggled to mask her anxiety. She didn''t want the zombie to sense her concern for anyone nearby, as she feared that if her suspicions were correct, the zombie would seek revenge on those she cared about. Despite Duke''s formidable strength and potential, she knew that with the zombie''s stats, he could be easily overwhelmed, and she was determined to keep him¡ªand everyone else¡ªout of harm''s way. Instead of dwelling on her fear, Kisha flashed a defiant smirk and waved the zombie''s father''s corpse once more, reclaiming the zombie''s attention that had momentarily shifted to Duke''s call. As soon as she confirmed the zombie was focused on her again, she sprinted toward the northern side of the base, where there were fewer people around. Chapter 302 - 302 Her Confrontation With The Zombie The zombie stayed on her heels, determined not to lose sight of her as long as she held onto its father. Duke, momentarily stunned, halted in his tracks. He was puzzled by Kisha''s sudden retreat at the sound of his voice and her provocative gesture of waving the dead body to taunt the zombie. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke understood that Kisha would never act recklessly or engage in pointless actions, especially during a fight. After putting himself in her position, it dawned on him that something was seriously wrong with the zombie, causing it to behave unusually and out of character. Typically, if Kisha faced a weaker opponent, she would swiftly eliminate them to avoid further complications. Conversely, if the opponent was stronger, she would deploy all available resources to confront the threat rather than retreating alone. So, the only plausible explanation for Kisha''s actions was that the zombie was not only stronger than her but likely stronger than any of them. Her strategy to lure it away was not just to safeguard the civilians and engage in a more isolated area, but also because she feared the zombie might use a hostage. This was confirmed by how she taunted the zombie and its intense reaction, validating her decision to draw it away. Even though Duke was reluctant to consider that the zombie might retain some semblance of rationality or humanity, he had no choice but to explore all possible scenarios to determine the best course of action. This meant that the deceased person Kisha was holding must have had a connection to the zombie. As Duke began to piece together the information, Sparrow and Vulture arrived beside him, followed closely by Tristan, Aston, Clyde, and a visibly agitated Bald Eagle, who was panting heavily. After Duke reached his conclusion, he promptly instructed Sparrow and Vulture to secure the medical facility and handle the aftermath of the breach. He then assigned Tristan, Aston, Clyde, and Bald Eagle to calm the people and manage the situation. Once these tasks were delegated, Duke swiftly set off to find and support Kisha. If his conclusion was right, then it only means that the zombie was stronger than Kisha and she wouldn''t be able to deal with it on her own. But since he arranged for the people to deal with the aftermath, it took some of his time, so he could only follow the direction where Kisha went and this time was enough for Kisha to have a few blows with the zombie on her own. As Kisha fled, the zombie pursued her relentlessly. With their agility matched, the zombie stayed only a few feet behind, growling furiously and never letting up. No matter how much Kisha increased her speed, the zombie mirrored her every move, remaining hot on her heels. Even as they passed by other people on their way to the northern side, the zombie didn''t spare them a glance. Its eyes were locked solely on Kisha, which both relieved her and confirmed her fears, leaving her with a complex mix of emotions. As soon as she reached the northern side, Kisha dashed into the mini-forest, seeking refuge among the trees. She planned to use the dense foliage as cover and leverage the terrain to her advantage, knowing she couldn''t handle the zombie alone. As soon as Kisha stopped running, the zombie halted a few feet away from her. In a split second, it lunged, not for her neck but for the corpse she held. Kisha stepped back to dodge the attack, but the zombie persisted, relentlessly trying to snatch the body from her grasp. Realizing that this struggle could drag on and that she''d be at a disadvantage as she burned through her stamina while the zombie remained unaffected, Kisha knew she needed to find a way to end this standoff quickly. So, Kisha made the quick decision to store the body in her inventory, knowing it was already lifeless. As the corpse vanished from view, the zombie visibly stiffened and looked around in confusion. Seizing the opportunity, Kisha stepped back and summoned six long swords from her inventory. She used her telekinesis to float them behind her, ready for the fight. When the zombie locked eyes with Kisha, its fury intensified, driven mad by the absence of its target. It lunged at her with relentless aggression, its claws slashing at her vital points¡ªhead, throat, and chest¡ªseeking to overwhelm her. Kisha directed the floating swords to strike at the zombie, but its skin proved tougher than she anticipated, leaving only superficial scratches. The zombie''s hide was not metal, yet it was as resilient as armor. Its claws, as sharp as her swords, easily inflicted deep wounds on her skin with even the slightest scratch. Kisha summoned her long and short katanas from her inventory, preparing to use them alongside the six swords she controlled telekinetically. She anticipated difficulty managing both offense and defense, but her training in her space, especially the precision exercises with picking fruits, had paid off. She now wielded the six swords with such skill that it felt as though she had six extra arms, seamlessly integrating them into her combat style. Whenever the zombie attempted to attack her, Kisha would use her long or short katana to block its strikes, then quickly counter with precise attacks. Meanwhile, the six telekinetically controlled swords would target the zombie''s blind spots and rear, creating a multi-faceted assault that kept the creature off balance. Kisha launched a few more attacks at the zombie, but it seemed impervious to her efforts. Determined, she leaped into the air, twisting her body slightly before spinning like a top. With both katanas drawn close to her body, she executed a powerful spinning strike aimed at the zombie, which attempted to intercept her mid-air with its claws. Not only did the zombie fail to land a hit on Kisha, but it also sustained deeper wounds on its arm as if struck by a mini cyclone. The force of her spinning attack sent it crashing into a tree, its back slamming against the trunk as it tried to shield itself from the relentless assault. Kisha didn''t relent. Observing that her katanas inflicted more damage on the zombie, she adjusted her strategy. She now used the six floating swords primarily to distract and block the zombie''s attacks, while her real offensive came from her katanas, which were stronger and more durable. With her longer katana, she struck vertically, while her other swords attacked from behind, maintaining a relentless assault to keep the zombie pinned and prevent it from escaping. Despite Kisha''s best efforts, the zombie managed to evade some of her attacks, though it still suffered a deep, vertical cut from its chest to its stomach. Seemingly unphased, the zombie lunged at her with renewed aggression, aiming its left claw upward towards her head as Kisha remained slightly bent forward from her previous strike. Quick to react, Kisha raised her shorter katana to block the attack. The clash of claws against Katana created a shower of sparks as if the metal grinding against metal as she deflected the zombie''s deadly swipe. The zombie''s attack propelled Kisha backward, but she used the momentum to her advantage. Instead of fighting the force, she allowed her body to be launched into the air, flipping and curling slightly as she approached a tree. Just before she collided with it, she adjusted her posture, planting her feet against the trunk to propel herself back toward the zombie. With a burst of energy, she rebounded off the tree, ready to deliver her next strike. Chapter 303 - 303 Her Confrontation With The Zombie 2 To amplify the power of her strike, Kisha crossed her shorter katana behind the longer one, forming an ''X''. With the tree as leverage, she leaped from the tree, she pushed the blades forward, and aimed for the zombie''s neck, channeling all her strength into a single, decisive blow intended to end the fight. But, as if sensing Kisha''s intent, the zombie countered her attack, raising its left arm to block the blow. The impact severed its arm, sending a gush of black blood spurting from the wound, but it managed to survive. The zombie staggered back a few steps, putting some distance between itself and Kisha. She was now covered in small wounds from their exchange, her breath coming in short pants, but her focus remained locked on the zombie. The zombie tilted its head to the side, almost as if it were taunting Kisha. But Kisha remained unfazed, focusing intently on deciphering its next move. She had already exchanged several blows with the creature while using her telekinesis, and the strain was beginning to take its toll. She knew she couldn''t keep this up for much longer and needed to find a way to end the fight quickly. The zombie''s agility forced Kisha to keep the six floating swords in place, using them as a makeshift shield against potential sneak attacks. She had already been caught off guard two or three times, and lowering her guard now would leave her vulnerable to its unpredictable and instinct-driven attacks. She knew that if she dropped her defenses, it could be fatal. Kisha took a deep breath, steadying her racing heart and clearing her mind of all distractions until it was as still as a calm water surface. She sharpened her focus, concentrating entirely on reading the zombie''s muscle movements. Only by anticipating its next move could she prepare herself to block and counter its unpredictable attacks. Kisha flipped her shorter katana, gripping the hilt with the blade now positioned against her forearm. This stance allowed her to use her arm''s raw strength for blocking, while also setting up the blade to deliver a deeper wound to the zombie if it dared to come closer. She pointed her longer katana at the zombie, taking slow, deliberate steps to circle it while carefully observing its movements. The zombie remained still, its gaze fixed on Kisha as if puzzled, trying to comprehend her intentions. After Kisha took her third step, the zombie''s gaze locked onto her with intense focus. She quickly stepped back, using her left arm to deflect an incoming attack from the right. In a swift motion, she countered by swinging her longer katana from a low upward angle, aiming to decapitate the zombie with a decisive strike from the waist. Clang! Screach! Kisha''s eyes widened in surprise as the zombie angled its head unnaturally, using its teeth to clamp down on her katana while its right arm grappled with her shorter sword. The encounter turned into a fierce contest of strength, with the zombie stubbornly clinging to both of her katanas. Fortunately, Kisha''s superior strength allowed her to hold her ground, and her katana remained intact despite the zombie''s vicious bite. Kisha planted her feet firmly on the ground to ensure she wouldn''t lose her balance in the struggle with the zombie. Focusing her telekinesis, she directed her six floating swords to converge on a single spot on the zombie. Although the zombie''s skin was tough and her swords weren''t as sharp or durable as her katanas, targeting one precise location with multiple strikes would gradually wear down its defenses. By inflicting small, concentrated wounds, Kisha aimed to break through the zombie''s tough exterior and secure a decisive kill. Kisha directed her six swords to strike in rapid succession, targeting the zombie''s head with pinpoint accuracy. The zombie, engaged in a standoff with Kisha and focused on grappling with her katanas, had its head locked in place and couldn''t evade the attack. Taking advantage of this, Kisha''s precision allowed the swords to rain down on the zombie''s head, concentrating their assault on a single point. Despite the zombie''s formidable battle instincts, it was unable to avoid the relentless barrage, and the repeated strikes began to wear down its defenses. Once the six swords completed their initial round of attacks, Kisha immediately prepared for the next wave. She didn''t give the zombie a moment to recover or evade; her control over the swords was nearly continuous. The relentless assault persisted until the zombie, now visibly enraged, let out another guttural growl. Rawrrr! Kisha showed no sign of fear as she maintained her relentless assault, holding the zombie firmly in place. The zombie''s body trembled as it exerted more force, trying to push Kisha away. Desperate to destroy the katana, it clamped its jaw tighter, hoping to bite down and shatter the blade. Unable to retreat due to the continuous barrage from behind, any attempt to step back would only amplify the attack''s impact and increase the damage it sustained. With no other option, the zombie attempted to press forward and overwhelm Kisha. However, Kisha wasn''t easily defeated. Leveraging her superior stats, particularly her strength, she ensured the zombie was securely locked in place. Her katana, made of durable tungsten, was built to withstand extreme force. She remained confident, knowing that only a creature with stats exceeding 100 could potentially destroy her sword with its bite. The zombie and Kisha were face-to-face, with little room for maneuvering. The zombie, trapped between Kisha and the relentless barrage of swords, felt its defenses giving way. As its situation became increasingly dire, it thrashed around more desperately, trying to throw Kisha off and escape the relentless assault. Gradually, the zombie managed to push Kisha back, its frantic efforts leaving deep tracks in the ground as it used all its remaining strength to overpower her. Kisha, stunned by the unexpected display of force, realized with shock that despite her superior strength, the zombie''s sheer desperation was giving it an edge in their struggle. She gritted her teeth, digging her feet firmly into the ground in a desperate attempt to halt the zombie''s relentless advance. Crackle! A sudden, deafening crackle erupted from nowhere, prompting Kisha to instinctively leap aside. A bolt of lightning surged from the sky, crashing down upon the zombie. The electrical force jolted the creature, sending it reeling and enveloping it in a cloud of smoke as it staggered in place. Almost instantly, Kisha watched as the zombie''s skin began to peel away and crumble. The sight left her feeling envious of Duke''s formidable ability¡ªone that could shatter defenses with such ease. Despite her intense focus, Kisha hadn''t noticed Duke''s presence, and, likewise, the zombie remained oblivious to him. Thanks to Duke''s precise timing and Kisha''s ability to keep the zombie in place, he was able to execute a successful sneak attack. Duke had trusted in Kisha''s reaction speed to evade his lightning strike, which proved crucial. With the zombie immobilized, Duke delivered his most powerful lightning strike with pinpoint accuracy. Grah... sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The zombie let out a weak growl, its movements unsteady. Without hesitation, Kisha struck swiftly, aiming for the head before the creature could regain its footing. The battle ended quickly, with the zombie''s head rolling on the ground. Duke''s timely intervention proved invaluable, making the fight significantly easier compared to Kisha''s solo struggle. Chapter 304 - 304 A Rainbow Crystal Core After delivering her final strike, Kisha staggered on her feet, weakened by the significant blood loss from her throat and numerous other wounds. Her face was pale, but she sighed in relief, relieved that the confrontation was over. She wasn''t sure how long the standoff had lasted¡ªwhether it had been longer or shorter than she had felt. When she heard the crackle in the air, it felt as though time had slowed down. Just before the lightning struck, she managed to take a step back. Kisha couldn''t bring herself to be angry at Duke; his intervention had made dealing with the zombie much easier, and her struggle had become significantly less daunting. If Duke hadn''t executed that sneak attack when he did, they would have both been in serious trouble. Despite the zombie being wounded, it remained stronger than Duke, and Kisha had already been overpowered at times during the fight. If the zombie had noticed Duke hovering around, it would have likely targeted him as the weaker member of their group, putting them both in grave danger. She wasn''t certain she could have protected Duke at that moment, but she was fortunate to have evaded the attack at the last second while keeping the zombie grounded. Their victory was largely due to their unspoken understanding and mutual trust in each other''s abilities. Reflecting on it now, her earlier worries seemed trivial in comparison to the seamless coordination that ultimately led to their success. Kisha felt dizzy, her vision blurring as she swayed unsteadily. She quickly returned all the swords and her katana to her inventory. Before she could collapse, Duke was already at her side, pulling her into his embrace and lifting her gently into his arms. Seeing Kisha covered in blood left Duke choked up, struggling to hold back his tears. It pained him deeply to see her in such a state, intensifying his mix of anger, fear, and pity. His heart constricted with overwhelming emotions, feeling the weight of her suffering as if it were his own. He was angry at Kisha for attempting to face the zombie alone, knowing that if he hadn''t arrived in time, she could have been overpowered. She hadn''t realized how weakened she was becoming from blood loss, and the zombie had managed to push her back. The thought of what might have happened if he hadn''t intervened¡ªhow she could have suffered even more severe injuries or possibly been gravely hurt¡ªfilled him with fear and regret. He looked down at Kisha, pale and unconscious in his arms, her face drawn and eyes closed. He gritted his teeth, squeezing his eyes shut to contain the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. The sight of her so worn and vulnerable was already breaking his heart; he didn''t need to add the weight of his own anger or frustration to the mix. "Master!" Then Sparrow came flying down from up above and slowly descended in front of Duke but Sparrow didn''t forget to look around some of the broken tree and deep drag marks on the ground, obvious marks left after a huge battle. And in the middle of it all was a charred headless body, the ground around the body was also charred black. Just by seeing the markings around, he could already imagine how the battle progress and how it ended. He nodded to Duke and said, "Master, I''ll handle the cleanup here. Would you like me to burn the body, or should I bring it back with me?" "Bring it back; the medical experts might find it useful," Duke said coldly. He took one last glance around their surroundings before striding out of the mini forest and heading directly to their villa. Since the mini forest was connected to their backyard, Duke reached the villa quickly. When he arrived, he headed straight to the master bedroom where he and Kisha rested. Carefully, he laid Kisha down on the bed before rushing to the bathroom. He retrieved warm water and a towel to clean the blood from her body and collected medical supplies to tend to her wounds. Duke''s touch was as gentle as a feather, careful not to wake Kisha or exacerbate her injuries. He tended to her wounds with meticulous care, ensuring he didn''t apply too much pressure. Once he had finished dressing her wounds, he moved to the kitchen to prepare a simple remedy to help replenish her lost blood. As he diligently brewed the medicine, his expression was filled with sadness and worry, resembling a forlorn dog with its ears and tail drooping. Duke remained by Kisha''s side, ensuring he was there when she woke up. When Kisha regained her senses, she felt a pressure on her stomach and a grogginess that made it hard to remember what had happened. It took her a moment to piece together the events of the morning. Glancing out of the window, she saw it was still early, perhaps just noon. Turning her gaze to her side, she saw Duke sleeping beside her, his brow furrowed and lips tightly pursed. Kisha chuckled softly and gently smoothed Duke''s furrowed brow. As soon as her fingers touched his skin, his eyes flew open, revealing a swirl of emotions as he locked onto her amber gaze. He didn''t speak right away but stared at her for a moment before pulling her into a tight embrace, burying his head against her chest and trembling slightly. Kisha realized immediately that she was the source of Duke''s distress. Gently, she began to stroke his hair, as if soothing a frightened pet. Her fingers ran tenderly through his soft locks, a silent acknowledgment of her mistake and a gesture of surrender. She understood that Duke was deeply worried and likely both angry and anxious about her decision to confront a powerful zombie, with little rationality on her own. She was fortunate that the zombie she faced, despite its strength and minimal rationality, was still less cunning than a grown man. Its behavior resembled that of a child yearning for its parent. However, if she had encountered a zombie with the intellect of an adult coupled with its brute force, it could have easily overwhelmed and pulverized her. She was also fortunate that she had maxed out her stats before leveling up, which helped balance the odds. Without the Scarlet Honey, she would have been easily overpowered or even killed by the zombie. This confidence stemmed from her preparation and the trust she had in Duke. Knowing that he would follow and assist at the right moment¡ªwhether by helping her land a blow, distracting the zombie, or delivering a crucial sneak attack¡ªgave her the assurance she needed. Now that the danger had passed, she finally felt a sense of relief. Her trust in Duke had paid off significantly. As she closed her eyes to sense the energy fluctuations within her, she noticed another energy shift behind her. When she turned around, she saw a rainbow-colored level 1 crystal core, radiating at the peak of its level. This vibrant crystal promised to be a substantial aid for any superhuman, greatly enhancing their abilities regardless of their power. A rainbow crystal core is far rarer than the colored crystal cores that represent specific zombie abilities¡ªsuch as red for fire, brown for earth, blue for water, and purple for lightning. Despite its rarity, the rainbow crystal core is just as valuable, if not more so, when used by the right person. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For example, when a fire ability user harnesses a fire crystal core, their energy core can expand twofold, essentially equating to a level-up. The rainbow core, with its universal enhancement properties, offers a similar potential for significant advancement across various abilities. Chapter 305 - 305 How To Pacify The People Colored and rainbow crystal cores aren''t essential in the early stages of superhuman development, as normal crystal cores are sufficient for leveling up at first. However, as superhumans advance, it becomes increasingly difficult to progress and break through bottlenecks to reach higher levels. At that point, colored and rainbow crystal cores become invaluable, providing the extra power needed to overcome those barriers and achieve significant growth. To break through these bottlenecks, superhumans not only need to be extremely lucky but also possess significant potential. Additionally, they require a substantial amount of colored crystal cores that align with their specific ability. Without these, progressing to higher levels becomes nearly impossible. If a normal crystal core provides 10 spiritual energy when consumed and a level 1 crystal core gives 25 spiritual energy, a level 1 colored crystal core offers the same energy. However, if it matches the user''s ability, the spiritual energy is doubled or sometimes even higher. As ability users reach higher levels, normal crystal cores become ineffective for further progress unless they are of a higher level. Like zombies, humans also possess energy cores, but unlike zombies, all human cores are inherently colored and function similarly to zombie cores. This has led some superhumans to resort to killing other superhumans to harvest their energy cores, in a desperate attempt to advance and gain more power. This harsh reality only adds to the chaos and difficulty of surviving in the apocalyptic world. That''s why superhumans eventually prioritize collecting colored crystal cores, using regular ones primarily as currency. At this point, Kisha had already obtained one colored crystal core from a previous zombie kill and one normal level 1 core. Now, she figured this rare rainbow crystal core must have come from the zombie that failed to fully awaken. Kisha held the rainbow crystal core tightly in her hand, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You like that kind of core?" Duke''s raspy voice came from behind as he wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "I''ll find more for you, alright?" he murmured, his tone full of affection, making Kisha''s smile widen. The two remained in the room for a while, savoring the quiet moment together. When they finally descended the stairs, they were met with the sight of the Winters and their subordinates already gathered in the living room, concern etched on each of their faces. As Kisha and Duke reached the bottom of the stairs, hand in hand, everyone exhaled a sigh of relief, though their anxiety lingered at the sight of Kisha''s bandaged body. It was only then that Kisha became fully aware of her condition¡ªor perhaps she simply remembered the extent of her minor injuries. She gently touched the bandage around her throat, as if acknowledging the toll the battle had taken. "Don''t worry, it''s just a minor injury," Kisha said with a smile. Unlike her, Duke''s expression darkened as his brows furrowed at her words. To call it "minor" felt wrong¡ªhe had nearly needed to stitch her throat from how deep the wound had been. But he knew Kisha well; she would likely down a vial of the blue healing liquid the moment she woke up, easing his concerns slightly. She was already awake, but she still hadn''t taken the vial, so Duke gently reminded her, "Wifey, why don''t you take the vial of blue liquid? It''ll heal all your injuries instantly." His face was still etched with worry and a hint of sorrow as he spoke. "I''ll take the vial later, but for now, we need to visit the medical facility and address the concerns of the people and the family of the deceased," Kisha said. It was only then that everyone realized her intention. None of them were na?ve, especially the Winters, who had spent years in the business world. Their subordinates had seen countless manipulative tactics used to gain sympathy and trust, and they were well aware of the strategy Kisha was employing. So, Kisha''s approach wasn''t new to them; they understood what she was doing. A significant incident had occurred within the base, and Kisha had taken charge, leading the effort to confine the sick to the medical facility. She had instructed the medical staff to move other patients into the hallway while isolating those affected by the incident. No matter how it was viewed, the blame would inevitably fall on Kisha. After all, five patients had been zombies food simply because they were left in the hallway. If Sparrow and the others hadn''t arrived in time to eliminate the infected, there could have been a catastrophic zombie breach inside their walls. The vulnerable patients would have been left defenseless, likely leading to numerous casualties. It was an unfortunate accident, but the blame would still rest heavily on Kisha. People would likely distrust her, but her actions in dealing with the zombie and sustaining injuries in the process would mitigate some of their hostility. By checking in on the patients as soon as she regained consciousness, Kisha would demonstrate her genuine concern for their well-being, which would help to soften their earlier anger and rebuild their trust. Understanding her plan, everyone fell silent and followed her lead. Duke kept a steadying arm around Kisha, supporting her as she walked. Kisha''s right leg wounded deeply, oozing more blood with each step, causing her to limp noticeably. Duke was tempted to carry Kisha like a princess, but she insisted on walking. As they exited Villa #1, they were met with angry stares from onlookers. However, when they saw Kisha''s bandaged body, still stained with fresh blood, their anger was tempered, and they fell silent. Soon, Kisha''s entourage grew as more people began to follow her, curious about her next move. They remained silent, their eyes tracking her every step. As Kisha and her group made their way toward the medical facility, a distance away, the journey took longer due to their slower pace. When they finally arrived, the facility appeared deserted. It seemed the incident had frightened everyone, causing them to avoid the medical facility out of fear that another patient might turn into a zombie and trigger another crisis. When Kisha and her group arrived, the only onlookers were those who had followed their entourage. Kisha paid little attention to the stares as she entered the medical facility. Inside, she was pleased to see that some of the patients had already regained consciousness. Her face brightened with a genuine smile as she glanced at each patient, visibly relieved and happy to see them awake. "How do you feel?" Kisha asked as she stepped closer. She used her "Eye Of Truth'' To asses those who regained consciousness to see if they have awakened their ability and what kind of ability they have. Seeing that most of the patients had indeed awakened their abilities, Kisha nodded with satisfaction. Although none of the patients could respond to her inquiries due to their disorientation, she promptly instructed the medical staff to conduct thorough examinations. Her goal was to ensure that each patient was in stable condition before they were sent home. Although Kisha was confident that the patients were doing fine, she insisted on having the doctors conduct their examinations. This was to ensure that those following her witnessed the thorough process and were reassured of the patients'' well-being. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 306 - 306 New Sense Of Purpose This strategic move was designed to quell any lingering doubts and shift the focus away from Kisha. By demonstrating that the patients were being properly cared for, she aimed to move past the incident. If anyone were to be held responsible, it should be the individual who released the zombie, leading to the deaths of five innocent people, rather than Kisha. However, this oversight was also Kisha''s. Some of the patients in isolation or those who were likely to awaken had family members who were deeply affected. Witnessing their loved ones turn into zombies was a devastating blow that no one could easily bear. As a parent, the man responsible might have clung to any possible way to save his child, even at the cost of others'' lives. She couldn''t entirely blame the man, but that didn''t change the fact that she had to hold him accountable. While she understood his desperation, his actions were unacceptable, and the safety of everyone in the base was now her responsibility. Sympathy couldn''t override the need for order and justice in such a crucial situation. Soon, it was confirmed that 70% of the patients had awakened an ability. Although some sick patients continued to arrive, the atmosphere had shifted. The initial fear had begun to dissipate, as seeing so many recovered and returned to normal instilled a sense of belief in Kisha''s assurances. The people''s trust in her was slowly being restored and this trust is becoming stronger than before. After all, as the saying goes, "seeing is believing." Now that people could see with their own eyes that most of the sick patients hadn''t turned into zombies¡ªaside from the unfortunate few responsible for the incident¡ªthe majority of those who had been sent to the medical facility were alive and well. This visible reassurance helped restore their faith. The medical staff openly shared with everyone that Kisha had meticulously arranged the isolation of patients, separating those who needed to be isolated from those who could safely remain in the hallways. It turned out that all the patients who had turned into zombies were among those she had isolated, while none of the patients who remained in the hallways had succumbed to the infection. With this testimony, many people began to believe that Kisha was truly sent by the heavens to guide them through the apocalypse. Her actions and orders were revered as their guiding principles, and no one dared question her authority again after witnessing the events. They also learned the full details of the incident that led to the five casualties, further solidifying their trust in her leadership. The medical staff were open about the fact that the deceased man seen earlier being carried out by Kisha was the individual responsible for releasing the zombie from its isolation, which resulted in five patients being attacked. By the time Sparrow and Vulture arrived, the five victims had begun to turn into zombies. The medical team was at a loss for how to handle the situation and decided to focus on stopping the bleeding in an attempt to save the remaining patients. If Sparrow and Vulture had not arrived in time, the five victims who were turning into zombies would have gone on a rampage inside the medical facility, potentially causing numerous casualties among defenseless patients. Without Kisha, both the soldiers and medical staff were essentially clueless and disoriented, unable to effectively address the escalating crisis. Since Sparrow and Vulture were already accustomed to dealing with zombies, they quickly killed the five newly transformed zombies upon arrival, leaving the soldiers and medical staff astonished as they witnessed the demonstration of their awakened abilities up close. The soldiers and medical staff eagerly shared their observations with others who had come with Kisha to see the situation. One soldier even animatedly mimicked the actions of Sparrow and Vulture, reflecting the excitement and fascination of the onlookers. They also made sure to mention how Kisha handled the unusually fast zombie, describing how they hadn''t even seen the events unfold or how Kisha and the zombie ended up crashing through the wall when they had only been standing in front of them moments before. They were honest with those who came to gossip, accurately recounting what they had witnessed without embellishment. As a result, many people came to recognize the strength of Kisha and her team. The conversation soon shifted to the patients who had been sent to the medical facility and their conditions. The medical staff openly conducted checks on the patients who had recovered after being bedridden and ill throughout the day. After assessing their health, it was confirmed that all the patients were indeed fine. In fact, everyone in the hallways had regained their health to the point where they were in better condition than before their confinement. Kisha instructed Sparrow and Vulture to gather everyone she indicated, which turned out to be 90% of those who had awakened abilities. After grouping them, she allowed Sparrow and Vulture to lead these newly awakened superhumans into the square, where they began teaching them how to familiarize themselves with their newly acquired powers. When the onlookers learned that many people had awakened their abilities, the families of the patients were overjoyed. They eagerly followed Sparrow and Vulture to the square to see their loved ones in action. Among the newly awakened superhumans were Evelyn Steel and her husband. While Evelyn was still uncertain about what was happening, her husband, who had heard everything and trusted Kisha completely, urged her to join them. He guided her to the square, where she participated in the exercises demonstrated by Sparrow and Vulture on stage. He now felt a renewed sense of purpose and was determined to live again. His wife, despite her initial disorientation, managed to follow the exercises and was moved to tears when her awakened ability manifested. Her emotional reaction drew attention not only from the onlookers who had come to see what was happening but also from Sparrow and Vulture, who approached to see Evelyn, who was on the floor, wailing and mumbling to herself. Only her husband understood the depth of her tears and said, "Honey, now that you have the power to protect us, there''s no need to be afraid anymore. Become stronger so we can safeguard our family, especially as we plan to have more children. We''ll find happiness here at the base, I''m sure of it. I''ll do my best too, to awaken my own ability, so that we can both be protectors for our family." As he spoke, his voice choked with emotion, and he embraced his wife, who was overwhelmed by her emotional breakdown. Evelyn was crying because she felt that if she had awakened her ability earlier, their daughter and other family members might not have died. Overwhelmed by helplessness and distress, she found some relief in her husband''s words. His heartfelt promise and clear vision gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She felt her heart lighten as she resolved to embrace the new goal he set for them both, determined to become stronger and ensure she would never be as powerless as she felt before. The onlookers were moved to tears by the man''s words and felt inspired to follow his lead. As a result, the newly awakened individuals began to take the exercises more seriously, resolving to become stronger themselves. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 307 - 307 The Idle Kisha With most of the patients in the medical facility now awake and practicing their newly awakened abilities in the square, the facility had grown quieter. Only a few patients remained who had yet to awaken. Consequently, the medical staff began moving these individuals into open rooms. Kisha continued her work at the facility, helping to identify which patients needed isolation and which were safe to share a room with others. After her initial success, Kisha grew more confident in her methods, and her earlier speculations were validated. No one questioned her judgment anymore; instead, they felt reassured by her ability to identify who needed isolation and who did not. Although they didn''t fully understand how she made her assessments, they began to trust her insights implicitly and followed her guidance wholeheartedly. Kisha was too occupied to heed the praise being directed at her. After assisting with the medical facility, the team had identified three individuals who had woken up but had yet to manifest any abilities. Kisha suspected they might be asymptomatic and suggested placing them in a separate quarantine for further observation. This would help determine whether they might develop abilities later or remain as they were. At the moment, even Kisha''s ''Eye of Truth'' could only classify them as normal humans. This suggests that after overcoming the viral assault, the virus either became dormant or integrated into their bodies. With their limited equipment, the doctors collected samples from these patients to analyze and determine if they were truly asymptomatic or if their symptoms were merely a result of a normal illness rather than the activation of the virus. After concluding her tasks at the medical facility, Kisha was escorted by Duke to the square to observe the newly awakened superhumans and their progress in manifesting their abilities. While some, like Evelyn, had already successfully manifested their powers, many others struggled to grasp the concepts being taught by Sparrow and Vulture. Or it could be that their awakened abilities were too weak for them to perceive, which made it difficult for them to guide the spiritual energy around their bodies. If the spiritual energy was insufficient, they wouldn''t be able to sense or control its flow, resulting in their inability to direct it to their core and fully manifest their abilities. Kisha didn''t believe that was the case, given that all those who had awakened should be the cr¨¨me de la cr¨¨me with the greatest potential and talent. Instead, she speculated that they might be slow learners facing learning barriers due to their learning curve, or perhaps the issue was with concentration, as the large number of people around could be making it difficult for them to focus. After identifying the issue, Kisha called Sparrow and Vulture back and instructed them to categorize the individuals into groups: those who were easily distracted, slow learners, visual learners, and those who relied on their instincts. Kisha then sent those who were easily distracted to the northern forest, where the soothing sounds of rustling trees and leaves would minimize interruptions. The slow learners were guided by Sparrow, who excelled at explaining complex concepts, while Vulture took charge of the visual learners and those who relied on their instincts. Both Sparrow and Vulture ensured their respective groups were moved away from the square to avoid disrupting the ongoing training sessions led by Duke. Duke insisted on sending Kisha back to the villa before resuming his training with the warriors, as her wound was not healing properly due to her constant movement and was becoming increasingly strained. As soon as they arrived at the villa, Duke urged her to drink the vial of blue liquid immediately. He was deeply concerned about her condition, unable to bear seeing her injured further, especially as the bandage he had applied was now soaked with blood and had become an eyesore for him. Once at the villa, Kisha was prohibited from leaving and instructed to rest for the day. Even the usually gentle Mrs. Winters became stern, refusing to let her go. They were all deeply concerned by Kisha''s bold decision to face a level 1 zombie¡ªthey had never even seen her hurt before no matter how many zombies she fought or how scary their situation has become. The fact that she was injured suggested the zombie had been a formidable opponent, strong enough to challenge her usual strength. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just thinking about it sent chills down their spines, especially Duke''s. They all knew how strong Kisha was from witnessing her combat skills firsthand. She was not only experienced in fighting zombies but also had a reputation for avoiding losing battles. The idea of her getting hurt was almost unthinkable, especially considering the miraculous vial of blue liquid she possessed, which could instantly heal severe wounds. It was only now, seeing Kisha injured, that they realized she was human like them and could be hurt. This sparked their protective instincts, and they were determined to keep her under close watch. They wanted her to rest properly and avoid moving around unnecessarily. They also felt a strong desire to share the burden of helping the base, so she wouldn''t have to carry it all on her own. Now more than ever, the Winters worked tirelessly to support Kisha and the base, striving to lighten her load and enhance their defenses. Duke also intensified his focus on training the warriors, determined to make them proficient enough to combat zombies effectively. He aimed for them to reach the competence of Sparrow and Vulture, able to venture outside and return safely on their own. Duke knew that only by developing strong warriors could he rest easy, ensuring that his wife would not need to fight alone and risk getting hurt again. Meanwhile, Kisha, confined to her bed with nothing to do, found herself restless and uneasy. This was a new feeling for her¡ªbeing idle was foreign in the apocalypse, where she was accustomed to constant activity and strategizing for survival each day. So, when she suddenly found herself with free time, it felt like ants were gnawing at her insides. After resting for a bit, she couldn''t stand the inactivity any longer and decided to check on her territory space, where Marcus was busy harvesting the second batch of vegetables. Marcus and the children were unaware of the events outside. After preparing breakfast and cleaning the villa, they settled into their routine inside the territory and began their tasks. Daisy, meanwhile, was by the flower bed, working on getting accustomed to her Gift and Talent. Using her Gift, ''Scope'', she examined the properties of the flowers, assessing which ones could thrive together and grow stronger without conflicting with each other''s properties when she breed them. Beside Daisy were pots containing plants with various flowers, each carefully bred and planted together. Some of the plants had their stems intricately carved to fit and integrate with other plant bodies. Daisy appeared deeply engrossed in her work, enjoying the process, and was so focused that she didn''t notice Kisha''s arrival. Kisha decided not to disturb her. Gant and Mike were occupied with the ranch and the lake, diligently caring for the animals and working to accelerate their breeding. Despite the challenges they faced, they appeared to be handling things better than before and seemed less mentally burdened than Kisha had anticipated. Chapter 308 - 308 The Harvest Kisha was unsure how long Marcus had been working on the farm, but he had already tilled all available plots of land and planted every seed she had bought. He had even allowed some vegetables to mature enough to harvest their seeds, which would enable him to plant more. He had also planted a substantial amount of corn, and Kisha''s eyes lit up at the sight of the healthy crops. She realized she needed to add rice and wheat to the list of plants, as her current inventory would eventually run out from feeding the base and supplying the Supply Center. To ensure a diverse and sustainable food supply, she needed seeds for a wider variety of vegetables and staple foods like flour and rice. Luckily, some of the vegetables had grown quickly, and Marcus had already harvested 100 kilograms of them. Only a small amount remained to be harvested to complete her Class A Mission: "Planting and Harvesting." Kisha suddenly remembered, "Wait¡­ Didn''t I ask Duke when we first met in this life to prepare all kinds of seeds?" It dawned on her that she had indeed requested Duke to prepare a variety of seeds, along with livestock and supplies, which were now in her inventory. She had forgotten about this detail, as she was so focused on the bigger picture that smaller details had slipped her mind. She stood dumbstruck for a few seconds before her excitement got the better of her. She quickly found a spot to sit and started fiddling with her inventory. Fortunately, her inventory was categorized, which made searching easier. However, since the seeds were categorized under ''Other,'' she had to use the search bar to locate all the seeds she had stored. It was then that she realized Duke must have raided a seed store, as her inventory was stocked with every seed she could imagine. There were strawberry seeds, watermelon seeds, melon seeds, rice seeds, wheat seeds, and a variety of grains and rice seeds from different countries. With such an extensive collection, she felt that even the 100 acres of land might not be enough to accommodate all the seeds she had. After confirming that she had all the seeds she could possibly need, Kisha rushed over to Marcus, who was busy harvesting the first batch of cucumbers. "Marcus, look!" she exclaimed, holding up a stack of seed packets in her arms. Marcus finally noticed Kisha in the territory. As he glanced up, his eyes widened in surprise at the sight of her running toward him with an armful of seed packets. He had been concerned about running low on seeds and had planned to let the crops mature and harvest their seeds, a process that would take time. But with this new batch of seeds, he was thrilled at the prospect of bypassing the lengthy approach. This meant he could focus on growing more crops without the added delay of harvesting seeds. Kisha and Marcus found a comfortable spot to sit, and Kisha laid down the seed packets she had been carrying. Marcus eagerly began inspecting each packet with a broad smile. Seeing the top-notch quality of the seeds, he couldn''t help but ask Kisha where she had sourced them from. Kisha rubbed the tip of her nose in embarrassment and explained, "I''ve had these all along. I asked Duke to prepare them before the apocalypse, and when I received all the supplies, I just stored everything in my inventory. I didn''t have time to check each item, so I completely forgot about the seeds until just now when I wanted to plant rice. I was actually considering going out to find some seeds. Hehehe." Kisha looked awkwardly at Marcus, a sheepish smile on her face. It was a rookie mistake, and she certainly wasn''t a rookie. Kisha felt a pang of shame for her oversight, but she was relieved to have discovered the seeds before she had to venture outside and inconvenience the warriors with a potentially unnecessary trip. Seeing her like this made Marcus breathe a sigh of relief. Kisha usually wore an indifferent and cold expression, making it difficult to gauge her thoughts. She often seemed lost in complex considerations beyond her years, and her current display of embarrassment and excitement was a welcome change from her usual demeanor. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing her express so much emotion over a simple mistake was both refreshing and novel for Marcus, and he couldn''t help but chuckle. Kisha, feeling a bit absurd herself, joined in the laughter. Once they settled down, she helped Marcus sort the seeds and plan their planting strategy, prioritizing which crops to sow after harvesting the one-time crops like cabbage, radish, and root vegetables. Marcus was eager to plant a diverse range of crops to ensure that the Supply Center offered a variety of options. He hoped that this would help the base''s inhabitants feel a sense of normalcy, allowing them to momentarily forget their fears and indulge in the comforts they once enjoyed before the apocalypse, such as warm, delicious meals and the simple pleasures of good food. Kisha shared Marcus''s vision and was eager to openly enjoy such good food without the need to hide it from the base''s inhabitants, which sometimes made her feel like she was hoarding. They decided to include rice and wheat among the crops they would consistently grow, ensuring that these staples would always be part of their harvest. They planned to make rice a permanent fixture in their planting schedule due to its necessity, alongside wheat. Crops like okra, cucumber, bitter gourd, squash, tomato, and eggplant, which yield multiple harvests without the need for replanting, could remain in the territory. These crops could stay in the ground for months, as the season remains constant inside the territory space. This means they could be left to grow for extended periods, even years, without needing constant replanting which would save them time and energy. Given this, Kisha and Marcus needed to find a way to expand the farmland so they could plant a greater variety of crops without worrying about seasonal changes or temperature fluctuations. Once they finished their planning, Kisha assisted Marcus in setting up stakes for the vining and crawling plants, ensuring that everything looked organized and tidy. She then helped him harvest leafy greens like lettuce, cabbage, bok choy, and spinach, yielding about 50 kilograms of each. Afterwards, Marcus returned to harvesting the cucumbers, while Kisha focused on the tomatoes. To her amazement, the tomatoes were as large as her fist¡ªan impressive sight she had never encountered before. It was fascinating to see that every tomato was consistently large, not just one but all of them. As a result, the tomatoes Kisha harvested alone totaled 100 kilograms, and the cucumbers, each as large as a baguette, also weighed 100 kilograms. Previously, it took them considerable time to plant and harvest just 10 kilograms of each crop. However, thanks to Marcus''s Gift and Talent, combined with his meticulous care and hard work, he managed to till the entire farmland and significantly boost the crop yield. The result was not only larger, heartier produce but also exceptionally delicious. Seeing such a substantial increase in yield, Kisha felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Working alongside Marcus and witnessing the impressive harvest made her feel lighter and more at ease. She was energized and optimistic, knowing that one of her missions might be completed by the end of the day, which brought her a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. Chapter 309 - 309 The Harvest 2 Many of the crops are newly planted and still growing, so Kisha and Marcus focused on those that have already bloomed and are nearing maturity. With just a little more time, the crops with blooming buds will also be ready for harvest. Currently, they are only a few kilograms short of completing Kisha''s mission. Some crops have already begun to yield, but they are not yet ripe, so they will need additional time before they can be harvested. With Marcus and Kisha still needing to wait for the remaining crops to ripen, Kisha helped him store the harvested crops in the territory''s storage. Kisha couldn''t help but take a look at how many vegetables are there in the storage that was from the farm. [Storage Information: 110 kilograms of Cucumber, 110 kilograms of tomato, 120 kilograms of cabbage, 30 kilograms of lettuce, 30 kilograms of kale, 30 kilograms of asparagus, 80 kilograms of carrots, 80 kilograms of radish, 90 kilograms of potato, 90 kilograms of sweet potato, 90 kilograms of yams...] Kisha even tried to take out a carrot as large as a Japanese white radish, while the radish itself was ten times bigger from the territory''s storage to have a look, making it difficult to extract from the soil. Fortunately, Marcus''s significantly improved stats allowed him to manage the farm with ease, pulling these massive root crops from the ground without much trouble. The leafy greens were as wide as a fan, even larger than Kisha''s face, with vibrant colors and a satisfying crunch. With so many crops already harvested and stored in the territory''s storage, all Kisha had to do was arrange for the soldiers to deliver them to the Supply Center, where people at the base could begin using their points to make purchases. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the essential crops already harvested, Kisha and Marcus only needed to wait for the remaining ones to ripen. Since Marcus would be using his Gift, "Green Thumb," to speed up the growth of the unripe crops, Kisha had little else to assist with on the farm. She decided to head to the ranch, ready to help care for the animals while waiting for the next harvest. She informed Marcus of her plans and headed straight to the ranch to check on how Mike was managing the livestock. As Kisha approached, she could already hear the sounds of the animals making a fuss in the distance, prompting her to hurry her steps. When Kisha arrived at the ranch, she immediately spotted Mike chasing after a cow that had escaped its pen and wandered into the orchard. Mike looked helpless as the cow playfully ran around, a branch still stuck in its mouth, evading his every attempt to catch it. Although it was difficult, Kisha used her telekinesis to apprehend the runaway cow. Gradually, she gained control over its entire body and began lifting it off the ground. Mike stood there, dumbstruck, as the large cow floated slowly upward. The animal flailed in an attempt to break free from the invisible force controlling it, but it was no match for Kisha''s telekinetic hold. It wasn''t easy for Kisha either. The more the cow struggled, the harder it became for her to control such a large animal. It was beyond her usual limits, but she pressed on, treating it as an opportunity to push herself further. She quickly strode toward the pen, maintaining her telekinetic grip, and gently set the cow¡ªnearly as big as a horse¡ªback down inside. By the time she finished, her forehead and back were drenched in cold sweat, her body trembling from the effort of pushing herself to her limits. Mike noticed Kisha''s face growing pale as she struggled to control the cow and return it to the pen. Worried, he rushed over to her. "Young Madam, are you alright?!" he asked, his voice trembling with fear. He couldn''t help but blame himself for the situation, feeling that his negligence and incompetence had allowed the cow to escape and treat him like a playmate. "It''s fine. The cow has grown so much that it''s become heavy and large¡ªI could barely lift it with my awakened ability," Kisha explained, not wanting to worry him. Without even needing to look, she knew her face had gone pale. Thankfully, the boost from her Title, ''City Lord,'' allowed her spiritual energy to regenerate quickly, enabling her to attempt controlling an object beyond her usual limits. The increased mental capacity and spiritual energy helped her push through, despite the challenge. "You seem to be doing well here," Kisha remarked, noting that the cow was now as tall as a horse and much meatier than before. "What are you working on around here?" She asked, making an effort to set aside her own discomfort so as not to worry Mike. "Young Madam, I was helping some of the cows give birth and separating the calves to keep them safe from being trampled by the adults. During this, there was a small squirmish among the cows, which ended up damaging the fence. One of them managed to escape and caused some damage to a tree," Mike explained, his head lowered and a hint of fear in his voice, as he braced himself for potential reprimand. "Oh? How many calves have been born, and how did you know how to help the cows give birth?" Kisha''s curiosity was piqued, and she focused intently on what intrigued her. Mike, initially bracing for a reprimand, was taken aback by her sudden shift in interest. He looked at her incredulously, surprised that she was more fascinated by the details than upset about his earlier mistake. Mike chuckled helplessly before responding, "My brother and I have had a passion for animals since we were young and dreamed of becoming veterinarians. We studied various books on animals, with me focusing on land animals and my brother on aquatic creatures because he found dolphins adorable. I had read about livestock care and then giving birth, but since it was my first time doing it, it was challenging at first. However, after a few attempts, I got the hang of it. Perhaps it''s also thanks to the Talents and Gifts you mentioned, Young Madam," he added with a smile, recalling the advice Kisha had shared with them in the study. "As for the number of newborn calves, we currently have around two dozen, and there are a few more dozen pregnant cows. The population is set to double in a few days," Mike reported. He made sure to mention this because there isn''t enough space in the cow pen for all the cows at the moment. Kisha looked around the pen, noting how it had changed since her initial visit with Duke. It was now more organized than before. Although the cows were taller than her and it was difficult to see them all, she observed that the pen had been divided into four sections: one for pregnant cows, one for cows with calves and those lactating, and separate sections for male and female cows. "How about we butcher some of the male cows to reduce their numbers?" Kisha suggested. She noted that there were still many male cows, and if left unchecked, they might breed with the females, leading to even more pregnant cows. While having more pregnant cows could be beneficial, the current space was insufficient. By keeping just three to five male cows, they would have enough for breeding while reducing the overall population. Chapter 310 - 310 The Harvest 3 Surprisingly, Mike showed no distress and nodded in agreement with Kisha''s suggestion. It was clear that he had managed to separate his feelings for the animals from his professional responsibilities. "Understood, Young Madam. How should we proceed with this? We''re facing similar issues with the other pens, like those for the sheep and other livestock. Should we apply the same approach to them?" Mike asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Yes, in the future, we can increase the number of animals since I''ll be able to upgrade the limits and expand this facility. However, for now, we need to keep the animal population under control," Kisha said. "For now, we can send the extra male livestock to Sparrow and the others to be butchered, and then deliver it to the Supply Center in smaller batches. This way, we can avoid surprising people with the large quantity of meat. In the meantime, we should plan for a regular supply run to find live animals outside to bring into the base. This will help cover for the steady meat supply at the Supply Center and not let people get suspicious of us," Kisha suggested, her tone tinged with concern and a hint of a headache building. She had a lot on her plate at the moment. Not only did she need to ensure a steady supply at the Supply Center to prevent anyone in her base from going hungry and to fulfill her mission, but she also had to manage this supply within reasonable limits to avoid raising any suspicions about her seemingly endless resources. At the start, when she distributed supplies to ensure everyone was well-fed, she used the Coltons'' and the Minister of Defense''s hidden stashes as a cover. She let the survivors believe that the supplies in the Supply Center were from these hidden reserves. Even now, they still think that the stock in the Supply Center is what''s left of that stash. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, this cover has its limits, especially since none of her people have gone on a supply run in several days. Currently, she is supporting over five thousand survivors at her base. The situation has improved recently due to the implementation of a new work system. Now, survivors needed to work to earn points they could use to purchase their supplies, as Kisha no longer provided free meals. She also wanted to avoid any suspicion that the meat being supplied to the Supply Center might be human meat. In the apocalypse, cannibalism could become a grim reality, as those facing extreme hunger might resort to such practices, treating humans like livestock, feeding and raising them to be more plump for consumption. With so much meat coming into the base, many might suspect her and her people of such unscrupulous practices just to keep the base functioning and its inhabitants fed. Given that thousands of survivors were taking shelter there, it would be easy for one or two missing individuals to go unnoticed. With the vegetables, she could easily explain them away by citing her employment of a farmer with an awakened ability to enhance crop growth, which wasn''t untrue. She could also close off the northern section and use that land for farming, ensuring the survivors knew where the crops were coming from and thus would not suspect anything unusual. Given that superhumans with various abilities had already emerged and the survivors had seen this firsthand, they were inclined to believe Kisha''s explanations. However, she knew they weren''t naive, so she still needed to provide clear evidence and maintain a fake transparency to avoid any suspicion. Just thinking about it made her head spin, so instead of delving further into the problem, she and Mike focused on tending to the ranch. Mike went out to check on the other pens, while Kisha assisted by collecting eggs from the chickens and ducks. When she entered the chicken coop, the hens fluttered around, startled by her presence but not aggressive. She picked up the baskets near the door and began collecting eggs from the nests. To her surprise, each nest contained at least three eggs. Kisha had expected hens to lay only one egg per day at most, with occasional days without any eggs. At first, Kisha thought that perhaps three hens had used each nest, laying their eggs there. However, upon checking the other nests, she found that every one of them contained three eggs. The chicken coop was also at full capacity, so she needed to remove all the eggs to prevent them from hatching. After collecting all the eggs, she ended up with 3,000 eggs. She was grateful for her telekinesis ability, which allowed her to gather six eggs at a time. Without this ability, it would have taken her a considerable amount of time to finish the task, given the large number of eggs scattered throughout the expansive chicken coop. Fortunately, Mike had already separated the male and female chickens, confining the males to a corner. This prevented them from disturbing the hens while they were laying eggs, which could otherwise lead to injuries or death if the hens became stressed and failed to lay their eggs properly. Moving forward, it might be best to separate the male and female chicks right from the start to simplify the process. Kisha knew that Mike must have diligently checked each chicken for gender during the separation, which was quite labor-intensive. With the males and females now separated, she could have Sparrow and the others handle the butchering of the male chickens, allowing them to be sent to the Supply Center in small batches, just like the other meats. After finishing with the chicken coop, Kisha moved on to the ducks. As with the chickens, the males and females had been separated, and she managed to collect another 3,000 eggs. The territory''s storage space was now overflowing with eggs, as they hadn''t yet sent supplies to the Supply Center for a long time. As she completed the task with the ducks, she realized it was already lunchtime. She decided to join Marcus and his grandchildren for a meal with everyone. Marcus and the children headed straight to the kitchen to prepare lunch, while the Winters gradually returned, one by one, with Sparrow and his comrades following behind Duke. Noticing Kisha walking in front of their villa, Duke''s serious expression instantly softened into a smile. "Hey, beautiful, are you waiting for me?" Duke said with a flirtatious grin. Kisha was taken aback, unsure where Duke had picked up this line or what had gotten into him. He flashed her a charming, yet seductive smile that seemed as if he was ready to captivate anyone who crossed his path. Kisha raised an eyebrow, questioning Duke''s sudden flirtatious action. Realizing that his pickup line hadn''t had the desired effect¡ªfailing to seduce Kisha and make her knees turn to jelly as Vulture had claimed¡ªDuke cleared his throat and returned to his usual cold and stoic demeanor. He shot a pointed glare at Vulture, whose knees promptly buckled. Duke thought to himself, ''I guess my glare is more effective than that pickup line after all.'' Duke looked defeated at Kisha with a wry smile. Chapter 311 - 311 Another New Mission "Nothing. Shall we head inside?" Duke said, pulling Kisha into his embrace as he guided her toward the villa. Meanwhile, Sparrow couldn''t hold back his laughter and teased Vulture. "I warned you not to try that," he said, grinning. "You really thought that pickup line would work on the Young Madam? It wasn''t even reliable to begin with!" Despite Sparrow''s warning, Vulture had still attempted to teach Duke the cheesy line he''d heard, only for it to fall flat, as expected. Not only had the Young Madam given Duke a look as if he were a complete fool, but Vulture had also earned a sharp glare from their Master. Vulture was certain that Duke would take out his frustration by cranking up the intensity of their training later, ensuring they''d all suffer¡ªespecially the poor newbies who had no idea what was coming. Sparrow couldn''t resist giving Vulture a playful jab to the back of his knees, causing Vulture''s already wobbly legs to give out completely. He hit the concrete ground with a loud ''thud,'' landing on his knees with a grimace. The sound was enough to catch Kisha and Duke''s attention as they reached the front door. They turned to see Vulture kneeling in defeat. Duke, however, merely scoffed, flashing a smug grin in Vulture''s direction as if to say, ''Karma''s a bitch.'' Seeing Duke''s reaction to Vulture''s predicament, Sparrow let out a sigh of relief, patting his chest as if he''d just dodged a bullet. With Duke seemingly satisfied by Vulture''s impromptu punishment, Sparrow figured the rest of them might be off the hook for later training. But he couldn''t have been more wrong. Duke would surely crank up the intensity for everyone, ensuring they all paid the price for Vulture''s mistake. No one would dare teach him another ridiculous pick-up line that made him look like a fool in front of his wife. Lunch was uneventful but fulfilling, giving everyone a chance to relax and chat. Instead of sounding like a formal business discussion, the conversation felt more like a family catching up¡ªasking about each other''s work and how things were going. The laid-back atmosphere brought everyone closer, making the gathering feel warm and comfortable. The atmosphere felt like a cozy family gathering, with the Winters and Duke''s subordinates carrying most of the conversation. Kisha and Duke listened quietly, but the visible smiles on their faces made it clear they were enjoying every moment of it. Even Sparrow and Vulture couldn''t resist exchanging a few playful jabs, causing bursts of laughter around the table. To an outsider, it would seem like they were living in a peaceful era, where lighthearted conversations and shared moments still thrived¡ªcompletely detached from the harsh realities of the apocalypse. Even Kisha found herself feeling that way¡ªat peace and unburdened, if only for a moment. The weight of her responsibilities seemed to fade, allowing her to forget the problems that normally weighed so heavily on her mind. Ding... [New Mission Available!] [A Class Mission "Base''s Expansion!"] [Mission Description: A thriving base with many inhabitants and strong warriors should harness its power to expand and conquer new territories. It''s every ruler''s dream to extend their domain, claiming lands that stretch beyond the horizon as a testament to their strength and leadership. Mission Requirement: Prove your worth as a ruler by expanding your territory, doubling the lands under your control, and showcasing your power and leadership under 10 days. Mission Completion: Advanced Water Filter Blueprint from World 005795, Advanced Energy Gun Blueprint from World 102879, and Title "A True Ruler" Mission Failure: Automatically failing the A-Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting," the C-Class Mission "The Philanthropist," A Class Mission "Commander of a Thousand", and the S-Class Mission "Taking Nest for 30 Days."] .... But it seemed the system had other plans. Instead of granting her a reprieve, it only compounded her burdens, adding more weight to her already heavy load. This new mission felt like overkill, threatening to bury her hopes and hard work even deeper. It was as if the system were mocking all her efforts to carve out a better life amidst the chaos of the apocalypse. Kisha''s hand froze in midair just before she could take a bite of her food. Her grip tightened in anger, crumpling the spoon and fork as if they were made of paper. The veins in her forehead bulged, and her knuckles turned white. She shut her eyes tightly and took a deep breath, but it was clear she was seething with rage, too furious to even speak. Her vision seemed to blur, and the voices around her grew muffled until they faded completely. Her intense fury felt like it was boiling over. Duke immediately noticed the shift and stopped eating, observing her tightly clenched fist, which had crumpled the utensils. The rest of the diners also sensed the change and a heavy silence fell over the table, the suffocating aura of Kisha''s anger palpable to everyone present. They had never seen this side of Kisha before. Although she always wore an indifferent and cold expression, they had sensed the hidden warmth and her responsible nature in how she cared for her people. Now, however, it felt as if a massive weight had descended upon them, and the air around them seemed to thin under the oppressive intensity of her fury. The only person they had ever known to exude such a fierce aura was Duke. As Duke sat beside Kisha, he didn''t feel the suffocating pressure of her anger, but he was gripped by an intense worry. He had never seen Kisha lose control of her emotions to this extent, and he sensed that something had occurred¡ªsomething unknown to them¡ªthat was deeply affecting her. Instinctively, Duke reached out to pat Kisha on the back, drawing her closer in an attempt to calm her. He could hear her grinding her teeth in frustration and felt her body trembling with anger. It was clear that she was consumed by whatever was troubling her, retreating into herself as a defense mechanism against her overwhelming emotions. Ding... [New Mission Available!] [Hidden Mission: B Class Mission "Strengthen The Base''s Wall"] [Mission Description: As the ruler of your territory, protecting your people goes beyond simply having enough warriors. Ensuring their safety requires fortifying your base''s defenses. Strengthen the walls and construct a tall, sturdy barrier that can withstand zombie raids. By doing so, you''ll not only safeguard your people but also earn their trust in your leadership. Mission Requirement: Surround your entire base with a robust 10-meter wall capable of withstanding an onslaught from thousands of zombies. This wall must be constructed within 10 days. Mission Completion: 100,000 Points, 10 Gachapon Draws, 50% Mall Points Discount Coupon, and Spiritual Crystal Gatherer. Mission Failure: System Downgrade and a 500,000 points penalty.] .... Another system notification popup appeared in front of Kisha, she still hadn''t even dismissed the first one due to her overwhelming anger, yet there comes another one that was almost screaming ''Mission Impossible''. This new mission seemed even more impossible, demanding the construction of a 10-meter sturdy wall within just 10 days. The challenge felt insurmountable: not only were they short on materials, but they also lacked the manpower to both fend off the zombies surrounding their base and build the wall simultaneously. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 312 - 312 How Would She Deal With This Setbacks? Not only did the mission seem impossible, but the penalty was even more outrageous. Kisha didn''t have nearly enough points to cover it¡ªwhere would she even get that many points? Was she supposed to end up with a negative balance? If so, would all the points she earned in the future just go toward paying off this penalty? "FUCK!!! FUCK!!!" Kisha''s frustration reached a boiling point as her chest tightened with anger. She felt overwhelmed by the mounting missions in her tab, and even though this hidden mission wasn''t directly linked to her chain missions, the penalty was just as infuriating. She had no idea how she was supposed to tackle all these tasks, let alone deal with the severe consequences of failing them. Now, more than ever, she was convinced that the constellation managing 008 was indeed an adversary. She couldn''t understand how she had become an enemy of such a powerful being, revered as a god in her world. However, the constant obstacles and challenges the system imposed on her provided enough evidence to fuel her suspicions. It seemed as though this constellation harbored a deep grudge or animosity against her. She couldn''t tell if being bound to 008 was a blessing or a curse, designed to ensure her failure in surviving the apocalypse no matter what she did. At the same time, Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that 008 itself might not fully understand why its constellation was acting this way. It seemed like 008 genuinely wanted to help her complete her missions and succeed. Although it didn''t provide much assistance during her early rebirths, the later support indicated a genuine intention to aid her. But at this point, Kisha was at a loss, unsure of what to think anymore. It felt as though the constellation was taking a certain pleasure in her struggles. While the rewards for completing the missions were undeniably valuable and promising, Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that she was being forced into a high-stakes gamble with no real choice in the matter. Kisha wasn''t sure how long she had been lost in her own world, but when she finally became aware of her surroundings, she found herself nestled in Duke''s lap. He was gently caressing her back and soothingly rubbing it, while she curled up as if cocooning herself. The others had already been sent off by Duke to resume their tasks, and it was now late afternoon, edging into evening. Duke, however, remained unmoved from his position. He had carefully lifted Kisha from her seat and carried her to their room, keeping her safely in his embrace throughout. Duke desperately wished he could lift all the burdens weighing on Kisha''s shoulders, but he felt powerless to do so. He found himself regretting putting her in the position of City Lord and not stepping up more to share the load. As the man in their relationship, he felt inadequate and useless, grappling with the weight of not being able to carry more of the responsibility for both of them. Despite his deep self-reproach, Duke knew he couldn''t afford to fall apart; if he did, there would be no one left to support Kisha from behind. "I''m sorry for being so useless," he murmured, his voice trembling with raw emotion and barely above a whisper. His voice quivered, on the brink of tears, and Kisha, sensing his pain, instinctively reached out to touch his flushed cheeks, feeling the warmth of his worry and the edge of his tears. She had never seen Duke so vulnerable before, but now it seemed to be happening more often because of her. She felt both comforted and fortunate that he cared so deeply, willing to go above and beyond for her sake. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Kisha, let me take over as the City Lord and handle everything for you, okay? You just focus on what makes you happy and leave the rest to me," Duke croaked, his voice thick with emotion as he felt Kisha''s cold hand on his cheek. It pained him deeply to see her like this. Kisha shook her head and looked into Duke''s eyes. "No, I''m actually grateful that you allowed me to be the City Lord. Being in this position gives me complete control over the base, allowing me to act on what I need to do without restrictions. While others might envy the advantages I have, like my ability to be reborn and my irregular powers, there are also challenges that balance these strengths. Being the City Lord empowers me to fulfill these tasks and responsibilities." Kisha chuckled softly, feeling a bit helpless. "In a way, it seems like all these tasks are pushing me toward this role, guiding me to strengthen the base and ensure we''re powerful enough to face what''s coming in the next few weeks. I''ve been overwhelmed by the seemingly impossible demands, but if I step back and think about it, completing them could significantly boost our chances of survival and lead us to a better life." She gave Duke a reassuring smile, feeling a sense of relief now that she''d shared this much about her situation without fully revealing everything. Duke listened intently to Kisha. Though her words were pragmatic, he understood the necessity of her role as City Lord and the tasks she had to complete to prepare for the looming danger. After a moment of silence and deep thought, he leaned closer, resting his forehead against hers. "Then what can I do to ease your burdens, my wife?" His voice was soft, filled with a sense of helplessness and a pleading tone. By now, Kisha had cleared her frustration and found a positive outlook on the seemingly impossible mission. With her thoughts reorganized and her focus shifted back to her goals, she chuckled softly. "Just keep being the wonderful husband you are and continue supporting me. You''re already doing more for me than you realize, hubby," she said sweetly. She wanted to reassure Duke that he was more than enough and to alleviate his feelings of inadequacy. Hearing her call him "hubby" made Duke feel a flutter in his heart, a sweet, tickling sensation that made him want to sweep Kisha up in his arms right then and there. However, he restrained himself, understanding that her words indicated she was facing significant challenges with the tasks at hand. He didn''t want to be a distraction or add to her burdens, so he resolved to support her quietly and steadfastly. "Then, take command of me, my queen. Don''t hesitate to use me whenever you need," Duke said, his eyes burning with intense passion. When Kisha chuckled and nodded in agreement, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a deep, fervent kiss. His tongue explored her mouth with a desperate urgency, as if the kiss were his lifeline, sharing his warmth and seeking solace in the moment. They remained locked in their passionate embrace for some time before Duke finally pulled away, breathless but with his eyes shining with unwavering determination. He was determined to become stronger, not only to protect Kisha but to be more useful to her. He vowed to himself that he would become her unbreakable sword and sturdiest shield, steadfastly guarding her from any threat. "Host, I''m sorry. I''m so useless..." 008''s childlike voice echoed in Kisha''s mind, filled with a pitiful and self-reproachful tone, as if it was blaming itself for causing her so much trouble. Chapter 313 - 313 System Upgrade To Level 5 "No, 008, I know you didn''t cause this. I''ve been unfairly blaming you for all the chaos, but I''ve realized that our fates are intertwined. Whatever happens to me also affects you, so it''s clear you''d do everything in your power to help me. And, as you always remind me, it''s not your fault we''re in this mess." Kisha sighed, struggling to see 008 in distress, just as she had a hard time dealing with Duke''s sadness and worry. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Perhaps it was because they had been through so much together, with 008 standing by her side through countless life-and-death situations. Kisha realized that her constant blame had been unfair, but 008 never complained or voiced any grievances. She heard 008''s childlike voice sobbing softly in her mind. It tried to be silent, but after being bound to her for so long, it had developed its own consciousness and perhaps learned to feel emotions. Realizing this, Kisha understood that 008 was hurting too. She felt a pang of guilt for always chiding 008 because of its constellation, knowing now that it had its own struggles and feelings. "Don''t cry. I''ll make sure to complete all my missions with flying colors. Unlike before, I can now see clearly how to tackle the missions, and I''ll create a plan based on that." Kisha reassured 008, speaking with a gentle tone as if comforting a child. "Really?! Will we be able to complete the missions?" 008 choked on its own tears, seeking reassurance, its voice trembling with a genuine fear of seeing Kisha in danger again. "Have I ever lied to you before?" Kisha asked with unwavering confidence, determined to offer 008 the comfort it needed. "Yes, you did," 008 responded bluntly, leaving Kisha momentarily stunned as if she had been slapped in return for her reassurance. However, 008 was too absorbed in its own emotions to notice Kisha''s discomfort and wanted to continue proving its point. Annoyed but resolute, Kisha just wanted to focus on completing the final upgrade to reach level 5. "Get ready for the upgrade to System Level 5," Kisha said with a frustrated sigh. [System Upgrade to Level 5 Authorization] [Cost: 20,000 points] [Accept] or [Decline] Kisha promptly accepted the authorization request and spent her remaining points. Although this left her with no points for emergencies, she was resolute. She decided to face future challenges as they came, knowing that there was no foolproof plan anyway. She would adapt and find solutions based on the circumstances. After Kisha had calmed down and Duke grasped some of her thoughts, he refrained from pressuring her for more details about her secret. Recognizing that she was gradually opening up and sharing what she could, he chose to respect her pace and not rush her. After he saw her calm down and looking better, Duke wanted them to stay in the room and rest, believing that physical relaxation would help Kisha''s mental state and allow her to work more effectively the next day. However, Kisha felt differently; she insisted that they couldn''t afford to relax just yet, as there were pressing matters requiring her immediate attention. Duke, recognizing her determination, still felt it was important for her not to handle everything on her own. In the end, they returned to the square, where Kisha directed Sparrow and the others to assist Mike at the ranch with butchering 80% of the male livestock. Additionally, she instructed them to help Gant catch the mature fish from both the lake and the sea. This was crucial to prevent an imbalance in the aquatic ecosystem due to overcrowding, which could lead to a tragedy where the aquatic life would suffer and potentially die from a lack of oxygen underwater. Kisha then contacted Aston, asking him to mobilize some of his soldiers and arrange for a truck to transport a load of supplies to the Supply Center. This included vegetables harvested by Marcus, a small batch of previously butchered ducks, chickens, cows, sheep, goats, and other available livestock from her territory. Aston and his soldiers were pleased to hear the news. They had already set up a generator to power the Supply Center, which was still under construction. They had arranged for both small and large refrigerators to be stocked with the meats. The main hall of the Supply Center was nearing completion, with only some remodeling left to finish. The warehouse at the back was partially laid out and awaited the completion of the main hall''s renovations before work could begin in earnest. For now, all the supplies were stored in the main hall, making them visible to everyone coming and going. This visibility motivated people to work harder to earn more work points and secure better food each day. The leaders decided not to hide the supplies but instead stationed a few soldiers to guard the main hall, using the display of resources to encourage greater effort and productivity. According to Mr. Winters, a significant number of people had already exchanged their work points for supplies. This not only boosted morale but also increased everyone''s seriousness about their work. As a result, productivity surged and the pace of the project accelerated. The leaders had reached a consensus on how much to allocate to each worker based on their field and set reasonable prices for supplies at the Supply Center. This ensured that all workers could obtain a good amount of food daily. Once things were more settled, they planned to switch to a weekly payroll system. For now, Mr. Winters was actively hiring for the payroll department to manage records for each department. This would centralize and streamline data, making it easily accessible to the Supply Center. This improvement would eliminate the need for paper-based transactions with signatures, reducing both the workload and the potential for messiness or potential for falsified documents. Mr. Winters, with his keen business acumen, was determined to ensure the base operated smoothly and efficiently with a solid system in place. However, implementing a centralized system required hiring a team of programmers to design and manage the workflow. This, in turn, necessitated a reliable electricity supply throughout the base. Currently, they relied on generators, which in turn depended on a steady supply of gas. Gas, being a consumable resource, was not a sustainable long-term solution for their electricity needs. Even if they sent warriors out to gather more gas, it wouldn''t resolve their underlying electricity problem. This issue was critical as it could directly impact the supplies in the Supply Center, where much of the food, including fresh meat and vegetables, relied on refrigeration to stay viable. Sure, they could fall back on canned and dry goods like other bases and shelters have, especially since most facilities were damaged after the apocalypse. However, everyone knew that relying solely on these non-perishable items would lead to poor nutrition and weaken the base''s population. Canned and dry goods have their limits, and a balanced intake of fresh food was essential for maintaining strength and health. Unlike other bases, they had a steady supply of fresh goods, not just canned and dry. Therefore, they planned to reserve the canned and dry supplies for missions outside the base, as these were more convenient for transport. Meanwhile, they would keep the fresh supplies within the base to ensure their availability and quality. Chapter 314 - 314 Awakened Abilitys Registration After dispatching all the relevant personnel to tackle the tasks she had arranged, Kisha and Duke stood in the square, gathering nearly a hundred newly awakened superhumans who had assembled around them. Kisha had them all stand around the square, where she and Duke concluded the training session for the new warriors. They were given a rare opportunity to relax and rest their aching bodies, allowing time for their muscles to heal and strengthen. The early rest was crucial, as their muscles had likely experienced strain and minor tears from the intense training, and this break would contribute to their overall progress. Instead of leaving, the newly recruited warriors gathered around the square, resting nearby while observing the commotion. Kisha and Duke didn''t chase them away but allowed them to stay. Kisha focused on assessing the group, arranging them into a few lines. Meanwhile, Duke instructed two soldiers to set up a desk on each side of Kisha, preparing for the evaluations. Next, they began the registration process. With Sparrow and Vulture having assisted these individuals in manifesting their awakened abilities, everyone now knew what powers they possessed. Kisha wanted them to register their abilities for the records, making it easier to call upon them for specific tasks as needed. Of course, they would also be rewarded for their contributions and completed tasks accordingly. However, Kisha needed these records to manage the growing number of missions, as she couldn''t afford to search for specific ability users each time a task arose. This systematic approach was a standard practice in her previous lives across all bases, so she was simply getting ahead of the curve. To set a good example, Kisha and Duke took the first step in the registration process. This way, both soldiers and superhumans would have a clear model to follow. [Superhuman Registration Form] [Name: Kisha Aldens Level: 1 Age: 22 Awakened Ability: Telekinesis Position in the Base: City Lord] The registration process was straightforward, involving basic information collection. Additionally, a third soldier, stationed further back, used a camera and portable photo printer provided by Kisha to capture and print pictures of each superhuman who registered, ensuring the records were more accurate. After Kisha provided her details to the soldier handling the records, she stood still for a photo. The third soldier took her picture, printed it immediately, and handed it to the record keeper. The picture was then stapled to Kisha''s record and filed in the folder. Duke followed the same procedure after her. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Superhuman Registration Form] [Name: Duke Winters Level: 1 Age: 25 Awakened Ability: Elemental (Lightning, Fire, Ice) Position in the Base: Vice City Lord] Once the registration was complete, the superhumans began to feel more at ease. Initially, they had feared that revealing their awakened abilities might make them vulnerable to danger, jealousy, or hostility. They worried that others would exploit this knowledge against them, and keeping some details secret seemed like a way to protect themselves. However, seeing Kisha and Duke openly register their abilities without hesitation or discomfort helped to dispel their fears and made them reconsider their earlier apprehensions. Kisha sensed the unease among the superhumans and understood their fears. To address their concerns, she took the lead in registering her own awakened ability, demonstrating that it was safe to be open about their powers. She acknowledged that their apprehensions were natural and understandable, and her actions were meant to reassure them and help alleviate their fears. "Everyone, I''m pleased to see that many of you have awakened your abilities. This is a significant step towards creating a safer base where we can all live securely with our families. However, achieving this vision will require us to face trials and hardships. We must confront the threats to our safety, including the zombies around our base and, eventually, other humans who may seek to disrupt the peace and security we have worked so hard to establish." "As the City Lord, it is my duty to ensure that we are protected from the dangers threatening our lives, just as we learned from the incident at the medical facility. Unity is crucial for our survival, and for that, I need everyone''s cooperation. By registering your Awakened Abilities, we, the leaders, can better assign you to the department where you will be most effective. If you prefer not to join a specific department, we can still call upon you for assistance as needed, and you will be compensated accordingly." "Understanding each of your abilities allows us to assess our base''s situation more accurately and organize things more effectively. Even if you choose to hide your abilities, they will become known eventually, so sharing this information now will contribute positively to our base''s growth. I urge you to cooperate with us." Though Kisha''s demeanor was cold and indifferent, but her words resonated deeply with the crowd, and they found themselves nodding in agreement. Having already faced the harsh realities of the apocalypse¡ªbetrayal, hunger, and the loss of loved ones¡ªthey have endured more than their share of suffering. What could be more horrific than what they''ve already experienced? They are familiar with helplessness, but now they have the opportunity to reclaim their power and discover their own purpose, even after their once-peaceful lives have been shattered. While they understood Kisha''s message, they were still driven by their own self-interest. They recognized that, despite their willingness to contribute, there was no such thing as a free meal. The assurance of compensation for their efforts made it clear that they could both do good and benefit personally. They were well aware that Kisha and her people not only had the numbers but also controlled the vital supplies essential for their survival. So, who would dare defy her? Where would they go instead? Would other shelters and base leaders be as lenient? They knew the answers to these questions. Understanding the reality of their situation, no one hesitated after Kisha''s speech. They all showed their determination to complete the task and awaited further instructions. However, some individuals, like Evelyn, were eager to follow Kisha''s guidance. For them, contributing to the betterment of their new community was a way to secure a better future for their children and families. With the newly awakened superhumans now onboard, the registration process ran smoothly. However, Kisha remained vigilant, ensuring that no one was concealing their abilities and noting those with significant potential who could become valuable assets to the base. She also made a mental list of individuals to call upon for future missions, such as the wall project and fabric gathering with Duke and the team. Eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the registration, Kisha was ready to mobilize these individuals to support her upcoming tasks. Kisha was pleased to see that many of the newly awakened superhumans'' abilities that would be highly beneficial to the base. While this brought her some relief, the pressing demands of her tasks meant that her unease was only slightly eased. Duke, noticing her small gestures of tension, quietly offered his support with a reassuring pat on the back, helping to calm her nerves. The registration process took nearly two hours before the completed folder was handed to Kisha. The newly awakened superhumans remained in the square, waiting for her to dismiss them. However, Kisha chose not to dismiss them just yet; she wanted to categorize them based on their abilities, separating those with support-type abilities from those with offensive and defensive-type abilities. Chapter 315 - 315 The Real Equality Kisha observed that many of the new warriors were among the newly awakened superhumans, possessing defensive and offensive-type abilities, which made it easier for her to assign them tasks. Others, however, were already working in different departments or handling various odd jobs around the base. Kisha decided to make them an appealing offer. "I notice that many of you with offensive and defensive abilities are spread across different departments or doing odd jobs, while most of you are already part of our defense force. Although our recruitment for warriors has officially concluded, as we''ve reached the limit, I still want to extend an invitation to those individuals with such abilities to join our defense force. The compensation will remain the same." After Kisha finished speaking, someone raised a question. "But City Lord, we''re now superhumans with abilities. Why should our compensation be the same as the warriors who were recruited earlier and don''t have any abilities? Wouldn''t that be unfair to us superhumans?" The man''s words struck a nerve with the newly recruited warriors who had stayed to watch. They felt insulted, as though their contributions were being undervalued. While the man had a valid point, they believed that all warriors, superhuman or not, should be treated equally. "You''re right, you make a valid point. But equality means giving everyone the same opportunity to achieve something. This is your chance. The reason the compensation remains the same is because, as warriors, you''ll all be putting your lives at risk to protect this base. Whether you have awakened abilities or not, when facing danger, all lives are equally vulnerable. Nothing can change that reality." "But since you are superhumans with greater potential, promotions will be within your reach¡ªthat''s your opportunity. The higher you climb, the better your compensation will be. So, tell me, does that still sound unfair?" Kisha''s voice was cold and firm. She understood that many of them, now feeling empowered, saw themselves as the chosen ones¡ªthe future saviors of the world¡ªand naturally desired better lives. Heroes to be revered by the ordinary, but they must also understand that such a position comes with great responsibility. They can''t afford to be arrogant or dismiss others simply because they''ve awakened abilities that set them apart. With Kisha''s words, the recruited warriors who hadn''t awakened abilities felt a sense of warmth and protection. Their City Lord had their backs, ensuring that the superhumans wouldn''t trample over them. She made it clear that, even in these times, people should remain humble and avoid becoming so arrogant or proud that they lose sight of their connection to ordinary humans. However, Kisha also made it clear that normal humans shouldn''t take the superhumans for granted or view their sacrifices as something expected just because they''re considered heroes. She ensured that everyone understood the importance of mutual respect and recognition for the efforts of the superhumans. "As superhumans with awakened abilities, you carry a greater responsibility than most. But before anything else, you''re still human, and no one should take your efforts for granted. That''s why I want everyone to start at the same level as warriors¡ªso that your promotions are earned through hard work, not just because of your abilities. Every contribution will be recognized, appreciated, and rewarded accordingly. There''s no need to feel that this is unfair." Kisha said all of this not out of emotion or empathy for anyone''s situation, but because it was simple logic. She understood that this mindset was crucial for the foundation of their base, ensuring that everyone could coexist and work together harmoniously. The last thing they needed was internal conflict, especially with the looming threat of zombies and the inevitable danger from other humans who would prey on them in the future. As Kisha had already decided, Duke had run this same base in her previous life like a strict military camp, where everyone was constantly tense and on edge. The prolonged exposure to anxiety, fear, grief, and other negative emotions gradually wore people down, killing their spirit and breaking them from the inside¡ªjust as Kisha herself had been broken by the repeated cycles of life and death. During those days, she witnessed how lifeless people had become, how easily they succumbed to death. They had no hope, merely existing for survival''s sake. They grew numb to the loss of life¡ªseeing someone they were just speaking with hours ago lying in a pool of blood. Worse still, they often had to be the ones to end the lives of those same people, once close to them, now turned into something unrecognizable. In the end, each day felt as bleak as the environment itself. The death toll kept rising¡ªnot due to zombie breaches, but because people grew tired of this living hell. They couldn''t find any purpose in staying alive and decided to end their own suffering, unable to see anything but endless pain and shattered hope. Now that she was the City Lord of the base, she couldn''t ignore the fact that she had already witnessed the outcome of running things in a strict, military style. Yes, they were powerful and feared, but there was no real hope¡ªonly survival. This time, she wanted to change her approach, not just for herself, but for her family and for Duke, who had suffered alongside her through so many lives. She wanted to atone for her previous mistakes and wrong decisions that had led to their suffering and deaths, vowing to make their lives easier and happier this time around. Beyond that, she sensed that despite the system giving her unbearably difficult missions, it was also guiding her toward creating a secure and thriving base¡ªone that aligned perfectly with her new vision. This was what she wanted to believe now, as she couldn''t afford to stress herself any further. The constant barrage of missions appearing like poisonous mushrooms made her feel like she might explode at any moment. So, she decided to focus on doing her best and simply enjoy the rewards she would reap from completing each task. After gathering her thoughts, Kisha cleared her mind and focused on the newly awakened superhumans as they deliberated on their decision. She watched the intensity of their contemplation until, finally, one of them raised their hand. "I want to be a warrior!" The boldness in the speaker''s voice rang out across the silent square, breaking the tension and igniting a sense of resolve among the others. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha recognized the woman immediately¡ªEvelyn. Her determination was evident in the way she carried herself, as though she had already envisioned the path she wanted to take. Without hesitation, Evelyn made her way to the front, standing face-to-face with Kisha, her resolve unwavering. As Evelyn met Kisha''s gaze, her expression softened, and a warm smile spread across her face. "City Lord, Vice City Lord," she began, her voice filled with sincerity. "Your words truly resonated with me and helped me realize the path I want to follow. They align with what my husband and I dream of for our future family. I believe that as long as we stand by your side, this dream of ours can become a reality." A look of reverence now lit up Evelyn''s face, her faith in Kisha clearly visible. Chapter 316 - 316 The Real Equality 2 For the first time in public, Kisha smiled sweetly, instantly silencing the crowd. Everyone was momentarily dumbstruck, as they had always known her to be cold and indifferent. Most assumed that was simply who she was. But seeing this new, softer side of her left them all pleasantly surprised, and they quickly realized they much preferred seeing her like this. With the red hues of the setting sun casting a warm glow over her, Kisha looked almost angelic. The last rays of sunlight illuminated her, making it feel as though they were in the presence of a true goddess¡ªbeautiful, benevolent, and filled with compassion for all living beings. One by one, more superhumans stepped forward to join the defense force. Almost all of them eagerly volunteered, knowing that the compensation was significantly better than their current jobs. Additionally, the perks and benefits offered were too enticing to pass up, making this opportunity from the City Lord one that no one wanted to miss. Only those with support-type abilities hesitated, knowing their skills were more suited to aiding others rather than direct combat. They feared they might become a burden during critical moments, unable to contribute effectively when the situation grew dire. But one support-type superhuman gathered his courage and decided to speak up. "City Lord, I know it''s presumptuous of me to ask this. You may not even remember my information from the records you reviewed, but I''m a support type. I wouldn''t be much help in battle, nor could I defend myself if things go wrong. Still, I''m willing to learn to fight like the other warriors, so I won''t be completely useless¡ªif you would just give us support types a chance." He finished his speech, his lips trembling as he spoke. Kisha stared at him for a moment, making the man not only nervous but genuinely afraid. He couldn''t gauge what she was thinking, and the weight of her silence only heightened his anxiety. He wasn''t alone in his concerns¡ªmany others shared the same fears, feeling the tension rise as they awaited her response. Kisha''s lips curved into a small, amused smile. "I do remember your data," she said, though it was a lie. She hadn''t committed every detail to memory, focusing mainly on abilities and only checking names when she spotted someone with great potential. However, with her ''Eye of Truth'' Gift, she could easily check anyone''s status window if she wished. "Don''t you have a support-type space ability? That''s actually going to be very useful," Kisha added. The way she spoke caused the man''s heart to skip a beat, and he found himself holding his breath as he awaited her explanation. He hoped she wouldn''t offer mere pity or a superficial response claiming that everything was useful. Despite his anxiety, he had a sense that Kisha would provide a genuine answer. Fortunately, he was right¡ªKisha did not disappoint him. "You see, a Space-type ability like yours would be incredibly useful for supply runs. In fact, the Vice City Lord will be leading a supply run in a few days with a convoy of trucks. Managing such a long convoy can be cumbersome, so having someone with a space-type ability to store supplies without needing to pack them into the trucks would be extremely beneficial. It would help avoid overcrowding and make the journey back to the base much more efficient," Kisha explained. As expected, when people heard Kisha''s explanation about the usefulness of the Space-type ability, they immediately recognized its practical value and potential benefits. They didn''t question how Kisha knew so much about the ability, simply assuming that someone in her circle must have awakened the same type of power. But Kisha wasn''t finished. She pointed to several more individuals. "You, you, you, and you all have Space-type abilities, which will be invaluable for the logistics of the upcoming operation¡ªparticularly for managing meal supplies and transporting crucial items for our community." She continued, moving on to others. "You and you possess irregular abilities: one has the ''Chameleon'' ability, allowing you to blend into the background, making you an excellent asset for scouting; the other has the ''Safe Zone'' ability, which creates a temporary protective dome. This will be especially useful for providing a safe haven where exhausted warriors can rest and recover after intense battles." "Even though these abilities might not allow you to engage directly in combat and you might need protection, each of your powers is incredibly valuable and rare. In fact, offensive and defensive type users will likely come to rely on you, so you should take pride in your abilities," Kisha said with a growing smile. She hadn''t anticipated discovering such a treasure trove of talent within the base. What Kisha said was entirely true, especially for the one with the ''Safe Zone'' ability. His power to create a safe zone for up to 8 hours would allow warriors on dangerous missions to rest and eat during that time. While it might not provide full recovery, it would enable them to regain significant strength and continue fighting. Once the cooldown period, or ''CD,'' resets, the safe zone can be established again, offering crucial support to the warriors when they need it most. In her previous lives, no one possessed an ability like this. If someone had, it could have made a significant difference for those on difficult missions. Continuous fighting without rest, surrounded by zombies, led to exhaustion and ultimately death, with many becoming zombie meals in the end. What was even more terrifying was that, as superhumans, being bitten wouldn''t either kill them or turn them into zombies, causing immense suffering before their end. Why was it so dreadful? Because, unlike ordinary humans, superhumans didn''t turn into zombies. Instead, they had to endure the torment of zombies gnawing at their flesh, feeling every painful bite and tear as if they were rag dolls. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Superhumans were also more resilient due to their enhanced bodies, so a few bites and blood loss that might be fatal to a normal human wouldn''t necessarily kill them immediately, especially if they were of a higher level. Now that they had someone with this ability, Kisha and Duke exchanged a knowing glance. The timing of this person''s awakening seemed almost fortuitous, making them both feel the urge to laugh with relief and gratitude. Seizing the moment, Kisha extended her offer to all the support-type ability users who had awakened. Just as Kisha had suspected, the first awakened superhumans displayed exceptional potential and talent, making their abilities not only powerful but also incredibly useful. As she assessed them, it became clear that all their abilities were invaluable for survival, if not for battle, contributing significantly to the overall well-being of the survivors. She felt a deep sense of regret for the talent lost in her previous lives, but it also brought her reassurance. In this life, she had successfully protected these individuals, and they would become valuable assets to her base. After her offer and explanations, the faces of the support-type ability users brightened with smiles. They exchanged astonished glances before erupting into cheers of excitement. After Kisha successfully persuaded all the newly awakened superhumans to join the defense force, Sparrow and Vulture returned from their task. They had just finished butchering all the animals Kisha had requested and had stocked the territory''s storage with the meat. Chapter 317 - 317 New Currency Announcement "Young Madam, the mission is accomplished," Vulture announced with a playful tone as he stood before Kisha and Duke. The other newly awakened superhumans watched them with admiration and respect. "Perfect timing!" Kisha said, clapping her hands as she looked at Sparrow and Vulture, who exchanged puzzled glances. "These individuals will be your juniors from now on. Tomorrow, we have a crucial operation, and I need you to lead them as their temporary commander. You''ll also need to bring along your current team members for the mission. I''ll provide more details soon, but for now, prepare yourselves for what''s ahead." They had no idea what Kisha was planning. She assigned the support-type superhumans accordingly: the one with the ''Safe Zone'' ability was placed under Sparrow''s command, while the ''Chameleon-type'' ability user was assigned to Vulture. Additionally, all the superhumans with space-type abilities were allocated to Sparrow''s team. All the offensive-type ability users were placed under Sparrow, while the defensive types were assigned to Vulture. Kisha''s reasoning was clear: she wanted the newly awakened superhumans to learn battle tactics directly from the best models for offense and defense. Sparrow and Vulture, with their respective strengths, would serve as ideal examples for the team. This approach would also expand the newly awakened superhumans'' understanding of how to effectively use their abilities in combat scenarios while completing their assigned missions. To ensure they were well-prepared, Kisha provided each of them with an extra bottle of Scarlet Honey. She emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation before using the Scarlet Honey, warning them that using it without her or their commander''s explicit approval could hinder their potential growth. This stern warning underscored the significance of proper preparation and adherence to protocol. If their potential growth was compromised, they wouldn''t reach their full strength and would struggle against more formidable superhumans in the future. This approach proved effective; everyone was highly motivated to build a solid foundation, become familiar with their awakened abilities, and exercise patience before using the Scarlet Honey. Kisha gave them the Scarlet Honey even though they couldn''t use it immediately because she wanted to leverage its allure to drive them to strengthen their foundation. The presence of the Scarlet Honey would serve as a constant reminder of their goal, motivating them to work hard. By building a solid foundation now, they would be better prepared to fully benefit from the Scarlet Honey when the time came, ensuring that their growth would be both effective and assured. The first batch of Scarlet Honey was also distributed to the newly recruited warriors, who were instructed on its use despite not having awakened their abilities yet. Sparrow and Vulture then taught the same techniques to the newly awakened superhumans, who were hearing the instructions for the first time. There was a notable difference in how the techniques flowed through superhumans compared to normal humans. The methods were tailored to ensure that normal humans would not be pushed beyond their limits, which could potentially harm them. Superhumans and normal humans have different bodily thresholds; once normal humans reach their limit, the Scarlet Honey becomes ineffective, regardless of the amount consumed. After ensuring that everyone was on the same page and that Sparrow and Vulture would lead the new recruits through their training until late at night, Kisha let out a sigh of relief. With the preparations in place for tomorrow''s mission, she headed to the Supply Center to check on its current status. When Kisha arrived at the Supply Center, she found a long line of people exchanging their day''s work points for food supplies. The crowd seemed pleased, noticing that there were more supplies available than the day before, including a few small baskets of fruit. The fruit, which people assumed came from trees in some of the villas in the central part of the base, was a welcome addition. Kisha''s team didn''t correct this assumption, allowing the misconception to stand. In the center of the Supply Center were five tables where employees checked the authenticity of each person''s work points certificate. These certificates were actually repurposed government papers and stubs found in various offices, designed to prevent any falsification of documents. Once the employees verified the certificates, they confiscated the papers to be repurposed and treated like paper money. After verifying the authenticity of the work points certificates, employees would check the list of items the survivor wished to exchange for. They then passed this list to the five additional helpers assigned to each table, who would arrange the requested items. If the total value of the items didn''t exhaust all the work points the person had, they could choose from smaller items like sweets or seasoning packs to use up the remaining points. This was necessary because, at the moment, the employees had no means to provide change. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha also noticed a notice board near the tables featuring a small, glass-like crystal encased in a glass cover and displayed in a velvet-lined box, resembling a piece of jewelry on exhibit. Above the crystal, a long, handwritten message was prominently displayed. [From the Supply Center Notice Board] [Attention everyone, We are pleased to announce that the base will now be introducing a new form of currency in addition to work points. As displayed in the glass case, these are Crystal Cores, also known as Zombie Cores. They are harvested from the heads of zombies and will be particularly useful for superhumans. Since our previous currency has lost its value, we have decided to adopt these Crystal Cores as our new standard currency. You may exchange your work points for Crystal Cores, or vice versa. Both currencies will be accepted for purchasing supplies and goods from the Supply Center. Sincerely, Dante Winters] ... Many spectators scrutinized the glass case with skepticism, as the Crystal Cores appeared quite similar to shards of shattered glass. Their differences were not immediately apparent, leaving some people doubtful about the new currency''s legitimacy. Some individuals, however, appeared to be scheming ways to exploit the new currency for personal gain. Fortunately, Kisha had anticipated this and alerted every department in advance. Alongside the Currency Notice, there was an additional warning note addressing potential abuses. **[Warning!] [Crystal Cores are not mere shards of glass but are genuine Zombie Cores containing energy. To ensure their authenticity and protect superhumans from potential harm, experts will be verifying all Crystal Cores. Attempting to exchange fake Crystal Cores will result in immediate exile from the base, with no chance of return. Please take this seriously. While obtaining Crystal Cores requires significant risk, we will not tolerate deceitful practices that could harm others. Those found engaging in theft, framing, or causing harm will face the same severe consequences of exile. Sincerely, Supply Center Management]** ... Kisha smiled with satisfaction as she observed the notice board and the reactions of those who had been scheming earlier¡ªmany now looked visibly shaken after reading the warning notice beside the currency announcement. Everything appeared to be running smoothly at the Supply Center. The facility was fully operational, with electricity powering refrigerators behind the counters for storing meats and perishable goods. Fruits, vegetables, and eggs were displayed prominently near the counters, with large, clear price tags visible for everyone. Overall, the Supply Center had the organized, disciplined feel of a well-regulated market. Chapter 318 - 318 Another 70,000 points- Gained (Edited) After Kisha spent some time observing, she and Duke went to the back of the Supply Center, where workers were still busy with construction. The main renovations were complete, leaving only minor adjustments to finish by the next day. The workers had decided to use the remaining daylight to dig the foundation for the Supply Center''s warehouse. They planned to complete this task before heading home, where warm meals prepared by their families awaited them. This way, they could rest and enjoy their evening without wasting any time. Ding! As she walked with Duke through the dimly lit back street, Kisha received a new system notification. Her eyes narrowed into crescent-shaped slits in delight, and a wide smile spread across her face. [Congratulations on Completing the A Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting"] [You have received 70,000 points] ... After a flurry of system notifications rang in, each announcing a new reward, Kisha promptly checked her status window. She noticed her stats had increased, even if only by a single point. Despite the modest gain, it was equivalent to the progress of a full day''s worth of training, making it a significant achievement. [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 73 (+3) Stamina: 73 (+3) Defense: 73 (+3) Agility: 73 (+3) Mental Capacity: 113 (+3) Charm: 73 (+3) Leadership: 113 (+3) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) .... Upon reviewing her status window, Kisha noticed not only the increase in her stats but also something new: a skill called "Perception Level 0" that hadn''t been there the last time she checked. She''s puzzled over how she had acquired this skill, given that she hadn''t undertaken any significant actions recently that would warrant its creation. It seemed to appear out of nowhere like a mushroom suddenly sprouting up. However, Kisha recognized the significance of this skill. She recalled that it was notoriously difficult to obtain and had seen something similar in Sparrow''s status window. ''Have I done something significant recently?'' she wondered, placing her fingers on her chin in deep contemplation. Her eyes lit up as the word "significant" replayed in her mind. She recalled the one-on-one battle she had with a Level 1 zombie just yesterday¡ªan opponent that had given her considerable trouble. During that intense fight, she remembered how time seemed to slow down, and she was able to anticipate the zombie''s moves with remarkable precision. This heightened awareness had allowed her to lock the zombie in position without sustaining serious injuries. Kisha couldn''t help but giggle, drawing Duke''s attention. When he looked at her, she met his gaze with eyes as clear and serene as a still lake, brimming with unspoken joy. She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself, and Duke, not wanting to spoil her mood, gently patted the top of her head as they strolled around the base before heading home. After basking in her recent success, Kisha felt a renewed surge of confidence and determination to tackle her missions. Having experienced the value of the rewards firsthand, she was excited about the potential future benefits. Eager to share her appreciation, she decided to reward Marcus for his invaluable assistance in completing the mission. His contribution had been instrumental in achieving the results ahead of schedule, and Kisha felt it was only right to acknowledge his hard work and dedication. At the same time, Kisha found herself less constrained by points, having just earned an additional 70,000. She planned to use these points to upgrade her territory pack, aiming to expand the space available for livestock. But for now, Kisha decided it might be best to keep the points in reserve for emergencies. Instead, she considered how to best show her appreciation to Marcus. Should she buy him something with her mall points? She wasn''t sure what he would like, so she resolved to ask him directly later on. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before heading home, Kisha made a brief stop at the medical facility for a final check. Upon arrival, she noticed that more patients had been moved to isolation because the medical staff were unsure if it was safe to group them together to save space. Fortunately, Kisha was able to conduct a thorough review and provide confirmation. On the bright side, there were still more promising talents being sent to the medical facility. This time, most of the new patients were soldiers, new warriors, and a few medical staff. Although the numbers weren''t as high as before, the influx was still significant. As a result, there were some patients who had to be placed in the hallway due to the limited space. The patients who were admitted yesterday had all awakened and were now being escorted by the soldiers stationed at the medical facility to Sparrow and Vulture. Kisha inferred that the two would have been busy assisting these newly awakened individuals by tonight. She knew Sparrow and Vulture were overwhelmed with their duties but had not complained, so she decided to reward them for their hard work as well. After assisting with the medical facility, it was already quite dark, and she and Duke headed home. Everyone was there waiting, except for Sparrow and Vulture, who were still busy. Gant had already gone to the square to deliver food to them. Additionally, those who were still training had their meals sent from the base''s supply, a gesture approved by Aston as compensation for their overtime. Marcus, Mike, and Daisy had finished cooking for everyone and had already set all the dishes on the table. As a result, everyone began gathering around the dining table, looking exhausted and haggard from their long day. Everyone seemed to be working hard on completing the structures within their respective departments. Mrs. Winters informed Kisha that she had already recruited 20 seamstresses and was continuing to hire more. The hired seamstresses were already undergoing training, and the uniform designs were finished, awaiting Kisha''s approval. Once Kisha reviewed and approved the design, the seamstresses would become familiar with it. Additionally, they were waiting for Kisha to finalize and design the emblem to be sewn onto the uniforms. On the Patriarchs'' side, they have completed drafting a list of straightforward rules for the base. The rules are designed to be simple and easily understandable to ensure compliance. They have also established corresponding punishments for violations. While these initial rules focus on securing the base and minimizing troublemakers, they plan to delve deeper into creating more comprehensive laws to safeguard the interests of all inhabitants. Aston has initiated the cafeteria project using tents for the time being, as no suitable building is yet available and the Supply Center is still under construction. Additionally, Aston and Mr. Winters are continuing discussions about the construction of the Wall. When Aston mentioned the Wall construction, Kisha paused mid-bite, suddenly recalling that she had assigned Aston to work with Mr. Winters on it. "Oh, about the Wall construction¡ªI''ll be taking over that project starting tomorrow. I realize both departments are currently occupied with supply distribution and defense management. The Wall needs to be completed as soon as possible for the base''s safety, and I already have a plan to address it," Kisha announced. Her decision was met with both surprise and shock. Chapter 319 - 319 Achievement Tab? Aston was taken aback by Kisha''s plan to start the Wall construction tomorrow. "But, City Lord, we still don''t have enough construction materials. Did you happen to store some in your inventory?" Aston asked, his curiosity piqued. The others also looked at Kisha, wondering if she had indeed kept some construction materials in her inventory. Even Duke raised an eyebrow at Kisha, unsure of her intentions. He suspected it was related to the mission she had discussed with Sparrow and Vulture earlier. Kisha wished she had all the materials they needed, but unfortunately, her supply was limited to what she had previously asked Duke to gather. She hadn''t anticipated needing to turn City B''s base into her new headquarters. When she and Duke initially set up their base in the secluded mountain of City A, she had thought their worries would be minimal. "Well, we recently found five Space-Type ability users with the same storage ability as mine," Kisha explained vaguely. "I''ll be sending them out with Sparrow tomorrow to gather materials." Although her explanation was brief, everyone understood that she had a well-thought-out plan in place. They were relieved and pleased to hear that such a useful ability had emerged within their base. This would greatly simplify supply runs, making the entire process much easier and more efficient for everyone involved. Ding! Noticing that everyone had stopped asking questions, and understanding her, Kisha resumed eating her meal. However, she was soon interrupted by another system notification. [System Calculation Complete...] [Congratulations for completing the Mission "Planting and Harvesting" ahead of time!] [You received an additional 50,000 points for the mission''s early completion] [You have successfully Opened the Achievement Tab] [Achievement points +1000] [You Gained the ''Green Thumb'' Achievement] [Achievement points +500] [You Gained the ''Better Be Prepared'' Acheivement] [Acheivement points +500] [You have successfully Opened the Achievement Store] [Achievement points +1000] ... The ringing echoed in Kisha''s mind, and for the first time, she saw an overwhelming number of system notifications flooding her vision, rapidly stacking up like continuous alerts on a phone. The pop-ups appeared so quickly that she couldn''t even properly read them all. The Achievement tabs and store were completely new to her, something she had never unlocked in her previous lives. Unsure how to react, Kisha didn''t even realize she had dropped her utensils mid-air, her hand instinctively covering her mouth as it formed a perfect ''O.'' Her eyes were fixed on the stream of pop-ups, overwhelmed by the sudden flood of notifications. Everyone at the dining table was startled by the sudden clatter of Kisha''s utensils hitting the plate. The sound was sharp and loud, instantly drawing their attention. When they looked over at her, they saw a look of utter disbelief etched across her face. Kisha was so absorbed in checking the new features that had appeared in her system interface that she didn''t even notice everyone''s eyes on her. Duke placed his hand gently on her lap, trying to get her attention, but she remained oblivious, staring blankly into the air. Judging by her reaction, Duke guessed she was likely immersed in her status window or exploring some of its new features. He could clearly tell that Kisha was excited¡ªso much so that she couldn''t even wait to get back to their room to fully dive into her system interface. Realizing she was caught up in her own world, he simply shook his head with a smile and continued eating. The others, noticing Duke''s subtle gesture, understood she was fine and resumed their meals as well, reassured by his silent cue. Duke couldn''t help but feel both amused and a little helpless seeing Kisha in this state. Her reaction seemed more human and endearing, a refreshing change. He much preferred seeing her busy and excited about something than watching her being stressed or having a mental breakdown. The sight of her like this was a relief to him, and judging by their expressions, it seemed the others were thinking the same thing. Realizing that Kisha was simply lost in her own excitement and appeared to be in a good mood, everyone stopped worrying. Initially, they had feared she was experiencing the same issues as at lunch, but it quickly became clear that this wasn''t the case. Unaware of everyone''s concerns, Kisha was focused intently on her status window. Just beside the ''Title Tab'' was the ''Achievement Tab,'' which she eagerly clicked on. There, she saw the two new achievements she had just earned: ''Green Thumb'' and ''Better Be Prepared.'' She promptly checked both of them. [Green Thumb Achievement] [Description: Completing a planting mission in a record time that no one has achieved so far. Grade: SSS Additional 10 points in all stats +30% Affinity with crops +30% increase in crops'' growth +30% increase in crops'' taste double the size of crops'' size 20% chance of making the crops into spiritual crops] ... [Better Be Prepared Achievement] [Description: Completing a planting mission with double the requested amount in a record time that no one has ever achieved so far. Grade: SSS Additional 5 points in all stats Luck: +40 Active Skill: One Body Passive Skill: Healing Dome Reward Item: Advanced Solar Panel Blueprint from World 15433, and 10 Gachapon Draws] ... Kisha was pleasantly surprised to find an Active skill and a rare Passive skill included as a reward. On top of that, she received a new stat¡ª''Luck''¡ªwhich she anticipated would be incredibly valuable for her future endeavors. Seeing the level of the reward, Kisha''s frustration with the system melted away. She imagined the Constellation, who had been attempting to thwart her, seething with anger as Kisha reaped the benefits of her challenging mission. She was eager to discover what these active and passive skills could do. [Active Skill: One Body (Growth Type)] [Description: Increases group synergy by +50% within a 5-meter radius, enhancing the overall power and effectiveness of allies in the area.] ... [Passive Skill: Healing Dome (Growth Type)] [Description: Accelerates the healing of wounds for all individuals within a 5-meter radius of the host. Healing is enhanced, but not excessively rapid.] ... Kisha couldn''t help but feel elated as she observed the significant changes in her status. She could sense the transformation in her body due to the updated stats and was eager to review the overall changes in her status window, wanting to admire and fully appreciate her progress. [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 88 (+15) Stamina: 88 (+15) Defense: 88 (+15) S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Agility: 88 (+15) Mental Capacity: 128 (+15) Charm: 88 (+15) Leadership: 128 (+15) Luck: 40 Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 0 Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... Kisha''s eyes narrowed in delight, resembling a cat that had just stolen a big fish. She couldn''t help the twitch of her lips as they formed into a pleased grin. At the same time, she couldn''t shake the thought that her earlier mental breakdown had been premature¡ªdevastation had hit too soon, without her realizing there was a big surprise waiting for her later that night. Was it that the Constellation felt guilty? Or perhaps the aggression aimed at her had become so blatant that the Constellation wanted to pretend nothing was amiss? Chapter 320 - 320 Achievement Tab? 2 ''If this is the Constellation''s way of sweeping things under the rug, I can only hope it happens more often so I can reap all the benefits,'' Kisha thought, allowing herself to bask in the happiness of seeing the drastic boost in her stats. It almost felt like she had already leveled up to Level 2. If she continued using the Scarlet Honey to strengthen her foundation and boost her multipliers before leveling up to Level 2, she was confident she''d soon surpass the 100 stat threshold¡ªand likely go far beyond it. With such growth, her stats alone could place her on par with a Level 3 Evolved zombie, or perhaps even stronger. Kisha couldn''t contain her excitement as she thought about the future and the possibilities her growing strength would bring. Saying she felt invincible wouldn''t be an exaggeration. She was now even stronger than the Tyrant Emperor, who had once been the terror of her previous life. Glancing over at Duke, who had just finished eating and happened to catch her eye, she felt a surge of pride. "Are you done eating?" Duke''s deep, masculine voice echoed in Kisha''s ears, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine, as if it had pierced straight through her heart. She looked up at him, momentarily lost in the warmth of his voice, then shook her head before turning her attention back to her plate and resuming her meal. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke set down his utensil, quietly watching Kisha eat with the affectionate gaze of a doting husband. Everyone else, pretending not to notice the display of affection, quickly picked up the pace of their own meals. The single ones, in particular, had no desire to linger on the scene, not wanting to feel any lonelier than they already did. After Kisha finished eating, she wasted no time in pulling Duke back to their room, right in front of everyone. The group exchanged knowing smiles, and the Patriarch chuckled, saying, "Oh my! I didn''t realize my granddaughter-in-law was so bold. Hahaha." His laughter set off a ripple of amusement, causing the husband and wife nearby to exchange twinkling glances. Without saying a word, they continued sipping their drinks, their eyes communicating something only they could understand. Kisha, on the other hand, didn''t even stop to consider what others might think. Duke, meanwhile, was thrilled that she had taken the initiative this time. The fact that she made the first move filled him with such excitement that he could feel his insides tremble. He struggled to contain his growing desire, doing his best to keep his emotions in check. He had an overwhelming urge to pin Kisha against the wall and kiss her, to devour her in his excitement. But since Kisha was the one taking the lead, the anticipation thrilled him even more. It was like being a child eager to tear open a Christmas gift but having to wait for the signal from everyone else before doing so. As they approached their room, Duke''s breathing had already grown ragged, and his body radiated heat, though Kisha, caught up in her own excitement, didn''t notice. The moment the door closed behind them, she guided Duke to sit on the edge of the bed. He swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat, as he watched her with unwavering focus, anticipation clear in his gaze. ''This is it! How''s she going to start? Will she drop to her knees like the other night and do me, or...?'' Duke''s thoughts raced with anticipation. Before Duke could continue speculating how Kisha might initiate their intimacy, she suddenly sat down beside him, her lips stretched into a wide grin. "I was so excited earlier, I just couldn''t help but pull you up here!" she said, clasping her hands together, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Duke felt something was off¡ªthe mood wasn''t quite what he expected. It seemed Kisha had no intention of starting anything intimate. His hands itched to take the lead, but he hesitated, sensing her excitement was about something entirely different. Before Duke could react, Kisha blurted out, "Did you know, I won the lottery!" Her voice pitched higher, brimming with excitement as she barely contained her joy. It took a second for her words to sink in. "Wait, what?!" Duke was stunned¡ªnot by the news itself but by how completely different this moment was from what he''d expected. Everything he thought was about to unfold shattered, leaving his mind momentarily blank, crashing under the weight of her unexpected announcement. While Duke''s anticipation was crashing down, Kisha excitedly pulled out the Advanced Solar Panel blueprint from World 15433 from her inventory. She turned to the bed and spread it out, beaming with excitement. "Look! I got us a super-advanced solar panel blueprint! We won''t need to build tons of solar panels anymore¡ªjust one of these will be enough to power an entire mega city!" Kisha exclaimed, her enthusiasm overflowing as she explained the incredible breakthrough. The only response Kisha got from Duke was a dry, "Ooh..." She blinked, wondering if she had misheard him. Duke was usually the first to light up at the sight of a new blueprint, especially one with such business potential. His reaction felt oddly out of character. Little did she know, Duke''s focus had already shifted completely to her. No matter how enticing the blueprint or groundbreaking the discovery, his mind was still tangled in the clash between his expectations and the unexpected reality unfolding before him. He couldn''t fully appreciate the blueprint right now¡ªhe was still processing how things had taken such an unexpected turn. Duke couldn''t help but ask, "Wifey, is this why you pulled me back to our room with such excitement?" He tried to sound casual, but his voice cracked slightly. Kisha interpreted his odd tone as a sign that he was trying to contain his own excitement, much like she was. She thought his emotions were just in a jumble because of the news. However, Duke''s emotional turmoil was indeed intense, but it was for a reason she hadn''t anticipated. As a seasoned businessman, Duke quickly composed himself. After a few moments, he cleared his throat, and the initial heat of excitement had cooled with his resolve. He begrudgingly set aside his earlier expectations and maintained a poker face, studying the blueprint intently. However, his mind was blank for a full five minutes, consumed by lingering resentment. He didn''t even notice that he was pouting and behaving like a petulant child. Kisha couldn''t help but find Duke''s expression endearing, even though she was puzzled by his apparent resentment. He was acting like a sulking child, yet he kept silent. Trying to piece things together, she reflected on the moments since she had pulled him away from the dining table. It dawned on her that his reaction changed only when she unveiled the blueprint. ____________ PS: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your continued support and for reading my novel. The WSA contest has officially started, and I''d love for you to take a moment to leave feedback for the event. You can find it by going to your ''INBOX'' and then selecting ''EVENTS.'' Once you provide feedback on 3 different books, you''ll earn a badge, which will be awarded on the 20th of next month. Thank you all for your amazing support! Chapter 321 - 321 Achievement Shop ''Is he upset about the blueprint? Does he think I kept it from him on purpose?'' Kisha wondered to herself, but another realization struck her, causing her face to flush and her heart to race. Despite Duke''s visibly upset demeanor, Kisha leaned in closer and gave him a quick, bashful peck on the cheek, her expression clearly saying, ''That''s the best I can manage for now.'' Duke was taken aback by Kisha''s sudden initiative, but once he realized she was attuned to his emotions, his mood lifted. His eyes crinkled in delight as he turned to see Kisha''s flushed face and her gaze nervously darting around, as if she found the floor far more interesting than looking at him. He knew she was likely nervous, having figured out exactly what he had been moping about. So, knowing that she now knew, and he also started to feel better, he didn''t want to egg Kisha anymore because as much as he wanted to be intimate with her, he also wanted to make sure that she was up for it and not because she feels she was cornered to do so. With a lighter heart, Duke turned his attention back to the blueprint Kisha was showing him. Now that his mind was clear of the more explicit thoughts of him and Kisha together, he could finally focus. As he studied the blueprint, his astonishment grew, and soon he couldn''t tear his eyes away from it. The blueprint was so advanced and meticulously designed that, although far beyond their current technological capabilities, it held incredible promise. If they could eventually build it, they would solve their electricity problem just as Kisha had predicted. A single machine like this could power a megacity, let alone their base. The only issue was the materials¡ªwhile some were familiar, most were completely unknown to Duke, likely because they were extremely rare or difficult to obtain. The machine''s sturdiness relied on a complex combination of materials. Tungsten and meteorite alloy were essential for the core structure, while Lutetium formed the outermost layer for its unparalleled strength. Vanadium, known for its high melting point and military applications, was used to cover the inner parts, ensuring it could withstand extreme heat without breaking down. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For the main beam, where solar energy would be most concentrated, Inconel was chosen for its superior strength over Vanadium, making it the ideal material to handle the intense energy flow. Osmium was another key material used in the design, valued for its density and durability. In addition to these, highly conductive metals along with other materials were required to efficiently transfer solar energy and convert it into electricity, ensuring the machine could function at its full potential. The solar panel''s structure resembled a massive satellite dish, but unlike the usual inverted umbrella shape, its surface was flat. This advanced "solar glass" design allowed it to reflect and capture sunlight far more efficiently than any current solar panels on the market, including those produced by top military contractors or research labs on Earth. The advanced solar panel design Kisha had obtained from the system was vastly different from anything they currently had. Without the expertise of professional solar physicists and machine engineers, Duke wasn''t confident they could even attempt to build what was shown on the blueprint. His initial excitement quickly faded as the reality of the challenge set in. Kisha was aware of the challenge and sought Duke''s input to figure out how to proceed. After ten minutes of deep contemplation, Duke finally looked up from the blueprint and addressed Kisha. "Our best hope is that Dr. Shuveck is still alive and hasn''t turned into a zombie. If he''s still out there, we might have a chance to build this. As for the machine engineering, the best person I know to tackle this alongside Dr. Shuveck would be Engineer Steel." Duke let out a heavy sigh, gazing at Kisha with a mix of concern and uncertainty. "The last I heard, Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel were working together on a project in City D last month. Given how scarce the human population has become due to the zombie outbreak, I''m worried that they might have..." Duke struggled to continue, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on him. It was disheartening to have a treasure within reach yet be unable to utilize it. Kisha fully grasped this now and felt a deep sense of frustration. She had once thought that it was a jackpot, the advanced machinery blueprint now seemed more like a hollow reward. The blueprint sounded impressive, but if they couldn''t recreate it, it was almost worthless. "Do you think we could plan a visit to City D once we''ve taken care of everything here at the base, to look for Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel?" Kisha asked, her lips forming a pout as she shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe we could," Duke said, trying to offer some reassurance. "But if they didn''t make it, we shouldn''t lose hope. City D is known for its prestigious universities and numerous laboratories. Even if Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel aren''t around, we can still find talented individuals there." Duke was aware of how down Kisha felt and shared her frustration; he was also grappling with his own disappointment after seeing the blueprint. Duke wouldn''t have felt as frustrated if he hadn''t seen the blueprint, but now that he had, it felt like a significant waste not to have such a piece of technology at their disposal. Both Duke and Kisha let out a defeated sigh. To shift her focus and mood, Kisha suddenly brightened. "But that''s not the best news I wanted to share. Remember I mentioned I got a Gachapon Draw earlier? Let''s draw together and see what I get, shall we?" Her excitement returned as she eagerly pulled Duke to sit beside her. Duke was bewildered by Kisha''s mention of Gachapon draws. The only thing that seemed to register in his mind was a loose comparison to the item draws in video games. In those games, players would use in-game currency or special tokens to access random loot boxes, which could contain a variety of items such as weapons, armor, and other enhancements. These draws were designed to aid in the progression of the game, providing players with the tools they needed to strengthen their characters and advance further in their quests. The idea of Gachapon draws seemed to evoke a similar sense of randomness and potential reward, but Duke remained curious and somewhat mystified about what Kisha''s Gachapon draw might entail and how it might differ from the game-based concept he was familiar with. Soon, Duke''s biggest question was answered when Kisha shared her system interface with him. Through this interface, he could see exactly how the Gachapon Draw was set to proceed. The detailed display revealed the mechanics of the draw, offering Duke a clear view of how items were selected and what kind of rewards might be available. This visual explanation helped demystify the process for him and piqued his interest even further, as he now had a tangible understanding of how the Gachapon Draw worked. ____________ PS: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your continued support and for reading my novel. The WSA contest has officially started, and I''d love for you to take a moment to leave feedback for the event. You can find it by going to your ''INBOX'' and then selecting ''EVENTS.'' Once you provide feedback on 3 different books, you''ll earn a badge, which will be awarded on the 20th of next month. Thank you all for your amazing support! Chapter 322 - 322 Achievement Shop 2 As Kisha retrieved the Gachapon Draw coupon from her inventory, the system promptly prompted her with a notification. [Do you want to use the Gachapon Draw Coupon?] Options appeared on the screen: [Yes] or [No] Without hesitation, Kisha pressed ''Yes'', while Duke watched silently beside her. The instant she made her selection, a large screen materialized in front of them, displaying an array of random items arranged like cards. The screen was vibrant with various colors and effects: some items glowed with a golden brilliance, others shone in a striking scarlet red with swirling red and gold lights, while additional items were highlighted in shades of purple, blue, green, and a muted white. Each item seemed to radiate its own unique aura, adding an element of anticipation to the draw. Based on her previous experiences with items obtained through the system''s mall points, Kisha quickly deduced the significance of the colors displayed. The muted white items were categorized as ordinary, while green items represented common quality. Blue indicated uncommon items, and purple denoted rare ones. Gold was reserved for legendary items, and the scarlet red items, with their striking red and gold lighting effects, were of the mythic grade. This color-coding system helped her gauge the potential rarity and value of the items she might draw. Below the large display of items, two options appeared: [Draw x1] or [Draw x10] Kisha had ten Gachapon Draw Coupons and, recalling how games often offered better rewards with multiple draws, she felt tempted to select the [Draw x10] option. However, wanting to share the experience with Duke, she turned to him and asked for his opinion before proceeding. Kisha turned to Duke with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "What do you think we should do? Should we draw one at a time, or should we go all in and use all ten draws at once?" She glanced at him nervously, her usual confidence wavering. Although she believed that using all ten draws might increase their chances of getting a better reward, she wasn''t entirely sure. Kisha felt that Duke''s opinion was crucial¡ªhis perspective might either confirm her thoughts or offer a different approach. The weight of her uncertainty made her anxious, and she hoped that Duke''s input would help guide her decision. Duke took a moment to consider Kisha''s question, his gaze fixed on the array of items displayed on the screen. He meticulously examined the assortment before him. Out of the hundreds of items spread across the screen, he noted that approximately 40% were of normal quality, 30% were common, and 18% were uncommon. Rare quality items made up about 8%, while legendary items constituted just 3% of the total. The mythic grade items were even rarer, making up only 1% of the display. Duke could barely spot five mythic items among the myriad of options, indicating just how scarce and valuable they were. Duke evaluated the probabilities and concluded that with ten draws, they would likely end up with around five normal items, two uncommon, and possibly two rare items, with a chance of getting one legendary item if they were lucky. Given these odds, he agreed with Kisha''s initial intuition. Drawing all ten at once not only promised to save time but also increased their chances of obtaining better rewards by maximizing their chances of landing higher-quality items in a single go. Duke nodded at Kisha and said, "I think we''d have a better chance if we draw all at once." He was already starting to piece together what kind of unique ability Kisha might possess. Seeing the Gachapon Draw only reinforced his belief that her ability was incredibly powerful. He suspected that the advanced blueprint she had just shown him was likely a product of this ability. This realization also reminded him of Kisha''s earlier explanation about irregular ability users when they first met. He now firmly believed that she was one of them and that the tasks she had mentioned recently that she needed to complete were probably linked to her special abilities. Based on these clues, Duke deduced that Kisha''s irregular ability functioned like a game system, allowing her to undertake missions and earn rewards upon completing them. He realized that the otherworldly items she had been using might have originated from this very system. If his speculation was correct, Duke believed it was wise for Kisha to keep such an ability undisclosed. Given its potentially game-breaking and overpowered nature, revealing it could attract unwanted attention and increase her risk of danger. Despite his suspicions, he chose to feign ignorance and support her in keeping her secret, believing it was in her best interest to protect herself from potential threats. "I think so too," Kisha agreed with Duke, their thoughts aligning perfectly. Without hesitation, she pressed the "Draw x10" button. Instantly, the items in the system interface transformed into cards, revealing only their backs. A rainbow-like indicator flashed and circled around the cards, creating an air of anticipation. After a moment, ten random items were selected, with the unchosen cards vanishing from view. The ten selected cards glowed brightly and were arranged in a single line, each one now prominently displayed. As the cards lined up, they began to flip open one by one, causing Duke and Kisha''s hearts to race with anticipation. Without realizing it, they were holding their breath. The first three cards revealed normal-quality items, which caused a brief moment of tension. But then, the fourth card turned purple, signaling a rare item. Both Duke and Kisha let out cheers of excitement. Kisha instinctively grabbed Duke''s arm, while he reassured her with a supportive pat on the hand. The cards continued to unfold, adding to their growing anticipation. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The fifth card revealed an uncommon item, followed by a common one, then a rare, and finally, a legendary item. At the sight of the legendary card, Kisha leaped to her feet with a joyous cheer, jumping up and down in excitement. She barely noticed Duke''s reaction at first, but soon saw his eyes widen and his jaw drop comically as he stared at the screen in stunned silence. Kisha assumed he was just as thrilled and surprised as she was, especially with the golden card flashing brightly before them. However, Kisha hadn''t yet seen what kind of legendary item they had drawn. As she turned her gaze back to the screen, she was struck silent by a scarlet red card, adorned with swirling red and gold lights. It was flanked by two golden items, and the sight left her staring in disbelief, unable to process the extraordinary luck she had. If they followed the expected algorithm, drawing a mythic-grade item would typically require a substantial number of attempts. To have a 1% chance of obtaining such an item, Kisha would need to make at least a hundred draws, likely encountering numerous normal and a few legendary-quality items before finally securing a mythic-grade reward. ____________ PS: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your continued support and for reading my novel. The WSA contest has officially started, and I''d love for you to take a moment to leave feedback for the event. You can find it by going to your ''INBOX'' and then selecting ''EVENTS.'' Once you provide feedback on 3 different books, you''ll earn a badge, which will be awarded on the 20th of next month. Thank you all for your amazing support! Chapter 323 - 323 Achievement Shop 3 Yet, on her very first attempt with just ten draws, Kisha managed to secure two legendary and one mythic-grade item, along with two rare-quality items. Remarkably, they only received three normal-grade items, one common, and one uncommon. With a trembling hand, Kisha pressed the ''open'' button to reveal the items from the draw. Though she had been lucky enough to pull two legendary items and one mythic item, her nerves remained. This was the moment of truth¡ªwhen she would finally discover the true value behind each of the cards. With a rhythmic ''ting,'' each card revealed itself one by one, intensifying the tension that hammered in both Kisha''s and Duke''s hearts. The items opened the way how the draw went. [Normal Quality "Stamina Booster"] [Normal Quality "Speed Talisman"] [Normal Quality "Stamina Booster"] [Rare Quality "Shakan Poison Dagger"] [Uncommon Quality "Ice Bomb"] [Common Quality "Healing Potion"] [Rare Quality "Erebus'' Cloak"] [Legendary Quality "The Princess Tear"] [Mythic Quality "Mythic Skill Book"] [Legendary Quality "Kratos'' Spear"] ... All the items looked useful, and Kisha and Duke exchanged a glance before turning their attention to examine each one carefully. Kisha was already familiar with the stamina booster, healing potion, and Speed Talisman, so she didn''t need to spend time on them. What truly excited them were the weapon, equipment, and the new skill Kisha had received. They decided to start by inspecting the ''Shakan Poison Dagger'' and its status window. [Shakan Poison Dagger] [Description: This dagger, once wielded by Chief Warrior Shakan, is coated with venom from the Black Kruvek, a massive snake known for its lethal poison. A single drop of its venom in a city''s water supply is said to be enough to kill millions. Grade: Rare Type: Dagger Strength: +45 Effects: *Paralyze: Has a chance to paralyze the opponent for a certain duration. *Bleed: The opponent loses 1% of health per second. *Poison: The opponent suffers instant death within 1 minute of the poison taking effect.] ... [Ice Bomb] [Description: A hand grenade infused with the breath of the Ice Dragon Cerus. When detonated, it creates an explosion with a 5-meter radius. Grade: Uncommon Type: Support Weapon Damage: +50 Effects: *Freeze: Freezes opponents within the blast radius, immobilizing them for a set period. *Ice Damage: Deals ice-based damage, particularly effective against opposing elements. *Blast: Causes Area of Effect (AOE) damage, dealing +50 damage to each opponent within a 5-meter radius.] ... [Erubus'' Cloak] [Description: A unique item belonging to the God of Darkness and Shadows, renowned for its power. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 1/11 Type: Armor sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Defense: +100 Effects: *Cloak of Darkness: Grants the wearer the ability to hide in shadows, undetectable even by sensory-type skills. *Deflect: Allows the wearer to deflect critical attacks that could pose a fatal threat. *??? *??? [More effects yet to be unlocked...]] ... [The Princess Tear] [Description: A necklace said to contain the tear of a fallen archmage princess, embodying her hopes and dreams for future descendants to achieve world peace among races. Grade: Legendary Type: Accessory Stats: Mana: +500 Stamina: +100 Defense: +300 Mental Capacity: +500 Effects: *Debuff Immunity: Grants the wearer 100% immunity to any debuffs. *Sharing: Allows the wearer to borrow one skill from a specific person for a single use. (Cooldown: 2 hours)] ... [Mythic Skill Book] [Description: A rare skill book that grants a randomly selected mythic-level skill upon use. Grade: Mythic (Bound) Type: Consumable Item] ... [Krotos'' Spear] [Description: The legendary spear wielded by the God of War, Krotos, throughout his undefeated journey in battle. Grade: Legendary Unique Item: 1/15 Type: Weapon Skills & Effects: Skill: Stab: Allows the wielder to pierce defenses up to twice their offensive power, doubling the attack strength when using this skill. Effects: *Stun: Grants a chance to stun the opponent for a set duration. *Slow: Has a chance to slow the opponent''s movement for a limited time. *Pierce: Adds a critical strike to attacks, increasing the chance for devastating damage. *??? *??? [More effects yet to be unlocked...]] ... By the time they finished inspecting the last item, a considerable amount of time had passed. Kisha carefully shared the details of each item''s stats from her system with Duke. Even Duke, typically as composed and indifferent as Kisha, now wore an incredulous expression¡ªlike a kid excited about his Christmas gifts. He found the items incredibly appealing, unable to hide his enthusiasm. Duke was particularly captivated by the spear. The moment he grasped it, it felt perfectly balanced in his hand, as if it had always been a part of him. Holding it evoked a surreal sense of nostalgia, as if he were reconnecting with a long-lost companion. At that moment, Duke realized that Kratos'' Spear was made for him. He looked up and met Kisha''s curious and intrigued gaze as he held the spear. Her expression softened into a knowing smile, and she nodded in understanding. "You can have it," Kisha said softly, her smile widening. She could see that Duke had already grown attached to the spear, unable to put it down and almost as if he wanted to keep it by his side at all times. It was both endearingly cute and out of character to see Duke so captivated by something, and Kisha couldn''t help but find it charming. Kisha felt a surge of affection and a desire to indulge Duke, seeing how rare it was for him to be so attached to something. It was a unique moment, and she wanted to give him this pleasure, appreciating how special it was for him. When Kisha confirmed that he could keep the spear, Duke''s eyes widened in surprise at her willingness to part with such a legendary weapon so easily. His initial astonishment quickly melted into an affectionate, grateful smile. Duke understood that this was Kisha''s way of pampering him, and it made him even more elated. Clutching the spear tightly, he leaned in and gave Kisha a series of quick, affectionate kisses on her cheeks, the tip of her nose, her forehead, and finally her lips. Kisha felt a ticklish thrill from Duke''s sweet kisses and giggled along with his affectionate pecks. "Alright, alright, settle down," she said with a playful nudge, concerned that he might get carried away and end up being intertwined under the sheets. She still had one more item to check and needed to focus on. Kisha still wanted to find out which skill she would acquire from the mythic skill book bound to her, as it couldn''t be given to anyone else. Given its potential usefulness, she decided it was better to check it sooner rather than later. Duke understood what Kisha was up to, so he resisted the urge to draw her into a more intimate moment, even though he really wanted to. Besides, he was too thrilled with the gift she had given him, making it easy to focus his attention elsewhere. Kisha picked up the Mythic Skill Book, and the system immediately prompted her, asking if she wished to use it. [Do you wish to use Mythic Skill Book?] [Yes] or [No] Without hesitation, Kisha clicked ''Yes.'' Duke, sensing it was a more personal moment, stepped back to give her some privacy. He occupied himself by getting acquainted with his new spear, allowing Kisha to focus on discovering the skill she would unlock. Chapter 324 - 324 Achievement Shop 4 As soon as Kisha clicked ''Yes,'' the skill book blazed with a brilliant light before opening its pages. A moment later, the system interface materialized in front of her, and the skill book vanished. The skill she had acquired then appeared on the system interface, displayed clearly for her to see. [Active Skill: Rainbow Cube] [Description: Creates a separate, customizable space that can trap anything inside. The size of the cube depends on the user''s mana. Consumes mana to generate the space. Grade: EX] Kisha''s excitement to see her new skill quickly turned to puzzlement. The description was vague, leaving her unsure about its full potential. She wondered, Is this all there is to it? The skill seemed to offer only a basic function of trapping anything inside, but she had hoped for a more detailed explanation. She questioned whether the skill''s simplicity was truly all it entailed or if there was more to discover. Kisha was taken aback by the skill''s simplistic explanation and the unusual "Grade: EX" classification. She had never encountered a rating beyond "SSS" before and wondered if this was a new tier or simply an anomaly. The skill''s vague description left her with more questions than answers. She felt a strong urge to experiment with it to understand its full capabilities. Fortunately, this skill didn''t have a cooldown period, possibly because it relied on mana rather than spiritual energy like her other abilities. Despite finding the skill a bit troublesome, Kisha remembered an accessory that could help. Excitedly, she retrieved ''The Princess Tear'' necklace from her inventory, put it on, and checked her new status window. She speculated that, similar to how she had gained a new stat for ''Luck,'' mana would now be a key stat for her as well. [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 88 (+15) Stamina: 188 (+100) Defense: 388 (+300) Agility: 88 (+15) Mental Capacity: 528 (+500) Charm: 88 Leadership: 128 Luck: 40 Mana: 500 (+500) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...) Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 0, Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... Kisha''s excitement grew as she saw her mental capacity reach 500 and her stamina surpass 100. These improvements meant she could now use her Telekinesis to control larger and heavier objects with greater ease. Her enhanced stamina would also help her endure longer periods of activity without tiring quickly. However, with her mental capacity significantly increased, the main challenge remaining was managing her spiritual energy. Although her mental capacity had reached an unprecedented level, it didn''t automatically increase her spiritual energy. The boost in mental capacity allowed her to control heavier objects more easily, but maintaining control over such objects for extended periods would still require a correspondingly high level of spiritual energy. Her next goal was to find an item or method to increase her spiritual energy as well. Although her spiritual energy wasn''t displayed in her status window, she could monitor it during battles when both her health and spiritual energy were visible. This would help her keep track of how much spiritual energy she was using. As she was absorbed in thinking about how to balance her stats to ensure her skill''s effective execution, she suddenly felt a surge of energy overwhelm her. It was as if an invisible force was tightening around her heart, causing a gripping sensation. ''Thud'' She could hear her heartbeat pounding loudly, and her entire body began to tremble, drawing Duke''s attention. Kisha clutched her chest tightly, beads of sweat forming on her forehead as her face turned pale. Duke, visibly alarmed, urgently asked her what was happening, his concern growing with each passing moment. "Kisha?! What''s wrong? What''s happening to you?!" Duke threw a flurry of questions at her, his voice edged with panic. When he received no response, his worry intensified, and he quickly dropped his newly prized spear, his focus entirely on Kisha''s distress. "Ugh!" Kisha grunted as she coughed up a mouthful of blood. Seeing this, Duke''s eyes widened with panic, and his gaze darted around desperately for a solution. His face reddened with fear as he considered carrying Kisha to the medical facility or helping her rest. But Kisha, clutching the bedsheet beside her with a vice-like grip, refused to let go. In his frantic state, Duke was like a headless chicken, his mind a blank as a deafening buzz filled his head. Struggling to pull himself together, he felt helpless and overwhelmed. All he could manage to do was soothingly rub Kisha''s back, trying to offer some comfort. At that moment, he felt utterly useless. Kisha knew that her life might be in danger because of the surge of energy assaulting her heart, it felt familiar but at the same time foreign to her, it felt kind of similar to the spiritual energy flowing in her brain but at the same time a completely different power, so she surmised this is what they called ''Mana''. She could feel the two different powers clashing inside her, now, not only her heart was killing her but also her brain was throbbing really harshly that she felt like it would explode anytime soon, not that her heart was doing any better. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Ack!" Kisha coughed another mouthful of blood and it became harder for her to breathe but she didn''t want to give up and tried to guide the powers back to flow in their respective sides, her spiritual energy to her brain and her mana to her heart but doing it is not making any difference. It felt like opposing powers trying to invade each other''s territory and whenever they met in some conjecture or path in her body, they would clash. Veins began to bulge alarmingly on her forehead, neck, and other parts of her body, creating a frightening sight. Her jaw was clenched tightly as she fought to avoid biting her tongue in the midst of the searing pain. She felt as though her veins might burst at any moment, threatening to release blood from her body due to the relentless clash of energies within her. Kisha hadn''t anticipated such a violent reaction, especially after wearing the necklace. The problem likely stemmed from the fact that the mana now coursing through her body was more abundant than her spiritual energy, which was only around 300. This imbalance was causing the two types of energy¡ªeach with its own distinct flow and nature¡ªto clash rather than blend harmoniously. The disparity between them created a disruptive force, preventing a smooth integration of mana and spiritual energy. Kisha felt her vision fading to black, a clear sign that her body was on the brink of collapse. Desperately, she tried to remove the necklace, hoping to set it aside until she could find a way to balance the two energies or come up with a viable solution. However, no matter how hard she tried, the necklace refused to come off. Seeing her struggle, Duke rushed to her side, trying to help remove the necklace, but despite their combined efforts, it remained firmly in place. In a moment of desperation, Kisha''s mind raced to find a solution. Then, it hit her¡ªthe Achievement Shop she had recently accessed. Without hesitation, she opened it, hoping it might offer a remedy or a way to resolve the crisis she was facing. Chapter 325 - 325 Achievement Shop 5 [Achievement Shop] [Current Achievement Points:3000] [Weapons] [Armors] [Accessory] [Skills] [Blueprint] [Servants] [Pet] ... Kisha glanced at the array of options available, but she couldn''t muster the strength to explore them. Her vision was blurring more with each passing second, and she was barely managing to stay upright, relying solely on her sheer willpower to keep from collapsing. Duke''s eyes widened in horror as he saw blood seeping from Kisha''s body. A vein in her hand burst visibly, spraying blood like a small fountain before it gushed out uncontrollably. His already frantic state intensified as he desperately tried to apply pressure to the wound. Despite his efforts, he could only cover so much with his two hands, and the blood continued to flow relentlessly. He considered asking Kisha to take the vial of blue liquid to heal herself, but even though Kisha had thought of that too, it wouldn''t address the root of the problem. Without resolving the underlying issue, her veins would continue to burst, and blood would keep spraying out like a fountain. It would be akin to applying a bandage to a massive stab wound¡ªonly a temporary fix that wouldn''t stop the ongoing damage. Cough* Cough* Kisha coughed violently again, her entire body feeling like it was on fire. Despite the pain, she managed to sit cross-legged on the floor and gave a slight, pained gesture to Duke, indicating that he should move back a little. Duke, though reluctant and filled with concern, complied and took a hesitant step back. Kisha, feeling the urgency of her situation, hurriedly assessed the Achievement Shop to determine where to begin her search. With her time running out, she instinctively reached for the necklace that had caused her so much trouble. She quickly navigated to the ''Accessory Tab,'' hoping to find something that could help balance her energies. Fortunately, a search bar at the top of the tab provided a beacon of hope; she could now enter specific keywords to narrow down her options. She knew she needed a solution fast, so she focused her thoughts and began typing using her mind, hoping to find an item that could stabilize her condition before it was too late. Kisha quickly focused her mind and typed "Spiritual Energy Amplification" into the search bar. Within moments, a wide array of accessories materialized before her eyes. The results ranged from simple necklaces and bracelets to intricate rings, each item varying in rarity from Rare to Mythical. To her astonishment, she also encountered items classified as Divine, Cursed, and even God-level accessories, categories she had never seen before. The sheer range of options was overwhelming, but amidst the dazzling array of potential solutions, Kisha''s determination to find something that could immediately help her stabilize her two clashing energies. She needed to find the right item quickly, and she knew that exploring these categories could be crucial to resolving her dire situation. The sheer amount of Achievement Points required to purchase these items was staggering, often reaching into the hundreds of thousands. While none of the items demanded a full million points, the sight of such exorbitant prices felt like a cruel joke in her current predicament. Each point was earned through significant effort and accomplishment, making the cost of these items seem even more daunting. It was clear that accumulating enough points for these high-tier accessories was far more challenging than earning system points, which only added to her mounting frustration. The disparity in difficulty between acquiring Achievement Points and System Points underscored just how elusive and precious these powerful items truly were. The contrast between the ''Mall Points Shop'' and the ''Achievement Shop'' was stark. While the Mall Points Shop often offered items through chance and occasionally required special sales channels, such as 008''s, to access better goods, the Achievement Shop was a different beast entirely. It was a treasure trove of rare and powerful artifacts that couldn''t be found in the Mall Points Shop. In essence, the Achievement Shop was home to items of a caliber far beyond the ordinary¡ªeverything available was nothing short of extraordinary. It provided access to artifacts that were not just rare but often legendary, reserved for those who achieved exceptional feats. The sheer exclusivity and quality of items in the Achievement Shop underscored its status as the ultimate destination for unparalleled treasures. Through her increasingly blurry vision, Kisha managed to spot a jade earring among the myriad of options displayed before her. Desperation lent her focus as she reached out with trembling fingers and clicked on the item. The jade earring, with its delicate, frost-like sheen, seemed to glow with an ethereal light, promising the very solution she desperately needed. As the item''s details loaded, Kisha''s heart raced with both hope and urgency, knowing that this could be her last chance to find relief and restore balance within her overwhelmed body. [Jade Earring] [Description: Crafted from a millennium-old imperial frost jade by the esteemed Mount Hua Weapon Master Sheng Lao, this exquisite earring is renowned for its ability to amplify Spiritual Energy and significantly enhance the wearer''s cultivation speed. Legends say that it accelerates spiritual growth up to ten times faster than usual. Grade: Rare Type: Accessory Stats: Spiritual Energy: +200 Effects: Replenish: Accelerates the wearer''s recovery of used spiritual energy by 20% faster than normal. Energy Gatherer: Enhances the wearer''s ability to attract and absorb surrounding spiritual energy, allowing them to gather and utilize it ten times more efficiently than other cultivators.] S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... [Buy for 1,500 Achievement Points?] [Yes] or [No] Kisha didn''t hesitate for a second and swiftly bought the Jade Earring. The accessory was stunning¡ªdelicately beautiful, resembling a teardrop about the size of a fingernail, with a mesmerizing frost-blue hue that gave it an appearance as though it had been sculpted from the purest ice. As she gazed at it through her hazy vision, she could almost feel the slight chill emanating from the earring, the cold qi swirling gently around it, reinforcing its otherworldly aura. Despite the pain ravaging her body, Kisha was entranced by the craftsmanship and the promise of power it held. Once the exchange was complete, Kisha''s hand trembled as she attempted to put the earring on. Every movement felt agonizing; her body, battered and exhausted from the relentless pain, barely responded. Her arms refused to cooperate, weighed down by fatigue and the constant clash of energies raging within her. Luckily, Duke was by her side. The moment he realized what Kisha was trying to do, he gently took the earring from her shaking palm, his own hands clammy with anxiety. His breath hitched as he carefully moved closer, guiding the delicate piece toward her earlobe. The coldness of the jade brushed against his fingertips, a stark contrast to the fiery heat radiating from Kisha''s fevered skin. His heart raced, every second feeling too slow, too fragile. He fumbled slightly, his nerves on edge, but he managed to fasten the earring in place. It was a small gesture, but the weight of it felt monumental. Both of them knew this simple act might be the lifeline Kisha desperately needed to survive. The moment Duke finished fastening both earrings, a wave of icy relief surged through Kisha''s body. The cool sensation spread from her earlobes, cascading down her neck and shoulders, flowing into every inch of her, like a soothing balm against the searing agony that had threatened to consume her moments before. It wasn''t just a surface-level chill¡ªit felt as though the frost-blue jade was calming the very core of her being, taming the chaotic storm of clashing energies inside her. Chapter 326 - 326 The Two Energies Her heart, which had been thundering uncontrollably, began to slow, and the throbbing in her brain eased as the icy energy coursed through her veins, pushing back the overwhelming heat. She could feel the cold qi from the earrings counterbalancing the raging mana and spiritual energy within her, forcing them into an uneasy harmony. Her breath, ragged and shallow, became steadier, and for the first time since the ordeal began, Kisha could feel a glimmer of control returning. The overwhelming pressure that had gripped her heart and mind started to lift, and though she wasn''t fully out of danger, there was a flicker of hope. The cold energy was her anchor, pulling her back from the brink. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This time, Kisha finally had the chance to catch her breath. The chaotic storm within her body had subsided enough to give her a moment of reprieve, though she remained physically drained from the earlier clash of energy. Her limbs were still heavy with fatigue, and every movement felt like a struggle, but the unbearable pain that had gripped her was beginning to fade. Duke, who had been watching her intently, immediately noticed the shift in her expression. The tightness around her eyes and mouth softened, and her body, once tensed in agony, began to relax, though not completely. He let out a deep sigh of relief, the tension in his own shoulders easing as he saw her recover, at least in part. But despite this visible improvement, Duke stayed close by her side, refusing to let his guard down. His eyes never left Kisha, still wary of any sudden changes, as he kept vigil, ready to step in should she need him again. Kisha''s eyes remained closed as she fought to steady her breathing. Slowly, she cracked them open, her vision still slightly hazy but her determination unshaken. With a shaky hand, she reached into her inventory and retrieved a vial of blue liquid. Without wasting a second, she uncorked the vial and gulped it down in haste, the cool liquid rushing down her throat like a lifeline. The effect was almost immediate. As the elixir coursed through her system, the open wounds littering her body began to seal themselves shut, the torn flesh knitting together with supernatural speed. Her skin, once streaked with blood, cleared up, but the veins that had bulged ominously moments before remained visible¡ªthough far less threatening than before. They no longer throbbed as if on the verge of bursting, but instead pulsed faintly, a reminder of the imbalance that had nearly consumed her. Although the worst had passed, Kisha still felt the strain. Her body was still weak, and the lingering tension from the mana and spiritual energy conflict weighed heavily on her. She wiped a bead of sweat from her brow and sat still, letting the healing potion do its work while she tried to regain her strength. Kisha carefully placed her trembling hands on the ground, steadying herself as she sat with her legs crossed. Her fingers dug into the cold surface beneath her, grounding her amidst the chaotic storm still raging inside her body. Though the immediate danger had passed, the clash between the two energies¡ªher spiritual energy and the newly introduced mana¡ªhad not ceased entirely. They no longer battled with the same violent intensity as before, but the struggle for dominance persisted, each force refusing to yield to the other. Kisha closed her eyes again, her breathing deep and controlled as she centered her mind. She knew that brute force alone would not solve this. Instead, she needed to focus, to feel both energies clearly, understand their nature, and somehow find a way to harmonize them within herself. It was as if her spiritual energy, long accustomed to flowing freely through her system, was rejecting the intrusion of mana, a foreign force it wasn''t prepared to coexist with. Bit by bit, she visualized the two opposing forces. The spiritual energy, a warm, familiar glow, hummed in her mind like an old friend. The mana, on the other hand, was cold, distant, and vast¡ªyet somehow ancient and powerful. She could sense its potential, but its coldness sent shivers through her core. It wasn''t hostile, but it wasn''t at peace either. Each time the two forces collided, Kisha felt a small shock ripple through her system, though nothing compared to the earlier agony. With slow, deliberate breaths, she attempted to guide the energies. Instead of forcing them apart, she tried something new¡ªurging them to flow side by side. She knew that if she could make them coexist, she might unlock a new level of power. However, the process wasn''t easy; every time the mana tried to settle, her spiritual energy would flare up in resistance, unwilling to share the space it had once claimed as its own. Despite the lingering pain, Kisha remained resolute. She couldn''t afford to let these two energies tear her apart. The battle for dominance raged on for what felt like an eternity, though no one could truly tell how much time had passed. The air in the room seemed to thicken with tension, the only sounds being Kisha''s labored breathing and the occasional crackle of energy within her. Duke remained steadfast at her side, unwavering in his silent vigil. His eyes never left her, his every sense attuned to the slightest shift in her condition. Though his heart raced with worry, he kept his hands steady, ready to intervene if things took a turn for the worse. Duke knew that Kisha was locked in a fierce internal struggle. Her body, though still and unmoving on the outside, was undergoing a transformation he could only begin to imagine. He had no knowledge of the war waging within her, but he could feel the power swirling around her¡ªa strange, untamed force clashing violently with what he assumed was her familiar spiritual energy. She was trying to harness something new, something dangerous, and yet Duke understood instinctively that this was a pivotal moment for her. She was on the cusp of claiming a new power, but the process was perilous. He glanced at the faint sheen of cold sweat that still clung to her forehead, her muscles tense despite the calm fa?ade she was trying to project. Her body remained in place, locked in that meditative stance, but he knew she was vulnerable. If anyone were to attack now, it could be catastrophic. Duke reached out to get his spear in his grasp. Duke''s grip tightened on his spear, his senses sharpening as he kept watch over her, determined to protect her from any external threats while she fought the battle within. The room felt charged with energy, a hum of power hanging in the air that made the hairs on Duke''s arms stand on end. He could sense how far away Kisha''s mind was, completely absorbed in the depths of her own consciousness as she worked to bring balance to the chaotic forces inside her. She wasn''t aware of her surroundings¡ªof him, of the room, of the dangers that still lurked in their world. Yet Duke remained vigilant, fully aware that any interruption¡ªwhether from an external enemy or from the unpredictable energy inside her¡ªcould unravel everything she was trying to achieve. His gaze flickered over the door, scanning the shadows for any sign of movement, every muscle in his body coiled with readiness. He didn''t know how long this would last, but he wasn''t going to leave her side until she emerged from this, no matter how long it took. Chapter 327 - 327 Energies Under Control Though he was powerless to help her with the internal battle, Duke''s presence alone was a silent promise of protection. He was prepared to face any threat, no matter how great, to ensure that when Kisha finally emerged from this grueling struggle, she would do so with her newfound power fully realized. When Kisha finally came to her senses, the first thing she noticed was the soft, golden light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. The once suffocating tension had lifted, replaced by a serene quiet that seemed to envelop everything. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She blinked, her vision slowly adjusting to the gentle morning light, and for a moment, she simply lay there, trying to gather her scattered thoughts. The faint murmur of voices drifted in from outside, just barely audible through the window. It sounded peaceful, normal, almost mundane¡ªsuch a stark contrast to the chaos that had ravaged her body only hours ago. A cool breeze slipped through a small gap in the window, brushing lightly against her skin like a soothing balm, reminding her that she was still grounded in the real world, still alive. Her muscles ached, and every inch of her body felt like it had been through a storm, but the unbearable pain that had gripped her before was gone. In its place was a strange, deep calm, as though the two energies inside her had finally settled¡ªreluctant allies in an uneasy truce. She exhaled slowly, feeling the tension drain from her limbs as her breathing returned to normal. Kisha''s gaze swept across the room, taking in her surroundings with a newfound clarity. Her eyes finally landed on Duke, seated nearby, his entire being radiating both relief and exhaustion. His rigid posture betrayed the intensity of the night, his broad shoulders tense, as if holding the weight of the world. His eyes¡ªred-rimmed and glassy¡ªwere filled with an overwhelming mix of worry and fatigue. The deep crimson veins crisscrossing the whites of his eyes told her everything: he hadn''t slept, not even for a moment. He had been watching over her, relentless and unwavering, every second filled with anxious vigilance. The way his chest rose and fell in ragged breaths signaled just how close he''d come to breaking down, yet his gaze never faltered, locked onto her with such intensity it almost hurt to see. When their eyes finally met, Duke''s lips parted, and he let out a long, trembling sigh of relief, as if he''d been holding his breath all night. She could see the faint glimmer of unshed tears, his emotional restraint barely holding. For a moment, his composure cracked, and Kisha could see just how much he''d suffered watching her fight this internal battle. The exhaustion etched into his face wasn''t just physical; it was emotional, the toll of seeing someone he cared for teetering on the edge. "You''re... okay," he whispered, his voice hoarse from the sleepless hours, the relief in those two words almost palpable. Kisha''s heart clenched as she realized how long she must have been out of it. Duke''s weary state only confirmed what she feared¡ªthis wasn''t a brief struggle. It had taken hours, possibly the entire night, for her to finally force the two battling energies within her to accept one another. What had once been a violent clash between spiritual energy and mana was now something entirely new. She could feel it coursing through her veins¡ªcalm, steady, and unified. A fusion of the two, stronger and more stable than anything she''d felt before. Her body, though still weak, felt lighter. The heat of the earlier battle had cooled, leaving a strange, serene energy in its place. She had done it. Somehow, in the chaos and desperation, she had survived the turmoil and emerged with something greater. A new power. But as she looked at Duke, she realized the price they had both paid. The hours of tension, of waiting for a miracle, had drained him as much as they had her. He had stayed, protecting her in her most vulnerable state, and now she could see the toll it had taken on him. "You didn''t rest," she said softly, her voice barely a whisper. It wasn''t a question¡ªit was a statement of fact, and Duke simply shook his head in response, his lips quirking into a small, tired smile. "I couldn''t," he replied, his voice raw with emotion. "Not while you were like that." At that moment, Kisha knew she owed him more than just her thanks. He had been her anchor through the storm, and now, despite his exhaustion, he was still here¡ªwatching over her with that same fierce intensity, as though nothing else in the world mattered more than her well-being. Kisha moved closer to Duke, her heart heavy with gratitude and guilt. Without a word, she gently draped her arms around his neck, pulling him into an embrace that spoke of comfort and solace. She guided his head to rest on her shoulder, her fingers instinctively moving to stroke his hair in soft, calming motions. The tension in Duke''s body slowly began to unravel, his ragged, uneven breathing gradually settling into a calmer rhythm. For the first time since the ordeal began, he allowed himself to relax, leaning into her touch. His guard was finally down, and the exhaustion he''d fought so hard to suppress finally took hold. Kisha could feel just how worn out he was, every inch of him heavy with fatigue. The strain of staying alert and ready to act for hours on end had clearly drained him, yet he hadn''t faltered¡ªnot for a second. Her fingers continued to gently run through his hair, each stroke meant to reassure him, to let him know he wasn''t alone in this. The softness of his breathing against her neck was a stark reminder of the depth of his care, of how fiercely he had stood by her side, no matter how dire the situation had been. Kisha''s chest tightened with a flood of emotions. On one hand, she felt a deep pang of guilt. Duke had pushed himself to his absolute limit, and it was because of her. The thought of him sitting there all night, battling his own fears while she fought within herself, made her heart ache. Yet, there was another emotion bubbling just beneath the surface¡ªsomething warmer, something that made her feel safe and cherished. Duke had stayed. He had watched over her, protected her, and even now, after everything, he was still here. His presence was like a beacon of strength, and knowing that he cared for her so deeply filled her with an indescribable warmth. Despite the chaos and the danger, there was a quiet happiness blooming inside her¡ªbecause Duke treasured her, in ways she hadn''t fully realized until now. As she continued to hold him, Kisha whispered softly, "Thank you, Duke." The words were simple, but they carried the weight of everything she felt in that moment. Gratitude, affection, and an unspoken promise that she would never take his loyalty for granted. Duke didn''t respond with words. He didn''t need to. The way he relaxed further into her embrace, his arms finally wrapping around her in return, said more than words ever could. Soon after, Duke fell asleep, slumped awkwardly on the floor with his head resting against Kisha''s shoulder. His posture was far from comfortable, but the exhaustion had clearly taken its toll. Despite his unusual position, he appeared to be deeply asleep, his breathing steady and slow. Chapter 328 - 328 The Misunderstanding Kisha, however, was a stark contrast. While Duke had succumbed to fatigue, she felt an unusual surge of energy. She had spent the last few hours meticulously focusing on controlling the two conflicting energies within her body. Through her meditation, she had achieved a state of profound relaxation, both physically and mentally. For her, this deep meditative state was as restorative as sleep, allowing her body and mind to rejuvenate despite her active efforts. Once Kisha sensed that Duke had fallen into a deep sleep, she carefully utilized her telekinesis to lift him gently from his awkward position on the floor. With utmost precision, she floated him over to the bed, ensuring his movement was smooth and untroubled. Duke remained perfectly still, his sleep undisturbed by the transition. As Kisha settled him onto the bed, a comforting warmth seemed to envelop Duke, akin to a tender embrace from her. This soothing sensation spread through his body, enhancing his sense of relaxation. The gentle comfort of the bed and the warmth surrounding him made Duke''s slumber even deeper and more peaceful, allowing him to sink further into restful tranquility. After carefully settling Duke onto the bed, Kisha tenderly tucked him in, making sure he was comfortable and secure. She gazed at him with a look of deep affection, her eyes soft and filled with love. As she watched him sleep peacefully, she marveled at how deeply she had fallen for him. The realization struck her with a gentle surprise¡ªDuke seemed to embody everything she had ever wished for, and in that moment, he appeared utterly perfect for her. Minutes later, Kisha reluctantly rose from the edge of the bed, her gaze lingering on Duke''s serene form. She had other tasks awaiting her, but before moving on, she took a moment to look at her palm with a broad smile. Reflecting on the ease with which she had used her telekinesis to lift Duke earlier, she was pleasantly surprised by how effortless it had become. The strain she once felt when employing her awakened ability seemed to have diminished significantly, a testament to her growing mastery and control. Kisha felt an effortless flow in her telekinesis, as if wielding her ability had become second nature. To test her newfound control, she closed her eyes and stretched her power outward, letting her telekinesis reach into the space around her. Instantly, she could feel every object, from the smallest pebble to the furniture in the room. She sensed their shapes, textures, and positions with a clarity that surprised her. It was as though her mind had developed a heightened awareness of her environment, painting a vivid mental map without her needing to see anything directly. Kisha felt as though her vision now extended far beyond the reach of her eyes, as if her telekinesis had unlocked an entirely new dimension of awareness. It was an exhilarating sensation. She marveled at how easily she could sense and manipulate her surroundings with just a thought, seeing through her mind what her eyes couldn''t. Curious to explore this newfound depth of her power, she extended her telekinesis further, focusing on the room around her. With minimal effort, she lifted nearly every object in the space: the bed where Duke lay asleep, the bedside table, the lamp, the chair, the entire sofa set¡ªeverything hovered effortlessly. The items floated in perfect suspension, not a tremor or hesitation in her control. What amazed her even more was how natural it all felt. Despite lifting such a large number of objects, Kisha felt no strain on her mind¡ªno headache, no pressure, nothing. The sensation was so effortless that it almost seemed like the weight of the objects had become irrelevant, as though her telekinesis had evolved beyond physical limitations. She could sense each item''s weight, texture, and position, yet it didn''t drain her in the slightest. The ease with which she manipulated the room made her wonder just how far she could push this ability now. A quiet thrill stirred within her, the realization settling in that she had tapped into something far greater than she had ever imagined. Taming the clashing energies inside her hadn''t just restored her balance¡ªit had unlocked an extraordinary new potential. Kisha turned around the room, taking a moment to admire her work. It was an awe-inspiring sight¡ªthe entire space suspended effortlessly by her power, yet it felt so natural, almost like an extension of herself. There was something profound about the experience, though she couldn''t quite pinpoint what it was. The sensation was new and exhilarating, leaving her both amazed and curious. After indulging in the moment for a few seconds longer, she let out a quiet breath and, with practiced ease, slowly began returning everything to its rightful place. The objects descended gracefully¡ªthe bed, the lamp, the furniture¡ªall landing softly without a sound. Even Duke, who had been floating peacefully in the air, was gently lowered back onto the bed, still fast asleep. As the excitement settled, Kisha smiled to herself. Reaching into her inventory, she pulled out a sticky note and began writing, her earlier energy replaced with a quiet satisfaction. "I''m off to work now. You should rest a bit longer and don''t forget to eat the food I made for you. I''ll leave it on the coffee table. Muah." Kisha made sure to add a playful ''muah'' emoji at the end of her note, knowing it would bring a smile to Duke''s face when he woke up. After finishing the note, Kisha didn''t linger and quickly headed downstairs to prepare breakfast for Duke. As she reached the bottom of the stairs and glanced around, she noticed everyone already sitting down, enjoying their morning meal. She gave them a warm nod, her smile radiant. It was clear to everyone that she was in an exceptionally good mood, practically glowing with energy. Everyone exchanged knowing glances before the Patriarch burst into a hearty laugh, shoveling his breakfast down with gusto. ''Looks like my grandson did a fine job last night and is still out for the count,'' he mused, his thoughts mirroring the sentiments of the others around the table. Unaware of the thoughts running through everyone''s minds, Kisha headed straight to the kitchen. She prepared a simple egg and tuna sandwich for Duke as a small gesture of appreciation for staying by her side all night. To complete the meal, she also made a light salad and brewed a fresh cup of coffee for him. Once she finished making the sandwich, Kisha carefully wrapped it in wax paper. She ensured the vegetables in the salad were completely dry before placing them in a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap, and separating the dressing into a small ceramic sauce jug. Since she wasn''t sure when Duke would wake up, she poured the freshly brewed coffee into a small thermos. Finally, she added another sticky note: ''This is your coffee. Don''t forget to shake it a little before pouring.'' sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once she finished, Kisha carefully arranged everything on a tray and headed upstairs. Everyone watched with amused smiles, as if they were witnessing a young couple deeply in love. Kisha, unfazed by their reactions, made her way to their room. She set the breakfast on the coffee table before stepping out. Back in the kitchen, she retrieved a strawberry doughnut from her inventory and began to munch on it, all the while gazing thoughtfully at her status window. Chapter 329 - 329 The New Normal After Kisha finished admiring her status window and the significant boost in her stats, she took a moment to savor a glass of milk. Now, with her stomach full, she set out for the square where the warriors were already assembled. Aston, Sparrow, Vulture, and the rest were waiting on the front porch, ready to accompany her. Their mission was clearly on everyone''s minds, and Kisha''s leadership was crucial for the next steps. As they gathered, the anticipation was palpable. Kisha, still focused on her objectives, was unaware of the murmur of speculation among her team about Duke''s absence. She led them with purpose, eager to begin the task ahead. They scanned the area but found no sign of Duke. Given their familiarity with his recent exhaustion, they quickly concluded that he must have been too fatigued to make an appearance. This explanation was well understood among them, so they chose to remain quiet and proceeded to follow Kisha without any further comment. Each of them had their own assumptions about what the mission might entail. This was their first mission since taking over the base, and excitement was palpable among the group. Sparrow and Vulture, in particular, were eager. They had grown accustomed to the rigorous training and were itching for the exhilarating sense of purpose that came from real combat. They yearned to experience the thrill of fighting outside against zombies, relishing the growth and development they felt in every life-and-death battle. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now that Kisha had mentioned a mission, a tremor of anticipation ran through them. Despite their previous experiences in battles¡ªwhether in territorial disputes, drug wars, or other dangerous missions¡ªthey often felt morally conflicted, as their opponents were still human. However, this mission promised a different kind of conflict. They were about to face monsters, not people. The removal of this moral burden was liberating, allowing them to focus purely on the task at hand without the weight of ethical concerns. They could fully unleash their bloodlust and grow exponentially stronger, a process they had eagerly anticipated. This was their sole purpose, their raison d''¨ºtre. Duke had nurtured and trained them to become elite warriors, and in this world of combat, they felt a profound sense of belonging, as if it had been tailor-made for them. In contrast, Aston was an exception among Duke''s ranks. A soldier by trade even before the apocalypse, his mission was to save and protect civilians. His focus remained on preserving life rather than indulging in the violence that drove his comrades. Although Aston was skilled and capable, he remained constrained by his intrinsic values. Unlike Duke''s warriors, who thrived in their primal environment and reveled in their brutality, Aston felt a sense of dread rather than anticipation. For him, the impending mission was a stark reminder that it could result in injury or death among their ranks. His focus was on the potential harm that could befall his comrades, rather than the thrill of combat. As they approached the square, each absorbed in their own thoughts, they found the warriors engaged in a lively debate. The air was thick with speculation about the purpose of their summons and the nature of the upcoming mission. While rumors had been circulating, nothing had been confirmed, leading to a palpable sense of nervous anticipation among the group. Over the past few days of training under Duke''s guidance, the team had not only honed their physical strength and reflexes but also learned group and pair formations designed for real combat scenarios. However, despite their intense efforts, the rapid pace of their training meant that their muscles were still adapting and their skills remained underdeveloped. This left many of them feeling apprehensive and intimidated by the prospect of their first mission. Kisha, however, saw things differently. She believed that the lack of experience was precisely why they needed to be thrust into the field. For her, real combat was the only way they would truly learn to fight and protect themselves. There was no time to wait for them to become fully accustomed to killing zombies or engaging in battle; she needed her warriors to develop the courage and resilience to fight, even when the odds were stacked against them. That''s why she kept the specifics of the mission a secret, only informing them that a mission was scheduled. While part of her intention was to instill a sense of nervousness for their first outing, she also wanted to underline the unpredictable nature of their world. Just as zombie breaches and dangers could strike at any moment, so too could missions arise unexpectedly. This approach was meant to sharpen their awareness and readiness for any eventuality. By maintaining an air of uncertainty, Kisha aimed to ensure that even under intense pressure, her team would remain perpetually alert. She wanted them to understand that being prepared at all times was crucial, regardless of the situation. Experiencing feelings of nervousness, dread, and fear was part of this readiness. With their base situated in the heart of a city teeming with zombies, complacency was not an option. If she had to be the bad guy to instill this necessary vigilance, she was prepared to do so, reinforcing the importance of constant preparedness and awareness. Especially now that their lives have started to stabilize¡ªno longer needing to worry about food or shelter¡ªpeople have begun to feel like things are returning to normal. However, this sense of normalcy is misleading. Their minds are blocking out the ever-present danger lurking just outside, and they''re deluding themselves into thinking they''re back to the peaceful lives they once knew. However, if Kisha were to shatter that delusion, people might become angry and apprehensive about her leadership. Yet, they would also come to understand what true safety means. True safety can only be achieved through constant vigilance and preparedness, with everyone ready to protect their home at all times. This also meant that her soldiers needed to be ready to fight at all times. After all, wasn''t that why she had distributed the Scarlet Honey to the warriors even before they awakened? She wanted them to understand that every action they took was aimed at protecting their new home and ensuring their new normal remained secure. Now that Kisha had stirred the hornet''s nest, all that remained was to initiate the operation. Standing on the stage with the core members around her, Kisha surveyed the anxious faces of the warriors below. As Kisha surveyed the crowd, she began, "Hello everyone. I trust you had a good rest last night and that you''ve gained valuable insights from your training with the Vice City Lord." A devilish smirk played on her lips as she observed the warriors below, watching them gulp nervously as apprehension took hold of them. "It''s time for all of you to put what you''ve learned into action." Her voice boomed, echoing through the tense silence. The warriors'' faces turned pale with fear, realizing what Kisha''s words implied. It wasn''t just a few of them who would be sent out¡ªshe meant every single one of them gathered in the square, without exception. Although Kisha didn''t want their base to become a militarized stronghold like it had been in her previous life, she was determined not to have her people become weak or prone to fleeing in fear. Such weakness could spell disaster for their survival and the security of the base. Chapter 330 - 330 Mission Discussion Before anyone could gather their thoughts to protest, Kisha spoke again. "Yes, it''s dangerous out there," she acknowledged, her tone firm, "but my team and I will be right beside you, fighting alongside you. This isn''t just about me or my team. All of you are now my people, my responsibility. But that doesn''t mean I can carry all the burdens or shield you from every threat. You need the strength to protect yourselves and those you care about. I won''t always be here to protect you, and neither will my team." "See this as an opportunity to grow stronger," Kisha commanded, her voice resolute. "Get familiar with the movements and patterns of the zombie hordes. You''ll soon realize they''re not as terrifying once you''ve taken one down. It only takes one kill to conquer your fear¡ªjust one to regain control." Her overbearing presence silenced the crowd, the weight of her words settling in. They understood the hard truth in what she was saying and the logic behind it. But fear isn''t something that can be easily dismissed just because someone says so. For many of them, it wasn''t just a simple emotion to overcome¡ªit was a deeply rooted nightmare, a constant source of dread, fed by the unknown and the horrors they had already faced. The uncertainty of what lay ahead only intensified that fear, making it hard for them to believe they could truly conquer it. Kisha understood this all too well, but backing down wasn''t an option. No matter what she did, even with the help of the system, she knew she couldn''t handle everything on her own. The looming uncertainty of what would happen in just 15 days weighed heavily on her mind¡ªtime was running out. That''s why she was on edge, seeing this as a "now or never" situation. She had no choice but to push these people to their limits, to whip them into shape. If she didn''t, they would all be in deep shit. "Alright, I know many of you are scared, especially after everything you''ve been through," Kisha began, her tone steady yet firm. "The first step is always the hardest¡ªremember that. But we''re doing this for our families, for the people we care about." She paused, trying to project empathy she didn''t truly feel in her heart but understood was necessary for them to hear. "My team and I will be leading this mission, and we''ll be right there alongside you." After playing the empathy card, Kisha shifted to the real purpose of the gathering. "Now, let''s talk about the mission ahead." She took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "I''m sure you''re all well aware of the devastation a zombie raid can bring. You''ve seen it, lived it. And you''ve probably also noticed that the wall we''ve built around the base isn''t exactly as sturdy or reliable as we''d like. If we leave it as it is, the chances of another breach only get higher." Her voice carried a weight of urgency, making it clear this wasn''t just another drill. "And this would be disastrous for the non-combatants in the base." As soon as she said this, murmurs spread through the square. People began discussing the events of the second blood rain when the zombie horde breached the wall, leading to many casualties¡ªan event still vivid in their memories. "Alright, quiet down," Kisha''s voice boomed with authority, cutting through the noise and swiftly silencing the crowd. "And to prevent another disaster, we need to strengthen our walls. How do we do that?" Kisha''s eyes scanned the crowd before continuing. "First, our ''Advance Party Captain'' Sparrow, along with Rose, Fred, and Clyde''s team, will head east toward the port city. There, they''ll secure more cargo trailers, which we''ll use as the foundation for reinforcing our walls." "And before any of you jump to conclusions, thinking that simply adding cargo trailers won''t make a difference, hold your horses and wait to see how we''re going to do it," Kisha said, her voice firm but confident. "Vulture and I will be leading the rebuilding and expansion of the wall." As she spoke, Kisha noticed the dawning realization in the warriors'' eyes, their expressions shifting from confusion to shock, eyes widening, jaws practically hitting the ground as they finally understood the scale of what she was proposing. "Yes, we are going to expand the base," Kisha declared, her tone leaving no room for debate. "I know for certain that more survivors are on their way, and our population is only going to keep growing. So instead of expanding later and adding more work, we should tackle it all at once, maximizing our efforts now." She paused, scanning the crowd, fully aware that some might be skeptical of such a large-scale mission. But Kisha had no intention of letting anyone talk her down. Almost all the warriors would be deployed, leaving only Bald Eagle''s ''City Patrol'' and Aston''s soldiers to guard the base while the mission was underway. Aside from the combatants assigned to maintain safety and order inside the base, all other warriors, whether superhumans or not, will be deployed for this mission. Their assistance is crucial. Moreover, Kisha isn''t just focusing on the wall; she''s aiming to accomplish multiple objectives with this large-scale operation. By involving everyone, she plans to tackle not only the immediate needs of the base but also to complete several of her system missions simultaneously. Having communicated her objectives clearly, Kisha signaled for Sparrow, Rose, Fred, and Clyde to assemble their teams and head to the right side. Meanwhile, Vulture and his team, including the newly assigned members Kisha had selected for this mission, were directed to the left. Sparrow, too, had a contingent of newly awakened superhumans assigned to him, including the five ''Space Type'' ability users and Evelyn, whose ''Metal'' abilities would significantly bolster his team''s defense. Kisha allowed Sparrow and the others to address their respective teams, boosting morale with their words and encouragement. As the leaders spoke and rallied the frightened warriors, Kisha descended from the stage. She then guided the five ''Space Type Ability Users'' toward the Supply Center, preparing for the crucial steps ahead. The five ''Space Type Ability Users'' walked in tight formation behind Kisha, their movements precise and disciplined. They were well aware of her expectations, understanding their abilities and limitations. Upon reaching the Supply Center, Kisha guided them through its depths to the rear of the building. There, among stacks of supplies that couldn''t be displayed due to overcrowding at the front of the supple center where people went to exchange their points, she led them to the area where essential items were stored out of sight. The lack of a proper warehouse meant that much of the inventory had to be kept in less accessible spaces. "Alright, I understand that you''re feeling nervous and scared, but trust Sparrow and the other leaders¡ªthey will ensure your safety. Your job is to follow their instructions closely so they can focus on the battle without distraction. Understand?" Kisha emphasized the importance of their role in the mission, making it clear that their cooperation was vital for its success. The five nodded vigorously, their expressions resolute, to reassure Kisha that they fully understood their roles and that she needn''t worry about their commitment. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 331 - 331 Softer Seeing their determined nods, Kisha let out a relieved sigh and gestured toward the supplies stacked around them. "These are the supplies designated for the team heading to the Port City with you. Make sure you use them wisely." Kisha continued, "With all five of you working together, you can use your ''Space Type Abilities'' to store these supplies efficiently. Make sure to divide them evenly among yourselves so that you can be easily redistributed to the other teams if necessary. This way, everyone will be prepared and won''t have to worry about running out of supplies in critical situations." She added, "I may not be able to foresee every possible issue that might arise, but I trust Sparrow''s leadership and experience to guide you through any uncertainty." Especially since Sparrow has spent considerable time under Kisha''s leadership during their missions outside the base, he has likely become accustomed to her methods. Even if he doesn''t follow her exact approach, he has his own strategies that have consistently delivered outstanding results. This track record reassures Kisha, easing her concern about not accompanying them. Besides, the route to the port city is less challenging than Duke''s mission to the textile factory, as there are safer paths available. Aston had already helped her map out the route, the same one he and his team used to retrieve cargo trailers that now form part of the base''s perimeter. It was either sheer luck or good timing that, during the apocalypse, they had a mission in Port City and were driving a few cargo trailers. These trailers became instrumental in kickstarting their plan. They managed to make several trips back and forth, allowing them to establish the base with enough space to accommodate everyone. Kisha had also taken into account any potential changes along the route, which is why she emphasized the need for everyone to stay vigilant. After giving the five more reminders for when they were outside, she sent them back to the Supply Center. She remained at the rear for a few moments, then summoned Zeus, Bell, and Bell''s hundreds of Scarlet Bee warriors. Ensuring that all the bees shrunk to a manageable size so they could accompany Sparrow and his team, she sighed when she saw Zeus. Its size was still attention-grabbing, but there wasn''t much she could do about that. Kisha was determined to ensure that Sparrow and his team''s mission would be a success. This was their first major mission since establishing HOPE BASE, and its outcome would set the tone for the future. If Sparrow and his team could complete it with minimal casualties, the survivors would gain confidence in Kisha''s leadership. However, if the mission ended in failure or, worse, a massacre, not only would she lose the people''s trust, but no one would want to follow her anymore. This could lead to chaos and rebellion within the base, jeopardizing her mission entirely. In the end, it all came down to a political move she couldn''t avoid. The moment she became the City Lord of HOPE BASE, dealing with these issues became inevitable. Winning the people''s trust and loyalty was now part of her responsibility, and capturing their hearts was as crucial as any other task she faced. With a heavy sigh, Kisha stepped out from the back of the supply center to rejoin the five ''Space Type Ability Users.'' The moment they spotted the hulking, bear-like figure trailing behind her, they froze, a mix of shock and fear flashing across their faces. Zeus, despite its playful demeanor¡ªtongue out and drooling¡ªstill cut an imposing and intimidating figure, looking scarily domineering even when simply standing there. Kisha noticed their pale faces and could only offer a wry smile. "Haha, don''t worry, this is my pet, Zeus. I know it looks intimidating, but it''s very docile and an excellent protector. Zeus will serve as your personal bodyguard during the mission. However, if you need to split up depending on the situation, there will still be others to protect you, so stay calm, but don''t get complacent," she said. Even though she didn''t want to sound nagging, she made sure to emphasize her point, knowing it might sound repetitive to them. "Bell," Kisha called out through their mind link. "Yes, Master? Do you have instructions for Bell?" Bell''s sweet, melodic voice echoed in Kisha''s mind. "Yes, since I won''t be there with you, I''m entrusting Zeus to your care. As the older sister, it''s your responsibility to ensure that Zeus stays out of trouble and assists Sparrow and the team as needed. Understood?" "Master! Zeus, good boy!" Zeus interjected into their mind link, before letting out a thunderous bark. The force of the bark reverberated through the Supply Center, causing the ground to tremble slightly and the lights and decorations to shake. Even Kisha felt a resounding, echoing ''buzz'' in her ears from Zeus'' powerful bark. "Zeus!" Kisha exclaimed. Zeus immediately perked up, its tail wagging. "No barking that loudly when you''re outside, unless Bell gives you the signal. We don''t want to attract a horde of zombies like last time." Kisha reprimanded Zeus, knowing that a loud bark could draw unwanted attention and create dangerous situations for Sparrow''s team. After being reprimanded, Zeus''s tail and ears drooped, and it whimpered softly. "I''m not angry, Zeus, just trying to keep everyone safe," Kisha said gently. "You can only bark softly unless Bell gives you permission to bark loudly. Let''s practice that now." As she patted Zeus''s head, which was now taller than her, she encouraged it to try barking quietly. "Arf..." Zeus tried to bark softly, but to Kisha, it still sounded like a normal, loud bark. It was clear that even this softer attempt could potentially attract nearby zombies. "Softer," Kisha said gently, her voice lowering as she coaxed Zeus. Meanwhile, everyone in the Supply Center paused their activities, watching in amusement. They thought Kisha was simply teaching the bear-like dog a new trick for their entertainment. Given the lack of diversion aside from occasional gossip, the scene with Kisha and Zeus became a welcome break. "Arf." Zeus''s bark came out as a soft squeak, which prompted everyone to burst into laughter. Seeing the reaction, Zeus thought it had done well and continued to bark softly, resembling the sound of a squeaky toy. Kisha facepalmed as she watched Zeus. Despite her efforts, the bear-like dog had turned into a source of entertainment, eliciting laughter from everyone. She didn''t have the heart to reprimand Zeus further, especially since it was just following her instructions. The crowd, unfamiliar with Zeus''s origins and enchanted by the spectacle, was too amused to question where the dog had come from. The once intimidating and fearsome Zeus had unexpectedly become the base''s mascot. Kisha, resigned to this new reality, shook her head in defeat. With no more to be done about it, she and the rest of the team returned to the square where Sparrow and the others were waiting. The briefing, led by Aston, was complete. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston had ensured that they were all well-informed about the route, potential nearby shelters or bases, and places with useful supplies for any emergency supply runs. Aston also made sure to cover nearby military offices, highlighting where they could find ammunition if needed, and identifying suitable locations for hiding or other critical needs. Chapter 332 - 332 Sparrows Teams Departure When Kisha and the five arrived, Aston and the other team leaders had just finished their briefing. With the bear-like dog in tow, Kisha attracted curious glances from everyone in the square. Initially, some had thought Zeus was a bear Kisha had rescued, but up close, they realized it was simply an unusually large dog. Though everything appeared rushed, it was all part of Kisha''s plan. In the apocalypse, surprises are constant, and perfect preparedness is a myth. She wanted her warriors to understand that maintaining vigilance¡ªeven during seemingly peaceful times¡ªis crucial. By doing so, they would be better equipped to handle life-or-death situations. This, she hoped, would be a valuable lesson for them all. After the offensive team leaders completed their briefing, and while the warriors were still high in morale, Aston''s soldiers had already driven four military trucks into the square. Vulture''s defensive team had stepped back to clear the way, watching with enthusiasm as Sparrow''s team prepared for their departure. This ensured that no one from Sparrow''s had the chance to second-guess themselves or back out of the mission. With a confident stride and his natural charm as a leader, Sparrow took the driver''s seat of the first truck, surprising the warriors. They hadn''t anticipated that Sparrow would take on the driving role himself. Little did they know, Sparrow not only had experience in driving but also wanted to set the pace, ensuring that the remaining three trucks would follow him closely and efficiently. Kisha equipped each truck with a walkie-talkie, ensuring that the teams could communicate effectively and coordinate their efforts seamlessly while they were outside. The five ''Space Type Ability Users'' boarded Sparrow''s truck, while the other team leaders took their positions in the remaining trucks. Evelyn was assigned to the very rear, a crucial position due to its high risk, and was accompanied by long-range ability users like the ''Fire and Water Type Ability Users.'' Additionally, Scarlet Bees were strategically distributed across all four military trucks for added protection. No one except Sparrow was aware of the Scarlet Bees'' presence, as they, along with Bell, were shrunk to the size of flies. Only Sparrow''s ''Hawk Eye'' allowed him to spot them. He understood that this was Kisha''s method of ensuring their safety, even in her absence, demonstrating her commitment to their protection. Along with the bees, Kisha had also included stamina boosters and vials of black and blue liquid in the supplies that were placed under the five ''Space Type Ability Users'' care. With a wave of his hand from the driver''s seat, Sparrow slowly began to drive his truck, the other three trucks following in line. The scene was emotionally charged as survivors, many with family members among the warriors on this mission, trailed behind the trucks with tear-streaked faces. They walked in a solemn procession, while Vulture''s team accompanied them alongside the trucks, ensuring that the offensive team departed the base safely and smoothly through the gate. Sparrow led the procession toward Gate 4 on the eastern side of the base. The soldiers stationed at the gate stood in salute, some perched atop the gate walls with their guns slung over their shoulders. Sparrow brought his truck to a gradual halt in front of the gate, waiting for the gatekeeper''s signal. Meanwhile, Kisha appeared at the top of the wall, and Vulture, along with the other awakened ability users, positioned themselves in front of Sparrow''s truck, assuming their offensive stances. It was as if the zombies sensed something was about to happen at Gate 4; they swarmed out of the streets and converged on the gate. The air was soon filled with the echo of gunfire, each shot reverberating like a drumbeat in everyone''s chest. The tension was palpable, and the sound of zombies screeching and growling from beyond the gate, combined with the relentless gunfire, made the atmosphere nerve-wracking and terrifying. Many onlookers could barely muster the courage to move closer, their fear palpable as they stood paralyzed by the sounds of chaos unfolding before them. Kisha didn''t remain idle; this was the first time the survivors of the base would witness her awakened abilities, and she was determined to make an impression. She wasn''t going to be seen as just a figurehead who could strategize but not fight. As she scanned the area, she noticed the many broken-down cars scattered outside the walls. These obstacles could pose a significant problem for Sparrow and his team as they drove through. With her renewed power, Kisha felt an overwhelming surge of energy. Without hesitation, she focused on the nearest car, raising her right hand. The soldiers on top of the wall watched in awe as the car began to tremble and shake violently. Creak... Creak... Clang! Sceech... S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everyone below the wall heard a deafening screech of metal from the other side. The soldiers atop the wall, momentarily stunned by the spectacle, for a second they forgot their duty of fending off the encroaching zombies. The sight before them was so astonishing that it left them temporarily paralyzed, unable to fully grasp the magnitude of what they were witnessing. Harnessing her telekinesis, Kisha manipulated the nearby car with remarkable precision, as if wielding an invisible extension of her hand. The vehicle moved with impressive force, clearing the incoming zombies with ease. Some were sent soaring high into the sky, spinning uncontrollably, while others were flattened against the ground. The car''s powerful sweep left behind only splattered, blackened remnants of rotting flesh. The scene was so grisly that even the seasoned soldiers could only wince in response. Kisha wielded her telekinesis with effortless precision, using the car to clear the area as if it were a mere extension of her will. Despite the massive scale of her actions, she felt no fatigue. Once the car was reduced to a crumpled heap of metal, she seamlessly replaced it with another, drawing from the abundance of abandoned vehicles littering the street. Those standing below the wall were baffled by the scene unfolding above. The soldiers had ceased firing, transfixed by the spectacle beyond the wall, while Kisha''s hand moved in sweeping gestures through the air. The grating sound of metal scraping against asphalt resonated sharply, an unsettling yet rhythmic noise that grated on their nerves. Observing the soldiers'' stunned reactions, the crowd below sensed that something extraordinary was occurring on the other side, sparking their curiosity. Yet, despite their intrigue, no one dared to venture closer to investigate. When Kisha''s right arm grew weary from the continuous movement, she seamlessly switched to using her left hand, maintaining her telekinetic control over the nearby vehicles. With her extraordinary power, she systematically cleared the entire area of zombies. For the few that remained scattered, Kisha employed any sharp metal objects or debris she could find outside the wall, launching them with precision and speed akin to bullets. To ensure maximum lethality, she imparted a spinning motion to the projectiles, enhancing their impact and maintaining their deadly force over the distance. In no time, Kisha had cleared the path for Sparrow and his team. The area outside the gate now appeared eerily desolate, with the air thickened by the nauseating stench of decay. The ground was littered with the remnants of rotting flesh, including severed limbs and heads, along with scattered, shimmering crystals from the disintegrated zombies. Some of the lower body part of the zombies were impaled on poles, while others, still twitching slightly, had been flung on top of the vehicles. It looked as if a storm of zombies had swept through, leaving a chaotic scene in its wake. Chapter 333 - 333 Sparrows Teams Departure 2 It was a terrifying spectacle, as if a tornado had ripped through or a nightmare had come to life right before their eyes. Just when everyone believed that the zombie horde¡ªthose grotesque monsters that devoured humans with ruthless abandon¡ªwas the epitome of horror, Kisha shattered that notion. The once-feared zombies were reduced to mere insects under the overwhelming power of Kisha, who effortlessly demonstrated her sheer dominance. The soldiers stationed atop the wall stared at Kisha with wide eyes, their mouths opening and closing like fish gasping for air. They were at a loss for words, unsure of how to react to the spectacle they had just witnessed. To them, Kisha appeared unfazed and composed, as if she hadn''t even broken a sweat. In reality, however, her back was drenched with sweat from the exertion. Perhaps it was the thrill of using her newly acquired power¡ªsomething she had never experienced in her previous lives¡ªthat drove her. Despite the sweat pouring down her face and her slight panting from exhaustion, Kisha felt an exhilarating sense of accomplishment. Her heart pounded with excitement, and she felt as though she could achieve even more. She could also sense her spiritual energy slowly recovering. Although it took her just five minutes to clear the perimeter, the effort had drained 400 of her SP. Perhaps it was because controlling larger objects from a distance pushed her to extend her reach further than usual. Once she finished clearing the area, Kisha signaled the gatekeeper to open the gate. However, the gatekeeper was so awestruck by the spectacle that he failed to act immediately. It wasn''t until Kisha called out to him a second time that he snapped back to reality and began to open the gate. "Open, Open the gate!!! Hurry!" the gatekeeper shouted urgently to the two soldiers peering through the cracks. They scrambled to open the gate as quickly as possible, their movements frantic and uncoordinated, driven by the urgency of not disappointing Kisha. Far from feeling fear, they were overwhelmed by a surge of adrenaline, as if they had witnessed a godlike figure in action. [Jade Earring in effect +20% Spiritual Energy Recovering] [Title "City Lord" in effect +30% Spiritual Energy Recovering] [Title "City Lord" in effect +20% Stamina Recovering] [Passive Skill: Healing Dome in effect, Spiritual Energy and stamina recovering] After the notification popped up in front of Kisha, she was pleasantly surprised by a cool, soothing sensation that washed over her. She could feel her spiritual energy and stamina gradually recovering, enough to sustain continuous fighting without needing a vial of black liquid or a stamina booster. What truly amazed her was the Passive Skill: Healing Dome. She had initially thought it was limited to accelerating healing, but discovering that it also subtly aids in stamina and spiritual energy recovery was an unexpected and welcome benefit. And to think that it not only benefits her but also supports everyone within a 5-meter radius is truly remarkable. However, Kisha didn''t have much time to dwell on her thoughts. She soon heard the rumble of an engine as Sparrow maneuvered his truck out of the gate as soon as there was enough space. The moment the truck cleared the gate, everyone inside was hit with the overpowering stench of decay and rotting flesh. The nauseating odor was so intense that many had to fight the urge to gag as it permeated the air outside the wall. When they finally took in the horrifying scene outside, their shock was palpable. Instinctively, they glanced back at Kisha atop the wall, then back at the grim landscape around them, and again at Kisha. Despite not seeing the act itself, they couldn''t shake the feeling that Kisha was behind the macabre scene they were witnessing. While there was a tinge of sympathy for the zombies, a wave of relief surged through them. The thought that Kisha was looking out for them eased their anxieties, making them feel less gloomy than before. As Sparrow drove past the macabre scene, he couldn''t help but smile smugly to himself. He was astonished by the extent of the Young Madam''s newfound strength. This display of power was clear evidence of her formidable abilities, and it only fueled Sparrow''s own desire to grow stronger. His eagerness to match her prowess grew with every passing moment. Sparrow floored the gas pedal and opened the radio channel. "Everyone, the route is clear. Let''s proceed at full speed and stick to the formation. Meet at the rendezvous point no matter what happens. We''ll update you on any obstacles ahead so you can be prepared." With that, Sparrow set down the walkie-talkie and gave Kisha a wave and a thumbs-up from the window, signaling her with a reassuring gesture. Though Kisha lacked Sparrow''s ''Hawk Eye,'' her enhanced vision still allowed her to catch his small gesture. She couldn''t help but chuckle softly. As the four trucks successfully cleared the gate, the gatekeeper''s voice rang out: "Close the gate! Repeat, close the gate." "Wait," Kisha''s voice cut through the chaos, causing the gatekeeper and soldiers to halt and look up at her. She then turned her gaze to where Vulture and the rest were waiting. "Now that the offensive team has departed, it''s our turn to act. Defensive team, move out of the gate, collect any crystal cores on the ground, and eliminate any remaining zombies. Use the abandoned vehicles to create a barricade." Kisha''s command was clear and firm. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, the people below the wall, unaware of Kisha''s recent actions, were a bit apprehensive. When they heard her order them to move out of the gate, they stood frozen, rooted to the spot. It wasn''t until Vulture bellowed at the top of his lungs, "Move! Get your asses out there!" that they snapped out of their hesitation and sprang into action. Startled by Vulture''s command, his team scrambled to exit, their movements initially sluggish and hesitant as they feared being mere cannon fodder. However, upon seeing the state of the area outside the wall, their apprehension turned to shock. The scene before them was so overwhelming that it felt like stepping into an entirely different world. Vulture, leading by example, began gathering the crystal cores scattered on the ground after Kisha had cleared the area of zombies. Using his strength, he pushed a battered sedan into place to create a barricade, just as Kisha had instructed. Seeing Vulture in action, the rest of the team snapped out of their daze and followed his lead, moving quickly to execute the necessary tasks. Unlike Vulture, who effortlessly pushed the vehicles on his own, the rest of the team struggled and needed to work in groups of three or four to move a sedan into position. Kisha, capable of doing it more efficiently with her telekinesis, chose not to intervene. Instead, she pretended to be exhausted and slumped on the top of the wall, observing the team''s efforts below. This way, she avoided making everyone overly reliant on her and encouraged them to tackle the tasks on their own. The other survivors peered through the gaps in the wall, wary of climbing on top to avoid getting in the way if something went wrong. Under Vulture''s leadership, the initially frightened defensive team began to coordinate their efforts. Whenever zombies approached from the streets ahead, Vulture would select a few team members to deal with them. He adjusted the number of warriors sent out based on the number of zombies and discreetly monitored their progress, all while pretending to focus on his own tasks. Chapter 334 - 334 Barricade Vulture and his team, following Kisha''s precise instructions, constructed a second barricade 2000 meters ahead of the original wall, which was built from abandoned vehicles on the road. This secondary line of defense provided an extra buffer against incoming zombie hordes. Whenever a horde approached, the strategy was clear: unawakened warriors, those without special abilities, would take positions at the rear to secure the fallback line, while the awakened ability users moved to the front. Together, the two groups formed a coordinated defense, with the awakened warriors in the vanguard using their powers to launch devastating attacks on the zombies, while the unawakened warriors covered any breaches, ensuring no undead made it through. The teamwork between both groups allowed them to efficiently neutralize the threat, combining raw strength with tactical precision. Since most of the awakened ability users in Vulture''s team had defensive powers, he had them focus on constructing earth walls. Typically, two ability users would work together to raise a human-height wall before others summoned earth spikes for added defense. However, because they were all relatively new to their abilities, the process of conjuring the walls and spikes was slow and the structures somewhat fragile. To compensate for their inexperience, the team worked closely with non-ability users for support. The non-ability warriors would protect the awakened users as they built their defenses. Once the barriers were in place, they would reverse roles¡ªthe awakened users would shift to providing defensive cover while the non-ability fighters took on the zombies directly. This back-and-forth strategy allowed the team to function efficiently, despite their limitations. This approach ensured that everyone on the team had the opportunity to face the zombies and kill them with their own hands. By doing so, no one would develop the habit of relying on others for protection or making excuses for staying in the background simply because they lacked abilities. It fostered a sense of shared responsibility, ensuring that both ability users and non-ability warriors gained valuable experience and built their courage equally. This strategy significantly boosted the defensive team''s morale, leading to improved teamwork and smoother coordination. As they continued to employ this tactic, their confidence grew. Since Level 0 zombies were relatively slow¡ªdepending on how intact their bodies were¡ªthe team could handle them efficiently. As a result, Kisha and Vulture didn''t even need to intervene, allowing the warriors outside the wall to manage the situation on their own by teaming up in pairs or groups. After one warrior successfully killed a zombie that had been thrown and decapitated by Kisha''s recent attack, they felt a surge of courage. This newfound confidence fueled them to take down more immobile zombies. When they later faced an incoming zombie as a pair, the fear that once gripped them before heading out was greatly diminished, allowing them to fight with more resolve and composure. While some warriors focused on pushing abandoned vehicles into position to form a barricade, others stood at the vanguard, fending off approaching zombies to ensure they wouldn''t interfere with the construction. This coordinated effort allowed the team to work efficiently, maintaining both defense and progress on the barricade. They had initially considered using the crane or forklift from the base, but Kisha and Vulture quickly vetoed the idea. Fuel had become a precious resource, reserved for the essential generators powering the camp. Besides, pushing the abandoned vehicles manually served a dual purpose¡ªit not only conserved gas but also provided excellent lower body training, strengthening the warriors'' core and balance in the process. Even though the warriors were tempted to argue their case, they couldn''t deny the logic in Kisha''s reasoning. She was right¡ªmanual labor would only enhance their strength and overall physical conditioning. So, despite their growing exhaustion, they pressed on with the task. Noticing their fatigue, Kisha leaped down from the wall and made her way toward the vanguard, moving with deliberate calm. The soldiers stationed atop the wall, vigilantly keeping an eye on the warriors working outside, remained on high alert, ready to provide assistance if necessary. They were taken aback by Kisha''s sudden movement. Seeing her heading toward the vanguard, they tried to stop her, concerned that she might be overexerting herself. After all, she had just performed an exhausting display of her godlike awakened ability, and they assumed she would be too drained to continue. Kisha, however, chose to ignore their frantic shouts and continued walking forward despite the desperate calls from atop the wall urging her to return. When their attempts to halt her proved futile, the gatekeeper dispatched four soldiers to serve as her bodyguards, ready to protect her if necessary. This decision overlooked the fact that Kisha could effortlessly handle hundreds of zombies without breaking a sweat. As Kisha approached the weary warriors, her passive skill activated automatically. By simply drawing near, her presence began to rejuvenate their stamina and spiritual energy, causing their exhaustion to gradually ease. [Passive Skill: Healing Dome in effect, Spiritual Energy and stamina recovering] The warriors began to feel a noticeable improvement, sensing that they only needed a brief rest before resuming their tasks. They couldn''t quite determine whether their renewed energy was due to Kisha''s presence or if it was simply the result of an adrenaline surge, making them feel invincible and braver. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Regardless of the source, they were ready to return to their work, rejuvenated and motivated, as if they had just had a full night''s rest. When Kisha saw that the warriors around her had regained their stamina and spiritual energy, she then moved to the next location. Unwittingly, she had become a portable human charger, revitalizing her comrades with her mere presence. From an outsider''s perspective, however, Kisha''s role seemed straightforward: she was merely supervising their work and ensuring their safety. Her true influence remained hidden, masked by the facade of her diligent oversight. Kisha didn''t bother correcting their misunderstanding about her actions. Instead, she continued her patrol, occasionally stopping to survey the area. The four soldiers, who were accompanying her, followed quietly behind, maintaining their watchful presence. As the hours passed, the warriors were so absorbed in their task that they hardly noticed the time. By lunchtime, they had been working for six hours, making significant progress by constructing a barricade extending 50 meters around the base. Just then, Aston emerged from the gate with a few soldiers, driving a military truck loaded with lunch to deliver to the hard-working team outside. Vulture divided the team into two groups: the first group, a mix of superhumans and regular warriors, was given the chance to eat lunch first, while the remaining warriors continued their guard duties, staying alert for any approaching zombies. Many of the soldiers found this arrangement disheartening; the pervasive stench of rotting flesh and decay was so strong that they felt as if it had permeated their very bodies, making their stomachs churn and their appetites disappear. Given the grim conditions, expecting the soldiers to eat outside was nearly impossible. The overpowering stench of decay made it difficult for anyone to enjoy the meal, even if they were hungry. The delicious aromas of the hot lunch¡ªchicken soup, stir-fried beef with broccoli in oyster sauce, two to three servings of hot white rice, sweet and sour chicken, and cold bottled tea¡ªwere almost entirely lost on them. Chapter 335 - 335 Hard To Eat No one could even detect the enticing aroma of the lunch Aston brought; instead, the sight of the food made them feel nauseous. After witnessing the gruesome scenes outside the wall, particularly the aftermath of Kisha''s actions against the zombies when Sparrow''s team departed, their stomachs were in turmoil. The contrast between the horrifying reality they faced and the appealing lunch only served to heighten their discomfort. Even the seasoned veteran soldiers, who believed they had witnessed every conceivable horror, found themselves unable to eat outside the wall. They feared that even if they returned to the cleanest environment inside, the vivid memories of the gruesome scenes they had witnessed would linger. They imagined that the lingering stench of rotting flesh and the unsettling sensation of squishy brain matter, encountered while extracting crystal cores from zombies'' heads, would haunt them and make it impossible to enjoy their meal. Vulture and Kisha, having spent considerable time traveling outside, had grown accustomed to this routine. In the harsh conditions beyond the walls, space and protection were limited, so they had learned to eat wherever and whenever they could. Whether it was sitting next to a zombie corpse or after extracting hundreds of crystal cores from zombie heads, they had developed a toughened resilience, finding solace in any opportunity to eat amidst the chaos. Kisha and Vulture stepped forward and eagerly accepted their trays of food, their hunger evident as they disregarded any other concerns. Despite Kisha''s passive skill consuming only 10 SP per second, which was partially offset by her simultaneous 5 SP recovery due to her titles and items, she still felt the pangs of hunger. After six hours of walking, she wasn''t physically tired, but the extended period without a proper meal had left her craving sustenance. At that moment, Kisha noticed Duke emerging from the wall alone. He appeared refreshed, holding his new spear with a casual ease. The spear''s tip pointed downward, the body rested against his arm, and the tail angled upward. Duke walked with a nonchalant air, as if he were taking a leisurely stroll in the park. Despite several soldiers'' attempts to stop or escort him, his intimidating glare made it clear that he was not to be trifled with and needed no escort going out, leaving no one willing to challenge his authority. As Duke approached Kisha, he leaned in to give her a brief, affectionate peck on the forehead. "Thank you for the breakfast, my dear," he said warmly. He then pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her. "I''ve sketched a bird''s-eye view map of the base and the new wall we''re planning based on your description. It appears that some buildings will obstruct the planned route. How would you like to handle that?" Duke inquired, all the while signaling for Aston to bring him his lunch. Soon, Aston arrived with a tray of lunch, approaching Kisha and Duke as he noticed Duke handing Kisha a piece of paper. After carefully placing the tray in front of Duke, Duke set down his spear with meticulous care, as if afraid it might get damaged if not handled gently. Kisha observed his actions with a raised eyebrow but chose to remain silent, instead focusing on studying the map Duke had drawn. She anticipated that some buildings would be in the way, so they had two options: either demolish them to clear the path or incorporate them into their property, using them as outer apartments for the survivors. They were fortunate that City B wasn''t a mega-city with skyscrapers everywhere. Located near the port city, City B had become a merchant hub. As a result, the central part of the city featured mostly ostentatious buildings with a maximum of 10 to 20 floors, concentrated in the West District. This district was primarily residential, while the rest of the city consisted mainly of low-rise buildings, up to three floors, housing shops and the villas of merchants and prominent families like Dukes. Their base was situated in the former City Hall of City B, now transformed into the Central Hall of their operations. This historic building, once the epicenter of city administration, had been repurposed to house the mission bulletin board and other critical operational elements. The expansive layout of the government property provided them with considerable freedom to move around and adapt the space as needed. The open areas within the huge property offered ample opportunity for future development, allowing them to construct additional facilities if required. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This strategic location not only gave them a central command point but also ensured they had the space to accommodate their growing needs and integrate new structures to support their mission. Not far from the Central Hall were the villas of prominent families, enclosed within its own fortress-like wall. Aston and the team decided to incorporate these villas into the cleared space, not only because the Coltons'' Young Master and the former Minister of Defense desired to use them as living quarters but also due to the robust defensive walls that surrounded them. The addition of these villas not only provided valuable residential space but also enhanced the security of the area, making it a practical and strategic choice for their expanded base. That''s why, even if they expanded their base by an additional 100 meters, they wouldn''t be sandwiched between large buildings. They would still have an open space in front of them, with a clear view and minimal obstruction from other structures. This setup would enable them to spot any approaching zombies or humans from a distance. Given Duke''s query, Kisha''s decision was clear: she would utilize the existing buildings as apartments for the survivors. This approach not only addressed the housing shortage for their growing population but also reduced the need to gather building materials, which had become as scarce as other supplies. With the ability to no longer produce these materials as freely as before, repurposing the buildings was a practical solution. After making her decision, she looked up at Duke and said, "Thank you for your help." She then handed the map to Vulture, instructing him to show it to everyone so that everyone could follow the plan, forming the barricade and clearing the path as outlined. "No need for formalities between husband and wife," Duke said with a smile before returning to his lunch and encouraging Kisha to do the same. While Kisha, Duke, and Vulture enjoyed a pleasant meal, the others struggled to eat the food in front of them. Despite their difficulty, they couldn''t afford to waste any of it, especially considering how scarce and valuable food had become, particularly in times of the apocalypse. With considerable effort, the warriors managed to force the food down their throats, though not without gagging. The pervasive smell of rotting flesh made the experience even more unpleasant. Observing the first group struggling to eat, those on guard duty lost any enthusiasm for the meal. Instead, they dreaded the thought of eating and could barely bring themselves to look at their comrades who seemed to be enduring a form of torture. Soon, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture finished their meal and began walking around the perimeter to assess the area. They discussed how to reinforce the barricade in certain places, taking into account the terrain and surrounding structures. With Duke''s extensive experience in construction, gained from running his own construction firm before the apocalypse, he had a keen understanding of various building techniques. He actively shared his insights on how to fortify the wall around the buildings, emphasizing safety and effectiveness. Chapter 336 - 336 Danger Incoming?! The trio moved a short distance away from the main group, and the four soldiers trailing Kisha seized the opportunity to devour as much food as they could, as if escaping from a harsh punishment. They downed their bottles of cold tea in swift gulps to wash the food down before hastily catching up with Kisha and the others to resume their role as escorts. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Help!" "Help us!" But they hadn''t traveled far when Kisha heard distant screams. Instantly alert, she scanned the perimeter and noticed a loud, rhythmic marching sound coming from the east. It was unlike any ordinary group¡ªthere were hundreds, and the vibrations through the ground confirmed their massive presence. Kisha glanced back at Duke, and their faces mirrored each other''s expressions of horror and anxiety. Without hesitation, she turned and shouted toward the group behind her, "Get everyone back inside the wall now!" The four soldiers who had just caught up with Kisha were momentarily taken aback by her urgent command. However, seeing the grave concern etched on her face, they quickly snapped into action and hurried back to the barricade where the warriors were still at lunch. "Go back!!!" the soldiers yelled at the top of their lungs as they sprinted towards the barricade, frantically waving their arms to grab everyone''s attention. However, their voices were lost in the distance, drowned out by the laughter and lively banter of the warriors who were too engaged in their playful exchanges over their grueling lunch to notice the urgent warnings. But the four soldiers refused to give up. They kept shouting, their voices growing hoarse as they continued their desperate pleas. Eventually, one of the warriors noticed their frantic gestures. Initially, the soldiers'' warnings went unnoticed; from a distance, their expressions were unreadable. It wasn''t until someone managed to silence the crowd that the urgency of the soldiers'' shouts became clear. "Go back inside!!!" The warriors fell silent as they heard the soldiers'' urgent cries. Confusion spread among them¡ªwere the soldiers asking them to retreat in full, or just a portion of their group? Uncertainty lingered as they tried to understand the reason behind the frantic instructions. Their questions were quickly answered. "All of you, go back!!!" one soldier shouted as they neared the barricade, panting heavily. Their assault rifles were slung across their backs, and they sprinted at full speed. When the soldiers reached the other side of the barricade, they came to a halt, struggling to catch their breath. They coughed and gasped for air, their exhaustion evident. Someone from the truck quickly grabbed a bottle of cold tea from the box and distributed it to the four soldiers. Aston, puzzled, glanced back in the direction from which the soldiers had come, scanning the area with concern. His frown deepened as he realized he couldn''t spot any sign of Kisha, Duke, or Vulture, who had headed that way for inspection. "What''s happening?" Aston asked, his tone stern and commanding. One of the soldiers, still catching his breath, stammered, "W-we were ordered by the City Lord to get everyone back inside the Wall." Bent over, leaning on his knees for support, he uncapped the bottle and gulped down a mouthful of cold tea, sighing in relief as the cool liquid soothed his parched throat and hoarse voice. "Why does the City Lord want us back inside?" Aston pressed, his brows furrowing tighter. "We... don''t know," the soldier replied, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "But she looked dead serious. Whatever it is, it seems big." "It might be a zombie raid..." one of the soldiers muttered absentmindedly, the urgency of Kisha''s orders making that the only explanation that came to mind. The moment he said it, the others'' expressions hardened. Some instinctively began to move toward the direction where Kisha, Duke, and Vulture had gone, but Aston quickly stopped them. "No," he commanded, "pack up and get on the truck. We''re heading back to the wall¡ªnow." Many were on the verge of protesting, eager to provide support to Kisha and the others. If it truly was a zombie raid, the overwhelming numbers could trap or, worse, kill them. The thought of leaving Kisha and the team to face such danger alone weighed heavily on them. "Pack up, now! On my command!" Aston''s voice didn''t rise, but his authoritative tone cut through the air, silencing any objections. "Do you really think you''ll be of any help? You''d just be a burden to them if you stayed!" His words hit harder than any shout, leaving everyone speechless. Deep down, they all knew he was right¡ªKisha had sent them back because she understood better than anyone that their presence would only hinder, not help. With heavy hearts, the warriors quickly joined the soldiers in packing up the trays, large food containers, boxes of tea, and utensils that had been set up for lunch. In a matter of minutes, thanks to their collective effort, everything was packed away efficiently. No time was wasted as they boarded the truck, ready to head back inside the safety of the wall. Even after they returned to the wall, there was no sign of Kisha, Duke, or Vulture in the distance. Growing anxious, Aston climbed to the top of the wall, binoculars in hand, scanning the perimeter where the trio had gone. His unease deepened with every moment he couldn''t spot them. On Kisha''s side, the moment she sent the soldiers off, both Duke and Vulture began to feel the tremors in the ground growing more pronounced. They exchanged a glance before instinctively shifting into an offensive stance. Fortunately, both had brought their weapons when they left the wall¡ªDuke gripping his weapon tightly, while Vulture wielded his massive double-headed hammer, which looked heavy enough to crush anything, ready to burst a head or whatever might come their way. It was only when Duke began practicing with his new weapon that Vulture noticed the gleaming spear in his hands, practically glowing and emitting golden lightning. Vulture couldn''t tell if it was Duke''s elemental ability or the spear itself, but he felt a pang of jealousy as he watched Duke skillfully swing it. His eyes stayed glued to the weapon, mesmerized. When Duke stopped, he tapped the spear lightly against the pavement, pointing it toward the sky, and with just that small movement, a large crack formed in the ground. Vulture''s jaw dropped, his gaze fixed on the spear, and in that moment, he knew¡ªit must have come from Kisha. Unbeknownst to Vulture, Duke was fully aware of the way he was eyeing the new spear. In fact, Duke was intentionally showing it off, much like a child with a new toy. He didn''t care if it seemed childish; he was too overjoyed by the incredible gift from his wife. He wanted to share that excitement with everyone but refused to let go of the spear or let anyone else touch it. Not that anyone could touch it anyway¡ªbeing a legendary-grade weapon, it was almost sentient, capable of choosing its own wielder. If someone unworthy tried to lift it, the weapon would reject them outright, refusing to even budge, a clear sign that it did not acknowledge the person. Chapter 337 - 337 Should She Help Or Not? Kisha, Duke, and Vulture stood in the middle of the road, bracing themselves as the tremors intensified. They were waiting, not just for the shaking to stop but to see what would emerge from the commotion. While they had a general idea of what might be coming, Vulture couldn''t understand why Kisha wasn''t moving to take cover or retreating to the base to fight from the safety of the wall as she usually did. However, as he recalled her formidable abilities, Vulture chose to stay silent, trusting in her judgment. Even though he had become proficient in his own awakened abilities, Vulture was still unable to match Kisha''s feats. Her telekinesis allowed her to manipulate objects and attack wide areas with ease, while he struggled to create expansive earth spikes or erect massive earth walls capable of providing a solid shield. However, thanks to the Scarlet Honey, he had gained significant strength and could now push and even lift a sedan car, a testament to his newfound power. Despite this, he knew he still had much to learn to reach Kisha''s level. Vulture''s thoughts were interrupted when a collective growl and distant screams reached their ears, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of heavy marching. Both Duke and Vulture immediately recognized the ominous rhythm of the approaching threat. As the tremors intensified and the growls and roars grew louder, both Duke and Vulture felt their muscles tense. Vulture swallowed hard, trying to steady himself. Kisha sprang into the air, using her telekinesis to lift objects from the ground, creating a series of stepping stones that carried her gracefully to the top of a lamppost. Duke, with his superior strength, leaped effortlessly onto the roof of a waiting shed, positioning himself just below Kisha, from where he could scan the horizon more effectively. Feeling anxious about being left behind in the middle of the road while Kisha and Duke took elevated positions, Vulture quickly searched for a vantage point of his own. He soon decided to jump onto the roof of a nearby car. Although it was not as high as Duke''s or Kisha''s positions, it offered a better view than being on the ground. From this vantage point, he could at least see beyond the immediate obstructions on the road, such as various abandoned vehicles, and have a clearer sense of the approaching danger. Soon, a mass of black appeared on the horizon, advancing rapidly from the other end of the road. At the forefront were survivors, scrambling frantically as they navigated through the maze of obstructing vehicles. Some squeezed between the wrecks, while others darted along the clear path left by Sparrow''s team, who had bulldozed their way through earlier to create a passage. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The scene was a chaotic trail of desperate movement and mounting danger. The people who attempted to use the vehicles as a shield against the advancing zombie horde made a fatal mistake. Trapped between two delivery vans, one man tried to crawl underneath for cover. But the zombies were too close, and before he could escape, one of them lunged at his back, sinking its teeth into his neck. The man''s ligaments were visible, tearing slowly, with bits of flesh still clinging to his skin like roots. Blood sprayed as he screamed in agonizing pain, struggling to roll on the ground in a desperate attempt to escape the relentless undead with the last of his strength. As the zombies closed in, they began to swarm the man, biting him indiscriminately. Overwhelmed by the relentless attacks, he felt the searing pain of each bite. His body convulsed violently as the agony intensified, and his final scream was muffled by the blood that poured into his mouth, choking him as he succumbed to the relentless onslaught. The people running with him had no chance to look back or help, as the zombies behind them were like ravenous predators, snapping at their heels. If they stopped or got trapped like the man, they would face the same grim fate, with the relentless horde threatening to engulf them at any moment. Some men, desperately clutching young children in their arms, pushed themselves to run as fast as possible, driven solely by sheer willpower. It was evident that their bodies were on the brink of exhaustion. Vulture couldn''t understand why they were fleeing into the open instead of seeking refuge and waiting for a safer opportunity to emerge. As Vulture watched the frantic scene, a man sprinting from behind noticed Vulture, Kisha, and Duke perched above, observing the chaos. The man''s eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope as he realized they were living humans, despite not being able to see their faces clearly. Desperation in his voice, he shouted, "Help us! Please! If you can, just save the children!" After his shout, the other survivors began to frantically scan their surroundings, searching for any sign of help. Their leader''s call for assistance indicated that there might be someone nearby they could run to for support. Kisha watched the scene unfold with a deep frown, troubled by the fact that these people chose to run in the open instead of seeking shelter. She couldn''t shake the suspicion that they might be unintentionally drawing the zombies towards their location or even their base. What left a particularly bitter taste in her mouth was the sight of so many children among the group, which stirred up a mix of conflicting emotions within her. In the apocalypse, luring tactics like this were tragically common. Many had lost their lives to similar deceptions¡ªpeople pretending to flee from zombies or dire situations only to turn on their rescuers once the immediate threat was gone. It was a cruel game of betrayal, akin to a dog biting the hand that feeds it. Kisha had already fallen victim to such deceit, and now, watching the group of survivors, she saw a troubling similarity: among them were also children. That''s why Kisha hesitated to spring into action immediately and chose to observe from a distance. As she watched, the survivors continued to fall like flies under the relentless assault of the zombies, who lunged at them with ferocious hunger. Any delay or faltering meant immediate, brutal consequences. Fortunately, the women and children were at the forefront, protected by the men who formed a perimeter around them, shielding them from both sides as they fought to stay ahead of the encroaching horde. Kisha took a deep breath, grappling with the internal turmoil that roiled within her. Her forehead twitched with annoyance as frustration built up, her instincts urging her to leap into action. Despite the intense desire to help immediately, she forced herself to remain still and observe a little longer. Duke and Vulture also held their positions, choosing to observe rather than act impulsively. They understood that following Kisha''s lead was wiser than rushing in and playing the hero. With Kisha''s extensive experience in handling such situations, they trusted her judgment. Duke knew that Kisha''s concern extended beyond her own group; the survivors living in the base were now under her protection as well. Therefore, Kisha would carefully weigh what was best for everyone involved. The leader of the fleeing survivors was overwhelmed with frustration and helplessness as he watched his people fall one by one. Chapter 338 - 338 Go Back The thought of the children perishing alongside them was a nightmare he dreaded. He swung his makeshift spear desperately at any zombies that came too close, but his limited reach and meager defense were inadequate to protect everyone¡ªor even himself. The dire situation left him feeling powerless and defeated. As they ran, the survivors drew closer to Kisha''s position, and one by one, more of them began to notice her, Duke, and especially Vulture, who stood atop a car gripping his weapon. The sight of the three figures, armed and seemingly calm amidst the chaos, caught their attention, adding a flicker of hope but also confusion as to why they weren''t stepping in. They felt a surge of hope at the sight of Kisha and her group, and tears welled up in their eyes, momentarily blurring their vision. Struggling to hold back their emotions, they shouted in unison, "Please help us!" One of the women at the front, clutching a small child no older than two, cried out desperately. Her voice, hoarse and raw, grated like metal scraping against the pavement, but she didn''t stop. She continued screaming at the top of her lungs, her voice breaking with the strain as she pushed her vocal cords to their limits. Kisha was still hesitating when, out of nowhere, an agile zombie lunged at her from the left side of the road. No one saw where it came from, and everything happened so quickly that no one had time to react. They all looked on in horror, their eyes widening like saucers. But with the threat approaching fast, there was no time to stop. Just then, Kisha flinched, raising her right arm in a casual motion as if shooing away a fly. In that instant, a small piece of metal debris shot out of nowhere. For a moment, everyone thought it was a sniper''s bullet, believing Kisha''s gesture had signaled a hidden marksman to take the shot. The zombie that had lunged at the woman suddenly collapsed with a gaping hole in its head. Seeing this, the survivors felt a surge of renewed hope. They believed that if they could just make it past where Kisha and the others were standing, they would be safe. Fueled by this thought, everyone pushed themselves harder, sprinting with every last ounce of energy and adrenaline, driven by pure survival instinct. Despite Kisha''s earlier attack, she, Duke, and Vulture remained in their positions, continuing to observe the unfolding chaos. Many men still fell, torn apart by the relentless zombies, while the survivors could do nothing but cry out in horror and anguish as they watched their loved ones die one by one, all while desperately running for their lives. After a brief pause, Kisha leaped from the lamppost, moving like a bullet past the fleeing survivors. Before they could even comprehend what was happening, her long katana had already sliced through a zombie that was mere moments away from sinking its teeth into the back of the person who had stumbled in panic at the rear of the group. Seeing Kisha spring into action, both Duke and Vulture wasted no time following suit. Duke launched himself into the air with immense power, taking a huge leap before crashing down with such force that a small whirlwind formed from the impact. He swung his spear in a wide arc, nearly a full 360 degrees, wiping out a cluster of zombies in one swift motion. Meanwhile, Vulture hopped from car to car, leaping from the last vehicle and swinging his massive hammer upward, channeling all his strength into delivering a crushing, devastating blow to the nearest zombie. With the sheer weight of his massive hammer and raw strength, Vulture''s strike created a small crater in the ground, turning at least three tightly packed zombies into minced flesh. The combined power of Kisha, Duke, and Vulture was equivalent to that of an entire battalion wielding firearms, but instead of guns, they relied solely on melee weapons. In mere seconds, they managed to take down dozens of zombies. However, it was far from easy¡ªnearly a thousand undead were swarming around them, making the fight intensely perilous despite their prowess. Kisha''s voice cut through the cacophony of zombie roars and growls as she bellowed, "Vulture!" Despite the chaos, her command was faintly but clearly heard by both Vulture and Duke. "Get the survivors back to the base!" she shouted again, her tone urgent and commanding. Without missing a beat, Kisha drew her smaller katana, executing a rapid, spinning attack like a lethal whirlwind. As Kisha spun with deadly precision, her blade sliced through limbs, stomachs, and heads ruthlessly and indiscriminately. Upon hearing her command, Vulture wasted no time. He swung his hammer with a powerful sideways arc, sending two zombies soaring out of the crowd. The survivors watched in awe as the zombies flew through the air like paper dolls. Vulture pushed his way back through the stunned survivors, who were still in shock from witnessing Kisha and the others'' overwhelming firepower. Their hearts pounded as if they fell to their stomach, and their stomachs churned with a violent, unsettling sensation. Their mouths opened and closed as if trying to form words, but they could only watch in awe as Vulture made his way toward them. The survivors were baffled by how Vulture had managed to return from the heart of the horde to where they stood. He seemed to wade through the zombies with ease as if it were a casual stroll. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he stood among them, his massive hammer never paused in its relentless swing. The survivors could clearly hear the sickening crunch of zombie skulls shattering under its impact. Each blow produced a deep, resounding thud, a sound so solid it seemed capable of cracking the pavement with even the slightest touch. "You all, gather together and follow me back!" Vulture commanded after quickly assessing the twenty or so survivors. He urged them to move forward while positioning himself at the rear, guarding the group alongside the men who could still move, including their leader. The survivors felt a surge of silent relief when they heard Vulture''s promise to lead them to safety. However, their hearts couldn''t fully settle as they remained in a place where zombies could emerge from any crevice at any moment, just as one had earlier. Fortunately, Kisha had reacted swiftly, saving the woman and child before the zombie could even get close. The survivors glanced anxiously at the surrounding buildings and roads, hoping to spot others who might join Kisha and Duke in their fight. Most hesitated to leave, torn between the urge to flee and the fear of abandoning their saviors. Despite Kisha and Duke''s strength, the sight of just the two of them holding back hundreds of swarming zombies made them doubt if they could truly hold their ground alone. "What about them?!" the leader asked anxiously, pointing toward Kisha and Duke, still surrounded by the horde of zombies. Black blood splattered through the air, and dismembered limbs flew as they continued to fend off the undead. It was clear they were holding their own for now, but the leader''s worry deepened. How long could they keep this up? Eventually, exhaustion would set in, and when that happened, they might be overwhelmed and meet the same fate as the others. Chapter 339 - 339 The Difference Vulture glanced back at Kisha and Duke, who, despite being surrounded, showed no signs of fatigue as they effortlessly sent zombies flying. He couldn''t help but wonder why they weren''t using their awakened abilities¡ªdoing so would have made dealing with the horde much faster and more efficient. However, this wasn''t the time or place for him to question Kisha''s reasoning. If Duke, who had been following her lead without hesitation from the start, wasn''t raising any concerns, Vulture knew he had to trust her judgment and follow orders as well. Since Kisha clearly wanted him to escort the survivors back to ensure they wouldn''t be a distraction during the fight, Vulture had no choice but to press the survivors to move faster and head back to the base. He knew she didn''t want anything slowing her down, so he focused on getting them to safety. "Let''s move and head back with me. They''ll be fine, but staying here will only put them at greater risk trying to protect you!" Vulture''s voice was somber, his eyes narrowed in warning. The survivors glanced at each other, guilt and embarrassment washing over them. They knew he was right¡ªthey were helpless here, just a sitting duck waiting to be protected. They all turned in the direction Vulture pointed and broke into another run after their brief rest. Even the leader reluctantly followed, his exhaustion too great to lift his makeshift spear. They had been running and fighting nonstop for so long, and despite being a well-trained bodyguard and skilled fighter, he couldn''t endure much more. His body was battered, fatigue setting in hard, and the lack of food and water over the past few days was taking its toll, even on him. Even he was astonished that he had made it this far on sheer willpower alone. Out of the original hundred survivors heading to City B, only about twenty had managed to reach this point. They were desperately seeking refuge in the survivor base in City B, which they knew had been established by nearby soldiers stationed with the Minister of Defense. As soon as Vulture led the survivors to safety, Kisha and Duke took a strategic step back, positioning themselves back-to-back while they cleared their path with swift, decisive swings of their weapons. Duke flashed a playful smirk at Kisha. "Wifey, are you holding back your awakened ability because you want to work out, or are you trying to turn this into a friendly competition to see who takes down the most zombies?" Kisha''s lips curved into a smile at Duke''s challenge, appreciating his lighthearted approach amid the chaos. "You really know me well," Kisha said with a hearty chuckle. "Why don''t we make it a competition? After all, this is a great exercise for both of us." With a playful grin, she swiftly decapitated a zombie that lunged at her, its teeth bared and ready to bite. With a shared, unspoken understanding, both Kisha and Duke fell silent and began fighting with renewed intensity. They were still holding back earlier to avoid endangering the survivors in their path, but with fewer concerns now, they could focus fully on the battle. Kisha moved with agile precision, slicing through the zombies in her way like a graceful swan gliding through water, while Duke used his explosive strength to cleave through the undead as if they were nothing but butter. The intensity of their combined attacks grew as they faced a relentless swarm of zombies. The undead pressed in from all sides, and the pile of carcasses around Kisha and Duke began to obstruct their movement, risking tripping or slowing them down. Realizing the need for a strategic adjustment, Duke decided to flank the horde, aiming to create a pincer attack with Kisha. By splitting their assault, they could tackle the horde from both ends, improving their chances of clearing a path. As he continued to fight, he began to feel the strain of exhaustion, though it was manageable. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, and he couldn''t help but notice Kisha moving through the horde with effortless grace. He wondered if her stamina had increased or if his own fatigue was due to his heavy reliance on raw strength and wide, sweeping movements with his spear. Kisha''s efficiency with smaller, precise movements contrasted sharply with his more stamina-draining approach. After arriving at this conclusion, he felt confident it was correct. As far as he knew, his stats weren''t much different from Kisha''s. But then he recalled the items Kisha equipped the previous night, and it suddenly made sense. He realized he was partly right, but there was more to it. Kisha wasn''t just using melee weapons instead of her awakened ability to conserve energy; she was testing the limits of her stamina, seeing how long she could fight without tiring. She wanted to know if her stamina would continuously recover because of her passive skill and if others within a certain range would experience the same effect. [Passive Skill: Healing Dome in effect, Spiritual Energy and stamina recovering] Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Passive Skill: Healing Dome in effect, Spiritual Energy and stamina recovering] [Passive Skill: Healing Dome in effect, Spiritual Energy and stamina recovering] .... The system notifications for her passive skill kept flooding the edge of her peripheral vision. She had moved them aside once she realized they were constantly popping up, reminding her of the skill''s activation. While she wished she could mute them, that wasn''t an option, so she positioned them in the far corner of her sight¡ªjust enough to keep track of the alerts without them obstructing her view of the zombies flanking her. Kisha didn''t stop Duke from moving to the other end of the horde, wanting to observe whether he would notice the difference. This would be a valuable asset when long battles were inevitable, especially in the apocalypse. Earlier, she had already tested how spiritual energy recovery improved when she was nearby¡ªthough it wasn''t a significant increase, it sped up noticeably. However, stamina was different, more subtle and dependent on a person''s movements. Like her own efficient, controlled strikes, it seemed possible that with the right approach, stamina recovery could feel almost limitless. As proof of this, Kisha didn''t feel even the slightest fatigue or break a sweat despite her constant movement. In contrast, Duke, who already had monstrous stamina and was accustomed to long, grueling battles, was starting to sweat. After all, they had been fighting the zombie horde for over an hour straight, yet Kisha''s endurance remained unshaken. Kisha drove her smaller katana straight through a zombie''s head, then swiftly spun around to deliver a horizontal strike to the one sneaking up behind her, cleaving half its skull and splitting its brain in two. Glancing around, she noticed only about a hundred zombies remained, with the road littered with zombie carcasses. In the past hour alone, she and Duke had slain over half a thousand zombies. The relentless horde kept coming, drawn to them like moths to a flame, seemingly indifferent to the threat of death. As the battle neared its end, Kisha decided to go all out, abandoning her earlier strategy of conserving energy. She unleashed more explosive strikes, mirroring Duke''s powerful attacks. With a slight twist of her body, she spun around, her blade slicing clean through an incoming zombie. Without pausing, she followed up with a swift kick to the next zombie''s chin, then executed another spinning kick, snapping the zombie''s spinal cord with a sharp crack. Chapter 340 - 340 Back As the zombie crumpled to the ground, Kisha didn''t bother with her blade to finish it off; instead, she crushed its head under her boot, as if stomping on a watermelon. Blood splattered onto the ground and her shoes, but she didn''t miss a beat. She leaped backward, twisting her body so her feet pointed skyward and her head hovered just above the zombie''s head. With her katana crossed in front of her chest, she began cleaving through the zombies below her. She landed gracefully in another area swarming with zombies, their hungry eyes locked on her as they reached out, waiting for her to fall. Before she landed, she twisted her body once more and used a zombie''s head as a stepping stone, kicking it away like a soccer ball. The force of her enhanced strength sent the zombie''s head flying; her kick snapped its neck with a sickening crack, and the head smashed against the wall, exploding like a paintball upon impact. Before the zombie''s body even hit the ground, Kisha had already leaped toward a new target. She plunged her smaller katana into its head and then swung her longer katana to decapitate three more zombies that were climbing over the pile of fallen carcasses. Swoosh! Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Crashed! Then, a zombie was hurled backward into a nearby car, smashing through the windshield and embedding its body into the glass. Moments later, a flash streaked past Kisha''s vision like a speeding bullet. Crack! Sizzle! When Kisha followed the flash, she saw a crackle of golden lightning and heard a sizzling sound. The Krato''s Spear had pierced through the zombie''s head, creating a gaping hole that obliterated its head and chest. The spear was half-buried in the ground, and the zombie''s innards spilled out of its open stomach. Despite the gruesome sight, the remains twitched slightly before settling into stillness, leaving a chaotic mess. As Kisha held her katana, she mimed pulling something out of the ground from a distance. With a swift motion, she sliced through the zombie beside her while simultaneously using her telekinesis to yank Duke''s spear free and send it soaring back to him. When their eyes met, Duke gave her a playful wink, as if he had anticipated her help in returning his spear. Kisha rolled her eyes at Duke, knowing full well that he had deliberately thrown his spear to test the effects of ''Pierce'' and the skill ''Stab.'' The spear, a legendary-grade weapon, had delivered a devastating impact despite Duke''s casual throw, as if he were tossing a stick. She couldn''t help but wonder how much more destructive it could be if he put real effort into the throw or the stab. Kisha felt like taking the spear for herself then, Duke felt a shiver on his back, as if understanding what Kisha was thinking, Duke turned around and slightly hid his spear from Kisha''s view. Kisha shook her head, bemused by Duke''s actions, and resumed her relentless assault on the zombies surrounding her. Duke, in the meantime, wielded his spear with deadly precision, spinning it in a sweeping arc to decapitate three zombies in one smooth motion. After exactly two and a half hours of fierce combat, Kisha and Duke had successfully eradicated nearly a thousand zombies that had threatened the group of survivors. With the immediate danger now behind them, Kisha instructed the remaining Scarlet Bees in her space that was left behind by Bell to continue producing Scarlet Honey to collect the crystal cores lying around. She then moved closer to Duke, ready to regroup and assess their next steps. Kisha approached Duke, who, though not panting, appeared slightly fatigued from the intense battle. He was a bit sweaty, but his exhaustion was evident. As Kisha drew nearer, she noticed the system notifications popping up continuously¡ªher passive skill was actively aiding Duke in recovering his stamina. As Kisha''s hundreds of Scarlet Bees finished collecting all the crystal cores scattered from their battle, Duke, too, had fully recovered. The signs of fatigue had vanished from his face, and Kisha could clearly see the revitalized look in his expression once her passive skill ceased showing notifications. Satisfied with her observations and the results of her experiment, Kisha and Duke made their way back to the base. Before departing, Kisha used her telekinesis to stack the zombie carcasses, and Duke ignited them with a fireball. Soon, a thick plume of black smoke rose into the sky, visible even from the base''s walls. Aston experienced a slight sense of relief upon seeing the black smoke. Hours had passed with the survivors brought by Vulture still waiting behind the medical tents while being examined by the medical staff. The lack of any sign of Kisha and Duke had been unsettling, but the sight of smoke billowing in the distance reassured them that the two were still alive. Just as Vulture was about to send someone to help the survivors settle in, a soldier on top of the wall shouted, "They''re back! They''re back!" Vulture, momentarily distracted from his thoughts, felt a surge of relief. Even though he had no real concerns for Kisha and Duke''s safety, especially with them together, he wanted to see them safe with his own eyes. Almost everyone hurried to the top of the wall, where they saw Kisha and Duke walking side by side, seemingly leisurely strolling and chatting as if they were in a park. Moments later, Duke and Kisha finally returned inside the wall. Concern and worry were evident on everyone''s faces. As Vulture and Aston approached them, their heavy sighs of relief were palpable upon seeing that both were unharmed. The tension had been mounting, particularly for Aston, who had been anxious after learning that nearly a thousand zombies had been pursuing the group of survivors that Kisha, Duke, and Vulture had rescued. Although they witnessed Kisha''s formidable strength with her awakened ability, they also saw the toll it took on her to use it continuously. With only the two of them and no external support, despite their strength, numerous potential risks loomed. Aston was troubled by all the worst-case scenarios that could arise. Seeing them now, seemingly full of energy and playfully teasing each other without a trace of fatigue, Aston felt a wave of relief. However, despite their apparent vitality, they were covered in zombie goo and reeked of decay. Everyone struggled to keep their composure, noses twitching and eyes rolling back as they fought the urge to pass out from the stench. Kisha and Duke, however, paid no mind to the smell. They knew all too well that in this apocalyptic era, they''d have to get used to the stench of decay, which would only become more pervasive over time. The smell carried on the wind was an inescapable part of their new reality, and they had little choice but to acclimate as quickly as possible. Kisha and Duke headed to the medic tent to check on the survivors, who had just finished their examinations and were waiting to be processed and registered in the central hall. When the survivors saw Kisha and Duke in good health, they erupted into loud cries of relief. They had feared that Kisha and Duke had sacrificed themselves to ensure their safety. Seeing them unharmed filled the survivors with immense gratitude and a sense of lightness, knowing that their rescuers had made it through safely. Chapter 341 - 341 New Survivors Joining The Base "Sir, ma''am, we can''t thank you enough for saving us," said the leader of the group as they approached Kisha and Duke. Once they reached the base''s wall, they realized with confusion that there had been no backup or snipers in sight to provide support. They were still puzzled about where the bullet had come from that had saved the woman and child. However, they chose not to press for details, fearing that their questions might be misunderstood. The leader blinked in surprise as another woman from his group, with short hair, sprang from the crowd and exclaimed, "Young Master Winters! And the woman who led us out of the East District in City A¡ªyou''re both alive?!" Her voice was filled with excitement as she squealed in delight at the sight of Kisha and Duke. The leader beside her didn''t immediately recognize Kisha and Duke. While they were running, he had been too focused on assessing their surroundings to take note of their appearance. Now, with both Kisha and Duke covered in zombie blood and looking a bit unrecognizable, he was puzzled. He couldn''t understand how the woman next to him had identified them despite the mess. He glanced at the excited woman beside him with a raised eyebrow and a questioning look. Both Kisha and Duke turned their attention toward her, trying to recall if they knew her. The mention of City A sounded vaguely familiar to them, but they couldn''t quite place where they had seen her before. "You are?" Kisha asked, tilting her head slightly as she tried to jog her memory and place the woman. "Oh! Right!" the woman exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You might not remember us, but we were the maid and bodyguard for the Evans family, whom you helped get out of City A when the apocalypse started." She glanced around eagerly at the base, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Evans family. "Are they here too?" she asked, her anticipation evident as she scanned the crowd. Duke and Kisha exchanged a glance, and understanding dawned on them. Kisha then asked, "Were you the ones in the car that suddenly disappeared from our tail as we were leaving the city?" She was confident in her suspicion, recalling her warning to the convoy that their safety was ultimately their own responsibility. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meeting two of the Evans'' staff here wasn''t surprising, but she was amazed they had survived City A''s chaos. The population there had been ten times larger than that of City B, where they now were. It seemed these two were the only survivors from the Evans'' staff. Not hearing a response from Kisha or Duke made the maid anxious. She hesitated before asking again, "Are they not here? Or..." Her voice faltered, unable to finish her question. The fear of hearing heartbreaking news was evident. She had grown close to the Evans, who had always treated their servants well, except for one pretentious individual. If they heard that they did not survive was a heavy blow to her, leaving her unable to ask further, fearing the worst. Even the leader, who had once been the Evans'' bodyguard, felt a deep sadness as he considered the fate of the Evans family. Noticing the misunderstanding, Kisha quickly clarified, "No, they''re alive and well, but they''re not in this base¡ªthey''re somewhere else." The maid''s eyes widened in surprise as she processed the news. After a moment, she broke into a broad smile. "So they''re safe! But why aren''t they here?" She asked eagerly, her earlier anxiety replaced by curiosity about her former employers. "It''s a long story, but they''re living comfortably and eating well," Kisha said, closing the topic before it could extend further. She and Duke, along with the others, began heading inside the base. Kisha then turned to Vulture. "Keep working on the barricade. I''ll return after I''ve had a chance to shower." Vulture nodded and began organizing the warriors to head back out through the gate. The newly arrived survivors watched, baffled and horrified, as people left the safety of the walls. They understood that these individuals had essential tasks or supplies to secure, but the trauma of their recent escape made the idea of venturing outside seem unimaginable. Their minds, still reeling from their harrowing experience, instinctively recoiled from the notion of facing the dangers beyond the wall. The newly arrived survivors hurried inside the base, their eyes wide with astonishment at what they encountered on their way to the Central Hall. Children played outside, their health and vitality a stark contrast to what they had expected¡ªnone of them looked frail or sickly. The adults went about their tasks around the base, engaging in conversations and work with a mix of apprehension and normalcy. Although their faces bore traces of fear, they still managed to smile and chat briefly with familiar faces along the way, a small comfort amidst their daily routines. The newly arrived survivors were utterly bewildered by what they saw. The residents of the base seemed like they had stepped out of a time before the apocalypse, living in a way that resembled a world untouched by zombies. The scene was both nostalgic and surprising, as the community functioned with a sense of normalcy and routine that felt almost like a distant memory from a time before the disaster. The new arrivals were astounded to see the base''s survivors functioning normally, seemingly free from fear and anxiety. It wasn''t that they wanted all survivors to live in constant dread, but they were perplexed by this apparent calm. Kisha and Duke chose not to explain, believing that if the newcomers stayed within the base, they would eventually understand the situation on their own. They were wary of the possibility that an explanation might lead to suspicions about brainwashing or manipulation. Moreover, Kisha had already assessed the newcomers'' morality using her ''Eye of Truth'' earlier when she was just standing around and watching them be slaughtered and found them to be decent people, not inclined toward evil. Allowing them to experience the base''s environment firsthand would be the best way to alleviate their fears. Observing the base''s operations and interacting with its residents would help them feel more at ease and integrate smoothly into the community. It might seem harsh for Kisha to have allowed some to be sacrificed while she assessed each individual, but it was her only way to ensure these newcomers wouldn''t pose a threat to her people. Simply saving and bringing them back without thorough evaluation could lead to regret if any of them turned out to be a danger. It was far preferable to be cautious and ensure safety, even if it meant making difficult decisions, than to risk her people''s well-being by letting potential threats slip through the cracks. The new survivors looked around the base with wide-eyed amazement, as if they were being given a tour of a well-oiled machine. Everywhere they turned, people were holding food and moving between different areas. They were soon guided by one of the warriors to the Central Hall, while Kisha and Duke headed straight to their villa for a much-needed shower. As they lined up, the survivors noticed people emerging from one of the buildings, carrying food. Unable to contain their curiosity, they stopped one of the passersby to ask questions about the base''s operations and the food distribution. "What are they doing there? Are they getting free food?" the maid asked, her eyes fixed on the Supply Center as she swallowed nervously. Chapter 342 - 342 New Survivors Joining The Base 2 "Ah, that? No, it''s not free," the passerby replied, shaking their head. "That''s the Supply Center. Survivors here work to earn points, and those points can be exchanged for food, medicine, and other essentials. It''s how we keep the system running. Everyone contributes to the base in some way, whether through labor, defense, or other tasks, and they earn points in return." The passerby paused, then added with a proud smile, "The Supply Center is overseen by the base leaders themselves. They''re the ones who not only manage the supplies but also head out on dangerous supply runs to keep the center stocked. So, everything you see here¡ªit''s the result of teamwork and leadership, ensuring that nobody gets a free ride, but also that no one goes hungry as long as they pull their weight." With a glance at the maid, the passerby continued, "It''s tough but fair. You''ll get used to it soon enough. And trust me, it''s better than scrounging for scraps out there." All the new survivors stared in disbelief, their mouths slightly agape, as if silently asking the passerby if he was joking. The idea of such a well-organized system seemed almost too good to be true, especially after the chaos they had been through. But the passerby just smirked, his expression saying, *"I know, right?"* without uttering a word. He gave them a quick nod before turning and heading toward the Supply Center, where he joined the line of other survivors waiting to exchange their hard-earned work points for supplies. As he walked away, the group watched him, still processing the revelation. For them, the thought of a structured community where work was fairly rewarded, and survival wasn''t just about luck, felt like something out of a dream. Some exchanged glances, wondering if this system could really be as good as it seemed. Others looked around at the base''s residents¡ªwell-fed, working together, and even sharing the occasional laugh¡ªfeeling a cautious flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they''d finally found a place where survival wasn''t just about scraping by, but about rebuilding something more. It had been nearly a week since Kisha and Duke had taken over the base and introduced the new work system. In that short time, the transformation among the survivors was nothing short of remarkable. Those who had once stumbled through the base like the living dead, weakened from hunger and fear, were now walking with renewed strength and purpose. The effects of consistent meals and proper rest were visible in their faces and posture. No longer did they drag themselves across the camp as they had when they first arrived, frail and uncertain. The rumors about Kisha''s incredible feat outside the wall had already spread like wildfire through the base. Word of her single-handedly decimating thousands of zombies had taken on a life of its own, morphing into exaggerated tales as each person passed it along. By the time the gossip had reached the second or third person, Kisha was being described as some sort of superhuman force, plummeting hordes of zombies and leaving nothing but a grotesque pile of minced flesh in her wake. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As exaggerated as it sounded, there was some truth to it. Kisha had indeed turned a swarm of zombies into something resembling a meat grinder''s aftermath. Though few people actually saw her in action, the aftermath spoke volumes¡ªpiles of pulverized, unrecognizable zombie remains littered the area. It was so grisly that even the base''s hardened warriors, who were used to bloodshed and carnage, struggled to keep their meals down while cleaning up the mess. Those who worked the aftermath described the scene with a mix of awe and horror. The thick stench of rot and the sight of splattered flesh around the perimeter had even the strongest warriors grimacing. They murmured among themselves about how Kisha had done it, though none could offer a clear explanation. Was it her bare hands? Some kind of weapon they hadn''t seen? The unknown only fueled the stories, making Kisha''s reputation even more fearsome. The gruesome details spread quickly¡ªhow the walls were slick with blood and how chunks of zombies were scattered far and wide, almost as if Kisha had unleashed a storm of fury upon them. Those brave enough to clean the aftermath could barely stomach their own meals after seeing what was left behind. Some said they couldn''t even touch meat for days afterward without being reminded of the scene. Yet, despite the disgust, there was a perverse sense of pride in having witnessed, or at least been near, such a display of raw power. The tale became a legend, growing more absurd with every telling. Some said Kisha moved so fast that the zombies didn''t even realize they were dead until they were torn to shreds. Others claimed she summoned a weapon from thin air or used her bare hands, crushing skulls and tearing limbs with impossible strength. Whatever the truth was, one thing was certain: Kisha had made an impression that no one would soon forget. Her presence was now synonymous with power, and it left the base both in awe and a little fearful of their leader''s true capabilities. As the newly arrived survivors stood in line, waiting to be registered before being assigned their own living spaces, they couldn''t help but overhear the chatter around them. The survivors weren''t sure what to believe¡ªwhat was fact and what was exaggerated beyond recognition. But one thing was certain: there had to be some truth to the tales. After all, they themselves had witnessed the terrifying power of the zombies. The undead, relentless and overwhelming in numbers, could decimate even a heavily armed battalion. They had seen soldiers fall, overwhelmed by the sheer mass of bodies that just wouldn''t stay down. Yet here they were, alive, saved by just two people¡ªKisha and Duke. It was almost impossible to believe that such a small force could achieve what an entire squadron could not, but their survival was undeniable proof. Whatever methods Kisha had used, whether exaggerated or not, they had clearly been effective. The awe and confusion in the survivors'' minds only deepened as they pondered the power of these two individuals who had saved them from certain death. The newly arrived survivors listened eagerly to the gossip, their ears perked with excitement as they soaked in every detail. They couldn''t help but imagine what life in this new base would be like, filled with hope and curiosity. The tales of safety, plentiful food, and strong leadership were a stark contrast to the horrors they had endured outside. As they waited to be registered, anticipation buzzed through the group. They were eager for the chance to explore the base, familiarize themselves with their new home, and see for themselves the world that had been described in the rumors. Life here promised stability and security, and they couldn''t wait to begin this new chapter. Soon, the new survivors were settled into their living spaces and quickly took the initiative to register for work that suited their skills around the base. Eager to fit in, they made efforts to integrate and get along with the existing residents. Though it was a bit challenging at first, the base''s seasoned survivors showed remarkable patience, understanding the newcomers'' struggles better than anyone else. After all, they had once been in the same position, adjusting to the rhythm and rules of life within the walls. This shared experience helped foster a sense of community and support. Chapter 343 - 343 Sparrows Side On Sparrow''s end, once outside the wall, he wasted no time. He drove straight ahead, bulldozing through the abandoned vehicles blocking the path, much like he had done before when navigating the highway jammed with cars. With his experience, he knew exactly where to hit, clearing the way efficiently. Even without the assistance of the Scarlet Bees, Sparrow skillfully managed to clear the path for the convoy of trucks following behind him, demonstrating his ability to forge ahead and keep things moving smoothly. However, as Sparrow and his team reached the eastern outskirts of City B, they encountered a group of survivors desperately fighting off zombies while trying to flee. Both groups briefly locked eyes, but Sparrow didn''t so much as slow down. Despite hearing their frantic pleas for help, he knew stopping would only worsen the situation¡ªtheir raised voices were drawing even more zombies. Sparrow, focused on his mission, was under strict orders to complete it at all costs. Stopping now would jeopardize everything, and he couldn''t afford any delays. Sparrow wasn''t the type to be swayed by moral dilemmas. The cries and desperate pleas for help barely registered with him. Stopping the truck to assist them was out of the question¡ªthere was no room for more survivors, and risking his men''s lives for something outside their mission wasn''t an option. His focus was clear: complete the mission and keep his team safe, no matter the cost. Compassion would have to take a backseat to survival. It might seem harsh, but Sparrow knew better than to play the hero in this situation. His priority was to ensure the safety of himself and his team. With their own survival at stake, he couldn''t afford to jeopardize their mission by diverting resources or risking their safety for unknown individuals. Until he could guarantee their own security, extending help to others was a luxury he couldn''t afford. After all, he had no way of knowing whether these new survivors were friend or foe. If there was one lesson Sparrow had learned from Kisha, it was not to trust anyone blindly and to stay vigilant. Despite the pitiful state of the survivors, he couldn''t afford to stop the truck. However, showing a flicker of compassion, he signaled one of the ''Space Type Ability Users'' to hand over a bag stamina booster. He tossed it to the man who appeared to be in charge, then pointed him in the direction they had come from, suggesting that they might find the base if they followed that route. Sparrow didn''t need to explain himself further; it was clear that these survivors were trying to reach the base, and while he wouldn''t obstruct their path, he also couldn''t assist them. They needed to navigate this challenge on their own. If they were fortunate enough to be rescued by the base''s warriors, that would be their luck. Otherwise, Sparrow had already emotionally detached himself from the situation, focusing solely on his mission. That''s the reality of leadership. With the rumbling of their truck, Sparrow and his team managed to divert half of the zombies'' attention toward them, providing the running survivors a crucial opportunity to regroup. The stamina booster Sparrow had given them offered a much-needed boost, allowing them to continue their flight with renewed energy and without interruption. Despite not being rescued, the survivors were deeply grateful for Sparrow''s simple act of kindness. They appreciated that, even though he didn''t stop to save them, he extended some help by providing a stamina booster. Having traveled from City A to City B, they had witnessed countless harrowing scenes and endured immense bloodshed and sacrifice, particularly from those who served to protect and rescue them. The survivors understood that Sparrow and his team, who didn''t appear to be soldiers, were under no obligation to assist them. They appreciated the help they received, recognizing that given the context of their journey and previous encounters with heinous acts, it was understandable for Sparrow and his team to prioritize their own safety. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After receiving the stamina booster, the survivors quickly parted ways, with their brief exchange lasting less than two minutes. As Sparrow''s team drove away, they fired their firearms to draw the zombies'' attention. Without this distraction, the group of survivors¡ªcomprising many haggard and exhausted children and women¡ªwould have been overwhelmed and quickly overrun. The diversion was crucial to giving them a fighting chance. Sparrow and his team also used grenades to create further distractions, giving the survivors a crucial window to regroup and continue their escape. Once Sparrow could no longer see the survivors, he instructed his team to cease using grenades and instead rely on their awakened abilities. This approach minimized noise, helping to prevent attracting additional hordes of zombies from all corners of the city. When the zombie numbers began to overwhelm them and the trucks could no longer advance, Bell and her Scarlet Bees sprang into action. They launched a decisive counterattack, clearing the way and reducing the pressure on each truck. This allowed Sparrow and the rest of the convoy to continue their journey safely while the Scarlet Bees managed the onslaught. The zombie carcasses piled up on the road made their journey bumpy, but Sparrow made sure that Bell and the Scarlet Bees collected all the crystal cores scattered on the ground. Having adopted Kisha''s meticulous approach, Sparrow had become accustomed to scavenging every resource available. It didn''t sit well with him to leave any valuable material behind, so he ensured that nothing was left in the area, leaving it stripped clean. Despite Bell and the Scarlet Bees working tirelessly, Sparrow didn''t stop for a moment. They spent a grueling four hours navigating the Eastern part of the city, carefully avoiding areas overrun with zombies. Only upon reaching the outskirts of City B did they finally pause to find a place to rest and refuel their trucks. As usual, Sparrow decided to stop at a gasoline station to check for any remaining fuel in the underground tanks or in nearby trucks. Although they had brought sufficient gasoline for their trip, Sparrow preferred to stockpile as much as he could. He wants to refill their tanks from the station they passed by, always keen to hoard extra resources for future use. Fortune was on Sparrow''s side; the gasoline station he chose still had some fuel in the underground tank. He instructed Clyde and the ''Space Type Ability Users'' to fill as many large drums as possible with the available gasoline. Meanwhile, Sparrow headed inside the store to see if there were any other useful supplies they could salvage. Inside the store, Sparrow found a scene of chaos. The shelves were overturned, broken glass littered the floor, and the remnants of shattered bottles and burst bags of chips were scattered everywhere. The store was a complete mess, with most of the valuable items already taken. Sparrow searched in vain, finding only broken goods and debris, with nothing useful left to salvage. Undeterred, Sparrow decided to check the back warehouse where the stock was usually stored. He grinned when he saw that the door was still secured with a padlock. Even so, he remained cautious, aware that someone could have locked a zombie inside. After breaking the lock, he pressed his ear to the door, listening for any sounds of movement before cautiously opening it. Chapter 344 - 344 Sparrows Side 2 When he didn''t hear any movement from inside, he hesitated for a moment but decided to err on the side of caution. With a swift motion, he conjured a wind blade in his left hand, its sharp edge glinting faintly in the dim light. He pushed the door open, bracing himself for any surprise attack. But to his relief¡ªwala!¡ªthe room was empty. No zombies in sight. Still, Sparrow wasn''t one to take chances. He meticulously scanned the room, carefully checking every corner, crevice, and shadow. His heart raced as he recalled past encounters with evolved zombies¡ªcreatures far more dangerous and cunning than their lesser counterparts. They had a knack for hiding in the most unexpected places, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Sparrow knew firsthand how much of a nightmare they could be, and the thought of facing another sent a chill down his spine. Satisfied that no threat was lurking, he allowed himself a brief moment to relax, but his guard remained up. In this world, danger could always be one step ahead. He knew that if a powerful enemy were lurking around the corner, he wouldn''t stand a chance at both fighting and protecting the people he planned to bring inside. They would be too vulnerable, and he couldn''t risk any surprises while gathering supplies. That''s why, after thoroughly ensuring there were no zombies¡ªespecially none of the evolved kind¡ªhe allowed himself to breathe a little easier. His gaze swept across the storage room, his eyes widening as he took in the sight. Boxes upon boxes of supplies were neatly stacked, untouched, and unopened, just waiting to be claimed. There was far more than he had expected¡ªenough to make a real difference for his group while traveling for a long time. A wave of relief and excitement washed over him, and he couldn''t suppress the smile that spread across his face. It was a rare moment of joy in a world that had long since forgotten what hope looked like. The sheer quantity of supplies made him grin even wider. For once, it felt like luck was on his side. He began mentally calculating how much they could store with the help of the ''Space Type Ability Users''. But even with his excitement, his instincts kept him alert. He couldn''t let his guard down completely, not yet. There was still work to be done, and in this world, danger could strike the moment you allowed yourself to relax. He considered himself fortunate. The first batch of awakened ability users, including those in his group, possessed far greater potential than those who would awaken later. This early awakening granted them abilities that were more powerful and refined, and that advantage extended to the rare and coveted ''Space Type ability users.'' Unlike the ones who would emerge later with smaller, less efficient storage capacities, the Space ability users in his group had significantly larger storage dimensions within their spatial abilities. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was an invaluable asset, especially in a world where every bit of extra space could mean the difference between survival and scarcity. Their immense storage capacity made a world of difference, and it was no surprise that Kisha, their ever-pragmatic leader, trusted these five to handle one of the most resource-heavy tasks¡ªretrieving cargo trailers. The trailers were far too cumbersome to move or hide under normal circumstances, but with the enhanced storage abilities of these users, even something as bulky and space-consuming as a trailer could be stored away with ease. This left Kisha free to focus on other critical matters without worrying about the logistics of moving massive supplies across dangerous terrain. What impressed him even more was that Kisha had managed to send them off not only to secure the trailers but also to carry additional supplies. Their spatial storage was so vast that, despite the size of the trailers, there was still enough room left for essential resources. It was a perfect example of how the right abilities, in the right hands, could completely shift the balance in their favor. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer efficiency of it all. The ability to transport such large amounts of cargo without needing to constantly worry about space limitations was a game-changer. It was a stroke of luck that they had these early awakened users in their ranks, and he knew that Kisha, with her foresight and strategic mind, was fully aware of how valuable these individuals were. The trust she placed in them spoke volumes, and it was clear that with their help, they had a much better shot at securing not just the trailers but their other supplies as well. Even though their storage capacities couldn''t compare to her unlimited inventory space, their abilities were still impressive in their own right. The fact that they could store years'' worth of supplies within their spatial dimensions meant they had a significant advantage. In the event they were ever trapped or isolated, they would have more than enough resources to keep themselves safe and survive for an extended period. It was a safeguard that gave them both security and peace of mind, knowing they could endure even the worst situations. He reached for his radio, quickly dialing in to make contact with someone outside. Pressing the button on the walkie-talkie, he waited for the familiar crackle of static before speaking. "I need a team with a ''Space Type Ability User'' and a guard to come inside," he said, his voice steady and direct. "I''m in the storage room on the left. Over." "Roger that," Rose responded promptly. Without wasting any time, she brought the nearest ''Space Type Ability User'' with her and began escorting them inside, maintaining the same level of vigilance that Sparrow had shown earlier. Outside, the rest of the team remained on high alert, guarding the perimeter as drums upon drums were being filled with gasoline. No one voiced any objections¡ªthey all knew how critical the fuel was. The base relied heavily on generators for electricity, especially the Supply Center, and without a steady supply of fuel, they couldn''t afford the risk of running out. Until they found a reliable alternative, losing power would mean spoiled food, wasted resources, and an even more dangerous situation. When Rose entered with the ''Space Type Ability User'' in tow, she was surprised to find the storage room completely untouched¡ªa stark contrast to the chaos outside. The mess beyond the store suggested that looters had already been through, yet this room remained perfectly intact. It made her wonder: had those who ransacked the place missed the storage entirely, or was there something inside that had deterred them from entering? Either way, it was a stroke of luck, and she wasn''t about to question it for long. Sparrow shared the same suspicion. He believed there was no such thing as real luck. That''s why he had meticulously checked every nook and cranny of the storage room before calling for their ''Portable Storage'' team. The term ''Portable Storage'' struck him as far more convenient than the cumbersome ''Space Type Ability Users,'' and he mused that ''STAU'' would be even more efficient in urgent situations where quick communication was essential. As he considered this, Sparrow couldn''t help but smile at his own cleverness, feeling a brief moment of pride in his practical solution. Chapter 345 - 345 Something Inside the Room After a brief distraction, Sparrow shook his head, refocusing on the task at hand. But before he could react, he felt a sudden tug at the back of his collar. In an instant, he was being yanked backward, along with the person he had dubbed ''Portable Storage.'' Both of them were caught completely off guard as Rose dragged them like a pair of ragged clothes hanging from a rack. Confusion flashed across their faces as they stumbled, floored by her unexpected and forceful grip. Just then, a sound echoed through the enclosed space, catching both of their attention instantly. Akackack... Screech! The sound was unnervingly alien, like something straight out of ''Alien vs. Predator''. That was exactly how it felt to both Sparrow and the other man¡ªan eerie, otherworldly noise that made their skin crawl. Tension gripped them as they strained to pinpoint its origin, but the storage room remained silent and still, with no visible threat. They scanned every corner, their nerves on edge, yet saw nothing. An unsettling realization began to creep over them: if there was truly an evolved zombie lurking, it was expertly hiding. Worse, their team outside remained blissfully unaware of the potential danger inside. If this creature struck while their guard was down, it would be a catastrophe¡ªone that could spell disaster for them all. Sparrow''s nerves began to fray. They had just escaped the chaos of the city, and the thought of returning empty-handed filled him with dread. If he went back and reported that the mission had failed, he was certain Duke would whip him into shape¡ªthough that was the least of his concerns at the moment. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What really gnawed at him was the uneasy feeling that he''d somehow jinxed himself. It seemed like every time he was on a mission, something unexpected and disastrous always happened, leaving him wondering if he was cursed or simply unlucky. Frustration boiled inside him, and he had to bite back a curse as his eyes darted around, searching for even the slightest ripple in the air. His instincts were on high alert, every sense tuned to detecting any movement. As he guarded Rose and his ''Portable Storage,'' both arms extended, gently pushing them to retreat. Step by step, he guided them backward, inching closer to the door they had entered through, all while bracing for whatever might come next. He still couldn''t figure out how Rose had sensed something lurking in the room before it made its presence known. But now, as his eyes scanned the area, he spotted a claw mark right where he had been standing moments earlier. A chill ran down his spine. Their enemy wasn''t just hiding¡ªit was skilled at ambush tactics, far more adept than the evolved zombie he had previously encountered, which had relied on sheer agility. This one was smarter, and that made it even more dangerous. If Rose hadn''t pulled them back in time, both he and the other guy would likely have been decapitated¡ªor at the very least, suffered a severe throat wound that would have left him bleeding out within minutes. The creature''s attack, even if not immediately fatal, would have been lethal in the end. They owed their lives to her quick reflexes. Akackack... Grrr. The creature let out another one of its eerie, otherworldly sounds, reverberating throughout the room, but they still couldn''t pinpoint its origin. Yet, it didn''t attack. Maybe it was sizing them up, wary of Sparrow''s strength¡ªor maybe that was just his imagination running wild. Right now, all he could hear after the creature''s low growl was the sound of their ragged breathing and his own heart pounding in his chest. Sparrow and the others continued to retreat, knowing they couldn''t stay in the center of the room like sitting ducks, vulnerable to attacks from all sides. With their invisible enemy lurking, standing still would be suicide. Even if they couldn''t reach the door, they needed to at least get their backs to the wall. While it was still dangerous, it was far better than being ambushed from behind or the flanks. At least this way, they could focus on defending a single direction¡ªwhatever came at them would have to come from the front. The other guy gulped as he scanned the eerily quiet room. Not a single box was out of place, as if nothing had happened at all. If it weren''t for the claw mark gouged into the floor, he might''ve convinced himself that the sound they''d heard was coming from somewhere else entirely. It was so unlike the usual guttural growls of a zombie¡ªtoo alien, too unnatural. He couldn''t shake the feeling that they were like insects trapped in a predator''s web¡ªcompletely at the mercy of the enemy''s territory. Every move they made was likely being monitored and anticipated by their unseen foe, leaving them powerless and vulnerable while the enemy remained in control. Then, what Sparrow feared happened. "Ack!" Rose exclaimed in pain, Sparrow and the other guy''s head whipped to the side and looked at her, there she was raising her right hand in defence with her dagger in hand, her arm was bleeding but, there wasn''t anything there. "Shit!" Sparrow cursed under his breath, Rose wasn''t just bleeding, she was bitten! Rose immediately clutched her wounded arm, her eyes rimmed with red as she fixed her gaze on the direction from which the attack had come. Her chest heaved with every breath as she struggled to contain her anger and fear, all while her injury continued to bleed. As Sparrow and the others continued to stare at her, Rose snapped, "Stop staring at me¡ªlook around!" She quickly reached into a small pocket of her cargo pants, pulling out a roll of gauze. With swift, practiced movements, she wrapped it around her arm to staunch the bleeding, all the while keeping her eyes vigilantly scanning the room. Blood continued to trickle from her wound, forming a grim trail on the floor. The atmosphere was eerily quiet and suffocatingly tense. Suddenly, Sparrow halted in his tracks, abandoning his retreat toward the wall. Instead, he urgently directed Rose and the others toward the right, where the boxes of supplies were stacked. Rose and the other guy were initially puzzled by his sudden shift in strategy, but Sparrow''s swift, decisive movements conveyed a confidence that left them with no choice but to follow his lead. They had no better options anyway. After a few quick strides, Sparrow and the others reached the large boxes stacked nearby. "Get these boxes into your space," he commanded firmly. His tone brooked no argument, and his serious expression, with eyes fixed in one direction and brows furrowed tightly, left no room for hesitation. The others, recognizing the urgency in his demeanor, complied without question. Unlike Kisha, who could store items regardless of distance, the ''Space Type Ability Users'' had a different limitation. They needed to be close to the items and touch them before they could store them in their spaces. So, the guy quickly began touching each box with both hands, working efficiently to store them one by one. Meanwhile, he positioned himself with his back pressed against Sparrow''s, eliminating any gaps that might expose him to danger. He remained vigilant, constantly scanning the area above and around the boxes for any signs of an ambush. Chapter 346 - 346 The Stalemate Sparrow knew that he didn''t need them to be as vigilant as he was, especially since neither could engage in battle at the moment. Rose was injured, her breathing growing ragged as the virus began to infiltrate her brain through her bloodstream. Sparrow was determined to resolve the situation before Rose succumbed to the virus and turned into a zombie. He couldn''t afford to divert his attention from the front, as any lapse in focus could lead to an immediate attack. He reasoned that Rose could wait for the moment, as he and the other guy were now immune to the zombie virus after awakening their ability. Unless they faced an attack so fatal that it would cause instant death, they were confident in their survival. After all, they had been provided with vials of blue and black liquid for situations of serious danger. With Rose having been bitten, Sparrow''s approach shifted. Unlike before, when he was worried about being attacked from all sides due to Rose still being a normal human, he now felt more confident. He and the other guy had already awakened their abilities, giving them an edge and making them more prepared for the situation. Given that Rose had been bitten, it was nearly certain she would turn into a zombie. The only variables were how effectively she could fight off the virus or how resilient her immune system was. The longer she resisted, the more time Sparrow would have to deal with the evolved zombie. However, the moment she fully turned, Sparrow wouldn''t hesitate; he would immediately drive his dagger into her brain without a second thought. Though it felt harsh to admit, Sparrow found a sense of freedom now that Rose was out of the picture. With her removed from the equation, he could focus on clearing the room of obstacles that the evolved zombie might use to hide or launch an ambush. By removing these obstructions, he would gain a clearer view of the room and be able to spot any subtle movements. With his Talent ''Scouting'', Gift ''Hawk Eyesight'', and skill ''Perception'', he was well-equipped to detect even the slightest ripple of movement. With the combination of his Talent ''Scouting,'' Gift ''Hawk Eyesight,'' and skill ''Perception,'' Sparrow could detect any movement within the room with remarkable precision. He could zoom in on even the slightest changes, such as dust rising under someone''s feet during a quick maneuver. Regardless of how fast a creature moved, Sparrow could pick up on subtle signs of their motion. His skill ''Perception'' allowed him to slow down time in his mind, enabling him to calculate and anticipate the enemy''s next move, even if he couldn''t read their muscle movements directly. This heightened awareness gave him the edge to attack or deflect based on his predictions. Now that Sparrow had committed to fighting the evolved zombie head-on, his resolve to execute his plan flawlessly intensified. He guarded the ''STAU'' with utmost vigilance, not only because it was invaluable to Kisha, but also because it was essential to the success of his own strategy. However, with the way things were progressing, it would take some time before he could store all the items in his space. Sparrow felt his eyebrow twitch in frustration¡ªnot only did he have to remain in a hyper-aware state that was mentally exhausting, but he also had to protect them from the constant sneak attacks. Since it was clear they''d be delayed, Sparrow signaled to Rose to inform the others outside. Rose quickly complied, despite her labored breathing and the profuse sweating. She was still lucid enough to carry out the task, but could feel her body gradually weakening as the virus took its toll. Determined to help while she still could, Rose pressed the button on the walkie-talkie. "Anyone hearing this, over?" A long, crackling static followed, filling the room with an eerie, nerve-wracking tension that seemed to amplify the sense of dread hanging in the air. Grzzzz. "Yes, we hear over." "Good. Sparrow, one of the ''Space Type Ability Users,'' and I are gathering supplies. Don''t bother coming in¡ªjust keep guarding the perimeter until we''re out. Got it?" Rose''s voice, laced with both seriousness and dread, conveyed more than just the message. Even without her explaining further, the person on the other end could sense that something had gone terribly wrong inside the storage room. The unspoken warning was clear: stay put and protect the perimeter. Any attempt to enter would only cause more trouble, becoming a hindrance rather than help. "Roger that," came the simple reply, which reassured both Sparrow and Rose. On the other end, the recipient wasted no time in relaying the message to the others, ensuring they heightened their vigilance. Their task now was clear: prevent any zombies or distractions from entering the store and disrupting Sparrow''s fight. Any interference could tip the balance and put the group at a serious disadvantage. Looking back, Sparrow realized the signs had been there all along¡ªhe just hadn''t noticed them right away. The absence of zombies around the gas station was already a red flag. The chaotic scene outside hinted at a struggle, possibly when someone had locked the infected person inside the storage during their transformation. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The fact that the padlock on the outside remained untouched was proof enough that this was no ordinary situation; a dangerous predator had been trapped inside from the beginning. It was likely the same group of people who had looted the shelves outside but avoided the storage altogether. They must have known there was a zombie inside and didn''t want to risk it. Just then, Sparrow heard a sharp whistling in his ear, signaling another incoming attack¡ªthis time aimed at Rose. However, Sparrow was ready. Anticipating movement, he instinctively raised his dagger, relying solely on his gut and reflexes, blindly deflecting the strike before it could hit her. Clank! Grah! Sparrow successfully intercepted the attack aimed at Rose. It seemed the evolved zombie was determined to pick them off one by one, starting with the weakest. Logically, Rose shouldn''t have been the target¡ªthe ''STAU,'' standing behind Sparrow, was the more vulnerable one. Yet, the evolved zombie chose her, a move that puzzled him. The only explanation Sparrow could come up with was that the evolved zombie was assessing their energy levels and targeting perceived vulnerabilities. Since Rose hadn''t awakened her abilities yet, she lacked the energy fluctuations that the others displayed, making her appear as the weakest link and thus a prime target. The evolved zombie might have realized this after its initial failed attack, or perhaps it was driven by a grudge against Rose for thwarting its first strike. It could be targeting her out of revenge for its earlier failure. The stalemate persisted for over half an hour until the ''STAU'' had completed Sparrow''s orders. He managed to store all the items in his space, but the effort had drained both his mental capacityand physical energy. Now, he appeared as wilted and exhausted as a withering plant behind Sparrow. Sparrow could feel the ''STAU'' behind him, slumped against his back, unable to support himself. He couldn''t ask Rose to tend to the ''STAU'' either, as she was barely holding herself upright. Her ragged breathing spoke volumes¡ªshe was struggling just to fend off the virus invading her system. Chapter 347 - 347 Fending Alone So, Sparrow was left to fend for all of them alone. Fortunately, the room was now free of obstructions, allowing him a clear view of his surroundings. While he didn''t possess Kisha''s heightened senses, he could rely on his exceptional ''Perception'' skill and keen eyesight. Ackack... Sparrow felt as if the evolved zombie was mocking him, or perhaps it was signaling an imminent attack. Each time he heard that eerie, otherworldly sound, his muscles tensed and his nerves frayed. It was as if the zombie''s menacing noise was a battle cry meant to shake his resolve, much like a commanding general''s shout to demoralize their enemies. Sparrow was starting to feel the toll of maintaining his heightened awareness since they first entered the room. The constant strain was beginning to numb his senses and make his mind buzz, pulling his focus away. After half an hour of keeping his stance, he realized he might have overtaxed his skill, pushing it to its limits. However, Sparrow had no way to gauge his spiritual energy levels, lacking the tracking system that Kisha used. Without such a measure, he was uncertain if he had already depleted his reserves. Sparrow''s eyes narrowed, then brightened with a glint of determination. He had finally found a breakthrough in this stalemate. Clearing the room of obstructions had proven to be the best decision he could have made in this situation. Sparrow took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as if steam was escaping from his mouth. He then conjured a wind blade in each hand. With precise timing, he launched both blades simultaneously, his movements synchronized and fluid. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bam! Rumble... Rose could barely see what was happening, but she could hear the deep rumbling of the cement floor as something massive struck it. Debris clattered around the room, echoing off the walls. She couldn''t determine if Sparrow''s attacks were random attempts to hit the elusive target or if the evolved zombie was simply too agile or adept at hiding to be seen. But Sparrow remained relentless in his assault, sending wind blades in rapid succession throughout the room. His eyes tracked an unseen movement with sharp focus. Unlike the last evolved zombie he faced, which had exceptional agility, this one had the ability to turn invisible. It maintained its invisibility even while launching attacks, making it a more elusive and challenging opponent. Grahhh! Screech! The evolved zombie emitted an angry roar toward Sparrow, but Sparrow''s smile only grew wider. He could tell that the creature was becoming frustrated because it couldn''t get close to him or his team. Instead, it was reduced to darting around the room in frustration. The zombie was baffled by how Sparrow had managed to pinpoint its exact location despite its invisibility. With no obstructions left in the room, Sparrow''s keen perception was finally paying off. He could now detect the subtle distortions in the surroundings¡ªslight, shimmering rifts that appeared where the image wobbled as if a mirror had been displaced. These inconsistencies in the environment allowed him to see the evolved zombie''s exact position with clarity. Sparrow''s keen eyesight and agility were assets, but he was constrained by his need to protect Rose and the ''STAU,'' limiting his movement. Despite his earlier thoughts, he couldn''t abandon them to focus solely on the battle. Instead, he relied on his wind blades to maintain a long-distance assault, balancing his responsibility with his need to confront the evolved zombie. However, Sparrow knew he couldn''t sustain this strategy for much longer. Tracking the zombie with his current method was inconsistent and was putting a significant strain on both his eyesight and his ''Perception'' skill, which couldn''t endure indefinitely. Sparrow took a deep breath and paused his relentless attacks, his vision now obscured by the dust and debris stirred up from his continuous assault. The room was filled with a haze of floating dust, making it hard to see clearly. After clearing his mind and focusing, Sparrow retrieved his dagger and, with a burst of speed, darted in one direction. Clank! Sparrow''s dagger clashed with the zombie''s claw, causing a spray of black blood to splatter against its invisible form. A wicked grin spread across Sparrow''s face as his eyes gleamed with determination¡ªhe had locked onto his target. Sparrow wasn''t just flinging attacks blindly. Even if his wind blades missed the target or only served to irritate the zombie, he had a purpose behind his relentless assault. His aim wasn''t desperation; he was deliberately trying to disorient the evolved zombie and prevent it from closing in on him and the others. Simultaneously, he was working to fill the room with dust, creating a veil that would further obscure the zombie''s movements and give him a tactical advantage. The evolved zombie might have been able to dodge Sparrow''s attacks, but it couldn''t escape the pervasive dust now clouding the room. As expected, the dust settled on the zombie''s form, outlining it and revealing its presence. With the zombie''s shape now visible, Sparrow finally had a clear view of his elusive target, which had previously been difficult to track due to its distortion in space and occasional delays in his perception. Now that he had achieved his goal and revealed the zombie''s form, Sparrow no longer needed to rely on his strained skills. With the evolved zombie''s outline clearly visible through the settling dust, he could shift his focus to using his physical abilities. He lunged directly at the zombie, ready to engage it in close combat. Rawrrr! As Sparrow''s dagger pressed forward, he felt the warm breath of the evolved zombie on his face and caught a whiff of its foul stench. The zombie roared angrily, clearly confused about how Sparrow had managed to pinpoint its location while it was supposed to be invisible. Fortunately, the zombie''s lack of intelligence allowed Sparrow to exploit the situation with relative ease. Given that the evolved zombie relied solely on its invisibility and was slightly stronger but less agile than Sparrow, Sparrow felt a surge of confidence. He easily overpowered the zombie. However, he soon encountered a protective membrane surrounding the evolved zombie''s body. The membrane surrounding the zombie was shimmering, slimy, and repulsive. Every time Sparrow struck, his dagger only made shallow cuts due to this grotesque barrier. However, he noticed that as the membrane was scratched away, the exposed areas of the zombie''s body became increasingly visible. Sparrow deduced that the protective membrane functioned both as armor and as the mechanism for the zombie''s invisibility. As he observed the zombie''s barely visible form, he smirked. With a swift motion, he lunged at the zombie''s neck, then quickly retreated to put some distance between them before the zombie could swipe its long claws at him. It seemed as though Sparrow was toying with the zombie, merely provoking it. He repeated the same attack pattern, each time landing blows that only deepened the zombie''s frustration. The zombie''s enraged roars echoed through the room, but Sparrow remained unshaken. Finally, on his fifth attempt, he delivered a decisive strike. Sparrow conjured another wind blade, but this time, instead of launching it as he had before, he guided it to envelop his dagger. With a powerful swing, he struck just as the zombie lunged toward him. He saw the attack coming but didn''t hesitate. His blade sliced through the zombie''s head with precision. Sparrow quickly leaped back, avoiding the splatter of the zombie''s blood. Chapter 348 - 348 Dealing With Rose As the evolved zombie''s blood splattered across the floor, its severed arm landed with a heavy thud, and its decapitated head rolled to a stop at Sparrow''s feet. With its invisibility completely undone, the zombie''s grotesque form was fully revealed. Its blackened body appeared as though it was covered in a thick layer of decaying moss, and it seemed like there was no skin left to shield its sinewy form. Sparrow could make out the stark outlines of the zombie''s muscles and ligaments. Perhaps that moss-like coating was once its skin, now rotted and peeling away as it turned pitch black. To make matters worse, writhing worms burrowed through its exposed flesh, parasitically tunneling through the decayed muscle. Sparrow exhaled a relieved sigh, a small smile playing on his lips. He could feel the difference ¡ª he was undeniably stronger than before. The comparison to his first battle with an evolved zombie was inevitable; the gap between then and now was immense. He couldn''t help but marvel at how far he''d come. Before, he had struggled to keep up with the speed of the evolved zombie¡ªit had been much faster than him. But this time, while the creature wasn''t as fast, it was far from slow. What made it truly dangerous, though, was its ability to turn invisible and launch precise sneak attacks. Its unsettling, alien-like body could stretch unnaturally, and it moved with such eerie silence that it was almost impossible to detect. Its mastery of concealment was terrifying. Had he not made the reckless decision to confront it head-on, choosing instead to play it safe and protect the two behind him, the battle would have dragged on. The evolved zombie would have continued using the boxes as cover, toying with Sparrow while launching calculated attacks that would eventually wear him down, putting both him and the others at lethal risk. Thud! As Sparrow was basking in his victory and mentally reviewing the battle to pinpoint areas for improvement, a sudden thud behind him snapped him out of his thoughts. Rose had been struggling to stay upright, enduring the excruciating pain that felt like molten lava coursing through her veins. Her entire body was wracked with agony, to the point where she could barely hold onto consciousness. The only thing keeping her from collapsing sooner was her determination not to distract Sparrow while he fought the evolved zombie. She refused to be a burden, even as the torment threatened to overwhelm her. When Rose saw Sparrow charging at the zombie with just his dagger, her first instinct was to shout or create a distraction to help him land the blow. However, she quickly realized Sparrow didn''t need her assistance. He moved with confidence, as if he''d faced this kind of battle before. Trusting his experience, Rose focused all her energy on staying conscious, determined not to interfere or show weakness. The moment Sparrow delivered the final blow, instantly killing the evolved zombie, Rose felt a wave of relief wash over her. The pain coursing through her body faded into the background as she stared blankly at the small beam of sunlight filtering through the tiny ventilation window, casting a warm glow where the evolved zombie once stood. Sparrow stood like a comic book hero after defeating the villain, a beacon of victory and strength. Rose felt a surge of pride and a deep longing to emulate him. But then, the harsh reality hit her¡ªshe had been bitten by a zombie, which only meant one thing. She has regrets. She felt bitter. But there was no changing what had already happened. A bitter smile crept onto her lips as she etched Sparrow''s image into her mind¡ªa symbol of what she aspired to be, her future goal. With that thought lingering, her vision faded to black. Sparrow snapped back to reality and turned to see Rose sprawled on the ground, the dust from her fall still settling around her. Her face was pressed against the floor, and it was clear she had hit her left side and arm hard against the cold, hard surface of the ground. Sparrow winced at the sight before quickly moving to her side. Even the man who had been cowering in fear while Sparrow faced off with the zombie finally realized the battle was over and that they had a serious casualty on their hands. He couldn''t bring himself to comment further, especially since Rose was one of the team leaders and her condition was dire. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had no idea how they would explain Rose''s condition to everyone else, but deep down, they all knew this outcome was a possibility. Despite the grim awareness, it didn''t lessen the sting of disappointment and concern they felt. The guy and Sparrow rushed to Rose''s side, their hearts sinking as they saw the blackish veins creeping across her face, her skin taking on a purplish and greenish hue. Sparrow clenched his teeth, gripping his dagger tightly as he pressed it against Rose''s neck, but he hesitated, his resolve wavering. He noticed Rose''s chest rising and falling faintly, a subtle sign that she was still alive. It would be easier to end her suffering now, but Sparrow remembered the positive impression Rose had made on Kisha. As a fellow leader and a woman who had traveled from a distant land to City B, Kisha had shown a degree of compassion towards Rose due to their shared experiences. Sparrow couldn''t bring himself to kill her, knowing how much Kisha cared. He pursed his lips, his gaze fixed on Rose''s face. The veins had stopped advancing but hadn''t receded either. With a deep exhale, he turned to the man beside him and asked, "Do you have a rope?" The other man, still in a daze, managed a slow nod before taking several seconds to retrieve a rope from his space. He watched as Sparrow expertly secured Rose, binding her tightly to ensure she couldn''t easily break free. Once satisfied, Sparrow hefted her onto his left arm, carrying her like a sack of potatoes. Only then did it dawn on him what Sparrow was attempting. His eyes widened in shock as he blinked a few times, realizing he couldn''t bring himself to suggest that Sparrow kill Rose. Silently swallowing his words, he lowered his head and followed behind Sparrow, feeling the weight of his own inaction during the fight. Then, the other guy bumped into Sparrow''s back, causing him to stumble onto his rear. Sparrow abruptly halted in his tracks. Given that his stats were nearly triple those of the man behind him, it felt as though the man had collided with a solid wall. His nose turned red immediately, and he felt a stinging sensation, suspecting he might be bleeding. As he rubbed his aching nose, he heard Sparrow''s voice, low and commanding. "Go retrieve the evolved zombie''s crystal core." Sparrow didn''t even glance back; he seemed lost in thought, his mood distinctly somber. The man behind him, sensing his preoccupation, quietly complied and hurried off to carry out the task. As the man knelt in front of the zombie, he struggled to keep himself from vomiting the breakfast he had eaten. The overwhelming stench of decay and the grotesque sight before him were far worse than anything he had seen in zombie apocalypse movies. The horror of the scene was beyond anything he could have imagined. Chapter 349 - 349 Mourning Even hardened soldiers, who had seen their fair share of gore on the battlefield, would feel their stomachs churn at the sight of the zombie corpse in front of him. The grotesque scene was enough to make anyone feel nauseous. The man could barely breathe, but he steeled himself, drawing the dagger from his waist. With a shaky hand, he plunged it into the evolved zombie''s head, the motion clumsy and uncertain. As he twisted the blade, a squishy sound accompanied the sensation of brain matter hitting the metal. He gagged, struggling to keep his breakfast down, fighting the urge to vomit. His eyelashes fluttered as he weakly inhaled, trying to avoid the overpowering stench of decay. Despite his efforts, the foul odor still hit his nostrils, making him wince. With his eyes tightly shut, he braced himself, dreading the moment when he would have to look into the hole he had carved in the zombie''s head to retrieve the core. But with no other choice, he reluctantly leaned closer to peer into the hole. The stench hit him harder than before, making him feel dizzy and lightheaded. Being so close to the rotting corpse caused his stomach to churn violently, and he could no longer hold it in. Stumbling backward, he bolted away from the zombie, but before he could even reach a corner, he was already vomiting, leaving a trail behind him. When he finally reached a spot, he doubled over, his body trembling as he retched, emptying his stomach in violent heaves. ''Damn it! That stench is going to kill me!'' he thought, letting out another violent heave. It sounded like he was about to throw up his entire stomach, but after a few more gagging attempts, his body gave up¡ªthere was nothing left to expel. His eyes were red and teary, his throat raw from the effort, and his aching nose felt completely numb from the overwhelming smell. After emptying his stomach completely, he had no choice but to return to the zombie corpse and finish the grim task. Determined to get it over with quickly, he approached the body, dreading every second he had to stay near it. Thankfully, on his first try, he managed to dig his dagger into just the right spot. When he peered inside the zombie''s head, he spotted a faint glimmer¡ªsomething reflecting the sunlight filtering through the small window behind him, catching the edge of his hair. The moment he saw the small glimmer, he didn''t hesitate any longer. With a grimace, he plunged his hand into the mess, grabbing the crystal core between his fingers. His stomach churned again, and he gagged, but forced himself to push through. He rushed back to Sparrow, stopping in front of him, only to double over, retching uncontrollably as the nausea hit him once more. He extended his hand to give Sparrow the crystal core, but Sparrow only glanced at the offered palm, noting the core was still coated in a slimy black substance and reeking of decay. Without a word, Sparrow raised an eyebrow, his face unreadable, yet the man could almost feel the silent judgment. It was as if Sparrow''s gaze alone was calling him ''stupid'' for even thinking of handing it over in that condition. With no other choice, he reluctantly wiped the slimy remnants of brain matter off the crystal core onto the sleeve of his pants. At least this way, he wouldn''t have to constantly endure the stench right under his nose, as he would if he had used his shirt. Thinking this through, he felt slightly consoled as he begrudgingly passed the now-cleaned crystal core to Sparrow. This time, Sparrow accepted it immediately, slipping it into his pocket without hesitation. Without a word, Sparrow turned and walked out of the storage room. As he stepped into the open, the others, hearing the movement, glanced back instinctively¡ªonly to see Sparrow carrying Rose effortlessly in one arm. At first, they didn''t notice anything unusual about Rose and assumed she was merely unconscious. But the moment Sparrow laid her down near the gasoline refill tank, everyone''s attention snapped to the dark, protruding veins creeping up her neck and onto her lower cheeks. Her lips, once pale, were now tinged with a deepening purple. Everyone gasped in sight, they all knew something happened inside the storage room but they didn''t expect it to be this serious, they all looked back at Sparrow in panic, as if asking him with their eyes on what to do with Rose in that condition. But, Sparrow didn''t even need to say something for them to understand the underlying situation and meaning behind his action, nor explain what happened. They would only become worried and scared when they heard about the evolved zombie. Sparrow gazed up at the overcast sky, which mirrored the grim reality of their lives. The clouds seemed to mock their dire situation, a cruel reminder of their fate. Yet, despite the bleak outlook, Sparrow couldn''t help but smirk. No matter how daunting their future seemed, he was certain that humanity¡ªespecially his own group¡ªwould not succumb to extinction so easily. Everyone''s faces were etched with gloom, as if they were already mourning Rose. Her followers, seeing her from a distance, pushed through the gathered crowd, their expressions vacant and lost. Rose had been their beacon of hope during the apocalypse¡ªher leadership had been instrumental in organizing their groups and guiding them through seemingly insurmountable waves of zombies. Though they had lost many along the way, her unwavering determination had ensured that many survived. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing her so frail and on the brink of death stirred a tumult of emotions within them¡ªresentment, loss, and anger. The fact that they were unable to protect her despite being so close felt like a profound failure. They couldn''t accept this outcome. Desperate to help Rose, they found themselves helpless, not knowing how to assist her. They understood the gravity of her situation¡ªRose had yet to awaken, and a zombie bite usually signified impending death. As they watched her lie there, unmoving with shallow breaths, some of the men began to weep silently, their sorrow palpable. "Captain Sparrow, please¡ªdon''t end Captain Rose''s life just yet. W-we''ll deal with it when the time comes," pleaded one of Rose''s men, his voice trembling as he fought back tears. He could barely speak through his sobs, despite his best efforts to remain composed. "Let''s wait and see," Sparrow said, before turning on his heels. He instructed the other teams to continue guarding the perimeter while the rest prepared lunch. Since they had found a relatively safe spot with fewer zombies, it was the perfect opportunity to rest and eat before resuming their journey to the port city. Although Sparrow appeared detached and unemotional in his response, his actions betrayed a deep frustration. They had barely reached the outskirts of City B, just a short distance from their base, and yet they were already facing a serious mishap. With every member of the mission under his responsibility, it was clear that Sparrow felt the weight of this incident heavily. The thought of losing one of his team leaders so quickly weighed heavily on him, causing him to berate himself and spiral into self-blame. He felt like a failure, unable to escape the cycle of guilt and weakness. Despite this, he also recognized that there was nothing more he could have done in the situation. Chapter 350 - 350 Rose Is Slipping Away After giving his orders, Sparrow crossed his arms and leaned against the side of the truck. His gaze lingered on Rose in the distance, and he sighed heavily, lamenting the loss of such a skilled soldier so soon after leaving the city. "Captain Sparrow!" one of the men crouched beside Rose shouted in panic, instantly catching Sparrow''s attention. A wave of dread washed over him, and as he took a heavy step forward, it felt as if lead was weighing down his limbs. Even from a distance, Sparrow could see Rose''s body convulsing violently on the ground. Her team, panicked, was shouting and struggling to hold her down. They understood what was coming next. Two of them were desperately pressing her stomach and feet to prevent her from thrashing about on the hard ground and potentially injuring herself or hitting her head on something sharp. Everyone watching could only sob. ''These grown-ass men are crying like kids'' "No... No... No! Captain!" they chanted desperately, their voices tinged with fear as they tried to restrain her. Despite their frantic efforts, no one could bring themselves to deliver the fatal blow to her head as they watched her transformation unfold. One of the men holding her legs accidentally brushed against her bare skin in the chaos. He clamped his hands down, feeling the coldness of her skin, but his focus was too scattered to process the unsettling sensation. He felt an unsettling coldness, as if he were touching a corpse, causing him to stiffen involuntarily. Glancing back at Rose, he saw that despite the efforts of three grown men holding her down, they were being overpowered by her convulsions. Another man rushed to assist, trying to keep her restrained until Sparrow finally reached the scene. Sparrow''s expression was a mix of helplessness and concern as he watched the scene unfold. He could do nothing to assist, as everyone was already occupied restraining Rose. The air was filled with her frantic screams, and her eyes, rolled back, revealed only the whites turning a disturbing shade of red. The veins in her eyes seemed to writhe and swell, threatening to burst with every agonizing moment. Unable to endure Rose''s agonizing, beastly screams any longer, one of the men swiftly retrieved a towel from his beltbag. As Rose let out another guttural cry with her mouth wide open, he quickly placed the towel over her mouth to prevent her from biting her tongue or anyone else. He then securely tied each end of the towel to ensure it stayed in place, effectively silencing her and preventing any further harm. Sparrow understood that, despite his desire to help, there was little he could do in this situation. He could only watch somberly as six men struggled to restrain Rose, who writhed in apparent agony. The sight of her in such pain, with everyone working desperately to keep her from thrashing, weighed heavily on him. Black blood seeped through the bandage on her arm, evidence of the virus slowly destroying her cells. The dark coloration signified the infection''s advance, and the excessive strain Rose was putting on her body had reopened her wound, causing it to bleed profusely. The team responsible for preparing lunch stood stiff and distracted, their minds struggling to distance themselves from the unfolding crisis. Despite their best efforts to focus on their tasks, the harrowing situation weighed heavily on them. They couldn''t shake the unsettling realization of their own vulnerability, imagining themselves in Rose''s place. The possibility of facing a similar fate loomed large, especially for those who had not yet awakened, leaving them feeling exposed and hopeless. Once bitten, survival seemed nearly impossible for the unawakened; they were effectively sentenced to death. In contrast, those who had awakened were more resilient, akin to cats with nine lives. As long as they avoided bleeding to death or succumbing to immediate fatal injuries, they stood a chance of surviving and eventually returning home. They were all aware of the risks before embarking on the mission, but witnessing Rose''s dire situation drove home the fragility of their lives in this apocalypse. It stirred a mix of emotions within them¡ªan urgent desire to grow stronger intertwined with a profound fear of their vulnerability. The people surrounding Rose collectively gasped, drawing everyone''s attention. They held their breath, eager to hear what would come next or to discover if there was any new development in her condition. "She... she..." One of Rose''s subordinates stammered, struggling to find the right words, his voice trembling with uncertainty. Even Sparrow''s brows furrowed in concern as he leaned in, eager to understand what was happening. "She stopped breathing!" someone finally managed to say, his voice hoarse with shock. Rose had suddenly gone still, and for a moment, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief, thinking she had merely passed out. However, when one of them checked for a pulse and found none, panic set in. They scrambled to perform CPR, but hesitated to remove the towel from her mouth, fearing that if she regained consciousness and bit the rescuer, it could lead to disaster. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite the rising panic, one person attempted to remove the towel from Rose''s mouth. However, he was swiftly stopped by another who, remaining logical amid the chaos, insisted on prioritizing safety. Fortunately, an STAU member who was nearby heard the commotion and rushed over to assist. Thanks to Kisha''s foresight, their emergency supplies included medical essentials like oxygen tanks and a pocket mask for resuscitation. With these resources on hand, they were prepared for such worst-case scenarios. The STAU member swiftly retrieved the medical supplies, and without hesitation, Rose''s subordinate removed the towel from her mouth and replaced it with the pocket mask. Another team member began administering chest compressions, working urgently to restore her breathing. They performed several sets of compressions, and with each set, the person administering them began to sob, their quiet whimpers breaking through the tense silence. They could feel Rose slipping away, a reality no one wanted to face. The mission had barely begun, and already, they were dealing with this nightmare. Those who were more superstitious couldn''t help but feel this was a bad omen, and the thought of backing out crossed more than a few minds. Sparrow stood still, deep in thought, weighing everything. He knew the mission was both urgent and crucial. Kisha''s reasoning echoed in his mind¡ªit made perfect sense. The zombie population was growing at an alarming rate, their strength increasing frighteningly fast. Kisha''s decision to send them out to reinforce the walls wasn''t just a good call¡ªit was the only call. Despite the risks, he understood that fortifying their wall defenses was their best chance of survival. Backing out wasn''t an option, not now. Even though Sparrow understood this, he didn''t try to antagonize those who were clearly panicking. It was only natural¡ªthey were losing someone close to them. But they were outside the safe zone, and anything could happen. Sparrow, along with those who still had their wits about them, took it upon themselves to stay vigilant, guarding the perimeter while the others mourned and let their emotions take over. They were already emotional, and there was no need to push the wrong buttons to get the message across. Chapter 351 - 351 Is She.... Most of these people were veterans, so Sparrow trusted that after allowing themselves a brief moment to mourn, they would pull themselves together. They didn''t have the luxury to falter or stop, as that would only lead to one outcome¡ªdeath. And if that happened, it would dishonor Rose''s sacrifice. Cough! Cough! "We have a heartbeat!" someone shouted from the group administering first aid. Instantly, everyone perked up, straining to catch a glimpse of Rose. ''It seems there won''t be mourning just yet, but maybe later,'' Sparrow thought. It might sound callous, but he didn''t want to get his hopes up. The real battle was still ahead¡ªRose was still fighting the virus that was overtaking her system and threatening to eat her brain. Although she remained human for now, she was drifting in and out of consciousness, moving between the brink of death and her current state. "Do you see it?" Clyde asked, inching closer to Sparrow as he fixed his gaze on Rose''s face. The black veins still marred her neck and cheeks. Meanwhile, Sparrow was preoccupied with the unfolding situation, rearranging their schedule and mission timeframe as he strategized their next steps for continuing the road ahead. Sparrow raised an eyebrow, humoring Clyde but unsure of where he was headed. He remained still, deep in thought, as Clyde continued. "She was bitten, but instead of going into cardiac arrest, she should have turned by now. It''s been over half an hour since the bite¡ªbetween the battle in the storage room and the time others spent attending to her. This delay is unusual." "Usually, when someone is bitten, they turn into a zombie almost instantly due to the rapid spread of the virus through the bloodstream," Clyde explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "But if we look at her now, she appears to be in a sort of half-turned state. It''s almost like the virus has stopped spreading, though that''s unlikely. I''ve seen enough of this to know that if the virus was active, it wouldn''t be on hold. Wouldn''t it?" Clyde shrugged, acknowledging that everyone surrounding Rose had likely witnessed similar horrors. It almost seemed like no one had considered this issue before, perhaps because their minds were too rattled by the situation. "What did you just say?!" Sparrow''s voice rose sharply, his head snapping towards Clyde in shock. Clyde quickly raised both hands defensively, his expression a mix of apprehension and urgency as he gestured for Sparrow to calm down. "Relax, I''m not trying to curse her or be insensitive. I just noticed something unusual," Clyde said, his tone more measured. "We''ve all seen people get bitten and turn into zombies within moments. It rarely takes more than half an hour. So why is she different?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Is this the first time something like this has happened? Could it be because of her immunity? That seems unlikely, but it''s worth considering. I''m just trying to help by pointing out what I see, without any emotional bias. I might come off as detached, but I''m only offering my observations." Clyde paused, focusing his attention back on Rose, who was convulsing again. "No, wait! You actually raised a valid point," Sparrow said suddenly, drawing Clyde''s attention. Clyde sighed in relief, having feared that Sparrow might misinterpret his concerns as a political maneuver rather than a genuine observation. "Captain!" Another voice called out, catching Sparrow and Clyde''s attention. They quickly urged the STAU to retrieve something from their supplies. Moments later, the STAU returned with thick blankets and began to wrap Rose in them. By rolling her in the blankets, they could restrain her movements without needing everyone to hold her down during her convulsions. The thick fabric provided a practical solution to contain her while minimizing the risk of injury. Sparrow, puzzled by the commotion, moved closer with Clyde to see what was happening. The six men who had been attending to Rose were drenched in sweat. They had carefully wrapped Rose in a thick blanket, ensuring it was snug enough to restrain her movements without suffocating her. Only after confirming that she could barely move did they finally release their hold. "What are you guys doing?" Sparrow asked sternly. He understood that they couldn''t kill Rose yet¡ªshe hadn''t fully turned, and no one was prepared for that task. It wasn''t something Rose had requested, nor was it a decision for him to make. But what they were doing now was baffling. "Captain Sparrow, Captain Rose felt icy to the touch, like a block of ice. She was shivering uncontrollably, her teeth chattering from the cold. It seems like she''s experiencing a severe fever, but instead of feeling intense heat, she''s feeling the opposite," someone explained. They had struggled to make sense of the situation, and this was the only explanation they could come up with, though they still hadn''t recognized the full abnormality of the situation. "Wait, are you saying she''s going through an awakening?!" Clyde exclaimed, his words hitting everyone like a bolt of lightning. The group exchanged looks of dawning realization, and even Sparrow''s eyes widened in disbelief as the idea sank in. No one had a better explanation, so they could only collectively focus on Clyde''s theory, stunned by the sudden possibility. "But her symptoms are different from what we''ve seen in others who''ve gone through awakening," one of the men said, hesitating. "We can''t say for sure that''s what''s happening. But¡­" Clyde''s theory had sparked a glimmer of hope. They began to consider the possibility that Rose might indeed be undergoing a forced awakening due to the life-threatening situation. Perhaps her survival instincts were boosting her chances of awakening, which could explain why the transformation had seemingly stalled. "Perhaps her body is forcing her to awaken as a defense mechanism," someone suggested. "The sudden drop in temperature might be a way to slow down or halt the spread of the virus while she''s undergoing this forced awakening." "But since it''s a matter of survival, her body might have opted for an unconventional method," another person added. "This could explain why Rose''s body is struggling to cope, leading to her experiencing cardiac arrest." As the group followed this line of thought, they exchanged uneasy glances, their initial relief giving way to growing anxiety. Whether she was undergoing a forced awakening or her immune system was having a final struggle with the virus before succumbing was still uncertain. For now, they could only wait and hope. Regardless of the outcome, if Rose''s body failed to overcome the challenge, she would inevitably turn into a zombie. All they could do was pray that this was indeed a forced awakening and that she would succeed. With this new perspective, they carefully placed Rose inside the truck and took a quick break to eat. Heads hung low, each person was lost in their own thoughts and anxieties. Conversation dwindled, especially the somber discussions about Rose and the current situation. The gravity of their predicament weighed heavily on them, leaving everyone acutely aware of their dire circumstances. Despite their concerns, they knew they couldn''t return without completing their mission. After their break, they resumed their journey. This time, their travel was notably smoother compared to their departure from the city. The road to Port City, connected to a provincial highway, was wide and largely deserted, making for a much more straightforward and uneventful trip. Chapter 352 - 352 Port City The uneventful journey along the provincial highway only heightened their anxiety, feeling like the calm before the storm. Everyone was on high alert, unable to rest or even close their eyes. Rose''s subordinates, in particular, kept a constant, intense watch over her, eyes burning with worry, making sure she was still breathing and hadn''t begun to turn. They barely dared to blink, afraid they''d miss a critical moment. If anyone could remain relaxed and even sleep during this tense time, it was Clyde. While his friends were nervous and jittery, he seemed completely unaffected, almost as if he were living in his own world. His calm demeanor stemmed from the fact that, as he had explained, he wasn''t close to Rose. He believed that since they had already drawn a conclusion and decided to wait and see, there was no point in stressing himself out. In his view, torturing himself with worry would only worsen his condition and put his life at risk when they inevitably faced the unknown dangers ahead. Clyde wanted to rest both his body and mind as much as possible so he could remain battle-ready when needed. Reeve, who had been grouped with Clyde due to their similar age and presumed compatibility, found Clyde''s approach almost too logical. He couldn''t fully understand how Clyde could remain so calm, yet he also knew he had no grounds to judge him. Clyde''s actions, though seemingly detached, were rooted in practicality, something Reeve was beginning to grasp, even if he couldn''t completely agree with it. What they didn''t realize was that Clyde chose this approach because he valued his life above all. He was out on a dangerous mission, knowing full well that his mother and sister were back at the base, anxiously waiting for his safe return. They had no one else to rely on but him. Clyde believed that if he let his guard down or allowed himself to fall into the same emotional state as the others, he might end up in danger¡ªand that was a risk he couldn''t afford to take. In his mind, staying calm and preserving his strength was the only way to ensure he could protect himself and avoid future regrets. Moreover, he believed that worrying over something they couldn''t control was pointless. Why should he feel anxious when he wasn''t even an awakened ability user? His survival depended entirely on his physical strength, so it was essential for him to keep his body in peak condition. Stressing over things beyond his control would only weaken him, and that, to Clyde, was the real foolishness. Reeve finally took his eyes off Clyde, and it seemed as though he began to understand Clyde''s approach. Either that, or he was simply exhausted after his nerves had been on edge since they left the base. With the steady, smooth motion of the truck lulling him, Reeve''s tension eased, and he too drifted off to sleep. Sparrow handed the wheel over to someone else, given that the road was relatively clear and safe. He took the passenger seat and allowed himself a moment to rest, feeling the exhaustion from everything that had unfolded. Meanwhile, Bell mobilized the Scarlet Bees, organizing them into four rotating scout groups to ensure no ambushes or surprises lay ahead. This way, they could stay vigilant without pushing themselves to the point of exhaustion. Everyone had a moment of silence, luckily, since Port City was a major hub of foreign goods, the government made the provincial road wide enough so many trailer trucks could go smoothly without needing to worry about traffic which made Sparrow''s team''s travel smoothly, by 4 PM, they reached the outskirts of the Port City. The trucks came to a halt on a high ridge along the mountain road that separated Port City from the rest of the region. From their vantage point, they could see the vast expanse of the sea and the ships docked at the port. The gloomy sky overhead only deepened the sense of unease that weighed heavily on their chests as they stared down at the city. The buildings had turned a charred black, possibly the aftermath of a massive fire or the work of survivors and looters who had ravaged the city. From their vantage point, they could see the city streets densely packed with zombies, their numbers causing a collective shudder of fear among the group. Sparrow had witnessed such scenes so often that fear no longer gripped him. In fact, he had once lured large numbers of zombies to clear a path for Kisha and the others. The proximity to these undead creatures had dulled his sense of dread, allowing him to view them more like a child''s game¡ªsomething he could handle with practiced ease. But of course, an evolved zombie was a different matter entirely. After assessing the situation, Sparrow drafted a plan and summoned all the team captains. With Rose unconscious, her vice-captain stepped up to lead in her absence. The captains gathered at the front of the truck, while their team members stood guard around the perimeter. Meanwhile, Bell''s Scarlet Bees took a well-deserved break to rest. When all the team captains arrived, Sparrow crouched down on the pavement, unfurling a map of Port City and using stones to weigh down each corner. As he spread out the map, the other captains followed suit, crouching beside him. Those watching from a distance couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight, as it resembled a group of children engrossed in a game, which briefly lifted the mood. Port City was shaped like a crescent moon. The western side, the upper tip of the crescent, extended out as the farthest part of the port, while the eastern side formed the other end. The northern and southern parts, located in the middle of the port, were the most bustling areas, while the western and eastern sides primarily served as warehouses. Sparrow circled the western side of the port, where cargo trailers were stacked and stored. This area also featured some warehouses, primarily containing machinery and transport vehicles such as trucks, sports cars and others. In contrast, the warehouses on the eastern side housed a variety of smaller imported goods, including food items. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, if other groups had arrived at Port City before them, they would likely have focused on the eastern side to seize the valuable goods there. Since their goal was different, Sparrow gave little consideration to the eastern side and instead directed his attention toward the western side. However, the rest of the team had a different perspective. They reasoned that if other groups were likely targeting the eastern part of the port for its valuable supplies, it would be prudent for them to secure those resources before they were taken. They decided that the cargo trailers in the western part could wait, and their immediate priority should be to access the eastern side. Additionally, since their journey took only a day, they could return to the base and then come back to Port City after gathering all the necessary supplies. They could then focus on the cargo trailers required for setting up the protective walls at the base. After all, Kisha and the defense team wouldn''t be able to establish the wall''s perimeter immediately, and even after collecting the cargo trailers, Kisha''s team would need more time to put them to use. So, thinking of this, it would be best to focus on the other supplies first before others. Chapter 353 - 353 Port City 2 Naturally, they would think this way since they weren''t aware that Kisha already has an unlimited supply of meat and vegetables. However, no one would complain about having an abundance of supplies, would they? This is why Sparrow didn''t even entertain the idea of a supply run. Though he enjoyed hoarding, he had a clear set of priorities, with following orders at the top. His personal interests would always come second. The other team leaders, of course, voiced their concerns to Sparrow. Their main reason for wanting to do a supply run was to ensure the Supply Center remained stocked. With supplies constantly being consumed and circulated within the base, they needed to maintain a steady source of replenishment to keep things running smoothly. But that''s exactly the issue¡ªno new supplies were coming in. Now that the base was beginning to stabilize, their next priority had to be increasing their stockpiles and figuring out a way to establish a sustainable source of supplies moving forward. After hearing their concerns, Sparrow couldn''t help but chuckle, though he quickly noticed the other team captains'' faces tightening in response. Realizing how it might have come across, he clarified with a smile. "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to laugh at your concerns. I completely understand where you''re coming from. But trust me, our City Lord has everything covered. She''s already thought this through." However, Sparrow didn''t completely dismiss their opinions. He recalled that Kisha had mentioned the need for supply runs, not just for practical reasons but also to maintain the illusion of a steady influx of resources. This would help keep the true source of their supplies¡ªKisha''s hidden inventory, worth billions¡ªunder wraps, ensuring her space and its contents remained a well-guarded secret. Especially now, with thousands of people to feed and care for, their current supplies would only last a few years, and that''s not accounting for future population growth. After his brief chuckle, Sparrow made sure to clarify, "We''ll handle the supply run once we''ve secured the cargo trailers needed for the wall." "But Captain, what if we prioritize the cargo trailers and, while we''re busy with that, other forces take the supplies without us knowing?" one of the men reiterated, concern evident in his voice. "The supplies could easily be grabbed, and we still don''t have a sustainable way to support the base aside from these runs. The stockpile in the supply center will eventually run out. We need to build it up." He repeated his point, feeling that their earlier concerns hadn''t gotten through and that Sparrow might be treating the situation too lightly. "Yes, I understand," Sparrow responded, his tone serious. "But have any of you considered that no matter how much we stock up, without proper defenses, we won''t be able to protect it? In the end, it could be our damnation." He didn''t bother softening his words, making sure his point came across clearly. "What do you mean, Captain? Are you suggesting that those forces might shift their focus to us and raid us for our supplies?" Clyde asked, his tone serious, a tension that everyone in the group could feel. "At least you have a working brain on top of your neck." Sparrow complimented halfheartedly with a smirk. "It wouldn''t be that bad, would it?" someone asked uncertainly. After all, they were all human, trying to survive in this nightmarish world. The number of survivors worldwide might not even reach millions, and shouldn''t they be fighting together rather than against each other? If anyone seemed to be taking this lightly, it was the other team captains in front of Sparrow. He couldn''t help but chuckle at their naivety. "Kids," he said with a hint of mockery, unable to restrain himself from talking down to them. "It seems you haven''t learned a thing from all this chaos, despite surviving this long. Don''t underestimate human nature, especially in times like these when there''s nothing holding people back from doing whatever they want." Sparrow didn''t need to elaborate further; his message was clear. A chill ran down everyone''s spines as they recalled how quickly people had turned violent over minor disputes, even when laws were in place to restrain them. Now, in a world without any legal constraints, there was nothing to stop people from acting on their worst impulses. Once everyone grasped the gravity of the situation, they fell silent and adhered to Sparrow''s plan. However, Sparrow added, "If we manage to secure as many cargo trailers as possible and still have room for supplies before heading back, then, by all means, we''ll head to the eastern district to gather what we can." His casual tone did little to alleviate the growing unease among his team. They now became accustomed to fighting and killing zombies, fully aware that there was no cure for the virus. They understood that the infected were beyond saving, as the virus had permanently altered their genes. This was not a sickness that could be cured but an irreversible evolution. However, dealing with other humans was different. Law-abiding citizens like them had grown up respecting the law and had these values deeply ingrained in their core. The idea of confronting their fellow humans, who were once bound by the same societal rules, was a different kind of challenge. Fighting against other people and potentially killing them was a concept that was both difficult to accept and distressing to contemplate. Sparrow, ever perceptive, noticed their shift in demeanor and gave a slight nod before speaking. "Don''t dwell on it too much. We''ll deal with things as they come. Worrying excessively won''t help if you''re not prepared to act. Remember, what''s crucial is protecting your lives¡ªnot just for yourselves, but for your families waiting back at the base. Everything else will fall into place." After their emotional meeting, everyone felt more resolute and focused, setting aside their overthinking. With the plan finalized, Sparrow and Fred led the first truck toward the western part of the port. Rose''s and Clyde''s teams followed at a safe distance, ready to monitor the situation and provide immediate support if the advance team encountered any trouble. As Sparrow led the advance party, plowing through the zombies in their path, he guided the other truck along the outskirts toward the western part of the port. This route was the same one Aston and his team had used to retrieve some of the cargo trailers. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was a dirt road and on their right side was the city, and at the side of the road were metal fences, and it was good to keep the zombie away. They didn''t try to linger and drove as quickly as they could and it was relatively easy. They halted their advance, parking the trucks outside the fences once they had a clear view of the stacked cargo trailers from a distance. They had no choice but to stop there¡ªan enormous horde of zombies had gathered around the area. Attempting to ram the trucks through the fence would only leave them trapped and overrun by the zombies. Sparrow ordered everyone out of the trucks, and they proceeded on foot along the dirt road, moving away from the fence. They circled around the area, searching for an opening where zombies were sparse. Their goal was to enter the fenced area without alerting the zombies, as doing so would waste both time and energy. Chapter 354 - 354 Port City 3 Sparrow and his team navigated through the forest for a while before finding a relatively safe area with few zombies, near the western edge close to the sea. Sparrow carefully ensured that the area wasn''t deserted due to the presence of a powerful zombie. Once he confirmed the location was secure, he directed everyone to cross the fences one by one. They didn''t cut the wires; instead, they climbed over the fences. They knew that the fences were essential for keeping the zombies contained. If they opened a path, the zombies could escape and spread out, creating further problems if they needed to return for more cargo trailers in the future. Fortunately, this section of the port was relatively quiet, likely because the zombies had been drawn to the more chaotic areas, leaving this part deserted. As a result, Sparrow and his team could move with relative ease. However, Sparrow repeatedly warned them not to become complacent, emphasizing that danger and surprises could be lurking anywhere. Sparrow hope he never said a thing. Just as he warned them, a distant shotgun blast echoed through the area, and a horde of zombies suddenly surged from the opposite side of the warehouse, trailing behind a group of people fleeing in panic. Fred''s team and Sparrow''s team were thrown into a panic as the sheer number of zombies overwhelmed them. With their path back blocked and their escape route cut off, their only option was to forge ahead. Sparrow refused to let them retreat, particularly since they had no idea whether the approaching group was friend or foe. He was afraid that they would only endanger their lives if they turned their backs on these people. Preferring to be cautious, he raised his guard and prepared for the worst, treating the newcomers as potential threats. He and his team immediately assumed a defensive position, and as expected, the approaching group led the zombies directly towards them. "Dammit!!! I just jinxed us! Damn it all! Fucking hell!" Sparrow cursed himself furiously, his frustration boiling over. Sparrow''s sudden outburst startled his team, they didn''t know what happened to him, or why he was suddenly agitated. Sparrow himself was all too aware of his streak of bad luck on missions. He was fed up with constantly stumbling into misfortune and the relentless string of setbacks. He couldn''t help but vent his frustration. Just moments after warning his team to stay cautious and avoid complacency, trouble was already at their doorstep. Who wouldn''t be angry in his shoes? But there was no time for self-pity. Sparrow quickly composed himself and rallied his team. They had to brace for impact and protect one another. The approaching group had no intention of stopping; it seemed they planned to use Sparrow''s team as a buffer, dumping the zombies on them and leaving them to handle the threat. Sure enough, the people didn''t make any more moves against Sparrow and his team when they saw Sparrow and his people prepared for battle. After all, why would they try to kill Sparrow or do anything to them, they would lose their shield and might even be caught by the zombies that were just running after their tail. So, when they saw Sparrow and his team, they increased their speed, a smug smile playing on their lips, as if they had already succeeded in surviving. When they passed Sparrow and his team, the woman leading the group even winked at Sparrow before grinning smugly at him, irking Sparrow even more, he didn''t care if the other party was a woman or not, but all he knew was they wanted Sparrow and his people to die in their place, how could he just accept this lying down? He refused to let it slide. Fueled by frustration, he barked, "Follow them!" His team instantly grasped his intent. They didn''t hesitate, feeling no guilt in turning the tables. After all, this wasn''t their fight to begin with, and they had no intention of cleaning up someone else''s mess. They regrouped swiftly, maintaining their defensive stance as they began to retreat¡ªmatching the pace of the group trying to use them as decoys. Sparrow''s team wasn''t just stronger due to the presence of superhumans; they also had the advantage in numbers. The opposing group consisted of only ten, while Sparrow''s team had far more. Not to mention, Rose and Clyde''s team were positioned at the rear, ready to assist. If Sparrow fired the flare gun, it would signal to Clyde and the others that Sparrow''s team was in trouble and needed immediate backup. No flare meant that Clyde and his group were to hold their position, securing a clear path and preparing an exit for everyone. However, Sparrow remained wary of the group ahead. If he could have backup waiting in the wings, they might too. It was possible they had deliberately lured the zombies toward his team, intending to steal their weapons or vehicles. Whatever their plan, Sparrow wasn''t about to let his guard down. The group that had hoped to use Sparrow as a shield was caught off guard when they saw his team backing away alongside them. Sparrow''s people moved even faster, maintaining their defensive stances, leaving the group uncertain if they were guarding against the approaching zombie horde or them. One thing became clear: they were trapped, stuck between the relentless zombies and Sparrow''s formidable team. No matter what unfolded, it was clear that the group would bear the brunt of the situation¡ªnot Sparrow''s team, nor the zombies trailing them. As they backed away, Sparrow carefully led his people toward safety, ensuring they avoided the path they had originally taken. The last thing he wanted was for these opportunists to exploit the safe route his team had discovered. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead, Sparrow subtly guided them in a different direction, making it appear as though he was retreating from both the zombies and the other group. He didn''t need to wait and see what their intentions were¡ªit was already obvious, and he had no time for mind games. The moment he spotted an open warehouse, he immediately picked up his pace, tapping into his true agility as a level 1 superhuman, leaving everyone behind, including his own team. Sparrow''s team didn''t panic. They were used to his sudden moves, but the other group was caught off guard. Stunned, several stumbled when Sparrow abruptly vanished from sight. Unprepared, those who fell became easy prey for the approaching horde. Panic rippled through the group as they lost three members in an instant. Screams of curses and anger filled the air, but their outbursts only fueled the zombies'' frenzy. Worse, their noise attracted even more undead, with zombies now emerging from other corners, closing in fast. Sparrow''s team couldn''t tell if the group was intentionally attracting more zombies or if they were just too reckless to realize the danger. Either way, there was no time to dwell on it. With Sparrow off scouting for a safer spot, his team kept pace, skillfully maneuvering to keep the group from overtaking them while staying ahead of the horde. They ensured the other group remained cornered, unable to use them as a shield again. Sparrow''s team ensured there was no opportunity for the group to overtake them. Maintaining their protective formation from the moment they crossed the fences, they kept the STAU safe within their circle. Chapter 355 - 355 Port City 4 Zeus, because of its formidable presence, stood out due to its size, making it a visible target but also an imposing shield for the group. The formation was tight and efficient, with everyone ready to defend against any threat. Despite the chaos, no one dared mention the bear-like creature in their midst. Zeus''s presence was a crucial deterrent, preventing the group from overtaking Sparrow''s team. His imposing size and wild demeanor made them wary of potential attacks from it, adding to their hesitation and fear to step forward and forcefully overtake Sparrow''s team. Although Zeus''s massive size obstructed the view for some, Sparrow positioned him next to the STAU so that, in an emergency, they could grab onto Zeus''s coat and make a swift escape. Maintaining their formation was crucial; those behind, unable to see the front because of Zeus'' massive size that was obstructing their view, depended on the reactions of their immediate team to guide their actions. At first, they are all scared and nervous because this would be their first time putting their training into real action, outside where it was most dangerous, but with Sparrow''s lead, they managed to always be on alert and do what formation they needed to do while keeping their defense. The STAU was also making sure to stick closely with Zeus all throughout the mission because that was what Kisha wanted them to do. After Sparrow broke away from the group with his top speed, he quickly inspected the open warehouse he had spotted from a distance. Inside, he found crates of imported cars. Despite the presence of some zombies, the situation was more manageable compared to the horde they were facing. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He quickly surveyed the warehouse and discovered a small back door that could serve as an escape route. After confirming it was secure, he returned to his team with the good news. The warehouse offered a safe refuge where they could regroup and continue their mission. Having been ambushed by an invisible evolved zombie before, Sparrow was especially cautious. The last thing he wanted was to lead his team into another trap. Fortunately, this time, the situation was truly safe. When Sparrow returned, the team was visibly relieved and enthusiastic. They were well-informed about his plan, thanks to the sign language Sparrow had taught them for emergencies and situations involving unknown individuals. This training ensured that no one was flustered when he suddenly darted off. Upon his return, Sparrow quickly outlined his plan. The information spread through the team via sign language, and everyone increased their speed. Most of them, having already awakened their abilities, moved much faster. Those who hadn''t awakened had no choice but to push their limits, despite the strain. Those who hadn''t awakened yet felt their limbs growing heavy from the strain of pushing their limits. Despite the effort, their adrenaline kicked in, making their legs feel stronger and lighter. The combination of adrenaline and Duke''s rigorous training seemed to give them an extra boost, helping them keep pace. Despite the strain, they ran faster this time. The STAU, unable to match their speed, simply clung to Zeus'' thick coat. Zeus took off effortlessly, as if the weight of five people was barely a burden, darting ahead with ease. After Sparrow and his team surged ahead, the group that had tried to use them as a decoy was quickly left behind. Exhausted from their prolonged escape, they lacked the energy to match Sparrow''s speed, which was exactly why they had hoped to use Sparrow''s team as a shield in the first place. Now, they were once again the primary target of the zombie horde. Watching Sparrow''s team vanish into the warehouse, they hoped to follow their escape route, but the door was swiftly closed behind them. Left exposed and furious, their frustration boiled over, and they could taste the metallic tang of their own blood from grinding their teeth. With no choice but to fend for themselves, they scrambled to find a safe place. As soon as Sparrow and his team entered the warehouse and the rusty door creaked shut behind them, the noise attracted the zombies inside. The instant the door was closed, they found themselves engaged in a fierce battle with the horde. Leading his team, Sparrow leaped into the air, dagger poised, and plunged it decisively into a zombie''s head. Meanwhile, the rest of the team headed by Fred formed a party of three and engaged the remaining zombies with precision: one member faced each zombie head-on, while the other two flanked from either side. This strategy ensured that all three were prepared for any attack and could support each other effectively. As his team practiced their skills, Sparrow kept a tight control on the number of zombies. He allowed only one zombie to enter the formation at a time, ensuring that once a team had dealt with one, they could step forward to confront the next. This method kept the formation orderly and ensured each team member could focus on their assigned zombie. After defeating each zombie, the warriors grew more confident but remained disciplined, avoiding recklessness or the temptation to fight independently like Sparrow. They stuck to the strategy until they had eliminated the last zombie in the warehouse. Once the threat was neutralized, they took a moment to rest and catch their breath. While the others rested, Sparrow radioed the team waiting back. "Anyone reading me? Over." "Yes, sir, we''re on guard. Is there an update? Over." Clyde''s voice crackled through the radio. "Yes, we encountered a group of survivors. They weren''t overtly hostile, but they weren''t friendly either. They tried to use us as bait to divert the zombie horde and escape. Keep an eye out for them and ensure the safety of our trucks and people." "Copy that, sir!" After ensuring that the team staying behind was aware of the other group and was on high alert, Sparrow turned his attention to his own warriors. He instructed them to carefully check each other for any scratches or bites before they could continue. He emphasized the importance of honesty in this process¡ªif they hadn''t noticed a scratch due to their focus during the fight, that was understandable, but a bite was another matter entirely. Sparrow wanted to ensure that everyone was still intact and safe before proceeding. After ensuring that everyone was in good condition, Sparrow led the group to the backdoor he had previously identified. This time, they moved more cautiously, checking to make sure the other group was no longer in the vicinity before exiting the warehouse. Thanks to the commotion caused by the other group, which drew most of the zombies to the western port, Sparrow and his team only had to deal with the remaining zombies, many of whom were slow or mobility-impaired, such as those with severed legs or skeletal lower halves. What initially seemed like a potential disaster turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The distraction allowed Sparrow''s team to navigate the area more easily and reach the cargo trailers without much difficulty. Once they arrived, the five STAU took turns to fill as many trailers as they could with cargo. Chapter 356 - 356 Port City 5 However, with a level 0 capacity, they could barely fit two cargo trailers in their space, even when empty. Now, with each of the five taking two trailers, they had a total of ten¡ªa modest number. Sparrow shook his head, accepting the reality that he''d need to make several more trips back to Port City to acquire additional cargo trailers until the new defensive wall was constructed and their base expanded. Sparrow couldn''t help but think, ''If only Kisha were here. With her, we could finish this in a day and gather everything we need. But then, it would make everyone overly reliant on her and reveal her space manipulation abilities to everyone at the base¡ªsomething we definitely want to avoid.'' So, Sparrow accepted his fate, recognizing this as an opportunity for the warriors to learn and grow stronger. The thought reassured him. While the STAU handled storing the cargo trailers, Sparrow and the rest of the team fought off the incoming zombies. Zeus stood nearby, vigilant and regal, like a lion keeping watch over the scene. Bell and the other Scarlet Bees barely needed to lift a finger, as Sparrow and his team efficiently handled the incoming zombies. After all, Bell and her Scarlet Bees were only meant to assist Sparrow and his team in emergencies, as Kisha intended this to be a practical test and training for the warriors. If Bell were to intervene too frequently, the warriors wouldn''t have the chance to confront their fears and develop their combat skills. Now, they could handle a dozen zombies on their own without Sparrow''s support. They were growing accustomed to their formation, and their fear of the zombies had significantly diminished after repeatedly defeating the creatures they once dreaded. One of the STAU members approached Sparrow and said, "Captain Sparrow, each of us can only fit two cargo trailers in our space. However, we managed to utilize the empty trailers to store supplies from the base. Since there''s still space left, do you think we could head to the eastern part to gather more supplies? This way, we could accomplish two tasks at once." The STAU member''s excitement was evident as they shared this idea with Sparrow. As a Space Type Ability User, their power consumes space rather than weight or quantity. They possess a space of 150 cubic meters, a capacity made possible because they are among the first generation of awakened users. In contrast, second-generation users typically have a maximum of 20 cubic meters, with some having as little as 10 cubic meters. In Kisha''s previous life, having a 150-cubic-meter space was considered almost godlike; no one else had such an immense capacity. Discovering that these five STAU possessed this extraordinary ability left her in awe. She felt a surge of satisfaction, knowing she had chosen the best of the best. This was why she felt comfortable assigning only them to the mission and why she had entrusted Zeus as their bodyguard. Their value was immense, and Hera''s confidence in them was a testament to their unparalleled worth. Sparrow considered their suggestion. Since they were already at the location and had only managed to gather ten cargo trailers, it made sense to maximize their efforts. Gathering additional supplies while they were at it would ensure better results and save them from multiple trips over several days. Moreover, the more the STAU utilize their abilities, the stronger their foundations will become. With the support of the Scarlet Honey, they will soon be able to level up, increasing their spatial limits. As their capacities grow, they''ll be able to accommodate even more cargo trailers within their spaces. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow nodded in agreement after considering the suggestion and signaled to the others. "We''re heading back to the truck!" With little time to waste, he pushed the warriors to move swiftly, despite their exhaustion. This time, they avoided retracing their steps and headed towards a different route. The earlier disturbance had drawn the nearby zombies away, so the area around the cargo trailers was now clear, allowing them to cut their travel time significantly. The group sprinted, battling zombies as they went. Meanwhile, the five STAU clung tightly to Zeus''s coat as he darted alongside the warriors, ensuring their safety and swift progress. Sparrow''s deduction proved accurate as they encountered only a few zombies on their run. It took them just 20 minutes to return to their truck. Finding it still there and intact confirmed his suspicion: the earlier group must have struggled to escape the zombie horde pursuing them. By now, they were likely either still trapped in the area or had met an unfortunate end. Sparrow didn''t particularly care about their fate; after all, they had tried to use him and his team as bait. Had they simply asked for help, Sparrow might have been willing to assist them in surviving the pursuing horde. Sparrow smirked as he slid into the driver''s seat, with the rest of the team quickly climbing in. As he began to drive away, he caught a glimpse in the side mirror of a group of people running after them, shouting desperately. Recognizing them as the same group from earlier, he couldn''t help but smirk with a touch of malice. ''So, they''re still alive.'' Not only did Sparrow refuse to slow down, but he even accelerated, with the second truck closely following his lead. The group from earlier could only curse in frustration as they desperately tried to catch up. Unlike before, their numbers had dwindled; many of their members had fallen victim to the zombies, becoming sacrifices that allowed the remaining few to escape. "You hear me? Over" Sparrow called through the walkie talkie to reach Clyde and the other. "Yes, over." Clyde answered. "We''re heading back now, but before we return to the base, we''ll stop by the eastern part to find a good place to rest for the night. Please reposition your trucks to the intersection and wait for us there. We''ll be there shortly. Over." "Roger that!" Clyde responded. He then gathered all the warriors standing by outside the truck. Once everyone was aboard, he tapped the seat to signal the driver to start moving. After the truck began to roll, Clyde took one last look at the trail behind them before jumping into the passenger seat. He then radioed the truck behind them. "Stay alert for other survivors in the area. Keep your eyes open. Over." "Copy that!" came the reply. Aston had mentioned a survivor shelter near Port City, so encountering other survivors was to be expected, much like how Sparrow had met the group in the western part. However, meeting other survivor parties didn''t always bode well, as evidenced by their recent encounter. Clyde wanted to remain cautious, especially since the main party wasn''t with them. Clyde''s cautious nature meant he always scrutinized his surroundings for any signs of trouble. Lacking Sparrow''s keen observational skills, he and his team moved more slowly and deliberately. While this approach may have been less swift, it was far preferable to falling into a trap. Only after thoroughly ensuring the coast was clear did Clyde''s group begin moving steadily. It wasn''t long before Sparrow''s truck, followed by the second truck, appeared on the horizon, arriving at the rendezvous point as promised. Chapter 357 - 357 Supply Run Clyde''s truck was already stationed at the intersection, positioned to clear the path for Sparrow''s vehicle to lead the convoy. Once Sparrow''s truck and the second truck had passed, Clyde''s truck took its place and followed behind. Sparrow took the lead, guiding the convoy into the city rather than sticking to the outskirts. However, he wasn''t reckless; before meeting up with Clyde''s group, he had already dispatched Bell and a few of the Scarlet Bees to scout the route ahead and identify the safest and most efficient path through the city. With Kisha''s gift of hundreds of Scarlet Bees at his disposal, Sparrow delegated the scouting task to Bell and her team. As the leader of the group, he couldn''t afford to be out in the field scouting as he once did. Relying on Bell and her Scarlet Bees was the practical choice, ensuring the safety and efficiency of their route through the city. As Sparrow and the convoy entered the city, the Scarlet Bees swiftly formed an arrow shape, guiding them through the safest routes. Their signals led the way, directing Sparrow and the others towards areas with fewer zombies, allowing them to advance with minimal resistance and maximize the effectiveness of their military trucks. Sparrow showed no restraint as he floored the gas pedal, sending zombies scattering before him. The trucks trailing behind had no choice but to accelerate, maintaining a cautious distance of two and a half yards to account for any sudden turns or stops by Sparrow. With this aggressive approach, Sparrow and his team reached the eastern side of Port City before nightfall. However, unlike the relatively clear western part, the eastern side was overrun with zombies. Faced with this overwhelming presence, Sparrow and the team had no choice but to abandon their trucks, hiding them on the outskirts of the eastern sector before proceeding on foot. They trailed through the forest edge as Sparrow ventured out on his own to scout for a safer route into the city. Reluctant to retreat now that they were so close, he was determined to find a viable path. Meanwhile, the Scarlet Bees rested around the trucks, with only a few remaining to support the group. The eastern part proved far more challenging to breach than the western side. Sparrow struggled to find any openings. He wondered if the survivors near Port City had fortified the area using the zombies as a cover or if the sheer volume of zombies surrounding the warehouses had made it impassable even for them. While Sparrow was scouting, Bell deployed her Scarlet Bees to thoroughly search the forest. Their mission was twofold: to ensure no zombies would ambush them unexpectedly, risking casualties, and to check for any potential spies or stalkers who might be tracking their movements or trying to infiltrate the Eastern Part. Sparrow circled the outer perimeter of the Port, which was enclosed by a metal fence teeming with zombies. Once he entered the Port, he gained a bird''s-eye view of the situation. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was clear that the area was heavily fortified, with a massive horde of zombies trapped inside. The entire place seemed to be a tightly controlled stronghold, with the undead confined but still densely packed. There are two possible explanations for this situation. Either the nearby shelters fortified the Port to protect the supplies inside, ensuring that no one else could access them, or the Port itself was originally a refuge designed to protect supplies while awaiting government rescue. Unfortunately, things went awry, and those seeking shelter there became zombies. Alternatively, it''s possible that the shelter Aston identified within Port City has relocated to this Port to avoid the hassle of frequent supply runs. Regardless of the reason, the Port is now swarming with thousands of zombies. It''s clear that bringing his team inside would be a suicide mission, as it would only lead to unnecessary casualties. Understanding the danger, Sparrow nonetheless ventured into the Port. He skillfully leaped from the roofs of vehicles and used any available surface for leverage, avoiding the swarming horde of zombies below. He made his way to the warehouses to assess the state of the supplies. The first warehouse he entered had its door tightly sealed, so he squeezed through an open window. Inside, he was met with a disheartening scene: zombies roamed freely, and the supplies were in disarray. While some areas remained relatively intact, the risks far outweighed the meager gains, making it too dangerous to salvage anything of value. He surmised that the survivors from the shelter Aston mentioned had indeed relocated to the port. However, once the zombies breached, some survivors likely sought refuge inside the warehouses. Unfortunately, it seems that someone may have been bitten without revealing it, leading to the eventual infection of everyone inside. This would explain the current state of the port and its grim occupants. With a heavy sigh, Sparrow left the first warehouse and proceeded to the second. It was much like the first¡ªdisorganized and overrun. However, the third warehouse offered a glimmer of hope. Its door was securely shut, and while there were a few zombies outside, the interior remained unusually quiet. Sparrow carefully entered through a window on what appeared to be the third floor and descended cautiously, hoping for a better outcome. He donned his night vision goggles and meticulously scanned every corner of the warehouse, pausing to assess the available supplies. It seemed luck was finally on his side; the third warehouse was stocked with a variety of food items¡ªimported instant noodles, canned corned beef, Spam, spaghetti pasta, and more. It was a treasure trove of essential supplies. There were also chocolates, candies, and staples like sugar and salt among the boxes. Fortunately, each pile was labeled, so he could easily identify the contents without opening every box. The supplies were neatly organized on metal frames acting as shelves¡ªthese shelves were massive, stacked almost to the warehouse roof, showcasing the sheer volume of goods in the third warehouse. After finishing his inspection, he stepped out of the third warehouse and remembered to check in with the team. "Can anyone hear me? Over." "Yes, we hear you. Over." "Great. Find a safe place to rest and hold tight. I''m still evaluating the warehouses. Once I''m done, we''ll figure out how to get everyone inside. Over." "Roger that. Over" After confirming that everyone was fine, Sparrow moved on to the Fourth and Fifth Warehouses. They were fortunate to have ten large warehouses in the Eastern part, all stocked with supplies. Even if the two warehouses didn''t offer much, they still had eight more to explore. As with the third warehouse, the others were filled with a variety of food supplies, though from different brands, along with some useful home utensils and pots. These items would be incredibly valuable for households in their shelter. After completing his inspections, Sparrow deftly navigated the port, leaping between elevated surfaces and using his whirlwind ability to avoid the zombies scattered throughout. Upon reaching the forest, he found Clyde and Fred anxiously waiting for him. Their faces were etched with worry and stress; they had witnessed the sheer number of zombies contained within the port and were uncertain about how they would manage to enter. Sparrow''s solo foray into such danger had only heightened their concerns. Chapter 358 - 358 Supply Run 2 However, when they saw Sparrow gliding effortlessly through the air like a wind god, their relief was palpable. At the same time, they couldn''t help but feel a pang of envy. Both Fred and Clyde had yet to awaken their own abilities and were unsure if they even had one. Witnessing Sparrow''s mastery of his power only intensified their longing and jealousy. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Captain Sparrow." Fred and Clyde greeted him as he landed. "Is everything okay with the group?" Sparrow asked immediately, concern evident in his voice. "No, sir," Clyde replied quickly, eager to reassure him. "We''re just checking in to see if you''re alright. We''ve also been monitoring the perimeter." Sparrow nodded in acknowledgment, and Fred guided him back to where the rest of the group was gathered. Upon arrival, he found everyone bustling about, preparing their meal. Evelyn was at the forefront, organizing the volunteers who had stepped up to cook. They were delighted to discover a camping burner and butane among the supplies Kisha had provided to the five STAU. The haul included a variety of plump vegetables, meat, and seafood, offering them a feast of choices. As they prepared and enjoyed their meal in the forest, it felt more like a pleasant outing than a mission, a rare respite from the harsh realities they faced. With Bell and the Scarlet Bees maintaining a steady patrol, the group was able to relax and prepare their meal in relative peace. Although the distant growls of zombies from the Port were still audible, they had grown accustomed to the sounds, which no longer disrupted their sense of calm. Reeve helped Evelyn chop vegetables as they prepared a hearty meal: roasted chicken, seafood soup loaded with vegetables and mushrooms, white rice, and sweet and sour pork. Evelyn took charge with the ease of a seasoned cook, accustomed to feeding large groups during family gatherings, making the task seem effortless. They decided to indulge in the feast, knowing how fortunate they were to have such supplies, courtesy of Kisha. If they had to buy seafood from the Supply Center using their points, it would still be expensive, even with their 20% warrior discount. Given the current state of the world, seafood was becoming a rare luxury¡ªno one would be venturing out to sea to fish anymore, making this meal feel even more special. While everyone was occupied with cutting and cleaning the ingredients, Evelyn focused on preparing the marinade for the roasted chickens. Once the sauce was ready, she placed 20 large, rooster-sized chickens into a big basin and carefully poured the marinade from a large pitcher, ensuring each piece was well-coated and ready for roasting. As Evelyn ensured each chicken was thoroughly soaked in the marinade, the others finished their tasks and started cleaning the cooking utensils, preparing for the next steps. By the time the cooking was done, night had fully settled in, and hunger had crept over the group. Their stomachs grumbled in unison, especially as the delicious aroma of roasted chicken and simmering seafood soup filled the air, teasing them with the promise of a feast. The longer they waited, the more their mouths watered, even Sparrow, usually so cool and composed, couldn''t help but feel the hunger gnawing at him. Once the roasting was finished, Evelyn and the others carefully carried the chickens back, slicing them evenly to ensure that all hundred or so warriors with them would be properly fed. After portioning the food, they began distributing it. Despite the careful division, each person still received a generous serving¡ªlarge bowls of rice topped with roasted chicken and sweet-and-sour pork, along with a separate bowl brimming with seafood soup. With such an abundance of food, none of them would go hungry through the night. They devoured their meals with a hunger that far outpaced the time it took to cook them. Evelyn chuckled softly at how quickly the group ate, their energy renewed. Soon, the plates were empty, and those assigned to cleanup took over, busy with washing up as the rest settled down. Sparrow called the five STAU over to a quiet corner, his expression thoughtful. Once they arrived, looking full and satisfied from their meal, he nodded at them before asking, "Are any of you afraid of heights?" The five exchanged confused glances but shook their heads in response¡ªexcept for one, who nervously nodded. Seeing this, Sparrow''s lips curved into a smirk. "Too bad," he remarked, his cryptic comment only deepening their confusion as they grew more curious about the reason behind his odd question. Sparrow, however, remained tight-lipped, offering no further explanation as he walked over to Clyde and began speaking in hushed tones, leaving the five STAU standing with puzzled expressions. The one who had nodded earlier felt a wave of unease rise in his chest, his stomach churning with a growing sense of dread¡ªwhatever Sparrow had in mind, it didn''t feel like good news for him. After Sparrow finished speaking with Clyde, Clyde gave a nod and a salute before Sparrow returned to the five STAU. "Let''s go," he said, handing each of them a pair of night vision goggles. The five accepted the goggles with reluctant nods, adjusting them around their necks for easy access. This way, they could quickly pull them up when needed without worrying about them falling off while on the move. They followed Sparrow out of the forest to the edge of the port, where the fence loomed into view. The five STAU members exchanged puzzled glances, noticing that only the six of them were present. "Captain Sparrow, are we going out for a scouting mission? What about the others?" one of them asked, his anxiety palpable after Sparrow''s earlier question. "What do you mean, ''others''? It''s just going to be us," Sparrow replied with a mischievous grin. The five took a deep breath of the chilly night air, their faces paling as they glanced at the fence, teeming with zombies clawing desperately at the barrier. Before they could react further, they heard Sparrow stretching his limbs with audible cracks, his neck twisting with a series of pops. "Come up!" he said, his voice steady as he gestured toward the fence. ''Come up where?'' The five exchanged uncertain glances, their faces reflecting a shared confusion. None of them dared to ask Sparrow for clarification, each feeling a sense of foreboding about the answer they might receive. Sparrow repeated, "Grab onto me. I''ll take you inside." He stood upright and steady, like a pole, while the five stared at him with a mix of fear and confusion, unsure of what he was planning or what it meant for them. Reluctantly, they all clung to him¡ªgrabbing his arms, his back, even his legs. Sparrow''s teasing tone cut through their anxiety: "Hold on tightly, or you might fall. And I don''t need to remind you where you''d end up if you''re holding on like you''re afraid." His words, though light-hearted, prompted the five to tighten their grips, each clutching him as if their lives depended on it. Once Sparrow felt they were securely fastened, he leaped into the air with a powerful thrust, propelling them upward. The sudden motion elicited startled cries from the five: "FUCCCCKKKKK!!!!" "Mommy!!!" "Graahhhh!" One of them couldn''t even utter a word as the rush of air forced its way into his mouth. Chapter 359 - 359 Supply Run 3 As Sparrow jumped, the pressure and the tight grip from the five clinging to him made him feel intensely uncomfortable. He could barely move; his arms were squeezed, his neck was choked, and his torso was compressed under their combined weight. He was stunned by the strength these men could muster when terrified; it felt as though he was done for. He could barely breathe, with the person clinging to his back gripping his neck like an anaconda. Each breath was a struggle as his lungs were squeezed of air. He was so overwhelmed by the five clinging to him that he couldn''t even muster a curse. Reaching his wit''s end, he increased his speed, jumping from elevated areas and gliding down with his wind ability. The five''s panicked screams drew the zombies'' attention, causing them to swarm and search the port''s vicinity for the source of the noise. However, since Sparrow was airborne, the zombies could only scramble aimlessly below. Soon, Sparrow landed on the roof of the third floor of the third warehouse he had initially explored. However, the five were so terrified that they clung to him desperately, even as he touched down. As Sparrow tried to shake them off, one of them rolled dangerously close to the edge. Reacting swiftly, Sparrow conjured a whirlwind to arrest the person''s fall and hurried over to pull him back to safety. Sparrow felt like he was babysitting a group of toddlers, unsure whether to laugh or cry at the scene before him. He waited patiently for the five to calm down and regain their composure before they could proceed to gather the supplies. Despite his dwindling patience, he managed to hold back, allowing them the full half-hour they needed to settle down and prepare for the next phase of their mission. By the time the five finally stood up, Sparrow''s forehead was creased with veins and his lips were tightly pursed. He resisted the urge to voice his frustration. This slow pace was a stark contrast to his usual swift movements on missions, and it unsettled him. If he had their abilities, he could have completed this mission single-handedly and in record time, without needing to rely on anyone else. Alas, Sparrow lacked a Space Type ability or the multifaceted powers his master possessed, who wielded three different elemental abilities. ''Oh, how I envy them!'' he grumbled to himself as he put on his night vision goggles. The others followed suit, and he instructed them to cling to him once more so he could carry them down. Before they could come closer, Sparrow shot them a warning look. Though the five were puzzled by the expression, they instinctively loosened their grip on him compared to their earlier vice-like hold. With a swift jump, Sparrow and the five STAU landed on the warehouse floor. The five looked around in astonishment at the towering stacks of boxes. Sparrow kept a vigilant eye on them, ready to leap into action at the first sign of trouble. The five quickly forgot their earlier fear of hovering above the zombies outside as their focus shifted entirely to the supplies around them. Following Sparrow''s instructions, they began gathering boxes f boxes of canned corned beef, spam, pickles, canned corn, beans, fruits, and more. They also collected instant noodles, flour, salt, sugar, rice, and cooking utensils, eager to make the most of the bounty before them. They also made sure to grab chocolates and candies for the kids back at the base. They stocked up on pancake batter, maple syrup, canned tuna, and a variety of other essentials. The five STAU were soon packed to the brim, every inch of space filled with supplies, and they only stopped once they could fit no more. Sparrow also reminded them to collect a variety of alcohol, useful for both drinking and cooking. They made sure to stock up on these essential items, ensuring that even if the eastern port were to be compromised, they would have no regrets. They prioritized these crucial supplies, knowing that medical supplies would be less beneficial due to their evolving bodies; the medicines they had would only be suitable for regular humans. With their current stock of medicine already substantial, they didn''t prioritize it for this trip. They decided that after their third or fourth return, they could focus on gathering more medical supplies. For now, they needed to compile a list of additional essentials to ensure they covered all their needs. After loading the cargo trailer with all their supplies, the six of them exited the warehouse the same way they entered. The five braced themselves once again, clinging to Sparrow, but this time with less fervor. The chilling cold of Sparrow''s warning glare had them fearing he might throw them off if they did piss him off. They didn''t want to test his patience and thus clung to him with a newfound restraint, even pretending to be as still and compliant as possible, they could even pretend to be dead as much as possible if they needed to be just so Sparrow wouldn''t feel their presence. Just like before, Sparrow leaped from one elevated platform to another, Hulk-style, using his whirlwind whenever the distance seemed too far, keeping them safely above the zombie-infested ground. Despite his efforts, the five still hadn''t shaken off their fear, squealing like frightened children as they soared up and down, clinging to him with each jump. Those waiting in the forest could hear the loud screams echoing through the air and couldn''t help but laugh, knowing the group was safe and returning. Someone even yelled for their "mommy," mixed with the sound of sobbing, which only added to the humor. When Sparrow finally landed at the forest''s edge, his ears ringing from all the noise, Clyde and Fred were once again there, waiting for them with amused expressions. Clyde chuckled as he watched Sparrow shaking his head, trying to clear the buzzing in his ears from all the screaming. With a tired sigh, Sparrow peeled off the guys clinging to him like koalas. Despite their earlier resolve not to latch onto him so tightly, the moment Sparrow leaped into the air, their grips tightened bit by bit. Sparrow could only roll his eyes in exasperation. As much as he was tempted to toss them off, he refrained¡ªKisha would surely punish him if her "precious treasures" ended up with even a single scratch. Now that his mission was complete, Sparrow could finally rest for the remainder of the night. He planned to set off before dawn, ensuring they''d return to the base as quickly as possible. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Clyde and the others noticed the exhaustion etched on Sparrow''s face, so they chose not to bother him further. Quietly, they all returned to camp, careful not to start a campfire that might attract attention from other survivors around Port City or nearby. While cooking, they used a lidded grill and kept the soup tightly covered to avoid any smoke or light escaping as well as the smell of cooked food that might travel through the wind, ensuring they stayed unnoticed. They weren''t too worried about zombies roaming the forest late at night, but their real concern was other survivors sneaking in to investigate. If anyone found their camp, it could lead to unwanted conflict or even a battle. After ensuring everything was in order, they took turns standing guard, rotating shifts so that everyone could get the rest they desperately needed. Chapter 360 - 360 Settling The Newcomers Meanwhile, on Kisha''s side, after she and Duke finished their shower, they headed straight back to the Central Hall to personally welcome the new survivors. By that time, Mr. and Mrs. Winters had already given them a tour of the base, explaining the rules, the do''s and don''ts, and essential survival tips. This approach garnered positive feedback from the newcomers. Once they learned that the base wasn''t a government-run community, they quickly understood that no one was offering charity. Everyone would have to work for what they needed, including food and shelter. Mr. Winters specifically ordered the demolition of the tents and arranged for the warriors, soldiers, and survivors to be moved into proper residences. This way, they could begin collecting rent, ensuring the survivors wouldn''t grow complacent or do the bare minimum just because they had a tent to live in. This structure encouraged responsibility and productivity within the community. The tents would be repurposed and given to the warriors going in and out of the base on missions, while also being temporarily lent to new survivors. This approach not only maximized resources but also helped establish a clear distinction between newcomers and established members of the community, making it easier to identify who was new to the base. Newcomers would quickly see the benefits permanent residents enjoy, which would serve as an incentive for them to blend in and adapt to life at the base. Instead of fostering resentment, this system would motivate them to learn the ropes and build positive relationships with others. In a way, this setup acted as a subtle leash, encouraging newcomers to respect and protect the established residents, knowing that better accommodations and integration awaited them if they contributed meaningfully. Overall, this was a calculated political move by the base leaders. While many might anticipate such a strategy, they would have little choice but to comply. The approach ensured a structured community where everyone worked together, maintaining harmony and order within the base. When Mr. Winters proposed the plan, Kisha remained silent but fully approved. However, this also meant they needed to either acquire more land with existing buildings for residential use or construct new housing from the ground up to accommodate everyone. The newly arrived survivors were astonished by how well the base had developed in just a few weeks after the apocalypse. They had assumed only government-run bases would have the resources and organization to create such a secure and well-supplied haven during these chaotic times. Kisha''s base shattered their expectations, proving them wrong. Hope Base was thriving¡ªso well-equipped and organized that it surpassed even government-run shelters. To the new survivors, it felt more like a tightly-knit community, operating smoothly as if the apocalypse hadn''t touched it. Inside its walls, they felt a profound sense of security. Feeling both at home and welcomed, the new survivors quickly realized they wanted to stay. Eager not to miss any crucial details, they hung on to every word Mr. Winters said, knowing that a single misstep could risk being expelled from this paradise in the making. They knew about the base in City B and, given the circumstances, expected it to be grim, filled with unspoken horrors and infighting for resources. However, what they were witnessing now shattered those expectations. The base was thriving, its atmosphere vibrant and orderly, completely contrary to their assumptions of chaos and despair. After hearing the rules, the newcomers were directed to the bulletin board to select their jobs. By earning work points, they could acquire their daily necessities, which they accepted with enthusiasm. Unsurprisingly, the Evans'' bodyguard opted to become a warrior, and the maid chose to join him, much to Kisha''s surprise. She raised an eyebrow, recalling that the maid had been quite timid before. Kisha speculated that the maid''s newfound resolve likely stemmed from her experiences, which had made her realize the importance of learning to fight and protect herself. Kisha found this admirable and nodded approvingly. She welcomed them once more and, since they were new arrivals, she directed them to their allocated tents, providing two days'' worth of supplies to help them settle in before starting work the following day. After ensuring that everything was running smoothly with the new survivors, Kisha and Duke returned to the front line, where Vulture and the others were still busy fortifying the barricade. Unbeknownst to them, as they left the new arrivals, Kisha''s reputation as a compassionate leader who personally welcomed and settled the newcomers began to spread through the walls. Her dedication and hands-on approach in making the new arrivals feel at home had not gone unnoticed and was becoming the talk of the base. When Kisha and Duke arrived back at the front line, they saw the team in full swing. The soldiers and warriors were diligently pushing cars into place for the barricade, with a massive truck being hauled in to serve as a formidable barrier. Others were actively engaged in fending off zombies. Despite Kisha''s brief absence, the improvement in the group''s coordination and efficiency was evident, highlighting their commitment and progress. The atmosphere was less tense and more fluid compared to earlier. The team moved with newfound confidence and trust, working seamlessly together as they thrust into the horde of zombies. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their actions, while seemingly reckless, were underpinned by a strong sense of mutual support and reliance, knowing that their teammates had their backs. And indeed, the team proved their loyalty, providing the cover and assistance needed to keep everyone safe. This camaraderie built a solid rapport within the team, enhancing the overall atmosphere and morale. However, when Duke arrived, the group''s demeanor shifted noticeably. The tension was palpable, revealing the strictness he imposed during their training. His presence was akin to a supervisor conducting an inspection, and it was clear that his authority was deeply felt among the team members. Duke didn''t utter a word. Instead, he simply stepped in to assist, effortlessly maneuvering vehicles and contributing to the barricade''s construction. He pulled a car with ease, as if it were a lightweight monoblock chair, while others struggled with the same task. The contrast was stark: where four to five men had worked together to move each vehicle, Duke single-handedly moved one without breaking a sweat. His effortless strength made the others look almost comical in their efforts. Their confidence felt as if it had been flattened under a truck, but they couldn''t voice their frustration¡ªit was Duke, after all. Kisha, however, took a different approach. Rather than joining in, she circled the area, subtly using her passive skills to restore their spiritual energy and stamina. Her quiet assistance went unnoticed, providing much-needed relief without drawing attention. Even Vulture, the strongest among them, had to concede that Duke''s strength was unmatched. All they could do was watch in awe as Duke effortlessly hauled vehicle after vehicle, clearing the streets with a display of power that left everyone impressed. Next came the first building they needed to clear and secure before surrounding it with barricades and incorporating it into their expansion. Kisha and Duke led a team of ten, evenly split between regular humans and superhumans. This setup gave everyone a chance to witness Kisha and Duke''s fighting skills up close and learn from their techniques. Chapter 361 - 361 Clean Up The team chosen to accompany Kisha and Duke for clearing the first building was selected through a fair competition of rock, paper, scissors. Once the selection was complete, Kisha and Duke led them to a five-story building that resembled an office complex. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The first floor featured an elegant lobby adorned with ornamental plants and stylish chairs, suggesting it might have been a financial brokerage hub. Large screens were mounted in nearly every corner of the lobby, adding to its sophisticated ambiance. The building was spacious enough to be converted into a residential area. Kisha and Duke exchanged a determined glance before stepping inside. The ten team members following them adopted a cautious, defensive stance as they entered through the main entrance. Inside, they encountered over two dozen zombies still clad in suits and formal attire. However, the once-dignified clothing was barely recognizable, obscured by hardened blood and the decaying flesh clinging to the fabric. Some of the people accompanying Kisha and Duke crinkled their noses in disgust as the zombies staggered toward them, pushing through obstacles like chairs and plants. This time, Kisha and Duke chose not to intervene directly. Instead, they allowed the ten individuals to work in pairs¡ªeach consisting of one superhuman and one regular human¡ªto handle the zombies. With this arrangement, each pair could work seamlessly, covering each other''s weaknesses while leveraging their strengths. It allowed the superhumans to see that their abilities weren''t invincible and helped the normal humans demonstrate that they weren''t powerless. This balance fostered a more effective and cohesive team dynamic. This approach made it clear to the superhumans that while they had extraordinary capabilities, they also bore greater responsibility and couldn''t control everything. At the same time, it showed the normal humans that, despite lacking awakened abilities, they were equally valuable and crucial to the team''s success. Kisha and Duke moved through the lobby with deliberate calm, allowing the ten to navigate their way through the horde. Whenever a zombie managed to slip past the group and approach Kisha or Duke, it was swiftly dealt with¡ªKisha''s flying dagger would slice through the air, decapitating the threat in an instant. Kisha had the team moving cautiously yet efficiently, guiding them through door after door, clearing each room without pause. The air was thick with tension, but none of the group showed signs of exhaustion. Thanks to Kisha''s passive skill to restore their stamina, the team remained energized, though none of them realized it. They attributed their resilience to the adrenaline rush coursing through their veins, spurred on by the presence of both Kisha and Duke. Each of them was determined to impress, thinking their drive to catch the attention of the two leaders was the reason they weren''t feeling tired¡ªeven after battling through four dozen zombies from the first to the third floor over the past hour. Unbeknownst to them, it was Kisha''s subtle influence that kept fatigue at bay, allowing the group to maintain their sharpness and focus. With each encounter, the team grew more synchronized, their movements more fluid, as they worked seamlessly to eliminate threats. The zombies fell one after another, but the team pressed on, unaware of the invisible hand guiding and sustaining them. While Kisha, Duke, and their team were focused on clearing the building of its threats, Vulture and the other warriors were hard at work outside. Zombies continued to pour in from every direction, forcing the warriors to deal with the relentless waves while simultaneously pulling vehicles into position for the barricade surrounding the building. Despite the constant attacks, their efforts were relentless. Half of the warriors were engaged in direct combat, ensuring the horde didn''t overwhelm their position, while the other half toiled to move vehicles into place. Progress was steady; they had already completed over a kilometer of the barricade for the base''s expansion. Once finished, this perimeter would serve as a guide for constructing the new wall. The plan was simple but effective: follow the barricade''s layout and secure the surrounding area, using cargo trailers to fortify the defenses in front of the cars. This way, when the time came to erect the more permanent walls, they wouldn''t have to start from scratch¡ªthey''d already have a secure line to build upon. The foresight behind this plan ensured that not only were they expanding, but they were doing so with efficiency and calculated precision, minimizing the exposure to threats while maximizing the security of their growing community. Kisha and Duke deliberately held back, letting the ten warriors handle the building''s threats on their own unless a situation became dire. They believed in fostering the team''s growth through real challenges. Only when the danger became truly unavoidable would they step in. One of those moments came when one of the superhuman warriors was bitten in the arm while shielding his human partner from a zombie''s attack. He used his arm as a shield to block the incoming bite, sacrificing himself to protect his partner. His partner, a normal human, stood frozen, horrified at the sight of the gaping wound on the man''s arm. The tears welled in his eyes, and for a moment, he thought his partner was as good as dead¡ªanother life lost to the relentless onslaught of the undead. Panic spread through the group, but Kisha remained calm, assessing the situation. Seeing the severity of the bite, Kisha finally stepped in. Her presence was commanding, and without a word, she swiftly moved to clean up the threat. Within moments, the zombies that had overwhelmed the pair were neutralized, her movements efficient and precise. She then attended to the wounded warrior, her demeanor calm and controlled. Her intervention was decisive, but it was a reminder to the group: while they were expected to fight their battles, they weren''t abandoned. If they fell, Kisha and Duke would always be there to catch them. "Don''t worry," Kisha reassured them, her voice steady and calming. "He''s an awakened ability user. The virus won''t affect him¡ªthis wound will heal like any other." She gestured to the rest of the team. "Let''s finish up and head back. The medical staff is waiting just beyond the gate to take care of him." Her calm command refocused the group, easing their panic as they pressed forward, determined to complete the mission and get their injured comrade to safety. The man who had been bitten felt a wave of relief wash over him after hearing Kisha''s reassurance. Though he''d heard before that awakened ability users were immune to the virus, the fear still gnawed at him when the zombie''s teeth sank into his arm. In the heat of the moment, he hadn''t considered the consequences. Instinct had taken over, and without thinking, he''d thrown himself between his partner and the zombie, saving him from a fatal bite to the neck. His body had moved faster than his mind. Perhaps, deep down, he knew he wouldn''t die from a zombie bite. But as the adrenaline faded and he had a moment to think, a cold sweat ran down his back. The certainty he''d clung to wavered¡ªwhat if the claim wasn''t entirely true? What if he had just signed his own death warrant without a second thought? Chapter 362 - 362 First Day Of The Wall Construction After Kisha and the team finished clearing the building, she instructed the others to send the wounded warriors back inside the gates for treatment. The injured, however, wore their wounds like badges of honor¡ªespecially the superhumans, who now felt confident and assured that the zombie virus no longer posed any threat to their bodies. The fear that had gripped them for so long had completely vanished, replaced by a new reality. The normal humans, however, now felt a growing envy toward the awakened superhumans. There was even more to envy now¡ªbeing immune to the zombie virus meant that as long as they avoided fatal injuries, they would survive no matter what. Now, everyone''s goal was to become stronger and awaken like the others. To make that happen, they knew they had to secure the key item that could increase their chances¡ªthe Scarlet Honey. Believing in its potential to trigger or increase the chances of their awakening, they became even more committed to working hard, determined to save up and purchase more Scarlet Honey when it became available at the Supply Center. They knew that the single dose of Scarlet Honey included in their salary wouldn''t be enough if they truly wanted to awaken. This was exactly part of Kisha''s plan¡ªnot just to entice them with the promise of awakening, but also to ensure that everyone stayed fired up and motivated to work harder for more. After feeling this newfound motivation, the team began to push themselves harder and contribute more, benefiting the base as a whole. This increased drive also sparked a healthy rivalry among them. While Kisha anticipated some of this competition might turn unsavory or underhanded, she felt it was inevitable. As long as no one betrayed their comrades and things stayed under control, she wouldn''t interfere. Once the wounded were sent back for treatment, Kisha and the warriors rejoined Vulture to continue reinforcing the barricade. They also ensured the entrance to the building they had just cleared was securely blocked. This way, even if they returned inside the base and left their work outside temporarily, their previous efforts would remain intact and not go to waste. Kisha and Duke, along with a new group of ten warriors structured similarly to the previous team, proceeded to the next building to clear out the zombies. As before, Kisha and Duke held back, allowing the warriors to handle the swarm of zombies that rushed at them upon entering the building, stepping in only when absolutely necessary. This approach mirrored their earlier strategy, giving the warriors a chance to grow through experience. This time, the warriors were more prepared. The superhumans stepped forward confidently, acting as shields while boldly engaging the zombies head-on. Their normal human partners provided crucial support, seizing opportunities to strike from safer distances, ensuring they stayed out of reach of the zombies'' bites and avoiding any accidents. The coordination between them was smooth, with each pair covering the other''s weaknesses. At first glance, it seemed like a bold move from the superhumans and a cautious one from the normal humans, but the strategy was well thought out. They had considered every aspect, aiming to maximize their strengths while minimizing risks. Kisha and Duke didn''t interfere with their decisions, allowing the warriors to learn through experience. In reality, Kisha and Duke were only there to supervise, ensuring no one would die in the process. As Kisha and Duke were grooming these warriors to become the base''s future defense against looming dangers, it was crucial for them to learn how to think independently, especially when it mattered most, rather than always relying on their leaders. Watching them strategize, share their ideas, and put those plans into action made both Kisha and Duke nod in approval as they quietly observed, letting the warriors take the lead. Though clearing the building took time, it marked a significant step forward, as this time the warriors were leading the operation themselves, moving cautiously and taking full responsibility for their actions. By 5:30 PM, they had successfully cleared three medium-sized buildings and barricaded two and a half kilometers of the wall from the east to the southern section. With this steady progress, Kisha felt more confident that they could complete the mission within the allotted time. Before sunset, Kisha, Duke, Vulture, and all the soldiers and warriors returned inside the wall. Kisha stood atop the wall, gazing over their completed work, her thoughts deep in contemplation. Duke approached silently from behind and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "What''s on your mind?" Duke asked, his gaze following hers as they both looked over what they''d accomplished in just one day. "Do you think it''s possible to finish the wall within two weeks?" Kisha asked, a trace of doubt creeping into her voice. The weight of the mission pressed down on her¡ªone mistake, and everything could fall apart like a line of dominos. The worst-case scenario wasn''t just her failure, but the death of everyone in the base, including Duke and his family. "Don''t overthink it," Duke said softly, his voice serious but laced with love and fear. "No matter what happens, we''ll face it together. I''ll always be here with you, for better or worse." There was a weight to his words, as if he were making a vow at the altar. He couldn''t imagine a life without Kisha anymore, and the thought of failing the task Kisha had, felt like losing her too and it terrified him. With that fear lingering, he pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, not entirely sure if he was trying to comfort her or himself. As Kisha and Duke descended from the wall, the warriors and soldiers stood waiting below, their gazes fixed upward. Against the backdrop of the blood-red sky, the image of the two leaders felt both striking and haunting¡ªa blend of beauty and eerie foreboding. It was as if everyone could sense the path ahead for the couple would be one paved with blood and chaos. Yet, despite the ominous feeling, there was a deep sense of confidence. Without Kisha and Duke, they weren''t sure they would have accomplished even half of what they had so far. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So much had changed within the base, and it was all because of Kisha and Duke. They didn''t need to say it¡ªeveryone could feel it. The impact of their leadership was undeniable, transforming everything around them. When the warriors and soldiers saw the two standing atop the wall against the blood-streaked sky, the decision was made in their hearts. They would follow this power couple, no matter what, for as long as it took. As Kisha and Duke descended, the warriors and soldiers stood tall, their posture firm. Instead of a traditional salute, they placed their right fists over their hearts in unison¡ªa new salute, forged in honor of their leaders. The burning determination in their eyes was unmistakable, as if each of them were silently making a vow. The sight sent a tremor through Kisha''s heart, knowing they were ready to follow them into whatever lay ahead. Duke smiled and gave a nod of approval before gently leading Kisha down the wall toward their villa. But just as they were about to walk away, Kisha paused, turning back to face the group. "Thank you all for your hard work today," she said, her voice carrying across the crowd. "You did an amazing job, and I hope you''ll be just as dedicated tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you all again." Her words were met with renewed determination in their eyes, a silent promise for the days ahead. Chapter 363 - 363 The Real Mistress Of The House Kisha paused, scanning the faces of the gathered warriors and soldiers before continuing. "And remember, when you get home, make sure to use the substances we''ve provided and follow the training exercises. Not only will they help you rejuvenate, but they''ll also make you stronger¡ªespecially for those of you with awakened abilities." Kisha smiled warmly at them before turning to walk back with Duke, leaving Vulture and Aston to handle the final details. When Kisha and Duke arrived at the villa, Marcus and the children were already busy preparing dinner in the kitchen. Daisy was setting the table with plates and utensils, while the twins assisted Marcus with cooking. By 6 PM, the others began arriving one by one, and Kisha felt a warmth that reminded her of life before the apocalypse. The routine of going out to work early in the morning and returning home before dinner created a comforting sense of normalcy. It warmed her cold, broken heart and brought back memories of her family in City A. She prayed that this peaceful existence would last, cherishing the fleeting semblance of normalcy. While waiting for dinner, Kisha and Duke retreated to their room. Once settled, Kisha called Keith. She was confident that her grandparents had awakened and were adapting to their new abilities with Keith''s help. She knew that, just as she was busy managing the base in City B, Keith and his team were equally occupied with mastering their powers. Almost everyone had awakened, and some of Duke''s subordinates had also safely reached their hidden base. Despite her busy schedule, she periodically checked on the development of their hidden base. Now, she wanted to call Keith to hear about it directly from him, even though she was already well-informed about the progress. "Hey, baby brother!" Kisha greeted cheerfully. Duke, sitting beside her with his left arm wrapped around her waist, watched the holographic video call intently. The display fascinated him, a testament to the advanced technology in use. Keith''s eyes widened in surprise as the familiar panel appeared before him. Thankfully, he was in his room, recovering from the grueling training session. "Sis! I missed you!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with affectionate playfulness. Noticing Duke sitting close to Kisha, Keith couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow in mild annoyance, his gaze flickering between them. "Sis, why is Duke sitting so close to you? Aren''t you two a bit too cozy?" Keith shot the question with a hint of jealousy, his eyes narrowing as he pouted. The displeasure was clear on his face as he glared at Kisha, his protective instincts flaring up at the sight of someone encroaching on his sister''s space. Kisha flinched at Keith''s comment about her closeness with Duke, realizing she hadn''t mentioned anything to her family about their relationship. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she cleared her throat and decided to play dumb. "Ahem, where are Grandpa and Grandma? Aren''t they with you?" "Grandpa''s busy patrolling the perimeter with the others, and Grandma''s in the kitchen helping Mrs. Evans and Eliot," Keith said with a deep, annoyed sigh. "Listen, sis, Melody''s been a real piece of work. Her mother just recovered from being sick, and not only did she avoid helping her family out of fear they''d turn into zombies, but now that they''re better, she''s clinging to the newcomers and avoiding her own family." "She''s trying to butter them up so they''ll think better of her and is acting like the mistress of the house. I''ve never seen anyone as annoyingly manipulative as she is. Even her own family is disappointed in her." "Mrs. Evans has been crying from time to time after being ignored by her daughter. That''s why Grandma''s been helping out more, and they''ve actually grown closer recently," Keith explained, rolling his eyes in frustration. Instead of Kisha responding, Duke took over. "No matter how much she plays the role of the tiger while the real tiger is away, she''ll never be more than an impostor. Just wait until your sister and I get back. Everyone will see who the real mistress of the house is," he said, his voice calm but laced with irritation. It was evident that he, too, was annoyed by the situation. If only the internet and electricity weren''t down across the country, they''d be able to stay in touch more frequently with the base. Kisha understood exactly what Duke was implying to Keith. Despite Melody''s attempts to play the role of Duke''s future wife, the reality was that Duke was already committed to Kisha and had made her his wife. Kisha didn''t feel any jealousy; instead, she was reassured by Duke''s sincerity. His irritation at the situation was evident, and it was enough for her to know that their bond was strong and unwavering. In her previous life, during her 99th rebirth, Kisha''s old lover would often accuse her of being insecure and controlling whenever he got too close to another woman, manipulating the situation to make it seem like it was her fault. Now, with Duke, she saw the contrast clearly. She realized that her old lover was gaslighting her, twisting things to make her believe she was the problem. In truth, it was they who were ungrateful and deceitful. Kisha felt a surge of warmth as she squeezed Duke''s hand, her heart brimming with emotion. Her thoughts swirled with a mixture of gratitude and reflection. Duke, misinterpreting her reaction, assumed she was feeling jealous and began to soothe her. Meanwhile, Keith, observing their interaction, felt a pang of shock and discomfort, his expression visibly contorting in response to the scene. In a rush of realization, Keith thought, ''I knew it! I felt it then, but now I''m sure¡ªDuke is really trying to steal my sister away!'' His mind raced with the revelation, but as he replayed Duke comment inside his head, a dawning confusion set in. His eyes widened as he realized something was amiss. "Sis! What''s going on? Are you actually dating this guy?!" Keith''s voice was filled with anger and disbelief. Kisha, caught off guard, stiffened and bit her lower lip, her gaze shifting between Duke and her brother. Duke, unfazed, responded with a confident smile, "What do you mean ''dating''? Your sister and I are married. That makes you my brother-in-law, which means you''ve got a stake in how we run the base¡ªwithin reason, of course." He was so proud of his relationship with Kisha that he would have broadcasted their marriage to the world if he could. In a more peaceful time, he would have happily splurged on a public announcement, showcasing his pride in being married to Kisha. Kisha remained silent as the two bickered, choosing to let them sort it out on their own. Keith, however, was stunned by the revelation. His mind buzzed with disbelief¡ªonly a little over half a month had passed since his sister and Duke had set out to find his people, and now they were already married? The news was almost too much for him to process. Keith''s mind raced with disbelief, struggling to accept how quickly everything had unfolded. It felt like something out of a novel¡ª''A Flash Marriage with the CEO,'' perhaps. He glared at Duke, convinced that his new brother-in-law must have played dirty to win his sister''s hand. To Keith, Kisha was not only his hero but also incredibly beautiful and kind; any man would be lucky to have her. He was a true siscon, fiercely protective and possessive of his sister. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 364 - 364 Dukes Redemption Kisha broke his reverie with a gentle smile. "Baby brother, don''t tell our grandparents just yet. I want to be the one to share the news with them. Besides, Duke and I plan to exchange our vows in City A, where the whole family can be present." She smiled at Keith, knowing full well how protective he was of her. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If only she had listened to his disapproval of that jerk in the past, perhaps Duke wouldn''t have had to die, and she wouldn''t have been betrayed by those snakes. That''s why she wanted Keith to accept Duke first, to solidify their bond as true brothers-in-law. In her previous life, Keith and Duke had been just as close as she was to Duke; they treated each other like real brothers. Kisha was confident that, even in this life, Keith would grow to like Duke just the same. "Okay..." Keith muttered, still looking a bit dazed, his mind clearly elsewhere. Kisha decided to let him process it in his own time¡ªafter all, the news was a lot to take in. It had only been half a month since she left for City B with Duke, and now they were returning as husband and wife. She figured he just needed a moment to digest everything they''d just dropped on him. ''Even a single day facing life and death with someone can feel like a decade,'' Kisha thought, ''because in those moments, when you''re at your most vulnerable, you truly discover who will stand by your side, no matter the cost.'' After catching up with Keith and discussing the developments in City A, Duke and Kisha took some time to train together. They consumed Scarlet Honey to boost their stats and fortify their foundations. Once they were done, exhaustion set in, and they both collapsed into bed, the day''s intensity still lingering in the air. As Kisha lay in bed, Duke wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her tightly by the waist. His warm breath brushed her skin as he planted soft kisses on her cheeks and forehead, showering her with affection. "Wifey, can you forgive me?" Duke''s voice broke the quiet, catching her off guard. Kisha''s eyes, which had been peacefully shut, fluttered open at his unexpected question. "For what?" "Um, I know I''ve been a bit domineering and clingy lately, always thinking about how I feel and trying to get close to you in every way possible," Duke began, his voice soft and uncertain. He hesitated for a moment, the vulnerability clear in his tone. "Especially when it comes to... making love." Duke nervously clutched Kisha as if she were his lifeline. He knew he had been overly focused on being close to her, maybe even pushing things too far without considering her feelings or their circumstances. What troubled him most was that he hadn''t anticipated feeling this way, so consumed by his desire for her. He simply couldn''t help himself when it came to Kisha, and the thought that he might have overwhelmed her weighed heavily on his mind. He wasn''t sure if it was because he liked her too much or if it was the result of years of restraint, having distanced himself from women for so long. Now, with the dam broken, his desire for her felt insatiable. All he knew was that he wanted to be with her in every possible way, as if making up for lost time. "I''ve grown so accustomed to being in control¡ªtelling others what I want and how things should be done¡ªthat I failed to recognize how I sometimes overlooked your feelings. I realize now that I can be too pushy, putting you in uncomfortable situations without meaning to." "I truly apologize for that. I''ll do better, and I promise to listen to everything you have to say," Duke said, his voice trembling with sincerity. He spoke as if he feared that Kisha might be on the verge of leaving him, his regret palpable. After the call with her little brother, Duke realized how quickly everything had unfolded. He had bound Kisha to him without even informing her family first, and the revelation had hit Keith like a bombshell. He could only imagine the impact it would have on her grandparents when they eventually found out. He felt deeply regretful; this wasn''t how a marriage should begin. He should have waited to meet her family and properly ask for her hand in marriage. It was a matter of basic decency, and he had failed to uphold it. But then again, throughout his journey with Kisha while saving his family, he had seen how vulnerable human life could be so he really didn''t want to wait that long, because he didn''t even know when shit would hit the fan or if one of them would die prematurely. "I''m sorry if I''ve gotten carried away with you. This is my first real relationship, and I haven''t been very open or understanding in the past. I realize now how important it is to communicate and connect on a deeper level." "So, when I got you, I was almost clueless about everything that I thought, as long as I could be physically close to you and be with you, you''ll understand my heart, but maybe I am also doing it wrong." Duke''s voice trembled as he buried his face in the crook of Kisha''s neck. "I am willing to do better and follow what makes you comfortable and make you feel good in all sorts of ways because I am happy seeing you happy and I feel sad when you are sad." "But you know, when I first experienced intimacy with the woman I love, I became hooked. My body craves it, and my mind keeps replaying those euphoric moments, no matter what I''m doing or where I am." "I know, I might sound like I''m making excuses and I don''t want to come off as being negligent and dismissive of your feelings. So, would you tell me if I am making you feel uncomfortable?" "Would you forgive me? Hmm?" Duke''s voice sounded so alluringly captivating but with a hint of fear of being rejected. Kisha turned around, and Duke adjusted his position, still clinging to her. Now, his face was buried in her chest, seeking solace. In this vulnerable moment, he let his raw emotions show, allowing himself to be completely open and honest with her. He stole a glance at her face from beneath his lowered gaze, trembling with anticipation. This was a level of vulnerability he had never shown anyone before¡ªnot even his parents¡ªand the fear of how Kisha might perceive him gnawed at him. He was terrified she would see him as weak or find fault in his actions, each worry amplifying his anxiety. Hearing Duke''s heartfelt words, a tender smile spread across Kisha''s lips. She longed to be as close to him and share in the intimacy he craved. Yet, the scars of her 99 lifetimes had left their mark, causing her to subconsciously recoil from the very feelings she wanted to embrace. Despite her deep desire to be with Duke, her past experiences clouded her responses, making her fear the intimacy she so deeply yearned for. Chapter 365 - 365 Dukes Redemption 2 She cherished how Duke guided their intimate moments, and she truly enjoyed the experience. His attention made her feel wonderful, even though her stamina couldn''t quite match his. Despite this, she felt an overwhelming sense of euphoria. ''Damn, he was good at it!'' Kisha thought. At the same time, her fear stemmed from the fact that this was her first experience with a man, leaving her unsure of how to fulfill his needs. Unspoken anxieties also lingered from her past life, where betrayal and deception led to tragic consequences. These unresolved scars made her apprehensive, even though she deeply wanted to be close to Duke and share these moments with him. Due to these underlying fears, she''s unintentionally pushing Duke away and retreating periodically. Although she never openly admits it, her feelings for him are deep¡ªlove even¡ªbut her intense emotions also make her fearful of making mistakes and leaving a negative impression. Although she never admits it, deep down she''s aware that what that woman said has subtly affected her. She fears that she might not be able to fully satisfy Duke in bed and worries that he might find her dull or uninteresting once he''s experienced her. Perhaps she didn''t trust Duke enough to believe his feelings were genuine and distinct from those of the scumbag she had known before. As a result, her mind became so deeply troubled that these fears insidiously emerged, taking hold without her even realizing it. Her head was messed up really good and she knew it. Perhaps she was as clumsy with love as Duke, and her failure to communicate her feelings led to this misunderstanding. Kisha smiled wryly to herself, then looked at Duke. Gently cupping his face in her hands, she gazed directly into his eyes. "I suppose we''re just as foolish as each other," Kisha said with a soft laugh, resting her forehead against his. Duke understood her unspoken words, feeling his tumultuous heart finally calm. As their hearts began to beat in unison, a sense of peaceful connection enveloped them. Kisha and Duke felt as though a long- lodged bone had finally been dislodged from their throats, bringing a sense of relief and calm. For Kisha, her once-turbulent mind, akin to a stormy sea, now felt more serene. The chaos of her overthinking was gradually being drowned out by this newfound tranquility. She felt deeply insecure after her first time with Duke. The woman''s words, suggesting she was merely beautiful but dull, had lodged in her mind, making her worry if Duke might grow tired of her once his urges were satisfied. Since they were each other''s firsts, she feared that if he ever experienced intimacy with someone else, he might compare her to them and see the difference as that woman had suggested. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The woman had told her that men often seek variety because they crave new experiences, implying that women like Kisha were simply not exciting. That''s why, whenever she sensed Duke''s desire, she would retreat¡ªnot out of exhaustion or fear of him, but because she was haunted by the echoes of her past and those damaging words. Reflecting on it now, she realized she hadn''t given Duke the credit he deserved. She had forgotten that Duke was nothing like that scumbag¡ªwho only thought with his lower half and bit the hand that fed him. Unlike him, Duke might appear cold on the outside, but he was warm and loyal on the inside. She had allowed those words to unsettle her mind, and if Duke hadn''t come forward to apologize and reassure her, she didn''t know how long this turmoil would have continued. It might have even jeopardized her relationship with him due to this misunderstanding. Now, she felt foolish for letting a snake''s words stir such worry and ruin her peace of mind. Kisha smiled genuinely as she gave Duke a long, passionate kiss filled with her emotions. "No, I should be the one apologizing. You''ve been amazing, my love. You might be domineering in bed, but that''s what made our first time so unforgettable¡ªI''ve been feeling sore and wonderful all night," she joked. Her playful comment, however, only seemed to stir things up further. "What did you call me?" Duke asked, pulling Kisha over and laying on his back with her sitting on top of him. His gaze was intense, as if looking straight into her soul. "M-my love?" Kisha replied hesitantly. When she saw Duke''s eyes light up, swirling with emotion, she smiled affectionately and leaned in to kiss him again. "You don''t like it, hubby?" "No." Duke''s voice was deep and low, he took over and led the kiss. His right hand firmly held onto Kisha''s nape. "I love it, I love hearing my wife using endearing names to call me, it''s making me hard and horny." Kisha chuckled through Duke''s lips but she didn''t break the kiss. "Are you sure it''s alright for me to always be so horny for you, my wife? Can we make love anywhere, anytime?" Duke asked. Though his tone sounded playful, his seriousness was unmistakable, and Kisha could feel his hardening cock pressing against her. "Hmmm." The sound of their kissing echoed in the quiet room. "Let me share a secret with you," Kisha murmured, her voice sultry. "Hearing you talk dirty makes me even wetter." She grinned, her eyes dark with desire. "Ugh!" Duke grunted, he just felt his cock instantly stand in attention. "I think so too, I even felt your pussy grip me so hard the last time, I thought you''d milk me dry." Duke didn''t forget to add up, before they dove into another passionate kiss. While kissing, they both shared a giggle before it turned into moans, Kisha eagerly ground her hips while Duke was holding both her butt cheeks to support Kisha and guide her hips on grinding on his hard cock. "Fuck! Wifey! If we do not stop now, I might not really be able to stop myself on time and devour you." Duke grunted again as he tried to break the kiss but he was reluctant and him wanting to stop was so feeble that it didn''t even sound like he wanted to break free. "I''m giving you permission alright." Kisha giggled, after all, she had this passive skill that would help her recover her stamina, so, what is there to worry about now? "Jeez, host! I didn''t know you''d misuse your skills for personal use!" 008''s voice suddenly echoed in Kisha''s mind, causing her to flinch in surprise. Despite the interruption, she didn''t stop kissing Duke; instead, she pushed 008 to the back of her mind and locked their connection. Since Bell and Zeus weren''t present, she only needed to sever the link with 008. ''Host, instead of welcoming me back, you are locking me away?! You don''t love me anymore! Hmph!'' 008 grumbled at the deepest part of Kisha''s mind. Little did Kisha realize she was digging her own grave. While her passive skill allowed her to recover her stamina endlessly, Duke would also be affected. Just imagine an insatiable beast driven by relentless desire, going at it nonstop because his stamina was endlessly recovering. But, Kisha would only realize this a little late and she wouldn''t be able to back down anymore because she already poked the bear in the butt. Chapter 366 - 366 Giving Me Too Much Credit ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! ___________ As they kissed, Duke guided Kisha''s hands to help her remove her top, while she reciprocated by pulling off his shirt. Duke''s muscular chest and stomach were revealed, his back muscles rippling with each movement. Kisha''s fingers lingered over his taut skin, savoring the firm texture of his chest and abs as she explored him slowly. Duke gasped at Kisha''s touch, his eyes darkening with a primal hunger as he fixed his intense gaze on her. The sight of him struggling to restrain his desire only fueled Kisha''s playful intent. Leaning in, she unfastened her bra with a teasing smirk, then extended her tongue to trace a slow, tantalizing lick across Duke''s nipple. Duke let out a deep, sensual groan as he watched Kisha tease his nipple with her tongue, mirroring what he had done to hers. The sensation sent a shiver through him, making his scalp tingle with a mix of pleasure and ticklish delight. Gritting his teeth, he sucked in a sharp breath, trying to regain control, but the temptation was overwhelming. With a swift move, he pushed Kisha onto the bed, determined to take the lead again. Like the queen she was, Kisha didn''t back down. Instead, she continued her teasing, her hand slipping down to rub Duke''s hard cock. The contact sent a shockwave through him, and he let out a low, primal snarl. Unable to resist, Duke leaned back onto the bed, surrendering to the intense sensation building deep within him as Kisha maintained control, fueling his desire. Kisha swiftly unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his pants, revealing his hardened cock. Just as Duke tried to regain control and sit up, she leaned in and playfully bit his nipple, making him groan in pleasure. "Ugh! Baby!" he gasped, his voice thick with desire, as Kisha kept him pinned under her dominance. Kisha didn''t give Duke a moment to regain his composure. Without hesitation, his hard cock sprang free from his pants, and she began stroking him with a slow yet firm rhythm. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Ugh! Ah!" Duke moaned, his breath hitching as she expertly worked her hand, leaving him powerless under her touch. Only now did Kisha truly understand why Duke loved teasing her the way he did last time¡ªit was intoxicating, the feeling of power, the control. It made her feel unstoppable. She kept stroking his shaft while her mouth and teeth teased his nipple, sending shivers through Duke''s body. He was writhing beneath her, his intense gaze locked onto hers, unable to tear his eyes away as he succumbed to the overwhelming pleasure she was giving him. A playful smirk danced on her lips as she stuck out her tongue, giving his abs a slow, sensual lick while moving downward. Duke''s breath hitched, his stomach trembling under her touch. He let out a muffled grunt, watching with hooded eyes as Kisha traced her way down his abs, every stroke of her tongue igniting sparks of pleasure through his body. This only heightened Duke''s excitement and anticipation, causing his cock to twitch and throb in Kisha''s hand. She stroked it with slow, deliberate circular motions, remembering how much Duke had liked it the last time. His breathing grew heavier with each stroke, the tension in his body building under her skillful touch. Duke''s shaft was thick and long, so much so that Kisha had to use both hands to cover some of its length. As her fingers brushed over his pubic area, Duke let out a slow, deep sigh, his chest heaving with anticipation. Kisha caught his eye, flashing a mischievous smirk before leaning in to lick the tip of his cock. Without hesitation, she took him into her mouth, making Duke groan in pure pleasure. Duke sank deeper into the bed, his left hand covering his eyes as he gasped for air, his chest rising and falling in quick succession. His right hand instinctively reached for Kisha''s head, but she swatted it away, maintaining control. Locking eyes with him for a moment, she leaned in and began to deep-throat him, drawing a loud, guttural moan from his lips as his body tensed in response to the intense pleasure. "Ugh! Wifey, fuck... you''re going to make me cum too fast if you keep this up," Duke groaned between ragged breaths. Kisha didn''t respond; she persisted even as she began gagging and choking on his size. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she felt a sob escape her as she struggled to keep up. Every time his cock reached the back of her throat, she felt her eyes rolling back, the overwhelming sensation causing her to tear up even more. She felt like she was stretching her jaw to its limit just to accommodate his shaft, and the effort was almost overwhelming. It seemed like her jaw might dislocate, but seeing the pleasure etched on Duke''s face fueled her determination. She was driven by the idea that it was a mutual exchange of pleasure, and she was committed to giving her best. The stretch was becoming unbearable, and when Kisha finally decided she''d had enough and started to pull back, Duke reacted instantly. His hand shot out like lightning, gripping her hair firmly. Without giving her a chance to protest, he guided her head up and down his shaft, maintaining control as he pushed her limits further. Kisha and Duke locked eyes, her red-rimmed gaze narrowing in protest as she silently communicated her discomfort. Duke, gasping for air, stared back at her with his lips slightly parted. "Wifey," he croaked, his voice raw with desire. Biting down hard to stifle a moan, his body tensed when Kisha, despite her silent plea, tightened her grip on his shaft, then shifted her other hand to massage his balls, pushing him even closer to the edge. Kisha''s eyes crinkled slightly in amusement at Duke''s reaction. Before he could utter another word, she deep-throated him again. Realizing he had no intention of letting her go, Kisha resigned herself to continue, determined to push him to finish quickly if she wanted to escape his grip. With just a few more strokes, Duke''s body tensed, a low grunt escaping his lips as he leaned back. "Wifey, I''m cumming!" His grip tightened as he guided Kisha''s movements faster, his breath ragged and heavy. The sound of his guttural snarl filled the room just before he released, sending hot streams of his seed deep into Kisha''s throat, filling her completely. Kisha felt her breath hitch as Duke thrust his shaft deep into her throat, her core tightening, and a strange, wild churn stirring in her stomach. ''Fuck! Am I a masochist?'' she wondered, feeling her blood surge through her body with an odd rush of exhilaration. When Duke finally let her go, she coughed a few times, gasping to clear her airway. Cough! Cough! When she finally caught her breath, Kisha shot a piercing glare at Duke, who was still panting heavily, his chest rising and falling as his dark, intense eyes locked onto hers. It was as if he was silently saying, ''You started it, I just finished it.'' But before she could retort, he softened, backing down with an apologetic grin. "Sorry, wifey, I lost control. Maybe you''re giving me too much credit for my self-control when it comes to you," he teased, his grin widening between ragged breaths. Chapter 367 - 367 Little Revenge ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! ___________ After a brief moment to catch their breath, Duke began to push himself up from the bed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he prepared to take charge and return the favor to Kisha. But before he could fully sit up, Kisha didn''t give him the chance¡ªmoving swiftly to keep him exactly where she wanted him. He hadn''t even noticed when Kisha managed to slip out of her pants, but before he could react, she had him pinned down on the bed again. Hovering over him, a mischievous grin spread across her lips as she stared down at him, now clad only in her panties. The look in her eyes made it clear¡ªshe was in control. Seeing Kisha''s body, her bare chest exposed and only her panties barely covering her, left little to Duke''s imagination. The sight alone sent a surge through him, making his cock throb wildly again, even though he had just released so much in her mouth moments before. Everything about her was reigniting his desire. Duke took a deep, shaky breath, swallowing hard as he eagerly awaited Kisha''s next move. The anticipation was palpable, and Kisha could sense the thrill she was igniting in him. Kisha slowly helped Duke out of his pants, maintaining eye contact the entire time. The suspense was almost unbearable for Duke; his heartbeat hammered in his chest, growing louder with every passing second. His cock twitched in anticipation, eager for Kisha to take the next step. Duke was itching to seize control, but he remained still, captivated by the tension between them. "Wifey, you''re teasing me, aren''t you? Trying to get back at me for earlier?" Duke asked breathlessly, his ocean-blue eyes locked onto Kisha with a mix of frustration and anticipation. Kisha didn''t respond, but a wide smile spread across her face. Once she had removed Duke''s pants, leaving him naked and eager, she wasted no time. Pulling her panties to the side, she guided Duke''s hard cock to her entrance. As he slowly slid inside her, both of them gasped at the intense sensation of him filling her. It was only then that Kisha realized she was the one who was impatient. Duke''s hands found her legs, resting on either side of his waist, as he let out a groan. "Ugh! Kisha! Fuck!" His voice was strained, unable to form coherent words as he felt himself sliding slowly into her wet pussy. Once Duke was fully inside her, Kisha felt a deep sense of fullness and pressure, making movement difficult at first. She could feel his cock twitching within her. Determined to be in control, she maintained her gaze locked with Duke''s and began to slowly rock her hips up and down, taking command of their shared pleasure. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She felt as though her soul was being drawn into his intense gaze, a magnetic force pulling her deeper. The connection was so profound that her body, mind, and soul seemed to merge as one, amplifying her desire and passion as they made love. Duke''s grip on her legs tightened as he bit his lower lip, his breath quickening as he fought to stifle his moans. Each movement of Kisha''s body sent shivers through him, feeling every contour of her inner walls as she slid up and down his shaft. His eyes were riveted on her, watching her ample breasts bounce enticingly with each motion. After a few strokes up and down, Kisha felt an overwhelming wave of pleasure gripping her core, the intensity growing with each movement. She began to pump harder, her moans escaping uncontrollably as she leaned back slightly, anchoring herself with her hands gripping Duke''s strong legs for support. Duke began to rock his hips in sync with Kisha''s rhythm, intensifying the pleasure and making her moans grow louder. The sound of their bodies slapping together filled the room, echoing off the walls in a primal symphony. "Ah! Duke!" "Ugh!" Duke used the pillow behind him for support, pulling himself closer to Kisha. His hands eagerly sought out her enticing, ample breasts, which had captivated him since earlier. He grasped them, savoring their softness, and began to fondle them, gently rubbing and pinching her nipples. Each touch elicited gasps from Kisha and made her inner walls tighten around him, as she felt a delicious mix of pleasure and pain from the pinching sensation. After a while, Duke''s yearning to do more than just touch her breasts intensified. He adjusted their position, sitting up with his legs drawn up, while Kisha steadied herself with her hands resting on his knees. As Duke drew closer, she felt his hot breath against her chest. Without hesitation, he took hold of her left nipple and began to nibble on it, eliciting a loud gasp and causing her to squirm. Despite the heightened sensation, Kisha''s hips continued their relentless rhythm on Duke''s shaft, which had grown even harder. Duke''s right hand slid to Kisha''s left butt cheek, gripping it firmly as he guided her to lift her hips higher. This allowed her to come down harder on his shaft. Soon, both of his hands gripped her buttocks, bracing herself as Duke lifted and lowered her with increasing speed and force. Kisha clung to his neck, gasping, while Duke covered her neck and chest with fervent kisses, leaving a trail of passionate marks. Duke captured Kisha''s mouth in a fervent kiss, his lips and teeth teasing her with a mix of gentle bites and intense pressure. When Kisha gasped from the force of his thrusts, he plunged his tongue into her mouth, silencing her moans. She clung to his neck, her legs wrapped tightly around his hips, as he continued to drive into her with relentless passion. Duke''s grip on Kisha''s soft, perky ass tightened, leaving red marks as he drove her harder onto his shaft. Their muffled moans mingled with the heat of their shared passion, their tongues entangled in a fervent dance. Kisha clung to Duke''s neck with desperate intensity, as if her very existence depended on the fierce connection between them. However, their position restricted Duke''s movement, making it difficult to find the right angle for deeper thrusts. To remedy this, he lifted Kisha while they remained connected, slowing his pace to give her time to breathe and adjust. Duke carefully laid Kisha''s upper back on the edge of the bed, propping her hips higher to maintain their connection. He pulled back slightly, positioning himself to fully appreciate the sight of Kisha gripping the bed sheets with both hands, her legs still wrapped around his waist. Duke''s smirk widened as he thrust harder and deeper into Kisha, eliciting louder moans from her. Her eyes, now glazed with pleasure, locked onto his as she succumbed to the intensity of his movements. Duke gripped Kisha''s hips, using his hold to control his thrusts as he drove deeper into her. Kisha matched his rhythm, rocking her hips in sync with his movements, her smirk flickering between gasps of pleasure. Sweat dripped down their bodies, leaving a glistening trail on their skin. Duke didn''t slow down; instead, he quickened his pace, thrusting harder and faster, turning Kisha into a moaning, writhing mess. She had thought she could dominate Duke and control the situation, but she was sorely mistaken. Chapter 368 - 368 Playful Teasing Turned To... ___________ WARNING!!! A little more than [MATURE CONTENT] in this chapter!!! ___________ She had thought she could dominate him this time, but he proved to be a beast in bed, far beyond her reach. Kisha felt her core tightening as a wave of intense pleasure began to build. Her body started to convulse, overwhelmed by the familiar, delicious ecstasy rising within her. It was about to reach a crescendo, surging to a breathtaking climax. In perfect sync, Duke groaned, "Fuck! Wifey, you''re so tight¡ªI feel like you''re going to milk me dry!" he gasped between breaths. Kisha could feel his cock swelling and growing even harder and bigger inside her, heightening the intensity of their connection. "Fuck, I''m about to cum!" Duke groaned, his thrusts growing more intense. Kisha arched her back, sinking deeper into the bed as her eyes rolled back in ecstasy. Her body trembled, reaching a fevered crescendo. As Kisha''s inner walls clenched around him, Duke came, flooding her with his thick seeds. He let out a low growl, his eyelashes fluttering as he gritted his teeth, the grinding sound echoing in the intensity of his clenched teeth to control the ticklish sensation overwhelming his gums. But Duke didn''t stop thrusting. Instead, he drove into Kisha harder, emptying the last of his seeds deep inside her. Kisha trembled and convulsed, her mouth open in a moan that bordered on a scream, as every inch of her felt ablaze with overwhelming pleasure. After Duke was certain he had released every last drop, he leaned in and captured Kisha''s lips with his own. His kiss was fierce and hungry, conveying just how much he craved her. This time, Kisha stayed conscious, which only fueled Duke''s grin as he kissed her deeply, his joy evident in every touch. While Kisha and Duke were in the throes of their passion, Kisha''s system notifications kept flashing across her view. Fortunately, 008 stepped in without her having to ask, muting the notifications and shifting them to the edge of her peripheral vision. This way, she could stay immersed in the moment without the distraction of constant alerts signaling that her passive skill was active. Even as they panted and sweat, neither of them felt the slightest hint of fatigue. Duke maintained a steady, slow thrust as he kissed Kisha with intense passion, his hand gently cradling her face. His thumb brushed against her chin, encouraging her to open her mouth and extend her tongue. Kisha complied, sticking her tongue out eagerly. Before Duke could capture her tongue, she traced his lips with her tongue, her eyes narrowing into crescent-shaped smiles. Duke felt an intense surge of heat spread through his body, as if he were ablaze and his veins were on fire. In that instant, Kisha sensed Duke''s cock, which had softened slightly, becoming as rigid as steel once more. She gasped in surprise and choked up, feeling the sudden and powerful change. She had been merely playful and teasing, but she hadn''t anticipated the effect would be so intense. Before she could protest, Duke reignited the rhythm with a fierce passion in his eyes. He placed Kisha''s left leg on his shoulder and pressed the other leg firmly against the bed, spreading her open to thrust deeper. Duke began with a slow, powerful thrust that seemed to steal Kisha''s breath with each movement. "Ha!" she gasped as he drove into her deeply. "Duke!" she exclaimed with the next forceful push, but Duke didn''t relent; he continued his rhythmic thrusts, moving with relentless intensity. Only now did she realize that Duke was just as affected by her passive skill as she was. Being so close to her, and with her skill''s effect extending a 5-meter radius, Duke''s already monstrous stamina was amplified. ''If this continues, will we be tangled up for the whole night, me being at his mercy?'' Kisha thought, her mind racing. But Duke swallowed her protest when he leaned in to kiss her, further stretching her and giving Duke deeper access to her pussy. Duke let out a strained grunt as he was balls deep into Kisha''s pussy and Kisha could feel him pushing on her womb, pushing so deeply that Kisha felt the pressure against her womb, almost as if he were tapping on it. Duke''s thrusts became more urgent and intense, causing Kisha to recoil slightly. Her voice grew hoarse and dry from moaning, and her face was damp with sweat. Duke, too, was sweating profusely, with droplets occasionally landing on Kisha''s chest and cheeks. Despite his exhaustion, his gaze remained fiery and insatiable. The more Duke saw Kisha writhing in pleasure and gasping for breath as he moved inside her, the more invigorated he felt, turning her into a moaning mess. He pressed his body against hers, eliciting a heavy, drawn-out sigh from Kisha before he captured her mouth again and again, muffling her moans with his kisses. He intertwined his tongue with hers, savoring and teasing it before gently sucking on it. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Occasionally, a silver thread of saliva would bridge the gap when Duke pulled away to let Kisha catch her breath. Each thrust made Kisha''s stomach bulge against his, and when he pressed closer, she would clench tightly around him, sending waves of pleasure through Duke and eliciting deep groans. He continued his movements rhythmically, sensing a familiar tension building within him as Kisha grew tighter and her moans louder. Her body trembled, eyes rolling back in her head. Duke quickened his pace, causing her to hold her breath as her body convulsed once more. Before long, Duke let out a low growl. "Kisha, I''m about to¡­ Let''s cum together!" His words came out more as a command than a plea. But Kisha was barely listening to him, her head spinning in pure ecstasy as Duke continued to thrust inside her. Duke continued his relentless thrusting until he released all his remaining seed deep inside Kisha. He pumped a few more times, ensuring she milked him completely before finally collapsing on top of her. Kisha remained trembling, her eyes fluttering as she absorbed the intense sensation. Their heavy breathing and panting filled the room as they stayed in the same position for a while. When Duke finally managed to get up, he covered Kisha with a blanket before rushing to the bathroom to start drawing a warm bath. While the tub filled, he hurried back to the walk-in closet to grab fresh clothes for both himself and Kisha. He placed the clothes by the bathroom sink and prepared a fresh set of bedsheets and blankets, moving around in a flurry while Kisha remained unconscious. When Kisha finally stirred, Duke was already carrying her in a bridal hold to the bathroom. He gently lowered her into the bathtub before joining her and settling in behind her. Feeling too relaxed to move, Kisha allowed Duke to continue caring for her. She actually enjoyed his gentle touch as he washed her body with meticulous care, as if he feared that too much pressure might harm her delicate skin. Kisha wasn''t sure whether to laugh or cry at how different Duke was when they weren''t making love. In bed, he was an insatiable beast, but afterward, he treated her with the tenderness of someone caring for a cherished treasure. Chapter 369 - 369 Emergency! Kisha shook her head, deciding to simply savor Duke''s care. She felt her body gradually regaining its strength, a testament to how effective her passive skills were. After thoroughly washing Kisha''s body, Duke squeezed a floral shampoo into his hands, rubbing them together until it foamed slightly. He then applied it to Kisha''s hair, gently massaging her scalp and the ends of her hair. Kisha leaned back, savoring the soothing sensation of Duke''s scalp massage. "Is it good?" Duke''s gentle voice came from behind her. "Mmmm," Kisha replied, her eyes still closed. Duke happily continued caring for Kisha, and before long, he finished bathing her. As Kisha began to rise from the bath, Duke stopped her. She raised an eyebrow and looked back at him as he also climbed out of the tub. He reached for a towel and gently helped her dry her body and hair. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t move; let me do all the work," Duke said with a childlike grin, glowing with satisfaction. Kisha realized his behavior was a result of his satisfaction, and understood why he was so eager to be a devoted husband. She decided to stay still and let him pamper her as he wished. After all, without her passive skill, she might have passed out long ago. She realized this might be what a true husband should be like¡ªpassionate in bed but warm and caring outside of it. A sense of warmth enveloped her chest as she felt Duke''s gentle touch on her hair. Kisha hummed contentedly as Duke dried her hair, her body wrapped in a towel. They resembled a happy couple who had spent a decade together, both savoring the warmth of their unspoken understanding. Once Duke finished drying her hair, he even helped her put on her clothes. Kisha hesitated at the thought of letting Duke dress her, but he wouldn''t relent. With a reluctant pout, she accepted his help. Duke chuckled softly as he assisted her. Before they returned to bed, he carefully blow-dried her long, wavy hair to ensure she wouldn''t catch a cold from going to sleep with damp hair. Kisha''s soft purrs were audible to Duke whenever he drew near, and a satisfied smile played on her lips as she sat on the sink, with Duke standing in front of her. Her eyes were closed, savoring the soothing warmth of the air and Duke''s gentle touch as he worked through her hair. After Duke finished, he carefully carried Kisha back to the sofa before hurrying to change the bedsheets and blankets. Kisha watched him move around the room from her seat on the sofa, her eyes crinkling with delight. Once the bed was made, Duke lifted Kisha once more and gently placed her on the bed. Satisfied that she was comfortably settled, he returned to the bathroom to wash himself clean. Throughout, Duke wore only a towel around his lower half, his sturdy chest and abs exposed. Kisha didn''t bother hiding her gaze as she watched his muscles ripple with each movement. Duke merely chuckled and smiled, clearly enjoying the attention from his wife. In fact, it pleased him greatly to see that his wife found him appealing. He would have been more concerned if Kisha hadn''t shown any sign of infatuation with his looks, as it might have made him feel insecure. It took Duke just ten minutes to finish bathing and dressing before he joined Kisha on the bed. His hair was still slightly damp when he scooped her into his arms for a hug. The moisture from his hair brushed against Kisha''s face, sending a pleasant shiver through her body. Duke felt her shiver slightly and realized his damp hair was brushing against her face. He grunted softly, his voice dripping with affection. "I''m sorry, wifey. Was it cold?" His tender tone sent a flutter of butterflies to Kisha''s stomach. Kisha shook her head and leaned closer to Duke, wrapping her arms around his waist. Duke rested his chin on top of her head as they embraced, both closing their eyes. They drifted off to sleep without noticing when it happened, finding comfort in each other''s embrace. Wang! Wang! Wang! Wang! In the middle of the night, both Duke and Kisha were jolted awake by the blaring alarm bells from around the base. They sat up in bed, exchanging serious looks that conveyed their immediate awareness of an emergency. Without pausing to change, they hurried out of their room. As they rushed outside, they saw the Winters couple and Wyatt family emerging from their rooms, their faces etched with fear. Kisha and Duke didn''t wait for everyone to leave the villa; they rushed out immediately, heading for the square. Soldiers and warriors were mobilizing in the streets, but no one knew what was happening. When Kisha and Duke tried to ask the soldiers who were hurriedly getting into position, they received no clear answers. They hurried to the square, where Aston was already briefing the soldiers. The loud alarm bells had jolted everyone awake, including the survivors. However, after a few intense rings, the bells abruptly stopped. The silence didn''t signal that the emergency had passed; rather, it was to avoid drawing the attention of zombies and causing them to gather outside the walls. The brief alarm had served its purpose of rousing the warriors and soldiers before the bells were silenced. When Kisha and Duke arrived at the square, Aston and the others were already heading towards the wall. Kisha, breathless, asked urgently, "What''s going on?" She was certain this wasn''t a drill; drills weren''t conducted in the middle of the night, and even if they were, the alarm bells would never be used. They knew that such a noise would attract a horde of zombies from around the city. Aston, his face pale and filled with worry, responded almost immediately upon hearing Kisha''s voice. Seeing her, he looked as if he had just found a lifeline, and his expression relaxed slightly. "City Lord, we''ve received a report from the wall patrol," he said, his voice serious and tinged with nervousness. "A horde of zombies is approaching and slowly surrounding the entire base." Being surrounded alone wouldn''t be a significant issue, given their awakened ability users who could handle the situation. Kisha understood this, so she sensed there was more to the situation than Aston was revealing. She waited for him to continue. "The wall patrol reported that each gate is surrounded by thousands of zombies, similar to the raid during the Blood Rain," Aston added, his tone grim. Kisha was also shocked by this revelation. In the early stages of the apocalypse, zombies wouldn''t actively attack or encircle human settlements unless there was a significant amount of noise. Such behavior was typically observed only during events like the Blood Rain, when zombies evolved, or when a high-level evolved zombie was commanding the horde. Given the scale of the threat, it seemed unlikely that a high-level evolved zombie was involved because they couldn''t command this large-scale zombie horde. If such a creature were present, it would likely be a Zombie King or higher. However, this was improbable, as Zombie Kings are typically level 10 or above, possessing a level of consciousness akin to a child, allowing them to think and strategize. Chapter 370 - 370 Emergency! 2 Kisha was uncertain about the situation, so she, Duke, and Aston decided not to waste time pondering the issue without any leads. Instead, they headed directly to the most crowded gate¡ªthe western part of the base, where the residential buildings and the majority of the population were concentrated. Kisha and Duke made their way to the west gate in their sleepwear and pajamas, but no one paid much attention to their attire. Even Aston was in his pajamas and robe. Along the way, they saw soldiers and warriors hastily donning their protective gear and weapons, nervously moving about. Before long, a cacophony of distant growls and roars filled the air, followed by the crack of gunfire from atop the wall. Kisha, Duke, and Aston arrived at the wall shortly after. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soldiers lay prone along the wall, while some threw grenades into the midst of the advancing horde. With thousands of zombies closing in, firearms alone weren''t sufficient to handle the threat. Seeing the situation, Kisha quickly intervened, instructing them to cease using grenades. The loud explosions would only attract more zombies from within the city. She also directed Aston to send messengers to all gates, instructing them to stop using grenades and to call in all awakened ability users instead. Understanding Kisha''s reasoning, Duke swiftly turned and headed toward the southern gate, the next most crowded of the four. Aston watched them, feeling the unspoken trust between Kisha and Duke. They didn''t need words to communicate; a brief exchange of glances was enough. After a mutual nod, Duke nearly sprinted toward the southern gate. Kisha climbed to the top of the wall to assess the situation. From her vantage point, the scene was chaotic: a massive horde of zombies surged from within the city, driven by an almost primal frenzy. They were unrelenting in their advance, pushing and shoving each other in their blind, single-minded pursuit of the wall. The ground was littered with the remains of their fallen kin, yet the horde continued to trample over the carcasses with relentless determination. Their sheer numbers and frenzied behavior made it clear that this was no ordinary attack; something had driven them into a frenzy, and the wall was their singular focus. Kisha observed with furrowed brows as the zombie stampede surged forward. The sheer force of the horde pressing against the wall was palpable. The cargo trailers that formed part of the wall''s structure began to tremble under the relentless assault, the sound of scraping metal and groaning wood echoing through the night. Soldiers stationed on top of the wall clung to their positions, their faces etched with fear as the vibrations threatened to dislodge them. The weight of the situation was clear; the defense wall was under severe strain, and the terror in the soldiers'' eyes spoke volumes about the danger they faced. Despite the relentless barrage of gunfire aimed at the nearest zombies, Kisha''s attention was drawn to a growing problem. The corpses of the fallen zombies were accumulating at the base of the wall, forming a grim, shifting mound. Her frown deepened as she realized the potential danger this posed. If the pile continued to grow unchecked, it would eventually serve as a makeshift ramp, allowing the zombies to scale the wall and breach the defenses. The sight of the ever-growing heap of carcasses was a stark reminder that the wall''s security was in imminent peril, and immediate action was needed to prevent a catastrophic breach. Even if Kisha managed to halt the soldiers'' gunfire, the relentless advance of the zombies and the growing pile of corpses would still pose a grave threat. The sheer mass of the undead could potentially use their numbers to push against the wall, threatening to breach the defenses through sheer force. The sight filled her with a rising sense of dread. Aston, who had climbed up the wall to assess the situation, was visibly shaken. His face went ashen, paling to the color of a sheet as he took in the grim tableau before him. His breath caught in his throat, and the sight of the soldiers around him, their faces etched with fear and their hands trembling uncontrollably, only compounded the gravity of the situation. Despite their fear, they continued to fire, their bodies quivering as they fought to keep the horde at bay. The tension and urgency in the air were palpable, and it was clear that every moment was critical in the struggle to protect the wall and the base. "C-City Lord..." Aston stammered, his voice trembling as he instinctively grasped at Kisha''s sleeve. His eyes were wide with fear, reflecting the dire situation unfolding before them. Kisha took a deep breath, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment as she steeled herself. When she opened them again, her gaze was fixed on the overturned truck blocking the road. With a focused mind, she extended her hands in front of her, her fingers splayed as she engaged her telekinesis. The truck began to tremble and lift off the ground, but the immense weight and size made the effort extraordinarily taxing. Kisha''s limbs quivered under the strain, beads of sweat forming on her brow. Despite the growing pressure and her own growing fatigue, she refused to relent. Her concentration was unwavering as she maneuvered the truck, her willpower driving her through the physical and mental exertion. Each movement was slow and deliberate, but she pressed on, determined to clear the obstacle and create a vital barrier against the encroaching horde. As Kisha managed to fully lift the truck, the soldiers looked on in astonishment, their fear momentarily eclipsed by the sheer force of her ability. With a swift, sweeping motion, she directed the truck, using it as a battering ram to clear the zombies from the open street. The massive vehicle crashed through the horde, scattering the undead and creating a temporary but much-needed path. The sight was both dramatic and awe-inspiring, with zombies tumbling aside and the street clearing just enough to offer a brief respite. However, with thousands of zombies still advancing, Kisha''s efforts only created a small breach in the overwhelming tide. Yet, the impact of her actions was profound. The soldiers, who had been on the brink of despair, now saw a glimmer of hope. The path she had cleared, though modest in the grand scheme, was enough to inspire them and renew their resolve. Kisha, still exerting tremendous effort, continued to manipulate the truck with her telekinesis. She shifted its position to sweep away the zombies gathered at the base of the wall, clearing away the growing pile of carcasses that could be used as makeshift ladders by the undead. With each movement, she created more space, preventing the zombies from climbing over and threatening the top of the wall. As Kisha worked, the air buzzed with the arrival of the awakened ability users. They appeared one by one, their diverse powers coming into play. Many of them were earth elemental users, and their arrival was timely. They quickly set to work, using their abilities to create formidable barriers. Massive earth spikes erupted from the ground, thrusting upward to form a jagged, towering wall of stone around the base of the existing defenses. Chapter 371 - 371 The Sudden Battle These earth spikes, sharp and imposing, served to fortify the perimeter, preventing zombies from getting too close and using the corpses as stepping stones. The combined effort of the awakened ability users and Kisha''s telekinesis transformed the area into a much more secure fortress. The towering earth spikes provided an additional layer of protection, creating a formidable barrier that the zombies would have to contend with before reaching the wall. The wall''s defenders, witnessing this concerted effort, found a renewed sense of strength and purpose. The combined actions of Kisha and the awakened ability users had begun to turn the tide, offering them a much-needed edge in the fight against the encroaching horde. Thankfully, the awakened ability users at the base had been steadily consuming Scarlet Honey, a rare and potent substance that enhanced their physical and mental capabilities long before they even awakened. The honey worked subtly, refining their bodies, fortifying their stamina, and preparing their latent abilities to manifest with greater potency. By the time they had experienced their first surge of power, the effects of the Scarlet Honey had already taken root, giving them an edge as they learned to harness their new strengths. On the first day of their awakening, most of them struggled to control their newfound abilities, their powers erratic and unpredictable. However, with continuous practice and the constant nourishment provided by the Scarlet Honey, they improved rapidly. Day by day, their control over their abilities became more refined, their strength more pronounced. The Scarlet Honey not only fueled their recovery but also accelerated their growth, making them stronger in a fraction of the time it would have taken otherwise. Now, these ability users stood ready at the walls, their powers far more formidable than they had been just days ago. Many of them, particularly the earth elemental users, had grown proficient enough to summon larger, more durable earth spikes to reinforce the defenses. The spikes they conjured now were not just barriers¡ªthey were towering structures, sturdy and sharp, capable of impaling any zombie that dared approach the wall. Among them, the most skilled had progressed to the point where their earth spikes could rival even the most advanced abilities of Vulture, one of the base''s strongest defenders. These towering, two-meter-high spikes rose like jagged teeth from the earth, forming an almost impenetrable barrier around the base. Their combined efforts created a formidable line of defense, providing the soldiers and survivors with a much-needed sense of security amidst the chaos. What had once seemed like a losing battle now felt more hopeful. The powerful earth spikes, combined with Kisha''s telekinetic sweeps clearing away piles of bodies that threatened to form a bridge over the wall, gave the base a fighting chance. The air buzzed with renewed determination as more ability users joined the effort, each contributing their enhanced skills to hold the line against the overwhelming horde. Vulture, a seasoned fighter and one of the most powerful among the awakened ability users, quickly assessed the situation at the eastern part of the wall. Without hesitation, he led a group of fellow earth manipulators to reinforce the defenses. Under his command, they worked in perfect unison, their hands glowing with the familiar surge of power as they called forth towering earth spikes. These spikes formed an imposing barricade around the eastern wall, ensuring that no zombie could scale it or use their sheer numbers to breach it. The earth spike itself became their shield, a solid, jagged wall of defense that prevented the relentless horde from gaining any ground. Vulture''s presence inspired confidence in the soldiers and ability users alike. He moved with precision and authority, directing the placement of each spike, ensuring no gaps were left in the defenses. His experience in battle was evident as he made quick decisions, adapting to the movements of the horde with ease. The eastern wall, though under intense pressure, held firm under his leadership, giving the defenders a fighting chance against the unrelenting waves of zombies crashing against their defenses. Meanwhile, Bald Eagle, another high-ranking leader known for his strategic prowess, had taken command of the northern side. Though the northern wall was experiencing its own onslaught, the situation there was comparatively calmer than the other areas. The horde, while still numbering in the thousands, wasn''t as concentrated as in Kisha''s sector or the southern wall, allowing Bald Eagle and his team to manage the defense more effectively. Despite the relative calm, Bald Eagle knew better than to let his guard down. He led his team with calculated precision, ensuring that the soldiers and ability users were positioned optimally to repel the advancing zombies. His approach was methodical¡ªwhile his earth manipulators conjured spikes to fortify the wall, he had the soldiers focus their firepower on key choke points, thinning out the approaching horde before they could get too close. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bald Eagle''s calm demeanor in the face of chaos reassured those under his command. Though the horde pressed on, his team was able to keep them at bay with a combination of precise gunfire and strategically placed barriers. While the northern side didn''t face the overwhelming pressure of Kisha''s sector, it was still a critical part of the defense, and Bald Eagle''s steady leadership ensured that this part of the wall would not fall. Together, Vulture''s relentless fortification of the eastern wall and Bald Eagle''s strategic defense of the north created a cohesive line of resistance. Each leader''s unique style¡ªVulture''s aggressive, hands-on approach and Bald Eagle''s calculated strategy¡ªprovided the base with a much-needed edge in what could have been a catastrophic breach. Even though the situation remained dire, their combined efforts, along with Kisha''s leadership on the western side, allowed the defenders to hold their ground, buying precious time to address the zombie horde''s unpredictable movements. On Duke''s side, the scene could only be described as a brutal massacre. His overwhelming strength allowed him to overpower the advancing horde of zombies with apparent ease. Since reaching level 1, combined with the continuous use of Scarlet Honey to enhance his abilities, Duke''s elemental manipulation had evolved significantly. His mastery over all three of his elemental powers had improved so drastically that he could now summon and wield them consecutively without rest, creating a devastating, unrelenting assault against the horde. His every movement was a display of raw power and precision. Fire, lightning, and ice bent to his will as he unleashed torrents of destruction, cutting through the mass of zombies like a storm of fury. Each strike was calculated, and with the boost in his strength, Duke''s attacks carried a lethal force that made it impossible for the zombies to push forward. The horde stood no chance against his relentless onslaught, and one by one, they fell before him, their numbers dwindling as his elemental abilities tore through their ranks. Duke moved like a force of nature, his body brimming with power and control. Duke unleashed a barrage of elemental fury¡ªice spears shot through the air, lightning crackled and struck with pinpoint precision, and in a display of his newfound mastery, he summoned a blazing Fire Meteor that descended from the sky. Each attack fell upon the advancing zombies with devastating force, transforming the battlefield into a fiery inferno. The ground beneath them scorched, and the air was thick with the acrid scent of burning flesh. Chapter 372 - 372 End Of Battle The sheer destruction Duke wrought left the other awakened ability users awestruck, their eyes wide with disbelief. It was as if he had single-handedly become a one-man army, obliterating wave after wave of the undead with terrifying ease. His power was unmatched, and the devastation he had caused made it clear¡ªno zombie could survive the onslaught of Duke''s overwhelming elemental might. The battlefield had become his domain, and the enemy was utterly outclassed. Although Duke''s Fire Meteor was no larger than a fist, the concentrated fire essence within it was enough to engulf and obliterate clusters of zombies with each strike. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And it wasn''t just one¡ªdozens of fiery meteors rained down, resembling a miniature meteor shower from the sky. The intense heat scorched the air, leaving trails of smoke and ash in their wake. As if that weren''t enough, devastating lightning bolts followed, striking down without warning, electrifying the battlefield and leaving the zombies charred. Ice spears materialized around Duke like deadly projectiles, each one launching with the force of a ballista. They pierced through the nearest zombies, sending them flying with the sheer impact. His relentless assault purged the undead in waves, combining fire, lightning, and ice in a terrifying display of elemental mastery that left nothing but devastation in its path. However, the sheer magnitude of Duke''s Area of Effect (AOE) attacks came at a cost. His spiritual energy drained rapidly, as if pouring through a sieve. Despite this, his onslaught had successfully decimated most of the advancing horde without drawing too much attention, preventing additional waves of zombies from being attracted from within the city. With the remaining zombies now more manageable, Duke confidently left the rest to the other awakened ability users. Exhausted but satisfied, he stepped aside to rest and recover his depleted spiritual energy. On Kisha''s side, the mental strain intensified with each attempt to control the large truck, sweeping away waves of zombies outside the wall. She could feel her focus slipping, knowing that this method was only a temporary solution. The uncertainty of how many more zombies would flood in from the western side weighed on her mind. Deep down, she knew she couldn''t keep this up indefinitely, and the toll on her mental energy made it clear that she needed another plan soon. If the battle dragged on, Kisha knew her side would eventually be at a disadvantage. She couldn''t afford to pull manpower from the other sections of the wall, not knowing how long the siege would last or if a surprise attack might come from another direction. Realizing the truck wasn''t a sustainable solution, she abandoned it and instead focused on the smaller fragments of debris scattered around. She also reached out with her telekinesis, sensing the countless daggers strapped to the waists of soldiers and warriors nearby, preparing to use them in a more strategic approach. Kisha closed her eyes, focusing intently as she felt the presence of every dagger around her. It was as if invisible hands materialized behind her, guiding the weapons into her control. Soldiers and warriors looked on in shock as their daggers lifted off from their belts, swirling through the air before coming to rest in a formation around Kisha, poised and ready for her command. The daggers floated in a perfect formation around her back, shimmering under the faint moonlight. Once Kisha was certain she had gathered every blade in the vicinity, her eyes snapped open. In an instant, all the daggers pointed to where her gaze fixed, sharp and deadly. With a knowing smile, she unleashed them into the battlefield. The blades danced through the air, slicing through the chaos and finding their mark with precision¡ªpiercing one zombie skull after another, like an elegant yet deadly waltz of steel. The dagger whirled through the air as if it were alive, darting with the precision of a well-controlled drone. One by one, it struck down the zombies with lethal accuracy, each blow swift and unstoppable. The undead fell like flies, powerless to defend themselves. Not a single one reached the outer wall; they collapsed halfway, unable to comprehend what invisible force was cutting them down before they could even see their demise approaching. As the gunfire subsided, all eyes fixated on the dagger slicing through the battlefield, effortlessly decimating the incoming zombies. Kisha stood in awe, sensing her abilities had expanded¡ªher telekinesis now stretched farther, moving with newfound speed and precision. It was as if her reach had grown beyond its former limits, allowing her to control the dagger with an ease she hadn''t felt before. The other awakened ability users, inspired by Kisha''s remarkable display of power, were fired up as well. They continued summoning earth spikes around the wall, fortifying the defenses. Meanwhile, the newly awakened, fresh out of the medical facility and recently trained by Vulture to harness their abilities, joined in, doing their best to contribute to the fight despite their inexperience. Newly awakened fire ability users hurled fireballs into the fray. Even when they missed their mark, the flames ignited the heaps of zombie corpses strewn across the battlefield. The advancing zombies, once caught in the blaze, staggered forward but were eventually consumed by the spreading fire, their relentless march ending in a scorching demise. None of them felt completely drained, and whenever someone began to run low on spiritual energy, Kisha would instruct them to step back and take a short break. Once they''d rested for a few minutes, they would rotate back in, seamlessly taking their positions again, keeping the flow of power and defense steady. Thanks to Kisha''s passive skill, the group relentlessly attacked the incoming zombies from the residential area. Soon, the streets beyond the wall were engulfed in black smoke, with flames spreading rapidly from one corpse to another, turning the area into a fiery wasteland. Kisha and the others were relieved to see that the spreading fire was already taking care of the corpses outside the wall. This spared them the time and effort of gathering the bodies in one place for disposal, ensuring the flames would prevent any potential diseases from spreading through the wind or insects. The battle raged on until dawn, with the first light of the rising sun filtering through the eastern buildings. As the waves of zombies dwindled, only a few stray ones remained scattered across the streets. Kisha, sensing the shift, allowed the snipers to handle the remaining undead, giving herself and the other awakened ability users a much-needed chance to rest. Although their stamina and spiritual energy were replenished, the continuous use of their abilities left their mental fortitude strained, taking a toll on their mentality. As the snipers in the watchtower continued their cleanup operation, the soldiers on the wall meticulously inspected the perimeter for any damage to the cargo trailers or potential breaches. Despite the lull in the attack, tension lingered in the air, their hearts still pounding in their throats as they worked to ensure no openings had been compromised. The other sides of the wall had also finished battling the horde, successfully keeping the zombies at bay without any breaches or casualties in their ranks. However, the toll was evident¡ªeveryone was thoroughly exhausted, having fought relentlessly through the entire night until dawn. Chapter 373 - 373 Surprised Mission As the tension finally dissipated, everyone sank to the floor, exhaustion evident in their expressions. Terror was painted across their faces as they processed the harrowing experiences of the night, each breath a reminder of the terror they had just endured. Even the survivors sheltered within the walls trembled in fear, their anxiety heightened by the distant gunfire and the ominous echoes of the horde beyond. All night long, they were gripped by dread, praying fervently for the battle to come to an end, each sound a reminder of the danger lurking just outside their fragile sanctuary. As the sun rose in the east, a wave of relief washed over everyone, as if a fishbone had finally been dislodged from their throats. The distant gunfire gradually faded, leaving behind an eerie silence, punctuated only by the sight of black smoke billowing from various points along the wall. Though the aftermath lingered, they could finally sense their safety returning, a hard-won peace settling over the weary survivors. Perhaps it was their unwavering trust in Kisha''s leadership, or the absence of any breaches during the night, but a collective sigh of relief spread through the ranks. As they gazed up at the sky, awaiting the sun''s ascent on the horizon, the warriors and soldiers stationed atop the wall¡ªincluding Vulture, Duke, Kisha, Bald Eagle, and the others¡ªturned their eyes to the east, sharing a moment of quiet anticipation and hope as they stared at the sun rising. Their relief was palpable, with some soldiers breaking into tears as the weight of their survival sank in. It felt eerily reminiscent of their first encounter with the blood rain, when hordes of zombies had surged through the streets, mindlessly advancing as hope seemed to dwindle. This time, however, they had triumphed against overwhelming odds, and the emotion surged within them like a tidal wave. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In that harrowing experience, they had faced several breaches at various points, resulting in the loss of many survivors and soldiers. Now, the air was thick with resounding sighs of relief and the sound of quiet sobs. Kisha felt the tension in her body ease, her emotions swirling as she reflected on the moment. This was their first battle as a unified base against a sudden zombie assault, and its significance was profound. It instilled a sense of confidence in everyone, bolstering their resolve for the challenges that lay ahead. Ding! [Congratulations on Completing the Surprised Hidden Mission: SS Class Mission "Surviving The Night of Death"] [You have received 300,000 points] [You have received a mass of Tunstens Steel] [You have received 10 Stat Points] [You have received the Title: "The Hope of Humanity"] [You have received 3,000 Achievements Points] [You Gained the ''Survival Of One, Survival Of Many'' Achievement] [You have received an Unknown Seed] [You have received the blueprint of Advance Energy Cannon] ... The sudden ringing of the system notification jolted Kisha, and when she finally glanced at it, surprise washed over her. She hadn''t realized that the system had issued a hidden mission, and the revelation left her momentarily stunned. Her brows furrowed in confusion as she tried to grasp the implications of this unexpected development. While the prospect of a significant reward excited her, it also confirmed her earlier suspicions: the zombies were drawn to the base for a reason, and it seemed her system played a role in this phenomenon. This revelation made her realize that her system didn''t just impact her directly; it could also influence external factors, creating the very obstacles she faced. The implications weighed heavily on her, stirring a mix of curiosity and unease. Now that she considered it, everything began to click into place. The difficulty of her past missions and the relentless challenges she faced suddenly made sense. If she included this incident in her reflections, the pattern was clear: her system seemed to be raising the stakes, deliberately increasing the hurdles she had to overcome. It felt as if it were manipulating external factors, creating obstacles to make her journey all the more arduous. The realization sent a shiver down her spine. 008 sensed Kisha''s menacing aura intensifying, her anger brewing as she began to connect the dots. It instinctively retreated to a shadowy corner of her consciousness, trembling in fear. As much as 008 often reminded itself, it wasn''t responsible for the system''s daunting challenges. While it was the embodiment of the system, the missions came from higher authorities¡ªforces beyond its control. 008 understood all too well that Kisha''s survival was essential for its own, and it would never intentionally create obstacles that could jeopardize that bond. But now that Kisha''s suspicion and resentment toward the system grew, 008 felt a pang of anxiety¡ªwhat if she turned that anger toward it as well? It seemed as if Kisha sensed 008''s unease; the moment their connection faltered, she steadied her breathing and wrestled with her emotions. Determined to regain control, she focused on the present, pushing aside the shadows of doubt swirling within her mind. "008, as I''ve said before, I know you wouldn''t intentionally put me in harm''s way. I realize that my anger and suspicion have often exploded onto you, and I regret that. You''ve always explained that your existence is tied to mine¡ªmy death would mean your end as well. So, I don''t blame you, nor am I angry at you. My frustration lies with your constellation." After hearing her explanation, 008''s tension dissipated, and it nodded to itself, reflecting on Kisha''s words. "Host, I genuinely don''t understand why this is happening. We didn''t receive any hidden mission notifications. The alert only appeared after you successfully defended the zombies from the Base. As you saw, it was merely a congratulatory notification. I''m just as perplexed." 008''s voice was frail and tinged with embarrassment, caught off guard without any explanation at the ready. This wasn''t the first time such a situation had arisen, but previously, Kisha and 008 had brushed it off, as those missions were typically minor and didn''t significantly impact her progress. They had seemed more like opportunities to earn side rewards than substantial obstacles. However, the magnitude of what had transpired was completely unexpected and perilously high-stakes. This was no ordinary challenge; it fell within the realm of an ''SS Mission.'' Any mission classified as ''S'' posed significant risks, capable of leading to Kisha''s death with just a single misstep. This incident only intensified her growing suspicion that 008''s constellation was after her life. It wasn''t merely a matter of higher stakes with greater rewards; it felt like a direct challenge to her very existence. After her anger bubbled up, Kisha took a moment to clear her mind and rearrange her thoughts. Noticing some soldiers observing her somber expression, she realized it wouldn''t be good to dampen their spirits after successfully defending their new home. Gradually, she allowed a smile to surface, joining in their celebration. She then began directing everyone to take a moment to rest. Once the fire outside the wall had dwindled, they would tackle the cleanup. The streets, strewn with charred bodies, needed attention, but for now, everyone was exhausted after a night of tension and fear. They couldn''t risk sending the civilians to help with the cleanup; once outside the wall, their safety would be uncertain. Everyone remained on edge, and Kisha herself was wary of another sudden mission springing up without warning. Chapter 374 - 374 The Spoils Of War Kisha descended from the wall and sought a quiet corner. Spotting a sturdy crate of stacked ammunition, she decided to sit atop it, appreciating the solidity beneath her as a momentary refuge from the chaos. Once she settled in, Kisha took a few deep breaths, allowing herself to release the tension and frustration that had built up. When she felt a sense of calm wash over her, she began to examine the rewards she had received. She opened her system interface, meticulously inspecting each element and detail laid out before her. ... [Current System Points: 420,000] [Current Achievement Points:4,500] ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 88 (+15) Stamina: 188 (+100) Defense: 388 (+300) Agility: 88 (+15) Mental Capacity: 528 (+500) Charm: 88 Leadership: 128 Luck: 40 Mana: 500 (+500) Spiritual Energy: 300 Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity Skills: Telekinetic Level 0 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 0, Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Free Stat Points: 10 ... She allocated all her free stat points to agility, recognizing that strength wasn''t her strong suit¡ªspeed was. With her awakened ability, close confrontations with enemies were unnecessary, and her existing strength was sufficient. Reflecting on her recent one-on-one melee battle with the unique evolved zombie, she realized that if she ever faced an agility-based evolved zombie, it could spell disaster for her and her team. Fighting an agility-type evolved zombie proved to be far more challenging than facing a strength-type. The speed of these creatures could catch anyone off guard, striking before their opponents even had the chance to react. In an instant, they could find themselves overwhelmed, often unaware of what had just transpired before it was too late. Thus, she prioritized speed over strength, knowing that Duke already possessed incredible raw strength. She could rely on him to handle that aspect, allowing her to focus on enhancing her own agility. ... [Agility: 98 (+10)] ... After allocating her free stat points, she eagerly turned her attention to her new title. This was the aspect she found most exciting, as each title she had acquired so far had proven to be not only beneficial but also impactful in various situations. She anticipated the possibilities this new title could bring. ... [Title: The Hope of Humanity] [Description: As humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, besieged by the relentless threat of mutated zombies, animals, and plants, the need for a beacon of hope has never been more urgent. The world yearns for a hero¡ªan extraordinary figure who will rise above the chaos to lead the way toward a new beginning and ensure the survival of the human race. Grade: EX Strength: +10 Agility: +10 Charm: +10 Leadership: +100 Luck: +10 Elemental Resistantce: 20% Debuff Resistance: -10% Critical Resistance: -10% Critical Attack: +10% Special Effect: Double the Reward Passive Skill: One Man Team] ... Strength: 98 (+10) Agility: 108 (+10) Charm: 98 (+10) S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leadership: 228 (+100) Luck: 50 (+10) .... [Passive Skill: One Man Team] [Description: The more perilous your situation becomes, the stronger you will grow. When outnumbered, your power amplifies, multiplying your stats and enhancing your abilities in the face of overwhelming odds. Grade: EX] ... Kisha gasped in astonishment as she read about this passive skill. If the description was accurate, she would evolve into a formidable one-man army, gaining strength in proportion to the number of enemies around her. The more dangerous the situation, the more powerful she would become¡ªa thrilling prospect that filled her with renewed excitement. Now, her anger had subsided, replaced by a deep sense of satisfaction with the rewards she had received. ''Come on, bring me more dangerous missions!'' she thought, her excitement bubbling up. A surge of exhilaration washed over her, and she felt an almost giddy urge to dance. With this new passive skill, she felt invincible. But then, she noticed another skill under the ''Skill Tab''¡ª[Active Skill: One Body (Growth Type)]. She had completely forgotten about it. The description mentioned that it increased group synergy within a 5-meter radius, which would have been just as helpful as her *Healing Dome* passive skill if used in tandem. Alas! She had completely forgotten about it in the heat of battle. Since it wasn''t a passive skill, it required her to actively use it, and with all the chaos, it had slipped her mind. Kisha rubbed the tip of her nose, feeling a bit sheepish for being so forgetful. She hadn''t even tested this one out yet. ''Ha ha ha...'' Kisha laughed awkwardly to herself, staring at the skill she had completely overlooked. She had missed the perfect opportunity to test it out. ''But well, it''s never too late to try another time... ha ha ha...'' Trying to brush off her forgetfulness with humor only made the moment more awkward. She push aside her other thought because she still have other things to check. Like her new achievement. ... [Survival Of One, Survival Of Many Achievement] [Description: Completing the Surviving The Night of Death hidden mission spectacularly without letting anyone from the base die or get injured. Grade: EX Additional 15 points in all stats Luck: +20 +30% Chance to Increase the group''s overall battle stats +20% Chance to boost the group''s ability''s lethality +30% Chance to increase the stats by twofold when outnumbered] ... Kisha let out a low whistle as she skimmed through the impressive stats and boosts from her rewards. She then opened her status window one last time, carefully reviewing the newly added enhancements with a satisfied grin. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300 X 0.0) Strength: 113 (+15) Stamina: 203 (+15) Defense: 403 (+15) Agility: 123 (+15) Mental Capacity: 543 (+15) Charm: 113 (+15) Leadership: 243 (+15) Luck: 85 (+35) Mana: 515 (+15) Spiritual Energy: 315 (+15) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity... Skills: Telekinetic Level 1 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 0, Rainbow Cube Level 0 Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 0, One Man Team Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... Seeing the overall increase in her stats and the ever-growing list of skills and boosts, Kisha couldn''t contain her excitement. Her eyes widened in amazement, and she let out an animated gasp, her hands flying to her mouth as if trying to stifle the disbelief and awe bubbling up inside her. ''I''m so fucking powerful!'' Kisha screamed internally, feeling an overwhelming surge of confidence. Comparing herself to her past lives, she now felt like the epitome of strength and power¡ªlike a fucking boss. She couldn''t stop grinning, her heart racing as she stared at her stats window. For the first time, she had surpassed Duke, even with his Gift enhancing his growth. Now, she was truly experiencing the full potential of her system¡ªfinally proving its worth and showing just how powerful she had become. Chapter 375 - 375 Being United After giving herself a moment to fully bask in the excitement and pride of how far she had come, overcoming countless hurdles, Kisha steadied herself. She pulled her thoughts together, refocusing on what needed to be done next. There were still many missions awaiting her, along with the responsibilities of safeguarding the base and its people. There was no time to rest on her laurels¡ªshe had to keep moving forward. After checking her spoils of war and weighing her options, Kisha noticed that breakfast was already being prepared. While she was resting, Aston had returned to the makeshift cafeteria he had set up ever since he mentioned it to Kisha to cook for the soldiers. Since they still didn''t have a proper location for the military cafeteria he envisioned, this temporary setup was the best they had for now. He, along with the civilians volunteering in the military cafeteria, busied themselves preparing meals for the battle-weary soldiers and warriors. To maximize their efficiency, he even doubled the number of kitchen staff, ensuring they could produce food as quickly as possible. The survivors sheltered safely within the base were eager to lend a hand, motivated by gratitude rather than the work points Aston had promised. They wanted to give back to Kisha and the warriors who risked their lives to protect the entire community, embodying a spirit of solidarity in the face of adversity. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Faced with the enthusiasm of the eager survivors, Aston relented, allowing them to help without the promised work points. Instead, he suggested that they accept their meals from the makeshift cafeteria, ensuring that everyone could share in the camaraderie of eating together. Everyone eagerly agreed, transforming breakfast into a joyous morning feast. It became a celebration of their survival and a tribute to the bravery of the warriors and their leaders, who had stood bravely at the forefront of the battle. Soon, the enticing aroma of bacon and eggs wafted from the tent, transforming the previously gloomy atmosphere. Exhausted soldiers and warriors perked up as the delicious scent reached them from afar, igniting their anticipation for a hearty breakfast. Aston and the others were not just preparing bacon and eggs; some were also baking fresh bread and squeezing oranges for juice sourced from the Supply Center. They whipped up refreshing lemonade and iced tea, and didn''t overlook a hearty chicken soup brimming with mushrooms and vegetables. As the cooks prepared meals for the battle-weary warriors and soldiers, their excitement transformed the breakfast into a true feast. The spread included rice, various meats, creamy dairy dishes, hearty soups, and a selection of fresh juices, allowing the soldiers to choose their favorites. Once the feast was fully prepared, Aston directed the volunteers to set up a long table, creating a buffet-style spread where everyone could help themselves to the delicious food. This arrangement encouraged camaraderie, allowing soldiers and civilians alike to choose their favorites and celebrate together. However, with insufficient chairs and tables for everyone, soldiers and warriors scattered to find their own spots to eat. When the food was finally served, they formed an orderly line, their disciplined demeanor reflecting their respect for the meal and one another, ensuring that everything remained calm and organized. One lesson deeply ingrained in them from Duke''s training was the importance of discipline and order. He had little patience for chaos and made it clear that he would relentlessly drill these values into them until they understood and embraced the necessity of following the rules. By now, everyone, including the newly awakened ability users, adhered to the established order. Thanks to this discipline, everything proceeded smoothly. The line may have been long, but there were no complaints; they were permitted to take as much food as they could eat, allowing them to fill their plates without the need for frequent returns. Some soldiers took two or three helpings, while others filled their trays with a single serving of each dish, enough to cover two or three plates. No one commented or judged¡ªthey all understood how exhausted and famished everyone was. Besides, they knew they had to stay alert, ready for whatever might come next. That''s why the other survivors, invited to join the feast, stepped aside and let the soldiers and warriors take their turn first. Only after the soldiers had filled their plates did the survivors line up. They prioritized the children and elderly, ensuring they were served before the able-bodied stepped forward. The kitchen staff busily worked to ensure the outdoor tables remained fully stocked, tirelessly cooking to provide everyone with a hearty meal. Their dedication filled the air with enticing aromas, promising that no one would leave hungry. Kisha watched the scene unfold from the side, a small smile tugging at her lips. She had never imagined that a day like this¡ªfilled with harmony and unity¡ªcould occur, especially amid the chaos of the apocalypse. It was a moment of hope she had longed for, this moment filled her with a sense of hope, a rare glimpse of what could be achieved when people came together. "Host, it only means that you are doing an amazing job leading this base." 008''s unexpected voice jolted Kisha from her stupor, but her smile deepened at the affirmation. The words resonated deeply in her heart, reminding her of the impact she was making. This was the safe haven she had always envisioned¡ªor, more accurately, the dream her former, naive self had pursued through countless lifetimes. It was a vision she had tried so hard to manifest, only to be met with betrayal and pain that had shattered her hopes. ''But perhaps I was imposing my ideals from the start, so preoccupied with fitting everything together that I overlooked countless details. Now, as my thoughts are focused solely on surviving alongside my loved ones, everything seems to fall into place. I suppose if something is meant to be, it will happen.'' Kisha chuckled wryly to herself; she had learned many lessons in life the hard way. Yet, as she reflects on it all, she realizes she has no regrets. If given the chance to start over, she wouldn''t change a thing. She may sound idealistic, but she knows she wouldn''t be the person she is today without those stumbles and pains. She could never truly let go of her vulnerabilities and ideals without witnessing them crumble before her eyes. And she wouldn''t understand who was truly loyal to her without experiencing betrayal. "Perhaps everything has a way of working out in its own time," 008 added, gradually fading from Kisha''s mind to give her the space she needed for herself. Kisha nodded in agreement with 008''s words. Moments later, she felt a gentle nudge on her arm. Turning to her side, she saw Duke standing beside her, holding two plates brimming with food. "Care to join me for breakfast?" he asked. When he noticed Kisha following him, he guided her to a quiet spot where they could enjoy some quality time together. Being so close to Kisha, Duke felt his fatigue and drained energy recover more quickly than before. He attributed this to the power of love, as he considered Kisha his comfort zone and the love of his life. Just being with her lifted his spirits and brought solace to his weary body. Chapter 376 - 376 After The Battle Clean Up He never would have imagined that Kisha had a way to aid with stamina and Spiritual Energy recovery. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And Kisha was secretly relieved he didn''t know¡ªotherwise, Duke would undoubtedly take full advantage of her overpowered support skill, making it possible for them to go round after round without ever tiring. As a businessman, he was accustomed to exploiting any loophole, and Kisha''s passive skill would be no exception. With his insatiable desire for her, it could easily work to his advantage. But since he believed his energy was recovering simply from being in her comforting presence, Kisha had dodged a bullet¡ªfor now. Duke handed Kisha a plate of food he had carefully selected, thinking she would enjoy it after their long and grueling battle. He himself felt utterly drained, as if his stomach might turn from the exhaustion. Having depleted his Spiritual Energy multiple times and returning to the fight after recovering, his head throbbed with an intensity that felt like it might burst. But with Kisha by his side, the overwhelming fatigue had gradually begun to ease. It hadn''t disappeared entirely, but Duke was feeling noticeably better than before. Kisha could tell how much he had overexerted himself. Unlike her, who had the system''s support and significantly boosted stats from recent rewards, Duke was still at level one. Using his awakened abilities as though he were a level three had clearly put a heavy strain on both his energy core and his body. Kisha was genuinely surprised to see him still standing, rather than collapsing into a coma after assessing his current state. As she glanced at his status window, it was clear he had barely any SP left. During the fight, she had been closely monitoring Vulture, Sparrow, and Duke''s spiritual and health gauges to ensure they were all holding up, but Duke''s condition was more alarming than she expected. Kisha noticed that Duke had nearly depleted his SP to zero multiple times after recovering. She wanted to rush to his side, stop him, or at least offer him a vial of black liquid to help, but she couldn''t leave her post at that crucial moment. With everything happening so quickly and the chaos surrounding them, Kisha forgot to give Duke a vial of black liquid, unlike Sparrow who had already received one. As a result, Duke could only recover slowly, while the other awakened ability users took the lead in handling the remaining zombies after his elemental power had rained down on them. After decimating the first wave of zombies, Duke hadn''t anticipated a second wave. So, even with only half of his spiritual energy recovered, he threw himself into another relentless killing spree. "I think you should eat something before resting," Kisha suggested softly, noticing Duke''s eyes fluttering shut as he leaned against her shoulder. "Just... give me a moment," Duke murmured, his voice rough and strained. "Your scent... it comforts me." He paused, eyes still closed. "While I rest, make sure you eat. Don''t let yourself go hungry." Before Kisha could say anything more, Duke had already fallen asleep, too exhausted to hear her. His awkward position made her worry he''d wake up with a stiff neck. She quickly ate some of the food he brought, then placed both her plate and his into her inventory to keep the food fresh for later. After satisfying her hunger, Kisha used her telekinesis to adjust Duke''s position, gently laying him on his back with his head resting on her lap. His long legs dangled over the side of the crate. As she shifted him, the tension in Duke''s forehead eased, and he appeared remarkably serene in that moment. "No wonder you''re the most sought-after bachelor in the country. This handsome face truly is a gift from the gods," Kisha murmured, gently tapping the tip of Duke''s pointy nose. As if her soothing voice reached him, a small smile played on his lips. Moments later, Kisha, too, drifted off to sleep, while keeping watch over Duke. Aston, searching for Kisha to seek further orders, looked everywhere for her, only to find her and Duke peacefully sleeping in a secluded spot, oblivious to the world around them. Shaking his head in resignation, he stationed two loyal soldiers at the end of the alley to guard them, ensuring that Kisha and Duke could rest undisturbed while still being protected in their vulnerable state. While Kisha and Duke rested, Aston and Vulture took charge. Aston led the reorganization of the entire base, meticulously ensuring everything was in order, while Vulture focused on securing the perimeter around the wall and reinforcing their defenses. Together, they worked diligently to prepare for any potential emergencies that might arise. Now, more than ever, everyone grasped the urgency of Kisha''s words about reinforcing their defenses and constructing a stronger wall. Despite the height and weight of the cargo trailers they had used as makeshift barriers, it became clear that they were insufficient to withstand the relentless force of the zombies or prevent a breach. Everyone remained vigilant as they awaited Sparrow''s team''s return, ready to begin the wall''s construction as Kisha had advised. Their determination to bolster their defenses was palpable, each member committed to ensuring their safety. The warriors and soldiers collaborated to reassure the frightened survivors within the base, working diligently to maintain a sense of calm. They understood that if even one person succumbed to despair, it could trigger a domino effect, spreading negativity and impacting everyone''s morale. Their efforts were crucial to ensuring that emotions remained steady, allowing them to focus on the tasks at hand. Especially now that Kisha and Duke needed to rest, a sense of unity blossomed among everyone. Each person found their own way to contribute, whether it was preparing breakfast, carrying ammunition from the warehouse to designated spots along the wall for easier access during combat, or helping to clean and secure the perimeter. This collective effort showcased their commitment to supporting one another in any way they could. The survivors eagerly pitched in, assisting with any tasks the soldiers and warriors needed help with. They even volunteered to help clean up the charred remains of the zombies outside the wall, demonstrating their commitment to reclaiming their space and contributing to the group''s efforts. The warriors and soldiers welcomed the assistance offered by the survivors, recognizing their current lack of manpower. They allowed the survivors to help with various tasks, carrying supplies and moving equipment. However, they refrained from letting them participate in the cleanup outside the wall, as there were still concerns about whether the danger had truly passed or if another wave might be coming. They also ensured that those in need of rest, particularly the awakened ability users who had shouldered the bulk of the work, were sent to recuperate. It was evident they were exhausted from using their abilities to fight off the zombie raid while helping save up the ammunition. The awakened ability users who were still able to stand guard while others rested seized the opportunity to consume some Scarlet Honey. They aimed to enhance their strength and fortify their foundations, acutely aware of their vulnerability during the recent zombie raid. Determined to emerge stronger than before, they were motivated by the desire to better protect their community in future crises. They were inspired to take action after witnessing the impressive power displayed by Kisha, Duke, and Vulture¡ªan evident contrast to their own abilities. Chapter 377 - 377 Where To Sleep When they believed they understood the true strength of their City Lord and Vice City Lords, the zombie raid revealed how mistaken they were. They realized that Kisha and Duke had always concealed their true power, or perhaps they simply hadn''t had the opportunity to showcase their abilities until now. Witnessing the destructive abilities of Kisha and Duke ignited a spark within all the awakened ability users present. Inspired by their power, they became determined to grow stronger, aiming to protect the base and its inhabitants. In that moment, they found a renewed sense of hope for a better life in this apocalyptic world. Previously, they had been skeptical, feeling that their moments of peace were fragile and could shatter at any moment due to the lurking threat of zombies ready to breach their walls. While possessing awakened abilities offered some reassurance, it hardly alleviated their sense of impending doom. But now that they had experienced victory firsthand, their doubts had vanished, replaced by a fervent desire to emulate their leaders. They genuinely believed in their strength and resolve, feeling empowered to strive for greatness themselves. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha and Duke had been asleep for two hours, during which the warriors, soldiers, and survivors worked together to prepare for any potential incoming waves. A change of shifts had taken place, allowing those who had stood guard earlier to rest while the rested individuals took their positions to maintain watch. By that time, it was nearly noon, and Aston''s second-in-command was already organizing the kitchen staff to prepare lunch. Temporary tents were being set up around the wall, ensuring that the warriors and soldiers wouldn''t have to return to their accommodations or sleep on the streets without proper bedding or shelter from the wind and sun. When Kisha and Duke finally woke from their nap, the enticing aroma of food wafted through the air, accompanied by the lively buzz of activity in the streets. As they emerged from their secluded spot, they saw nearly everyone bustling about, carrying tents and folding beds to set up temporary shelters. Kisha and Duke weren''t surprised; they both knew Aston excelled at leading the preparations and anticipating the needs they might have overlooked. His resourcefulness had always been a valuable asset in times like these. Kisha wanted Duke to rest longer, aware that he had overexerted himself the previous night. Two hours of sleep wouldn''t suffice, and she could sense that he was still uncomfortable, with a persistent throb in his head from straining his energy core. Kisha understood the pain of depleting spiritual energy all too well; she had experienced it herself. The sensation was akin to a splitting migraine, and recovery often required a full day or more of rest for the energy core to stabilize. Overexerting oneself could lead to severe consequences, even shattering the energy core and causing the awakened user''s brain to bleed from multiple orifices. She felt a surge of concern for Duke, knowing how dangerous his situation could be. It would be a painful and horrific end for an awakened ability user. Kisha had worried for Duke after witnessing him deplete his energy core multiple times. Thankfully, the Scarlet Honey had fortified his foundation and energy core, making it less likely to shatter. However, that didn''t mean he would escape the agony of straining it. Kisha''s heart ached at the thought of his suffering. "Ugh." Duke grunted softly, shifting to ease the pain coursing through him. He felt a strong urge to help, unwilling to let Kisha shoulder all the burdens alone. "I can''t rest knowing that you''re still out here working, my mind wouldn''t allow me to," he said, his voice low and husky. Even raising it slightly felt like it would set off another wave of pain in his head. Yet, the concern etched on Duke''s face was unmistakable. He genuinely worried for Kisha, knowing that despite his own exhaustion, she was just as fatigued. She had defended the western part, where most of the zombies had surged, and although her stats were considerably higher due to the rewards she''d received, he understood that didn''t exempt her from feeling the toll of battle. Her strength could only carry her so far, and he couldn''t shake the thought that she was just as vulnerable as he was. However, witnessing Duke''s genuine concern for her warmed Kisha''s heart. Despite his own vulnerability, he was prioritizing her well-being over his own. A soft, sweet smile blossomed on her lips as she gazed at him, feeling a deep appreciation for his unwavering devotion. If he couldn''t find peace without her, Kisha decided the best way to support him was to be by his side as he rested. "How about we sleep together in my territory?" Kisha whispered, ensuring her words were just for him. Hearing her tempting offer, Duke''s expression brightened instantly. Sleeping in her territory would allow them to rest without the burden of time, free from concerns about the outside world. Once they were fully rejuvenated, they could return, ensuring the people around the base wouldn''t have to worry about their well-being. Only after making the suggestion did Kisha realize that she could have simply used her telekinesis to carry Duke into her territory the moment he fell asleep. Had she done that, their two hours of rest outside would have felt like twenty, allowing Duke to be thoroughly rejuvenated by now. The thought of lost time struck her, and she mentally chided herself for not acting sooner. After chiding herself a few more times, Kisha decided to let it go; there was no use in dwelling on what couldn''t be changed. She reminded herself that she, too, was mentally drained, and her thoughts had been muddled in the chaos of the recent battles. It was easy to overlook something so obvious under such stress, and she acknowledged that everyone had their limits. Once they both agreed, they stepped into Kisha''s territory space without hesitation, discovering a serene spot amidst a vibrant flower field, where the Scarlet Bees danced around them. Kisha and Duke spread out a blanket and placed a pillow beneath their heads, then nestled together, their weary bodies enveloped in comfort. In that tranquil setting, they appeared like a perfect scene from a romantic painting, surrounded by the beauty of nature. As Daisy made her way to the flower field to continue her studies on plants, she stumbled upon Duke and Kisha peacefully sleeping in her favorite spot. Rather than intrude on their serene moment, she chose to quietly retreat, heading over to Marcus''s place to lend a hand with the farming instead. Despite her young age, Daisy was wise beyond her years. After hearing from her twin brothers about the attack the previous night, she had been frightened. However, they reassured her that their young madam and master had bravely led the soldiers and warriors to fend off the zombies and protect everyone. Aware of their exhaustion, Daisy felt it was important for them to have this time to rest undisturbed. After returning to assist Marcus, Daisy took it upon herself to inform everyone to steer clear of the flower field, ensuring Duke and Kisha wouldn''t be disturbed during their sleep. Her twin brothers readily agreed, as they admired the couple''s bravery, while Marcus respected his employers deeply. Allowing them their space felt only natural to him, and he appreciated Daisy''s thoughtful gesture. Chapter 378 - 378 Double Green Thumb Kisha and Duke enjoyed a peaceful, undisturbed ten hours of sleep within the tranquil space. As Kisha awoke, she took a deep breath, her smile growing as the fragrant scent of flowers filled her lungs. The soft sunlight filtered through her thick, curly eyelashes, fluttering like delicate butterfly wings. "You''re awake?" Duke''s hoarse voice resonated softly beside her, laced with a touch of warmth and affection. When Kisha opened her eyes, she was greeted by his tender gaze. He lay on his side, propping his head up with his right arm, his expression filled with quiet adoration as he watched her. He leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "You can sleep a little longer if you want," he whispered softly, his voice soothing and tender. "Why are you trying to send me back to sleep? You''re the one who should rest a little longer," Kisha teased with a playful pout, turning to face him with a soft smile. "How are you feeling? Does your head still hurt?" She gently brushed his bangs off his forehead, her fingers trailing down to rub his chin. Duke''s smile widened, his eyes growing even softer as he gazed at her. "I''m fine, better than ever," he murmured, pulling Kisha into his embrace. He held her close, savoring the quiet moment with her wrapped securely in his arms. The two remained like that for an indeterminate amount of time, simply enjoying the peace. After the intense night they''d endured, where a single mistake could have led to them being overwhelmed by zombies from any side¡ªwhether Bald Eagle''s or Vulture''s¡ªor even from their own positions, the gravity of their situation was clear. They had fought relentlessly, knowing that if they let their guard slip for even a moment, the zombies would pile over the walls, using the carcasses of their fallen as leverage, and the outcome would have been catastrophic. Kisha understood this all too well, without the need for words. Both of them were on the front lines, fully aware of how precarious their situation had been. But Duke had faced even greater danger, pushing himself to the limit, overexerting his body and depleting his energy core more than once to keep them safe. They didn''t need to speak to recognize the silent weight of the battle they had survived. Even without Kisha and Duke saying it, the other warriors and soldiers likely realized the gravity of the situation as well. That''s why they all remained on high alert, even after the battle had ended, their senses still sharp, knowing the danger was never truly far behind. With this realization, Duke and Kisha felt an even stronger urge to treasure every moment they could spend with each other and their families. The world they lived in no longer offered stability or peace, and each passing second held a weight they couldn''t afford to take for granted. Kisha understood this all too well, which is why, despite her urge to be angry with Duke for ignoring his limits and taking dangerous risks¡ªespecially after she had repeatedly warned him not to deplete his spiritual energy¡ªshe found it difficult to express her frustration. However, her anger was tempered by her rationality. After all, Duke''s family was within the base, and if his side fell, it would leave them vulnerable to attacks from all directions. She realized that, if she were in his position with limited options, she might have acted similarly. Kisha leaned closer to Duke''s sturdy chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The sound filled her with relief and gratitude, a reminder that he was still alive beside her. For a fleeting moment, the memory of the fear she had felt when Duke sacrificed himself to save her washed over her again, a stark reminder of the fragility of their existence. Kisha had experienced countless nightmares about that moment, each one replaying the haunting image of Duke''s final look. He bore no resentment or anger for having sacrificed his life to save hers; instead, he seemed relieved that she would continue to live, even at the cost of his own existence. Yet, guilt weighed heavily on her heart. Despite his ultimate sacrifice, she had still fallen victim to betrayal¡ªbetrayal from the very man for whom she had fought with Duke. This deep-seated regret had consumed her for a time, which is why, when she reunited with Duke, her happiness was overwhelming. Once he expressed interest in her, she felt no need to play hard to get. Deep down, she recognized her true feelings¡ªshe genuinely liked him, even loved him. However, last night had reignited that deep fear of losing him. Kisha tightened her embrace around his waist, burying her face in his chest and inhaling his familiar scent. With each breath, she felt her racing heart begin to calm, easing the anxiety that had been gnawing at her mind. Duke sensed her unease and began to stroke her long, wavy hair, holding her tightly in his embrace. He aimed to provide the reassurance and security she so deeply craved. No matter how strong Kisha had become, she was still human¡ªvulnerable and in need of comfort. The same was true for Duke. In that moment, they were each other''s rock, finding solace in their shared strength and connection. Duke was more than happy to be her source of comfort. They didn''t need words; their embrace spoke volumes as they listened to each other''s heartbeats, finding solace in the peaceful silence that enveloped them. In that moment, nothing else mattered but their shared warmth and connection. After a while, they slowly got up, stretching their limbs and shaking off the remnants of sleep. Gradually, they returned to their usual playful selves, exchanging banter and teasing each other like before. As they folded up the blanket and tucked it back into Kisha''s inventory along with the pillow, she pulled out their breakfast and they began enjoying their late lunch together, laughter and warmth filling the air once more. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After finishing their meal, Kisha and Duke decided to check on the farm since they were already within the Territory. They wanted to see how things were progressing while Marcus, along with his grandchildren, took charge of tending to the land and overseeing the Territory''s upkeep. As they reached the edge of the farm, Kisha and Duke were greeted by the sight of flourishing vegetables, growing larger and healthier than they''d expected. Marcus'' gift had clearly worked wonders on the land. Seeing this, Kisha couldn''t help but wonder how her own ability to boost crop growth might play out if she joined forces with Marcus. Her curiosity grew, especially with the 20% chance her skill gave to transform any crop into a spiritual one. "Actually, host..." 008''s voice suddenly interrupted, startling Kisha once again. "Holy shit!!! 008, you must really enjoy making me jump like a kangaroo every time you speak, don''t you?" Kisha exclaimed, mentally puffing and huffing. "Is that why you keep freaking me out over and over again?" 008''s playful chuckle only confirmed Kisha''s suspicions, though she knew there wasn''t much she could do about it. Without skipping a beat, 008 continued, "Actually, unlike your other skills, your achievement works more like a passive skill. It''s always in effect. So, your ''Green Thumb Achievement'' is automatically applied to your territory since it belongs to you." Chapter 379 - 379 Double Green Thumb 2 "Which means that, with or without your direct involvement in farming, the entire territory will still receive the boost," 008 continued, its voice filled with excitement. "Soon enough, you might even harvest spiritual crops. And with Marcus'' own ''Green Thumb'' Gift in play, you could end up with cabbages as big as watermelons!" Kisha''s mouth formed a big ''O'' as she absorbed 008''s explanation. She had assumed she''d need to be hands-on with farming for the boosts to take effect, and it had been weighing on her how to balance managing the base and dedicating time to farming like Marcus. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But with this incredible news, she realized the effects would flow through her territory effortlessly, without her lifting a finger. The best part was the realization that this applied to all her achievement titles, not just the ''Green Thumb Achievement.'' It extended to the ''Better Be Prepared Achievement,'' ''Survival Of One, Survival Of Many Achievement,'' and any future achievements she earned. All those boosts and effects would stack, making her exponentially more powerful without any extra effort on her part. She couldn''t have asked for a better reward. Despite the frustration of her other missions and the sudden challenges that arose, this level of reward left her feeling pacified and deeply satisfied. It was more than she could have hoped for. Kisha couldn''t stop the corners of her mouth from twitching as she fought to suppress a wide grin. She was as happy as could be, her eyes betraying her excitement just as much as her lips. Even Duke noticed the shift in her expression but had no idea what was running through her mind. Duke strolled over to the nearest plot of land, where a cabbage caught his eye. It didn''t appear fully mature, yet he couldn''t be certain; it looked as large as a basketball, and its surrounding leaves were nearly the size of lotus leaves. Although he wasn''t particularly knowledgeable about vegetables or their appearance before hitting the market, the cabbage before him was far larger than he remembered any cabbage being. ''Maybe I was mistaken? Perhaps it is already mature?'' Doubt crept in as he crouched down to examine the enormous cabbage. Just then, Marcus appeared, swinging a sickle as he approached. "Good afternoon, Young Madam and Young Master! You''re awake! Are you here for the inspection?" Marcus greeted warmly, his eyes crinkling with delight. "Take a look at this cabbage! Not just this one¡ªalmost all the vegetables have grown larger than the first batch I harvested. They''re not only bigger and juicier, but they also taste better than ever. The best part? The crops are growing faster too! This cabbage will be fully mature in just 3 to 4 hours outside time!" Not only did Duke hear Marcus''s words, but so did Kisha, and it reinforced what 008 had just explained to her. Marcus likely believed that these changes were due to his ''Green Thumb'' gift, which seemed to have become even more effective after repeated use. Unlike skills, talents, and gifts don''t level up, with the exception of her ''Eye of Truth,'' which is a growth-type gift. Therefore, while Marcus''s gift wouldn''t actually improve or change, its effects combined with Kisha''s achievements felt like a double ''Green Thumb'' boost. This synergy was responsible for the impressive growth of the crops, making their current state all the more remarkable. However, Kisha''s sensitivity to Spiritual Energy detected a strong fluctuation emanating from the center of the farm and several scattered areas nearby. She quickly moved toward the nearest source and discovered a small tomato plant shimmering with a mesmerizing sparkle, as if glitter was dancing around it. The reddish tomatoes appeared to be on the verge of ripening, radiating a warm golden glow that signified their exceptional quality. "Host! That''s a Spiritual crop!" 008 exclaimed. "Consuming a Spiritual crop can potentially increase your Spiritual Energy pool purity. Typically, only cultivators in the Murim world possess such pools, where they store the energy of heaven and earth, which they refer to as their cultivation." "However, you have a similar energy system; instead of a dantian, you have an energy core where you store this energy. I believe it functions in much the same way, and these Spiritual crops could have similar effects." With Bell absent, 008 took it upon itself to relay this crucial information. Kisha''s eyes widened in surprise. Just the other night, she had used the ''Jade Earring'' to artificially boost her Spiritual Energy. Typically, her Spiritual Energy would only increase with leveling up, as the crystal core contained spiritual energy that would aid her in expanding her energy core and the capacity for storing more Spiritual Energy. This revelation about the Spiritual crops was both unexpected and exciting. "Well, host, since spiritual crops are infused with Spiritual Energy, they can function similarly to crystal cores and assist in expanding your energy core. However, unlike crystal cores, spiritual crops contain pure energy that doesn''t require processing within your body." "This is because crystal cores often contain impurities mixed in due to the virus, making spiritual crops a cleaner and more direct source of energy." "And as a result, consuming spiritual crops won''t trigger a level-up. Instead, they will purify and condense the energy within your core, enhancing the strength of your abilities by providing you with purer energy." "So, in a way, you can compare it to Scarlet Honey. While Scarlet Honey enhances one''s constitution, Spiritual Crops enhance the purity of your energy. Essentially, this means they can help expand your energy pool; the purer your energy, the more powerful your attacks become, and the less energy you need to expend when using your skills," 008 explained thoroughly. "So, while you use Crystal Cores to stimulate your Energy Core for a level-up and trigger the virus within your body, these Spiritual Crops will not only purify your energy but also expand your energy pool the longer you consume them." "Combined with the Crystal Cores, you''ll effectively have double the size of your energy pool compared to others," 008 added, emphasizing the benefits. The more Kisha listened, the wider her eyes grew as she marveled at the impressive crops flourishing on her own farm. ''Isn''t this like a miracle crop then?'' she wondered, a sense of awe washing over her. "Marcus! Marcus!" Kisha called out excitedly, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. Startled, Marcus and Duke rushed to her side, their faces a mix of curiosity and concern. "W-What happened, Young Madam?!" Marcus exclaimed, hurrying to her side, his eyes wide with worry. "This... this..." Kisha exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she pointed at the small tomato tree in front of her. "Do you see the difference compared to the other crops?" Her doe-like eyes turned to Marcus, sparkling with anticipation. Marcus and Duke exchanged curious glances, tilting their heads slightly as they examined the vibrant plant before them, contemplating the contrast with the other crops in the field. "It seems to be... glowing?" Marcus replied, his tone laced with uncertainty. "Yes! This is a Spiritual Crop!" Kisha exclaimed, her excitement palpable. "Spiritual what?" Marcus asked, confusion flickering across his face as he struggled to grasp the concept. Kisha''s excitement bubbled over. "This is good stuff, really good stuff!" she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming as she focused on the tomato. "When this one matures and ripens, please place it in a separate basket and deliver it to me directly¡ªdon''t put it in the territory''s storage. And keep an eye out for any other crops like this; make sure to separate all the Spiritual crops and bring them home." Chapter 380 - 380 Something Happened to Rose Marcus remained puzzled but nodded in understanding, jotting down notes about this particular crop. He resolved to examine the other crops later, hoping to find similar varieties to group together as Kisha had instructed. Kisha and Duke decided to give Marcus some space, stepping away to avoid disturbing him. However, once they were a bit farther away, Duke''s curiosity got the better of him. He began to ask Kisha for more information, and she willingly shared the insights that 008 had just explained to her. After hearing her explanation, Duke was visibly shaken and equally excited, though he managed to maintain a composed exterior. However, Kisha could see the excitement bubbling in his eyes, which made her beam even brighter. Her happiness stemmed not just from the prospect of gaining strength, but from the realization that this crop could significantly benefit Duke. She hoped it would prevent a recurrence of the depletion of his energy core, ensuring his well-being in the future. If 008''s explanation held true, it would purify their energy, enabling them to wield their awakened abilities with greater potency while also reducing the amount of spiritual energy needed to do so. Furthermore, it wouldn''t stop there; it would also double the capacity of their spiritual energy pool, providing even more potential for growth and power. If before, Duke could summon a fire meteor the size of a fist, after consuming a significant amount of spiritual crops, not only would the meteor grow larger, but its fire essence would also become purer. This purer essence wouldn''t just char a zombie¡ªit would reduce it to nothing but ashes. Just the thought of it made Kisha''s heart race, her excitement obvious. Even Duke, usually composed, couldn''t help but be swept up by her enthusiasm. Like any man with ambition, he wouldn''t turn down the opportunity to grow stronger, especially with such a promising prospect ahead. Duke glanced back at the spot where he and Kisha had been standing moments ago, in front of the tomato tree. His eyes crinkled with delight, like a boy anticipating a gift, a wide grin spreading across his face. When he turned back to Kisha, they shared a knowing smile, the excitement between them unspoken but deeply felt. After calming their excitement and slipping back into their poker faces, Duke and Kisha exited her territory space. They reappeared in the alley where they had last stood, and to their relief, no one had noticed their absence, despite having been gone for over an hour. Kisha and Duke stepped out of the alley and noticed that the people at the base were still bustling about, busy with their tasks. Without drawing attention, the two of them made their way back to their station to check on the current situation. Before dawn, Sparrow and his team were already on the road. The night before, many of them made sure to use the Scarlet Honey, determined not to waste a single day of training. After finishing their routines, they finally rested, taking turns guarding the perimeter to ensure the group''s safety through the night. Even Zeus refused to leave the five ''STAU,'' choosing to rest right beside them while staying constantly alert. As their primary guardian, Zeus took its role seriously, performing so well that Bell didn''t need to supervise. This allowed Bell to focus on managing the Scarlet Bees, sending them out for scouting and patrols far beyond the reach of the other guards. The Scarlet Bees didn''t need to constantly fly around. Instead, they stationed themselves on nearly every tree in the vicinity, ready to act as alarms the moment they sensed anything unusual. This strategy ensured that Bell''s bees wouldn''t exhaust themselves through continuous movement. With their numbers, they could cover the entire forest efficiently, and as long as they remained within Bell''s control range, there wouldn''t be any issues. Before dawn broke, Sparrow''s team was fully prepared and ready to head back. They promptly made their way to the location of their truck and set off on their journey without any delays. After hours of travel, during which they had to pause occasionally to clear obstacles and replenish their energy, Sparrow''s team began to feel more at ease. They fought with growing confidence, no longer fretting over minor setbacks, and could sense a noticeable difference in their physical strength and resilience. They''re way more confident now, working together like a well-oiled machine. Their coordination is so smooth that they''re cutting down the time it takes to deal with zombies. Sparrow barely has to step in anymore, and even Bell and the Scarlet Bees get to kick back a little and watch as their little ducklings grow up and handle things on their own. It''s like watching them level up in real-time! But in the afternoon, as they drove back into City B, they were confronted by the grim aftermath of Kisha and Duke''s battle during their rescue of the other survivors. Their hearts clenched in their throats as they took in the macabre scene. However, after scanning the area and noticing only a few lifeless bodies that did not belong to their group, a wave of relief washed over them. It wasn''t that they were heartless; rather, they had come to understand the necessity of prioritizing their own safety during these trying times. They now regarded everyone living in the base as family, and the thought of losing any of them weighed heavily on their hearts. If their people were to die, they would undoubtedly grieve and mourn deeply. "Captain Sparrow! Captain Rose! Something happened to Captain Rose! You need to see this!" a frantic voice crackled through the radio, the urgency in his tone overriding any semblance of protocol as he rushed through his words before abruptly cutting off the connection. Sparrow barely had time to ask what was wrong before his mind leaped to the worst-case scenario. His expression darkened instantly as he brought the truck to a halt, ensuring the coast was clear before stopping. He quickly made his way to the back of the last military truck in their convoy, where Rose was stationed. Evelyn had been attending to her, and it was evident that Rose was putting up a fierce fight against the virus, a strain unlike any they had encountered before. Even Evelyn paused, momentarily taken aback by the sight of Rose''s. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In her panic, she and the others at the back of the truck urgently pounded on the small window connecting to the driver''s side. Stammering, she exclaimed, "Something''s wrong with Captain Rose!" She stepped aside to allow them a glimpse through the small window. As soon as they caught sight of Rose, both the driver and the passenger exchanged perplexed looks before immediately dialing Sparrow. When Sparrow reached the back of the military truck and climbed up, he was momentarily stunned, rooted in place. "What''s going on?" he asked, his voice trembling with concern. The others quickly disembarked from the trucks, positioning themselves to guard their vehicles while Sparrow assessed the situation. Uncertainty loomed over them; they weren''t sure if they could bring Rose back into the base or if they would have to make the heartbreaking decision to end her life on the spot. Rose''s subordinates, devastated by the sight before them, felt tears prick at their eyes as grief washed over them. Chapter 381 - 381 Something Happened to Rose 2 When Sparrow saw what had happened to Rose, he was utterly stunned, grappling with disbelief. Her body was encased in a thick layer of crystal ice, resembling a chilling coffin that enveloped her completely. The transformation had occurred so rapidly that even Evelyn, who had been tending to Rose, hadn''t had a moment to react before the ice sealed her in seconds. That''s why she and the others in the back of the truck became frantic, pounding on the small window to get the attention of the driver and the passenger. They urged them to call for Sparrow''s assistance. With the base so close, they were terrified about what to do with Rose in this state; they didn''t know if they could bring her back or if it was even safe to try. The sight of her in such a condition filled them all with worry and dread. A thick layer of frost coated the metal floor of the truck, and an unbearable chill swept through the back, transforming it into a freezing chamber. The sudden drop in temperature made everyone shiver uncontrollably, as if they were trapped in a walk-in freezer. Even the fire-type ability users felt the drastic drop in temperature. They attempted to use their flames to melt the ice while warming themselves, but their efforts proved futile; the crystal ice showed no signs of melting, even under their intense heat. Instead, their hands grew increasingly cold when they got too close, as if the ice were siphoning the warmth from their bodies. Evelyn even attempted to use her steeled body to scrape the ice away, but when her steel made contact with the crystal ice, all they heard was a sharp ''clink'' of crystal meeting metal. If it weren''t for the bone-chilling cold, they might have mistaken the ice for diamond, its surface gleaming with an otherworldly brilliance and sturdiness. Sparrow observed them as they exhausted every possible method, only to be met with repeated failure. After a moment of regaining his composure, he stepped forward and motioned for the others to back away. Summoning a wind blade in his right hand, he aimed it directly at the encasing crystal ice. This was his most potent wind attack, one he knew possessed the sharpness to slice through steel. However, concern crept in; he feared it might inadvertently harm Rose, trapped within the encasing crystal. To mitigate this risk, he prepared a second wind blade, ready to deflect the first, ensuring it wouldn''t pierce through the ice and endanger her. But lo and behold! His wind blade didn''t even graze the surface of the ice; instead, it bounced off, as if the crystal were impervious to his attack. The edges of the ice deflected the wind blade, sending it soaring upward instead. With a sharp whoosh, it sliced through the ceiling of the truck, creating a clean cut in the dark green cover above. The sudden sound of tearing metal echoed in the confined space, drawing startled looks from everyone present. The remnants of the blade whirled around briefly before dissipating into thin air, leaving behind a tense silence filled with disbelief. Sparrow''s heart raced as he realized the extent of the ice''s power¡ªif his most potent attack had been rendered ineffective, then they were facing something truly formidable. Sparrow was left speechless as he watched his wind blade deflect effortlessly off the crystal ice, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief. Determined to try again, he quickly shot the other wind blade from his other hand, but to his dismay, it met the same fate. The second blade ricocheted off the ice, reinforcing the unsettling realization that they were dealing with a force far beyond anything they had encountered before. Frustration mingled with fear as he struggled to comprehend the situation, his mind racing for alternative solutions. Everyone stood frozen, overwhelmed by confusion and fear. Questions raced through their minds: ''What was happening to Rose? Would she be able to breathe inside the ice? Was she dead, or was there still hope?'' The uncertainty weighed heavily on them, and the most pressing concern loomed¡ª ''Should they take her to Kisha for help?'' All eyes turned to Sparrow, searching for guidance in his expression. They were desperate for his opinion, knowing they were powerless to act without his direction. The silence was thick with tension as they awaited his response, each heartbeat echoing their collective anxiety. For a moment, everyone held their breath, and silence enveloped the space, creating a thick, tense atmosphere. Finally, after a pause that felt like an eternity, Sparrow broke the stillness. "Let''s head back to the base and let the City Lord decide," he ordered, his voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside him. He understood that only Kisha might hold the key to unraveling this mystery and finding a solution for Rose. He and the others were determined not to give up on Rose. Just yesterday, when they feared they might have to end her life to spare her suffering, they had waited¡ªhoping against hope that she wouldn''t succumb to the virus. They had witnessed the agony etched on her face as she fought against the infection raging within her, and it had torn at their hearts. Each passing moment felt like an eternity, a painful reminder of her struggle, and they were desperate to see her pain come to an end, yet equally desperate to save her from becoming a mindless zombie. They could hear her continuous, pained groans echoing in the truck. An hour passed, then another, and the entire night wore on, yet Rose continued her struggle against the virus. Hope flickered within them; perhaps she could emerge victorious and awaken, rather than succumb to the fate of a zombie. However, the unexpected development of her being encased in crystal ice left them reeling. This new twist only deepened their uncertainty, breeding fear and unease among the group. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Each breath they took felt heavier with the weight of what might come next. Without hesitation, Sparrow leaped out of the back of the truck and directed everyone to board quickly. They needed to accelerate their return so Rose could receive the urgent help she required. Time was of the essence, and every second counted. Sparrow drove off, leading the convoy with an urgency that surpassed before. However, as they drew closer to the base, the scene grew increasingly horrifying. The streets were littered with zombie carcasses, and the sickening stench of charred, rotting flesh filled the air. With each passing moment, their faces paled further as the gruesome sight unfolded before them, and an overwhelming sense of fear enveloped them. ''What about the base?'' ''Was the base raided by zombies again? What happened to the base?'' ''What about our families? Are they well or are they even alive?'' Questions raced through their minds as Sparrow pressed down on the accelerator, weaving through the gruesome pile of zombie carcasses. The battlefield outside the base had yet to be cleared, leaving debris scattered everywhere, but it didn''t deter him. With determination, he plowed through the obstacles at top speed, showing no sign of hesitation. Screetch... Clinked... Crash... The sound of metal grinding against asphalt echoed ominously, drawing the attention of the guards on the wall. They quickly leaned over the edges of the cargo trailers, their eyes widening in disbelief as they witnessed the military trucks barreling through the debris. The littered vehicles crumpled like paper beneath the trucks'' aggressive speed, showcasing a forceful determination that left no room for hesitation. Chapter 382 - 382 Something Happened to Rose 3 When they saw Sparrow''s truck hurtling forward at top speed, panic rippled through the guards. They scrambled to contact the gatekeeper, urgently ordering the gates to be opened. Meanwhile, someone atop the wall frantically waved their hands, desperately trying to get Sparrow''s attention to slow down. It was only when Sparrow noticed the soldiers atop the wall signaling for him to slow down that his fear-stricken heart began to calm. He quickly grabbed the radio and contacted the other trucks, relaying the message. "Slow down, the soldiers are opening the gate for us," Sparrow said, his voice hoarse and strained. The worry in his tone was unmistakable, but there was also a sense of relief. Seeing someone alive inside the base had eased his fears, and the rest of the drivers, equally anxious, silently followed suit, slowing down and trailing behind Sparrow''s truck. With their fears somewhat pacified, they finally had a moment to take in the full aftermath of the battle. Fires still burned in some areas along the road, and charred zombie corpses littered the ground in a scene both horrifying and nauseating. The overwhelming stench made their stomachs churn, but they clenched their teeth, struggling to keep from retching as they drove through the devastation. "What could have happened here?!" "Do you think there was another zombie raid, like the one last week?!" "T-then, do you think the base was breached?!" Everyone began to speculate about what had happened, glancing uneasily at their surroundings as the truck quietly approached the gate. The snipers stationed in the watchtowers were on high alert, ready to take out any zombies drawn out of the city by the rumble of the truck''s engine. Sparrow''s team, both superhumans and regular members, didn''t need to lift a finger. The snipers handled any approaching threats. But even if they had to fight, their minds were too distracted to focus. Worries about their families'' safety and the fate of their only remaining home consumed them, leaving them unable to muster the will to engage. Their minds swirled with unsettling thoughts, none of them good. In the apocalypse, they had learned to always expect the worst, as every hardship shattered any glimpse of hope or happiness. When Kisha and the others had finally provided them with a place to feel safe, those fears had receded for a time. But now, as the looming uncertainty resurfaced, the ugly weight of fear began creeping back into their hearts, threatening to consume them once more. As they sat huddled in the truck, waiting anxiously for the gate to open, everyone''s heart was caught in their throat, gripped by fear. They had no idea what awaited them beyond the wall. Memories of the devastation from the first zombie raid resurfaced, and the gnawing feeling of dread settled in, as if an invisible force was slowly eating away at their hearts. They didn''t even realize they were holding their breath, paralyzed by fear. The tension was palpable, each second stretched out as the gate slowly creaked open, its metallic creaking adding to the suspense that filled the air. Creak... Screetch... Engggg... As soon as Sparrow spotted the gate inching open, he accelerated, determined to get through before it fully opened. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With impeccable timing, he maneuvered the truck into the narrow gap, just barely fitting it through. However, the moment he crossed the threshold, he was taken aback by the sight before him¡ªa line of survivors waiting to greet them, as if they were heroes returning from a battle against a demon lord. The survivors were a mix of excitement and fear as they welcomed Sparrow and the others back. While relief washed over them at their return, an undercurrent of anxiety loomed in the air. They were all too aware of the dangers lurking outside, and many couldn''t shake the fear that their remaining family members might not have made it back from their missions. When Kisha and Duke caught wind of Sparrow and the others'' return, they hurried to the eastern wall to greet them. As Kisha watched Sparrow drive through the gate, she noticed his bewildered expression, but overall, they seemed to be in good shape. The trucks bore the unmistakable marks of their harrowing journey¡ªthick, black zombie blood splattered across the vehicles made them look like they had just traversed a muddy road. A few dents here and there hinted at the chaos they faced, but remarkably, the military trucks had sustained no serious damage, and they had the same number of vehicles as when they set out on their mission. So, Kisha''s worry subsided, after all, aside from worrying about the other members of the team, she could see that Sparrow was doing fine even when he was far away because he was still part of her team and she could check on his status from time to time. As the trucks rolled in one by one, the survivors stepped aside, creating space for them to enter. Following the instructions of the medical personnel, they took a few steps back, allowing the team of medics to assess the warriors'' condition before permitting anyone not part of the medical crew to approach. As soon as the truck came to a stop, Sparrow leaped out and hurried over to Kisha. "Young Madam, something has happened to Rose. Please follow me," Sparrow said calmly before pivoting on his heels and leading Kisha to the farthest truck. As he pulled back the dark green tarp, Kisha was confronted by a coffin-like structure of crystal ice that transformed the back of the truck into a frigid chamber. Frost continued to creep along the surfaces, steadily encasing nearly half the interior in its icy grip. Kisha blinked several times, her expression shifting from confusion to a steely focus. "What happened?" she demanded, her voice low and tense. "Tell me everything¡ªwhy is Rose in this state?" Her serious demeanor made it clear that she was far from pleased. How could she feel anything but dread when all she could see in Rose''s status window was an error message? [Rose Brigget] [Status Unavailable: Error] [Error] No matter how hard she attempted to access any information about Rose''s status, she was met with a relentless stream of error messages, each one intensifying her anxiety and frustration. Sparrow quickly filled her in on the events that had transpired during their encounter with the invisible zombie in the storeroom where Rose had been bitten. He explained that nearly 24 hours had passed since the incident, and just when they believed Rose was on the brink of awakening, this shocking turn of events had occurred. Sparrow, too, found himself at a loss for words after recounting the events. Once he finished, Kisha fell silent, her expression clouded with concern. She had genuinely believed that Rose was on the path to awakening, as she had previously explained to Sparrow and the others, and this unexpected turn left her grappling with uncertainty. The situation with Rose was like a double-edged sword. There was a genuine chance she could awaken, and based on what Kisha had heard, she might possess multifaceted abilities beyond just ice manipulation. However, the darker possibility loomed: if her awakening failed, she could transform into a formidable evolved zombie, one that could rival a Level 1 evolved zombie or even more. The uncertainty weighed heavily on Kisha, amplifying her concern for Rose''s fate. Chapter 383 - 383 What To Do? Kisha fell into deep thought, realizing that she needed to personally monitor Rose. If Rose were to transform into a zombie, there was no one else who could contain her. Kisha felt the weight of responsibility; she was determined to ensure that Rose, whether in her human form or not, remained under her watchful eye. Kisha was increasingly anxious about not being able to view Rose''s status window, leaving her uncertain about how to prepare for what lay ahead. If Sparrow''s description was accurate, the ice encasing Rose was as sturdy as diamond, suggesting that, in addition to her ice powers, Rose might possess a crystal or diamond-type ability. This uncertainty gnawed at Kisha, as she recognized the potential danger if Rose''s awakening did not go as hoped. Dealing with an evolved zombie was one of the trickiest challenges imaginable. With its added absolute defense, the prospect of taking down such a formidable opponent felt nearly impossible. The thought sent a wave of fear through Kisha, intensifying her anxiety about Rose''s condition. Kisha took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on Rose encased in the crystal. She wrestled with her thoughts, strategizing how to confront this pressing issue. "I need to keep a close watch over her for now," Kisha said decisively, her gaze shifting to Sparrow. "Can you switch positions with Duke and monitor the southern wall? Duke will cover the western part. I need to prepare for a level-up." There was no need for further explanation; both Duke and Sparrow understood the gravity of her request. They recognized that the situation they were facing was exceptionally dangerous. This suggested that Rose''s awakening remained uncertain, and she could become a genuine threat once she emerged from the crystal encasement. Simply trying to send Rose away wouldn''t solve their dilemma; even if they managed to place her somewhere far away, with this great danger lurking around the face of the earth means they might still have to confront her in the future. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By that time, she could be even stronger than she was now. However, they couldn''t take care of Rose just yet, as the ice crystal surrounding her was so resilient that their attacks caused no damage at all. Kisha''s proposal to prepare for a level-up implied that she was gearing up for the worst-case scenario: a potential confrontation with Rose if things took a turn for the worse. Sparrow felt a lump in his throat as he finished explaining, his nod stiff with the weight of the situation. With a determined flick of her wrist, Kisha used her telekinesis to lift the massive chunk of ice into the air, gracefully hopping out of the truck as she did so. Duke''s expression was grave, his eyes narrowed as an oppressive aura radiated from him. He didn''t want to place all the blame on Sparrow; it was evident that the unforeseen circumstances of their mission were not something anyone could have anticipated. However, the thought of Kisha confronting such a perilous situation alone¡ªbeing the only one capable of handling it¡ªleft a bitter taste in his mouth. He felt utterly useless, unable to shoulder even half of Kisha''s burdens. Determined to make a difference, Duke resolved to gather as much Scarlet Honey as possible. He intended to follow Kisha''s lead, maximizing his multiplier and the stats he could gain from the honey, pushing himself to reach his cap before leveling up. After the intense battle during the night, he was sure that his foundation has already been fortified and was as sturdy as it could be so it wouldn''t be a problem for him to also prepare for his next level up. With his mind made up, Duke followed Kisha back to the villa, where the survivors wouldn''t be able to bear witness to her plans. As Kisha stepped out of the truck and walked through the crowd, their initial shock at seeing her carry a massive block of ice quickly transformed into awe. When the sunlight glinted off the crystal surface, revealing Rose nestled inside like a snow-white figure in a frozen slumber, they stood in stunned silence. Before they could fully process the scene, Kisha had already passed by, leaving a trail of cold air in her wake. Aside from Rose, Sparrow''s entire offensive team emerged from the mission with minimal injuries. Apart from a few minor scratches, particularly on the superhumans, everyone was holding up well and seemed to be in good spirits. While the survivors were relieved to see their loved ones return safely, a cloud of unease hung over them. The uncertainty surrounding Rose''s condition cast a shadow over their joy. Having come to view HOPE Base as their new home, where a sense of unity had begun to flourish among the survivors, they felt a deep concern for Rose, whose plight reminded them of the fragility of their newfound safety. Unable to shake off the heaviness in their hearts, the survivors couldn''t bring themselves to celebrate the safe return of their loved ones. A somber atmosphere enveloped them as they quietly returned to their respective stations, each person lost in their own thoughts and worries. The warriors who had accompanied Sparrow were granted permission to return home and rest, awaiting Kisha''s next instructions. Meanwhile, Aston took charge of leading the five ''STAU'' units back to compile a detailed inventory of the supplies they had successfully stored in their spaces. Since they still lacked a detection-type ability user, Aston had to personally and meticulously inspect each STAU''s space, carefully cataloging the supplies they had gathered during this expedition outside. The STAUs had no issue with this process, fully understanding that Aston was simply doing his job. They knew he needed to document everything they had collected to ensure the Supply Center could efficiently allocate and manage the resources. However, given Kisha''s orders to prioritize the Cargo Trailers, Aston wasn''t expecting to find many supplies. In fact, he anticipated that the only significant items would be the Cargo Trailers themselves. With that expectation in mind, he led the five STAUs to the spacious plot of land area where they kept their heavy machinery, such as cranes and trucks. After surveying the spacious plot of land with almost no one around, the five members of STAU shrugged and casually unloaded all the cargo trailers from their space to the designated area, stacking them neatly to minimize space. Aston nodded and noted the number of cargo trailers they had brought back. As he turned to head back to his office to continue his work, the five members of STAU were puzzled by his departure. They didn''t understand why Aston was leaving without checking inside the trailers, so they absentmindedly grabbed his wrist, the back of his uniform, and anywhere else they could hold on. Aston was taken aback, unable to move or take a step forward after turning his body. When he glanced back, he saw the five of them gripping various parts of his back and arms. "What''s going on?" Aston asked, a hint of confusion in his voice and an eyebrow raised. "Minister Aston, you haven''t checked the supplies yet," one of the STAU members mumbled, pouting slightly. They felt as though their hard work was being overlooked since Aston wasn''t showing even a hint of interest. Aston was taken aback by the remark, his eyes widening in surprise. "What?! What supplies?" At that moment, the five realized that Aston genuinely hadn''t considered that they had brought back supplies along with the cargo trailers they had asked for. Chapter 384 - 384 Preparing For Another Level Up The five exchanged glances filled with mischief before releasing their grip on Aston and puffing up their chests. "Of course, we brought back supplies! They''re all packed inside the cargo trailers!" "They''re filled to the brim!" "Exactly! We did our best and clung to Captain Sparrow to avoid falling off and becoming zombie snacks just to gather all these supplies!" Aston was unsure what they meant by clinging to Captain Sparrow, but as soon as he heard that all the cargo trailers were filled to the brim, he immediately radioed some soldiers from his unit to inspect each trailer for supplies. He wasn''t entirely sure about the mechanics of Space-type ability users. The only one he was familiar with was Kisha, and her abilities were distinctly different from the others. As a result, he had no idea how much supplies they could store within their spaces or what limits and rules governed their abilities. When he heard that they had stored supplies inside the trailers, he was both excited and stunned. Soon, a dozen soldiers he had radioed arrived on the scene. They opened the trailers from the bottom to verify the supplies, and as soon as the doors swung open, several boxes tumbled out, nearly burying one of the soldiers beneath them. Luckily, the nearby soldiers quickly rushed in to help, preventing any injuries. The boxes were heavy, and since they were still regular humans without awakened abilities, an accident like this could have easily left them hurt. After helping their comrade and calming down, the soldiers were shocked to see the trailer truly packed with boxes of supplies. When they opened the next trailer, they were more cautious, standing aside as the door swung open. Just like the first, it was filled to the brim. Aston''s serious expression broke into a smile as he stared at the boxes inside the trailers. He quickly called for more personnel to help transfer the supplies to the temporary storage. Although the warehouse was still under construction, they had repurposed an empty building meant for another department as a temporary storage facility. The department postponed moving in, allowing the Supply Center to use it for now, since leaving the supplies out in the open, especially when it rained, would risk ruining them. Just yesterday, they had moved the existing supplies, but now it seemed their temporary warehouse would soon be filled to the brim as well. With ten cargo trailers packed with supplies, no one appeared worried. Instead, the entire team was thrilled to see such an abundance of resources. With people at the base working hard to earn points and exchanging them for supplies almost daily, the stockpile was steadily depleting. Additionally, the base''s population was growing and was expected to keep expanding with the arrival of more survivors, just as more had arrived the day before. Without hesitation, Aston ordered the soldiers to start moving the supplies into the temporary warehouse. He also called for additional workers to help empty the cargo trailers as quickly as possible, knowing they couldn''t be sure when Kisha would need them for the wall construction. The soldiers Aston had called wasted no time, swiftly moving box after box of supplies into the temporary warehouse. Nearby survivors, busy with their own tasks, were caught off guard by the sight of so many new supplies arriving, their surprise evident as they watched the steady flow of resources being unloaded. More than just surprised, the survivors were filled with happiness and excitement. The influx of supplies signaled that their base was growing more stable, capable of supporting the increasing number of survivors, even if the leaders chose to continue to distribute resources among them. Initially, when the leaders opened the warehouse to share supplies with the survivors, many thought it would be a temporary solution. It wasn''t seen as sustainable in the long run, and despite the leaders'' good intentions, it seemed inevitable that Kisha and the others would eventually have to close the warehouse and leave the survivors to fend for themselves by scavenging outside. And if that day came, they would understand. After all, the leaders also had soldiers and warriors to support, and the sheer number of survivors in the base¡ªover five thousand¡ªwas a lot to sustain. The burden of providing for everyone would eventually become too heavy. More than anything, since the leaders established the Supply Center and opened the warehouse, the survivors had noticed that the warriors and soldiers had not undertaken a supply run. This unspoken reality highlighted a shared fear among them: the possibility of becoming unable to rely on their leaders for basic necessities in the future. After all, there was nothing quite like the offer their leaders had presented. It felt almost too good to be true¡ªhaving their cake and eating it too. Yet, witnessing the influx of new supplies, not just from the warehouse left behind by the Coltons and the former Minister of Defense after their assets were seized by Kisha and the others, made it all the more tangible. But this was a legitimate supply coming from outside, igniting a wave of excitement among everyone. It offered them peace of mind and strengthened their belief that the base''s leaders were genuinely committed to ensuring the community''s sustainability. This approach allowed individuals to choose their own paths: those who aspired to be warriors could step up to protect the masses, while those who were fearful or unable to fight would not be forced into dangerous situations. Regardless of their choices, everyone could count on having food to eat, no matter the circumstances. Soon, news of the new supplies arriving from outside spread quickly among the survivors. Some gathered to watch the soldiers as they moved the boxes, while others, eager to contribute, joined the effort. The free warriors recognized that the trailers were intended for wall construction, and they were determined not to keep them occupied longer than necessary due to the supplies inside had come to help too. While everyone was preoccupied with the supplies, Kisha and Duke had already arrived at the villa. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As soon as she stepped inside, Kisha entered her territory space, with Duke following closely behind her. When Kisha turned around and noticed Duke still following her, she was taken aback. However, Duke quickly asserted, "I came here to ask if you have more Scarlet Honey." His tone was firm, leaving no room for Kisha to dissuade him from his intentions. Kisha simply nodded and handed Duke several bottles of Scarlet Honey. Meanwhile, Duke found a spot to sit within the territory. After all, a few hours inside meant only a few minutes passed outside. He felt confident that while he was inside, nothing would happen outside, allowing him to safely prepare for a potential level-up. If there were to be another zombie raid, it was likely to occur at night, just as it had the previous evening. Duke found a quiet spot by the lake, while Kisha opted for the flower field, perching herself on a boulder¡ªthankfully, Daisy wasn''t around. Without wasting any time, both Kisha and Duke dove into their training, harnessing the energy from the Scarlet Honey and guiding it throughout their bodies. Chapter 385 - 385 Need To Buy Another Manual It wasn''t long before Kisha saw a notification appear in front of her, indicating an increase in her stats and multiplier. However, she didn''t stop there. Just like the first time she used the Scarlet Honey continuously, she pressed on, consuming more to push her limits further. But she wasn''t alone¡ªDuke was following the same approach. After hearing about Kisha''s success with this method, his concerns about potential repercussions faded. Time was a luxury they didn''t have, and taking the safest route to level up was no longer an option. Not only were they uncertain about the possibility of another zombie raid, but they also had no idea what fate awaited Rose. No one but the two of them knew what they were planning. While Kisha quietly guided the energy through her body, a part of her consciousness kept a close watch on Rose, who was just a few feet away. This was only possible for her because she was a mental-type, possessing a stronger mentality than both superhumans and ordinary humans. She had the ability to create a separate consciousness at will, but doing so consumed a significant portion of her mental capacity. This made it more challenging for her to focus on guiding the energy within her body. But she didn''t have any other choice but to take the hard route now. If she didn''t keep an eye on Rose, who knew if Rose might suddenly break free from the crystallized ice and attack Kisha while her guard was down? Unable to fully concentrate on guiding the energy from the Scarlet Honey, Kisha quickly began to struggle. Her face turned pale, and cold sweat started to bead and trickle down her forehead. Another notification appeared, confirming that she had successfully guided the energy through her body, converting it into her own and boosting her stats and multiplier. However, despite the progress, she still had a long way to go and was already feeling utterly drained. Fortunately, despite having her consciousness split in two, she was still able to absorb the maximum energy from each dose of Scarlet Honey. Duke, on the other hand, was also struggling. This was his first time using Scarlet Honey continuously without rest. In the past, he only took as much as his body could handle. But now, he was determined to push beyond his limits. So, after successfully absorbing the energy from one dose, he immediately took another, just like Kisha. He wasn''t faring any better than Kisha at this point. Duke let out a small grunt of discomfort, but inside, he felt as if his entire body was ablaze. It was as if molten lava coursed through his veins, and the veins in his forehead bulged ominously, threatening to burst at any moment. But even then, Duke didn''t stop. Not far from him, Gant watched nervously. Although he was still considered an amateur, his grandfather had taught him and his siblings how to sense spiritual fluctuations, enabling them to distinguish real crystal cores from fakes. While most awakened individuals in the base were familiar with this skill, because Kisha taught this to them or made Sparrow and the others teach them this skill, it still required a certain level of talent to successfully perceive the energy fluctuations. Among those with the talent were the twins, and at that moment, Gant sensed the chaotic spiritual energy emanating from Duke. It was so intense that it sent shivers down his spine, causing goosebumps to rise on his skin. Witnessing Duke in pain only intensified Gant''s anxiety; he could clearly see that Duke''s struggle was far from easy. Even though Kisha had successfully taught them the technique she developed, it didn''t mean they would be free from discomfort and pain during continuous consumption. After a while, Duke finally acclimated to the intense sensations; the pain began to subside, and he could sense his body growing stronger. Kisha, too, was adapting to her divided consciousness, managing two tasks simultaneously. She felt a growing lightness in her body, and notifications continued to appear intermittently, marking her progress. Before long, Kisha was drenched in sweat, her multiplier having already maxed out, yet her stats were still far from their limit. Determined, she pressed on, continuing to use the Scarlet Honey until she reached the full cap of her body. Unlike her first attempt, this time it took Kisha a full eight hours to reach her maximum capacity. The separation of her consciousness made the process more challenging and time-consuming. She had to be extra cautious; any distraction could cause her technique to backfire, potentially resulting in internal harm. What made the process even more challenging was the presence of two energies within her body. Kisha had to meticulously guide the energy from the Scarlet Honey into her system and her core while ensuring it wouldn''t disturb the fragile balance between her Spiritual Energy and Mana. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even a minor ripple could lead to catastrophic results, potentially causing her heart or brain to explode from the energies running amok. Despite her eagerness to gain strength quickly, Kisha knew she couldn''t rush the process. She had to carefully monitor her body''s responses and how the two contrasting energies within her interacted, ensuring she moved at a pace that wouldn''t jeopardize her progress. Perhaps it was the miraculous properties of the Scarlet Honey, or its ability to bolster one''s constitution, but fortunately for Kisha, the two energies showed no signs of going berserk. However, she knew better than to let her guard down. Maintaining constant vigilance took a toll on her mental stamina, leaving her drained. Thankfully, her passive skill provided some relief. Duke, however, wasn''t as fortunate. Even after eight hours, he still hadn''t completed the process. He had to pause intermittently to fully absorb the essence of the Scarlet Honey and allow his body to digest it properly before he could take another dose. Continuing to take more doses without fully digesting the previous one would only harm his body rather than help it. It felt as if his body was accumulating toxins, allowing them to reach a boiling point before they could wreak havoc. Once she confirmed that she had reached her body''s cap, Kisha wasted no time. She retrieved a handful of cleaned level 0 crystal cores and popped them into her mouth like they were mere candy. While munching, she focused on digesting the small amount of Spiritual energy contained within the cores and guiding it to her energy core. However, with each bite, she felt a stirring in her heart, as if the mana residing there was dissatisfied, resenting the fact that Kisha was solely expanding and upgrading her Spiritual energy. With a sigh of resignation, she realized she had no idea how to increase her mana without relying on an item, unlike the way she could with her Spiritual energy. After her level-up, she knew her Spiritual energy would increase, potentially creating another imbalance with her mana. If that happened, it could lead to another clash within her, similar to what she had experienced before. "Host, perhaps we could purchase a manual on how mages cultivate their mana hearts," 008 suggested suddenly, causing Kisha to choke on the crystal core she had just placed in her mouth. "Mana heart? What''s that?" Kisha asked, coughing a few times to clear her throat. "A mana heart is similar to your energy core," 008 explained with confidence. Chapter 386 - 386 Mana Heart "Mages form mana rings around their mana heart, and each ring represents a cycle for one level¡ªmuch like how you level up." "The more mana rings you have encircling your heart, the higher your mage level, which translates into a larger mana pool." "This increased capacity allows for the performance of higher-level magic." Kisha had a sudden thought that 008 looked like it was giving a lecture with a spectacle in its eyes. "Think of it this way: as you cultivate your mana heart and increase the number of rings, you not only enhance your magical abilities but also gain access to more potent spells." "Each ring signifies a step in your progression as a mage, allowing you to tap into more complex and powerful forms of magic." "So, if you can find a way to cultivate your mana, you might unlock even greater potential." Kisha tilted her head in confusion. "But I''m not a mage, and aren''t mages born with that ability? Wouldn''t that make it kind of pointless for me?" "Tsk tsk tsk... Host, mages aren''t born, they are made through their own efforts," 008 explained with a hint of amusement. "Unlike awakened superhumans, mages rely on talent¡ªspecifically, the ability to sense mana, feel its flow, and detect its movement in the environment. In a way, mana and spiritual energy are both forms of natural energy." "You can''t see them, but they can be felt. Mages develop the sensitivity to absorb mana from their surroundings, storing it in their mana heart, just like how cultivators in the Murim world harness spiritual energy and store it within their bodies." "Wait, what?!" Kisha''s eyes widened with excitement. "We can draw spiritual energy from nature? So, if I learn a proper cultivation technique, does that mean I wouldn''t need to rely on crystal cores to level up anymore?" She asked eagerly, her mind racing at the possibility of becoming self-sufficient in her training. "That''s true, but host," 008 explained patiently, "since Earth is still a relatively young planet, spiritual energy hasn''t fully formed in your world yet. So, no matter how much you try to absorb heaven and earth energies, it would be futile." "However, mana is different. Mana doesn''t rely on heaven and earth dao energy¡ªit draws from the energy of nature itself." "I don''t get it. What''s the difference between spiritual energy and mana?" Kisha asked, her confusion growing with every word 008 spoke. "Spiritual energy is the pure essence of heaven and earth. While it shares elemental properties with mana, spiritual energy is much purer and stronger." "And because spiritual energy is a pure energy of heaven and earth, it harmonizes perfectly with the human body. Mana, on the other hand, is typically harnessed by magical beings like dragons, elves, and other creatures." "Since they possess a natural mana heart from birth, these beings can easily control mana. However, for humans, mana doesn''t naturally sync as well with the body, making it harder to wield." "That''s why mages, in addition to their mana, need a medium to channel their magic. This medium is often a staff, inscribed with intricate magical circles that align with the user''s elemental affinity." "Although spiritual energy also has elemental properties, it''s a raw, unrefined energy that can be used without the need for a medium because of its purity." "It''s often referred to as a ''gift from the gods,'' as it''s the same energy that deities harness in their early stages before it transforms into authority¡ªor more commonly known as divine power¡ªdue to the devotion they gain from their followers." Kisha''s head throbbed with all the new information she was absorbing. Though 008 had mentioned before that creatures like elves and dragons¡ªbeings she believed only existed in human fantasy¡ªwere real, it still left her feeling skeptical. The idea that these mythical creatures truly existed was hard for her to fully accept. But then again, she had died 99 times and come back to life, not to mention awakening abilities that humans once thought impossible. So, in comparison, the existence of mythical creatures didn''t seem all that far-fetched anymore. But now, 008 was suggesting that she could actually become one of those mages¡ªindividuals capable of summoning storms and tsunamis, just like the ones he frequently mentioned. "Host, I didn''t say that; I mentioned that only archmages possess that level of power, not all mages," 008 interjected, clarifying Kisha''s assumptions. Kisha could only nod in response, acknowledging the correction. "Oh!" Kisha''s lackluster response caused 008 to pout slightly, feeling a bit deflated. "But wait, you mentioned that only mages can possess mana among humans. Does that mean I''m already considered one? However, unlike the mages you described, I might have already developed my mana heart, but what about the mana rings?" The questions and points Kisha raised were all valid, prompting 008 to ponder them as well. "But host, based on your current mana levels, you should have already formed your second mana ring. This is essential to stabilize your mana heart and prevent it from rupturing or exploding due to the excessive flow of mana without the necessary security provided by the mana rings." Then 008 paused, lost in thought. "Hmm, it might be that your spiritual energy is regulating your mana, keeping it in check. The two energies seem to be balancing each other, preventing either from going out of control, especially your mana heart." "That could explain why your spiritual energy and mana are behaving like oil and water. But in actuality, they should coexist without clashing, as they use different energy channels." "In theory, you should be able to harness both energies or even create a new one that''s neither pure mana nor spiritual energy." 008 drifted deeper into its own thoughts, but Kisha found herself unable to keep up. To her, it all started sounding like incoherent rambling, especially since she barely understood anything about mana and its properties in the first place. To be precise, she had always relied on her instincts and experiences, much like when she developed the technique to harness the Scarlet Honey or when she learned to control the spiritual energy within her to aid in her training. 008 also realized that no matter how much he explained, Kisha wouldn''t truly understand unless she could feel it for herself. Only by experiencing it firsthand could her mind fully grasp how it worked. "Host, the moment I detected mana flowing through your body, I immediately searched my sales channel for a suitable mana training manual from a world filled with magical beings¡ªFantasy World. Hehe, you can thank me later!" 008 said smugly, before a system interface popped up in front of Kisha, displaying the manual along with its price. The manual appeared as a worn-out, hardbound book, its cover adorned with intricate inscriptions and a large magic circle at the center. Above the symbols, in bold, ancient lettering, was the title: "Profound Understanding of Mana: Stages and Techniques." At first glance, it looked like an ordinary manual. But when Kisha''s eyes drifted downward to the price, she froze, choking back surprise as her eyes widened in disbelief. ''Is this system doing this on purpose?'' she screamed internally, glaring at the outrageous price. Her mind raced as she quickly calculated the system points she''d just earned from completing a few missions, wondering if they''d even come close to covering the cost. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 387 - 387 The manual [Current System Points: 420,000] [Manual: Profound Understanding of Mana: Stages and Techniques.] [Description: An ancient manual filled with profound knowledge on mana cultivation, this tome contains a comprehensive collection of theories, techniques, and deep insights into the nature of mana. It delves into its various functions and how it operates among magical creatures. Additionally, it includes a rare and powerful theory on the Dragon Heart, offering a detailed explanation on how to transform a simple mana heart into a Dragon Heart, capable of containing and harnessing limitless mana. Grade: EX Type: Manual] [Price: 400,000] ... Kisha glanced back and forth between the price and her status window, her thoughts racing. The subtle stirring of energy within her was a clear sign¡ªthe spiritual energy and mana inside her were beginning to clash again. This growing discomfort warned her that if she continued training her spiritual energy or consumed the remaining crystal cores without finding a way to balance the two forces, she would be facing another life-threatening conflict. Right now, she couldn''t afford to focus solely on training, not with Rose still needing her attention. If she persisted down this path, she would not only endanger herself but also jeopardize all her hard-earned progress. If Rose were to emerge while she struggled to control the chaotic energies within her, the consequences could be disastrous. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a pained expression and a heavy heart, Kisha made the purchase, her hands trembling as she confirmed the transaction. [Will you purchase this Manual with the amount of 400,000 points?] [Yes] or [No] With trembling hands, she clicked ''Yes,'' shutting her eyes tightly to avoid witnessing the 400,000 points vanish from her system balance, leaving her with just 20,000. Taking a shaky breath, she opened her eyes to see a notification confirming her successful purchase. The manual materialized before her, floating in midair. Now that she had paid for it, she steeled herself and opened the manual, carefully placing the crystal cores back into her inventory for the time being. She decided to study the manual first, eager to learn how to enhance her mana before continuing with her level-up. As soon as she opened the manual, a wave of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washed over her, just like how the slave contract she had made with Aston and the others. The moment the manual unfolded, a streak of golden light illuminated her vision, and snake-like inscriptions began to slither toward her. They wound their way directly to her heart and brain, while a magic circle materialized beneath her feet. As the inscriptions reached her brain, a torrent of knowledge surged through her mind. Concepts and theories about mana began to materialize, as if she had personally conducted the extensive studies on the subject. She found herself grasping these ideas on a profoundly deeper level, her understanding expanding beyond anything she had imagined. She was astounded by the flood of information filling her mind, feeling an increasing connection to her mana heart. Gradually, she began to sense the mana surrounding her, its presence becoming more vivid and tangible. As the transfer of knowledge continued, Kisha settled into a cross-legged position, focusing intently on the mana around her. She began to absorb it into her body, preparing herself and her mana heart to forge her first ring. Before long, Kisha began to float gracefully in the air, surrounded by a shimmering protective barrier. A cosmic ring materialized around her, pulsating with energy, while her eyes remained closed in concentration. Meanwhile, the manual rapidly flipped through its pages, the words illuminating her understanding and guiding her transformation. Within her heart, a constricting ring began to form, spinning rapidly and causing an unsettling pressure as it tightened around her. Kisha could feel the discomfort intensifying, and soon, a thin streak of blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. ''I suppose I''m being a bit impatient,'' Kisha thought, taking a moment to steady her breathing. She slowed her absorption of the surrounding mana and focused intently on stabilizing the first ring she was attempting to create. After stabilizing herself, she successfully created her first ring with relative ease. However, she didn''t stop there; she moved on to form her second ring, increasing her absorption rate of the surrounding mana. This would serve as fuel while she burned mana to forge the second ring. After her first attempt, Kisha gained a deeper understanding of the process and felt more confident as she approached her second attempt. With a sense of controlled ease, she successfully created her second ring. Eager to jump straight into forming her third, she began the process but suddenly felt her mana heart tremble, on the verge of collapse. She realized she had pushed herself too hard, creating two mana rings in quick succession without allowing herself any rest. Typically, other mages take their time, creating one mana ring only after extensive preparation, ensuring they have the appropriate threshold of mana stored in their mana hearts before expanding their mana pool. But Since Kisha already has a bigger mana pool by forcefully increasing her mana with the help of her spiritual energy, she could skip the other preparations and form the first and second rings. But as she approached the third, she realized she lacked the necessary amount of mana to support its creation. After pushing herself to the limit, Kisha felt an unexpected lightness wash over her. The intense clash between the two energies subsided, and she sensed her mana heart growing stronger than ever. The sensation of the two rings encircling her mana heart was nothing short of exhilarating, filling her with a profound sense of accomplishment. Kisha felt her senses sharpen, as if the world around her had been illuminated with vibrant colors and clarity. Knowledge flooded her mind, expanding her understanding in ways she had never imagined. When she finally opened her eyes and noticed the manual, she saw that it was already beginning to disintegrate, turning to ashes before her very gaze. ''Oh! So it''s a one-time use...'' Kisha mused, watching as the manual completely vanished before her eyes. She could sense that her mana had now surpassed her spiritual energy in strength, and her mana pool had doubled in size. Although she was certain that her mana had increased, it no longer disturbed her spiritual energy, creating a harmonious balance between the two. She could now increase her mana and spiritual energy independently, no longer needing to worry about maintaining balance. It felt as if they had finally found their own space, ceasing to clash and allowing each other to thrive. After confirming her progress, she pulled out the crystal cores again and began munching on them carelessly, watching her EXP rise dramatically. As she guided the spiritual energy into her energy core, she noticed a significant change; the flow of spiritual energy felt much smoother this time. She wasn''t sure if it was her newfound knowledge or her mana aiding the flow, but now, she didn''t have to struggle to guide her spiritual energy to her energy core. It felt as though it was sorting itself out, effortlessly flowing straight to her core without causing any fuss. She began to munch faster, and soon she found herself on her last bite, just moments away from leveling up. Chapter 388 - 388 Level 2 Kisha began to feel emotional. After facing countless challenges, she was finally about to reach Level 2¡ªmuch faster than any of her past lives. She was stronger now, far stronger than she had ever been before. With a deep breath, Kisha closed her eyes, feeling the flow of energies within her. Though the energies remained distinct, they worked in harmony, each one yielding to the other as they coursed through her body. After sensing the changes in her body, Kisha took a moment to glance over at Rose, who lay just a few feet away. She double-checked to see if Rose was stirring, but finding her still deep in slumber, Kisha resumed what she was doing. Marcus arrived shortly after, carrying three baskets filled with a variety of spiritual fruits and vegetables. ''Whoa! It works on the fruits too, not just the crops?'' Kisha thought, watching Marcus carry a basket, followed closely by Mike and Daisy, each struggling with a large basket of their own. The basket was so large that Kisha could barely see Daisy behind it. However, thanks to her regular intake of Scarlet Honey and growing strength, Daisy was now able to carry several dozen kilos of crops without breaking a sweat. ''Perfect timing!'' Kisha thought with satisfaction. She quickly sent the three away to ensure they wouldn''t be in danger when things got chaotic. After confirming they were far off, back at the farmland, Kisha began eating a few spiritual fruits. At first, one or two didn''t seem to make much of a difference. Perhaps the spiritual crops didn''t hold as much energy as she expected, so she kept eating until she could feel the effects. The crops were enormous, juicy, and far tastier than any fruits or vegetables she had ever tasted before¡ªalmost unnaturally big, in fact. Tomatoes, pears, peaches, apples, bananas, melons, and more¡ªit felt like a picnic in a flower field. But only she knew this was yet another part of her experimentation. She wanted to determine how much of an impact the spiritual fruit would have on the quality of her spiritual energy, and how much of the spiritual crops she would need to consume before her energy could be purified or grow. When she finally felt full and could no longer take another bite, she realized she had consumed a dozen fruits, yet the change in the quality of her spiritual energy was so minimal that she could barely notice any difference. ''Well, as they say, change doesn''t happen overnight. At least now I understand that these spiritual crops aren''t a one-day miracle thing,'' Kisha thought to herself. She then stored the remaining spiritual crops in her inventory and took out a crystal core. She only needed one last core to level up. Without hesitation, she consumed the core. As it slid down her throat like jelly, a wave of warmth enveloped her, and a surge of energy coursed through her veins. Then she experienced that familiar sensation and saw the radiant light enveloping her, her body glowing like the golden sun. Kisha felt her energy pool expanding, invigorating her as her strength surged. After leveling up, she checked her status window once more to assess her newfound strength. She hoped it would be sufficient to take on an evolved zombie of level 2 or higher, should the worst come to pass. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 190 (+92) Stamina: 272 (+84) Defense: 480 (+92) Agility: 190 (+82) Mental Capacity: 690 (+162) Charm: 190 (+92) Leadership: 290 (+62) Luck: 240 (+190) Mana: 660 (+160) Spiritual Energy: 660 (+160) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity Skills: Telekinetic Level 1 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 0, Rainbow Cube Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 0, One Man Team Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After staring at her status window for what felt like an eternity, Kisha let out a long sigh. She couldn''t believe her eyes as she took in her astonishing stats. When she first leveled up to level 1, her stats cap was set at 60, plus an additional 10 from leveling up. Now, her body''s limit had soared to 130, along with the extra 10 for her latest level up. With her titles, items, and achievements factored in, her stats exceeded their previous limits, reflecting her remarkable progress. Seeing that her mental capacity was proportionate to her mana and spiritual energy might explain why she could harness her power more easily now. It also enabled her to attempt lifting heavy objects, like the truck she had controlled last night. Kisha wasn''t the only one growing stronger; Duke, on the other side of the territory, was experiencing a transformation of his own. Although he was slightly behind Kisha in leveling up, he had just finished his process as well. This time, he felt a powerful surge of energy flowing through him, far more intense than his initial experience. He just needed a few more hours to fully digest the Scarlet Honey before he could level up using the crystal cores, just like Kisha. As Kisha and Duke focused on their training within the territory, nearly an hour had passed outside. Aston and the others were working diligently to organize the new supplies alongside Mr. Winters and some of his workers. They meticulously accounted for the incoming supplies and listed everything down. This way, they would have a clear understanding of the inventory in the Supply Center''s warehouse, allowing them to navigate the supplies effectively. This knowledge would enable him to manage resources wisely, ensuring they would last longer and create the impression of an endless supply. After spending a few more hours in the territory, Duke also leveled up to Level 2. The light radiating from his body was more intense than before, and he could sense a newfound strength and speed coursing through him. Slowly rising to his feet, he surveyed his surroundings, feeling rejuvenated. His vision sharpened, and his hearing became more acute, heightening his awareness of the world around him. He reached for a fist-sized rock nearby and weighed it in his hand before effortlessly crushing it with his bare hands. The stone crumbled like hardened flour, and a broad smile spread across his face as he felt the drastic and explosive change within his body. Once he confirmed that he was feeling strong, he headed straight for Kisha, intending to find her before moving out to guard the western section of the wall. He found Kisha still sitting on the rock in the flower field, her gaze fixed on the distance as if lost in thought. He surmised she must be checking her status window or something similar. He glanced at Rose encased in the crystal ice, noting the absence of cracks or any signs that she might soon emerge¡ªif she ever would. Satisfied that there were no issues with her and that Kisha was doing well, he was about to turn around to head to Marcus to ask assistance to bring him out of the territory. Just then, Kisha turned around and locked eyes with him. "You done?" Kisha asked, but before he could respond, he noticed her eyes glazing over. Chapter 389 - 389 His Gift The moment Kisha spotted Duke, she leaped at the opportunity to check his stats window, eager to compare their progress. Even though they were now a couple, a lingering sense of competitiveness still simmered between them. In her previous life, she and Duke had always engaged in friendly rivalry, constantly pushing each other to improve, and were constantly on each other''s back. They had once thrived on the thrill of outdoing each other, and while that competitive spark still lingered, it now felt more subdued than in her past life. Without hesitation, she accessed his status window. ... [Duke Winters] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 170 (+115) Stamina: 170 (+115) Defense: 170 (+115) Agility: 170 (+115) Mental Capacity: 170 (+115) Charm: 170 (+115)) Leadership: 170 (+115) Title: None Skills: Ice Spear Level 1, Fire Ball Level 1, Fire Meteor Level 0, Lightning Strike Level 1, lightning Rain Level 0 Talent: Multi-faceted Gift: Tyrant Ability: Elemental (Lightning, Fire, Ice) ... Kisha inhaled sharply as she studied Duke''s stats, her heart racing with surprise. The numbers before her were a revelation, and she couldn''t help but gasp. A rush of realization washed over her: without her achievements and titles from the system, Duke would still outshine her in terms of strength and ability. This thought stirred a mix of admiration and competitive spirit within her. While she had always viewed him as an equal, the sheer magnitude of his potential left her both inspired and slightly intimidated. The memories of their friendly competitions in their past life flickered in her mind, reigniting the familiar spark of rivalry. She couldn''t shake the feeling that, even as a couple, their drive to push each other to new heights remained. Determined to close the gap, Kisha resolved to train harder, knowing that their bond would only grow stronger through their shared journey of growth and discovery. Yet, amidst her surprise and competitive spirit, Kisha momentarily overlooked the fact that she was still stronger than Duke at that moment. However, she knew this advantage might be fleeting. As she considered his potential for growth, a sense of urgency crept in. Duke''s ability to grow stronger and harness his strength was extraordinary, far surpassing her own in many ways. Even now, she could sense the vast well of untapped energy within him, the kind that promised exponential growth with each new level he attained. This realization brought forth a mix of pride and apprehension. In her past life, Kisha had felt the weight of that same struggle¡ªan uphill battle to catch up to Duke, to match his strength and skill, no matter how hard she trained or how many obstacles she overcame. It was a humbling truth that had haunted her, the knowledge that he was always a few steps ahead. Now, reflecting on that experience, Kisha understood the reason for her frustration. Duke''s natural talent and unwavering dedication had always set him apart, creating an insurmountable gap between them that had left her feeling inadequate. ''So, this must be the full extent of his Gift, ''Tyrant,'''' Kisha thought, her mind racing as she stared, almost dumbfounded, at his stats. Each number reflected not just raw power but an inherent advantage that Duke possessed. His Gift didn''t merely enhance his abilities; it magnified them exponentially with every level up. It was as if the very essence of his strength was tied to a force far greater than herself, doubling¡ªif not tripling¡ªtheir growth. Kisha''s gaze lingered on the numbers, each one telling a story of sheer potential. His strength, agility, and resilience seemed to soar beyond conventional limits, crafting a figure who was almost indestructible. The thought was both awe-inspiring and daunting. With every ounce of energy he absorbed, Duke became more formidable, almost a force of nature, and Kisha couldn''t help but feel a mixture of admiration and envy. As Kisha contemplated this, a fire ignited within her. Duke noticed a spark ignite in Kisha''s gaze as she stared at him, her expression shifting from hazy confusion to focused clarity. He realized, with a wave of relief, that she was no longer fixated on his status window but rather on him. A genuine smile spread across his face, warm and doting, as he stepped closer, reaching out to gently pat her head. Kisha didn''t flinch or shy away from the affectionate gesture; instead, she leaned into it, savoring the warmth of Duke''s touch. As she gazed up at the remarkable man before her, a sense of awe washed over her. It was incredible to think that the man she admired so deeply even in her previous life¡ªsomeone who radiated strength and potential¡ªwas now hers. A giggle escaped her lips, bubbling up from her heart as she basked in the moment. The sound of her laughter wrapped around Duke like a comforting embrace, lifting his spirits. Her bubbly demeanor was infectious, and he found himself chuckling along with her, sharing in the lightness of the moment. As they stood there, smiles on their faces, Duke couldn''t help but think how fortunate he was to have Kisha by his side. Her laughter resonated with him, and for a brief moment, the weight of their challenges faded into the background. They were not just two powerful individuals; they were a team, ready to face whatever came next, united by their love and shared ambitions. "I''m heading out to guard the western wall," Duke announced, his voice serious yet filled with affection. "While I''m gone, you need to be extremely cautious with Rose. Your safety has to come first, no matter what happens. Do you understand?" His earnest words reverberated above Kisha''s head, prompting her to look up at him. She instinctively nodded, but as the weight of his message sank in, she narrowed her eyes, a hint of determination flickering within her. "But we''re still unsure if she''ll actually be a danger," Kisha countered, her voice firm. It was clear to her that Duke had already begun to view Rose as a threat, and that concerned her. "We can''t jump to conclusions based on fear alone," she continued, trying to keep her tone measured. "We should remain open to the possibility that she may not pose any risk at all." Though Kisha voiced her reassurances, they felt more like a desperate attempt to convince herself than a reflection of her true beliefs. Deep down, she understood the gravity of the situation: if Rose were to awaken as an evolved zombie, the stakes would be drastically higher. Despite Kisha''s impressive stats, she couldn''t shake the nagging fear that Rose''s unique abilities could still pose a significant threat. The uncertainty loomed large, especially since Kisha had no firsthand experience of Rose''s powers. All she had were Sparrow''s fragmented accounts, which were shrouded in ambiguity. Each story left her with more questions than answers, and without the ability to observe Rose directly, she was left to make assumptions. This lack of clarity gnawed at her confidence. She knew that assumptions could lead to underestimating a danger she couldn''t fully grasp. Kisha felt a pang of anxiety at the thought of facing Rose if she were to rise again. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The prospect of a confrontation weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn''t shake the unsettling feeling that she might not be fully prepared for whatever threats Rose''s awakening might unleash. Chapter 390 - 390 Sharing The Spiritual Crops Duke could sense the tension and worry etched on Kisha''s face. Though he offered her words of reassurance, he knew they wouldn''t be enough. He wanted to stay by her side, to provide comfort, but duty called¡ªhe was needed at the western wall. When it came to decisions involving Kisha, Duke''s loyalty was unwavering. He would choose her over everything¡ªeven if it meant the base would be overrun or razed to the ground. His family, and especially Kisha, would always be his priority. Seeing the worry in her eyes over Rose, Duke quietly sat beside her, offering his silent support. Kisha was just as surprised. She had specifically tasked Duke with overseeing the defense of the western wall while she stayed behind to watch over Rose. After all, aside from herself, Duke was the most powerful person in the entire base. She trusted him to step into her shoes, ensuring the defense of the western wall without letting a single life be lost. "I''m not leaving you alone," Duke declared firmly. He didn''t need Kisha''s permission; his mind was already made up. After all, why would he let her shoulder all the burden when he was the man in their relationship, meant to protect her? And besides, if things took a turn for the worse and Rose did end up becoming a zombie, at least he and Kisha could handle the situation together. Two heads are better than one, after all¡ªjust like when he helped her during that last battle with the unique zombie. "Why aren''t you leaving?" Kisha asked, raising an eyebrow, though she didn''t push him to go. "Why would I leave knowing you''d be facing a great danger alone?" Duke replied. "Besides, we''re in your territory. What''s the harm if we''re not around for an hour or two? The base won''t crumble just because we''re absent for a little while, right?" "If that were true, it would mean we haven''t done a great job making the base self-sufficient or resilient without us," Duke said, half-joking, though his words carried a certain gravity. Kisha knew he wasn''t entirely kidding, but she chose not to respond. But Duke was right¡ªeverything he said made sense. Now that he was there, Kisha felt a wave of relief wash over her. She gradually let go of the worries that had been consuming her thoughts about Rose. The two sat quietly, side by side, gazing at the block of ice in front of them, a peaceful silence settling between them. Another hour passed, and still, there was no movement from Rose. It had already been over 24 hours, edging closer to 35, far beyond the expected time for the awakening, which was supposed to last only half a day to a full day. Now, more than fear, Kisha was starting to feel deep concern for Rose. A strange thought crossed her mind, comparing Rose to a chick that dies inside an egg before it can hatch. ''What if Rose, instead of becoming an evolved zombie, was stuck in some irreversible state¡ªlike an egg that never breaks?'' "008, is there truly no way we can check Rose''s progress using my gift, the ''Eye of Truth''?" Kisha asked through their mind link, her thoughts tinged with a little desperation. "Host, I''ve already attempted to scan her, but it seems the crystal ice is interfering with the process. Either that, or she''s in a limbo state¡ªneither transforming nor awakening. That''s why every scan results in an error," 008 explained, uncertainty creeping into its usually confident tone. No matter how many times it tried, the result remained the same: error. "Hmm," Kisha murmured, her mind spinning with another wave of thoughts. Duke noticed the intensity in her expression, glancing at the crystal ice before turning back to her. He could feel the growing tension between them, the uncertainty of how much longer they''d have to wait for Rose''s emergence weighing heavily on both of them. The longer they waited, the more palpable the tension became. Three more hours passed, and still, there was no movement. Kisha''s stomach churned with rising nervousness. The prolonged silence from Rose''s side could only mean one of two things: either she would emerge far stronger than before, or she was truly trapped in a limbo state. If she emerged as a powerful awakened superhuman, that would be ideal. But if she came back as a zombie, both she and Duke would be in serious trouble. However, if she remained in a limbo state, it would mean she was essentially vegetative, with her energy core and brain likely damaged by the overwhelming energy she couldn''t contain. This is the reason why there was so little chance of someone bitten by a zombie successfully awakening. It was close to zero chance. After a whirlwind of overthinking, Kisha felt drained. She decided to cast her worries aside and settled quietly onto the boulder. Instead of dwelling on her concerns, she shared the spiritual crops and fruits with Duke. Having trained intensely for so long and anxiously awaited Rose''s emergence, they had forgotten to eat. This moment presented a perfect opportunity to share the spiritual crops with Duke, allowing them both to experience any differences. For some reason, Kisha couldn''t quite sense any changes, no matter how much she consumed. "Host, perhaps it''s because you now possess both mana and spiritual energy. Alternatively, it could be that your large energy pool is causing the spiritual crops, which contain relatively low spiritual energy, to gradually have a more significant effect over time?" 008 offered, contributing its thoughts to the discussion but even then it still sounded uncertain. "In the Murim World, spiritual crops and fruits are highly coveted and extraordinarily expensive, typically reserved for the wealthy. However, in your case, you have an abundance of them," 008 remarked, hoping to uplift Kisha''s spirits after a long day of worry, overthinking, and unproductive experimentation. After hearing everything 008 said, Kisha felt a sense of relief. Because, it would feel as if she held a treasure in her hands, only to realize it wasn''t benefiting her as she had hoped. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead, she found herself watching as others made use of it while she remained unable to tap into its potential. Kisha pulled out two tomatoes, each the size of a regular apple, and shared one with Duke. Their deep red color and nearly perfect shape glistened under the sun, captivating both of them for a moment before they took a bite. The flavor was a delightful balance of sweet and sour, and as they bit into the juicy fruit, the rich aroma filled the air, tantalizing their senses. Although it wasn''t Kisha''s first time tasting the tomato, its exquisite flavor was so delightful that she felt she could never tire of it. Despite its size, the interior contained very few seeds, making it easy for both Kisha and Duke to enjoy every bite without distraction. However, after devouring the large tomato, both Duke and Kisha felt even hungrier than before, and Kisha''s stomach protested with a loud grumble. Realizing that the fruit alone wouldn''t be enough to satisfy their hunger, they decided to look for something more substantial. Kisha then settled cross-legged on the grassy ground, pulling out a butane stove and a medium-sized pot, out of her inventory. Chapter 391 - 391 Correct Way Of Using The Crops She then gathered additional ingredients: chicken, pineapple, red and green bell peppers, soy sauce, oyster sauce, whole pepper, carrots, potatoes, vinegar, and bay leaves. She paused to think for a moment before deciding to retrieve a bag of rice from her inventory. She then added another butane stove along with a clay pot. Duke took the opportunity to ask Kisha for a metal pail to fetch some water, ensuring she wouldn''t have to get up from her spot. The vegetables Kisha was using were all spiritual crops. She wanted to determine whether cooking them would cause the spiritual energy within to disperse or if it would be absorbed into the dishes being prepared. In a way, this meal would not only satisfy her hunger but also serve as another experiment. After all, they couldn''t be expected to eat all the crops raw, especially starchy potatoes or okra, which would taste quite peculiar without cooking. While waiting for Duke to return with the water, she pulled out two basins, placing the vegetables in one and the chicken in the other. She opted for a whole chicken, which was large enough to be considered a small turkey, and it came from her own territory. After assessing the size of the chicken alongside the vegetables, she decided to swap her medium pot for a larger wok. Just as she finished setting everything up, Duke arrived, and upon seeing the prepared basins, he filled one with vegetables before taking the other basin and heading back to retrieve more water with the metal pail. Kisha understood Duke''s meaning loud and clear. Chuckling to herself, she began washing the vegetables, placing them in a separate container before preparing to peel them. As she peeled each vegetable, she collected the skins in another container, considering using them as fertilizer for her crops. She hoped that by doing so, any residual spiritual energy in the peels could enhance the growth of her plants or even help them evolve into spiritual crops themselves. She wasn''t sure if it would work, but she thought it was better to put the skins to good use rather than disposing of them elsewhere. Alternatively, she could add them to the pig feed¡ªperhaps the pigs would benefit and grow stronger too. With a casual nod, she opted for the latter and continued peeling the vegetables. Once she finished, she began cutting them into various shapes. Just as she was about to wrap up, Duke returned with the basin and pail filled with clean water for cooking. When Duke arrived, he set down the basin, and Kisha noticed that the chicken had already been washed clean. Taking her time, she began cutting the chicken before starting the rice in the clay pot. Once the rice was on the stove, she moved on to cooking the chicken with pineapple. She had learned this recipe from a foreign food blogger some time ago and had since developed a fondness for it; it had become her comfort food. Not only was it delicious, but the dish could also be stored for a day or two thanks to its vinegary flavor, which helps inhibit bacterial growth and prevent spoilage. Kisha often cooked this during the early stages of the apocalypse when chicken and most ingredients were still available. However, as food became scarcer in the later stages, she greatly missed this dish. Now, feeling stressed, she longed to savor it once more. Sure enough, as she neared the end of cooking the pineapple chicken, the tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, making both her and Duke''s mouths water. They could hardly contain their anticipation, eager to dive into the dish even before it was fully cooked. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As soon as she filled bowls to the brim with rice and pineapple chicken for herself and Duke, they fell into a comfortable silence, eagerly digging into their meal. Kisha glanced over at Duke and saw him nodding appreciatively, a small smile curving his lips. It was clear he was thoroughly enjoying the food as much as she was. The food was even more fragrant and delicious than she remembered, almost intoxicating in its allure. With each bite, Kisha and Duke found themselves increasingly hooked, as if the dish were addictive. She realized the enhanced flavors were due to the spiritual crops she had used, but it was more than that¡ªshe felt a remarkable lightness in her body, as if her energy and stamina were brimming and ready to overflow. She raised her eyebrows, sensing something unusual as she continued to eat. A sudden thought struck her, prompting her to activate her ''Eye of Truth'' to examine the food on her plate. ... [Pineapple Chicken] [Description: A simple yet delicious dish crafted using spiritual crops. Effects: Stamina Recovery: Restores stamina for the next 20 minutes. Spiritual Energy Recovery: Boosts spiritual energy for the next 20 minutes. Double Strength Boost: Increases strength for the next 20 minutes. Purification: Cleanses impurities.] ... ''Holy shit! Is this how it''s meant to be eaten for the effects to activate? But why is there a time limit? It just looks like a support food meant to boost stats during battle!'' Kisha thought. She recalled 008 mentioning that the crops would enhance her spiritual energy and aid in purification. However, it seemed they weren''t working as intended; instead, their benefits only emerged after cooking. "No, host. The crops were still effective even when you consumed them raw. However, the impact wouldn''t be as significant because your large spiritual energy pool makes it feel like a drop in the ocean. It takes time to notice the effects, but they are indeed working. Additionally, I just completed a scan of your body to confirm this," 008 interjected, clarifying Kisha''s misunderstanding. "Then what''s with this turning into a support item? Is this how it''s meant to be used, or is this something you forgot to mention?" "No, host. Typically, even when spiritual crops are used in cooking, their properties remain the same. However, it takes a skilled heavenly chef to transform these crops into spiritual cuisine. Even a small mistake can disrupt the energy of the crops, causing it to disperse and resulting in an ordinary meal." "Then what''s going on? Don''t tell me I just got lucky and turned the spiritual crops into spiritual cuisine without even realizing it?" Kisha asked, skepticism lacing her tone, yet her mouth continued to savor the delicious food. She couldn''t help herself. "No, host. I believe you''ve acquired a new skill that allows you to transform into a heavenly cook and turns whatever you cook into spiritual cuisine as if you were in the Murim world." "Moreover, what you achieved goes beyond the capabilities of a heavenly cook. Typically, they can only transform spiritual ingredients¡ªlike vegetables, fruits, spiritual fish, and meats¡ªinto spiritual cuisine, which is rich in spiritual energy and beneficial for cultivation." "Such dishes allow consumers to enjoy the ingredients without worry, and they can retain up to 70-75% of the original spiritual energy even after cooking." "But what you accomplished goes beyond merely preserving the spiritual energy of the ingredients. You managed to enhance it, providing you with a significant boost beneficial for battles." "Moreover, you keep the spiritual energy flowing in your body without the need to direct it entirely to your energy core. Once you digest the food, the energy will naturally flow into your energy pool without requiring your conscious guidance." Chapter 392 - 392 Its Starting "Is it really that amazing?!" Kisha asked, surprised, her hand pausing mid-air just as she was about to take another bite. After hearing 008''s explanation, she felt incredulous. She hadn''t even realized she''d gained a new skill, and it sounded almost overpowered. "Absolutely! If you were in the Murim world, you''d be treated as an esteemed guest, even in the imperial palace! Mastering a skill like this is just as difficult¡ªand as highly revered¡ªas becoming an alchemist!" 008 responded with conviction. "So, imagine if anyone else tried cooking spiritual crops¡ªthey''d either end up with just regular food, or worse, have it explode in their faces. You''re basically working miracles here." 008 teased before falling silent again. Kisha was left reeling from the information. ''Why didn''t you tell me this earlier?'' she questioned, but was met with silence. It seemed 008 had no intention of answering her at all. ''I didn''t even know the food almost exploded in my face!'' Kisha thought, her face paling at the thought. She could vividly imagine the chicken blowing up right into her face, or worse, turning into an inedible lump of charcoal when she was starving enough to eat a whole cow. The thought of her meal becoming unrecognizable sent a chill down her spine. ''Or was this kid actually expecting me to run this experiment blindly and just see what happens? Tsk.'' For some reason, Kisha had started thinking of 008 as a kid¡ªnot because of its voice, but because it just felt right to her. Maybe it was because 008, as a system, seemed relatively new. It had been sent to the lowest realm to begin its endeavors, unlike other systems that were more experienced and knowledgeable, with broader skill sets and more extensive resources. Duke watched as a dozen expressions flickered across Kisha''s face in just a few seconds, amused by how lively she looked while enjoying her food. Despite all the stress and looming challenges, he was glad to see that Kisha could still find moments like this to be herself. ''I''m really glad I stayed with her right now,'' Duke thought to himself, burying his head in his bowl while quietly keeping an eye on Kisha. Watching her go about her tasks had become his quiet form of entertainment, a small joy in the midst of all their struggles. Crack! Crack! A sharp cracking sound jolted them back to reality. Their eyes met for a brief second before darting forward, locking onto the crystal ice in front of them. Small fractures began to spiderweb across its surface, frost seeping from the cracks and spreading across the ground. Mist curled out from within the fissures, swirling around as the air grew colder. Kisha quickly waved her hand, storing everything in front of them into her inventory in an instant. She and Duke stood up, slipping into defensive stances, weapons at the ready. Their grips tightened, bracing themselves for whatever was about to emerge, prepared to attack or defend at a moment''s notice. Kisha''s heart pounded in her chest as the cracks slowly spread across the ice. With each sharp crack that echoed, the weight in her chest grew heavier, mirroring the rising tension. The air around them grew colder with every fracture, sending a chill deep into her bones. The frost crept toward Kisha and Duke''s feet, creeping over their shoes and sending an icy chill up their legs. Realizing the danger, they took a few quick steps back, the numbing cold threatening to frostbite their toes and hinder their mobility. Just as they took a step back, the crystallized ice shattered explosively, sending sharp shards flying in every direction like deadly projectiles. Fortunately, Kisha and Duke were ready. Duke instinctively stepped in front of Kisha, shielding her from the onslaught of ice fragments that exploded outward like a bomb. Duke gripped his spear tightly and spun it rapidly, creating a temporary shield to deflect the razor-sharp debris. The fragments sliced through the air, leaving shallow cuts across his body from when he had stepped forward to protect Kisha. "Duke!" Kisha gasped, her eyes widening in horror as she noticed the blood trickling from his arms and torso, the price he paid to shield her from the onslaught. "I''m fine," Duke replied, his voice steady and resolute, as if the pain was nothing more than a fleeting annoyance. He kept spinning his spear in front of him, creating a protective barrier until the last of the debris finally ceased. However, just as they caught their breath, the mist from within the ice erupted, engulfing the entire flower field and obscuring Kisha and Duke''s vision. Kisha swiftly summoned all the swords and daggers from her inventory, her mind focusing on the blades as they floated into the air around her. With her enhanced mental capacity, she could deftly wield nearly fifty weapons, primarily daggers due to their smaller size and lighter weight. Although she could manage more, she knew that her control would be compromised since she was still honing her skills. Kisha commanded the swords and daggers to form a protective barrier around them, creating a shield that ensured they were safeguarded from attacks. With this formation, she could defend against any incoming threat and prevent any surprise assaults. However, there was still enough space for them to see beyond the protective formation of her daggers and swords. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Ugh!" Duke grunted as he felt the frost advance once more, now only half a foot away from his feet. This time, it felt colder and more powerful than before, sending a shiver through their bodies. Despite being an ice-type himself, the frost emanating from where the crystalized ice earlier seemed to be spiraling out of control, as if it had a mind of its own. Duke considered countering the frigid force with his own ice abilities, but a wave of hesitation washed over him. If he unleashed his powers now, the temperature would plummet further, transforming the air and any lingering moisture in the air into deadly crystals that would only complicate matters. He could visualize the chaos: the once vibrant flower field succumbing to a frozen wasteland, devoid of life and color. ''No,'' he thought, ''that wouldn''t solve anything.'' They needed to find a way to contain the frost, to push it back without unleashing more ice ability into the mix. Glancing at Kisha, determination ignited within him; he couldn''t let Kisha suffer in this cold. Rather than relying on his ice abilities, Duke made a quick decision to harness the opposing element: fire. While Kisha focused on protecting them, he conjured two fireballs in his hands, their heat radiating intensely. With a determined crouch, he slammed the fireballs into the ground, unleashing a wave of flames that surged outward to combat the encroaching frost. The ground beneath him sizzled and scorched as the flames licked at the ice, creating a sharp contrast between the two elements. Duke skillfully controlled the fire, ensuring it only targeted the advancing frost and leaving Kisha unharmed. As the fire devoured the frost, the mist around them thickened, swirling like a living entity as the heat caused the ice to evaporate into steam, rising in ethereal tendrils. The heat was invigorating, a stark reminder of the warmth in the face of overwhelming cold. Chapter 393 - 393 It Started To Move With every flicker of flame, Duke felt a surge of confidence, knowing he was actively pushing back the icy threat that surrounded them. The air crackled with energy, a blend of steam and heat creating a surreal atmosphere as the battlefield transformed before their eyes. With unwavering focus, Duke expertly controlled the flames, ensuring they would not harm the beautiful flower field behind them. His fire targeted only the encroaching frost, which he instinctively believed was emanating from the direction where Rose was located. As the mist thickened around them, visibility dwindled, transforming their surroundings into an ethereal, swirling haze that obscured everything beyond a few feet. In this fog, Kisha had to rely on her heightened senses, attuned to the subtle shifts in the air and the faintest sounds around them. She closed her eyes for a moment, honing in on the warmth of Duke''s presence beside her and the cold tendrils of frost creeping ever closer. Simultaneously, she activated the system''s radar-like map, which displayed their immediate surroundings and highlighted any potential threats. However, an unsettling thought crossed her mind: ''What if Rose had acquired super agility, allowing her to move with blinding speed and evade detection?'' With that possibility weighing on her, Kisha decided to adopt a more cautious approach. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She carefully arranged the floating daggers and swords around them, creating a protective barrier reminiscent of a turtle''s shell, ensuring that they were shielded from any unexpected attacks. The formation allowed her to maintain visibility while keeping their defenses intact, preparing for whatever might emerge from the mist. She and Duke stood poised and ready, hearts pounding in synchrony, aware that danger could materialize at any moment. Duke looked around the mist as he tried to assess the situation, but they couldn''t feel any movement from the other side aside from the earlier explosion of the ice projectiles. Kisha squinted at the radar, her heart racing as she focused on the grey dot indicating Rose''s presence. The status remained uncertain, but it was evident that Rose was still standing in the same position where the crystal ice was. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as they remained locked in this standoff. Kisha and Duke exchanged wary glances, each lost in their own thoughts, uncertain of how long they had been waiting. The stillness was almost oppressive, amplifying their anxiety. Despite being on high alert, neither Kisha nor Duke had detected any movement from Rose''s side. It was as if time itself had frozen alongside the ice. Kisha couldn''t shake the feeling that Rose was waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The notion sent a shiver down her spine; the intelligence required to strategize in silence suggested that Rose had not only retained some semblance of her former self but had also gained an unnerving level of cunning as a zombie. Kisha''s grip tightened on the hilt of her long and short katana as she considered the implications. If Rose was indeed observing them, calculating her next move, then Kisha and Duke had to be prepared for anything. It dawned on her that this situation was not merely a physical confrontation; it was a mental battle as well. "Stay sharp," Kisha whispered to Duke, her voice barely audible above the thickening mist. "If she''s watching us, we can''t let our guard down." Duke nodded in agreement, his expression grim but resolute. The quiet tension between them was palpable, a shared understanding that they needed to outsmart Rose before she could outmaneuver them. They both knew that a single misstep could spell disaster. As they braced for the unknown, Kisha''s thoughts raced through potential scenarios. What if Rose had developed new abilities? What if she could manipulate the mist or even control the frost? The more she contemplated, the more determined she became to protect her and Duke at all costs. Kisha gulped, anxiety tightening her throat as she felt her Spiritual Energy steadily depleting while maintaining the defensive formation of swords and daggers. Each second that passed felt like an eternity, and the strain of controlling so many weapons was beginning to take its toll. However, she couldn''t ignore the notifications from her passive skill appearing before her eyes, confirming that it was actively in effect. The relief was palpable, knowing that while she was expending significant energy to keep her defenses intact, her passive skill was alleviating some of the strain. Yet, even with this assistance, it wasn''t enough to offset the relentless drain on her energy reserves completely. Kisha''s mind raced as she considered her options, grappling with the realization that the situation was becoming more dire. Just as she began to worry, a familiar warmth surged within her¡ªa reminder of her title''s effect, which shared similarities with her healing dome skill. It was a comforting presence, subtly replenishing her energy as she fought to maintain her composure. "Come on, Kisha," she muttered to herself, pushing down the rising panic. She reminded herself of the importance of staying focused. Every ounce of her strength mattered right now. "Just a little longer." With renewed determination, she concentrated on the blades swirling around them, adjusting their positions to create an even more formidable barrier. The mist thickened, and her senses heightened, sharpening her awareness of the impending danger. She had to remain vigilant, not only for her own sake but also for Duke, who stood resolutely by her side. In the back of her mind, Kisha silently calculated how much longer she could sustain this defensive stance. Each breath felt heavier, each heartbeat resonating in time with her dwindling Spiritual Energy. But she was a fighter, and she refused to yield to despair. "Let''s show her we''re not afraid," she said softly, her voice steady despite the uncertainty that loomed around them. "We''ll outlast this." With that thought anchoring her, Kisha steeled herself for whatever was to come, ready to face the storm alongside Duke. As Kisha''s heart finally settled, she and Duke caught sight of a shadowy figure inching closer, the mist around it beginning to dissipate. At first, the figure appeared faint and hazy, almost ghost-like, but as it drew nearer, its outline solidified, becoming darker and more ominous against the thinning fog. An unsettling tension hung in the air, urging Kisha and Duke to tighten their grips on their weapons, steeling themselves for the unknown threat that loomed before them. Just as the figure seemed poised to step fully into view, Duke''s expression shifted with determination. In a sudden motion, he plunged his spear into the ground, anchoring himself in place, his focus unwavering. The sharp sound of metal striking earth echoed in the stillness, amplifying the gravity of the moment. With practiced precision, he conjured another fireball in his hands, the flames dancing energetically as they illuminated his resolute face. Kisha could feel the warmth radiating from him, a flicker of reassurance amid the encroaching danger. With perfect tacit understanding, Kisha opened a narrow path among the swirling swords and daggers that surrounded them, creating a clear channel for Duke''s impending attack. Her heart raced as she watched him prepare, knowing the stakes had risen dramatically. "Now!" she urged silently, her thoughts aligning with his in their unspoken understanding. With a swift and deliberate motion, Duke released the fireball toward the shadowy figure. The fireball streaked through the gap she''d created, illuminating the mist as it flew, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. Chapter 394 - 394 Got It Wrong Once the fireball was on its trajectory, Kisha closed the partition of weapons, reestablishing their turtle-like defense in an instant. She felt the pulse of energy around them shift, the air thick with anticipation as they braced for the impact. The fireball collided with the shadowy figure, erupting in a dazzling explosion of light and heat that momentarily pushed back the mist. For a heartbeat, everything was illuminated, revealing the figure''s outline more clearly¡ªa stark contrast to the encroaching shadow of the mist. "Ah!!! FUCK!" "Eh?!" "Eh?!!!" Duke and Kisha''s eyes widened in shock as the fireball illuminated the area, momentarily dispersing the mist and revealing Rose''s face in stark detail. The sudden brightness seemed to catch her off guard, and they watched as the flames engulfed her. With a startled cry, she tumbled to the ground, rolling frantically while unleashing a torrent of curses. "FUCK!!! I thought I was in heaven! Why am I in hell?! FUCK YOU, GOD!" Rose shouted, her voice filled with raw emotion that echoed through the clearing. Kisha and Duke exchanged wide-eyed glances, stunned by the unexpected display of vulnerability from the usually composed leader. It was a stark contrast to the Rose they had known, who often kept her emotions tightly in check. As the leader of her group, she had cultivated an image of strength and poise, commanding respect from her followers. Kisha had rarely seen her let loose like this, aside from the occasional teasing banter. To hear Rose''s unfiltered outrage was both shocking and oddly amusing. "Is she really swearing at God?" Kisha whispered to Duke, struggling to stifle a laugh despite the tension of the moment. Duke chuckled softly but quickly stifled it, realizing the urgency of the situation. They both knew they had made a grave mistake by attacking her without fully assessing the transformation she had undergone. "Water!" Kisha shouted, the heat from the fireball had intensified, and Rose was still on the ground, struggling against the flames licking at her skin. Kisha''s mind raced as she realized they needed to act fast. Before she could even finish her thought, Duke seemed to sense her urgency. Without hesitation, he conjured a few ice spears above Rose''s head, their crystalline forms shimmering ominously in the dim light and flickering fire. The air crackled with energy as he focused, a determined look etched on his face. With a swift motion, he melted the ice spears using his fire ability, releasing a cascade of water that fell like a gentle rain onto Rose. The cool droplets splashed against her, extinguishing the flames that threatened to consume her. "Rose!" Kisha called out, her voice laced with worry as she approached the rolling figure. "Are you okay?!" Duke followed closely, his brow furrowed. "We didn''t mean to hurt you!" he added, as he watched Kisha help Rose up in her feet. As they reached her, Rose finally stopped rolling, propping herself up on her elbows and glaring at them with a mix of irritation and disbelief. "Are you trying to kill me?!" she spat, panting heavily. "What the hell were you thinking?" "I thought I had died and been sent to heaven, only to find myself in hell!" Rose exclaimed, her eyes glistening with a mixture of frustration and relief. She looked up at the two who had almost set her ablaze, her gaze filled with indignation. "You both nearly scared me to death!" "I really thought I was about to meet my maker! Huhuhu!" Rose wailed, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and disbelief. Kisha and Duke exchanged sheepish looks, realizing just how reckless their actions had been, it was clear she was genuinely shaken and rattled by the experience. "We thought you were a threat..." Kisha replied, her voice apologetic. "We didn''t know what you had become..." Kisha quickly stored all the daggers and swords back in her inventory, relieved to see that Rose hadn''t transformed into an evolved zombie. However, Rose''s body was singed and blackened, with only remnants of her long hair left intact. Thankfully, she had already awakened, which meant Duke''s fireball hadn''t burned her flesh too severely. Aside from the pain and a few superficial burns, Rose was mostly unharmed, though she had narrowly escaped being burned alive. After a moment of crying and cursing, Rose paused, realization dawning on her. She glanced around and then looked at herself, focusing on the spot where she had been bitten. The last thing she remembered was losing consciousness after ensuring Sparrow had defeated the evolved zombie that had ambushed them. At that moment, she had genuinely believed she would transform into a zombie and be killed by her own people. She had always told them that if she ever turned, she wanted them to end her life, to prevent her from becoming a monster that preyed on the innocent, just like the very creatures they had fought so hard to defeat. "I¡ªI didn''t turn?" Rose mumbled, her voice trembling as she regained her senses. When she first came to, all she could see was an endless mist, leading her to believe she had truly died and was experiencing some form of afterlife. Overwhelmed with emotion, she had braced herself for the worst. Yet, amidst her fears for the people she had left behind, a sense of reassurance washed over her. She realized they were in the capable hands of trustworthy allies. This understanding allowed her to accept her fate, even as she grappled with the turmoil of her transformation. However, it took Rose some time to come to terms with her emotions. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She remained in the same spot where she regained consciousness, lost in thought for what felt like an eternity. When she finally decided to move, taking a few tentative steps forward, she noticed a flickering flame approaching her. In her dazed state, she assumed she was in heaven, and it felt natural for a fire to come and guide her soul to the afterlife. She recalled the tales of death''s reapers who would collect souls and ferry them across a river to their final destination. To her, this fire seemed no different¡ªan ethereal light ushering her onward. But as the flames rushed toward her at an alarming speed, a sudden surge of alarm jolted her from her reverie. She realized too late that this was no gentle guide; it was a fiery projectile hurtling directly toward her. Startled, she froze, the realization crashing down upon her like a wave. So when the flames struck her, Rose thought she had been cast directly into hell. After all, they said a soul would burn in hell for eternity. How mistaken she had been in her assumptions! The very people she had deemed capable and trustworthy were the same ones who had unwittingly plunged her into this chaos. What baffled her even more was that, despite her ordeal, she felt more alive and stronger than ever before. With a furrowed brow, Rose glanced down at her hands, her heart racing with confusion. Suddenly, her eyes widened as she whipped her head around to where Kisha stood, locking gazes with her. Rose''s lips formed a silent "O" as she struggled to find her voice, her mind swirling with questions. Words eluded her, leaving her at a loss for how to ask about what had transpired after she lost consciousness. She longed to understand the truth of her transformation and the events that had led her to this moment. Chapter 395 - 395 Roses Stats Recognizing that Rose was in a state of confusion, believing she had transformed into a zombie and subsequently killed, Kisha smiled gently at her. She nodded in acknowledgment of Rose''s thoughts before offering her own explanation. "Yes, you didn''t die. In fact, you''ve awakened your abilities after being bitten." Kisha placed her hand on Rose''s shoulder, giving it a reassuring pat before continuing, "You did an amazing job fighting off the virus that invaded your system, turning a dire situation into an opportunity to grow stronger." Rose''s eyes widened at Kisha''s words. Her lips quivered as her eyes reddened, tears threatening to spill. She would be lying if she said she hadn''t been terrified when she realized she''d been bitten, thinking it was the end for her. But something inside her refused to accept such a pathetic fate. She gritted her teeth, determined to fight until the very end. Even after Sparrow defeated the evolved zombie, Rose clung to consciousness, but when she could no longer hold on, she thought she''d lost. Yet, her body and willpower had fought alongside her, refusing to give in. Now, hearing she had awakened an ability, she felt as if the whole ordeal had been a blessing in disguise. A wave of mixed emotions overtook her, and she found herself both laughing and crying at once. She used both hands to wipe away the tears streaming down her face, relentless like waterfalls. Kisha and Duke stood by, giving Rose the space she needed to process everything that had happened. They understood that she had likely been bottling up her fears and a whirlwind of emotions, shoving them deep into her heart as she grappled with the reality of her supposed untimely death. It took Rose quite a while to settle down, and even then, she was still hiccupping. It seemed that her tears had drained her of energy, or perhaps her body was simply exhausted from being in survival mode for so long. As it worked to process the virus and transform it into the spiritual energy now coursing through her, her stomach let out a loud growl that echoed across the entire flower field. Kisha stifled a laugh but quickly reminded herself that she had been in a similar state just moments before. With a small smile, she crossed her legs and sat in front of Rose. She pulled out the food she had shared with Duke earlier from her inventory and prepared a generous portion for her. "Here you go," Kisha said, handing Rose the large bowl along with a bottle of orange juice. Rose smiled gratefully at Kisha, her hunger more intense than she had ever experienced. She felt as if she could devour an entire cow. As Rose eagerly dug into the food, Kisha returned Duke''s meal to him and held her own in her hands. Instead of taking a bite, she watched Rose intently. Lost in her feast, Rose sensed Kisha''s gaze but paid it little mind. It was as if Kisha were staring at her yet somehow not, and Rose dismissed the feeling entirely, focusing solely on satisfying her ravenous appetite. As usual, Kisha was utilizing her gift to check Rose''s status window, wondering if it would finally work or if it would still display an error while concealing all her stats. ... [Rose Brigget] Level 1 (EXP. 0/300) Strength: 45 Stamina: 45 Defense: 45 Agility: 45 Mental Capacity: 45 Charm: 45 Leadership: 45 Title: None Skills: Ice Crystal Level 0, Ice Coffin Level 0 Talent: Strong Defence and Offense Gift: Walking Fortress S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ability: Elemental (Ice, Earth (Evolved to Diamond)) ... As Kisha examined Rose''s status window, her eyebrow arched in surprise at the impressive details it revealed. She found herself torn between envy and happiness; after all, Rose was now one of her own, not an enemy. If she had been, Kisha realized, Rose would have been one of the most formidable opponents she could face, and she wasn''t sure she would emerge unscathed from such a confrontation, despite her own stats having already surpassed Rose''s. It appeared that her elemental ability¡ªEarth¡ªhad evolved into something even more formidable: diamond. While her body was in survival mode, it had unconsciously forged a crystal coffin composed of a unique blend of ice and diamond. This was why Sparrow couldn''t even scratch the surface of the coffin when he attempted to attack it with his wind blade. To think that Sparrow''s wind blade, known for its sharpness and power, hadn''t even grazed the surface of Rose''s defenses only underscored her incredible defense. Given that she also possessed an equally formidable offensive capability, it was clear that when she shifted to attack, her power could be just as devastating. The synergy between her ability and talent made Kisha shudder at the thought of how formidable Rose could become. This realization reminded her of the true strength of the first awakened individuals when given the opportunity to grow. Now, Kisha felt an urgency to step up her game; if Rose could achieve such power, there were undoubtedly others lurking out there, waiting for their chance to emerge. Especially now, as so many events had veered off course due to the butterfly effect¡ªor perhaps everything was simply unfolding differently than in her past lives¡ªshe felt uncertain about what the future might hold. Despite her efforts to alter the fates of many at the base, there could be others who had survived thanks to her initial warnings. It''s possible that many of them had also awakened, and she couldn''t predict whether they would be allies or foes. Therefore, strengthening herself had to become her top priority. She then glanced at Duke, who had been watching her intently. She wasn''t sure how long he had been observing her, but when he caught her gaze, he simply smiled before returning to his meal with evident enthusiasm. Now that she had a solid grasp of Rose''s stats and abilities, and with her determination to develop further firmly in place, she set aside all other thoughts and focused on her meal. Nothing felt more important than satisfying her hunger at that moment. Once the three finished their meal, Kisha took the time to brief Rose on how to effectively harness her spiritual energy. She guided her through the process of channeling that energy within her body, covering all the essential information Rose would need. After their discussion, Kisha handed Rose a bottle of scarlet honey. Although Rose already had one from before, Kisha knew she would need additional supplies now that she had awakened her abilities. Once Kisha finished teaching Rose, she encouraged her to practice on her own and assured her that Marcus would assist her in leaving the territory when she felt ready. With their task complete, Kisha and Duke stepped out of the spatial territory and made their way to their respective positions. Remarkably, only two hours had passed since they had gone missing with Rose. When Duke returned to the southern wall, he instructed Sparrow to go back and rest while he took his position. Upon seeing Duke there, Sparrow realized that Kisha and Duke had already addressed the situation with Rose. Whether she was alive or dead would be revealed later, but he chose not to ask directly. Chapter 396 - 396 Continue Working Now that Kisha and Duke had successfully addressed the issue with Rose and the soldiers and warriors had finally caught some much-needed rest, Kisha remained vigilant for a possible second wave of the zombie raid. She commanded Vulture and the rest of the defense team to continue expanding the territory and clearing the area where the new wall would be built. Meanwhile, she directed Aston and the soldiers to use the crane and forklift to transport the cargo trailers that Sparrow had brought back, initiating the construction of the wall to follow Vulture and his team. While the defense team was hard at work, the offense team took the opportunity to rest. If all went well, Kisha planned to send them out again the following day. Before that, she dispatched a warrior to check on the five STAU members to ensure they were training and using the Scarlet Honey to strengthen their constitutions. This preparation aimed to help them level up, thereby increasing their capacity to store more cargo trailers in their space on their next mission. Despite the exhaustion weighing on both the soldiers and warriors after the recent events, none voiced their complaints. They understood the significance of their efforts and recognized that without thorough preparation, their safety would be at risk. Knowing they could face another attack at any moment, completing their tasks took precedence over resting. A brief respite sufficed; most of them had awakened their abilities, making them far more resilient than ordinary humans, allowing them to bounce back to work swiftly. Kisha didn''t stay at the western wall for long. After surveying the area briefly, she deployed a few hundred scarlet bees to guard the perimeter without needing to move. She instructed the gatekeeper to radio her if they noticed another wave of zombie horde approaching, then secured the radio to her waistband before leaving. Although the soldiers at the western wall felt nervous without Kisha''s formidable presence, they understood she had many responsibilities around the base and couldn''t stay with them. She had reassured them that she would respond quickly if they called for her and had promised that she left a capable protector in place, one who could fend off any horde until her return. With Kisha''s reassurances in mind, the soldiers allowed her to leave, fully committed to their duty of guarding the western wall. They understood the responsibility entrusted to them and remained vigilant, determined not to disappoint her or become negligent in their task. Seeing their determined expressions, Kisha felt reassured about leaving the western wall to join Vulture in constructing the new wall outside. If a sudden zombie raid were to occur while Vulture and the others were outside, they would be extremely vulnerable. With Vulture alone, it would be challenging for him to protect everyone and ensure their safe retreat back inside the wall. Although the decision to send them outside the wall to continue building the new barrier was fraught with danger¡ªespecially with the looming possibility of a second zombie wave¡ªKisha felt her hands were tied. She had no choice but to take this gamble. With only a few days to complete the wall''s construction, every second counted, and they had already squandered nearly the entire day, just now beginning after lunch. Given the time they had already wasted, her presence was more crucial than ever. Not only did she need to stand guard, but she also aimed to assist in stamina and spiritual energy recovery. This would allow them to work continuously until dusk, with the hope of erecting at least a kilometer¡ªor more¡ªof the new wall outside. Without hesitation, Kisha rushed to the site where Vulture and his team were working. Upon her arrival, she found Vulture and his crew clearing the streets of the vehicles that had been left behind. Aston and the other soldiers were still inside the wall, coordinating the transport of cargo trailers. It would have been easier if the five STAU members could assist them, as their help would eliminate the need for large trucks and cranes. However, when Aston learned that the five were currently engaged in closed-door training to prepare for their level-up, they all agreed not to disturb them. Aston devised a transport plan, knowing that even though the journey would be brief, preparation was essential. He wanted to ensure that, in the event of an emergency or a sudden attack, his team wouldn''t succumb to panic and chaos. Although it took some time for Aston and his soldiers to arrive, Kisha didn''t blame them. She understood how Aston operated, and thankfully, the cargo trailers arrived just as the streets were cleared of the scattered cars and vans. Without wasting a moment, Aston and his team sprang into action, utilizing the forklift and crane to position the trailers simultaneously. Their focus on efficiency paid off; within minutes, they successfully secured three cargo trailers and prepared to head back inside for the next batch. As Aston and his team made their way back, Kisha directed Vulture''s team in front of the cargo trailers. "Alright! All earth-type ability users, step forward!" she announced, her calm and composed demeanor commanding attention. Instantly, everyone stood up straighter, and the Earth ability users stepped forward with a sense of urgency. "Now! I want each of you to conjure an earth wall around these cargo trailers, both inside and out. Make it at least 7 to 10 inches thick!" Kisha commanded, gesturing toward the trailers positioned in front of them. The team exchanged anxious glances as they assessed the towering height and substantial thickness required for the task. The challenge of fulfilling Kisha''s request felt daunting, and a sense of apprehension washed over them. Without hesitation, Vulture stepped forward and began the task. He concentrated intently, slowly conjuring the earth wall while focusing on achieving the desired thickness and hardness. Kisha watched him work, a slight smile forming on her lips as she nodded in satisfaction. She knew that Vulture was attuned to her expectations, especially when it came to tasks like this. Everyone paused to watch Vulture for a moment, understanding dawning on them as they observed his technique. Inspired by his example, they soon began to work as well. Fortunately, there were plenty of earth-type ability users among them, and since Kisha had already grouped them separately from the other awakened individuals, they found it easier to collaborate effectively. Thanks to their practice from last night''s attack, they now had better control over their awakened abilities. Almost everyone was able to create the wall Kisha required. While it wasn''t an instant construction and would take some time to fully materialize, it was still significantly faster than manually erecting a wall with cement and hollow blocks as they usually did with many infrastructures. Under Vulture''s leadership, the other earth-type ability users continued to conjure the earth wall, diligently working together. Meanwhile, the rest of the defense team stood guard, ready to fend off any zombies that might emerge from the city. Kisha remained nearby, silently letting her passive skill to help them recover their spiritual strength. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Although their task appeared simple, only they understood the difficulty behind it. Even Vulture had to concentrate intensely to ensure he didn''t compromise the durability of the earth wall. Chapter 397 - 397 Loyal Dog Even though there were only three cargo trailers in place, their length and height would require considerable time to fully cover them with the earth wall. After an hour, Vulture and the others finished covering the three cargo trailers, just in time for Aston and his team to arrive with another three. Their goal was to completely erect all ten cargo trailers that Sparrow''s team had brought back. The reason it took Vulture and his team an hour to complete their task was that they alternated their efforts to fully recover and avoid depleting their spiritual energy, as Kisha had advised. Whenever they felt they were nearing their limit, they would step back, allow the others to take over, and return once they had rested. Kisha''s presence significantly accelerated their recovery, but it still placed a strain on their mental stamina. Nevertheless, they persevered as the sky gradually turned a deep crimson and a cold wind began to blow. Fortunately, Aston''s team returned with hot coffee to keep Vulture''s team warm and alert throughout their work, and they provided towels to help dry their sweat, ensuring that no one would catch a cold¡ªeven if it was unlikely for an awakened ability user to do so. After some time, Vulture''s team became accustomed to their task, working faster and more efficiently. By half past seven in the evening, they had successfully completed all ten cargo trailers, fortifying both the inside and outside. They even managed to erect impressive earth spikes outside the wall, far superior to their efforts from the previous night. Kisha couldn''t help but smile widely at the sight. Watching them take initiative felt akin to seeing her child grow and learn to run after just mastering walking. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Their task became significantly easier thanks to Aston''s preparations. He had set up several large headlights around the work area, ensuring that the warriors could see what they were doing even after sunset, reducing the risk of zombies ambushing them from the shadows. After delivering the last cargo trailer and securing it in place, Aston and his team didn''t leave immediately. To streamline the process, they positioned all the headlights around the trucks and cranes, making it easier to transport them back inside the base once they were done. Once they completed their tasks, everyone hopped onto the trucks for the ride back. "What''s that?" one of the warriors asked, his gaze fixed on something emerging from within the city. As the truck turned around, the headlights now illuminated the road ahead, making it difficult to see what was behind them. Initially dismissing it as a figment of his imagination, he squinted into the darkness. But the more he focused, the clearer the shadow became, revealing a movement and a gleaming eye staring back at him. The warrior shuddered uncontrollably, transfixed by the gleaming eyes staring back at him from the darkness. Despite their terrifying presence, he couldn''t tear his gaze away; the fear held him captive. Those eyes were both bewildering and chilling, and he sensed that if he looked away, whatever lurked in the shadows might leap toward him. He couldn''t shake the thought that this moment would haunt his nightmares for days to come. As soon as someone spoke, the rest turned in fear, instinctively on guard against a potential attack from the shadows. Kisha, with her heightened senses, also heard the hushed warning. When she glanced back, the dim outlines in the darkness became clearer to her, revealing what others struggled to see. She scrunched up her nose and furrowed her brows, squinting into the darkness. A humanoid figure emerged, moving toward them in slow, deliberate steps. Its eyes glimmered ominously in the dim light, creating an unsettling contrast against the shadows. It wasn''t alone; a smaller figure scuttled ahead, walking forward with a steady pace, while the larger figure trailed behind, exuding an air of menace. The sight sent a chill down her spine, and an instinctive sense of danger began to rise within her. With her heightened senses, Kisha could pick up the sound of rapid, labored breathing. It was strange¡ªmore like gasping, as if the creature were parched and struggling for air. The noise was disturbingly familiar. Then, she caught a low, guttural growl, unmistakably that of a zombie. But this one didn''t sound as feral or aggressive as the others. Instead, it had an eerie, subdued quality to it¡ªtamed, but still dripping with menace. Kisha''s breath caught in her throat as a chilling thought crossed her mind. Before anyone could react, she leaped from her spot onto the roof of the truck''s driver side, landing near one of the large headlights. With swift precision, she swung it toward the approaching figures. The sudden beam of light momentarily blinded the other warriors as it swept across their backs, causing them to squint and instinctively adjust their vision. Despite their disorientation, they quickly dropped into defensive stances, though confusion crept in as they realized the figures weren''t attacking¡ªor even making a move. Their questions were soon answered when Kisha focused the light on the figures. Arf! Grrr! At the front was an Alabai dog, nearly as large as Zeus. While Zeus had a bear-like presence, this dog resembled a massive, muscular pit bull. Kisha couldn''t help but feel like its head might be bigger than hers. But that wasn''t the most unsettling part. Behind the dog stood a female zombie, her long, tangled hair covering her face, leaving only her gleaming eyes visible. As it growled, little puffs of steam escaped from its mouth, adding to its eerie presence. The moment the light hit the zombie and the massive dog, the zombie let out a low, warning growl, while the dog immediately shifted into a defensive stance, ready to lunge at anyone who dared to approach. Its posture radiated aggression, as though it was poised to bite off the head of the first person to step forward. The sight of the zombie was unsettling, but what truly took everyone by surprise was the bizarre relationship between the two. The dog wasn''t being led by the zombie¡ªquite the opposite. The leash was tightly wrapped around the zombie''s hand, tethered to the dog''s collar. It was the dog that was dragging the zombie forward, keeping a calculated distance between them, almost as if it was controlling the pace. Kisha and the others were so stunned that no one thought to react immediately. They stood frozen, eyes locked on the aggressive-looking Alabai dog and the zombie trailing behind it. The zombie made repeated attempts to bite at the dog, but each time, the dog skillfully dodged, then barked sharply before glancing back at Kisha and the others. The group''s confusion deepened¡ªwhat did the dog want? Its actions seemed contradictory. On one hand, it appeared to be warning them not to approach, but at the same time, its barking and glances almost seemed to beckon them closer, as if it was trying to communicate something they couldn''t quite understand. ''Does it want us to feed ourselves to its former owner?'' That unsettling thought crossed everyone''s mind as they exchanged uneasy glances. It was the only explanation that made sense in the moment. The dog clearly didn''t want them to approach, perhaps out of a fierce loyalty to its zombified owner. Yet, at the same time, its actions seemed to invite them closer, almost as if it was guiding them to offer themselves as a meal. "What a loyal dog," someone muttered under their breath, a mix of disbelief and dark humor. Chapter 398 - 398 A New Friend Everyone turned to the person who spoke, and before he could react, someone gave him a sharp slap on the back of his head. It was a quick lesson to keep such comments to himself, especially when they were all terrified of the massive dog in front of them¡ªa creature that looked like it could crush skulls with its paws and jaws alone. The dog barked repeatedly, each sharp sound echoing into the eerie silence of the night. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, realizing the danger they were in. The barking would no doubt attract nearby zombies. With the oppressive quiet of the darkened surroundings, the dog''s barking seemed deafening, reaching far and wide. The tension grew, nerves fraying as the possibility of being swarmed felt all too real. "That''s it! We can''t let the dog keep barking like that¡ªit''s going to attract every zombie in the city and trigger another wave!" someone exclaimed, their voice trembling with fear. It was obvious the person had been deeply shaken after enduring the second zombie raid. But before anyone could act, the dog seemed to sense the intent behind the man''s words. Its lips curled back, baring its teeth in a menacing display. A dangerous growl rumbled from its throat, halting any movement from the group. The tension was palpable¡ªno one dared to make the next move. Kisha, on the other hand, was baffled by the dog''s behavior. It wasn''t as if she could fully grasp the animal''s intentions. She watched the dog closely, pondering its actions when an idea struck her. "Bell, can you reach Zeus? Ask him to come to my location," Kisha quickly sent a mind link to Bell, who was currently on surveillance duty nearby, watching over the area. "Just give me a second, Master!" Bell''s cheerful voice echoed inside Kisha''s mind. She waited, her gaze shifting between the dog and the ominous figure it was leading. Moments later, Bell''s voice returned. "Master, wait for Zeus¡ªhe''s on his way." Kisha exhaled slightly, readying herself for whatever was about to unfold. "Alright," Kisha muttered, her eyes shifting back to the dog, then to the zombie. The zombie was clearly one of the regular kind, its focus fixated on the Alabai dog, trying to bite it since the dog was closest. Whenever the zombie attempted to break away and head toward the truck, the dog would quickly grab the leash with its mouth, pulling the zombie back in place before barking sharply to regain its attention. Whenever the zombie heard the dog bark, it would stumble back toward the dog, trying to bite it. However, with its long, tangled hair covering its face, Kisha could barely make out any features of the zombie. Even the Alabai dog looked so filthy that, at first glance, they almost mistook it for a mutant. Its fur was matted with thick, hardened zombie blood, and there were dark red stains around its hind legs. Kisha couldn''t tell if the dog was injured or if the blood belonged to someone¡ªor something¡ªelse. They all stood frozen in place, the warriors and Vulture eager to act, but Kisha held them back. She didn''t fully understand the dog''s behavior, but something inside her urged caution, preventing her from taking action until she was certain of what was bothering her. As they waited for Zeus to arrive, the Alabai''s barking attracted more than a dozen zombies. Knowing that Vulture and the warriors were exhausted, Kisha swiftly controlled a few daggers to eliminate the approaching zombies, while commanding the scarlet bees to collect the crystal cores scattered across the area. Soon after, Zeus came charging like a gust of wind, leaping onto the truck where the other warriors stood. The moment Zeus spotted Kisha, it barked excitedly¡ªits booming barks far louder than the Alabai''s, causing Kisha''s face to darken in frustration. However, she didn''t scold Zeus. Instead, she commanded, "Zeus, can you communicate with the other dog and tell me what it wants?" Zeus responded almost immediately, tail wagging and tongue lolling out as it panted happily, drooling slightly. "Master? Dog? I am dog!" Kisha facepalmed, biting her lower lip in frustration. "No, Zeus. I mean the dog in front of us..." Zeus tilted his head, confused. "Master, dog? No front?" It was clearly referring to the front of the truck where it had just come from. Its massive tail wagged enthusiastically, hitting the floor with loud, dull thuds that sounded like a heavy hammer, causing every warrior in the back to wince. ''Would that tail break my bones if it hit me?'' the warriors silently wondered as they watched it swish dangerously close. Kisha let out a deep, frustrated sigh and pointed behind Zeus. "No, Zeus... that dog. The one behind you." Zeus immediately jumped and spun around quickly, leaning over to get a good look at the dog Kisha had mentioned. His eyes sparkled with excitement upon seeing the other dog. "Play, friend!" Zeus squealed inside Kisha''s head, causing her to blink in surprise, her eyelashes fluttering. "Zeus... can you ask the new dog¡ªyour new friend¡ªwhat it wants?" Kisha repeated, worried that Zeus, distracted by excitement, might have already forgotten her earlier request. "Okay!!!" Zeus replied enthusiastically. Without hesitation, he jumped off the truck and cautiously approached the Alabai. His body language was careful as he sniffed the air, trying to gauge whether the other dog would allow him to come closer. After assessing the situation, Zeus let out a soft, friendly bark and then sat on his hind legs, showing respect and caution, sensing the Alabai''s defensiveness. Arf! Arf! Zeus barked repeatedly, clearly trying to communicate with the other dog. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Alabai continued to bare its teeth at first, but after a few more barks from Zeus, the large dog lowered its head and cautiously sniffed in Zeus''s direction. It then let out a soft whine followed by a bark. "Master! Baby!" Zeus''s frantic voice echoed in Kisha''s mind, causing her to furrow her brows in confusion. Zeus kept repeating the word with growing urgency. Kisha''s eyes widened in disbelief as the realization struck her. Without hesitation, she jumped down from the truck, her heart racing at the implication of Zeus''s words. The Alabai dog growled lowly at Kisha, but Zeus barked in response, calming the other dog''s aggression. While the zombie remained focused on the Alabai, Kisha moved carefully around the creature, her eyes narrowing as she noticed something behind it¡ªa strange bulge forming, with something faintly wiggling beneath. Vulture and the other warriors watched in confusion, unsure of what Kisha was trying to do. A moment later, Vulture''s expression shifted as realization dawned on him, his eyes widening in concern as he turned toward the zombie, sensing the gravity of the situation. Kisha couldn''t get a clear look at what was behind the zombie because it kept shifting, and each time she tried to move closer, the Alabai dog would bark fiercely, its stance protective as though ready to leap at her to defend its territory. But whenever the Alabai became aggressively defensive, Zeus would respond with a friendly bark, trying to calm his new friend down. Zeus seemed to be communicating that Kisha was his master and that there was no need for alarm, signaling to the Alabai that they were there to help. After a few more reassuring barks from Zeus, the Alabai finally relaxed, stopping its growling and allowing Kisha to cautiously approach. Chapter 399 - 399 The Disparity Seeing the Alabai dog calm down, Kisha cautiously approached the zombie from behind. The dog continued to occupy most of the zombie''s attention, skillfully dodging its attacks by jumping from side to side. It was clear that the dog didn''t want to harm its owner, instead, it seemed to be protecting something. Whenever Kisha got too close, the zombie would sense her presence and turn to face her. She hesitated, unsure if she could attack just yet, as she didn''t fully understand the zombie''s condition. Kisha knew she had to be extremely cautious. Kisha quickly jumped back to avoid the zombie''s claw. Instead of a full-on attack, the zombie seemed more defensive, reacting out of hunger rather than pure aggression. From her observations, it was clear that the zombie wasn''t intent on attacking but was driven by desperation. Its behavior felt more passive-aggressive, and Kisha could almost understand its reluctance to fully engage. The alabai lunged forward, yanking the leash to draw the zombie''s attention. The force of the pull caused the zombie to stumble, bringing it face to face with the dog. The alabai, startled by the sudden closeness, hesitated and began to step back. But the zombie''s eyes locked onto the dog, blood-like drool dripping from its mouth. Almost instinctively, the zombie lunged, teeth bared, ready to sink into the dog''s flesh. Everyone was taken aback by the sudden turn of events. Even Kisha felt her heart leap into her throat. No matter how cold and hardened her heart had become, she still had a soft spot for dogs and cats. Before anyone could react, the zombie lunged at the alabai, its mouth gaping wide, ready to strike. Clank! A sharp metallic sound echoed through the air, breaking the tension as everyone''s hearts hung by a thread. Before anyone could fully grasp what had happened, the zombie had already lunged at the alabai. The dog, however, didn''t fight back¡ªit simply whined, frozen in fear. Fortunately, Kisha''s reflexes kicked in. She had long made it a habit to keep a dagger¡ªor two¡ªwithin arm''s reach whenever dealing with zombies, always prepared for the unexpected. That instinct hadn''t failed her before, and now it proved invaluable once again. This time, with Kisha''s swift intervention, the zombie''s jaws clamped down on the sharp edge of the dagger instead of the dog. Its decayed flesh tore against the blade, yet the creature showed no sign of pain, gnashing its teeth as though unaware of the damage. Desperate to reach the alabai, the zombie continued to bite down on the dagger, relentless in its attempt to get through to its target. With quick precision, Kisha intercepted the zombie''s attack, protecting the alabai from its transformed owner. It was painfully clear that the dog, even in the face of danger, didn''t want to harm its master, despite the fact that the person it once knew was no longer there. The dog whined anxiously, trying to move closer, but the zombie lunged again, this time directly at the dog. Kisha''s second dagger deflected the attack, but she hesitated¡ªshe didn''t want to kill the zombie, uncertain of its current condition. Her second strike merely deflected the zombie''s advance, accidentally slicing a portion of its long, tangled hair that had been concealing much of its face. "Uwah!" "Uwah!" A baby''s wail pierced through the night, louder than the growls of the surrounding zombies. The sound was unmistakable, and it echoed so clearly that everyone stopped in their tracks, their attention snapping to the source of the crying. Even the alabai''s ears perked up in response, but instead of barking at the unknown source, it directed its defensive barks at its former owner, as if instinctively knowing something was wrong. The zombie that had once been the alabai''s owner frantically searched for the source of the crying, its growls growing louder and more frantic. Its eyes, filled with an instinctive hunger, darted around as it locked onto what it perceived as its next target. The creature spun in circles, causing the alabai to bark anxiously in response. Then, Kisha realized the truth: the dog''s concern wasn''t for the zombie itself but for the baby it was carrying on its back, obscured by its long, matted hair. The wailing that had set the alabai on edge was coming from the very child the zombie now carried on its back. Kisha couldn''t determine whether the zombie''s hair had been arranged that way before the alabai''s owner completely transformed or if it had become tangled and disheveled during the chaotic ordeal they had both endured. Either way, the long strands now served to obscure the baby hidden on the zombie''s back, while the alabai dog acted as their guide, navigating through the chaos in search of other human settlements or survivors. With this newfound understanding, Kisha acted swiftly, skillfully guiding her dagger to sever the zombie''s head. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the lifeless body began to topple, she deftly supported it, ensuring the baby strapped to its back wouldn''t be crushed. To her shock, nestled within a baby carrier was indeed an infant; the moment Kisha''s dagger sliced through the zombie''s hair, the sudden movement startled the baby, causing its pacifier to fall to the ground and eliciting a wail of distress. It became clear that the alabai dog wasn''t concerned for its owner but for the baby strapped to its back. Though it had been defensive toward the other survivors, its true intention was to seek their help in ensuring the baby''s safety. It was likely the last command given by the dog''s owner before her complete transformation into a zombie. Kisha felt a sting in her eyes as she grasped the depth of a mother''s love, capable of transcending even life and death. The faith the mother had in her loyal companion to seek help for her child when she could no longer protect him tugged at Kisha''s heart. In a final act of devotion, the owner had tied her own hands with the dog''s leash, ensuring that her beloved pet would fulfill her last wish to find someone to save her baby. Kisha''s heart trembled at this realization as she gazed at the baby. It was a profound expression of motherly love¡ªsomething she had never truly experienced in her own life. Even though the Aldens had adopted her and treated her as one of their own, she always felt the subtle divide, knowing they were not her biological family. This understanding had become a painful ache in her heart, leaving her to wonder why her mother had chosen to abandon her and why she had never been wanted. The stark contrast between the motherly love she witnessed now and the affection she had never experienced in her own life was overwhelming. Without even realizing it, her eyes began to glaze over, and tears threatened to spill as they turned red with emotion. Only Zeus''s worried bark snapped her back to reality, pushing aside the unnecessary feelings that had crept into her mind and heart. With renewed focus, she gently reached to lift the baby from the carrier while using her other dagger to fend off the surrounding zombies that had been drawn in by the commotion and the dog''s frantic barking. Chapter 400 - 400 One Track Mind Vulture leaped out from the back of the truck and made his way toward Kisha. He swiftly cut the leash binding the alabai, sensing that the dog was intelligent enough to remain calm and not run off in a panic. The moment the alabai saw its owner being killed, it let out a mournful whine, a sound filled with sorrow and resignation. It seemed to understand that the person it once loved was gone, replaced by the monstrous form that now lay lifeless on the ground. The dog''s eyes reflected a profound sadness, but there was also a flicker of acceptance as it recognized that its former owner was no longer the same. However, when the alabai witnessed Kisha rescuing the baby, a spark of hope ignited within it. Without hesitation, the dog followed Kisha closely, moving quietly beside her this time, displaying an unusual calmness that indicated its trust. Vulture, meanwhile, approached the zombie''s body and carefully removed the baby carrier. He figured it might serve a purpose in the future, perhaps as a means to safely transport the baby when necessary. It only needed a thorough washing and cleaning to restore it to a usable state. As Kisha and Vulture regrouped, the alabai stayed close to them, casting glances back at the lifeless form of its former owner. It had shifted its loyalty, understanding that the survival of the baby was now its priority and it was now the only protector of the baby. As Kisha''s daggers whirled through the air, expertly killing the few remaining zombies¡ªno more than a handful, their numbers reduced to a single digit ¡ªshe felt a sense of urgency pulse through her. Once she had eliminated the last of the threats, she swiftly returned to the truck. Each warrior wore a somber expression, the weight of recent events heavy on their shoulders. The realization of what they had just witnessed lingered in the air like a thick fog, and it became clear that the incident had struck a chord with everyone. They had all seen the tragic remnants of a once-loving mother, her instincts transcending death itself, and it stirred deep emotions within them. Thoughts of their own families began to surface, evoking memories of sacrifices made in the name of love and protection. The image of the alabai, loyal to its owner even in her transformed state, mirrored their own struggles. It reminded them of the bonds they shared with their loved ones and the lengths they would go to keep them safe. Kisha could see it in their eyes¡ªthe pain of loss, the fear of what lay ahead, and the hope that somehow, they could forge new connections in this shattered world. They were united not just by survival but by the shared understanding that love, in all its forms, was worth fighting for, even against insurmountable odds. As the truck rumbled to life and they prepared to head back to the safety of their base, Kisha felt she needed to give each one of them space to also process their conflicting feelings because of the stirring emotions evoked by what they had witnessed. As the truck rolled through the imposing gates, the soldiers and gatekeepers on duty couldn''t help but notice the large alabai dog standing closely behind Kisha. Its presence was a striking addition to their ragtag group, and Zeus, her loyal companion, radiated joy at the sight of a new friend. His tail wagged furiously, a clear indication that he was more than happy to welcome this unexpected addition. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Earlier, Zeus had been a bundle of nerves, sensing Kisha''s mood sink like a stone into the depths of despair. His worried barks had echoed through the tense atmosphere, each bark a plea for her to shake off the heaviness that seemed to envelop her. But now, in this moment of newfound companionship, it appeared as though he had completely forgotten his earlier concerns. The worry lines on his furry face faded, replaced by unbridled excitement at having another dog to play with. Kisha couldn''t help but shake her head in defeat, a small smile breaking through her earlier seriousness. It was a bittersweet reminder of the simple joys that could still be found amidst the chaos of their world. Zeus''s instinct to worry and protect had been well-founded, yet his ability to switch gears and embrace happiness so quickly was a testament to the resilience of animals¡ªand, perhaps, a lesson for her as well. ''I guess it''s a blessing to have a one-track mind, easy to forgive and forget, just like a dog,'' Kisha mused quietly to herself, the thought bringing a small smile to her lips. Inside the base, the atmosphere was charged with tension as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the compound. Guards stood at their posts, their eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of a zombie raid, still haunted by the events of the previous night. Every rustle of leaves and distant echo felt amplified in the stillness, a constant reminder of the dangers lurking just outside their walls. But when Kisha and the other warriors finally returned, weary yet intact, an obvious wave of relief swept through everyone. The tense lines etched on their faces began to soften, shoulders that had been wound tight with anxiety relaxed ever so slightly. Though their vigilance remained, the sight of Kisha, Zeus, and the alabai dog brought a sense of calm to the uneasy crowd. The playful camaraderie between the dogs was infectious, easing some of the fear that had gripped the base. Laughter bubbled up, breaking the silence as a few soldiers exchanged glances, grateful to see their friends return safe and sound. Especially when they witnessed Zeus playfully lunging at the alabai, who stood like a stoic soldier being pestered by an overenthusiastic child, the sight sent ripples of laughter through the group. The stark contrast between the two dogs¡ªone exuberant and spirited, the other composed and unyielding¡ªmade the moment all the more amusing. Kisha noted how the atmosphere had shifted; the fear was still there, but it was now accompanied by a glimmer of ease. However, after a careful inspection, they noticed Kisha cradling a small bundle in her arms. Only Evelyn, who had come with her husband to stroll around the base for some quality time together, seemed to recognize the significance of the small bundle. Evelyn had just returned from a perilous mission outside the base, and while her husband knew she was much stronger than he was, the lingering fear of losing her still gripped his heart, that''s why he wanted to spend more time with her. As they spotted Kisha returning, both of them instinctively stepped closer to observe her from a distance. However, it was Evelyn who first noticed the bundle cradled in Kisha''s arms. Her curiosity piqued, she tugged on her husband''s sleeve, urging him to move in closer. It was only then that she realized the bundle contained an infant, just a few months old. As a mother herself, Evelyn felt her heartstrings tugged violently. She realized that Kisha must have rescued the infant from outside, and it was painfully clear that the baby''s mother was no longer alive. Having recently lost her own daughter, Evelyn felt an intense connection to this child. It was as if she had found a vessel for the motherly love she still carried in her heart¡ªlove that had nowhere to go since her daughter''s passing, causing her deep distress. Chapter 401 - 401 Adopt The Child Evelyn stared at the bundle in Kisha''s arms with an unwavering gaze. Kisha noticed the intensity of Evelyn''s attention and turned to meet her eyes, only to find them rimmed in red. She sensed the odd behavior emanating from Evelyn and the weight of her gaze upon the child. It didn''t take long for Kisha to draw a conclusion. In the chaos of the apocalyptic era, such things were all too common, and it was no surprise to hear someone say they had lost a loved one, especially a child. Kisha deduced that Evelyn and her husband might have faced a similar fate, and the sight of a motherless infant stirred emotions in Evelyn that Kisha couldn''t fully grasp. Having never been a mother herself, and having lacked the experience of maternal love, she couldn''t fully comprehend the stages of feelings Evelyn was going through right now. Moreover, with her numerous responsibilities, she felt she didn''t have the time or capacity to care for a child, which created a sense of detachment from the infant she was currently holding. Kisha watched as Evelyn stepped forward from the crowd, her breathing heavy and her eyes fixed on the infant in Kisha''s arms. Her husband, initially surprised by her sudden movement, soon felt his own eyes redden as he fought back tears. He followed closely behind as Evelyn made her way toward Kisha, who had paused and stood waiting for her to approach. When Kisha and Evelyn finally stood face to face, Evelyn suddenly realized she had been so focused on the child that she hadn''t noticed how quickly she''d approached Kisha. Worried she might have come across as rude in front of their city lord, she hesitated. But Kisha didn''t seem bothered and instead asked, "Do you want to adopt this child?" Her question was blunt and to the point, without any pretense. Everyone around them paused, their attention now fixed on the three individuals discussing the custody of the infant, almost as casually as if they were talking about a stray puppy Kisha had found on the road. In this new world, they no longer had to worry about the legalities or complications that would have mattered before. Now, everything could be resolved with simple words alone. With Kisha and everyone in the villa already busy, adding an infant to their family would be inconvenient at this point. That''s why she was also doing her best to avoid getting pregnant during this time. Besides, she didn''t feel the need to explain herself to anyone; her busy schedule and countless responsibilities were obvious to everyone. While the thought of having her own child had crossed her mind, now wasn''t the right time. However, this moment gave her a clearer vision of the future she wanted to build with the people she cherished. For the first time in a long while, she felt optimistic about the family she wanted to build with Duke. Just thinking of him and their future together brought a natural smile to her lips, and her eyes softened in front of everyone. The crowd silently gasped, witnessing the usually cold and indifferent Kisha displaying a rare, genuine smile that revealed the gentle and pure side of her that had long been hidden. With a smile, Kisha gestured for Evelyn to take the child. Evelyn hesitated for only a moment before quickly reaching out, as if afraid Kisha might change her mind. The instant she cradled the child in her arms, she burst into tears of joy, and everyone''s heart ached for her. It was clear that the loss of her own child had left a deep, gaping hole in her heart, but in this moment, she found a new reason to keep fighting¡ªnot just for her husband and herself, but for this child as well. After Evelyn took the baby from Kisha, the Alabai dog followed the child, settling by Evelyn''s side. "You can come to my villa tomorrow to pick up some baby powder and other necessities," Kisha said before turning away and walking forward. She didn''t want to see Evelyn''s expression, the one that clearly said, "Are you preparing for a baby with your husband?"¡ªcomplete with exaggerated wide eyes and a gaping mouth. In fact, she had already caught a glimpse of it but didn''t want to linger any longer. The situation just felt too awkward. Instead of going home to rest and prepare for the night watch, she headed to the medical facility to assess the ongoing influx of sick individuals on the verge of awakening. She wanted to gauge the potential firepower she could expect from the awakened superhumans and determine how many would be non-combatants. As a result, checking in on the medical facility had become a regular habit for her. When she arrived at the medical facility, she found that there were still individuals being isolated, but the situation had improved significantly. Unlike the initial chaos, when patients were overflowing into the hallways, the facility now appeared much more organized. With fewer patients present, Kisha presumed that things were calming down. Those who were still falling ill were likely remnants of the first wave of awakened, and she anticipated that there would be a brief respite before the second wave emerged. This also meant that the medical staff would have a chance to rest. If the situation continued as it had been, they would be the first to fall ill from overworking. However, she also noticed that the medical staff on standby was significantly fewer than she remembered. Even though the number of patients wasn''t as high as during the initial surge, the remaining staff was still overwhelmed with work due to a lack of hands to help. "City Lord, are you looking for the head doctor?" one of the nurses approached Kisha, noticing her scanning the area as if searching for someone. With no one else available to provide information, she stepped forward to help. "Is he out or resting?" Kisha asked directly, eager to learn how many more people had awakened and how many had turned into zombies. "Um¡­" The nurse hesitated for a moment, and that was enough for Kisha to frown and glance around. "Don''t tell me he''s fallen sick too?" Kisha asked, skepticism lacing her voice as her brows raised in question. The nurse didn''t respond verbally but nodded in acknowledgment. Kisha''s frown deepened. She regarded the head doctor as highly competent, and if he had turned, the medical facility would need to appoint another leader, resulting in yet more changes. This transition would undoubtedly impact the facility''s progress. "Could you please prepare the statistics on the awakened ability users compared to those who have transformed into zombies? I also need a report on how many people have been sent to the facility every day, broken down into intervals of four hours." "Additionally, I''d like to know the average number of awakened ability users and the average number of patients coming and going. This information will help us determine whether we need to prioritize expanding the medical facility to accommodate the second wave," Kisha explained in detail as she walked deeper into the medical facility. "S-second wave?!" the nurse exclaimed, nearly shouting at the top of her lungs. Kisha flinched at the nurse''s high-pitched voice before responding. "Even during a pandemic, there''s always a second wave and beyond, even with mutant viruses. So how can you not expect a second wave of awakenings alongside those who might turn?" "Do you really think that once most have awakened, there''s no chance for others to follow suit?" Kisha asked, hoping to prompt the nurse to think critically. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 402 - 402 Eric Gilberts Now that Kisha had mentioned it, the nurse began to understand and consider the possibility. Given Kisha''s track record of accurately discerning who would successfully awaken and who wouldn''t, the medical staff had come to treat her words as gospel. If Kisha believed there would be a second wave, then there undoubtedly would be. The nurse nodded, her eyes filled with determination to ensure she completed the task Kisha had assigned to her. Before she left to complete her task, the nurse informed Kisha of the head doctor''s isolation room. Kisha wanted to check on him herself to assess his chances of awakening. She needed to prepare for the worst-case scenario by assigning someone to take over his duties if necessary. Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, she aimed to act proactively; otherwise, the operation of the medical facility could become crippled and chaotic without a leader. Before long, she arrived at the isolation room where the head doctor was being kept. A soldier stood guard at the door, while a nurse frequently checked on his condition. When the soldier saw Kisha approaching, he saluted and opened the door for her. Kisha nodded in acknowledgment of his courtesy before stepping inside. Once inside, she wasted no time and immediately focused on his status window to assess his condition. When Kisha first examined his status window, she frowned. The head doctor''s stats were all at the baseline level of 5, indicating he was no different from an ordinary human. This concerned her, as even those who had failed to awaken typically had base stats of 6 or 7 in some attributes. With only 5, he seemed too weak to withstand the relentless assault of the virus on his body. Kisha let out a sigh of defeat, feeling a wave of disappointment wash over her. However, just before she looked away, something caught her eye. ... [Eric Gilberts] Level 0 (EXP. 0/100) Strength: 5 Stamina: 5 Defense: 5 Agility: 5 Mental Capacity: 18 Charm: 5 Leadership: 5 Title: None Skills: S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Talent: Strong Healing Gift: Medical Territory Ability: None ... When she saw Eric''s Talent and Gift, she felt an overwhelming urge to burst into triumphant laughter. ''At last! A healer!'' Kisha nearly screamed in her mind as she stared at those two words on Eric''s status window. Despite his frail condition, he still held potential. With this potential, he could overcome the virus and awaken his ability. Moreover, it appeared that his ability was related to mass healing rather than just individual treatment, which seemed incredibly overpowered. If Kisha''s speculation was correct, Eric could become their very own walking hospital. With a healer in her ranks, Kisha wouldn''t need to purchase as many vials of blue liquid from her system''s mall, allowing her to conserve her system points for better items from the system''s mall. More importantly, she felt relieved at the prospect of not having to maintain a large stock of potions. Now, she could focus on keeping just enough for those heading out on missions, rather than stockpiling them for everyone. More importantly, with Eric safe and sound, he would awaken his ability, eliminating the need for Kisha to search for a replacement. This meant less work for her. Plus, since he would be fine, she wouldn''t have to repeat the lengthy explanation about the awakening process and the differences between awakened individuals, humans, and asymptomatic cases, which would have taken up even more time and effort. Kisha let out another sigh of relief before heading out of the room. As she stepped outside, she was surprised to find some nurses and the last remaining doctor waiting for her. They didn''t say a word; instead, their anxious gazes clearly conveyed their desire to know Eric''s chances of survival. Understanding that they all regarded each other as comrades in arms after facing life-and-death situations together and sharing the same field of expertise, Kisha recognized their concern for one another. She smiled and nodded, subtly reassuring them that they needn''t worry about Eric; he would be fine. After seeing Kisha''s reassuring nod, the nurse and doctor cheered with happiness. However, they also asked her for a favor: to check on the other medical staff who had fallen ill. This way, they could prepare themselves emotionally in case someone didn''t make it. As they had feared, Kisha found that at least four individuals were in a possibility to turn into a zombie, leaving her uncertain about their chances of survival. Out of the group, only five were likely to awaken an ability, most of which were support types. None, however, had the healing ability that Eric possessed. ''What did I even expect? Healing abilities aren''t as common as cabbages in the market,'' Kisha reminded herself, tempering her high expectations just because she had found one healer in her base. Healing abilities were as rare as lightning and mental-type abilities, if not rarer, with the probability believed to be one in a million. Kisha realized that Eric might very well be the only healer in their entire country. After assisting at the medical facility for a while, helping to organize those with a better chance of awakening from those who didn''t, Kisha realized she had already spent a lot of time there. However, something still nagged at her, preventing her from heading home. Deciding to take care of it, she sought out Aston, who was responsible for all the soldiers and warriors in the base, to ask for the list of newly awakened individuals. She couldn''t wait until tomorrow, feeling restless¡ªperhaps due to the recent zombie raid, or maybe it had something to do with the baby and the Alabai dog¡ªbut an unsettling sense of urgency had taken hold of her. Whenever she had too much on her mind, she became restless and couldn''t sit still. If she did, she knew she''d spiral into overthinking, which never led to anything productive¡ªonly mental exhaustion and it would only mess with her head. To avoid this, she preferred to keep herself occupied with important tasks, like organizing the base''s defense, offense, and other essential responsibilities. Staying busy was her way of keeping her thoughts in check. She needed to assess the base''s firepower, especially since their defenses were still lacking. For now, they would have to rely on sheer firepower to hold their ground. To do that effectively, both she and the base needed to recruit as many offensive-ability users as possible. Now that they had established an awakened ability registration process, it became easier to sort and categorize people based on their abilities and group them accordingly. It took Kisha another half hour to scan through the list of a hundred newly awakened ability users, including those who had just awakened and participated in the night raid. Kisha''s hand paused mid-turn, her eyes fixed on a particular page listing another newly awakened ability user. She tilted her head slightly, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk as she pondered, lost in thought. "Aston, assign this person to handle the ability user registrations," Kisha said, handing over the profile. Aston hesitated, struggling to respond, so Kisha pressed on. "This person can accurately identify the abilities each individual has after awakening. They''re perfect for this role." Chapter 403 - 403 What I Did Is For You Aston glanced at it, then raised an eyebrow. "But... according to this, he''s only slightly stronger than an average human. Pretty much useless in most areas," he replied, trying to soften his words, but ultimately deciding to be blunt for clarity. But Kisha only chuckled, so Aston felt like she was not taking what he said seriously and thought that he wasn''t blunt enough, but then Kisha said. "He wasn''t useless, it was because he just didn''t know how to control his awakened ability just yet, so it really seems like he was useless." Kisha recalled that this individual was someone she had been eagerly anticipating to awaken, recognizing their immense potential. At this moment, she desperately needed more skilled talents with diverse awakened abilities to fill crucial positions, and this person was among them. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He possessed a gift akin to her "Eye of Truth," which was a detection-type ability. This meant that no one could deceive him regarding their awakened abilities, as he could discern them through touch rather than sight, unlike her. Once he made contact with someone, he could feel the flow of their spiritual energy, allowing him to identify the nature of their abilities and even gauge the strength of the awakened individual based on the energy''s flow. The only downside to his ability was that he needed to make physical contact with his target to gather the information he sought, and it certainly didn''t work on normal humans. This limitation might be why some regarded him as useless. However, if Kisha''s assumptions about the first wave of awakeners were accurate, then none of them could be deemed useless. They represented humanity''s hope for survival, implying not only that they were strong but also that their abilities were diverse and could be invaluable in numerous ways. The awakening of these individuals only reinforced her assumptions. Once again, she felt a surge of happiness knowing that she had successfully saved so many survivors from City B''s base from the clutches of the Coltons and the former Minister of Defense. After listening to Kisha''s explanation, Aston took a moment to reflect and realized that she was always spot-on about these matters. Nodding in agreement, he made a note of her instructions and prepared to explain the individual''s abilities as Kisha had described. Once he finished jotting down the details, Kisha began to sort the awakened individuals into categories: defensive and offensive types, as well as support types. Kisha also noticed several support-type individuals with valuable craftsmanship abilities, including cooks, blacksmiths, farmers like Marcus, and many others who could contribute significantly to the base. She nodded in satisfaction as she observed their potential. Kisha entrusted Aston with the task of assigning these support types to various departments where they could be most beneficial¡ªsuch as placing the cooks in the cafeteria he was establishing, the seamstress with Mrs. Winters, and the blacksmiths under Mr. Winters'' supervision. Kisha felt a surge of excitement about the potential of these support-type individuals and their crafts. In her previous lives, support types that weren''t space-related, healers, or capable of boosting stats were often deemed useless. As a result, they were frequently abandoned, left to fend for themselves or perish in harsh conditions. Because of this, Kisha had little experience with support types and their true capabilities, making her eager to discover what they could achieve in this new environment. Kisha was brimming with excitement at the prospect of discovering the capabilities of these support-type individuals. As she pondered this topic, a thought crossed her mind: ''Could the cook potentially create dishes that boosted stats, just as I had done earlier?'' If that were possible, it would be an incredible advantage, and she couldn''t wait to explore the possibilities. After Kisha finished organizing everything with Aston, it was already midnight. By the time she got home, Duke was waiting for her in the living room, along with everyone else. She paused for a moment at the doorway, her eyes scanning the room. Each of them wore a worried expression, clearly anxious about her. "Dear, aren''t you working too hard? Have you eaten?" Before anyone else could approach, Mrs. Winters hurried over to Kisha, her face etched with concern. She looked like a mother fretting over her daughter, heart aching at the thought of Kisha pushing herself so hard without even knowing if she had eaten. After a moment of surprise, Kisha finally found her voice and smiled warmly at Mrs. Winters. "I''m alright, but it''s true¡ªI am feeling hungry." "Well, you''re in luck! Duke made a hearty meal just for you. Come on, let''s eat. Wash your hands and join us at the table." Mrs. Winters gently pulled Kisha toward the kitchen. As if on cue, everyone else stood up from the living room, bustling about to bring out the dishes Duke had prepared, all of them eager to make sure Kisha was well-fed and taken care of. Duke never felt the need to boast about what he had done to earn Kisha''s favor. For him, the important thing was easing the burdens on her shoulders. He knew it was his mistake to put her in the position of City Lord, where all the pressure and responsibilities fell on her. His original plan was for Kisha to be a figurehead while he, as Vice City Lord, handled everything behind the scenes. He wanted Kisha to bask in the glory and honor of the position, to be admired and loved by the people once he had quietly finished the hard work behind the scenes. He had only wanted Kisha to hold the highest position, to be treated as the jewel of the base. But how wrong he had been¡ªhe should have known Kisha wasn''t the kind of woman who would sit still and let herself be protected. Now, realizing his mistake, he was determined to make amends by doing everything in his power to support her. Without informing Kisha, he had already organized the men on the wall into a defensive formation he deemed best. He continued their training as usual, while others stood guard and assisted those struggling with managing their energy flow. Although his efforts seemed minor compared to what Kisha was handling, they were vital in the long run and equally beneficial. He also began analyzing others'' abilities to help them gain a better understanding of their powers and use them more effectively. He was dedicating all his efforts to support the base, ensuring that no one became overly dependent on Kisha. Everyone appreciated the hard work of both Kisha and himself; they recognized that both the City Lord and Vice City Lord had their own approaches to handling challenges. Ultimately, they understood that both were driven by a shared goal: to do what they believed was best for the people they loved and wished to protect. Everyone in the base could see clearly that their two leaders were working tirelessly for one another. This realization deepened their admiration, as they witnessed the sacrifices each made day by day. After Kisha finished washing her hands, Mrs. Winters stepped aside to let Duke serve his wife, knowing it brought him joy. Seeing her return so late make his heart ache, so he wanted to do everything he could to make her feel cared for. Chapter 404 - 404 Help Her Sleep Better The family gathered around the table, enjoying a meal together. They intentionally steered clear of work-related topics, choosing instead to share random anecdotes and experiences that brought laughter. Their lighthearted conversation was filled with stories and jokes, resulting in a warm atmosphere filled with genuine laughter. Kisha found herself laughing along with everyone, the tension of the day melting away as she relaxed in their company. She savored the delicious meal Duke had prepared, unable to resist going back for seconds. Duke, delighted to see her enjoy his cooking, eagerly added more to her plate and playfully fed her, his heart swelling with happiness as he watched her relish each bite. Once Duke finished organizing the defenses along the wall, he realized it was already so late at night, that he arrived just half an hour before Kisha came home. Concern for the young couple hung in the air, among everyone in the villa. When Duke finally arrived, he found that no one had touched their dinner; they couldn''t bring themselves to eat, knowing that both he and Kisha were tirelessly working to protect the base with every ounce of their strength, often neglecting their own needs. When Duke arrived, he didn''t allow himself to sink into the couch and wait for Kisha. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead, after downing a quick glass of water, he headed straight to the kitchen, determined to prepare a warm dinner for his wife. Even though Duke wasn''t familiar with how to cook the other dishes he envisioned, he felt fortunate to have his mother by his side, ready to guide him without the need for online tutorials. However, he insisted that she only provide instructions, determined to learn the techniques himself. Eager to master the skills she taught him, he embraced the opportunity to cook beside her while she instructed. Watching Kisha savor the meal, her eyes turning into slits of delight, filled Duke with a sense of fulfillment. He felt that all his efforts were worth it and wished for these moments of happiness and tranquility to last. However, he was acutely aware that they were still in the early stages of building the base, and there was so much left to accomplish. They had a long way to go before they could fully enjoy each other''s company without the weight of responsibility looming over them. After dinner, Marcus and the children seized the opportunity to clean the table and wash the dishes. Meanwhile, the others retreated to their rooms, eager to rest after a long day of busying themselves with their respective departments and the monumental task of building everything from the ground up. When Kisha and Duke entered their room, Duke gently sat Kisha on the bed, helped her remove her shoes, and then guided her to lie down on her stomach. He began massaging her shoulders, back, arms, and legs, and Kisha felt a wave of relaxation wash over her. She could tell that he was carefully controlling his strength, aiming to make her comfortable so she could have a restful night. They were both on edge, anticipating a potential second wave of the zombie raid, which had kept them tense throughout the day. Now that they hadn''t seen any signs of a second wave, they finally breathed a sigh of relief for a moment. However, they remained on high alert, knowing that an attack could occur in the middle of the night, just like the previous night. At this hour, though, Duke wanted Kisha to take a moment to rest; she had been working tirelessly throughout the day. "Wifey, does this feel good?" Duke asked, his expression serious as he awaited Kisha''s response. He pressed his thumb into her shoulder, moving in a circular motion before applying pressure and rubbing upward. Kisha couldn''t help but moan in delight, her eyes closed in bliss. "Hmmm." Kisha couldn''t even muster the energy to respond, her body slowly succumbing to sleep. Duke understood her silence. He considered taking her into her territory space for an uninterrupted rest, where she could sleep as long as she needed. However, he knew that nighttime sleep was more restorative. Although the territory space doesn''t affect the outside flow of time, allowing for extended hours of rest, the quality of sleep was simply different because it was always bright out there. Seeing Kisha drift off to sleep brought a smile to Duke''s face. He continued to massage her, ensuring she wouldn''t experience any muscle pain later when she woke up. Once he finished, he gently helped her change into a fresh set of clothes. Remarkably, Kisha¡ªwho was typically vigilant and sensitive even in her sleep¡ªremained undisturbed as Duke carefully wiped her body with a warm, damp towel. The more Duke attended to her, the more comfortable Kisha felt, and he recognized just how exhausted she was. With a doting smile, he continued his care, ensuring she was settled for the night. Once he finished, Duke took a quick shower and lay down beside her, gently scooping her into his arms as they both drifted off to sleep. Fortunately, there were no sudden attacks in the middle of the night this time, allowing both Kisha and Duke to sleep peacefully. This reprieve also gave the soldiers and warriors a chance to relax and rest for the remainder of the night. When morning arrived, Sparrow and his team didn''t wait for Kisha to send them off; they had already gathered and set out to continue their mission to retrieve more cargo trailers. With newfound experience under their belts, everyone on his team performed better than during their first outing, making their journey smoother. Sparrow no longer needed to guide them through every challenge, as they began to take initiative and tackle tasks independently, making his job significantly easier. Vulture also didn''t wait for Kisha; as soon as he woke up before dawn, he gathered his team and continued clearing the area for the new wall, proceeding without Kisha and Aston. With no more cargo to manage, their tasks became easier and more straightforward. Aston also didn''t waste any time. After waking up early in the morning, he immediately set about implementing the plans he and Kisha had discussed the previous night. He assigned the support individuals to their respective departments, ensuring they were ready to begin their work today. Additionally, he summoned the detection ability user and shared everything he recalled from Kisha''s explanation about his power, initiating a training regimen based on her instructions. Initially, the man was skeptical, unsure whether Aston was merely offering false hope. Having been labeled as "useless" and considered only slightly stronger than an average human, he found Aston''s claims hard to believe. When Aston insisted that he was far more useful than he realized and that his ability was unique¡ªrequiring specific conditions to function¡ªit felt completely unexpected. However, when he attempted to demonstrate his ability on Aston, he sensed nothing. Aston reassured him that it wouldn''t work on normal humans, so he then called in several awakened individuals with various abilities for further testing. Fortunately, since they were sending the support types to different departments, Aston had the man test his ability on them instead. It was only then that the man began to believe Aston''s words, as he truly could feel the flow of their abilities. Chapter 405 - 405 The Sewer Is Flooded The man could sense the elements coursing through their veins and gauge the strength of their abilities based on the intensity of the energy flowing within them. However, unlike Kisha, he didn''t see any panels in front of him. Instead, the information he needed appeared in his mind, similar to what Kisha sees in her status window. At that moment, the man was astonished by his own ability, his mouth forming a perfect ''O'' that could fit a duck''s egg. He didn''t care how he appeared; all that mattered was the joy of realizing he wasn''t useless after all. "Alright, now that you''ve confirmed your ability and its applications, you will be responsible for registering the awakened ability users. Ensure that the information they provide is accurate." "This assessment will apply to newly awakened individuals, and moving forward, you''ll manage the registration of new survivors. This way, we can identify who to keep an eye on and ensure our base is secure, not only from the zombies but also from potential threats within our ranks," Aston explained, his expression a mix of surprise and determination. Although he wasn''t as quick-witted as Sparrow, the betrayals he had experienced¡ªalong with countless others¡ªhad shifted his perspective. Now, he was determined to safeguard what he had within this base, including all the hard work Kisha and the others had invested in building it. Initially overwhelmed by the weight of the responsibility entrusted to him, the man felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. This newfound role signified not only trust from others but also recognition from their City Lord¡ªsomething that meant the world to him. If Kisha hadn''t recognized the true potential of his ability, he would have faded into obscurity, stuck in a corner of the base doing menial tasks and feeling useless. Watching other awakened ability users strive to make a difference would have only deepened his sense of inadequacy. In many ways, Kisha had given him a renewed sense of purpose and a reason to take pride in himself, steering him away from a miserable existence. With a determined nod, he accepted the responsibilities laid out for him before heading to the medical facility to assist in identifying the abilities of the newly awakened. Once Aston finished his tasks, he planned to conduct a morning inspection around the base. "M-Minister! Minister!" A soldier came sprinting in from outside just as Aston was about to step out. Aston recognized one of his trusted soldiers, who appeared visibly rattled and concerned. He attempted to speak, but his heavy panting made it difficult for him to form words. Aston stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on the soldier''s shoulder. "Take a deep breath. Once you''ve calmed down, we can talk." "B-but!" the soldier stammered. "Breathe," Aston urged, gently guiding him to sit down. He refrained from asking questions until he saw the soldier making a genuine effort to steady his breathing. Once the soldier appeared calm, Aston finally spoke. "What''s going on? Is there another zombie raid?" "N-no." The soldier''s denial eased Aston''s heavy, anxious heart slightly, prompting him to ask patiently, "Then what is it? What''s making you so rattled that you had to run here urgently?" "We¡­ we found out that the sewers are flooded." "Oh!" Aston responded with a hint of nonchalance before adding, "Then let''s find a way to drain it." "N-no, we can''t," the soldier replied, still steadying his breath. "Why? Did you discover a problem? Is the sewer clogged?" "N-no, sir. The sewers are flooded with zombies." Aston gasped in horror. This meant they were currently standing on top of those zombies. If things took a turn for the worse and the ground beneath them caved in, they would all plunge into the sea of zombies and become their next meal. A shudder ran through Aston''s body at the thought. "Have you been able to assess how many zombies have made their way into the sewers?" "N-no, it''s just¡­" The soldier paused, his face paling as the grim memories of their findings resurfaced. ... Two hours ago... "Sir, we''ve received complaints from the survivors about hearing zombie growls in the vicinity. Should we escalate this to the Minister of Defense?" "Did you investigate the source of the noise?" Aston''s soldier asked, skepticism evident in his expression. "We did," replied the reporting soldier. "We even suspected that someone might be hiding a family member who had been infected within the walls. We took it seriously and conducted a thorough inspection of the entire neighborhood, but found nothing." "Since you already conducted the inspection, why are you still suggesting that we inform the Minister of Defense? All the leaders are busy with important tasks around the base," Aston''s soldier snapped, frustration evident in his tone. This issue should have been a minor one that they could handle on their own. With the results coming back negative, there was no reason to escalate it and waste the Minister''s time. "Sir, we received multiple complaints from different individuals, which prompted us to inspect the entire neighborhood. However, reports of zombie growls have surfaced in various parts of the base, which is unusual," the soldier explained. "At first, we believed these reports were merely the result of paranoia stemming from fear or PTSD. That could be expected if only a few individuals in the neighborhood were triggered by something, leading them to imagine threats due to their anxiety." "But it is highly unusual for such reports to be coming from multiple locations within the base. Given our current atmosphere and security measures, it''s unlikely that these individuals are merely paranoid." "While PTSD and nightmares could explain some of their fears, the sheer volume of complaints indicates something more concerning." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We have conducted our checks and found nothing, yet the persistent reports demand our attention. This is a serious matter, especially when it involves zombies." If this issue wasn''t addressed properly, it could endanger everyone. They couldn''t afford to ignore it, as it was a matter of the base''s safety. However, uncertain about the situation, they couldn''t determine whether to escalate the matter to higher-ups. Instead, the other soldiers chose to report to their supervisor first before making a decision. "Alright, it''s still early, and even if the Minister of Defense is awake, he''s likely busy with important tasks. We can''t disturb him without fully understanding the situation." "We should investigate this matter further to uncover the cause of these reports before escalating it, so they won''t have to shoulder all the work themselves." "Understood, sir!" the other soldier replied, saluting before leading the way to the locations where the reports originated. The soldiers patrolled the area where the reports had originated, moving systematically from tent to tent and house to house. They meticulously inspected every room, searching for any hidden spaces. The survivors residing in those tents and homes offered no resistance, understanding that the soldiers were simply performing their duties and trying to get to the bottom of the situation. "Sir, do you think the noise might be coming from within the walls?" one of the soldiers suggested. He pressed his ear against the wall, closing his eyes to concentrate. He speculated that there could be hidden compartments within the houses where the original owners had concealed themselves during the initial zombie attacks, only to end up trapped and transformed into zombies themselves. Chapter 406 - 406 In The Sewers Once one soldier mentioned the possibility of the noise emanating from the walls, the others quickly reached the same conclusion. City B had long been a hub for merchants, with many families residing there for decades. Given the nature of their work, these families often faced constant threats to their safety, as someone was always lurking, ready to rob them of their wealth. It was likely that many families had constructed their own bunkers, hidden rooms, or compartments in their homes as a precaution against such threats. Therefore, it wouldn''t be surprising if zombies had become trapped within the walls of these houses. Once they settled on this explanation, the soldiers began tapping on the walls, searching for hollow spots or hidden switches. It took them two long hours to inspect just five houses. Fortunately, these homes were not large, typically accommodating only a middle-sized family. However, despite their thorough search, they couldn''t locate any hidden rooms or compartments. Yet, all the tenants reported hearing zombie growls. It might not have been noticeable during the day, as the streets were alive with hustle and bustle, drowning out the sounds of zombie growls. However, at night, when everyone was settling down to sleep, the eerie growls became painfully clear, often leaving them with nightmares. They also tried to investigate any potential hiding spots where zombies could be lurking before making a report. Like the soldiers, they initially suspected that they were just hallucinating, hearing things as a result of their traumatic experiences. The weight of their pasts often played tricks on their minds. However, after hearing similar accounts from others in their neighborhood and even from coworkers living farther away, their concerns grew. This prompted them to report the issue to the soldiers so they could investigate the source of the zombie growls echoing through the night. Now, the soldiers were stumped. Despite their thorough search, they found nothing. As they headed back to their office through a small alleyway to discuss the matter, they heard something. Rawr! Grrr! They froze, exchanging uneasy glances. The growls were unmistakable this time, yet doubt still lingered. They wondered if their minds were playing tricks on them after hours of fruitless searching and hearing the same eerie sounds repeatedly. They all laughed at themselves, shaking off the tension and joking about being paranoid. What started as playful banter quickly escalated into a friendly scuffle. But in the midst of their roughhousing, the supervisor accidentally shoved one of the soldiers too hard. He slipped, his arm catching on a sharp piece of metal protruding from the street. Blood began to drip steadily, more than expected, as the wound was deeper than it first appeared. His blood trickled down the pavement, forming a trail that led ominously toward the gutter. Grahhh! Suddenly, a louder, more guttural growl echoed through the alleyway¡ªthis time unmistakable, almost like an excited scream. Everyone froze, jolted by the unmistakable sound. It wasn''t their imagination. One of the soldiers quickly rushed to the injured man''s side, using a handkerchief to wrap his wound, tying it firmly enough to stem the bleeding but not too tight. As they steadied themselves, their eyes slowly followed the blood trail, now leading ominously toward the gutter. An uneasy silence settled over them as they realized something was lurking just beneath their feet. They exchanged nervous glances, their unease palpable. Not far from where they stood, a manhole caught their attention, and without a word, all eyes fixed on it. For a full minute, no one moved, just staring at the cover, the weight of realization settling over them. Then, as if by silent agreement, they stepped forward. No words were needed; their expressions said everything. Each of them had heard the same thing, and they all knew what had to be done. With deep, heavy breaths, they worked together to lift the manhole cover. As it shifted, the growls grew louder, clearer, and more pronounced, leaving no room for doubt ¡ª they weren''t imagining things. The supervisor inhaled sharply, steeling himself before leaning into the opening. His upper body was lowered cautiously, while the others held onto him, ready to pull him up quickly if anything went wrong. He peered into the abyss below, nerves tightening as the growls echoed up from the depths. As the supervisor leaned in, with half his body inside the manhole, his eyes widened in horror. Below him was a densely packed horde of zombies, so tightly crammed together that they could barely move, only able to growl and swivel their heads, scanning their confined space. The sheer number of undead below made his body tremble involuntarily, his eyelashes fluttering with fear as he took in the terrifying sight. One of the zombies below noticed the supervisor''s presence due to the noise he made, its rotting eyes locking onto him before it let out a menacing growl. Panic surged through the supervisor, and he quickly tapped the hands gripping him from above, signaling them to pull him back up. Once on the surface, his face was ashen, and his body trembled with terror. For a solid ten minutes, he stood there in shocked silence, staring blankly. Finally, he snapped back to reality and ordered the other soldiers to cover the manhole. "Don''t let this information slip to the public," he warned in a hushed, shaky voice. "We can''t risk creating panic or chaos. People might do something reckless if they find out." After ensuring his men wouldn''t act out of line, the supervisor took off, running as fast as he could toward Aston''s quarters to report their findings. And that''s how Aston came to hear the disturbing news. Once there, the supervisor recounted everything¡ªhow they investigated, the complaints from the survivors, and ultimately, their horrifying discovery of the zombies in the sewers. As he spoke, Aston''s face grew pale, matching the same horror-stricken expression as the rest of the team when they found out. Aston didn''t wait for the supervisor to finish processing his fear or the thoughts racing through his mind. Without hesitation, he took off toward Kisha and Duke''s villa, the supervisor trailing close behind. By the time they reached Kisha''s home, it was already 10 a.m. Kisha had just finished her breakfast, while Duke had left for his duties earlier that morning. Kisha was the only one remaining in the villa. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No one wanted to disturb Kisha''s rest, giving her some time to relax. So, when Marcus spotted Aston charging toward the villa after returning from the back garden, he initially moved to stop him. However, the urgency and fear etched on Aston''s face stunned Marcus for a moment, making him step aside and allow Aston to enter the villa without protest. "City Lord, we have a problem!" Aston nearly shouted as he burst through the door. Kisha, sipping her juice after breakfast, choked in surprise. While she sensed his approach, she hadn''t anticipated that his first words would be so ominous so early in the morning. "What''s wrong?" Kisha asked, quickly wiping her mouth. Despite being a battle-hardened veteran, Aston felt a wave of fear wash over him as he recalled what his subordinate had reported. With a deep breath, he began to relay the unsettling information to Kisha, choosing his words carefully. As Aston continued, Kisha''s eyebrows furrowed deeper with concern. The sewer system they were discussing was vast, sprawling beneath the entire city and extending almost everywhere. Chapter 407 - 407 Another Mission! Kisha took a deep, shaky breath as she struggled to think. She couldn''t recall facing such a problem in her past life, nor had she ever anticipated it occurring in this one. The mere mention of it sent a wave of horror through her, more terrifying than anything she had ever experienced. If a cave-in were to occur, half of their base could collapse into the rubble and tumble into the sewers, where they would undoubtedly be consumed by the zombies lurking below. This wasn''t the time for her to fret about the wall or the looming second wave of zombies; even without those threats, their lives were perpetually at risk. The constant fear of the undead in the city''s sewer system was an ever-present danger. She needed to come up with a solution quickly. Ding! [New Mission Available!] [Sudden Hidden Mission: SSS Class "The Sewer''s Pest Cleanup!"] [Description: The sewers have always been a haven for pests in every city, where they lurk and thrive. However, in City B, rats are no longer the only creatures dwelling in the shadows; zombies and mutant rats have also taken up residence. If the situation isn''t addressed quickly, the mutant rats could launch attacks on the survivors, spreading diseases that could ultimately claim lives, even without a single bite. Mission Requirement: Ensure that every single zombie and mutant rat in the sewers is eliminated to prevent this issue from arising again. It''s crucial to guarantee that the sewers beneath the base remain secure and uncompromised. The mission needs to be completed within 7 days. Mission Completion: 10 Gachapon Draws, 5 Resource Crates, 50,000 Points, a mass of Venadium and Iron Meteriorite, and a New Sewer System with Gas Preservation Blueprint from World 943746. Mission Failure: Automatically failing the A-Class Mission "Planting and Harvesting," the C-Class Mission "The Philanthropist," A Class Mission "Commander of a Thousand", A Class Mission "Base''s Expansion!" and the S-Class Mission "Taking Nest for 30 Days."] Kisha''s breath caught in her throat once more as another hidden mission emerged. She sensed that any new task at this moment could only signal trouble, confirming that they were in an incredibly dangerous situation. The system provided additional details that deepened their concern: not only were there zombies lurking in the sewers, but mutant rats as well. From what Kisha recalled, mutant rats were among the deadliest of creatures. Unlike their ordinary counterparts, these mutated pests posed a significant threat; their urine could cause deadly leptospirosis if it came into contact with open wounds or was ingested but that was only the issue with the ordinary rats. Now, however, even without direct contact with or ingestion of their urine, prolonged exposure to the smell of their urine alone could be lethal. With the mutant rats residing just beneath the base, everyone in the vicinity might have been exposed to these dangers. The length of that exposure remained unknown, adding to the growing sense of urgency. The longer they were exposed, the more their organs would begin to fail, ultimately leading to death from organ failure. The worst part is that if the mutant rats decided to venture above ground, their bites could infect normal humans, turning them into zombies without them even realizing it. Even the superhumans wouldn''t escape unscathed, as these bites contain toxins that could lead to both short- and long-term paralysis. Some of the rats could even mutate to develop toxins in their bodies that was deadlier than a black mamba''s venom, depending on their environment. However, the scientists in her previous life never managed to understand which specific conditions lead to the emergence of such mutant rats. What was most disturbing was that these rats had grown larger than cats, nearly the size of small dogs. This increase in size also doubled their ferocity; they would behave as if rabid, attacking anyone in sight like ravenous beasts. The most alarming aspect of these mutant rats is that not all of them have grown larger; some have become faster. This speed is more concerning than the size of the larger rats because they can strike without warning. While the bigger rats tend to devour their victims entirely¡ªan adult rat can consume a whole human¡ªthe smaller ones often attack in groups. They can strip an adult down to the bones in minutes, overwhelming their prey. Even if they can''t consume someone completely, just a single bite can lead to that person turning into a zombie. Regardless of how they mutate, they present a significant threat that must be addressed. The weight of this crucial realization made Kisha''s heart race. They had only seven days to devise a solution. Although her mission focused solely on the sewers beneath their base, the entire sewer system of City B was interconnected. This meant that securing the sewers below their base would require them to secure the whole city''s sewer system. To accomplish this, they would need to deploy a significant number of warriors and soldiers¡ªperhaps even their entire defense force. The enormity of the task ahead made Kisha''s head throb. A migraine loomed as she contemplated the scale of the mission she needed to undertake. ''Wait, is this the second wave of zombies I''ve been expecting? Instead of attacking head-on, they''ve flooded the sewer system? FUCK it!'' Kisha''s mind raced with the shocking revelation, and she couldn''t help but curse in frustration. This realization didn''t ease her mind; instead, it piled on more pressure. Without even looking at her mission interface, Kisha knew she already had at least five ongoing missions, each one more challenging than the last. She was doing her best to tackle each task with the support of everyone in the city, but even she recognized her limits. Just the thought of the mounting missions hanging over her head was enough to make her feel exhausted. "Call an emergency meeting with all department heads, including the Vice City Lord. We need to address this immediately, before the survivors catch on." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I''m sure some have already sensed something is wrong, but if anyone starts investigating and uncovers the truth, it will cause mass unrest," Kisha said, her voice heavy as she drew a deep, weary breath, feeling the weight of the situation pressing on her heart. "I understand, City Lord. I''ve already instructed the soldiers to keep our findings confidential for now and increased patrols around the base. This way, we can react quickly if anything arises while we formulate a strategy to handle the situation," Aston responded, his gaze lingering on Kisha. Though her expression remained cold and indifferent, he could sense her stress¡ªthe subtle unease in her eyes gave her away. Even Aston couldn''t shake the fear and unease that settled in after hearing the report. He was certain that once this information reached the public, the survivors would be even more panicked than they were now. The urgency to resolve this issue weighed heavily on him, knowing they needed to act swiftly before things spiraled out of control. After receiving Kisha''s command and voicing his concerns, Aston saluted her before swiftly leaving. He immediately contacted his trusted subordinates, the ones who had first uncovered the situation, and instructed them to summon all the department leaders for the emergency meeting. Meanwhile, Kisha slowly ascended the stairs toward the study, her mind consumed with thoughts of how to tackle the growing problem. No matter how hard she tried, Kisha couldn''t come up with a solution to the sewer issue within the seven-day deadline. Every plan she considered required more time, and failing to resolve this would mean jeopardizing the other critical missions as well. The stakes were high, and the weight of the situation made her feel restless and frustrated. She didn''t want to blame her system again; she was simply exhausted from directing her anger at it. 008 remained silent, fearing it would be blamed once more. Kisha couldn''t bring herself to place blame on the little guy; after all, it looked just as devastated as she did whenever her missions kept piling up and growing increasingly dangerous. While Kisha was lost in thought in the study, Aston and his subordinate acted as messengers, summoning the other leaders: Mr. and Mrs. Winters, the Patriarch, Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Duke. Surprised by the call for an emergency meeting, their expressions shifted to one of solemnity and seriousness as they made their way back home. None of them asked Aston or his subordinate for details. The seriousness in Aston''s expression, despite his attempt to appear indifferent, was enough for them to anticipate the worst once again. Chapter 408 - 408 Let Me Take Care Of It Although they anticipated the worst before returning for the meeting, none of them expected that their expectations were more nuanced than they had anticipated. Aston then guided all the leaders back to the study, where Kisha was already waiting. Meanwhile, Aston''s subordinates stood guard outside the villa entrance to ensure that no one would interrupt the important meeting. Not that anyone would actually have the nerve to barge into the City Lord''s villa, but they were simply following protocol and couldn''t afford to relax during such a critical time. Inside the study, as everyone arrived, Kisha stood up and gestured for them to sit. Duke approached her, and, as if by habit, they wordlessly agreed¡ªDuke took the leather chair, while Kisha sat on his lap. No one paid much attention, as they had long grown accustomed to it. Their expressions remained serious, unaffected by this brief interlude. Once Kisha sat on Duke''s lap, she seemed more at ease, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, and her expression softened a little. With a clearer mind, Kisha initiated the meeting. "I called everyone here for an emergency discussion because Aston and his subordinates have uncovered a problem that could significantly jeopardize our safety, as well as everyone else''s." Her opening remarks were enough to darken everyone''s expressions even further. While they had anticipated hearing something like this, they couldn''t help but hold their breath in anticipation of what she would say next. And sure enough, Kisha never failed to heighten everyone''s anxiety with her suspenseful revelation. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Aston''s team has received numerous complaints about zombie growls and other disturbances in various parts of the base. However, when they went out to investigate, they found nothing nearby. Only by sheer luck did they discover that the zombies were actually flooding the sewers, likely affecting the entire sewer system in City B." Kisha then took a deep, shaky breath, and not just her¡ªeveryone in the room felt their breath hitch in horror upon hearing this news. They had all been going about their duties around the base, blissfully unaware and believing they were safe behind the walls, with defenses and personnel securing the perimeter. The realization that a threat lurked just below their feet was both alarming and terrifying. Just when they thought that was everything, Kisha continued. "But that''s not our only problem. Alongside the zombies down there, there are also mutant rats that could easily spread deadly diseases and pose a threat of biting survivors, potentially turning them into zombies." "This requires immediate action on our part. However, I can''t halt the wall construction, so Sparrow and Vulture''s teams will have to continue with their current tasks." Aston was surprised to learn about the additional threat of mutant rats, but everyone assumed that Kisha had discovered this by sending the Scarlet Bees to scout the sewers for a clearer understanding of the situation. After Rose awakened her dual ability, Kisha no longer sent Bell with the advance team. With Sparrow''s firepower drastically increased by the addition of Evelyn and Rose, their combination was already deadly on its own. Kisha felt relieved that she had chosen not to send Bell, as her assistance was needed more at the base than with Sparrow''s team. However, she still sent Zeus to help guard the five STAUs, allowing Sparrow, Evelyn, and Rose to concentrate on leading and protecting the entire advance team without worrying about the vulnerable STAUs. After all, Zeus had demonstrated great restraint during their last mission, focusing solely on protecting the STAUs without causing any issues for Bell. Kisha felt confident that sending Zeus with Sparrow and the others would not pose any problems. Because of this, Bell and the Scarlet Bees assisted with the base''s defenses, and Kisha felt confident they could hold the fort while dealing with the zombies in the sewer. The challenge now was determining how to handle that situation in the specified timeframe. "Let me handle this issue," Duke''s deep, hoarse voice caught everyone off guard. He usually stepped back to let Kisha take the spotlight, following her lead without question. As a result, they had almost forgotten how skilled and formidable Duke''s leadership could be when it came to missions and confronting enemies. Now that he was stepping up to handle the cleanup of the sewers, a shiver ran through their bodies at the sound of his voice, reminding them of his prowess. Duke then turned to Kisha, still lounging nonchalantly in the leather seat as he twirled her hair. "Do we have a timeframe I need to consider for this mission?" he asked, directing his question at Kisha. He knew that her tasks and missions often came with deadlines, which was why she always seemed to be in a rush. "Seven days." Kisha''s response was precise. She looked at Duke, trying to decipher his thoughts, but his expression made it difficult to read anything. One thing was certain, though: Duke exuded complete confidence in his ability to complete the mission, no matter the challenges ahead. It seemed that he had already formulated a plan for completing the mission. "Will you assign some warriors to my team to help with this job?" Duke asked Kisha directly, as if they were discussing household chores. He appeared relaxed and confident. "How about I let you choose your own team?" Kisha replied, feeling reassured by Duke''s reaction and his unwavering confidence. With a sense of comfort and safety in his presence, she began to match his pace. "Then how about letting me borrow some of Vulture''s earth-type ability users? For the rest, I just need capable combatants who can hold their own and help me carry my supplies. How does that sound?" Duke playfully pinched Kisha''s side, prompting her to raise an eyebrow at him. His lighthearted demeanor made her skeptical, but she reminded herself that Duke always delivered impressive results. However, the Duke standing in front of her was strikingly different from the serious man she remembered, the one who took every matter¡ªno matter how small¡ªvery seriously. Perhaps that''s what responsibility and pressure do to people. Looking back, she realized that she, too, had become overly serious when reminded of her responsibilities. Now that Duke was taking this mission off her hands, she felt a sense of relief wash over her shoulders and an increasing gratitude toward him. "Then it''s settled. I''ll lead the team to clean up the sewers over the next six days, and the final day will be reserved for tying up any loose ends or dealing with the aftermath," Duke said before embracing Kisha. "But, son, wouldn''t that be really dangerous? If what Kisha said is true, then the sewers are crawling with zombies," Mrs. Winters said nervously, worry etched on her face. "Mom, I have a thousand ways to handle those zombies. I just need to assess the situation on my own first and gauge where I stand before formulating a plan." "You don''t have to worry; I have no intention of dying so soon. After all, I have a beautiful wife waiting for me to come home, and this is my chance to impress her." Kisha''s face flushed red, and everyone could see that Duke had seized the opportunity to show off his relationship with her. Aston could only clear his throat and avert his gaze, while the Patriarch chuckled heartily in his seat, clearly amused. Chapter 409 - 409 Look For The Blueprint Of The Sewer System "That''s my grandson for you!" The patriarch had become increasingly amiable after these family gatherings, laughing more often. Perhaps it was because he was now anticipating a great-grandson from his favorite grandson, whom he had worried about for so long, believing he would never settle down and start a family of his own. It was amusing to see him acting like a fool for his wife, and the patriarch thoroughly enjoyed witnessing his once-stoic and indifferent grandson breaking out of his shell. Duke wore a smirk as Kisha turned around to glare at him, clearly annoyed yet shy, while he reveled in the attention from his wife. Despite her reproachful gaze, he couldn''t help but smile happily. Mr. Winters could only shake his head in defeat at his son''s antics. Mrs. Winters playfully pinched Mr. Winters on the sides of his stomach before whispering, "Don''t act as if you''ve never behaved like that when you were younger." She said teasingly. Mr. Winters cleared his throat, pretending not to hear his wife, and averted his gaze while pursing his lips. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "But first, I need to know where the blueprint for the city''s sewer system is. Do you know where it is, Aston?" Duke''s smirk was replaced by a serious expression as he turned his attention to Aston. Kisha''s expression also changed the moment she heard Duke''s words. It was crucial to have a clear understanding of the sewer system''s layout to ensure they didn''t overlook any critical areas. This knowledge would enable them to clean the sewers more effectively and efficiently, especially since they were racing against time. Aston shared this line of thought, falling into deep contemplation. Although he wasn''t a local of City B, he had been stationed there long enough to gather crucial information about the city and its defenses. He understood the importance of being prepared in case the city''s security was compromised and he needed to lead and evacuate the leaders of key sectors. Familiarity with the sewer system was essential, as it provided one of their possible escape routes. If I remember correctly, there are two copies of the sewer system blueprint. One is in the waste management building located outside the city, while the other should be in the central hall, as it was recently presented to us," Aston said decisively. "I''ll lead you to where it''s stored so you can examine it," Aston said, gesturing for Duke to follow him as he took the lead. "Then I''ll go and select the best warriors from my team to accompany you outside, or I could join you myself," Vulture offered, stepping forward to assist Duke. "No, you need to continue leading the defense team in building the new wall''s perimeter and cleaning up. When Sparrow and his team arrive with the cargo trailers, you need to be prepared so you can quickly erect the walls." "Your project is just as time-sensitive as this one and directly related to the base''s defenses; we can''t compromise either," Duke firmly replied, shooting down Vulture''s suggestion. He recognized Vulture''s eagerness to work under him, knowing that Vulture was one of his own men whom he had raised and trained as a valuable foundation for his force. Now, their efforts were bearing fruit, with both Vulture and Sparrow gradually developing their own teams and training them¡ªessentially becoming leaders themselves. As leaders, they needed to stand beside their subordinates, training them with their own sweat and blood to ensure their growth. Sparrow and Vulture couldn''t always linger in Duke''s shadow; they had to step up and lead on their own. At the same time, following Duke had become second nature for Sparrow and Vulture; it was what they were meant to do from the very beginning. While Duke and Kisha could still command their loyalty as their leaders, they now had greater responsibilities and needed to grow as individuals to prepare for the bigger battles ahead. They couldn''t face these challenges alone or be the only ones training and leading the people. That''s why Sparrow, Vulture, Aston, Tristan, and the others needed to step up and contribute more to support the entire team. Now that Tristan was mentioned, it was important to note that he wasn''t at the meeting because he was currently in the dungeons of villa #5, where the Coltons were confined. He was torturing them one by one; when one of them was on the brink of death, he would stop the torture and send them for treatment before moving on to the next. Unsurprisingly, the most tormented among them was none other than the Young Master of the Coltons, who had led and ordered his people to commit acts against the Winters. Of course, Tristan''s actions had Duke''s approval. With Duke occupied with matters around the base, he didn''t have the time to personally oversee the torture in the dungeon, so he sent his personal assistant to carry out the task. This ensured that the Coltons would never forget the horror they were enduring and would remain trapped in their nightmares. At the same time, they closely monitored each of them to see if anyone was on the verge of awakening, ensuring they wouldn''t be blindsided by any potential threats. Tristan was also careful to gradually break the Coltons'' mentality through his torture, the echoes of their horror-stricken shouts reverberating through the damp, gloomy confines of the dungeon. One of the guards assigned to monitor the Coltons and the former Minister of Defense held captive in the dungeon was none other than Reeve''s former member from his teen idol group before the apocalypse. Recently rescued by Kisha, he had ash-blond hair and deep blue eyes that sparkled with allure, accentuated by a teardrop mole next to his left eye. Kisha had granted him permission to serve as a guard in the dungeon because she recognized that he harbored a demon in his heart. If he couldn''t let go of it, that demon would only grow and impede his development. Kisha was concerned for him because he had immense potential, just like Reeve and Clyde. She couldn''t bear to see his potential wasted by the hatred and resentment consuming his heart and soul. Right now, this teenager was like a vengeful ghost, determined to stop at nothing to exact his revenge. Because Kisha had been the one to save him, he saw her as his only salvation, the lone light in his darkest moments. He was more than willing to confront the demon in his heart, feeling unworthy to even stand beside Kisha, as he saw himself as tainted. To calm himself, he took a grim satisfaction in hearing the tortured screams of the man who had once tormented him, nearly destroying both his body and soul. This small taste of revenge wasn''t enough to fully satisfy his desire for justice, but Kisha''s promise that he could exact his own revenge once Duke was finished kept him patient. In the meantime, he diligently guarded the cells, ensuring that none of these wretched souls could escape the living hell that awaited them before they died of the most gruesome death possible. Who would have imagined that this teenager was once the beloved teen idol, always playful and full of joy, adored by many? Now, his expression was deadly, his bottomless eyes sending chills through anyone who looked at him, and the small curve of his lips made him appear eerie despite his striking features. His appearance had also changed¡ªhe now looked like a living incubus, with a beauty capable of toppling a city. His androgynous figure, still not fully developed, allowed him to easily pass as either male or female. Chapter 410 - 410 Searching For The Blueprint Back at Duke''s side, after everyone reluctantly agreed to assign him the mission of cleaning the sewers, concerns still lingered, especially from his mother. Nonetheless, they all returned to their respective offices to resume their work. Meanwhile, Duke sent Kisha and Vulture to continue their task on the construction of the new wall, as time was of the essence; they had only seven days left to complete it, and significant progress still needed to be made. Aston and Duke made their way to the central hall, heading straight to the archive where officials stored all important files and documents. This archive primarily housed the city''s blueprints and project information, along with details on some less critical military operations related to the city''s defense and security. Having been there before, Aston navigated the archive with ease, ensuring that no one interfered with their efforts. They spent two hours scouring the archive, just the two of them. "This is strange! Why isn''t it here?!" Aston exclaimed wearily, collapsing onto the floor, surrounded by towering boxes of files. "Maybe you''re not the only one who considered using the blueprint as an escape route," Duke replied nonchalantly, as if the absence of the blueprint posed no threat to him at all. "What do we do now? If someone really took the sewer blueprint, they must have perished down there while trying to escape. We have no idea how long the sewers have been overrun with zombies," Aston said, his shoulders sagging in defeat. He couldn''t come up with a solution to address this problem. "Even if that''s the case, we still don''t know where the blueprint is now. It wouldn''t be wise for either of us¡ªor anyone, for that matter¡ªto venture down there blindly in search of it. That would defeat the purpose of wanting the blueprint in the first place if I end up in the sewers without any understanding of the system." "What are your plans, then?" Aston asked, nodding in agreement with Duke''s assessment. "If they maintain an archive, they must also have it in their digital system," Duke explained. "That way, if the hard copy of the blueprint is misplaced, they can still access it when necessary." "But that would be the most challenging approach to take," Aston replied. "You know how stringent the security is for government systems. Accessing one vault usually requires specific codes from designated sectors, and we have no idea where to find the blueprint. We might end up needing to open multiple vaults just to locate it. Should we go and consult the Minister of Defense about this?" "Why would we even need him?" "First of all, he''s a government official and likely has access to various parts of the vault. He could be our best shot at this," Aston explained as he gradually stood up, brushing off his bottom to remove the dust. "If you do that, he''ll realize we need his help for something significant. He won''t hesitate to make it difficult for us and will likely try to leverage it to his advantage. I dislike being threatened above all else," Duke said coldly, his heavy, intimidating presence making it clear to Aston that he was firmly opposed to seeking out the former Minister of Defense. "But who should we turn to for help in cracking the government system?" Aston asked, feeling defeated. He had run out of ideas, as every suggestion he made was dismissed by Duke, leaving him at a loss for solutions. Heading to waste management also seems like a long shot, especially since it''s outside the city. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That would mean Duke would need to venture out of the base with a team. If they truly had no other options, it might be their only solution, but for now, they should focus on finding the blueprint within the base. "Why search high and low when I''m right here?" Duke said, a hint of impatience in his voice. "Just show me where the main server is, and I''ll take care of the rest." He didn''t feel the need to elaborate further; Aston''s constant questioning was wasting valuable time, and Duke was eager to move forward with his plan. Aston''s eyes lit up at Duke''s suggestion. "Of course! How could I forget about you?" he exclaimed. "I''ve been fretting over all these significant details when we have you¡ªthe genius among geniuses!" He let out a hearty laugh, excitement bubbling over as he eagerly led Duke out of the archive. Aston led Duke to the main computer in the central hall, which was connected to the government server. As Duke settled into the chair and began typing, he quickly encountered the stringent security measures in place, blocking his access. Undeterred, he pressed on, fingers flying over the keyboard. Before long, the black screen of the command prompt appeared, and Duke expertly navigated the system, bypassing the security protocols. He focused intently as he worked to decrypt the encrypted login code that had been requested. Duke was utilizing a backdoor in the government system, one that his company had developed for them and which was also linked to the military. This connection made him familiar with the backdoor''s existence. It had been strategically placed to facilitate quick access when the government required his company''s assistance for security checks or maintenance. This way, they wouldn''t need to disturb the top brass for their security codes to access the system. Even without the backdoor, Duke was confident in his ability to hack into the system; the backdoor merely streamlined the process, allowing him to bypass the more challenging task of breaching the mainframe from scratch. Thanks to this advantage, he gained access within an hour, methodically opening one vault after another in search of the sewer system''s blueprint. Aston watched in awe from the sidelines, his eyes wide with astonishment. Duke''s fingers seemed to dance across the keyboard, moving with such speed and precision that it felt almost surreal. Despite the intensity of the task, Duke remained completely indifferent, his expression cool and detached, as if he were casually browsing through mundane files instead of breaking through layers of government security. The contrast between Aston''s amazement and Duke''s near boredom only made the scene more striking, as Duke continued his search through the system with unyielding focus. Before long, Duke successfully retrieved a copy of the blueprint, revealing the vast and intricate layout of the sewer system. Aston stared at the detailed design in disbelief; he couldn''t possibly memorize every single part of it. That''s why he had refrained from attempting to redraw what he saw and remembered¡ªgetting lost in such a labyrinthine network was all too easy. Even the engineers responsible for maintaining the sewers had to carry a copy of their designated sector, as navigating through the facility felt like traversing a complex maze. Duke studied the blueprint intently, his gaze meticulously scanning every nook and cranny of the sewer system as if he were committing it to memory. His focus was unwavering, and he absorbed the intricate details, determined to grasp the layout thoroughly. ''He can''t be memorizing it, can he?'' Aston wondered as he glanced between the screen and Duke, who remained silent and focused. He didn''t dare disturb Duke now; he understood just how intimidating Duke could be¡ªespecially when he wasn''t in Hera''s presence. Chapter 411 - 411 Who Is The Wife? Despite being heirs to their respective families and Aston having military backgrounds, Aston still felt a sense of reserve around Duke. Everyone knew how ruthless he could be, and that reputation weighed heavily in the air, making Aston wary of provoking him. After only twenty minutes of studying the digital blueprint of the sewers, Duke nodded thoughtfully, as if a realization had struck him. Aston watched, puzzled, unable to decipher the expression on Duke''s indifferent face or grasp what was going on in his mind. It was clear that Duke was making connections and formulating a plan, but Aston felt completely in the dark about his thoughts. Aston had no choice but to wait, hoping Duke would eventually share his findings¡ªif he even planned to explain anything at all. After a few more minutes of intense silence, Duke calmly logged off the system''s mainframe and, without a word, began walking away, leaving Aston standing there, still in the dark. "That''s it? Are we not even going to print the blueprint, or are you not going to share anything?" Aston blurted out, his curiosity overcoming the usual restraint he maintained around Duke. The complexity of the sewer system, combined with Duke''s nonchalant attitude, was making him anxious. He couldn''t understand how Duke could remain so calm when things seemed far from certain. The reason Aston wasn''t frantic, but rather just curious, was because he knew Duke had the skills to back up his calm demeanor. Still, the uncertainty of the situation was unnerving. Not knowing what Duke had planned left a stirring in his stomach, an unsettling feeling as he tried to piece together what Duke might do next. Duke, without acknowledging Aston''s inquiry, continued moving forward as if he hadn''t heard him. He headed straight toward where Kisha and Vulture were working. The two were still busy clearing the path, and by now, they had managed to clear nearly a third of the perimeter outside the current wall. Duke''s focus remained unshaken, his stride purposeful, leaving Aston to trail behind, still seeking answers. The moment Kisha spotted Duke approaching, she immediately paused her work, leaving Vulture and the others to continue clearing the scattered vehicles and cleaning up the charred remains of zombies littering the streets. "How did it go? Did you find the blueprint?" Kisha asked as she approached Duke. Her smile widened as she noticed his calm, unbothered demeanor. It was clear to her that Duke had already pieced together a plan in his mind and was ready to take action without delay. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "If you''re looking for the team you''ll be heading out with, just take a glance behind you," Kisha said with a knowing smile, winking at Duke. "I figured you''d be coming to ask about them as soon as you finished up with whatever you needed to check." Duke''s usual indifferent expression softened into a doting smile. "My wife always knows me best," he said warmly, ruffling Kisha''s hair. He turned to look behind him, and as expected, more than a dozen warriors were standing there, waiting. Several of them made brief eye contact with Duke, and immediately straightened their posture upon meeting his gaze, their respect evident. "When are you leaving?" Kisha asked again, watching Duke as he continued to assess the team behind him. Duke finally tore his gaze away from the warriors, turning back to meet Kisha''s clear, expectant eyes. "Right now," he replied calmly, "but there are things I need to check first before making any final arrangements." Kisha tilted her head to the side, falling into deep contemplation. She furrowed her brows, her mind racing as she weighed the implications of Duke''s impending mission. After a moment, she looked back at him, and Duke, ever patient, waited for her to speak. He studied her face, noting the subtle shifts in her expression¡ªthe way her lips pressed together when she was deep in thought and the flicker of concern in her eyes. "Is there anything else you need for your mission?" Kisha asked, her tone laced with genuine concern. She wanted to ensure that Duke was as prepared as possible, hoping to make his mission smoother and less perilous. The thought of not being with him weighed heavily on her mind, amplifying her desire to contribute in any way she could. She knew firsthand the dangers they might encounter, and the last thing she wanted was for him to face them unprepared. "I wish I could be there to help, but since I can''t, I want to make sure you have everything you might need to lighten the burden and reduce the risks." Duke shook his head initially, but paused thoughtfully before continuing. "How about I borrow the drones you have? They would definitely aid my team''s scouting efforts, especially in the absence of Sparrow or the Scarlet Bees." He offered a reassuring smile, hoping to ease any lingering worries Kisha might have. Kisha chuckled, realizing just how many drones she had in her inventory. They were rarely used, as she relied on the Scarlet Bees and Sparrow for scouting. Without Duke''s reminder, those drones would have likely remained dormant in her inventory, gathering virtual dust. It was a good thing he had brought it up; now she could put them to good use. "Aside from the drones, I think some extra batteries and military biscuits should suffice. We want to keep our load as light as possible," Duke added, carefully considering what would be essential for the mission. "Are you not planning to bring a truck?" Kisha asked, a knowing look in her eyes as if she could sense Duke''s intentions. Aston stood just behind Duke, feeling out of the loop and confused by their exchange, as if he were the only one not privy to their unspoken understanding. "No, I don''t want the zombies trailing us, as that would only complicate our mission," Duke replied, pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts. "To streamline things for my team, I''d like to request my wife''s help in preparing some drone batteries and additional supplies at a rendezvous point. This way, my team and I won''t have to return to the base to replenish our supplies, which will help us save time as we navigate the city on foot." Duke explained, his tone firm yet measured. Even without his detailed explanation, Kisha seemed to intuitively grasp Duke''s plan. Her eyes sparkled, transforming into crescent shapes as she nodded enthusiastically. "Consider it done." Kisha and Duke made their way back inside the base to gear up before heading out. Vulture nodded in agreement, saluting to his master with a playful seriousness that resembled a concerned wife. He nagged Duke lightly, ensuring his master would stay safe and avoid any actions that might endanger his life. Only when Vulture saw Duke nod in exasperation, clearly growing tired of his incessant nagging, did he finally relent and return to his own duties. Vulture was even more nagging than Kisha, prompting her to chuckle playfully as she glanced at Duke, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Who was your wife?" Kisha teased, raising an eyebrow as she playfully probed Duke. He simply played along, enjoying the lighthearted banter. This atmosphere was far more refreshing than Kisha getting worried and concerned for his safety, which would then cast a shadow over their conversations. Chapter 412 - 412 Space Type Item Kisha focused on preparing large military bags for each member of Duke''s team inside their villa, efficiently packing essential supplies. Meanwhile, Duke gathered his team just outside the villa''s training ground, briefing them on their mission and strategy. Kisha ensured that each bag contained a drone, allowing the team to easily swap them out if needed. Given that it was their first day in unfamiliar territory, it was crucial for them to familiarize themselves with the location and understand their surroundings. Having multiple drones on hand was essential for effective scouting, as relying on just one or two would not be sufficient. After ensuring that each bag contained a drone, Kisha packed them with black and blue vials of liquid, military biscuits, water, and energy bars. The weight of the bags wasn''t a concern; what mattered was utilizing every inch of space. Since everyone accompanying Duke were awakened superhumans, they were far stronger than normal humans and could easily carry bags weighing several dozen kilos without issue. Kisha meticulously filled every nook and cranny, knowing their enhanced abilities would make the load manageable. She also packed a change of clothes, stamina boosters, coffee candies, essential medicines, and anything else she could think of that might be useful during their mission. If she could fit the entire villa into the bags, she probably would have tried, wanting to ensure they had everything they might need while out in the field. ''If only I could give my husband a space-type accessory, then I wouldn''t have to worry about all of this,'' Kisha thought wistfully as she stuffed the last few items into the bags. "Actually, host, such items do exist in the Murim world¡ªspace rings or bracelets. And the higher the continent''s realm, the more common these items become," 008 suddenly interjected, his voice breaking through her thoughts unexpectedly. "Really?!" Kisha''s eyes lit up with excitement after hearing 008''s revelation. The thought of Duke having a space item thrilled her, as it meant she could stop worrying about packing everything perfectly. With a space ring or bracelet, Duke could carry everything he might need, and she could give him supplies without the limitations of space. "Host, I would never lie to you. Let me go ahead and search for the item right away, and I''ll report back with its price as soon as I find out." 008 reassured her, as if puffing its chest with pride. Kisha, filled with excitement, eagerly nodded and paused what she was doing. Instead of packing, she began making a checklist of everything she would put in Duke''s space ring once she got her hands on it. ''Wait, I should check my system points balance first so I can be ready when 008 reports back,'' Kisha thought, pausing mid-action. She didn''t want to get too ahead of herself without knowing if she had enough points to make the purchase. Better to be prepared for anything. ... [Current System Points: 420,000] [Current Achievement Points: 4,500] ... ''I think this should be enough?'' Kisha mused, but her confidence wavered as she recalled how expensive items from the murim world tended to be. She then remembered another pressing issue¡ªupgrading the rest of the facilities in her territory pack. The number of animals was growing rapidly, and it would soon become suspicious if she kept sending meat to the Supply Center daily without any animal facility to back it up. Since she hadn''t brought in any live animals from the outside for breeding yet, constantly sending meat to the Supply Center was becoming increasingly risky. Her only option now was to upgrade the facilities inside her territory space, especially as the animal population continued to grow. While Duke and his team were occupied outside, Kisha sat anxiously on the couch, waiting for 008''s report. She had paused her frantic packing of supplies for Duke, her mind racing with anticipation. Since she had already finished packing the bags, which Duke and his team could grab whenever they were ready, Kisha''s thoughts shifted entirely to the space item 008 had mentioned. The idea of acquiring it became irresistible. With a space item, Duke wouldn''t need to set up a rendezvous point for resupply. Instead, he could store all the necessary provisions and retrieve them at will, making excuses as needed. This would not only save time but also make the mission more efficient, allowing them to complete the cleanup faster without unnecessary delays. After weighing the pros and cons, Kisha nodded to herself, feeling reassured about her decision. She realized there was no need to hesitate about her spending; acquiring the space item would benefit both her and Duke in their work. Unlike before, when she constantly worried about her limited system points and could only purchase essentials, she now had enough to buy almost anything she desired. This newfound freedom made her feel more empowered to support her husband in their mission. As Kisha waited for 008, her stomach churned with increasing anxiety. She knew Duke was likely wrapping up his briefing with the team and would be returning with them any moment now. However, now that she had an idea about the space item, her determination to acquire it for Duke before he left only grew stronger. Then, Kisha saw Duke enter through the front door, his team following closely behind, all sporting serious yet determined expressions. She felt her shoulders slump, and her gaze dropped to the floor. Duke, noticing Kisha''s intense disappointment, raised an eyebrow in question, which quickly shifted to a frown. He began to wonder if he had unintentionally offended his wife or if she simply didn''t want him to leave the base. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, he quickly recalled that they had been perfectly fine just moments before. Relieved that it likely wasn''t about him or his departure, he nonetheless felt a pang of concern over her sudden change in mood. Stepping closer, he ruffled her hair affectionately, hoping to reassure her with his gentle touch. "Are you okay?" Duke asked, concern lacing his voice. "Um," Kisha replied simply, yet she held onto Duke''s hand tightly. Suddenly, 008''s cheerful voice broke through the moment. "Host, I''m back!" Kisha''s eyes brightened, and before Duke could process what was happening, she had already tugged him up the stairs. "You guys check the bags. My husband and I just need to discuss some couple matters," she said dismissively, her tone indicating that the conversation was no longer up for debate. ''Is the Vice City Lord in trouble?'' everyone wondered as they watched Kisha and Duke disappear up the stairs. No one had the answers to their unspoken questions; they could only comply with Kisha''s directive. Gathering in the corner, each team member picked up a bag and began to inspect its contents. To their relief, they found that their City Lord had meticulously arranged everything. While the bags contained only military biscuits for their food, they were grateful for the sustenance¡ªbetter than facing the mission on an empty stomach or not being sure if they had something to eat while running around. Moreover, they could always conduct their own supply run while they were out, searching for additional food options like cup noodles and other necessities, along with some mineral water to keep them refreshed. ______ Chapter 413 - 413 008s Sale Strategy The moment Duke and Kisha stepped into their room, Kisha quickly teleported them into her territory space, ensuring they had more privacy to discuss matters without the pressure of time. As soon as they arrived in the lush forest, Duke let out a sultry chuckle. "What''s on your mind, wifey? Can''t bear to let me go just yet?" He stepped closer, gently cupping her fair cheeks with his hands. "How about two rounds before I head out? Or maybe just one?" His eyebrows raised playfully, a teasing glint in his eyes. Kisha playfully jabbed Duke in the stomach, eliciting a hearty guffaw from him. He had been trying to lighten her mood, unable to bear the sight of her disappointment, even if it wasn''t aimed at him. The pang of concern tugged at him, reminding him just how much he cared for her happiness. Kisha scanned the area for a suitable spot to sit and talk, her gaze landing on a fallen tree nearby. She led Duke over to it, and they settled down together. As she reached out to 008, Duke sensed her silence and gave her the space she needed, patiently waiting for her to speak. He noticed her eyes glaze over, a clear sign that she was communicating with 008. Though he didn''t fully understand the nature of her connection, he recognized that her unfocused expression often meant she was engaged with her status window. "008, how did it go?" Kisha asked eagerly through their mind link. "I''ve confirmed that there are indeed such items available in one of my sales channels, host," 008 replied. "Great! What about the price? If it''s reasonable, let''s buy it ASAP!" Kisha said decisively. Without hesitation, 008 displayed a list of all the items it found from its sales channel, showcasing the options in front of Kisha. ... [Space Ring] [Description: Cultivators often need to traverse various terrains to gather materials essential for their growth and strength. As they progress, the demand for resources¡ªbe it spiritual herbs, beast cores, or other valuable items¡ªonly increases. Traditional bags can be cumbersome and limiting, leading to the creation of the ''Space Item'' by powerful heavenly blacksmiths. This remarkable accessory can accommodate as much as a mansion, offering unparalleled convenience and mobility. Grade: Rare Type: Accessory Space Capacity: 100 cubic meters ] [Price: 200,000 system points] ... Kisha''s eyes widened as she read the price, and she nearly choked on her saliva, her complexion paling. The space ring was even more expensive than her own territory pack, and yet 008 had mentioned it was a common item on some continents in the murim world. ''How can my territory pack be cheaper than this? It''s far more useful!'' she thought, grinding her teeth in frustration. It felt as though the system was robbing her blind. "Host, that''s way too much!" 008 chimed in, its voice filled with a mix of indignation and reason. "It''s true that your territory pack was cheaper, but that was because we got it from a limited sale corner in the mall points store. We essentially snagged a deal! This one, however, isn''t part of any limited sale, so we have to pay the actual price." Kisha could almost picture 008 pouting as it explained itself in an aggrieved tone. "Besides," 008 continued, "Even though I mentioned that it''s a common item in the murim world, the cheaper versions are still worth millions in their currency. This is because creating a space item like this requires not only exceptional skill but also a high level of cultivation." "Common-grade space items can only be crafted by seventh-grade spiritual blacksmiths," 008 explained. "Now, just imagine the grade of craftsmanship required for a rare-grade item like this. This is already a steal for us! The space capacity rivals that of the Space Type Ability Users. While it may not be upgradable, it can still store a significant amount and is far better than nothing at all." 008 concluded with an enthusiastic sales pitch. After all, 008 was dedicated to its role, ensuring that important items were bought and sold, which would ultimately benefit both itself and Kisha¡ªa true win-win situation. "Moreover, host, I''ve handpicked the best of the best from all the space-type items available in my sales channel," 008 added confidently. And 008 was right. As Kisha scrolled down past the first item, she noticed several alternatives. While they were significantly cheaper, the limited storage space was a glaring drawback. One item, priced at only 50,000 points, offered a mere 10 cubic meters of space, far too little for her needs. The list included everything from Space Rings to Space Bracelets and Necklaces, showcasing a wide array of fashionable designs. Despite their aesthetic appeal, none of these options could match the utility of the rare-grade space ring. It was clear that 008 had strategically positioned the recommended item at the top of the list, ensuring it was the first thing Kisha saw. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The disparity between this rare-grade space ring and the other options was striking, making it nearly impossible for her to consider anything else. Kisha narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You''re not manipulating sales, are you?" In response, 008 let out a dramatic wail, complete with crocodile tears. "Host! When have I ever scammed you out of your money?!" Its aggrieved voice echoed in Kisha''s mind, but she remained unfazed. "A few times," Kisha replied flatly, her expression and tone unwavering. This time, it was 008 that nearly choked upon hearing Kisha''s remark. It was true that it had tried to push Kisha toward more expensive products in the past, but that was only because she had always been so stingy. It was understandable, given that she used to earn very few system points¡ªoften less than 10,000. The most she had ever accumulated throughout her rebirth was 30,000. Only in this life had she managed to gather a million points. Now, with Kisha''s spending habits having shifted dramatically, 008 found itself in a different situation. No longer at the bottom of the rankings, it had also been upgraded to Level 5 due to Kisha''s recent purchases. Given this new status, there was no point in trying to sell her anything unnecessary. "But, host, even without my nudging, you''ve been buying things on your own now! You''re spending more frequently than ever without needing my encouragement. As you know, I still need to make a living by selling items. Since you''re already making purchases without my coaxing, there''s really no need for me to pressure you into anything," 008 argued, attempting to explain its perspective. "And if you''d like, I can show you the entire list of space-type items. I only selected the most affordable and practical options for you. That rare-grade item could disappear in an instant, especially since others might snatch it up the moment they see it," 008 added, its tone still defensive. As soon as Kisha heard that the space ring might be sold, she didn''t hesitate to make the purchase. [Do you want to buy the Space Ring for 200,000 system points?] [Yes] or [No] She immediately clicked "Yes" the moment the option appeared, feeling an urgency as if the process was moving too slowly. Panic gripped her; she feared she might actually lose the space ring. But as soon as the purchase was confirmed, a wave of clarity washed over her. It was as if she suddenly understood the mind of an impulsive buyer. Before she could unleash a tirade of angry curses and shouts directed at 008 for pressuring her, 008 had already slipped into the recesses of her mind, happily counting its earnings from the sale. Chapter 414 - 414 The Misunderstanding Feeling the frustration build with no outlet, Kisha took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to calm herself. After all, she had already secured the item she wanted. As for the points, she knew she could earn them back¡ªespecially with so many missions queued up in her mission tab, ready to be cleared. She reassured herself that she hadn''t lost out and, in fact, had gained something valuable. After calming herself down a few more times, Kisha retrieved the space ring from her inventory, finally ready to examine her latest purchase. The space ring appeared as a deep, blood-red jade encased in intricate gold engravings, giving it a fashionable and eye-catching allure. As it materialized in her hand, it instantly caught Duke''s attention. His eyes lit up with delight, a playful crinkle forming at their corners as he perked up, clearly captivated by the item. ''So, my little wife is trying to propose to me, huh?'' Duke mused, a smirk tugging at his lips. ''Is that why she''s been so serious and quiet all this time? She''s been gathering the courage to do it.'' He kept his gaze fixed on the ring in Kisha''s hand, waiting patiently for her to speak, though his mind raced with amusement and curiosity. ''It must be that,'' Duke thought, his grin widening. ''She''s afraid of sending me off without making her feelings clear. If only I had known, I would''ve proposed first. As a man, it''s my duty to reassure her and take that step.'' He paused, his thoughts shifting. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''But... being on this side of things doesn''t feel so bad after all.'' By the time Kisha turned to face him, Duke was already grinning from ear to ear, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. ''Did he already know what this is?'' Kisha wondered, noticing the eager look in Duke''s eyes. Both of them were caught in their own assumptions¡ªDuke thinking Kisha was preparing to propose, while Kisha assumed he was simply admiring the item. With their minds running in completely different directions, a misunderstanding was born, though neither realized it. They both continued to indulge in their separate thoughts, unaware of the growing disconnect. "I want you to have this Space Ring," Kisha said, her voice steady as she presented the ring to Duke. Slowly, she slid it onto his ring finger. The atmosphere grew thick with unspoken tension. Duke swallowed hard, his throat dry, as he watched her with wide eyes. The act felt far too intimate, almost ceremonial as if she were making a vow at the altar. His heart raced, and in that moment, Duke felt like he was floating on cloud nine, utterly convinced that this was her way of proposing. Duke''s grin froze, and his expression crumbled as her words sank in. ''Wait, what?! Space Ring?'' His mind raced as he replayed her words. ''Not a wedding ring? Not even an engagement ring?'' Before he could fully process the realization, Kisha continued. "Please put a drop of your blood on the ring so it can recognize you as its owner," she explained, her tone matter-of-fact. "Once it''s bound to you, you''ll have 100 cubic meters of storage space. You can think about how to use it effectively while you''re out there. With this Space Ring, I''d feel more reassured sending you outside without me." Duke blinked, his mind spinning between disappointment and confusion, realizing this wasn''t the romantic gesture he had imagined. Kisha continued to talk, but Duke''s mind had flatlined the moment he realized this wasn''t a proposal¡ªit was just a Space Ring for storing items during his missions outside the base. Her words faded into the background as his initial disappointment settled in. But after a few beats, Duke composed himself, schooling his expression and calming his thoughts. ''A Space Ring isn''t something easily acquired,'' he reminded himself. ''The fact that she''s giving it to me means she''s truly worried. She wants to make sure I''m prepared for everything out there.'' Looking down at the beautiful ring on his finger, he stroked it thoughtfully, his mood lifting. A soft smile spread across his face, and without missing a beat, he leaned over and gave Kisha a light peck on the cheek. Duke''s smile was genuine, with a hint of a boyish grin as if he were making a heartfelt vow. "I''m really happy to receive this, wifey. I''ll make sure to treasure your gift," he said softly, his eyes sparkling with sincerity. "And I''ll do my best to meet your expectations." The way he spoke, it felt like more than just a promise¡ªit was a pact made in the quiet space between them, filled with unspoken affection. Kisha''s mood brightened as she watched Duke genuinely appreciate the Space Ring she had chosen for him. It made her feel that all those points were truly worth it, especially for someone like him. Her heart swelled with warmth as she savored the moment they shared, basking in the connection that seemed to grow deeper with every passing second. After a while, Kisha rose from the tree trunk and began to pull items from her inventory. She carefully selected supplies she intended to send with Duke to the rendezvous point: drone batteries, water, and a variety of fresh foods including meat, vegetables, fruits, canned goods, and instant noodles. She packed several options of nearly everything in her inventory, ensuring that Duke would have plenty to choose from whenever he felt hungry. She also packed essential camping gear, including a camping stove, a tent, large pots, a kettle, butane canisters, and much more. Duke couldn''t help but smile as he watched Kisha flit around, fretting over what to send him, almost as if she wanted to pack herself and accompany him. When she finished pulling out things from her inventory, she turned to Duke, eager to teach him how to use the ring after noticing him place a drop of his blood on it. The ring glowed faintly as Duke felt a connection to it, but since it was his first time using such an item, he wasn''t quite sure what to do next. "You''re doing great! Now that you''ve established a connection with the ring, relax your mind and allow yourself to feel it. The ring will guide you to the vast space within." "Once you get used to this connection, you''ll be able to mentally store and retrieve items without needing to physically take everything out. You can access whatever you want specifically," Kisha explained, drawing from her own experience with her inventory. She assumed that her system inventory and the Space Ring functioned similarly, so she shared her initial experience with her inventory¡ªhow she first connected with it and how she learned to navigate and utilize it effectively. Thanks to Kisha''s clear explanation, Duke followed her instructions and soon felt the connection take hold. As he focused, he was guided into the depths of the Space Ring, feeling its intricate bond with his very essence. With a simple flick of his wrist, everything Kisha had pulled from her inventory vanished into thin air, all stored at once. ''Ugh! What a difference between a genius and an ordinary person like me!'' Kisha thought, recalling how it had taken her multiple attempts to successfully store items in her inventory. In contrast, Duke had managed to do it in just one try, effortlessly storing everything she had gathered. Chapter 415 - 415 The Unknown Seed "Host, you''re being dramatic. You didn''t take that many tries to store things in your inventory. You''re just imagining things," 008 retorted before disappearing into the far corner of Kisha''s mind, leaving her stumped. Kisha blinked, still processing, ''Okay¡­ maybe I was exaggerating a little bit.'' ''Can''t you just humor me a bit? I was just playing around,'' Kisha pouted in her mind, sounding like a child seeking attention. In reality, she knew that to store items in her inventory, she only needed to rely on her mental capacity. The higher her mental capacity, the easier it became to store items¡ªand she could even manage larger ones. The Space Ring functioned similarly, and since Duke was already at Level 2, his mental capacity had long surpassed that of an average human. This allowed him to use the Space Ring effortlessly, without straining his mind like Kisha did. The only distinction between Kisha''s inventory and Duke''s Space Ring was that Kisha''s inventory was being facilitated by the system, while Duke operated within a standalone space. Duke began experimenting with the Space Ring, testing how quickly he could retrieve specific items. He focused on accessing and removing various supplies, contemplating how useful this ability could be in battle. In particular, he considered the practicality of swiftly grabbing crucial items like grenades or weapons when the situation demanded it. He even stored his spear inside the ring, feeling a surge of satisfaction at the thought of having it with him at all times without the hassle of carrying it on his back or in his arms. Kisha watched him with an approving smile as he practiced using the ring. Once Duke was finished, they were nearly ready to leave the territory. "Y-Young Madam, Young Master? I apologize for interrupting your moment..." Daisy stammered, clutching a small leather bag that hung from her left shoulder and rested against her right hip. In her other hand, she held a small notebook and a pen, which she had been using when she unexpectedly came across Duke and Kisha. Both Kisha and Duke turned to Daisy, offering her warm smiles. With their keen senses, they had noticed her approach long before she arrived. However, since they weren''t engaged in anything inappropriate for a child to witness, they decided to let it be, especially Kisha, whose heightened senses made her particularly attuned to her surroundings. "No, you didn''t disturb us at all. We were just testing out an item," Kisha replied reassuringly. An idea struck her, and she reached into her inventory, pulling out a small gift before stepping closer to Daisy. "Do you think you could plant these and study what type of plant they grow into?" Kisha asked gently, placing a small pack of seeds into Daisy''s hands. "It would be a great project for you! Maybe you could even ask your grandfather for help. He might know how to make sure the plant stays healthy and adapts well to its new environment." Kisha watched as Daisy''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Just imagine how rewarding it will be to nurture something from a tiny seed into a beautiful plant! Plus, it''s a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about botany and the environment." Daisy nodded enthusiastically, her expression filled with determination. "I will! I can''t wait to see what it turns into!" "Exactly!" Kisha encouraged, smiling warmly. "And don''t forget to take notes on its growth process. You might discover something really interesting along the way. Just remember to give it plenty of sunlight and water!" Kisha just recalled receiving an ''Unknown Seed'' during her last sudden hiden mission after the zombie raid, which she hadn''t yet investigated. She realized that since Daisy''s talents and gifts were related to plants, she might be the perfect person to study the seed and uncover its secrets. This could be an exciting opportunity for Daisy to explore her abilities further. It would also help her become more familiar with her abilities. The moment Daisy saw the seeds, her eyes sparkled like stars, and she eagerly took them from Kisha''s hands, her curiosity ignited. She examined the small packet closely, marveling at the potential hidden within. "Thank you, Young Madam!" Daisy exclaimed, bowing deeply before dashing off, clutching the seed tightly. Her excitement bubbled over as she thought about starting her study and enlisting Marcus''s help. With his ''Green Thumb'' gift, he could ensure the seed thrived in its new environment, making it even more resilient. Once Daisy discovered the type of plant and its growth requirements, she would gain a deeper understanding of its nature and optimal planting conditions. Once it bore more seeds, she could decide where to cultivate it next. Fortunately, they had bees nearby, which would assist in pollinating the plant, helping it mature and produce even more seeds. Just the thought of all the possibilities made Daisy giggle with excitement as she skipped back to her grandfather, her joy palpable. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha couldn''t help but smile at Daisy''s exuberance, as if she had discovered a delightful new toy. She also found herself hoping the seed would turn out to be one of the herbs she''d need for the stamina booster recipe she anticipated receiving from an ongoing mission. Any useful herb would be a welcome addition to her inventory. When Duke noticed Kisha''s excitement, it was contagious, and he couldn''t help but chuckle softly. The two of them then left the territory space and made their way back down to where Duke''s team was waiting. Without wasting any time, Duke led his team out of the villa. Each member had a large military bag strapped to their backs, while Duke carried none himself. No one found it unfair; they understood that he would be at the forefront, leading them into whatever challenges lay ahead. Kisha watched from the Eastern gate as Duke and his team sprinted into the city, expertly navigating the chaos around them. They fought off zombies with agility and precision, their movements synchronized as they worked together. From the watchtower, snipers provided crucial support, taking out threats from a distance to ensure the team''s safe passage. The sight filled Kisha with a mix of pride and concern, knowing they were facing danger but confident in their skills and camaraderie. Kisha lingered on the top of the Eastern Wall, her gaze fixed on the horizon long after Duke and his team had disappeared from sight. Her expression had returned to its familiar indifference, leaving those around her unsure of her thoughts. After a while, she turned away, refocusing her energy on supporting Vulture and the others as they worked to barricade the perimeter for the new wall. The weight of her responsibilities settled over her, grounding her in the task at hand as she channeled her thoughts into the preparations ahead. On Duke''s side... The moment Duke stepped out of the Eastern gate, he felt Kisha''s lingering gaze on him, warming his heart as he charged into the horde of zombies advancing toward him and his team. Unfazed by the onslaught, he didn''t even bother pulling out his spear from his Space Ring. With a powerful kick, he sent a zombie''s head flying from the impact. Chapter 416 - 416 The Level Up Changed The Body Grabbing a nearby metal pipe, he swung it with precision, taking down the zombie next to him. He didn''t care that blood splattered across his handsome face; he exuded an aura of ruthlessness and wild intensity, fully immersed in the chaos of battle. Duke''s team shivered as a wave of goosebumps ran across their bodies, feeling the sheer menace of his aura as he cut through the horde. They could only follow closely behind, awe-struck by his relentless power, while the snipers from the watchtower cleared the path ahead, ensuring they wouldn''t be overwhelmed by the swarming zombies. With Duke leading the charge at the forefront, the team swiftly carved their way through the zombie horde. They moved with relentless momentum, fighting and running without pause. Those stationed in the middle of the formation were tasked with quickly harvesting the crystal cores from the zombies'' skulls as they advanced, ensuring they wasted no time while collecting valuable resources. With time running short, they couldn''t afford to use daggers. Instead, they plunged their bare hands into the zombies'' skulls, ripping out the crystal cores along with bits of brain matter. The urgency of the situation left no room for hesitation or nausea, their focus solely on survival and completing the mission. With their relentless pace and efficient handling of the situation, Duke and his team quickly broke free from the zombie horde and sprinted deeper into the city. Duke didn''t slow down until he was certain they were no longer surrounded and had secured a clear escape route in case of emergencies. Only then did he stop, allowing his team to catch their breath after the intense run. Despite their exhaustion, no one uttered a word of complaint. Instead, following Duke''s orders, they immediately checked on each other, ensuring no one was injured and assessing if any adjustments were needed in their formation. They understood the importance of knowing if the group could maintain this formation over a long period, especially given the intensity of their mission. At this moment, Duke was still evaluating which formations worked best with his warriors and which ones fell short, ensuring they could adapt quickly if things went sideways. He was meticulously testing their endurance and responsiveness, knowing that any tactical misstep could be costly. Fortunately, Vulture had anticipated this need and had already selected team members with the best stamina and solid defensive abilities. Though they weren''t as powerful as Duke in terms of dealing damage with their raw strength, their resilience ensured they wouldn''t be a burden in critical moments and could defend themselves or their teammates when things went south. By the time they finally stopped, two and a half hours had passed, and they had been sprinting as if their lives depended on it¡ªbecause they did. The warriors were panting heavily, gasping for air, their legs feeling like lead from the relentless pace. Despite their exhaustion, none of them dared to stop until Duke gave the signal. They knew too well that halting prematurely would mean certain death, making them easy prey for the zombies and becoming their lunch. Pushing their weary bodies to the limit, they kept running, fully aware that slowing down before Duke''s command would turn them into the horde''s next meal. While the team took a moment to rest, Duke stood by the entrance of the building, assessing the situation outside. Inside, the warriors hastily dug into their military rations¡ªbiscuits and water that Kisha had carefully prepared for the mission. As Duke observed them, he noticed how quickly they were consuming their supplies. He remembered that Kisha hadn''t been able to pack much food, as their bags were already filled with other essential items. Realizing this, Duke made a mental note of their dwindling provisions. Despite the brief respite, Duke ensured that at least two guards remained on alert at the building''s entrance, rotating shifts with the others. He excused himself from the group, telling them he was going to scout the area while they rested. No one dared protest. They could all see the stark difference between themselves and their leader¡ªwhile they were drenched in sweat and struggling to recover from the grueling two-and-a-half-hour sprint, Duke appeared almost unaffected. His shirt was only lightly damp, and his breathing was calm, as if the intense run had barely made an impact on him. The team respected Duke''s strength and endurance, knowing that his instincts would keep them safe as he ventured out to scout the perimeter. Even though some of them wanted to accompany Duke on his scouting mission, their bodies simply wouldn''t allow it. Exhaustion had overtaken them, and their limbs felt like jelly. As they ate, lifting their trembling hands to feed themselves took tremendous effort. Every movement seemed like a monumental task. If it weren''t for their pride and the fear of losing face in front of their comrades, they might have just collapsed onto the ground, eating their rations like worms, barely able to move anything but their heads. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing them in such a state, Duke could only shake his head in amusement. He understood, though, that these warriors had given their all. What they just did wasn''t a casual jog but a full-on sprint, and despite having awakened their abilities, they were still at Level 0¡ªunlike him. They couldn''t possibly keep up with his pace, but the fact that they tried their best spoke volumes. It showed they were determined not to hold him back, a trait Duke deeply appreciated. Their effort and resolve were more than enough for him to recognize their potential and dedication as loyal subordinates. After excusing himself, Duke made a quick beeline to the nearest grocery store they had passed. He pretended to be on a supply run, grabbing a large eco bag that resembled a suitcase¡ªbig enough to fit a person inside. He stuffed it with essentials: cup noodles, loaves of bread, plenty of water, and energy bars and he even added a few vegetables to the mix. To ensure he looked like he was genuinely gathering supplies all over the place, he took dawdle a little. While he waited, Duke took the opportunity to set up a small camping stove and filled a pot with water to let it boil. As the water heated, he leisurely munched on a melon bread that Kisha had tucked away in his Space Ring. His casual demeanor masked the urgency of their situation, allowing him to gather not just supplies, but also a moment of rest like the others. When the water began to boil, Duke pulled out a kimchi-flavored noodle packet he had randomly chosen from his stash and set it to cook. After a few moments, he added two drops of egg and promptly turned off the stove. Once the noodles were fully cooked, he didn''t bother waiting for them to cool; instead, he dove right in, savoring every bite. Surprisingly, he didn''t feel the usual sting of heat on his tongue. Perhaps it was due to his enhanced defenses, which allowed him to enjoy the food regardless of its temperature. In reality, the soup was hot enough to cause a significant burn, around a 4.5 degrees burn on the scale, yet Duke relished it without a care. Chapter 417 - 417 Vegetables This only demonstrated the extent of the alterations their level-up had made to their bodies, allowing them to endure discomforts that would have once been unbearable. Although Duke was simply eating noodles, he found them surprisingly enjoyable and delicious¡ªmore so than the gourmet meals he had tasted during his business trips. Perhaps it was the knowledge that these supplies were meticulously prepared by Kisha that made the food taste so good. With each bite, he savored not only the flavor but also the effort she had put into it, making it all the more special. As he ate, a smile crept across his face, and he resolved to find some supplies dedicated to his subordinates. He wanted them to have their own share of good food so he could fully appreciate the delicious supplies Kisha had prepared just for him. He knew it was a bit childish, but these small things were his source of happiness, especially now that he was away from Kisha. It was his way of maintaining sanity amidst the chaos. No matter how strong Duke''s mental fortitude was, this was still his first experience of the apocalypse, and he was adjusting in his own way. After all, he had been born into a peaceful era, where his only concerns revolved around the schemes of the business world. Perhaps it was the way he had lived his life that allowed him to adapt better than most, but deep down, he still craved the simple pleasures that grounded him. However, this was the first time he had been so far away from Kisha since the apocalypse began, and it was impossible not to miss her presence. Yet, that longing only fueled his determination to excel in this mission. He wanted to alleviate some of Kisha''s burdens and ensure that their efforts would lead to a safer, more secure future for both of them. After finishing his meal, he carefully washed the utensils he had used, making sure that he used little water because he couldn''t be wasting water now that they had any sure way to filter water, and then, taking a drink to remove the after taste of what he ate and resting for a moment. When he returned to his subordinates, he found that most of the warriors had fallen fast asleep, snoring in various corners of the room. Those who were still awake lowered their heads in embarrassment, shaking them in dismay at the sight. Duke remained silent, understanding their need for rest; he knew that merely sitting around wouldn''t be productive. He placed the eco bag he had brought with him on the floor, and those who were awake immediately noticed it as soon as he stepped into the room. "Take this and distribute it among yourselves. See if you can fit it into your bags so you''ll have something to eat during the mission," Duke instructed, settling down near the window. He gestured for them to act quickly, as he had another task prepared for them. Among the items he packed in the bag were a foldable camping stove, several small butane tanks, and a pot, allowing them to cook noodles or boil water whenever needed. Having arrived at a nearby grocery store, Duke collected everything still useful from the shelves, checking the warehouse for any additional supplies. He carefully stored these items in the free space that Kisha had left for him, ensuring he had ample room for whatever else he might find in the city during this mission, allowing him to bring back any valuable supplies. With eager anticipation, the remaining awake warriors rushed over to Duke''s eco bag, their excitement reminiscent of children rifling through their mother''s grocery haul in search of hidden treats. As they peered inside, their eyes lit up with delight at the sight of the food supplies. Who wouldn''t be thrilled to discover a better meal option than their usual rations? It wasn''t that they disdained the military biscuits Kisha had prepared for them; it was simply that, given the extent and danger of their mission, those dry snacks wouldn''t provide the energy they needed to stay mobile. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The presence of noodles and fresh bread was invigorating, like a breath of fresh air amidst their plain and dry biscuits. Alongside these were vibrant vegetables, a rarity in their current circumstances, promising a much-needed boost to their morale and health. The warriors couldn''t help but feel a surge of gratitude and renewed energy at the prospect of a hearty meal, ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead. ''Vegetables?'' They exchanged puzzled glances, their heads tilting in unison as they processed the surprising discovery. It had been weeks since the apocalypse began, and the thought of fresh produce felt almost like a fantasy. If Duke had rummaged through any grocery store or market, surely the vegetables and meat would have long spoiled, especially with the electricity cut off and the heat of the sun bearing down. One of the warriors finally gathered the courage to voice his curiosity, unable to shake off the nagging question. "Vice City Lord, why are there vegetables in here? Surely, there aren''t any fresh ones left in the stores?" Duke didn''t even glance up; he remained seated with his eyes closed, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He had anticipated this question the moment he included the vegetables in the bag. "Who said I got them from any store?" he replied, his tone casual yet hinting at something more. The warrior blinked, confusion mingling with intrigue. "Then where did they come from?" Duke finally opened his eyes, meeting the gaze of the curious warrior. "Let''s just say I have my ways of finding good supplies in unexpected places," he said cryptically. After hearing Duke''s explanation, no one dared to ask any further questions. It was entirely plausible that he had procured the vegetables from an unexpected source. Besides, they were all clean and free of dirt, so there was no need to dwell on insignificant details. They were well aware that there were countless methods to clean vegetables, and they certainly weren''t naive enough to ask that question. Satisfied with Duke''s answer, the warriors eagerly began distributing the supplies among themselves. Excitement and camaraderie filled the air as they planned how to prepare the food, grateful for the small luxuries that could momentarily lift their spirits during such dire times. Many of you may be wondering why Duke didn''t simply bring his own subordinates, the Winters'' bodyguards¡ªhis loyal forces that he had trained and nurtured for years. With them by his side, he wouldn''t have to conceal the existence of his Space Ring or worry about whether his warriors could keep up with him. He could operate without hesitation, focusing solely on the mission at hand, free from the concerns that currently weighed on his mind. The answer is quite straightforward: while his own subordinates are strong and highly qualified, both he and Kisha now bear the responsibility for the entire base. They can''t focus solely on nurturing their own forces while neglecting the rest; the entire base is their collective strength. It''s crucial to maintain balance, which means they need to train the warriors and give them the opportunity to gain combat experience. Chapter 418 - 418 Web Like Formation Duke''s personal forces have already fought alongside him and Kisha, becoming familiar with their strategies and patterns. It''s essential to ensure that everyone, not just a select few, is prepared for the challenges ahead. Instead of allowing them to roam freely outside, Kisha decided to have Duke''s subordinates integrate into the base, assigning them important tasks to bolster operations. For instance, Tristan took on significant responsibilities that contributed to the overall efficiency of the base. With the demonic insects embedded in their hearts, both Kisha and Duke felt secure knowing that sensitive information and crucial tasks were in capable hands. There was no one they trusted more; the risk of betrayal was virtually nonexistent, allowing them to focus on the greater challenges ahead. Though this requires more effort, it proved to be the most effective long-term strategy. It could also help Kisha complete her A-Class mission, ''Commander of a Thousand,'' ensuring that her forces are well-trained and battle-ready when the time comes. Now, all these warriors are either with Sparrow, Vulture, or Duke, or patrolling the walls on all sides. With this rotation and experience, they are steadily growing stronger each day. Beyond their training, this hands-on experience is yielding even better results. Of course, they continue their daily training, especially focusing on consuming the Scarlet Honey to prepare for leveling up soon. With such a strong defense force, Kisha can truly feel the base becoming unified and self-sufficient. Soon, the base won''t need her constant support to thrive. She realized that this must be the true purpose of her main S-Class mission, ''Taking Nest for 30 Days.'' She always knew her missions had deeper meanings, and although this one was incredibly difficult, the rewards she was gaining were monumental. Yet, like the other missions that had killed her in her past lives, it seemed almost impossible to complete. She was certain the system had made this mission nearly unachievable¡ªif not for her territory pack, which luckily was there to assist her along the way. Kisha was convinced the system wasn''t just pushing her to become a better version of herself or teaching her with an iron fist. In the past, she had faced similarly impossible missions, but they had come one at a time¡ªstill extremely difficult though, like saving thousands of lives and providing for them over a set period. How was she supposed to accomplish that when food and other essentials had become so scarce? Even with her inventory then, it was still impossible. Her current situation felt even more overwhelming, confirming her belief that the system was working against her at some point. Not only that, she had faced similar missions where she had to build her own base and lead everyone, only for the system to turn it into a charity-like situation. It forced her into the role of a benevolent leader, enabling everything to happen. But when she could no longer give, even after exhausting herself, the people revolted and killed her in the end. t felt as if all the missions from her past lives had been thrown at her at once. If she hadn''t managed to buy her territory pack at the very beginning, she might have met the same fate as before. She also recalled what 008 had told her upon 100th rebirth¡ªthis was her final chance. It means that if she failed and died again, there would be no more chances; this time, death would be permanent. Even though the people at the base now worship Kisha and seem trustworthy, she didn''t want to take any risks. Everyone who had ingested the Heart Gu Pill was placed in critical positions that required careful oversight, such as the supply center, where they assisted Mr. Winters to prevent him from being overwhelmed by his workload. Additionally, someone was stationed alongside Aston to ensure that, in case of an emergency, there would always be someone Aston could fully trust. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha couldn''t simply make everyone at the base take the Heart Gu Pill, as that would make it feel more like a cult than a community. She didn''t want to bind everyone to her in that way. While Kisha was doing everything she could for the base and its people, her motives weren''t entirely selfless. She was no longer the na?ve leader who once believed that doing good would prevent betrayal. She had learned the hard way that people could still turn on the hand that feeds them. Now, she approached everything with a clear, objective mindset and acted decisively. After the warriors finished distributing supplies among themselves and resting to fully replenish their stamina, they began moving deeper into the city. While they had the stamina boosters that Kisha had prepared, Duke advised them not to use them unless absolutely necessary¡ªnot because the supply was limited (Kisha had stocked more in his Space Ring), but because, like Kisha, Duke wanted his subordinates to avoid becoming overly reliant on these items. As soon as they regained their stamina, Duke pushed them to keep moving, urging them to run farther into the city. He quickly scouted for a strategic vantage point among the buildings and led the group to the top floor of a tall structure. Clearing their way of any zombies they encountered, the team fought their way up. Once they reached the top, Duke assigned eight warriors to operate the drones, using the elevated position to survey the city and detect potential threats. Meanwhile, the rest of the group was divided into pairs, each guarding a different section of the perimeter, including the exits, ensuring they had full coverage and no blind spots in their defense. They deployed eight drones, each sent in one of the eight directions: North, South, East, and West¡ªthe four cardinal directions¡ªand the intercardinal directions: Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest. This strategy allowed the drones to cover narrower, more focused paths, ensuring they could thoroughly scan each sector without missing any potential threats or key details. By dividing the search in this way, the team maximized their ability to gather critical information about the surrounding area while maintaining precision in their surveillance. Duke had set up a strategic net-like formation at key locations, particularly at the intersections in the sewer system. He was carefully inspecting these areas to identify any possible openings because if zombies were appearing in the sewers, there had to be an entrance. It wasn''t as if the zombies could open manholes like humans, so Duke and his team needed to locate the points of entry and determine how the undead were getting in. Once they found these openings, their priority would be to seal them completely. Only after securing all the entry points could Duke focus on eradicating the zombies underground. Without first sealing the sewers, any battle below would be endless, with new waves constantly emerging. Duke knew that if the situation became too dire, Kisha would intervene herself, something he was determined to avoid. He didn''t want her risking herself or stepping in because it would mean he had failed. His goal was to ensure that the situation remained under control, so Kisha wouldn''t need to get involved. "Vice City Lord, this area is clear. We can move to the next," one of the drone operators called out after he and the others retrieved their drones and confirmed that there were no problem in the vicinity. Chapter 419 - 419 How Duke Lead Despite the efficiency of the team and the speed of the drones, the operation had taken nearly an hour. Even with their skillful handling, it took time to thoroughly follow the web-like formation Duke had mapped out. However, within that hour, they had managed to cover a substantial portion of the eastern part of the city. The methodical process was necessary¡ªDuke''s plan demanded precision, leaving no gaps that could compromise their mission. Clearing such a large area in this time was a significant achievement, as it allowed them to eliminate any potential threats while simultaneously gathering valuable intel on the city''s layout and key locations. The drones'' surveillance revealed more than just enemy positions; it also provided insight into strategic points they could use to their advantage in future operations. As the team prepared to advance to the next section, they knew they were making progress, but Duke''s instructions remained clear: ''No rushing. Ensuring each zone was fully secure was essential, as any overlooked threat could spell disaster later.'' After finishing up in the current area, Duke led the team to the next location, moving with an air of calm efficiency. It almost seemed as if he was more of a babysitter than a commanding officer, guiding them through the city and ensuring they stayed alive and well. He only provided extra resources, like food or supplies, when absolutely necessary¡ªjust enough to keep them going but never coddling them. Some of the warriors began to realize that Duke''s approach felt more like a practical exam for soldiers on their first real mission. His leadership style resembled that of an instructor overseeing a field test, quietly observing and evaluating. Duke wasn''t just leading them¡ªhe was grading them, taking note of how they handled themselves under pressure, how they followed his orders, and how they adapted to the challenges they faced. It became clear that this wasn''t just about clearing areas or defeating zombies. Duke was using this mission to assess their capabilities, identify their strengths, and reveal any weaknesses that might surface under real combat conditions. This field experience was like a proving ground, a way for Duke to determine how each of them would perform in future, larger-scale operations. He needed to know who could be relied on, who showed potential, and where the gaps in their training were. By stepping back and letting them take the lead while offering just enough guidance, Duke was allowing them to show their true potential while also learning what issues they might face as they progressed. It was a test not only of their skills but also of their endurance and ability to think independently in the heat of battle. And they weren''t wrong¡ªDuke was indeed doing exactly what they suspected. It was much like the final phase in military training, where cadets are sent on a minor mission before they can officially graduate. These missions were often reconnaissance-based, never involving high-risk target elimination. The goal was to test their readiness in the field under controlled, but real, conditions. Just like those military exercises, Duke had briefed them thoroughly on the area''s condition, the challenges they might face, and the tactical choices available. He had mapped out their formations and ensured that all the resources they would need were prepared in advance. It was clear that his role mirrored that of a seasoned veteran or instructor, present not to fight the battles for them but to observe, guide, and ensure they didn''t fail completely. The situation reminded some of their past training, where everything was laid out¡ªwhat to expect, how to proceed, and what decisions could make or break the mission. All the cadets had to do was execute and prove they could apply their training in a real-world environment. They were expected to demonstrate not just individual skill but the ability to function as a cohesive unit, each member contributing without becoming a burden to the team. Duke wasn''t just watching for combat ability, either. He was assessing their discipline, their communication, their adaptability under pressure¡ªtraits that separated a good soldier from a great one. The real test was whether they could execute the mission while maintaining the unity and trust that any strong team requires. In essence, Duke was testing not just their survival skills but their potential as leaders and dependable warriors in future, more dangerous missions. When Duke briefed the warriors before the mission, while Kisha was busy preparing the supplies, he had already mapped out their strategy in detail. He spread out a large, comprehensive map of the entire city, where he had carefully marked the key locations for their web-like surveillance formation. The warriors weren''t required to memorize the exact locations, as Duke would personally lead them to each spot. Instead, their primary focus was to remember the radius they needed to cover when deploying their drones. Duke had instilled in them the importance of precision and attention to detail. He knew from experience that in urban warfare, especially in a city infested with zombies, even the slightest gap in intelligence could lead to disastrous consequences. By breaking down the mission into manageable sections and providing a clear, structured plan, Duke ensured that his team could focus on execution without being overwhelmed by the scale of the operation. His leadership allowed them to concentrate on their individual tasks while understanding how each small part contributed to the larger objective. In this way, the warriors weren''t just following orders¡ªthey were learning to operate as a cohesive unit, with each member playing a vital role in the success of the mission. Thanks to Duke''s exceptional memory and analytical skills, the moment he laid eyes on the sewer system''s blueprint, he had already committed it to memory. With his photographic memory, this was a simple task¡ªhe not only memorized the entire sewer layout but also quickly analyzed the key junctures where he needed to set up his formations. These intersections were critical to controlling access and movement within the sewers, and Duke had pinpointed them with precision. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But his analysis didn''t stop there. Duke had also memorized the city''s layout in detail, seamlessly linking the sewer system''s blueprint to the city above. Without needing to constantly reference the map, he mentally overlaid the two, forming a comprehensive understanding of how the underground passages connected with the streets and buildings above. This allowed him to anticipate potential threats, movement patterns, and strategic advantages both on the surface and below ground. By combining his deep knowledge of the city''s structure with his mastery of the sewer system, Duke had already identified and mentally marked all the critical vantage points across the entire city. These points weren''t just random high ground; they were carefully selected locations that would give him and his team the upper hand in monitoring and controlling key areas. Whether above or below the surface, Duke had crafted a tactical framework that allowed him to anticipate movements, bottleneck the undead, and protect vital entry points before the team even stepped into the field. This ability to instantly process complex layouts gave Duke a distinct advantage over his enemies and even his own team, who relied heavily on maps and visible markers. For Duke, everything was already mapped out in his mind, allowing him to focus on strategy and execution without ever needing to pause and recheck his plans. His foresight and preparation made him a formidable leader, ensuring that he was always several steps ahead, ready to adapt and counter any situation that arose. Chapter 420 - 420 Sparrow In Another Predicament Duke''s leadership over the warriors ensured the mission ran smoothly. With the support of the drones, they were able to map out safer routes, allowing them to move forward with minimal interference from zombie attacks. Under Duke''s guidance, the warriors also learned how to move more stealthily, picking up techniques to conceal their presence. They began to mimic Duke''s skill in staying undetected, so much so that even when he walked right behind a zombie, it failed to notice him. This newfound ability significantly reduced their exposure to danger, enhancing their chances of survival in every encounter. Although mimicking Duke''s technique was challenging, the warriors put in their best effort to figure it out. They were fortunate, however, as Duke provided them with small hints to help them develop their own methods for reducing their presence. He understood that everyone was built differently, and what worked for him might not work for others. Duke''s approach allowed each warrior to find their own unique way of staying undetected, rather than forcing them to follow his exact steps. This flexibility made all the difference in their progress. After dozens of trials and errors, some of the warriors with higher potential managed to partially conceal their presence, significantly easing their journey. As their stealth improved, they encountered fewer threats, allowing them to navigate the city with minimal combat. This newfound ability made their reconnaissance mission far more efficient, as they could move through the streets almost unnoticed, focusing on gathering crucial information rather than constant fighting. While everything was running smoothly for Duke, the same couldn''t be said for Sparrow. In fact, calling his situation "fine" would be an understatement¡ªhe and his entire team were in deep trouble. The sight in front of him made his stomach twist, and in frustration, he scratched the back of his head, trying to steady his breathing. The pressure was mounting, and it was clear they had a serious challenge ahead. "What?! You think we wouldn''t retaliate after you killed my people and left the others on the brink of death?!" the leader of the opposing group shouted, his voice thick with rage. He tapped a spiked bat against his shoulder, each movement calculated for intimidation. The nails embedded in the bat glinted menacingly, as if echoing his fury, while his stance and every action screamed of a desire for confrontation. ... Sparrow and his team had successfully gathered everything they needed from Port City. Like their first visit, they secured ten cargo trailers from the western side of the port and decided to rest on the eastern side to gather more supplies before heading back to the base the next day. However, unlike last time, they no longer had the protection of the Scarlet Bees. This left Sparrow as the only scout responsible for monitoring their perimeter, while he assigned guards to maintain constant patrols. Though the process was more tedious than their previous trip, everyone understood Sparrow''s caution. His meticulousness was necessary to ensure they weren''t being followed or would be ambushed. What Sparrow didn''t realize was that during their first visit to Port City, when the Scarlet Bees were still protecting them, there had been an unseen threat. On the night he left with the five STAU, a group of assailants had attempted a sneak attack on his team. Unbeknownst to him, the Scarlet Bees had swiftly eliminated the attackers before they could strike, silently keeping his team safe from harm while he was away. And who were these attackers? None other than the same group Sparrow and his team had encountered earlier on the western side of the city. This was the group that had tried to use Sparrow''s people as a distraction, tossing the zombies on their tail towards them, hoping to escape in the chaos. However, Sparrow had quickly turned the tables, leaving them to fend for themselves once more, already exhausted from their own desperate attempts to survive. In the end, the opposing group had no choice but to sacrifice some of their own members to ensure the majority could escape. But, of course, no one in their right mind would willingly volunteer to be the one sacrificed. Faced with the impossible decision, tension, and fear tore through their ranks as they desperately tried to save themselves, knowing that survival would come at a heavy cost. But when no one volunteered to act as bait and be devoured by the zombies while the rest fled, the same person who had originally devised the plan to use Sparrow and his team as a meat shield took matters into her own hands. Without hesitation, she coldly resorted to sacrificing their own members. She shot five of her teammates in the legs with her shotgun, rendering them unable to run, leaving them as helpless distractions for the approaching horde while the rest made their escape. The others were left stunned by this shocking act, but in their desperation to save their own lives, they convinced themselves it was the only way to ensure the majority''s survival. Morality had long since been cast aside; if they had retained any sense of ethics, they would never have considered using Sparrow and his team as bait to the zombies chasing them. Survival trumped all else, and the harsh reality of their situation forced them to embrace a cold pragmatism that they never thought they would resort to. As the remaining members of the group managed to escape from the horde, the desperate cries of their sacrificed teammates echoed behind them. The pitiful, hoarse pleas for help fell on deaf ears as the unfortunate five crawled away, only to be caught and torn apart by the zombies that seized them. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their sacrifices had been enough to distract the horde, causing the zombies to turn on each other in a frenzy, fighting for the feast laid out before them. Meanwhile, the main group, now free from immediate danger, pressed on, burdened by the weight of their choices. Once the main group managed to catch their breath in the forest near the western edge, they lingered for a while, ensuring no zombies remained in the vicinity. They were running low on ammunition, and the weight of their recent actions hung heavily in the air, unspoken but palpable. Grudges simmered against Sparrow; they believed that if their plan had succeeded, there would have been no need to sacrifice their own. With this resentment festering, they decided to follow Sparrow and his team. However, when they finally found them, they discovered that Sparrow had trucks and another group waiting further down the road. At that moment, they felt a flicker of relief that they hadn''t acted impulsively, for had they attacked, they would have faced certain death. Instead of confronting Sparrow, they decided to trail his team to the eastern side of Port City. Initially, panic set in as they feared that Sparrow and his group might leave the City for good, leaving them without a chance for revenge. But when they saw Sparrow and his team head toward the eastern side, a wave of relief washed over them. They exchanged glances, their spirits lifting as they realized their opportunity was still intact. Waiting patiently for darkness to envelop the city, they plotted their next move, eager to exact their revenge under the cover of night. Chapter 421 - 421 What Really Happened As locals of Port City, they were intimately familiar with every nook and cranny of the area, which fueled their confidence in surviving the night. Once darkness descended, they stealthily made their way toward the forest, their hearts racing with anticipation. Spotting Sparrow''s truck camouflaged among the trees, a smirk spread across their faces. They exchanged knowing glances, convinced that once they eliminated Sparrow and his team, they would claim those trucks as their own. The thought of driving home in the very vehicles that had once provided refuge for their enemies filled them with a sense of triumph. As they lay in wait, the tantalizing aroma of food wafting from Sparrow''s camp wafted through the trees, causing their stomachs to rumble with hunger. The smell of sizzling meat only intensified their hatred for Sparrow, fueling their determination to confront him and his team. It was clear that Sparrow and his group had an abundance of supplies, enjoying a feast while they struggled to survive. Eager to seize what they believed was rightfully theirs, the assailants scoured Sparrow''s truck for any leftover supplies but found it as barren as a desert. Frustrated but undeterred, they exchanged furtive glances, their resolve hardening. While Sparrow''s team busied themselves with cooking and preparation, the assailants began to creep silently through the forest, ready to strike when the moment was right. Coincidentally, Sparrow was away with the STAU, having left only a small amount of supplies to be cooked. Seizing the opportunity, the assailants quietly advanced toward Sparrow''s camp, believing they had the upper hand. With the element of surprise on their side, they thought they could launch a sneak attack and eliminate Sparrow and his team before they even knew what hit them. Their confidence surged as they imagined the imminent victory, eager to take revenge for their fallen comrades (who they killed). However, they never anticipated that something lurked in the shadows, ready to strike. Before they could react, they found themselves completely surrounded. At the forefront of the ambush, Bell buzzed its wings with authority, rallying its army to unleash chaos upon the intruders. The air crackled with tension as the loyal defenders surged forward, ready to defend their territory against the encroaching threat. "How dare you attempt to ambush my master''s subordinate in my presence? Stupid humans!" Bell buzzed furiously, its wings vibrating with anger. The intruders, however, could only comprehend the deafening hum of the bee''s wings, their faces draining of color as the realization dawned upon them: they had unwittingly stepped into a nightmare. The woman leading the group couldn''t fathom why these colossal bees had chosen to target her and her crew instead of attacking Sparrow''s team first, especially when they were only separated by a few trees and bushes. Panic surged through her as the ominous buzzing grew louder, a harbinger of the chaos that was about to ensue. However, she had little time to think as the swift Scarlet Bees launched their assault. Before the ambushers could even react, two of their members lay dead, grotesquely punctured in the head. Panic erupted, and the remaining assailants scattered like headless chickens, frantically trying to escape. But Bell was unfazed; with their overwhelming numbers, the Scarlet Bees had taken position in every tree, ready to strike. Their incredible speed left no room for doubt¡ªthere would be no survivors left to recount the story of this ill-fated ambush. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bell had held back the Scarlet Bees from attacking immediately upon spotting the intruders. She wanted to ensure there were no hidden threats lurking in the shadows, ready to ambush her forces in return. Her strategy was to eliminate everyone in one swift strike, catching them off guard before they could react. Only when she was confident that no reinforcements were on the way did she finally give her army the signal to attack. However, the woman leading the ambush was shrewd and ruthless. Realizing that their situation was dire, she seized the hand of one of her crew members and sprinted toward the nearest exit of the forest, refusing to look back. Meanwhile, the rest of their group scattered, seeking refuge behind trees or preparing to fight back. Bell and her Scarlet Bees, overconfident in their superiority, allowed the others to flee, giving them a false sense of hope. They intended to strike when the ambushers believed they had escaped, savoring the moment when hope peaked before delivering the fatal blow. With Kisha absent, the true nature of Bell and her army began to surface. Bell harbored a deep disdain for ordinary humans¡ªthose who couldn''t cultivate or awaken their abilities¡ªviewing them as inferior beings, this was because this was already ingrained in her bloodline, so it wasn''t so easy to change, much like a predator sizing up its prey. This arrogance led them to allow the two women to escape a bit further, perceiving them as the easiest targets among the group. The woman being led away felt a surge of gratitude toward her leader, who had not abandoned her like the others. As fellow woman, she sensed a bond of understanding and compassion from her leader, who had always treated her like a little sister. Overwhelmed by emotion, tears streamed down her face. However, as they neared the edge of the forest, the gruesome reality of what awaited them became apparent. The fate of their comrades was horrifying; some had been brutally dismembered, their blood and body parts scattered throughout the underbrush, painting a macabre scene that left her trembling with fear. As Bell and the Scarlet Bees focused on the two women, the bees formed a tight, menacing formation, surging toward them with alarming speed. The woman being led by the hand felt her entire body tremble at the sight; her face drained of color, pure terror flooding her senses. Just an inch away, the bees closed in with deadly precision, their formation designed to strike both women in one swift attack. Suddenly, the woman at the back experienced a forceful shove from her leader, sending her stumbling toward the oncoming swarm of massive bees. In a shocking moment, she saw her leader leap away, abandoning her to the swarm. The last image burned into her mind was of betrayal¡ªher leader sacrificing her as a shield to ensure her own escape. Within seconds, her body was torn apart, reduced to a gruesome mess, her head flying through the air as the final testament to the horror of her end. The spot where their leader had jumped was a steep slope, and as she tumbled down, she collided with boulders and branches that jutted out along the way. Desperately, she covered her head with her arms, bracing for impact as she rolled uncontrollably down the hillside. The Scarlet Bees, observing her perilous descent, chose not to pursue her; they recognized that her chances of survival were slim to none. The steep terrain posed its own dangers, and the uncertainty of lurking zombies at the bottom further diminished any hope she had. With each jarring hit, it became increasingly clear that she was alone in this fight for survival, her fate hanging by a thread. But who would have thought that this despicable woman would defy the odds? Against all expectations, she survived the harrowing fall, her tenacity shining through the chaos. Chapter 422 - 422 Sparrow Was Blamed Just when it seemed like her fate was sealed, she was fortuitously discovered and rescued by her own team. They had been anxiously searching for her after she and her group failed to return from their patrol outside the safety of their territory. Her luck had turned, and in a twist of fate, she found herself back in the company of her allies, ready to regroup and seek vengeance for the chaos that had unfolded. When the woman regained consciousness, fueled by sheer will, she mustered her remaining strength to fabricate a lie. This was her way of assuaging her hatred and ensuring that Sparrow would face consequences. In her mind, if Sparrow hadn''t provoked her, she wouldn''t have ambushed him and his team, leading to the horrific encounter with the deadly bees that claimed her entire crew. Redirecting all blame to Sparrow and his team, she provided their descriptions to the shelter leader, a righteous and protective figure who, without question, accepted her account despite its many inconsistencies. And that''s how they found themselves in this predicament. The opposing leader, a former underworld boss accustomed to brawls and skirmishes, had barred Sparrow and his team from leaving Port City. With many people now looking to him for protection, he considered them his own. Any harm inflicted upon his people was viewed as a direct challenge to his authority, one he would not take lightly. So now, back to the present... After observing Sparrow''s trucks traveling along the routes specified by the woman they had recently rescued from the brink of death, the shelter leader of Port City quickly took action. With unwavering resolve, he and his formidable team of gangs and former mafia members positioned themselves to block Sparrow''s path as they exited the Eastern Part, determined to prevent their passage. The leader and his men were acutely aware of the dangers lurking on the Eastern side of Port City. That area had once been their refuge until a stormy night unleashed a relentless wave of infected, overwhelming their defenses and turning their sanctuary into a nightmarish battleground. The memories of that chaotic night still haunted them, as the zombies had surged forward like a ravenous pack of wolves, leaving destruction in their wake. Knowing the dangers that lurked on the Eastern side, the shelter leader understood that Sparrow''s return to that part of their territory meant one of two things: either Sparrow was trying to devise a way to navigate past the zombies trapped within the Eastern Warehouse, or they had successfully acquired the supplies stored there. If it was the latter, the leader felt justified in his instincts to reclaim what rightfully belonged to his people. After all, those supplies were not merely goods; they represented hope and survival for his community. When they halted Sparrow and his team from leaving, their eyes sparkled with eager anticipation. They fixated on Sparrow''s truck, eager to uncover the extent of the supplies he and his group had managed to gather. The prospect of valuable resources ignited their curiosity and excitement, fueling their determination to inspect the contents without delay. After all, the woman, the sole survivor of her team, had claimed that she and her group were drawn to the forest by the tantalizing aroma of cooked meat wafting through the air before they were mercilessly slaughtered by the gigantic bees. She cleverly concealed her actions, framing them as an innocent mistake for venturing into that part of the city, while allowing her team to meet such a tragic fate. By twisting the narrative, she cast herself as the victim and portrayed Sparrow and his companions as the true villains. This was also why the leader of the Port City shelter refrained from approaching the Eastern part directly and allowed Sparrow and his team to enter. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead of outright stopping them before they reached the city or as they were leaving the Western Warehouse, he wanted to ascertain whether Sparrow and his team would be attacked by the gigantic bees or if the threat had dissipated. In a way, he was using Sparrow and his team as bait and guinea pigs to test the waters. In all of this, the leader saw countless opportunities in this encounter with Sparrow. However, he underestimated Sparrow''s capabilities, failing to realize that Sparrow was not someone to be trifled with. This mission had been entrusted to him by his Young Madam, and the people with him were also valued by her. Thus, seeing someone gaze at them as if they were a piece of meat after a long hunger grated on Sparrow''s nerves. His eyes twitched as he fought the urge to punch someone on the spot. He knew he couldn''t just indiscriminately attack or kill everyone he encountered. As Kisha pointed out, the number of humans who survived the initial zombie transformation was already alarmingly low. With the impending blood rains and zombie raids, that number would dwindle even further. Given that territorial disputes and supply shortages were becoming increasingly inevitable, he realized that continuous fighting and killing could ultimately lead to a situation where they might become the last remaining human survivors if things continued on this path. Sparrow took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain composed as he listened to the other party''s leader. The leader''s voice was filled with outrage as he shouted, "What?! Do you really think we wouldn''t retaliate after you killed my people and left the others on the brink of death?!" Confusion was etched on Sparrow''s face as he stepped out of the truck, with Evelyn and Rose flanking him like vigilant guards. Behind them, Clyde and Reeve held radios, ready to communicate with the rest of the warriors if the situation turned hostile. Fred and his team remained on standby, awaiting Sparrow''s signal while scanning the surroundings for any signs of an ambush. They were acutely aware that the opposing party could attempt a pincer attack, so not everyone exited the vehicle. Fred, a former S.W.A.T. personnel, understood the importance of maintaining a secure rear, which is why Sparrow had left them to guard the convoy''s flank. As Rose and Evelyn stepped out alongside Sparrow, the men surrounding the Port City leader let out appreciative whistles, their eyes gleaming with mischief. They scanned the two women hungrily, nearly drooling at the sight of clean figures, free from dirt or zombie blood, a stark contrast to the grim looks of the women from their own shelter. "I call dibs on that fierce and beautiful woman!" one of the men exclaimed, pointing eagerly at Rose while licking his lips, unabashedly revealing his lust for her. "Then, leader, I want the other woman! Her big breasts really turn me on! Ha ha ha!" One of the muscular men standing behind the leader chimed in. Their crude remarks only fueled Sparrow''s team''s anger, making them feel more like livestock being auctioned off than human beings. Sparrow gritted his teeth in frustration, his anger boiling beneath the surface; their blatant disrespect was a clear insult not just to his companions but to him as their leader. Before Sparrow could respond, the leader of the opposing party barked, "SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH!" Chapter 423 - 423 Sparrow Refuting Their Accusation Sparrow remained unfazed by the chaos erupting among the opposing party; his expression was grim and cold. He was already weighing the possibility of eliminating those in front of him. However, before making that decision, he needed to clarify their claims about his supposed involvement in their people''s deaths¡ªafter all, he had only killed zombies, not humans when he got to Port City. "Hey, fuckers! Are you really accusing me of killing your people? Is it because I took out the zombies in your territory?" Sparrow questioned, his voice chillingly devoid of emotion. However, the members of the opposing group dismissed his demeanor, convinced they had already gathered all the information they needed. But their leader continued, "No! You killed the survivors from my shelter. Here''s the deal: either you surrender all your supplies and leave some of your people as compensation for our losses, or you all die, and we''ll still take everything from your trucks, including the vehicles." "Leader! How can you even consider letting them live? They killed our people!" one of the men shouted, his anger boiling over. He couldn''t believe their leader would contemplate sparing Sparrow''s team. The rest of the group shared his disbelief, expecting their leader to avenge their fallen comrades by taking down the intruders and claiming both their supplies and women. "Why would we kill them? It''s not as if they commanded those gigantic bees," the leader whispered back to his subordinates. "But she mentioned encountering this group in the Western part of the city and using our people as bait! Isn''t that already cruel enough?" one of the men protested, frustration evident in his voice. "That''s right! Why are you even considering letting them go? Do you really think that''s a wise decision? Don''t forget, there are those coveting your position, just waiting for you to make a wrong move before they strike!" "That''s a different issue altogether! Listen, if we engage in a fight with these people, we''ll be the only ones to suffer. I have a strong feeling that they could wipe us out completely..." The leader said through gritted teeth, his gaze fixed on Sparrow as he felt a chill run down his spine under Sparrow''s piercing stare, which seemed to regard them as little more than prey. "Moreover, we can''t be certain that they were the ones who killed our people..." the leader added. "Are you implying that one of our own is lying and blaming the innocent? We''ve faced life-and-death situations together and know each other''s character by now. From what I''ve seen, she doesn''t strike me as the kind of person who would do that!" One of the muscular men protested, defending the woman who was still bedridden at their shelter after enduring so much and witnessing the annihilation of her entire team. Sparrow, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up. "If you''re referring to a group led by a woman with a bob haircut and tanned skin, I didn''t lay a finger on her or her team." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "They attempted to use me and my team as bait, trying to lead the zombies straight to us. All I did was redirect the zombies back to them and ensured my people were hidden in a safe spot. Their fate was in their own hands, not mine." "If anything, I should be the one asking for compensation for the danger they put me and my team in, along with the psychological trauma it caused us." Evelyn and Rose exchanged incredulous glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of skepticism and a swirl of other emotions, as if Sparrow had just sprouted a second head. ''Who endangered who?'' Rose mused, raising an eyebrow as she scrutinized Sparrow''s back. ''Captain''s just spinning a web of lies without even batting an eye, huh?'' Evelyn thought, doing her best to keep her skepticism from showing on her face. However, Clyde and Reeve wore expressions of bewilderment. Despite standing close to Sparrow, they had to shout to be heard by the opposing party. They couldn''t help but wonder how Sparrow had known what they were discussing. Was it sheer instinct, or did he piece it together from the fact that they only encountered so little population of survivors in Port City? These people included. The opposing party shared Clyde and Reeve''s curiosity, pondering how Sparrow seemed to know their thoughts. The answer was both: not only was Sparrow naturally pieced everything together, but he also possessed his "Hawk Eyesight" gift. Despite the distance, he could clearly see their expressions and the movement of their lips, allowing him to read their conversations even as they whispered among themselves. After all, their leader had not once looked away as he spoke in hushed tones to his subordinates. It was as if he was inviting Sparrow to read his lips and understand their conversation. While the other party was still grappling with his unexpected response, Sparrow continued, his tone firm but measured. "I can''t say what happened to your people after we parted ways, but let me make this clear: I won''t hesitate to defend myself and my team against anyone who threatens us." "That said, if there are those among you who understand the importance of coexistence and choose not to provoke us, we can certainly go about our business without conflict." "We don''t seek to harm anyone, but we will protect ourselves if necessary. It''s simple: respect our boundaries, and we''ll respect yours." He glanced at his team, ensuring they were ready for whatever might come next. Sparrow''s eyes scanned the faces of the opposing group, searching for signs of understanding or hostility. He knew that in a world like theirs, cooperation was often a rare commodity, but he was willing to offer it¡ªif they were willing to accept it. "I don''t care whether you choose to believe my claims," Sparrow continued, his voice dripping with mock indifference. "I didn''t think to strap on a body camera to document my daily activities, so I have no evidence to prove my innocence." "But let''s not forget that your people are also quick to cast judgment and put me in a difficult position without any real proof. It''s a double-edged sword." His demeanor shifted, adopting the cold and unyielding tone he had learned from Duke and Kisha. He had seen how effectively they navigated tense situations, often wielding their aloofness like a weapon. It was a strategy he now emulated, understanding that sometimes detachment was the best way to handle confrontation. Sparrow''s gaze sharpened as he scanned the opposing group. "You may want retribution for perceived slights, but that path leads to further chaos. If you truly wish to protect your people, consider the consequences of your actions." "Escalating hostilities will only leave us both worse off. So, I suggest we keep things civil and focus on surviving in this unforgiving world, instead of seeking revenge based on misunderstandings." His words hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in an offer of peace. He hoped they would recognize the wisdom in his approach, even if they might not fully understand his position. The leader of the opposing group found himself at a loss for words, unable to refute Sparrow''s claims of innocence. Chapter 424 - 424 Sparrow The Shameless The palpable bloodlust radiating from Sparrow made it clear that he was more than capable of taking them all on if it came to that. The leader sensed the underlying tension in the air, feeling the weight of Sparrow''s unspoken challenge. It was evident that Sparrow was willing to kill if necessary, yet he was also extending an olive branch, framing the situation as a misunderstanding. The leader grappled with conflicting thoughts. Part of him recognized the opportunity Sparrow was offering¡ªa chance for both sides to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. However, a nagging doubt crept into his mind. Was this merely a ploy, a form of reverse psychology designed to allow Sparrow and his team to escape accountability for their actions? After all, it was he who had initially issued the threat, and Sparrow''s cold response could just as easily be interpreted as a counter-threat. Caught in this mental tug-of-war, the leader weighed the risks. Could he afford to trust someone with such a fierce personality? Or would backing down now only embolden Sparrow and his team to take advantage of the situation? The uncertainty churned within him as he considered the potential consequences of either choice. The leader of the opposing group wasn''t indecisive; rather, he found himself torn between protecting his people and grappling with the inconsistencies in the woman''s account of her team''s annihilation. If Sparrow''s words were true, and the woman had claimed they first encountered him and his team at the Western warehouse while her group was obliterated by the gigantic bees in the Eastern forest, it suggested that her desire for revenge stemmed from Sparrow''s actions in the Western warehouse. Unfortunately, that quest for vengeance had led them to a far worse fate against the terrifying bees, creatures capable of shredding them like butter on a hot knife. As he began to think critically about the situation, his face drained of color in horror. He realized he had been inadvertently offending unknown individuals with mysterious backgrounds, all while lacking the full story. It dawned on him that Sparrow''s demeanor¡ªhis confidence in walking away unscathed and his apparent ease in threatening their lives¡ªmade it seem all too likely that he was indeed speaking the truth. However, he couldn''t simply back down; he had too many plans in motion. His primary concern was the growing hunger among the people in his shelter, who were surviving day by day while risking their lives on supply runs around Port City. Each foray was fraught with danger, and casualties were increasing as more people fell prey to zombies. Some residents were too terrified to venture outside, resorting to eating tree bark to stave off starvation, while others clung to the hope that the government would eventually devise a better strategy to eradicate the zombie threat and come to their rescue. The leader found himself at a loss. He considered blackmailing Sparrow to secure some much-needed supplies, but the fear of Sparrow annihilating his entire group loomed large in his mind. While he had no desire to confront Sparrow''s team, the weight of his responsibilities as a leader¡ªwhere the lives of his people rested on his shoulders¡ªwas overwhelming. He wasn''t a saint; he had already taken countless lives during the more peaceful days when society was still governed by law. However, given the current circumstances, he was increasingly aware that the zombie population had swelled alarmingly compared to the number of human survivors. If he allowed more people to die or turn into zombies, it would significantly decrease his own chances of survival. Right now, there was a glimmer of hope in their numbers; they could work together to fend off the relentless hordes that came knocking at their doors. But if he were left alone, the weight of the situation might overwhelm him¡ªboth mentally and physically. It was only now that he began to truly appreciate the value of human life, and he was starting to atone for the atrocities he had committed in the past. This newfound awareness fueled his protectiveness toward his people and drove him to manage the shelter with utmost dedication¡ªso different from the way he had once operated his cartel and various other businesses under his name. However, in his eagerness to trust his people completely, he failed to recognize that she had deceived him, leading him to offend someone who appeared to be a war veteran. While he was lost in thoughts about all he had endured with his most loyal men, Sparrow''s voice pulled him back to reality. "Move!" His voice was calm yet laced with malice, delivering an ultimatum: if they didn''t clear his path, Sparrow would no longer be polite and would ensure that anyone who obstructed him would pay the price. The Leader of Port City instinctively stepped aside, leaving his own people stunned. The commotion had begun to attract the attention of nearby zombies, and they had no choice but to hasten their actions. With urgency, the Leader barked out orders to his team. "We''re heading back to the shelter!" His command stunned his entire team. They had ventured out with the hope of securing valuable supplies from this skirmish, but now it seemed they would return empty-handed. Many members were unwilling to accept this disappointing outcome. "Boss! What about the supplies they took from the Eastern Warehouse? Those belong to Port City, and we''re the only ones entitled to them!" one man exclaimed through gritted teeth, a wicked glint flashing in his eyes. He had been loyal to his leader for years, steadfast even when some members defected and began eyeing his boss''s position. His loyalty stemmed from his unwavering belief in his leader''s remarkable talent for guiding them to victory, especially in territorial disputes and gang wars. But now, his leader was acting like a coward in front of an outsider who resembled a pretty boy. He loathed it; he despised seeing his boss appear so weak. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This vulnerability could easily be exploited by their rivals within the shelter. The man glanced at his boss, who was already in his late forties, and felt a surge of frustration. ''Maybe he''s getting senile with age, or perhaps he has simply passed his prime and lost the confidence he once had. It''s as if he''s easily intimidated now, which could explain why he''s ignoring the threats looming over the shelter.'' Standing at the back of the open truck, the man glanced at his boss once more, a resolute decision forming in his mind. He no longer believed that following his former boss was the best choice, especially with the world having devolved into chaos. His boss''s newfound softness felt akin to a tiger losing its teeth and claws in old age. In this time when danger lurked around every corner, they needed a stronger, fiercer leader more than ever. He silently signaled for some of his men to move in and subdue Sparrow. The priority was to seize the supplies from him before addressing the latter part of his plan; now wasn''t the right time to confront that decision. But before he and his crew could act, Sparrow spoke up again. "If you''re after supplies, you should head to the Eastern Warehouse. It''s true that my team and I intended to retrieve some supplies from there, but the entire place is sealed off, swarming with thousands of zombies. How could my team and I possibly get inside and extract any supplies without being noticed?" Sparrow posed the question, challenging their intentions. Chapter 425 - 425 Sparrow The Shameless 2 Upon hearing Sparrow''s words, Clyde, Reeve, Rose, and even Evelyn exchanged incredulous glances. ''How can he lie through his teeth without even breaking a sweat?'' Rose wondered, struggling to suppress the twitch at the corner of her mouth. ''He must have been a conman even before the apocalypse,'' Clyde thought, astonished by how effortlessly Sparrow spun his web of lies without betraying a single expression. ''He really chose the wrong profession,'' he added mentally, doing his best to maintain a neutral facade. Reeve and Evelyn struggled to mask their reactions, their expressions betraying a mix of disbelief and shock. They couldn''t help but find Sparrow utterly shameless, especially as he claimed they couldn''t retrieve any supplies from the Eastern warehouse. It was ironic, considering he had already raided the third warehouse and was planning to keep at it every time they returned for the cargo trailer. Just last night, he had been urging the five STAU to push themselves in training, insisting they continue well into the early hours to reach Level 1 as quickly as possible. This would allow them to increase the capacity of their portable space, enabling them to store more cargo trailers and supplies. However, his question also caused the opposing party to pause and think. They were the ones who had sealed off the Eastern Warehouse, which had once served as a refuge for thousands of survivors who had fled to the Eastern Port seeking safety. Back then, supplies were never a concern because they had everything they needed stored there. The people managing the Eastern Warehouse had welcomed them, allowing them to use it as their shelter while they waited for the government to intervene and send in the military. The current leader of the Port City Shelter had initially come to the area to oversee his smuggling operations, unaware that the apocalypse was about to unfold. Seeking refuge in the Eastern Warehouse, he and his entourage initially resorted to intimidation to assert control over the desperate survivors. However, as they observed the large number of women, children, and elderly individuals in the shelter, the leader softened his approach. This change in demeanor was also influenced by the fact that, after a week, no help had arrived to assist them. He believed that they were all in this together, fostering a spirit of kindness among one another. By doing so, they could create a stronger community, united in their efforts to watch each other''s backs against a common enemy. It was astonishing to think that someone had been bitten yet chose to hide this crucial information out of fear of being killed, just like the others who had perished. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This single act of cowardice ultimately led to the entire Eastern Warehouse falling into the hands of the zombies. In the chaos, there was a desperate reluctance to abandon the valuable supplies stored within the warehouse. Concerned that outsiders or rival factions might seize the opportunity to claim those resources, someone made the fateful decision to seal off the warehouse as they fled. The consequences were devastating. Those who managed to escape were numbered in the hundreds, but they had lost countless lives due to the rampant spread of infection that had breached their defenses. The once-thriving shelter became a haunting reminder of their failure, filled with memories of the lives lost and the trust shattered. The weight of their decisions hung heavily over the survivors. Now that Sparrow had brought up the state of the Eastern Warehouse again, it stirred a wave of memories among the group. Although they were the ones who had sealed off the warehouse with plans to return later, those intentions had never materialized. The moment they opened the gates, they knew a horde of zombies would surge out, and anyone attempting to do so would likely face certain death. No one was eager to take on that dangerous task. Instead, they chose to push the supplies from the Eastern Warehouse to the back of their minds, focusing on their remaining options to scavenge the city for what they could find. This attitude of avoidance led to a chilling reality: many of their own had grown cowardly, unwilling to risk their lives for a supply run. The current leader, burdened by the responsibility of his people, was the only one genuinely concerned about the situation. His worry, however, bred discontent among his followers. Many began to perceive him as soft and indecisive, attributing his caution to the apocalypse''s toll on his spirit. They felt that in a world where survival was paramount, their leader''s reluctance to make bold moves was a sign of weakness, jeopardizing their chance for survival in an increasingly dangerous landscape. "If you''re genuinely curious about whether I managed to secure any supplies, feel free to check the Eastern Warehouse. You might find something has changed or discover a safer route around," Sparrow challenged, a smirk playing on his lips. Deep down, he was well aware that every inch of the Eastern Warehouse was swarming with zombies. They had completely overrun the place, and before anyone could take a single step further, they would find themselves surrounded by the relentless horde trapped within the perimeter. Moreover, Sparrow was certain they wouldn''t notice anything unusual just by inspecting the perimeter. He had been sneaking in and out of the warehouses through an open window on the third floor, a method so stealthy that no one would suspect how he managed to avoid the zombies lurking below. He hadn''t disturbed any of the undead in the vicinity, leaving no corpses behind to give away his movements. "If you didn''t come for our supplies, then why are you even wandering around Port City? Wasn''t it just to scavenge for supplies?" one of the burly men beside the shelter leader interjected, struggling to understand Sparrow''s presence there. "I''d be lying if I said I wasn''t considering the supplies in the Eastern warehouse, but no matter how hard I looked, that place seems completely impenetrable. Besides, I came here for the machines in the Western warehouse; I was just testing my luck on the other side," Sparrow said, casually shrugging his shoulders as if it were no big deal. Clyde stifled a cough, clenching his fist in front of his lips to hide the smirk threatening to escape. He found it amusing how easily Sparrow spun his lies, and they all knew no one could confirm the truth of his claims. Ironically, it just so happened that they had indeed taken some forklifts and construction materials from the Western Warehouse, which made Sparrow''s assertions feel less like total nonsense. Clyde couldn''t tell if Sparrow was genuinely gathering supplies to bring back to their base or if he had anticipated someone questioning him, using this as a convenient cover for his frequent visits to Port City. After all, Aston had already warned them about the shelters nearby, making it entirely plausible that others were keeping a watchful eye on Sparrow''s team''s movements in the area. Moreover, it was undeniable that they needed these supplies, as there were numerous ongoing construction projects and renovations taking place at the base. The opposing group still had countless questions and couldn''t let Sparrow''s team walk away so easily, but the growing horde of zombies left little room for further discussion. Sparrow tapped the front of the truck with his hand and declared, "We''re leaving!" He shot a pointed glare at the other party, a silent challenge that warned, ''Try to stop me and see what happens.'' Chapter 426 - 426 Duke Met With Problems Everyone climbed back into their trucks, with Sparrow taking the lead. His military-grade armored truck bulldozed through the zombies that came their way, leaving the opposing party in their dust. Even if they wanted to pursue Sparrow and his team, they were at a disadvantage; their trucks were only regular trailers that had been hastily reinforced with some modifications like sturdier bumpers and blades on the sides to fend off the attacking zombies. However, none of that could compare to Sparrow''s military vehicle, which boasted superior defense and a powerful engine. They could only glare at Sparrow''s retreating convoy with a mix of envy and frustration, unwilling to accept this outcome so easily. Defeated, they returned to their shelter, realizing they had achieved nothing. The time spent talking to Sparrow now felt like a waste; they should have seized the moment when they saw him and simply ransacked his trucks once they were done. Even without any supplies inside, the military vehicles would have given them a significant advantage for navigating the city with greater ease. Sparrow, however, brushed off the encounter as inconsequential to his mission and the people he had brought with him. In fact, he was fully prepared to eliminate anyone who failed to recognize the gravity of the situation and backed down. The opposing party was fortunate that their leader was sensible enough to de-escalate the situation; otherwise, Sparrow would have had no qualms about taking drastic action. Little did the members of that faction know, their leader had just saved their lives. Instead, they were already scheming to defect from his faction, leaving behind only a handful of truly loyal followers. Sparrow and his team made their way back to the base. Although they faced some delays, their return was still within the expected timeframe. Meanwhile, Kisha allowed Vulture to take the lead with his team while she remained close to the warriors, ensuring to replenished their stamina and spiritual energy at the right moments when needed. The newly joined survivors quickly settled into the roles they were most familiar with. The Evans'' former bodyguard integrated into the warrior group, where he was astonished to discover the existence of superhumans. Witnessing their awakened abilities was a mind-boggling experience for him and the other newcomers. They were equally surprised by how relaxed everyone seemed within the base, as if they didn''t have a care in the world about the zombies lurking outside or the uncertain future of their supplies. To them, it felt like they had stumbled upon a paradise in the midst of a barren desert¡ªan oasis still in the early stages of development. Although the base lacked a stable water supply and electricity, these issues were far from their minds. The presence of ample food and drinkable water at the Supply Center overshadowed any concerns they might have had. Instead of the gloom and negativity that might have surrounded the base due to their lives turning upside down in a single day, the residents exuded an air of resilience and determination, eagerly looking forward to the future. Kisha herself was unaware of the significant impact she now had on the survivors of her base. Perhaps it was because she had built a sturdy wall around her heart and mind after enduring past betrayals, allowing only a select few inside. However, the former bodyguard of the Evans family could clearly see the change. Everyone appeared resilient and strong-minded, like hardy grass thriving by the side of the road. Given the way their City Lord worked and strategized, the survivors believed she had already devised plans to address the deficiencies in the base. Even though they hadn''t heard her outline these plans, they had faith in her capabilities and in the leaders of each department. While everything was running smoothly at the base, Duke encountered a problem as soon as he reached the southeast perimeter. The reconnaissance in the southern sector had gone remarkably well; they even completed their tasks ahead of schedule, allowing them to shift their focus to the east and navigate the city in a counterclockwise direction. However, upon reaching the southeastern border, they were met with a cacophony of unsettling noises. Eeeick! Iiickickikc! The sounds that filled the air resembled the high-pitched squeals of rats, and they weren''t alone; countless of these creatures emerged from every corner of the city, flooding the streets. Their sizes varied dramatically¡ªsome as large as a normal dog, while others were the size of a cat. There were also smaller ones, darker and more menacing than the rest. A wave of dread washed over everyone, causing their faces to pale and goosebumps to race down their spines. They couldn''t help but swallow the lump that had formed in their throats. The eyes of the rats glowed eerily red, reminiscent of blood, particularly those lurking in the shadows, which made them appear even more terrifying. The warriors felt their hair stand on end as an instinctual chill ran down their spines, prompting them to take a step back. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They were overwhelmed by the sheer number of rats encircling them, with no escape in sight. Yet, Duke remained unfazed, casually scanning his surroundings as he assessed both the situation and his enemies. The cacophony of rat noises grew increasingly loud, and the creatures seemed almost exhilarated at the sight of Duke and his party. After mutating into their current form, these rats had spent their existence lurking in sewers or scavenging the city, which offered little more than trash and the occasional zombie. Their diet consisted mostly of the decaying flesh of the undead that roamed their territory; when hunger struck, they might consume one or two zombies, despite the foul, putrid taste. With no other options available, they scavenged to survive. But now, with fresh meat approaching, a primal hunger surged through the horde of rats. The warriors watched in horror as the rats began to drool, resembling animals infected with rabies, their excitement palpable. A wave of fear washed over the warriors, stronger than any dread they had felt when facing zombies. The sight of these massive rats, seemingly eager to feast on them, was unnerving. The sheer number of the creatures was terrifying; the thought of one biting them was enough to send chills down their body, for they knew that if one attacked, countless others would surely follow. The prospect of being overwhelmed by the horde filled them with a chilling sense of vulnerability. However, the sheer number of the mutated rats wasn''t their only threat. Their front teeth had grown strong enough to bite through bone, making even the larger rats formidable opponents. Their attack pattern resembled that of piranhas, swarming a victim in a frenzied onslaught until nothing was left. The warriors realized that facing these creatures was not just a fight for survival¡ªit was a battle against a relentless tide of flesh-eating predators. Suddenly, Duke''s eyes narrowed as he observed the larger rats, and a chilling realization washed over him. He recalled Kisha''s earlier warnings about these creatures before he set out on his mission. Now, he fully understood the gravity of her concern. It wasn''t just the risk of being bitten¡ªthese rats were not merely aggressive; they were poised to devour their prey down to the bones. Chapter 427 - 427 Mutated Rats Duke watched in horror as a massive mutated rat gnawed on a steel pipe from a street sign, its gaze fixed menacingly on him and his team. Mucus-like saliva dripped from the corners of its mouth, pooling on the ground below as it savored its makeshift meal. Duke inhaled sharply as he surveyed the precarious situation, acutely aware that neither his team nor the mutated rats had made any sudden moves. They were locked in a tense standoff; the rats seemed to sense Duke''s formidable aura, holding back their eagerness to attack, their eyes gleaming with a mix of hunger and caution. As Duke continued to analyze the scene, a chilling realization struck him. The earlier ease of their journey through the southern part of the city hadn''t been due to luck or flawless reconnaissance. He had sensed something was off¡ªa disquieting stillness that felt unnatural. Now, watching one of the larger mutant rats gnawing on the decaying flesh of a zombie, its mouth stained with dark, congealed blood, everything clicked into place. The absence of zombie hordes was not a sign of safety; it was a warning. The mutant rats had claimed this territory for themselves, eliminating any competition for food and effectively driving the zombies away. Duke''s pulse quickened as he realized that their earlier path had been a mere prelude to the true danger lurking ahead. The rats were not just a nuisance; they were apex predators in this new, twisted ecosystem, and they were hungry for more than just rotting flesh. They were hunting for fresh prey, and Duke and his team were now squarely in their sights. Duke contemplated the unnerving scene before him, piecing together the implications of the mutated rats'' presence. It seemed clear that these creatures had emerged from the sewers in search of new dietary options, driven by an insatiable hunger. They resorted to consuming the zombies roaming their territory only when no other prey was available. Although he lacked concrete evidence to support his theory, it felt like the most logical explanation for the situation unfolding around him. Reflecting on his previous arrival with Kisha in City B, he recalled their journey through the most secluded areas, where they had successfully avoided unnecessary encounters with a horde of zombies. This time, however, he had intentionally chosen routes closer to their designated location, opting for paths that were supposed to be safer due to a lower number of zombies. Yet, even now, they had only encountered a few hundred of the undead. While he was relieved that their reconnaissance had been relatively smooth, it nagged at him that City B, a bustling big city that once boasted a population in the millions, felt eerily desolate. Given the size of the city and the density of its former inhabitants, the current scarcity of zombies didn''t add up. Even after the recent zombie raid, which had not significantly thinned their numbers, it was puzzling that this portion of the city appeared so abandoned. Duke''s instincts told him that the mutant rats were likely responsible for this unsettling shift in the city''s ecosystem, claiming territory and asserting dominance over the food chain. The unsettling thought gnawed at him: what would happen if these rats continued to grow in number and boldness? Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Would they turn their ravenous hunger on the living next? Or are they already hunting human survivors that''s why they came out of the sewers? With every passing moment, Duke understood the gravity of the situation. The presence of these mutated rats was not just an anomaly; it signified a shift in the balance of power within the city. They weren''t merely scavengers; they were predators, and his team was standing on the precipice of danger. Duke observed closely as the mutated rats appeared to hesitate, seemingly taking a step back. His team let out a collective sigh of relief, but Duke''s instincts tingled with unease, darkening his expression. "Prepare for battle!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. In that instant, the warriors realized the truth: the rats weren''t retreating; they were merely regrouping, preparing to launch their attack. As soon as the words left Duke''s mouth, the air crackled with a sudden energy, and the mutated rats sprang forward, a frenzied wave of fur and teeth. Duke acted swiftly. He conjured an ice wall that encased himself and his team, forming a shimmering barrier against the onslaught. His companions, having learned from past encounters, instinctively summoned their own defenses. Earth walls erupted from the ground, encircling the group in a sturdy fortification. "Now!" Duke commanded, channeling his energy. With a flick of his wrist, he called forth his Fire Meteor. The sky darkened as flames ignited, and fiery projectiles rained down upon the encroaching horde of mutated rats. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, a tempest of heat and destruction aimed at their foes. The mutated rats, momentarily stunned by the display of power, began to scatter. Some turned to flee, sensing their impending doom. But Duke''s fire meteors had already encircled them, casting a deadly net of flames that fell in random directions, igniting anything in their path. Screeches of panic erupted from the rats as the first meteor struck the ground, sending shockwaves through their ranks. The heat radiated outward, causing the air to shimmer. Duke''s heart turned cold as he maintained focus, directing the meteors with precision, ensuring that no rat would escape unscathed. His team watched in awe, adrenaline surging through their veins, as the mutated rats, once a formidable threat, were reduced to chaos and confusion. In that moment, Duke knew they had turned the tide; they were not merely surviving this encounter but fighting back with ferocity and determination. The battlefield had transformed, and they would not be victims today. Despite the chaos and destruction wrought by Duke''s fire meteors, a resilient group of mutated rats remained, their instincts ignited by the loss of their companions. With an unsettling determination, the surviving rats surged forward, as if throwing caution¡ªand their very lives¡ªinto the winds. They lunged at the ice and earth walls protecting Duke and his team, their sharp claws raking against the surfaces while their teeth gnawed desperately, trying to breach the barriers and reach their prey. Duke could feel the mounting pressure. He refused to allow the rats to overwhelm his defenses. With a swift and focused motion, he activated his ice ability, channeling his energy. The ground trembled as he summoned numerous ice spikes that erupted from the earth, towering over the advancing rats like jagged teeth of a great beast. The spikes shot up with astonishing speed, piercing through the air as they emerged from the ground, catching many of the rats off guard. The icy formations glistened menacingly in the dim light, casting eerie shadows as they impaled their targets. The remaining rats screeched in terror and confusion, their frenzy momentarily halted by the sudden onslaught of ice. The once-chaotic battlefield was now a testament to his power and his team wasn''t even able to lift a finger to help him. The mutated rats, disoriented and panicked, found themselves trapped in a deadly trap of ice and earth, struggling against the elements that sought to claim them. "Push forward!" Duke commanded, invigorated by the sight of their enemy faltering. "We can''t let any of them escape!" With renewed determination, he summoned more ice spikes, his mind racing with strategies as he directed his team to prepare for the next wave of attacks. Duke''s eyes flickered with resolve. They had the advantage now, and he intended to make every moment count. Chapter 428 - 428 The River Of Black Mass With Duke''s sharp reminder, the warriors in his team snapped out of their momentary awe. They had been mesmerized by Duke''s display of sheer power¡ªhis control over fire and ice was nothing short of formidable, and it had momentarily left them in silent admiration. But his command jolted them back to the grim reality at hand. There were still mutated rats, now crazed with desperation, that needed to be dealt with. The warriors quickly focused, summoning their own powers as they prepared to join the fray. With their hands glowing faintly with energy, they called forth earth spikes from the ground, mimicking Duke''s earlier strategy. Sharp, jagged rocks erupted from the ground, piercing through the air and targeting the rats that were still frantically trying to breach their defenses. The ground trembled under the simultaneous power of the warriors as they unleashed wave after wave of spikes toward the remaining mutated creatures. For a moment, the mutant rats were stunned and confused with the attack directed at them and how it came to be but, the mutant rat''s confusion quickly turned into seething hatred as they watched so many of their kind fall like flies, easily cut down by the warriors'' attacks. The mutated rats, now driven by blind rage, were more dangerous than ever. Duke, however, refrained from making another move. He remained vigilant, keeping his energy in reserve in case reinforcements arrived. He couldn''t afford to drain his spiritual energy just yet, and he trusted the warriors to handle the cleanup. None of them stepped beyond the protective earth wall, maintaining their defensive position as they systematically eliminated the remaining threats. The rats, now more frenzied than ever, reacted with violent unpredictability. They screeched louder, their blood-red eyes glowing with fury as they charged at the team''s defenses with reckless abandon. They attacked blindly, gnashing their powerful teeth and throwing their bodies against the ice and earth walls, seemingly indifferent to the danger that surrounded them. Some of the rats were pierced mid-leap by the earth spikes, their bodies impaled as they let out dying shrieks, while others dodged the attacks and continued their relentless assault. The warriors, initially hesitant, now fought with renewed vigor. They realized that Duke wasn''t the only one capable of taking control of the battlefield. They, too, had the power to turn the tide. With every spike they conjured, they became more confident, their movements more fluid and precise. They synchronized their attacks, creating a seamless barrage of earth spikes that slowly but surely thinned the remaining rat numbers. Yet, despite their efforts, the mutated rats seemed even more deranged. Their rage only intensified with every loss. Their attacks became more erratic, and they began throwing themselves against the walls with a manic determination, trying to break through any gap they could find. "These things are relentless!" one of the warriors muttered under his breath, as he barely managed to dodge a rat''s deadly bite. "We''ve got this!" Duke shouted from his position, his eyes scanning the battlefield for any sign of weakness among the enemies. "Don''t let up! Keep pushing forward!" The warriors nodded, gritting their teeth as they focused on the task at hand. Their earth spikes continued to burst from the ground with renewed force, piercing through the air and slicing through the remaining rats. It was a fierce, bloody struggle, but the tide of battle had already turned in their favor. With every passing moment, fewer and fewer rats remained. Their numbers, which had once seemed overwhelming, were now dwindling rapidly under the onslaught of the warriors'' combined might. But the final few were the most dangerous¡ªthese last survivors, driven by pure instinct, were willing to risk everything. They attacked with a ferocity that was almost suicidal, trying to break through the defenses one last time. But it wasn''t enough. The warriors, now fully in sync with Duke''s leadership, fought with precision and coordination. Together, they struck down the remaining rats, leaving the battlefield littered with the broken bodies of their mutated enemies. As the last rat fell, there was a brief, stunned silence. The team stood amidst the wreckage, panting and battered but victorious. Duke lowered his hands, his breathing steady but his expression grim. "Well done," he said, his voice steady but low. "But this isn''t the end. We''ve got to stay alert. There could be more." The warriors nodded in agreement, their senses still heightened from the battle. They knew Duke was right¡ªthough they had won this round, the city was still crawling with dangers, and the rats were only one of many threats that lurked in the shadows. Duke took a moment to survey the scene, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The mutated rats had been a formidable challenge, but they were only a part of a much larger problem. He knew that the real danger lay in what the city still concealed. Sure enough, the piercing screeches of the mutated rats attracted reinforcements. From the depths of the sewers, another horde emerged. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke and his team watched in horror as the rats poured out of the manholes like a dense, writhing mass of black matter, their sheer numbers making it seem as though the ground itself was shifting. The sight of the endless swarm left no doubt¡ªthey were about to face another overwhelming wave. Duke quickly assessed the situation and instructed his team to shift their focus entirely to defense. "Reinforce the barriers!" he commanded, his voice steady but urgent. They needed to find a way out of this encirclement, and fast. Staying locked down in this location was not an option. Even with the support of stamina boosters and the vials of black liquid, they couldn''t afford to stay in a prolonged standoff against the seemingly endless flood of mutated rats pouring from the sewers. The strain on their mental and physical endurance would be too great, and time was not on their side. ''We can''t hold them off forever,'' Duke thought grimly. ''We need an escape plan¡ªnow.'' Duke scanned the perimeter, desperately searching for any possible escape route or place to take shelter. However, the grim reality quickly set in¡ªthere was nowhere they could hide from these relentless mutated rats. Even if they found temporary cover, the rats would likely pursue them with a vengeance, not just driven by hunger anymore, but by a deep, primal fury born from hatred and anger. They weren''t just predators now; they were enemies out for blood. Duke knew they couldn''t simply flee¡ªthey needed to outsmart the swarm or face being overrun. After a moment of contemplation, Duke made a decisive call. He and the rest of the team began to push forward cautiously, retreating toward an alleyway. They carefully controlled the earth and ice walls, using them as moving shields to protect themselves as they advanced. Step by step, they edged their way backward into the narrow passage. The mutated rats, however, were relentless¡ªswarming like a river of solid black mass, stepping over one another in a frenzy, each fighting to be at the forefront of the assault. The sight of them flooding the streets, desperate to breach their defenses, only intensified the team''s urgency to escape. As the mutated rats continued to pile up, their sheer numbers began to reach the height of the ice and earth walls shielding Duke and his team. Chapter 429 - 429 The Angry Mutated Rats Realizing the imminent danger, they quickened their pace, trying to stay ahead of the rats'' relentless surge. The warriors poured more of their spiritual energy into fortifying the walls, repairing the damage caused by the relentless gnawing and clawing. The race against time became critical as the rats threatened to breach their defenses with each passing moment. In the alley, Duke spotted an emergency exit. Acting swiftly, one team member crouched down on one knee, positioning his hands to create a sturdy platform at chest level. Another team member took a few steps back, adjusting his stance before sprinting forward. With perfect coordination, he planted his foot onto the hands of the crouched man, using them as a stepping stone. Boosted up, he grabbed the edge of the ladder, quickly climbing to the top. Once he secured his position, he kicked the ladder down, allowing it to slide back down for the rest of the team to use. The rest of the team ascended the ladder with practiced discipline, their movements fluid and efficient. While nerves and fear coursed through them, they didn''t show signs of panic. They recalled Duke''s lessons from their training: maintaining a clear mind was crucial in dangerous situations. The more perilous the circumstances, the more alert and focused they needed to be to survive. They understood that succumbing to panic could lead to misjudgment, endangering not only themselves but also their teammates. They all did their best to maintain their composure, fighting against the fear that threatened to overwhelm them as the mutant rats surged toward them like a black flood. After kicking down the ladder, everyone except Duke had climbed up to safety. With a grim determination, Duke pushed the ladder back up while he stayed in his position, creating a barrier to prevent the mutant rats from reaching them. His team watched in horror, hearts racing, as they feared he was sacrificing himself to hold the line. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If Duke could read their thoughts, he would have rolled his eyes and scolded them for watching too much drama. Why on earth would he sacrifice his life when he had a wife waiting for him back home? Were they completely out of their minds? They were fortunate that Duke was so focused on keeping the mutant rats at bay that he didn''t notice the expressions on their faces. Once he ensured everyone had made it up the fire exit staircase, he knew the rats would soon attempt to climb the building floor by floor or claw their way up the cemented walls. With a determined push, he sent the piling mutant rats tumbling down like a line of dominos, slowing their reactions. He quickly summoned another fire meteor, ready to incinerate the mass of mutant rats before him. As the rats piled on top of one another, those at the very bottom found themselves trapped, while the ones at the top stumbled to regain their balance. But before they could react, the fire meteor descended upon them, engulfing most of the horde in flames and reducing their numbers significantly. The heat and chaos created a momentary reprieve, buying Duke precious seconds to regroup and think of their next move. The mutant rats'' dry fur made them incredibly susceptible to the fire, allowing the flames to spread rapidly through the pile before Duke. The conflagration roared to life, transforming the horde into a writhing mass of burning flesh, sending plumes of acrid smoke spiraling into the air. The stench of charred fur mingled with the nauseating odor of the rats'' flesh, creating a noxious haze that threatened to overwhelm Duke''s senses. Realizing he couldn''t stay in that position any longer, Duke swiftly leaped from his spot, propelling himself upward toward where the rest of his team awaited. The heat from the fire licked at his back, but his focus remained sharp as he soared through the air, determined to rejoin his comrades and strategize their next move. Duke''s leap was astonishing, propelling him high into the air with an impressive grace that left his team momentarily speechless. They watched in wide-eyed disbelief as he soared upward, defying expectations and gravity itself. With a single bound, he seemed to glide toward them, effortlessly bridging the distance to the fire exit on the second floor. Their jaws dropped as they realized that this wasn''t just an ordinary jump; Duke was tapping into his latent power, showcasing the incredible strength and agility that had always set him apart. For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as they absorbed the sight of their leader, embodying both heroism and sheer determination. This was a man who wasn''t just fighting for survival; he was inspiring them all to push beyond their limits. The awe in their eyes reflected a newfound respect for Duke, and they couldn''t help but feel a surge of adrenaline at the thought of standing alongside someone so formidable. Once they gathered on the second floor of the fire exit staircase, a collective sense of relief washed over the team as they looked down at the inferno below. The alley was transformed into a chaotic spectacle of flames consuming the pile of mutated rats, and for a brief moment, it felt as though they had finally triumphed over the monstrous horde. Many of the warriors exchanged relieved glances, their tense expressions softening as they shared in the momentary victory. They felt the weight of fear lift from their shoulders, believing they had outsmarted the relentless creatures that had pursued them so fervently. Thud... Thud... But that relief was short-lived. Just as they began to celebrate their narrow escape, a low, menacing growl echoed from below, slicing through the fragile calm like a knife. The team''s smiles faded, replaced by looks of horror and disbelief as they realized that the burning mass was not the end of their troubles; it was merely the beginning. Emerging from the shadows of the alley, more mutated rats began to appear, their eyes glowing with a fierce determination. It was clear that the fire had only angered them further, igniting a primal rage that fueled their relentless pursuit. The warriors felt their hearts race again, the adrenaline surging as the reality of their dire situation settled in. They were still very much in danger, and now they needed to regroup and prepare for another fight. Suddenly, the air was filled with loud thuds reverberating from below, shaking the very foundation of the building they were perched in. The sound grew louder and more chaotic, an ominous herald of the mutated rats'' relentless pursuit. Duke and his team watched in mounting dread as another surge of black mass surged into view, a writhing tide of fury and determination. This time, the mutated rats had changed their strategy. Instead of dispersing, they charged straight toward the building, their beady eyes glinting with rage and hatred. It was as if they had recognized their prey, and their focus was now entirely locked on Duke and his team. The sight was terrifying. The creatures climbed over each other, a mass of fur and claws, as they clawed and gnawed at the entrance, desperate to breach the barrier that separated them from their targets. Their guttural screechs filled the air, a chilling symphony of primal instinct and insatiable hunger, echoing through the empty corridors of the building. "Get ready!" Duke shouted, his voice cutting through the noise as he prepared to take charge. They would have to stand firm, fight back, and find a way to escape this nightmare. The mutated rats were coming, and there was no turning back now. Chapter 430 - 430 The Infestation "Shit!" One of the warriors exclaimed, panic surging through his chest like ice water. "Move! Move up!" Duke barked, urgency lacing his voice. He gestured for his team to climb the ladder leading to the roof of the building, which was only about five floors high. As Duke''s command echoed in the cramped space, the warriors sprang into action, urgency overriding their fear. They scrambled up the metal stairs, their hearts pounding with adrenaline. Just as they began their ascent, the mutated rats surged forward, flooding the window beside them with terrifying speed. With a deafening crash, the glass shattered, sending shards flying in all directions. The rats poured through the broken window, some tumbling down into the raging fire below, but their instincts were singular and relentless¡ªthey seemed utterly unconcerned with their own demise, fixated solely on reaching Duke and his team. Screech! The air filled with the shrill cries of the mutated rats, their desperation echoing off the walls, a chilling reminder of the danger that pursued them. Duke felt a surge of determination. There was no room for hesitation. They had to reach the roof before it was too late. "Keep going! Don''t look back!" he urged, his voice cutting through the chaos. The warriors pushed themselves harder, fueled by a primal instinct to survive. With each step up the ladder, they could feel the heat of the fire below mingling with the overwhelming stench of the rats, a putrid reminder of what lay in wait should they fail. They could hear the rats clawing and screeching behind them, a cacophony of fury that threatened to swallow them whole. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Duke knew they had to hold their ground; they had to outlast this wave. He couldn''t even begin to estimate how many waves of these mutated rats were still lurking, waiting to strike. If his instincts were right, he and his team had already taken down hundreds of them, swarming out from the sewers in relentless attacks. Yet, the thought of how many more could still be hiding in the labyrinthine sewer system sent a surging headache. It was hard to imagine the full scope of the infestation. These creatures were like grotesque¡ªlandbound piranhas with ravenous hunger, tearing through anything in their path. In a strange twist of fate, he almost felt lucky they''d encountered the rats while on outside on a mission. If these monstrous vermin had reached their base unnoticed, the outcome would have been catastrophic. Caught off guard, the entire base would''ve been defenseless, overrun by the horde of these mutated rats. Not only would the infected have risen as zombies¡ªjust as Kisha had warned¡ªbut the base itself would''ve crumbled, becoming nothing more than a feeding ground for these voracious creatures. The very thought made Duke frown deeply. Even Kisha, their most knowledgeable person because of her experiences from her past lives, hadn''t predicted the surge in the mutated rat population festering underground. It was a terrifying realization: the threat was far greater than any of them had anticipated. This had to be why Kisha''s mission classified these mutated rats as a major threat. It wasn''t just an oversight or a minor concern¡ªthese creatures represented a looming disaster waiting to happen. They were fortunate, for now, that the rats hadn''t yet made the decision to swarm out of the sewers and launch an assault on their base, something Duke had feared from the very beginning. The threat was real, but they still had a window of opportunity. Right now, they had the advantage. The rats were still confined to the sewers, biding their time in the shadows. If they could act swiftly, they might be able to eradicate these pests before the rats made their move. It was a race against time¡ªif the rats decided to attack, the base and everyone in it would be in grave danger. The stakes couldn''t be higher. For now, the only thing standing between the rats and the base was this team. It wasn''t just about killing them; it was about preventing a full-scale disaster from unfolding. This mission had shifted from a precautionary operation to a desperate attempt at survival. The fate of everyone at the base depended on whether or not they could stop the rats from overrunning them. Duke''s mind raced, frantically searching for a more effective solution to deal with the swarm of mutated rats in one decisive strike. He knew that as long as even a single nest remained hidden deep within the sewer system, they would never be truly safe. The rats had an alarming reproductive cycle, breeding at a staggering rate. In just over half a month since the apocalypse, their numbers had exploded into the hundreds, maybe even thousands. This wasn''t just a simple infestation¡ªit was an unstoppable force growing stronger by the day. The realization gnawed at him: they were running out of time. The rats weren''t just dangerous; they were evolving, thriving in the shadows. With each passing day, the situation worsened. If he didn''t find a way to uproot every last one of them, it was only a matter of time before the infestation spiraled completely out of control. The base would be overrun, and no amount of fortifications would hold these creatures back. Duke understood that their current approach¡ªfighting them wave after wave¡ªwas unsustainable. They needed a plan, a way to strike at the heart of this rat colony and wipe them out before their numbers grew beyond containment. As the team leader, the weight of responsibility hung heavily on his shoulders. Every second they delayed, the rats multiplied, their population growing exponentially. It wasn''t just about survival anymore¡ªit was about ensuring the future safety of the entire base. The rats'' rapid growth and sheer numbers made them more than just a nuisance; they were a force of nature. How could Duke be so certain that the mutated rats had an alarming reproduction rate? The answer lay in what he knew about the cities before the apocalypse. City B, much like City A, had always been diligent about pest control. As one of the country''s main merchant hubs¡ªand a thriving one at that¡ªthe city had been under constant scrutiny by the government to ensure that its bustling economy remained unaffected by health hazards, particularly pests. The stakes were high; any outbreak of disease or infestation could have ripple effects that would harm business and disrupt trade. With so much at risk, pest control wasn''t just a priority¡ªit was a necessity. City B''s sewers, though not completely free of rats, should have been relatively clean. The city''s rigorous pest management strategies ensured that the rat population was always kept in check. In a city as prosperous as this, the government spared no expense to maintain hygiene, knowing full well that even a minor pest problem could spiral into an economic disaster. Under normal circumstances, the number of rats in the sewers would have been manageable, with regular sweeps keeping their population low. But now, in the wake of the apocalypse, everything had changed. The sudden explosion of mutated rats in such a short time was a glaring anomaly. These rats weren''t just surviving¡ªthey were thriving, multiplying at a terrifying pace. Duke could tell that the population had grown exponentially, far beyond what the sewers should have supported under normal conditions. The fact that they had already encountered hundreds of these creatures, despite the city''s previous pest control efforts, was all the proof he needed. It wasn''t natural¡ªthis was the result of rapid mutation, combined with an accelerated reproductive cycle. Chapter 431 - 431 A Way Out Duke understood that whatever mutation these rats had undergone, it had amplified their ability to breed and grow in numbers at an astonishing rate. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In less than half a month, the situation had shifted from a manageable nuisance to an uncontrollable horde. But right now, Duke couldn''t afford to focus on the mutated rats'' alarming reproduction rate. What demanded his immediate attention was survival¡ªhow to escape the relentless pursuit of the mutant rat''s horde closing in on them. If he and his team couldn''t outmaneuver the swarm on their heels, there would be no future plans to consider. The rats were faster than they appeared, and if even one of them fell behind, they''d be dead within seconds. These creatures weren''t just predators; they were ravenous. A single slip-up, and the rats would devour their prey so quickly that there wouldn''t be enough left to bury. Duke knew that every second counted, and unless they could escape, they''d become nothing more than a meal for these monsters. Survival now was the only path to ensuring he''d get a chance to eradicate these pests once and for all. But first, they had to live through the next few minutes. "Run faster!" Duke urged the warriors ahead of him, his voice sharp with urgency. The group strained to comply, their faces flushed red, veins bulging in their necks as they pushed their bodies to the limit. They were already giving everything they had, but Duke, in his haste, seemed to forget one crucial detail: these warriors were still at level 0, far behind him in strength and endurance, much more agility. There was a massive gap in their stats. While Duke was pacing himself, aware that he could push harder if needed, he had been holding back to protect the rear, ensuring no one was left behind. To him, this was a controlled effort. But for the warriors, every step was agony¡ªthey were running at their absolute limit, lungs burning and muscles screaming for relief. Duke''s call to run faster hit them like a punch to the gut, a stinging reminder of their limitations. They knew they couldn''t keep up with him, but they also knew that falling behind wasn''t an option. The mutated rats were closing in, and if they slowed down for even a moment, their fate would be sealed. Even then, no one uttered a word of complaint. Instead, they gritted their teeth and pushed themselves harder, climbing the stairs with relentless determination, never daring to look back. When they finally reached the fifth floor, they paused only long enough for Duke to catch up before hastily erecting an earth wall at the stairwell. But they all knew it was a temporary solution at best¡ªthe wall wouldn''t hold for long before the mutated rats tore through it. Duke scanned the rooftop, assessing their next move. His eyes locked onto the opposite building across the alley. There was only a few meters of distance separating the two rooftops, and without missing a beat, he sprinted to the edge. The warriors exchanged uneasy glances, understanding immediately what Duke was thinking. But while Duke stood there with a calm, calculating expression, the others paled at the realization. It wasn''t that far, just a few meters, but for them, it might as well have been a chasm. They knew they couldn''t make that jump. The only solution was to build a bridge. But that posed another problem¡ªthe earth bridge they could create, even if they all pooled their strength, would be thin and fragile, only able to hold a few individuals at a time. And to make it strong enough to support them all would take time, time they didn''t have. As they felt the rumble of the mutated rats hammering at the earth wall behind them, panic began to set in. The clock was ticking, and every second counted. Bang! Bang! To make matters worse, a loud rumbling and frantic banging came from the rooftop door. The sound was unmistakable¡ªthe mutated rats inside the building had already reached the fifth floor. Without waiting for Duke''s orders, two earth-type ability users sprang into action, immediately raising another earth wall in front of the door to buy them precious time. This time, Duke also realized that the warriors in his team were all just level 0''s and they didn''t have the stats or strength to make the leap to the neighboring building. He could make it easily, but the others? They wouldn''t even come close. If they tried, they''d likely plummet from the fifth floor straight down to the streets below. Even if the fall didn''t kill them, it would leave them vulnerable, helpless targets for the mutated rats swarming the ground. Those who fell wouldn''t have the chance to get back on their feet¡ªthe rats would be on them in seconds, tearing them apart before they even had time to scream. The clock was ticking, the rats battering against both their earth walls, and he knew they needed a plan fast. The warriors had done all they could to fortify their position, but the walls wouldn''t hold much longer. Every moment they delayed, the more certain their doom became. Duke quickly gestured for half of the earth-type ability users to start conjuring the earth bridge. He recalled how Vulture had done the same when he and his family were fleeing from the Coltons, so he knew it was possible, even at their current level. The plan was simple: they would create the bridge, and Duke would use his ice ability to fortify it, making it strong enough for more people to cross safely. He gave them a tight deadline¡ªjust five minutes to finish building the bridge. It was an immense amount of pressure, but there was no time for hesitation. Everyone nodded in grim understanding. The mutated rats weren''t going to give them the luxury of waiting. Determination set in as the earth ability users immediately set to work, hands moving in unison, channeling their powers to shape the earth and extend it across the gap. Meanwhile, the rest of the team formed a perimeter, scanning the rooftop for any sign of the mutated rats finding another route. They knew these creatures were cunning and relentless¡ªif the rats started scaling the walls or pouring out of vents, it would be over. Eyes darted nervously between their surroundings, each warrior bracing for the worst. Duke, along with a few other warriors, turned their focus to the emergency staircase. Mutated rats were already climbing, their sharp claws scraping the metal as they ascended. Without hesitation, Duke unleashed a barrage of ice projectiles, while his comrades fired earth projectiles to slow the swarm. Every second bought was precious. At the same time, the remaining earth-type users reinforced the barricade at the rooftop door. The mutated rats were hammering at it furiously, the walls shuddering with each impact. The warriors holding the line knew it was only a matter of time before it gave way, but they couldn''t afford to let that happen¡ªnot before the bridge was complete. The air was thick with tension. Everyone was racing against the clock, and the sound of claws scraping and walls trembling only added to the pressure. Duke could feel everyone''s nervousness and fear thick in the air, but he remained focused, knowing that failure wasn''t an option. If the bridge wasn''t finished in time, they wouldn''t make it out alive. Chapter 432 - 432 Crossing The Bridge Everyone was drenched in sweat as they worked tirelessly, their movements fueled by both adrenaline and fear. When one person grew too exhausted to continue, they would immediately rotate with the next, standing guard along the perimeter to ensure they could alert the others if danger approached. Breathing was labored, each gasp a reminder of their exhaustion, as beads of sweat dripped down their faces. Their tense shoulders quivered with nervous anticipation, their hands trembling as they continued their efforts, and their legs threatened to give out beneath them. If not for their sheer willpower, many of them might have already collapsed. The weight of their situation hung over them like a storm cloud, but they steeled themselves, refusing to let fear cripple them in this critical moment. Every second felt like a battle between their physical limits and their determination to survive. "Sir! T-the bridge is complete!" one of the earth-type ability users shouted, his voice straining with exhaustion as he tried to get Duke and the others'' attention. The five minutes they were given felt like an eternity, but they had done it. Duke immediately strode over to inspect the bridge, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he assessed their work. Nodding to himself, he raised his hand and unleashed his ice-type ability, fortifying the bridge with a solid layer of ice. It thickened to at least five inches, ensuring it would hold under the weight of the warriors as they crossed. Not satisfied with just that, Duke manipulated the ice further, making the surface rough, embedding it with small spikes¡ªjust enough to provide grip for the warriors'' shoes so no one would slip or lose their footing. He could hear the muted crunch as the ice settled, the rough texture preventing the bridge from becoming a deadly slip-and-slide. His attention was unwavering as he worked, knowing that one mistake could cost them everything. The air was thick with tension, but Duke remained calm, his mind fully focused on the task at hand. Satisfied, he glanced at the warriors gathered behind him. "Cross quickly, but carefully," he commanded, his voice steady. "We don''t have much time." They nodded, determination etched on their sweat-drenched faces, and began moving toward the bridge, their boots gripping the rough ice surface as Duke continued to monitor the situation around them. Without wasting any more time, Duke called out to the warriors, instructing them to begin crossing the earth bridge in a controlled manner. Even with the reinforced structure, the bridge could only support five adults at a time¡ªespecially considering the warriors were all large, heavily-built men. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Five was the optimal number, any more and the bridge would risk collapsing under the combined weight. The first group of five warriors cautiously stepped onto the bridge, their movements deliberate and calculated. Though their eyes were focused on the opposite building, their senses were on high alert, scanning for any sign of danger. They needed to ensure the next building was secure before signaling the rest of the team to follow. Even as they moved steadily across, each warrior clutched earth spikes in their hands, ready to strike at a moment''s notice. Halfway across, the tension thickened. The sound of boots against the ice-crusted bridge was nearly drowned out by their rapid heartbeats. They knew the risk of being exposed in the middle of the crossing¡ªif anything attacked, there would be little room to maneuver, and falling from this height would mean certain death. But they are warriors, trained to act under pressure. Their eyes darted between the building ahead and the surroundings below, vigilant for any movement, their muscles coiled and ready to launch their earth spikes at the slightest sign of danger. Behind them, the second group was already preparing to cross, waiting for the signal that the other side was clear. Everyone knew they were racing against time. The bridge was a fragile lifeline between survival and catastrophe, and the mutated rats would tear through the reinforced walls at any moment. After ensuring that the warriors were making steady progress across the bridge, Duke cast one last glance at his team before swiftly turning back toward the emergency staircase. His face hardened with resolve as he reached into his Space Ring, retrieving several grenades. Without hesitating, he pulled the pins one by one and tossed them down into the swarm of mutated rats clambering up the stairs below. The loud, thunderous explosion shook the building as the grenades detonated, blasting chunks of debris from the stairs and sending dozens of mutated rats flying. The entire stairwell collapsed, burying scores of them in the rubble. But Duke knew better than to assume that would stop them for long. Amid the smoke and carnage, a shrill, determined screech cut through the air. Duke''s eyes narrowed as he spotted the larger mutated rats¡ªunbelievably tenacious¡ªquickly organizing themselves. They bit down hard on each other''s tails, forming a grotesque living bridge, their jaws clamped tightly onto the remaining edges of the destroyed stairwell. In mere seconds, the rats had created a gruesome, makeshift bridge with their bodies, enabling the rest of the horde to continue their advance. Duke raised an eyebrow, briefly impressed by the horrifying ingenuity of the creatures. "Quick thinkers, aren''t they?" he muttered under his breath. But there was no time for admiration. Without wasting a second, he pulled out three more grenades. This time, his movements were faster, more precise. He pulled the pins in rapid succession and hurled the grenades directly at the rats forming the bridge, aiming for the center of the writhing mass. The grenades hit their target with chilling accuracy. A series of deafening blasts followed, and the air was filled with the sharp stench of burning flesh and the splattering of blood as the makeshift rat bridge disintegrated in an explosion of fire and fur. The larger rats that had been holding the structure together were blown apart, their bodies collapsing into the abyss below. Boom... Boom... Boom... Duke didn''t let up for a second. His hand moved with relentless precision, pulling the pins from grenade after grenade and hurling them down into the abyss of rats below. The repeated explosions echoed through the building, each one louder and more destructive than the last. The warriors, waiting nervously for their turn to cross the bridge, watched with pale faces. The thunderous noise reverberated through the area, each explosion sending a shockwave of fear through their bodies. It wasn''t just the immediate threat of the mutated rats that had them on edge. The sheer volume of the blasts was bound to draw attention¡ªpotentially from more hordes of mutated rats or, even worse, from the zombies scattered across the far corners of the city. The warriors exchanged uneasy glances, their minds racing with the grim possibility that they might soon be surrounded from all sides. Mutated rats coming from below and zombies closing in from the streets. "What is the Vice City Lord trying to do?" one of the warriors whispered, unable to tear his eyes away from the destruction Duke was unleashing. But what they didn''t know¡ªwhat none of them could have guessed¡ªwas that this was exactly what Duke had in mind. He wasn''t just recklessly throwing grenades to stop the rats. He was betting on something much bigger. Chapter 433 - 433 His Observation In his mind, this was a high-stakes gamble, a strategy to lure out the other threat lurking in the shadows¡ªthe zombies. Duke knew the mutated rats weren''t the only danger in the city. The undead were scattered across the city, many were wandering aimlessly. But they were drawn to sound. Loud noises like the explosions he was creating would undoubtedly reach their decaying ears, pulling them toward this side of the city. And that was exactly what Duke wanted. He was counting on it. If he could attract a horde of zombies to the area, they would clash with the mutated rats, creating chaos and infighting between the two monstrous forces. The rats, in their aggression and hunger, would likely turn on the zombies, and the zombies would do what they always did¡ªattack anything that moved. It was a risky play, but one Duke believed could buy them time and provide an opportunity to escape while their enemies were distracted, locked in combat with one another. The warriors had no idea that this was Duke''s plan. All they could see was the danger growing with each deafening blast. They braced themselves for what might come next, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of incoming zombies or more rats. Duke, however, remained calm, methodical. His eyes, sharp and calculating, never wavered from the chaos below. Duke was playing a dangerous game, but he needed to know¡ªwould the zombies and mutated rats join forces against him and his warriors? If they did, it would be the worst-case scenario, an alliance of monsters that would ensure their doom. His plan, risky as it was, would backfire spectacularly, and the relentless barrage of grenades would turn out to be nothing more than a stupid, reckless choice. But Duke wasn''t one to leap blindly into action. He''d thought this through¡ªat least as much as he could in the chaos. If the rats and zombies were coexisting peacefully, then it stood to reason that the rats wouldn''t attack the undead. They would treat the zombies as fellow inhabitants of the city, perhaps avoiding them altogether. Yet, from what he had seen so far, there was no sign of cooperation between the two. He had never seen any indication that the rats considered the zombies anything but another source of food, and if they were as territorial as he believed, they would likely turn on the zombies the moment they entered their domain. That was his bet¡ªthat the rats, aggressive and ravenous as they were, wouldn''t pass up a meal, even if that meal was the decaying flesh of the undead. If his assumption was right, the mutated rats would see the zombies as invaders and attack them on sight. The rats might be mutated, but they still operated on basic survival instincts. And those instincts told them to eat. But then came the question that gnawed at him, one he couldn''t shake: would the zombies simply stand there and allow themselves to be slaughtered by the rats? Were they mindless enough to let that happen? He''d seen zombies before, and they weren''t exactly known for their strategic thinking or their ability to defend themselves. They attacked whatever was in front of them. They moved toward noise, toward life, and attacked anything living. But the rats weren''t like any other creatures the zombies had encountered. They were fast, vicious, and unpredictable. Would the zombies even be able to fight back, or would they be overwhelmed by the swarm of mutated rats? Duke weighed his options. If the rats tore into the zombies like he expected, it would be a fight between two formidable threats, allowing him and his warriors a chance to escape while the two sides were distracted by each other. But if the zombies somehow banded together with the rats, or worse, simply ignored the rats and kept coming after his team, they would be trapped¡ªsurrounded on all sides by enemies with no way out. It was a gamble, but Duke was willing to take it. He had no choice. The survival of his team depended on it. He needed to create enough chaos for them to slip away unnoticed. The rats and zombies couldn''t afford to ignore each other¡ªnot if his theory was right. So as he hurled another grenade down into the depths of the building, Duke clenched his fists, bracing himself for what was to come. The sound of the explosion ripped through the air, the walls shaking with the force. All he could do now was wait, his heart pounding as he watched the smoke and debris settle, hoping¡ªthat the two forces would turn on each other like he expected. And if they didn''t? If he was wrong? Duke glanced at his warriors, their faces taut with fear and anticipation. He had to be right. There was no other option. Even if the zombies couldn''t outright kill the mutated rats, Duke knew they would still serve as an effective diversion. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The sheer chaos of the undead swarming the rats would buy him and his team precious time¡ªtime to regroup, find cover, and rethink their strategy. The goal wasn''t to wipe out the rats; it was to create enough disruption to slow them down, giving his team a fighting chance to escape. With this thought in mind, Duke''s resolve only hardened. He yanked the pins from more grenades, his fingers moving with practiced efficiency, and hurled them into the stairwell below. The explosions echoed violently through the confined space, sending mutated rats flying in all directions. Their bodies, torn apart by the blast, rained down in grotesque fragments, painting a macabre scene of severed limbs, twitching tails, and viscera splattered across the crumbling remains of the staircase. The sight should have been unsettling, but Duke felt no pity. These creatures, mutated and monstrous, were the very embodiment of survival gone wrong¡ªravenous and relentless. He couldn''t afford to hold back. Each grenade was a calculated throw, tearing into the horde with brutal efficiency. He watched as the larger rats¡ªthe ones that had been attempting to form a grotesque bridge with their own bodies¡ªwere torn apart by the shrapnel. Their quick thinking had been no match for the force of the explosions, and their writhing bodies were flung into the air like ragdolls. A quick glance over his shoulder told him the warriors were still working to get across the earth bridge, moving in cautious batches of five. They couldn''t afford to rush, not when the bridge''s integrity could only support so much weight at once. Every second counted, and Duke knew it was up to him to keep the mutated rats at bay for as long as possible. The mutated rats, fortunately, didn''t seem to have impenetrable defenses. Their twisted, sinewy bodies weren''t immune to the force of the grenades, which was a relief¡ªwithout the added firepower Kisha had packed into his Space Ring, they''d have been overwhelmed long before now. The grenades were proving to be a game-changer, allowing him to thin the horde significantly and keep the rats from advancing too quickly. He allowed himself a brief moment of gratitude for Kisha''s foresight in loading his Space Ring with these essential supplies. The explosives had already proven invaluable, and they were helping him turn what could have been a catastrophic failure into a fighting chance for survival. Without them, he and his team might have already been overwhelmed, pinned down by the swarm of mutated creatures. Chapter 434 - 434 Two Forces Fighting Against Each Other But Duke knew better than to let his guard down. The rats, though momentarily stunned by the blasts, were still surging forward. Their screeches filled the air, a sound that grated against his nerves. Despite the carnage, their numbers weren''t diminishing fast enough. The grenades were working, but the horde was relentless, and the narrow stairwell could only contain them for so long before they''d spill over and flood toward his team. He could feel the tension building around him. The warriors waiting for their turn to cross the bridge cast uneasy glances at him, their faces pale from fear and exhaustion. The constant explosions echoed around them, making the situation feel even more dire. It was only a matter of time before the loud noises attracted more unwanted attention¡ªfrom either another horde of mutated rats or, worse, a nearby group of zombies. But that was exactly what Duke was hoping for. His plan was a gamble, but if it worked, the noise from the explosions would draw the zombies into the fray. If the zombies attacked the rats, it would create enough of a diversion for Duke''s team to escape without being pursued. It was a race against time now¡ªhow long could they hold out before the entire city''s horrors descended on them? His mind raced as he tossed another grenade, watching as the stairwell collapsed further, sending more rats tumbling into the wreckage below. The explosions reverberated through the air, louder than ever. The sound would carry, drawing attention from every corner of the city. Duke could almost feel the approaching tension, knowing that if the zombies did show up, it would be soon. And when they did, the real test would begin. Would the zombies and rats tear each other apart, as he hoped, or would his team find themselves trapped between two deadly forces, with no way out? Duke didn''t wait for the answer. He continued to throw grenade after grenade, each one buying his warriors a few more precious moments. The bridge was almost clear. Only a few more batches of men remained on his side. He just had to hold out a little longer. Grahhhh!!! Raaawwwr!!! Thud... Thud... A cacophony of zombie roars echoed from all directions, accompanied by the thunderous sound of a marching sound, no, it was more like a stampede reverberating throughout the southeastern part. ''They''re coming!'' Duke thought, his heart racing as everyone held their breath, desperately trying to navigate the earthen bridge. They struggled to compose themselves, but it was futile; their legs felt like they were about to buckle under the weight of fear. The thunderous march of approaching hordes reverberated through the ground, even from several floors above, while the deafening roars of zombies echoed ominously nearby, signaling their presence in the vicinity. Just then, the mutated rats paused, momentarily stilled by the zombies'' guttural cries. But it wasn''t long before they screeched in response. Duke, witnessing the chaos unfold, couldn''t help but grin widely. ''Oh! Now they''re worried that the zombies might steal their prey,'' Duke mused, glancing into the distance. ''They must have sensed the overwhelming horde approaching¡ªan alarmingly large number they can''t afford to ignore.'' Rats are intelligent creatures, and though they can be vengeful and destructive, they possess a keen survival instinct that alerts them to threats. That''s why they band together, using their numbers to fend off larger predators or to hunt. Right now, with the zombies marching toward their location in alarming numbers, the mutated rats recognized that their target was the same as theirs. Redirecting their anger, they understood that if they didn''t confront the zombies now, their prey would continue to fight back, depleting their own numbers. Not only could the zombies steal their prey, but the rats could also become victims of the zombies, who were their natural enemies. Duke watched from the rooftop as the mutated rats abruptly changed direction, turning to face the approaching zombies. The rumble from the rooftop door faded as the rats poured out of the building''s windows, joining their peers to create a tidal wave of fury aimed at overwhelming the zombies. Soon, the two groups clashed in the intersection below, and a brutal carnage ensued. The mutated rats eagerly tore into their enemies that had invaded their territory, while the zombies, impervious to pain, fought back with relentless bites, devouring any rat they could grasp. But the mutated rats only grew angrier as they witnessed their comrades being devoured. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The smaller rats banded together, leveraging their speed to target one zombie at a time, tearing into its flesh and bones without hesitation. However, the zombies, lacking functioning pain receptors, felt no suffering. Instead, they grabbed the smaller rats that lunged at them, shoving them into their mouths even as they were being eaten and their flesh and bones being torn apart. There was even a loud crunch as the mutated rats bit into the zombie''s bone but the zombies didn''t care and just continued to feed on the food that came their way. The scene was so gruesome that the warriors could hardly bear to watch the brutal clash between the two sides. However, witnessing the chaos unfold, the warriors¡ªincluding Duke¡ªfelt the tension in their bodies begin to dissipate. They let out a collective sigh of relief, knowing they could continue on their path with renewed reassurance. While they still needed to regroup and devise a new plan, their immediate priority was to distance themselves from the area. This time, the warriors crossed the earth bridge with ease, their minds freed from the weight of time constraints and the threat of mutated rats. Once everyone had safely made it across, Duke instructed them to destroy the bridge, and he too, shattered the ice that reinforced it. He remained on the far side of the building, keeping a watchful eye on the fierce battle between the zombies and the mutated rats. Many had already perished, their bodies piling up in the streets, but Duke had no intention of intervening. Acting now might draw attention to him and his team, putting them at risk of being hunted by both forces. He understood the delicate balance of nature; even lions and deer could ally against a new predator, just as lions from rival territories might join forces to take down a forest tiger. Duke was keenly aware of how these dynamics played out in the wild. After observing the chaos for a while, Duke walked slowly to the edge of the building. The earth bridge was gone, and the warriors looked at him in confusion. They now understood that Duke wasn''t planning to sacrifice himself; they simply didn''t want to confront what he was about to do, fearing it would further bruise their confidence. As they suspected, Duke leaped effortlessly from the edge of the building to their side, as if he were taking a leisurely stroll in the park. He landed with a graceful precision that made it seem like the wind itself had carried him down, placing him gently on the ground. However, no one voiced their concerns; they swallowed their thoughts as Duke led them to the next building. This time, they didn''t need to create another earth bridge since the distance wasn''t far. Chapter 435 - 435 Sending Back A Report With their enhanced abilities, they could easily jump to the other side if they adjusted their positions. Without delay, Duke instructed them to leap from rooftop to rooftop, executing their movements like parkour experts, while he remained at the back, vigilant and alert. He kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, ensuring the mutated rats weren''t on their heels again. Everyone drew their daggers, ready to counterattack at a moment''s notice if anything lunged at them during their movement. They remained vigilant, ensuring they could react in time to defend themselves. Watching their preparedness from the back, Duke couldn''t help but smile to himself. ''At least training them wasn''t a waste of time,'' he thought as he gracefully leaped from one rooftop to another. His fluid movements were so seamless that not a hair on his head was ruffled. From their vantage point, they could still hear the screeches of the mutated rats mingling with the growls of the zombies, while Duke''s team stealthily slipped away. Yet, despite his smile, a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes as he fell into deep contemplation. Following this incident, Duke and his team designated the southeastern part of the city as a red zone, marking it as highly dangerous. It was likely that much of the city was already in a similar state, prompting them to hasten their reconnaissance efforts. They worked day and night to complete their assessments, allowing Duke to formulate a plan to address the influx of mutated rats and zombies flooding the sewers. It was possible that the rats were emerging not only in search of fresh prey but also because their territory had been invaded by the zombies. Both viewed each other as nothing more than sources of food, and neither was willing to share their domain. After a moment of contemplation, Duke led his team to the edge of the southeastern part of the city, close to their base. He instructed one of the warriors to prepare the drone. Once everything was set, Duke noted their discoveries on a piece of paper and sealed it beneath the drone, marking it prominently to ensure that whoever found it would follow the marker and uncover the hidden letter. With that done, he directed the warriors to pilot the drone toward the base''s wall while he and the others monitored the camera footage. They observed hordes of zombies emerging from the city, and snipers took up their positions, ready to shoot down the approaching threat from a distance. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the zombies drew closer, soldiers stationed atop the wall prepared their assault rifles to eliminate any that got within range. As one of the snipers focused on a distant target, he noticed a dark object flying toward them. It took him a moment to adjust his scope before realizing it was a drone. To his surprise, he spotted a large white arrow on the front, pointing downward. He instinctively glanced down at the streets but saw nothing, leaving him puzzled. Unaware that Duke and his team had brought a drone, he never would have expected them to have ventured this far into the city. Instead, he assumed the drone belonged to other survivors seeking help. "Sir! There''s an incoming drone at 12 o''clock!" the sniper reported over the walkie-talkie. The other sniper, intrigued, stopped targeting the zombies and turned to assess the approaching drone. Like the first, he scanned the area but found nothing unusual. While one sniper monitored the drone, the other continued picking off the incoming zombies. Positioned in the watchtower, they had a broader view than most. As the sniper keeping an eye on the drone adjusted his focus, he spotted silhouettes standing on a nearby rooftop. He zoomed in, and his breath caught in his throat when he recognized Duke among them. Realizing it could be a message from the Vice City Lord, he quickly reached for his walkie-talkie again. "Sir, it''s from the Vice City Lord!" he shouted, emphasizing the title to ensure no one accidentally shot down the incoming drone. The mention of Duke immediately caught everyone''s attention. The gatekeeper moved closer to the wall, eagerly awaiting the drone''s arrival. As the drone approached, he raised his hands high in the air, signaling for it to land. The drone slowly descended and gently touched down right in front of the gatekeeper. Duke smirked as he watched the footage from a distance. ''It''s truly great to communicate with smart people,'' he thought. He had been slightly worried that it would take too long to send the message, fearing that the soldiers might accidentally shoot down the drone or fail to grasp his intent. However, it seemed he had underestimated them. Fortunately, the soldiers were observant enough to notice the markings. Duke could even sense the moment the sniper peered through his scope and spotted him, prompting him to glance back in the sniper''s direction, leaving the soldier momentarily flustered. Soon, the gatekeeper¡ªa soldier¡ªnoticed the markings and carefully lifted the drone for inspection. Duke and the others stood still, allowing the gatekeeper to retrieve the letter before taking back the drone. Following the markings, the gatekeeper discovered a small compartment and carefully opened it. Inside, he found a sealed envelope and a smaller folded piece of paper. He took both items and unfolded the note with curiosity. "Report. Deliver this to the City Lord." The gatekeeper refrained from prying into the letter''s contents. After retrieving it, he closed the lid on the small compartment and gently set the drone down. As soon as it touched the surface, the drone took off, buzzing away into the distance. The gatekeeper then called for someone to summon the Minister of Defense, ensuring the letter would be delivered personally to the City Lord. As a gatekeeper, he wasn''t permitted to leave his post, which was crucial for maintaining the gate''s security. Instead, he called for Aston to come over. Given that the message originated from the Vice City Lord and was sealed, it was clear that the information was classified and significant. Only the designated recipient was authorized to open it. To ensure the safe delivery of the message, he entrusted Aston with the task, knowing he was one of the most reliable individuals in the base and fiercely loyal to their City Lord. They didn''t have to wait long before Aston came running, looking disheveled and haggard. "What''s going on? Did the Vice City Lord really send a message?" he asked breathlessly as he reached the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper nodded and promptly handed the letter and note to Aston. Understanding the urgency, Aston quickly left to find Kisha outside the wall. The reason Aston looked so haggard was that he had been working tirelessly to prevent any leaks while also planning a contingency. Meanwhile, Kisha was assisting Vulture with the cleanup outside, knowing that Sparrow might arrive at any moment. With everyone busy, Aston felt like he was spinning in circles. Once Aston took the letter and left, the gatekeeper returned to his duties at the wall, personally monitoring the ammunition inventory. A wave of worry washed over him as he noticed the dwindling supply of crates. He felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach at the thought of reporting this to his superior. If they ran out of ammunition, it would mean sending soldiers outside to handle the zombies personally. That was one concern, but what about the threat posed by other humans? He contemplated his next course of action, weighing the risks carefully. Chapter 436 - 436 The Letter The same issue was occurring at all four gates, with the gatekeepers growing increasingly concerned about the dwindling ammunition at their disposal. Kisha sensed a shift in the air, her body tensing as she surveyed her surroundings. She couldn''t quite pinpoint the source of her unease, but she was acutely aware of a lurking danger. Although she already knew they were at risk, this was something more¡ªan unknown threat looming just out of sight, as if a series of events were about to unfold. Taking a deep breath, she glanced around. Vulture''s team aside from Vuture and the others were still absorbed in their tasks, unaware of the issues brewing in the sewers, which Kisha and the rest had managed to keep under wraps while diligently fortifying their defenses. She didn''t know how long they could keep this information hidden from everyone at the base, but she could only hope that by then, they would have devised a plan or that Duke would have completed his mission outside. Only then could the survivors find some peace of mind. Despite her efforts to conceal the issue, many still felt uneasy, especially since they could hear the zombies stirring in the sewers. To mitigate the threat, she had sent Bell to patrol the area, but she couldn''t allow them to eliminate the zombies just yet. The carcasses could serve as stepping stones for other zombies, allowing them to reach the surface through the manholes or dig new escape routes. Additionally, having zombies beneath them posed a significant health risk; if they died and littered the sewers, it would create even greater health hazards for everyone at the base. At that moment, Kisha''s mind was overwhelmed with a barrage of issues, each one more pressing than the last, leaving her gasping for breath whenever she recalled them. None of this chaos had occurred in her previous lives; while similar problems may have arisen, they had never converged all at once, creating a real headache for her. As she continued to contemplate better solutions for their mounting challenges while Vulture and the others worked, she suddenly heard Aston''s voice calling from a distance. "City Lord! City Lord!" Aston shouted, almost breathless, as he was chauffeured in a golf cart, deftly weaving through the narrow gaps between the littered cars on the street to reach Kisha more quickly. Waving the letter in the air to grab her attention, he called out to her as soon as he spotted her. Kisha''s eyes fell on the letter, and a frown creased her brow; a sense of dread gnawed at her stomach. As Aston''s small golf cart came to a stop in front of her, he leaped out even before it had fully halted and quickly handed the letter to Kisha. "It''s from the Vice City Lord," Aston said in a rush. "The snipers spotted him and his team on the roof at the southeastern edge of the city. He delivered this letter via drone and instructed us to give it to you. I''m guessing it relates to the ongoing issues we''re facing in the sewers." He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, knowing he was just as anxious as Kisha to see what Kisha would find in the letter. Although Kisha was eager to open the letter immediately, she knew this wasn''t the right time or place, especially with Duke''s mission being a secret. The others in the base believed he, like Sparrow, had gone out to gather supplies. Only Duke''s team was privy to the details, having been briefed that morning. They hadn''t had a chance to share any of this with others, nor would they want to. Everyone understood the gravity of their mission; revealing it could spark unnecessary unrest and fear among the survivors in the base. Such panic would only hinder their efforts and could even bring the base''s operations to a standstill, as people would be consumed by the belief that their survival was at risk. Noticing Kisha''s apprehensive expression and her reluctance to open the letter, Aston understood her concerns. He guided her to sit in the golf cart, and their driver took them directly to Villa #1. Upon arrival, they headed straight to the study. Marcus and the children observed their grim demeanor decided to wisely chose not to interrupt Kisha and Aston''s meeting, refraining from offering snacks or drinks this time. As soon as they entered the study, Kisha made a beeline for the leather chair. Upon sitting down, she immediately sensed something was off; the chair felt too low for her liking, making her uncomfortable. However, she pushed those thoughts aside and slowly opened the letter. Inside the envelope, she found a straightforward report. [We''ve encountered an unprecedented surge of mutated rats emerging from the sewers. I''m ramping up our operations and will do my best to finish this as soon as possible, but I''ll need Rose''s assistance, along with some of the Scarlet Bees and fire-type awakened abilities users. This will allow us to expedite the process. Currently, my team and I are assessing the sewer entrances throughout the city to plug any holes and prevent more zombies from flooding the sewers or rats from escaping. However, we need to act swiftly and precisely to ensure the mutated rats don''t have time to retaliate or disrupt our efforts.] Beneath the note were coordinates. Kisha pulled out the city map from the drawer and traced the coordinates on it. She read Duke''s letter repeatedly, trying to grasp his thoughts and intentions while writing. After her third reading, a subtle smile crept across her face; she began to understand what Duke was aiming to achieve. "As soon as Sparrow''s team arrives, find Rose and bring her to me so I can assign her next task," Kisha said, leaning back in the leather chair. A glint flashed in her eyes as she studied the map intently. Before leaving, Aston hesitated, casting a lingering glance at Kisha. "Speak," Kisha said, her voice icy and indifferent, a stark contrast to the warmth she had shown earlier. Aston felt a chill run down his spine. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "City Lord, do you think whatever the Vice City Lord is planning will work?" Aston asked, seeking reassurance. He had witnessed the couple''s remarkable leadership and their ability to tackle challenges head-on, yet he still needed some words of comfort to ease his anxious heart. Kisha''s indifferent gaze settled on Aston as she tilted her head slightly, a cold smile creeping across her lips that sent a shiver down his spine. "Of course it will work. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have mentioned it. Besides, even if things go awry, he''ll find a way to handle it." That''s how Duke had been in her previous life¡ªcrafty and intelligent. There was nothing that could deter him from rising to the top, making his base the strongest among the others that are still standing. If not for saving her, would Duke have truly met his end? Kisha didn''t believe that for a second. So when Duke claimed he could accelerate the timeline, she was certain he had already devised a solution. After hearing Kisha''s words, Aston realized that while it wasn''t the direct reassurance he had hoped for, the confidence in her eyes was enough to put his mind at ease. Sensing that he had nothing further to worry about, he made his way to the door. He opened it gently, careful to close it quietly behind him, allowing Kisha the space to gather her thoughts as she remained immersed in her contemplation. After Aston left, Kisha dove into the mission tab, meticulously reviewing every ongoing missions and their respective timeframes. Almost all of the missions were set to conclude simultaneously, with only a few wrapping up days before the main event. This suggested that something significant was on the horizon, and what they were experiencing now was merely the tip of the iceberg. As she assessed their progress, a sense of frustration washed over her; the construction of the wall, the training of the warriors, and even her efforts to care for the survivors all felt painfully slow. As she stared at the mission tab, Kisha felt her stomach churning violently, and she let out a shaky breath. All she could do was prepare and lead everyone in the base to do the same. Fortunately, the survivors was remarkably compliant; no one attempted to stir up trouble or rally factions against her and her people. This reassurance was the only thing that kept Kisha grounded, allowing her to continue her efforts. Chapter 437 - 437 The Scarlet Bees Mission Fortunately, the survivors was remarkably compliant; no one attempted to stir up trouble or rally factions against her and her people. This reassurance was the only thing that kept Kisha grounded, allowing her to continue her efforts. She had built a thick wall around her heart, developing trust issues along the way. Because of this, she often found herself overthinking every situation, instinctively focusing on the negative side before she could accept that what was happening might actually have a positive side. Without Duke by her side, the negativity that had long been buried in her heart began to resurface. She was reminded of the profound changes he had brought to her life in this 100th rebirth; he was her salvation, the one who helped her become her best self. This brief separation allowed Kisha to reflect on many things, revealing insights about herself and her feelings, as well as her overall perspective when Duke was with her. She realized that she preferred this version of herself¡ªone that had emerged from the shadows of her past¡ªover the unhinged person she used to be, whose only solution to conflict was bloodshed. A small smile crept onto Kisha''s lips as she contemplated her thoughts. She closed the system interface and leaned back in her chair, her eyes closing briefly. Her expression quickly returned to its usual cold and indifferent demeanor, making it impossible for anyone to guess what was on her mind. "Bell, how many Scarlet Bees do we have now?" Kisha asked through their mind link, her thoughts returning to the report she had received from Duke. "Master, we now have over a thousand adult Scarlet Bees ready to be sent on menial tasks outside or to fight," Bell replied calmly, as if she''d already hardened her heart to the idea of sending her children into battle. And in a way, she had. As a beast from the Murim world, fighting had always been part of their daily lives¡ªwhether it was against cultivators trying to tame them or other beasts seeking their precious Scarlet Honey. Either way, many of her Scarlet Bees would inevitably perish. As queen, Bell had faced this reality countless times. She couldn''t afford to mourn every loss when she had an entire colony to govern and protect. For the Scarlet Bees, sacrificing their lives to safeguard their queen and secure the future of the colony was only natural. It was part of their purpose¡ªto ensure new generations of bees could be born. In a way, it wasn''t much different from how governments send soldiers to protect their lands, even at the cost of those soldiers'' lives. With Kisha as her contract master, Bell realized that the deaths of her children had significantly decreased compared to what her ancestors endured in the harsh Murim world. It was one of the reasons her species had nearly gone extinct, leaving her as the last of her kind. Kisha provided a safe haven, mourning and even getting angry on Bell''s behalf whenever her bees perished¡ªlike when Tristan had accidentally killed the scout bees during their search. And for Bell, this was enough. Her mind was at ease, knowing all she needed to do was follow Kisha until the end. So, when Kisha decided to send the Scarlet Bees to support Duke''s mission, Bell didn''t feel sadness. Instead, she felt a spark of excitement. While she didn''t want her children to die, she also knew they couldn''t be sheltered from the realities of battle. Bell understood the importance of keeping their survival instincts sharp and their wild nature intact. By letting them face grueling fights, she ensured that her bloodline wouldn''t weaken, and the next generation of bees would be strong enough to survive even the harshest environments. When Bell responded to Kisha, there was a subtle hint of excitement in her voice that didn''t go unnoticed. Kisha, with her eyes still closed, raised an eyebrow at the change in tone. Naturally, Kisha''s thoughts aligned with Bell''s. She had often treated Bell and the Scarlet Bees as scouts or bodyguards, sometimes forgetting that they were also fierce fighters. It was easy to overlook their true potential, but hearing Bell''s excitement reminded her that the Scarlet Bees weren''t just protectors¡ªthey were warriors, too. "Send 800 Scarlet Bees to support Duke," Kisha ordered. "Then split the remaining bees into two groups. One group will assist in guarding the walls, just as they''ve been doing, and only intervene if the soldiers struggle during a sudden zombie raid. The rest should continue producing Scarlet Honey inside the territory space." Kisha spoke lazily, her mind drifting to Duke''s mission while waiting for Rose. If her calculations were right, with Sparrow''s driving skills and leadership, the team should have arrived two hours ago. The delay indicated they had been held up, but Kisha wasn''t concerned about Sparrow''s safety. Before closing her system interface earlier, she had checked the ''Team Tab'' and confirmed that everyone¡ªDuke, Sparrow, and Vulture¡ªwere all safe, with no immediate danger to their lives. Kisha frequently checked the ''Team Tab'' whenever she sent someone outside the walls, ensuring her people were still alive and well during missions. Now, all she needed to do was wait for Aston to bring back Rose. While waiting, she longed for a moment of solitude to clear her mind. Ever since her main mission began, she had been constantly on edge, thinking through countless details and wrestling with conflicting decisions. For now, she just wanted to take a brief break, breathe, and let the tension ease away. Following Kisha''s instructions, Aston made his way to the Eastern wall and patiently waited for Sparrow''s convoy. After leaving Kisha''s villa, he ended up waiting for another hour and a half before the snipers spotted the trucks approaching in the distance. "Sir, we have visuals on captain Sparrow''s team! Prepare to open the gate in five minutes!" the sniper radioed to the gatekeeper. Aston perked up, standing atop the wall alongside other soldiers on standby, ready to provide support as the four trucks approached the gate. The truck, grimy and smeared with zombie blood, appeared more dirtied than usual, yet everything seemed intact. The sniper noticed some limbs dangling from the windshield of the truck in front, but such sights had become commonplace. They had come to terms with their new reality in this apocalyptic era, where a severed hand hanging from a vehicle was a lesser horror compared to the gruesome scenes of zombies reduced to a bloody paste on the streets. This was especially evident after Kisha had used a truck to clear the streets, leaving behind nothing but a gruesome mess of flesh. ''Dang! They must have bulldozed through the wall of zombies with how the truck looked like.'' One soldier, aiming his assault riffle in front thought to himself as he peered through the scope. As Sparrow''s truck rounded the corner, the gatekeeper signaled to the two soldiers stationed beside the gate to open it. They strained against the weight of the heavy gate, pulling it open with all their strength. Once there was enough space, Sparrow''s truck surged through the opening, coming to a sudden stop a short distance inside to allow the other trucks to enter as well. The sharp crack of gunfire echoed from atop the wall, immediately drawing the attention of the nearby zombies. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 438 - 438 Low Ammunition Sparrow effortlessly jumped down from the driver''s seat and gave a firm, loud tap on the side of the truck, signaling everyone inside to disembark. As soon as Sparrow tapped on the truck, Zeus leaped out from the back with boundless energy, bouncing up and down as its paws hit the ground, as though it were relishing the feel of solid earth after the long ride. "Master, master! Zeus is back!" came the excited voice through Kisha''s mindlink. Zeus was practically shouting with joy. Kisha didn''t need to wait for Aston''s report to know Sparrow had arrived. She simply chuckled to herself, savoring her quiet time in the study as she waited for them to come. The other trucks had also made it through the gate, and the gatekeeper, along with the two stationed at either side, began pushing the massive doors shut. However, a few zombies managed to slip through the cracks as the soldiers atop the wall struggled with empty weapons, their ammunition depleted. Face-to-face with the undead, the gatekeeper and the two soldiers took deep, shaky breaths, their panic barely held in check. Despite their fear, they remembered their duty as soldiers. Drawing their daggers, they fought to defend themselves, but for every zombie they cut down, two more surged through, overwhelming their efforts. The soldiers halted from closing the door because the zombie just surged in, Sparrow, instantly noticing what was happening, immediately jumped in to help, to avoid hurting his people, he didn''t use his wind blade as his wind blade doesn''t have eyes, so it would easily cleave through anything in its path, including the soldiers. With this in mind, Sparrow swiftly drew his dagger and rushed to assist the gatekeeper and the two soldiers, who were visibly struggling to defend themselves. The soldiers stationed atop the wall, realizing the urgency, abandoned their assault rifles and joined in to help contain the situation, hoping to close the gate before things spiraled further out of control. Meanwhile, Kisha learned of the situation through Bell, who had bees stationed along the wall. However, she remained calm, confident that Sparrow could handle the threat without needing her intervention. The rest of Sparrow''s team quickly joined the fray, with Clyde being the most eager to help. Without hesitation, he cleaved through the head of the nearest zombie, showing no fear. With their combined efforts, the two soldiers managed to finally close the gate, sealing off the flood of zombies. Sparrow, moving with practiced ease, stabbed his dagger into the skull of the remaining zombie that had slipped inside. With a swift kick, he sent the lifeless body tumbling away, clearing the area. Bang! Bang! Scratch- The zombies locked outside the gate continued to bang and scratch at the metal, their long nails creating a grating sound that made everyone cringe. The noise was unnerving, but Sparrow wasn''t having any of it. An accident had nearly occurred, and to think the soldiers had run out of ammunition at such a critical moment was unacceptable. "Did none of you conduct an inventory check? How could the soldiers run out of ammo at a time like this? Don''t you care about keeping backup magazines on hand?" Sparrow flared, frustration evident in his voice. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The gatekeeper stepped in quickly, eager to take responsibility and avoid deflecting blame onto anyone else. The gatekeeper lowered his head in thought, allowing Sparrow to finish his tirade. It was understandable for Sparrow to be irritated after a long journey and a situation like this. Fortunately, after venting, Sparrow began to calm down. He was relieved it had been him and his team facing this issue, rather than someone else; otherwise, there could have been a serious breach in their base. He shuddered at the thought of how many lives might have been lost due to such a minor oversight. "Tell me, why weren''t you prepared?" Sparrow asked, his voice calmer and more measured this time, yet still laced with authority. "Captain Sparrow, I apologize for this situation. We are currently conducting an inventory check on the base''s ammunition and will report back to the City Lord once we''re finished." "We allocated all available ammunition from the warehouse to the four gates, and we believed this last batch would suffice to support you and your team as you entered," the gatekeeper explained, not attempting to conceal anything. Sparrow fell into deep contemplation, realizing they should have seen this coming. The soldiers often needed to fend off zombies while ensuring the safety of their people, and using firearms was the safest approach. With the zombies still weak enough to be handled from a distance, they had assumed there was plenty of ammunition in the warehouse. However, in their focus on the bigger picture, they overlooked this crucial detail. Kisha had also heard about the situation from Bell. With a heavy sigh, she accepted that this oversight was partly her responsibility. While it fell under Aston''s jurisdiction, he had taken on the role of the base''s butler, juggling multiple tasks, making it easy for him to overlook such details. Everyone had been so focused on keeping the supply center stocked that they had forgotten the necessity of ammunition for the regular soldiers who hadn''t awakened yet. Most of the fighters had developed their abilities and no longer relied on firearms, causing this critical need to slip their minds. Now, more than ever, the unawakened soldiers and survivors would feel insecure and less useful, highlighting the urgent need to equip them with weapons like guns for self-defense. With a sigh, Kisha reached for the walkie-talkie clipped to her belt and radioed the Eastern Wall. The gatekeeper''s radio buzzed to life, causing him to hesitate for a moment, torn between answering it in front of Sparrow¡ªwhile he was still being reprimanded¡ªor waiting until they were safely inside the base. However, the urgency of Kisha''s voice left him no choice. "East Wall, do you copy? Over." Static crackled through the radio. The gatekeeper glanced around, his expression incredulous. He couldn''t shake the feeling that he was in trouble this time. Sparrow, aware that Kisha was monitoring the situation, urged the gatekeeper to grab the radio and respond. "Yes, City Lord, I hear you. Over." "Good. Communicate with the other three gatekeepers and send some of your men to my villa in two hours to collect ammunition and spare firearms from my warehouse. I believe your supplies are running low for holding the front line, and I have some quality rifles available. After all, you soldiers are the backbone of this base, and it''s only right that you''re properly equipped. Keep up the great work." Kisha''s voice was cold and indifferent, yet her words resonated deeply with the soldiers. Although they might not have awakened their abilities¡ªor perhaps never would¡ªthey were still soldiers at heart. Even though they were at a disadvantage compared to the warriors with awakened abilities, they refused to abandon their duties to protect the base. This commitment is why they remained steadfast as the guards of the wall. Watching others grow stronger without relying on firearms often left them feeling insecure and inadequate. Yet, no one voiced these concerns, aware that doing so could complicate matters and create a rift between the superhumans and the ordinary soldiers. Chapter 439 - 439 Gaining Some Followers The last thing they needed right now was internal conflict. The base was finally moving in a positive direction, gradually restoring a sense of peace. But if tensions arose between superhumans and ordinary soldiers, it could lead to unrest and division among the people. Soon, factions might form, with individuals feeling dissatisfied or insecure because others had powers they lacked. In this harsh new reality, power held great influence, and those without it might feel vulnerable, believing they too needed abilities to protect themselves against any future threats. Hearing Kisha acknowledge their hard work and take steps to provide what they needed meant a lot to them. It showed that their City Lord valued not only the superhumans but also looked out for everyone equally. The gatekeeper and those nearby who had overheard the radio transmission exchanged smiles, feeling reassured and appreciated. With renewed motivation, the gatekeeper responded enthusiastically. "I''ll get right on it, City Lord¡ªwe''ll be there in two hours." The gatekeeper''s voice nearly cracked with excitement. Sparrow, observing him with an almost fatherly expression, shook his head with a smile and patted him on the shoulder. Kisha''s words had also reminded Sparrow of the soldiers'' complicated position, and his stern demeanor softened to one of quiet gratitude. "You''re all doing a great job. Keep it up, and don''t dwell on my outburst," Sparrow said, choosing not to make excuses but instead acknowledging both his own actions and the hard work of the soldiers. Even Aston, still standing atop the wall, smiled appreciatively at Sparrow¡ªand especially at Kisha. Like many, he hadn''t yet awakened, so he threw himself into every task he could, feeling it was the best way to be useful and to contribute to the base''s growth and the safety of its people. Hearing Kisha''s words, he felt a deep sense of validation; his hard work hadn''t gone unnoticed. For the first time in a while, he felt truly seen, and a renewed pride filled him, lifting some of the weight he''d been carrying. After exchanging a few words with the soldiers, Sparrow joined Aston in escorting Rose to Kisha''s villa to give a full report, with Zeus naturally tagging along. Meanwhile, the five STAU members took the cargo trailers directly to the Supply Center to unload, while the other warriors from Sparrow''s team showed their appreciation to the soldiers before heading home on their own paths. Only after Sparrow and the others left did the gatekeeper seem to snap out of what felt like a dreamlike haze. Everyone else around him felt similarly, but now, grounded in the reality of the moment, they began to reflect on what had just happened. "How did the City Lord''s timing feel so precise... almost as if she''s watching us?" they wondered, a sense of awe shared among them. They glanced around the walls, half-expecting to spot a hidden CCTV camera. But then they remembered: with no electricity except in certain buildings powered by fuel generators, operating a CCTV system here would be impossible. Yet, despite this, they couldn''t shake the feeling that their City Lord was somehow keeping a watchful eye over them. Though the notion wasn''t far off, instead of feeling creeped out, they felt a renewed sense of energy. After all, if their City Lord was watching them, it meant they were worthy of her attention, and that she had their backs. As thoughts swirled in their minds, their admiration for Kisha deepened. Unbeknownst to her, she had gained a few more dedicated followers that day. As the atmosphere settled within the walls and the ammunition issue was temporarily resolved, the gatekeepers and soldiers experienced a renewed sense of calm. They resumed their tasks, strategizing on how to maximize the use of their remaining ammunition until the two-hour timeframe Kisha had promised for the pickup. Since she hadn''t insisted on an immediate response, they understood she must have important matters to attend to, perhaps alongside Sparrow, who likely had his own critical updates to share. With this in mind, they nodded in agreement and got back to work. The STAUs headed directly to the temporary warehouse at the Supply Center to unload all the supplies they had brought from the Eastern Warehouse in Port City. They quickly realized that this approach was far more efficient. Unlike the last time, when they had to divert personnel to transfer supplies from the empty lot to the warehouse, this method will keep everyone focused on their original tasks. The five of them could handle the unloading swiftly, needing only to walk a short distance and spend a few minutes to complete the job before heading to the empty lot to drop off the cargo trailers. When the eager men who had come to assist saw the STAUs unloading supplies seemingly out of nowhere, their initial feelings of uselessness transformed into awe. They recognized that even though the five weren''t offensive-type awakened ability users, their skills were equally valuable and impactful. A few of the onlookers even started following the STAUs, intrigued by their efficiency. Though the five felt somewhat like animals in a zoo under the attention, they embraced it, feeling a surge of pride in their contributions. This experience bolstered their confidence in their abilities as support-type users. Meanwhile, Rose and Sparrow exchanged curious glances, both wondering why Kisha had called for Rose. While Aston remained tight-lipped, Sparrow''s mind raced with speculation. He couldn''t shake the feeling that Kisha''s request had something to do with Rose''s awakened abilities. Her potential for absolute defense combined with formidable offensive skills suggested she was uniquely suited for a particularly dangerous mission. This left Sparrow in a bind, as he would need to continue leading his current team while Rose might be pulled into something far more significant. Sparrow considered that allowing everyone to explore their strengths was essential for their growth. He remembered how he had started in much the same way, receiving tasks from Kisha that often carried risks. Each challenge had pushed him to rise to the occasion and learn something valuable. He realized that sending Rose on a mission could yield similar results, fostering her skills and confidence. Ultimately, this would strengthen not just her but the entire personnel at their base. With a nod of determination, Sparrow crossed his arms over his chest and walked thoughtfully behind Aston, convinced that this approach would benefit them all in the long run. As they approached the study''s door, Aston knocked a couple of times, pulling Sparrow back from his thoughts. Clearing his throat, Aston announced, "City Lord, Captain Rose is here, and Captain Sparrow has arrived to report." "You may enter," Kisha''s voice called from the other side, clear and unhurried, carrying an air of indifference that hinted at her composure. Aston gently pushed the door open, and they immediately noticed Kisha leaning against the table, her chin resting on her intertwined fingers as she watched them enter. An unsettling pressure hung in the air, akin to a predator eyeing its prey. Though Kisha appeared relaxed and indifferent, her unrestrained aura created a palpable tension, sending a shiver down their spines and making their hair stand on end. __________ S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Please ADD to your LIBRARY to be notified when the update is posted. Thank you!!! Please don''t forget to cheer me up by voting with Powerstone and Golden Ticket! Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation! Also, I might get delayed in the update as I am also updating my new novel < THE RETURN OF THE CANNON FODDER TRILLION HEIRESS> Chapter 440 - 440 The Snake And The Farmer The three who had just entered exchanged anxious glances, swallowing the lump in their throats. Kisha''s indifferent expression was both unreadable and intimidating, leaving them unsettled about what lay beneath her calm exterior. Sensing that something was amiss, Sparrow and Rose quietly took their seats in front of the table, while Aston stood beside Kisha like a dutiful butler. Kisha raised an eyebrow at Aston, but offered no comment, maintaining the air of mystery that hung around them. "Welcome back to both of you. It''s clear your trips have been fruitful; with all these supplies, we can support the entire community for a year without worry," Kisha began, recognizing their hard work and accomplishments. "Thank you, Young Madam. However," Sparrow interjected, shifting in his seat to face Kisha directly. "These supplies are from the Eastern Warehouse in Port City. There are still a few more warehouses filled with similar goods, and I plan to retrieve everything. However, I''ve been considering distributing some to the people living in the shelter in Port City, as they belong to that community," Sparrow said hesitantly. It wasn''t that he felt pity for them, but a sense of conscience nudged him, prompting him to gauge Kisha''s reaction. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If she agreed and wanted to provide the people a way out by sharing the supplies, he would gladly support it; his intention was simply to inform Kisha and let her make the final decision. Kisha understood Sparrow''s perspective; after all, they had both faced life-and-death situations and worked closely together in the field, allowing their thoughts to align. She didn''t hesitate to share her own feelings on the matter. "No need for that. Those supplies will only go to waste if left behind, and if you give them to the people in the Port City shelter, they''ll likely take it for granted. Once they latch onto you out of gratitude, it will be hard to get rid of them." "Always remember that people who are desperate and have nothing to lose can be unhinged and unscrupulous. They might even turn on you, biting your flesh and drinking your blood if you refuse to help them after your initial gesture," Kisha said, her expression grim. Her gaze seemed to drift off into the distance, as if she were recalling a distant memory. Sparrow nodded in agreement; he had never felt inclined to help those people anyway, so it was easy for him to accept Kisha''s perspective. However, Rose felt a twinge of apprehension. She believed not everyone could be painted with the same brush, and the idea of not helping the civilians felt too harsh. Yet, she struggled to find the words to voice her concerns. Aston might have shared Rose''s perspective if he were still the same person he was before meeting Kisha. However, after witnessing the chaos unleashed by the Coltons and the Minister of Defense¡ªevents that claimed countless innocent lives¡ªhe had come to understand the darker side of human nature when it operates outside the confines of the law. Now, he found himself drawn to Kisha''s insights, as if she had navigated these treacherous waters countless times before. In his eyes, following her guidance seemed like the best path forward for everyone involved. Now, Aston remained silent, despite knowing he should share Rose''s concerns for the civilians. Both of them were forces dedicated to serving the people and the country, yet Rose had not fully adjusted her mindset away from this. Kisha noticed the uncertainty in Rose''s eyes and decided to elaborate. She understood that withholding her perspective could create a rift between them. If Rose were left to her own devices, she might act impulsively, leading to trouble not just for herself but for the entire base, especially if decisions were made in the shadows without the benefit of shared understanding. Before diving into her thoughts, Kisha allowed Sparrow to report on both trips, listening intently to every detail. After he finished, she nodded in agreement with his actions, recognizing that she would have made similar choices¡ªperhaps even more decisive ones¡ªif she had been in their position. "You made the right call. As I mentioned before, we can''t help people blindly; a single wrong decision can lead to the deaths of more than a dozen." "Always keep in mind that we are now in positions of leadership. Our choices not only affect us but also have repercussions for everyone around us." "I don''t discourage you from helping those in need, but it''s essential to remember that any act of kindness may lead to unintended consequences. When you assist someone, they may feel compelled to follow you¡ªnot just because of your strength, but also because you can provide for them." "This dependency can breed ingratitude. Always keep in mind the story of ''The Snake and the Farmer.'' Not everyone is deserving of your help; many are selfish and greedy, and greed rarely leads to a positive outcome." Rose looked up and asked, "How can we determine who is truly worth helping? Should we only consider those who can bear their own burdens or who have good intentions? What about the children, women, and the elderly? How can we know if we don''t give them a chance?" Her tone was neutral; she wasn''t being defiant¡ªshe genuinely struggled to grasp Kisha''s broader perspective. For Rose, her role was to protect and provide for those in need, but she had never delved deeply into the complexities of such decisions, as she had little interest in politics. "You don''t need to worry about them for now. If they truly want to survive, they must learn to toughen up and take the initiative¡ªwhether that means fighting with their hands and feet to gather supplies or leaving behind oppressive leadership to seek their own path." "They need to experience what it''s like to live in this apocalyptic era and realize they can''t always rely on others; they must depend on themselves. Our new world is far too unpredictable. Only once they''ve truly made an effort will we be in a position to help them." The more Kisha spoke, the further her gaze drifted, as if she were lost in thought, conversing with her past self. Each word seemed to remind her of the choices she had made and the lessons learned, pushing her to strive for more¡ªnot just for herself but for her loved ones as well. "Misplaced pity and misguided notions of justice can lead to our downfall¡ªnot just ours, but also the lives of those in the base. Many may appear pitiful, concealing ulterior motives, and while some may cry for help, their tears can mask a heart full of greed." "Not everyone who seeks your assistance deserves your compassion; some are simply waiting for a naive soul to take the bait, hoping to use them as a shield or provider," Kisha stated firmly, making sure her words were clear and direct. As Kisha spoke, Rose felt a wave of confusion wash over her. She scratched the back of her head, unsure how to articulate her thoughts. While she wasn''t the best judge of character, she understood the complexities of human nature. She had witnessed the darker sides of humanity, but not to the extent that Kisha had. Chapter 441 - 441 Allocating The Mission There was still a gap in their experiences that left Rose feeling lost. Sensing her struggle, Kisha decided to offer further guidance. "If you genuinely want to help someone but aren''t sure about their character, just bring them to me, and I''ll assess whether they can join our base. And if they happen to discover our location and spill the beans to other shelters, it won''t matter¡ªwe''re strong enough to protect our home and our people." "I''m offering you this opportunity so you don''t think I''m heartless." Kisha ended with a lighthearted tone, a playful smile gracing her lips. This brought a sense of levity to the serious conversation, and Rose felt a wave of relief wash over her. How can Kisha be this confident in selecting people? Of course, it was because she had the ''Eye Of Truth'' where she could not only see people''s abilities and potential but also see where their morality inclined, just like how she first checked the former bodyguard of the Evans'' and his people''s morality before she jumps into action, she first made sure that they are worthy of receiving help who will not backstab her and her people and use them as nothing but meatshield. After only confirming that they are good and upright people did she decided to help, after all, it''s better for them to die in the hands of zombies like that than be saved and later on bite the hands that feed them. However, Kisha had no intention of abandoning the young or leaving them to perish. Once she confirmed that the group didn''t include any dark-hearted individuals, she acted swiftly, determined to provide help while ensuring their safety. She was also considering the other survivors, including those still in Port City. However, attempting to rescue them now, when they were completely reliant on the hope of government aid rather than actively seeking food and resources, could lead to complications. Their lack of motivation to fend for themselves might turn them into liabilities for the base, potentially fostering discontent. Worst of all, they could feel entitled, rallying others to demand changes in the management of the base, which would only exacerbate the situation. They say one bad apple can spoil the bunch, and Kisha wasn''t willing to take that gamble. If Sparrow and the others rescued people from the Port City Shelter without knowing their true natures, it would fall to her to sort the good from the bad. How could she possibly justify her choices to those rescued, especially when they would likely refuse to return to the Port City Shelter after experiencing what her base had to offer? No one in their right mind would choose to go back to starvation when a thriving base like Kisha''s was right in front of them. "Are you really serious, City Lord?" Rose asked, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Yes, but only if you have a good impression of the person." "As you know, even with our power, we can''t save everyone. They have to want to save themselves for us to help them. That''s why we need to be selective about who we allow into our base¡ªit''s essential for everyone''s safety." Kisha spoke cryptically, but she knew Rose would grasp the underlying message: some people simply wouldn''t meet the requirements to join them, and that meant they would be left to fend for themselves outside. No matter how it might sound, Kisha didn''t feel guilty about her stance. While many would advocate for helping one another and sticking together during tough times, she understood that such ideals often proved impractical. In reality, she couldn''t afford to offer indiscriminate help to everyone. Rose''s expression turned serious as she considered Kisha''s words, eventually nodding in agreement. With that topic settled, they moved on. Kisha briefed them on the city patrol''s findings about the sewers and shared the troubling details of Duke''s activities beyond the walls. As she spoke, both Rose and Sparrow exchanged uneasy glances, their faces darkening with concern. They struggled to envision the implications of Kisha''s words, knowing deep down that their base was facing serious threats. Despite the grim news, Kisha urged Sparrow not to abandon his mission to secure more cargo trailers. Their territory expansion depended on acquiring additional trailers, and Sparrow understood the necessity. Reluctantly, he agreed, placing his trust in Duke''s ability to protect himself. It was natural for Sparrow to feel protective; he had been raised and trained to serve as Duke''s sword and shield. The thought of Duke undertaking a dangerous mission alone weighed heavily on his mind, but he knew they had to press on. Once Sparrow calmed down and began to think more logically, he steeled his resolve and nodded in agreement with Kisha''s decisions regarding her husband. He recognized the strength of the couple and understood that worrying about them would not help the situation. Instead, he realized it was more prudent to focus on his own progress and responsibilities. Kisha noticed Sparrow''s expression soften, indicating his complete trust in Duke. A smile crept onto her lips at this realization, and she decided to move on to the next topic. Kisha then asked Sparrow to assist the five STAU members in preparing to level up today, ensuring they''d have a larger space by tomorrow. There was no need for Kisha to supply them with crystal cores; Sparrow and the other awakened ability users had plenty on hand. After all, he insisted that his team harvest crystal cores from every zombie they killed, refusing to leave any behind. Like Kisha, Sparrow had developed a bit of a hoarding tendency and was determined to ensure that the cores they collected didn''t fall into the hands of others. As a result, many in his team carried pouches brimming with crystal cores, eagerly awaiting the signal to use them. Thanks to their collective efforts, they had now reached a multiplier of x10 and were on the verge of hitting the cap for their level. Even without Kisha needing to remind them, they could feel the change in their bodies. With a nod, Sparrow exited the study to find the five, leaving Kisha, Aston, and Rose behind in the room. "Rose, I need you to head to this coordinate," Kisha said calmly, handing the map to Aston. The route was already circled and underlined, so Rose only had to follow it. With the Scarlet Bees as her bodyguards, Kisha felt confident that nothing would happen to her. Moreover, Rose''s impressive offensive and defensive skills made her nearly invulnerable. Kisha had chosen the safest route, avoiding main roads and large establishments. While she considered potential challenges along the way, she believed Rose could handle them. With that thought, Kisha felt a wave of relief, knowing that Rose would be able to manage whatever obstacles arose during her journey to the designated location. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "When should I leave, City Lord?" Rose asked, her seriousness underscoring her commitment to the mission. "Tomorrow morning at the latest," Kisha replied nonchalantly. "As you know, traveling at night is far more dangerous. My husband and his team are likely already camped out, and setting out now would be futile." She was confident that Duke had considered all variables when choosing a location in the east where they could meet halfway. Chapter 442 - 442 Update From City A Rose could simply set out with Sparrow and the others tomorrow morning to ensure she reached the nearest route safely. Rose nodded in understanding, recalling that Kisha had mentioned Duke''s message originated from the southeastern edge of the city. This meant they were making their way toward the eastern part, aligning perfectly with their planned coordinates for tomorrow''s meeting. Setting out in the morning wouldn''t be too late; as Kisha had suggested, Rose could easily hitch a ride with Sparrow when they departed for Port City, significantly reducing her travel time on foot. With a nod, Rose agreed with everything Kisha had said. Kisha smiled sweetly, her eyes crinkling with warmth. ''It truly is a pleasure to speak with smart people,'' she thought, gesturing for them to get back to their tasks, including Aston. Meanwhile, Kisha decided to stay in the study to check on the base in City A and chat with her little brother. She wanted to gauge their status and ensure they were aware of the rising threat posed by mutated animals and plants, reminding them to be vigilant during patrols, especially when venturing into the city. Kisha couldn''t help but hand Keith more vials of black and blue liquid for emergencies, along with some stamina boosters. She also tossed him more Scarlet Honey and a selection of spiritual crops and fruits. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Keith happily accepted the gifts, feeling as though he was living in a ''Solo Leveling'' manga, where rewards appeared out of nowhere after completing missions. Kisha smiled, indulging his antics, knowing it would help improve his mood and make him happy. Keith shared updates with Kisha about the transformations happening at the base in City A and how the people were adjusting. Although Kisha could monitor these developments herself, she let Keith speak, encouraging him to express his dissatisfaction. He noted that while the Evans and Blythes families were integrating smoothly, the Evans had begun to distance themselves due to lingering tensions, leaving them feeling awkward around Melody. However, Melody seemed oblivious to the changes; she was too focused on crafting her image in front of the newly arrived Winters'' men from the other cities and neighboring areas. And it was expected even more newcomers to arrive soon. Kisha also discovered that many of the Winters'' men hadn''t survived. Although the initial phase saw fewer transforming into zombies, most had perished during their travels, as they navigated areas swarming with undead that could easily overwhelm a city. Those who made it through were among the toughest and most skilled. Many had begun their awakening process, and this time, unlike their initial experience at the base, none of them were flustered or anxious. Instead, Elios took the lead, assisting and monitoring the group. After Keith shared Kisha''s teachings about the awakening process, Elios found himself much better equipped to guide them and diligently kept a log of their experiences. The Winters men fully trusted the process when they learned it stemmed from Kisha''s guidance. After all, they wouldn''t have made it this far without her firsthand warnings, and their group would have been ill-prepared without her support. Without Kisha, they could have faced annihilation. The only oblivious one among them was Melody. She believed she was well-received by the Winters men and that they revered her as the future young madam of the family. However, the reality was different; many were simply ignoring her. They refrained from voicing their opinions to spare her feelings, but in truth, her actions held little weight. The Winters had already chosen Kisha, and even if Duke chose not to be with her, she would remain the only woman, aside from Mrs. Winters, who could command their respect and authority. The Evans observed the Winters men''s attitude and attempted to reason with Melody, but she lashed out at them instead. Realizing their efforts were futile, they decided to back off and let her be. It was preferable to see her working diligently to maintain her image than to burst her bubble and risk her becoming a liability. As far as they were concerned, it was better for everyone if she continued in her delusion. The influx of new arrivals significantly boosted their manpower, enhancing the base''s defenses. Many members could now participate in supply runs throughout the city, focusing on essential items like gas, camping equipment, LPG gas, fuel, batteries, and more. They were essentially hoarding everything they could get their hands on, and Kisha couldn''t have been happier with their progress. Unbeknownst to everyone, an invisible barrier protected their base, yet they remained vigilant. The team diligently scouted the perimeter and maintained their defenses to guard against surprise attacks or ambushes. Surrounded by dense forest, they were acutely aware that zombies could be lurking nearby at any moment. After learning that the Winters men had gathered a substantial collection of supplies, Kisha instructed Keith to store everything securely in the warehouse for easy access. This way, she could retrieve items whenever necessary and also Kisha increased the food allocation for the base each day. With this system in place, she no longer had to worry about supplies accumulating in the territory''s inventory that she needed to transfer to the Supply Center without raising suspicion at HOPE Base. Instead, she could simply send the excess supplies to the base in City A, effectively solving her dilemma. While others fretted over dwindling supplies and hunger, Kisha found herself concerned about the excessive accumulation of resources in her inventory. She recognized the need to strategize effectively, ensuring that these supplies could be leveraged to her advantage in the future. With the increase in manpower at City A''s base, more individuals were tending to the farm she had placed within the base, resulting in thriving crops and healthy animals. While the yield wasn''t quite as abundant as those in her territory space, it was sufficient to sustain everyone at City A''s base. Kisha discovered that the "Green Thumb" boost effect she enjoyed within her territory also extended to the farmland in City A, since it was essentially part of her territory. This centralization of the boosting effect brought her immense satisfaction, further solidifying her plans for growth. However, everyone assumed that the Blythe family''s growing proficiency in farming and taking care of the animals was the sole reason behind the exceptionally large crops. Unfortunately, the animals had not experienced the same boosting effect in growth, as Mike''s abilities did not extend to them in City A. Overall, the base in City A was thriving; it wasn''t facing nearly as many challenges as HOPE Base. Despite being a mega city, Duke''s men had surprisingly encountered no setbacks, allowing them to amass a substantial stockpile of supplies. They even identified several smaller, self-sustaining shelters around City A. Instead of bringing every survivor back to their base, Duke''s men had the foresight to send them to these nearby shelters. Kisha felt a surge of elation knowing that Duke''s men were making pragmatic decisions rather than acting like heroes, as such behavior could jeopardize the longevity of their own base. Fortunately, she had already relayed this approach to Hawk and Eagle, who took her advice seriously and diligently followed her instructions. Chapter 443 - 443 The Aldens Awakened Ability Keith became the main bridge of communication between Kisha and the people in the base in City A. Kisha, careful not to reveal the unique abilities of her territory, opted to pass her messages through him. Although Hawk and Eagle were curious about how Kisha and Keith managed to communicate so seamlessly, they respected boundaries and refrained from asking questions. Keith had already distributed the Scarlet Honey according to Kisha''s instructions and explained how to use it. Although initially hesitant to teach the Evans and Blythe families the techniques Kisha had shared, Kisha''s assurance that she would remove anyone who caused trouble put Keith''s mind at ease. Knowing that the teachings came directly from Kisha, the Winters'' men¡ªand surprisingly, even the Evans and Blythe families¡ªcomplied fully, following Keith''s guidance closely. Day by day, they continued to grow stronger, especially as they began collecting crystal cores based on the latest communication between Keith and Kisha. Keith passed along Kisha''s message, encouraging everyone to gather as many crystal cores as possible during supply runs. This practice not only provided them with a valuable resource but also gave them regular experience dealing with zombies, sharpening their skills with each encounter. At first, many were disgusted by the task of retrieving crystal cores, especially the Blythes family, who were appalled at having to dig through a zombie''s skull to find the core within its brain. Initially, they thought Keith was playing a prank on them. However, when they actually discovered something inside the zombies'' heads, they began to believe. Still, the core resembled broken glass, which kept them somewhat skeptical. Meanwhile, the Winters and Evans families accepted it more readily, having learned to trust Kisha''s guidance without question. As for the elderly Aldens couple, they had been briefed by Kisha before her departure and believed everything she said wholeheartedly. Kisha''s grandparents were also making remarkable progress, which even surprised Kisha. They had quickly learned how to harness the spiritual energy within their bodies and effectively use the Scarlet Honey, becoming stronger day by day. Grandpa Aldens no longer had to worry about struggling with heavy loads; he could easily carry a sack of rice for Grandma Aldens and even lift a horse if he so wanted. His awakened ability was particularly impressive: he was a body enhancer, capable of doubling his strength, agility, or defense¡ªthough only one attribute at a time. Kisha suspected that as he leveled up, he might even reach a tenfold increase, which motivated him to train intensely. Grandma Aldens'' ability was equally intriguing. Known as a "Home Maker," she could influence others'' emotions, providing comfort, dispelling negativity, and boosting morale. Her awakened ability worked like a form of mental reinforcement, akin to brainwashing, though it only took effect if the individuals around her had lower mental resilience and willingly accepted her influence. Her unique ability had become a subtle yet powerful way to support the mental well-being of everyone in the community. Many people in the base willingly accepted Grandma Aldens'' ability, which created a sense of calm and unity. Her influence helped dispel fear, allowing everyone to focus on growth and resilience. As they grew stronger, many were soon ready to prepare for their first level up, diligently practicing their abilities each day. Keith, in particular, had made impressive strides. His ability to create realistic illusions became an invaluable asset, allowing him to lure manageable groups of zombies toward his team, so they could eliminate them without overwhelming numbers. His tactics had transformed their battle formations, reducing casualties and improving efficiency. Keith had drawn inspiration from watching Kisha wield her telekinesis with precision, like a formidable battle goddess. This admiration drove him to hone his own ability in hopes of contributing as effectively as she did in combat. Kisha had already shared information about the evolved zombies some time ago, so everyone in the base remained vigilant, particularly given that they were all still at level 0. This caution helped keep them prepared, knowing the added danger these evolved zombies posed. Following Kisha''s encouragement, everyone began practicing their awakened abilities and registering them, allowing others to see which roles each person was best suited for, similar to the system in HOPE Base. Now, with nearly everyone in City A Base having awakened their abilities, they had become a formidable force. After learning all this, Kisha felt reassured leaving her family in City A, knowing they were not only thriving but growing stronger even without her. She felt a deep sense of pride and happiness seeing them adapt so well. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her family shared this sentiment, feeling glad to no longer be a burden or a hindrance to Kisha, and grateful they could now stand on their own. On the other hand, after leaving the study, Sparrow headed straight to find the five STAU. He was eager to help them level up, as it would create more space for storing additional items. The prospect of having more room excited him, and he hoped to maximize their storage capacity for the mission. When Sparrow arrived at the empty lot, the five STAU had already finished unloading the supplies into the temporary warehouse and were now putting the cargo trailers to their designated spots. As soon as they completed their task, Sparrow could see the exhaustion etched on their faces. The five of them were on the verge of tears, longing to go home and rest. Unlike Sparrow and the other superhumans, they felt more like regular humans, especially with their low stats. Even as they increased their stats using the Scarlet Honey, their increases were minimal, typically just a single point each time. This could be attributed to their support-type abilities, which primarily focused on enhancing their spatial capabilities. Despite their pitiful appearances, Sparrow had been shaped by Duke to be a strong leader, one who wouldn''t be soft-hearted when it came to his team. Now that he finally had a team to lead, he was determined to push them hard. Without a hint of hesitation, Sparrow directed the five STAU to the back of Villa #1, leading them into the forest behind the villa. This secluded area would provide them with the focus they needed, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the community and the silent tension that the zombies lurking in the sewers created. Unable to invoke even a hint of pity from their captain, the five reluctantly surrendered to their fate and followed Sparrow, their feet dragging with each step. They could only hope the training would be over quickly so they could get some much-needed rest before their early departure the next morning. Upon arriving in the forest, Sparrow gathered them in a circle and instructed them to take the Scarlet Honey until they felt their spiritual energy nearing its breaking point¡ªan indication they were at their bottleneck and ready to level up. The five obeyed, but the continuous intake of the honey began to take a toll. They experienced sharp pains from pushing their bodies to the limit, struggling to control their surging spiritual energy. Sweat poured from them as they fought against the discomfort, yet Sparrow insisted they persevere. With no choice but to push through the pain, they pressed on, determined to meet his expectations. Chapter 444 - 444 Eat This Before they could catch their breath, Sparrow handed each of them a clean crystal core. "Eat this," he commanded, a hint of glee lacing his voice. It was as if he relished the thought of watching them grimace and struggle with the same disgust he had felt when he first consumed one, fully aware of the origin of these items. They didn''t need to guess what Sparrow was thinking; it was written all over his face. His lips twitched uncontrollably, and he bit down on his lower lip to stifle a grin that threatened to spread from ear to ear. His eyes narrowed into crescent shapes, giving him a slightly sinister look that reminded them of Hisoka from ''Hunter x Hunter'' when he was plotting something. They all shuddered and instinctively averted their gazes from Sparrow. While the thought of eating the crystal core was indeed disgusting, Sparrow''s unsettling enthusiasm overshadowed their revulsion. Feeling targeted by his intense gaze, they mechanically swallowed the crystal cores, their faces betraying no emotion. However, their lack of reaction quickly deflated Sparrow''s enthusiasm, and he pouted in disappointment. He had hoped to see their faces contorted in horror and disgust, seeking validation for his own feelings during his first experience. This little prank was meant to amuse him, but instead, his team swallowed the crystal cores without so much as a flinch. Soon, the five of them radiated a brilliant light, illuminating the forest as if the sun had risen for just a moment. The intense white glow enveloped the area before fading, leaving them in a dim afterglow. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the magical energy coursed through their bodies, they exchanged glances, a newfound strength evident in their eyes. "Is that it?" one of them asked, skepticism creeping into his voice. He had expected the leveling-up process to be a grueling and excruciating experience, and the sudden ease of it left him questioning his earlier nervousness and fear. "No pain? Just like that?" "It happened so fast!" "Are we really done? Did we actually level up, or did we fail?" The uncertainty lingered in the air as they exchanged glances, still trying to process the swift transformation they had just undergone. Everyone was filled with questions, their confusion palpable in the air. In unison, they turned to Sparrow, seeking answers, as none of them fully understood what had just happened. "Yes, you guys have successfully leveled up. The bright light that radiated from your bodies was the proof of your achievement," Sparrow said, his tone lacking enthusiasm as he rolled his eyes. "Now, check how much your spatial ability has increased with this level-up. That way, we can determine if we can increase the number of cargo trailers we can bring back." Only when Sparrow reminded them of that crucial detail did they recall why they had hurried to level up in the first place. Without hesitation, the five STAU members settled into meditation to explore their spatial abilities. One by one, they gasped in astonishment as they opened their eyes in surprise, their faces lighting up with wide smiles. "I think mine increased to 200 cubic meters! That''s a 50 cubic meter boost!" "Same here! Mine''s at 200 cubic meters as well. With this, we can fit three cargo trailers and pack them full of supplies!" "This is amazing! I expected only a 10 to 30 cubic meter increase, but gaining a whole 50 cubic meters is huge!" The five were buzzing with excitement. Previously, the 150 cubic meters had been just enough to fit two cargo trailers, leaving little extra space. But now, with the added 50 cubic meters, they could utilize that small area more efficiently and accommodate one more cargo trailer. They felt lighter, stronger, and more in tune with their abilities. Where before they had to touch each item individually to store it, they could now, like Kisha, use their mental capacity to control what they wanted to store and selectively retrieve items from their space with ease. However, there was still a limit to how much they could store without direct contact. They could only manage a yard''s width of items at a time; to add more, they needed to move closer to another yard''s worth of items. Despite this constraint, the upgrade was still a welcome improvement after their level-up, and they felt that the pain they had endured earlier was well worth the effort. The five of them exchanged delighted smiles as they sensed the changes in their bodies and abilities. They felt more confident than ever, with their stats now nearly in the 20s. Their strength, defense, and agility had all seen significant boosts. While they knew that compared to Sparrow and the others, their improvements might not seem impressive, they took pride in the fact that they could now send someone flying with a single kick. Given that they weren''t originally battle-type superhumans, they had no reason to compare themselves to others; their progress was more than enough for them. Seeing them all happy and content, Sparrow allowed himself a slight smile before sending them home for a warm meal and much-needed rest. He, too, returned to have a comforting meal, a hot bath, and finally collapse into his soft bed. It didn''t take long before he drifted into a deep sleep as soon as he hit the mattress. The other warriors who had accompanied him felt the same way¡ªmentally and physically exhausted from their time outside the walls. Now, back in their own beds, they felt a wave of relief wash over them as their bodies relaxed and the tension of battle faded, allowing them a rare, peaceful rest. Duke and his team, meanwhile, chose to rest in an eight-story building at the eastern and southeastern border. They stationed themselves two floors below the rooftop, providing a strategic buffer. This way, if any mutated rats tried to sneak up on them, they could detect the activity on the stairs or within the building and gain a brief window to escape to the rooftop, repeating their previous tactic against the rats. They avoided the rooftop itself for additional security. Given the presence of mutated rats, the possibility of other mutated creatures¡ªlike birds or bats¡ªwasn''t far-fetched, and they also had to remain cautious of evolved zombies. Without any detection or scout-type awakened ability users on their team, and considering that even Duke''s heightened senses had their limits and could be delayed at times, resting directly on the rooftop was simply too risky. Everyone trusted Duke''s judgment completely; his decisions had saved them more times than they could count. By nightfall, they''d already reviewed contingency plans, ensuring that if they became separated, each team member would know exactly where to go, what actions to take, and how to handle situations independently. Duke meticulously planned for every scenario he could think of, offering reassurance to the team and reinforcing their chances of surviving and making it back home to their families. One of Duke''s strengths was his ability to coach his team in real-time, pointing out mistakes, correcting postures, and refining techniques as they fought. His commitment to teaching never wavered, and the team found his guidance invaluable, especially in high-stakes moments. Chapter 445 - 445 Sending Off Rose When morning arrived, Sparrow and his team gathered at the designated meeting spot where their trucks were parked. Rose joined them, eager to reunite with the group. Once everyone had arrived, they climbed into the trucks, and the drivers revved the engines, setting off toward the Eastern wall. As the convoy approached, the gatekeeper spotted the trucks and shouted to the two guards stationed at the gate to open it. "Open the gate! Soldiers, prepare to support against the incoming zombies!" the gatekeeper shouted, brimming with renewed energy. Unlike the previous days, when he had been weighed down by concerns over ammunition supplies, today felt different. Yesterday, during their trip to Villa #1 at the City Lord''s request, they had been pleasantly surprised by the abundance of firearms and ammunition that Kisha had promised. It had seemed almost impossible to gather such a stockpile so quickly in the wake of the apocalypse. Without ample time for preparation or access to a proper armory, supplying a military camp with that quantity of weaponry would have been a formidable challenge. When they arrived and Kisha guided them to the back of the villa, towards the storage room, he was completely taken aback. The room was overflowing with an astonishing array of ammunition and firearms, resembling a military armory that had just received a fresh shipment of supplies. Crates lined the walls, each filled with top-notch weaponry of the highest caliber. Many of these firearms were so advanced that they hadn''t even been seen in the army''s armory during their time in the military. The sheer volume and quality of the equipment left him speechless, igniting a sense of hope and excitement within him. "Go ahead and gather everything and move it to your barracks," Kisha instructed, as she chuckled because of their enthusiasm. "Some of these weapons came from the Coltons'' armory, while others are from the Winters''. You''ll find a wide selection of new, top-of-the-line firearms here. Many of them have been customized, especially those from the Winters'' collection. I hope you find them to your liking." She gestured for them to enter the storage room and take a closer look, her excitement evident as she watched them explore. "City Lord, are we really allowed to take all of this and distribute it to the soldiers guarding the wall?" the eastern gatekeeper asked, his hands trembling slightly as he reached for one of the Gatling guns in the storage. His eyes widened in disbelief, a mix of excitement and concern evident on his face. "It''s not like we can use it here; if we leave it sitting around, it''ll just rust and become useless. We might as well put it to work defending the entire base. Install the Gatling guns on top of the wall or on some of the vehicles¡ªit''s entirely up to you how you want to deploy them." Kisha shrugged, her tone casual but firm. "In the future, if we manage to acquire more supplies, we''ll send them to your barracks so the soldiers can use them however they see fit." The four gatekeepers clasped their hands together in joy, their eyes sparkling as they surveyed the entire storage room. "Thank you, City Lord!" they exclaimed in unison, their excitement palpable. Kisha chuckled as she left, leaving them to transport the items. The gatekeepers quickly called for more personnel to fetch trucks for the task. As the Eastern gatekeeper recalled the day''s events, his enthusiasm for the work surged. Even the soldiers stationed atop the wall felt the excitement, especially the snipers in the watchtower. They now had access to a new set of high-spec sniper rifles, allowing them to take out zombies from greater distances. With an ample supply of ammunition, they no longer had to hold back when it came to firing, relishing the freedom to shoot without restraint. As the trucks approached the gate, the sound of gunfire echoed through the walls, louder than ever. Along with their assault rifles, the soldiers had already installed the Gatling guns on top of the walls¡ªtwo at each gate, mounted on either side. They had wasted no time in setting up and were now eagerly using these powerful weapons at the first opportunity, unleashing a barrage of fire that reverberated through the entire area. Ratatatata!!! Bang Bang! Sparrow glanced up at the wall, chuckling as he saw the enthusiasm of the soldiers with their new firepower. The gates swung open, and, as soon as he judged the opening wide enough for his truck, he accelerated through, bulldozing over the dense cluster of zombies outside. The other three trucks followed in tight formation, maintaining a steady pace. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As soon as all four trucks cleared the gate, the gatekeeper immediately ordered it closed, ensuring no zombies would get close to the entrance this time¡ªespecially after last time''s breach. Sparrow let Rose ride in the back of his truck, and once they navigated through the city, he veered onto a different route. This new path followed the exact course Rose would have taken on foot if she were traveling solo. Sparrow intended to drop Rose directly at her designated location, so Duke wouldn''t be kept waiting at the rendezvous point. Rose was pleasantly surprised by this thoughtful gesture and accepted it gratefully, relieved she wouldn''t have to fight her way there. Little did she know, she would also have bodyguards joining her¡ªthe Scarlet Bees¡ªa detail still unknown to her at the time. Rose thought she''d be facing the journey alone. Since Duke had picked a relatively safer route for her to reach the rendezvous point, Sparrow had little trouble navigating the streets because of the route Duke draw for Rose. When a few dozen zombies lurked nearby, he and the other trucks simply plowed through them, crushing them with the trucks'' weight and numbers, sending bodies flying or smashing them like watermelons. Soon, they arrived at the rendezvous point. Sparrow stopped briefly to let Rose jump down from the truck bed, and as soon as she was clear, he and the other trucks took off. Rose stood in the middle of the street for a moment, saluting Sparrow and the others as they disappeared into the distance. Turning back, she unsheathed her dagger and made her way to the building where she was scheduled to wait, quickly scaling its exterior with practiced ease. Rose cautiously climbed the stairs, her dagger poised defensively at chest level, ready to strike. As she reached the second floor, a zombie suddenly lunged at her with little time to react. The impact pushed her back against the wall, but thanks to her prepared stance, the dagger kept the creature from biting her. While a bite wouldn''t turn her into a zombie, it would still be painful¡ªa pain she wanted to avoid. Quickly, Rose used her free arm to shove the zombie back. She noticed more zombies advancing from within the second-floor hallway, and without hesitation, she drove her dagger upward through the zombie''s chin, piercing into its skull. Black blood gushed from the zombie''s chin as it collapsed lifelessly to the floor. Wasting no time, Rose surged forward, executing a spinning kick that sent another approaching zombie sprawling across the ground. With precise agility, she drove her dagger into the temple of the second zombie, killing it swiftly. Chapter 446 - 446 The Rendezvous Point Before the zombie she had kicked could rise, Rose leaped, gripping her dagger firmly in both hands, and plunged it straight into the center of its skull, ensuring it stayed down for good. Rose had no time to catch her breath as more zombies, drawn by the noise in the hallway, shuffled toward her. She heard loud banging from the closed doors of nearby rooms, but with those threats contained for now, she focused on the immediate danger, confronting the approaching horde in the hallway with steely resolve. As Rose fought her way up to the third floor, clearing each number of zombies to ensure the building was safe, a realization hit her¡ªshe''d been relying solely on her daggers and had forgotten about her newly awakened ability. Frustrated, she gave herself a small knock on the head, then smirked, deciding to use her abilities. With a flick of her wrist, she conjured a series of ice crystal needles, each as thick as an adult''s finger. She sent them flying toward the zombies down the hall, and in seconds, the undead were covered in the sharp, glinting shards, resembling oversized, frozen hedgehogs. "That was surprisingly easier," Rose murmured, watching the zombies drop like flies under her assault. She shook her head, realizing how much effort she''d wasted fighting them one by one when her powers allowed her to take them down from a distance. A smile tugged at her lips as she acknowledged just how silly she''d been to overlook her abilities, making things far harder than necessary. Fortunately, Rose had already reached level 1 as a superhuman, allowing her to conjure a substantial number of ice crystal needles quickly and efficiently. Unlike when Sparrow and Vulture first attempted to harness their awakened abilities, which took considerable time and focus, Rose benefited from her higher starting point. This advantage enabled her to utilize her powers with greater ease, making her feel a step ahead of her companions. On the fourth floor, Rose relied entirely on her awakened ability, conjuring an array of ice crystal needles as she ascended. She didn''t need to pause to kill the zombies; the more she practiced with her powers, the more confident she became. With each encounter, she learned to conserve her spiritual energy, efficiently producing her ice crystals without any waste. Before long, Rose reached the rooftop ahead of schedule. With plenty of time to spare before Duke and his team arrived, she pulled out her binoculars and began scanning the streets for any impending danger. She settled into her lookout position, remaining vigilant for quite some time as she waited. As she spotted an incoming zombie within her reach, Rose would conjure a single ice crystal needle and took aim like a sniper, effortlessly shooting down the undead lurking in the streets. With each successful strike, she found herself enjoying the task more, using the time to hone her skills while waiting for the others to arrive. Meanwhile, Duke and his team were on the move before dawn, already busy preparing breakfast to ensure everyone had the energy to keep running and fighting until they reached their next resting point. He hoped that by the time they arrived at the rendezvous point, Rose would have cleared some of the area, making it easier for his men to navigate without having to fight their way through. Though he hadn''t explicitly mentioned it in his letter, Duke had deduced that by the time Rose left the base to head to the rendezvous point, it would be morning. He anticipated that Sparrow would also be en route to Port City by then. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Knowing Sparrow''s personality and unwavering loyalty to him, Duke was confident that Sparrow would either drop Rose off nearby or, ideally, right at the specified coordinates. This arrangement would give Rose the opportunity to clear the area before his arrival. Duke was banking on this outcome; after all, he was a shrewd strategist who always aimed to secure an advantage. After their hearty breakfast, which included meat and vegetables, everyone began packing up to leave as soon as possible. They stopped questioning Duke about the source of the food he provided, simply grateful for whatever was on their plates. After all, it was a welcome change from the dry ration biscuits that barely filled their stomachs and left them with parched throats. After finishing their preparations, they departed when Duke gave the signal to leave, heading toward their next destination. By the time they arrived at Rose''s location, the sun was shining brightly, and the streets were free of zombies. The building marked by the coordinates Duke had given Kisha was actually one of the key sites for establishing their spider web formation to monitor the sewer system. Upon reaching the rendezvous point, they wasted no time and immediately began preparing the drones, while Rose trailed behind, observing their actions. Duke didn''t need to inquire about how Rose had fared while waiting for them; before they even stepped foot in the building, he noticed several dead zombies scattered around the streets they passed. Each zombie had a gaping hole in its head, remnants of ice crystal essence glimmering around the wounds, making it clear what Rose had been up to. With Rose''s arrival, their monitoring efforts continued smoothly, and her presence made it easier to kill the zombies, thanks to her great offensive-awakened abilities. However, that wasn''t the primary reason Duke had called for her assistance. The main draw was Rose''s impenetrable defense, a crucial asset they needed, especially since they had discovered a collapsed section of ground where the zombies might have used to enter and now roamed the sewers below. Duke tasked Rose with covering all the holes to ensure no more zombies fell in and added to those already in the sewers. While Rose focused on this task, the other team members continued their reconnaissance. After all, Rose''s Ice Crystal was incredibly durable, deflecting any attacks directed at it. Even if the zombies or mutated rats tried to destroy it, they would fail. Unlike the earth walls or even Duke''s ice walls, Rose''s creation was superior, making her role in this task crucial. They wouldn''t have time to return to the same location after completing their mission. Once Rose finished filling the hole, the others would help clear the debris that had fallen into the sewers. It was a lot of work, but it had to be done. Duke, meanwhile, was busy drawing a map, but only he knew his true intentions. The others were puzzled by his work, as no matter how curious they were, they couldn''t decipher what he was creating. They patiently waited for Duke to explain, knowing that his thought process was often difficult to understand. Their current task felt like a repetitive cycle, and they only needed to engage in combat when absolutely necessary. They hadn''t left the base to hunt zombies; their primary objective was to clear the sewers. Purposefully seeking out and killing zombies would consume valuable time, so they tried to avoid it whenever possible. With Rose added to the group, she often found herself with nothing to do while the others were preoccupied. To make the most of her time, she practiced her long-range attacks, using her ice crystal needles like a sniper. Chapter 447 - 447 Mission Going Smoothly Even Duke recognized that what Rose was doing was a valuable opportunity to eliminate the zombies approaching their perimeter while they surveyed the area. Rather than interrupt her, he chose to offer her some pointers to help enhance her skills, making them more applicable in real battles and situations like this. Thanks to Rose''s assistance, they were able to move more quickly, encountering fewer lurking zombies along their path since she had already dealt with them from a distance. While everyone else focused on scanning the surroundings with the drone and Duke concentrated on mapping, they covered the entire eastern side in just half a day, uncovering only one hole. Next, they turned their attention to the northern side, continuing their efforts. By the end of another half-day, just before dark, they had managed to cover half of the northern area. They uncovered three gaping holes in the ground leading to the sewers. Following Duke''s instructions, the others began clearing the debris that had fallen into the holes. Since some zombies lurked below, a few team members had to descend to deal with them. Duke didn''t join them; the Scarlet Bees were silently protecting the group. Unbeknownst to him, his team appreciated this new setup, believing they were now strong enough to handle themselves without constant supervision. As a result, they were even more determined to prove that his teachings had truly made them stronger. Those who descended into the sewers began a friendly competition to see who could kill the most zombies while cleaning up the debris. Duke, aware of their playful rivalry, merely shook his head and allowed them to enjoy themselves. ''It''s better for them to be a little more competitive for better results than to be unmotivated and die like flies,'' Duke thought to himself as he continued his work. He also considered a better plan. While the others were busy clearing debris and Rose was on standby, waiting and dealing with stray zombies felt like a waste of her time. Duke decided to send her on occasional solo missions, accompanied only by the Scarlet Bees, following the route he had outlined for her. Rose didn''t hesitate to accept the mission entrusted to her. She found it easier to follow orders than to give them, as issuing commands often required extensive brainstorming. Now, she felt less pressure and more enjoyment in her role. Rose would leave the group almost every hour, returning each time a little disheveled and dirty. With limited water available for cleaning, Rose can''t clean herself up, neither of them does, and although they are curious to know what Rose is up to they don''t have the time to ask her about her solo missions. However, it was clear that she had been through a rough time; her appearance resembled that of a beggar, with a dirty face, tattered clothes, and an unusual odor. Though Rose wanted to scold them for their insensitivity, she couldn''t deny that she smelled funny, especially after running back and forth at the edge of the city. She would often hijack abandoned cars along the street to make her travels faster and easier, but her missions invariably led her to the dirtiest places. As a result, it was impossible for her to avoid getting dirty or for the lingering odors of those locations to cling to her body and clothes. At the Vulture''s side, the day began with a swift effort to erect cargo trailers and continue constructing the wall where they had left off. Although ten cargo trailers seemed sufficient for building a long wall, as they started covering the first trailer of the day with earth walls, they quickly realized that the span they had built was not very long. It was far from enough to complete even one corner of the base, raising concerns that they might not finish the wall within the stipulated time. Fortunately, Vulture encouraged his team not to neglect their training after their daily work beyond the base''s walls. Like Sparrow, he had led more than half of his team to level up just the night before, which made their work much smoother. Now, they could conjure stronger and thicker earth walls to cover the cargo trailers, significantly increasing their speed. As a result, Vulture found that he was no longer the only one doing most of the work. They were now able to distribute the workload evenly, making their tasks much easier and faster than before. Concerned about the increasing strength of the zombies and the hollow nature of the cargo trailers standing as their wall for their defense, they proactively decided to increase the thickness of the walls. With the next batch of cargo trailers scheduled to arrive tomorrow, they anticipated completing the ten trailers by the end of the day. Kisha was pleased to see their proactive approach to reinforcing the walls for extra safety. She, too, had plans to strengthen the walls further after they finished, ensuring that the zombies wouldn''t breach their defenses. Given the possibility of evolved zombies launching an attack on any base, adding an extra layer of protection was a wise decision. Kisha observed the wall that Vulture and the rest were erecting. It had a smoother finish and felt more solid than before, likely a result of their progress to level 1. She was satisfied with the outcome. Meanwhile, Aston and his team were busy positioning the cargo trailers using cranes and forklifts, allowing Vulture and the others to continuously cover them with earth. As the sun reached its zenith, Aston''s team had prepared lunch: succulent short ribs, miso soup, karaage, rice, and stir-fried vegetables to ensure a balanced diet for the warriors and keep them well-fed. The warriors, despite the zombie carcasses littering the area, were now able to eat their meals without losing their appetites. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Perhaps they were becoming accustomed to the smell, or their hunger had simply overridden their discomfort. Either way, they devoured their food without much concern for the slain zombies around them. Of course, they still took care to wash their hands before eating; the last thing they wanted was to risk food poisoning or a stomach infection after handling zombies. The warriors had even begun to joke around while eating, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a regular construction job. Kisha felt a sense of joy seeing the survivors maintain a positive mindset. She also appreciated the food from the makeshift cafeteria that Aston had set up. Initially, the cafeteria only provided meals for the warriors as promised, but as everyone at the base became busy with their own tasks and found the food delicious, many began purchasing meals there. The cafeteria was well-received, saving everyone time on breakfast and lunch, allowing them to focus on doing their work around the base without needing to go back home to cook and only needing to worry about dinner. Even if they were too tired to cook, the cafeteria offered dinner options, which proved to be a significant help for the base. As demand increased, more people had joined the cafeteria staff, ensuring everyone was well-fed. Marcus''s vegetable production had also increased significantly as he prepared to level up alongside his grandchildren, who were clearly making great progress. Chapter 448 - 448 Level up (Territory Pack Facilities) While others were busy resting and eating, she took a moment to pull up her territory pack''s status window, staring at it thoughtfully. "Host, would you like to level up your territory''s facilities? We have enough points to do so," 008 chimed in as Kisha examined the status window, noting that some facilities had not yet reached their maximum level. "How many points would it take to level up all the facilities in my territory to their maximum level?" Kisha asked 008, taking a bite of the karaage. She had been eager to enhance her territory for some time, especially the animal pen, which was now too crowded to accommodate any more livestock. However, her busy schedule often caused her to forget about it. "Just give me a moment, Host! I''ll calculate that for you!" 008 replied enthusiastically before vanishing from their mind link''s connection. Kisha then turned her attention back to the current status of her territory pack. .... [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] 100 acres of farmland (subspace type - maxed) 100 acres of lake (subspace type - maxed) 100-acre Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - maxed) 50 acres of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) 30 acres of rainforest (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Poultry (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Pigpen (subspace type - upgradable) Level 50 Cow shed (subspace type - upgradable) S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Show more ... .... Not long after, 008 returned and casually stated, "Host, it will cost 380,000 points to upgrade all the facilities to their maximum level." Kisha, sipping her lychee tea, nearly choked at the staggering amount. "How many points do we currently have?" "Host, your current system points stand at 420,000." With a heavy sigh, Kisha nodded. "Alright, use 380,000 points to upgrade all the facilities in my territory." [Do you Authorize the Use of 380,000 points for Territory Pack Upgrade?] [Yes] or [No] Kisha clicked "Yes" without hesitation, watching as her 420,000 points dwindled to 40,000. After just a moment, 008 announced the completion of the upgrades, confirming that all the facilities within her territory pack had been maximized. .... [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] 100 acres of farmland (subspace type - maxed) 100 acres of lake (subspace type - maxed) 100-acre Salt Marine Tank (subspace type - maxed) 100 acres of orchard (subspace type - upgradable) 100 acres of rainforest (subspace type - maxed) Level 100 Poultry (subspace type - maxed) Level 100 Pigpen (subspace type - maxed) Level 100 Cow shed (subspace type - maxed) Show more ... .... Inside the territory, Marcus and the children watched in awe as the animal pen expanded, transforming into a larger, upgraded structure that provided the animals with more room to roam. The orchard also grew, revealing additional empty space, when suddenly, a rumble shook the ground, causing them to lose their balance. Panic set in as they looked around, and to their amazement, a second majestic mountain began to rise from the earth, blanketed in lush greenery. With wide eyes and mouths agape, Marcus and the children marveled at the transformation unfolding before them. The entire territory was expanding¡ªthe pens took up more land, and surprisingly, the overall plot of land itself grew, creating a sense of vastness that left them in disbelief. The animals, stirred by the commotion, became increasingly rowdy, adding to the excitement of the moment. It took Marcus and the children a moment to process their astonishment at the incredible changes happening around them. Meanwhile, Kisha remained unaware of the transformation; she hadn''t yet checked on her territory after the upgrade. Trusting 008 to handle it, she missed the spectacle of the holographic display showcasing her territory expanding and doubling in size. Instead, she focused on finishing her meal before returning to assist Vulture with their ongoing tasks. Meanwhile, on Sparrow''s end, everything progressed smoothly this time. The previous group had not disturbed them again, allowing them to secure more cargo trailers. Each Space Type Ability User could now store up to three cargo trailers, resulting in a total of fifteen¡ª a significant increase from the ten they had previously managed. After loading the trailers, they headed to the Eastern Side of the Port City. Sparrow, accompanied by the five Space Type Ability Users, noticed that this time, the group no longer felt the fear they had previously experienced. They had surrendered to their fate and now hung around Sparrow like colorful flags waving in the breeze as he leaped from platform to platform. Upon reaching the third warehouse, the group didn''t need any prompting from Sparrow. They swiftly began filling their cargo trailers with everything they could find inside the warehouse, their increased storage capacity allowing them to efficiently clear out the entire warehouse, leaving room to spare. They then proceeded to the fourth warehouse to repeat the same process. Once they finished gathering what they needed, they returned to their team, who were in the midst of preparing dinner. However, as Sparrow and the others arrived, they noticed some new faces among their group. "Hurry, get the first aid kit from your space!" Evelyn urged one of the STAU members, her voice urgent as she assessed the seven individuals who appeared to be on the brink of death. They were gasping for air, and one of them had a large, gruesome hole in his stomach¡ªnot a bite wound, but a stab wound that looked as if the attacker had twisted the knife to make the injury even more severe. None of the seven looked any better than the others; they all appeared as though they had just crawled out of hell. "Ugh!" "Ha, ha." The atmosphere was heavy with groans of pain as everyone looked as though they had just suffered a great blow, their expressions a mix of disbelief and sympathy as they watched the seven individuals who appeared to be on the verge of death. The five STAU members turned to Sparrow, seeking his guidance on whether they should pull out the first aid kit, though they all knew deep down that the kit wouldn''t be enough to save these men. Sparrow''s grim expression surveyed the faces of the men around him, each one reflecting a struggle to even breathe, let alone speak. He recalled the time when he and Vulture had rescued one of their comrades from the Western part of City A, a man who had looked almost identical to these seven when he was on the verge of death and only his willpower was keeping him alive. The memory made Sparrow''s stomach churn, and he found it hard to remain still. "Take out seven blue vials of liquid," Sparrow commanded, his voice low and commanding. His grim demeanor left no room for argument, and the five STAU complied without hesitation. They retrieved the blue vials containing the liquid Kisha had entrusted to them. Since only Rose had used it before, they were still uncertain of its specific effects aside from it being able to heal wounds at the speed of light. They had been saving it for a worst-case scenario, and even without Sparrow''s explanation, they understood it was an elixir beyond their current civilization''s reach; no scientific lab could concoct something so extraordinary. Although they were curious about its origins, they chose to remain silent, wary of delving into matters that didn''t concern them. Chapter 449 - 449 Saving People The five STAU, along with Evelyn and another team member, approached the seven individuals lying on the ground, each one gasping as if every breath might be their last. Even with their eyes closed, the determination to survive was evident¡ªthey refused to give up. Sparrow recognized them immediately; they were the same group that had intercepted his entourage the day before. The older man, who looked the worst, was their leader¡ªthe one who had issued threats against him. Sparrow''s face darkened as he observed them. He couldn''t shake the feeling that their appearance in the Eastern Port was no accident. They had come there deliberately, yet he sensed no malice from them. Driven more by strategy than compassion, Sparrow decided to save them, knowing it was a chance to uncover what had led them there. His instincts told him that, while they had arrived with purpose, it wasn''t a threat to him or his team. Their injuries didn''t look like the work of zombies but rather inflicted by other humans, leading Sparrow to suspect they might have had a violent fallout with their own group and were fleeing, seeing Sparrow and his team as their only chance of survival. But something about that didn''t sit right with him. If they had simply wanted help with an internal conflict, risking their lives to find him would have seemed unnecessary; their safety should still have been a priority. The fact that they came this way despite their severe injuries suggested there was more at stake. Or perhaps they truly had nowhere else safe to run, and Sparrow''s camp in the Eastern forest was their only refuge. Either way, speculation wouldn''t solve anything. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Deciding it was better to ask them directly, Sparrow chose to save them first, then get to the truth of their intentions out from their mouth once they woke up. After Sparrow''s team uncorked the blue vials, they carefully opened the mouths of the injured men, administering the elixir without spilling a drop. None of them felt it was a waste to use the precious blue liquid to save someone in need. Unlike Kisha, who had endured countless betrayals, Sparrow''s team still held onto a measure of hope in humanity, and compassion came naturally to them¡ªespecially to Evelyn, who had recently found a new purpose in life after adopting the baby Kisha had rescued. When they spotted the seven people crawling out of the forest''s edge during their patrol, leaving a long trail of blood behind them, Sparrow''s team couldn''t help but feel a pang of compassion. They had no idea how far these people had crawled to reach them, but their desperate struggle was evident. Despite the threats from the day before, Sparrow''s team set aside any resentment, recognizing that these strangers were only trying to survive. After all, while they themselves were secure within a well-equipped base, these people had clearly endured unimaginable hardship, making it all the more natural to extend a helping hand. Since it felt only right to help those in need, Sparrow''s team brought the injured strangers back, hoping to save them. It was pure chance that Sparrow and the others returned at that moment. Initially, they intended to rely solely on the medical kit, knowing the rarity and immense value of the blue vials of liquid, which were under Sparrow''s care. None dared suggest using them. But when Sparrow immediately chose to use the vials, it raised their respect for him even more. After all, they had no idea how many of these life-saving concoctions they had, and they weren''t something anyone could easily replace. This strengthened their trust in Sparrow, deepening their sense of loyalty and respect for him. Cough! Cough... Cough... The quietness of the open space was broken only by a chorus of coughing, each rasping breath echoing in the dim, flickering light of the lone lamp. Everyone watched with a mix of worry and hope as the seven men lying on the ground gasped and coughed, struggling to pull in air as though their lungs were reawakening after brushing against death itself. They all watched in awe as the elixir worked its miraculous magic, pulling the seven men back from the brink of death in mere seconds. The gaping wounds that once gushed blood began to close before their eyes, leaving only trails of crimson stains on their bodies and soaked clothes. Soon, the seven men''s breathing steadied, and one by one, they slipped into a deep sleep. Sparrow and his team observed them, noting how the tension in their faces eased as the pain subsided. Perhaps they were unaware that they had survived; they might have believed that their newfound relief meant they had crossed over to the other side. Some even shed tears, a stark contrast to their rugged exteriors¡ªbulky and stone-like¡ªnow softened by vulnerability. But Sparrow brushed aside his thoughts. "Alright, everyone, return to your tasks." "Clyde, you and your team, step up the patrols and stay alert. I don''t want us caught off guard while we''re vulnerable," he commanded. Clyde nodded seriously and signaled for his team to follow him as they headed out to patrol the forest. "Evelyn, we need to finish cooking as soon as possible. We don''t want to attract the attention of whoever was after these men, and that could end badly. But we can''t neglect our people''s needs either. So let''s make sure to hurry with the cooking so everyone can eat and regain their energy." After receiving her instructions, Evelyn rallied the others to pick up the pace. They worked quickly, keeping the lids tight on their pots to prevent the enticing aroma of the boiling food from wafting too far. "Fred, assign some people to keep watch over these men and call me as soon as they wake up. We need to interrogate them." Fred nodded and, along with a few of his men, settled beside the injured men. They kept their daggers at the ready, prepared for any potential threats that might arise. After giving his instructions, Sparrow leaned against a tree and closed his eyes. He needed to recalibrate his emotions, having been affected by the intensity of the situation and sudden turn of events. Thoughts of Kisha''s words echoed in his mind: not everyone was worth saving. This left him feeling hesitant about his next move. On Duke''s side, after reaching the northern area, the group was about to settle in the tallest building, and just like the night before, opting for the two floors below the rooftop. Their day had gone smoothly, and the warriors, feeling a bit complacent, believed they were invulnerable as awakened superhumans. However, their overconfidence quickly shattered when they found themselves face-to-face with two evolved zombies. Rose had just returned from her solo mission, only to be met with the harrowing sight of Duke flanked by the two menacing evolved zombies. Their entire team was on the brink of annihilation, gasping for air as some warriors clutched gaping wounds on their throats while others lay with their stomachs brutally opened and some of their intestines almost spilling from their stomachs, while some even had their limbs already dangling, almost falling off. No matter where Rose looked, chaos surrounded her; the entire area was in disarray, and many were on the verge of death. Chapter 450 - 450 Too Much Of A Coincidence Even Duke, despite his strength, found himself in a dire predicament, flanked by two evolved zombies. These creatures were likely somewhere between level 0 and level 1, and a level 0 zombie could match the power of a level 1 superhuman on the brink of leveling up to level 2. With two of them flanking Duke, the situation was even more dangerous. As Rose approached, she heard a gurgling sound. One of the warriors struggled to breathe, blood pooling in his mouth. Feeling a rush of urgency, she moved closer to help him, glancing at Duke as he fought to hold back the evolved zombies with his spear and awakened abilities. His expression was a fierce mix of determination and anger. An hour earlier... Without Rose, who had been sent on her last solo mission before nightfall, Duke and his team searched for a suitable camping spot for the night, planning to move again the following day. Along the way, they encountered numerous zombies, but his team had grown accustomed to the threat. They killed the undead with ease and minimal fear, a stark contrast to how they feared and acted during their first mission outside the base. Noticing their complacency and burgeoning overconfidence, Duke felt it necessary to remind them of the dangers they still faced. "Don''t get too complacent just because you''re improving," Duke warned, his tone serious. "Always stay vigilant and keep an eye on your surroundings¡ªdanger can strike when you least expect it." While he reprimanded his team, he kept his gaze lowered, straining to sense the environment around them. A lingering unease had settled over him since earlier, though he couldn''t quite pinpoint its source. The only movement he felt was the steady advance of zombies being killed by his warriors as they continued their journey. He wasn''t the type to dismiss his uneasiness; his strong instincts and keen senses had always guided him well. Yet, despite his efforts, he couldn''t identify the source of his discomfort. All he could do was remain as vigilant as much as possible, scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. Then a horde of zombies emerged from both sides, flooding in front of them at the fork in the road. However, Duke''s team remained calm, fighting in formation and resisting the urge to take on any zombies solo, no matter how weak the zombies appeared. This disciplined approach earned Duke a satisfied nod. Before long, his warriors managed to clear the streets once again and resumed their journey. Yet, it wasn''t long before another wave of zombies appeared, flanking them from both the front and the back. The warriors quickly took their positions, dealing with one zombie at a time while others held the defensive line. Despite their impressive performance, Duke''s brow began to furrow with increasing concern. ''This is too much of a coincidence,'' Duke thought, his eyes scanning the area as his team engaged in battle. The relentless waves of zombies felt almost too orchestrated; it was as if they were strategically flanking his team. While it could be argued that the initial wave from the front was a mere accident, the appearance of hordes from the back suggested otherwise. It seemed the zombies had been lying in wait, biding their time until his team passed by before launching their attack and sneak behind them. This realization made Dukes frown deepened as he looked around their surroundings, and was deepening his sense of unease. Even if the zombies weren''t specifically trying to catch Duke and his team off guard, the relentless stream of undead was wearing them down. Initially, the drone had indicated that this area was clear, but the continuous waves of horde of zombies were proving otherwise. It felt as though they were engaging in a battle of endurance, and Duke''s warriors were clearly not in an advantageous position against the zombies who don''t feel tired or pain. It was a good thing that his warriors were alternating between using their awakened abilities, hand-to-hand combat, and melee weapons to take down the regular zombies. However, with all his observations, Duke was increasingly convinced that these zombie attacks were more organized than usual. The relentless onslaught seemed calculated, coming at them without rest as they navigated the streets. This battle of endurance was a tactic often employed since the early days to wear down the enemy before the main force launched a full assault. In this case, however, Duke feared that the so-called "main troops" could either be a horde of thousands of zombies or, worse yet, an evolved zombie capable of commanding the others. It was possible that this evolved zombie possessed a mental-type ability or had reached a level that allowed it to act as a "zombie king," commanding the normal zombies to follow its every order. Now that Duke had considered this possibility, he felt his heart racing faster than before. If his speculation was correct, it meant he and his team had unwittingly entered enemy territory and fallen into a carefully laid trap. Fortunately, it wasn''t too late for them to rectify their mistake. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he looked around, searching for a better route, Duke realized that if he focused solely on finding an exit without understanding the enemy''s position, he could easily end up moving deeper into danger rather than escaping it. He didn''t want to unwittingly walk into a situation that would lead them closer to the chopping block. With that thought, Duke took a deep breath to calm his nerves, forcing himself to act as normally as possible. He knew that panicking would only cloud his judgment. Instead, he relied on all his senses¡ªhis eyes, instincts, nose, ears, and gut feelings¡ªto identify whether an evolved zombie was nearby or if more hordes were closing in. Duke''s intuition leaned heavily toward the belief that an evolved zombie was lurking in the shadows, enjoying the game of hide-and-seek, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He remained alert, every muscle in his body tensed, ready for action as he tried to piece together the puzzle of their dire situation. The stakes were high, and any misstep could cost them their lives. Duke had faced this kind of danger many times before, and he knew he wasn''t simply acting paranoid. Something was definitely targeting them, and the sense of impending doom hung in the air like a thick fog. It could have begun the moment they entered the northern side, or perhaps it was a remnant of the zombies that had raided the base just days earlier. Maybe it was a newly evolved zombie, adapting and learning to hunt more effectively. Regardless of the cause, one thing was clear: his team needed to evacuate this area as soon as possible. But how? The thought echoed in his mind, a relentless drumbeat of urgency. Duke scanned their surroundings again, weighing their options. Duke knew his warriors weren''t strong enough to take on an evolved zombie, especially considering they had no idea what abilities it might have developed. If it specialized in ambush tactics, his team would be doomed. The uncertainty gnawed at him; he couldn''t shake the thought that this evolved zombie might retain a remnant of its rationality, much like the one Kisha had encountered inside the base. The implications were dire, and with each passing moment, the potential threats multiplied in his mind. Chapter 451 - 451 Endless Tide Half an hour had passed without any sign of movement from the other side, and he began to second-guess himself. Was he truly in danger, or was he merely imagining shadows in the darkness? The lack of immediate threat made him feel unsure; it was unnerving to be on edge when the enemy remained unseen. He took a deep breath, grounding himself in the present. Doubt was a dangerous companion in times like this. Instead of succumbing to it, he reminded himself of the facts: they had encountered too many organized attacks lately to ignore the possibility of an evolved zombie lurking nearby. Duke forced his focus back to his team, watching their faces as they remained vigilant, ready for any sign of danger. Their trust in him gave him strength. They needed a plan, and he was determined to formulate one that would keep them alive, whether that meant confronting the threat head-on or finding a way to slip past it unnoticed. Whatever lay ahead, he was prepared to face it. That''s what he thought when he resolved to protect his people. But just as his determination solidified, who could have predicted another wave of zombies would surge toward them? This time, it wasn''t just a few hundred¡ªit was a full-on small-scale zombie raid that took them completely by surprise. "Fall back! Get to safer ground!" Duke commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos. He conjured another round of ice spears, each one as long as his own spear. With a force like a ballista, the spears shot forward, pinning two or three zombies to the walls at once. But it still wasn''t enough¡ªit felt like trying to fend off a hornet swarm with a needle. Despite his relentless efforts, their numbers barely seemed to dwindle. "Sir, there''s nowhere left to fall back to!" one of his warriors shouted, hacking his way through the encircling zombies. "And there''s no end to them!" another called out, as more undead flooded in from every street around them. For each one they managed to take down, two more took its place, surging forward in an endless tide. Duke scanned their surroundings desperately, searching for any possible escape route. If he were alone, he could slip away¡ªbut leaving his team behind wasn''t an option. "Rotate positions every two minutes!" he commanded, voice steady despite the chaos. "Don''t exhaust yourself before switching out with the person behind you! And if your spiritual energy and stamina are still low after resting and you''re hitting your limit, use the stamina booster and the vial of black liquid!" "Yes sir!" "Roger sir!" "We will!" A unified shout of agreement filled the air, their voices steadying each other amidst the chaos. A shiver ran through them¡ªnot from fear, but from the surge of determination and resolve to survive. Knowing they wouldn''t turn into zombies if bitten gave them an edge, replacing fear with a focused drive to fight their way out. They fought their way through, conjuring earth spikes from the ground with a speed they hadn''t realized they''d gained. Between dagger strikes and earth spikes, they didn''t noticed their abilities had sharpened under pressure. When their spiritual energy dropped to half within two minutes, they rotated out, letting the next line step in to hold the front. But even while resting at the back, they stayed vigilant, covering blind spots and ensuring no attack came from behind. Their teamwork flowed seamlessly, a synchronized effort driven by survival and an unspoken trust in their team. They formed a tight circle, each warrior covering a direction to ensure no side was left unguarded. Meanwhile, Duke fought with brutal precision on his own, smashing zombie heads into the ground with his fists. One kick from him fractured skulls, shattering them from the sheer force¡ªhis enhanced stats delivering blows akin to a small cannon. Yet, even with his power, the zombies pressed close, surrounding him within arm''s reach. He itched to pull his spear from his Space Ring but hesitated, mindful of staying visible to his warriors, worried that they might see him taking out the spear from out of thin air. Though they were in peril, Duke held back, knowing that revealing his Space Ring would risk exposing Kisha and possibly endanger her. Despite his instincts urging him to wield his spear, he forced himself to fight barehanded. Fortunately, he still had a dagger, which would have to suffice for now. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke spun around after delivering a powerful kick to one zombie, swiftly gripping another by the head with one hand while driving his dagger into the skull of a third zombie nearby. In just sixty milliseconds, he crushed the skull of the zombie in his grasp and then pivoted sharply, unleashing a rapid series of kicks to clear a path around him. While Duke engaged in hand-to-hand combat, he continued conjuring more ice spears even as he fired off the previous ones. Above him, fire meteors rained down from the sky, providing essential support to both Duke and his warriors. To conserve spiritual energy, Duke honed in on precision and efficiency, ensuring each attack was deliberate and used minimal energy. He abandoned flashy maneuvers in favor of tactical strikes. With greater stamina, he prioritized melee combat and utilized his awakened abilities as a support system for his warriors, who were clearly struggling to defend themselves. Even Duke felt the strain of exhaustion after another half hour of relentless fighting, his mental stamina beginning to wane. ''Something is seriously off here,'' he thought, scanning the area once more. They were still encircled by an endless tide of zombies, and no matter how many he took down, the numbers only seemed to multiply. He couldn''t see any carcasses of the zombies he had defeated; there should have been enough to form a small mound by now, given that he was certain he had killed hundreds. Those bodies should have created obstacles for the others, but there was nothing. Duke''s suspicions, which had nagged at him from the beginning, now crystallized into a chilling certainty: everything was an ''illusion''. Yet, the fight felt painfully real. He could touch the zombies, and each of his strikes landed with a solid impact. This dissonance left him doubting whether he was facing an elaborate illusion or a small-scale raid orchestrated by a higher-level zombie. "Sir! We can''t hold on much longer!" one of the warriors shouted, his voice raspy and strained as he conjured another earth spike while fighting off a zombie with his dagger. Like Duke, they all felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on them. They had consumed so many stamina boosters and vials of black liquid that they could hardly keep track. Now, the effects were taking their toll: sluggishness crept into their limbs, and a throbbing headache pulsed at their temples from the relentless cycle of draining their spiritual energy and body, only to replenish it again for the next fight. Despite the pain, they clung to the hope that they could carve out a path to escape or eliminate every last zombie advancing on them. Each of them understood the stakes, and though fatigue clawed at their resolve, the thought of survival drove them to push on. Chapter 452 - 452 Shockwave However, that prospect felt increasingly impossible in the face of the relentless onslaught of the zombies. With no end to the horde in sight, their minds grew sluggish, and their bodies responded mechanically, driven solely by the primal instinct for survival. Each movement became a struggle, a fight against the overwhelming fatigue that threatened to engulf them as they faced wave after wave of zombies. Duke could see the struggle etched on the faces of his warriors, their determination wavering under the relentless pressure. Clenching his jaw, he resolved to take decisive action. It was time to test his theory: was this small-scale zombie raid merely an illusion, or was there truly an endless horde bearing down on them? With a deep breath, he prepared himself for what he was about to do. "Conjure an Earth wall around you! Make it as strong as possible!" Duke shouted, straining to steady his breathing. His warriors didn''t question him; they trusted Duke implicitly. Recognizing that he was plotting something, those who still had the energy quickly began to erect the wall. They formed a tight circle, knowing that by working together, they could create a smaller barrier that would still provide protection despite their exhaustion. As his warriors worked to complete the Earth wall, Duke provided crucial support by conjuring more ice spears to take out the incoming zombies that were relentlessly battering their makeshift barrier. He fought fiercely, alternating between his bare hands and dagger, determined to protect his team while they reinforced their defenses. Once his warriors were safely inside the cocoon-like Earth wall they had conjured, Duke stood tall, taking a moment to steady his breath. Without hesitation, he focused inward, channeling his energy until the edges of his clothes began to float with the intensity of his power. As the zombies lunged toward him, an invisible electromagnetic barrier formed around him, keeping them at bay. Duke continued to harness his energy, drawing it deep into his core, causing his hair to stand on end as electricity surged through his body. Small sparks of energy crackled and danced across the ground like lively serpents, illuminating the chaos around him. The dim streets began to brighten as Duke''s body radiated light, the energy within him surging toward his core. With each pulse, he slowly lifted off the ground, his eyes glowing so intensely that his irises vanished. The energy enveloped him like a luminous sphere, rendering the surrounding zombies motionless, as if frozen in time. With a deep, shaky breath, Duke unleashed all the energy he had gathered, releasing it in a powerful wave. The explosion of energy radiated outward, creating a shockwave that reverberated through every corner of the street. In an instant, the nearby zombies were sent flying, their bodies tossed like rag dolls. The Earth wall his warriors had constructed trembled under the force, cracking as the ground shook violently. Fractures snaked across the barrier, and they could hear the ominous sound of crumbling earth echoing in the chaos. Just when they thought the shockwave had subsided, a second wave of explosive energy surged forth, completely obliterating the earth wall they had constructed for protection. The force of the blast sent them flying several meters away. Fortunately, this second wave was slightly weaker than the first, allowing them to cling to one another and preventing them from being hurled too far. As they regained their bearings, they noticed that the street was now devoid of zombies¡ªexcept for one massive figure standing just three meters away from Duke. The creature towered at two meters tall, its head resembling a grotesque fusion of two basketballs that was shaped like a brain. Or was it really a brain outside of the skull? Its elongated arms, devoid of fingers, dangled down like vines, brushing the ground. The zombie''s body was a sickly reddish hue, with no skin covering its exposed muscles. They didn''t need to ask what it was; the sheer presence of this creature made it clear¡ªit was an evolved zombie. The evolved zombie stood there, glaring angrily at Duke. Although Duke was still floating in the air, he was no longer surrounded by a bright light; instead, faint crackles of electricity flickered around him. An arrogant smirk crossed his face as he uncorked a vial of black liquid, his eyes locked onto the creature before him. After unleashing his explosive energy, Duke realized that the horde of zombies surrounding them had been nothing more than lifelike illusions conjured by this very monster. The evolved zombie had extended its vine-like arms, creating balloon-like structures that formed the fa?ade of each zombie. Not all of the illusions carried the balloon-like forms; their appearance was random. Once a zombie was taken down, the evolved zombie would simply generate another, creating the illusion of an endless tide of zombies coming from all sides. As Duke was fighting the zombies coming his way, the evolved zombie was inching away from him, searching for an opening to strike. It prioritized eliminating Duke, perceiving him as the greatest threat. Who could have anticipated that Duke would gather all his spiritual energy to unleash a devastating explosion, capable of crushing everything in its path? Duke had nearly depleted all his spiritual energy, leaving just enough to keep himself standing and conscious; he still didn''t know if he would be safe after this. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His decision proved to be wise as the blast of force blew away the real zombies, revealing the two-meter-tall evolved zombie standing in front of him. Clearly, his choice to unleash such power had worked. However, Duke felt the toll of his actions. His spiritual reserves were drained once more, causing a pulsing ache in his head. Even after downing a vial of black liquid, the pain coursing through his body¡ªespecially in his brain¡ªremained unbearable. It felt as if his energy core was on the brink of bursting. Despite his discomfort, a faint smile crept onto his lips as he envisioned Kisha''s angry face, scolding him for neglecting his own well-being yet again. ''I''m sorry, wifey. I''ll let you punish me later,'' Duke murmured, his gentle eyes shifting into a menacing glare. His warriors remained on the ground, still reeling from the shockwave that had battered their bodies and grunting in pain. Duke understood that he couldn''t afford to expend any more spiritual energy; even a single use could create an imbalance in his body, potentially leading to serious complications. At this moment, he could only resort to melee combat. However, using a dagger was out of the question. With no other options left, he reached into his Spatial Ring and pulled out Kratos'' Spear. None of his warriors noticed his move, but he knew they would soon realize something was different. For now, though, that was the least of his concerns. With a swift motion, Duke brandished Kratos'' Spear and slowly descended to the ground. The evolved zombie took a step back, growling at him, its beady black eyes betraying a sense of fear. Duke recognized that the creature lacked significant offensive power, prompting him to smile wryly at himself. He realized that he had allowed this kind of zombie to give him a hard time simply because he hadn''t trusted his instincts from the very beginning. Chapter 453 - 453 Two Against One Exhausted and unwilling to let the scene drag on, Duke tightened his grip on his spear, channeling his remaining strength for a decisive attack. With a swift motion, he swung his weapon, aiming to bring down the evolved zombie in a single, lethal strike. "Ugh!" "Ah!" "Ack!" A sudden commotion erupted from across the street, where Duke''s warriors were supposed to be regrouping. When Duke turned toward the noise, his heart dropped. "NO!" he roared, his voice thick with horror. His eyes widened at the sight before him¡ªhis warriors lay sprawled on the ground, their bodies drenched in blood. Ghastly claw marks slashed across their torsos, and some had their stomachs torn open, a grim testament to the brutal ambush they had just endured. But the attacker wasn''t done. It relentlessly tore through the remaining warriors with blinding speed, leaving them no chance to fight back or even see their assailant. They tried desperately to raise earth walls to shield themselves, but each attempt crumbled before the attacker''s brutal force. Whoever moved first fell first, struck down before they could complete their defenses. Those still conscious struggled on the ground, gasping for breath, their bodies ravaged but not fatally wounded. It was as if the attacker took pleasure in watching them cling to life, savoring each agonizing second as they writhed, straining to survive. Despite the terror gripping them, none of Duke''s warriors fled, unwilling to abandon their companions even with their lives at stake. One by one, they attempted to aid each other, but any chance to act was crushed as they fell to the ground like flies. Enraged, Duke leaped forward to intervene, only to be blocked by the cunning mental-type evolved zombie¡ªthe very one who conjured the illusion of a relentless zombie horde earlier, trapping Duke and his warriors in a deadly loop, leaving them vulnerable and unable to fight back. The mental-type evolved zombie stood menacingly in front of Duke, its vine-like arms spreading wide to block the entire street, preventing any chance for Duke to slip past. Its dark, beady eyes remained fixed on him, while its exposed brain pulsed grotesquely, shifting with every heartbeat. Brararara¡­ Gruuuhh... S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The creature emitted a strange, rhythmic sound¡ªnot quite a purr but unsettling in its own way. It continued this odd noise, as if communicating with the other evolved zombie. Duke''s eyes scanned the carnage, watching helplessly as his warriors fell one by one. It didn''t take long for him to realize the zombie attacking his warrior was another evolved zombie¡ªa stealthy, high-speed type that moved so quickly he could barely catch its motion, even with his trained eyes. The agility-type zombie and the mental-type zombie appeared to be working together in a deadly ambush, each feeding off the other''s strengths to dismantle his team. Duke took a deep, unsteady breath, gripping his Kratos'' Spear tightly as he swung at the mental-type evolved zombie blocking his path. To his frustration, his strike barely made a dent¡ªthe creature had an extraordinary defense. It became clear that the zombie wasn''t just mindlessly standing in his way; it was fully confident in its ability to withstand his attacks. Duke realized this must be why it hadn''t flinched even when he unleashed his spiritual energy earlier, which had sent a shockwave powerful enough to blast ordinary zombies to pieces. ''Damn it! This is trickier than I thought,'' Duke muttered under his breath, shifting his stance as his gaze shifted between the mental-type evolved zombie and his fallen warriors. Only a handful of them were still standing, while dozens lay sprawled on the ground, struggling for breath like fish out of water. The only reason they hadn''t succumbed immediately to death was their enhanced stats, but even that couldn''t stop the inevitable. Blood gurgled from open throats and torn stomachs, pooling around them as they fought to cling to life. Duke''s icy gaze locked back onto the mental-type evolved zombie. Shifting his stance, he planted his left foot forward and leaned back, bracing himself as if to hurl his spear directly at the creature. Sensing the shift in Duke''s aura, the evolved zombie froze, a sudden instinctual dread flickering in its eyes before it tried to retreat. But Duke wasn''t bluffing. In one swift motion, he spun and launched the spear like a javelin, pouring every ounce of his strength into the throw. As the Kratos'' Spear hurtled forward, its special effect, ''Pierce'', activated, ensuring nothing would stand in its path. Fortunately, the spear''s additional effects, ''Stun and ''Slow'', also kicked in, amplifying its impact. As the Kratos'' Spear tore through the air, a faint glow indicated the activation of these effects, ready to paralyze and impede anything in its path. The evolved zombie froze mid-retreat, its movements slowing as a wave of disorientation swept over it. The evolved zombie quickly pulled its arms back, crossing them in a desperate attempt to shield itself from the incoming spear. It realized too late that dodging was no longer an option; it would rather sacrifice its limbs than face certain death. Its instincts screamed that Duke''s attack was lethal. But before the spear could make contact, Duke as if he teleported directly in front of the creature, locking eyes with it in a moment of shocking proximity. The evolved zombie''s surprise registered just an instant too late. As it tried to recoil, the spear plunged into its arms with force, the ''Pierce'' effect amplifying the impact. The spear''s enchantment unleashed a critical strike, driving through its defenses and delivering a devastating blow that sent shockwaves of force through the creature''s body. The evolved zombie''s formidable defenses crumbled under the force of Duke''s attack, causing the spear to slam into its chest. Duke followed up with a powerful blow, driving the zombie''s head into the ground and creating a small crater upon impact. He had hoped to crush its head with sheer strength, but it seemed his raw power wasn''t quite enough to finish the job. With little time to waste, he wanted to deliver a few more strikes, knowing that the spear''s effects were still in play, keeping the mental-type evolved zombie in a stunned and slow state but, he needed to help his warrior now and couldn''t waste his little time with the mental type evolved zombie. Gripping his Kratos'' Spear tightly, Duke yanked it free with a violent pull. The spear''s barbs dug deep into the creature''s flesh, forcing its body to arch forward as Duke tore the weapon from its form, ripping flesh along with it. The evolved zombie let out a guttural roar as if it was in pain, momentarily disoriented and vulnerable. But Duke was well aware that these creatures felt no pain; their roars stemmed from frustration rather than agony. The mental-type evolved zombie, still immobilized in its stunned state, was calling out to its ally, a warning that echoed through the chaos. When the agility-type evolved zombie heard its companion''s roar, it paused mid-attack, turning its gaze back to Duke. Duke stood over the mental-type zombie, now sprawled helplessly on the cold ground, making futile attempts to rise. With a swift motion, he pinned it down with his foot, ensuring it remained immobilized. His focus shifted to the agility-type evolved zombie, which was poised to strike one of Duke''s warriors with its long, razor-sharp claws, ready to drive them into the warrior''s head at any moment. Chapter 454 - 454 Two Against One 2 Duke gritted his teeth, his body radiating a chilling, deadly aura as his gaze fixed on the bodies of his warriors sprawled on the cold ground. None of them were standing anymore; they lay scattered, surrounded by large puddles of their own blood. Each one was audibly gasping for breath, their breaths shaky and ragged, as if they teetered on the brink of death. Kaakaka... Graaaah!!! The agility-type evolved zombie seemed to taunt Duke with a menacing glare, its expression shifting to anger as it glanced at the mental-type evolved zombie, clearly frustrated by its defeat at Duke''s hands. Fury surged within Duke; he was enraged that he hadn''t been able to reach any of his warriors to help them. The sight of their fallen bodies served as a stark reminder of his own weakness. He struggled to mask his emotions, determined not to betray his inner turmoil. At this moment, he could only hope that some of his warriors still had the strength to reach for the vials of blue liquid stored in their backpacks. With a haunting smile, he focused on the agility-type evolved zombie, poised to drive his spear into the vulnerable mental-type evolved zombie lying beneath his feet. As far as Duke knew, based on what his wife, Kisha, had told him, evolved zombies were fiercely territorial creatures. They wouldn''t share their territory with other evolved zombies of the same rank or weaker unless the latter surrendered or formed an allegiance. Stronger evolved zombies, particularly those ranked as zombie kings, had the ability to command others, compelling them to follow without question. However, it was clear that the two evolved zombies before him didn''t fit the typical hierarchy; neither was stronger nor a dictator while the other remained subservient. Instead, they had formed an irregular alliance, each equally matched. But Duke''s primary concern was for his warriors. A tight knot formed in his chest as he struggled to regain his focus, suppressing his swirling emotions. Just as Duke''s spear was about to strike the mental-type evolved zombie''s head, the agility-type evolved zombie lunged at him. With its long right claws, it intercepted Duke''s attack while its left claws slashed toward him, aiming for a direct hit. Unable to keep up with the agility-type evolved zombie''s rapid movements, Duke had no choice but to rely on his instincts. Just before the zombie''s left claw could strike him, he instinctively backed away, adopting a defensive stance. The agility-type zombie positioned itself protectively in front of the mental-type evolved zombie, assuming its own defensive posture while glaring at Duke with hostility. The two remained motionless, locked in a tense stare, fully aware that they were engaged in a mental game of strategy. Each tried to anticipate the other''s next move, a realization that startled Duke. If the agility-type evolved zombie was capable of strategic thinking, it suggested a higher level of cognitive function than what he expected from evolved zombies of their kind. This intelligence resembled that of the evolved zombie Kisha had fought in the base, one with a rainbow crystal core. Duke''s expression shifted to one of steely determination; he refrained from making any hasty moves. With both he and the agility-type evolved zombie locked in a standoff, the effects of the stun and slow debuffs on the mental-type evolved zombie had worn off. It rose unsteadily from where Duke had struck it, and despite the large gaping hole in its chest spilling thick, black coagulated blood onto the ground, it showed no sign of pain or weakness. Instead, it staggered slightly before spreading its arms wide once more, preparing to launch another attack on Duke. Gagagrahhh! With a piercing screech, the agility-type evolved zombie surged forward, launching a relentless assault on Duke. Meanwhile, the mental-type evolved zombie attempted to strike from behind with sneaky attacks, aiming to ensnare Duke''s feet and slow him down. Despite the odds, Duke skillfully evaded the mental-type evolved zombie''s underhanded maneuvers while deftly deflecting the razor-sharp claws of the agility-type evolved zombie. The two-on-one situation was proving to be a significant challenge, as both zombies demonstrated remarkable teamwork, seamlessly coordinating their attacks. They instinctively knew when to strike and when to provide support, making it increasingly difficult for Duke to gain the upper hand. At that moment, Rose returned from her solo mission, and Duke felt a wave of relief wash over him as he watched her crouch down beside the fallen warriors. He didn''t have to issue any orders; she instinctively began searching for the vials of blue liquid in their backpacks. This action visibly alleviated Duke''s stress, allowing him to focus fully on the task at hand¡ªeliminating the two evolved zombies¡ªwithout the worry of accidentally harming his own people. Although he remained concerned about inadvertently using his awakened abilities too close to them, he knew he couldn''t abandon the warriors. They were extremely vulnerable, and normal zombies could easily prey on them if left unattended. As long as there was even a faint breath of life in his people, Duke refused to lose hope. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now that Rose was assisting the warriors, Duke felt a weight lift from his shoulders, allowing him to focus solely on the battle. However, the agility-type evolved zombie quickly noticed her efforts and shifted its attention from Duke to Rose. In an instant, it vanished from Duke''s sight. Before he could react, the agility-type evolved zombie reappeared beside Rose and lunged at her, swinging its long claws towards her face. Startled by the sudden attack, Rose barely had time to react or evade. Clang! Shhiiiik! A high-pitched scratching sound pierced the silence, causing even Duke to falter in his stance as he watched a tall, dome-like ice crystal barrier envelop Rose. The agility-type evolved zombie found its claw trapped inside the crystalline structure, its attempts to pull free proving futile. No matter how fiercely it struggled, the claw remained firmly ensnared within the shimmering barrier. Screech... Clang! The evolved zombie lashed out at the ice crystal, but its strikes barely left a mark. Rose, seeing the claw just inches from her face, breathed a sigh of relief as it was halted by her icy barrier. However, beneath her calm exterior, she felt a deep sense of unease, her body still trembling from the close encounter. "Protect everyone and help them drink the vials of blue liquid!" Duke shouted to Rose, sprinting toward the agility-type evolved zombie. He refrained from throwing his Kratos'' Spear, fearing it might pierce through Rose''s icy barrier and injure his warriors instead. Instead, he charged at the immobilized evolved zombie, determined to finish it off while it was still trapped. Duke decided to ignore the mental-type evolved zombie, for now, recognizing that the agility-type evolved zombie posed a more immediate threat. As long as the mental-type evolved zombie could only create illusions and not manipulate minds, it wouldn''t be a significant problem for him. With that focus, he prepared his attack, hoping the piercing effect of his Kratos'' Spear would ensure a fatal blow to the evolved zombie''s head. With a powerful leap, Duke focused his energy on the tip of his spear, enhancing its attack. Both the agility-type and mental-type evolved zombies sensed his intent. The mental-type zombie stretched its vine-like arms toward Duke, attempting to pull him back to the ground, but Duke was well out of reach. Chapter 455 - 455 The Tide Is Turning In a state of panic, the agility-type evolved zombie understood the imminent threat it faced; if Duke''s spear found its mark, it would undoubtedly meet its end. With a split-second decision, the agility-type zombie sprang into action. Swoosh! Graaaaah! Snip... Crash!!! In that fleeting moment, Duke''s spear found only air, crashing into the ground where the agility-type evolved zombie had just stood. A small puddle of black coagulated blood pooled around the spot of impact, and the only remnant of the creature left behind was a severed arm, still lodged in the protective ice crystal dome surrounding Rose and the other warriors. Rose was taken aback by the agility-type zombie''s swift decision to sever its own arm to escape Duke''s attack. It displayed an unsettling intelligence, recognizing the futility of trying to break free from the ice''s grip. Instead of recklessly risking its life, it chose to endure a painful setback. A chill coursed through Rose as she contemplated the creature''s cunning nature. Duke narrowed his eyes as he followed the trail of blood back to where the agility-type evolved zombie now stood. It glared at him with hostility and anger, but beneath that defiance lay a flicker of fear and hesitation; it recognized Duke as a formidable threat. Even the mental-type evolved zombie took a cautious step back, retreating behind its companion as they communicated in hushed sounds without breaking eye contact with Duke. Both creatures remained acutely aware of his every move, their body language betraying their unease in the face of his unwavering presence. Grruuuhaaa.... Aaaarrrrgggghhh! Duke tilted his head, unsure of what the two evolved zombies were communicating, but neither showed any signs of backing down as they faced him. Meanwhile, Rose, who had been momentarily startled by the attack, refocused on aiding the most critically injured warriors, those teetering on the edge of life. She quickly retrieved all the vials of blue liquid from their backpacks. Fortunately, Kisha had packed an abundance of these vials, along with stamina boosters and vials of black liquid for worst-case scenarios. Her foresight proved invaluable, as those on the brink of death were saved at the last moment. For the warriors with limbs nearly severed, Rose carefully adjusted their positions to ensure the healing effects of the vials of blue liquid would take hold effectively. As for those with open wounds in their stomachs or throats, the healing process was already underway; she watched in awe as the gaping injuries slowly began to close, flesh regrowing and pulsing back into place. Although she winced at the sight, she pressed on, determined to help her comrades recover. Those who had just awakened from their healing slumber groggily propped themselves up, eager to assist Rose in feeding their comrades the vials of blue liquid designed to aid their recovery. Despite their lingering disorientation, sheer willpower drove them to focus on the task at hand. Deep down, they were astonished to have survived such a near-death experience and to feel the revitalizing effects of the vials, yet they knew that this was not the time to question anything or let distractions creep in. Fortunately, Rose''s ice crystal dome barrier provided a safe haven as Duke battled outside. With his impressive stats and abilities, he was more than capable of holding off the two evolved zombies, expertly countering their attacks. His mind was at ease, knowing that his warriors were safe within the protective barrier. Duke swung Kratos'' Spear, directing the tip toward the agile evolved zombie while deftly using the opposite end to deflect a sneak attack from the mental-type evolved zombie lurking behind him. Although both zombies displayed remarkable intelligence and cunning, their attacks followed discernible patterns that Duke was beginning to recognize. With each encounter, he was becoming increasingly adept at predicting their next moves. Now that his concerns about his warriors'' safety were alleviated, he could fully concentrate on the battle at hand, channeling his focus into outmaneuvering his formidable foes. Duke''s attacks intensified, executed with such precision that he pushed the two evolved zombies back, despite their seamless teamwork. Observing this, his comrades, including Rose, began to reconsider whether their intervention was necessary; they feared that their presence might hinder Duke rather than help him. As a result, none of them made a move, choosing instead to assist their fellow warriors in consuming the healing elixirs. Meanwhile, Rose maintained her ice crystal dome, confident in its ability to deflect the evolved zombies'' relentless attacks without the need for reinforcement. Duke bent his knees and flipped his spear, creating a circular barrier in front of him to deflect the vine-like arm of the mental-type evolved zombie as it lunged to attack. Meanwhile, the agility-type evolved zombie''s movements had noticeably slowed; without its other arm, it was forced to rely on just one arm for offense, limiting its options and making its attacks more predictable. This reduction in movement option allowed Duke to maintain a confident smirk as he effortlessly intercepted another strike from the agility-type zombie, blocking it with the spear he continued to twirl. The deflected attack stunned the zombie, momentarily throwing it off balance. Seizing the opportunity, Duke swung his spear with precision, striking the zombie squarely in the right ribcage. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The force of the blow sent it crashing against the wall, leaving a clear mark of Duke''s dominance in the fight. Seeing its companion losing to Duke, the mental-type evolved zombie let out a piercing screech and lunged at him. However, Rose seized the moment to assist Duke. She conjured dozens of ice crystal needles, each twice the size of the previous ones, and launched them toward the mental-type zombie. Even though the creature managed to evade her initial attack, Rose continued to summon more needles, sending them after the zombie as if they were homing missiles, effortlessly tracking its every move. The mental-type zombie became increasingly furious as it realized it couldn''t aid the agility-type zombie, especially as they both sensed the impending danger emanating from Duke. They knew all too well that the other zombie would die in Duke''s hands. The agility-type zombie sprang to its feet, quickly assuming a defensive stance. However, Duke wasn''t about to give it a moment to readjust. Thankfully, Rose took the initiative to keep the mental-type evolved zombie at bay, allowing Duke to focus solely on the agility-type. Without hesitation, he lunged at the creature, each strike aimed at severing its head or piercing its skull. The agility-type zombie did its utmost to evade Duke''s relentless attacks, growling and glaring in frustration, but Duke remained unfazed. He knew he couldn''t afford to let such a threat linger near their base; if given the chance, the zombie would only grow stronger. Defeating it now was crucial¡ªnot just to eliminate the immediate danger, but also to prevent it from harboring a deep-seated hatred for Duke after losing its arm. Realizing it could no longer escape, the agility-type evolved zombie switched tactics, going all out in a frenzied assault. It became increasingly ferocious, attacking Duke relentlessly while circling around him, launching strikes from every direction. Duke could barely keep up, his keen senses picking up afterimages of the creature as it darted around him, its sharp claws slashing wildly in a chaotic barrage. Chapter 456 - 456 Be One Duke sensed that the agility-type evolved zombie was now pouring every ounce of its strength into this final showdown, determined to decide who would emerge victorious. He narrowed his eyes, focusing intently as he wielded his spear defensively, using it as a shield to protect himself from the creature''s frenzied attacks. He positioned it strategically to guard against strikes aimed at his most vulnerable areas¡ªhis head, neck, and joints¡ªwhere a hit could easily incapacitate him. With a keen awareness, he tracked the afterimages of the zombie''s movements, his ears attuned to the rush of wind, ready to anticipate its next strike. Clang! Clang.... One... Two... Three... The agility-type evolved zombie darted from one location to another, attempting to exploit any potential weak spot in Duke''s defenses. Frustrated, Duke realized that relying solely on his eyesight was futile; all he could see were fleeting afterimages of the creature''s movements. Any reckless strikes he attempted only opened him up to counterattacks. Instead of blindly swinging his spear, he decided to adopt a more patient approach, much like a lion waiting for its prey to drop its guard. He focused on remaining calm and alert, biding his time for the perfect moment to strike and deliver a decisive blow. Rose expertly kept the mental-type evolved zombie at bay, consistently blocking its attempts to support its agile counterpart. The zombie showed no inclination to flee, and as more warriors recovered, they joined the fray by summoning earth spikes and creating small pits to hinder its movements. Those who couldn''t summon spikes from a distance focused on conjuring them close by, then plucking them up and throwing them like javelins. Meanwhile, Rose''s ice crystal dome provided strategically placed openings, allowing the warriors to launch their attacks without exposing themselves, ensuring they remained well-protected within their safe zone. Thanks to their teamwork, Duke was now able to focus on the agility-type evolved zombie without distraction. He honed in on its movements, anticipating the direction from which it would strike. With a deep breath, he steadied himself and tightened his grip on his spear, preparing to make his move. Swoosh! The agility-type evolved zombie leaped behind Duke, but he had anticipated this move. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a swift turn, he kept his spear close to his body, avoiding any wide movements that might give the zombie to alter its course after seeing his movement. In an instant, a dull ripping sound echoed as his spear pierced through the zombie''s vulnerable abdomen, driving up through its throat and into its skull, completely skewering its insides. The suddenness of the attack caught the evolved zombie off guard, and it froze in place, the life draining from its body as Duke''s spear found its mark. Duke had long observed that the agility-type evolved zombie frequently leaped to his sides to strike, but these attacks were often superficial, mere feints designed to mislead him. However, when it positioned itself behind him, its assault was lethal, consistently delivering three random strikes from various angles before attempting to ambush him. The zombie relied heavily on its speed and cunning, making it difficult to pin down. Yet, despite its intelligence, it lacked the complexity of an adult''s thought process, allowing Duke to recognize and memorize its attack patterns with relative ease. Graaaaahhhh! Whaaaaaaaarrrr!!!! A chilling screech echoed through the street, as if the mental-type evolved zombie mourned the loss of its fallen companion. As Duke withdrew his spear from the lifeless body of the agility-type evolved zombie, the mental-type zombie extended its vine-like arms, conjuring an army of illusionary zombies. Although Duke understood these were mere phantoms, he couldn''t shake the oppressive surge of energy surrounding him. A deep frown creased his brow as he watched the illusory horde advance towards him with relentless determination. The mental-type evolved zombie moved forward, approaching the lifeless body of its fallen ally. Crouching beside it, it lingered for a moment, its gaze fixed on the still form. Then, without warning, it opened its mouth and began to bite off the agility-type zombie''s head, a gruesome display of grief and primal instinct. "Ugh! It''s eating its own companion!" one of the warriors shouted in disgust as they watched the mental-type evolved zombie consume the head of the fallen agility-type. Meanwhile, the illusions of other zombies began to close in around them, obscuring their view and creating a barrier that prevented them from seeing what the mental type was doing next. "Shit!" Duke exclaimed, a sudden realization hitting him. He gulped and lunged toward the mental-type evolved zombie, determined to strike it down in one swift motion. But he was too late; the mental-type evolved zombie had already consumed the agility-type evolved zombie''s crystal core, gulping it down before leaping back to safety. Surrounded by its army of illusory zombies, the mental-type evolved zombie began to detach its vine-like arms, maintaining the illusion even as it shed them like a snake shedding its skin. As its arms grew longer, they curled around its body, forming a cocoon. With its beady eyes locked onto Duke, a glint of malice flashed before it was completely enveloped by the crawling vines. "Kill it! Kill it!" Duke shouted urgently to his team. The evolved zombie was on the brink of another evolution, and he feared the consequences. Uncertainty gnawed at him; he had no idea what kind of monster would emerge from that cocoon after consuming the agility-type evolved zombie''s crystal core. Though it was just a hunch, Duke felt certain that this was the mental-type evolved zombie''s plan to exact revenge and wipe out his entire team. He knew that once it broke free, it wouldn''t just be twice as powerful¡ªit might possess entirely new abilities. He couldn''t afford to take that risk. Even as discomfort twisted within his energy core, Duke channeled his spiritual energy to conjure a barrage of attacks¡ªice spears and fire meteors¡ªfiring them in rapid succession at the protective cocoon. He suspected that this cocoon-like barrier was as formidable as the one that shielded Rose during her awakening, and he was determined to find a way to penetrate it before it was too late. Feeling the urgency in Duke''s voice, Rose quickly began conjuring her own ice crystal spears. With precision, she hurled them from above, sending them flying toward the cocoon. The team collectively ignored the advancing army of zombies, now aware that they were merely illusions incapable of inflicting harm. Their focus sharpened on the true threat at hand, prioritizing the imminent danger posed by the evolving creature. A concentrated barrage of energy erupted from the team as they launched their attacks in rapid succession. Earth spikes surged upward from the ground in a concerted effort to breach the protective cocoon surrounding the evolved zombie. However, despite the multitude of spikes conjured, their impact failed to create even the slightest dent in the cocoon''s surface, highlighting the formidable strength of the evolved zombie''s defenses. The resilience of the cocoon underscored the pressing need for a more effective strategy to counter the imminent threat posed by the creature within. Thud! Rose''s Ice Crystal Spears struck the upper portion of the cocoon, and given their renowned defensive properties, they were expected to deliver a significant blow when used offensively. However, the outcome was disappointing; her attack merely punctured a small hole in the cocoon, and the once-mighty ice spears shattered upon impact, producing only a dull thud. This result left her feeling frustrated and concerned, as it was clear that the cocoon''s defenses were far more robust than she had anticipated. Chapter 457 - 457 Their Coordinated Attack Even Duke''s Ice Spears and Fire Meteors struggled to make a dent, yet none of them were willing to relent. The intensity of Duke''s reaction and the gnawing sense of dread that clawed at the depths of their hearts made it clear: allowing this evolved zombie to break free from its cocoon would spell disaster. They understood that if it emerged, it could mean game over for them all. Rose conjured dozens of Ice Crystal Spears, but this time, instead of focusing on size, she honed their strength and durability, carefully molding each one to maximize its offensive power. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She understood that bigger wasn''t always better, so she concentrated on crafting each spear to its sharpest and sturdiest potential, even though this required more time and energy. Despite the intense strain on his energy core, Duke concentrated on conjuring sturdier, more powerful Ice Spears, while continuously sending Fire Meteors at the cocoon. His strategy was to keep the cocoon under relentless attack, forcing it to divert energy toward reinforcing its outer shell and healing damage instead of fully committing to the evolution inside. By keeping the cocoon on the defensive, Duke hoped to delay the evolved zombie''s transformation, buying his team precious time to weaken it. The warriors continued their assault, hurling earth spikes repeatedly, even though they seemed ineffective against the cocoon. Some resorted to throwing spikes by hand when their powers couldn''t reach far enough, resulting in makeshift projectiles soaring through the air. Despite the lack of visible impact, none of them were willing to relent, each determined to do whatever they could to contribute to the fight. Duke caught Rose''s attention and signaled to her with a series of hand gestures¡ªa unique code the Winters had developed and taught to Rose and the others for situations just like this, when silent communication was crucial. Understanding immediately, Rose nodded and focused on summoning a few more dozen Ice Crystal Spears, pouring nearly all her remaining energy into making them. With a wave of her hand, Rose launched the dozens of Ice Crystal Spears in a single, focused barrage aimed directly at one spot on the cocoon¡ªthe head. The projectiles struck with a series of dull, heavy impacts, each blow widening the initial crack she had created. As the first dozen shattered on impact, Duke immediately followed up with his own Ice Spears, driving them into the opening and deepening the hole Rose created through her attack. Inside the cocoon, the evolved zombie was helpless to move or retaliate, limited to healing the damaged area while its illusionary zombie army surged forward, trying to distract Duke and the others from attacking it This time, however, the team adjusted their approach. The warriors concentrated on fending off the illusionary army, keeping them at bay and giving Rose and Duke a clear path to continue their relentless assault on the cocoon. With their coordinated efforts, they prevented the cocoon from healing fully, keeping the pressure on and weakening the evolved zombie''s defenses. Meanwhile, Rose released a second wave of Ice Crystal Spears aimed precisely at the same weakened spot she had been targeting. Duke''s Ice Spears followed closely behind, driving deeper into the breach with each strike. It became clear that Rose was deliberately creating an opening for Duke''s attacks to land with maximum impact¡ªand they weren''t trying to hide this strategy anymore. Sensing their intent, the illusionary army of zombies pressed forward with renewed urgency, attempting to disrupt Rose and Duke''s attacks, even though they couldn''t inflict real harm. Their purpose was clear: to distract and break the rhythm of Rose and Duke''s assault on the cocoon. Yet, with the team''s intense focus and coordination, they managed to maintain their momentum, each strike chipping away at the cocoon''s defenses bit by bit. Duke and Rose relentlessly continued their assault until they had carved a five-inch-deep hole into the cocoon, revealing a glimpse of the evolved zombie resting within. Its oversized head was pulsating with a strange rhythm, as if feeding on energy¡ªbut the open hole was already starting to close within seconds they stopped their attacks. Without hesitation, they knew they had only seconds to strike before the cocoon could fully regenerate. Duke gritted his teeth, unable to conjure any more Ice Spears as the pain in his head became unbearable. He downed another vial of black liquid, but instead of relief, the pain intensified, spreading through his energy core like it was fracturing under the strain. Waves of nausea washed over him, and the throbbing in his head reached an agonizing peak. With a heavy thud, he fell to his knees, clutching his spear to keep himself upright. Gritting his teeth, he tried to push himself back to his feet, refusing to let the pain stop him from fighting. Rose unleashed her third wave of Ice Crystal Spears while drinking the vial of black liquid to replenish her spiritual energy, her gaze flicking toward Duke, who had signaled his next move. Duke''s plan was for her to create a direct opening for him to launch his Kratos'' Spear. He could have thrown it earlier, but seeing how little damage even Rose''s Ice Crystal Spears had managed, he hesitated. He wasn''t sure if his spear alone could penetrate the cocoon''s tough defenses and reach the evolved zombie within¡ªhe didn''t yet fully understand the limits of his spear''s power, and didn''t want to risk wasting his best shot without a clear path. If Duke threw the Kratos'' Spear relying on its "Pierce" effect to break through the cocoon, it was only a 50% chance that the effect would trigger a critical strike. There was no guarantee it would work, and he couldn''t risk everything on one throw without a clear advantage. If he failed, the cocoon might strengthen its defenses even further¡ªor worse, it might call for reinforcements, summoning a swarm of real zombies to defend it. The cocoon couldn''t move, but it was likely still capable of sending a distress signal to nearby undead. Weighing all these possibilities, Duke knew he had to play it safe and wait until there was a clear path. Now, with Rose creating a focused opening, he finally had the opportunity he''d been waiting for. But now, his body was on the verge of giving out. Duke gripped his spear tightly, forcing himself to stand once more. He couldn''t let Rose carry the entire burden of the attack; eventually, she would reach her limit and have to stop for any number of reasons. He struggled to rise but faltered, his strength waning. The open hole in the cocoon was slowly closing, and he clenched his jaw in frustration, aware that his body had reached its breaking point. The explosion of spiritual energy he had unleashed earlier had taken a toll, causing significant internal damage¡ªincluding to his energy core. Distant Roars and marching... Grahhh! Roarrrr! Marching..... As he had feared, not far from their position, the unmistakable sounds of hurried marching filled the air, accompanied by the deafening roars and growls of incoming zombies from all directions. They hadn''t heard the evolved zombie call for help, but Duke realized that it didn''t need to make an audible distress signal; it could have transmitted a brainwave signal that only other zombies could detect. Their situation had become increasingly dire, and Duke''s body was betraying him, refusing to respond to his commands. Weighed down by an overwhelming heaviness, his limbs trembled uncontrollably, making it an effort just to grip his spear. It felt as though his entire body was preparing to shut down in an instinctive response to protect him from the brink of death due to the immense strain on his energy core. He was teetering on the edge of survival mode, where his body would prioritize preserving its functions and healing itself¡ªespecially his energy core, which felt like it could explode at any moment. Duke''s vision began to blur and flicker, and a deafening ringing filled his ears. Rose and the other warriors quickly noticed his deteriorating condition, their expressions darkening as they realized the gravity of the situation. They could only curse under their breath, fully aware that they were in deep shit as the marching sound came closer to their location. Swoosh! Then, a splatter of blood, and the sound of almost like something exploded before the blood hit the floor, everyone was momentarily taken aback by the series of events that took place that was outside of the plan. Even the sound of marching abruptly ceased, leaving an eerie silence that felt almost surreal. Perhaps it was their minds refusing to process what had just happened and so, they could no longer hear anything around them, aside from one thing, as the sickening sound of flesh exploding and blood splattering echoed nearby. A heavy thud resonated through the air, the sound piercing the silence like a gunshot, as Duke''s body collapsed to the ground, still clutching his spear. They could only watch in stunned disbelief, their mouths opening and closing like fish gasping for air, but no words came. The shock rendered them speechless, paralyzed by the reality of what they had just witnessed. They all turned to Duke, their eyes wide and rimmed with red, struggling to comprehend the chaos unfolding around them. But who would answer them? After all, Duke has already... Chapter 458 - 458 His Condition? (Unknown) But who would answer them? Duke was already¡­ "Vice City Lord!" "Vice City Lord!" Gasps filled the air as Duke collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud. Shocked, everyone stared at his body lying motionless on the cold ground, horror etched on their faces. Without a second thought, they all rushed to him, momentarily forgetting the danger that still loomed around them. "What was that?!" one of the warriors exclaimed as a loud buzzing sound filled the air. He looked around, unable to pinpoint the source, and with them stopping using their abilities, the whole place dimmed, shadows filled the darkened streets, obscuring their view. They couldn''t make out what had just happened¡ªonly that something had exploded, and now Duke lay motionless on the ground while the cocoon still loomed tall in the center of the street. Despite their best efforts to stay hopeful, dread crept into everyone''s mind as they considered the worst possible scenarios. The warriors quickly formed a defensive circle, positioning those with remaining strength on the outer perimeter, while the more exhausted fighters took refuge within. A few knelt beside Duke, anxiously assessing his condition. Rose, stationed on the outer line, led the defense with a vigilant gaze, but kept one ear tuned to the hushed conversation of those tending to Duke. Every warrior was tense, ready for any sudden threat, as they struggled to hold their ground amidst the dire situation. "W-what''s this?" one of the warriors stammered as he reached out to adjust Duke''s body, trying to help him lie down properly on the pavement. His hand touched a sticky, metallic-smelling liquid. He froze, recognizing the scent instantly¡ªrusted iron. He didn''t need to look twice to know what it was. "B-blood!" he choked out, the grim realization dawning on him and the others as they began to piece together what had happened. "Dammit!" one of the warriors muttered, his voice thick with a mix of frustration, sorrow, and helpless rage. Hearing the commotion behind her but still unsure of Duke''s condition, Rose stepped forward and barked an order, her voice firm. "Help carry the Vice City Lord! We''re moving out to the next location before that zombie raid arrives." Her jaw tightened as she finished. The weight of the situation bore down on her¡ªshe had no idea how she''d explain this to Kisha back at the base. With Duke incapacitated, she wasn''t sure if she could even get the rest of the group back safely. Anxiety knotted in her stomach, thoughts spiraling with all the things that could go wrong from here. "Yes ma''am!" "Yes ma''am!" "Copy!" Soon, everyone prepared to retreat. They could no longer focus on the evolved zombie¡ªthey didn''t know what it might do next, but in their current state, facing it was out of the question. With Duke down and his condition uncertain, continuing the fight was simply impossible. Two warriors quickly fashioned a makeshift stretcher from a sturdy earth spike as the pole and a large towel, were carefully secured from the sides of each earth spike to support an adult''s weight. Once Duke was loaded onto the stretcher, the group prepared to leave. Rose and the others cast reluctant glances back at the cocoon, frustrated by how close they''d come to breaking through. But with their depleted strength and Duke''s condition, even Rose''s firepower wouldn''t be enough to finish the job before the small-scale zombie raid arrived. Although the eerie sound of marching had momentarily ceased¡ªpossibly because they''d halted their attack, interrupting the evolved zombie''s distress call¡ªthey had no way of knowing how long it would take to complete its transformation. They found themselves in a difficult position, and Rose''s priority shifted to preserving their team''s lives. She resolved to retreat to the base and assess their options from there. After all, the only people she knew who could handle this kind of situation were Duke or Kisha. With Duke incapacitated, Rose knew she would have to rely on Kisha to devise a plan for dealing with the cocoon and its evolving threat. However, traveling at night carried significant risks, and they decided it was best to set up camp and wait for the morning before returning to the base. With their enhanced physiques as superhumans, they possessed greater power, agility, and stamina, not to mention heightened senses. Despite the darkness shrouding the streets, they navigated with confidence, heading towards the location Duke had indicated earlier. Somber and grim expressions marked each face, and although the shadows obscured their features, the weight of the atmosphere made their shared tension palpable. The warriors in the outer layer of the formation fought off the zombies that approached them as they moved, while those inside concentrated on recovering their strength so they could switch places with their comrades on the front lines. "At three o''clock, incoming!" Rose shouted as she assumed a defensive stance and began to advance. The warriors braced themselves for another confrontation as a horde emerged from the street ahead. Gritting their teeth, they fought valiantly to carve their way through the oncoming waves of zombies before launching into a relentless sprint toward safety. After an exhausting thirty minutes of battling and running, they finally reached their designated location, securing the perimeter just in time. They collapsed onto the ground, utterly spent, their exhaustion palpable as they fell into a heavy silence. For a full hour, they rested in quiet contemplation, lost in their own thoughts, none of them eager to move. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was only when one of them recalled that Duke was still lying motionless on the makeshift stretcher that the gravity of their situation truly sank in. They found it hard to accept the reality of what had transpired. Overwhelmed by an exhausting fatigue that dulled their senses, they couldn''t even muster the energy to feel hunger. The thought of returning to the base with Duke in such a state filled them with dread. Finally, someone snapped and stood up to turn on a lamp and prepare a simple meal. No matter how shitty their circumstances were, their bodies still needed nutrition and energy to face the challenges of the next day. He realized they could only tackle other concerns after ensuring they had the strength to fight their way back. Above all, they needed to guarantee that Duke''s body would be delivered to Kisha properly. The same person who was preparing the food began to sob quietly, struggling to keep his voice down, but soon, his anguish echoed through the group. One by one, others joined in, weeping for their vice city lord. They couldn''t bear to look at Duke''s motionless body now that the light had been turned on; they were too afraid to confront the reality of how he had ended up like this. They felt the weight of their helplessness crashing down on them, realizing how weak and useless they had been. They couldn''t even assist Duke during his battle against the evolved zombies; instead, they had become a liability. If it weren''t for his instinct to protect them, he wouldn''t have had to exert himself to the point where he''d end up like this. They knew that if he had only focused on his own survival, he could have easily escaped, as they had all witnessed his strength and intelligence in combat. Duke had the skills to evade multiple evolved zombies and ensure his own safety, but because of them, he was now... Chapter 459 - 459 What Really Happened Louder sobs reverberated through the building as they began to reflect on their failures. One by one, they crouched around the room, overwhelmed by their emotions. Even Rose, who had been striving to maintain her composure, succumbed to her grief and sank to the ground, unable to meet Duke''s motionless body. The memory of flesh exploding and blood spraying across the street haunted them, and they simply couldn''t bring themselves to look, knowing all too well what that meant. They could only imagine the horrific reality¡ªsomeone had lost their life, and it was a burden they could not escape. They remembered Kisha''s warning about the dangers of overusing spiritual energy; depleting it could lead to catastrophic consequences, including the explosion of one''s energy core, which means, their brain exploding. They understood that having too much spiritual energy spiraling out of control could result in the same fate. With these cautionary reminders echoing in their minds, they could piece together what had happened to Duke. The sheer amount of energy he had expended to create that shockwave indicated that he had pushed himself to the brink, sacrificing his energy reserves to unleash explosive power against the small-scale zombie raid in order to protect everyone else. After using the vial of black liquid, they understood its effects on the body. Some of them had witnessed Duke taking it, so it wasn''t hard to piece together how things had unfolded. Among them, Rose felt the most guilt. She had believed that Kisha sent her to help Duke, to ease his burden as he completed his mission. Now, however, she felt like she had failed both Kisha and Duke. Overwhelmed by shame, she couldn''t bring herself to look at him, terrified of seeing the consequences of the explosion that had destroyed his energy core. "Hu hu hu.." Sob... Sob... "Ugh!" A chorus of sobs filled the air, drowning out all other sounds, including the grunts of those around them. No one paid attention to one another; they were lost in their own self-reproach and disdain. "Hisss... Why is everyone crying? Ugh." "What else?! Mourning for the death of the Vice City Lords. Hu hu hu¡­" Duke, just awakening with a splitting headache and aching body, choked on the words he heard. Still hissing in pain, he struggled to prop himself up. Even before he opened his eyes, he was met with the sounds of sobbing and crying. Fear gripped him as he forced his eyes open, worried that they had lost too many warriors while he had been incapacitated, unable to complete his mission. He had no idea what their situation was or what had happened with the evolved zombie that was going through another evolution. So many questions swirled in his mind, but first, he needed to stop everyone from crying. The sound of their sobs echoing through the building only intensified his headache, making his throbbing energy core feel like it was on the verge of exploding. His body still ached from the strain of his spiritual energy running wild, a sensation similar to how Kisha''s two conflicting energies had once clashed within her. But this time, it felt different¡ªa torrent more violent, like a lake suddenly hit by an intense drought, drying up as life withered without water, only to be followed by a flash flood that broke through every dam meant to regulate its flow. His veins, channels for the energy, burst in places under the overwhelming surge, struggling to make way. Meanwhile, his energy core¡ªthe main source of his power¡ªhad nearly fractured from the sudden, uncontrollable influx, teetering on the edge of explosion. He had come dangerously close to losing control and ending his own life. Fortunately, he remembered the time he''d seen Kisha manage her conflicting energies within her body¡ªa moment that offered him just enough inspiration. Drawing on her example, he was able to stabilize his energy core, deflecting the impending explosion and averting death. Even without checking his condition, his subordinates had already assumed the worst and were now mourning his death. "Very well!" Duke growled through gritted teeth. "So, you really want to send me to my death, huh?" His indifferent, cold expression hardened further, casting an icy chill over the entire room. The shift was so unsettling that everyone felt a shiver down their spine, as if they''d been plunged into freezing water. But even more than the fear, there was something hauntingly familiar about the voice. One by one, they stopped crying, turning slowly toward the sound like rusty metal doors, mouths slightly agape, eyes wide in disbelief. "V-Vice City Lord?! Y-you didn''t turn into a vengeful ghost, did you?!" Rose stammered, pointing at Duke. He sat there, eyes bloodshot, his body covered in blood¡ªlooking as if he had crawled from the grave like a vengeful spirit. His blood-smeared face and menacing glare sent a collective gasp through the room, a chill creeping up everyone''s spine as they instinctively took a step back. If supernatural powers could exist, then perhaps ghosts and demons could too. A mix of disbelief and fear gnawed at their cores as they wondered if Duke had truly crossed into something otherworldly. "Oh? I didn''t realize I was so hated that you''d be praying for my demise¡­" Duke said slowly, one eyebrow arching. His voice held an unsettling mix of amusement and menacing threat, making them regret even considering such words in his presence. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But right now, everyone was too disoriented to respond¡ªthey''d all clearly heard an explosion and seen blood spraying through the air, leaving them bewildered and unsure of what had really happened. One of them, sensing Duke''s growing anger and driven by a strong survival instinct, tried to deflect his fury. "V-Vice City Lord, if it wasn''t you who¡­ died from a brain explosion, then who did?" But his question only made things worse. "You tell me," Duke replied with a smirk, his eyes as dark as the abyss. As if on cue, a loud buzzing sound filled the air. "Ah! That sound again!" one of the warriors exclaimed, recalling hearing it outside. "Did something follow us here?!" he added, as they all instinctively dropped into defensive stances. The buzzing grew louder, pulsing with a strange, almost eager intensity as it circled the room. "Stand down," Duke commanded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a massive Queen Bee appeared, startling everyone. "Bell?!" Duke said, incredulous. He had requested assistance from Kisha to allow him to borrow some of the Scarlet Bees, but he never expected Kisha to send Bell. Bell was essential back at the base, overseeing scouting missions, reporting to Kisha, managing the walls, and coordinating Scarlet Honey production. In truth, Bell hadn''t been sent by Kisha. While busy with its duties along the wall, Bell had sensed a distress signal from a distant Scarlet Bee. However, the signal was too far beyond its control for Bell to decipher its meaning; it felt more like a dying call for help. Without hesitation, Bell abandoned its post and darted toward the source of the signal, neglecting to inform Kisha. That''s why she was unaware that Bell had left its station. When Bell finally arrived at the location of the signal, darkness had already fallen. It found Duke on his knees, witnessing a small-scale zombie raid approaching, as Bell flew past the marching undead. Chapter 460 - 460 What Really Happened 2 When Bell arrived, it instantly sensed the dire situation Duke was in¡ªhe was in serious danger and might even be killed in action. Bell knew how much Kisha valued and loved Duke, and if anything happened to him, she would be devastated. At that moment, Rose was busy launching one Ice Crystal Spear after another, piercing a massive cocoon that loomed in the middle of the street. Without needing to ask, Bell understood what that cocoon contained. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As a spiritual beast, Bell could easily detect the intense, pulsating spiritual energy emanating from it, realizing that an evolving zombie was inside. Bell knew that Duke and his team were likely trying to eliminate the creature, and it must be the reason why Duke was in such a dangerous situation. Without waiting for further instructions, Bell sprang into action. Bell swiftly adjusted its size, allowing it to strike through the opening in the cocoon with ease. Charging up its Stinger Strike skill, Bell infused its stinger with spiritual energy, strengthening it for a powerful, piercing blow. Moving faster than the eye could track, Bell attacked with such speed that the team only heard a faint, rapid buzz before the evolved zombie''s head exploded. In a single, seamless motion, Bell struck through the small hole, emerging on the other side of the zombie''s skull. Clutched in its forelegs lay the zombie''s crystal core, gleaming as proof of Bell''s precision and skill. Just as Bell launched its attack, Duke had reached his physical limits, with the strain causing his veins to rupture, covering him in his own blood. At that precise moment, Bell''s Stinger Strike connected with the evolved zombie''s head, moving at near-sonic speed. The force of the strike created a sickening explosion, sending the zombie''s blood splattering across the ground. To those nearby, the sound of flesh bursting was almost overwhelming, but it was simply the impact of Bell''s powerful strike hitting its mark. Since everything happened in a split second, everyone initially thought it was Duke''s energy core that had exploded from overuse, and a wave of shock and grief swept over them. Seeing him covered in blood, they feared the worst and hesitated to check on him, convinced that Duke had met a tragic end. In reality, though, their worst fears had only come remarkably close to being true. After they safely transported Duke into the building, Bell and the Scarlet Bees followed closely, with Bell still clutching the crystal core in its forelegs. When Duke finally regained consciousness, Bell buzzed happily, eager to reveal itself both to celebrate Duke''s recovery and to hand over the crystal core it had retrieved. It also hoped to return to the base soon, knowing it had ventured out without Kisha''s knowledge. Since Bell couldn''t communicate via mind link with anyone except Kisha, it made its presence known in the only way it could¡ªby appearing in plain sight. Now that Bell had shown itself, it struggled to convey what it wanted to say. Instead, it simply flew down to Duke''s side. As Duke noticed the gleaming crystal core clutched in Bell''s forelegs, shimmering in the light, he immediately extended his hand, his heartbeat quickening with excitement. He had a strong suspicion about the significance of that crystal core. Duke suspected that his team hadn''t confirmed the status of the evolved zombie¡ªthey''d likely assumed he was dead and rushed him to safety without checking. Even if he wanted to ask them, they probably wouldn''t have the answer. When Bell gently placed the crystal core in his palm, Duke inspected it closely. It was larger than the unique evolved zombie''s crystal core Kisha had acquired back at the base, and its colors were even more vivid¡ªa radiant rainbow that hinted at a higher level. Judging by its brightness and size, he guessed it could be a level 2 or possibly even level 3 crystal core. Understanding that Bell would want to return to Kisha, Duke said, "Hold off on heading back. Take this core to my wife, along with a letter, so she won''t worry." Hearing this, Bell immediately shrank to the size of a normal bee and perched on top of Duke''s head, ready for its mission. Only now did everyone start to grasp the unexpected turn of events, as they watched Bell prepare to carry out Duke''s request, astonished by the sight and realization of what was truly unfolding. "V-Vice City Lord, wh-what is that?!" Rose exclaimed, pointing at Bell. Realizing that an introduction was needed to prevent any misunderstandings¡ªor worse, an accidental attack on the Scarlet Bees mistaken for mutated ones¡ªDuke quickly stepped in. "This is my wife''s pet, Bell, the Scarlet Queen Bee. As a queen bee, she commands her own colony and an army of Scarlet Bees. Right now, we''re surrounded by them and under their protection," Duke explained. He hadn''t intended to mention the Scarlet Bees, knowing that once they realized the connection, everyone would remember that the scarlet honey they consumed came from these creatures. However, witnessing their capabilities firsthand, he doubted anyone would dare to challenge and mess with them; otherwise, they might find themselves facing a fate similar to that of the evolved zombie, whose head had exploded at supersonic speed. After hearing Duke''s explanation, a wave of realization washed over them, leaving their heads buzzing. They hadn''t even noticed the Scarlet Bees'' presence or when they had arrived, and the knowledge that such powerful hidden allies were surrounding them was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. While they felt a sense of safety knowing they had such formidable guardians, the gravity of the situation sunk in¡ªnone of them could afford to make a mistake. While they now understood that Kisha had this remarkable pet, they were still unaware that she could communicate with it. They merely assumed that Bell followed Kisha''s commands and could fight for them when needed. After the initial shock wore off, they began to gather their thoughts, taking note of Bell''s distinct coloration compared to ordinary bees. They made a mental note to steer clear of any bees that appeared scarlet, understanding that these were not to be underestimated. After making a brief introduction and with his team tactfully refraining from asking too many questions, Duke began writing a letter to provide Kisha with a standard progress report and reassure her about his well-being. As Duke focused on his writing, the atmosphere relaxed, and everyone started preparing the meal with renewed seriousness. Once Duke finished, he carefully placed the letter and the crystal core into a piece of cloth and secured it with a knot. Bell, seeing that Duke was ready, transformed back into its larger size, wrapping the cloth tightly in its forelegs, then hug it closer to its stomach. It then performed a circular motion in front of Duke before soaring toward the window, disappearing into the dark night on its way back to the base. It was only after completing all these tasks that Duke became acutely aware of the stinging pain that enveloped his body. "Ugh," he grunted, reaching for a vial of blue liquid from his Space Ring. In an instant, he drank it, and within milliseconds, he felt the soothing effects as his body began to heal. Settling into a cross-legged position, he traced the flow of his spiritual energy, working to mitigate the damage it had inflicted on his body and, most importantly, on his energy core. Chapter 461 - 461 Level 4 Crystal Core Who could have imagined that such a dangerous situation would transform into a blessing? As Duke continued to trace the pathways of his spiritual energy and assess his energy core, he realized it felt sturdier than before. Although there were still some cracks from overuse, he could sense a significant difference in its resilience. ''Maybe it''s like a bone that, when broken and healed, becomes even stronger than before,'' Duke pondered as he repeatedly guided the flow of his spiritual energy back to his energy core, eager to confirm his suspicion. Once he was certain of his findings, he opened his eyes, satisfaction washing over him. Just then, his team finished preparing a warm meal for everyone, reminding them how hungry they were after a day filled with intense battles, where it felt as if each fight could be their last. Growl- As a chorus of grumbling stomachs echoed around the room, everyone eagerly dug into their meal, ready to refuel and rest for the night. Not long after Bell departed from Duke''s side, it swiftly returned to the base thanks to its impressive speed. When Bell arrived, Kisha was in the study, checking her territory pack once again. She recalled 008 mentioning that once she maxed out the facility upgrades, she could also upgrade the entire territory pack, expanding both its functionality and the amount of land she possessed. Eager to explore the possibilities, Kisha was checking the requirements for upgrading her territory pack, curious about the new features it might offer or whether it would simply increase the size of her existing land and facilities. ... [Territory Pack (Divine Grade)] [Level 1 - Upgrade to Level 2] [Required Points: 500,000] [Current Points: 40,000] [Status: Insufficient Points] ... Kisha choked on her own spit as she stared at the staggering number of points required to upgrade her territory pack to level 2. Uncertainty gripped her as she weighed her options¡ªshould she pursue this upgrade or not? The reality was harsh: not only did she lack sufficient funds, but gathering the necessary amount would also take considerable time. "Host, I think it would be best to go for it," 008''s childish voice interrupted Kisha''s thoughts. "As I mentioned before, only those deemed the most powerful in the Murim World can create these little realms. To do so, they harness their immense spiritual energy to shape these realms." "The stronger the cultivator, the larger the realm they can create. Some even use these realms to conceal their inheritances for future generations. Such realms are rare; few cultivators are ever eligible to reach that level." "Many covet this type of realm due to its numerous advantages. For instance, the time difference allows cultivators to train within the territory, enabling them to make significant progress compared to their peers." "This accelerated growth can lead to them being hailed as geniuses, granting them numerous benefits. If you can develop the land to gather spiritual energy, it becomes an even more valuable treasure that few possess in their lifetimes." "With continuous upgrades, this territory could evolve into a small continent, or even better, transform into its own world." 008 then giggled excitedly and added, "If your realm were to become a world, you''d be akin to a god!" Kisha dismissed what 008 was implying; while it was true that achieving such a status was akin to becoming a god, she knew it was a challenging feat and that few had accomplished it. After all, she was currently living in the lowest world of the lowest realm, with scarce spiritual energy. The notion of becoming a god felt like a distant dream. Since she didn''t have the necessary points, she decided to set the idea aside for now and plan to revisit it once she had the points to reconsider her decision. Just then, Bell returned, swooping in through the window with the package Duke had sent. "Master, I brought your husband''s package!" Bell announced cheerfully through their mind link. Kisha raised an eyebrow, curious about when Bell had met Duke, and began to scrutinize the creature. Sensing Kisha''s gaze, Bell decided to come clean, hoping to mitigate any potential punishment for leaving its post and perhaps even earn some commendation for its bravery in saving Duke and in delivering the package. "Master, I apologize for leaving my post so suddenly," Bell began, its beady eyes fixed on Kisha''s. "I sensed a distress signal from afar and feared it was coming from my dying bees. I rushed over to investigate and forgot to report back to you." As Kisha remained silent, Bell felt a wave of nervousness wash over it and continued its explanation, eager to clarify its actions. "Master, I, um, encountered your husband," Bell stammered, glancing up at Kisha. "He seemed injured and was fighting one of those disgusting creatures¡ªa powerful evolved zombie. Luckily, I arrived just in time to blow its head off and save him. He asked me to deliver the crystal core from the zombie along with his report." Bell quickly flew over to Kisha''s desk and gently let go of the cloth it had been holding in its forelegs. With a soft ''thud'', the cloth landed on the desk. Kisha watched Bell closely, her silence betraying the turmoil within her. The news of Duke''s injury rattled her, bringing back haunting memories of the horrific end he faced during her 99th life. Her fingers trembled, and her lips paled as she took a deep breath, steeling herself before reaching for the cloth bag. Slowly, she began to open it. As she opened the cloth bag, her eyes were immediately drawn to the crystal core inside. It was a diamond-shaped gem radiating a deep rainbow hue that sparkled and reflected the light beautifully as she lifted it from the desk. Its size was strikingly larger than any crystal core she had in her inventory, nearly three times the size of the ones in her possession. ... [Zombie Core] Level: 4 Attribute: Rainbow (All Attributes Present) Spirit: 100 Description: This rainbow-colored zombie core originates from a powerful evolved zombie that lacks specialized abilities, exhibiting a balanced array of attributes. Although it was taken from an evolving zombie that had the potential to reach level 7, its evolution was abruptly halted. As a result, it only achieved a high-grade level 4 core, providing only half the power it would have otherwise possessed. ... Kisha''s eyebrows shot up as she inhaled sharply. Without even reading the letter, she grasped the gravity of the situation and how close Duke and his team had come to annihilation. She shuddered to think of what could have happened if Bell hadn''t arrived in time. With trembling hands, she set the crystal core aside and quickly reached for the letter, eager to piece together the details of what had transpired. In the letter, Duke described how they had been ambushed by a mental-type evolved zombie. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just when his team was on the brink of winning against the mental-type evolved zombie, a second evolved zombie with agility-based abilities appeared out of nowhere. After fighting and killing the agility-type evolved zombie, they thought victory was within their grasp, but the mental-type zombie devoured the agility-type''s crystal core and transformed into a cocoon. This cocoon had proven nearly impenetrable; even Rose''s Ice Crystal Spear had failed to breach its defenses. Duke detailed how Bell''s timely arrival had been instrumental in taking it down. Chapter 462 - 462 Bells Level Up After recounting the harrowing events, Duke reassured Kisha that despite his injuries, it had turned out to be a blessing in disguise, ultimately strengthening and expanding his energy core. This reassuring message eased Kisha''s mind considerably. Following that, the letter contained a progress report and outlined the expectations she should have for the upcoming days. Only after reading the entire letter did Kisha feel the tension in her shoulders ease. She nodded at Bell and took out a bundle of crystal cores. "Bell, why don''t you consume some more crystal cores and level up to level 3?" she suggested. With zombies evolving so quickly, she realized that Bell and Zeus''s strengths seemed rather average in comparison. If she needed them to assist in future battles, they both had to become more powerful. Caught up in various responsibilities, Kisha had neglected Bell and Zeus''s growth, and this recent event served as a stark reminder that she needed to invest more effort into strengthening her forces, including her beloved pets. With a wave of her hand, Kisha took out dozens of crystal cores from her inventory. Since Zeus was still outside with Sparrow, she decided to let Bell level up first and allow Zeus to follow later. Bell performed a joyful twirl in the air, its massive body spinning with excitement. "Master, you''re the best!!!" it exclaimed as it perched on the desk and eagerly began munching on the crystal cores, savoring their delicious flavor. ''Though those undead may look disgusting, their crystal cores are quite tasty, so I don''t mind fighting them anymore,'' Bell thought as it continued to munch on the crystal cores. Before long, Bell''s body began to radiate light, signaling its level up to level 2 after devouring its 30th crystal core. Unlike Kisha and the others, who needed to consolidate their spiritual energy and strengthen their foundation before advancing to the next level, Kisha didn''t stop Bell. After all, Bell''s unique constitution as a spiritual beast allowed it to continue without those precautions. Shortly after leveling up to level 2, Bell resumed happily munching on the crystal cores, feeling the spiritual energy naturally flowing into its body towards its energy core. After devouring another 100 crystal cores, Bell achieved yet another level up. Kisha watched as Bell glanced back at her, contemplating whether to request more crystal cores or to be satisfied with the rewards it had already received. After all, Kisha maintained strict control over the collection of crystal cores stored in her inventory. As Bell pondered whether to ask for more crystal cores, Kisha activated her ''Eye of Truth'' ability to examine Bell''s current status window. She wanted to assess how much Bell had grown without the aid of multipliers like others received, allowing her to gauge the additional strength Bell could contribute to her own power. ... [Scarlet Queen Bee: Bell (Mythic Grade)] Level 3 (Exp: 0/5000) Strength: 300 (+265) Stamina: 300 (+273) sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Defense: 300 (+279) Agility: 300 (+250) Mental Capacity: 300 (+266) Charm: 300 (+261) Leadership: 300 (+265) Skills: Stinger strike, Modify Description: A beast from ancient times that gave birth to Scarlet Bees that produces the scarlet honey that could strengthen one''s constitution and command thousands of its kind. Due to the honey''s miraculous effect on the martial arts practitioner and beast, it was hunted until none was left and was erased from the history of Murim. ... Kisha''s eyebrows shot up in surprise as she observed Bell''s stats skyrocketing, even without the multipliers and stat boosts that she and the others enjoyed from the Scarlet Honey. Bell''s numbers surpassed those of anyone in the group. In comparison, even with Duke''s ''Tyrant'' gift, achieving such impressive stats in an instant seemed impossible; even with the aid of the Scarlet Honey, it would likely only be attainable at level 4 or maybe at higher levels. As if reading Kisha''s mind, Bell chimed in excitedly, "Master, at my current level, I''m still just a young spiritual beast and quite weak by comparison. My strength is nothing compared to those spiritual beasts who have cultivated for decades¡ªthey are far stronger than most humans." "Those with purer and superior bloodlines can even erase an entire mountains with their attacks. What I can do feels superficial." Although Bell was merely explaining its situation, Kisha could sense the embarrassment in its tone, highlighting how acutely aware it was of its relative weakness compared to other spiritual beasts. Hearing Bell''s recollection of the strength of spiritual beasts, Kisha took a sharp breath. ''Wow! I''ve truly found a gem. If I keep feeding Bell, it could become my most significant trump card.'' However, as soon as the thought crossed her mind, another concern surfaced. The higher Bell''s level, the more crystal cores it would need to level up. Without a multiplier like the one Kisha and the others received from the Scarlet Honey, it meant they would need to provide Bell with even more crystal cores. There was also the issue of the lack of natural spiritual energy in their world, and it wasn''t feasible for her to give Bell all the spiritual crops, as those were also essential for the rest of the team. With another deep sigh, her enthusiasm quickly waned. Still, she had an abundance of crystal cores left, so she decided to give Bell another 500 Level 0 crystal cores to help it continue its ascent toward Level 4. However, with the sheer amount of crystal cores she had provided, and after Bell had already consumed so many, it could only manage to eat a few more before falling into a deep food coma. Exhausted and content, Bell collapsed into a peaceful sleep, its wings twitching occasionally as it rested. Reminded of her and her companions'' limitations, Kisha watched Bell sleep for a brief moment, her mind already racing with thoughts of how to strengthen them. With a quiet sigh, she entered her territory space, where she began to cultivate both her spiritual energy and mana. Unlike the others, Kisha could only draw from the spiritual energy of the crops within her territory while simultaneously working on expanding her mana. She spent hours immersed in her cultivation, her focus absolute. By the time the first light of dawn began to break, she emerged, feeling rejuvenated despite the long hours. Yet, even after such an extended period of cultivation, she had only managed to accumulate a modest amount of spiritual energy and mana, not nearly enough to significantly expand her energy reserves. ''This is still much better than nothing,'' Kisha thought to herself, taking a deep breath as she savored the crisp morning air, feeling the cool dew on her skin. Meanwhile, after a tense night on Sparrow''s side, they observed the people they had saved, all appearing fine and peacefully asleep. There were no signs of any further movement that suggested an ambush or an attempt to retaliate against Sparrow and his group, or those responsible for what had happened to the seven people they rescued in the forest. However, knowing that there was a skirmish had left tensions high, the group remained on high alert throughout the night. Only a few took short breaks to rest, while the rest of the team patrolled the perimeter, staying vigilant to avoid being blindsided. Chapter 463 - 463 Rakan "Ugh! My gut hurts!" One of the burly men saved by Sparrow''s group groaned in pain as he gradually roused from his sleep. His sudden movement drew the attention of Sparrow and the others, who turned to look at him. As he fully regained consciousness, the man froze, wide-eyed, as if he had been caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. His gaze darted around, his mind racing to process what had happened. One by one, the remaining six began to stir, with the leader being the last to wake. As soon as their grogginess faded, they immediately slipped into defensive mode, sensing the weight of several sharp gazes fixed on them. Panic surged through them as they feared they''d been caught and dragged back to the shelter. The accusatory stares of Sparrow and his group made them feel as though they had inadvertently wandered from one dangerous den to another, having barely escaped the wolf''s den the night before. "Who are you, and why are you here?" Sparrow''s voice cut through the tense silence, his tone unwavering and serious. As he spoke, he slowly ran a whetstone over the blade of his dagger, the sound of metal scraping against stone sharpening the atmosphere. The seven men couldn''t tell if Sparrow was deliberately using the act to intimidate them, or if it was simply a coincidence, but no one in his group made any move to stop him. Instead, they stood in a tight circle, their eyes trained on the seven men who had crawled into their camp the night before, waiting for answers. "We... Um..." The first man who woke up struggled to find the right words. Unsure of what to say, he quickly glanced up at his boss, knowing he wasn''t good with words and usually left the talking to him. One by one, the other five men followed suit, looking at the middle-aged man who sat at the center. He appeared intimidating, yet there was an unmistakable weariness about him, his battered appearance a stark contrast to his usual commanding presence. "We didn''t come here looking for trouble." Rakan sighed in defeat, twisting his stiff neck to stretch a little. He wasn''t intimidated by Sparrow''s actions; in fact, he felt safer with them around. After taking a moment to assess their surroundings, he began to relax. "My name is Rakan," he continued. "I''m the leader of the Grim Reaper Mafia. We were in this area when the zombie apocalypse hit, and we took shelter in an eastern warehouse. That''s where I became the leader of our group." He paused, taking a deep breath as memories of the past events weighed on him. "But, unfortunately, just last night, my position was taken from me. We were thrown out of the shelter." Rakan gave a weak smile and lifted his head to meet Sparrow''s unbothered gaze, his expression a mixture of weariness and resignation. "But you still haven''t explained why you ended up in such a sorry state and made your way here, knowing full well that my people and I rest in this area," Sparrow said, his tone sharp. "Or are you planning to run to my side and shamelessly beg to join my base?" He didn''t spare Rakan''s feelings, showing no concern for whether he was embarrassed or if his pride had been trampled. "You arrogant bastard! Don''t think you''re above us! We didn''t come here to join you; we can handle ourselves!" one of Rakan''s men snarled. Sparrow didn''t even look up as he replied, "Oh, really? You call that taking care of yourselves?" "Ha! We came out of goodwill to warn you," another of Rakan''s men muttered, his voice low but carrying in the silence. "Victor''s planning an ambush to kill your people and seize your supplies. Hell, they''re even talking about following you back to your base to strip it clean." Rakan propped himself up and glared at the man who had spoken out of turn, then sighed weakly. "What my men said is true. Everyone in the shelter was furious when they found out I let you and your people go without a fight¡ªor any supplies. Victor, my second-in-command, challenged my leadership and took over." "I wasn''t about to go down without a fight, so I and a few loyal men slipped back inisde after being kicked out, determined to end the traitors ourselves. That''s when we overheard what they were planning against you." "Unfortunately, we got caught, and a full-on skirmish broke out. Most of my men were killed¡­ only seven of us managed to make it here, to warn you." Sparrow looked at Rakan with a scoff. "You expect me to believe you risked your life to help us out of the goodness of your heart?" He let out a cold laugh. "After your little stunt, do you really think I''d help you¡ªor even let you near my base?" His voice dropped, laced with a chilling edge. "I''m not that forgiving. In fact, I''m vengeful. And I take everything personally." Among them, Sparrow was the one who looked more like a seasoned member of a mafia syndicate than Rakan and his men. Rakan¡ªthe feared leader of the country''s most notorious syndicate, with influence that stretched internationally¡ªnow found himself intimidated by a young man. He made him and his elite men look like street ruffians by comparison. He''d never been in a position like this before. Blinking a few times as he looked at him, Rakan suddenly broke into loud laughter, eyes brimming with tears. "Oh, God! I''ve never felt this alive! I like you, lass. Why don''t you become my godson?" Sparrow, along with Rakan''s men, all stared at Rakan in bewilderment, glancing at him as if he''d lost his mind. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sir¡­ him? Really?" grumbled one of the bulkier men. "The last thing we need is another smartass on our team." "Well, yeah, because you''re the original smartass here," chimed in another of Rakan''s men, not so much defending anyone as stating a fact. The comment was oddly comical, given that they''d just escaped death. Despite the tension¡ªand Sparrow''s clear disdain¡ªthe group seemed remarkably unfazed by the situation. "Anyway," Rakan continued, "whether or not we join your base, I just wanted to warn you about this. Victor and his men are determined to follow you, convinced that people as well-equipped as yours must have a stockpile somewhere." "They''re not just after your supplies¡ªthey''re aiming to take over your base entirely. So, thinking of joining you would be a risky move for me and my men when that happens." He fixed Sparrow with a scrutinizing gaze, watching closely for any reaction. But Sparrow remained unmoved, unfazed. Even Sparrow''s men looked at Rakan and his people as if they were joking, clearly not treating Victor''s forces as a serious threat. After all, who could possibly take over their base with their formidable City Lord and Vice City Lord, Kisha and Duke, guarding it? Victor wouldn''t stand a chance¡ªhe''d be blasted into oblivion if he dared to make a move. The thought made Sparrow and his men scoff smugly, which left Rakan and his subordinates baffled. They assumed Sparrow''s group was overconfident simply because they were better positioned than Victor¡ªa dangerous arrogance that, in Rakan''s view, would get them killed. What Rakan didn''t realize, however, was that it was Victor who was overestimating himself. Sparrow and his men were still holding back, refraining from openly mocking the fools planning this reckless stunt. Chapter 464 - 464 Rakans Silent Surrender Then, as if something suddenly occurred to him, Sparrow glanced at Rakan again, this time with a contemplative look. Since they hadn''t seen any movement from this Victor character, it was likely he had set up an ambush on Sparrow''s return route, planning to capture one of his team members alive to lead them back to the base. If they were really planning to use explosives against Sparrow and his team, this could be their way of ensuring they hit their target. Since Rakan and his men acted as informants, Sparrow found their story too dubious to accept without prior investigation, carefully considering all factors. However, one thing was certain: based on Rakan''s and his subordinate''s behavior and their simplistic account of Victor and their shelter, it was clear none of them were yet aware of superhuman abilities or awakened powers. This oversight would work to Sparrow''s advantage as their trump card. Confident in their plan, he realized they wouldn''t even need to involve Kisha in this fight, especially since she and Duke were preoccupied with the sewer issue back at the base. Adding this problem to their workload would only strain their resources further. Using Rakan and his people as a resource seemed reasonable¡ªafter all, this was something Sparrow could handle himself. If he couldn''t manage a minor issue without guidance, it would be shameful, especially since he is one of Duke''s direct subordinates. With a decisive nod, Sparrow made up his mind. "Alright, let''s set this aside for now." Turning to his men, he commanded, "Get the others ready. We''ll be heading back, so make sure we''re well-prepared, well-rested, and fully stocked. Everyone needs to stay on high alert." Despite the clear instructions and the sense of an impending clash, Sparrow''s calm, almost casual tone left Rakan puzzled¡ªit was hard to understand how he could sound so relaxed. Feeling he''d achieved his purpose, Rakan stood and signaled his men to leave, only to be blocked by Sparrow''s crew. They didn''t look particularly strong or intimidating, yet their expressions made it clear they''d gladly take Rakan down if he took another step. Each held only a dagger, which added to Rakan''s confusion¡ªand even more so for his steel-jawed subordinates, who were clearly thrown off by this bold, unassuming group. Rakan couldn''t understand where Sparrow and his crew got their strength, but he and his men felt as if they were completely outmatched. They slowly raised their hands in surrender, clustering together. Glancing around, Rakan realized Sparrow had no intention of letting him leave, likely suspecting he''d come to gather intel on Sparrow''s numbers or capabilities. But if that were the case, how could he explain his own brush with death just moments ago? Reflecting on it, Rakan vividly recalled being stabbed deeply, bleeding heavily, and feeling his life slipping away¡ªso much so that he''d planned to do one final good deed before he left this wretched world. Yet, as he stood there now, he noticed something strange: he felt no pain whatsoever. In fact, he felt better than he had in years, even his persistent back pain was gone. Forgetting the men around him, Rakan began inspecting his torso and touching various parts of his body where his wounds should have been, only to find¡­ nothing. Rakan was certain that last night hadn''t been a dream. He could still feel the memory of gut-wrenching pain, and he remembered watching some of his people die. In fact, their absence now was undeniable proof of what had happened. Yet, as he looked at his six remaining subordinates, he recalled that each of them had been on the verge of death, just as he was. Now, though, they were moving around as if nothing had happened, appearing as healthy as ever. Their clothes still bore the bloodstains and even the torn holes where they''d been injured¡ªbut the wounds themselves had vanished without a trace. Rakan stood there, utterly stupefied. When Sparrow''s men noticed his unblinking stare¡ªlike he was seeing something otherworldly¡ªthey started to lose their patience. Growing frustrated, they were ready to forcibly snap him back to reality. Rakan had never believed in witchcraft or anything supernatural. He''d always thought the zombie apocalypse was a product of science gone wrong¡ªa man-made virus, much like in ''Resident Evil'', that had shut down higher brain functions and left only the basic instincts to feed. In some ways, that theory wasn''t far from the truth. The only difference was that the virus wasn''t modern¡ªit was ancient, originating from a faraway place or even another planet. And it had the power to trigger evolutionary changes in any living organism¡ªgood or bad. Rakan had never once considered the possibility that his survival was due to some kind of elixir. Even now, he was still baffled, unable to piece together what had actually happened. How had he and his subordinates survived? Where had their injuries gone? How could their wounds vanish without a trace? One thing was clear: it had something to do with Sparrow and his people. And now, with nowhere else to turn and Sparrow seemingly the one responsible for saving their lives, Rakan decided to follow him. After some internal resolve, he snapped back to reality just as Sparrow''s men were growing impatient. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Raising his hands in surrender once again, this time, he was genuinely willing to comply. Though he didn''t understand any of it, he knew that following Sparrow was the only way to find answers. His subordinates, however, were still too preoccupied to start processing what had happened to their bodies. They seemed more focused on how to escape Sparrow or seek revenge on Victor. Rakan could only shake his head, knowing they were missing the bigger picture. ''This group wouldn''t survive out there without me.'' While the thought crossed his mind, his expression softened, more indulgent than critical¡ªas if he were thinking of his own children rather than his subordinates. Sparrow''s men swiftly bound Rakan and his subordinates with thick ropes, securing them individually before connecting them with another rope tied around their torsos, much like prisoners chained together. Rakan''s subordinates gritted their teeth, their faces reddening with fury at the humiliation they were enduring after their efforts to warn Sparrow and his team. It felt like their goodwill had been trampled underfoot. Rakan, however, remained composed, his silence only further fueling the simmering anger of his subordinates. They glared and snarled at Sparrow''s men, their frustration palpable, but in the end, they turned their faces away in defiance. Once Rakan and his men were all securely tied up, breakfast was ready as well. The mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread and creamy clam chowder filled the air, drifting tantalizingly toward them. Evelyn and the others in charge of the meal began serving up bowls of clam chowder, club sandwiches, Caesar salads, and glasses of pineapple juice, passing the trays around to everyone. Rakan and his subordinates couldn''t help but watch, eyes wide and mouths watering, as the tempting smells made their stomachs rumble loudly in protest. They hadn''t had such a decent meal in so long that they could feel their muscles growing weak and their energy dwindling. It was getting harder to perform labor-intensive tasks, which was partly why Rakan and his people had lost so badly to Victor¡ªthey''d been sacrificing portions of their own meals to help other survivors, ensuring everyone had just enough to stay alive and stave off starvation. Chapter 465 - 465 Preparing For Confrontation Rakan and his subordinates felt like stray dogs waiting to be fed. Even though their pride was taking a hit, they would endure this treatment if it meant they could finally have a proper meal. Their eyes widened as they spotted a bear-like creature being served an entire cow''s leg, only intensifying their hunger. Watching others eat so freely, without the pangs of starvation Rakan''s team had endured, underscored just how much Sparrow and his people seemed to have. At this moment, they were certain Sparrow''s team had all the supplies they could ever need to survive the apocalypse, with enough resources to prepare such a variety of big, hearty meals. Perched atop a tree, Sparrow quietly observed Rakan and his people. They were visibly starving, eyes fixed on the food with a fierce hunger, though none of them begged. Their pride held firm, but their longing gazes told Sparrow everything he needed to know. "They don''t look that bad," Clyde remarked from below, glancing at Rakan and his subordinates, who were pitifully eyeing the pot of clam chowder and Zeus, who was tearing into a whole cow''s leg. Clyde could practically read their thoughts as they watched Zeus devour his meal¡ªthe bear-like creature was living far better than they were, and the envy on their faces was unmistakable. Once Sparrow and his crew had finished eating, he signaled Evelyn to serve Rakan and his group a modest portion¡ªjust enough to sustain them for the day. He made it clear, however, that this wasn''t charity; they''d need to earn their keep if they wanted more in the future. Soon after Evelyn finished her meal, she, along with five STAU members and a few other warriors, approached Rakan and his group, each carrying a piece of plain, freshly baked bread and a bowl of clam chowder. Although the bread didn''t have any fillings like the others had enjoyed, it was still far better than cup noodles or stale biscuits. No one felt they were mistreating Rakan and his men, especially given the uncertainty around their intentions. Surprisingly, Rakan and his subordinates didn''t complain and eagerly accepted the food, devouring it like starved wolves. A few of them even came close to accidentally biting Evelyn''s hand in their haste. Evelyn wasn''t concerned about getting hurt¡ªshe was more worried that they might chip a tooth on her now tougher skin, thanks to her "gift." Burp. "That was delicious¡ªthank you!" Rakan and his subordinates finished their meals in a mere two minutes, practically inhaling the clam chowder. If it were possible, they might''ve gulped down the bowl too, savoring the comforting warmth that filled their stomachs. After such a satisfying meal, some even thought that being Sparrow''s prisoner, if it meant eating this well, might not be so bad. With renewed spirits and smiles, Rakan''s subordinates became surprisingly friendly, chatting warmly with Evelyn and the others. Clyde couldn''t hold back his laughter at the sudden shift in attitude, but it was cut short by a reprimanding smack on the back of his head from Sparrow. "You''re lucky my Young Madam saved you and brought you back with us," Sparrow scolded, narrowing his eyes at Clyde''s young face. "Do you think, if it weren''t for her, you''d be any different from them?" The words sank in, and Clyde swallowed his response. Sparrow was right¡ªhis family''s life, and his own, had transformed entirely because of Kisha''s generosity and leadership. Everything he enjoyed now was thanks to her. Had the Coltons still controlled the base, many of them might have died during their awakenings or starved, as Clyde was certain the Coltons would have hoarded all the food and resources for themselves. Reflecting on this, Clyde felt a wave of embarrassment for looking down on Rakan and his people, who, like everyone else, just wanted to survive and have hope for a better tomorrow. Clyde took a deep breath and looked at Rakan thoughtfully. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I apologize, Captain Sparrow, for my immaturity," he admitted sincerely, bowing his head. Sparrow patted his shoulder in response, not wanting to be too hard on the young man. After all, Clyde was barely an adult, yet he was already fighting on the front lines just like him. "Don''t worry too much; it''s not as if they''ll be staying with us for long. Go with Evelyn and keep an eye on them. If they try to run off or pull anything, handle it however you need to." Though Sparrow knew Clyde was still young to shoulder so much responsibility, he could see Clyde''s natural talent for leadership. He understood why Kisha had sent Clyde out here¡ªto sharpen his decision-making skills and prepare him for moments when quick thinking could make or break a mission. Sparrow didn''t know how many more assignments like this lay ahead, and he couldn''t take them all on alone. It was clear Kisha was already preparing others to take on roles like his and the team''s. Understanding Kisha''s intentions, Sparrow was determined to give Clyde as many opportunities as possible to grow. Clyde nodded enthusiastically before making his way to Evelyn''s side, casting occasional glances at Rakan and his group. He moved like a young wolf, always on alert, still feeling somewhat awkward around Rakan and his subordinates. Sparrow couldn''t help but watch with amusement as Clyde adjusted to the new dynamic, observing both him and Rakan''s group from a distance. Before long, the others finished their preparations, as there wasn''t much to handle on their end. They departed from the Eastern Forest as scheduled. But before boarding the truck, Sparrow and his warriors conducted a meticulous inspection to ensure there were no explosives planted. They checked the brakes, fuel tanks, and every other critical component to make sure nothing had been compromised. After all, thorough preparedness was their greatest asset now, and they needed to be certain everything was in working order before setting off. It was crucial they stayed one step ahead in this fight. They placed Rakan and the others in the center of the convoy, flanked by the five STAU, with Zeus, Evelyn, Clyde, and Reeve keeping a close watch over them. Only after confirming that Evelyn and Zeus were with them did Sparrow feel a sense of relief. With these two in place, he knew Clyde and Reeve would be well protected, even if Rakan was planning something against them. The convoy continued on its usual route, seemingly unaware of any potential danger. However, Sparrow wasn''t taking any chances. The moment they left the forest, he activated his "Hawk Eyesight," scanning every corner of the streets ahead and the surrounding perimeter. He remained vigilant, determined not to overlook anything. He maintained a steady pace while driving¡ªnot too fast, but not too slow either. As soon as they reached the entrance of Port City, Sparrow''s senses sharpened. He detected subtle movements in the distance¡ªnothing overt, but enough to catch his attention. He suspected it was Victor, the individual Rakan''s subordinates had mentioned. Given Victor''s background in a mafia syndicate specializing in ambushes, it wasn''t surprising. Without Sparrow''s "Hawk Eyesight," he might have driven straight into a trap, unaware of the spikes hidden on the road and the armed ambushers waiting nearby. Chapter 466 - 466 Sparrows Group Vs Victors Group Sparrow grabbed the walkie-talkie in front of him, pressing the button as he waited for the familiar crackle of static. Once it cleared, he spoke with urgency. "Listen up, people. Targets spotted between three and four o''clock, and from eleven to nine o''clock. Take your positions and prepare to fire back. Over." "We''re ready to move out anytime, Captain," Fred replied, his voice steady as he signaled for the warriors under his command to fall into a defensive stance, ready to strike the moment the opportunity presented itself. Evelyn and Zeus positioned themselves alongside Rakan and his team, mirroring the defensive posture. Clyde and Reeve, though vulnerable due to their still-unawakened status, remained protected within the formation, flanked by the five STAU members. Despite the five having awakened, their abilities were no more than that of ordinary humans with slightly enhanced strength, which made them no match for the upcoming battle. Despite the risk, they kept Clyde and Reeve guarded within the formation, given their youth and inexperience in battle. Meanwhile, Evelyne and Zeus positioned themselves at the most dangerous points, fully aware of the danger. Rakan and his subordinates, still seated on the truck''s floor, exchanged confused glances. They couldn''t understand why Sparrow and his team had chosen to take the same compromised route, one they knew was already dangerous. Why not opt for a safer, alternative path that would minimize the risk and ensure they wouldn''t be walking straight into further danger, ambush even? ''They could have easily gone around. There are plenty of secret routes around Port City that would get them out unscathed. Why risk it all by going through Victor''s territory?'' Rakan muttered to himself in frustration. He couldn''t make sense of Sparrow and his team''s decision, and all he could do was let out a resigned sigh. If they fell, it meant they were all dead¡ªno escape. What Rakan didn''t understand was that Sparrow, much like his master, didn''t tolerate leaving enemies with a target on their back. They both knew that such threats would haunt them relentlessly, like ghosts that wouldn''t rest. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They hated the trouble, and after all, this mission wasn''t the last one. There would always be a next day, a next target. So what if he managed to avoid these people and throw them off his trail for now? It didn''t guarantee they''d stop targeting Sparrow and his team. In fact, they would likely escalate their efforts, closing off other hidden routes. That would only force Sparrow and his group to take longer, already a significant concern with their mission on a tight deadline. The cargo trailer was critical for completing the new wall, and every delay could cost them more than they could afford. The best approach, then, was to force their way through and eliminate their enemies. As Kisha had said, not everyone was worth saving. It would be better to wipe them out entirely so that no more threats lingered around their base. When they returned to Port City, their mission would be much smoother. By taking the same route again, they could lower Victor''s guard. Since Rakan and his people had been gravely injured and nearly dead the night before, Victor likely assumed they hadn''t survived and wouldn''t be able to expose them. With Victor''s plan in motion and his confidence high, this was the perfect opportunity for Sparrow to strike while they were off guard. With a devilish smirk, Sparrow slammed his foot on the gas and signaled to the person in the passenger seat. "Now!" In an instant, the person beside him summoned a thick layer of earth, swiftly covering the spikes designed to puncture the truck''s tires. The action was so quick that Victor''s men were caught off guard, unable to react in time. Before they could even comprehend what had happened, one of their own had already fallen¡ªvictim not to a bullet, but to a sudden burst of fire that rained down from the sky. "Arg!!! Help me!" The man screamed, but his desperate cry was drowned out as the fire engulfed him. The flames, hotter and more lethal than anything he''d ever encountered, consumed him instantly. In moments, he was reduced to a smoldering crisp. The fire''s essence was drawn from a Superhuman Level 0 at its peak, who had been preparing to level up after days of consuming Scarlet Honey. The power behind the flames was beyond anything that a normal man could survive. Sparrow''s truck screeched to a halt just ahead of the position where Victor and his men were hiding. The moment it stopped, Sparrow''s crew erupted from the truck, the normal humans staying behind to man the vehicle, preparing their weapons for cover fire. Meanwhile, the superhumans unleashed their awakened abilities with a ferocity that left the enemy stunned. Wind blades sliced through the air, fireballs ignited in mid-flight, and other potent abilities surged upward, all aimed directly at the enemy. The opposition was momentarily paralyzed with disbelief, unable to comprehend the sheer force they were facing. They didn''t even have time to react before their comrades began falling, one by one. A few heads were cleaved clean off as wind blades zipped through the air, slicing through necks with surgical precision. Blood sprayed in violent bursts before the lifeless bodies crumpled to the ground. It wasn''t until nearly half of Victor''s men had fallen in the span of a few heartbeats that the survivors snapped back to their senses. In a desperate scramble, they dove for cover, hiding behind anything solid they could find, trying to shield themselves from the onslaught. The enemy occasionally peeked out from behind their cover to fire, but their bullets followed a straight line, barely reaching their targets. In contrast, Sparrow''s superhumans could conjure fireballs that arced through the air as though they had a mind of their own, striking with deadly accuracy. The wind blades they summoned weren''t just ordinary weapons¡ªthey curved and spun like boomerangs, relentlessly homing in on their targets until they struck with fatal precision. The windblades, especially those thrown by Sparrow, were far more lethal and sharp than any ordinary version. Ever since leveling up and consuming the Scarlet Honey, Sparrow had grown more attuned to his abilities. With each passing day, it became easier to sense the windblade''s presence in his fingertips, allowing him to control its spin and trajectory. A subtle flick of his fingers before the blade left his hand ensured its deadly, curved path¡ªlike a boomerang, it would return to haunt its target, cutting down anyone in its way. Sparrow smirked, satisfaction evident on his face as he effortlessly executed his new technique. The more he practiced, the easier it became to perform it with precision and speed. His men watched in awe as he effortlessly conjured wind blades that curved and cut through the air with deadly intent, while theirs only followed a straight line. They couldn''t help but marvel at his skill, observing closely in hopes of picking up some pointers. However, despite their efforts, it was clear there was a natural gap between those with innate talent and those who had to rely on training alone. Mastering such a technique wasn''t easy, and even with all the practice, some things could not be replicated so easily. Chapter 467 - 467 Sparrows Group Vs Victors Group 2 The fire-type awakened ability users among Sparrow''s team began summoning fireballs in their hands, carefully calculating the trajectory based on the distance, wind direction, and the position of their enemies. With precise aim, they launched the fireballs into the air, allowing them to arc and curve in a controlled pattern¡ªeither a sharp or wide curve, depending on the situation. As the fireballs reached their peak, they would fall directly onto their targets, incinerating them with ruthless efficiency. Victor''s team, caught off guard and at a severe disadvantage, could only curse and scream in panic as they begged for their lives, realizing too late that escape was impossible. How could Victor''s team possibly compete with Sparrow''s? Some of his men were not only battle-hardened soldiers, but some were mathematicians, engineers, and experts who had a natural affinity for numbers. The mathematics professor, in particular, was the first to devise this strategy. Using his sharp analytical mind, he calculated the precise angles and trajectories, testing his theory in real-time. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Those hiding behind walls with narrow openings were quickly falling into his trap, unable to escape the deadly accuracy of his fireballs. One by one, they were picked off, dying slowly as they realized too late they were caught in a calculated, inescapable web. Sparrow''s eyes landed on the middle-aged professor, who appeared unremarkable at first glance. But the calculating smirk playing on his lips betrayed his true nature as he conjured yet another fireball, his gaze sharp with focus as he lined up his next target. Sparrow couldn''t help but whistle and chuckle under his breath, impressed by the sheer talent in his team. While their awakened abilities may not have been the most overpowering, it was the wielder who determined a weapon''s lethality. After all, weapons are only tools; it''s the one who wields them that truly makes them deadly. And the perfect example of that stood right in front of him¡ªthe mathematics professor, whose sharp mind turned every fireball into a calculated strike of destruction. Sparrow wasn''t about to be outdone by his team, so he continued to unleash his boomerang-like windblades, each strike more precise than the last. Soon, curses echoed from the distance, followed by desperate cries. "FUCK! FUCK, FUCK!!!" "I don''t want to die! Please, stop!" But how could Sparrow and his team stop when they weren''t the ones who initiated this fight? Still, even though they had been dominating the skirmish from the start and none of them had been injured, Sparrow''s men couldn''t help but feel a pang of pity for the opposing side. Those with weaker resolve and a stronger sense of morality hesitated, their hands faltering as they stopped attacking. Their hesitation left only Sparrow and the professor to continue the assault, while the others stood idly by, unsure of how to proceed. Rakan, still inside the truck with Evelyn and the others, could only hear the desperate shouts coming from Victor''s men. At first, he thought it was Sparrow''s team that was shouting and crying, but as he listened more closely, he realized that the voices came from Victor''s men and there was a distinct lack of gunfire. Instead, all he heard were pleas, curses, and wails of agony¡ªuntil it all suddenly fell silent. Rakan and his subordinates were left baffled, unable to imagine what was happening outside. The only thing they could assume was that Sparrow and his team were engaged in a brutal melee battle with Victor''s forces. Sparrow''s side hadn''t even used up the first magazine in their guns. They had only provided cover fire at the beginning, but as soon as Sparrow and the other superhumans took control of the battle, they stopped. It seemed pointless to waste more ammunition when their enemies had already retreated into hiding. But as soon as the other superhumans ceased fighting, leaving the stage to Sparrow and the professor, Victor¡ªwho had been expertly hiding amidst the rubble just out of sight¡ªslowly emerged. A glint of hatred and malice flashed in his eyes as he surveyed the scene. "Monsters die!!!" Victor shouted, his voice dripping with malice as he opened fire with his assault rifle. His ambush caught some of Sparrow''s men off guard¡ªstill reeling from their momentary moral hesitation and pity. They had let their guard down, and Victor seized the opportunity, gunning them down mercilessly. Despite their enhanced strength and defenses, the bullets pierced through, cutting them down one by one. As soon as Sparrow noticed the chaos, he sprang into action. Leaping through the air, he conjured two wind blades¡ªone in each hand¡ªand hurled them with deadly precision toward Victor. But Victor, battle-hardened and quick on his feet, wasn''t so easily taken down. Trusting his instincts, he dodged the wind blades with a swift, fluid movement, narrowly evading the unseeable strikes. Victor dashed forward, using a stack of bricks as cover, quickly propping himself up behind it. He could see that even though his men were sheltered, they were still falling, struck by something they couldn''t see. Realizing that the unseen threat was relentless, he knew he couldn''t afford to stand still. Moving swiftly between covers, he kept himself well-hidden, constantly staying one step ahead. As soon as he spotted an opening, he fired his assault rifle, sending rounds toward any target in sight, all while ensuring that whatever was targeting his men couldn''t reach him. "Take cover!" Sparrow bellowed, his voice laced with fury as he snapped his subordinates out of their shock. They had been momentarily paralyzed, staring in disbelief at their fallen comrades, blood pooling around them. In their newfound confidence as superhumans, they had underestimated the threat of ordinary weapons, thinking that guns and bullets would no longer be a serious danger. But seeing their own people go down proved just how vulnerable they still were. Their awakening hadn''t granted them invincibility, and the harsh truth was clear¡ªthere was no room for hesitation, no place for moral doubts. Survival was the only priority now. As the rest of the team took cover, Sparrow, consumed by anger, pursued Victor relentlessly. The distance between them grew, but the others in the truck didn''t just watch¡ªthey sprang into action. Covering fire erupted from their guns, a shield for the superhumans to pull their injured comrades out of the open. The first to act was the mathematics professor. He rushed to a fallen comrade, his body slick with blood, and dragged him closer to safety, his eyes never leaving the battlefield. Even as he pulled his teammate to cover, he continued launching fireballs towards the enemy''s position, ensuring that no one could sneak up and overwhelm them. His efforts, though chaotic, were crucial¡ªhis side had been thrown into disarray, but he wasn''t about to let it fall apart. "Help the wounded and get them to safety!" The professor commanded, his voice sharp and authoritative, cutting through the chaos. With Sparrow occupied and Fred at the back, providing cover fire, the professor found himself to be the only possible temporary leader in the frontline who could take on the job. He knew the gravity of the situation¡ªhis sharp mind, the only one fully functioning in the chaos¡ªwas needed now more than ever. As Sparrow fought further away, the professor took charge, guiding his team with calm urgency, making sure the injured were tended to and swiftly moved to safety, all while keeping the pressure on the enemy. Chapter 468 - 468 Sparrows Group Vs Victors Group 3 "Those who can still fight, keep pushing forward! Don''t lose focus!" he commanded, his voice firm. Turning to the others, he shouted, "Anyone wounded needs immediate attention¡ªget them to the truck for treatment, then return here to support the line!" Gradually, order returned to their ranks as those stunned by the sudden turn of events regained their composure and followed the professor''s instructions. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They began pulling their wounded comrades out of the open, while launching counterattacks against the enemy, who had regained their firepower and confidence after Victor''s ambush and was now relentlessly shooting at them. Once they had pulled their comrades out of the open, they carefully made their way back to the trucks, lifting the injured up into the truck beds. Evelyn helped position the wounded inside, supporting them as gently as possible, though pained grunts escaped them each time they were moved. They were fortunate that Kisha, with her foresight, had arranged for a doctor to join them. Though his skills hadn''t been necessary on previous missions, now he sprang into action. With the five STAU providing support, the doctor prepared for an impromptu field surgery to remove bullets from the wounded before administering the vial of blue liquid meant to aid their recovery. Although the unhygienic environment was far from ideal, minimizing infection risks was secondary to stabilizing the injured. The doctor could only hope the blue liquid''s healing properties would help offset these rough conditions. They prioritized the gravely wounded first, beginning immediate operations right there on the spot. Fortunately, due to their superhuman resilience, even though the bullets had pierced the enhanced defenses of their bodies, they hadn''t gone too deep. This made it easier for the doctor to extract the bullets and quickly move to the next patient. After each extraction, one of the STAU team members would administer a vial of blue liquid to the patient, accelerating recovery and helping prevent infection or other complications before they could take hold. Through their coordinated efforts, they managed to treat the dozen wounded warriors. Rakan and his subordinates watched in awe as the warriors who had been on the brink of death were now breathing steadily, their wounds healing at an incredible speed. At that moment, Rakan realized it had truly been Sparrow''s team who had saved him and his men from the deadly injuries that had almost claimed their lives. "What are you guys lounging around for? Get up and support the others!" Clyde, who had been quiet until now, suddenly got up and gave a playful kick to the foot of a wounded warrior. Rakan stared at Clyde, wide-eyed, thinking, ''This kid is even more ruthless than I am¡ªand I''m a mafia lord. Can''t he see they just barely escaped the Grim Reaper?'' But just as Rakan thought that, the warrior Clyde had kicked propped himself up with a playful wink, sticking his tongue out. "I thought I could fool you and sleep it off. The others can handle things on the battlefield," he said with a wry smile. In truth, the man had been hoping to avoid returning to the frontlines. He felt guilty for being caught off guard by the enemy, a victim of his own hesitation to harm or kill, driven by his lingering sense of morality. It almost cost him his life. If he hadn''t awakened as an ability user, that bullet might''ve taken him down instantly. Just the thought of it made the warriors who had been sent back feel embarrassed and guilty. They were afraid of pulling their comrades down with them again. So, after they healed up, they pretended to sleep, hoping to avoid drawing attention. But how could anyone sleep when gunfire was constantly echoing around their trucks? Some bullets even hit the sides, creating loud, jarring "clanks" as metal met metal, each sound a reminder of the chaos outside. Clyde could easily tell whether they were truly unconscious or just faking it. He was ruthless enough not to give them the time to stew in their guilt or hesitation¡ªhis focus was on the people outside who desperately needed support. The battle had already shown that, despite their newfound abilities, the warriors were still vulnerable to gunfire. Awakening didn''t make them invincible, and they were just as prone to death as before if they weren''t careful. With the opposing side bringing enough firepower to threaten them, they needed all the help they could get to take down the enemy. After Victor''s successful counterattack, his forces found new courage and determination. It was now all or nothing¡ªthere was no turning back after provoking the hornet''s nest. With renewed fighting spirit, Victor''s men reorganized their lines and launched a fierce counteroffensive, coordinating their fire to cover each other as they shot at Sparrow''s team. Fortunately for Sparrow''s side, they were equally well-armed, particularly the regular humans like Fred. Fred quickly took charge, leading his team to provide crucial support for the superhumans, ensuring that the line held strong and the counterattack was as coordinated as their enemies''. Fred took cover behind the truck, steadying his assault rifle with practiced ease. His sharp eyes locked onto a target, and with pinpoint precision, he squeezed the trigger. The shot rang out, and an enemy dropped instantly, a clean hit to the head. With each calculated peek, Fred''s training paid off, allowing him to take down one enemy at a time with unwavering accuracy. Fred peered cautiously from his cover, scanning the battlefield to pinpoint the next enemy. His eyes narrowed as he tracked a target within his sights. With practiced precision, he quickly reloaded his sniper rifle, then steadied his breath. Peeking through the scope, he exhaled slowly, his finger tightening on the trigger. The shot rang out, clean and silent, as his target fell. Bang! The man who had been hiding behind the wall, trying to sneak up on the superhuman at the front line, suddenly dropped to the ground, a clean bullet hole in his head. The superhuman, who had almost fallen into the ambush, whipped around and scanned the area, his gaze briefly landing on Fred''s position. But Fred had already ducked back into cover, taking a steadying breath. He knew he couldn''t afford to expose himself too often; one careless peek could make him a target for a stray bullet from an enemy sniper positioned elsewhere. Fred swiftly moved to a different position, carefully surveying the area for a new target. Once he identified one, he repeated his previous actions¡ªsteadying his breath, aiming through the scope, and taking the shot with precise focus. Bang! As Victor skillfully dodged Sparrow''s windblades, Sparrow leaped onto the roof, pausing for a brief moment to regain his bearings. Below, Victor scanned the area, searching for any sign of his elusive opponent, but no matter how hard he looked, he couldn''t seem to pinpoint Sparrow''s location. Meanwhile, Sparrow sneered from above, silently watching as Victor moved cautiously beneath him, clearly unaware of the danger lurking overhead. Knowing that Victor''s incredible instincts made him nearly impossible to take down with his windblades, Sparrow realized that continuing to target him would only drain his spiritual energy and expose his own position. With a scoff, he decided to change his approach. Riding the wind like a breeze, he seamlessly moved through the air, suddenly appearing behind Victor. Chapter 469 - 469 Sparrows Group Vs Victors Group 4 Victor, sensing a shift in the air, reacted instantly, ducking out of sheer instinct. The motion saved him from a fatal strike as Sparrow''s dagger only managed to graze the edge of Victor''s hair. Sparrow raised an eyebrow, momentarily perplexed. Despite his superior agility, Victor''s instincts were far more dangerous than he had anticipated. As Victor ducked and quickly spun around, he aimed to sweep his legs out from under Sparrow. However, Sparrow was already one step ahead. Noticing the movement, he quickly pivoted and delivered a precise knee strike. The positioning worked in his favor, allowing him to connect the blow just as Victor was mid-turn. Sparrow''s knee slammed into Victor''s face before he could fully complete his sweeping motion, sending a shockwave of impact through Victor''s face. Although Victor''s instincts were extraordinary, they couldn''t match Sparrow''s speed. The knee strike landed squarely on Victor''s face, shattering his nose with a sickening crunch. The force of the blow forced him to stagger back a few steps. Dazed and disoriented, Victor pressed his hand to his nose, feeling the warm trickle of blood seeping through his fingers, dripping down to his lips. The sharp sting of pain reverberated through his skull, and his vision blurred as his head throbbed. ''Fuck! I think my lip''s busted too!'' Victor thought, the realization making his anger flare. He glared at Sparrow with renewed ferocity, the sting of the attack fueling his rage. Grunting, he roughly wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes narrowing into a deadly, menacing glare as he locked onto Sparrow. The taste of blood only heightened his determination to turn the tide in his favor. Victor shifted his stance, sidestepping cautiously as he drew his dagger. He knew that trying to engage Sparrow with his assault rifle was pointless¡ªSparrow seemed to glide on the wind with every movement, too elusive for gunfire. So, Victor decided to close the distance and rely on his hand-to-hand combat skills, confident in his own strength and fighting prowess. What he didn''t realize, however, was that it was the worst decision he could have made. He never anticipated that his instincts, which had always kept him alive in the most dangerous situations, would fail him at this critical moment. As Victor took another cautious side step, Sparrow surged forward with a smirk, taunting him. But Victor could barely track Sparrow''s movements, let alone see his expression. In an instant, Sparrow turned into a blur, and before Victor even realized it, Sparrow''s dagger had already swung through the air. Victor stepped back instinctively, but Sparrow, anticipating his reaction, adjusted his position. With a swift, calculated motion, he swung his dagger again, this time slashing across Victor''s shoulder, cutting deep into his chest and down to his stomach. The wound was severe. Blood spilled freely as Victor staggered back, his hand instinctively reaching for his gut. His fingers met the warm, sticky blood, and to his horror, he felt the raw edge of the wound. His stomach had been torn open, and the pain hit him like a wave, his vision blurring as he struggled to maintain his balance. Victor glanced down in horror, seeing his intestines spilling from the gaping wound. His eyes widened, disbelief spreading across his pale face as dizziness overtook him. His vision blurred, and the world around him seemed to spin. He tried to focus on Sparrow, but his weakening body refused to cooperate. The blood loss was rapid, and with each passing second, he could feel the life draining from him. A cold, suffocating fear began to settle in¡ªhe was dying, and he couldn''t escape it. "No, I can''t die here," Victor gasped hoarsely, his breath ragged as he desperately tried to push his intestines back into his body, his hands trembling in panic. With a dull thud, he collapsed to his knees, his legs no longer able to support him. "No, no, no," he whispered weakly, a broken murmur as he fumbled in vain to seal the wound. The blood poured out relentlessly, and deep down, he knew the truth¡ªhis time was running out. The wound was too severe, and unless a miracle occurred, death was inevitable. Seeing Victor slowly succumbing to death brought no satisfaction to Sparrow. With a flicker of mercy, he stepped forward, his expression cold yet resolute. In one swift, decisive motion, Sparrow summoned a wind blade and cleanly severed Victor''s head, sending it spinning through the air. As Victor''s body collapsed, the last thing he saw was the world spinning around him, his severed head joining the motion, before everything went black. Victor didn''t even have the time to regret his choices before his life was abruptly cut short. Sparrow cast one final glance at Victor''s lifeless body before he grabbed the severed head and turned to rejoin the chaos of the battlefield. His forces and Victor''s continued to clash in the skirmish, the sounds of gunfire and combat still filling the air. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thud- With a powerful leap, Sparrow soared high into the air, using his whirlwind ability to carry him. He hurled Victor''s severed head into the heart of the battlefield, where it landed unnoticed at first, lost among the chaos of combat. As the fight raged on, the two forces were too consumed in their own struggles to pay attention. Then, like a ghost on the wind, Sparrow descended with slow, deliberate grace, making a dramatic entrance right in the midst of the fray. The sheer spectacle of his arrival caused both sides to momentarily falter, giving him the opening he needed. He landed in front of Victor''s head with a calculated ease, kicking it disdainfully toward the opposing enemy, his message clear in the motion. A collective gasp echoed through the enemy ranks as they finally saw what Sparrow had kicked toward them. Horror washed over their faces, their color drained, and a wave of trembling fear took hold. They looked back at Sparrow, and without him uttering a single word, the message was clear. Sparrow''s actions spoke louder than anything he could have said¡ªhe was offering them one final choice. It was now up to them: they could either choose to end up like Victor, or they could cherish the fragile lives they had left. The weight of the decision hung in the air, and the tension was palpable. In truth, Sparrow wasn''t offering them a choice¡ªhe was showing them their inevitable end. They had already drawn their weapons and set their sights on Sparrow''s team, and even if he let them go now, the lingering resentment would fester, eventually becoming a threat that could endanger his people. Sparrow had seen the ugly face of greed and mercilessness in this apocalyptic world far too many times, and each time it had only deepened his disappointment. He knew better than to gamble with his people''s lives. There was no room for mercy in a world that had already shown its true, ruthless nature. Before Victor''s remaining forces could even think of retreating, Sparrow signaled to his own team. In an instant, the air crackled with energy as his warriors conjured fireballs, windblades, and other powerful abilities, launching them toward the retreating enemy. Unlike before, when hesitation lingered in their hearts, there was no such uncertainty now. They understood the harsh truth¡ªthis was a "kill or be killed" world, and only those willing to fight with everything they had would survive. The jungle had its rules, and today, they would be the ones to enforce them. Chapter 470 - 470 Drastic Measure Soon after, Sparrow and his team emerged victorious; Victor''s forces were completely wiped out. Fred led a group to ensure that none of Victor''s men had survived and, if any were injured but still alive, to end their suffering swiftly. He also made sure to collect any usable weapons from the fallen, knowing they could be valuable for the base''s future defenses. Though most of them felt a heavy weight in their hearts, they gritted their teeth and pressed on. None of them had wanted to kill or be responsible for someone''s death, but they knew they had no choice. When cornered, they would fight back, no matter how difficult it felt. Seeing his men''s hearts in the right place, Sparrow nodded in satisfaction. He could see the resolve etched on their faces as they made their rounds. Their skirmish, along with the noise of the battle, had attracted a swarm of zombies from within Port City, now shambling toward them. Sparrow and the others had already taken down a few dozen, so Fred and his team quickened their pace back to the trucks. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once everyone was on board, Sparrow led them back onto the road, heading for home. Not long after Sparrow and his team left, the zombies swarmed the area, drawn to the bodies left behind. Their hungry, guttural growls and frenzied roars echoed across the landscape, reaching the shelter inside Port City. The sound filled the air with dread, and the people huddled inside the shelter trembled, crouching in corners and covering their ears. Those who had gone out earlier to scavenge for supplies hadn''t returned, heightening the group''s fear and helplessness. Sparrow and his team could still hear the distant, chilling noises of the zombies swarming the battleground they had just left behind. Some of the men glanced back over the edge of the truck, their gazes unreadable, hearts heavy with mixed emotions. Rakan observed the returning warriors, sensing the conflict within them. He could understand their turmoil¡ªvictory came at a cost, and the sight they left behind was haunting. The first kill was never easy; it lingered, unsettling, in the mind. But after that, the second kill often came easier. The real fear wasn''t in the first act of taking a life¡ªit was in the creeping numbness that followed, the risk of growing accustomed to it. Rakan understood that these ordinary people, now shaken, were wrestling with that very fear. They were afraid of what they might become, and that was why emotions ran high. Throughout the journey, everyone remained silent, speaking only when absolutely necessary. Rakan and his subordinates kept a low profile, not wanting to draw attention to themselves¡ªespecially since Sparrow''s intentions for him an his people were still unclear. Drawing unnecessary attention now might only complicate things for him and put them all in a difficult situation. So, he and his people kept a low profile, blending into the background as if they weren''t there. Clyde noticed their careful restraint but chose to stay silent, sensing that everyone needed space and quiet to process their emotions. Fortunately, aside from occasional stops to refuel, the journey was smooth, almost as if some higher power took pity on their troubled hearts. They arrived back at the shelter just before sunset, just in time when Vulture and the rest to finish up with the last trailer, securing it behind the newly constructed earth wall. Upon arriving, Sparrow and his team of five STAU members immediately began sorting the supplies they''d gathered. Instead of stacking the cargo trailers in their usual empty spot, they coordinated with Aston, taking the trailers directly to where Vulture and his crew were working. This streamlined the process, lightening Aston''s team''s workload and helping everyone get organized more efficiently. Instead of returning to rest, Vulture and his team continued working, with Kisha staying behind to assist them. She subtly replenished their spiritual energy and helped with their stamina recovery. After several days of relentless labor on the wall project, they were just a little over halfway done. With only four days remaining before the mission''s deadline, Kisha couldn''t help but feel anxious and worried about completing the task in time. ''I guess I''ll have to take more drastic measures,'' Kisha thought, observing the five STAU members as they helped position the cargo trailers, saving the use of cranes and forklifts. Kisha and the others worked late into the night, the area growing darker with each passing hour. She only allowed them to stop when she could see that their mental endurance was reaching its limit. However, thanks to her discreet assistance in replenishing their spiritual energy and stamina to continue working nonstop, Vulture''s team¡ªhimself included¡ªhad experienced a significant boost in mental capacity. This improvement allowed them to use their awakened abilities more swiftly and with greater precision. They decided to view this as part of their training, understanding that the consistent use of their abilities and ongoing efforts were pushing them to reach their peak once again. This would set them up for another level-up, ultimately boosting their productivity. This was the only reason Kisha wasn''t overwhelmed despite the looming deadline. Not only was the wall expansion and wall defense enhancement mission approaching, but in just nine days, all of her chain missions would also come to a head. Though she felt the weight of it, she managed to keep her unease under control, carefully hiding her stress. "Aston, can you please gather the five STAU and have them meet me in the study?" Kisha radioed as she made her way back to the villa. By now, Aston and the five STAU had already returned inside the wall to eat and rest. Given that it was late into the night, Kisha expected the FIVE STAU to be fast asleep, likely preparing for an early departure the next day. "And also, call in Sparrow," she added. Kisha turned to face Vulture. "Before you rest, meet me in the study. We need to make some changes to the plan." Vulture didn''t ask any questions; he simply nodded and followed behind her. Just then, Tristan emerged from Villa #5. He was still covered in blood, his expression dark, and the lingering killing intent around him was reeking his body¡ªlikely from blowing off steam after tormenting the Coltons again. As he saw Kisha and Vulture, he quickly masked his emotions, adopting a gentle smile. "Good evening, Young Madam." Tristan bowed curtly, a gesture of respect. Kisha nodded in acknowledgment and waved him off. "Go ahead and continue with your tasks." Tristan returned a brief nod before heading home to shower and rest. He had another early day ahead, handling the various responsibilities around the base. As the secretary, it was his role to manage everything and assist both the City Lord and Vice City Lord with their duties. This was the reason Kisha and Duke could leave the base without concern¡ªTristan was in charge, effectively managing and coordinating with the other departments to maintain order within the walls. When Kisha and Vulture arrived at the study, only Sparrow was present. They waited a few moments for the five STAU members to arrive. Each one looked as though they had been pulled from their sleep, their faces tense and filled with unease while still in their sleeping wear. They were clearly nervous, likely fearing they had done something wrong to warrant being called in the middle of the night. Their stiff postures and the worry etched across their faces were unmistakable. Chapter 471 - 471 Drastic Measure 2 "I apologize for calling an emergency meeting at this hour," Kisha began, her voice sincere. "I know you''re all exhausted and were preparing to rest, especially you, Sparrow, and your team, since you''ll be leaving early tomorrow." She spoke with genuine concern, but her expression hinted at something more¡ªan expectation that everyone would soon find out. Her eyes seemed to suggest that there was more to this meeting than just a simple apology. The room fell silent, the tension rising as they all exchanged knowing looks. No one spoke up, but each of them gave Kisha a polite, encouraging smile, silently urging her to continue. Kisha nodded, her smile widening as she addressed the group. "As you can see, the wall''s construction is far from complete. At our current pace, it will take at least another week to finish. And considering the time needed for travel between City B and Port City, each trip takes more than a day for the back and forth." Kisha sighed, her expression serious. "But I don''t think we have the luxury of time. We can''t predict when another zombie raid like the last one might hit." "Our priority is to strengthen the wall''s defenses and, at the same time, expand our territory. Our numbers will only continue to grow, and we need to be ready for what comes next." Kisha''s expression grew more serious as she continued, "However, sending almost half of our offensive awakened ability users outside the base will significantly weaken our defenses here. So, tomorrow will be the last time you all head to Port City." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. The five STAU exchanged uneasy glances, their concern growing. One of them, unable to hold back, spoke up, "City Lord, there are still so many supplies left in Port City, especially in the Eastern warehouse. If we don''t retrieve them, they''ll just go to waste." Kisha''s eyes curved into a crescent, her lips curling into a satisfied smile as if she''d been waiting for exactly this response. "I''m glad you brought that up," she chuckled before shifting her gaze to the five STAU. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That''s exactly why I called you here. Right now, you''re all at level 1, which limits the amount of supplies you can store to just three cargo trailers each. And honestly, that''s still far too little for what we need." At Kisha''s remark, the five STAU exchanged bewildered glances, as if she had just sprouted three more heads. To them, the idea of having space to store up to three cargo trailers was already a remarkable luxury. They couldn''t fathom how they could possibly need more space, nor did they ever expect to be told that what they had was insufficient. Even they, already impressed with the vastness of their storage capacity, were taken aback by her comment. Until a few minutes later... "So, everyone, welcome to my territory space," Kisha said with a playful smile, glancing back at the five. They were all too stunned to respond, their eyes darting around the vast expanse of land, still bathed in the bright light of day. They rubbed their eyes repeatedly, unable to believe what they were seeing, thinking they might be hallucinating. It wasn''t until Kisha''s calm introduction that the reality of the situation began to sink in. After the initial shock, when they felt as though their souls had nearly left their bodies, the five finally understood why Kisha had called their storage space "small." In comparison to the vastness of her territory, their space truly seemed insignificant. However, if they were to learn that Kisha also had a separate inventory with unlimited capacity, they might just break down in disbelief and cry. Kisha''s smile twisted into something darker, a cold and calculating smirk. "Now that you know my secret, you have two choices," she said, her voice dripping with menace. "Either die right here... or take this." She opened her palm to reveal five Heart Gu Pills, each one gleaming like a black pearl, its sinister luster catching the light with an eerie glint. A cold shiver ran down the spines of the five as they realized the gravity of Kisha''s words. Though she offered them a choice, it was clear that the only real option was to follow her. Earlier, the five were stunned when a portal-like door suddenly materialized out of thin air. Before they could process what was happening, Sparrow and Vulture had already pushed them through, leaving them no time to react. To their shock, they found themselves in what seemed like an entirely separate world with its own distorted flow of time. Now, standing before Kisha, they were presented with a choice that felt more like a trap laid out for them. If they refused to follow her, it was clear that she wouldn''t hesitate to eliminate them. After all, their awakened abilities were no longer necessary to her¡ªshe had something far more powerful at her disposal. Fear clenched their throats as they realized the weight of their situation. With a collective gulp of panic, they took the Heart Gu Pills from Kisha''s hand and, without hesitation, swallowed them. Even Kisha was momentarily taken aback by their quick decision. Kisha raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharpening as she looked at them. "You didn''t even wait for me to finish speaking?" Her voice was laced with surprise and amusement. One of the bolder STAU members, trying to hide his nervousness, spoke up, though his words betrayed his uncertainty. "City Lord, we trust you. It''s not like you''re feeding us poison, right?" As soon as the words left his mouth, the change in Kisha''s expression was immediate. His face drained of color, and the weight of his words sank in. Panic surged through him as he choked on his own spit, his eyes widening in terror. "I-I-it wasn''t poison, right?" A tense silence fell over the group, and one by one, the others began to panic as well. They hadn''t fully thought through the implications of their actions, and now, the fear that Kisha might truly carry out her threat felt all too real. They all recalled the expansive farmland and the orchard they had seen earlier, the source of the fresh supplies they had been receiving might have come from here and they all realized this. If this secret of hers came to light, it would cause far more trouble than they could imagine. The weight of it pressed down on them all, and the gravity of their situation made their anxiety spike even higher. After Kisha composed herself, she smiled brightly. "Of course, it wasn''t a poison." She then saw them relax but she continued. "But it was something worse than poison." Her bright smile now looked more like something out of a horror thriller smile and they all felt a cold sweat dreched their clothes. Kisha then explained to them what the pill they took and what it does to the body, the longer Kisha spoke the paler the five''s faces became and someone even passed out of fear, the other one had his eyes rolled back and was about to collapse only to be caught but Vulture. "Don''t worry, we also took it." Vulture tried to reassure the guy but his words only scared him even more, making him pass out completely. Chapter 472 - 472 Zeus, Hurt Only one person managed to stay awake, but Vulture and Sparrow couldn''t get through to him as he started mumbling to himself in fear. Kisha awkwardly scratched the tip of her nose, realizing that her intention had been to scare them just a little¡ªnot to scare them silly. But what''s done is done. Kisha, along with Sparrow and Vulture, rested for a while inside the territory. The two of them took a short nap before deciding to train, eager to prepare for their second level-up. Kisha had already set a clear timeframe for them to follow, and they needed to grow stronger to make their work easier. She allowed them the freedom to find their own spaces within the territory and gave them unrestricted access to the Scarlet Honey and Crystal Core until they reached level 2. While waiting for four STAU to wake up and the other one to get better, Kisha turned her focus to Zeus, giving it the same amount of Crystal Core as she had to Bell. Meanwhile, Bell was sent to find Duke and assess his condition again. Like the wall''s deadline, Duke''s mission only had four days left starting tomorrow. Kisha could only hope he''d make it, but more than that, she was worried about his safety. Deep down, she still feared for his life, and that anxiety kept her from resting easy. Not knowing his condition weighed on her, so to ease her mind, she entrusted Bell with the task of checking on him and offering whatever support it could. At least now, the base was stable and didn''t require Bell to remain on constant alert. Additionally, with numerous Scarlet Bees stationed along the walls, even if Bell had to leave, her commands would be acknowledged and followed by the bees, ensuring that the base remained secure in her absence. The moment Kisha placed 630 crystal cores in front of Zeus, he devoured them as if it were a bowl of dog food. He didn''t even bother to chew; with each bite, he swallowed mouthfuls of crystal cores, causing Kisha to choke up in worry. Zeus wasn''t like Bell, who had a special constitution to handle such massive amounts of spiritual energy. She quickly reached out, holding onto Zeus''s head, watching nervously as he consumed the crystals like he''d been starved. Kisha struggled with Zeus, who had already devoured nearly half of the crystal cores in just two bites. "Ugh! I forgot this one''s a complete glutton," Kisha muttered as she tried to hold him back. Zeus, however, was fixated on the remaining crystal cores, determined to break free from her grip to get to them. "Master, delicious! Zeus eat!" Zeus whined, wriggling in Kisha''s grip, desperate to reach the crystal cores. "No! Sit down for a bit!" Kisha commanded firmly. Just as the words left her mouth, Zeus''s body began to glow, signaling his sudden level-up to level 2. But before Kisha could even process it, another burst of light radiated from him, hinting at yet another level up. "Great..." she sighed, her heart racing with worry. She quickly stored the remaining crystal cores back in her inventory, fearing that if Zeus ate any more, he might actually explode. "Arf! Master, tummy hurts! Head hurts! Zeus dying!" Zeus whimpered in a pained, frantic tone, curling up and whining non-stop. Kisha''s heart raced as panic set in¡ªZeus was clearly suffering from the side effects of consuming too many crystal cores too quickly. He''d leveled up without having a chance to properly consolidate his strength, leading to this painful backlash. Zeus was lucky his head hadn''t exploded immediately. Kisha sat down beside him, focusing intently as she attempted to sense the erratic flow of his spiritual energy. Gently, she channeled her own energy into his veins, guiding his turbulent energy along a stable path, like a breeze supporting a paper plane, helping it reach its destination. But Zeus resisted her efforts, his own energy forcefully blocking her aid, causing her guiding energy to rebound. "Zeus is a good boy, right? Let Master help you. Just follow my energy, and the pain will stop," Kisha coaxed softly, gently stroking his head. "Master... it hurts..." Zeus whimpered, pressing his head into her hand. "I know. I''ll help make it go away," Kisha murmured, steadying herself as she sent another wave of spiritual energy into his veins. This time, Zeus''s energy didn''t reject hers completely; though it occasionally resisted, it allowed her to help guide its flow. Gradually, Kisha was able to ease his turbulent energy, offering him some relief. "Good boy, just like that," Kisha murmured, her eyes closed in concentration. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha could feel the chaotic flow of Zeus''s spiritual energy¡ªit was all over the place, wild and unstable. Zeus was now at level 3, one level higher than her, making the task of guiding his spiritual energy even more challenging. As Kisha channeled her spiritual energy, she could feel it becoming increasingly turbulent, creating restless waves within her. Her mana stirred alongside it, but thankfully, it didn''t seize the opportunity to cause havoc within her system as her spiritual energy remained focused on guiding Zeus. Beads of sweat began forming on her forehead, her eyelashes fluttering as she concentrated, her face glistening under the strain. Yet, she kept her eyes closed, fully absorbed in the delicate task at hand. While Kisha focused on helping Zeus, the four STAU members slowly began to stir from their slumber. Disoriented at first, they blinked and took in their unfamiliar surroundings, struggling to recall how they had ended up in this strange place. One of them continued to mumble to himself, lost in thought. As memories of the events from just hours before came flooding back, their faces turned pale with worry. They searched for any sign of Sparrow and Vulture, but both were nowhere to be found. Kisha, too, was absent. Concern mounting, they had no choice but to begin looking around, dragging along the one who was still mentally adrift. "Where are they?" one of them asked, scanning the vast expanse of land before them. "Shit! This really is a farmland," another exclaimed, his eyes widening as he took in the abundance of crops planted all around. "And look at these¡ªthese are the same crops we buy from the Supply Center! They look huge and fresh!" "So, are you suggesting that the City Lord and the other leaders were lying when they claimed that those supplies came from the Coltons'' seized stock?" one of them asked, a hint of disbelief in their voice. They weren''t fully rejecting the idea, though. After all, even though they had just been threatened, they couldn''t ignore the undeniable truth of what Kisha had done for the base. She had stabilized their lives and restored a sense of peace and normalcy, despite the constant threat of zombies and ongoing battles. Not only did they have plenty of food, but they also had a safe haven to call home. That alone set them apart from the other survivors they had encountered from outside, particularly the ones from Port City, who clearly hadn''t been so fortunate. "Now that you mention it, didn''t Captain Sparrow and Captain Vulture say they had taken it too?" one of them pointed out, trying to focus on the silver lining. "And look at them¡ªthey''re fine. As long as we take the antidote before the two weeks are up, we should be okay." Despite his attempt to sound hopeful, his voice trembled, a clear sign that the thought of the pain they''d endure when the demonic insect stirred in their hearts still haunted him. Chapter 473 - 473 Their Conclusion "But if we consider it from a different perspective, I think I can understand why the City Lord had to be so cautious," the one walking at the back suddenly said. His words made the others turn to look at him, and realizing he had their attention, he hesitated for a moment before continuing to explain his thoughts. "Just look around," he said, gesturing to their surroundings. "She has an abundance of supplies here." He paused, letting the others absorb his words, before continuing, "And have you noticed the smell in the air? That stench¡ªlike a pigsty. It means, aside from growing crops, they''re also raising livestock here. And, by the way, there are more than 5,000 people in our base right now." "With this many people, keeping up with the demand would be a challenge. Even though the farmland is vast, each crop requires a lot of time to mature¡ªat least a month for the quickest harvest, and others take even longer." "Given that timeline, the fresh produce at the Supply Center will run out quickly, and they''d have to wait several weeks before the next batch is ready." "But have you noticed something strange? The supplies never seem to run low. Every day, there''s a consistent supply of fresh crops in the Supply Center, along with fresh meat. I used to work as a butcher, so I can tell the difference between frozen meat and fresh meat." "At first, I didn''t say anything because I couldn''t wrap my head around it, even after awakening my space-type ability like you guys. But no matter how I look at it, I still can''t understand where she''s getting all of this." "And let''s be honest, humans are naturally greedy¡ªso even if the City Lord and the others were truly using the supplies seized from the Coltons, there should still be a limit to how much they can distribute. Yet, somehow, we''re eating well every day, just like we are now." "So, in conclusion," he began, his voice steady, "even though the City Lord made us take the Heart Gu Pill, it was really just to ensure our loyalty remains unwavering and prevent our greed from taking over, especially with all this abundant supply in front of us." He exhaled deeply, as if a weight had been lifted from his chest. A smile slowly spread across his face, his mind finally clear. "Why didn''t you say that earlier?" the man at the front asked, his voice tinged with exasperation. "You looked so terrified that I actually started to feel scared myself, especially when you suddenly fainted." The one who had been elaborating his thoughts choked on his own spit, embarrassment flooding his face. "What was I supposed to do?!" he retorted, his voice rising in frustration. "My mind just went blank¡ªimagining what those demonic insects might do to me terrified me so much that I couldn''t think straight!" He adjusted his expression, a mix of embarrassment and helplessness now clearly visible on his face. "Alright, let''s not dwell on this anymore," the one in the middle said, trying to calm the others down. "We''ve all taken the Heart Gu Pill, and what he said really does make sense. We''ve been living so comfortably that we overlooked things we might have thought were minor. But if we''d paid a little more attention, it would have been clear." "It''s not that the City Lord was hiding things out of greed¡ªit''s more about maintaining stability, both in our resources and in our mindset, and preventing envy and greed from stirring up trouble." The others nodded in agreement, feeling slightly more at ease as they reflected on their situation. By sharing their thoughts and analyzing the events since Kisha took charge, they began to understand things more clearly and stopped feeling so fearful. After a bit more discussion, they all reached a unanimous decision: they would follow Kisha''s arrangements, no matter what. After all, they were support-type awakened ability users, unable to defend themselves in the outside world, relying entirely on the base''s protection. Realizing they couldn''t afford to turn against the hands that fed them, they began to look at their situation with a much clearer perspective. Their minds now less clouded, they focused on their surroundings with renewed attention. They even slapped the man who had been muttering to himself a few times to snap him back to reality. Once he regained his senses, they explained their conclusions, which helped him calm down and see things more clearly. Only when they were all settled did they resume their search for Kisha and the others. Along the way, they explored the area, taking in the orchard, livestock farm, and vast farmland. As they approached the mountain, they saw Kisha sitting quietly in a flower field, surrounded by large Scarlet Bees buzzing around, each one dipping its head into the flowers before flying off again. The bees seemed completely unfazed by Kisha''s presence, as if she didn''t exist at all. The five of them were taken aback, their scalps tingling at the sight of the massive bees that could easily sting them to death. However, noticing that the bees weren''t attacking Kisha and seemed to be living well in her personal space, they deduced that the creatures might be her pets or under her control. Even so, they cautiously made their way toward Kisha, sidestepping slowly while keeping a wary eye on the bees, fearful that one might suddenly turn on them. It took them quite some time to reach Kisha, and as one of the STAU members reached out to tap her shoulder to announce their presence, another quickly grabbed his wrist, stopping him. The team member could tell that Kisha wasn''t sleeping, but meditating. Her posture and the stillness around her suggested she was deeply focused, perhaps channeling her energy. Disturbing her now might disrupt her concentration or the flow of energy. With a quiet nod, he motioned for his comrade to refrain from touching her, respecting the moment of calm Kisha was in. After being stopped, the man who had reached out to touch Kisha paused, his eyes now taking in her calm, meditative state. Only then did he realize the mistake he almost made. Not wanting to disturb her any further, they all quietly settled around her, choosing spots where they could meditate in silence. Given that they had just recently leveled up, they knew they needed to stabilize their spiritual energy and solidify their foundation. Each of them took out a bottle of Scarlet Honey, but as they watched the large scarlet bees buzzing in the distance, their eyes widened in realization. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They recalled hearing the honey referred to as "Scarlet Honey" when it was first distributed, and now, seeing the deep scarlet-colored bees buzzing around in the distance, the connection became clear. The honey they had been using actually came from Kisha''s territory. This realization opened their eyes to something even more significant: Kisha''s land wasn''t just home to crops, but also to rare treasures that many would covet. The Scarlet Honey itself was proof of this¡ªit had incredible effects on the body, and anyone who had used it could attest to its benefits. If others were to learn where it came from, there was no doubt they would start to desire it, perhaps even take action to claim it for themselves. Chapter 474 - 474 Zeuss And The Five STAUs Level Up Now that they were inside Kisha''s territory, they began to notice many things that hadn''t clicked before. They realized just how much Kisha and the other leaders had been silently helping every one of them. This newfound awareness made them feel even more indebted to Kisha and the others, motivating them to take their training more seriously. When Kisha finished helping Zeus, she noticed the five of them training on their own, without any prompting from her. Their faces showed a look of resolve and determination as they sat with their eyes closed in focused concentration. Kisha raised an eyebrow but didn''t say anything. Meanwhile, Zeus, having exhausted himself to stabilize his spiritual energy, was finally resting peacefully, free from the pain that had been tormenting him. Seeing the five STAU members training on their own without her needing to prompt them, Kisha felt reassured. Quietly, she placed additional crystal cores in front of each of them, then activated her ''Eye of Truth'' to monitor their progress. With her enhanced mental capacity, she could now train herself while using part of her consciousness to observe them¡ªa valuable exercise in control. This dual focus would strengthen her ability to manage multiple tasks with precision, an essential skill for manipulating various items efficiently. Everyone became absorbed in their own training, with only the distant hum of buzzing and their steady breathing filling the air. Hours later, the five STAU members opened their eyes, each exhaling a deep, concentrated breath that radiated with strong spiritual energy¡ªa sign they''d reached a bottleneck and were ready for the next level. Their bottles of Scarlet Honey were now emptied, and, at that moment, Kisha opened her eyes as well. "Good," Kisha said, nodding in approval as she looked over each of them. "It seems you''re all ready to break through to level 2." She paused, then added with a thoughtful smile, "But before you do, why not practice control and precision with your space abilities first? Test your strength and refine your energy. With all the Scarlet Honey you''ve been using, stabilizing your spiritual energy will help your body adjust before the final step to level 2." Without questioning her reasoning, the five STAU stood up, scanning their surroundings for objects they could use to practice storing and retrieving from their space. They searched for anything substantial, but all they found were open land, trees, and a few large boulders. Observing their need for larger items, Kisha walked over and, with a wave, summoned a set of trucks from her own inventory. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The five STAU members looked on, astonished, as five fuel tanks materialized before them. They all sprang to their feet, turning to Kisha with wide-eyed disbelief, their faces clearly asking, ''Was that you? Did you just do that?'' Kisha, however, remained calm and unfazed, simply watching their reactions with a hint of amusement. "City Lord, y-you... you..." one of them stammered, at a loss for words. They didn''t need to say more; it was clear to all of them where those trucks had come from. A new realization struck them: the City Lord held far more secrets than they had imagined. Suddenly, her previous warnings made perfect sense. They couldn''t help feeling a touch of defeat, recognizing that while they had taken pride in their storage capacities¡ªalmost to the point of arrogance, thinking they controlled the base''s lifeline¡ªKisha had silently been carrying even more. In that moment, they understood just how much she was safeguarding, and it humbled them deeply. Their pride felt punctured, as if the thing they once held in such high regard had suddenly been diminished. None of them dared to wonder just how vast Kisha''s storage space truly was¡ªthey sensed that doing so would completely deflate their remaining confidence. Determined to stay focused, they set their thoughts aside and threw themselves into their training, silently waiting for Kisha''s next instructions. Kisha hadn''t intended to undermine their confidence; instead, her goal was to empower them. Now that they had taken the Heart Gu Pill, she felt it was time to reveal more of her own capabilities, knowing their loyalty was bound and their cooperation could be invaluable. Enhancing the capacity of their spatial abilities was now her top priority, as this would make them even more effective allies in the future. As the others focused on their training, Kisha found herself with little to do. So, she turned her attention to Zeus, peering into its status window to assess its strength after its recent level-up. She was curious to see how much it had grown. ... [Tibetan Mastiff: Zeus (Unique Grade)] Level 3 (Exp: 0/5000) Strength: 245 (+216) Stamina: 245 (+216) Defense: 245(+212) Agility: 245 (+207) Mental Capacity: 245 (+230) Charm: 245 (+236) Leadership: 245 (+235) Skills: Armor Skin Level 1, Sonic Wave Level 0, Stun Level 1 Description: A mutant animal from Earth a lower realm, it survived the mutation unscathed, breaking free from the virus''s control. Unlike corrupted mutants, its temperament and memories remained intact, retaining its intelligence and gaining formidable strength. ... ''Hooo....'' Kisha raised an eyebrow as she studied Zeus'' status window. Its stats were only slightly behind Bell''s, which was impressive considering it was a Unique-grade creature¡ªtwo grades lower than Bell''s. In fact, Zeus'' base stat increases were remarkably high, almost on par with Duke''s, making it clear just how strong it had become. Kisha rested her chin on her palm as she stared at Zeus, contemplating. ''I guess Zeus could be considered a genius among animals,'' she thought. It was a good thing she''d been adding Scarlet Honey to Zeus'' food from the start. While the honey was particularly ineffective for Bell, it had clearly benefited Zeus as well, enhancing its growth and helping it reach such impressive stats. Kisha smiled softly, pleased with the results. Satisfied with what she''d seen, Kisha returned to her own training, patiently waiting for the five STAU to finish theirs and reach their next level. It wasn''t long before they all felt their spiritual energies stabilize. One by one, they began consuming the crystal cores Kisha had prepared for them. As the energy surged within them, their bodies began to glow, and a collective hum of comfort escaped their lips. The sensation of energy flowing through their veins was exhilarating, and once the process was complete, they immediately began assessing the extent of the growth of their spatial abilities. "My space has expanded by another 100 cubic meters! That brings the total to 300 cubic meters!" one of them exclaimed, awestruck by the newfound vastness of his own space. "Exactly! With this, we could store up to five cargo trailers!" another chimed in, excitement evident as he mentally calculated just how much they could now store. "If we place one cargo trailer horizontally among the four, we can actually fit five¡ªno, wait, we could fit seven! When our space was only 200 cubic meters, we managed to fit three trailers, plus some extra supplies from the warehouse. But now, with an extra 100 cubic meters, we can fit two more, and there''s still room at the back! Plus, since our space is a large, evenly sized square, we can even stack more on top of the trailers!" Chapter 475 - 475 Sparrow And Vulture Reaching Level 2 "Wait, now that you mention it, we could have stacked the trailers earlier instead of just adding more supplies..." "But with this extra space, we could actually fit more than seven! It''s not far-fetched to think that we could fit ten cargo trailers in here. By the time we get back, we could have fifty trailers'' worth of supplies, and the cargo trailers would be enough to build the wall! Don''t you think?" "Ugh! Honestly, I''m glad none of us are engineers or anything related to math¡ªwe really suck at calculations! We could have fit so much more before, but we were too focused on just adding more supplies instead of thinking about the cargo trailers. Now that the City Lord mentioned this is our last trip to Port City, it''s only now that my brain is finally starting to work a little better." One of them grumbled, frustrated by the missed opportunity. "It''s no use crying over spilled milk," Kisha said, her voice calm as she approached them from behind. "But with that many cargo trailers, we can definitely finish the wall construction and expansion. The real problem now is how we''re going to complete it in the next two days, after you all return." She paused, acknowledging the challenge ahead. "Fifty cargo trailers is a lot to manage with such a tight deadline." But fifty cargo trailers were more than enough to cover the expansion, and even Kisha hadn''t anticipated that the five STAU would each have 300 cubic meters of space. For space-type ability users, that was already incredibly impressive. If she didn''t have her system, these five would have been considered treasures in their own right. The thought made her smile even wider, feeling a sense of pride in how far they had come. Kisha fell into deep thought, her brow furrowing as she sighed heavily. "I suppose we have no choice but to repurpose the cargo trailers we''re currently using as walls," she said, her tone resolute. "We''ll need to adjust them to align with the outer walls we''re building and temporarily use a different material for the rest of the current wall. We''ll also have to increase security around the area." The others instinctively sucked in a sharp breath, a wave of apprehension sweeping over them at the thought of such a drastic change. If they followed Kisha''s suggestion, it would leave their base exposed, especially if another zombie raid occurred unexpectedly. As if reading their thoughts, Kisha continued, "I understand your concerns, but we have no choice. We''ll need to bolster the guards around the area. And although I can''t prove it, I have a strong feeling that we must complete all preparations in the next few days. If we don''t, we''ll be in an even more vulnerable position." Kisha hesitated but felt compelled to say more than she normally would, the weight of the situation pressing on her. Kisha understood their fears well. If they moved the current wall without completing the outer layer, they would be leaving their defenses exposed, making them vulnerable to zombie attacks. She could see the concern in their eyes, but she also knew that if she didn''t complete this one mission, everything else would start to fall apart. It was all part of a chain mission, and if she faltered now, the entire mission could collapse. And it only means death. "Young Madam, allow me to lead my people and double our efforts to continue building the outer wall. We still need to move the current wall to align it with the new one we''re constructing, so we might as well get it done sooner rather than later." "My team is growing stronger with each passing day as they continue to train and hone their awakened abilities. In a few days, they''ll be ready for another level up, and by then, we should be able to complete the wall''s construction," Vulture said, stepping out from within the mountain forest with Sparrow by his side. Both had reached level 2, and Kisha couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow as she observed them. They now exuded a newfound confidence and strength, far more than before. ... [Code name: Vulture] Level 2 (EXP. 0/1000) Strength: 110 (+85) Stamina: 110 (+83) Defense: 110(+77) Agility: 110 (+90) Mental Capacity: 110 (+87) Charm: 110 (+100) Leadership: 1110 (+97) Title: None Skills: Earth Spike level 1, Earth Manipulation level 2 Talent: Strong Defence Gift: Affinity with Earth Ability: Earth ... [Code name: Sparrow] Level 2 (EXP. 0/1000) Strength: 115 (+92) Stamina: 115 (+85) Defense: 115 (+94) Agility: 115 (+81) Mental Capacity: 115 (+91) Charm: 115 (+103) Leadership: 115 (+103) Title: None Skills: Whirlwind Level 2, Windblade Level 2, Perception Level 1, Wind Boomerang Level 1 Talent: Scouting Gift: Hawk eyesight S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ability: Wind ... These two were the first to reach level 1, but they had been too occupied with their responsibilities to take the time to level up. Now that they finally had, Kisha was surprised by how much they had grown, especially with the help of the Scarlet Honey. What caught her attention the most was Sparrow¡ªhis base stats were now nearly on par with hers, which was both impressive and a little intimidating to witness. Kisha nodded in agreement with Vulture''s suggestion, as it aligned perfectly with her own plans. Since he was stepping up, she would do her best to support him and his team. She made a mental note to stay by their side and provide more vials of black liquid and stamina boosters as needed. Her passive skill, "Healing Dome", would be a great help, but she also now had the active skill "One Body," which she''d been using on them for some time. This ability enhanced their team''s synergy and boosted their overall power by 50%, making them more effective. It worked seamlessly with the increase of effectiveness in their awakened abilities, which was why the earth wall was becoming sturdier and they were completing their tasks faster than before. "I think it is really doable," Kisha said, with her high spiritual energy she could keep on using her active skill to accommodate and help Vulture and his team with the construction. "Alright! Since we''re done here, let''s head out and get to work!" Kisha announced with a wave of her hand, causing a portal to appear in front of them¡ªjust like the one they had used to enter. The five STAU couldn''t help but marvel at the sight, still amazed by the novelty of it. As they stepped out of Kisha''s territory and into the open, the first light of dawn was beginning to break from the east, casting a faint glow on the horizon. The large part of the sky was still dark, which puzzled the STAU. They had spent more than ten hours inside Kisha''s territory¡ªalmost an entire day¡ªand yet the time outside seemed to have barely passed. Realization dawned on them as they exchanged confused looks, and all of them turned to Kisha, silently questioning her. Kisha noticed their puzzled expressions and smiled knowingly. "I see what''s bothering you," she said, understanding their confusion. "The flow of time inside my space is ten times faster than outside," Kisha explained with a casual shrug. Chapter 476 - 476 A Gift From Sparrow "But don''t worry¡ªyou''ve still got a few hours to catch a quick nap before we head to Port City." Sparrow shook his head, his tone resolute. "No, Young Madam. It''s best for my team and me to leave immediately. We need to get back as soon as possible so Vulture''s team can stay on schedule with the wall''s construction¡ªand we''ll be there to help guard the area in the meantime once we are back." He paused, his gaze steady. "I''ve calculated the timing carefully. I''m confident we''ll make it back faster this time." Kisha didn''t try to argue with Sparrow further; she simply nodded in agreement. But Sparrow wasn''t finished yet. He looked at her with a proud, mischievous smile and added, "Oh, and Young Madam, I actually got you a gift. I wanted you to check it out right away, but we were so busy last night." His tone was both mysterious and playful, sparking Kisha''s curiosity. Soon, the group of eight emerged from the villa. The five STAU members quickly called in their team to prepare for an early departure, while Sparrow and Vulture walked on either side of Kisha, ready to unveil the gift Sparrow had mentioned. Before long, they were standing in the former Colton''s hidden base, where they are currently being imprisoned. Sparrow led Kisha down into the underground dungeon, but this time, the atmosphere was quiet¡ªno torture, only watchful silence. As they passed, the guards bowed deeply to Kisha, respect and awe evident in their eyes, especially in the gaze of the young man with white hair whom she had saved before. Kisha paused and looked at the young man. "How are you feeling? Have you fully recovered? Don''t push yourself too hard," she said gently. Seeing him reminded her of Keith¡ªthey were the same age, yet this young man had already faced death''s door and witnessed the darkest sides of human nature. The thought softened her heart, filling her with a quiet compassion for everything he''d endured. The young man was visibly surprised¡ªand deeply elated¡ªthat Kisha remembered him. He nodded eagerly, his eyes bright with gratitude. He''d never imagined she would recall him, but the joy of being acknowledged was mixed with a hint of embarrassment. She had seen him at his lowest, in one of his most shameful moments, which tempered his enthusiasm slightly. "I''m happy that you still remember me, and I haven''t even thanked you properly for saving my life back then," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I''m doing much better now, and I''m stronger than before. I only hope I can awaken an ability someday¡ªto be of real help to you." Kisha shook her head with a gentle, almost doting smile as she patted his shoulder. "Don''t put too much pressure on yourself," she reminded him warmly. "With or without an awakened ability, you have great potential. Just stay focused on your goals and don''t rush things." The young man straightened, nodding earnestly, reassured by her words. Kisha gave him one last encouraging smile before she and the others continued down into the dungeon. The stench in the dungeon was even worse than before¡ªa suffocating mix of feces, blood, and urine, each smell overpowering the other. Even Sparrow and Vulture, hardened by their time handling the decaying stench of zombies, struggled to keep their composure, nearly retching several times. Kisha''s brow twitched in reaction, though she managed to hold steady. They pressed forward until Sparrow finally stopped in front of one of the cells. Inside the cell were the seven men Sparrow had captured from Port City¡ªRakan and his people. They looked far worse for wear, pitifully mistreated and exhausted. The night spent in the dungeon had taken its toll, and the overpowering stench had left them too nauseated to eat anything. Kisha scanned the dungeon, her eyes lingering on the once-mighty Coltons. It had been some time since she''d last been here. Her gaze met Alex''s¡ªthe Young Master of the Coltons. Unlike the last time she''d seen him, he had visibly shrunk. His face was gaunt, dark circles beneath his eyes, and lashed wounds marred his skin. His eyes seemed to bulge, hollow and vacant, as though they might pop out of their sockets at any moment. He was nothing but skin and bones, and though the Coltons'' downfall had occurred only recently, he appeared to have aged decades. His once-arrogant gaze had been replaced by a vacant stare, his lips mumbling incoherently. The others around him fared no better. Even the once-fat former Minister of Defense had lost so much weight that Kisha barely recognized him, had it not been for her ''Eye of Truth,'' which displayed his name. Kisha averted her gaze, a cold resolve settling in her chest. She didn''t feel pity for them; after all, they had destroyed too many lives to deserve any compassion. Her eyes then shifted to the seven men in the solitary cell, settling on the middle-aged man who seemed to be their leader. "Is this the gift you mentioned?" Kisha asked Sparrow, her gaze never wavering from the elderly man. Rakan slowly lifted his head, his eyes locking on hers. Upon seeing the young, beautiful woman who seemed so out of place in the grim surroundings, he was momentarily struck. But as he met her piercing, cold gaze, a shiver ran down his spine¡ªhe quickly realized she was no ordinary woman. "Didn''t Young Madam say you''d be the one to judge anyone we wanted to recruit?" Sparrow asked with a proud smile, as though he were presenting a prized possession to Kisha, eagerly awaiting her verdict. Kisha, in turn, gave a small, approving smile, clearly intrigued by his gift offering. ... Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Rakan] Level 0 Morality: Neutral Strength: 20 Stamina: 27 Defense: 21 Agility: 19 Mental Capacity: 20 Charm: 20 Leadership: 20 Title: None Skills: None Talent: King Of The Jungle Gift: The Animal Kingdom Codex Ability: None ... Rakan''s stats were impressive, particularly his well-balanced attributes. What piqued Kisha''s curiosity, however, were his "Gift" and "Talent"¡ªabilities she had never encountered before. They sounded both intimidating and potentially useful, though their exact functions remained a mystery. More importantly, Rakan wasn''t inherently good or bad, which suggested that with the right approach, they could find common ground and work together effectively. "How did you find these people?" Kisha asked Sparrow, her tone curious. "They tried to steal from me," Sparrow replied with a grin. "I gave them a little lesson, and when we met again they crawled back to me, barely clinging to life. Following in my master''s footsteps, I figured I should show some magnanimity, just like you, and bring back a little talent." He finished with a pleased smile, rubbing his palms together. Vulture, who had been watching quietly, shot Sparrow a sidelong glance, his brow twitching. "Since when did you become such a sycophant and learn how to kiss ass?" he whispered to Sparrow. Before Vulture could react, Sparrow elbowed him sharply in the stomach, catching him off guard. The blow was unrestrained, and Vulture, surprised, accidentally bit his tongue, wincing as the pain shot through him. Sparrow didn''t even spare Vulture another glance, instead shooting him a look that clearly said, ''Serves you right!'' He then turned back to Kisha, focusing on her as he began to recount the events that had caused their delay the previous night. Chapter 477 - 477 Arent You Scared? Kisha glanced at Sparrow with a mix of amusement and pity. "Sparrow, don''t you think you''re a bit... unlucky? Vulture''s team is moving along just fine, but wherever you go, it seems like misfortune follows you." She couldn''t help but smile inwardly, recalling some of the stories he had shared with them in the past. They had been undeniably amusing, though she wisely kept her laughter to herself, not wanting to hurt his feelings. Sparrow had already noticed this himself. It wasn''t that he was always this unlucky, but the constant mishaps seemed to follow him. His eyes flicked toward Vulture, who was quietly snickering at his expense. Unable to resist, Sparrow gave him a swift kick in the backside, causing Vulture to stumble forward with a frown. "It feels like all my luck was drained by my former team members," Sparrow muttered, shooting a disdainful glance at Vulture, who was still snickering. He placed all the blame squarely on him, but soon let the matter go, refocusing his attention back on Rakan. "So, Young Madam, what do you think of my gift?" he asked, his tone turning more serious. "Trouble may always follow you, but it seems you''ve also managed to attract a fair share of fortuitous encounters and talented individuals," Kisha remarked, a genuine smile on her face. She was truly satisfied with the gift she had received, but now, the real challenge was figuring out how to put it to good use. "Host," 008''s voice cut in, childish yet eerily cold, "Why waste time thinking when you could simply shove the Heart Gu Pill down their throats?" "Are you suggesting everyone should take the Heart Gu Pill now?" Kisha replied, her tone laced with skepticism. Although Rakan and his subordinates were now aware of the awakened abilities and the vial of blue liquid, that wasn''t sufficient reason to immediately use the Heart Gu Pill on them. After all, the knowledge they possessed would eventually spread to the outside world. With the Gachapon draw and mission rewards, it wasn''t far-fetched for her to eventually get her hands on the recipes for both the vials of blue and black liquid, just as she had in store with the stamina booster recipe from one of the previous missions. ''Forget it. We''ll let them join the base for now, but if they try anything funny, we''ll have more than enough ways to deal with them.'' Kisha thought. "Let them join the base, but they''ll have to work harder than the others," Kisha said, her lips curling into a devilish smirk. "Not only are they newcomers, but we don''t fully know their true nature or what they''re capable of." Vulture and Sparrow exchanged knowing glances, both aware that Kisha already had a plan for Rakan and his group. With that, they complied and released the seven prisoners, and soon, the group emerged from the dungeon. This time, Rakan and his subordinates remained silent, not uttering a word as they made their way out of the dungeon. "Why are you letting us go?" Rakan asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. "Aren''t you worried we''ll betray you and take over this base? After all, we''re former mafia¡ªwe''re used to seizing territory and taking control." He couldn''t help but notice the stark contrast between this base and the shelter he''d once built, sensing a whole different atmosphere here. Kisha snorted dismissively without even glancing at them as she started walking. "Go ahead, try it if you want," she said coldly. "But I''ll make sure you regret every second of it. No need to say much¡ªyou''ve already seen how those who have tried me ended up in the dungeon, haven''t you?" Luckily, Sparrow had been clever enough to place Rakan and his subordinates in the underground dungeon from the start. Forced to witness the grim fate of those imprisoned there, those who are there quickly realized the bleak reality¡ªwhere life was a slow torment, and death was a distant wish. Rakan and the others fell silent, the weight of what they had witnessed pressing down on them. They had seen firsthand the horrific fate of those in the cells, and though they couldn''t tell if it was meant to intimidate them or not, the guards'' rounds only deepened their unease. As they listened to the guards speak, they overheard chilling details about the prisoners'' past¡ªhow they had once been the apex predators of the base, only to be brought down by the City Lord and her people. Now, their lives were nothing more than a grim existence in hellish conditions, a fate they could scarcely imagine if they were put in the same position. Though Rakan and his men were tough, battle-hardened individuals who had seen the darkest sides of the world, their survival instincts ran deep. Having crawled from the gutter to their current positions by risking their lives in the mafia world, they understood when to fight and when to bow their heads. They knew the moment they had reached a point where surrendering was the only viable option. Upon hearing Kisha''s words, without hesitation, Rakan and his subordinates knelt behind her, lowering their heads to the ground in submission. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Boss, please, take us in as your subordinates!" Rakan, positioned at the front, didn''t hesitate to bow his head, unashamed. Seeing how Sparrow treated Kisha and the respect the guards showed her, he had already deduced that she was the City Lord they had heard about. Having been granted a second chance at life after surviving his near-death experience, Rakan was now more determined than ever to fight on and grow stronger, willing to follow this powerful leader until the very end. For people like them, power and strength is everything. They follow only those stronger than themselves, those they can respect. So, it''s no surprise that they have surrendered to Kisha¡ªthey recognize her strength and believe she is the one capable of leading them. Especially now that he has seen something extraordinary happening in this world, he didn''t want to pass this chance to experience what every man wanted, to be able to wield immense power that could move mountains and split the sea. If only Kisha could hear their exaggerated thoughts, she would shatter their distant dream right there and then. "That was easier than expected..." 008 commented. They had been wondering how to make these people submit without using the Heart Gu Pill, but it seemed they had delivered themselves right to Kisha''s doorstep without a struggle. Kisha''s eyes narrowed into crescent shapes as she observed them. "Very well." Without saying much more, Kisha turned on her heel and gestured for them to follow. Sparrow and Vulture trailed closely behind her as they made their way toward the eastern wall. By the time they arrived, Sparrow''s team had already gathered with the trucks, and Aston was there as well, ready to begin his work. The new recruits followed closely, taking in the scene. "City Lord, this..." Aston began, pausing as he looked over his shoulder at the new arrivals after offering a simple morning greeting. "You''re just in time," Kisha responded smoothly. "We''ve got new recruits joining the base. They''ll be a valuable addition to our defense force. Help them with the registration process and make sure their work and accommodations are sorted so they can get started right away." Chapter 478 - 478 Astons Scheme "Understood." Aston gave a nod and stepped aside. Sparrow quickly briefed his team on their last mission to Port City, and within moments, they were ready to depart. Rakan, watching the truck drive away, cast a final glance before turning away. He followed Aston, his six surviving subordinates trailing behind him. They no longer felt any obligation to assist the people left in Port City''s shelter. After all, when Victor''s men had driven them out, those people had only looked on with disdain, as though they had committed unforgivable crimes by not killing Sparrow and seizing their supplies. When Victor made his move on his own people, those they had once treated with care had stood by, indifferent to the fate of their lives. At this point, it was clear that returning to Port City wasn''t the best choice for him and his subordinates. Though they were tough and ruthless, they were still human, and still felt the sting of betrayal, after all they''d done to help those people to survive, it was something they couldn''t ignore. For that reason, they felt no shame in bowing down to Kisha. They recognized their limitations in surviving alone in this harsh world. Rather than leading as he did in Port City, Rakan preferred to follow the same person Sparrow was loyal to¡ªsomeone clearly hundreds of times stronger than he was. With determined strides, Rakan followed Aston into the base, his six most trusted men close behind him. They felt relief and gratitude for following Rakan''s lead and making it out alive. As they took in their surroundings, they were struck by the security and order of the base¡ªit was almost as if the apocalypse hadn''t touched this place. Children played freely in the streets, and the atmosphere was calm, giving the impression that a zombie breach was an impossibility here. They were amazed to see that the residents inside the base didn''t seem forced into anything¡ªespecially not supply runs outside just to survive. Everyone looked well-fed and occupied with their own tasks, sparking curiosity about where the base sourced its supplies. As they observed, people went about their day, doing a variety of jobs¡ªrunning errands, delivering documents, or transporting goods. It was almost as if society had returned to normal, with no sign of the zombie threat outside. Aston led them to the central hall for registration, then guided them to temporary tent accommodations. Most of the tents were nearly deserted, as previous occupants had been moved to better housing under Kisha''s direction. The remaining tent residents were recent arrivals who, by working hard, were close to earning the privilege of selecting more permanent accommodations, just like those who came before them. For Rakan and his subordinates, even these tents felt luxurious compared to the rags they''d slept on back in the Port City shelter. Aston chuckled as he noticed their excitement. "Don''t get too comfortable just yet. This is only the basic setup we provide for new members. Once you''ve started working and earned enough points, you''ll be able to upgrade to better accommodations, like larger apartments." "Apartment? Points?" one of the men asked, eyebrows raised in confusion. Aston nodded. "Here in HOPE Base, people have a choice in the work they do based on their skills and strengths. You can work in different departments or take on odd jobs¡ªconstruction, security, or administrative work." "No matter the role, you''ll earn what we call ''work points,'' our currency here in the base. You can use these points at the supply center to get your basic needs. Later, I''ll show you where it is." He explained this in his usual businesslike manner, straightforward and stern, like the seasoned commander he was. "Really?!" one of the men exclaimed, visibly impressed. Rakan, however, seemed more thoughtful. After a pause, he asked, "If that''s how things work here, how do you support so many people? Who handles the supply runs?" Aston turned with a smirk. "You''ve met Sparrow. He and the other Captains lead teams on supply runs. Those capable of fighting can register as warriors, and their compensation is higher than most, so it''s a popular choice." "However, we limit the number of people who can join, unless they were soldiers or had combat experience before the apocalypse." With that, Aston led them back toward the central hall. After a few minutes of walking, Rakan and his men found themselves in front of the mission board, their eyes widening as they read the requirements for becoming a warrior. They couldn''t hide their astonishment. "Is this for real?" Rakan turned sharply to Aston, disbelief clear on his face. "As real as it gets," Aston replied, unfazed. Rakan''s gaze drifted back to the compensation section, his expression shifting to one of deep intrigue. [Compensation: 5 kilograms each of rice, vegetables, and assorted meats per week. 400 work points per week. 20% discount at the Supply Center (exclusive to warriors). Free medical check-ups and essential medicine for warriors and their immediate family members. One bottle of Scarlet Honey every two weeks. Additional perks may be introduced as the base and resources expand.] "I want to apply," Rakan declared, his eyes sparkling with confidence. "My men and I are high-ranking mafias, especially myself. We''re no strangers to combat. We''re confident we can handle any task you throw our way." He couldn''t help but imagine the supplies and rewards that would come with the position, the thought fueling his determination. "Alright, I''ll register all seven of you. And since you''ll be warriors under my care, I can''t let you go hungry," Aston said with a knowing smirk. He led them to the cafeteria, where the seven men attacked their food with the ferocity of starving wolves. They devoured every bite, not caring that they had already reached the free limit of what they could eat. Aston didn''t stop them. In fact, this was his strategy. As a commander, he knew that offering them a hearty meal would not only satiate their hunger but also lure them into working as warriors. He couldn''t pass up the opportunity to recruit more capable hands into his ranks. From the very beginning, Aston had intentionally brought up work points, the warrior roles, and the compensation to pique Rakan and his men''s interest. He had observed their muscular builds and knew they were more than capable fighters, likely stronger than some of the warriors already in the ranks. After seeing their hunger for the opportunity, he was certain they would be a valuable addition. True to his expectations, once they finished eating, Rakan and his six men were eager to jump into work without hesitation. They didn''t even pause to rest or acclimate themselves to the base. Their hunger for action and rewards was palpable, and they were ready to prove themselves right away. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''They''ve taken the bait,'' Aston thought, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he led Rakan and his men to the side of the wall where Vulture and his team were working. Rakan and his subordinates were tasked with guarding the opening left after the cargo trailers, which had acted as a makeshift barrier, were moved further outside. The shift created a massive gap in their defenses, and it was up to them to hold the line. Chapter 479 - 479 Where The Problem Originated From Alongside Rakan and his team, machine guns were positioned on both sides of the gap on top of the cargo trailers, manned by soldiers who vigilantly scanned the perimeter for any signs of incoming zombies. While the team was well-prepared, Vulture had also stationed additional members from his unit as lookout. Their job was to ensure no zombies from within the city breached their defenses and approached the base''s wall, maintaining a tight security perimeter. Though Rakan and his team were eager to prove their worth, Vulture kept them on standby, not giving them a chance to take action. The boredom quickly set in as they stood watch, while Vulture and his team remained as busy as ever. Those on guard duty were the ones who had just finished their shifts building up the wall. Their rest periods had now shifted to perimeter patrol, ready to engage in hand-to-hand combat with any zombies that might breach the defenses. The tension in the air was palpable as both sides prepared for whatever might come next. They were exhausted, every muscle aching from the relentless work, but Kisha''s presence seemed to ease some of their struggles. Her passive and active skills subtly at play, her influence went unnoticed by most, yet her calming aura and quiet efficiency helped sustain the team''s morale. Though others couldn''t pinpoint it, there was a sense of relief whenever she was near, her actions quietly lifting the burden without anyone realizing how much she was contributing. On Duke''s side, after recovering overnight, he and his team, along with Rose, resumed their mission. This time, with Bell and a few Scarlet Bees by their side, their reconnaissance became much more efficient. No longer needing to disguise themselves or hide, Bell and the Scarlet Bees soared freely above, scouting ahead and helping to fend off zombies and mutated rats that crossed their path. This newfound freedom and speed allowed Duke to opt for using a car, greatly accelerating their progress in clearing the mission. The combination of enhanced mobility and the Scarlet Bees'' support made their operation smoother and far more effective. By the end of the day, they had completed their reconnaissance, with their final destination being the western side of the city, where the majority of the population had been concentrated. However, rather than risk traveling by car and potentially becoming stranded among the zombies with no way to escape, they decided to go on foot. This approach allowed them to remain more agile and avoid any unforeseen obstacles that might trap them in the chaotic city. Since Duke had already been to this area with Kisha and the others, he was able to navigate it with much greater ease this time. As he had suspected, the biggest issue with the sewers stemmed from the very spot where he, Kisha, and the others had almost been trapped during their previous visit. The opening in the sewer had grown larger since then, with the pavement collapsing under the immense weight of the zombies that had been walking over it. This caused a surge of zombies to fall into the pit and spill into the sewers below. As they gathered in the tunnels, they had inadvertently flooded the sewers beneath the HOPE Base. That meant there were already hundreds of thousands of zombies now lurking under the base, creating an even greater threat. Duke and his team, positioned atop the building, observed the massive pit from a distance. The pit had grown into something resembling a crater, its edges jagged and wide. Below them, the street was overwhelmed by a dense sea of zombies, so tightly packed that the pavement was completely obscured. The sheer number of the undead filled the entire street, a suffocating mass that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. "Sir..." One of Duke''s team members spoke, his voice laced with concern as he gazed at the dense mass of zombies below and the yawning crater. A sense of helplessness washed over him as he tried to imagine any way they could seal the gap and eliminate the hundreds of thousands of zombies that had already poured into the sewers. The thought alone sent a shiver down his spine, as if something cold and sinister were crawling up his neck¡ªa feeling like the touch of a massive spider''s legs against his skin. Instead of addressing the growing tension, Duke turned his gaze to Rose. "It''s time for you to get to work," he said flatly, his tone leaving no room for debate. He wasn''t seeking her opinion¡ªhe was giving an order. Rose''s face drained of color, and she sprang to her feet, her expression one of horror. "V-Vice City Lord, w-what do you mean?" she stammered, her voice trembling with fear. Her wide-eyed panic made her appear vulnerable, and the others exchanged looks of sympathy, as if she had just been marked as the team''s sacrificial lamb. "Well, not just you¡ªall of you," Duke added, there was a dangerous glint in his eyes as he gave everyone a passing glance. Everyone paled as they felt dread in their hearts, too afraid to listen to what Duke was about to say, they wanted to run but they don''t know how, so they could only swallow their fear and the feeling of injustice. They thought of their families inside the base, not long after, their fear-stricken face turned into desperate determination as they awaited what Duke was about to say. Making Duke raised an eyebrow before his eyes turned into a satisfied glint. "Don''t worry," Duke reassured, his voice cold but steady. "You''ll suffer a bit, but you won''t die." His words, meant to comfort, only deepened their fear, confirming their worst anxieties. The team stood frozen, their eyes wide with dread, desperate to cry but unable to shed a tear. Duke turned toward Rose then, his expression shifting to something darker. Her hair stood on the ends as his eyes locked onto hers. "For starters," he continued, his voice carrying an unsettling edge, "why don''t we have you plug that giant crater with your Ice Crystal wall?" Duke''s smile was anything but reassuring¡ªit was a twisted grin that looked more sinister than comforting. With a single tear, Rose prayed for her soul. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a brief moment of preparation, Rose found herself dangling by the rope, suspended just above the massive crater. Below her, the horde of zombies stirred restlessly, their gazes fixed on her with a hunger that sent a chill on her body. The air was thick with their snarls and groans, the sounds growing more frenzied by the second. Duke and the others held the rope tightly from the floor above, their faces tense, every muscle coiled in anticipation, knowing that the slightest mistake could turn this into a nightmare. ''Have I really just become a human pi?ata?!'' Rose thought bitterly, her mind a whirl of dry, desperate thoughts as she dangled above the thrashing zombies below. The grotesque sight of them clawing at the air only made her grip the rope tighter, her heart pounding in her chest. She was tasked with sealing the massive crater, but the challenge didn''t stop there. She had to ensure that the pavement surrounding it wouldn''t collapse further, which meant conjuring a wide Ice Crystal floor strong enough to cover the entire street. The weight of the responsibility pressed down on her, and with every passing second, she could feel the precariousness of her situation¡ªher life hanging by a thread, just like the rope holding her. Chapter 480 - 480 Going Smoothly Rose glanced up at the window where her rope dangled, catching one last look. Duke and the others were out of sight, positioned deep inside the room as they held her rope securely. Technically, one person could have held it¡ªafter all, they were superhumans now¡ªbut for added safety, three men were stationed to anchor her rope firmly. Meanwhile, the others took positions across different buildings, ensuring no threat could reach her from any angle. Duke positioned himself a bit farther back, overseeing everyone with binoculars in hand as he scanned the surroundings. He had strategically placed the Scarlet Bees at key points, ensuring that if Rose were to fall, they could provide immediate support. They lowered Rose gradually toward the opening so she could conjure her Ice Crystal and cover the entire street. Her ability, though ice-based, had a unique diamond attribute that made the ice unbreakable and resistant to intense heat. This made it the perfect choice to seal the crater, as it would remain intact unless Rose dismantled it herself or it encountered someone with a stronger ability. When Rose was close enough to the crater, she got to work, grimacing as zombies lunged and tumbled into the pit while trying to reach her. Spurred on by their relentless movements, she increased her pace, quickly conjuring ice across the street. Within ten minutes, she was halfway finished but already exhausted. Reaching into her breast pocket, she downed the vial of black liquid Duke had given her, feeling her spiritual energy surge almost instantly, restoring her strength. With renewed energy, she pressed on, repeating this process until the entire crater and street were sealed by her unbreakable Ice Crystal floor. In the end, even the zombies on the ground found their feet frozen and trapped in the ice, immobilized. Once they finished, everyone gathered to cook dinner and settled in for a much-needed rest. The next day, after confirming that the western sector was secure, Duke assigned his teams to cover the city in four separate units. Rose, accompanied by Bell, received a special task: they were to head out of the city to seal specific sections of the sewer system using her Ice Crystal ability, strategically dividing it into isolated segments. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At dawn, the five groups split up, with Rose heading off on her own while the other four teams proceeded to their assigned sectors. Upon arrival, each team divided further into four smaller units, each heading to specific locations in large trucks carrying oil tankers. It took the entire day for each team to reach their designated locations, where they awaited Duke''s signal to proceed with the next phase. Meanwhile, Rose worked tirelessly all day, pushing herself to the point of complete exhaustion. Sparrow and his team truly delivered on their mission, returning even faster than expected. Before dawn, they had already completed the supply run, taking everything they could from Port City. This time, they didn''t pause to rest in the usual Eastern forest, as there was no one left to worry about. With Victor out of the picture, the remaining survivors in Port City were too frightened to venture out, leaving Sparrow and his team undisturbed. They managed to haul nearly every cargo trailer from the western sector and emptied the eastern warehouses up to the tenth, leaving not a single supply behind. Even the supplies they''d previously ignored in the first warehouse were now fully emptied. When Sparrow returned the next day, the team faced an unexpected problem: figuring out where to store all the supplies he had brought back. Rakan, who had witnessed Vulture and his team working the previous day, thought he had seen it all when it came to awakened abilities. But when he saw what the Five STAU could accomplish, his perception was shattered. His eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, and his jaw hung open in disbelief at the sheer volume of supplies they had brought back that were being pulled out of nowhere. "Fuck! So they really did take the supplies from the Eastern Warehouse like we suspected!" one of Rakan''s subordinates exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief. As they watched Tristan and Aston directing the workers to move the supplies and repurpose another office building into a temporary warehouse, the magnitude of the operation was becoming all too clear. Later, they discovered that the five were actually space-type ability users, and that revelation finally made sense of how they managed to transport the contents of six or seven entire warehouses using only four trucks. It was a feat that seemed impossible at first, given the sheer volume of supplies¡ªand on top of that, the massive cargo trailers. Only after understanding their abilities did everything fall into place. The cargo trailers no longer fit within the confines of the empty lot, with some even being placed outside the walls. They had to replace the trailers that had been taken from the current wall, just to ensure that Vulture and his team could continue their work without interruption. Rakan and his six subordinates all turned their gaze toward Sparrow, who stood nearby, eyeing the massive stockpile of supplies he had brought back. Sparrow caught their stares and flashed a smirk. "What? If a thief is asked by the cops whether he stole something, should he just admit it?" he scoffed, before spinning on his heel and heading out of the base. "I''m going to help Vulture''s team deal with the zombies," he added, his voice laced with amusement as he walked away. Some of Sparrow''s team members also joined Vulture''s team to speed up the process. As a reward for their hard work, Aston and Tristan increased the work points they''d be earning, along with an overtime pay incentive. This gesture fueled everyone''s enthusiasm, making them work even harder to get the job done quickly. Kisha, who had been overseeing the progress, smiled with quiet satisfaction as everything seemed to be falling into place. The wall construction had now covered a third of the entire planned expanse, easing her mind slightly, though she refused to let herself become complacent. Instead, she ordered an increase in security, ensuring extra guards were posted to protect their hard work from any potential threats¡ªwhether from evolved zombies or hostile people. The day had passed smoothly and productively, leaving everyone feeling satisfied. By the following morning, work began again before dawn. However, before they could even get started, a flare shot up into the sky¡ªbright red, resembling a firework that didn''t go off. Everyone halted, immediately assuming someone inside the city needed help, but before they could act, another flare erupted from a different location. Then came another, and a few more followed, scattered across the city. The flares'' erratic pattern felt ominous, sparking panic among the base''s survivors. Without hesitation, they rushed to alert Kisha. They didn''t need to call for Kisha, as she could see the flares from where she stood, bright red streaks cutting through the sky, leaving trails of smoke in their wake. The sun was beginning to rise in the east, slowly brightening the sky, but the sight of the flares only deepened the growing worry. Everyone knew that flares were used as signals, but what they signified was still unclear. The uncertainty gnawed at them¡ªwas it a call for help or a signal for an attack? The possibility of the latter was their greatest fear, especially now. Chapter 481 - 481 The Sweeper As time ticked on and uncertainty hung in the air, Kisha decided they couldn''t afford to wait any longer. She immediately sent Sparrow and the rest of the team to take positions around the wall, putting their work on hold. Everyone was on high alert. The flares had been scattered throughout the city, surrounding them from all directions. If it turned out to be an enemy''s signal to attack their base, they would be in serious trouble if they weren''t prepared. Tension gripped the camp as they braced for whatever might come next. Kisha stood atop the wall, scanning the horizon as the sun rose fully into the sky. All the snipers were peering as far as they could through their scopes, and machine guns were loaded, ready to fire at a moment''s notice. Some soldiers were preparing to deploy drones to survey beyond the blocked views caused by surrounding buildings. But just as they were about to take action, something unexpected happened. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! A series of explosions erupted across the city, distant at first but steadily growing closer. The sound echoed in a relentless chain, like a massive serpent slithering underground toward the base. One by one, manhole covers blasted into the air, propelled by each explosion. As the wave of blasts approached, each cover shot up higher, until the final manhole cover outside the base flew skyward, reaching above the ten-meter wall where Kisha stood. Everyone watched in shock, their mouths open as they followed the cover''s trajectory. It hurtled back down and crashed onto the cargo trailer where Kisha stood, embedding deeply from the top and reaching the bottom. If it had hit anyone, it would have been an instant death. But the explosions didn''t stop there. The chain reaction continued, reaching underneath the base itself. The ground trembled, and another blast sent the nearest manhole cover hurtling skyward, along with debris, torn zombie limbs, and splatters of dark blood. Fortunately, everyone had already taken cover; the soldiers on the wall had spotted the approaching explosions in time to warn the people inside and made them take cover as soon as possible. Thanks to their quick reactions, no one was injured, and the survivors inside the base were spared from a gruesome shower of the zombie remains raining down after the blast. Some of the superhumans, like Kisha, reacted swiftly to protect themselves. Those with elemental abilities formed protective shields¡ªwater shells, earth barriers, and more. Kisha, using her telekinesis, pulled a nearby truck over her head as a makeshift cover, shielding herself from the foul-smelling zombie blood and raining flesh. Those standing close to her hadn''t reacted quite as quickly, but they managed to find shelter in time under her makeshift cover, thanks to Kisha''s quick thinking and resourcefulness. Unfortunately, the less fortunate ones¡ªRakan, his men, and Vulture¡ªhad no choice but to endure the shower of black zombie blood. Worse still, as they were looking up with open mouths, some of the blood and flesh landed inside. Though they''d long since become accustomed to the zombies'' foul stench, tasting it was another matter. The moment the taste and smell hit, Rakan, his team, and Vulture couldn''t hold back; they all began to retch, competing to see who could empty their stomachs fastest. Sparrow snickered as he watched his partner, Vulture, looking pitifully covered in the zombie''s black blood and bits of rotting flesh. Reluctant to even touch him, Sparrow took clear satisfaction in Vulture''s misfortune; after all, he''d been the one to bear all the bad luck in their previous missions. ''Like they say, share the blessings along with the hardships,'' he thought with a silent laugh, watching the scene unfold before him. Ding!!! [Congratulations for Completing the Sudden Hidden Mission: SSS Class "The Sewer''s Pest Cleanup!"] [You have received 10 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 5 Resource Crates] [You have received 50,000 Points] [You have received a mass of Vanadium and Iron Meteriorite] [You have received New Sewer System with Gas Preservation Blueprint from World 943746] [You Gained the ''Sweeper'' Achievement] [You received 2,500 Achievement Points] Kisha''s attention was immediately drawn to the system notification in front of her. She raised an eyebrow, and as realization set in, a delighted chuckle escaped her, her eyes twinkling with amusement. ''Hmmm, my husband''s been working hard, even earning me this achievement and finishing the mission two days ahead of schedule,'' Kisha thought to herself, a smile tugging at her lips as she examined the items she''d gained from completing the sudden mission. On the other side of the city, Duke had just ignited the entire sewer system with a single fireball, after his men had carefully poured truckloads of flammable gas into the sewers from various sections. The flare in the sky signaled the start, and in an instant, all their work was made easier, the chaos unfolding in a blaze of destruction. With one final, cold glance, Duke dispatched the Scarlet Bees to ensure that every manhole cover was securely back in place, preventing any more zombies from falling into the sewers. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He and his team only needed to wait for the Bees to complete the last checks before they could prepare to head back. They loaded up the remaining gasoline from the city''s gasoline stations, which had been siphoned dry and stored in the trucks they had brought along. Duke made sure not a drop of fuel was wasted, ensuring that even if the city''s sewer system was reduced to chaos, the remaining gasoline wouldn''t go unused. After Kisha discovered that the explosion had been Duke''s doing, as indicated by the system notification, she swiftly directed everyone to resume their tasks and clean up the aftermath around the base. It was only then that the survivors learned there had been zombies lurking beneath the sewers. A wave of fear rippled through them, but it quickly dissipated once they realized the situation had already been handled before they could fully process the terror of it all. While the survivors worked hard to clean up around the base, Vulture took charge, leading his team to continue their tasks. "Alright, everyone! Back to work, no wasting time!" Vulture barked, his voice sharp, still clearly irritated after the unpleasant ordeal. He sent his people out with Sparrow taking the lead for a bit while he stepped away to take a quick shower. That "quick" shower, however, turned into a full hour. When Vulture finally returned, he looked like a dried-out squid¡ªhis skin red and tight from long overexposure to hot water. "What the hell happened to you?" Sparrow asked, barely able to hold back his laughter as he circled Vulture, clearly enjoying the sight. "Fuck off!" Vulture snapped, his frustration evident as he returned to his work on the wall construction. Despite his best efforts to scrub off the stench, his skin still has the lingering smell of zombie blood. The smell had clung to him so stubbornly that he''d had no choice but to throw away the clothes he''d been wearing, the odor having seeped into the fabric permanently. "Serves you right! Ha ha ha, to think you were laughing at my misfortunes earlier! Karma''s a bitch!" Sparrow teased, laughing as he sprinted away, narrowly avoiding Vulture''s enraged smack behind his head. Vulture looked like he was about to pop a vein, his face flushed with fury. The nearby workers overheard their playful banter and couldn''t help but laugh along, turning the moment into a shared joke. But Vulture, red-faced and fuming, could do nothing but stew in his anger as the laughter echoed around him. Chapter 482 - 482 Duke Is Back "I can see them!" one of the snipers in the western watchtower called out excitedly over the radio, his eyes glued to the scope. "Prepare to open the gates in 2!" "Roger that, over!" the gatekeeper responded, signaling the two soldiers stationed on either side of the gate to prepare for the opening in two minutes. Moments later, the low rumble of the fuel tanker''s engine echoed from a distance. But not far behind, a far more ominous sound joined the tanker''s hum¡ª the deafening roar of thousands of zombies sprinting after the trucks, their collective footfalls shaking the ground beneath them. "Everyone, get ready to fire, but aim carefully! Don''t hit the tank, or we''ll be blown to hell!" the gatekeeper shouted, moving quickly along the top of the cargo trailers, his eyes scanning the incoming threat. Beside him, the soldiers steadied their rifles, their focus sharp as they lined up their shots, knowing the slightest mistake could cost them everything. Bang... Bang... Screeched! As the first truck came to a halt, Duke swiftly emerged from the driver''s side and made his way toward Kisha, who was standing among the crowd. Her eyes locked onto him, and she greeted him with a warm, inviting smile that softened the harshness of the surrounding chaos. Seeing her smile like that, Duke couldn''t help but nod in appreciation. Without a second thought, he scooped her up into his arms, spinning her around a few times in sheer joy before planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Wifey, I''m home..." he murmured softly, his eyes brimming with unspoken happiness and love, the words carrying a depth of emotion that went beyond the simple greeting. "Welcome home, hubby." Kisha''s mood lightened instantly, her previously cold, indifferent demeanor melting away as she embraced him. Though only a few days had passed since their separation, it felt like months to them both. Their busy lives and work had kept them distracted, but now that they were reunited, the intensity of their emotions was undeniable, stronger than ever before. The others couldn''t help but cheer them on, watching with warmth in their eyes. After all, Kisha and Duke were the ones who had created this safe haven for everyone, and seeing them share such a tender moment as a couple made the group feel even closer to them. It reminded them that, despite their leadership roles, Kisha and Duke were also just ordinary people who experienced happiness, love, and grief, just like anyone else. After Duke finished basking in the joy of their reunion, he turned to the side with a mischievous grin, as if unveiling a surprise for his wife. "Wifey, I brought you a gift." He gestured toward the convoy of trucks lined up, unable to park at the gate due to their size. Several of them were already being directed further into the base, as the massive fuel tankers needed more space and couldn''t fit near the entrance. Kisha tapped her finger thoughtfully on her chin as she glanced up at the line of trucks, her gaze lingering on the fuel tankers before she gave a satisfied nod. "We only used about half the capacity in each truck," Duke explained, eager to clarify. "We made sure to conserve as much gas as possible, just enough to take care of the vermin below." He knew better than to let Kisha ask him why he''d blown up the sewers. If she had to question him, he was pretty sure she''d be the one teaching him a lesson. Kisha raised an eyebrow at Duke, a wry smile tugging at her lips. ''What a sly fox you are...'' she thought to herself, deciding not to press the issue further. He''d already admitted his mistake¡ªor at least preemptively informed her¡ªbefore she could even ask. She figured it was best to let it go for now. Her anger melted away instantly. After all, Duke had completed the mission flawlessly, and ahead of schedule no less. How he did it didn''t matter¡ªwhat counted was the result and, most importantly, the fact that there were no casualties. With a smile, she gave him a nod of approval, and only then did Duke let out a deep sigh of relief. He flicked his neck, signaling to his team to move the trucks inside, making sure they were parked properly without obstructing the gate. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The rumble of the engines filled the streets once again as Duke''s men carefully maneuvered the ten or so fuel tankers into the base. Meanwhile, Duke and Kisha made their way back to the villa. As they arrived, Duke''s family had already gathered, having taken the day off from their respective duties to welcome him home and check on how he fared during his outing beyond the base. Seeing his family lively and in good health brought a warm smile to his face. But as he greeted them, he couldn''t resist showing off the Space Ring that Kisha had given him. He held it up with a subtle, almost proud gesture, like a person flaunting the largest diamond engagement ring, basking in the compliments and admiration of those around him. His family gathered around eagerly, their eyes widening in admiration as they took in the sight of Duke''s ring, before turning to Kisha with curious glances. However, instead of offering their usual praise, his grandfather, the patriarch, couldn''t resist a playful scolding. "What a man you are!" he exclaimed with a raised eyebrow. "Shouldn''t you be the one giving your wife rings and pampering her? Looks to me like you''re enjoying watching her wear the pants in this relationship!" He shook his head, gripping his cane tightly, though he stopped short of delivering the usual playful whack he would give Duke. The old man was careful, knowing his cane might not survive a strike on Duke''s sturdy frame that was like a tank with its defense. Instead, he settled for a hearty chuckle, clearly amused by his own teasing. Duke raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth as he casually dropped the bombshell. "Grandpa, I gave my wife the most expensive, sought-after diamond ring¡ªthe same one you gave Grandma on your wedding day. But the ring my wife gave me? It''s no ordinary ring. It''s a Space Ring." He watched as his family''s expressions shifted from thoughtful contemplation to sudden realization, followed by a spark of envy. The silence in the room grew heavy with the weight of his words. With a satisfied smile, Duke leaned into Kisha, pulling her waist closer to his side, his chest swelling with pride. "I know my wife loves me the most," he said playfully, his tone filled with confidence and affection as he nuzzled against her, thoroughly enjoying the moment. Kisha, however, was focused on her status window. More specifically, she was examining the ''Achievement Tab,'' eager to see the new achievement she had earned after completing the sewer mission. [Sweeper Achievement] [Description: Keeping the city free from pests is crucial to prevent health issues that could lead to death. However, the current problem isn''t with the typical vermin that cause infections or illnesses; these creatures have evolved into something far more dangerous. The vermin now have the strength to devour humans in seconds, much like piranhas, and their bites can turn victims into zombies. They no longer see humans as just a nuisance; to them, we''re food. If their population continues to rise, human settlements will fall, and the death toll will be catastrophic. Grade: SSS Additional points 10 in all stats +20% Poison Resistance +50% Increased Battle Power against vermin (rats, cockroaches, etc.) +10% Critical Hit -10% Critical Damage Taken] ... Kisha smiled as she examined the impressive buffs from the achievement she had just unlocked. ''A well-deserved triple S grade,'' she thought, nodding to herself as she lingered on the tab. After a quiet breakfast where they all enjoyed each other''s company, the others reluctantly cut their leave short to return to work. However, Kisha didn''t rush back herself. Instead, she guided Duke back to their room, her mind lost in thought. When they reached the door, she hesitated for a moment, deciding, ''I''ll do it later... he needs rest first.'' Gently, she nudged him inside the room, noting how worn and rugged he looked after his time away. It was clear he needed rest, and Kisha knew that was the first priority. Before Kisha could step away, Duke''s hand shot out, gripping her wrist gently but firmly, his fingers insistent as he pulled her back. "Wifey, I missed you so much," he murmured, his voice low with an edge of vulnerability that Kisha hadn''t heard before. "Can you stay with me for a bit?" Although he didn''t want to be a burden or distract her from the tasks she needed to handle, the fear that had gripped him while he was out there ¡ª facing the evolved zombies and the harsh world without her ¡ª lingered. It wasn''t the idea of dying that terrified him; it was the thought of never seeing her again. The thought of almost losing her had shaken Duke more than he let on, even if he had tried to maintain his usual tough exterior in front of others. Deep down, the fear had lingered, unsettling him long after the danger had passed. When Kisha saw the raw vulnerability in his eyes, something inside her softened. She couldn''t bring herself to leave him when he was so open with his feelings. Instead of simply letting him rest in their room, Kisha decided to lead him to a more peaceful, secluded spot within her territory ¡ª a quiet corner by the serene lake. Chapter 483 - 483 The Shy Duke There, they laid down a mattress, piled pillows high, and wrapped themselves in blankets. To shield them from the sun, Kisha set up a small tent, ensuring that they could rest in privacy and comfort without any distractions. It was their little sanctuary, a place where they could escape the world and simply be with each other. As Kisha and Duke settled onto the mattress, Duke pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her tightly, unwilling to let go. He inhaled deeply, taking in the familiar scent of her hair, which instantly calmed his racing mind. He had intended to shower before sleeping, but his exhaustion hit him all at once. His eyelids grew heavy, as if the weight of the day had finally caught up with him. Maybe it was the comfort of Kisha being so close, or the warmth of her presence, but his body seemed to relax in a way it hadn''t in days. He found himself drifting off, his mind finally at peace now that she was there with him. Kisha, too, felt her body soften in his embrace. Perhaps, without fully realizing it, she had been keeping herself busy, trying to push away the longing she felt for Duke. Now that he was finally here with her, she realized just how much she had missed him, how deeply she had craved his presence. His closeness eased the ache in her heart, and as she melted into his arms, all the pent-up stress she had been carrying seemed to drain away. The weight of everything that had built up over time lifted, and she found herself allowing herself to relax, surrendering to the comfort of his touch. Soon, Kisha, too, drifted into a deep sleep. The two of them rested for ten hours, finally catching up on the sleep they both desperately needed, their bodies replenishing with much-needed energy. Kisha didn''t mind Duke''s scent, despite the fact that he had just returned from outside. There was still a faint trace of his masculine, natural fragrance, mixed with the smell of the outside world, this made her feel more grounded and secure as she slept. However, when they woke up, Duke felt a wave of embarrassment. His face flushed with self-consciousness as he sniffed himself, recoiling at the smell. The faint scent of sweat, the lingering stench of rotting flesh, and the trace of gasoline on his clothes filled his nostrils. He grimaced in disgust, realizing how much he had been out in the harshness of the world, and now, he was aware of how he must have smelled to Kisha. ''Fuck it! How could I hug my wife so closely smelling like this?! Did she pass out from the stench?!'' Duke internally panicked, glancing at Kisha with a mix of guilt and horror. His embarrassment only deepened when he noticed the amused glint in her eyes. It was as if she could read his thoughts perfectly, her lips twitching in a knowing smirk that made his face flush even redder. Kisha''s gaze held a teasing warmth, clearly enjoying his discomfort, which only made Duke squirm more under her amused scrutiny. "I-I''ll go take a bath!" Duke stammered, bolting out of the tent like a man on fire. Kisha chuckled softly, shaking her head at his flustered retreat. Moments later, Duke poked his head back in, looking sheepish. "Wifey, can I have some soap and shampoo, please?" he asked, his voice a mix of embarrassment and pleading. His lips were pressed into a tight line, and he avoided her gaze, clearly too self-conscious to get any closer now that he was acutely aware of his less-than-pleasant scent. Kisha raised an eyebrow, amused by his awkwardness. With a teasing grin, making a mental note to savor every bit of his rare vulnerability. Kisha stepped closer to Duke with a mischievous glint in her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck. She leaned in, pressing a gentle peck on his cheek, followed by soft, teasing kisses on his lips. Before Duke could react, she deepened the kiss, drawing a surprised gasp from him. Flustered, Duke instinctively tried to pull back, but Kisha wasn''t having it. Just as he opened his mouth to protest, she slipped her tongue past his lips, silencing him with a passionate kiss. A low groan escaped him, and his hands, as if acting on their own, slid under her shirt and found their way to her chest. He let out a deep, satisfied sigh, momentarily forgetting all about his earlier embarrassment. Kisha smirked against his lips, thoroughly enjoying his conflicted mix of shyness and desire. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I missed this..." Duke murmured between kisses, his voice husky with longing. His tongue met hers in a passionate dance, sucking gently and savoring the fruity flavors of her lips. One hand remained firmly on her chest, while the other slid down to cup her ass. Just as he was completely lost in her warmth, a sudden thought crossed his mind¡ªwhat he was supposed to be doing. Embarrassment flickered across his face as he reluctantly broke the kiss, though his hands refused to let go, lingering on her curves as if they had a will of their own. Caught between desire and self-consciousness, Duke froze, his face a picture of deep internal conflict. Kisha, unable to contain her amusement, burst out laughing. Her melodious laughter filled the tent as she reached into her inventory, pulling out a large basin, body soap, and shampoo. "There," she said with a teasing smile, setting the items down. "Now you don''t have an excuse to stay dirty, Mr. Handsy." "Go ahead, take a bath. We need to draw the gachapon after this and check the mission rewards," Kisha said, playfully waving him off and resisting the urge to tease him further. Her tone was light, but the subtle hint of urgency made it clear she wanted him to get moving. Duke nodded quickly, his face still flushed from earlier. Without another word, he darted out of the tent, heading toward the lake. However, mindful of the delicate ecosystem, he avoided using the soap and shampoo directly in the water. Instead, he fetched a bucketful of lake water and carried it further into the forest, finding a quiet, secluded spot to wash himself. The cool shade of the trees and the soothing sound of the lake nearby made it the perfect place to freshen up, though Duke couldn''t help but feel a lingering heat in his cheeks as he thought back to Kisha''s teasing smile. Duke scrubbed himself vigorously, lathering up with soap multiple times to ensure every trace of the zombie stench was gone. He attacked his hair with the same fervor, determined to rid himself of the lingering grime. All he could think about was how mortifying it would be to stand before Kisha with even a hint of that foul odor clinging to him¡ªconveniently forgetting they had fought zombies together before and slept side by side, both covered in dirt and sweat. Now, though, he was acting like a smitten teenage boy desperate to impress his crush. This thought wasn''t lost on Kisha, who watched him from afar with an amused smile, shaking her head lightly at his antics. Chapter 484 - 484 Set Item After finishing his bath, Duke returned to the tent feeling refreshed and brimming with confidence. Inside, Kisha was already seated cross-legged, her eyes focused intently on something invisible to others. Duke knew immediately that she was reviewing her status window. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a slight smirk, he settled beside her, his presence now bold and relaxed. Without missing a beat, Kisha shared the status panel with him, the translucent display hovering between them, allowing Duke to see everything she was analyzing. "What do we have here?" Duke asked, his voice teasing as he leaned slightly against Kisha''s shoulder, his eyes scanning the shared panel with interest. "Hmm," Kisha murmured, scrolling through her system panel. "After completing the sewer mission, we received this ''New Sewer System with Gas Preservation Blueprint'' from World 943746." She displayed the blueprint on her system panel, projecting it for Duke to see. The moment Duke''s eyes landed on the intricate design, a spark of excitement lit up his expression. Kisha could practically see the gears turning in his mind as he studied the blueprint, already calculating the resources, manpower, and logistics needed to bring the project to life. She smirked, knowing that his enthusiasm meant he was already mentally drafting the first steps to implement it. Kisha smiled at Duke, her expression soft yet knowing. "Alright, I''ll give you the blueprint later. We can go over it and plan things out. But for now, let''s move on to the other items we received." Duke looked at her, a wave of adoration washing over him. He understood how difficult it must have been for her to be open about such sensitive matters¡ªthings that, if discovered by the wrong people, could put her life in jeopardy. The trust she placed in him, sharing such a significant secret, made his heart swell with warmth. He was deeply grateful for her confidence and couldn''t help but feel an even stronger bond between them. Duke playfully ruffled Kisha''s hair, his smile warm and affectionate. "I''ll listen to my wife," he said, his tone teasing yet filled with genuine admiration. Kisha''s eyes sparkled with excitement, her voice rising a pitch as she spoke. "Alright, let''s draw from the gachapon!" The thrill in her voice was unmistakable, and Duke couldn''t help but share in her enthusiasm. After all, this was where they''d gotten his spear, and after seeing firsthand how powerful it was, he too was eager to see what new treasures they could draw. He was especially curious about what items they might get next¡ªthings that would help them in future battles and make them even stronger. Just like the first time, Kisha selected the [x10] option, hoping to increase their chances of drawing more useful items. As soon as she made her choice, the screen lit up, flashing with bright colors. The cards on the display shimmered, each one glowing with a different hue as the draw began, the anticipation building as the spinning wheels slowed down. Without realizing it, Duke and Kisha found themselves gripping each other''s hands, their eyes fixed on the screen as they waited in anticipation. The flashing lights and spinning cards made their hearts race, both of them silently hoping for another mythic or legendary item like the ones they had seen before. The tension was palpable, as they eagerly watched the draw unfold, hoping for something extraordinary to appear. Soon, the flashing lights faded, and the ten cards lined up on the screen, each one waiting to be revealed. As the cards slowly began to unfold, the suspense grew, and both Duke and Kisha leaned in, eager to see what treasures awaited them. ... [Common Quality "Healing Potion"] [Normal Quality "Speed Talisman"] [Common Quality "Healing Potion"] [Normal Quality "Stamina Booster"] [Common Quality "Healing Potion"] [Uncommon Quality "Ice Bomb"] [Uncommon Quality "Ice Bomb"] [Normal Quality "Stamina Booster"] [Normal Quality "Speed Talisman"] ... Kisha and Duke''s excitement quickly faded as the items were revealed one by one. Despite the anticipation and the earlier flash of rare, legendary, and even mythic items, it felt like a bait and switch. Instead of the powerful gear they''d hoped for, the list was filled with disappointment¡ªnone of the coveted items made the cut. "Don''t worry, wifey, we still have one more," Duke said, though his voice lacked conviction. He could see Kisha''s disappointment as she stared at the results, and he wanted to lift her spirits, even if he wasn''t entirely confident himself. [Legendary Quality "Kratos'' Cloak"] After seeing the last item, Duke clenched his fists in triumph. At least they had managed to pull a legendary, its golden glow a clear sign of its rarity. But as Duke stared at the items, he froze for a moment. "Wait... is this part of the set for my spear?!" His excitement grew tenfold, and he realized he was practically bouncing with joy. Quickly, he sat back down and cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. Kisha chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like they were listening to you," she teased, "rewarding you for your unwavering faith." Without missing a beat, she tapped the item to bring up its description, eager to see what it could do. ... [Legendary Quality "Kratos'' Cloak"] [Description: The legendary black cloak, worn by the God of War as he stood triumphantly atop a mountain of fallen foes, became a symbol of his power and dominance. It was not just a garment, but a banner of war, a flag that waved with the blood and glory of countless battles. Grade: Legendary Unique Item: 2/15 Type: Armor Skills & Effects: Skill: Commander''s Berserk: Grants the wielder the ability to enter the battlefield with a commanding presence, unleashing a berserk state in their army. This boosts the strength of all allied forces, doubling their power and ferocity for a limited time. Effects: *Block: Grants immunity to abnormal statuses such as curses, mind control, illusions, charms, and other debilitating effects. *Morale: Enhances the wielder''s ability to boost their team''s morale, inspiring courage and increasing fighting spirit in the heat of battle. *Counter: When successfully blocking a lethal attack, the wielder''s perception sharpens, granting a chance to retaliate with a devastating critical strike. *??? *??? [More effects yet to be unlocked...]] ... "Ooooh," Kisha hummed, her voice trailing off as she admired the cloak. It was as black as a raven''s feather, with a subtle sheen on the fabric''s undercoat. The collar was lined with thick soft black fur, and at the back, a majestic lion emblem was embroidered in golden thread. The cloak exuded an aura of intimidation, its regal design striking and powerful. Duke stared at it, his gaze unwavering. Kisha didn''t need to ask¡ªshe could tell he was completely captivated by it, much like the way he had first reacted when he laid eyes on the spear. With a tender smile, Kisha pulled the cloak from her inventory and handed it to Duke. When he saw her offering it so effortlessly, he was initially taken aback, but that surprise quickly gave way to a warm, grateful smile. His eyes softened with affection, the love and admiration he felt for her shining through as he accepted the cloak. Duke felt an undeniable pull towards the cloak, a deep connection that seemed to resonate with something inside him. He could almost see himself wearing it¡ªstanding atop the bodies of fallen enemies, a figure of cold, ruthless power. Chapter 485 - 485 When A Beauty Is Around In his mind''s eye, he was no longer looking like the God of War as described, but a god of death, merciless and unyielding. The cloak billowed in the wind, its golden lion emblem now drenched in red, as it was soaked in blood. The sky above had turned a deep crimson, matching the blood-stained blade of his spear, which was still lodged in the body of the last fallen foe he had defeated. "You really like it that much?" Kisha''s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He nodded enthusiastically, like a child receiving a gift from their favorite person. A sweet, childlike smile spread across his face, and Kisha couldn''t help but smile back at him. Though they hadn''t found many valuable items, getting one of the set pieces was still a win in their eyes, and it felt good to have something tangible to show for their efforts. Completing the set item was as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack, especially considering the sheer number of items in the gachapon collection. These items spanned the farthest reaches of the universe, originating from places as mysterious as divine artifacts or lost civilizations long forgotten. The odds of finding the remaining pieces were incredibly slim. But Kisha remained confident¡ªonce they completed the set, she knew they would unlock its hidden effects, which were still labeled as ''???''. The possibilities were exciting, and the thought of discovering what lay beneath kept her determined. "Are you sure I can have this?" Duke asked, his voice laced with concern. "You didn''t receive any equipment from the gachapon." He hesitated, a frown forming on his face. The cloak was the only valuable item they had drawn, and it felt a bit unfair to him that the one piece of luck they''d gotten was being given to him alone. "It''s fine," Kisha said with a soft smile. "I already have Erubu''s cloak, and besides, you were the one who completed the mission on time. I''ve already received more than enough rewards for myself. You deserve this." She spoke with gentle assurance, making sure Duke wouldn''t feel guilty about accepting the reward. After receiving the cloak, Duke wrapped it around himself with a delighted smile, savoring the moment. As he tried it on, it fit his frame perfectly, making him look every bit the commander of an army. But as Kisha watched him, an unsettling series of images flashed in her mind. She saw Duke standing atop a battlefield strewn with fallen foes, the crimson sky swirling above him. His spear was lodged deep into the body of his last enemy, yet he stood there, looking at her with an unreadable expression. Then, as if from another world, he smiled¡ªa sad, almost resigned smile that sent a chill through her. Without her realizing it, a single tear slipped down Kisha''s cheek. Seeing it, Duke froze, startled by the unexpected sight. His heart clenched, and without thinking, he rushed to sit in front of her, panic rising. "Wifey, I''m sorry, I... I can''t take this," he stammered, his voice filled with concern as he reached out to her. "Please don''t be angry, I don''t know what to do when I see you cry." He gently cupped her face, his tone softening, "Shh, don''t cry, baby... Please." His words were filled with genuine worry, unsure of how to comfort her but desperate to make it right. Kisha, now back to her senses, couldn''t help but chuckle at Duke''s startled reaction. "What are you talking about? I was just fighting back a yawn!" she teased, playfully jabbing his arm. Even she didn''t know what had gotten into her, so she quickly came up with the first excuse that popped into her head. Hearing her words, Duke visibly relaxed, the tension in his shoulders melting away. "That scared me to death," Duke sighed, gently rubbing the side of Kisha''s eye with his thumb, still trying to calm his racing heart. "What? Are you scared I''ll take back the cloak?" Kisha teased, her playful tone easing the tension between them. Duke chuckled, his eyes narrowing mischievously. "No takebacks," he said, pulling Kisha into a warm, loving hug. The embrace was so comforting that Kisha forgot whatever she had been upset about in that moment. After they wrapped up with the gachapon, they headed outside to continue with their tasks. Duke carried the blueprints for the solar panels and the new sewer system with the gas preservation, ready to discuss it with the engineers at the base. Kisha let him take the lead on the matter, deciding to hold off on opening the Resource Crate for the time being. Before fully joining Vulture and the others, she took a final glance at her status window to check how much her stats had increased after the +10 boost across the board from her "Sweeper Achievement." ... [Kisha Aldens] sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 200 (+10) Stamina: 282 (+10) Defense: 490 (+10) Agility: 200 (+10) Mental Capacity: 700 (+10) Charm: 200 (+10) Leadership: 300 (+10) Luck: 250 (+10) Mana: 670 (+10) Spiritual Energy: 670 (+10) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity Skills: Telekinetic Level 1 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 1, Rainbow Cube, Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 1, One Man Team Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... Seeing her ''Healing Dome'' and ''OneBody'' skills level up, Kisha couldn''t help but smile. No wonder the others had started recovering their stamina and spiritual energy faster when they were around her¡ªit was all thanks to the skill upgrades. When Kisha arrived at the construction site, the wall construction was already in full swing. Vulture and Sparrow were working seamlessly together, ensuring that no zombies would slip through their net-like formation while Vulture''s team continued to build the wall. Though it had only been an hour, the workers were beginning to feel the weight of exhaustion. They hadn''t noticed it at first, but they thought that maybe after days of continuous work and overtime, fatigue was starting to catch up with them. However, when Kisha started doing slow rounds around them, their energy visibly began to replenish. Vulture, feeling the shift in energy, couldn''t help but joke, "Young Madam, having you supervise us really gives us a boost. Knowing you have our backs makes all the difference." "That''s right, City Lord," another voice chimed in with a grin. "Having a beauty around really lifts our spirits." The lighthearted comment earned a round of laughter from the group, but before anyone could say more, Vulture delivered a playful smack to the back of the speaker''s head, making the group chuckle even more. "What?! Are you trying to flirt with the Young Madam? Trying to steal her away from my master?" Vulture exclaimed, his voice feigned with mock outrage, though his playful grin betrayed that he was just messing around. "Hey! Captain, don''t even joke about that!" the other guy retorted, feigning fear and putting on an exaggerated expression of grievance. "You know how terrifying the Vice City Lord can be if he hears even a whisper of someone having a crush on the City Lord!" Chapter 486 - 486 Eric Gilberts Awakened Ability "I''m glad you''re aware," Vulture grinned, his eyes glinting mischievously. "My master would surely skin you alive." He burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the moment, but his hands never faltered as he continued to conjure the earth wall around the cargo trailer. Once Sparrow and Duke returned, the team was reinforced, and now they had more manpower to handle the construction. They divided into groups¡ªsome focused on guarding against the approaching zombie horde, while others jumped into the work of building the wall itself, ensuring both tasks progressed smoothly. Reeve, Clyde, Tristan, Fred, and a few others had also fallen ill, their awakenings beginning to take shape. Kisha could sense that this was truly the final batch of awakened individuals. As more of them emerged from the medical facility, she noted with relief that many were elemental types. These newly awakened ability users would be invaluable, particularly for the construction of the wall. Among them, several had water elemental powers, which would directly address the base''s ongoing water shortage. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing an immediate opportunity, Kisha directed the water ability users to Mr. Winters, ensuring they would be put to work filling up water tanks. This would allow the base to distribute the much-needed water to the survivors, enabling them to finally start taking care of their hygiene. Earlier in the morning, before she went to welcome Duke back to the base, Kisha had stopped by the medical facility to check on the people awakening. To her surprise, she met the head doctor, Eric Gilberts, who had a strong healing talent and an impressive ''Medical Territory'' gift. What was even more surprising was that Eric had awakened an irregular ability, one that, while still falling within the mental type category, seemed to be a unique blend of multiple powers. His ability is called ''Human Hospital'', combining elements of healing, space, and mental powers, making it a rare and potent skill. As Eric explained to Kisha, his ability allowed him to scan people with his eyes, functioning like advanced medical machinery to detect fractures, internal injuries, and more. Additionally, he possessed a personal spatial dimension that housed a fully equipped operating room and hospital bed for his patients. Within this space, he could monitor their recovery with 100% accuracy, eliminating the need for external medical equipment. His talent, ''Strong Healing'', and his gift, ''Medical Territory'', further enhanced his abilities, providing a powerful recovery buff to any patient under his care due to the innate healing properties of his skills. He even believes that if he reaches a higher level, he''ll be able to manifest a research lab within his ability, allowing him to deepen his understanding of awakened ability users. With this, he could explore new ways to treat illnesses specific to superhumans, as conventional medicine no longer proves effective for them. He wasn''t just a valuable asset¡ªhe was practically a divine doctor, as 008 had described him. Kisha felt as though she had hit the jackpot by having Eric in her base. Healing-type ability users were incredibly rare, even rarer than lightning-elemental ability users, making Eric''s presence a monumental advantage. ''He truly is a walking human hospital,'' Kisha thought, recalling Eric''s explanation of his abilities. However, as impressive as his powers were, he was still in the early stages of mastering them. Being an irregular awakened ability user with a skill spanning multiple categories, Eric faced significant challenges in controlling his abilities. Given that his powers were primarily mental-based, Kisha had advised him to focus on strengthening his mental capacity to overcome these difficulties. Without proper control, his "Medical Territory" could become a double-edged sword¡ªpotentially harming or even endangering his patients if spatial distortions occurred. Currently, Eric''s ''Medical Territory'' was modest in size, resembling a small clinic with a single operating room and one hospital bed. However, as he continued to level up, there was potential for expansion¡ªperhaps adding another hospital bed or unlocking additional features. While the space lacked an unlimited supply of medicine and tools for now, those limitations could be addressed over time with the help of external help. With further progress, his ability might evolve into a fully equipped facility, resembling an entire hospital with complete functions and resources. The possibilities were as exciting as they were promising. "Host, that guy is infuriatingly lucky to have awakened such an ability!" 008 fumed, clearly frustrated. "Do you realize how many thousands of system points we spent to purchase your territory space? And yet, here he is, just awakening a ''hospital'' as his ability!" 008''s indignation was palpable, as it couldn''t help but marvel¡ªand grumble¡ªat the sheer improbability of Eric''s awakened ability. It was something so extraordinary, it seemed almost impossible to exist without the direct intervention of a system. "Are you sure he doesn''t have a system too?" Kisha teased with a playful smirk. She wasn''t worried about Eric at all. Since he was on their side, whatever advantage he possessed would ultimately benefit the entire base. Truthfully, she felt fortunate to have someone with such an incredible ability in their ranks, and she couldn''t help but feel a flicker of pride at the stroke of luck that brought him to them. "If he had a system, I''d sense it," 008 grumbled, still fuming. The little system couldn''t hide its envy of Eric''s ability. It even began scheming, imagining how useful a skill like that could be if added to its mall. Whether to gift it to Kisha or sell it through its sales channel, 008 could already picture the points it could rake in. The mere thought had its circuits buzzing with excitement, despite its lingering frustration. "Your eyes are practically glowing with dollar signs," Kisha teased with a smirk. "Ugh..." 008 grumbled, sulking deep within the recesses of Kisha''s mind. As the moment passed, Kisha''s thoughts took a different turn. She suddenly realized that Eric might not have survived in her past lives either. With an ability like his, he should have been one of the powerhouses, perhaps even among the elite in her previous lives. He would have lived a life of luxury and influence, yet no one had ever spoken of him. That only meant one thing¡ªhe hadn''t lived long enough to realize his potential. ''Such a waste,'' she murmured to herself, feeling the weight of it. But then, a smile crept across her face as she refocused her thoughts. ''But now... he''s mine.'' Her eyes narrowed to crescents, a sense of possessiveness washing over her. She now understood that Eric''s talents were more than just a gift¡ªthey were a treasure, a vast resource that could transform her base into something extraordinary. As Kisha walked around, assisting Vulture and the others in recovering their stamina and spiritual energy, she couldn''t help but assess the newly awakened individuals. She took note of each one, evaluating their abilities to determine who had the most extraordinary potential. After checking on all the newly awakened individuals helping out with Vulture''s team, Kisha slumped down on the hood of one of the cars in frustration. ''I guess it''s not that easy to find treasure, huh?'' she thought to herself, feeling deflated. Despite the impressive abilities of the others, none of them compared to Eric. She had seen the best, and now everything else seemed lackluster in comparison. But in reality, the rest of the new awakened were still exceptional¡ªbetter than the second wave of awakened users she''d encountered in the past. They were just overshadowed by Eric''s unique and rare abilities. She had to remind herself that not every talent could be a game-changer, but that didn''t mean these people weren''t still a powerful asset. Chapter 487 - 487 Climate Change As Kisha and the others worked tirelessly outside, constructing the wall, Duke was deep in discussion with Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel about the solar panel and sewer system. Dr. Shuveck, having already examined the solar panel design and the materials required, was well-versed in the project''s needs. However, they were still short on the various sturdy steels necessary for its construction. With this limitation in mind, the trio focused on strategizing the next steps. Duke, meanwhile, pondered ways to gather the necessary resources, his mind racing with potential solutions as he considered the best approach to secure what they needed. On the other hand, Engineer Steel was captivated by the sewer system blueprint featuring gas preservation, which Duke had recently brought to the table. Having already seen the solar panel blueprint, Engineer Steel was no stranger to the groundbreaking nature of these designs¡ªeach one a game changer in its own right. Both he and Dr. Shuveck were eager to dive into the projects, knowing how transformative they could be. However, at present, the sewer system seemed the most feasible to start, with its construction manageable in the immediate future. So, Duke and Engineer Steel began strategizing, discussing the logistics and steps for building the sewer system, planning to tackle it as soon as the wall construction was completed. Although neither Dr. Shuveck nor Engineer Steel were awakened ability users, their expertise in their respective fields made them just as invaluable as any awakened individual. Duke felt confident leaving the two projects in their hands, reassured by their skill and experience. He spent the rest of the day with them, discussing the details and logistics of the projects. Meanwhile, Kisha and the others working on the wall construction were nearing the finish line. She could already see that the project would be completed on or before the deadline, which brought her a sense of satisfaction and relief. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston and his team continued to do an excellent job delivering meals on time, making life easier for everyone working outside. Even Rakan, who was stationed as a guard at the open wall being restructured, found himself looking forward to each meal. The full set meals¡ªcomplete with meat, vegetables, rice, drinks, and sides¡ªwere a welcome break during his shifts, and he appreciated the thoughtfulness behind the well prepared meals. "Boss, this is the best decision we ever made," one of Rakan''s subordinates said, his mouth full as they ate atop the wall. They were positioned beside the machine guns, vigilantly scanning the surroundings to ensure no zombies slipped past their watch. Spotlights had already been set up on the streets ahead, illuminating the area to prevent any blind spots. With the added security, they felt more confident that nothing would go unnoticed during their shift. Kisha and the team worked tirelessly, unable to afford rest during this crucial time. To manage the workload, Kisha organized them into three shifts¡ªmorning, afternoon, and late-night¡ªensuring the wall construction continued without pause. No one complained about the arrangement. While they weren''t entirely sure what Kisha was preparing for, they trusted her instincts. After all, they had already experienced the sudden zombie raid, and it was clear that such attacks might become more frequent. With their population increasing and more survivors inevitably arriving, the zombies would likely be drawn to their base, making the need for a fortified wall even more urgently. With this in mind, everyone pushed through, gritting their teeth and working hard. Thankfully, Kisha wasn''t just demanding their effort without recognition. She ensured they received overtime pay, and Aston prepared more satisfying meals, making the long hours easier to bear. The other survivors in the base couldn''t help but envy the workers, watching them enjoy their lavish meals. And it wasn''t just the workers who benefited¡ªtheir families back home were also able to enjoy better meals, no longer worried about where their next meal would come from. The sense of security and reward made the grueling work feel worthwhile. Duke, however, didn''t want Kisha to keep working nonstop without a break. Although she wasn''t physically involved in the wall construction like the others, she was still exerting herself by constantly using her active skill, ''One Body'', which drained her mental capacity and spiritual energy. Rather than returning to the villa to rest, Kisha set up a designated resting area near the construction site, where anyone feeling the exhaustion of using their awakened abilities could sit and recover there. As for herself, Kisha had arranged a tent on top of a truck just beside the designated resting area for the others, creating a temporary sleeping space. While she rested, her passive skill, ''Healing Dome'', automatically activated whenever anyone came close to her resting area, providing relief. To ensure her support was uninterrupted, she tasked 008 with assisting activating her active skill, ''One Body'', so that even while she slept, she could continue helping those working tirelessly. Duke, of course, wouldn''t let Kisha sleep alone outside like that. After finishing his own work, he would join her at the resting area, settling beside her in the tent. They would hold each other close, sharing warmth to fend off the chill of the night, as the thin fabric of the tent offered little protection from the cold wind. Meanwhile, the warriors on the night shift wore thicker clothing, doing their best to work efficiently despite the biting cold. Fortunately, Kisha had provided some of the extra clothes from her inventory to the Supply Center, but it wouldn''t be enough for long-term use. So, she and Duke revisited their plans to raid the Linen Factory. They hoped to gather enough materials to create new uniforms for the warriors, as well as additional winter clothing to ensure they could all survive the changing weather. The weather had become increasingly unpredictable. Some days, the sun blazed so fiercely that the warriors had no choice but to strip off their upper clothes to work under its scorching heat. Yet, the intensity of the sun often left their skin burning, making it impossible to endure long hours outdoors. On other nights, the temperature would plummet to an icy chill, as cold as the depths of winter. At times, the shifts in temperature were so drastic that they seemed to alternate between extremes, making it harder for everyone to adjust. And this was all because of the climate change, in fact, everything started because of the climate change that released the ancient virus that was resting up in the northern ice. And Kisha, who have experienced the extremes of the climate change and how devastating it was in her previous lives was worried about it and wanted to start preparing as soon as possible. Everything she had asked Duke to prepare when they met wasn''t enough to cover the five thousand plus survivors that are now under her care, what she have was only enough for her, her family, Duke, his family and his men. They don''t have anything to spare. "We should raid the Linen Factory once the wall''s construction is done," Duke suggested, pulling Kisha closer as they lay together in the tent near the construction site. Kisha nodded in agreement, her voice tinged with weariness. "Yeah, we need to finish it as soon as possible," she murmured, her eyes growing heavy with exhaustion. Chapter 488 - 488 A Reward "We''re lucky, instead of the original plan to make multiple trips to the factory, now that we have the five space type ability users on our side, raiding the whole place and bringing everything back will be much easier." Duke mused softly, when he glanced down at Kisha he found her peaceful face, her gentle snores filling the quiet night air as she slept soundly in his arms. He chuckled quietly, a warm, contented smile tugging at his lips as he carefully adjusted their position. Then, with a final glance at her face, Duke closed his eyes, letting the rhythm of Kisha''s breathing lull him into a peaceful sleep as well. The next morning, work resumed in full swing. As they assessed the original wall surrounding the base, it became clear that it needed to be restructured and repurposed to connect the remaining sections of the outer wall. This new, reinforced wall would become the cornerstone of their expanded base. Everyone was busy hauling cargo trailers and moving materials to the frontlines, where Vulture and his team were diligently constructing the new wall. Aston and his team took on the responsibility of dismantling the original wall, carefully transporting the cargo trailers to Vulture''s crew, ensuring nothing went to waste. The air buzzed with activity as the plans that Kisha and Duke had put in motion slowly began to take shape. By now, Aston''s team had successfully dismantled the entire original wall and realigned the cargo trailers with the new wall that was being constructed. The only task remaining was to cover it with an earth wall, which the earth ability users were already handling. Meanwhile, Rose took the initiative to further strengthen their defenses. She conjured ice crystal spikes of varying lengths and sizes, placing them strategically outside the 10-meter perimeter wall. These spikes would act as an additional barrier, ensuring that any zombie attempting to breach their defenses would be kept at bay. Kisha nodded in approval as she watched Rose work independently, but a sense of concern lingered. Rose, being the only one with the ability to create Ice Crystal spikes, was working at a slow pace. Each spike took time to conjure, and given the vast perimeter that needed protection, Kisha knew it would take a while to finish. She couldn''t help but grit her teeth in frustration. Aside from Rose, no one else possessed a better combination of offensive and defensive abilities. While others could create earth spikes, they lacked the strength and durability of Rose''s ice crystal, making them far more easily destroyed by the zombies. Kisha knew they were on a tight schedule, but for now, Rose''s power was their best line of defense. Rose shared the same thoughts, which is why she had chosen to create the Ice Crystal spikes in the first place. However, after just an hour of relentless work, she was starting to feel the weight of exhaustion. Looking back over the distance she had covered, she realized with a sinking feeling that she had barely managed to create even a kilometer of defense, and already her energy was running low. Weakness washed over her, and she collapsed on top of the wall, panting heavily. She lay there for a moment, struggling to catch her breath, her body aching from the strain, before she forced herself to rest for a brief while, knowing she had to push on soon if she wanted to finish the task. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rose yelped in surprise as something cold and wet touched her cheek, her eyes snapping open. She quickly scanned her surroundings and saw Kisha sitting beside her, holding a can of cold Coke. Without hesitation, Rose grinned and snatched the can, cracking it open and taking a long, satisfying gulp. "Thank you, City Lord..." she muttered, letting out a loud sigh of contentment as the cold drink revitalized her. The refreshing liquid seemed to restore her energy almost immediately. Feeling a surge of relief, she squinted her eyes and looked beyond the wall, taking a moment to refocus before getting back to work. Seeing that Rose wouldn''t be able to cover the entire perimeter with her Ice Crystal Spikes in time, Kisha carefully considered their options. "Why don''t you focus on conjuring the Ice Crystal Spikes around the Western wall first?" Kisha suggested. "Then, once that''s covered, move on to the south. The north and east can wait for now." She paused, meeting Rose''s eyes with an approving gaze before continuing. "I see what you''re trying to do, and I agree with it. But covering the whole perimeter will take time. For now, the best approach is to prioritize the most vulnerable areas. The Western wall is the most critical since that''s where the zombie population is concentrated, with a little less in the south." Kisha offered a thoughtful pause before adding, "We could also have the other awakened ability users handle the other areas, leaving you to focus on the West and South. That way, we can reinforce the areas that need it the most." Rose fell into deep thought, processing Kisha''s suggestion. After a moment, she nodded, fully understanding the logic. The western wall was indeed the most vulnerable, given the concentration of zombies in that direction, with the southern wall being a close second. The north and east, however, were more manageable, and she agreed that it would make more sense for the other awakened ability users to handle those areas. This way, she could focus her efforts where they were needed most. With a happy nod, Rose felt a renewed sense of purpose. Kisha, seeing her agreement, pulled a spiritual fruit from her inventory and handed it to Rose. At first, Rose thought it was just a regular fruit, so she eagerly took a bite. The moment the sweet, flavorful juice hit her taste buds, however, she couldn''t suppress a satisfied moan, savoring the burst of delicious flavor hitting her. Kisha chuckled at her reaction, clearly amused by Rose''s reaction. As soon as Rose swallowed the fruit, she felt a gentle stir in her stomach, followed by a wave of soothing, comfortable energy that spread throughout her body. Her eyes fluttered as the sensation enveloped her, and for a moment, she felt completely at ease. When the wave of comfort finally subsided, she snapped her eyes open, her gaze fixed on Kisha in astonishment. She knew, without a doubt, that Kisha had given her something extraordinary. ''Is this the City Lord rewarding me for being proactive?!'' Rose thought, excitement bubbling within her. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to sense the flow of energy within her. Aside from the comforting warmth, there didn''t seem to be anything immediately noticeable, but Rose had a strong hunch that what she had just eaten was something truly special¡ªsomething rare, and certainly not something she could find just anywhere. It wasn''t until Rose began working on the Western wall that she noticed something subtle, but significant. She realized that conjuring the Ice Crystal Spikes was a little easier than before. It wasn''t a drastic change, but there was a subtle difference¡ªshe was able to create them a fraction of a second faster, and with less strain on her spiritual energy. If it had been anyone else, they might not have noticed, but Rose had spent years honing her senses while working in the government, and she could tell something was different. Chapter 489 - 489 An Artisan Awakened Ability Users? She paused for a moment, wide-eyed, as she realized the truth. ''The City Lord really gave me a reward!!!'' The thought made her squeal with excitement, and a smile spread across her face. ''I''m definitely going to work hard to earn more of that fruit!'' With renewed energy and determination, Rose immediately got back to work, conjuring more Ice Crystal Spikes along the wall, knowing that whatever Kisha had given her was exactly what she needed to keep getting stronger. Seeing Rose fired up and fully committed to creating Ice Crystal Spikes, Kisha couldn''t help but smile in satisfaction. It was clear that Rose had figured out the significance of the fruit she''d been given and was now thoroughly motivated, likely hoping for another Spiritual Fruit as a reward. Kisha admired Rose''s sharp intuition¡ªwhile she and Duke had consumed more of the same fruit, they hadn''t noticed the changes in their abilities as quickly or as precisely as Rose had. This was likely only Rose''s second time consuming anything imbued with spiritual energy. The first had been during an experiment when Kisha successfully cooked something using the spiritual crops into a meal. Watching Rose now, Kisha felt a sense of pride; not only had the fruit worked, but it had also sparked a drive in Rose that could inspire others around her. As Kisha descended the wall, a voice called out to her, catching her attention. "City Lord!" Aston called, jogging toward her with a sheet of paper in hand, his expression slightly tense. Kisha slowed her pace and turned to face him. "What''s the matter?" she asked, her tone calm but curious. "I''ve received the latest list of newly awakened ability users from the person you assigned to oversee their registration," Aston said, pausing to catch his breath before continuing. "Apparently, most of the abilities this time are classified as ''Artisan'' abilities." He frowned slightly, his tone a mix of confusion and curiosity. "I don''t really understand how that works, but that''s what the overseer said¡ªthey''re artisans." Aston shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "It''s not that I don''t know what artisans do, but I''m struggling to see how that fits as an awakened ability. I mean, I haven''t awakened myself, so I don''t really know the specifics." "Hoooh!" Kisha exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she scanned through the list. "Isn''t this great?!" Her excitement grew visibly as she read further, a wide grin spreading across her face. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aston tilted his head, still puzzled. "Is it, though?" he asked hesitantly, unsure of what had her so thrilled. "Well, they might not be particularly useful for direct defense or offense," Kisha explained, her tone brimming with enthusiasm, "but they excel in support. These abilities allow them to create things that provide invaluable aid¡ªjust like artisans did in our previous society." "Well, I can imagine what they might create, but how exactly does it help?" Aston asked, genuinely curious. "Is it by crafting weapons that both normal humans and superhumans can use?" He wanted a clearer understanding so he could better explain the potential of these abilities to the artisan-type awakened users. Vulture and Sparrow, with their own unique abilities that were specialized in either offense or defense, couldn''t assist in guiding them, especially since many artisan-type ability users felt disheartened and useless. They couldn''t directly contribute to defense or offense, and it''s not like they could just toss a pot they made at a zombie and expect it to be effective, right? "Well, yes and no," Kisha replied, her tone calm but thoughtful. Seeing Aston''s expression, she could already sense his concern. It wasn''t just him¡ªthose who awakened as artisans probably felt useless right now. Kisha understood their predicament all too well. In her previous life, despite being a support-type ability user herself¡ªor so she had thought at the time¡ªartisan ability users had often been overlooked. Their focus on creating and crafting meant they were treated by other superhumans as no more than ordinary humans. They were tasked with building structures, making everyday items, forging weapons, and so on. To many, they seemed "lesser," even compared to other support types. In the harsh reality of those times, artisans were often regarded as tools, valued for their work but not their worth as individuals¡ªtreated more like slaves than equals. Kisha''s expression hardened slightly as she recalled those injustices, determined not to let that history repeat itself. Why was Kisha so excited? The reason was simple. In her 40th to 99th life, most especially on her 99th life, she had come to a crucial realization: awakened abilities were not fixed in their potential¡ªthey depended entirely on how the users chose to wield them. She had discovered this herself when her telekinesis, initially thought to be just a support ability, became a game-changing power with the right applications. Motivated by this insight, Kisha had begun experimenting with other awakened ability users, including artisans. While artisans might initially seem no different from ordinary humans, she uncovered something extraordinary. As their levels increased, so too did the quality and power of their creations. Their crafts, once mundane, could evolve into incredible tools of support, utility, and even offense. This potential made Kisha view artisans not as secondary players, but as crucial assets to their survival and growth. For example, a blacksmith at level 0 would craft a weapon no different from anything a regular human could make. But as they leveled up, the weapons they created would gain additional effects¡ªalmost like enhancements similar to the abilities and stats provided by her system. While the power and effects of these artisan-crafted weapons wouldn''t match the abilities, effects, and stats her system granted the items coming from the mall, sales channel, or achievement shop, they are still formidable in their own right. These weapons could deliver devastating blows, often tipping the scales in battles against powerful evolved zombies. In her 99th life, Kisha had relied on weapons crafted by awakened blacksmiths to survive. Even though she couldn''t purchase weapons from her system, the artisan-made gear proved invaluable, and it was through these unique creations that she managed to stay alive for so long. Just recalling this made Kisha feel a surge of excitement. For her, the items created by artisan-type awakened ability users might seem ordinary, but for others, they were a game changer. After all, it wasn''t as if she could supply every single one of her warriors with items or weapons from her system¡ªeach of those items was as costly as Duke''s space ring. While her system provided the best of the best, relying too heavily on it wasn''t practical or sustainable. The high-quality gear it offered was a significant advantage, but it wasn''t a feasible solution for outfitting her entire army in the long run. As Kisha''s mind raced with concerns, this unexpected news felt like an answered prayer, making her heart leap with excitement. Without wasting a moment, she rushed to where the artisans were gathered, with Aston hurriedly trailing behind her. In her enthusiasm, what was meant to be a simple walk turned into a brisk stride, almost like a power walk, as Aston couldn''t help but chuckle at her energetic pace. Chapter 490 - 490 Talk With The Artisans Aston, noticing Kisha''s excitement, couldn''t help but shake his head in resignation, a small chuckle escaping him as he tried to keep up. Despite his best efforts to run faster, there was no matching Kisha''s speed. His human abilities simply couldn''t compete with her enhanced abilities, boosted by her awakening, level-ups, and the additional stats from her system. Within moments, Kisha had disappeared from view, leaving Aston to race towards the destination, hoping to catch up with her before she got too far ahead. When Aston finally arrived, slightly out of breath, he saw Kisha already deep in conversation with the overseer of the awakened ability registration. In front of her stood the group of artisan-type ability users, their expressions a mix of worry and apprehension about their awakened ability. Among them, Aston recognized a few familiar faces¡ªsome who had been working under Mrs. Winter''s Women''s Care department, others who were engineers assisting with the Supply Center warehouse construction, and several more from various roles within the community. Their unease was palpable, but Kisha''s animated demeanor hinted at her eagerness to ease their concerns. "How are you feeling?" Kisha asked the overseer with a warm smile. The overseer, looking a little shy but clearly eager, straightened up as though he were addressing his idol. "I''m doing great, City Lord!" he said enthusiastically. "I''m really enjoying my work and learning so much along the way." His grin widened, almost sheepish, revealing just how proud and excited he was to be contributing. "That''s great to hear. Now, tell me¡ªhow many artisan-type awakened abilities do we have, and what is the range of their skills?" Kisha wasted no time, cutting straight to the heart of the matter. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she focused on the overseer, making it clear this was no casual inquiry. The overseer, sensing Kisha''s genuine enthusiasm, sighed in mock defeat. He realized she wasn''t there to scrutinize or question the artisans'' worth but was truly eager to understand and welcome them into the fold. The artisans stood nervously, the tension could be felt in the air. They couldn''t quite put their finger on why they were so anxious. Before awakening, most of them had been ordinary workers in various departments, going about their jobs like anyone else. Perhaps it was the fear of disappointing Kisha that gnawed at them. The thought of her thinking poorly of their newfound abilities weighed heavily on their minds. Without realizing it, almost everyone in the group had clammy hands, fidgeting nervously as they awaited her reaction. "City Lord, we have identified 339 artisan-type awakened ability users so far," the overseer began, his voice steady but tinged with pride. "They span across various fields, with the majority specializing in food preparation, blacksmithing, sewing, fortification, and construction." He handed Kisha a neatly organized report, complete with a detailed pie chart summarizing the distribution of talents. The foresight to compile this information into an easy-to-read format impressed Kisha, and she smiled in approval as she studied the chart. "This is incredibly helpful," she remarked, her eyes scanning the data with keen interest. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she scanned the group of artisan-type awakened ability users. To Kisha, they were brimming with untapped potential, each a diamond in the rough. As she activated her ''Eye of Truth,'' the ability revealed the depth of their talents and gifts, confirming her instincts about their capabilities. Some of them had only awakened days ago and were among those she had carefully assigned to temporary accommodations in the hallway in the medical facility before the unsettling incident involving the individual who transformed into a zombie. Even then, she had recognized their exceptional promise. Now, standing before her, these individuals were confirmed to be among the highest-quality talents in the base. A sense of pride and excitement filled her chest¡ªshe knew these artisans would be pivotal in shaping the base''s future. Sensing their growing unease, Kisha decided to address the artisans directly. She knew that if their anxiety lingered, it could hinder their future performance. Confidence was key, especially for artisans whose creations thrived on precision and creativity. Reassuring them now would not only ease their minds but also help them unlock their full potential. "Hello, everyone. I''m absolutely thrilled to meet and welcome all of you," Kisha began warmly. Her words immediately captured their attention, and a wave of hope seemed to ripple through the group. The artisans, who moments ago were fidgeting nervously, now straightened up, standing at attention. The place fell into a hush as they hung onto her every word, anticipation lighting up their faces. "I know many of you are feeling uncertain about your awakened abilities right now," Kisha began, her voice steady and reassuring. "But as I''ve said before, every ability has its purpose. If you''ve awakened to an ability, it''s because it holds value for our survival. Don''t be afraid to explore what you''re capable of. Only by doing so will you realize how much you can contribute to this base, to the people you love, and those you want to protect." She paused, her gaze sweeping over the group, making eye contact with each of them. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You might not be on the frontlines fighting, but that doesn''t mean what you create won''t be just as essential. Whether it''s food, equipment, clothing, or anything else¡ªwhat you make will empower those who are. Your work is vital." Kisha''s words hung in the air, and she watched as the artisans exchanged glances, the weight of her encouragement slowly sinking in. Kisha couldn''t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as she looked at the artisans before her. In her past life, she had been fortunate enough to know a few artisans whose talents seemed limitless. Seeing the potential in these individuals reminded her of them, and she felt a strong desire to bring those artisans into the fold of HOPE Base. These people''s skills could play a pivotal role in the future, and she was determined to help them realize their full potential, just as she had done for her friends in the past. ''Maybe I should take some time to search for them outside once my mission here at the base is over,'' she thought to herself. As soon as her words reached their ears, a wave of calm washed over the crowd in the square. The tension lifted, and excitement began to spread, with everyone turning their gaze toward Kisha. Just then, Aston arrived, breathless and sweating, but still managing to push forward. He walked up to Kisha, who turned to face him. "You arrived just in time," she said. "Since you''ve already opened a cafeteria, why not set up workshops for these artisans? It would give them the chance to practice their crafts and gradually improve over time." "Of course, they should be compensated better than regular craftsmen¡ªafter all, they''ve awakened their abilities. While it may not be obvious now, their skills will surely be valuable in the future." "For now, let''s focus on helping them master their craft and level up, as artisans-type awakened ability users are often late bloomers." Kisha''s voice was calm but clear, strong enough for everyone to hear. It was then that they realized how serious she was about what she''d said earlier. Their initial worries transformed into a sense of resolve and determination. Chapter 491 - 491 Tristan s Work After Kisha outlined what Aston needed to address for the artisan-type awakened ability users, he needed to head out to seek Tristan''s help. The tasks ahead were substantial, and Tristan''s expertise would be crucial in coordinating with the Supply Center and the whole process. Together, they needed to secure a free pass for all the materials required to set up the workshops. In return, the artisans would contribute their skills and earn work points, creating a mutually beneficial system. Kisha fell into deep contemplation once more. "Wait... hmm. Instead of just creating a workshop, why don''t we let them turn this into their own livelihood? They can have the freedom to choose¡ªthose who want to stay in the workshop can remain, while those who wish to branch out on their own can receive our support until they''re self-sufficient. In the meantime, they can repay us with their crafts." She turned to Aston, who immediately caught on to her idea. He nodded enthusiastically, agreeing that this approach was much better. It aligned perfectly with their plans to open a marketplace once the base was ready to welcome other survivors. The marketplace would not only serve as a trading hub but also act as a relay point for superhumans venturing further out, just as Kisha had envisioned happening in the future. Soon, as awakened abilities became more widely recognized, superhumans from various shelters and bases would begin taking on missions to expand and fortify their own territories, gather supplies, and collect crystal cores from zombies. When that time came, many of them would inevitably be drawn to their base. Turning those people away wasn''t an option¡ªit would only paint them as a prime target for predatory forces. Instead, it was better to share some of their resources through trade or exchange. However, before that day arrived, they needed to focus on becoming stronger to secure their position. Through trade, they might even attract more powerful allies¡ªa realization that only struck Aston after Kisha mentioned it. It was indeed a better approach for the marketplace, offering everyone the freedom to choose their own path, decide how to pursue it, and see how they could grow and develop to their fullest potential. After finalizing their agreement, Aston departed to meet with Tristan and begin setting up the project with the artisan-type awakened ability users. Meanwhile, Kisha went to assist Vulture and the others in continuing work on the wall. After parting ways with Kisha, Aston headed straight to the temporary office designated for the City Lord and Vice City Lord. There, he found Tristan buried in paperwork. The office itself, ironically, had yet to be used even once by Kisha or Duke. When Aston arrived at the office, he found it bustling with workers coming in and out, carrying stacks of paperwork. He peeked inside and saw Tristan buried under a mountain of documents, yet he appeared unfazed, as if this was just another day for him. Calm and collected, he carried himself with the grace of a true gentleman, fully accustomed to the hustle and bustle around him. "Secretary Tristan, do you have a moment?" Aston asked hesitantly. Tristan looked up from the document he had been reviewing, his movements unhurried as he removed his glasses. "What can I do for you, Minister of Defense, Mr. McMillan?" he replied with calm professionalism. "We have a proposal that needs reviewing, and I''d appreciate your opinion on it as well," Aston said, stepping inside and sitting down across from Tristan. "Shoot," Tristan replied, leaning back in his seat with both elbows resting on the armrests, his fingers intertwined in a relaxed but attentive manner. "As you may already know, I''m currently overseeing several projects," Aston began. "One of them is the cafeteria, primarily intended for the warriors, though it''s open to the public as well. Alongside that, there''s the warriors'' lodging, which comes with full utilities and serves as a privilege for them, allowing their families to stay. The reason I''m fully responsible for these projects is that they''re all directly related to the warriors." Aston paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "This time, however, I''ve been tasked with launching a workshop and a program specifically for artisan-type awakened ability users." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Artisan-type awakened ability users? That''s a new one..." Tristan mused, his voice calm as the gears in his mind started turning. "Are they considered support-type awakened ability users?" "Kind of..." Aston replied. "Since they aren''t directly related to the warriors or the base''s defense, I could really use your help with this. I''m not too familiar with what they might need, and given your experience working in a multi-billion-dollar company like Winters'' Corporation, I thought you''d be more suited to this kind of work," Aston continued, his tone a little hesitant. It was clear that Tristan was swamped with work, juggling the responsibilities of signing papers for both the City Lord and Vice City Lord positions. While both the leaders focused on fieldwork, the burden of paperwork always fell to someone¡ª in this case, to Tristan. Aston felt a twinge of embarrassment, realizing that despite knowing how much Tristan was already handling, he still had the audacity to ask for his help. Tristan remained silent, his gaze lowering to the papers on his desk, leaving Aston unsure of what he was thinking. To break the silence, Aston began relaying what Kisha had discussed with him. Tristan, already familiar with the plan for the marketplace and the idea of opening the gates to other survivors, listened intently. After sharing the details of the conversation, Aston handed over the pie chart and a list of the artisan-type awakened ability users. "This will help you understand the focus areas," Aston said, "so you''ll know if we need to prepare more resources for blacksmiths, seamstresses, or any other crafts. It''ll give us a clearer idea of what to prioritize." "Actually, setting up the workshop itself isn''t too difficult," Tristan began, his tone thoughtful. "Especially with the territory expansion, we have enough space to allocate for the craftsmen. The main issue, however, lies in the materials they''ll need. For those involved in food-related crafts¡ªcheese, pickling, and so on¡ªour Supply Center has plenty of resources readily available, and requesting more shouldn''t be a problem." "The real challenge comes with the other artisans, particularly blacksmiths, seamstresses, potters, and similar trades. They require specialized materials that we may not have in abundance." He paused, his mind already working through potential solutions, considering the logistical and supply issues that might arise. "As far as I know, my master and the young madam discussed raiding a linen factory, which would certainly solve the seamstress''s material shortage," Tristan said, leaning back slightly. "As for the blacksmiths, they present a whole different set of challenges, but considering that the young madam is planning to open a workshop, she may have already prepared some materials for them." He set the papers aside and unfolded a map of City B. "We could convert the building on the newly acquired land near the northern wall. It''s large enough to house a workshop, and we can partition it to ensure each type of artisan has their own designated area." "For those who wish to work independently, we could allocate a certain amount of supplies each week and follow the young madam''s idea¡ªhaving them pay with their crafts in return." Tristan''s mind was already formulating the logistics, weighing the pros and cons of the proposal. Chapter 492 - 492 Checking The Site "We should go inspect the location together," Tristan suggested. "Once we see it, we can decide how to transform the space into a fully functional workshop and figure out the logistics." Aston nodded in agreement. "You know, that''s exactly what the City Lord suggested as well. Looks like we''re all on the same page. And you''re probably right¡ªif the City Lord hasn''t mentioned anything about the materials, she might already have what we need." He gave a satisfied nod, feeling more confident in their plan. What Aston didn''t realize was that Kisha had forgotten to mention one crucial detail. Fortunately, she had received some valuable steel, but those materials were far too precious to be used by the artisans for practice. Given their current skill levels, they might not even be able to smelt or properly utilize such high-quality steel. Additionally, Kisha had already made plans for those materials, keeping their potential use reserved for a more important purpose. After discussing the matter further, Tristan set aside the document signing and joined Aston as planned to visit the site for the new workshop. Fortunately, the northern wall''s expansion in that area had already been completed some time ago, and the space had been cleared out. However, since it was still relatively new and untouched, the area felt a bit desolate, with only a few soldiers stationed on the wall and some warriors on patrol nearby. In the area, there was a closed-off marketplace that resembled a mall, with five floors excluding the underground garage. Fortunately, Kisha and the others had already cleared the space of zombies, leaving only minimal cleaning to be done. Despite the place being relatively untouched, several items and shelves remained, left by the previous occupants, and many of them still seemed usable. The marketplace had already been sectioned off, making it easier to allocate space for the artisans. Tristan and Aston decided to assign each floor to two or three groups with complementary skills, ensuring that their work wouldn''t interfere, even if they were neighbors on the same floor. The first floor was designated for food-related artisans, while the second floor was set aside for blacksmiths, jewelers, engravers, and transcribers. The third floor was designated for construction-related artisans, such as builders, carpenters, and more, while the remaining artisans were allocated to the fourth floor. The building was vast, offering plenty of room, but there was one major issue: the electricity no longer worked. They would either need to rely on generators or climb the stairs manually. However, the real challenge would be how they managed to work efficiently without proper power, especially considering that artisan-type awakened ability users typically lacked the enhanced physical capabilities of defense and offense-type superhumans. This would make their tasks far more difficult, as they were not as physically strong and would likely struggle with the demands of the work. The main issue now was how to transport materials to the upper floors, given the artisans'' lack of physical strength. The only viable option was the stairs, as the elevators were non-functional without electricity. If they wanted to restore power to the building, they''d need to use a generator. However, given the building''s vast size, the generator would require a significant amount of gasoline. This posed a problem, as Duke and his team had already raided all the gasoline stations in the city, draining their supplies. Half of that gasoline had already been used to blow up the sewers, leaving them with limited reserves. The current gasoline stock was carefully rationed, as it was already being used for essential operations, like powering the City Lord''s villa, the central hall, the Supply Center, and various offices, as well as fueling the trucks used for supply runs. Now that the problem was clearly identified, Tristan and Aston had to come up with a solution. Unfortunately, there were no larger buildings nearby that could be repurposed into a workshop. Their only alternative would be to allocate multiple smaller buildings for different types of artisan work, which wasn''t ideal. Despite the expansion of their territory, they had to use the available space wisely, as they still had to accommodate the future influx of survivors. Every decision regarding space allocation would need to be strategic and long-term. "How about we set up a pulley system outside the building to deliver materials to each floor?" Aston suggested suddenly, his gaze drifting to the window. He noticed a balcony just outside where someone could easily stand to wait for deliveries. Beyond that, he saw the perfect spot to install the pulley system. It seemed like a simple yet effective solution. "That''s a solid idea," Tristan agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "But we''ll need to ensure the pulley system is sturdy enough to handle hundreds, if not thousands, of kilograms of supplies up to the fourth floor." He paused, glancing outside as well. "As for lighting, we can use candles or oil lamps¡ªthose won''t drain our gasoline reserves, so that''s one less issue to worry about." Aston hesitated for a moment, then clarified, "I was thinking we could use the crane''s structure to support the weight, but instead of actually lifting the supplies with the crane, we could rig it to hold the load in place while a manual pulley system does the lifting. Essentially, the crane would just act as a frame to distribute the weight safely, without using its lifting mechanism." Tristan paused, considering the idea. "So, the crane''s just there for structural support, and the manual pulley would do all the heavy lifting? That might work," he said, his tone thoughtful. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "If we''re going to set up a pulley system, we''ll need a solid foundation for the wheel. We could park the crane beside the building; we wouldn''t need to operate it, just use its sturdy hook and frame as the anchor." Aston paused as he looked at a specific location where he thought the crane would be positioned. "Then, we can have a strong superhuman pull the pulley system up. However, it could get cumbersome, so it might be best to create a delivery schedule. That way, we can rotate the task among a few people, spreading out the workload." "Well, that''s our best option for now, unless we manage to fix the electricity issue at the base," Tristan nodded, thoughtfully considering Aston''s suggestion. It was a practical solution for the time being. "It''s a solid plan. Now, the next step is figuring out who wants to work under us and who prefers to go solo," he added, scanning the area as if waiting for further input. "About that, I''ll need to have a conversation with them," Aston said, pulling out a small notebook and readying himself to take notes. "But I''m not sure how to explain the material distribution... or the help they''ll get if they choose to go solo." Tristan didn''t seem bothered by the question, despite the constant stream of inquiries. He leaned back, considering the situation. "It''s simple enough," he replied thoughtfully. "You can explain that while working under us means shared resources and a guaranteed supply of materials, those who go solo will have more freedom but will need to handle their own supply needs." "Make it clear that going solo comes with more responsibility, but they won''t be left completely unsupported¡ªthey''ll still have access to some resources, just less consistency." Chapter 493 - 493 Nearing The End "The material allocation will depend on how much we have on hand. We''ll prioritize the artisans who agree to work with us directly, ensuring they have a steady supply. Those who choose to go solo will receive a more limited amount, and for any materials we''re lacking or have in short supply, we''ll have to restrict distribution to the bare minimum. It''s important to make it clear to everyone that scarcity will dictate the priorities." Aston jotted down everything Tristan said, nodding thoughtfully as he did. He agreed completely with the plan¡ªensuring fairness in distribution seemed like the only logical approach, especially given the limited resources. There was no room for disagreement. After finalizing their plan, Aston accompanied Tristan back to the temporary City Lord''s office. Once their tasks were completed, Aston headed off to gather the artisan-type awakened ability users for an announcement. He explained the decisions that had been made and set up two registration desks for them to choose their path. As expected, 100 artisans opted to take their chances as independent business owners, while the remaining 229 chose to work directly for the base. While both paths meant contributing to the base''s assets, those who worked directly for the base would receive full support, and their crafts would be exclusively utilized for the base''s needs¡ªespecially for equipping the warriors who fought to protect them. The decision to go solo wasn''t taken lightly by the 100 artisans. After much consideration, they recognized the importance of diversifying their efforts. Some artisans needed to pioneer the marketplace, ensuring the base could develop a thriving economy. Many of those who chose independence had prior business experience, while those less confident in managing a business leaned toward working under the base''s direct leadership to ensure their skills were put to good use. Understanding the reasoning behind their choices, Aston nodded with a proud smile. It dawned on him how deeply connected the people within the base had become to their community, especially to their City Lord. They were actively thinking of ways to contribute meaningfully on their own. Kisha''s words about their awakened abilities had clearly struck a chord, inspiring them to improve their crafts and live up to her expectations. In a way, her encouragement had become a driving force, igniting their determination to push forward and make themselves indispensable to the base''s future. With the groups now divided, those who opted to go solo were guided to a different area to arrange rental contracts and select their locations in the marketplace. The marketplace fell under Mr. Winters'' management, so Aston had already sent someone ahead to inform him about the artisans and their agreements. This allowed Mr. Winters'' team to prepare everything so that once Aston arrived with the artisans, the contracts could be signed smoothly. Meanwhile, the artisans who chose to work for the base were sent home for the time being and should wait for further instruction. Aston decided that he and Tristan needed to prioritize cleaning and organizing the closed-door marketplace that would now be their workshop. Their goal was to clearly establish departments within the building so that when the artisans arrived, they could immediately begin their work without delays. By organizing the workshops within a single building, Aston and Tristan ensured that the artisans would be able to work efficiently once operations began. To prepare for this, they needed to sort and allocate the required materials in advance, creating a smooth workflow for the artisans to focus solely on their crafts. This centralized system was a significant advantage for those who chose to work directly for the base, as they benefited from full support and resources. However, the artisans who chose to go solo and start their own businesses didn''t feel envious of these arrangements. They had a different vision. With the establishment of a marketplace, the base was laying the foundation for rebuilding an economy. This meant residents would soon have the freedom to choose between working for the base or running their own enterprises. The currency would transition from work points to crystal cores¡ªa system already introduced and widely understood as part of Kisha''s broader plan to develop their community. This shift promised substantial benefits for everyone. As solo artisans launched their businesses, it was expected that people from other shelters and bases would visit the marketplace to trade and purchase goods. This influx of visitors and commerce would enable the base to accumulate more crystal cores, which could then be used to help their superhumans level up more easily without constantly risking their lives in dangerous expeditions to collect cores. In this way, the marketplace was not only an economic revival but also a strategic move to strengthen the base as a whole. This arrangement was particularly advantageous for non-combatant awakened ability users and other support types. It allowed them to avoid venturing into dangerous areas and risking their lives to gather the crystal cores needed for leveling up. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moreover, starting their own business wouldn''t limit them to just selling their crafts. These artisans could also gather valuable information from travelers visiting the marketplace and relay any critical insights to the City Lord''s office. However, this role required bold individuals with strong business acumen, which is why only those confident in their abilities and resourcefulness chose to go solo. Although they were labeled as "going solo," these artisans were not entirely alone¡ªthey often had family or friends to support them in managing their businesses. While their products might have shifted to align with the new reality, their goals remained steadfast: to earn more and, in turn, collect crystal cores. These cores would allow them to level up faster and even assist their family members in doing the same, should they awaken abilities in the future. With this in mind, the 100 artisans enthusiastically selected prime locations within the marketplace, which Mr. Winters had strategically designated. The marketplace itself was set to be established on a large, empty lot that once served as a parking area for government officials. Though the space was currently barren, the vision for its transformation into a bustling hub of commerce was clear. The vehicles that once occupied the lot had long since been cleared out, making room for a dynamic, large-scale marketplace that would soon breathe new life into the area. The marketplace was spacious enough to accommodate the hundred artisans while still leaving room for future stall owners to set up shop. With the plan firmly in place, Aston and Tristan found themselves busier than ever in the days that followed. They worked tirelessly to organize the workshop and ensure that the solo artisans were comfortably settling into their new stalls. Fortunately, Mr. Winters took charge of assisting the solo artisans, as the marketplace fell under his jurisdiction, lightening the load on Aston and Tristan while ensuring the marketplace was smoothly operational. After a long and eventful day, everyone retired to their respective places to rest. Meanwhile, Kisha and Duke remained outside, vigilantly overseeing the final stages of the wall''s construction. With such a crucial phase underway, they couldn''t afford to let anything go wrong. Both Vulture and Sparrow had been doing an excellent job, ensuring the schedule was met and progress continued without delay. Kisha and Duke kept a watchful eye, knowing how critical this moment was for the success of their plans. Chapter 494 - 494 Unexpected Reward Ding! [Congratulations on Completing the A Class Mission "Commander of a Thousand"] [You have received the "Stamina Booster Recipe"] [You have received the Title: "Commander of a Thousand"] [You Gained the ''The Commander of Heaven'' Acheivement] [You Gained 3,000 achievement Points] Kisha was abruptly awakened by the system notification early in the morning, just two days before the deadline for the wall''s expansion and reinforcement. She lay there, staring at the ceiling of the tent, as her mind tried to process the unexpected news. How had she completed the A-class mission "Commander of a Thousand" when there were still seven days left before the deadline? It took her a moment to fully absorb the reality of it, her thoughts racing as she tried to make sense of it all. "Host! You''re mixing things up!" 008 interjected, its voice tinged with urgency. "The deadline for the ''Commander of a Thousand'' mission is also ending in two days, coinciding with the base wall''s construction. Gosh, how are you going to manage without me?" It made sure to correct Kisha, testing her focus as it could tell her mind was still in a fog from just waking up. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Oh," Kisha replied flatly, her lackluster response immediately deflating 008''s excitement. With a metaphorical sigh, the system retreated to the depths of her mind, sulking over her indifference. It was only after 008''s reminder that Kisha opened the mission tab to double-check. Sure enough, 008 was right¡ªthe mission "Commander of a Thousand" had started five days before the wall''s expansion and fortification. The mission requirement listed a 15-day duration, which explained why she had mixed it up. Without 008''s timely intervention, she might not have noticed the discrepancy. "Glad you figured it out," 008 quipped with a hint of sass before retreating into the depths of Kisha''s mind. "Alright, thank you, 008," Kisha murmured, her tone a mix of gratitude and amusement. She shifted slightly, careful not to disturb Duke, who was still sound asleep beside her. His left arm served as her pillow, while his other hand rested protectively on her stomach, occasionally rubbing it in his sleep as if to shield her from the chill of the night. A soft smile tugged at Kisha''s lips at his unconscious gesture of care. Gently, she turned her focus to the new title she had earned, opening the system interface to examine it. ... [Title: Commander of a Thousand] [Description: It was a title worthy of someone who had led five hundred elite warriors¡ªindividuals considered the finest in the nation and the cornerstone of its future strength. These warriors were not only formidable on the battlefield but also exceptional in defense, boasting a balanced skill set honed through training with the most distinguished fighters in the land. Grade: EX Leadership: +250 Mental Capacity: +250 Charm: +100 Luck: +20 Active Skill: Lion''s Roar Passive Skill: People''s Heart] ... Then there was the matter of her growing list of achievements. Ever since her luck stat had emerged, Kisha felt like she was racking up achievement points and milestones at an unprecedented rate. She wasn''t complaining¡ªfar from it. This newfound streak of success was something she had only begun experiencing in this life, and it left her feeling both exhilarated and empowered. ... [The Commander of Heaven Acheivement] [Description: The title Commander of Heaven is bestowed upon a leader who possesses the unique ability to win the unwavering loyalty and admiration of warriors, achieving not just the required recruitment quota but doubling it effortlessly. Such a commander doesn''t just lead¡ªthey inspire, earning the respect and devotion of their followers through unparalleled strategy, strength, and charisma. The *Commander of Heaven* stands as a revered figure, embodying divine-like leadership akin to the legendary God of War, *Kratos*. Grade: EX Additional 20 in all stats +30% Increase in Warrior Affinity +30% Boost to Warrior Growth +30% Bonus to Experience Gain +30% Increased Chance of Talent and Gift Awakening ] ... Everything Kisha read made her heart soar with excitement. She rubbed her eyes a few times, almost unable to believe the incredible effects she was seeing. A 30% increase in EXP gain, combined with the benefits of Scarlet Honey¡ªwhat could possibly stop her army from becoming unstoppable strong? The thought filled her with a sense of invincibility. The additional 30% chance of awakening talents and gifts felt like an extraordinary advantage, especially since such awakenings were rare. Typically, talents and gifts were sealed at the initial awakening, making this new perk a game-changer for her forces and giving them a chance to awaken a gift and talent even after their awakened abilities have already manifested were never heard before. She then checked the skills associated with the title she had just gained. ... [Active Skill: Lion''s Roar] [Description: A war cry that boosts the morale of all warriors serving under you, with no limit to the number it can affect. As their morale rises, their healing speed, stamina recovery, and spiritual rejuvenation increase by 30% to 50%. Effective for 20 minutes CD: 3 hours Grade: EX] ... [Passive Skill: People''s Heart] [Description: The more people believe in and respect you, the faster your spiritual energy¡ªand any other energy you utilize¡ªrecovers, potentially granting an infinite supply. However, if their trust turns to hatred and disdain, your energies will be sealed. It''s a double-edged sword, where only the hearts of the people will determine how you can harness its power. Grade: EX(Evolvable)] ... ''How am I supposed to use this Lion''s Roar? Do I actually need to roar like a lion?'' Kisha thought, a dark line forming on her forehead as the idea sent an embarrassing shiver down her spine. She really hoped she wouldn''t have to use such a skill. [Please set Skil: Lion''s Roar activation command] As if reading her thoughts, the system sent her a prompt, and Kisha couldn''t help but let out a sigh of relief. While she had been dreading the idea of embarrassing herself, the skill''s potential was too valuable to overlook. Now that the system offered a way to use it without the awkwardness, she felt much more optimistic. "For the activation command, how about ''Let''s Get Them!''" [Do you want to set ''Let''s Get Them!'' as the activation command?] [YES] or [NO] After Kisha clicked "Yes" with a smile, Duke stirred beside her, a chuckle escaping his lips. Seeing Kisha in such a good mood so early in the morning made him smile too. His eyes, still heavy with sleep, blinked lazily as he turned to gaze at her. "What''s got you so happy this early?" "I''m happy because the base is slowly coming together, and the warriors you''ve trained are getting stronger, ready to leave the nest," Kisha said with a chuckle. She figured that the completion of the mission was likely tied to the fact that most of the warriors in the defense force had awakened their abilities. This made their base home to an unprecedented number of awakened ability users across various classifications. More than that, the warriors had mostly reached level 1, with some even reaching level 2. She suspected this was why the system considered the mission complete¡ªher warriors were now strong enough to fight on their own, without her or Duke''s guidance. Why shouldn''t she be happy? Her breakfast had turned into earning a title, an achievement, and two new skills, all accompanied by a massive boost in stats. Chapter 495 - 495 Will You Treat me Like A King? ''I could even laugh in my sleep,'' Kisha thought, giggling to herself. Duke, with a smile, buried his nose into Kisha''s neck and chuckled along with her. Though he didn''t know exactly what had made her so happy¡ªcertain that she hadn''t shared the full story¡ªhe chose not to pry. Her joy was undeniably infectious, and that was enough for him. Kisha, meanwhile, returned her attention to her status window, unable to resist admiring how much her stats had skyrocketed thanks to the boosts from her new title and achievements. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 220 (+20) Stamina: 302 (+20) Defense: 490 (+20) Agility: 220 (+20) Mental Capacity: 970 (+270) Charm: 320 (+120) Leadership: 570 (+270) Luck: 310 (+20) Mana: 690 (+20) Spiritual Energy: 690 (+20) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand Skills: Telekinetic Level 1 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 1, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 1, One Man Team, People''s Heart Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Another giggle escaped Kisha''s lips as she stared at her status window. Her stats had never been this impressive before. With these upgrades, she felt like she could rival a level 5 or 6 evolved zombie on her own, a thought that made her feel almost invincible. For a fleeting moment, she even dared to think she might be stronger than Duke. In her previous life, Duke''s strength had always been unmatched, towering at the top of humanity''s ranking system for the strongest awakened ability users. His power had seemed bottomless¡ªa force no one could fully measure. Yet, that boundless strength had been sacrificed... for her. Kisha''s good mood plummeted, crashing into a pit of despair as the memory of Duke''s sacrifice resurfaced. ''I promised to make it up to you in this life,'' she vowed silently, her heart aching with guilt and determination. Seeking solace, she buried her face against Duke''s chest, his steady heartbeat and familiar masculine scent grounding her. The calming warmth of his presence eased the storm of emotions swirling inside her, bringing her a measure of comfort amid the turmoil. "Are you alright?" Duke asked, his perceptive nature instantly picking up on the shift in her mood. He tightened his embrace, offering silent reassurance as his deep, husky voice carried a note of concern beneath its lazy tone. His eyes searched her face, worry evident despite his relaxed demeanor. "Hmmm, yeah, just a random thought," Kisha replied softly, avoiding elaborating it. She couldn''t bring herself to confess the truth¡ªthat in her previous life, Duke had died because of her. The fear of his potential hatred loomed too large, silencing the words she desperately wanted to say. Sensing her emotions beginning to spiral, Duke tightened his embrace, pulling Kisha closer as if trying to absorb whatever was troubling her to himself. They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in silence, his warmth grounding her. When they finally stepped out of the tent, the outside was already bustling with activity. Warriors were hard at work constructing the walls, their focus unwavering. At the same time, Aston''s men arrived with the breakfast delivery. Aston himself was absent, busy collaborating with Tristan to set up the workshop. The camp thrummed with energy, progress evident in every corner. Kisha immediately guided Duke to a nearby bench. "Sit here; I''ll grab our breakfast," she said with a warm smile, eager to return the care he so often showed her. Most of the time, it was Duke who played the perfect partner, ensuring she had everything she needed to focus on her tasks without worry. But today, she wanted to turn the tables. Duke had always been the one giving¡ªhis unwavering support, his quiet acts of service, his steadfast presence. He deserved just as much in return. To Kisha, he wasn''t just her husband but her partner in every sense of the word. And if she was his queen, it was only right that she made him feel like the king he truly was. "Honey, it''s my job to serve you," Duke said, his voice dipping into a deep, alluring tone as his gaze locked onto hers, filled with warmth and affection. The gentle glint in his eyes spoke volumes about his devotion. Kisha shook her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Let me do this for you," she replied, her tone light with a teasing edge, though her eyes betrayed her earnestness. "You always treat me like a queen, and I want you to feel like the king you are." Duke pulled Kisha onto his lap, his strong arms circling her waist with a possessive yet gentle hold. His lips hovered just behind her ear, his warm breath brushing against her skin and igniting every nerve. A tingling warmth surged through her, sending a wild churn to her core. Kisha shivered, her lashes fluttering as she fought to suppress a gasp. "Honey," Duke murmured, his voice low and seductive, a velvety caress to her senses. "I love pampering and doting on you. But if you really want to treat me like a king..." He paused, his lips curving into a wicked smile she could feel against her skin. "It might be better done in bed instead. I''d enjoy that far more than breakfast service." His thumb traced lazy, teasing circles around her belly button, and Kisha could only stifle a breathless laugh, her cheeks burning as she tried¡ªand failed¡ªnot to melt into his embrace. "And more than that," Duke murmured, his voice dropping to a sinful growl, "the breakfast I''d truly love to devour... is you." His lips brushed against her ear as he whispered the last word, his baritone chuckle following like a melodic echo, warm and deep. The sound sent a shiver down Kisha''s spine, but it was his words that made her body react as though a surge of electricity had just danced through her veins. Her breathing quickened, her heart racing wildly as her mind betrayed her, replaying flashes of Duke''s passion and intensity in bed. She felt her cheeks flush, heat pooling in her core. But before she could utter a single protest¡ªor invitation¡ªDuke''s lips descended to her earlobe, capturing it gently. His warm mouth and teasing tongue made her gasp softly, her resolve melting like snow under the sun. "Say, my queen, will you treat me like your king?" Duke''s voice deepened, rich with desire, each word laced with a restrained hunger. "Because I''ll tell you this¡ªmy staff is more than ready." A faint pant escaped his lips, his control clearly wavering. "My God, wifey," he groaned, the rawness in his voice sending a shiver through her. "I want you so badly. I need to be inside you, to feel your tight pussy gripping my cock. But more than that, I want to hear you scream my name." Kisha''s back pressed firmly against his chest, and she felt every rise and fall of his labored breathing. Chapter 496 - 496 Like The View? His cock, hard as steel, pressed insistently against her rear, igniting a heat between them that was impossible to ignore. Duke''s finger trailed downward, hovering tantalizingly close to Kisha''s clit, teasing her in a way that sent shivers through her body. His tone was low and inviting, laced with seductive hunger. "Hmmm, I''m starving," he murmured, his voice thick with desire. "How about you spread those beautiful legs of yours so I can feast on that sweet, pink pussy? That''s the kind of breakfast I''m craving right now," he growled, his words dripping with carnal intent. ''Oh shit! I think I just poked the sleeping bear,'' Kisha thought, swallowing hard as a lump formed in her throat. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, the anticipation sending a rush of heat through her. She could already imagine Duke''s next words, knowing all too well what he was capable of¡ªhe''d proven it to her before. As Kisha''s breaths grew more labored, Duke chuckled softly behind her ear¡ªa sound both seductive and teasing. He rested his chin on her shoulder, exhaling deeply as he wrestled with his desire. He knew this wasn''t the time or place for such feelings. The setting was far from intimate, and Kisha was focused on completing their mission, with the deadline rapidly approaching. Even so, he couldn''t resist teasing her, a move that both stoked his frustration and gave him a hint of satisfaction. Reluctantly, he pulled back, inhaling her scent one last time in an attempt to calm the storm of longing within him. "I''m letting you go for now, wifey. But you''d better be ready to satisfy this king soon," he teased, his voice laced with playful mischief. Chuckling, Duke gently set Kisha down on the bench before heading off to fetch their breakfast. Kisha, still reeling from what happened, felt a mix of frustration and longing. She couldn''t shake the feeling of being both cheated and riled up, and the worst part was the fire Duke had ignited within her had nowhere to burn. Kisha felt like strangling someone at that moment, but her frustration only deepened as she watched Duke stride toward the delivery truck with an unmistakable spring in his step. He looked to be in a great mood, seemingly unfazed by the noticeable tent in his pants. Thankfully, his windbreaker partially concealed the evidence, and he chose to ignore the discomfort. What lingered in his mind, though, was the look on Kisha''s face before he walked away. That expression told him everything¡ªshe wanted him just as much as he wanted her. The thought made his day, filling him with a sense of reassurance and satisfaction that was more than enough to keep him grinning. While Duke was basking in his happiness, Kisha was simmering in frustration for the first time. ''Is this what they call unfulfilled desire? Damn it, Duke. What a great husband you are,'' she fumed silently, her glare locked on him as he headed toward the truck. Duke, feeling the intensity of her gaze, glanced back¡ªonly to be met with a look that could pierce steel. Her expression, complete with flaring nostrils as though smoke might burst out any second, made him laugh out loud on the spot. He found her glare irresistibly adorable, but the moment he thought that, but he soon regretted that thought. When Duke returned with two trays of breakfast, Kisha didn''t spare him a glance. She focused intently on her own business, pretending he was nothing more than a breeze passing by¡ªanything to quell the fire still raging between her thighs. Her core tingled and clenched, a lingering reminder of the spark he''d ignited. Memories of their passionate nights together resurfaced unbidden, and without her realizing it, a flicker of anticipation began to build within her. Her body betrayed her, responding to the desire, while her mind struggled to maintain logic. The result was a maddening frustration, one she squarely blamed on Duke, who had lit the flame and then walked away, leaving her to deal with the aftermath. "W-Wifey, are you mad?" Duke asked hesitantly, inching away from Kisha like a scolded puppy. His eyes were droopy, his expression radiating regret. Kisha shot him a sidelong glance and could almost picture imaginary dog ears drooping alongside a tucked tail. He looked utterly pitiful, but she wasn''t about to let him off the hook so easily. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Stifling a laugh, she snorted instead and continued eating, pretending to be angry despite the amusement bubbling just beneath the surface. In an attempt to pacify her, Duke kept offering Kisha bits of his food, carefully choosing the dishes he knew she liked. "What''s this? A peace offering?" Kisha snorted, rolling her eyes. Despite her sarcasm, she popped the food into her mouth, trying to mask her enjoyment. Duke''s grin widened at her reaction, and without missing a beat, he placed another piece of tamagoyaki onto her plate. ''Hmph! You''re lucky I''m not teaching you a lesson! I just promised to make it up to you, and this is what you do?'' Kisha fumed inwardly as she shoved another piece of tamagoyaki into her mouth. She shot Duke another sharp glare before resuming her meal, but he only watched her with a soft, adoring gaze. The way he looked at her¡ªlike everything she did was the most amusing and entertaining thing in the world¡ªmade her chest tighten in frustration. ''Damn it! How am I supposed to stay angry with that face?!'' she thought, clenching her jaw as she hurried to finish her food. She needed to get to work on the wall''s construction, to get as far away from him as possible. Otherwise, the tingling coursing through her core wouldn''t go away, and she desperately needed a distraction to clear her mind. As Kisha lowered her head to eat, her eyes inadvertently flicked to the tent in Duke''s pants¡ªit still hadn''t gone away. The sight made her freeze, and before she realized it, the food in her chopsticks slipped back onto her plate. Duke, noticing her distraction, glanced at her face and then followed her not-so-subtle gaze. He burst into laughter, his amusement echoing around them, snapping Kisha back to her senses. Her cheeks flushed as she quickly averted her eyes, pretending nothing had happened. "Wifey, eyes up here," Duke teased, a wolfish grin spreading across his face, his eyes gleaming with mischief and amusement. "If you''d like, I''ll even give you a free pass to touch. After all, this is all yours anyway¡­" His voice carried a playful tone, laced with just enough seduction to make her cheeks burn. To emphasize his point, Duke leaned back on the bench, letting his windbreaker fall aside to fully reveal the bulge in his pants. Kisha''s eyes flicked downward involuntarily, and she even caught the slightest twitch. Her face flushed as she snapped her gaze back to his with a fiery glare, though it only made Duke''s grin widen further. "Like the view? Hmmm?!" Kisha felt the urge to smack the smug smile off Duke''s face as he reveled in her flustered reaction, her cheeks burning bright red. But before long, she couldn''t help but laugh with him. The playful exchange felt so natural, so much like what a loving husband and wife should be. The anger she''d been trying to hold onto melted away, and they settled into a comfortable rhythm, chatting casually as they ate. They talked about their day yesterday, their thoughts, their plans, and everything in between. Time seemed to slip away unnoticed, and before they realized it, more than an hour had passed. With a shared glance, they both jumped up, suddenly aware of the time. Without missing a beat, they hurried off to get to work. "Wait" Chapter 497 - 497 The Errand Boy "Wait." Kisha tugged on Duke''s arm, and for a moment, he felt as though he were rooted to the spot. He tried to pull away, testing her grip, but to his surprise, he couldn''t overpower her. His brow quirked in amusement as he stood still, waiting for Kisha to speak. Without saying a word, Kisha tugged Duke toward the tent, guiding him into her territory space for more privacy. "Just give me a minute," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Did you finish smelting the materials I assigned last night?" Kisha asked 008. Before heading to bed, she had recalled the new features unlocked when 008 reached level 5¡ªthe ''smelting and synthesizing'' abilities. With that in mind, she had immediately sent 008 to smelt the large amounts of Tungsten Steel, Vanadium, and Iron Meteorite she received as a reward. Given their current equipment, she knew even their skilled artisans, even with awakened abilities, might struggle with such materials. So, she took it upon herself to ensure the job was done. "Please deliver this to Aston so he can assign it to the artisans. These materials might be useful for the solar panel project and any other blueprints we acquire in the future," Kisha said, her tone firm yet purposeful. Understanding her reasoning, Duke nodded and swiftly stored the large crates into his Space Ring. Each material¡ªcarefully smelted into ingots¡ªfilled at least three crates each material, neatly prepared and ready for distribution. Duke understood that while Kisha wanted Aston to oversee the distribution of the materials, her true intention was to ensure he had what was needed for crafting the solar panels. The remainder was meant for safekeeping, as these rare and valuable resources couldn''t be squandered on practice or routine crafts. Duke was well aware of their scarcity and the importance of preserving them for critical projects. With a nod, Duke took the materials and made sure to explain to Aston exactly what they were for and how they should be handled, ensuring everyone was on the same page. Kisha, pleased by Duke''s quick understanding, nodded happily in return. They both exited the territory space, each heading in their own direction. As usual, Kisha stayed close to Vulture and the others, lending them her presence. The team felt more powerful with her nearby, as if their spiritual energy was overflowing, and fatigue seemed like a distant memory. What they didn''t realize was that Kisha had been subtly activating her new skill each time she called out "Let''s get them!" While they assumed she was just offering encouragement, she was actually triggering her active skill ''"Lion''s Roar" that boosted their morale and enhanced their spiritual and stamina recovery. Coupled with her "Healing Dome," it was a double punch of power, making them feel as though their energy and stamina were limitless. Even Kisha was taken aback by the results. It almost felt as though their stamina and spiritual energy had become limitless. Not only were they able to work tirelessly, but Kisha herself now had an abundance of spiritual energy to fuel her active skills. Her abilities seemed to defy natural limits, though there was a catch: after using her 20-minute skill, she had to wait for a 3-hour cooldown. Despite this limitation, her "Healing Dome" was more than enough to keep everyone going without pause, ensuring they could work relentlessly without tiring. Whenever Kisha activated her "Lion''s Roar" skill, everyone would feel a surge of spiritual energy and stamina, making them work faster and more efficiently for the entire 20 minutes. Once the skill''s effect wore off, the overwhelming energy would dissipate, but their spiritual regeneration would still be much faster than usual. This served as a reminder to pace themselves and be mindful of their energy use, ensuring they didn''t overexert themselves and burn out. Although they were initially baffled by the sudden surge of power, the group was too focused on their tasks to dwell on it, and simply accepted the strange but beneficial phenomenon. After parting ways with Kisha, Duke made his way directly to where Aston and Tristan were. He asked a few people along the way if they had seen them and was directed to the workshop they had chosen the day before. Upon arriving, he saw Aston and Tristan overseeing the construction of a platform where items would be placed before being lifted by the pulley. Nearby, a large crane was being positioned beside the building, carefully placed to avoid obstructing the flow of people coming and going. When Duke arrived, the workshop was already buzzing with activity. Workers were busy rearranging the space, creating clearly defined areas with temporary partitions. Since they lacked enough materials for permanent walls, they had opted for the partitions as a short-term solution. Later, once the earth-type awakened ability users were available, they planned to have them craft earth walls to divide the sections more permanently, without using up the precious construction materials Sparrow had brought back for the Supply Center warehouse. Since the earth users were still occupied with building the wall for the City Lord, they had to wait for them to become available. For now, the partitions would suffice, allowing the artisans to begin their work as soon as possible. Duke glanced around, his curiosity piqued after hearing Kisha speak about the artisan-type awakened ability users. While he was intrigued, he couldn''t help but feel somewhat skeptical. Having already experienced the high-quality products from Kisha''s system, he wasn''t sure if the artisans could replicate anything on that level. Still, he understood Kisha''s vision for what the artisans could contribute to their base. Equipping their people with such specialized items would undoubtedly make them more formidable, especially when facing outside forces. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Duke surveyed the place, he noticed Aston and Tristan deep in a heated discussion about the workshop''s blueprint. "Hey," Duke called out, making his presence known as he approached. Both Aston and Tristan immediately looked up, standing up straighter at his approach. Aston, in a moment of reflex, saluted Duke before quickly realizing he had treated him like a general. He quickly recomposed himself, a faint flush creeping onto his face. "Good day, Vice City Lord," Aston greeted, his tone respectful as he presented the blueprint he had retrieved from the archive. "Are you here to check on our progress?" he asked, gesturing to the document he and Tristan had been editing to match their vision for the workshop. "No, I''m here on my wife''s orders to deliver some items," Duke replied casually. Both Tristan and Aston choked in surprise. They exchanged a look of incredulity¡ªhearing Duke, of all people, being sent on an errand was something they never expected. Given they both knew Duke before the apocalypse, the idea of him being anyone''s errand boy was almost laughable. The very thought of someone daring to ask the great Duke Winters to run errands would surely be the subject of gossip for days. With this new perspective, both men felt a renewed sense of respect for Kisha. They were also intrigued¡ªwhat could be so important that Duke himself had to deliver it? Surely, someone else could have handled it. Realizing it must be something significant, Aston and Tristan exchanged a brief glance before nodding in silent agreement. Without a word, they gestured for Duke to follow and led him to a more private area. Chapter 498 - 498 A Man Changes After Marriage And what could be more private than the City Lord''s villa? It wasn''t long before they arrived at the villa''s study¡ªa place reserved for the most critical and sensitive discussions. Duke seemed entirely unbothered by the choice, finding it the most natural course of action. Settling into his usual leather chair, he leaned back with practiced ease, propping his chin on his intertwined fingers, elbows resting casually on the desk. "Vice City Lord, is the item you''re delivering something of great importance?" Tristan asked directly, standing firm and attentive before Duke, his tone reflecting both curiosity and respect. "Hmm," Duke responded with a simple hum, flicking his wrist nonchalantly to draw attention to the ring on his finger. The subtle gesture didn''t escape Tristan and Aston''s notice. Their eyes widened as they registered the crates Duke had seemingly conjured out of thin air. It didn''t take long for them to connect the dots¡ªonly a space-type awakened ability user could perform such a feat, and Kisha was the only one who wasn''t a space-type awakened ability user who could do the same and she was known to possess incredible tools and many deep secrets, but they had never considered Duke to be one of the space-type awakened ability users. The logical conclusion? He''d received something extraordinary from Kisha, something that mimicked the capabilities of a space-type awakened ability user. Given all they''d witnessed before¡ªlike Kisha''s slave contracts, elixirs, and other miraculous items¡ªanother space ring wasn''t exactly surprising. Still, the implications of Kisha''s growing arsenal left them both awed and slightly surprised. The moment they realized that Kisha had likely gifted Duke something as significant as a space ring, both Tristan and Aston gasped in astonishment. Their eyes widened as they gawked at the ring on Duke''s finger, its significance now clear. Duke, for his part, made no effort to hide it¡ªhis casual yet deliberate gestures all but confirmed that the ring was the source of his portable storage capabilities. A flicker of smugness danced in Duke''s eyes, betraying the urge to proudly announce the gift he''d received from his wife. If not for the need to maintain discretion and avoid drawing unnecessary attention from the survivors in their base, he might have openly boasted about it. However, with Aston and Tristan being privy to such matters, Duke didn''t have to hold back completely. He let his satisfaction seep through in subtle ways, his fingers occasionally twisting the ring as if to flaunt it without saying a word. Though his pride stopped him from outright rubbing it in their faces, the way he played with the ring was enough to convey his quiet triumph. The two men didn''t hide their envy as they both stared at the ring on Duke''s finger, their expressions revealing their admiration. ''I never thought my master could act like this after marrying, but it''s almost endearing. It''s childish, but funny¡ªmaybe I''ll tell the others,'' Tristan thought, his gaze fixed on the red ring. It gleamed with elegant gold engravings, striking a balance between refinement and subtlety. Though it had a certain flashy appeal, it didn''t scream importance at first glance, merely resembling a wedding band. Yet, to those in the know, its true value was far beyond its appearance. ''A man really does change after marrying,'' Aston mused silently as he watched Duke, clearly reveling in the smug satisfaction of showing off his wife''s gift. The pride in Duke''s expression was unmistakable¡ªhe was practically bursting to tell the world about the ring his wife had given him. But after a moment of basking in his little victory, Duke shifted gears, as if reminded of the task at hand. He had clearly had his fill of flaunting the gift. Now, it was time to focus on the errand his wife had sent him on¡ªone he was eager not to forget, for the last thing he wanted was to incur her wrath. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "So, these crates contain substantial amounts of Tungsten Steel, Vanadium, and Iron Meteorite," Duke began, his tone shifting to something more serious. "As you''re well aware, Aston, these materials are not only incredibly durable but also very rare." "Given your background in the Military, you know how valuable they are. They''re typically reserved for weaponry and armor¡ªthings the government would hoard and control strictly." "These materials were provided by my wife," Duke continued, his expression serious. "She recently acquired blueprints for an advanced solar panel system and a sewer system with gas preservation. I''ve already reviewed the blueprints with the experts in the base, and it turns out that some of the materials needed to construct the solar panels are these very metals." "Since you''re overseeing the workshop for the artisans, I''d like you to have them use some of these metals to begin crafting the necessary components for the solar panels. This will help us tackle the electricity issue in the base. Once that''s set up, we can redirect the gas for use exclusively with the trucks." The two gasped in unison, overwhelmed by the string of revelations. It felt as though each piece of information was more crucial than the last. Knowing the blueprints came from Kisha, they both understood that "advanced" was an understatement. For all they knew, the technology could be so far beyond anything on Earth, it might even be alien technology in nature. "And of course," Duke continued, his tone firm, "you''ll only use what''s necessary for the parts. The rest of the metals need to be safeguarded. We can''t afford to take risks, especially since we don''t know when or if we''ll get resources like this again." He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Aston. He didn''t break eye contact until he saw Aston nod in acknowledgment. "As for the sewer system with gas preservation," Duke continued, his voice thoughtful, "the blueprint will allow us to use gas more efficiently, providing a sustainable source for cooking and other needs." "It works by separating water from human waste, allowing the waste to decompose and generate flammable gas, which we can then use as a primary energy source." Duke nodded to himself as he spoke, recalling the blueprint with admiration. He couldn''t help but marvel at the system''s efficiency¡ªnothing was wasted. He even saw the potential to link the sewer system to the water purification system, recycling water for washing, gardening, and other non-drinking uses while keeping a separate system for drinking water. The thought of it all filled him with excitement for the innovative blueprints Kisha would continue bringing him. If 008 could hear Duke''s thoughts, it would be surprised to see how easily Duke grasped the advanced technologies from different worlds that Kisha was acquiring in her ongoing missions. Due to this understanding, Duke had already spoken with Dr. Shuveck and, more importantly, with Engineer Steel to ensure that, when constructing the sewer and gas preservation systems, they would leave space for a future water system blueprint they would possibly acquire. This would allow for easy integration once it was acquired. Engineer Steel, impressed by Duke''s analysis, fully agreed with the plan, and his excitement grew as he envisioned the possibilities. When Aston and Tristan heard Duke''s thoughts, both were taken aback. They realized that such a blueprint must have been carefully crafted, with every detail thoughtfully considered. The design would undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to their base, offering solutions on multiple fronts. Chapter 499 - 499 Preparing For Another Large Scale Mission With a clearer understanding of the situation, they all agreed to follow Duke''s instructions carefully¡ªonly using what was absolutely necessary and preserving the rest of the materials. It was crucial that the artisans were made aware of this as well. "Don''t worry, Master. We''ll ensure no materials are wasted," Tristan responded promptly, earning a nod of approval from Duke. "As for the other supplies, you can bring Winter''s men into my wife''s territory to gather materials¡ªlogs for carpentry, clay for pottery, stones for the stonemasons, and any other resources we may need," Duke added, his tone decisive. "As for the silk, we''ll be raiding the linen factory soon, so the seamstress can wait for the fabrics. While we''re there, we might also seize any heavy equipment that could make their work easier." "Additionally, you could ask Marcus to start raising silkworms so we can produce our own silk. We have the advantage of the territory, so use it to our benefit. Just head over to Marcus if you need assistance with opening the portal." "You''ll need to be discreet with your movements. Send Sparrow along with the Winters'' men on a supply run, making sure it appears like a routine task. Don''t forget to take the five STAU with them¡ªthose five have already received a Heart Gu Pill, making them one of us." "This will also make their work easier and allow us to bring back as many items as possible, considering their expanded space. Anything we don''t have can be sourced outside the base." "Additionally, have Sparrow pretend they''re gathering livestock as well. This will help establish a credible source for our fresh meat supplies and allow us to raise livestock openly around the base." Duke paused for a moment, making sure all his instructions were clear. He knew Kisha was on the same page, so he took the liberty of laying out how they would tackle any issues that might arise in the future. Preparation was key. "If I recall correctly, there''s an animal farm on the outskirts of the city that supplies the fresh meat to the market." "Given that this city is a major merchant hub, the farm is sizable¡ªit delivers live animals to merchants involved in the food industry, including those who deal in canned goods and preserved meats," Aston added, recalling the crucial information only after Duke had mentioned it. "However, I''ve heard that the farm is a bit farther out, intentionally kept outside the city to prevent the smell from bothering the residents." "Recently, though, the farm underwent renovations to become a tourist destination, allowing people to experience farm life firsthand. As a result, the place is now much more hygienic and visually appealing. The downside, however, is that it''s become quite crowded." "Given that animals can now mutate, I can''t be certain that the animals at the farm are still purely alive." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Even if they are, there''s a high chance they''ve mutated. If that''s the case, they''d likely be far more hostile toward humans." Aston added, his voice growing tense. After hearing the warriors'' reports about the mutated rats on Duke''s mission, he felt a chill run down his spine. The thought of those rats causing trouble for them sent goosebumps creeping over his skin. If those rats were capable of such mutations, who knew what kind of horrific changes other animals might have undergone? He shuddered at the thought of the potential consequences for the team if they faced an attack from something far worse. "We could make it look like we raided the farm while bringing animals from my wife''s territory, or perhaps we could scout the place out. But the safest option is to simply pretend we went there, taking only the animals we need from the territory to maintain our alibi." Duke suggested. Given that they already had plenty of livestock in Kisha''s territory, there was no need to risk their lives by actually raiding the animal farm. The facade would serve as the perfect cover for their operations, providing the best solution without exposing their secrets. Tristan nodded in agreement with Duke''s plan. "I''ll coordinate with Sparrow and the team once the wall''s construction is complete. But with so much on our plate, what should we prioritize first?" "Hmm, since we''re focusing on the workshop, let''s prioritize gathering as much material from the territory as possible and handle the smaller tasks first." "Once the wall''s construction is complete, we can send Sparrow, the Winter''s men, and a few of the STAU to the outskirts to pretend to gather livestock." "At the same time, bring out all the resources we''ve collected from the territory, making it look like we''ve sourced everything from the outskirts." "While they''re on the mission, I''ll lead a second group to head to the linen factory, bringing along the remaining STAU to gather supplies there." Duke added thoughtfully, his mind racing with plans. "Make sure to arrange the team lineup with a mix of defense, offense, and support-type awakened ability users so we can cover any scenario that might arise outside the base." Tristan and Aston both nodded, diligently noting everything Duke had said. While Duke made it sound straightforward, they both knew this would be another large-scale mission outside, with countless potential dangers to consider. But since Duke had already laid out the plan, all they could do now was prepare thoroughly and ensure they were ready for any scenario that might arise. After the meeting, Aston didn''t take the metals elsewhere. Instead, he instructed his most trusted men to store them in the villa''s secure storage for safekeeping. After all, aside from the City Lord and Vice City Lord''s residences, it was the safest place in the base and nowhere else. With no better location to safeguard the items for now, he decided to leave them there and take only what was necessary when needed. After finishing at the villa, Aston and Tristan began their preparations. Tristan gathered all of the Winters'' men and led them to the backyard, where Marcus was waiting. With a wave of his hand, Marcus opened the portal, allowing them to enter the territory, head to the mountains, and then start chopping down trees for logs. Meanwhile, one of the STAU members was called in to assist, and once their space was full, they would summon another to continue the work. Since some of the Winters'' men had awakened their abilities, felling the trees became much easier. With the mountain''s expansion, there were now more trees available for cutting, so deforestation wasn''t a concern in this area. Tristan, on the other hand, approached Mike, Marcus'' grandson, to ask for help in selecting quality livestock¡ªa mix of pregnant females, males, and younglings¡ªto meet their needs. The key question now was whether the STAU''s space could store live animals, or if it functioned like Kisha''s inventory, which only accommodated objects. Soon, one of the STAU arrived and was led to the animal farm inside the territory. Without wasting time on pleasantries, Tristan immediately got to the point. "Could you try storing this chicken in your space and see if it can survive there? Also, check how long it can stay inside." While the others focused on gathering resources around the territory, Tristan was eager to test the capabilities of the STAU storing live animals in their space. Understanding whether the STAU could store live animals in their space was crucial for Tristan and the team, as it would help them plan the mission more effectively and ease the burden on Sparrow''s team. The STAU nodded in acknowledgment, stepping forward. With a swift wave of his hand, the chicken vanished from sight. Cluck... cluckukukuh... The STAU then focused his attention on his space, using his mental focus to monitor the chicken. To his relief, the chicken didn''t immediately perish after being stored, and he let out a quiet sigh of relief. Cluck... cluckukukuh... Cluckahhhh. The chicken paced nervously within the confines of the space, its wings flapping frantically as it searched for a way out. The STAU was puzzled by its apparent distress, but his confusion was soon answered. Gradually, the chicken''s movements slowed, its cries growing quieter and more labored. As the minutes passed, its strength waned, until it finally collapsed, motionless, and died. Within less than five minutes, the STAU retrieved the chicken from his space and shared his observations with Tristan. As he processed the information, Tristan fell into deep thought, his mind working through the implications of what he had just learned. "So, it''s possible to store live animals, but the real issue is how to keep them alive for an extended period." Tristan mumbled to himself, his index finger tapping thoughtfully against his chin as his arms folded across his chest. "Your space doesn''t have the same limitations as young madam''s inventory, which is a relief. But why did the chicken die after only a few minutes?" "Maybe we should try sending a person inside?" the STAU suggested. After all, it wasn''t like they could ask an animal what was wrong inside the space. Only someone who had experienced the space could explain what it felt like inside. Only then would they truly understand what went wrong and how to resolve the issue. "Would you like to volunteer, then?" Tristan shot back, his irritation clear. Sending someone inside was a dangerous gamble¡ªwhat if it killed his men? He was frustrated with the STAU for offering such a reckless solution. The STAU, however, looked taken aback, feeling wronged. He hadn''t had a better suggestion; he was simply offering what seemed like the most feasible option at the time. Chapter 500 - 500 How Transport Them "Send in another chicken and take it out when it looks like it''s dying again," Tristan ordered. Mike stepped into the coop, grabbed another rooster, and placed it in front of them. Before the bird could run or even flap its wings, the STAU had already flicked his wrist, swiftly pulling the rooster into his space. Just like before, the rooster panicked, flapping its wings and searching desperately for an escape. The rooster must have sensed the imminent danger of death in that space, triggering its survival instincts and making it restless. Its movements grew weaker by the second, and just before it collapsed, the STAU pulled it from the space. The rooster hit the ground, motionless. Slowly but surely, the rooster began to stir. It took a full five minutes before it managed to stand, as if it had just narrowly escaped death. Another three minutes passed before it regained its energy, moving with renewed vigor. "I see," Tristan murmured. Both Mike and the STAU turned to him, waiting for him to explain what he had concluded after observing the rooster. Tristan didn''t disappoint. "I think the reason the chicken died earlier was due to a lack of oxygen in your space," he began. "While there''s no restriction on what you can store inside, there''s also nothing to generate oxygen." "Without it, no living creature can survive for long. In comparison, this territory can sustain life because it has a complete ecosystem." "So, maybe if we could place plants inside¡ªones that can convert the carbon dioxide animals exhale into oxygen¡ªthen the animals could survive in your space," Tristan explained. "But with the number of animals we plan to transport, we''d need something close to a small forest, which would be difficult to achieve." He paused, reflecting on the challenge of finding plants as large as trees to sustain the animals stored within the space. "And besides the plants, we''d also need sunlight," Tristan added, frowning. "Your space doesn''t have enough room to accommodate not just the trees, but also the sunlight necessary to produce oxygen." He looked visibly frustrated, realizing this method wouldn''t work. Still, they needed a solution. To make their plan convincing, they would have to temporarily store the animals in the space and then remove them just before bringing them into the base. This way, the survivors would believe the livestock had been gathered from outside. "Hmm, maybe we could equip them with some oxygen tanks?" Mike suggested absentmindedly, scratching the back of his head. He didn''t fully grasp everything Tristan had explained, but he understood one crucial point: there was no oxygen inside the STAU''s space, and without it, the animals would die within minutes of being placed there. Since it had already been established that placing plants inside the space to transform carbon dioxide into oxygen was too complicated without sunlight, the only simpler solution Mike could think of was using oxygen tanks. "Ha ha ha," Mike laughed awkwardly, his voice trailing off as Tristan fell silent, staring at him. The prolonged silence made Mike squirm, embarrassed, and he began to wonder if his suggestion had been foolish. "You don''t¡ª" Before Mike could finish his sentence, Tristan cut him off. "Of course! The solution is so simple! Why was I overcomplicating it?" Tristan exclaimed, nodding appreciatively as he patted Mike''s shoulder. Sometimes, solutions didn''t need to be complex¡ªhumans just had a way of making things more difficult than they needed to be. "But where are we going to get the oxygen tanks? And how many animals are we planning to transport?" the STAU asked. "Or do we need to make multiple trips like we did with the cargo trailers?" Though the solution seemed simple at first, it wasn''t without complications. Oxygen tanks weren''t something they could easily get anywhere, and they were meant for farm animals, not humans. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That raised several concerns. For one, the animals might quickly remove their masks due to discomfort, or they could deplete the oxygen in the tanks faster because of their erratic behavior. It also wasn''t ideal for the STAU to keep a close eye on each animal in the space. It would be draining, tiring, and could overload their mental capacity to maintain awareness inside the space for so long. As if he understood the STAU''s concerns, Tristan explained what he had realized. "Of course, it would be simple." "If I recall it correctly, I prepared a few hundred large oxygen tanks back at our base as part of our medical supplies, which the young madam had asked me to gather before I left to find the Winters'' family." "Sparrow and Vulture mentioned that she cleaned out the entire warehouse and took everything with her. That means she currently has all those supplies, including hoses, oxygen masks, and gas masks." Tristan continued, but Mike and the STAU didn''t fully grasp all the details¡ªlike which base he was referring to or what he meant by ''before leaving to look for the Winters.'' However, despite not fully understanding everything, they now knew that Kisha had the necessary supplies. Even the STAU realized that aside from the current territory space, Kisha must have a separate inventory space where she stored those supplies. After all, the STAU couldn''t see hundreds of large tanks around the area, nor did it seem like they had a cabin hidden somewhere in the forest. The STAU felt a sudden sense of disbelief upon learning something incredible about their City Lord once again, making him question his very existence. But before he could dwell on his shock, Tristan continued. "Since we have the oxygen tanks, which can surely accommodate many animals, we can place an order with the artisan-type awakened ability users. They can modify the gas or oxygen masks to fit the animals, allowing them to breathe inside the space. We''ll also put the animals to sleep so they won''t stir too much, reducing their oxygen consumption inside the space." Only after Tristan explained everything clearly did Mike and the STAU begin to visualize the plan themselves. They realized it was not only feasible, but also their best option. In fact, it was simple enough to think that bringing Kisha along would solve everything, as her skills alone could take care of it without using up many resources. However, Tristan saw it differently. He viewed this as a great opportunity for the artisans to practice their craft and receive their first order. He didn''t want to rely on Kisha too often, especially since it wasn''t always possible to bring her into every mission. Even though involving her would make everything much easier, Tristan was determined to manage without her this time. But easier wasn''t always better¡ªnot for everyone involved. Kisha couldn''t continue bearing all the burdens alone; others needed the opportunity to step up and shine. With this understanding, one of the Winters'' bodyguards was sent out to relay the order and inform Kisha of their plans. Since modifying the masks would take time due to the number of animals involved, it was crucial to get the artisans started as soon as possible. In addition to modifying the masks to resemble muzzles, they also needed to design a large, isolated pod for the smaller animals. This would eliminate the need to create individual oxygen masks for creatures like chickens and ducks¡ªa task that seemed nearly impossible given their size and anatomy. Chapter 501 - 501 Walls Completion They not only had to consider the animals'' size but also other factors. This was why muzzle-type oxygen masks would only work for larger animals like cows and pigs, while isolated pods would be necessary for smaller animals. Once the plan was finalized, Kisha returned to the villa briefly to deliver all the supplies Tristan had specified. She didn''t ask many questions, trusting that Tristan and the others had everything under control. Kisha believed in giving them opportunities to take on leadership roles, knowing it was essential to challenge them occasionally and prepare them for the bigger picture. The idea for the isolated pod actually came from a carpenter artisan-type awakened ability user. Initially, they had considered using pods for all types of animals, but given the resources required and the limited time available, it wasn''t feasible. Constructing pods for every animal would take far too long. Instead, they decided to modify masks into muzzles for the larger animals and create a few isolated pods for the smaller ones. This approach was not only more practical but could also be completed within a day or two, ensuring everything was sturdy and reliable. Despite the workshop still being incomplete, some artisans eagerly began working as soon as they received their first order. After the STAU delivered the supplies Kisha had delivered to the villa before promptly leaving again, the workers didn''t ask many questions. They simply assumed the supplies were part of what Sparrow''s team had recovered during their mission to Port City. On the northern side of the base, the workshop was bustling with activity, supervised by Aston, while Tristan oversaw another critical project around the Territory Space. This division of tasks ensured no one was overworked. Meanwhile, Duke was immersed in his own work with the engineers about the blueprints. Kisha, on the other hand, returned to the wall construction site, which had been underway for days. Her heart raced as she observed the progress. Though a small section of the wall still needed polishing, much had already been accomplished. Rose was also working tirelessly, reinforcing the wall''s defenses with her Ice Crystal Spikes. Inspired by Rose''s dedication, Evelyn stepped up as well. She left her new baby and now temporary house-husband to manage things at home while she joined the effort, focusing on strengthening the wall''s gate. With the wall fortified, the gate also required reinforcement. Standing before each gate, Evelyn used her Metal-Type awakened ability to enhance its strength. Unlike other abilities that could be conjured from thin air, her power allowed her to manipulate metal at will. She could alter the metal''s present properties and rearrange its structure on a nanoscale level, essentially reshaping it to her needs. Her abilities weren''t limited to manipulation alone. Thanks to her ''Talent: Control Over Metal'' and ''Gift: Woman of Steel'', Evelyn had an extraordinary affinity for metal. She could feel it as if it were an extension of her body, even transforming her own skin into metal when necessary. This unique connection made her work highly effective. Using her abilities, Evelyn reconstructed the gate''s metal, making it as sturdy as the walls of a great fortress. This significant upgrade bolstered their defenses, ensuring the gates could rival the resilience of Rose''s Ice Crystal Spikes, adding an extra layer of protection to their stronghold. Since Evelyn only needed to fortify four gates, her task was far easier compared to Rose''s. It didn''t take her long to finish. By the time the sky turned a bloody red and a heavy gloom settled over the air, everyone''s attention was fixed on the wall. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ding... [Congratulations on Completing the A Class Mission "Base''s Expansion!"] [Congratulations on Completing the Hidden Mission: B Class Mission "Strengthen The Base''s Wall"] [You have received Advanced Water Filter Blueprint from World 005795] [You have received Advanced Energy Gun Blueprint from World 102879] [You have received Title "A True Ruler"] [You have received 100,000 Points] [You have received 10 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 50% Mall Points Discount Coupon] [You have received Spiritual Crystal Gatherer] ... As the continuous system notifications popped up before her, Kisha''s eyes sparkled like crystals as she confirmed the completion of the Wall''s construction mission. Standing alongside Vulture, Sparrow, and everyone who had worked tirelessly for nearly two weeks, she felt a surge of emotion. The sight of their hard work culminating in the completion of the tall, sturdy wall brought an overwhelming sense of pride. Cheers erupted as emotions ran high. Many collapsed onto the ground inside the base''s walls, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the face of their achievement. The air filled with collective laughter and joy, echoing across the base. Even Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle, her heart lightened by the shared celebration of their hard-earned success. However, Kisha''s happiness was rooted in the rewards she had just received. For now, she decided not to use the 10 Gachapon Draws immediately. Instead, she planned to hold onto them until she had more, in hopes of increasing her chances of obtaining more valuable items. She was particularly eager to go for the x100 draw, if possible. Soon, Duke arrived beside Kisha, having heard the cheers and so, he came out to see what was happening. As more people emerged from their offices and homes, they saw the celebration of the wall''s completion and joined in. Together, they admired the sturdy new wall, feeling a sense of security settle in their hearts. Some even shed tears of joy, overwhelmed by the sense of safety and happiness that had grown day by day within the base. When Duke and Kisha stood side by side, the cheers shifted toward them. Everyone began calling their names, followed by words of appreciation and gratitude, as if they were welcoming the heroes of their territory. Aston and Tristan, having heard the excitement, left their work to join in the celebration. Aston, ever proactive, immediately sent the cafeteria staff to begin preparing a hot pot feast to share with everyone¡ªeveryone, meaning the entire base would gather for a grand banquet. At this news, the survivors wasted no time. They eagerly sprang into action, each person doing their part. Some went house to house, borrowing tables and chairs and gathering plates and utensils. Others transported ingredients from the Supply Center to the cafeteria, while another group helped with preparing the food¡ªwashing and cutting vegetables, preparing meats, and making the hot pot sauces. The whole base became a whirlwind of activity, working together to create a feast for all. Mr. Winters worked diligently to ensure that all supplies taken from the Supply Center were properly documented and approved, avoiding any issues with future audits. Once he and his team finished their tasks, they headed to the square, where the banquet was set to take place. Kisha and Duke wholeheartedly supported the idea of a grand banquet, believing it was only right to honor their people for their hard work. The feast would celebrate their dedication¡ªtheir sweat and effort that had gone into building the base and making it a better place. By doing this, everyone would feel appreciated and recognized for their contributions, ensuring that Kisha and the other leaders weren''t taking credit for the work done. This small celebration, a moment of joy, would uplift everyone''s spirits and boost morale, preventing any feelings of despair or negativity from taking root. Chapter 502 - 502 The Banquet Just like that, the atmosphere shifted into one of celebration, as everyone went about their tasks, working together to prepare. Duke and Kisha, being the honored leaders, were not allowed to participate in the preparations; their roles were to guide and oversee, like commanders leading their troops. With a sense of purpose, the survivors moved efficiently, each member contributing their part. Kisha, in particular, had already reassured everyone that there was no need to worry about the supplies. They had more than enough to ensure a successful day of festivities, and it was time to unwind. After weeks of relentless pressure, with one challenge after another coming in, the people had barely had a chance to release the built-up tension. Today, however, would be different¡ªtoday, they would take a well-deserved break and let go of the stress that had accumulated in both their bodies and minds. Hearing this, a wave of gratitude surged through everyone, deepening their respect for Kisha. Motivated by her words, they silently vowed to do more, to strive for excellence, and to uphold the trust she had placed in them. In their hearts, they made an unspoken promise: to never betray their leaders, for the consequences of such treachery would be nothing short of a painful, inevitable end. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Of course, Kisha didn''t organize this banquet simply to give everyone a chance to unwind¡ªshe had a more strategic purpose in mind. It was a way to reinforce her "carrot and stick" approach, reminding everyone that hard work would be rewarded, but betrayal would not go unpunished. This was not just a celebration; it was a subtle reminder. Everyone at the base knew that Kisha and her team had taken down the previous tyrants who once ruled, and now those tyrants were locked away, their fates unknown. No one dared to speak of them, and no one knew what had become of them. In this atmosphere of uncertainty, Kisha''s periodic rewards served as a stark reminder¡ªa comparison to the old regime. These moments of recognition were meant to solidify the trust and loyalty of her people, ensuring that their commitment to her and her team would only grow stronger. After all, while the harshness of the world often brings out the darker sides of people, it also exposes their vulnerability. In their lowest moments, even the smallest act of kindness can ignite a deep sense of gratitude. But this only holds true for those with a good moral compass, which is why Kisha had to be meticulous in screening the survivors who entered her territory. By carefully selecting those who would join her base, she ensured that her people remained united and harmonious. This way, the foundation of her community would be built on trust and shared values, fostering an environment where loyalty and cooperation thrived. Not long after, the streets within the base, especially the square, were illuminated with oil lamps placed everywhere. Each table had its own oil lamp, and others dotted the square, casting a soft, flickering glow that created a warm, inviting atmosphere. It felt almost like celebrating Christmas Eve together, and the sight of it made everyone working feel even more solemn and dedicated to their tasks. As the others prepared the ingredients, most were setting up camping stoves at each table, placing pots on top. The cooks had already prepared large batches of rice, bone broth, and a mild spicy broth. For those who craved more heat, a spicy Sichuan seasoning was available to add as desired. The air was filled with the smell of food, and the atmosphere buzzed with the energy of people coming together to enjoy a much-needed break. They also prepared a variety of fried foods, including crispy fried chicken, fried balls, sausage and golden-brown tofu, while making minced meat and seafood mixtures so everyone could enjoy fish balls and meatballs in the hotpot. As the night went on, the temperature unexpectedly plummeted, turning the evening into one of the coldest nights they''d experienced in a while. Though it wasn''t snowing, the chill was so intense that each breath they took produced a cloud of visible vapor. It was strange¡ªwinter wasn''t supposed to have arrived yet, but the sudden drop in temperature made it feel as though it had come early. As the cold grew more intense, a hotpot quickly became the perfect choice for the banquet. The superhumans were less affected by the sudden temperature drop¡ªthey were cold, but still able to manage it. However, the normal humans could feel the chill in their bones, their limbs growing stiff as they began to shiver. To counter the biting cold, some of the workers set up a large bonfire in the center of the square, with smaller ones placed around the corners to ensure that everyone stayed warm, especially the children. The little ones gathered closer to the warmth of the flames, while the adults focused on their tasks. The elderly were entrusted with watching over the children, ensuring that they stayed safe and kept a respectful distance from the fires as the evening buzzed with activity. After hours of working together, everyone was tired, but the moment the rich scent of the hotpot began to waft through the air, a renewed sense of energy filled the atmosphere. People gathered around the tables, some standing, others seated, but all were eagerly waiting. At the front, Kisha and the other leaders sat like royalty, overseeing the gathering. The survivors, who had worked diligently all evening, looked up toward them, their eyes waiting for the signal to begin. The warmth from the bonfires mingled with the anticipation in the air, adding a sense of unity and reverence to the moment. Kisha and Duke exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with silent understanding and a shared smile. Raising their glasses filled with alcohol, they prepared to officially kick off the banquet. With a slight nod from Kisha, the leader''s words were met with an anticipatory hush, as she stood ready to make a short but meaningful speech to mark the beginning of the celebration. "Everyone, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for all the hard work and dedication you''ve shown in making HOPE Base a better place for all of us. This base is ours, and it is only through our collective effort that we can shape and protect it." "With the completion of the new, stronger wall, our defenses are now much more secure. We no longer need to live in constant fear of when the next zombie raid will breach our walls, as we did before." "Not only that, but with the expansion of our territory, we can also rest easy knowing that we have the space and resources to accommodate the growing population for the time being." "With this, we''ve earned a brief moment to catch our breath and gather our strength. I want to remind you all: don''t feel discouraged if you haven''t awakened yet, or if your abilities aren''t what you expected." "Each and every one of us has a role to play in supporting this base. There''s no need to put undue pressure on yourselves. We are here to support you, and we hope you''ll do the same for us as we lead the way forward." "What matters most is that we build a foundation of mutual trust, knowing that, together, we can stand strong against a world that has turned its back on us." "With the completion of our wall, we take our first step toward a brighter future. I hope that each of us will continue to do our best, for the sake of our children and loved ones. I thank you all for being here, for your hard work, and for your commitment to our shared future." As Kisha finished her speech, she raised her cup and drank deeply, her actions steady and resolute. The others followed suit, their faces reflecting deep respect and quiet emotion. A slight redness rimmed their eyes, for Kisha''s words had struck a chord in their hearts, reminding them of the sacrifices they had made and the hope that still burned within them. Kisha''s words had the desired effect, stirring the hearts of everyone in the banquet place, just as she intended. By repeatedly using "we" and "our," she subtly reinforced the idea that the base belonged not just to the leaders, but to everyone present. It was a clever way to ensure that the survivors saw themselves as an integral part of the community, while simultaneously positioning Kisha and her allies as the natural leaders who would guide them toward a better future. This strategic use of language made the idea of leadership elections seem unnecessary, almost unthinkable. It created an unspoken understanding that Kisha and her people were the rightful rulers, and anyone who challenged them would be seen as working against the collective goodness and effort of everyone. By making everyone feel involved in the base''s success, Kisha subtly placed the onus on them to contribute positively. Any action that went against the base''s well-being would be viewed as a betrayal of not just the leaders, but of the community as a whole. This psychological maneuvering ensured that the survivors felt both the privilege and the responsibility of being part of something bigger than themselves, grounding them in their positions and reinforcing their loyalty to the leaders. Duke and his family exchanged knowing glances, a sense of pride in their eyes as they watched Kisha speak. Her impromptu speech revealed her natural leadership, effortlessly uniting her people while subtly ensuring that her agenda remained firmly in place. Kisha''s words were not just inspiring¡ªthey were calculated, designed to strengthen the bonds within the community and solidify her role as the unquestioned leader. Chapter 503 - 503 Wifey, I Feel Bad The patriarch and Mr. Winters, who had listened intently, couldn''t help but feel reassured by Kisha''s strength and poise. As the daughter-in-law of their family, they knew she would keep Duke steady, never allowing his light to overshadow hers. Instead of diminishing, Kisha''s brilliance would only grow with time, standing beside Duke as an equal. The patriarch and Mr. Winters exchanged glances with Duke, their expressions a mix of mock disdain. It was as if their unspoken message to him was: "You''re lucky to have such an incredible wife¡ªyou don''t deserve her." They even snorted for effect, but the broad smiles tugging at their lips betrayed their genuine happiness for him. In their hearts, they were overjoyed that Duke had found a partner like Kisha¡ªa woman capable of shouldering the world''s trials and triumphs alongside him. She wasn''t just a companion; she was a pillar, someone who would stand tall beside him no matter the challenges, much like their own wives had done for them in their time. As they reflected on this moment, gratitude filled their hearts. They silently thanked their ancestors for the blessings bestowed upon their family. Despite the fall of the world, the Winters had not only endured but thrived, now standing as leaders guiding humanity''s survival. To witness three generations of Winters united in this pivotal moment felt like a testament to their resilience and the hope that Kisha and Duke would carry their legacy forward. Duke rolled his eyes with mock disdain, matching the energy of his father and grandfather. If he didn''t know any better, he might have believed he was the adopted son of the Winters, given how they were treating him. Then again, perhaps this behavior ran in the family. After all, the patriarch had treated Duke''s father much the same way when he brought home a gentle and sensible wife¡ªa woman who not only brought harmony to their household but also managed to raise the once-rebellious Duke into the fine man he was today. Some things, it seemed, were destined to be passed down through the generations. The banquet buzzed with lively energy as everyone indulged in the feast before them. The tables were laden with an abundance of vegetables, meats, rice, noodles, and even frozen seafood¡ªluxuries that made the gathering feel more like a wedding banquet than a simple celebration. The atmosphere was warm and joyous, and the sense of camaraderie grew stronger with every shared laugh and bite. Some of the attendees, feeling more at ease and closer to their leaders, couldn''t resist playfully teasing Duke and Kisha, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the evening. "City Lord, since we missed your wedding ceremony, let''s treat this as your wedding banquet! Please accept our toast," one slightly drunken man declared, raising his glass. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His bold statement brought laughter, and soon, others joined in, lifting their cups to toast Kisha and Duke. Graciously, the couple accepted the well-meaning congratulations with warm smiles. Amid the cheers and chatter, Duke leaned against Kisha''s shoulder, a faint pout on his lips. There was a hint of melancholy in his expression, amplified by the alcohol loosening his usual composure. "Wifey, I feel bad..." he murmured softly, his tone almost childlike. Kisha glanced at him, both amused and indulgent. "Why?" she asked gently, knowing he was rarely so vulnerable in front of others. "Because, even though we''re husband and wife, we still haven''t had a proper ceremony. I want to give you the wedding you deserve," Duke confessed, his voice tinged with regret as he clasped Kisha''s hand, gently rubbing it with his thumb. They had been consumed by their responsibilities for so long that moments like this¡ªtender, private, and meaningful¡ªfelt rare. Duke''s gaze softened as he continued, "Life like this feels so precious. I want to cherish everything¡ªthe moments we share, the wedding, even a honeymoon." His words carried a wistful tone, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to fade as he focused solely on her. "I wish I had met you before the apocalypse," he admitted quietly. "At least then, we could''ve done all those things together. You deserve to experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment like that¡ªa real marriage, the way it''s meant to be." His heartfelt confession made Kisha''s chest tighten, a mixture of warmth and sadness stirring within her. "It''s alright," Kisha said reassuringly, her voice steady and warm. "We can always have a proper ceremony in the future, once everything settles down." She gave Duke''s hand a gentle squeeze, her gaze filled with understanding. Kisha knew exactly what Duke was feeling, but after enduring the relentless harshness of the apocalypse, she had come to treasure simpler joys. Just being with Duke and their family felt like a luxury in a world that seemed determined to strip them of every comfort and push them toward despair. To her, surviving together was already a gift beyond measure¡ªa testament to their resilience and love in a world that seemed intent on erasing hope. Her words weren''t just meant to comfort Duke; they were a reminder to herself as well, a vow that their future¡ªno matter how uncertain¡ªwould hold space for dreams yet to be fulfilled. "But a wedding only happens once in a woman''s life," Duke said, his lips forming a slight pout. His earnestness was almost childlike, and Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle softly. Unable to resist, she reached out and gently pinched his cheeks. "You''re such a baby sometimes," she teased with a playful smile. Luckily, the lively atmosphere of the banquet shielded their tender moment. Most of the attendees were already too intoxicated or engrossed in their food and conversations to notice the quiet exchange between their leaders. The cold wind outside was long forgotten, replaced by the comforting warmth of hotpot and the flush of alcohol, wrapping everyone in a rare moment of camaraderie and cheer. "Who says a wedding only happens once?" Kisha countered, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Weddings and vows can be repeated as many times as the bride and groom desire. Sure, we didn''t have a traditional ceremony before declaring ourselves husband and wife, but does it really matter? What counts is that we''ve already accepted it in our hearts and minds." She gently clasped Duke''s hand, her tone softening. "When the time comes, and you meet my family, they can arrange the ceremony with your parents back at our original base in City A. That way, even your subordinates can be witnesses to the occasion. Don''t you think that would be perfect?" Duke''s pout started to fade, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "As for the honeymoon," Kisha continued, her voice turning playful, "we can still travel¡ªthough the scenery might occasionally include zombies. But hey, we''ll also come across some breathtaking views along the way. Who says a zombie apocalypse can''t have its moments of romance?" She burst into laughter at her own teasing, and Duke couldn''t help but crack a grin, his earlier gloom melting away. "That honeymoon would definitely be... unromantic," Duke chuckled, shaking his head as he imagined zombies shambling around during their so-called getaway. "It wouldn''t look like a honeymoon at all¡ªmore like a cleanup mission." Kisha joined in, her laughter ringing out as they shared the absurdity of the thought. Their laughter mingled with the cheerful voices and lively chatter of the banquet below. The flickering glow of the bonfires illuminated the gathering, casting a warm and inviting light over the scene. As they watched the others, their joy and contentment mirrored the laughter and camaraderie of the people they had worked so hard to protect. It was a rare moment of peace, and they were determined to cherish it. Chapter 504 - 504 A Flash Sale With 50% Discount After the lively banquet the previous night, everyone returned to their homes with smiles, their hearts warmed by the shared celebration. The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight peeked through the windows, Kisha woke with a start. Excitement stirred in her chest as she remembered the rewards waiting for her from completing the two missions. She hadn''t had a chance to inspect them amidst all the festivities and responsibilities. Careful not to disturb Duke, who was still peacefully asleep beside her, she sat up quietly. With a deep breath, she opened her system panel, eager to explore the new title she had earned. Her fingers hovered over the glowing interface, anticipation building with every passing second. ... [Title: A True Ruler] [Description: There is always a stark difference between a dictator and a true ruler. A true ruler governs with compassion, understanding, and love, while maintaining fairness and knowing when to be ruthless and when to show mercy. Leadership is never an easy path; a ruler will inevitably face difficult choices and challenging obstacles. However, a true ruler never wavers, persevering through adversity, and ultimately leading their people toward a brighter, more prosperous future. Grade: SSS Leadership: +300 Mental Capacity: +100 Charm: +100 Luck: +20 Additional Reward: 10 Gachapon Draw, 50,000 points, and 5 Resource Crate] ... S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After reading her new title, Kisha let out a small chuckle. Although she hadn''t received another achievement this time, she didn''t feel disheartened. After all, the numerous rewards she had already accumulated were more than enough to lift her spirits. "Host, do you think earning an achievement is as easy as picking cabbage at the market?" 008 interjected quickly in Kisha''s thoughts. "Just one achievement is already a big deal, yet you''ve been racking them up left and right lately, to the point where you''re starting to take them for granted." Kisha paused for a moment, considering 008''s words. It was true¡ªback in her past lives, she hadn''t even been able to access the achievement tab. But now, with achievements coming one after another, it almost felt effortless. She couldn''t help but laugh, shaking her head at how quickly she had gotten used to it. "You''re right," Kisha said, chuckling as she glanced at her status window. "Thanks to all the titles and achievements I''ve racked up from these tough missions, my stats are so high now, I might just be able to take on a zombie tide all on my own. Well, maybe." She grinned, the playful tone clear in her voice as she spoke to 008. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 220 Stamina: 302 Defense: 490 Agility: 220 Mental Capacity: 1070 (+100) Charm: 420 (+100) Leadership: 870 (+300) Luck: 330 (+20) Mana: 690 Spiritual Energy: 690 Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand, A True Ruler Skills: Telekinetic Level 2 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 2, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 2, One Man Team, People''s Heart Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... With her ''Mental Capacity'' now reaching 1000, Kisha could sense a remarkable change within herself. She felt like she could control larger objects effortlessly and manage multiple items simultaneously without any strain on her mind. Her thoughts were clearer, and a sense of ease settled over her mind. As she focused on her spiritual energy, she noticed a subtle but significant shift¡ªthere was a faint barrier now protecting her energy core. It seemed like she had broken through a threshold that had strengthened her core on its own. She hadn''t done anything to trigger it, but it felt as if an additional layer of protection had been cast over her. Perhaps, being a mental type, reaching this threshold had triggered a small evolution in her ability. Kisha took a moment to adjust to the new sensation before moving on to inspect her other rewards. However, she didn''t immediately look at the blueprints. Instead, she set them aside on the bed, planning to give them to Duke later so he could pass them on to the engineers for review and determine how they might be useful for the base. Instead, she focused on the 50% Mall Points Discount Coupon, curious about what kind of benefits it might offer. Kisha quickly asked, "008, if I use this coupon, will there be a limit on how long I can use it or a cap on how many items I can apply it to?" She was puzzled since the coupon didn''t include any details, and with only 240,000 system points left, she wasn''t sure if that would be enough to make the most of the 50% discount. She wondered if the coupon had a time limit for usage or if it applied to multiple items at once. If it was time-sensitive, she feared she might miss out on something really useful, especially if there were too many tempting items to consider. "Host, upon activation, the coupon will turn the entire system mall shop into a flash sale with a 50% discount for the entire day," 008 quickly explained. There was no need for further clarification, as it was clear that the discount would apply to everything in the shop. While the sale would reduce 008''s earnings, it wasn''t as bad as it seemed¡ªafter all, the transaction would still be recorded. Once 008 realized it would continue to make sales, any small resentment it had toward the coupon quickly faded. "Oh, alright then. I''ll just put it away for now and use it when I have more system points," Kisha said, her voice thoughtful. She then shifted her focus to the last reward she had received: the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer. It resembled one of those spherical glass crystals fortune tellers often used as decoration on their tables, clear and unremarkable at first glance. Curiosity piqued, Kisha activated her Eye of Truth to discern if there was more to this item than met the eye. ... [Spiritual Crystal Gatherer] [Description: As the name suggests, this item is inscribed with a powerful spiritual gathering spell. It draws in and concentrates the spiritual energy in the surrounding area, creating a rich aura of energy that cultivators can use to significantly enhance their cultivation. With the concentrated spiritual energy, they can more easily connect to their meridians and accelerate their progress. Over time, as the energy accumulates in one place, it also nurtures the surrounding environment, fostering the growth of plants and animals. The plants grow stronger, and animals that breathe in the spiritual energy gradually evolve into spiritual beings, such as spiritual trees or energy-infused animals. These enhanced life forms can serve as valuable resources for the cultivator, aiding in their journey by providing nourishment or even spiritual energy for further cultivation.] ... Kisha stared at the item, her eyes gradually widening as the implications of its usage sank in. ''Does this mean I can now continuously cultivate both my spiritual energy and mana without any limits?!'' she thought, excitement building within her. ''If that''s the case, doesn''t that mean my spiritual and mana pools will grow exponentially, allowing me to use my awakened ability and attacks without worrying about energy depletion? With my passive and active skills aiding in the recovery, I''ll never run out of energy!" Chapter 505 - 505 Spiritual Crystal Gatherer Her thoughts raced, and without realizing it, Duke had been quietly watching her. He leaned against the side, resting his arm casually on the surface, his hand cradling his face as he observed the range of expressions that flickered across Kisha''s face. He found her reactions both fascinating and amusing, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. After Kisha''s excitement began to fade, she became aware of Duke''s intense gaze. Turning to her side, she found her husband watching her with a gentle smile, but his eyes carried a smoldering intensity that made her cheeks flush. Embarrassed, she flicked his forehead, but her action only made Duke laugh heartily as he effortlessly pulled her into his arms. "What got you so happy this early in the morning?" Duke asked, his voice still husky from sleep, carrying a deep, magnetic timbre that sent a pleasant shiver down Kisha''s spine. "I got two new blueprints, and this crystal ball," Kisha replied with a hint of excitement, holding up the item for him to see. It was only then that Duke noticed the transparent, basketball-sized crystal resting in her hands. Since Kisha''s back had been to him when he pulled her into his embrace, he hadn''t seen it right away. Propping himself up slightly to get a better look, he raised an eyebrow in curiosity, silently urging her to explain further. Instead of explaining, Kisha simply led Duke to the territory space. She scanned the area, considering the best spot to place the item. Unsure of the crystal''s exact range, she decided on a secluded yet central location within her territory. Fortunately, the Winters'' men were already hard at work clearing trees in the forest, with Vulture and Sparrow lending their efforts. Spotting Vulture nearby, Kisha called out to him. "Vulture, can you help me with something?" Curious, he approached, and Kisha explained her request. With a nod, Vulture conjured a small altar from the earth in the chosen spot. The structure was simple yet sturdy, a perfect base for the mysterious crystal. Once it was ready, Kisha carefully placed the item atop the altar, her mind already buzzing with anticipation for what it might do. Without hesitation, Vulture stood still, took a deep breath, and concentrated on creating the altar. After a few minutes of focused effort, he crafted a structure resembling a lamp post. It stood tall, reaching Kisha''s chest, and was as thick as an adult''s waist. Noticing what Kisha was holding, Vulture had thoughtfully designed a socket atop the altar, ensuring the crystal would fit securely. Wasting no time, Kisha placed the ''Spiritual Crystal Gatherer'' into the socket. Seeing this, Vulture added finishing touches, conjuring prongs around the crystal to lock it tightly in place. The reinforced design ensured the crystal wouldn''t budge, no matter what forces might act upon it. Satisfied with their teamwork, Kisha stepped back to admire the altar, a sense of anticipation building within her. Kisha shot Vulture an approving gaze before stepping back to inspect the altar. However, as Duke, Vulture, and Sparrow exchanged puzzled looks, large question marks practically forming above their heads, they suddenly froze. A powerful surge of spiritual energy rippled through the area, drawing their attention to the crystal atop the altar. The energy wasn''t subtle¡ªit was so obvious, a force they could feel in their very cores. The spiritual energy seemed to condense and flow directly toward the crystal, creating an almost tangible aura around it. They didn''t even need to focus to sense it; the energy was so abundant that simply breathing felt invigorating. With each inhale, they could feel the rich spiritual essence coursing through their veins, awakening and strengthening their bodies in a way that left them speechless. In unison, realization dawned upon them, and their eyes widened as their heads whipped toward Kisha, mouths slightly agape in astonishment. "This... this is what had you so happy?" Duke asked, his voice trembling faintly with a mixture of awe and excitement. He understood the immense potential of the crystal¡ªhow it could exponentially enhance their strength if they trained within the territory''s bounds. The thought sent a thrill racing through him, and before he could contain himself, he leaped forward and wrapped Kisha in a firm hug from behind, his excitement palpable. "Wifey, you''re absolutely incredible!" Duke cooed, his grin stretching from ear to ear as he showered Kisha with unabashed praise. His delight was contagious, making Kisha laugh heartily along with him. But their shared moment of joy was soon interrupted by a new wave of energy that surged through the air, more concentrated in the center yet spreading across the entire territory like a tangible force. The spiritual energy thickened, enveloping the entire area. Even the Winters'' bodyguards, hard at work in the distant forested mountains, paused as they felt the sudden shift in the atmosphere. A surge of energy coursed through their veins, leaving them momentarily breathless. "Master, I can feel the spiritual energy fluctuating across the entire territory!" Bell''s excited voice echoed through the mind link, her words charged with enthusiasm. The confirmation only widened Kisha''s smile as she realized the crystal''s effect was even more profound than she''d anticipated¡ªit was reaching every corner of her territory, creating a haven rich with spiritual energy. This reward was truly invaluable, and Kisha knew it would significantly benefit her territory. With the spiritual energy spreading throughout, it wasn''t just limited to humans¡ªit meant that every animal, aquatic or terrestrial, and every plant could potentially evolve, embedding spiritual energy within them. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Coupled with the ''Green Thumb Achievement'', which already granted her spiritual crops and fruits, the crystal all but guaranteed that every harvest would yield abundant, high-quality spiritual produce. The synergy between the crystal and her achievement meant her crops would not only thrive but likely surpass expectations. It was even conceivable that everything within her territory would gradually become infused with spiritual energy, creating a harmonious ecosystem. Such a transformation would vastly enhance her ability to sustain and strengthen her forces in the future. The realization filled Kisha with a growing sense of excitement, knowing she was laying the foundation for an unparalleled stronghold. Even the Scarlet Bees within the territory seemed to be rejoicing, their buzzing echoing through the forest as they flitted about. Some had already begun cultivating to elevate their cultivation levels. Although the crystal had only recently been placed, causing the spiritual energy in the territory to remain somewhat unstable for now, Kisha knew it was only a matter of time. As the energy continued to gather and settle, it would gradually grow stronger, eventually stabilizing and reaching its peak. Once it did, the rich spiritual energy would remain constant, creating an environment perfectly suited for cultivation and growth for all beings within the territory. To test the effects of cultivating within the territory, both Duke and Kisha set up mats in front of the crystal before beginning their practice. The others returned to their respective tasks, leaving the couple to focus on their cultivation. While Duke concentrated solely on his spiritual energy, Kisha took a different approach. She simultaneously cultivated both her spiritual energy and mana, carefully ensuring that both energies remained balanced within her body. She was cautious, knowing that even a small ripple could cause the two energies to clash again. Chapter 506 - 506 Preparing For The Next Mission Given her past experience, she wasn''t willing to take any chances; she didn''t know what might happen if history repeated itself. Although her progress was slower than Duke''s, Kisha didn''t mind. She remained steady and focused, determined to cultivate at her own pace and ensure her growth was stable and secure. After Kisha and Duke finished cultivating, they both felt invigorated and renewed. They could already sense the powerful effect of the crystal¡ªafter just two hours, it had increased their cultivation by more than threefold. However, as the spiritual energy continued to gather, they soon realized that its concentration had skyrocketed to ten times its original strength. The potency of the energy was far beyond what they had anticipated. Once they were done, they left the territory, and Duke immediately made his way to Engineer Stell again. This time, he brought with him two more blueprints, eager to continue the expansion of their territory''s potential. As soon as Engineer Stell laid eyes on the blueprints, his eyes lit up with excitement. Without sparing a glance at Duke, he and his team immediately immersed themselves in studying the intricate details. However, just like the previous blueprint for the solar panels, this one was also based on alien technology far too advanced for Earth''s current capabilities. The materials listed were equally rare and precious, to the point that Engneer Steel wasn''t sure they could even source them with their current resources. "Don''t worry, we already have some of the materials," Duke reassured, his voice steady and confident. "My wife and I have been gathering supplies from one of the Winters'' old warehouses, where we store precious materials. As luck would have it, we already have some of what we need." "Some of those items have already been sent to the artisans, who are working on turning them into parts. We''ll continue collecting what we need and let the artisans keep crafting, and we''ll assemble everything here as we go." His words were calm, but the task ahead was far from simple. Yet, his assurance seemed to ease the team''s concerns, even if they knew the work ahead would be demanding. Duke quickly fabricated a plausible story about the origins of the materials, carefully choosing details that would keep anyone from questioning where they came from or suspecting Kisha''s involvement. He knew that no one would bat an eye at the mention of his extensive resources. After all, everyone in the country was aware of Duke''s reputation: he had always been able to procure rare materials even before the apocalypse, with his own team of researchers, scientists, and connections in military weaponry and armor. His background made the acquisition of such items seem completely ordinary, and his explanation went unquestioned, leaving no room for suspicion. Duke was transparent about the materials they had, which reassured Engineer Steel. Hearing this, the engineer felt more at ease and even more optimistic about their progress. Once he finished inspecting the blueprints, he left them in Engineer Steel''s care for further study, along with the previous blueprints. Without anything more to do for the moment, Duke headed out and made his way to the square, where he found a group of warriors¡ªwho had suddenly found themselves with free time¡ªtraining alongside others who were off duty. The square was buzzing with activity, as the idle warriors were eager to keep busy and improve their skills. When Duke arrived at the square, he found the warriors in the midst of their training. They were sparring with one another, each testing the other''s progress. Some were exchanging punches that, while appearing friendly at first glance, carried a newfound confidence, precision, and deadly intent. It was clear that their attacks had evolved¡ªno longer the hesitant swings of beginners, but sharp and focused strikes. Duke could tell that their experience from fighting alongside their previous leaders during long, grueling missions outside the territory had sharpened their skills, transforming them into a much more formidable force. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Those resting on the sidelines were exchanging stories of their experiences outside the territory. While some shared funny anecdotes, the majority recounted the horrors they had faced¡ªclose calls with death and encounters that had left lasting physical or mental scars. Others boasted about their strength or the significant contributions they''d made, as was typical in any conversation among warriors. After observing them for a while, Duke stepped forward. The atmosphere instantly shifted; everyone stiffened, immediately standing to salute him, especially those who had recently joined his team. Their respect and admiration were evident, but so was the nervous energy that filled the air as he approached. "I''m glad to see that none of you are slacking off during your free time and are instead focused on honing your skills," Duke said, his voice filled with approval. He made no effort to hide his satisfaction, and his words immediately lifted their spirits. The warriors stood up straighter, a gleam of pride shining in their eyes at the recognition. "Now that the wall''s construction is complete, we still have more tasks to tackle," Duke began, his voice steady but serious. "One of those tasks is a supply run to the linen factory, and I''ll need another team to come with me." "However, this journey won''t be as straightforward as the previous ones to Port City or our last mission. Back then, we had clear routes to avoid the zombie hordes, but the linen factory is a different story." "It''s surrounded by dense industrial areas, full of factories and warehouses, which makes it far more dangerous. One wrong move could easily turn the situation against us." He paused, scanning the faces of his men. He didn''t offer any additional reassurance, letting the weight of the mission settle in. He could see their expressions shift, some paling, others visibly uneasy, but he made no attempt to soften his words. His intent was clear: this would be a risky endeavor, and only those truly prepared for it should volunteer. No one knew better than them how terrifying it was out there, especially when faced with a zombie horde. They understood the panic that surged through their veins when they were surrounded, hearts pounding as the crushing weight of hopelessness set in. They had all experienced that gut-wrenching feeling of thinking they might not make it out alive. So, when Duke outlined the dangers of the mission, they didn''t need further explanation. They knew exactly what he was implying. This wasn''t just a casual task¡ªit was a high-risk operation. Duke wasn''t calling anyone out by name. Instead, he was giving them the choice to join, allowing those with the courage to step forward on their own. By volunteering, they were signing their own waiver, acknowledging that they were ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead, no matter the cost. Of course, Duke didn''t need to explain why the supply run to the linen factory was so important. It was obvious to everyone, especially with the weather steadily worsening. The sudden drop in temperature, like the freezing chill of last night, was a warning. They didn''t know how quickly it could turn dangerously cold again, and without proper clothing, the survivors were at risk of freezing to death. With no electricity and no heating system in place, there was only so much human warmth could provide. Chapter 507 - 507 Protected By A Dog No amount of huddling together would be sufficient if the temperature dropped any further. The situation was dire¡ªwithout a reliable way to start or sustain a fire, the nights would become unbearable. It was clear to everyone: this wasn''t just another supply run. This had evolved into a mission for survival, where every decision could mean the difference between life and death. After many volunteers signed up for the mission, Duke carefully scanned the list to ensure that everyone was qualified. He wasn''t questioning their abilities, but he knew that even a small mistake could pull down the entire team. It was essential to make thoughtful decisions. After narrowing down the list, Duke and the team began preparing for their mission to the linen factory. Duke aimed to keep it short and efficient, so he brought along two STAU''s, as well as Fred, Rose, Evelyn, Reese, and Clyde. Meanwhile, Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Sparrow remained behind. Once the Winters'' bodyguards had finished securing the resources from the territory space, Sparrow would leave with them, heading in the opposite direction. Vulture and Bald Eagle, on the other hand, were assigned to guard the wall and the base. "Alright, let''s head out!" Duke called out as the team gathered in front of the gate, their trucks lined up and ready to go. The sun had almost risen at its peak, they were already set to leave. Kisha stood with them, there to see them off. Just before they left, Duke stepped closer to Kisha, pulling her into a hot, passionate kiss that left her breathless. "We''re in public view," Kisha whispered, still catching her breath. "It''s fine," Duke replied, his voice warm. "You''re my wife, and besides..." He glanced around, noticing everyone watching with amused, teasing smiles, as if they were spectators to a scene in a Korean drama. "They''re all enjoying the show," Duke added with a grin. Kisha, now blushing a deep shade of red, swatted at him playfully, earning a few chuckles from the team. "Stop it!" she said, her embarrassment making her laugh despite herself. Three trucks were lined up in front of the gate, engines humming in preparation. After Duke finished saying his goodbyes to Kisha, he gave the truck a firm knock, signaling for it to start moving. With that, he climbed into the passenger seat of the lead truck, settling in as the convoy began to roll out. Bang... Bang... Creak... After a series of gunshots cleared the path, the heavy gate creaked open slowly. "Zeus, go with Duke," Kisha commanded, her voice firm yet gentle. The dog, still sitting beside her with his tail wagging and tongue lolling, immediately sprang to attention. At the sound of her command, Zeus dashed forward, racing past the gate just before it closed. He sprinted after the truck, his paws pounding the ground in pursuit. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The soldiers, caught off guard by the sudden movement, paused and exchanged surprised glances. They hesitated, unsure whether to open the gate and call for the City Lord''s beloved dog to return. "It''s okay, he can fend for himself," Kisha said, waving for the soldiers to quickly close the door. The soldiers, unsure of Zeus''s capabilities, exchanged uncertain glances. Only those who had witnessed Zeus in action knew just how powerful he was¡ªstronger even than some of the warriors themselves. The rest of the survivors didn''t know if they should fear for the dog''s safety. Outside, Zeus''s heavy paws thudded against the ground as he sprinted, his broad form cutting through the air with surprising speed. Without hesitation, he reached the rear of the last truck and leaped into the back. The truck creaked and wobbled under Zeus''s weight, his bear- like frame causing the vehicle to tremble like a small mountain had just landed in the cargo area. "Woah! What was that?!" "What happened?!" The warriors in the back of the truck jolted, their instincts kicking in as they immediately dropped into defensive stances, their reflexes sharp as ever. It wasn''t until they spotted Zeus, the bear-like dog, lounging at the rear of the truck that their tension eased and they slowly relaxed. A sudden crackling noise filled the radio, signaling an incoming transmission. "What happened?" Duke''s cold, indifferent voice came through the static. The warrior sitting in the passenger seat of the last truck quickly grabbed the radio, responding. "Vice City Lord, yo¡ªyou, um..." The warrior hesitated, glancing back through the small window, then peering behind the truck. "Your dog... it followed us out of the base. It jumped onto the back of the truck," he reported. "Let it protect the rear," Duke replied nonchalantly, ending the radio call before the soldier could respond. Duke''s calm and casual reaction left both the driver and the warrior who answered a bit puzzled. They exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to process the order. Could they really rely on a dog for protection, especially when they were the best of the best¡ªhandpicked by Duke himself and trained in offensive, defensive, and support abilities? With a skeptical thought, they decided to let it be. After all, if the other large dog had managed to survive outside, even guiding its owner back to the base while carrying a baby, then perhaps this seemingly silly-looking dog could hold its own too. They even began to wonder if zombies were simply not attracted to animals, though they didn''t realize the larger problem: there were almost no animals left in the city. What they didn''t notice was the absence of pet animals, which should have been common¡ªmost had either been eaten by their owners, by other survivors, or by the ravenous zombies. The Alabai dog they had in mind was much like Zeus: a fiercely protective, yet battle-hardened fighter, and its survival instincts could not be underestimated. How could a small dog like a Chihuahua¡ªor even a friendly, non-aggressive dog¡ªpossibly defend itself? Sure, they might try to fight back, but with their small builds and limited stamina, they would quickly become exhausted and overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of zombies. Eventually, they would succumb. In contrast, the Alabai dog was a different breed entirely. It was a fierce fighter, determined to protect its owner and their wishes. Its survival against the odds was nothing short of miraculous. Perhaps it was its intelligence that allowed it to make it this far¡ªable to assess situations, avoid zombie hordes by circling around, and choosing safer paths. It only fought when victory was within reach, and every action was driven by its sole mission: to guard and safely deliver the baby to a secure place, following its owner''s instructions to the letter. Soon, the warriors believed their Vice City Lord was simply making a joke, unaware of Zeus''s true strength. However, at that moment, Zeus was curled up behind the truck, resting peacefully, lulled by the rumbling of the engine. Meanwhile, Duke and the others were pushing forward, ramming through zombies in their path, while the first two trucks fired off fireballs and wind blades to clear any approaching threats. Even Reeve and Clyde, who had only recently awakened their abilities, weren''t sitting idle. They were using this opportunity to practice and get more familiar with their powers. And even without their abilities, the two had already honed their melee combat skills, ready for whatever challenges came their way. Reeve opened his mouth as if to shout, but instead of a vocal cry, a powerful sonic boom erupted, sending zombies flying through the air. Their heads exploded like balloons, the force of the sound hitting them without even touching them directly. "Woah! Your awakened ability is incredible! What kind of ability is that?" one of the warriors asked, wide-eyed. Reeve, feeling a little shy under the attention, replied, "The City Lord said it''s called ''Sound Manipulation,'' and my Gift is called ''Siren''s Call.''" Before anyone could fully process Reeve''s impressive display, Clyde waved his hands to both sides of the truck, and with a forceful motion, the zombies that were about to reach the truck were instantly crushed to the ground, flattened like empty cans beneath a heavy boot. The sight of the bloody scene made everyone gasp in shock, their eyes widening in horror as they stared at Clyde. "W-What about you? What''s your awakened ability?" one of the warriors asked, both fear and admiration evident in his eyes. The sheer power of both Reeve and Clyde''s abilities left him in awe, and a pang of envy hit him as he realized just how much stronger they had become compared to the rest of them. "Mine is ''Gravity Manipulation,''" Clyde replied simply, attempting to match Duke''s cold, indifferent tone. However, despite his calm exterior, there was a gleam of pride in his eyes. Deep down, Clyde was a young man who had once doubted his own potential, thinking he''d only be of support and never gain an awakened ability. But now, with a power that could crush enemies with ease, he felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Even the City Lord had acknowledged both him and Reeve as "irregulars," much like herself, and that validation meant the world to him. Despite his best efforts to appear mature, Clyde was still only 19, and the excitement and pride of discovering his power were emotions that could not be hidden. The two young men, working in tandem, effortlessly obliterated the incoming zombies without even making direct contact. Their powers were so overwhelming that even Duke found it amusing to watch. There was hardly anything for him to do, so he leaned back in his seat, relaxing, while his voice crackled through the radio. "Don''t push yourselves too hard, or you''ll burn out before you even get to enjoy your awakened abilities," he teased lightly, the hint of mischief in his tone. Chapter 508 - 508 Clyde And Reeve The two young men felt their ears burn with embarrassment at the comment, the playful reprimand making them squirm in their seats. The two young men were undeniably getting carried away, their exhilaration from using their awakened abilities still fresh in their minds. Their Gifts and Talents, both based on group synergy, had a noticeable impact on everyone around them. The warriors fighting alongside Clyde and Reeve felt a sudden surge of energy. They moved faster, hit harder, and their bodies seemed to become more resilient. It was as if they had received an invisible buff, making them feel stronger with every passing moment. The more people that were near Clyde and Reeve, the more powerful they became. This was precisely why Kisha had urged Duke to bring both of them along, despite the fact that they had just awakened and hadn''t fully mastered their abilities yet. While they might still fumble with their powers or be less efficient than the more experienced members, their group synergy made them invaluable. Even if their individual skills weren''t fully honed, the boost they provided to the team was already more than enough to make a difference. Now that Duke understood why Kisha had been so adamant about bringing Clyde and Reeve along, he could finally relax in his seat as the two young men practiced. However, being newly awakened, they still lacked full control over their abilities. As a result, they were experimenting with their powers indiscriminately¡ªReeve testing his sonic boom, and Clyde using his gravity manipulation¡ªwhile being careful not to face their comrades, mindful of the risk of a friendly fire incident. Clyde, in particular, struggled to control the strength and radius of his gravity manipulation. It was clear that he was still learning the limits of his power. Every attack seemed to draw on his spiritual energy with such intensity that it felt as though his gravity manipulation was set to its highest possible level. The sheer force of his abilities could easily flatten anyone caught in the blast, and the warriors around him instinctively gave him plenty of space. Despite the chaos of their raw power, there was a certain admiration in the air as they watched the two young men hone their extraordinary abilities. After several attempts, Clyde gradually gained more control over his gravity manipulation. He discovered that he could now adjust the intensity of his attacks, choosing how much gravitational force to apply. With a powerful strike, he could crush zombies with the force of a giant, leaving a crater in the ground, or he could reduce the strength to the point where he only shattered their bones without killing them. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he continued practicing, Clyde began to gain more precision over the radius of his attacks. In time, he would be able to target individual enemies even in the midst of a crowd, selectively applying his power to hurt only those he intended to. Though these improvements would happen in the future, but for now, Clyde was already making impressive progress, and he could feel his confidence growing with each successful attempt. But right now, Clyde was still struggling to fully control his abilities, and his lack of precision caused everyone in the truck to instinctively huddle together in one corner for safety. The sudden, loud ''clank'' of metal echoed through the truck, and when they looked up, they saw the side of the vehicle dented, a visible reminder of the raw power Clyde was still struggling to harness. The tense silence that followed was broken only by the faint hum of the engine, as everyone exchanged nervous glances, hoping the young man could rein in his abilities before they were all caught in the line of fire. Clyde''s embarrassment was evident as he awkwardly looked around, still trying to rein in his power while indiscriminately attacking zombies on both sides of the truck. Reeve, shaking his head in exasperation, smacked him lightly on the back of his head. "Be careful, will you?" he scolded, frustration clear in his voice. But almost immediately after, Reeve unleashed a sonic boom of his own, his attack blasting through the air with such force that it nearly hit the truck behind them. The sonic boom clipped a nearby lamppost, sending debris flying, but by some miracle, the truck swerved just in time to avoid crashing into a cluster of zombies. Reeve felt the rush of panic when he realized how close it had been to disaster. Sheepishly, he scratched the back of his head, glancing at Clyde with an apologetic smile, knowing that his own mistake had been just as reckless. The two young men, both of the same age and having been in the same group for a while, had grown close over time. Their bond had deepened through shared experiences, and now they interacted with a camaraderie that allowed them to be both reckless and hardworking together. Their friendship had evolved into something that balanced their impulsiveness with determination, making them a strong team capable of tackling challenges head-on. Because of these accidents, everyone in the same truck as Reeve and Clyde had become hesitant to get too close or be within their line of sight. They feared becoming unintended targets, just like the zombies, worried that they might be crushed like an empty can by a misplaced gravitational impact or have their brains explode from a sonic boom they couldn''t even see or hear coming. Since neither Reeve''s sonic boom nor Clyde''s gravitational impact were not visible, the only clues to where the attacks would land were the subtle movements of Reeve''s mouth or Clyde''s hand gestures, making it a nerve-wracking experience for anyone near them. Now, the group found themselves more afraid of these two kids than the zombies. Only after Reeve and Clyde finally ran out of energy did the others breathe a collective sigh of relief, eager to take over the task of eliminating any zombies that got too close to the trucks. Despite their fear, the warriors were relieved that there weren''t enough zombies on the road to pose a serious threat or risk stranding their convoy. Reeve and Clyde, meanwhile, had been exerting themselves not out of recklessness but with a clear purpose¡ªthey were practicing. Both were determined to master their abilities so that, when the time came for a real battle, they could pull their weight and prove themselves as assets to the team rather than liabilities that others had to worry about. As the convoy continued to navigate through secluded streets, the drivers focused on ramming any zombies that blocked their path. The trucks rattled and shook relentlessly, making the ride at the back almost unbearable. After two hours of nonstop travel, everyone''s bodies ached from the constant jostling. Despite the discomfort, the group pressed on, their goal steadily drawing nearer. When they finally reached the marked location, the convoy came to a halt. Following standard protocol to avoid being stranded in a potential horde, everyone disembarked from the trucks. The group immediately divided into four teams, each led by a captain: Duke, Clyde, Reeve, and Fred. Evelyn was assigned as Reeve''s vice-captain, tasked with helping him navigate his new leadership role and providing guidance along the way. Similarly, Rose was paired with Clyde as his vice-captain to ensure he stayed grounded and made thoughtful decisions. Chapter 509 - 509 Extreme Heat While the women''s primary role seemed to be babysitting the two young leaders, they didn''t see it that way. Instead, they viewed it as an opportunity to take on greater responsibilities and mentor the next generation of leaders, showcasing their own capabilities in the process. When Duke observed the two women generously mentoring Clyde and Reeve, a sense of satisfaction crossed his face. He nodded approvingly, reassured by their dedication to guiding the younger leaders. The decision to make Clyde and Reeve team captains instead of the two women hadn''t been based on gender. Both women were highly skilled¡ªnot only as fighters but also as leaders, capable of handling even the most challenging situations. However, this mission wasn''t just about immediate results; it was also about fostering potential. Kisha had pointed out that Clyde possessed the ''Talent: Command'', a rare gift that indicated he had a natural aptitude for leadership and the ability to command an army in the future. While this talent was a significant advantage, raw potential alone wasn''t enough. Clyde needed experience, mentorship, and opportunities to hone his skills. Leadership wasn''t something that could simply be claimed¡ªit had to be earned and cultivated. This mission was an ideal training ground for Clyde, a chance to mold him into the leader he was destined to become. Although Reeve was initially intended to serve as Clyde''s second-in-command, their combined ''Group Synergy'' made their partnership a strategic highlight. This dynamic, however, also meant that Reeve needed to develop leadership skills alongside Clyde to maximize their potential as a team. Recognizing this, Duke assigned Rose and Evelyn¡ªboth great leaders with patience, tactical acumen, and a nurturing demeanor¡ªto act as mentors rather than lead the groups themselves. This arrangement allowed Clyde and Reeve to take the reins, giving them the freedom to navigate the complexities of leadership. Rose and Evelyn stayed close by, offering guidance, constructive feedback, and encouragement when needed. By letting the young men "drive" while keeping a watchful eye, the women created a supportive environment where mistakes became opportunities for learning. This hands-on approach ensured that Clyde and Reeve would grow into capable leaders more quickly, equipping them to step out of their mentors'' shadows and confidently lead on their own in the near future. By adopting this strategy, Duke and Kisha aimed to cultivate a robust pool of capable captains who could each lead their own specialized units. These units could then be deployed swiftly and efficiently whenever and wherever they were needed. This approach ensured that the base would not remain overly dependent on Duke, Kisha, or the elite core members like Vulture and Sparrow. As the base expanded and its influence grew, so did the need for decentralized leadership and operational flexibility. Developing a new generation of leaders not only reinforced the foundation of their community but also prepared them for a future where challenges would demand multiple teams operating independently. This forward-thinking approach was crucial for sustaining their strength and ensuring the base''s continued growth and resilience. After forming their groups, the four teams maintained a balanced formation¡ªclose enough to provide support if needed but far enough apart to cover more ground efficiently. Each team took a different street, carefully coordinating their movements to monitor one another''s progress while ensuring the paths ahead were secure. If a team encountered a street that posed too much danger, they would backtrack, mark the location with an "X" to indicate a hazardous route, and choose an alternate path. This methodical approach minimized unnecessary risks and ensured a safer journey for all teams as they advanced cautiously. Without Sparrow or the Scarlet Bees acting as scouts, the teams had to rely on themselves to survey the area. This provided an excellent opportunity to teach each team the fundamentals of scouting, particularly the younger members. It was a valuable lesson to curb impulsive tendencies and emphasize the importance of assessing their surroundings before moving forward. Although this method slowed their progress, it ensured their safety. By casting a wider net across the area, they could identify potential threats early and chart alternative routes. This approach allowed them to prepare multiple exit strategies in case they encountered a dead end or an unexpected obstacle ahead. The extra caution meant a better chance of completing their mission without unnecessary losses. After two hours of relentless running, the team finally found a better spot to rest. Gasping for breath, their lungs burned with each inhale, and their knees wobbled, threatening to give out at any moment. Sweat drenched their bodies, and the blistering sun made it feel like they were on the verge of collapsing from heatstroke or dehydration. Their faces were as red as boiled lobsters, and they couldn''t help but gulp down as much water as they could manage, trying to rehydrate. The heat was so intense that the rubber on the asphalt was beginning to melt and cling, turning the ground sticky. Even the soles of their shoes left behind melting rubber trails as they took each labored step. After the bone-chilling cold of the previous night, the intense heat now seemed almost unbearable. Some felt as if they were running a fever, their bodies struggling to adjust to the drastic shift in weather. Inside the building, they rested and drank, but no one had the appetite to eat. The scorching heat left them craving only cold drinks to cool down. The air inside the building felt thick and dry, as if all the moisture had evaporated, leaving it suffocating and stale. Breathing became difficult, and it felt as though there wasn''t enough oxygen in the air, adding to their discomfort. However, despite the exhausting run and the toll it took on their bodies, Evelyn, Rose, and the two STAU knew they still had to prepare a meal. They understood that everyone would need to replenish their energy and build up stamina if they were to continue their journey after resting. Instead of a hot meal, the four decided to prepare cold food, opting for dishes like cold noodles. They even asked an ice-type awakened ability user to create ice, while Evelyn, using her unique ability to manipulate her body into steel, sharpened her hands like knives and sliced through a large block of ice, effortlessly turning it into cubes. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Watching Evelyn''s hands gleam with sharp precision reminded everyone of the iconic scene from ''The Terminator'', where the metal-clad robot''s limbs gleamed with cold, unyielding strength. After Evelyn sliced the ice spear into cubes, the heat was so intense that the ice began to melt almost instantly, a clear sign of how sweltering the temperature had become. Looking ahead, the horizon shimmered in the distance, distorted by the oppressive heat. Realizing the limitations of regular ice, Rose decided to use her Ice Crystals awakened ability, knowing the intense heat wouldn''t be able to melt her ice. Just like regular ice, her ice crystals retained their cold properties. Rose focused on creating ice cubes herself, sparing Evelyn from the need to slice them, besides, even Evelyn wouldn''t be able to cut through her ice crystal anyway, and her ice wouldn''t melt too quickly. The cold ice crystals were used to chill the noodles, ingredients, and even the drinks, which began to freeze inside their containers as they slowly cooled down. Chapter 510 - 510 Extreme Heat 2 After waiting for the cucumbers to be sliced and added to the cold noodles along with other fresh ingredients, the meal was finally ready. Their drinks were cold melon milk¡ªa refreshingly sweet and creamy treat, perfect for battling the scorching heat. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To add to their comfort, Rose used her unmelting ice crystal ability to conjure ice crystal spikes around the room. The effect was immediate, creating a cool, soothing atmosphere that felt almost like being in an air-conditioned space. As the icy breeze circulated, everyone began to relax, the oppressive heat fading into the background. "The effects of climate change are really starting to bare their fangs," Duke muttered, his thoughts drifting to Kisha''s explanation about how the ancient virus escaped the ice. It all traced back to the relentless impact of climate change¡ªa consequence of humanity''s actions. In a way, humans were like a virus to the Earth, he thought grimly. They thrived within their host, yet their existence brought harm, inflicting damage that could ultimately destroy the very environment sustaining them. And like any virus, the host''s survival often required eradicating the invader¡ªor both would perish together. "Vice City Lord, the food is ready," Evelyn''s voice gently pulled Duke''s attention back to the present. He approached the group, where a bowl of cold noodles and a jug of chilled melon milk awaited him. The milk had large, translucent ice crystals floating inside, carefully prepared to be easily seen, ensuring Duke wouldn''t accidentally bite or swallow one. After everyone had their meals, they began eating, finally able to enjoy their food and drinks. Rose''s ice crystal spikes had transformed the oppressive heat into a tolerable coolness, reviving their appetites. No longer feeling like parched fish left under the blazing sun, they ate in relative comfort. Once the meal was finished, they rested for a while, savoring the refreshing atmosphere and reluctant to step back into the searing heat. However, their journey couldn''t be delayed forever. Eventually, they forced themselves to leave the cool haven and continued onward. By late afternoon, the temperature outside remained relentless, the sun''s oppressive rays making it feel as though layers of skin were peeling away under the heat. Though they were fortunate to be superhumans with enhanced defenses, they couldn''t help but think about how unbearable it must have been for ordinary humans without such defenses. Back at the base, the extreme heat had taken a serious toll on the normal humans. Many people were succumbing to heatstroke or severe dehydration and were being rushed to the medical facility, which was quickly overwhelmed. Kisha was among those assisting with the growing crisis. Even support-type awakened ability users, whose physical stats were not much better than those of regular humans, were affected and had to seek treatment themselves. Ice-type awakened ability users were working tirelessly, conjuring ice to provide temporary relief for the patients. However, their efforts felt futile; the ice melted almost immediately in the relentless heat. Without Rose''s ability to create long-lasting ice crystals, their attempts to cool down the facility seemed like a losing battle. The head doctor, Eric, overwhelmed and running out of options, resorted to using his medical space to stabilize one patient at a time. Yet this solution was temporary at best. Once the patients were released from the cool environment of the medical space, the extreme heat would likely undo their recovery and potentially worsen their condition. It was a dire situation with no clear solution in sight. Fortunately, both he and Kisha remained calm as they worked to find a solution. However, the situation was rapidly deteriorating. The ice-type awakened ability users, having pushed themselves to their limits, began collapsing from sheer exhaustion. Despite their best efforts, it felt like they had drained their spiritual energy without making a significant impact. As the hours dragged on, the oppressive heat continued to take its toll. More and more people succumbed to illness, the medical facility struggling to keep up as the number of heat-related cases soared. The atmosphere grew heavier with desperation as they fought against time and the unrelenting conditions. Kisha suddenly dashed out of the medical facility, leaving Eric momentarily stunned and unable to call after her. With no choice but to stay behind, Eric focused on managing the chaos inside. Outside, Kisha didn''t slow her pace, her expression cold and resolute. Even with her enhanced defenses, the scorching heat of the sun pricked at her skin like needles. If it was this unbearable for her, how much worse must it be for the ordinary humans with no protection? The sight of some civilians and support types beginning to convulse from the heat only fueled her urgency, propelling her forward despite the extreme heat of the sun. Kisha immediately sent Vulture and Bald Eagle to patrol the area, directing them to assist anyone who needed help reaching the medical facility. Fortunately, both stayed behind and were able to support the effort. The medical facility quickly became overcrowded, spilling into the hallways, and the air grew thick and stifling. The heat became suffocating, and it felt as though the oxygen had been sucked out of the space. People began gasping for breath, as if they were suffocating in smoke or being slowly dried out by the relentless heat. The pungent smell of sweat filled the air. Then, out of nowhere, a cool breeze swept through the facility, causing a collective shudder of relief. The sudden chill brought a brief but much-needed moment of comfort to everyone inside. Thud... Thud... Thud... A resonant thud echoed around the medical facility, followed by the sharp crack of ground splitting beneath a heavy impact. The sound startled everyone, but their exhaustion left them powerless to investigate. Gradually, a remarkable chill began to permeate the building, as though a massive air conditioning system had been activated. The cooling effect revived their energy, allowing them to recover from the heatstroke and dehydration that had been ravaging them. With the help of the medical staff providing hydration and stabilizing their conditions, the patients finally regained some strength. Only after the immediate crisis subsided did the curious and concerned staff and patients venture to check what had caused the startling noise and sudden, welcome change in temperature outside. When everyone stepped outside the medical facility, they were greeted by a surreal sight. A mist-like cold air, resembling the vapor from dry ice, hovered just above the ground. Around the medical facility, towering ice spikes had been driven into the earth, almost as though they had been forcefully thrust there. The ice didn''t just surround the facility¡ªit stretched outward, forming a protective barrier. People, desperate to escape the brutal heat, began gathering near the facility, shielding themselves with umbrellas, tents, and even pieces of board to cover their heads. They moved closer to the ice spikes, hoping to find relief from the scorching sun. What was most surprising was that these ice spikes didn''t melt under the intense heat. Unlike ordinary ice, they remained solid and unyielding. Curious, the ice-type awakened ability users started to approach and inspect the unusual formations, intrigued by their ability to endure in such extreme conditions. "Ah!!! This is Captain Rose''s Ice Crystal Spikes!" one of the ice-type awakened ability users exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe as he touched the towering ice crystal spike, nearly two meters tall. Chapter 511 - 511 Sun Dried Zombies "Did Captain Rose return?" one of them asked, glancing around. Thud! The sound echoed again¡ªthe unmistakable noise of something being forcefully driven into the ground. Then, they saw it: numerous ice crystal spikes floating in the air, still speckled with dirt along their edges, resembling the sharp fangs of some great beast. As their eyes followed the scene, they spotted Kisha nearby, each ice crystal spike being slammed into the ground one after another with precision. Astonished by the sight, everyone watched in awe as their City Lord effortlessly controlled so many ice crystal spikes in the air, driving them into the ground one by one. But the question lingered¡ªwhere had she gotten them? They all glanced around, searching, but Rose was nowhere to be seen. "Captain Rose is still out," a haggard, breathless man, still sweaty from the heat, said as he stood near one of the ice crystal spikes to cool off. After a moment of relief, he continued, "The City Lord took these spikes from the eastern wall''s defenses and brought them here temporarily. She said she''ll return them once the heat wave passes, or when Captain Rose comes back. If not, she''ll have her create a new ice crystal barrier for the eastern wall." When they heard the explanation, everyone gasped, their eyes turning red with emotion. "Our City Lord is so kind, like a guardian angel, always protecting us," a woman said, clutching her young child, whose face was as red as a tomato from the heat. The child had looked like he might pass out at any moment and was about to be taken to the medical facility for an assessment. But as the cool breeze from the ice crystals spread around them, the child slowly started to feel better. His dazed eyes began to clear, and his condition improved noticeably. The extreme heat left the air still, and when a breeze did come, it felt like the sun''s fiery tongue was licking their skin. It was painful, almost burning them, and the air itself seemed to scorch the oxygen, making it difficult to breathe. Even the plants around them were wilting and slowly dying. Watering them only seemed to hasten their decline. To protect what they could, some tried to shield the remaining greenery from the harsh sun, covering the larger trees with tents. This was all under Kisha''s orders. With the air already thin and difficult to breathe, the absence of trees¡ªvital for oxygen production¡ªmade the situation worse. The plants and trees still had a chance to survive, and Kisha couldn''t bear to let them perish so quickly. The soil, though parched, still held enough nutrients to sustain life¡ªunlike the future soil, which had turned barren and incapable of supporting growth. After organizing everything around the base, Kisha ensured that ice crystal spikes were placed along the northern and eastern walls to shield the soldiers stationed there from the intense heat. She also made sure everyone was taking cover from the sun''s relentless rays. Due to the extreme conditions, work around the base ground to a halt. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No one could continue their tasks effectively, and Kisha even ordered a complete suspension of work, warning that anyone who ignored the order would only end up in the medical facility. On Duke''s side, the extreme heat had taken a heavy toll on his people. They were easily fatigued, requiring frequent breaks to cool down. After another two hours of travel, they finally reached the textile factory. The stench hit them long before they arrived. Even from miles away, the overpowering smell of decay was unmistakable. The zombies'' skin appeared as shriveled, dried flesh, yet they still moved¡ªalbeit sluggishly, their once rapid movements now hindered by the intense heat. "Don''t you think this feels like a blessing in disguise?" one of Duke''s men murmured to the warrior beside him. From their vantage point on the rooftop of a building near the textile factory, they could see a vast sea of zombies below. The factory, with its large workforce, was surrounded by wide streets designed to accommodate trucks coming and going without congestion. But now, the street before it was crowded with the sluggish, sun-dried zombies, their decaying bodies barely moving in the sweltering heat. Even the zombies'' roars and growls had a dry, hollow sound to them, their throats parched by the relentless sun. Not only were Duke and his men struggling in the heat, but the zombies too had become sluggish and brittle, like dried fish left to rot under the scorching sun. With renewed confidence, Duke and his team began to summon their awakened abilities, launching swift attacks. The zombies, now lethargic and slow-moving, stood no chance. They were barely able to close the distance before being decapitated, even when Duke''s team switched to melee combat. It was almost effortless. As they fought, it became clear that nearly 95% of the zombies were wearing the factory''s uniform. These were the workers, likely caught during the blood rain while they were still on the job. It wasn''t a surprise¡ªthe factory had been busy when the outbreak hit. However, Duke and his team knew they couldn''t afford to engage in a prolonged battle under the scorching sun. So, they made preparations. Each of them retrieved extra clothing, and Rose conjured ice crystal cubes. They carefully placed the cubes inside the clothes, securing them around their heads, and covered them with caps to hold the ice in place. Some ice crystal cubes were also tucked into the rest of their clothing to regulate their body temperatures and prevent heatstroke. Once they had taken these precautions, they were ready. With their bodies shielded from the sun''s relentless heat, they could engage the zombies without risking exhaustion or collapse. Without these preparations, even though the zombies were sluggish from the sun''s effects, the team would struggle to fight effectively and might not even reach the factory''s interior without succumbing to the heat themselves. With all these preparations in place, they were able to fight as they normally would, without the constant need to stop and rest due to the heat. This method allowed them to reduce their rest breaks, keeping their momentum going. The group split into four teams, each assigned to protect one direction, forming a diamond-shaped formation. The group split into four teams, each assigned to protect a different direction, forming a diamond-shaped formation. Duke''s team took the vanguard, leading the charge as Duke swung his spear while summoning ice spears that sent zombies flying before they even got close. Clyde and Reeve led their respective teams, guarding the left and right flanks, while Fred''s team held the rear. Fortunately, Fred had awakened his ability just a day after their last mission to Port City, which gave him confidence and eased his fear of being bitten. This newfound strength allowed the group to move efficiently, with those running low on spiritual energy retreating to the center of the formation where the support-type awakened ability users and two STAU members were stationed. Despite the thousands of zombies in their path, the team continued to push forward without being overwhelmed. Though they struggled, they never faltered. Slowly but surely, Duke and the others made their way toward the factory. Duke maintained a steady, controlled pace, ensuring that no one was left behind, even as the pressure mounted. Chapter 512 - 512 Textile Factory "Those low on spiritual energy, move to the center!" Duke commanded, his spear cutting through the advancing horde without pause. Draped in his Kratos Cloak, Duke stood unwavering at the vanguard. Though its fur-lined neck seemed stifling and ill-suited to the searing heat, they had found ways to mitigate the discomfort, allowing him to wear it without issue. The golden lion embroidered on the back of his cloak gleamed in the sunlight, exuding an aura of strength and heroism. His commanding presence was like a beacon, inspiring those around him. Unbeknownst to the others, this surge of energy wasn''t purely emotional¡ªit was an effect of the cloak itself, a hidden skill amplifying morale and resolve. Fueled by this unseen force, the team fought with renewed vigor, their strikes sharper, their movements more decisive, as if Duke''s unyielding figure lent them his strength. At this moment, the Kratos Cloak''s added skill, ''Commander''s Berserk'', was actively boosting the team''s strength. Simultaneously, its morale-enhancing effect heightened their fighting spirit, courage, and determination, allowing them to press forward with greater ease. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Duke''s lips as he drove his spear through the head of a zombie blocking his path. The team was now closing in on the gates of the textile factory, though the throng of zombies around them grew denser. Fortunately, the effects of Clyde and Reeve''s ''Group Synergy'', were also in full swing. The ability significantly reduced their team members'' fatigue, accelerated recovery, and provided an additional boost to their overall strength. Together, these layered effects created a formidable advantage, keeping the group cohesive and their momentum steady as they carved a path through the undead horde. Some of the support-type awakened ability users also contributed by casting boosting skills on the warriors. However, a challenge arose with two of them¡ªtheir abilities provided random stat boosts, leaving them uncertain about which attribute would be enhanced after each cast. "Here, drink this," one of the STAU said, handing a vial of dark liquid to a warrior who had retreated into the center of the formation to recover their depleted spiritual energy. "Thanks," the warrior replied, instantly downing the vial of black liquid without a second thought. As soon as he did, a surge of energy coursed through him, restoring his depleted spiritual reserves. He glanced thoughtfully at the STAU, realizing the liquid''s origin likely wasn''t as mysterious as it once seemed. With the emergence of so many awakened abilities in their base¡ªspanning diverse and unexpected skills¡ªmost people now assume that the vials were crafted by an artisan-type awakened ability user or perhaps a skilled awakened ability user medical staff member. This shift in perception had allowed Kisha and the STAU to distribute the vials of black and blue liquid more openly without arousing suspicion, ensuring its benefits reached those in need. They could now use the vials freely without needing to be overly cautious, and the warriors no longer questioned their origin, acting as if they had already pieced its origin together. Because of this, those who stepped into the center of the formation for a brief rest would quickly drink a vial of the black liquid, recover their strength, and rejoin the fight with renewed vigor. "We''re almost at the gate! Everyone, hold the formation!" Duke''s commanding voice rang out, and the team responded with renewed intensity. Their attacks grew fiercer as windblades, fireballs, ice spears, and more filled the air, cutting through the horde of zombies. Evelyn, her hands transformed into gleaming steel, drove her fist through the skull of a zombie advancing toward her. Another lunged at her, baring its jagged teeth, only to bite down on her steel arm. Instead of panicking, Evelyn let out a low chuckle as the zombie''s teeth shattered upon impact, scattering across the ground. With a swift, effortless motion, she swung her arm, decapitating the creature in one clean strike. Evelyn stood firmly in front of Reeve, acting as his shield while he unleashed sonic boom after sonic boom. Each explosive wave tore through the horde, catching dozens of zombies at a time and causing their heads to burst like balloons. Reeve''s large-scale attack left everyone both envious and astonished by its devastating effectiveness. On the other flank, Clyde was equally relentless. With no need to hold back for fear of harming his team, who remained safely behind him, he manipulated gravity with precision. Each wave of his hand sent the approaching zombies crashing to the ground under crushing gravitational impact. His ability cleared the path on his side, leaving no zombie able to draw near. Meanwhile, Clyde sent Rose to assist the vanguard, adding her ice-type abilities to strengthen their frontline. This coordinated strategy ensured that every side of the formation was secure, making their advance more efficient and less dangerous. With their combined efforts, the team pushed forward steadily. Not long after, they reached the factory gate, their formation still intact despite the relentless assault they sustained. The factory gate was no haven. Even inside, the area was teeming with zombies, leaving no opportunity for the team to rest. The sun was already dipping low, and in an hour or two, night would fall¡ªa dangerous prospect in their current situation. Staying in that place during the night was not an option. Recognizing the urgency, Duke increased their pace slightly, his focus unwavering. He kept a vial of black liquid within easy reach at all times, ensuring his spiritual energy remained intact. Reeve and Clyde were each provided with a supply of vials of black liquid as well, enabling them to maintain their effectiveness in battle. At the center of the formation, the STAU meticulously managed the distribution of the vials, ensuring every fighter had a spare on hand. Their efficiency allowed the team to keep moving, maintaining the formation''s integrity and their momentum toward the factory''s interior. But that didn''t mean the team emerged unscathed. Injured warriors¡ªwhether bitten or scratched¡ªheld their positions with grim determination until their strength began to falter. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once they could no longer endure, they were carefully escorted to the center of the formation. There, they drank the blue vial of liquid to heal their wounds and recover their strength. Only after they were fully patched up did they rejoin the fight, seamlessly returning to their assigned positions. Though the relentless battle felt like an eternity, in reality, only 15 minutes had passed since they began forcing their way inside. "Close the gates!" Duke ordered, his voice sharp and commanding. At the same time, Reeve unleashed another powerful sonic boom, clearing a path through the sea of zombies. Without hesitation, Fred''s team rushed to the massive sliding gate, pushing it shut with all their strength. The heavy gate clanged shut just in time, cutting off the zombies from the street and reducing the number of enemies they would have to face inside. As Duke and his team entered the factory''s vicinity, the sound of the commotion outside attracted the attention of the zombies within. A few dozen stumbled toward the gates, but before they could catch their breath, hundreds more emerged from deeper within the factory, surrounding them from all sides. To make matters worse, the zombies outside continued to push against the gate, threatening to break through. Reluctantly, Duke and his team pressed on, fighting their way through the overwhelming horde as they moved deeper into the factory. Chapter 513 - 513 Freds Awakened Ability "Vice City Lord, you need to rest too," Evelyn said, her voice filled with concern as she approached him. Duke had been drinking the vial of black liquid almost nonstop, yet he hadn''t taken a single rest, unlike the others. Not only had he been continuously conjuring ice spears, fire meteors, and lightning rains¡ªeach draining an immense amount of spiritual energy¡ªbut he was also actively engaged in combat with his spear. No one could match his pace. While others relied on their melee weapons, they couldn''t focus on their awakened abilities at the same time, as the distraction would weaken the effectiveness of their attacks. But Duke was pushing himself beyond what anyone else could handle. Despite Duke''s relentless efforts, each of his attacks continued to hit with devastating force, annihilating everything in his path. Even though he had been drinking the vial of black liquid consistently, the truth was that he had only consumed two, unlike the others who had already taken three to five. It just so happened that every time he drank, Evelyn happened to be nearby, leading her to believe he had been drinking more than he actually had. Thanks to the spiritual fruits and crops he had been consuming ever since Kisha discovered them, Duke''s spiritual energy''s quality had greatly improved. As a result, not only did he require less energy to conjure his skills, but his abilities were also significantly stronger. Now, even when casting a powerful AOE (Area of Effect) skills like Fire Meteor and Lightning Rain, his spiritual energy consumption remained minimal. With a nod, Duke replied, "No need, I''m not tired at all." After answering, he turned his attention back to the front and resumed his attacks. Thanks to his purer spiritual energy and larger spiritual pool, he was able to perform better than the others. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This allowed him to recover from any energy depletion more efficiently, requiring less frequent refills compared to the rest of the group. Perhaps it was due to the previous incident when Duke''s energy core had been damaged and then healed, but now his energy core was sturdier than before. Unlike the others, even if he exhausted his spiritual energy and replenished it with the vial of black liquid, it would take several refills before he felt any strain on his core. After consuming five vials of black liquid, the others would start feeling discomfort in their bodies. Left with no choice, they had to move to the center of the formation to rest, preventing further strain and avoiding the risk of their energy cores collapsing from overuse. "Just a little more¡ªwe''re almost inside the factory!" Duke shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos as he noticed more warriors retreating into the formation, their faces strained with discomfort. "If you''re feeling unwell, don''t push yourselves just because we''re close. You''ll only make things worse." His firm reminder resonated with those still fighting despite the throbbing pain in their heads. Reluctantly, they paused and retreated into the formation to recover. Even Reeve and Clyde tempered the intensity of their attacks, prioritizing caution over recklessness, aware that overexertion could render them liabilities later. "Quick, open the door!" Fred yelled urgently as they reached the first warehouse, where stacks of textiles ready for delivery were stored. "But it''s locked, sir!" one of the warriors called out, pointing to the massive padlock securing the door. "Forcefully open¡ª" Fred began, but before he could finish, Evelyn stepped forward, grabbed the lock, and gave it a seemingly gentle tug. To everyone''s astonishment, not only did the lock come off, but a portion of the door was torn away with it. Silence fell as all eyes turned to her in shock, their expressions shifting from disbelief to thinly veiled fear. They gulped nervously, exchanging glances. ''No matter what, we can''t afford to offend Sister,'' they collectively thought, quickly plastering ingratiating smiles on their faces as they looked at Evelyn with a mix of awe and apprehension. "Thank you, Sister," they chorused with nervous smiles. Evelyn gave a curt nod before calmly returning to her position to fight. Unlike the others, Evelyn didn''t need to conjure elaborate attacks. She simply controlled her spiritual energy, channeling it through her body to enhance her strength and transform her skin into steel-like armor. This efficient use of energy consumed far less spiritual energy compared to the others'' offensive abilities. As a result, she hadn''t needed a single vial of black liquid since the battle began. The only thing weighing on her now was fatigue from prolonged exertion, but even that she managed to endure with her remarkable resilience. Duke and the others quickly adjusted their formation. Fred and his team took the lead, positioning themselves at the front to handle the task of opening the door, while Duke and the rest focused on holding off the rear to protect the group. As soon as the door creaked open, Fred''s team snapped to full attention, their weapons ready, eyes darting into the dim interior, wary of any ambush waiting on the other side. "Vice City Lord, the door is open!" Fred called out, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. "Move inside quickly! We''ll take five minutes to recover while the Space-Type Ability Users handle the supplies. Those who can still fight, guard the STAU. The rest, focus on recovery," Duke ordered, his voice calm but commanding. Even as he issued instructions, Duke continued to swing his spear with precision, though he had deliberately reduced the frequency of his awakened ability attacks to conserve energy. Fred and his team nodded sharply, immediately moving to secure the area, while the two STAU perked up, ready to act at a moment''s notice. Fred raised his assault rifle, his ears pricked and his senses on high alert as he and his team carefully surveyed the dimly lit warehouse. One of them quickly searched for a light switch, hoping the factory''s backup generator would activate automatically. Unfortunately, the generator was an older model that required manual operation to start. With no functioning lights and the generator located elsewhere, they had no choice but to proceed cautiously in near darkness, fumbling their way forward while remaining vigilant. The reason Fred still used his assault rifle was tied to the unique nature of his awakened ability. Similar in concept to "Hawkeye from the Avengers," Fred could create specialized projectiles with unique properties based on his intent. His skill allowed him to infuse empty cartridges or arrowheads with his spiritual energy, transforming them into custom-made ammunition with specific effects. These effects varied depending on how he channeled his energy. For now, Fred had mastered two distinct bullet types: one packed with raw spiritual energy that acted as an enhanced standard bullet, capable of piercing through with much greater force, and another that exploded on impact, dealing substantial area damage. However, his ability came with limitations. Preparing these bullets took time, as he had to infuse each cartridge individually. Fred could also use arrows if equipped with specialized arrowheads, but currently, he only had bullets ready for use. The drawback was that his weapons and ammunition weren''t crafted from special alloys capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to his spiritual energy. Overuse could degrade the materials, potentially causing bullets to explode prematurely while being loaded or fired, posing a risk even to him. Chapter 514 - 514 Got What They Need Fred''s awakened ability made him an excellent backup, which is why he was positioned at the rear. Like Evelyn, his stamina had been affected by the continuous strain of their actions since the beginning. He had already infused numerous empty cartridges during their journey. Whenever they made a stop, Fred would take the time to infuse five to ten bullets¡ªor even more, depending on how long they rested. By now, he had accumulated several hundred infused rounds, allowing him to manage his spiritual energy efficiently. Unlike the others, he didn''t need to push himself to his physical limit during combat. However, the main drawback was the quality of his weapon. The more he used his gun, the more it wore down, especially the barrel. After prolonged use, the barrel would reach its limit and eventually explode. Because of this, Fred had to constantly switch out his firearms and be meticulous when infusing his spiritual energy into the cartridges. If he wasn''t careful with the amount of energy he infused, the bullets could backfire and explode. Despite these drawbacks, Fred''s ability proved incredibly useful. As an excellent marksman, he was able to provide cover for the team from the rear, ensuring everyone''s safety during their movements. Weapon in hand, he moved cautiously through the warehouse, only calling out once he was certain the area was secure. "The warehouse is clear!" "Clear!" "Clear!" Each member of his team, stationed at different corners of the warehouse, called out from all sides, confirming the area was secure. Only then did Duke and the rest of the team enter, quickly closing the door and reinforcing it with some wood. But even that wouldn''t hold the zombies back for long. Then Evelyn stepped forward from the crowd, her eyes focused as she used her awakened ability. She manipulated a nearby metal scrap, fusing it seamlessly to reinforce the door. The result was a sturdy, impromptu lock. The others couldn''t help but whistle in admiration. It was effortless for her¡ªtearing metal apart or merging it together at will. Once they managed to lock themselves inside, they collapsed to the ground, their bodies trembling from exhaustion. Their legs felt like they might give out at any moment, and they could sense their energy cores stirring uneasily¡ªalmost as if they were on the verge of being pushed too far. "W-We made it..." "I thought I''d collapse out there and end up as their dinner." Some of the warriors tried to joke to lighten the mood, but while the rest of the team rested, the two STAU ventured deeper into the warehouse, securing the textiles inside their space. They were escorted by three to five warriors who still had the strength to move. Meanwhile, Duke made his way up to the second floor, scanning the area as he oversaw the team, ensuring there were no evolved zombies lurking nearby. The warehouse was massive, and Duke knew it would take some time for the STAU to gather everything they needed. As he surveyed the area, Duke realized his team needed time to rest. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that in mind, he quietly slipped away from the second floor, unnoticed by the others, and exited through the window. He made his way toward the factory. If he waited for the STAU to store everything from the warehouse into their space, it would take a while. Bringing everyone along would slow things down even further. By the time they fought their way there, nightfall would have arrived, making it risky to stay in a place surrounded by zombies. Navigating their way out would be nearly impossible, especially if evolved zombies were lurking nearby¡ªan additional danger they couldn''t afford. With no other option, Duke decided to move alone. This would allow him to navigate more stealthily through the dense mass of zombies surrounding the area. He surveyed the exterior of the warehouse and noted that none of the zombies had noticed him yet¡ªhis stealth skills were still sharp. Quietly, he leaped onto a nearby pipe that connected to another building, using it as a bridge to cross over. Staying above the zombies, he avoided a direct confrontation, knowing that engaging them would waste precious time. Duke continued to navigate from roof to roof, eventually reaching a factory swarming with zombies. They were all wearing company uniforms, lurking around the factory from every angle. While they weren''t densely packed, a direct confrontation would waste too much time, so Duke carefully moved forward, using the large machinery as platforms to leap from one spot to another. When zombies got too close, he quickly killed them with his spear. After a while, he waved his hand, storing the machinery in his Space Ring. He repeated this process, adding more machines to his collection until he could no longer fit any more. By then, he''d already secured dozens of pieces. Though the factory had hundreds of machines, he knew their base wouldn''t need that many. If they required more in the future, they could simply recreate them from scratch, especially since they now had a sample to dismantle. This would give the engineers a clear blueprint to work from when the time came to assemble more. With that in mind, Duke made his way back to the warehouse where the rest of his team was waiting. As he returned, he found that the STAU had just finished emptying the entire warehouse. Their space was now packed to the brim with textiles that could last them for years, depending on the demand. With this task complete, there was no need to ransack the remaining warehouses. They had already achieved their primary objective. While the textiles were valuable, they weren''t their main concern. The real priority was the machinery¡ªbecause, with the right equipment, they could easily produce textiles back at the base. Thanks to Kisha''s territory, they had ample space to grow the necessary materials, or even raise silkworms, making the textiles themselves a secondary need. "Alright, we''re moving out!" Duke''s voice rang out from the second floor. No one had noticed his absence, assuming he''d been in the same spot the whole time. But now, as he issued the command, the entire team immediately sprang into action, rising from their positions and swiftly falling into formation. Instead of retracing their steps, Duke led his team toward the back of the warehouse, where a smaller, less conspicuous door awaited them. Thanks to the commotion at the front, most of the zombies had swarmed to the main entrance, banging relentlessly against the doors. The back door, however, was nearly clear, providing Duke and his team with a clear escape route. They rushed out, slipping through the back of the factory with far less resistance than when they entered. This was part of Duke''s plan all along. By pushing his team forward despite the zombie-packed streets, he''d intentionally drawn the undead toward the front, creating a distraction. The chaos had drawn most of the zombies to that area, allowing them to clear a path and quietly retreat from the rear. By the time the sun began to set on the horizon, they had already put considerable distance between themselves and the factory. The journey back was far easier, requiring only a fraction of the effort they had exerted while advancing toward the factory. As a result, the warriors didn''t have to push themselves as hard this time. Chapter 515 - 515 Storm As the sun dipped lower, Duke glanced at the sky. Instead of the usual fiery red hue, it appeared dark and ominous, the air unnaturally still. "Hurry up, a storm''s coming," he ordered, prompting the others to look up. Given the intense heat earlier that day, Duke knew this storm wouldn''t be ordinary. A sense of unease settled in him¡ªhe worried they might get caught outside. Despite not having traveled too far from the factory and knowing that some zombies still roamed nearby, he pushed the STAU to bring out the trucks. "Get the trucks ready, we need to move fast!" "Understood, Vice City Lord!" The STAU quickly retrieved the trucks from their space. The drivers rushed to their seats while the rest of the warriors fought outside, clearing a path. As the engine of the truck roared to life, the warriors slowly began boarding. Duke made his way to the front, climbing into the passenger seat. With everything in motion, they sped off. The zombies nearby, drawn by the noise, quickly rushed toward them. Fortunately, the path had already been cleared, allowing the trucks to barrel through. As the vehicles surged forward, they plowed into the oncoming zombies, scattering them out of the way. Duke and the others quickly activated their awakened abilities, ensuring the zombies didn''t get too close to the front while also clearing the path ahead. They needed to ensure the truck wouldn''t get trapped in the heart of the horde. The driver, sensing the urgency in Duke''s demeanor, pressed harder on the gas pedal, pushing the truck to its limits. With the constant threat looming, he too felt the pressure to reach their destination as quickly as possible, his anxiety rising alongside Duke''s. Duke hadn''t intended for his anxiety to show, but as he glanced up at the sky, he couldn''t help but feel his heart race. The intense heat earlier in the day hinted at a storm that could be far more dangerous than usual. The longer they remained outside, the greater the risk to his people. He was certain that Kisha had already sensed the shift in the weather and was likely preparing for the storm as well. On Kisha''s side, once the intense heat was alleviated by the Ice Crystal Spikes, everyone''s condition improved significantly. Many people, unwilling to lose a day''s work, brought their tasks to the medical facility, setting up tables and continuing their work in the shade. Kisha couldn''t help but laugh as she watched them, amused by their determination. While others focused on their crafts, she moved through the base, ensuring that everyone was safe and accounted for. Some of the Ice Crystal Spikes were also placed in the square, providing more space for people to gather and stay cool. As the sun began to set, Kisha started retrieving the Ice Crystal Spikes, carefully returning them to their original positions. Meanwhile, Vulture led a group of earth-type awakened ability users to seal the holes left in the ground by the spikes. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With her enhanced telekinesis, Kisha was able to manipulate heavier objects with ease, so it only took a few trips to restore all the Ice Crystal Spikes she had taken from the southern wall. A few earth-type awakened ability users assisted, ensuring the spikes were securely reattached, reinforcing the ground to prevent them from loosening and falling off. Once Kisha finished, she paused at the top of the southern wall, gazing up at the sky. The cold breeze was unnervingly still, and the once fiery red hue of the setting sun had been replaced by a dark, ominous gloom. Having lived through the apocalypse countless times, Kisha recognized the signs. A Geostorm was about to happen. She knew from experience that not only would the storm be incredibly destructive, but it would also bring powerful whirlwinds, torrential rain, and hail. That wasn''t all¡ªrising seas would trigger a tsunami, swallowing any low-lying areas near the coast. A cold shiver ran down her spine as the memories resurfaced. "Everyone, make sure everyone is safely inside their homes¡ªno one is allowed to stay out!" Kisha commanded sharply, startling those who were still working outside, finishing up the Ice Crystal Spikes. "All guards stationed on the walls need to return to the base immediately and ensure no one is left outside!" Kisha added, her tone firm. She quickly ordered the soldiers to radio all guards posted at the corners of the wall to head back to safety. As the team scrambled to execute her orders, Kisha turned to 008. "008, find an AOE-type city shield. If possible, I need one similar to the one we have in City A," Kisha instructed, her voice steady but urgent. "Just give me a minute, Host. I''ll find it right away. Trust me," 008 said, its voice filled with determination, as though its very life depended on fulfilling her request. Kisha felt a slight sense of reassurance wash over her at 008''s words. In her past lives, she hadn''t accumulated enough points to afford such a crucial item, even a one-time-use city shield. As a result, countless casualties had been lost to the ferocious whirlwinds that danced through the city, ripping people away and never to be seen again. The Port City and nearby coastal areas were not only flooded¡ªthey were erased, sinking into the ocean, leaving no trace of life behind. Fortunately, City B, being near Port City, had been partially shielded by the destruction. The waves had been stopped by the barrier of Port City, sparing City B from total devastation. However, the Geostorm''s power was still enough to nearly wipe out the survivors, with the hail and rain bringing with it the blood rain that made the event even more nightmarish. But this Geostorm wasn''t supposed to happen now¡ªit was supposed to occur two years later. Kisha felt her face drain of color as a wave of dizziness washed over her. Her strength seemed to evaporate, and she struggled to stay upright, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Everything was unfolding out of their timeline. She felt cornered, helpless. Then, suddenly, a thought sparked in her mind. She glanced up once more, and a holographic map of her territory in City A materialized. She quickly searched for Keith and her grandparents, and a wave of relief washed over her when she confirmed they were safely within the barrier. Letting out a quiet sigh, her gaze instinctively shifted to the team''s tab, where Duke''s stats were displayed. Aside from his spiritual energy, which was constantly in use, his health seemed stable¡ªthere was no sign of immediate danger. Still, anxiety gnawed at her, and her stomach churned with worry. She could only pray that Duke had noticed the weather shift and was heading straight home, rather than staying outside. With no way to control the situation, she reluctantly sent Bell to find him, hoping it wasn''t too late. Noticing the urgency in Kisha''s voice, Bell immediately shot out of the base at her command, heading toward Duke''s last known location. While waiting for updates, Kisha accessed her territory''s interface and called Keith. It didn''t take long for Keith to answer, his voice lively and playful. "Sister! Miss me?" He immediately shifted to a cute tone, clearly having found a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of the base. "Baby brother, listen closely. Make sure everyone stays inside the base and doesn''t leave for any reason. If there are still people out on supply runs, get them to return immediately. A storm is coming, and it''s not one to take lightly." Chapter 516 - 516 City As Base Keith, trusting his sister''s words without question, didn''t ask for any clarifications. Instead, he swiftly grabbed the radio clipped to his waist and sent out an urgent broadcast. "Everyone, emergency alert! A storm is approaching. Halt all operations outside the base until further notice." He paused briefly before continuing, his tone shifting playfully. "I repeat, halt all operations outside. This is an order from my brother-in-law¡ªEhem, I mean, this is a directive from Mr. Duke Winters." Keith delivered the line with mock seriousness, intentionally slipping the "brother-in-law" title to annoy Melody if she happened to hear the broadcast. At the same time, it served as a subtle flex, signaling to the Winters'' men that he had a close connection with Duke and a direct channel to communicate with him. After all, if Keith had said the warning came from his sister, no one would have taken him seriously. Melody might even use it to stir up trouble. Of course, this approach could still cause some chaos within the base, but Keith wasn''t the type to let Melody push him around. Not a chance. Even Kisha was momentarily surprised by Keith''s actions. She broke into a smile, realizing how much her baby brother had changed. ''When had he become so cunning?'' Perhaps it was because he had stopped relying solely on her and started wanting to protect her instead. Keith was clearly growing into his own, learning that sometimes the first step to strength is mastering a few clever tricks. A crackle of static broke the airwaves as someone connected to the transmission. "Little Brother Keith, is that true?" The voice belonged to Ethan Evans. Kisha immediately recognized the stern tone and could almost picture his expression as he spoke. "Brother Ethan, while we don''t have access to precise weather forecasts right now, you can see the signs if you look to the northern sky. The air is already still, the cold winds carry a damp chill, and the clouds are dark and foreboding." "If we send people outside and the storm turns severe, we could lose contact with the advance party, leaving us unable to assist them when they need us most. Especially with the added danger of zombies in the area¡ªand there''s even a chance of blood rain coming." Keith explained his reasoning so eloquently that even Kisha raised an eyebrow in surprise. She couldn''t believe her baby brother was capable of speaking like this. ''Since when did he learn to read the sky? Wasn''t he only good at eating, drinking, and having fun?'' she wondered, her gaze fixed on him. Curious, Kisha opened the territory interface and searched for Ethan. He was standing next to an armored car with a few members of the Winters team, preparing for a supply run to the city and to assess the situation there. However, he froze the moment he heard Keith''s words. Instinctively, he glanced up at the sky. While his view was obstructed by the tall trees surrounding their location, he knew that climbing to the top of their building¡ªpartially nestled against the mountain¡ªmight give him a clearer view of the northern horizon. "Little Brother Keith, is this really from Duke?" Ethan asked, his hesitation evident as he faltered slightly¡ªa detail Keith didn''t miss. Keith pouted, crossing his arms. "What, would you believe me more if I said it came from my sister?" he shot back, his tone tinged with a hint of childish defiance. Despite his earlier composure, he was now slipping into the temperament of a typical 19-year-old, his patience thinning after being questioned again. Kisha, observing the exchange, couldn''t help but chuckle softly. Shaking her head, she thought, ''So much for his earlier maturity.'' But who would have thought that after that, Ethan would finally stop asking questions? "Alright, we''ll follow her advice. We won''t go outside and will monitor the situation from here," Ethan said, his tone carrying a hint of doting affection that grated on Keith''s nerves. Keith shot a sharp glare at Kisha and mouthed, ''What''s going on?'' Even Kisha blinked in surprise, just as puzzled as Keith. She couldn''t understand why Ethan seemed so willing to follow her advice over Duke''s without further questioning. The static crackle of the radio broke the brief silence. "If it''s from Miss Kisha Aldens, then it''s safe to assume our Master supports this as well. We''ll follow the arrangement, remain at the base, and observe how the situation unfolds. Please let Miss Kisha know that we will comply," came the calm yet authoritative voice of Eagle, the temporary leader while the others were away. Having spent time following Kisha and observing Duke''s behavior around her¡ªespecially during those few hours they had spent together¡ªEagle had noticed Duke''s deference to her. It was clear that Duke valued Kisha''s insights deeply. Beyond that, Eagle was well aware of Kisha''s remarkable understanding of the apocalypse, which had been instrumental in helping them survive so far. To him, her words carried the weight of absolute trust¡ªpractically gospel. It was thanks to Kisha that they had learned to better understand awakened abilities. She had guided them in cultivating these powers, with her brother teaching them how to use and enhance their skills, alongside the introduction of Scarlet Honey. Because of this, Eagle had long known that Keith had a way to stay in contact with Kisha and was likely keeping her informed about everything happening at the base in City A. Eagle didn''t mind this arrangement. In fact, it was one of the reasons he kept Melody''s actions in check, ensuring she didn''t overstep too far. After all, her aspirations of becoming Mrs. Winters seemed like a distant dream¡ªone that only Duke himself could decide. And as things stood, Kisha''s influence was undeniable. Her words often carried the same weight as Duke''s, if not an extension of his authority. "Little Brother Keith, please thank Miss Kisha for us," Eagle said with a good-natured smile. "And let her know to remind our Master to take care of himself and the others." "Got it. She''ll know," Keith replied, clipping the radio back to his waist. He then turned to look at his sister, whose image was still displayed on the video call interface of the territory system. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My sister is really amazing," Keith said, grinning. "Even from so far away, your influence still stretches far and wide." Though his tone was teasing, the genuine admiration in his voice was unmistakable. "Sister," he added, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "is it really true that no one else can see this interface in front of me, even if I run around the base with it?" "They won''t," Kisha replied with a laugh, "but if you keep talking and wandering around, people might start to think you''ve got a few loose screws." Her playful tone was accompanied by a warm smile, fully aware of what he was planning. "Alright!" Keith said with a laugh before darting off. He hurried back to his room, searching for his grandparents. As luck would have it, the two had just returned to rest. Their faces lit up with gentle smiles the moment they saw him, their warmth immediately filling the room. The three of them huddled together, eagerly starting a conversation with Kisha. Only after Kisha granted her authorization did the elderly couple see the interface again, their faces lighting up with joy as they happily chatted with her. Chapter 517 - 517 City Shield And New Mission "Host, I''ve found a City Shield¡ªthere''s an option for 8 hours and 24 hours, though the price is a bit high, especially for the 24-hour shield. Would you like to take a look?" 008 suddenly interjected, breaking up the little family moment with Keith and their grandparents. She knew it was time to get back to work. "Keith, Grandpa, Grandma, I need to head back and take care of some work," Kisha said gently, her voice almost coaxing. "This storm is going to be devastatingly powerful, so I need to prepare. I''ll talk to you all later, okay?" She knew she had been too busy lately, barely having time to catch up with her family. But even so, they were always in her heart, and she had made sure to keep an eye on them¡ªwhether directly or with 008''s help. "Okay, always stay safe." Their grandmother was the first to speak, her understanding smile softening her words. "You can always call us when you''re not too busy. With this thing floating around and you being able to check in on us, it will help us feel closer." Their grandfather nodded enthusiastically in agreement. They didn''t want to add to Kisha''s worries, especially when she was so far away and already burdened with so much. The best they could do was grow stronger each day, so they could help her in their own way. If they could ease her worries about their safety, it would give her one less thing to stress over. Kisha understood exactly what her grandparents were thinking, and for a moment, a soft wave of affection washed over her. She felt like the little Kisha again¡ªthe one who used to run to her grandparents with so many feelings to share. She nodded, her eyes filled with a quiet love and tenderness. As soon as the video call ended, Kisha turned her attention to 008. "Show me." ... [City Shield] [Description: A city-wide defense system used across various worlds, typically created by mages through a series of barrier spells or by cultivators. These shields are sustained by powerful runes, and the strength of the runemaster or mage directly impacts the shield''s duration and its ability to withstand attacks. The stronger the caster, the longer the shield lasts and the more powerful the attacks it can repel. Grade: Rare sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Type: Consumable] ... [City Shield - 8 hours] [Cost: 2,000 points] [City Shield - 24 hours] [Cost: 5,000 points] ... Seeing the price, Kisha couldn''t help but think how expensive it was for a one-time-use item. But with no other choice, she decided to buy it. Luckily, the base in City A was well-protected under her territory''s defense. The base''s barrier had a health system in place: even if it were attacked and the barrier''s integrity weakened, it would eventually recover over time. Additionally, she could expedite its recovery by using methods such as exchanging crystal cores for spiritual energy, which could be used to replenish the barrier''s defense. Alternatively, she could directly infuse spiritual energy. With these options, she wouldn''t need to spend more points on additional City Shields. [Do you want to spend 5,000 points to buy the ''City Shield - 24 hours''?] [Yes] or [No] Without hesitation, she purchased the City Shield. A token-like object materialized in her hand, about the size of her palm. It was round, with an engraving of a tower surrounded by a globe-like design etched into its surface. [Do you want to use the City Shield?] [Yes] or [No] As soon as she clicked "Yes," a series of almost-transparent hexagons began to materialize in the air around the base. The hexagons interlinked, and once they had fully covered the entire area, the shield became completely transparent¡ªso much so that it was as if nothing was there, making it impossible to see anything else. "Host," 008 interjected, its tone sounding almost like a salesman pushing a deal. "Although this barrier is a one-time-use shield for 24 hours, if it reaches its maximum limit of repelling the attacks before the time runs out, it will still crumble. Would you like to buy a backup shield, just in case? We can''t be sure if the Geostorm will be able to crush this one." Kisha felt a twinge of frustration upon hearing this. She had assumed the shield would simply last the full 24 hours, but the added health system made it seem more like a scam¡ªdesigned to pressure her into spending more. "Host, don''t slander me," 008 replied, its voice defensive. "I''m just selling the product, not creating it. Besides, each City Shield is made of runes. With every attack it takes, the runes absorb the impact, causing them to crack and lose power over time. It''s only natural that the shield will disappear once it reaches its limit." "Unless, of course, it''s like the barrier in City A''s territory, which is powered by the territory''s spiritual energy. That barrier can heal itself over time, using spiritual energy. The more energy your territory can harness, the stronger the barrier becomes." "Ugh!" Kisha groaned, then reluctantly bought a backup City Shield. 008 giggled happily at her reaction and for selling another item. Kisha set the backup shield aside, planning to save it for later¡ªno need to waste time searching for it when she really needed it among the countless items in the system mall. But as she thought about it, a realization struck her. With the Spiritual Gatherer Crystal now in her territory, didn''t that essentially give her territory its own "solar panel" to generate spiritual energy? And after hearing 008''s explanation, wasn''t the barrier now practically unbreakable? "Well, that''s true, but it''s not like you can bring the shield here," 008 interjected again, unintentionally irritating Kisha. Though Kisha still had 230,000 points left after spending 10,000 on two City Shields, she knew it wouldn''t last long. With all the things she would need in the future and the high cost of items in the system mall, she realized that her points would quickly dwindle. Especially since she hadn''t received any new missions yet, she could easily find herself low on points again. Ding... [New Mission Available!] [Sudden Hidden Mission: SSS Class "Survivor of God''s Wrath!"] [Description: It is said that storms are God''s wrath, meant to teach humans a lesson in cherishing and loving the world they''ve been given. But when the Gods believe that humans have abused the world, they unleash their fury¡ªdrowning them in endless seas, crushing them with the power of whirlwinds, tearing them apart with earthquakes, or stoning them with relentless rain and hail. Mudslides descending from mountains complete the cycle of destruction. Mission Requirement: Prepare to survive the coming massive storm, the true beginning of the apocalyptic era. This beginning of the end storm will cleanse the weak, and only the strong and prepared will endure. Fate will decide your luck. Mission Completion: 10 Gachapon Draws, 10 Resource Crates, 100,000 points, and a mass of Chromium metal Mission Failure: Automatic failure of the C-Class mission "The Philanthropist" and the S-Class mission "Taking Nest for 30 Days.", 500,000 Points deduction and instant death.] ... Kisha''s lips twitched as the new mission appeared, her initial relief at the system finally addressing her concerns quickly turning to frustration. Instead of a solution, she was slapped with the ''Mission Failure'' consequences. Not only would she fail the two remaining missions she had, but she would also face a significant points deduction and, worse, instant death. It felt like a cruel blow¡ªshe was being robbed blind and condemned to die. ''How is this even fair?'' Kisha thought bitterly. Chapter 518 - 518 Hidden Mission "Host, it''s not me, okay?" 008 quickly distanced itself from the main system that had issued the mission. Even 008 seemed at a loss for words at the over-the-top Mission Failure penalties. But deep down, it knew the system had always been this ruthless¡ªafter all, they wouldn''t have faced repeated deaths otherwise. Kisha, after her initial burst of anger, managed to calm herself. This wasn''t the first time the system had been outrageous, and she knew there was little she could do about it. However, the severity of the mission failure also confirmed one thing: the incoming storm wasn''t ordinary. It would undoubtedly be deadly. If the storm was catastrophic enough to be labeled the beginning of the end, a chilling thought crossed her mind¡ªhow would the other survivors scattered across bases and shelters around the world possibly endure it? "Doesn''t this look like what they call Ragnarok?" 008 suddenly remarked. "Well, that''s why it''s called the apocalypse¡ªit''s the end of the world. And it seems the Gods are truly determined to wipe us out," Kisha replied, her face darkening as she glanced up at the ominous sky. ''Maybe it was a good decision to buy a second City Shield. Who knows how long this storm will last or how strong it will be?'' she thought, her gaze drifting toward the direction Duke and the others had gone. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her heart pounded louder with unease. Shaking off the growing tension, she turned her attention back to the territory interface and quickly sent a message to Keith. [Kisha: Baby Brother, can you help me broadcast a message to any open channel?] The sudden appearance of a chatbox startled Keith, making him stumble slightly. But as soon as he realized it was from his sister, he quickly steadied himself, read the message, and replied. [Keith: I can! Eagle mentioned that the base has a satellite radio room. It can connect to multiple radios and open channels out there.] [Kisha: Perfect. I need you to issue a public warning about the storm¡ªand make it as dramatic as possible. Describe it like this: tornadoes with thunderstorms striking one after another, rain mixed with hailstones the size of fists, tsunamis swallowing the shores, mudslides tearing down mountains, and flash floods sweeping away anything near rivers or lakes. Emphasize the danger to ensure everyone takes it seriously.] [Keith: Sis, is it really that dangerous?!] [Kisha: Probably even worse...] [Keith: Damn! I''ll get on it right away!] [Keith: What''s the timeline?] [Kisha: An hour or two¡ªmaybe even less.] [Keith: We''re screwed. I''ll get Eagle and Hawk to help me out spreading the word.] [Kisha: Thanks, Baby Brother.] Ding... [Hidden Mission Unlocked] Kisha smiled brightly at the sight of this notification. It reminded her of a similar mission she had before the apocalypse began¡ªone where she had to warn as many people as possible. Back then, her reward was based on the number of lives she managed to inform and save. Reflecting on the impending storm, she figured it was worth trying again. Even if no hidden mission appeared this time, it wouldn''t hurt to warn others. Though her heart had hardened over the course of the apocalypse, she still didn''t wish for humanity''s complete extinction¡ªit wouldn''t serve her any purpose. As long as people stayed out of her way, there was no harm in helping them survive. Who could have guessed she''d be right? Her efforts triggered a hidden mission once again, proving that her instincts were spot on. ... [New Mission Available!] [Hidden Mission: S Class "The Saint"] [Description: The role of a saint is to inspire hope and save lives, regardless of the methods employed. As long as the saint chooses to warn and protect as many lives as possible, they serve as a beacon for humanity, ensuring that the people of this world continue to survive and persevere. Mission Requirements: Warn as many people as possible about the impending Geostorm, set to occur within the next one and a half hours. Each person who survives because of the warning will be worth 1,000 points. Mission Completion: Weather Satellite with Radar Blueprint (Origin: World 453683), 10 Gachapon Coupon, 5 crates, and System points equivalent to the number of lives saved (1 person = 1,000 points) Mission Failure: Automatic failure Sudden Hidden Mission: SSS Class "Survivor of God''s Wrath!"] ... Kisha decided not to dwell on the daunting consequences of mission failure any longer. Instead, she focused her attention on the mission''s completion rewards, which were undeniably generous¡ªeven for an S-Class mission. ''I''ve really grown used to seeing S to SSS-Class missions,'' Kisha mused, her thoughts trailing off. Missions that once felt insurmountable now seemed almost routine, their frequency dulling her initial apprehension. ''Since when did S-Class missions start feeling as common as cabbages sold on the street?'' she thought dryly, a faint smirk tugging at her lips despite the situation. "Greater risk equals greater rewards," 008 chimed in, its tone a little awkward as it attempted to lift her spirits. "I''m not sad," Kisha replied, her tone steady but laced with a hint of defiance. "As you said, this is my last chance. If I fail and die again, that''s it¡ªno reincarnation, no second chances. My soul will be erased for eternity. Knowing that your constellation is working so hard to throw one brutal mission after another at me has only fueled my resolve. If they''re testing me, then I''ll grit my teeth and survive. How could I let them down now?" Her gaze hardened, a quiet determination replacing any trace of despair. She had accepted her reality¡ªthere was no running from it. Yet, a lingering question gnawed at the edges of her thoughts: ''How long will this continue? Until I die for good? Until I grow old and too weak to fight back?'' She exhaled softly, shaking off the thought. For now, survival was her only goal. With Eagle and Hawk''s technical expertise, Keith and the team successfully connected to the satellites orbiting Earth. While Eagle and Hawk worked diligently behind the scenes to set up the broadcast, Keith, holding his pre-prepared speech in hand, stepped forward. He took a deep breath, his hand steady as he lifted the radio connected to their apparatus and began speaking in clear, confident English. "Hello, everyone. This is Keith, broadcasting from a base in the City A survivor camp. We''ve received critical information about an incoming storm, and I urge everyone to take immediate precautions." His voice grew firmer as he outlined the dangers: "For those near coastal areas, move to higher ground or as far inland as possible. This storm will bring tsunamis as tall as skyscrapers, capable of engulfing the shoreline. The movements of the ocean floor are unpredictable, and the effects may vary, but the risk is real." He continued, his tone serious yet calm: "To those living near rivers or lakes, evacuate immediately. Flash floods are expected and could sweep away anything in their path. Mudslide-prone areas are especially dangerous; avoid them at all costs to prevent being buried under cascading debris. "Additionally, thunderstorms with hail and tornadoes are imminent. Be prepared for hailstones large enough to cause fatal injuries on impact. This is not an ordinary storm¡ªit is life-threatening, and everyone must act quickly to ensure their safety." Keith paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle, then added, "Please share this information with as many people as possible. Together, we can save lives." His determined tone left no room for doubt or hesitation, and he hoped his message would reach those in need before it was too late. Chapter 519 - 519 The Disaster Is Coming Keith repeated the broadcast tirelessly, knowing that time was of the essence. With the internet mostly inaccessible due to widespread power outages, many electronic devices¡ªphones, computers, and even emergency systems¡ªhad likely stopped functioning. For those few devices still operational, the lack of cellular networks or internet connectivity made communication nearly impossible. Recognizing this, Keith, along with Eagle and Hawk, decided that radio frequencies were the best option. They knew survivors in isolated camps or shelters might be scanning the airwaves, desperate for updates about the outside world. Radio remained one of the few reliable means of communication, capable of reaching those who had no other way of staying informed. Keith''s voice carried unwavering determination as he repeated his warnings again and again, hoping it would reach as many people as possible before the storm struck. The three of them worked tirelessly, trying to reach as many frequencies as possible. They repeated the same warning message over and over, hoping it would break through the static and reach those in danger. As Keith''s voice grew hoarse from constant speaking, he switched positions with Hawk, who took over with equal urgency. They didn''t forget to emphasize the critical timeline of the incoming storm. Knowing that people in different locations might not have seen the storm clouds yet, or might be experiencing different weather patterns, Keith avoided specifying an exact timeline. Instead, he urged listeners to pay close attention to any changes in the sky or the environment around them¡ªthe shifting weather, the rising tides, or any signs of impending disaster. The storm''s approach was inevitable, but the timeline varied depending on location, and they could only hope the message would reach those in time. In Port City, a group of survivors huddled together, desperately listening to the radio. They had long been abandoned by the men who had either vanished or fled with the supplies, leaving behind the sick, elderly, and children. The survivors believed they were left to fend for themselves, with no one to care for them in their vulnerable state. But when they heard the broadcast warning about the incoming storm, doubt clouded their minds. Some thought the warning might be exaggerated or irrelevant to their situation. Then, a voice broke through the tension. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "T-the sea is receding!" an elderly man shouted, his voice filled with alarm as he gazed out the window from the fourth floor of the building they had taken refuge in. When the survivors heard the old man''s shout, those still able to move staggered toward the window. What had once been a scenic port, now lay eerily empty. The water had receded so far that the sea floor was exposed, stretching out beyond what their eyes could fathom. They could no longer see how far back the water had pulled, but the sight alone was enough to send a chill through their bones. The warning from the radio wasn''t some scare tactic or prank meant to cause panic¡ªit was real, and the disaster was coming. Even the birds flying above seemed unsettled, their usual calm replaced with erratic movements. The mutated rats scurrying through the city''s streets were fleeing, desperate to escape the coastal areas. Even the zombies, usually so mindless and driven by hunger, seemed to sense the change. They moved away from the city, shuffling slowly, as if instinctively avoiding the impending disaster. "W-We need to leave!" someone croaked, desperation in their voice. But how could they leave when their bodies were barely functional? They hadn''t eaten in days, and many had already succumbed to the brutal extremes of heat and cold from the past few days. Their bodies, frail and weak, could barely move, let alone escape. "H-Hu hu hu... We''re going to die..." another person sobbed. "It''s because we''re all cowards¡ªtoo afraid to leave, too weak to fight for food¡ªthat we were abandoned," grumbled an elderly man, his eyes dull and empty. "Now look at us... we can''t even move." "Grandpa... will I die too?" A small child, barely more than skin and bones, whispered from the cold floor. He stretched out a trembling hand toward the old man, his voice a faint murmur. The elderly man turned and scanned the room. The place was filled with bedridden survivors¡ªsome too weak to speak, others barely clinging to life. The children, their faces gaunt and hollow, could hardly move, their eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. He gritted his teeth, a spark of defiance lighting in his eyes. "No, we''re not going to die here! Those who can still move, come with me. Let''s get the vehicles ready and take the children first!" His voice was firm, filled with a determination he hadn''t felt before. In truth, he was once one of the most cowardly men around¡ªsomeone who would rather chew on tree bark than venture outside for a supply run. But now, his fear had brought them to this point. They were dying, and the children and grandchildren were on the brink of perishing with them, all because they had refused to leave. As the harsh reality set in, he realized this was their last chance. If they stayed, they would die. If they ran, they might survive¡ªhe had nothing left to lose. One by one, the others in the room understood what needed to be done. Even as their bodies trembled with weakness, they pushed themselves to move. They staggered toward the exit, their resolve growing with each step. The zombies had begun to retreat from Port City, and for the first time in days, they saw an opportunity¡ªhowever small. It was now or never. With a final surge of effort, they gathered together, ready to flee. Across various locations around the nation and the world, people who had received Keith''s warning took it seriously. They began closely monitoring the weather, focusing on the sky and, for those in coastal areas, the sea. As the tide receded, the reality of the threat became undeniable. People immediately began moving inland, heading toward the mountains in an effort to escape. However, they soon realized that they were not alone in their flight. Mutated animals and zombies, also sensing the danger, were fleeing alongside them. The sheer chaos of it all made the situation even more dangerous. The truth of Keith''s broadcast became clear¡ªsafety was no longer guaranteed. As more and more survivors ran for their lives, the roads became a battleground. To reach safety, they would have to fight their way through the hordes, making the journey even more dangerous for everyone involved. Driven by pure survival instinct, a surge of adrenaline coursed through their bodies. Whether it was the body''s limiter shutting down in the face of danger or sheer desperation taking over, the people who encountered zombie hordes or mutated animals became like wild beasts, fighting with everything they had to survive and escape. Those quick-witted enough didn''t hesitate to leave the safety of the skyscrapers. They realized that, even if the towering buildings could withstand the tsunami''s initial impact, they were not guaranteed survival. The danger of being trapped in a flooded city without knowing when the water would recede made staying put a risky choice. For those in more inland areas, even if they couldn''t make it to the mountains, they gathered their supplies and moved to the highest buildings they could find, hoping to outlast the flash floods and mudslides. Chapter 520 - 520 Battery They waited, praying the waters would recede or the earth would harden enough to allow them to move safely again. Their only hope now was to survive long enough to find a new location to rebuild their lives. As everyone scrambled to find a safe place after Keith''s warning, there were still a few stubborn individuals who refused to listen. They dismissed the warning, convinced the storm wasn''t as bad as it seemed and that the person broadcasting the message was simply trying to scare them into abandoning their shelters or bases. After all, fewer people meant more supplies for the rest. But when the storm unfolded exactly as it had been predicted, those same people were the first to suffer. They became the first victims, their lives claimed by their stubbornness. And in the end, there was no pill for regret. Back on Kisha''s side, she stood resolutely atop the city wall after activating the City Shield and ensuring the people were safely in their homes. Her eyes were fixed on the horizon, scanning the distance for any sign of Duke''s convoy. The sky had already darkened, and the wind was growing fiercer, whipping through the air and stirring up smaller debris. Nearby, small whirlwinds began to form, their swirling shapes a testament to the escalating storm. Yet Kisha remained unmoving, her silhouette a steady figure against the chaos. She refused to leave her post until she was certain that Duke was close, her resolve unwavering despite the mounting tension in the air. "C-City Lord!" A man in a white lab coat came rushing out from the base, his disheveled appearance and breathless excitement making him look both eager and haggard. His eyes sparkled, and a wide grin stretched across his face, barely contained. "I¡ªI have something to tell you!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with urgency. Kisha turned her head slightly, her gaze cool and indifferent as it briefly shifted from the distant street. "What is it?" she asked, her tone calm and composed, her focus still fixed on the horizon. "My team and I managed to build a small battery capable of storing electricity, using lightning as the energy source," the man explained, his excitement evident. "However, to make it work, we need to install the pole at the highest point here. The problem is¡ªit''s heavy and requires precise placement." Kisha''s eyebrows rose instinctively as she glanced around, her sharp gaze taking in the surroundings. The highest point in the base was the Central Hall''s dome-like roof, where a flagpole stood in the center, the flag whipping fiercely in the wind. It didn''t take long for her to piece it together¡ªthe man was asking for her help to use her telekinesis to place their pole in that spot. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without hesitation, she made her decision, offering no objections. "Lead the way," Kisha said, casting one last glance at the street behind her before following the engineer. She knew that once Duke was nearby, Bell would notify her, and it wouldn''t be too late for her to return. The engineer guided Kisha to the front of the Central Hall, where a few meters of pole lay on the ground. Several engineers were gathered around it, checking its connections to a laptop, while multiple wires snaked through the pole. At the other end, the setup resembled an intricate electric circuit. The person in charge, Engineer Steel, was barking orders to the team, urging them to work faster. He was determined to have the pole installed before the storm hit. Connected to the pole was a tangle of wires, leading to a massive machine placed on a small trailer. The machine was so large it took up the entire back of the trailer, and the pole itself, which Kisha was expected to place atop the Central Hall, was as thick as her waist. ''No wonder they needed my help,'' Kisha thought. Even a superhuman would struggle to lift that massive pole, let alone position it atop the roof. No matter how many people worked together, they''d still need a crane, and their largest one was tied up in the workshop. The fastest solution was Kisha''s telekinesis, something they''d already witnessed in action. They knew this task would be child''s play for her. When Engineer Steel gave the signal, Kisha stepped forward. "City Lord, please, we''ll leave it in your care," Engineer Steel said, his voice full of anticipation. Kisha nodded, her focus sharpening. She raised the pole effortlessly with her telekinesis. Ever since her Mental Capacity exceeded one thousand, her control over her powers had grown immensely. The weight of the pole barely fazed her, and as she lifted it higher, she felt no strain at all. Feeling emboldened, she allowed herself to float upward, her body rising into the air. The sight left the watching engineers gasping in surprise. Kisha''s telekinesis wasn''t limited to inanimate objects or external things, so she figured she could use it to lift herself into the air. And she did, effortlessly. Now, alongside the massive pole, she too was floating, something she had never managed to do before. Typically, only high-level wind-type awakened ability users allowed for this kind of flight, as those users could make the wind feel like an extension of their bodies, manipulating it as they wished. Though Kisha appeared calm and indifferent as she floated, her heart raced with excitement. This was her first time experiencing this sensation, and deep down, she couldn''t help but revel in the thrill of soaring through the air. After enjoying the sensation of floating, Kisha focused her telekinesis with precision. She carefully guided the pole into place on top of the Central Hall''s roof. With expert control, she bolted it securely, using the pre-positioned bolts at the base of the pole where the circuit was attached. Only when she was certain the pole was firmly in place did she float around it, inspecting her work one last time before descending. When she landed gracefully on the ground, the engineers gasped in awe. "Woah! City Lord, you can fly!" "Was that part of your awakened ability?!" "That was amazing!" The engineers gathered around her, their admiration evident as they gazed at her in awe, almost treating her like an idol. Kisha wouldn''t deny that she felt a sense of pride from the praise, but at the same time, she couldn''t help feeling a bit shy. She wasn''t used to this level of admiration. Even when she built shelters for people in her past lives, they had always treated it as something she was simply supposed to do¡ªas if it was her duty and responsibility. Instead of gratitude, she had often been met with scorn or dismissive side glances. Now, with more control over her telekinesis, Kisha felt a newfound sense of possibility. She realized she could do far more than she had before, not just move objects or herself. After the engineers praised her, they huddled together around Engineer Steel, who was holding a laptop under his arm. Intrigued, Kisha moved closer to see what they were doing. Engineer Steel ran a program on the computer, then looked up toward the pole. A black loading prompt appeared on the screen. Moments later, several more black screens popped up, indicating progress. Chapter 521 - 521 New Electricity Source Once the installation was complete, a system program appeared on the screen, displaying a pie chart along with several other graphs. The charts indicated the charging progress of the eight batteries docked in the machine, each as large as a crate. These batteries were now ready to be recharged using the lightning. Each battery was numbered, allowing the engineers to easily track which ones were nearly fully charged and which still had some way to go. There was also a tab allowing them to run a diagnostic on the batteries to ensure there were no issues before they were put into use. Each battery was capable of powering a large building for a full week once activated. This made Kisha raise an eyebrow, recognizing the immense potential of the project. With the Advanced Solar Panels still on hold due to a shortage of materials, this new energy source could be a crucial solution for now. "Did you get the inspiration for this from the Advanced Solar Panel blueprint?" Kisha asked suddenly, her gaze fixed on Engineer Steel. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Engineer Steel rubbed the tip of his nose sheepishly, but his eyes sparkled with excitement. "That''s right! The blueprint was so advanced, but it required rare materials we don''t have enough of yet. So, my team and I had the idea to adapt some of that technology into this machine, using the materials we currently have available." His expression shifted to one of concern, and he looked at Kisha with a mix of regret and apology. "But City Lord, I must apologize. I used some of the precious materials you allocated for the Advanced Solar Panel to help build this machine." "It''s alright," Kisha said with a reassuring smile. "Since it will take time to finish the solar panel, we can go with the second-best option for now. With this, we can conserve our fuel and reserve it for the vehicles we use to gather supplies." "After all, our fuel is limited, but lightning is unpredictable¡ªit can strike anytime. If we don''t get a thunderstorm, the Vice City Lord can always use his lightning-type awakened ability to power the pole, and we''ll never run out of electricity." She finished with a teasing tone, a thought of her husband bringing a smile to her lips. ''I miss him,'' Kisha thought, her gaze drifting to the pole. Hearing that Kisha didn''t blame them, Engineer Steel felt a mix of guilt and relief. His resolve, however, grew stronger. He was more determined than ever to ensure that he and Dr. Shuveck finished the Advanced Solar Panel. They were nearly done studying the blueprint and had already drawn so much inspiration from it that they were now discussing plans to build other machines that would undoubtedly be beneficial for their base. Once his guilt had subsided, Engineer Steel returned his focus to the laptop, running a program to perform a thorough diagnostic on each battery and the pole, checking for any potential issues. When the tests were complete, the team carefully moved the trailer to a safer distance from the Central Hall and covered it with a reflective tarp to prevent any accidental lightning strikes. Next, they entered the small building next to the Central Hall, where Engineer Steel pushed the laptop onto a window sill. The laptop was still connected to a tangle of cords. Kisha followed them inside, taking in the sight of the room. It was already neatly arranged, filled with an array of computers and machines. "This is...?" Kisha asked, glancing around the room. "This will be the operation room for the electricity systems, where everything will be maintained and monitored," Engineer Steel explained. "Once the solar panels are up and running, this will continue to serve as the operation room." Kisha glanced around again and noticed several backup batteries scattered about. Seeing her gaze, Engineer Steel quickly explained, "Once the batteries docked in the machine are fully recharged, we can replace them with these empty ones and repeat the process." "This way, we can avoid overcharging the batteries and preventing them from exploding, while also making sure we don''t waste any of the lightning''s energy." "We''ll be able to recharge as many batteries as possible. However, with our current resources, this is all we can manage for now." He paused for a moment, then added, "Meanwhile, Dr. Shuveck and his team are busy working on the fuse that will allow us to dock the batteries and connect them to the base, so we can power our small city with them." Once he finished explaining, Engineer Steel looked proud of their accomplishment. Even Kisha was taken aback by their progress; she had always assumed they were simply busy studying the blueprints. She couldn''t hide the confusion on her usually stone-cold face, and Engineer Steel noticed it immediately. "The Vice City Lord helped plan this with us while we were studying the Advanced Solar Panel blueprint." "When we realized it would take time to complete the solar panel, we decided to pivot and design a different machine using the same technology but with materials we already had on hand." "We started working on it the day after we received the blueprint, and the idea was inspired by the Vice City Lord himself." Engineer Steel wasn''t trying to flatter anyone; he was simply expressing his admiration for Duke''s intelligence and quick decision-making. He couldn''t help but praise him, which made Kisha smile proudly. After all, what Duke and the others had accomplished had been a huge benefit to the base. Thanks to their efforts, the survivors now had access to heaters and air conditioners when needed most in extreme climates. Plus, they could conserve fuel by powering the Supply Center with these batteries instead. Kisha nodded in appreciation as she took in the small building, now transformed into their makeshift electricity department, poised to power the entire base. Before long, Dr. Shuveck and his team arrived. "We''ve finished the installation," he said, excitement in his voice. When they heard that a thunderstorm was approaching¡ªjust as they were wondering how to test the machine¡ªtheir energy shifted. They immediately sprang into action, running around the base to prepare for the test. This would be the initial trial to see if the machine performed as they had hoped. This was a crucial moment for them. Initially, they had planned to ask the Vice City Lord to be their test subject, to channel lightning into the pole as agreed upon during the planning stage. However, he had to leave just as they were finishing the machine, which was still in its prototype phase. It felt as though the gods were giving them a chance to test it out. The test was essential, as it would allow them to gather data and identify necessary adjustments. Moreover, a thunderstorm was the perfect opportunity to do so, as the machine was specifically designed to harness lightning, while the solar panels were still in progress, awaiting some key components. "Did you create a fuse for the entire base?" Kisha asked. "Not yet, City Lord. Currently, we''ve only created a fuse for the Central Hall and the Supply Center." "This is still a prototype, and we need more data. Once we''ve gathered and analyzed the results from this experiment, and if it proves successful, we''ll begin connecting the electric wiring from within the base to the main fuse, powered by these batteries recharged using lightning." Chapter 522 - 522 Different Way To Control Her Power Doctor Shuveck took the lead in explaining. Originally a Solar Physicist specializing in the study of solar energy, he brought his expertise to the project. Paired with Engineer Steel, a seasoned Mechanical Engineer, the two formed a formidable team. Together, they combined their knowledge and collaborated closely, often drawing on Duke''s insights during the development process. Duke had spent considerable time with them and their teams, poring over the blueprint and brainstorming solutions to the challenges they faced. After countless hours of effort, their combined hard work was finally about to face its ultimate test. Engineer Steel and Doctor Shuveck, both buzzing with excitement, huddled with their team around the program, double-checking every detail. Their anticipation filled the air, but Kisha quietly stepped away, leaving them to their fervent preparations. "Master! We''re back!" Bell''s voice resonated through Kisha''s mind via the mindlink, signaling their proximity to the base. Without hesitation, Kisha sprinted toward the wall and leaped effortlessly to its top, her gaze scanning the horizon with eager anticipation. Through the whipping wind and flying debris, she spotted faint silhouettes in the distance. Even amidst the chaos, the rumbling engines grew steadily louder, and her sharp eyes picked out the dark forms of the convoy moving closer. Her heartbeat quickened, matching the tempo of her growing excitement, and a smile crept onto her lips, unbidden but full of warmth and relief. Since Kisha had already sent the soldiers guarding the wall back to their homes, the gate was left unguarded. Aside from herself, no one else would open it, but she wasn''t concerned. As the trucks neared, the sound of zombies scrambling behind them grew louder, desperate to catch up and claim their prey. With a focused thought, Kisha controlled the metal debris scattered around the area, letting it rain down on the zombies following the convoy. She also turned her attention to the heavy gate, manipulating it with her telekinesis to open wide, allowing the convoy to enter the base safely. While defending the entrance, Kisha ensured no zombie would get close. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The sky above the gate became a deadly rain of nails, metal scraps, signposts, and jagged debris. Each piece fell with terrifying precision, impaling the zombies'' skulls, causing them to drop like flies one after another. Bell, perched comfortably on Duke''s shoulder, didn''t need to lift a finger. The warriors, weary from the long journey, watched the carnage unfold in stunned silence, their eyes wide with awe at the sheer power of Kisha''s control. Even Duke stood motionless for a moment as he watch from the side mirror, taking in the terrifying beauty of the scene before him. They couldn''t help but feel that they had yet to witness the true extent of Kisha''s power. It was as if she hadn''t been pushed to the point where she''d be forced to reveal all her capabilities. Unlike Duke, who had already been driven to his limits on more than one occasion¡ªone time, it nearly cost him his life. Even so, Duke was growing stronger with each passing day, leaving everyone else in the dust. His monstrous strength seemed unparalleled, and no one could compete with it. This led the others to wonder: who, between the two of them, was truly stronger¡ªthe unstoppable Duke or his equally formidable wife? "That''s my wife," Duke murmured proudly, his usually cold, indifferent expression softening as a gentle, doting smile spread across his lips. The warriors who had often witnessed this side of their Vice City Lord had long grown accustomed to it whenever Kisha was around. It no longer surprised them. Meanwhile, their attention was fixed at the back of the convoy as they watched zombies fall one after another, unable to even get close to the perimeter. Kisha, using her telekinesis, was systematically slaughtering them, her power raining death upon them with unrelenting precision. But for Kisha, it wasn''t enough. An inspiration sparked in her mind. While the majority of her focus remained on controlling the debris to impale the zombies, a small part of her mind shifted to one particular zombie¡ªthe slowest one. With concentrated focus, she reached into its body, visualizing the black blood coursing through its veins, following it up to the brain. She could almost sense the brain''s fluctuating rhythm, the delicate pulse of its energy. And deep within that brain, she could feel the flickering light of the crystal core¡ªpulsing like a battery, radiating its strange energy throughout the body. As Kisha focused, her eyes began to glow a brilliant gold without her even realizing it. She tilted her head, lost in the sensation, before her movements became resolute. Just as she did, everyone had disembarked from the truck, and Duke was heading toward Kisha. In that moment, all of Kisha''s attacks ceased as her attention fixed solely on one zombie slowly approaching the still-open gate. Duke leapt onto the wall where Kisha stood frozen. "Master?" Bell called out through their mind link, but received no answer from Kisha. It was as if something was blocking their connection, and Bell could feel the link growing fainter, unreachable. Panic set in as Bell hovered anxiously around Kisha''s head, desperately calling to her. Kisha was so absorbed in her discovery that she didn''t notice Duke standing beside her. He reached out to shake her awake, but as his hand hovered over her, he froze. The golden glow in her eyes caught his attention, and following her unblinking gaze, he saw her focused on a single zombie. Though he couldn''t tell what she was doing, he noticed more and more zombies closing in. "Close the gate!" Duke barked, turning to his warriors. The warriors, unsure of what was happening, assumed Kisha had suffered a backlash from overexertion, but didn''t dwell on it. Some rushed to the gate, while two superhumans stepped forward to push it closed. The others conjured their abilities and sent bursts of energy through the cracks in the gate, striking the approaching zombies until, at last, the gate was securely shut. Kisha remained focused on the zombie as Duke watched her from the side, still unsure of what was happening. As she concentrated, she slowly raised her hand into the air and made a subtle gesture, as if strangling something. Before Duke could grasp what she was doing, the zombie''s head exploded. Thud... The lifeless body collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud. Duke turned to see the headless zombie, its body drenched in black blood, with no trace of its crystal core. The remnants of its brain matter lay scattered around, and the surrounding area was eerily silent. A moment later, Kisha''s golden eyes returned to their usual amber hue. She slowly glanced down at her hands, still feeling the vivid sensation of what she had just done. Closing her eyes, she clung to that sensation, not wanting to let it go. She took a deep breath, attempting to understand and internalize the power she had just tapped into. Duke wanted to ask Kisha what had just happened, but seeing her so deeply focused on internalizing the experience, he held his tongue. He silently studied her, his intense gaze searching her face. He knew whatever had occurred was tied to Kisha''s awakened ability. Clenching his fist, he couldn''t ignore the growing realization that she was becoming stronger, faster than he could keep up with. The thought lingered in his mind¡ªif this continued, he wouldn''t be the one protecting her. Instead, he might always find himself relying on her strength. His resolve to grow stronger, to match her power, solidified in his heart. As Kisha continued to reflect, she returned to the sensation she had experienced earlier, focusing once more on the intricate feelings that had surged through her. When Kisha sensed the fluctuation of the zombie''s crystal core, she focused intently on the feeling. She could see the flickering lights of energy emanating from the core, traveling through the brain and spreading throughout the rest of the zombie''s body. Becoming more attuned to this sensation, she honed in on the core itself. It was as if she could sense its very life force, and with a little effort, she could control its fate. With a focused thought, she extended her arm, her mind reaching out toward the crystal core. It felt as though it were within her grasp. When she tightened her mental grip along with her hand, the energy pulses from the core slowed, as though it were being strangled. She applied more pressure, watching as cracks began to form on the crystal''s surface. Finally, with a burst of force, she crushed it, causing the core to explode. In an instant, the zombie''s head exploded violently, as though a bomb had detonated from within. Kisha was both surprised and exhilarated. She had never imagined that telekinesis could be controlled in such a way. It felt as though her invisible hands could reach out to anything, anywhere, and manipulate it as she wished¡ªunstoppable by any defense. Perhaps it was because her mental capacity had surpassed its previous limits, unlocking new possibilities she had never even dreamed of before. With this newfound realization and the vivid sensation still fresh in her mind, Kisha decided to try again, focusing on a nearby zombie. Duke watched quietly from the sidelines, not intervening in her practice. Kisha repeated the process from before, but this time, her movements were quicker, more confident. She knew she had to first establish a clear connection and visualize the zombie''s body through her telekinesis. Any abruptness could sever that connection, preventing her from replicating what she had just done. Chapter 523 - 523 Thunder Redirecting Talisman Once Kisha felt she had the right sensation, she clenched her outstretched hand again. Another zombie collapsed to the ground with a loud thud, its head bursting apart in a grotesque explosion. She repeated the action, over and over, practicing until the motion became second nature. Each time, the result was the same¡ªa lifeless body falling to the ground, its head obliterated. Duke observed the carnage closely, his sharp eyes scanning the remains. No crystal cores were left intact in the wreckage. That''s when it clicked¡ªKisha was deliberately targeting the zombies'' crystal cores with precise, devastating accuracy. By the time Kisha had grown accustomed to the technique, she was already feeling drained. However, thanks to the newly formed protective barrier surrounding her energy core, the strain on her body was minimal. Instead, the toll came from the excessive use of her spiritual energy. While her mental capacity was notably high, her spiritual energy reserves were only slightly above average. Using the skill for the first time demanded more energy than usual, as she hadn''t yet mastered the control needed to wield it efficiently. Despite her progress, refining the technique would clearly require time and practice. As Kisha finally stopped, Duke immediately stepped forward, gripping her arm to steady her. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. His eyes searched her face anxiously, unable to hide the worry etched into his features. Though he didn''t say it aloud, Duke couldn''t shake the memory of his own near-fatal experience from overusing his energy core¡ªa mistake that had brought him dangerously close to death. The thought of Kisha suffering a similar backlash sent a wave of dread through him, making it impossible for him to stop fretting over her well-being. "I''m alright, just a little tired," Kisha replied softly. After taking a moment to steady herself, she looked up at Duke with a playful smile dancing on her lips. "What about you? Are you tired? Hungry? Or maybe... you want something else?" she teased, her voice lilting with mischief as she nuzzled her head against his firm chest. Kisha knew exactly why Duke was so worried, and the weight of his concern tugged at her heart. Not wanting him to dwell on it, she decided to redirect his attention. Her playful, coquettish behavior was her way of lightening the mood and easing the tension between them. Sure enough, as soon as the words left her mouth, Duke burst into a hearty laugh. "I choose the last option!" he declared cheerfully, clearly interpreting Kisha''s teasing as an invitation for intimacy. Kisha smirked, her eyes glinting mischievously as she caught on to his thoughts. Without missing a beat, she hooked her arm through his and began leading him back toward the base. Below, the warriors who had accompanied Duke were still waiting. When they caught sight of their leaders'' playful exchange, a ripple of chuckles spread through the group. Their lighthearted interaction was a rare but welcome moment of levity amid the usual seriousness of their duties. "Thank you all for your hard work. Please head to the military cafeteria and enjoy a good meal¡ªit''s on us," Kisha said warmly, motioning for the warriors to take their leave. Her words brought an instant spark of energy to the exhausted group. Despite their weariness, their eyes lit up, and they eagerly made their way to the cafeteria. The STAU team followed suit, their hunger driving them forward. Once they had eaten, they would need to return to Kisha and Duke to receive instructions on where to store the supplies they had retrieved from the textile factory. As the warriors dispersed, Kisha took Duke''s hand and pulled him along. Duke followed willingly, a wide grin spreading across his face as he let her lead the way. Before long, they stood in front of a modest building where Doctor Shuveck and Engineer Steel were stationed. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke froze, staring at the structure with a mixture of surprise and unease. He knew exactly what this place was¡ªafter all, he had chosen it himself. His mouth opened and closed as if to speak, but no words came out. Frustration flickered across his face as the realization dawned on him. ''I''ve been tricked,'' he thought, casting Kisha a look as if he was wronged. Kisha, unfazed, merely tilted her head up to meet his gaze, her expression unreadable but her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "What? This is the last option," Kisha said with an innocent smile that didn''t quite match the mischievous glint in her eyes. "I just wanted to show you the completion of the project you led." Duke let out a resigned chuckle, fully aware that he''d been played. But as he looked at her beaming face, he couldn''t bring himself to be annoyed. Instead, his expression softened, and he reached out to ruffle her hair affectionately. "Alright, alright," he said with a mock sigh of defeat. Kisha took his hand and led him toward the entrance of the building. Before they stepped inside, she handed him a spiritual fruit, her voice gentle as she said, "Here, eat this first." They entered the building quietly, the hum of activity greeting them as people moved around the computers, focused on their work. Outside, the sky had turned pitch black, a heavy gloom settling over the base. The air felt charged, and the distant rumble of thunder, deep and resonant like a lion''s roar, echoed ominously. "It''s starting!" Engineer Steel exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. He rubbed his sweaty palms together, his eyes fixed on the monitors as he eagerly awaited the first bolt of lightning to strike the pole. The anticipation in the room was palpable as everyone held their breath, watching the screens. Moments later, the first thunderclap boomed, and a brilliant flash lit up the sky, signaling the strike. Clap... Crack... The thunderclap cracked through the sky with such force that it startled everyone in the room. The sound was deafening, like the sky itself had split open. "Wait, did it not reach the pole? Where did it hit?" Doctor Shuveck asked, frowning at the computer screen, which showed no change in the data. Kisha, however, felt her heart skip a beat. Why? Because just as the lightning struck, a system notification had flashed before her eyes: [City Shield Protection: 950/1000] Instead of the lightning striking the pole Kisha had placed on the roof of the Central Hall, it collided with the city shield first. ''Shoot, why did I forget this part?'' Kisha muttered, slapping her forehead in frustration. Her sudden movement startled Duke. ''The lightning from the storm counts as an attack on the base,'' Kisha realized, her mind racing. ''It would naturally hit the city shield first, preventing it from reaching the pole.'' Her worry deepened when she saw the shield''s energy drop by 50 points in an instant. That meant the lightning strike had been strong enough to kill even an evolved zombie on contact. "Host, we can use the Thunder Redirecting Talisman," 008''s voice suddenly echoed in Kisha''s mind. "Why are you only telling me this now?" Kisha asked, her frustration evident. "Won''t the city shield block the talisman''s effect too?" Chapter 524 - 524 The GeoStorm "The Thunder Redirecting Talisman can attract lightning to a specific location," 008 explained calmly. "It will prevent the lightning from striking random places and instead channel all of it to the pole. We can then open a small section of the city shield to create a gap where the lightning will come through, allowing it to bypass the shield entirely." Kisha''s thoughts whirled as 008 continued, almost as if taking responsibility for not mentioning the talisman sooner. "I only just discovered the talisman while browsing my channel. I thought it would be a great solution. Plus, I can help with adjusting the city shield settings to make it work." Just as soon as 008 mentioned this, another lightning strike hits the city shield. [City Shield Protection: 900/1000] "Shoot, go ahead. We''ll go with your idea," Kisha said, her voice tight with panic. Though the city shield displayed a total of 1000 protection points, indicating its strength, the 50-point deduction made her heart race. ''That''s how powerful the strike was...'' Kisha thought, anxiety rising. If this continued, the shield''s protection would soon be depleted, leaving the base vulnerable. She''d have to set up a new one quickly if this continues. Luckily, 008 was fast. In an instant, the Thunder Redirecting Talisman was in Kisha''s hands. Without hesitation, she bolted from the building, making Duke freeze in confusion. He was surprised by her sudden urgency, but said nothing, instead following her outside. Stopping in front of the Central Hall, Kisha glanced down at the yellowish paper in her hand. The cinnabar writing on it was unfamiliar, but she didn''t have time to dwell on it. The lightning could strike again at any moment. With a quick, decisive motion, she tossed the talisman into the air. Using her telekinesis, she guided it upward, watching as it soared toward the pole. The moment it reached the top, she placed it carefully in the center of the pole, feeling the energy of the talisman hum through the air. Now, all she could do was wait. Her eyes flicked to the sky, anxious for 008 to adjust the city shield and open a gap above the pole. Kisha''s gaze locked onto the transparent shield once more, its gleaming surface shimmering in the sky. A series of interconnected hexagonal tiles surrounded the entire base, each one carefully positioned to form an impenetrable barrier. Then, above the pole, one of the hexagonal tiles shifted, opening a gap just wide enough¡ªa hole about one and a half meters across. It was a small opening, but it was enough for the lightning to pass through. Boom... Another rumble of thunder echoed through the sky, shaking the air as the clouds parted, revealing a dragon-like streak of lightning racing across the heavens. In an instant, a bolt as thick as two adults'' waists slammed into the pole. Kisha''s heart jolted at the sight. ''No wonder,'' she thought, her mind racing. ''No wonder it deducted 50 points from the city shield. That lightning was terrifying.'' As the bolt struck, she heard an excited shout from the building behind her. Kisha turned around to find Duke standing there, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised, his gaze questioning. She froze for a moment, unsure how to explain everything at once. With an awkward shrug, she scratched her head, trying to divert his attention. "Shall we go in and see?" she said sheepishly, offering him a playful, cute smile to soften her evasiveness. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke didn''t press for an explanation. Instead, he simply wrapped his arm around Kisha''s waist and guided her back inside. As they entered the small building, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Doctor Shuveck, Engineer Steel, and their team were all huddled around the monitors, eagerly checking the data after the lightning struck the pole. "It''s working!" one of them cooed, a smile spreading across their face. "It''s really working!" another shouted. "The batteries are recharging at an incredible rate. The first dock is already 30% full!" "30% already?!" someone else exclaimed in disbelief. "That lightning was insane!" "Absolutely," another operator chimed in. "Each of these batteries can hold several hundred megawatts. And with one megawatt equaling one thousand kilowatts, that''s enough to power an entire building, right?" "With these batteries, we can power up the main buildings, which need electricity the most. Once we create larger, sturdier batteries, we''ll be able to light up the entire base. But for now, this is more than enough. We can keep the Central Hall and Supply Center running for weeks without needing to use fuel for the generators." Excitement buzzed through the air as everyone gathered around, chatting eagerly while monitoring the screens. One after another, bolts of lightning struck the pole, charging the batteries at a rapid pace. At the same time, the hailstorm intensified, and tornadoes began to form around the base. Though they were still some distance away, their size was terrifying, and they ravaged the city with terrifying force. Cars were ripped from the ground and tossed into the sky, spinning like leaves in a storm. Zombies caught in the vortex were flung upward, their bodies torn apart by the intense pressure. The tornadoes continued to wreak havoc, sending cars and trucks flying across the city. Some were hurled into buildings with such force that they embedded deep into the structures. [City Shield Protection: 898/1000] [City Shield Protection: 895/1000] [City Shield Protection: 890/1000] The relentless pounding of the heavy hail and the debris slamming into the city shield caused its energy levels to drop at an alarming rate. Kisha''s heart raced, her breath catching as she watched the shield''s energy steadily deplete. Inside the base, however, everyone was blissfully unaware. Doctor Shuveck, Engineer Steel, and their team were still engrossed in their work, oblivious to the shield''s strain or what was happening outside of their base. They were too focused on the data and the booming thunder that drowned out everything else outside. But Duke noticed Kisha''s expression changing with every passing second. He could sense something was off. "What''s wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he pinched Kisha''s waist to get her attention. She was staring off into space, lost in thought. He didn''t know that her forehead was already slick with cold sweat, her mind bombarded by system notifications, each one more urgent than the last. "H-Host, do you think we should buy more City Shields?" 008 asked anxiously. Earlier, it had merely suggested purchasing additional shields, but now it was genuinely concerned that the two they had wouldn''t last long enough for the Geostorm to pass. Kisha''s brow furrowed as she weighed the situation. "Can you activate a new City Shield on your own once the first one''s energy runs out?" she asked, her tone serious. She knew that letting the shield go down, even for a second, could be catastrophic. If the shield''s protection faltered while the tornadoes were bearing down on them, the base could be destroyed in an instant. The idea of the shield disappearing with the tornadoes closing in was unthinkable. If that happened, everyone inside would be at the mercy of the storm¡ªand she couldn''t allow that. "I can do that, Host. You don''t need to worry¡ªI won''t miss a single beat," 008 replied, its voice filled with resolve. It understood the gravity of Kisha''s concerns and was determined to do everything in its power to protect the base. Chapter 525 - 525 Grant Him Access "Then just buy another City Shield when the second one is nearly used up," Kisha said firmly. After weighing her options, she concluded that a few thousand points were a small price to pay for the safety of her people. Even if one City Shield cost 5,000 points, it was worth it¡ªshe still had plenty of system points to spare. "Understood, Host," 008 replied, switching into monitoring mode immediately. Kisha stepped aside and summoned the holographic display of her territory in City A. Duke followed quietly, his curiosity evident. Noticing him, Kisha silently granted him access to view the hologram. The astonishment and awe in Duke''s wide eyes were unexpectedly endearing, softening some of the tension in her chest. Turning her attention back to the hologram, Kisha began operating the interface, focusing on the territory''s barrier. Unlike the City Shield she was using for HOPE Base, this barrier was significantly stronger¡ªoffering ten times the level of protection. ''Well, it''s only fair,'' Kisha thought, her lips curving into a faint smile. ''I did spend tens of thousands of points to acquire it.'' Seeing that the base in City A was also enduring the Geostorm and the barrier was holding steady, Kisha''s trembling heart calmed, if only for a moment. "I-Is this the base in City A?" Duke asked hesitantly, his voice barely above a whisper. His wide eyes were fixed on the holographic display, which showed countless green dots moving throughout the base¡ªsome inside the building, others patrolling outside. Encasing the entire base was a dome-like protective barrier, its energy level displayed as 9,970 and steadily decreasing. The people inside appeared completely unaware of the storm raging beyond their safe haven. Duke''s amazement was palpable. The intricate details of the holographic map stirred a sense of wonder in him, and he couldn''t help but feel an almost childlike excitement bubbling in his chest. His fingers itched to touch the display, to interact with the shimmering projection. "Do you want to play with it?" Kisha asked teasingly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. But as the words left her lips, her cheeks flushed when she realized how suggestive her tone sounded. She glanced around nervously, relieved to see that everyone else in the room was too engrossed in their work to notice her slip. Duke, oblivious to her embarrassment, was too captivated by the hologram to respond immediately, his awe lighting up his face. Duke was so captivated by the holographic map that his usual quick wit seemed to vanish entirely. Kisha let out a small sigh of relief, amused by his childlike enthusiasm. When he nodded eagerly in response to her offer, she grabbed his hand and led him back to the villa, retreating into the safety of her territory space. Once inside, Kisha began explaining the intricacies of the holographic map. As she spoke, Duke''s awe grew. It dawned on him that Kisha had been monitoring the City A base all along, quietly aware of everything happening there. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She wasn''t just able to call and chat with her brother¡ªshe had access to tools and systems that allowed her to oversee and manage the entire base remotely. "This is incredible," Duke muttered, his voice filled with wonder. The realization that the City A base was directly connected to her territory space made the whole experience feel even more extraordinary. His respect for Kisha deepened as he grasped just how far her reach extended and how much effort she put into ensuring their safety. Kisha quietly observed as Duke manipulated the holographic map, enlarging it until the green dots transformed into detailed human figures. His curiosity piqued, he zoomed in on the broadcasting room, where Keith, Hawk, and Eagle were stationed. Duke''s eyebrows shot up in surprise when he realized he could hear their conversation. The hologram''s capabilities were more advanced than he''d anticipated. Listening closely, he discovered that Kisha had sent the trio to broadcast warnings to as many people as possible, urging them to take precautions against the Geostorm. A warm smile spread across Duke''s face as he glanced at Kisha. Without a word, he gently pulled her into his lap, settling them both on the soft, grassy land within her territory space. Kisha didn''t resist; exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and she allowed herself to lean into his embrace. As Duke''s arms wrapped securely around her, she felt the tension she''d been carrying for days begin to melt away. The relentless worry and constant activity had left her burnt out, a fact she hadn''t fully realized until this moment. Now, nestled in Duke''s protective hold, Kisha let herself rest, her mind and body finally finding a moment of peace. Duke''s embrace felt like a soothing balm, easing away the stress Kisha had been carrying. It wasn''t long before she drifted off to sleep in his arms, her soft, rhythmic breathing filling the quiet space. When Duke heard her faint snores, a warm chuckle escaped his lips. Adjusting her position with care, he cradled her like a child, her head resting against his chest while her legs curled at his side. His left arm supported her waist securely, while his right hand explored the holographic map with curious precision. As he navigated the display, Duke''s expression shifted. He discovered that some of his men, previously stationed in a neighboring city, had already made their way to the base. It wasn''t long before he noticed that some of his men, stationed in the neighboring city, had already arrived at the base. His mind shifted into tactical mode, but he realized he hadn''t had much time to check in with Eagle or Hawk. He almost forgot that he still had direct communication with them¡ªbut having the holographic map in front of him was proving far more efficient. Duke smiled, appreciating the advanced technology at his fingertips. Still, his attention never wavered from Kisha, who was now peacefully asleep, her soft breath warming his chest. Kisha didn''t realize that by granting Duke full access to her territory, she had inadvertently opened the door to a wealth of information. As Duke continued exploring the holographic map, he discovered he could view not only the layout of her territory but also the supply distribution routes and the territory''s warehouse. The businessman within him stirred with excitement. He was impressed by how efficient the system was, and the more he delved into it, the more intrigued he became. Amused by the discovery, he began to explore the territory''s warehouse, comparing it with the physical storage space within the base. To his surprise, he found that Kisha had set up a daily distribution schedule with a fixed supply amount¡ªclearly organized and thoughtfully managed. Eagle and Hawk were responsible for overseeing the distribution, while Mr. Evans and his eldest son, Eric, handled the logistics. What fascinated Duke even more was the fact that part of the territory''s farm plots had been placed within the base in City A, providing a sustainable source of resources. Duke couldn''t help but admire the level of planning and foresight Kisha had put into this system. Her strategic thinking was impeccable, and it was becoming clearer just how much she had already done to ensure the success of their operations. Chapter 526 - 526 Hell Descended On Earth It was only now that Duke realized just how much Kisha had already thought ahead. Even before they left, she had been making careful plans for their territory. The more he explored, the clearer it became: this was the solution Kisha had mentioned before the apocalypse began. She had always been confident, telling him that she had found a way to manage their base, no matter where they were. Now, he understood. She had devised a strategy to ensure their territory would remain safe and secure, a place where they could raise livestock, grow crops, and sustain themselves. ''No wonder she was so confident back then,'' Duke thought with a mixture of admiration and awe. He looked down at the woman sleeping peacefully in his arms, her features softened in rest. A fond smile spread across his face as he reached out and gently pinched the tip of her nose. Instinctively, Kisha scrunched up her face and swatted at her nose before settling back into a deeper sleep. Duke chuckled softly, his heart light with affection, before letting out a quiet, heartwarming laugh. ''My wife is truly amazing,'' Duke thought, his heart swelling with admiration. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Kisha''s forehead before gazing at her with affectionate warmth. After a moment, he turned his attention back to the territory''s interface, his fingers gliding over the holographic controls. As he explored, something caught his eye¡ªthe dome-like barrier surrounding the base. The numbers were steadily dropping, and as he zoomed in for a closer look, he saw that the barrier was taking a beating. Large hailstones were relentlessly crashing into it, causing the energy level to dip. Fortunately, their territory was nestled in the mountains, which helped shield the base from the worst of the storm. Unlike their HOPE base, which was exposed to the full fury of the storm, the mountain acted as a natural buffer, absorbing some of the impacts. Though he hadn''t seen the full extent of the chaos outside yet, the strikes of lightning hitting the pole gave him a clear idea of the storm''s deadly nature. He couldn''t help but think that if he and his team had been caught outside in this storm, survival wouldn''t have been guaranteed. Seeing how much better the base in City A was faring brought him a small sense of relief, though the tension still lingered. Eventually, his exhaustion caught up with him. With a quiet sigh, he slowly laid down on the soft grass, careful not to disturb Kisha as she slept in his arms. Kisha instinctively nuzzled her head deeper into his chest, and Duke smiled, feeling the soothing rhythm of her breathing. He buried his nose in her hair, inhaling the calming scent that always brought him comfort. As his eyes fluttered closed, a contented smile tugged at his lips, and soon, both of them were lost in the peaceful embrace of sleep. As the couple rested, finding solace in each other''s presence, both City A and City B were managing to weather the storm thanks to their protective city shields and barriers. However, the same couldn''t be said for other bases. Despite receiving warnings from Keith, most survivors were helpless in the face of the chaos that surrounded them. The tornadoes ravaged the land, and while many sought refuge underground, the relentless storm brought its own set of challenges. Floodwaters began to rise, submerging large swathes of land. As the floodwaters crept higher, mutant rats, driven from their dens by the rising water, started to emerge in swarms. The tornadoes, now mixing with the water, became even more deadly, carrying both brutal winds and torrents of rain, making it almost impossible to escape. Survivors who managed to find temporary shelter were soon faced with the new nightmare: the mutant rats, relentless and territorial, were drawn to the same safe places. What little refuge they had left was quickly shrinking. With no other option, the survivors banded together, but fighting the mutated rats was no easy task. The rats were fierce and aggressive, turning the situation into a deadly battle for survival. There was no peace, no reprieve¡ªonly the desperate struggle to stay alive. Other places fared no better, but the survivors'' troubles didn''t end with the storm. Along with the violent weather came the blood rain, a sinister downpour that spurred the already frenzied zombies into even greater chaos. The zombies, drawn to the blood rain, became wild and erratic, feeding off the energy of the virus that came with the storm. In an unexpected turn of events, the mutated rats, now more aggressive and territorial than ever, fought back fiercely. The zombies, in their bloodthirsty frenzy, clashed with the rats, creating a chaotic battlefield. As the rats began to lose ground, the survivors, trapped in between, saw a fleeting chance for escape. "Hu hu hu! This is hell descending on us!" A voice cried out, filled with hopelessness. "I don''t want to die like this!" Another screamed, their voice muffled by the torrential rain. "Help, somebody help!" Yet another cry echoed through the storm, desperate and filled with fear. The cries of the dying were drowned out by the relentless storm and the deafening thunder, but they still rang out, each one carrying the weight of terror. Some survivors were not even given the chance to escape. Large hailstones pounded from the sky, mercilessly striking those unlucky enough to be caught outside. Bodies were battered and heads crushed, their blood mixing with the storm, leaving only lifeless figures in the wake of the chaos. Yet, there was nothing anyone could do. Everyone was fighting for their own survival, each struggling against the storm, the zombies, the mutants, and the fury of nature itself. If anyone said the world had descended into hell, no one would argue. At that moment, it truly felt like the gates of hell had opened, unleashing chaos and destruction. The survivors weren''t just grieving the loss of their loved ones¡ªthey were also watching their precious supplies disappear, swept away by the fury of the storm. Yet, even in the face of such devastation, they held onto one last hope: survival. They fought tooth and nail, desperately trying to salvage whatever they could, knowing that those supplies were their lifeline. Without food, water, and medicine, surviving the storm would mean nothing. Starvation would claim them just as surely as the storm had. The harsh truth hung heavy in the air: survival wasn''t just about weathering the storm¡ªit was about holding onto the means to keep going after it passed. When Kisha and Duke finally woke up, less than 10 hours had passed since they fell asleep. By the time they stepped outside, it hadn''t even been an hour, and the storm had worsened. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha motioned for Duke to take a shower first while she stepped outside to patrol, needing to assess the situation herself. The dark, swirling clouds gave the sky an eerie, nighttime feel, even though it was still day. Three¡ªor maybe more¡ªmassive tornadoes were circling the city shield, their winds howling like beasts as they battered the barrier with relentless force. Kisha''s heart skipped a beat as she watched the monstrous tornadoes, their twisting, dark forms resembling looming giants, their power overwhelming and frightening. Chapter 527 - 527 Good News And Bad News "They''re not coming any closer?" Duke''s voice came from behind, low and curious. Kisha didn''t turn around, her gaze fixed on the tornadoes spinning furiously like tops around the perimeter. It was as if they were desperately trying to breach the base but were held back by something unseen. "They can''t," Kisha replied evenly, her voice calm but firm. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her words sparked a realization in Duke, and his thoughts drifted to the base in City A. "Is it because of... an invisible barrier?" he asked, piecing the puzzle together. Kisha turned to glance at him, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It''s nice talking to smart people," she said simply. There was no need for further explanation¡ªher brief response confirmed Duke''s suspicion. His gaze shifted around, observing the area more carefully. The barrier wasn''t entirely invisible, he realized; it was more like a transparent shield. Each time the city shield endured a powerful strike, hexagonal, interconnected tiles momentarily glowed at the points of impact. However, since the shield hovered slightly above the ground covering their sky and around the base, the details weren''t immediately noticeable unless one took the time to examine it closely. Kisha continued to receive system notifications alerting her to the city shield''s energy steadily depleting. With a sigh, she shifted the notifications to the side of her peripheral vision and muted them to avoid further distractions. "008, can you link the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer to the barrier at City A''s Base? I want it to recover automatically," Kisha requested. She had noticed that although the barrier''s energy remained in the nine-thousands, it was still slowly decreasing. She didn''t want to wait until the barrier sustained significant damage before finding a solution to restore its energy. "I can handle that, Host." 008 responded quickly, its actions seamless as it immediately connected the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer to the barrier. It ensured that the crystal would supply the necessary spiritual energy to help the barrier recover, automatically shutting off once the barrier reached full energy. This way, the crystal wouldn''t inadvertently draw energy from the barrier, which would deplete it, and 008 wouldn''t have to manage it manually. The system was designed to provide energy as needed while preserving the remaining supply for other areas, ensuring the territory wasn''t affected. "Do we need to do anything else?" Duke asked, standing beside Kisha as they looked out from behind the wall. The scene before them was chaotic¡ªcars lay smashed and scattered like discarded toys, tossed effortlessly by the raging wind. Large hailstones slammed into the ground with enough force to dent the pavement, while the eerie blood rain fell alongside the hail. Fortunately, the zombies attempting to approach the base walls were shredded by the tornadoes swirling nearby. In an ironic twist, the destructive tornadoes had become an unintentional shield, protecting the base from the approaching horde. "Host, I have good news and bad news," 008 suddenly spoke inside Kisha''s head as she stared intently ahead. "What is it?" Kisha asked, her gaze unflinching. "The good news is that we won''t need to spend too many system points purchasing additional City Shields from the channel," 008 began. But before Kisha could feel any relief, 008 continued, "Unfortunately, there''s a catch. There are only ten City Shields left in the channel, and the maker will take quite some time to produce more. Since crafting them isn''t easy, it will take months before they''re restocked." "And as we''ve already purchased two, only eight remain in the channel. Also, the 8-hour City Shields are completely sold out, so I went ahead and bought the remaining ones." Kisha felt a lump in her throat upon hearing this. She understood why 008 had purchased the remaining shields¡ªif they hesitated, someone else from another world with access to the channel could snatch them up. Still, the cost¡ªanother 40,000 system points¡ªfelt like a stab to her chest. After the deduction, her balance was down to just 190,000 points. "I-It''s okay," Kisha croaked, trying to convince herself as much as 008. "We don''t know how long this storm will last, and the first City Shield was about to break. We really didn''t have a choice." She let out a weary sigh of defeat, shoulders slumping slightly. All she could do now was hope to earn more system points through the hidden mission. "Don''t worry, host. I can see the system points steadily increasing from the hidden mission," 008 said reassuringly. "It means that whatever your little brother and the others are doing on their side is working." 008 wasn''t just trying to comfort her¡ªthose rising numbers were real. The points they were earning now weren''t anything they had managed before, nor something they could have imagined achieving under normal circumstances. "It''s just that this Geostorm is far too deadly," 008 added, its voice tinged with sadness and worry. "Even with the warnings, survival would be nearly impossible for most people¡ªespecially since so many are still unaware of the awakening. In some ways, humanity is truly at a disadvantage." The weight in 008''s tone was obvious. After all, its mission was to guide its host in leading humanity''s remnants to survival, ensuring their species would not be extinguished at any cost. That was why so many of Kisha''s previous missions had centered on creating a safe base and caring for others, even if it meant sacrificing herself in the process. Through countless calculations and analyses, 008 had determined this was what the Constellation intended. Yet, there was a nagging suspicion: more than one Constellation seemed to be issuing missions, and something¡ªor someone¡ªlurking behind the scenes was complicating matters for both Kisha and 008. However, 008 chose not to share this with Kisha. She already held a poor opinion of 008''s Constellation, and revealing this would only deepen her mistrust. Instead, 008 fell into a contemplative silence. Kisha, lost in her own thoughts, didn''t dwell on 008''s sudden quietness. She, too, had nothing more to say, weighed down by a growing sense of gloom. The reality was so unfair that out of over 8 billion people, countless had already turned into zombies. Many others had perished while fleeing, only to rise again as part of the undead horde. Some had died during failed awakenings, and now, the storm had come¡ªa catastrophic force. With supplies dwindling and destruction rampant, it felt as if every possible path to survival was being systematically blocked, as though the world itself had decided to snuff out humanity without prolonging the suffering. Perhaps it was a butterfly effect¡ªHOPE Base had so many awakened ability users, a scenario that hadn''t occurred in the past. This abundance of power allowed their base to operate smoothly, in stark contrast to the doom others were facing. Kisha decided not to dwell on it any longer. With nothing else requiring their attention outside, and Duke having already assessed the situation, they turned their focus to the warriors gathered in the cafeteria. At this time, both the cafeteria and the supply center were still operational, ensuring that anyone needing to purchase supplies or grab a meal could do so without interruption. After all, the survivors living inside the base had accumulated enough work points to ensure their comfort during these times of crisis and disaster. They no longer felt the urgent pressure to earn more just to feed themselves or their families. Chapter 528 - 528 Inspection When Kisha and Duke arrived at the cafeteria, everyone was enjoying their meals, savoring the food that was a far cry from what they had outside the base. The first batch of the Artisan''s products had also been delivered to the Supply Center, and some of these delicacies, like pickled vegetables, fruit juices, and more, had been added to the cafeteria''s menu, offering a welcome change from the usual mass-produced fare. "City Lord, Vice City Lord! Come, join us!" one of the warriors who spotted them called out with a smile, standing up in greeting. Kisha and Duke didn''t refuse the offer, as they hadn''t eaten anything since waking up and were beginning to feel the hunger. They walked up to the counter, where the staff eagerly piled more food onto their plates, until they were overflowing. Each cafeteria worker seemed determined to make sure Kisha and Duke ate well, pressing extra portions onto them. Both of them pursed their lips as they looked at their plates, now heaping with food, trying to move forward without spilling it. The others burst out laughing at the sight, both Kisha and Duke looking like two peas in a pod with the same bewildered expression. "Ha ha ha! City Lord, Vice City Lord, don''t worry, if you can''t finish it all, we''ll gladly help you out." "I wish I were as loved as the City Lord and Vice City Lord, getting so much food from the staff. I''d be laughing even in my sleep if that happened!" "Stop dreaming, man." The cheerful buzz around them was heartwarming, so Kisha and Duke decided to go along with it and sat down with the warriors to eat. Despite Duke''s large appetite and Kisha''s effort to eat more, the food on their plates was still far too much for them to finish. The warriors around them, however, were more than happy to help and eagerly ate their leftovers without a hint of complaint. In fact, they seemed delighted to pitch in. The menu for the day was especially appetizing: braised pork, chicken curry, steamed cod, rice, and a side of pickled vegetables that had the perfect balance of saltiness and tang, making it the perfect accompaniment to the meal. Soon, a tired Aston and Tristan arrived at the cafeteria, intending to grab some lunch before returning to their tasks. The workshop was progressing well, moving in the right direction, but the storm had forced the workers to halt temporarily. Despite the conditions, the artisans refused to stop and continued working in the unfinished workshop, so it was up to Tristan and Aston to oversee them. Meanwhile, those working solo were managing on their own, supported by their families or friends as they prepared to launch their businesses as soon as possible. Aston and Tristan, however, still had to oversee the ongoing projects. They knew it would take time for everyone to adjust, and they wanted to ensure everything ran smoothly, not wanting any setbacks during this crucial phase. When Aston and Tristan saw Kisha and Duke sitting with the warriors, they immediately approached to greet them. "City Lord, Vice City Lord," Aston said, saluting before taking a seat beside them. "Master, Young Madam," Tristan added with a slight bow before joining Aston. The four of them discussed the ongoing projects while Aston and Tristan ate, and Kisha and Duke rested after finishing their meal. The warriors around them quietly excused themselves and, with great thoughtfulness, took Kisha and Duke''s plates to the counter, which Kisha appreciated and thanked them for. During the conversation, Kisha and Duke learned that Aston was overseeing Sparrow''s group, who were preparing to venture outside. Meanwhile, Tristan was in charge of the Artisans, who were making adjustments to the specially created muzzle oxygen masks for the animals. Due to the storm, both operations had to pause, which, in turn, gave the Artisans more time to prepare without the added pressure of the time. After hearing Aston and Tristan''s reports, Kisha and Duke headed to the workshop. Upon seeing everyone hard at work, the two leaders shared a few encouraging words, which seemed to motivate the Artisans even more. Kisha couldn''t help but scratch her head, impressed by the shift in energy. Soon, they made their way to the Supply Center, where they found Duke''s father talking with the staff. "Father," Duke called out as he and Kisha approached. "What are you two doing here? Aren''t you supposed to be resting?" "We just came to check on how everything''s going," Duke replied, glancing around. The Supply Center was impressively organized, with the staff maintaining a calm and composed demeanor despite the influx of customers. Nearly every item had clearly marked prices, visible to all. The space was large and spacious, allowing easy navigation, and every corner was closely monitored with staff stationed throughout to assist and keep everything running smoothly. Duke and Kisha exchanged a smile, recognizing the dedication Mr. Winters had invested in making sure the Supply Center was both efficient and well-managed. "Everything''s good. We have more than enough supplies," Mr. Winters replied. "In fact, we''re running out of warehouse space to store everything, so I''ve had to relocate the supplies Sparrow and his team gathered during their mission to Port City." He paused for a moment, then added, "We also have consistent deliveries of fresh crops from Marcus'' garden." He emphasized "garden" to provide a cover story, since the crops were actually coming from a large, secret farmland known only to them. Given the number of workers working in the Supply Center who could hear them, the staff could only imagine how vast Marcus'' "garden" must be, especially considering the large quantities of crops arriving daily. Not long ago, Marcus and his grandchildren had stopped sending fresh meat to the Supply Center to avoid drawing suspicion. While the crops were easy to explain as coming from his garden, the meat posed more of a problem. For now, the meat was stored in the Territory Space''s warehouse, and only frozen goods were sent to the Supply Center. "How about the frozen goods?" Duke asked just as the conversation shifted. "We have plenty," Mr. Winters replied. "That way, we can ensure the survivors'' diets are balanced, and no one suffers from malnutrition." He added the last part with a dry joke, though his stoic expression made it clear he wasn''t laughing. After getting a clear picture of the situation in the Supply Center, Kisha and Duke headed back into the Territory space. They had both been so focused on the events happening outside the base that they hadn''t been keeping up with what was going on inside. As leaders, they understood the importance of staying informed about every aspect of the base. It was essential for making decisions that could directly impact their people. Their rounds now felt more like an inspection, especially since they were free at the moment and didn''t have pressing tasks to handle. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As soon as they entered the Territory space, Kisha and Duke were greeted by the sight of the Winters men working diligently, moving about the area. In the distance, they could see trees falling one after another on the mountain, a reminder of the ongoing efforts to cut down trees. Meanwhile, Marcus was busy tending to his farm, his focus unwavering. By now, Marcus was nearing a level-up, his constant use of his ability pushing him closer to that milestone. His grandchildren, too, weren''t far behind in terms of growth. With the help of the Scarlet Honey, they were becoming stronger each day, their abilities expanding as they honed their skills. Chapter 529 - 529 Lily Seeing everyone hard at work, Kisha and Duke decided to join in. While Winter''s men focused on cutting down trees, Kisha climbed up the mountain and used her telekinesis to pull tree stumps from the ground effortlessly. She flung the stumps out into the open, leaving them to dry so they could later be burned and processed into coal. But Kisha''s efforts didn''t stop there. After removing each stump, she carefully planted seeds in its place, hoping they would eventually grow into new trees. Her goal was to ensure that the ecosystem within her territory wouldn''t suffer from the deforestation. Although there were no wild animals in her domain, Kisha understood the importance of preserving the mountains'' greenery. Keeping the forest intact would not only benefit the environment but also provide valuable resources in the future. "Young Madam, where should we put these stumps?" one of Winters'' men asked as he approached, dragging a large tree stump from the other side of the forest. "I''ve already placed the other stumps down the mountain," Kisha replied. "Could you ask the others to dig a pit there as well?" "How big should the pit be, Young Madam?" "Make it a few meters wide and about one and a half meters deep," Kisha instructed after a moment of thought. She then added, "Also, ask the others to find the largest bucket or container they can and be ready to help cut these stumps once they''ve dried." The man nodded and left to carry out her orders. Kisha returned to her work, using her telekinesis to pull another stubborn stump from the ground. She cleared away the remaining roots before carefully filling the space with dry leaves and ashes, ensuring the area would be ready for planting or further processing. She hadn''t asked the Winter''s men to help with the stumps, as they were already busy cutting down trees. However, since they volunteered to assist on their own, she didn''t stop them. Once she finished clearing one area, she repeated the process, searching for other tree stumps left behind from the cutting. Fortunately, the men were mindful in their approach. They didn''t cut all the trees in one location. Instead, they selectively felled trees a few meters apart to ensure the mountain wouldn''t be left bare. Scattering across the mountain, they worked methodically, cutting trees from various corners to preserve its natural balance. Some of Winter''s men were scattered along the small river stream up the mountain, all the way down to the lake and swamp areas, collecting clay. Fortunately, the different locations yielded various types of clay, offering artisans a range of colors and textures to choose from for their crafts. To keep things organized, the men carefully sorted the clay into separate large containers based on its properties. The mixing, however, was left to the artisans, as it was their area of expertise. Meanwhile, others were focused on pulling large rocks from the rocky side of the mountain. These stones were destined for the stone masters, who would shape them into something of value with their skill and craftsmanship. ''My territory will not run out of rocks and clay, would it?'' Kisha wondered as she watched some of Winter''s men pulling carts laden with large rocks and clay toward the STAU. This setup ensured the STAU''s wouldn''t have to move back and forth constantly, streamlining their work. Besides, it served as excellent lower-body training for the Winter''s men, adding an extra benefit to their efforts. "Don''t worry, Host. Your territory is not like an ordinary mountain," 008 reassured Kisha, sensing her concern. "How do you think it was created? Certainly not through science. The resources here won''t run out, just as the flow of time in this space differs from reality." 008 understood why Kisha was so worried. If they continuously extracted resources like rocks, soil, and clay¡ªespecially those that couldn''t be replenished¡ªone might assume the territory would eventually shrink. However, that was impossible. This space was formed from a cultivator''s lifetime of spiritual energy and cultivation, making its foundation far beyond the limitations of normal physics and science. Naturally, such depletion wouldn''t happen easily. As long as there was sufficient spiritual energy, the territory would heal itself, regenerating its resources and restoring balance. In fact, 008 had once explained that with enough spiritual energy and cultivation, the territory space could even grow into a vast continent. Recalling 008''s words, Kisha set aside her worries and focused on her work. But after a moment, she paused and frowned. "Then¡­ doesn''t that make everything I''m doing right now useless?" she asked directly, her voice tinged with frustration. She had been working tirelessly, believing it was necessary to maintain the balance of her territory''s ecosystem. "How could that be, Host? Of course, you''re doing the right thing," 008 replied firmly. "While your territory is self-sufficient and capable of regenerating its resources, if the mountain is littered with tree stumps, where would new trees grow? By taking these actions, you''re helping the territory recover even faster. So no, your efforts aren''t useless." Kisha could almost picture 008 shrugging its shoulders as it explained, its tone light but reassuring. Hearing this, Kisha felt a wave of relief and resumed her work with renewed determination. As long as her efforts weren''t in vain, that was all that mattered. Fortunately, she had just acquired the crystal, which had resolved the issue of spiritual energy. The longer the crystal remained in its position, the thicker the spiritual energy would become in her territory. Over time, this would cause the energy to flow more freely, transforming all lifeforms and even the crops into spiritual beings, ultimately benefiting her in the long run. As Kisha focused on her work, she didn''t realize how far she had already moved. She was nearly at the base of the mountain, pulling up stumps, and the pile of discarded stumps in the clearing had begun to form a small mountain of its own. A little further away, Kisha spotted Daisy, happily walking around. It seemed like she had finished checking on what was going on around the territory and was heading back to her studies on the plants. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. An idea suddenly crossed Kisha''s mind, and she decided to wrap up her work and follow Daisy. After some time, Kisha trailed the little girl as she passed the flower field and ventured into a secluded area where sunlight filtered softly through the tree leaves. Daisy continued through the bushes, moving deeper into the shade. As Kisha followed, she could hear the gentle rustle of the wind through the leaves, creating a peaceful, calming atmosphere. The space wasn''t too bright but not overly dark either, offering the perfect balance of serenity. Kisha came to a stop when she saw Daisy crouching in a small clearing, bathed in a soft patch of sunlight that filtered through the tree leaves. The light seemed to spotlight the little girl as she worked. Daisy pulled out a notebook from her leather shoulder bag, along with a pen, and began sketching while muttering to herself. "Uh-huh... Don''t worry, you''ll definitely grow into a beautiful flower." "Do you like it? I think so too." Kisha''s sharp hearing picked up on Daisy''s words, but there was no one else around. Curious, she quietly crept closer. As she stood behind Daisy, she noticed a small plant sprout in front of her. Suddenly, like a startled rabbit, Daisy spun around, catching Kisha off guard. Kisha had always prided herself on her stealth¡ªno one, not even the most trained bodyguards, could detect her when she was trying to remain unnoticed. So, when Daisy unexpectedly turned around as if she had sensed her presence, it startled Kisha and made her feel an unexpected blow to her pride. "W-What are you doing here?" Kisha asked, quickly composing herself. "Hello, Young Madam!" Daisy immediately stood up and bowed to Kisha before trotting over and handing her the notebook. Inside was a detailed sketch showing the growth stages of the small sprout in the clearing. "I''m drawing Lily!" she added brightly. Kisha initially thought Daisy had simply named the sprout "Lily" because she hoped it would bloom into a flower. But as she glanced at the notebook, her attention was drawn to the writing on the page. Lily: A Mystical Plant Lily can bear fruit that enhances the success rate of pill and elixir creation. Lily is amazing... ________ Hello, everyone! I hope you''re all doing well. I wanted to let you know that I might be a bit slower than usual over the next few days. I''ve been invited to participate in an award ceremony in Shanghai, which has kept me busy recently and will continue to do so in the coming days. I''ll be flying to Shanghai on the 15th and returning on the 20th. During this time, there are several events lined up, so my schedule will be packed. However, I''ll do my best to release at least one chapter a day for you. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Your support means the world to me! Chapter 530 - 530 Lily And Five Elements Kisha studied the drawing and the notes in Daisy''s notebook. She couldn''t determine if this insight came from Daisy''s Gift, Scope¡ªwhich allowed her to perceive a plant''s properties and uses¡ªor if it was her talent in Plant Breeding, enabling her to understand plants on an intuitive, almost personal level. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It reminded Kisha of her brother Mike, who could form emotional connections with animals. ''Could it be that the one she was talking to earlier was actually the plant, Lily?'' Kisha pondered, a hint of skepticism flickering in her mind. "Host, it''s not impossible for a plant to develop its own consciousness," 008 explained. "Even high-level items can form consciousness and take on human forms once they reach a certain cultivation level. This just means that the plant has exceptional grade and immense potential." Kisha glanced at Daisy''s eager face before returning the notebook to her. A soft smile played on her lips as she gently asked, "Are you talking to Lily, the little beauty growing over there?" Daisy hesitated, fidgeting nervously as her gaze shifted back to the tiny sprout, no bigger than her small palm. She didn''t want Kisha to think she was talking to a ghost, a devil, or one of those mysterious beings adults often dismissed. Even as a child, Daisy had heard other kids being called liars for claiming to have friends that adults couldn''t see. She couldn''t shake the worry that Kisha might think the same and end up disliking her or doubting her words. Kisha noticed Daisy''s hesitation and discomfort. "It''s alright, Daisy," she said gently. "I''m not here to scold you or anything. I''m just curious about your friend. After all, anyone who''s a friend of Daisy''s is a friend of mine too." Kisha''s tone was warm and reassuring. She remembered what it was like to be a child, with fragile confidence and sensitive emotions. She knew she needed to approach Daisy with care, ensuring the little girl felt safe and understood. Hearing Kisha''s reassurance, Daisy''s face immediately lit up, and she nodded vigorously. "Young Madam, yes! Lily can talk. At first, all it could say was ''eat, eat, eat,'' but after it sprouted, it started talking a little more. But¡­" Daisy''s voice softened, and she pouted as she continued, "nobody else can hear her voice¡ªonly I can. That''s why I don''t want people to call me a liar." She paused, her expression tinged with frustration as she recalled a memory. "I tried bringing my brothers and grandfather here when Lily first peeked out of the dirt. I could clearly hear her saying ''eat'' over and over, but no matter how much I tried to make them listen, they couldn''t hear her at all." Even though her brothers and grandfather didn''t say anything, Daisy could sense that they truly couldn''t hear Lily¡ªand worse, they didn''t believe her. They thought she had spent so much time with plants that she''d created an imaginary friend. Marcus, her grandfather, even cried in secret, blaming himself. He thought he had neglected Daisy so much that she was starting to experience auditory illusions because of her loneliness. After that incident, the twins and Marcus began checking on Daisy more often and making an effort to spend more time with her. Daisy knew they were worried, even though they didn''t say it outright. While she appreciated their care, she wished they understood her better. She wasn''t retreating to the plants and flowers because she was lonely or imagining things¡ªshe genuinely felt the emotions of the plants, even without them speaking. Lily was the first plant to ever speak to her, and it made Daisy cherish her time in this secluded spot even more. But the more often she came here, the more worried her family seemed to become. Their concern, though unspoken, weighed on her. She didn''t want to be seen as strange or as a liar. Now that Kisha had discovered the place, Daisy felt torn. She didn''t want to keep Lily a secret anymore, but she also feared being misunderstood again. After Daisy finished speaking, her eyes dropped to her feet as she fidgeted nervously. She heard the soft rustling of grass and saw Kisha''s feet stop in front of her. Bracing herself, Daisy squeezed her eyes shut and pursed her lips, expecting... something. But instead of scolding or disbelief, Kisha crouched down to Daisy''s level, her cold and aloof demeanor momentarily replaced by warmth and gentleness. Looking directly into Daisy''s eyes with a calm and encouraging gaze, Kisha asked, "Did Lily tell you I was standing behind you just now?" Her tone was light and probing, but it carried a sincerity that reassured Daisy she wasn''t being mocked. Daisy hesitated, glancing back at the tiny sprout. "Lily did," she admitted softly. "Lily said... mother was standing behind me." Kisha blinked in surprise. ''Mother?'' For a moment, she wasn''t sure if Lily was referring to her as the plant''s mother or if it thought she was Daisy''s mother. Either way, the unexpected title made her chuckle helplessly. "I believe you, Daisy," Kisha said gently. "After all, when I sneaked behind you, I was confident you wouldn''t notice me¡ªunless someone else saw me and told you." When Daisy heard Kisha''s words, her face lit up with a radiant smile, and her giggle rang out like a melodious bell carried by a gentle summer breeze. "But why does Lily call me mother? Does it think I''m your mother?" Kisha asked curiously. She couldn''t help but probe further, wondering if the plant had a limited understanding of the concept of a mother or if there was another explanation entirely. Daisy turned to the tiny sprout, tilting her head slightly as if listening intently. After a moment of silence, she began nodding enthusiastically, as though she had deciphered some hidden message. Looking back at Kisha, her expression was thoughtful. "Lily said she calls you mother because..." Daisy paused, her brow furrowing as she searched for the right words. "Because mother breathed life into Lily, and Lily was taken care of by sister¡ªme. So, Lily calls me sister and calls you mother." "Breathed life?" Kisha repeated, her tone laced with intrigue. "What does that mean?" Daisy shook her head with a small frown. "I don''t know. Lily couldn''t explain it either. Her words are still like a little child''s, so I don''t think she knows how to say it properly yet." Kisha attempted to access the plant''s status window, but aside from the details in Daisy''s notebook, there was no additional information available. Everything else was marked with question marks, and even the plant''s original name was missing. "Host, perhaps it''s because the plant is still small and hasn''t fully developed, which is why we can''t discern the true nature of this spiritual plant yet," 008 offered after analyzing the situation. "Spiritual plant?" Kisha asked, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, host. As mentioned in the notebook, it''s a special mystic-grade plant, which means it has already undergone a form of enlightenment and this doesn''t happen often," 008 explained. "This means it has awakened its consciousness. The idea of ''breathing life'' into it could refer to your connection, as your spiritual energy might have triggered its awakening. In a sense, it''s like you gave birth to it." "The medium through which it gained enlightenment is unclear, but it''s possible that the spiritual energy in this territory¡ªbound to you¡ªhas left an imprint on the plant. By default, that would make you its ''mother'' in a spiritual sense." "Hmmm." Daisy made a small sound as something came to mind. When Kisha glanced at her, Daisy shyly added, "Lily was given to me by you, Young Madam." ''Given by me?'' Kisha thought to herself, unsure of anything she might have given to Daisy. "Host, you did give her something a while ago," 008 chimed in. "I did?" Kisha raised an eyebrow, trying to recall the event. "Remember when you received that unknown seed? You gave it to this child back then." There was a pause as Kisha''s eyes widened in realization. ''Oh, that seed?'' she thought. She turned her gaze back to the small sprout. The tiny leaves, still not fully opened, trembled slightly as if a gentle breeze had brushed past it¡ªeven though there was no wind. "Young Madam, Lily says hello and is happy to see you, mother." Daisy stood beside Kisha, acting as her translator. Kisha smiled, leaning down to gently poke the plant. It shivered in response. "What does it eat?" she asked. "Um, I water it and let it bask in the sunlight, but Lily said it wasn''t enough. It wouldn''t grow from that alone," Daisy explained. "It kept asking for food, so I brought it some, but it wouldn''t eat cooked food. Then I brought some crops from Grandpa''s farm, and among them, it only liked one." "It ate it happily, and after that, one of its small leaves opened slowly. After that, it stopped asking for food and said the food was floating around and that I didn''t need to bring it anymore." "Host, this little plant must have consumed the spiritual crops. After you installed the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer, it no longer needs to rely on them, as the spiritual energy in the air is now abundant," 008 explained. "I thought so too. So, it means it really only feeds on spiritual energy?" Kisha asked. "Not entirely," 008 replied. "As a spiritual plant, it still has an affinity for a specific type of spiritual energy. It could belong to one of the five main elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Lightning, or Wind. But aside from these, there are also sub-elements like Ice, Metal, and others." Chapter 531 - 531 Demonic Insect "What''s this affinity with elements connected to spiritual energy? I remember you mentioning it before," Kisha said, her brow furrowing as she tried to recall the details. It had come up earlier when she was learning to cultivate her spiritual energy and mana. "Host, each cultivator, spiritual animal, or spiritual plant has an affinity with specific elements. Their spiritual energy aligns with these affinities and takes shape accordingly." "For example, your husband, Duke, has awakened abilities in Lightning, Fire, and Ice. This means his affinity leans toward those three elements, and the spiritual energy flowing through his veins is composed of them." "When he absorbs spiritual energy from the surroundings, his body selectively draws in these three elements while ignoring or repelling the others. As the spiritual energy takes form, it manifests into the abilities or skills you''ve seen when you conjure or cast them." "Every cultivator, spiritual beast, and plant possesses at least one elemental affinity, and their abilities develop based on that affinity. For example, those with a fire affinity often manifest fire-based powers and frequently pursue alchemy, as they can cultivate a pure soul flame." "Similarly, spiritual plants with elemental properties are highly valued in alchemy, as they can enhance the effectiveness of pills and produce unique results depending on their elemental alignment." 008 continued explaining elemental affinities to Kisha, understanding that her unfamiliarity with the murim world left her with gaps in knowledge about such concepts. The more she understood, the better equipped she would be to advance in her cultivation, especially since she was now cultivating both mana and spiritual energy. While Kisha''s understanding of mana cultivation had been significantly enriched by the cultivation manual she acquired, her knowledge of the murim world and its unique principles still needed to be expanded. Currently, the development of her world seemed to align more closely with the cultivation practices of the murim world, making information about such systems increasingly vital to her. "I see. So you''re saying this spiritual plant, which has awakened its consciousness, also has an elemental affinity, but we don''t yet know what it is," Kisha murmured, her gaze thoughtful as she absentmindedly played with her chin using her thumb and index finger. "Host, given the nature of this mystical spiritual plant, I''m confident it possesses at least two strong elemental affinities, which is what makes it so special," 008 clarified. "Otherwise, it wouldn''t have the unique ability to enhance the success rate of pill and elixir creation." As another realization struck her, Kisha gasped. "Doesn''t that make this spiritual plant a coveted treasure?" "It certainly does," 008 confirmed. "If this spiritual plant had been born in the murim or a fantasy world, countless powerful martial artists and adventurers would likely fight to the death for it." "Its miraculous effects would make it immensely valuable. The fact that it can enhance pill and elixir creation indicates that its fruit or flowers will contain potent spiritual energy, capable of significantly boosting a person''s cultivation in multiple ways." "Woah! I guess I''m actually a rich woman, huh?" Kisha said casually, brushing off the weight of the revelation and tucking the topic away at the back of her mind now that she understood the basics. ''Host, you''re far beyond just wealthy,'' 008 thought to itself. ''Your territory space alone is a treasure among treasures in the murim world. Add to that the last surviving Scarlet Bees and their queen, and now this mystical spiritual plant... Not to mention an omnipotent system like me.'' But 008 kept those thoughts to itself. After all, if it voiced them, Kisha would just tease it for "patting itself on the back" and boosting its own ego. Kisha had no idea just how many treasures she held in her hands. If anyone knowledgeable about such things were to see them, she would undoubtedly be coveted as a walking treasure trove. Fortunately, she had learned the value of discretion, sharing these secrets only with Duke and her close-knit family. As for the others who were aware of her secrets, they were bound by such loyalty¡ªor fear¡ªthat they wouldn''t dare betray her. Even if they wanted to, they wouldn''t live long enough to utter a word. With a calm heart and a clear mind, Kisha stayed with Daisy for a while, attempting to sense the spiritual plant''s thoughts as Daisy did. Perhaps it was Daisy''s natural affinity for plants that allowed her to easily connect with their thoughts and emotions, a talent Kisha and others lacked. Despite its awakened consciousness and its bond to Kisha¡ªmuch like Zeus and Bell¡ªthe plant couldn''t yet establish a direct connection to her mindlink. It was still too young, and with Kisha''s recently enhanced mental capacity, forming such a connection would be a challenge even for those far more advanced. At present, Kisha hadn''t realized that her enhanced mental capacity was preventing the spiritual plant from forming a mindlink connection with her, as she had yet to gain full control over her newfound power. After spending some time with Daisy, Kisha decided to leave her alone to enjoy her time freely, playing with the plant as she pleased. Kisha then returned to her own tasks, her thoughts lingering briefly on the curious little sprout before focusing back on her work. "Argh!" "Ugh" Cough... Cough... As Kisha stepped out from the hidden location of the plant, she heard a commotion nearby. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Turning toward the noise, she saw people collapsing to the ground one after another. Her brow furrowed in concern as she moved closer to investigate. Not far from the Winters'' men, Sparrow and Vulture were also on the ground, in the same state as the others. A sudden tremor of realization swept through Kisha as her heart tightened, remembering something important. Without hesitation, Kisha retrieved a pill bottle from her inventory and quickly took out a handful of pills. At the same time, Duke, who had been occupied elsewhere, came rushing over upon hearing the commotion, followed closely by Mike, Gant, and Marcus. The five of them worked quickly, helping the people who had collapsed, their faces pale and twisted in agony. Some had veins bulging in their necks, threatening to burst, while others had the veins in their foreheads visibly straining. Gritting their teeth, they writhed on the ground, clawing at their chests as if trying to rip their hearts from their bodies. "Gah!!!'' "Quick, help me get these into their mouths!" Kisha urged urgently, tossing the pill bottle to Duke. She swiftly pressed a pill into the nearest person''s mouth. Duke, acting just as quickly, grabbed a handful of pills and threw the bottle to Marcus. The pills were small, about the size of half a bean, and as soon as they touched the tongue, they dissolved instantly. A few seconds after ingesting the pill, some of the victims stopped writhing in pain, their bodies drenched in cold sweat, then they quickly lost consciousness. The five of them worked quickly and efficiently, administering the pills to everyone. Once they finished, Kisha and the others left Sparrow and the others behind to rest, deciding to search for the rest of the Winters'' men. Kisha immediately instructed Duke and the others to use the territory''s interface and map to locate the remaining members, ensuring they wouldn''t waste any time. Soon, they dispersed, each of them using the territory interface to check the map. Green dots marked the locations of the Winters'' men scattered across the territory. Without hesitation, each member took a direction and sprinted toward their target. Kisha and Duke chose the farthest locations, knowing their speed surpassed that of Marcus and his grandchildren. Marcus and the others, without question, followed the orders given to them and quickly set off. Soon, Kisha arrived at the southwestern part of the swamp, where she found the Winters'' men who were supposed to be gathering clay, their bodies twitching and foam bubbling from their mouths. Her heart tightened with concern as she quickly used her telekinesis to lift them from the muck and carry them to the dry shore. Without wasting any time, she fed them the pills using her telekinesis, ensuring they received the relief they desperately needed. Once she had administered the pill to each of the Winters'' men, Kisha carefully checked their conditions one by one. Satisfied, she used her telekinesis to lift them into the air and headed in the direction where Duke had gone. By the time she arrived, Duke had just finished assessing the last person''s condition. Without exchanging many words, Kisha raised everyone into the air with her telekinesis. Duke gave her a quick nod, signaling his acknowledgment. With another nod in return, Kisha lifted herself off the ground as well, using her telekinesis to float upward. She didn''t want to risk running through the forest while carrying so many people, fearing they might collide with the trees. It would require too much concentration to ensure none of them were harmed, especially when she was also preparing to head toward Marcus and the others. As Kisha made her way to where Marcus and the others were, Duke hurried off toward Sparrow and the rest to keep watch over them. Kisha followed the map, flying directly to Marcus''s location. When she landed in front of him, Marcus instinctively stepped back. Kisha quickly scanned the Winters'' men on the ground and, noticing that their breathing had stabilized, she used her telekinesis to lift them all. She then headed toward Mike and Gant, repeating the process for the men scattered across the territory. Once she had gathered all the Winters'' men, she returned to where Duke was waiting. Gently, she set everyone down on the ground and pulled mattresses from her inventory to ensure they were comfortable as they regained their strength. Chapter 532 - 532 Demonic Insect 2 Once Kisha had set everyone down and ensured they were resting peacefully, she let out a quiet, guilty sigh of relief. Duke, noticing her expression, approached from behind and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You don''t have to feel guilty," he said gently. "We all know it was a necessary step to ensure no one could betray us when it mattered most." Kisha shook her head, her voice thick with emotion. "They''re your family. We need to figure out a way to remove the demonic insect from them." "They''ve already proven their loyalty, and they shouldn''t be enduring this kind of torture for following us." Her throat tightened as she spoke, her thoughts flashing back to the Heart Gu Pill she had made them take. It had been necessary to ensure their loyalty and to root out any potential spies when facing the Coltons, but now, seeing them suffer, the weight of it hit her hard. Now that the Coltons had been apprehended and were in their custody, Kisha knew she could have them swear their loyalty using the slave contract, just like she had with Aston and the others. Duke, hearing her resolve, nodded silently. He, too, felt a deep discomfort seeing his men in such a state. After all, he had poured his blood, sweat, and years of dedication into raising these men, who had become like sworn brothers to him. Seeing Kisha proactively offer this solution for his men, Duke was deeply moved. He knew all too well that she was doing this to protect him. While the method was ruthless, he understood its necessity. Without it, many of his loyal and trusted men would fall victim to betrayal, and he couldn''t allow that to happen. Duke gently cupped Kisha''s neck, pulling her closer until she rested against his strong chest. "Thank you, wifey..." he murmured solemnly, his voice trembling slightly. Kisha didn''t notice, but Duke''s eyes glistened with unshed tears, as a wave of conflicting emotions passed through him. Not long after, Marcus and his grandchildren arrived. Upon seeing that Kisha and Duke had already settled the Winters'' men, the three exchanged quiet glances, silently retreating to continue their work. Kisha nestled against Duke''s chest, her voice tinged with concern as she asked, "008, is there a way to remove the demonic insects from their hearts?" "Yes, host," 008 replied, its tone calm but serious. "There is a method to extract the demonic insects safely. We can use smoke to draw them out, which is relatively less dangerous." "However, the process is painful. The insects would crawl out from the heart, through the arteries, and eventually emerge from their mouths. To make this work, we''ll need a healing potion for their recovery, as well as a crucial ingredient that must be burned to create the smoke that will force the demonic insects out." "Can you find the ingredients in your channel or the system mall?" Kisha asked, her voice filled with concern. "Yes, host," 008 replied, "but the ingredients will be quite expensive." Kisha nodded, bracing herself. "No worries, just purchase them. Do we have enough points for it?" "Yes, host," 008 reassured her. "If my calculations are correct, we have enough and will still have some points left over." Relieved, Kisha gave a small sigh. "Alright, go ahead and buy what we need. We''ll remove the demonic insects from everyone who took the Heart Gu Pill." "Host, are we discarding the Heart Gu Pill completely? We still have some left," 008 asked, its tone curious. "No," Kisha answered, her voice heavy. "We''ll repurpose it, but it will never be used on anyone close to us again." As she spoke, she felt as though a weight had been lifted from her chest. "By the way, didn''t you mention before that there''s a profession in the fantasy world called ''Inscriber''?" Kisha asked, a sudden realization lighting up her expression. Her eyes gleamed brightly as the thought struck her. "Yes, host," 008 replied. "There are manuals available in the system mall that you can purchase, or I can check my channel for more advanced manuals from the fantasy world." Then, 008 paused, a new understanding dawning on it. "Host, are you considering learning how to inscribe so you can create slave contracts on your own?" The last words carried a tone of both excitement and awe. "Yes, there''s a limited supply of slave contracts in your channel, and they''re often sold quickly," Kisha explained. "If I could make my own slave contracts, not only would we have access to them whenever we need, but we could also sell them in your channel. I''ll give you a portion of the sales." She knew she couldn''t keep this plan from 008 for long, as she would need its cooperation and the channel to sell the extra slave contracts. Kisha had realized that relying solely on the points earned from mission events wasn''t sustainable anymore¡ªshe needed a more consistent way to accumulate points for emergencies like this one. In her previous lives, Kisha had never accumulated enough points to afford the manuals necessary to learn any skills, but now that she had the resources, why not take the opportunity? Besides, learning more skills would make her more powerful and help her protect her loved ones better. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From what she understood, inscribing wasn''t just useful for creating contracts¡ªit was also similar to the talisman-making techniques from the murim world. As her proficiency grew, she could even inscribe additional effects onto weapons and defensive items, adding offensive or defensive abilities to further enhance her strength. "That''s an excellent idea, host! We''ll get rich!" 008 exclaimed with excitement. Kisha''s mood lightened as she teasingly responded, "Are you that confident in me? What if I fail to learn?" "Host, what are you saying? The manuals from the system are all consumable items that directly inject the knowledge into your brain." "It integrates seamlessly, like you''ve known it your entire life. Once you learn it, you''ll only need to practice." 008 paused, a sudden thought hitting it, and then added sheepishly, "Of course, it also depends on your talent and how well you can apply the knowledge." "Ha ha." 008 chuckled awkwardly. "But host, don''t worry. I''ve been with you for a long time and I know your capabilities. I''m confident you''ll do well." "You''ve already used a manual before and seen for yourself how it works. You proved you could harness its knowledge effectively, so I''m sure other manuals will be no different." Kisha playfully rolled her eyes, but she understood exactly what 008 meant, and she agreed. The manual would provide the knowledge, but it wouldn''t guarantee mastery¡ªproficiency still depended on the individual''s talent and how they applied that knowledge. Although she wasn''t sure if she had a natural affinity for inscribing, she figured she could only try. If she failed, she would simply chalk it up to experience. After making her decision, Kisha clenched her fist with resolve, while 008 immediately sprang into action, scouring its channel for the necessary ingredients and manual. After a while, Kisha felt Duke''s gentle hand stroking her head. Perhaps he sensed her shifting emotions and wanted to comfort her. Feeling his warmth, Kisha leaned into his embrace, allowing herself to be pampered for a moment. When Duke felt Kisha nuzzle closer, like a contented, pampered cat, he chuckled softly, his chest vibrating with the sound. After some time, the Winters'' men slowly began to stir, their eyes fluttering open as they regained consciousness. Sparrow and Vulture pushed themselves up from the mattress, both shaking their heads as if trying to clear the fog from their minds. Sparrow rubbed his temples, attempting to recall what had happened, while Vulture supported his head, his expression clouded with confusion. Gradually, their memories resurfaced, and the phantom pain lingered in their minds. The instant they remembered, their faces drained of color, and a visible pallor washed over them. They quickly sat up, instinctively touching their chests and bodies, relieved to find the crawling pain that had gripped their hearts was gone. As they looked around, they noticed Duke and Kisha standing nearby, watching them. Vulture was the first to rise. "Master, Young Madam, thank you for saving us." The others followed suit, their gratitude evident in their voices. Kisha''s throat tightened, a heavy guilt swelling in her chest at their words. Duke gently patted her back, offering silent support as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. "Don''t blame yourself," Duke reassured Kisha softly. "The moment they took the Heart Gu Pill, they understood the risks and chose to show their loyalty anyway. They could have refused, but they didn''t, even knowing the pain they would endure. They''ve faced worse before. So, don''t punish yourself over this." Kisha glanced around, and sure enough, none of the men held her accountable for what had happened. Their silent support only strengthened her resolve. She would end this here, once and for all. Kisha cleared her throat before speaking. "We''ve already dealt with the Coltons, and I''ve found another way to keep everyone in check¡ªone that no longer requires you to endure the torture of the demonic insect every two weeks." "However, the process of removing the demonic insect will still be painful. In order for it to leave your body naturally, it has to crawl out from your heart, moving through your arteries and making a small incision, and then, it will eventually crawl out of your mouth." Normally, if the demonic insect were forcefully extracted, it would cause excruciating pain for the host, often resulting in death. Chapter 533 - 533 Luminous Pearl And Heavenly Tribulation Bone Because of this, no one has ever successfully removed a demonic insect from its host. However, since 008 was the one who proposed this solution, Kisha was confident in their success, especially since they had plenty of vials of the blue liquid prepared. Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged wide-eyed glances, their mouths agape, but the excitement in their eyes was unmistakable. They too longed to be free from the torment they had endured. It felt as though sharp needles were stabbing into their chests, and something sinister was writhing within their hearts, tightening its grip with unrelenting force. The pain was worse than anything they had ever experienced before. Now that Kisha had decided to rid them of this abominable demonic insect, a wave of relief surged through them. They rejoiced with vigor, Kisha could feel their collective joy, knowing just how deeply they had suffered from the insect''s relentless stirrings. Without the antidote to keep it dormant, the demonic insect had wreaked havoc within their hearts, and now, finally, they would be free. With the problem resolved, all they needed to do was wait for 008 to complete the purchase before they could proceed. "Quiet down, please," Kisha said, her gaze sweeping across everyone''s faces. "I''m speaking to you as someone Duke considered family, which means you are also part of mine. So, I expect none of you to bite the hand that feeds you." "I can assure you, even if my husband chooses to tolerate betrayal, I will not. And I will ensure you answer for any treachery." Kisha''s voice was stern, her tone unwavering. "Now, I need to gather the materials for the demonic insect''s extraction. In the meantime, you may return to your tasks. I''ll call you back when I''m ready." "Do not worry, Madam, we understand," Sparrow said, stepping forward with respect. "The Master has always been our Master since he took us in. If anyone dares to betray him, we will ensure that they face the consequences." "You need not stain your hands with such matters¡ªwe will deal with the traitor, ensuring they meet a cruel and regretful end. And, Young Madam, as the Master''s wife, you are our master as well. Please allow us to serve both of you without concern." Sparrow bowed deeply in front of Kisha and the Duke. Duke, standing behind Kisha like a lion guarding his lioness, watched with pride as his men showed the respect his wife deserved. A smile spread across his face, knowing that his loyal subjects recognized Kisha''s rightful place. After Sparrow, Vulture stepped forward, his voice steady and filled with reverence. "Young Madam, from the moment you helped our Master bear his burdens in City A, we recognized you as his true partner." "We knew only you could stand by his side. Our respect and admiration for you is no different than the loyalty we feel for him." "You are now one of us, and we will never betray the hand that has fed us, clothed us, and given us a future. Those who dare to do so deserve nothing less than a thousand needles pricking their skin, followed by a death so agonizing that they will regret their betrayal." "That''s right!" Everyone echoed in unison, their voices filled with unwavering support for Sparrow and Vulture''s words. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their loyalty was clear, and it was enough to make Duke''s heart swell with pride. He couldn''t help but smile widely, a grin that spread across his face like a satisfied lion. As soon as his men left, Duke wasted no time. He wrapped his arms around Kisha from behind, his grin widening as he held her close. "I''m so happy to hear my wife acknowledge me in front of so many people," Duke chuckled, the sound rich and deep, vibrating in Kisha''s ear and sending a warm, melodic hum that lingered in her senses. Duke openly flirted with Kisha, his affection evident for all to see. Sensing the intimate moment, everyone tactfully excused themselves, giving the couple the space to enjoy each other''s company. The Winters'' men quietly returned to their work, leaving without a word, while the STAU team, inspired by the display of loyalty and unity, felt a surge of motivation. Witnessing the pain the Winters'' men had endured from the demonic insect''s attack on their hearts, the STAU members knew they would soon face the same fate. Yet, before that day came, they were eager to ensure they, too, would be part of the group Kisha would help extract the demonic insect from. Their dedication grew stronger with each passing moment, as they knew the cost of delay could be far greater than they had imagined. After all, they were only human, longing for a better life. They had merely stumbled upon a secret they weren''t meant to know, and in truth, they hadn''t done anything to wrong Kisha or her people. So, as they worked tirelessly, they hoped that Kisha would show them mercy and not forget to help extract the demonic insect from their bodies as well. With everyone working together, fueled by renewed enthusiasm, they quickly filled the STAU''s space, utilizing the resources they had gathered from Kisha''s domain¡ªlogs, boulders, clay, and more. Once they finished, they all headed to the farm to assist Marcus with plowing the land in preparation for the next batch of crops. Some of them helped Mike care for the pregnant animals, while others milked the cows and goats that had recently given birth, storing the milk in clean metal buckets. With Marcus''s assistance, they carefully stored everything in the territory''s warehouse. Next, the others helped collect fresh eggs from the chicken coop and duck house. The STAU members who remained to watch couldn''t help but be astonished, no matter how many times they witnessed it. With the space''s altered time flow, they had already seen Mike harvest countless eggs, milk, and other resources from the livestock, all while the outside world had barely seen a full day pass. The sheer abundance of supplies was nothing short of remarkable. Some of the Winters'' men were assisting Gant with the fisheries, setting up nets around the lake to separate the larger fish from the smaller ones. This allowed them to harvest the adult fish more easily, preventing overcrowding in the lake and other bodies of water. They had also begun fishing in the vast ocean surrounding Kisha''s territory. Some managed to catch octopus and squid, while others, lucky enough, spear-fished a massive tuna far from off the shore. To their surprise, they also caught fresh lobsters, each one three times the size of those typically found in the market before the apocalypse. With all the work and excitement, the Winters'' men quickly forgot about the gloom brought on by the demonic insect, treating their tasks more like an adventure or a playful excursion. Eventually, after everyone had their fill of fun, 008 returned with good news. "Host, I''ve located the materials we need to create the smoke that will drive the demonic insect out of their bodies." "We can gather everyone around a bonfire, dampen it with water to produce smoke, and let them inhale it. After some time, the demonic insect will crawl out on its own."008 excitedly explained as it presented the material information to Kisha. A series of system interfaces appeared before her eyes, each showcasing different items. One was a strange-looking flower, but the price left Kisha momentarily speechless¡ª10,000 system points for just that single flower. Next appeared a seaweed-like mass, curled into a ball, its brownish hue and some parts resembling black trash accumulated under the sea. The disgusting seaweed-like mass was priced at 5,000 system points. Then, there was a luminous pearl¡ªa pearl the size of two adult fists placed together. Although it was called a pearl it was u nlike a typical white pearl, it glowed softly like a tiny moon, emitting a gentle, non-glaring light. However, it came with a hefty price tag of 30,000 system points, making it the most expensive item on the list. There were other items as well, but just seeing their prices made Kisha swallow hard. She wasn''t sure if her remaining system points would be enough to cover everything. In the end, her total purchase amounted to a staggering 90,000 system points. [Do you agree to spend 90, 000 system points to buy the items above?] [Yes] or [No] As soon as she clicked "Yes," the item interface disappeared, and the purchased materials were instantly transferred to her inventory. "Now, host, we just need to synthesize all these materials to create the ''Heavenly Tribulation Bone''," 008 explained. Kisha raised an eyebrow but refrained from asking further questions. Instead, she opened the synthesis tab. Before her, ten empty boxes formed a circle, with one large box in the center, its contents grayed out. The tab was empty except for the bluish boxes, with nothing else visible. [Please put the materials in the boxes and start the Synthesis.] Chapter 534 - 534 Heavenly Tribulation Bone (Edited) [Please put the materials in the boxes and start the Synthesis.] Kisha opened her inventory and began placing the items she had just purchased into the synthesis boxes, carefully arranging them one by one. When she added the luminous pearl last, the boxes glowed with a soft, ethereal light, signaling that the synthesis was ready to begin as soon as Kisha clicked "Start." Without hesitation, Kisha clicked "Start." The materials she had placed in the boxes vanished, as if drawn into the large central box. The synthesis would take five minutes to complete, so while she waited for the countdown, Kisha wandered around the farm. She admired the glowing crops, noting how their radiance had intensified. This was a clear sign that the crops now contained stronger spiritual energy. If consumed, the energy they provided would be far more potent than before. With a nod, Kisha made her way to the orchard, searching for the spiritual fruit that glowed more brightly than the others. She carefully picked it, washed it in the small stream, and took a bite. The juicy peach was sweet and fragrant, and as she tasted it, Kisha''s eyelashes fluttered in delight. As she swallowed, a warm sensation spread from her throat down to her stomach, filling her with a comforting heat. She finished the entire fruit, then dropped to the ground and crossed her legs to sit and meditate. Focusing inward, Kisha followed the warm sensation as it traveled through her meridians, making its way to her energy core. She could feel her energy slowly being purified, the effect far stronger than any fruit she had eaten before. In the past, she needed to consume large quantities of spiritual crops or even cook them into spiritual cuisine to feel any significant effect. But now, with just this one fruit, she could already sense its powerful influence. It was clear¡ªthe Spiritual Crystal Gatherer was working wonders. After some time, Kisha slowly opened her eyes, letting out a sigh that carried traces of spiritual energy. She felt lighter, more invigorated, as though a weight had been lifted. Gently rising to her feet, she noticed the synthesis had long been completed¡ªshe had meditated for longer than she realized. Opening the synthesis tab, her eyes fell on an item resting in the center of the box. Though it is called ''Heavenly Tribulation Bone'', it wasn''t a bone at all. Instead, it resembled a pill the size of an eyeball, gleaming like a smooth black marble. Upon closer inspection, she noticed faint, cloud-like engravings swirling around its surface, adding to its mystique. ''What is this?'' Kisha wondered as she carefully examined the item she had pulled from the box. "Host, this is a Heavenly Pill of the highest grade," 008 explained. "The cloud patterns on its surface signify its superior quality, and the marble-like sheen is another indicator. A lower-tier version of this pill would lack the intricate patterns and would appear dull in comparison." "Since this is a Heavenly Pill," 008 continued, "it directly contrasts with the chaotic energy coursing through the body of the demonic insect." "The energy of the insect is derived from the demonic sect, characterized by its chaotic, volatile nature." "While powerful, this energy is torturous to cultivate, and it isn''t suitable for everyone. Due to its instability, many demonic cultivators have been driven to madness, becoming psychopaths, serial killers, or mass murderers." "That''s why righteous cultivators and just factions hunt down anyone who turns to demonic cultivation." "In contrast, a Heavenly Pill is typically used by righteous cultivators and contains pure energy, flowing harmoniously with the heavens and earth." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "When these two forces¡ªchaotic demonic energy and the purity of the Heavenly Pill¡ªclash, death is the inevitable outcome. That''s why it''s crucial to use this pill to expel the demonic insect from their bodies." "Oh, I see," Kisha replied, before heading toward the grassy clearing near the flower field. It was a spacious area, perfect for gathering everyone. Once there, she sent a message to the group through the territory interface. As she did, a sudden screen materialized in front of each person, interrupting their activities. Confused and surprised, they all paused, exchanging glances. When they saw the same expression of disbelief on each other''s faces, they quickly realized they weren''t imagining things¡ªwhat they were seeing was real and visible to everyone. Despite the initial shock, they quickly accepted the unexpected development. After all, the existence of this territory space alone was mind-boggling, so the appearance of a message in front of them didn''t seem as impossible to accept. Soon, everyone gathered in the clearing and helped Kisha set up the bonfire. Once it was ready, they placed the pill in the center and set it alight. As the fire burned the pill, they carefully extinguished the flames. Thick, white smoke began to swirl around them, filling the air with a heavy, suffocating presence. For the next hour, agonizing cries of pain echoed throughout the clearing. The group gasped for breath, their eyes red and tear-streaked as they struggled against the torment coursing through their bodies. They clawed at their skin, desperately trying to rid themselves of the excruciating pain, but it persisted relentlessly. The pain was unbearable, stretching on for what felt like an eternity, until finally, the demonic insect began to emerge, crawling out from their mouths. "Isn''t this just a form of pesticide?" Kisha asked skeptically, her gaze fixed on the demonic insects that crawled out of the Winters'' men. The creatures resembled large centipedes, their sharp forelegs gleaming like steel knives. One by one, the insects fell to the ground after emerging from their hosts'' mouths, their movements swift and unsettling. The demonic insects wriggled desperately, attempting to bury themselves in the ground in a futile bid to escape, or perhaps just to survive. But the thick smoke from the pill clung to the air, suffocating their attempts. Once expelled from their hosts, the insects fell to the ground, twitching before lying still. Meanwhile, their hosts collapsed, convulsing in violent spasms, as though struck by seizures. "Are they going to be alright?" Kisha asked, her eyes scanning the scene anxiously. "Host, you need to administer the healing potion now," 008 reminded her. "Right..." Kisha nodded, only then realizing how deeply she had been captivated by the unfolding events. Her gaze lingered on the grotesque centipedes, their scarlet underbellies gleaming ominously. The sight was so chilling it made her scalp prickle in unease. Kisha swiftly retrieved several vials of blue liquid from her inventory, then crouched down in front of the nearest Winters'' man. Without hesitation, she uncorked a vial and poured the healing potion into his mouth. She didn''t wait for any sign of recovery before moving on to the next man. Soon after, Duke arrived, offering his assistance. Together, they worked in tandem, feeding the men one vial after another, the healing potion flowing into each of them as they tended to their fallen comrades. Once they had administered the healing potions to everyone, Kisha and Duke patiently waited for the Winters'' men to recover. As they did, Kisha carefully collected the demonic insects from the ground, gathering them into a neat pile. "Host, you should set these aside. The carcasses of the demonic insects can be useful for crafting certain pills in the future, especially those that contain chaotic energy," 008 advised. Taking the suggestion to heart, Kisha gathered the remaining insects and placed them into her inventory, making sure she hadn''t missed any. With that task done, she and Duke settled on a nearby boulder, waiting in silence for the men to regain their strength. Kisha also made sure to bring along the five STAU''s, each having consumed a Heart Gu Pill. Since the alternative¡ªthe slave contract¡ªhadn''t been prepared yet, she made sure each STAU was accompanied by a Scarlet Bee. Though she had yet to decide whether to impose a slave contract on the Winters'' men, Kisha glanced at Duke and, seeing his calm expression, decided against it. After all, they were Duke''s people, and they had already demonstrated their loyalty at the cost of their own lives. It only seemed right to give them a chance to continue proving themselves, especially Sparrow and Vulture. They had followed every order without hesitation, their unwavering dedication speaking volumes about their commitment and trustworthiness. After making her decision, Kisha handed Duke a spiritual fruit she had picked earlier, already washed and ready to be eaten. Duke glanced at her, a smile spreading across his face, before he took the fruit and savored it with a look of contentment as they waited. Another hour passed, and the Winters'' men slowly stirred, gradually pushing themselves up from the ground. They felt lighter, their bodies far more at ease than before. The heavy burden in their hearts had lifted, signaling that the demonic insects had been successfully extracted, leaving them with a sense of relief as the presence of the demonic insect vanished entirely. Without exchanging many words, they all bowed deeply to Kisha in gratitude, even the STAU, who had experienced such intense pain for the first time, followed suit. The relief of no longer needing to endure such excruciating pain filled them with an overwhelming sense of happiness, and it quickly became clear to them that betraying Kisha was never an option. They understood that she had countless ways to ensure their deaths would be far from peaceful, that they wouldn''t even have the mercy of dying with their eyes closed. The mere thought of it sent a chill of fear through the five STAU, their bodies instinctively trembling at the image of such a fate. Chapter 535 - 535 The Emperors Inscribing Manual "No need for the formalities," Duke said, casually waving his hand, signaling for everyone to continue with their tasks. The group immediately complied, a renewed sense of vitality coursing through their bodies. Aside from expelling the demonic insects, the heavenly pill had also infused them with pure spiritual energy, enhancing their power and purifying the energy within them. The effect was undeniable¡ªthey felt stronger, more attuned to their surroundings, and far more capable than before. The pill had proven to be far more beneficial than they''d anticipated, improving both their physical and spiritual well-being in multiple ways. With renewed energy, everyone dove back into their tasks around the territory. As they finished their work, there was nothing more to be done, so they began preparing to leave, waiting for the storm to pass so Sparrow and his team could head north. Meanwhile, the artisans continued their work on the oxygen muzzles and isolated pods. With time on their hands, the others decided to rest and find a way to redirect the surge of energy coursing through their bodies. Ultimately, they chose to cultivate, using the opportunity to prepare for their next level-up. For those who had yet to awaken, it felt as though they were on the cusp of a breakthrough. Their energy swirled around them, intensifying to the point where some experienced fever-like symptoms. Even after the first batch of awakeners had already passed, the special circumstances continued to influence them, and one by one, they too began to awaken, their powers unlocking amidst the rising surge of energy. Kisha left everyone to focus on their tasks, knowing the first city shield was on its last legs and nearing collapse. 008 was ready to replace it as soon as the time came. With nothing pressing to do and no way to leave the base, Kisha and Duke decided to relax and spend some time with his family. They sat together on the sofa, sharing a meal and enjoying the quiet moment before returning to the territory to cultivate. Duke settled near the Crystal, while Kisha retrieved the inscribing manual that 008 had purchased for 50,000 system points, leaving her with just 50,000 points remaining. Though the low points nagged at the back of her mind, Kisha chose to focus on her task. She found a quiet spot, crossed her legs, and opened the manual. As soon as she flipped the first page, a system prompt appeared in front of her, drawing her full attention. [Do you wish to use The Emperor''s Incribing Manual?] [Yes] or [No] Kisha didn''t hesitate for a second. Without giving it much thought, she clicked ''Yes''. The pages of the manual flipped rapidly, and in an instant, a golden light shot out, rising from the book and floating toward her head. It entered her forehead with a gentle pulse. The moment the light merged with her, the manual burned to ashes and vanished. A torrent of knowledge flooded her mind, overwhelming her senses. Her brain pulsed with intensity as the surge of information poured in, leaving her momentarily disoriented. The rapid influx of understanding caused her head to throb, and she struggled to process the depth of the newfound wisdom. ''Damn! I really can''t get used to this excruciating pain!'' Kisha grumbled in her mind. But, surprisingly, this pain was far more tolerable than before. Perhaps it was due to the protective layer that had formed around her energy core after her ''Mental Capacity'' reached 1000 points. This change not only shielded her from the worst of the pain but also allowed her to recover much faster. Soon, after only a brief sweat and the lingering discomfort, the pain faded. The flood of information gradually settled into her mind, and the overwhelming rush of knowledge calmed. She could feel the transformation taking place within her, and the sudden clarity was both overwhelming and exhilarating. Once the discomfort faded, Kisha settled into a calm state and began reviewing the information that had been injected into her mind. Although she was already familiar with the content of the manual, she knew she needed to take the time to fully understand and master the techniques. Each passage required careful consideration, and she patiently worked through them, ensuring she grasped the intricacies of the practice. After a few hours of focused silence, Kisha finally turned to 008. "Can you buy the materials I need to practice inscribing?" she asked. 008, always eager to assist, immediately complied and began arranging the purchase without hesitation. Not long after, 008 returned with the bulk training materials, each item carefully chosen for its quality. Even the parchment paper was no ordinary paper¡ªit was magical paper, crafted by a production mage from enchanted plants. The ink was made from charcoal derived from burnt magical wood, the same wood used to create a mage''s staff. Everything came at a steep cost, totaling an additional 20,000 system points. However, Kisha had long since accepted that her points would inevitably be spent on such necessities. With that in mind, she stopped worrying about saving them up, focusing instead on the task ahead. [You have purchased Magical Parchment Paper] [You have purchased Enchanted Ink] [You have purchased a Phoenix Feather Pen] ... After gathering all the materials, Kisha set up a small workstation with a table and stool. She arranged the items 008 had purchased from the system channel¡ªstacks of magical parchment paper to her left, and a bottle of enchanted ink to her right. In her hand, she held the Phoenix Feather Pen, its fiery red glow still shimmering with magical energy as she gripped it between her fingers. Once everything was in place, Kisha took a sheet of parchment and began to inscribe the simplest contract she could manage, given her current mastery level, which was still that of a beginner. As she attempted to write with the Phoenix Feather Pen, she felt her hand tremble. The unfamiliarity of the pen''s balance caused her to struggle with control, and the words on the paper looked less like legible writing and more like squiggly worms, their forms erratic and disjointed. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was a far cry from the precision she hoped for, and the sight of her clumsy attempt was almost comical. ''I didn''t realize it would be this difficult to write the scriptures,'' Kisha thought to herself, setting the paper aside in frustration. "Host, the issue is that you didn''t channel the correct amount of mana into the Phoenix Feather Pen while inscribing," 008 explained patiently. "The pen was acting on its own, essentially resisting your control." "Is that so?" Kisha asked, skepticism lacing her tone as she frowned at the pen in her hand. "Yes," 008 confirmed. "This item is similar to those in the Murim world that have gained their own consciousness and chooses their own owner." "Are you saying it''s not accepting me?" Kisha''s voice faltered with frustration. "If the pen won''t let me use it, does that mean I need to buy a new one?" She felt a growing sense of annoyance at the thought of needing to purchase another item, especially after she had just spent so many points on this one. "No, host. Why don''t you try bonding with it for a while?" 008 suggested. "How do I do that?" Kisha asked, still skeptical but willing to give it a try. Chapter 536 - 536 Inscribing Practice "It''s simple," 008 explained. "You just need to cultivate while holding the feather pen, focusing on it until it feels like an extension of your own body. When that happens, the pen will respond to your will more naturally." "Was it that simple?" Kisha asked again as she stared at the feather pen in her hands. "Yes, host," 008 added thoughtfully. "You just need to let the item adjust to your mana. You''re accustomed to using your spiritual energy, but you haven''t really practiced channeling mana much." "It''s natural that you feel unfamiliar with it. Because of that, your mana flow was awkward, and the item could sense your hesitation, which made it resist you." Kisha nodded slowly, finally understanding. What 008 said made sense, and she realized that her lack of familiarity with mana was the true source of the issue. Kisha carefully stored the table back into her inventory before resuming her cultivation. This time, instead of focusing primarily on her spiritual energy, she shifted her attention toward her mana. Though she still cultivated both, her focus was now on the mana, feeling its subtle flow throughout her body, its currents gently swirling around her heart. As she directed the mana toward the Phoenix Feather Pen, she felt it tremble in her hand, responding to the energy she sent through it. It took Kisha three hours of steadily channeling her mana through her body and into the Phoenix Feather Pen to become familiar with its flow. When the pen finally felt more responsive and the resistance faded, she stopped her cultivation. Taking the table out from her inventory, she resumed her practice of inscribing. This time, with a smoother connection to the pen, Kisha felt more confident as she traced the scriptures onto the magical parchment. As 008 had suggested, she could now sense the difference in her control, and her movements felt more fluid and purposeful. This time, the contract''s inscription was much easier to read than before. While the writing still wasn''t flawless, the outcome was a success. The first contract she managed to complete worked as intended. Though it couldn''t compare to the powerful slave contract she had purchased from the system, which could bind ten individuals at once, Kisha was satisfied with her progress. Her contract could bind just one person, and while the restrictions weren''t as harsh as those in the system-purchased contract, it was still effective. For her first attempt, Kisha felt it was a solid achievement. It wasn''t until Kisha learned inscribing that she fully understood the contract she had signed with Aston and the others. She realized that it was written in the same way as a standard contract from her world, with one key difference: the repercussions for breaking the contract were clearly outlined. The consequences for betraying Party A were explicitly stated, detailing the suffering they would endure if they violated the agreement. This newfound understanding made her see just how serious the terms were. With this newfound understanding, Kisha wrote her first contract in the same format, though, as a beginner, she couldn''t impose severe punishments for breaking it just yet. The best she could do was include a mild consequence: "The party who breaks the contract will suffer severe hair loss, lose a tooth, and have one finger broken." Her beginner status limited her ability to enforce harsher penalties, such as those that could result in a person''s death, so she had to settle for these less severe but still significant repercussions. As Kisha''s proficiency in inscribing grew, so would the strength and severity of the punishments she could impose in the contracts. Each contract an inscriber created drew from their own mana, power, and mastery, so the more skilled they became, the more potent the contract would be. Conversely, a less experienced inscriber would craft weaker contracts, and if too little mana was poured into the inscribing process, the binding power of the contract would be weaker as well. Writing even a single contract was already physically draining, especially if severe penalties or violations were included, as the energy required to enforce such terms was immense. After understanding all these intricacies, Kisha continued inscribing, experimenting with different punishments allowed by her current level of proficiency. She pushed herself until her mana was completely depleted. Unlike when her spiritual energy ran out¡ªwhere she would feel a sharp pain in her head¡ªdraining her mana had a more severe consequence. Her body, unable to function without mana, shut down entirely, and she fell into a deep coma. Unaware of the risks, she collapsed right where she sat, her body unresponsive to the world around her. When Duke came to check on Kisha, he found her asleep, likely exhausted from her work. With a gentle smile, he brushed aside the bangs that had fallen over her face, tucking them behind her ear as he gazed at her for a moment. Then, quietly, he pulled a blanket from his Space Ring and draped it over her before returning to his cultivation. As he turned to leave, his eyes caught sight of the contract Kisha had written. The language and script were from the fantasy world, so he couldn''t understand it, but he knew she was up to something. With a soft chuckle and a fond shake of his head, he left her to rest, heading back toward the central area where the crystal was located. If Kisha ever exhausted her mana during battle and fell into a coma, the consequences could be dire¡ªpotentially even fatal. Fortunately, she discovered this now, sparing herself the dangerous experience on the battlefield. It took her a full two hours to recover just a fraction of her mana, and when she woke up, her body ached as though she had been brutally beaten. This made her realize how serious the consequences of depleting her energy could be, and she knew she had to be cautious going forward. Fortunately, with the help of the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer and the cultivation manual, she could simultaneously cultivate both her spiritual energy and mana. This allowed her to increase both her spiritual and mana pools at the same time. Over time, she would build up a larger reservoir of energy, reducing the risk of exhaustion and giving her more resources to rely on in battle. Only by cultivating both energies simultaneously would she be able to use them continuously for different situations. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As if a thought struck her, Kisha retrieved the vial of black liquid and downed it. Sure enough, the moment she consumed it, her depleted mana began to recover instantly. With newfound determination, she resumed inscribing, crafting one contract after another. As she worked, her eyes landed on the proficiency bar. [Profession Proficiency: Inscriber Newbie 15%] ''That was fast,'' she thought, gazing at the progress bar, a hint of satisfaction in her expression. "Yes, host, that was impressive progress! Maybe you really do have a natural talent for this, more than we initially thought." "Of course, it could also be thanks to the system injecting the knowledge directly into your brain, speeding up the process." "But even if that''s the case, those who''ve been learning from a young age might want to beat me black and blue if I mentioned it." "So, the only explanation left would be talent and a bit of a gift," 008 explained, throwing in a playful tease alongside the compliment. Kisha couldn''t help but smile, feeling a bit of pride at the praise. Chapter 537 - 537 Inscribing Mastery After finishing her practice, Kisha had accumulated a sizable stack of slave contracts. However, she couldn''t find any practical use for them within her base. To her, the contracts seemed almost laughable, as they didn''t appear particularly effective or impactful. Yet, at the same time, she felt it would be a waste to simply discard them. Determined, she began contemplating ways to put them to good use. "Host, we can sell them in the sales channel as you originally planned," 008 suggested cheerfully. "Do you really think anyone would buy these when the punishments look more like a prank than an actual penalty for a slave contract?" Kisha grumbled, pouting as she eyed the stack of contracts. The sight of the punishment clauses made her feel utterly defeated. She couldn''t decide whether to laugh at the absurdity of it all or cry at her current predicament. "It''s so embarrassing," she muttered under her breath. "Host, there are plenty of younger customers out there, and these contracts have a quirky, playful appeal. They might actually want to buy them to keep their playmates in check and prevent things from getting too out of hand," 008 said with a mischievous giggle. Kisha furrowed her brow, unsure whether 008 was genuinely serious or just poking fun at her. Kisha let out a long sigh, scrunching her nose in mild frustration. "Alright, fine. Do what you want with them since I can''t even use these contracts in the base for now," she said, her tone bordering on a complaint. Still, she knew there wasn''t much else she could do at her current skill level. To make any real progress, she''d need to reach the intermediate rank as an inscriber. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Actually, Host," 008 interjected, its voice tinged with pride, "with your current progress, you already have a 99.99% success rate in inscribing." "That''s practically unheard of, and it''s why your progress has been so rapid. Once you hit 100%, you''ll automatically be promoted to the intermediate level. Honestly, no one from the fantasy world has achieved this level of efficiency before." 008''s tone grew smug, almost arrogant, as it emphasized Kisha''s unprecedented success rate compared to others. "So, if my calculations are correct, even if we sell these contracts in my sales channel at lower prices, we''ll still make a small profit and recover the material costs," 008 said, its tone gleeful. "Hehe, and it''s all thanks to your remarkable success rate!" "Typically, newbie inscribers waste thousands of resources before making any significant progress or producing a usable inscribed text," 008 continued, its voice brimming with pride. "The average success rate for beginners is only around 30% to 75%. And believe me, hitting 75% is already considered a monumental achievement that many strive for but rarely reach." "Is that so?" Kisha muttered, still a bit skeptical. However, she couldn''t deny that her results had been impressive so far. It was surprising to learn how low the usual success rate was, and it made her accomplishments feel even more significant. "Well, while inscribing might sound easy, it''s far from it," 008 explained. "In the fantasy world, it''s known as ''inscribing,'' but in the Murim world, it''s called ''talisman-making.''" "Although there are differences between the two, the line separating them is quite thin. Surprisingly, the level of difficulty is similar in both practices, and only those with real talent can truly excel at it." "Once you''re promoted to an intermediate inscriber, we''ll need to upgrade your materials," 008 began, its voice tinged with excitement. "The parchment and ink you''re using now are designed for newbies. When you reach mastery, you might even need to switch to using dragon blood as ink¡ªwhich, by the way, is ridiculously expensive unless you have a living dragon as your ally." 008 was practically babbling at this point, too excited to filter its thoughts. It imagined all the possibilities. "With your talent, host, you could even learn talisman-making to expand your skill set." "Just think about it¡ªwe''d have even more to sell on the sales channel. If we play it right, we''ll never run out of system points!" Then, almost bouncing with excitement, it suggested, "So, host, why don''t you try learning about talisman-making next?" "008, if I go around learning everything without properly mastering the first skill, I''ll just end up being a jack of all trades but master of none," Kisha sighed, her tone firm as she tried to reason with 008. "I need to focus on mastering one skill at a time. If I split my attention, my progress will slow down, and honestly, there''s no rush." "My life isn''t in danger, and I don''t have to do everything on my own. I have people around me who can handle their parts, so I don''t need to carry the entire burden myself." She spoke nonchalantly, not realizing how much her perspective had shifted until 008 chimed in to remind her. "Host, since when did you start thinking of relying on others? Is this Duke''s influence? You used to handle everything on your own," 008 said, its tone laced with unexpected jealousy. It sounded almost like a child sulking because their mother was now paying attention to a new stepfather. It was as though 008 felt abandoned, replaced by Duke after all the times they had faced challenges together. Kisha noticed the undertone and couldn''t help but chuckle. In her mind, she could imagine 008 pouting, looking utterly aggrieved and envious. "I get it, 008," she said, her voice warm with amusement. "But hasn''t that approach only made things harder for me? I either ended up overworking myself to the point of collapse or fighting off entire factions alone." "Maybe it really is time to form a group¡ªa team I can trust to stand by me no matter what. This way, I won''t always have to bear everything on my own." "If worst comes to worst, I still have you. I know you''ll never betray me, right?" Kisha said gently, her tone laced with reassurance as she tried to pacify 008. Sure enough, as soon as those words left her lips, 008 perked up immediately. Kisha could almost picture a wide, triumphant grin spreading across its imaginary face. "Leave everything to me, Host!!!" 008 declared with an enthusiastic burst of energy, sounding completely revitalized. After their brief conversation, Kisha returned to her training, this time paying closer attention to her mana levels. To make monitoring easier, she opened the ''Team Tab'' from her status window and positioned her team profile to the left, keeping it within view. Every time she completed a contract and glanced up, she could see how much mana she had left. To her surprise, her Skills: Healing Dome and People''s Heart were working in tandem, continuously replenishing her mana. With just a short one-minute break between inscriptions, the mana she expended on each contract was almost fully restored. This realization brought a sense of relief, allowing her to focus more intently on improving her craft. The fact that her People''s Heart skill was actively working indicated that many people in the base now believed in and respected her. This realization filled her with hope¡ªif she could gain the belief and respect of everyone in the base, her energy recovery could potentially become infinite. Chapter 538 - 538 008s Sales Channel #841273 [Would you like to list the Slave Contract (Newbie) on the Sales Channel?] [Yes] or [No] Kisha clicked ''Yes,'' and the 100 pieces of Slave Contract (Newbie) she had just inscribed disappeared from her inventory and instantly appeared as listings on 008''s sales channel. While 008 could have handled this task automatically, Kisha chose to go through the process herself to better understand how it worked. The listing process was strikingly similar to selling items on an online marketplace. She uploaded the items for sale, set the details, and then waited for interested buyers to take action. However, instead of reaching out directly to her, buyers would simply add the contracts to their cart or purchase them outright. It was straightforward, yet it gave Kisha a clearer picture of how the system operated. Following 008''s advice, Kisha listed each Slave Contract (Newbie) for 150 system points. If all 100 contracts were sold, she would earn 15,000 system points. Considering she had spent 20,000 system points on materials, this seemed like a decent return, especially since she still had more than half of the ink and several hundred pieces of magical parchment left. The bulk purchase 008 made included 1,000 sheets of parchment and a large bottle of enchanted ink, ensuring she had plenty of resources to continue practicing and refining her skills without needing to restock anytime soon. If Kisha maintained her current pace and success rate, she could potentially accumulate several thousand system points. The mere thought of this made her heartbeat quicken with excitement, invigorating her to keep inscribing. Thanks to her skills, Healing Dome and People''s Heart, she didn''t feel tired at all. Unlike her spiritual energy, which caused her energy core to act up if overused, her mana was far more stable. As long as her mana flowed steadily within her mana heart and her body could handle the physical exhaustion, she could continue her efforts without issue. Ding... [Dragon Lord bought Slave Contract (Newbie) x5] Ding.. [Minatour King bought Slave Contract (Newbie) x3] Ding... [The Apostle of the house of Athena bought Slave Contract (Newbie) x10] Ding... [Dragon Lord gave you a five-star review for the Slave Contract (Newbie)] Ding... [Minatour King gave you a five-star review for the Slave Contract (Newbie)] Ding... [The Apostle of the house of Athena gave you a five-star review for the Slave Contract (Newbie)] "Ah!!! Host!!! My sales channel is finally getting reviews¡ªall thanks to you!!! Hee hee hee!" 008 laughed gleefully, practically vibrating with excitement as it watched the flood of positive reviews pouring in. To top it off, the contracts they had listed were selling like hotcakes, with no sign of slowing down. Kisha noticed something peculiar¡ªat the top of 008''s sales channel, the label [Level 0] was prominently displayed. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This indicated that the store was still at its lowest rank, meaning it was either newly established or lacked sufficient points to level up. A Level 0 store was accessible to anyone with sales channel access and typically featured items that were either inexpensive or readily available in other stores. Kisha tapped her index finger against her chin, deep in thought. "008, how many bottles of Scarlet Honey do we still have?" "Host, we have thousands in our warehouse, and a few hundred bottles are with Aston for the warriors," 008 responded casually. But as soon as it finished speaking, an idea seemed to spark within it. "Host, are you thinking of adding the Scarlet Honey to our system store?!" Kisha considered it for a moment before replying, "How about we start with 100 bottles?" [Would you like to list the Scarlet Honey on the Sales Channel?] [Yes] or [No] By now, half of the slave contracts Kisha had listed in the store were already sold. With a click of ''Yes,'' 100 bottles of Scarlet Honey appeared on the sales channel, filling the empty listings. The two items in 008''s store now looked a bit sparse and unappealing, but fortunately, the seller could add descriptions to the items in the listing. This made it easier for buyers to understand their purpose. As soon as the Scarlet Honey was listed, her first buyers from earlier eagerly rushed to purchase some. This time, knowing that the Scarlet Honey came from the now-extinct Scarlet Bees¡ªa rare and unique product not found anywhere else¡ªKisha felt a surge of confidence. She decided to price each bottle at 1,000 system points, testing the market. If the price didn''t attract enough buyers, she could always adjust it later. Ding... [Dragon Lord bought Scarlet Honey x10] Ding... [The Apostle of the house of Athena bought Scarlet Honey x20] Ding... [Daoist Emperor bought Scarlet Honey x50] Ding... [Mystic Sword Emperor bought Scarlet Honey x20] This time, thanks to the unique properties of the Scarlet Honey and its limited supply, it sold far faster than the slave contracts. Buyers snatched it up in the blink of an eye, and before long, it was completely sold out. "Host! People from all over different worlds are asking if we''re going to sell more Scarlet Honey!" "They''re flooding my inbox with private messages!" 008 exclaimed, its voice tinged with panic. It was receiving an overwhelming number of inquiries, especially from cultivators from the Murim world, as well as alchemists and apothecaries. The excitement was palpable, but 008 felt overwhelmed, unsure of how to manage the sudden surge in interest. "No, just ignore them," Kisha replied with a smile, turning her focus back to inscribing more slave contracts as she continued practicing. "What?! But wouldn''t this be our chance to earn more system points?" 008 exclaimed in panic, clearly confused. It didn''t understand why Kisha was turning down such an opportunity. Worried that Kisha might be concerned about not having enough Scarlet Honey for her people, 008 scrambled to think of ways to convince her otherwise. "Tsk, tsk, tsk." Kisha clicked her tongue, wiggling her index finger in the air before adding, "Didn''t you know that with higher demand comes inflation?" "So, when we put up another batch of Scarlet Honey, we can raise the price based on today''s sales. Maybe we could even set up a bidding system. Do you think that''s possible?" She directed her question to 008, who suddenly went silent, as if its eyes had turned into dollar signs. It was already mentally calculating the system points they could earn and the good reviews they would receive from this new strategy. "Ah! Ah! Yes! That''s definitely possible! We can set up a bidding for each item and let the highest bidder win! I''ll set it up now and notify the buyers so they can keep an eye out for the upcoming bids!" 008 exclaimed, clearly excited by the idea. "Go ahead," Kisha replied without looking up, her focus still on inscribing as she continued her work. Soon, 008 sent out a notice that appeared on top of the store, flashing like an advertisement, alerting all the potential buyers about the upcoming bidding. [Dear Valued Customers, We apologize for the limited quantity of some items in our sales channel. Due to the high demand and our commitment to maintaining the highest quality, restocking may take some time. In response, we are introducing a bidding system where the highest bidder will secure the item. We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, and we sincerely apologize if we are unable to meet the demand immediately. Rest assured, we will do our best to restock and provide the best service possible. Thank you for your understanding and continued support! Sincerely, Sales Channel #841273] Chapter 539 - 539 After The Storm As soon as 008 sent the notification, a flood of angry private messages poured in from customers. Many were outraged, believing that a bidding system should be exclusive to high-ranking stores with a reputation for offering rare, valuable items. These established stores had already proven themselves, providing the best of the best from across worlds, often becoming leading figures in their respective realms. The mere idea that a newly opened store in the sales channel would introduce such a bidding system seemed not only presumptuous but audacious. Customers felt that the store was overstepping its bounds, flaunting arrogance by attempting to implement a system meant for only the most established sellers. Typically, low-level stores like 008''s would adopt a humble and subservient approach toward their customers. While they set fair prices for their items, these stores often competed to offer the lowest prices, aiming to attract more customers and improve their retention rate. Their focus was on building a strong reputation through positive reviews, hoping that over time, this would allow them to rise in status and eventually level up. While Kisha''s approach was bold, 008 couldn''t help but feel a sense of worry. However, 008 understood Kisha''s strategy. Even if customers ranted and vented their frustration, they wouldn''t be able to find any Scarlet Honey elsewhere. After all, when 008 acquired Bell, it ensured that no other store in any sales channel would have any other Scarlet Queen Bee. Wanting to avoid being bombarded with endless private messages, 008 muted the notifications and even blocked those sending harassing messages, reporting them to the system moderators. Since 008 and Kisha hadn''t violated any rules or guidelines, the moderators quickly acted, issuing warnings to the offenders. The channel fell silent once more. Shortly after, 008 began receiving a flood of positive reviews from customers who had purchased the Scarlet Honey again, along with messages eagerly inquiring about the next restock. Following Kisha''s strategy to keep the customers hooked, 008 deliberately left the messages unread and didn''t respond. As a result, those who had experienced the effects of the Scarlet Honey set up notifications for 008''s sales channel, eager to be alerted as soon as new items were stocked. Especially those from the Murim world, who were familiar with the legendary Scarlet Honey, became even more determined to acquire more. As a result, 008''s sales channel began to gain recognition, steadily growing in popularity. But thanks to the Scarlet Honey, they had earned 100,000 system points almost effortlessly, which made both Kisha and 008 giggle with delight. Kisha''s system points were now back to 145,000, and there were still some slave contracts left in the store. An idea suddenly surged in Kisha''s mind. "Do you think you''ll be able to find the remaining materials we need to complete the Solar Panel?" "Host, we can," 008 replied. "Buying it from the system store would be overkill. We can get it from mission rewards or the resource crates in your inventory without spending any points." "Oh, now that you remind me, we do have unopened resource crates in the inventory, and more will be coming in from the ongoing missions." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha soon abandoned the idea and decided to focus on improving her inscribing proficiency instead. Seeing how dedicated she was, Duke chose not to disturb her. Instead, he focused on his own cultivation near the crystal. Meanwhile, the other members of Winter''s group returned and followed suit, immersing themselves in their own cultivation. Those who felt the stirring of their awakening immediately made their way to the medical facility for assistance. Despite the ongoing Geostorm outside, which kept the entire base on edge, the residents chose to place their trust in Kisha and focus on what they could control. While confined to their homes, the solo artisans set to work, using the limited supplies they had scavenged from around the base. Their goal was clear: to open their stalls as soon as the storm passed. In the workshop, the artisans were equally busy, especially the food artisans. With an abundance of food supplies at their disposal, many began crafting pickles, dried foods, and even ham, smoked fish, and cured meats, ensuring they were well-prepared for what lay ahead. Thanks to the bustling activity, the base didn''t feel as gloomy as other places, even with the ongoing Geostorm. 008 had done an excellent job of changing the city shield to a new one, ensuring that no wind could be felt from the outside, despite the continuing tornadoes and hail. Meanwhile, in the small building beside the Central Hall, Doctor Shuveck and Engineer Steel were in high spirits. They had successfully recharged three batteries to 100% and safely stored them, ensuring a plentiful supply of electricity for the future. However, they now faced a new challenge: the pole Kisha had installed atop the Central Hall. It was absorbing too much powerful lightning, and they feared it wouldn''t last much longer. Despite this, the data they had gathered was invaluable. They now only needed to replace the wiring and chips at the bottom of the pole, as they were nearly fried from the constant strain. Fortunately, the materials used for the pole were made from a sturdy metal, which prevented it from exploding or splitting after several powerful lightning strikes. However, their new challenge was figuring out how to replace the wiring and chips within the pole without causing any further damage or getting hit by the lightning. The days passed quickly, with the Geostorm raging for two more days, leaving only two days remaining before the 30-day nesting period mission given to Kisha by the system. She and the others barely noticed how quickly time had flown by, as they were all busy in their respective tasks. Duke had reached a point where he was ready to level up again, while Kisha had reached 100% mastery proficiency and advanced to intermediate inscribing after working tirelessly within her territory. She also helped 008 manage the store in the sales channel. By now, Kisha had used up the 1,000 sheets of parchment, earning another 135,000 system points. Both items in the store had sold out, and she had yet to restock the Scarlet Honey. Even Mrs. Winters had been coming in and out of the territory space to cultivate alongside Duke and the others, managing to level up to level 2. Sparrow and Vulture were also on the verge of leveling up to level 3. Kisha, not wanting to fall behind, balanced her work on inscribing proficiency with cultivation, and was now just one step away from leveling up herself. After what felt like a month, everyone left the territory and were greeted by the bright sun and calm weather outside. The residents of the base began to emerge from their homes, no longer hearing the loud thunder or the howling winds. The streets inside the base remained as clean and tidy as they had left them, but when the soldiers climbed to the top of the wall, they saw the horrific scene outside. Outside the walls, there was nothing left intact. The cars on the street were nearly shredded by the tornadoes, their twisted remains scattered across the area. Some were embedded in buildings, while others hung upside down in the most unlikely places, and a few had been thrown several kilometers from their original locations. 008, too, was growing nervous, concerned that the city''s shield wouldn''t withstand much longer after three days of nonstop Geostorm. Fortunately, there were brief moments when the hail would stop, and the number of tornadoes surrounding the base would subside, only to pick up again after a while. These temporary lulls, though brief, were enough to help conserve the little protection energy the city shield still had left. The trees outside the base had been completely uprooted, and not a single lamppost remained standing, all torn down by the tornadoes that had circled their base like a giant spinning top. Outside, the floodwaters had risen to ankle-deep, but thankfully, they had already cleared out the mutated rats from the sewers before the storm hit. Without that precaution, they might have been at risk for leptospirosis. The situation they faced, though concerning, was relatively mild compared to other areas. In some places, entire cities had sunk beneath the ocean, like Port City, where only the tips of towering buildings now poked out from the water. Other regions had been torn apart by tornadoes, mudslides had swallowed an entire village, and flash floods had wiped out half of some communities. However, there was no way to truly convey the devastation happening around the world, and Kisha and her team now needed to focus on strengthening their defenses. After all, the three days of blood rain would likely trigger the evolution of the zombies. They were fortunate, though, that the relentless tornadoes had acted as a natural barrier, shredding any evolving zombies that dared to approach their base during the storm. Now, with the storm finally over, it felt as though they were merely experiencing the calm before the real storm. Kisha could sense a shift in the air, an unsettling tension that made her skin crawl and the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She immediately instructed her team to begin preparations. The 30-day nesting period in the base was coming to an end in two days, and she couldn''t shake the feeling that the mission had not only been to keep her within the base, but that something significant was about to unfold. While Kisha and Duke were busy securing the base, she sent Sparrow on a mission they had prepared for¡ªto head north and pretend to retrieve the surviving livestock from a farm in that area. Chapter 540 - 540 Sparrow Going On A Mission Again "Alright, everyone, get in formation!" Sparrow commanded, knocking on the side of the truck to get everyone''s attention. He urged the team to line up so he could give a quick pep talk before the mission. Meanwhile, around the base, the soldiers were working hard, pushing crate after crate of firearms into position, ready for deployment. Vulture was directing his warriors to fortify the defenses, summoning more earth spikes to reinforce the walls. Even Rose was busy on her end, conjuring additional Ice Crystal Spikes along sections of the wall she hadn''t had time to address earlier. As Sparrow''s team assembled in front of him, standing straight and lined up with military precision, he scanned each of them carefully. Though he didn''t say it aloud, the tension in his demeanor was evident¡ªeveryone could sense that their City Lord was anxious about this something. It was clear that she expected them to complete it as quickly as possible and return by the following morning, no matter what. Fortunately, Sparrow''s team consisted entirely of the seasoned Winters men and five members of STAU, a combination that inspired confidence. Their primary challenge was maintaining their cover for the mission, but the blood rain that had recently occurred posed a serious complication. The outside world was now far more perilous¡ªzombies were in the midst of their evolution, making them hungrier, more aggressive, and even more unpredictable than usual. The stakes had never been higher. This pep talk was meant to mentally and emotionally prepare the team for the challenges ahead. Thankfully, the past two days had provided an unexpected advantage: all the Winters'' men had successfully awakened their abilities. This remarkable progress was likely due to the concentrated spiritual energy within Kisha''s territory, combined with the potent effects of the Scarlet Honey, which seemed to guarantee an almost 100% success rate for awakening. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Because of this, the team no longer needed to fear dying or turning into zombies while outside. Their time spent in the territory space over the past 3 days which was equivalent to 30 days had been invaluable¡ªmost of them had already reached level one, thanks to their nonstop cultivation and sparring, which not only strengthened their foundations but also stabilized their progress. Even the warriors at the base were stunned to learn that in just three days of seclusion, the team had not only awakened their abilities but had also advanced to level one. It was a feat no one could fully comprehend. Although many were eager to gossip about the team''s astonishing progress, they quickly held their tongues. Sparrow looked like he was in a rush, and Kisha''s restless demeanor only added to the urgency in the air. Sensing the gravity of the situation, everyone turned their attention back to their tasks. Sparrow, with a steely expression, addressed his team. "I know many of you have already seen the state of things outside, but after the storm, it''s absolute chaos." "The evolving zombies are more formidable than ever¡ªstronger, faster, and deadlier." "I need each one of you to stay sharp, keep your eyes wide open, and never get complacent." He paced back and forth in front of his team, his tone firm and commanding, driving home the seriousness of their mission. More than anyone else, Sparrow had the most experience navigating the outside world during the blood rain. He had even survived a near-fatal encounter with an evolved zombie¡ªa harrowing experience that left a deep impression on him. With that in mind, he stressed the importance of vigilance. "Stay alert at all times," he warned, his voice firm. "Do not abandon your position under any circumstances unless ordered. The stakes are too high, and one mistake could cost us everything." Having worked alongside Sparrow for so long, the Winters'' men were well-acquainted with his no-nonsense temperament. They understood that when Sparrow spoke in this tone, he meant business. His warning wasn''t just a precaution¡ªit was a clear directive: stay grounded, follow orders, and resist the urge to play the hero. Acting impulsively could spell disaster, not just for the individual but for the entire team. The weight of his words settled heavily on them, and many unconsciously swallowed the lump in their throats as they exchanged glances, feeling the palpable tension in the air. "Also, even though you''ve all awakened and reached level one, remember this: after the blood rain, many of the zombies will have likely reached level one as well," Sparrow reminded them, his tone grave. "This makes them stronger, faster, and far more dangerous than before. Don''t be caught off guard if you find yourself pushed back by their newfound strength." The repeated warning brought a renewed focus to the group, as Sparrow''s words reminded them of Kisha''s earlier insights. She had explained that the blood rain was a catalyst for evolution, not just for humans but for zombies as well. This was why Kisha had instructed the Winters'' men, the warriors, and soldiers to venture out occasionally during the Geostorm, encouraging them to use the opportunity to benefit from the rain''s effects. Kisha hadn''t told the survivors the full significance of the blood rain to avoid unnecessary panic. To ensure the base remained safe from any potential zombie transformations during this time, Kisha assigned Vulture and his team to patrol the area more frequently. They kept a close watch on residents bathing in the rain or using the collected rainwater from the blood rain. While the rainwater could aid in awakening abilities, leveling up, or increasing strength, it also carried a significant risk of triggering zombie transformations, making vigilance crucial. This is why Vulture and his team were too preoccupied with patrolling the base to join Sparrow on his mission outside. After finalizing preparations, Sparrow''s team boarded the trucks, including two modified vehicles designed specifically for transporting livestock. "Let''s roll out!" Sparrow called from the driver''s seat of the lead truck, his voice firm and resolute. "Roger!" "Okay!" "Yes sir!" As soon as the trucks'' engines roared to life, a frantic shout echoed from the top of the wall. "Zombies incoming!" The alarm sent shockwaves through the base. Soldiers who had been busy hauling crates of firearms immediately dropped their tasks and sprinted to their stations atop the wall. They began firing at the incoming horde of evolving zombies, whose appearance was far more terrifying than before. These zombies no longer staggered aimlessly. They ran with unnerving speed and ferocity, their emaciated faces twisted in hunger, and their roars had turned guttural, animalistic. The sight alone was enough to send a chill down the spines of the soldiers. For those who had survived the horrors of the second blood rain, the scene brought back haunting memories. Fear prickled at their skin as they recalled that night of chaos and carnage, but they steadied their aim, determined not to let history repeat itself. Vulture immediately climbed to the top of the wall, leaving the internal patrol duties to Bald Eagle. Taking command of the situation, he shouted over the chaos, "Don''t let them get too close to the wall! Aim and fire!" Without wasting a second, he raised his hands and began conjuring earth spikes. With precision, the sharp formations erupted from the ground meters ahead of the advancing zombies. However, this horde was unlike any they had faced before¡ªfaster, more agile, and disturbingly evasive. Many of the zombies dodged the spikes with unnatural reflexes, closing the distance toward the wall. Frustration flickered across Vulture''s face as he gritted his teeth, pushing himself to conjure spikes faster and in rapid succession. Sweat formed on his brow as he adjusted his tactics, aiming for clusters of zombies to maximize the impact of his attacks. "Stay sharp and keep them away!" he roared, his determination unwavering despite the mounting pressure. Bang... Bang... Rahhhh! Roar!!! The deafening sound of gunfire mingled with the guttural roars of the evolving zombies, creating a chaotic symphony in the air. From every corner of the wall, the battle raged on. Kisha and Duke quickly took their positions, coordinating with the soldiers to manage the escalating situation. Though the horde of evolving zombies was relentless, it still fell short of a full-scale zombie raid. The primary challenge, however, was their speed¡ªfaster and more agile than ever, making them harder to target. On Kisha''s side, she opted for a broader, more devastating approach. With calculated precision, she wielded larger objects, sweeping swathes of zombies off the ground and pulverizing them into unrecognizable heaps. Meanwhile, Duke unleashed raw, overwhelming power. His attacks rained down indiscriminately, ensuring that even the most evasive of zombies couldn''t escape the sheer force of his onslaught. Together, they provided a formidable defense, buying the soldiers precious time to regroup and adjust to this terrifying new threat. On Vulture''s side, where Sparrow and his team were exiting through the north gate, the combined efforts of the awakened ability users and the soldiers created a strong defense. While the awakened ability user''s attacks often missed, the soldiers quickly adapted, using the missed shots as cues to predict the zombies'' movements. With their keen aim, they targeted the zombies as they evaded the blows, managing to land shots on their moving targets. This tactical advantage helped maintain control, easing the pressure on Vulture and his team. Though the evolving zombies were still a significant threat, the coordinated effort of both groups allowed them to manage the onslaught more effectively, buying them crucial time to hold their ground. However, the zombies'' defense seemed to have improved as well. A single bullet no longer sufficed to penetrate their skulls and kill them, forcing the soldiers to expend more ammunition to take down each zombie. Chapter 541 - 541 Going With Them Fortunately, the sniper''s bullets, with their higher velocity and power, still proved effective. One well-placed shot from the snipers was enough to take down a zombie, providing crucial support from the watch towers above. Their precision shots helped to thin the horde, giving the ground forces a much-needed advantage in the ongoing battle. Vulure''s radio crackled during this chaos, he almost couldn''t hear it because of the loud gunfire around him and the sound of the zombie''s roaring from all around the outside wall. He grabbed the radio, the crackle of static breaking the silence before Kisha''s voice came through. "Vulture, do you copy?" "Young Madam, I''m here. Copy." His response was steady, the urgency of the situation clear in his tone. "Great, I need you to head out with Sparrow," Kisha said without wasting any time. "With the evolving zombies becoming more unpredictable and powerful, Sparrow will need you on this mission to provide defensive support for the team." Vulture paused for a moment, scanning the area as the zombies continued to advance. Thankfully, their numbers seemed to be dwindling. His gaze shifted to Sparrow''s truck, which was steadily making its way toward the gate. The others were already preparing to open it, and Vulture knew there wasn''t much time left to act. "I''ll go, Young Madam," Vulture replied. As soon as Sparrow''s truck reached the gate and the front of the vehicle passed the wall, Vulture swiftly leaped from the top of the wall, landing with a loud creak and thud on the truck''s roof. Despite the noise, Sparrow remained focused and didn''t flinch, continuing to drive without hesitation. As soon as Vulture landed on the roof of Sparrow''s truck, he quickly stashed his radio away. He didn''t need to carry anything¡ªfood and supplies would be provided when necessary. Crouching low, he positioned himself on the roof like a spider, steady and alert. As the truck barreled through the zombies in its path, Vulture focused, his hands moving swiftly. He conjured a protective earth wall in front of the truck, shaping it into a triangular barrier. The wall cleared the way, allowing the truck to bulldoze forward with ease, pushing through the relentless undead without slowing. The soldiers and warriors who had been standing on top of the wall were momentarily stunned by what Vulture had done just now. It took them a moment to process what they had just seen, but soon, they regained their composure and refocused on their task. Working together, they continued to eliminate the incoming zombies, clearing the path for Sparrow''s team. It wasn''t any easier for Sparrow and his crew. The road ahead was clogged with evolving zombies, and their trucks shook violently with each undead body they ran over. Despite the constant jolting of the truck, they didn''t slow down. They pushed forward relentlessly, determined to make it through the dense swarm. As soon as Sparrow reached the farthest point where the snipers from the watchtower could no longer see them, he slammed his foot on the gas, causing Vulture to jerk backward from the roof. Fortunately, Vulture''s quick reflexes saved him, but not without a few curse words for Sparrow. ''Damn this jerk! He''s doing that on purpose!'' Vulture thought, gritting his teeth as he leaned down closer to the truck, trying to avoid being swept away by the rushing wind. Then, without warning, Sparrow made a sharp left turn, nearly sending Vulture flying off the truck''s roof. Vulture cursed nonstop, his frustration building as he clung to the roof. Sparrow wasn''t unaware¡ªhe could faintly hear Vulture''s curses growing louder with every sharp turn he made to avoid the oncoming zombie horde. Vulture didn''t even get a chance to drop down from the roof and climb inside the truck; Sparrow''s erratic driving felt like a wild rodeo ride. "Fuck you, Sparrow!" Vulture yelled at the top of his lungs, desperately gripping the roof of the truck. He held on to anything he could to avoid being thrown off, but Sparrow didn''t slow down. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to; he couldn''t. Zombies swarmed the streets in endless waves, and if they stopped for even a second, they''d be swarmed. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The trucks behind them followed in tight formation, almost like a centipede, ensuring there was no gap that zombies could use to cut them off. Driving this way was a challenge¡ªSparrow''s every small movement had to be mirrored with perfect precision, a near impossible task as they fought to stay ahead of the relentless horde. The drivers of each truck were turning the steering wheels as sharply and quickly as possible, matching every slight movement Sparrow made up front. Each driver gritted their teeth, their palms sweaty with nerves. But more than anything, they were laser-focused on their task. The passengers in the front seats didn''t dare make a sound, afraid even the smallest noise would distract the drivers. They gripped the overhead handles with all their might, their bodies slamming left and right with each turn, sometimes even jerking backward. Those in the back were in an even worse position. The truck swayed violently, and on the first sharp left turn, those sitting in the back were slammed hard against the side. Some were thrown forward into the lap of the person in front of them, only to be tossed in the opposite direction moments later. They clung desperately to whatever they could grab, trying to stay upright in the chaos. They weren''t faring any better than Vulture in this situation, but no one dared to complain. The growls of the zombies were deafening, echoing from all around as they drew closer to the truck. They could hear the frantic pounding of claws and feet as the zombies raced toward them, leaping onto the vehicles. A single moment of hesitation or a brief stop, and the trucks would be overwhelmed. The zombies would swarm them, tipping the trucks over or sending them careening off course into a disastrous accident. Because of the constant jerking of the truck, they couldn''t even use their awakened abilities to fight back against the zombies. It took more than thirty minutes of relentless driving to finally shake the undead, leaving the sprinting zombies in the dust behind them. Only when Sparrow was certain they had outrun them did he ease up on the aggressive driving. However, they didn''t completely stop moving. This brief respite gave Vulture the chance to slip into the passenger seat, awkwardly squeezing through the window to join the person already seated there. Meanwhile, those in the back finally got a moment to catch their breath, adjusting their positions as the truck''s chaotic pace slowed. "Are you guys still alive?" One of Winters'' men asked teasingly, eyeing the five STAU members who looked like they were on the verge of collapse, their faces pale and contorted in discomfort after being tossed around in the back of the truck. They couldn''t muster a response. All they could do was weakly look up and force a smile¡ªthough it was more of a grimace, a poor attempt at hiding their misery. No one could blame them, though. After the brutal, stomach-churning drive, everyone felt dizzy, struggling to regain their bearings after the violent turns and sudden maneuvers. Chapter 542 - 542 SparV One of the STAU nodded, but the simple movement made his stomach churn. He gagged, barely stopping himself from vomiting as the wild ride took its toll. No one said a word after that, the air thick with shared misery. Everyone had stopped asking questions¡ªno one felt any better than the others. Once Vulture finally settled into the passenger seat, he let out a slow breath, the tension easing from his body. Sparrow didn''t ask why he was there; he simply kept his focus on the road, his hands steady on the wheel as he continued to drive down the street. Vulture let out a small chuckle, his tone light with excitement. "Partner, looks like we''re back at it. The SparV is in action again!" He grinned, reminiscing about the old days. Back then, he and Sparrow were always paired up for missions. Sparrow would be behind the wheel, while Vulture sat in the passenger seat, ready to offer support when needed. But after they reached City B''s base, things changed. Their missions became more independent, and their paths started to diverge. Most of the time, Sparrow was sent out due to his awakened ability and the compatibility it offered for external missions, while Vulture stayed behind, guarding the base. Now that he had the chance to get back out, Vulture felt a surge of excitement, like an arrow finally loosed from its bow. Sparrow could sense how much Vulture had been holding in¡ªthe frustration of being left behind as their paths diverged. Their individual growth had started to pull them further apart. Vulture''s opportunities for progress were limited within the base, while Sparrow''s potential had been constantly tested by the unpredictable challenges of the outside world. Sparrow let out a teasing snort. "I hope you''re not planning on slowing me down." The words sounded harsh, but a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Deep down, he was glad to be working alongside his old partner again. After all, he and Vulture knew each other so well, their partnership a seamless blend of trust and experience. "Ha! We''ll see who holds back who!" Vulture shot back, his eyes scanning the road and the surrounding buildings, always alert for any sign of zombies nearby. His gaze was sharp, almost gleaming with excitement, as if this was his first taste of freedom in a long time. Sparrow simply shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. Despite the teasing, he was genuinely happy for his partner. While Sparrow and his team made their way up the north, Kisha, Duke, and the others were busy clearing the area outside the walls. Fortunately, the walls were stronger than ever, reinforced with earth spikes and ice crystal spikes created by Rose. Even with the evolving zombies slipping past the gunfire from the soldiers and the barrage of awakened abilities coming from all directions, the undead couldn''t get close. The spikes impaled them before they even had a chance to reach the walls. Although the zombies had grown faster and more resilient, their defenses had improved, but they hadn''t become any smarter. They charged directly toward the wall, oblivious to the spikes. In the end, the spikes stopped them, but Kisha and the others knew they couldn''t rely on them forever. The spikes could only hold so much. Eventually, the zombies caught in the traps would become stepping stones for the others, allowing them to climb over and reach the wall. One advantage they had was that the wall was 10 meters high, making it difficult for the zombies to scale it. "Alright, soldiers, prioritize the closest zombies! Superhumans, focus on the ones in the middle¡ªtake down as many as you can!" Kisha commanded sharply, pausing just long enough to give her team the chance to adjust to the zombies'' patterns and speed. Within moments, the soldiers and superhumans adapted to the new strategy, shifting tactics in perfect unison to follow her orders. This strategy allowed the soldiers to conserve ammunition by focusing only on the zombies caught in the earth spikes, while the superhumans handled the incoming threats. Though the superhumans'' aim didn''t always result in a sure kill, often only severing limbs like legs or arms, this was enough to slow the zombies down. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even if they couldn''t eliminate them with a single shot, the superhumans took advantage of the pause, using the moment to adjust their aim and strike again¡ªthis time ensuring a kill. "Good! Keep this pace!" Kisha''s voice rang out, firm and encouraging. Thanks to both her passive and active abilities, the superhumans were able to push through without feeling the usual exhaustion, their energy sustained as they fought. On Duke''s side, after unleashing his overwhelming power, he took a brief moment to recharge, allowing his spiritual energy to replenish. Despite the toll it had taken on him, his voice remained sharp and commanding as he barked orders to the soldiers and superhumans. "Use the machine guns¡ªaim for the head!" Though he had expended more spiritual energy than he let on, his face remained cold and unreadable. Only he knew how fatigued he was, but his expression gave no hint of the weariness creeping through him. "Yes, sir!" the soldiers responded in unison, their eyes locked on the street ahead. Duke remained standing in the center, his gaze fixed forward. "Superhumans, pair up. Use your awakened abilities to corner one zombie at a time, and work together. This will help you get used to their new speed, so you will not get caught off guard in future for melee combat." His voice was steady as he observed the horde outside. "Copy, Vice City Lord!" came the chorus of replies. Duke observed as the soldiers and superhumans followed his instructions, nodding slightly when he saw their initially clumsy efforts improve with time. He allowed himself a moment to rest, feeling his spiritual energy gradually returning to full strength. For now, he crossed his arms over his chest, maintaining a calm yet commanding presence as he directed the team. However, the chaos wasn''t limited to the outside. Reports soon came in of survivors within the base turning into zombies. These were likely the ones who had been exposed to the blood rain but failed to awaken an ability, instead succumbing to the transformation into the undead. When Bald Eagle discovered this, he learned that some survivors had tried to conceal the infected, unable to accept the horrifying truth that their loved ones had turned into zombies. These were family members who hadn''t been bitten, and the survivors couldn''t understand how it had happened. Grief-stricken, they could only cry in despair. Despite their denial, they tried to hide the transformation, but it was the neighbors who lived closest to them who reported the situation to Bald Eagle''s team. They knew the threat could escalate, and they acted quickly to prevent the incident from growing and potentially threatening the safety of the entire base. Most people knew that concealing this was selfish and could jeopardize the entire base, but they couldn''t help it. The transformation had come so suddenly, and the emotional turmoil of losing their loved ones made it hard for them to act rationally. Some survivors who had been exposed to the blood rain began transforming on the first day of the Geostorm, but their families had hidden it, unwilling to face the truth. Others had turned on the second or third day, and it was only now that Bald Eagle had become aware of the growing threat. Chapter 543 - 543 A Mothers Grief "Encircle the building!" Bald Eagle barked angrily, his eyes burning with fury as he stared at the structure. Inside, some of the families were hiding their infected loved ones, reluctant to kill them. They had bound the zombies with ropes and gagged their mouths to muffle the growls, hoping to keep them from drawing attention from the neighbors. No matter how hard they tried to hide it, some neighbors couldn''t ignore the commotion, the muffled growls, and the putrid stench of rotting flesh emanating from inside. Bald Eagle''s team surrounded the building, their expressions grim and jaws clenched in determination. "We''re in position, sir! Waiting for your order!" the warriors said in unison, their voices steady but taut with anticipation. "Don''t come any closer!" a family member of the infected shouted from inside the house. The door and windows were already tightly shut, the family doing everything they could to keep Bald Eagle and his team out. But would this flimsy barrier be enough to stop them from forcing their way inside? Of course not. The family''s resistance only fueled Bald Eagle''s anger further. Adopting Duke''s ruthless approach, he no longer had any patience for their explanations. His sole focus was doing his job and ensuring the safety of the base from this growing threat, especially with Kisha and Duke busy fighting off the zombies at the wall. But as history has shown, the hardest threats aren''t those from the outside¡ªthey come from within. It''s not the attacking force that''s the greatest danger, but the traitors who manage to infiltrate the walls and undermine the defense from within. And guarding against such attacks was always the most difficult challenge. Bald Eagle now approached the situation with more focus and determination. "Tear the door open!" he barked, his eyes narrowing with intensity. Inside the building, the people grew restless, fear spreading among them as they realized what was coming. "Don''t come! Stay away!" A woman''s voice shouted from behind the window, trembling with fear. "Please, don''t come! Just leave this to us¡ªI swear it won''t be a threat to the base. Please, trust me!" "No!" Bald Eagle''s voice was firm, cutting through the air. "Even if the one who turned into a zombie is your son, your husband, or any other family member, we can''t allow a zombie to live and walk inside the base. Not only will it kill your remaining loved ones, but it will also put everyone else at risk!" His words were not aimed at reasoning with the woman inside¡ªhe knew she was beyond listening, consumed by grief, disbelief, and sorrow. She couldn''t hear him anymore. But Bald Eagle wasn''t speaking to her. He wanted the other survivors to hear, to understand. He knew that, no matter how some might try to hide those who had turned, the rest of the community, those with any conscience left, would never allow the secret to remain. Bald Eagle needed them to understand just how dangerous it was to keep a zombie within the base. Even if they had contained it for now, accidents always happened¡ªand leaving everything to chance was too risky. "No!!!!" The woman''s voice shrieked from inside, wild with desperation, her cry both heartbreaking and maddening. But Bald Eagle had already hardened his heart, knowing that the safety of everyone else was his responsibility. "Kick the door open!" Bald Eagle commanded again, his voice unwavering. His warriors snapped back into focus, exchanging determined nods before advancing toward the building. They ignored the frantic, nonstop shouts of the woman pleading for them to stop, their focus set on the task at hand. They began kicking at the door, but it didn''t budge. It was clear the woman had barricaded it with every piece of furniture she could find, making it nearly impossible to open. With each kick, the door barely moved. Inside, the woman had already positioned herself behind it, using her own body to hold it shut, desperate to stop them from entering. "Honey... Don''t worry, I won''t let anyone hurt you..." The woman whispered, her voice trembling as she gazed at the figure tied to the floor. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The zombie''s bloodshot eyes seemed to weep tears of blood, its movements frantic and desperate. It squirmed against the ropes, trying in vain to break free, its body relentless in its efforts. Though it felt no pain, the constant struggle tore at its flesh, leaving its hands and ankles raw and nearly reduced to bone as it rubbed against the bindings. As Bald Eagle''s team battered the door, the woman frantically worked to reinforce the barricade, pressing her body against it to keep them out. "You can''t come in! I won''t let you hurt my son!" she hissed, her voice raw with madness. Her eyes burned red with a mix of fury and pain, the weight of her grief consuming her. Her only son¡ªher only remaining family¡ªhad turned into a zombie, and she had no understanding of how it happened. They were supposed to build a life together, support each other in this broken world. Now, all that hope had shattered in an instant. They had only each other now. Most of their family and friends had either turned into zombies or perished trying to escape to City B. Her son was all she had left, and together, they had built a small, fragile sense of normalcy. They had work, they earned enough to buy meat from the Supply Center, and for the first time in a long while, they had hope for tomorrow. They talked about the future¡ªabout awakening their abilities, about the life they still hoped to live. She dreamed of seeing her son fall in love, get married, and have children. She imagined holding her grandchildren in her arms, watching them grow. So many milestones, so many moments they had looked forward to, now seemed so far out of reach. The future they had planned¡ªher son''s future¡ªhad just been ripped away in an instant. She couldn''t accept it. She refused to. In her heart, she still believed there was a cure somewhere¡ªa way to bring her son back. She told herself that if she just waited long enough, someone would find it, and everything would be okay again. But the harsh reality was closing in, and she couldn''t deny it anymore. Her son had turned on the first day of the Geostorm, and since then, she had kept him tied up, desperately clinging to the hope that it wasn''t too late. But now, after days of neglect, the wound on his body had begun to fester and rot, emitting a sickening odor. He wasn''t her son anymore. He was just a shell, a walking corpse, driven only by the remnants of a broken mind. Thud! Thud! The warriors outside kicked the door with relentless force, each blow growing more urgent than the last. They weren''t devoid of compassion¡ªeach of them could feel the woman''s anguish, her heartache¡ªand yet, they couldn''t ignore the truth she refused to see. What she called love was really a dangerous kind of selfishness, and they were the ones who had to make the hard call. Her refusal to accept reality, to let go of what was gone, could lead to catastrophe for everyone in the base. If the zombie broke free, if it spread the infection or killed someone else, the consequences would ripple outward, devastating more lives. More families would be torn apart, just as hers had been, and others would be left to suffer the same agonizing loss. Was that what she truly wanted for her son? To have his memory be the cause of even more grief and more victims, caught in the same destructive cycle? The onlookers gathered around the building, their hearts heavy with sympathy. They could all feel the woman''s pain, as they had each experienced the same gut-wrenching grief more than once since the apocalypse began. No one could blame her for the overwhelming sorrow that clouded her judgment¡ªit was a natural, human response. But as they watched the scene unfold, a sense of unease settled over them. Their feelings were torn. While they understood her pain, they also knew the reality of the situation all too well. Keeping a zombie inside the base was an incredibly dangerous gamble, one that could spiral into disaster if not dealt with swiftly. They couldn''t shake the fear of what might happen if it broke free¡ªif it spread the infection or caused more lives to be lost. At that moment, they were caught between empathy for a mother in agony and the cold, harsh knowledge that the safety of everyone in the base was at stake. The air was thick with tension as a heavy silence settled over everyone. Each person was lost in their own thoughts, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. The woman''s frantic shouting from inside the building echoed through the quiet, her desperate pleas growing more frantic with each passing second as she tried to barricade the door. Meanwhile, the doorframe groaned under the relentless force of the kicks, its wood splintering and creaking as dust fell with each impact. The frame was visibly buckling, on the verge of giving way, as if it could barely withstand the mounting pressure. Every violent strike made the walls shudder, amplifying the sense of impending collapse. The longer it took to bring down the door, the harder the warriors kicked, their strikes growing more forceful with each passing moment. They understood the urgency of the situation¡ªthe longer they delayed, the more unpredictable and dangerous things could become. They couldn''t afford hesitation. From inside, the woman''s desperate cries pierced the air, her voice raw with anguish. "Ah!!! Ah!!! No!!!" She screamed, her words laced with a mixture of denial and fear, as though hoping against hope that somehow, they would listen. Chapter 544 - 544 Those Who Mourn "Ah!" The woman let out a piercing scream, suddenly shrill and filled with unrestrained terror, like the cry of an animal in its final moments. Her frantic pleas faltered, choking off into a breathless silence. Then, the silence shattered as a guttural, primal roar erupted from behind the door, echoing with a bone-deep ferocity that made everyone freeze. Roar! Grah! Without even looking, they knew what had happened inside¡ªit was already too late to save the woman. This was the price she paid for concealing her son after his transformation. The warriors under Bald Eagle, now on high alert, didn''t let the grim reality slow them down. They redoubled their efforts, kicking at the door with renewed urgency. After several powerful strikes, the door splintered nearly in half. Working quickly, the warriors pried it open, their movements precise and cautious. The furniture piled behind the door served as a temporary barrier, providing a small measure of safety against the zombie inside. It gave the team enough time to force their way in without fear of an immediate attack, but they knew the real danger was just beyond the threshold. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Through the small gap, they could hear loud, ravenous munching sounds, as if the person on the other side was desperately hungry. Low growls rumbled from within the room, adding to the tension. However, due to the furniture blocking their view, it took them longer to break down the door. By the time they finally managed to tear it open, Bald Eagle had already pushed the civilians farther back to ensure no one would be caught off guard if the zombie lunged out the moment a path was cleared. The civilians, fully aware of the danger and knowing they were powerless to help, took several cautious steps back. Some of the warriors stood by, rifles aimed at the door, ready for any sudden movement. Meanwhile, the rest of the team continued to work on the door, carefully moving the furniture aside. Since not all the warriors had awakened yet, they moved with extreme caution, fully aware that any misstep could lead to a deadly bite from the zombie. Fortunately, most of the furniture blocking the door wasn''t very large¡ªjust stools, chairs, small drawers, and tables. As they cleared the last of it, the warriors finally got a clear view inside the house. What they saw made their stomachs twist. The male zombie was crouched on the ground, ravenously gnawing on a body, its face buried in a pool of blood. It didn''t take much to realize the body belonged to the woman from earlier. The zombie gripped her arm, sinking its teeth deep into the flesh, tearing away at the ligament and skin as it pulled with horrifying strength. It was a truly nauseating sight, one that made even the seasoned warriors who had witnessed all this gruesome sight before pale as they stood frozen, forced to watch every horrifying detail up close. Some of them, with weaker stomachs, couldn''t hold back and vomited on the spot. Despite having witnessed such scenes countless times before, the raw brutality of it still struck them hard. The grotesque sight stirred up deep, unwanted emotions and memories they had long buried, leaving them feeling physically sick and overwhelmed. Fortunately, the zombie was so consumed with its grisly meal that it didn''t seem to notice the warriors retching in disgust nearby. Only Bald Eagle, hardened by years of experience, remained focused. He aimed his assault rifle steadily at the door, stepping cautiously closer. When he reached the threshold, there was no hesitation. With practiced precision, he pulled the trigger, the shot ringing out as he struck the zombie directly at the back of its head, ending the gruesome feast. Bang! Bang! Bald Eagle fired several more shots, ensuring the zombie was truly dead before cautiously approaching the corpse. With a grim expression, he turned his attention to the unmoving woman on the floor. Knowing she would eventually rise as one of them, he made the decision to put her down now, rather than risk one of his warriors being caught off guard while handling the bodies. It was a harsh choice, but one made with survival in mind. He fired again, ensuring there would be no surprises and no more danger. The warriors standing to the side weren''t shocked by Bald Eagle''s actions. Instead, they regarded him with a deep sense of appreciation. They knew they weren''t yet strong enough to make such decisive choices themselves. This was the kind of leader they needed¡ªsomeone who could act without hesitation, even in the most brutal situations. They understood that if their leader had been as weak-willed as some of them, they would have paid for it with their lives long ago. Bald Eagle''s strength and resolve were the very qualities that kept them alive. After some time, the warriors regained their composure and began handling the aftermath of the situation. As they pulled the bodies from the house, the onlookers were struck by the gruesome fate the woman had met. It became painfully clear that trying to conceal the truth from the base''s leaders¡ªclinging to the hope of saving a loved one¡ªwas a dangerous mistake. The woman''s actions, driven by grief and desperation, had ultimately led to her tragic end. Yet, no one could entirely blame her. A heavy burden weighed on the hearts of those watching, as they imagined themselves in her shoes. None of them could fathom how they would react if faced with the same heart-wrenching dilemma. In the wake of the event, the survivors around the base grew increasingly vigilant. They understood the dangers of concealing a zombie and made it a priority to report anyone suspected of hiding one to Bald Eagle and his team. As a result, Bald Eagle found himself overwhelmed, constantly managing a growing list of concerns and dealing with reports from all corners of the base. The responsibility weighed heavily on him as he worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone. Kisha and Duke didn''t learn of the tragedy until much later, their attention consumed by the ongoing battle with the horde of evolving zombies attacking their base. Once they were informed of the situation, Kisha immediately ordered Bald Eagle to organize a mourning ceremony to honor those who had turned or died during this time. Bald Eagle and his team quickly set up a somber gathering in the square, arranging the bodies with care, their lifeless forms lined up side by side. As the last of the deceased were placed, the survivors began to gather around the square. Although none of the fallen were their direct family or close friends, a heavy sadness filled the air. The sight was overwhelming, and many felt the sting of grief, their eyes filled with tears as they mourned not just the loss of life, but the deepening of the community''s pain. Without realizing it, the survivors had long come to treat everyone inside the base as family, bound not by blood, but by shared hardship and survival. So, witnessing the deaths and transformations into zombies struck them deeply, each loss felt like a personal wound. The mourning ceremony became a solemn, sacred moment for all of them. With Duke leading the fire-type awakened ability users, they stood together before the bodies. Chapter 545 - 545 Those Who Mourn 2 As they raised their hands in unison, flames began to rise, engulfing the corpses and reducing them to ash. At that moment, the dead were not just burned¡ªthey were released, their tragic end marked by the fire that consumed them, closing a painful chapter for the survivors. As if the heavens themselves shared in their grief, a strong gust of wind swept through the square just after the cremation, lifting the ashes of the fallen into the air. The fine particles danced and swirled, carried freely upwards into the sky. All the survivors within the base watched in silence, their eyes following the trail of ashes as it rose, a collective moment of reverence as they looked up, acknowledging the souls now carried away by the wind. "May the souls of all these people rest in peace," Kisha''s voice rang out, steady and solemn, drawing the eyes of every survivor to her. Standing beside Duke, her face remained cold and indifferent, yet her eyes betrayed the depth of her pain. Without tears, her gaze seemed to cut through to their hearts, and for some reason, that quiet sorrow stirred even greater emotion within them. As they fought to hold back their sobs, Kisha''s voice broke the silence once more. "Don''t let grief consume you. These strong souls will now watch over us from above." "We must honor them not with sorrow, but with strength. Their passing is not the end¡ªnor does it define them." "We may or may not fully understand why some chose to hide their loved ones who turned into zombies, even as they ended up falling victim to those who turned and died, but we must learn to let go." "We owe it to them to carry on, to move forward for the sake of those who remain and for the sake of their sacrifice." "Only then can we carry the memory of our loved ones with us, all the way to the end of this struggle." "We will show them that their sacrifices were not in vain. Even if..." Kisha''s voice faltered for a moment, as if the weight of her own grief threatened to break through. She paused, regaining her composure, and continued, her tone calm but with a slight tremor. "Even if only one of us remains, we must keep fighting. We must survive, so that one day we can understand why this is happening, and see what the future holds." "That alone will bring peace to those we''ve lost, knowing that we will not let them down¡ªthat we won''t cause them to worry as they journey to the other side." "Those of us still alive must carry the burden and bear witness, continuing to fight. This is how we give justice to those who have perished." "When we eventually join them, we must have stories to share¡ªstories that will show them we did not falter, that we didn''t lose the will to fight, even when they were taken from us too soon." "I know this will be incredibly painful, especially for those of us left without family, but we must do it¡ªnot for ourselves, but for those who gave everything for us to reach this point." Kisha''s words struck deep into their hearts, and at that moment, they finally understood why they had to keep moving forward. Clinging to the last reason to keep going¡ªholding on to the memory of a single family member¡ªwas not the answer. The true answer had always been to grit their teeth, to keep fighting against a fate that seemed determined to crush them at every turn, where death lurked just a breath away. Kisha''s solemn words etched themselves into their hearts, solidifying their resolve to do better¡ªnot for their own sake, but for those they had lost along the way, whether friends, lovers, or family. They understood now: they must carry on. Kisha''s words rang true¡ªthose who had died did so by offering their lives, allowing the living to move forward while carrying their memories. It was a testament to the deep love those who sacrificed their lives had for the living, giving everything so the rest could keep fighting, keep surviving. If they were to give up, losing their will to live, wouldn''t that be dishonoring the sacrifices of those who chose to die to save them? Wouldn''t it be like a slap in their faces, making those who gave their lives regret ever doing so to save someone too weak to carry on? To give in to despair would be the ultimate betrayal, an ungrateful way to repay the lives lost for their sake. With their newfound understanding and renewed resolve to survive and grow stronger, everyone bowed their heads in a quiet prayer for those who had passed. They solemnly vowed to live as long as they could, so that when the time came to join their loved ones on the other side, they would have countless stories of their own adventures to share. In doing so, they would ensure that those who had died would never have to worry about them again. Because of this solemn end, many found the strength to start anew, a flicker of hope reigniting in their hearts as they paid their respects. Each person offered a heartfelt prayer, sending the souls of the departed to rest in peace. On Sparrow and Vulture''s side, they found themselves in a desperate situation as they reached the farm in the north after only a few hours of driving under the harsh midday sun. Cornered and on the brink of disaster, they faced a relentless attack from mutated animals. A mutated cow, resembling a raging inferno bull, charged at them without mercy. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Drive! Drive faster!" Vulture shouted, his gaze fixated on the creature as it rammed its fiery, horned head into the side of the truck. The cow''s horns, twisted like a ram''s, glowed with an eerie heat, and it seemed hell-bent on flipping the truck over, determined to take them down. "Shut the hell up! I can''t focus!" Sparrow snapped, his grip tightening on the wheel. Around them, the other trucks scattered, each trying to outrun the crazed bull charging after them. But it wasn''t just the cow¡ªother mutated animals were attacking as well. Though the storm had wiped out most of the livestock on the farm, the ones that survived had evolved into monsters of incredible strength and resilience. Even the superhumans were struggling to handle them. These mutated beasts boasted unnaturally high defense and stamina, making every encounter a battle of endurance. Bang! Sparrow''s truck was slammed again by the massive cow. The beast was so enormous it seemed to stretch half the length of the truck, and its height nearly matched the vehicle''s. The entire truck bucked violently as it rattled and wobbled across the road. The force of the impact sent Sparrow''s hands flying off the wheel for a moment, and the truck began to skid. Panic surged through him, but he gritted his teeth, desperately fighting to regain control as he yanked the wheel back, fighting against the slide. "Ah! Damn that fucking cow!" Vulture swore, gripping the overhead handle as the truck swerved. He focused, attempting to summon an earth spike to strike the beast, but it was futile¡ªthe spike barely made a dent in the cow''s thick hide. "Shit! This is useless! Drive, Sparrow!" "Shut the hell up, Vulture, you''re such a pussy!" Sparrow snapped, his teeth gritted in frustration. He struggled to steer, feeling the busted tire dragging the truck to one side. The wheel refused to respond, and the truck''s handling had turned erratic. "I''m trying, but this damn thing''s falling apart!" Chapter 546 - 546 Vulture VS The Mutated Cow "What the hell did you just say?!" Vulture''s head whipped around, his glare locking onto Sparrow. Frustration and anger flared in his chest¡ªnot only had his attack failed miserably, but now Sparrow had the nerve to snap at him and call him a pussy. Sparrow didn''t reply, his focus entirely on the wheel. Beads of sweat rolled down his temples as he fought to stabilize the truck, which was tilting dangerously to one side. "That''s it!" Vulture growled, his patience snapping. But instead of firing back with words, he acted. Without warning, he threw open the door and leaped out of the moving truck. "What the hell are you doing?!" Sparrow yelled, his voice cracking in alarm, while the man in the passenger seat shouted after Vulture in sheer disbelief. Both watched in stunned horror as Vulture hit the ground and rolled, disappearing from view amid the chaos. "Get back here, Vulture!" Sparrow shouted from his seat, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel. The truck jolted violently, but his focus remained split between keeping the vehicle steady and yelling after his reckless teammate. Meanwhile, Vulture hit the ground hard after his jump, rolling several times before finally coming to a stop on his knees. His palms slapped the dirt, embedding into the ground as he steadied himself. Fury burned in his eyes, hot and unrelenting, and his teeth clenched as his chest heaved. The truck, the insults, the failed attacks¡ªit all boiled over into a seething need to act. His gaze snapped to the charging cow, its fiery horns blazing, and a grim determination took hold. If he needed an outlet for his rage, this beast would do. To everyone else watching, it was a suicide mission. They had already seen the mutant cow''s raw power, its ability to shrug off attacks that should have at least slowed it down. From the back of the truck, the rest of the team saw Vulture crouching in the path of destruction and shouted in unison, their voices rising in panic. "Vulture, get out of there!" "Vulture! What the hell are you doing?!" someone shouted from the truck, their voice filled with panic. "Ah, shut up! I''m gonna cook this thing and turn it into a flaming steak!" Vulture bellowed, his voice echoing with raw anger as he glared at the massive mutant cow. Standing just a few meters away from the beast, his defiance was almost palpable. The cow''s reaction was almost human¡ªits fiery eyes seemed to narrow, its nostrils flared, releasing bursts of steam, and the flames on its horns roared brighter as if fueled by its growing rage. It pawed at the ground with its massive front hooves, the sound of scraping pavement sharp and menacing. "Oh, you''re mad now?!" Vulture taunted, a cocky sneer spreading across his face. He straightened, brushing the dirt off his knees with deliberate slowness, his gaze locked on the enraged animal. The cow let out a guttural bellow, its muscles rippling as it crouched low, ready to charge. Every movement screamed of its intent to obliterate the man in front of it, and the tension in the air was thick enough to cut. "Fuck you!" Vulture roared, his voice cutting through the chaos as he charged straight at the mutant cow. The ground seemed to tremble under the sheer intensity of their collision course. Neither backed down¡ªboth man and beast hurtling toward each other with unrelenting force. Instead of dodging at the last moment, Vulture met the flaming horns head-on. With a feral shout, he gripped the burning horns tightly, the searing heat scorching his palms but failing to deter him. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His feet dug into the pavement, anchoring him like an unyielding pillar as he strained to halt the beast''s relentless momentum. His muscles bulged under his shirt, veins pulsing visibly along his arms and neck as he pushed forward with raw determination. Every ounce of strength in his lower body came into play as his legs trembled with effort. His heels lifted slightly off the ground, his stance braced, leveraging every fiber of his being to counter the mutant cow''s massive strength. "Ugh!" Vulture groaned through gritted teeth as the searing heat from the cow''s flaming horns licked at his palms and face. Though the flames didn''t leave visible burns on his skin, the intense sensation was enough to make him cautious. Without hesitation, he summoned his earth armor, encasing himself in a protective layer of hardened rock and soil. Even so, he noticed something unusual¡ªthe flames hadn''t actually harmed him. A flicker of realization crossed his mind, but he dismissed it for the moment, focusing instead on the task at hand. Clad in his earthy shell, Vulture wrestled with the mutant cow, his feet grinding against the pavement as he pushed back against its monstrous strength. Not far off, Sparrow''s truck skidded to a halt as the passengers prepared to assist. However, the scene before them left everyone frozen in awe. Vulture, enveloped in his rugged armor, stood his ground against the massive, fiery beast¡ªa sight that made even the seasoned warriors hesitate in stunned silence. Vulture held his ground with surprising strength, keeping the massive cow from advancing. Despite the creature towering over him, the scene resembled a modern-day battle between David and Goliath. Vulture''s unyielding stance only seemed to enrage the beast further. The cow let out a deep, guttural moo of frustration, its hind legs kicking furiously against the pavement as it struggled to overpower its tenacious opponent. Yet, no matter how hard it pushed, Vulture refused to budge, his resolve as unshakable as the earth itself. Vulture smirked, his sneer cutting through the tension like a blade. "What''s wrong? Getting angry, you stupid cow?" he taunted, his voice dripping with defiance. Taking a deliberate step forward, he forced the massive beast to stumble back a step. The cow, furious at being overpowered, braced itself and attempted to ram him, but Vulture held firm. His grip on its blazing horns was unrelenting, rendering the creature''s attempts futile. "Mooo!!!" the cow bellowed in frustration, its fiery eyes burning with rage as it struggled against the unyielding force before it. The cow let out an enraged bellow, its nostrils flaring with thick, heavy steam. Vulture grimaced and shouted, "Ugh! Your breath stinks!" His voice carried both irritation and mockery. Behind him, Sparrow and the others watched the tense showdown with a mix of amusement and awe. A few of them chuckled at Vulture''s quip, but beneath the surface, anxiety gnawed at their nerves. They knew the stakes were high¡ªif Vulture failed to control the rampaging cow, it could ram him with devastating force. The impact might send him flying which might result in severe fractures or, worse, crush him to death. Not willing to risk Vulture getting seriously injured, Sparrow sprang into action, moving like a blur. In the blink of an eye, he appeared behind the cow, his speed so swift that the beast didn''t even notice him. Its full attention remained fixed on Vulture. Moooooo! The cow let out a sharp, pained cry, its fiery eyes darting sideways while its head stayed locked in place by Vulture''s iron grip. There, on its flank, stood Sparrow, his dagger glinting in the light. Chapter 547 - 547 The Mutated Cow Though the cow''s thick hide was formidable, Sparrow had managed to make a shallow but precise cut. "Its hide is ridiculously tough!" Sparrow muttered in frustration, repeatedly striking the same spot with his dagger. Each blow chipped away at the cow''s defenses as he focused on wearing it down to deliver a fatal stab to its stomach. Mooo! The cow let out a desperate, guttural bellow, the sound tapering off like the cry of a creature on the brink of death. Vulture, sensing its weakening strength, seized the moment. With a surge of power, he gripped the fiery horns tighter, his muscles straining as he channeled every ounce of his strength. Twisting his waist in a smooth sidestep, he hoisted the massive beast into the air and, with a roar of effort, slammed it onto the ground behind him in a bone-shaking crash. The cow''s body bounced slightly upon impact, skidding across the pavement. Thud! With a loud thud, the cow collapsed, its body going limp on the ground, unmoving. Both Vulture and Sparrow exchanged skeptical looks, surprise flickering across their faces. Sparrow stepped forward cautiously, examining the mutated cow. Its tongue hung out, slack and lifeless, while foam bubbled from its mouth. Blood trickled from its eyes, nose, and ears, creating a grotesque sight. The symptoms pointed to one grim conclusion¡ªit had been poisoned. Vulture and Sparrow exchanged a tense glance, and Vulture spoke first. "It wasn''t me." Sparrow opened his mouth to echo the same, but before he could speak, both of them noticed a drop of black liquid with a faint greenish hue dripping from the dagger still clutched in Sparrow''s hand. Vulture quickly jumped back, his eyes wide as he watched the liquid hit the pavement, sizzling upon contact. He glanced back at Sparrow, his expression one of confusion and silent questioning. Neither of them spoke for a moment, both unsure of what they had just witnessed. From a distance, those watching the scene were left to assume the outcome. They had seen Vulture slam the cow into the ground with incredible force, and when it stopped moving, they assumed the impact had killed it. After all, with Vulture''s strength, it wasn''t far-fetched to think the cow''s internal organs had been fatally damaged from the blow. "W-What is that dagger? Where did you get it?" Vulture asked, his voice tinged with unease as he instinctively took a cautious step back, reluctant to get too close to the mysterious blade. "I... The Young Madam gave me this dagger before we left," Sparrow replied, his voice tinged with a mix of fear and awe. He cautiously inspected the dagger, careful not to touch the blade, his leather gloves providing some protection. As he studied it, he noticed that the black liquid had stopped oozing from the blade. Instead, the dagger gleamed with an eerie, unnatural sheen, almost as if it were alive. As if recalling something important, Sparrow added, "The Young Madam called it the Shakan Poison Dagger." Vulture nodded grimly, his gaze fixed on the lifeless mutated cow. "Well, the name of the dagger was very self-explanatory. That dagger must be coated with a poison so potent that even a small cut was enough to seep into the cow''s body and take it down. No wonder it died so quickly." He placed his hands on his hips, still staring at the dead animal, the implications of the poison settling in. But then, the seriousness faded from Vulture''s face as he suddenly remembered something. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Damn it! So, I can''t even turn this beast into a steak now?!" He shot an incredulous look at Sparrow, almost as if blaming him for poisoning the cow. Sparrow raised an eyebrow, giving Vulture a skeptical glance. "You were actually thinking of cooking and eating that thing? Even without the poison, you''d still end up with food poisoning. Are you out of your mind?" Vulture choked on Sparrow''s sharp rebuttal. "What do you know? Sure, the animals mutated, but unlike zombies, these animals are still alive. The mutated cow''s hide might be tough, but we can''t say the same for its meat." "It could still retain its qualities as livestock, and if that''s the case, doesn''t it make sense that while humans evolve, animals do too?" "We''re still the predators, and they''re the prey, right?" Vulture explained. Although Kisha hadn''t specifically mentioned this before, he reasoned that while she''d said mutated animals were stronger and harder to kill, she never said they couldn''t be eaten. That meant it was still possible¡ªand maybe it was something people had done in Kisha''s past lives. It just so happened that hunting mutated animals was difficult, but it made sense to think that some of them could still be eaten, just like before. In that case, the balance would remain the same as it was before the mutation: some animals would still be safe to eat, while others might be poisonous and off-limits. Now that Vulture had brought it up, Sparrow began to follow his line of thinking¡ªsimple, and somewhat naive, but still with a possibility. "How about we bring some of this mutated livestock back to the base and ask Young Madam? If it turns out they can be eaten, at least we''ll have a sample to raise for the future." "It could give us some good options. And if it turns out they''re not safe to eat, we can always dispose of them later." "Yeah, right. You make it sound like it''s easy to catch this beast," Vulture said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. He was still holding a grudge that Sparrow had ruined his hunt by poisoning the mutated cow. It could''ve been his trophy to bring back home, and the idea of eating its meat had crossed his mind¡ªthough, he thought, maybe it wasn''t such a bad idea after all. He could always think of it as the hunter eating his prey. Besides, Vulture genuinely believed that the mutated cow''s meat might be safe to eat. After all, they were now superhumans, and their evolved constitutions might be able to handle the meat of a mutated animal. Seeing the thoughtful expression on Vulture''s face, Sparrow sighed, knowing that his mind was solely focused on food. Shaking his head, he crouched down in front of the mutated cow and examined it. Using a different dagger, he carefully stabbed at the cow''s hide¡ªbut as soon as the blade made contact... Clank... A sharp ''clank'' echoed through the air as the dagger snapped in two. Sparrow looked up at Vulture, who had witnessed the mishap in silence. After a moment, Sparrow smirked. "And you plan to eat this?" he teased, his tone dripping with mockery. "Good luck with your teeth." He chuckled, savoring Vulture''s silent frustration, before returning his attention to the lifeless mutated cow. Since regular blades were ineffective, Sparrow had no choice but to turn to the dagger Kisha had given him. This time, however, when he used the dagger, there was no black liquid leaking from the blade. It seemed that the strange substance before was actually the mutated cow''s blood, which had been tainted by the poison coating the blade. The poison had thinned the blood and turned it black with a greenish hue. Chapter 548 - 548 How It Ended Up Like This This explained why the cow was still bleeding until now¡ªit was the poison, making the blood run thinner and darker. As the thought crossed his mind, Sparrow realized that it could very well explain everything. With this newfound understanding, he took the ''Shakan Poison Dagger'' and approached the mutated cow''s stomach area, where he had previously struck. He located the small wound he had inflicted earlier, and with the tip of the dagger, he carefully made an incision, probing to see what the poison had done to the cow''s insides. Everyone gathered closer to see what Sparrow and Vulture were doing to the mutated cow. The flame in its horn had long since died down, leaving everyone even more curious. It took Sparrow quite a while to cut through the stomach of the creature, and when he finally did, a black, watery blood gushed out. The consistency was so thin and unnatural that it was hard to believe it was blood at all. No wonder the mutated cow had died so easily. Surprisingly, just as Vulture had mentioned, the mutated cow''s meat was incredibly tender, much like wagyu beef. Its flesh marbled with fat, and despite its massive, muscular frame, the meat wasn''t made up of tough ligaments and muscle. The contrast was so striking that Sparrow and everyone else stood there dumbfounded. Unlike its tough hide, the meat inside was surprisingly easy to cut through, almost like butter under Sparrow''s blade. He briefly wondered if the dagger Kisha had given him was special, its sharpness perhaps making the task easier. Curious, he glanced back at Vulture, grabbed the dagger at his side, and tried using it to cut through the mutated cow''s meat. To his surprise, the dagger sliced through the flesh without any issue. "Told you, this mutated cow could still be eaten," Vulture said smugly, his arms crossed as he looked down at Sparrow, eager to rub in that he was right. Despite Vulture''s confidence, Sparrow remained cautious. While this might prove Vulture''s point, he couldn''t shake the feeling that there might be hidden issues with the mutated cow''s meat that they hadn''t discovered yet. After all, the cow had died from poisoning, and they wouldn''t know for sure until they examined the other mutated cows. After standing up, Sparrow motioned for everyone to head back to the truck. "Alright, let''s get back and find our people. One Space Tye Awakened Ability User, store this mutated cow in your space, and we''ll let the City Lord examine it once we''re back!" He clapped his hands together to shake off the dust sticking to his gloves, then wiped Vulture''s dagger clean off any residue to the mutated cow''s hide. Holding the blade carefully, he returned it to Vulture, waiting for him to take it before doing the same with the dagger Kisha had given him. Vulture eyed Sparrow''s dagger with interest, a wide, fawning smile spreading across his face. "Hey, Sparrow, mind if I borrow your dagger for a bit?" he asked eagerly, clearly eager to test out the mysterious, razor-sharp blade. At the sound of Vulture''s wolfish tone, Sparrow instinctively gripped his dagger tighter, not wanting Vulture to get any ideas. The "borrow for a bit" could easily stretch into something much longer. After all, once Vulture realized the dagger also enhanced the wielder''s strength¡ªsomething Sparrow had felt firsthand earlier¡ªhe''d probably never want to give it back. Without a word, Sparrow quickly turned and strode back toward the truck, leaving Vulture standing there with his hand outstretched. "Use your big hammer..." Sparrow said, and it was only then that Vulture remembered he had left his massive hammer behind. He had forgotten to use it earlier, as it was too large to carry comfortably. He had leaned it against the seat, deciding it would be too cumbersome to keep in his lap during the journey, especially with the cramped space. Even with that massive hammer, Vulture doubted it would do much against the mutated cow. The creature''s defenses were so tough, he feared his hammer might end up like Sparrow''s dagger¡ªbroken after just one strike. "Hmph! Cheapskate!" he grumbled, chasing after Sparrow. He slid into the truck''s passenger seat, but once inside, they all realized they had forgotten one important detail¡ªthe truck had taken quite a beating from the mutated cow. So, they all climbed out again. "We need to change the tire and fix a few things¡ªthe truck''s leaning to one side," Sparrow said, gesturing toward the vehicle. A few of Winters'' men jumped into action, working together with Vulture to lift the truck, since they didn''t have a car jack. While Vulture and the others focused on changing the tire, Sparrow took charge of perimeter security, leading the rest of the team. Meanwhile, he tried reaching out to their other group via radio. "Over, over, can anyone hear me?" Sparrow spoke into the radio, standing atop the truck and scanning the horizon. All Sparrow could hear was the static crackling through the radio, no response coming through. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sparrow, any news?!" Vulture''s voice shouted from below. His muscles were straining, veins bulging in his neck, arms, and forehead as he lifted the side of the truck while the others worked on changing the tires. Vulture, stronger than the rest, was carrying more weight, but the truck''s bulk was still too much for him. Despite his struggle, he didn''t stop asking about their other team members. They had all been separated, and it would surely hurt Duke if he were to hear that more of his people had been lost in the mission. "No, no one''s answering!" Sparrow replied, his voice heavy with concern. He descended slowly to the ground, his wind ability carrying him gently down. "You keep an eye on everyone while you''re changing the tires and stabilizing the truck. I''ll scout the area for a bit¡ªhopefully, I can find some trace of them." Sparrow didn''t wait for Vulture''s response. Instead, he leaped into the air with the agility of a frog, soaring a few meters high before grabbing onto a nearby pine tree. With swift movements, he climbed higher, then leaped again, using the trees to propel himself through the forest as he searched for any signs of their missing team. As Sparrow leaped from tree to tree, he kept his gaze trained on the ground, using his ''Hawk Eyesight'' to scan for any trace of his missing team¡ªwhether a trail or tire tracks in the dirt. But all he could find were hoof marks and other animal prints. A tightness gripped his throat as worry began to gnaw at him. These people were under his command; their safety was his responsibility. If anything had happened to them, the weight of it would fall squarely on his shoulders. He never expected things to go south so quickly once they reached the outskirts of the north. As he drove along the dirt road toward the farm, still a few kilometers away, everything had seemed to be going smoothly. They''d successfully outmaneuvered the evolving zombies that had relentlessly pursued them, fending off multiple attacks and even managing to shake their tail as they neared the edge of the city. As they made their way halfway through the northern stretch toward the farm, a loud banging sound echoed in the distance, coming from the thick trees ahead. The birds scattered from the branches, their sudden flight signaling the presence of a large, dangerous predator drawing near. It was clear to him and the others that something formidable was approaching from that direction. They couldn''t afford to slow down or abandon the truck to travel on foot. The rumble of their engine had likely already drawn the predator''s attention, and it was probably closing in on their position. Without hesitation, Sparrow slammed his foot on the gas, accelerating down the dirt road. The other trucks, following his lead, revved their engines in unison. The vehicles bounced violently as they hit rocks and potholes, the tremors shaking them to their core. But no one complained. Everyone gripped the overhead handles tightly, bracing themselves to ensure they wouldn''t be thrown off during the chaotic ride. Despite the roar of the truck''s engine, Sparrow''s ears caught a distant, thunderous marching sound¡ªsomething like the pounding of hooves or the charge of a bull. He couldn''t be sure, as the noises blended together in the chaos. But before he could process it, the truck was suddenly slammed from the side with incredible force, nearly sending it into a violent roll. Sparrow reacted instinctively, jerking the wheel just in time to prevent the truck from overturning. The maneuver minimized the impact, but it wasn''t enough to stop the massive dent left in the armored vehicle''s side. The sheer strength of the attack was undeniable. Just as Sparrow thought the danger had passed, a fresh wave of thunderous marching sounds echoed from the same direction. Emerging from the forest, a herd of mutated cows with flaming horns charged toward the convoy. Instead of huddling together and risking being overwhelmed, each driver veered off in a different direction, accelerating without hesitation. The mutated cows scattered in response, but most of them relentlessly pursued Sparrow''s truck. With quick thinking, Sparrow swerved and rammed the body of his truck into one of the massive cows, jolting everyone inside. The force of the impact caused the truck to lean sideways, but it was a necessary move to shake off the pursuing herd. After Sparrow slammed into the leading mutated cow, it collapsed to the ground, only to be struck by the other charging cows behind it. The impact sent them all tumbling, creating just enough chaos for Sparrow to floor the accelerator and drive away. Chapter 549 - 549 Being Followed Unfortunately, they hadn''t managed to fully escape. One mutated cow had still followed them¡ªthe very one they had just killed. Now, with no one from the other teams responding and their current location isolated, he had no idea where to even begin searching for his teammates. Honestly, they shouldn''t have gone to the farm in the first place. They already had the livestock from Hera''s space prepared and could have moved them out and transported them back to the base as soon as they found a safe location. Going to the farm was primarily a way to investigate the situation, especially after encountering the mutated rats. Sparrow and the others needed to determine if other animals were also starting to mutate and assess whether these creatures posed a significant threat to the base. They intended to report their findings back to Kisha. However, it was shocking to realize that even before they reached the farm, mutated cows were already in the forest, causing havoc near the city. This raised a troubling thought¡ªif they hadn''t gone out, these mutated cows might still have found their way toward the city. And who knows what chaos might unfold if the zombies and mutated animals ended up fighting each other? "Fuck!" Sparrow cursed under his breath. He had already strayed too far from his team, and going any farther would only make it harder to return quickly. Reluctantly, he changed direction, picking up his pace. He couldn''t afford to stay away for too long¡ªVulture and the others might find themselves in the middle of another dangerous situation while waiting for him. "Sparrow, over..." Vulture''s voice crackled through the radio. Sparrow halted mid-movement, gripping a tree branch with his right hand and hanging there like a monkey. His left hand reached for the radio strapped to his belt. "What''s wrong?" he replied, his voice calm but tense. The radio crackled again, the weak signal distorting Vulture''s words, causing them to turn garbled at times. "Any lead?" "None. I''ve already tried a few directions, but I can''t find their tracks," Sparrow said, his voice heavy and hoarse. Vulture could hear the frustration and self-reproach creeping into his tone. Sparrow rarely cared about losing others, but the Winters men were different¡ªthey were brothers, the ones they had grown up with. Even after all they had been through, even with their hardened exteriors, the bonds they shared still carried a sense of warmth and loyalty. This was why the normally composed Sparrow, who hadn''t even flinched when his people were gunned down during his showdown with Victor in Port City, was now on edge. The thought of losing his team was eating away at him. "Don''t be too hard on yourself. How about we head to the farm? Maybe they all went straight there, thinking that''s where everyone would regroup," Vulture suggested, trying to comfort Sparrow. The truth was, none of them had discussed a rendezvous point in case they got separated. It wasn''t something they had anticipated¡ªsplitting up was far too dangerous, and operating separately was never part of the plan. Sparrow hadn''t even considered the possibility, and now he realized it was a mistake, one he wouldn''t easily forgive himself for. Reflecting on Vulture''s words, Sparrow nodded in agreement. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It occurred to him that he''d been away for quite some time. Perhaps Vulture and the others had already finished changing the tires and maintaining the truck, and they were now growing worried about his prolonged absence. With that thought, Sparrow secured the radio back onto his belt. Gripping the branch firmly with both hands, he swung his body forward, using the momentum to propel himself to the next tree. Moving swiftly, he leaped from branch to branch, his movements fluid and controlled. This time, however, he adjusted his path, choosing a slightly different route on his way back to ensure he didn''t miss any signs of his other teams. As he moved forward, Sparrow forced himself to clear his mind of worry. He knew it wouldn''t help their situation and might even cloud his judgment when he needed to stay sharp. However, the moment he managed to steady his thoughts, he noticed something unsettling¡ªthe eerie silence around him. There were no sounds of insects, no rustling leaves, not even the whisper of the wind. The unnatural stillness sent a chill down his spine, and his hair stood on end. His instincts were screaming at him, warning that something was very, very wrong. The last time he felt this way, he knew his life was in immediate danger. Without hesitation, he halted in his tracks, pausing atop a tree branch a few meters above the ground. His decision wasn''t driven by a reckless desire to confront the danger head-on, but by a deep concern that he might unwittingly lead it back to his unsuspecting team, putting their lives at risk. For now, the nature of the danger remained unclear, and Sparrow couldn''t be sure if it was following him like a predator stalking its prey. Smart predators often followed this routine to locate the nest of their prey, ensuring they could return to it again and again whenever hunger struck, securing a steady food supply. However, this kind of behavior was typically seen in predators with a family to feed, or those preparing for winter. In the worst case, it could be a predator hunting purely for sport, taking pleasure in the chase, and killing without any need for sustenance. Sparrow feared that the danger lurking in the shadows might be the latter¡ªan unpredictable predator hunting for sport. If that were the case, it would be catastrophic for his entire team to face such an unknown threat. Without betraying any change in his demeanor, Sparrow feigned exhaustion, deliberately breathing raggedly and fanning himself to add to the illusion. He leaned back against the tree, his eyes scanning the area methodically with his "Hawk Eyesight." He was determined to leave nothing unchecked¡ªevery small rock, twig, dead leaf, or subtle shift in the bushes or leaves around him was scrutinized for any sign of movement or danger. No matter how thoroughly he scanned his surroundings, there was nothing¡ªonly the unnerving silence, a sign in itself that danger was lurking nearby. ''Is it another invisible-type evolved zombie? Or maybe a mutant animal that could camouflage?'' Sparrow thought to himself. His mind raced with possibilities as he tried to piece together what was happening, searching for clues to understand the nature of the threat. Once he had a clearer picture, at least he would have a fighting chance¡ªan idea of how to confront or counter this unknown danger. The longer he stayed, the heavier his heart became, yet there was still no sign of movement around him. If it were another invisible evolved zombie, he might have been able to detect some distortion in the space around him, just like the last time he fought with such a zombie. The same would apply to a mutated animal that could camouflage itself in its surroundings. But no matter how hard he searched, even using his ''Perception Skill'' to slow everything around him and heighten his awareness, there was nothing. Every little detail should have been easier to detect, but the silence and stillness persisted, leaving him with an unsettling sense of being watched, yet finding nothing to prove it. Chapter 550 - 550 You Have To Return Alive It made him feel like he was fretting over nothing, yet the sense of danger was so intense and unmistakable that he couldn''t dismiss it as mere paranoia from the constant battles or his mind playing tricks on him. The feeling was too real, too sharp, to ignore. "Tsk!" Sparrow clicked his tongue in frustration, his patience wearing thin. Vulture and the others were waiting for him at the truck, and they still needed to search for their missing teammates. Despite his irritation, Sparrow couldn''t see a way out of this mess. The situation was only growing more complicated, and he was stuck in the middle of it. ''Why the hell am I so unlucky?!'' Sparrow muttered to himself, a mix of self-doubt and disdain in his voice. He couldn''t help but realize how often trouble seemed to find him on missions, as if he were some kind of magnet for it. ''Fuck, this isn''t funny at all...'' he muttered, though a touch of dark humor slipped into his thoughts. He forced himself to lighten up, hoping to shake off the heavy weight on his chest. ''Why can''t I attract a little good luck for once? Maybe some love life, instead of all this damn trouble?'' After a while of finding nothing, Sparrow leaped from one branch to the next, seemingly continuing his journey back. But in reality, he was trying to draw out whatever was following him. His senses were on high alert, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. Yet, with each movement, the heavier the feeling in his chest became, the more his unease grew. A sudden icy chill crept up his neck, forcing him to stop and spin around, only to find... nothing. This was the first time Sparrow had ever been this spooked. ''It isn''t a ghost, is it?'' he thought, his mind nearing the breaking point. ''Fuck... Is it playing with me? Or is it just enjoying watching its prey drown in fear before it finally shows itself?'' His expression darkened as his eyes darted back to the path he''d come from. ''When did it even start following me?'' Sparrow thought with a twinge of self-reproach. ''I didn''t notice until it was too late.'' He cursed under his breath, frustration building inside him. If he had kept his mind sharp the entire time, maybe he would have noticed the abnormality sooner. But his thoughts had been distracted, and now it was too late to turn back. Yet, no matter how much he beat himself up or reprimanded himself, it wouldn''t change anything. It was also possible that even with his mind fully focused, he might not have detected this shadow so easily. "Sparrow, over... What''s taking you so long? The mutated cows might come back and catch our scent out here in the open," Vulture''s voice crackled through the radio again. This time, it was clearer than before, signaling that Sparrow was getting closer to Vulture''s position. A bead of cold sweat formed on Sparrow''s forehead as the realization hit him. He grabbed the radio and said, "You lead the team to the rendezvous point, I''ll follow you guys." Sparrow deliberately avoided mentioning the location of their meeting spot. He was cautious¡ªwhatever was following him might possess enough intelligence to pick up on his words and track his teammates instead. After all, it was far more efficient for the threat to follow the group than waste time on a guarded Sparrow. Vulture, picking up on the tension in Sparrow''s voice and the words he''d chosen, immediately sensed that something was off. From their years of working together, Vulture knew Sparrow had likely found himself in a situation where returning to the main group would only put them at risk. It was also clear that Sparrow hadn''t identified the nature of the threat yet¡ªif he had, he would''ve given more direct instructions or even come up with a plan to confront it together for a faster, more effective resolution. Hearing the uncertainty in Sparrow''s tone, Vulture immediately understood that Sparrow wanted him to take charge and lead the team forward until his return. Leaving the group without a strong leader would only put them at greater risk. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Knowing Sparrow as he did, Vulture also knew that Sparrow wouldn''t feel at ease leaving his team in the hands of anyone else. But with Vulture in command, he knew the team would be in capable hands. Vulture was just as strong and competitive, ensuring everyone''s survival¡ªeven if they ended up bruised, battered, or on the brink of death. As long as they still had breath, it was enough, especially with the vial of blue liquid in their possession to pull them back from the edge of the underworld. "Alright, be careful, and don''t keep us waiting too long," Vulture said, his voice casual, but the unspoken threat in his tone was clear¡ªhe wouldn''t forgive Sparrow if he didn''t return. "Okay," Sparrow replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn''t find the right words. Honestly, he felt like his life was hanging by a thread this time. He couldn''t even promise he''d make it back alive. But hearing Vulture''s words stirred something inside him¡ªsome strange mix of guilt, determination, and gratitude¡ªas he slowly clipped the radio back to his belt. With his heart pounding, he scanned the surroundings once more, every sense on high alert. The soft rustle of leaves in the wind and the eerie creaking of the trees around him only heightened the tension. Once again, Sparrow felt that icy shiver crawl up his neck, as though something was breathing down on him. He recoiled instinctively, but, just like before, he found nothing. Frustration surged within him, mingling with a cold, creeping fear that pulsed through his veins¡ªdeath seemed to be watching, waiting. Sparrow hated that feeling. He had faced death countless times and never once allowed it to claim him without a fight. He was the type to claw his way out of the grave, to battle the Grim Reaper with everything he had. But this time was different. This time, doubt gnawed at him. He had never felt so vulnerable, never been so unsure. No matter how stacked the odds against him, he had always found a way to emerge victorious. Yet now, he felt cornered... trapped in a situation that even his will to survive couldn''t fully grasp. Sparrow''s mind raced, trying to devise a way out of this nightmare. He waited, listening intently, ensuring that Vulture and the others had left the area before making his move. Once he was sure, he took off, running with everything he had. Confronting an unknown threat was one of the most dangerous things to do¡ªit was like stepping into the dark, not knowing where or how the danger would strike. And with death''s presence creeping closer, Sparrow realized that staying there would only increase the risk. The longer he lingered, the stronger that oppressive sense of impending death became. Using his wind ability, Sparrow propelled himself forward, increasing his speed as the gusts pushed him onward. However, the rush was not without its dangers. Sometimes, he stumbled on the branches, or sharp ends of twigs and leaves struck his face. Chapter 551 - 551 What Happened To Sparrow Luckily, his defenses had improved just enough to prevent any serious injuries, but the impacts were enough to blur his vision for a few seconds, causing him to nearly lose his balance and stumble multiple times. Despite the constant stumbling and the grim state he was in, he pressed on, urgency driving him forward. He kept his focus on his surroundings and his back, but no matter how hard he searched, there was nothing¡ªnothing following him. And it was driving him to the brink of madness. Another rustling of leaves and the eerie creaking of trees filled the air as a gust of wind swept past him. Sparrow''s stomach churned, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. "Fuck!" he growled under his breath, then leaped forward, pushing himself to go faster. '' ''Just a little more, he urged himself. His legs burned, but he didn''t stop, knowing he was closing in on the vast rice fields ahead. He had no idea how long he''d been running¡ªtime blurred in his mind. All he knew was that he was nearing the farm, though still not close enough. Ahead, there was a clearing, his last chance. Once he reached it, he could use it to force whatever was following him into the open. It was his only shot at uncovering his pursuer¡ªor perhaps, by then, the thing chasing him would give up and retreat. He didn''t know what to think, but as she leaped from branch to branch, the golden expanse of the rice fields came into view in the distance. A smile slowly spread across his face, and a wave of excitement surged in his chest. In that final moment, he pushed himself higher, leaping with all his strength to land a few meters outside the forest, right in the middle of the sprawling field. Ack! Cough... Cough... Sparrow''s vision blurred almost instantly as the golden hue of the rice field swayed before him, carried by the gusts of wind. Everything felt distant, and his surroundings began to darken. Desperate, he reached for the radio clipped to his belt, intent on sending a message that he wouldn''t make it back. But his strength was slipping away, and before he knew it, the radio fell from his hand, clattering to the ground as a stream of blood rushed from him, staining the earth beneath. Through his blurry vision, Sparrow looked down and saw himself suspended above the golden field, his stomach gruesomely torn open. Thick, thorny vines twisted through the gaping wound, their barbs glinting ominously. "Fuck... A m-mu...ta...ted plant," he managed to gasp, his voice weak and fading. Darkness quickly enveloped him, and in an instant, the vines that had skewered him yanked his body back into the forest. The eerie silence returned, as if nothing had ever happened. Sparrow vanished into the shadowy depths of the forest, leaving only his blood-stained radio abandoned in the middle of the swaying golden rice field. The wind carried a haunting stillness, rustling the stalks softly as if nothing had happened. Suddenly, the radio crackled to life. "Sparrow, over," a voice called, cutting through the silence, unanswered. "Sparrow, do you hear me? Over." Vulture''s voice rumbled through the static, his tone strained as he continued to call out for Sparrow. But no response came. When Sparrow sent him away, Vulture had reluctantly complied, immediately boarding the truck with the rest of the team. He delegated the driving to his co-passenger while he focused on monitoring their surroundings, ensuring their escape route was clear. They had driven a considerable distance before Vulture allowed himself to glance back, hoping to catch sight of Sparrow. But the forest remained ominously empty, with no sign of their comrade. Tension thickened as they pressed on, eventually reaching the farm. What greeted them was a scene of utter devastation¡ªa once-thriving place now reduced to ruins. The wreckage was everywhere, and it was clear the farm had been nearly obliterated. At least, this time, they encountered no further threats, but the absence of Sparrow weighed heavily on all of them. Only when they stopped in front of the farm did Vulture try calling Sparrow''s radio again. He convinced himself Sparrow was only a few kilometers behind, making his way to rendezvous with them¡ªbecause that''s how it always was. Sparrow was their reconnaissance expert, as elusive and quick as an eel. If anyone could outmaneuver danger and survive an ambush from the unknown, it was Sparrow. He was the one who always managed to slip through the tightest traps and emerge unscathed. In Vulture''s mind, Sparrow would be the last of them to fall. But as the static crackled in response to his calls, an uneasy silence began to gnaw at his confidence. As soon as they touched down, Vulture felt an unbearable weight settle on his chest, like a boulder pressing down, suffocating him. Sweat began to bead on his forehead, and his heart pounded painfully, each beat echoing in his ears as if it were being twisted by an unseen hand. The ominous sensation only grew stronger with every passing second. Gripping the radio tightly, he called out, "Sparrow, do you copy?" His voice carried an edge of desperation, but the silence that followed was deafening. The more he called Sparrow''s name without a response, the louder and heavier the pounding in his chest became, a primal warning that something was deeply, horribly wrong. "Fuck! Sparrow! Answer me!!!" Vulture roared, his voice raw with frustration and fear. In a surge of rage, he slammed his fist onto the hood of the truck with a resounding ''bang'', leaving a massive dent in the armored vehicle''s surface. The sound echoed in the uneasy stillness, but it brought no answers¡ªonly more suffocating silence. Bang! Everyone turned to look at Vulture, unease spreading among them like wildfire. The sight of him, usually composed and unshakable, visibly distressed sent a ripple of worry through the group. They exchanged glances, searching for answers in each other''s faces, but none could explain what was happening. This was unlike anything they''d ever seen before. Sparrow had disappeared without contact for days in the past, and Vulture had never reacted like this. They all knew the unspoken rule: trust in Sparrow and each other''s capabilities. Vulture, more than anyone, was familiar with how resourceful and resilient Sparrow was. During those times of absence, Vulture never faltered; he simply focused on training, confident Sparrow would return like he always did. So why now? Why was Vulture acting like this? The tension in his clenched jaw and the raw emotion in his eyes unnerved them all. If even Vulture, the rock of their team, was shaken, then what could it mean? What had happened to Sparrow? They all wanted to ask Vulture what had gotten into him, but the sheer intensity of his presence held them back. His bloodshot eyes burned with suppressed fury, and his clenched fists trembled as if he were moments away from flipping the entire truck with his bare hands. No one dared to step forward, not even to voice their concern. Even though other teams were still missing, their fates uncertain, Vulture had never reacted this way before. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 552 - 552 What Happened To Sparrow 2 He always maintained his composure, his trust in their resilience unshaken. But now, as he called out to Sparrow over the radio without a response, something within him was unraveling. Why was this different? What was it about Sparrow''s silence that caused Vulture to lose his iron grip on control? The unspoken question hung heavy in the air, and the unease among them deepened as they watched their unyielding leader teeter on the edge of rage and despair. They all wanted to know what was running through Vulture''s mind, but the sheer weight of his fury kept them at bay. The oppressive tension in the air made their nerves fray, and none of them dared to step closer or ask. An icy dread crept up their spines, turning their feet numb, while cold sweat trickled down their backs. The group fell into an uneasy silence, each unwilling to confront the fears that mirrored in the others'' eyes. Suddenly, a voice called out from the distance, cutting through the oppressive stillness like a knife. "Ah! It''s them!" The cry echoed through the wreckage of the animal farm, shattering the silence and snapping everyone''s attention toward the direction of the sound. Some of the Winters'' men turned toward the source of the voice, their eyes narrowing as they scanned the wreckage of the animal farm. In the distance, figures clad in black emerged, steadily pushing aside debris as they advanced. Their identities were unclear in the bright sunlight and swirling dust, casting an unsettling shadow over the scene. Instinctively, the group shifted into defensive stances, muscles tensing as they prepared for the unknown. Yet, Vulture remained detached from the moment, his thoughts consumed by the storm of emotions raging within him. His usual sharp instincts seemed dulled, his awareness of the outside world faltering as his senses betrayed him. "Captain, Vulture, we''ve got movement¡ªpeople are heading our way," one of the Winters'' men reported sharply, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. The team instinctively shifted into formation, their training kicking in as they prepared for potential confrontation. Recognizing Vulture''s distracted state, one of them nudged the team''s STAU forward, positioning him close to Vulture to make sure that he was just as protected. The rest of the group tightened their defensive perimeter, their eyes locked on the approaching figures. They couldn''t afford to take any chances¡ªnot when Vulture, their strongest pillar, seemed completely consumed by whatever storm raged inside him. The team drew their daggers in one hand and pistols in the other, their postures tense and deliberate. Each of them silently prepared to summon their awakened abilities, ready to adapt their tactics based on how the approaching group might react. The air around them buzzed with the weight of unspoken strategy, every member poised to respond to the slightest sign of hostility. But the figures advancing toward them were in no rush. Their unhurried pace only heightened the tension, the agonizing slowness building an unbearable pressure in the team''s already taut muscles. Every second dragged on, amplifying the nervous anticipation of the inevitable confrontation. The group standing under the glaring sunlight seemed to notice the tense and solemn atmosphere emanating from Vulture''s team. Their movement faltered, and they came to an abrupt stop, an action that only heightened the unease among Vulture''s men. Every muscle in the team coiled tighter, nerves stretched to their limit. Then, one of the figures on the opposing side slowly raised an object. The intense sunlight obscured it, blinding anyone who tried to focus on it¡ªeven binoculars failed to provide clarity. The unknown gesture, combined with the charged tension in the air, triggered a cascade of assumptions within Vulture''s team. The oppressive atmosphere, seemingly fueled by Vulture''s silence and intensity, cast a shadow over their judgment. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One team member, unable to suppress the growing unease, fired a shot. The bullet narrowly missed the figures and struck a piece of debris near their feet. The sound of the gunshot shattered the fragile stillness, and before anyone could process what had happened, others followed suit. A hailstorm of bullets erupted, raining down on the unknown group, turning a tense standoff into chaos in an instant. "Shit! You! You! Stop! Stop! What the hell are you doing?!" the people from the other side shouted desperately as they ducked and scrambled for cover behind anything they could find¡ªtorn-down walls, broken ceiling fragments, pieces of wood, or whatever debris was within reach. They waved frantically at Vulture''s team, holding up the object in their hands as if to signal their intentions, but their actions were drowned out by the relentless gunfire. Vulture''s men, blinded by tension and adrenaline, ignored the shouts and continued firing, their focus fixed solely on neutralizing what they perceived as a potential threat. "I said, STOP, you fuckers!" a furious voice bellowed from the other side. Suddenly, with a burst of raw power, a massive boulder¡ªlikely a chunk of a fallen pillar¡ªcame hurtling through the air. The boulder was as tall as an adult and as thick as a person''s waist, leaving everyone stunned. By the time Vulture''s team realized what was happening, it was already too late to react smoothly. Chaos erupted as they scrambled to dodge, diving out of their positions in a desperate bid to avoid being crushed. The boulder slammed into the ground with a deafening thud, kicking up debris and leaving a crater, a stark reminder of what could have been an instant death for anyone caught in its path. However, when a piece of a pillar was suddenly hurled toward their side, it solidified the belief among Vulture''s team that the approaching group had hostile intentions. This perceived aggression only escalated the situation further. The gunfire ceased, but not because the tension abated¡ªinstead, Vulture''s team transitioned to using their awakened abilities, unleashing an onslaught of elemental attacks. Fireballs blazed through the air, slicing wind blades tore across the field, and water bullets rained down in rapid succession. Some among them conjured jagged earth spikes, sending them hurtling like javelins toward the other side, creating a chaotic storm of destruction. The battlefield became a whirlwind of power and fury, with the attacks crashing down relentlessly on the other group, who had no choice but to take cover and endure the barrage. Perhaps it was the mounting pressure from Vulture''s uncharacteristic behavior, or the growing concern over Sparrow''s disappearance, with no word on their other teams'' whereabouts. A swirl of mixed emotions overtook Vulture''s team, and in the chaos, their impulsiveness got the better of them. The relentless barrage of attacks had been a release of their pent-up stress, but once that fury began to fade, their assault slowed, giving the other side a window of opportunity. Seizing the moment, a figure from the opposing team slipped from shadow to shadow, moving with remarkable speed. They were using their awakened ability to enhance their agility, darting from corner to corner with fluid precision, their buffing skill making them almost invisible as they closed in on Vulture''s team. The change in tactics was subtle, but it was clear: the tide of the confrontation was shifting, and the opposition was ready to capitalize on Vulture''s team''s momentary lapse. Without Vulture''s team noticing, the figure silently closed the distance, moving with stealth and precision. Chapter 553 - 553 What Happened To Sparrow 3 In one swift motion, the shadowy figure leaped from the corner, soaring into the sky, their form silhouetted against the blinding sunlight. As they ascended, the harsh light cast an eerie, elongated shadow across the ground. The sudden movement caught the attention of Vulture''s team, and they instinctively squinted against the glare. Realizing the threat, they immediately raised their arms in a defensive cross, bracing themselves for whatever was about to strike, their bodies tense and prepared for impact. "You motherfuckers!" The man shouted in fury, his voice full of raw anger. With a sudden, swift turn, he launched a midair spinning kick aimed at the nearest target. The force of the strike was devastating, sending the unfortunate victim flying. Though the person attempted to brace the impact by crossing his arms defensively in front of his chest, the sheer power of the kick overwhelmed him. He was slammed into the armored truck with a sickening thud, his back crashing against the metal with such force that he gasped in pain, struggling to recover from the impact. "Ugh!" A muffled groan of pain echoed through the air, causing everyone to tense up, ready to strike again. But before they could make another move, they froze, their eyes locking onto the figure. Covered head to toe in mud, only the faint outline of their eyes and a few contours of their face were visible, barely recognizable beneath the thick, muck-covered layer. It took a moment for the realization to hit¡ªthis person was someone they knew, someone they hadn''t expected to see in this state. "Ah, it''s you guys?!" One of Vulture''s men exclaimed in disbelief, halting mid-attack. His words caused the entire team to pause, their eyes shifting back to the others who had been hiding. As they noticed the stop of gunfire from Vulture''s side, the group from the other side slowly emerged from their cover, cautiously lifting the objects they''d been holding high into the air once more. The muddy figure turned to glance at his companions, his gaze meeting the realization that, despite their efforts, Vulture''s team still couldn''t see what was being raised in the air. "Fuck this!" he growled, slamming his foot into the ground. "No wonder there''s been this misunderstanding!" His voice was tight with frustration as he spoke through gritted teeth. One of Vulture''s team, still on edge, cautiously asked, "What do you mean?" The muddy figure exhaled sharply, shaking his head in frustration. "We noticed something wasn''t right on your side, so we didn''t want to startle you by getting too close too quickly." "We found a piece of cloth along the way, tied it to a stick, and raised it as a signal. But we didn''t consider the position of the sun, and we didn''t realize you wouldn''t be able to see it clearly." Someone on Vulture''s team let out an awkward laugh, scratching the back of their head. They weren''t usually this clumsy, but today had been a mess. Emotions had gotten the better of them, and in their rush, they''d overlooked key details, letting their bloodlust take over the moment they spotted a target. The others slowly approached Vulture''s team, each of them in a similarly sorry state as the man who had first come forward. Covered in mud from head to toe, some of it had already begun to dry and crack on their skin. "What happened to you guys?" someone from Vulture''s team finally asked, eyeing them with a mix of concern and confusion as they took in the sorry state of the newcomers. The first man who had confronted them let out a weary sigh before speaking. "When we got separated from you guys, our driver headed northwest, but unfortunately, a couple of mutated cows started following us¡ªtwo or three of them, and they seemed intent on impaling us with their horns." "We barely managed to escape, but luck was on our side when we stumbled upon a ditch, knee-deep in mud. It must''ve been a pond that dried up from the heat, only to fill up during the storm." "We immediately abandoned the truck, and the STAU with us used their space to hide it. We buried ourselves in the mud, hoping the mutated cows wouldn''t pick up our scent." "We couldn''t risk a direct confrontation¡ªno matter what attack we threw at them using our awakened ability, it didn''t work, and there were three of them. So, we had no choice but to stay hidden." The man paused, clearly still shaken by the memory. "Luckily, after we all took cover in the mud, the mutated cows didn''t follow us in, or we''d all be dead by now. But even so, getting out of that mud was no easy task. It took us forever to free ourselves, and by the time we finally managed to get out, we were exhausted." "Fortunately, that spot wasn''t too far from here, so we decided to make the journey on foot. We moved cautiously, knowing the mud on our bodies would mask our scent, giving us a bit of protection against any mutated creatures lurking around." With his explanation, Vulture''s team gained a clearer understanding of what had happened after they were separated. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite their grim appearance, it seemed that no one was seriously injured or missing. Given that, it truly felt like they had been incredibly fortunate to survive an encounter with three mutated cows that had relentlessly pursued them. "Are you sure you hid in the mud, and not in a pile of shit?" one of Vulture''s men teased, pinching his nose. Only then did the others notice the overpowering stench that surrounded the newcomers, causing everyone to instinctively take a step back. "Guess you weren''t all that fortunate after all," they added with a grin. They all chuckled for a moment, and after some time, the rest of the team slowly appeared in their line of sight, emerging from the same direction the other muddy people had come from. When the last of them arrived in front of Vulture''s group, they quickly did a head count to ensure no one from truck number 4 was missing. There were six trucks in total that had gone out with Sparrow. Each truck had no more than six people onboard, including the STAU assigned to each one. Only one truck didn''t have a STAU¡ªthis truck was supposed to carry the isolated pods for smaller animals like chickens, ducks, and rabbits. Sparrow''s truck had been number 1, so now, with two trucks'' worth of people gathered, they were still missing four more trucks. The newcomers, already on edge, started to grow more concerned. It wasn''t until they looked around that they realized Sparrow wasn''t with Vulture''s team either. "Wait, where''s Captain Sparrow?" one of the newcomers asked, confusion flickering in their eyes. At first, they had assumed he was out scouting or looking for the rest of the team. But as soon as the question was casually raised, the faces of Vulture''s team dropped, and the air grew heavy with unease. The newcomers'' expressions tightened with the unspoken worry that something was very wrong. No one answered, as no one knew how to respond. Even Vulture, still lost in his own thoughts, remained silent. But when he heard Sparrow''s name, it was as if he''d been shocked awake. Chapter 554 - 554 What Happened To Sparrow 4 His eyes snapped to attention, and without thinking, he began slapping his own face, as though trying to shake off the fog clouding his mind. Slap! Slap! "C-Captain Vulture, what are you doing?!" one of the newcomers asked, his voice laced with concern. He didn''t understand what had caused Vulture''s sudden outburst, but no one moved to stop him. The rest of Vulture''s team stood frozen, wearing expressions of guilt, their eyes avoiding the captain''s intense behavior. After a few forceful slaps, Vulture''s face turned red and swollen, the sharp impact leaving his skin stinging since he didn''t held back. But the harsh reality of his actions jolted him awake, pulling him out of the dark spiral of guilt and self-reproach. The weight of what had happened to Sparrow suddenly crashed down on him, and he knew he had to focus¡ªthere was no time for regrets now. With a hoarse voice, Vulture finally spoke. "Sparrow encountered a threat while scouting earlier, trying to locate the rest of the team, but we haven''t heard from him since..." His voice cracked slightly, the worry and guilt clear as day. It was obvious that he feared something terrible had happened to Sparrow, and that fear had caused him to lose control for a moment. But as Vulture stood there, the weight of responsibility hit him. He was now the leader of this group, and showing any more signs of weakness could fracture their unity. If the core of their leadership faltered, it would only lead to chaos and disarray among them. Since Sparrow had entrusted the others to his care, Vulture knew he couldn''t afford to let them down now. With a heavy heart, he took a deep breath, inhaling the weight of his responsibility. As he exhaled, he released the tension and his worry, clearing his mind and steeling himself for what lay ahead. "Sparrow will come back," Vulture muttered, though his words sounded more like a plea to himself than a declaration of certainty, to make himself believe that Sparrow will really come back. The quiet conviction in his voice only made the others'' eyes redden, but no one spoke. They simply followed in silence. Vulture tightened his grip on the radio resting at his side, as if the weight of it could anchor his thoughts. He took a steadying breath and began making his way toward the wreckage of the animal farm. They were standing at the entrance now, where once there had been an arc¡ªa photo spot for tourists. Beyond it had been a registration building, where visitors would pay their entrance fee. Now, all that remained was ruin. The piles of debris were so scattered that it was impossible to discern what had once stood there. The animal farm stretched across a vast expanse, with piles of debris littering the area and the foundations of what used to be buildings barely recognizable. Vulture and the rest of the team moved cautiously through the wreckage, surveying the extent of the devastation left by the Geostorm. The once-flat terrain was now a chaotic mess, the result of countless tornadoes tearing through the area. Debris was scattered far and wide, with some building fragments even reaching half a kilometer from the farm¡ªa detail that had been confirmed by Group 4. "Don''t move!" The sudden command cut through the air, halting Vulture''s team in their tracks. But instead of freezing, they merely shifted their focus toward the source of the voice, their eyes narrowing as they assessed the newcomer who had emerged from behind the rubble. "Oh, great. People from truck number 5, huh?" one of Vulture''s team muttered casually, his tone more relaxed now. After the earlier misstep of reacting too quickly, they had learned to hold back, making sure they knew who they were dealing with before jumping to conclusions. When they realized the newcomers were from their own team, the tension melted away, replaced by a sense of relief. As the group moved on, they continued to encounter other teams that had gone missing. No team had emerged unscathed. Group 5, for example, looked worse for wear, their members battered and bruised. It turned out, that in order to escape the mutated cow''s pursuit, they had leaped off a cliff, praying the mutated cows wouldn''t follow them. Thankfully, while the cliff looked dauntingly high and dangerous from the top, it turned out to be more of a steep slope than a sheer drop. Still, it had been treacherous, littered with jagged rocks. Group 5 had tumbled down the slope, each roll a painful jolt until they finally came to a halt at the bottom. Group 3 had taken a desperate gamble, jumping into the rushing river to escape the mutated cows. The current was brutal, nearly sweeping them away, and the mutated fish that now inhabited the river were enormous, some nearly as large as dolphins. These creatures hunted them, circling and snapping at them as they swam for their lives. It became a brutal struggle for survival, with the relentless current threatening to pull them under at every turn. Thankfully, some members of Group 3 had awakened abilities tied to water, which gave them a fighting chance. Their powers helped them fight against the current, pushing them toward safety. Just as they thought they had escaped the mutated cows, they found themselves trapped in the lair of the mutated river fish. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What was supposed to be their salvation turned into yet another deadly obstacle, as the ferocious fish came close to finishing them off. Lastly, Group 2 was the luckiest. They had managed to climb up into the trees near a vast flower field, successfully evading the mutated cows. The overpowering scent of the flowers masked their own, confusing the cows'' enhanced sense of smell. The mutated cows wandered the area for a while, sniffing the air in frustration, but the flowers kept them at bay. Only after a long stretch of time did the cows give up and move on. When it was safe, Group 2 carefully descended from the trees, but not before rubbing some more flowers on their bodies to further mask their scent. Just as they thought they had escaped, they found themselves nearly becoming targets of a swarm of enormous bees that had made their home near the field. It was a tense moment, but thanks to being used to Bell and her scarlet bees, they didn''t panic. Using their knowledge and familiarity with the bees'' characteristics, They were able to calmly make their way out, leading the group out of danger and away from the area without triggering an attack from the swarm. It was only then that the rest of the group learned that Sparrow''s team had actually managed to take down a mutated cow, that beast was larger than a horse. The revelation shocked everyone, but it was when Vulture mentioned plans to bring some of these mutated animals back to the base that the group erupted in disbelief. "Captain Vulture, that''s impossible!" One of the voices called out, filled with skepticism. "Our attacks could barely scratch those mutated cows. How are we supposed to bring one back?" A murmur of agreement spread through the group, everyone exchanging uncertain glances. The idea seemed almost absurd considering how little they had been able to do against these creatures. Chapter 555 - 555 What Happened To Sparrow 5 Vulture shrugged nonchalantly before replying, "It was Sparrow''s decision. Besides, we''ve already checked the quality of their meat, and it seems feasible to use them as a new food source." He paused, letting his words sink in. "It would only be believable to others if we bring back both types of animals¡ªthe mutated ones and the normal ones. With mutated animals already beginning to emerge, it would look suspicious if we only brought back the normal ones." His explanation carried a tone of practicality, but it did little to ease the unease rippling through the group. The Winters'' men understood Vulture''s point. It was true that the survivors within their base might not question much; their lives had significantly improved, and the Supply Center was well-stocked, so, their minds would be mostly at peace and would only be thinking about how to keep this peace for as long as possible. After all, those who had endured hell would cling tightly to the peace they had found, unwilling to return to a nightmare. They would cherish every moment of quiet and stability in their lives. Since Kisha had been so accommodating to the survivors, offering them a sanctuary of peace and the hope of a better future, few would willingly risk shattering it with their own actions. However, the situation would change once they opened their gates to survivors from other shelters and bases for trade. Outsiders were bound to scrutinize everything, and any hint of suspicion could trigger complications. Once trading began, it wouldn''t take long for distrust to fester. In such an environment, suspicion could escalate into action, and the looming threat of territorial conflicts and power struggles between leaders and bases would inevitably come to the forefront. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The team knew that preparing for such eventualities was crucial. After all, it was human nature to fall into such a mindset. Even with the looming threat of extinction and the constant danger posed by the zombies, many would still succumb to greed, prioritizing power and control over survival. They wouldn''t hesitate to exploit any situation as long as it served their own interests. And their Young Madam, with her enigmatic nature and boundless potential, along with her many secrets was like a gold mine waiting to be claimed¡ªa temptation too great for some to resist. As this realization sank in, the complaints gradually died down, and everyone began to reluctantly accept the mission. However, the daunting task of capturing mutated cows still loomed over them, and they couldn''t shake the feeling that it was nearly impossible. "What about other mutated animals, like chickens, ducks, goats, or something smaller?" someone suggested, their voice laced with a glimmer of hope. "We''ll get to them when we find them. Let''s see what''s out there," Vulture said casually. So far, they had only encountered the mutated cows, the mutated bees spotted by the other group, and the enormous river fish. It seemed possible that not all animals had undergone mutation, much like humans. However, given the growing number of mutated creatures they''d already encountered, it was safe to assume that more than half of the animal population had likely begun their evolution by now. After wrapping up their discussion, a heavy silence settled over the group. Finally, someone voiced the question that had been weighing on everyone''s minds. "Captain Vulture, should we search for Captain Sparrow first?" Though their primary mission was at the forefront of their thoughts, Sparrow''s unexplained absence loomed over them like a dark cloud. They couldn''t shake the unease creeping into their hearts. The longer Sparrow remained missing, the more their nerves stretched thin, and the uncertainty gnawed at their resolve. "But where would we even start?" someone interjected, breaking the group''s collective thoughts. The question hit hard, as it highlighted the daunting reality of their situation. Without any leads, searching for Sparrow would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Worse still, what if Sparrow returned to the animal farm only to find them gone? That could trigger even more confusion. He might worry something had happened to the group and set out to search for them in turn. It would only lead to both sides missing each other repeatedly, wasting precious time and increasing the risks for everyone. "Then what do you suggest we do?" Vulture asked, his voice rough, betraying the tension beneath his calm exterior. His face remained stoic, his expression unreadable, but the weight of his concern was palpable. Despite his worry, he focused on the mission, making it clear that his priorities were in line with what Sparrow had entrusted him to do. For Vulture, completing this mission was what Sparrow would have wanted¡ªhe couldn''t let anything distract him from that responsibility. "Let''s focus on our mission first," Vulture suggested, his voice steady despite the underlying worry. "If we still have time afterward, we can search for Sparrow before heading back. If we can''t find him, he should be able to make his way back to the base on his own. If he can''t get through due to the zombie horde, he''ll fire the flare gun to signal for backup or to indicate danger." "Honestly, this is the best hope we have right now," Vulture admitted, knowing how uncertain their search for Sparrow could be. "We don''t know where he went, and our search could take days." "But knowing Sparrow, he might just do what he always does¡ªhandle it himself and return to the base. After all, that''s why Young Madam trusts him with solo missions in the first place¡ªhe knows exactly what to do when things go sideways." Vulture could only hope that his instincts were correct. "Aside from Captain Sparrow, we''re also still missing truck number 6," someone added, their voice tense. Their expression flickered with a mix of worry and uncertainty, as the weight of their growing concerns seemed to grow and add up. "We should proceed with the mission and keep an eye out for them along the way. If we can''t find them, perhaps we should head back and report to Young Madam." "She could send the Scarlet Bees to search for the missing. That seems like a better option than continuing on our own." "Instead of wasting time, we should focus on finishing the mission and return as quickly as possible to initiate a proper search and rescue," one of the men suggested thoughtfully. He had remained silent up until now, observing Vulture''s emotional turmoil while maintaining a calm, detached demeanor. His ability to stay removed from the situation allowed him to see things more clearly¡ªafter all, as they say, bystanders often have a better perspective than those too deeply involved. ____ OMG, I have someone incredibly special to thank right now! A huge shoutout to the amazing Author Air_Ace, the brilliant mind behind ''When Love is a Question Mark'' and ''Blaze Deception: A Villain in a Hero''s Disguise.'' She went above and beyond by writing a song just for this novel! I''m absolutely in love with the lyrics and can''t wait to share them with all of you. She created two songs for this novel: 99 Times and 100th Life which you''ll see on Kisha and Duke Love nest channel on my serve Chapter 556 - 556 Searching For The Mutated Animals When Vulture was presented with a clearer course of action, he nodded without hesitation. The longer he hesitated, the more time he was wasting, and the thought of Sparrow possibly being in danger made his stomach churn. The uncertainty gnawed at him, and he felt utterly helpless, unsure of what to do next. "Alright, let''s do that," Vulture said decisively. With that, the group conducted a final inspection of the animal farm before regrouping and beginning their search for mutated animals in the wild. As they ventured out, they encountered numerous animal carcasses scattered around the perimeter of the farm. Some were crushed beneath boulders and collapsed structures, others torn apart and left in grotesque disarray. One particularly disturbing sight was a carcass hanging upside down from a pole, its lifeless form swaying slightly in the breeze. The stench of decay was overwhelming. Many of the corpses had already begun to rot, attracting a swarm of buzzing flies. Maggots writhed within the decomposing flesh, the sound of their activity adding to the grim atmosphere. The group pressed on despite the sickening scene, their expressions grim but resolute as they continued their search. Compared to the revolting stench of zombies, with their festering pus and other grotesque features, the odor of decomposing animal carcasses was tolerable for the Winters'' men. They scanned their surroundings with calm, indifferent eyes, their expressions unchanging as they began their search. Expanding their efforts outward from the farm, they shifted into hunting mode, meticulously examining the ground for traces of animal activity. The presence of only a few hundred dead animal carcasses near the farm indicated that not all had perished. It was almost certain that the survivors had undergone mutation, making them the team''s primary targets. Since it had rained during the Geostorm, any fleeing animals would have left tracks in the mud¡ªtracks deep enough that subsequent rain and environmental factors wouldn''t easily erase them. Fortunately, their gamble paid off. Not far from the animal farm, near a forest and golden rice fields, they spotted faint hoof prints in the muddy ground. The tracks were massive, as large as their faces, likely belonging to a mutated cow. Vulture suddenly froze in his tracks, a wave of doubt washing over him. The only reason they had managed to defeat a mutated cow before was because he and Sparrow had worked together¡ªand it was Sparrow''s precise strike with his dagger that had delivered the killing blow. Without Sparrow''s skill and assistance, the chances of successfully taking down a mutated cow seemed slim. Vulture''s hand clenched into a fist as they advanced cautiously, each step deliberate to avoid being caught off guard by the mutated animal they were tracking. Near the entrance to the forest, they finally spotted their targets: two goats grazing on the grass. But these were no ordinary goats¡ªthey were as large as pigs ready for slaughter, their massive, sharp horns gleaming like polished knives. The sight sent a shiver down the spines of the Winters'' men. One accidental ram from those deadly horns could mean instant death. Beyond their intimidating size, the goats'' hair was longer than usual, its glossy sheen reflecting the faint sunlight, further emphasizing their unnatural transformation. "Wait, didn''t they say goats freeze up when they''re startled?" someone whispered, as they are all crouching low behind the bushes and trees. They moved with utmost caution, every motion deliberate and subtle, careful not to make a sound that might alert the mutated goats to their presence. "We can only try and see," someone muttered before suddenly leaping from behind the bushes. With a wild, primal roar, he charged forward. His massive, bulky form made him resemble a hairless bear as he bellowed, "Gahhhhh!!!" His arms tensed as the roar erupted from his chest, and without a moment''s hesitation, his feet slammed onto the ground. The startled mutated goat, which had been grazing peacefully, immediately froze, spooked by the sudden outburst. Mehh! The mutated goat let out a startled bleat before its body stiffened, collapsing to the ground in an unnatural stillness. It lay there for several moments, frozen in place. "Now!" Vulture barked, snapping his team into action. With swift precision, they pulled out more ropes. Given the size of the mutated goat and its dangerously sharp horns, they made sure to secure it with multiple layers of rope. As soon as the goat regained its senses, it began thrashing wildly, trying to break free. Meeeheeeh! Meeeeh! The mutated goat bleated frantically as it struggled against the ropes, its thrashing intensifying. "I didn''t realize they could still get so easily spooked," the big guy, who had startled the mutated goat earlier, chuckled, grinning like a fool. But his expression quickly shifted as he added, "But if it keeps thrashing like this, the ropes might not hold for long." His words mirrored the growing concern among the others. "Why don''t we try to knock it out?" someone suggested, but the idea quickly fell flat. They hadn''t brought any tranquilizers, and the risk of getting close enough to perform a choke hold was too dangerous. The mutated goat was still wildly thrashing its head, its sharp horns swinging dangerously, making it all too likely that someone would get impaled if they tried. The sight of the ground being punctured by the horns as the creature flailed only reinforced their hesitation. A shiver ran down their spines as they imagined themselves getting too close to those lethal weapons. No one wanted to take that risk. "How about we move them into our space first, then let them pass out from oxygen deprivation?" One of the STAU members suggested sheepishly, stepping forward. "Once they''re knocked out, we can knock them out again before they regain their senses." By "knocking out," the STAU meant ensuring the mutated goats wouldn''t wake up too soon. If they did, they could simply repeat the process to keep them unconscious long enough to transport them back to the base. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With no better solution in sight, the team proceeded with the plan. The STAU kept the mutated goats in their space long enough for them to pass out, then brought them back out before the mutated goats die from oxygen depravation. As soon as they were out, a few of the Winters'' men worked together to subdue the goats. Vulture coated his arms and hands with earth armor and gripped the mutated goat''s horns, preventing it from thrashing while the others are holding it in a chokehold. The rest of the team worked to pin down its body, ensuring it couldn''t escape. Even with the earth armor around Vulture''s hands, the mutated goat''s horn still managed to slice through it. Thankfully, his high defense prevented any damage to his palm. He remembered Kisha telling him before that his defense was so strong, he was like a walking tank. To test it out, after they finished with the first mutated goat, Vulture decided to try something daring. Instead of using earth armor, he gripped the second mutated goat''s horn with his bare hands, leaving everyone shocked and worried. They wanted to stop him, but they were too stunned to act. To their amazement, Vulture held the horn without a drop of blood, his palm completely unharmed. Chapter 557 - 557 Searching For The Mutated Animals 2 After everyone got over their initial shock, they quickly resumed their work, coordinating to subdue the second mutated goat. With teamwork and precision, they managed to knock it out, and soon enough, both mutated goats were unconscious, their mission successfully completed. "Hey, looks like we got lucky!" someone exclaimed, the one who had been holding the massive body of the mutated goat. He was the first to notice. "These mutated goats are male and female!" Once he pointed it out, the others took a closer look, and sure enough, the goats were indeed of different genders. This discovery meant they now had everything they needed to start increasing the mutated goat population in the future. There was no need to search for more¡ªthis pair would be enough. To transport the two massive mutated goats without alerting nearby mutated animals or drawing attention, they decided against using their trucks. The loud engine noise could potentially scare the animals off or attract the mutated cows again. Instead, they came up with a plan to create a device that would help them pull and drag the goats quietly, ensuring they could move the creatures without attracting unwanted attention. In a rush to move the mutated goats, the group quickly gathered their resources. They worked together to chop down the nearest tree, cutting it into planks. There was no need for precision or polish¡ªthey simply focused on creating a sturdy platform to place the animals on, ensuring they could transport them efficiently without wasting any time. Once the platform was ready, the group moved forward. The team members transporting the mutated goats were positioned in the center of the group, allowing them to focus on pulling the planks. Ropes were tied to the front and back of the platform, with the strongest members from the group at the front and rear to handle the weight. The rest of the team formed a protective perimeter around the central group, ensuring the safety of the STAU members and those transporting the animals. The front and back teams kept vigilant, while those in the center rotated shifts, allowing the team to move efficiently without slowing down. Once everything was set, they departed. Vulture led the team, staying a little ahead of the main group to scout for mutated animals. His position allowed him to spot threats quickly, taking down any creatures he encountered or signaling the main group to stop and hide if necessary. This strategy ensured their movements were coordinated, minimizing the risk of startling the mutated animals. If an attack occurred, Vulture and the advance party could rush back swiftly to assist the others, maintaining a balance between offense and defense. The entire group was ready to act in unison if the situation called for it. Not long after, the main group''s messenger noticed the hand signal from the advance party, led by Vulture. As soon as he saw Vulture motion for them to stop, he immediately raised his own hands to signal the main group to halt. They followed his cue, pausing in place. Then, he signaled for them to move forward slowly and quietly, indicating they had either located another mutated animal or a potential threat. Everyone became tense, moving with extreme caution to avoid making a sound. Even those carrying the mutated animals took extra care, stepping lightly and brushing away dry leaves or twigs from the ground to minimize noise as they advanced. They moved cautiously, slipping behind trees to conceal themselves. Vulture scanned the area, spotting several mutated chickens the size of turkeys. They were pecking at the ground, scratching and hunting for food like normal chickens, but their size and behavior set them apart. There were at least a dozen of these massive birds, some males among them, and their talons were sharp and formidable. Even the hens had talons resembling those of eagles, a clear indication of their deadly potential. Vulture noticed the sharpness of their beaks as well, knowing that these mutated chickens weren''t just ordinary animals¡ªthey were capable of inflicting serious harm. "Captain, how do we capture them?" someone beside Vulture whispered, his voice laced with concern. "We can''t surprise them¡ªif they see us, they''ll either scatter in all directions or attack." Vulture nodded, agreeing with the assessment. They had no idea how these mutated chickens would react to humans. It was possible they still retained some of the behavior of normal chickens, like the mutated goats, but there was also the chance they had become aggressive. Given their large size and powerful wings, Vulture knew a single flap could cause serious injury. The sharp talons and beaks would make them deadly opponents if provoked. They needed a plan¡ªone that wouldn''t set off a chain reaction of chaos. If only they knew how complicated things were about to get, they might have wished they''d brought Mike along. With his awakened ability, Gift, and Talent, he could have easily calmed the mutated chickens, making them docile enough to follow him without the need for a brutal fight. "Do you think catching them with a net would work?" someone asked, but his suggestion was quickly met with silence. It was an impractical idea. With their sharp talons and beaks, the mutated chickens would tear through the net like it was paper. "Then, what if we use wind blades to cut their legs and beaks?" another person proposed, but the suggestion only brought skepticism. "Then they won''t survive, and how exactly do you plan on cutting through their legs and beaks? What if they''re too agile for that?" came a sharp retort. As they whispered among themselves behind the bush, it seemed the mutated chickens had sensed their presence. One by one, they lifted their heads, their eyes scanning the area. The male mutated chickens'' feathers along the back of their necks began to stand on end, a clear sign of agitation. It was as if they were preparing for a confrontation. "Shit! Did it notice us?" someone whispered, their voice tight with anxiety. Vulture narrowed his eyes, scanning the group of mutated chickens. He locked onto one male and one female. Making a swift decision, he leaped from his hiding spot, his hands shooting out to grab the nearest chickens by the necks. As soon as he moved, the entire flock panicked, scattering in all directions. The two mutated chickens in his grasp flapped their wings violently in retaliation, struggling to break free. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Vulture calmly brought back the two mutated chickens, one in each hand, those who had been brainstorming complicated solutions earlier couldn''t help but pursed their lips in frustration. They had been overthinking the problem, coming up with elaborate plans, when Vulture had simply gone in and grabbed the chickens with his bare hands, effortlessly. With his overwhelming defense, the sharp talons and beaks hadn''t even fazed him. Now, they couldn''t help but feel a little foolish, as if they''d been playing a game of strategy while Vulture had already won with sheer practicality. The mutated chickens struggled fiercely, using their sharp talons in a desperate attempt to cut through Vulture''s grip, trying to free themselves. Unable to reach him with their beaks, since he was holding them by their necks close to their heads, they resorted to flapping their wings wildly. Chapter 558 - 558 Searching For The Mutated Animals 3 But no matter how hard they tried, their talons couldn''t even graze Vulture''s skin. His ironclad defense held firm. Eventually, the chickens'' frantic movements slowed, and they hung limply from his hands, their exhaustion evident. If not for the steady rise and fall of their chests, one might have thought Vulture had accidentally choked them to death. With only two mutated chickens caught¡ªeach as large as a turkey¡ªVulture instructed the group to securely tie them with strong ropes, ensuring their talons and beaks were rendered useless no matter how much they thrashed. As an added precaution, he had metal scraps from the wrecked animal farm fashioned into covers for their beaks, preventing any accidental injuries. The foresight to salvage the metal scraps proved invaluable. Once the chickens were safely restrained, the group resumed their journey, eventually reaching the flowing river where the other team had previously encountered the mutated fish. However, instead of fish, this time they were met with mutated ducks, eerily gliding through the water. The mutated ducks were now even more flamboyant than before, resembling oversized swans with comically loud quacking sounds. Their feet were as large as the hands of a six-foot-tall man, their necks longer and fluffier, and their bodies were three to five times their original size. Although they lacked sharp nails or beaks, their speed in the water was astonishing¡ªakin to a speedboat. They darted through the river in a frenzy, racing to catch the mutated river fish, even though the fish were larger than them. Undeterred, the ducks repeatedly dove into the water, causing the fish to scatter in panic like frightened cats. The mutated ducks resembled swift submarines as they dove underwater, moving with remarkable speed and precision. It was no wonder the fish scattered in terror¡ªonce a duck locked onto its prey, it wouldn''t relent until it captured the chosen fish. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After successfully catching a large fish, the bulkier ducks, noticeably larger and more muscular, would bring the catch ashore and share it with the smaller ones. Based on their observations, Vulture and the others speculated that these mutated ducks had retained some of the characteristics of their predecessors. The smaller ducks were likely females, while the males were not only larger but also had distinctive features: feathers atop their heads standing upright, slightly elongated, resembling small tails. Once the male mutated ducks dragged their hunted fish to their respective female partners, the females would respond with delighted quacks, their tails wagging enthusiastically. Their necks would swayed back and forth towards their partners, as if expressing their gratitude. After the males finished their task, the pairs would begin eating the fish together. Observing from the shadows, Vulture and the others noticed a surprising detail: the mutated ducks had sharp, saw-like teeth hidden inside their large beaks. These teeth retracted when not in use, making it easier for the ducks to bite through the tough scales of the mutated fish and tear the flesh from their bones with remarkable efficiency. This time, even Vulture hesitated to step forward and repeat his earlier tactics with the mutated chickens. Just the sight of the mutated ducks was enough to send a shiver down his spine. However, when he turned around to suggest a plan or seek input, he was met with everyone''s expectant gazes. It was clear they had unanimously decided to leave the decision-making¡ªand the "honor" of taking action¡ªto him, without a single word needing to be said. Vulture instantly choked on his own spit, his throat tightening as anxiety bubbled up. The thought of those mutated ducks possibly snapping off one of his fingers with their terrifying saw-like teeth was enough to make his stomach churn. While part of him was eager to take action, the ducks'' proximity to the water posed a serious problem. If startled, they could easily escape into the river. He furrowed his brows, falling into deep contemplation as he struggled to devise a solution. ''Maybe if Sparrow were here,'' he mused, ''he could use his agility to sneak up on them while they''re on land and knock them out quickly.'' But with Sparrow absent, Vulture realized this challenge was his to face alone, adding to the mounting pressure. As soon as Vulture thought of Sparrow, an uneasy knot twisted in his stomach, adding to the growing tension. Shaking off the nerves, he decided to focus on the task at hand. Moving carefully, he began crawling closer to the mutated ducks, using the seven- to ten-inch grass as cover. It wasn''t particularly tall, but it was dense enough to conceal him as he slithered like a snake. The cacophony of quacking and splashing from the ducks playing in the water, combined with the noisy interactions of other pairs, masked the sound of the grass rustling. This gave Vulture the opportunity to inch closer undetected. His eyes locked onto a male and female mutated duck engrossed in their meal, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings. However, as Vulture got within range, the male duck suddenly raised its head, its alert posture suggesting it had sensed something. Vulture froze in place, holding his breath as the duck''s sharp eyes scanned the area. Seizing the moment before he was discovered, Vulture extended his hand, channeling his focus. A cluster of earth erupted from the ground, snaking around the ducks'' feet like living vines, binding them securely in place. The sudden action caught both ducks by surprise, giving Vulture a small but critical victory. Surprised by the sudden restraint, the two mutated ducks let out loud, alarmed quacking, flapping their large wings frantically in the air as if attempting to take flight. However, upon realizing their feet were firmly bound by the earth, they quickly shifted tactics. Using their saw-like teeth, the ducks began biting at the dirt bindings with fierce determination. Despite their panic, the sight was almost surreal¡ªthese massive creatures, resembling oversized swans with their elegant yet intimidating forms, were struggling against their confinement. Vulture didn''t waste the opportunity. While the ducks were preoccupied with their futile escape attempts, he stealthily approached from behind. Without hesitation, he repeated the same strategy he had used on the mutated chickens earlier. With swift precision, he grabbed the necks of both ducks, aiming to subdue them. The moment he made contact, the mutated ducks reacted violently, flapping their powerful wings with renewed vigor. The male''s wing struck Vulture square in the face, while the female''s slammed into his side, leaving a stinging sensation. Undeterred by the flurry of blows, Vulture tightened his grip, enduring the onslaught until the mutated ducks'' struggles weakened. Finally, their flapping slowed, and after a few more moments of resistance, the mutated ducks fell limp, their fight extinguished. Vulture let out a breath he hadn''t realized he was holding, his body aching from the scuffle but triumphant in his efforts. Although Vulture''s strong defenses kept him from sustaining any physical injuries, the relentless beating from the mutated ducks'' wings left him feeling mentally drained, as if he had taken a psychological beating instead. The experience left him frustrated and fired up. After taking a brief rest with his team by the river to recover and regroup, they quickly prepared to move on, eager to leave the unsettling encounter behind and continue their journey. Chapter 559 - 559 Searching For The Mutated Animals 4 "Captain, we''ve got eggs here!" one of his men called out, crouched low and peering into the grass. The not-so-tall blades obscured the view, prompting Vulture to move closer. As he approached, the man carefully parted the grass, revealing a cluster of five to seven large eggs. The eggs had a distinct bluish hue and were only slightly smaller than ostrich eggs. Vulture didn''t need to think twice to realize these were the eggs of the mutated ducks they had just encountered. "Isn''t this close to where I caught the two mutated ducks?" Vulture murmured, his eyes scanning the area. The man who had called him nodded in confirmation. "Yes, Captain, you''re right," the man explained. "I was about to sit down when I heard a sharp cracking sound, like the breaking of a shell. I was surprised, and when I looked closer, I found these eggs hidden by the grass." Vulture crouched down for a better look, and sure enough, one of the eggs was cracked, with a small leak running down its side. "Let''s take these eggs too and see if Mike can hatch them," Vulture suggested. "It''s more convenient to carry an egg than a whole animal." The man nodded in agreement and quickly set off to gather dry grass and twigs to create a makeshift nest for the egg. A few of the other men followed, not wanting anyone to work alone. If anything happened, at least they would be able to work together¡ªwhether to fight, run, or call for backup. Seeing his responsible teammates, Vulture nodded in satisfaction before scanning the area. The mutated ducks had long since disappeared from the riverside. As soon as they noticed Vulture, they took off like speeding boats, gliding across the water with astonishing speed¡ªso fast it seemed as if they could walk on the surface. The sight left not only Vulture but everyone else in awe. These mutated creatures could undoubtedly make for fascinating subjects for research, especially if they could find a scientist willing to study their evolution and determine how consuming them might affect the human body. After the team managed to make a makeshift nest for the mutated duck''s eggs, they noticed the mutated goat and mutated chicken had woken up. However, Vulture swiftly choked them once again, and the creatures quickly passed out before they continued their journey. "Alright, we don''t need to collect every mutated livestock we come across," Vulture said decisively. "After a few more, we''ll head back while also keeping an eye out for Sparrow." Everyone nodded in agreement, though their brows were furrowed. They hadn''t forgotten about Sparrow or Group 6, who had yet to make an appearance. Their only hope was to cross paths with them while continuing their search for mutated animals in the forest. As they reached the heart of the forest, the team spotted the mutated pigs with their pinkish skin. One of them stood out, muscular like a bull, with a single horn protruding from the center of its skull, resembling a unicorn. Vulture and the others couldn''t fathom why a pig would evolve in such a ridiculous way. It seemed pointless, even a bit comical¡ªlike a "unicorn pig" hybrid. Despite its strange appearance, its size remained the same, though its muscle mass had clearly increased. It might have been because it was a male pig, but the others were smaller, with well-proportioned muscle and meat. However, the real shock came when the female pigs turned around. Not only did they share the male''s horn in the center of their skull, but they also had another horn at the top of their nose bridge. They looked more like rhinoceroses than pigs, their imposing appearance a little intimidating. And just when they thought the situation might be harmless, the pigs noticed them. Instead of running away, they charged, squealing in a wild rampage like angry boars. "Oh shit, oh shit! We need to run!" "Fuck! They''re fast!" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Why the hell did you even laugh? You caught their attention!" Everyone cursed each other loudly as they scrambled to escape in different directions. Some immediately climbed the trees, while the STAU quickly stored the mutated animals they had collected inside their spaces before leaping onto the nearest Winters'' men. The slower climbers were in danger of being skewered by those long horns if they didn''t act fast. To think that the once weak STAU were now so fast, clinging tightly to the Winters'' men like human monkeys, but no one had the energy to laugh. The pigs looked downright murderous, charging as a horde. Even Vulture was forced to retreat and find a sturdier tree to climb. The pigs rammed their horns into the tree trunks with brutal force. However, their horns were just long enough that some got stuck on the thicker trunks, unable to free themselves no matter how hard they struggled. The most aggressive of them all was the female pig, its rage unrelenting. The mutated pigs that managed to free themselves from the tree trunks shook their heads, steadying their dizzy minds. Once they regained their bearings, they charged again, ramming into the tree trunks where the Winters'' men had climbed. Fortunately, the Winters'' men were scattered across different trees, and the number of mutated pigs didn''t exceed a dozen. This caused confusion among the pigs, as they struggled to decide which tree to target. It gave Vulture and the others a precious window of time to regroup and prepare to fight back. "Ey! Bring me my hammer!" Vulture shouted to the STAU, who was just one tree away. Without hesitation, the STAU didn''t ask any questions. He immediately pulled the large hammer from his space and, with the help of one of the Winters'' men, tossed it toward Vulture. They were on a tight deadline¡ªif they didn''t act quickly, the mutated animals they had painstakingly captured would perish inside their spaces. Vulture understood the urgency, so he didn''t waste another moment. As soon as he gripped his massive hammer, he leaped from his position, aiming straight for the nearest murderous mutated pig. If he couldn''t bring all of them back alive, at least he could bring back a few, dead mutated pig. With that thought, Vulture didn''t hesitate. He raised the hammer high above his head and, with the force of gravity on his side, he slammed it down onto the mutated pig''s neck. He deliberately avoided striking its head, wary of the sharp, long horn. Unsure which would be sturdier¡ªhis hammer or the mutated pig''s horn¡ªVulture played it safe, targeting the neck instead. The mutated pig didn''t even have a chance to make a sound as Vulture''s attack struck. With a sickening crack, its neck twisted at an unnatural angle, and the pig was instantly silenced, its life snuffed out. The horn remained lodged in the tree trunk, unmoving. Without pausing, Vulture quickly turned, swinging his hammer sideways in a fluid motion, as if he were playing tennis. The strong blow full with force connected with the incoming mutated pig''s jaw, sending it reeling. The pig staggered, its head rattling from the impact, before it collapsed to the ground with a loud, resounding thud. "Two!" "Five!" Chapter 560 - 560 Searching For The Mutated Animals 5 Vulture didn''t relent, relentlessly swinging his hammer with precision and purpose. Despite his relentless assault, he maintained tight control over his strength, ensuring he killed only as many mutated pigs as necessary. The rest he deliberately spared, leaving them alive to be captured and brought back. "Hurry up! Get the mutated animals out of the space now!" Vulture roared, his voice commanding urgency as he felled the last mutated pig. Without wasting a moment, the STAU members, still perched in the trees, quickly followed his orders. They didn''t even bother climbing down, hastily retrieving the mutated animals from their storage. A moment later, the creatures they had painstakingly captured emerged, visibly weak and on the brink of death. Fortunately, several of the Winters'' men, equipped with strong offensive and defensive abilities, stepped in to assist Vulture. Some provided crucial support, enabling the group to finish the task swiftly. Without their help, all the hard work they had put into capturing the other types of mutated animals might have been for nothing. "Captain! This one''s on the verge of dying¡ªits mouth is already foaming!" one of the Winters'' men called out, catching Vulture''s attention. He pointed to one of the mutated chickens that appeared to be in critical condition. Right on cue, the STAU descended from the trees and immediately rushed to check on the mutated animals. They inspected each one thoroughly, administering a few drops of a vial containing blue liquid to stabilize the creatures and ensure they wouldn''t succumb to their condition. It was a calculated risk to have stored the animals in their spatial spaces earlier. Leaving them exposed on the ground could have resulted in their deaths at the hands of the rampaging mutated pigs. In hindsight, they agreed that it was better to play it safe than regret the loss of their hard-earned captures. Aside from temporarily storing the mutated animals in their spaces, they had no other viable option. Without specialized equipment like spare oxygen masks, they could only let the mutated animals endure a bit of discomfort for a short while. "Check on the surviving mutated pigs and make sure they stay alive. As for the ones that are already dead, store them away¡ªwe''ll take them back with us," Vulture instructed, his voice firm. He swung his massive hammer in the air a few times before resting it on his shoulder, scanning the group with a sharp gaze to ensure he hadn''t overlooked anything in his orders. "Alright, we''ve got everything we need. Let''s get ready to head back once you''re finished with this batch!" Vulture commanded after a brief pause. Without wasting time, the team began hauling the unconscious mutated pigs out of the forest. They didn''t bother with planks or other equipment; instead, they grabbed the pigs by their hind legs and dragged them along the ground, leaving visible drag marks behind. No one cared about the marks, not after the pigs had nearly killed them. Besides, time was of the essence¡ªthey needed to return to base before nightfall so they could deploy the bees to search for Sparrow. After reaching a clearing with a dirt road, the STAU swiftly pulled five trucks out of their spaces. Before boarding, they carefully removed the animals still fitted with specialized oxygen muzzles and large oxygen tanks. Since the animals were still unconscious, the team loaded them into the trucks and secured them tightly. However, they realized they were short one truck intended for smaller animals that were placed in isolated pods. Forced to improvise, they collectively cut down more trees from the surrounding area to craft additional planks. With everyone''s cooperation, the task was completed faster than expected, but it was already past noon by the time they finished. While most of the team worked on the planks, the STAU members, lacking the strength or agile hands for heavy labor, took charge of preparing lunch. They washed and chopped vegetables, prepared the meat, and set the rice to cook on one side of the clearing. Meanwhile, two or three of the Winters'' men stood guard, keeping a vigilant watch over the perimeter to ensure everyone''s safety. When pass lunch arrived, the STAU was done cooking beef curry and deep fried some tonkatsu, they then serves a big bowl of rice with beef curry on top and then on top of it was a big egg omelet and then the tonkatsu on top. The food was still steaming, its enticing aroma wafting through the clearing and making everyone''s mouths water. After working nonstop since morning and facing life-threatening dangers at every turn, the team was beyond famished. Their stomachs twisted in hunger as they eagerly awaited the long-overdue meal. As soon as the food was served, the Winters'' men, along with Vulture, wasted no time. They dove in, taking large bites and shoveling spoonfuls of food into their mouths with unrestrained enthusiasm. "This tastes amazing!" one of the men exclaimed between bites. "You guys are seriously talented," another added, nodding appreciatively toward the STAU members who had prepared the meal. "GOD! I''m so hungry I could eat a whole cow!" one of the Winters'' men exclaimed dramatically, shoveling another mouthful of food into his mouth. The rest of the Winters'' men chimed in, showering the STAU with compliments for their cooking. The STAU members, caught off guard by the praise, smiled sheepishly. They knew the men were hungry enough to devour anything put in front of them, but the compliments still warmed their hearts. In truth, the STAU hadn''t done anything extraordinary. They had simply used a ready-made beef curry mix, thrown everything into a pressure cooker, and let it simmer until the beef was perfectly tender. Still, seeing the others enjoy the meal so much made their efforts feel worthwhile. No one said a word, understanding that they had done the best they could with the limited resources and tight timeline. Heads bowed over their bowls, they focused on eating in silence, savoring the meal as much as their hunger would allow. After finishing, they drank water to wash down the food and rested briefly before returning to work. With their energy replenished, the team quickly completed cutting enough planks. They loaded the planks into one of the trucks, using them to create a second layer inside for better storage capacity. In Truck Number 1, the team carefully arranged all the captured cows, ensuring they were secure. The Winters'' men took their seats at the very back, near the truck''s doors, ready to keep an eye on the cargo as they prepared to set off. They kept the process simple, avoiding unnecessary construction. The truck''s frame already featured vertical circular metal bars designed to support its armor, making it convenient for the team to utilize. They placed the planks across these bars, ensuring each end rested securely on the metal supports. To reinforce the structure and prevent the planks from buckling under the weight, they added a second layer of planks laid perpendicular to the first. This cross-pattern ensured stability and balance, providing a sturdy foundation for their cargo. Only after ensuring the second layer was sturdy enough did they begin loading the animals, maximizing every inch of space within the trucks. Truck 1 was designated for the larger cows, accommodating the dairy cattle and cattle for slaughter called beef cattle together on the reinforced first layer. Truck 2 housed the pigs on the first layer and the goats on the second. Truck 3 was reserved for sheep on the upper level and calves on the lower, as the group had multiple cattle breeds and needed to distribute them across the trucks. Trucks 4 and 5 carried the poultry, including chickens, ducks, quails, and a growing number of pheasants. These birds were still being raised to increase their population and had not yet been served at the Supply Center. This systematic arrangement ensured every animal was securely placed and made optimal use of the available truck space. Only after ensuring all the arrangements were complete and everyone was securely aboard the trucks did Vulture knock firmly on the back of the lead truck, signaling with a command, "Let''s roll out!" Yet, even as the convoy roared to life, his gaze lingered on the distant terrain they had just left behind. There was a flicker of hope in his eyes, an unspoken anticipation that Sparrow would emerge at the last moment, just as he often did. But as the trucks began to move, that hope dulled, replaced by a gnawing unease. Vulture''s stomach churned, not from physical exhaustion, but from the growing weight of doubt pressing on his thoughts. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He stubbornly clung to the idea that Sparrow would appear, defying logic and timing like always. Yet this time, no familiar figure materialized from the shadows, and the absence settled heavily in his chest. With one final glance at the horizon, Vulture climbed onto the roof of Truck 1 instead of taking his usual place in the passenger seat. No one knew why he chose to sit there, but no one questioned him either. The drivers started their engines, and the convoy began its slow, steady departure from the area. Chapter 561 - 561 Vulture The Cowboy Fortunately, their retreat went unnoticed. Whether by luck or by the absence of threats, no zombies or mutated animals appeared to challenge their escape. The eerie stillness of the surroundings lent an almost unnatural silence to their exit, leaving behind only the faint rumble of the trucks fading into the distance. Vulture remained silently perched on the roof of the truck, issuing only a single order to the drivers: to head back. The tension in his demeanor was palpable, and though no one spoke of it, everyone felt the weight of his mood. They understood. Among them, Vulture had been the closest to Sparrow. Despite their constant bickering, their bond was like that of brothers¡ªstrong and unwavering. The group respected his pain, knowing that if they were in his position, they would feel just as devastated. Recognizing his need for space, they focused on their tasks, performing their duties diligently and without adding to his burden. They knew Vulture would ask for help if he needed it, and until then, all they could do was quietly support him from afar. Vulture was acutely aware that everyone was giving him the space he needed, but that didn''t mean he had forgotten his duties and responsibilities. Though the weight of worry pressed heavily on him, he knew there was nothing more he could do for the moment. He shifted his focus, channeling his anxiety into determination. He had to get back as quickly as possible. All he could do now was hope and pray that Sparrow could hold on a little longer. While he couldn''t control the situation on his end, Vulture clung to the belief that with Kisha''s help and the Scarlet Bees, they might still be able to make a difference. They often said that working smart was better than working hard, and Vulture knew this all too well. If he and the Winters'' men tried to scour the entire perimeter where Sparrow was last seen, following every potential lead and predicting his next course of action, it could take weeks¡ªif not longer¡ªwithout any solid clues. Add in the unpredictable weather, the danger of zombies, and mutated animals, and the search would only grow more arduous, longer, and uncertain. The forest itself was vast, stretching out with a massive, imposing mountain ahead. Not only would it be near impossible to find Sparrow in such an expansive area, but the team also had to consider the potential dangers that lay hidden in the mountains: wild mutated creatures, like tigers and bears, could be lurking, posing an even greater threat to the Winters'' men. The stakes were high, and every choice had to be weighed carefully. After weighing the pros and cons of his options, Vulture, despite not being as sharp as Sparrow, understood that the odds were stacked against him. Without another skilled scout in their group who possessed abilities similar to Sparrow''s, any attempt to track him would likely be in vain. The situation was grim, and the only hope left was Kisha¡ªshe was the only one who could potentially help them now, or so he presumed. Without wasting any time, the drivers floored the accelerator. After only ten minutes of driving, the group spotted a familiar scene in the distance. A plume of dust rose into the air, catching Vulture''s attention. He straightened up from his position on the roof of the moving truck, his massive hammer lying beside him, a quiet reminder of the urgency of the moment. After several minutes of crouching atop the moving truck like a spider clinging to a wall, Vulture''s eyes narrowed as he finally spotted the source of his growing frustration. The mutated cows had returned for round two. A full herd of them was charging towards the truck, their heavy hooves thundering as they closed the distance, just like the first time they had been attacked by these beasts. But this time, Vulture had been anticipating their arrival. The loud rumble of the truck''s engine had already given away their position, drawing the mutated cows in. Though he couldn''t find Sparrow, that didn''t mean he couldn''t exact some revenge on these monstrous cows¡ªafter all, they were the very reason he and the others had been separated, forcing Sparrow to take off on his own to scout for their missing people. Vulture would never forget the chain of events that had brought them to this point, but he also had to acknowledge that Sparrow''s growing confidence in his own strength had led him to overlook an essential layer of protection or pushing himself over his limit. This lapse in judgment had directly contributed to the current situation, where they couldn''t even reach him. Once Vulture dealt with the mutated cows, he was determined to hold Sparrow accountable for his recklessness. No one, not even Sparrow, would escape the consequences of their actions. With these thoughts in mind, Vulture grabbed a rope and secured it tightly around his waist, ensuring that it was fastened securely to a hitch protruding from the side of the armored truck. He double-checked the other end, tying it off firmly to guarantee he was anchored properly. Safety was paramount¡ªif he was going to criticize Sparrow for his overconfidence, Vulture knew he couldn''t afford to be reckless himself. Accidents could strike at any moment, and only through preparedness would they be able to accomplish their mission and stay alive. Once Vulture was fully prepared, the herd of mutated cows were still several meters away. He stood tall on top of the moving truck, the wind whipping around him. The drivers in the truck behind glanced up at him, raising an eyebrow in confusion, but quickly shook their heads and went back to their focus. Undeterred, Vulture continued securing ropes to the roof of the armored truck, one after another. When he was finished, he tightened the loose ends around his waist, tying them like a seasoned cowboy. The men watching couldn''t quite grasp what he was planning, but a thought began to form in their minds¡ªhe hadn''t told anyone to slow down. What was he about to do? In response to Vulture''s actions, each driver instinctively increased their speed. As the mutated cows neared, the other trucks had already surged ahead, leaving truck number 1 at the tail end of the convoy. The mutated cows, enraged and wild, were closing in fast, their horns poised and ready to ram, charging at Vulture''s truck with relentless fury. "Ahhhh!" "I''ll make sure to turn you into beef curry, you motherfucker!" Vulture roared, his voice full of fury. Without waiting for the mutated cows to close the gap, Vulture took action. As soon as the words left his mouth, he launched himself from the roof of the truck, his massive hammer gripped tightly in both hands. With a forceful leap, his body arced backward, channeling every ounce of raw power into the weapon. Then¡ª Bang! Vulture''s hammer struck the first mutated cow in the herd, the nearest to the truck, its skull taking the full brunt of the blow. He had timed it perfectly, ensuring his strike avoided the sharp horns, targeting only the skull and neck, just like he had done with the mutated pigs earlier. Before the mutated cow even had the chance to collapse from the head trauma, Vulture was already moving with practiced precision. He swiftly grabbed one of the ropes still tied to the hitch on top of the armored truck. With the grace of a seasoned cowboy, he hurled the loop of the rope over the cow''s head and secured it tightly. His movements were lightning-fast, taking only a couple of seconds. By the time the mutated cow hit the ground, it was already tethered, and the truck had started dragging it along. Not pausing for a second, Vulture leapt in a different direction, repeating the process. One by one, he looped the ropes around the heads of nearly half a dozen mutated cows, securing each with quick, efficient knots. He made sure to inspect each one carefully¡ªscrutinizing their size, strength, and gender before attacking¡ªknowing that these beasts were far from ordinary. Despite his destructive strikes, Vulture''s blows only sent the mutated cows into unconsciousness, their extraordinary defenses ensuring they survived, albeit knocked out cold. Vulture didn''t feel a shred of regret or pity as the mutated cows were dragged by the truck, leaving them to tumble and roll in the wake of his hammer strikes. Without any more ropes to tie the remaining cows, he let them stumble and crash to the ground and be left behind in the dust, a testament to the force of his attacks. Using the last rope tethered to his body, he pulled himself back toward the truck''s edge, swinging from it like an agile spider. With one hand gripping the rope, the other holding his massive hammer, Vulture used the side of the truck as a springboard, launching himself into the air to take down more of the mutated cows. His attacks were swift and brutal, but his movements were calculated and precise. The Winters'' men, watching from the backs of the other trucks, couldn''t help but be mesmerized by the spectacle. Their phones, once nothing more than relics of a peaceful time, had now become tools to capture the unimaginable. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They''d used them for nostalgic glimpses of happier days, scrolling through pictures of loved ones long gone. But now, with Vulture''s relentless fight unfolding before them, they realized the value of their phones had changed. These scenes weren''t meant for words; they needed to be shown. And so, they began recording, knowing that these moments were too unbelievable to convey in any other way. Chapter 562 - 562 Going Back After ensuring that all the remaining mutated cows chasing the truck had been dealt with, Vulture took a moment to rest his aching arms. Gripping the massive hammer in one hand and the rope in the other, he dangled from the side of the moving truck, catching his breath. Only after regaining some strength did he begin the slow and arduous climb back onto the roof, his exhaustion evident in every strained movement. The truck continued hauling the unconscious mutated cows behind it, their massive bodies dragging over rocks, sticks, and other debris scattered along the dirt road. Despite the frequent impacts, Vulture and the others knew these collisions were far from enough to kill the beasts; the mutated cows'' incredible defensive resilience was well-known to the group. Meanwhile, the driver skillfully managed the vehicle, keeping it steady despite the additional burden. Only after they were certain they had put enough distance between themselves and any remaining mutated cows did Vulture instruct the drivers to stop. "Pull over nearby," he called out firmly. "Let''s load these mutated cows into the remaining space in the trucks¡ªafter making sure they''re fully incapacitated and securely tied." As soon as Vulture''s order was received, the trucks gradually rolled to a stop, and the Winters'' men began working together to lift the massive mutated cows. "Damn! No matter how hungry I get, I don''t think I could ever eat one of these things. It''s like lifting a small car!" one of them grumbled as a dozen men strained to carry the massive beasts. The final two mutated cows were loaded onto the last truck, but as soon as they were secured, the truck''s rear dipped dramatically, nearly flipping the vehicle as its front tires lifted precariously off the ground. With no other option, they quickly rearranged the isolated pods inside the last truck to better distribute the weight. The mutated cows were carefully placed on opposite sides of the truck, ensuring balance. Meanwhile, the STAU personnel assigned to that truck were tasked with keeping a vigilant eye on both creatures throughout the journey. "STAU, keep a close watch on these mutated animals at all times," Vulture instructed firmly. "If they wake up, you know what to do¡ªdon''t hesitate. If we lose control, they could wreak havoc, throwing the entire truck into chaos and endangering everyone onboard." Each truck was assigned one STAU responsible for providing tools, supplies, and assistance with handling the animals. Their vigilance was now more crucial than ever. To ensure the mutated animals were properly managed, the team distributed them among the trucks, assigning a STAU to each vehicle. They were tasked with monitoring the creatures closely and using the same method as before to render them unconscious if necessary. The STAU members all nodded in understanding, and soon everyone climbed back into their respective trucks to resume the journey. This time, Vulture returned to the lead vehicle, taking a seat in the passenger spot of the front truck as they headed back toward the city. As the convoy made its way back to the base, everyone kept a watchful eye on the road, hoping to spot Sparrow and the missing truck. However, each stretch of empty road only deepened their disappointment and concern. The drivers, sensing that waiting might not be the best course of action, pressed harder on the accelerator, convinced that returning quickly to seek assistance would be more effective. Their urgency paid off, and they reached the city''s outskirts in record time¡ªmuch faster than their initial journey to the farm. Before fully entering the city, Vulture and the team made a point to refuel the trucks completely, ensuring they wouldn''t encounter any mishaps. They also conducted quick checks on the engines to guarantee everything was in working order. Once satisfied that all preparations were complete, they proceeded into the city. Vulture and his team barreled toward the city like an arrow loosed from a bow. The moment their trucks hit the pavement, zombies began emerging from the shadows, launching an ambush as if they had been lying in wait for their return. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite the military trucks being weighed down by the number of animals they carried, their momentum remained formidable. Though their speed wasn''t as great as when they left the city, the impact was still devastating¡ªzombies were sent flying on collision, while those unfortunate enough to fall beneath the trucks were crushed under the sheer weight of the reinforced vehicles. The bumpy ride didn''t deter the Winters'' men; they leaned out of the door and roof hatches, taking aim and firing at the zombies that closed in. Every impact made by their awakened ability echoed through the streets, a testament to their determination to fight their way back to the base, no matter the odds. The Winters'' men channeled all their disappointment and worry into fierce determination, unleashing their frustration through relentless combat. Their attacks became brutal, each strike fueled by the desire to survive and protect their convoy along with their frustrations and fear for their missing brothers. However, the zombies were in the midst of an evolutionary phase, growing more savage and resilient. Their defenses had significantly improved compared to before, forcing the Winters'' men to exert greater effort and precision just to take down a single zombie. The battle was no longer just about survival; it was a test of endurance against an increasingly formidable enemy. "Motherfucker, take this!" someone shouted from the doorway, hurling a fireball at the zombie clinging to the truck''s entrance. The fiery projectile hit its mark, engulfing the creature''s face in flames. Yet, despite its burning visage, the zombie refused to let go, its charred fingers still clawing as it attempted to haul itself over the edge. "Ugh! The stench of burning rotting flesh is unbearable!" someone grimaced, disgust evident in his voice. He then delivered a powerful kick to the zombie''s face, sending it sprawling off the truck. The creature attempted to rise, but before it could even gather itself, the truck behind rolled over it, crushing it beneath the weight of its tires. "Nice support!" the man who had kicked the zombie off said with a cheeky grin, giving the driver of the truck behind a thumbs-up. The driver rolled his eyes but didn''t take his focus off the road, expertly navigating through the chaos. Meanwhile, the crew in the back remained relentless, fending off the zombies attempting to board their truck, each attack more brutal than the last. There were times when the Winters'' men opted for more practical solutions, using simple weapons like poles to push zombies off the edge of the truck''s entrance. _______________ PS: Another month has passed, and I''m genuinely grateful to see so many of you continuing to support and engage with the story. Your ongoing enthusiasm and encouragement mean a lot to me. As a token of my appreciation, please accept this redeem code: . You can redeem it for 10 Fast Passes at the Redeem Center located in your Profile section, just below your Purchase History. The code is valid for 10 users on a first-come, first-served basis. I hope this small gesture brings a smile to your face and encourages you to keep supporting me. Thank you again for being part of this journey! Chapter 563 - 563 Ask For Help They''d also strike with precision, aiming for the zombies'' limbs until their knuckles were crushed, forcing the creatures to release their grip. This approach allowed them to conserve their spiritual energy, avoiding unnecessary overuse while still effectively neutralizing the threat. Seeing the effectiveness of this strategy, the others who had been resting quickly followed suit. They grabbed whatever they could find¡ªmakeshift weapons or tools¡ªto ensure the zombies couldn''t breach the truck. Those zombies that came at them from the sides only managed to scrape along the armored truck, and whenever they tried to latch onto anything, the vehicle simply passed over them, leaving them to stumble and fall or get caught under the truck''s massive tires. Each passenger secured themselves to the truck, tying their waist to any available hook, bracing themselves for the jolting movements and sudden bumps. Despite the instability, the precautions ensured that no one would accidentally be thrown off the truck during the chaos. All of this was inspired by what they saw Vulture do, and the others quickly realized the importance of securing themselves inside the truck. They were now sitting close to the edge, and every sudden shake¡ªfrom collisions or when a zombie was run over¡ªcould easily send them flying off. If someone fell, they would be surrounded by zombies before anyone could react, leading to a disastrous outcome. Even with the best intentions, no one could reach a fallen person fast enough to save them from being devoured alive. To prevent any accidents, everyone secured themselves by tying a rope around their waist and fastening the other end inside the truck. This allowed them to confidently fight at the edge without the fear of falling off. With their minds at ease, they could focus on the battle without restraint. "Man, I''m almost out of spiritual energy. Let''s switch!" One of the men at the edge called out to the rest. The two inside, hearing the request, immediately stood up, took their positions at the edge, and unleashed wind blades that sliced through zombies, severing their heads with surgical precision. "Oh! I can feel my ability becoming easier to use and stronger¡ªlooks like I''m about to level up!" the man said with excitement, launching more attacks with renewed energy. The battle raged on, stretching longer as they neared the wall. When Vulture''s truck was spotted by the sniper atop the watchtower, the alert was immediately sent to the gatekeeper. Soldiers swiftly took their positions, and once the truck entered firing range, they began providing cover. Meanwhile, the warriors held their ground, waiting for the zombies to come within range of their awakened abilities. Once the time was right, they conjured their powers and unleashed devastating attacks into the air, targeting the advancing horde. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everyone was so absorbed in the battle that they didn''t realize one of Vulture''s trucks was missing. However, with the soldiers'' assistance, Vulture successfully entered the gate without incident. As the massive door closed behind them, the soldiers and superhumans continued to battle the remaining zombies outside, drawn to the base by the convoy''s arrival. While the warriors and soldiers focused on eliminating the threat, the Scarlet Bees quickly went to work, collecting crystal cores from the fallen zombies that was too far from the gate. This allowed the warriors to remain within the safety around the gates while their other comrades keep watch over them, avoiding the need to venture too far beyond the walls to secure the valuable cores after the fight. The moment Vulture''s truck passed through the gates, he leaped out without waiting for it to come to a full stop. His eyes quickly scanned the area, searching for Kisha. When he didn''t spot her nearby and noticed the sun beginning to set, anxiety gripped him. He hurriedly began asking around, his voice tinged with urgency, hoping someone knew where Kisha was. "Do you know where Young Madam is?" Vulture asked urgently, his tone sharp. The gatekeeper, taken aback by the intensity in Vulture''s voice, could only shake his head frantically. He was so rattled by the sudden urgency in Vulture''s demeanor that words escaped him entirely. Without hesitation, Vulture sprinted toward the villa, urgency propelling his every step. None of his team attempted to stop him¡ªin fact, they all silently hoped he would find Young Madam as quickly as possible. As he ran, Vulture asked anyone he passed if they had seen Kisha, but each response left him more anxious. With no answer to ease his mind, he pushed forward, praying that either she was already at the villa, or at the very least, someone there would have information about her whereabouts. "Young Madam! Young Madam!" Vulture''s voice rang out before he even reached the door. Kisha jumped, startled by the sudden shout. Duke, lounging beside her on the living room couch, frowned and glanced toward the door. They had been relaxing together, unwinding after their duties around the base. It was rare for them to have time alone, and they were both eager to spend it in peace, away from the weight of their responsibilities. Duke had even started to make his move, hoping to enjoy a quiet moment with his wife, but Vulture''s urgent voice shattered the calm. His annoyance flickered, though curiosity quickly took over. ''What had Vulture so panicked and nervous?'' Sensing something was off, Duke immediately stopped what he was about to do and pulled Kisha into his chest, wrapping his arms around her waist. Kisha didn''t protest, understanding the situation. It would have been embarrassing if Vulture walked in to find them tangled on the couch. Fortunately, nothing had escalated yet¡ªthey were simply sharing a quiet moment, playfully teasing each other after a long day of work. They had planned to return to their duties after an hour of rest and a quick early dinner, but now, with the tension in the air, their attention shifted. When Kisha heard Vulture''s urgent calls, she looked up at Duke, uncertainty clouding her eyes. She had just received a report from Bell informing her that Vulture was looking for her and heading toward the villa, but she hadn''t realized he was already so close. "Master, it wasn''t that I reported too late, but Vulture was running like a madman," Bell quickly clarified, eager to clear her name. She didn''t want to be seen as slacking off, especially since she had refrained from interrupting Kisha''s time with Duke. Bell hadn''t planned to inform Kisha about Vulture''s arrival just yet, wanting her to enjoy her private moment without the weight of base duties, but the urgency in Vulture''s voice made it impossible to ignore. "What''s wrong, Vulture?" Kisha asked, her voice filled with concern as she saw him rush in, disheveled and visibly nervous. "Young Madam, we need your help to find Sparrow and the others..." Vulture''s words were heavy with guilt, and he dropped to his knees, bracing himself for the reprimands he knew were coming. "I''m sorry, Young Madam, I wasn''t able to help them..." His voice cracked, and the sight of the usually tough man on the verge of tears stirred a mix of emotions in Kisha. She already knew sending them out now was far too dangerous, but seeing Vulture like this made it all the more difficult. Chapter 564 - 564 Asking For Help: What Happened? She believed that sending Vulture with them would mitigate the risks they might encounter. With Vulture''s exceptional defensive skills and Sparrow''s powerful offense, their teamwork was unmatched, making them the ideal duo to lead the team. She felt confident they could successfully complete the mission and return before tomorrow, the final day of her mission, ''Nesting''. Knowing her mission''s conclusion likely held unexpected challenges or chain reactions, she resolved to prepare thoroughly for whatever might unfold. Part of her responsibility was to ensure the safety and well-being of the people in the base, including securing their meals. This made it impossible to pass up the opportunity for Sparrow and Vulture to venture outside, ostensibly to retrieve livestock from the farm. However, she was unaware of what had transpired during their mission that compelled Vulture to call for her assistance. A sinking feeling gripped her heart, an ominous sense that something had gone terribly wrong. She braced herself, knowing that whatever news Vulture brought would only deepen the unease settling over her. Kisha took a shaky breath, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, "What happened?" Vulture wasted no time on unnecessary chatter and dove straight to the point. "Young Madam, we''ve lost contact with Sparrow and Team 6." "On our way to the farm, we encountered a herd of mutated cows that launched an attack. During the chaos, our convoy got separated, each truck veering in a different direction." "After Sparrow and I managed to finish off the mutated cows pursuing us, Sparrow decided to search for the other team while I stayed behind with the rest of our group to tend to the damaged truck." "At first, I was still able to stay in contact with Sparrow, and we kept a tight communication line. But after some time, the updates stopped coming." "I got worried¡ªSparrow had promised to return, and I assumed he was already on his way back to the team. We had agreed to head straight to the farm, thinking it would serve as a rendezvous point since that was our designated destination. It seemed logical that anyone who got separated would make their way there first." "But when we arrived at the farm, Sparrow was nowhere to be found. Even after regrouping with the other teams, there was still no sign of him¡ªor of team 6." "That''s when we realized they might be in serious danger. The problem was, we didn''t know where to start looking." "Sparrow''s movements, traveling from tree to tree, made him hard to track, and none of us have scouting abilities comparable to his. Searching blindly felt like chasing a needle in a haystack. "So instead, we focused on completing our mission at the farm and returned to request your help. We need the Scarlet Bees to secure a wider area and help us locate our missing brothers." Vulture''s voice was heavy with guilt, but his determination to find his comrades was unmistakable. Understanding the gravity of the situation, both Duke and Kisha remained silent, their expressions dark and filled with worry. They had known Sparrow for a long time¡ªespecially Duke, who was well aware of Sparrow''s exceptional abilities. For Sparrow not to return as promised could only mean one thing: he had encountered something truly dangerous. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke''s thoughts raced as he considered the possibilities. Knowing Sparrow''s skillset, it was hard to believe he would fall easily. But perhaps he had taken on more than he could handle, confident in his strength, only to face something beyond his expectations. Or worse... Duke shook his head, unwilling to entertain the most dire scenario. Sparrow was one of his best men, someone whose progress he had witnessed firsthand. He knew Sparrow could handle even the most evolved zombies on his own. But if confidence had led to a momentary lapse in vigilance, it might have been enough to put him in jeopardy. The weight of uncertainty hung heavily in the air, unspoken but palpable between them. Duke massaged the bridge of his nose, his frown deepening with each passing second. His gaze shifted slowly to Kisha, who appeared just as unsettled. Like Duke, she had closely monitored Sparrow and Vulture''s progress. After all, she made it a point to observe those with great potential, hoping to shape them into core members of her elite squad. Kisha knew Sparrow was not only highly capable but also quick-witted¡ªsomeone who understood when to engage and when to retreat. The thought of him encountering a situation so perilous that it left him unaccounted for was difficult to process. Both leaders shared a mutual understanding: Sparrow''s disappearance wasn''t due to recklessness alone but something far more sinister. Without wasting any time, Kisha retrieved a map of City B from her inventory and spread it across the coffee table. Her movements were precise, her expression focused. "Can you mark the location where you last saw Sparrow and estimate how much time passed while you were still in contact with him after he left?" she asked, her tone steady but laced with urgency. Vulture nodded, crouching down in front of the coffee table. He carefully examined the map, his mind retracing the sequence of events. After a moment, he pointed to a location on the map. "This is where we fought the mutated cow. Afterward, Sparrow headed this way, towards the forest." His finger traced the path Sparrow likely took. "Given his urgency, he likely increased his pace. I would estimate that he''s already reached this point." Vulture''s finger hovered over a deep stretch of forest, a place so remote that even he and the rest of the team hadn''t ventured this far. "But, knowing Sparrow, he might have altered his route along the way to check where the others went," Vulture added, his brow furrowing. "So, he may not have reached this deep into the forest. Instead, he could have veered off in a different direction, within a certain radius, to assess the situation." He corrected himself, the uncertainty still lingering in his voice. Kisha nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with Vulture''s assessment. She retrieved a red marker from her bag and marked an ''X'' on the locations Vulture had indicated, then circled the area where he believed they lost contact with Sparrow. The room fell into a heavy silence as Kisha continued to stare intently at the map. Neither Vulture nor Duke interrupted, recognizing the familiar focus in her eyes. It was a look they had seen before, one that often preceded Kisha speaking with Bell. They both silently assumed that Kisha was now in communication with Bell, strategizing the next steps for the search operation. "Alright, I''ll need to leave the base and accompany the Scarlet Bees so they won''t have to return and report before we dispatch our people," Kisha said, surprising Vulture. This wasn''t the approach he had anticipated, but her reasoning was sound. Only by being there in person could they ensure the quickest search for Sparrow. "Then, I''m coming with you," Duke stated firmly, his expression leaving no room for argument. Before Kisha could protest, he continued, "If Sparrow truly faced a formidable enemy, and his life and death is unknown, I can''t let you go alone. I know you''re strong, but there are too many unpredictable factors to consider. I wouldn''t feel right letting you go on your own." Chapter 565 - 565 Search And Rescue Mission Hearing Duke''s argument, Kisha paused, considering his words carefully. She knew he was right. While she was stronger than him, Duke''s awakened abilities, especially his elemental abilities, couldn''t be underestimated. It could prove invaluable in unforeseen situations. After a brief moment of thought, she nodded in agreement. She and Duke had always worked well together, their coordination seamless, so having him by her side wouldn''t be a hindrance¡ªit would make the mission that much more efficient. "I want to go too, Young Madam, Master," Vulture said, his voice filled with conviction. Kisha instinctively opened her mouth to turn him down, thinking about the need for more manpower to guard the base while she and Duke were away. But as she met his gaze, the pleading look in Vulture''s eyes stopped her. It was a look she knew all too well, one she had seen in her own eyes when she was begging others to join her in fighting for her family or saving lives. At that moment, Kisha understood. She knew how deep the bond was between Vulture and Sparrow, and how much this mission meant to him. She let out a soft sigh and, with a small nod, conceded. "Alright, you can come." Afterward, Kisha reached out to Aston, Tristan, and Duke''s parents to inform them that she, Duke, and Vulture would need to leave the base for a while on a critical mission. Once the calls were made, she turned her attention to the mission board. With efficient precision, she posted the mission notice, registering their names under a search and rescue operation. As she did, she couldn''t shake the weight of the task ahead, but she knew this was necessary to bring their missing team member back. Why did she have to go through these steps? The reason was simple: she had no choice. If she left the base without proper protocol, it could jeopardize her S-Class mission, "Taking Nest for 30 Days," which required her to remain in the base for the specified duration. The mission was scheduled to conclude the day after tomorrow, and leaving at the last minute would certainly affect its completion status. To avoid any complications, she made sure her outing was officially recognized as a mission sanctioned by the base itself, taking all the necessary precautions. After sending the mission request to the Central Hall with her signature and the list of participants, the person responsible for maintaining mission records was puzzled. Why would the City Lord need to formalize a mission instead of handling it directly, given her position? Additionally, the reward¡ªa mere five crystal cores¡ªseemed more like a formality than an actual incentive. Despite the confusion, the clerk complied, recording the request and issuing the mission permit for Kisha and her team to leave the gate. Once the Winters'' man sent by Kisha received the permit, he flashed a smile and returned to the villa. When he arrived, Aston, Tristan, Mr. and Mrs. Winters, and even the Patriarch were already gathered in the living room, sitting around Kisha and Duke on the sofa, ready to discuss their next steps. The man approached Kisha with a respectful demeanor, presenting the permit to her with both hands before retreating and quietly closing the door behind him, allowing the group to speak freely. Moments later, Bald Eagle arrived, joining the gathering. All the key leaders¡ªthose privy to many of Kisha''s secrets¡ªhad now arrived, including the Wyatts, marking the beginning of an important discussion. "We''ve called this meeting because Duke, Vulture, and I need to venture outside to search for our missing team members, including Sparrow," Kisha began, her voice firm and commanding, the tone of a leader addressing her team. "While we''re away, I trust that everyone will ensure the base remains secure and operational. I''ll leave some of the Scarlet Bees in charge of monitoring the walls, ready to respond if anything unexpected arises. They''ll also be responsible for keeping us informed of any developments while we''re out." Her words carried the weight of responsibility, and the room fell into a focused silence, understanding that this was no longer a casual discussion but a matter of utmost importance. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No one took offense; it was clear that Kisha was speaking as the leader of their operation, not just a family member or friend. Despite Kisha''s authoritative tone, there was still a sense of unease among some of the gathered, particularly Mrs. Winters and the Patriarch. Both had seen the horrors of the outside world firsthand and were still haunted by the memories. Hearing that only Kisha, Duke, and Vulture would be venturing out left them even more unsettled. They knew how strong Kisha and Duke were, but they were still human¡ªvulnerable to fatigue and the toll of the dangers outside. The thought of just the three of them battling their way through the zombie-filled wasteland felt like an insurmountable challenge. There was a deep, unspoken fear that they could easily be overwhelmed by the frenzied hordes, and the risk of being outnumbered and trapped was a real possibility. Sensing the unease in the room, Duke quickly spoke up, hoping to ease the tension. "Keeping our numbers small will allow us to move faster," he explained confidently. "With our combined strength, I don''t think the zombies will pose much of a threat. Our real challenge might come from the evolved zombies, but with Kisha and I working together, we''ll be able to handle it." He flashed a smile, which, to those listening, felt more like a display of his strong bond with his wife¡ªlike a picture-perfect couple who could take on anything. The Patriarch, unimpressed by the public display of affection, rolled his eyes and snorted at his grandson''s words. Despite that, he couldn''t deny the logic in Duke''s argument. Everyone in the room knew that Kisha and Duke were the strongest fighters in the base. Having them lead the mission with a small group, rather than a larger group, made sense. The rest of the team would only slow them down, and traveling with a small, agile group would allow them to reach their destination without attracting unnecessary attention or complications. With that, the matter was settled, and no one could find any reason to object. Seeing that no one had any further objections, Kisha took the opportunity to continue. "While we''re away, I need everyone''s help to stay on top of the ongoing projects inside the base. We''ve already secured a location to raise the livestock, which should help with any suspicion regarding where the meat is coming from." "Additionally, we still have the resources that were brought back, and they need to be properly organized and distributed to the workshop and solo stall owners. I have full confidence that Aston and Tristan will handle that efficiently." Her voice was steady and authoritative, but also trusting¡ªshe knew the team could manage without her for a while. Vulture suddenly interjected, as if recalling something important. "Also, Young Madam, we brought back some mutated animals. We were wondering if it would be possible to use them as a source of food or for other purposes?" His tone was thoughtful, recognizing the potential value of these creatures, and he looked to Kisha for her direction. Chapter 566 - 566 Search And Rescue Mission 2 Kisha raised an eyebrow before responding, her tone pragmatic. "Of course, they can be eaten. How else will humanity sustain itself in the future without a reliable source of protein?" "You did well bringing these mutated animals back. We can leave them in Mike''s care. He''ll know how to subdue them and, with time, perhaps even train them to be as docile as they once were as livestock." She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. The group discussed a few more key reminders, focusing on what needed attention while she and Duke were away, including contingency plans for any unexpected issues. Once the final instructions were given, Kisha and Duke exchanged glances and stood, ready to embark on their mission. "Be careful out there," Mrs. Winters said softly, gently taking Kisha''s hands in hers. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her worry evident. Over time, Mrs. Winters had grown increasingly fond of Kisha, appreciating her as a daughter-in-law. Kisha''s grace, kindness, and unwavering strength had won her over. She admired how Kisha balanced compassion with a fierce determination to protect her people and family¡ªa perfect match for her son, Duke. Not only did Kisha exude a calm, collected demeanor, but beneath her seemingly cold exterior lay a warm and compassionate heart. Mrs. Winters now regarded her not merely as a daughter-in-law but as a daughter in every sense of the word, her protective instincts intensifying with each passing moment. Seeing the concern etched on Mrs. Winters'' face, Kisha felt a wave of warmth in her own heart. A gentle smile spread across her lips as she reached out, patting Mrs. Winters'' hand with genuine care. "Mom, don''t worry. Duke and I will look out for each other out there," she said reassuringly. The word "Mom" flowed so naturally from Kisha''s lips that it struck an emotional chord in Mrs. Winters. Overcome with emotion, Mrs. Winters felt tears welling up. She had never imagined being so deeply moved by the simple act of being called "Mom" by her daughter-in-law. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without hesitation, she pulled Kisha into a heartfelt embrace, patting her back as if to shield her from the dangers ahead. "Stay safe, both of you," she whispered, her voice thick with love and worry. After embracing Kisha, Mrs. Winters turned her attention to her only son, her expression firm yet filled with motherly concern. "Son, protect your wife at all costs," she reminded him, her voice steady but laced with emotion. Duke met her gaze and nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of her words. His father, Mr. Winters, remained silent but stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Duke''s shoulder¡ªa quiet gesture of support and trust. Moments later, the familiar rumble of the armored vehicle echoed through the area as Vulture arrived, driving the armored car they had previously used to reach City B. The vehicle''s reinforced frame gleamed faintly under the light, a testament to its reliability in the dangerous terrain outside. As Kisha, Duke, and Vulture prepared to board, an unexpected figure bolted toward the car. Zeus, their loyal canine companion, bounded into the vehicle with uncontainable enthusiasm. The large dog squeezed itself into the passenger seat, wagging its tail furiously, its tongue lolling out as though it were simply heading out for a joyful outing. Its bright, excited demeanor contrasted starkly with the seriousness of the moment, but it brought a small, much-needed smile to everyone''s faces. "Master! Zeus is coming! Zeus is coming!" the excited voice of Zeus echoed through their mindlink, brimming with enthusiasm. Kisha could only sigh, knowing there was no convincing the determined canine otherwise. Besides, she reasoned, Zeus might look like a goofy, overexcited dog, but his combat skills were nothing to scoff at. In fact, his presence could prove invaluable¡ªnot only in providing support during potential fights but also in aiding the search for Sparrow and the rest of Team 6. With that thought in mind, Kisha allowed herself a small smile, resigned yet grateful for the unwavering loyalty of her four-legged companion. Even though night was quickly approaching and the risks grew significantly after dark, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture couldn''t bring themselves to wait until morning to search for the missing team. The urgency of the situation outweighed the added danger, and their resolve was unwavering. As Kisha and Duke approached the armored truck, Kisha halted and turned to Vulture. "Vulture, I''ll drive. You and Zeus can sit in the back," she instructed firmly. Vulture nodded, recognizing the authority in her voice, and moved to the back with Zeus, who happily followed. Kisha climbed into the driver''s seat while Duke took the passenger seat beside her. As he settled in, a memory surfaced, bringing a wide smile to his face¡ªthe first time he had ridden in her car before. That moment, filled with admiration and a hint of nervous excitement, now felt like a lifetime ago, but the warmth of it lingered. This time, Duke made sure to fasten his seatbelt securely. With Zeus now lounging in the back, there was plenty of space for its large frame to stretch out beside Vulture. Even Vulture buckled his seatbelt, understanding the importance of safety in a vehicle that Kisha was about to drive. There wasn''t much preparation needed for their journey¡ªKisha had already stored everything they might require in her inventory. Before leaving, she had also taken precautions to ensure the base''s operations could continue seamlessly. She left the territory''s portal open in the woods behind their villa, maintaining Marcus'' connection to the territory even in her absence. This way, the team could proceed with their activities without disruption, and Kisha could focus on the mission ahead. The Winters men ensured the mutated animals were delivered safely into the territory, where Mike could begin their training and taming. This task brought Mike a sense of satisfaction, as he found these creatures more intelligent than regular animals, though they also exhibited a stronger temper. However, Mike remained mindful of one critical rule: he must avoid forming emotional bonds with these animals. He knew that growing too attached would make it far more difficult to see them slaughtered in the future if they were ultimately designated as livestock. This practical mindset allowed him to focus on his work while preparing the animals for their intended purpose. The STAU assigned to manage the resources gathered within the territory efficiently moved the materials to the designated storage area. This space had been allocated specifically for organizing the supplies before distributing them to the workshops and new stall owners. While everyone within the base remained occupied with their respective tasks, Kisha''s armored car rumbled toward the northern gate, catching the soldiers stationed there¡ªand even the gatekeeper¡ªoff guard with its unexpected approach. "C-City Lord, where are you headed?" The gatekeeper leaned forward, peering into Kisha''s armored car. However, given the vehicle''s height, only his head could reach the window, and Kisha had to glance down slightly to meet his gaze. She calmly retrieved the mission permit and handed it to him. As the gatekeeper read the words "Search and Rescue Operation," his eyes widened in surprise. "City Lord, must you go personally?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. His gaze shifted to the sky, which was gradually darkening, adding an unspoken weight to the urgency of her mission. Chapter 567 - 567 Search And Rescue Mission 3 Kisha didn''t respond verbally, only nodding in acknowledgment. Seeing her gesture, the gatekeeper sighed, his expression resigned. "City Lord, safe travels," he said, his voice soft, recognizing that whatever concerns he had would be pointless now. He had already noticed the discrepancy in the number of trucks that had returned compared to those that had left that morning, and he hadn''t seen Captain Sparrow among the returning crew. It was clear to him that this was a search and rescue operation for someone missing, likely Sparrow, and that the situation was serious enough for the City Lord to venture out personally. After stamping the permit, he signaled for the soldiers stationed above to be on high alert and ordered the gates to be opened, allowing the armored vehicle to pass through. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing their City Lord leaving the base for the first time in a long while, a sense of tension spread throughout the soldiers above the wall. They turned their attention to the incoming zombies, fortifying their positions and preparing for what was to come. As the gate remained shut, Kisha kept her window open, her elbow casually resting on the edge while her right hand lightly gripped the steering wheel. Duke, in his usual quiet manner, didn''t speak but focused intently on the map. He traced the possible routes that Sparrow could have taken while out on his mission. Yet, despite his focus on the task at hand, his gaze would occasionally drift to his wife. He couldn''t help but admire her calm demeanor, her side profile framed by the soft glow of the setting sun. Each time his thoughts wandered back to the map, he found his mind clearer, almost as though her presence helped him think more sharply. Kisha could feel Duke''s intense gaze on her, though she chose to ignore it, her attention fixed on the gate ahead. She noticed the soldiers on either side of the gate preparing to move, signaling that the moment was near. Without hesitation, she pressed the gas pedal, the engine revving to life. As the gate began to open, Kisha swiftly shifted gears, propelling the armored car forward with a burst of speed. The vehicle shot out of the gate, its sides narrowly missing the edges as it squeezed through, leaving only an inch to spare. The soldiers and gatekeepers were used to seeing Sparrow pull off this daring maneuver¡ªhe always made sure to deny the zombies any chance to slip inside. But Kisha''s approach was even more dangerously precise. If there had been a delay, even by a fraction of a second, the car might have collided with the gate instead of clearing it. The sharpness of her move caught even the seasoned gatekeepers off guard. The soldiers opening the gate were visibly sweating, their nerves frayed by the near-miss, but Kisha had no time to dwell on it. Her mind was already laser-focused, shifting gears mentally as she planned her next move. Every second counted. She evaluated the advancing horde of zombies, calculating the best route to avoid being overwhelmed or boxed in. Her thoughts raced as she mapped out the quickest, least risky path to the outskirts, all while steering the armored car with unwavering precision. The danger was mounting, but Kisha''s instincts and experience were sharp¡ªshe was ready for whatever came next. "Ah! Ah! Zeus, move your stinky ass!" Vulture roared from the back as the armored car made a sharp turn. Duke glanced sideways, purposely ignoring Vulture''s distress. Truth be told, neither Duke nor Kisha wanted to be sitting in the back. They both knew how easily they could be thrown around back there, and they were concerned Zeus might get playful and join them, leaving them the ones suffering instead of Vulture. Realizing they couldn''t dissuade Zeus from coming along, Kisha had suggested driving, and they both tacitly understood why. Kisha''s knowledge of City B''s terrain allowed them to exit the city more swiftly, but now, seeing Vulture struggle to breathe in the back, both Kisha and Duke couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt. "Hang in there, we''ll be out of the city soon," Duke said, trying to reassure Vulture while carefully avoiding his gaze. Despite his words, he could hear Vulture struggling, pushing Zeus away from his face as the massive dog shifted positions. Just as Vulture managed to move Zeus, the armored car took another sharp turn, sending Zeus''s weight off balance and causing Vulture to end up in an even more awkward situation. The sudden sharp turn threw Zeus off balance, and Vulture''s nose ended up directly pressed against Zeus'' butt hole, causing Vulture to gag in shock. He looked utterly pitiful in the backseat, his face twisted in disgust. Meanwhile, Zeus, oblivious to the situation, was still enjoying the ride, his tail wagging happily as if Vulture''s discomfort was just part of a playful game. The dog wiggled his behind as if trying to engage Vulture in a game, unaware of the discomfort he was causing. It was hard for Duke to suppress a chuckle, but he knew better than to acknowledge the chaos happening in the back. Instead, he focused on looking outside the window the car through the streets, keeping his mind sharp for the road ahead. Duke couldn''t bear to look at Vulture, but in his heart, he silently prayed, "RIP, my brother." Kisha, too, pursed her lips. She felt a hint of guilt, but she knew there was no other choice. The road was getting dark now, with no streetlights, and they could only rely on the headlights of the armored car. Every sharp turn made it harder to anticipate the zombies that might jump into their path. Fortunately, Kisha had 008''s assistance, which provided a radar-like map, showing the red dots surrounding them. Despite that, their speed demanded lightning-fast reflexes, and Kisha knew that staying sharp was crucial to avoiding disaster. Every now and then, a zombie would leap out of nowhere toward their windshield, forcing Kisha to swerve to avoid a collision. If the windshield shattered, it would be a huge problem for them. Amidst all the chaos, Kisha''s sudden jerks of the steering wheel rattled the entire armored car. Duke, having put away the map, was gripping the overhead handle tightly, his lips pressed into a thin line. Initially, he thought he had gotten used to Kisha''s wild driving, but now that he was in the passenger seat again, it felt more like a roller coaster¡ªunpredictable and dizzying. At least he was in the front, and didn''t have to worry about Zeus taking a tumble in the back. Kisha also wanted to send Zeus back into the territory space to spare Vulture some discomfort, but Zeus wasn''t having it. He was so caught up in the excitement of the ride, thinking it was all one big game, that he refused to go back. Meanwhile, Vulture could only bite his lip, wanting to cry, but no tears came. He couldn''t even bring himself to be angry at Zeus; the dog was just being playful. So, he swallowed his grievances, feeling like he was unfairly bearing the brunt of the situation. Kisha expertly navigated the best routes, weaving through the streets to avoid the zombie hordes. With her sharp focus, they quickly reached the outskirts, maintaining a blistering speed of 80 to 100 km/h. Chapter 568 - 568 Search And Rescue Mission 4 "Should we take a break for now? The engine''s too hot," Kisha suggested, slowing the armored car and pulling it to the side of the road. Duke nodded, adjusting himself in his seat as he took out the map once more. Handing it to Kisha, he glanced out the window. The road was shrouded in darkness, the faint glow from the reddish moon offering barely enough light to make out the path ahead. Kisha took the map from Duke, and they switched on the small overhead light. Together, they began tracing the map, trying to get their bearings. "I think we''re here," Kisha said, pointing to a spot on the map. Duke raised an eyebrow, his tone more curious than skeptical. "Can you tell for sure?" His question was understandable¡ªout here, in the eerie darkness, the road ahead was completely invisible, and everything around them seemed to blend into the night. It was nearly impossible to make out any landmarks. Kisha nodded confidently. With 008''s radar-like map, she didn''t need to see the entire area to get a sense of where they were. The map on hand''s details, though partial, provided enough of an outline to match with the road ahead. Even though the official map didn''t show every little path, it had been updated to include the unofficial dirt road they were on, especially since City B had been expanding and the animal farm had become a popular tourist spot. The new map had replaced the old one, making it easier to match the limited information she had with the reality on the ground. With that, Kisha was able to piece together their location with remarkable precision. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though Kisha didn''t explain this detail, Duke didn''t press her for answers. He knew that Kisha operated in ways and had layers of knowledge that he couldn''t quite grasp yet, and he wasn''t in a rush to uncover every part of her. After all, Kisha was gradually opening up to him on her own, revealing pieces of herself without needing to be asked. Duke trusted that, in time, the things he didn''t understand would fall into place. When the time came for Kisha to share her secrets fully with him, it would be a sign that her heart was completely open to him, and he would be ready for that moment. The thought of it made Duke feel a surge of happiness and excitement, but on the outside, he remained calm and impassive, his expression cool as he listened intently to Kisha. At the moment, Kisha was still relying on 008''s radar map, opting not to send the Scarlet Bees out just yet. She didn''t want to exhaust them prematurely, especially since they didn''t have a specific location to target. The bees would need to conserve their energy for when the time came to search for even the smallest clue, so they needed all the rest they could get. Duke understood this, realizing that Kisha wasn''t depending on the Scarlet Bees to pinpoint their location just yet. Regardless of how she managed it, he trusted her completely, nodding in quiet agreement. Kisha noticed the trust in Duke''s eyes gleaming in the darkness, a warmth spreading in her chest as she nodded in appreciation. Without a word, she reached into her inventory and pulled out a plate of cooked food, offering it to both Duke and Vulture. The Mexican tacos, accompanied by spicy soup and chilled Coca-Cola, were a welcome sight. Duke even helped by chilling the cans of Coke, making them perfectly cold with a hint of ice inside. The humid night air made the simple treat feel even more refreshing. To conserve fuel, Kisha had turned off the engine, relying on a small battery-powered lamp to provide a dim light, leaving the window slightly open to let in a breeze. But the heat lingered, and the cold Coke offered a much-needed relief, cooling their throats as they settled in for a brief rest. After finishing the tacos, Kisha reached into her inventory again, this time pulling out some spiritual fruits and offering them to Duke and Vulture. The fruits were vibrant, exuding a faint glow, and they seemed to revitalize them with every bite. Meanwhile, Zeus, content and unbothered, was happily devouring a large roasted T-bone steak. If any outsider were to witness Zeus eating, they''d likely envy the luxurious meal, wishing they could be Kisha''s pet instead. The huge beast, with its massive appetite, was eating better than most survivors who struggled to find even a single packet of noodles. But no one could fault Kisha for pampering her pets. After all, Zeus and Bell were both far stronger than a typical superhuman, and treating them well was more of an investment than anything else. Not to mention, they were both incredibly cute and easy to get along with, making them a joy to care for. In this harsh world, where survival was a constant battle, having powerful, loyal companions like them was an invaluable asset. Duke and Vulture didn''t question Zeus''s feast, fully understanding that whatever Kisha did was always with purpose, and they had no reason to doubt her decisions. Once they finished their meal, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture were all battle-ready, their focus sharp as they prepared to continue their journey. As they neared the location where Vulture had pointed out the attack by the mutated cow happened, Kisha slowly rolled down the window of the armored car. Her eyes scanned the area, but all that met her gaze was an eerie silence. The only sounds were the whispering wind and the occasional chirp of distant insects. The calmness of the scene belied the danger they had faced earlier, but Kisha''s instincts remained on high alert as she surveyed the surroundings, her senses attuned to every movement in the stillness. For the first time, Kisha took out the Erebus cloak and draped it over herself, its dark fabric blending seamlessly with the night. Duke, already prepared, had donned his Kratos'' cloak before leaving the base. Meanwhile, Vulture, true to his usual style, wore his combat attire: a long, fitted turtleneck that accentuated his well-defined muscles, paired with black cargo pants secured by straps that held his massive hammer and other tools. His small tactical belt bag and holstered guns were at the ready, and his combat boots completed the look. Unlike Kisha and Duke, Vulture didn''t wear additional protective armor or a cloak, but that didn''t matter. His defensive talent was enough to keep him safe, and he was more than capable of handling whatever came his way. Kisha, Duke, Vulture, and Zeus stepped out of the armored car, the dirt road beneath their boots still soft underfoot. With a swift motion, Kisha stored the vehicle back in her inventory. All of them were dressed in black, blending almost seamlessly with the shadows, and Zeus, too, seemed to merge with the surrounding darkness, making it difficult to spot any of them. With Kisha leading the way, her heightened senses allowed her to navigate the terrain with ease. Her eyes, glowing faintly like a cat''s, scanned the outlines of trees and bushes, guiding them through the night. Duke and Vulture, thanks to their physical conditioning, training, and awakened abilities, also had impressive vision in the dark. However, Kisha wasn''t willing to take any chances. Before they fully entered the forest, Kisha reached into her inventory and pulled out night-vision goggles, handing a pair to both Duke and Vulture. The outside world was already dark, but inside the forest, it would be near impossible to discern anything without proper equipment. Even with her heightened senses, Kisha wasn''t about to gamble with their safety, so she slipped on a pair herself, ensuring they were fully prepared for the darkness that lay ahead. Kisha then applied a special sticker to the front and back of Duke and Vulture''s chests, as well as on either side of Zeus. To the naked eye, the stickers appeared to be ordinary, but under the night-vision goggles, they emitted a soft, glowing light. This glow would allow the team to easily identify each other in the dark, preventing any potential confusion or accidental crossfire. The glowing markers would make it easier to track each member''s position, ensuring they remained in sync throughout their mission. Those without night-vision goggles, however, would see nothing in the pitch-black environment, keeping the markers discreet to anyone outside their group. Vulture, noticing the thoughtful preparation, gave Kisha a thumbs up. Despite the dire nature of their situation, she never failed to ensure that her team was fully equipped and coordinated for the mission. He couldn''t help but smile, thinking how the woman who had always shown such admirable qualities was now his master''s wife. Even Duke looked at Kisha with a look of contentment and love, as if he had just struck gold. Kisha, however, rolled her eyes playfully at Duke, but the moment of lightheartedness quickly faded, and everyone''s demeanor shifted back to seriousness as they ventured deeper into the forest. With no knowledge of what dangers might lie ahead, they proceeded with caution, their senses heightened and their every step deliberate. Chapter 569 - 569 Search And Rescue Mission 5 Kisha released thousands of Scarlet Bees into the night, watching as they dispersed in every direction, their tiny wings creating a soft hum in the air. She ensured they remained within a 500-meter radius, maintaining a direct connection with Bell, allowing for swift and precise communication. Bell, now perched atop Zeus''s head, emerged from the territory space, her presence calm but alert. "Master, all the Scarlet Bees have been dispatched. I''ll keep you informed of any findings," Bell assured Kisha, her voice steady and focused. "Hmm," Kisha responded thoughtfully, scanning the dense forest around them. Based on her knowledge of Sparrow, she knew he could move through the trees effortlessly, leaving little trace for any predators or enemies to follow. However, that also meant it would be hard for his people to track him. Kisha quickly relayed instructions to the Scarlet Bees, ensuring they focused on the tree branches. She instructed them to look for any signs, such as footprints, mud, or broken branches, that might indicate Sparrow''s path. She recalled that the ground had been muddy earlier that morning, especially after Sparrow and Vulture had dealt with the mutated cow. They had both left traces of mud on their shoes, and Kisha suspected that Sparrow might have unknowingly left some of it behind as he moved through the trees. That small detail¡ªthe mud on the branches¡ªcould be their only lead in finding him. "Alright, Master, the orders have been sent," Bell confirmed after establishing a wide mind-link with all the Scarlet Bees scattered in various directions. The transmission took only a second to send and receive, showcasing the remarkable efficiency of their coordination. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Zeus wasn''t idle. As soon as they entered the forest, he took the lead, sniffing the air and ground intently, searching for traces of Sparrow''s scent amidst the natural musk of the surroundings. With the Scarlet Bees combing the area and Zeus tracking diligently, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture moved forward, their senses sharp and their focus unwavering, determined to locate Sparrow as quickly as possible. The trio moved swiftly through the forest, alternating between running, walking, and pausing to scan their surroundings. Suddenly, Zeus began hopping excitedly and calling out through their mind-link, "Master! Master! Smell! Sparrow''s smell!" Zeus reared up on his hind legs, leaning against a large tree as he continued to signal his discovery. Kisha and Duke, just a step behind, quickly caught up, noticing Zeus''s animated behavior. They exchanged a brief glance, knowing he must have found something significant. Kisha, Duke, and Vulture all directed their attention toward the tree. Without hesitation, Kisha used her telekinesis to lift herself effortlessly into the air. As she hovered among the branches, she scanned carefully, her senses on high alert. At first, everything seemed ordinary, but Kisha refused to give up. Her persistence paid off when she noticed a small broken branch. Upon closer inspection, she found a tiny piece of torn black cloth snagged on it. It was almost imperceptible in the dense darkness of the forest, but Kisha''s telekinetic sweep had allowed her to feel the subtle irregularity in the tree''s texture. Kisha plucked the fragment of cloth delicately, her expression sharpening with determination as she descended back to the ground. "We''ve got a lead," she said, holding up the piece for the others to see. Using the tree as their starting point, Kisha, the Scarlet Bees, and Zeus spread out to search for Sparrow''s next move. They carefully examined the surrounding trees, looking for any hint of his direction¡ªwhether it be lingering traces of his scent, broken branches, or other subtle tracks he might have left behind. However, the task proved challenging. The forest seemed to have swallowed any evidence, with nearly no scent remaining, and even the Scarlet Bees struggled to find traces based on Kisha''s mental instructions. Despite this, none of them gave up. Kisha, determined as ever, heightened her focus, guiding the Scarlet Bees to meticulously scan the area. Zeus continued sniffing around with his sharp senses, his movements calculated as he attempted to pick up even the faintest hint of Sparrow''s trail. Meanwhile, Duke and Vulture were also actively engaged in the search. Understanding Sparrow''s role as a scout, both men began looking for signs that Sparrow might have deliberately left behind¡ªmarks or symbols unique to their team''s training. It was common practice for scouts to leave subtle traces or hidden messages that only their comrades could decipher. These would serve as breadcrumbs in case they couldn''t return or their situation turned dire, ensuring their team could follow their path or understand the danger they faced. The group worked tirelessly, combining their skills and instincts, knowing that any small detail could be the key to finding Sparrow and ensuring his safety. Typically, leaving behind such traces or messages was a practice reserved for death warriors or those who were certain they wouldn''t make it out alive. While they believed Sparrow had no intention of dying at the time¡ªhe had likely been focused solely on scouting¡ªthey also knew it was possible he hadn''t left any deliberate clues or messages. Despite this, Duke and Vulture refused to overlook the possibility. They diligently scoured the area, examining every detail with care and determination. Even the faintest hint could provide insight, and they weren''t willing to take any chances when it came to finding Sparrow. For two relentless hours, Kisha, Duke, Vulture, Zeus, and the Scarlet Bees combed through the forest, following every lead and speculating about where Sparrow might have lost contact. The group tirelessly searched, moving in calculated patterns to ensure no area was overlooked. Despite their efforts, exhaustion began to creep in. Their breaths grew heavier, and the strain of running in circles was evident as their stamina steadily dwindled. Fortunately, Kisha''s passive and active skills kept their physical energy replenished, allowing them to recover stamina and spiritual energy continuously. However, the real toll was on their mental state. The weight of their growing worries and the effort to suppress those anxieties gnawed at their focus and resolve. Slap! A sudden, loud slap echoed through the stillness of the forest, halting everyone in their tracks. The sharp sound broke the tense silence, leaving Kisha and Duke startled. Kisha blinked, her wide eyes snapping toward the source, only to see Vulture standing rigid, his head slightly tilted from the force of his own slap. His cheek bore the clear mark of impact, and it was evident he hadn''t held back. Even Duke appeared taken aback, momentarily speechless. Before either of them could ask what had just happened, Vulture adjusted his posture and straightened his clothes with an air of composure, as if nothing unusual had occurred. But his eyes told a different story. The intensity of his focus and determination now burned brighter than ever, a fiery resolve replacing the earlier shadow of doubt. It was then that Kisha and Duke understood. Vulture had been grappling with guilt and fear, the weight of their inability to find more clues about Sparrow pressing heavily on him. The creeping sense of hopelessness had been gnawing at his resolve, threatening to undermine his focus. The slap had been his way of grounding himself¡ªa sharp, physical reminder to regain control and refocus on their mission. Chapter 570 - 570 Search And Rescue Mission 6 Vulture''s decisive action served as a wake-up call not just for himself but also for Kisha and Duke. It reminded them to push aside the haunting "what ifs" and refocus on the task at hand. Kisha clenched her fists, her resolve solidifying as she thought, ''Right, I have to keep looking for Sparrow. He must be waiting for our rescue.'' But if only she knew... In a secluded part of the forest, a massive tree groaned softly as the wind swept through its branches, creating a low, haunting hum, almost as if the tree itself was alive and content. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The ground around it was soaked in a thick, red, slimy liquid, and not a single blade of grass dared to grow in its shadow, as though the tree greedily consumed every ounce of nourishment for itself. Upon closer inspection, broken, mangled limbs protruded from the ground¡ªfragments of something or someone¡ªand then, as if unseen hands were at work, they were slowly pulled beneath the earth. Moments later, an eerie stillness blanketed the area once more. On Kisha''s side, after circling the same area three times, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture decided to pause and reassess their situation and leads. They realized that continuing aimlessly would only drain the Scarlet Bees'' energy and waste precious time¡ªtime that was critical to Sparrow''s survival. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on them, prompting them to refocus and strategize before proceeding. "Master! We found something!" Bell''s sudden voice echoed through Kisha''s mind, startling Kisha. But as the words registered, a smile spread across her face. Without a moment''s hesitation, she started running, eager to follow the lead. In her excitement, she forgot to relay the Scarlet Bees'' findings to Duke and Vulture, but seeing her eager expression, they quickly understood that a clue had been discovered. Without hesitation, they sprinted after her. Kisha, Duke, and Vulture darted through the forest, with Kisha relying on the vivid mental image sent by the Scarlet Bee that had found the clue. Using the memory, she expertly navigated the terrain, her focus sharp as she closed in on the source. Before long, they arrived at the tree where the clue awaited. As before, Kisha lifted herself into the air with her telekinesis, her eyes scanning the tree branches carefully. There, she found small clumps of muddy crumbs along with the faint imprint of a military boot¡ªSparrow''s, no doubt. The print was barely visible, just the tip of the front shoe, but it was enough to indicate the direction he had taken. With this newfound clue, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture continued deeper into the forest, following the trail. As they moved, Kisha observed that the traces around them had become slightly more pronounced. It was as though Sparrow''s path had become clearer. Duke frowned, his thoughts turning inward. "Did he lose focus and start leaving these traces subconsciously?" he murmured. "Or was this a deliberate attempt to leave a trail for his subordinates? What was his mentality at this point?" Duke was trying to piece together what Sparrow might have been thinking during his journey, but without knowing for sure, it was difficult to gauge. Still, the traces were there¡ªhowever small¡ªand they served as their only guide. Even the smallest crumbs of mud on the branches were enough to keep them on track. Reluctantly, Duke realized that all they could do was follow these faint clues and hope they led them to Sparrow. As they continued to follow the faintest of leads, the group had already changed direction several times. Then, at one point, the broken branches around the trees became more pronounced, the damage larger and more obvious. It was clear now¡ªSparrow was on the run, no longer concerned about leaving traces behind. Kisha and Duke exchanged a grim look, both understanding the shift in the situation. Without another word, they surged forward, their pace quickening as they pressed deeper into the forest. "Master, blood!" Zeus yelped through Kisha''s mind, his alertness sharp despite the absence of visible traces. Unable to spot any fresh blood, Kisha trusted Zeus''s instincts and followed him. Although the blood had dried by now, leaving only faint remnants in the air, Zeus''s keen senses led the way. Soon, they spotted a small droplet of blood on the ground. The sight made Kisha, Duke, and Vulture''s expressions darken, a chill running through them as their hearts sank. They followed the faint trail, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. Eventually, they reached a clearing. The rustling of the husks in the wind sounded unnervingly loud in the otherwise silent night. Towering, dark grass stretched endlessly before them, a stark contrast to the dense forest they had just left behind. "A rice field?" Kisha murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she scanned her surroundings. Her heart pounded in her chest, nerves and fear crawling up her spine. When her eyes landed on the rice field, a sense of relief washed over her¡ªperhaps Sparrow had fled to this area while escaping, and it felt like a plausible lead. "Master!" Bell''s urgent call echoed through Kisha''s mind, causing her to jump slightly. She quickly turned to the sky, spotting Bell circling above them. "What is it?" Kisha asked, her voice tense with anticipation. "There!" Bell responded, her tone sharp and focused. "Over there! One of my Scarlet Bees found something!" "Master! Blood! Smell!" Zeus interjected suddenly, his voice urgent, and Kisha''s heart sank. The worst-case scenario immediately flashed through her mind, a cold dread settling in her chest. Without a word, Kisha stepped forward, towards the direction Bell and Zeus had indicated. Her feet felt heavy as if they were made of lead. She didn''t want to move closer, afraid of what the rice field might be hiding¡ªafraid of what lay beyond the tall stalks. But there was no choice. She needed to know. The hope that her fears were wrong barely lingered in her mind, quickly drowned by the weight of the situation. With each step, her heart grew heavier, her face more somber. As she neared the edge of the field, her senses sharpened, and she detected the faint, metallic smell in the air¡ªa scent far too familiar for her comfort. Seeing her like this, Duke and Vulture exchanged grim looks. Their expressions darkened, the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon them as their hearts sank further into a cold, dark place. The silence between them grew, broken only by the sound of their own footsteps as they followed her, each one more reluctant than the last. Kisha waved her hand, clearing a path through the rice field, deliberately avoiding the temptation to float above it. She didn''t want to risk missing something, and deep down, she knew her heart wasn''t ready for the horrors that might be visible from above. As she walked, each step was a battle to steady her breathing and calm her racing thoughts. But it wasn''t enough. The weight of the worst-case scenario hung over her like a suffocating cloud, and despite her best efforts to block the images flooding her mind, the fear persisted, gnawing at her with every passing second. Minutes stretched on, each one feeling like a lifetime, as a torrent of emotions coursed through her. Her hands trembled, her body cold and heavy, and her heart beat with a mix of dread and determination. The silence of the rice field felt like a living thing, pressing in around her as they made their way deeper into the vast stretch of stalks. Chapter 571 - 571 Search And Rescue Mission 7 At last, they reached their destination. Just a few meters from the edge of the forest, the rice stalks stood untouched, swaying gently in the breeze as if no one had passed through. There were no signs of a struggle, no footprints or disturbances¡ªnothing to suggest anyone had ventured this way. The air hung thick with stillness, an eerie calm that felt almost unnatural. For a brief, unsettling moment, it was as if the world itself had paused, holding its breath in anticipation. When Kisha, Duke, and Vulture laid eyes on the object on the ground, a collective sigh of relief escaped their lips. It was as if the weight of a boulder pressing down on their hearts had suddenly lifted, and the suffocating tension that had held them captive melted away¡ªat least, for a fleeting moment. But as they crouched down to inspect the item, their relief shattered like glass. Their hearts sank, and their minds spun into chaos as they realized what they were staring at: there was no sign of Sparrow''s body. Instead, only a bloodied radio lay discarded on the ground. A crushing silence filled the air, and for a moment, they were frozen. But then, a small thread of hope flickered. The absence of his body could also mean one thing¡ªhe might still be alive. They clung to that fragile hope, unwilling to let go. Sparrow had been one of their core members, a true part of their family. Kisha, Duke, and Vulture all felt the same¡ªlosing him was unimaginable. The thought was too heavy to bear. Duke''s voice cracked, hoarse with emotion as he spoke, "He might be around." It was unclear whether he meant they should search for him, or if he was unwilling to accept the possibility that Sparrow was no longer alive. Kisha nodded absently, her mind racing. But as if trying to deny the truth, Vulture pulled out his walkie-talkie and tried to contact Sparrow''s, hoping for a response. Instead, it was the crackle of the walkie-talkie on Duke''s hand that filled the air, followed by a tense silence as the connection went through. Vulture''s words faltered, stuck in his throat. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The oppressive stillness hung around them like a shroud. They didn''t need to say anything more. The truth had settled in¡ªthere was no denying that the bloodied radio on the ground belonged to Sparrow. Any hope of it being someone else, or clinging to excuses, had vanished. With a heavy heart and his mind in turmoil, Vulture''s hand dropped limply to his side. His radio slipped from his grasp, landing softly among the dry leaves of the golden rice stalks, the faint rustling sound amplifying the silence that followed. A sob escaped his lips, raw and unrestrained. "We need to find him," he whispered, his voice trembling with a desperate plea. The words were filled with anguish, but no one could fault him; they were just as consumed with worry for Sparrow. As if jolted back to reality, Kisha suddenly spoke up, her voice cutting through the tension. "Wait," Kisha said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "If the blood trail led to this spot, where Sparrow was supposed to be, but he''s nowhere around... doesn''t that seem a bit off?" She couldn''t quite put her finger on it, but a nagging feeling settled in her gut. Something didn''t add up, and she couldn''t shake the sense that they were overlooking something important. "What do you mean?" Duke asked, his gaze drawn to Kisha''s face, her features now marred by a frown. Though the night vision goggles obscured much of her expression, casting a shadow over her face as they hung loosely atop her head, the furrow in her brow was unmistakable. She had lifted the goggles to get a clearer view of the item, but the crease between her eyebrows told him everything. Duke could tell that Kisha was puzzled, something weighing on her mind. "What if the trail we''ve been following isn''t leading to where Sparrow is, but to where he was supposed to be heading to escape?" Kisha suggested, her voice steady but tinged with doubt. She scanned the surroundings once more. "I''ve noticed since earlier that there''s no other trail here. And even if Sparrow used his wind ability to glide, he still doesn''t have the power to fly. He can only jump long distances, the wind carrying him farther, but he''d still need to land somewhere." She paused for a moment before continuing. "I sent the Scarlet Bees to search the area, but there''s nothing. No trail left. Everything stops here." As if Duke was finally catching onto her line of thought, he continued her reasoning. "And the way this walkie-talkie looks¡ªit seems like it was dropped from above, not something he would''ve dropped as he came down. There''s no sign that he landed here." A sudden realization struck Duke, and he quickly turned to Kisha, his eyes wide with shock. "Do you think he was attacked from above before he had a chance to land? Maybe he was dragged away, and the walkie-talkie just... fell?" Kisha hesitated, then added, her voice laced with a hint of hope, "Or maybe he was trying to leave us a clue." Though they were both uncertain, one thing was clear: Sparrow had been attacked from above before he had a chance to land. He had been fleeing from something¡ªand that something was the reason he was missing. If the creature that attacked him was a flying one, they''d need to find its nest. But if they were unlucky and the creature had fledglings, it would mean that Sparrow was either already eaten or thrown to the young ones. Kisha recoiled at the thought, unwilling to let her mind go down that path. The idea that he might already be dead, with no chance of survival, was too much for her to bear and it would feel like she was already ending his chance of survival without even finding out the truth. Kisha''s heart pounded violently in her chest as she glanced back at the path they had come from. Duke, his voice steady but tinged with concern, spoke up. "I think we need to retrace our steps. If he was really attacked and this blood trail isn''t small, it means Sparrow was badly injured. If he was attacked from above and dragged away, then we''re following the blood trail in reverse. He might''ve been taken deeper into the forest." Duke analyzed the situation with a clear, focused gaze, his eyes flicking back toward their starting point. Kisha met his look, a silent understanding passing between them. Without another word, they both stood up. Kisha carefully placed Sparrow''s walkie-talkie into her inventory, the weight of the situation settling heavily between them. As they moved forward, Kisha and Duke both noticed that Vulture remained frozen in place, his body stiff and unyielding, as if he had already lost his soul and was silently grieving the loss of his brother. Duke stepped closer to him, his expression hardening. Without a word, he raised his hand and¡ª Slap! The sharp sound of the slap cut through the air, echoing the tension that hung between them. Duke''s hand stung, and he looked at it, his fingers numb from the force of the strike. ''It''s alright,'' he told himself, his mind steadying. ''He''s got thick skin. He won''t feel it.'' But still, it felt like he had struck metal. Chapter 572 - 572 Search And Rescue Mission 8 "Vulture, get a grip," Duke said, his voice grim but firm. "If Sparrow''s still alive, he''s probably waiting for us, stuck in a dire situation. If we waste any more time here, he could be dead for real. Don''t jump to conclusions¡ªnot until we see his body for ourselves." Duke didn''t want to say it, but the words were necessary. He needed Vulture to pull himself together. Kisha and Duke couldn''t afford to babysit him. If even Sparrow, with all his skills, had been caught off guard and unable to fight back, it meant their enemy was powerful enough to push him into a corner. They couldn''t afford to be distracted or broken, not now. If they allowed their spirits to drop, it would only drag them all down. Vulture''s blank expression and dull eyes slowly shifted toward Duke. He stared at him for a long moment before, suddenly, he burst into a sob. "Master, Sparrow..." His voice cracked, choking on the words. Duke didn''t hesitate. He slapped the back of Vulture''s head again, the sound sharp and quick, as though trying to jolt his mind awake. "Did your brain fill up with water?" Duke snapped. "Let me slap the stupid out of you so you can think straight." The scolding tone was harsh, but there was something oddly comforting about it. It was as if Duke were nagging a son, and despite the gravity of the situation, it carried a warmth that spoke volumes about the bond they shared. It was a reminder that, in the midst of all this, Duke saw them as family. Vulture''s worry for Sparrow was palpable, but Duke''s own anxiety was just as strong. He needed Vulture to pull himself together¡ªnot for Duke''s sake, but for Sparrow''s. They needed to find him, and Vulture''s current state wasn''t helping anyone. After a moment of sobbing, Vulture wiped his eyes with the back of his arm, looking every bit like an aggrieved child struggling to hold back his tears. With a quiet hiccup, he stood up, silently clipped his walkie-talkie back onto his belt, and without a word, fell in line behind Kisha and Duke once more. Duke paused, his scolding over, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He turned and started walking behind his wife, though the smile quickly faded, replaced by a hard, cold edge. A murderous glint flashed in his eyes as he glanced ahead. He didn''t tolerate anyone laying a hand on his people, and the thought of one of his trusted men being reduced to this... it only fueled his anger. The fire of vengeance burned hotter within him, and the need to make sure the culprit suffered¡ªnot just die easily¡ªconsumed his every thought. They all pushed their personal thoughts aside, refocusing on the mission to find Sparrow. The weight of the situation was clear¡ªany lapse in attention could mean missing a crucial clue or failing to spot danger before it was too late. Being absent-minded now could cost them everything. After taking a moment to school their emotions, they steeled themselves and moved forward once more. Since they were retracing their steps from where they had first found the blood trail, it was easier to follow the path back. Kisha, Duke, Vulture, Zeus, and the Scarlet Bees moved through the forest, the quiet urgency of their steps punctuated only by the distant rustling of the trees. Kisha kept the Scarlet Bees within a specific range, ensuring they formed a protective ring around the group. As they moved, the bees maintained a constant radius, a protective shield, and a detection network, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. With the Scarlet Bees forming a protective perimeter, any incoming threat would be detected almost immediately, giving Kisha and her group the opportunity to quickly formulate a plan to defend themselves. This added security allowed them to focus on the task at hand. With renewed determination, the group continued their search through the forest, following the blood trail. As they moved deeper into the woods, the sight of more blood only heightened their anxiety. The further they went, the more unsettling it became. Despite having traveled a considerable distance, the blood trail was still fresh, and the amount of blood visible was increasing. Their worries deepened. If Sparrow hadn''t died from the wounds already, the sheer loss of blood could be life-threatening. Even if he had survived the initial injury, the danger of bleeding out grew with every step they took. The deeper they ventured into the forest, the colder their bodies became, gripped by the growing fear for Sparrow''s life. Then, without warning, the blood trail abruptly stopped. They were no longer sure of their exact location. The dense trees surrounded them, obscuring their sense of direction, and tall grass swayed eerily in the silence. There were no signs of life¡ªno buzzing insects, no rustling leaves. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was then that they all realized: they had unknowingly entered the den of a dangerous predator. The abrupt halt of the blood trail only solidified the grim possibility that they were now in the territory of the creature that attacked Sparrow. Given their initial suspicion that the enemy was a flying creature, Kisha and Duke silently began scaling the nearest trees, moving with quiet precision. The Scarlet Bees hovered above, scouting the canopy and keeping watch from all angles. Meanwhile, Zeus and Vulture scanned the ground below, searching for any signs of the creature''s nest¡ªwhether it was perched in the trees or burrowed into the earth. As much as they were in a rush, the unknown nature of their enemy forced them to slow down. Without any clear idea of what they were up against, caution became their only option. Kisha relied heavily on the Scarlet Bees to carry out the search and detect any threats, careful not to alert the enemy. The bees shrank to their smallest form, their wings beating with almost imperceptible softness, minimizing the sound they made as they moved through the area. They had no idea how vast the creature''s territory was, or where its boundaries lay. The only choice was to remain as cautious as possible. Kisha, Duke, and the others scanned their surroundings, searching for any signs¡ªmarks on the trees, perhaps¡ªindicating that the creature had claimed this land as its own. It could be like a bear, marking its territory to ward off intruders, a clear sign of territorial dominance. They needed to be certain, though, before making any moves. Kisha and the others searched the area, but found nothing¡ªno sign of a nest, no tracks, not even the faintest hint of other animals, insects, or mutated creatures. The eerie silence was unsettling, and the absence of life around them was deeply odd. It became painfully clear that whatever creature they were dealing with was not just a predator, but a force of destruction¡ªmurderous enough to either kill everything in its vicinity or drive it away. The possibility that it had devoured anything in its path loomed over them, an even darker thought. As they continued to scan the surroundings, their expressions grew grimmer with each passing moment. The more they realized the deadly nature of the creature they were up against, the more their fear for Sparrow intensified. The thought that he might be facing something so merciless was almost too much to bear. Chapter 573 - 573 Search And Rescue Mission 9 "This is deeply concerning," Duke muttered, his index finger lightly resting against his chin as he surveyed their surroundings, his expression dark and grim. Despite the prolonged search and the energy they had expended¡ªboth physical and spiritual¡ªthey were holding up well, thanks to Kisha''s active and passive skills. These abilities not only kept their stamina replenished but also shielded them from the worst of the strain. However, their mental endurance was being tested. Yet, who were they if not seasoned veterans of countless harrowing experiences? Their resilience had been forged through hardship, and their minds were far from fragile. They pressed on with a steady determination, their composure unwavering. Even so, an hour passed with no progress. The Scarlet Bees, typically efficient in scouting, had scoured the area but uncovered no new leads. The silence and emptiness weighed heavily on them, deepening the unease in the air. "Ah!" Kisha suddenly let out a sharp, frustrated cry, her expression darkening with fury. She stomped her foot on the ground, her teeth clenched tightly, radiating anger. "What happened?" Duke asked, his voice tinged with concern as he quickly moved to her side. Placing a reassuring hand on her back, he gently rubbed it in soothing circles, his touch steady and calming. His worried eyes searched her face, silently urging her to share what had triggered her outburst. "Something killed my Scarlet Bees!" Kisha exclaimed, her voice laced with anger and urgency. Without hesitation, she broke into a steady sprint toward the location where her Scarlet Bees had been attacked. Duke immediately matched her pace, running alongside her. "Then doesn''t that mean we''ve found a lead on where the creature might be hiding?" Duke said, his tone trying to offer encouragement. "Their sacrifice wasn''t in vain, Wifey. This could take us straight to our target." Though Kisha appreciated Duke''s attempt to console her, she couldn''t help but feel a deep pang of frustration. The Scarlet Bees weren''t just disposable tools to her. Thanks to Bell''s diligent efforts, their numbers had grown into the thousands, but nurturing the specialized scouting drones wasn''t an easy task. These drones, with their extended stamina and endurance, were vital for long-term reconnaissance missions. Unlike the regular worker Scarlet Bees, these drones could scout for longer periods without succumbing to exhaustion, making them indispensable to her operations. That''s why losing them stung more than usual. They weren''t just valuable assets¡ªthey represented countless hours of care and effort. Still, Kisha steeled her resolve, knowing their loss might finally provide the clue they desperately needed just like what Duke said. Kisha felt her heart ache as if it were bleeding. Losing a dozen Scarlet Bees in an instant was a devastating blow, made worse by the frustration of not knowing what had happened. There had been no warning¡ªno sign of danger. One moment, the connection was alive and strong; the next, it was abruptly severed, leaving her bewildered and angry. Deciding to exercise caution, Kisha refrained from sending any more Scarlet Bees into the area. Instead, she ordered the remaining Scarlet Bees to maintain a safe distance, monitoring the scene from above and along the perimeter without venturing closer. She couldn''t risk losing more of her bees without understanding what had killed them. As Kisha, Duke, Vulture, and Zeus approached the perimeter where her Scarlet Bees had disappeared, their steps instinctively slowed. Eventually, they came to a halt. The air ahead of them was dense with an ominous, thick fog, curling unnaturally around the area. Kisha''s sharp eyes narrowed as she studied the unsettling sight, a shiver of unease running down her spine. "Was the fog poisonous?" Duke asked, his voice low as his sharp eyes scanned the area. He couldn''t spot any of the Scarlet Bees¡ªthey had expertly hidden themselves among the broad leaves and other safe crevices. The usual faint hum of their wings was absent, adding to the eerie silence. Duke''s brow furrowed as he observed the fog swirling around the area. It wasn''t natural; it carried an oppressive stillness that seemed to suffocate everything it touched. Could it have been the fog that killed the Scarlet Bees so suddenly? His jaw tightened at the thought, knowing whatever they were up against was far more dangerous than they''d anticipated. "This fog appeared out of nowhere," Kisha said, her voice tight with concern. She relayed the information coming from the Scarlet Bees positioned around the area. According to their reports, the fog hadn''t just risen¡ªit had appeared suddenly, almost as if summoned. But what caught their attention was that the Scarlet Bees had already started dropping dead before the fog even reached them. "So, it''s possible that the fog itself isn''t what killed them," Kisha continued, her thoughts racing. "It could be a poisonous smell that took them out, and the fog is just a cover¡ªa way to hide whatever''s lurking inside it from us." This meant that either the creature they were hunting had already detected the Scarlet Bees hovering around the forest and killed them with a poisonous scent, or it had sensed something hunting it and, in a defensive move, released the toxic air, leaving only a scent. The fog was likely a cover, a way for it to shield itself while hiding in the thick mist. But if the creature they were after could kill its enemies so easily, why would it need to hide? Kisha struggled to pinpoint what kind of enemy they were facing. Many mutated animals had the ability to create fog and emit poisonous scents, but it was also possible that the creature was a symbiotic pair¡ªtwo different creatures working together for mutual protection and survival. With so many possibilities, Kisha couldn''t narrow it down. They would have to see for themselves to understand the true nature of their enemy. Now that Kisha realized they were hunting a creature capable of secreting a poisonous substance potent enough to kill her Scarlet Bees, it became clear that the poison likely had properties similar to a pesticide, highly effective against insects¡ªor it was simply potent enough to kill something as large as an elephant with its scent. She couldn''t risk sending her Scarlet Bees in anymore, as she''d lose more of them. She also couldn''t send Zeus in, as his strong sense of smell might make him fall victim to the same fate as the Bees. Kisha then took out a stick and carefully prodded the fog, testing whether it had any corrosive properties that might erode their equipment or clothing. Fortunately, the fog seemed harmless¡ªaside from its ability to obscure vision and disrupt their senses, it didn''t pose any additional threat. Relieved, Kisha distributed gas masks to Duke and Vulture, ensuring they were properly equipped before venturing inside the perimeter. After they donned their gas masks, keeping their night vision goggles in place, they prepared to enter. Zeus paced anxiously around them as if wanting to accompany Kisha but instinctively knowing how dangerous it was inside. His behavior reflected a heightened survival instinct that humans often lack. Kisha''s eyes narrowed as she observed Zeus, falling into deep contemplation. It was a common belief that if someone was uncertain about danger, they should watch the animals around them. Animals'' instincts are often spot on, signaling imminent threats. Although Zeus couldn''t explicitly warn her, his anxious pacing was enough for Kisha to sense the danger lurking within. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zeus, who had once stood his ground against an evolved zombie and a horde of its kind without flinching, now paced restlessly, his fur bristling along his back. Occasional growls rumbled from his throat, a clear sign of the tension and unease he felt. "Zeus, can you sense what''s inside?" Kisha asked, reaching out to Zeus through their mindlink. "Master, Zeus doesn''t know. But... danger... danger... strong!" Zeus responded, his anxiety evident as he paced restlessly. At times, he tugged at Kisha''s cloak, trying to pull her away, his desperation clear. His actions spoke volumes about the peril that awaited them, but Kisha couldn''t afford to hesitate. If the danger was this great and this was their only lead to find Sparrow, they had no choice but to press on, ready to face whatever came their way. Zeus let out a soft, mournful whine, his head drooping as Kisha gently but firmly stopped him from pulling at her cloak. His body was tense with anxiety, and his eyes were filled with a mix of fear and sadness. The thought of losing Kisha, his only remaining family, weighed heavily on him. She had promised to be his family after the loss of the one he had known growing up, and the possibility of losing her too made his heart ache. Despite his desperation to stay by her side, Kisha wouldn''t let him come along. Zeus knew he couldn''t protect her if he was left behind, and that thought only deepened his unease. Seeing Zeus''s drooping ears and the sadness in his eyes, Kisha''s heart softened. She knelt down to his level, her voice gentle but firm. "Zeus, we can''t take you inside, but I need you to guard the perimeter with the Scarlet Bees. Keep an eye out for any enemies or danger trying to enter while we''re inside. We''ll be relying on your protection from the outside so we can focus on the fight within." Bell, too, had been vocal in trying to stop Kisha through their mindlink, her warnings persistent and urgent. But Kisha had already blocked Bell''s incessant pleas, repeating the same words she''d told Zeus. Now, both Bell and Zeus had no choice but to remain outside, guarding the perimeter and ensuring no unexpected threats would disrupt the group as they moved forward. Chapter 574 - 574 Search And Rescue Mission 10 Only after ensuring that both Zeus and Bell had resolved not to follow her inside did Kisha finally relax. While her concern for their safety was paramount¡ªknowing the poisonous gas could easily claim their lives¡ªshe also needed them to guard the perimeter. Their role was crucial in preventing any external threats or reinforcements from sneaking in and tipping the balance of the battle, a risk that could jeopardize their mission and endanger everyone inside. She needed to ensure they were fully prepared before moving forward. As much as she wanted to save Sparrow, it was equally vital to guarantee that she, Duke, and Vulture made it out alive. Saving Sparrow only to lose someone else in the process would be a hollow victory, equally devastating and rendering their mission meaningless. Her priority was to plan meticulously, equip themselves thoroughly, and establish contingency plans to face whatever dangers lay ahead. Fortunately, Kisha wasn''t the only one prioritizing caution. Duke shared her mindset, meticulously preparing to ensure they wouldn''t be at a disadvantage once inside. Like Kisha, he was determined to avoid the devastating outcome of losing one person while saving another. With this shared resolve, Kisha moved forward, her senses sharp and focused. Duke followed closely, his heightened alertness and defensive posture reflecting his readiness to counter any ambush. Meanwhile, Vulture maintained vigilance at the rear, safeguarding their flank and ensuring no threats could sneak up on them. They didn''t forget to fall into formation. Kisha took the lead as the vanguard, relying on 008''s radar-like mapping to navigate the dense fog. Duke stayed close behind her, practically her shadow, determined not to lose sight of her in the oppressive mist that limited their visibility to barely three feet. Vulture brought up the rear, wielding his massive hammer with an air of nonchalance. Yet, beneath his calm exterior, he was the most worried and tense of the group. His impressive defensive abilities gave him some reassurance, allowing him to maintain his composure, but his mind kept drifting to the worst-case scenarios. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite his nerves, Vulture focused intently on the mission, pushing aside his fears and anxieties, especially those concerning what might have happened to his good brother. As soon as Kisha and her team entered the fog, their vision and senses were severely compromised. It felt as though they had stepped into an endless white void¡ªdisorienting and devoid of any tangible landmarks. Their sense of direction faltered, unable to distinguish right from left, while their physical awareness dulled to the point where they couldn''t feel the environment around them. The overwhelming blankness made them hyperaware, their instincts kicking into overdrive to compensate for the lack of sensory input. However, this heightened awareness came at a cost. Remaining in such a state would strain their mental fortitude, leaving them fatigued before they even encountered their enemy. Kisha couldn''t shake the thought that this was precisely what their enemy intended¡ªto weaken their resolve and sap their energy, making them vulnerable when the confrontation finally came. Kisha took a shaky breath, placing one foot carefully in front of the other as she scanned the foggy surroundings. Her heart threatened to race out of control, but a reassuring pat on her back from Duke steadied her. It was his silent way of saying, "Don''t worry, I''m right behind you." The simple gesture grounded her, pushing back the creeping edges of panic and reminding her that she wasn''t alone. This enemy was unlike any they''d faced before¡ªdangerous, methodical, and deadly. Kisha''s mind raced as she pieced together possibilities, narrowing the creature''s identity down to a handful of horrifying candidates. Each scenario confirmed one undeniable truth: they were walking into real danger. It made Zeus and Bell''s roles in securing the perimeter all the more critical. If reinforcements arrived or something attacked them from behind, they''d be cornered. Knowing the two were outside watching their backs gave Kisha the strength to push forward, even as uncertainty gnawed at her resolve. Each step Kisha took felt heavy with dread. The soft crunch of grass beneath her feet and the faint rustle of blades echoed unnaturally in her ears, as though it were the only sound in the entire world. The oppressive silence wrapped around her, amplifying every movement. She could barely see more than three feet ahead, the fog reducing everything to indistinct shadows. A tree would only reveal itself as a dark blur at the edge of her vision, its full shape materializing only when it loomed directly before her. The eerie delay between seeing and recognizing her surroundings set her nerves on edge, heightening the tension with every step forward. "This won''t do," Vulture muttered, his frustration bubbling over. "Can''t we do something to drive this fog away? Or does anyone know how long it might last?" His voice, though controlled and barely above a whisper, seemed to echo unnaturally in the oppressive silence. Following closely behind Duke, Vulture couldn''t afford to keep more than two feet of distance between them. Any further, and he risked losing sight of the group entirely, making himself vulnerable to an ambush. Yet staying this close came with its own risks. Both he and Duke wielded large weapons¡ªa massive hammer and a spear, respectively¡ªand the confined proximity meant that any sudden movements in combat could inadvertently strike an ally. The fog wasn''t just disorienting; it was forcing them into a position where their coordination could falter, adding another layer of danger to an already precarious situation. "I agree," Duke said, his tone grim. "This fog is dangerous. It conceals any potential attack, and we''d only notice it at the last second¡ªtoo late to react properly. That kind of delay could easily get us hurt, or worse." They halted in their tracks, each member keenly aware of the oppressive atmosphere. Though it felt as though they''d been walking for several meters, the truth was sobering¡ªthey had only ventured about fifty to a hundred meters into the fog. The disorienting environment was playing tricks on their senses, making progress feel far more significant than it actually was. Kisha remained silent, knowing that anything she said might only heighten their anxiety. She, too, was relying heavily on 008''s radar-like map to detect enemies and on her sharpened senses to navigate the suffocating fog. Without 008''s assistance, she might have been just as worried as Vulture. She didn''t need them to voice their concerns to understand their fears. She shared them. The fog was a perfect hunting ground for an enemy that thrived on confusion and isolation. It was clear to her that the creature might be waiting for them to separate before launching its attack. To counter this, Kisha stretched out her telekinesis, creating invisible tendrils that silently connected her to Duke and Vulture. Their dulled senses made them unaware of the subtle contact, but she maintained this link to ensure she wouldn''t lose them in the disorienting haze. This silent act of protection gave her a small measure of control over an otherwise unpredictable and deadly situation. After their brief pause, the group pressed on. Vulture fell silent, realizing that the more he spoke, the easier it would be for the enemy to pinpoint his location through the echoes in the still air. Surprisingly, his anxiety began to ebb, his heartbeat slowing, as if a heavy weight had lifted. What he didn''t realize was that Kisha''s silent protection was at work¡ªher invisible tendrils had subtly connected to his waist, allowing her to pull him away if necessary, just as she had done with Duke. None of them felt the gentle touch of her telekinesis. With a newfound sense of confidence, Kisha quickened her pace, her senses sharpened as she readied the daggers in her inventory, prepared to launch them the moment a threat emerged. Duke, now gripping his spear tightly, stayed close behind, his focus unwavering. After what felt like an eternity, Kisha suddenly realized something had changed. The usual crunch of the grass beneath her feet had faded, and now the ground beneath her was strangely sticky. ''What is this, mud?'' she thought, glancing around, but seeing nothing. Suddenly, a sharp "Ack!" broke the silence, and both Kisha and Duke flinched, their heads snapping back to locate Vulture. Since they couldn''t see him clearly, they instinctively took a cautious step back. "What happened?" Duke asked, his sharp eyes scanning the area, every sense alert. His gaze landed on Vulture, who was struggling to regain his balance. "I got tripped by some roots sticking out," Vulture muttered, gritting his teeth. He had indeed noticed something protruding from the ground moments earlier, but it had been too late for him to react, and the impact had been unavoidable. "Ugh!" "What now?!" Duke snapped, his frustration mounting. Every sound Vulture made was amplified in the eerie silence, and Duke couldn''t help but worry that their enemy might be listening in from the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. "A... A-arm..." Vulture stammered, his voice trembling just above a whisper, as if the words had caught in his throat. Both Kisha and Duke froze. Their eyes widened in unison as they turned toward Vulture, following the direction of his trembling finger. Just a foot away from them, half-buried in the ground, was a dismembered arm, its fingers clawing at the ground as though it were trying to crawl free¡ªonly to remain trapped, motionless. The thick fog and oppressive darkness had initially disguised the object as a simple root protruding from the ground. It wasn''t until Vulture had moved closer and squinted in suspicion that the true nature of the thing became clear. They all realized, with a sinking feeling, that they were now perilously close to the creature''s lair or nest. A tense silence fell over them as they stiffened, eyes scanning the ground for any other signs of movement or danger. Chapter 575 - 575 Search And Rescue Mission 11 "We must be getting close," Duke muttered, shifting his weight as the thick, muddy ground clung to his boots, making every movement feel sluggish and uncomfortable. Kisha felt a knot tighten in her stomach, but she couldn''t quite place why. Her gaze lingered on the arm lying on the ground, and the unease settled deeper. The thick fog clouding their senses wasn''t the only obstacle¡ªthey were now fighting against the sticky earth beneath them. Each step was heavy, the mud clinging to their boots like an anchor, forcing them to move slowly. More than once, they nearly lost their footing, and with every misstep, the feeling of vulnerability only grew stronger. "This isn''t good," Duke muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the mud-slicked ground. The effort of slogging through it, combined with the oppressive darkness and the suffocating fog, felt like an exhausting battle with every step. They were vulnerable, exposed in the heart of enemy territory, and for a moment, he regretted their decision to enter. But he quickly pushed the thought aside¡ªwithout venturing in, they''d have no clue where Sparrow was. The severed arm lying on the ground only deepened the pit of dread in his stomach. This part of the forest felt like a trap¡ªeerily silent and charged with a palpable sense of danger. The air itself seemed to scream that Sparrow''s life was in grave peril. The thought of whether he was still alive or already gone twisted something inside Duke, a burning anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. Yet, he refused to let the rage overtake him, knowing that losing his composure would only cloud his judgment. Glancing at him, Kisha could feel the turmoil radiating from Duke, his body tense, as if the weight of the situation was crushing him. Wordlessly, she reached for his hand, offering silent comfort. She knew how deeply he cared for those close to him, and the raw emotion emanating from him now spoke volumes. Even his hands were trembling, betraying the fierce battle inside him. The feel of Kisha''s hand in his provided Duke with a momentary sense of calm, the silent support grounding him, though it did little to dispel the unease gnawing at his insides. The more they ventured into enemy territory, the clearer it became that Sparrow had undoubtedly encountered some kind of accident. The realization only deepened their dread. As Vulture finally regained his footing, he moved toward the protruding arm, his curiosity piqued. With a grunt, he attempted to pull it from the mud, only to find it stuck, as though the arm had been cemented into place. The strange resistance fueled his determination to pull harder, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. Kisha, too, sensed something was off. The mud was thick, yes, but with Vulture''s strength, the arm should have come free without too much effort. A gnawing suspicion settled in her gut. Something wasn''t right. If this was truly their missing person, they needed to confirm it, but for now, the arm''s resistance only added to the growing sense that whatever they were up against, it was far more dangerous than they had initially realized. As Kisha and Duke stood lost in thought, Vulture''s determination grew. He wasn''t about to give up easily, not after everything they had already endured. The arm was a potential lead¡ªone that could guide them to their missing person, or at the very least, provide crucial information. With gritted teeth, he yanked harder, his muscles straining with the effort. The veins in his arms and neck bulged as he pulled again and again, his frustration mounting with each failed attempt. "Argh!" With a final, forceful tug, Vulture used every ounce of his strength to yank the arm free from the stubborn mud. The sudden movement sent him tumbling, rolling across the ground in a chaotic sprawl. The unexpected motion startled both Kisha and Duke. Fortunately, Kisha had anticipated the possibility and had silently wrapped her telekinesis around both Vulture and Duke, keeping them tethered to her. Even as Vulture''s body skidded through the mud, she was able to track his movements effortlessly. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without missing a beat, Kisha and Duke sprinted toward him, ready to assist. Vulture shook his head, disoriented from the blow he''d taken when his head slammed against a rock. He propped himself up, still sitting on the muddy ground, gripping the severed arm in one hand while his other hand pressed against his temple. "Young Madam," he panted, "I managed to get it out, but damn, why was it so difficult? Felt like I was trying to pull up a whole person buried under there." He raised the arm high, presenting it to Kisha and Duke as their shadowy figures drew closer, finally coming into clear view. Kisha and Duke leaned in for a closer look, the arm initially appearing like a root from a distance ¡ª dry, almost mummified, and shriveled. But as Kisha''s gaze sharpened, she noticed something more disturbing. Wrapped around the arm was a real root, its end sharp enough to penetrate the limb, passing through from one side to the other. The sight darkened her expression, her aura shifting in response to the ominous discovery. Both Duke and Vulture felt the change in the air, a subtle but undeniable shift in Kisha''s presence. Duke squinted at the arm, noticing the root still firmly attached, which likely explained why Vulture had struggled so much to pry it free. But the question of why a root would be entwined with a severed arm lingered, an unsettling mystery neither of them could easily solve. Kisha, however, already knew the answer. Yes, she already knew that they are fucked. With gritted teeth, Kisha reached for the severed arm in Vulture''s hand, but before she could take it, the ground began to tremble beneath them. Creak. The ominous groan of the trees echoed through the fog, a sound that sent a chill down their spines. "Fuck!" Kisha muttered under her breath. She attempted to leap into the air, but the sticky mud clung to her like glue, trapping her in place. With no other option, she used her telekinesis, lifting herself and then pulling Duke and Vulture up with her. "What''s happening?" Duke asked, tightening his grip on his spear as Kisha lifted them above the thickening fog. Beneath them, the ground rumbled again, accompanied by a series of low, grinding sounds ¡ª as if the trees were shifting. "We''re facing a mutated tree," Kisha snapped, her voice seething with frustration. It was clear from her tone that she had just realized the extent of their situation. Mutated trees, with their unpredictable properties, were among the most dangerous enemies to deal with. With tough, nearly indestructible defenses and long-range attacks using their roots, they were a nightmare to defeat. And now, Kisha could already sense the trees'' intention ¡ª it was using its roots to drag them in, and its cover had been completely exposed. ''No wonder there''s fog and that foul, poisonous scent in the air,'' Kisha thought, her mind racing as the full scope of the situation dawned on her. ''It''s not unusual for mutated trees to have these kinds of defensive abilities. Some of them use this tactic to ensnare their prey, dragging them underground to harvest their blood and flesh, feeding their growth and strength. All that''s left behind are bones.'' With a grim understanding of their predicament, Kisha focused on lifting herself higher, making it harder for the mutated tree''s roots to reach them. Chapter 576 - 576 Mutated Tree The mutated tree must have been patiently waiting for Kisha, Duke, and Vulture to venture further into the fog, carefully observing their every move, knowing that the deeper they went, the easier it would be to ambush them. It had been biding its time, silently preparing to ensnare them with its roots. However, when Vulture uncovered the arm and Kisha showed signs of trying to escape, the tree''s patience snapped. It couldn''t afford to let its prey slip away¡ªespecially now, after the recent blood rains. The tree must be ravenous, needing more sustenance to fuel its evolution and grow even stronger. Now that the mutated tree''s cover was blown and it sensed its prey trying to escape, it could no longer feign to be just a normal tree. The transformation was swift. Kisha, Duke, and Vulture were confronted by a massive Weeping Willow tree, its branches resembling the long, slithering arms of a jellyfish, undulating in the air as if reaching for them. The thick, twisted roots began to writhe across the ground, creaking ominously with each movement. Although the dense fog obscured much of its form, the tree''s enormous size and deliberate movements were impossible to hide. The shifting roots stirred the mist, slowly unveiling the contours of the creature beneath the eerie reddish moonlight. It was an unsettling sight¡ªroots unfurling like serpents emerging from their burrows, now awake and hunting for their next meal. As Kisha, Duke, and Vulture hovered above the ground, they finally got a clear look at the Weeping Willow¡ªtowering far above the other trees, a grotesque anomaly in the forest like a sore thumb. Its size was likely a result of the mutated tree''s insatiable hunger for nutrients¡ªblood and flesh, whether from humans or wild animals. It explained why there hadn''t been any animals in sight for miles, the forest eerily void of life. The tree''s reach was unsettling, its roots thick and twisted, stretching deep beneath the ground. It wasn''t hard to imagine that this was why Sparrow hadn''t been able to escape when he first sensed something was wrong. As Kisha pieced it together, the mutated tree had waited patiently, sensing Sparrow''s awareness and quickly moving to trap him, ensuring he couldn''t flee. Now that Kisha had fully grasped the nature of their enemy, her gaze darkened. Facing such a creature on his own, Sparrow''s chances of survival were nearly nonexistent. Kisha lifted herself, along with Duke and Vulture, higher into the air. The mutated tree before them was at least ten meters tall, its vine-like tentacles stretching far and wide. But the most dangerous part was its roots¡ªsharp, thick, and with a reach far greater than its vines. As Kisha analyzed their position in relation to the spot where they had found Sparrow''s walkie-talkie, it became clear that this tree either had roots that extended for miles or, even more terrifyingly, it was capable of moving¡ªtreating this area as its nest, where it stored its victims before draining them of blood and flesh. In either case, the mutated tree was a deadly force, far more dangerous than Kisha had anticipated. It seemed as though Vulture and Duke already understood Kisha''s thoughts. Duke locked his gaze on the mutated tree, his expression menacing, though he waited for Kisha to speak. "Wifey, do we have a plan?" he asked, his eyes never leaving the swaying tree. The thick roots lashed out like monstrous serpents, while the fog churned in the air like dust, the sticky mud beneath them resembling treacherous quicksand. Under the eerie glow of the reddish moonlight, the ground now looked like a vast sea of blood. Though Duke was eager to make a move, he hesitated, aware that he wasn''t familiar with the powers of a mutated tree. He trusted Kisha''s judgment, knowing she had witnessed these creatures in her past lives. Her reaction moments ago confirmed what he already suspected¡ªKisha knew exactly what kind of danger they were up against. "To be honest, this one is far too dangerous," Kisha said, her expression grim. "It may look like a tree, but it''s clever enough to bait and ambush its prey. Mutated trees usually have exceptional defense and area-of-effect offense." "As we can see, it''s using an AOE defense¡ªthis fog that not only dulls our senses but can also poison us. It''s not just a defensive tactic; it''s a lethal offensive one." "If it weren''t for the Scarlet Bees, we would have likely fallen right into its trap." Kisha paused, her gaze sharp. She and the others hadn''t removed their gas masks, and their night vision goggles were pushed up on their foreheads, the faint reddish moonlight providing just enough visibility as they hovered above the forest. The mutated tree, as if trying to intimidate them, relentlessly lashed its roots against the ground, the eerie creaking sound echoing through the air. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It could have been attempting to draw their attention, preparing for a sneak attack. Either way, Kisha remained vigilant, keeping a close watch on their surroundings from above with the help of the Scarlet Bees and her heightened senses. However, the strain was evident. As she used her telekinesis to keep both Duke and Vulture elevated, her focus was split thin. The mental effort of holding them aloft while scanning for danger was beginning to take its toll, draining her ''Mental Capacity'' rapidly. Swoosh... Bang... Kisha barely managed to evade a sneak attack from behind. With quick reflexes, she used her telekinesis to shift herself, along with Duke and Vulture, out of the way just in time. A thick root, as wide as an adult''s waist, shot up from the fog beneath them with startling speed and precision. If she hadn''t been so attuned to her surroundings, aided by her ''Perception Skill,'' she might not have noticed it in time¡ªor worse, she might have been caught off guard entirely. "Shit! That was too close!" Vulture swore, his eyes fixed on the black roots that, after their attack, vanished back into the fog. It felt like they were caught in a twisted game of ''whack-a-mole.'' The mutated tree''s roots would suddenly emerge from the mist, striking with deadly precision, only to retreat and disappear as soon as they failed. Using the fog as cover, it would quickly reposition and launch another surprise attack, keeping them constantly on edge. Given their altitude, Vulture found it difficult to connect with the earth beneath them, making it nearly impossible to manipulate the terrain. As a result, he was left relying on his massive hammer to deflect the roots'' vicious strikes. Meanwhile, Duke, though armed with his spear, wasn''t launching random attacks. Instead, he was waiting, carefully conserving his spiritual energy and using his awakened abilities only when the right moment arrived, knowing that a careless counterattack would be a waste of precious strength. Kisha was also struggling with the situation. She knew that without getting close to the mutated tree''s main body, they wouldn''t stand a chance of defeating it. But she also wasn''t sure if the mutated tree had any intention of letting them leave. From what she could tell, it would stop at nothing to bring them down, using their bodies as nutrients to fuel its growth. The closer they got, the more the roots became a serious problem. A few meters away from the tree''s main body, she could already see its vine-like tentacles stirring, preparing to strike. The situation was growing increasingly dangerous, with each step bringing them closer to an inevitable confrontation. Chapter 577 - 577 The Battle As Kisha used her telekinesis to evade the sudden attacks emerging from the mist, Duke focused intently on analyzing the mutated tree''s movements. While the tree was cunning enough to bait its victims and launch sneak attacks, Duke could sense it lacked the intelligence to outmaneuver them entirely. He was certain its attacks followed a pattern¡ªone he was determined to uncover. As expected, the mutated tree''s attacks were predictable¡ªit relied solely on speed, striking from behind or below in an attempt to catch them off guard. There was no intricate strategy, no clever plan to outmaneuver them, just brute instinct. After carefully analyzing its movements, a dark, menacing smile spread across Duke''s face. "Wifey, this dumb tree only knows how to hit from the blind spot¡ªbehind or below," Duke said with a snort, his tone dripping with disdain. He fixed his gaze on the mutated tree, his expression taunting, as though daring it to try again. "I know," Kisha replied, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "But even so, getting closer is still a challenge. The nearer we get, the more roots it unleashes to attack us. And if we move in too close, those vines might join the assault as well." Her eyes darted constantly, scanning their surroundings as she monitored for any movement. Her focus was razor-sharp, always a millisecond ahead of the mutated tree''s sneak attacks. Even though she was beginning to adapt to its attack pattern, the strain was immense. Controlling her telekinesis to keep both Duke and Vulture aloft while dodging was a delicate balancing act. A single mistake could cost them dearly¡ªif she lost focus for even a moment, she might miscalculate her strength and crush their waists with her power. It was a risk she couldn''t afford, and she was pushing herself to her limit to ensure it didn''t happen. Maintaining the delicate balance of her telekinesis required precise control¡ªit was all about finesse. With her attention fully focused on dodging the mutated tree''s relentless attacks and ensuring Duke and Vulture''s safety, Kisha barely had the bandwidth to consider launching a counterattack. Noticing her intense focus and understanding the strain she was under, Duke offered a solution. "How about you focus on dodging and defending us, and I''ll handle the attacks?" he suggested, his tone calm but resolute, his eyes never leaving the thrashing tree below. "Master, I can help deflect the attacks if it becomes too much for the Young Madam to handle," Vulture offered, his tone steady but resolute. His serious expression was laced with a flicker of hatred as he glared at the mutated tree. "After all, I''ve got a strong defense and body¡ªthese little roots won''t do much damage to me." The burning anger in his eyes betrayed his desire for revenge. If he had the strength to destroy the mutated tree on his own, he wouldn''t hesitate. It wasn''t just about survival; it was about avenging his brother. But as much as his hatred fueled him, he knew he wasn''t strong enough to take it down alone. For now, his focus was on working with the others to ensure they killed the monstrous tree and left nothing of it behind. "Alright," Kisha replied, her voice calm but focused. Inch by inch, she guided them closer to the mutated tree, carefully maneuvering between each attack. "Do you know this tree''s weakness?" Duke asked, his eyes scanning their surroundings. With each question, he deflected the roots that came too close, his spear a blur of precision. "I can''t say for sure," Kisha admitted, her gaze darting around as she remained hyper-aware of their surroundings. "Every mutated tree has its own specific weakness, depending on its properties. But generally, their vulnerabilities are tied to elemental forces¡ªfire, lightning, or sometimes even salt. Before, some people used salt to cover the ground around the tree, slowly killing it from the roots before launching an attack." "Salt? Would it work here?" Vulture asked, his deep voice steady despite the chaos around them. With a sharp swing of his massive hammer, he sent an approaching root flying to the side, the impact echoing with a dull thud¡ªlike a batter hitting a home run. "Salt is effective against most mutated trees because, despite their mutations, they still retain their basic plant properties," Kisha explained, her tone steady despite the tension in the air. "They draw nutrients from the ground through their roots. Unlike mangrove trees, which thrive in watery, saline environments near the sea, forest trees like this one can''t tolerate salt. Once it reaches their roots, it causes them to fester and die¡ªespecially with prolonged exposure." "But the problem is," Kisha began, her voice edged with frustration, "I suspect this mutated tree can move from its original position. Using salt would be pointless. We''ll have to rely on firepower and locate its crystal core to take it down." Before she could say more, a massive root lashed out from the opposite direction. "Ugh!" Kisha grunted as she used her telekinesis to block the attack. The force of the blow sent a sharp gust of wind against her, brushing harshly against her face. Despite successfully defending herself, the sheer power behind the strike made her heart race. She spared a quick glance at Duke and Vulture, relief washing over her. ''At least it was me who took the brunt of that attack,'' she thought grimly. ''If it had been either of them, I don''t want to imagine the consequences.'' "Are you alright?" Duke asked, his voice laced with concern. "I''m fine," Kisha replied, shaking off the surprise. "Just caught off guard." She refocused her attention, mentally chastising herself. ''I let my guard down for just a moment...'' Her expression darkened as she continued her internal thoughts. ''I need to train more¡ªlearn how to split my focus effectively. I can''t afford distractions like this again.'' After the surprise attack, Duke''s expression grew grim. Now that he knew mutated plants had elemental weaknesses, it played right into his hands. With three different elements in his arsenal, he could test each one on the tree and determine which would be most effective. As they drew closer, the attacks became more relentless, and Kisha and Vulture focused on defense, their movements quick and precise. But the closer they got, the more dangerous the situation became. When they finally looked up, the mutated tree towered over them, its shadowy form an ominous presence. The sheer size of it was suffocating, and they could barely see through the oppressive darkness. Without hesitation, they all activated their night vision goggles, aware that the vines were now within striking distance. Without hesitation, Duke unleashed a powerful Lightning Strike, the crackling energy arcing through the air toward the mutated tree. He knew this wasn''t a rubber tree, and it wouldn''t be immune to the lightning. From what he had heard, the lightning element was one of the most potent among awakened abilities, and he believed the mutated tree wouldn''t be able to withstand such a powerful attack. The air around them crackled with energy as the strike surged toward its target, the sky flickering with bright, violent light. Sure enough, after the Lightning Strike, the mutated tree recoiled for a brief moment. A crack appeared on its surface where the lightning had struck, and smoke billowed from the damaged area. Duke''s grin spread across his face, but it quickly faded as a surge of anger took over him. This wasn''t enough. Not only had this mutated tree killed his subordinate, Sparrow, but it had also attacked his wife, Kisha. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 578 - 578 The Battle 2 Although the mutated tree momentarily halted its movements after Duke''s Lightning Strike, it seemed to only grow angrier from the attack. The very air around them seemed to tremble with its fury as it retaliated with relentless force. All of its available roots and twisting vines launched an unholy barrage of attacks, lashing out from every direction. The once eerie quiet was replaced by a deafening storm of strikes, each one more murderous and precise than the last, forcing them to dodge and deflect with every ounce of their strength. "Shit!" Vulture cursed as he narrowly deflected another attack, but two more roots shot toward him. Without hesitation, he raised his massive hammer like a shield, using its weight to block the incoming strikes. With a powerful swipe, he knocked the roots aside as if swatting away a pesky fly. Kisha, on the other hand, was facing a much more overwhelming onslaught¡ªat least four mutated roots were coming at her from all angles. Fortunately, her previous training in splitting her focus was paying off. She used her telekinesis as if it were a set of invisible hands, managing to swat the roots away or redirect their paths without wasting precious spiritual energy. By carefully guiding the attacks off course, she avoided a drawn-out struggle with the tree''s powerful tendrils, giving herself the advantage of conserving strength for the ongoing battle. Duke seized the opportunity, unleashing a devastating ''Fire Meteor'' as soon as Vulture and Kisha cleared the mutated tree''s attacks. As the meteor rained down, he couldn''t help but notice the shift in his awakened abilities. Earlier, his ''Lightning Strike'' had been as massive and fierce as a serpent descending from the sky, and thought that its power was amplified by his anger. But now, watching the ''Fire Meteors'' fall from the sky, each one as large as an adult''s face, he realized something had changed. As the fiery meteors crashed into the mutated tree''s branches and leaves, the flames quickly began to consume its twisted form. The fire''s essence tore through the tree''s body, burning away at its very core. Meanwhile, those meteors that missed their target ignited the surrounding area, quickly setting the forest alight with spreading fire. Duke''s gaze snapped to Kisha, confusion etched across his face as he tried to understand why his awakened ability had experienced such a surge in power. But Kisha only smiled at him, her expression filled with pride. "It''s because of the Scarlet Honey and the Spiritual Fruit," she explained, her eyes glinting with understanding. As soon as Kisha mentioned it, Duke remembered what she had told him about the Spiritual Fruit. He had consumed so many Spiritual Fruits and other crops, but he hadn''t felt any noticeable change in his body. Kisha had explained that the fruit would refine the quality of his spiritual energy, purifying it over time. ''So, is this the result of the purification?'' he wondered, watching the mutated tree lash its roots and vines frantically, struggling to contain the spreading fire. It seemed to be in agony, the long, continuous creaking sounds reverberating through the air. But Duke didn''t hesitate. He summoned another ''Fire Meteor,'' his determination unwavering. Even though this was his third AOE attack, he didn''t feel the familiar weight of exhaustion. ''Is it because my spiritual energy was purified by the Spiritual Fruits?'' he thought, briefly glancing at his palms, surprised at how easily the power flowed. As the ''Fire Meteor'' descended and struck the mutated tree, thick plumes of smoke billowed from the surrounding area and the tree itself. However, to their surprise, the damage was only superficial. The bark of the mutated tree peeled away under the fiery assault, but beneath the scorched exterior, the inner core remained untouched. The leaves were completely consumed by the flames, turning to ash, but once the foliage was gone, the tree looked even more menacing¡ªa charred, lifeless husk. Its branches were blackened, yet the vines continued to lash out with a furious intensity, as if the tree itself had grown angrier, its movements more erratic and desperate. Kisha, Duke, and Vulture''s expressions hardened, the weight of the situation settling in. Vulture swallowed hard, the lump in his throat a testament to the growing tension surrounding them. Though Duke didn''t feel fatigued from his earlier attacks, seeing that his efforts had only caused superficial damage to the tree dampened his confidence. But rather than faltering, he adjusted his strategy, his determination solidifying. Kisha, too, sharpened her focus, intensifying her dodging and deflecting as the mutated tree''s rage boiled over. Its attacks grew unnervingly faster and more brutal, its vines whipping through the air with deadly precision. Meanwhile, the surrounding fire raged on, adding an oppressive heat to the already volatile battle. The mutated tree launched a full-force assault, determined to trap Kisha, Duke, and Vulture with no escape. Every available root and vine lashed out in unison, cornering them in midair. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite Kisha''s telekinetic abilities, she could only manage to form a temporary barrier around them, using her invisible like hands to create a fragile shield. But the weight of the tree''s relentless attack made it increasingly difficult to hold. The pressure of the vines and roots pressing against their protective sphere intensified and started to coil around the barrier, as though the mutated tree was trying to crush them within the barrier. Kisha struggled to maintain the barrier''s integrity, her focus slipping as the oppressive force grew stronger. Inside the barrier, darkness enveloped them, their hands and feet invisible in the thick blackness. They could feel the roots and vines coiling around them, squeezing tighter with each passing moment. Though Kisha was doing her best to keep them safe she was still having a hard time pushing off the mutated tree''s roots and vine, Duke''s resolve hardened. With a fierce, angry glint in his eyes, he summoned an ''Ice Storm''. Slowly but surely, the roots and vines around them began to freeze, the thick ice encasing them in a crystalline grip. Though this was a new skill that should have posed a challenge for Duke to master, his overwhelming protectiveness of Kisha drove his instincts into overdrive. His ''Talent'' and fierce determination unlocked the power within him, allowing him to conjure the ''Ice Storm'' with surprising ease. As the storm raged on, the freezing ice quickly enveloped the mutated tree''s roots and vines, slowing their relentless advance. Parts of the tree were encased in thick layers of ice, but it kept crawling forward, desperate to break the mutated tree''s momentum. The mutated tree thrashed, shaking violently to dislodge the frost from its limbs. However, it couldn''t move its roots or vines¡ªespecially those still coiled tightly around Kisha''s barrier. Despite its efforts, the mutated tree found itself trapped, immobilized by the freezing grip of the storm. Without hesitation, Duke summoned another powerful ''Lightning Strike,'' sending it crashing down just above their position. Thanks to Kisha''s protection, the three of them remained unharmed, but the effect of the strike was devastating. The ice that had already coated the mutated tree''s roots and vines amplified the force of the lightning, causing the frozen tendrils to shatter into sharp, jagged shards. As the lightning coursed through the tree, the once sturdy roots and vines became brittle and dry, weakened by the ice, making them more vulnerable to the strike. Duke''s eyes gleamed with a sinister satisfaction as he watched the mutated tree''s defenses crumble under the combined onslaught. Chapter 579 - 579 The Battle 3 With this new combination, Duke realized that they finally had a chance to turn the tide against the mutated tree. The creature, though exasperated, felt a growing sense of fear and hesitation. It paused, uncertain whether it could win against Duke and the others. However, after a brief moment of indecision, it decided to press on with the fight. Despite its formidable power, the mutated tree''s intelligence was limited, leaving it unable to assess whether it was truly gaining ground. As a result, it continued its relentless assault, unaware of the shift in momentum. The mutated tree''s entire body trembled, emitting a deafening creak that echoed through the air¡ªlike the groan of an old, brittle tree. But this time, the sound resembled a roar, a clear declaration of fury. Its stance shifted, radiating an intense anger as it prepared to fight Kisha, Duke, and Vulture to the death. This, however, was exactly what they had been hoping for. They didn''t want the mutated tree to retreat; they wanted it to stand its ground, so they could finally face it head-on. With most of its roots and vines damaged by Duke''s recent ice-and-lightning attack, the mutated tree had little choice but to rely on its remaining tendrils. It surged forward with its massive form, aiming to crush Kisha, Duke, and Vulture, swatting at them as though they were mere flies buzzing around its massive trunk. "Seems like it''s already losing its composure after taking that much damage," Duke remarked mockingly, a cold smile curling on his lips as his eyes followed the enormous Weeping Willow tree''s every move. "I knew this mutated tree had the ability to detach itself from the ground and move whenever it pleases," Kisha said, her voice sharp with anger as her eyes tracked the massive, moving mutated tree. The fury surged through her veins. Along with using her telekinesis to keep herself, Duke, and Vulture floating in the air, she extended her powers further, reaching out with determination. Bang! A massive cluster of hardened soil shot toward the enormous mutated tree. Due to its sheer size, it couldn''t evade the incoming attack Kisha launched at it, and the clump of soil struck the tree''s body with a resounding impact. Most of the mutated tree''s roots and vines had already been damaged by Duke''s earlier strike, leaving it severely weakened. Without the ability to regrow its roots quickly¡ªespecially without the vital nutrients or the flesh and blood of living creatures¡ªthe tree was left battered and defenseless. Its remaining roots were insufficient to provide proper balance. When Kisha''s attack landed, the mutated tree was knocked off balance and tumbled backward with a loud, crashing thud. Seeing the mutated tree struggle to stand back up, Duke seized the opportunity. He conjured an even more powerful and bigger ''Ice Storm'', enveloping the tree''s entire form. The storm''s icy tendrils surged with force, covering every inch of the mutated tree. The creature tried to push itself up using its remaining roots and vines or roll out of the way to avoid being encased in ice. Just the sight of the ice caused the tree to tremble, recalling the damage to its roots and vines earlier, and panic set in as it realized its vulnerability. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Duke wasn''t about to give it a chance to recover. As he maintained the ice storm, Kisha offered crucial support. She harnessed her telekinesis to gather more hardened soil from the surrounding area. Initially, she considered using nearby trees that would serve as her bullet, but she quickly dismissed that idea, recognizing the ecological importance of the trees to their planet. Instead, she scooped up the solid earth with a telekinetic grip, launching it at the mutated tree with all the power her immense strength could muster. With her Strength at 220, each chunk of soil hit with the force of a cannonball. Even though the mutated tree boasted impressive defense, Kisha''s attack still struck with overwhelming power, causing the already-weakened creature considerable pain and further destabilizing it. As the ''Ice Storm'' steadily encased the mutated tree in thick layers of freezing ice, Kisha''s relentless assault kept the creature pinned to the ground. With precision, she used her telekinesis to pull herself and the others closer, inching ever nearer to the struggling tree. Once they were within range, Vulture felt the familiar, grounding connection to the earth once more. With this newfound proximity, he was able to draw on the earth''s energy, conjuring powerful earth spikes. The spikes shot up from the ground with lethal speed, further immobilizing the mutated tree and ensuring that it couldn''t escape its weakened state. This effectively set the stage for Duke to deliver the final, devastating blow. As Duke watched the mutated tree fully encased in layers of ice, a sinister grin spread across his face. With a decisive motion, he raised his arm high and summoned a ''Lightning Strike'' that crackled with the fury of a dragon descending from the heavens. The bolt of lightning surged down, engulfing the mutated tree in a blinding flash of energy. Upon impact, the freezing ice that had cocooned the tree shattered violently, breaking apart like brittle glass. The tree''s roots and vines splintered with it, leaving only a small portion of the trunk standing. Though the tree''s immense form had been devastated, the trunk quivered faintly, its creaking sounds betraying its desperate struggle to cling to the last vestiges of life, as if it refused to yield completely. With a swift motion, Kisha used her telekinesis to lift herself, Duke, and Vulture high above the mutated tree. Without hesitation, Duke seized his Kratos'' Spear, gripping it firmly, and with a burst of raw power, hurled it with pinpoint precision at the crevice of the mutated tree. His eyes had caught a faint glimmer there, suspecting it to be the tree''s crystal core. The Kratos'' Spear, enhanced with the ''Pierce'' effect, cut through the mutated tree''s remaining defenses as effortlessly as a hot knife through butter. The moment the spear struck its target, the tree let out a dying groan, its form cracking as it split in two. The Kratos'' Spear was lodged deep between the severed halves, its tip buried in the earth, while beside it lay the green crystal core¡ªa smooth, vibrant orb roughly the size of a ping pong ball, glimmering faintly in the fading light. Without descending to the ground, Kisha used her telekinesis to lift the mutated tree''s crystal core toward them, along with Duke''s spear. She handed the spear back to him, then briefly examined the crystal core before storing it safely in her inventory. With the immediate threat neutralized, their focus shifted to finding Sparrow. Though the evidence from the mutated tree¡ªthe fact that it fed on flesh and blood¡ªled them to believe that Sparrow was most likely dead, they still held onto a glimmer of hope. They wanted, at the very least, to recover his body or remains to bring back to the base for a proper burial, giving him the respect he deserved. Vulture fell silent as well, his thoughts mirroring those of Kisha and Duke. As they descended to the murky, sticky ground, he gave the dead mutated tree a hard kick, his frustration and sorrow evident. Afterward, he quietly retreated to a corner, his shoulders shaking as he silently broke down, tears streaming down his face. Chapter 580 - 580 Vultures Sorrow And Mystic Practitioners "You motherfucker... you didn''t even wait for me to save you..." Vulture sobbed, his voice trembling. "It''s my fault, brother," Vulture choked out, his voice breaking. "I should''ve gone with you, or at least not let you go alone. Maybe I shouldn''t have let you go at all. I''m so sorry..." He collapsed forward against the lifeless body of the mutated tree, sobbing uncontrollably, each breath ragged and strained. Vulture could barely catch his breath as he wept, his heart heavy with guilt. Deep down, he had known the chances of Sparrow surviving were slim, but he had held on to the hope¡ªhope that Sparrow''s resourcefulness and cunning would somehow pull him through, that he''d always find a way out of any situation. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That small flicker of hope was what kept him going. But now, the harsh reality had settled in. His brother was gone. "I''m sorry, brother. I''m sorry." His words were barely a whisper, but with Kisha''s heightened senses, she could still hear the raw pain in his voice. Her heart tightened, and her own eyes began to water. Sparrow had become part of her family, and he was here because of her orders¡ªshe couldn''t shake the guilt and sorrow that settled in her chest. Instinctively, Kisha looked up at Duke, standing beside her. His expression was unreadable, his long lashes casting shadows over his eyes, making it impossible for Kisha to gauge his emotions. The darkness of the night only deepened the silence between them, making everything feel heavier and more distant. But Kisha could feel the aura emanating from Duke, and she knew he, too, was filled with a mix of sadness and anger. It wasn''t directed at her¡ªshe understood that¡ªbut at the situation itself. No one could have foreseen the mutated tree lurking near the farm, and even Kisha hadn''t expected it to appear so early in the apocalypse. Just when she thought she was starting to understand the changes sweeping through the world, she was blindsided once again. These mutated trees, unlike the evolved zombies or mutated animals, were much more intricate and difficult to evolve. That''s why they were the most dangerous, the hardest to deal with, and the true bane of humanity''s survival. Kisha allowed Duke and Vulture the time they needed to process their grief, giving them space to mourn the loss of Sparrow. Though she too felt the sting of his death, she recognized that the bond between Sparrow and the others ran deeper, having been forged over years of shared experiences. Her connection with him, while strong, wasn''t as rooted in that same brotherly love, and she knew she had a responsibility to find his body. She couldn''t let her sorrow overtake her; there was work to be done. Pushing her emotions aside, she focused her energy and extended her telekinesis, feeling the surroundings in search of Sparrow''s remains. Kisha closed her eyes, taking slow, deliberate breaths as she grounded herself on the sticky, murky earth. With each exhale, she steadied her focus, allowing her consciousness to expand beyond her physical form. As she reached outward, she began to feel her surroundings with a clarity that transcended the limits of her sight. The world around her became a vivid tapestry of sensations, each subtle detail registering in her mind as though she could see it all. Gradually, she extended her awareness further, her focus honing in on the presence of Duke and Vulture. Though her eyes remained closed, she could sense them, still and silent in the distance. Her heart clenched with sorrow, but she pushed the emotion aside, reminding herself that she had a task to complete. Slowly but surely, Kisha expanded her reach, gradually acclimating herself to the process. She was careful, unwilling to rush and risk the negative consequences of hastily pushing her consciousness too far. She understood the importance of patience¡ªone wrong move could disrupt her entire focus. "That''s right, Host," 008''s voice resonated in her mind, breaking the silence. "You shouldn''t rush. Expanding your consciousness too quickly could cause irreparable damage. Repairing a damaged consciousness is far more difficult than mending a damaged dantian. I must say, though, I didn''t realize you had such a natural talent or a soul so strong." "Why soul? Shouldn''t it be mind?" Kisha asked, her curiosity piqued by 008''s unusual choice of words. "Master, in the Murim World, consciousness is actually a part of the soul. As practitioners seek to transcend the limitations of their physical forms, they train their souls to grow stronger, which in turn strengthens their consciousness." "This process makes their minds more resilient and powerful. Practitioners with strong consciousness are less susceptible to tricks or techniques that target the soul or mind." "A powerful soul also reinforces the mind, making them resistant to manipulations like charm, soul manipulation, mind control, and many more." "Generally, those with a strong consciousness tend to excel in fields like alchemy, rune mastery, talisman mastery, and other professions that require exceptional mental fortitude." Bell interjected, clarifying 008''s earlier explanation. "In the Murim World, practitioners are classified into two main categories: Martial Arts Practitioners, who focus on enhancing their physical strength and abilities, and Mystic Practitioners, who specialize in cultivating their souls." "Mystic Practitioners don''t necessarily need to excel in physical combat, but they are far rarer than their martial counterparts. This is because individuals with innate talent for mysticism and strong soul are much more difficult to find than those with the physical foundation needed for martial arts," Bell explained, recalling the laws and principles from the Murim world. "That''s certainly interesting," Kisha responded, her focus still on expanding her consciousness through the surrounding area. "It must be because my ''Mental Capacity'' has already surpassed a thousand, which likely allows my consciousness to handle this much more effectively." "Host, you truly possess a strong soul, which is why you awakened Telekinesis as your ability. As you already know, an awakened ability is tied to one''s Talent and Gift, meaning it is something you are born with." 008 paused before adding, "Honestly, now that I think about it, the reason I was thrown¡ªor perhaps summoned¡ªinto this lower world might be connected to your soul..." 008 fell silent after that, leaving Kisha''s curiosity unanswered. Despite her attempts to probe for more, it refused to elaborate, knowing her interest had been piqued. Since 008 remained silent and Bell had no answers regarding what 008 had hinted at, Kisha focused her attention back on her task. Gradually, her consciousness expanded, reaching deep underground. She could almost see the tangled roots below, feeling their connection with her mind. As she probed further, her senses revealed mangled bodies and scattered bones, more than six feet beneath the surface. Though the remains were spread out, they formed a rough pattern, as if they had been carefully placed. It seemed the mutated tree had created a massive pit to store its prey, a place where it stored food for later consumption. The scattered remains were only part of the picture. Below, a larger pit extended beneath the site where the mutated tree had once stood, filled with dried bodies, some mummified as if their blood had been sucked dry. The scene felt like an eerie cave of horrors¡ªan unsettling collection of the tree''s victims. Chapter 581 - 581 Looking For Sparrows Body After locating the pit, Kisha approached Duke and Vulture, carefully retracting her consciousness to avoid any strain. Her voice was hoarse as she spoke. "I found a pit underground filled with remains." Her eyes met Duke''s briefly before her gaze flickered to Vulture, gauging his reaction. As though struck by lightning, Vulture froze, his body stiffening at her words. Slowly, he turned away, his shoulders heavy with emotion. He wiped the tears and snot from his face with his arm, but it wasn''t enough. With a resigned sigh, he lifted his shirt to wipe his face, revealing the sight of his well-defined abs. Before the sight could fully unfold, Duke''s sharp eyes snapped to Kisha''s face with a somewhat accusing gaze. His eyes narrowed protectively, and with swift precision, he covered Kisha''s eyes with his hand, his possessiveness clear. "Wifey, if you want to see an eight-pack, there''s no need to look elsewhere," Duke said, his voice low and teasing. Without giving her a chance to protest, he grabbed Kisha''s wrist and guided her hand to rest against his shirt. But apparently, that wasn''t enough for him. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he lifted his shirt and bit down on the hem, holding it in his teeth to fully expose his sculpted, rock-hard abs. He then pressed her hand against the defined ridges, guiding her touch along the length of his abdomen, ensuring she could feel every line and curve. Even in such a tense moment, Duke''s possessiveness radiated unmistakably. Kisha, caught off guard, couldn''t help but feel both flustered and wronged. She hadn''t been sneaking a peek at Vulture''s abs, despite what Duke clearly thought. Well, it wasn''t like she needed to explain herself. Besides, she found it amusing to see Duke''s somber expression replaced by a flare of jealousy. His brooding mood had lightened, and for that, she was secretly grateful. At least now, he wasn''t consumed by grief. After a bit of playful teasing and once Vulture had calmed down, Kisha took the lead, guiding the two men toward the location of the pit she had sensed. Vulture, however, still bore the evidence of his earlier breakdown. His swollen, red eyes and equally flushed nose stood out against his rugged appearance. The contrast made him look both pitiful and unintentionally comical, a sight so oddly out of place that Kisha had to suppress the urge to chuckle. Given the seriousness of the situation, Kisha chose to remain silent. As they arrived at the spot where the mutated tree had once stood, she halted at the edge. The gaping hole left behind by the tree''s massive roots stretched deep into the earth, but it wasn''t wide or clear enough for them to see far below the surface. Focusing her telekinesis, Kisha summoned an invisible force, akin to giant, unseen hands, to dig into the sticky soil. With one swift motion, she removed a massive chunk of earth¡ªnearly the size of a nanny van¡ªand flung it aside effortlessly. Despite her efforts, the depth of the pit was far greater than she anticipated, plunging much deeper than the scattered remains and bones she had sensed earlier, which lay a few meters beneath the surface. After Kisha successfully excavated the pit, Duke took the lead in ensuring their safety. He conjured a powerful ''Fire Meteor'' and sent it hurtling into the depths of the pit. The intense flames illuminated the dark cavity, burning away any lingering harmful gases that could pose a threat to them. Once the air was cleared, the trio removed their gas masks, leaving only their night vision goggles to aid their vision in the darkness. With a brief glance at one another, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture leaped into the massive pit. Their coordinated landing echoed with a loud creak, the sound resonating ominously through the cavernous space. Snap! Creak! As their boots hit the ground, the brittle bones beneath their feet snapped like dry twigs, sinking them ankle-deep into the unsettling terrain. A cloud of fine dust rose from the disturbed surface, further obscuring the already dim environment. The ground beneath them felt unstable, as though they were standing atop a gruesome mountain of bones, dried bodies, and dismembered limbs. A nauseating, musky odor permeated the air, difficult to describe. It wasn''t the rancid stench of rotting flesh, as most of the remains were desiccated or skeletal, yet the smell was deeply unpleasant, a mixture of decay and something disturbingly hard to explain. Kisha and Vulture instinctively coughed as the rising dust hit their faces, while Duke furrowed his brow, scanning their grim surroundings. However, with only their night vision goggles, their visibility was limited¡ªeverything appeared in hazy outlines, distorted and incomplete. No light from the reddish moon reached the depths of the pit, leaving it in a suffocating darkness. Realizing the need for better illumination, Duke conjured three small fireballs that floated around them, casting a flickering glow. He was careful not to create more than necessary, mindful of preserving the limited oxygen in the enclosed space. With the area now illuminated by the soft glow of Duke''s fireballs, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture removed their night vision goggles and handed them to Kisha, who quickly stored them in her inventory. Only then were they able to properly take in their surroundings. The pit resembled a cave, its walls lined with dangling roots that swayed slightly, as if alive. Beneath their feet was a chaotic pile of bones and bodies, so jumbled together that it was impossible to distinguish whether the remains belonged to men or women. Mixed among the human remains were the carcasses and bones of various animals, creating a grim, unsettling tableau that emphasized the horrors of the mutated tree''s feeding pit. As they surveyed the pit, it seemed nearly impossible to identify whether Sparrow''s remains were among the countless others. Vulture''s gaze swept over the pile of bones, his eyes blank as he spoke. "Master, do you think the missing members of Group 6 are also here... among the dead?" His voice was hollow, and his gaze lingered on the vast sea of bones beneath their feet, a jumble so extensive that he couldn''t even tell where it ended or how deep it truly went. Duke didn''t respond. He simply scanned the entire area, his expression darkening with each passing moment. His eyes, sharp and menacing, scanned every corner of the pit as his lips pressed into a thin, grim line. His cold, indifferent demeanor remained unbroken, leaving it unclear whether he hadn''t heard Vulture''s question or had deliberately chosen to ignore it. They then each moved to different corners of the pit, with a fireball trailing closely behind them. Kisha couldn''t help but feel amused by the sight. As far as she could remember, no fire-type superhuman had this level of control. Typically, once a fireball was conjured and left a summoner''s hand, it was like a bullet fired from a gun¡ªit would either hit its target or simply dissipate. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But what she is seeing now was different. The fireball remained under Duke''s control, despite being separated from him. Maintaining this required constant spiritual energy consumption, a feat most fire type awakened ability users couldn''t manage. The effort it took to sustain the flame after it was released was impressive and rare. Chapter 582 - 582 Looking For Sparrows Body 2 "M-Master!!!" Vulture''s loud, trembling shout snapped Kisha out of her thoughts. She blinked, her gaze shifting to the fireball floating beside her. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite being so close, it didn''t burn her or feel excessively hot. It radiated warmth, but other than that, it seemed harmless¡ªmore of a light source than a threat. After a moment''s reflection, she walked toward Vulture, who was crouched in the far corner, mostly hidden by thick roots. He was nearly invisible, save for the fireball hovering nearby, casting a soft glow around him. "What''s wrong?" Duke asked, his voice steady as he approached. Kisha followed closely behind him, her eyes scanning the scene. Vulture didn''t respond right away, his body still trembling as he crouched down. Kisha heard him stifle another sob, and her heart ached. She stepped closer, her gaze drawn to a dried-up body half-buried beneath the twisted roots. The body was eerily familiar, dressed in the same clothes Sparrow had worn the morning of their departure. As Kisha''s eyes moved lower, she saw a dog tag resting on the corpse''s lap. The body, preserved like a mummified relic, was so desiccated that its features were almost unrecognizable. The hair, tangled and matted like seaweed, clung to the skull, stained with dried blood. The sunken eyes were hollow, and the mouth hung open in a silent scream, the expression frozen in terror, as if the person had died in agony, as it was being drained of life and blood. In its final moment, the dried-up body lay limply, its head tilted downward. The jaw hung loosely, the teeth visible as the lips had withered like dry tissue, shriveled and drawn tight, exposing the teeth even more. All that remained was a thin layer of skin clinging to the bones, a grotesque reminder of the body''s once-living form. "Sparrow..." Vulture whispered, his voice breaking as he gently picked up the dog tag that had fallen into the dried-up body''s lap. His eyes scanned the inscription¡ªSparrow''s codename and the date he had joined Duke Winters'' fold. The weight of their discovery crushed him, and his hand trembled as he gripped the dog tag, holding it tight as if afraid it might slip away. The sobs came again, wracking his body with grief. Duke''s expression darkened, and his eyes reddened, though he remained still, standing in grim silence. His gaze was fixed on his fallen subordinate, the lifeless form of Sparrow. It was as though he was piecing together the final moments of his subordinate''s life, imagining the horror and pain he must have endured before his death. Kisha remained silent, giving them the space they needed to mourn Sparrow''s death. She couldn''t bring herself to say "condolences" ¡ª those words felt hollow to her now. In the apocalyptic world, death was a constant happening, following them like a shadow, and over time, she had become numb to its weight. Her own well of emotion had long since dried up, reserved only for her family and Duke''s. Still, despite her detached exterior, she couldn''t ignore the small pang of sorrow for Sparrow, for he had been a part of Duke''s family, and in that, he had been a part of hers, too. After what felt like an eternity, Kisha, Duke, and Vulture finally emerged from the pit. Vulture was carrying a body bag with Sparrow''s remains, his solemn expression unwavering. Kisha offered to place the body in her inventory or leave it in her territory for safekeeping, but Vulture gently refused. He wanted to carry Sparrow''s body back himself, as part of his mourning ritual, a final act of respect for his fallen brother. Only when they returned to the base would he entrust Sparrow''s body to Kisha to keep it safe in her inventory then, so they could give him a proper burial alongside the rest of their fallen comrades in City A once they came back there. Kisha respected Vulture''s wishes, understanding the weight of his mourning, and knowing that this was likely what Duke and the rest of their brothers would want as well. Sparrow had always been a loyal brother to them all. As they emerged from the pit, the first light of dawn began to crest the horizon, but the heaviness in Vulture and Duke''s faces remained shrouded in darkness. Wordlessly, they made their way back to where they had left Zeus and Bell, their steps quiet and deliberate. The weight of the unspoken grief hung in the air, and the silence between them spoke volumes. Understanding the mood, even Zeus remained unusually subdued and behaved, making an effort not to disturb the solemn atmosphere. In a rare act of sensitivity, Zeus returned to Kisha''s territory space with Bell, clearing the way for Vulture to carry Sparrow''s body and let it rest beside him in the car. Kisha appreciated this gesture deeply and reached down to give Zeus a gentle pat on the head, silently thanking him for his thoughtfulness. It wasn''t until after Kisha had sent Zeus back into the territory space that she realized something wrong. Despite her meticulous preparations to keep a portal open for Marcus and the others back in the base, allowing them to come and go freely in her territory space even in her absence, she found that the portal had unexpectedly closed once she had traveled a certain distance. Those outside couldn''t enter, and those inside were unable to leave, forcing them to wait for her to open a portal again. She only discovered this after noticing Mike brooding inside the territory space, alone. It seemed that Marcus and the others were absent, likely having left to assist at the villa. Mike, on the other hand, had become so engrossed in studying the mutated animals, eager to understand their nature, that he lost track of time, unaware of the others'' departure. When Mike attempted to leave, he quickly realized he couldn''t. Since time flowed differently inside the territory space compared to the outside world, he had unknowingly been trapped there for hours. It wasn''t until he saw Bell, Zeus, and Kisha entering that he was finally able to communicate with anyone. He immediately informed Kisha about the situation, explaining how he had been stuck inside the space without realizing it. It seemed that because her territory was originally established in City A, that was the only place it could connect to. While she could temporarily open a portal outside her territory, it would automatically close once she left the vicinity. Kisha hadn''t considered this limitation before; she had assumed that opening a portal would suffice for any situation. Now, she understood how it worked. Fortunately, she had only been away from the base for one night, so Marcus and the others hadn''t missed much, and Mike hadn''t been trapped for days. Once Kisha understood the situation, she reassured Mike that he was no longer stuck in the territory space. To spare him from seeing Sparrow''s body and the grim expressions on Vulture and Duke''s faces, she sent him back inside. Mike happily complied, eager to continue studying the mutated animals, now relieved that he could leave whenever needed. After settling things with Mike, Kisha took the wheel of the armored car and began driving back to the base. Duke and Vulture remained silent, lost in their grief, so she respected their space and refrained from speaking. The journey was heavy with unspoken sorrow, punctuated only by the occasional roars of zombies they encountered along the way. Whenever one attempted to approach the vehicle, Kisha mercilessly rammed into it without hesitation, clearing the path before driving on without a backward glance. Chapter 583 - 583 Youre Home It didn''t take long for Kisha to return to the base with Duke, Vulture, and Sparrow''s bodies inside the car she''s driving. The armored car was smeared with dried black blood and bits of brain matter, creating a grotesque and eerie scene. A severed hand was even stuck to the front number plate, dangling grotesquely. The sight was nauseating, but the soldiers had grown desensitized to such horrors. One of them, descending from the wall, wordlessly plucked the hand off and tossed it aside without a second glance. As Kisha drove through the gate, the soldiers quickly killed the last zombie that had pursued the car to the wall. The gatekeeper approached to check Kisha''s permit¡ªit was just a formality¡ªbut his real focus was elsewhere. His sharp eyes scanned the vehicle, silently counting how many survivors Kisha''s team had managed to rescue during their search-and-rescue mission. When the gatekeeper noticed the lone body bag in the back of the vehicle, he immediately stopped prying. Instead, he straightened up and saluted Kisha, Duke, and Vulture, his expression turning solemn as his gaze lingered on the body bag. Without another word, Kisha resumed driving, heading back to their villa. Word of their return spread quickly. At the villa, as soon as the rest of the Winters and their subordinates heard that Kisha and the team were back, they rushed over in a hurry, desperate to see for themselves the fate of their missing brothers. As Kisha''s armored car approached, the absence of Group 6''s missing truck was glaringly obvious. A heavy silence fell over the people waiting, their hearts sinking as grim expressions spread across their faces. No one blamed Kisha¡ªthey knew she had done everything she could¡ªbut the weight of their loss was starting to sink in their hearts. Deep down, they dreaded hearing the confirmation of what they already feared hearing about their brothers. When Vulture stepped out of the car, cradling a body bag in his arms, no one was prepared for the gut-wrenching sight. The collective grief deepened, the weight of loss settling like a heavy cloud over the group. Without a word, Vulture made his way to the back of the villa, and the others solemnly followed. As Vulture unzipped the body bag, revealing its contents, the person inside was unrecognizable. The silence hung thick until Vulture reached into his pocket, pulling out a dog tag and holding it up for everyone to see. The realization hit like a tidal wave¡ªit was Sparrow''s. Soft sobs and muffled cries began to fill the backyard. The group stood in a solemn circle around Sparrow''s body, heads bowed in silent prayer, paying their final respects to a fallen brother. Kisha stepped aside, silently allowing the others space to bid their final farewell to their fallen brother. Beside her, Duke reached for her hand, his grip firm yet trembling. Though he remained silent, the slight quiver in his fingers and the tight set of his lips betrayed the storm of emotions within him. His gaze remained fixed on the center of the circle, unyielding and unblinking. On the side, Mrs. Winters wept softly, her hand covering her mouth in an attempt to stifle the sound of her sobs. Mr. Winters stood beside her, his expression stoic but his grief unmistakable. He gently rubbed his wife''s back in a quiet gesture of comfort, though the weight in his own eyes revealed that he was just as deeply affected as everyone else. Tristan stood on the outer edge of the circle, his usually composed demeanor unshaken on the surface. Yet, the red rims of his eyes betrayed the depth of his grief, silently revealing the pain he was trying so hard to conceal. The loss of a brother weighed heavily on him, even as he remained quiet, stoic in his sorrow. For a long while, the Winters and their men lingered in the backyard, shrouded in their collective mourning. No one dared to interrupt; it was as though the entire base understood the gravity of their loss and respected their need for this sacred moment of grief. By midday, everyone had reluctantly returned to their duties. In the harsh reality of the apocalypse, time for mourning was a rare luxury. They knew all too well that many never even had the chance to be brought home for a final farewell. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. All they could do now was endure¡ªsurvive and live not just for themselves, but for those they had lost. They carried their memories, vowing silently to honor their fallen brothers and share their stories when they met again in the afterlife. Once everyone had left, Vulture stood by Sparrow''s body for a final moment. His voice was soft but firm as he said, "Brother, you''re home now. Rest in peace." With a lingering look, he gently covered the body bag again. Turning to Kisha, his eyes carried a silent plea, filled with grief and a hope for closure. Without needing further explanation, Kisha stepped forward. With a quiet gesture, she waved her hand, storing Sparrow''s body into her inventory. There, time would stand still¡ªthe body preserved, untouched by decay¡ªuntil they could lay him to rest properly at City A''s Base. In the small cemetery they had built with their own hands, a place where their other fallen brothers already rested in peace. Although their spirits were dampened, life had to go on. Vulture, despite his heavy heart, returned to his duties and resumed patrolling the walls. The evolving zombies outside were still in a frenzy, relentlessly searching for food. As for their missing brothers from Group 6, it wasn''t that Kisha, Duke, and Vulture had forgotten about them. While they were tracking Sparrow, Kisha had already dispatched the Scarlet Bees to search for any trace of group 6. However, the group seemed to have vanished without a trace, leaving no trail behind. Tracking them had proven even more difficult than finding Sparrow. The harrowing battle with the mutated tree and the grim discovery of Sparrow''s fate had left Kisha and the team physically and emotionally drained. For now, they had no choice but to return to the base and rest, especially since time was against them. Tomorrow marked the final day of Kisha''s nesting mission in City B. Once the timer reached zero, she would be free to leave the city. Yet, uncertainty loomed. Kisha couldn''t shake the ominous feeling that something significant might happen when the clock ran out. If she wasn''t present to face it, she feared the worst for the people in the base¡ªtheir survival could hang in the balance. Anxiety gnawed at Kisha''s nerves with every passing moment, but she did her best to mask it. She knew the others were still mourning and their spirits were low. The weight of grief hung heavily over the base, and she didn''t want to add to it. Meanwhile, Duke had thrown himself back into his duties as Vice City Lord, assisting Tristan to help lighten his load and reassure the community. News of Sparrow''s fate and the mysterious disappearance of Group 6 had already spread, leaving everyone in the base saddened by the loss of such valued comrades. Even Rakan, despite being new to the base, felt the loss deeply. He had clashed with Sparrow head-on during their first encounter and, though he had lost, he had gained a deep respect for him. Losing someone he had fought alongside left a heavy weight on his heart. Chapter 584 - 584 Dr. Shuvecks Request Seeing how Kisha and her team honored the loss of someone like Sparrow made Rakan realize they had truly found the right place. The way the leaders treated their people with such care and respect¡ªgoing to great lengths to save, rescue, and recover their fallen comrades¡ªinstilled in him a deep sense of trust. He no longer hesitated to put his faith in these leaders, knowing he could fight for the base without reservations. It wasn''t just Rakan who felt this way¡ªmany others shared the sentiment. They understood that following such leaders would guide them to the right path. While they all carried the weight of their grief, their resolve was stronger than ever. While the others kept watch outside the walls, the rest of the people¡ªwarriors and civilians alike¡ªwere dedicating themselves to training and growing stronger. Meanwhile, the medical facility had a brief respite. The first batch of awakeners had already stabilized, allowing the medical staff to take a moment to rest and reassess their resources. They reviewed the facility''s capabilities and inventory, ensuring they were fully prepared for when the second batch of awakenings began. The Artisan workshop, along with those running their own stalls, were also putting in their best efforts. They focused intently on honing their craft, driven by the hope that their work would not only improve in quality but also gain some stats buff, or even produce something that could benefit the people of the base. Seeing everyone else working diligently, Kisha pushed aside her growing anxiety and completed a final patrol along the wall. She made sure the perimeter was secure, the defenses were at their strongest, and took additional precautions by placing obstacles in front of the wall using the abandoned vehicles scattered outside. With her telekinesis, she effortlessly lifted and arranged the vehicles in random positions on the street. The purpose wasn''t to create an intricate maze but to at least slow any zombie waves that might approach. She left gaps between the vehicles, ensuring that even if zombies managed to climb over one obstacle, they would still face more barriers. Additionally, she carefully positioned the vehicles a few meters away from the earth spikes in front of the wall, preventing zombies from using the vehicles as platforms to scale the walls. Kisha repeated the process around the entire wall as part of her preparations. Her focused, determined actions puzzled most of the onlookers, who assumed she was simply trying to occupy herself and take her mind off of what had happened to Sparrow. No one intervened, thinking it was a task she assigned herself while thinking. Only a few veteran soldiers understood her method. They recognized it as a tactic similar to the one used on battlefields, where soldiers would create sandbag walls, pits, and obstacles to establish temporary shelters, hiding spots, or even maze-like fortifications. These structures were designed to slow the enemy''s advance, forcing them to navigate treacherous terrain while waiting for an ambush. Seeing Kisha prepare in such a focused manner made everyone feel as though she was gearing up for something significant. Her words, the ones she had repeatedly emphasized, echoed in their minds. One of the veterans, a gatekeeper, could feel the weight of the situation and immediately took action. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He ordered his soldiers to ensure that all firearms in their corner were thoroughly checked and ready for use, in top condition. They even began counting their remaining ammunition, knowing they couldn''t afford to panic if they found themselves suddenly running low. While the soldiers busied themselves with their weapons, the gatekeepers turned their attention to the warriors stationed by the wall. They reminded them to continue their training, urging them to push themselves, even if just a little. The tents near the walls were theirs to use, and no one would disturb their efforts. Whether they leveled up or not, becoming even slightly stronger in that moment was all that mattered. Although the warriors didn''t fully understand the urgency behind their increased training, they accepted the challenge without question. With little else to occupy their time, and deeply affected by the somber mood hanging over the base, they felt a strong drive to improve themselves. They believed that in order to honor their positions and contribute meaningfully, they had to become stronger, no matter the reason behind the push. After finishing her patrol and finalizing the preparations, Kisha made her way to the small building housing their temporary electricity department, expecting to find Duke. She wasn''t mistaken. As she stepped inside, she saw Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel engaged in a serious conversation with Duke, their expressions grave. Kisha moved closer and, sensing something was amiss, asked, "What''s going on?" Dr. Shuveck hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, his expression somber. "City Lord," he began, "as you know, we originally came from City D. During our escape, we were fortunate enough to cross paths with the group you rescued here in City B." "However, in our rush to flee, we were forced to leave behind everything¡ªour research materials, our life''s work¡ªall of it. Those materials were crucial for the advancement of humanity''s future, and losing them has been a heavy blow." Dr. Shuveck paused, his eyes distant as he gathered his thoughts. "But that''s not the only thing I left behind," he continued, his voice tinged with worry. "I fear my son is still in City D. I hope he''s alive, waiting for help, but I can''t be certain. There''s also my notebook¡ªI''ve realized that some of the calculations and details from the advanced solar panel blueprints aren''t adding up." "Engineer Steel and I have gone over them, but there are discrepancies we can''t resolve. Without clearing up these inconsistencies, we won''t be able to build the solar panels to their full potential." "Even if we manage to finish them, there will likely be issues down the road. But above all, my thoughts keep drifting back to my son. I can''t shake the fear that he might still be out there, searching for me in City D." Dr. Shuveck''s voice wavered with desperation as he continued, "I am requesting your assistance, City Lord and Vice City Lord. I need a search and rescue team to go into City D, not only to search for my son but also to recover my notebook and research materials." He then bowed deeply, his body bent at a 90-degree angle to convey the urgency and weight of his plea. His tone was sincere¡ªhe wasn''t merely using the search for his son as an excuse. The truth was, he was struggling with the advanced solar panel blueprints, and he recalled a critical discovery he''d made just before everything fell apart and the apocalypse started. His notebook held the answers that could change everything. More than that, Dr. Shuveck knew he wasn''t a fighter¡ªhe would be of no use if he went to City D on his own. He wasn''t even sure he could make it there, given his lack of combat experience. That''s why he turned to the Vice City Lord for help. At first, he had believed his son¡ªhis most cherished treasure, a renowned professor in the science department of City D''s prestigious university¡ªwas already dead, which was why he had fled alone. But that wasn''t entirely true. In the chaos, soldiers had pushed him into a military vehicle, along with other researchers, engineers, and important figures deemed valuable by the government. His son had been one of them, swept up in the mass evacuation to safety. Chapter 585 - 585 Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel When the apocalypse struck, Dr. Shuveck was deep into his research, working on a breakthrough a better solar panel designed to alleviate the strain humanity was placing on the planet. The project aimed to reduce the harm that energy consumption needed to power cities and mitigate the damage being done to the ozone layer. Just as he was nearing a major breakthrough, everything fell apart. Soldiers stormed his research facility, seizing him and his colleagues with brutal efficiency. They were herded into military vehicles like cattle, along with other vital figures. As they were being transported, Dr. Shuveck learned from one of the soldiers that his son¡ªone of the nation''s top scientists¡ªwas also part of the evacuation. The government had prioritized the safety of individuals like Dr. Shuveck, believing their survival was crucial to humanity''s future. If civilization had to rebuild from the ashes, people like him would be key to finding a way forward. Unfortunately, during their transport, disaster struck. The military vehicle was thrown off balance as the driver plowed into a horde of zombies. The vehicle''s tires rolled over their bodies, but the driver misjudged the terrain¡ªwhat seemed like a minor incline turned out to be too much to overcome. With the relentless push of the zombie horde pressing in from all sides, the military vehicle tipped over. Despite the soldiers'' best efforts to fight back and clear the path, chaos erupted. Many inside the vehicle were injured, some knocked unconscious from head trauma. Dr. Shuveck was among them, suffering a mild concussion when his head struck the side of the vehicle. When he regained consciousness, the scene was eerily quiet. The sounds of gunfire, once deafening as soldiers desperately fought to protect the convoy, had fallen silent. It was clear that most of the soldiers who had been attempting to defend the group had been overrun. The remaining soldiers could do little but evacuate the remaining survivors as best they could, leaving behind the fallen. After all, they couldn''t risk sacrificing the entire forest for a single tree. While Dr. Shuveck and the others were undeniably important, the rest of the convoy was equally vital. The soldiers faced a difficult decision: they could either prioritize saving the larger group, or turn back to protect a few scientists and engineers at the cost of endangering everyone else. In the end, the choice was clear¡ªsecuring the safety of the majority was the only option. The loud gunfire echoed through the chaotic scene, momentarily drawing the zombies away. Fortunately, the military vehicle was heavily armored, and though it had tipped over, the occupants inside managed to survive. Among them was Engineer Steel, three armed soldiers, and two researchers from different departments. With the vehicle inoperable and too heavy to right, they had no choice but to abandon it. Now, on foot, they faced the treacherous journey ahead with extreme caution. The group was severely outnumbered in terms of combatants¡ªonly three soldiers were fit for defense, while the rest of the group consisted of non-combatants. Two of the researchers, already elderly, struggled to keep pace with the others. Every step was fraught with danger, but survival depended on their ability to move carefully and stay vigilant. In the end, one soldier gave his life to protect them, and both the doctor and the researcher were overwhelmed, falling behind and being overtaken by the zombie horde, their pursuers closing in fast. When they could, they traveled by car, but when the roads became impassable, they had no choice but to continue on foot. Their original destination had been the capital, or one of the government-established shelters and bases. However, their route was blocked and infested with thousands of zombies. With only two soldiers and limited ammunition, they knew they wouldn''t make it. Remembering that a shelter had been set up in City B, and that some of their comrades were likely headed there too, the two soldiers decided to reroute, hoping to find reinforcements and complete their mission. Despite enduring countless trials and surviving the relentless zombie onslaught, the two soldiers ultimately couldn''t make it. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fully aware of Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel''s significance to the government, they knew their primary duty was to get them to safety, even if it meant sacrificing their own lives. Cornered in a building on the outskirts of City B, with only a few rounds of ammunition left and makeshift weapons at their disposal, the soldiers did what they could to buy time. They drew the zombies'' attention, creating distractions, while Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel attempted to escape undetected. Sadly, the soldiers were overrun by the sheer numbers of the horde. Exhausted, hungry, and battered from days of fighting, they simply couldn''t hold on any longer. With no combat experience and no means of defending themselves, Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel believed their fate was sealed. However, by chance, they crossed paths with another group fleeing towards City B¡ª the Evans'' bodyguard and maid. Seeing the two men in such a dire state, the group took them in without hesitation. Grateful for the unexpected rescue, Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel blended into the group and fought side by side with them. Under the bodyguards'' tutelage, they learned basic combat skills, enabling them to protect themselves and contribute to the group''s survival as they made their way to City B. The rest of their story unfolded when they were nearing the City B''s base, and they encountered Kisha, who came to their rescue. Had she not intervened at that critical moment, they would have been wiped out. However, Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel had blended in so seamlessly with the group that neither Kisha nor Duke recognized them until much later. It wasn''t until they took on tasks from the mission board and revealed their true identities that Duke discovered who they really were. Kisha, on the other hand, only learned of their identity at the last possible moment. Perhaps Kisha was simply too busy, or maybe she hadn''t paid enough attention while scanning the group while she was checking their morality values using her ''Eye of The Truth''. She might not have focused on their names at the time. It wasn''t until she saw the list of people from the central hall that she realized who they were¡ªand it was Duke who casually mentioned it in passing. That''s why Duke had been carrying the blueprint around. They realized they didn''t need to make a special trip to City D to find the people they had been discussing earlier. "City Lord," Engineer Steel said, breaking Kisha and Dr. Shuveck''s reverie, "I also wanted to request your help in finding my son. He''s a brilliant machine engineer, just like me¡ªI taught him everything I know." "As far as I can recall, he was supposed to be in City D that day as a guest speaker for a scheduled lecture. I was hoping he might still be there, or at the very least, I''d like to know any news about him if he''s alive or not." Kisha glanced at Engineer Steel, noticing for the first time that these two middle-aged men, so dedicated to their work, were now speaking about their sons. It struck her as unusual that they would mention them now, after such a long silence¡ªperhaps something had occurred while she was away. Chapter 586 - 586 Needed To Go To City D? As if reading her thoughts, Engineer Steel began to explain. "City Lord," Engineer Steel began, his voice tinged with a mixture of hope and worry, "I have a satellite phone¡ªa small one¡ªmade by my son before everything started, the apocalypse." "Just recently, I received a message from him, and he''s been looking for me. But... I''m hesitant to ask him to come here. I know firsthand how dangerous it is to make it to this place, and I fear for his safety." "He''s safe where he is for now, so all I can do is pray that he stays there until I can figure out how to help him." "But unfortunately, the communication was brief, and it ended as quickly as it began. I don''t know his exact location¡ªonly that he''s still somewhere in City D." "I''m deeply worried, but I also understand we can''t send people blindly without knowing more about the situation or his whereabouts." "I hope you can understand the feeling of a parent in this situation," Engineer Steel said, his voice heavy with emotion as he bowed his head, mirroring Dr. Shuveck''s gesture. In truth, it was Engineer Steel who had received the message from his son, but this news had reignited Dr. Shuveck''s hope that his own son might also be alive. It was this spark that led him to seek help from their Vice City Lord. After all, Kisha and Duke were the strongest in the base, and if she allocated manpower to help them search for their sons, the chances of success would be much higher with their involvement. Dr. Shuveck''s offer of his notebook and the invaluable research he''d dedicated his life to wasn''t just a gesture¡ªit was a genuine payment for the favor, and his concerns about the issues with the advanced solar panel blueprint were valid as well. Hearing this, Kisha found herself in a real bind. After completing her nesting mission, she had planned to return to City A''s base to check on her family, reunite with the others, and reassure them that the Winters were safe. She had hoped to catch up with everyone. But with this new request, she felt caught between a rock and a hard place. She didn''t want to turn them down, yet the difficulty of the mission loomed large. City D was quite a distance from City B, and the journey would undoubtedly present numerous challenges, especially considering the aftermath of the Geostorm and the presence of evolving zombies. The road there would be very complicated, fraught with danger and complications. However, Kisha couldn''t bring herself to refuse their request. Both Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel''s sons were highly promising talents¡ªones that could potentially surpass their fathers in the future. The more skilled individuals she could accumulate in her base, the stronger it would become. This would reduce the burden on her, allowing her to focus on other aspects of leadership. Additionally, the number of individuals like Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel in the base was alarmingly small. Most of the others were retired elders, whose contributions to the development of new technologies were limited. While they could mentor the younger generation, science and engineering were fields that took a lifetime of effort and innate talent to master. Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel''s sons, with their knowledge, were invaluable assets that couldn''t be easily replaced. Given all this, Kisha knew she had to make a difficult decision. "Alright, we''ll begin preparations, but you must also keep a close watch on the communication with your son and inform me immediately of any updates." "Stay consistent in messaging him at regular intervals, so he knows when to expect your contact." "This will help him find a safer location to reach you, if necessary. We also need to consider the possibility that his lack of response might be due to being in a dangerous situation or surrounded by people who he didn''t want to know of your whereabouts. So, we can''t afford to rush this." Kisha tapped her index finger against her chin for a moment before continuing. "Also, you need to warn him about people who might intercept your messages. It would be best if you have a secure way to send coded messages¡ªsomething that''s hard to decipher." "That way, even if someone else intercepts it, they won''t be able to understand what you''re trying to say. It could buy your son some extra time." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hearing this, Engineer Steel''s face drained of color, a look of horror spreading across his features. He had almost forgotten how much the apocalypse had changed human nature¡ªhow greed had taken root, with many willing to trample on others for their own gain. It dawned on him that some might use his son as a pawn, exploiting the situation for their own purposes. They might assume he had been safely transported by the government, living in a secure place with abundant supplies. If that was the case, they could use his son as leverage, blackmailing him into sending help. Such a move could lead them straight to him and the shelter he was staying in, and worse, it could spell disaster for everyone involved including the whole shelter. "I-I''ll keep that in mind and keep you updated," Engineer Steel stammered, his voice trembling as he gripped the satellite phone in his pocket, the weight of his responsibility while the thought of his son''s safety was heavy on his mind. Even Dr. Shuveck, who had been quietly listening, looked visibly shaken. The same realization that had struck Engineer Steel had also hit him with full force. His worry for his own son was no less intense, and the fear of what might happen if things went wrong consumed him just as much. With Kisha''s advice in mind, Engineer Steel shifted to a more cautious and strategic approach. The relative safety and calm of HOPE base had made him forget, to some extent, just how dark the human heart could become in desperate times. But now, with supplies becoming scarce and the aftermath of the GeoStorm still lingering, the reality of the world outside hit him hard. People had lost everything¡ªsupplies, loved ones¡ªand that kind of desperation could drive them to madness. He knew all too well that in such circumstances, some would do anything to survive, even if it meant taking lives. This also highlighted how effective Kisha had been in creating a safe haven for her people. However, she knew that this peaceful existence couldn''t last forever, especially as they considered opening their doors to other survivors. Allowing superhumans to come and go, exchanging resources and intel, could prove dangerous. Having seen the quality of life within HOPE Base, many of these superhumans might grow envious or greedy, scheming to take control of the base for themselves. Kisha understood that maintaining her people''s safety required more than just protection¡ªit demanded constant vigilance against those who might try to exploit their security. However, she couldn''t keep the doors closed forever, as doing so would only fuel greater envy and desire for what they had. By opening their doors, they could form alliances with other shelters, bases, or factions in the area. This would not only strengthen their overall position but also provide additional security for her people, ensuring a broader network of support in an increasingly uncertain world. Chapter 587 - 587 School For The Children With her plate already full, Kisha decided to set these thoughts aside for now, focusing on more urgent matters. Many of her ongoing missions were scheduled to conclude by the end of the day tomorrow, leaving her little time for anything else. Determined to stay on top of things, Kisha began her rounds around the base, ensuring everything was running smoothly. Meanwhile, Duke was far from idle. He took an active role in managing the base operations, easing Kisha''s burden and allowing her to juggle her responsibilities more effectively. Tristan had also returned to lend Duke his support, seamlessly falling back into their old dynamic from the days when Duke was standing at the very front and leading his business empire. As the day came to a close, everyone was bustling with activity, finishing up their rounds before heading home to rest for the night, preparing for another busy day ahead. Most of the work had already been taken care of, which gave Kisha a sense of relief as she made her way back to the villa. Marcus and his grandchildren had already set the dinner table, and Duke was preparing to head home while the other Winters family members were also wrapping up their day. Once they all gathered at the villa, they shared a meal together, consciously avoiding any discussions about base matters to keep the atmosphere light. Instead, the conversation turned to funny and random stories from their workplaces, with Mrs. Winters doing most of the talking. She often managed the kids, women, and elderly at the base, so her stories were filled with amusing tales from her interactions with the children. Her anecdotes had everyone laughing, as the kids'' innocent and adorable antics never failed to bring smiles to their faces. "Do you think we should build a nursery, kindergarten, and a school for the kids?" Mrs. Winters suddenly asked, her voice thoughtful. She paused for a moment before continuing, her words carrying a weight of concern. "We may be in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, and everything around us feels uncertain and dangerous, but we have so many children here at the base. Their education is just as important." "They are the future¡ªnot only of this base but of humanity. Teaching them to be literate and knowledgeable will empower them to find their own strength. This will help us shape a better future for them." "After all, we can''t shoulder all the responsibilities forever, nor can we protect them in this shelter for the rest of their lives. They need to grow, to learn, and eventually stand on their own. And we can''t let the wisdom of our generation die with us. Don''t you agree?" Everyone at the table fell silent, the gravity of Mrs. Winters'' words settling over them. This was exactly why they usually avoided discussing base matters during meals¡ªsuch conversations had a way of turning serious. However, Kisha didn''t mind. What Mrs. Winters said was undeniably true. They couldn''t always focus solely on survival¡ªon gathering supplies and fighting. The children needed to learn, too. They couldn''t just train all of them to be warriors; what about the other professions¡ªengineers, chemists, doctors, and more? It was easy to forget about their education in the midst of the constant struggle for survival, but Kisha realized that their future wasn''t just about fighting. Education was just as crucial. The children were the future of the base, and they needed to be equipped with knowledge that would help them thrive, no matter what the world had become. "Mom, you''re absolutely right. We''ve almost overlooked something so crucial," Kisha said with a thoughtful nod. "As much as we focus on survival, the children need knowledge to expand their horizons and prepare for the future. By giving them a solid foundation, they''ll be able to make meaningful contributions to the base and help the survivors in ways beyond just defense." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She paused, her mind racing with possibilities. "With the number of people we have here, it''s hard to believe we don''t have any teachers. And even if we don''t, we have elders with diverse skills and knowledge who could take on apprentices. We can establish a school and teach the children general knowledge first¡ªhelp them grow and find their place in the world before they specialize in anything specific profession." Mrs. Winters nodded with enthusiasm. "I can take on the role of the kindergarten teacher, and I have several capable women in my department who could help teach the younger ones the basics. But beyond that, I want to reshape our education system to better fit our current reality." "We should be teaching the children practical skills alongside traditional academics¡ªthings like survival tactics, welding, cooking, farming, and other hands-on skills they''ll need to thrive." "By the time they reach first grade, we can start helping them explore their interests and talents, guiding them toward future careers that will contribute to the community. This way, they won''t just learn what we know¡ªthey''ll be prepared to build the future themselves." Mr. Winters gazed at his wife with a soft, admiring smile, his eyes filled with warmth and respect. It was as though he were seeing her through the lens of their younger years, when her ideas and determination had first captured his heart. He watched her now, as she continued to shine, bringing innovative solutions to better the base and its people. Kisha, too, observed Mrs. Winters with renewed admiration. She had always known her mother-in-law to be a kind-hearted woman, but now she saw even more clearly the depth of her wisdom. Mrs. Winters had always been active in charitable causes, particularly in providing education to remote, underserved areas, and her knowledge of the education system was extensive. This reassured Kisha greatly¡ªMrs. Winters wasn''t just proposing ideas; she had the expertise to make them happen. Kisha felt a sense of peace knowing that her mother-in-law wasn''t one to present a problem without having a solution in mind. Mrs. Winters was the type to make things work, never relying on others to carry her burden, even though Mr. Winters, ever protective, would no doubt assist her in any way he could. Mrs. Winters, however, was aware that her husband was just as busy¡ªif not more so¡ªand, though she knew he would help, she didn''t want to place additional pressure on him. Kisha appreciated Mrs. Winters'' self-sufficiency and was confident that whatever she suggested would come to fruition, without being a burden on anyone. "Alright, Mom, we''ll leave this in your hands," Kisha said with a smile, her voice full of trust. "Just let us know if you need anything from us. If we come across any useful learning materials outside, we''ll bring them back." Duke, sitting beside Kisha, didn''t speak but nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with quiet contentment. Their family was united, supporting one another, and Duke found happiness simply in witnessing this harmony. The conversation naturally turned toward the school for the children as they listened to Mrs. Winters'' ideas, each family member offering suggestions to improve the plan. It was a lively discussion, with everyone eager to contribute to something so important. Fortunately, their base was located near the government office, and the nearby Department of Education held valuable learning materials that could be useful for their efforts. Still, Kisha couldn''t shake the thought of raiding a public library. The books there were treasures of centuries-old knowledge¡ªknowledge that could help shape a better future for the children. With the idea in mind, Kisha added it to her to-do list. She had always been fond of hoarding¡ªwhether it was food, weapons, or useful items, anything she could collect brought her satisfaction. Shopping sprees were no longer an option to relieve stress, so she found comfort in hoarding instead. The thought of gathering supplies for the future made her smile contentedly. Duke, watching her with a resigned smile, shook his head. He knew exactly what Kisha was planning, but deep down, he didn''t mind. If it made her happy, he was more than willing to help out. After all, a happy wife meant a peaceful home, and he would do whatever it took to support her. After the meal, the family lingered in the living room, each engaged in their own activities¡ªreading reports, having light conversations, and simply enjoying each other''s company. It was a quiet, comforting moment, one where they didn''t need to speak much to feel reassured. The presence of family was enough¡ªa reminder that, no matter how challenging their work around the base or the responsibility of ensuring its safety, it was not a burden. Rather, it was a shared commitment to protecting each other''s well-being and happiness, something they would all do together, no matter the cost. After some time, they each retired to their rooms to rest. Duke, settling into bed next to Kisha, couldn''t resist pulling her closer, his mind drifting to thoughts of their future. "Wifey, I''m really glad to see our base taking shape. It''s so reassuring to see the people feeling peaceful, knowing that we''re building something solid here," he said softly. He inhaled deeply, the scent of her hair calming his mind and body. In this quiet moment, he felt a profound sense of contentment. He imagined a future where they would raise their own family, where their children would run freely around the base, learning, exploring, and carving their own paths as they grew. It was a future filled with hope and possibility, one he cherished deeply. Though he had lost his fortune in the chaos of the apocalypse, Duke found himself with something far more precious¡ªa woman he deeply loved, and perhaps, in time, a family of his own. The thought of it brought a soft smile to his lips as he closed his eyes, a sense of peace settling over him. "Mm." Kisha murmured, her voice soft as she, too, drifted into sleep beside him. Chapter 588 - 588 The Beginning Of The End "Alert!" "Alert!" Kisha''s eyes snapped open at the sound of 008''s mechanical voice. Her pulse quickened as her vision adjusted, and what greeted her was a glowing new mission tab hovering in her line of sight. ... [New Mission Available] [Sudden Hidden Mission: EX Class "The Beginning of the End!"] [Description]: Today marks the beginning of humanity''s true end¡ªa descent into the harshest trials yet. The time for small challenges is over. Mission Requirement: Survive the next 24 hours and ensure that your base withstands the storm. Protect its existence from being wiped off the face of this abyss-stricken world. Lead your strongest warriors through this first, grueling test and secure the survival of humanity''s hope. Prove your worth as a leader and commander. Mission Completion Rewards: 30 Gachapon Draws, 30 Resource Crates, 200,000 System Points, System Update +1, 1 Awakening Stone, and Title: "The Leader of the New World" ... Kisha jolted awake, her heart pounding from the vivid images of the new mission swirling in her mind. It was still dark outside, and she had no idea what time it was. Boom! A distant explosion shattered the silence. Startled, Kisha froze, ears straining as the sound rippled through the night. Around her, others began to stir, roused by the deafening blast and was starting to come out of their own room to check what was going on. Even Duke shot upright, his eyes narrowing with sharp, predatory focus. The air around him seemed to thrum with tension. "We''ve got company?" His words, though phrased as a question, carried the weight of certainty. Kisha nodded and instinctively glanced at the wall clock. It read 12:02 a.m.¡ªjust two minutes past midnight. She realized that the notification had come precisely at 12:00 a.m. If they needed to survive for 24 hours as stated in the sudden mission, that meant their challenge would end at 12:01 a.m. the next day. A full day of survival under these circumstances felt daunting, but there was no time to dwell on it. Kisha pushed the thought aside, focusing on the immediate demands of the situation. Boom! Another resounding explosion echoed from the opposite side of the wall. Instead of hearing an alarm from the base''s speakers, the blasts themselves served as a grim warning¡ªan imminent battle was unfolding in the wall. The lack of a formal alarm meant the soldiers and warriors were caught off guard, overwhelmed by the sudden chaos. Kisha and Duke wasted no time. They quickly got dressed and geared up, ready for action. As they stepped out of their room, they crossed paths with the Winters. Moments later, Marcus and the children came rushing in from the outside to check on the Winters. Meanwhile, the Winters'' men sprinted toward the villa, clearly alarmed and seeking to ensure their master''s safety. However, there was no sign of Vulture. He was likely still out on patrol, guarding the perimeter near the walls. After donning their cloaks, Duke leaned in and kissed Kisha''s forehead. His gaze was intense, brimming with trust and determination. "You better stay safe and protect yourself out there," he said firmly. Kisha nodded, and with that assurance, Duke started sprinting off. But before he got too far, Kisha''s voice rang out behind him. "Be careful! And make sure to protect yourself too! Don''t you dare die on me!" she shouted, her voice cracking with emotion. Her eyes were noticeably red, her chest tight with unspoken fears. She hadn''t told anyone, but she knew this battle would be far more brutal than the first zombie wave they had endured. The fresh pain of Sparrow''s loss weighed heavily on her, and the thought of losing anyone else¡ªespecially Duke¡ªmade her tremble. Fear clawed at her, threatening to overwhelm her resolve, but she fought to keep it at bay. She took a shaky breath, forcing herself to steady her nerves. As she composed herself, a cold glint of determination replaced the fear in her eyes. Without hesitation, Kisha sprinted toward the western wall, while Duke headed for the southern wall. Duke hadn''t responded to her earlier plea¡ªhe wasn''t one to make promises. Instead, he let his actions speak for him, and the look in his eyes said everything Kisha needed to hear. It was that unspoken assurance that allowed her to set aside her fear, even if only for a moment. She couldn''t afford to let doubt cloud her judgment in the heat of battle. Right now, her focus had to remain sharp. As the mission demanded, she was the commander, and it was her responsibility to lead these people through the chaos. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They had 24 hours to survive¡ªa long and arduous test of endurance, resolve, and strength. Around Kisha, warriors and soldiers moved with urgency, rushing to their posts with weapons and supplies in hand. The air buzzed with tension and the sound of hurried footsteps. When Kisha reached the western wall, the scene was already chaotic. Soldiers were hard at work: one manned the mounted Gatling gun atop the wall, its barrels ready to roar into action, while others prepared their grenades. "Frag out!" a soldier shouted, hurling a grenade over the wall. A sharp explosion followed, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Without hesitation, another soldier stepped forward, readying the next grenade as the first detonation echoed through the air. "12 o''clock, 1 klick away! Zombie wave incoming!" A soldier on lookout shouted, his voice urgent as he scanned the streets with his binoculars. He motioned for the others to prepare for the oncoming assault. The horde was massive¡ªzombies pouring out from the heart of the city toward the base. The soldiers knew they had no choice but to use grenades to thin out the massive cluster of the undead. The creatures seemed unnaturally fast, moving with a terrifying urgency, almost as if they were under the influence of some kind of stimulant or enhancement. Kisha narrowed her eyes and activated her ''Eye of Truth,'' focusing on the nearest zombie to the wall. She needed to assess the enemy''s status quickly before the huge battle erupted. ... [Zombie (Normal Grade) "Buffed By the Event"] Level 1 (Exp: 0/300) Morality: Corrupted Strength: 20 Stamina: Null Defense: 20 Agility: 20 Mental Capacity: Null Charm: Null Leadership: Null Skills: None Description: A human infected by an ancient virus loses their brain function and rationality, leaving only their primal instincts. This transforms them into a relentless, ravenous beast driven by an insatiable hunger. ... Kisha turned her attention to another zombie, inhaling sharply as she assessed its status. Most of the incoming zombies were now Level 1, but some were still in the midst of their evolution, their levels and stats marked as [???]. The uncertainty of their progression sent a chill through her. These creatures could be leveling up to Level 2¡ªor higher¡ªand that thought terrified her. What made it worse was the realization that most of her warriors were still only Level 1, with some barely even having leveled up at all. Facing evolved zombies would put them at a severe disadvantage. She could feel the weight of the situation sinking in¡ªtheir chances of survival were growing slimmer by the second. The sheer number of zombies alone felt overwhelming, as if the horde was intent on wiping out the entire base. It seemed like nothing more than a matter of time before they were overrun, the base flattened under the weight of the undead. Kisha''s eyes narrowed as she watched the zombies relentlessly approaching the wall. Her voice trembled slightly with anxiety. "008, do we still have any City Shields left? Or is there anything we can buy from your sales channel?" "Host, we still have some City Shields in stock," 008 responded promptly. "Would you like me to activate them now?" "Yes, we need to formulate a plan and make sure everyone understands what to expect," Kisha said, her voice firm, though tension pulsed through her words. "We can''t let them expend all their energy at the start, or we won''t last through the next 23 hours or so." Her jaw tightened, and her fists clenched in determination. In response to her will, the familiar transparent shield began to materialize. Slowly, it stretched outward, enveloping the entire base, rising up to the sky. The warriors and soldiers watched in awe, their eyes wide at the sight. The shield glinted in the dim light, resembling a massive, transparent glass barrier¡ªclear, but not fully invisible. They could see the shimmer of light across its surface, the subtle movement of energy as it formed. Once the shield had fully encased the base, it became nearly invisible, only faintly reflecting light energy when the zombies struck it. The soldiers and warriors could see the impact: the zombies seemed to stop abruptly, as if some invisible force was halting them from advancing. The zombies slowly piled up around the barrier, their relentless movements stalling as they were unable to advance. Soldiers and warriors stationed along the wall stopped in their tracks, eyes wide and mouths agape, mesmerized by the spectacle unfolding before them. Some managed to regain their composure, but the sight left an undeniable impression. Then, the base''s speaker system crackled to life, cutting through the stunned silence. "All soldiers and warriors, report to the Central Square, ASAP! I repeat, all soldiers and warriors, head to the Central Square, ASAP!" The voice, a man''s, blared urgently over the speaker, the sound of a panic-stricken command echoing through the base. Chapter 589 - 589 Battle Preparation Everyone marched directly to the central square, where Kisha and the core members of the management were already standing on the podium. As the soldiers and warriors arrived, they lined up in formation, falling into a tense silence. Though the invisible barrier surrounding them gave an illusion of safety, they all knew it was only a temporary solution. Those with sharp minds had already surmised that the real purpose of this gathering was to discuss their next steps in confronting the growing threat that loomed over them. "Everyone, quiet!" Aston commanded, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the soldiers and warriors. Even the civilians gathered at the edge of the central square fell silent, eager to understand the situation. They had already overheard the whispers and sensed the growing unrest. The loud explosions and the constant roar of Gatling guns from various directions around the wall had only intensified their fears. It was clear to everyone that the HOPE base was facing a major crisis, and they were all desperate for answers. When the crowd finally fell silent, Aston gestured to Kisha, giving her the stage to speak. With a calm and composed expression, Kisha began. "I know many of you have already seen or heard what''s happening outside. Unfortunately, it''s another zombie wave, but this time it''s stronger and larger than anything we''ve faced before. Be prepared, this battle will be longer and more challenging." A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. If Kisha was saying this wave was bigger than the last¡ªwhen thousands of zombies had already attacked¡ªthen this could mean millions, the entire city now turned into mindless horrors of flesh-eating zombies. The gravity of the situation hit like a tidal wave. Some of the civilians began sobbing, their legs buckling beneath them as panic spread like wildfire. "What are we going to do?" "We''re going to die, aren''t we?" "Huhuhu... I don''t want to die yet." "What about my children?..." Panic spread like wildfire as the crowd erupted into cries of fear. Grievances and worries filled the air all at once, the murmurs escalating into a chaotic roar. "Please, quiet down," Kisha''s voice cut through the chaotic scene. Though it wasn''t as loud as Aston''s, there was an undeniable authority in her tone. Instantly, the crowd fell silent, their eyes locking on her. Most of the tears that had been falling were now subdued, the quiet sobs barely audible in the stillness. "I know that many of you are frightened and uncertain, but we''ve already been thrust into this situation, and there''s no running away. Instead of cowering in fear over what''s ahead, why don''t we stand together and fight for our future?" "Yes, we''re outnumbered, and yes, the enemy is strong, but we are not weak. We cannot go down without a fight." "If we let fear consume us, we''ll dishonor all the sacrifices we''ve made, all the hard work we''ve put in just to survive and find a safe haven. Let''s not let it all be for nothing." "Now, we have this safe haven¡ªa place where we can rebuild, where we can create a better future for ourselves and our families, or for the families we''ll one day have." "Can we really let it all slip away so easily?" Kisha asked, her gaze sweeping over the faces of the soldiers and warriors. They all stood in stunned silence, their eyes fixed on her, processing her words. Yes, she might be manipulating their emotions, but this was a necessary tactic to boost her soldiers'' morale. They needed to understand that retreat was not an option. It was do or die. If they allowed fear of death or the unknown to dictate their actions, the fragile peace they had fought so hard to build would slip away forever¡ªjust a distant illusion, and they would never find peace in this forsaken world. They had no choice but to grit their teeth and toughen up, especially for those with children or loved ones to protect. As the combatants heard Kisha''s words, flashes of memories surged¡ªmoments of hardship when they fought to live just one more day, desperate to avoid being devoured by those monsters or becoming one themselves. They had done everything they could to survive until they found this shelter. At first, they thought they''d escaped one nightmare only to fall into another under the Coltons'' rule. But then Kisha and her group had taken over, transformed the base, and improved the lives of the inhabitants. For a brief moment, they experienced what felt like a return to normalcy¡ªsafety, stability, a sense of peace, even if it was fleeting. Thinking back, it had only been a little over a month since the apocalypse began, yet it felt as though years had passed. They had all endured unimaginable hardships, each of them narrowly escaping death in their own way. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So, when Kisha said they shouldn''t go down without a fight, a fiery warmth spread from the pit of their stomachs to their chests, fueling their determination. [Active Skill: Lion''s Roar Activated] [Active Skill: One Body Activated] With the Lion''s roar resonating through the air, her "One Body" skill activated in tandem, amplifying the effect. Alongside it, Duke''s Kratos'' Cloak boosted everyone''s morale, igniting a surge of energy in everyone present. A wave of excitement and strength washed over the crowd as they shouted in unison, their blood pulsing with newfound bravery. It felt as though courage had taken root in their very veins, pumping through them with an unstoppable force. "Huha!!!" "We won''t go down!" "We won''t go down without a fight!" The soldiers and warriors chanted in unison, raising their fists in the air to show their unwavering support for Kisha''s words. Alongside her skill buffs, the effect of Reeve and Clyde''s group synergy also played a crucial role, adding to the collective strength that surged through the ranks. Their chant echoed through the open square, louder and more resolute than the distant roars and growls of the zombies clawing at the City Shield outside the walls. The sound of unity and determination seemed to challenge the oppressive weight of fear. With their fighting spirit reignited and morale bolstered by Kisha''s powerful words and the help of the buffs, the soldiers and warriors were swiftly sent back to their posts. Kisha handed the remaining three ice bombs to Bald Eagle and Rose, entrusting them with their strategic use. Since Sparrow was no longer with them, Rose stepped up to take charge of the Eastern wall alongside Evelyn. Bald Eagle was assigned to the Northern wall, while Reeve and Clyde were dispatched to back up Duke at the Southern wall. This area, being one of the base''s most vulnerable points, faced the second-largest wave of zombies. The effects of Reeve and Clyde''s group synergy would prove invaluable in supporting Duke''s efforts to hold the line. Kisha then deployed the STAUs to the field, assigning them the critical role of supporting the fighters stationed atop the walls. Each of the STAUs was positioned strategically at one of the cardinal directions¡ªNorth, South, East, and West¡ªto ensure efficient supply distribution and reinforcement. The fifth STAU member remained stationed at the central command hub alongside the logistics team, tasked with coordinating and providing additional supplies to any direction as needed. Chapter 590 - 590 Battle Preparation 2 The logistics team included vital support from Eric Gilberts and the medical facility, ensuring that medical assistance was readily available. Civilians also stepped up, taking on essential roles around the base, such as transporting ammunition, firearms, and food, as well as helping with cooking and distributing meals. This collaborative effort ensured that soldiers and warriors could remain at their posts without needing to leave their stations to retrieve supplies. Kisha had already emphasized that this battle would be long and grueling, so it was crucial for everyone to work together seamlessly to provide all forms of support. Each team had its own personnel assigned to manage communications, ensuring seamless coordination for supply requests. If additional stamina boosters or vials of the blue or black liquid were needed, these supplies could be quickly obtained from the logistics team. Kisha had planned meticulously, leaving an ample stock of these resources for the STAU teams to distribute as needed. Access to these items was limited to the STAU and warriors, with soldiers also permitted to use stamina boosters. However, strict guidelines were in place: once a soldier''s body showed signs of exhaustion, they were required to rest for at least two hours before returning to the battlefield. By maintaining this balance, they ensured that everyone could fight effectively without overexerting themselves. The civilians also stepped up to assist in the cafeteria, ensuring enough food was prepared to cover meals for the entire unit as well as the civilian population. This prompted Mr. Winter to authorize the distribution of significant supplies from the Supply Center. Without hesitation, he led the civilians in moving boxes upon boxes of goods, including canned food, frozen meats, vegetables, fresh eggs, and milk, to the cafeteria. They even emptied the Supply Center''s stock of fresh produce to ensure sufficient ingredients for cooking. The volunteers in the cafeteria worked diligently to prepare and distribute the first meals, understanding the critical importance of proper nourishment. Everyone recognized that while stamina boosters and the vials of black and blue liquids could provide temporary energy, they couldn''t substitute the sustenance provided by real food. Ensuring everyone was well-fed was essential to maintaining the strength and morale needed to endure the prolonged battle. Fortunately, the City Shield held firm for longer than anticipated, buying Kisha and her team valuable time to prepare for the impending battle. She hadn''t realized just how resilient the shield truly was. Perhaps it was because the Geostorm''s previous attack had been far more devastating¡ªits force far beyond anything humans could replicate. By contrast, the zombies'' strength, though enhanced by the event, still adhered to the parameters of what the City Shield was normally handling. Kisha reasoned that while many of the zombies had reached level 1, with some advancing to level 2, their true strength might be slightly really different without the buff of the event which seems like making the zombies stronger to add another layer of difficulty to her mission. However, this also implied that there were now fully evolved zombies at levels 3 and even 4, thanks to the event''s enhancements. This realization underscored the severity of the threat they faced, but it also steeled her resolve to lead her people through the fight ahead. Given the sheer number of zombies amassing outside the walls, it was painfully clear that many soldiers might not realistically be able to leave their posts. The situation was dire, as the base still lacked a sufficient number of awakened ability users, and conventional firearms were becoming increasingly ineffective against the evolving horde. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the cooks quickly deliberated on the kind of food that would be easy to consume yet packed with essential nutrients to sustain the soldiers and warriors through the prolonged battle. After some discussion, they decided to prepare onigiri balls paired with fresh fruit juice. Each onigiri was filled with a variety of options¡ªtuna, salmon, cheese, salted egg, bulgogi, and more¡ªensuring both variety and nutritional balance. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The combination was designed to provide the fighters with ample carbohydrates for energy and a refreshing drink to keep them hydrated and energized. The onigiri balls were not only nutritious but also convenient for the fighters to eat during quick breaks or when hunger struck. They could easily pop one into their mouths and munch while continuing to fire their weapons or use their awakened abilities. After all, most of the frontline fighters had already endured countless horrifying sights. Their tolerance for gore had grown to the point where they could face butchered zombie remains without flinching. Many had mastered the ability to maintain a straight face, pretending not to notice the carnage around them, and could still stomach their food despite the grim surroundings. Medics were strategically stationed near each cardinal direction, ready to respond swiftly to any injured soldiers or warriors. This ensured immediate attention for those who hadn''t received enough blue vials of liquid during resupply or needed additional care. The placement of medics provided multiple options for treatment, further boosting the readiness and resilience of the teams on the front lines. Lastly, the children were entrusted to the care of the elders, who stayed inside the Central Hall. Meanwhile, the parents assisted around the base, running errands to support the combatants. The children, understanding the gravity of the situation, cooperated maturely, minimizing the burden on the elderly. This allowed the elders to focus on keeping everyone calm and organized. If any issues arose, they could quickly radio the command center for assistance. The command center, which also doubled as the logistics hub, served as the place where Kisha coordinated operations and relayed additional instructions to the entire base. Of course, Kisha''s instructions would be relayed to the command center through radio communication, as she was needed on the western frontline alongside the other soldiers and warriors. In fact, she was expected to be the main force in that area, where the zombie wave was at its heaviest. With preparations complete and the City Shield''s energy nearly depleted, everyone had managed to eat a hearty meal and regain their strength, ready for the battle ahead. Positioned on the walls, they braced themselves, anxiously anticipating the moment to launch their first attacks. Outside, the zombies had begun to swarm, packed together so tightly they resembled a can of sardines. Some of the zombies began climbing over others in their desperate attempt to reach the wall, using the tightly packed horde beneath them as a grotesque makeshift ground. The sheer density of the crowd created a bottleneck, making it difficult for most zombies to move. Only a few managed to crawl to the top, while the rest were trapped in their own stampede. As the City Shield finally disappeared, the immense pressure of the surging horde caused the front ranks of zombies to collapse forward, tumbling to the ground and get trampled by those behind or on top of them. The ones caught in the middle were crushed, immobilized by the relentless wave of bodies behind them. Kisha observed the chaotic scene with a sharp smirk, exchanging brief nods with the warriors and soldiers around her and the other captains leading each force also showed the same expression as Kisha. It was time to begin the fight. Chapter 591 - 591 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle "Fire!!! Kill all these motherfuckers!" Vulture roared from his position on the northern side. He was supposed to swap shifts with Bald Eagle, allowing them both to rest and alternate command, but consumed by sorrow and anger, Vulture couldn''t wait any longer. He wanted to lead the charge and be the first to strike back at the incoming horde. Without hesitation, he sent Bald Eagle to take a moment on the sidelines while he took control of the battle. Kisha, her smirk still in place, shouted with commanding authority, "Fire!" "Frag out!" The collective voice of the soldiers rang out as grenades were hurled into the heart of the battlefield, exploding upon impact and tearing through the mass of immobilized zombies. Boom! Boom! Boom! After the explosion, the soldier manning the Gatling gun opened fire, his aim precise as he targeted the zombies below. The firepower of the Gatling gun, combined with the distance to the zombies, made it easy for him to take down several, focusing on their skulls with rapid, continuous shots before moving to the next target. Fortunately, the wall was constructed high and reinforced with sharp, protective spikes. As the zombies neared, they were impaled by Rose''s Ice Crystal spikes¡ªeach one as durable as a diamond. The undead were helpless against them, unable to break through and only able to fall victim to the unyielding, frozen crystals. On Duke''s side, there was no need for a shout. His actions spoke volumes. As soon as the soldiers saw his ''Fire Meteor'' descend from the sky, a fiery storm that incinerated the zombies below like a raging wildfire, they knew the battle had begun. Without hesitation, grenades were hurled into the fray, and the soldiers unleashed a barrage of gunfire to ensure every zombie was put down. Meanwhile, the superhumans activated their awakened abilities, cutting through the horde with lethal precision, each one determined to claim their share of the carnage. While Duke fought on the frontlines, Reeve and Clyde stood by, watching the battle unfold. Duke had instructed them to rest and conserve their energy, ensuring they would be ready to take over when he grew exhausted. In the meantime, they had organized themselves into smaller teams, each one prepared to rotate in and out of the fight. This strategy allowed them to have a rest and recharge while maintaining a constant presence on the battlefield. Given their limited number of awakened ability users, it was the most effective plan they could have under the circumstances. Aston and Tristan, on the other hand, were managing logistics, ensuring the flow of supplies and communication. Kisha refrained from using her signature move, as she had already set up a maze-like barricade around the streets, strategically placing abandoned vehicles along the streets to slow the zombies'' approach. However, this meant she couldn''t use her usual tactic of controlling the largest vehicle in the crowd to plow through the incoming horde. With no other choice, she drew all the daggers she could carry and sent them into the fray, each one slicing through the battlefield like a precision drone hunting its prey that has an automatic target lock-on command on each one of the zombies. Kisha maintained a sharp connection to every dagger, her wide-ranging vision tracking their movements, ensuring she wouldn''t lose control of them. Amid the chaos, Kisha''s daggers zipped through the battlefield, weaving between the bright flashes of fireballs, wind blades, and other awakened abilities lighting up the dark sky. The air buzzed with energy, explosions from grenades punctuating the echoes of battle as superhumans unleashed their powers. Kisha didn''t hold back, pushing her telekinesis to its limits. Her daggers flew like bullets, piercing the zombie''s skulls with precision and speed. Having honed her control over her abilities, Kisha rarely missed, even when zombies tried to evade. However, the daggers'' effectiveness waned against higher-level zombies. While they easily killed level 1 undead, the enhanced defenses of level 2 or higher level zombies caused problems. Some daggers chipped or dulled upon impact, while one completely shattered after striking a particularly tough target. Kisha''s brows furrowed as she assessed the situation¡ªthree daggers were already rendered useless, and she couldn''t afford to lose many more. Kisha''s attacks were swift and relentless, leaving no time to assess each zombie''s level or their status window before striking. She focused solely on targeting the closest threats to the wall, which had taken a toll on her daggers. Now chipped and dulled, they struggled to remain effective. Frustration flared in her chest, and she bit her lip as she called her daggers back to her. Hovering before her in mid-air, the weapons bore the scars left by combat and success in killing the zombies. Though not forged from the finest or most durable materials, they had served her well¡ªbetter than most. Seeing them in such a state brought a heavy sigh to her lips. One by one, she discarded the damaged blades into a nearby box. She couldn''t afford to waste resources; the blacksmiths could smelt the remnants into something useful later. With the worn daggers set aside, Kisha opened her inventory to look for the remaining daggers she had. Her fingers swiftly navigated to the synthesis tab, her mind already calculating how to craft stronger replacements. Time was of the essence, and she needed weapons that could endure the escalating intensity of the battle. [Please put the materials in the boxes and start the Synthesis.] Kisha quickly retrieved another set of ten daggers from her inventory and placed them into the empty slots within the synthesis tab. She didn''t spare a thought for whether anyone noticed¡ªeveryone around her was too preoccupied with battling the advancing horde at the walls. Taking a step back to ensure she had enough space, she focused entirely on her task. As the daggers settled into place, a soft, ethereal glow enveloped each slot. With practiced ease, Kisha tapped the "Start" button, initiating the synthesis process. The familiar hum of energy signaled that the synthesis was underway, but it would take five long minutes to complete. Five minutes would feel like an eternity in the heat of battle. Her absence from the frontlines for that duration could shift the tide against them, and she knew it. With her daggers temporarily unavailable, Kisha resolved to adapt. She steeled herself, ready to fight differently, even as time ticked down on the crucial process that could soon turn the odds back in their favor. Kisha found herself slipping into deep contemplation. Her telekinesis, while undeniably versatile, seemed to pale in comparison to Duke''s devastatingly destructive awakened abilities. Unlike his raw power that could decimate waves of enemies, her other skills primarily revolved around group buffs and support. Though valuable to the team, she couldn''t help but feel a pang of frustration at her apparent lack of direct offensive impact using her awakened ability. She smacked her forehead in irritation. Deep down, she believed her telekinesis held untapped potential¡ªpotential to become a truly deadly force on the battlefield. But she hadn''t yet fully explored its depths, barely scratching the surface of what her power might achieve. Her mind wandered to the technique she had used before: bursting the heads of zombies with sheer force using her telekinesis. It was undeniably effective, but it remained unrefined, demanding an enormous amount of spiritual energy and "Mental Capacity." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 592 - 592 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 2 The strain it placed on her was unsustainable in prolonged combat, and using it recklessly could leave her drained and vulnerable. For now, she knew she had to focus on conserving her energy and honing her abilities when the opportunity arose. This battle wasn''t just a test of strength¡ªit was a test of resourcefulness and endurance. Kisha took a deep breath, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly to steady her racing thoughts. With her mind slightly clearer, she opened her Skill Tab, her eyes scanning through the list of skills at her disposal. ... [Active Skills] Telekinesis Level 2 Perception Level 0 One Body (Growth Type) Level 2 Rainbow Cube Lion''s Roar [Passive Skills] One Man Team Healing Dome (Growth Type) Level 2 People''s Heart ... As her gaze landed on a particular skill, she froze. ''Rainbow Cube''. She had almost forgotten about this ability entirely¡ªan intriguing skill buried in her arsenal that she had never tried using before. Curiosity sparked, and with a flick of her finger, she tapped on the description tab to uncover its potential. [Active Skill: Rainbow Cube] [Description: Creates a separate, customizable space that can trap anything inside. The size of the cube depends on the user''s mana. Consumes mana to generate the space. Grade: EX] The word "trap" ignited a spark of inspiration in Kisha''s mind. She glanced around her surroundings, searching for a suitable object to test her skill. Her eyes fell on a discarded bullet cartridge lying on the ground. With a slight wave of her hand, she focused her mana and conjured an enclosed space¡ªa transparent cube shimmering with iridescent rainbow hues, it was just like a bubble catching the light. Guided by her telekinesis, she maneuvered the ''Rainbow Cube'' closer until it hovered directly in front of her face. Curious, Kisha reached out and tapped the surface of the cube. To her surprise, though it appeared as delicate as a bubble and looked just like a bubble, it was as solid as steel. She felt an odd sense of connection between this skill and her telekinesis, a resonance she couldn''t entirely explain. Then, an idea struck her. Concentrating, she controlled the ''Rainbow Cube'' with her will to shrink. It responded seamlessly, its space contracting until the bullet cartridge inside was compressed beyond recognition. Within moments, the cartridge was reduced to a flattened scrap no thicker than a needle, crushed effortlessly within the cube''s confines. Kisha''s heart drummed fiercely in her chest as realization dawned¡ªthis skill was far more powerful than she had ever imagined. The more mana she funneled into the ''Rainbow Cube'', the larger it grew, capable of trapping multiple objects¡ªor even enemies¡ªwithin its confines like an indestructible prison. What made this skill truly formidable was its subtlety. It activated without any distinct patterns or visual indicators, making it nearly impossible for enemies to detect. The element of surprise it offered was invaluable, turning the ''Rainbow Cube'' into a perfect hidden weapon for ambushes or sneak attacks. Excited, Kisha quickly returned to her position, a spark of confidence and mischievous anticipation lighting up her eyes. Those standing nearby noticed that she did not have her daggers floating around her and grew distracted due to curiosity, glancing between her and the battlefield. They couldn''t help but shift their focus to what their City Lord might be planning. Suddenly, a commotion broke out among the warriors as something unusual caught their attention. "Whoa! What''s that?" "T-The zombies... they''re floating in midair!" "No, wait¡ªlook closely! They''re trapped inside some kind of... bubble?!" "But why does the bubble look like a cube?" "Wait a second... who''s doing this? Do we have a new awakened ability user on our side?" "Holy shit! This is amazing!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha raised her hand and channeled 10 points of mana into her skill. In an instant, she conjured a massive cube that entrapped 15¨C20 zombies, packed tightly together like sardines in a can. The trapped zombies, unaware of what restrained them, began thrashing and banging against the cube''s transparent walls in confusion. The structure shimmered faintly, glinting with a rainbow-like hue as it floated slightly off the ground. The soldiers and warriors atop the wall stared in astonishment, their eyes fixed on the hovering cube that held the struggling zombies. The cube itself wasn''t particularly large; it was simply that the zombies had been packed so tightly together, allowing Kisha to trap that much inside. Without warning, the cube contracted in the blink of an eye. The soldiers on the walls were left in stunned silence as black blood splattered in every direction. In an instant, the cube vanished, leaving no trace behind¡ªno cube, no bodies¡ªjust a pool of dark blood splattered across the ground. In reality, when the rainbow cube had crushed the zombies, it had instantly disappeared, leaving only the compressed bodies in its wake. The suddenness of the cube''s disappearance caused the remains to fall to the ground with startling speed, leaving the soldiers bewildered and unsure of what had just happened. Kisha had been careful not to completely flatten the zombies'' bodies, as she didn''t want to crush the valuable crystal cores inside them. Instead, she ensured that the zombies were only compressed enough to kill the threat. Once satisfied with the result, she stopped funneling mana into the rainbow cube. She''d discovered that while she could conjure the rainbow cube with the use of mana, maintaining it required a continuous supply of mana too. As soon as she cut off the mana flow, the ''Rainbow Cube'' would instantly vanish, leaving no trace behind. With her theory proven and the experiment a success, Kisha began conjuring more Rainbow Cubes one after another, pushing her limits. Thanks to her practice in splitting her consciousness, she was able to focus on multiple tasks at once. Now, she could control several Rainbow Cubes simultaneously, carefully managing the mana distribution for each. As she continued to slaughter the incoming zombies, the warriors and soldiers could only watch in stunned silence. All they saw was a relentless downpour of black blood staining the streets and the sudden "pop" of the Rainbow Cubes, like bubbles bursting one after the other. "Holy fucking hell! That''s so OP!" "Fuck! I kind of fear this kind of end!" "Holy shit! That''s insane!" "God, I can''t even imagine facing that kind of power..." The soldiers and warriors murmured in disbelief. They had all frozen for a moment, awestruck by Kisha''s display of power, the only one still moving was Kisha herself¡ªher hand fluidly slicing through the air as she conjured and cut the flow of mana like a maestro conducting an orchestra. The sight sent shivers down their spines, and not one of them dared to ask how she was doing it. They all knew by now that Kisha possessed a truly unique awakened ability, and they assumed this was simply another manifestation of her growing power. After taking a moment to process the sheer force Kisha wielded, the soldiers and warriors snapped back into action, their fighting spirit now burning brighter than before. Witnessing such overwhelming power in their ranks had ignited a surge of adrenaline in them all, and they were more determined than ever to join the fight. Chapter 593 - 593 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 3 And Boosted Stats Alongside Kisha, the warriors unleashed their abilities with precision and intensity. Fireballs roared through the air, wind blades sliced through the undead, and earth spikes were hurled like javelins, striking with deadly force. The soldiers, not to be outdone, held their ground and focused their gunfire on the zombies'' heads, understanding the importance of conserving ammunition. They knew that shooting anywhere else would be futile, so each shot was aimed with precision to ensure a clean kill. High above in the watchtower, the snipers meticulously lined up their targets, delivering flawless headshots without fail, each one a testament to their skill and discipline. Thanks to Kisha, the number of zombies outside the wall had significantly thinned. However, just as a glimmer of hope began to surface, another wave of undead surged from within the city, rushing to merge with the horde already gathered outside. The scene devolved into utter chaos, a grim reminder of what a true zombie apocalypse looked like¡ªhumanity''s desperate last stand or was it just the beginning of the awaiting struggle they have to face? Every passing minute felt like an eternity as the pressure mounted, beads of sweat forming on everyone''s brows. Fortunately, Kisha''s skills, ''One Body'' and ''Healing Dome'', became the saving grace. These skills rapidly replenished the warriors'' stamina and spiritual energy, ensuring they could keep fighting without faltering. Even the soldiers, fatigued from constant combat, found their strength restored, allowing them to hold the line against the relentless waves of the undead. Kisha periodically activated her skill, ''Lion''s Roar'', whenever its effects faded, ensuring its continued impact on the warriors and soldiers around her. Thankfully, her skill, ''People''s Heart'', made her feel as though she had an infinite supply of spiritual energy and mana. A quick glance at the team''s tab confirmed it¡ªher spiritual energy and mana reserves hadn''t even budged. Duke, Vulture, Clyde, and the others were also managing their spiritual energy efficiently, holding their ground despite the overwhelming odds. Adding to their survival was Kisha''s skill, ''One Man Team''. Given the sheer danger of being surrounded by tens of thousands of zombies, her stats had multiplied dramatically in response to the life-threatening situation. Curious, Kisha couldn''t resist taking a quick peek at her boosted status. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 2 (Exp: 0/1000 X 0.0) Strength: 220 x 10 (2200) Stamina: 302 x 10 (3020) Defense: 490 x 10 (4900) Agility: 220 x 10 (2200) Mental Capacity: 1070 (+100) x 10 (10700) Charm: 420 (+100) x 10 (4200) Leadership: 870 (+300) x 10 (8700) Luck: 330 (+20) x 10 (3300) Mana: 690 x 10 (6900) Spiritual Energy: 690 x 10 (6900) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand, A True Ruler Skills: Telekinesis Level 2 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 0, One Body Level 2, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 2, One Man Team, People''s Heart Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) ... When Kisha glanced at her stats window, her eyes widened in disbelief. The numbers displayed before her were staggering¡ªfar beyond anything she could have imagined. It was then that she realized why she hadn''t felt the slightest fatigue despite summoning countless ''Rainbow Cubes'' across the battlefield. Initially, she thought her boundless energy was solely due to ''One Body'', ''Healing Dome'', and ''People''s Heart'', which created the sensation of infinite mana. But now, she understood that the ''One Man Team'' skill was the game-changer. Its effects had pushed her capabilities to near-invincibility, empowering her to endure as long as the non-ending zombie waves continued to come. Thanks to the unwavering respect and faith the survivors in her base had for her, Kisha''s skill, ''People''s Heart'', continuously replenished any spiritual energy or mana she used at an unprecedented speed. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It felt as though her energy reserves were truly infinite and inexhaustible. With all buffs and effects stacked to their peak, Kisha no longer needed to hold back. The overwhelming synergy of her abilities had completely erased her concerns about managing her spiritual energy and mana. Her ''Mental Capacity'' had surpassed ten thousand, allowing her to handle immense strain without any adverse effects. Her energy core remained steady, and she felt as though her mastery over telekinesis and her ''Rainbow Cubes'' had reached new, unparalleled heights. Even the hesitation she initially felt about using her newly developed skill¡ªthe one that made zombies'' heads explode¡ªhad disappeared. Now, she could wield it without restraint, confident in her limitless potential. To successfully master the technique and officially register it as a skill in her status window and Skill Tab, Kisha practiced it again with determination. A sniper positioned at the watchtower, carefully aiming at a zombie, was startled when the creature''s head suddenly burst like a melon. Confused, he hesitated, his finger still on the trigger. He hadn''t fired yet, though he had been preparing to take the shot. For a moment, he doubted himself, wondering if he might have accidentally pulled the trigger. However, even if he had fired, he was certain his shot wouldn''t have caused such a dramatic explosion. His confusion deepened when the same phenomenon occurred with several other zombies nearby. Each head burst violently, leaving him both puzzled and astonished. "Hey! Did you see that?!" His partner, positioned in the watchtower beside him, nudged him excitedly as he continued to peer through the sniper''s scope. "Damn! Their heads are popping like balloons!" "Yeah, I saw it..." "That''s gotta be the City Lord''s doing!" "How can you be so sure?" "Well, duh! Who else could pull off something like that? And with all the deadly cubes she''s been making, it wouldn''t surprise me if she''s behind this too." "Yeah, that actually makes sense." Several soldiers and warriors caught sight of the phenomenon, watching in awe as zombies dropped like flies, their heads suddenly bursting. They all instinctively turned to Kisha, noticing the bright golden glow in her eyes. As she continued her actions, Kisha suddenly received a system notification. Ding! [Sysntesis Complete!] Kisha didn''t hesitate for a second. As soon as she glanced at the Synthesis Tab, she noticed the boxes, which had been arranged in a circle, were now empty. The large central box now displayed an item. [Dagger+1 x 3] Without wasting time, she took the items out and inspected them. It seemed that after the synthesis, the dagger had been upgraded. The "+1" indicated it had undergone one synthesis upgrade, which had enhanced its durability. Curious to see the details, Kisha activated her ''Eye of Truth'' to examine the dagger. ... [Dagger+1] [Description: A dagger that has undergone its first synthesis upgrade. Grade: Normal Durability: 100/100] ... Kisha raised an eyebrow. ''Does this mean I can synthesize the same item multiple times and increase the +1 symbol with each upgrade?'' she wondered. After a quick check, she discovered she now had three "Dagger+1"s and one that hadn''t been upgraded, confirming that three identical items were needed for synthesis upgrade. To test her theory, she placed the three "Dagger+1"s into the empty boxes in the Synthesis Tab. Just as she was about to click the "Start" button, she noticed a new detail: at the bottom right corner below the boxes arranged in a circular manner, a "Success Rate: 99%" indicator appeared. This hadn''t been there before. Chapter 594 - 594 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 4 It seemed that the more she synthesized the same item, the lower the success rate became¡ªor perhaps the success rate decreased with higher synthesis levels. To confirm her theory, Kisha clicked the "Start" button again. The system indicated a five-minute wait time for the process to complete, so she returned to the battlefield, continuing her earlier strategy with precision and determination. Kisha continued using her telekinesis to make the zombies'' heads explode like overripe melons. By now, the warriors and soldiers were no longer shocked¡ªthey had already deduced that it was Kisha''s doing. Knowing this, their sense of security grew, and their fighting spirit soared to new heights. Kisha paused momentarily before giving her orders in the loudest voice she could as the sound of the firearms, the roars and growls of the zombies below and grenade going off was too loud for them to speak normally. "Let''s reduce the number of people on our side and send reinforcements to the southern section of the wall." "Check if they need more manpower, and if they don''t, redirect them to another section. My attacks cover a wide area, so I can hold this position with fewer forces." She then pointed to a group of awakened ability users and soldiers. "You, you, and you¡ªmove out. One sniper, four soldiers, and four warriors. Go and assist the other teams." "City Lord, I think we should remain here for a little longer while monitoring the situation," one of the soldiers suggested. "It''s only been ten to fifteen minutes since the battle started on this wall, and we need to ensure we have enough forces. The enemy numbers here are far greater than at the other walls." "No need," Kisha said shouting, her voice firm over the chaotic noise. "Unlike the others, I use only a small amount of spiritual energy, which means I can fight longer without wearing myself out." "Because of that, I can hold this position longer than the other team captains. When they need to switch shifts with the next team, there will naturally be disruptions in pacing, and some might even feel overwhelmed." "Sending more reinforcements to their side will help ease their burden and keep morale steady." She was specifically referring to Clyde and Reeve, who were preparing for their first battle leading a team after Duke stepped down to rest his depleted energy core. While Clyde showed potential as a commander, his youth and inexperience were likely to leave him feeling the weight of responsibility once he realized what it meant to step into Duke''s shoes¡ªshoes that would undoubtedly feel far too big for him at this stage. This battle was bound to be long and grueling, testing both physical endurance and mental resilience. The soldiers'' and warriors'' morale would inevitably take a hit as exhaustion and the relentless onslaught of enemies wore them down. A decline in fighting spirit could easily lead to a drop in performance, creating a dangerous downward spiral. Kisha understood this all too well. Her strategy was clear: send reinforcements to bolster the other teams while she held the line on this side of the wall. Though her nearly infinite reserves of spiritual energy and mana, coupled with her vast ''Mental Capacity,'' gave her an edge, even she wasn''t entirely sure if she could maintain this position for the full 24 hours she had envisioned. The unrelenting pressure of the battle would challenge her focus and determination like never before. After a brief pause, Kisha broke the silence. "You can send the soldiers and warriors who are already exhausted and off their shift to this side." "Whether they''re from the southern wall or elsewhere, they can see for themselves how well I''m holding this position." "Who knows? Watching us manage here might even reignite their fighting spirit and give them the boost they need." Her tone carried a hint of teasing, but beneath it lay a confident reassurance. She was making it clear that she could hold the fort with fewer people, and there was no need for unnecessary worry. In reality, Kisha''s intention was to have the exhausted members sent to the western side so her skills could help them recover faster than simply resting on their respective facilities on their side of the walls. The western side had tents and designated rest areas prepared for soldiers and warriors who were rotating shifts, and those from other teams could make use of these facilities while benefiting from her recovery skills. It was a strategic way to ensure her forces regained their strength efficiently. Although her combatants, which had initially numbered around five hundred, had grown to nearly a thousand as more people awakened their abilities, they were still a small force compared to the overwhelming number of zombies outside the walls. Despite their increasing numbers, they were but a handful fighting to survive. Eventually, the crushing reality of their situation would weigh on them, and the pressure could cause their resolve to falter. However, if they came to the western wall and saw that Kisha and her team were holding up well, with their bodies recovering and resting properly, it would provide reassurance. Not only would their spirits lift, but their mentality would shift as well. Their survival instinct would kick in, and their adrenaline would surge, empowering them to keep fighting. With these factors combined, word would spread quickly among the different teams. They would grit their teeth and continue fighting, but more importantly, they might start to see the western wall as the safest place to rest. Once they realized that it was the fastest place for them to recover, it would serve Kisha''s purpose even more effectively. Of course, the soldiers and warriors didn''t realize that Kisha had already planned several steps ahead, but they nodded in agreement nonetheless. After all, they had witnessed Kisha fight using her awakened ability. They weren''t sure how many awakened ability users there were like her, but despite unleashing a wide array of attacks across the battlefield, she hadn''t broken a sweat. It was clear that she wasn''t experiencing any strain, even while covering the largest area around them. The soldiers and warriors reluctantly nodded before turning their attention back to the wall. One by one, they stood tall and saluted Kisha. She smiled at them, watching as they sprinted off toward the southern side of the wall. After sending them off, Kisha shifted her focus back to the battle. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even while speaking with the soldiers and warriors, she had never stopped conjuring the ''Rainbow Cube,'' ensuring that the soldiers and warriors didn''t feel overwhelmed when she briefly stepped away to send reinforcements to the other teams. After leaving Kisha''s side, the warriors and soldiers rushed to the southern wall and quickly reported to Duke, who was summoning a massive ''Lightning Strike.'' The strike lit up the sky before crashing down onto the streets teeming with zombies. The warriors and soldiers paused for a moment, stunned by the sheer power of Duke''s attack. Not only did it look incredibly devastating, but the wide area of effect decimated a large number of zombies, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Unlike Kisha, Duke was already beginning to sweat. A thin layer of perspiration formed on his forehead as he conjured the ''Fire Meteor'' right after the ''Lightning Strike.'' But he didn''t stop there. With determination, he unleashed an ''Ice Storm,'' turning a wide swath of zombies into frozen statues. Chapter 595 - 595 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 5 As the ''Fire Meteor'' crashed down, it shattered the statues into nothing but ice shards and dust, leaving the battlefield eerily silent for a moment. But before Duke and his people could breath, the zombie wave continued to pour out from within the city. "Vice City Lord, you can take a break for now." Clyde offer as he was preparing to flatten the zombies down the wall with his gravity manipulation skills. Duke shook his head. "No, not yet. It''s still too early for you to step in." "But we don''t have enough people to handle this! The zombies keep coming!" Clyde protested, his voice tinged with panic as he glanced nervously over the wall. Even though Duke had obliterated countless zombies with a single attack, it seemed to have no effect. The undead surged forward relentlessly, like moths drawn to a flame. Unlike them, the zombies didn''t fear death, which meant there was no need to maintain morale or concern themselves with fatigue. They simply kept coming, tireless and unstoppable. Seeing that Clyde was beginning to feel overwhelmed, the soldiers and warriors Kisha had sent approached with purpose. They gave a respectful salute to Duke before reporting. "Vice City Lord, we''ve been sent by the City Lord to assist on the southern side of the wall," one of them explained. Duke raised an eyebrow in silent questioning, but his focus remained on the battlefield, his hands steady as he continued conjuring powerful attacks, each one lighting up the sky with devastating force. Seeing Duke''s expression and subtle cue, the soldier continued. "The City Lord is doing fine on the Western wall..." He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully before adding, "In fact, she''s handling it so well that she''s single-handedly cutting through the zombie wave." "It seems she''s fully mastered her awakened ability and is now able to decimate large groups of enemies with her bubble-like power." "Bubble-like power?" Duke repeated, his brow furrowed in confusion. He hadn''t seen what they were referring to. All he knew about Kisha''s awakened ability was that she could control inanimate objects with her telekinesis. But was this bubble-like phenomenon another aspect of her telekinesis? Or was it a separate skill entirely? Duke wasn''t sure. The soldiers and warriors weren''t sure either, so the soldier could only explain, "Maybe it''s a skill, but it really looks like a cube-shaped bubble." "It traps zombies inside, and then the City Lord crushes them like a tin can. She can conjure countless of them, covering a huge portion of the battlefield." "Some of us were practically redundant over there." The soldier shrugged, recalling what he had witnessed on the western side. He shuddered at the memory. While Duke''s awakened ability was flashy and powerful, Kisha''s was just unnervingly terrifying. With her, they never knew when the next strike would come, but when it did, it was an instant death. "Yeah, we think she can even make the zombies'' heads explode with just a thought," one of the warriors added, his voice tinged with awe. Duke smirked, raising an eyebrow as the memory of Kisha practicing that move over the wall came to mind. He knew exactly what they were talking about, and it was clear that the bubble-like ability was a new skill she had just developed. A sense of reassurance washed over him; after all, he knew his wife well¡ªshe wouldn''t do anything that would put her in danger. With a deep sigh of relief, he nodded. "Alright, take your position with the next group for the shift change. I''ll remain here for a bit longer before handing over this position to the next team," Duke said. He had planned to hold the line for at least one hour before letting Clyde take over, allowing him to rest for the next two hours. After Clyde, it would be Reeve''s group, and then it would cycle back to Duke''s team. This way, their rest periods would be spaced out, ensuring that they could fully replenish their spiritual energy and recover from the mental strain caused by the vial of black liquid for maintaining their spiritual energy reserves while fighting. Duke decided that he would check in on Kisha once he had handed the reins to Clyde. "You can help these kids once it''s their turn to take over the wall''s defense," Duke said, tilting his head toward Reeve and Clyde, who were clearly on edge. "But until then, take some time to rest and recover." The soldiers and warriors Kisha had sent understood Duke''s orders, so they made their way to the tents to rest until they were called to prepare for their shift on the wall''s defense. Just then, Duke conjured dozens of ''Ice Spikes'' and, with a swift motion of his hand, launched them toward the zombies. It was like an army of archers releasing a volley of arrows into the sky. The sight was awe-inspiring as the ''Ice Spikes'' impaled one zombie after another, striking with the force of ballista bolts. Each spike was long and thick enough to pierce two zombies at once or even more, and even if the attack didn''t kill them, it grounded the zombies, rendering them immobile. This made them easy targets for the soldiers to snipe or for the warriors to kill using their awakened abilities. Duke then summoned another ''Ice Storm,'' but this time, it was on a smaller scale. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rather than freezing the zombies into solid statues, he focused on freezing their feet to the ground, effectively immobilizing them. This allowed him to conserve a bit more spiritual energy while still maintaining a solid defensive strategy. By grounding the zombies, Duke ensured that the soldiers and warriors would have easy targets, allowing them to take down the frozen zombies without wasting their spiritual energy or ammunition on missed shots. This tactical shift enabled him to seamlessly alternate between defensive and offensive moves, maximizing the efficiency of his team''s efforts. Sure enough, the soldiers and warriors were able to conserve much more spiritual energy and ammunition. With the zombies immobilized, their chances of hitting the target dramatically increased, reducing the risk of wasted shots. The warriors, in particular, were able to unleash their wind blades and fireballs with precision, striking the zombies'' heads in a single blow. It was a significant advantage for them, as taking down moving targets was always a challenge, and now they could focus on finishing the job with confidence. On Rose''s side, things weren''t easy either. Zombies continued to pour in from the east, and she suspected these were the ones that had fled from Port City, only to meet their demise and turn into the undead. Alternatively, they might have come from smaller villages or towns, but whatever the source, the numbers were far from insignificant. Fortunately, among her team was a mathematics professor who also possessed a fire ability, which proved to be a valuable asset in handling the oncoming horde. Although the math professor didn''t have an Area of Effect attack like Duke''s ''Fire Meteor,'' he had developed a unique approach to combat. With remarkable precision, he threw fireballs in a perfect parabola, each one expertly striking a zombie in the head. It was as though he had anticipated their every move¡ªcalculating the distance, wind direction, and trajectory with pinpoint accuracy before each attack. Chapter 596 - 596 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 6 Despite the complexity of his strategy, the intervals between his strikes were surprisingly short, proving that he wasn''t just a math genius¡ªhe was a master of applying his skills in battle. He wasn''t wasting a single shot, nor any of his spiritual energy. Calm and calculated, his movements were smooth and precise, almost as if he were casually throwing a baseball or playing with a water balloon. Meanwhile, Rose was equally relentless. She conjured hundreds of Ice Crystal needles, each as thick as an adult finger and five to six inches long. The crystals were so hard that they became one-shot kills, piercing through the zombies like bullets from a machine gun. Rose''s practiced precision ensured she rarely missed her targets, each strike lethal. With the two of them working seamlessly in tandem, their coordinated efforts successfully contained the wave of incoming zombies. Vulture on the Northern wall channeled all his sorrow and pain over losing his brother into the fight. Each earth spike he conjured and hurled at the zombies below carried the weight of his grief, but it still didn''t feel like enough for him. After a moment, he picked up his massive hammer and enveloped himself in an impenetrable suit of earth armor. From head to toe, he was encased, with only small openings for his eyes, nose, and ears. The rest of him was completely covered, making him resemble a walking mound of earth¡ªan imposing, living earth golem ready to unleash his fury. "Vulture!!!" "Come back up here!" Bald Eagle was taken aback as he watched Vulture leap from the wall directly into the midst of the zombie horde. With his massive hammer raised high above his head, Vulture arched his body to maximize the momentum of his descent. When he landed, he brought the hammer crashing down with devastating force, obliterating the zombie beneath him. The impact was so powerful that it not only crushed the zombie''s head but also created a massive crater in the ground, sending shockwaves through the surrounding area. "Argh!" Vulture roared at the top of his lungs, unleashing all his pent-up frustration, anger, sorrow, and melancholy in a guttural cry. With unrelenting fury, he swung his massive hammer to his right, smashing a zombie into oblivion. Then, with a swift movement, he conjured three sharp, seven-inch-long earth spikes on his armored fist, resembling the claws of a predator. He turned to his left and drove his spiked fist through the skull of another zombie, the force of his punch piercing it cleanly. Without pausing, Vulture swung his hammer in a powerful diagonal arc, obliterating several more zombies in one strike, his movements wild and ferocious, as if consumed by a berserker''s rage. But Bald Eagle quickly realized Vulture wasn''t done¡ªnot by a long shot. With a primal roar, Vulture charged forward like an enraged bull, smashing zombies directly in his path with his hammer while ramming others aside with the sheer weight of his earth-armored frame. Bald Eagle''s jaw dropped in disbelief as he watched Vulture unleash unrestrained fury, going berserk on the battlefield. While Bald Eagle was familiar with Vulture''s tendency to be easily provoked and lose his temper, he''d never seen him like this¡ªcompletely untethered, fighting with reckless abandon. Fortunately, the northern wall wasn''t as densely packed with zombies as the western side, where the undead were surging in a chaotic stampede. This gave Vulture some breathing room to maneuver, allowing him to move freely as he wreaked havoc amidst the horde. The warriors and soldiers atop the wall could only watch in a mix of awe and panic as they frantically provided cover fire to support Vulture. Their hearts felt like they were hanging by a thread, tension rising with every swing of his hammer. Yet, as the minutes dragged on, their initial worry began to feel misplaced. Not even the relentless horde of zombies could halt Vulture''s rampage. He tore through them with an almost mechanical precision, smashing one after another as if playing an unstoppable game of whack-a-mole. "Vulture! Don''t push yourself too hard! Get back here before you collapse out there! If that happens, we won''t even be able to recover your body¡ªand then no one will be left to avenge Sparrow!" Bald Eagle shouted desperately, his voice strained with urgency as the veins in his neck bulged. He had no choice but to invoke Sparrow''s name, hoping it would snap Vulture out of his frenzy. Watching him wreak havoc amidst the sea of zombies, Bald Eagle knew that if Vulture fell unconscious, rescuing him would be impossible, leaving him there vulnerable. Vulture faintly heard Bald Eagle''s shout, the mention of Sparrow causing him to flinch. The words pierced through his raging fury, helping to steady his turbulent emotions. After smashing a few more zombies in his path, he took a deep breath and conjured stepping stones from the earth. With swift, calculated movements, he leaped from one stone to the next, climbing higher with each jump until he finally reached the top of the wall, where Bald Eagle and the others waited anxiously. As soon as Vulture reached the top, he retracted his earth armor, revealing his sweat-soaked face and body. His breaths came in ragged gasps, but his expression was noticeably calmer. The dark shadows under his eyes had softened, and the tense furrow in his brow was gone. Bald Eagle observed these changes and felt reassured¡ªVulture had managed to release some of the pent-up anger and stress that had been weighing on him. With a firm nod, Bald Eagle stepped forward and patted Vulture''s shoulder, a silent gesture of support and acknowledgment. "You''ve done well, brother," Bald Eagle said, his voice steady and reassuring as he took charge of the battle, giving Vulture the chance to rest and regain his composure. Vulture''s lips tightened for a moment before he managed a faint whisper, "Thank you, brother." He descended from the wall and found a quiet spot in a corner, far from the chaos. Slumping down, he rested his back against the cold wall, his gaze fixed on the dark sky above. His mind wandered, consumed by unspoken thoughts and memories. Minutes passed in silence before he finally let out a long, weary sigh. Gathering his resolve, he slapped his cheeks firmly, the sharp sound echoing faintly, as if to jolt himself back to the present. "This is enough of worrying the others," Vulture muttered to himself as he brushed the dust from his pants, his posture straightening with determination. "Otherwise, if Sparrow saw me like this, he''d just laugh and call me a sissy again." At the thought of Sparrow, a small chuckle escaped his lips. He couldn''t help but smile as memories of their constant bickering flooded his mind. He could almost hear Sparrow''s teasing remarks if he were still around, and despite the pain, the thought brought a bittersweet warmth to his chest. With a renewed sense of purpose, Vulture reentered the battle, his determination unwavering. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He didn''t change his approach; the hammer and close combat felt more suited to him. It allowed him to control the earth spikes with greater precision, providing the support he needed when surrounded. Moreover, his strong defensive abilities meant that the zombies couldn''t even get a scratch on him. When Vulture shared his plan with Bald Eagle, there was no convincing him otherwise. Bald Eagle, understanding Vulture''s resolve, relented and ordered the warriors and soldiers to provide him with support from the top of the wall, knowing there was no stopping Vulture once his mind was set. Chapter 597 - 597 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 7 Sure enough, the moment Vulture landed on the ground and began smashing zombies with his hammer, he seamlessly incorporated his earth spikes into the fight. He strategically conjured them at random intervals, primarily to cover his blind spots and ensure no zombies could approach him from behind. The spikes would erupt suddenly from the ground, either impaling or trapping any zombies attempting to sneak up on him, effectively creating a protective barrier around him as he continued his relentless assault. Vulture fought like a beast unleashed from captivity, his relentless assault unyielding. Suddenly, a zombie lunged at him from behind, wrapping its decayed arms around his neck and coiling its legs tightly around his waist. From atop the wall, Bald Eagle''s panic was evident as he shouted warnings, but Vulture remained calm. He didn''t flinch or falter¡ªinstead, a confident smirk spread across his face, as though the situation was entirely under his control. "Foolish move!" Vulture growled, his voice tinged with contempt. In an instant, jagged earth spikes erupted from every surface of his armor, piercing the zombie clinging to him. One massive spike shot upward from the crown of his head, skewering the creature from its chin through to its temple. For a brief moment, Vulture resembled a living porcupine, bristling with lethal spikes. As the zombie''s lifeless body fell limp, the spikes receded smoothly back into the armor, leaving Vulture unscathed and unfazed. Since Vulture was clad in his earth armor, he had complete control over the spikes that could emerge from every surface of it. This unique advantage gave him the confidence to dive headfirst into the fray without hesitation. The spikes served as both offense and defense, ensuring his safety even in the thick of the horde. With this, Vulture wasn''t overly concerned about being surrounded. He knew that when fatigue eventually set in, he could simply create stepping stones to ascend back to the top of the wall, rejoining Bald Eagle and the others to regroup. "Damn! I didn''t know you could do that!" Bald Eagle exclaimed the moment Vulture climbed back up. He couldn''t help but circle around him, marveling at the impressive earth armor. However, the once-mighty armor was now smeared with thick, black zombie blood from all the ramming and impaleling it had endured. Vulture, unfazed by the mess, retracted the armor with a simple motion, revealing his sweat-drenched but determined face. A nearby warrior quickly handed him a bottle of water, which Vulture accepted with a grateful nod. "That''s an innovative way to use the earth element," commented one of the earth-type ability users, his tone filled with admiration. His eyes gleamed with respect as he regarded Vulture, as though he had just witnessed the creation of a groundbreaking technique. After all, most of them had been throwing earth spikes like javelins since the zombie wave began, and the constant effort was wearing them down. Their throws often missed the mark, as precision became harder with fatigue. Being positioned high above the ground also limited their ability to conjure earth spikes at a distance, as their current strength didn''t allow for a wider range. Even Vulture hadn''t mastered that level of reach yet. However, watching him engage in close combat while using an earth armor to shield himself was nothing short of ingenious. Before long, the other earth-type awakened ability users followed Vulture''s lead. They donned their own versions of earth armor and armed themselves with the sturdiest weapons they could find, descending into the fray to engage the zombies in close combat. However, with many of the zombies now significantly leveled up, taking them down proved far from easy. Regular weapons struggled to finish the job, often requiring several strikes to the head before the zombies were truly defeated. Realizing this, the group adapted by conjuring earth spikes and wielding them as spears or like a brass knuckles with earth spikes, using their abilities to augment their attacks. From time to time, additional earth spikes would erupt from the ground to impale nearby zombies, providing tactical support. With this new approach, their battle began to turn the tide, and the situation started to look more promising. The other awakened ability users, along with the soldiers, shifted their focus to providing support, ensuring that the earth-type awakened ability users on the ground wouldn''t be overwhelmed by the relentless zombie horde. Their role was to cover the fighters below, using ranged attacks and precise strikes to thin out the advancing zombies. Whenever the earth-type users signaled their intention to retreat to the wall, the support team worked together to create a safe path, allowing them to ascend without incident. Thanks to their earth armor, the fighters on the ground felt a surge of confidence, believing they were untouchable¡ªeven when surrounded by zombies. Or so they thought. "Watch out!" Bald Eagle shouted urgently. At the sound of his voice, Vulture snapped to attention, instantly alert. The earth armor began to materialize around him, starting at his feet and gradually climbing up his body. It enveloped him like a protective shell, covering his neck and finally his face, leaving only his determined eyes visible through the cracks in the armor. With a powerful leap, Vulture soared into the air, his body hurtling towards the battlefield once more. He landed with a crash, charging forward and plowing through the zombies in his path. But his urgency wasn''t without reason¡ªone of the earth-type awakened ability users had been struck and was now hanging up in the air. A massive spike of ice had impaled him through the stomach, its jagged shards spreading a deadly chill that began to freeze his body. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The ice cracked and splintered, even tearing through his armor. Blood coughed from his mouth as he struggled to lift his head, desperate to see the attacker. What he met was the cold, gleaming stare of a pair of sinister red eyes¡ªbelonging not to a human, but to an evolved zombie. A cold dread gripped the warrior''s heart as he realized that his end had come. The evolved zombie seemed to relish the moment, tilting its head with an eerie smile that sent chills down his spine. Its body shimmered with frost, encased in a transparent ice armor that radiated an unnatural cold. A crown of jagged spikes crowned its head, adding to its nightmarish appearance. As it drew closer, the zombie opened its mouth, and a puff of icy mist billowed from its throat. Then, with a terrifying roar that seemed to freeze the very air around them, it unleashed its fury, signaling the warrior''s doom. Before the evolved zombie''s roar could fully echo, Vulture charged with a powerful force, slamming into the creature and sending it hurtling away. With a swift motion, he positioned himself in front of the dying warrior. Conjuring a jagged earth spike in the shape of a claw, Vulture struck the ice spike multiple times, each blow shattering the frozen spike with brutal precision. As the ice splintered, the warrior''s limp body began to fall, and without hesitation, Vulture leaped forward. With incredible speed, he caught the warrior mid-air, cradling him in his arms to prevent any further injury. The furious roar of the evolved zombie echoed behind him, but Vulture didn''t look back. Instead, he ran toward the wall, his focus unwavering. Chapter 598 - 598 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 8 As he neared one of the earth-type awakened ability users, he swiftly handed over the dying warrior. "Take him up! Get him to safety!" Vulture commanded, his voice resolute as he carefully handed the limp body of the injured warrior to his comrade. The wounded man coughed up another mouthful of blood, his grip weak but desperate as he clutched Vulture''s arm with the last of his strength. "Captain... don''t... go... it''s dangerous..." he rasped, his voice barely audible over the chaos. Each word seemed to take everything he had. The gaping wound in his stomach remained wide open, but the frost encasing the edges had stemmed the bleeding. The chilling cold from the ice seemed to seep deeper into his body, his limbs trembling uncontrollably as his teeth began to chatter. Despite his efforts to suppress it, he could feel his life slipping away with every passing moment. Despite his fading strength, he refused to let go of Vulture''s arm. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, though it had only been a matter of seconds, barely even a minute. His pleading gaze locked onto Vulture, silently begging him not to go. He could sense Vulture''s intentions, the unmistakable resolve in his captain''s stance¡ªthe determination to face the evolved zombie head-on. Seeing the worry in the warrior''s eyes, Vulture gave a small nod of reassurance. "Don''t worry too much," he said firmly. "I won''t fight a losing battle. The moment I gauge the enemy''s strength, I''ll retreat if it''s beyond what I can handle." "Someone has to test the waters, or that zombie will eventually breach these walls, putting everyone in danger." His voice carried conviction, though it was clear he wasn''t acting out of recklessness or a desire for heroics. Among them, Vulture had the best chance of holding his ground against the evolved zombie. Even now, as they stood amidst the chaos, the warriors and soldiers on the wall were providing cover, ensuring no other zombies could approach while Vulture transferred the injured man to the other''s care. "Captain..." the warrior began, his voice weak but filled with desperation as he tried to plead with Vulture to reconsider. Perhaps they could call for reinforcements from the City Lord or Vice City Lord. But deep down, he knew the harsh reality¡ªboth Kisha and Duke were stationed at the most crucial and heavily infested walls, where the sheer number of zombies was overwhelmingly large. Neither of them could abandon their posts without risking the city''s collapse. Even so, the fear lingered. Could Vulture truly stand against the evolved zombie? The odds seemed stacked against him. Their elements were in direct opposition¡ªice held a natural advantage over earth, its chilling force capable of overpowering and shattering even the sturdiest defenses. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Vulture would be fighting at a disadvantage from the outset. Vulture didn''t waste time with further explanation. His sharp gaze shifted to the man now carrying the injured warrior, silently conveying his intent. The man caught Vulture''s unspoken message and, with a resolute nod, glanced down at the wounded comrade in his arms. Pressing his lips into a firm line, he turned away and sprinted off as soon as Vulture gently pried the injured warrior''s grip from his arm. The injured man barely had time to register what was happening. His strength was fading fast, leaving him powerless to resist or protest. Before he could muster a reaction, the distance between him and Vulture had already widened. His fading consciousness allowed only a fleeting moment of realization before the darkness claimed him, and he passed out completely. The warriors and soldiers atop the wall worked tirelessly to provide cover, ensuring the warrior carrying the injured man could make it up without delay. Wind blades flew, and earth spikes rose to keep the zombies at bay as the pair ascended. As soon as they reached the safety of the wall, the space type awakened ability user stationed in the norther wall rushed over without needing to be prompted. His urgency was palpable as he knelt beside the injured man, quickly pulling out a small vial of blue liquid from his space. "Hold him steady and pry his mouth open," he instructed firmly. With the help of the others, they carefully opened the unconscious man''s mouth, allowing the STAU to slowly pour the liquid down his throat, ensuring every drop was administered. Each movement was deliberate, their combined efforts a race against time to save their fallen comrade. The injured man, even in his unconscious state, seemed to instinctively recognize that the liquid being poured into his mouth was his lifeline. Driven by an innate will to survive, his body reflexively swallowed the blue elixir. Within moments, an astonishing transformation began. His pallor improved almost instantly, and the gaping wound in his stomach started to mend itself. Those watching could see the torn organs slowly regenerating, pulsating rhythmically as they returned to their original state. The sight was both miraculous and mesmerizing, leaving everyone in awe of the blue liquid''s potency. This was no ordinary healing potion¡ªit was the pinnacle of alchemical achievement, a high-grade elixir known for its extraordinary restorative properties. The group marveled at its effectiveness, but they also understood its rarity and cost. Only the highest-tier elixirs could achieve such feats, and acquiring them was no simple task. Kisha, however, had ensured their availability. With her exceptional skill in crafting and selling slave contracts through the system mall, she had earned the resources needed to procure these life-saving elixirs. Her foresight and preparation had once again proven invaluable in the face of danger. The STAUs knew the importance of using the high-grade elixirs judiciously. These potent vials of blue liquid were a finite resource, reserved for dire emergencies. Unlike the more common healing potions they routinely employed, these elixirs had to be rationed carefully to ensure they were available when truly needed. Once the injured man''s wounds had fully healed, thanks to the miraculous elixir, the others helped him to a designated recovery tent set up for soldiers and warriors. There, they gently laid him down to rest and recover his strength. Medics stationed in the tent immediately began to assess his condition, checking his vitals and ensuring he was stable. Without advanced medical equipment to diagnose potential brain injuries or long-term internal damage, the medics relied on basic methods. They monitored his pulse, observed his eye movements, and checked his reflexes. While these measures provided some reassurance, the lack of specialized tools left them uncertain about the full extent of his recovery. For now, they could only hope that the powerful elixir had worked its magic completely. Vulture now stood face to face with the enraged evolved zombie, its icy armor glinting menacingly in the little light of the moon peeking in the night sky. As the creature growled, its red, gleaming eyes tracked his every movement. Vulture, calm and calculating, began to circle the enemy slowly, his sharp gaze analyzing every aspect of its body. He was searching for a potential weakness, studying its movements and assessing its defenses. Although he knew the head was typically a zombie''s primary weak spot, this one was different. Its head was encased in a formidable crown of jagged ice, making it appear far more resilient. A single, decisive attack wouldn''t be enough to bring it down this time. Vulture clenched his fists, determination etched across his face as he silently formulated his strategy. Although the evolved zombie was visibly enraged, it made no immediate move to attack. It was unclear whether it was underestimating Vulture, confident of its inevitable victory, or simply slow to react. Regardless of its reasoning, Vulture remained vigilant, his instincts on high alert. Before engaging, Vulture had already ensured the safety of the other warriors on the field. He sent them to focus on clearing out the lower-level zombies but issued clear and precise instructions: everyone was to remain vigilant for any signs of additional evolved zombies. If another one was spotted, they were to keep their distance and alert the team immediately. Meanwhile, the snipers stationed along the walls scanned the battlefield with unwavering focus, their sharp eyes trained on the fray. Their priority was to identify and neutralize any further threats posed by evolved zombies, ensuring they couldn''t catch the others off guard, even if they can''t take down the evolved zombies, they were to inform the rest so the warriors on the field could steer clear of them. As Vulture circled the ice-type evolved zombie, he noticed the ground beneath them gradually frosting over, the icy spread creeping outward like a silent threat. "Tsk!" he clicked his tongue in frustration, leaping into the air to launch an attack. His left fist, encased in claw-like earth spikes, swung toward the zombie with force. The strike landed squarely on the evolved zombie''s face, but the outcome was far from what Vulture hoped. The instant his earth spike connected, it froze solid, the ice crawling rapidly over its surface. Before he could react, the frozen spike shattered upon impact, and the earth armor covering his fist crumbled into pieces, leaving his hand exposed. Vulture immediately stepped back, his sharp eyes catching the frost creeping up to his feet in the brief moment he had been near the ice type evolved zombie. He stomped hard on the ground, shattering the ice encasing his feet, and quickly re-formed the earth armor over his left fist. His expression remained composed, but inwardly, he had pieced together the truth. The evolved zombie wasn''t motionless out of arrogance or sluggishness¡ªit was a deliberate strategy. It knew that even without attacking, any physical contact with its frozen body would transfer its chilling frost to its opponent, freezing their armor and flesh alike. Chapter 599 - 599 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 9 The frost''s devastating power could immobilize and shatter anyone reckless enough to engage it head-on. Vulture''s eyes narrowed as he studied the ice-type evolved zombie from a cautious distance. The creature met his gaze with an unsettling, eerie grin, its razor-sharp, piranha-like teeth glinting menacingly. Slimy saliva dripped between its teeth, forming threads that added to its grotesque appearance. The sight sent a shiver down Vulture''s spine, cold sweat forming on his back as a wave of unease washed over him. In that moment, he realized the horrifying truth: this zombie wasn''t just an elemental mismatch for him¡ªit was stronger. Its power radiated with an intensity that suggested it was not only more formidable but possibly even a level above him. Suddenly, a flicker of doubt crept into Vulture''s mind, eroding the confidence he had moments ago. Yet, retreat wasn''t an option. If he backed down now, everyone behind him¡ªthose stationed on the wall and the countless civilians within the base¡ªwould be doomed. Just one evolved zombie breaching the defenses could spell total disaster, spreading infection or unleashing slaughter among the vulnerable: children, the elderly, and non-combatants. Vulture swallowed hard, the lump in his throat refusing to ease as he stared intently at the evolved zombie. The creature tilted its head to the side, its expression almost mocking, as if puzzled by why Vulture wasn''t fleeing for his life like any sane person would. Its sinister grin twisted into a frown of anger and displeasure as it let out a low, guttural growl. Without warning, the evolved zombie leaped toward Vulture. Midair, its body curled in on itself, transforming into a solid sphere of frozen ice. When it crashed into the ground, the impact created a deep crater, sending frost rippling outward in an instant. Nearby zombies were caught in the icy spread, their feet frozen to the ground. Fortunately, Vulture had already leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the frost''s grasp. As he landed on the now-frozen terrain, his footing faltered¡ªhis foot slipping against the slippery surface. Thinking quickly, he conjured jagged spikes of earth beneath his soles, giving him traction and preventing a disastrous fall. With his balance restored, Vulture readied himself, knowing he couldn''t afford even the smallest mistake in this critical moment. Just as Vulture managed to regain his balance, a chilling gust of wind swept past him. Instinctively, he leapt to the side, just in time to see his previous position obliterated by a massive ice ball barreling through like a cannonball. The ground it traversed was left with deep gouges, evidence of its destructive force. Its speed was alarming, and Vulture knew that being struck by such an attack would send him flying and leave him gravely injured. From atop the wall, the onlookers gasped in unison, their stomachs churning and hearts pounding with fear. The sight of Vulture narrowly evading the devastating assault left them clinging to worry, their nerves stretched taut as they prayed he wouldn''t be caught off guard by the next attack. Vulture quickly conjured a series of earth spikes along the trajectory of the massive ice ball, hoping to halt or at least slow its momentum. However, the sheer force and velocity of the icy ball crushed the spikes effortlessly, reducing them to rubble without losing any speed. His jaw tightened, and a deep scowl etched across his face as frustration bubbled within him. His efforts had proven futile, and the reality of the evolved zombie''s overwhelming power weighed heavily on his mind. The massive ice ball rolled toward Vulture once more, forcing him to evade at the last possible moment. Despite his quick reflexes, the edge of the ball grazed his arm. The brief contact was enough to coat his arm in a layer of frost, and the freezing effect began to spread rapidly. Reacting instinctively, Vulture struck his own arm, shattering both the ice and the earth armor covering it before the frost could reach his skin and paralyze his limb entirely. Without wasting a second, he reinforced his arm with a fresh layer of earth armor, preparing himself for the next attack. The evolved zombie''s relentless attacks inadvertently struck its own kind, yet its focus remained locked on Vulture. With every successful dodge, its fury grew, and its attacks became increasingly intense and erratic. Observers on the wall could see the strain on Vulture as he narrowly avoided each strike, often coming dangerously close to being hit. His movements were sharp and desperate, but it was clear that the relentless onslaught was beginning to wear him down. "What should we do? If this keeps up, Captain Vulture won''t survive out there!" one of the warriors exclaimed, panic evident in his voice. "We can''t just stand here and watch! We need to provide support and attack the evolved zombie together!" another shouted, desperation creeping into his tone. "Are you crazy? If we attack now, we might end up hitting Captain Vulture instead!" someone retorted, their fear and hesitation clear as they tighten their gripped on their weapon. The warrior who suggested attacking scratched the back of his head, his frustration mounting as he realized the flaw in his plan. Using their awakened abilities to strike from a distance would be risky¡ªit wasn''t as if they could control their attacks once unleashed. It would be like firing a stray bullet, with the very real danger of hitting Captain Vulture instead of the target. "But it''s clear that Captain Vulture is getting worn out," he muttered, his voice filled with worry. "How much longer can he keep dodging those attacks? Honestly, even I wouldn''t be confident in evading them¡ªthe strikes are getting faster and more relentless..." "I know, but..." the other warrior trailed off, his gaze fixed on Vulture, who was relentlessly dodging each attack. The streets were now coated in frost, making the battlefield even more treacherous. The warriors below had instinctively pulled back, retreating to fight near the base of the wall, ready to climb up if the clash between Vulture and the evolved zombie escalated further. They didn''t want to add to Vulture''s burden or risk getting caught in the chaos. "Wait, can''t you guys see something?" one of the soldiers suddenly said, his voice breaking the tense silence. "See what?" another asked, confusion and curiosity mixing in his tone as he turned to look more intently at the scene unfolding before them. The soldiers gathered around, their eyes fixed on the battle between Vulture and the ice-type evolved zombie. Gradually, a realization seemed to dawn on them as they exchanged glances, small chuckles breaking out among the group. "What''s wrong with you guys? Why are you acting all mysterious? Just say it already!" one of warriors snapped, clearly frustrated by the suspense. "Ha ha, sorry," one of the chuckling soldiers replied. "We just noticed something, and we were double-checking to see if it was real or not." "And?" the impatient warrior pressed, his curiosity growing stronger. "And it seems like Captain Vulture is intentionally making it look like he''s barely evading the attacks," one of the soldiers explained, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "He''s doing it to fuel the evolved zombie''s anger, forcing it to focus solely on him. By doing so, the zombie is unleashing its fury indiscriminately, causing chaos on the battlefield." "In the end, it''s the other zombies that are caught in the crossfire and suffering the most from the destruction." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 600 - 600 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 10 "Look closely," one of the soldiers said, pointing toward the battlefield. "Because of the evolved zombie''s relentless attacks, the zombies around it are getting caught in the frost and frozen solid. As Captain Vulture keeps moving, the evolved zombie rolls around in its blind fury and ends up smashing into the frozen zombies, shattering them to pieces. In the end, all Captain Vulture has to do is evade while the evolved zombie takes care of its own kind. Heh, brilliant, isn''t it?" "Ohhh! What a clever strategy!" another soldier exclaimed, eyes widening in admiration. They turned their attention to the battle below, and the soldier''s explanation proved to be spot on. Frozen zombies were scattered all over the battlefield, immobilized by the frost. The ice-type evolved zombie, now in its massive rolling ball form, barreled through the area, smashing into its own frozen kind like a bowling ball hitting pins. The sheer strength of the evolved zombie left the others completely helpless¡ªunable to fight back, they froze and shattered like fragile glass upon impact. Meanwhile, Vulture managed to avoid significant harm. Though his armor occasionally caught the frost, he quickly shattered the affected areas before it could spread to his body, skillfully repeating the process. His calculated movements left only him and the evolved zombie on the battlefield. Even the warriors below had retreated to the safety of the wall, unwilling to become obstacles in his strategy. Since Vulture couldn''t defeat the evolved zombie head-on, he decided to turn it into a weapon against the incoming horde. After all, even if the evolved zombie possessed seemingly endless stamina, did it also have an unlimited reserve of spiritual energy? That was the question Vulture intended to find an answer to. For now, he conserved his own strength, using only the bare minimum of spiritual energy to maintain his earth armor while focusing entirely on evasion. His goal was simple: force the evolved zombie to expend as much spiritual energy as possible. If it ran out of spiritual energy, he could seize the advantage and strike decisively. But even in the worst-case scenario¡ªif the evolved zombie somehow had an inexhaustible supply of energy¡ªit wouldn''t be a total loss. Its relentless attacks were already devastating the surrounding zombie horde, turning it into an unwitting ally in thinning their numbers. Either way, Vulture''s strategy ensured that he wasn''t fighting this battle alone. Once they grasped the situation, the warriors and soldiers began to relax, observing as Vulture singlehandedly handled both the incoming zombie horde and the evolved zombie. Their tension eased slightly, but they remained vigilant, scanning for any sign of another evolved zombie that could tip the scales and put Vulture at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, the STAU prepared a supply of stamina boosters and vials of black liquid¡ªan emergency elixir designed to replenish both stamina and spiritual energy. These were kept ready for immediate delivery, ensuring Vulture could sustain the fight should he begin to falter. Though confident in his abilities, they knew better than to let their guard down in a battle this critical. The battle raged on for another two hours. Meanwhile, on Kisha''s side, the warriors and soldiers who had been on the frontlines rotated out, replaced by fresh reinforcements. The first batch of fighters retreated to the tents, physically drained and low on spiritual energy. However, instead of simply resting, many of them took Kisha''s earlier advice to heart. Rather than lying idle, the resting warriors used the opportunity to strengthen their foundations with Scarlet Honey, a rare elixir that enhanced physical and spiritual growth. With their bodies still primed from the intense combat, the synergy between the Scarlet Honey and their recent battle experience offered the perfect conditions for training. Sitting cross-legged in meditation, they consumed the Scarlet Honey and focused on fortifying their constitution, their breathing steady and controlled as they worked to maximize the benefits of the rare substance. It was a critical moment to grow stronger while simultaneously recovering, ensuring they would return to the battlefield even more formidable. Kisha, on the other hand, showed no signs of fatigue throughout the battle. Thanks to her passive and active skills, the soldiers and warriors fighting alongside her barely needed to use stamina boosters or vials of blue liquid. Even after more than an hour of relentless combat, they still had enough energy to continue if they chose to rely on those resources. However, Kisha decided to rotate them out and send them to rest. She recognized this as the perfect opportunity for them to grow and level up. Allowing them to step back after such intense fighting would not only help them recover but also ensure they could use their experience to strengthen themselves. She also saw this as a chance for the next group to take the field, allowing everyone to gain equal benefits from the battle. By maintaining this rotation, Kisha was confident her warriors would soon level up, maximizing the gains from both the combat and their recovery process. She remained vigilant, carefully managing the flow of the battle to prevent overexertion while ensuring her team grew stronger with every passing moment. Kisha considered herself fortunate that even after two hours of relentless combat, she wasn''t feeling fatigued. On the contrary, she felt her body growing stronger with each passing moment. Using her ability to split her consciousness into multiple branches, she skillfully managed both the battle and her own personal growth. Taking advantage of this unique capability, she consumed Scarlet Honey during the fight, using it to strengthen her foundation and fully integrate its benefits into her system. She was acutely aware that the mission wasn''t over yet. With 24 hours of continuous fighting ahead, she needed every ounce of strength she could build to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Unfortunately, the tide of the battle shifted. Much like in Vulture''s area, evolved zombies began to emerge. One appeared on Kisha''s side, and reports quickly followed of similar threats on Duke''s and Rose''s fronts. The stakes had just been raised, and Kisha braced herself for the intensified fight to come. The evolved zombie on Kisha''s side stood at the far edge of the battlefield, its eerie grin fixed as it observed her every move. It didn''t charge mindlessly like the rest of the horde but instead remained stationary, studying her with a predator''s calculating gaze, as if searching for a weakness before making its move. Kisha mirrored its stillness, her sharp eyes locked on the creature. She didn''t dare make a move yet, as she had no idea what ability it possessed or what level it might be. It was too far away for her to use her ''Eye of Truth'' to gather more information. The only reason she was certain it was an evolved zombie was its distinct appearance and behavior. Unlike the frenzied zombies sprinting toward the wall in their relentless hunger, this one exuded a sense of intelligence and control, standing apart from the chaos. Thanks to her heightened senses, Kisha was able to make out its unsettling form from the distance. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its body was covered in thorny, vine-like growths that twisted and coiled like living tree branches. Ominously, a viscous liquid oozed from the tips of the thorns, glinting under the dim battlefield light, hinting at some dangerous, unknown ability. Chapter 601 - 601 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 11 Thanks to the occasional bursts of light from the attacks conjured by the awakened users¡ªresembling fireworks¡ªKisha managed to catch this small detail from afar, even in the darkness. All she could see was the shadowy figure and its red, glinting eyes, which sent a chill down her spine and made her hair stand on end. When the evolved zombie raised its hand, the thorny vines coiling around its arms unclasped and danced like a snake, wiggling around its arm. Its entire body became shrouded in the twisting vines, leaving only its glowing red, beady eyes, and blackened teeth visible through the tangle." Then, without warning, the wood-type evolved zombie raised its hands again. The vines in its arms shot out, latching onto a random zombie charging forward. The vines rattled like a snake, writhing and twisting as they held the struggling zombie, before suddenly hurling it like a cannonball. Bang! ''Phew! I almost didn''t see that coming!'' Kisha thought, wiping at the nonexistent sweat on her forehead. Despite her attempt to stay calm, her nerves were on edge. The evolved zombie had just hurled a zombie straight toward the wall above her head. Fortunately, Kisha reacted instinctively¡ªreaching out with her telekinesis, she lifted a nearby car and smashed it into the airborne zombie, sending it hurtling back toward the evolved zombie. The force of her attack was so intense that the zombie''s body was reduced to a paste, splattered against the wall like a squashed mosquito. "Home run! Good shot, host!" 008 commented cheerfully. Kisha could almost picture 008 circling her, arms raised triumphantly in the air. She chuckled at the thought, but her amusement was short-lived as the wood-type evolved zombie wasn''t done yet. This time, it grabbed four more zombies and hurled them toward the wall. Acting quickly, Kisha lifted several abandoned vehicles from the street and used them to knock the incoming zombies back toward the evolved zombie. Now, she had three more cars floating around her while simultaneously conjuring an equal number of ''Rainbow Cubes'' to trap and eliminate more zombies in the battlefield. Along with this, she retrieved the [Dagger+2] from her inventory while continuing to synthesize additional daggers to ensure she had plenty on hand. She then opened the dagger''s stats window to check for any changes. ... [Dagger+2] [Description: A dagger that has undergone its first synthesis upgrade. Grade: Normal Durability: 150/150] ... The dagger''s stat had indeed changed, but the only noticeable enhancement was its added durability, which made Kisha feel like the material had been wasted. ''Or was it because it was just a normal grade?'' she wondered. With a flick of her hand, using her telekinesis, she controlled the dagger midair and sent it back into the battlefield, where it resumed cutting down zombies as usual. Once the dagger was dealt with, Kisha redirected her focus to the evolved zombie. It appeared amused now, controlling an increasing number of thorny vines to ensnare more zombies. Its intent was clear¡ªit was determined to push a zombie past Kisha and into the base. The menacing creature wasn''t going to stop until it achieved its goal. Kisha wasn''t about to let it happen without a fight. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tilting her head with a challenging look and a mocking grin, she stretched her neck, exuding confidence and daring. She wanted to test the evolved zombie''s capabilities¡ªand if possible, provoke it into closing the distance. Despite her curiosity, Kisha remained cautious. Her ''Mental Capacity'' was currently boosted to an impressive number of ten thousand, a level she wasn''t yet fully accustomed to, but even with that advantage, she didn''t want to reveal all her cards just yet. Without fully understanding what the evolved zombie was capable of, showing her hand prematurely might only give it an opportunity to retreat and regroup, possibly plotting against her. If that happened, dealing with it would become far more challenging¡ªespecially since she couldn''t afford to abandon her position right now. After noticing Kisha''s taunting expression, the evolved zombie appeared to comprehend her mockery. It let out a guttural growl, loud enough to echo across the battlefield, causing the surrounding zombies to halt in their tracks and turn toward it. For a brief moment, the horde seemed frozen in place before the evolved zombie directed its attention to the wall where Kisha stood, its gaze filled with malice. As if following an unspoken command, the zombies let out synchronized roars and shifted their focus entirely to Kisha''s position. Kisha raised an eyebrow, observing the horde as they moved with uncharacteristic coordination. They no longer charged aimlessly; instead, the zombies sprinted toward the base of the wall beneath her. It was as if they had entered a trance, unified by the evolved zombie''s rage. Upon reaching the wall, their behavior grew even more unsettling. Instead of forming a chaotic stampede, they displayed an eerie intelligence, grabbing and climbing over one another to form a grotesque, writhing ladder aimed at scaling the wall. Though the warriors on the wall and Kisha herself continued to strike them down relentlessly, the zombies showed no signs of hesitation. They didn''t flinch, didn''t retreat, and didn''t seem to care as their comrades fell and die. Driven by an unyielding determination, they pushed forward, their numbers dwindling but their resolve unbroken. The soldiers and warriors around Kisha grew increasingly nervous and fearful as they watched the unsettling scene unfold. The sight of the zombies forming a ladder to scale the wall was enough to send shivers down their spines. However, Kisha remained unfazed. She understood all too well that evolved zombies possessed the ability to control hordes, and their power to command grew with their strength. There were two distinct types of evolved zombies: those that relied on crowd control to do their bidding and solo combatants who fought without depending on weaker zombies. Kisha and her team had encountered a crowd-controlling evolved zombie before¡ªthe earth-type evolved zombie during their mission to rescue Zeus. The other type, a solitary fighter, was precisely what Vulture was battling on the other side of the battlefield. Kisha assessed the situation carefully. Based on the sheer number of zombies the evolved zombie could control, she now had a rough estimate of its strength and level. With this understanding, she shifted her focus to casting her ''Rainbow Cube'' on the piling zombies in front of her. The swarm made for easy targets, drawn to her like moths to a flame, allowing her to kill them in large numbers with precision and efficiency. Despite the massacre of its minions, the evolved zombie appeared unfazed. It seemed well aware of its nearly limitless supply of reinforcements. For every zombie that fell, it could summon more to replace them, continuing to send wave after wave toward Kisha, wholly fixated on achieving its objective. Noticing that Kisha was holding her ground and the zombies under the evolved zombie''s control were being eliminated one after another, the other warriors and soldiers shifted their focus to the scattered zombies roaming the streets that weren''t under its influence. To support Kisha, some soldiers tossed grenades down the wall, targeting the writhing ladder of zombies attempting to climb. Their efforts helped thin out the swarm, buying Kisha more time to concentrate on casting her ''Rainbow Cube'' and further decimating the horde. Chapter 602 - 602 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 12 But the effort wasn''t without its challenges. The more Kisha killed, the greater the mound of zombie carcasses piled up beneath the wall, creating a grotesque mountain that the remaining zombies began using as stepping stones to scale the wall. Kisha frowned as she watched the relentless tide of undead continue their approach. Her eyes flicked to the evolved zombie''s sinister smile, and it became clear to her¡ªit had planned for this. The more she killed, the more carcasses accumulated, and soon, the mound would rise high enough for the zombies to climb over the wall and slip past her defenses. The evolved zombie wasn''t concerned about the body count¡ªit was counting on this very strategy. But the evolved zombie wasn''t stopping there. While Kisha was preoccupied with the zombie horde scaling the wall, it began launching more zombies like cannonballs toward the base. Each time a vine freed itself from a zombie, it quickly snaked out to grab another, hurling more zombies relentlessly toward the wall. It seemed to be betting that, with Kisha''s hands full dealing with the horde on the wall, she wouldn''t be able to stop the barrage of zombies flying toward the base. Soon, the base would descend into chaos as the zombie breach wreaked havoc inside, killing and devouring the survivors. Just the thought of it made the evolved zombie''s sinister smile widen, and it even seemed to be drooling, which sent a shudder of disgust down Kisha''s body. But when the zombies it hurled toward the base came flying at her, Kisha didn''t hesitate. She used the vehicle floating around her once again, sending it crashing into the zombies and knocking them back toward the evolved zombie. Each one slammed into the wall with a sickening thud. The dull thud, accompanied by the sickening sound of flesh being squashed, echoed in the air around the evolved zombie. When it turned slightly and saw its cannon fodder reduced to nothing, its attention snapped back to Kisha. The evolved zombie''s expression twisted with even more fury as its undead minions were sent back with such force that they didn''t survive the impact. Kisha couldn''t really be blamed for that, though. Her strength was now over two thousand, so it wasn''t surprising that she could send zombies flying and crush them against the wall. In fact, if Kisha hadn''t carefully controlled her strength, the zombies would have been obliterated on impact with the vehicle she controlled. But Kisha didn''t want that. She made sure to carefully control her strength, ensuring the zombies were sent flying back toward the evolved zombie, where they would inevitably slam into the wall behind it and become embedded from the sheer force of impact. She wasn''t just trying to eliminate the threat¡ªshe was taunting the evolved zombie. Though it was more intelligent than the typical zombies, it still wasn''t as clever as a human, and its arrogance and territorial nature made it prone to anger. It despised weak zombies, but what truly infuriated it was when things didn''t go its way, like a child throwing a tantrum. After all, these evolved zombies were just beginning to regain their intelligence, and it was clear their minds were still functioning like those of children. That was why taunting the evolved zombie was so effective. Without this tactic, the evolved zombie might never even try to get close to Kisha. Perhaps it recognized Kisha as a formidable threat, which is why it had been attacking from a distance, never getting too close. It could also still be assessing her strength while plotting to breach the base, ensuring chaos would erupt inside. But Kisha wouldn''t let that happen. While she was focused on the zombies scaling the wall, she never lost track of the evolved zombie''s actions. The warriors and soldiers around her could see the tension, their concern evident, but they didn''t stop their work. They knew there was nothing they could do to help Kisha with this fight aside from trying their best. They were even grateful to have Kisha on their side. What she was doing alone¡ªtaking on the horde as if she were a one-woman army¡ªwas what a hundred people would be doing together. Just watching her in action made them feel secure. "Get them all!" Kisha roared, and in that moment, everyone felt their blood surge. Adrenaline coursed through their veins, making them feel invincible, energized, and more powerful than ever before. "Yeah!" Everyone shouted with renewed vigor, their attacks growing stronger. Kisha just activated her ''Lion''s Roar'' skill, a powerful ability that would last for another twenty minutes. With this, she could afford a brief moment of rest, allowing the warriors and soldiers to help thin out the zombie horde. The more they killed, the fewer minions the evolved zombie would have at its disposal, leaving it with little choice but to face Kisha directly. She was waiting for that moment¡ªlike a hunter poised to strike when its prey stepped into the trap¡ªwhile still fending off the relentless waves of zombies. When the pile of zombie carcasses below the wall reached halfway, it seemed as though the evolved zombie''s plan was working. It flashed another sinister, almost arrogant grin, as if it believed it had already won. "That''s why they say not to count your eggs before they hatch." Kisha murmured under her breath. With a determined focus, she used the vehicle she controlled with her telekinesis to level the wall, smashing through the mound of zombie carcasses and flattening them as much as possible. "Rarhhhh!" "Roar!!!" The evolved zombie let out an enraged roar, slamming its fists into the ground like a rampaging Hulk, its fury radiating from its body. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s eyes narrowed, a slight smile tugging at her lips as she watched it. "Like I''d let you succeed that easily," she murmured, her tone dripping with amusement. If this had been before, she might have struggled to keep up, fighting to protect the base with every ounce of effort. But now, thanks to the stat boost, she felt stronger than ever. Not a trace of fatigue lingered in her, and she reveled in the rush of power. "Woah! Our City Lord is truly formidable!" The warriors and soldiers exclaimed, watching in awe as Kisha flattened the mound of zombie carcasses, preventing the zombies from using them as stepping stones to scale the wall. Now, the horde had to start over, and they had no doubt Kisha wouldn''t let them succeed again without leveling the mound once more. With that thought, the warriors and soldiers felt a surge of excitement, chuckling in relief. It wasn''t that they were lowering their guard, but the tension in their shoulders eased. They no longer had to worry about the zombies reaching the wall with this tactic in play¡ªonly to see Kisha level the mound again, pushing the evolved zombie into a fit of rage, as if it might burst and die from sheer anger. The evolved zombie leaned back and let out an earth-shaking roar, as if it was pouring all its strength into calling for reinforcements. And sure enough, more and more zombies began emerging from within the city. Kisha and the others felt the ground tremble beneath them, the unmistakable sound of marching echoing from miles away. Another swarm of zombies poured out, rushing toward them. The evolved zombie had summoned backup, and Kisha''s expression darkened as she realized what this meant. Chapter 603 - 603 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 13 "Fuck, we need more grenades!" A soldier barked into the walkie-talkie, his voice strained with urgency as he called logistics at central command. Aston and Tristan, picking up on the desperation, immediately responded. "Where should we send them?" Tristan asked, his tone sharp and focused. "The western wall!" the soldier shouted over the chaos. "Hell, another wave of zombies is surging from here! That damn evolved zombie is furious¡ªit''s trying to drown us in sheer numbers! Get those supplies here fast! We''re running low on ammo for the Gatling guns and the rest of our firearms!" He paused for a brief second before adding, "Do you have any RPG? We might seriously need one out here!" Tristan and Aston exchanged a tense glance before Aston grabbed the walkie-talkie. "We''ll send what we can¡ªhold on! We''ll get it to you as fast as possible!" he assured, his voice steady despite the chaos and loud noises. After ending the transmission, Aston raised his hand in a sharp signal. "Gather up!" The survivors assisting nearby, though unfamiliar with military signals, quickly understood his words and moved to form a loose circle in front of him. Tension hung in the air as some had overheard the desperate radio conversation, while others, too occupied with their tasks, had missed it entirely. The cacophony of noise around them¡ªgunfire, explosions, and the distant groans of the undead¡ªmade it nearly impossible to catch every word, but the urgency on Aston''s face was enough to silence any questions. "Prepare more grenades, all types of ammunition, and if there are any heavy firearms we haven''t accounted for¡ªfind them and report immediately! They might be critical at the Western wall¡ªASAP!" Aston''s voice thundered through central command, his expression grim and unyielding. The urgency in his tone left no room for hesitation or questions; the team scattered at once, moving with swift precision. They gathered every available resource, organized the supplies with practiced efficiency, and loaded them onto a forklift to ensure the delivery to the Western wall would be as fast and seamless as possible. Fortunately, during the earlier chaos, the survivors had already taken the time to organize the supplies. Ammunition was neatly arranged by size and type, making it easy to identify and grab without needing specialized knowledge. When Aston gave the order to send all kinds of ammo and firearms, the team wasted no time¡ªthey loaded everything onto a forklift and assigned a man to transport it to the Western wall. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While waiting for the forklifts to return, others began scouring the area for any high-damage firearms that might still be available, ensuring no resource was left unused in their fight for survival. "Sir! We have some rocket launcher over here!" an excited civilian shouted from another corner, his voice carrying a hint of expertise despite his non-military background. When his words didn''t immediately catch anyone''s attention, he sprinted over to Aston, his excitement barely contained. "Sir, I found some RPGs! They were hidden under a tarp, which is probably why no one noticed them earlier. But I''m pretty sure these are the latest military models!" Aston raised an eyebrow as he listened to the man, quickly processing the information. "Prepare a dozen RPGs immediately and send them to the western wall along with the other supplies," he commanded sharply. The urgency in his tone left no room for delay; the soldiers at the western wall had specifically requested rocket launchers to help thin out the incoming horde. Before he could fully focus on the western wall''s situation, another distress signal crackled through the radio¡ªthis time from Duke''s position at the southern wall, urgently requesting more ammunition and other supplies. Aston''s jaw tightened as he made a quick decision. "Logistics team, double-time! Get the supplies to the southern wall immediately!" Without wasting another second, he delegated the tasks to the survivors working in logistics, trusting them to organize and deliver the much-needed items to both critical points as swiftly as possible. The walkie-talkie crackled to life once again. "Sir! Sir! Can you hear me?" came the voice of an excited middle-aged man, his tone filled with urgency and enthusiasm. Aston immediately grabbed the device. "What is it?" he replied, his voice steady and commanding. "Sir, as an artisan-type awakened ability user, we''ve been experimenting in the workshop with empty bullet casings. We managed to create a dozen impact-exploding rounds!" the man reported eagerly. "All the blacksmiths have been working together, and we''ve confirmed that the ammunition is safe¡ªit won''t explode in the barrel. Since we''ve heard the zombies'' defenses have become stronger, we figured we needed to improve our weapons." "We''ve been working on this for a couple of days now and finally achieved the right balance of gunpowder." "Although our supply of potassium nitrate and sulfur is limited, we have plenty of charcoal to keep production for a limited number. Would you like us to deploy these rounds for testing?" The excitement in his voice was palpable as he awaited Aston''s response, clearly hopeful that his creation could make a difference in the intense battle. Aston''s ears perked up as he heard the report. The situation at the walls was dire, and he knew the soldiers desperately needed something stronger than standard rounds¡ªnormal bullets simply wouldn''t cut it anymore." "He fell into deep contemplation for a full minute, weighing the options. The man on the other end of the walkie-talkie remained silent, patiently awaiting Aston''s decision. Finally, Aston spoke with firm resolve. "Can you modify the ammunition we already have? Instead of using spent bullet casings, focus on remaking these live rounds." "That way, you''ll have more gunpowder to work with, and we''ll end up with upgraded bullets ready for immediate use." He paused, his mind racing with the potential impact. "Once it''s proven that these enhanced rounds are more effective against the zombies, it''ll be a game-changer." "The soldiers will have a better chance at achieving one-hit kills, conserving ammunition, and holding the lines longer. We don''t have unlimited supplies, and we''ve yet to secure more gunpowder, so this might be our best shot." Aston''s voice carried both urgency and determination as he made his decision, knowing that every moment counted in their fight for survival. "Yes, sir!" the voice on the other end of the line responded with unwavering resolve. Without wasting a second, the artisans began packing the impact-exploding rounds into a secure container. A member of the logistics team arrived shortly after, and the artisans carefully explained safety protocols to ensure the bullets would be transported without any mishaps. Not long after, the logistics team delivered a fresh batch of ammunition to be remodeled. The artisans worked meticulously, extracting the gunpowder with steady, delicate hands to avoid any accidental detonations. Thankfully, their extensive experience handling gunpowder had sharpened their skills and instincts, allowing them to carry out the delicate process with confidence. With each round, they carefully repacked the gunpowder into its new form, ensuring everything was precise and safe for use. When the impact-exploding rounds arrived at the western wall, what was described as "a few dozen" turned out to be several crates of ammunition. The logistics team quickly briefed the soldiers on how to use the rounds, and their excitement was immediate. The potential of these new rounds to turn the tide of the battle was clear, sparking a renewed sense of hope and determination among the troops. Chapter 604 - 604 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 14 Kisha, upon hearing the report and seeing the soldiers'' enthusiasm, made an immediate decision. She ordered the remaining standard bullets to be sent back for remodeling into impact-exploding rounds, ensuring they could maximize the effectiveness of their firepower against the advancing horde. No one disagreed with Kisha''s decision; the impact-exploding rounds were clearly more effective than the standard ones. The soldiers stationed on the walls immediately switched to the new ammunition, taking their positions and preparing for the next wave. Bang! Bang! As the rounds hit their targets, the soldiers watched in awe. When the bullet struck a zombie''s head, it penetrated the skull and exploded on impact, causing the zombie''s head to violently disintegrate. All that remained was a gaping hole, and the lifeless body collapsed to the ground, faceless and motionless. The soldiers who fired the first successful shots were stunned. Their mouths dropped open in amazement as they exchanged excited glances. This was no ordinary ammunition¡ªit was a game changer. Their confidence surged, and they quickly joined in, each soldier now eager to unleash the destructive power of the new rounds. Within moments, the incoming wave of zombies began to fall in droves, their bodies dropping like flies. Kisha, not slowing down for a second, kept her focus on casting her "Rainbow Cubes" as swiftly as possible, eliminating as many zombies as she could with each calculated strike. The evolved zombie showed no signs of slowing down, relentlessly hurling more of its zombie minions toward the wall. Kisha, undeterred, focused all her energy on striking back, using her skills to knock the zombies back toward the source of this flying zombie. And it just so happened that she also successfully synthesized a [Dagger+3]. ... [Dagger+3] [Description: A dagger that has undergone its first synthesis upgrade. Grade: Normal Durability: 200/200 Sharpness: +1] ... Kisha wasn''t sure what the added stat ''Sharpness+1'' would do, but she immediately put the [Dagger+3] to use on the battlefield. The previous [Dagger+2] had shown little improvement¡ªjust more durability than a regular dagger¡ªbut it still wore down quickly against the zombies, whose defenses had grown stronger. Curious about the new stat, Kisha watched with interest as she sent the upgraded dagger into the fray. To her relief, it performed far better. Though the cuts weren''t as effortless as a knife through butter, the dagger sliced through zombies with noticeably improved efficiency, and its durability held up much longer than before. Kisha paused for a moment, reflecting on her decision. Initially, she had thought it was a waste of time¡ªeach synthesis only seemed to improve durability, and she had been reluctant to keep using daggers for upgrades. But the surprising results from her latest synthesis gave her a sense of satisfaction, and for the first time, she felt a flicker of excitement at the possibilities. To upgrade the dagger to +4, Kisha realized she would need to sacrifice more daggers¡ªpossibly even using up all the ones in their team''s supply just to create a slightly upgraded version. This wasn''t the most efficient approach, and it frustrated her. The only benefit of the synthesis process was that even if a dagger was worn out and nearly broken, the end result would still have full durability, unaffected by its previous condition. Unfortunately, the daggers stored behind her were all too damaged to use for synthesis, leaving her with fewer options. However, Kisha devised a plan: she could use the [Dagger+2] in battle, letting them wear down in the fight, and then retrieve them just before they broke. Once the daggers were on the verge of shattering, she would send them for synthesis to improve them further. She continued this process tirelessly, pushing through until she ran out of usable daggers¡ªthree hours later, she found herself with no more supplies left. The sky was beginning to lighten as the sun slowly peeked over the eastern horizon. The morning dew, which would usually carry a refreshing scent, now reeked of rotting flesh, the putrid stench of zombies overwhelming everything around. The deafening roars of the creatures echoed throughout the area, their relentless march shaking the ground beneath them. Many warriors and soldiers had already rotated shifts, with most heading to the western wall to rest. They had discovered that the western wall offered the best chance to recharge, despite the louder sounds of zombie roars, grenade explosions, and rocket fire. The chaos there seemed more bearable, a small comfort amidst the madness. As word spread, more and more soldiers sought refuge at the western wall¡ªjust as Kisha had hoped. They couldn''t quite explain why, but despite the western wall being the most chaotic¡ªoverrun with a much larger zombie wave than the other walls¡ªthey found it strangely easier to recharge there. But after the three hours, Kisha managed to get a [Dagger+6] synthesis ... [Dagger+6] [Description: A dagger that has undergone its first synthesis upgrade. Grade: Normal Durability: 350/350 Sharpness: +2] S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Kisha discovered that every three levels of upgrades, the sharpness stat improved. Currently, her dagger''s sharpness was +2, allowing it to slice through zombies like a hot knife through butter. She only had one such dagger; the others were +3 and +4, with two +5 daggers that she used in the field. What she noticed, though, was that the durability of the higher-level synthesized daggers no longer deteriorated, unlike the others. She speculated that the reason for the durability loss on the lower-level daggers was due to the increased defense of the zombies they were being used against, which wore down the blades. When the opponents had weaker defenses, the daggers remained in better condition and was unaffected. If this could be done with daggers, then it was possible for firearms or other weapons as well. This was why she had been eager to reach level 5 on her system before. She wanted to experiment with firearms, but since they were much larger than daggers, it would be harder to carry out the modifications without drawing attention¡ªunlike with the daggers, which she could easily conceal in her cloak. For now, she set that idea aside and focused on the ongoing battle. After five hours of non-stop fighting, Kisha noticed that her control over her consciousness and mana had improved. She could cast the ''Rainbow Cube'' much faster, with far less delay. The flow of her mana and spiritual energy was smoother, and she had even managed to increase both her mana and spiritual reserves through her efforts. Kisha felt a surge of excitement as she noticed her progress. At the same time, she had successfully proven to herself that she truly could tap into an infinite source of spiritual energy and mana, thanks to both her active and passive skills. As the upgraded daggers soared through the battlefield like drones, Kisha focused on refining her telekinesis, causing more zombie heads to explode one after another. Through her relentless practice, she successfully developed a new skill: ''Energy Burst''. By manipulating the energies and blood vessels inside the zombies'' heads to make them explode, she honed her control over the process. Now that the skill had formed, she could cast it faster, with less spiritual energy and focus required. Chapter 605 - 605 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 15 "Host! You''re on fire!" 008 exclaimed as Kisha''s relentless attacks lit up the battlefield, with her daggers weaving through the horde like guided missiles. Meanwhile, the soldiers found renewed purpose as they armed themselves with the newly supplied rounds of enhanced ammunition. Previously, they had felt like insignificant participants in the battle, their efforts barely making a dent against the now stronger, more resilient zombies. Many had seen themselves as expendable compared to the awakened ability users¡ªthe true treasures of the base. But now, armed with superior weapons, they stood on equal footing. Even without awakened abilities, they could hold their ground and fight effectively. Their confidence, long eroded, had been reignited, and a renewed determination surged through the ranks. "Hell yeah!" Kisha smirked, ramping up her attacks on the relentless wave of zombies. The wood-type evolved zombie, visibly enraged by the failure of its forces to gain any ground against Kisha and her people, roared in frustration. But the angrier it got, the more exhilarated Kisha felt. She grinned wickedly, her eyes blazing with determination. "Push them back even harder!" she commanded, her voice cutting through the chaos like a rallying cry, fueling the morale of her people. "Yes, City Lord!" a soldier responded crisply before launching an RPG into the heart of the dense zombie horde. The missile struck its target with precision, triggering a massive explosion that sent zombies flying in all directions. Three more soldiers quickly followed suit, firing their own missiles, creating a chain of deafening blasts. The reverberations shook the walls, and the shockwaves sent hot gusts of wind sweeping over Kisha and the others. Despite the devastating attacks, the horde barely seemed to thin down, it did so little to their number. Undeterred, the soldiers seamlessly transitioned to the next wave of attacks. While one group reloaded, the second team, already prepared, unleashed their missiles, ensuring there was no pause in the relentless bombardment. "Chop chop! Move it!" a soldier barked, glancing back at the team handling the RPGs. His voice carried urgency as he turned his focus back to the incoming wave of zombies within his line of sight. With practiced precision, he aimed his assault rifle, keeping it on single-fire mode to conserve ammunition. Each carefully placed shot found its mark, taking down one zombie at a time. For now, a single bullet was enough to do the job, and he wasn''t about to waste resources with reckless firing. The artisans were working tirelessly, pushing their limits as they upgraded the ammunition. With each task, their actions became more precise, their techniques more refined, and their foundations stronger. Unlike the offense and defense-type awakened ability users who relied on battles to solidify their foundations and gain experience before leveling up, artisan-type awakened ability users had a different path. They needed to craft as much as possible within their area of expertise to strengthen their foundation. Only then could they attempt to advance through meditation¡ªa slow process unless supplemented by the energy from zombie crystal cores, like what Kisha and the others do. This disaster, ironically, was also a blessing in disguise for all awakened ability users. Whether offense, defense, or support types, everyone would inevitably grow stronger from the relentless battles and challenges. For the blacksmith artisans, the constant crafting and upgrading of ammunition allowed them to steadily stabilize their foundations. If they kept this up, it wouldn''t be long before they, too, were ready to level up. The blacksmith artisans divided themselves into two groups to maximize efficiency. The first group focused on reinforcing the ammunition cartridges, while the second group worked on enhancing the gunpowder. Once the gunpowder was ready, it was handed back to the first group to reseal the cartridges. Meanwhile, the artisans skilled in food preparation teamed up with the cafeteria staff to produce easy-to-eat meals and snacks, ensuring the warriors and soldiers on the walls remained nourished and energized. These collective efforts from every corner of the base strengthened the defenders'' resolve. The warriors and soldiers standing on the walls felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing they weren''t fighting alone. The entire base was more united than ever, a unity so palpable that it stirred something within Kisha, amplifying her determination and fueling her spirit. More than anything, Kisha could feel her skill ''People''s Heart'' pulsating intensely. She didn''t understand what was happening, but the energy radiating from within her seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment. A mix of confusion and concern crept over her as she called out to 008. "008, what''s going on with this skill? Is it overheating or something?" Kisha asked, her voice laced with worry. She couldn''t afford for ''People''s Heart'' to malfunction¡ªnot now when she was relying on it so heavily. If something went wrong, she wouldn''t know how to manage without it. The western wall''s defense depended on her, and they were only six hours into the battle. With another grueling 18 hours ahead, Kisha knew her current stats wouldn''t sustain her without reinforcements or the extra boost provided by the skill. She desperately needed ''People''s Heart'' to hold out, or everything she worked for might collapse. "Um¡­ Host, I''m not sure either," 008 replied nervously, its uncertainty causing Kisha''s anxiety to spike. If even 008 didn''t know what was happening, then who would? A chill ran down her spine as fear gripped her¡ªthis was the last thing she needed right now. Her heart pounded erratically, the unease clawing at her mind. Yet, she forced herself to maintain a calm, composed expression, refusing to let anyone see the storm brewing inside her. She kept her focus on the battlefield, her attacks relentless as she struck down zombie after zombie. But deep down, the uncertainty gnawed at her. With no answers and no solutions in sight, all she could do was push forward and keep worrying silently while ensuring the defense of the wall didn''t falter. Meanwhile, trouble found its way to Duke and his team on the southern wall. A thick mist blanketed the entire area, and Duke immediately recognized the presence of an evolved zombie lurking somewhere in the shadows. The mist wasn''t just an inconvenience¡ªit was a deadly veil that obscured everything around them. Visibility was so poor that they couldn''t even see their own feet, let alone the direction of the next attack. It wasn''t the light, hazy kind of mist; it was dense and suffocating, more like the heavy smoke from a burning building. The oppressive atmosphere left everyone on edge. Though it wasn''t as deadly as the fog they had faced in the forest when he and Kisha battled the mutated tree, it was more than enough to blind them to the lurking dangers. The uncertainty gnawed at their nerves, making it clear that this fight would require every ounce of their focus and strategy to survive. "Vice City Lord, this isn''t good!" Clyde reported urgently, his tone laced with worry. "We''ve already requested another round of ammunition from the central command, but if this keeps up, we''re doomed. I heard the western wall was facing an endless surge of zombies, like waves crashing against the shore. They can''t be in good shape, but honestly, our situation isn''t much better!" Clyde, now acting as Duke''s vice commander on the battlefield, was no stranger to the front lines anymore. He had already proven himself, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the soldiers, fending off zombies and killing them with relentless effort. Everything had gone smoothly when Reeve had taken charge after him; their coordination and teamwork were solid, and they managed to hold their ground. But just three hours into the battle, a thick mist began to creep out from within the city. At first, they thought it might be another natural phenomenon, like the Geostorm that had ravaged the area just a few days ago. Yet, the unease settling over the battlefield made it clear that this mist was no ordinary occurrence¡ªand its origins were far more sinister. As time passed, an unsettling realization began to creep over them: something was deeply wrong with the mist. It wasn''t just obstructing their view¡ªit seemed to muffle the sounds of the zombies as well. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The eerie silence made it nearly impossible to anticipate the enemy''s movements, and more than once, a zombie suddenly appeared out of nowhere, catching them off guard. Fortunately, the sturdy wall still stood between them and the horde, offering a fragile sense of security. But for how long? The oppressive atmosphere and dwindling visibility were making everyone on the wall increasingly anxious. They couldn''t afford to attack blindly¡ªdoing so would not only waste precious ammunition but also drain their spiritual energy, resources that were far from limitless. "Stay focused and keep in line. Don''t get too distracted," Duke said firmly. Though his voice wasn''t loud, it carried effortlessly across the distance, cutting through the eerie silence. Perhaps it was because the usual cacophony of growling zombies had faded, replaced by the oppressive silence of the mist. Hearing his steady tone, the soldiers straightened, their nerves slightly eased. If Duke was there, they felt they could trust him to find a way through this chaotic mess. With renewed determination, they turned their focus back to the battlefield beyond the wall. But the view was grim¡ªnothing but dense, choking mist stretched out before them. It was as though the zombies had learned to cloak themselves within the fog, launching sudden, stealthy attacks that caught the soldiers off guard. More than once, a zombie appeared just feet away from the wall, its proximity shocking them as it emerged like a phantom from the haze. Chapter 606 - 606 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 16 The ongoing tension had everyone''s nerves stretched to the breaking point, their hearts pounding as if hanging by a fragile thread. It felt like a heart attack could strike at any moment with the constant, sudden appearances of zombies seemingly materializing out of nowhere. The stress was starting to mess with their heads, filling them with the unnerving paranoia that a zombie might pop up inches from their faces at any moment, ready to catch them off guard. Even Duke was struggling, as he was tasked with protecting the largest section of the southern wall using his area-of-effect attacks. Unlike Kisha''s side, however, the southern wall had yet to receive the upgraded ammunition from the artisans. Aston had deemed the western wall the most urgent priority, given its dire situation, but no one had anticipated that Duke''s side would face an entirely different type of threat. Yet, even if they had the upgraded ammunition, it would make little difference¡ªthey couldn''t fight what they couldn''t see. Suddenly, the ground began to tremble beneath their feet. A massive horde of zombies emerged on one side of the wall, catching everyone by surprise. Like the scene on Kisha''s side, the zombies began piling onto one another in an attempt to scale the wall. Their abrupt appearance threw the soldiers and warriors off guard, causing a crucial delay in their response¡ªjust enough for the tension to reach a breaking point. But that wasn''t the only problem. As the zombies suddenly flooded one side of the wall, the warriors and soldiers instinctively rushed to that area, leaving the other sides vulnerable. Moments later, another horde attacked a different section, making it clear that these assaults were coordinated. To make matters worse, the base of the wall was shrouded in a thick mist, completely obscuring the ground below. Panic began to spread among the defenders as they realized the zombies appeared to be operating with some level of intelligence. However, Duke knew better. These were no masterminds¡ªthe zombies were merely pawns under the control of an evolved zombie that was manipulating the mist. The real challenge was identifying the type of evolved zombie they were dealing with and understanding its full range of abilities. Aside from the mist, Duke had no concrete information to work with, making it nearly impossible to devise an effective strategy to counter the horde or the evolved zombie. "Clyde, go take care of the other side," Duke commanded, his voice cutting through the rising chaos. Everyone was in a state of panic, and he knew it was the gnawing anxiety and nervousness eating away at their composure. The thick mist that blanketed their surroundings hid the lurking threats from view, amplifying their fear. After all, what could be more terrifying than being surrounded by enemies you couldn''t see? Duke understood what they were feeling¡ªthe sudden appearance of zombies, coupled with the unsettling intelligence they displayed, was enough to push anyone to the brink. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But despite the oppressive tension, Duke''s presence served as a stabilizing force, keeping the group from completely falling apart. After Clyde moved to the other side, where the second horde of zombies was attempting to scale the wall, Duke turned his attention to the soldiers gathered on the opposite side. He ordered them to take out the tank of used oil. For a moment, the soldiers froze, confusion flickering across their faces as they struggled to grasp the meaning of his command. Then, realization dawned on them as they glanced down the wall, where zombies were climbing with alarming speed. Understanding Duke''s intention, they sprang into action, scrambling to gather the used oil that had been drained from the truck engines and other machinery. The oil, stored in unused tanks, had been set aside as part of their efforts to conserve and repurpose every resource they had. With supplies dwindling, nothing could be wasted¡ªeverything had to be reused or recycled as much as possible. Most of the awakened ability users were mentally and physically exhausted, still in the process of recovering their spiritual energy. The walls, therefore, had only a handful of fighters left standing, with Duke being the sole force holding everything together. Now that Duke had provided them with a clear strategy for dealing with the zombies, the soldiers'' nervous hearts began to settle, and they started working with renewed focus. Meanwhile, the remaining soldiers and warriors fought to keep the zombies from scaling the wall. On the other side, Clyde used his ''Gravity Manipulation'' to flatten the zombies to the ground. With the creatures piled on top of each other, he had little trouble handling them; his power covered the entire area, making the task feel almost effortless. A sense of satisfaction washed over him as he looked at Duke, seeking validation for the job well done. Duke wasn''t stingy with praise when it was warranted, and he certainly recognized Clyde''s strategic thinking. He watched as Clyde patiently waited for the zombies to pile on top of each other before unleashing his awakened ability. Clyde planned to use the highest gravity weight he could muster to flatten them, and given the situation, the amount of spiritual energy required would remain the same, with the radius of his attack unchanged. Since the zombies were already stacked together, there was no need for Clyde to overexert himself. It was a perfect example of working smarter, not harder¡ªa principle Duke appreciated. With a quiet chuckle and a nod of approval, Duke acknowledged Clyde''s approach, making Clyde feel more confident in his decision. With this tactic, they managed to keep the incoming zombies at bay. But then, another horde emerged from the mist and began scaling the wall, mirroring the actions of the first two. It was as if they were searching for an opening, hoping to breach the defenses and climb over. Just as the other warriors and soldiers were about to scatter to address the new threat, those who had gone to retrieve the used oil Duke had requested returned. Without waiting for further orders, they rushed to the edge of the wall and began pouring the oil over the zombies that had already made it halfway up. The thick black oil slowly cascaded over the zombies, covering most of them. Then, without hesitation, the fire-type awakened ability users ignited the zombies, and the soldiers with the oil tanks did the same to the remaining horde scaling the wall. With the battlefield already shrouded in thick mist, the addition of the smoke rising from the burning zombies barely made a difference to the visibility. The soldiers and warriors watched the zombies burn, even though the creatures couldn''t feel the pain, but still, their muscles stiffened gradually, and one by one, they collapsed, falling and rolling over each other. The pillar of zombies that had been scaling the wall had begun to crumble, giving the soldiers and warriors a renewed sense of confidence. They repeated this process time and again, allowing most of them to recover their stamina and spiritual energy. Even Duke took this opportunity to rest for a moment, feeling the pulsating ache in his head from overusing his awakened ability in an effort to hold the fort. Chapter 607 - 607 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 17 "Vice City Lord, the oil is nearly gone!" shouted the soldiers who had been pouring the used oil over the zombies. Despite this, the aftermath of their tactic was clear: the remaining pillars of zombies that had been scaling the wall were now engulfed in flames and crumbling to the ground. Then, from within the mist, an angry roar echoed, signaling the evolved zombie''s fury. While it was a sign of their success, it also meant that they had taken down a substantial number of zombies in the process. And Duke wasn''t in a rush to confront the evolved zombie. In fact, he''d just come to a realization: the evolved zombie, lurking within the mist, might only be using the mist as its ability, along with crowd control to manipulate the horde at will. If that was the case, then all Duke needed to do was pinpoint its location, which would make it easier to tip the battle in their favor. Once he dealt with this one issue, they could return to their original strategy without exhausting his soldiers and warriors by constantly battling zombies that appeared out of the mist. The zombies seemed to emerge at random, waiting for Duke''s forces to lower their guard before launching an attack. But if his people stayed alert, never letting their defenses slip, they risked wearing themselves down mentally. Duke continued to monitor and analyze the zombies'' movements and patterns. Just moments ago, when the evolved zombie let out a roar, Duke used the sound to try and pinpoint its location within the mist. That''s when it hit him¡ªthe zombie might not be as far away as they thought. It could be standing right in the middle of the mist, watching them from a distance. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They couldn''t see the evolved zombie, but perhaps it could see them. If that was the case, it would explain how the zombie was able to direct the horde, determining where and when to strike. Having finished his analysis, Duke instructed the soldiers and warriors to hold their positions and wait while resting. They had already dealt with the pillars of zombies that were still burning near the base of the wall, eliminating most of the threat. What Duke needed now was to confirm whether his suspicion was correct. "Wind-type awakened ability users, line up here!" he commanded, stepping aside to make room for them. As the warriors with wind-type awakened abilities lined up beside him, all eyes turned toward him in anticipation. Duke pointed in a specific direction, his voice steady. "Use your strongest whirlwind and cast it toward that area¡ªall at the same time." The warriors exchanged glances, taking deep breaths as they prepared. Then, with a shared understanding, they began to focus, conjuring the whirlwind, ready to execute the plan. As the whirlwind grew stronger, the wind users pushed it forward, directing it toward the specified area. The mist was sucked up and carried away by the powerful gusts, momentarily clearing the path. However, the mist would gradually return, slowly reclaiming the area. Then, Duke saw a lone figure emerge from the fog. Their eyes locked, and Duke couldn''t help but smile smugly, but before he could react further, the figure vanished back into the mist. The whirlwind began to dissipate, and the mist crept back into the cleared area, slowly engulfing it once more. As the evolved zombie''s shadowy figure slowly disappeared into the mist, the atmosphere shifted, signaling a moment of confrontation. In that instant, Duke took out the Kratos'' Spear and leaped down from the wall, his cloak swirling dramatically in the wind. The soldiers and warriors were left in stunned silence, fear and awe mixing in their expressions. Clyde, reaching out in a futile attempt to stop him, grasped only empty air¡ªjust inches from the fluttering tail of Duke''s cloak. As Duke hit the ground, he swung his spear in a wide arc, decapitating a burning zombie that had been charging at him, eager to sink its teeth into him. Without missing a beat, he sprinted into the mist. Zombies leaped from the fog, attempting to bite and tear at him, but Duke''s reflexes were lightning-quick. His spear seemed to move of its own accord, swinging in a natural, almost instinctive motion. One zombie wasn''t enough. Suddenly, a horde materialized out of nowhere, swarming toward him with bloodthirsty intent. But Duke didn''t falter. While running, he swung his spear overhead, spinning it like a helicopter blade before rolling it in his wrist, maintaining the circular motion. With fluid precision, he passed the spear to his other hand, clearing a path through the crowd. As he continued to charge forward, the spear spun relentlessly around him, cutting down zombies with unstoppable force. His movements were so fast, and the Kratos'' Spear rotated with such precision, that anyone witnessing it would find it hard to believe the weapon was as heavy as it was. Duke rotated the spear behind him, transferring it smoothly to his other hand through the back, ready to strike at the zombies closing in from behind. At the same time, he sliced through the ones approaching from his sides. With each motion, he left a trail of dismembered corpses in his wake. Then, within the mist, he spotted the familiar shadowy figure. Without hesitation, Duke propelled himself high into the air with a powerful leap, soaring more than two meters off the ground. As he rose, he rolled the spear in his wrist, positioning it with precision before gripping the end with his right hand and the middle with his left. With one swift motion, he thrust the spear downward at the zombie directly below him. The attack landed, but the evolved zombie, ever resourceful, used one of its minions as a shield, sacrificing the normal zombie to block the strike. Unable to evade in time, the evolved zombie took a step back, momentarily retreating, and the zombie it used as a shield received Duke''s attack just now. "Tsk!" Duke clicked his tongue in frustration, but he didn''t stop. With a heavy step forward, he activated the Spear''s ''Stab'' skill, and the piercing effect took hold, striking the evolved zombie in the shoulder as it continued to retreat. The zombie was trying to run, seeking the safety of the mist and summoning the horde for reinforcements. But Duke wasn''t about to let it escape so easily. He took another powerful step forward, his foot sinking into the pavement, leaving an imprint as though the ground were soft clay. With his spear raised, he thrust it again, but just as he did, a wave of zombies surged forward, forming a wall to shield the evolved zombie. Duke''s attack slammed into them, allowing the evolved zombie to pull further away. Despite the setback, Duke''s gaze never left the evolved zombie. His resolve was unwavering¡ªthis time, he wouldn''t let it run away. Even as a wave of zombies lunged at him, Duke didn''t break his stride. He used his spear to clear them away, the weapon''s sharpness effortlessly slicing through their ranks as if they were mere obstacles. His focus remained solely on the evolved zombie, even as he pushed deeper into the enemy''s territory. Despite the growing chaos around him, Duke remained calm¡ªunshaken. It was the evolved zombie that seemed to be losing its composure. Roaring in frustration, it used the normal zombies as fodder to buy itself time, retreating further into the mist. This only confirmed Duke''s suspicion: the evolved zombie didn''t possess any special abilities of its own, relying solely on the mist to hide and control the horde. Chapter 608 - 608 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 18 Luckily, after Duke vaulted over the wall, Clyde quickly took charge of the group above, allowing Duke to focus on the front lines without worry. Clyde understood the gravity of the situation. He knew that they had to deal with the evolved zombie swiftly, or else the longer it remained on the battlefield, the harder it would be for his team to maintain their resolve. The constant fear and anxiety would slowly erode their morale, even if they didn''t crumble under the physical onslaught of the zombies. The longer the battle raged, the more mental strain they would endure, leaving them vulnerable in ways that the enemy could exploit. Despite knowing the dangers of going down alone, Duke understood it was the best course of action, and he was the only one capable of carrying it out. Determined, he fought his way through the relentless zombie wave, closing in on the evolved zombie. His movements were unyielding, and his presence exuded a menacing aura that seemed to seep into the very core of his enemies. Even the evolved zombie, despite its heightened abilities, began to feel the weight of fear under the pressure of Duke''s unwavering killing intent. Duke''s swift movements and powerful strides brought him directly in front of the evolved zombie, leaving it momentarily stunned. The path he''d carved through the zombie horde seemed effortless, the creatures falling aside as though they were nothing more than obstacles. Realizing it had nowhere to run, the evolved zombie surged deeper into the horde, trying to escape, but the impact of Duke''s presence was undeniable. As it retreated, the entire zombie wave coming to the wall halted, redirecting its focus to Duke. The evolved zombie, now feeling its safety threatened, continued to use the normal zombies as a shield, desperately searching for somewhere to hide. It knew it couldn''t blend into the horde¡ªit stood out too much. No matter where it tried to go, Duke would always be on its trail. Of course, Duke was able to track the evolved zombie without difficulty. Just moments before it had attempted to flee, he had managed to surreptitiously place a retroreflective sticker on its back, a small, nearly undetectable move. With a flick of his finger, the sticker was sent to the evolved zombie''s back, allowing him to see its glowing reflection whenever it merged into the horde. Now, as the evolved zombie ran, Duke simply followed the gleaming trail it left behind. Standing face to face with the evolved zombie once again, Duke wasted no time. He unleashed his ''Ice Storm,'' ensnaring the evolved zombie''s feet and the surrounding area within a three-meter radius of ice. As it struggled to move, Duke seized the opportunity, launching his spear with deadly precision. The spear connected with the evolved zombie, its piercing effect taking hold and the stab skill ensuring the attack was as devastating as possible. With a single strike, Duke obliterated the evolved zombie, its monstrous form collapsing in an instant. As the horde around him began to scatter and be all over the place, the zombies on the street surged toward him in a chaotic wave, attempting to overwhelm him. But Duke''s quick reflexes made him a difficult target. Without missing a beat, he rushed forward, grabbing both his spear and the evolved zombie''s crystal core. In one fluid motion, he dashed back toward the wall, ensuring the core was safely in his possession. Duke kept the crystal core close, wary of the other zombies that might target it, as he had witnessed before with the other evolved zombie eating other evolved zombie''s crystal core to further their evolution. As the evolved zombie fell, the mist that had enveloped the street began to dissipate, gradually fading away. As Duke sprinted back, he conjured ''Fire Meteor'' and ''Lightning Strike,'' using the powerful blasts to clear his path through the horde. Simultaneously, his ''Ice Storm'' froze the zombies closest to him, trapping their feet in place and halting their advance. Despite his quick movements and relentless attacks, he could feel his spiritual energy draining rapidly. In response, he fished out a vial of black liquid, quickly downing it to replenish his energy and continue unleashing his elemental powers. With the zombies immobilized by his Ice Storm, his other attacks cut through them with ease, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. He carefully placed the evolved zombie''s crystal core into his Space Ring, making sure not to lose it during his frantic retreat. Meanwhile, his spear was in constant motion, swinging to carve a path as he moved forward. Because the evolved zombie had ventured deep into enemy territory, Duke was still a little too far from the safety of the wall, the pressure mounting as more zombies closed in. The soldiers and warriors couldn''t afford to attack blindly, wary of accidentally striking Duke in the chaos. Through the thick mist, they could only catch glimpses of his elemental attacks flashing in the distance. Tension hung in the air as they held their breath, eyes fixed on the swirling fog, waiting for Duke to emerge. Every second felt like an eternity as they stood poised, ready to act the moment Duke reappeared. Slowly, the mist began to dissipate, revealing the battlefield little by little, allowing the warriors to finally make out the lay of the land. The anticipation grew as they braced themselves for the next move. "I-I see the Vice City Lord!" Clyde shouted, pointing toward a specific direction. The soldiers and warriors, filled with excitement, quickly followed his fingers, their eyes narrowing in on the shadowy figure emerging from the mist. As the figure grew clearer with each passing moment, flashes of elemental attack lit up the area behind it, confirming that it was indeed Duke. The unmistakable silhouette of his long spear soon followed, and the soldiers knew exactly where he was. To prevent the zombies from focusing solely on Duke, some of the soldiers began tossing grenades across the battlefield, creating chaos among the horde. The explosions rattled the undead, ensuring they wouldn''t be so easily drawn to Duke alone. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moments later, Duke emerged from the mist, and the soldiers and warriors collectively exhaled in relief. They watched as he leaped toward the wall with impressive strength, his legs propelling him high into the air. However, despite the height of his jump, it wasn''t quite enough to reach the top. Without missing a beat, ice spikes materialized midair, providing Duke with a makeshift stepping stone. With a swift push, he used them to propel himself the rest of the way, reaching the top of the wall. As soon as Duke reached the top of the wall, a wave of relief washed over everyone, and they let out a collective sigh. Meanwhile, Duke slumped, too exhausted to move, his head pounding from the strain. It was clear to everyone that their Vice City Lord had pushed himself beyond his limits to deal with the evolved zombie. Reeve, noticing his condition, immediately stepped in to help, guiding Duke toward a tent for some much-needed rest. "No," Duke muttered, his voice weak. "Take me to the western wall. I''ll rest better and recover faster there." Despite barely being able to stand, Duke''s determination still shone through. Reeve quickly radioed for a golf cart to be brought to the site, ready to take Duke to the western wall as he requested. Chapter 609 - 609 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 19 As soon as the golf cart arrived, Reeve gently helped Duke into a sitting position. Duke''s eyes were closed, his breathing shallow, but despite his exhaustion, he still clutched his spear tightly in his hand¡ªalready asleep. After carefully settling him into the cart and making sure he''d be taken to the western wall, Reeve nodded at the driver. "Take good care of the Vice City Lord," Reeve instructed, his voice firm but full of concern. "Make sure he gets the rest he needs." Reeve watched as the golf cart carrying Duke slowly disappeared into the distance before climbing back onto the wall. Clyde had taken over Duke''s position, now commanding the rest of the team. Reeve stood beside him, and as their combined presence resonated, their ''Talent'' and ''Gift'' activated, creating a group synergy that enhanced everyone''s strength. The moment this energy surged through the team, a profound shift took place. The lingering feelings of vulnerability were replaced by a renewed sense of power. No one could quite explain why this happened¡ªperhaps it was the slowly dissipating mist that revealed the horde''s movements, or maybe it was Duke''s actions that had ignited their fighting spirit. Regardless of the reason, they felt a surge of resolve. With Duke temporarily out, they knew they had to hold the line¡ªstronger than ever. On the northern wall, the defenders also felt the intensifying pressure from the zombie horde. However, thanks to the ice-type evolved zombie, they were still able to keep the numbers manageable. Vulture had been replaced by a new earth-type awakened ability user, who was quick on his feet, and who now took charge. He expertly maneuvered and led the the ice-type evolved zombie, guiding it to roll through the battlefield, and directing it to kill its own kind without the creature even realizing it. Thanks to Vulture''s strategy, the team didn''t need to expend much ammunition or spiritual energy to fend off the incoming horde. Their primary task was simply rotating the role of leading the ice-type evolved zombie on the battlefield to roll around in its big ball shape and squash its own kind, allowing them to continuously thin out the zombie ranks. The warriors and soldiers only had to handle the few zombies that managed to get close to the wall, ensuring no undead could breach their defenses. Vulture''s plan had made the task remarkably easier. However, while Vulture could hold his position for extended periods, the other earth-type awakened ability users could only last a few minutes in the field. The ice-type evolved zombie was relentless, and its constant attacks froze parts of their bodies, making it tough to keep up. Fortunately, under Vulture''s guidance, everyone wore earth armor, which helped mitigate the freezing effects. "I didn''t know you were this smart," Bald Eagle teased, elbowing Vulture in the side, causing Vulture to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "Do you think I''m an idiot?" Vulture shot back, a hint of mock offense in his tone. Bald Eagle quickly avoided his gaze, almost confirming that, yes, he did think Vulture was a bit of an idiot. Vulture froze, momentarily taken aback by Bald Eagle''s reaction. He wanted to retaliate but held back, rolling his eyes instead and turning his attention back to the battlefield. As he focused on recharging his spiritual energy and resting, the soldiers and warriors around them silently cheered on the earth-type awakened ability user, who was skillfully dodging the ice-type evolved zombie''s attacks. He couldn''t afford to be distracted¡ªone mistake, and he''d either be crushed or frozen solid. On the eastern side of the wall, Evelyn had now stepped into the fray. Just like Vulture, she couldn''t control metal from a distance, so she leaped outside the wall to fight the zombie horde head-on. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But with her unmatched defense, the zombies couldn''t even make a scratch on her. Every punch she landed was enough to obliterate a zombie instantly. She was also able to reshape her hands into sharp blades, and with each swing, multiple zombies fell to the ground, decapitated. Her seamless combat style made it clear she was more than a match for the oncoming wave. Rose let out a low whistle as she watched Evelyn effortlessly take down zombie after zombie. Despite the relentless horde flocking to her, none of the zombies could even scratch Evelyn''s metallic skin. Instead, they met their end with each strike. They were like moths drawn to a flame, continuously rushing toward her. Evelyn didn''t need to venture far to deal with them; the zombies came to her, allowing her to conserve her stamina. She only needed to move just enough to avoid being buried under the carcasses of the zombies she killed. With Evelyn positioned below, the zombies were drawn to her, though a few still attempted to scale the wall. However, the warriors and soldiers on top had no trouble handling this smaller group. The majority of the horde focused on Evelyn, but she wasn''t concerned about being surrounded. Her metal defenses made her nearly invulnerable, and the zombies were powerless against her. Even when the two women leading the eastern wall faced an evolved zombie, their flawless coordination and abilities allowed them to defeat it. Afterward, Evelyn made her way across the battlefield to retrieve the evolved zombie''s crystal core, ensuring it wouldn''t fall into the hands of the other zombies. The evolved zombie''s body was riddled with Rose''s ''Ice Crystal Needles,'' making it easy for Evelyn to spot the evolved zombie''s carcass and take out its crystal core. Once she retrieved it, she returned to the wall, and they quickly dispatched someone to the western wall to deliver the core to their city lord. Unlike the other three walls, Kisha had yet to kill the evolved zombie on her side. It stubbornly lingered at the back of the horde, continuing to send waves of zombies toward the wall. Kisha hesitated for a moment as she felt the subtle shift in her ''People''s Heart'' skill. She realized that if she experienced a sudden backlash and her people''s faith in her wavered, she might suffer a draining effect, with her spiritual energy and mana continuously siphoned from her. After weighing the risks, she decided to confront the evolved zombie head-on. Using her telekinesis, she floated off the wall, lifting the abandoned vehicles with her as she hit the zombies back being thrown in her direction. As Kisha floated off the wall, the warriors and soldiers exchanged knowing glances and quickly understood her intentions. They redoubled their efforts, working even harder to repel the zombies attempting to scale the wall. Those who had been resting also joined in, aware that without Kisha, they needed to support the defense. Despite their increased efforts, their eyes remained on the battlefield, where Kisha now floated in midair. The evolved zombie, which had been relentlessly throwing zombies toward the wall, paused in its tracks and locked eyes with Kisha. Enraged, it let out a furious roar and hurled the zombie it was holding straight at her. But Kisha wasn''t to be outdone. With a swift motion, she launched the vehicles she was carrying at the evolved zombie with incredible force and speed. Chapter 610 - 610 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 20 Now that Kisha was in the middle of the battlefield and closer to the evolved zombie, the distance between them wasn''t far enough for it to react in time. The evolved zombie had no chance to evade as the vehicles Kisha hurled slammed into it with tremendous force, burying it under the wreckage. ''That was fast,'' Kisha thought to herself, a hint of regret creeping into her mind. ''If only I had acted sooner, I wouldn''t have had to endure so much, would I?'' She chastised herself silently, feeling the sting of self-reproach. Her tendency to overthink and overanalyze had made her overly cautious, causing her to hesitate instead of stepping forward right away. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead, she had wasted time trying to bait the evolved zombie into coming closer on its own. The evolved zombie lay buried beneath the vehicles, with no sign of movement. Kisha cautiously descended, lowering herself closer to the scene while casting more ''Rainbow Cubes'' around her for protection. Her dagger wove through the surrounding horde with precision, clearing her path. As she approached and prepared to lift the vehicles off the evolved zombie, a sudden surge of force erupted. The zombie''s vine-like tentacles burst forth, hurling the vehicles aside with such power that one nearly struck Kisha midair. She quickly steadied herself and saw that the evolved zombie had encased itself within a dense sphere of intertwining vines, creating an impenetrable shield to block her attacks. A bright smile spread across Kisha''s face as a brilliant idea struck her. ''Let''s see whose ability is stronger¡ªyour vines or my Rainbow Cube.'' With the evolved zombie well within her range, casting her skill was effortless. Without hesitation, she activated the ''Rainbow Cube,'' instantly trapping the creature inside. The wood-type evolved zombie recoiled in shock. As it retracted its vines, it realized too late that something was confining it. Panic set in as it thrashed violently, lashing its vines against the cube''s walls, trying to break free. It even attempted to pierce through with sharpened tendrils, but no matter how hard it struck, the cube remained unscathed. A furious roar echoed from within. And now that Kisha was close enough, she could finally see its status window. ... [Zombie (Common Grade) "Buffed By the Event"] Level 5 (Exp: 0/20,000) Morality: Corrupted Strength: 520 Stamina: Null Defense: 540 Agility: 540 Mental Capacity: Null Charm: Null Leadership: 530 Skills: None Ability: Wood Description: A human infected by an ancient virus loses their brain function and rationality, leaving only their primal instincts. This transforms them into a relentless, ravenous beast driven by an insatiable hunger. ... Kisha''s breath hitched as she processed the information before her¡ªa Level 5 evolved zombie with stats exceeding five hundred. No wonder it looked so powerful and could command such a massive horde. Yet, despite its overwhelming strength¡ªenough to bring down the western wall¡ªit kept its distance. It must have sensed her power and was playing it safe. Fortunately, her strength had been amplified tenfold. If this monster had appeared on another side of the wall¡­ she didn''t even want to imagine the devastation that would have brought there. Kisha let out a shaky breath, her gaze locked onto the evolved zombie. Despite its immense strength, it couldn''t break free from the cube, proving that her Rainbow Cube was capable of trapping almost anything. However, as the zombie thrashed violently inside, she could feel the rapid drain on her mana. Maintaining the cube required an overwhelming amount of energy¡ªan undeniable drawback to its incredible power. The ''Rainbow Cube'' consumed mana at an alarming rate, draining it like water to sustain itself. Fortunately, Kisha possessed an immense, almost limitless supply, but even so, she knew she had to deal with this evolved zombie quickly. If anything happened to her, no one else would be able to handle this threat. With that in mind, she ascended higher into the sky, pulling the trapped zombie along while continuing to thin the horde below. This time, the assault on the wall ceased as the zombies shifted their focus entirely to her, swarming beneath in a relentless tide. Forced to rise even higher, she watched as her Rainbow Cube slowly shrank. The evolved zombie inside was resisting with all its strength, struggling to keep itself from being crushed. This was why Kisha couldn''t crush the evolved zombie instantly as she had with the others. Unlike regular zombies, it had enough strength to resist¡ªbut not for long. With her superior stats, she could still overpower it, steadily shrinking the Rainbow Cube around it. Desperation set in as the trapped evolved zombie let out frantic calls to its minions. Below, the horde responded, climbing over one another in a relentless attempt to reach her, forming a writhing mass like ants building a bridge. The cube continued to shrink steadily, and even through the deafening roars and growls of the horde below, Kisha could hear the sickening snap of bones. A slow smile curved her lips as she locked eyes with the evolved zombie, which glared at her menacingly while straining against the cube, trying to resist being crushed. Desperation flickered in its gaze as it wrapped itself in vines, as if that feeble defense could save it. Kisha let out a sharp, mocking laugh at its futile attempt. But then, her expression shifted¡ªher eyes turning cold and ruthless. In an instant, the Rainbow Cube shrunk out of existence, vanishing from sight. All that remained was a pool of black blood and an unrecognizable mass of crushed flesh and tangled vines. Kisha activated her telekinesis, carefully sifting through the mangled flesh in search of the crystal core. The moment she located it, she glanced toward the western wall, where soldiers and warriors stood frozen in awe. Then, a triumphant cheer erupted¡ªarms shot into the air, some embracing one another in sheer relief. They could hardly believe it. The monster that had terrorized them for quite a while was gone¡ªjust like that. Below, the remaining zombies halted, momentarily in a daze. The towering pillar of the zombies collapsed in a heap as confusion rippled through their ranks. But the pause was brief. Within moments, they resumed their assault¡ªonly this time, it was the same disorganized frenzy they were used to. Kisha used her telekinesis to pull the crystal core toward her. As it landed in her palm, she stared at the perfectly shaped, dark green crystal core, its surface smooth and unblemished. A powerful energy pulsed from within, radiating in steady waves, rich and unused power. ... [Zombie Core] Level: 5 Attribute: Wood Spirit: 230 Description: A dark forest green-colored zombie core that has recently formed and strengthened, containing only a decent amount of energy. ... After a brief inspection, she stored the crystal core in her inventory and began making her way back. As she moved, she left a trail of mangled zombie carcasses in her wake, never once ceasing her assault. Without an evolved zombie to summon reinforcements, the horde''s numbers were finally dwindling. The difference was unmistakable¡ªwhere once an endless tide of undead surged, now only scattered limbs and pools of black blood remained, staining the ground and the abandoned cars outside the wall. This sight fueled the soldiers and warriors on the wall, reigniting their resolve. Energized, they pushed themselves harder, their determination renewed to continue the fight. Chapter 611 - 611 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 21 Another two hours or so passed, bringing them to nearly eight hours into the "Beginning of the End" battle. The strain was becoming unbearable. Though they could rest in brief moments when exhaustion set in, the relentless toll on their bodies and minds only grew. Fatigue weighed heavily on their muscles, and their spirits were battered, each soldier and warrior feeling the mental and physical toll of the prolonged fight. Yet, despite it all, they found the strength to push forward¡ªmotivated by the love they had for their families and the hope of a future together. The human body, however, has its limits. One by one, soldiers and warriors began to collapse, convulsing before passing out, leaving the medics scrambling to keep up. Even Duke, who had been sent to the western wall to rest and recover, had recharged quickly. Yet, driven by his eagerness to return to the fight and his concern for the two teenagers holding the line, he couldn''t stay away. He rejoined the frontlines, only to collapse once more. This time, he convulsed and passed out, and the sight of him falling made Kisha''s worry intensify. Unable to focus solely on her own side, she too pushed herself too hard, ultimately finding herself on the brink of collapse, just like Duke. Chaos quickly spread through their ranks. With both the western and southern walls losing their pillars of leadership, soldiers, and warriors grew increasingly nervous. The absence of Duke and Kisha fueled their fear¡ªhow could they hold the line without them? One mistake after another followed, and slowly, despite the lack of a commanding leader, the zombies began to advance. They neared the wall once more, scaling it with increasing determination. As the pressure mounted, the warriors and soldiers buckled under the stress. The zombies, relentless and uncaring, climbed over their fallen comrades, turning lifeless bodies into mere stepping stones as they steadily reached the halfway point of the wall. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! What do we do now? The City Lord''s down!" one of the soldiers shouted, panic in his voice as he hurled a grenade over the wall. "What else can we do but fight?!" another soldier snapped back, his voice tinged with frustration. "Our City Lord has been on the frontlines with us for over seven hours straight. It''s no surprise she''s fallen ill! It''s because we''re not strong enough that we''re dragging her down!" "I heard the Vice City Lord''s down too!" someone else cried out, his voice breaking with worry. "We have to hold the line until they return! Push forward!" another shouted, rallying the troops. "Shit! I can''t die here!" someone else yelled, fear creeping into their words as the pressure mounted. As the warriors and soldiers bickered on the wall, caught between their fight and mounting fear, the medics worked tirelessly to tend to those who had collapsed¡ªKisha and Duke among them. Both were taken to separate tents, where Eric Gilberts personally oversaw their care. After thorough examination, he found no physical injuries beyond the signs of extreme exhaustion and stress. It was as if their bodies had simply shut down, like an overworked machine that had overheated and could no longer function. At the fifteen-hour mark, the soldiers and warriors on the wall were completely drained, like withered trees desperately holding their ground against a relentless storm. The winds and rain had battered them for so long that they were on the verge of breaking, and inevitably, they did. The defenses on both the western and southern walls began to crumble. Kisha hadn''t anticipated this. She hadn''t fallen because of exhaustion¡ªshe still felt relatively fine. If she had even felt the slightest hint of fatigue during the more than seven hours of nonstop fighting, she would have allowed herself a brief rest. After all, having already dealt with the evolved zombie, she knew that taking a moment to recover wouldn''t endanger the western wall. But now, the situation had shifted beyond her control. As Kisha continued to fight, her body suddenly gave out. Without warning, her vision blurred to black, and before she could react, she collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud. Those around her saw her fall and immediately went into a panic, rushing her to the medic. At the same moment, Duke fell in the same way. When both were brought to the medic''s tent, the sight of the City Lord and Vice City Lord unconscious sent a wave of shock through those who had carried them. The realization that both leaders were down only deepened their anxiety, amplifying the fear that gripped the camp. Several hours had passed, yet neither Kisha nor Duke had woken up. The pressure mounted on those still fighting on the battlefield. Vulture and Rose had managed to send reinforcements from their teams, as they were holding up relatively well in their sectors. However, it still wasn''t enough. Both the western and southern walls were falling, and despite their best efforts, they couldn''t stop the inevitable. Just as everyone thought this might be their end, as the zombie horde began to breach the western and southern walls, a strange buzzing sound echoed through the sky. Buzz... Buzzz. Before the warriors and soldiers could make sense of what was happening, the ground was once again covered with mangled zombie limbs. They couldn''t comprehend what was unfolding around them; all they saw were zombies falling, one after another, in a chaotic, gruesome display. The air was filled with the sound of bodies being sliced apart, but the source of the attack remained a mystery¡ªno one could see who or what was cutting through the horde. The scene quickly turned into a macabre spectacle, a blur of dismembered corpses. The remaining soldiers and warriors, chilled with the certainty that they were about to be overwhelmed by the zombie horde without their leaders, stood frozen atop the wall. They watched in disbelief as the scene below unfolded, desperately trying to identify who¡ªor what¡ªwas cutting down the zombies. It wasn''t just happening in one spot; it was as if an invisible net was systematically sweeping through the horde, silently eliminating them. The attack moved deeper into enemy territory, beyond the wall, leaving a trail of fallen zombies in its wake. "W-What''s going on?!" one of the soldiers exclaimed, his voice trembling with confusion. "I don''t know... but... I think we might be saved!" another replied, a hint of hope creeping into his tone. "It''s the City Lord!" one of the warriors murmured in disbelief, repeating the words, "I think it''s the City Lord!" "How can you be sure?" someone else asked, and they all turned to look behind them, expecting to see Kisha''s return. But there was no sign of her. Even the warrior who had first suggested it fell silent, realizing how implausible it seemed. "But... only the City Lord could do something like this," one soldier ventured, his voice filled with awe. "Do you think she''s still protecting us, even while she''s unconscious?" He slowly rose from the ground, peering over the wall to glimpse the ongoing chaos below. "I think you''re right," another soldier muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "Only the City Lord has this kind of power. She was still protecting us... worried about us, because we''re so damn weak." He croaked, wiping at his eyes as they blurred with tears. They had thought it was their end, but this unexpected turn of events had shattered that despair. Chapter 612 - 612 The Beginning Of The Ends Battle 22 "Damn," another soldier chuckled softly, though his voice was strained. "Even when the City Lord''s out cold, she can''t rest without worrying about us. What a handful we are." The joke was weak, but it only made them cry harder. Relief, gratitude, and fear swirled within them, overwhelming their senses. Their knees gave way, and they dropped to the ground, unable to process how Kisha was even doing all this while she was unconscious. For a moment, they truly believed they were dying¡ªbut somehow, they had been given a second chance. What they didn''t know was that the Scarlet Bees, led by Bell, had been on standby all along, ready to step in when things got critical. In this case, with Kisha down and the soldiers cornered, they had little hope left. Even though the horde of zombies no longer had a commanding force behind them, the sheer number of zombies still surrounding the walls was staggering. Without Kisha, their primary attacker who had been cutting through zombie after zombie, their own efforts felt weak and ineffective in comparison. After hours of exhausting battle, one by one, the soldiers and warriors were succumbing to fatigue. That''s when Bell''s arrival on the battlefield proved to be a game-changer, providing much-needed relief. Her presence allowed the soldiers a moment to breathe, regain their composure, and adjust their strategies, offering them a brief reprieve from the mounting pressure. While Bell was busy managing the zombie horde outside the walls, Eric Gilberts focused his attention on assessing Kisha and Duke''s condition. Both appeared to be in a deep, unresponsive sleep, which made him uneasy. The stillness of their state left him with a nagging sense of concern, wondering if they were truly just resting or if something more was happening to their body. "Have the City Lord and Vice City Lord woken up yet?" Aston asked as he arrived, his face etched with concern. Having heard what happened, he had come to check on them, sharing the same worries as the soldiers and warriors defending the western and southern walls. Unlike the western wall, which was struggling, the southern wall was faring much better. Clyde and Reeve had stepped in to cover Duke''s role, keeping the defenses stable. Meanwhile, Kisha had been fighting alone in her section, relying on Bell to take over when the situation demanded it. Fortunately, Kisha had made some preparations in advance, preventing the worst from happening. Since the battle had raged on for more than half a day, the cafeteria had already begun delivering meals to the soldiers and warriors. Even those too preoccupied to stop and eat were forced to take a break by the food runners, who understood that proper nutrition was just as vital as stamina boosters and vials of black liquid. No matter how fierce the fighting, their bodies still needed real sustenance. Even the frontline fighters had no choice but to shove food into their mouths between attacks¡ªone hand gripping a meal while the other continued firing using their weapons or conjuring an elemental strike. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, after fighting for an extended period, exhaustion was beginning to take its toll. Many were growing weary, even on Vulture and Rose''s side, despite the rotation of manpower. The news about Kisha and Duke only heightened their concerns, adding to the mounting pressure on the battlefield. By the seventeen-hour mark, even the Scarlet Bees were reaching their limits. Bell had no choice but to order them to stand down and rest¡ªany further, and they would collapse from sheer exhaustion and die. This meant the soldiers and warriors had to take charge once again. Fortunately, the Scarlet Bees had bought them a crucial two-hour window to recover, allowing them to fight more effectively. However, Kisha and Duke had yet to wake up. Knowing that their leaders had pushed themselves to the brink, the soldiers and warriors felt a deep sense of duty to fight even harder. Some warriors were already bleeding from their noses and ears, their heads pounding as if they were about to split open. Despite this, they stubbornly refused to back down, determined to hold the line until Kisha and Duke woke up. The soldiers had to force some of them to step back and rest, but the warriors resisted, their resolve unshaken. To them, enduring this battle a little longer was their way of repaying their leaders'' sacrifices¡ªto buy Kisha and Duke the time they needed. After all, they just had to hold on for a few more hours. But the soldiers weren''t having it. "You want to push yourselves to the brink? Are you trying to explode your energy core and give our City Lord even more problems? Get a grip and take a rest!" one soldier barked, his voice sharp and commanding. Without hesitation, the soldiers dragged the warriors back to the tents to recover. Thankfully, the batch of the newly upgraded ammunition had arrived, which gave the soldiers a small sense of relief¡ªthey were no longer fighting with inadequate resources. However, even with reinforcements from other teams stationed at different walls, their numbers were still dwindling rapidly. The warriors were dropping one after another, succumbing to the backlash of overusing their awakened abilities. Blood poured from their noses and ears, and in the most severe cases, blood wept from their eyes. It was a dire sight, and no matter how many reinforcements arrived, the strain on their forces was unbearable. Fortunately, they had all been warned by their City Lord about the dangerous symptoms that came from overusing their awakened abilities¡ªsymptoms that could lead to death or irreversible damage. The soldiers knew they had no choice but to intervene and prevent their comrades from self-destructing. It was clear that this wasn''t the kind of sacrifice Kisha would ever want to hear about. After all, awakened ability users were invaluable, and Kisha would never want one of her warriors to perish needlessly. Their lives were too precious to be squandered like that. Now, the soldiers were mostly the only ones left holding the line on the walls, struggling to fend off the relentless zombie horde. Their situation had grown increasingly dire. The zombies were piling up faster than before, overwhelming them, as the firearms and grenades they had weren''t nearly enough to push back the wave. Each shot and explosion seemed less effective, and the pressure was mounting with every passing moment. They were clearly at a disadvantage, fighting a losing battle against the sheer numbers of the undead. "Fuck! This isn''t cutting it anymore! We need more firepower!" one soldier shouted, desperation creeping into his voice as he launched another RPG. But even their supply of RPG missiles was dwindling fast, and their stockpile of grenades was nearly exhausted. The soldiers could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on them, and anxiety spread quickly through their ranks. There was no armory here, no backup supply of weapons or ammunition. What they had was all they could rely on, and once it was gone, they''d be defenseless. The sight below the wall only fueled their growing panic. The zombies were piling up faster than ever, their numbers overwhelming. The spikes that had once formed the first line of defense were now buried beneath a sea of rotting corpses, rendering them useless. The undead had trampled and piled on top of one another, creating an ever-expanding mass of death. Chapter 613 - 613 Is This Really The End? All the soldiers could do now was watch in horror as the seemingly endless tide of zombies pressed closer, inching their way up the base of the wall, and the threat of running out of ammunition loomed larger than ever. They were backed into a corner, the situation growing direr by the minute. Their warriors were down, the ammunition supplies nearly depleted, and Kisha and Duke were still unconscious, leaving the remaining soldiers with little hope. As reality set in, even the logistics team, usually focused on supplies, started to panic. Fear spread through the base like wildfire, igniting unrest among everyone as they realized they were inching closer to the point of no return. Despite all their efforts, they couldn''t shake the feeling that they would eventually fall to the overwhelming tide of zombies. Then, the twenty-hour mark came, and it was worse than anyone had imagined. The soldiers had exhausted every last round of ammunition, and even the artisans¡ªwho were capable of crafting on the fly¡ªhad run out of the necessary materials to create more. Without enough gunpowder or other essential components, they were powerless. Their last option, primitive weapons like makeshift bows and arrows, were no match for the relentless horde of zombies as they couldn''t even make a dent in the zombies anymore. Even the artisans, typically resourceful and inventive, felt helpless in the face of such overwhelming odds. It was a grim reality: they were running out of time, and nothing they had could stop the inevitable. Everyone was running out of ideas, growing increasingly desperate, and Kisha and Duke''s prolonged unconsciousness only added to the mounting tension. Eric Gilberts, despite his medical expertise, couldn''t make sense of their condition. Unlike the others who had overexerted their awakened abilities and slipped into comas as a result, Kisha and Duke exhibited no obvious symptoms of that kind. There were no signs of the usual physical backlash that accompanied the excessive use of their powers. Eric was stumped. The virus that had altered the bodies of awakened ability users hadn''t been thoroughly studied, and with limited knowledge of how the transformation affected their physiology, he was left grasping at straws. With no clear diagnosis, Eric could only monitor their vitals and keep them hooked up to IV fluids, though he couldn''t even be sure if it would help. The uncertainty weighed heavily on him, knowing that every passing hour without an answer brought them all closer to the brink of failure. Using the syringe on Kisha and Duke was proving to be an incredibly difficult task for Eric Gilberts. Time and again, he had wasted dozens of syringes, the needles bending uselessly as they made contact with their skin. It was as if their bodies had transformed into something far tougher, like elephant hide¡ªresistant and unyielding. His frustration mounted with each failed attempt. After a considerable amount of time and an increasing pile of broken syringes, Eric had a breakthrough. He realized that his spiritual energy could be the key. Gently, he focused his energy around the tip of the syringe, enveloping the needle in a layer of spiritual energy to add a little more strength and toughness to the needle. With this added force, he carefully inserted the needle into Kisha and Duke''s skin. The enhanced toughness of the syringe allowed it to pierce through, a small victory in the face of mounting challenges. The word quickly spread throughout the base that the western wall was in critical condition, and the situation at the southern wall wasn''t any better. The warriors there had fallen unconscious, much like Kisha and Duke, and with ammunition and military supplies completely depleted, the soldiers found themselves in a dire situation. It was as if they were nothing more than sitting ducks, waiting to be slaughtered by the relentless tide of zombies just outside the walls. The zombies were now climbing the walls, and the soldiers on duty could hear the deafening, relentless banging against the gates¡ªa sound that reverberated like a death knell. Each thud echoed in their ears, reminding them that the gates might give way at any moment. As the soldiers stood on the walls, cold and anxious, the grim reality set in: the end might be drawing near. The gates could fall, and with it, the inevitable wave of death would soon follow. Some of the soldiers who had been the pillars of strength, keeping everyone''s morale up while they waited for Kisha and Duke''s return, now slumped to the ground in defeat. They, too, had run out of options. With no weapons left and no way to fight back, they were helpless. Even if they chose to throw themselves into the midst of the zombie horde, to act as bait or to make a final stand, without awakened abilities, they knew their efforts would be futile. They wouldn''t even have a chance to make it through the first wave. In the end, they would be shredded to pieces, their sacrifice nothing more than a pointless loss. Though they appeared exhausted and helpless, the soldiers had truly given their all. As ordinary humans, they had pushed their bodies beyond the limits of endurance, but they never uttered a word of complaint. They understood that this was the least they could offer¡ªa silent sacrifice. Unlike the warriors who had awakened their abilities, the soldiers'' strength relied purely on their grit and determination, and they knew this was their duty, no matter the cost. "We''re gonna die, aren''t we?" one soldier sobbed, leaning back and gazing up at the now pitch-black sky, where not even a star could be seen. They had managed to hold out for twenty hours, with half of that time a testament to the strength of their City Lord and Vice City Lord. But they too had given their all as mere humans, without the aid of any awakened abilities. They had held their ground for three hours without the warriors'' help, proving that they weren''t as useless as they had feared. But now? What difference did it make? Their ammunition and military supplies were all but gone, and the zombies, relentless and undeterred, were slowly but surely climbing the walls. Even without an evolved zombie leading them, it felt like the end was inevitable. They could feel the ground tremble beneath them as the zombies outside the wall descended into a frenzy. The terrifying growls and roars echoed from the horde, a sound that felt like a call from hell itself. Fear gripped their hearts, and their limbs grew cold and stiff, as the reality of their impending death settled in. At least they would be the first to fall once the zombies breached the walls, sparing them the agony of watching helplessly as the creatures tore through the base, massacring the last of the survivors. The thought of dying, knowing how powerless and futile they had been, was a bitter pill to swallow. "Even if I die, I have no regrets. I fought until the bitter end," one soldier said, his voice hollow with resignation. He looked out over the wall, contemplating a desperate escape¡ªif he jumped from the ten-meter height, he could either end it quickly by hitting his head or, at worst, become paralyzed and leave the zombies to finish what he started. Either way, he preferred the certainty of death over the pain of being torn apart alive. "Who said you''re dying?" A familiar voice cut through the air from behind them, sharp and unwavering. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 614 - 614 What Really Happened Everyone whipped their heads to the side as they heard that familiar voice that sounded more like hope in the middle of their helplessness and pain. "City Lord!" The soldiers sprang to their feet, their spirits reignited. Excitement surged through them as the heavy weight of fear lifted. They knew, deep down, that they were finally safe. Kisha''s presence alone was enough to restore their resolve. Kisha, too, felt the change. Her skill, ''People''s Heart'', which had previously drained her spiritual energy and mana, had stopped its relentless pull. Instead, it was now tipping in her favor, as if it were finally balanced. The drain had ceased, and rather than feeling her energy slipping away, she felt a slow, steady replenishment of her energies. Her other passive skills, which aided in the restoration of her mana and spiritual energy, were working in harmony, allowing her to regain what had been lost. It was a welcome relief. Earlier, when Kisha sensed something was wrong with her skill ''People''s Heart'', it wasn''t just the draining of her energy that troubled her. The change seemed to coincide with the rising fear among her people¡ªdoubt began to creep in as they feared they wouldn''t survive the relentless zombie waves. Their uncertainty, their wavering hearts, began to weigh heavily that it was reflecting on her skill. She hadn''t fully understood at the time that those fears, that creeping doubt, might have been enough to stir feelings of disdain or even hatred within her people, causing her skill to spiral into a negative shift. The balance had tipped dangerously, and the scale was teetering on the edge of depletion. But it wasn''t until she fell into a coma that the true nature of the situation became clear to her. She finally understood what had truly been happening¡ª''People''s Heart'' had reacted to the emotional turmoil of her people, and that turmoil had almost consumed her. It wasn''t that her people had suddenly grown to hate or disdain her. Instead, the turmoil was a result of her skill People''s Heart undergoing an evolution. It was an evolvable skill, one that could grow and change over time. According to 008, Kisha had reached a critical milestone¡ªshe had gathered enough followers, enough believers, to trigger the evolution of her skill. ''People''s Heart'' was evolving, and it was now meeting the requirements for the next stage of its power. ... [Passive Skill: People''s Heart] [Description: The more people believe in and respect you, the faster your spiritual energy¡ªand any other energy you utilize¡ªrecovers, potentially granting an infinite supply. However, if their trust turns to hatred and disdain, your energies will be sealed. It''s a double-edged sword, where only the hearts of the people will determine how you can harness its power. Added Effect: +20% Permanent Energy Replenishment Added Effect: Enhances First Impressions, Making Others View You More Favorably Grade: EX ''Mythic'' (Evolvable)] .... As ''People''s Heart'' prepared for its evolution, it began to draw in as much energy as it could from Kisha''s body, pushing her beyond her previous limits. As the skill underwent this transformation, Kisha herself was also undergoing significant changes. According to 008, this skill wasn''t just any ordinary ability¡ªit was a lesser Constellation ''Authority''. In essence, it was a fragment of a Constellation''s power, intimately tied to the faith of its believers. The more believers there were, and the stronger their faith, the more potent the Constellation''s authority became. This authority acted as a wellspring, a source of power that connected directly to the Constellation''s strength. In short, it was the heart of their power¡ªthe core that fueled everything. The strength of a Constellation is directly tied to the number of believers they have. To prove their existence and establish themselves as true, living Gods, some Constellations grant miracles to their followers, bestowing a portion of their power upon chosen apostles. This power is known as ''Authority''. The more access an apostle has to their Constellation''s ''Authority'', the stronger they become. This cycle not only strengthens the apostle but also serves as tangible proof of the Constellation''s existence to the believers. As the believers'' faith deepens, the Constellation grows more powerful, fueling the cycle of belief and divine power. 008 hadn''t realized that Kisha''s skill, ''People''s Heart'', had actually evolved into an ''Authority''. It wasn''t easy to obtain such a power, and it didn''t feel like a Constellation had directly granted it to Kisha. If a Constellation had given her such an ''Authority'', she would have already become a saintess, bound eternally to that Constellation. Her soul would have been tied to it forever, locking her in servitude as its chosen apostle. However, that hadn''t happened, leading 008 to believe that something else was at play in this ''Authority'' that fell into Kisha''s hand. Kisha and 008 didn''t have the luxury of time to delve deeper into the nature of her ''Authority''¡ªthey were far too focused on the pressing matters outside the wall. When Kisha finally arrived, the soldiers, who had felt the weight of impending doom, were overcome with emotion. They had been ready to accept their fate, believing that death was inevitable, and hopelessness had begun to take root. But with Kisha''s return, a wave of relief washed over them. The tension in their bodies finally released, and the stress they had been carrying caught up with them. Some of the soldiers even collapsed from exhaustion, their bodies finally giving in after holding on for so long. Surrounded by Kisha, they felt a sense of safety and renewed hope that had seemed impossible just moments before. Kisha surveyed the soldiers one by one, her lips pressed in a tight line. Without asking questions or wasting time, she extended her telekinesis, lifting each unconscious soldier with a delicate but firm grip. One by one, she guided them over to the medics'' tent, where the makeshift stretchers awaited. With practiced precision, she gently laid the soldiers down, ensuring they were settled carefully, each of them resting in a safe, temporary space where they would receive the care they so desperately needed. In fact, Kisha wasn''t the only one who had woken up. Duke had also regained consciousness, but unlike her¡ªwho had unlocked the true potential of her skills and discovered that what she possessed was actually an ''Authority'' from a Constellation¡ªDuke''s situation was quite different. He had undergone a second awakening. Yes, a second awakening! And this time, he had awakened a mental-type ability, even in this life, he still had the same ability as he had in his previous life. ... [Duke Winters] Level 2 (Exp: 898/1000 X 10.0) Strength: 170 (+115) Stamina: 170 (+115) Defense: 170 (+115) Agility: 170 (+115) Mental Capacity: 170 (+115) Charm: 170 (+115)) Leadership: 170 (+115) Title: None Skills: Ice Spear Level 2, Fire Ball Level 2, Fire Meteor Level 1, Lightning Strike Level 1, lightning Rain Level 1, Ice Storm Level 0 Talent: Multi-faceted sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gift: Tyrant Ability: Elemental (Lightning, Fire, Ice), Absolute Zone (Mental) .... Now, both Duke''s Lightning Ability and his newly awakened Mental Ability had been unlocked, much like in his previous life. He had truly become the Tyrant Emperor¡ªunmatched in terms of firepower. With this new power, Duke grew even stronger, and his energy core received an additional layer of protection thanks to his Mental Ability. This was one of the reasons Mental Types were so rare¡ªthey possessed sturdier energy cores, making them far harder to kill. Their resilience and complexity made them a force to be reckoned with, and Duke''s newfound strength reflected that. Chapter 615 - 615 Up Up Up! Now, Duke was on a roll, eagerly exploring the capabilities of his newly awakened ability. As its name suggested, ''Absolute Zone'' granted him complete control over everything within its range. Inside this zone, he could manipulate speed¡ªslowing enemies down, accelerating movements, or even momentarily freezing time itself. However, since the ability was still new, he could only create a zone with a five-foot radius, forming a protective barrier around him. Despite its current limitations, it was more than enough to help him evade attacks from agility-type enemies and detect sneak attacks before they could land. Now, he felt like an unstoppable force¡ªan invisible fighter who could seamlessly switch between long-range combat and melee battles. With his newly awakened abilities complementing his already formidable skill set, he could overpower almost anyone. Even Kisha would find it challenging to contend with him, given the lethal combination of his lightning and mental abilities. It was this very ability that solidified Duke''s position as one of the strongest, especially when combined with his lightning-type awakened ability, which was ranked first in power. He was practically a one-man army. When Kisha initially saw that he had only awakened elemental abilities¡ªones he didn''t even possess in her previous life¡ªshe assumed they had replaced his mental-type ability. However, now she saw that it wasn''t the case at all¡ªhe had instead undergone a second awakening. The sheer unfairness of it all was almost unbelievable to ordinary people. ''Comparison really hurts,'' Kisha thought, momentarily comparing herself to Duke. But she quickly brushed the thought aside. They each had their own strengths and weaknesses, and it wasn''t as if her awakened ability was weaker than his¡ªshe just hadn''t fully tapped into its full potential yet. In fact, she had a feeling there was more to her ability than she currently understood. With that in mind, she refocused on the present. Taking a deep breath, she soared back up to the top of the wall. This time, she could feel her skill, ''People''s Heart'', surging through her like a powerful current, seamlessly merging with her body and soul. She raised her hand, her eyes glowing gold as her hair floated weightlessly around her. In an instant, the zombies standing before her had their heads explode like fireworks, painting the battlefield with gore. But it didn''t stop there¡ªthe second row of zombies met the same gruesome fate, their skulls bursting as if caught in an invisible force. ''This feeling...!'' Kisha thought, a cold chuckle escaping her lips. Unlike before, she felt no strain¡ªonly raw, overwhelming power coursing through her veins. She could keep going, effortlessly wiping out wave after wave without a hint of exhaustion. Combining her ''Energy Burst'' skill with ''Rainbow Cube'', Kisha''s attacks became faster and deadlier than ever. It was as if mana and spiritual energy were no longer a concern¡ªshe could unleash an onslaught without restraint. Feeling unstoppable, she singlehandedly tore through the endless waves of zombies, her power cutting them down by the thousands. ''Let''s see which is faster,'' she mused, eyes glinting with determination. ''Will they reach the wall first, or will I wipe them out before they take another step?'' It wasn''t arrogance¡ªher boosted stats and support skills had elevated her strength to a whole new level. Now, she was eager to test just how far her power could go. In no time, the number of zombies outside the wall continued to dwindle as Kisha''s attacks grew even faster and more relentless. The soldiers who had managed to climb back up the wall to watch could only stare in awe, feeling almost sorry for the zombies that were being slaughtered like flies caught in a pesticide storm. With Kisha leading the charge, time seemed to fly by effortlessly. The once-overwhelming fear had faded, replaced by sheer astonishment. No one even thought to cry¡ªthey simply watched, wide-eyed, as she singlehandedly tore through the relentless wave of undead. ... [Inflicted Critical Hit x 5895] [Gained Experience x 50] [Inflicted Critical Hit x 6344] [Gained Experience x 50] [Rainbow Cube activated] [Energy Burst Activated] [Rainbow Cube activated] [Energy Burst Activated] [Rainbow Cube activated...] ... A series of notifications bombarded Kisha''s view, but she quickly muted them. There was no need to keep track of every activation or the successful damage she was dealing to the zombies; she was attacking on autopilot, her strikes landing randomly and relentlessly. Meanwhile, the southern wall was no different. Duke had returned¡ªstronger than ever. His newfound power carved through the enemy ranks with ease, proving that his second awakening had made him even more formidable than before. Then, without warning, two brilliant bursts of light tore through the sky, splitting the darkness in opposite directions, and signaling the turning point of the battle. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 3 (Exp: 0/8000 X 0.0) Strength: 270 (+50) (270x10 = 2700) Stamina: 360 (+48) (360x10 = 3600) Defense: 560 (+70) (560x10 = 5600) Agility: 270 (+50) (270x10 = 2700) Mental Capacity: 1110 (+40) (1110x10 = 11100) Charm: 460 (+40) (460x10 = 4600) Leadership: 910 (+40) (910x10 = 9100) Luck: 350 (+20) (350x10 = 3500) Mana: 720 (+30) (720x10 = 7200) Spiritual Energy: 720 (+30) (720x10 = 7200) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand, A True Ruler Skills: Telekinesis Level 3 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 1, One Body Level 2, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar, Telekinesis Sub: Energy Burst Level 0 Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 2, One Man Team, People''s Heart Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Profession Proficiency: Intermediate Inscriber ... Kisha also noticed the bright light flashing from the other side of the wall and had a strong feeling about who might have leveled up. Curious, she opened the ''Team Tab'' and saw Duke''s name and profile glowing. As soon as the light around her own body faded, she immediately clicked on Duke''s profile to check his new stats. After all, he had just undergone a second awakening, and she was eager to see what new perks had been added to his abilities. ... [Duke Winters] Level 3 (Exp: 0/8000 X 0.0) Strength: 280 (+110) Stamina: 280 (+110) Defense: 280 (+110) S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Agility: 280 (+110) Mental Capacity: 280 (+110) Charm: 280 (+110) Leadership: 280 (+110) Title: None Skills: Ice Spear Level 2, Fire Ball Level 2, Fire Meteor Level 1, Lightning Strike Level 1, lightning Rain Level 1, Ice Storm Level 0, Lightning Ball Level 0, Absolute Zone Level 0, Movement Manipulation Level 0, Time Manipulation Level 0 Talent: Multi-faceted Gift: Tyrant Ability: Elemental (Lightning, Fire, Ice), Absolute Zone (Mental) ... But as soon as she saw his stats had jumped by 110 points, she rolled her eyes. ''Of course! The gods'' chosen child gets a massive boost.'' His stats had nearly doubled! Kisha gawked at the status window in front of her, staring at Duke''s new numbers in disbelief. And this was without any special perks like hers¡ªno stat increases from hellish mission rewards. But him? Duke''s stats were absolutely insane! Seeing that ''Absolute Zone,'' ''Movement Manipulation,'' and ''Time Manipulation'' had already appeared on his skill stat confirmed that he had quickly adapted to them in such a short amount of time. ''No wonder many consider him a monster,'' Kisha thought to herself. Chapter 616 - 616 Supplies Everywhere! Ding... Ding.. Ding... ... [Congratulations on Completing the S Class Mission "Taking nest for 30 days"] [You have received 1,000,000 points] [You have received a stat increase of 10 for all stats] [You have received 50 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 100 Resource Crates] [You have received an unknown egg] ... [Congratulations on Completing the C Class Mission "The Philanthropist"] sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [You have received 100,000 points] [You have received a stats increase of 1 for all stats] [You have received Title: The Philanthropist] ... [Congratulations on Completing the Sudden Hidden Mission: SSS Class "Survivor of God''s Wrath!"] [You have received 10 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 10 Resource Crates] [You have received 100,000 points] [You have received a mass of Chromium metal] ... [Congratulations on Completing the Hidden Mission: S Class "The Saint"] [You have received the Weather Satellite with Radar Blueprint (Origin: World 453683)] [You have received 10 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 5 Resource Crates] [You have received 200,000,000,000 system points] ... [Congratulations on Completing the Sudden Hidden Mission: EX Class "The Beginning of the End!"] [You have received 30 Gachapon Draws] [You have received 30 Resource Crates] [You have received 200,000 System Points] [You have received System Update +1] [You have received 1 Awakening Stone] [You have received Title: "The Leader of the New World"] ... "What the¡ª?! What''s happening?!" Kisha exclaimed, barely catching her breath after delivering her final attack. Just as the clock struck midnight, her timer let out a sharp ding, and a flood of system notifications exploded across her screen. Before she could process them, 008 sent a burst of virtual fireworks¡ªvisible only to her¡ªlighting up her interface. The messages kept rolling in, one after another, overwhelming her senses. "Um, host¡­ some of these system notifications were actually delayed," 008 admitted sheepishly. "Remember when you completed those other missions¡ªlike surviving the Geostorm¡ªand you only got two notifications back then? Well¡­ I kind of held back the rest. You were too busy to care at the time, and I didn''t want you getting distracted or letting your guard down." "So, I figured it''d be best to release them all at once after you completed everything in the ''Mission Tab.'' That way, you could enjoy checking out your full reward haul all at once!" 008 hesitated, unsure how Kisha would react to the revelation. It had made the decision without consulting her¡ªwould she be upset? But as Kisha thought about it, she realized 008 had a point. If she had received the system notifications and seen her rewards earlier, she would have felt good¡ªmaybe even a little overconfident. And while those rewards could have been a great help to both her and the base, they might have also made her underestimate the difficulty of surviving the endless zombie wave. That kind of false confidence could have been fatal. Instead of getting angry, Kisha simply nodded, accepting 008''s reasoning. She then looked toward the wall, watching as the remaining zombie horde suddenly turned back, retreating as if summoned by an unseen force. Only then did Kisha let out a deep sigh of relief¡ªthey had survived the attack. Ding! [Congratulations on successfully surviving and completing the First Test!!!!] "First test?" Kisha muttered, narrowing her eyes at the notification. "What does that mean, 008?" 008 hesitated before responding. "Host, I''m not entirely sure either¡­ This message came directly from the Constellation." ... [You Gained the ''Leader Of The Lower World'' Achievement] [You received 5,000 Achievements Points] [You have successfully unlocked the ''Authority'' Power] [You received 20,000 Achievements Points] ... Kisha drew a sharp breath as she looked at the points flooding into her account, her heart pounding with excitement. Her eyes flickered over her haul, checking each item one by one, and a satisfied smirk crept onto her lips. [Current System Points: 200,001,680,000] [Current Achievement Points: 35,000] [120 Gachapon Draws] [155 Resource Crates] "Holy fucking GOD!" Kisha shouted inside her heart, eyes wide as she stared at the total amount of system points she had accumulated. The majority came from the Hidden Mission: S-Class "The Saint"¡ªa task that required her to warn as many survivors as possible. Unlike the first time, when her warnings fell on deaf ears, this time, people had listened. And because of that, she had saved two hundred million lives. If each life was worth 1,000 system points, then¡ªher breath hitched¡ªshe had just earned an astronomical reward. "Host! We''re rich! We''re rich!" 008 shouted excitedly inside Kisha''s head. She could practically picture the little system bouncing like a sprite around in sheer joy as they both stared at the mind-blowing number of system points in their account¡ªsomething they had never even dreamed of achieving. Kisha''s pulse raced. "Alright! Don''t we have that 50% Mall Points Discount Coupon?!" she exclaimed, her excitement skyrocketing. "We''ll splurge on supplies and other essentials, but first¡ªlet''s do the Gachapon Draw and open up the Resource Crates!" Lost in the thrill of the moment, she completely forgot that she was still floating above the battlefield¡ªhaving just barely survived yet another brutal day. The ''Mission Tab'' was now grayed out, indicating that she had no active missions. For the first time in a while, she could afford to take a breather¡ªat least until the next mission popped up. Before diving into what she truly wanted to do, Kisha pulled up her Stat Window once more. Her stats had increased from her recent accomplishments, but with the overwhelming zombie wave finally gone, the temporary boost from her ''One-Man Team'' skill had faded, bringing her stats back to their normal levels. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 3 (Exp: 0/8000 X 0.0) Strength: 281 (+11) Stamina: 371 (+11) Defense: 571 (+11) Agility: 281 (+11) Mental Capacity: 1121 (+11) Charm: 471 (+11) Leadership: 921 (+11) Luck: 361 (+11) Mana: 731 (+11) Spiritual Energy: 731 (+11) Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand, A True Ruler, The Philanthropist, The Leader of the New World Skills: Telekinesis Level 3 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 1, One Body Level 2, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar, Telekinesis Sub: Energy Burst Level 0 Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 2, One Man Team, People''s Heart Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) Profession Proficiency: Intermediate Inscriber ... Now, even her Defense had surpassed 500 points, making her a walking fortress. She could feel the sheer power coursing through her body, a tangible testament to how far she had come. A deep sense of satisfaction settled over her¡ªevery struggle, every hardship, every moment of chaos had been worth it. One look at the rewards in her inventory, and she knew¡ªthis was the payoff for all her hard work. _______________ PS: Another month has passed, and I''m genuinely grateful to see so many of you continuing to support and engage with the story. Your ongoing enthusiasm and encouragement mean a lot to me. As a token of my appreciation, please accept this redeem code: . You can redeem it for 10 Fast Passes at the Redeem Center located in your Profile section, just below your Purchase History. The code is valid for 10 users on a first-come, first-served basis. I hope this small gesture brings a smile to your face and encourages you to keep supporting me. Thank you again for being part of this journey! Chapter 617 - 617 After The Battle Kisha turned her gaze toward the mountain of corpses piled outside the wall, the overpowering stench finally registering now that the battle was over. During the fight, survival had been their only focus¡ªadrenaline had dulled their senses, pushing everything else to the background. But now, with their bodies finally at rest, the gruesome reality of the aftermath settled in. The soldiers standing atop the wall began to shift uncomfortably as the foul odor assaulted their nostrils. The wind carried the putrid stench far beyond the barricade of the wall, seeping into the central hall¡ªa sickening reminder of the carnage they had just endured. "Ugh! It feels like I can taste it through my nostrils. Uweh!" A soldier gagged, his body still weak from exhaustion as he fought the urge to vomit. The stench wasn''t just the foulness of a dumpster or a rotting corpse¡ªit was something far worse, something thick and suffocating. But none of them had the energy to clean up. Even Kisha, despite her abundant spiritual energy, mana, and high ''Mental Capacity'', felt the weariness creeping in now that the tension had drained from her body. She still needed rest. With one final glance at the battlefield, she let out a slow breath and began her descent from the sky. "Alright, everyone," Kisha called out, her voice cutting through the air. "Those who''ve managed to rest will take watch on the walls. The rest of you, get some sleep and gather your strength before we start cleaning up this mess." She didn''t mind the stench¡ªit was something she had grown used to from her previous lives. But that didn''t mean she was willing to let it linger. The situation was urgent. There were still many normal humans, low-level Awakened ability users, and support types among them, all of whom had weak immune systems. If they didn''t take care of the corpses outside the walls, the rotting bodies would quickly become a breeding ground for disease, threatening to wipe out her people one by one due to an epidemic. It wasn''t just a mess¡ªit was a ticking time bomb. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. More than just the disease, the corpses outside could attract swarms of vermin¡ªmutated rats, dangerous animals, and disease-carrying insects¡ªgathering around their base like an army of filth. The thought made Kisha''s smile fade as quickly as it had appeared. After a brief moment of relief, she set aside her excitement and focused, slipping back into the role of a City Lord. Thankfully, seeing how hard everyone had fought and how many remained in a coma, the civilians within the base stepped up to serve as temporary lookouts. Meanwhile, the soldiers, warriors, and leaders¡ªthose who had led the battle from every corner of the wall¡ªfinally had the chance to rest. The soldiers and warriors felt a wave of appreciation wash over them, their emotions stirred by the sense that all their struggles had been worth it. The bond between the base''s people had grown stronger, and more unified. Kisha nodded in quiet approval, pleased with the sense of camaraderie that had emerged from the chaos. After making sure everything was in order around the western wall and checking the tents set up near her side, Kisha''s eyes fell on the warriors who had fallen into a deep coma. They had pushed their bodies to the brink, overexerting their energy cores to the point of near-explosion. She couldn''t shake the worry gnawing at her. Not everyone would be as fortunate as Duke in surviving such an ordeal. The risk of long-term damage or even death was very real. Kisha clenched her fists, her mind racing with how to prevent further casualties among her people and help those who were already suffering from the after-effects of overexerting their energy core. Seeing that the medical staff was busy tending to the fallen warriors, Kisha allowed herself a moment of rest. It was then that Duke arrived, having just finished his arrangements on the southern wall. He had come to pick her up so they could both take a brief respite before diving back into their duties. Kisha''s gaze lingered on Duke as he approached¡ªhis body smeared with black zombie blood, his clothes disheveled from the chaos of the battle. Despite the grime and wear, he still exuded that same dashing presence. If anything, the sight of him made him look even more powerful, his strength more apparent than ever. Kisha couldn''t help but smile, the brief reprieve from the battlefield making her appreciate the bond they shared even more. "Done?" Duke asked as he approached Kisha, keeping a respectful distance between them to avoid transferring the dirt and grime from his body onto her. Unlike him, Kisha still appeared immaculate, free of any stains or blemishes. While Duke had been out on the frontlines, engaging in melee combat more than once, Kisha had fought from a distance, staying far enough from the mess to remain relatively clean. Kisha nodded, and together, they walked back to the villa. Once inside, they went their separate ways for a much-needed shower. Duke retreated to the guest room, while Kisha took hers in the master bedroom. It took Duke a bit longer to emerge; the stench of rotting zombie corpses had clung to him stubbornly, and he had to wash thoroughly, using soap multiple times to rid himself of the lingering odor. Once they were both finished, they made their way downstairs, drawn by the pleasant aroma of food wafting through the air. Marcus and his grandchildren had worked together to prepare a hearty meal for them. Even Vulture and the others were already seated at the dining table, looking completely drained. They appeared so exhausted that their eyelids were half-closed, and they kept nodding off in their chairs, their bodies begging for rest. Despite their fatigue, they all knew how desperately their bodies needed nourishment. With a collective sigh, they remained seated, waiting for the food to be served, though their weariness made it clear they were barely holding onto consciousness. Kisha and Duke took their seats at the table, and Kisha''s gaze naturally drifted to where Mr. and Mrs. Winters and the Patriarch should have been. Noticing her searching look, Tristan quickly offered an explanation. "The Patriarch, Madam, and Sir went out to help with the other survivors. They''re making sure the base stays in order, giving us all the time to rest and recover, lightening our load." His voice was weary, and even Tristan himself looked haggard, his exhaustion evident as he spoke. Kisha nodded and smiled, grateful for the sense of teamwork that had emerged among the survivors. She no longer had to constantly order people around, as many were stepping up on their own to help around the base, ensuring they weren''t a burden to the others. This made everything easier for Kisha and the others, allowing them to focus on what they needed to do without guilt. It was a refreshing change compared to her previous lives, where she had always been left to shoulder everything alone. No matter how exhausted she was, no one had ever offered to help lighten her workload. It was as if it was simply expected of her, just because she was stronger than the rest. But here, things were different. People were supporting each other, and Kisha could finally rest without the weight of guilt or sense of responsibility pressing on her shoulders. Chapter 618 - 618 A Vacation? Marcus and the children had worked together to generously prepare a bountiful spread of food. The table was laden with a variety of dishes: seafood congee, stir-fried vegetables and meat, hearty stews, onigiri, and much more. While the dishes weren''t Michelin-starred, they were comforting and hearty, with vibrant colors and enticing aromas that immediately whetted the appetites of the exhausted people around the table. Among them, Vulture seemed especially eager. Having spent much of the day running through the streets, luring the ice-type evolved zombies into rolling over and killing its own kind, his body was drained and his energy was spent. But as the delicious smells reached his nose, his exhaustion faded, and a wide grin appeared on his face. The others followed suit, eager to dig in, their tired bodies finding new life at the sight of the feast. Everyone ate happily, their sleepiness momentarily forgotten as they indulged in the warm, comforting food. Duke carefully scooped a bowl of seafood congee for Kisha, filling it with fresh prawns, abalone, clams, and crabs, all harvested from the territory''s space. While the others were busy defending the walls, Grant had been taking full advantage of the opportunity to explore the sea within Kisha''s territory. He discovered that, much like the lake with its perfect ecosystem, the sea was an equally thriving environment. Vast and expansive, it housed a diverse array of aquatic creatures, supported by vibrant coral reefs that nurtured various marine life. This newfound bounty was a pleasant surprise, adding another valuable resource to their growing supplies. There were even octopuses, lobsters, groupers, and tuna in the sea, which Grant had carefully spear-fished. These fresh catches now served to nourish Kisha and the others. Like all the creatures living within Kisha''s territory, these aquatic animals were larger and more flavorful than anything they had ever encountered in the outside world. The bounty from this vibrant ecosystem was truly a gift, far surpassing what they were accustomed to, making every meal an unexpected luxury. After taking a bite of the congee, Kisha couldn''t help but notice how massive the prawns were¡ªsome were nearly the size of lobsters, expertly cut into smaller pieces to fit in the clay pot. Despite their size, they were incredibly sweet and tender, their rich flavors melding perfectly with the rice. The abalone was equally impressive, its delicate taste blending seamlessly into the dish. The meal was so delicious that it left Kisha feeling even hungrier than before, her stomach growing greedier with every bite. The rest of the food was just as satisfying, each dish more comforting and flavorful than the last. "Wow! This is absolutely delicious and so fresh!" Kisha exclaimed between bites, her eyes lighting up with delight. Not only was she a food enthusiast, but after enduring hunger in her previous lives, she couldn''t help but savor each bite even more deeply. The flavors were more than just satisfying¡ªthey were a reminder of how far she had come, and every mouthful felt like a small, precious gift. Mike, with a big, dreamy grin on his face, leaned in to share the story, his voice light and full of excitement. "Young Madam, you won''t believe it! Grant went spearfishing around the sea in your territory space. We were all surprised to discover the beautiful, vibrant coral reef surrounding the island." "There were so many fish, it was like a hidden paradise! Even I, who usually avoids the deep sea, had an amazing time. We all had a great time helping Grant gather all these fresh ingredients. It was an experience like no other!" His enthusiasm was contagious, and the mood at the table lightened, bringing smiles to everyone''s faces. Kisha, hearing this, recalled that she had briefly checked out the sea before, but never had the time to explore it thoroughly. Hearing how Mike and Grant had such an enjoyable experience only piqued her curiosity further. "Oh? The sea was really that beautiful?" Vulture asked, his interest evident as he looked up from his bowl. "Yes!" Daisy chimed in, her eyes bright with excitement. "It was like something you''d see on those travel blogs¡ªpicturesque and vibrant! I still can''t get over how gorgeous it was underwater. It was breathtaking!" "Then, perhaps we should take a breather out there and enjoy a little vacation while we rest and replenish our strength?" Duke suggested, his cold and indifferent expression remaining unchanged. At his words, everyone at the table seemed to perk up, a flicker of excitement spreading through them. The idea of taking a break was too appealing to resist. After all, the time inside the territory space passed much faster than in the outside world. So, even if they spent a week relaxing within the territory, it would only be a few hours in the outside world. "Alright, why don''t we do that?" Kisha agreed, nodding thoughtfully. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Even if we sleep in our rooms, it will still consume few hours of hour time. Inside the territory, we can maximize our time and truly unwind." She validated the suggestion, recognizing that a change of pace was exactly what they all needed. After all, even she was starting to feel the weight of exhaustion, and a break was long overdue¡ªboth for her mind and her body. A vacation, even if brief, would be the perfect way to recharge. Now that everyone had agreed, they all dug into their food with cheerful appetite. Among the dishes was a unique seaweed called seagrapes, which had a slight salty tang and a slimy texture, but its freshness and deliciousness made it an unexpected delight. Soon, the table was cleared, with everyone savoring every bite. After the meal, some were so full they couldn''t help but succumb to a food coma, their eyelids growing heavier by the minute. Kisha couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight. It was hard to believe that only hours ago, they had been caught up in a life-or-death battle. Now, here they were, relaxed and carefree, their spirits lightened by a simple, well-earned meal. In the end, Kisha, Duke, and the others entered the territory, each carrying blankets, mattresses, and pillows. Kisha transported them to the beach, and they scattered around, finding their own spots to rest. Most of them set up their tents by the seashore, where the white sand beach stretched out before them, a sight that was soothing to the eyes. The rhythmic sound of the crashing waves acted like a lullaby, helping them unwind. Those who preferred more shade pitched their tents in the nearby forest, where the gentle rustling of the leaves calmed their nerves after the intense battle. Kisha and Duke decided to set up a tent on the beach. Kisha offered to help pitch the tent, but Duke wouldn''t let her lift a finger. Instead, he set up a large beach umbrella and a reclining chair for her, placing a refreshing coconut juice and some snacks on a small table beside her. He then encouraged her to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view while he took care of the rest. Kisha felt both flattered and touched by the way her new husband, Duke, was treating her. Not wanting to argue, she settled into the reclining chair as he suggested, taking a sip of the coconut water and nibbling on the biscuit. Chapter 619 - 619 008 Reaching Level 6 While waiting for Duke, Kisha decided to start unboxing her reward. First, since she had received a free system upgrade, she chose to level up 008 to Level 6. "Really, host?!" 008 responded excitedly, confirming with Kisha. But before she could nod or say anything, a system notification suddenly popped up in front of her. [System Upgrade to Level 6 Authorization] [Cost: 0 points] [Accept] or [Decline] Kisha didn''t waste any time and immediately clicked the ''accept'' button. She knew how excited 008 was, and in a way, this was a reward for all the help it had given her¡ªespecially since the system upgrade was free. On top of that, she had so many points that she wasn''t even sure where to begin spending them. As soon as the system upgrade began, 008 fell silent, leaving Kisha to manage the system manually. She stared at the screen, still in disbelief at how many rewards and points she had accumulated. She continued munching on the biscuit, her mind still processing the unexpected windfall. But as she continued munching and staring at the screen, she didn''t realize she had already drifted off to sleep, her body relaxing completely while Duke focused on arranging the tent. When Duke glanced back to check on Kisha, he found her fast asleep, the biscuit in her hand had fallen to the side of the chair as she snored softly. A small chuckle escaped him as he made his way over. Gently, he lifted her, careful not to disturb her peaceful sleep, and carried her toward the large tent he had just pitched. Inside, a soft queen-sized air mattress awaited, and part of the tent was left open to let the cool breeze in, preventing it from feeling stuffy or too hot. He gently laid Kisha on the mattress, making sure her head was comfortably resting on the pillow. He gently placed an eye mask on Kisha to shield her from the light filtering in from outside, ensuring she could sleep peacefully without disturbance. After settling her comfortably, he laid down beside her, pulling her closer into his arms. He then covered them both with a soft, fluffy blanket before finally drifting off to sleep himself. After a restful 12 hours of sleep, Kisha naturally woke up feeling refreshed and content. However, she didn''t immediately get out of bed. Instead, she snuggled closer into Duke''s arms as he continued to lay there. She glanced up at him, taking in the sight of his long lashes casting a soft shadow under his eyes and his sharp nose breathing steadily. She traced his features with her gaze. "I''m glad to know my wife appreciates my face," Duke''s voice rumbled, hoarse from sleep, as he slowly opened his eyes and met her gaze. "I can only thank my parents for blessing the world with such a handsome man." "You''re awake," Kisha said awkwardly, though she didn''t look away from him. "How could I not wake up when you''re staring hungrily at me?" Duke teased, his voice low and filled with a dark, smoldering desire. His gaze intensified, and Kisha couldn''t help but notice the unmistakable bulge pressing against her belly from his pants. Duke didn''t wait for Kisha to respond; instead, he gently kissed her cheek, then her forehead. "I''m happy I get to wake up beside you again," he murmured, his words carrying a deeper meaning. He, too, knew how close they had come to being breached and wiped out during the battle. Every time he swung his spear, all he could think about was making it back to her¡ªso she wouldn''t have to cry or feel sadness in his absence. Waking up beside her now felt like a blessing to Duke. Kisha, too, cherished the shower of kisses Duke gave her. With their unspoken understanding, they stayed in that intimate embrace, not pushing further¡ªsimply lost in the warmth of their love and appreciation for one another. In that moment, the connection they shared felt even sweeter than physical intimacy. They felt closer than ever, as if their souls were quietly mending and intertwining together. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a long moment, Duke and Kisha reluctantly pulled away from each other. Though Duke felt the urge to take the opportunity and make love to his wife, he held himself back. He knew she was both physically and mentally exhausted, so he chose to give her the space she needed to rest. "Take your time, and sleep more if you need to," he said softly, his voice full of affection. "I''ll go make us something to eat before we head out to explore the sea." He gently ruffled her hair, his doting nature clear. Kisha smiled and nodded, appreciating the tenderness in Duke''s gesture. When Duke stepped out of the tent, he found that no one else was up yet; the others were still resting and recovering. He decided to set up a temporary kitchen near a large boulder. He took out a stainless steel table, placed a double-burner stove on top, and set the LPG canister beside it. He made sure the sand beneath was stable to prevent the canister from tipping over. However, that didn''t work as planned, so he returned all the items to his Space Ring. Determined to make it work, he retrieved a thick plywood sheet and placed it on the sand first. Then, he set the stainless steel table back in place, testing it to see if it was steady. After confirming the table''s stability, he brought out the LPG canister once again. Satisfied everything was secure, he fetched another wooden table, carefully placing a matching piece of plywood that was just as wide beneath it to ensure he wouldn''t step on it, completing his makeshift kitchen setup. Duke laid out a variety of supplies on the table, still undecided on what to cook for Kisha. He stared at the assortment of vegetables, meat, and seafood before him. With such a complete set of ingredients, he could make almost anything. However, given that he and Kisha had just woken up from a long 12-hour rest, he didn''t want to prepare anything too heavy. He was concerned that a rich meal might upset her stomach, so he decided to keep it light for now. Duke reached for the whole chicken, already cleaned and free of feathers, its head and legs removed. It was large, plump, and had smooth, shiny white skin. He nodded in approval as he inspected the quality of the meat. Deciding on a dish, he chose to make a nourishing chicken soup for Kisha¡ªsomething light to help warm her body and restore her strength after the exhaustion of the past few days of relentless fighting. Duke then reached for the garlic and ginseng, peeling and crushing them before setting them aside. Next, he retrieved a clay pot and placed it on the stove. He carefully added the whole chicken, followed by the garlic and ginseng, with a few cups of water, ensuring the flavors would meld together. Turning the heat to low, he let the soup simmer slowly, allowing the rich aroma to fill the air as it cooked. Since he wasn''t yet an expert cook, Duke still wasn''t entirely sure about all the ingredients needed for the perfect chicken soup. So, he pulled out his tablet and rewatched the cooking video he had saved. While the chicken simmered on the stove, he focused on preparing the vegetables that would be added later, once the chicken had cooked long enough to release all its flavors. Chapter 620 - 620 Underwater Dive After washing the vegetables, Duke chopped them and set them aside in a bowl, ready to be added later. After that, he prepared the second dish: a simple shredded potato pancake with twisted dough. As a side, he also made a kani salad, though he wasn''t planning to serve it immediately. Instead, he placed it in a container to chill, allowing his ice ability to cool it just enough so that by lunchtime, it would be refreshingly cold without making the lettuce soggy. He knew that achieving the perfect crispness required just the right amount of cold, rather than rushing the chilling process. He also whipped up some mango ¨¦clairs using a makeshift oven, relying on his fire element to bake them. In reality, it wasn''t a fancy oven¡ªjust a carefully assembled piece of enclosed metal with the right thickness. He controlled the temperature precisely with his fire, maintaining the ideal heat as he patiently waited for the ¨¦clairs to bake to perfection. As Duke focused on his task, carefully preparing the meal, he suddenly felt a hand gently wrap around his waist, followed by the warmth of a soft body pressing against his back. The familiar scent he adored filled the air. "Wifey, what are you doing out here? The food isn''t ready yet. You should rest a little longer inside," Duke said with a chuckle in his voice, not turning around. He was determined to make sure the meal he prepared for his wife was perfect. "It smells amazing," Kisha murmured, still clinging to Duke''s waist. The simple gesture filled her with happiness, and for a moment, she wished time could stand still, allowing her and Duke to live in this peaceful, loving bubble where survival wasn''t a constant worry. But then, she thought to herself that life might feel dull and monotonous if everything were always perfect. She shook off the thought, choosing instead to savor the quiet moment with Duke, teasing him gently as they shared a lighthearted chuckle. Before long, Duke had finished preparing all the dishes. He had added the vegetables and mushrooms to the chicken soup, skimming the broth carefully to perfect the flavor. He began setting the food on the coffee table inside the tent, while Kisha helped arrange the utensils. The rich aroma of the chicken soup filled the air, spreading throughout the tent. Kisha''s stomach growled loudly, and Duke couldn''t help but chuckle, his laughter echoing softly in the cozy space. As Duke chuckled, he was already scooping some soup for her. He passed the bowl to Kisha, serving her some of the food he had prepared. Watching him, Kisha''s heart warmed, a flutter of happiness spreading through her that felt almost ticklish. Her sweet smile was contagious, and it made Duke feel as though all his hard work had been worth it. He couldn''t help but feel a warm, fuzzy sensation in his chest. In return, Kisha served Duke some food, her voice gentle but insistent. "Don''t focus only on me. You should eat, too." She encouraged him, taking a sip of the long-simmered chicken soup herself. As the rich taste of the soup spread across her palate, Kisha''s eyes lit up, her gaze locking with Duke''s. "This is amazing!" she exclaimed, genuinely delighted. She had always loved his cooking, even in her previous life, and now, to be able to enjoy it whenever she wanted in this lifetime felt like a sweet reward for all the struggles she''d faced before. Without realizing it, she started humming in contentment, nodding with each bite, her actions making Duke''s smile grow even brighter. The peaceful breakfast stretched on for over an hour, with no rush to finish, as if they were no longer bound by time or the pressures of survival. They savored each bite, enjoying the food and the moment together. Their laughter and conversation filled the air, making the meal feel like a luxury they hadn''t had in a long while. Afterward, they worked together to clean up, like any loving couple, their movements in sync and easy. Once they finished, the others trickled in, having also wrapped up their own meals. Some had roasted a whole chicken over an open fire in the forest, others had enjoyed fresh fruits and vegetables, and a few had fished from the lake, relishing the catch of the day. Once everyone had gathered, they naturally changed into clothes more suited for moving around in the sea and underwater. Thankfully, Kisha''s habit of hoarding anything she thought might be useful paid off¡ªshe had brought along a set of snorkeling gear. She handed out the equipment to everyone, ensuring that they were prepared. While their enhanced abilities and improved physiques would have allowed them to stay submerged for longer periods without the need for the gear, Kisha wanted to be cautious and provided the equipment anyway, just in case. Duke also entered the tent to change into a pair of shorts, while Kisha slipped into a red two-piece bikini. When they both emerged from their makeshift changing areas made of blankets and poles, Duke''s expression instantly darkened. His brows furrowed with frustration¡ªnot because of her, but because of the men gathered around. Seeing Kisha in such a revealing swimsuit sparked a sense of possessiveness within him. He didn''t want anyone else admiring his wife, his jealousy flaring up at the thought. "Wifey, why don''t you change into something else?" Duke asked, stepping closer to Kisha. His gaze never left her face, though it slowly traveled down her body, his voice thick with a hint of desire. But Kisha wasn''t paying attention. She was too captivated by Duke''s chiseled form. His abs were defined and deep, each ridge pronounced, while his biceps, though not oversized, were firm and muscular. The veins running down his arms to his hands only added to the allure, making them impossible to ignore. Kisha couldn''t tear her eyes away from his face and body, and in that moment, she forgot about everything else. Seeing her like this, Duke''s frustration melted away in an instant. He let out a deep chuckle, his chest rumbling with amusement, before looking at her teasingly. "Is it really that distracting?" he asked with a sly grin. "Would you like to touch them?" He reached for her hand gently, guiding it to his abs. But as soon as he did, Duke realized he had shot himself in the foot. What was meant to be playful teasing turned into a situation where his body betrayed him. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A sudden wave of desire hit him, and before he knew it, he was hard, his body burning with need. He instantly regretted his action, but Kisha''s laughter echoed in the air as she found his reaction utterly amusing. Seeing Duke like this¡ªso different from the Duke she knew in her previous life¡ªwas like a breath of fresh air. Duke stared at Kisha, biting his lip, his thoughts running wild. ''Laugh all you want, wifey, but you''ll worry when I decide to make my move.'' His smug expression only added to the playful tension between them. Instantly, Kisha stopped laughing, a strange sense of awareness flooding her. She had a feeling she knew exactly what Duke was thinking. Without a second thought, she sprinted outside, clutching the snorkeling gear as she raced away. Once she''d reached a safe distance, she paused and looked back, only to burst out laughing again as she saw Duke emerge from the tent, looking frustrated and gloomy. His eyes were fixed on his shorts, where a telltale bulge was impossible to miss. Fortunately, after changing into their swimwear, the others hurried into the water to begin their snorkeling, leaving Kisha and Duke alone on the beach. After a bit more teasing between the two, they finally decided to join the others. The sea was neither too cold nor too warm¡ªit was just the perfect temperature. Without hesitation, they donned their snorkeling gear, eager to dive in. Kisha took a deep breath through her snorkel, filling her lungs with air before plunging beneath the surface to explore the vibrant coral reef below. Kisha was awe-struck by the breathtaking view beneath the surface of her territory. The coral reefs were vibrant and thriving, with a kaleidoscope of colors, and schools of fish swam around her in an intricate dance. Some of them weren''t even the ones she had brought from Duke¡ªthey were native to the area, adding to the natural beauty. As she glided through the water, Duke remained just beside her, his gaze fixed on her with a soft smile, his eyes crinkling in delight at how much she was enjoying herself. The fish, unafraid, swam gracefully around her, even forming a circle as if acknowledging her presence as the owner of this underwater world and celebrating her visit with them. Kisha lifted her right arm, and a swirl of small fish danced around it in a joyful display, making her smile in return. She glanced around, her eyes lighting up when she spotted a school of black sea urchins with long, spiky needles. Curious, she dove closer, and the fish, as if recognizing her intent, gently swam away, giving her space. With ease, Kisha plucked one of the sea urchins from the rock, her high defense rendering the sharp spikes harmless. She looked back at Duke, who gave her a reassuring nod. Kisha continued plucking more sea urchins, carefully storing them in her inventory. She hadn''t stocked up on them yet, and after seeing them here, she couldn''t resist the urge to gather some for later. As she scanned her surroundings, she realized there were hundreds of sea urchins scattered around her, their nest nestled not far from the shore. This spot was a treasure trove she could revisit anytime. She made a mental note of the location, planning to return when she wanted to gather them manually, rather than relying on the territory interface for an automatic harvest of the fish. Chapter 621 - 621 Beach Campfire After gathering hundreds of sea urchins with Duke''s help, Kisha and Duke drifted through the water, their eyes scanning the surroundings. It wasn''t long before something caught Kisha''s attention: a large lobster hiding beneath the coral. Its bluish hue stood out starkly against the surrounding colors of the reef, drawing her in. Without hesitation, she swam closer and effortlessly caught it. The lobster didn''t even attempt to swim away, and for a moment, Kisha felt a twinge of guilt. She couldn''t help but think of herself as a landlord taking advantage of her tenants¡ªthese creatures never fought back, and she couldn''t shake the feeling that she was exploiting her ownership of the territory. But the guilt was short-lived. She shook it off and stored the lobster in her inventory, continuing her exploration. The size of the aquatic life in her territory was truly remarkable. The lobster alone was longer than her forearm and thicker than her upper arm. Even the sea urchins she''d gathered earlier were as large as both her fists combined. Kisha''s gaze drifted to something unusual¡ªwhat she initially thought was a rock swaying gently in the water. As she drew closer, she realized it was actually a large octopus, perfectly camouflaged. Like all the other aquatic creatures in her territory, the octopus didn''t even resist as she caught it. Without hesitation, she pushed aside any lingering thoughts of fairness and simply collected whatever caught her attention. After resurfacing a few times to catch their breath, Kisha and Duke continued their underwater exploration. By the time they were ready to head back to the shore, their haul was impressive¡ªstriped bass, black sea bass, sea eels, two types of flounder, and countless other fish. It was as if they had scoured the entire sea, their bounty growing by the minute. When they reached the shore, everyone proudly displayed their catches. Vulture had managed to haul in a massive swordfish, its size towering over him. The fish, still thrashing in his grip, swung its sword-like nose dangerously as he struggled to hold it. With his immense strength and sturdy defense, he''d been lucky not to have been pierced, but the fish was so large it made him appear as though he were carrying a small boat. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mike and Gant had worked together to spear a flounder, its size nearly equivalent to an adult torso, and half as tall as them. Daisy, who had only ventured into the shallow reef, was just as successful, proudly holding up a large lobster. The others had similarly impressive catches, each person grinning from ear to ear, their pride evident. But Kisha hesitated to take out her own haul. She couldn''t shake the feeling that displaying it would somehow diminish the others'' sense of accomplishment. While they had worked hard for their catches, she and Duke had effortlessly gathered an abundance, with the aquatic creatures in their territory yielding to her presence without resistance. Kisha exchanged a glance with Duke, who gave her a nod of affirmation, silently entrusting her with complete control. She was still getting used to this version of Duke, so compliant and agreeable, unlike the Duke from her past life who was always in competition with her. The shift felt strange, but she pushed aside the feeling. Deciding to take charge, she pulled out the hundred black sea urchins they had gathered, adding with a casual tone, "We happened to find a nest of sea urchins." The group accepted her explanation without question, and soon they were all focused on setting up their campfire. Duke, Vulture, and the other men worked together to dig into the sand with shovels, preparing the area for the fire. Meanwhile, Kisha and Daisy arranged their catches on large banana leaves, adding an extra touch of care to the feast. Mr. and Mrs. Winters were also present, acting like an endearing older couple, their interactions sweet and tender as they cared for one another. The Patriarch watched the younger group with a smile, quietly enjoying their laughter and camaraderie. Meanwhile, Tristan and Aston were deep in a lively debate about which fruits complemented the feast best and what drinks should accompany it. As the designated beverage and fruit arrangers, they were determined to get everything just right. The STAUs, who had proven themselves invaluable as couriers during the battle, were also invited to the gathering. Along with them came Rose, Evelyn, Clyde, and Reeve, as well as all the Winters'' men, making for a sizable assembly. For those visiting Kisha''s territory for the first time, signing a slave contract was non-negotiable. While the bonds forged through their shared struggles were deep, Kisha had learned a painful lesson: the only person she could trust completely was Duke. As much as she cared for her comrades, she understood that loyalty, no matter how steadfast, could falter under the right pressure. Betrayal was always a possibility. But she couldn''t be blamed for thinking this way or for being overly cautious. She had been let down and betrayed so many times during the apocalypse that she had lost count, leaving her trust bruised and battered beyond repair. Fortunately, the others understood her reasoning. The slave contract wasn''t entirely one-sided¡ªit served as a safeguard for both parties. If Kisha were ever to betray them first or attempt to kill them without just cause, they would have the right to retaliate against her. This way, the contract provided security not only for Kisha but also for those bound by it. After the signing, just like before, a slithering golden light of letters crawled across the ground toward each person who had to sign their name on the contract after agreeing verbally. The glowing letters plunged into their hearts, followed by a wisp of flame that came from them and came towards the paper. As their names appeared on the contract, the ritual was completed after the contract burned and disappeared. Many others stepped forward of their own accord to sign, without needing to be called¡ªan undeniable testament to their trust in Kisha. Everyone''s reaction stirred deep emotions within Kisha for countless reasons. What had started as a simple gathering had unexpectedly turned into a mass contract-signing event, with the golden glow from the contracts creating a breathtaking sight. No one could look away as they watched the process unfold. However, when Mr. and Mrs. Winters, along with the Patriarch, stepped forward to sign the contract, Kisha gently refused. To her, they were already family, and she didn''t want them to feel as though she doubted their loyalty. More importantly, she didn''t want this to become an unspoken issue between her and Duke now that they were married. Family conflicts were different from those with subordinates¡ªmore delicate, more personal¡ªand she knew they had to be handled with care. Seeing this, Duke felt even more emotional than Kisha. It was a clear sign of how much she valued his thoughts and how she had already embraced his family as her own. Though his family was treated differently, no one felt it was unfair¡ªthey all understood the reasoning behind it. In fact, it made them feel even more secure. The contract wasn''t one-sided, and it reassured them that Kisha wasn''t just protecting herself¡ªshe was also ensuring their safety. As long as they remained loyal or posed no threat to her and her family, she would treat them with the same care and respect she gave to her own. Chapter 622 - 622 Beach Picnic After the contract signing, the group started a barbecue over an open flame. Some were grilled over charcoal, grilling stuffed squid, buttered lobster, and octopus, while the larger fish were roasted over the campfire. Kisha wanted to help, but Duke wouldn''t allow it¡ªand neither would the others. First, because this was her territory, and they already felt like they were benefiting enough just by being here. Secondly, they would feel uneasy watching her busy herself when she had already done so much for the base and everyone in it. In truth, they didn''t want Duke helping either, but he insisted on personally cooking for his wife. No one could stop him from pampering Kisha. Instead, they divided the tasks among themselves, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Only Daisy and Mrs. Winters stayed beside Kisha, engaging her in conversation, while Rose and Evelyn took charge of cooking, preparing barbecue marinades, and making dipping sauces. Marcus busied himself fetching fresh ingredients from his field, while Mike and Grant gathered seasonal fruits from the orchard for Aston and Tristan to slice. Everyone moved with purpose, as busy as bees, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. After the tense and nerve-wracking battle they had endured, this sense of peace and camaraderie felt like a breath of fresh air. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air as they worked together, making the wait for lunch all the more enjoyable. Vulture''s massive swordfish was still grilling over the campfire, its size making it difficult to cook evenly. To prevent charring on the outside, they wrapped it in banana leaves, allowing the heat to penetrate slowly. Meanwhile, Tristan and Aston busied themselves slicing watermelon, pineapple, oranges, and mangoes, tossing them into a large juice bowl. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To enhance the flavor, they added Scarlet Honey and water before calling on Duke to conjure ice spikes. Evelyn, with her blade-like hands, swiftly chopped the ice into tiny pieces, creating the perfect refreshing drink to accompany their feast. Aston and Tristan didn''t forget to grab some coconuts for fresh coconut water, a beachside favorite. Aston was assigned the task of climbing the coconut tree, which posed a bit of a challenge for him, as climbing wasn''t exactly his strength. Tristan watched him like a hawk, adding pressure to him so he really didn''t have a choice either. Thankfully, Aston recalled one of his soldiers climbing a similar tree with no branches, so he decided to give it a shot. However, when he realized there was no rope available, he had no choice but to remove his belt and use it. Wrapping it around the tree like an anchor, with both ends firmly gripped in his hands, he let out a heavy sigh and glanced up at the towering coconut tree before beginning the climb. He carefully removed his shoes to avoid slipping, then proceeded to ascend slowly. Every few steps, he paused to use his machete, carving a trail to make the climb easier the next time. As Aston repeated the process, he eventually reached the top of the tree, where the coconuts were hanging. Their greenish hue, tinged with a hint of brown at the top, made them easy to spot. Once he was sure he could reach the fruit with his arm, he paused in his climb, hugging the trunk of the tree. The tree was stable, slightly tipping sideways, which allowed Aston to let go with his upper body, using only his lower half to cling tightly to the trunk. His hands were now focused on cutting the branch that held a cluster of coconuts. Once he severed it, the tree, which had been slightly tilting under the weight of the coconuts, began to straighten, and Aston had to cling tightly once again to maintain his balance. Fortunately, the coconuts had already fallen, landing safely on the sand right in front of Tristan. As Aston began his descent, Tristan carefully pulled the cluster of coconuts to the prep table, where he cut the stems before using his machete to crack open the fruit and started serving it to those whole like a drink. Once Aston reached the ground, however, he didn''t head straight to Tristan. Instead, he climbed another coconut tree, repeating the process until he had gathered several dozen coconuts. This way, they wouldn''t need to send anyone to fetch more if the ones they had were used up, ensuring there was a steady supply for everyone. When the grilled stuffed squid, buttered lobsters, octopus, fish, and fresh sea urchins were finally ready, the Winters'' men arrived, carrying freshly washed banana leaves that they had carefully dried under the sun to ensure they weren''t damp when used to put the food in it as a makeshift plate. Kisha then took out several long tables from her inventory, surprisingly from the Evans and Winters'' villa in City A¡ªitems she had taken when ransacking the place before they left. Mrs. Winters stopped in her tracks as she laid eyes on the familiar tables, her breath catching in surprise. Kisha didn''t wait for Mrs. Winters to ask and quickly confessed. "Um, Mom, before we left City A, we stopped by your villa, and... well, I took everything I could carry¡ªyour fish tanks, ornamental plants, all of it." As she spoke, a flush crept up her face in embarrassment. She hadn''t felt this way when ransacking the villa with Duke by her side, but admitting it to her mother-in-law was a different story. To her surprise, Mrs. Winters burst into a hearty laugh. "No wonder it looked so familiar. Turns out, it was my table," Mrs. Winters said with a soft laugh before composing herself. "Well, I''m relieved you took it with you. Otherwise, I would have been heartbroken thinking that all my furniture and plants could be ruined¡ªeither by the zombies or just by time and the environment." Mrs. Winters wasn''t just trying to comfort Kisha; she genuinely appreciated the effort Kisha had put into taking the furniture with her. She had spent years selecting each piece, hoping that her home would provide her family with the warmth and comfort they deserved. The furniture wasn''t just functional¡ªit was a symbol of her care, and each piece had been carefully chosen, crafted from rare, high-quality hardwoods like African Blackwood, Rosewood, and Brazilian Rosewood. Those naturally sourced from the wild were far more expensive than synthetic or artificially grown alternatives, adding even more sentimental value to each item. The fact that all these pieces of furniture, originally belonging to Mrs. Winters, ended up with Kisha and now back with the Winters family felt like fate, and Mrs. Winters couldn''t help but chuckle at it. However, after placing the tables, they noticed that it was sinking into the soft sand, Rose quickly took action. She conjured a smooth Ice Crystal floor beneath them, carefully shaping intricate ice hedges around the table''s legs to prevent them from sliding or shifting. The structure ensured that the tables stayed firmly in place while everyone enjoyed their meal. At first, the others hesitated when they saw the seemingly expensive tables, unsure of whether to place the food directly on them. But their reservations faded, and they quickly spread banana leaves over the surface, layering two sheets to ensure the tables wouldn''t get scratched. With that done, they began arranging the cooked food. Evelyn had also prepared rice in a large pot, distributing it into several big bowls and placing them around the table¡ªone at each end and two in the center. The grilled seafood was then spread out across the middle, with the banana leaves serving as a makeshift platter. Chapter 623 - 623 Doing Farm Work When Vulture''s swordfish was finally done, they sliced it and scattered the pieces around the table, creating a feast that piled up like a small mountain of food. With only two tables available, everyone had to either grab their portion and find a spot to sit or stand around the tables, enjoying the meal together. Marcus also prepared a fresh batch of sea grapes that the Winters'' men had found in the shallow waters near the rockery. After washing them thoroughly, he sliced some white onions and tomatoes and drizzled them with a salty sauce with a fishy taste. For the Winters, who were trying it for the first time, the strong, pungent flavor¡ªdue to the onions and sauce¡ªwas a bit of a surprise. But when mixed with the rice, the flavors melded together, creating a surprisingly delicious dish. This recipe was something Marcus had learned from his father, who had often visited a nearby fishing village where the locals enjoyed it. Marcus had always liked it and wanted to share it, curious to see if others would enjoy the unique flavor as well. Soon, everyone gathered around the table. Some placed rice and seafood on banana leaves before finding a spot to sit, while Reeve, Clyde, and the other younger ones chose to stay standing around the table, making it easier to reach for their favorite dishes. To their surprise, others followed their lead, standing and reaching for the food they liked. It turned into a fun, relaxed experience, with everyone feeling closer as they shared the meal. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter as they enjoyed the food together, making the moment even more memorable. After a long day of work and with the weight of their nervousness and fear finally lifted, everyone''s appetites had grown larger than usual. It didn''t take long for them to devour the remaining food. With so many people eating together, cleanup was simple. They hadn''t even used many utensils, so there wasn''t much to wash. They discarded the used banana leaves and sticks into the campfire, letting them burn down. The ashes could later be used on the farmland, while the unburned fish bones were gathered in one spot. They could either crush them into fine powder for calcium-rich supplements or mix them with the ashes to create fertilizer. It was a resourceful way to make the most of everything. Regardless of how they used it, they were committed to not wasting anything and instead made sure to repurpose whatever they could around the territory. Marcus took charge of the process, while the others focused on cleaning up. They wiped down the tables and made sure to leave no trash behind, knowing full well that the beach belonged to their Young Madam, Kisha. It would be a sign of disrespect not to care for her land after enjoying their time there. Once lunch was finished, some wandered along the beach, taking in the scenery, while others returned to the water to play and unwind even further. After a full day of playing, they decided to cook another seafood banquet when they started feeling tired and hungry. The sky was still bright, so they could only estimate the time, realizing it was already evening they all ate. After enjoying dinner in the same spot, they returned to their tents to rest for the night. The next day, everyone woke up feeling refreshed and relaxed, but the urge to continue the festivities had faded. Instead, the Winters'' men went to the farm to help out with the harvest, as time moved differently here. Some crops were already ready for harvesting, and Marcus, grateful for the extra hands, didn''t hesitate to accept their help. He made it clear that they were welcome to assist without any formalities. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha and Duke decided to walk around the farm to check on its progress and ended up lending a hand with the harvest. They were joined by Reeve, Clyde, Rose, Evelyn, Aston, Tristan, and the rest of the group. For Evelyn, Reeve, and Clyde, it was their first time seeing the farm, and they were in awe of its vastness and the wonders of Kisha''s mystical territory. They were eager to explore more of it later, but for now, everyone focused on pitching in and helping with the harvest. Kisha surveyed the crops and noticed that there were now more spiritual crops than before. The glow of these crops was much more pronounced, creating a mesmerizing sight. As per her earlier instructions, Marcus had carefully stored the harvested spiritual crops in a separate warehouse to ensure they wouldn''t be accidentally distributed throughout the base. At that moment, the okra, also known as "Lady''s Finger," was ready for harvest. Since most of them were superhumans, they didn''t need gloves to handle the okra, which had tiny needles that could cause minor discomfort or itching. With practiced ease, they continued harvesting without hesitation. Kisha and Duke shared a large basket as they carefully plucked the okra from the tall plants, each reaching up to Kisha''s chest. The okra, measuring 5 to 7 inches long like small eggplants, stood pointed upwards, ready to be harvested. Though Kisha could easily use her telekinesis to gather them all at once, there was something special about harvesting them alongside Duke the traditional way. The quietness between them felt peaceful and intimate, each moment shared in simple silence. Once the okras were gathered, they moved on to harvest the pumpkins, continuing their work together. The Winters'' men assisted in gathering the full baskets of okra, placing them in an open space near the farm. They then distributed empty, large baskets to those standing by the pumpkin field. Among them were Kisha and Duke, already crouched and carefully twisting the pumpkins from their thick stems. Each pumpkin was twice the size of the average one, weighing at least 50 kilos. With just a few of these massive pumpkins, the large baskets were already full, and any more would surely make them too heavy to carry. After the okra and pumpkins, they moved on to harvest the leafy greens¡ªbok choy, spinach, lettuce, kale, mustard greens, and arugula. This was followed by various radishes, broccoli, scallions, beets, and green beans. They also harvested tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, corn, and cantaloupes. The last to be gathered was rice. With 100 acres of farmland and an array of crops, it took them three full days to finish the harvest. Surprisingly, the act of harvesting felt somewhat therapeutic, providing a sense of calm as they worked. It allowed them to slowly shake off the haunting memories of the recent battle, which had plagued many of them in their dreams. These few days spent on the farm, immersed in the simplicity of mundane tasks, helped them cope, particularly the younger ones like Reeve and Clyde, who had been thrust into the horrors of the battlefield. By the end of the fourth day of harvesting, seeing the hundreds of baskets brimming with a variety of crops brought a sense of fulfillment to everyone. It was the result of their hard work, and the pride in their efforts was evident. They also carefully separated the spiritual crops, as Kisha had instructed, from the regular ones and stored them in different warehouses in the territory''s management that many of them are only finding out about now. This would ensure they had a fresh supply for the future, especially since they''d used up so many resources from the Supply Center during the recent battle¡ªparticularly the fresh crops and produce. Chapter 624 - 624 Animal Care Once the harvest was complete, everyone headed to the animal farm, eager to check on the mutated livestock and see how Mike was managing their training and care. They were particularly curious about how well he had integrated them with the normal livestock. But Mike wasn''t concerned about the inspection¡ªthanks to his unique talent and gift, he successfully trained the mutated animals to follow his every command. No longer hostile, they now lived peacefully alongside the regular livestock, eating the same food and adapting well to their new environment, despite their unusual appearances. There hadn''t been a single incident where the mutated livestock attacked the normal ones. So, when Kisha and the rest went to check, this was what they saw: a towering, massive mutated cow standing out among the normal herd. However, what truly surprised them was its behavior¡ªit was calmly grazing alongside the others. Even its once-raging, fiery horns, which had previously burned with uncontrollable intensity, now glowed with a subdued, almost decorative warmth. Kisha herself was taken aback by the transformation. When Vulture first brought these mutated animals back, they were all unconscious. But the moment they were transported into her territory and regained consciousness, they were nothing short of hostile¡ªready to attack anything that got too close. The mutated cows, in particular, were the most aggressive. Seeing them now, peacefully integrated with the normal livestock, was nothing short of astonishing. But now, they all appeared docile and harmless despite their intimidating physical traits. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Kisha and the rest followed Mike around the farm, the others began helping with the animals. Kisha and Duke, in particular, assisted with gathering eggs from the chicken coop. Since Kisha had already reached the maximum capacity for her chickens, she could now harvest at least five thousand eggs daily. On particularly good days, when the hens were more productive or laid more than one egg, the number could even reach seven to eight thousand. With just these eggs alone, Kisha could provide one per person residing in her base every single day, which even surprised her. Since she rarely had time to personally manage her territory, she hadn''t kept track of the growing population of her livestock, the increasing number of Scarlet Bees, or even the fish in the lake and sea. Now that she was actively helping out, her understanding of her own territory was renewed. In fact, she was thrilled to realize just how abundant her supplies had become. After all, once a person has experienced hunger, they naturally develop a tendency to hoard supplies. For Kisha, seeing her stockpile grow brought her a deep sense of satisfaction. Duke was also helping her collect eggs as they moved from nest to nest inside the massive chicken coop. Fortunately, everything was well-organized, and the chickens weren''t hostile. Kisha and Duke could simply reach under the hens and retrieve the eggs without any trouble. The coop was impressively clean, so they didn''t even have to worry about touching chicken droppings. The nests were meticulously arranged, and Kisha wasn''t sure if this was a result of the chicken coop being upgraded to its maximum level or if it was Mike''s doing. The nests were organized in a five-tier, stair-like structure, resembling shelves. Each long wall of the chicken coop featured these five-layered shelves, while a back-to-back shelf stood in the middle, effectively maximizing the available space. During mealtime, the chickens would leave the coop to graze in the tall grass, catching insects and worms or nibbling on the vegetation. Occasionally, Mike would provide a special feed mix to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring the chickens weren''t too fatty or too lean. Even the flavor of the chicken and eggs was better than that of domesticated chickens before the apocalypse. As it happened to be the chickens'' mealtime, Kisha noticed Mike pushing a wooden cart filled with vegetables, leafy greens, and mixed grains. Curious, Kisha and Duke approached him. "What is this for?" Duke asked, eyeing the contents of the cart. Most of the leafy greens were the outer layers of harvested crops, such as lettuce, kale, and other similar greens. There were also damaged vegetables¡ªsome split in two, others pulled from the ground with too much force, like radishes and damaged, or ones that had been accidentally squashed during harvesting, such as okra. "Master, instead of discarding these or using them as fertilizer¡ªsince the farmland inside the Young Madam''s territory doesn''t even require fertilizer to yield such amazing crops¡ªwe use these leftovers to feed the animals," Mike explained as he opened the wooden fence and pushed the cart inside. The chickens immediately turned their attention to the cart, their hungry eyes fixed on the food. However, they still maintained a respectful distance, clearly influenced by Mike''s presence. Their cooperation and docility didn''t go unnoticed, and Kisha couldn''t help but nod in approval at how well-trained they were under his care. Kisha and Duke watched as Mike casually tossed the vegetables onto the grassy land. Inspired, Kisha scooped up a handful of mixed grains and mimicked his actions, while Duke followed suit behind her. The moment the food hit the ground, the chickens eagerly fluttered over, pecking at the grains and vegetables with enthusiasm. Cluck... Cluck... Cluck... The air was filled with the excited clucking of chickens as they scattered around, eagerly pecking at the food. Mike continued pushing the cart, tossing handfuls of vegetables along the way. Kisha and Duke trailed behind him, each tossing their own handfuls of food into the expansive grassy field, watching as the chickens eagerly rushed to enjoy their feast. Duke, who wasn''t as familiar with farming and livestock care, couldn''t help but ask, "Why are we tossing their food around instead of placing it in a container so it doesn''t get scattered and wasted?" Despite his question, he continued tossing handfuls of food, grabbing one after another from the cart as he kept pace with the others. "That''s actually a great question, Master," Mike began, his tone thoughtful. "Most poultry farms use food containers to store the chicken feed, and the chickens eat from those, with the containers being refilled at the next feeding time. However, I also read somewhere that organically raised chickens¡ªones that don''t rely on processed feed¡ªlive off grass and insects." "I realized that the quality of the food they consume directly impacts the taste of their meat and produce, especially the balance of their muscle and fat." "When I arrived here, I noticed that these animals were not just grazing on grass and catching insects but were also eating fruits and vegetables. Their coats and overall growth were remarkable, and that''s when I realized that a proper diet really makes a difference." Mike smiled as he continued, his explanation clear and methodical. "The reason I scatter their food around instead of placing it in containers is actually part of a cycle I''ve noticed works well." "Any leftover food¡ªbe it grains or vegetables¡ªonce left on the ground for a day or two, attracts insects. These insects then become another natural food source for the chickens." "It''s a sustainable method, where the remnants of their food naturally contribute to the ecosystem around them. Additionally, the leftover food decomposes and acts as a natural fertilizer for the grass." "This, in turn, helps the grass grow even lusher, which means more insects will come around, and the cycle continues." "The chickens can then eat the insects, graze on the fresh grass, and always have a variety of food available. It ensures they''re never without options, reducing the chances of hunger or malnutrition." Chapter 625 - 625 The Smart Mike Kisha and Duke listened intently, both struck by the depth of Mike''s understanding. It was astonishing that a teenage boy had such a thorough grasp of livestock care and their diets. Not only did he comprehend the intricate balance of feeding these animals, but he had also developed a strategic plan to ensure that their food source remained constant. Despite the limitations on harvests and the occasional shortage of fruits and vegetables, Mike''s approach meant that the animals would never go hungry. The thoughtfulness and foresight behind his plan left Kisha and Duke genuinely impressed, as they realized that his knowledge was far beyond what they had expected from someone his age. Kisha and Duke exchanged a look, admiration shining in their eyes as they realized the extent of Mike''s dedication to the animals. His deep understanding of their needs and the careful planning he had put into ensuring their well-being made it clear that his Talent and Gift weren''t just about his skills¡ªit was his natural affinity for animals. Kisha couldn''t help but think that no wonder his abilities aligned with animal care. His methods and understanding were part of the reason why the animals here were thriving, growing bigger and tastier than the ones they had before the apocalypse. It wasn''t just luck¡ªthere were many factors at play, from his gift to his meticulous approach to raising the animals, and the results spoke for themselves. Kisha couldn''t help but feel a deep appreciation for Mike''s exceptional talent, especially since he remained so humble and lowkey. If she and Duke hadn''t taken the time to observe, she would have never realized the immense effort he put into caring for the animals. Handling thousands of livestock on his own while also coming out of the territory to assist around the villa, Mike''s dedication was truly impressive. The Wyatt family, she thought, was filled with good people, and Mike was a shining example of their strength and generosity. Kisha''s thoughts seemed to wander as she watched Duke continue with the task. She wondered if hiring more people to work on the farm would lighten the load on Mike and the others, especially since he was doing so much on his own. As she thought about it more, she realized that with her ability to draft the slave contracts, she could ensure that her secret remained safe and that everyone she hired would be bound to confidentiality. She absentmindedly tapped her chin with her finger, deep in thought, as Duke worked beside her, letting her process her ideas without interrupting her flow. After finishing up in the chicken coop, Kisha and Duke watched as Mike pushed the now-empty wooden cart back toward the farm. Without wasting time, they moved on to the duck house. Just like in the chicken coop, they began collecting eggs, working their way from the back to the entrance. By the time they were done, they had gathered an impressive eight thousand eggs. As they neared the exit, the steady chorus of quacking echoed through the duck house, filling the space with a lively energy. Stepping outside, they spotted Mike once again¡ªthis time pushing another cart filled with mixed grains and veggies. The feed looked similar to what the chickens had eaten earlier, reinforcing the careful balance Mike maintained in the animals'' diets. This time, Kisha noticed that the duck house wasn''t just surrounded by an expansive grassy area¡ªit also had a large pond. Tall reeds grew abundantly around the water, creating a natural habitat. Within the pond, she spotted snails and clusters of snail eggs, which the ducks could eat if they wished. Water crickets and other insects thrived alongside patches of moss, contributing to a self-sustaining ecosystem. It amazed her how closely this environment resembled the natural wetlands outside her territory, seamlessly supporting the ducks'' needs. Unlike how he fed the chickens, this time, Mike tossed the leafy greens directly into the water, allowing those that could float to drift on the surface while placing the heavier ones¡ªthose that would sink¡ªinto containers for the ducks to eat. The moment the food hit the water, several ducks sprinted toward it, eagerly plucking the floating leaves, sending small splashes rippling across the pond as they fed. Meanwhile, the ducks on land crowded around the containers, their feathery tails wagging happily as they pecked at their meal. Some even opted to pluck at the fresh grass before turning their attention to the food in the containers, enjoying a well-balanced feast. After finishing up at the duck house, Kisha and Duke walked past the sheep enclosure, where the others were just wrapping up the shearing process. What caught their attention was the towering mound of freshly shorn fleece¡ªthick, pristine, and incredibly soft. Unlike the usual wool from farms before the apocalypse, which was often matted and dirty, this fleece was remarkably clean and bright white, making it much easier to process. Kisha was amazed; it was her first time seeing freshly sheared wool up close. With such an abundant supply, they could spin it into yarn or craft thicker blankets and warm clothing¡ªvaluable resources that would help survivors endure the cold far better than during their first harsh winter-like cold that abruptly appeared out of nowhere. The Winters men carefully rolled up the fleece before asking Marcus for help in transporting it to the warehouse. Once stored, they can ask the workshop''s artisans to begin processing it¡ªcleaning the wool, soaking it in a special solution, and preparing it for spinning into woolen yarn or weaving into fabric. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The finished materials would then be crafted into blankets, clothing, and even carpets. Some of the wool would also be distributed to independent artisans who ran their own stalls. "How come the fleece is so white and fluffy?" Kisha murmured, marveling at its pristine quality. Mike, who was standing beside her, overheard the question. He wasn''t trying to boast about his achievements, but he felt it was important to explain the process. "Young Madam, I actually bathe the sheep regularly, but don''t worry¡ªI don''t do it manually," Mike explained with a small chuckle. "As you can see, there are hundreds of them, and it would take forever if I washed them one by one. Instead, I herd them toward that enclosure." He pointed to a structure not far away. Kisha and Duke followed his gaze before walking over to take a closer look. The enclosure resembled a narrow, winding passage that allowed only one sheep to pass through at a time. The entire length of the passage was filled with bubbling water, and in the middle stood a series of rotating brushes made from bundled dry reeds. Though the brushes appeared somewhat crude, they were easy to replace with sturdier reeds when needed. As the sheep moved through the passage, the brushes scrubbed away dirt and debris, gradually cleaning their coats. By the time they emerged on the other side, their fleece was noticeably cleaner. The simplicity and efficiency of the system impressed Kisha¡ªit was a low-maintenance yet highly effective way to ensure the livestock remained well-groomed. "That''s smart," Duke praised, patting Mike''s head. For Mike, the gesture felt like a great acknowledgment of his hard work, but he remained humble as he continued explaining. "I actually came across this method on YouTube once while watching random videos," he admitted with a small smile. "Since I didn''t have large synthetic brushes, I just improvised with what I had." Chapter 626 - 626 After Rest, Back To The Battles Aftermath "Don''t downplay your work," Kisha said, glancing back at the teenage boy. "Not everyone would think of doing this, even if they''ve seen it online." She gave Mike two thumbs up before shifting her gaze around the enclosure. It was set within the sheep pen, surrounded by grassy land. Her brows furrowed as she considered something¡ªthe water from the enclosure could be used to irrigate the grass, replenished by the steady stream flowing through the farm. A small man-made canal directed water from the stream to the enclosure, with a wooden plank serving as a stopper. If they needed to add more water, they could simply lift the plank and put it back to stop the flow when necessary, making water management much easier. However, to replace the old water inside the enclosure, they had to manually scoop it out using large pails and discard it before refilling with fresh, clean water. However, she noticed the water inside the enclosure was bubbling. That meant Mike had likely added something to create the effect, possibly a detergent. A worrying thought crossed her mind¡ªif the treated water was flushed out onto the grass and the sheep ate it, she didn''t even want to imagine the consequences. She couldn''t help but ask, "Mike, what did you use to make the water bubble?" "Oh, Young Madam," Mike began, scratching the back of his head. "When I was building the enclosure, I realized that plain water alone wouldn''t be enough to properly clean the sheep''s coats." "So, I searched the forest and found a type of plant that looked like a flower but secreted a slimy liquid. From what I know, certain plants like that can act as natural detergents or shampoo." "I did some experiments first to make sure it was safe and effective, and it turned out to work really well." "Since there''s an abundance of these plants in the forest, I collected some of the liquid and added it to the water. This way, it gently cleans the sheep without any harsh smells that could irritate them or affect the scent of their wool." "Plus, when we drain the water onto the grassland before refilling it, it won''t harm the grass. Instead, it acts as a natural fertilizer because it contains dirt and traces of sheep waste." "I''ve noticed the grass growing even lusher without needing to toss in extra vegetable scraps for decomposition." Kisha was truly amazed. Mike made it sound so simple, but in reality, his level of thoughtfulness and effort was remarkable. Even experienced animal caretakers wouldn''t go to such lengths¡ªscouring the mountains for a natural shampoo or detergent when they had commercial options readily available in the warehouse. Most people would have taken the easier route, but Mike thought differently. He considered not just the effectiveness of cleaning the sheep''s coats but also their health and how the solution would impact their living environment. His dedication and foresight were beyond impressive. "Well done, Mike." Kisha nodded, looking at him with a proud smile and a gentle gaze. Even Duke regarded him with appreciation. Though still a teenager, Mike displayed remarkable maturity and dependability, reaffirming their belief that entrusting the entire animal farm to him had been the best decision they could have made. Seeing this, Duke reached out and gently patted Kisha''s head, his voice filled with warmth. "You''ve done well too¡ªyou have a great eye for people." In the past, Kisha might have felt insulted by those words. Being told she had "a great eye for people" would have felt like rubbing salt in the wound, a cruel reminder of the countless betrayals she had suffered¡ªbetrayals that had ultimately led to her death. But now, after countless trials and errors, she truly felt like she had succeeded. She had gathered talented individuals, and her squad was finally taking shape just as she had envisioned. With a genuine smile, Kisha nodded in agreement. Not far from the sheep pen was the cowshed, where Rose, Evelyn, Reeve, and Clyde were seated on wooden stools, manually milking the cows. This time, there were no machines to assist them, so once the Winters'' men finished storing the sheared fleece in the territory''s warehouse, they joined in to help with the milking. Fortunately, there were only a few dozen dairy cows, making the task manageable. Among the cows was a highland cattle that had recently given birth. Rose and Evelyn focused on milking her since highland cattle produce milk rich in butterfat. However, there were only a few of them. The cowshed currently housed about 100 mixed-breed cows¡ªthe maximum it could accommodate¡ªincluding dairy cows, highland cattle for both milk and meat, and beef cattle of different breeds, with some pairs of rarer varieties. Observing this, Kisha began considering expanding the barn. She wanted to raise more cattle, not only to increase their milk production but also to ensure a wider variety of high-quality meat for the future. The same applied to the other farm animals. Among the cattle, the highland breed was the easiest to raise since they thrived on grass and other plants, requiring minimal additional feed. In contrast, the beef cattle needed a more varied diet, including hay and grains, which had to be sourced from the farm. Anticipating this, Marcus had already set aside a portion of the farm''s vegetables to supplement the animals'' diet. Additionally, the hay from the recently harvested rice only needed a bit more drying before it could be used as feed for the cows. After Kisha and the others finished helping out on the cowshed, they spent another three days within the farm and orchard, ensuring everything was in order before moving on. When they finally emerged, they had spent a total of 240 hours inside¡ªequivalent to 10 days¡ªwhile only 24 hours had passed in the outside world. Despite their absence, everything outside continued running smoothly. The people carried on with their work, and many of the warriors who had fallen into comas had regained consciousness. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though they were still weak, they were alive and, thankfully, suffering no lasting aftereffects from overusing their awakened abilities. They were fortunate to have been stopped in time¡ªhad they pushed any further, they might have suffered severe brain damage, potentially leaving them in a vegetative state. Fortunately, Aston and Tristan had exited earlier than the rest to take charge of operations outside. Because of this, they didn''t participate in the farm work and instead emerged after 12 hours¡ªjust enough time to rest before assuming command. Once they took over, the veterans who had been holding temporary leadership reported back to them. From there, Aston and Tristan began reorganizing. They ordered the retrieval of weapons back to the warehouse and had the empty bullet cartridges gathered and sent to the workshop. They also conducted a thorough assessment of the injured and checked for any casualties. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts¡ªeven with the use of the blue vials of liquid¡ªthere were some who didn''t make it. Most of the casualties had suffered fatal consequences from overusing their awakened abilities, their brains unable to withstand the strain had exploded and they bled from their seven orifices. The western wall had been hit the hardest, with three confirmed fatalities, while the rest¡ªabout a dozen¡ªhad managed to wake from their comas. Those who lost their lives, unfortunately, had no family members inside the base. Perhaps that was why they didn''t hesitate to sacrifice themselves, dedicating everything they had to defending the wall so that others could continue living in safety. They had given their lives for the greater good. Hearing this report the moment she stepped out of the territory space made Kisha''s heart sink. A heavy weight settled in her chest, the realization hitting her hard¡ªit was her responsibility, her oversight that had led to their deaths. As a leader, she couldn''t ignore that truth. The guilt pressed down on her like an unbearable burden. Seeing the pain reflected in her eyes, Duke pulled her into his arms, wrapping her in a firm, reassuring embrace. "Wife, don''t think that way. It wasn''t your fault, so you shouldn''t carry this burden alone," Duke said gently, his gaze steady as he tried to ease the conflict in Kisha''s eyes. "They knew what they were doing, and they still chose to do it¡ªbecause they believed in you. They believed you would make this base a safe haven for the children and the people they fought to protect." "In their hearts, they probably felt they were doing something meaningful, something right." He paused, tightening his hold on her. "Didn''t you hear? When their bodies were found, even after all the pain they endured before passing, they still had smiles on their faces. This was their choice, Kisha. You don''t have to carry the weight of it as guilt." Duke studied her face, knowing that no matter how much she claimed to have grown cold, deep down, Kisha''s heart was still as warm as it had always been. Chapter 627 - 627 Memorial Hall After some coaxing, Kisha finally calmed down, regaining her usual cold and indifferent demeanor¡ªat least on the surface. However, those who had witnessed the crack in her expression earlier knew that their City Lord wasn''t as detached as she seemed. It was more likely a defense mechanism, a way for her to cope with the weight of responsibility or the pain she must have been facing. With Kisha composed once more, Tristan and Aston resumed their report on the base. Aside from the three casualties, several others had been rushed in for treatment¡ªthose who had fallen into a coma, teetering on the edge of death or permanent vegetative states. Fortunately, most of them had regained consciousness. The medical team was now providing close care and monitoring their conditions to ensure there were no lasting effects. After fully grasping the situation, Kisha raised her hand, signaling Tristan to pause his report. Her voice was firm yet solemn as she spoke. "Before we move on to other important matters, please arrange a memorial service for those who lost their lives in the line of duty." "Also, find a suitable location that we can transform into a memorial hall for our fallen heroes, separate from one dedicated to civilians. They all deserve to be honored and remembered with the respect they earned, even in death." Her words left not only the nearby warriors and soldiers¡ªwho had been discreetly listening¡ªin stunned silence but also Tristan and Aston, who hadn''t expected such a request. Given their current situation, holding a memorial service wasn''t a major issue. However, the idea of constructing a memorial hall for the fallen stirred mixed feelings among them. Firstly, with the ongoing apocalypse, many of the deceased likely wouldn''t even have bodies left to bury. Secondly, death had become an almost daily occurrence. Dedicating precious land to a memorial hall could mean sacrificing the valuable space they had fought tirelessly to reclaim¡ªland that had been secured through countless battles and relentless effort. Would it truly be practical to set aside such a resource for the fallen when the living still struggled to survive? But Kisha saw things differently. She wasn''t just thinking emotionally¡ªthis wasn''t just about her own feelings but about the morale of everyone in the base. It was true that death had become an everyday occurrence in their zombie-infested world. They lived surrounded by death, and fear was inevitable. She had been considering this for a while. Since she couldn''t prevent every loss, the least she could do was give the fallen a dignified resting place. By establishing a memorial hall, she wasn''t just honoring the dead¡ªshe was giving the living a sense of hope. Knowing that, even in death, they wouldn''t be reduced to mindless, ravenous corpses wandering outside the walls would bring some solace. It would reassure them that their sacrifices wouldn''t be forgotten, that they wouldn''t simply vanish into the chaos, unrecognized and unburied. Instead, they would be remembered, their names etched into history, forever set apart from the horrors lurking beyond their sanctuary. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This small sense of belonging, even in death, was the least she could offer in a world consumed by horror, fear, and pain. Kisha had always dreamed of building a true safe haven, but she knew that achieving it would demand countless sacrifices¡ªsweat, blood, and relentless effort. A sanctuary wasn''t something that simply appeared because they wished for it; it had to be earned. So, while she couldn''t promise an end to the suffering, she could at least offer a place for people to lay their loved ones to rest¡ªa space where they could return, remember, and honor those they had lost. In doing so, she wasn''t just giving them closure; she was strengthening their connection to the base itself. If people felt emotionally tied to their home, they would be more willing to fight for it, to protect it, and to build a future worth living for. Beyond that, while the memory of losing their loved ones in this apocalypse was painful, Kisha didn''t want them to forget. Instead, she wanted them to carry those memories¡ªnot as a weight to drag them down, but as fuel to keep clawing their way out of this hellish world. She understood this from personal experience. Many people preferred to forget, to live in the moment, to cherish the present and make the most of what little they had. But that mindset only allowed them to escape their fears temporarily, pushing them to survive rather than truly fight for something greater. With the memorial hall as a constant reminder of what they had lost, they wouldn''t settle for merely getting by. They would push harder, strive for more, and refuse to let their sacrifices be in vain. Currently, while many were eager to become warriors for the base, most were drawn by the promise of better meals each day. But that alone wasn''t enough. Kisha needed her warriors to have true determination, grit, and passion¡ªto fight not just for survival but for something greater. Especially now, after what happened the previous day, she knew that was only the first test. There would be a second, a third, and possibly countless more trials ahead. If they weren''t prepared¡ªphysically, mentally, and emotionally¡ªthen their future was doomed before it even began. Now, facing these people¡ªTristan''s understanding gaze and Duke''s gentle coaxing voice¡ªKisha knew she had to correct their misconceptions. It was true that she felt some guilt earlier, knowing that three of her warriors had died while she was in a coma, fighting to keep the zombies from breaching the walls. They had done an incredible job, and offering them this memorial was the least she could do in return. Duke''s words stirred something in her, touching an emotion she rarely allowed herself to feel. But for someone like her, who had witnessed countless deaths¡ªincluding her own, in a way¡ªthis loss, though painful, was just another chapter in the brutal reality they lived in. Even though they had their doubts, no one voiced them. They understood that Kisha was speaking from the heart, and the words "memorial hall for the heroes" struck a deep chord within them. It made them feel that their sacrifices wouldn''t be forgotten, even if they fell in the future. And for some reason, that thought stirred something within them¡ªan emotion they couldn''t quite put into words. After a brief moment of stunned silence, Tristan responded, his voice steady. "Yes, Young Madam. I''ll begin working on it right away." With that, he gave a respectful nod to both Kisha and Duke before turning to leave. Aston, still slightly uncertain about his next move, followed Tristan, ready to assist with the arrangements for the memorial service in the proper military fashion, as what befit heroes. Meanwhile, Kisha and Duke remained standing on top of the wall, their gaze sweeping over the streets outside. Soldiers were diligently ensuring that all the zombies had been dealt with, collecting the valuable crystal cores. The first light of dawn began to creep across the sky, signaling the brief respite was over, and now, the real work began. It was a brief moment of calm in an otherwise chaotic world after their long battle the other day. After a full day of rest, everyone knew it was time to shift gears and face the aftermath of the battle. Chapter 628 - 628 Cleaning Up The soldiers descended from the wall using ropes, as opening the gate was out of the question. If they did, the zombie carcasses would spill in from the outside, and in the event of another wave or trouble, closing the gate would become nearly impossible. This left them with no choice but to climb down. Equipped with large military backpacks, they first cleared a small, designated area. There, they began collecting the zombie corpses they had already inspected and removed crystal cores from, piling them up in one spot. Once everything was gathered, they set the pile ablaze, ensuring the remains were properly disposed of. This approach, however, was slow¡ªlike counting rice grains one by one from a sack¡ªand not nearly fast enough for the sheer number of zombie carcasses outside. If they continued at this pace, it would take forever. Kisha recognized this and decided to enlist the help of the Scarlet Bees to speed things up. The soldiers and warriors had already experienced the bees'' power firsthand, even if they had not observed them in action. This also served as a perfect opportunity to create another disguise, allowing others to believe she was using her telekinesis to extract the crystal cores from the zombies'' skulls. With thousands of Scarlet Bees at her disposal, Kisha knew they could gather the cores more efficiently. However, with so many zombie bodies piled high, the bees struggled to reach the ones buried deeper in the stack. To overcome this, they adapted their strategy, slicing through the pile, extracting the crystal cores as they went, and collecting them in a designated area free of bodies. This approach was far too gruesome, only adding to the mess around them. Kisha shook her head as she observed from the sidelines. Meanwhile, the soldiers and warriors working on the other sides couldn''t help but steal glances at her. They weren''t sure if they were being punished by having to witness this scene or if it was entirely unintentional. Either way, none of them dared to voice their thoughts. Instead, they focused on their tasks, doing their best to pretend they saw nothing. But it was nearly impossible to ignore¡ªespecially when severed hands or feet went flying through the air, occasionally landing right where they were collecting the crystal cores. Before things got further out of hand, Kisha recalled the Scarlet Bees. Though the process had been messy, the bees had already gathered hundreds of crystal cores in a remarkably short time. The nearby warriors and soldiers quickly moved in to collect the neatly piled crystal cores, stuffing them into their bags before scaling the wall and depositing them into the designated containers for cleaning. Once the boxes were full, another team would carry them to a large drum filled with cold water, where they would be vigorously shaken to remove any lingering black blood and brain matter clinging to the crystals. And they would repeat it in three different drums filled with cold water to make sure that the crystal cores were cleaned. Once cleaned, the boxes were lifted out of the water and placed on a table where another team wiped the crystal cores with clean cloths. If any remnants of brain matter or zombie blood remained, they would rinse the cores again before thoroughly drying them. The cleaned crystals were then stored in separate boxes, which were sealed once full. When the number of filled boxes became too large to transport manually, a lift was used to move them to the City Lord''s Villa. Meanwhile, Rose and Evelyn meticulously recorded everything, while their subordinates listed and calculated the number of crystal cores to be distributed as rewards to those who had participated in the battle. Seeing how well-organized everyone was, Kisha knew she didn''t need to worry about the rest of the process and could instead focus on the cleanup operation outside the wall to ensure they finished as soon as possible. Just then, an excavator pulled up in front of the gate, likely expecting the soldiers to open it so the machine could pass through and assist in clearing the zombie carcasses. Even if the piled-up bodies rushed forward once the gate was opened, the operator was confident he could push them back with the excavator, preventing any major issues. However, the gatekeepers hesitated, still wary of the risk. Noticing their uncertainty, Kisha didn''t bother waiting¡ªshe simply used her telekinesis to lift the entire excavator over the wall. The sudden motion sent the operator into a panic, making him scream his lungs out as he was unexpectedly lifted off the ground. "Mommy! What''s going on?!" the operator panicked, desperately trying to grab onto anything within reach. Through the excavator''s window, he caught sight of Kisha standing atop the wall, effortlessly lifting the massive machine with her telekinesis. His eyes widened as he realized he was about to be carried over the ten-meter-high barrier. "Oh¡­ it''s the City Lord," he muttered with a wry smile, attempting to mask his sheer terror. He tried to act unfazed, but in reality, his knees were buckling beneath him. Heights were already his worst fear, and the thought of plummeting from such a height only made it worse. However, since it was Kisha who was lifting him, he knew he couldn''t complain. Still, his forced smile was beginning to crack. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, his face turned ashen, and his entire body trembled despite his best efforts to appear brave. Kisha noticed the operator''s discomfort and called out, "Just close your eyes! By the time you open them, you''ll already be on the ground!" This was the fastest way to get the excavator over the wall. If the operator had to clear out the zombie carcasses that had spilled inside before making his way out, it would take too much time. Using her telekinesis was simply the most efficient solution. It only took her a few breaths to lift the excavator over the wall. The operator, trusting her words, squeezed his eyes shut. When he finally dared to open them, he was already on solid ground. His excavator now rested atop the piled-up zombie corpses outside the wall. He exhaled deeply in relief, but his teeth still chattered, and his back was drenched in cold sweat. "T-Thank you, City Lord¡­" the operator murmured, his voice hoarse and unsteady. He struggled to say it out loud, his words barely escaping as he trembled uncontrollably. But Kisha paid him no mind. As soon as she set the excavator down, her gaze swept over the streets outside. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soldiers and warriors were still collecting crystal cores by hand, their figures moving tirelessly. The same scene unfolded along the other walls, a relentless effort to gather every last core. Kisha let out a sigh before turning to the excavator operator and shouting, "Start piling up the bodies! Don''t worry about whether the crystal cores have been removed¡ªjust stack them up!" The operator, who had just begun to steady himself, stiffened at her command. Swallowing his nerves, he gave a quick nod, refocused, and started operating the excavator. With each scoop, he lifted as many zombie carcasses as the machine could carry and began piling them up. Kisha then turned to the warriors nearby and called out, "Fire-type awakened ability users, gather here! We''ll burn the pile to ash, and the soldiers can collect the crystal cores afterward. It''ll be much faster that way!" Chapter 629 - 629 Preparing To Draw Everyone turned their attention to Kisha. They had considered this method before, but the fire-type awakened ability users weren''t strong enough yet¡ªtheir fire essence couldn''t fully incinerate the zombie carcasses in one go. It would take multiple attempts before they could properly cremate the bodies. Despite this, Kisha urged them to move forward with the plan. The excavator operator began scooping up the surrounding zombie carcasses, barely needing to move as the bodies were already piled around the machine. With each scoop, he dumped them into the center, gradually forming a towering mound that soon stood taller than the excavator itself. Once the first pile was ready, Kisha signaled for the fire-type awakened users to ignite it. The excavator operator didn''t pause; as soon as one mound was burning, he shifted position and began creating another, just as tall and not far from the first. The cycle continued, ensuring a systematic disposal of the bodies. After the fire-type awakened ability users set the bodies ablaze, thick black smoke billowed into the air. However, as the fire began to weaken, they saw that only blackened, charred remains were left¡ªfar from being reduced to ashes. Without hesitation, Kisha ordered them to reignite the flames. They complied, repeating the process several times. Each time, the bodies burned further, gradually breaking down. It took patience and multiple attempts, but eventually, the remains were reduced to fine ashes. Once the cremation was complete, all that was left to do was shovel through the ashes to uncover the crystal cores buried beneath. With this method, they no longer had to spend excessive time cleaning the crystal cores of black blood and brain matter. A simple rinse with water and a quick wipe were enough to make the process significantly faster and more efficient. While waiting for one mound to finish burning and for the fire to die down, they could focus on setting the next pile ablaze. With Kisha present, they didn''t have to worry about recovering their spiritual energy¡ªshe ensured they had the support they needed. Once the fire in one mound faded, they reignited it and repeated the process, while a dedicated team shoveled through the ashes to retrieve the crystal cores. With this process, everything became significantly easier, allowing them to clear a small section of the streets efficiently. Meanwhile, Kisha focused on clearing the abandoned vehicles to ensure the excavator operator could maneuver smoothly without obstruction. She carefully gathered and stacked the cars in one place, ensuring they were securely positioned to prevent any risk of collapse. The slightly dimmed sky was illuminated by the ongoing fires burning in the streets. If any zombies emerged from within the city, snipers were on standby to provide support. Although the zombies had reverted to their normal state and were no longer enhanced or buffed by the event, they remained stronger and more agile than before, requiring everyone to stay vigilant. Fortunately, after surviving numerous life-and-death situations, even the soldiers who had yet to awaken their abilities were becoming more accustomed to battling the undead. While they still suffered from nightmares and PTSD, they now faced the zombies with greater confidence and resolve. Knowing that Kisha was watching over them, everyone felt a renewed sense of confidence, almost as if they were invincible. The fear of dying outside no longer weighed as heavily on their minds, knowing that countless eyes were watching over them, ready to provide cover and support at a moment''s notice. "Host! I''m back!" 008''s voice suddenly rang inside Kisha''s mind, bringing a small smile to her lips. "Welcome back, little one. I''ve been waiting for you," Kisha said, casting one last glance at the people outside the wall before shifting her focus to 008. She had been anticipating its return ever since it began its Level 6 upgrade. Now that it was complete, she could finally start the Gachapon Draw and check her other rewards. Of course, she could have done all of this even while 008 was undergoing its upgrade, but having it around made the system''s operations much smoother. Besides, there was no rush¡ªafter all, the storm had passed, and a rare moment of calm had settled over everything. With that in mind, she allowed herself to take her time, enjoying the peace and spending it with everyone inside her territory space. After confirming that 008 was back, Kisha turned to the gatekeeper and handed over command. "Keep a close watch on everyone outside. Don''t let them overexert themselves¡ªonce they start feeling tired, have them return inside the walls to rest. And make sure no one engages in battle alone without proper support," she instructed, her tone firm and authoritative. "I need to step away for a bit to handle something important, so I''ll be counting on you to guide them from here." Her gaze remained steady, reinforcing the seriousness of her orders. Hearing Kisha''s words, the gatekeeper''s eyes lit up with determination, realizing the weight of the responsibility she was entrusting him with. He straightened his posture and saluted with a confident smile. "Don''t worry, City Lord. I''ll keep a close eye on everything here. You can rest assured." Kisha gave him a firm nod before making her way down from the wall. Just as she descended, she ran into Duke, who had been searching for her. "Wifey, we''re currently burning the bodies outside to make it easier for everyone to harvest the crystal cores¡ª" He paused mid-sentence, his gaze shifting toward the billowing smoke rising from beyond the western wall. His brow lifted slightly before he let out a chuckle. "Looks like we''re so in sync that we had the same idea..." With a teasing smirk, Duke pulled Kisha closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I''ve already instructed the others to implement this method at the other walls so we can finish the cleanup as quickly as possible." Kisha smiled and nodded. "Just as expected from my husband¡ªcompetent and smart," she teased, giving him an approving look before tugging him along. Duke raised an eyebrow but followed without hesitation. "Where to?" he asked, matching her pace. "To make a draw..." Kisha replied, her voice laced with mystery. She shot him a mischievous smile before turning toward their villa, leaving Duke both intrigued and amused. "Draw?" Duke repeated, his mind latching onto the keyword. Then, it clicked¡ªKisha had said the same thing before about that Gacha-something, and that was when he got his beloved spear. Now that he remembered, excitement bubbled up inside him like a kid on the morning of a long-awaited trip. ''This is going to be fun!'' he thought, his anticipation growing. Without another word, Duke eagerly grabbed Kisha''s hand and practically dragged her toward the villa. His long strides easily outpaced hers, making her take three steps for every one of his. But instead of protesting, Kisha simply smiled, amused by the pure excitement in his eyes. He knew exactly what she meant by "Draw," and she could already tell he was looking forward to it just as much as she was. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On their way back to the villa, they were greeted by survivors along the road, who smiled warmly and invited them to join their meal. However, Duke, too caught up in his excitement, barely slowed down¡ªhis beaming smile the only acknowledgment he gave before hurrying past them. Chapter 630 - 630 100 Gachapon Draw Coupon Seeing this, the survivors exchanged knowing looks and chuckled to themselves. ''Seems like we''ll have a little City Lord running around soon,'' they thought. Kisha, completely unaware of their misconception, could only let out a small, defeated smile as she trailed behind Duke, who was practically radiating enthusiasm. Not long after, Duke and Kisha arrived at the villa. Mrs. Winters attempted to strike up a conversation with the couple, but Duke, too caught up in his excitement, breezed right past her with a wide grin. "Oh my! It seems my son is really planning to give me a grandson this time," she remarked with amusement before glancing at her husband, who was lounging on the sofa, calmly sipping his tea. "Leave the kids alone," Mr. Winters said, his tone relaxed. "They know what they''re doing..." Yet, despite his words, the small smile on his face betrayed his own quiet anticipation. "I never said I''d try to stop them. In fact, I was even planning to give them some encouragement¡ªand maybe a few tips if my daughter-in-law needs them," Mrs. Winters said with a playful smile before settling onto the sofa beside her husband. She quickly launched into gossip, chatting animatedly, while Mr. Winters pretended to be indifferent. However, despite his outward nonchalance, he was clearly listening to every word his wife said. Meanwhile, Duke and Kisha had already reached their room. Just like before, they sat on the edge of the bed, and Kisha checked the number of Gachapon Draws she currently had. "Last time, you said we''d wait until we had 100 draws before doing another draw. Does that mean you''ve already reached the goal?" Duke asked, his tone casual, but the excitement in his eyes gave him away. Kisha couldn''t help but smile at his barely contained enthusiasm. She nodded. "Yeah, I''ve got 120 Gachapon Draws now, which means we have an even higher chance of getting some good equipment this time." As she spoke, she accessed her inventory, searching for the Gachapon draws coupons. [Do you want to use the Gachapon Draw Coupon?] Options appeared on the screen: [Yes] or [No] Without hesitation, Kisha pressed ''Yes'', while Duke watched silently beside her his eyes practically glued to the screen before him. The instant she made her selection, a large screen materialized in front of them, displaying an array of random items arranged like cards. The screen was vibrant with various colors and effects: some items glowed with a golden brilliance, others shone in a striking scarlet red with swirling red and gold lights, while additional items were highlighted in shades of purple, blue, green, and a muted white. Each item seemed to radiate its own unique aura, adding an element of anticipation to the draw. Below the large display of items, two options appeared: [Draw x1] or [Draw x10] Then, there was a big display that shows [Draw x100] Just as Kisha had expected, it was indeed possible to use all 100 Gachapon draws at once. Without hesitation, she pressed the ''Draw x100'' button, and Duke didn''t stop her¡ªthey had decided on this long ago. As soon as she clicked, the cards began to glow, just as she remembered. The light pulsed across the array, moving slowly at first before picking up speed. Each card shimmered randomly, making it impossible to tell what items or their rarity they had obtained just yet. Despite the uncertainty, anticipation filled the air. Both Kisha and Duke sat in silence, eyes locked onto the screen, their excitement and nervousness intertwining. Unbeknownst to them, their hands had found each other, fingers clasped tightly as they awaited the results. After what felt like an eternity, the glowing cards finally began to reveal themselves one by one. The first few were green, followed by a couple of blues, then a striking purple. Excitement bubbled up between them¡ªuntil a streak of ten muted white cards appeared, causing their anticipation to dip slightly. But just as they started to worry, the 15th card emerged, shining with a brilliant golden light, swirling with an aura of shimmering gold. Both Kisha and Duke nearly jumped in place, eyes widening in excitement. Moments later, another purple card appeared, and then¡ªsuddenly¡ªa deep red card with swirling golden light followed. Their breath caught. They knew instantly¡ªit was a mythical item. Their excitement skyrocketed, and as more vibrant and rare-colored cards continued to appear, their joy only grew. The more dazzling the draws became, the happier the couple was, their anticipation turning into sheer exhilaration. The more cards that were revealed, the bigger their haul became, filling them with anticipation. Then, a second red mythical item appeared, making Kisha nearly giggle with excitement. Moments later, another golden card surfaced¡ªthen another¡ªfollowed by a purple card. With each rare card that emerged, their excitement only grew, their happiness evident in the way their eyes sparkled with joy. Since they had chosen to do 100 draws at once, the process took some time, and they had to wait until all the draws were completed before they could fully see the items they had obtained. While waiting, Kisha decided to make use of the time by opening the Resource Crate. [Do you want to open Resource Crate?] [Open 1] or [Open All] Kisha didn''t hesitate and clicked "Open All," eager to see what the Resource Crate would contain. Since this was her first time opening one, she had no idea what to expect. As the name suggested, it should hold valuable resources, but the exact contents remained a mystery. Watching her, Duke was equally curious. He had no doubt that whatever came from the crate would be immensely useful¡ªafter all, everything Kisha obtained always turned out to be extraordinary and had helped them countless times before. So, while waiting for the draw to finish, they were also waiting for the crate to open. Just like the Gachapon Draw, the crate had its own animation. The crate''s top slowly opened, revealing shifting shadows of various items hovering above it. The glowing colors changed continuously, mirroring the same rarity indicators as the Gachapon Draw, making the anticipation even more exciting. Kisha split the screen into two¡ªone side showing the ongoing Gachapon Draw and the other displaying the opening of the Resource Crate. Since there were over 100 crates to open, the resources slowly compiled into a list beneath the crate. Once the process was complete, all the acquired resources would be displayed, just like in the Gachapon Draw. Kisha and Duke exchanged a glance, the suspense nearly unbearable. The anticipation and nervousness gnawed at them¡ªfar more intense than any battle they had fought on the frontlines. Strangely enough, facing hordes of zombies hadn''t made them this anxious before, yet now, they found themselves holding their breath, worried they might not get as much as they had hoped. "Host, didn''t you want to expand your territory pack too?" 008 asked innocently. "Yeah, I do, but isn''t it already maxed out?" Kisha replied. "That''s true, but have you forgotten? We can still upgrade your entire territory to level 2! It requires 500,000 points, and before, that amount seemed impossible. But now, with the number of points you have, it wouldn''t even make a dent in your reserves!" 008 said excitedly. In the past, 008 had always been hesitant about spending points since they were scarce. But this time, for the first time ever, it was acting like a carefree rich guy ready to splurge without a second thought. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 631 - 631 Territory Pack Upgrade Hearing this, Kisha recalled what 008 had mentioned when she first obtained the territory pack. Back then, 008 had told her that an upgrade was possible, but it required a whopping 500,000 points. She hadn''t given it much thought at the time¡ªafter all, she and 008 had always been scraping by when it came to system points, and that amount had seemed like nothing more than a distant dream. But now? Now, she had more points than she ever imagined, and the realization hit her like a rush of power. For the first time, she truly felt like a rich woman who could spend without a second thought. ''Damn! Being rich feels so fucking good!'' Kisha thought with a smirk. "Alright, 008, help me upgrade my territory pack." "Leave it to me, Host!" 008 responded enthusiastically before getting to work immediately. [Do you wish to spend 500,000 points to upgrade ''Territory Pack'' to level 2?] [Yes] or [No] Kisha clicked "Yes," and almost instantly, Marcus, Mike, Grant, and Daisy¡ªwho were still inside the territory space¡ªwere all abruptly ejected. Stumbling slightly, they looked around in confusion, completely caught off guard by what had just happened. One moment, they had been minding their own business inside the territory space, going about their tasks, and the next, they found themselves forcefully kicked out without warning. Meanwhile, on Kisha''s screen, a new message appeared. [Territory Pack undergoing upgrade: 15%] Kisha was still unaware that Marcus and the others had been kicked out, but when she realized she couldn''t access the territory pack, a sense of unease settled over her. "008, I can''t open the territory interface. Does that mean the protective barrier and my connection to the territory in City A have been lost too?" she asked urgently, her voice laced with concern. "Host, I''m currently reading the territory pack''s manual. It states that while everyone inside the territory space will be expelled during the upgrade, anything placed outside will remain fully operational. This includes the farmland you established in City A and the barrier protecting the base. However, the barrier''s strength will remain at level one until the upgrade is complete, at which point its energy capacity will increase." [Territory Pack undergoing upgrade: 17%] "Alright then, as long as the base in City A is functioning properly, I''ll leave the monitoring to you. I''ll check on it again once the upgrade is complete." Just as she finished speaking with 008, the Resource Crate finished opening. Duke nudged her, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Wifey, all the Resource Crates are open." "Oh!" Kisha responded absentmindedly before quickly opening the list. [Normal Quality Mass of Vanadium x 15] [Common Quality Mass of Iron Meteriorite x20] [Uncommon Quality Mass of Chromium metal x 35] [Rare Quality Mass of Magic Wood x 25] [Legendary Quality Elf''s ears x 10] [Mythical Quality Dragon''s blood x 5] [Normal Quality Goblin''s Tongue x 20] [Uncommon Quality Mass of Zirconium x 10] [Uncommon Quality Mass of Osmium x 10] [Rare Quality Mass of Lutetium x 5] Most of the resources she obtained were metals, along with a few magical items that seemed to be categorized as resources. These magical items could be used for alchemy, ink-making for inscriptions, rune crafting, and other mystical applications. However, even after opening 100 crates, the majority of the items were still materials that could be found on Earth¡ªalbeit rare and difficult to acquire under their current circumstances. This likely explained why most of them were classified as common or uncommon. Yet, when compared to Earth''s resources, these metals were highly valuable and could be considered rare treasures. "Most of these resources are exactly what we need for building the Advanced Solar Panel and the main engine for the Sewer System with Gas Preservation," Duke said as he scanned the list of metals dominating the screen. Since he had been heavily involved in the construction of the solar panel and frequently reviewed other blueprints while brainstorming with Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel, he was well-acquainted with the materials they required and the ones they were still missing. He wasn''t there to breathe down their necks or rush them to complete the project¡ªhis hands-on involvement stemmed from genuine interest. When he was still the head of the Winters and leading his business empire, he often collaborated with the military on various projects. He funded many of the large-scale projects, and he was always fascinated by modern technology and weaponry. He even had a private collection, which some, he had once shown to Kisha. However, this advanced technology was something different¡ªboth foreign and strangely familiar. It intrigued him in ways he hadn''t expected, making him all the more eager to see the final product. That''s why he was always willing to contribute however he could. "Hmm, alright then. We''ll send these minerals to the workshop so they can be smelted and processed into parts. After that, Dr. Shuveck and Engineer Steel can use them to complete the blueprints," Kisha said thoughtfully. "But it''ll take time¡ªthere''s a lot of material, and our equipment is still limited." As she spoke, she considered ways to improve the workshop''s efficiency. So far, they had been relying on makeshift equipment pieced together from scraps¡ªnot exactly ideal for long-term use. If they wanted to produce high-quality components and speed up production, they needed better tools and machinery. Kisha made a mental note to look into possible upgrades to support the team. Especially for manufacturing the essential parts for the solar panel, sewer system engine, and gas preservation unit. Duke let out a tired sigh before speaking. "Actually, I have advanced equipment stored at the base in City A¡ªthe one we''re currently occupying. Originally, I built that place as a hidden armory where I designed and stockpiled advanced weapons." "The blueprints either came from commissions I had made or were acquired through deals with the government in exchange for funding or materials. It was through those business transactions that I managed to establish that hidden facility," Duke explained. Now, everything was starting to make sense to Kisha¡ªwhy that place was so well-hidden and why Duke had so many secret weapon stashes, even at the farm. It was all coming together. The fact that he had struck deals with the government only reinforced his capabilities and influence; even the authorities couldn''t easily dismiss him. However, one question still lingered in her mind¡ªwhy had he been preparing and stockpiling so many weapons in the first place? As if reading her mind¡ªor perhaps simply wanting to explain¡ªDuke spoke up. "Well, I manufacture and sell weapons worldwide. You could say I''m technically a weapons smuggler, but that''s also where my main financial firepower comes from." "More importantly, it helped keep other countries in check, ensuring they wouldn''t even think about attacking ours." "At the same time, I provided free and discounted weapons to our military, making it a win-win situation. That''s why their weapon engineers were always eager to sell me their blueprints¡ªI had the advanced equipment to produce them." "Of course, on the surface, I made it seem like I was just commissioning the military to manufacture my armored vehicles and firearms, using it as a cover." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 632 - 632 Going Back To City A? Now that Kisha had a clearer understanding, her thoughts shifted back to their territory in City A. "So, you''re saying that you have proper equipment there that can help our artisan blacksmiths increase their production rate and manufacture the parts we need for our projects?" she asked, wanting to confirm the crucial details. Duke nodded. "Exactly." "But even with advanced equipment, we''d still need to travel back to City A and bring the blacksmiths with us since most of the equipment is massive and built-in¡ªwe can''t just dismantle it and transport it to City B," Duke explained carefully. "On top of that, we''d need to establish a clear and secure route for transporting essential materials between the two cities. This whole process will take a significant amount of time unless we consider relocating our base to City A. But that would mean moving over five thousand survivors from City B, which would be incredibly risky and time-consuming." He laid out the challenges methodically, ensuring Kisha understood the scale of what they were up against and what steps would be necessary to make the most of their resources. "Alright, let''s think about it later. We''re done here in City B, so we can head back to City A, check things out, and then decide whether to move our base or not," Kisha said with a nod, considering Duke''s words carefully. Hearing that they were finally returning to City A made Duke visibly pleased. His lips curled up slightly in satisfaction, but the sight of that subtle smile made Kisha''s brows furrow. She suddenly remembered one crucial detail¡ªMelody was still there. For some reason, that barely-there smile on Duke''s face felt glaringly infuriating to her and left a bitter taste in her mouth. "Why do you look so happy? Are you looking forward to seeing someone there?" Kisha couldn''t help but ask, her tone carrying a sharp edge. Duke was momentarily taken aback, sensing the faint hint of jealousy in her voice. But instead of feeling guilty, his smile only widened. "Hmm¡­ why do I suddenly smell sour lemons in the air? Do you smell that?" Duke teased, pretending to sniff dramatically. Then, leaning in closer to Kisha, he took another exaggerated sniff near her. "Ah, I think it''s coming from right here," he said with a mischievous grin. Kisha glared at Duke as he happily teased her, but she couldn''t bring herself to smile. How could she, when Melody¡ªhis former fianc¨¦e¡ªwas waiting for him back in City A? Their families had been close, and they had known each other since childhood. If Duke was implying she was jealous¡ªhell yeah, she was. She couldn''t help it. The mere thought of Melody being there, waiting for him, made her feel like she was about to explode with frustration. She had never felt this jealous before. She never imagined herself as the possessive or jealous type, always believing she was laid-back and unbothered by her man interacting with other women¡ªwhether they had feelings for him or not. As long as he knew his limits and maintained clear boundaries, she thought she''d be fine. But now? Her blood was boiling with anger, and she couldn''t control it. This side of her was completely unfamiliar. Had she always been like this? S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Or was it because of the betrayal she suffered in her previous life that she had become this way? She didn''t know. Seeing Kisha genuinely upset, Duke stopped teasing and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. He pressed a series of soft kisses on her cheeks, trying to soothe her. "Baby, don''t overthink it," he murmured. "I''m happy because when we get back to City A, I''ll finally be able to show you my secret stash¡ªblueprints, weapons, and a whole bunch of things I''ve hidden there. I forgot to mention it last time because I was too worried about my family. But now that we''re going back, I can finally present them to you." He leaned in, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "Didn''t you say you wanted planes, helicopters, yachts, and all that? Well, I have a collection of the latest military Humvees and even military-grade versions of what you wanted. They''re all hidden underground." Duke lifted his right hand, holding up three fingers. "Scout''s honor. I''m telling you the truth." "Wait, an underground bunker? You have an underground bunker?" Kisha''s eyes widened as she stared at Duke in disbelief. "Why didn''t you just have Eagle and Hawk retrieve everything and deliver it here?" "They can''t access it without my authorization," Duke explained. "The bunker is secured with a retina scan, fingerprint scan, full-body scan, and a passcode¡ªeverything is registered solely to me. Meaning, I''m the only one who can open it. It''s my personal hidden stash." "Why do you even have all that? Were you secretly preparing for a war?" Kisha eyed Duke skeptically, her suspicion growing. "There''s no way you knew a zombie apocalypse was going to happen, right?" "I wasn''t preparing for a war, but I was making sure we were ready¡ªjust in case," Duke said with a casual shrug. "There were already rising tensions between countries, and Russia had already attacked some, while wars in the Middle East were ongoing. I just wanted to ensure that if anyone dared to make a move against us, my private army and I would be well-prepared." He spoke as if it were nothing more than a routine precaution, but to Kisha, it was starting to sound more like a well-laid-out contingency plan. "Wait¡­ is that why you took in so many orphans, trained them as your personal bodyguards, and then sent them all over the country?" Kisha questioned, though it sounded more like a statement than an actual inquiry. "You weren''t just helping them¡ªyou were building your own private army while gathering intel at the same time, weren''t you?" Her gaze locked onto Duke, piecing everything together as the realization sank in. Duke stared at Kisha for a moment, his eyes deep and unreadable. She couldn''t tell what he was thinking until, suddenly, a soft smile spread across his face, his features relaxing. "My wife really understands me best," he said simply. Those few words hit Kisha like a thunderclap. Her mind reeled as she pieced things together¡ªDuke had been gathering and training orphans since he was young. If that was the case¡­ then had he been planning this from the very beginning? What kind of mind did the young Duke possess to think that way? And why would he even consider such a thing? For some reason, Kisha couldn''t wrap her head around Duke''s way of thinking. The more she tried to understand him, the more puzzled she became. But before she could dwell on it any longer, the sound of the Gachapon Draw finishing snapped her out of her thoughts. Out of the 100 draws, three red cards glowed brightly with a golden light swirling around it, indicating mythical item¡ªan impressive haul, considering there was only a 1% chance of obtaining one. Additionally, she had pulled 15 golden cards, representing legendary items with just a 3% probability, along with 35 rare items (8% chance), 20 uncommon, 10 common, and 17 normal items. It was an incredible outcome. She wasn''t sure if it was because doing a hundred draws had naturally increased her chances or if luck was simply on her side. Chapter 633 - 633 The Haul "Host, it''s definitely your Luck stat," 008 explained, excitement evident in its tone. "With over 300 Luck, your chances of getting better rewards have significantly increased. Your overall luck influences everything, and right now, it''s working in your favor..." 008 couldn''t help but feel thrilled. Kisha''s windfall meant the end of their struggles¡ªfamine was over, and a season of abundance and prosperity had finally arrived. To make it easier to review the items, Kisha sorted them by rarity before beginning her inspection. Wanting to save the best for last, she started with the normal items first. ... [Normal Quality Stamina Booster x5] [Normal Quality Healing Potion x 5] [Normal Quality Speed Talisman x 3] [Normal Quality Mana Potion x3] [Normal Quality Fire Grass Seed x1] [Common Quality Black Raven''s Beak x 5] [Common Quality Goblin''s Blood x 4] [Common Quality Monster''s Bood x 1] [Uncommon Quality Four Season Fabric Fabric x 15] [Uncommon Quality Bredmon Leather x5] [Rare Quality Blast Hammer] [Rare Quality Blast Gloves] [Rare Quality Blast Jacket] [Rare Quality Blast Boots] [Rare Quality Blast Necklace] [Rare Quality Blast Ear Stud] [Rare Quality Blast Ring] [Rare Quality Blast Bangle] [Rare Quality Blast Shirt] [Rare Quality Blast Pants] ... After seeing several intriguing items on the list, Kisha was immediately drawn to what appeared to be a set item. She paused her review, opting to inspect a few of the most interesting items that had caught her eye first before continuing. Some seemed to be materials with multiple uses, similar to those she had obtained from the Resource Crate¡ªpotentially valuable for alchemy and other crafting purposes. ... [Four Season Fabric Fabric] [Description: A fabric woven from magical threads, designed to withstand elemental attacks. It can be crafted into clothing or protective armor, providing the wearer with resistance against elemental forces and extreme environmental conditions. Type: Craftable Grade: Uncommon Effect: *Elemental Resistance: Increases resistance to elemental attacks by +10% *Defense Boost: Enhances overall defense by +5] ... [Bredmon Leather] [Description: Crafted from the hide of the Bredmon Beast, a creature known for its thick, durable skin and exceptional defense. This leather provides excellent impact absorption and sound-dampening properties, making it ideal for stealth and protection. Grade: Uncommon Type: Craftable Effect: *Defense +10 ¨C Enhances overall durability and protection. *Impact Absorption: Reduces the force of incoming attacks, mitigating damage. *Sound Absorption: Lessens noise, aiding in stealth and reducing detection.] ... [Blast Hammer] [Description: Forged from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Hammer was crafted to deliver devastating, earth-shattering blows. Designed as part of a powerful set, its effects amplify when combined with other matching gear, greatly enhancing the wearer''s strength and battlefield dominance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Weapon Stats: Strength +15 Effects: *Blast: 15% chance to generate a shockwave upon impact, staggering nearby enemies. *Charge: Enables the wearer to build momentum, increasing damage when charging into groups of opponents. *Earth Affinity: Enhances the wearer''s connection to earth-based abilities and attacks. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Berserk Mode: Grants a temporary 15-minute boost, doubling overall strength, but requires a cooldown period. *Mountain Splitter: 15% chance to create a seismic fissure up to 50 meters long and 5 meters wide upon striking the ground. *Energy Blast: Allows the wearer to channel and store energy within the hammer, releasing a powerful blast for an enhanced ''Blast'' shockwave. Requires significant energy to activate.] ... [Blast Gloves] Description: Forged from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Gloves were designed to complement the devastating force of the Blast Hammer. These gloves provide crucial impact absorption, preventing recoil damage while enhancing the wearer''s grip and durability. As part of a powerful set, their effects grow stronger when paired with matching gear, further amplifying battlefield prowess. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Accessory Stats: Defense +5 Effects: *Impact Absorption: Reduces incoming impact force by 80%, minimizing strain on the wearer. *Elemental Resistance: Grants 80% resistance to elemental attacks. *Grip Enhancement: Increases the wearer''s grip strength by 15%, improving weapon control and grappling ability. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Boulder Splitter: Boosts the wearer''s striking power by 20%, allowing for more destructive force in melee combat. ... [Blast Jacket] Description: Crafted from sturdy meteorite iron by a legendary master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Jacket is designed to provide unparalleled defense, akin to an impenetrable turtle shell. As part of a powerful armor set, its effects become even more potent when combined with other matching pieces, significantly bolstering the wearer''s durability and combat resilience. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Armor Stats: Defense +100 Effects: *Turtle Shell: Generates an invisible barrier that absorbs all incoming attacks for 10 minutes, ensuring maximum protection during combat. *Deflect: Grants a 20% chance to deflect most critical attacks, reducing potential damage. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Absolute Defense: Renders the wearer impervious to all attacks for 20 minutes (Condition: Successfully evade five consecutive near-miss critical attacks). ... [Blast Boots] Description: Crafted from sturdy meteorite iron by a legendary master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Boots are designed to enhance mobility while offering superior protection. These boots completely absorb impact from footfalls, reducing strain on the wearer and enabling swift, unhindered movement. As part of a powerful armor set, their effects are significantly amplified when combined with other matching gear, increasing battlefield prowess. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Armor Stats: Defense +20 Effects: *Absolute Impact Absorption: Completely negates foot impact, reducing fatigue and increasing endurance. *Sprint: Boosts the wearer''s agility by 30% for 10 minutes, enhancing speed and maneuverability. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *High Jump: Grants the wearer the ability to leap significantly higher without risk of injury. (Note from the creator: "Designed for the weak-boned.") ... [Blast Necklace] Description: Meticulously forged from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Necklace is enchanted with powerful magic to enhance both offense and defense. Designed as a crucial component of the Blast Set, this accessory bolsters the wearer''s durability and destructive potential. When worn alongside matching gear, its effects are significantly amplified, granting unparalleled battlefield dominance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Accessory Stats: Defense +10 Strength +10 Effects: *Regeneration: Enhances the wearer''s natural healing speed by 20%, allowing faster recovery from injuries. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Enlarge: Temporarily increases the size of the Blast Hammer, delivering a devastating large-scale strike with massive impact. (Cooldown: 2 hours.) ... [Blast Ear Stud] Description: Expertly crafted from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Ear Stud is imbued with powerful enchantments to reinforce both the offensive and defensive capabilities of its wearer. As an integral piece of the Blast Set, its effects are significantly enhanced when combined with other matching gear, further augmenting battlefield dominance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Accessory Stats: Defense +5 Strength +5 Effects: *Deflect: Grants a 10% chance to completely deflect a powerful incoming attack. Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): Amplify: Allows the wearer to double the power of one main attack. (One-time use, activated upon binding the item to the wearer.) .... [Blast Ring] Description: Forged from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Ring is infused with potent enchantments to enhance the wearer''s defensive prowess. As a key component of the Blast Set, its effects are significantly amplified when paired with other set pieces, further increasing battlefield efficiency. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Accessory Stats: Defense +5 Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Critical Strike: Grants a 10% chance to land a critical hit, dealing significantly increased damage to an opponent. ... [Blast Bangle] Description: Expertly crafted from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Bangle is infused with potent enchantments, enhancing the offensive prowess of its wearer. As a crucial component of the Blast Set, its effects become significantly stronger when paired with other matching gear, further boosting battlefield performance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Accessory Stats: Strength +5 Synergy Bonus (when paired with set items): *Energy Amplification: Expands the wearer''s energy pool, allowing for greater endurance and sustained combat performance. ... [Blast Shirt] Description: Expertly crafted from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Shirt was designed to provide an extra layer of impenetrable defense for its wearer. As a vital piece of the Blast Set, this armor enhances durability and resilience. When worn with other matching gear, its effects are greatly amplified, granting the wearer unmatched battlefield endurance. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Armor Stats: Defense: +20 Synergy Bonus (when paired with Blast Pants): Critical Evasion: Increases the wearer''s chance to evade a critical hit by 10%. ... [Blast Pants] Description: Expertly forged from sturdy meteorite iron by a master dwarven blacksmith, the Blast Pants were crafted to provide reinforced defense and durability to their wearer. As a vital component of the Blast Set, these pants enhance resilience and fortification, ensuring unwavering protection in battle. When worn alongside other matching gear, their effects are greatly amplified, further solidifying the wearer''s battlefield dominance. Grade: Rare Unique Item: 10/10 Type: Armor Stats: Defense: +20 Synergy Bonus (when paired with Blast Shirt): Critical Evasion: Increases the wearer''s chance to evade a critical hit by 10%. ... "Don''t you think this Blast set would be perfect for Vulture? It focuses on strength and defense, and more importantly, each item has a unique effect that could greatly benefit him in future battles," Kisha said to Duke as she examined the Blast Ear Stud. Looking through the set piece by piece, she could already tell how much it would bolster Vulture''s power¡ªespecially with the Synergy Bonus. Only now did she realize what the question marks on some of the set items meant; they indicated locked effects that required the full set to activate. Chapter 634 - 634 Duke Was Even Better At... The discovery excited her¡ªunlocking the additional effects would make the set even more powerful and impressive. Just as 008 had mentioned, it seemed her ''Luck Stat'' played a significant role in allowing her to pull a full set in one go. Of course, the fact that she did a hundred draws also increased the probability, but overall, several factors contributed to this outcome. This was different from when she obtained the ''Erebus Cloak'' or ''Kratos'' Spear,'' which were individual pieces of a set. Now, she would need even more luck to acquire the remaining parts of those collections. Kisha then checked the other items, hoping to find pieces that could complement a set for either Duke or herself. She particularly liked the Erebus Cloak, which enhanced her stealth and could deflect critical attacks. As she scrolled through the list, she did manage to find an addition to her set¡ªbut unfortunately, it was only one piece. It seemed like most of her luck had already been used up on drawing the full Blast set. ... [Erebus Boots] [Description: A legendary cloak once worn by the God of Darkness and Shadows, imbued with his essence. It is said to grant unparalleled mastery over stealth and movement, making its wielder a ghost in the night. Grade: Rare Unique item: 2/10 Type: Armor Stats: Agility +10 Effect: *Stealth: This feature silences the wearer''s movements, making it nearly impossible for opponents to detect them in darkness. *Blitz: Grants the wearer the ability to dash from one location to another in a split second. (Distance: 15 meters) *??? *??? [More effects yet to be unlocked...]] ... [Kratos'' Gloves] [Description: A crucial piece of the legendary war set once wielded by the God of War, Kratos. These gloves resonate with divine power, enhancing both raw strength and battlefield control. Only the worthy can unleash their true potential. Grade: Legendary Unique Item: 3/15 Type: Accessory Stats: Strength +50 Effects: *Amplify: Doubles the power of the wearer''s attacks. (Cooldown: 2 hours) *Resonate: When paired with Kratos'' Spear, increases the duration of ''Stun'' and ''Slow'' effects by twofold. *??? *??? [More effects yet to be unlocked...]] ... Aside from these two, the other legendary and rare items they obtained no longer captured their interest. Kisha decided to distribute them among their most loyal subordinates to enhance their battle prowess. These items would also serve as rewards for the hardworking, ensuring they felt valued and recognized for their dedication. Kisha understood that mere words of gratitude weren''t enough¡ªtrue appreciation was best expressed through tangible rewards, reinforcing their loyalty and efforts. "Hubby, I was thinking of giving away the remaining items¡ªespecially those that aren''t unique or part of a set¡ªas rewards for our most loyal subordinates. What do you think?" Although Kisha had already made up her mind, she still sought Duke''s opinion, unsure if there was anything from the pile that he might want to keep. Duke stared at Kisha, seeing the trust and respect in her eyes, as if she was truly ready to follow his decision. He had no doubt that if he disagreed, she would reconsider. After a brief pause, a wide smile spread across his face before he nodded. "I''ll go with what my wife suggested..." he said warmly. Duke was, without a doubt, a henpecked husband¡ªone who never failed to support his wife. By now, no one would be surprised to see him like this. Although Duke enjoyed collecting high-caliber weaponry and rare models, he knew when to indulge his interests and when to prioritize others. He had reviewed the item descriptions alongside Kisha, and aside from the Blast set, Kratos'' Gloves, and Erebus Boots, nothing particularly caught his eye. Given his current strength, the remaining items felt redundant and wouldn''t provide much benefit to him. However, if they followed Kisha''s plan and distributed the items to their most loyal subordinates, it could significantly enhance their overall power. Strengthening their base as a whole was far more valuable than simply increasing his own individual strength. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Alright then, let''s prioritize our closest subordinates and family members first, then distribute the rest based on contribution," Kisha decided. "Agreed." Duke nodded enthusiastically, almost like a bird pecking at rice. Then, with a grin, he added, "My wife is the best! So smart." His sudden compliment caught Kisha off guard, making her face warm up. But after a brief moment of surprise, she chuckled. "You''re really getting better at giving compliments, huh?" she teased. Duke leaned in close to Kisha''s ear, his expression turning mysteriously serious before whispering, "Do you know what I''m even better at?" Kisha didn''t respond¡ªshe already had a good idea of what he was hinting at. She sighed inwardly, feeling defeated. No matter the time or place, Duke always had a way of slipping seduction into the conversation. He grinned devilishly, giving her a knowing look, but Kisha simply ignored it, pretending not to notice just to tease him back. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him dramatically pouting¡ªa first for him. It was oddly cute, yet so out of character that she couldn''t help but burst into laughter. For a brief moment, the chaos of the outside world, the harsh reality of the apocalypse, all seemed like a distant dream. In their warm, cozy home, surrounded by family and each other''s presence, peace was all that existed. "Are you imitating me?" Kisha asked, raising an eyebrow. "Well," Duke chuckled, "I remember seeing you do that a while ago when you were pretending to act cute. And I have to admit¡ªit was pretty effective. It could melt hearts and make people do whatever you wanted." He smirked, tilting his head slightly. "So, I figured if I tried it, I might get a little reward or something." He nudged Kisha''s shoulder playfully, leaning in closer. "If you know what I mean." His voice held a teasing lilt, making his intentions all too clear. Kisha burst out laughing, clutching her stomach as she tried to catch her breath. She never imagined she''d see this playful side of Duke¡ªit was so different from the man she had known before. She had spent years by his side in her previous life, believing she understood him completely, only for this version of him to shatter all her expectations. But she liked this Duke¡ªhe was livelier, more expressive, and filled with emotions she hadn''t seen before. Most importantly, he hadn''t endured the devastating heartache of losing his family, a pain that had once hardened him beyond reach. Now, he could show his raw emotions without hesitation, without fear. And that, more than anything, made her cherish this moment even more. As Kisha basked in the warmth of the moment, she leaned against Duke''s shoulder. Neither of them spoke; they simply sat there in peaceful silence, enjoying each other''s presence. The steady rhythm of their heartbeats and breathing was soothing, lulling Kisha into a sense of calm. Slowly, her eyes fluttered shut, savoring the tranquility. After half an hour of quiet stillness, Kisha''s eyes suddenly snapped open. "Ah! We still haven''t checked the three Mythical items we got!" "Right," Duke replied simply, his tone cool and composed, as if his usual indifferent self was settling back in. Kisha didn''t mind, though¡ªshe was well aware that this was just how Duke naturally was. His stoic demeanor, or rather, his default expression, was something she had long grown accustomed to. Chapter 635 - 635 What My Hubby Wants, I Give Then, Kisha clicked on the mystical items to check their descriptions. ... [Bloodline Evolution Fruit] [Description: A divine fruit nurtured and safeguarded by a guardian beast for a thousand years, destined to awaken its bloodline and ascend to nirvana, becoming a living god among heavenly beasts. However, just as it reached the final stage of ripening, a rival heavenly beast, lurking in ambush, attempted to steal the fruit. A fierce battle erupted among the heavenly and mythical beasts, shaking the entire continent and plunging the world into chaos. Amidst the turmoil, the Bloodline Evolution Fruit mysteriously vanished. Grade: Mythical Type: Consumable] ... The fruit was as large as a melon, with a scaly white skin that resembled a fusion of raspberry and lychee, with a slight fuzziness akin to a kiwi. However, what truly set it apart was the unmistakable golden glow that enveloped it, exuding an aura of holiness and divinity. Kisha could feel the overwhelming spiritual energy radiating from the fruit¡ªfar surpassing even the most potent spiritual crops and fruits harvested from her territory. And there weren''t just one, but two of them. Recalling Bell''s explanation, Kisha knew that in the Murim world, some beasts possessed hidden bloodlines¡ªsome weak, others pure, like Bell''s. The purer and stronger the bloodline flowing through a beast''s veins, the greater their strength and the higher their chances of evolving to reach their pinnacle. Some would ascend into legendary beasts, others into mythical beings, and beyond. Now that she had this fruit, she felt it would be invaluable in the future. Even if she didn''t obtain a mythical weapon or armor, this alone made up for it. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Satisfied, Kisha stored the fruit in her inventory before turning her attention to the final mythical item¡ªa manual. It belonged to the same league as the ''Manual: Profound Understanding of Mana: Stages and Techniques'' she had previously purchased for 400,000 points. However, this time, the manual focused on ''Aura''. While she had heard of Aura before, she didn''t know much about it. Her curiosity piqued, she eagerly examined it further. ... [Manual: Profound Understanding of Aura: Bloodline Tempest] [Description: This manual contains the hidden, exclusive technique of the Hero Emperor of the North, the legendary warrior who defeated the Demon Lord during the invasion of the Aisim Continent. The technique, known as Bloodline Tempest, was a divine gift bestowed by the Goddess of Peace and Harmony to give humanity hope and the strength to resist the demons that sought to rise from hell and claim their sanctuary. Only those with the bloodline of the Hero Emperor of the North can practice this technique, as it requires an imprint of his lineage to function. Without it, attempting to cultivate this power would lead to stagnation, rendering the user incapable of progress¡ªand ultimately crippling their meridians. Grade: EX Type: Consumable] ... Kisha stared at the manual again and again. On the surface, it sounded incredible¡ªan overpowered technique that could grant immense strength. However, the key issue was its prerequisite. Not just for her, but for anyone. No one could practice this technique without the Hero Emperor''s bloodline, and no matter what they did, there was no way to acquire it. In the end, keeping this manual might do more harm than good. She exchanged a look with Duke, and from the disappointment reflected in his eyes, she knew they were both thinking the same thing¡ªthey would have loved to try it. But aside from the prerequisite, another thought struck Kisha. She vividly recalled what happened when she accidentally gained a second type of energy within her body. The imbalance had nearly caused her to explode into nothingness. That experience was a stark reminder¡ªeven if she found a way to practice this technique, she would still have to ensure the different energies within her remained in perfect harmony. If not, the clash could turn fatal. "It seems like we can''t do anything about this one," Duke sighed in disappointment as he stared at the manual''s description. There was something about it that resonated with him¡ªnot the manual itself, but the aura it described. He had a feeling that aura could grant him a power distinct from the spiritual energy already flowing through his veins. His thoughts drifted back to Kisha and the time she had gained a second energy source after wearing ''The Princess''s Tear Necklace''. It had nearly cost her her life, but once she managed to balance the two energies, the strength she radiated was undeniable. For some reason, Duke felt tempted. He wanted that kind of power. Whether it was to protect his loved ones or simply to surpass his current strength, it didn''t matter¡ªDuke felt an undeniable urge deep within him, a drive pushing him to become stronger, so powerful that no one could stand against him. However, the excitement in his heart was dampened the moment he saw the manual''s prerequisite. No matter how much he wanted it, without the required bloodline, it was nothing more than an unattainable dream. Seeing Duke''s expression shift from eager anticipation to quiet disappointment, Kisha felt a strong urge to find a solution. Maybe she could search for a different manual in the system mall or check the achievement shop for something she could gift him. Duke never coveted her things, nor did he proactively ask for anything from her. Yet, whenever she gave him something, he would light up with pure joy, cherishing it as if it were the most precious gift in the world. Now, seeing him long for something he couldn''t have made Kisha''s heart clench. Maybe it was her natural instinct to pamper the person closest to her heart, or maybe she just couldn''t stand seeing Duke look like a disappointed big puppy¡ªit was tearing at her heart. "Host, actually, I can check if either of you has compatibility with this manual, if you''d like," 008 suddenly interjected, halting Kisha''s train of thought. "Compatibility test? You can do that?" Kisha asked, though she kept her expectations low. She didn''t want to get her hopes up, only to have them crushed later. "Yes, just give me a moment..." 008 responded before falling silent. Kisha assumed the system was running the compatibility test, so while waiting, she stole a glance at Duke. His expression had already returned to normal, as if the disappointment she had seen earlier had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion. Kisha sighed silently. She chose not to tell Duke about the compatibility test just yet. If the results weren''t favorable, she didn''t want to be the one to raise his hopes only to shatter them, making his disappointment even worse. The few minutes of silence felt like an eternity, making Kisha fidget anxiously. Meanwhile, Duke, instead of showing any more of his disappointment, quietly slipped on the Kratos'' Gloves that Kisha had given him. A small smile played on his lips, as if he was soothing his disappointment by focusing on the gift she had already given him¡ªas if that alone was enough. For some reason, seeing this side of him only made Kisha''s heart soften even more. It strengthened her resolve to find him a different manual because, deep down, she could tell just how much Duke truly wanted it. Chapter 636 - 636 Compatibility Test [Kisha Alden''s compatibility with the Bloodline Tempest Technique: 68%] [Duke Winters'' compatibility with the Bloodline Tempest Technique: 95%] Seeing the results flash across the screen, Kisha nearly jumped off the edge of the bed in shock. She couldn''t understand how Duke had an astonishing 95% compatibility with the technique. As far as she knew, the manual originated from a completely different world¡ªthere was no way Duke could possess the bloodline of the Hero Emperor of the North. Or was the bloodline prerequisite an entirely separate factor from compatibility? But before Kisha could spiral deeper into confusion, 008 quickly provided an explanation. "Actually, Host, while the technique is described as requiring a bloodline imprint, it''s not strictly hereditary. The imprint was originally granted by the Goddess who bestowed this technique upon the Hero Emperor of the North, allowing him to pass it down to his descendants. However, it''s more akin to divine favor than a true bloodline inheritance." "As long as someone has received the blessing of the Goddess of Peace and Harmony, they have a chance to practice this technique. After all, gaining the favor of a God¡ªalso known as a Constellation¡ªis no simple feat." "So, how does someone receive a favor from a Constellation?" Kisha asked, her curiosity piqued despite her lingering resentment. After all, her experience with the Constellations had been anything but pleasant¡ªthey had subjected her to relentless, life-threatening trials that had nearly killed or really killed her more times than she could count. "Well, there are a few ways," 008 explained. "You could offer yourself to a Constellation and become their apostle, sword, or whatever title their followers use. You might receive their grace simply because they take an interest in you, or you could be genuinely loved by a Constellation." "Typically, those who gain a Constellation''s favor receive imprints that can be passed down through bloodlines¡ªlike the Hero Emperor of the North from the Aisim Continent." "However, some particularly strong imprints aren''t just hereditary; they can be carried by the soul into the next life. That means even after death, certain imprints can persist through rebirth." Kisha listened intently, but something about 008''s explanation didn''t sit right with her. It took her a moment to realize what it was, and when she did, her brows furrowed in thought. "Wait, are you telling me that the reason Duke has such a high compatibility with the Bloodline Tempest technique is because his soul received a favor from the Goddess of Peace and Harmony? But why?" Kisha asked, her confusion deepening. 008 responded casually, as if discussing something trivial. "Well, it could be that your husband was a great person in his past life¡ªmaybe he even saved a world." "If that''s the case, it''s possible that his soul originated from a different world before coming to Earth. Or, he might have been deeply loved by the Goddess of Peace and Harmony in his previous life, and this imprint is a mark of that affection¡ªkind of like an imprint or token of love or something." 008 chuckled as if he were joking, but in reality, every word he said was true. For some reason, Kisha found the latter explanation grating, stirring an inexplicable sense of irritation within her. She didn''t like the sound of it, but she still needed to confirm. "So, it''s possible for a soul to travel between different worlds to be reincarnated?" she asked, her brows furrowed. "If that''s the case, does that mean all the humans on Earth could just be reincarnations from the past or even from entirely different worlds?" She had come across countless reincarnation theories on the internet before, but hearing something so similar from 008 piqued her curiosity even further. "Well, yes. A soul can travel for millennia, passing from world to world before finally being reincarnated," 008 explained. "As long as their soul isn''t condemned to the underworld by the God of Death as punishment, they are free to reincarnate. However, where they end up is almost entirely random." "Some souls from the past may be reborn in the current era, while others might find themselves in an entirely different world. But they wouldn''t remember their past lives¡ªthose memories are erased to give them a clean slate, allowing them to start over anew." "Then what happens to those who are punished in the underworld by the God of Death?" Kisha asked, growing more intrigued. This kind of topic was right up her alley but to be precise, this interest all came from Keith who like watching all sorts of things, and she couldn''t help but lean in with curiosity. "Depending on their sins, they may face eternal torment, or they might endure thousands of years of punishment before being granted a chance at reincarnation¡ªif they manage to atone. However, those who cannot redeem themselves will be erased from existence, with no hope of reincarnation," 008 explained. "Some souls are reborn as beasts, while others, having paid for their past wrongdoings, return in less favorable circumstances. On the other hand, those who accumulated great karma through good deeds are reincarnated into privileged lives, often born with a silver spoon." 008 then smirked, adding with a teasing tone, "Now, if you''re asking whether your husband is the same, I can''t say for sure. But given the uniqueness of his soul¡ªjust like yours¡ªwho knows? Maybe he was even a god in his past life, perished, and his soul shattered into pieces." Though his last remark sounded like a joke, the truth was undeniable¡ªDuke''s soul was unlike any ordinary human''s. It radiated power and vitality, something rare and exceptional. And Kisha''s soul, while slightly different, carried a similar extraordinary quality. "Gods can die too? And their souls can shatter? Does that mean they can also be punished by the God of Death?" Kisha asked, her curiosity growing. "Yes," 008 confirmed. "Even gods can perish, but only at the hands of other gods. However, such acts are strictly forbidden in the God Realm. Any deity who violates this law is sentenced by the God of Death to eternal confinement and imprisonment." Kisha frowned, pondering this new information. "But why is it forbidden for gods to kill each other?" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Because when a god dies, the world under their domain begins to wither, and an apocalypse inevitably follows," 008 explained. "Unless another god takes over in time, the world is doomed. Even if a new god intervenes, the inhabitants must still endure the apocalypse and fight for survival." "The only thing that can be prevented is the complete destruction of the planet itself¡ªbut more often than not, the majority of the population perishes before they can make it through." "Then¡­ does that mean Earth''s god is already dead?" Kisha asked, her heart skipping a beat. "No," 008 reassured her. "I told you before¡ªthe source of the virus that caused the zombie apocalypse didn''t originate from this world, nor was it triggered by the death of a god. This means the virus was an intentional act of sabotage." Kisha''s brows furrowed as she recalled something. "But you said that when a god dies, their soul can still be reincarnated, right?" "That''s only a slim possibility," 008 clarified. "Gods like that aren''t truly dead¡ªthey exist in a limbo state. Their worlds can still survive, but no matter how much the inhabitants pray or offer their faith, their prayers will go unanswered. That''s why many believe their gods are dead." Chapter 637 - 637 Territory Upgrade Complete He continued, "Some gods who narrowly escape true death have their souls shattered and are reincarnated as lesser beings, like humans. If they manage to grow stronger and reclaim their missing soul fragments, they have a chance to regain their divinity. However, the odds are extremely low. Most fail, and as a result, the worlds under them eventually collapse." "Woah! That''s so complicated," Kisha muttered, trying to process everything. "But basically, you''re saying that Duke has a god''s imprint, which explains his high compatibility with the Bloodline Tempest. Then¡­ what about me?" Her compatibility was 68%¡ªnot exceptionally high, but not low either. It meant she had a decent chance of succeeding if she practiced the technique. More importantly, it reassured her that attempting it wouldn''t leave her crippled, should she choose to go through with it. "Actually, host, that''s what confuses me too," 008 admitted. "Normally, compatibility is either 0%¡ªmeaning no favor at all¡ªor a high percentage, indicating direct favor from a god. But in your case, it''s¡­ in-between. Almost like you''re in a cordial, but not particularly close, relationship with the Goddess of Peace and Harmony. That''s pretty unusual." 008 paused before adding with a chuckle, "Unless, of course, you were her rival in love, and she''s only maintaining a surface-level friendliness with you. Ha ha ha." Despite the joke, even 008 couldn''t come up with a proper explanation for Kisha''s strange compatibility. Kisha rolled her eyes. She already knew she didn''t have much favor from the Constellations¡ªafter all, she had no idea which one had been targeting her or who was responsible for what happened to Earth. "Anyway," she said, cutting to the chase, "this means both Duke and I can practice the technique without the risk of being crippled, right?" "That''s correct," 008 confirmed. "Alright." After ending her conversation with 008, Kisha turned to Duke. "Hmm, I''m not sure if we should blindly trust what the description says. There could be other ways to practice this technique without needing the Hero Emperor of the North''s bloodline." "So, how about this? Since I''ve already experienced something similar before, I''ll train with the manual first and then pass on what I learn to you. You''re a fast learner¡ªyou''ll pick it up quickly." She wasn''t just flattering him; Duke truly was a quick learner. Besides, once she used the manual, it would disappear, and all its knowledge would be transferred directly to her mind. By learning it first, she could guide Duke through the process, helping him stabilize the new energy in his body and allow it to harmonize with his existing Spiritual Energy. That way, he wouldn''t experience the same rough experience she had when her body was overwhelmed by the sudden shift. This way, they could train together and support each other. Duke was momentarily stunned by Kisha''s suggestion¡ªhis head snapped to the side as he looked at her in shock and disbelief. But the surprise quickly faded, replaced by a wide, approving smile. He nodded repeatedly, his trust in Kisha unwavering. She had never once led him into harm''s way, and beyond that, she was his wife¡ªhis faith in her was absolute. "Alright, I''ll follow my wife and do as you say," he said with a chuckle. Without hesitation, he scooted closer, wrapped an arm around her waist, and effortlessly pulled her onto his lap. Holding her snugly against him, he buried his face against her cheek, pressing a trail of affectionate kisses along her skin, his embrace warm and unwavering. "Stop, it tickles!" Kisha giggled, squirming slightly as she tried to dodge some of Duke''s kisses. The light stubble on his chin brushed against her skin, sending tingling sensations that made her shiver. Duke chuckled, undeterred. "My wife loves me so much that she spoils me beyond the heavens..." he cooed dramatically, his voice dripping with playful affection. Kisha burst into laughter, rolling her eyes at his antics as they continued their lighthearted teasing, wrapped up in their own little world. Ding! [Territory Pack undergoing upgrade: 100%] [Territory Upgrade Complete] "Perfect timing! Now we can start training inside the territory," Kisha said excitedly as she hopped off Duke''s lap, eager to explore the changes brought by the recent upgrade. "Oh, and by the way," she added, turning to Duke with a smile, "let''s inform your family and subordinates that we''ll be heading back to City A tomorrow morning." She didn''t bother asking for his opinion¡ªshe already knew he was just as eager to return. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was merely a courtesy. As expected, Duke gave her a knowing smile before nodding in agreement. With that settled, Kisha activated the portal leading into her territory. She wasn''t expecting much from the upgrade¡ªperhaps just an expansion that would allow for more farmland and additional space for livestock. But as she stepped inside, she couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to it than she initially thought. But when Kisha and Duke stepped inside, they were both taken aback. The land had indeed expanded¡ªbut by how much, she wasn''t sure. It felt as if the territory had doubled in size. The once familiar landscape had changed dramatically¡ªthe forest had grown denser, the mountains had risen higher, and to her surprise, a completely new mountain had appeared. From where they stood on the farmland, she noticed several empty plots ready for cultivation. However, unlike before, they could no longer see the animal farm, nor could they catch a glimpse of the orchard. Curious, Kisha quickly accessed her territory interface. A holographic projection of the island appeared before her, revealing the changes in detail. She discovered that the orchard had been relocated to the newly formed mountain, and to her delight, she now had the option to expand her orchard further. The entire mountain could be filled with different seasonal fruit trees, thanks to a unique feature¡ªeach of the mountain''s four cardinal directions now had distinct climates and temperatures, all of which were adjustable through the interface. The same applied to the farmland and the animal farm, giving her unprecedented control over her territory''s ecosystem. She was so caught up in exploring her newly upgraded territory that she and Duke momentarily forgot about the manual. "Wifey, what happened to your territory? It feels completely different from the last time I was here," Duke remarked, glancing around in awe. But Kisha was too busy examining the additional functions of her territory to hear him. Her focus was entirely on the interface in front of her¡ªuntil she suddenly gasped. Duke turned to see her staring at him, wide-eyed and utterly speechless. It was as if she wanted to say something but couldn''t find the words. Then, without another word, she whipped her head back toward the system interface, her fingers moving rapidly as she navigated through the new features. Duke furrowed his brows, intrigued, but he couldn''t see what she was looking at¡ªshe wasn''t sharing her screen this time. Whatever she had just discovered was for her eyes only. What could have shocked her this much? Well, Kisha had just stumbled upon something truly incredible. After the upgrade, the territory pack granted her the ability to establish a second territory. Curious to test its limits, Kisha decided to designate City B as her new territory. She hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety¡ªwhat if doing this caused City A to disappear from her list of controlled territories? She didn''t want to make a reckless mistake, but her curiosity won out. Chapter 638 - 638 New Territory Functions Holding her breath, she proceeded with the operation. Moments later, she realized she had successfully set up City B as a new territory without affecting City A in the slightest. Relief washed over her, quickly followed by exhilaration¡ªshe now controlled two territories. Just like in City A, City B was now protected by its own barrier, completely separate yet just as powerful. To her surprise, the barrier''s energy had even increased to 2,500, making it even stronger than she had expected. Now that City B was officially her territory, Kisha had full control over all its facilities. She could now link all her warehouses to the main supply hub, ensuring a steady flow of resources between both bases without having to lift a finger for logistics. At the same time, she could closely monitor all survivors in HOPE Base. By granting Tristan and Aston administrative access to the system interface, they would no longer have to exhaust themselves running around to manage operations manually. This would significantly lighten their workload, allowing them to focus on their training instead. Most importantly, with HOPE Base now under her command, her Achievement: The Commander of Heaven would take full effect. This meant all warriors within her territory would experience enhanced growth and faster experience gains during training. Additionally, the probability of her people awakening their Gift or unlocking hidden Talents would increase¡ªespecially for those who had yet to develop any after awakening their abilities. This newfound advantage would undoubtedly bolster the base''s overall firepower. She then smiled at Duke, her eyes sparkling with delight as a wide grin spread across her lips. Even without knowing the reason behind her happiness, Duke couldn''t help but smile just as joyfully¡ªbecause if his wife was happy, that was all that mattered to him. "I now have HOPE Base as one of my territories," Kisha announced, excitement shining in her eyes. "Which means I have full control over all the facilities in both territories. So, I can easily transfer an entire room from City A''s territory to HOPE Base in City B." She turned to Duke with eager anticipation. "Would you be willing to move your workshop here to City B? That way, the artisan blacksmiths could use your equipment to start making the parts right away." Without hesitation, Duke said, "Sure, go ahead and redecorate our territory in City A however you like." He shrugged casually, as if his beloved workshop didn''t matter as long as it made Kisha happy. Kisha''s eyes turned into crescents as she beamed at him. "You just earned one brownie point, hubby," she teased. "Only one?" Duke shot back, leaning in closer with a playful smirk. "One or none?" Kisha teased, looking at him. Duke let out a deep, rumbling laugh, his voice low and seductive. He didn''t argue further, only gazing at Kisha with pure affection as she shifted her focus back to the air in front of her¡ªwhere he couldn''t see what she was doing. A moment later, she suddenly shared her screen with him. Two holographic projections appeared¡ªone displaying City A''s territory and the other showing City B''s HOPE Base. Kisha swiftly searched for Duke''s workshop, zoomed in, and then shifted her attention to City B''s layout. Before making any changes, she contacted Aston, who was working nearby. Just as Aston was minding his own business, something abruptly popped up in front of him, nearly making him jump. He rubbed his eyes a few times, but the floating screen remained. It looked like a chat box. Panicking slightly, Aston glanced around to see if anyone else could see what he was seeing, but to his surprise, no one reacted¡ªhe was the only one who could see it. Displayed on the screen was a message: [Territory Owner: Aston, this is Kisha. Please gather the artisan blacksmiths from the smithy and have them wait outisde for a moment. I need to take care of something first.] Kisha sent the message without giving Aston any prior notice, which initially left him stunned. However, once he saw her name, his surprise quickly faded¡ªhe had long since grown accustomed to Kisha''s many unusual abilities. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without hesitation, he entered the workshop and sent the artisans on a short cigarette and coffee break. Once they had cleared out, he remained standing in the middle of the workshop, intending to type a response. But before he could even touch the reply box, the entire room around him transformed in an instant. State-of-the-art equipment he had never seen before materialized out of thin air, filling what had once been a nearly empty workshop with only low-quality tools. Now, the space was fully equipped, and Aston stood there, utterly astonished. On Kisha''s end, after messaging Aston, she immediately got to work. Since the time flow in her territory was vastly different from the outside world, she had already begun operations on City A''s side while Aston was still in the process of sending the blacksmiths away. She carefully selected the entire workshop and hovered over the ''Transfer All'' button. When a confirmation pop-up appeared, she didn''t press ''OK'' right away. Instead, she took the opportunity to explore the newly upgraded functions of her territory. For over two hours, she familiarized herself with the added features, experimenting and playing around with different options. Duke simply smiled as he watched her completely absorbed in her work. He found joy in seeing her so enthusiastic, and as he observed, he was also learning alongside her. So, as soon as Aston sent the blacksmiths on their break¡ªjust two minutes later on his side¡ªKisha wasted no time. Seeing his movements in real-time through the workshop''s interface, she immediately clicked ''OK'' without waiting for his response. After performing a series of operations, Kisha assigned Aston and Tristan administrative access to City B''s HOPE Base through her territory interface. However, their authority was strictly limited to City B¡ªthey had no access to City A unless Kisha explicitly extended their privileges. She was still experimenting, ensuring a clear and structured distribution of power among her subordinates. Her goal was to keep responsibilities well-defined, preventing unnecessary burdens on her team while also safeguarding against potential loopholes that could be exploited within the system. Now, Tristan could oversee resource distribution directly from the territory interface without the need to run around, allowing him to manage everything efficiently from his office as Kisha and Duke''s secretary. Meanwhile, Aston had full access to monitor all warriors and soldiers under his command, accurately tracking military supplies, personnel headcounts, and even their movements across the base. With this system, he essentially had 24/7 surveillance, akin to a high-tech CCTV network, enabling him to quickly radio any team and deploy them to specific locations as needed. This significantly enhanced their threat response capabilities. Both Aston and Tristan were thrilled with their new level of control and efficiency. But Aston and Tristan weren''t the only ones granted access. Mr. Winters now had direct access to the territory''s warehouse, which was seamlessly connected to the Supply Center. With this system in place, he could generate highly accurate reports detailing the exact inventory, its distribution, and its intended purpose. This not only streamlined inventory management but also ensured precise tracking of supplies. Additionally, he was considering integrating the system with a computerized network to further automate the process, making operations faster and more efficient for everyone involved. Chapter 639 - 639 Going Back To City A After assigning designated access to others¡ªincluding Mrs. Winters, the Patriarch, Vulture, Bald Eagle, and even Duke¡ªKisha ensured that everyone could work efficiently while maintaining seamless communication within the base. This setup significantly boosted the productivity of their respective departments. "This is amazing..." Duke murmured, his eyes fixed on the interface as he navigated through its functions. He began mirroring everything Kisha had done, quickly familiarizing himself with the system. This time, Kisha granted him full access, just as she had before. Now, both she and Duke had unrestricted control over both territories, allowing them to monitor and manage everything as they saw fit. Suddenly, Kisha burst into laughter. "Let''s head back to City A now!" she declared enthusiastically. The urgency in her voice stemmed from two reasons¡ªshe missed her family and was eager to meet Duke''s newly arrived subordinates, whom she hadn''t had the chance to see when they first arrived because both Kisha and Duke were currently away. She had already identified a few promising individuals among them and intended to send them to Aston and the others for joint training to maximize their potential. Additionally, she was ready to begin properly organizing both territories. She had no intention of giving up either one¡ªCity A would remain her primary stronghold, a secluded sanctuary where she and Duke could live in peace, hidden from the prying eyes of other bases. Meanwhile, City B would serve as their operational front, ensuring their influence remained strong while keeping their true base well-protected. "I thought we were leaving tomorrow morning?" Duke asked, a bit baffled. Kisha didn''t answer¡ªshe only flashed a mysterious smile and turned her attention to her chatbox in front of her, quickly typing out a message to Keith. [Kisha: Baby brother, I''m coming back to City A very soon.] [Keith: OMG!! For real?! How soon?] [Kisha: Before you know it¡­] [Keith: Shoot! I''ll inform Grandpa and Grandma right away. Where should we meet you? And how many people are with you? Be careful on the road¡ªthere''s been some movement in the small towns and villages near City B. The zombies that migrated toward the city are now making their way back. I have no idea what caused the round-trip migration, but something definitely stirred them up.] [Keith: Anyway, just send me the location where we should meet you so we can escort you back to the territory. A lot has changed since you left, and we''ve set up plenty of traps along the way. If you go in alone, you might trigger them.] [Kisha: No need, baby brother. Just wait for us at the base. I''ll be bringing your brother-in-law and all of the Winters'' men back with me.] Kisha closed the chatbox and turned to Duke. "Should we bring your family back too?" Duke rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his knuckles grazing against his stubble. "Hmm, I suppose so. This would be a good opportunity for both families to meet. We can formally greet your family and let them know about our union. After all, everything happened so fast¡ªthey''re bound to have questions. My family and I should be there to explain." Kisha raised an eyebrow, a knowing grin playing on her lips. "Oh? So you do realize how fast we progressed?" "Do you?" Duke shot back playfully, a devilish smile curling on his lips. Then, leaning in slightly, he added, "As much as I can''t keep my hands off you, I know you''re the same. Besides, in a world this chaotic, nothing is guaranteed. I don''t want to die without spending my life with the woman I love." "Who said anything about you dying?" Kisha huffed, pinching his side in protest. "Don''t jinx yourself." "Alright, I''ll live past 100 and make sure to shower you with love every day until you get tired of my old, wrinkly face," Duke teased with a chuckle. He playfully hugged Kisha from behind, squeezing her close as they flirted for a moment before finally stepping out of the territory space. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wasting no time, they quickly informed everyone about their departure for City A. Duke gathered the Winters'' men and his family, while Kisha briefed Aston, instructing him to oversee the base in their absence. Since Duke was bringing all the Winters'' men¡ªincluding Vulture, Bald Eagle, and their teams¡ªRose, Evelyn, Clyde, and Reeve would need to step up and take over their positions to maintain order. Rakan and his team had integrated seamlessly with the other soldiers and warriors, performing their duties with exceptional efficiency, so they were placed closer to Rose and Evelyn so they could learn from them and help them carry the burden. Before leaving, Tristan and Duke made a stop at the dungeon. The guard at the door was still the same young man with silver-white hair. Duke glanced at him before giving a simple command. "Come down to the dungeon with us." After they descended, the sight that greeted them was grim. The prisoners were on the brink of death, their expressions hollow and lifeless. Duke showed no reaction, but a suffocating aura of bloodlust and dominance emanated from him. His gaze settled on Young Master Colton, who was now barely recognizable. His once-arrogant features had withered¡ªhis cheeks sunken, eyes hollow, and his once-thick hair now sparse and brittle. His formerly strong physique had deteriorated to little more than skin and bones. It was impossible to tell how long they had been starved, but the signs of neglect and suffering were undeniable. Some even had missing teeth, likely from beatings or malnutrition. The moment they saw Duke, terror overtook them. Their bodies trembled violently as they scrambled backward, desperately pressing themselves against the cold, unforgiving walls, as if trying to disappear into the cracks. "Kid, look at them," Duke said, his voice cold and devoid of any warmth. "Their will is broken, consumed entirely by fear. They''ve lost their minds. Keeping them alive serves no purpose¡ªit''s just a waste of resources on vermin." The gentle, doting expression he reserved for Kisha was nowhere to be seen. In its place was a ruthless, icy demeanor that sent a chill through the room. He addressed the young man who had followed them down, a boy whose eyes burned with hatred and the desperate thirst for revenge. It was clear¡ªhis very reason for living was to see the Coltons pay for what they had done. "Even if we tortured them, it wouldn''t bring the satisfaction we imagined¡ªnot after all the horrors they inflicted on others," Duke said, his voice steady and cold. "But killing them would be an easy way out. It would free them from their suffering." He turned his sharp gaze to the young man beside him. "So, tell me¡ªwhat do you think we should do with them?" Duke was giving him the choice, knowing full well that the boy had suffered at the hands of these very men¡ªespecially Young Master Colton. In the past, Duke wouldn''t have hesitated to execute them before he left to go back to City A, ensuring they never had a chance to cause trouble again in his absence. But now that HOPE Base belonged to Kisha, they had the means to monitor their prisoners and confine them indefinitely. Though he had called it a waste of resources, they weren''t exactly short on supplies. More than anything, Duke saw the way this young man clung to his hatred, living only for revenge. If left unchecked, that bitterness would consume him. Maybe, just maybe, by giving him this choice, Duke could offer him a way out¡ªa chance to build a life beyond vengeance. Chapter 640 - 640 Levi Adams After all, the young man had already endured immense pain¡ªhe deserved a chance to lead a better life, to find a new purpose worth living for, something far more meaningful. Though he was allowing the young man to make the final decision, he had never truly intended to grant these people a swift death. No, he had vowed to make them live in fear and regret, to ensure they experienced the agony of a living hell. This was the price they owed for ruthlessly taking the lives of his men. "I don''t want them to have an easy death," the young man declared, his voice steady but laced with chilling resolve. "I want them to suffer in pain for as long as they live¡ªbecause that''s what they owe me for everything I''ve endured." His eyes burned with murderous intent, cold and devoid of mercy as he fixed his gaze on Young Master Colton, looking at him as if he were already a dead man. Duke tilted his head to the side as he studied his prisoners, his gaze cold and assessing. He shared the same sentiment¡ªhe had come down here to ensure their suffering and to see firsthand that their torment was far from over. When he returned to City A, he wanted his men to know that those who had inflicted pain on their brothers were now enduring a far worse fate¡ªand would continue to do so for the foreseeable future. However, as his eyes shifted to the young man standing guard at the door, a new thought crossed his mind. A young man like him had so much more potential than being confined to this dungeon, wasting away in a cycle of vengeance. Duke saw something in him¡ªa fire, a determination. Rather than being buried in this place, he could channel his hatred into something greater, using it as fuel to grow stronger, to carve out a future where he wouldn''t just survive, but thrive. "Then we''ll keep them alive and make sure they suffer for as long as possible while we go on to live better lives. That, in itself, would be the greatest revenge you could take." Duke''s voice was firm yet measured as he looked at the young man. "You should leave this dungeon and step into the world above. Join your friend Reeve, train, and become stronger. By doing so, you''ll ensure that the tragedy you once suffered will never happen to you again." "More than that, you''ll gain the power to protect the weak, to prevent others from experiencing the same pain you endured. If you stay here, letting hatred consume you, you''ll only lose yourself to the abyss." "But you''re still young¡ªyou need to go out, to broaden your horizons. If you confine yourself to this narrow space, you''ll be giving these people exactly what they want. They''ll know they still hold power over you, that they can control your emotions. Don''t let them have that satisfaction." "So you should show them your strength¡ªprove that you can step out of the shadows, rise above this place, and become even stronger. That way, when you return to see them again, they''ll have no choice but to bitterly laugh at themselves and drown in their own suffering," Duke advised the young man. He wasn''t the type to concern himself with others, but as Kisha had reminded him before, this was now their territory, and these people¡ªthis young man included¡ªwere under their protection. Beyond that, Duke understood the harsh reality: the number of survivors left on Earth was dwindling. If humanity had any hope of survival, they needed to protect and guide those who remained, ensuring they had a future worth fighting for. As a leader, it was Duke''s responsibility to guide and inspire his people to strive for something greater. While he knew they could never completely let go of their hatred, he also understood that allowing it to consume them would only hinder their growth. Holding onto vengeance without progress was nothing more than self-sabotage. That was why he wanted to enlighten the young man¡ªto give him a path forward. "Then, what do you want me to do, Vice City Lord?" the young man asked, bowing his head. His eyes were red, a mix of emotions swirling within them. He didn''t fully agree with Duke''s words, but something about them struck a chord. He realized that letting his enemies dictate his emotions¡ªallowing them to control his every thought¡ªonly gave them more power over him. And perhaps Duke was right. Living his life to the fullest while ensuring his aggressors suffered in misery would be the best revenge he could ever hope for. And Duke wanted to give him that chance¡ªto carve out a future where he didn''t just survive but thrived. "Get stronger and serve me and my wife. Become one of our sharpest blades and ensure that no one in this base suffers the same injustice you once did. Train until you''re strong enough to lead a small team¡ªso that when my wife and I need to leave for scouting missions, we can do so knowing this place is in capable hands," Duke said nonchalantly, his gaze shifting back to the prisoners in the cell. He made it a point to say this to all his people¡ªnot just to push them to grow stronger, but to fuel a sense of rivalry and purpose. By making them believe their leader saw potential in them, he kept them from stagnating. After all, knowing that someone expected great things from you was often the greatest motivation of all. But the truth was, Duke genuinely saw potential in the young man standing before him. That was why he was even bothering to alter the course of his future¡ªto make him into someone useful. And while he had framed it as serving both him and Kisha, in reality, it was mostly for Kisha''s sake. He was simply following her vision, ensuring that her efforts to build a better, stronger community bore fruit. "Levi Adams will follow the will of the Vice City Lord¡ªand more importantly, the City Lord, who saved me and granted me a second chance at life. My life already belongs to the City Lord," Levi said, bowing deeply to Duke, his voice steady with conviction. "Thank you, Vice City Lord, for reminding me of this." His resolve was clear¡ªhe would do better, he would grow stronger, and he would follow the path that had been laid before him. Duke raised an eyebrow, a flicker of irritation passing through him. For some reason, he felt like this kid was paying too much attention to his wife, and he didn''t like it. His thoughts carried a hint of contradiction, perhaps because he didn''t like the way the young man had phrased his statement¡ªespecially when it involved his wife. After all, Levi¡ªdespite being younger¡ªhad a striking beauty that bordered on androgynous. His sharp yet delicate features made him stand out. It wasn''t hard to see why Young Master Colton had taken a liking to him, even back when he was just a boy. And with Levi being close in age to Kisha, maybe that was why Duke suddenly felt a twinge of jealousy. "You may go." Duke''s tone was calm but firm as he gave Levi one last look. Levi bowed curtly before turning on his heel, this time heading toward the barracks. Meanwhile, Aston was busy handling work alongside The Winters'' men¡ªthough, in reality, The Winters'' men were offloading most of their responsibilities onto Aston while preparing for their departure back to City A. Everyone was in the middle of the turnover process before leaving, which was why Duke had taken the time to check in on the Coltons again. His gaze shifted toward Young Master Colton, his expression darkening. "It''s been a while¡­" Duke''s voice was chillingly cold, sending an immediate shiver down Young Master Colton''s spine. The moment he heard it, flashes of past torture surged through his mind like a nightmare come to life. Young Master Colton looked as if he had just seen the Devil take a human form. His breath hitched, and he instinctively tried to back away, but there was nowhere to run¡ªhe was trapped in a cramped cell filled with other prisoners, all of whom feared Duke just as much as he did. And that was exactly what Duke wanted to see. He didn''t need another round of torture¡ªnot today. He didn''t have the time. He had only come to take a look, to remind them of who held their fate in his hands. Duke turned on his heel, Tristan following closely behind as they exited the dungeon. A replacement had already been arranged to take over Levi''s guard duty, ensuring the prison remained secure in their absence. Emerging from the underground dungeon, Duke made his way back to the villa, where his subordinates were already assembled, waiting in military trucks, Humvees, and armored vehicles. His parents and grandfather were seated in one of the armored cars, ready for departure to City A. Now, only one person was missing¡ªKisha. No one seemed to know where she was or what she was doing at the moment. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Where''s my wife?" Duke asked, his voice firm, but no one could give him an answer. They all assumed she was inside the territory space. Without hesitation, Duke, wielding full authority within Kisha''s territory space, opened a portal and began searching for her. Using the territory map, he scoured nearly every corner¡ªonly to finally spot her crouched in the middle of a flower field, looking utterly giddy. Chapter 641 - 641 We Are Back! "What''s got you so happy?" Duke''s deep, masculine voice resonated behind Kisha, making her instinctively turn around. As always, he had a way of sneaking up on her, rendering her heightened senses useless. "Is everyone gathered?" Kisha asked instead, skillfully dodging his question. She knew he''d find out soon enough, so there was no need to explain. "Yeah, we''re all ready to leave for City A," Duke confirmed, unfazed by her evasion. "Should we go now?" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha met his gaze, then stood up from the flower field, dusting off her pants¡ªthough there was nothing to dust. With a nod, she turned and opened a portal. As she stepped out of the territory space, Duke followed closely behind, moving like her ever-present shadow. "Alright, let''s go!" Kisha said, but instead of heading to the armored car at the front like she usually did, she stopped and scanned the group with a raised eyebrow. She didn''t say a word, yet there was something mysterious and intriguing about her expression. Without explanation, she gave them one last look¡ªan unspoken command that clearly said, Follow me¡ªbefore turning and walking toward the backyard. Puzzled, everyone exchanged glances before stepping out of their vehicles. Even Duke, though equally curious, chose not to question her. Instead, he followed closely behind, and one by one, the others trailed after them, their curiosity growing with each step. But Kisha was already making her way toward the dense forest behind the villa, heading straight for the northern wall. The group hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the parked vehicles in front of the villa before finally trailing after her. Without a word, Kisha opened another portal. "Oh! Are we having one last strategy meeting before heading back to City A?" Vulture mused, his tone carrying a hint of realization. "Hmm¡­ If I remember correctly, the journey between the two cities is arduous and full of complications. It makes sense to go over our tactics one last time." His voice carried a note of understanding, as if he had already pieced things together without Kisha needing to explain. After all, alongside Sparrow, Vulture was one of the subordinates who worked with Kisha the longest as they traveled and fought alongside her and their master. He took pride in the fact that he had begun to decipher her subtle cues and silent directives. Besides, Kisha had a habit of doing this to ensure everyone was on the same page and that no one would fumble their roles. Hearing Vulture''s words, the rest of the group took his reasoning seriously, their expressions turning solemn as they followed Kisha. They had all traveled those perilous routes before and knew firsthand how dangerous the journey could be. If one misstep could mean losing someone, then a final strategy meeting was necessary. They couldn''t afford to be careless. The safest and most practical place to hold a large-scale meeting with so many people involved wasn''t the villa¡ªit was Kisha''s territory. Without hesitation, they followed her through the portal, but what they saw on the other side left them utterly speechless. Instead of stepping into a meeting place inside her territory space, they found themselves in their territory in City A. The towering half-crescent mountain stood majestically the sun rising above the mountain creating a shadow stretching over the land. The lush forest surrounding the area swayed gently in the breeze, adding to the surreal beauty of the scene. Within the massive mountain''s cave-like structure was the building nestled in the limestone formation, people who had been going about their day around the territory froze in shock as a portal suddenly materialized before them. Before they could even process what was happening, Kisha emerged, stepping out confidently. She was followed by Duke, then Vulture, then Duke''s family, and finally, his other subordinates. One by one, they filed out, each person equally stunned as they took in their unexpected surroundings, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. They all turned back to stare at the portal, half-convinced they were hallucinating. Yet no matter how many times they looked between the swirling gateway and the scene before them, nothing changed. It was real. Some of them, still in disbelief, began pinching each other¡ªhard¡ªwithout holding back, trying to confirm whether they were dreaming. But the pain was real, just like the impossible event they had just experienced. A long-distance mass teleportation¡­ something they had never thought possible until now. Even Duke, who had been following closely behind Kisha, assumed she would give a speech, clarify their travel tactics, and assign roles for the journey. However, he chose to remain silent, trusting her decisions and simply supporting her as much as he could. But when the portal stabilized and he stepped through, he was caught off guard. The surroundings had changed completely, and to his astonishment, they had arrived¡ªnot at a meeting location, but at their final destination. City A''s territory. His own hidden base nestled within the mountains. Even some of Duke''s subordinates, along with Ethan Evans¡ªwho had been overseeing military training in the large open space in front of the building¡ªwere stunned by Kisha and the others'' sudden appearance. The unexpected arrival caught everyone off guard, yet Kisha remained unfazed. She had anticipated this reaction. In fact, she had been looking forward to it. This was precisely why she had been so eager to set off for City A as soon as possible. While experimenting with the territory''s system interface and exploring its new functions and features, she had made a groundbreaking discovery. Not only did she now have full control over two separate territories, but she also realized that having dual territories granted her the ability to open a portal between them. With this newfound power, she could travel back and forth at will. Distance no longer mattered. After discovering this, she immediately informed Duke that they would be leaving the same day, prompting a sudden change of plans. Earlier, when she left the others to handle their tasks while she remained in her territory''s flower garden, she hadn''t just been idly enjoying the scenery. In reality, she had been meticulously double-checking the new features, ensuring she wasn''t misinterpreting them or getting excited over nothing. Only after confirming everything did she finally put her plan into action. This discovery wasn''t just exciting¡ªit was a game-changer. It resolved numerous logistical challenges for the inhabitants of both territories, making travel and coordination far more efficient than before. Ethan Evans managed to regain his composure after witnessing so many people appear out of nowhere. As he stepped forward to approach Kisha and Duke, his gaze remained fixed on Kisha. It had been over a month since he last saw his sister, and during that time, he had worried about her endlessly. Yet, with no way to contact her, his concerns only grew. That was why he and his family¡ªexcept for Melody¡ªhad drawn closer to the Aldens. At first, Ethan couldn''t understand why the Aldens showed no signs of worry for Kisha. It wasn''t until later that he discovered the reason¡ªthey had been receiving regular updates about her well-being. Unlike him, they had a direct line of communication with her, speaking with Kisha whenever she wasn''t too busy. Their mother discovered this after growing close to Grandma Aldens, who had helped care for their family when they all fell ill. During that time, Melody had refused to look after them, fearing they might turn into zombies¡ªa decision that deeply disappointed them. Chapter 642 - 642 When The Three Families Met Now, seeing Kisha safe and sound before him, Ethan first thought he was imagining things. He had been planning to leave the hidden base with a small group to search for her in City B. However, upon discovering the Aldens'' ongoing contact with Kisha, he and his family drew closer to them, hoping to gather as much news about her as possible. Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire They learned that Kisha and Duke had reunited with Duke''s family and were tying up loose ends before returning to the hidden base. This made Ethan hesitate. If he left to look for her, he might miss her entirely or be stranded elsewhere. These conflicting thoughts overwhelmed him, ultimately keeping him from seeing her even longer. "H-Hello again, little sister." Ethan ran toward Kisha, his eyes locked on her, scanning for any signs of injury. He was already fretting over her well-being, eager to make sure she was truly okay. But before he could reach her, someone else beat him to it. Keith was mesmerized by his sister''s incredible arrival¡ªsomething he had only seen in anime¡ªand was instantly starstruck. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward Kisha, his excitement overflowing. "Sister! You''re back! This little brother of yours missed you so much!" Keith cooed as he excitedly circled around Kisha before glancing back at the still-open portal. His eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Sister, is this why you wouldn''t let us pick you up? Because you already had this portal to bring you straight into the base?" Kisha chuckled at her brother''s boundless energy. Watching him, she could tell just how much he had grown. Though he still spoke to her the same way, there was now a distinct air of a warrior about him. His physique had changed significantly¡ªhe was taller than he had been a month ago, his body lean and muscular, and the spiritual energy she sensed from him had noticeably strengthened. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A satisfied smile spread across her lips as she instinctively reached out to pat Keith''s head, just like she used to. But to her surprise, he had grown so much that she could no longer reach. Kisha blinked, staring at him for a moment, before deciding to lower her hand. Before she could, Keith, like a cat seeking affection, lowered his head himself and placed it under her hand, silently asking for a pat. "I knew it! My sister missed me too¡­" Keith murmured, almost purring as Kisha patted his head. Not far from them, the commotion outside had already drawn the attention of those inside the hidden base. One by one, people started emerging¡ªamong them were the Evans and the Aldens. The moment Grandpa and Grandma Aldens spotted Kisha in the crowd, their eyes lit up. Without hesitation, they rushed toward her, completely ignoring Keith as they pushed him aside to embrace their granddaughter. Caught off guard by the sudden shove, Keith lost his balance and tumbled to the ground like a damsel in distress. He blinked up at them in disbelief, his expression pitiful as he watched his grandparents and sister completely forget about him in the midst of their heartfelt reunion. Kisha chuckled, amused by how dramatic her brother had become. She turned her attention back to her grandparents, her usually cold and indifferent expression softening into a warm, genuine smile. "I missed you all," she said, wrapping her arms around them in return. Just then, someone stepped forward from behind her. Without hesitation, Duke wrapped his arms around Kisha''s waist, his grip firm yet possessive¡ªwordlessly declaring to everyone that she belonged with him. The affectionate display did not go unnoticed. Melody had just stepped out of the building when her eyes landed on Duke. Without thinking, she rushed forward, eager to get closer to him¡ªonly to freeze mid-step as she witnessed the scene before her. Her heart clenched, and a wave of disbelief crashed over her as she watched Duke openly stake his claim on the very woman who had always been an eyesore to her. ''What is going on?'' Melody thought, her teeth clenching in frustration as jealousy burned through her veins. But her question was quickly answered when Duke stepped forward and spoke, his tone filled with newfound respect. "Hello again, Grandpa, Grandma," he greeted warmly. "I believe we''ve already spent some time together before, and I trust you haven''t forgotten me after just a month. However, during my time away, there has been a significant development between your granddaughter and me." He glanced at Kisha before turning back to them, his voice steady yet affectionate. "She is now my wife, and because of that, I consider you my own elders." A gentle smile curved Duke''s lips¡ªa rare sight that left many in the hidden base utterly stunned. The Duke they knew was cold, ruthless, and unyielding, yet here he stood, exuding warmth. However, those who had traveled with Duke and Kisha were unfazed. They had already grown accustomed to the stark contrast in Duke''s demeanor when it came to Kisha. "What?! Who''s your grandpa?! Wife?! How? When?!" Grandpa Aldens exploded, his reaction as fiery as if he had just swallowed gunpowder. He had been so excited to see his granddaughter again, ready to cherish their long-awaited reunion. But before he could even celebrate properly¡ªbefore they could sit down and talk about her experiences¡ªsomeone was already standing at his doorstep, trying to steal his little girl away. He simply couldn''t accept it. To him, Kisha was still his precious, young granddaughter, and the idea of letting her go was unthinkable. When they first heard about her relationship with Duke through Kisha''s own words¡ªand even saw Duke during a video call some time ago¡ªthey had brushed it off. They assumed the relationship was moving too fast, that perhaps Kisha and Duke were exaggerating their claims. But now, standing face to face with Duke, watching his possessiveness over Kisha firsthand, Grandpa Aldens could no longer ignore the truth. He couldn''t dismiss it, couldn''t downplay it. And so, he did the only thing he could¡ªhe got angry. "Wife?!" The shocked exclamation rippled through the crowd standing near the hidden base. Every single person who heard it was momentarily frozen, staring at Duke as if he had suddenly transformed into someone unrecognizable. Then, almost in sync, their gazes shifted to Tristan and Vulture, who stood just behind Duke. Their silent stares practically screamed the same question¡ª''Is this some kind of joke? Or is it actually real?'' Among them, the one who reacted the most violently was, without a doubt, Melody. Her expression twisted with disbelief, her hands clenching at her sides. Right behind her, the Evans family also stepped forward, closing the distance, now standing just behind the Aldens. Their faces, though not as overtly expressive as Melody''s, clearly showed their own shock and confusion. "What''s happening? Can you explain, Duke?" Mrs. Evans asked, her voice calm but firm. She stole a few glances at Kisha before shifting her gaze back to Duke, her expression unreadable. Her posture stiffened as she locked eyes with him, the weight of unspoken truths lingering between them. The Evans family had been treading carefully, knowing that Duke and Kisha were still unaware of Kisha''s true lineage¡ªthat she was, in fact, their real daughter. And yet, despite this hidden truth, Duke and his family should have still recognized that he was meant to be engaged to Melody. Chapter 643 - 643 Growing Misunderstanding But even as conflicting emotions swirled within her, Mrs. Evans couldn''t deny the relief that settled in her heart. Regardless of the twists and turns that fate had thrown their way, her real daughter had still ended up with her intended fianc¨¦¡ªwithout any influence from family ties. Before Duke could respond, a movement from behind caught everyone''s attention. Mr. and Mrs. Winters stepped forward, gently pushing past Vulture and Tristan. They were followed closely by the Patriarch, his piercing gaze fixed on the unfolding scene. "What''s the matter? Can''t my grandson choose his own wife? What era are we living in? Do we still have to control a man''s life choices, especially now that the world has changed so drastically?" The patriarch''s firm and unwavering voice echoed through the open space, leaving no room for argument. His stance was clear¡ªhe was standing by his grandson, ready to confront the Evans family if they dared to bring up the long-standing engagement between their families in an attempt to force Duke and his wife apart. He was more than satisfied with his granddaughter-in-law. Not only was she capable and kind, but she also took great care of her people. More importantly, she made his grandson truly happy, and that was something he would not allow anyone to take away. If the Evans wished to challenge this, so be it. Even if it meant going head-to-head with them, he would not back down. As the patriarch of the Winters family, he would use every ounce of his authority to make his stance known. Realizing the Winters patriarch''s stance, Mr. Evans took a step forward, his expression calm as he offered a slight smile. "Why don''t we continue this conversation somewhere more private? After all, this matter concerns not just two¡ª" He paused briefly, his gaze shifting toward the Aldens before continuing, "¡ªbut three families. This situation requires further explanation, and perhaps, once everything is laid out, we can clarify the misunderstandings and discuss the best course of action together." Mr. Evans was subtly hinting at the need to involve the Aldens and Winters in a deeper conversation¡ªone where he and his wife could finally reveal the truth about Kisha''s origins. She was, in fact, the Evans'' long-lost daughter, missing for decades. However, his words were misinterpreted by everyone who heard it, leading to an entirely different assumption. The Winters assumed that Mr. Evans was trying to dissuade them from the union, possibly using the long-standing engagement agreement between the two families as leverage. Meanwhile, the Aldens believed there was some undisclosed arrangement between the Winters and Evans, with Kisha caught in the middle, which immediately put them on edge. Unlike Grandpa Alden, who remained wary of Duke, Grandma Alden had already taken a liking to him. She had observed their interactions before Kisha and Duke left for City B and wholeheartedly supported her granddaughter''s choice. As for Grandpa Alden, though he had been furious with Duke earlier, his anger was more about the rapid changes in Kisha''s life than any real resentment toward the young man. However, when Mr. Evans spoke and suggested relocating the discussion, his serious demeanor put Grandpa Alden further on guard. He wouldn''t allow anyone to pressure Kisha or take Duke away from her. The happiest among them all was Melody, convinced that her father would fight for her and use their long-standing family alliance to force Duke to separate from Kisha. She was certain that the Winters wouldn''t risk breaking their deep-rooted friendship over an unfamiliar woman they had only known for a month. After all, she had grown up close to the Winters¡ªthey had witnessed her childhood, knew her character, and had always been part of her life. In her mind, the favor should be in her hands, especially with so many people supporting her relationship with Duke. Although Mrs. Evans remained calm, knowing exactly what her husband intended, the Evans brothers couldn''t help but feel a bit concerned for Kisha. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They loved Melody, but they didn''t want to make things difficult for their long-lost sister. Kisha had already endured countless injustices and had spent years suffering outside their protection. Now, her happiness was their priority above all else. In their determination to stand by her, they momentarily forgot about Melody and how she might feel if they supported Kisha''s relationship with Duke. While everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Duke''s grip on Kisha''s waist tightened. No matter what anyone said, no one would interfere with his decision. If push came to shove, he wouldn''t hesitate to use force against anyone who tried to take Kisha away from him. A cold, menacing aura radiated from him as he locked eyes with the Evans, his stance unwavering. Sensing the tension, Keith and Grandpa Aldens instinctively positioned themselves protectively in front of Kisha, making it clear that they wouldn''t let anyone threaten her. Mr. and Mrs. Evans misinterpreted the protective stance of the Aldens and Winters toward Kisha. They began to suspect that the families had caught on to something and were deliberately reluctant to acknowledge Kisha as the Evans'' long-lost daughter. This realization made the Evans couple exchange nervous glances, while the Winters couple''s expressions hardened as they observed them. Sensing the tension, Mrs. Winters stepped forward and gently took Grandma Aldens'' hands in hers. Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire "Aunty, don''t worry. We''ll handle this¡ªwe won''t let you be at a disadvantage," she reassured her. However, her words were once again misinterpreted by the Evans couple, who mistakenly believed that Mrs. Winters was siding with the Aldens to keep Kisha from returning to them. The situation grew more complicated by the second as misunderstandings piled up on all sides. Each person had their own assumptions, fueling the tension in the air. Unaware of the growing misconceptions, Kisha remained focused on what she did know¡ªMelody was supposedly Duke''s fianc¨¦e in name only, a title he had never acknowledged. But that didn''t matter to Kisha. It wasn''t in her nature to surrender what was rightfully hers. ''Over her dead body.'' If anyone tried to take what belonged to her, she would crush them without hesitation. Her bottom line had always been her family. Now, the Winters and Duke were part of that, and she would never allow anyone to harm them. Just as the friction between the two families seemed ready to escalate, a new voice suddenly cut through the tense atmosphere from somewhere behind the crowd. "Eh?! Master! Young Madam! You actually came?!" The familiar voice made Kisha, Duke, Vulture, Tristan, and everyone from the Winters freeze in place. Their heads snapped toward the source of the voice, eyes wide with shock. "W-What''s wrong? Why are you all looking at me like that?" The man shifted uncomfortably under their intense stares. "Uh¡­ is it because I didn''t report back?" He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, deliberately avoiding their piercing gazes, which felt like they could burn a hole through him. ''Did I really make them that mad?'' he wondered, trying his best not to meet their eyes. Before anyone could respond, more people emerged from behind him, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity at seeing Duke, Kisha, and their entourage. Among them were unfamiliar faces¡ªnew survivors who had clearly been taken in by the hidden base. It was evident that they were people from the surrounding area who had somehow managed to make it inside. "Ah! A ghost!" Vulture exclaimed, pointing at the new arrival. The others followed suit, all eyes fixated on the newcomer without blinking. However, the newcomer was just as confused about what was happening and why Vulture and the others were acting that way. He could only stare at Vulture and the rest, opening his mouth and then closing it, overwhelmed with questions he didn''t know how to ask. Vulture felt uncertain about his emotions upon seeing the person in front of him, but more than anything, he felt angry. Why was he angry? It was because he felt cheated and that his emotions were played with all this time when he grieved and cried for his lost brother, but what happened? Who was the person making Vulture angry? And why was he acting so strongly right now? Was he alone in feeling this way? No, he wasn''t alone; there were more people feeling the same thing. Confusion and more confusion washed over them as they stared at the person. "Why the hell are you alive, Sparrow!" Vulture roared as he lunged at Sparrow, who remained clueless. "What the hell do you mean, ''Why am I alive''? Do you really want me to die that badly, you asshole?" Sparrow shouted angrily as Vulture kicked him in the ass. Since he didn''t expect it, he was sent to the ground, and no one helped him up. "What the hell is going on in here?" Sparrow added, looking at everyone who stared at him as if they were seeing a ghost. Sparrow was happy to see everyone after he thought he wouldn''t make it, he thought that everyone would be glad to see him and know that he had survived, but what was this reaction? How are they greeting him like he wasn''t supposed to be alive and yet he was? He felt wronged and angry, especially at Vulture who reacted the strongest. Chapter 644 - 644 A Ghost! "You! How Are you alive? I was sure that I..." Vulture said, but he couldn''t bring himself to continue what he was about to say because he was seeing Sparrow''s confused face, and it made him even more confused too, but he couldn''t say the word. "What do you mean by that?!" Sparrow asked as he tried to stand up from the ground after being kicked by Vulture and Sparrow felt his back ache because Vulture didn''t hold back. "Fuck that hurts!" He said as he rubbed his back. Vulture then looked at Kisha who was supposed to have Sparrow''s dead body that they retrieved from the forest. Still, unlike Vulture, Kisha seemed to be deep in thought because actually, since she have the ''Team Tab'' where she can monitor her team even when they are far away from her, should know if Sparrow is dead or alive. Still, in reality, she didn''t truly know because at some point before she found out what happened to Sparrow, she noticed that Sparrow and some of her team''s status windows had turned into a series of question marks, and it seemed like something was interfering with the connection between her and some of her team. But she could still see Duke''s and the other Winters'' men who stayed at the base with them or with Vulture. However, Sparrow''s group and the people from Group 6 were the ones experiencing this phenomenon. That''s why Kisha came out to the forest with Vulture to investigate, hoping that Sparrow was still alive. Even after she and the others defeated the mutated tree, she still couldn''t see Sparrow''s stats, and even when they retrieved his body, so she thought it was because Sparrow was already dead; his status window showed ''Question Marks.'' Therefore, she could only assume that the rest of Group 6 had all died too. So, when she saw Sparrow alive and kicking, she was first surprised, then confused, and now she was wondering what was happening with her system, only for 008 to interject in her thoughts. "Host, there was nothing wrong with the system; there was something that was interfering with their connection, probably a mental ability that blocks Sparrow and the others'' mental signatures, which represent their vitals in the system''s ''Team Tab'' and shows their status. Normally, since their mental signatures can''t be detected, the system can only display a question mark, which could mean many things," 008 explained. Then an understanding dawned on Kisha as she looked at Sparrow and the rest of the group that was supposed to be missing. What 008 said really made sense; the question marks could mean many things, not just death. If someone has died, she might receive a specific status on the ''Team Tab,'' like a big red ''X'' mark or possibly a label indicating ''DEAD'' instead of a question mark. In that case, she should have started questioning the strange things as soon as she noticed them and not just speculated. By doing so, they might not have assumed that Sparrow and the others were dead or perhaps could have investigated further. However, they retrieved a body with Sparrow''s dog tag. So, if Sparrow was alive, then whose body did they retrieve and grieve for? This question hung in each other''s minds as they all collectively looked at Sparrow with a wronged question mark hanging on their faces. For some reason, Sparrow could only feel a little guilty as he stepped back, sensing their burning gazes on him. Noticing Kisha''s contemplative expression, Duke shifted his focus back to the Evans and said, "Sir, it seems we can''t converse at the moment, as my men need to report to me with some specific information. We should discuss this another time." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke''s dismissive tone suggested he wouldn''t accept a ''no'' for an answer, merely informing them that he wouldn''t be entertaining them for now and had other matters to address, indicating that they weren''t his priority at this time. Mr. Evans has been in business for a long time, so he understood what Duke was implying. Even though he didn''t feel good about being dismissed, he sensed that there was some inside story between Duke and his men that needed to be discussed urgently, so he really didn''t push for it to happen. However, Melody thinks differently; she believes that it was Kisha who didn''t want her to talk with Duke. She knew that once her father started discussing the engagement with Duke, Kisha would lose. After all, when they first met, she had already told Kisha that she was engaged to Duke, and now Kisha was stealing her man and even claiming him as her husband. So where did that leave Melody in the equation? "Dad..." Melody was about to bring up the engagement again, but Eric gave her a stern look to keep her from talking nonsense. It was clear that there was an emotional charge in the air making everyone a bit agitated for some reason, and it seemed like only Melody couldn''t sense it. But even without Eric stopping his sister from speaking, as the oldest son of the Evans, Duke, and the others would not give them the time of day. In fact, as soon as Duke said what he had to say, he pulled Kisha by the waist, and they started walking toward the building to head to the conference room. Along with them was Vulture, who was hauling Sparrow like a chick, even as Sparrow tried to fight back, kicking and fussing, but Vulture wasn''t letting him go without finding out what really happened while Sparrow was in the forest. Not that Sparrow was really fighting back; he could tell that Vulture and the others'' emotions weren''t right and that they were worried and just plainly too emotional. So, he could only ask Vulture to let him walk on his own and not be carried like a cat being lifted by the collar. He felt embarrassed by how Vulture was handling him and that his supposed imposing manner was thrown out the window. But Vulture was no longer listening and was just focused on getting to the conference room as soon as possible. Aside from Sparrow, the supposed missing members of group 6 who were now with Sparrow were also gathered by the rest of the Winters'' men to be taken to the conference room. Meanwhile, Hawk, Eagle, and the others who stayed behind at the hidden base in City A were all confused and could only follow behind to see what was happening. After all, Sparrow and the others had just arrived a little while ago with some of the survivors they found outside. The survivors who came with Sparrow could only watch as he was taken away; they couldn''t even move after seeing Duke and the others, who looked somewhat intimidating. The aura emanating from Duke was profoundly cold and indifferent, creating a weight on their shoulders just from being near him. They felt unable to speak up for Sparrow and could only watch as he was led away. Not long after, Sparrow was dropped by Vulture to sit in a chair while Duke took the head of the table and made Kisha sit on his lap. Kisha silently complied, still deep in contemplation. For Hawk and Eagle, who had just come in and saw this scene along with the other Winters'' men staying in this hidden base, it was a sight to behold. They had never seen Duke actively seek physical closeness and intimacy with the opposite sex. They are momentarily stunned, and when they manage to regain their composure, Duke takes out a can of soda from seemingly nowhere. A glass also appears in front of Duke, and then he pours the soda into the glass. Just when they think everything is finished, sparkling dust emerges on top of the glass, and ice begins to form. Then, a small ice crystal is conjured before falling into the glass. Duke chills the soda briefly by holding the glass before handing it to Kisha. "Wifey, have some soda first to cool off before we move on." Duke''s tone softened and became gentle, causing Hawk and the others to lose their balance as they stepped forward, leading to all of them tumbling over the door. They looked at each other, trying to determine if they were hallucinating or if everyone heard what they heard, only to confirm in each other''s eyes the incredulity and disbelief. ''Was that really our master?'' ''What''s with the gentle voice?'' ''What''s with the ice? Did he turn into Elsa from Frozen?'' The last person who whispered was glared at by the others because what he said was incredulous; if Duke heard it, he might get punished, which could also involve the rest of them. So, before their comments escalated, they all stopped whispering their thoughts and hurried to find a place to sit or stand in the corner. After sitting Sparrow, Vulture stood behind him, placed both hands on Sparrow''s shoulders, and ensured that he wouldn''t escape until he told them everything they wanted to know. Seeing that he was also surrounded, Sparrow didn''t attempt anything and simply sat quietly near Duke and Kisha, waiting for Duke to give him the signal to speak. Meanwhile, Duke was helping Kisha drink the soda. Kisha wanted to do it herself, but for some reason, Duke had become extra clingy today, even wanting to assist her in drinking and wiping the corner of her lips if the drink spilled. Kisha raised an eyebrow but said nothing in return, just indulging Duke''s whims. Chapter 645 - 645 What Really Happened To Sparrow "Now, tell us what happened. We all thought you were already dead," Vulture, who couldn''t wait for Duke to respond, said while Kisha settled into Duke''s lap like a cat. Duke didn''t try to stop Vulture from questioning Sparrow, sensing that Kisha was curious about the answer. "Dead?! How could I die without even knowing I died?" Sparrow scrunched his nose as he looked up at Vulture disdainfully. "We retrieved a body from the pit beneath the mutated tree, along with your dog tag. Before that, we followed your blood trail from the rice field, where we found your walkie-talkie stained with blood, leading us to the nest of the mutated tree. After defeating the mutated tree, we searched its nest and brought the body back to the base. This time, we plan to bury it alongside our other brothers." Vulture recounted to Sparrow what he, Kisha, and Duke had done so that they would be on the same page. "We even identified the body because it was wearing the same clothes as you, but since the body had dried out and mummified, we couldn''t really tell if it was you..." Vulture then stopped, as he began to reflect on the mistakes he had made. Aside from the clothes the corpse was wearing and the dog tag he saw on the mummy''s lap, he hadn''t done any identification. So how could he be so sure that it was Sparrow? Now, he glared daggers at Vulture for his stupidity, but he couldn''t say it out loud because it would seem like he was also reprimanding Duke and Kisha for being foolish enough to assume that the body they found was actually Sparrow''s without even going through DNA identification or anything like that, believing he was dead just because of some random mummified body and his missing dog tag. And since he can''t say it out loud, Sparrow could only redirect his disdain to Vulture and glared at him with a mix of mocking and hateful glares as if to say ''You really are stupid.'' Then, Sparrow started speaking and telling them the story of what happened. ... After being pierced by the mutated tree''s vines in the stomach, Sparrow lost consciousness while the blood from his body was flowing out from the wound. But not long after, he regained consciousness. He really didn''t die an instant death; what woke him up was the burning pain in his inner pocket. Even in his unconscious state, he felt like he heard a paper igniting before it burned, and then he felt the heat. With leaden eyes, he opened them, but he was still being pulled by the vines at an unprecedented speed towards somewhere. Since his blood was spilling like water, he tried to reach for the vial of blue liquid in his pocket. But he had failed a few times as he didn''t feel his limbs anymore, and he was just dangling in the air like a boneless ragdoll. One thing he was sure of: the amulet Kisha had given him had saved his life from receiving a critical hit that would have been enough to instantly kill him. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had three of them when he first went on a mission assigned by Kisha when Duke and they were looking for the Winters upon arriving at City B, but luckily, he didn''t have to use those amulets. Since Kisha was sending him again on a mission far away from her, she gave him and Vulture one each of those amulets, although he didn''t even know how to use it. However, the thought that it would immediately function on its own when the holder''s life was in danger from a critical attack made Sparrow feel incredibly fortunate that he kept it close to his chest. But now, since he was still being pulled somewhere, even if he didn''t die instantly from the gaping hole in his stomach, he would still die from blood loss. So, Sparrow used his remaining strength to move his muscles, but before he could, he felt himself being thrown somewhere. Then, he hit a bunch of hard objects, and a cloud of thick dust struck his face, making him cough violently, which caused his gaping wound to gush even more blood. Sparrow felt like he was about to pass out as his entire body grew so cold that he began to shiver and his teeth started chattering. He remained still in one position, or should he say that he tried to move but his body no longer obeyed him. Images were already flashing through his mind during that time, but he didn''t want to give up and die just like that; it would seem so pathetic, and he didn''t want to leave this world just yet. He wasn''t afraid of dying, but he was anxious about the people he would leave behind, like his master, his young madam, and his good brothers. So, Sparrow ground his teeth until he could taste the metallic flavor of blood in his mouth. Despite this, he summoned his willpower to move his arm and reach for his pocket, which was only four inches away. Yet, those four inches felt like an eternity to cross. ''Dammit! Fucking move!'' he grunted in his mind, unable to stop his teeth from chattering, his energy too low to actually speak. The sensation that life was slowly slipping through his fingers filled him with desperation. When he managed to pull something from his pocket, he felt his breathing becoming shallow and his strength becoming even weaker than before. It took him a long time to bring out the vials of random liquid he had grabbed from his pocket, but he didn''t have time to check if those liquids were the vial of blue liquid or the vial of black liquid. He didn''t even have the energy to open one. ''Damn it, really damn it! This is because I''ve become overly arrogant about my growing strength and become careless. Now, life has taught me a hard lesson that''s almost too tough to swallow,'' Sparrow thought bitterly as he brought the vials of liquid close to his face. His gaze was becoming blurry and unfocused, so he couldn''t really see what kind of liquid he had¡ªnot that there was much light where he was, to begin with. Everywhere was dark, musty, and a little cold. Without any options left, Sparrow just put a few more vials of liquid in his mouth, and with the last bit of strength he had, he bit down until the glass broke and the liquid spread in his mouth. The small shards that entered his mouth scratched his gums and tongue, but Sparrow didn''t mind. Fortunately, the little shards of glass only shattered around his teeth and gums, embedding themselves on his tongue and gums but not coming close to his throat, so he swallowed the liquid that had filled his mouth. ''Ugh!'' Sparrow grunted, not just from frustration, but because he was struggling to swallow. It felt as if his tongue had swelled, making it difficult to swallow, almost like something was cooling on his tongue. But it seemed like the gods were on his side, as among the vials of liquid he had shattered in his mouth was a vial of blue liquid. There was also more of the vial of black liquid, and he felt energy suddenly fill his veins like adrenaline. Along with those feelings was the sensation of his wound pulsing and beginning to mend itself. He felt like he was able to move his fingers a little better than before, but the little bit of blue liquid wasn''t enough to completely close the gaping wound on his stomach. If he weren''t a superhuman and were just a normal human without much vitality, which represents his ''HP,'' he would have really died. Even with that amulet, he wouldn''t have lasted and would have died from losing too much blood. With a bit of strength, Sparrow reached for his pocket again. Since he couldn''t see anything in the dark, he just drank whatever vial of liquid he could. Luckily, this time he managed to grab three vials of blue liquid, and when he drank them consecutively, his wound closed up at an unprecedented speed. Still, Sparrow needed time for his body to adjust, and his energy was going haywire due to the number of vials of black liquid he drank at the same time. He felt his body going from cold to so hot that it felt like lava was coursing through his veins. ''Arg,'' Sparrow hunched over to the ground like a shrimp, feeling uncomfortable all over; he felt like his veins were about to pop. He muffled his grunt because he wasn''t sure if the mutated tree was still around or if there was still some danger nearby. But because he was in so much pain, he felt like the veins around him were going to explode with energy. He tried to calm his spiritual energy, but it wasn''t helping as much as he thought, and he was still so weak that he felt like his muscles had yet to regain their functionality. Chapter 646 - 646 Mutated Insect His body then started to perspire; he was getting wet with sweat, and now he felt parched, as if he was running a fever. Sparrow had no idea how much time had passed since he began healing or when his spiritual energy had started spiraling out of control. His entire body felt like hell, but he couldn''t afford to complain. As long as he was still breathing, that was all that mattered. He considered himself lucky¡ªgrateful even¡ªthat he had survived. But then again¡­ had he really made it? He felt that even if the wound inflicted by the mutated tree didn''t kill him, his own spiritual energy might. It was running wild inside him, threatening to tear him apart from the inside. The sheer force of it surged through every vein in his body, pushing him to the brink¡ªhe wouldn''t be surprised if his brain exploded at any moment. "Ugh!" Sparrow''s muffled grunts and ragged breathing were the only sounds echoing in the darkness as he struggled to control his energy. But he was still too weak. Most of his strength had already been drained to heal his body, leaving him with barely enough to contain the raging force within him. His spiritual energy, now unchecked, battered his body from the inside, threatening to tear him apart. Amidst his turmoil, a faint, sweet scent drifted through the air. He didn''t know when he had first noticed it¡ªhe had been too preoccupied with simply staying alive. But now, as he fought against the chaos within him, the scent became clearer, pulling at his senses like a whisper in the dark. It was alluring, almost beckoning him, and for the first time since his ordeal began, he became aware of his surroundings once more. The sweet scent made him feel as if he were floating, weightless and detached from reality. It dulled his senses, easing his pain and lulling him into a state that should have aided his recovery. And yet, despite its seemingly soothing effect, every instinct in his body screamed that something was wrong. His internal alarms blared, louder than ever, a stark contrast to the deceptive comfort the scent provided. After his earlier experience with the mutated tree¡ªwhen lowering his guard had nearly cost him his life¡ªhe knew better than to ignore these warnings. This was no trivial matter. Something about this situation felt off, and even though he was wracked with pain, he forced himself to stay alert. Everything around him was unknown, and in this unfamiliar darkness, vigilance was his only lifeline. Sparrow lay face down on the rough, uneven ground, his breath coming in ragged gasps as dust billowed around him, stinging his eyes and clogging his nose. Each inhale sent a mix of dirt and grit into his lungs, making it even harder to breathe. But he had no choice¡ªearlier, he had been completely immobilized by his injuries. Now, though the pain was still intense, he could at least move his hands. His body remained battered, his ribs still fractured and healing, while the lingering sting of freshly closed wounds pulsed through him. On top of that, the chaotic surge of his spiritual energy continued to wreak havoc within him, compounding his agony. With no clear focus amid the overwhelming pain, he gritted his teeth and summoned what little strength he had left. Planting his hands against the ground, he forced himself to push up, using a small surge of energy to roll onto his back. The moment his gaze met the sky, a brief sense of relief washed over him¡ªuntil the sharp ache in his body reminded him that his ordeal was far from over. But when he turned over, his blurry vision caught sight of faintly glowing, berry-like orbs clinging to the ceiling. Their soft bluish light flickered dimly, making it difficult to determine whether they were insects, fungi, or some other unknown organism. However, his curiosity was quickly overshadowed by the pulsing ache in his skull. His entire body felt drained, leaving him utterly vulnerable. The overwhelming exhaustion and searing pain proved too much¡ªbefore he could make sense of his surroundings, darkness swallowed him whole. Whether he had fallen asleep or simply lost consciousness, he couldn''t tell. When he finally came to, disoriented and groggy, an unsettling realization struck him¡ªhe was no longer on the ground. Instead, he was dangling in the air, his left leg ensnared and hoisted upward. His heart pounded as he took in the tangled mess of roots and vines surrounding him, stretching ominously into the shadows. And worst of all, someone¡ªno, something¡ªwas dragging him deeper into the unknown. Shock jolted through him¡ªhe hadn''t felt a thing. Somehow, even the searing pain from his spiritual energy running wild had dulled, no longer as agonizing as before. Instead, a strange weightlessness settled over him, as if he were floating on a cloud, lulling him into a deeper, more restful sleep. But something wasn''t right. The sweet, alluring scent in the air was far stronger than before, almost intoxicating. His vision blurred, his focus slipping as an eerie haze clouded his mind. It was as if he were being hypnotized, drawn into a trance he couldn''t escape. The only thing that woke him up was the blaring alarm inside his head, a deafening siren growing louder and louder as he sank deeper into his comfortable sleep. His eyes snapped open, only to realize he was already dangling in the air. He hadn''t even felt himself being lifted. Then, he caught sight of something shiny slipping from his neck, but before he could process what it was, thick vines began wrapping tightly around him. The vines pinned him against the dirt wall. Though his senses dulled and a trance-like state threatened to consume him, he instinctively fought back. Strangely, the hypnotic effect also worked in his favor. It soothed his raging spiritual energy, abruptly stopping its assault on his body. Perhaps he couldn''t feel the pain anymore, tricking himself into believing the chaos had subsided. Or maybe, just maybe, his energy had truly stopped going berserk, finding an unexpected balance within the hypnotic effect''s lulling embrace. But now, the only thought racing through his mind was, I need to get out of here. Though disoriented, he unleashed his ''Wind Blade'' attacks, aiming for the vines. The small, berry-like orbs cast a dim, eerie glow, offering just enough light to see. He dangled high above the ground, now dangerously close to the glowing, berry-like orbs floating in the air. But even with their faint illumination, his blurred senses made it difficult to land a precise strike on the vines constricting his legs. But Sparrow refused to be discouraged. Gritting his teeth, he hurled more ''Wind Blades'' upward, but his aim remained off, sending attacks wildly in every direction. The strikes tore into the dirt wall beside him, kicking up dust and debris that rained down, stinging his eyes and choking his lungs. He coughed violently, struggling to see through the thickening haze. Desperate to snap himself out of it, he slapped his own face¡ªonly to end up with ringing ears and no improvement in his disorientation. Panic crept in as a chilling thought crossed his mind: with his aim so off, he might end up slicing through his own dangling leg¡ªa mistake that would lead to a very, very unfortunate outcome. But he knew staying still until his disorientation faded wouldn''t help either¡ªthe sweet scent in the air was growing stronger the closer he got to the dangling, berry-like orbs. A creeping sense of dread washed over him. Those orbs weren''t just harmless fruit; they felt like monstrous eyes, watching him struggle, observing his every frantic movement as he fought to escape. Since he couldn''t land a hit on the vines trapping his leg, he turned his attention to the glowing, berry-like orbs instead. For some reason, they filled him with an overwhelming sense of dread, and his instincts screamed at him the closer he got. His alarm bells were blaring inside his head. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With no time to fine-tune his aim, he resorted to desperation¡ªwildly unleashing ''Wind Blades'' in every direction, hoping to strike the eerie orbs above. As Sparrow wildly unleashed his ''Wind Blades,'' they finally struck the orbs. A fluorescent liquid oozed from them, releasing an even stronger burst of the sweet scent into the air. ''Fuck, so it really was coming from those orbs. What the hell is this smell?'' he thought, hastily covering his nose with his hand to block out the scent that was clouding his senses. Now that his suspicions were confirmed, he needed to get rid of those things¡ªwithout inhaling any more of the airborne toxin. But before he could act, the glowing orbs began to shift. At first, he thought it was just his disoriented vision playing tricks on him, making everything seem like it was swaying. But no¡ªthe orbs were actually moving. No, not just moving. Flying. The orbs darted through the small, cave-like space where Sparrow was trapped, circling the area in eerie, rhythmic patterns. Their glowing light bathed the surroundings in an unsettling luminescence, revealing the grim details he hadn''t fully noticed before¡ªmummified corpses, scattered bones, and decaying carcasses, both human and animal. A chilling realization sank in. This wasn''t just some random pit¡ªit was a lair. And those floating orbs? They weren''t just harmless lights. They were living creatures¡ªmutated insects, grotesquely evolved and somehow linked in a parasitic bond with the mutated tree that had attacked him. Chapter 647 - 647 Testing His Luck If his deduction was correct, these mutated insects fed on the sap of the mutated tree, and in return, they helped the tree by dulling the senses of its prey. That would explain why he hadn''t initially noticed the mutated tree creeping closer to him¡ªthe sweet scent had clouded his awareness. Now that he thought about it, he had first noticed this aroma back when he was wandering through the forest, searching for his missing teammates from Group 6. He hadn''t given it much thought at the time since the scent wasn''t unusual in a place like this¡ªit could have come from a flower or even honey produced by local bees. Besides, he had been too focused on finding his missing teammates to pay attention to it. But now, looking back, he realized his negligence had led him to this predicament. After all, Kisha always reminded them that they lived in a different world now, where every detail mattered. Their surroundings were filled with evolved beings¡ªtrees, insects, animals, humans, and even zombies¡ªmaking vigilance a necessity for survival. Every detail mattered, and now that he was trapped, he realized he had long since fallen into the mutated tree''s grasp. The tree, aided by the mutated insects'' sweet scent, had been luring him in from the start. That scent had subtly dulled his senses, allowing the tree''s roots to creep closer and closer without him noticing. It had patiently waited for him to lower his guard, for his awareness to fade just enough for it to strike. That was why, no matter how much his instincts screamed at him, no matter how hard he looked around when his alarm bells went off, he had failed to spot the real threat¡ªit had been hidden within the very air he breathed. Even back then, he had already fallen under its spell. Not only had his senses dulled, but there was a high chance that even his mental signatures had been tampered with. Based on his symptoms, he couldn''t dismiss the possibility¡ªespecially since he could barely feel his connection to his spiritual energy. That was what unsettled him the most. He couldn''t tell whether the scent from the mutated insects was actually soothing his turbulent energy or if his mental state had been thrown into disarray. Was he under hypnosis? Trapped in an illusion? Or was it a mix of both? Whatever it was, it wasn''t a full illusion¡ªhis vision remained clear¡ªbut his perception, his ability to trust his own senses, was slipping away. Either way, the situation was far from good. ''Maybe once I deal with these mutated insects, my senses will return to normal?'' Sparrow thought as he continued launching ''Wind Blade'' attacks in every direction. Precision didn''t matter¡ªthere were so many of them that every strike tore through a cluster, sending fluorescent blood splattering across the cave. The glowing liquid pulsed for a few moments before fading into darkness, and with each insect he killed, the cave grew dimmer and more ominous. Despite their parasitic relationship with the mutated tree, the mutated insects weren''t completely defenseless. As Sparrow continued his relentless assault, cutting down dozens of them with each strike, the surviving insects reacted. They no longer clung to the dangling roots, so they swarmed together, forming a dense, spiraling mass in the air. The cave was filled with the deafening hum of countless beating wings, the sound echoing from all directions, making it impossible to pinpoint their movements. Sparrow kept launching attacks, but now that the insects had clustered together, his strikes weren''t as effective. No matter how many he cut down, more kept closing in, shrinking the distance between them and their target¡ªhim. Although these mutated insects were small, each one had a beetle-like horn on its head. They used this horn to scrape the roots of the mutated tree, allowing its sap to flow for them to feed on. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Given the tree''s thick bark and high defense, just imagining how strong those tiny horns must be was enough to send a chill down Sparrow''s spine. Even with his enhanced defense, he knew he wouldn''t last long against an onslaught from hundreds of these creatures. They might not devour him or suck his blood, but their sharp horns slashing and stabbing at him relentlessly would still leave him covered in wounds. At that rate, he''d be losing blood faster than the vial of blue liquid could heal him. Instead of panicking, Sparrow quickly scanned his surroundings, searching for anything he could use before the mutated insects reached him. It was clear that his attacks had only enraged them, driving them to retaliate¡ªbut he hadn''t exactly had a choice. Those insects kept releasing that scent, clouding his mind and dulling his senses. Perhaps to the mutated tree''s victims, the scent provided a false sense of relief, numbing them to the pain of their impending death. They wouldn''t even realize what was happening until it was too late. It was a cruel fate¡ªone that made their demise all the more pitiful. Right now, dangling in the air, he was like a sitting duck¡ªa perfect target for the swarm of mutated insects rapidly closing in on him. With no time to hesitate, he placed all his hope in a single attack¡ªand a bit of luck. Swoosh! Crack! Bang! Sparrow sent a powerful ''Wind Blade'' upward, aiming directly at the mutated tree''s root that had coiled tightly around his legs. It was a gamble¡ªif his luck turned against him, he might just end up amputating his own legs. But even then, at least he''d fall and have a chance to escape. If luck was on his side, however, he''d sever the root and free himself. It was all or nothing. Staying trapped meant certain death as the swarm of mutated insects closed in. Fortunately, despite all his past misfortunes, luck hadn''t completely abandoned him. His attack landed squarely on the thick root, slicing through it cleanly. In the next instant, Sparrow felt the grip on his legs loosen before he plummeted several meters down, crashing hard onto the cavern floor. "Argh!" Sparrow grunted. "Now I feel some pain..." he muttered to himself, struggling to stand. "Must be because the mutated insects stopped secreting that sweet scent now that they''ve switched to attack mode." Groping around, his fingers brushed against something beneath him. He quickly activated his smartwatch''s flashlight, illuminating his surroundings¡ªthe dim glow from the circling mutated insects above wasn''t enough to fully reveal the dark cave. Meanwhile, the swarm, having missed their initial strike, began to turn for another attack. The brief respite gave Sparrow a moment to regain his senses and get a better grasp of his surroundings. When his smartwatch''s flashlight flickered on, the sight that greeted Sparrow sent a chill down his spine¡ªa mummified corpse entangled in thick tree roots was pinned against the cave wall. Its face was sunken, its mouth frozen in a silent scream, as if it had died in agony while being drained dry by the mutated tree. As Sparrow surveyed the corpse, he noticed both large and small roots embedded deep into its withered flesh, as though the tree had burrowed into it, leeching every last drop of life. A grim realization settled in¡ªhis fall had been cushioned by the corpse. Thankfully, it hadn''t shattered beneath him. Chapter 648 - 648 Getting Away From The Mutated Tree "Buddy, thanks for catching me¡­ and sorry I can''t take you with me," Sparrow murmured, giving the corpse a slight bow of respect. He wished he had the time to offer a proper farewell, but survival came first. The buzzing grew louder¡ªhis brief moment of pause had cost him. The mutated insects were already swarming toward him again. Gritting his teeth, Sparrow forced himself to his feet, his body sluggish and unsteady. Despite the dizziness clouding his mind, his willpower kept him moving. Staggering, he launched attack after attack, cutting down the oncoming swarm while his sharp gaze scanned the cave for an escape. He had no choice¡ªhe had to get out of here alive. Sparrow had no idea how long he had been trapped inside the dark cave. He had been fighting the relentless swarm of mutated insects non-stop, yet he couldn''t find an exit. Digging his way out wasn''t an option either¡ªthe insects gave him no chance to focus on a single spot. They were like a swarm of killer hornets, refusing to let up until he was dead. Then, suddenly, the ground trembled. A deep rumble echoed through the cave, and dust and dirt began raining down from the ceiling. The massive dangling roots overhead stirred like awakened serpents, twisting and writhing. Sparrow immediately recognized what was happening¡ªsomething aboveground had triggered the mutated tree, causing it to react violently. This was his chance. But even with the chaos shaking the cave, the mutated insects remained locked onto him, determined to finish what they started. They weren''t letting him go. Sparrow clenched his jaw. He didn''t need much¡ªjust one opening, one opportunity to break free. Desperately, Sparrow looked up at the ceiling. If his guess was right, the mutated tree was preparing to make a big move. It could be extending its roots to hunt for more prey to stockpile in its lair, or perhaps it was engaged in a battle outside, causing the massive tremors. Whatever the reason, this was his chance. As Sparrow unleashed ''Wind Blade'' after ''Wind Blade,'' his gaze never wavered from the ceiling. He ran frantically around the cavern¡ªstumbling, falling, crashing¡ªbut he never stopped. Each time he hit the ground, he forced himself back up and kept going. Fortunately, the lingering sweet scent that had dulled his senses worked in his favor. He couldn''t feel fatigue or the depletion of his spiritual energy. Though he was disoriented and aching from the relentless battle, the pain and disorientation were nothing more than minor inconveniences. Then, a faint ray of light pierced through the darkness from above. A massive tree root shifted, pulling out of the cave and leaving behind a small opening¡ªjust big enough for Sparrow to squeeze through. Though the ceiling was several meters high, Sparrow didn''t hesitate. He took a deep breath, then leaped with all his strength, conjuring a whirlwind beneath him to propel himself upward. As he ascended, he noticed the roots beginning to close in around the opening again. His heart pounded¡ªhe had only moments to escape. Sparrow conjured another ''Whirlwind'' to propel himself faster, then summoned ''Wind Blades'' in each hand. As he neared the opening, he hurled the blades forward, crossing his arms in front of his face to brace for impact. The sharp gusts slashed through the smaller mutated tree roots, weakening them just enough. With his enhanced defense and strength, he forced his way through, shattering the remaining obstacles. The moment he broke free from the cave, the force of his escape sent him hurtling outward. He instinctively used his crossed arms to absorb the impact as he hit the ground, rolling several times before coming to a stop. But the moment Sparrow emerged outside, relief was the last thing he felt. There was no time to celebrate¡ªright before his eyes, the mutated tree was engaged in a fierce battle, its vine-like tentacles lashing out aggressively. Fortunately, he wasn''t the target. Either the tree didn''t see him as a threat, was too focused on its enemy, or simply hadn''t noticed his escape. Whatever the reason, Sparrow wasn''t about to waste the opportunity. Without hesitation, he turned on his heels and bolted, seizing his chance to get away. Sparrow saw blazing lights streaking across the sky¡ªeither a barrage of ''Fire Meteors'' or countless ''Fire Balls'' raining down toward the mutated tree. Since he was still dangerously close, staying put wasn''t an option. If he didn''t move now, he''d be caught in the devastating assault. But fire wasn''t the only threat¡ªother elemental attacks followed in rapid succession, crashing down one after another. Sparrow didn''t waste time analyzing them. All that mattered was that he was finally free from the mutated tree''s grasp. Without hesitation, he turned and sprinted, focused solely on escaping and reuniting with his team. So, he ran as fast as his battered body would allow, even as weakness gnawed at him and his knees threatened to buckle. He relied on sheer willpower to keep moving forward. Even after making it outside, some of the mutated insects managed to slip through before the tree''s roots sealed the hole shut behind him. Sparrow pushed himself harder, occasionally conjuring a ''Whirlwind'' to propel himself forward and increase his speed. He had no clear destination¡ªhis only goal was to get as far away as possible. In his current state, facing any enemies would be a death sentence, so he didn''t even attempt to fight off the insects trailing him. Instead, he focused solely on escaping. Without realizing it, Sparrow had already run several kilometers. Then, his foot caught on something, and he went down hard. "Ugh!" He gritted his teeth as his face slammed into the ground, pain radiating across his features. ''Damn! Even my defense doesn''t work against the ground anymore?'' he thought bitterly as he tried to push himself up. Before he could fully rise, something grabbed his collar and yanked him backward, dragging him into a nearby bush. Sparrow''s eyes widened in horror. ''Shit! Am I being dragged away again?!'' "Fuck, did the mutated tree catch me again?!" he muttered, panic flaring in his chest as he thrashed against the grip, trying to fight back. The mutated insects were still swarming behind him, but his sudden fall caused them to lose track of him momentarily. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow watched as the mutated insects flew past him, his body frozen as he was dragged backward into the bushes. His gaze was fixed on the sky above, his collar tight around his throat from the force pulling him away. His heart pounded so violently it felt as if he had been plunged into ice water. He wasn''t sure whether to feel relieved that he had lost the mutated insects or terrified that he had been caught by something else¡ªespecially now, when exhaustion was finally weighing down on him. Then, a deep, guttural growl echoed through the forest. "Roar!" The beastly sound reverberated all around him, shaking the very air. Sparrow stiffened, momentarily forgetting he was still being dragged. His breath hitched as he strained to see through the thick leaves brushing against his face, their rough edges scratching his skin. Everything felt chaotic¡ªhis senses overwhelmed, his mind reeling. And worst of all, he still couldn''t see what was lurking beyond the bushes. Chapter 649 - 649 A Different Group "Shhh..." Just as Sparrow was about to unleash an angry roar and fight back, a firm hand suddenly covered his lips, signaling him to stay silent. His head snapped to the side in reflex¡ªso fast it nearly felt like he might dislocate his own neck. A jolt of realization struck him when he felt a grip on his collar. This wasn''t just something¡ªsomeone had caught him. His eyes widened as he met the person''s gaze, his mouth parting to speak again, but the stranger swiftly gestured for silence. Then, using a series of hand signals¡ªones only known to the Winters'' men¡ªhe gave Sparrow a silent command: Climb the tree beside us. Sparrow hesitated for only a moment before following the man''s gaze upward. That''s when he saw them¡ªseveral figures perched among the branches like silent sentinels, their forms blending into the shadows. They sat poised like watchful predators, waiting. There were also some unfamiliar faces mixed in with his people. Yes, the one who had grabbed him by the collar and dragged him through the bushes was a member of his missing Group 6¡ªthey were all here, safe and sound. ''Or at least, for now, they were safe.'' Unfortunately, just like Sparrow, they were disoriented, their senses dulled, and their bodies sluggish. None of them were in any condition to fight¡ªnot when a mutated tiger was prowling nearby, its sharp gaze sweeping the area in search of its prey. Worse still, they were all experiencing some kind of status abnormality that was messing with their mental states, making it impossible for them to engage in a direct confrontation. Their only option was to stay hidden among the trees. But when they spotted Sparrow sprinting toward them, unaware that the mutated tiger was only a few meters behind them, they knew they had to act. If they didn''t, he would run straight into the beast''s waiting jaws. As luck would have it, Sparrow tripped and fell. Before he could unleash a tirade of curses over his misfortune, someone from Group 6 had already swooped in, grabbing him by the collar and silently dragging him behind the bushes¡ªfar from the mutated tiger''s line of sight and into a safe blind spot. At that moment, the mutated insect that had just passed Sparrow caught sight of the mutated tiger instead. Unable to find Sparrow and still seething with unfulfilled rage, the insect redirected its aggression toward the beast. A furious roar echoed through the forest as the mutated tiger, now under attack, lashed out in response. Group 6, still covered in mud, remained unrecognizable, their scent masked by the thick layer of grime. Sparrow, however, was a different story. Having spent so much time inside the cave with the mutated insect, his scent was noticeably stronger. With the mutated tiger and insect locked in battle, the group knew they couldn''t linger for long. The tiger''s powerful sense of smell would eventually pick up on Sparrow''s presence¡ªif it hadn''t already. For now, it was too preoccupied with its fight to focus on him, but they all understood that their window to escape was quickly closing. Instead of climbing up, they quickly changed their plan. Sparrow signaled for everyone to climb down and escape while he stayed at the rear to keep watch. Though still somewhat disoriented, he was in better shape than the others and could at least put up a fight if necessary. As they moved, Sparrow took note of the unfamiliar faces among Group 6¡ªcivilians, mostly elderly, women, and children. In the distance, the mutated tiger''s furious roars echoed through the forest, followed by the deafening crashes of trees being toppled in the chaos of its battle with the mutated insect. Sensing the urgency, Sparrow urged everyone to move faster. He kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings, ensuring that neither of the raging creatures was closing in on them. Some members of Group 6 stumbled as they ran. Though they looked intimidating, their predator-like appearance was deceiving¡ªthey were barely holding on. Weak and on the verge of collapse, they were running purely on willpower, struggling to keep up with the others. Before encountering Sparrow just hours ago, they had been fleeing from a mutated cow. In their desperation, they had ventured too deep into the forest, only to realize too late that they had been affected by a status abnormality that weakened their bodies and clouded their minds. Disoriented and drained, they had tried to escape the area as quickly as possible, only to cross paths with the mutated tiger. The beast, sensing their vulnerability and lack of resistance, had immediately given chase. The mutated tiger seemed to be enjoying the chase, relishing the sight of its prey desperately trying to escape. It was clear that it wasn''t hunting out of hunger¡ªit was toying with them, confident that no matter how far they ran, it could catch them whenever it pleased. Realizing this, the group decided to take advantage of the tiger''s arrogance. They stumbled upon a pit of mud and, without hesitation, rolled in it to mask their scent. Their gamble paid off. The moment the tiger lost their trail, it let out an enraged roar, frustrated that its prey had seemingly vanished. Despite their disorientation¡ªthe world spinning around them¡ªthey pressed on, trying to navigate their way to a safer hiding spot. They knew that running indefinitely wasn''t an option; exhaustion would catch up to them sooner or later, leaving them as easy prey. Finding a place to hide was their best chance at survival. They spotted a large tree that seemed like the perfect hiding place, but as they approached, they realized that others had already taken refuge in its branches. These people were likely hiding from the mutated tiger as well, waiting for the danger to pass before making their escape. The Winters'' men considered climbing up, but one particular woman immediately voiced her objections. "Can''t you see there are already people here? Do you want to bring that monster straight to us? Or are you planning to use us as bait so you can escape?" she accused sharply. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her words didn''t sit well with the Winters'' men, but with the mutated tiger closing in, they had little choice. "What the hell is your problem?" an older man from the group in the tree snapped back. "Can''t you see they''re just like us, trying to survive? Why can''t you show a little compassion?" "Compassion? Will compassion save my life or give me a better future in this godforsaken place?!" the woman retorted, her voice laced with frustration. "If you''re not afraid of attracting that monster, then keep shouting," an older woman in the group scoffed. She eyed the younger woman with disapproval, clearly irritated by her hostility toward the Winters'' men. No one knew why she was so against them¡ªmaybe she simply didn''t want to share their hiding spot. It was understandable, but the Winters'' men were in a tight spot too. Without hesitation, the older man who had spoken first carefully climbed down from the tree. "Come on," he said firmly. "I''ll help you and your people find a better hiding spot. I used to wander these forests when I was young¡ªmy village was nearby. If anyone can guide you through this place, it''s me." Chapter 650 - 650 Strength In Number The Winters'' men didn''t hesitate to accept the help¡ªthey weren''t in a position to act tough. They knew better than to put on a strong front, so with a grateful nod, they followed the older man. As they moved away from the area, more and more people joined them. Children, elderly women, and older men all left their hiding spots and fell in step with the group. The Winters'' men were baffled¡ªwhy would they abandon a seemingly safe refuge? Sensing their confusion, the older woman from earlier spoke up. "There''s strength in numbers. That monster may look terrifyingly strong, but with all of us together, I don''t believe we''ll be wiped out. As long as we protect the children, we''ll be fine." The crowd murmured in agreement, nodding resolutely. Only the woman who had refused to share her hiding spot earlier, along with a few elderly and younger men, remained perched on the tree branches. Others tried to persuade them to come along, but they stubbornly refused, even scoffing at those who chose to leave. "We''ll stay here. If you all are so eager to risk your lives for a bunch of irrelevant people, then suit yourselves!" the woman scoffed, rolling her eyes before turning away. The older man, who had naturally taken on the role of leader, sighed but didn''t argue. "Alright. If they don''t want to come, let them be. If we get the chance later, we''ll circle back for them before we leave this place." With that, the group took off in a different direction. They ran for several kilometers, but the younger children, with their short legs and limited stamina, began stumbling and falling. The adults had no choice but to scoop them up and carry them as they pressed forward. Eventually, they reached a cluster of large trees surrounded by mud pits and wildflowers. It was an ideal hiding spot¡ªthe thick mud would help mask their scent, making it harder for the mutated tiger to track them. Following the Winters'' men''s lead, the others rolled around in the mud, cutting fresh grass to further conceal themselves. Once they were sufficiently covered, they quickly climbed up the trees, finding safety among the branches. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once they managed to climb to a high spot in the tree, the Winters'' men finally let their guard down. Their shoulders slumped as the lingering disorientation drained their strength, leaving them leaning heavily against the tree trunks. One of them mustered the energy to speak, offering a grateful nod. "Thank you so much for helping us. But¡­ why are you all here in the forest?" The leader of the group, an older man with a weary but determined gaze, replied, "We''re from Port City. We survived the natural calamities¡ªthe tsunami, flash floods, and everything that followed¡ªafter we fled." "The big cities aren''t safe anymore, so we decided to head for my village. I figured that in a smaller community, we''d have a better chance. We could work together to clear out the zombies, build a survivor camp, and maybe¡­ just maybe, we could survive by farming." "But reaching my village means we have to pass through this forest and cross the mountain on the other side," the man sighed, his gaze fixed ahead. "We had no idea that, aside from people turning into zombies, even animals would mutate and become even more terrifying. We ended up trapped here, doing our best to avoid running into any of the stronger creatures." He let out a weary breath before continuing, "Back in Port City, we were too afraid to venture out and search for food. No matter how many times we fought them, the zombies would always rise again. It felt hopeless." "But when the natural disasters struck and we were on the verge of death, I realized something¡ªwe could give up and accept our fate, but what about the children? Did they deserve to die because we were afraid? No. So we, the adults, had to grit our teeth, swallow our fear, and push forward¡­ for their sake." "We''ve come a long way. Some of the adults sacrificed themselves to protect the children, but we have no regrets. We had already accepted death from the beginning, so what difference does it make whether we were swallowed by the tsunami or died shielding the young?" "Thinking this way gave us a sense of peace, and so we kept moving forward. But now, stuck in this forest, I don''t know how long it will take before we can finally reach the village." The Winters'' men nodded in silent understanding. They had no right to judge these people''s choices¡ªeveryone had their own paths to take. But rather than seeing their resolve as foolish, they found themselves respecting this group. They were civilians, ordinary people who had never trained to fight but had spent their lives working and surviving in simpler times. And yet, in the face of despair, they had chosen to fight for the children rather than give up and die in vain. That, in its own way, was a different kind of bravery. The older man continued, his voice tinged with regret. "We would''ve had a better chance of survival if our leader, Rakan, hadn''t been kicked out of the shelter and maybe he already died out there with his few people." "Rakan?" the Winters'' men echoed in unison. "Yeah," the man nodded. "He was our leader, and a good one at that. But there was an internal power struggle over supplies, and with just a small mistake, those vying for control conspired to force him out. After they took over, it didn''t even take a full day before the so-called new leader and his people abandoned us. They took whatever they could carry and vanished, leaving us¡ªthe elderly, the sick, and the young¡ªto fend for ourselves." He let out a weary sigh, the weight of their past mistakes and struggles pressing heavily on his shoulders. "Oh!" The Winters'' men exchanged glances before nodding. "Actually, Rakan isn''t dead. He''s alive and living in our base now," one of them revealed. They knew they shouldn''t be sharing this information so casually, but at the same time, it wasn''t a secret that could be kept forever. Once their gates opened to other survivors, HOPE Base would inevitably become known. Telling these people about Rakan''s survival wasn''t a major risk¡ªat least, not yet. If these survivors had any ill intentions toward their base, the Winters'' men knew they could handle troublemakers, just as they had with the Coltons. But for now, they chose to give them the benefit of the doubt and extend a little trust. "He''s alive?!" A wave of shock rippled through the group as almost everyone turned toward the Winters'' men. But as soon as they realized they had spoken too loudly, they quickly covered their mouths, their eyes darting around in fear of attracting the mutated tiger that was still lurking nearby. "Yeah," one of the Winters'' men confirmed in a hushed tone. "When our people came to Port City for supplies, Rakan and a few of his men managed to find them. They joined our base and have been working alongside everyone to keep it safe." "Really?!" The older man''s initial excitement was evident, but it quickly faded as a sobering thought crossed his mind. Could they join this base as well? Chapter 651 - 651 Scouting New People However, his enthusiasm dimmed as he hesitated, realizing a harsh truth¡ªunlike Rakan, he and his people weren''t fighters. Looking at the Winters'' men, battle-hardened and capable, it was clear they were either mercenaries or soldiers, skilled in combat just like Rakan and his group. It made sense that they would accept Rakan¡ªhe had value, he was strong. But what about them? They were just civilians, with no real fighting ability. Would they be seen as nothing more than a liability? Just another set of mouths to feed? One of the Winters'' men noticed the older man''s hesitation and the doubt flickering across his face. He understood the concerns¡ªthese people posed no threat, and their priority was clearly the safety of the children. As a way to show gratitude for their help, he decided to extend an offer, knowing how desperately they were searching for a secure place to stay. "If you''d like," he said, his tone sincere, "you can join our base. We have various roles available, and you don''t have to be a combatant if you don''t want to. There''s plenty of work to be done, and everyone contributes in their own way." Although this invitation came from just one of the Winters'' men, they all knew their master and young madam wouldn''t object. After all, HOPE Base was already sheltering over five thousand survivors, and a few dozen more wouldn''t make much of a difference. Besides, these people could contribute by working, especially since they had farming experience, as they claimed earlier. Relying solely on Marcus to handle all the farming wasn''t a sustainable long-term solution¡ªespecially with a hundred acres of land to manage within their young madam''s space territory. So, their invitation wasn''t entirely selfless or without reason. So far, many survivors have worked in different sectors within the base, but none have the expertise to help with farming, the primary source of their long-term food supply. While they had hundreds of thousands of canned goods from Port City''s warehouse, relying solely on preserved food wasn''t sustainable. Fresh vegetables were essential to maintaining proper nutrition, especially for the younger ones, who needed a balanced diet to stay healthy. So, they made the decision on behalf of their young madam and master, hoping they wouldn''t be upset. Hearing the Winters'' men''s offer, the group visibly perked up, their faces lighting up with excitement. They wanted to cheer in relief but held back, knowing they couldn''t afford to make too much noise in their current situation. Normally, after their past experiences of betrayal, they would have been wary of trusting others so easily. However, despite the Winters'' men''s intimidating presence and sharp aura, there was a sincerity in their eyes that they couldn''t ignore. They understood that this opportunity was given to them solely because they had chosen to help the Winters'' men in their time of need. If they hadn''t extended a hand, this offer would never have come their way. In another scenario, once the danger had passed, they might have been left to continue their journey to the village alone. If they had continued toward the village, there was no guarantee that it would be as safe as they had imagined or that they would be able to build a shelter there. After all, the world had changed drastically¡ªanimals had mutated, growing stronger and more dangerous¡ªwhile they themselves were either elderly, young, or completely inexperienced in combat. This offer from the Winters'' men felt like a lifeline, a chance at survival. Some of them were so overwhelmed with relief that they began to shed quiet tears of gratitude and hope. They could say they were reaping the rewards of their own kindness¡ªby extending a helping hand to others, they had unknowingly paved the way for their own salvation. This stroke of good fortune felt like karma at work, and the realization filled them with gratitude. Everyone was relieved that they had chosen to follow a leader with a good heart, and their faith in him had led them to this moment¡ªa clear path to survival. Unfortunately, the mutated tiger was relentless. It refused to give up, circling the last place where it had caught their scent, determined to track them down. Meanwhile, the children, perched in the trees for so long, were growing numb, exhausted, and increasingly hungry. Fortunately, the Winters'' men had come prepared¡ªthey carried military backpacks stocked with food, enough to sustain the group while they waited for the right moment to escape. As they waited, the sky grew darker, and the night breeze turned colder. Even for the adults, the chill was harsh, especially given their weakened and hungry state. Despite having eaten the food shared by the Winters'' men, their hunger remained. Most of the provisions had been given to the children, who eagerly devoured every bite. Though the children tried to share with the adults, the latter, not wanting to take from them, insisted they eat first. As they waited, the Winters'' men¡ªthose who had awakened their abilities and gained enhanced physical senses¡ªspotted Sparrow in the distance. One of them swallowed nervously but, despite the others'' protests, stealthily left his hiding spot on top of the tree to intercept him. They had just heard the low growl of the mutated tiger nearby and feared that if Sparrow come face to face with it, the beast might shift its target to him. However, what they didn''t realize at that moment was that something was chasing after Sparrow from behind¡ªthe true reason behind his frantic sprint. Back to Sparrow and his group sprinting through the night¡ªmost of the Winters'' men from Group 6 were stumbling as they ran, still disoriented and unable to fully utilize their abilities. Like Sparrow, they pushed themselves to the limit, doing their best to keep moving. Then, one of them tripped and nearly fell. Before he could hit the ground, a few of the civilians who had been helping them stepped forward, offering support. Some wrapped an arm around the struggling men''s shoulders, while others provided steadying hands from behind. Sparrow raised an eyebrow at the unexpected assistance. He wasn''t sure how his men knew these civilians, but it was clear they were genuinely trying to help. Deciding not to question it for now, he focused on guarding the rear as they ran. The sounds of chaos behind them grew fainter, but none of them dared to slow down. No one dared to look back as they ran. The children clung tightly to the adults, doing their best to stay silent despite their fear. Their pale faces and red-rimmed eyes showed their terror, but they remained obedient, burying their faces in the adults'' embrace. Those too exhausted to run any further were carried, their small limbs unable to keep up. As they pushed forward, Sparrow and his group finally reached a hidden rendezvous bunker deep in the forest¡ªone that appeared to belong to the military. A wire fence surrounded the area, and the moment they got close, their eyes lit up with relief and excitement. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Damn! Luck''s on our side!" one of the men from Group 6 exclaimed. "They''ve got a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey military chopper here!" They came to a halt just outside the perimeter, panting heavily. The civilians, in particular, were drenched in sweat, their faces pale from the exhausting sprint. Their lungs burned, but for the first time since their escape began, hope flickered in their eyes. Chapter 652 - 652 A Way To Get Back To HOPE Base "I don''t know if we should call this luck or not," one of the men from Group 6 muttered, eyeing the military chopper warily. "The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is one of the hardest helicopters to fly. There was even a report about Japan storing this model in an underground warehouse after a crash killed several people." His voice carried a hint of doubt. While many of them were skilled in multiple areas, piloting¡ªespecially this particular model¡ªwas a different challenge altogether. "Don''t worry," Sparrow interjected, his gaze locked on the aircraft. "I''ll help fly it. I might not be the best pilot, but I''m good enough." His tone was steady, reassuring. "And with two more pilots from Group 6, we''ve got a real shot at making this work. For now, let''s focus on getting to that chopper." Determination flared in his eyes. They had no time to hesitate¡ªsurvival depended on their next move. If they attempted to cross the mountain to reach the other side, as Group 6 had informed him while they were running¡ªbased on intel from the civilians who helped them¡ªit would take days to get there. Retracing their steps back to the HOPE Base, however, wasn''t just dangerous; it was nearly impossible because of the mutated tree and mutated animals. Now that they had the chopper, their chances of returning to the HOPE Base had significantly improved. As long as they could get it off the ground, the others wouldn''t have to worry anymore. But a new problem stood in their way¡ªthe high-voltage electric fences surrounding the bunker. The power seemed to be running from an underground backup system, likely supplemented by solar panels installed around the area. Although the bunker was well hidden, its size suggested it was more than just a shelter¡ªit looked like a full-scale base. Since they had approached the bunker without encountering any soldiers or receiving any warnings, it could only mean one of three things: the bunker had been abandoned, there were no survivors inside, or the people who had tried to evacuate here never made it. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow, however, leaned toward a more unsettling possibility¡ªthe bunker''s silence likely meant that the people inside had either turned into zombies or had been attacked by mutated creatures or evolved zombies. Either way, they needed to get inside. For Sparrow, scaling the six-meter-high fence would be easy¡ªhis Whirlwind ability could lift him effortlessly. However, using it on the civilians was a different matter. He feared that without precise control, the sheer force of his ability could shred them into mincemeat rather than safely carrying them over. His enhanced defenses, strengthened through awakening and leveling up, allowed his body to withstand the force of his own Whirlwind effortlessly. Whenever he conjured one, the currents instinctively adjusted around him, behaving as if they were an extension of his own being. However, that same level of control didn''t extend to others. He had yet to master the finesse needed to lift an unawakened human without risking serious harm. One of the earth-type ability users from Group 6 suggested, "Then maybe we could create an earth staircase. " Sparrow nodded. "That''s our best option. We just need to make sure the earth staircase is sturdy enough and won''t crumble while people are climbing over," he said. After receiving a confirming nod from the earth-type awakened ability user, Sparrow leaped over the fence, using his Whirlwind to propel himself effortlessly to the other side. The civilians, who had never witnessed awakened abilities before, stood frozen in shock as Sparrow soared through the air. Their astonishment deepened when one of the Winters'' men raised his hand, causing the ground to shift and mold itself into a staircase without him even touching it. His hand glowed faintly, making it clear that the phenomenon was his doing. A mix of awe and unease washed over the civilians. They weren''t sure whether to be terrified by what they were witnessing or relieved that these powerful individuals were their allies. One thing was certain¡ªhad they offended them, they might not have even realized how they died. Luckily, despite their disorientation, the Winters'' men could still use their awakened abilities. While some of the Group 6 members scattered to guard the perimeter, the earth-type awakened ability user focused on conjuring the staircase. Meanwhile, Sparrow ventured cautiously around the bunker, staying close to the chopper. Given his current state, he didn''t dare to explore too deeply¡ªthere was no telling what dangers might be lurking inside. His priority was to inspect the chopper, determine if it was operational, and check for any immediate threats. If there were dangers inside, he wanted to deal with them before the others finished their work outside the fence. As he approached, Sparrow leaned against the chopper, his body swaying slightly. A wave of dizziness washed over him, making him grit his teeth. "Damn! That scent''s effect is lasting way too long. How much longer do I have to suffer through this? Will it even wear off?" he muttered, shaking his head in an attempt to clear his mind. As he tried to shake off the dizziness, Sparrow was suddenly startled by a zombie lunging at him from the side. Its face was a grotesque sight¡ªmaggots wriggled within the rotting flesh of its cheeks, which were peeling away in decayed chunks. Its mouth gaped open, revealing a tongue riddled with holes from the infestation, with more maggots squirming out between its rotted teeth. Fortunately, the zombie was sluggish, its twisted foot dragging uselessly behind it. But Sparrow hadn''t noticed it earlier¡ªit had been lurking in the shadows, hidden behind a stack of crates near the helipad. His dulled senses, still reeling from the lingering effects of the mutated insects'' scent, had failed him. His reaction time was sluggish, his perception muddled, and he barely registered the threat until it was almost too late. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire Sparrow instinctively reached for his dagger, a reflex born from years of experience. But as his fingers grasped at empty space around his torso, a realization hit him¡ªmost of his gear had been lost when the mutated tree dragged him to its lair. Aside from his tactical belt, which held only a few vials of liquid and a piece of beef jerky, he was practically unarmed. Then, a memory surfaced¡ªKisha''s dagger. He had hidden it in his boot as a last resort. As the zombie lunged at him, Sparrow swiftly ducked, lowering himself just enough to reach for his boot. His fingers closed around the familiar hilt of the Shakan Poison Dagger, still tightly secured by his shoelace and garter belt. Sparrow let out a weary sigh of relief as he pulled the dagger free, but the moment was short-lived. The zombie had already turned and lunged at him again. His sluggish movements barely allowed him to react in time¡ªhe instinctively raised the dagger, using it as a barrier to keep the creature''s rotting jaws at bay. A sickening squelch followed as maggots spilled from the zombie''s decayed mouth, landing on Sparrow''s face. "Ugh!" He grunted in pure disgust, his face contorting as he struggled against the decaying corpse pressing down on him. He braced himself, trying to push the zombie off, but the weight and his weakened state made it difficult. Never in his life had he imagined he''d end up in such a pathetic situation. Chapter 653 - 653 Securing The Chopper Sparrow wanted to curse out loud, but the thought of maggots falling into his mouth kept his lips tightly sealed. Disgust twisted his expression as he struggled to push the zombie away, dodging its flailing arms that clawed desperately at him. He barely managed to evade its attacks in such close quarters, his movements hindered by both revulsion and exhaustion. Gritting his teeth, he summoned the last of his strength and shoved hard, forcing the zombie back by two feet. Wasting no time, he lunged forward and drove his dagger straight into its skull. The way he fought made him look like an inexperienced civilian with little muscle strength. After just a single kill, he was already gasping for breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Even if his mind didn''t register the exhaustion, his body certainly did¡ªhe was pushing himself far beyond his limits. It was clear that something was off; his body''s limiter had failed, preventing him from receiving the proper signals from his brain. He couldn''t feel the pain, nor the full extent of his fatigue, making it dangerously easy for him to ignore the damage he was accumulating. Sparrow scanned his surroundings as he struggled to stand upright, his posture weak and vulnerable. He could have used his wind ability, but with the chopper so close and his lack of precise control, there was too much risk. A poorly aimed wind blade could easily damage the aircraft, destroying their only means of escape. That left him with no choice but to engage in close combat. Not that he had much of an option¡ªhe had been caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the zombie, forcing him into the fight before he could even consider using his powers. He quickly scanned the area around the chopper, then turned his attention to the stack of crates near the edge of the helipad, where the zombie had appeared. His pulse pounded as he checked for any more lurking threats, but to his relief, there were none. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the chopper''s door and pulled it open¡ªonly to be met with another shock. Two zombies lunged at him from inside the aircraft, their rotting hands grasping for him. Behind them, several more remained strapped into their seats, still secured by their buckles. It didn''t take much to piece together what had happened¡ªwhoever had been aboard must have been preparing for takeoff when one of their own turned, attacking the others and dooming them all to the same fate. The two zombies lunged at Sparrow, their jaws snapping hungrily as they aimed for his neck. Fortunately, he had anticipated the possibility of another surprise attack and had instinctively raised his dagger to guard his throat before opening the hatch. Though his reflexes were sluggish, that small precaution saved him from an instant, fatal bite. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, while one zombie''s teeth clamped down on the blade of his dagger, the other managed to sink its teeth into his arm. But there was no time to dwell on it¡ªhe needed to act fast. Sparrow wrinkled his nose in disgust as he struggled to break free. He couldn''t feel the pain, but the sight of blood seeping from his arm told him the zombie''s teeth had pierced his flesh. Gritting his teeth, he used his body weight to shove the two zombies back into the chopper. A chorus of guttural growls erupted from within, making his stomach churn. Thankfully, the rest of the undead were still restrained by their seat buckles, their rotting bodies writhing uselessly as they strained to reach him. Though they snapped and clawed in frustration, they were trapped¡ªat least for now. Rawr! Growl! Rah!!! As soon as Sparrow and the two zombies hit the ground, he wasted no time. He drove his dagger straight into the skull of the first one, its body twitching before going still. The second zombie, still latched onto his arm, refused to let go. Gritting his teeth, Sparrow pressed down on it with his injured arm, forcing it back just enough to yank his dagger free. Without hesitation, he plunged the blade into its head, silencing its growls for good. "Eat that, you motherfucker!" Sparrow nearly roared, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. "Ha... Ha... Ha..." He wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his dagger-wielding hand, his body trembling from exertion. "Fuck... I feel like I''m high on something..." He muttered, glancing at the carnage around him. He had only killed three zombies, barely moved much, and yet he was already drenched in sweat, his muscles screaming as if he''d just run a marathon. "Or to be precise, I feel like I''ve been downgraded to Level -0, with my stats deep in the negatives," Sparrow muttered, shaking his head. Before he could dwell on the thought, the guttural growls around him yanked him back to reality. The zombies still strapped to their seats thrashed violently, their decayed hands reaching for him. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire Then it hit him¡ªthe rancid, putrid stench trapped inside the aircraft. The moment he cracked open the hatch, the concentrated odor of rotting flesh slammed into his face like a physical blow. His stomach lurched. His vision blurred. Gagging, Sparrow stumbled backward, barely managing to stagger away before the nausea overwhelmed him. He sprinted to the edge of the helipad and doubled over, vomiting violently. "Ugh! That was disgusting!" he choked out between heaves. "I swear... the stench in there could probably ignite if you lit a match¡ªUweh!" Another wave of nausea crashed over him, cutting his words short as he hurled again, shuddering. Even after emptying his stomach, he swore the rotten smell had seeped into his very skin. He waited a while for the stench to dissipate, knowing he had nothing to cover his nose and risking passing out due to the stench if he charged in too soon. When he felt the air had cleared just enough, he took a deep breath, steeling himself. Then, with a sharp inhale, he rushed back inside. Starting with the zombies closest to the door, he drove his dagger into their skulls one by one. The wet crunch of bone giving way echoed through the confined space, but Sparrow didn''t let himself hesitate. The passengers-turned-zombies, still strapped to their seats, had no chance to resist. He moved methodically, ensuring each one was truly dead before moving on. Once the last body slumped lifelessly, Sparrow bolted outside for a breath of fresh air, hands braced on his knees as he sucked in lungfuls of cleaner air. He barely gave himself time to recover before heading back inside, this time making his way toward the cockpit. As expected, the pilots had turned as well. Sparrow gritted his teeth¡ªthere was no choice. He killed them swiftly, his dagger finding its mark. When the job was done, he stumbled outside again, gulping down fresh air for the second time. Just then, Group 6 arrived along with the civilians, and the earth staircase leading up to the helipad had just been retracted. When Sparrow spotted the group approaching, he immediately barked out orders. "Check the fuel tanks! Make sure we have enough to fly!" Chapter 654 - 654 Leaving The Bunker Although he was fairly certain the aircraft had been prepped for a getaway¡ªmeaning the fuel tank was likely full¡ªhe wasn''t about to take any chances. The last thing he wanted was to discover a problem mid-flight when it was already too late to do anything about it. A malfunction at high altitude could spell disaster, and he wasn''t willing to gamble with their lives. "Yes, sir! We''re on it!" Group 6 sprang into action, momentarily leaving the civilians behind as they moved to inspect the chopper for any potential issues. However, the moment they stepped inside, they were immediately hit with the overwhelming stench of rot. Their faces contorted in disgust as they gagged, eyes watering as they fought the urge to vomit on the spot. Instinctively, they turned to glare at Sparrow¡ªonly to find him watching them with a smug, teasing smile. "That bastard knew!" one of them cursed internally. "He knew how bad it smelled in here and didn''t even warn us! I bet he was just waiting for us to suffer the same way he did so he wouldn''t be the only victim!" Despite their silent complaints, they said nothing aloud. They had been with Sparrow long enough to recognize when he was messing with them. Gritting their teeth, they sucked in deep breaths of fresh air before stepping inside to complete their task. The sight inside wasn''t any better. The chopper''s interior was littered with corpses¡ªzombies with caved-in skulls, black blood pooling around them, brain matter smeared across the seats. It didn''t take a genius to figure out that Sparrow had just finished cleaning house. While Sparrow rested against a stack of crates near the helipad, Group 6 worked efficiently to clear the chopper of zombie carcasses. The civilians initially tried to help, but the moment they stepped inside, they became a gagging, vomiting mess¡ªcompletely useless and more of a hindrance than anything else. Seeing this, Sparrow and the Winters'' men didn''t bother waiting for them to adjust to the stench. Time was of the essence, and they couldn''t afford delays. Without hesitation, they took over, hauling out the rotting bodies before turning their attention to checking the chopper''s monitors and inspecting the entire cockpit for any issues. Once the checks were complete, everyone prepared to leave. Sparrow, feeling slightly better, pushed himself up from where he had been resting. ROAR! A deafening, bone-rattling roar echoed across the helipad, freezing everyone in place. The civilians went pale. "It followed us here!" someone gasped in horror, their voice nearly breaking into a scream. Sparrow''s sharp gaze snapped toward the source of the sound. Beyond the fence, not far from where they stood, the mutated tiger emerged¡ªbattered, blood-soaked, and barely clinging to life. Its eyes, oozing thick streams of blood, glowed with a terrifying, unrelenting fury. "Fuck! Everyone, get inside the chopper, now!" Sparrow barked, his voice cutting through the rising panic. The mutated tiger''s roar hadn''t just shaken them¡ªit had also drawn the attention of the zombies trapped within the bunker. A thunderous banging erupted from the bunker''s doors, a relentless, eerie rhythm that felt like a fist pounding against their chests. The sound alone confirmed their worst fear¡ªthere were no survivors inside. Every last person had turned. The grim realization settled over them like a suffocating weight. The people who had once occupied the chopper had likely been trying to escape the same fate, only to die before they could even lift off the ground. And now, if they didn''t move fast, they''d share the same end. Sparrow, Group 6, and the civilians scrambled toward the chopper, the suffocating stench inside the aircraft now the least of their concerns. The enraged, mutated tiger had locked onto them, its fury propelling it forward. The civilians rushed inside in a panic, children stumbling in their fear. Some tripped and fell, but the adults quickly scooped them up, shoving their way onto the aircraft. Sparrow was the last to board, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group to ensure no one was left behind before he climbed in. Outside, the mutated tiger lunged at the fence, only to be met with a powerful jolt of electricity. The current crackled through its massive body, sending plumes of smoke billowing from its scorched fur. But the shock wasn''t enough to bring it down. Instead of retreating, the beast roared in fury, stepping back, its bloodied frame trembling¡ªbut not from pain. It wasn''t just enduring the agony; it was ignoring it entirely. Sparrow immediately took the pilot''s seat, gripping the controls as two members of Group 6 rushed to assist him. Meanwhile, the rest of the team secured the chopper, slamming the hatch shut and helping the civilians strap themselves in. Those without seats clung to whatever they could¡ªhandrails, cargo straps, even the edges of the bloodstained seats. No one cared about the sticky remnants of decayed flesh or the dark stains of zombie blood soaking into the fabric. The stench was unbearable, but fear overpowered disgust. All they could do now was hold on and pray they made it out alive. Sparrow flicked the switches around him, his hands steady despite the chaos. He grabbed the sticky headset¡ªthe same one worn by the zombie he had killed earlier¡ªand placed it over his ears. His teammates kept their eyes locked on the monitors and instrument panels, scanning for any warning lights. "Sir, we''re ready for takeoff," one of them reported. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Prepare for takeoff!" Sparrow repeated loudly, making sure everyone in the back heard him. The civilians scrambled to buckle up, bracing themselves as the chopper rumbled to life. Sparrow gripped the controls and slowly lifted the helicopter off the ground. But just as the aircraft ascended, the mutated tiger exploded through the fence. Its powerful claws shredded the metal, forcing a path through as sparks crackled from the broken wires. The residual electricity made the beast sluggish for a moment¡ªit shook its head, growling weakly. Seizing the opportunity, Sparrow maneuvered the chopper higher, pushing the throttle forward. But the tiger wasn''t giving up. Its furious eyes locked onto the rising aircraft, its muscles tensing. Meanwhile, the deafening bangs from the bunker door grew more frantic, signaling that whatever was trapped inside was dangerously close to breaking free. The mutated tiger took a few steps back, its muscles coiling like a spring. Then, with a powerful lunge, it propelled itself forward, using the stacked crates as a makeshift springboard to launch even higher. Its massive body soared through the air, claws outstretched, aiming straight for the ascending chopper. "Sir! It''s going to reach us!" the man beside Sparrow shouted, eyes wide as he watched through the side window. The tiger had gained enough momentum¡ªif it latched onto the aircraft, they''d be in serious trouble. Reacting instantly, Sparrow yanked the controls, tilting the chopper sharply to the side. The sudden jolt sent the passengers in the back stumbling, and those without seats lost their grip and tumbled across the cabin. Cries of alarm filled the air as some slammed into the walls, while others barely managed to hold onto whatever they could. Fortunately, the children were securely strapped in, spared from the worst of the turbulence. Still, a few passengers weren''t so lucky¡ªsome hit their heads and started bleeding, while others twisted their ankles or wrists in the chaos. Chapter 655 - 655 Heading Back To City B But Sparrow''s maneuver worked. The mutated tiger''s claws sliced through empty air as it missed its target, plummeting back down with a furious roar. Now high above the ground, the chopper had escaped its reach. No matter how strong or relentless the beast was, there was nothing it could do now. At that moment, the bunker doors suddenly flew open, and a swarm of zombies burst out. The man sitting beside Sparrow, who had been keeping an eye on the mutated tiger, immediately noticed the thick bunker doors being flung open. Among the horde of regular zombies, a massive, tank-like mutated zombie emerged. It had to crouch just to squeeze through the bunker entrance, and once it stood upright outside, its sheer size dwarfed the doorway. It showed no regard for the zombies in its path, crushing them underfoot as it forced its way through the bunker door. The horde behind it continued to pour out, relentless and unceasing now that they were freed. The evolved zombie was a terrifying sight¡ªits sheer size and bulk made it look like a monstrous version of the Hulk. Its muscles bulged unnaturally, its skin stretched tight over grotesque, hardened flesh. Every step it took sent tremors through the ground, exuding an overwhelming sense of power and menace. Even the mutated tiger, which had been relentlessly attacking moments ago, visibly tensed at the sight of the evolved zombie. The regular zombies surged toward the tiger, overwhelming it with sheer numbers. Realizing it was at a disadvantage¡ªnot just against the swarm but also with a powerful opponent looming¡ªthe mutated tiger took a cautious step back before turning and bolting in the direction it had come from. The pursuing zombies slammed into the electrified fence, their bodies convulsing as the current fried them. Some became stuck, their burnt flesh melding with the metal. However, the massive mutated zombie was different. It didn''t rush blindly like the others. Instead, it advanced at a slow, deliberate pace. Then, without warning, it stopped, lifted its head, and locked its gaze onto the chopper hovering above. A chilling moment passed before it suddenly grabbed a stack of crates nearby. With an almost effortless motion, it hurled them directly at the flying chopper. The man watching the chaos unfold felt his heart nearly leap out of his chest. "Sir! Incoming attack!" he shouted, his voice laced with urgency. Sparrow, who had limited visibility to the side, barely managed to maneuver the chopper in time. The massive crate hurtled past them, grazing the aircraft with a forceful scrape. Had it struck their propeller, they would have been sent spiraling toward the ground¡ªa disastrous fate at nearly fifty meters in the air. Reacting swiftly, Sparrow pulled the chopper higher, but the danger wasn''t over. More crates came hurtling toward them, each one a deadly projectile. The man keeping watch felt his throat tighten in fear as he witnessed the monstrous evolved zombie relentlessly launching its makeshift weapons. "Sir, another incoming!" he called out, his voice strained. Sparrow gritted his teeth, his grip on the controls tightening. He couldn''t see the incoming attacks, which left him with only one option¡ª increase their altitude and hope that the next barrage wouldn''t reach them. Then, a deep rumble echoed through the air¡­ "Fuck, we''re hit!" Sparrow cursed as the chopper lurched violently, sending a wave of panic through the passengers. The sudden jolt made the children clutch onto whatever they could, their small bodies trembling. They didn''t scream or wail like normal children would when terrified¡ªinstead, their silent tears and wide, fearful eyes spoke volumes. That quiet resilience was even more heartbreaking than loud cries, a painful reminder that they had been forced to grow up too soon. Even in their terror, they tried not to burden the adults, suppressing their fear in a way no child ever should have to. "Everyone, hold tight!" Sparrow shouted. Fortunately, none of the propellers had been hit, but the side of the chopper had taken a graze. That alone was enough to throw off their stability, making the already turbulent ride even rougher. The wind pressure and velocity worked against them, and controlling the chopper¡ªalready a challenge due to its model¡ªbecame even harder. Despite the difficulty, Sparrow fought to keep them steady, his grip tightening on the controls. Thankfully, two of his team members were assisting him, keeping a sharp eye on both the monitors and his blind spots, ensuring they had every possible advantage to stay in the air. After escaping the attack radius of the evolved zombie, the man keeping watch by the window spotted some of the zombies managing to break free from the fence and scatter into the wild. Then, the massive creature slammed into the barrier, tearing it open and allowing the rest of the horde to spill out. He craned his neck, raising his binoculars to track the unfolding chaos as they flew farther and farther away¡ªuntil their altitude and speed rendered the scene impossible to see. "Phew!" He exhaled heavily, slumping into his seat. Everything had happened so fast. If he hadn''t been keeping watch, they might never have realized they were being targeted in time. The flying crates could have spelled disaster. "Good job," Sparrow said, nodding in acknowledgment. His voice carried both relief and respect for his men''s vigilance and quick thinking. "Thank you, sir..." the man replied, briefly closing his eyes, though sleep was impossible. He took a deep breath before grimacing. "It sure stinks in here," he muttered, prompting quiet chuckles from the three men in the cockpit. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, the passengers in the back worked together to regain some semblance of order. Though the chopper still jostled in the air, it was no longer as violent as before¡ªat least now, they weren''t in danger of being thrown to the other side. Some clung to the poles for stability while others focused on tending to the injured. The Winters'' men took the lead in administering first aid, their experience making them the most capable in the situation. The civilians, shaken but trusting, instinctively turned to them for help, relying on their steady hands and calm expertise. While the passengers in the back focused on calming the crying children and tending to the injured, Sparrow and the rest of the cockpit crew kept their attention on flying. "Report. What''s the status of the engine? Any damage? What''s the extent of the chopper''s condition?" Sparrow asked, his hands steady on the controls, eyes locked on the sky ahead. He remained vigilant, wary of any sudden obstacles¡ªbe it a rogue bird or, worse, a mutated one that could cause a midair disaster. "Sir, all monitors are green," one of the Winters'' men sitting beside him reported, scanning the indicators and flashing lights. "The engine is intact¡ªno damage. We just took a minor scratch on the side. The jostling is from the wind and velocity seeping through a small crack, but it''s nothing critical. The chopper will hold until we make it back to base." "Alright, we''re heading back to City B''s HOPE Base," Sparrow announced. The sky was already bright, but just as they neared the outskirts of City B, a flock of mutated birds attacked. Chapter 656 - 656 Emergency Landing This was exactly what Sparrow had feared. He quickly pulled back, trying to find another route, but no matter which direction he took, obstacles blocked their way. The city was unreachable. Worse, as they flew over the forests, small villages, and towns, they noticed unusual restlessness¡ªsomething was stirring below, making the land just as dangerous as the sky. With no other choice, Sparrow retreated and set course for City A''s hidden base. There, he could use the satellite phone to contact his master and young madam, informing them of the troubling signs they had witnessed. The zombies were migrating toward City B, and the mutated animals were becoming increasingly aggressive. At this rate, returning by either air or land was impossible for him and the others. He set course for City A in haste, but just as they neared the city''s threshold, disaster struck. The chopper, already weakened from the earlier attack, could no longer hold out. The relentless wind and air pressure worsened the small crack caused by the flying crates, gradually expanding it as they flew. To make matters worse, they were running dangerously low on fuel. Sparrow gritted his teeth, realizing they wouldn''t be able to stay in the air much longer. Their only option now was to find a safe place to land¡ªfast. "Prepare for an emergency landing, everyone!" Sparrow shouted, his grip tightening on the controls as he fought to keep the chopper steady. The blaring alarms and flashing red lights on the monitors made it clear¡ªthey were going down. Sweat dripped down his forehead as he yanked hard on the stick, doing everything in his power to prevent a catastrophic crash that could lead to an explosion. He scanned the area for a safe landing spot, but luck was not on their side. They were too close to City A, hovering over a small town on the way to the hidden base. Unfortunately, this was the worst possible place for the chopper to give out. Below them, a massive horde of zombies was actively migrating, swarming through the streets. If they crashed here, they''d be surrounded in moments, torn apart before they could even attempt to defend themselves. Time was running out, and the odds were stacked against them. Just thinking about it made Sparrow''s temples throb violently. His co-pilots, also aware of the dire situation outside, knew exactly what fate awaited them if they landed near the town. But there was no avoiding it¡ªthe chopper was already spiraling out of control, plummeting fast. In the back, passengers clung to whatever they could, bracing themselves so they wouldn''t be thrown around like before. The children, terrified but eerily silent, gripped their seats with their eyes squeezed shut. Even the pilots, trained for high-stress situations, felt the weight of fear pressing down on them. The air inside was thick with tension, and every second felt like an eternity as they raced toward the inevitable crash. "Hey, help me steer the stick to the right! If I put any more force into the one I''m holding, I might break it!" Sparrow shouted to his co-pilot, his muscles straining as he fought against the controls. He was running on pure adrenaline, his body still reeling from disorientation and status abnormalities. But his survival instincts kept him sharp, pushing him to cling to what little control he had left. The moment Sparrow gave the order, the co-pilot gripped the control stick in front of him and yanked it to the right. The chopper was spiraling left, and they had to stabilize their course to avoid crashing into the buildings below. If they hit at the wrong angle, the impact could tear the aircraft apart, leaving no chance of survival. They had to make this emergency landing as controlled as possible¡ªor risk being nothing but scattered debris. "There! There! Captain, I think we can land on that rooftop!" the third man behind Sparrow shouted, pointing toward the wide, flat roof of the Town Hall. It looked just sturdy enough to support the chopper''s weight. Sparrow''s eyes locked onto the target, his gaze sharpening with determination. Gritting his teeth, he fought against the controls, forcing the chopper toward the Town Hall. Seeing his captain''s intent, the co-pilot quickly adjusted, working in tandem with him. With their combined effort, they managed to bring the chopper down¡ªbarely. The aircraft skidded across the rooftop, coming dangerously close to the edge. The landing skids tilted, the entire chopper threatening to tip over and plunge into the seething zombie horde below. Sparrow''s heart pounded wildly in his chest as the chopper lurched forward, teetering on the edge of the rooftop. Cement debris from the shattered guardrails rained down to the streets below, disappearing into the restless sea of migrating zombies. His breath hitched in his throat as he stared ahead, the cracked windshield distorting his view. ''Go on... just keep moving... don''t notice us,'' he pleaded silently, hoping the horde below would remain oblivious and continue their migration. But the chopper creaked like an unsteady seesaw, tilting back and forth in a precarious dance between safety and disaster. "Is everyone okay back there?!" Sparrow shouted, his grip tightening on the controls. He didn''t dare take his eyes off the windshield, his mind racing for a way to stabilize the aircraft before it tipped over completely. "Sir, everyone''s okay back here!" one of the Winters'' men called out from the rear. Luckily, after their earlier experience of being tossed around when the chopper first jolted, everyone had learned their lesson and held on tightly. This time, when they landed, no new injuries occurred. Though dizziness and disorientation lingered from the intense spiraling descent, it was a far better outcome than a full-blown crash. Sparrow nodded when he heard that everyone was safe. "Alright, prepare to evacuate. We can''t stay here for long¡ªthis chopper might fall at any moment," he ordered. A tense silence settled over the group before the Winters'' men sprang into action. They quickly unbuckled the children and guided them toward the far end of the aircraft, strategically shifting the weight to stabilize the chopper. Meanwhile, Sparrow and the two co-pilots unfastened their seatbelts and moved toward the hatch. However, their escape route presented a new challenge: The crate that had been hurled at them earlier had damaged the hatch, bending the metal exterior and making it difficult to pry open. "Sir, I think we''ll have to force this hatch open," one of the Winters'' men said, straightening up. He and the others had tried multiple times to pry it loose, but the damage made it nearly impossible since it was from the outside. Sparrow glanced back at the cockpit, where the wind howled through the cracked windshield. The powerful gusts outside were only getting stronger, threatening to push the chopper over the edge at any moment. With no time to waste, he made a quick decision. "Step back!" he ordered. Summoning twin ''Windblades'' in each hand, Sparrow hurled them at the hatch. The sharp, cutting force of the blades sliced into the metal, and he repeated the attack several times until a large, gaping hole was torn open in the side of the chopper. Without hesitation, he gestured for everyone to start climbing down. Then, taking the lead, he jumped out first to secure the perimeter, ensuring there were no immediate threats waiting for them outside. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 657 - 657 Was It Worth It? Sparrow circled the rooftop several times, searching for an exit, but to his frustration, there was none. The roof was deceptively spacious, with guardrails that served more as decoration than actual access points. It was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, the zombies below had no way of reaching them¡ªunless an evolved one specifically targeted them, which was unlikely for now. That meant they were safe for the time being. However, the real problem lay in how they were going to get down. As Sparrow surveyed the area, he estimated that the rooftop was at least three to four stories above the ground. Under normal circumstances, he and his team could have easily handled the descent¡ªit would have been child''s play. However, given their current condition and the lingering effects of the status abnormality, their mobility was significantly hindered. Right now, they were no better than ordinary civilians when it came to escaping. To make matters worse, they weren''t just responsible for themselves. They had civilians, children, and elderly among them¡ªpeople who couldn''t possibly climb down on their own. Sparrow''s gaze dropped to the streets below, where hordes of zombies moved in an eerily coordinated fashion. They weren''t wandering aimlessly like before. Instead, they flowed in one direction, swift and orderly, resembling an army of ants following a precise trail. Sparrow let out a heavy sigh before turning back to his team. Nearly everyone had made it out of the aircraft, moving swiftly but carefully. The Winters'' men worked efficiently, guiding the civilians to safety. Some were stationed at the opening Sparrow had created, helping people climb out, while others stood below, catching the children and assisting the elderly. Inside, a few Winters'' men remained, ensuring the evacuation remained orderly. Once they confirmed that all civilians were out, they quickly followed, leaping from the chopper one after another. The moment their boots hit solid ground, a collective breath of relief swept through them. The tension that had been gripping them like a vice finally loosened, and for the first time since the emergency landing, they allowed themselves a brief moment to breathe. Sparrow stepped closer and addressed the group. "We need to stay put until things calm down down there. Keep your distance from the chopper¡ªit could fall at any moment, and with this wind, it might drag us down with it." He then pointed toward the far side of the roof, where a tower-like structure provided some shade. Though purely decorative, it offered some shelter from the sun and wind. Fortunately, the town hall''s castle-inspired design featured several protruding towers that could serve as cover. Sparrow and the Winters'' men guided the civilians¡ªespecially the children¡ªto sit behind them while the Winters'' men remained on high alert, watching over their surroundings. "Captain, what now? How long are we going to stay here?" one of the Winters'' men asked. Sparrow let out a quiet breath, his gaze fixed on the swarming horde below. "I don''t know how long this migration will last, but our best bet is to wait until they leave town before making a move. They seem agitated¡ªlike something''s riled them up. If we expose ourselves now, they''ll tear us apart." His voice was steady but low, ensuring the civilians wouldn''t overhear their grim discussion. "But, Captain," the soldier said, glancing toward the mass of zombies and then to the direction they were heading. "They''re heading straight for City B. Shouldn''t we try to inform the master and young madam so they can prepare?" "I know. I want to do that too, but our hands are tied," Sparrow said, his jaw tightening. "I tried reaching out to them earlier using the chopper''s radio, but it''s no good. Our best chance is to get to City A''s hidden base and use the satellite phone to inform them of this anomaly. I just hope we won''t be too late by then." "Our master and young madam are strong," the soldier said, his gaze fixed in the direction of City B. "They might be able to handle this situation." "Yeah, I hope so too," Sparrow muttered, his expression darkening. "But something about this doesn''t sit right with me. These zombies aren''t just moving randomly¡ªit''s like they''re being herded, like sheep driven toward a specific destination. And whatever is causing this, it''s agitating the mutated animals too. I just hope I''m wrong." His narrowed eyes scanned the restless swarm below. Truthfully, he and his people weren''t in any position to worry about others right now¡ªthey were barely keeping themselves afloat. But witnessing this unnatural migration filled him with an unease he couldn''t shake. Sparrow and the rest of the Winters'' men gathered around, quickly taking stock of their remaining supplies. They needed to distribute rations to everyone, ensuring they had enough energy for the inevitable escape. No one could afford to have shaky legs when the time came to run. From what they had witnessed, the migration wasn''t limited to just this town¡ªit was happening on a much larger scale. If they wanted to reach City A''s hidden base safely, they had to be prepared. There was no telling when they might encounter another horde along the way. While planning their next move, Sparrow assigned one person to monitor the migrating zombies while he and the rest of the Winters'' men worked on their escape route. As soon as the last of the horde left the town, they wasted no time in getting ready to move. Fortunately, the town wasn''t large, and the sheer number of zombies¡ªhundreds of thousands¡ªmeant they cleared out faster than expected. They weren''t sluggish like the usual undead; instead, they moved with urgency, similar to a crowd rushing for a market sale. Within half a day, the streets were empty, giving Sparrow and his team the chance to act. They had to leave the rooftop as soon as possible. The relentless sun was beating down on them, and if they stayed much longer, dehydration would become another problem they couldn''t afford to deal with. Sparrow used his ''Whirlwind'' ability to slow his descent as he landed on the ground, leaving the others on the rooftop. Without wasting time, he sprinted around the town hall in search of a rope or ladder. Behind the building, he spotted a small shed. As he approached, the sound of loud banging against the door caught his attention. Something was trapped inside. Sparrow narrowed his eyes and moved closer to investigate. If there was any place that might hold the supplies he needed, it was here. Grah! A guttural, throaty growl echoed from within. Pressing his ear to the shed, Sparrow listened intently, trying to determine how many zombies were inside. After a few moments, he confirmed there was only one. That was manageable. Without hesitation, he unlatched the door, dagger at the ready, and prepared to take down the undead lurking within. As soon as Sparrow swung the shed door open, the zombie inside lunged forward. Instinctively, he tensed, muscles coiled, ready to strike¡ªbut the attack never came. Instead of targeting him, the zombie bolted past without so much as a glance, its decayed limbs propelling it forward in the same direction as the migrating horde. It didn''t stop, didn''t even acknowledge his presence, just kept running as if drawn by an invisible force. Sparrow stood frozen, momentarily baffled. Then, realization dawned. His eyes sharpened with understanding. ''Wait a minute¡­ They''re ignoring me. The zombies are completely focused on migrating, too preoccupied to even register humans as prey. If we don''t provoke them, they might not attack at all. That means¡­ if we move carefully, we could slip through unnoticed and reach the hidden base in a day or two.'' He watched the zombie vanish around a corner, his mind now racing with possibilities. Once the idea struck him, Sparrow wasted no time. He rummaged through the shed, grabbing a rope and a ladder. But instead of returning immediately to the others, he decided to put his theory to the test. Circling the town hall again, he searched for more trapped zombies, hoping to confirm whether they truly ignored humans during their migration. Eventually, he reached a restroom and heard the familiar guttural growl from inside. A grin spread across his face. ''Perfect. Another test subject.'' Setting down the ladder and adjusting the coil of rope over his shoulder, he confidently approached the door. Unlike before, he wasn''t nervous. The status abnormality still weakened him, but the potential advantage of this discovery filled him with excitement. With anticipation, he swung the door open¡ª And immediately regretted it. A zombie lunged forward but tripped, crashing onto the floor. Its pants were tangled around its ankles, and a putrid stench blasted Sparrow in the face like a physical attack. His excitement evaporated. "Ugh! What the¡ª!" The zombie, unfazed by his presence, began crawling desperately out of the restroom, just like the others before it. But Sparrow barely noticed¡ªhis attention was on the absolute disaster inside. "FUCK! Did you not know how to use a toilet when you were alive?! What the hell is this mess?!" His stomach churned. The floor was splattered with filth, a horrifying mix of human waste in various stages of drying. Some of it had even clung to the zombie''s exposed butt, now dried and cracked. The humidity had preserved the worst of the stench, and it hit Sparrow like a punch to the gut. "Uweh¡ª!" He gagged violently, stumbling back. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eyes watering, he bolted from the scene, abandoning any further experiments for now. Some things just weren''t worth it. Chapter 658 - 658 Getting Down From The Roof After running as far as he could, Sparrow carefully surveyed the town hall, searching for a safer exit route. He needed to set up a rope and ladder so the rest of his people could descend from the roof quickly. Time was uncertain¡ªhe had no way of knowing when the migrating zombies would return. It could be a day, maybe two, or they might come back at any moment. And he wasn''t the type to gamble, especially when others were relying on him. If he were alone, he could afford to take his time, assess the situation thoroughly, and report every detail back to his master. But with the urgency of their predicament weighing on him, he knew he couldn''t afford that luxury. Every second counted. At the back of the town hall, Sparrow spotted a thick drainage pipe running down from the roof, designed to prevent flooding during heavy rains. It was sturdy enough to support the weight of both an adult and a child. To be certain, he tested its stability, checking if it was securely drilled into the wall or if it wobbled. Once he confirmed it was firmly in place and safe to use, he made his way back up. Activating his ''Whirlwind'' ability, he propelled himself upward, landing effortlessly on the roof. The moment he arrived, those who had been keeping watch for him rushed over. Without hesitation, they took the rope from his shoulder, while the Winters'' men gathered around, listening intently as Sparrow relayed his plan. They nodded in understanding, ready to act. Once they secured the rope, they tied it tightly to a sturdy post and a cement guardrail. Two men tugged at it forcefully, testing its strength. It needed to be strong enough to support the weight of an adult carrying a child on their back¡ªthere was no room for error. After confirming its stability, they tossed the other end of the rope down beside the drainage pipe. If anything went wrong during the descent, the pipe would serve as an additional support to prevent a fall anyone could hold on to. Satisfied with the setup, Sparrow leaped down ahead of the others to prepare the ladder. His goal was to position it near the second-floor window, giving the evacuees a safer way to climb down from the tiled roof on the third floor where the rope ends. This was the best access point available, especially since they were escorting normal civilians. With their status abnormalities, Sparrow and the Winters'' men weren''t much different from regular humans at the moment¡ªthe only advantage they had was their ability to still use their awakened powers. "Alright," one of the Winters'' men addressed the civilians. "Those who are still strong and have good stamina, please carry a child on your back as you descend the rope. We''ll assist you from up here, while our captain keeps watch from below." A few of the Winters'' men would go down first, taking the heaviest or biggest children with them. The smaller, easier-to-carry ones would remain with the civilians until the next round of descent. After confirming that everyone understood their roles, the first man from Group 6 stepped forward, carrying a boy around 9 or 10 years old on his back. To ensure the child''s safety, he removed his shirt and used it¡ªalong with an extra piece of cloth from his backpack¡ªto securely tie the boy to his waist. This way, even if the child got scared and instinctively let go, he wouldn''t fall. Glancing over his shoulder at the boy, who was clinging tightly to his neck, the man spoke in a reassuring tone. "Hey, kid, can you wear my backpack for a bit?" The boy nodded, lips pressed together, his eyes filled with determination. The man from Group 6 chuckled and teased, "Hey, don''t cling so hard¡ªyou might strangle me to death." The boy lowered his head shyly before loosening his grip slightly. He had been too anxious, especially after realizing how high up they were. The thought of rappelling down, suspended in the air before reaching the ladder to descend to the second floor, made his heart race. Sensing the slight tremor in the boy''s body, the man spoke in a reassuring tone. "If you''re scared, just close your eyes. By the time you open them, we''ll already be on the target floor." The boy nodded and, without a word, rested his forehead against the man''s neck before squeezing his eyes shut. With a steady breath, the man from Group 6 began rappelling down the rope, maintaining a firm grip while using the drainage pipe to stabilize his footing, as if descending a flat surface. Unlike his usual swift style, he took his time, wary of the sudden bouts of dizziness, weightlessness, or dulled senses that could hit him at any moment. He couldn''t afford to lose his grip or footing, not while carrying the child. His teammates watched closely as he descended, ensuring everything went smoothly. Once he reached the ladder, the second man followed, replicating the same careful approach. One by one, three members of Group 6 successfully made it to the second floor. Only then did the civilians begin their descent, as the remaining Winters'' men had to stay behind to maintain order and watch over those still waiting. Meanwhile, Sparrow remained on high alert, scanning both the first and second floors while occasionally glancing upward. He kept track of how much time they were taking, knowing they couldn''t afford any delays. "Captain, while the others are making their way down, we can handle things here. Would you like to scout the area a bit?" one of the men from Group 6 suggested. They could tell Sparrow was restless¡ªhis sharp gaze darted around, his stance tense, as if his mind was racing with a hundred different thoughts. Whether it was anxiety or an urge to confirm something, they weren''t sure. But one thing was clear¡ªhe wanted to move. Given his superior eyesight and scouting skills, even with the status abnormalities affecting them, Sparrow was still their best option for reconnaissance. With the others still in the process of descending, now was the perfect time for him to survey the area. Hearing this, Sparrow became aware of his own restless movements¡ªoverly guarded yet impatient. Taking a deep breath, he nodded. "Alright. I need to scout the area while the others are still making their way down," he said. "We need a vehicle to transport everyone to the hidden base. Given our numbers and current condition, traveling on foot isn''t an option. I plan to look for something large enough to accommodate everyone." S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He didn''t want them speculating about his intentions once he left, so he chose to be upfront about his plan. "The captain always has the sharpest foresight. He knows exactly what we need," one of the men with him remarked with a teasing grin. Despite the lighthearted tone, there was an underlying truth in his words¡ªthey could only rely on each other in this situation. It felt just like the old days when they were stranded in the wilderness, forced to fight for survival. Ever since awakening their abilities, they had grown dependent on their enhanced strength, speed, and defense. But now, with those advantages weakened, the sudden vulnerability felt unsettling¡ªalmost foreign. Although their abilities hadn''t completely vanished, their bodies were sluggish and frail, making even an encounter with an ordinary zombie a potential death sentence. Chapter 659 - 659 Finding A Vehicle Everyone nodded at Sparrow''s plan, acknowledging the necessity of his search. "Don''t worry, Captain. We''ve got things handled here, so you don''t have to stress about it," one of the men assured him. However, his words carried a hint of uncertainty, as if he were merely saying them to boost morale. The truth was, none of them fully understood what was happening to their bodies or how long this weakened state would last. All they could do was stick together and push forward. As for Sparrow, he wasn''t just any normal member of the Winters'' men¡ªhe was one of the core members. Even before awakening his abilities, he had already been stronger than them. Now, despite suffering from the same status abnormality, they still saw him as the most capable and reliable among them. Keeping him here felt like caging a bird that was meant to fly. In the end, they could only let him do what he did best. After confirming that everyone understood his plan, Sparrow took one last appreciative glance at his team before turning away. Without hesitation, he sprinted down the hall and leaped over the balcony railing. Normally, a fall from the second floor wouldn''t be an issue for him, but as he landed, a sharp jolt of pain shot up his legs, as if a hammer had struck a nail straight through his feet. His knees buckled slightly, and he clenched his teeth to stifle a groan. "Ugh... this really¡ª" He didn''t even finish his sentence before forcing himself to move, staggering forward despite the lingering numbness in his legs. Shaking off the pain, Sparrow made his way out of the town hall''s perimeter, keeping a vigilant eye on his surroundings. The front gate was in ruins, lying twisted and broken on the ground. Scattered across the entrance were abandoned backpacks, plastic bags, and other belongings¡ªevidence of the town people''s desperate scramble for safety. He could only deduce that when the apocalypse struck, people had grabbed whatever they could in a hurry and rushed to the town hall, believing the presence of stationed soldiers would make it the safest refuge. It seemed the town hall had shut its doors on the civilians, leaving them with no choice but to force their way in. With sheer numbers and desperate strength, they must have pushed down the gate, overwhelming the entrance. In the end, the town hall had been overrun. Sparrow shook his head. He couldn''t say for certain what had happened. Perhaps the building was already packed with civilians, and the officials had no way to accommodate more, urging the rest to seek shelter elsewhere while waiting for military backup. Or maybe the mayor had simply refused to let anyone else in. Either way, the result was the same¡ªchaos. And judging by the massive horde of migrating zombies he had seen from inside the town hall earlier, it was clear that a huge crowd had gathered here when everything fell apart. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Creak... Creak... Swoosh... Crash! Before Sparrow could get far from the town hall, the chopper perched on the roof suddenly gave way, crashing down on the other side. He spared it a single glance before moving on¡ªhis people were on the opposite side, so he knew they were safe. There was no reason to linger. He sprinted down the empty street, just as he had predicted¡ªno zombies in sight. The town was eerily deserted. If any remained, they were likely those too damaged to walk, crawling helplessly on the ground, or those trapped inside the buildings. That knowledge brought him a slight sense of relief, but he remained on guard. Abandoned vehicles littered the road, their doors left ajar in people''s panicked escape. Newspapers and plastic bags tumbled across the cracked pavement, carried by the howling wind. Shattered glass crunched beneath his boots, the sound unnervingly loud in the silence. Though the streets were empty now, Sparrow knew better than to let his guard down. Evolved zombies or mutated creatures might have fled in the opposite direction, avoiding the migrating horde. He had to stay sharp¡ªthis town still held dangers lurking in the shadows. As Sparrow scanned the road, he also kept an eye on the nearby shops, searching for any useful supplies. Even though their hidden base wasn''t far from their current location, there was no telling what might happen along the way. Unplanned emergencies were always a possibility¡ªjust like their unexpected crash earlier. With that in mind, he needed to gather whatever he could. If they ended up stranded, having extra supplies could mean the difference between survival and disaster. Sparrow spotted a shopping mart ahead and didn''t hesitate to head inside. The shelves were in complete disarray¡ªwhether due to the earthquake following the first blood rain or the chaos of panicked people shoving their way through, he wasn''t sure. Either way, he didn''t dwell on it. He moved swiftly, scanning the aisles and grabbing a camping bag, which he quickly stuffed with canned goods and bottled drinks. Then, he gathered as many bags as he could find and filled them with essential supplies¡ªmedicine, bandages, spare clothes, and anything else that seemed useful. Since carrying everything at once wasn''t an option, he hauled the extra bags to the front of the store, setting them outside one by one so he could pick them up later. Once satisfied with his haul¡ªnow a dozen bags packed with necessities¡ªhe took a moment to assess his next move. Sparrow continued down the road until he spotted a yellow school bus. Some of its windows were shattered, and the door was wide open, sparing him the trouble of prying it open. He stepped inside cautiously, scanning the interior. Blood was splattered across the seats, the floor, and even smeared on the glass and walls. The blood has already darkened, dried, and cracked due to how long it has been there, making him wrinkle his nose in distaste. Pushing aside the unsettling thoughts of what might have happened, he focused on inspecting the bus. After ensuring there were no zombies lurking inside, he moved to the driver''s seat and checked the fuel gauge¡ªhalf a tank remaining. A stroke of luck. Even better, the key was still in the ignition. Noticing the lack of blood on the driver''s seat, Sparrow could only assume that whoever had been behind the wheel managed to escape before the chaos unfolded. Perhaps the driver fled in a panic, leaving the door wide open¡ªan unfortunate mistake that likely led to the grim scene inside. ''Shit! I said I don''t want to think about it!'' Sparrow thought angrily as he kicked the seat in frustration. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to focus and slid into the driver''s seat. Turning the key, he held his breath for a moment¡ªthen the engine rumbled to life. A small victory. Without wasting time, he maneuvered the bus back to the front of the shopping mart, hopped out, and quickly loaded all the bags he had left outside. One by one, he tossed them inside until everything was secured. Once done, he climbed back in and gripped the wheel. ''Hmmm¡­ if I remember correctly, I passed a gas station around that corner.'' His mind ran through the route as he drove forward, ramming through the abandoned cars littering the road, forcing his own path through the wreckage. Chapter 660 - 660 Meeting Other Survivors Outside The loud crash of metal echoed through the night, followed by the sharp shatter of headlights, but Sparrow didn''t flinch. He kept his foot on the gas, maneuvering the battered bus until he reached the gas station. Without wasting a second, he pulled up right in front and jumped out, heading straight for the fuel pump. He grabbed the nozzle, ready to refuel¡ªbut the pump refused to dispense. His eyes flicked to the digital screen. Payment required. Cursing under his breath, Sparrow patted his pockets, only to remember that cash and credit cards had long lost their value in this broken world, so he didn''t bring them with him anymore. Yet, despite that, the gas dispenser remained locked, demanding payment before it released a single drop. With no other choice, he turned toward the gas station''s convenience store. The soft chime of the doorbell rang as he stepped inside. Dim lighting cast long shadows over the disheveled shelves, a scene all too familiar in these times. Sparrow moved straight to the counter, his gaze locking onto the cashier''s register. Just as he reached out to pry it open¡ª S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A hand shot out from the shadow and clamped down on his wrist. Rawr!!! Bang! A decayed, lifeless hand shot out and clamped onto Sparrow''s wrist. The zombie, its neck tangled in a telephone cord, was trapped behind the counter, barely able to move. It strained violently, its rotting fingers stretching toward him. Before Sparrow could react¡ª Bang! The deafening blast of a shotgun echoed through the enclosed space. The suddenness of it made Sparrow flinch, not just from the sound but from the spray of brain matter splattering onto his cheek. His gaze snapped toward the source of the shot, his body tense. Smoke curled from the barrel of a Coag Gun (DBL-Barrel), a sleek, old-school, one-handed shotgun that looked more like a long pistol. The man holding it chewed lazily on a piece of gum, blowing a bubble as he locked eyes with Sparrow. He had an unmistakable bad-boy aura, his expression unreadable beneath the shadow of a baseball cap pulled low over his face. Behind him, a girl and several others stood cautiously, clutching their bags, their wary gazes fixed on Sparrow, as if unsure whether to consider him friend or foe. "I told you not to help! W-What if he''s a bad guy and tries to rob us instead?" the girl behind the man whispered anxiously, tugging at his sleeve. Her fingers clenched the fabric tightly, but the man didn''t budge. His gaze remained locked onto Sparrow, as if assessing him, weighing whether he was a threat. After a tense moment, the man finally broke eye contact and turned to the girl. "Grab everything we need. We''re leaving ASAP." His voice was firm, authoritative¡ªclearly someone used to giving orders. Sparrow took a quick glance at him. Tall. Well-built. A body trained for survival. This man wasn''t just some random survivor. He had experience. Strength. But that wasn''t Sparrow''s problem. Whether these people were locals or just passing through, it had nothing to do with him. With a short nod of acknowledgment, Sparrow turned his attention back to the cash register. Since he had no intention of wasting time searching the corpse of the dead cashier-turned-zombie, he pulled out his dagger and jammed it into the register''s lock, prying it open with a sharp twist. He grabbed a few hundred dollars, leaving the rest for other survivors who might need it. Then, he scanned the store for any gas canisters or containers to store fuel. Finding none, he stepped outside and went behind the convenience store, searching for empty containers. He wiped off the dust and grime before selecting a few that would do the job. When he re-entered the store, the man and his group were still busy grabbing as many supplies as possible. Sparrow made his way toward the exit, but before he could take another step, the man spoke. "Which shelter or base are you from? Are you on a supply run, taking advantage while the zombies are acting abnormally?" Sparrow didn''t answer the question directly and instead said, "We''re just passing through. We''ll only take what we need and leave the rest for you and your people¡ªno worries." He knew that in times like these, supplies were as valuable as gold. People would fight, even kill, for something as simple as a piece of bread. It was only natural for survivors to gather as much as they could, even if they were just passing through. A scramble for resources was nothing unusual. The man''s question wasn''t just idle curiosity¡ªit was a test. He was trying to gauge whether Sparrow posed a threat or had any intention of taking more than his fair share. This was one of the rare times Sparrow had encountered other survivors outside their base, especially after everything that had happened. The recent natural disaster had undoubtedly claimed millions of lives nationwide and hundreds of millions worldwide. Anyone who had managed to survive until now could either be considered highly skilled or incredibly lucky. Sparrow knew he wasn''t in peak condition and had no intention of provoking a fight or drawing unnecessary attention from other factions. So, he willingly gave up any claim on the remaining supplies. Besides, with the provisions he had already gathered and the stockpile back at their base, they had more than enough to sustain themselves. There was no need to take more when others might desperately need it. Letting the other survivors claim what was left was an easy choice. Seeing that Sparrow had no intention of fighting over the supplies and was only focused on getting gas, the man eyed him with suspicion. He couldn''t quite figure out what Sparrow was thinking. Though he had a bad-boy aura and an intimidating presence, he wasn''t reckless. He knew better than to start an unnecessary fight or waste bullets that could be crucial for their survival later. The shot he had fired earlier wasn''t just to kill the zombie¡ªit was a calculated move, meant to intimidate Sparrow, to make it clear that they weren''t easy targets and were armed in case he had any ill intentions. The man''s thoughts were thrown into disarray when Sparrow openly showed his lack of interest in hoarding supplies. For a moment, his mind went blank, caught off guard by Sparrow''s straightforwardness. By the time he regained his composure and thought of asking more questions, Sparrow was already gone. He had moved to the gas dispenser, filling the yellow bus''s tank before topping off the containers he had taken from the back. Once finished, he carefully sealed them, loaded them into the bus, and drove away without another word. "Hurry up, we''re leaving!" the man called out urgently before heading to a secluded spot beside the convenience store. Moments later, he pulled up a Humvee military truck in front of the store, urging the others to climb aboard. Another truck followed closely behind, pulling up in formation. He pressed the horn once, receiving a confirming honk in return. Without wasting another second, he stepped on the gas, and they sped away from the area. Chapter 661 - 661 Car Chase After gathering the necessary supplies, Sparrow drove straight to the town hall. His people were already waiting cautiously near the entrance, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any threats. One of Winter''s men was perched atop the wall like a statue, vigilantly observing the area. From time to time, he would descend to relay information before returning to his post. Meanwhile, the rest of the group, along with the civilians, remained hidden behind the wall, keeping their backs pressed firmly against it. This formation ensured they stayed out of sight and were prepared for any sudden threats¡ªwhether from lingering zombies or opportunistic survivors. After all, they couldn''t ignore the possibility that someone else in town might try to use the zombie migration as a chance to escape. The lookout suddenly spotted a cloud of dust rising in the distance, accompanied by the sound of crashing metal and shattering headlights. His eyes widened as he quickly assessed the scene. "Captain is back! Everyone, get ready!" he called out excitedly before leaping down from his perch. Positioning himself at the side of the entrance, he cautiously peeked out from behind the wall, his body tense with anticipation. Although he had announced Sparrow''s return, he knew better than to let his guard down just yet. He still needed to confirm it was truly their Captain¡ªafter all, he wasn''t Sparrow, whose hawk-like vision could pierce through the distance with ease. Not long after, the yellow bus came to a screeching halt in front of the entrance. The sight of Sparrow behind the wheel made the Winter''s men collectively exhale in relief. "Get in!" Sparrow barked, swinging the bus door open. The front of the vehicle was a wreck¡ªits battered frame bore the scars of its rough journey. The front bumper dangled precariously on one side, scraping against the pavement with a harsh metallic grind, sending up sparks as it dragged along the ground. The headlights were completely battered and useless now, but no one paid them any mind. The Winter''s men stood off to the side, signaling for the civilians to board the bus as quickly as possible while maintaining order and keeping a sharp eye on their surroundings. Then, one of the men spotted several Humvees and trucks trailing not far behind. The nearest guard at the door glanced at Sparrow, who remained seated in the driver''s seat, before leaning in to inform him. "Captain, there are people on our tail!" The man''s deep voice carried a hint of tension, laced with unspoken caution. Sparrow didn''t flinch. He remained calm, merely nodding in acknowledgment. "I know," he replied, his gaze flicking to the side mirror. The reflection revealed several Humvees trailing behind, and behind the wheel of one, he spotted the man from the gas station. Sparrow didn''t know what the man wanted, but he was certain of one thing¡ªthis wasn''t just an ordinary survivor. He had yet to decide how to handle the situation. If this had been before, Sparrow wouldn''t have hesitated. He would have confronted them immediately, forced them to explain their intentions, and ensured they posed no threat before letting them go. A thorough interrogation would have been a necessary precaution. But now¡­ he wasn''t sure if that was the best approach. But now, he had more than just himself and his men to consider¡ªthere were civilians with them, and their safety took priority. On top of that, he and his team weren''t in the best condition for an intense confrontation. Engaging with these people now could be a reckless move. Still, the fact that they were escorting civilians only made it more crucial to figure out what these pursuers wanted¡ªespecially since they were heading to a hidden base. He couldn''t afford to lead potential threats straight to their doorstep. Yet, he had no way of knowing the full extent of these people''s abilities, and time wasn''t on his side. He was stuck in a difficult position. In the end, he made a quick decision¡ªto lose them for now and reassess later. Maybe he was overthinking things. But in a world like this, caution was survival. Once everyone had boarded the bus, the last of Winter''s men took a final glance at their surroundings, scanning for any potential threats. Satisfied, he pounded the side of the bus in a heavy, rhythmic thud. "Captain, we''re ready to go!" he called out. With that, the bus doors hissed shut, sealing them inside. "Alright, everyone, hold on tight!" Sparrow called out. Gripping the gear shift with steady hands, he smoothly changed gears before slamming his foot onto the gas pedal. The sudden acceleration jolted everyone, prompting them to grab onto the railings in front of them, which were placed behind the seats, and brace themselves. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The bus roared down the street, scraping past abandoned cars and forcing them aside without sustaining significant damage. The Humvees behind jolted in surprise. "Quick! Follow the bus¡ªthey''re getting away! No, they''re running away!" the man from the convenience store shouted, urgency lacing his voice. Without hesitation, he slammed his foot on the gas pedal, speeding after Sparrow''s bus. The vehicles behind him gave chase, making Sparrow''s brows knit in frustration. He pressed down on the gas, pushing the bus to go even faster. But the problem was, he was the one clearing the path¡ªhis bus swerved around wrecked cars, ramming through obstacles, which slowed them down. If he pushed the speed any further, the people inside would be tossed around violently, increasing the risk of an accident. Sparrow was the best driver in their group, the only one capable of handling a situation like this, but even he was restrained by the circumstances. His grip tightened on the steering wheel, his jaw clenching as he calculated his next move. "Men, be ready for battle at any moment!" Sparrow commanded, his voice firm. Though he had chosen to wait and assess the situation, he couldn''t afford to let his guard down. He had no idea what the other party wanted, so staying vigilant was the only option. His men exchanged glances, their eyes sharp with the familiar murderous intent they carried on their missions. Meanwhile, the civilians inside the bus clung to their seats, fear evident in their expressions. They didn''t fully understand what was happening, but all they could do was hold on tightly and shield the children. The town was relatively large and had once been prosperous, benefiting from its proximity to City A. Its growth had been fueled by countless opportunities, making it a bustling hub before everything fell apart. Because of its size, Sparrow still had a long way to go before reaching the highway¡ªwhere he would finally have a better chance of outmaneuvering their pursuers. The car chase had reached a stalemate even after an hour, and Sparrow had only just managed to escape the town. However, the pile of abandoned cars outside was just as dense as inside, making it nearly impossible to clear a path. The congested traffic left him with no choice. Gritting his teeth, Sparrow swerved sharply, slamming into the metal guardrail before veering off onto the grassy roadside. The bus jolted violently as it tore over uneven terrain, making for an incredibly bumpy ride. Chapter 662 - 662 Wanted To Join? "Ugh!" Sparrow grunted as he bounced up and down in his seat, the rough terrain making every bump feel like a personal attack. Even as he gritted his teeth, a numbing sensation spread through his lower half. ''Fuck, my balls are gonna be battered at this rate.'' He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white, but outwardly, his face remained as unreadable as ever. Inside, however, he was screaming. ''Shit! This might be worse than blue balls...'' His inner monologue spiraled off track, but only he knew the suffering he was enduring. Thanks to his hawk-like eyesight, Sparrow could spot obstacles far ahead, allowing him to plan his moves and choose the best path before reaching them. However, annoyance prickled at him¡ªdespite his efforts, the vehicles behind them were keeping up, sticking to his bus like glue. They were still far from the hidden base, but his patience was wearing thin. His temper was starting to flare, and the urge to confront these persistent pursuers was growing stronger with every passing second. He wanted to blow them up, but he had no grenades or heavy weapons on hand. ''Damn it! I should''ve grabbed some weapons too!'' Only now did it hit him¡ªhe had completely overlooked stocking up on firepower. Ever since he and the others had started relying more on their awakened abilities, traditional weapons had slipped to the back of his mind. ''Wait¡­ awakened abilities!'' The realization struck him like a slap. Why hadn''t he thought of that sooner? Frustration bubbled up inside him. ''What the hell?! Is the pain in my balls making me stupid?'' He internally roasted himself, clenching the steering wheel tighter as he tried to shake off his mounting irritation. He took a quick glance at the side mirror¡ª the Humvees were still trailing them effortlessly, keeping a certain distance but never losing sight of Sparrow and his people. His men, positioned at the back of the bus, were also keeping watch, their irritation growing at the persistent tail that refused to back off. "Captain, they''re not backing off. What should we do?" one of the Winters'' men asked, sitting just behind Sparrow. Sparrow''s eyes darkened as he responded, "Let''s find out." Without hesitation, he yanked the wheel and swerved the bus to the side, bringing it to an abrupt stop. The sudden maneuver caught the Humvees off guard, forcing the driver to veer sharply, scraping against a tree in the process. But Sparrow and his men didn''t spare them a second thought. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow pushed open the bus door and turned to his men. "You two, with me. Be ready for a confrontation¡ªuse your awakened abilities if necessary. The rest of you, stay back and protect the civilians." The Winters'' men nodded in unison, quickly falling into formation as they followed Sparrow outside. Sparrow stepped slowly out of the bus, his expression dark and unreadable. Meanwhile, the Humvee that had collided with the tree was still functional, though dented, and the tree bore visible damage. Inside the vehicle, the passengers were rattled, some gripping their seats in fear as the driver quickly checked on them. When the driver noticed Sparrow descending from the bus, his intense gaze locked onto them, he gave his people one last glance before stepping out as well. Behind him, the other vehicles screeched to a halt, their occupants watching Sparrow warily. Some of them exited their vehicles, moving into position to provide backup, their postures tense and ready for anything. Six people emerged from the other vehicles, moving to confront Sparrow. They were well-trained, well-fed, and visibly strong¡ªeach one carrying themselves with the confidence of seasoned fighters. Not only that, but they had sent twice the number of men as Sparrow, putting him at a clear disadvantage. Sparrow''s gaze swept over them, noting how their hands rested on their holsters or gripped the hilts of their daggers. He raised an eyebrow. There was an 80% chance these were just regular combatants¡ªperhaps former bodyguards, police officers, military personnel, or mercenaries before the apocalypse. But now, they were nothing more than a roaming group, likely belonging to some faction. Despite the numbers being against him, Sparrow felt a flicker of confidence. These people didn''t seem to have awakened their abilities yet. That alone gave him an edge. That alone was Sparrow''s advantage over them. On his side, they had five awakened individuals. Even though they were weakened, their abilities still far outmatched ordinary weapons. With that in mind, Sparrow walked leisurely, his sharp gaze sweeping over each member of the opposing group as they approached. His steps were unhurried, exuding confidence, while the others moved with calculated caution. They continued closing the distance until they finally met halfway. Sparrow didn''t rush to speak. Instead, he simply observed the people standing before him, his sharp gaze unwavering. The two men behind him remained equally composed, standing tall with their hands clasped in front of them, exuding quiet confidence. After all, they weren''t just seasoned veterans of the battlefield¡ªthey had carved their way through hordes of the undead, fighting tooth and nail for survival more times than they could count. While they acknowledged that the people before them had likely endured their own share of hardships, nothing could shake their trust in their own abilities¡ªor in their captain. The other side remained silent, taking a closer look at Sparrow and his men. They exuded an intimidating presence¡ªstrong, battle-hardened, and radiating an air of menace. Their very stance carried the weight of countless battles, and the bloodlust clinging to them was enough to make most ordinary people retreat in fear. Yet, the people before them showed no sign of backing down. They, too, emitted a palpable intensity, meeting Sparrow''s unspoken challenge with their own. For a moment, the two groups stood at a tense standstill, neither willing to be the first to yield. Then, Sparrow finally broke the silence. "Why are you following us?" Sparrow''s voice was calm but laced with warning. The group in front of him remained silent, their eyes scanning him with measured scrutiny. Seconds ticked by¡ªten, twenty, thirty¡ªbefore the man Sparrow had seen at the convenience store finally spoke. "We wanted to find out which base you''re from," he said, his tone steady. "And to see if we could join you." Sparrow raised an eyebrow, surprised by their straightforward answer. He hadn''t expected them to be so direct. "And why would we let you join?" he asked, his tone sharp with suspicion. "For all we know, you could be spies from another base, trying to infiltrate us and steal our resources." His words were blunt, offering no courtesy, because the possibility wasn''t far-fetched. That was precisely why they couldn''t allow just anyone into their base. Kisha had made that clear¡ªif he ever rescued people and wanted to bring them in, he had to take them to her first. She would determine whether they were trustworthy or not. Sparrow wasn''t sure how she did it, but he had seen firsthand that she possessed knowledge and abilities beyond what was normal. She had predicted things before they even happened, and time and time again, she had proven to be right. That was enough for him to trust her judgment. Chapter 663 - 663 Let Us Follow You Right now, he was bringing the civilians to their hidden base without consulting Kisha first, but he knew there was a difference. Even if some of the civilians harbored ill intentions later, they would be far easier to handle than the people standing before him. If any of the civilians attempted something underhanded, his team could swiftly eliminate the threat. But these men? They weren''t superhumans, but they were trained, experienced, and far more dangerous. Dealing with them wouldn''t be as simple. So, he couldn''t just let them follow him¡ªlet alone allow them to join their ranks so easily. City A''s hidden base only had a handful of the Winters'' men, and it was far from City B''s HOPE Base. If something went wrong, Kisha and Duke wouldn''t be able to reach them in time to provide backup. He had to be cautious. He couldn''t afford to give anyone the opportunity to become a threat. "We did come from a different base, but due to the flash floods, we were forced to evacuate and ended up separated from our main group. Now, we''re just wandering on our own. When we first saw you, I assumed you were like us¡ªsurvivors looking for a place to settle." "But when you left the supplies behind without a second thought, it made me wonder. A group struggling to survive wouldn''t pass up resources so easily. That''s when I started thinking¡ªyou might not be wanderers at all, but part of a shelter or a larger base, sent out to gather intel on the zombie horde and assess the damage caused by the disaster." The man from the convenience store explained, his expression impassive as he observed Sparrow''s every move. Sure enough, deep down, Sparrow was rattled. He hadn''t expected such a small action to be noticed, let alone linked to the idea that his group had an abundance of resources. But thinking it through, he realized the man wasn''t wrong. If their base didn''t have sustainable resources, no matter how many survivors they had, they wouldn''t have left those supplies behind. In times like these, supplies were as valuable as gold. Any struggling survivor or base would hoard whatever they could find, knowing there was no guarantee of future stockpiles¡ªespecially with natural disasters and an ever-growing zombie threat making scavenging increasingly dangerous. His decision not to fight for more supplies only signaled one thing¡ªhis base had an abundance of resources. He didn''t even spare a second glance at the meager stash from the convenience store. But for wanderers or bases struggling with limited supplies, even a small amount like that could mean survival, keeping them fed for a few more days and potentially saving their lives. Sparrow clenched his jaw in frustration at his own carelessness but remained silent, maintaining an expressionless face¡ªone similar to Duke''s usual demeanor. After a brief pause, he finally spoke. "I already gathered supplies from the shopping mart before passing by the convenience store. I took enough, but not too much. If we overloaded the bus, it would slow us down. What''s the point of stockpiling supplies if we can''t even escape when a horde appears? If we get trapped because of the extra weight, all those supplies would be useless¡ªwe''d be dead before we could even use them." What he said was true¡ªhe had gathered supplies from the shopping mart, and his explanation was logical. If they overloaded the vehicle, it would struggle to maintain full speed, especially when forced to go off-road or navigate muddy terrain. There was even a risk of getting stuck. And if fate had it that a zombie horde appeared at that moment, they''d be sitting ducks¡ªeasy prey with no means of escape. In the end, what was the point of hoarding supplies if they wouldn''t live long enough to use them? Hearing Sparrow''s rebuttal, the man across from him was momentarily taken aback. In truth, their group operated the same way¡ªthey only gathered enough supplies to sustain themselves while prioritizing fuel storage. The ability to escape during critical moments was far more valuable than being weighed down by excess provisions. Realizing this, he chose not to argue further. "Even if you don''t belong to a base, wouldn''t it be better to stick together? It would increase our chances of survival when scavenging for supplies¡ªthere''s strength in numbers. From what I''ve observed, your group has only a handful of combatants, while the majority are civilians. In contrast, my group has more fighters and only a few non-combatants. If we join forces, your firepower would increase significantly." The man''s tone was firm as he laid out his reasoning. It was true¡ªhis team had enough firepower to survive on their own, whether they joined Sparrow or not. But deep down, an instinct gnawed at him, urging him not to let Sparrow leave without securing a place in his group. Ever since he first laid eyes on Sparrow, an unshakable feeling had taken root¡ªone that told him following Sparrow was the key to survival. That feeling only grew stronger when Sparrow walked away, compelling him to do the same. "And if you''re worried that we''re only here to steal your supplies, then we can leave everything in your care," the man offered. "You can take the better truck, and we''ll use the bus to transport our civilians." He wanted to prove that they were trustworthy, willing to hand over their best resources if it meant earning Sparrow''s trust. His words caused a stir among his men¡ªsome exchanged uncertain glances, while others looked at their leader with mixed emotions. They couldn''t understand why he was making such concessions or why he seemed so intent on gaining Sparrow''s approval. They weren''t a large group, but in terms of firepower, they were no weaker than a well-trained military unit. They had fought through impossible situations before and could hold their own. Yet, here their leader was, taking a step back, offering up their supplies and transport, all in an effort to convince Sparrow that they weren''t a threat. Sparrow studied the man carefully. He noticed the subtle reactions from the people behind him¡ªthe slight shifts in posture, the unspoken tension in their eyes. It was clear they had something to say about his offer, but they chose to hold their tongues, allowing him to speak without interruption. That alone told Sparrow that this man wasn''t just any member of their group¡ªhe was their acting leader, the one they deferred to in moments like this. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp with suspicion. "And why are you so intent on coming with us?" The man didn''t hesitate, his response swift and direct. "Instinct." Sparrow''s expression shifted slightly, his brow twitching as he processed the answer. "Instinct... what?" "My instinct tells me that following you is a better option than wandering aimlessly without a clear destination or place to go. Since we got separated from our main group and have no idea where they went, we have no choice but to either join another base or build our own¡ªbut that''s easier said than done. We don''t know the exact locations of most bases, and many military outposts and government shelters have already fallen." Chapter 664 - 664 Dracon Felix With our current numbers, even if we tried to establish a new base, our resources and capabilities would be severely limited. And with the zombie horde behaving unpredictably, we have no way of knowing when they''ll return or if something even worse is coming. Either way, the situation doesn''t look good. That''s why sticking with you is our best shot at survival." "And why do you think that?" Sparrow asked, not out of curiosity, but simply because he truly didn''t understand. "Like I said, instinct," the man replied. "I won''t force you to believe us right away. Just let us follow you for a bit. If you don''t want us inside your base, we''ll stay outside¡ªwe''ll fend for ourselves and provide for our own needs. But knowing there are other survivors nearby would at least give us some peace of mind. If something happens to us, our people would have somewhere to go." He paused, then added, "If you''re worried that we''re only following you to learn the location of your base and report it to someone else, you can always come after us and kill us if a leak happens. I''ll offer my head willingly." His voice wavered slightly, but he pressed on. "And if you think everything I''m saying is just a bluff, then... then I don''t know what else to do. We''re at our wits'' end. I just want my people to survive." Hearing everything the man had said, Sparrow found himself at a loss for words. He had been ready to argue, to push back, but now... there was nothing left to say. The man had already voiced every thought running through his own mind. Caution was necessary, of course¡ªbut at the same time, the number of zombies far outweighed the number of survivors. Finding other living humans was rare, almost miraculous. Survival had become so difficult that humanity itself teetered on the brink of extinction. After a long pause, Sparrow simply asked, "Your name?" "Dracon Felix..." ''What an unusual name,'' Sparrow thought, pausing for a moment to consider. Honestly, he didn''t sense any malice or hostility from Dracon or his people. There was curiosity, yes, but nothing beyond that. From his observation, the group behind Dracon consisted of skilled fighters, but just as Dracon had said, they were ordinary humans without awakened abilities. No matter how strong they were individually, their survival was ultimately limited. If there were any awakened ability users among them, Sparrow would have sensed it. Even if they were trying to hide their abilities, the subtle flow of spiritual energy would give them away. His senses might not be at their sharpest right now, but with his ''Perception'' skill, he could still detect the smallest differences between normal humans and awakened individuals. If he focused, he could perceive every detail¡ªmuscle movements, breathing patterns, and even the slightest shifts in energy¡ªall in slow motion, if he so willed it. So, while Sparrow decides to give Dracon and his people the benefit of the doubt, he still can''t allow them to follow him to the hidden base. Instead, he said, "Listen, I understand that you''re in a difficult position as an acting leader, but I have to prioritize my own people''s safety. However, here''s what I can do for you¡ªI can allow you to follow us up to a certain point. Once my master and young madam arrive, I''ll arrange for them to meet you. The final decision about whether you can join us will be in their hands. Until then, you''ll have to rely on yourselves." Sparrow made the offer, knowing full well that even if he outright refused to let them follow him, they might not listen. They could agree to his face but still tail him in secret. And if that happened, it would be far riskier¡ªnot knowing where they were or what they were up to would be a bigger threat to his people. So, setting clear conditions was the better option. By allowing them to follow at a safe distance under his watch, he could keep them within his grasp while ensuring they behaved. This way, he maintained control of the situation instead of leaving things to uncertainty. Dracon nodded in understanding. He recognized Sparrow''s concerns and didn''t want to push too hard. Instead, he asked, "By the way, may I know your name?" "Sparrow. That''s the name I go by." Sparrow extended his hand, shaking Dracon''s in a firm grip¡ªa silent confirmation of their agreement. They nodded at each other, sealing the unspoken understanding between them. Behind them, the others remained silent. Many thoughts ran through their minds, questioning why their leader had gone this far for such a vague arrangement. Yet, none dared to voice their doubts. With that, Sparrow turned and climbed back onto the bus, resuming their journey toward the hidden base. He made occasional stops to refuel the tank, assess their surroundings, and keep an eye on the group following them. Each time he stopped, the others took the opportunity to stretch and rest before continuing onward. Eventually, they reached the outskirts of City A, near the road leading to their hidden base. Sparrow brought the bus to a halt and stepped out, walking toward the Humvee trailing behind. As Dracon got out, Sparrow wasted no time and got straight to the point. "Hey, we''ll need to part ways here," Sparrow said. "I''ll come find you once our master and young madam return and arrange a meeting with you and your people. There''s a farm not far from here, isolated from civilization. I''ll give you a map to it¡ªyou can choose to wait there or stay nearby. The decision is yours. But if I come and don''t find you, well¡­ tough luck." He shrugged. "We''ll go to the farm and wait for you there. But how long should we expect to wait?" Dracon asked without hesitation. "Could be a week, maybe a month¡ªit depends on the situation on our end and the movements of the zombies." Sparrow kept his answer vague. He didn''t have a clear picture of what was happening himself, and he certainly wasn''t about to disclose his master''s and young madam''s schedules. There was always the possibility, however slim, that Dracon and his people had ulterior motives. If they did, knowing too much could allow them to set up an ambush. Still, the mere thought made Sparrow chuckle internally. ''As if anyone could actually harm Master and Young Madam. They''d just be digging their own graves.'' Even though he was confident in his master''s strength, Sparrow remained cautious. His instincts told him to stay vigilant. Seeing Sparrow''s guarded stance, Dracon chose not to push any further. Instead, he simply took a step back and nodded. "Alright, we''ll wait there." _______________ PS: Another month has passed, and I''m genuinely grateful to see so many of you continuing to support and engage with the story. Your ongoing enthusiasm and encouragement mean a lot to me. As a token of my appreciation, please accept this redeem code: . You can redeem it for 10 Fast Passes at the Redeem Center located in your Profile section, just below your Purchase History. The code is valid for 10 users on a first-come, first-served basis. I hope this small gesture brings a smile to your face and encourages you to keep supporting me. Thank you again for being part of this journey! S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 665 - 665 Village Stop Sparrow didn''t waste any more time. They had already spent an entire day traveling, and with nightfall approaching, he needed to reach the hidden base as soon as possible to report back. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He glanced around for a piece of paper when Dracon handed him a notebook and pen. Without hesitation, Sparrow began sketching the farm''s location, ensuring the details were as precise as possible. Since he sensed that Dracon and his people had military experience, he also included the coordinates for added accuracy. By the time he finished, 20 minutes had already passed. Sparrow wasted no time sending Dracon and his people on their way. Climbing onto the top of the bus, he watched as Dracon''s convoy drove off, his sharp eyes following them until the last traces of dust from their vehicles faded into the distance. Only then did he jump down and step inside the bus. One of his men immediately approached, concern etched across his face. "Captain, are you sure we can trust them? What if they''re planning something?" Sparrow took a deep breath before responding with a serious tone. "We just need to buy time until Master and Young Madam arrive, or at least until this status abnormality disappears from our system. Once that happens, even if they come after us with reinforcements, I refuse to believe we wouldn''t be able to wipe them out¡ªeven without Master and Young Madam''s help." His lips curled into a chilling smirk. "So, in a way, we''re doing them a favor. If they prove to be trustworthy, good for them. But if they turn out to be nothing more than snakes trying to steal from us..." His voice dropped, laced with a dangerous edge. "Then I''ll make sure to serve up some snake stew." The eerie smile that followed sent an involuntary shiver down the spine of the man who had questioned him. As night fell, Sparrow and his team had no choice but to find a place to rest. Traveling any further was too risky¡ªnot because of zombies, which were nowhere in sight, but because they couldn''t be certain whether mutated creatures were still lurking nearby. If they encountered one in the dead of night, they''d be in serious trouble. Sparrow steered the bus toward a secluded village several miles from their hidden base. As expected, the place was completely deserted. When they searched the houses, they found signs of an abrupt departure¡ªutensils still left on tables, remnants of meals long since rotted or dried out. Vegetables stored away had turned to mush, some shriveled beyond recognition. "Alright, we''ll set up camp here for the night. Start preparing something to eat¡ªI brought some canned goods and packed them in the bags. Help yourselves and use whatever you need to cook," Sparrow instructed before stepping away for a brief rest. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him. His body felt light, as if floating, while his head throbbed with fatigue. Sensing his weariness, no one disturbed him. They all knew that Sparrow bore the heaviest burden, working tirelessly and shouldering the most stress. With his decision made, the civilians hurried back inside the bus, finally allowing themselves to rummage through the backpacks. Earlier, they had refrained from checking, fearing that Sparrow and his team might think they were trying to take advantage or covet their supplies. But now that they had permission, they did their best to put together a decent meal with the ingredients available. The leader of the civilians was the first to open the bag, carrying it down to the largest house in the village. When he stepped inside, some of the civilians had already spread out, searching the area. They found and lit a few gas lamps¡ªcommon in small villages where power outages were frequent. The warm glow quickly illuminated the space, making it easier to navigate. With the house now well-lit, the leader unpacked the canned goods from the bag while the others rummaged through the cupboards and storage areas, searching for unused utensils and useful supplies. "I found rice!" one man shouted excitedly. He stood beside a large earthen jar, still halfway filled with grains. Just then, another voice called out from outside. "I found a well! Do you think the water is still safe to use?" The Winters'' men, who had been scouting the village alongside them, brought over a gas lamp and tried to shine it down the well. However, the darkness made it impossible to see the water clearly, leaving them uncertain about its drinkability. "We shouldn''t drink the water from this well," one of the Winters'' men stated firmly. "We can''t be sure if there''s already a dead body in there, and we have no way to check. Plus, the water has been stagnant since the first blood rain started. I''m certain it''s already contaminated with the virus, and drinking it would be a disaster for all of you." He was simply stating the facts, but the civilians couldn''t fully grasp what he meant. They had no idea what the blood rain was or how the Winters'' men could be so sure about the contamination. However, they knew better than to question orders at this moment. Instead, they chose to remain silent and follow instructions. They all nodded in agreement. Fortunately, Sparrow had packed some drinking water along with the supplies he brought, so the civilians only used it for cooking. Additionally, they discovered a well-covered earthen container inside the house that held stored water. With the Winters'' men''s approval, they used it to wash utensils and other items before cooking. Some dishwashing liquid was also available, allowing them to clean the pots and utensils thoroughly. While some worked on cleaning, others went from house to house, gathering bowls, spoons, additional utensils, chairs, and tables to prepare for the night. With the supplies Sparrow gathered, the civilians managed to whip up a meal of fried rice with Spam, pork and beans, pickles, and corned beef. Initially, they planned to use only a minimal amount of canned goods alongside the rice, intending to store the rest and bring it back. However, with the Winters'' men encouraging them not to be too frugal with the ingredients, they used what they could to ensure everyone had a hearty dinner. The civilians were especially thrilled, as it had been a long time since they''d had a full meal. Just the sight and smell of the food made them gulp in anticipation. And when they finally took a bite, it felt like the most delicious meal they had ever eaten¡ªso good that they nearly swallowed their tongues in delight. Seeing the civilians so happy, the Winters'' men¡ªwho had been accustomed to good meals at the base¡ªsheepishly rubbed their noses. They realized just how fortunate they were to serve under their young madam, who provided them with an unlimited supply of food. They felt even more justified in encouraging the civilians not to be frugal with the ingredients. Meanwhile, one of the Winters'' men took Sparrow''s portion and headed inside the bus. Gently nudging him awake, he said, "Captain, wake up for a bit and eat your dinner before going back to sleep." Sparrow stirred, his eyes red and blurry¡ªit was obvious he had just been asleep. Still half-dazed, he absentmindedly nodded and accepted the large bowl filled with fried rice, corned beef, pork and beans, with pickles on the side. Chapter 666 - 666 Remaining Supply In The Village Sparrow absentmindedly scooped spoonful after spoonful of food into his mouth, barely chewing before swallowing like a machine. The man who had brought him the food shook his head slightly before turning to leave. He headed back inside the village house and sat at the table to eat his own portion. With so many people to feed, the canned goods Sparrow had taken from the shopping mart had been completely used up. The remaining rice from the earthen jar was carefully packed and stored inside a backpack for later use. After their meal, the Winters'' men took up positions around the perimeter, assigning themselves to keep watch. They kept the perimeter small to eliminate blind spots and ensure nothing could slip past their defenses. Meanwhile, they allowed the civilians¡ªespecially the children and the elderly¡ªto rest undisturbed. Unfortunately, true rest was impossible, as the night was bitterly cold¡ªcolder than the night before. Desperate for warmth, the civilians searched the village, going from house to house in hopes of finding usable blankets. However, their search ended in disappointment; most of the blankets had turned moldy and smelled musty, making them unusable. Fortunately, Sparrow had also gathered some clothes from the shopping mart. Though limited, the adults prioritized giving them to the children to keep them warm. To fend off the cold, they decided to huddle together like penguins, using their combined body heat to stay warm. The children were placed at the center of the group, surrounded by the elderly, then the women, with the men forming the outermost layer as a shield against the cold. The children and elderly were the most vulnerable to both cold and excessive heat, so the group placed the children at the center of the huddle, ensuring they were warm but not suffocated. The elderly sat around them, followed by the women, while the men formed the outermost layer, bracing against the cold. With no choice but to sleep sitting up, they curled their legs in front of them, pressing their backs against one another for warmth. The men on the outer edge shivered from the biting cold, but the others shared whatever blankets they could find that only has little mold in it. Though a little moldy and musty, the blankets were still usable as shield, providing at least some relief from the freezing night. Sparrow took only a short rest before waking up and sending half of the Winters'' men to get some sleep. With his superior vision, he was more effective than the others at keeping watch¡ªone Sparrow was worth at least half a team when it came to standing guard. No one objected to his decision, and they continued rotating shifts until everyone had managed to rest. They had hoped that a little sleep would help them recover and shake off the strange fatigue they were feeling. However, to their disappointment, both Sparrow and the Winters'' men realized that even after resting, the abnormal status lingered, refusing to fade. By the time morning arrived, Sparrow and his team had taken turns resting, ensuring they remained alert. The civilians also managed to get some sleep¡ªthough the night had been cold, it was still far better than the restless nights they had endured before, when fear for their lives kept them constantly on edge. With Sparrow and his team watching over them, they finally felt safe enough to let their guard down and allow sleep to claim them. As they stepped out of the largest house where they had huddled for warmth, the civilians stretched their stiff bodies, feeling a bit more refreshed despite the lingering exhaustion. The foggy morning was so cold that every breath and word they spoke came out in visible puffs of mist. To keep them warm, the adults kept the children and elderly inside the house while the others ventured out in small groups to search the surrounding yards. They checked the vegetable gardens for any remaining crops and looked for anything they might have missed the night before due to the darkness. Sparrow allowed the civilians to explore but made sure they didn''t wander too far. Meanwhile, some of the Winters'' men kept a watchful eye on them, ensuring their safety and preventing any accidents. The civilians crouched in front of the vegetable gardens, their expressions downcast as they shook their heads. "The vegetables are all withered and dead..." someone murmured, disappointment evident in their voice. "It must be because of the extreme shifts between heat and cold these past days," the leader said, also crouching down. "The crops couldn''t survive such harsh conditions and ended up withering away." He had been hopeful about finding food in the village. After all, he knew that while life in most villages was backward and often tough, food was rarely scarce¡ªvillagers typically maintained vegetable gardens in their yards and raised poultry in small coops. However, with the realization that animals had begun mutating, they had never placed much hope in finding surviving livestock. As expected, either the animals had perished, or those that had mutated had broken free and escaped into the wilderness. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The vegetables had all perished, unable to withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations and the lack of regular watering. Strong winds had even uprooted some plants, leaving the garden in complete mess. With a collective sigh of defeat, the group trudged back toward the house where they had spent the night. Their shoulders slumped, and their faces were grim, alternating between pale and ashen, reflecting their disappointment and growing concern. "We used up most of the canned goods last night. I thought we''d be able to find some vegetables in the garden, so I wasn''t too worried about food for today," one of the women said, halting in her tracks. Frustration welled up inside her as she slapped her thigh, her eyes turning red. "But I completely forgot about the weather these past few days..." She had promised the children last night that they would have breakfast again and wouldn''t go hungry anymore. She couldn''t bear to see them looking so defeated¡ªso mature for their age, burdened by hardship. When she saw their smiles of hope and excitement, she had been determined to make that promise come true. Eagerly, she had gone out with the others, ready to harvest whatever vegetables remained. But reality had been cruel¡ªthere was nothing left to gather. The leader stepped forward and spoke with a steady voice. "We still have some rice left from last night. We can make porridge with it. And if I remember correctly, we still have one can of spam¡ªwe can add it to the porridge to make it more filling. Let''s make do with what we have for now, and we''ll figure out the rest later. We can always gather more supplies when we pass through other areas." He was trying to lift their spirits, reminding them that their situation wasn''t hopeless. With no zombies on the road at the moment, even they could go out and scavenge if needed. His words weren''t just empty reassurance¡ªhis suggestion was realistic, and hope wasn''t entirely lost. The amount of rice they had set aside last night wasn''t small, so they could make a thick, hearty porridge instead of the thin, watery one they were used to. It would be enough to fill their stomachs for the morning, giving them the energy they needed for the day ahead. Chapter 667 - 667 Landmines Hearing this, the mood among the group lifted. The women, especially the one who had been on the verge of tears from frustration, brightened with renewed determination. With a sense of purpose, they quickly got to work, preparing the meal together. The other men searched house to house once more, checking if they had overlooked any remaining supplies¡ªespecially rice stored in earthen jars. Fortunately, they found some, though not much, and added it to the porridge. Given the amount of rice stored in the largest house in the village, it seemed more evident now that the largest house had once belonged to the wealthiest family in the village. After a few minutes, the women finished cooking the porridge just as the elderly and children were waking up. However, many of them had developed a fever¡ªlikely a result of exhaustion finally catching up to their weakened bodies, their immune systems struggling under the strain. Upon hearing that many people had fallen ill, Sparrow and the Winters'' men immediately took notice and went to check on them. Unfortunately, it wasn''t the onset of an awakening¡ªthey were simply suffering from mild fevers caused by exhaustion and malnutrition. Having witnessed and experienced the awakenings themselves before, the team knew the clear differences between them and a common fever. With their experience, they could easily distinguish the symptoms. The women quickly fed the children their porridge and handed out portions to the elderly. The elderly, in particular, looked meek as they accepted their food, displaying sheepish yet grateful expressions. Perhaps they felt embarrassed for being unable to contribute much while still using up precious resources. Sensing this, the leader reassured them, urging them to eat and take their medicine¡ªjust as he did with the children. Fortunately, Sparrow had the foresight to grab medicine from the shopping mart. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After their awakenings, ordinary medicine was useless to him and the Winters'' men, but it was still invaluable to the civilians. After all, their bodies had undergone significant changes, making them more resilient to common illnesses like colds and fevers. However, this same transformation rendered normal medicine ineffective for them, further highlighting the importance of keeping supplies for those who still needed them. After breakfast, once the children and elderly had taken their cold medicine, they all boarded the bus, waiting quietly for Sparrow and his team to join them and resume their journey to the base. They remained as silent as mice, not wanting to disturb or annoy their protectors. Sparrow noticed their subdued behavior but chose not to comment on it. Before departing, he and his team conducted a final sweep of the area, ensuring there were no zombies or mutated animals lurking nearby. They couldn''t afford to be caught off guard like before¡ªan ambush would be disastrous, especially with so many non-combatants among them. "The coast is clear, let''s go!" Sparrow called out, rapping his hand against the side of the bus to signal everyone to board. No one wasted time¡ªthose standing guard outside quickly ran inside, eager to depart. Excitement buzzed through the Winters'' men as they anticipated reuniting with their comrades at the hidden base. It felt like ages since they had last seen their brothers, and, more importantly, they had plenty of gossip to share. With everyone onboard, Sparrow and his team resumed their journey toward the hidden base, completely unaware of the fierce battle that raged at City B''s HOPE Base¡ªwhere Kisha and the others had been fighting for their lives the entire day yesterday until midnight. As they traveled, Sparrow and his team gathered supplies from the places they passed and took the time to eat lunch. The civilians were surprised by how nonchalantly Sparrow and his men maintained their routine of eating a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as if they had no concerns about their supplies. However, no one questioned it or considered them wasteful¡ªafter all, Sparrow and his team had gathered the food supplies. Besides, sharing meals with them only benefited the civilians, as their bodies were gradually regaining strength. With that in mind, there was no room for complaints. By noon, Sparrow reached the forest leading to their hidden base and came to a stop. Before proceeding, he carefully scanned the surroundings to ensure they weren''t being followed. That was when he noticed something unusual¡ªzombies were slowly making their way back from where they had originally come. How could he tell? From his vantage point atop a tree, he saw a massive horde moving in unison, resembling ants marching in formation. The zombies appeared as if they had just woken from a daze and were now instinctively returning to their original locations. Unlike before, they weren''t rampaging or attacking everything in sight. Instead, it was as if a reset button had been pressed¡ªeverything was returning to its previous state, only to await the moment when the start button would be pushed again before they break free from their trance state. Sparrow found this highly unusual, but aside from the migrating zombies, he saw no signs of anyone following them. His thoughts briefly drifted to Dracon and his people. ''I hope they don''t get overrun by the returning horde¡­'' he mused. However, the thought was fleeting¡ªthere were more pressing matters at hand. Shaking off the distraction, he descended from the tree, climbed back into the bus, and started the engine. Without hesitation, he steered the vehicle into the dense forest, disappearing into the shadows of the towering trees. They drove for a while, making steady progress¡ªuntil suddenly¡­ Boom! Boom! A series of explosions erupted around them. Sparrow instinctively yanked the wheel to the side, but the left front tire was blown apart, sending the bus skidding violently. He spat out a string of curses. "Fuck! The road is mined!" he roared, gripping the wheel tightly as he fought to control the vehicle. The bus jolted to a stop, its frame trembling from the blast. Shattered glass rained down inside, and a gaping hole had torn through the left side where the door used to be. Smoke and dust clouded their vision, but¡ªmiraculously¡ªno one was injured. Sparrow slammed on the brakes just in time, stopping them from rolling deeper into the minefield. If they had gone any farther, escape wouldn''t have been an option. Even with Sparrow''s sharp eyesight, he hadn''t noticed anything amiss¡ªthe landmines had been expertly placed along the dirt road. Judging by the lack of visible traces, they had likely been buried for a long time, with rain washing away any signs of disturbance and the sun hardening the surface over time. Sparrow and his team didn''t rush outside. They remained inside the bus, cautious and alert. They were still only halfway to the hidden base, and this minefield was almost certainly set up by their own people¡ªdesigned as an early warning system to detect approaching forces and give their comrades time to prepare an ambush. The Winters'' men quickly checked on the civilians to ensure they were unharmed. The children had screamed in fear earlier, but the adults had instinctively shielded them with their bodies, ducking behind the seats for cover. Though everyone was still trembling from shock, their quick reactions had prevented any serious injuries. Aside from being covered in dust and shards of shattered glass, no one was badly hurt. A few had minor cuts from the broken glass, but they were only superficial. Seeing this, everyone let out a sigh of relief. Chapter 668 - 668 New Faces? After ensuring that everyone was unharmed, Sparrow gazed silently ahead at the road, fully aware that it wouldn''t be long before their brothers arrived from the hidden base to surround them. The commotion near the base''s perimeter had undoubtedly set off alarms, and by now, their comrades were likely gearing up and rushing to the scene. Their methods were as ruthless and decisive as their master, Duke. Understanding this, Sparrow and the rest of the Winters refrained from making any sudden movements. Instead, they remained exactly where they were, knowing that any misstep could spell trouble for all of them. "Is everyone alright?!" Sparrow asked, pulling his gaze back from the road ahead. "Captain, everyone''s fine¡ªjust minor scratches, no major injuries," one of the Winters'' men reported, his tone careful as he continued scanning their perimeter. He moved from window to window, ensuring their brothers had yet to arrive. They needed to stay alert¡ªif those idiots opened fire without confirming their targets, they could end up taking out their own. Usually, the Winters'' men wouldn''t make such a mistake, but without any transmission from Duke''s private satellite phone or their brothers confirming their return, they had to assume anyone approaching was an enemy. Besides, no one would have expected their own team to fall into a trap they had set themselves. After all, they had grown up together, endured the same rigorous training, and followed the same teachings. The idea that Sparrow would drive straight through the landmine zone without prior contact or even a heads-up through their usual channels was unthinkable. But what choice did Sparrow and his group have? They had no way to send a signal¡ªno walkie-talkies, no satellite phones. Those were left behind at the base, deemed too important to risk losing outside, where they could fall into the enemy''s hands and be used to locate their hidden base in City A. Due to their cautious nature and the unexpected need to head to City A, Sparrow and the rest had left their satellite phones behind in the villa, never anticipating they would require them so urgently. Without a means of communication, not even a gun or a flare to signal their brothers at the hidden base, they were left with no clear way to attract their attention. Sparrow racked his brain for any possible method to alert them as quickly as possible, knowing that every second counted. So, no one blamed Sparrow for blowing up their vehicle. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Alright, since everyone is fine, tend to the wounded and stay inside. No one steps out, or you''ll be blasted to pieces," Sparrow warned, his tone deliberately harsh. He figured it was better to scare the children now than risk their curiosity leading them outside, especially in such a dangerous situation. After making sure they understood, Sparrow nonchalantly made his way to the large hole in the bus left by the explosion. The vehicle now leaned precariously against a tree at the side of the road. After staring at the gaping opening for a brief moment, he reached up, gripping the charred end of the ceiling at the edge of the open hole. Then, with effortless strength, he pulled himself up, his muscles flexing as he lifted his body before smoothly flipping himself onto the roof. Once on the roof, Sparrow adjusted his position and sat cross-legged, finding a comfortable spot. He closed his eyes and began meditating¡ªat least this way, he could be productive while waiting for his brothers to arrive. More importantly, his elevated position would make it easier for his brothers to recognize him, ensuring that no one mistakenly opened fire without verifying their targets. The alternative¡ªwell, he didn''t even want to think about that. The Winters'' men, after tending to the injured and calming the frightened children, took up defensive positions inside the bus. They remained alert, scanning the surroundings for any signs of their approaching comrades, ready to call out as soon as they spotted them. Two hours passed. The men from Group 6 stood at a distance from each other in different positions, their mouths twitching in frustration. They had expected their brothers to arrive swiftly¡ªwithin 20 to 30 minutes at most¡ªbut now, two hours had dragged on with no sign of them. "What''s taking them so long? Are they gearing up for war and bringing a tank with them before heading here?!" one of the Winters'' men muttered, glancing out the window with a mix of impatience and disbelief. "Not sure. Maybe they relocated? Otherwise, I can''t explain the delay in their crisis response," another man replied from the other side. Meanwhile, Sparrow remained silent, deep in meditation. He was attempting to dispel the strange disorientation that had been plaguing them for some time now¡ªlikely caused by the status abnormality¡ªand, at the same time, expand his spiritual energy pool while reinforcing his body''s foundation for his next level-up. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he concentrated, but something felt off. His spiritual energy wasn''t flowing smoothly through his core. Instead, it felt blocked and disrupted, turning what was once a clear, straight path into a tangled mess. Every attempt to guide his energy only made it more exhausting, as if he were trying to untangle a knot that refused to loosen. No matter how much he tried, he couldn''t straighten it out. ''This must be the reason we''re feeling so disoriented. It''s not just physical exhaustion that can be fixed with rest. That scent specifically targeted our minds, turning our dantians into a tangled mess. It was likely designed to ensure that anyone facing that mutated insect wouldn''t be able to fight properly. Even superhumans would struggle to manage a counterattack under its influence.'' ''Fortunately, my team and I have strong mental fortitude, and since I''ve already reached Level 2, the effect on me has lessened slightly.'' Sparrow focused, steadying his breathing as he tried to realign the disrupted flow of his spiritual energy, guiding it back toward his core. "Ugh! It''s not working!" Sparrow''s eyes snapped open, his breath uneven as sweat clung to his back and forehead. He had been at this for too long with no success. Frustration gnawed at him¡ªhe didn''t even know what else to try to shake off this cursed status abnormality. As he opened his eyes, a flicker of movement caught his attention in the distance. His body tensed. Shifting his weight, he propped himself up, kneeling on one knee atop the bus. He rapped his knuckles against the metal beneath him¡ªa sharp signal to the men below. Movement ahead. Sliding toward the edge, near the gaping hole from the side, Sparrow glanced down before moving his hand. With precise Winter''s hand signals, he relayed the message to his squad: ''Movement. One klick away.'' The first Winter''s men to spot it wasted no time¡ªhis fingers moved in quick, silent gestures, spreading the word through the squad. Within moments, everyone assumed their positions, vigilance sharpening their movements. The source of the disturbance was unknown; it could be an ally¡­ or an enemy. Until they knew for sure, they remained on high alert, ready for anything. After the initial movement, nothing followed. Sparrow frowned, raising an eyebrow as he scanned the area. Silence stretched around him. Then, without further hesitation, he called out from a distance. "Hey! How long are you gonna keep us waiting?! Are you messing with us, Eagle? Hawk?!" But no response came. No movement followed. Unease settled in his gut. Although he held a defensive stance, his body''s condition made him uncertain. His hawk-like vision allowed him to see far, but beyond that, he couldn''t be sure if the movement had truly been his own men. He could only assume¡ªand call out their names, hoping for an answer. If they still didn''t recognize him¡­ or worse, if they were toying with him, he had no way of knowing for sure. After a long stretch of silence, a male voice finally rang out from the bushes Sparrow had been watching. Maybe they had realized he had already spotted them¡ªthough how he managed to do so without binoculars was a mystery. Either way, they had no choice but to reveal themselves now. "Put your hands up, or I''ll shoot!" Sparrow didn''t recognize the voice. It sounded too young¡ªtoo unfamiliar to belong to any of his brothers who had stayed behind at the hidden base or returned from other locations. He furrowed his brows but remained still, his mind racing. Then, the grass around him rustled. One by one, figures emerged, surrounding them. Dozens¡ªmaybe even a hundred¡ªclosed in, their sheer numbers imposing. Yet, despite their overwhelming presence, Sparrow sensed no bloodlust or hostility. Only caution. It was unusual. The men advanced toward the bus, weapons raised, their movements careful and deliberate. Everyone''s faces were hidden behind masks, and Sparrow didn''t recognize a single one of them. His expression darkened. ''Did Eagle, Hawk and the rest leave the base?'' The last time they checked in, everyone was still there. They hadn''t mentioned anything about newcomers¡ªlet alone this many. Something didn''t add up. Sparrow''s gaze swept over the masked figures, but an odd feeling settled in his gut. Something was off, though he couldn''t pinpoint why. More strangely, he sensed no real strength from them. Inside the bus, the civilians began to panic, their whispers turning frantic. But the Winter''s men¡­ they remained still, mirroring Sparrow''s unease. None of them knew what to make of the people surrounding their bus. ''Who are they?'' The same question echoed in everyone''s minds as they peered out the windows, studying the figures surrounding them. The outsiders looked imposing¡ªbroad-shouldered, well-built¡ªbut something felt off. They were like hollow shells. All appearance, no real bite. The Winter''s men couldn''t even take them seriously. Chapter 669 - 669 Sparrow Meets His Brothers Sparrow and his team remained perfectly still, their eyes fixed on the unfolding situation. The men approaching them kept their guns trained on Sparrow and his group, closing the distance with measured steps. Then, a voice rang out¡ªsharp and demanding. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?!" Sparrow couldn''t pinpoint the speaker amidst the tension, nor could he determine their exact location. But one thing was certain¡ªthe voice was from a young man. "We''re here looking for Eagle and Hawk. Do you know them? Can you take us to them?" Sparrow stated plainly, offering no further explanation. But his straightforward words were immediately met with suspicion. The person in charge assumed Sparrow was trying to bait him¡ªfishing for information about Eagle and Hawk, hoping to trick him into revealing something he shouldn''t. To him, this was a classic scam¡ªan outsider pretending to know someone in order to gain entry and infiltrate their base, like a wolf invited into the den. Eagle and Hawk''s identities weren''t widely known, which only deepened the skepticism. These strangers could be rivals of Duke''s forces from before the apocalypse or former allies with insider knowledge. The young man leading the operation remained hidden within the dense forest, carefully observing. For now, he let his men¡ªwho had completely surrounded the bus¡ªhandle the confrontation, waiting to see how the situation would unfold. And who was this person? None other than Keith. Using his awakened mental ability, illusion, he conjured a hyper-realistic army of armed men, making it seem as though Sparrow and his team were completely surrounded. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In reality, Keith himself was hidden behind a nearby tree, watching the scene unfold. His goal wasn''t to engage but to buy as much time as possible until the rest of their people arrived at the site. Why did he come here alone? The answer was simple. When they heard the landmine go off, he and the others assumed that another zombie had wandered into the minefield and triggered it. They believed it was just a routine cleanup¡ªdisposing of any remains and, if necessary, setting up new mines to maintain the security of their perimeter. This wasn''t the first time a landmine had gone off. Occasionally, some zombies managed to make their way deep into the forest, reaching the outer perimeter of their territory. To ensure their safety, they had set up various traps, including landmines, around the area. Since this was typically just a routine cleanup, Keith volunteered to handle it alone, as he had done many times before. But who would have thought that instead of a few zombies triggering the landmine, it would be a group of people? Since Keith had taken his time reaching the perimeter, he had only just managed to call for backup after Sparrow spotted him. It had only been ten minutes since then, so to keep Sparrow and his group in check, he used his illusion ability to conjure the appearance of numerous armed men, ensuring they wouldn''t try anything reckless under his watch. He was careful not to reveal any details about the base or its inhabitants and had immediately reported the situation to Eagle via walkie-talkie. By now, reinforcements were likely on their way¡ªall Keith had to do was hold out until they arrived and keep himself safe. With this in mind, Keith remained hidden, maintaining the tension in the air. However, as he observed Sparrow standing firm and composed despite being surrounded, a sense of unease crept over him, now, he was the one getting nervous. He had never encountered survivors before, and his sister had repeatedly warned him about the dangers they posed. The fact that the first survivor he encountered looked so intimidating and menacing made Keith swallow nervously. His grip tightened around the walkie-talkie strapped to his belt, his fingers unconsciously clenching as he braced himself for whatever might come next. Sparrow finally broke the silence. "My name is Sparrow. I came here looking for my people. Are they still here, or have they left for somewhere else? I just want to know." He knew there was a high chance his question would be met with more silence, but he had to ask. The situation was puzzling, and he was starting to suspect that these people might be new recruits who didn''t recognize their higher-ups. That meant dropping his name was necessary¡ªat the very least, it might get a reaction. "And I need to urgently deliver a message to my master, Duke Winters, and Young Madam Kisha Aldens. To do that, I must see Eagle and Hawk, who were left in charge of this place." Sparrow knew he was dropping important names, but it was a calculated risk. If these people were newcomers to the base, they would at least recognize who truly owned this territory. He was certain that Hawk and Eagle would have made sure everyone under their command was aware of Duke and Kisha. But if, by some chance, these people were enemies who had managed to take over the base and were just biding their time before leading him into an ambush¡ªthen so be it. He would fight his way out if he had to. The most important thing right now was uncovering the truth. If the base had been compromised, he had to find another way to warn Duke and Kisha before it was too late. Either way, he couldn''t afford to waste time. "Ah! My sister?!" Sparrow heard the startled exclamation, and in an instant, with a snap, the armed men surrounding him vanished without a trace. The illusion shattered, leaving only the eerie silence of the forest. Then, from behind a tree at the edge of the landmine-filled area, a man cautiously stepped out, though he made no further move. "You said my sister''s name? Are you one of the Winters'' men?" Keith asked warily. His voice carried both curiosity and suspicion. This wasn''t the first time men from the Winters faction had arrived at this hidden base¡ªover time, more groups had traveled from various locations to seek refuge here, causing their numbers to steadily grow. But despite that, Keith remained on high alert. He had learned the hard way never to trust too easily. Seeing the sudden change, Sparrow''s head snapped toward the forest, his sharp gaze locking onto a young man standing cautiously behind a tree. Keith, on the other hand, was carefully weighing his options. Even if Sparrow was an impostor, merely name-dropping to lower his guard, it wouldn''t matter. Without Keith''s guidance, Sparrow and his group were trapped within the landmine-filled zone. One wrong move, and they would be blasted to pieces. And even if they somehow survived, it wouldn''t take long for Eagle and Hawk to arrive and confirm their identities. If they turned out to be enemies or frauds, dealing with them would still be easy. After all, many of the Winters'' men had awakened their abilities¡ªthanks to Kisha''s early warning before the apocalypse, which had given them a higher chance of survival and awakening. For a brief moment, surprise flickered inside Sparrow, though his expression remained unreadable. Quickly regaining his composure, he cleared his throat and steadied his thoughts. "Are you Young Madam''s little brother, Keith?" he asked, his tone firm but measured. At the mention of his sister, Keith visibly relaxed, lowering his guard slightly. "You really know my sister? Did you come from City B?" Keith questioned, his voice still carrying a note of caution but now laced with curiosity. "Yes, we came from City B on a mission, but when we were about to return, we found that all routes back were blocked¡ªeither by massive zombie hordes or dangerous mutated creatures. Traveling back now would be too risky, so we need to inform Master Duke and Young Madam Kisha about our findings," Sparrow explained, his tone firm and urgent. Just as he finished speaking, the distant roar of engines broke the tense silence. Three vehicles screeched to a halt on the other side of the landmine-filled area, kicking up a thick cloud of dust along the dirt road. As the dust settled, several figures emerged from the vehicles, clad in sleek black combat gear, their presence exuding an air of authority and readiness. Eagle, Hawk, and Ethan had arrived¡ªalong with a squad of reinforcements. "Sparrow?!" Eagle exclaimed as he stepped out of the vehicle, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto the familiar figure standing atop the yellow bus. Though Sparrow looked a little worn down from the journey, his strong and steady posture remained unchanged. Sparrow, on the other hand, had noticed the approaching vehicles long before they stopped. He had been waiting for this moment, watching carefully as they arrived. From a distance, he had already caught a glimpse of the driver''s face, which was why he had felt confident enough to mention Kisha and Duke. However, his main concern had been confirming whether the young man before him was truly Kisha''s younger brother. Sparrow shot Eagle and Hawk a toothy grin as he nodded in acknowledgment. He hadn''t recognized Keith at first glance¡ªafter all, the boy had changed drastically since their escape from City A. Back then, Keith had been lean and frail, someone who didn''t seem suited for combat. But now, though he still had a slender frame, there was a noticeable difference in the way he carried himself. The way he walked, breathed, and moved all spoke of his growth. His posture exuded confidence, his physique had filled out with muscle, and Sparrow could even tell from subtle shifts in his stance that Keith had learned close combat¡ªsomething he clearly lacked before. "It''s been a while, brothers," Sparrow said, his voice filled with warmth and relief as he looked at the familiar faces before him. A genuine smile spread across his face, the tension in his shoulders easing now that he was reunited with his comrades. Chapter 670 - 670 Welcome Back! Eagle and Hawk also relaxed, smiles spreading across their lips as they took in the sight of Sparrow¡ªalive and well. They had often heard updates from Keith about their master, the people around them, and the development of City B''s base under Duke and Kisha''s leadership. Though they never questioned how Kisha managed to communicate with Keith, they were simply grateful for any news. Now, seeing Sparrow standing before them, it felt like years had passed since their last meeting. Even from a distance, they could sense the sheer strength and power radiating from him. It was undeniable¡ªSparrow had grown immensely, his presence commanding respect. Compared to him now, they almost felt as if they had been left in the dust. "It''s been a while..." Eagle nodded in approval as he studied Sparrow. Behind him, the squad that had arrived consisted of Winters'' men¡ªsurvivors from different cities and regions who had endured countless hardships to reach the hidden base. They, too, recognized Sparrow, and the tension in the air eased. Smiles spread across their faces, relief and camaraderie replacing the wariness from moments before. They then began following a trail through the forest to reach Sparrow. It took them 20 minutes to navigate the path while maintaining their formation, carefully avoiding any hidden traps along the way. Once they made their way around and finally stood in front of Sparrow, he and his team began opening the back door of the bus to exit safely. Sparrow was certain there were still landmines nearby, possibly even right beside the bus, and he wasn''t willing to risk triggering any by mistake. After opening the back door, Sparrow and his team locked eyes with Eagle and the others. He didn''t allow anyone to disembark until Eagle gave the go-ahead. One of Eagle''s men stepped forward with a metal detector, carefully scanning the area to pinpoint the exact positions of the landmines. Only after the path was confirmed did Sparrow instruct his team to follow the narrow trail, ensuring everyone stepped precisely in the safe zones without triggering any explosives. Once everyone safely disembarked from the bus and reached Eagle''s side without any issues, Sparrow simply used his Whirlwind ability to propel himself upward, leaping effortlessly to join them in a single bound. The man holding the metal detector scratched his head in disbelief¡ªhe had been waiting for Sparrow to exit the bus like everyone else, only to be left behind in an instant. With no other option, he sighed and made his way back on his own. "Welcome back!" Eagle said, opening his arms wide for a hug. Instead of accepting it, Sparrow gave him a deadpan look, his expression laced with disdain. "Man, that was cringy. I swear, I felt my skin crawling with bugs..." He hugged his arms and scratched them a few times as if trying to shake off imaginary discomfort. Eagle''s face darkened, looking as black as the bottom of a scorched pot, which only made Sparrow burst into laughter. Before Eagle could retreat in frustration, Sparrow grabbed his hand, pulled him in, and gave him a firm, brotherly hug. "It''s been a while. I''m glad to see you all," Sparrow said, patting Eagle''s back before turning to embrace Hawk and the rest of his brothers one by one. After their brief reunion, the smiles quickly faded from their faces, replaced by a serious demeanor, as if their lighthearted exchange had never happened. "Let''s head back and talk," Eagle said, signaling with a hand gesture for everyone to turn around and move out. They maintained a tight formation, positioning one of the Winters'' men behind each civilian to ensure no one misstepped. The terrain was riddled with traps, and a single mistake could lead to disastrous consequences. To further prevent mishaps, each Winters'' men carried a child, making sure they wouldn''t be left behind due to exhaustion. The combination of fatigue, nerves, and anxiety made it too easy for the civilians to falter and make mistakes, and they couldn''t afford any of that. On the journey back, it took them nearly an hour to reach the parked vehicles. When it was just Eagle and his team, they could easily navigate the trap-riddled path since they were the ones who had set the traps and knew exactly which areas were safe. However, with civilians in tow¡ªmany of whom had never encountered such dangers before¡ªthey had to proceed with extreme caution, sticking closely together and taking each step deliberately. This slow, methodical approach significantly prolonged their retreat. When they finally emerged from the treacherous path, the civilians let out heavy sighs of relief, many collapsing to the ground as fear and exhaustion caught up with them. Their bodies trembled from the sheer stress of the journey. Only they knew how terrifying each step had been¡ªhow their hearts pounded so violently it felt like they might burst from their chests, how their palms and feet were slick with sweat, and how their legs threatened to buckle under the strain. Every cautious step had felt like walking on the edge of disaster, and now that they were safe, the overwhelming tension left them drained. Now that they were finally out of danger, every nerve in their bodies loosened with relief, leaving them feeling utterly boneless and weak as they slumped to the ground. Eagle let out a small chuckle as he scanned the exhausted group before speaking. "You all did well," he said, his voice carrying both praise and reassurance. His words brought a sense of accomplishment to the weary civilians, and a few managed to offer him grateful smiles despite their exhaustion. However, while most were visibly relieved, Sparrow remained nonchalant¡ªyet there was something off about him. His face was noticeably pale, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor. Eagle''s eyes narrowed in concern, his brows furrowing as he took a closer look. ''Something wasn''t right.'' Without wasting any words, Eagle took the lead and guided everyone back to the base. The civilians were prioritized, boarding the three vehicles first, which required multiple trips¡ªthree in total¡ªto transport everyone safely. By the time the final group arrived and the last vehicle rolled through the vicinity of the base, the sun had already reached the other side of the horizon, casting the base in the soft glow of afternoon. "Please lead them to the dormitory and help them get settled," Eagle instructed one of the Winters'' men who had been stationed at the hidden base. "Make sure they''re familiar with the layout¡ªshow them the cafeteria, shared dormitories, communal baths, and other essential areas." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since the civilians were still under discreet surveillance, they would be housed in shared dormitories rather than having private rooms like Keith and the others. The monitoring had to be subtle, ensuring the newcomers remained unaware that their movements were being closely observed. Usually, only high-ranking members like Duke, Eagle, Hawk, and Sparrow were granted private rooms. Those in lower ranks shared accommodations with others, while new recruits were placed in large communal dormitories that could house up to 50 people, offering little to no privacy. But even so, no one minded being assigned to the lowest-tier facilities in the base. The civilians were simply grateful to have a safe place to stay, and that alone was enough to bring smiles to their faces. Many bowed humbly to Sparrow, Eagle and the rest of the Winters, their gratitude evident in their expressions. Even the children, following the adults'' example, bowed seriously, while some struggled to hold back their tears of relief. Chapter 671 - 671 Reporting Back Seeing this, Sparrow felt reassured that they had made the right choice in allowing the civilians to follow them here. His brief moment of softness hadn''t been in vain. However, no matter how touched they were by the civilians'' gratitude, strict protocols still had to be followed. They needed to keep the newcomers under surveillance to ensure none of them harbored ill intentions. More importantly, Kisha had yet to personally assess them, and until she did, Sparrow couldn''t fully trust that bringing them in had been the right call. After Eagle dismissed everyone so they could take a brief rest before heading to the cafeteria for dinner, he turned his attention to Sparrow and the others. They had just arrived, looking completely exhausted and utterly out of character¡ªlike their very life force had been drained by a succubus. "Let''s go and talk," Eagle said, leading everyone toward the conference room. Now that a large group had returned with him after venturing to the outer parts of the territory, the people inside the base eyed the newcomers with curiosity. Among the onlookers were the Aldens'' grandparents, their expressions filled with both interest and concern. Standing at the side, Keith hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. He reached for Eagle''s sleeve, tugging it like a lost puppy, his wide eyes filled with hopeful anticipation. "Brother Eagle," he said, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "I heard they came from City B¡ªwhere my sister is. Can we come in and listen to what Brother Sparrow has to say? My grandparents and I want to know how my sister is doing. The last time I spoke with her, she seemed worried about something. Is everything alright in City B? We just want to know if she''s safe." Eagle studied Keith closely, immediately recognizing his pitiful act for what it was¡ªa ploy to soften him up and gain entry. However, he chose not to call the young man out on it. Instead, he shifted his gaze to the worried elderly couple, weighing his decision carefully. Before he could respond, Sparrow spoke up. "Alright, you can sit in the corner and listen. There''s no problem." His tone was noticeably warm, carrying a rare amiability toward the Aldens. Eagle immediately picked up on it. It was subtle, but there was a certain deference in Sparrow''s demeanor, a level of respect that was different from how he treated others¡ªalmost as if he regarded them in the same light as their master. Amused by the unusual dynamic, Eagle couldn''t help but find it both curious and oddly endearing. "Oh, right¡ªbefore we start, can we try reaching out to City B using the satellite phone? I need to report back to Master. It''s urgent," Sparrow said, suddenly recalling the importance of contacting Duke and Kisha. He needed to inform them that he and the others had made it to City A''s hidden base safely so they wouldn''t worry. At the same time, he had to update them on the unusual movement of the zombie horde. Although a day or two had already passed since they first noticed the strange activity, it was still crucial to relay the information as soon as possible. Seeing Sparrow''s serious expression and urgent tone, Eagle wasted no time leading him and the rest of Group 6 to the communication room. He allowed Keith and the Aldens'' elders to tag along, understanding their concern. Meanwhile, Melody, who had been quietly listening from the side while trying to remain unnoticed, took the opportunity to follow. The moment she heard Duke''s name, curiosity got the better of her¡ªshe wanted to hear any news about him. However, she had barely taken two steps before Eagle abruptly turned back and fixed her with a firm gaze. "Miss Evans, please return to your duties," he said, leaving no room for argument. Melody didn''t want to leave without getting the information she was after, but Eagle stood his ground, unwilling to budge. The two remained in a silent standoff for a moment. Meanwhile, Mrs. Evans, who had also been observing from the sidelines, grew curious about the newcomers. When she realized Sparrow and the others had news about Kisha, she, too, felt the urge to follow. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, she knew better¡ªthis was an important discussion, and no one had yet discovered that Kisha was actually their missing daughter. She understood she had no right to intrude. Seeing Eagle blocking Melody''s path, Mrs. Evans tried to intervene, gently attempting to drag her daughter back to their duties. But Melody was stubborn, refusing to leave so easily. It wasn''t until her brother, Ethan, who had earlier stepped outside with Eagle to assess the situation, shot her a sharp, warning look that she finally relented. Since Melody was afraid of her brother Ethan, she had no choice but to swallow her frustration and reluctantly follow her mother. With Melody and the others gone, Eagle, Sparrow, Hawk, Ethan, and the rest¡ªalong with the Aldens¡ªheaded straight to the communication room. As soon as they powered on the communicator, Hawk handed the satellite phone to Sparrow, who wasted no time dialing Duke''s number. However, the call wouldn''t connect, causing Sparrow to furrow his brows in frustration. He looked up at Eagle and Hawk. "It''s not connecting. Are you sure there''s no issue with the device?" he asked. In response, Eagle handed him a different satellite phone. If the first attempt had been made using Hawk''s device, now Sparrow was trying with Eagle''s. Yet, the result remained the same¡ªthe call wouldn''t go through. This was unusual. As long as their satellite phones were properly connected to the Winters'' satellite and operating on the correct frequencies, communication should have been seamless. Unless something had disrupted the satellite''s function in orbit, there was no reason for the connection to fail. City B wasn''t some highly secluded underground facility that would make it difficult to reach Duke''s satellite phone. There was no logical reason for the call not to go through. Sparrow''s brows furrowed deeper, and now, even Eagle and Hawk wore the same troubled expressions. A sense of unease settled over them¡ªthey couldn''t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Determined to get through, Sparrow tried a different satellite phone¡ªnot just to call Duke, but also to reach Tristan and other Winters'' men still in City B. However, every attempt failed. It felt as if an invisible barrier had sealed off City B, cutting it off from the outside world and rendering all communication attempts useless. "It''s alright, we can try again tomorrow. Maybe today just isn''t a good time," Hawk said, glancing at Sparrow''s dark expression. "Why don''t you get some rest? You all look like shit." He attempted to lighten the mood, but his words held truth¡ªSparrow and the others were utterly exhausted. If the communication line to Duke and the rest of City B wasn''t connecting no matter what they tried, there had to be a reason. Instead of wasting energy, they needed to investigate the issue from their end. In the meantime, letting Sparrow and his team get some much-needed rest was the best course of action. Seeing that they wouldn''t be able to hold a full discussion in the conference room, Sparrow gave everyone a brief rundown of what had happened during his mission outside. He explained the unusual movements of the zombie horde¡ªkey details that needed to be reported. This way, while he rested and the others continued their attempts to reach Duke and the rest, they would have all the necessary information ready to relay when the connection was finally established. Chapter 672 - 672 Back To The Present Hearing that there wouldn''t be any discussion about Kisha and the others in City B for now, Keith and the rest, including Ethan, resumed their duties, patrolling the perimeter. Keith also escorted his grandparents inside for safety. Meanwhile, Sparrow and the others made their way back to their rooms to get some rest while waiting. However, just as Keith stepped outside, he froze at the sight before him. Emerging from a portal was his sister, accompanied by others. But she was different from the last time he saw her¡ªsharper, more refined, like an unsheathed blade poised to strike at any moment. Then there was Duke, clinging to Kisha like a koala. Keith''s face darkened momentarily, but his excitement at seeing his sister after more than a month quickly overpowered any other concerns. He was about to rush over to her when Ethan beat him to it. "H-Hello again, little sister," Ethan said, his voice slightly hesitant. Only then did Keith snap out of his daze, realizing he had been momentarily lost in thought. "Sister! You''re back! This little brother of yours missed you so much!" Keith cooed as he excitedly circled around Kisha before glancing back at the still-open portal. ... Back to the present. "And that''s everything that happened, and we all ended up meeting at the hidden base," Sparrow said, spreading his arms in a shrug. "I never expected to find you all here, already solving the communication problem we were struggling with." He let out a short chuckle before shaking his head. "But seriously, I can''t believe you all thought I was dead just because of a single dried-up corpse and my dog tag. That tag was probably the shiny thing I saw falling when the mutated tree''s vines lifted me while I was still disoriented," Sparrow explained. "Oh..." was the only thing the dumbfounded Vulture could manage to say. He looked completely lost as memories of all the crying he''d done and the things he''d said while mourning Sparrow''s "death" came rushing back. His face instantly turned red. There was no way he could let Sparrow find out¡ªif he did, Sparrow would die laughing and never let him live it down. After all, they''d been treating each other like brothers for years, and their love-hate dynamic meant neither of them ever missed a chance to tease the other. If Sparrow got wind of this, he''d milk it for all it was worth, tormenting Vulture with endless jokes until he finally snapped. After Sparrow finished recounting their experiences outside, Kisha fell into deep contemplation. She finally understood why she hadn''t been able to see Sparrow and the others'' status windows when she checked the "Team Tab." Normally, she would have been able to determine if they were still alive by looking at their HP bars, but all she saw was a question mark. It all made sense now¡ª008 had been right. Their mental signatures had been severed and blocked, which was why she couldn''t gather any information on them. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was a status abnormality commonly used by mental-type superhumans and certain creatures to isolate their victims, cutting off their life force and mental signatures from detection and dulling their senses. It effectively rendered them no different from walking corpses. However, since Sparrow and the others were now superhumans themselves¡ªat least Level 1¡ªthe status abnormality''s effects on them had been slightly weakened. She had purchased this plugin "Team Tab" specifically to monitor her team members'' health bars¡ªwhether they were dropping rapidly, in danger, or suffering from any status abnormalities¡ªso she could provide immediate assistance if necessary. But who would have thought that she wouldn''t even be able to see what kind of status abnormality they were under? Instead, she had assumed they were dead. Kisha shook her head, realizing the mistake was on her part. If Sparrow and the others had truly died, the "Team Tab" would have displayed a clear indication¡ªeither the word "Dead" in bold red letters or a large red "X" mark. Kisha let out a heavy sigh. "Indeed, it was our mistake, but I''m just glad you''re alive and that you even managed to reach the hidden base with the rest of the missing team." She smiled at Sparrow, her expression filled with genuine relief. Beside her, Duke hummed in agreement, nodding at Sparrow while absentmindedly twirling Kisha''s hair, acting as if that was all he cared about. However, the Winters'' men knew better. Despite his indifferent facade, Duke was undoubtedly pleased to see Sparrow alive and well¡ªhe just refused to show it. What truly unsettled them, though, wasn''t Duke''s usual cold demeanor, but rather the fact that he, the notoriously aloof and ruthless Duke Winters, was allowing a woman to sit in his lap, casually playing with her hair, while letting her preside over the meeting. Those witnessing this for the first time were visibly taken aback, struggling to adjust to this unfamiliar side of him. Meanwhile, they also couldn''t help but exchange knowing glances, their eyes flickering between Vulture, Sparrow, Tristan, and Bald Eagle, filled with curiosity and a barely restrained urge to gossip. They were dying to know what had happened during the month Duke and the others had been away. After Sparrow finished recounting what had happened to him and the others while they were outside, Kisha took her turn, detailing the events that unfolded during the relentless siege of hundreds of thousands of zombies. Now, they finally understood the terrifying reason behind the unending waves¡ªwhenever they killed the zombies too quickly, even more would flood in from the surrounding cities and towns, ensuring that Kisha and her team never had a moment to rest. The realization sent a cold chill down the spines of Vulture and the others who had fought on the front lines. Just thinking about how close they had come to being overwhelmed made them shudder in fear. Worse yet, being completely cut off from outside communication during that time now seemed more than just a coincidence. As the pieces fell into place, a disturbing thought took root in their minds¡ªhad someone orchestrated all of this? Had they been deliberately targeted? The mere idea was absurd¡­ yet, deep down, none of them could shake the feeling that it might be true. Kisha had considered this possibility as well, knowing that it was tied to the mission given to her. However, she never expected that even external communication would be completely severed, effectively isolating them and preventing any chance of calling for reinforcements from other bases or shelters. This realization only solidified her belief that the Constellations were deliberately targeting her¡ªcontinuously raising the stakes and making each mission increasingly difficult to complete. It was a cruel game, one that dangled immense rewards before her like a carrot on a stick, all while pushing her into near-impossible situations. The more she thought about it, the clearer it became: this wasn''t just about survival. It was a test, a challenge designed to push her limits¡ªand she had no choice but to rise to it. Or perhaps, this was a calculated attempt to end her for good. This was her final chance¡ªif she died again, her existence would be completely erased. There would be no reincarnation, no second chances. Her soul would shatter into nothingness, vanishing into the void. The mere thought sent a chill down Kisha''s spine. She had already died 99 times, each death more brutal than the last. Chapter 673 - 673 Strategy "Now that we''ve pieced everything together and understand what happened, we can assume that the zombies are no longer retreating and will remain in place as usual, allowing us to resume normal operations." "Additionally, I want to inform everyone that City A''s hidden base and City B''s HOPE Base are now officially connected. This means that travel between the two cities is now safe and seamless, eliminating the need for long, dangerous journeys. That''s how we were able to arrive here so quickly," Kisha stated calmly, regaining her composure after shaking off her unsettling thoughts. "What do you mean, Sister?" Keith asked immediately, a bold guess already forming in his mind. His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he waited for her to explain. "Well, as you''ve all seen, I can now open a portal that directly connects both bases, allowing instant travel between them," Kisha explained. "That means all of you can also use the portal to visit HOPE Base, acclimate yourselves, and integrate with the way the survivors are living there." "You''ll get to see firsthand how we transformed the base while still keeping this hidden base as our headquarters¡ªa fallback location for safety. If we ever face threats from other factions or find ourselves in danger, this place will remain our secure retreat." "After all, we''ll soon be opening HOPE Base''s gates to outsiders, allowing it to serve as a supply point for other factions. When that happens, conflicts will be inevitable once greed takes over the other leaders," Kisha explained. "That''s why we need to keep our main operations here in the hidden base, along with our most critical projects¡ªlike the solar panel project and other developments that require absolute secrecy." "Once word gets out about the blueprints we have, other bases will undoubtedly try to seize them, sending spies to infiltrate HOPE Base and locate them. Eventually, they''ll attempt an attack once they uncover their whereabouts." "But if we conduct all major operations here, in the hidden base, no one will even suspect its existence. And since we don''t need to travel outside to access it, our security will remain intact." "Sister, why do you even need to open HOPE Base''s gates to outsiders as a supply point? Wouldn''t it be safer to remain hidden from the other factions and focus on building a better life for the survivors already living inside?" "That way, the people in HOPE Base wouldn''t have to live in fear, constantly worrying about potential threats and the dangers that might follow," Keith said, his brows furrowed in confusion. He truly couldn''t understand his sister''s reasoning¡ªespecially when she was well aware of the risks and complications that would come with such a decision. "Your sister is thinking far ahead¡ªjust like in business, where foresight is key," Duke suddenly said, resting his chin on Kisha''s shoulder. Then, he continued with a calm yet deliberate explanation. "Sure, we could keep our doors closed, only allowing in select survivors to join HOPE Base, helping it grow into a powerful stronghold. But even if we did that, word would still spread." "People would hear about how much better our base is¡ªhow we have an abundance of food, security, and comfort, while others struggle just to survive. The more we isolate ourselves, the more envy and resentment will build outside our walls." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke paused for a moment, intertwining his fingers with Kisha''s before casually playing with her hand. "But once survivors from other bases discover what a safe haven HOPE Base is, many will undoubtedly risk the dangers outside to reach us. This will lead to an overwhelming surge of people seeking refuge, far beyond what our base can sustain." "The sheer number of newcomers would quickly outgrow the available space and resources, creating internal conflicts and disrupting the peace we''ve worked so hard to maintain." "And it wouldn''t be long before our walls crumbled from within due to constant infighting. If even one person turned into a zombie, the situation inside the base would spiral out of control." "With overpopulation, there would be nowhere for people to escape, and the virus would spread like wildfire¡ªfast and unrelenting. In such cramped conditions, an infected person could bite anyone nearby, and by the time our warriors arrived to contain the outbreak, it would already be too late. We wouldn''t even have the chance to isolate them." Duke shrugged as he explained, already considering the worst-case scenario. And he was right. Once word spread about HOPE Base and how much better life was inside, desperate survivors would risk everything to reach it. The influx of people would bring inevitable challenges¡ªnot just with housing and organization but also with maintaining order. Supplies wouldn''t be an issue, as they had enough and would gain more manpower to sustain the base''s operations, but the rate of expansion would always lag behind the rapid surge of new arrivals. Dissatisfaction would inevitably grow among the people. However, by opening their gates to other bases and shelters, Duke and Kisha could expand their territory at their own pace while exchanging supplies for valuable information and crystal cores. This approach not only alleviated the burden of constantly expanding their territory¡ªa task that required immense firepower, manpower, and time¡ªbut also ensured that order within the base remained intact. By turning HOPE Base into a supply hub rather than a refuge for all, they could establish strategic alliances with other bases and shelters. Instead of desperate survivors risking their lives to reach HOPE Base, these settlements would take the initiative to send their strongest and most capable warriors to negotiate and trade. This structured approach would allow for better logistics, minimize unnecessary risks, and ensure that resources were distributed in a controlled manner. With this strategy, Kisha and Duke could focus on strengthening themselves while allowing the crystal cores to flow in naturally. Rather than spending valuable time hunting zombies to collect cores for their next level-up, they could allocate their efforts toward fortifying their forces. After all, if another base decided to attack, HOPE Base couldn''t afford to be a sitting duck. By increasing their troops'' strength, they would ensure that their base was well-protected and send a clear message¡ªHOPE Base wasn''t an easy target. Their decision to open the gates and share supplies wasn''t a sign of weakness but an act of calculated generosity. If anyone dared to take advantage of them, they would be ready to retaliate. This approach would also elevate HOPE Base''s reputation among the other factions, making it clear that they were a formidable force. Before any rival factions allowed their greed to take over, they would first have to consider whether they had the strength to defeat HOPE Base¡ªor if they would be the ones wiped out instead. By establishing this deterrent, Kisha and Duke could prevent constant sieges on their base. Of course, they still expected underhanded tactics from other factions, but with Kisha''s territory pack, she was confident that no one could conspire under her watch. And if managing everything became overwhelming, she had the ability to increase the number of administrators who could access the territory''s interface. Now, even Aston and Tristan, along with other department leaders, had access, ensuring they had a clear understanding of everything happening within the base to streamline their operations and maintain control. Chapter 674 - 674 Future Development With everything already in place, what was there to fear? Those who had been granted administrator access shared the same sentiment. There was nothing to worry about now that they could monitor all movements within the base through the territory''s interface. If anyone posed a threat or caused trouble, they could be immediately expelled¡ªand once removed, no matter what they did, they wouldn''t be able to re-enter the territory unless their expelled status was lifted. "Oh! Was it really that difficult?" Keith asked, scratching his head as he processed Duke''s explanation. "I thought it would be just like the games I''ve played before¡ªwhere all you need to do is build a safe place, provide shelter, and establish a functioning society. I never expected there to be so many complications at play." Kisha looked at him with a knowing smile. Kisha understood exactly what Keith was thinking¡ªafter all, she had once thought the same in her past lives. She had believed that simply creating a safe haven, protecting the people, and ensuring they had enough food to survive and grow stronger would be enough. But she had learned the hard way that survival required more than just security and resources. She had to navigate politics, plan far ahead, and outmaneuver those who would scheme against her. Greedy factions and traitors would stop at nothing to take what she had built. In this world, safety, food, and even hope were scarce commodities. Compared to other bases and shelters, her territory was a beacon of stability¡ªmaking it a prime target for those desperate enough to seize it by any means necessary. She had paid the price for this lesson with her own life¡ªmore than once. No matter how she played it¡ªwhether with kindness or with strength¡ªshe was always besieged by other survivors. When she took the compassionate approach, welcoming everyone without strict regulations, she became nothing more than a servant to the people¡ªa protector and provider at their beck and call. The base quickly became overcrowded, and every minor issue became her responsibility. Dissatisfaction grew, and the very people she had saved began to demand more, as if her sole purpose was to cater to their needs. But when she ruled with a firm hand, enforcing stricter policies to maintain order, rebellion followed. Other factions banded together, working tirelessly to bring down her territory, eager to seize her resources and recruit her strongest people. Awakened ability users who were captured had only two choices: submit to a new faction or be thrown to the zombies, left to die a gruesome death. Those with valuable abilities were treated like commodities¡ªselected, branded, and traded like livestock, their power stripped from them the moment they fell into the wrong hands. As Kisha spoke about the territory''s development, memories of her past lives flashed through her mind. She had already thought long and hard about what needed to be done to prevent those tragedies from repeating. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fortunately, she had learned a great deal from Duke in her previous life, and in this one, he was not only her mentor but also her husband and unwavering support. With him by her side, everything felt significantly easier compared to the struggles she had faced alone in her past lives. "It''s okay," Kisha said reassuringly. "This is exactly why we''re sharing all of this with you. You''re part of this family¡ªyou''ve worked alongside my husband for a long time, earning his trust, and some of you have been by my side since I was young. We want you to be aware of everything so you can stay vigilant and prepared. Most importantly, we need all of you to work with us to make this vision a reality." Her voice was calm and authoritative, exuding the confidence of a leader who had carefully considered every detail. It was clear she wasn''t just informing them¡ªshe was negotiating, laying out both the responsibilities and the rewards they would receive in the future. "No need to worry too much, Young Madam. We will do our best¡ªafter all, these two territories are our home too," Tristan said with a determined smile. As the secretary closely involved with the territory''s operations, he understood that he needed to pay careful attention to every detail. Hearing Kisha and Duke''s words, he fully grasped the weight of the responsibility placed on his shoulders and the trust they had in him. It was both an honor and a heavy burden, but above all, it was fulfilling. He was determined not to let them down. "Now that we''ve finished discussing the future development of the base and our direction moving forward, I also want to inform you all that the Winters can now travel freely to HOPE Base to train alongside the warriors." "This will not only enhance their combat abilities but also accelerate everyone''s overall progress. The noticeable improvements in skill levels will naturally foster a sense of healthy competition, motivating everyone to push themselves further." "This kind of rivalry will strengthen our forces and better prepare us for any future threats¡ªjust like the previous battle we fought against the zombie wave the other day." Kisha said, resting her chin on her intertwined fingers, her elbows propped on the table. "Speaking of strength¡­ Sister, what level are you at now?" Keith asked excitedly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. Kisha looked at her brother, a radiant smile blooming on her lips. "I''m currently at Level 3, and so is my husband. Vulture and Sparrow are at Level 2, while the rest of the Winters'' men with us are at Level 1." Hearing Kisha refer to him as "my husband" so naturally, Duke''s mood soared to the clouds. His lips kept twitching as he struggled to maintain a neutral expression, not wanting to let his subordinates see just how overjoyed he was. But his facade had long since crumbled¡ªthe moment they stepped foot in the hidden base, everyone could already see the sparkle in his eyes and the unmistakable doting in his gaze. His attempts at restraint were futile. Those who were used to his lovestruck demeanor pretended not to notice, though some discreetly snapped candid photos. Meanwhile, the newer members, still unaccustomed to this side of Duke, found themselves unable to hide their surprise at his transformation. After hearing Kisha''s words, the men in the hidden base felt as if a massive boulder had just crashed down on their heads, leaving them momentarily dizzy. They had been training relentlessly, focusing on strengthening their foundations, yet they were all still stuck at Level 0. They had already thought leveling up was difficult, but now, realizing that some of their comrades had already reached Level 1¡ªand that their Master and Young Madam were already at Level 3¡ªmade them feel the stark difference. A wave of embarrassment washed over them as they suddenly felt small in comparison. However, what they didn''t realize was that Kisha''s rapid progress wasn''t just due to sheer effort alone. The hidden advantage lay in her "Commander of Heaven" achievement, which significantly boosted her warriors'' affinity, growth, and experience gain. It even increased the probability of them acquiring a ''Talent'' or ''Gift,'' accelerating their leveling speed beyond that of normal people. Chapter 675 - 675 Marriage Talk Even Keith couldn''t help but feel a twinge of jealousy, knowing how strong they had become. However, when he looked back on his own progress, he realized that he wasn''t falling behind either. His mastery over his Mental-Type awakened ability had improved significantly¡ªwhat once took immense effort just to conjure a simple 3D image of a rabbit had now evolved into the ability to create a realistic illusion of a hundred armed men. That was already a tremendous leap forward. With this in mind, Keith reassured himself, pushing aside his envy and focusing on his own growth. Noticing their expressions, Kisha calmly took out hundreds of bottles of Scarlet Bee''s honey, filling the table with them. "These will aid in your training, accelerating your growth and making it easier to level up," she explained. "However, don''t become overly reliant on the honey. If you do, you''ll only gain levels without true strength, turning into nothing more than a paper tiger." Her gaze then shifted to Keith, silently instructing him to assist with their training. Since he had already been using the honey himself, he understood its effects firsthand. She had also tasked him before with explaining the importance of gathering crystal cores from zombies and their various uses. Now, all that remained was to give them a final push¡ªthey were already on the verge of leveling up. This way, both territories would be well protected, and her people could grow stronger together. The Winters'' men were overjoyed. Ever since Kisha had first given them orders¡ªexplaining the blood rain and other crucial information¡ªthey had come to trust her words implicitly. They believed in her judgment, knowing she saw farther and understood more than they did. Whatever she said became law in their eyes. Without even realizing it, they had already begun following her unconditionally, slowly but surely becoming her loyal subordinates from the very start. "Alright, now that we''re done, the meeting is adjourned. We''ll take a look around the hidden base while you all catch up with each other before dinner," Duke announced as he rose to his feet. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm securely around Kisha''s waist, pulling her close. He had been patient long enough. The past few days had been a whirlwind of responsibilities, leaving them with little time together. Even their brief escape to the beach inside Kisha''s territory space¡ªthough a rare moment of peace¡ªhadn''t been nearly enough. It didn''t count as a honeymoon. Not even close. And Duke intended to change that. ''Wait, now that I think about it¡­ we''re back in City A, and I promised my wife a wedding once we reached the hidden base. That means I need to start the preparations!'' Duke''s thoughts raced as a surge of excitement churned in his stomach. His eyes gleamed with anticipation, and a slow smile spread across his lips as he gazed down at the woman in his arms. Feeling his grip on her waist tighten, Kisha instinctively looked up¡ªonly to be met with Duke''s foolish, lovestruck grin. A sense of unease crept over her. She knew that look all too well. Every time Duke smiled at her like that, he was planning something¡­ and it was always something involving her. "Sister, come on! Let''s go see Grandma and Grandpa¡ªthey''ve missed you so much!" Keith exclaimed, jumping in front of Kisha with excitement. Gone was the mature, composed young man that everyone in the base knew. In front of his sister, he was back to acting like the child he rarely let himself be, his usual restraint crumbling the moment she returned. It was a clear sign of how much he missed her¡ªhow much he trusted her. Kisha was his safe place, the one person who made him feel at ease enough to let down his guard and simply be himself. "Mm! I was planning to visit them too¡ªlet''s go together," Kisha said with a warm smile as she ruffled her brother''s hair. Duke watched the interaction with a raised eyebrow, his expression unreadable. No one knew what was going through his mind, but the moment Kisha lowered her hand, Duke suddenly followed suit. With his much larger hand, he tousled Keith''s hair even more, turning it into a complete mess¡ªlike a bird''s nest. "Ah! My head! If you keep rubbing my scalp like that, I''m going to go bald!" Keith protested, ducking away from Duke''s heavy hand, which easily covered his head like a basketball. Only when Keith''s hair was a complete mess did Duke finally stop, grinning in satisfaction before casually walking away with Kisha in his arms. Keith huffed in exasperation. It was bad enough that his beloved sister was calling this wild man her husband, but now that same man was blatantly bullying him right in front of her! Pouting, he shot Kisha an accusatory look as if to say, ''Look at this wild man you brought home! He''s tormenting me!'' But Kisha only chuckled, amused by their playful exchange. She had never seen Keith and Duke interact like this in her past life. Back then, they had been as cold as ice, like water and oil¡ªcompletely unable to get along but still stood side by side like brothers. But now, watching them bicker playfully, Kisha felt a warmth spread through her chest. As they walked down the corridor, the two brothers-in-law continued their banter¡ªthough, in reality, it was more like Keith barking at Duke while Duke pretended not to hear. Every now and then, Duke would shoot Keith a teasing glance, deliberately using Kisha to fuel Keith''s jealousy and his overprotective "siscon" tendencies. Just like that, Kisha, Duke, and Keith arrived at the room where their grandparents were. To their surprise, Duke''s parents and grandfather were also inside, huddled together in hushed conversation. The moment the door opened, Duke''s mother was the most startled¡ªshe jumped from her seat, whipping her head toward the entrance with wide eyes. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Oh! You''re back already? Has it been that long? I didn''t even realize how fast time flew!" Mrs. Winters exclaimed, glancing at the elderly couple. They had been sharing Kisha and Duke''s love story with them, which filled the older couple with both joy and excitement. Although Kisha frequently checked in on them, she had never spoken much about her experiences outside, leaving them unaware of what she had gone through. It was only after Mrs. Winters invited them in for a proper conversation¡ªespecially now that Duke and Kisha had officially announced their marriage¡ªthat they initially intended to discuss their union. However, the conversation quickly shifted as the elderly couple, eager and curious, bombarded them with questions about their experiences beyond the base. Mr. and Mrs. Winters had proactively sought out the elderly Alden couple to discuss the union of their families through marriage. Even though Kisha and Duke couldn''t go through the traditional process of registering their marriage, the Winters still intended to hold a proper wedding to show how much they valued and respected Kisha and her family. Despite the world being in chaos, they believed that Kisha still deserved a celebration worthy of her. They wanted to hear the Aldens'' thoughts and work together to plan a grand wedding¡ªkeeping it a secret from Kisha and Duke until they had everything finalized. Fortunately, the Aldens had no objections or dissatisfaction about being the last to hear about the preparations. Chapter 676 - 676 The Schemer Duke What the Winters didn''t know, however, was that Kisha had already given Keith and the Aldens a heads-up beforehand. But hearing about it was one thing¡ªseeing it unfold before their own eyes was an entirely different experience. "Why don''t you both sit down first and discuss your future plans as a couple?" Mrs. Winters suggested, gently urging Kisha and Duke into the room. The room was modest, furnished with twin beds, a small sofa, and a coffee table where the old Patriarch sat, sipping tea. The old couple, along with Mr. and Mrs. Winters, were seated on the bed, exchanging glances as they observed the pair. Duke, taking in the scene, first escorted Kisha to the sofa, ensuring she was comfortable as he poured her a cup of tea and offered her some snacks. Only after tending to her did he approach the old couple, giving them a gentle hug. His movements were so natural and fluid that it caught everyone off guard¡ªno one had ever expected to see this side of Duke. But Duke didn''t give them a chance to respond before speaking. "It''s good to see you again, Grandpa, Grandma. It''s been a while, and we brought plenty of gifts for you." He spoke as if he had known Kisha''s grandparents for years, effortlessly playing the role of a devoted grandson-in-law. His warm, considerate demeanor was a stark contrast to his usual self, and he even went as far as bringing them gifts. The Patriarch, who had been quietly sipping his tea, nearly choked upon hearing his grandson''s unexpectedly affectionate words. It was hard to believe that the same man¡ªwho had always been cold and indifferent¡ªwas now so thoughtful and expressive toward someone else''s grandparents. Somehow, the old Patriarch couldn''t help but feel wronged. "I never knew my beloved grandson would favor the new and forget the old. He''s never treated me with such affection before¡ªlet alone been this gentle with me." He stared at Duke in disbelief, completely dumbfounded. Even Duke''s parents were caught off guard. His thoughtful gesture made their own visit seem lacking in comparison. Realizing they had come to meet the Aldens without bringing anything, a hint of embarrassment crept in¡ªthey hadn''t even thought to bring a gift. Bringing gifts when visiting in-laws was a matter of respect¡ªespecially when discussing marriage. Realizing they had overlooked this important gesture, they couldn''t help but feel they hadn''t done enough. Yet, Duke had effortlessly filled the gap, making up for their oversight. It wasn''t that they had simply forgotten¡ªit was just that the world they once knew had crumbled, turning laws and customs into mere remnants of the past. Yet, despite the chaos, they still had the means and resources to uphold these traditions. It was only in their flustered state that this small yet significant detail had slipped their minds. Seeing Duke step in so effortlessly, Mrs. Winters felt both grateful to her son and a little embarrassed as the family''s little matriarch. "No need for gifts. What truly matters is that you and our little girl have returned safe and sound," Grandma Aldens said with a warm smile, reaching out to gently clasp Duke''s hand. Her eyes shone with gratitude as she took in the young man before her. She had witnessed firsthand how Duke prioritized Kisha''s well-being, tending to her with unwavering care before concerning himself with anything else. He was thoughtful, respectful, and dependable¡ªqualities she deeply valued. In that moment, a sense of peace settled over her, reassuring her that her precious granddaughter was in the right hands. Grandpa Aldens opened his mouth to speak, but his expression had already soured. Just moments ago, he had been enjoying a pleasant conversation with the Winters and even the old Patriarch. But the moment his eyes landed on Duke¡ªthat stinking brat¡ªhis mood took a sharp downturn. He still couldn''t get over the fact that this rascal had stolen his precious granddaughter so easily. It had barely been a month or so since they met, yet they were already calling each other husband and wife. Everything had happened so fast, and to make matters worse, he and Grandma Aldens were the last to know about it. The more he thought about it, the more reluctant he felt. Back in his day, even arranged marriages took longer to solidify than whatever whirlwind romance these two had. The sheer speed of it all left him feeling bitter, sulking in quiet protest as he struggled to accept reality. ''I nurtured and protected my precious flower, only for some stinking brat to come along and steal her away! I even kept her in a greenhouse, giving her the best environment so she''d have plenty of choices¡ªbut no, this brat swooped in and took her just like that. Hmph! Just you wait. He probably planned this all along, taking my little girl away just to coax her into becoming his wife. What a schemer!'' Grandpa Aldens grumbled inwardly, his frustration bubbling up. He wanted to say it out loud, but he held himself back. He couldn''t risk embarrassing the Winters, especially when they had come with good intentions, showing their willingness to follow his lead and make amends in every possible way. But he couldn''t completely hide his dissatisfaction, and even Duke noticed it. Smiling, Duke reached into his Space Ring and pulled out a fine bottle of wine and a selection of high-quality tobacco, presenting them to Grandpa Aldens. "Grandpa, my wife told me you have a taste for good wine and tobacco. Fortunately, we happened to have a few foreign brands on hand. Why don''t you give them a try?" Duke handed over the gift boxes, subtly watching as the old man''s sulking expression shifted. The moment Grandpa Aldens laid eyes on the gifts, his frown disappeared, replaced by a wide grin. His previous resentment toward Duke evaporated as he eagerly examined the offerings. Nodding and laughing like a delighted child who had just received a long-awaited present, Grandpa Aldens was in high spirits¡ªuntil, suddenly, a firm slap landed on his back. "Be grateful that this is a gift from your grandson-in-law," Grandma Aldens scolded, her usual gentle demeanor vanishing in an instant. "But don''t you dare drink that wine like it''s water or light those cigars as if they''re nothing! If you do, you''ll see exactly how I deal with you." Her sharp tone made Grandpa Aldens flinch. Though she was usually kind and patient, she couldn''t stand by and watch him indulge recklessly. She knew all too well that once he started, he wouldn''t stop until he had emptied an entire bottle or finished a whole box of cigars¡ªhabits that were anything but good for his health. Seeing this, Duke''s smile didn''t falter¡ªin fact, his eyes crinkled with amusement. He knew that his grandfather-in-law held some prejudice against him, so he had deliberately chosen to bribe him with gifts, hoping to soften his stance. At the same time, with Grandma Aldens keeping a firm grip on the old man, Duke was confident she would handle him for him, sparing Duke from any further effort. His smiling eyes curved like a sly fox, and in that moment, the Winters couple and the old Patriarch finally realized¡ªDuke had just successfully schemed against Grandpa Aldens in front of everyone. A strange sense of pity welled up for the old man, who had unknowingly walked right into Duke''s trap. Kisha, catching on to Duke''s mischief, shot him a glare. In response, Duke pursed his lips and shrugged innocently, feigning helplessness, as if he were the victim instead of the mastermind. Kisha shook her head in exasperation. She had told Duke all about her family¡ªtheir likes, dislikes, and little quirks¡ªbecause he had insisted on getting closer to them. He had claimed he wanted to curry favor with them, and during their vacation in her territory space, they had spent time discussing it in detail. Knowing Duke, she hadn''t been surprised when he carefully prepared thoughtful gifts for her grandparents and little brother. But to think that this mischievous man had been scheming all along? Kisha felt an overwhelming urge to smack him on the back¡ªjust like her grandmother had done to her grandfather moments ago. Duke had long anticipated that Grandpa Aldens would be dissatisfied with him. After all, he and Kisha had met as strangers while escaping for their lives from the heart of City A, and within just a few weeks, they had become husband and wife. To the old couple, it must have felt as if Duke had stolen Kisha away without so much as a word or warning. Knowing this, Duke fully expected Grandpa Aldens to give him a hard time once they returned. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To counter this, he had already prepared his strategy¡ªbribing the old man with gifts while letting Kisha''s Grandma handle him to smooth things over. And just as planned, Grandpa Aldens had fallen right into his trap, none the wiser. That is, unless Kisha or his parents decided to spill the truth. Seeing Kisha glare at him without saying a word, Duke knew she wouldn''t expose his scheme. Not only would it anger Grandpa Aldens, but it would also dampen the old man''s happiness after receiving the gifts. Meanwhile, after the slap on his back, Grandpa Aldens only pouted briefly before returning to his cheerful self. His eyes kept darting toward the gifts on the floor, his fingers already itching to open the boxes. After all, it had been a while since he''d had a sip of fine wine or the pleasure of lighting a good cigar. Chapter 677 - 677 Two Families Getting Along After presenting his gifts to Grandpa Aldens, Duke turned his attention to Grandma Aldens, taking out an array of carefully chosen presents¡ªexquisite jade bracelets, elegant clothing, high-quality health supplements, and luxurious beauty products. The number of boxes far exceeded what he had given Grandpa Aldens, and for good reason¡ªhe knew that if Grandma Aldens was happy, the entire family would be at ease. It wasn''t just Grandpa Aldens who was dissatisfied with him; his brother-in-law, Keith, shared the sentiment. As a devoted siscon, Keith wasn''t ready to accept that Duke had so easily taken his sister away. To maintain harmony within the family, the true head of the household had to be pleased¡ªand in the Aldens family, that role undeniably belonged to Grandma Aldens. Duke understood this well, which was why he knew exactly who to win over. "Oh my! This is too much! You shouldn''t have brought so many gifts!" Grandma Aldens exclaimed, waving her hands to refuse them. "You already gave us plenty earlier¡ªthere''s no need for personal gifts." She was genuinely overwhelmed. Now that the world had changed so drastically, resources like these meant everything¡ªthey could be the difference between life and death for many. The fact that Duke was willing to offer so much was a clear sign of how deeply he and his family valued Kisha. More than that, it also meant that these gifts weren''t just gestures of goodwill; they were meant to be the Aldens'' personal supplies, ensuring their comfort and survival. Grandma Aldens understood all too well how difficult it was to gather supplies in the outside world. Her grandson, Keith, often ventured out with Ethan and the others to scavenge and assess the situation beyond their territory. Every time they returned, their haul was minimal, and they were often battered and bruised from the dangers they faced. They were fortunate to have a farmland and a small livestock within their territory, which sustained them even when supply runs were scarce. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even so, the struggle was real. If not for the food stocks carefully managed by Mr. Evans and his eldest son, Eric, their situation would have been far more dire. What Grandma Aldens didn''t realize was that a steady supply of resources had actually been allocated to City A''s hidden base from Kisha''s territory. These provisions were discreetly stored in their warehouse, ensuring that no matter how difficult things became, they would never truly face starvation. Kisha had been careful to make the arrangement as inconspicuous as possible. Even though Mr. Evans and Eric were responsible for managing the supplies, they hadn''t noticed the subtle influx¡ªor perhaps they had, but without any clear explanation for how it was happening, they eventually chose to stop questioning it and simply continued overseeing the distribution as usual. "Grandma, did you know? While my wife and I were building City B''s base, we managed to gather enough supplies to sustain over ten thousand people for an entire year or more," Duke said, his tone calm and reassuring. "And that''s not all¡ªwe''ve expanded our land, increased our farmland, and raised more livestock. So, what''s a little bit of supplies compared to that? There will be plenty more in the future. After all, we have the manpower to rebuild entire industries when the time comes." Duke spoke with confidence, fully aware of what was weighing on Grandma Aldens'' mind. Reassuring her was no trouble at all¡ªhe knew exactly what she needed to hear. Grandma Aldens glanced at Mrs. Winters, seeking confirmation of Duke''s claim. Seeing her questioning look, Mrs. Winters smiled and nodded reassuringly. "My son isn''t lying," she affirmed. "We have more than enough to spare, and it wouldn''t do us any good to dwell too much on the distant future. These supplies won''t last forever, so it''s not practical to hoard them indefinitely." "Instead, we need to put them to good use now. So please, don''t feel burdened. What matters is looking ahead. After all, my son is more than capable, and my daughter-in-law is just as remarkable. With them leading the bases, I have no doubt that we''ll never be lacking in the future." Hearing the Winters'' mother and son reassure her grandmother, Kisha raised an eyebrow. Duke wasn''t wrong¡ªshe truly did have plans to rebuild various industries in the future, especially food preservation. That was precisely why she had prioritized setting up a workshop for Artisan-type awakened ability users. Perhaps Duke had seen through her intentions and was now using that knowledge to ease Grandma Aldens'' worries. Kisha remained silent, observing the exchange, only speaking when her grandmother turned to her for confirmation. Meeting her gaze, Kisha finally responded, "Grandma, they''re telling the truth. Don''t worry and just accept it. And don''t be too frugal either¡ªyou need to eat well and live well." "Alright then, I will gladly accept the gift." Grandma Aldens smiled warmly, but deep inside, she was already making plans. ''Our family should also prepare a return gift. I''ll have to discuss this with the old man and Keith later¡ªafter all, our families will soon be connected through marriage.'' "Alright, Grandma, Grandpa, why don''t we head to the cafeteria and eat first?" Keith, who had practically blended into the background, suddenly spoke. He had been standing by the closed door, unmoving, and only now did everyone seem to notice him. For some reason, he felt aggrieved at being ignored. With a pitiful expression, he turned to his sister, silently pleading¡ªbecause if there was one person who loved and doted on him the most, it was her. Sure enough, Kisha only noticed Keith''s presence when he spoke. She immediately stood up from the sofa and walked over to him, ruffling his hair with a fond smile. "Are you hungry? We brought some pickled vegetables made by artisans from City B''s HOPE Base. Do you want to try them?" she asked dotingly. Seeing this, Duke''s face instantly darkened. He was so used to being the one Kisha showered with affection that watching her be this gentle with someone else stung his eyes. His possessiveness flared, simmering beneath the surface, but there was nothing he could do¡ªexcept helplessly sulk in silence. Unable to hold back, Duke moved beside Kisha and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Wifey, let''s go ahead and eat first. Let Grandma and Grandpa have a taste, too. Didn''t we bring fresh seafood? Let''s have the cafeteria cook it up and turn this into a feast," he suggested with a grin. At his words, Keith, Grandma Aldens, and Grandpa Aldens all perked up. Lately, their meals had consisted mostly of canned goods, vegetables from their farmland, and a small portion of meat¡ªbut even then, they carefully rationed it, always mindful of the future. The people working in the cafeteria were strict in monitoring supply consumption, ensuring nothing was wasted. However, to the newly arrived survivors, the meals in the hidden base were already seemed extravagant. After all, they had rice with every meal, along with vegetables and even meat¡ªa luxury many couldn''t afford in these desperate times. To outsiders, it appeared as though they were living comfortably, with no need for restraint. Yet, compared to how Duke and the others dined in City B, this was, in truth, a frugal way of living. There, food was abundant, and meals were far more generous, making the Aldens'' careful rationing seem modest in comparison. Chapter 678 - 678 What Is Your Dream Wedding? However, with Duke''s reassurance, the Aldens finally felt like they could indulge for once, allowing themselves to enjoy a hearty meal without reservation. Caught up in their excitement over the feast, the Aldens didn''t even stop to question where the fresh seafood had come from¡ªafter all, no one was fishing or delivering fresh catches anymore. Their minds were entirely focused on the thought of a good meal. Eagerly, they stood up, and seeing this, the Winters happily followed suit. As they all made their way out of the room, Mrs. Winters effortlessly linked arms with Grandma Aldens, as if they were longtime friends rather than in-laws meeting under unusual circumstances. Meanwhile, Mr. Winters and the old Patriarch fell into step with Grandpa Aldens, deep in conversation about wines, tobacco, and shared hobbies. At the back of the group, Kisha, Duke, and Keith walked together, observing how effortlessly their families blended. As laughter and conversation filled the air, Kisha and Duke shared a glance, their smiles reflecting a deep sense of gratitude and warmth. Seeing their loved ones getting along so naturally, they couldn''t help but feel a sense of fulfillment, knowing that their union had brought their families closer together. As they walked, Mr. and Mrs. Winters, Grandma and Grandpa Aldens, and the Patriarch suddenly realized that Duke had skillfully evaded their earlier question about his and Kisha''s future plans as a married couple. Once again, he had outmaneuvered them. And they were right¡ªDuke had no intention of revealing his plans just yet. He was secretly preparing for their wedding, ensuring every detail was perfect before sharing anything with Kisha. From the wedding gown to the venue, he wanted to bring to life the vision he had for their special day. He planned to discuss everything with his parents and the Aldens elders later¡ªwhen Kisha wasn''t around. Duke didn''t want her to stress over the preparations or overthink the details. Besides, he wasn''t sure if everything he envisioned could be achieved, so he needed the elders'' advice. More than anything, he wanted it to be a surprise¡ªsomething perfect, something unforgettable, something that would make Kisha truly happy. Since he wasn''t entirely sure if he could bring his vision to life, Duke chose not to tell Kisha just yet. He didn''t want to raise her expectations only for reality to fall short. Besides, during their beach vacation, he had already subtly asked her about her dream wedding. At the time, Kisha took a while to think. Duke initially thought it was because she had a long list of preferences¡ªafter all, weddings were often considered one of the most significant events in a woman''s life, and every bride had her own unique dream for the occasion. However, to his surprise, Kisha wasn''t struggling to list out her dream wedding¡ªshe was struggling to recall if she had ever even imagined one at all. Maybe she did, a long time ago¡ªback when she was just a normal office worker, dreaming of a peaceful and happy life with her family before the apocalypse began. But after everything¡ªthe relentless struggle for survival, the countless deaths she had endured¡ªso many things had slipped from her memory, including the thought of marriage. A dream wedding? It hadn''t even crossed her mind once since the world changed. And now, when she tried to picture it, she realized she couldn''t come up with anything at all. She looked so puzzled and conflicted, lost in thought. Duke waited patiently, giving her time to answer, but Kisha never did. Seeing this, he simply smiled and reassured her, "Don''t worry, wifey. Even if you don''t have a dream wedding in mind, you still deserve the best of everything. I''ll create one for you¡ªthat''s a promise. I''ll give you a grand and unforgettable wedding in the future, okay?" Kisha, not giving much thought to the wedding talk, simply nodded at Duke with a sweet smile. To her, the thought alone was enough¡ªjust knowing that Duke cared about her feelings and wanted to give her the best of everything was already more than she could ask for. It made her happy. After all, with the world as it was now, where would a wedding gown even come from? What about the wedding ring? Where would they find a venue? And with the constant threat of zombie attacks or other forces disrupting their peace, how would they ever find the time to plan a wedding? S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To Kisha, the wedding talk was just another passing conversation¡ªnothing more than a casual topic. But for Duke, he was completely serious about it. The wedding dress? It could be made from scratch. Right now, he was simply waiting for the seamstresses to finish sewing the uniforms that he and Kisha had planned to distribute to the warriors, leaders, and the Winters'' men. Those uniforms held significant meaning, so they couldn''t be set aside. Besides, he still didn''t have a clear vision of what kind of wedding dress would suit his wife. That was why he needed Mrs. Winters'' input¡ªher ideas would help him bring it to life. As for the wedding ring, Duke''s grandfather had offered to let them use his and his late wife''s rings, as it was her wish before she passed away. However, if Kisha didn''t like the idea of using the Patriarch''s wedding rings, they could always have a custom set made. With the artisans in their workshop, creating a unique wedding ring wouldn''t be an issue. They had skilled jewelers and blacksmiths who could collaborate to craft something special. Not to mention, they had plenty of people willing to help with the wedding preparations¡ªfrom designing the venue to catering and everything in between. Duke knew that if they asked, everyone would gladly contribute. Still, he wasn''t shameless enough to expect them to work for free. He fully intended to compensate them well for their efforts. But Kisha had never considered this. Her mind was always occupied with battles and future strategies, leaving little room for personal matters. She had conveniently forgotten that they had skilled artisans who could craft whatever she needed, seamstresses who could create beautiful attire, and even cafeteria staff and countless others in City B who would be more than willing to help if only they asked. Duke, however, had realized this. He knew that Kisha never thought to use the manpower of both bases for her own benefit¡ªbut that didn''t mean he wouldn''t. So, he simply let her be, quietly making his own plans. After a short while, the two families arrived at the large cafeteria, where a long line of people had already formed at the counter, waiting for their meals. With more of the Winters'' men arriving from different locations and coming to the hidden base, the cafeteria now had additional staff helping out. It was no longer just Eliot Evans and Melody handling everything¡ªseveral others were now assisting with food distribution, while Eliot and his team worked in the kitchen, and Melody busied herself washing and cutting ingredients. Melody was in an unusually good mood the moment she saw Duke return. Lovestruck more than ever, she couldn''t help but think he looked even more handsome than she remembered¡ªhis physique even more sculpted and enticing. Chapter 679 - 679 The Father And Son [EXTRA] She wasn''t sure if it was because she had longed for him all this time or simply because she hadn''t seen him in a while, but the sight of him left her giddy with excitement. This surge of emotion gave her newfound energy, making her work more efficiently in the kitchen. Unlike before, she was determined to showcase her skills as a "wife material" candidate, hoping Duke would notice¡ªand, perhaps, even compare her to Kisha, that so-called "witch." Melody refused to believe that Duke and Kisha were truly together. After all, it had only been a little over a month since they met¡ªhow could their relationship have developed so quickly? It was impossible. She, who had been by Duke''s side as his fianc¨¦e for years, had never been able to get close to him, even after decades had passed, they were supposed to be childhood sweethearts. The idea that Kisha had succeeded in such a short time was completely unreasonable. She couldn''t accept it. Knowing that Duke was there, Melody was determined to show off. She worked tirelessly in the kitchen, hoping that others would praise her efforts in front of him. Maybe, just maybe, if Duke saw her working so hard, he would finally notice her in a different light. After all, she had always been a pampered young lady who had never experienced hardship, but now she was willingly toiling away in the kitchen. Surely, Duke wouldn''t ignore that. He would see how much she had matured¡ªhow much she had changed for him. The kitchen and dining area were separated only by an open wall, allowing visibility between both spaces. However, the large industrial exhaust fans positioned over the stoves effectively prevented smoke from drifting into the dining area. Meanwhile, the air conditioning kept the room comfortably cool. This setup not only maintained a pleasant atmosphere but also allowed the enticing aroma of freshly cooked food to waft into the dining area, stimulating appetites and making every meal more enjoyable. As Kisha and the others arrived at the cafeteria, Eliot was in the middle of cooking, his movements swift and practiced. He tossed chunks of meat into the sizzling wok, then poured in a splash of white wine, causing flames to briefly engulf the ingredients. With effortless skill, he flipped the meat into the air, continuously tossing and turning the wok while reaching for additional ingredients. Once everything was added, he grabbed a spatula and stirred the contents vigorously, ensuring the flavors blended perfectly. The rich aroma of sizzling meat and vegetables filled the cafeteria, making everyone''s mouth water. After seasoning the dish to perfection, Eliot plated the beef and broccoli into stainless steel containers and placed them on the counter, ready to be served. There was already an impressive spread of a dozen different dishes available, yet Eliot remained focused, cooking in large batches to meet the growing demand. With so many people to feed, he had to keep going, ensuring everyone had a satisfying meal. Eliot was already sweating from the heat and the constant movement, but he remained composed, his focus unwavering. Kisha glanced at him briefly before turning her head away as they made their way to their seats. The atmosphere in the cafeteria was subtly charged¡ªmany people were stealing glances at her and their two families, but no one said a word. Duke led them to a long table where they could all sit together. As soon as they settled in, he gently guided Kisha into her seat. "Wife, just stay here. I''ll get your food for you and also help Grandma and Grandpa with theirs," Duke said, ensuring Kisha was comfortable before standing up to leave. Just then, Mr. Winters spoke up. "Get ours too," he ordered his son. Duke, however, simply glanced at his father with a teasing grin. "Dad, you''d better take care of yourself and Mom¡ªotherwise, she might start thinking you''re too old to perform well," Duke smirked provocatively. Mr. Winters choked on his own saliva, caught completely off guard. He opened his mouth to retort but found himself at a loss for words, especially with his wife now giggling beside him. He had only asked his son to grab food for them since Duke was already offering to help his in-laws¡ªwasn''t it only fair for him to serve his own parents too? And now, instead of a simple yes, his son was talking nonsense in front of his own mother? Who said he couldn''t perform well? Exasperated but unable to argue back, Mr. Winters huffed, pushed his chair back, and strode toward the counter in irritation, his dignity slightly wounded. The Patriarch, openly laughing, shook his head. "Brat, don''t even try that trick on me. I couldn''t care less if you say I can no longer perform¡ªmy wife is already resting in peace, and I''ve been nothing but devoted. So just get me my food and scram." He shot Duke a pointed look, making it clear he wouldn''t tolerate any of his antics. Duke, caught in the act, smirked but wisely kept his mouth shut. Kisha giggled at the exchange, amused by how playful Duke had become. Seeing this, Keith stepped forward to offer some help. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I''ll help you carry the food back," Keith offered. "Not yet," Duke replied. "I''ll ask the chef to prepare a seafood feast first, and we''ll have them plate some pickles so we have something to munch on while we wait." Keith nodded in agreement. With Mr. Winters storming off in frustration, they had nearly forgotten that Duke was supposed to request the seafood to be cooked. When Duke stood up, his father had assumed he was just grabbing food from the counter¡ªnow, ironically, Mr. Winters was the only one who had actually brought anything back. When Duke approached the counter, the man handing out food immediately greeted him. "Master! What do you want to eat? I''ll help you carry it back to your table," he offered eagerly. Duke, however, remained expressionless. "I need the chef to prepare a seafood feast," he said flatly. The man stiffened slightly under Duke''s gaze, feeling a bit nervous. "Master, we''ll send someone to the warehouse to check if we have frozen seafood. Just let us know how you''d like it prepared." "No need, I have some fresh seafood with me," Duke said casually. The man at the counter instinctively glanced behind Duke, then at his hands, scanning for any sign of the seafood he mentioned. But there was nothing¡ªno container, no plastic bag, nothing at all. The people in line who overheard him also started looking around, confused by his words. Just then, Eliot emerged from the kitchen, having just finished cooking another dish. He pulled off his chef''s hat, his face glistening with sweat from the heat of the kitchen. Behind him, Melody trailed closely, acting coy and pretending to be concerned for her brother. "Brother Eliot, just rest for a moment before you continue. Let me help out more in the kitchen and give you a breather," Melody said, her voice gentle and considerate. Although her words were directed at Eliot, her eyes never left Duke. She made sure he heard everything, hoping he would notice how kind and hardworking she was. She wanted him to see that, despite everything¡ªthe hardships, the dangers¡ªshe hadn''t changed. She still possessed the same innocence and purity, something she believed should be cherished. After all, she knew that men admired women who remained untouched by the harshness of the world. Chapter 680 - 680 The Drama Ensued [EXTRA] But Duke didn''t spare Melody a single glance. Instead, he looked directly at Eliot and said, "Can you prepare a seafood platter for me and my family?" "It wouldn''t be a problem to cook, but the issue is whether we still have any frozen seafood in stock," Eliot said, looking directly at Duke. His gaze flickered briefly toward Kisha''s table, but he hesitated. A part of him wanted to approach her, yet he knew it would be odd to suddenly act familiar when, to her, they were still strangers. Even though his mother had told him about their blood relation, Kisha remained unaware, and only their family knew the truth. If he suddenly approached her now, it might look suspicious or even be misinterpreted by others. Thinking about this, Eliot pressed his lips together in thought. Just then, Duke''s voice pulled him back. "No need to check the warehouse..." Duke said calmly. With a simple wave of his hand, boxes upon boxes of fresh seafood appeared out of nowhere. The ingredients glistened under the light, looking incredibly fresh and plump¡ªfar larger than any seafood they had ever seen in the market or had served on their tables before. Lobsters, octopus, scallops, clams, grouper¡ªevery kind of premium seafood lay before them in abundance. Even Eliot''s eyes flashed with amazement. He could tell at a glance that these were top-quality ingredients, far superior to anything they had in storage. But as the initial excitement passed, a question surfaced in his mind¡ªWhere did all of this come from? His gaze shifted to Duke, who remained entirely unbothered, as if conjuring luxury ingredients out of thin air was an everyday occurrence. Before Eliot could voice his thoughts, Duke simply gave him a few words of instruction and moved on. "Please cook all this seafood. You can decide on the dishes¡ªas long as they''re delicious, my family will love them," Duke said, deliberately emphasizing the word ''family''. As people followed his gaze toward the table where his parents and grandfather sat¡ªright beside Kisha and her family¡ªit became crystal clear what he was implying. Duke wasn''t just making a casual statement; he was sending a message to everyone in the cafeteria. He and Kisha were indeed married, and their families had already discussed and agreed on their union. That meant any lingering thoughts, hopes, or schemes involving him were pointless. The weight of his words fell heavily on Melody. The room seemed to hold its breath as all eyes subtly shifted to her. Her face turned pale before rapidly alternating between red and white, a clear sign of her embarrassment, shame, and humiliation. Duke hadn''t even bothered to spare her any dignity¡ªhe had shut down any speculation about his relationship status in front of everyone, without hesitation. After making his point clear, Duke walked back to their table. He didn''t need Melody to say anything outright¡ªhe wasn''t stupid. He knew exactly what she was trying to pull. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But he had no interest in entertaining unwanted attention, especially if it might cause Kisha to misunderstand his intentions. Even if Kisha didn''t pay any mind to Melody''s petty schemes, Duke did. He wasn''t about to let anyone become a stumbling block in his relationship with her. But just as Duke took a few steps, he suddenly remembered something. Seeing him pause, Melody''s face lit up with hope¡ªonly for it to be crushed the next second. Duke casually pulled out a jar of pickles from seemingly nowhere and handed it to the man at the counter. "Could you plate some and bring them to our table? I want my in-laws to taste these homemade pickles," he said, deliberately emphasizing ''in-laws''. At that moment, Melody broke down in tears, the weight of his words finally shattering whatever illusions she had left. And just then, the remaining Evans family members walked into the cafeteria. They hadn''t witnessed what had happened moments ago, nor had they heard Duke''s words. They only saw Melody sobbing uncontrollably. "Duke, why are you treating me like this?" Melody cried, her voice trembling with emotion. "You know we had a childhood betrothal¡ªI am your legal fianc¨¦e! Why would you bring another woman into your life just to humiliate me? Have you ever considered our families'' long-standing friendship? Why must you be so heartless to me?" Tears streamed down Melody''s face like falling pearls, each drop heavier than the last. This time, she wasn''t faking it¡ªher pain was real. But beneath her heartbreak, hatred festered. In her mind, everything was Kisha''s fault. Even if Duke had always been distant and indifferent, at least before, no other woman had stood closer to him than she and his mother. That had been enough. People envied her, treated her as the future Mrs. Winters, the woman destined to stand beside Duke and bask in his power, admiration, and love. But now, all of that was slipping through her fingers. And now that the society she once knew was gone, at least within the hidden base, she was still treated like a treasure. Soon, once she married Duke, she wouldn''t have to do odd jobs anymore¡ªshe would be served and revered like royalty. But now? What was this? Why was everything she had worked so hard for being stolen by some random woman who had only just arrived? Her hatred for Kisha burned deep. She refused to believe that Duke had chosen Kisha of his own free will¡ªno, Kisha must have seduced him. "Baby, what''s going on?" Mrs. Evans hurried toward Melody, her face filled with concern. Seeing her daughter truly heartbroken and in pain made her own heart tremble. She had raised Melody with all the love in the world, cherished her as if she were her very life. And now, seeing her like this? It was unbearable. Anger flared inside her, and before she even processed what was happening, her body moved on instinct. Her hand struck out, landing a sharp slap across Duke''s face. Duke didn''t dodge. He didn''t even flinch. He simply stood there, unmoving¡ªhis expression as cold and indifferent as ever. Gasps rippled through the room as the sharp sound of the slap echoed, cutting through the air. The impact was so loud that it even caught Kisha''s attention, pulling her away from her conversation with Mrs. Winters and her grandmother. Mrs. Winters'' eyes narrowed the moment she saw what had happened. Without hesitation, she stood up and strode over, placing herself protectively in front of Duke. Her usually warm demeanor was gone, replaced by a piercing glare directed at Mrs. Evans. "What do you mean by this, Emma? Why did you hit my son?!" Her voice, though still carrying a trace of gentleness, was laced with unmistakable coldness, a quiet storm brewing beneath the surface. "I-I..." Mrs. Evans stammered, unable to find the words to explain herself. Even she was shocked by her own reaction. She had been distancing herself from Melody for some time now, disappointment slowly chipping away at the bond they once shared. ___ PS: Hello, everyone! ???? I just wanted to share this special day with all of you, so I wrote a few extra chapters as a little gift. Today is my birthday, and I wanted to spread the love! ???? Thank you so much for your support, for appreciating my work, and for sticking with me on this journey. It truly means the world to me! (??????)?? Much love, and happy reading! ???? Chapter 681 - 681 The Two Familys Feud Yet, no matter how strained their relationship had become, she had still raised Melody¡ªhad cared for her, nurtured her. And seeing her like this, broken and sobbing, shook her to the core. She knew she had acted impulsively, that she had made a mistake. But at the same time, the sound of Melody''s heart-wrenching cries, the girl she had loved and raised for over a decade, made it impossible for her to remain indifferent. Mrs. Evans tried several times to explain, but no words came out. She opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, yet no sound escaped. Guilt weighed heavily on her as she glanced at her best friend, Mrs. Winters, whose face was twisted with rage. Then, her eyes shifted to Duke, whose cheeks had flushed red, though he remained regal and composed, as if nothing had happened. However, the chilling coldness in his eyes was unmistakable, sending a shiver down her spine, making her feel as though she had been plunged into an ice cellar. "Emma, I know we had a verbal agreement when you became pregnant the last time. Since I only gave birth to a son, and Duke was just the same age as your second son, we agreed that if you had another son, our boys would treat each other as brothers." "And if you had a daughter, we would betroth them in the hopes that they would marry one day, strengthening the bond between our families. However, my son''s opinion matters." "After all, we made this decision without consulting them¡ªwithout considering whether they truly wanted to fulfill our wishes. Since my son does not wish to go through with it, I would still treat your daughter as my own, believing that you, as my best friend, understood my stance." "I truly feel sorry for your daughter, and I am willing to make compromises and offer compensation¡ªbut not at the cost of my son''s happiness." "Olivia! What do you take our family for? Do you think you can just go back on your promise whenever you please without properly discussing it with both families?" "Have you even considered my family in this decision? Do you even respect us?" Mr. Evans stepped in front of his wife protectively. He knew she had acted impulsively and made mistakes, but he didn''t like the way Olivia spoke, as if placing all the blame solely on them. This wasn''t just about Melody anymore¡ªhis family''s name was at stake. He couldn''t stand the thought of the Winters looking down on them, believing they could do as they pleased without consequences. And so, the misunderstanding between them only deepened. To Mrs. Winters, it seemed like the Evans family was reacting so strongly because they couldn''t accept Duke marrying someone else and were looking down on his wife, Kisha¡ªsomething she strongly disapproved of. Meanwhile, the Evans family believed the Winters were belittling them by openly rejecting the childhood betrothal agreement. What the Evans didn''t realize was that the Winters were unaware of Kisha''s true identity as their long-lost daughter, and from the Evans'' perspective, it felt like they were simply being cast aside. After all, they were no longer considered the second most powerful family in the country¡ªtheir status and influence had diminished. Now, they were living under the Winters'' protection, residing in their hidden base and relying on their resources, which only made the situation feel even more humiliating. Even Mr. Evans momentarily forgot that Kisha was his biological daughter, meaning Duke marrying her was still, in a way, fulfilling their original childhood betrothal. However, with everything that had happened, that detail slipped his mind. Instead, he fixated on Mrs. Winters'' words, feeling as though his pride had been wounded by her perceived disrespect. Perhaps his frustration stemmed not just from the situation at hand but from the deeper reality of living under someone else''s roof, stripped of his former influence and power. He hadn''t yet fully adjusted to this new reality, and all the emotions he had been suppressing since the start of the apocalypse came rushing to the surface. Unfortunately, with Mrs. Winters standing before him, she became the unintended target of his pent-up frustrations. But Mrs. Winters, despite her gentle and composed demeanor, was not someone who would easily back down when it came to her son. After all, Duke was her only child, and she refused to let him sacrifice his happiness for a promise she had made in the past. "Edward, I don''t mean to disrespect your family or belittle you, but we can''t force the children to have feelings for each other. Besides, we''re already living in this hellish nightmare¡ªwe don''t even know if we''ll survive tomorrow." "Why impose such strict expectations instead of allowing them to love freely? I know Melody has liked Duke for a long time, but as Duke has made clear, he only sees her as a sister, just as he sees the Evans brothers as his own." "You''ve watched Duke grow up, just as my husband and I have watched your children grow. We care about them deeply, trust me¡ªbut this is something I cannot compromise on." Mrs. Winters'' voice was firm, her eyes filled with emotion and resolve. Duke gently held his mother''s arm, displeased by her words about not knowing when they might die due to the apocalypse. With his strength, he would never allow his parents to perish so easily. However, what Duke didn''t realize was that Mrs. Winters was deliberately appealing to the Evans'' emotions. Though it could be seen as emotional manipulation¡ªperhaps even playing dirty¡ªshe had no other choice. Duke was already with someone else, and he had never led Melody on. He had always been clear about his feelings, making it evident whom he liked and whom he didn''t. And although she claimed that Duke treated Melody like a sister, the reality was that Duke barely acknowledged her existence. To him, she was like air¡ªsomeone he intentionally ignored. He knew that if he showed even the slightest kindness, Melody would cling to him obsessively, becoming even more brazen and controlling. Worse, she might even go after any woman who got close to him. While Melody maintained a facade of kindness and gentleness in front of others, Duke could see the obsessive, almost deranged love hidden in her eyes. Wanting to avoid unnecessary complications, he always made sure to steer clear of her. So, the Evans couldn''t claim that Duke had led them on or acted like a jerk, because even they knew there was never a real relationship between Duke and Melody. Everyone was aware of that fact. Since that was the case, they had no choice but to accept that Duke simply didn''t have feelings for Melody, and it was time to stop forcing the issue. They remained at a standstill for a long time, with no one speaking. Then, Kisha strode over to Duke and stood beside him, reaching out to gently check his reddened cheek. She knew that with Duke''s high defense, the slap wouldn''t have physically hurt him¡ªbut Mrs. Evans, on the other hand, was likely feeling the sting in her palm. And she was. A prickling numbness spread through her hand, a sharp reminder that she had struck Duke with all her strength. The realization only deepened her guilt, she had lashed out at someone who didn''t deserve it. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 682 - 682 Kishas Stance Seeing Kisha gently tending to Duke''s cheek, Mrs. Evans felt her throat tighten, her anxiety growing with each passing second. The way Kisha''s brows furrowed in concern only made her more nervous as she softly rubbed the spot where the slap had landed. Then, out of nowhere, the usually cold and composed Duke acted coquettishly. "Wifey, it hurts," he murmured, sounding as if he were on the verge of tears. Mr. Winters rolled his eyes at his son''s shameless display. He knew exactly what Duke was doing¡ªputting on a show to flaunt his love for Kisha in front of the Evans, further provoking them. More than that, it was a clear message to Melody: she could never be his wife, not in this life or the next. Kisha also had the urge to roll her eyes at Duke. She knew better than anyone that the slap was nothing more than a mosquito bite to him¡ªit wouldn''t even sting. It was obvious he was just playing around, but instead of exposing him, she simply sighed and continued rubbing his cheek, looking sorrowful. Meanwhile, the Evans family stared in shock. They had never seen Duke act like this before. Yet here he was, behaving like a pampered husband, seeking his wife''s comfort while shamelessly flaunting their love. Eric, Elios, Eliot, and Ethan all felt like they were witnessing something they shouldn''t¡ªthe sight of Duke acting this way was almost painful to watch. "Duke, can''t you hold back a little?" Eric sighed in defeat. "You already know my sister is hurting from your rejection, and acting like this in front of her will only make it worse." Unlike the others, Eric didn''t react strongly to seeing Duke with Kisha¡ªafter all, he knew she was their long-lost sister. That knowledge made him more accepting of their relationship, though deep down, he wished things were different. If it were up to him, no man would have her just yet. He and his brothers wanted to spoil and make up for all the years they lost with her before even thinking about marriage. But alas, Duke had already won her heart before they had the chance to reveal the truth. Eric''s words to Duke were merely an attempt to give Melody a way out, to prevent the situation from becoming even uglier. But could things really be smoothed over after Mrs. Evans had already slapped Duke? Of course not. Kisha wouldn''t let them brush it under the rug as if nothing had happened. Even if Duke didn''t feel any pain, the slap wasn''t just about physical harm¡ªit was a blatant act of disrespect. He had been struck in front of his subordinates, a clear sign of how little the Evans family thought of him. And that was something Kisha would never tolerate. Kisha finally spoke, her voice clear, firm, and laced with cold authority. "Hold back his actions? And why should he? First of all, this is Duke''s territory¡ªyou should be the ones controlling yourselves. Secondly, we already informed you of our marital status earlier. While we were away, you should have talked some sense into your pampered princess, told her to have some self-respect and rein in her temper. And thirdly¡ªshouldn''t you be apologizing for striking my husband without even understanding the full situation?" Her sharp gaze swept over each member of the Evans family, making it clear she wouldn''t back down. Mrs. Evans felt a sharp sting in her heart as she watched her daughter fiercely defend Duke while simultaneously tearing into them. Her eyes reddened instantly. She knew she was at fault, but her body had moved before her mind could catch up. Maybe it was habit¡ªyears of shielding Melody, of letting her maternal instincts take over. But she never truly meant to slap Duke. Now, standing there, she struggled to find the words to explain herself. Her lips trembled as she looked at Kisha, searching for understanding, but Kisha only met her gaze with cold indifference. That icy stare shattered what little composure she had left. Kisha, for her part, felt an inexplicable closeness to the Evans family, but she couldn''t afford to let sentimentality cloud her judgment. She had to stand by her husband. More than that, she knew exactly what Melody was up to. She hadn''t acted against her before¡ªnot because she lacked the time or means, but because she was confident. Confident that, when the moment came, she could put Melody in her place and cast her out of her territory with ease. Hearing Kisha''s words, Mr. Evans and his sons felt a wave of embarrassment wash over them. They couldn''t deny the truth in what she said. For Mr. Evans, knowing that Kisha was his biological daughter weighed heavily on him. He hadn''t always viewed her in a positive light, especially when she had made things difficult for Melody in the past. But now, with everything falling into place, he couldn''t ignore the bond of blood between them. He had wanted to tell her the truth, but their plans to do so had been disrupted. Still, old habits were hard to break. He had spent years protecting and loving Melody as if she were his own, and even though disappointment had driven a wedge between them, a lingering sense of parental affection remained. That instinct had taken over, pushing him to step forward in defense of Melody and his wife¡ªwithout stopping to consider how it might look in the face of the truth. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "M-Miss Aldens, please... I apologize. It was all my fault. Don''t scold my parents for this," Melody suddenly spoke up, her voice trembling as she choked on her sobs. She looked pitifully at Kisha, her tear-filled eyes pleading for mercy. She reached for her father''s sleeve, tugging on it gently as she shook her head, silently begging him to let the matter go. Her actions carried a hidden agenda¡ªtwo, in fact. First, she wanted to pull the Evans family back to her side, making them believe that her past mistakes were nothing more than youthful ignorance, that she had simply acted out of fear rather than turning her back on them when they needed her most. Second, she sought to draw a contrast between herself and Kisha. By portraying herself as the kind and gentle one while Kisha remained cold and indifferent, she hoped to sway the Evans'' hearts. If they were forced to choose between the two daughters, they should pick her¡ªthe one who had been by their side the longest, the one they had raised. And if she succeeded, perhaps they would finally stand with her against Kisha. Melody wanted to drive a wedge between the Evans family and Kisha because she knew the Evans were her strongest supporters. If she lost them, she had no idea where she would go or how she would survive. After all, with her father and brothers constantly providing for and protecting her, she had never truly needed to fend for herself. As long as she could keep the Evans by her side, she could deal with Duke later. For now, securing her place within the family was her priority¡ªDuke''s rejection could wait. Hearing Melody call her "Miss Aldens" instead of "Mrs. Winters" made it clear that Melody refused to acknowledge her as Duke''s wife and was openly challenging her. Kisha raised an eyebrow. ''Does she really think that my marriage to Duke requires her approval? She gives herself far too much credit,'' Kisha thought with a smirk. Chapter 683 - 683 Putting Someone In Their Place Kisha crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze fixed on Melody, who continued her pitiful act. Melody even shrank behind Mr. Evans, trembling as if she feared Kisha might harm her. Mr. Evans stiffened at the sensation of Melody clinging to him, torn between explaining himself to Kisha and protecting the girl he had raised for so long. Instinct won out¡ªyears of treating Melody as his daughter made it difficult to let go. After a brief hesitation, he spread his arms protectively, shielding Melody from view. A flicker of triumph flashed in Melody''s eyes as she peeked at Kisha from behind him, but she quickly masked it with her pitiful fa?ade. Kisha arched an eyebrow at Melody and Mr. Evans, who stood protectively in front of her. "And what exactly is this for?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement. "I haven''t even lifted a finger, yet you''re already acting like I''m about to strike someone. Tell me, which of your eyes has seen me being hostile? Does simply speaking the truth make you think I want to hit someone? And even if I did, do you really think you could stop me?" She smirked, openly dismantling their charade. A few chuckles of disdain rippled through the Winters'' side and their subordinates. They had all witnessed Kisha''s strength firsthand¡ªthey knew how effortlessly she could take down anyone in that room. If she truly wanted to hurt Melody, she wouldn''t even need to get close. Melody''s act was crumbling, and it only became clearer who was really stirring up trouble. Melody had miscalculated¡ªno one bought into her performance. "That''s right! Our Young Madam is a one-woman army," one of the Winters'' men scoffed. "She can wipe out hundreds of zombies without even breaking a sweat¡ªso what''s stopping her from dealing with a frail, useless woman like you?" His words were blunt and merciless, offering Melody no dignity. But why should they? It was Melody and her family who started this mess. And more than that, they had the audacity to strike their master¡ªa blatant act of disrespect none of them could overlook. "That''s right! She''s the only one worthy of standing beside our master¡ªstrong, beautiful, and capable. Unlike certain pampered young women who do nothing but stir up trouble with their tears and dramatics. What good does that do in times like these?" "Yeah! I even heard that when her family was struggling through their awakening, she abandoned them¡ªtoo scared they''d turn into zombies. And now, after neglecting and disappointing them, she still has the audacity to act all kind and gentle while cowering behind her father? That''s just disgusting!" "I would never accept a woman like her as our Young Madam! Not only is she useless, but she''s unbearably whiny! Imagine us going out there, risking our lives to fight for supplies¡ªwhat could she possibly contribute? Does she think her crying will make the zombies feel sorry for her and leave her alone? How would that help any of us?" "That''s right! Our Young Madam isn''t just beautiful and kind¡ªher kindness is something she proves through her actions, not just empty words like certain women who are only good at pretending. It''s disgusting!" More and more murmurs spread throughout the cafeteria, most coming from the Winters'' men who had followed Duke and Kisha from City B''s HOPE Base. Having fought alongside them for so long, they had seen firsthand everything Kisha had done¡ªnot just for Duke but for all of them. They had already shared countless stories, pictures, and even stolen snapshots of Duke being ridiculously clingy with Kisha, as well as the two of them working tirelessly to establish City B''s base. And in every single image, it was clear just how busy and dedicated they were. Kisha had never needed to bribe anyone to speak well of her¡ªher actions spoke for themselves. Since the Winters'' men already had a strong impression of Kisha¡ªreinforced by the pictures and videos they''d seen¡ªthey were firmly on her side. After all, Duke had chosen her, and the Evans had just slapped him in the face. To them, this was an unforgivable show of disrespect, making their hostility toward the Evans even more apparent. The Evans family heard the murmurs loud and clear. They, too, had witnessed Kisha''s strength firsthand when she led them to safety in the past. They knew she was capable, but they had never openly acknowledged it. Now, faced with her cold indifference, they felt a pang of regret, realizing she had misunderstood their intentions yet again. Stepping forward, Eric tried to bridge the gap. "Kisha, that''s not what we meant. Please, hear me out, will you?" "What exactly are you going to say? That this was all just a misunderstanding?" Kisha''s voice was cold, her eyes sharp. "Tell me, where is the misunderstanding? Because it certainly isn''t on our side. We''ve been clear about everything from the start. My husband got slapped simply for maintaining his boundaries with another woman and for protecting my heart. And yet, he''s the one being wronged?" She let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "But honestly, I don''t even need to explain myself. Since my husband has taken a slap¡­ and considering the one who hit him is an elder¡­" Kisha dragged out the last word, her lips curling into a devilish grin. Before anyone could process what she was implying¡ªshe vanished. "Ahhh! No!!!" A shrill scream pierced the air, drawing everyone''s attention. When they turned toward the source, their eyes landed on Melody. She was no longer cowering behind her father¡ªinstead, she was now at the back of the room, firmly in Kisha''s grasp. Her once-pristine appearance was gone; her hair was disheveled, and she looked as if she had just been hit by a fierce gust of wind. But this time, her tears weren''t for show. She was crying from actual pain. Kisha had yanked her away so suddenly that Melody felt like her arm had nearly been ripped from its socket. It throbbed unbearably, and she was certain something had been dislocated. Not that Kisha cared. In truth, Kisha hadn''t even meant to hurt her¡ªshe simply hadn''t learned how to fully control her strength yet. But Melody was as fragile as a delicate flower, and right now, Kisha couldn''t care less about her comfort. As Kisha locked eyes with Melody, her smile only widened. The contrast between them became glaringly obvious¡ªMelody, disheveled and trembling, looked utterly miserable, while Kisha stood tall, effortlessly beautiful. Then, in an instant, Kisha''s devilish grin softened into something sweet, almost innocent. She looked harmless¡ªradiant, even. The shift was so seamless, so disarming, that everyone in the room froze, captivated, waiting to see what would happen next. Everyone except Duke. He remained relaxed, watching the scene unfold with a knowing look in his eyes. The affection in his gaze was unmistakable¡ªhe knew exactly what Kisha was doing, and he was enjoying every second of it. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then, without a word¡­ Slap! Slap! Slap! Kisha struck Melody across the face, followed immediately by a sharp backhand. She paused for a second, then¡ªjust because she felt like it¡ªdelivered a third slap. There was no real reason for that last one; it just felt right. Melody''s face swelled instantly, turning red and puffy, resembling a pig''s foot. Satisfied, Kisha casually flung her back toward the Evans. Ethan, the closest, reacted on instinct, catching Melody before she hit the ground. His eyes widened in shock, blinking rapidly as if trying to process what had just happened. The moment realization set in, he let go, hastily helping Melody steady herself on her own two feet. The entire room fell into stunned silence¡ªno gasps, no exclamations of shock, just wide-eyed disbelief. Meanwhile, Kisha casually dusted off her hands, flipping her long hair over her shoulder as she sauntered back to Duke. She reached out toward him but stopped halfway, tilting her head slightly before saying with a soft, almost affectionate tone, "I touched something dirty, and I don''t want to touch you until I''ve washed my hands¡­ But know that I''ve avenged you." Her voice was doting, as if she had just carried out a noble act of justice on Duke''s behalf. Then, without another word, she turned and walked back to the table. Once seated, she pulled out a pack of wet wipes¡ªseemingly from nowhere¡ªand began wiping her hands over and over, her expression one of pure distaste, as if she truly couldn''t stand the thought of having touched something filthy. Then, like pieces of a puzzle clicking into place, the realization dawned on everyone. Kisha''s words¡ªthe elder, not talking too much, avenging Duke¡ªall made sense now. She couldn''t retaliate against Mrs. Evans, who had slapped Duke, because she was an elder. So instead, Kisha had gone straight for the source of the whole mess¡ªMelody¡ªand delivered twice the slaps Duke had received to settle the score. Once people put it all together, laughter erupted throughout the room. The tension lifted, and the atmosphere shifted from heavy hostility to amused chatter. Even Mrs. Winters, looking thoroughly pleased, happily escorted Duke and her husband back to the Aldens'' table. Meanwhile, Keith, who was still sprawled on his seat, gaped at his sister with wide, sparkling eyes. "Sis! You''re really awesome!" he gushed, practically fawning over her. Slap! "Brat! Don''t talk nonsense!" Grandpa Aldens roared. Yet, despite his stern voice, there wasn''t a hint of real anger on his face. In fact, he was smiling, as if he was secretly pleased with Kisha''s actions. Meanwhile, Keith was writhing in pain, clutching his back where the slap had landed. The force of it had made him lurch forward, and he struggled to reach the aching spot. His eyes turned red, on the verge of tears, as he shot his grandfather a betrayed look. Chapter 684 - 684 Borrowing Face From A Dog The Evans family, who had suffered the most devastating blow, stood frozen in shock, struggling to process the sudden turn of events. Their minds reeled, unable to fully grasp what had just transpired. Meanwhile, Melody let out a piercing howl of pain, her hands trembling as she reached up to touch her face¡ªonly to recoil at the sharp sting that shot through her skin. The onlookers gasped as they took in the sight of her reddened, swollen face. Some even suspected that her skin might be raw or bleeding beneath the surface, and it was clear that deep bruises would soon form, leaving her battered and humiliated. "Byoder, h-help me... My fesh!" Melody whimpered, her words slurred as pain wracked her entire face. Even her teeth felt loose, sending a wave of fear through her¡ªwas she really about to lose them? Was her face going to be permanently disfigured? The thought alone made her forget any tantrum she might have thrown; all she could do now was sob pitifully, her wide, tear-filled eyes locked on Elios, silently begging for his help. But as she looked up at him, Elios found himself struggling¡ªnot with concern, but with the urge to burst into laughter. For the first time in his life, Melody, who had always carried herself with arrogance, looked utterly pathetic. The phrase "borrowing a face from a dog" suddenly popped into his mind, making him bite his lip to keep from chuckling. His parents stood beside him, their expressions solemn, so he knew he had to keep a straight face. Still, he couldn''t shake the ridiculousness of the situation¡ªMelody, usually so high and mighty, now reduced to a blubbering mess, her swollen face a sorry sight. But his twin brother, Eliot, was having the exact same thought. After all, they were twins¡ªthey shared an unspoken connection, often thinking alike without needing words. It wasn''t hard for Eliot to pick up on what Elios was suppressing. Just as a chuckle threatened to escape his lips, he quickly cleared his throat, trying to cover it up. Unfortunately for him, Eric caught on immediately. With a sharp glare in his direction, Eliot instantly straightened, his expression turning to stone as if he had never even considered laughing in the first place. "Elios, take Melody back and tend to her injuries," Eric said coldly. He didn''t bother asking how she was feeling¡ªhis disappointment overshadowed any concern. This entire fiasco had only pushed Kisha further away. Before, he had sensed that she was slowly softening, perhaps because his family was growing closer to the Aldens. Maybe the Aldens had spoken to her, leading her to ease up a little. But now, after this mess, whatever goodwill they had built was gone. Eric felt his heart clench. All the progress they had made was shattered in an instant. Kisha didn''t need her family to tell her that the Evans had been treating them well and keeping them company all this time. Ethan always looked out for Keith whenever they left the territory to gather supplies or monitor zombie movements, ensuring Keith returned safely with only minor scratches. Mrs. Evans frequently kept Grandma Aldens company, keeping her entertained and happy, while Grandpa Aldens was often accompanied by either Mr. Evans or Eric, engaging in deep conversations. Kisha was genuinely grateful for their kindness, which was why she had made an effort to soften her demeanor and not seem too distant around them. But now, because of Melody, she felt a chill settling in her heart¡ªa coldness she couldn''t quite explain. She felt a mix of jealousy and disdain in her heart, though she couldn''t quite understand why. With her mood ruined, Kisha simply returned to her seat, waiting for the food to be prepared. Meanwhile, Melody couldn''t accept that things would end like this after suffering such humiliation and injury at Kisha''s hands. Not only had she been disgraced in front of Duke¡ªthe man she loved¡ªbut she had also endured physical pain. Yet, despite her anger, fear crept in. She was terrified that Kisha might strike her again. Unwilling to let it go, Melody turned to Eric, her eldest brother¡ªthe one who had always been the most protective of his siblings¡ªhoping he would step in on her behalf. "Byoder..." Melody tried to appeal to Eric''s sympathy, hoping to use his protectiveness against Kisha. Even if she couldn''t deal with Kisha herself, she could at least manipulate others into doing it for her. But alas, Eric didn''t share her sentiments. He understood his parents'' protectiveness over Melody¡ªthey had raised her for over a decade. Even if they cared for a pet that long, they would still feel a deep attachment; so, what more for a daughter? So, it was natural that they struggled to separate from their role as her parents. It was instinct. However, no matter how much they cared for Melody, Eric knew one thing for certain¡ªKisha was their real sister. And unlike Melody, she had every right to be part of their family. Seeing Edward and Emma Evans looking as if they had swallowed a fly while staring at Kisha, Eric knew they were both drowning in regret. The sight of Kisha getting along with the Aldens while completely ignoring them was like a knife twisting in their hearts. They longed to tell her how much they missed her, how tirelessly they searched for her all these years, and how they never once gave up hope that she was alive and well. There was so much they wanted to say¡ªso much they needed her to know. But now that she was standing right in front of them, they couldn''t utter a single word. A barrier had formed between them, invisible yet impenetrable, keeping them from reaching her no matter how desperately they wanted to. Emma Evans couldn''t help but weep silently. No matter how much she looked at Kisha, it was clear that her daughter was furious¡ªso much so that she didn''t even want to acknowledge them. Kisha spoke to everyone else, her gaze passing over them as if they weren''t even there. The pain of being ignored cut deeper than any words ever could. Meanwhile, Eliot, who had finally composed himself after laughing at Melody''s predicament, shifted his attention to the boxes of seafood on the floor. An idea sparked in his mind, and without hesitation, he tapped his mother''s shoulder. "Mom, Duke asked me to prepare a seafood feast for my sister and her family. Why don''t we cook together and use this as a way to apologize¡ªand maybe even find a chance to talk to them?" Eliot suggested with a wry smile. Even as he spoke, he wasn''t entirely confident in his own words. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They all knew that if they approached Kisha directly now, she would shut them down without hesitation. Worse, she might just turn and walk away¡ªor, if truly provoked, she might not hesitate to slap them. They had all witnessed how fast her hand was and the sheer force behind her blows. In fact, they hadn''t even seen her hand move before Melody''s face was already swelling. And if that wasn''t even Kisha''s full strength¡­ Eliot didn''t dare imagine what would happen if they angered her further. Chapter 685 - 685 Inner Feelings Emma Evans nodded at her son''s suggestion, knowing this was their only chance. "Alright, let me help. I want to prepare food for my daughter too¡­ this is something I should have been doing for her a long time ago," she said, her voice choked with emotion. Her husband, Edward Evans, stood beside her, looking equally forlorn. Though he didn''t say a word, he didn''t object either. Instead, he silently walked with them, carrying the boxes of seafood into the kitchen alongside Eric and Ethan. Without another word, they all worked together, each lost in their own thoughts. Emma washed the seafood with careful hands, Edward and Ethan carried the remaining boxes, and Eric focused on preparing the other ingredients. Meanwhile, Eliot busied himself with cooking, carefully preparing every dish he was good at¡ªeach plate a silent offering, a hope for reconciliation. After half an hour, Eliot and his family had finished preparing the seafood feast. Coincidentally, the Aldens were starting to get hungry, having only nibbled on pickles¡ªwhich, while tasty, were far from filling. As the rich aroma of freshly cooked seafood wafted through the cafeteria, heads turned, eyes filled with hunger and anticipation. Then, the Evans family emerged from the kitchen, carrying trays of food. Their expressions were almost eager, their movements careful as they approached the table, clearly hoping to please Kisha. But Kisha ignored them. She didn''t even understand why she felt so irritated. Before, it had been easy to disregard this family and move on, but now¡­ now, their presence annoyed her in a way she couldn''t quite explain. Was it because she had grown up without real parents? Was she envious that someone like Melody had parents who were always ready to protect and pamper her? Parents who would shield her, even when she was in the wrong, just to keep her safe? But Kisha had experienced love and care too¡ªher grandparents had given her all the warmth and protection she needed. So why was she brooding over this now? She didn''t understand it. She deliberately looked everywhere except at the Evans family, refusing to acknowledge them. And yet, despite herself, her eyes kept drifting back to them¡ªpulled in like a magnet, no matter how much she tried to resist. Duke also noticed Kisha stealing glances at the Evans family, and a mix of emotions stirred within him. A nagging sense of jealousy crept in¡ªwhat if she was looking at the Evans brothers, admiring them? After all, the Evans family had just as strong a gene pool as the Winters, producing accomplished and undeniably handsome men like Eric, Ethan, Elios, and Eliot. The thought unsettled him. Duke felt an irrational sense of danger. His fingers twitched with the urge to march into the kitchen and cook the meal himself. If Kisha had to steal glances at someone, it should be him. In fact, he didn''t want her to just steal glances¡ªhe wanted her to stare openly, shamelessly, at him. Every day. She didn''t need to look at anyone else. He would gladly let her examine every inch of him, down to his very pores¡ªso long as her eyes never wandered to another man. Duke''s foot tapped restlessly against the floor, his agitation growing with every passing second. His eyes burned into Kisha, filled with jealousy so intense it seemed like he might devour her whole at any moment. Yet, lost in her own thoughts, Kisha remained oblivious to his searing gaze. It wasn''t until the food arrived that the tension between them became almost comical. Now, it wasn''t just Kisha who was brooding¡ªDuke was sulking just as much, looking utterly sour and wronged, as if he had suffered the greatest injustice in the world. He leaned in close to Kisha''s ear, his voice a low whisper. "Do you like staring at the Evans'' brothers that much?" His warm breath sent a shiver down her spine, snapping her out of her thoughts. Goosebumps prickled across her skin, and she instantly knew¡ªwithout even looking¡ªthat Duke had completely misunderstood the situation. And, as always, he was being childish about it. If she didn''t clear things up right now, she had no doubt he''d drag her back to their bedroom and "punish" her in his own possessive way. "I don''t know what you''re talking about. I was just lost in thought," Kisha said, but even to her own ears, her explanation sounded weak. Duke narrowed his eyes. "Hmm¡­ thinking about what? Should I let you admire every inch of me instead? That way, you wouldn''t have to waste your gaze on the Evans brothers." His voice dropped into a seductive murmur as he leaned in closer. "I can assure you, I''m better than them in every way¡ªlooks, body, wealth. Just name it, and I have it all." His smoldering gaze bore into her, full of unshakable confidence. Kisha let out a chuckle, finally realizing what had been bothering him. She arched a brow. "Are you jealous?" Duke huffed, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "So what if I am?" he said shamelessly, without a trace of embarrassment. He even looked like a jealous wife confronting her husband for glancing at another woman while she was standing right there. Kisha chuckled, her earlier bad mood fading away. "What on earth have you been thinking with that head of yours?" she teased, poking Duke''s chest playfully. She looked completely at ease, her smile soft and amused. She couldn''t help but wonder what was going on inside his head¡ªif only she could crack it open and take a peek. But what she didn''t realize was that his mind was filled with nothing but her. That was why his jealousy flared so easily, why his possessiveness ran so deep. Or perhaps it was because he knew the Evans brothers were formidable competition¡ªsuccessful, accomplished, and undeniably handsome. ''But hey! Kisha is already my wife!'' Duke reassured himself, but then a troubling thought crept in. ''Wait¡­ we haven''t officially gotten married yet. She could still leave me anytime.'' His mood plummeted. ''But hey! We''ve made love so many times, and she definitely enjoyed it. Would she really go looking for someone better than me? No way.'' His confidence shot back up¡ªonly to take another nosedive. ''But¡­ am I really the only man who''s good in bed? Can I even call myself good?'' A crisis was brewing. ''Maybe I need a comparison? Or should I seek some kind of consultation?'' He immediately dismissed the thought. ''No way. What happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom. No one else is hearing about my wife and me.'' S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That didn''t make him feel any better. ''Then how do I know for sure I''m satisfying her? What if she gets tired of me?'' His eyes flickered toward Kisha again, remembering how she kept glancing at Eric, Ethan, and Eliot. His heart squeezed. ''Is it their faces? Does she like their faces?'' Duke suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to drag her away and make sure she had eyes only for him. Duke''s mind was spiraling with so many thoughts that resentment started creeping in. The more he dwelled on it, the more he felt wronged just because Kisha had been looking in the Evans brothers'' direction. Now that she was asking him about it, he had no choice but to admit it. Chapter 686 - 686 The Couples Thoughts But instead of taking him seriously, Kisha chuckled, clearly amused. Duke pouted, looking even more aggrieved. "Wifey, are you making fun of me?" He tried to put on a fierce expression, but his eyes betrayed him¡ªhe looked more like a big puppy wagging its tail, waiting for Kisha to pet him. Her laughter only grew. "I''m not interested in them romantically, so you can stop looking so jealous," Kisha teased, playfully pinching Duke''s palm. She truly liked how open Duke was with his feelings for her. He could be possessive and jealous at times, but she didn''t mind it. Compared to the heartbreak of being betrayed by a lover and a so-called best friend, she much preferred this kind of relationship. At least with Duke, she never had to guess where she stood. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and she could do the same with him. But as those past betrayals crept into her mind, Kisha''s gaze darkened. The memory of those traitorous bastards reignited the fire inside her¡ªthere was still a score to settle. ''Just don''t fall into my hands, or you''ll regret it.'' Sensing her shift in mood, Duke gently pinched her palm in return before intertwining their fingers, silently pulling her back to the present. "Are you really not interested in the Evans brothers?" Duke asked. His tone was casual, but his eyes and subtle actions betrayed his worry. This was Duke''s first relationship¡ªhis first everything¡ªand he had shared all of those firsts with Kisha. So while he could be clumsy and overbearing at times, he was trying his best. He only wanted Kisha, and he hoped she felt the same. It was natural for him to feel insecure now and then, especially since Kisha had clearly been involved with someone before, whether in this life or her past ones. He didn''t know the details, and that uncertainty gnawed at him. Duke knew his own worth¡ªhis strengths, his accomplishments¡ªbut that didn''t stop the creeping doubts. This was all new to him, and he couldn''t help questioning if he was enough. But there was one thing he never doubted: his feelings for Kisha. He knew how deep they ran, how much he wanted her, how much he loved her. And that love, overwhelming and all-consuming, was what made him crazy and insecure. "Are you sure you don''t find them attractive? Not even a little?" Duke asked, his voice laced with teasing curiosity. "No." Kisha answered without hesitation. Duke''s eyes darkened with mischief as he leaned in, his tone turning low and seductive. "Then... tonight¡ª" "No." Kisha cut him off with a deadpan expression, though amusement flickered in her eyes. Duke clutched his chest dramatically. "You don''t love me anymore?" he asked, looking utterly heartbroken. Kisha rolled her eyes. "I never realized you were such a good actor." "Stop pretending," she added, giving him a knowing look. "You just want some action tonight, don''t you?" Duke let out a cheeky chuckle. "Oh? So you noticed?" They looked like an old married couple¡ªyet also like newlyweds, teasing and bickering with effortless intimacy. Their hands remained intertwined beneath the table as they whispered back and forth, their private conversation hidden from curious ears. But despite their hushed tones, the pink bubbles of flirtation surrounding them were impossible to miss. Everyone watching couldn''t help but be entertained. In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty that came with the apocalypse, moments like this¡ªwarm, lighthearted, and full of love¡ªwere rare. And so, for now, they simply enjoyed the show, as if they were watching a live kdrama unfold before them. Then, without hesitation, Duke leaned in and planted a quick peck on Kisha''s cheek, completely unfazed by the people around them. It just so happened that the Evans were personally serving food at their table when they witnessed the interaction. They were stunned. They had never seen this side of Duke¡ªso youthful, playful, and openly affectionate. It was almost unsettling. They were used to seeing him as a man of cold indifference, his expression unreadable and his demeanor intimidating. Even as a child, Duke had always carried an air of maturity beyond his years, rarely displaying warmth or emotion. Yet here he was, shedding that icy exterior as he bickered and teased Kisha like a love-struck fool. Eric, in particular, was taken aback. He had last seen Duke at a high-stakes conference meeting between three major companies for a joint venture before the apocalypse. Back then, Duke had been his usual aloof self¡ªso stone-faced and imposing that even his own team had been on edge while presenting their reports. Eric had half-joked to himself that Duke might have facial paralysis, given how little his expression ever changed. But now? Now, Duke was practically unrecognizable. He was smiling, teasing, laughing¡ªhis face displaying a range of emotions they had never seen before. Eric''s eyes widened, his hands trembling slightly as he placed the dish on the table. His gaze remained locked onto Kisha and Duke, disbelief flickering across his face. Noticing Eric''s stare, Duke met his eyes with a silent challenge, his expression unwavering. Then, without breaking eye contact, he leaned in and planted another kiss on Kisha''s cheek¡ªslow and deliberate, as if making a statement. Kisha felt the unspoken tension crackling between them, the air charged with something almost electric as sparks flew in the air. But instead of acknowledging it, she chose to feign ignorance. She knew Duke well enough to recognize what he was doing¡ªbeing territorial, petty, and just a little bit childish. And, to her surprise, she found it incredibly amusing. It was almost laughable how much he had changed¡ªfrom an unshakable block of ice to someone so openly expressive, so possessive. He wasn''t just cold and untouchable anymore. Now, he was childish, jealous, and completely transparent with his affections. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And Kisha loved every second of it. And she felt incredibly secure¡ªbecause Duke''s actions made it undeniably clear just how much he loved her. It was as if he couldn''t wait to hoist a banner declaring she belonged to him or, better yet, put a tag around her neck that read ''Duke''s Wife.'' The thought alone made Kisha''s lips twitch as she struggled to hold back a laugh. As all the food was served, Duke wasted no time in taking care of Kisha, placing food on her plate and diligently peeling shrimp, extracting crab meat, and handling lobsters and shellfish¡ªall so she wouldn''t have to lift a finger. Meanwhile, Keith eagerly devoured the feast in front of him, his eyes lighting up at the sheer abundance filling their table. Many around them cast longing glances at their table, but no one dared to voice their thoughts. Noticing this, Kisha waved her hand, and in an instant, towering boxes of seafood appeared. Since her territory space had an abundant supply, there was no need to be stingy. These people were her people too, and she saw no reason not to share. As box after box of seafood materialized, the surrounding onlookers stared in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief. They had no idea where it all came from, but seeing the sheer amount made the food on their own plates suddenly seem bland in comparison. Meanwhile, the Evans, having finished serving all the dishes, remained rooted in place beside Kisha''s table, uncertain of what to do next. Chapter 687 - 687 Family Kisha assumed that the Evans remained standing because they were waiting for an invitation to join their table. However, instead of inviting them, she simply procured more seafood to be cooked, ensuring that everyone could have a taste¡ªeliminating any need for the Evans to sit with them. She continued to ignore them, focusing on her meal. Yet, even as she ate, the Evans did not move. They stood there as if they had something to say, their presence lingering like an unspoken question. Even Mr. Edward Evans, who had previously seemed to hold a poor impression of her, did not appear angry. Instead, he stood solemnly, his expression unreadable, while supporting his wife, whose red-rimmed eyes suggested she had been holding back her emotions. Kisha''s brows furrowed as she glanced up briefly, sensing the unwavering stares directed at her. Duke, however, gently urged her to keep eating. But how could she, when someone was watching her so intently? Wouldn''t she end up with indigestion at this rate? With a sigh, she exhaled heavily and, instead of continuing her meal, took the large, peeled shrimp she had been holding and stuffed it into Duke''s mouth. He was still busy peeling more shrimp for her, seemingly forgetting about his own meal. "Don''t just focus on taking care of me¡ªeat too," Kisha chided, her tone firm yet affectionate. She watched as Duke finally chewed, realizing that aside from the shrimp she had just given him, he hadn''t taken a single bite. "I''ll feed my wife first, then I''ll eat," Duke said seriously, his hands still busy peeling shrimp. Kisha rolled her eyes. "What am I, a child that needs to be fed?" she retorted, exasperated. Duke paused, looking up to meet her gaze. His expression was unreadable for a moment¡ªserious, intense¡ªbefore he suddenly broke into a confident smile. "Yeah, you are my baby." The shameless declaration was so unexpected that Keith, who had been silently eating, choked on his food. "I didn''t know the man I thought was a block of ice could actually be this shameless," Keith commented absentmindedly, still coughing. The Evans family shared the same sentiment but chose to remain silent. Even Emma Evans, who had been quietly weeping just moments ago, momentarily forgot her sorrow. Her tears stopped as she stared at Duke in astonishment, watching the once cold and indifferent boy she had seen grow from a small ice cube into a solid block of ice¡­ now acting shameless and affectionate in front of her daughter. Meanwhile, Ethan, Eric, Eliot, and even Edward Evans looked at Duke with varying degrees of disbelief and secondhand embarrassment, visibly cringing at what they had just witnessed. Kisha was momentarily speechless. Since she knew she couldn''t win an argument against Duke, she chose the path of least resistance¡ªsilence. She simply focused on eating, pretending not to hear his shameless words. Duke, satisfied with his "victory," flashed a triumphant smile, pleased that Kisha was eating what he fed her. However, Kisha wasn''t one to back down completely. As Duke continued peeling shrimp and preparing more food for her, she silently fed him small bites in return, her subtle way of showing care. Watching this quiet exchange, the Winters couple gazed at them with warmth and affection. Even the family patriarch''s eyes glowed with a knowing smile as a thought crossed his mind¡ª It won''t be long before I''m holding my great-grandson. Content with this idea, he continued eating happily, though he remained mindful of his food intake. At his age, overindulging could easily lead to health issues, and he wasn''t about to let anything interfere with witnessing the future he was looking forward to. But the visibly emotional Emma, who had been standing silently by the side while being ignored by her daughter, could no longer hold back. "K-Kisha," she finally spoke, her voice unsteady. "Can you please spare me just a moment of your time? There''s something important I need to talk to you about." Kisha, struggling to eat under Emma''s intense stare, finally raised an eyebrow before lifting her gaze to meet the older woman''s eyes. Emma looked visibly emotional, but in Kisha''s mind, the reason was obvious¡ªEmma was still upset over what had happened to her precious, pampered daughter. Kisha figured Emma couldn''t accept the fact that she had struck her so-called princess, especially with such disastrous consequences. It made sense. The Evans had wanted to talk to her and her family from the moment they arrived, likely because of the long-standing engagement between the Evans and Winters families. And Kisha? She was the one who had disrupted that union. She was the thorn in their side, the outsider, the obstacle standing in the way of their carefully laid plans. So, naturally, she expected the usual melodramatic scene to unfold¡ªwhere the heartbroken mother would beg the "third party" to leave and never look back for the sake of her daughter''s happiness. "I''m listening," Kisha said after a brief pause, then casually continued stuffing food into Duke''s mouth. Emma hesitated, glancing at Duke and the others before speaking. "C-Can we talk in private?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness. Kisha leaned back slightly, feigning contemplation. "Hmm, I''m not sure if I have the time," she mused. "I just got back to the base after so long, and I''d really like to spend as much time as possible with my family and my husband." She then tilted her head, her lips curling into a sharp, sarcastic smile. "You''re not about to ask me to leave my husband, are you?" "But we are also your family," Ethan suddenly blurted out. He had been silent all this time, watching his sister intently from the moment they arrived. There was so much he wanted to say, so much he had prepared¡ªgifts he had collected from every mission outside, all meant for her. But now, his emotions got the best of him, and his voice rang out louder than he intended. The entire cafeteria fell into stunned silence. Even the Aldens, mid-bite, froze as Ethan''s words echoed in their ears. "What do you mean?" Duke was the first to break the silence, his voice sharp with suspicion. Kisha, too, was too stunned to speak, her mind racing to process Ethan''s words. Emma took a sharp breath, her eyes locking onto Kisha''s shocked expression. She had wanted to handle this delicately, but there was no turning back now. The secret was out, and she made a split-second decision. If the truth had to be told, it might as well be laid bare for everyone to hear. "I know everyone here is aware that my family has been searching for my daughter all these years after we lost her when she was six," Emma said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. Her gaze shifted toward Duke and the Winters, her words directed at them specifically. While the public had only heard vague mentions of the missing Evans daughter, the upper class¡ªtheir circle¡ªknew much more. This should ring a bell for them. Duke''s brows furrowed slightly as he exchanged glances with his parents and grandfather. Recognition flickered across their faces, and one by one, they nodded. Seeing that most had pieced together what she was implying, Emma took a deep breath and continued. "You all know that someone conspired against our family back then and kidnapped my daughter. No matter what we did or where we searched, all traces of her vanished," Emma said, her voice heavy with the weight of years of searching. "Even when we spread the news to the public, it was always intercepted, keeping us from finding her. But we never gave up. We searched for her¡ªboth openly and in secret¡ªcareful not to alert our family''s enemies and force them to erase any remaining traces of her existence." She took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. "Still, we never succeeded... not until I met this girl." Emma turned and pointed directly at Kisha. She didn''t need to say anything more. The room was filled with intelligent people, and the pieces of the puzzle had already fallen into place. The weight of her words sank in, and the realization hit like a thunderclap. Now, everyone understood why she had brought up an old story from the past. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How can you be so sure that I''m your daughter?" Kisha asked, her lips curling into a self-deprecating smirk. "Didn''t you already have your daughter¡ªMelody?" For a brief moment, her heart had leaped at Mrs. Evans'' words, warmth creeping in where she''d never expected it. But reality struck just as quickly. If they had never stopped searching and were so heartbroken over their missing child, then where did Melody come from? And why was she treated like the center of their world? Wasn''t this just their hypocrisy speaking? If they had truly searched everywhere, with all their wealth and influence, how had they not found her when she had been hiding in plain sight? And more than that¡ªwhy had they gone on to have another daughter after losing her? Everything they were saying felt hollow, like a carefully crafted attempt to manipulate her emotions, to convince her that they had been devastated by her disappearance. But Kisha couldn''t believe it. She had once dreamed of reuniting with her family, of finding the people she had longed for all her life. But the Evans? Bitterness churned inside her. Who in their country hadn''t heard of Melody, the pampered princess of the Evans family? She had been showered with love, given the best life imaginable, surrounded by family and friends who adored her. She had everything. And Kisha? Chapter 688 - 688 What Happened In The Past She had been abandoned by the roadside as a child. No one had come looking for her, not even when her situation had been reported to the police. How could such a powerful family not have known? How could they have failed to find her all these years? She had won countless awards, participated in competitions where her face had been displayed at her university, even been featured in interviews¡ªyet they still hadn''t found her? How blind had they been? Saying that Kisha wasn''t feeling bitter about it would be a lie. Ever since she learned she was adopted, she had always wondered¡ªwhy was she abandoned? And if she wasn''t abandoned, then why did no one come looking for her? To think that the family searching for her had been living in the same city all along¡ªhow hard could it have been to find her? To Kisha, the answer was clear. They had simply moved on. They had another daughter, built a new life, and only pretended to keep searching out of guilt. Finding her for real had never truly been their priority. At least, that''s what Kisha believed. A sarcastic smile spread across Kisha''s lips as a cold glint flashed in her eyes. Seeing her expression, Mrs. Evans couldn''t help but stammer, "M-My daughter has three little star birthmarks forming a triangle on her right jawline¡ªjust like yours. You also match her age, and when I was younger, I looked exactly like you and you also have uncanny similarities to my husband. It was easy for me to tell¡­ and I can feel that it''s really you." But instead of softening, Kisha let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "You could recognize me as your daughter with just a single look?" Kisha''s voice was sharp, her gaze unwavering. "Then tell me¡ªif it was that easy, how did you fail to find me all these years when I was living right under your noses?" Her pointed question made Emma freeze, her mouth opening and closing as if searching for the right words. The rest of the Evans family paled, uneasy under Kisha''s scrutiny. Emma swallowed hard before attempting to explain. "We did search for you. After the kidnapping¡­ when your father was on his way to exchange the ransom for you, we were told you escaped." "The kidnappers claimed that you fought back during transport and¡­ ended up falling off a cliff near the mountain road. At first, they assumed you hadn''t survived. But when they went to retrieve your body, they only found bloodstains¡ªno sign of you. That''s why we believed someone must have saved you. You were only six years old back then¡­" Her voice trailed off, but Kisha''s expression remained cold, unyielding. "Whenever we heard news about you, we rushed there ourselves as soon as possible, hoping to find you¡­ we searched for so long¡­ sob, sob¡­" Mrs. Evans'' voice broke as she dissolved into pitiful sobs, overcome by painful memories. Seeing her unable to continue, Mr. Evans took a deep breath and picked up where she left off, though his face was ashen with sorrow. "At that time, your four brothers were still young¡ªEric was only 11, Ethan was just 9, and the twins were a year younger. In our desperation to find you, we neglected them without realizing it." "The twins fell into a coma due to a high fever, and the entire household was thrown into chaos. Amidst everything, I failed to notice that your mother was silently falling into depression, blaming herself for losing sight of you that day. "Meanwhile, I was struggling to keep everything together¡ªsearching for you, taking care of the other children, and managing the company, which was under attack from all sides. If not for the Winters stepping in to support us, I don''t know if we would have made it through those years." His voice grew hoarse as he spoke, the weight of the past pressing heavily on him. "I didn''t realize that the entire burden of the family had fallen onto your mother''s shoulders, deepening her depression. Losing you only made things worse. I was overwhelmed, unable to do anything." "I thought that if I lost the company, I wouldn''t even have the resources to continue the nationwide search for you. So while I sent out team after team to look for you, I was also struggling to keep the company afloat." "By the time I finally noticed how far gone your mother was, it was already too late. She had sunk so deep into her depression that she wouldn''t eat, barely spoke, and spent her days talking to herself." "The other children were affected as well. Eric tried his best to take care of his siblings, but there was only so much a child could do. I had no choice but to find a substitute¡ªsomeone the same age as you¡ªto try and bring your mother back from the brink. That was also what her therapist suggested at the time. We never meant to replace you," Mr. Evans explained, his voice heavy with guilt. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He knew, even without Kisha saying a word, that Melody being raised as their pampered princess must have been a sore spot for her. If she truly was their missing daughter, then seeing them lavish affection on another girl while claiming to have searched for her would feel like a slap in the face. With his explanation, it became clear that Melody had been adopted not as a replacement, but as a desperate attempt to help Emma Evans recover from her depression. The reason they treated Melody so well wasn''t just out of guilt or because she resembled their missing daughter, but because she had unknowingly played a role in Emma''s healing. It took years for Emma to improve, and though she attended public events, looking glamorous and composed, behind closed doors, she was no different from a broken woman. In private, she clung to a bundle of their missing daughter''s clothes, treating it as if it were her child¡ªa sight that shattered Edward Evans'' heart every time he witnessed it. He had no other choice but to toughen up and find an alternative because if he didn''t, their household would have crumbled like a house of cards. He couldn''t manage everything alone, and the weight of it all took a toll on him. The loss of their daughter had changed everything¡ªtheir home, once warm and lively, became shrouded in sorrow, filled with tears and silence. Even the children''s personalities shifted, and as the head of the family, he bore the heaviest burden. He admitted that he had taken the easiest way out, and for that, he was to blame. But if given another chance, he would still make the same choices¡ªbecause at that time, it was the only way to keep his family from falling apart. If he could turn back time, he wouldn''t hesitate to do everything in his power to prevent losing his daughter in the first place, sparing them all from the heartbreak. But there was no going back. So he and his wife redirected all the parental love meant for their real daughter toward their adopted daughter. Even Melody was unaware of her adoption, as she had no recollection of her early childhood. Likewise, Kisha had lost all memories before the age of six and could only remember her life from the moment she was adopted by the Aldens. Perhaps her memory loss was a result of the accident Mr. Evans had mentioned. Chapter 689 - 689 Paternity Test "I do not expect you to forgive us. Even now, I don''t understand where things went wrong or how we kept losing track of you. It''s possible that there was a mole in my own trusted people¡ªsomeone who deliberately misled me, redirecting my search away from you." "I looked for you far and wide, never realizing that you had been right under my nose all this time. The thought of it makes me feel like a fool." He took a shaky breath, his voice thick with emotion. "Now that I think about it, the only people who could have truly sabotaged my search were the ones closest to me¡ªthe ones I trusted the most." "But why? Why would they go to such lengths to keep me from finding you? I honestly don''t know." His voice wavered slightly, and his eyes, now red-rimmed, betrayed the weight of his emotions. "I have no excuse for my failure, but all I ask is that you give us a chance to make it up to you." As he spoke, his voice grew huskier, as though he were fighting back tears. His grief was mirrored in the faces of his family. Mrs. Evans clutched her hands together tightly, her shoulders trembling, while Kisha''s three brothers¡ªeyes red and unwavering¡ªstared at her, silently pleading for a second chance. "How can you be so sure that I''m your daughter? Maybe it''s just a coincidence that we share some resemblance and the same birthmark. After all, years have passed, and countless people could look alike." Kisha subconsciously avoided their gazes, masking the turmoil within her. She pretended to be indifferent, as if their words weren''t affecting her, as if she wasn''t shaken by the emotions welling up inside her. But the truth was, her feelings were in complete disarray. She understood what they were trying to explain¡ªthe root cause of the incident and its consequences. It was likely a business rivalry that led to her kidnapping, only for something to go wrong in the middle of it. Or maybe it wasn''t a mishap at all but a deliberate scheme against the Evans. She didn''t know. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t remember a thing. "If only we could run a Paternity test, we''d have undeniable proof that you''re our sister," Ethan suddenly said, his voice filled with certainty. Kisha wanted to deny it¡ªnot because she didn''t believe in the possibility, but because it felt too surreal. Sixteen years of searching had led them nowhere, and now, amidst the chaos of the apocalypse, they found her so easily? It was hard to accept. She also didn''t want to get her hopes up. Besides, it was clear that Melody disliked her and was already causing trouble. If she truly was the missing Evans daughter, the drama surrounding her would only escalate. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And she had no time for that. She had two bases to manage, and dealing with unnecessary family conflicts wasn''t on her list of priorities. In fact, she had already decided to kick Melody out when she returned¡ªand by extension, her entire family. Keeping Melody around would only lead to more complications, and she refused to let that happen. But now that they were claiming she was their missing family member, wouldn''t that complicate her plans to kick them out? Would she even be able to follow through with it? Kisha''s mind was a mess. She had never expected to find herself in the middle of such a melodramatic family drama. Though she wasn''t a fan of these kinds of situations, she had seen enough to think they were exaggerated. Yet here she was, caught in the center of one, unsure of what to do. Just then, she felt a warm hand grip hers. Startled, she looked down and saw a large, familiar hand covering hers. When she looked up, her gaze met Duke''s¡ªhis eyes steady, filled with silent encouragement. "Don''t worry. No matter what decision you make, I''ll always support you," Duke said simply. He didn''t offer any suggestions or say anything more because he knew Kisha''s mind must be in turmoil. Even he was still reeling from everything he had just heard. Over the years, he had heard countless stories about the Evans family''s desperate search for their missing daughter. He had also witnessed firsthand the favoritism they showed Melody. But he wasn''t one to judge. Maybe they had projected their love and longing onto Melody, using her as an emotional anchor. Or maybe there were deeper, more complex reasons behind it. He couldn''t say for sure. What he did know, however, was that the Evans family seemed genuine in their pain. And judging by the look on Kisha''s face, she was feeling it too. Seeing Duke beside her, Kisha''s frantic heart gradually settled. She took a shaky breath, closed her eyes for a brief moment, and when she opened them again, she had regained her usual calm and composed demeanor. Just then, Elios and Melody returned. Melody''s face was smeared with cream, making her look pitiful as she trailed behind Elios, clutching onto his doctor''s coat like a frightened child. She cast a fearful glance at Kisha, her expression carefully crafted to draw sympathy. Anyone who saw her might immediately assume Kisha had gone too far and might even scold her for it¡ªwhich was exactly what Melody wanted. As she and Elios stepped into the room, the heavy atmosphere was impossible to ignore. Her gaze immediately landed on her family, standing beside Kisha''s table. They looked solemn and weighed down by something¡ªbut Melody, too focused on her own scheme, didn''t notice the grief and sorrow etched into their features. Instead, she assumed they were confronting Kisha for what had happened to her. In that instant, Melody launched into her act, playing the victim to fan the flames. She was certain that her parents and brothers would reprimand Kisha, forcing her into submission. After all, the Winters and Evans families had been close allies for decades¡ªsurely, one Kisha wouldn''t be able to shake that foundation. She believed that no matter how much the Winters might try to protect Kisha, they wouldn''t be able to stand against the weight of such an old friendship. The moment she saw an opening, Melody seized the opportunity. "Kisha, I know I went too far earlier. I''m sorry. And I know you don''t like me, but¡ª" Melody began, putting on her best pitiful act. Before she could finish her performance, Kisha cut her off. "So you know I don''t like you, yet you still insist on parading yourself in front of me?" Kisha''s voice was laced with impatience. "It''s good that you realize you went too far, but if you''re truly sorry, show it through your actions, not empty words. If you keep acting like a spoiled brat, I''ll make sure to beat some sense into you every time I see you." She had neither the patience nor the energy to deal with Melody''s petty schemes right now. The easiest way to handle her was through sheer force. Hearing Kisha''s blunt words, Melody choked on her own saliva, her face turning red in disbelief. Instinctively, she looked toward her father for support, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. But to her shock, no one was paying her any attention. Instead, all eyes were on Kisha, waiting for her answer. After a brief pause, Kisha lifted her gaze to the Evans family, studying them in silence. They had no idea that, at this very moment, she was also communicating with 008. "Host, if we purchase a paternity testing kit from an advanced civilization or world in the system, the results will be available in minutes. Unlike the outdated Paternity tests in your world that take hours to process, this one is far more efficient," 008 informed her. Kisha remained skeptical. "Is that test kit actually reliable?" she asked. "Absolutely, Host! This particular Paternity test is widely used in that civilization. Their technology is far superior to yours, so it''s not surprising that they''ve developed something so advanced." "How much does one kit cost?" Kisha inquired. "I can get two for just 500 system points," 008 replied confidently. "Alright, buy it," Kisha instructed. The moment she gave the go-ahead, the Paternity testing kit materialized in her inventory. Turning her attention back to the Evans family, she said, "Actually, I have an advanced Paternity testing kit with me. It was developed by our people at City B''s base." Her statement was so casual that even Duke raised an eyebrow. He wasn''t the only one¡ªseveral of the Winters'' men who had come from City B with them also looked surprised. They knew for a fact that no such invention existed in City B. The scientists and engineers there were still working on the blueprints Kisha had provided, making it impossible for a fully functional Paternity testing kit to have already been developed, as they never even put their attention to it. But then again, Kisha had a habit of pulling out advanced and highly useful items seemingly out of nowhere¡ªlike a real-life Doraemon. It didn''t take long for them to put two and two together. She was likely using City B as a convenient cover for whatever advanced technology she introduced to this world. Understanding this, no one questioned her claim and simply went along with it. "I''ll handle the Paternity testing," Elios stepped forward, offering his expertise as a renowned doctor. He assumed that such an advanced Paternity test kit must still be in its initial phases and likely required specific procedures to ensure accurate results. "Then, I''ll take the test with her," Mrs. Evans stepped forward without hesitation. ___ PS: Sorry, everyone, for the slower chapter releases. I''ve been feeling unwell and am currently recovering, so updates might be a bit limited for now. But don''t worry¡ªI''ll make it up to you once I''m back to full health. Thank you for your patience and understanding! Chapter 690 - 690 Paternity Test 2 It was only then that Melody realized the situation was not unfolding the way she had expected. Her face instantly turned ashen, and a wave of panic surged through her. Without thinking, she grabbed onto Mrs. Evans'' arm, refusing to let go. She didn''t want the DNA test to happen. Deep down, she had a terrible feeling about it¡ªas if, once the results came out, she would lose everything. Her home. Her family. The life she had always known. And worst of all, she feared that once Kisha was confirmed as their real daughter, she would no longer have a place in the Evans family. She didn''t understand why she felt this way. Maybe it was because the moment Kisha appeared, Duke had been taken from her. And now, with their parents discovering that Kisha was their long-lost daughter, she couldn''t shake the fear that all the love that should have belonged to her would be stolen away¡ªjust like Duke had been. But what Melody didn''t know was that none of it had ever truly belonged to her. It was always meant to be Kisha''s¡ªher place, her family, her rightful love. Yet, her parents had never explained this to her. They never told her the truth. Deep down, however, the Evans knew. It wasn''t that they would simply discard Melody the moment they found their long-lost daughter¡ªafter all, she had been with them for 15 years, and severing that bond wouldn''t be easy. But now that Kisha was standing before them, they wanted to give her everything she had missed. The first step was to prove, beyond any doubt, that she truly belonged to the Evans¡ªand for that, they turned to science. As events unfolded, the Aldens found themselves overwhelmed with mixed emotions. They had always dreamed of Kisha reuniting with her family, but now that it was happening, a quiet fear crept in¡ªwould her love for them change? Yet, that worry was quickly overshadowed by the immense joy of seeing her find her true home. Still, the situation was complicated. Melody was also part of the picture, making everything even more delicate and uncertain. After a moment, the Evans, the Aldens, the Winters, and nearly everyone else followed behind Kisha, Mrs. Evans, and Elios as they made their way to the infirmary for the paternity test. The air was thick with tension, and it felt as though everyone''s hearts were hanging by a thread. What should have been a short walk from the cafeteria to the infirmary stretched endlessly, each step weighted with anticipation. Kisha maintained an indifferent expression, but beneath the surface, she was flustered. Her palms grew clammy with nerves. Sensing her unease, Duke reached for her hand, giving it a firm squeeze¡ªa silent reassurance that no matter what happened, she wouldn''t face it alone. Upon arriving at the infirmary, Elios wasted no time, immediately leading his mother and sister inside. Kisha retrieved the two paternity test kits that 008 had purchased from the system and handed them to Elios. By now, Elios had noticed Kisha''s uncanny ability to produce objects seemingly out of thin air¡ªsomething eerily similar to what Duke had demonstrated earlier. However, given that most of them had already awakened their own abilities, Elios was no longer as surprised by what he saw. He wasn''t the only one. Nearly everyone present had begun to take note, their minds racing with speculation. What exactly was Kisha''s ability? "Are you ready?" Elios asked as he opened the test kit. The kit was housed in a sleek metal box adorned with intricate designs. At first glance, the contents seemed fairly standard¡ªtest tubes, cotton swabs¡ªbut as Elios examined it further, his brows lifted in surprise. What truly caught his attention was the small docking station where the test tubes were meant to be placed after collecting the samples. Attached to it was a compact yet sophisticated machine. In essence, the entire box functioned like an advanced medical laptop, equipped with two docks for processing. Now, Elios understood what Kisha meant when she said the kit was "pretty advanced." He didn''t even need to conduct the analysis himself¡ªhis only task was to collect the samples, place them in the designated slots, and let the machine handle the rest. With such automation, the paternity test kit was remarkably user-friendly¡ªso simple that anyone with common sense could operate it. Even Kisha was seeing the contents of the paternity test kit for the first time. ''No wonder 008 said that anyone could use it in the place it came from,'' she thought. After Elios finished examining the first test kit, he opened the second box and found an identical setup. He glanced at Kisha, his expression questioning the need for two kits. Kisha met his gaze and explained matter-of-factly, "Shouldn''t we ensure the results are accurate? Running two paternity tests and comparing the results will confirm the reliability, don''t you think?" Elios nodded and retrieved two test tubes from the right side of each box before approaching his mother. Understanding what to do, Mrs. Evans opened her mouth as Elios carefully swabbed the inside of her cheek with a cotton swab. Once he collected the sample, he placed it into a test tube containing a solution. He then repeated the process with a second swab, ensuring he had a sample for the other test kit. After securing both test tubes in their respective docks inside the two boxes, he turned to the left side of the kits, retrieved two more test tubes, and made his way toward Kisha. "Please open your mouth," Elios said, his voice dropping to a gentle, coaxing tone. Kisha followed his instructions obediently, though her expression remained as cold and unreadable as ever. Seeing this, Elios chuckled softly. "You know," he mused, "I vaguely remember when we were little, and you had a sore mouth. Mom had to spray medicine inside, and you''d always pout but try to act brave¡ªjust like now." "You''d keep your face as blank as possible, but the moment she was done, you''d say, ''It doesn''t hurt,'' like the toughest kid in the world. Still, your eyes would turn red because you hated the pain." As he spoke, fragments of his childhood surfaced¡ªblurred, like old, washed-out fabric. It had been over a decade, and those memories had long faded. But now, looking at Kisha, something deep inside him stirred, bringing those distant moments back to life. A flicker of memory surfaced in Kisha''s mind¡ªvague, but undeniably real. She saw a younger version of Emma Evans sitting in front of her, holding a spray bottle, while four little boys surrounded them. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The tallest boy stood behind Emma, his face etched with worry, while a pair of twins pulled funny faces, trying to make her laugh. She remembered trying to keep a straight face, determined to be brave, and before she knew it, the pain had already faded. Just as quickly as it came, the memory slipped away, leaving a strange tug in her chest. When her gaze refocused on Elios, she found him watching her with that same warm, familiar smile, and for a moment, the past and present blurred together. Although Emma Evans was the only face Kisha could see clearly, the memory aligned with what Elios had just said. Chapter 691 - 691 Paternity Test 3 ''Could this be triggering my lost memories?'' she wondered. ''Am I slowly starting to remember?'' What she didn''t realize was that, deep down, she already believed she was part of the Evans family. She was unconsciously using them as a foundation to piece together the memories she had lost. Perhaps, without even knowing it, she was trying to unlock the past¡ªbut at the same time, a part of her resisted. Maybe, just maybe, she was afraid to fully acknowledge what she felt. While Kisha was lost in thought, piecing together fragments of her resurfacing memories, Elios had already completed the swab. Just like before, he placed the collected samples into the test tubes filled with solution before securing them in the designated docks of the two test kits. Moments later, a prompt appeared on the small screen. [Start the Paternity Test?] [Yes] or [Cancel] Without hesitation, Elios pressed "Yes." The screen changed, displaying a loading bar while a stream of codes and unfamiliar symbols flickered in the background. [Paternity Test Ongoing: 15%] "This is incredibly fast," Elios murmured, watching the progress bar steadily climb. Within just a few minutes, the test reached completion, and another prompt appeared. [Check Results] Elios clicked on it, and within seconds, the final result appeared: [Congratulations, DNA test results indicate a 99.99% probability of paternity.] [Test A and Test B show a confirmed genetic match.] "The results are out!" Elios exclaimed. Without another word, he turned the test kit box toward his mother and Kisha. Even from a distance, Kisha could clearly see the glaring 99.99% probability displayed on the screen. Her brows furrowed as she plunged into deep thought, trying to process the confirmation of what she had once refused to believe. While Kisha remained frozen in contemplation, Elios had already rushed outside to share the news with his father, brothers, the Winters, and the Aldens, who were all anxiously waiting just beyond the door. Meanwhile, Mrs. Evans remained seated, her hands trembling as she absorbed the reality of the results. Overcome with emotion, tears spilled down her face, and she didn''t care how she looked at that moment. In a sudden burst of raw emotion, she jumped up and wrapped Kisha in a tight embrace from behind. The unexpected touch jolted Kisha out of her thoughts. Her first instinct was to push Mrs. Evans away, yet at the same time, something deep inside her resisted that urge. Conflicting emotions clashed within her¡ªconfusion, resistance, and a strange, unspoken yearning. In the end, she did nothing. Her arms hung limply by her sides as she allowed Mrs. Evans to cry against her, uncertain of what to do or how to feel. And not long after, a stream of people came inside the infirmary and the brothers immediately came straight to Kisha and hug her all at once while their father was still being emotional as he stood behind them with tears streaming down his face. "I finally found my little girl. Wuwuwu." For some reason, Mr. Winters couldn''t help but cringe as he watched Edward Evans¡ªusually strict and composed¡ªcry openly in front of him. A wave of secondhand embarrassment made him want to roll his eyes, but he held his tongue. After all, this was a moment of celebration. They had truly found their long-lost daughter, and to think that she was also their daughter-in-law only strengthened their familial bond. Meanwhile, Keith and the Aldens stood beside the table, their eyes fixed on the paternity test results. Grandma Alden, unable to hold back her emotions, wept tears of joy for Kisha. She knew better than anyone how much Kisha had longed for answers¡ªwhy she had been abandoned, whether she had ever been loved, or if she had even been wanted at all. Those unanswered questions had weighed heavily on Kisha''s heart as she grew up, which was why the Aldens had shielded her like a delicate flower. They had surrounded her with love, ensuring she never had to dwell on painful uncertainties or feel the void of what she had lost. Their love had given her a happy, carefree childhood¡ªone where she never had to ask those heartbreaking questions again. After everyone had settled down, the Evans family sat down with the Aldens, expressing their heartfelt gratitude for saving Kisha when she was just a child. But as the conversation unfolded, a painful truth emerged¡ªthe Aldens had found Kisha on the side of the road, injured, with a head wound. When they tried to map out the location where she had supposedly fallen versus where she had been found, they realized the distance between the two points spanned miles. A heavy silence fell over them as the weight of that revelation sank in. The Evans and the Aldens alike felt their hearts twist in pain. She had been only six years old. What had she gone through? What had she been thinking as she crawled or stumbled her way across such a vast distance, wounded and alone? Had she believed her family was waiting for her, pushing herself forward in a desperate bid to find them? Or had she simply been trying to go home, even though she couldn''t remember where that was? And if she had no memory¡­ what had driven her forward? Amidst the emotional whirlwind, Melody suddenly spoke up, her voice trembling. "Mom, Dad¡­ now that my older sister is back, does that mean my place in the family will change?" Her eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at them, vulnerable and uncertain. "Will you stop caring about me? Will you only dote on her from now on?" The Evans couple felt a pang of heartbreak at her words. For a moment, they forgot their disappointment in her actions. No matter what had happened, Melody was still their daughter¡ªshe wasn''t someone they could simply cast aside when circumstances changed. Mrs. Evans stepped forward, her voice gentle yet firm. "No, sweetheart. Our family hasn''t changed¡­ it has only grown bigger. We would never cast anyone aside." But out of Mrs. Evans'' sight, Melody shot Kisha a triumphant look, as if claiming victory. Despite Kisha''s return, Melody still saw herself as the family''s cherished little princess. However, Kisha couldn''t care less. Now that she had sorted through her thoughts and accepted the situation, she was back to her usual self. After all, she had endured countless emotional rollercoasters in her past lives¡ªlearning to pick herself up quickly had long become second nature. For now, Kisha decided to put aside her plan of kicking Melody out of the territory. First, she needed to see where this so-called family of hers truly stood if conflict arose between her and Melody in the future. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that in mind, Kisha left the infirmary alongside the Aldens and Winters. Duke walked beside her, a steady presence at her side, while Keith, her younger brother, stood on her other. Together, they made their way out, leaving the Evans behind in stunned silence. This wasn''t what the Evans had expected. They had assumed Kisha would stay, talk with them, and reminisce about the past. Instead, she had slipped away in the short time they had spent pacifying Melody. That fleeting moment was all it took for Kisha to walk away. Chapter 692 - 692 Knowing Their Stance In that instant, the smug smile on Melody''s lips disappeared, replaced by a wounded expression¡ªone that silently pleaded for sympathy, as if she were the victim of Kisha''s cruelty. She wore the kind of look that would normally make others see her as pitiful yet graceful, enduring mistreatment with quiet resilience. But the audience she was performing for didn''t even spare her a glance. Instead, they all turned their attention to Kisha, following her without hesitation. Her brothers, in particular, didn''t waste a second, striding quickly to catch up with her, leaving Melody standing there, unnoticed and ignored. "Baby sister, I¡ªI''m Ethan¡­ your second brother¡­" The usually stoic and composed Ethan found himself uncharacteristically flustered. Watching Kisha walk away without even attempting to reconnect with them left a sinking feeling in his chest. ''Did she not want them? Did she have no intention of returning to their family?'' After all, despite the confirmation from the paternity test, Kisha had simply left with the Winters and the Aldens, never once acknowledging her real family. The thought gnawed at him, and for the first time in a long while, uncertainty crept into his voice. Eric hurried after them, his voice slightly breathless as he tried to keep pace with Kisha and the others. "H-Hello, I¡ªI''m your first brother. And the twins¡ªElios and Eliot¡ªare your third and fourth brothers. Elios is the doctor¡ªhe was born five minutes earlier than Eliot, who used to manage the family''s hotel and restaurant businesses as a chef." His words tumbled out in a rush, a mix of nervousness and urgency lacing his tone. They were steadily moving farther from the infirmary when suddenly, a piercing, sobbing shriek echoed behind them¡ªMelody''s wailing voice cutting through the air. "Why are you all ignoring me? Am I not your sister anymore just because you found out she''s your long-lost sister?" Melody''s voice trembled with desperation as she ran toward her brothers, grabbing onto Eric''s sleeve and tugging at Elios. Her words were slightly slurred, but that didn''t stop her from ranting. "Besides, she just said that the DNA test kit you used was still in its initial testing phase! It could have errors¡ªwhat if the results were wrong? How can you be so sure? A proper paternity test usually takes at least two hours, even when expedited, but this one finished so quickly! That doesn''t make sense!" She was grasping at straws, doing her best to sow doubt in her brothers'' minds¡ªto make them question Kisha''s legitimacy. She wanted them to believe that Kisha was manipulating them, pretending to be their missing sister to steal their family, their love, and everything Melody had built for herself. She couldn''t accept it. She wouldn''t accept it. Kisha furrowed her brows upon hearing Melody''s outburst. She had already decided to let Melody stay at the base and chose to distance herself from this so-called family. She wasn''t ready to decide whether she wanted to acknowledge them or not. Right now, her priority was the task at hand¡ªwhatever emotions or conflicts this reunion stirred in her would have to wait. Mr. Evans furrowed his brows, though it was unclear whether he was displeased by Melody''s words or by Kisha''s cold demeanor toward them after learning the truth about her identity. However, before anyone could dwell on it further, Kisha pulled out two more DNA test kits. "If you have doubts, go ahead and test it yourselves," she said flatly. "I don''t have time for your family drama¡ªI have more important things to do." Without waiting for a response, she shoved the kits into Eric and Ethan''s hands before turning on her heel and continuing forward with the others. Duke cast a sneering glance at Eric before wrapping a protective arm around Kisha''s waist, walking away with her without a second thought. In that moment, the Evans finally understood what Kisha had meant. She was challenging them to put Melody''s doubts to rest by using the same DNA test kit to verify Melody''s connection to the family. If Melody truly believed the initial results were unreliable, then testing her own DNA against theirs would prove once and for all whether she belonged. It was a clear message¡ªKisha wasn''t going to waste her time arguing. If they wanted to prove their sincerity, they had to take action. Ethan and Eric exchanged a glance before turning their eyes to Melody. Behind her, Mr. and Mrs. Evans stood in silence. Mr. Evans still had a deep furrow in his brow, his displeasure evident as he observed the situation unfold. Both Eric and Ethan could see that their father wasn''t pleased with how things were unfolding. After all, he had doted on Melody for years, treating her like his little princess. He had always believed she was a sensible girl who had simply lost her way due to the sudden shift in her circumstances. Yet, despite his affection for her, disappointment lingered in his eyes. A part of him hesitated¡ªhe didn''t want to go through with the DNA test. If they didn''t do it, Melody could continue believing she was their true blood relative, sparing her from the harsh reality. He didn''t want to shatter that illusion. But Kisha wasn''t giving them that option. Her stance was clear¡ªshe wasn''t here to maintain a fragile peace built on uncertainty. She wanted the truth laid bare, even if it meant tearing apart what little harmony remained. But Kisha didn''t care. In fact, she wanted to shatter the fragile peace they were clinging to. She knew exactly how disappointed the Evans were when Melody had disregarded them during their awakening¡ªwhen their bodies burned with fever, their minds teetering on the edge of collapse. If the heat had fried their brains just a little more, they might have turned into zombies right then and there. And yet, with just a few tears, Melody was already starting to sway some of them. Since Melody insisted on bringing drama to her doorstep, why should Kisha be magnanimous? Why should she allow Melody to live a carefree life in her territory while causing trouble? First, she needed to put Melody in her place¡ªshatter the little world she lived in, where she believed everything should revolve around her. Kisha would treat this as nothing more than entertainment. Second, she wanted to see where her so-called family truly stood. If she and Melody were on opposing sides, who would they choose? Their blood-related daughter, or the girl they had raised all these years? It would be a difficult choice for the Evans, but Kisha needed to know their answer. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And depending on their decision, she would make hers. She had no hesitation about being ruthless¡ªno reservations about cutting them out of her life completely. She had grown up without them. Blood ties meant nothing if they became a threat to her or her real family. Since Melody was determined to stir up trouble, Kisha had no choice but to put her in her place. She wasn''t about to let that woman take Duke from her¡ªnor would she sacrifice her peace of mind, the one thing she truly had left. After making her stance clear, Kisha left without looking back, and the others followed suit. Chapter 693 - 693 Giving Out Items The quick-witted among them immediately grasped what Kisha was trying to convey to the Evans, while the slower ones were still struggling to piece it together¡ªlike Vulture, who kept nudging Sparrow for answers. "Dude, why did we just leave? Shouldn''t Young Madam be happy about reuniting with her real family? And now that it''s confirmed she''s an Evans, doesn''t that mean her union with our Master should be smooth sailing? Wasn''t she originally promised to him as his bride? So why does the atmosphere feel so damn gloomy?" Vulture''s nonstop chatter made Sparrow''s head spin. "Shut up. Do you really think Young Madam doesn''t hear your gossipy nonsense?" Sparrow shot Vulture a sharp glare, effectively silencing him. Only then did Vulture finally stop talking. Just as the group settled into silence, Kisha suddenly came to a halt. Everyone instinctively stopped as well, tension thick in the air. Then, she turned toward Sparrow, making him gulp nervously. Without a word, Kisha pulled out a few bottles filled with a grayish liquid and tossed them to him. "Here," Kisha said, tossing a small bottle to Sparrow. "Didn''t you say you''re still dealing with that abnormal status? This is a remedy potion¡ªit should cure it." Without further explanation, she placed the remaining bottles inside a bag and tossed it to Sparrow, signaling that he should distribute them to the others facing the same issue. She had nearly forgotten about it amidst all the family drama. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While eating earlier, she had tasked 008 with purchasing potions to cure Sparrow''s condition, as it didn''t seem to be fading on its own. Even now, when she checked her system''s ''Team Tab,'' all she could see were those frustrating ''Question Marks.'' Luckily, with her abundance of system points, Kisha could now buy whatever she wanted or needed without hesitation. As this thought crossed her mind, she recalled another matter and turned her gaze to Vulture. Since she and Duke had pulled a massive haul from the 100 Gachapon Draw, she figured it was time to distribute some of the items she and Duke wouldn''t use or find particularly appealing. With that decision made, she signaled for Sparrow, Vulture, and a few of their men to follow her and Duke. Seeing her sudden change in direction, Duke raised an eyebrow, unsure of what his wife was planning¡ªbut, as always, he followed without question. Before long, they arrived back at the open space in front of the large building where they had first arrived. The sky had already darkened, prompting them to switch on the spotlights to illuminate the area. The Winters men, along with the Aldens and the rest of the Winters family, stood there in silence, watching Kisha. They assumed she was about to give a pep talk, so they remained quiet, waiting for her to speak. Instead of a speech, a large pile of items suddenly materialized out of nowhere. The heap contained armor, weapons, and various pieces of equipment reminiscent of those worn by English knights in ancient times. Everyone''s curiosity was piqued as they examined the items, intrigued by their sudden appearance. Kisha wasted no time and began calling out names. "Vulture, come here," she said, picking through the pile. She inspected the items briefly before selecting ten pieces and tossing them to him. "These are part of the Blast Set. They''ll significantly boost your defenses and grant you some impressive additional skills. All you have to do is resonate with them, understand their capabilities, and I guarantee you''ll feel like you''ve leveled up afterward." A smirk played on Kisha''s lips, her tone almost like that of a merchant selling a life-changing treasure. Vulture, caught up in her enthusiasm, eagerly nodded, already convinced of the set''s value. Meanwhile, at the back of the group, Sparrow was distributing the grayish remedy potion to those who needed it. The moment Sparrow saw Kisha give Vulture a full set of equipment, he immediately recalled the Shakan Poison Dagger she had gifted him before and remembered just how incredible it was. Without hesitation, he passed the remaining potions to Group 6, then downed one himself as he dashed to the front. As soon as the potion took effect, a wave of relief washed over him. The lingering disorientation that had plagued him for so long finally began to fade, his body feeling lighter with each passing second. It was as if a weight had been lifted, his movements gradually returning to their usual sharp agility. To test it out, Sparrow bounced on his feet a few times. He grinned as he felt a newfound spring in his step, his body once again as light as the wind. Overcome with excitement, he sprinted straight to Kisha. "Young Madam! I feel so¡­ great!" he exclaimed, momentarily forgetting that his real reason for rushing to the front was pure envy¡ªVulture had just received a full set of equipment that likely rivaled his Shakan Poison Dagger in power. Kisha nodded with a satisfied smile as she observed Sparrow''s complexion¡ªhe had indeed recovered. To confirm, she opened her system interface and navigated to the ''Team Tab''. Just as she expected, Sparrow''s status window was now fully visible, the previous question marks gone. She could finally view his stats without any issues. "That''s great," she remarked, pleased with the results. Then, a thought crossed her mind. She had recently pulled an item similar to her Erebus Cloak, an artifact she had initially considered giving to Sparrow. However, she hesitated¡ªshe had grown quite fond of the Erebus Cloak''s functionality. Not only did it enhance stealth and concealment, but it also had the ability to deflect attacks, making it invaluable in combat. But this time, she was lucky enough to acquire a similar piece of equipment. Although it wasn''t part of a full set, it still complemented Sparrow''s abilities perfectly. ... [Cloak of Darkness] [Description: Forged by the elusive Night Elves, this cloak was designed to enhance stealth and seamlessly merge its wearer with the darkness. As devoted servants of the God of Darkness and Shadows, the Night Elves prided themselves on their unparalleled assassination skills, moving unseen and striking without warning. This cloak symbolizes their legacy and ingenuity, a relic of their once-feared tribe. Grade: Rare Type: Armor Defense: +50 Effects: Cloak of Darkness: Grants the wearer the ability to meld into shadows, rendering them undetectable even by advanced sensory skills.] ... Then, after handing the Cloak of Darkness to Sparrow, Kisha continued distributing rare equipment. With 24 pieces of rare gear remaining, she assigned them to the regular members of the Winters'' men. Since the 17 normal items were mostly potions and talismans, she kept them in her inventory for later use. Meanwhile, the armor and weapons were distributed based on each recipient''s stats and abilities, ensuring they received gear that complemented their strengths. As for the legendary items, Kisha set them aside, reserving them for the core members whose strength justified their use. While Kisha was busy allocating equipment, Vulture stood off to the side, eagerly donning all ten pieces of his new gear. Not wanting to waste any time, he even stripped off his old clothes to properly wear the shirt and pants before layering on the jacket and other items. However, the piece he was most excited about was the blast hammer¡ªhis previous weapon had developed cracks after repeatedly clashing against heavily armored enemies during their last major battle. Chapter 694 - 694 Handing Out Equipment Sparrow, who had just received a piece of equipment he treated like a treasure, soon found his excitement overshadowed by Vulture''s full set of gear. Running his fingers over his cloak, he glanced at Vulture, who was eagerly equipping one powerful-looking piece after another. The contrast, along with Kisha''s earlier words, made a bitter feeling creep into Sparrow''s chest¡ªhis once-prized cloak suddenly seemed lackluster in comparison. Kisha, watching the two act like children receiving gifts from Santa¡ªone thrilled with his new equipment and the other happy but unable to help comparing his to his younger brother''s¡ªchuckled to herself. Wanting to avoid any lingering disappointment, she quickly picked up the pace, handing out one rare item to each person until she had distributed all the ones she had pulled from her inventory. Only the legendary and mythic items from the Gachapon draws remained¡ªones she and Duke had ignored before. She walked over to Sparrow and handed him an additional legendary ring. "Here, you can have this. It''s our little secret," she whispered with a playful smile. "This ring is actually better than Vulture''s entire set. His gear is rare quality and only shines when worn as a full set, but this¡­ just one of these is worth more than ten of those." She couldn''t help but exaggerate a little¡ªafter all, Sparrow looked so envious and pitiful watching Vulture excitedly flaunt his new gear. A bit of sweet talk wouldn''t hurt, and if it made him feel better, then why not? The moment Sparrow heard Kisha''s words, his ears perked up, and his eyes sparkled as he stared at the ring. However, hesitation quickly set in. "Y-Young Madam, I¡­ I can''t accept this," he stammered, swallowing nervously. "Maybe you should give it to Master instead. I don''t want him misunderstanding your intentions." "I won''t misunderstand," Duke said casually as he suddenly appeared behind Kisha. Kisha was startled because he didn''t even make a sound. "Even Vulture has a ring as part of his set equipment. Besides, my space ring is far superior, and this is my wife''s hard-earned gift¡ªone she bought just for me. Yours can be treated as a freebie." Duke couldn''t help but gloat a little, completely forgetting that Kisha was trying to lift Sparrow''s spirits. After all, Sparrow had not only survived a near-death experience but had also returned with the rest of the missing team and even brought in new workers. This ring was meant as a reward for his efforts and a gesture to reassure him that his contributions were valued¡ªnot to make it seem like favoritism. But with Duke''s careless remark, calling it a "freebie," it suddenly felt like Sparrow was nothing more than an afterthought. Though, in reality, that was exactly what it was, Kisha had at least tried to make it sound meaningful¡ªonly for Duke to ruin the moment. Kisha elbowed Duke in the stomach without holding back. Just as he was about to pout and look wronged, she shot him a sharp glare that clearly said, "Say one more word, I dare you." Duke swallowed hard, wisely choosing to keep his mouth shut as he awkwardly scratched the back of his head. Turning back to Sparrow, Kisha offered him a reassuring smile. "Don''t listen to your jealous master. This is a legendary item with incredible stats. It''s called Fairy Wing." ... [Fairy Wing] [Description: A ring imbued with the blessing of a wind fairy, enhancing the wearer''s affinity with wind-based abilities and amplifying attacks infused with wind essence. Grade: Legendary Type: Accessory Attributes: Agility: +100 Defense: +30 Luck: +10 Effects: Block: Grants immunity to status abnormalities such as curses, mind manipulation, charm, and other debilitating effects. Wind Affinity: Enhances the user''s connection to wind-based abilities due to the fairy''s sacred blessing.] ... As Kisha handed the ring to Sparrow, she took the time to explain its effects in detail. Unlike Vulture, who had received an entire set of equipment, she hadn''t bothered explaining each piece to him, simply instructing him to familiarize himself with its abilities on his own. After all, with so many attributes and effects tied to each part of his set, she doubted he would remember everything just from an explanation. However, with Sparrow, she made an exception. She deliberately emphasized how powerful the legendary ring was, hoping to lift his spirits and stop him from glancing enviously at Vulture''s gear. His pitiful expression, as if he had been overlooked, tugged at her a little, so she made sure he understood just how valuable his gift truly was. After Kisha''s explanation, Sparrow''s eyes lit up with excitement as he admired the ring now resting on his index finger. His enthusiasm, however, only seemed to fuel Duke''s irritation. Letting out a cold snort from the side, he made his jealousy obvious. Kisha shot him a sharp glare, silently warning him to stop acting petty just because she was giving Sparrow a little extra attention. "One more snort, and I''m never giving you a legendary or mythic item again," Kisha warned playfully, though her expression remained deadpan. In an instant, Duke sprang to his feet and began massaging her shoulders, eager to get back into her good graces. "Wifey, don''t say that! You know your husband would never intentionally anger you. Hehehe." Duke flashed a wolfish grin, his charm effortlessly disarming. Kisha felt her heart melt instantly, forcing her to avert her gaze in a weak attempt to maintain her composure. But Duke knew her too well¡ªhe was fully aware that his handsome face was his greatest weapon against her, and he wielded it shamelessly. *Snort!* A sharp sound of disdain and reproach came from behind them. "What?! My sister even picked up a beggar who''s been relying on her alms!" Keith, looking even more jealous than Duke, snapped like a firecracker, his temper flaring. He had clearly overheard everything¡ªVulture receiving a full set of equipment, Sparrow getting a legendary item, and Duke boasting about his space ring that Kisha had spent so much to obtain. The more he listened, the more his jealousy burned. Seeing someone else getting jealous, Duke suddenly felt a lot better. His mood instantly lifted as he turned to Keith with a look of exaggerated sympathy, which only served to irritate Keith further. It was as if Duke was silently saying, "I can smell vinegar in the air." Watching the two of them bicker like children, Kisha could only shake her head in exasperation. She had never imagined that her little brother and Duke would act so petty over a few pieces of equipment. Then again, in her previous life, she never had the luxury of owning such precious gear¡ªshe hadn''t even been able to afford low-tier uncommon items. But now, with an abundance of system points at her disposal, she could buy several legendary items without a second thought. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''Oh! It''s so good to be rich!'' Kisha thought, her excitement perfectly mirroring 008''s own. A satisfied smile spread across her face as she chose to ignore both her sulking little brother and the still-jealous Duke, basking in the joy of her newfound wealth. Then, she left to check on the civilians Sparrow had brought from the outside. They were originally from Port City and had been heading to a small village to start farming in order to survive. Now that she understood their intended plans, much like Sparrow, she assumed they had farming experience. If that were the case, it would be ideal to place them under Marcus''s supervision to help expand the farmland within the territory space. Chapter 695 - 695 Another Slap Meanwhile, while the atmosphere outside the building was lively and festive, the infirmary was filled with tension, sorrow, and quiet sobs. Melody and Mrs. Evans had just finished conducting the paternity test. "I told you this test is faulty! It''s not working!" Melody exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration. "It even came back negative for me and Mom! That means that woman isn''t an Evans at all¡ªthis was just a scheme to get close to you all!" No one spoke. The room was heavy with silence, broken only by Mrs. Evans'' heartbreaking sobs. They had all been sitting in this tense atmosphere for what felt like an eternity until Ethan finally snapped and decided to tell the truth. "No. You''re the one who isn''t an Evans," he said, his voice cold and firm. "You were adopted a year after my sister went missing, that is to help stabilize my mom''s depression." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His words cut through the silence like a blade. In truth, he had grown tired of Melody''s constant whining, emotional outbursts, and subtle attempts at manipulation. She believed she was flawlessly weaving her influence over everyone, but the truth was, they had all simply chosen to turn a blind eye. Their patience had been nearly endless, not until now. They weren''t in their own territory anymore. They were guests in someone else''s home, and after all the disappointments Melody had caused, the rose-tinted glasses they had once worn for her were beginning to crack. Especially Ethan, who had no special connection to Melody. His tolerance for her was the lowest, making him the most likely to break the silence and say what everyone else couldn''t. In fact, it almost seemed as if the others had been waiting for him to snap, because they didn''t have the heart to tell her the truth themselves. "W-What?!" Melody snapped, her wide eyes locked onto Ethan in disbelief. For a moment, she even forgot to cry, stunned by his words. Then, as if regaining her composure, she broke into a wide, mocking smile. "Are you trying to hurt me with lies just to defend that woman?" she scoffed, her arms crossing in front of her chest in a subtly arrogant manner. "Don''t tell me you''ve actually fallen for her?" She let out a cold snort before continuing, her voice laced with contempt. "But brother, as you can see, she''s being called Duke''s wife now. That means she''s nothing more than a used rag..." Slap! Before she could finish her words, a sharp sting exploded across her cheek as another slap landed, adding to her earlier injuries. The sudden pain brought tears to her eyes, and she slowly turned her head, only to meet the gaze of the one person who had always pampered her the most. Her father. But instead of the usual warmth, all she saw was deep, unshakable disappointment. Melody felt as if her very soul had been ripped from her body the moment she saw the disappointment in her father''s eyes. A cold dread spread through her, creeping from her feet to the rest of her body at an alarming speed. It was the first time he had ever looked at her like this¡ªlike she was a stranger. And with that single gaze, her confidence shattered, crumbling like a fragile tower of glass. Her world, once steady and secure, was now reduced to rubble. She had always believed she belonged, that she was connected to them by blood. Yet now, the truth crashed down on her¡ªshe had been kept in the dark while they all knew. The realization twisted inside her like a knife. She wasn''t one of them. She wasn''t family. And worst of all¡­ she had never been. A sharp sting of betrayal and bitterness filled her chest. All this time, had she been nothing more than an outsider¡ªsomeone they merely tolerated, someone they used? But then again, she had indeed been used¡ªbut in return, she had lived a life of luxury, one she never would have experienced had she remained in the orphanage. If not for them, she wouldn''t have even caught a glimpse of what it was like to be a wealthy heiress, admired and revered by many. "Melody¡­ how did you turn out like this?" Mr. Evans choked out, his voice filled with disbelief and sorrow. Just weeks ago, when he first met Kisha and his wife confided in them that she believed the girl was their long-lost daughter, he had held onto his doubts. He had been prejudiced against her¡ªafter all, she didn''t have Melody''s gentle demeanor or the same warmth in her words. Instead, she spoke bluntly, her tone often cold and indifferent. So, he convinced himself that even if Kisha was truly his blood, he would still feel closer to the daughter he had raised. But now, standing here, watching Melody''s true colors unfold before him, he realized a painful truth¡ªhe never really knew the child he had nurtured. And for the first time, a bitter thought crossed his mind: had he failed as a father? Had he been blind to the faults he should have corrected? His sons had grown into fine men, yet Melody¡­ Melody had become nothing but a disappointment. "The paternity test was accurate, she is indeed our long-lost daughter, and you are not related to us by blood. But even so, we raised you with everything we had, treated you like our own princess, and gave you everything you desired, even love that we never had the chance to give our real daughter. All I ask is that you don''t cause her trouble and treat her well. That is the only thing we ask of you after sixteen years of caring for you as our own." Mr. Evans spoke weakly, as if utterly exhausted. "But didn''t you use me to help treat Mom? So, I don''t owe you anything. In fact, you owe me a life! If I hadn''t come into your home, maybe Mom would have lost her mind completely or even taken her own life¡ªbecause deep down, she was weak." Melody sneered, her eyes burning with hatred as she glared at the man she once called father. Her words left everyone stunned into silence. "Melody! How could you say that?!" Eric, the eldest, roared, his fury radiating from him like a storm about to break. "What? Am I not allowed to speak the truth?!" Melody''s eyes burned red with a mix of hatred and anger. She knew now that she didn''t belong to this family anymore and never would. The way they looked at her, the way they treated her now, made it painfully clear that things would never go back to how they were before. "Melody..." Mrs. Evans, still sobbing, reached out to grasp her hand. She was fragile¡ªboth physically and emotionally¡ªand the overwhelming surge of emotions was consuming her entirely. The reason they had held on to Melody, despite all the disappointments, was because of her. They all knew that if they abandoned Melody now, after everything¡ªincluding the moment she had turned her back on them when they needed her most¡ªit would shatter Emma Evans completely. They had seen Melody''s true colors, but they also knew that losing her, after years of treating her as a daughter, might push Mrs. Evans to the edge. Melody had been her emotional anchor for so long, and they feared that without her, she might do something reckless. Chapter 696 - 696 Keiths Improvement While the Evans family was caught in an emotional confrontation at the infirmary, Kisha had already made her way to meet the newcomers in her territory. Before that, she had sent the Winters to train alongside those who had remained at the hidden base¡ªmen who never had the chance to train under her and Duke back at HOPE Base. The hidden base members had a lot of catching up to do, and it showed. As soon as the two groups began their training session, the Winters'' men from HOPE Base effortlessly dominated their counterparts. The difference in skill was undeniable, and frustration rippled through the hidden base group as they groaned and struggled to get back on their feet. "Ugh! How did the gap get this big in just a month? Is this the difference between levels?" one of the men from the hidden base grumbled as he pushed himself up from the ground after being tossed around like a ragdoll. His opponent from HOPE Base smirked. "Well, you''re still Level 0. I''m already Level 1." "Ugh! One more round!" the hidden base man growled, determined to bridge the gap. While the others were busy with their training, Kisha turned to Keith. "So, baby brother, why don''t you show me your progress for a bit?" she said, her eyes assessing him thoughtfully. Watching the training session had reminded her that she hadn''t checked in on Keith''s development for a while. After hearing Sparrow''s report on what her little brother could do, she realized he had improved significantly¡ªperhaps even more than she had expected. Now was the perfect time to see it for herself before heading off to meet the newcomers. "Alright," Keith said, looking smug. He took a calm breath and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, an exact replica of Kisha stood before her. Every detail was perfect¡ªthe facial features, the build, even the subtle nuances of her expression. Perhaps it was because Keith was so familiar with his sister that he could recreate her so flawlessly. "Hmmm. This is impressive," Kisha acknowledged, circling the illusion with a nod of approval. She extended her hand, attempting to touch it. Like mist or a hologram, the illusion offered no resistance. Her fingers passed through it effortlessly, causing the form to distort momentarily before seamlessly reforming as if nothing had happened. Then, to her surprise, the illusion turned its head toward her and smiled¡ªeerily lifelike. Kisha raised an eyebrow before shifting her gaze back to her little brother. "Not bad¡­" she said with a small smile. After all, Keith''s specialty was illusion¡ªmeant to deceive the eye, not create something tangible enough to fool both sight and touch. Yet, his mastery was undeniable. "Alright," she continued, her smile widening with interest. "What about your combat skills? Show me what you''ve got." She knew that Keith and their grandfather had been training with Ethan, learning close combat techniques, as well as how to handle explosives and firearms. Now, she wanted to see just how much he had improved during her absence. In her previous life, Kisha had been the one to personally teach and train Keith, guiding him through every step. But this time, she had been too busy to oversee his progress as closely. It felt strange¡ªalmost unnatural¡ªnot to be the one shaping his skills. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yet, as she observed him now, seeing how much he had grown on his own, a thought crossed her mind: ''A baby eagle wouldn''t learn to fly if it wasn''t pushed from the nest. And more importantly, it wouldn''t learn independence if its mother was always by its side.'' For as long as she could remember, Keith had always followed her like a shadow. Though she wasn''t his mother, perhaps he had been relying on her too much. Then, as if responding to an unspoken command, Keith''s expression turned serious. He reached behind his torso and swiftly drew the axe from his belt. Without hesitation, he swung it sideways toward Kisha in a sharp, decisive motion. However, to Kisha, it was nothing more than child''s play. With her heightened abilities, Keith''s every move appeared as if it were in slow motion, his form riddled with openings. Without meaning to, her reflexes took over¡ªbefore she even realized it, her foot connected squarely with his ribcage in a swift, precise kick. "Ugh! Sis, are you trying to kill me?" Keith groaned, looking up at Kisha with pitiful, teary red eyes while pouting. His earlier seriousness vanished in an instant, replaced by sheer disbelief. He hadn''t expected Kisha to take him so seriously¡ªlet alone shut him down before he could even show off his improvements. With just one move, he was already on his knees, clutching his side. "I think you broke two of my ribs," he muttered through gritted teeth, glaring at her as if she had just betrayed him. Duke chuckled from the sidelines as he watched the siblings horse around. His amusement grew when he noticed Kisha''s shocked expression¡ªshe hadn''t meant to hit Keith so hard. She had believed she was sparring with controlled precision, only to miscalculate at the last second. It completely slipped her mind just how vast the difference was between their strength and defense. She was used to sparring with Duke, who could take her hits head-on or evade at the last second. But Keith? He looked like a sluggish turtle with a broken shell, unable to dodge in time, leaving his body to absorb the full brunt of her attack without mercy. "I-I''m so sorry, baby brother," Kisha said, still trying to process what had just happened. Meanwhile, Duke was laughing on the sidelines. It wasn''t often that he saw Kisha speechless and at a loss for words. She was never the careless type¡ªif anything, she was a tyrant on the training grounds, pushing everyone to their limits. Even he wasn''t spared from her relentless training. But this time, she had gotten so used to that role that her body reacted faster than her mind. Instead of merely testing Keith''s abilities, she had ended up knocking him down for real. Kisha cleared her throat. "Ahem! Let''s try that again, shall we?" She attempted to mask the blush creeping up her cheeks. Keith, still clutching his side, looked up at her with an exaggerated expression of pain. "Sis, why don''t you take me to the infirmary first? I think I''m dying here. Please?" He sucked in a mouthful of air, his voice laced with dramatics, but to his dismay, no one seemed to be taking him seriously. Duke, still laughing, shook his head in amusement. _____ PS: Hello everyone! I just want to take a moment to thank you all for your support and appreciation¡ªit truly means the world to me! As a token of my gratitude, I''ll be releasing one extra chapter for every 100 Golden Tickets this month. Think of it as a fun little challenge¡ªno pressure at all! A special shoutout to this month''s top Golden Ticket contributors: Lenc114, my sweet LotusLin, and Soapy_meimei! Your support means so much to me, and I genuinely appreciate it. Lately, things have been feeling a bit quiet around here, and I sometimes wonder if people are still reading. So, seeing your engagement reminds me that my work is still reaching you all. Thank you again! ???? Chapter 697 - 697 The Newcomers "Oh! Right," Kisha finally reacted, a beat too late. Realizing her mistake, she quickly pulled a vial of shimmering blue liquid from her inventory and handed it to Keith. "Here, drink this first. You''ll be good as new in no time." Keith eyed the suspicious liquid in Kisha''s hand before looking up at her, his skepticism evident. For some reason, resentment bubbled up inside him¡ªwas she not even truly worried about him? If this had been before, just scraping his knee would have been enough to send her into a panic, fussing over him as if the world were ending. But now? She looked mildly embarrassed for hitting him too hard, maybe a little concerned, but not nearly as frantic as he expected. His gaze shifted to Duke, who was still laughing on the sidelines, clearly enjoying the spectacle. Keith narrowed his eyes. ''It must be because of him,'' he thought bitterly. ''This man stole her love for me.'' Keith resentfully snatched the vial of blue liquid from Kisha''s hand and downed it in one go, his pout deepening. Just as he was about to grumble, Kisha seemed to realize why he was sulking. She stepped closer, standing beside him, and gently ruffled his hair. "Good job," she murmured, her voice soft and coaxing. "You''re doing great. Such a brave kid¡­" Her words, though meant to comfort, only made Keith puff his cheeks in frustration. But despite himself, he leaned ever so slightly into her touch. Keith pouted even more and grumbled, "Stop treating me like a kid already¡­" Yet, despite his protests, the small smile creeping onto his lips betrayed the joy he felt at Kisha''s display of affection. Even Duke, who had been laughing moments ago, stopped and shot Kisha a look filled with unmistakable jealousy. Caught between the two, Kisha hesitated. No matter what she did, one of them would end up feeling left out. Instead of choosing sides, she decided to remove herself from the situation altogether, turning on her heel and walking away, leaving the two to sort out their silent rivalry on their own. "Alright, I''ll stop," Kisha said with a smirk. "But instead, why don''t you two train together while I go check on the newcomers?" Just as she finished speaking, her grandfather arrived, catching the tail end of her words. His gaze flickered between Kisha and the two men, a knowing look in his eyes as he took in the situation. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Right, make sure to whip that kid into shape so he stops dragging everyone down when he joins the others on missions outside," Grandpa Alden said, his tone firm, as if reprimanding his grandson while fully expecting Duke to push Keith even harder. Keith''s eyes widened in disbelief, staring at his grandfather as if he couldn''t believe what he had just heard. Did Grandpa really think he was slacking off? Was he a burden during supply runs and patrols? In truth, he had been performing well¡ªso well that even Ethan no longer had to keep a constant eye on him. Keith had learned the ins and outs of survival, what to do and what to avoid, yet here was his grandfather, making it sound like he was a dead weight. "Beat him a few more times so his bones turn to steel and his skin toughens like concrete," Grandpa Alden added, throwing more fuel onto the fire. His mischievous smile only deepened as he turned to Keith, whose horrified expression made him look thoroughly bullied. Keith quickly turned to Kisha, his eyes pleading for help, but she only laughed. She knew her grandfather was just messing with him. However, Duke¡ªDuke was taking this far too seriously. The smile he gave Keith was filled with something¡­ ominous. A shiver ran down Keith''s spine as he instinctively rubbed his arms, feeling an unsettling sense of doom creeping in. Before he could grumble and beg Kisha to save him, she was already walking away, leaving him alone with two mischief-loving tormentors. She knew better than to intervene¡ªafter all, even Grandpa Alden was just having his fun. After leaving the three man-children behind, Kisha made her way toward the newcomers, who stood not far away, watching the Winters'' men train with fascination. The only ones absent were the children, who were resting in the shared quarters under the watchful eyes of the elderly. Meanwhile, the able-bodied men and women wandered the hidden base, looking for something to do. Restlessness gnawed at them. Unlike the established residents, each with their own role in the base, they had nothing to contribute¡ªjust idle hands and uncertain futures. The feeling was unsettling, a grim reminder of their past shelter. Back then, they had been just as useless, just as expendable. And in the end, they were abandoned, left to die because they were nothing more than extra mouths to feed. Having learned from their past mistakes, they now understood the importance of making themselves useful. They refused to be seen as dead weight¡ªeasily discarded when times got tough. More than that, they wanted to reclaim their pride, to stand tall rather than wait for scraps tossed their way on someone else''s whim. Their harsh experience had taught them a valuable lesson: survival meant self-sufficiency. Now, that realization made them restless, eager to find purpose. Watching the Winters'' men train, the men in their group began wondering how they could join the training. Meanwhile, the women considered other ways to contribute¡ªperhaps helping in the cafeteria, assisting with cleaning, or taking on laundry duties for the base. Anything to pull their weight and earn their place. As Kisha made her way toward them, she discreetly examined their status windows, assessing their general nature¡ªwhether they were good or bad people. To her surprise, most leaned toward being good, while many fell into a neutral category, meaning their actions could be swayed by circumstances. More importantly, she identified several individuals with valuable Talents, people who could be just as useful as the rest if placed in the right roles. By the time she reached them, she had already sorted them into categories, mentally assigning them to specific departments or jobs within the base, ensuring that everyone had a purpose and a role to fulfill. The women who had been observing their surroundings noticed Kisha approaching and quickly nudged the men, who were engrossed in watching the Winters'' men train. They also called over the others who had arrived with Sparrow, ensuring everyone was present. After witnessing the events in the cafeteria and hearing various discussions, they now understood the power dynamics within the base. While Duke was referred to as "Master" by Sparrow and the Winters'' men, Kisha held an equally¡ªif not higher¡ªposition in the hierarchy. Duke treated her like his queen, making it clear that she wielded just as significant authority. Realizing that their chances of staying and securing a place in the hidden base depended on Kisha''s approval, they knew they had to make a good impression. "H-Hello, ma''am!" the leader of the group quickly straightened up before bowing deeply to Kisha. Without hesitation, he then dropped to one knee before her, mimicking the posture of a knight pledging loyalty. "There''s no need for such formalities. Please, stand up," Kisha responded with a calm yet polite tone. Chapter 698 - 698 Hugo Benjamin While she maintained her composed demeanor, she was already analyzing the group. Many of them stood in neutral side, meaning their allegiance could shift depending on circumstances. She needed to observe them carefully, ensuring they weren''t easily swayed or prone to betrayal. For now, close monitoring was necessary. "T-Thank you!" they all responded in unison, quickly lining up as they awaited Kisha''s words. Their leader stood at the front, ready to negotiate on their behalf. "I heard from Sparrow that you plan to return to your village and start farming," Kisha stated directly, her gaze sharp. "Do you have experience with farming or raising livestock?" The leader hesitated for a moment, unsure why Kisha was asking, but he quickly stepped forward with a respectful nod, prepared to answer on behalf of the group. "Yes, ma''am," the leader replied with unwavering honesty. "We plan to head to my village to start farming since we''re not combatants. Trying to scavenge for supplies in the cities would only put us at risk, and if something happened to us, there''d be no one left to protect the children." He spoke candidly, unafraid to admit their weaknesses. Lying about their capabilities would only lead to disaster later, and he knew that false promises could put lives at stake. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Not everyone here knows how to farm or raise livestock," he continued, "but we''re all willing to learn from each other to improve. Most of us come from labor-intensive backgrounds¡ªmany worked as porters at the docks, while others have experience in different trades. Hard work is what we can offer, and while we may need to change our line of work, our willingness to put in the effort remains the same. I don''t think anyone here would have trouble adapting to this way of life." Kisha raised an eyebrow. Without her even asking, the man leading the newcomers had already laid out everything she wanted to know. It was as if he feared she might mistake them for freeloaders, so he openly admitted their weaknesses and emphasized their willingness to work hard to fit in. His honesty made things much easier for her. ''It really is easy to deal with smart people,'' Kisha mused to herself. As Kisha observed the man in front of her, she could see the nervousness in his stance, but he held his ground for the sake of the people behind him. Though he appeared intimidated and lacked formal education¡ªhis past as a dock laborer limiting him to menial work¡ªit was clear that he was quick-witted. His ability to survive this long and earn the trust of those following him spoke volumes. After all, a blind man couldn''t lead others without leading them to ruin. His leadership qualities and sound judgment only reinforced what Kisha had already seen in his status window. ... [Hugo Benjamin] Level 0 (Exp: 0/100 X 0.0) Strength: 12 Stamina: 12 Defense: 5 Agility: 8 Mental Capacity: 14 Charm: 13 Leadership: 19 Luck: 6 Mana: 0 Spiritual Energy: 0 Title: None Skills: None Passive None Talent: Late Bloomer Gift: Crisis Leader Ability: None ... As Kisha studied the status window floating in front of her, she began to understand the meaning behind Hugo Benjamin''s ''Talent: Late Bloomer'' and ''Gift: Crisis Leader'' without even needing to analyze them further. From what Sparrow had mentioned earlier, Hugo and the others from Port City were once people who only knew how to rely on the strong, paralyzed by their fear of death. They had been left behind after their combatants perished in battle against Sparrow''s forces¡ªfollowing the conflict with Victor, Rakan''s traitorous subordinate who sought to seize power. Considering all of this, Kisha was certain that Hugo''s ''Late Bloomer'' talent signified his slow but inevitable emergence as a capable leader. Though uneducated and powerless before the apocalypse, his ''Gift: Crisis Leader'', combined with the wisdom he had accumulated over the years, set him apart. Having lived at the bottom of society, working among laborers from various ethnicities at the port, Hugo had long since grown his wings. However, the rigid hierarchies of the past had shackled him. He had always held back, fearing that he wasn''t enough¡ªthat he could never measure up to the educated men who held authority. In short, he had been consciously insecure, choosing to toil away in the shadows rather than stepping forward. Now, however, circumstances had forced him to rise. It wasn''t until he faced the imminent threat of death during the tsunami that something within him truly awakened. Surrounded by helpless children and elderly who depended on the slowly disappearing hope at that time, he could no longer afford to hesitate. Unlike before, when he was constantly overshadowed by the educated and powerful, this time, he was among people just like him¡ªuneducated, struggling, and living at the bottom of society. There was no room for self-doubt or second-guessing. And so, without resistance coming from within him, his ''Gift: Crisis Leader'' took effect naturally, as if it had been waiting for this very moment to surface. In situations like these, he was more than qualified to lead. He wasn''t just a figurehead¡ªhe was someone capable of guiding his people out of their struggles and toward a safer future. During a crisis, his mind worked sharper than most; he remained calm, collected, and always searching for a way to survive. Just like now¡ªchoosing to return to his village and start farming instead of risking their lives scavenging in the city. He understood their limitations, and after witnessing firsthand the horrors of the zombies, he knew their chances of surviving a direct confrontation were slim. Rather than foolishly fighting a losing battle, he opted for a path where they could build something sustainable, something that gave them a real chance at life. He successfully led his people to the forest, but their journey took a dangerous turn when they encountered the mutated tiger. Instead of panicking or running for their lives, Hugo made a decisive choice¡ªhe led them up into the trees. Normally, a cat of that size would have no trouble climbing after them, so why did he make such a risky call instead of trying to outrun it or sacrificing a few to save the majority? It was because of the combination of his ''Talent: Late Bloomer'' and ''Gift: Crisis Leader'', Hugo was able to assess the situation with a level of insight that others lacked. He realized that the mutated tiger wasn''t hunting them for food¡ªit was toying with them for sport. The beast wasn''t in a hurry to kill; it wanted to break their spirits first, to revel in their fear and desperation before delivering the final blow. Hugo understood that if they panicked and scattered, they would only make themselves easy prey. Instead, he kept them together, making sure they remained as still and silent as possible while waiting for an opportunity. And luck was on their side¡ªthe Winters'' men arrived just in time, followed by Sparrow. With that, a new path opened for Hugo and his people. He seized the chance without hesitation, just as a true leader should. Although Hugo appeared simple, he was far from foolish. In fact, he was just as quick-witted as Sparrow. This became evident when he willingly opened up to Kisha without her even needing to ask. Chapter 699 - 699 Work Reassignment He had a keen ability to recognize those who could help him survive, which was precisely why he had chosen to overshare his plans when first meeting the Winters'' men. For someone like him¡ªwho had spent his life working at the bottom of society¡ªwariness was second nature. People in his position often had no voice, easily overlooked or discarded without consequence. Seeking help was futile because, more often than not, it simply didn''t exist for people like them. They were frequent targets for human trafficking and other crimes, which had ingrained in them a habit of keeping information close to their chest and being wary. Yet, despite this ingrained caution, Hugo instinctively recognized when it was worth taking a risk and revealing more than usual¡ªan insight that set him apart. For someone who had ingrained wariness and caution into his very being, Hugo''s decision to openly share his future plans with complete strangers was nothing short of remarkable. He had no way of knowing their identities or intentions¡ªwhether they were good people, opportunists looking to take advantage of him, or, at worst, cannibals. After all, Kisha had witnessed such horrors in her previous life, and in desperate times, it wouldn''t be surprising if some had turned to such extremes. Yet, despite the risks, Hugo chose to gamble. This meant he had already assessed the Winters'' men, recognizing them as strong individuals from a well-supplied shelter¡ªall from pure observation, a skill honed over years of navigating the docks as a porter while keeping his eyes peeled. It was this keen awareness that had kept him out of trouble for so long. More impressively, he didn''t make it seem like a calculated move. Instead, he presented his openness as a casual, honest conversation, ensuring that the other party never even realized he was testing the waters. Kisha was convinced that Hugo would be a valuable addition to her team. He was humble and down-to-earth¡ªqualities that made him approachable even to those who distrust authority. She knew from experience that there were always people skeptical of those in power, herself included. While such individuals hadn''t yet reached City B or her territory, it was only a matter of time before they did. When that day came, unrest would be inevitable. But having someone like Hugo¡ªsomeone who could bridge the gap between leadership and the common people¡ªwould be an invaluable asset. He had the ability to earn their trust and keep tensions from escalating into outright conflict. Especially since Kisha planned to open HOPE Base''s gates to other shelters and bases soon, she knew she would inevitably encounter groups like Hugo''s¡ªcommunities of people who had been oppressed for so long but had now managed to carve out their own sanctuary. Having fought to build their own oasis, these people would naturally be wary of larger, more powerful bases. Some might even see them as threats or competitors rather than allies. If Kisha was unlucky, these groups could turn hostile, and during those struggles, they might even use her own people against her¡ªjust as it had happened in her previous life. Back then, a well-known base built by laborers union, one powerful enough to rival military-run strongholds, had set its sights on her territory. They had manipulated the laborers within her own base, stirring resentment and turning them against her. Before she even realized what was happening, they had stripped her of her resources¡ªand, ultimately, her life. Having Hugo around reminded her of that past betrayal¡ªsomething she had nearly forgotten since it happened so long ago. But now that the memory resurfaced, she also remembered one thing clearly¡ªshe had a debt to settle, and it was time to make them pay. Now that she thought about it, someone like Hugo must have perished in Port City in her previous lives¡ªor perhaps he survived under a different name. After all, she didn''t recall anyone named Hugo Benjamin making a name for himself during the apocalypse or establishing a shelter. But Kisha didn''t dwell on it. With each reincarnation came the inevitable butterfly effect. The choices she made altered events, shifting the fates of people and situations alike. Just as she had saved thousands of innocent lives earlier than in her past life by pulling them from the Coltons'' grasp, she knew the most important thing now was to focus on the present¡ªplanning ahead with the manpower and resources she currently had. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After determining where Hugo stood, Kisha gave him a nod and shifted her focus to the rest of his people, waiting for them to arrive. While observing his status window, she simultaneously monitored the territory''s interface map, where the orange dots represented Hugo''s group coming closer to their location, probably running. This feature made it easier for Kisha to track their movements within her territory, as they were distinctly marked apart from the green dots¡ªher recognized people. Among the differently colored markers, one stood out the most: Melody''s glaring red dot, making her easily identifiable even in a crowd. Kisha kept her gaze on Hugo''s people, and once they had all gathered, she uttered just two words before turning away: "Follow me." Stunned, Hugo and his group hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. It wasn''t until Kisha''s figure was nearly swallowed by the darkness that they snapped out of it and hurried after her. She led them straight to the cafeteria, where the Blythes'' family was finishing their meal. Unlike the others, the Blythes had arrived later due to their responsibilities tending to the farmland and the small livestock Kisha had left for the territory before leaving for City B. Having spent the entire day working, they were covered in dirt and sweat¡ªespecially those who had been handling the animals. Rather than dining with the rest and risking ruining anyone''s appetite with their smell, they had chosen to eat separately. Their plan was simple: finish their meal, clean up, and then retreat to their rooms for a much-needed shower and rest. Unaware of the earlier drama that had unfolded in the cafeteria, they were focused solely on refueling after a long day''s labor. As the Blythes family was mid-bite, they noticed Kisha entering the cafeteria¡ªan unexpected sight given that the place should have been deserted by now. What caught their attention even more was the group trailing behind her, people they had only glimpsed from a distance earlier. But the biggest surprise was seeing Kisha herself. It had been a long time since she had left with Duke, and now, here she was¡ªthe very person who had assigned them to their current roles. A wave of mixed emotions washed over them, though they couldn''t quite put those feelings into words. Instinctively, they paused mid-chew, setting their utensils down as they processed the moment. Still, they didn''t speak first. It was Kisha who broke the silence. "Hello again. I know you''ve all been doing an excellent job maintaining the farm and taking care of the animals, even though none of you had prior experience before taking on this role. Your hard work and dedication are truly commendable," Kisha said, getting straight to the point as always. "So, I''m giving you the opportunity to pass your responsibilities to these people. Teach them the ropes, and once they''re ready, you can choose to transfer to the department you''ve always wanted to work in." Her words took the Blythes family by surprise, but beneath their initial shock, a flicker of delight shone in their eyes. Chapter 700 - 700 Work Reassignment 2 But Mr. Blythes, after basking in the happiness for a moment, suddenly had a troubling thought. His expression shifted as he looked at Kisha with a hint of suspicion. "You''re not just dismissing us under the guise of giving us a choice, are you?" he asked cautiously. "This isn''t some roundabout way of firing or demoting us now that we''ve served our purpose, right?" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha''s lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Truly a businessman, aren''t we, Mr. Blythes?" She wasn''t offended by his blunt question, even though his tone carried a hint of rudeness. Kisha understood¡ªhe was simply looking out for his family''s best interests. Now, even his wife and daughter were eyeing Kisha with wariness. Observing them closely, she noticed the sunburn on their once smooth, fair skin. The Blythes'' only daughter, who used to have a delicate complexion, was now tanned, her skin slightly reddish with faint freckles scattered across her face. She had changed a lot since the last time Kisha had seen her. She looked tougher, yet the softness in her expression remained. However, her rosy glow was gone, along with the carefree sparkle in her eyes. It was clear that adjusting to this new life hadn''t been easy for her. But unlike Melody, she hadn''t caused trouble. Instead, she had endured. In reality, it was her mother who had been causing trouble from the very beginning. She simply couldn''t accept that her beloved daughter had been reduced to such a state. As a result, she constantly complained, nagging and ranting while working in the fields. For some reason, every time Kisha checked on them through her territory''s interface, she would hear Mrs. Blythes grumbling and her voice carrying the same relentless energy as the women in the countryside who aired their frustrations for all to hear. For some reason, Kisha found it both refreshing and amusing. After all, this was a woman who used to be a refined socialite, yet she had no reservations about reprimanding Kisha for making things difficult for them. Still, despite her endless complaints and the stream of sharp words directed at Kisha, she never once refused to work. Every single day, she showed up and did her part. In fact, she even made sure her daughter took breaks in the shade while she took on the heavier tasks herself. For some reason, Kisha developed a favorable impression of them. Initially, she had little trust in them and assigned them to this position as a test of character. However, after observing their perseverance and dedication, she found herself willing to place her trust in them. Now, she was ready to move them to a different department¡ªone where they could work at a steadier pace, explore new opportunities, and develop skills in areas they were genuinely interested in. All while entrusting this labor-intensive work to those truly skilled in it. After all, she planned to have them work under Marcus¡ªthere was no better person to understand their struggles than someone who had lived a hard life himself. Having spent a month living with Kisha and Duke, Marcus not only knew them personally but also understood their expectations and work ethic, making him the ideal mentor for their transition. She hoped that Hugo and his people would learn everything they wanted to know about her through Marcus¡ªsomeone they could speak to openly without fear of judgment. This way, they would gradually grow closer to her without even realizing it, allowing trust to develop naturally. Once that trust was strong enough, she could have them sign a Magical Contract, securing their loyalty and enabling them to work within the territory space. Marcus needed more hands to expand the farmland, and he could no longer manage it alone. She also planned to enlist the Winters'' men for plowing and harvesting when they weren''t focused on their training, but that was before. Now that there are more hands available, she could let the Winters'' men ensure they remained prepared for the increasingly difficult missions the system was bound to send their way in the near future. Because of this, manpower was essential. She also needed to provide support for Mike and Gant, as the twins were still just teenagers who required assistance in caring for the aquatic animals and livestock¡ªjust as Marcus needed help managing the farmland. As Kisha looked at the Blythes, her mind was already racing a thousand miles per second, mapping out everything that needed to be done as soon as possible¡ªwithout anyone even realizing it. "Don''t worry, Mr. Blythes. As a businessman, I''m sure you understand the importance of work efficiency and proper skill distribution to maximize productivity. Previously, I assigned you and your family to farm and livestock duties out of necessity¡ªwe lacked manpower and had no other choice. But now that we do, it''s only right to entrust these tasks to those with the right expertise, while allowing you to focus on work that better suits your skills and comfort. The same applies to your wife and daughter. As compensation for your hard work and dedication, you can expect a redistribution of supplies for your family." "Additionally, if you''re interested in strengthening yourself for your family''s protection, you''re welcome to train with the Winters'' men. I''ll ensure that you and your family receive the necessary resources to support your growth. If you''ve made your decision, you may report directly to Hawk or Eagle¡ªthey''ll handle the arrangements." Kisha delivered her instructions rapid-fire, like a machine gun, barely pausing for breath. The Blythes stared at her, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, struggling to process what they had just heard¡ªuntil cheers erupted from Hugo''s group, snapping them back to reality. "Ma''am, are you really letting us work here at your base? You''re not planning to drive us away?" Hugo asked, his eyes widening in surprise. His mouth twitched as he struggled to suppress a smile. "You heard me right," Kisha replied smoothly. "Since you''ve already chosen farm work, being hired to work at our base isn''t much different from your original plan. Plus, you''ll be provided with housing, work points to spend as you see fit, and three meals a day." "Really?!" one of the women shrieked with joy upon hearing Kisha list everything they would receive. It sounded like the kind of compensation and benefits a major company would offer¡ªfar more generous than any of their previous jobs. The realization hit her like a wave. Having such generous provisions for working in the fields meant they would have food on the table every single day¡ªthree full meals¡ªwithout the constant worry of stretching every bite. No more going hungry. No more rationing their own portions just to feed the children. They could finally work without feeling exhausted or powerless. All they had to do was put their strength and endurance to use¡ªtheir greatest assets. In this arrangement, they weren''t losing anything; in fact, they stood to gain. Without hesitation, everyone agreed, their faces lighting up with relief and determination. Hugo, too, looked at Kisha with newfound respect and reverence, recognizing her fairness and wisdom in the way she handled things. "Yes, be ready to start work tomorrow," Kisha said with a smile. "The Blythes will show you the ropes, though I believe it will be an easy transition for you. You''ll just need to familiarize yourselves with the farmland and livestock pens." She was confident that while she had tasked the Blythes with guiding them, there wouldn''t be much to explain. All they really needed was to be shown where to work, and from there, everything would naturally fall into place. "We will definitely exceed your expectations and do our best to fulfill any request!" Hugo declared, bowing at a full 90 degrees to show his gratitude. The people behind him followed suit, mirroring his gesture. Though Kisha had received countless bows and gestures of submission since the start of this 100th life, she still wasn''t used to it. Having witnessed the ugliest sides of human nature, she had long believed that most people were beyond saving. If not for her missions, she wouldn''t have even considered helping anyone outside of Duke and his people. Yet now, as she watched this display of genuine gratitude, experiencing firsthand the good in human nature, she couldn''t help but feel¡­ strange. Not long after, the Blythes happily struck up a conversation with Hugo and the other newcomers, getting to know each other better. They even offered to give them a tour of the base''s buildings since it was too late to explore outside. At this hour, only the Winters'' men remained outside, either training or patrolling the perimeter, while most others had retired to their quarters to rest or tend to their respective duties. Seeing this, Kisha quietly departed, leaving them to their own devices. Since Duke was still occupied with training alongside Keith and her grandfather¡ªwhile her grandmother watched from the sidelines with a smile¡ªKisha decided to head straight to her room. She deliberately avoided the hallway where Melody and her family might be, not wanting to encounter them at such a turbulent time. Their family was already dealing with enough drama, and she had no interest in being dragged into it. The moment she stepped into her room, she collapsed onto her bed, exhaustion taking over as she drifted off to sleep. Chapter 701 - 701 A Peaceful Day She was exhausted¡ªconstantly moving, juggling countless tasks, and barely having a moment to herself. This was the first time in a long while she had a chance to be alone, especially since Duke had been sticking to her like glue. She loved the attention and the unwavering affection he showered her with. Some might call it possessive or suffocating, but after everything she''d been through with that scumbag ex and the mental scars he left behind, maybe this was exactly what she needed. Still, she had grown accustomed to having her own space. There were moments when she missed solitude, and now that she finally had it, the world around her felt eerily silent¡ªjust her, alone with her thoughts. Yet, instead of loneliness, there was an unexpected sense of peace in the quiet darkness that wrapped around her. Without even realizing it, she drifted off into a deep, undisturbed sleep. When she woke up the next day, Duke was still asleep beside her, his bare chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. He wore only his gray pants, and a hint of stubble had started to shadow his jaw. He looked exhausted, yet undeniably handsome. Kisha took a quiet moment to watch him¡ªthe man who had been by her side since the apocalypse began. They had faced countless ups and downs, their differences often clashing, yet she had never felt as drawn to anyone as she was to him. Some might find Duke''s clinginess overwhelming, but Kisha didn''t. She saw the way he looked at her, how he had made her his entire world. Everything he did, in some way, always led back to her. That kind of devotion and love was something she had never experienced before. A warm smile curled on her lips as she snuggled closer, pulling his arm around her and burying her face against him, happily breathing in his familiar, comforting masculine scent. She heard Duke chuckle softly before he tightened his arms around her, pulling her closer as he buried his nose in her hair. The warmth of his embrace was comforting, and soon, they both drifted back to sleep. When Kisha woke again, the sunlight filtering through the curtains told her it was already late morning¡ªaround 10 a.m. She stirred, stretching slightly, and noticed Duke was no longer beside her. A moment later, he returned, holding a glass of warm water. "You''re awake," he said with a gentle smile, handing it to her just as she propped herself up. His thoughtfulness made her heart swell, and she accepted the glass, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. "Wifey, you need to drink some water," Duke urged gently. Kisha, however, felt lazy. She had never been a fan of plain water¡ªshe much preferred juices or anything with flavor. Duke knew this all too well, which was why he often had to remind her and prepare water for her himself. Seeing that she wasn''t making a move, Duke sighed playfully before pulling her onto his lap. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he brought the glass to her lips, tilting it slightly so she could take small sips. "Come on, wifey," he coaxed, his voice warm and patient. "Even though our bodies have been enhanced, we still need to take care of them. And yours especially needs water. Hmm?" His gentle persistence made Kisha relent, and she finally took a few sips, secretly enjoying the attention he was giving her. Their quiet moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. Duke pretended not to hear it, continuing to coax Kisha into drinking her water. However, the knocking persisted. Kisha shot Duke a look, silently urging him to check who it was. With a sigh, Duke got up and opened the door, only to find his brother-in-law, Keith, standing there. The man looked like he had a lot to say but held back, instead delivering his message with a neutral expression. "Grandma''s been waiting for you both at breakfast. She sent me to call you since you''re taking so long," Keith said, his gaze drifting inside the room. His eyes landed on Kisha, who was sitting on the bed, fully clothed, with a glass of water in hand, clearly just having woken up. Seeing this, Keith unconsciously let out a breath of relief he hadn''t realized he was holding. Even though Keith was well aware that Kisha was with Duke and that they had shared a bed last night, he still wasn''t prepared to witness them acting like a couple. To him, Kisha wasn''t just his sister¡ªshe was his hero, the person he had depended on for most of his life. A part of him still felt like she belonged to him alone, and this transition was something he struggled to accept. Adding to his frustration was the fact that Duke had put him through hellish training late into the night. Seeing the man so at ease while he was still sore and exhausted only made Keith grumpier. Keith had already thought that the training at the hidden base was grueling, but after last night with Duke, his definition of "hellish" had been completely rewritten. Duke had shown him what true suffering felt like, and the sheer exhaustion from that brutal training session only fueled Keith''s growing irritation. His frustration deepened as he recalled what people always said¡ªthat a son-in-law should do his best to be likable and earn the favor of his wife''s family. But Duke? That bastard was doing the exact opposite! Gritting his teeth, Keith shot Duke an annoyed look and urged him to hurry up, get ready, and follow him out. Seeing Keith grumpy and struggling to walk nearly made Duke burst into laughter, but he managed to hold it in at the last second. He hadn''t pushed Keith through hell just for fun¡ªhe genuinely wanted him to grow stronger, to be capable of protecting their grandfather and grandmother. If Keith could handle himself better, Kisha wouldn''t have to worry about them constantly and could focus on more important matters. Of course, Duke assumed Keith understood this by now. Maybe he had overlooked a few things, but his intentions were good. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke glanced back at Kisha before walking over and gently pulling her out of bed. Crouching down, he helped her put on her socks and shoes, making sure they were snug. Then, he grabbed a jacket from the cabinet and draped it over her shoulders, knowing she might get cold since she was only wearing shorts and a tank top. Afterward, he slipped on a black shirt that hugged his muscular frame and laced up his running shoes. Once they were both ready, Duke took Kisha''s hand and led her out of their room. Just a few steps away, Keith was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed and a deep frown on his face¡ªlooking as if he had just swallowed something unbearably sour. "Hurry up, will you?" Keith grumbled, clearly still in a sour mood. "Sure," Duke replied casually, unfazed by Keith''s attitude as he followed behind. Beside him, Kisha stifled a laugh, watching the silent tension between the two. She found it amusing how Keith was still sulking, while Duke remained completely at ease. Chapter 702 - 702 New Business Idea From 008 In just a few minutes, Kisha, Duke, and Keith arrived at the cafeteria, where Grandpa and Grandma Aldens were already waiting. An assortment of breakfast dishes was laid out before them, filling the air with a warm, inviting aroma. Not far away, Eliot stood attentively, his sharp gaze flickering toward them every few moments, clearly checking to see if they were eating the food he had prepared. Not far from him were the rest of the Evans family¡ªwell, perhaps with the exception of Melody. "Dear! Did you have a good night''s rest?" Grandma Aldens asked warmly as she stood up, immediately taking Kisha''s arm and guiding her to a seat. In the process, she practically shoved Hera onto a chair before pulling Duke down to sit beside Kisha. Before them was a well-prepared breakfast spread¡ªscrambled eggs with toast and butter, crispy bacon and sausages, a fresh vegetable salad, tuna sandwiches, and freshly squeezed orange and apple juice. For those living in the hidden base, this was considered a luxurious meal, a rare treat. However, for Kisha and Duke, it was nothing out of the ordinary. Their lack of reaction stood in stark contrast to Eliot''s expectations¡ªhe had anticipated a bit more enthusiasm. "Dear, do you want some coffee?" Grandma Aldens asked kindly. Duke turned to her with a warm smile, exuding the charm of a true gentleman. "Grandma, please don''t treat me like an outsider," he said. Then, noticing she hadn''t started eating yet, he added, "You haven''t had your breakfast yet, have you? What would you like to drink? I''ll get it for you." As he spoke, he gestured for Grandma Aldens to sit while he stood up, already preparing to head to the kitchen to fetch coffee and other drinks. Kisha was already accustomed to Duke taking care of her, so she didn''t flinch as he moved around, tending to her needs. However, Grandma Aldens wasn''t used to it. She was well aware that Duke owned the hidden base they were staying in, and it felt excessive to expect someone of his status to personally take care of them. But as she watched Kisha being treated like a treasure, cared for with such devotion, a warmth spread through her heart. In the end, with only a little reluctance, she took her seat and began chatting with Kisha, all the while piling more food onto her plate. Every now and then, she glanced at Duke, who was still busying himself. Even the Evans family was caught off guard, watching Duke serve someone else so attentively¡ªit was a sight they weren''t used to seeing. "You''ve found yourself a good man," Grandma Aldens remarked as she ate her breakfast. Her comment was immediately met with a snort from both Keith and Grandpa Aldens. The two men exchanged a knowing look, silently agreeing that, in their eyes, it was still too soon for Kisha to be so involved with anyone. However, when Grandma Aldens shot them a sharp glare, both Keith and Grandpa Aldens quickly lowered their heads, suddenly very focused on their meals, pretending they hadn''t reacted at all. Soon, Duke returned with a tray of freshly brewed coffee. He carefully poured a cup for both Grandma and Grandpa Aldens before setting down a glass of orange juice in front of Kisha. Without a word, he handed another juice to Keith. Keith shot Duke a look, clearly wanting coffee instead, but with his grandmother watching him closely, he had no choice but to accept the juice without complaint. After breakfast, Kisha left Keith under Duke''s care once again, with even Grandpa Aldens joining them for training. While they were busy, she took a walk around the hidden base and came across Hugo and the others hard at work on the farmland. They were plowing a new section of land, expanding the plot. Kisha raised an eyebrow. The area they were working on wasn''t part of the farmland she had placed within the territory, meaning it wouldn''t benefit from the increased crop growth effects that were coming from her title. Without informing Hugo and the others, she quietly expanded the designated farmland, ensuring the new plot would also fall under its influence. Once she finished adjusting the farmland''s boundaries, Kisha approached Hugo and the group, letting them know where they could extend the fields to ensure they remained within the newly enhanced area. She observed as they worked, noting how much more efficient they were compared to when she had enlisted the Winters'' men to help plow the land inside her territory. In just two hours, they had already plowed and turned over an entire acre of land. Not only that, but they had also cleared away stones and weeds, ensuring the soil was ready for planting. By the time lunch approached, the acre was fully prepared for the next step. According to Hugo, they planned to add fertilizer before planting. However, before they could start making compost from livestock waste, Kisha informed them that the land was already fertile and required no additional treatment. Despite this, Hugo decided to proceed with using the animal waste as natural fertilizer, ensuring the soil would be in optimal condition before they planted more vegetables. As Kisha watched Hugo and the others shoveling animal waste, she couldn''t help but think about the waste accumulating inside her territory space. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now that she thought about it, Marcus had never used it for fertilizer since the soil there was naturally self-sustaining and always in top condition. As a result, the animal waste was simply piling up, taking up valuable space without any real purpose. ''Can''t we put that waste to better use?'' Kisha muttered to herself, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. After surviving in the apocalypse for so long, she had developed a habit of minimizing waste as much as possible. Now that the issue had crossed her mind, she knew she needed to find a way to make use of it efficiently. "Host, since your territory space produces high-quality goods and has now begun generating spiritual crops¡ªand even the animals are developing spiritual traits¡ªit stands to reason that their waste must also contain traces of spiritual energy," 008 suddenly interjected, interrupting Kisha''s train of thought. "Why not process their waste into compost and sell it through my sales channel? There are definitely customers dedicated to cultivating spiritual crops, and a compost infused with spiritual energy would be a treasure to them. It would enhance the spiritual energy in their crops, making it highly valuable." With that, 008 not only explained the situation but also provided Kisha with a perfect solution to her dilemma. "Is that really possible?" Kisha suddenly straightened up, her eyes sparkling with excitement at the idea. After all, she was already earning a significant amount of system points by selling the magical contracts she inscribed. The thought of gaining another steady source of income thrilled her. She still vividly remembered the frustration of having no system points to spend and being at the mercy of the system. That was a feeling she never wanted to experience again¡ªso if there was a way to hoard as many system points as possible, she was all in. "Yes, host! I just double-checked the market, and there''s a high demand for such fertilizers in the Murim World," 008 excitedly explained. "The supply is incredibly low, so it''s selling like hotcakes at sky-high prices. If we tap into this market, we''ll definitely be making a fortune!" Chapter 703 - 703 Hugo Taking The Lead "Then, host, I suggest we start this business right away," 008 urged. "We have the advantage on our side, so it''s best to test the waters while we can. Although Mike already recycles some of the animal waste by spreading it around grazing areas to ensure the grass grows tall and lush, there''s still plenty left that we can process into fertilizer." "All we need to do is mix it with hay and properly treat it to eliminate any seeds. We''ll also need a compost pit to begin the process. From there, things can progress smoothly." 008 carefully explained everything to Kisha, knowing this would be her first time processing fertilizer. There were specific steps she needed to follow before the final product could be sold through 008''s sales channel. "Hmmm, so there are still steps to take before we can sell it? It can''t just be sold as is?" Kisha asked for clarification. She had assumed the process would be simpler than creating the magical contracts she was currently selling. Although those contracts were in high demand and selling quickly, they still required her personal time and effort, meaning she could only produce them while inside her territory space. "Then, since Hugo and the others are already planning to make their own fertilizers, why don''t we consult him and see if he can take over the processing? That way, I can take it off my hands and focus on inscribing instead." "That would work too, host," 008 agreed. Unlike inscribing, personally handling the fertilizer-making process wouldn''t provide Kisha with any valuable experience or benefits¡ªit would only take up her time. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead, she could delegate the task to others while focusing on activities that would help her grow stronger. Both Kisha and 008 were on the same page about this approach. Now that Kisha had made her decision, she walked toward Hugo and the others. As soon as they noticed her approaching, they straightened up, still gripping their plows, and took the opportunity to stretch their sore muscles after bending over for so long while plowing the land. "Ma''am! Do you have any additional instructions for us?" Hugo asked. Not far away, the Blythe family also noticed Kisha''s arrival and quickly made their way over, assuming she had come to inspect the farm and their work. A mix of nervousness and anticipation settled over them, especially Grayson Blythe''s daughter, who was naturally timid and meek. She fidgeted anxiously, feeling even more self-conscious under Kisha''s gaze. "No, don''t mind me¡­" Kisha said, pausing as she tried to figure out how to bring up the topic. However, noticing how tense and worried they all looked, she decided to stop overthinking. The longer she stood there in silence, the more anxious they would become. Instead, she got straight to the point. "I was wondering if you''d be willing to help me with a project?" She directed her words at Hugo, meeting his gaze. "Project?" Hugo repeated, tilting his head slightly. "Could you tell me more about it? What do you need my help with?" "Hmmm," Kisha hummed thoughtfully. "Actually, this isn''t the only farm we have. There''s a much bigger plot of land elsewhere, and with it, a large number of animals. Because of that, we''ve accumulated a massive amount of animal waste that''s just been piling up in one place. I was thinking of turning it into natural fertilizer, but the problem is, we don''t have enough manpower, and we''re not familiar with the exact process." She glanced around at the farmland Hugo and the others had plowed. They had done an impressive job¡ªfast and efficient. It was clear they were used to physical labor, and their speed even surpassed Marcus when he worked on the farmland inside the territory space. "So," she continued, turning back to Hugo, "since you mentioned making fertilizers earlier, I figured you might know how to create good natural fertilizers using the resources we have?" Hugo nodded enthusiastically, his eyes shining with excitement as if he had just found the perfect opportunity to prove his worth. "Yes, Ma''am! I know how to make fertilizer using animal compost. I helped my family turn our livestock''s waste into fertilizer ever since I was young, right up until I left to work as a porter in Port City," he explained eagerly. Hearing this, Kisha''s eyes lit up, and a wide smile spread across her lips. Her expression softened, making her appear warm and approachable. Seeing her like this, the tension in the air dissipated, and everyone gradually relaxed. The nervousness and worry from earlier melted away, replaced with a sense of ease as they took in Kisha''s newfound excitement. "That''s great to hear! So, do you think we need to prepare a compost pit somewhere to store all the waste?" Kisha asked, eager to understand the process. She might not have firsthand experience in making fertilizer, but that didn''t stop her from wanting to learn. In the apocalypse, knowledge was everything, and she was determined to grasp every detail. "Yes, ma''am. We can build a compost bin out of metal instead of digging a pit, which could be dangerous for those working with the compost," Hugo explained. "Wait¡ªyou''re saying that working in a compost pit is dangerous too?" Kisha asked, her eyes widening in surprise. She had assumed that processing fertilizer was just a smelly task, but realizing it also carried risks left her with mixed feelings. "Yes, ma''am. Normally, we just pile the animal waste into a pit and shovel it into containers for processing. However, if the waste isn''t managed properly, the pile can collapse, potentially burying anyone working inside. But with a specialized compost bin, we can control the amount of waste added, allowing it to ferment safely while mixing in materials like hay and spoiled vegetables." "And with the compost bin, we can process the waste in batches while also harnessing the gas it produces as a flammable resource¡ªpotentially for cooking or even for a blacksmithing forge," Hugo explained. "What do we need to build a compost bin?" Kisha asked, already considering enlisting the blacksmith''s help. She was carefully planning out this new business venture and needed to understand the entire process inside and out. "Ma''am, we can actually repurpose large metal drums¡ªlike the ones used for storing oil. We just need to cut them open, add a stand and roller so we can rotate them for proper fermentation, and attach gas tubes to collect the biogas," Hugo explained confidently. "That''s a great idea!" Kisha''s eyes sparkled with excitement. If they used metal drums, they would need at least a hundred to convert into compost bins. "We have a blacksmith who can help us modify the drums." "Ma''am, there''s no need for a blacksmith. This is an easy job¡ªwe can handle it ourselves," Hugo assured her. To him, this kind of work was a breeze. After years of doing odd jobs at the port, he had picked up plenty of useful skills. Welding was one of the many skills Hugo had picked up over the years. Having seen numerous compost bins¡ªincluding the one his family built in their backyard¡ªhe was confident he could recreate them. "Just provide me with the drums, and I''ll modify them accordingly. It''s a simple job, and I can easily teach my people how to do it. That way, the blacksmiths can focus on more important tasks instead of helping us with the bins," Hugo assured her. Chapter 704 - 704 Who Would Do It? "Are you sure you won''t need the blacksmiths'' help?" Kisha asked, wanting to confirm. "No, ma''am," Hugo assured her. "It''s a simple job¡ªjust some cutting, which we can do with a saw, and then welding the parts together. We can handle it ourselves." "Alright then," Kisha said with a smile. "So all I need to do is gather the materials and hand them over to you?" "Yes, ma''am!" Hugo responded confidently. After confirming everything, Kisha began planning her next steps. Since they didn''t have the necessary drums on hand, she needed to source them from elsewhere¡ªand what better place than abandoned factories? That meant she had two options: go herself, utilize her system''s storage to collect as many as needed without hassle, or enlist help from others so she wouldn''t need to raise a hand to do the job. "Alright, expect the delivery soon. In the meantime, prepare everything and educate everyone on the process while I gather the necessary materials for the project," Kisha instructed before bidding farewell to Hugo. The Blythes, who had remained silent throughout the conversation, were still unsure about what this so-called project entailed but chose not to interrupt. After leaving, Kisha walked back the way she came, lost in thought. She was so deep in her planning that she failed to notice Duke approaching her silently once again, his presence slipping past her awareness with ease. "What are you thinking about, wifey?" Duke''s voice suddenly broke through her thoughts, making Kisha jump in surprise. "Oh! When did you get here? Are you done with training?" she asked, still regaining her composure. "Just now. I was looking for you so we could have an afternoon snack," Duke said with a boyish grin. "Since we had a late brunch, I figured you might be getting a little hungry." He looked at her expectantly, hoping she''d be happy about the surprise. However, Kisha seemed distracted, her mind elsewhere, and she didn''t react the way Duke had anticipated. Frowning slightly, he leaned in and asked again, "Is something on your mind?" Kisha tilted her head in thought. Although she had lived in City A for a long time and had grown up there, her knowledge of its industries was limited. Now that she was considering where to find the metal drums, she realized she had no idea where to start. Seeing Duke beside her, an idea struck her. "Do you know where we could get some metal drums?" she asked. "Metal drums?" Duke repeated, raising a brow. "What do you need them for?" His tone was thoughtful¡ªdepending on their intended use, he could suggest the best place to find them. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hmmm, I was thinking of making hundreds of compost bins for fertilizer¡­" Kisha said thoughtfully. She didn''t mention her plan to turn it into a business to earn more system points after selling it¡ªthere was no need. Duke had already seen her system in action and had pieced together enough about how it worked. He figured she either planned to use the fertilizer on her farm inside her territory space or had some other purpose in mind. Whatever the case, he didn''t feel the need to pry further. "Actually, I know a few factories that might have what you need," Duke said enthusiastically. "There''s a cooking oil factory that supplies drums of oil to big restaurants and hotels. Then, there are also chemical factories that use thicker metal drums, which would be even better for your compost bins. What do you think?" He looked at Kisha expectantly, ready to lead her to whichever factory best suited her needs. "Really? Then, can we get the empty drums?" Kisha asked, already calculating her next steps. "Well, I believe so," Duke replied thoughtfully. "They likely have a warehouse where they store those big metal drums before filling them with oil or chemicals. The best part is, it''s near the outskirts of City A, so we won''t have to venture deep into the city or fight through millions of zombies just to reach the factory." "Great, then I''ll go with that option," Kisha decided. "I''d prefer the metal drums used for chemicals because they''re made from thicker, more durable metal to withstand hazardous substances. That makes them ideal for compost bins, especially since we plan to collect biogas from the decomposition process." With just that brief explanation, Duke immediately grasped the core of Kisha''s plan. He realized the importance of producing their own fertilizer¡ªespecially if they wanted to expand their farmland. While the farmland inside Kisha''s territory space was self-sufficient and always in prime condition, fertilizers would be essential for cultivating land in the mountains near their hidden base. However, what Duke momentarily overlooked was that the hidden base also fell under Kisha''s territory. This meant she could extend her farmland there as well, and the land would naturally adjust to support the crops they planned to grow. "Alright, when are we heading out?" Duke asked, already prepared to leave. In fact, he was even considering going alone to get the job done. After all, he now had a Space Ring of his own, meaning he could store a large number of drums without any trouble. That way, Kisha could stay in the hidden base and focus on other important tasks while he handled the retrieval. Both of them had the same idea¡ªthey wanted to go alone since they each had the means to store a large number of drums. It wasn''t until Duke voiced his thoughts that Kisha realized they were thinking alike. "I''ll go." "I''ll go!" They spoke in unison, their words overlapping as they looked at each other, momentarily surprised that they had the exact same thought. "Wifey, didn''t we recently get a technique about Aura? You said you''d learn it first and then teach it to me since we''re both compatible with it. So, how about this¡ªI''ll go out and gather the drums while you stay here and train with that technique? That way, by the time I get back, you''ll have mastered the basics and can teach me too," Duke suggested, offering a practical solution. They had almost forgotten about the technique, and Kisha realized she hadn''t even checked the titles and achievements she earned after completing the last mission and enduring the 24-hour zombie wave battle in City B. Duke''s proposal made a lot of sense. "You mean the Manual: Profound Understanding of Aura ¨C Bloodline Tempest?" Kisha asked, tapping her index finger against her chin in thought. For her, learning this new skill was as simple as activating it¡ªonce she did, the knowledge would instantly transfer to her mind, making it feel as though she had been practicing it for years. However, the real challenge wasn''t mastering the technique itself but ensuring that the three different energies within her didn''t clash, much like what had happened when she first learned to use mana. While Kisha was lost in thought, Duke silently walked beside her, careful not to interrupt her as she considered his suggestion. He could tell she was deep in contemplation, so he let her process everything at her own pace. Just then, Sparrow came sprinting toward them, his face lit with mischief, while Hawk and Eagle charged after him with expressions of pure fury. It looked as if they were ready to tear him apart the moment they caught up. Chapter 705 - 705 Another Mission Outside? "Fuck you, Sparrow! Just don''t let me catch you, or I''ll skin you alive!" Eagle roared, his voice filled with fury. As he closed the distance, Duke noticed Eagle was limping slightly, while Sparrow wore a wide, mischievous grin. It didn''t take much for Duke to figure out that Sparrow must have pulled something to seriously piss off both Eagle and Hawk¡ªenough to have them chasing after him like this. "Hahaha! You slowpokes will never catch me with that turtle-like speed!" Sparrow taunted, laughing his ass off as he sprinted toward Kisha and Duke. Too caught up in his mischief, he didn''t even notice them in his path¡ªuntil it was too late. Just as he was about to crash into Kisha, Duke reacted swiftly, pulling her by the waist while subtly sticking out his foot. Sparrow never saw it coming. He tripped hard, tumbling forward before rolling across the ground, finally skidding to a stop a few feet away. His face was planted firmly in the dirt, his legs slightly raised behind him in a comically undignified pose. Duke smirked. Consider that payback. Sparrow hadn''t expected this turn of events. By the time he realized what was happening, it was already too late¡ªEagle and Hawk were right behind him, each gripping one of his arms with triumphant smirks. To make matters worse, Vulture had just arrived, jogging toward them from where they had come. "Sparrow, you really thought you got away, huh?" Vulture drawled as he approached, cracking his knuckles. "Guess what? It''s time for a little payback¡­ Ha ha ha." Sparrow scoffed, completely unfazed despite being surrounded. "Payback? Please. You guys are just weak. I only just got my strength back, so I couldn''t control it properly¡ªhardly my fault you''re all so fragile." He grinned mischievously, fully aware that the three were already plotting their revenge. Only then did they finally notice Kisha and Duke. "Young Madam, Master," Sparrow greeted casually, completely unfazed by the three men still surrounding him, ready to pounce. "Are you heading somewhere?" Kisha adjusted her stance slightly, putting a bit of space between herself and Duke. "We were just about to head out to gather some things," she replied before eyeing the group. "And what exactly are you guys up to?" "We just had a little sparring match," Sparrow said with a toothy grin. "Since I just got my strength back, I guess I got a little too excited and, well¡­ I might''ve kicked their asses a little too hard. It turned into a bit of a tough fight." He beamed at Kisha and Duke, completely unaware that he had just given himself away. His excitement had made him forget to hold back, and as a result, both Hawk and Eagle now wore expressions as dark as the bottom of a pot. Since Eagle and Hawk were a level lower than Vulture and Sparrow, the stronger pair usually had to restrain themselves to avoid causing serious injuries. But in his eagerness, Sparrow had let loose¡ªlanding a particularly brutal kick to Eagle''s groin, which was definitely below the belt. When Hawk rushed in to help, Sparrow accidentally knocked him down as well. The only one who escaped mostly unscathed was Vulture, though even he had taken a few solid hits. Now, standing fuming beside Hawk and Eagle, he didn''t look too pleased either. Although Vulture wasn''t seriously hurt, he could still feel the lingering numbness from Sparrow''s hit¡ªit was the kind of pain that lingered just enough to be annoying. He couldn''t shake the suspicion that Sparrow had done it on purpose, and that only made him more eager for payback. But before he, Hawk, and Eagle could even think about getting their revenge, Sparrow had already taken off, sprinting away at full speed, and that''s when he came across Duke, and Sparrow''s escape had been thwarted. "That bastard knew he went too far," Vulture muttered, narrowing his eyes. "He knows we''ll get back at him, and he''s not sticking around to find out how." Hawk and Eagle exchanged a look, then took off after him, determined not to let him get away that easily. "Young Madam, if you''re planning to go on a mission outside the hidden base, please allow us to handle it for you," Sparrow offered as he carefully pried Eagle and Hawk''s hands off his own. Then, as if something suddenly came to mind, his eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, and one more thing, Young Madam¡ªI have someone I want you to meet. They''re from a different shelter and are currently staying at the farm, waiting for us. They seem like an organized group, and they know how to fight. I thought you might be interested in bringing them into our ranks to strengthen the combat force at HOPE Base," Sparrow explained. Straightening his clothes, his expression shifted from playful to serious as he began reporting his findings about Dracon Felix. Kisha raised an eyebrow. If this Dracon was from a different base, there had to be more to the story about why they were here in the first place. "Why would they want to join us?" she asked simply. "They claim they got separated from their main group while relocating after the Geostorm," Sparrow explained. "I''m not entirely sure how much of their story is true, but I can tell they''re skilled in combat and genuinely looking for a stable shelter. So, I promised them that I''d inform you as soon as you arrived in City A." "Hmmm¡­ The farm you''re talking about¡ªwas it the one we checked while tracking the Winters'' trail along the mountain road?" Kisha asked. "No, Young Madam," Sparrow replied. "It''s the other farm, the one near the river. It was one of the locations you and Master considered when choosing a settlement site." As soon as Sparrow mentioned it, Kisha immediately recalled the settlement she and Duke had marked on the map. It had been a strong candidate for a base¡ªfar from the city, with a good vantage point and the potential to become self-sufficient. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, its proximity to the river had made it a risky long-term option. Once animals began mutating, there was a high chance that mutated fish or other creatures could infiltrate the base through the water, turning it into a constant battle for survival. As this thought crossed her mind, Kisha''s brows knitted together. Now that mutated animals had already begun to emerge, the very issue she had anticipated for that farm was no longer just a theory¡ªit was a reality. If the farm was indeed facing this threat, then Sparrow had to be aware of it. So why had he sent those people there despite knowing the dangers? Did he expect them to fend for themselves against the mutated creatures? Or was there another reason¡ªone she hadn''t considered yet? Since she had no idea what was going on in Sparrow''s mind, Kisha decided to ask bluntly. "Why did you send them there? You know about the mutated animals, and that place could very well be one of their nests by now. Do you actually intend to get them killed instead of making them part of our base?" she asked, her tone uncertain. Chapter 706 - 706 Dukes Toys Sparrow, however, seemed completely unfazed. He grinned and responded matter-of-factly, "Well, like I said, Young Madam, they seem like capable fighters. The best way to find out was to send them somewhere challenging¡ªto test their skills, gauge their usefulness, and see if they would still trust my words after everything." "If they can survive and wait for our arrival, then we''ll know they''re truly strong enough to be part of our forces and someone who we could trust our backs with. After all, real soldiers and subordinates are supposed to follow their master''s orders with one hundred and ten percent commitment." He spoke with such pride, as if he had just made Kisha''s job significantly easier. Kisha wasn''t sure whether to laugh or sigh in exasperation. On one hand, Sparrow was being thoughtful¡ªhelping her filter out unqualified recruits before they could join the base. But on the other hand, she couldn''t help but feel bad for those poor souls who had unknowingly walked into a potential death trap. If they were weak, they wouldn''t have stood a chance. They''d be dead the moment they let their guard down. And if they did survive only to realize that Sparrow had deliberately sent them into danger, they would likely abandon the place without hesitation. So what was the point of her and her people going to the farm to check on them? If Sparrow''s test had already driven them away or gotten them killed, what exactly was left for them to assess? Wouldn''t she just be wasting her time going there? But then again, if those people had actually gone to the farm and waited for Sparrow and his team until the agreed timeframe, it would prove their seriousness about joining HOPE Base and following their leadership. It would also demonstrate their dedication and resolve¡ªqualities that would make them valuable additions to their combat force. With their non-combatant population steadily growing, they needed more fighters. The recent zombie wave had exposed just how lacking they were in combat personnel. Without her, Duke, and the other core members, Kisha was certain that HOPE Base would have been completely overrun. ''Wait, now that I think about it¡­ if I hadn''t doubled the number of combatants we trained from the start, wouldn''t our last battle have been a losing one?'' Kisha pondered, recalling her mission to prepare a specific number of warriors and make sure that they are ready for combat by the end of the month. That training was meant to prepare them for the zombie wave that had just occurred. If she had strictly followed the system''s recommended number of trained warriors, HOPE Base would have been overrun within the first five hours. They wouldn''t have had enough forces to cover the other areas once the first group needed to recover and rest. It felt as if increasing the number of trained warriors from 500 to 1,000 had also caused the mission''s difficulty to double. That was her suspicion¡ªand perhaps the reality. If she had stuck to the original 500 warriors, considering how they had barely held out against the zombie wave for a full 24 hours, it would have been a massacre. Even with 1,000 warriors, they had still struggled. Maybe she could have saved herself, her family, and a handful of people¡ªbut the entire base? That would have been impossible. No matter how strong she was, even with her strength amplified tenfold, she was still just one person. There was only so much she could do. In the end, the mission would have remained impossible. Now that Sparrow had brought up the combatants again, Kisha realized she truly needed to increase the number of trained warriors¡ªespecially since she now had two territories to protect. Thinking about it, she felt fortunate that the same catastrophe hadn''t struck their hidden base in City A. If it had, she wasn''t sure how she would have managed to handle it. "Alright, let''s go check them out¡ª" Kisha started, but before she could finish, Duke suddenly pulled her along, heading in another direction. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Baffled, Kisha had no idea where he was taking her, but Sparrow and the others simply followed without question. "Where are we going?" she asked, glancing up at Duke. "Aren''t we heading out?" Duke replied with a smirk. "And didn''t I promise to show you my private collection hidden in the bunker? This is the perfect time for that. You can pick and choose whatever you like¡ªor better yet, just take everything. Because what''s mine is also yours." His eyes gleamed with excitement, like a kid about to show off his most prized toys. Kisha followed Duke through a series of hidden jungle paths, weaving through dense foliage and taking unexpected turns. After what felt like an elaborate detour, they finally arrived beneath the very building they were living in. Duke stopped in front of a small, unassuming door and pushed it open, revealing a much larger, cave-like entrance beyond it. The massive door was reinforced with layers of security¡ªretina scan, fingerprint scan, and even a voice recognition system. "One missing step," Duke muttered as he stepped forward, "and this bunker stays sealed forever." After Duke completed the security scans, he pushed open the bunker door¡ªa massive, two-foot-thick slab of reinforced steel. Judging by its sheer density, it looked sturdy enough to withstand a bombing. The entire entrance was expertly concealed, making it nearly impossible to find unless you knew exactly where to look. Stepping inside, they were greeted by a waiting elevator. Duke pressed the button for Underground Level 1, and as the lift descended, Kisha noticed there were at least four underground levels. The ride was smooth and eerily silent, and within moments, the doors slid open. What lay beyond left Kisha momentarily speechless. An expansive underground hangar stretched out before her, so vast she couldn''t even see where it ended. Lining the space were high-tech helicopters, jets, armored cars, and military-grade trucks¡ªeach gleaming under the overhead lights, which flickered on in sequence, illuminating the massive chamber. The ceiling was several meters high, designed to accommodate even the largest aircraft with ease. And that wasn''t all. Scattered among the military vehicles were luxury sports cars, classic models that were no longer in production, and even a few rare, limited-edition vehicles¡ªeach meticulously preserved. The armored cars weren''t just standard-issue; they were reinforced with titanium plating and heavy-duty bulletproof materials, making them nearly impenetrable. After taking Kisha on a tour around the hangar, Duke pulled her along once more, leading her to Underground Level 2. The moment the elevator doors opened, Kisha''s breath hitched. If she thought the weapons cache from the mountain farm was impressive, it paled in comparison to what lay before her now. Rows upon rows of high-grade, state-of-the-art weaponry lined the vast underground armory. Every firearm, explosive, and blade here wasn''t just advanced¡ªthey were engineered for maximum efficiency and destruction. Some of these weapons were so lethal, Kisha was certain they could single-handedly wipe out entire squads in mere minutes. It was no exaggeration to say that this collection was a menace to society, built for nothing less than total warfare. ___ PS: Thank you to eickp1, Daoist642842, Sue_House, C_AngeY17, Delessa and soapy_meimei for all the Golden Tickets you''ve sent me, I really appreciate it! Thank you! Chapter 707 - 707 Phase 2 Starting Then, after exploring the Underground Level 2, Duke led Kisha down to Level 3, continuing until they reached the final underground level. As Duke guided her through each area, Kisha''s hoarding instincts kicked in before her brain could process it. Absentmindedly, she stored away everything she saw into her inventory, barely realizing what she was doing. By the time Duke finished the tour, the bunker had been completely cleared out, yet he remained blissful as he shared his treasure with the one he loved, grinning as he proudly led her around. When they finally emerged from the bunker, not a single item was left behind. Afterward, Duke registered Kisha''s retina, fingerprints, and voice into the system, ensuring that she, too, would have full access to the bunker¡ªno longer just his domain but hers as well. Although the bunker no longer held Duke''s stored supplies, its true value remained in its structure. Built to withstand a nuclear bomb, it was an impenetrable safe haven. Now that Kisha had full access, she could use it whenever needed in the future, without any restrictions standing in her way. "Wifey, now that you''ve taken all my assets and left me completely broke, I have nothing to my name anymore," Duke said, playing with Kisha''s hand, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "That means I can only stay with you¡ªno take-backs! I belong to you now, and you''re not allowed to leave me." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was then that Kisha realized¡ªthis had been Duke''s plan all along. This was why he had been so eager to hand everything over to her from the very start. Kisha wasn''t about to turn down all these valuable assets, especially since Duke was offering them so freely. Besides, she wasn''t losing anything in the deal. With a small smile, she nodded. "Alright, now that we''ve got everything settled, let''s talk about who will be heading to the farm to meet Sparrow''s new recruit." Hearing Kisha refer to the newcomer as a "new recruit," Sparrow couldn''t help but feel a sense of accomplishment, as if he had achieved something significant. A small smirk tugged at his lips, but his satisfaction only served to aggravate the other three, who were still plotting ways to get back at him. Despite their lingering grudge, they were eager to tag along. They saw this as an opportunity to gain more combat experience¡ªafter all they felt like, wherever Kisha and Duke went, action was sure to follow. Sparrow, on the other hand, also seemed to attract chaos, but for entirely different reasons. Unlike Kisha and Duke, whose encounters always felt like missions sent their way, Sparrow''s experiences were purely a result of his terrible luck. And that was exactly why they hesitated. It wasn''t that they doubted his abilities, but there was always the nagging fear that his misfortune might rub off on them. Or perhaps¡­ it was just their own prejudice. Either way, Sparrow had to come along since he was the one Dracon was familiar with. However, Duke was adamant about Kisha staying behind¡ªhe didn''t want her exhausting herself any further. His plan was simple: bring back the man and the supplies she needed while she took the time to rest. Duke knew just how much Kisha had been pushing herself these past few days. The weight of countless responsibilities had fallen squarely on her shoulders, and though he had once given her the position of City Lord as a playful gesture¡ªto prove that she could, quite literally, rule over him¡ªhe now regretted it. What was meant to be a symbolic title had instead become a heavy burden. Now, all he wanted was to lighten that load. If there was anything he could do to ease her burdens, to handle the work in her place, he would do it without hesitation. What Duke didn''t realize was that even if he took on the title of City Lord of HOPE Base, the system would still assign Kisha missions that would ultimately push her to reclaim control. The system had always intended for her to lead¡ªit was why she was forced to stay at the base in a certain timeframe in the first place, tasked with overthrowing the Coltons and dismantling their tyranny. No matter how many detours they took, the outcome remained the same: Kisha needed to be the City Lord. In the end, Duke handing her that position had only streamlined the process. Instead of having to navigate political maneuvering or manipulate the system to claim her rightful authority, she was able to step into the role effortlessly, exactly as the system had intended all along. Kisha could sense Duke''s genuine intentions¡ªhe really wanted to lighten her burden and make things easier for her. The issue was that the system had no such intentions to give her the easy route. In her experience, the system seemed determined to throw the most grueling and demanding missions at her, ensuring that nothing ever came easily. Ding! Just as that thought crossed her mind, a familiar notification popped up. [Welcome to the second phase of The Beginning of the End!] [New Mission Available] Seeing the familiar text pop up in front of her, Kisha immediately knew¡ªher brief moment of rest was over. Whatever the system had planned for her next, she had no choice but to participate. It seemed like the second phase of missions would come one after another, leaving her little room to breathe. She wouldn''t even be surprised if it was another exhausting chain mission like before. But despite her growing anticipation, a lingering nervousness settled in her chest. How much harder would this phase be compared to the first? That same first phase that had killed her repeatedly¡ª99 times, to be exact¡ªbefore she finally managed to clear it. If the first phase had been brutal enough to kill her dozens of times, she could only imagine how much worse the second phase would be. .... [S-Class Mission: "Commander of a Thousand 2"] [Mission Description: As the hope of humanity, you are tasked with building a safe haven for survivors. However, a place is not truly safe without its protectors. Only the strongest, those born to lead, can create a refuge that ensures the safety of thousands. This shelter needs warriors who can brave any danger and lay down their lives to protect the weak. Mission Requirement: Recruit 1500 brave warriors and train them as fiercely as a lion trains its cubs. Ensure they are fully prepared within 10 days. Mission Completion: Healing Potion Recipe: Low Quality and Title: "Commander of a Thousand" x1 Mission Failure: Failing to meet the requirement would lead to death] ... "008, what''s the meaning of having the same title twice? I already have the ''Commander of a Thousand'' title¡ªare they just recycling rewards but cranking up the difficulty?" Kisha nearly hissed in frustration. Not only was the reward a repeat, but the time limit had been slashed from 15 days to just 10. And, as expected, the mission''s difficulty had only increased. "Host, I believe we can synthesize the duplicate titles to enhance their effectiveness," 008 explained. "For example, if the current title boosts warriors'' experience gain by tenfold, then after synthesis, the effect might double¡ªor additional effects and stat boosts could be unlocked. We''ll only know the exact outcome once the synthesis is complete." Despite providing this explanation, 008 itself was baffled. The second phase''s mission didn''t make much sense, and it was merely offering the best possible reasoning it could come up with at the moment. "Tsk! Is your constellation messing with me, or is it just looking for a fight?" Kisha thought to her mind as she tried not to blame 008 for this blunder, irritation creeping into her mind as she scanned through the mission details. No matter how much she checked, the rewards felt insultingly cheap compared to what she had received before. This was supposed to be an S-Class mission, yet one of the rewards was a Low-Quality Potion recipe¡ªhow was that even acceptable? "Host, while it may be a low-quality potion recipe, its true value depends on how you use it," 008 interjected. "If you have an alchemist in your ranks, there''s a high chance of refining it into something much more potent. Remember, recipes like these are nearly impossible to come by, no matter how much one is willing to pay. Only true geniuses can develop such formulas. Healing potions, in particular, are among the most coveted items in existence¡ªpeople would kill just to get their hands on a single recipe." But even after 008''s explanation, Kisha still couldn''t shake off her disappointment. She had just finished the grueling first phase and earned countless valuable rewards from the missions of the same rank, yet now, the second phase was kicking off with this? The reward and the timing felt almost mocking¡ªright when she had been stressing over the need for more combatants, this mission conveniently appeared. However, if she forced herself to think positively, this was exactly what she needed. Strengthening her base''s combat force was a priority, and if this mission could help her do that, then maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªit was worth it. That was the only thing keeping her frustration in check, the small silver lining consoling her irritated heart and mind. Chapter 708 - 708 Preparing To Set Off For A New Mission "Wifey, I propose that you stay here and oversee things while we head out," Duke suggested. "I can take Sparrow, Vulture, Eagle, and Hawk, along with some of the Winters'' men, so they can gain more experience outside the base." "Meanwhile, you can supervise the training and oversee the base''s development. Plus, this would be a good opportunity for you to assess and decide which areas can be allocated to the HOPE base members, like the machine engineers and scientists working on our new technology." "You make a great point, and I was thinking the same thing..." Kisha said thoughtfully. Hearing this, Duke smiled, pleased that his plan was falling into place. His real intention was to ease Kisha''s burdens by taking on the bulk of the responsibilities himself while letting her focus on planning and support. Though she would still hold the title of City Lord, he would handle most of the duties, effectively acting as the true leader while positioning Kisha more like a Vice City Lord. This way, she wouldn''t feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on her, yet the people would continue to respect and revere her as their leader. "But," Kisha continued, making Duke halt both in his steps and his thoughts. He turned to her with a nervous gaze. "But I need to meet this Dracon Felix myself and assess whether he and his people could truly be an asset to us and our base," she stated firmly. "After all, they could either be allies or enemies in disguise, infiltrating bases to gather intelligence on our forces and resources, only to strike when the opportunity arises. If that''s their true intent and we let them into our base¡ªor even just reveal our location¡ªit could turn into a massive problem later." "We might be able to eliminate them, but we have no way of knowing how far they''d go to retaliate. They could have forces hidden in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. "By the time you bring them back here for me to evaluate, it might already be too late. That''s why it''s better for me to go and assess them myself. If they prove to be trustworthy, I''ll bring them back with us. If not¡­ we''ll deal with it accordingly." "Besides, I know you felt it during the last zombie wave," Kisha continued, her tone firm. "We lack enough capable combatants. Yes, we may have more awakened ability users compared to other shelters or bases, but if another massive zombie wave¡ªor worse, multiple waves¡ªwere to hit us, our people and our walls might not hold. If that happens, it''ll only be a matter of time before we''re overrun." She met Duke''s gaze, making sure he understood the gravity of her concerns. "That''s why I want to personally seek out more skilled individuals to join us. We need to strengthen our forces before it''s too late." Though she deeply appreciated Duke''s protectiveness and his efforts to ease her burdens, she knew that with the system bound to her, stepping back completely was simply not an option. "We can train our people and assess the potential development of this hidden base after we complete our mission outside," Kisha explained. "Until then, we''ll continue as we are, and when the time comes, we can go there together. I''ll also bring my family along to help them better understand what it''s like outside the base and to build their combat experience." Although Keith frequently traveled in and out of City A with Ethan and the other Winters men, he mostly stayed in safe zones or kept his distance from large zombie hordes. He may have fought a zombie once or twice, but he had never faced an overwhelming battle. If confronted with a true horde, he might panic. Kisha needed her family to be prepared for every possible scenario because she refused to let them die the same way they had in her past lives. They had to be aware, strong, and composed¡ªno matter the cost. Seeing Kisha''s determination to come along, Duke felt his resolve soften. He abandoned his initial plan and nodded at her. After all, he deeply valued Kisha''s thoughts and feelings¡ªif this was what she truly wanted, he couldn''t oppose her. However, what he could do was stay by her side, protect her at all costs, and ensure she never faced any danger. With that thought in mind, Duke gave a firm nod to himself before taking Kisha''s hand in his, holding it tightly. "Alright, we''ll do as my wife says," he declared. Kisha nodded in acknowledgment, and seeing her agreement, Duke smiled. With their decision made, they continued on their way back to the hidden base, where everyone was waiting. When Kisha, Duke, Sparrow, Vulture, Eagle, and Hawk stepped inside, the scent of sweat and damp earth filled the air. The people who had just finished their rigorous training were gathered in the cafeteria, gulping down water, their bodies drenched in sweat and streaked with dirt and mud. The moment the Winters'' men spotted Duke and Kisha entering, they immediately straightened up and stood at attention. "Good morning, Master! Good morning, Young Madam!" they greeted in unison, their voices filled with respect. By now, every member of the Winters'' forces recognized Kisha''s strength and achievements. She wasn''t just accepted¡ªshe was admired, just as much as Duke. Their unwavering respect for her was evident, and seeing this, Duke couldn''t help but smile in satisfaction. Standing before his men, he felt a deep sense of pride. After all, these were the very people they had gathered to address about their upcoming plans. "Listen up, everyone." Duke''s voice carried through the room as he and Kisha stood before the gathered men. His sharp gaze swept over them, ensuring he had their full attention. "My wife and I are heading out on a mission beyond the base. We''ll be taking Sparrow, Vulture, Eagle, Hawk, and the other core members with us to gain more experience in the field. Anyone who wishes to join may do so¡ªbut remember, once we''re out there, we''re on our own. I expect every one of you to watch out for yourselves and your teammates." His expression darkened slightly as he continued, "You''ve all heard the reports. There''s been unusual movement within the zombie horde, and we have no idea how much stronger they''ve become or what they might do next. But no matter what, we must grow stronger as well and prepare for whatever the future has in store for us." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As soon as Duke finished, a wave of excitement surged through the room. The men erupted into cheers, eager for the opportunity to not only prove themselves but to witness firsthand the strength of their revered Master and Young Madam¡ªlegends whose feats had been retold countless times by Sparrow, Vulture, and the Winters who had fought alongside them at HOPE Base. "Those who wish to join should register with Sparrow and Vulture, then make sure you''re fully prepared," Duke announced. "In two hours, we''ll all meet in front of the training grounds." Kisha remained silent, knowing that Duke''s words alone were enough to ignite their subordinates'' fighting spirit. Instead, she focused on analyzing their status windows, carefully assessing who had the greatest potential for growth. Chapter 709 - 709 Preparing To Set Off For A New Mission 2 After finishing their announcement to the Winters'' men, Kisha and Duke were about to leave when Kisha''s gaze landed on Keith. He stood in the corner, barely visible behind the towering figures of the Winters'' men, his eyes filled with excitement. She hadn''t noticed him before due to his smaller stature compared to the others. Not far from Keith, Ethan and his brothers looked like they had just been through hell¡ªexhausted, disheveled, and pitiful, especially the twins. It seemed Ethan had dragged his siblings into an intense training session. Even their father stood behind them, tending to their mother, who looked as if she were about to pass out. Kisha had no idea what had compelled them to start a family training session at a time like this, but she didn''t particularly care. After giving them a brief glance, she opened her system interface, navigated to Keith''s status window, and initiated a chat. A small window instantly appeared in front of Keith¡ªvisible only to him. [Kisha: Baby brother, come see me in our grandparents'' room.] As soon as Keith finished reading the message, it vanished. He immediately straightened up, ready to head out, but before he could take a step, one of the Winters'' men stopped him. "Mr. Aldens, are you not going to register with us? Or would you like me to write your name on the registration form while you prepare your things?" the man asked with respect. Since Keith was Kisha''s recognized younger brother and had been with them for some time, the Winters'' men knew his capabilities and regarded him with the same respect they showed Kisha. Keith, still not used to being addressed so formally, winced slightly before nodding awkwardly. "Yes, please. That would help a lot. I need to go back, get ready, and inform my grandparents," he explained. The Winters'' men nodded in understanding, offering him a reassuring smile. One of them gave him a gentle push as if to say, ''We got this.'' After informing them, Keith strode out after Kisha and Duke. The Evans watched his retreating figure with envy, reminded once again that Keith was recognized as Kisha''s brother¡ªsomething they couldn''t claim for themselves. After everything that had happened the previous night, they hadn''t found another opportunity to meet with Kisha and strengthen their connection with her. They had missed so much of her life¡ªher milestones, her growth¡ªand had long dreamed of the day they could finally be together. But now, that long-awaited reunion had been tainted by a terrible first impression, all because of Melody. Disappointment and regret weighed heavily on them. They longed for Kisha, their long-lost family member, but at the same time, shame gnawed at them. She had been through so much, and instead of welcoming her with warmth, she had been forced to endure yet another painful experience. And the worst part? They still didn''t even know if she truly acknowledged them as family. After Kisha and Duke left the cafeteria, Kisha made her way to her grandparents'' room. She had already sent them a message to meet her there, knowing they were likely busy with their daily duties at this time. By the time Kisha and Duke arrived, the room was still empty, but it wasn''t long before hurried footsteps echoed from outside. Since the Aldens'' quarters weren''t as high-end or soundproof as the ones given to the core members, the sounds from the hallway carried easily into the room. Moments later, the elderly Aldens couple entered, followed closely by Keith, who looked slightly nervous. As soon as he stepped inside, he spoke up, "Sister, do you need us for something?" "Why don''t you sit first?" Duke gestured for them to take their seats while he busied himself brewing tea over a small charcoal burner. The Aldens family settled onto the small sofa around Kisha. Grandma Aldens gently took Kisha''s hand, her expression soft yet concerned. "Dear, is something wrong? Why did you call for us?" Kisha wasn''t sure what had them so nervous, but she could sense their unease. Wanting to reassure them, she softened her tone while keeping her words direct. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Grandma, Duke and I are about to set off on another mission. I assume you''ve already heard about it from Keith?" She paused, watching as the three of them nodded in confirmation before continuing. "I actually want to bring you along to gain more experience outside. I know you''ve been doing well here in the hidden base and that you''ve undergone training, just like Keith. But we never know when disaster might strike, and I want you to be better prepared¡ªstronger than you are now. The best way to achieve that is through real experience, facing hardships and dangers firsthand. "Of course, I understand it''s risky out there, but I''ll be watching over you. You won''t be alone. All I ask is that you take this opportunity to learn and grow." "Why does it sound like even this hidden base isn''t safe when you put it that way?" Grandpa Aldens muttered, scratching the back of his head and wrinkling his nose. Before he could say more, his wife smacked him lightly on the back of his head. "Didn''t our little girl just say it''s better to be prepared?" Grandma Aldens chided. "Besides, she means well for us. We should listen to her. Just look at how strong she''s become! The Winters'' men and even Duke''s parents have nothing but praise for her¡ªthey practically repeat each other when talking about her strength and accomplishments. We should be proud and work hard to become stronger ourselves. The last thing we want is to hold her back." Hearing this, Kisha''s cheeks flushed slightly. She never intended for her family to hear about her achievements¡ªshe was simply doing what needed to be done. But knowing that they recognized and acknowledged her efforts made her feel both giddy and a little shy. "Grandma, please have some tea so your throat doesn''t go dry," Duke said, handing Grandma Aldens a cup of freshly brewed chamomile tea. A single, large chamomile flower floated delicately on the surface, adding a touch of elegance to the warm drink. Grandma Aldens accepted the cup with a gentle smile and took a small sip. Almost instantly, her face lit up. Duke had added a touch of Scarlet Honey, giving the tea a subtle sweetness. As the warm liquid traveled down her throat, a soothing wave of energy spread through her body. The sensation was comforting and familiar, easing her tension and making her feel completely at ease. "Grandma, my wife is right. We don''t mean to worry or scare you¡ªwe just want to make sure you''re well-equipped for any situation," Duke said gently. "By getting stronger yourselves, we''d feel more at ease when we go on missions." "My little brother-in-law already goes out with my subordinates for missions, which is dangerous enough as it is. When you come with us this time, you''ll have better training, sharper judgment, and stronger instincts. The world outside is unpredictable, and experiencing it firsthand under our watch will prepare you all for anything worse." "More importantly, knowing you''re all gaining strength gives us peace of mind. If anything happens, we''ll be there to step in when you need us." Chapter 710 - 710 Zeus Meeting The Family Duke''s words carried a calm conviction, silencing even Keith and Grandpa Aldens, who had been scowling at him just moments ago. Initially, they had their doubts about him, assuming he relied more on charm than genuine capability to bring Kisha peace of mind. But hearing him speak with such thoughtfulness and sincerity made them reconsider their assumptions. The first to agree to Kisha and Duke''s proposition was Grandma Aldens. Though she sat comfortably, her words carried an undeniable authority. Keith and Grandpa Aldens didn''t have much to argue against it because, deep down, they both knew Kisha and Duke were right. So, they simply nodded in agreement. A satisfied smile spread across Kisha''s face as she sipped the tea Duke had prepared for her, finishing it in one gulp. Understanding her unspoken cue, Duke swiftly stored the tea set back into his Space Ring. Moments later, a portal materialized near the door¡ªone that Keith recognized all too well. Kisha wasted no time, taking her little brother and grandfather by the hand and leading them toward the portal. Meanwhile, Duke gently assisted Grandma Aldens, ever mindful of whose favor he needed to win within Kisha''s family to ensure he wouldn''t be rejected by the Aldens. As for the Evans, Duke chose not to interfere. Though they were Kisha''s biological family, she had yet to acknowledge them, and he respected that. This was about her emotions and acceptance, and he had no intention of overstepping his boundaries where the Evans were concerned. As Kisha and Duke guided the three into the portal, Keith, Grandma Aldens, and Grandpa Aldens followed with curiosity. The moment they stepped inside, they instinctively closed their eyes for a brief second. A gentle breeze caressed their faces, and as they reopened their eyes, an entirely different scenery unfolded before them. What lay before them was a vast land brimming with an abundance of food and a comforting, almost ethereal energy that seemed to flow through the air. Their eyes widened in shock, and their mouths fell open in sheer disbelief¡ªso wide that one might think they could fit a duck''s egg in without effort. Awestruck, they took in their surroundings, unable to hide their amazement. "W-What''s going on, dear?" Grandma Aldens was the first to break the silence, her voice tinged with both awe and confusion as she looked at Kisha, who stood in front of her. Kisha turned to face her family, a warm smile spreading across her lips. "Everyone, welcome to my territory space," she announced before gently pulling Keith and Grandpa Aldens forward. Duke followed closely behind, supporting Grandma Aldens by the arm as they walked at a steady pace. As they moved, Kisha continued explaining, her voice carrying a sense of pride and authority. "This territory exists in a stand-alone dimension, completely separate from Earth. It''s an independent world of its own, and the only way to enter is through me. I control the portal, which makes me the sole owner of this territory." Her words hung in the air as her family took in the breathtaking surroundings, their expressions shifting between astonishment and wonder. "The time here moves ten times faster than outside," Kisha explained. "That''s why the rest of us usually train here. The spiritual energy in this place is abundant and can greatly enhance growth." The real reason she had brought them here was to make use of the two hours they had allotted for preparations. In that short time outside, she intended to train the Aldens intensively¡ªteaching them how to properly cultivate their spiritual energy, refine their combat skills, and master the effective use of their awakened abilities. Although she had been guiding them through the system''s chat interface before, that method had its limits. Hands-on training would allow them to absorb the knowledge more efficiently. This was especially true for Grandma and Grandpa Aldens, who had struggled with grasping certain concepts on their own. Even Keith, despite his better progress, still had flaws in his techniques. He needed her guidance to sharpen his understanding of his awakened ability and refine his combat prowess. Kisha and Duke led the Aldens to their usual training ground near the flower garden. Along the way, they passed by Marcus, who was busy tending to the farmland. Grandpa Aldens was startled to see another human in this strange dimension, his eyes widening in surprise. Before he could voice his thoughts, an energetic blur came bolting toward them¡ªZeus, a bundle of boundless energy, came charging in, followed closely by Bell, who was desperately trying to stop him. Despite Bell''s efforts, Zeus managed to leap onto Kisha with pure excitement. Since Kisha hadn''t allowed Zeus and Bell to leave the territory and join the activities outside, Zeus had been eagerly waiting for her return. Although it had only been one night and a few hours for Kisha, the time difference meant Zeus had already spent several days inside. Feeling lonely without his owner, the moment he sensed Kisha nearby, he had rushed toward her without hesitation. "Arf!!!" Zeus'' earth-shattering bark echoed in everyone''s ears as he pounced on Kisha, towering over her. Though she managed to stay on her feet, she was effectively trapped as Zeus'' large front paws rested firmly on her shoulders. He whined in her left ear, refusing to let go. "Zeus, let go! I can''t breathe with all this fluff smothering me," Kisha said helplessly, struggling to push him away. But Zeus stubbornly clung to her, afraid she would disappear again. "Zeus, go down. I need to show my family around," she added with difficulty. Duke was about to step in and help, but the moment Zeus heard the word ''family,'' his ears perked up, and his eyes lit up with excitement. Without hesitation, he finally released Kisha and began bouncing up and down, his tongue lolling out in pure joy. "Oh?! You want to meet my family too?" Kisha asked with a bright smile as she looked at Zeus. "What a good boy!" She patted his head affectionately. Meanwhile, her family stood frozen, looking as if they had just been struck by lightning. Their wide eyes were locked onto Bell, who loomed before them something massive, scarlet, and terrifying. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bell''s exoskeleton gleamed under the light, its needle-like hairs thick and sharp as sewing needles. Its enormous forelegs and large, unblinking eyes sent chills down their spines. Even those without a fear of insects felt a deep, primal unease at the sight of the colossal bee. And then there was Zeus¡ªa bear-sized dog, larger than a full-grown man. When he had pounced on Kisha moments ago, their hearts nearly stopped, convinced she was about to be swallowed whole. It wasn''t until they heard the deep, earth-shaking bark that they realized Zeus was, in fact, just a very affectionate¡ªbut still terrifyingly large¡ªcompanion. Even so, the sheer volume of his bark felt like it could rupture their eardrums. The three members of the Aldens stood frozen in shock. "S-Sis¡­ is this the dog you said is your battle pet?" Keith stammered, his eyes locked onto Zeus. He recalled teasing Kisha before, asking her to get him a divine tiger as a pet after she mentioned acquiring a battle companion. Back then, he had imagined something simple and reasonable in size¡ªcertainly, not this behemoth standing before him. Chapter 711 - 711 Learning Aura Zeus was as large as a grizzly bear, with paws nearly the size of Kisha''s head¡ªperhaps even larger. And when he reared up on his hind legs, he was as tall as Duke, if not taller. Considering how towering Duke already was, the realization made Keith swallow hard in intimidation. "Yes, this is Zeus, my battle pet," Kisha said with a smile before gesturing toward the massive bee hovering nearby. "And this is Bell, my Scarlet Queen Bee also my battle pet. She''s the one who produces the Scarlet Honey I gave you before." As soon as Kisha introduced her, Bell excitedly flew in circles, her wings flapping vigorously as if greeting the Aldens. Though they somewhat understood her enthusiasm, the sheer size of the giant bee still sent shivers down their spines. The men of the Aldens forced awkward smiles, pretending they weren''t unnerved, while Zeus ran circles around them, tongue lolling out in pure excitement. Seeing their reactions, Kisha chuckled before continuing to lead them toward the training ground. However, before they could get far, Marcus and his grandchildren spotted Kisha returning to the territory space and immediately came forward to greet her. "Young Madam! Welcome back!" Daisy was the first to speak, quickly followed by her brothers and grandfather, who bowed respectfully to Kisha. Their gazes flickered nervously toward the unfamiliar faces beside her, but none of them voiced their curiosity. Kisha offered them a reassuring smile. "Marcus, Daisy, Mike, and Gant, these are my family¡ªmy grandfather, Victor Aldens, my grandmother, Martha Aldens, and my little brother, Keith Aldens. We''ll be training here for a while before heading back, so you can continue with your tasks as usual." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Wyatts all nodded enthusiastically before turning their attention to the Aldens with warm smiles. "Welcome, sir and madam! Please don''t hesitate to call on us if you need anything!" Marcus and his grandchildren said in unison, fully embracing their roles as Kisha and Duke''s loyal attendants. Kisha had long given up trying to persuade them otherwise. This was their way of expressing gratitude, a means to find a sense of belonging and purpose in their new lives. If serving in this way made them feel fulfilled, she had no intention of stopping them. After the introductions, Kisha led her family toward the flower field, where the Spiritual Crystal Gatherer stood, radiating an intense concentration of spiritual energy. The moment Keith and his grandparents stepped closer, they could feel the overwhelming energy saturating the air. Each breath they took carried traces of this potent force, filling their lungs and coursing through their bodies, leaving them with a profound sense of calm and newfound strength. Kisha guided them to sit cross-legged on the ground, patiently teaching them the fundamentals of cultivation. She explained how to harness and refine the spiritual energy around them, channeling it into their dantian to expand their internal energy reserves. With greater spiritual energy stored within, they would be able to sustain themselves longer in battle and wield their abilities more effectively. One by one, she carefully instructed them on the proper techniques to guide the energy through their bodies, ensuring it flowed smoothly to the right places. Once they grasped the process, Kisha allowed them to continue cultivating on their own. With her family now focused on their training, she shifted her attention toward Duke, ready to assist him next. She hadn''t forgotten her promise to teach Duke the Manual: Profound Understanding of Aura ¨C Bloodline Tempest, so the two of them sought out a secluded spot, away from any distractions. Once they found the perfect location, Kisha retrieved the manual from her inventory. However, no matter how much she studied it, she couldn''t determine exactly how much Aura she would gain upon using it. This uncertainty made it difficult for her to select the right accessory from the System Mall or Achievement Shop¡ªone that would properly balance her aura levels to match her mana and spiritual energy. The last time she had absorbed clashing energies, it nearly threw her into a frenzy, and now, with a third energy being introduced into her body, the risk was even greater. Feeling a tinge of nervousness, Kisha decided to keep both the System Mall and Achievement Shop open, ensuring she could make adjustments immediately if needed. This way, she could react quickly and prevent any dangerous imbalances from occurring. After finalizing her preparations, Kisha sat down, her posture steady and composed. Duke, though trying to remain calm, instinctively moved closer, his eyes fixed on her with quiet concern. He was ready to intervene at a moment''s notice if anything went wrong. Taking a deep breath, Kisha tightened her grip on the manual. The moment her fingers fully settled around it, a familiar system notification materialized before her. [Do you want to use the Manual: Profound Understanding of Aura ¨C Bloodline Tempest?] [YES] or [NO] She exhaled slowly, her gaze locked onto the glowing prompt, knowing there was no turning back. With a steady hand, Kisha selected [YES], then closed her eyes. In an instant, a torrent of information flooded her mind, overwhelming her senses. At the same time, a strange new energy¡ªAura¡ªbegan to gather around her. Unlike spiritual energy or mana, which flowed from the heavens, earth, and surrounding elements, this power surged from deep within her very being. A sharp, splitting pain shot through her skull as the sheer volume of knowledge threatened to overload her mind. The influx of information was relentless, each fragment settling into place like pieces of an intricate puzzle, yet the strain made her body tremble. Her head throbbed violently, the sensation akin to molten fire searing through her brain. But Kisha gritted her teeth and pushed through. She forced herself to organize the flood of knowledge, sorting each concept with sheer determination. Every fiber of her being screamed in protest, yet she refused to yield. She had to master this. Even as the pressure mounted¡ªher head on the verge of splitting open¡ªKisha pressed forward, determined to claim this power as her own. "Ugh!" Kisha groaned, clutching her head as the intense surge of knowledge threatened to overwhelm her. Duke instinctively moved closer, wanting to soothe her pain with a gentle touch, but she raised a hand to stop him. She needed to push through this on her own. In that moment of agony, clarity struck. She finally understood¡ªAura was fundamentally different from mana. Unlike mana, which was drawn from external forces, Aura was the result of a person''s mental and physical being merging as one. It was not just energy; it was the very essence of one''s soul. And just as no two souls were the same, no two Auras were identical. The property and color of one''s Aura manifested based on the nature of one''s soul, shaping it into a direct extension of one''s will. With this realization, Kisha clenched her fists, determination igniting in her eyes. She was no longer just learning about Aura¡ªshe was beginning to awaken it. So this was the reason behind the unbearable pain¡ªwhy learning about Aura was far more excruciating than when she had learned about mana. Unlike mana, which could be harnessed from external sources, this time, the knowledge within the manual wasn''t just about technique; it was a profound process¡ªa path to truly understanding and manifesting Aura. Chapter 712 - 712 Learning Aura 2 Each step carried the wisdom and experiences of the legendary Hero Emperor of the North, and more than that, a fragment of his very soul had been embedded within the manual to pass down the technique in its purest form to the next generation. But there was a problem. Kisha wasn''t part of his bloodline, and her compatibility with the technique was only 68%. And in mastering Aura, compatibility was everything. The battle raging within her body wasn''t simply a clash of three opposing energies. She had just discovered that aura, unlike mana and spiritual energy, wasn''t an external force but rather a direct manifestation of one''s will¡ªoriginating from the soul itself. Because of this, aura could be used alongside mana and spiritual energy, even serving as a stabilizing force to contain, merge, or separate them at will. This revelation meant that mastering aura wasn''t just about power but about understanding, awakening, and enlightenment. Unlike mages who harness mana from their surroundings and store it in their mana hearts, awakening one''s aura was an even greater challenge¡ªdemanding intense training and a deep connection to one''s own will. For an aura user, achieving mastery required uniting their physical and mental being as one, awakening their soul, and attaining enlightenment to unlock their aura. However, opening one''s aura was only the beginning. From there, they had to undergo rigorous mental and physical training, much like knights do. Unlike mages, who focused solely on increasing their mana while leaving their physical bodies vulnerable, aura users had to maintain a delicate balance between mind and body. Neglecting either aspect could disrupt the flow of their aura. The body acted as the vessel through which aura flowed, while the mind functioned as the engine that kept it connected to the soul. Because of this, aura users were revered as the greatest knights, capable of going toe-to-toe with archmages¡ªwho were known for their formidable power and ability to tame dragons. In fact, aura users were often considered the natural adversaries of mages, standing as their greatest rivals in battle. If mages were known for taming dragons and archmages could rival a dragon''s firepower, then aura users were famed for their ability to bring down and slay dragons. Unlike ordinary beings, they were not as easily affected by mana, making them formidable opponents. However, this didn''t mean they were invincible¡ªmages, especially those more powerful than them, could still pose a lethal threat. Now that Kisha understood this, she realized she didn''t need to rely on accessories to amplify her aura to match her mana and spiritual energy. Even though her aura was weaker in comparison, it wouldn''t be an issue as long as her body could contain all three energies. Fortunately, her body was strong enough to serve as a vessel. After moments of nervousness and concern, Duke noticed her breathing gradually steadying and the tension in her face easing. That was when he knew¡ªKisha had successfully integrated her aura with her mana and spiritual energy. Kisha''s breathing remained steady yet powerful as she delved deep into her soul, aligning her body, mind, and spirit into perfect harmony. Gradually, a golden light began to emanate from her, growing in intensity until it became a radiant, blinding glow. Duke watched in awe, mesmerized by the sight of her entire body bathed in shimmering gold. It was breathtaking¡ªwarm and soothing, like the gentle embrace of sunlight. Moments later, as the glow began to fade, Kisha slowly opened her eyes, which still glowed with a golden hue. Then, she exhaled deeply, releasing a thick, dark smoke that billowed from her mouth like soot from a chimney. "Are you okay?" Duke asked worriedly. Kisha remained in a daze as she tried to assess her body. She felt lighter, almost weightless, and the energy within her flowed effortlessly. It was as if the channels carrying her mana and spiritual energy had expanded, allowing them to circulate freely without clashing. Before, the two energies had constantly fought for dominance, creating internal turmoil. But now, they moved in harmony, coexisting without obstruction. Beyond that, she could feel a profound change in her body¡ªphysically, she was stronger, as if she had ascended to an entirely new level of power. But then, Kisha felt something sticky on her skin, and a foul odor reached her nose, making her scrunch it in disgust. She sniffed again, trying to pinpoint the source of the stench, only to realize¡ªit was coming from her own body. Upon awakening her aura, a deep cleansing process had occurred. Her aura had purged her system of built-up impurities, expelling toxins from her bones, organs, and blood. This meant her body had rid itself of anything that could lead to sickness or disease, leaving her in a state of pure physical refinement. However, the result wasn''t exactly pleasant. Her skin was now coated in a thick layer of oily black residue, reeking like used engine oil. Kisha instinctively glanced at Duke, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. The realization that he was right in front of her¡ªclose enough to catch the awful stench coming from her body¡ªmade her want to run and hide. But then, doubt crept in. Despite the overwhelming odor, Duke hadn''t moved an inch. He remained seated, his expression calm, his gaze filled only with relief. It was as if the stench didn''t bother him at all¡ªbecause what truly mattered to him was that she hadn''t suffered the same agony she once did when accumulating mana in her body. She had no idea when these impurities had started seeping out of her body or how long she had been reeking of this awful stench. All she knew was that during the process of awakening her aura, she had been so deeply focused on her inner self that she remained completely unaware of what was happening to her body. Despite Duke acting as if nothing was wrong, Kisha couldn''t shake off her insecurity and embarrassment. Instinctively, she dashed away¡ªonly to realize that her agility and strength had increased significantly. When she glanced back, she was stunned to see deep footprints embedded in the soil where she had stepped. Raising an eyebrow in surprise, she met Duke''s gaze, and his expression mirrored her amazement. In that instant, excitement flickered in his eyes as he grasped the true potential of aura. If simply awakening it could result in such drastic changes, what more could they achieve once they began refining their bodies and souls through rigorous aura training? Feeling a renewed sense of optimism, Kisha continued running, exhilarated by her newfound abilities. Before long, she reached a secluded spot near the lake, where she quickly set up a makeshift open bath, using thick trees for cover and draping a tarp around to cover her and the bathtub to ensure privacy. Kisha extended her telekinesis toward the lake, attempting to lift the water into the air and guide it into her bathtub. However, controlling the water proved to be more challenging than she had anticipated. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unlike solid objects, water was shapeless and constantly shifting, making it difficult to grasp. Each time she tried to manipulate it, the liquid would slip through her hold, spilling to one side before she could properly direct it. Chapter 713 - 713 Learning Aura 3 If it were ice, Kisha wouldn''t have any trouble lifting it since it had a defined shape. But water was an entirely different challenge. Frustrated but determined, she tried again. ''Ugh! I never thought it would be this difficult¡­ But then again, I know it''s not impossible. Water is still considered matter, and telekinesis isn''t limited to objects with a fixed form." With this realization, Kisha''s understanding of telekinesis deepened. The power wasn''t confined to simply lifting and moving objects¡ªit held far greater potential. But what truly defined an "object"? Was it restricted to only solid materials or living beings? She didn''t think so. Anything within her sight, anything composed of matter, could theoretically be controlled. The only limit was her mind and her mastery over her ability. With renewed determination, Kisha took a deep breath and focused on the body of water before her. She envisioned a pair of invisible hands forming a scooping motion, this is something only she could see. Carefully, she willed the water to gather within that unseen grasp, lifting it steadily toward her. Some droplets spilled from the edges, escaping her control, but she didn''t let that discourage her. Slowly, yet surely, she guided the mass of water toward the bathtub, carefully lowering it inside. When she finally succeeded, a surge of pride washed over her. Grinning, she stared at the filled bathtub, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. Just as she was about to relax, the sound of rustling bushes caught her attention. "Wifey, if you''re going to take a bath, would you like me to warm your bathwater?" Duke''s voice echoed from outside her makeshift open bath. Kisha instantly felt shy. She loved bathing in warm water, and she knew it would help wash away the gunk and impurities clinging to her skin more easily. But the thought of Duke getting any closer, possibly catching a whiff of the unpleasant smell, made her cheeks burn with embarrassment. She was torn between comfort and embarrassment, but in the end, comfort won. Reluctantly, she agreed, though she instinctively took a few steps back from Duke. Duke had to stifle a laugh, making sure she didn''t see it¡ªhe knew she would feel even more self-conscious if she did. But to him, this side of Kisha was incredibly endearing. Her embarrassment only showed how much she valued his opinion, and the thought that she cared so much about what he thought of her made his heart swell with affection. "Hmm..." Kisha hummed in agreement, but when Duke stepped into her makeshift open bath, she instinctively took a few steps back, avoiding his gaze. Pretending to be busy, she rummaged through her toiletries, pulling out shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and everything else she needed. Duke, sensing her embarrassment, chose not to tease her further. Instead, he turned his attention to the bathtub filled with water. A fireball flickered to life in his hand, and as he dipped it into the water, a soft sizzling sound filled the air, steam rising gently from the surface. The fire vanished, but Duke''s hand still radiated warmth, the lingering heat from his flames seeping into the water. Before long, wisps of steam rose from the surface, curling into the air. "Wifey, do you want to check if the temperature is just right, or if it''s too hot?" Duke asked, pulling his hand away and glancing at her with a gentle smile. Kisha nodded and cautiously stepped forward, still hesitant. Noticing this, Duke took another step back until he was completely outside the open bath area. "Wifey, call me if you need anything. I''ll be nearby," he said, understanding that she needed a moment to herself. Though naturally clingy, he knew when to give her space, and this was one of those times. As soon as Duke left, Kisha felt a wave of relief. Without hesitation, she approached the bathtub and dipped her hand into the water, testing the temperature. It was perfect¡ªjust the way she liked it. Unlike most people who preferred lukewarm baths, Kisha enjoyed steaming hot water. What others might consider scalding, she found soothing against her skin. A soft smile formed on her lips as she realized Duke had remembered her preference. That small detail warmed her heart. Still smiling, she began to remove her clothes, eager to finally cleanse herself. She noticed that the impurities had already clung to her clothes, sticking so stubbornly that she doubted the smell would come off even after multiple washes. Deciding it wasn''t worth the effort, she made up her mind to burn them later. After setting the clothes aside and sealing them in a plastic bag, Kisha sat on a small wooden chair. She scooped water with a dipper, gently pouring it over herself a few times to rinse off the initial grime. Then, she grabbed a loofah, squeezed some shower gel onto it, and began scrubbing. Just as she expected, the thick gunk and impurities weren''t easy to wash away. She had to scrub her body and hair multiple times before finally ridding herself of the sticky residue and foul odor. By the time she was done, only half of the water remained in the bathtub, but it was enough. With a satisfied sigh, Kisha eased into the warm bath, letting her body sink into the soothing heat. She rested her back against the tub, tilting her head up to gaze at the swaying leaves above. A soft smile graced her lips as she allowed herself to relax at last. After finishing her bath, Kisha stepped out of the open bath and left it as it was. She knew she was about to teach Duke about Aura, and there was a good chance he would need the bath soon enough. Even if he didn''t, it was always better to be prepared. Carrying the plastic bag with her discarded clothes, she made her way out and spotted Duke not far away. He was sitting leisurely by the lake, fishing with an air of quiet patience. Kisha paused for a moment, watching him. His chiseled side profile was strikingly handsome, and the way he sat so relaxed, exuding effortless charm, made her heart skip a beat. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just then, Duke turned his head, his calm gaze meeting hers before his lips curved into a gentle smile. "Done?" he asked as he slowly stood up from his chair. Kisha glanced at the pail beside him, already holding a few fish. Before heading toward her, Duke stowed away his fishing gear and the pail inside his Space Ring, then strode over to her with an easy confidence that made her heart flutter all over again. Duke noticed the plastic bag in Kisha''s hands and took it from her without hesitation. "Do you want me to wash your clothes?" he asked, ready to help. Kisha shook her head firmly. "No, I want you to burn them," she said, her gaze fixed on the bag now in his hands. Duke didn''t ask any further questions. Instead, he carefully set the plastic bag down on a patch of dirt, making sure it was far from anything flammable to prevent a forest fire. Once he was certain it was in a safe spot, he conjured a fireball in his palm and hurled it at the bag. Flames erupted instantly, consuming the plastic and the clothes within. The fire burned intensely for a moment before gradually dying down, leaving behind nothing but blackened ashes. Chapter 714 - 714 Doting On Her Hubby After finishing, Duke turned to Kisha with a playful glint in his eyes. "Wifey, it''s done! Did I do a good job?" he asked, deliberately acting cute. Kisha knew exactly what he was after¡ªher praise and a little extra affection. Amused, she didn''t hold back. Smiling sweetly, she tiptoed and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. That was all it took for Duke''s face to instantly light up with a wide, satisfied grin. Kisha leaned closer to Duke, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hubby, do I smell good now?" she asked coquettishly, her voice laced with playful charm. She had once promised herself that she would do everything to pull Duke out of his shell, to make him open up to her completely and express his raw emotions. But as time passed, she realized something unexpected: instead of him, it wasn''t just her helping Duke; it was Duke who was helping her heal. Without her even noticing, he was gently guiding her past the shadows of her past lives, making her feel safe and at ease in his presence. She carried countless insecurities, mental barriers, and lingering shadows that refused to fade, no matter how hard she tried. Despite her best efforts, the past still clung to her, refusing to be forgotten. But with Duke by her side, she was slowly healing. Because of him, she was learning to open up again¡ªto express her emotions freely, to let go of the weight she had been carrying for so long. With Duke, she could laugh, tease, and be playful, just like she used to be before the apocalypse changed everything. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke had done so much for her, silently yet unwaveringly. He adjusted to her needs and desires without question, always attuned to her, always watching closely¡ªnot out of possessiveness, but out of love, ensuring he could provide whatever she might need before she even asked. Duke''s patience and devotion to Kisha were extraordinary. Unlike him¡ªwho openly expressed his love, clinginess, possessiveness, and even his flaws¡ªKisha often struggled to break free from the cold, indifferent shell she had built around herself. The weight of responsibilities the system constantly threw at her made it difficult to be anything but serious. Yet, Duke''s playful nature added color to her otherwise dull and rigid life, reminding her that there was more to living than just survival and duty. Little did Kisha know, though she wasn''t as openly expressive, her sincere feelings were all Duke ever needed. To him, she was the one who brought meaning and warmth to his world. Since childhood, his life had felt bleak and dull, but with Kisha by his side, he truly felt alive. That was why he never held back in showing his love for her¡ªhe didn''t fear rejection or restraint. Sometimes, he couldn''t even stop himself from expressing what he truly wanted. They completed each other in ways they hadn''t even realized, and everything between them felt effortless and natural. Kisha felt deeply touched by Duke''s unwavering devotion. He treated her like a queen without asking for anything in return, making her want to cherish him even more. She realized she could let her guard down and allow herself to be pampered by him¡ªsomething she had never thought she deserved before. Sure, he could be a little clingy and occasionally playful in a mischievous way, but wasn''t that just part of love? If he were still distant or indifferent, wouldn''t that be more concerning? Instead, Duke openly showed how much he cared for her¡ªhow much he loved her, desired her, and wanted to be close to her in every way: mind, body, and soul. And so, she decided to give back the love she received. This was the perfect opportunity to shower Duke with the same affection and cling to him just as much as he did to her. Hearing Kisha''s playful, coquettish tone, Duke felt a pleasant tickle in his heart, his doting smile growing even deeper. He lowered his head, leaning in closer to her, and took an audible sniff, inhaling her scent. "Wifey smells so good¡­ so sweet," he murmured, his voice laced with satisfaction. "My appetite suddenly awakens¡­" A mischievous smirk played on his lips as he met her gaze, his words carrying a teasing double meaning. He was testing the waters, gauging her reaction¡ªseeing just how far he could push before she either indulged him or playfully pushed him away. Kisha''s face turned crimson as Duke''s teasing words sank in, and she quickly averted her gaze, trying to ignore the implication. But Duke wasn''t done yet. He leaned in even closer, dipping his head down to her neck and then playfully trailing toward her underarms before taking another exaggerated, audible sniff. "Mmm, it really does smell nice," he murmured, flashing her a toothy grin. Kisha''s face burned even redder at his shameless teasing, and without thinking, she lunged at him, aiming to smack his back. "You¡ª!" But Duke was already one step ahead. He had darted away before her hand could even lift, laughing as he dodged her playful attack. Not one to back down, Kisha chased after him, the two of them running around like carefree children, their laughter echoing through the air. After some time, when the two had their fill of horsing around, Kisha finally stopped, crossing her arms as she caught her breath. Duke followed suit, halting a few steps away before casually strolling toward her. His face was glowing with laughter, his features looking even more striking at the moment¡ªfresh, carefree, and undeniably handsome. Kisha found herself staring, completely mesmerized. And Duke, ever the shameless tease, didn''t look away. Instead, he held her gaze, making sure she took in every bit of his charm. "Enjoying the view?" he drawled, a playful smirk curling at his lips. "Want me to shed a few layers to give you an even better one?" Before Kisha could react, Duke grabbed her hands and slid them under his shirt, guiding them over his chiseled abs with slow, deliberate movements. "Feels much better, right?" he murmured, his voice deepening, his eyes darkening with mischief and something more. He was no longer just teasing¡ªhe was openly seducing her now. Kisha bit her lip, her gaze locking onto Duke''s with an intensity that made his smirk falter for just a second. Without a word, she grabbed his arm and tugged him closer. As she tiptoed, she pressed a quick, teasing kiss against his lips¡ªa soft smack at first. But then, her experience took over. With a sultry glint in her eyes, she nipped at his lower lip, a playful yet seductive bite that sent a jolt of heat through Duke''s body. His grip on his control snapped. Growling low in his throat, he wrapped his arms around her, effortlessly lifting her off the ground. Kisha gasped as he pulled her against him, making her straddle his waist while his hands found their place, firmly cupping her curves to support her weight. "You''re playing with fire, wifey," Duke murmured, his voice thick with desire, his hold on her tightening as his lips hovered dangerously close to hers. Kisha chuckled against Duke''s lips, her voice dripping with playful defiance. "What? Are you the only one allowed to seduce me? Can''t I turn the tables on you?" Her sultry gaze gleamed with mischief, daring him. That was all it took for Duke to throw his remaining restraint out the window. With a growl, he pressed her against the sturdy bark of a tree, his lips crashing into hers with unrestrained passion. "Wifey, stick out your tongue," he murmured, his voice deep and magnetic. A shiver ran down Kisha''s spine at the commanding tone, and without hesitation, she obeyed. The moment she did, Duke didn''t waste a second¡ªhis tongue tangled with hers in a heated dance, devouring her like she was the very air he needed to survive. Kisha gasped, trying to push against his chest to steal a moment to breathe, but it only spurred Duke on further. His grip tightened, his kisses growing deeper, more demanding. A low, possessive growl vibrated from his chest as he teasingly bit down on her tongue before trailing his lips to the corner of her mouth, leaving behind a faint silver strand of thread. Kisha barely had time to gulp in a breath before Duke claimed her lips again¡ªslurping, biting, tasting¡ªlike a starved beast determined to explore every inch of her mouth, making her head spin and her body melt into his embrace. "Hmmm¡­" Kisha let out a soft moan as a tingling sensation spread from her scalp down her spine. With Duke''s insatiable needs and boundless stamina, she was certain that if they were just a normal couple living an ordinary life¡ªwithout the constant chaos of the apocalypse¡ªhe would seize every opportunity to indulge in moments like this, every single day. But reality was far from kind. With so much weighing on their shoulders, these rare, stolen moments of intimacy were few and far in between. And now that Duke finally had the chance, he wasn''t holding back¡ªacting like a starved wolf finally sinking his teeth into the feast he had been craving for. Without hesitation, Duke pressed himself closer to Kisha, his body flush against hers as he began grinding against her core with slow, deliberate movements. His breath came out ragged, heavy with desire, as he leaned in, his lips grazing her ear. "Wifey¡­ I want to fuck you senseless right now," he growled, his deep, husky voice laced with raw need, every word dripping with the excitement surging through his veins. Chapter 715 - 715 Back To Training "Ahem!" A loud throat-clearing sound abruptly cut through the moment, startling Duke and Kisha. They both snapped their heads toward the source, realizing¡ªmuch to their horror¡ªthat they had been so caught up in each other, they hadn''t even noticed someone approaching. Their guard had been completely down. Standing before them, arms crossed and expression dark with irritation, was Keith. His gaze was sharp, practically drilling into them with disapproval. But he wasn''t alone. Behind him stood Grandpa and Grandma Aldens. Grandma Aldens, to their surprise, was giggling like a delighted child who had just witnessed something straight out of her favorite romance novel. Grandpa Alden, in contrast, wore a deeply furrowed scowl that clearly showed his displeasure. Keith''s glare intensified, making it clear that neither he nor Grandpa Aldens was amused by what they had just walked in on. "We''ve been searching the whole island for you, only to find you having a secret rendezvous here?" Keith scolded, his tone sharp with frustration. "When are you going to train us, huh?" Though his words were directed at both of them, it was clear his anger was mostly aimed at Duke. The overprotective brother in him was fuming¡ªhis precious older sister had been stolen away, and worse, Duke was clearly corrupting her not-so-innocent mind. Keith had even overheard Duke''s last words, and just thinking about them made his stomach churn in anger. He couldn''t imagine ever saying something so shameless, let alone his sister being subjected to such indecency. But Duke, utterly unfazed, merely flashed a crescent-eyed smirk, still holding Kisha firmly in his arms without a hint of remorse. Meanwhile, Kisha, who was pinned against the tree, was too flustered to move. Her face burned with embarrassment as she realized just how much she had forgotten about the outside world. She had been so wrapped up in the moment, thinking she and Duke still had time alone, that it hadn''t even crossed her mind that her family would finish their training early¡ªand worse, come looking for her. Kisha quickly pressed her palms against her face, trying to hide her embarrassment, but Duke only found her reaction utterly adorable. He chuckled, completely unapologetic, and Kisha couldn''t even blame him¡ªafter all, she had willingly gone along with him. "Ugh," she groaned, still covering her face, wishing she could disappear. Seeing her like this only made Duke want to tease her more, but unfortunately, there were more pressing matters at hand. With a sigh, he forced himself to refocus, letting go of the urge to continue his playful torment. Unlike Kisha, Duke remained completely unfazed by their unexpected audience. To him, this was perfectly fine¡ªthey were husband and wife, after all. There was no reason to feel embarrassed just because Keith and their elders had caught them sharing an intimate moment. Besides, they hadn''t done anything beyond kissing and exchanging a few ''affectionate words''. And if anyone expected him to feel shame? Well, they were in for a disappointment¡ªDuke was as shameless and thick-skinned as they came, and this wouldn''t rattle him in the slightest. "Alright, let''s continue with the training since we have limited time," Duke said, offering Kisha a way to collect herself and giving Keith a distraction from what he had just heard and witnessed. Grandma Aldens, understanding Duke''s intent, happily played along, nudging Grandpa Aldens to head back the way they came. "Alright, we''ll wait for you back there," Grandma Aldens said as she walked away with Grandpa Aldens. Kisha peeked out from between her fingers, her voice small and hesitant. "G-Grandma, you can keep cultivating. Duke and I really do need to train..." But Duke still hadn''t let her go, keeping her pinned in place. Grandpa Aldens snorted, as if he had just heard the funniest joke. "Train? Or continue with your little rendezvous?" "G-Grandpa!" Kisha squeaked, her face burning with embarrassment. "We really are going to train!" Grandpa Aldens snorted again, clearly unconvinced, but before he could tease her further, Grandma Aldens grabbed him by the ear and dragged him away. "Enough of that," she said, pulling him along as he hurried to keep up, grumbling under his breath. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Keith, watching the scene unfold, shifted nervously before trailing after his grandparents¡ªbut not before shooting Duke a sharp glare. "G-Grandma, wait for me!" Keith called out, jogging after them. He tried his best to blend into the background, hoping to avoid becoming Grandma Aldens'' next target. Plastering on a foolishly obedient smile, he trailed behind like the perfect grandson¡ªanything to keep her attention off him. Seeing Keith retreat with his tail between his legs, Duke chuckled, flashing a fleeting smile before shifting his attention back to Kisha. "Now, wifey, where were we?" His voice dropped a few degrees lower, laced with playful seduction as he tried to coax her back into their interrupted moment. But Kisha weakly smacked his chest, her lips quivering as she pretended to shed a tear coquettishly. Her red-rimmed eyes only made her look more pitiful, sending Duke into an instant panic. "W-Wifey, what''s wrong? Please tell me¡­" he pleaded, brushing his thumb gently across her damp lashes, his worry deepening as he noticed the lingering traces of unshed tears from her lingering embarrassment. "No, we should really train. I''ll teach you how to awaken and control your aura..." Kisha croaked, her voice still uneven. She had no intention of doing anything intimate here in her own territory¡ªespecially not when there was always the risk of her brother barging in and picking a fight with Duke. Keith might act tough, but deep down, he was still too dependent on her, a lingering effect of his childhood trauma. Kisha couldn''t blame him for struggling to let go; after all, handing over his beloved sister wouldn''t be easy. For now, they had to be patient. Keith needed more time to adjust, which meant she and Duke would have to steal their moments together in secret¡ªat least until her brother could finally accept their relationship. "Okay, I''ll do whatever my wife wants," Duke nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to Kisha''s cheek as he lightly cradled her face. He had just managed to calm himself earlier when his in-laws interrupted, so letting go now wasn''t too difficult. But as he carefully set Kisha back on the ground, she stifled a laugh¡ªher eyes landing on the unmistakable bulge in his pants. Emotionally, he might have regained his composure, but his body clearly had other ideas. Duke let out a helpless sigh, offering her a weak smile. "Wifey, don''t tease me..." he murmured, ruffling her hair affectionately before summoning several floating ice shards around him, hoping to cool himself down¡ªat least physically. Kisha stopped chuckling and gently patted Duke''s chest. "You''re so good to me, hubby..." she said with a warm smile before tiptoeing to plant a soft kiss on his cheek. Then, taking his hand, she led him back toward their training ground. Duke chuckled, his grip on her tightening. "If I''m not good to you, then who else should I be good to?" he teased, pulling her closer and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. With a playful grin, he swayed with her, rocking them side to side as they walked. ___ P.S.: I''ve just started another book for the Webnovel Spirity Awards 2025¡ªThe Alpha''s Regret: Return of the Betrayed Luna. Feel free to check it out and see if it''s to your liking. Thank you! ???? Chapter 716 - 716 Successful Training When Kisha and Duke returned to their training, they wasted no time jumping right back into it. Kisha began explaining the essence of Aura¡ªits origins, how to awaken it, what sets it apart from other energies, and its fundamental principles. She covered everything necessary to understand what truly makes Aura, Aura. Surprisingly, Duke grasped the core essence of it all with just a single explanation, without even breaking a sweat. Kisha raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback¡ªthen it hit her. She had almost forgotten that the man standing before her was a born genius, a monster when it came to growing stronger and mastering concepts effortlessly. She had gotten too used to his playful antics around her. When Duke got serious, he exuded an undeniable aura of dominance and strength. Right now, he was the very embodiment of power¡ªhis sharp intelligence and deep understanding only amplifying his presence. For some reason, Kisha found this side of him irresistibly sexy and manly. She loved it. Without even realizing it, her explanations became increasingly physical. When describing how to keep his aura centered in his core, her fingers instinctively traced along his abs, gliding upward to his chest. She was so absorbed in the moment that she didn''t even notice what she was doing. But to anyone watching, the sultry look on her face would have told an entirely different story. This time, Duke was completely focused on understanding Aura. Unlike Kisha, who could simply absorb the knowledge from the manual as if it were being downloaded into her mind, Duke had to process everything himself. From the smallest details to the bigger picture, he needed to use his intellect, comprehension, and insight to piece everything together. He had to keep an open mind and a broad perspective to truly grasp what the manual''s creator intended to convey. Because of this intense concentration, Duke didn''t notice Kisha''s lingering touches or the way she was looking at him. He was too deep in thought to give meaning to her actions¡ªunknowingly granting her a free pass to explore. And Kisha? She absolutely loved it. It wasn''t until 008 spoke that reality crashed back in. "Host, you''ve been touchy-feely from the very beginning. Are you hoping for something?" Kisha choked on her own saliva, her fingers freezing mid-touch. "Shut up!" she hissed at 008, her face burning as if her deepest secret had just been exposed. "What do you know? Kids should stay out of adult matters! Besides, what''s wrong with me enjoying my husband''s abs and biceps?" she retorted, indignant. After all, she had never been like this before. She was only now starting to break down the thick walls around her heart. And truth be told, Duke was a god''s greatest masterpiece of a man. Even a stone would be moved by his presence¡ªso how could she, his supposed wife, remain unaffected when she was around this walking embodiment of pure, unfiltered pheromones? A little look here, a touch there¡ªof course, she should have a free pass! If anything, she should be able to openly drool over her own husband. Rolling her eyes at 008, Kisha dismissed the teasing voice in her head. "Host! I''m not a child! Who told you I''m a child? You''re a child! Your whole family is a child! Your husband is a child! Hmph!" 008 burst out angrily before retreating into the deepest part of Kisha''s consciousness to sulk. Kisha simply shook her head, amused. "Wifey, do you need some rest?" Duke''s voice pulled Kisha out of her thoughts. He looked up at her, his eyes filled with concern. He had just finished absorbing all the information she had given him and was waiting for the next instruction¡ªonly to realize that Kisha had suddenly stopped. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In truth, her touches while explaining had actually helped him. They unconsciously guided the energy building up in his body, allowing him to direct it toward the areas she touched, making it easier to focus. Right now, he was in the midst of merging his mind, body, and soul, attempting to manifest his Aura¡ªbut Kisha''s silence had caught him off guard. Realizing that her lapse in focus had also affected Duke, Kisha immediately apologized and restarted from the beginning. This was a crucial part of the training¡ªthey couldn''t just pick up where they left off, or the results wouldn''t be as effective. Determined to refocus, Kisha resumed her explanation. However, 008''s earlier teasing lingered in her mind, making her more conscious of her actions. She toned down the physical guidance, keeping her touches to a minimum. But to her surprise, Duke requested that she continue. "I actually focus better when you guide me that way," he admitted, his voice earnest. "It helps me direct my energy more efficiently." Kisha chuckled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. If that was what her husband wanted, who was she to refuse? Smiling, she happily resumed her hands-on approach. Meanwhile, Keith was pouting, frustrated that all he could see was Kisha and Duke flirting rather than training. His irritation only grew, but his grandmother, clearly enjoying the sight, made sure he didn''t interrupt the couple. Left with no other choice, Keith turned his focus to cultivating instead. Surprisingly, this frustration became a driving force¡ªand to his amazement, he actually made noticeable progress. Though small, it was still a step forward. If he kept this up, he could gradually expand his energy pool, bit by bit. His grandfather, who had also been channeling his irritation into training, saw similar results. Eventually, as both of them calmed down, they fully committed to their training. Seeing this, Grandma Aldens also joined in, and soon, all of them were immersed in their cultivation. They remained inside the territory space for the full twenty hours, pushing themselves to their limits. When they emerged and stepped into the open space where everyone was waiting, Keith and his grandparents felt noticeably rejuvenated. There was a subtle but undeniable shift in their spiritual energy¡ªa result of cultivating near the Crystal, which provided the best conditions for growth. As they rejoined the group, they exuded a different aura. Those from the hidden base, who had spent significant time with them before, could sense the change. Though they couldn''t quite pinpoint what was different about Keith and his family, the shift in their presence was impossible to ignore. Even Duke, who managed to grasp the essence of aura and awaken it after just ten hours, was visibly different. His body now emitted an aura that hadn''t been there before, immediately catching the attention of Sparrow and Vulture, who were clearly intrigued. However, Kisha couldn''t help but feel defeated as she looked at Duke, who had absorbed all the information she had thrown at him without the slightest struggle. She even heard from 008 that disciples who followed the ''path of the sword¡ªknights who trained in the ways of aura users'' typically underwent grueling training from childhood to adulthood before awakening their aura. Those who achieved this feat between the ages of 15 and 17 were already considered geniuses. Yet, never in history had someone under fifteen, not especially ten awakened their aura. Based on this fact alone, it was clear that awakening aura was supposed to be an incredibly difficult process. And yet, Duke had done it in mere hours. Chapter 717 - 717 Time To Go For The Mission Kisha, who had a cheat system of her own, couldn''t help but feel like Duke was an even bigger cheat. It was almost unfair. Without her system, she would have been left in the dust, nothing more than a burden to him. No wonder he became the strongest man in her previous life. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ''Comparison truly breeds pain,'' she thought with a defeated sigh, shaking her head as she made her way toward the gathering. Meanwhile, Duke had already bathed in the same spot she had used earlier, cleansing himself of the grime and impurities his body had expelled. At least now, he didn''t have to worry about carrying the filth outside her territory space to the hidden base for washing. "Is everyone here?" Duke asked as he stood before the Winters men. To his surprise, even his parents were present, along with the Evans family. Both Kisha and Duke couldn''t help but twitch their eyebrows¡ªonce again, their numbers had grown. At this point, it really felt less like a mission and more like a full-blown field trip. Duke shot Kisha a worried look, only to find her already looking at him, her eyes searching as if she had something to say. She bit her lip, holding herself back. If she specifically asked the Evans not to join this mission while bringing her entire family along¡ªand if Duke seemed willing to let his own family tag along for the experience, keeping them close to the Aldens¡ªwouldn''t that make it seem like they were isolating and targeting the Evans? They openly stated that this mission would give them the experience of facing stronger opponents and understanding what it was like to travel outside on their own while being surrounded by evolving zombies. This way it would prevent them from becoming people sheltered in a greenhouse, ensuring they were better prepared for the worst and wouldn''t panic when the time came. The same principle applied to everyone in the hidden base¡ªthey all deserved this opportunity as well. Because of this, Duke remained silent, pretending not to notice the Evans. However, what concerned him more was Melody. She seemed to have her own intentions of joining, lurking in a secluded spot as if trying to fade into the background. It was clear she was attempting to lessen her presence, possibly to sneak into the group unnoticed, ensuring Kisha wouldn''t be able to call her out or stop her from coming along. But what was she expecting? She wasn''t a combatant, nor did she have an awakened ability, so why was she even trying to come? Did she think people would protect her like before¡ªjust so she could stay close to Duke? Well, that was exactly her plan. Since Duke and Kisha had emphasized how dangerous it was outside, Melody intended to tag along, knowing that Duke, as the leader, would be responsible for everyone''s safety. And as the so-called damsel in distress, she would naturally need his protection. Using that excuse, she could stay close to Duke, ensuring he would have no choice but to look after her. Kisha, who was pretending not to notice Melody, had already been aware of her for a while. With just one look at Melody''s eyes, Kisha could tell exactly what she was planning. All she could do was sigh¡ªMelody was so naive, lost in her own little world. Even now, she was still the one living in a greenhouse, oblivious to the real dangers outside. It was clear that her family had sheltered her so well that she had no true understanding of how brutal the world had become. If she thought their journey from the heart of City A to the hidden base during the outbreak had been dangerous, then she truly had no idea what real danger was. Kisha and Duke silently agreed to say nothing and pretended not to see the entire Evans family¡ªespecially since Kisha had no desire to be around them. However, they were now living in the hidden base, making them part of their community. There was no valid reason to kick them out at the moment. It wasn''t as if Kisha had any particular attachment to keeping them around, but she knew her grandmother''s kind heart. If she were to cast out the Evans without just cause, it would surely break her grandmother''s heart to see how much she had changed. Kisha didn''t want to worry her grandparents. She had already seen their heartbreak in her past lives¡ªhow devastated they had been after her death and how deeply they mourned the shift in her personality when she returned. They had felt helpless, unable to offer her any support, and in the end, they chose to step back, not wanting to be a burden to her. Unfortunately, that very decision had led to even more complications, ultimately making them easy targets for exploitation¡ªor worse, costing them their lives. This time, Kisha wanted to be extremely careful. She knew she couldn''t always protect her grandparents, especially when they themselves believed they were a burden to her. Instead, the best thing she could do was help them grow stronger¡ªso they could stand on their own, confident in their abilities. She wanted them to stand beside her without doubt or the lingering belief that they weren''t enough. Duke kept his speech brief, wrapping it up in just five minutes. While his men already knew what to do, he focused on instructing the Aldens and his family, ensuring they understood their responsibilities while out in the field. His family, having gained some experience during when they were rescued by Duke and Kisha, knew better than to stray from the main group. They understood the importance of staying close to the Aldens, sticking together to avoid unnecessary risks, and preventing Duke and Kisha from worrying even more. During their previous beach vacation, Kisha had finally managed to give the immortal pill to her grandfather-in-law. Since she had already given one each to her own grandparents and Marcus, it was only natural that she had prepared one for him as well. This allowed him to regain the vitality of a man ten years younger, enabling him to join the mission outside and train alongside Kisha''s grandfather. It also helped strengthen the bond between the two families, ensuring they could watch each other''s backs. With everyone present and ready, Duke conducted a thorough briefing before they lined up. Once everything was set, Kisha summoned the armored military trucks they would use for the journey ahead. No matter how many times they witnessed it, Kisha and Duke''s ability to summon and store objects out of thin air remained astonishing¡ªan invaluable skill in these apocalyptic times. Once the armored truck appeared in the open, Kisha and Duke took their seats in the second vehicle¡ªDuke in the driver''s seat and Kisha beside him in the passenger seat. Their family and several members of the Winters'' men occupied the back of the truck. When some of the Evans attempted to climb in, the Winters'' men swiftly blocked them, ensuring there was no room left for them inside. They all understood that this was their master''s intention¡ªkeeping the Evans away from their master and young madam. Without any other choice, the Evans settled in the third truck. Ethan took the wheel, while his eldest brother, Eric, sat beside him, holding the radio, as each truck was equipped with one for communication. Chapter 718 - 718 Brothers Meanwhile, in the first truck, Sparrow sat in the driver''s seat with Vulture beside him. Their role was to lead the convoy, clearing the path as they traveled from the hidden base to the designated meeting place with Dracon Felix before setting out to search for the drums. Tristan rode in the second truck alongside the Winters, with Bald Eagle seated nearby. Eagle and Hawk occupied the first truck as well, while the rest of the Winters'' men were evenly distributed among the remaining vehicles. Altogether, four fully loaded trucks set out, leaving the base nearly deserted. "We''re rolling out!" Sparrow''s voice crackled through the radio as the trucks roared to life. He slowly started his vehicle, leading the convoy forward. Since the main road into their base was riddled with landmines, they had to take the longer, hidden route through the forest. Ethan took the lead as they navigated through their territory. Having been one of the key people who set up the traps around the base, he was the best choice to guide them safely. Sparrow, having been away for a long time, wouldn''t be able to recognize all the danger zones, so rather than trying to explain everything over the radio, it was more practical for Ethan to lead the way. No one objected to the decision. As he drove, Ethan glanced at the side mirror, his eyes drifting toward Kisha''s truck, hoping to catch a glimpse of his baby sister. "Focus on the road, soldier." Sparrow''s voice crackled through the radio in Eric''s hand, making Ethan choke in surprise. His grip tightened on the wheel as he instinctively glanced at the rearview mirror, scanning his surroundings. ''Did that bastard plant a hidden camera in here?'' Ethan wondered, his brows furrowing. ''How the hell did he even know I wasn''t looking at the road?'' A little irritated, Ethan pressed down on the gas, increasing his speed. Sparrow''s truck behind him followed suit, and soon after, Duke did the same. Before long, they emerged from the forest onto the dirt road leading to the highway. As they reached the asphalt road, Ethan eased off the accelerator while Sparrow sped up. He shifted to the right, allowing Sparrow''s truck to overtake him smoothly. Sparrow passed without so much as a glance in his direction, but when Duke''s truck approached, Ethan stole a quick look at the passenger seat where Kisha sat. She was focused on the road ahead, seemingly unaware of his gaze. Ethan and Eric exchanged a silent exhale, content just to catch a glimpse of their baby sister before they reached the tail of the second truck. With practiced precision, Ethan adjusted their position and merged behind it, securing their place in formation. The reason for maintaining this formation was strategic¡ªwhen they encountered tightly packed roads where a single truck couldn''t clear obstacles efficiently, the trucks behind Sparrow''s would provide support. By pushing Sparrow''s truck forward at the right angle, they could maximize its momentum, allowing it to plow through the line of abandoned vehicles blocking their path. With this in mind, the four trucks moved at an intermittent but mostly steady pace. Since the zombies had migrated back from where they came, they were now scattered all over the roads. Sparrow took the lead in clearing the way, ramming into the undead and letting them get crushed under his truck. Any zombies that managed to chase after the convoy either got caught beneath the other trucks or were sent flying on impact. Naturally, Sparrow''s truck bore the brunt of the blood and gore, its exterior drenched in zombie remains. But rather than being disturbed, Vulture sat in the passenger seat, cackling gleefully as he watched the zombies get tossed into the air like ragdolls. "Shut up, Vulture!" Sparrow growled through gritted teeth. He could barely focus on his driving with Vulture''s incessant laughter ringing in his ears. "Why so grumpy? Are you going through menopause or something?" Vulture shot him a teasing side glance, unfazed by Sparrow''s irritation. In truth, he was just thrilled to be out in the field again. Staying cooped up in one place for too long made his body feel stiff¡ªhe needed action, a good fight to shake off the rust. But more than that, he still hadn''t gotten over the fact that he had actually shed tears for Sparrow, only to find the man alive and well. The least he could do now was annoy this slippery bastard. Only by irritating Sparrow to no end would he feel like his moment of weakness had been justified. Sparrow, completely unaware of Vulture''s true intentions, was fuming as the man continued to find new ways to irritate him throughout the journey. "Are you seriously this fucking bored?" Sparrow spat, his grip tightening on the wheel. If he wasn''t driving, he would have already lunged at Vulture and torn that smug face apart. "You noticed? Wow, you''re so smart!" Vulture shot back with dripping sarcasm, his voice filled with amusement. Watching Sparrow seethe but unable to do anything about it lifted his mood immensely. "Are you fucking with me?" Sparrow growled, his words coming through clenched teeth. "Which of your eyes sees that, huh? I need proof, man. Are you sure you''re not just pent up? Maybe you haven''t had the chance to masturbate lately, and now the heat''s gotten to your head. Relax a little¡­" Vulture smirked, his tone as infuriating as ever. Sparrow nearly lost it. "Don''t lump me in with you! I don''t do that shit!" he barked. "Oh? So do I¡­" "The fuck?! Then why are you saying this crap to me, you filthy-headed gorilla?!" Sparrow snapped, his frustration pouring out as he ran over another unfortunate zombie, crushing it under the truck''s tires as if punishing it for Vulture''s existence. "Go-Gorilla?! Who the hell are you calling that?" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sparrow let out a mocking laugh. "Huhu haha! King Kong!" "That''s it! You''re too much, you¡ªyou¡­!" Vulture stammered, trying to come up with an insult but failing. Seeing Vulture speechless for once, Sparrow grinned victoriously. "Ha! Gotcha, dumbass." Vulture pursed his lips, refusing to let it go. He racked his brain for a comeback, determined to get the last word. Several minutes passed, the truck rumbling along the road, before he finally muttered under his breath, "At least I''m a little more handsome than you..." Unfortunately for him, Sparrow still heard it. The sheer audacity of the comment made him grind his teeth so hard he accidentally bit his tongue. His frustration spiked, and just as he was about to fire back with another insult¡ª The radio crackled to life. "Hey, your line was open. We heard everything happening over there." Silence. Vulture and Sparrow froze, eyes widening in horror. Laughter barely contained, the voices from the other trucks buzzed with amusement. It turned out their entire bickering session had been broadcasted to everyone holding a radio across all four trucks. Their back-and-forth insults, their ridiculous argument¡ªevery single word had been overheard. Most of the group had struggled to keep their laughter in during the journey, finding their banter a welcome distraction. Even Duke and Kisha were thoroughly entertained, enjoying the lively energy between the two. It was a relief to see Vulture acting like his usual self around Sparrow rather than drowning in gloom like before. Chapter 719 - 719 Authority Unlocked Meanwhile, Sparrow and Vulture exchanged a look of mutual betrayal. "...You knew and didn''t say anything?" Sparrow accused. Vulture cleared his throat. "I wasn''t the one who opened the line! How the hell was I supposed to know?!" The sound of muffled laughter echoed through the radio once more, making Sparrow groan. "I swear to God, when we stop, I''m throwing hands." This only made the laughter harder to contain. After their playful banter, Kisha''s laughter gradually faded as she turned her attention to the remaining people at the hidden base¡ªthe Blythes and the new workers tending to the fields. Despite being left behind without any combatants to protect them, none of them seemed panicked. The base was in a secluded location, fortified with an array of hidden traps, the exact placements of which even they weren''t entirely sure of. Because of this, they felt secure, unthreatened by potential zombie attacks or outsiders who might attempt to harass them. In fact, rather than fear, a sense of authority and freedom settled over them. The vast, well-defended territory felt like theirs to command, allowing them to go about their tasks without worry. Besides, they knew Kisha and the others wouldn''t abandon them¡ªshe had taken no supplies with her, leaving the base fully stocked. All they had to do was continue their work and wait for Kisha and the rest to return. One more thing¡ªKisha intentionally left them behind to observe how they would work under these circumstances. Without anyone watching over them, would they remain diligent, or would they take advantage of the situation and slack off? This was a test to reveal their true nature. Their actions during this period would determine the specific tasks Kisha assigned them moving forward, especially for the Blythes. Although she had already made promises to them, this would serve as the final screening to ensure they remained consistent, even when unsupervised. After all, the true test of character wasn''t how someone behaved under scrutiny but how they acted when no one was watching. Were they genuinely hardworking, or were they merely submissive to the strong while preying on the weak? The same went for the newcomers¡ªKisha wanted to see their true colors before placing her trust in them. Seeing that everyone was eagerly working on the pilot, discussing which crops to prioritize based on climate, needs, and location, Kisha felt reassured. Satisfied with their progress, she moved the screen displaying their work to the side and instead shifted her focus to something she had yet to thoroughly check¡ªher achievements, titles, and their effects. ... [Title: The Philanthropist] [Description: A person with a kind heart who helps others selflessly, even when they have little to give, believing in the power of good karma. Grade: SSS Leadership: +100 Metal Capacity: +50 Charm: +50 Luck: +30 Passive Skill: Likability Boost] .... [Passive Skill: Likability Boost] [Description: As a true philanthropist who aids others in times of need and genuinely considers their well-being, you naturally attract goodwill. People will feel an instant sense of likability toward you, forming a positive first impression. Additionally, you emit a compelling aura that draws in like-minded individuals. Effect: Initial likability starts at 5/100 and can increase over time. Grade: SSS (Evolvable)] ... [Title: Leader of the New World] [Description: As the guiding force behind humanity''s survival through the divine trial, ''The Beginning of the End,'' you have become the last beacon of hope and the undisputed leader of those who remain. Only by following you can humanity endure and thrive in this forsaken world, forgotten by the Gods. Your leadership, strength, and wisdom dictate your status¡ª among humans as a ruler of an evolving species. In a world where only the strongest survive, your actions shape the future. Your remarkable ability to lead has even caught the attention of the Gods, who, depending on your choices, may grant this world a new beginning. Grade: EX Effects: Leadership +150 Mental Capacity +100 Charm +100 Luck +50 Active Skill: Survival of the Fittest] ... [Active Skill: Survival of the Fittest] [Description: As the guiding force of your species'' survival, you possess the power to awaken their primal instincts in times of crisis. This skill grants a 20% boost to survival instincts, enhancing strength, resilience, and logical thinking when faced with overwhelming threats. Those affected will experience heightened awareness and adaptability, increasing their chances of survival against stronger adversaries. Grade: SSS (Evolvable)] .... [Leader of the Lower World ¨C Achievement] [Description: Every end marks a new beginning, and every beginning paves the way for an inevitable end. By successfully leading your species through the Gods'' first test of survival in this forsaken world, you have accomplished a feat achieved by only 8% of species across all dimensions, realms, and worlds governed by the Gods. This achievement stands as proof of your remarkable leadership and resilience, recognized throughout the vast expanse of existence. Grade: EX +20 to All Stats +30% Increase in Warrior Affinity +20% Boost to Warrior Trust and Loyalty +20% Increase in Abnormality Resistance] ... Seeing all these favorable bonuses, free passive and active skills, and the overall benefits displayed on her screen, Kisha couldn''t ask for more. Every enhancement was directly related to the people around her¡ªespecially the passive skill that increased likability upon first meeting, which would be invaluable when recruiting more people to join her to defend her territory. It was exactly what she needed right now. A satisfied smile curved on Kisha''s lips as she took in the changes. Without hesitation, she opened her status window to check the improvements in her stats. ... [Kisha Aldens] Level 3 (Exp: 501/8000 X 0.0) Strength: 301 (+20) Stamina: 391 (+20) Defense: 591 (+20) Agility: 301 (+20) Mental Capacity: 1291 (+170) Charm: 641 (+170) Leadership: 1191 (+290) Luck: 461 (+100) Mana: 751 (+20) Spiritual Energy: 751 (+20) Aura: 10 Authority: 0 Title: 100th Life (additional 10 stat points in all stats), City Lord (See Description...), The Hope of Humanity, Commander of a Thousand, A True Ruler, The Philanthropist, The Leader of the New World Skills: Telekinesis Level 3 (5 SP for 20 seconds of continuous use and 1 SP per second), Perception Level 1, One Body Level 2, Rainbow Cube, Lion''s Roar, Telekinesis Sub: Energy Burst Level 0, Survival of the Fittest Level 0 Passive Skill: Healing Dome Level 2, One Man Team, People''s Heart, Likability Boost Level 0 Talent: Close Combat, Heightened Senses Gift: Pheonix''s Nirvana, Eye of Truth Level 1 Ability: Telekinesis (Mental) S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Profession Proficiency: Intermediate Inscriber ... ''Holy! Everything is increasing!'' Kisha marveled, eyes scanning the changes in her status window. But then, something new caught her attention. "Aura... and Authority?" She paused, deep in thought. Authority¡ªshe remembered 008 mentioning it before. It was the power of a Constellation¡ªa God''s power. Excitement surged through her. If she truly had access to this, it meant she had another source of power she could tap into when necessary. But right now, her Authority value was zero, and she had no idea how to increase it. Even 008 had only briefly explained that a Constellation''s power stemmed from their followers. Did that mean she needed followers to gain Authority? And if so, would it function the same way as the other Constellations? Since this power was granted to her, it had to be possible for her to use it. But more importantly¡ªwould it affect her body in any way? She needed to find out. Chapter 720 - 720 Incoming! Figuring out how to use this new power was something she''d have to experiment with later. For now, since she had no concrete clues, she decided to set it aside. There was no point in worrying over something unknown¡ªnot when she lacked the necessary information. Once she had finished reviewing everything she needed to, Kisha stretched her limbs with a satisfied sigh. Across the passenger seat, Duke stole a glance at her, his expression unreadable. "Wifey, you look happy. Did you get something nice again?" Duke asked, his gaze fixed on the road while Kisha looked back at him with an amused expression. By now, he was used to seeing her stare off into space, only to suddenly smile as if she had discovered some grand secret. He didn''t know the full details of her abilities¡ªonly that she had some kind of unique gift¡ªbut that was enough for him to recognize the signs. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And right now, with her eyes squinting like a mischievous cat that had just stolen a fish, he was certain¡ªKisha had definitely gotten something good again. "You could say that," Kisha said proudly, beaming at Duke. But deep down, she knew she hadn''t achieved all of this on her own. Many people had helped her along the way, and at the very top of that list was the man before her¡ªher husband. "Say, hubby, what gift would you like to receive? Maybe we''ll get lucky and find something," she asked, tilting her head playfully. Duke chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement, though he kept them focused on the road. His attention, however, remained on Kisha. "Wifey, whatever you give me is special. I''ll accept anything, as long as it''s from you." "Well, that''s sweet, but if you had to be specific, what would you want?" Kisha prodded, not letting him off the hook so easily. Duke thought for a moment before answering casually, "Well, I''ve really taken a liking to the Kratos set. You''ve already given me two pieces." "Alright then, let''s do our best and complete the set," Kisha decided. "Once you have all the pieces, you might unlock a set effect like Vulture''s Blast set¡­" At her words, a bubbling excitement stirred in Duke''s chest¡ªan eager anticipation he couldn''t quite explain. But one thing was certain: he was looking forward to it. With a pleased hum, he nodded, his enthusiasm clear. After several hours of uninterrupted travel, Duke, Kisha, and the rest of the group neared a dirt road leading to another farm under Duke''s ownership. The land stretched endlessly before them¡ªa vast expanse of fertile soil. Though no crops had been planted yet and only wild weeds thrived, the lush greenery was a refreshing sight. So far, there was no sign of zombies, making the area seem eerily peaceful. But just as that thought settled, something lunged out from the tall grass, slamming into Sparrow''s truck windshield with a sickening thud. Reacting instantly, Sparrow activated his ''Perception Skill'', causing time to slow around him. His sharp gaze locked onto the creature¡ªa massive mutated snake, its grotesque form emerging from the overgrown field as it struck. "Shit!" Sparrow cursed, yanking the truck sharply to the left to avoid the mutated snake. The creature had gleaming metallic spikes protruding from the back of its head, making it look even more menacing. Vulture, though startled, reacted just in time. He caught sight of the massive serpent as it narrowly missed slamming directly into them, leaving only a deep dent on the side of the door and a slight crack on the windshield. "The fuck?! Was that an anaconda?! That thing is huge!" he exclaimed. As the mutated snake crashed onto the dirt road, Vulture wasted no time. He manipulated the ground beneath it, causing the earth to rise and pin the beast down, preventing it from lunging at them again. Despite this, Sparrow didn''t slow down, keeping his foot on the gas. Then, Kisha''s voice crackled through the walkie-talkie. "Everyone, keep driving! Do not stop to check the situation outside," Kisha''s voice came through the walkie-talkie, firm and urgent. "The first truck was attacked by a mutated snake, and I suspect there are more lurking in the grass. Stay on course, drive fast, and be ready for a fight at any moment!" Heeding her warning, the trucks behind Sparrow''s vehicle maintained their speed, skillfully maneuvering around the thrashing snake that was still struggling against the earth''s grip. The entire convoy stayed on high alert, keeping a safe distance while sticking to the center of the dirt road. This way, they could create some space from the tall grass and have a clearer view of any movement¡ªwhether it was another mutated snake slithering toward them or any other lurking threat. As if Kisha''s words had been a prophecy, mutated snakes suddenly jumped from the tall grass, launching themselves at the vehicles. Their massive jaws gaped open, revealing foot-long fangs, and their mouths¡ªlarge enough to swallow an adult whole¡ªsnapped hungrily as they lunged. Vulture and the others wasted no time, unleashing a barrage of attacks with their awakened abilities. Kisha, spotting one of the enormous snakes, seized control of its tail with her telekinesis. With a swift motion, she slammed its head into the ground with tremendous force. However, the creature refused to die, thrashing violently in an attempt to escape her invisible grip. Undeterred, Kisha tightened her hold and swung the snake like a weapon, using it to strike down the other incoming mutated serpents¡ªwielding it like a deadly, oversized nunchaku. Meanwhile, the other awakened ability users rained down wind blades, slicing through both the attacking snakes and the tall grass where more of the creatures lay hidden. Even Mrs. Winters refused to remain idle. She activated her wood-elemental awakened ability, weaving thick, thorned vines around the entire truck. The sharp thorns ensured that any mutated snake that slammed into the vehicle wouldn''t escape unscathed, their bodies impaled by the barbs. At the same time, the vines acted as a cushion, absorbing most of the impact and preventing damage to the truck. However, Mrs. Winters wasn''t as powerful as the others and had limited spiritual energy. Maintaining such an extensive defense was draining, and she couldn''t fully cover the vehicle without frequent pauses to drink a black vial of liquid to replenish her spiritual energy. As a result, it took her longer than she''d hoped to complete her protective barrier. Keith, however, didn''t remain idle either. As a support-type awakened ability user, he had trained in close combat under Eagle, Hawk, and Ethan long before his sister appeared. But that wasn''t all¡ªhe had also honed his skills with long-range weapons. Fortunately, Kisha had equipped him with a specialized longbow, one that wasn''t just an ordinary weapon. This bow enhanced his precision and featured a locking function, allowing his shots to home in on targets like a missile once he released the arrow. Positioning himself near the rear, Keith fired arrow after arrow without hesitation. The best part was that he never had to worry about running out of ammunition¡ªhis bow didn''t require physical arrows. Instead, it converted his spiritual energy into powerful projectiles, each one carrying immense force capable of piercing even a strong defense far more effectively than a traditional metal-tipped arrow. Chapter 721 - 721 Keith, Victor and Marthas Status Windows "Sweet! This bow is amazing!" Keith exclaimed, rapidly firing arrows through the gaps in Mrs. Winter''s thorny vines to prevent the mutated snakes from slithering into the truck. Behind Kisha''s vehicle, Ethan and his team fought fiercely, fending off the relentless onslaught of snakes lunging at them from the tall grass. The trucks swayed dangerously from side to side under the impact, nearly tipping over. If the drivers lost focus for even a moment, they risked being thrown off the road, tumbling into the dirt¡ªwhere the snakes would surely surround them in an instant. Fortunately, Kisha had given everyone a heads-up beforehand, allowing them to stay on high alert. With quick reflexes and precise coordination, they managed to outmaneuver the lunging creatures, keeping their convoy moving forward despite the chaos. Seeing the sheer size of the mutated snakes made everyone''s skin crawl. The smallest among them was as long as a bus, with a head large enough to swallow a tall, muscular adult male whole. They were fortunate to be inside the first-class, military-grade armored trucks capable of withstanding blasts, but even these vehicles had their limits. There was only so much damage they could endure before succumbing to the relentless assault. With no other choice, they unleashed their awakened abilities. Keith''s support proved to be a lifesaver¡ªhis bow and arrows had a target-lock function, ensuring each shot found its mark with deadly precision. ... [Divine Long Bow] [Description: Forged from the sacred wood of the High Elves'' revered Divine tree, this legendary longbow is bestowed only upon the most elite warriors¡ªthe Sacred Rangers. These warriors hold the highest rank among all elves, sworn to protect their ancestral lands from the corruption of monstrous beings such as ogres, tainted ents, and dark fae. The longbow is not merely a weapon but a symbol of status and strength, awarded only to those who have survived the grueling trials of the Sacred Rangers. With their unparalleled skill, these rangers defend their homeland without rest, ensuring that no enemy taints its purity. Only a limited number of these bows exist, each crafted for a warrior who has proven their worth. However, one bow has vanished¡ªthe very one that once belonged to the captain of the Sacred Rangers, the eldest and most formidable of all High Elves. Both the bow and its wielder have disappeared without a trace, leaving behind unanswered questions and whispers of a forgotten legend. Grade: Legendary Type: Weapon Attributes: Agility +10 Strength +15 Effects: *Target Lock-On: Allows the user to lock onto a target, ensuring the arrow never misses. *Pierce: Grants a 20% increased chance to penetrate armor upon impact. *Sharpshooting: Provides a 60% increased accuracy for targets up to 50 meters away. (Activation Requirement: Strength 250)] ... Upon seeing the longbow''s description, even Kisha felt reassured about letting Keith fight at the back without worrying too much. She had specifically given him this weapon because it suited him best. As a support-type awakened ability user specializing in illusion manipulation, Keith had always strived to become an all-rounder. He put immense pressure on himself, determined not to be a burden to his sister and to protect his family. Despite his limitations in close combat, Keith had trained relentlessly in long-range combat, knowing that his physical strength alone wouldn''t be enough to hold his ground in a melee fight. Although he learned valuable close-combat techniques from the Winters'' and Ethan, his abilities were much better suited for ranged attacks and strategic support. The best way to maximize his effectiveness was to keep him at a distance, where he could fight safely while providing crucial support to the team. It was a fortunate coincidence that Kisha had drawn the ''Divine Long Bow'' during a Gachapon Draw. Since both she and Duke were already satisfied with their weapons¡ªher preference being multiple daggers, which complemented her telekinesis¡ªshe had stored the longbow in her inventory, thinking it might come in handy one day. That day came when she noticed Keith''s growing interest in long-range weaponry. Deciding to give him the bow, she was surprised to discover that he had a natural talent for archery. Though still a bit clumsy, with time and training, he had the potential to become a formidable sharpshooter. After some time, Kisha decided to check Keith''s status window, along with her grandparents''. She realized that she hadn''t thoroughly reviewed their statuses in quite a while, having only given them a quick glance before. This time, she intended to examine them more carefully and with due diligence. ... [Keith Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 98/100 X 0.5) Strength: 40 (+15) Stamina: 25 sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Defense: 20 Agility: 30 (+10) Mental Capacity: 35 Charm: 19 Leadership: 13 Spiritual Energy: 35 Title: None Skills: Phantasm Level 1 Talent: Mind Manipulation Gift: None Ability: Mental (Illusion) ... [Victor Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 50/100 X 10) Strength: 32 Stamina: 30 Defense: 28 Agility: 25 Mental Capacity: 32 Charm: 15 Leadership: 20 Spiritual Energy: 35 Title: None Skills: Strength Enhancement Level 1, Speed Enhancement Level 0, Defense Enhancement Level 0 Talent: Amplification Gift: One Body, One Soul Ability: Body Enhancer ... [Martha Aldens] Level 0 (Exp: 44/100 X 10) Strength: 15 Stamina: 25 Defense: 17 Agility: 20 Mental Capacity: 19 Charm: 16 Leadership: 16 Spiritual Energy: 30 Title: None Skills: Soothing Hand Level 1 Talent: Peace Maker Gift: Sanctuary Ability: Home Maker ... Seeing her grandparents'' ''Talents'' and ''Gifts'', Kisha''s interest was piqued. Since this was her first time thoroughly checking this part of their status window after their awakening, she hadn''t fully understood the extent of their abilities until now. It dawned on her that she had unknowingly wasted system points on purchasing remedies for Sparrow and the rest of the group 6''s status abnormalities. Her grandmother''s ''Soothing Hand skill'', for instance, was capable of removing most status abnormalities¡ªso long as they weren''t stronger than her own ability. This meant that many of the ailments Kisha had spent points on could have been cured naturally. Only those with particularly strong effects, beyond her grandmother''s current level, remained untreatable for now. However, as her grandmother continued to level up, the effectiveness of her skill would only improve. And to think that their stats had improved so drastically¡ªfrom single digits to double digits¡ªwhile she was away was proof of their dedication to becoming stronger. However, their next crucial step was to level up to Level 1. Although their current strength made them comparable to elite humans¡ªcapable of easily taking down an average person¡ªhumans were not their only enemies. The real threat lay in the evolving zombies, which continued to grow stronger over time. At their current level, Keith and her grandparents wouldn''t stand a chance against the increasingly powerful undead. They needed to keep pushing forward if they wanted to survive what was coming. _______________ PS: Another month has passed, and I''m genuinely grateful to see so many of you continuing to support and engage with the story. Your ongoing enthusiasm and encouragement mean a lot to me. As a token of my appreciation, please accept this redeem code:. You can redeem it for 10 Fast Passes at the Redeem Center located in your Profile section, just below your Purchase History. The code is valid for 10 users on a first-come, first-served basis. I hope this small gesture brings a smile to your face and encourages you to keep supporting me. Thank you again for being part of this journey! Chapter 722 - 722 The Farm "Don''t stop. If you''re tired, step back and let the others continue paving the way," Duke''s voice rang out beside Kisha, pulling her from her momentary distraction. Despite her lapse in focus, another part of her consciousness was still actively fighting outside using her telekinesis. She had long since mastered the art of multitasking¡ªespecially when the situation wasn''t dire. Meanwhile, Duke took command of the group behind them, issuing instructions through the walkie-talkie as they pushed forward. His priority was ensuring they lost the mutated snakes on their tail while eliminating any that got too close. At the same time, Kisha sent out some of the Scarlet Bees to silently retrieve the mutated snakes'' crystal cores, allowing them to collect these precious resources without needing to stop. "Wifey, why don''t you rest for a bit? This isn''t a dangerous situation anymore," Duke said, giving Kisha an understanding look. He had noticed how she slipped into her own world again, all while using her telekinesis to clear a path for them. He didn''t want her to overwork herself, which was why he had taken command. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Kisha simply chuckled and shook her head. "No, it''s because this is just a minor issue that it won''t tire me out. Besides, we''re almost at the designated place¡ªI was just honing my consciousness," Kisha said with a shrug. What she said was true. By multitasking, she could further sharpen her consciousness, which was good for manipulating her Telekinesis. In the past, fighting a level 0 mutated snake might have posed a real challenge, even making it difficult for them to pass through. But now, after experiencing the recent zombie wave, most of the Winters'' men¡ªalong with Kisha and Duke¡ªfound this situation far more manageable in comparison. They didn''t panic; instead, they fought back steadily and efficiently. The only ones truly struggling were the Winters'' men who had remained in the hidden base with the Evans. And worst of all, Melody kept screaming at the back of the truck, drawing even more mutated snakes toward them. Eliot and Elios were going nuts trying to shut her up, but even her mother''s coaxing wasn''t helping. "Ah! There''s a snake on the roof! Brother, kill that thing for me¡ªAhhh!" Melody shrieked, curling up beside her mother. "Melody! Shut up! If you keep screaming like that, do you want to make sure every snake in the area comes after us?!" Ethan snapped, sliding open the small partition window from the driver''s side to the back of the truck. Only then did Melody clamp her hands over her mouth, her body trembling as she stifled a sob. "Wuwuwu... Mom, brother is bullying me..." she whimpered, hiccupping between broken cries, but she refused to leave the safety of her mother''s embrace. "You shouldn''t have come if you were going to act like this!" Ethan shouted again before slamming the partition shut. Eric didn''t stop Ethan from roaring at Melody because he knew he was right. The more she made a fuss, the more mutated snakes would be drawn to them. While these creatures couldn''t hear, their mutation had made them even more sensitive to vibrations. Their detection range had expanded significantly, and much like bats, they now used sonar to map their surroundings. Right now, the snakes were only attacking the convoy because they had been startled out of their habitat, blindly slamming their bodies against the trucks. However, if given the chance, they would use their sonar impact¡ªa powerful ability that could temporarily paralyze their prey''s motor system, effectively stunning them. Once immobilized, the snakes would take the opportunity to coil around their victims, strangling them to death before devouring them. But that wasn''t their only terrifying trait. These mutated snakes had evolved with deadly metal spikes protruding from their heads¡ªsharp enough to kill a fully grown bull in a single strike. With such lethal natural weapons, they didn''t even need to rely on their sonar impact to take down prey; a single well-aimed slam was enough to do the job. Although Melody''s screaming and crying might not directly attract the mutated snakes, her hysterics were enough to disrupt the focus of the combatants. Her incessant fussing irritated them and increased the risk of someone making a fatal mistake in battle. A single lapse in concentration could lead to casualties, something they couldn''t afford in this situation. Instead of dealing with her ear-piercing screams, which were as distracting as they were grating, the group would have much preferred if Melody simply kept quiet. Ethan knew coaxing her wouldn''t work, so scaring her into silence was his only real option¡ªand, fortunately, it worked. After Ethan snapped at her, Melody clamped her mouth shut, doing her best to suppress her sobs. She buried herself in her mother''s embrace, trembling as she swallowed down her cries. With the sudden silence, the tension in the truck eased slightly, and the group could refocus on fending off the mutated snakes without unnecessary distractions. As soon as they escaped the encirclement of the mutated snakes, their truck was left riddled with holes from the impact of the creatures'' metal-spiked heads. Fortunately, the mutated snakes were slower than the trucks and couldn''t keep up once the convoy accelerated. They sped through the dirt road, determined not to become sitting ducks in the open field surrounded by tall grass. However, as they approached the farm, what they initially mistook for smoke from Dracon''s group cooking a meal turned out to be something far worse. The entire area was engulfed in raging flames. Only after getting a clearer view did they realize the thick, black smoke billowing from the direction of the farm was not from a harmless fire like a bonfire to keep the predators at bay¡ªit was a disaster unfolding before their eyes. "Hurry! Take cover!" Dracon urged his people as they battled the mutated snakes slithering in from the river. "Stay away from the water! They might drag you under!" he warned, noticing some of his people¡ªmostly civilians¡ªrunning dangerously close to the river in their frantic attempt to find shelter. Not far from the chaos, Kisha''s convoy came to an abrupt halt, their eyes widening at the carnage unfolding on the farm. The mutated snakes were wreaking havoc, turning the place into a bloodbath. One mutated snake lunged, sinking its fangs into a man''s head, ripping off his upper shoulder along with it in a single bite. The horrifying scene only worsened as the snake swallowed the chunk whole, then struck again, devouring the rest of the man''s body before it even hit the ground. All around, mutated snakes rampaged¡ªsome slithered erratically, slamming their metal-spiked heads like living battering rams, while others whipped their massive tails, cutting off any chance of escape and herding their prey toward certain death. "Fuck! We''re all gonna die here!" someone screamed in panic as he ran, only for his body to suddenly freeze mid-stride. It was as if an invisible force had seized him, locking every muscle in place. His lips trembled, but no sound escaped. His eyes darted wildly, filled with terror, searching for help¡ªuntil they landed on Dracon and the others hiding nearby. Without hesitation, Dracon raised his shotgun. He didn''t waste time with words. He sprinted toward the man, aimed, and fired a round straight into the mutated snake''s eyes. Chapter 723 - 723 Providing Help "Someone, get him to safety!" Dracon shouted, his eyes scanning the chaos as he continued firing at the mutated snake he had just blinded. The snake, now enraged and thrashing wildly, posed a lethal threat. Its erratic movements could easily crush anyone who ventured too close, making the situation even more perilous. The group hesitated, unwilling to risk their lives, but then, a small figure moved with surprising speed. It was the girl who had always been by Dracon''s side. Without hesitation, she darted toward the paralyzed man, her movements fluid and determined. Despite his size¡ªtwice her own¡ªshe gritted her teeth and began dragging him away with a strength that seemed almost impossible for her small frame. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Ah!" she screamed, ducking just in time as the blinded mutated snake slammed its head down vertically in her direction. Though she narrowly avoided the strike, the man she was dragging didn''t have the same luck¡ªhis body, stiff from paralysis, couldn''t react in time. The spiked head of the mutated snake collided with him with terrifying force, ripping through his body and sending a spray of blood across the ground. The girl was drenched in blood, her body shaking as the gruesome sight overwhelmed her. Fear gripped her, and she froze, her heart pounding in her chest as her limbs stiffened in terror. "Move! Get out of there!" Dracon yelled, his voice frantic as he fought to hold off the mutated snake. When he saw the girl sitting motionless on the ground, covered in blood, his heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened in horror as the snake reared back, preparing to strike again. "Move!!!" he shouted, desperate to get her out of the way. The girl, her body betraying her as fear gripped her, realized she wouldn''t make it out in time. In a last, desperate attempt, she raised her hand in front of her face and closed her eyes, bracing for the impact. But the pain she expected never came. Slowly, she opened her eyes, and everything around her seemed to freeze. The world fell eerily silent. As she lowered her hands, she saw the mutated snake''s tail had stopped just inches from her, and she was encased in a shimmering, rainbow-colored cube, as though the world had been cut off from her. She couldn''t hear anything from within the cube and stared, confused, not understanding where this barrier had come from or how it had appeared. Looking around, she noticed that Dracon, too, seemed stunned by the strange occurrence. But he quickly regained his focus and continued coordinating the fight with his combatants. They fired at the mutated snake, but its thick, armored skin repelled their bullets. The only vulnerable spots were its eyes and mouth. Yet, with the snake thrashing wildly, even the sharpshooters had difficulty landing a shot. Kisha and her group moved quietly, their steps slow and deliberate as they made their way from the trucks to the battlefield. "Assist the survivors!" Kisha commanded, her voice firm and clear. She focused on controlling the rainbow cube, guiding the girl safely toward her group. As the girl floated above the ground, she instinctively placed her hands on the surface of the shimmering cube, her eyes wide with nervous curiosity. She glanced around, trying to make sense of the situation, as she was carried back to safety. When she neared Kisha''s group, the rainbow cube popped like a fragile bubble, vanishing into thin air. The girl, unprepared for the sudden disappearance of the cube¡ªand the ground beneath her feet¡ªfell backward, landing with a thud on her rear. "Ouch! T-That hurts..." she murmured, rubbing her sore bottom. As she looked up, the people around her helped her to her feet. Distracted, she turned her gaze to the newcomers. It wasn''t long before she recognized Sparrow among them¡ªthe same one who had spoken with their captain, Dracon. "Look, he''s back!" one of them shouted with excitement, pointing at Sparrow. The man was swiftly darting through the air, his ''Shakan Poison Dagger'' gleaming as he slashed at the mutated snake''s thick hide. Sparrow knew that even the smallest wound from his dagger could be lethal to any living creature. To maximize his speed and precision, he used his windblade to support his movements, riding the gusts of wind as he nimbly leaped around the beast, aiming for the perfect strike. "Vulture! Restrain the snakes!" Sparrow shouted as he soared high into the air, his feet pointed skyward while his head was angled downward. His dagger was poised in front of him, ready for the strike. At Sparrow''s command, Vulture immediately summoned ''Earth Spikes,'' thrusting them up from the ground to impale the mutated snakes. However, the tough skin of the creatures only allowed the spikes to leave a few shallow scratches, and their writhing bodies slipped past the jagged tips. Without hesitation, Vulture manipulated the spikes, reshaping them to bind the snakes to the earth, preventing their thrashing. Just as Sparrow descended, he delivered a decisive blow, plunging his dagger deep into the mutated snake''s body. Seeing the wound, he quickly broke his momentum, digging his feet into the ground as his soles angled upward to slow his descent. Landing beside Vulture, he grinned and raised his left fist. "Nice support, partner," Sparrow said, bumping fists with Vulture. "Hell yeah!" Vulture roared, his voice full of excitement. However, unlike the seamless teamwork between him and Sparrow, the others were struggling. The mutated snakes were proving difficult to deal with, their slippery bodies and ''Sonar Impact'' attack making them a formidable challenge. "Target their reverse scales, right below the back of their heads!" Kisha suddenly shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a few daggers from her inventory. Focusing on one of her +3-enhanced daggers, she controlled it with precision, sending it spinning at incredible speed toward the nearest mutated snake. In an instant, the dagger pierced through the back of the creature''s head, slicing cleanly through to its mouth. The attack happened so quickly that all that remained was a gaping hole where the snake''s reverse scale had been. Seeing Kisha take down the mutated snake effortlessly, the others felt a surge of determination to step up their game. They quickly formed into three groups, coordinating their efforts. The Earth-type awakened ability users focused on restraining the mutated snakes, while the others, skilled in offensive abilities, concentrated on dealing the damage. They mirrored the tactics of Sparrow and Vulture, working in sync to bring down their targets. Meanwhile, the mutated snake that Vulture had bound and Sparrow had been attacking thrashed in agony, desperately trying to break free from the restraints. The effects of Sparrow''s ''Shakan Poison Dagger'' were taking hold¡ªthe ''Bleed'' effect had begun to thin its blood, causing a relentless stream of blood that wouldn''t stop. After a few more desperate convulsions, the creature''s movements slowed, and it finally collapsed, its body going limp on the ground. Its mouth hung open, its tongue lolling out, motionless. On the other side, Duke moved toward the river with a smirk, his eyes narrowing in focus. With a wave of his hand, he froze the water, preventing any more mutated snakes from emerging and ambushing them from below. The continuous stream of serpents from the river came to an abrupt halt, giving his team much-needed breathing room. Now, they could focus on dealing with the mutated snakes already on land, thrashing and writhing in a desperate struggle. After freezing the river, Duke summoned ''Lightning Strikes,'' one after another, his control over the storm seamless. Each bolt hit with precision, and the sheer power of the strikes instantly obliterated the mutated snakes. The air grew thick with the acrid scent of burnt flesh as the creatures, struck down one by one, collapsed motionless to the ground. The Winters'' men, who had been fighting with intense fervor, coordinating their attacks with all their might, suddenly fell silent. As they watched Duke effortlessly kill a mutated snake with a single strike, the realization hit them hard¡ªwhile they struggled to take down even one, Duke''s power seemed to make their efforts seem insignificant. A wave of helplessness washed over them, unlike anything they had ever felt before. Seeing the confidence of his people begin to wane, Duke stopped his attacks and shifted his focus to supporting them. Even the Earth-type awakened ability users were struggling to maintain their binds on the mutated snakes, as the creatures kept thrashing violently, breaking free and forcing them to constantly reestablish control with their spiritual energy. To relieve the pressure, Duke summoned an ''Ice Storm''. A chilling frost began to spread across the ground, slowly creeping up the bodies of the mutated snakes and freezing their movements. As the snakes stiffened, the Winters'' men saw their opening. They renewed their attacks with greater intensity, and the Earth-type users could now shift their focus to dealing damage instead of maintaining the bind. With their newfound freedom, the team concentrated on striking the snakes'' reverse scales, which were slightly more vulnerable than the rest of their bodies. The battle came to a swift and decisive end. As the last mutated snake collapsed to the ground, the Winters'' men dropped to their knees, breathless and exhausted, struggling to regain their composure. The ones most relieved were the Winters'' members who had spent so long in the hidden base. This was their first time facing such mutated creatures, and they had never imagined it would be this difficult to deal with them. They had only heard stories from Winters'' men who had come from City B, who spoke of their recent encounters with mutated animals while secretly gathering livestock from a farm north of the city. Chapter 724 - 724 Providing Help 2 Now, after experiencing the battle firsthand, they were struck by how much more challenging it was than they had ever anticipated. Standing in the wake of the fight, they couldn''t help but feel small in comparison to the Winters'' men of the HOPE Base. The disparity in their strength and abilities was undeniable. "Great job, everyone!" Duke shouted, applauding himself as a gesture of praise for his men. Despite their exhaustion, they had held strong and emerged without any casualties. Their teamwork had been impressive, and though tired, they had learned valuable lessons¡ªexactly what Duke had hoped for when bringing them out into the field. Sparrow and Vulture also approached Eagle and Hawk, clapping them on the shoulders. "You two did great!" Sparrow said with a grin of approval. Vulture couldn''t help but add, "Guys, for a first-time effort, you really outdid yourselves with the coordination and teamwork. When Sparrow and I fought a mutated cow for the first time, we were already at Level 2, but you all are still at the peak of Level 0. There''s a huge difference between those levels when it comes to physical strength, endurance, and overall limitations. You should be proud of what you accomplished today and stop comparing yourselves to us. Once you hit Level 1¡ªwhich is not too far off¡ªyou''ll really start to see the difference for yourselves, and you''ll know that you really did well today." As Vulture looked around and saw his brothers from the hidden base starting to relax, a smile tugged at his lips. He knew they didn''t mean any harm by comparing; it was just that they were too hard on themselves. After all, as the saying goes, ''We are our own harshest critics.'' He couldn''t really blame them for that. Kisha stepped forward, brushing the dust from her hands as her daggers hovered around her in mid-air, each one poised and aimed with precision. She looked nothing short of God-like, a vision of power and grace. Those witnessing her awakened ability for the first time were left awestruck, captivated by the deadly elegance of her floating daggers, each one capable of ensuring a 100% kill rate. Far from envy, the onlookers felt a deep sense of respect for her. They could see how perfectly she complemented Duke, realizing that with Kisha by his side, she would never feel inferior to him. She wouldn''t depend on his strength for protection; instead, she was a force in her own right, capable of defending herself. In a way, she embodied the true meaning of the saying: a woman behind a man''s success¡ªstrong, independent, and never a weakness, but an undeniable strength beside him. As the group''s mindset shifted, their mood lightened, and smiles began to spread across their faces. Duke, seeing their change in attitude, gave them a task: to extract the mutated snake''s crystal cores from the carcasses scattered across the field. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The whole farm was in disarray. The barn had been reduced to rubble, and the farm equipment was battered beyond use. There was nothing they could take back except the crystal cores. "Host, you could also collect the mutated animals'' bodies," 008 suggested. "Perhaps we can sell them through my sales channel or offer them to apothecaries and alchemists for potion-making. After all, these are snakes with evolved bodily functions, so their medicinal properties might have also increased. People from other worlds might find them useful." "If not for them, perhaps in your world, we can still find a use for these creatures. Much like how mutated cow meat can serve as an alternative to regular beef," 008 suggested. "We shouldn''t waste valuable resources, don''t you think?" Kisha nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with the idea. She had always been one to hoard all kinds of things, and while mutated snakes might appear unappetizing and overly large, she saw potential in them. Though they might not seem useful for everyday purposes, they could prove valuable in making medicinal wine or concoctions for evolved humans like her, whose bodies no longer responded to regular medicine. The mutated animals and plants might hold the key to a breakthrough. All she needed to do was find a scientist or an awakened ability user who could unlock their potential. Kisha raised an eyebrow as she turned and caught sight of Sparrow leading the Winters in harvesting the crystal cores. He expertly drove his dagger into the mutated snake''s skull, just above the metal-spiked head. With precise movements, he twisted the blade, sinking it two inches deep before applying pressure. Then, he carefully moved the skull aside, revealing the crystal core embedded within the snake''s brain. With a skilled twist, he freed the crystal core, avoiding the need to dig his hand into the hole. Kisha then spoke, her tone casual yet firm. "Sparrow, help me gather these carcasses. Try not to damage them too much¡ªwe might still be able to use them for medicinal wine or something." Sparrow looked up, momentarily puzzled, then looked down on the big ass snakes with questioning eyes directed towards the snakes itself as if to say, ''How the hell are we supposed to make medicinal wine out of these giant snakes?'' But he didn''t question her verbally. Instead, he nodded and got to work; he made the Witners'' men organize the mutated snake carcasses into two groups¡ªthose that were severely damaged and those that were mostly intact, like his and Vulture''s kills. This way, Kisha wouldn''t have to sort through them later, making it easier to determine which could be repurposed for medicine and which were better suited for their meat. Noticing Sparrow''s initiative, Kisha smiled, a rare warmth flickering across her face. Before she could say anything, Duke had already walked over to her. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Kisha nodded sweetly, and Duke immediately noticed the shift in her demeanor. She was softer now, her usual cold indifference melting away¡ªat least around him. Even toward others, she seemed less prickly, her edges slightly smoothed. He raised an eyebrow in amusement, watching the subtle transformation as she smiled. Before they could savor the quiet moment, Dracon approached with a serious expression, his combatants following close behind, their presence exuding quiet intimidation. Behind them, the civilians on Dracon''s side hesitated, hovering at a safe distance. Wariness lingered in their eyes, but so did a glimmer of hope as they observed Kisha''s group. "Are you the master that guy over there was talking about?" Dracon asked, pointing toward Sparrow, who was busy barking orders at nearly everyone. As if on cue, Vulture landed a swift kick to Sparrow''s rear. "Stop yelling orders and start moving yourself! Just because you can boss us around doesn''t mean you get to slack off. Ha! Dream on!" Vulture smirked as he dragged a mutated snake by its tail toward the designated spot. Caught off guard, Sparrow stumbled forward and crashed face-first into the ground. For a moment, he lay there, stunned, before realization dawned¡ªVulture was definitely doing this on purpose. With a scowl, Sparrow jumped to his feet, fists clenched, ready for a fight. Ever since they met at the hidden base, it felt like Vulture had a personal grudge against him. Chapter 725 - 725 The Fortunate But Sparrow couldn''t remember ever provoking Vulture before he left City B for his mission or when they met again at the hidden base. So why was Vulture making such a fuss? The thought only made him more livid. Without hesitation, Sparrow ran toward Vulture and landed a solid kick to his backside. Caught off guard, Vulture stumbled forward, tripping over the mutated snake he had been dragging. Unable to regain his balance in time, he crashed face-first into the ground¡ªonly to be buried under the very creature he had been hauling. Now, looking even more miserable than Sparrow had moments ago, Vulture groaned in frustration while Sparrow burst into laughter. "Serves you right! Kekekeke!" Sparrow cackled, thoroughly enjoying his payback. The other members of the Winters'' group, watching from the sidelines, shook their heads in resignation. The two children were at it again. They couldn''t even look away without thinking of how much Sparrow''s laugh reminded them of ''Hanamichi Sakuragi from Slam Dunk.'' The group watched for a moment, entertained by the scene, before returning to their own tasks. They left the two to their playful scuffle, offering no further attention. Even Duke and Kisha couldn''t help but sigh, a few lines of frustration marking their faces as they observed how childish their people seemed. The outsiders must have found it hard to take them seriously. The silver lining was that these newcomers had witnessed how Sparrow and Vulture handled themselves in more serious situations. Kisha couldn''t help but hope that their playful antics wouldn''t affect her recruitment. ''Hopefully,'' she thought, pushing aside her concerns. "Yes, these are my men, and this is my wife, who leads us," Duke responded, making sure to introduce Kisha first. He wanted to ensure everyone understood her role within their group and make it clear that she shouldn''t be underestimated, regardless of her beauty or how harmless she might appear. This was also his way of asserting her political strength early on, signaling that everyone should be on their best behavior around her. Dracon, recognizing the implication in Duke''s words, gave Kisha a more thoughtful look and nodded. The girl still clinging to his arm seemed hesitant for a moment but then extended her hand toward Kisha, her smile bright and cheerful. "Miss, thank you so much for saving me earlier. If it weren''t for you, my brother would have been mourning over my body by now," she said playfully, her eyes free of wariness and filled with trust. Before Kisha could respond, her so-called brother swiftly swatted her on the back of the head. "Ah! You''re such a brute! How could you hit your little sister?" she exclaimed, pouting with mock indignation. Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned to Kisha, rushing into her embrace without thinking, forgetting for a moment that she was still covered in partially dried blood. A few streaks of it smeared onto Kisha''s clothes as she wrapped her arms around the girl. "Abby!" Dracon exclaimed, his face turning incredulous as he watched his sister leap into Kisha''s arms. Kisha, caught off guard, instinctively opened her arms to catch the girl, but then flinched. Aside from Duke and her family, no one had ever gotten this close to her physically¡ªshe was always careful to keep her distance from others. But the girl had dashed into her embrace without warning, leaving Kisha stiff and unsure of how to react. Duke, too, noticed the sudden hug and saw Kisha''s discomfort. Fortunately, Dracon was quick to read the situation. He stepped forward and grabbed his sister by the collar, yanking her back to his side. "I apologize," he said seriously, his gaze turning to Abby. "Please forgive my sister; she''s young and doesn''t always know how to behave." Abby, now standing beside her brother, shrank back slightly, her eyes downcast. "I''m sorry," she mumbled, her voice soft with genuine remorse. "Beautiful sister, I''m truly sorry," Abby said, her voice growing quieter with each word. "And thank you for saving me. I really appreciate it. More than appreciation, I feel so safe around you. That''s why I couldn''t help myself¡ªI just wanted to cling to you. Please, don''t be offended by my actions." As she spoke, her voice faded even more, and she realized how inappropriate her behavior had been. A flush of shame crept up her cheeks. Kisha smiled softly, trying to ease the girl''s embarrassment. "It''s alright, I was just surprised. Don''t worry about it too much," she reassured her. After all, the girl was young, probably close to her little brother''s age, and it was natural to seek comfort in times like these. Abby''s expression softened as she looked down at the blood that had smeared onto Kisha''s clothes. "Y-Your clothes¡­ I have some spare clothes in our vehicle. Let me give you something to change into..." Her voice trailed off when she glanced over at the military Humvees. Her face instantly darkened as she saw the damage¡ªsmoking, battered, and barely recognizable. It seemed impossible they could still be driven, and she couldn''t bear to think about what might have happened to the supplies inside. The realization hit her hard, and her throat tightened. She wanted to cry, but no tears came¡ªonly the redness in her eyes gave away the anguish she felt. "Don''t worry about the clothes," Kisha said with a reassuring smile. "I have plenty and can share them with you if you''d like." Abby immediately shook her head, flustered. "Ah! No, no, you don''t need to do that!" she said quickly. "Clean clothes and supplies... they don''t come easily." She sighed, the weight of their situation settling in. Even clothes from the malls had been tainted by human or zombie blood, and their stock of clean clothing was running dangerously low. Space in their vehicles was limited, and on supply runs, they couldn''t afford to bring detergent or waste water on washing clothes. The city''s water system had long since stopped working, and finding clean water for drinking was hard enough. Laundry had become a low priority in the face of daily battles for survival¡ªthere was simply no time for it. Clean clothes were a luxury, just like food, and they couldn''t afford to be careless. Keith, who had just come closer, overheard what the girl said and was baffled by her comment about clothes being a luxury. He couldn''t quite grasp the gravity of it. What he didn''t realize was that in their base, where they had an abundance of supplies, such concerns seemed insignificant. To them, the focus was on securing more canned goods during supply runs. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They even brought detergent and softener, as their hidden base had a deep water reserve connected to the natural underground water system. Though they didn''t drink from it, to avoid any risk of contamination from the virus, it was more than sufficient for cleaning, washing, showering, and even growing plants. The water was filtered and boiled in the boiler room before being sent through the pipes to each room. Compared to this girl, Keith''s life had been far more secure and carefree. While he had a stable home, she was living in constant uncertainty, wondering every day when their new shelter would be overrun by the zombie horde. Every day was a battle for her¡ªfighting not just for survival, but for the basic necessities: food, warmth, and safety from the elements. Unlike Keith, who had the luxury of stability, she faced the grim reality of knowing that survival often depended on how much fighting she could endure. Chapter 726 - 726 Ones Moral Compass "It''s alright. My sister said she could give you some clothes, so just accept them. It''s not a big deal," Keith said nonchalantly, not understanding why the girl was so hesitant over something as simple as clothing. But Kisha understood¡ªshe had been in that position before. She knew just how difficult it was to get decent clothes, especially after the world had changed. That''s why she had once fretted over every shirt, every jacket, every piece of fabric they could find. And, she had even prioritized a mission to raid a textile factory, determined to secure as much material as possible. It wasn''t just about comfort¡ªit was survival. Kisha had also begun planning how they could produce their own fabric, aiming for self-sufficiency. The weather had become unpredictable¡ªone moment, scorching heat; the next, bone-chilling cold. Clean, warm clothes were no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Out there, beyond the safety of their base, finding suitable clothing was one of the hardest tasks. And without proper clothes, people couldn''t work efficiently¡ªespecially the combatants guarding the walls. That''s why fabric and clothing weren''t just minor things in Kisha''s eyes¡ªthey were vital resources. She understood better than anyone why a girl might fret over something Keith dismissed so casually. But Keith hadn''t experienced those extremes yet, so he couldn''t truly understand what the girl was feeling. That was exactly why Kisha had brought her family outside¡ªto show them what life was really like beyond the safety and comfort of their walls. She wanted Keith and her grandparents to see the harsh realities firsthand: how unpredictable the climate had become, and how difficult it was to survive without proper preparation. Out here, the weather could turn on you in an instant¡ªburning heat one day, freezing winds the next. Experiencing this would help them shift their mindset, toughen their bodies, and adapt their fighting skills to real-world conditions. Only then could they understand why something as simple as clothes mattered so much. The girl frowned at Keith''s comment. To her, he sounded like an arrogant, sheltered heir¡ªsomeone who had no idea what life outside was really like. So she didn''t bother replying to him. Instead, she turned her attention back to Kisha, silently waiting for her response. Seeing the girl''s reaction, Kisha immediately understood¡ªshe could tell the girl thought Keith was just another pampered peacock, not worth her time. With a helpless smile and a small nod, Kisha acknowledged her unspoken frustration. Almost as if on cue, Duke walked over to their truck and casually pretended to retrieve a backpack. In reality, he was pulling it from his Space Ring¡ªcareful to do so where no outsiders could see. The bag was filled with canned goods, a few changes of clothes, and other necessities. He and Kisha had long prepared for situations like this, always cautious not to reveal their secret storage space. After all, a space ring was a rare treasure¡ªand far too dangerous to expose in front of people who might covet it. After retrieving the backpack, Duke brought it over to Kisha. In front of Dracon and the girl, Kisha calmly unzipped it and rummaged through the contents. She then pulled out a set of clean sports clothes and a warm jacket, handing them to the girl before returning the backpack to Duke. The girl''s eyes lit up the moment she received the clothes. Clutching them to her chest as if they were the most precious gift in the world, she beamed with joy."Thank you so much, beautiful sister!" Dracon stepped forward and offered his thanks."Thank you for giving my sister clothes." After a brief, polite smile, his expression turned serious as he returned to the real reason they were there¡ªwhy they were still waiting despite the risks."Now that you''re here, I assume that guy over there has already filled you in on why we were sent here and what we''re waiting for. I hope you can give us an answer." His sharp, eagle-like eyes moved between Kisha and Duke, filled with determination. Kisha and Duke''s expressions turned serious as they looked at Dracon and the rest of his group. Without a word, Kisha activated her ''Eye of Truth'' to assess their moral compasses. Dracon registered as neutral. The girl beside him showed a clear alignment toward good. Dracon''s team of combatants also leaned neutral, while the civilians gathered behind them were a mixed bag. But then Kisha''s gaze paused¡ªlanding on a woman sobbing quietly in the arms of a man at the back. The man looked haggard and disheveled, yet the remnants of his clothing told another story. He wore what was once a high-end, custom-made shirt, now stained and faded into a grim mix of brown, black, and grey. His dress pants were full of holes, and his leather shoes were worn thin. Judging by his attire, he must have been attending a high-society banquet or party when the apocalypse struck. Although the man looked disheveled and rugged, he still carried a striking handsomeness. He was gently coaxing the woman in his arms, who continued to cry as if her tears were endless. If Kisha remembered correctly, that same woman had earlier hidden herself away from the chaos, trembling with fear. In a moment of panic, she had even shoved someone aside when they tried to huddle near her for safety. The person she pushed had stumbled directly into the path of a mutated snake¡ªnever seeing it coming¡ªand was torn in half in an instant. Meanwhile, the woman, face pale as ash, had silently fled again. The man holding her had been doing his best to protect her, shielding her from danger¡ªbut he had also been actively helping the others. He hadn''t noticed what the woman had done in her panic, too focused on assisting the rest of the civilians. And why was Kisha staring at her so intently? Because the moment she activated her ''Eye of Truth'', glaring red letters appeared above the woman¡ª"Corrupted"¡ª with an red angry emoji on below. It wasn''t the usual "good", "neutral", or "bad" alignment. ''Corrupted'' meant something far deeper, far darker. Kisha had seen this before¡ªonly a handful of times throughout the countless lives she''d lived in the apocalypse. And each time, it pointed to someone who had gone beyond redemption. This woman reminded her all too much of her so-called best friend from her 99th life¡ªa master manipulator who wore innocence like a mask, who cried on cue, yet behind the scenes, was calculating, self-serving, and utterly indifferent to the lives of others. She only valued one thing: her own comfort and survival. What Kisha had witnessed earlier¡ªthe selfish shove, the way she abandoned someone to their death without blinking¡ªonly confirmed what her instincts and the Eye told her. Kisha must have been staring too long, because the woman suddenly stiffened. She looked up and their eyes met. For a brief second, Kisha was stunned. Then a knowing smile curled on her lips.''Oh. I finally found you..." she thought. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The woman''s reaction was immediate. Recognition flickered in her eyes, and just like that, the tears stopped. She pulled away from the man''s comforting arms and ran toward Kisha, wearing a bright, almost too-enthusiastic smile. "Kisha, is it really you?!" Chapter 727 - 727 An Old Friend The woman tried to act friendly, but Kisha remained unmoved. Her smile, once warm, twisted into something cold and sinister. Kisha was not the type to forget a grudge, not even after lifetimes. Now that the woman was standing right in front of her, it spared Kisha the trouble of seeking her out for revenge. Though it had been a long time ago in her previous lives, in this one, it had only been more than a month since Kisha had last crossed paths with this woman. "Lisa, so you''re here..." Kisha''s voice was smooth, but the coldness in her tone was too obvious. The smile that spread across her face made Lisa hesitate. She took a step back, swallowing hard as a chill swept over her. There was something terrifying about Kisha''s smile¡ªit was wrong. While others would see beauty and innocence, Lisa could feel the sharp, bloodthirsty edge beneath it. ''It was all directed at her.'' Kisha''s bloodlust was a weapon, one she was wielding with full force, directed only at Lisa. The woman''s skin crawled under the weight of that gaze. Who was Lisa, you ask? She was the same woman who had pushed Hera into the zombies in Kisha''s first life, leading to Kisha''s brutal death. And now? It seemed Lisa had learned nothing. She hadn''t changed at all. Still vile. Still selfish. Still willing to use others as pawns, as human meat shields, to protect herself. To think that this same woman would appear on Kisha''s doorstep... It brought a twisted satisfaction, a dark glee. Kisha didn''t just want revenge¡ªshe wanted to make Lisa feel the same helplessness Kisha had endured. The thought of it made her blood sing, her desire to make Lisa pay for her sins growing with every passing second. She was delighted. No, she was beyond delighted¡ªshe wanted to peel the skin from Lisa''s bones. Still, Lisa kept up her sweet act, casting a glance at Kisha before shifting her gaze to the man standing behind her¡ªDuke. He was far more handsome than the man she''d clung to earlier, and he radiated authority and strength. Instinctively, Lisa assumed Duke was the leader of this group, and that Kisha, just like her, had attached herself to a powerful man for protection. After all, Kisha was beautiful¡ªmore beautiful than Lisa, with flawless skin, a toned figure, and youth on her side. And that was exactly why Lisa had targeted her back in their old office life. Lisa had always hated her. Kisha was a threat. A prettier, younger woman who dared to be competent too. Lisa wanted Kisha gone¡ªout of sight, out of the company. That way, Lisa could reign as the undisputed queen of the office, bask in admiration, and have every man wrapped around her finger again. She''d done everything to break her. She''d stolen Kisha''s proposal ideas and passed them off as her own. She''d turned the whole office against her, using gossip and manipulation to isolate her. She''d forced Kisha to do every menial task while keeping her from any major projects. Kisha had been treated like an intern instead of the skilled professional she was. But no matter how much pressure Lisa applied, no matter how dirty her tricks got¡­ Kisha never quit. She stayed. She endured. And now, looking at Kisha standing proudly beside a powerful man, stronger than ever¡ªLisa''s stomach twisted with something bitter and ugly. Jealousy. And envy. Everything changed the day before the apocalypse struck¡ªwhen Kisha finally bared her fangs. Up until that point, Lisa thought she''d won. She was sure she had driven Kisha out of the company, and when Kisha finally snapped and spoke out against her, Lisa took it as proof that Kisha had lost control. She used the outburst to smear Kisha''s name once more, fueling office rumors and painting her as unstable and unprofessional. But then the blow came from above. That same day, Lisa received a termination notice from the head office¡ªfired without pay. The grounds? Soliciting, bribery, misuse of authority, and prostitution. Her world crumbled instantly. Even her sugar daddy, the executive who had backed her up all this time, was removed alongside her. In a fit of rage and desperation, they tried to retaliate by sending someone after Kisha. But fate had other plans. And now¡ªironically¡ªLisa had stumbled right back into the lioness''s den. As her eyes flicked to the man beside Kisha, her breath caught. That face. That aura. Recognition struck like lightning. ''Wasn''t that¡­ the heir to the Winters'' business empire? The man at the top of the pyramid? The one idolized by women across the capital and City A?'' Lisa''s heart pounded. Her thoughts spiraled in excitement. ''Did I just hit the jackpot?'' In front of Kisha, Lisa put on her usual mask¡ªacting as though nothing had ever gone wrong between them. As if she hadn''t bullied Kisha relentlessly or sent thugs after her the night before the apocalypse. She played the part of a harmless little rabbit, just like she had in front of the man who''d been shielding her earlier. "K-Kisha, are you still mad at me?" she asked, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes again¡ªlike she was the one who had been wronged. As if it was Kisha who had bullied her. The man standing beside Lisa frowned, stepping forward while looking around cautiously¡ªuntil his gaze landed on Duke. "Duke? Is that you?" he asked, surprise flickering in his voice. Only then did Duke glance at him, casually raising an eyebrow as he tried to place the face behind the dirt and disheveled look. Though the man still had handsome features, it took a moment for recognition to click. "It''s me¡ªGavel!" the man added, smiling. "Gavel?" Duke repeated, the name finally jogging his memory. "The Gavel from my old circle?" he asked, a bit uncertain. While Duke used the term ''friend circle'', in truth, those people were nothing more than superficial connections¡ªkept around for appearances and family politics. He had always kept them at arm''s length. "Yes! Gavel!" the man beamed, clearly more enthusiastic than Duke was. Lisa, still feigning innocence, turned to Gavel with wide, curious eyes. "Gavel, you know him?" she asked sweetly, pretending she hadn''t instantly recognized Duke¡ªthe very man who now stood at the top of the power ladder. "Yes! Yes! He''s my friend from my social circle!" Gavel said enthusiastically, walking straight over to Duke. The two exchanged a quick, familiar pat on the back¡ªa casual, brotherly greeting. "Are they here to help us?" Lisa asked sweetly, her voice laced with a calculated softness. She turned slightly to show off her best side profile, glancing up at Duke with a timid, harmless expression. She knew exactly how to play the part of the delicate damsel¡ªbecause in times like these, men''s protective heroic instincts often kicked in. That''s how she had kept Gavel wrapped around her finger, using his body as a shield since the chaos began. She figured Duke would be no different. ''Who would fall for that cold, stoic look that bitch Kisha keeps wearing?'' she sneered internally. ''It won''t be long before I steal Duke and make him mine.'' Outwardly, Lisa maintained her fragile smile, subtly stepping back beside Gavel and clutching his arm. It was a calculated move¡ªto appear intimidated by Kisha, and to regain Gavel''s attention. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sure enough, it worked like a charm. Chapter 728 - 728 Lisa Gavel''s cheerful chatter faltered as he glanced down at Lisa, suddenly remembering the reason he''d stepped forward in the first place. His gaze shifted to Kisha¡ªand he was stunned. Unlike him, Dracon, Lisa, Abby, and the rest of the group who looked like they''d been marinated in dirt and mud, Kisha''s face was spotless. Her skin was fair and healthy, almost glowing with a natural radiance that sharply contrasted with the worn and rugged faces around him. Only then did he truly notice Duke, standing beside her¡ªalso immaculate. Not just Duke, but everyone in his group looked clean and composed. Their clothes were fresh, their gear intact, and aside from a few bloodstains from the earlier battle with the mutated snake, they appeared well-fed, well-equipped, and untouched by the grime and desperation that clung to the survivors outside. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. How could he even begin to ask?Should he question why Duke and his people looked so different¡ªso composed, so well-clean¡ªcompared to him and the other survivors? But then he remembered: Duke had always been a man at the top, even before the apocalypse. Sitting at the peak of the social pyramid, it wasn''t surprising that he might have had his own private army, secret facilities, or contingency plans in place. It made sense. As the young master of a prestigious family, Duke was smart, meticulous, and trained not just in business, but in reading people and situations. The truth didn''t need to be spoken aloud. His appearance, the disciplined demeanor of his people, and their advanced gear all told the story of someone who had prepared for the worst long before it came. Unlike him. All he could do was let out a bitter, self-deprecating smile, the gap between them now clearer than ever. "It''s so good to see you, buddy," Gavel said warmly, before his gaze shifted to Kisha."And this is¡­?" he asked, noting how protective Duke was with her. Gavel immediately understood the situation. Though his instincts urged him to be cautious¡ªespecially since he was here to protect Lisa¡ªhe wasn''t about to start trouble. He knew better than to jump to conclusions or accuse someone blindly, especially when he had no idea about the history between Kisha and Lisa. This wasn''t the time for confrontation. Duke''s body language said it all¡ªKisha was important to him. And Gavel, experienced as he was, knew when to step forward and when to take a step back. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before Duke could step in and openly introduce her as his wife, Kisha took a confident step forward and extended her hand toward Gavel. "Hello, I''m Kisha Aldens," she said with a warm, composed smile. Then, her gaze shifted toward Lisa, her tone taking on a hint of amusement."I didn''t know you and Lisa were acquainted," she added with a subtle smirk before glancing around. "So... where''s the director?" Lisa felt a chill run through her as Kisha spoke, her body trembling slightly. She hesitated before replying, her voice unsteady. "The Director and I... we got separated," she said quickly, leaving out the details. There was no need to explain further¡ªespecially with Gavel standing by her side, unaware of the past she''d left behind. What had happened to the so-called Director? That, for now, was a story Lisa wasn''t ready to share, that is, if she would ever really share what really happened. Lisa, as always, relied on her usual tactic¡ªusing anyone she could as a meat shield to protect herself. When she, the Director, and his men were fleeing from City A, they thought they''d made it out, heading for City D or City B. But the Director''s men were disastrously inept, and their escape quickly unraveled. They were almost overrun by zombies, their numbers dwindling with each passing moment, never even reaching the outskirts of City A. By sheer luck, they managed to escape, but their survival came at a steep cost. With minimal supplies and only a handful of men left, they were forced to scavenge from small, less populated areas just to stay alive. It wasn''t until they found themselves cornered in a county near City A that they encountered a larger, more experienced group of combatants on a supply run, offering them a glimmer of hope. When Lisa found herself cornered, with no way out, she quickly assessed the situation. Seeing an opportunity, she shoved the Director¡ªa man she had kept around for his resources¡ªtoward the advancing zombie horde. His big body would slow them down, buying her just enough time to escape while the zombies gnawed at his body. She ran toward the other group, playing the role of a helpless damsel in distress, all the while knowing she was securing her own survival at someone else''s expense. Seeing Lisa¡ªfragile and seemingly vulnerable¡ªsurvive amidst the chaos, the group of survivors who had gone on the supply run took pity on her and brought her back to their shelter. There, she was no longer forced to scavenge or hide from the zombie hordes. In fact, she flourished. It wasn''t long before she crossed paths with Gavel, who, upon hearing her sob story, began to protect her. Lisa played her part perfectly, using her tears and delicate appearance to paint herself as harmless and weak, a portrayal that quickly won Gavel over. He took her in, becoming her protector. Now, Lisa had no intention of letting go of Gavel¡ªat least not until she found someone more powerful to latch onto. For now, he was her pawn and knight in the game of survival. Seeing that Kisha was trying to create tension between her and Gavel, Lisa immediately cut her off, brushing the situation aside. "Captain Dracon, are these the people we''ve been waiting for? The ones with the shelter that will take us in?" Lisa put on a pitiful expression, her eyes shifting to Kisha with a sharp side glance. She looked every bit the helpless, cautious woman, as if Kisha was someone not to be trusted¡ªa bully at best. Dracon noticed her subtle shift in demeanor and raised an eyebrow, but Kisha was quicker to respond. "Lisa, why are you looking at me like I''m about to eat you alive?" Kisha taunted, her smirk growing as she leaned in. "It''s not like I''ve ever bullied you. Wasn''t it the other way around, Manager Lisa?" Her words were laced with a slow, mocking emphasis on the last part. "Don''t slander me!" Lisa shot back, her voice sharp with anger. The outburst caught Gavel off guard, as he had never seen Lisa react this way before. Even when she was frightened or mistreated in the shelter, she would only cry softly and meekly follow along, waiting for him to rescue her. Lisa had always been soft-spoken and mild-mannered, the kind of person who needed someone to watch over her, or else others would take advantage of her, especially in the harsh reality of the apocalypse. With supplies dwindling and survival becoming increasingly difficult, many of the other survivors resorted to stealing from one another. Gavel had often witnessed Lisa being targeted by these kinds of survivors, and he had always felt compelled to protect her. But now, seeing her shout at someone? That was new. Chapter 729 - 729 Moral Kidnapping? "Lisa, calm down..." Gavel quickly patted her back, concern in his voice as he turned to look at Kisha with a frown. But Kisha, unfazed, barely acknowledged him. Kisha was always blunt about her likes and dislikes. While she, too, had no fondness for Melody, she knew better than to simply push her away because of the Evans'' connection to her. Melody didn''t pose a direct threat to her, so she was manageable¡ªsomeone she could let go for now. But Lisa? That was a different story. Lisa had once pushed Kisha to her death by throwing her into a zombie horde to save her own skin. Such a despicable woman, filled with deceitful tricks, couldn''t be allowed to wander free. Kisha knew the longer Lisa lived, the more problems and harm she could cause to everyone around her. She had to be dealt with. Kisha''s voice was calm, but there was a clear edge to it as she addressed Captain Dracon. "Well, Captain Dracon, most of your people seem fine, but I can''t accept this woman joining our base. I won''t risk being stabbed in my sleep by a snake slithering around." Her expression was both nonchalant and mocking as she pointed at Lisa, making it abundantly clear who she was referring to. There was no need for further explanation¡ªit was unnegotiable. Kisha had made up her mind. "Kisha! Who are you to decide someone''s life or death?" Lisa almost screamed, her voice breaking before she collapsed to the ground in a sob. Gavel immediately crouched down beside her, trying to calm her, though his glare at Kisha was sharp, his frustration was also obvious. He looked up at Duke, clearly dissatisfied, but he couldn''t just come out and say that Kisha was relying on Duke for protection. After all, Gavel had witnessed Kisha''s strength firsthand during the fight. They hadn''t even figured out what was going on with these people¡ªhow they had powers, something completely foreign to them. It left everyone on edge. While they were all wary of Kisha and her group, they also knew that their survival depended on these individuals who had abilities they couldn''t explain¡ªwhether it was some kind of supernatural gift or the result of science, no one knew for sure. "Kisha, despite our past disagreement, you can''t decide my life and death just like that!" Lisa roared, as if she was already at the end of her rope filled with anguish as she cried then Melody who was staying silent up until now also stepped up to support Lisa, after all, the enemy or her enemy is her friend. "Kisha, you can''t just decide who lives and who dies based on personal dislike or dissatisfaction," Melody said, her voice steady and thoughtful. "We''re talking about human lives here. If you leave her out there, it''s basically a death sentence. Doesn''t that make you responsible for her death? Wouldn''t that make you a murderer?" Her words carried weight, convincing Kisha with a calm and logical argument. Even the others found it hard to argue against her point¡ªit was morally sound, and her reasoning was hard to refute. But Kisha? She had seen it all¡ªmorality had long since lost its hold on her. She had abandoned those ideals, and no one could easily manipulate her sense of right and wrong anymore. With a cold, almost bored expression, she replied, "Then you can choose to stay out here with her, if that''s what you want. I won''t stop you." She shot Melody a smug smirk, her gaze dripping with indifference. It was clear she wasn''t taking Melody seriously¡ªshe saw her as nothing more than a clown, desperate to grab attention in a circus of her own making. Melody gasped, her breath catching as she heard Kisha''s words. Her lips trembled, and her face drained of color, her eyes welling up with tears that seemed to fall freely. "K-Kisha, how could you say that?" she sobbed, her voice thick with emotion. Lisa, standing nearby, gave Melody a sympathetic look. "M-Miss, thank you for speaking up for me," she said, her tone soft and understanding. "But it seems like Kisha really hates me and doesn''t want to give me a way out." The dramatic scene played out before them, and for those with softer hearts¡ªlike the Evans and Gavel¡ªit was impossible not to feel moved. They quickly rushed to console Melody, with Mrs. Winters stepping forward to comfort her. She cast a pleading glance at Kisha, her expression expectant, almost as if waiting for some sign of changing her decision, after all, Melody was still the daughter of the Evans. "Miss Kisha, could you please explain why you dislike her so much?" Dracon asked openly, his tone neutral and non-judgmental for now. Before Kisha could respond, Abby interjected with a playful grin. "Isn''t it because Lisa is a two-faced bitch?" she said, looking at Kisha with an innocent, almost teasing smile, giving her a thumbs up. Kisha let out a chuckle at the comment, appreciating Abby''s boldness. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just then, the Winters'' men returned after finishing up with gathering the mutated snake''s crystal core. They approached, handing Kisha a small bag. "Young Madam, we''ve finished collecting the crystal cores and have sorted the mutated snake''s carcasses. The most intact bodies are in one place, while the damaged ones are set aside," Sparrow reported, saluting like a disciplined soldier before handing the pouch to Kisha. Kisha nodded after taking the pouch from Sparrow, her grip firm as she held onto it. Sparrow stepped back, positioning himself behind Duke, keenly aware of the rising tension between the two groups. He could sense the potential for conflict and wanted to be prepared if things escalated. Vulture and the rest of the team followed suit, taking a step back, standing ready in case they were called upon. Kisha then turned her attention back to Dracon, the brief interaction making it clear to everyone around them that Kisha was the one in charge of Duke''s group. Her authority was unspoken but undeniable¡ªwhat she said, went. Dracon, still looking for clarity, continued to wait for Kisha''s explanation about Lisa. He wanted to understand the dynamics of the people he might align himself with¡ªhe needed to know if their ideals and moral compass aligned with his own. He didn''t want to follow a group whose core values he couldn''t respect. His eyes were focused on Kisha, silently urging her to answer. But before she could, Abby interjected once again, her voice cutting through the tension. "Brother, it''s so obvious that Lisa''s nothing but a two-faced hypocrite¡ªalways preying on the weak and clinging to the strong," Abby said, her voice dripping with disdain. "The only ones who can''t see through her little act are you men, blinded by whatever''s between your legs. Isn''t that reason enough to dislike someone?" She paused, glancing at Kisha, who stood gracefully at the center of the conversation. "And don''t get me started on how beautiful she is. It''s not hard to see why people would envy someone like her, with everything going for her. But tell me, someone who has it all¡ªwhy would she ever need to bully someone less fortunate, less beautiful, or less competent than her?" "If you think it''s because she looks down on the ''lower class,'' we need to know if she even comes from money, if she has anything to boast about. From what I''ve seen, she''s never looked down on anyone. In fact, she offered me clean clothes that smelled nice, things people would usually keep to themselves. Not only that, she led her people to help us out." Chapter 730 - 730 Kishas Side Abby crossed her arms, standing tall and unwavering as if giving Dracon a lesson. "So, tell me, does that really sound like someone who''s a bully?" She stood there, defiant and protective, her words carrying an unexpected maturity that made even Kisha chuckle softly. The girl was acting like the grown-up in the room, offering a perspective that seemed to make sense of the whole situation. Duke chuckled as he stepped forward, draping an arm around Kisha''s shoulders. But the smile on his face didn''t quite reach his eyes¡ªespecially when he glanced at the woman in Gavel''s arms, then shifted his gaze to Abby. Only then did his smile soften into something genuine. "Kid, good on you for speaking up for my wife. If you hadn''t, I was just about ready to roast them myself¡ªand trust me, I wouldn''t have been as polite or reasonable. I usually keep quiet and let my wife handle things. I want everyone to see that she''s the one in charge." "But I''ve come to realize that sometimes, staying quiet gives others the wrong idea¡­ makes them think I''m just a paper tiger they can ignore while they step all over her." His voice dropped a little, laced with menace. "Let me make one thing clear¡ªif my wife so much as frowns at someone, I''ll be the first to show them the door. And being called a murderer?" Duke let out a cold, humorless laugh. "It''s not like it''d be the first time I''ve killed someone." Melody, Lisa, and Gavel all felt their heads buzzing after hearing Duke''s words. Each of them latched onto different parts of what he said¡ªbut they all understood one thing clearly: his words were meant for them. Melody''s heart pounded as she watched Duke openly defend Kisha. The sight of the man she had longed and loved for over a decade, standing so firmly by her side, made her stomach churn with unease and jealousy. Lisa, on the other hand, was fixated on a different detail. Her ears rang with the word "wife," repeated over and over as Duke spoke, his arm casually draped around Kisha''s shoulders. When had Kisha¡ªthat Kisha¡ªmanaged to snag someone like Duke? A man with wealth, power, and a terrifying presence? Lisa couldn''t stop wondering how Kisha ended up as the mistress of a powerful family. Her mind was so consumed with that revelation that she barely registered the rest of Duke''s warning, even though most of it was aimed directly at her. As for Gavel, cold sweat formed on the back of his neck. He didn''t need anyone to spell it out¡ªhe was screwed. He''d dared to glare at Kisha earlier, not realizing she was Duke''s wife. That alone was enough to get him into serious trouble. And judging by Duke''s words, there might be no coming back from that kind of offense. "D-Duke, don''t get me wrong," Gavel stammered, his voice cracking under pressure. "I just wanted to understand why your wife dislikes Lisa so much. That''s all. I mean, during the time I''ve known her, Lisa''s always seemed¡­ timid, even bullied. So hearing that your wife refused to let her into the shelter sounded a little¡­ unreasonable, and¡ª" He faltered. The moment he felt the chill radiating from Duke''s gaze, his words died in his throat. He clamped his mouth shut, regretting every word he''d just uttered. Abby let out a sharp scoff. "Timid? Bullied?" she muttered, loud enough for a few to hear. "Funny, because every time I used to walk around the shelter alone, it was Lisa I''d catch playing queen bee¡ªbossing others around and stealing food like it was her birthright." Her voice wasn''t loud, but it carried. Dracon heard her clearly, and part of her words reached Gavel, who jerked his head in her direction. His eyes widened in disbelief, as if someone had just pulled the rug out from under everything he thought he knew. "Just¡­ be quiet for a moment, will you?" Dracon said to Abby with a sigh, his tone more weary than harsh. Then, he turned back to Kisha, his gaze steady¡ªstill waiting for her to explain. Why did she dislike Lisa so much? And what did she mean when she said she didn''t want to be stabbed to death while sleeping? sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kisha met his eyes and saw no malice there¡ªonly reason. He wasn''t jumping to conclusions or taking sides; he was seeking logic, understanding, and fairness. It was clear to her that Dracon was the kind of leader who listened to every voice, considered every angle, and weighed each decision carefully to avoid injustice within his group. That kind of integrity was rare¡ªand exactly what she wanted in her team. Her desire to recruit Dracon only deepened. And beyond that¡­ Abby was his sister. Kisha had grown fond of Abby, and that was reason enough to offer her side of the story. So, she began to explain. "You see," Kisha began calmly, "like your sister said, I wasn''t born into a wealthy family. I was just an ordinary employee in a company before all of this. But I graduated at the top of my class, with stellar grades and strong qualifications. I worked hard, stayed out of trouble, and focused on doing things right. Unfortunately, that also made me look na?ve which was true." She took a breath, her gaze landing on Lisa. "Lisa was my manager back then. When she saw how good my work was, she started stealing my proposals and presenting them as her own¡ª" "Liar! Don''t you dare slander me!" Lisa suddenly snapped, lunging forward in panic as if to silence Kisha before she could say another word. Abby let out a smirk. "What''s with the panic, huh? Feeling guilty? Scared all the lies you spun are finally catching up to you?" she said with a sneer. "Serves you right." Her blunt retort made Duke and Kisha both chuckle. Duke had been about to say something similar himself, but Abby was quicker to leap to Kisha''s defense, leaving him to the sidelines like a guard dog who had nothing to do but stand proudly by his mistress. Kisha, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying Abby''s fire. This "little sister" was proving more and more interesting by the second. Dracon''s sharp glare cut through the tension like a blade. The look he gave Lisa said everything without needing words: ''Stay quiet, or I''ll deal with you myself.'' It was a clear warning¡ªif she kept interrupting, he wouldn''t wait for Kisha''s explanation before throwing her out. Lisa shuddered involuntarily under his gaze. Her spine stiffened, and she quickly bowed her head in submission. Still, though she held her tongue, the fire of resentment in her eyes flared stronger. Her hatred for Kisha was only growing. With the room finally quiet, Kisha continued. "But that wasn''t the end of it. Lisa didn''t just steal my work¡ªshe rallied other colleagues to bully me. She made it a daily routine to call me names and humiliate me in front of others. If I hadn''t been just a fresh graduate needing experience, I would''ve walked away a long time ago. But I had to endure it. I needed the job¡ªneeded the experience to move on to something better, with a higher salary and a stronger position. That was the only reason I stayed." Chapter 731 - 731 Getting justice For The Past Her voice remained calm, but there was a quiet steel behind it now. "Still, Lisa always found new ways to torture and belittle me. So no, I won''t pretend I don''t hold a grudge." "And let''s not even get into how she and her sugar daddy¡ªthe company director who backed her¡ªtried to have me and my family killed the night before the apocalypse descended," Kisha said, her voice calm but laced with venom. "Why? Because I had the nerve to report her schemes to upper management. The result? Both she and her precious sponsor were fired." She turned to Lisa, offering her a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. Lisa, trembling with rage, glared back with such intensity it was as if she wanted to rip Kisha apart on the spot. "And that," Kisha continued coldly, "is why someone like her will never have a place on my team. Not just because I want revenge¡ªbut because I don''t need a poisonous variable in my ranks. Not someone who might stab me in the back when things matter most." Her voice dropped, her smile twisting into something darker¡ªmore sinister. ''If Lisa ever wants to know what betrayal feels like, she''s about to get a taste. I want her to experience what it''s like to be abandoned by the very people she thought would protect her¡­ to see those who once trusted her now look at her with nothing but disgust and contempt. Only then will she understand the loneliness and helplessness she tried to bury me in. That''s the kind of justice she deserves.'' Kisha thought After hearing Kisha''s explanation, both Duke and Keith were visibly furious. Even Grandpa Alden, who had been quietly listening, found it hard to breathe. His heart ached as he recalled how Kisha always came home with that same gentle, sweet smile¡ªnever once hinting at the pain she was hiding behind it. She only ever spoke of the good things, never once mentioning a friend from work or even talking about her colleagues. She would only say how busy she was, how much she had to do¡­ and yet, she never received recognition or praise for her efforts. Looking back now, Grandpa Alden realized how strange that was. He should have known something was wrong. He should have seen the signs. Regret twisted deep in his chest. He had kept Kisha protected in a greenhouse, believing that staying kind, keeping her head down, and avoiding conflict would protect her. He truly thought that being good to everyone would lead to good things in return. But now¡­ now he understood. That same kindness had only made her an easy target. It had encouraged others to trample over her without guilt. And the thought of how much she had silently endured broke his heart. Duke''s entire body radiated a chilling, dark aura. The oppressive force of his bloodlust seeped into the open space like a creeping fog, wrapping around everyone present. His eyes locked onto Lisa, sharp and merciless, as if he were staring at a corpse instead of a living person. The air turned cold, heavy with hostility so raw and unfiltered that even Gavel instinctively took a step back. But Kisha wasn''t finished. "That''s not all," she continued, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "It''s not just about what I''ve experienced. Earlier, I saw her push one of your own team members forward¡ªright into the path of a mutated snake. She shoved the person right to the mutated snake because the other person wanted to hide in the same corner as her, and knowing it would expose her to danger, she didn''t hesitate, and the moment that poor soul stumbled out in the open, the snake tore them apart. You think that alone wouldn''t be enough reason for me to turn my back on her?" Kisha''s eyes moved toward Dracon, catching the disgust now clearly reflected on his face. Even Gavel, who had always seen Lisa as a helpless victim, now looked like he''d just been hit by a truck. The realization that the woman he''d been defending was capable of such cruelty left him stunned. His sense of justification, the defense he''d once felt for her, crumbled under the weight of Kisha''s words. "Lies! All lies!" Lisa shrieked, her voice trembling with panic. "I never did any of that! You''re making it up! You said I pushed someone? Where''s your evidence? Everything you''re saying is one-sided¡ªno one from my team saw me do anything like that! They''ve been with me the whole time! Do you really think I''d do such a thing?" Her words grew more desperate, each one laced with fear and fury. Then, with a sudden shift in demeanor, Lisa dropped to her knees, her body shaking as she crumbled under the weight of Kisha''s unyielding gaze. It was as if all the fight had left her in that moment. She bowed her head, hands clasped together in a fake pleading. "Please¡­ just let me go¡­ don''t target me¡­ I''m not the monster you say I am¡­" Her voice was a broken whisper now, vulnerable and defeated as she begged for mercy, realizing the gravity of Kisha''s resolve. "Oh? Good thing you reminded me," Kisha said, her voice smooth but tinged with a sense of purpose. She quickly pulled out an earring that concealed a pinhole camera from her earlobe, a clever tool she''d fashioned to serve as both ornament and covert device. With practiced ease, she tied her hair into a tight ponytail, then slipped the earring¡ªnow functioning as a hidden camera¡ªback into place. After dealing with traitors in the past, and now being around Melody, Kisha knew she couldn''t afford to let her guard down. She never knew when Melody might strike, so she had made it a point to wear the camera at all times¡ªjust in case she needed evidence. But what she hadn''t expected was that instead of catching Melody in the act, it was Lisa who would fall victim to the very camera she''d carefully set up. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A small, private sense of triumph stirred in her chest. It felt as though the wrongs of her past life, the injustices that had led to her untimely death, were finally being given justice. Kisha pulled out her phone, which was Bluetooth-connected to the pinhole camera. She briefly considered showing the pinhole camera to everyone, but a moment of hesitation made her change her mind. Instead, she decided to share only the footage that had captured what she had witnessed. She handed the phone to Dracon, who began playing the video. It only took a few minutes for the footage to unfold, with every frame and action matching the events that had occurred earlier. Then, they saw it¡ªKisha turning around and spotting a woman hiding in fear in a corner. Just as she noticed, someone rushed toward the woman, seemingly to join her in hiding. However, a mutated snake was right behind the person, and the footage clearly showed how Lisa, without hesitation, shoved that person directly into the path of the snake. As the video continued, they saw Gavel appear, coming to the aid of the others who hadn''t noticed the situation unfolding. He swiftly pulled Lisa to safety, but the footage made it clear¡ªLisa had made a choice, and it was all caught on camera. Chapter 732 - 732 Lisas Fate Is Sealed The evidence Kisha presented was undeniable. Given how little time had passed, no one could claim the footage was fabricated or that Kisha was falsely accusing Lisa. Dracon, Gavel, and Abby all wore grim expressions¡ªbut none more so than Gavel. Out of all of them, he felt the most betrayed. He had been the one to stand by Lisa from the beginning, shielding her, protecting her¡­ and yet, he hadn''t realized that the person he was defending was a monster in disguise. She had hidden behind a mask of vulnerability, playing the part of the helpless victim. But in truth, she was worse than a wolf in sheep''s clothing¡ªshe was something far more dangerous. Gavel took a staggering step back from Lisa, his expression twisted in a mix of disgust and disbelief. Just a moment ago, he had stood by her, convinced of her innocence. After all, he''d spent an entire month by her side, getting to know her, while Kisha was still a stranger. The evidence, or lack thereof, had made him trust Lisa over Kisha. But now, everything he thought he knew was crumbling. Who could have guessed that Lisa was so skilled at pretending? He had been deceived¡ªutterly and completely. If not for the footage, they would have never uncovered the truth. Gavel''s breath came in shallow gasps, his chest tight as his mind struggled to process the betrayal. He could barely find the strength to speak, the world around him spinning with the realization of just how deeply he''d been fooled. Kisha couldn''t help but feel a pang of sympathy for Gavel. She could see that he had simply wanted to be a gentleman, trying to help where he could. It wasn''t about lust or desire toward Lisa¡ªif that had been the case, he would have focused solely on protecting her and ignored everyone else. But Gavel had proven himself earlier, when the chaos had erupted, by stepping in to assist despite not being a fighter. He wasn''t a bad person; he had just been blind to Lisa''s true nature. Abby''s fist clenched in fury as the footage played. Without a moment''s hesitation, she stepped forward and slapped Lisa across the face with a resounding crack. Dracon didn''t stop her. In fact, he didn''t feel like stopping her. The disgust swirling in his chest was too consuming. To think that such a person had been on his team¡ªsomeone who had used a living human as a meat shield to protect herself. The cold, calculated nature of her actions made it clear: this wasn''t a one-time act. Lisa had likely done this before, without a hint of remorse, and the possibility that she might have killed others in the same way made Dracon sick to his core. No one, not even someone with her skills, deserved a place in his team. She was a liability, a danger, and he had no room for her among them. "I agree. A person like her, full of venom and deceit, has no place with my team. I can only imagine how many people she''s hurt with her selfish drive to survive, disregarding the lives of others," Dracon said, his voice steady as he handed Kisha back her phone. Lisa froze, her crocodile tears vanishing in an instant. The harshness of Dracon''s words hit her like a slap, and the weight of reality sank in. She had been abandoned. "Wait... are you really going to abandon me?" Lisa stammered, her voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and anger. "What did you expect?" Abby shot back, her arms crossed defiantly over her chest. Lisa''s fury intensified, her finger trembling as she pointed at Abby, then Kisha, but she couldn''t find the words. Her mind raced, struggling to come up with something that would turn the tide, but Abby only snorted, lifting her chin and meeting Lisa''s glare with a defiant, taunting smile. Lisa''s pulse quickened, the anger simmering inside her as the eyes of everyone in the room bore down on her. For the first time, she felt powerless¡ªoutnumbered and utterly alone. No one was on her side. "So, what''s your decision?" Kisha repeated, her tone cold and unwavering. "I won''t tolerate someone like her in my territory. Take it or leave it." She wanted to put an end to this charade as quickly as possible, but a darker part of her also relished the idea of sending Lisa straight to hell with her own hands. The more she pushed, the more satisfied she felt. Who said revenge didn''t feel good? Who said it only led to ruin? Certainly not Kisha. Right now, it felt as though the injustice of her first death, the life stolen from her, would finally come to a rightful end. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With every word she spoke, she felt the weight of her past lifting, piece by piece. Once she dealt with Lisa¡ªthe root of that dark shadow¡ªthe burden on her heart would finally lighten. She''d be free to move on and maybe even open up to those around her, like Duke. She could now begin to gradually weed out the dark shadow that had long lingered in her heart, replacing it with the brighter memories she had created with Duke, her family, and the loyal people who had chosen to stand by her side. "No! You''re pushing me to my death! You can''t do this!" Lisa screamed, her voice filled with frantic desperation. She shoved Gavel aside and lunged at Kisha, her hand aimed to slap her across the face. She had forgotten, in her hysteria, that Kisha could easily end her life before she even reached her target. "Says who?" Kisha said with a cold smirk, her voice laced with danger. She took a deliberate step forward, her bloodlust emanating from her in waves. The overwhelming aura of her power and indifference froze Lisa in place. "W-Wait! What do you mean?" Lisa stammered, retreating a step as her terror gripped her. She quickly found herself back at the distance she started from, fear evident in her wide, panicked eyes. "What I mean is, who says I can''t do it? I could kill you right now without a second thought, let alone push you to your death. Offering you a choice is already an act of mercy on my part." "Whether you manage to escape and survive or die trying is of no concern to me. But if you''d prefer, I could end your suffering right now and take your life with my own hands. The choice is yours." Kisha''s slow, chilling smile only added to the terror in her words. "Y-You... you''re too kind to even kill an ant, how could you kill a human?" Lisa stammered, her voice cracking as she tried to reason with Kisha. "So, you knew I couldn''t hurt anyone before, but still pushed me into a corner? What makes you think I''m still the same after everything that''s happened? In fact, it''s thanks to your cruelty that I learned how to be ruthless when needed." Kisha replied coldly, her tone sharp. She wasn''t lying; Lisa''s viciousness had opened her eyes to the darker side of human nature, a lesson learned the hard way. Lisa''s knees buckled beneath her, and she collapsed to the ground, crying pitifully. But neither Dracon nor Gavel spared her another thought. The members of their team, witnessing her actions, quickly relayed what had transpired to the other survivors standing on the back. The last thing Dracon wanted was for anyone to fall for Lisa''s manipulative act, so he instructed one of the men to spread the truth about what had happened. Just like that, Lisa''s fate was sealed. "Alright, we were the ones who needed your help, so we''ll follow your arrangements. We won''t bring Lisa with us. We can''t trust her, not after what she did. We can''t risk bringing her to a safe place only for her to repeat her actions with others." "We''ve done what we could to protect her as a group member, but it seems that wasn''t enough. This is where her journey with us ends." Dracon explained, his voice steady but firm. He made sure to clarify his reasoning, not to appear heartless but to assure everyone that his decision was for the safety of the group, not personal vendettas. "Good decision," Kisha said, nodding in approval before turning to Sparrow and the rest of the group. "Go check if their vehicles are still salvageable. If any can be repaired, haul them behind the trucks." "If any are still drivable, bring them back with us. For the ones that are too damaged to fix, just leave them here." Kisha paused, a thought crossing her mind. "Actually, leave one that''s barely running for the lady here. We can''t let her wander on her own. Give her a dagger too, but don''t hand her anything too nice¡ª I don''t want her following us back to the base." Her tone grew more commanding. "And if none of their vehicles are usable, just have them ride on our trucks." Chapter 733 - 733 At Peace "Understood, Young Madam!" Sparrow said, before leading Vulture and the others to inspect the remaining humvees that Dracon''s team had brought. With the help of Dracon''s other combatants, they unloaded the supplies from the compartments of the damaged humvees and transferred them to the Winters'' trucks. The vehicles that were barely functional but still repairable were secured to the backs of the trucks using thick ropes and heavy-duty hooks. In the end, only three humvees were deemed usable, and the truck that had been used to carry civilians could still be driven¡ªthough just barely. Sparrow chose that one for Lisa. Once everything was settled, he returned to Kisha. "Young Madam, we''ve finished hooking up the humvees to the trucks¡ªthey''re ready to be towed," Sparrow reported. "However, the truck their civilians used is barely functional. Honestly, it seems just about right for that ugly woman." He emphasized the word ugly with a pointed glance at Lisa, then let out a dismissive snort. Keith and Lisa both laughed at Sparrow''s comment, their voices overlapping. For Keith, it was the first time he''d laughed in a long while¡ªespecially after hearing what his sister had endured in her office. Still, he believed Kisha was being merciful by giving Lisa a way out. But Kisha? Mercy had nothing to do with it. In truth, she was being more cruel than ever. She wanted Lisa to taste despair. What seemed like a lifeline was, in reality, a carefully crafted trap. Kisha gave her a way out¡ªbut it led straight into hopelessness. If Lisa was sent off in a barely functioning truck, how could she escape when another mutated snake or any other mutated creature came for her? How could she defend herself, when she''d never fought a day in her life and had always relied on others? And that dagger she was given? Useless. She wouldn''t even get close enough to strike before it was all over. And during those times, Lisa would have no one to rely on but herself. Maybe then, she''d begin to reflect on all the wrongs she had done¡ªwhether she admitted to them or not. She might come to hate Kisha, but what could that hatred possibly do to her? Kisha wanted her to die with that hate burning inside her¡ªto be filled with rage and confusion, to question where everything went wrong, again and again, until the abyss consumed her completely. Only then would Lisa truly understand what despair felt like. Kisha smirked and turned around, and the others followed suit. Dracon and his team fell in step behind them. Meanwhile, Eagle and Hawk assisted the civilians from Dracon''s side, helping them separate and board the four Winters'' trucks, squeezing in with the rest of the group. Fortunately, each truck still had a few seats available, allowing the civilians to sit comfortably and remain under the protection of the Winters. With this arrangement, the Winters wouldn''t have a hard time keeping an eye on them¡ªthere were just enough civilians to manage without stretching their forces too thin. As the others began to leave, Lisa turned her gaze toward Dracon¡ªand especially Gavel. Gavel hesitated for a moment. No matter how wicked Lisa was, she was still a human being. Dracon noticed and paused, turning back to look at Gavel before speaking. "Demons often wear the faces of humans," Dracon said calmly. "They pretend to be weak and pitiful to earn sympathy. And once someone pities them, they''re pulled into the abyss¡ªright where the demon wanted them. Into the despair it prepared." He glanced toward Lisa. "She may look pitiful now, but her heart is steeped in darkness. It won''t be long before she hurts more people." Dracon had come to understand something about Gavel¡ªdespite being from a wealthy background, he was a true gentleman. Compassionate, maybe even with a hint of a heroic tendency. But above all, he was a good person. Dracon didn''t want Gavel to give in to pity and stay behind with Lisa. He saw potential in that man¡ªhe was a rare talent, too valuable to be wasted on someone undeserving. That''s why Dracon had spoken up¡ªto give Gavel a much-needed wake-up call. Gavel stood in silence, contemplating Dracon''s words. As the last of the group boarded the trucks and Lisa looked at him with desperate, pleading eyes, he took a deep breath... and turned away, following Dracon. Only then did Lisa rise to her feet, panic setting in. She tried to run after him, but the fear of being abandoned overwhelmed her. Her knees buckled, too weak to carry her forward. She couldn''t catch up to Gavel, whose long, hurried strides carried him farther and farther away¡ªlike a man afraid that if he slowed down for even a second, he might falter¡­ and let his pity drag him back. With only a brief moment to spare, Gavel climbed into the first truck where Dracon was waiting. Soon after, the entire convoy began to roll out, engines rumbling as they left Lisa behind. She screamed and howled, her voice raw with desperation. Staggering to her feet, she tried to chase after them, stumbling more than once. But no matter how hard she pushed herself, her legs could never match the speed of the departing trucks. As the convoy disappeared into the distance, she passed the broken-down truck¡ªthe same one the civilians had used. Driven by sheer desperation, she climbed into the damaged vehicle and started the engine, chasing after Kisha''s convoy. Just as Kisha had expected. But the truck, having taken heavy damage from the mutated snakes, struggled to keep up. Its engine coughed and wheezed, the wheels grinding slowly along. It was no match for the speed of the Winters'' well-maintained convoy. What Sparrow hadn''t openly reported was the true condition of the truck: three flat tires, one deformed beyond control, and a leaking fuel tank. It was barely holding together. As Lisa struggled to keep it on the dirt road, she slammed her fists against the steering wheel in frustration, screaming, "Faster! Faster! You fucking useless truck!" All her rage poured out on the vehicle as if shouting at it could force it to go faster. But it didn''t. And when the last of Kisha''s convoy disappeared from view, swallowed by the horizon and the dust of the trail, Lisa let out a guttural scream of despair. She was alone¡ªcompletely and terrifyingly alone. The truck coughed one final time before sputtering to a stop, right in the middle of a field choked with tall, swaying grass. Then came the sounds¡ªsoft rustling in the grass, leaves shifting against each other¡ªsubtle, but unnatural. Something was out there. Watching. Kisha sat in silence, gazing out the open window as the breeze tousled her hair. The cool wind felt soothing against her skin¡ªcalm, peaceful. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then, from somewhere far behind, she heard it¡ªLisa''s distant, blood-curdling scream echoing across the field. Kisha''s smile widened. That scream was music to her ears¡ªraw, broken, and exactly as she had imagined it would be. In that moment, a vision flickered in her mind: the Kisha she used to be. Sweet. Kind. Gentle. That forgotten version of herself smiled softly at the present Kisha, then seemed to float toward her¡­ and embrace her. Kisha felt a tightness in her chest, a pang she couldn''t quite name. But then, warmth bloomed in her heart¡ªa strange comfort, as if even that long-buried part of her was finally at peace. Chapter 734 - 734 Tell Me "Host, that Lisa woman is dead." 008 reported flatly. "Good work, 008, for finding that Beast Attracting Talisman," Kisha said calmly, though there was a subtle shift in her demeanor. Something felt different, but she couldn''t quite place it. "Host, I only found and purchased the talisman, but you were the one who secretly put it on Lisa¡ªdisguising it with an Invincible Talisman so she wouldn''t notice. The wicked woman got exactly what she deserved!" 008 said, voice tinged with indignation. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You seem to really hate her?" Kisha teased, an amused smile playing on her lips. "Of course I do, Host!" 008 exclaimed. "If I had bound with you just a second later, the process would''ve failed. You would''ve died right there and become just another mindless zombie. I''d have been forced to find a new host or be sent back to my Constellation. That means¡ªno second chances for you to restart your life." Kisha could practically picture 008 crossing its arms, its indignation too obvious, as if it were pouting in frustration. "It''s over now. I''ve avenged myself, and Lisa''s had a taste of her own medicine. But unlike me, she''ll never get a second chance to start over," Kisha said, a quiet satisfaction settling in her chest. She gazed out the window, a sense of peace washing over her. For the first time in a long while, she felt truly free. After Kisha placed the Beast Attracting Talisman on Lisa''s body, all the mutated snakes that had been lurking in the tall grass suddenly converged on her. One by one, they slithered toward Lisa, drawn irresistibly to the talisman''s pull. The area around her became a nightmare of writhing serpents, overwhelming her in seconds. Not a single mutated creature paid any attention to Kisha''s convoy, as if they were all hypnotized by the talisman''s power. As Kisha and her convoy moved out of the farmland, not a single mutated snake or other creature crossed their path. All of them were fixated on Lisa''s location, leaving Kisha''s group untouched. In a way, not only had Kisha avenged herself, but she had also spared her people from unnecessary fighting. By drawing the mutated snakes away, she saved them all the energy and danger of dealing with those relentless creatures. Even Sparrow, Vulture, Eagle, Hawk, Tristan, and the rest¡ªwho had been bracing themselves for another battle with the mutated snakes¡ªwere taken by surprise. The journey was eerily quiet, with no attacks. The silence was both unsettling and a relief. They couldn''t understand why, but they were grateful for the calm. Dracon and his people silently observed as the Winters'' convoy moved away from the farmland, their path diverging toward a different direction. The humvees tied to the back of the trucks were carefully pulled along, there was a little tension in the air. Keith, sitting at the back of the first truck, was carefully wiping down his new prized possession¡ªa longbow gifted to him by his sister. He treated it with the reverence of someone holding something irreplaceable. The bow''s smooth surface glistened under the sunlight, its intricate design resembling something crafted from ivory¡ªelegant and almost ornamental. It looked more like a work of art than a weapon fit for battle. Abby, watching him with curiosity, couldn''t help but ask, "You can use a bow? That''s amazing!" Her excitement was evident, her words tumbling out in animated surprise. Her enthusiasm caught Dracon''s attention, and he glanced over at Keith''s bow. He raised an eyebrow, impressed by its exquisite appearance. Though clearly more decorative than practical, but the longbow was capable of more than its delicate beauty suggested. Keith puffed out his chest, a confident grin spreading across his face as he glanced at Abby. "You bet I can," he said, pride evident in his voice. "This beauty isn''t just for show." "And it''s a gift from my sister," Keith added, proudly angling the longbow to give Abby a better view. Abby stared at it, her eyes wide with envy. "Wow! It''s so pretty! Can it do as much damage as my brother''s shotgun?" Abby asked, her curiosity piqued. She hovered her hand over the bow, but hesitated, unsure if she should touch its smooth surface. Keith, feeling magnanimous, pushed the longbow gently toward her. "Go ahead, you can touch it. I''ll just wipe it down later. And yes, this weapon is amazing! When I use it, I look even more impressive than Robin Hood. Heh, you''ll see for yourself when the enemies show up." "You fight, too?!" Abby''s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Keith, her excitement growing. "Of course I do!" Keith replied, his voice filled with quiet confidence. "My sister taught me how to fight, and I''ve been training alongside everyone else so I wouldn''t be a burden to her in battle." He wasn''t trying to sound smug, but the pride he felt for his sister was impossible to hide. He couldn''t help but brag a little¡ªit was clear how much he admired her. "You''re so lucky..." Abby pouted, stealing a quick glance at Dracon. She couldn''t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. After all, she had never been taught how to fight. All she could do was stick to Dracon like glue, hiding behind him every time danger loomed. It made her feel useless as Dracon and the others fought, and she could only wait for them to return and assure her that everything had been settled, that everything was fine. She wanted to learn how to fight, just like Keith. She envied him, but it never occurred to her that there might be a reason¡ªsomething to do with gender¡ªthat she hadn''t been taught. After all, she had seen Kisha fight earlier, so effortlessly and gallantly, with her floating daggers. The memory of Kisha''s grace lit up Abby''s eyes. "Hey!" Abby''s eyes sparkled with renewed curiosity as she turned to Keith. "How does your beautiful sister control those floating daggers? And how do your people make fire appear from their hands? Tell me, tell me!" As if she''d known Keith for ages, Abby grabbed onto his arm, catching him off guard. Before Keith could pull away, Abby started shaking him violently, her hands rattling his head like a maraca. The sudden motion made him feel dizzy, and he had no choice but to give in. "Alright, alright! I''ll tell you, just stop shaking me!" Keith''s voice was a mix of helplessness and exasperation. When Abby finally stopped, Keith adjusted his clothes and let out a sigh of relief. Nearby, Dracon and the rest of his team perked up, their attention drawn by the commotion. However, the Winters didn''t seem to care. They didn''t feel the need to hide the truth about their superpowers; after all, the newcomers would learn about them soon enough. And now that they were part of the group, letting them in on the secret didn''t seem like a big deal. "Well, you see..." Keith began, adjusting his clothes as he waited for the dizziness to pass. "My sister¡ªand actually, most of the people here¡ªhave powers like that because we''ve awakened our abilities. It''s something that happens to some people." "The abilities are all different, depending on a person''s nature or soul... or something like that. I''m not entirely sure how it works. There doesn''t seem to be a pattern to what kind of power someone might awaken, or even if they''ll awaken at all." Chapter 735 - 735 Being Merciful He scratched his head, thoughtful. "It''s kind of like the mutated snakes¡ªjust like they evolved, we humans are evolving too, and these powers are part of that. We call it awakening. I can''t explain all the details¡ªonly my sister might be able to explain it properly. I just know the basics." "Oh! That''s amazing!" Abby clapped her hands together excitedly, her eyes lighting up as she eagerly chatted with Keith about the awakened ability he mentioned. Meanwhile, at the front of the truck, Duke cast a thoughtful glance at Kisha. After a moment of silence, he turned to her and asked, "Wifey, you were ready to let that vicious woman off the hook, right? What changed your mind?" His tone was gentle but curious, as if he already had a sense of what was going through her mind¡ªyet still couldn''t fully grasp her reasoning. He was baffled. If it were up to him, he wouldn''t have hesitated to deal with Lisa himself, just to make sure she never got the chance to climb back up and cause more trouble in the future. Hearing Duke''s words, Kisha''s smile froze. A tight knot formed in her throat, her heart skipping a beat with nervousness. She didn''t know how Duke figured it out, but the truth was¡ªhe was right. It was her intention to let Lisa taste the despair of abandonment, to let her struggle alone in the dark and feel what it was like to crawl out of hell. The truck Lisa was given was barely functional, and all she had was a dagger. By any measure, it was a hopeless situation. If Lisa was unlucky, she''d likely die before making it far. But if she used her brain¡ªand if luck was on her side¡ªshe might just survive. Either way, Kisha didn''t care. Unlike her, who had died and started over more than once, Lisa only had one life. That fragile, singular life would be tormented by despair¡ªand to Kisha, that was enough. That despair was her revenge for the pain her past self endured. But then, something changed. The angry red emoji floating above Lisa''s head, marked "Bad," suddenly darkened. It turned black. The symbol became a devil, and the text shifted to "Evil." Kisha''s breath hitched. Lisa''s hatred had reached its peak. If she survived¡­ she would come back. And this time, she''d return for blood. That alone wasn''t enough to faze Kisha or scare her. She had been through too much in life to be easily shaken. Even when she left, she remained confident she could handle Lisa if it came to it. In fact, she''d even left Melody behind¡ªbecause unlike Lisa, Melody hadn''t crossed the line beyond redemption. Risky? Yes. Foolish? Maybe. But Kisha wasn''t heartless. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So why hadn''t she left Lisa a way out? Why had she gone so far as to use a ''Beast-Attracting Talisman,'' effectively sealing Lisa''s fate? The answer was simple. Her ''Eye of Truth'' had just reached Level 2, and in that very moment, like a jolt to the brain, a vision flashed before her eyes¡ªa glimpse of the future. In it, Lisa returned¡­ but not alone. She came back with a powerful new faction, a group of deadly individuals who attacked without mercy. Kisha saw her people fall. She saw her family bleed. She didn''t know how Lisa had survived¡ªonly that she did, and that she returned more dangerous than ever. The vision was only a flicker, barely a second long, but it was enough to stop Kisha in her tracks. Just for a heartbeat, she turned around and looked back at the helpless, broken woman she was leaving behind. She didn''t know what means Lisa would use to survive that place, or what kind of power she might gain to reach her family and tear down all the protections Kisha had painstakingly put in place. But one thing was certain¡ªKisha wasn''t willing to gamble on it. It reminded her of a dream she once had¡ªa vivid and unsettling vision where she sat in the center of a ruined courtyard while a woman calmly showed her the downfall of her clan. Bodies were everywhere. The air was thick with burning smoke of the houses, blood and grief. At the time, she thought it was just a nightmare. But now, the memory echoed too perfectly with the glimpse her ''Eye of Truth'' had just shown her. It might not just be a dream. It might have been an interpretation or a warning. A premonition of what could come to pass. And that terrified her more than anything else. She didn''t know how to fully control this new ability or what triggered it, but what she glimpsed felt too real¡ªso real that cold sweat soaked her back and her feet turned icy. The terror rooted deep inside her, and she knew she couldn''t afford to take chances. Why was she so afraid? It wasn''t far-fetched to consider that someone might have helped Lisa escape, but who could have been powerful enough to challenge Kisha''s strength and her fortified base? The answer was clear: a Constellation. Kisha realized during her last battle in City B that the missions given by Constellations could significantly alter the environment, even controlling the zombies. So, what was stopping a Constellation from intervening on Lisa''s behalf? Kisha''s thoughts sharpened, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. The vision she had seen¡ªof Lisa and a faction threatening her people¡ªsuddenly made more sense. It was no longer far-fetched to think that Lisa wasn''t the only one receiving aid from a Constellation. If there were others involved, they could unite, becoming a powerful force that could easily challenge Kisha and her people. The aid from a Constellation was like granting Lisa and her faction access to a system¡ªor perhaps it was a powerful awakened abilities. Either way, preventing Lisa from growing stronger was her top priority. She needed to find those others in the faction, though she had no idea who they were or where to look. One thing was certain, however¡ªthey would be coming for her. But why was the Constellation continuously making Kisha''s mission harder, even aiding her enemies? It only solidified her belief that the Constellation truly wanted her dead. This was her final life, and if she died again, her soul would be erased for good. So, without hesitation, she ordered 008 to find a way to lure the mutated beast toward Lisa. That way, Kisha wouldn''t need to dirty her hands, and Lisa would be left thinking she still had a slim chance of survival. It was a cruel mercy¡ªleaving behind a flicker of hope in a hopeless situation. But it was exactly that hope, combined with hatred, that would fuel Lisa''s survival instinct. After all, they say evil grass doesn''t die easily. Still, Kisha had made her choice. She no longer wanted to gamble with fate. This decision served two purposes: it eliminated Lisa, and it redirected the mutated snake''s attention away from their group. That''s why, when she heard Lisa''s final scream and 008''s cold confirmation of her death, a strange peace settled over Kisha¡ªlike she had just narrowly rewritten a doomed future. Not only had she avenged her past self, but she had also prevented a future disaster from striking her family. Yet, despite doing everything in secret, the fact that Duke still saw through her carefully maintained facade left Kisha feeling exposed¡ªand just a little helpless. "Don''t worry, wifey. I think you did the right thing," Duke said gently, trying to lift Kisha''s spirits. "This way, we won''t give her a chance to crawl back and stir up trouble in the future." Though Kisha''s expression remained composed, Duke could sense the sudden shift in her mood. Her eyes seemed distant, gazing far beyond the horizon, her aura dimming as if weighed down by invisible thoughts. Hearing his words, Kisha''s mind stirred. ''Even he knew that? Was it really that obvious¡ªthat being too merciful only invites future disaster? Then¡­ what about me? Were all my deaths in my past lives a result of my own mercy? Of giving enemies a second chance, only for them to return stronger and strike when I least expected?'' Kisha smiled wryly, feeling as though she''d just lost a battle she didn''t even know she was fighting. A wave of helplessness washed over her, and she slumped in her seat, her mood sinking even lower. Seeing this, Duke was at a loss. He had hoped his words would lift her spirits, but instead, they seemed to have the opposite effect. Not wanting to say something that might make things worse, he chose silence. Quietly, he reached over and took her hand in his¡ªlarge, warm, and steady¡ªand gave it a gentle squeeze. It was a simple gesture, but it carried his unwavering support. Chapter 736 - 736 Appreciating What Was Lost Sure enough, the moment Kisha felt his warmth wrapped around her hand, something inside her eased. Her chest loosened, and the weight pressing down on her heart lightened, even if just a little. And so, just like that, Duke drove them toward their next destination¡ªjust outside City A. The goal was simple: to observe how Dracon and his people would handle a zombie horde and assess their coordination and combat effectiveness. Sure, Dracon''s group might be at a disadvantage when it came to facing mutated creatures, especially since none of them hadn''t awakened any abilities yet. But what about regular zombies? Although the events in City B had caused a surge in zombie evolution, pushing many to level 1, there were still plenty of level 0 zombies roaming around. Only a small percentage had reached level 1, which served to maintain a fragile balance between the steadily evolving humans and the undead. This way, the zombies wouldn''t be too weak compared to humans, and humans wouldn''t have an easy time fighting them either. If Kisha were to estimate, perhaps around 58% to 65% of the zombie population had already evolved to level 1. While most of these level 1 zombies hadn''t awakened any special abilities like the higher-tier mutants, they had still become significantly faster and stronger than before. That alone made them a terrifying threat¡ªjust imagine a zombie sprinting at you like it''s competing in a track race, possibly even faster than you. Most ordinary humans wouldn''t stand a chance. They''d trip, fall, and be caught in an instant. It had definitely become much scarier to face them now. The Winters men from HOPE Base had already adapted to these faster, stronger zombies after enduring countless battles, so level 1 zombies were still manageable for them. After all, the HOPE Base members had also reached level 1 themselves, giving them a slight edge in terms of stats. Besides, these level 1 zombies were still considered "normal" and hadn''t awakened any abilities. However, the ones who would struggle the most to adjust were the Winters from the hidden base and Dracon''s team, who had less experience and weaker awakened ability users under their belts. Just like before, once they entered the highway, Duke gave way to Sparrow''s truck, allowing it to take the lead and clear a path for the rest of the convoy. Duke''s truck, along with the others, then began pushing Sparrow''s truck from behind to give it enough force to shove aside the tightly packed, abandoned vehicles blocking the road. The trucks pulling Dracon''s humvees remained at the back of the convoy, as only one of them had enough power to push forward. The humvees themselves were too bulky and a hindrance while tied behind their trucks, making it difficult for the others to push and advance. The resulting jolts made the truck shake slightly, causing Abby to panic. She hurried back to Dracon and clung to his arm in fear¡ªuntil Keith calmly explained the situation. "Don''t worry," Keith said with a shrug. "Our trucks are just giving Truck 2 a push so it has enough momentum to move those abandoned cars out of the way. It''s better than having to reroute and waste time driving the long way around." With that, he casually tucked away the rag he''d been using to wipe down his beloved longbow. "W-Where are we going? Are we heading back to your shelter?" Abby asked, her voice trembling, her eyes brimming with unshed tears as she looked at Keith, like a frightened rabbit. Keith furrowed his brow, taken aback by the sight. For some reason, it reminded him of his sister when she was young¡ªterrified of nearly everything, yet always putting his safety before her own fears. He couldn''t help but let out a soft smile at the memory, though his heart ached with sadness. He nodded, then quickly shook his head. "No," he said, his voice quiet but steady. "We need to gather some metal drums first before heading back." As he spoke, his mood shifted. A twinge of sadness lingered in his chest as he thought of Kisha. She used to be kind, gentle, and naive¡ªeasily frightened, but always protective, smart, and determined. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But now, she had become so indifferent, so cold. She was paranoid, constantly overthinking, always calculating the consequences of every action. She had become distrustful of others, a far cry from the woman who once trusted people easily, sometimes too quickly. Keith felt the weight of it all. Kisha had been pulled into a never-ending cycle of death and survival, and it had changed her in ways he couldn''t fix. Before, Keith had worried that Kisha would be easily deceived by people from the outside world. But now, his fears had shifted. He was no longer concerned about her vulnerability to others; instead, he feared that Kisha had become too independent, like a leader standing alone at the pinnacle, isolated by her strength. It was that very strength that made him want to grow stronger, too¡ªto give her a sense of security, to offer her all the support he could, so that she could finally relax. Maybe, just for a moment, she could focus on something beautiful, something other than survival. He didn''t dislike the woman Kisha had become¡ªhe admired her resilience. But it saddened him to think about how exhausting it must be for her to always be on guard, to constantly carry the weight of others'' expectations. It was too much for one person to bear, to always be strong for everyone else and to have others rely on her. "What are those metal drums for? Aren''t we gathering supplies instead?" Abby asked, her curiosity piqued. For some reason, the rattling of the truck didn''t bother her as much anymore. Her natural gossipy side kicked in, distracted by Keith''s answer. At her age, it didn''t take much to shift her focus¡ªher fears quickly transformed into curiosity. Keith wasn''t tired of explaining. In fact, he felt a special connection to Abby. She was the only one his age in the entire group, and her presence brought a sense of comfort. Around her, he could be the big brother, protective and steady. It gave him a sense of fulfillment, a feeling of strength he couldn''t help but appreciate, especially surrounded by the stronger, older men who made up their group. So, he was more than happy to indulge her questions. "Those drums? My sister said she needs them to make natural fertilizers for the crops," Keith explained simply, his tone matter-of-fact. "Crops? Your shelter has a farm that grows fresh vegetables?" Abby exclaimed, clamping her hands over her mouth in surprise. Her wide eyes sparkled with genuine excitement, even though she tried to hide it. She couldn''t contain her enthusiasm. After all, in their shelter, they ate nothing but canned goods¡ªdifferent varieties of canned food and pickled items. That was all. There was no variety, no fresh food to break up the monotony. Before the apocalypse, Abby had never liked vegetables. She''d been picky, always choosing sweets and avoiding anything green. But now, after everything that had happened, the thought of eating vegetables felt like a distant dream. She missed them. Her body craved the nutrients they provided, and she realized only now how good her life had been before, when fresh food was abundant. Sometimes, at night, she cried herself to sleep, mourning the past and the simple things she had taken for granted. Chapter 737 - 737 Lunch Abby licked her dry lips as she imagined the vegetables, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Seeing her like that, Keith couldn''t help but boast a little. After all, once the gates of City B opened for trade and interaction with other survivors, their resources and lifestyle wouldn''t remain a secret for long. Letting Abby know a bit early wasn''t a big deal. Unlike most people, Keith was aware that Kisha possessed the ability to see beyond a person''s surface ¡ª their stats, skills, even their intentions. He trusted that she had already screened everyone thoroughly. And even if some turned out to be trouble, Keith had unwavering faith in Kisha. He believed she already had contingency plans in place to ensure no one could betray her or step out of line. Keith spoke cheerfully with Abby, a proud grin on his face. "You didn''t know? Yeah, we actually have a vegetable farm and even an animal farm. We pretty much have everything we need. My sister''s working hard to expand it all so our lives can keep getting better in the future." He puffed out his chest proudly, clearly expecting Abby to sing his sister''s praises ¡ª and sure enough, the moment she heard it, her face lit up with joy. "Woah!!! That''s amazing!" Abby exclaimed, practically drooling. "Does that mean you actually get to eat fresh meat and vegetables sometimes? Like¡­ sweet and sour pork ribs, braised pork, stir-fried veggies, and all sorts of delicious food?" She wasn''t the only one drooling at the thought ¡ª even Dracon and his team, seated not far away, felt their stomachs twist with longing. Just like Abby, they had only been eating canned goods day after day, the same bland and monotonous flavors over and over again. But none of them dared complain ¡ª they lacked almost everything. Clean water was scarce, bathing was a luxury, they didn''t have enough clothes, and food only came from risky supply runs to whatever supermarkets or convenience stores hadn''t already been picked clean. The vegetables had long since rotted, fresh items like eggs and milk had spoiled ages ago, and the fridges had stopped working not long after the power went out. They had learned to survive on dry goods and canned foods like biscuits, sausages, and preserved pickles. It was all they had. Just hearing Abby mention cooked food felt like a distant dream. It had been so long since any of them had tasted a proper, home-cooked meal. The closest they ever got to "cooking" was boiling instant noodles ¡ª maybe adding a few toppings if they were feeling generous. On better days, they managed rice with a bit of preserved meat or a sprinkle of condiments, and that alone was enough to be considered a feast. But dishes like braised pork or sweet and sour pork ribs? That was a whole different world ¡ª a fantasy that felt as far as heaven was from earth. "Well¡­ we actually have a chef back at our base who handles the cooking and makes sure our three meals are nutritionally balanced," Keith said with a small, proud smile as he scratched the back of his head. He didn''t miss the way Abby''s eyes lit up, and now she was openly drooling. "You eat three times a day?!" Abby exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief. In their shelter, they were lucky to eat even once a day. The rest of their food had to be hidden or surrendered to the leaders, who claimed it was for fair distribution. Because of that, everyone lived with constant uncertainty¡ªnever knowing when the next meal would come. It made sense now why Keith and the Winters looked so strong and healthy. Their skin had color, their bodies didn''t show signs of starvation, and their muscles hadn''t wasted away from hunger. It wasn''t just good genetics¡ªthey simply weren''t starving. As if the universe wanted to drive the point home, the convoy of trucks came to a gradual stop, the hiss of the engines releasing steam echoing through the stillness. Steam... Creak... Suddenly, a loud knock echoed from the partition separating the driver''s seat from the back. A moment later, the small sliding window opened, and Duke''s voice came through with a cheerful tone. "Alright, we''re stopping here for lunch before we continue!" At his words, Dracon, Abby, and the rest of their team¡ªcrammed into the first truck¡ªexchanged glances. Their eyes lit up, and their mouths nearly watered in unison. The anticipation brewing in their hearts was impossible to hide. Just the thought of an actual lunch felt like a dream coming true. When Abby, Dracon, and the rest of their team¡ªalong with the civilians¡ªclimbed down from the trucks, they were met with a surprising scene. The Winters from HOPE Base were already moving with practiced efficiency, unloading equipment like portable stoves, large cooking pots, and a massive gas-powered rice cooker. But what truly caught everyone''s attention was the sight of a large fishnet bag brimming with fresh, vibrant vegetables. There were cabbages the size of their heads, carrots as thick as a child''s arm, and if that wasn''t enough, massive chunks of meat¡ªeach weighing several kilos¡ªwere carefully being set aside for the meal. Abby and Dracon''s hearts pounded with anticipation as they instinctively stepped forward to help, but it quickly became clear that the cooking was already being handled. A group of people, clearly assigned to the task, moved efficiently around the setup. Just then, Keith appeared behind them and said with a small grin, "Didn''t I tell you we have a chef back at the base? See that guy over there? He''s the head chef¡ªand actually the fourth son of the Evans family. They used to be the second most powerful family in the country, right after the Winters." He paused, his smile faltering slightly as a scowl flickered across his face. "Now they help with chores around the base, just like everyone else. We assign work based on specialty, and since he''s great at cooking, the kitchen became his domain." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But even as he spoke, the look on Keith''s face made it clear he wasn''t fond of the Evans. And why would he be? Even after the Evans family was revealed to be Kisha''s biological relatives, they still chose to support Melody¡ªthe same woman who continued to bring trouble to Kisha''s doorstep. Although the Evans kept insisting that it wasn''t like that¡ªthat they missed Kisha and regretted the past¡ªthere was no real action behind their words. All they had done was hurt Kisha over and over again with their choices. Keith couldn''t bring himself to like them because of that¡ªand he wasn''t alone in his feelings. Even his grandparents held a grudge, and the Winters, who were once close allies of the Evans, had begun to keep their distance. As for the Winters'' men, especially those loyal to Duke, they made no effort to hide their disdain. The Evans were slowly being isolated, and they had no one to blame but themselves. And yet, they still hadn''t realized what they did wrong. But logically speaking, the Evans were truly caught between a rock and a hard place. On one side was their biological daughter, and on the other, the child they had raised and loved for over a decade. Even if it had been a pet they cared for all those years, they would still feel a deep attachment¡ªlet alone a human being.